Belize Times June 19, 2022 - Believing in planBelize

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The Belize Times THE BELIZE TIMES

19 JUN

2022

Established 1957

19 JUNE 2022 | ISSUE NO: 5305

The Truth Shall Make You Free

facebook/belizetimespress | $1.00

Believing in PlanBelize

119 - 22

UDP ceases to be a Mass Party

Has the Opposition Lost Mass Party Status? We believe they are now just a group of what was previously the UDP. The PUP lead in Villages Council’s support is lopsided (109 to 22) and points to the great success of planBelize. It also points to the non-existence of an Opposition that can be fair and proactive. The Party that officially holds the Opposition has become so corrupt that they are not even a mass party anymore.

The independent slates for all intents have matched the slates supporting the United Democratic ‘Group’. Let us call them Group as Party they are not. The United Women’s Group have a greater following than the rem-

BARROWS RAKE $30M PEYREFITTE EXPOSES THE BARROWS AS GOB FREELY INFORMS THE NATION The truth became glaringly evident this week when the Office of the Prime Minister responded to the UDP Senator and Party Chairman, Michael Peyrefitte, who had inquired about the details of the legal contract the government had with Courtenay Coye LLP law firm. And that truth is that while Peyrefitte has concerned himself with the mere $277,842.50 that the law firm

nants of the UDP. A giant Usain Bolt type of lead indicates that many villages have flipped to George Price’s party. They are welcome.

If the PUP goes from approximately 110 wins in 2019 to a projected and approximate 150 wins in 2022, this will indicate the progressive mindset of Belizeans. Villages like Maskall, Succotz, Paraiso, San Estevan, Unitedville, Calla Creek, Arenal, San Narciso, Libertad, Consejo, Boston, Independence and many others have come fully to the PUP is an astounding admission by the country that planBelize is being rolled out effectively.

It is astounding and awesome for those who want good for Belize.

It is depressing for the Barrows who expected Belize to be dead at has collected for ongoing work, he has nothing to say about the over $30 Million paid to the Barrow family of law firms. This sum broken down amounts to $7,000 per day!

The letter which Prime Minister John Briceno signed, revealed that during the time that Dean Barrow was Prime Minister, his government paid to his Barrow & Williams law firm $5 Million, of which $1,300,000 was for legal fees alone. The PM letter explained that the difference appeared to be with respect to Barrow’s law firm collecting payments from his government for clients of the law firm for

Pg. 5

DICTATOR SHYNE, WHERE IS TRACY? Another press conference and another missed opportunity for the remnants of the UDP to confess their 13 years of robust corruption while ignoring transparent governance. As the UDP is wont to do with

Pg. 5

this point. It is unclear how they benefit from a destroyed Belize.

Shyne is out of his league as LOO even of a party that has been dismembered. His cadre of political zombies are corrupting the democracy of a 41year old Belize that needs active ideas from all sectors. What they do not see is this: If the UDP provides credible, true alternative solutions then the PUP supermajority will be on its super toes making sure that Belize is benefitting from a high-level debate. Thank God, the PUP planBelize team is loaded with a country building engine powered by the aforementioned plan with George Price fundamentals.

The people are en masse believing of planBelize. Forward Together.

PM Briceño Sought by the World The world of finance is actively seeking our Prime Minister John Briceño to make presentations on the Awarded for Innovation, Blue Bond and its success as a part of planBelize. Our PM is compartmentalizing at an optimal level as he balances serving the people of Belize first and quenching the thirst of the international community. The basic question is how a country can model their debt-servicing with what Belize did in saving money and getting money for conservation. The work was complex but had to be done.

PM Briceño and the plan-

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“REMARKABLE”:

The New York Times acclaims our PM’s Speech at the 9th Summit of the Americas Pg. 2

WOMEN FISHERIES FORUM The Government of Belize, through the Ministry of Blue Economy and Civil Aviation (MBECA), in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Representative for Jamaica, the Bahamas and Belize, Belize’s National Designated Authority to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and Wildlife Conservation Society, has organized the 5th Women in Fisheries Forum (WIFF): Gender and Climate Change – Understanding the Link. The event will take place on June 15 and 16, 2022, at the Umaya Resort and Adventures in Placencia and Monkey River Village.

The forum is a part of the GCF readiness project entitled, “Enhancing adaptation planning and increasing climate resilience in the coastal zone and fisheries sector of Belize.” The primary goal of the event is to support women

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CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL GRADUATES CLASS OF 2022

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19 JUN

THE BELIZE TIMES

2022

VOICE OF THE COMMON MAN - NY TIMES: REMARKABLE BRICENO SPEAKS TRUTH TO POWER !

CABINET BRIEF Belmopan. 16th June 2022 The Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño, met in regular session on 14th June 2022.

• Cabinet gave its approval for the Ministry of Home Affairs & New Growth Industries to proceed with Intake Squad 96. This would increase the strength of the Belize Police Department by an additional 150 police officers. Persons wishing to apply to join the Police Department must have completed a minimum of high school education. A recommendation from their area representative is no longer a requirement.

• Cabinet approved a request for funding by the Ministry of National Defence & Border Security to conduct the 2022 Battle Camp for the Belize Defence Force Volunteer Element and the Belize Defence Force Youth Cadet Corps. In addition, Cabinet gave its support for the Belize Security Services to look into the possibility of having their members participate in United Nations Peace Keeping Operations as military observers or staff officers.

• Cabinet endorsed the establishment of a National Quality Policy (NQP) to provide for cooperation and collaboration across a network of quality infrastructure institutions that serve alongside the Belize Bureau of Standards to protect the interest of consumers. This NQP will also serve to strengthen existing quality infrastructure institutions to improve the competitiveness of Belizean products and services, creating greater integration opportunities in regional and international markets.

• In an effort to have sanctions lifted against Belize for nonpayment of its mandatory contributions to the Universal Postal Union (UPU), as far back as 2015, Cabinet gave its approval for the Ministry of the Public Utilities, Energy, Logistics and E-Governance to sign a debt rescheduling agreement with the UPU. This will allow for sanctions to be lifted against the Belize Postal Service thereby making it easier to communicate and transact with postal couriers regionally and internationally.

• Cabinet supported a request from the Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations to work with the Attorney General’s Ministry to introduce amendments to the Hotels and Tourist Accommodation Act that would allow for the variation in the rates of tax for different categories of guests for specified periods. Additionally, approval was given to make amendments to the regulations to streamline the existing minimum requirements for hotels and incorporate health and emergency preparedness into the minimum standards.

• Cabinet approved the proposed Peoples’ Constitutional Commission Bill, 2022, to allow for the establishment of the Peoples’ Constitutional Commission, its composition, and other related matters which will be presented to the National Assembly for consideration and approval.

• The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Immigration informed Cabinet of the increase in requests for permits to allow charter flights from Haiti to Belize with Haitians. The ministry has carefully assessed these applications and is satisfied that they are not genuine tourist flights. Accordingly, in consultation with the Ministry of Blue Economy & Civil Aviation, permission to land will not be granted. The minister is considering revoking visa-free travel to Belize for Haitians.

• Cabinet was provided with a written update on the status of vaccinations. Currently, there are more than 245,000 vaccines on hand.

As of 14th June 2022, 244,890 persons or 52.1 percent had received at least one dose of the vaccine and 212,174 or 49.3 percent have been fully vaccinated. Of the population ages 12 to 17 years, 26,708 have received two doses of the vaccines. To date, 49,636 booster shots have been issued.

Ends

By Hilly Bennett “Speaking truth to power is always unsettling but it is how strong leaders are built.” The words of Dede Henly resonated through the Honorable John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize presentation at the plenary session of the Ninth Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles, California on June 9. The world watched and listened to him in awe. In unshakable resolve, Briceño spoke truth to power while criticising the United States President, Joe Biden, who was in earshot distance along with his Vice President, Kamala Harris, for not inviting, Nicaragua, Cuba and Venezuela to the Summit. The caustic words seared the atmosphere of the convention centre in Los Angeles: “The power of the Summit of the Americas is the space it provides for all countries of the Americas to dialogue and agree on joint actions. The Summit belongs to all of the Americas.”

