Belize Times June 24, 2012

Sunday, June 24, 2012

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THE BELIZE TIMES

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SUNDAY June 24, 2012

Issue No. 4801

Saldivar Stripped Barrow shuffles Ministry of Immigration, National Security could be next

Citizens

Demand Justice!!

Residents of Cayo District express anger at the rampant crime & violence. They want Justice!

San Ignacio Town, Wednesday, June 20, 2012 Emotions were high in San Ignacio Town today as around 2,000 residents of the twin towns marched onto the Colombus Park facing the police station, waiting and demanding at times to see the man who the Police have accused of the murder of 13 year old Jasmine Lowe two Mondays ago.

Continued on page 6

John Saldivar has been reined-in by Dean Barrow

14 yr. old accused of raping 7 yr. old Belize City, June 19, 2012 A 14 year old boy is being sought by Police today after a 7 year old girl reported, in the presence of her mother, that she had been raped by him.

According to the little girl, she was forced to have sexual Continued on page 6

Open since 1982, Macy’s Cafe closes down next month The popular and historic Macy’s Cafe will be closing down in July

BELIZE CITY, Monday, June 18th, 2012

By Alton Humes Another Belizean business will be ‘biting the dust’ in sad and short order – the venerable and rustic Creole restaurant Macy’s,

located at #18 Bishop Street, just before the East Collet Canal Bridge. This colossal giant in the world of restaurants, sharing great age and even exceeding that in comparison to Continued on page 8

Doctors protest killing of one of their own Police charge 31 year old Dwayne Davis See page 8

KHMH doctors stage protest on Tuesday afternoon

Once deflated, Saldivar was warned

by Barrow that it wasn’t over between them.

The week before, on Wednesday June 6th, news of an immigration scandal broke when 16 Chinese nationals carrying Visas to Belize arrived at the Phillip Goldson International Airport from a flight from Cuba. This is most strange as the same Barrow Continued on page 4

See page 11

match between Barrow and Saldivar during last week Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting. Saldivar questioned and challenged Barrow’s preferential treatment of UDP Ambassador Mark Espat, and Barrow attacked back by revealing his knowledge of certain shenanigans going on at the Ministry of Immigration under Saldivar.

TOP MODEL

City of Belmopan, June 19, 2012 Prime Minister Dean Barrow and Minister John Saldivar have knocked the red-coloured taw and are engaged in a serious political fight in the United Democratic Party.

Last week the BELIZE TIMES newspaper was the only media house to report of the shouting

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

03 McAfee calls Barrow a Liar 04

Gaspar Vega has “No Time” for flood victims

PUP Leader demands wage increases for Belizeans!

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Medical & Dental Union tells GOB: Grant salary increase to ALL or NONE! 4th May, 2012

To the ICJ? Belize risks more than Guatemala Dear Editor, An article that Alejandro Vernon wrote in the Reporter claiming to be “the truth” about the Britain-Guatemala dispute which involves Guatemala’s claim over Belize, states four reasons for going to the ICJ which are frivolous and unsubstantiated by the facts.

The first reason he states is that “Belize cannot assert its position as a sovereign nation in the region and thus accrue all benefits due it when its immediate neighbor claims half the territory”, without giving any examples to substantiate his statement. The fact is that Belize is a sovereign nation as enshrined in the United Nations charter, with our borders defined as well, based on the resounding support of the overwhelming majority of nations who voted in favour of our independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. So what accrued benefits that we are foregoing, is Vernon talking about? He cannot say.

The other reason he stated is that “Belize cannot benefit from Central America through Sistema de la Integracion Centroamericana (SICA) because this effort is diverted when our security forces expel aliens who cross into our territory and claim they are not trespassing”. This is untrue.

The fact is that Belize became a full member of SICA in 2000, joining

What treaty?

Dear Editor.

This, the immediate occasion was the repeated treachery of Government of Belize after their treaties with the gangs.

But the general lesson remains.

Treachery in war (civil war) is doubly wrong for it endangers so many lives. Such treachery should be punished in such a way that it gets no chance again. Not only the actual perpetrators but those who follow their standard should be rendered powerless.

And the broken treaty should be denounced so that the innocent party can at least fight on equal terms. From actual physical warfare we can carry the same lesson to spiritual warfare. A truce or understanding is possible with those who respect definite principles, not with those who have no principle and are only out for oppression and wickedness.

Signed M.L.G.

Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Panama. Belize just recently hosted a meeting of the SICA heads of state in San Pedro. Regarding the expulsion of Guatemalan trespassers, the only one that complained is the Guatemalan foreign minister who came all the way to Belize to berate us in our own country for protecting our borders.

The ignominy is that none of our government ministers stood up to correct his condescending behavior. Instead they continue in their accommodating, obsequious and fawning attitude towards their Guatemalan counterparts.

His third reason is that in the case of Belize, independence is just semantics because we have a de facto British defence guarantee which we pay for by giving special preferential treatment to British citizens and enterprises; and because we depend on the British Crown to guarantee our currency as legal tender. Vernon concludes that “Belize continues being subservient to Britain, a protectorate of Britain, and the word independence is simply a semantic without power”. To my knowledge, Britain did agree to keep her troops for a period

Mr. Justin Palacio Chief Executive Officer Ministry of the Public Service and Elections and Boundaries Sir, The Belize Medical and Dental Union has noted with concern the circular dates 20th April 2012 as regards revised criteria for appointment and advancement in the Nursing Profession; Gen/4/01/12(2) Vol V. We wish to inform you that we have no problems with the pay scale increase for the nurses. They have long suffered and deserve their salaries.

However, there are multiple other public officers who have not benefitted from this pay scale increase, including teachers and doctors. We have always been informed when asking for such an increase for ourselves that it would have to be done across the board for all government workers and not individual groups, so as to be fair to all parties.

The union member doctors wish to inform you that although we exit medical school with a Bachelors degree in Medicine, this is after a 7 year course. This is at

after independence. However, the misconception that we pay Britain for this Continued on page 26

Environmental Inequity?

Editor Sir: Please allow me space to make a comparison between Green Tropics Ltd. and Fort Street Tourism Village. Both of these companies have huge investments in Belize, the former in cultivation and processing of sugar cane, and the latter in tourism.

Much ado has been said about Green Tropics Ltd. for digging a canal to irrigate the would-be-cane fields. They, no doubt, should be held responsible and penalized for their irresponsible actions. This act was allegedly done without an Environmental Impact Assessment study. I intentionally use the word “allegedly” because it is still uncertain as to whether there was an EIA clearance. The authorities began to scream “bloody murder”, because this canal became a nuisance and an inconvenience to jaguars and tapirs. They are now in the process of penalizing this company with a fine of up to $100,000. This is a move I am in full support of.

The thing about it is, in the early part of the year 2010 (January/February), Fort Street Tourism Village dredged from the mouth of the river from the Lighthouse to national Fishermen Cooperative Society. The mud taken from the riverbed was pumped through massive pipes that stretched to Bird’s Isle, where it was supposed to be deposited. Regrettably,

all the material did not stay on Bird’s Isle. The mud flowed into a small canal between Bird’s isle and several private properties along the coastline. When that became filled, it continued to flow into people’s property and even into a few houses. The stench was unbearable.

This certainly was an inconvenience and a nuisance to the residents in the area.

Some of the unanswered questions at the time were: “Was there an EIA clearance for Fort Street Tourism Village to dredge?”, “If so, did they adhere to the guidelines that were set out?” and “Was the EIA that flawed to have caused that foreseeable disaster?”

It would have been a grave miscarriage of justice if penalties were not levied on Fort Street Tourism Village.

After all, the people who were affected are tax-paying citizens, vote in elections, and have rights. Are we now to concede that jaguars and tapirs have more rights than citizens? The pressing question remains: “If they were in violation, did Fort Street Tourism Village pay any fines?” If so, great; if not, then there will always be the lingering suspicion that Fort Street Tourism Village can violate the environmental laws with impunity, while Green tropics Ltd. is dealt with accordingly.

Signed S.F.

least as equivalent to a PhD. Entry level payscale for medical officers with a first degree is 21. We see the dramatic increase in payscale for some nurses even to above 21 as a major disrespect for the years of effort and degree obtained by the medical doctors. Note that specialists have to do even more years of schooling, at a minimum 4 more years, and enter at payscale 23.

Doctors, as you know, are ultimately responsible for patient care and outcomes.

In essence this decision made by the Government of Belize we view as shortsighted and not intelligent, especially in light of the current financial situation.

We believe it is only right that all public officers be treated with the same respect and fairness afforded the ones who will be benefitting from this pay scale increase.