George Price in his appeal to the United Nations for support of Belize’s independence uttered similar sentiments when he said, “The day of isolation is past. The world today is so interrelated and interdependent that the world events and contingencies and possibilities are the concern of us all, much more so they are our concern when they happen or about to happen or could happen in the Western Hemisphere.” Those world events insinuated

by Price and described by PM Briceño today as the unfolding in the confluences of crises of our time that requires all the countries of the hemisphere to work together in a spirit of solidarity and cooperation. The raison d’etre “Building a Sustainable, Resilient, and Equitable Future.” Therefore, it was inexcusable, incomprehensible and unforgivable for the United States to unilaterally impose exclusion of the three countries.

Undoubtedly, the Biden administration was confronted with the collective ire of several countries of the Americas.

Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador was adamant that “there cannot be a Summit of the Americas if all countries of the Americas cannot attend.” It would be tantamount to the continuing of “the old interventionist policies, of lack of respect for nations and their people.” PM Briceño cautioned that geography, not politics, defines the Americas reiterating what the Leader Emeritus George Price said at the UN that not only brotherhood but also geography and a common heritage of respect for the worth of man has united our hemisphere.

The Prime Minister’s presentation was heralded by the famous publication, The New York Times, as REMARKABLE❗ In a commentary from Rakesh Gopaul he said “this is a wise

and honest Prime Minister. This path forward is for the common good of all globally, including our planet. I really enjoyed listening to him, especially in a world where truth is unpopular.” Even the greatest cynic of the John Briceño administration Jules Vasquez chided “I love it.” Notwithstanding, trying to instil and provoke fear in the Belizean populace that the Empire always keep the score and repercussions were imminent, Jules considered it an affront to the US President. During a June 15 press briefing at the Laing building, Briceño responded that there are no expectations of a blowback.

Clear boundaries were cemented to less pleasing and apologizing while articulating where we stand in the western hemisphere. Briceño has been consistently speaking truth to power on the world stage. At the United Nations General Assembly, the PM demanded that “unbridled unilateralism must yield to the settled determination to respond to the major problem of our time with social justice” and “if the multilateral system is to be our lifeline it must be repurposed.” At COP-26 he said “countries of the G20 obfuscate and abdicate their responsibilities to act. With right on our side we demand climate Justice.

We demand immediate action, ambitious actions to save our planet and they must commit to climate financing.” Briceño alluded that the world, and the Americas is at a tipping point staring down the barrel of existential threats. Consequently, it is incumbent upon leaders to make consequential choices that will irreversible shape our collective future. Whether it is the alleviation of the crushing debt crisis, climate resilience, concessionary financing, food security, irregular migration, poverty and hunger reduction or renewable energy sources, these existential threats must be confronted united and with a common purpose. Including the mighty empire, everyone must participate in changing the national conversation regarding these important issues right now, in the short term, as well as changing our political norms and conventions for the long term, in ways that are healthy and more inclusive.

“In unity of our nations rest the glorious future of our people.” – Simon Bolivar, South American liberator

The Belize Times

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14 APR 2013

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ISSUE NO: 4840

The Truth Shall Make You Free

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19 JUN

2022

THE BELIZE TIMES

03 3

EDITORIAL

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A MATTER OF PERSPECTIVE

John 3:11 (KJV), reads “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen: and ye receive not our witness.” The Opposition Leader has been at it again with his preferred sidekick. A cloud has followed the Entertainer formerly known as Jamal this last weekend as he continued his losing streak across the entire country. He has tried unsuccessfully to claim the independent slates that have won, but even so, the numbers do not lie. The UDP is taking a massive beating, and the confidence of the UDP in their Grammy winner is fading as fast as the shyne on those faux platinum records. With attention waning, a press conference was quickly organized to vent personal frustrations at the losses suffered at the village councils. However, the convictions of freedom of the press and democracy and the fourth estate all went straight through the door when the questions started to get interesting.

The truth is that it has all been doom and gloom for Jamal and his crew ever since the village council elections started. That is their experience, in every district and in almost every village. They have lost ground, supporters, and confidence even in those villages that had previously been UDP strongholds. It is totally understandable that they should feel surrounded by doom and gloom because that is their experience these last four weeks. In even worse news, there are still two more weeks left, and plenty more opportunities for Belizeans to reaffirm that they have given the People’s United Party the mandate until 2025. Elections of any kind are bound to kindle an abundance of energy, adrenaline, and emotion. It is why sometimes a few pockets of conflict occur, but it was much to the surprise of one Mr. August that his party leader would publicly throw him under the bus. It can then be expected that long-standing supporters of the UDP will be very wary of coming out to support and end up sharing the fate of Mr. August.

Press conferences ought to be about sharing information with the public and an opportunity for the press to ask questions of public interest. However, maybe in the entertainment industry, it is more about airing personal gripes, quarrelling and alienating the press and whining nonstop. It was unclear if the two attorneys present were more upset about the amounts that went to select private law firms under the UDP administration or the fact their own party recognizes they do not possess the expertise or familial connections required for such lucrative deals. The Leader of the Opposition has zero experience in matters of government or international relations, save that time he was deported.

Therefore, we cannot blame him for not understanding that as a regional leader Prime Minister Hon John Briceño must advocate for the inclusion of Nicaragua, Cuba and Venezuela in the Summit of the Americas. The discussions and solutions to regional issues must include all member states to ensure success. Of course, maybe someone more intent on paying back favours will be less inclined to acknowledge this fact.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

EDITORIAL

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19 JUN

2022

en Español

UNA CUESTIÓN DE PERSPECTIVA

uan 3:11 (KJV), dice “En verdad, en verdad os digo, hablamos que sabemos, y testificamos que hemos visto; y no recibís nuestro testimonio”. El líder de la oposición ha vuelto a hacer de las suyas con su patada lateral preferida. Una nube ha perseguido al bufón antes conocido como Jamal este último fin de semana al continuar su racha de derrotas en todo el país. Ha intentado sin éxito reivindicar los listados independientes que han ganado, pero aun así los números, no mienten. El UDP está recibiendo una enorme paliza, y la confianza del UDP en su ganador del Grammy se está desvaneciendo tan rápido como el shyne de esos falsos discos de platino. Con la atención disminuida, se organizó rápidamente una conferencia de prensa para desahogar las frustraciones personales por las pérdidas sufridas en los ayuntamientos. Sin embargo, las convicciones sobre la libertad de prensa y la democracia y el cuarto poder se fueron por la puerta cuando las preguntas empezaron a ponerse interesantes.

La verdad es que todo ha sido un desastre para Jamal y su equipo desde que empezaron las elecciones a los concilios aldeanos. Esa es su experiencia, en todos los distritos y en casi todos los pueblos. Han perdido terreno, partidarios y confianza incluso en las aldeas que antes eran bastiones del UDP. Es totalmente comprensible que se sientan rodeados de fatalidad y pesimismo porque esa es su experiencia en estas últimas cuatro semanas. Y lo que es peor, aún quedan dos semanas más, y muchas más oportunidades para que los beliceños reafirmen que han dado al Partido Unido del Pueblo el mandato hasta 2025. Las elecciones de cualquier tipo están destinadas a generar una gran cantidad de energía, adrenalina y emoción. Por eso a veces se producen algunos focos de conflicto, pero a un tal señor August le sorprendió mucho que el líder de su partido lo arrojara públicamente bajo el autobús. Cabe esperar entonces que los antiguos partidarios del UDP se muestren muy recelosos a la hora de salir a apoyar y acaben compartiendo la suerte del Sr. August.

Las ruedas de prensa deberían servir para compartir información con el público y para que la prensa haga preguntas de interés público. Sin embargo, tal vez en la industria del entretenimiento, se trata más bien de airear las quejas personales, discutir y alienar a la prensa y quejarse sin parar. No estaba claro si los dos abogados presentes estaban más molestos por las cantidades que fueron a parar a selectos bufetes de abogados privados bajo la administración de la UDP o por el hecho del que su propio partido reconoce que no poseen la experiencia ni las conexiones familiares necesarias para esos lucrativos acuerdos. El líder de la oposición tiene cero experiencia en asuntos de gobierno ni relaciones internacionales, salvo aquella vez que fue deportado. Por lo tanto, no podemos culparlo por no entender que como líder regional el Primer Ministro Hon John Briceño debe abogar por la inclusión de Nicaragua, Cuba y Venezuela en la Cumbre de las Américas. Los debates y las soluciones a los problemas regionales deben incluir a todos los Estados miembros para garantizar el éxito. Por supuesto, tal vez alguien más atento a devolver favores esté menos dispuesto a reconocer este hecho.