We request that the medical officers and specialists also be accorded urgently a review and increase in payscale. We also deserve one.

Morale is paramount when dealing with workers, and we fail to see why the Government of Belize would be willing to destroy the little that many public officers now have. The happier a workers, the more productive he or she is. Please consider making all of us happy in acceding to this request.

We are amenable to a meeting with you at your convenience to discuss the above noted concern. We believe our union has an open mind and good intentions in this matter. We do not wish to have to discuss this important matter in another forum.

Best regards, John Sosa MD President Belize Medical and Dental Union

THE BELIZE TIMES EDITOR

Alberto Vellos OFFICE MANAGER

Fay Castillo McKay PRINTING/PERSONNEL SUPERVISOR

Doreth Bevans LAYOUT/GRAPHIC ARTIST

Chris Williams STAFF REPORTER

Alton Humes 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 24, 2012

THE BELIZE TIMES

…while Belizeans struggle & suffer This is how the UDPs roll…

Prime Minister Dean Barrow’s new Law Firm Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega’s 2012 Land Cruiser valued at $180,000

Ministry of Energy and Science CEO Colin Young’s 2011 Toyota Hilux – valued at $65,000

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Gaspar Vega has “No Time” for flood victims Belize City, June 20, 2012 The recent heavy rains have caused flooding in many communities and have forced many residents in low-lying areas to monitor rising water levels. But for families in Trial Farm Village, the rains made their homes inaccessible. One family who has had to deal with devastation after devastation when they went asking for assistance and were totally blindsided by the disrespect shown to them by their area representative and Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega.

According to Cynthia Morales, when she went to Vega for help, he looked at her scornfully and told her he has no time for her and that she should see the village chairlady.

“I went to see Mr. Vega and he told me he has no time for me and that he has to go to Belmopan. He told me that he will send Miss Rita to me but until now she has not come back. I want Mr. Vega to see how his people are living because this

is not right,” said Morales.

Over a foot of water inundates her house. When she finally got to see the UDP Chairlady Rita Cocom, Morales said she not helpful.

“I went to Miss Rita the Chairlady and she told me why I am making so much kids and that she does not know where NEMO is,” she explained.

The mother is concerned because with the rising water comes dangerous creatures including snakes. She also said one of her children has asthma and the conditions can worsen his health.

Morales husband was also blunt with frustrating remarks.

He said, “I am tired of going to see the Minister Mr. Vega every Thursday and can’t see him. I want Mr. Vega to come and see me personal and see my situation and see if he can live in this situation. I did not want this to go this way but I have no choice and the first thing they will say it is political but maybe so he will assist me.”

Minister of Youth & Sports Herman Longsworth’s 2012 F-150 – valued at $71,736

Minister of Gangs Mark King’s Ford 150 - valued at $74,500

AGAIN - Minister of Youth & Sports Herman Longsworth’s 2012 Toyota 4Runner – valued at $75,000

Minister of Works Rene Montero’s 2012 Toyota Prado – valued at $96,000

Ex-Minister of Indigenous Peoples Lisel Alamilla’s 2012 F-150 – valued at $71,736

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McAfee

calls Barrow a Liar

US millionaire says Barrow is covering up GSU’s unjustified attack BELIZE CITY, Wed. June 20, 2012

By Roy Davis American millionaire John McAfee, 66, who was targeted by the Prime Minister Dean Barrow during a press conference last week, has vehemently objected Barrow’s claim that he refused to allow employees of the Health Department access to his property in Carmelita where he operated a research laboratory.

“It is a lie, a total fabrication and the Prime Minister should be ashamed of himself and he should apologize,” said McAfee via phone this morning.

McAfee went on to say that instead of attacking him, the Prime Minister should concentrate on restoring the economy, restoring investor confidence, and creating more jobs for Belizeans. “In addition the Prime Minister should try to ease the crime rate, which is atrocious, instead of making me his target”, said McAfee.

At the press conference, the Prime Minister said that the force used by the UDP’s security force by the police was justifiable because he had denied the Health Department employers access to his property.

“Barrow said that because he is trying to cover up for his mistake, and I have proof that the employees of the Health Department never came to my property”, said McAfee.

“If Belize is to move forward in the 21st Century, if the country’s economy is to be restored, and if the crime rate is decrease, then Barrow and his incompetent administration needs to go”, voiced McAfee.

Peter Carter, who is the president of the Right to Bear Arms Organization, supports McAfee.

“I think that the Prime Minister should apologize to McAfee and he should stop attacking McAfee and other investors who come to Belize”, said Carter.

The Prime Minister need to focus his attention on carrying the country forward and stop dealing with trivial matters that will result in getting nothing done.

On Monday, April 30th the Barrow Administration’s notorious Gang Suppression Unit carried out a raid at McAfee’s home and property in Tower Hill, Orange Walk. The GSU said they were looking for drugs and guns.

McAfee said he was handcuffed and his dogs were shot. After searching the property, the officers found ten weapons including seven 12-gauge pump action shotguns (one with a scope), one 12-gauge single action shotgun, a Taurus 9-mm pistol and a 9-mm pistol.

Five air rifles with scopes, resembling sniper rifles that use 6.26mm ammo were also found. McAfee was taken to the Queen Street Police Station in Belize City and released at 2:00am on Tuesday, following phone calls made to the United States Embassy. McAfee claimed that apart from two weapons, which are licensed to him, the rest are licensed to his security company, Belize Ecological Society. No charges followed he raid.

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Saldivar Stripped

Continued from page 1

Administration had imposed a ban on the issuance of Belizean passport and visas from the Cuban Embassy following multiple scandals. Several of the visas contained Belmopan immigration stamps even though the Chinese nationals were arriving in Belize for the first time. With all documents, seemingly in order, the persons were allowed entry into Belize.

In order to avoid public suspicion and embarrassment, Prime Minister Barrow postponed the reshuffle for this week when the dust cleared.

The Cabinet re-shuffle, announced on Tuesday this week, is occurring just 100 days since the UDP won their second term.

There was only one tar-

get in the re-shuffle: John Saldivar, who was stripped of the Ministry of Immigration and left only with the tough Ministry of National Security.

The explanation put out by the Prime Minister’s office was that the move was to “free” the Ministry of National Security.

With his move, Barrow depresses Saldivar and reasserts control of Cabinet, injecting fear in the Ministers. But this advantage is only temporary as Saldivar and everyone else in Cabinet knows that Barrow’s days as leader of the UDP are numbered.

The Ministry of Immigration has been moved to the Ministry of Labour, Local Government, Rural Development and NEMO which falls with UDP Senator/Minister Godwin Hulse. But Hulse won’t have a say with Immigration, or so it seems, because even the Minister of State Elvin Penner who was under Saldivar

was shuffled away. That’s a first.

Belizeans should remember that prior to the elections, Penner admitted to paying for Guatemalans and other foreigners’ nationality documents so he could register them to vote. This major immigration issue upset many Belizeans as it seemed the UDP was buying votes in exchange for our patrimony. Ironically, the same man caught in Cayo giving up Belizean nationality is now in charge of immigration. The more things change, they remain the same.

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Sunday, June 24, 2012

THE BELIZE TIMES

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Mutiny in D-Barrow Camp The big story missed by the so-called “independent” media last week was not the one-man press conference held by the Prime Minister to announce that a hundred days into the UDP’s second term not only had his administration done NOTHING but is facing a thirty million dollar shortfall, nor was it the Opposition’s press conference lashing out at the Government’s massive failure. The real story was the turmoil stirring in the UDP Cabinet.

After being absent from duty, Barrow showed up with a set agenda, which was to have Saldivar removed as Minister of Police and replaced with Finnegan. Saldivar was meant to remain only with Public Service and Defense. The reason was that the Ministry of Housing currently held by Finnegan is being dismantled, as it is non-functional.

The plan was to get Saldivar out of the way so Barrow could appoint who he wants as Commissioner of Police. But the ‘heat’ hit the fan when newly-appointed Minister Alamilla was considered for replacement with no other than Barrow’s new bright-eyed boy Mark Espat. What followed was a Cabinet meltdown of nuclear proportions. For the first time, Barrow realized that while only 60 votes stood between him and a second term after March 7th, now only two votes from members of his side of the House, who could be brave enough to challenge him, could tilt his unsteady ship right over.

The big contention was all over Mark. Yes, the same Mark Espat who sold his integrity for a Bonds Man job and all the perks treachery could buy. The UDP Cabinet’s contention was how could they trust Judas? But Barrow has his own plans and, unbeknown to the most of his Ministers, he is secretly looking for a replacement, someone who could fit HIS criteria when he is ready to call it quits.