19 JUN

2022

THE BELIZE TIMES

BARROWS RAKE $30M

land acquisitions by the then government.

And to Lois Young Barrow & Company, the law firm owned by Barrow’s first wife, Lois Young, the sum of $5,600,000 was paid for legal fees.

As if these were not bad enough, Barrow & Company, owned by Dean’s brother collected over $20 Million from the Barrow government. Of that amount, $14 Million was just for legal fees, and the remainder was, as was the case above, seemingly for securing payments from the then government on land acquisitions.

The UDP’s hypocritical notion is that it is a conflict of interest for the law firm of Courtenay Coye LLP, owned

by Senators Eamon Courtenay and Chris Coye. But, under the Constitution of Belize, Courtenay Coye had written to the former Governor-General, seeking permission to be able to work contractually with the Government. All this had come about when the government hired Courtenay-Coye to take on highly technical cases that the junior attorneys at the Solicitor General’s office might not be experienced enough to properly present or defend in court.

Senator Coye had explained it himself last week when reporters asked him about the contractual arrangement.

“The Constitution sets out restrictions, but also provides for certain exemptions. I think Section 64 (2) of the Constitution is the one that speaks specifically to that. And under that, members of the National Assembly, including the Senate would need to secure an exemption from the Governor-General. That has been done in the case of both Senator Courtenay and I, I presume from 2020, so that’s a non-starter really,” Coye said.

Coye also explained that there was nothing being hidden.

Courtenay also had a chance to share his reasoning behind the request for permission from as early as 2020.

“Every time I am appointed to the Senate, I write that letter to the Governor General and I get back a response. So, there was nothing different. Every single time because I don’t know, whenever somebody - there are nine lawyers in that firm, somebody calls them and they get business, I don’t know what’s going to happen, so I write that letter to make sure that I am covered, in the even that my firm is asked to do any work. It’s as simple as that, nothing more complicated or secret,” Courtenay said on Wednesday.

The day before, Peyrefitte made a hug stink over the matter and while

he took issue with the amount paid to Courtenay Coye, he was completely in denial about the exorbitant amounts the Barrow government paid out to the Barrow family of law firms.

That’s not a strange thing for Peyrefitte, however. Everyone remembers when he took home, for a measly sum, expensive furniture that was paid for by taxpayers’ money to suit his plump size. While he feels that he and his UDP bosses are entitled to obscene amounts of payouts and favours, it suddenly became a problem when a fraction of the monies the Barrows collected is paid out privately for work that remains ongoing and for which the right processes were sought to legitimize the contracts.

The Prime Minister raised an important point in his letter to Peyrefitte.

The $30 Million that the Barrow family of law firms collected only represented monies paid out with taxpayers’ money. What is still not known is how much more the Barrow law firms collected from statutory bodies and government-owned companies such as BTL, BEL, BSW, Social Security and the Central Bank while the Barrow administration ruled. Maybe the documents showing those amounts should be made public as well. What you think?

DICTATOR SHYNE, WHERE IS TRACY?

05 5 PM Briceño Sought by the World Belize team of representatives and senators have moved Belize from the UDP-induced recession/depression. On taking office, Belize was on the verge of devaluation and the International Monetary Fund was threatening at the very least. Barrow’s heedless and non-existent financial policy saw his raise our debt to 140 percent of GDP. The IMF was salivating at a Belize that was being asked in late 2020 to raise taxes, fire workers and to enter into a most painful austerity. John Briceño looked them squarely and said NO. Belize and its cadre of financial intelligentsia would find a way. Find a way they did and now the planBelize government can tell the naysayers about the Millennium Corporation Challenge awarded Belize one of two spots that could see Belize getting hundreds of millions of grant money for projects around the country. The Blue Bond has been signed and the world was interested in the blueprint that saw Belize save half a billion in debt and make million more in funds for our Ocean and Barrier Reef.

The Prime Minister personally hosted a press briefing at the Laing building where he explained to the Belizean people why over the next three weeks he will be in and out of planes as he represents Belize. Of note: PM Briceño just came in from his historic presentation in front of President Biden and leaders of the Americas in Los Angeles.

He will travel to and be in Kigali Rwanda, Brussels Belgium, Lisbon Portugal, Guyana, and Suriname. What the PM will do in each country has its own story and will be fleshed out one by one.

At the very end, we will hand over the CARICOM chair to the country that goes next for the next six months.

What cannot be quantified is the exposure Belize is getting in all this.

LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICES Notice is hereby given that Blayne Coleman is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “B’s Fast Food” located at BTL Park, Newtown Barracks, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

anything they touch, they corrupted the process of a press conference. How? On June 13, Shyne and a couple shadows again attempted to fool the people with rumours of doom and gloom in a country that is moving for ward.

The actual corrupting of the press conference is that Shyne became defensive and downright disrespectful with the media. Any question from the media was twisted into an affront to the LOO who

is obviously suffering from at least an inferiority complex. LOO Shyne spent the question and answer session interrupting, lambasting, sneering and uttering sarcasm whenever he has question.

Shyne was not being dictatorial only everyone else. Of course he was extremely manipulative.

Shyne was not being combative he was just being arrogant and afraid that his lies will be called out.

Shyne did not realize that he has being condescending to people that usually defending him.

Shyne’s DNA did not like the idea that his internal party politics was questioned and exposed.

Why was Tracy removed from his party’s executive? Apparently the same dictator argument Shyne was trying to argue this week is what he and his little opposition group of people were practising on the media.

Notice is hereby given that James Young is applying for a Night Club Liquor License to be operated at “Laker’s Cool Spot” located at # 42 R. Lawrence Avenue, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Armando Guermo is applying for a Publican Special l Liquor License to be operated at “The Military Cool Spot” located at # 29 Orange Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

6 06

THE BELIZE TIMES

BY ORDER OF CHARGEE NOTICE OF INTENTION TO SELL

HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED a statutory body formed and registered under the Credit Union Act, Chapter 314 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, and whose registered office is situated at No. 1 Hyde’s Lane, Belize City, Belize District hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Chargee under and by virtue of a Charge registered at the Land Registry between HENRY AUGUSTUS SAMUELS JR. of the one part and HRCU of the other part.

19 JUN

2022

LET US RECALL

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

ALL offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing to Holy Redeemer Credit Union Limited from whom full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained.

SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land comprising 327.49 square yards being Parcel 513, Block 45 in the Lake Independence Registration Section TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon, the freehold property of HENRY AUGUSTUS SAMUELS JR. DATED this 30th day of May 2022 HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED 1 HYDE’S LANE, BELIZE CITY, BELIZE Phone: (501) 224-5644 Fax: (501) 223-0738 E-mail: foreclosures@hrcubelize.org

DENISE BARROW - Missing House meetings (ALL House Sittings in memory) - Absent from her job - Not Representing the people of Queen Square as she swore - Paid taxpayers’ dollars to ride a bike - Nephew Shyne is happy to count on her vote - Patt, Tracy and Faber silent on the issue - ALL UDPs support this Gapi move - Queen’s Square deserves better - Belize deserves respect

VIBES RADIO 102.9 Punta Gorda

19 JUN

2022

THE BELIZE TIMES

07 7

BELIZE REF: CE/GEN/O1/2022(79) June 10, 2022 Hon. Senator Michael G. Peyrefitte National Assembly of Belize P.O. Box 2536 Belize City Belize Dear Senator Peyrefitte, I refer to your request dated the 24th May, 2022 as well as your letter dated May 30, 2022.

As requested, and in pursuance of the Freedom of Information Act, I inform that since November 2020: 1.

The sum of $277,842.50 has been paid to Courtenay Coye LLP in legal fees for legal work done for the Government to date. These engagements include your unsuccessful claim against the Government of Belize as well as lottery tax matters. Some of these engagements are ongoing court matters which will require further legal work to be performed. The additional work to be done cannot yet be determined.

2.

Copies of the exemption letters issued by the then Governor General H. E. Sir Colville Young in respect of Senator Eamon Courtenay and Senator Christopher Coye, respectively, pursuant to section 64(2)(f) of the Constitution of Belize are enclosed.

3.

The sum of $224,745.73 has been paid to Douglas Mendes SC in legal fees for legal work done for the Government to date. Some of these engagements are ongoing court matters which will require further legal work to be performed. The additional work to be done cannot yet be determined.