Well, after catching up to Barrow’s agenda, Cabinet stood their ground. John Saldivar said what he had to say and threatened to walk. Minister Alamilla said the same and so Barrow got his first taste of rebellion and he realized how fragile his regime really is. He realized that seeds of discontent had been planted and were about to sprout so he knew he had to whip his boys back in line.

The press conference last week Thursday was an excellent display of smoke and mirrors. It was designed to distract everyone from the Cabinet melt down and even a special UDP Party Council meeting called for Saturday in which the UDP told Barrow to keep Judas far away. When Barrow was asked of a Cabinet re-shuffle, he said none was going to happen. Yet a week later, Saldivar loses the Ministry of Immigration which goes to Barrow’s handpicked Minister, Godwin Hulse.

We don’t blame the UDP for not wanting anything to do with Judas and leaving him completely in the hands of the Prime Minister. After what he did to the PUP and the good people of the Albert Division, who can trust him?

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Citizens Demand Justice!!

Bert Vasquez

Jasmine Lowe

Continued from page 1 The teenager had gone missing for two days, until she turned out dead, discarded on a farm in Cristo Rey Village not far from the town itself. The man the police have charged and are accusing of the act is Bert Vasquez, 38, of Belize City.

Today, Cayo residents would have none of it, and vocal activists, some armed with blistering messages, another with a hangman’s noose and others still with symbolic items expressing their ire. One man held a sign that read “Len wi di killa”. Others bore placards that demanded justice and tighter penalties for persons convicted of murder.

They waited in the scorching sun to get a look at Vasquez as he was taken from the police station to the court, located on the upper flat of the same building. When he exited the station handcuffed, he appeared relaxed, and in Court when his single charge of murder was read to him, he had a blank reaction, almost as if not bothered by what he faces ahead.

The charge of murder, according to Officer Commanding the San Ignacio Police Station, Senior Superintendent Chester Williams, is based on evidence they have collected against Vasquez. This includes a ring that belonged to Jasmine Lowe that was reportedly discovered in Vasquez’ car. They have also impounded a silver Kia car that belongs to Vasquez, but are said to be seeking another white vehicle, which they believe he drove the day Jasmine went missing. So as not to prejudice the case, the police would not divulge details of their case against Vasquez, except to say that their evidence is solid and does not only include the ring, which the little girl’s mother has identified, giving specifics of the stones on the ring. She had owned the ring for nine years before giving it to Jasmine for her birthday gift a couple months ago, she said.

While there was only one charge against Vasquez thus far, there will be more to follow. Police say that at least eleven other charges will be brought against him on Thursday. These follow statements that have been made by eleven different little girls who have reported individual encounters with Vasquez since Jasmine’s murder, claiming that he had

solicited them, some saying in almost demanding ways for them to get in his vehicle and direct him to locations that he had purportedly been looking for.

One of the girls who came forward was reportedly found inside Vasquez’ car.

He was taking her to a farm in a remote part in the Branch Mouth area and had allegedly offered to purchase all her donuts that she was selling and to pay her if she went with him to show him a location that he had mentioned. Prompted by the recent reports of a strange car following little girls in Cayo since Jasmine’s murder, alert eyewitnesses who saw when the child got into the car on Monday evening (exactly two weeks after Jasmine’s murder) stopped a police patrol and directed them off the dirt road to the direction that the car went with the girl. When police intercepted the vehicle, Vasquez was found with the child inside the vehicle. The BELIZE TIMES understands that the girl has told police that he demanded she perform oral sex on him and that when she refused, he threatened her with a knife.

That was when the police showed up.

Another teen who was on her way to school on a previous occasion told police that he had driven up beside her and begun to ask her very personal questions about her age, what class she was in and where she was heading before asking her to show him a location on the Bullet Tree Road. Like the other girls’ statements, this teen also claims that Vasquez offered her money. He gave up when she refused the first time, but followed her and met her again up the street and asked her to accompany him to Mr Greedy’s Pizzeria. When she repeated that she couldn’t go with him and suggested that he ask a male who was across the street, Vasquez reportedly answered that he did not like dealing with males.

With the arrest of Bert Vasquez today, it is expected that the reward of $10,000 which the San Ignacio community had come up with following Jasmine Lowe’s murder, will be given to the first girl who went to the police to make a report against him. It was based on her report that the police had a clearer idea of who to look for and what type of car was now following Cayo’s young teenaged girls.