Courtenay Coye LLP is not the only private firm utilized by the Government so there can be no question of either competence or preference. Moreover, the records show that when you were Attorney General, you had retained Mr. Douglas Mendes SC. Given your interest in the government’s engagement of external counsel, in the public interest, I hereby provide information on the legal fees and other payments made to the Barrow family of law firms including the Leader of the Opposition’s father and former UDP Prime Minister Dean Oliver Barrow’s law firm, Barrow & Williams, the former UDP Prime Minister’s brother’s law firm, Barrow & Co., and his ex-wife’s law firm, Lois Young Barrow & Co: Contrary to the recent lies told to the media and the public by former UDP Prime Minister Barrow, over the period of his administration, the Government of Belize paid to Barrow & Williams almost $5,000,000.00 of which almost $1,300,000.00 was paid in legal fees. The difference it appears is primarily in connection with the former Prime Minister’s law firm securing payments by the UDP Government to his law firm’s clients for land acquisitions by the Government.

The UDP Government of Belize also paid to Lois Young Barrow & Co. over $5,600,000.00 in legal fees.

Barrow & Co. seemed to be the largest beneficiary of the former UDP Prime Minister’s government’s largesse to Barrow family members having received over $20,000,000.00 from the Government of Belize of which roughly $14,000,000.00 was for legal fees. The difference it appears is also primarily in connection with the former UDP Prime Minister’s brother’s law firm securing payments by the UDP Government to his law firm’s clients on land acquisitions by the same UDP Government.

Was it the case that the former UDP Prime Minister’s and his brother’s law firm were the go-to firms to secure payments from the UDP Government? Why would that be?

In total, the Barrow family of law firms received over $30,000,000.00 in taxpayer dollars from the Government of Belize of which over $20,000,000.00 was for legal fees.

Put another way, during the last UDP Administration, the Barrow family of law firms received payments equivalent to $7,000.00 per day.

And that’s from Government alone.

It would surely be in the public interest to ascertain what additional amounts, over and above this $30 million, the Barrow family of law firms were paid by statutory bodies and government owned entities like BTL, BEL, BWSL, the Social Security Board and the Central Bank of Belize.

In the interest of transparency and accountability, I would expect that these institutions may find it in the interest of the respective entities and in the public interest that such information shall also be disclosed in due course.

Yours faithfully, Hon. John Briceno Prime Minister of Belize

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19 JUN

THE BELIZE TIMES

WOMEN FISHERIES FORUM BLUE ECONOMY DAH FU EVRI BADI

2022

THIRD NOTICE

Pursuant to Section 10 (3) of the Belize Mines and Minerals Act, Chapter 226, Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, Enrick Mendez of Frank’s Eddy Village, Cayo District, Belize, Belize C.A., has applied to the Honourable Minister of Natural Resources, Petroleum & Mining, through the Inspector of Mines, Mining Unit; for a renewal of a Mining License No. 3 of 2018, to extract sand and gravel from an area of the Sibun River in the Frank’s Eddy area, Cayo District, Belize C.A., Belize District.

Eastings Northings 1) 330700 1902860 2) 330625 1902926 3) 330021 1902967 4) 329000 1904194 5) 329216 1905099 The areas to be mined comprise approximately five (5) acres.

in utilizing their local knowledge, skills, and leadership positions to respond to climate change within their fishing communities and the coastal zone area. Women’s equitable participation in climate change adaptation and mitigation measures can lead to far-reaching conservation impact, improved community responsiveness, and the successful implementation of climate related policies.

This year’s 5th WIFF is designed to achieve the following: • To establish a basic understanding of the linkage between gender and climate change; • To highlight the role of women involved in fishing and the coastal zone sector in responding to the impacts of climate change within their communities;

• To engage participants in the development of a gender strategy for Belize’s small-scale fisheries and coastal zone sector; and • To allow participants to reflect on and identify opportunities for building climate resilient coastal communities.

The workshop brought together key stakeholders, experts, and policymakers from the coastal zone and fisheries sectors.

Congratulations to the women fishers of Belize! You are an integral part of the fisheries industry and the Blue Economy!

Together we move forward ensuring inclusivity, innovation and greater opportunities!

Indeed, with Blue Economy “evri badi fu win” the #PlanBelize way!!!

ATTORNEY GENERAL’S MINISTRY VACANCY NOTICE Suitably qualified applicants are invited to fill the position of:

SENIOR LITIGATOR Terms of Reference are attached Applicants for the position of Senior Litigator: a) must be: i. qualified to practice as an attorney-at-law or as an advocate in a court in any other part of the Commonwealth having unlimited jurisdiction either in civil or criminal causes or matters; and ii. has been qualified for not less than five years so to practice in such a court. b) must be in good health. c) must be a person who conducts himself at all times, both in his professional and in his personal life, in a manner that will maintain public confidence in the standards of the legal profession.

Experience and training required: a) Minimum of ten (10) years’ experience as a practicing attorney-at-law in the area of civil litigation of complex legal matters specifically in public law (constitutional law and administrative law) and human rights law; b) Bachelor of Laws Degree from a recognized institution; and c) Legal Education Certificate or equivalent from a recognized institution.

Salary: BZD $84k per annum with allowances.

Interested persons may download an application package from the Attorney General’s Ministry Website – www.agm.gov.bz or submit in writing to: The Secretary, Judicial and Legal Services Commission Ground Floor, Sir. Edney Cain Building Thru’ the Office of the Solicitor General Attorney General’s Ministry Belmopan City, Cayo District Belize, Central America Telephone number: 822-2504 or 822-0519 email address: agsecretary@agm.gov.bz Deadline for receipt of applications: June 17, 2022 Applicants must submit proof of qualifications and two reference contacts along with application.

Note: Only suitably qualified applicants will be acknowledged. Commission is not bound to make an appointment from among those persons who apply.

19 JUN

2022

THE BELIZE TIMES

099

REOPENING OF HATTIEVILLE COMMUNITY LIBRARY

The Belize National Library Service and Information System (BNLSIS), in its ongoing effort to promote an informed, aware and literate society that fosters our national development and cultural heritage, is fulfilling its social obligation by reopening the Hattieville Community Library in the Belize District.

Ceremonies for the inauguration of the Hattieville Community Library were held on Friday, June 10th, 2022, on its new premises on Sylvester Boulevard in Hattieville. In attendance were Hon. Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education, Culture, Science and Technology, Hon. Dolores Balderamos-Garcia, Minister of Human Development, Families and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and Area Representative for Belize

Rural Central, BNLSIS Chairperson, Mr. Leroy Green, and the Chief Librarian, Ms. Lusiola Castillo.

The Hattieville Community Library comes to realisation through the efforts of the Government of Belize, the MoECST, the BNLSIS, and the office of the Hon. Dolores Balderamos-Garcia.

Apart from celebrating books, technology, language and culture, the BNLSIS expects that the reopening of the Hattieville Community Library will have lasting positive effects in the development of Belize, Hattieville and its surrounding areas by providing a safe place for learning, self-development, creativity and recreational as a family-friendly institution.

PUBLIC NOTICE Drowning Incidents at Rio On Pools

June 13th, 2022 - Over the past weekend, the Forest Department was notified of two separate drowning incidents at the Rio On Pools in Mountain Pine Ridge. The Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management has requested an internal investigation into the two incidents while the police investigation is ongoing. The department wishes to express heartfelt condolences to the families of the two children who died in these incidents.

The department warns the public about the risks of swimming in the Mountain Pine Ridge recreational ar-

eas. Close adult supervision is strongly recommended, especially when children are using natural pool formations, as lifeguards are not stationed at these locations. The department also discourages the consumption of alcohol while swimming.

The Forest Department is reviewing all visitor safety protocols to address any potential gaps. In the coming weeks, a public awareness campaign will be initiated to remind visitors of the risks associated with recreation at the sites, as well as safety measures to ensure a safe visitor experience.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

19 JUN

2022

19 JUN

2022

THE BELIZE TIMES

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19 JUN

THE BELIZE TIMES

2022

PUBLIC AUCTION SALES: PROPERTIES Orange Walk District: Orange Walk Town; Trail Farm Village; Jose Palmar Village; Douglas Village; Belize District; Maskall Village; San Pedro, Ambergris Caye; Belize City; Cayo District: Paslow Falls Area; Ontario Village; Stann Creek District: Hope Creek Village; Hummingbird Community; Dangriga; Toledo District: San Miguel Village/ Punta Gorda Town

BY ORDER of the Mortgagees, Messrs. Ascendancy Belize Limited, Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A. Castillo and Christiana R. Castillo are selling ONLINE via belizepropertyauctions.com the below described properties. Sales currently running until 22nd August 2022. These online public auction sales will expire bi-weekly on the dates and times listed on the website until a sale is determined within this period.

A: Orange Walk District: Orange Walk Town; Trial Farm Village; Orange Walk Estate; San Jose Palmar; Douglas Village 1. Parcel No. 2990 Mayflower Street, Orange Walk Town:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Belize Rural North 1

11

v

(Being a concrete bungalow dwelling house [30 ft. X 45 ft.] and lot [676.302 S.M.] situate in the Village of Maskall in the Belize District, the leasehold property of Mr. Aamon Alex Brackett, surety for Ms. Sherett S. Brackett) 8. 2 Acres San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize: REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Orange Walk Town

4

2990

(Being three buildings: Building No. 1 – single dwelling house [869 sq. ft.] 2 bedrooms + 1 bathroom + living/dining/ kitchen; Building No. 2 - a concrete structure [57 sq. ft. + open area 65 sq. ft.] laundry room; Building No. 3 – concrete structure [43 sq. ft.] lavatory TOGETHER with Lot [454.510 S.M.] situate at Parcel No. 2990 Mayflower Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District, the freehold property of Mr. Gabriel Pate) 2. Parcel No. 285/1 Trial Farm Village, Orange Walk District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

North San Pedro

7

5434 & 5435

(Being 2 Acres of vacant Caribbean Sea front land, situate west side of Ambergris Caye 3 miles north of the center of San Pedro Town, District, the freehold properties of Mr. Daniel Guerrero.)

9. Parcel No. 2112 DFC Area, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Trial Farm

4

285/1

(Being a concrete bungalow dwelling house [583 sq. ft.] containing 2 Bedrooms + 1 Bathroom + Living/Dining/Kitchen TOGETHER with Lot [1190.95 sq. yds. (995.780 S.M.] situate in Trial Farm Village, Orange Walk District, the leasehold property of Mr. Harold Flowers) 3. Parcels 514, 515 & 516 East Orange Walk Estate, One Mile from Town Center, Orange Walk District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

San Pedro

7

2112

(Being a 3-storey concrete structure with [6120 sq. ft.] – Ground Floor – Store + two – 1 Bedroom Apartments; First Floor – Three – 1 Bedroom Apartments: Second Floor – 2 Bedroom Apartment + Large Terrace and lot [533.33 sq. yds.] situated in D.F.C Housing Site, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, the freehold property of Mr. Thomas Santos)

10. Parcel No. 1406 Neal Pen Road, Belize City, Belize District: REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Indian Hill East

4

514, 515 & 516

(Being three (3) vacant lots [514 – 334.79 S.Y. or (279.926 S.M.); 515 – 832.86 S.Y. or (696.372 S.M.); 516 – 888.29 S.Y. or (742.715 S.M.) situate in East Orange Walk Estate, one mile from Orange Walk Town Center, Orange Walk District, the freehold properties of Mr. Ishwar Mahbubani) 4. Parcel No. 3091/1 Savannah Street, Orange Walk Town:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Orange Walk Town

4

3091/1

(Being a concrete bungalow dwelling house [727 sq. ft.] containing 2 Bedrooms + 1 Bathroom + Living/Dining/Kitchen TOGETHER with Lot [555.56 sq. yds.] situate at Parcel No. 3091 Savannah Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District, the leasehold property of Mr. Kenis Garcia)

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Queen Square

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1406

(Being a two-storey concrete/timber dwelling house [1568 sq. ft.] containing 3 Bedrooms + 1 Bathroom on each floor TOGETHER with Lot [340 sq. yds.] situate at Parcel No. 1406 Neal Pen Road, Belize City, the freehold property of Ms. Sharon Burgess) D: Cayo District: Paslow Falls Area; Ontario Village 11. 10 Acres of Land situate near the Mopan River, Paslow Falls Area, Cayo District:

5. Parcel No. 808 San Jose Palmar Village, Orange Walk District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

San Jose Palmar

4

808

(Being a vacant corner lot [1,250 sq. yds.] situate in San Jose Palmar Village, Orange Walk Town, the freehold property of Mr. Danny Duran.)

6. 28.91 Acres of land on the Douglas/San Pablo Road, 1.6 kilometers west of the Douglas Road/Phillip Goldson Highway, Orange Walk District:

ALL THAT piece or parcel of land Block No. 6 (+/- 10 acres) being a portion of Lionel Balan subdivision survey of Grant No. 505 of 2007 comprising 20.86 acres of land and the survey of a strip of National Lands comprising 1 acre situate along the Mopan River, Paslow Falls Area, Cayo District TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being theron. (Being +/- 10 acres of vacant land with high vegetation and numerous trees, the freehold property of Ms. Mary Carridi) 12. Parcel No. 1323/1 Ontario Village, Cayo District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Douglas Rural

4

118

(Being 28.91 acres of ruinated cane fields and grassy patches situate 1.6 kilometers northwest of the intersection of the Douglas Road and the Phillip Goldson Highway and approximately 700 meters southeast of Nuevo San Juan Village, Orange Walk District, the freehold property of Messrs. Alfredo Samuel Cabrera and Josue Cabrera) B: Belize District: Maskall Village; San Pedro, Ambergris Caye; Belize City 7. Parcel No. 246/1 Maskall Village, Belize District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Society Hall

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1323

(Being two buildings - Building ‘A’ two-storey concrete/timber dwelling house [1969 sq. ft.] containing Ground Floor: bedroom + bathroom + Living/Dining/ Kitchen + Storeroom; First Floor: 3 bedrooms [280 sq. ft.]; Building ‘B’ Laundry house [257 sq. ft.] TOGETHER with lot [1,165.67 sq. yds.] situate in Ontario Village, Cayo District, the leasehold property of Mr. Gilbert Rhaburn).

Continued on page 13

19 JUN

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THE BELIZE TIMES

2022

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, BAHA AND OIRSA SIGN MOU TO STRENGTHEN QUARANTINE INSPECTION SERVICE

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed on June 13, 2022, between the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) and the International Regional Organization for Plant and Animal Health (OIRSA).

The general objective of the MOU is to cooperate and collaborate in efforts to strengthen the quarantine inspection service provided by BAHA at the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (PGIA) with the use of non-intrusive quarantine inspections. These include: 1.) installation of two X-ray machines at the arrival lounge of the PGIA airport to conduct the in-

spections of all arrival baggage; and 2.) installation of canine units to conduct the inspections.

The importance of this service is to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases to Belize. The areas of cooperation covered by the agreement include management of the non-intrusive quarantine inspection system, data collection and management as well as capacity building.

The agreement was signed by Hon. José Abelardo Mai, Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise; Mrs. Zoe Roberson Zetina, BAHA Managing Director; and Mr. Efraín Medina Guerra, OIRSA legal representative.

BELIZE UNITED LEADS BTB ANTHONY MAHLER U-13 MUNDIALITO

Belize City, June 11, 2022 Belize United is leading the Belize Tourist Board’s “Anthony Mahler” U-13 Mundialito football tournament 4 - 0, and Hattieville United, Ladyville Rising Stars and Sampson Academy enjoyed wins in its 4th week at the MCC garden last Saturday, June 11.

The BTB has organized in partnership with the National Sports Council and the Football Federation of Belize In Game 1, goals by Antwan Latchman and Juan Diego Dussan led the Belize United to their 4th win: 2-0 over Tut Bay Yabra FC. Simultaneously on the other half of the field in Game 2, the Hattieville United Youth Sporting Club enjoyed their 2nd win: 1-0 win Pickstock FC with a goal by Daewin

Castillo.

In Game 3, the Reality Youths upset the defending champions Ladyville Rising Stars for their 3rd win: 3-0, led by Kadeem Oliva scoring 2 goals, and Gilligion Nunez scored a 3rd goal.

In Game 4, the Sampson Academy posted their 2nd win: 1-0 over Youth & Sports Education, when Mallek Flowers scored the winning goal.