14 yr. old accused of raping 7 yr. old Continued from page 1 intercourse multiple times between February and May of last year.

Last week Friday, June 15th – over a year after the alleged incidents – the girl and her mother went to Police to make a report.

The girl said that while she was at a neighbour’s house watching television in one of the rooms with her brother, a 14 year old male came into the room and told them to cover their eyes with the bed sheet. They both did so, and the girl said she was pushed unto the bed and forced to have intercourse.

The girl said she continued to have encounters with the male and he continued to force her into sexual intercourse of the course of two months.

Police say they are searching for the male for questioning.

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Sunday, June 24, 2012

THE BELIZE TIMES

Humor

in UDP Politics!

The following was discussed in Cabinet: - After reviewing the estimates for what is left of the 2012/2013 Budget, Santino was asked by Cabinet to interpret the number. This was his reply: “you know me, I am not afraid to speak my mind, I call it like I see it…basically we are screwed with this one boys, but we could always BARROW”.

- When Boots learnt that his budget allocation would be cut, he began foaming from the mouth and cursing. Santino looked at him and shouted, “Suavecito papi, suavecito”.

- Boots said with less money he won’t be able to go on rehab for being addicted to coke. When King asked whether it was coke in plastic or pint, Boots replied, “they come in both”.

- A resolution was unanimously passed to set up a committee to examine how Gapi got the extra money to purchase a Lexus last year and a Land Cruiser this year, when he was only given seventy thousand dollars. This caused Finnegan to blurt out “stop wasting taxpayers’ time, that easy to answer. He got 70 from the environment, 70 from oil and 70 from land”.

- The Minister of Health was placed as an honoree for the 21st Celebration. He singled out as his best achieved the improvement of the KHMH morgue.

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- Marin asked Rene Montero how come he wasn’t at Wednesday’s protest in San Ignacio. Montero said he couldn’t make it because he was with Contreras in Melchor.

- Montero then asked Marin why wasn’t he at the Doctors’ protest after one of their own professionals was killed.

Marin replied, “that was for Doctors, I’m an electrician!”

- A letter was sent to Cabinet by Delroy Cuthkelvin asking whether Bert Tucker was higher than him in the Government Service. Saldivar said he would deal with it, and wrote at the bottom, “yes D.C., but you get a higher pay. Remember, thanks to me”.

In other related cabinet news: When asked how he intends to grow the economy when there is a $30m shortfall, just before the PM could speak up, the Cabinet Secretary laughed out and said “well we still gat the fertilizer – thanks to Cuthkelvin’s six containers”. …………………..

The Mayor of Belize City was overheard complaining bitterly that the lady who called Belize City “the worst city” should come now and see the City after 100 days. Deputy Mayor asked the Mayor, “what would she would call it now, boss?” Singh interrupted, “likely just the dirtiest, potholed-filled city”. …………………..

A Boots campaigner was heard complaining over the radio that the mayor is a dictator. “Who is he to tell us to be in our beds by 4am, don’t he know that’s the same time Boots is getting up to go from one house to go to another”.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Doctors protest killing of one of their own BELIZE CITY, Tuesday, June 19th, 2012

By Alton Humes The tragic and senseless death of Guatemalan doctor Dr. Ivan Garcia Gomez inside his Guava Street home in Belama Phase 1 sometime between Sunday, June 17th, and Monday, June 18th, has raised great ire and outrage amongst the men and women who interacted and worked with him, in the Accident and Emergency Unit where he served myriads of patients, as well as the overall staff of the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH).

Dr. Garcia was found dead on the floor of his bedroom by a maid who arrived to work on Monday morning.

He was wearing only boxer shorts and appeared to have abrasions to several areas of his body.

While Police investigate why someone would strangle and viciously kill an unarmed, partially-clothed man many of his colleagues say was not a troublemaker or hell-raiser, his fellow doctors, nurses and other staffers of the KHMH, as well as a small crosssection of supporters from NGO’s protested peacefully today.