Upcoming matches at MCC grounds for Saturday, June 18: Game 1 Sampson Academy vs Reality Youths Game 2 Hattieville United vs Belize United Game 3 Ladyville Rising Stars vs Youth & Sports Education Game 4 Pickstock Fc vs Tut Bay Yabra FC

Continued from page 12 13. Parcel No. 2427/1 Ontario Village, Cayo District:

16. Parcel No. 1294 Canal Street, Dangriga, Stann Creek District

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Society Hall

24

2427/1

(Being two buildings - Building ‘A’ concrete bungalow dwelling house [1083 sq. ft.] containing 3 bedrooms + bathroom + Living/Dining/Kitchen + porch; Building ‘B’ shop [222 sq. ft.] and lot [555.56 sq. yds.] situate at Ontario Village, Cayo District, the leasehold property of Mr. Humberto Patt).

E: Stann Creek District: Hope Creek Village; Hummingbird Community; Dangriga 14. Lot No. 132 Hope Creek Village, Stann Creek District:

ALL THAT piece or parcel of land containing 1388.89 square yards being Lot No. 132 situate in Hope Creek Village, Stann Creek District TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. (Being a 2-storey concrete/timber dwelling house [1,001 sq. ft.] containing Ground Floor: 2 bedrooms + living room + kitchen; First Floor 2 bedrooms + 1 bathroom apartment and lot [1388.89 square yards] situate in Hope Creek Village, Stann Creek District, the freehold property of Mr. Eduardo Saravia) 15. Lot No. 54 Hummingbird Community, Stann Creek District:

ALL THAT piece or parcel of land containing 785.259 square meters being Lot No. 54 situate in the Hummingbird Community Village, near Mile 25 Hummingbird Highway, Stann Creek District TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. (Being an elevated timber dwelling house [751 sq. ft.] containing 2 bedrooms + 1 bathroom + living/dining/kitchen + storeroom TOGETHER with lot [785.259 S.M.] situate in the Hummingbird Community Village, Mile 25 Hummingbird Highway, Stann Creek District, the freehold property of Mr. Armando Coye)

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Dangriga South

31

1294

(Being two storey concrete dwelling house [3,185 sq. ft.] containing Ground Floor - 3 Bedrooms Apartment; First Floor – 2 Bedrooms + 1 Bathroom Apartment TOGETHER with Lot [512 sq. yds.] situate at Parcel No. 1294 Canal Street, Dangriga, Stann Creek District, the freehold property of Ms. Gretel Mariano) F: Toledo District: Big Falls/Golden Stream; Punta Gorda Town 17. Parcel No. 577 San Miguel Village, Big Falls/Golden Stream Area, Toldeo District

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Big Fall/Golden Stream

42

577

(Being a two-storey concrete dwelling house [1743 sq. ft.] containing Ground Floor: 3 Open Areas + Kitchen; First Floor: 3 bedrooms + 1 bathroom + living/dining/kitchen + porch [421 sq. ft.] + covered shed [280 sq. ft.] and lot 2,642.62 S.Y. or 0.546 acres] situate in San Miguel Village in the Big Falls/Golden Stream Area, Toledo District, the freehold property of Mr. Mariano Kus).

“FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION & PHOTOGRAPHS PLEASE VISIT WEBSITE”

TERMS: STRICTLY CASH KEVIN A. CASTILLO TELEPHONE: 223 4488 Email: kevinacas@yahoo.com Face Book: Belize Auctions

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19 JUN

THE BELIZE TIMES

2022

GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE SECOND ROAD SAFETY PROJECT CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR PROCUREMENT OFFICER REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST The Government of Belize has received financing from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) towards the cost of the Second Road Safety Project and intends to apply a portion of the proceeds of this financing to eligible payments under a contract for which this invitation is issued. Payments by CDB will be made only at the request of Government of Belize and upon approval by CDB, and will be subject in all respects to the terms and conditions of the Financing Agreement. The Financing Agreement prohibits withdrawal from the financing account for the purpose of any payment to persons or entities, or for any import of goods, if such payment or import, to the knowledge of CDB, is prohibited by a decision of the United Nations Security Council taken under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. No party other than the Government of Belize shall derive any rights from the Financing Agreement or have any claim to the proceeds of the Financing.

The Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment (MED), the Executing Agency, now wishes to procure consultancy services for a Procurement Officer.

The objective of the consultancy is to plan, supervise and coordinate procurement activities for goods and services; prepare bidding documents; finalize Terms of References; prepare relevant reports, and carry out other relevant activities. The duration of the assignment is expected to be for a period of ten (10) months.

Prospective candidates should have a minimum of the following qualifications: A Bachelor’s Degree in Procurement, Management, Business Administration, Finance, Logistics and Supply Chain Management or other related field from a recognized university; and at least 4 years’ experience in Procurement Management with projects funded by International Funding Institutions (IFIs). Experience with CDB’s Procurement Procedures is desirable.

MED now invites interested eligible individual consultants to submit Expressions of Interest indicating qualifications and experience required to provide these consultancy services.

Consultants shall be eligible to participate if:

(a) the persons are citizens or bona fide residents of an eligible country; and

(b) in all cases, the consultant has no arrangement and undertakes not to make any arrangements, whereby any substantial part of the net profits or other tangible benefits of the contract will accrue or be paid to a person not a citizen or bona fide resident of an eligible country.

Eligible countries are member countries of CDB

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to paragraph 1.9 of CDB’s Guidelines for the Selection and Engagement of Consultants (2011), setting forth CDB’s policy on conflict of interest.

In the assessment of submissions, consideration will be given to qualifications and experience on similar assignments. All information must be submitted in English. Further information may be obtained from the first address below between 9:00am and 4:00pm local time, Monday to Friday.

Electronic copies of the Expressions of Interest must be received at the first address below no later than 3:00pm local time on June 24, 2022 and must be emailed simultaneously to CDB at the second address below. The email subject line should state, “Expression of Interest – Consultancy Services for Procurement Officer for the Second Road Safety Project - Belize”. The Expression of Interest will be deemed to have been received at the time that it is received by the receiving office named in the first address below. The burden of proving receipt of the e-mail will be on the applicant and will not be met solely by a read receipt or sent items report generated by the applicant’s computer.

Following the assessment of submissions, the most technically capable and appropriately experienced applicant will be invited to negotiate a contract to provide the consultancy services. Government of Belize reserves the right to accept or reject late applications or to cancel the present invitation partially or in its entirety. It will not be bound to assign any reason for not engaging the services of any applicant and will not defray any costs incurred by any applicant in the preparation and submission of Expressions of Interest.

Address 1

Address 2

Second Road Safety Project Procurement Officer 2nd Floor, 1904 Construction Drive Caribbean Development Bank Belmopan P.O. Box 408 Email: projectmanager.rsp@med.gov.bz Wildey, St. Michael Tel: 822-3517 Barbados W.I. BB11000 Attention: Project Manager Tel: 246 539 1600 cc: financeofficer.rsp@med.gov.bz Email: procurement@caribank.org

19 JUN

2022

THE BELIZE TIMES

THINK ABOUT IT BARROWS GONE WID MULTI-MILLIONS THIRTY MILLION DOLLARS of taxpayer’s monies have been paid to Dean Barrow, Denys Barrow and Lois Young Barrow.

TWENTY MILLION DOLLARS of that amount was for their legal fees. This amount is not the total of what they selected as there may be legal fees paid by the semi government bodies such as the Water Authority, Electricity Board, Belize Telemedia and their agencies.

The incredible million-dollar chorus emerged from a formal letter sent by Prime Minister John Briceño to former UDP Minister, now Chairman of the Opposition Party.

Chairman/Senator Peyrefitte had been on the television stations running off his mouth and insinuating irregularity over government’s engagement of a law firm connected to two PUP Ministers.

Peyrefitte went as far as writing the Governor General, days after writing the Prime Minister for information on whether two Ministers had permission to do legal work for the government. It is absolutely a no-no for any opposition official to attempt to drag the Governor General into party political disputes.

The letters to the P.M. and Governor General were, of course, promptly made public with Peyrefitte giving additional media interviews. Asked why write the Governor days after writing the P.M. and even though the P.M. told the nation there was nothing to hide and the information would be forthcoming, Peyrefitte told that media he wanted to see if the P.M. would lie.

Well, the P.M. not only replied that the amounts paid by government was two hundred and twenty thousand, he released the biggest bombshell of payments by a government to any law firm. Not in the history of Belize have lawyers ever selected such whopping sums of monies…in this case, the former Prime Minister, his brother and his former wife.

Ex-wife Young Barrow is said in the letter to have benefitted from her former husband Dean Barrow’s government with payments for legal fees totaling over FIVE MILLION dollars. She has responded that it was not so much. She closed her law firm and was in New York or Washington or United Nation as a paid Ambassador.

Denys Barrow who was in and out as a former Judge and is now a judge of the Caribbean Court was collecting millions of dollars as a private lawyer getting jobs from his brother’s government. The over-burdened taxpayers shelled out a whopping…?

Dean Barrow, well, poor Dean Barrow, got no legal fees from the government…

Yeah, right!

But Peyrefitte owes it to the people of Belize to make a formal request demanding that the government and BTL disclose if any legal fees were paid and how much and to which law firm for the FIVE HUNDRED and SIXTY MILLION dollars paid to the former owners of BTL for its acquisition.

And was there a list and a sufficient reason given when former P.M. Barrow wiped away NINETY MILLION dollars in land taxes for a select group of reasons.

These are very, very serious matters of national importance which calls for full disclosure.

Of all the persons whom Jesus despised, the Hypocrites were on the top of the short list, Shyne, Peyre, Tracy and others have suddenly become so self-righteous, that they now want to know how the people’s money is being spent. But don’t want to know how it WAS being spent when they were responsible.

And what about the naked theft of millions of dollars, estimated at SIXTY MILLION which was removed from the public control of the Boledo and lottery and placed in private hands of two persons, named and alleged to be Brads and Anwar (son of the former Prime Minister)?

Belizeans are pissed off over the latest revelations about what appears to be an organized fleecing from the public purse. THIRTY MILLION dollars is an awful lot of monies.

CALLING ABELARDO *Calling Abelardo *Calling Minister Mai *Watching cost of living *It’s going way too high We have been through two years of covid restrictions. Many businesses gone belly-up. Many Belizeans lost their jobs. We wandered around bewildered. We watched the frightening news as more and more Belizeans lost their lives to coronavirus...over six hundred deaths.

We heard of pre-existing conditions. If you had certain illnesses you were more likely to catch the virus and more likely to die. Seems logical. Only the strong survive.

Our economy took a nose dive. Thanks to tourists it is rebounding.

So let’s say this. We learnt no lessons from this terrible ordeal. We have emerged with any sense that we should turn our backs on imported foods and drinks. Buying local, healthy fruits, foods and drinks will do wonders for our unhealthy lifestyle, for our farmers and for our economy.

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We find it alarming that no policy initiative have sprung up to inform, educat and indoctrinate our people into going full scale for a buy Belizean and Build Beliz initiative.

We watching the dynamic Minister of Agriculture bubbling with ideas and pro grams for cows, sugar cane, diversification, introducing diversification, local m ilk local cheese. We are impressed. We hope he is given a comprehensive briefing of how the amazing Cubans have kept on ticking while taken a USA embargo and sabotag licking.

The strength of a nation is its people. Feeding ourselves should be high on th schools curriculum, on billboards, radio and television. To hell with imported drink and foods. Eating Belizean is being Belizean.

Speaking of Belize City, the country’s biggest population center, we need a massiv project to inspire, mobilise and ensure that backyard gardening become our hobb our culture and our renewed way of life. How good and how pleasant it will be to ea the fruit of your labors. Tomatoes, peppers, plantains, bananas, papayas, watermelon okro and many more grow easily.

This is a task for Abelardo Mai, and the new Deputy Mayor of Belize city. If the can make it work in Belize City, they can make it work anywhere in our country.

Deputy Mayor Pollard should be assigned back yard gardening as his main re sponsibility. We really serious about this backyard gardening idea. Grow or starve.

And all these abandoned, overgrown empty lots across our city. Isn’t it way pas time for them to be cleared and cleaned and turned over to back yard gardening.

There is much work to be done, so mek we do it little by little.

“A sower went out to sow his seed…”

A PRISONER TRIES TO ESCAPE. WHY?

A few days ago, at the country’s only prison, a prisoner made a break for it. H was seen running for the fence. In broad daylight. A shot or shots were fired. Quic security action prevented the escape.

Had the prisoner reached within distance he would first have to scale a lower fenc then continue to reach the main perimeter fence, which is very high. He would no have been able to escape. He didn’t have a chance. So, why did he run?

The Shawshank Redemption is a gloomy, touching movie about an innocent man experience inside a prison. It is an informative movie worth seeing.

So why did the young man try to escape from the Belize prison? He is young an Hispanic. When such a prisoner takes such daring, desperate move, something i wrong. One reason he is probably being raped in his cell and he cannot get the war dens to move him to a safer place. He has no opportunity to present his grievances t anyone. Living in hell.

One of the safeguards, the law, has in place was the Visiting Justice. These person can turn up at the prison anytime and must be allowed to visit any cell and check o any prisoner.

Such an important safeguard Has been erased from practice.

Another important safeguard is the Prison Rules, one of which is that no prisone can be put in the “hole” as prison punishment for more than 15 days. Prisoners rou tinely get a month, 3 months and 6 months, routinely and of course arbitrarily. Ther is a sad absence of oversight.

A previous Minister of prison had, against strong resistance issue a new polic directive. Each building would elect a Prisoner Welfare Committee of senior and re sponsible prisoners to report to the Superintendent and the Minister on ALL matter affecting prisoners in their buildings. It was popular and effective. The names remain but the substance of the committee have been sucked out.

A NEW JUDGE MAKING A DIFFERNCE

A previous awaiting trial appeared in front of Judge Lamb in the Supreme Cour this week. He complained of being falsely accused by Wardens of some infraction an as a result had his tooth or teeth knocked out. The Judge listened patiently and aske questions.

And guess what? A formal complaint is sent to the prison authorities. Oh me! O my! A foreign Judge puts our whole system to shame. Once upon a time. Accuse persons and prisoners who made complaints to Magistrates and Judges would hav their bruised and injuries noted and sent to the hospital and a complaint forwarde to the relevant authorities. Some twenty years ago the practice expired. Its demise no even noticed.

Thank you, Judge Lamb. A little justice is creeping in. We think the Chief Justic will issue directives.

TAKE OUT THE QUEEN

It is the year 2022. Belize has achieved political independence since Septembe 1981. Our new vision under Prime Minister Johnny Briceño must now be economi prosperity. Guess what? Browsing the Constitution of our nation are these words a Section 36 (1): “The executive authority of Belize is vested in Her Majesty.”

Cho man we nho deh wid dat.

Executive authority should be vested in the Cabinet.

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18 JAN

2015THE BELIZE TIMES

CONGRATULATIONS

CLASS OF 2022

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“FIN

THE BELIZE TIMES

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VILLAGE COUNCIL ELECTIONS 2022 BT Schedule Format by District

VOTE FOR YOUR PUP TEAM

Delivering on PlanBelize

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“REMARKABLE”: The New York Times acclaims our PM’s Speech at the 9th Summit of the Americas Johnny Briceño, the prime minister of Belize, publicly chastised Mr. Biden in a remarkable speech just moments after the president had left the lectern. Mr. Briceño said it was “inexcusable” that the United States had blocked Cuba and Venezuela from attending the summit, a decision that sparked the boycott by four countries. “At this most critical juncture, when the future of our hemisphere is at stake, we stand divided,” he said. “And that is why the Summit of the Americas should have been inclusive.” – New York Times On Thursday, the leaders of Belize and Argentina publicly criticized the U.S. decision to leave out some leaders in the region as Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris looked on nearby. Belize’s Prime Minister John Briceño called it “inexcusable” that some leaders were not present. – LA Times “The illegal blockade against Cuba is an affront to humanity. It continues to cause untold suffering. It is inconsistent with our values. In fact, it is unamerican.

The time has come, Mr President, to lift the blockade and to build bonds of friendship with the people of Cuba. Similarly, Venezuela has done so much toward energy security for the Caribbean region through its innovative financing programmes. Venezuela’s absence is unforgivable.”