The action was unusual for a crop of professionals who have little luxury to be boisterous and noisy, and therefore generally don’t engage in protests. But today’s protest was very much a necessity – with the protesters, numbering between 30 to 50 people, walking from the Karl Heusner Memorial (KHMH) Compound on Princess Margaret Drive, up towards the Flag Monument Roundabout connecting Central American Boulevard and back Princess Margaret Drive, then walking around it thrice (once in single file) before returning to the hospital compound. With silence being the order of the afternoon, the protestors let their signs do the talking. With such sentiments as Chaplain Mary Lewis’ ‘Thou shall not be a victim’, et al; others’ posters showing ‘The roots of Violence’ and ‘Tienes valor o te vale?’ that spoke to the brevity of the overall struggle against violent crimes.

After the protest returned, the BELIZE TIMES interviewed one of Dr. Garcia’s work colleagues, Dr. Montejo. Dr. Montejo started to work at the KHMH after Dr. Garcia arrived there nine years ago, and sadly was among the last to see him alive on Sunday evening before Dr. Garcia ended his shift for the day. He too was in utter disbelief over the murder, although doing his best to hide it. He was also very quick to refer to Dr. Garcia as a ‘jovial, light-hearted fellow’ who never got upset, and if he did, never openly showed it.

When asked what he would say to the Police and the political leaders who have been inept in slowing the tide of murders throughout the country, he pounced on it, saying, “Man, wi truly di live eena wa concrete jungle…”, echoing the musical sentiment expressed by the legendary Bob Marley in a song of the same name. He even went further, citing the growing fears amongst all doctors who work overtime and have to go home at night or early morning, especially as they are susceptible to violent crimes

Dwayne Davis against them and their property. And especially since he and his colleagues, like their fallen comrade, are still devoted to the art of healing and care, Dr. Montejo referred to the Government’s attitude as ‘the wrong kind of payback’ for their never-ceasing public work. Such sentiment has come as overall patient care and services had to be halted to observe the protest, although such impromptu action had certain media houses wanting, and even willing to, ‘go upside’ the KHMH’s head.

We can’t begin to compare this to other past protests, but what remains clear is that whether the Government wants to hear it or not, such protests will continue unabated until the Government begins to make those all-too-needed and necessary changes that will stem this continuing ‘red wave’ of terror.

While Police continue their investigations, today they formally arrested and charged 31 year old Dwayne Albert Davis of #23 Freetown Road for the crime of Murder. A post mortem derived that the “cause of death was Asphyxia due to fracture of the right Tyriod Cartillage due to manual strangulation. Other significant contribution to death is close head injury”.

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Open since 1982, Macy’s Cafe closes down next month Continued from page 1 Save-U, Brodies and fellow restaurant Dit’s, will close its doors for good in July of this year.

And with it will go tradition – a place you can go where everybody might or might not know your name, but where you’re guaranteed to eat great Creole food that will surely ‘fill up yu belly-battam real good’. And of course, Macy’s was the place where many local, regional and international names and faces filled their faces in its saloonstyled hall – ranging from Prime Ministers to sportsmen, entertainers, and various celebrities of every stripe.

When we “learnt” of the news, we at the BELIZE TIMES just had to find out whether the rumor was merely just that, or something far worse. And it was - much, much worse than we ever feared when we sat down today with the current owner, and the widow of the restaurant’s founder, Mavis ‘May’ Samuels. Mrs. Samuels was doing her level best to do two things – to not shed tears over the impending closure, and to revel in the vortex of memories that have surrounded, comforted and kept her going for almost 30 years.

She and her husband, Norman “Sam” Samuels, founded the business in August 1982.

The mission was simple at its core – rustic, delicious food in an open and inviting atmosphere, with decent prices [ranging from BZC$9.00 to BZC$15.00] to boot. And that recipe, through the boom of tourism and over every National Government Belize has had to present, has

been a rousing success. And add to that a staggering list of names that have graced that hall including American actors Harrison Ford, Brooke Shields and Darryl ‘Chili’ Mitchell, late American boxing champion Diego ‘Chico’ Corrales, Barbados Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Owen Arthur, right on down to current Prime Minister of Belize, Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow amongst them, not to mention positive reviews in a myriad of local and international quarters – and Macy’s history is rich and inviting enough to live in for a lifetime.

But tradition must always face change – the slow and destructive kind in particular. Macy’s was not immune to it, particularly after the rise of the global financial crisis of the mid-to-late 2000s to present. Not even the still-important tourism sector was of any help, and fellow Belizeans, who sought ways to ‘cheapen’ their working dollar, stopped eating out as a luxury and began giving in to fast food and ‘Chiney-man’ fried chicken, which has made recovery impossible for Mrs. May and her present staff of 4, including a son and three female workers, who all have young mouths to feed.