Briceño expressed concern that at this most critical juncture when the future of the hemisphere is at stake, they stand divided which is why the Summit of the Americas should have been inclusive. – Caribbean.loopnews.com Shortly after Biden's speech that extolled the virtues of democracy in the region, Belize's Prime Minister John Briceno, criticized the exclusion of Communist-ruled Cuba and leftist Venezuela, calling the "illegal blockade against Cuba" an "affront to humanity. In fact, it is un-American. The time has come, Mr. President, to lift the blockade," Briceno said, upbraiding Biden as he sat only a few feet away." – Reuters …as a handful of foreign leaders spoke out against the decision to not invite all nations. John Briceño, the prime minister of Belize, said the summit belongs to “all of the Americas” and that it was “inexcusable” that some countries were barred from attending. The influence of the gathering, he said, was “diminished by their absence.”

– Washington Post

VACANCY NEWS REPORTER •

Applications are invited to fill the post of news reporter

•

The successful applicant will be required to carry out field work, investigative journalism, interviews and do reporing for daily news. This news may be presented in voice, vide and online social media.

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The successful applicant will need to prepare audio and visual reports of these current events: political, social and matters concerning Belize on the international stage.

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TWO job references: Experience will be a definite asset.

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Proof of training in journalism is an asset.

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Salary will be negotiable.

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CV/Résumé and relevant documents to the Belize Times/ Vibes News Media at 3 Queen Street, Belize City or email to belizetimesadvertisement@yahoo.com.

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Deadline for applications June 27, 2022

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CONGRATULATIONS

RODOLFO FLORES De parte de padres Rodolfo y Nelly Flores

CALL 671-8385 or

EMAIL:

belizetimesadvertisement@yahoo.com

Te queremos mucho hijo.

Eres nuestro orgullo.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

ATTORNEY GENERAL’S MINISTRY VACANCY NOTICE

19 JUN

2022

Belize Participates in 12th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization

Suitably qualified applicants are invited to fill the position of: CROWN COUNSEL, LITIGATION UNIT, CIVIL DIVISION Terms of Reference are attached Applicants for the position of Crown Counsel: a) must be: i. qualified to practice as an attorney-at-law in a court in Belize or as an advocate in a court in any other part of the Commonwealth having unlimited jurisdiction either in civil or criminal causes or matters; and ii. has been qualified for not less than five years so to practice in such a court. b) must be in good health. c)must be a person who conducts himself at all times, both in his professional and in his personal life, in a manner that will maintain public confidence in the standards of the legal profession.

Experience and training required: a) Minimum of four (4) years’ experience as a practicing attorney-at-law in the area of civil litigation; b) Bachelor of Laws Degree from a recognized institution; and c) Legal Education Certificate or equivalent from a recognized institution.

Interested persons may download an application package from the Attorney General’s Ministry Website – www.agm.gov.bz or submit in writing to: The Secretary, Judicial and Legal Services Commission Ground Floor, Sir. Edney Cain Building Thru’ the Office of the Solicitor General Attorney General’s Ministry Belmopan City, Cayo District Belize, Central America Telephone number: 822-2504 or 822-0519 email address: agsecretary@agm.gov.bz Deadline for receipt of applications: June 17, 2022 Applicants must submit proof of qualifications and two reference contacts along with application.

Note: Only suitably qualified applicants will be acknowledged.

Commission is not bound to make an appointment from among those persons who apply.

June 14, 2022 - Hon. Ramon Cervantes, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, and Immigration, is leading Belize’s delegation to the 12th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organizat ion (WTO) in Geneva, Switzerland. The Ministerial Conference was opened on June 12, 2022, after not being able to convene for nearly five years. The conference comes at a critical juncture for international trade which continues to face global challenges that ultimately affect the cost of living for Belizeans.

In his statement to the conference, Minister Cervantes stressed the importance of a smooth functioning multilateral trading system which serves the economic development of small states like Belize. He deplored the ineffectual response of the WTO to the COVID-19 pandemic while calling for meaningful reform of the organization. Minister Cervantes expressed Belize’s strong support for a decision on a waiver of the Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Agreement (TRIPS) to improve COVID-19 vaccine access and affordability.

He emphasized the need to address the looming food security crisis and supported the proposal to exempt the UN

World Food Program (WFP) purchases from export restrictions.

Minister Cervantes also voiced Belize’s strong call for an outcome on the negotiations to remove harmful fisheries subsidies that deplete global fish stocks and affect livelihoods and marine biodiversity.

He stated that an agreement on fisheries subsidies, which takes into account the special needs of countries like Belize, was necessary to uphold the credibility of the negotiating function of the organization.

The Ministerial Conference is being held from June 12-15, 2022. Hon. Cervantes is accompanied by senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, and Immigration.

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671-8385 or

EMAIL: belizetimesadvertisement@ yahoo.com

To place advertisement in the Belize Times Newspaper

19 JUN

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NOTIFICATION OF CONTRACT AWARD (Selection and Contracting of Consulting Services) Financing Institution: Government of Belize / Inter-American Development Bank / Belize Water Services Limited Procurement Type: Consulting Services Sector: Water and Sanitation Country of project (or Beneficiary country): Belize Project name: Design of Wastewater Treatment Solutions in Coastal Areas Loan/Credit/Grant No.: BL-T1125 Contract/Bid No.: IDB-21/22-01 Bid/Contract Description: To conduct diagnostic assessment and prepare detailed designs of the preferred viable sewerage system option for the village of Caye Caulker, Belize. Consultants are also expected to prepare detailed bidding documents for such works.

During the selection process for the consulting services indicated above, under the selection method Quality and Cost-Based Selection (QCBS) the consulting firms listed below submitted proposals. The scores evaluated for the Technical and Price Proposals of each consulting firm, and their final scores follow below.

List of consulting firms

Technical proposal score: Price proposal: Final score:

Project Planning and Management Ltd (JV-lead) 84.60 US $199,840.00 89.20, 1st

Hydroplan* Technical proposal score: N/A Price proposal: N/A Final score: N/A *Consulting firm did not qualify.

Any Consultant is entitled to a debriefing to ascertain the grounds on which its proposal was not selected, by making a formal request at the address indicated below.

Awarded Bidder: Project Planning and Management Ltd. (JV-lead) Country of Awarded Bidder: Barbados Contract Amount: US $199,840.00 Date contract signed: May 16, 2022 Duration of contract: 12 months UNDB Reference number: Executing Agency:

IDB-C988901-06/22

Belize Water Services Limited Attention: Resident Consultant Engineer #7 Central American Boulevard Belize City, Belize Telephone: +1 501-222-4757

Beneficial ownership information:

Consultant

Project Planning & Management Ltd. (Lead consultant)

Identity of Beneficial Owner

Gregory Hazzard Citizen of Barbados Country of Residence: Barbados

Doychin Stoyanov Citizen of Bulgaria Country of Residence: European Union

Borislav Stoyanov Citizen of Bulgaria Country of Residence: European Union

Alpha Engineering & De- Fazir Khan Citizen of Trinidad sign Ltd. Country of Residence: Trinidad

Young’s Engineering Consultancy Ltd.

Kieran De Freitas Citizen of Trinidad Country of Residence: Trinidad

Carlton N. Young Citizen of the United States of America and Belize Country of Residence: Belize

Directly or indirectly holding 25% or more of the shares (Yes/no) Yes

Directly or indirectly holding 25% Directly or indirectly having the or more of the voting rights right to appoint a majority of the (Yes/No) board of directors or an equivalent governing body of the consultant (Yes/No) Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

Yes

No

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

No

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Ministry of Agriculture, BAHA and OIRSA Sign MOU to Strengthen Quarantine Inspection Service A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed on June 13, 2022, between the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) and the International Regional Organization for Plant and Animal Health (OIRSA).

The general objective of the MOU is to cooperate and collaborate in efforts to strengthen the quarantine inspection service provided by BAHA at the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (PGIA) with the use of non-intrusive quarantine inspections. These include: 1.) installation of two X-ray machines at the arrival lounge of the PGIA airport to conduct the inspections of all arrival baggage; and

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2.) installation of canine units to conduct the inspections.

The importance of this service is to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases to Belize. The areas of cooperation covered by the agreement include management of the non-intrusive quarantine inspection system, data collection and management as well as capacity building.

The agreement was signed by Hon. José Abelardo Mai, Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise; Mrs. Zoe Roberson Zetina, BAHA Managing Director; and Mr. Efraín Medina Guerra, OIRSA legal representative.

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