She put it like this to me, “Why should pipple come here fi good food when dehn cud just go ‘pan Albert Street and buy whateva dehn wahn eat?”

As the days pass, the calendar has now become a deathly countdown for the family business which, after many trying months, can see no silver lining at the end of the proverbial tunnel. Closing down the historic business has become a difficult but real eventuality for the Samuels Family who will be left to figure where they go from here.

In parting, as both joyous gratitude and fitting epitaph, Mrs. May had this to say: “Thanks to all the Belizeans and those abroad who supported us these past 30 years…. God bless them all, and good-bye!!!”

Sunday, June 24, 2012

9

THE BELIZE TIMES

PUP National Council supports new National Executive

June 18, 2012 The People’s United Party convened a meeting of its National Party Council on Saturday, June 16th, 2012, in Belize City where members unanimously approved the Party’s new National Executive: Party Leader - Hon. Francis Fonseca Past Party Leader - Hon. Said Musa Past Party Leader - Hon. John Briceno Deputy Party Leader, North - Hon. Florencio Marin Jr. Deputy Party Leader, Policy & Reform - Ms. Carolyn Trench Sandiford Deputy Party Leader, South Hon. Michael Espat Deputy Party Leader, West - Hon. Julius Espat Deputy Party Leader, East (Rural Affairs) - Hon. Dolores Balderamos Garcia Party Chairman - Mr. Henry Usher Chairman, Northern Caucus Hon. Marco Tulio Mendez Chairman, Western Caucus Hon. Joseph Mahmud Chairman, Eastern Caucus - Dr. Francis Smith Chairman, Southern Caucus Hon. Oscar Requena Campaign Manager, North - Hon. Ramiro Ramirez Campaign Manager, East - Mr. Arthur Saldivar

Deputy Party Leader Hon. Florencio Marin

Campaign Manager, South - Hon. Rodwell Ferguson, Sr. Campaign Manager, West - Senator Collet Montejo Communications Director, North - Hon. Jose Mai Communications Director, East Mr. Kareem Musa Communications Director, South - Hon. Ivan Ramos Communications Director, West Mr. Orlando Habet Chairman, Marshall’s - Mr. Stephen Latchman President, UWG - Mrs. Wendy Castillo President, BYM - Ms. Carla Bradley Chairman, ODS - Mr. Belizario Carballo Legal Advisor - Mr. Anthony Sylvestre, Jr. Party Treasurer - Dr. David Hoy Secretary General - Mrs. Myrtle Palacio Several Party members stood up to strongly raise their voices on a wide range of national issues including crime, the rising cost of living and the UDPs blatant attempts of victimization across the country, particularly in constituencies that gave their overwhelming support for the PUP in the last General Elections.

The Party Leader, the Hon. Francis Fonseca, Past Party Leader Hon.

Party Leader Francis Fonseca

Party Chairman Henry Usher

John Briceño and Deputy Party Leaders addressed the concerns of the gathering and answered the call for a more proactive and progressive approach in dealing with this incompetent, malicious and vindictive UDP government.

The Party reiterated its commitment to working closely with civil society organizations, the struggling business community and the disenfranchised work force of soldiers, nurses, teachers, police and other public officers.

On Saturday, June 16th, 2012, a resounding message came from the rank and file of the People’s United Party and that is: the PUP is strong, united and ready to lead Belize to a better future. - Serve the People!

- END

Former Party Leader Hon. John Briceno

Deputy Party Leader Hon. Dolores Balderamos Garcia

Deputy Party Leader Hon. Mike Espat

Hon. Julius Espat

10

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Duo acquitted of Attempted Murder after prosecution falls apart BELIZE CITY, Wed. June 20, 2012

By Roy Davis Two men, Jermaine Matura, 19, and Lance Welch, 39, charged with 2 counts of attempted murder, were acquitted of the charges in the court of Justice Herbert Lord on Friday, June 15.

It was alleged that on April 2009, Matura and Welch fired shots at Glen Burgess and Keon Francis while Burgess and Francis were on Kraal Road.

The shots missed but two innocent bystanders, two cousins who were standing on Kraal Road, were shot in their hands.

Both Cousins testified that they did not see who shot them. But the prosecution’s case began to fall apart when Burgess took the witness stand and

Jermaine Matura

Lance Welch

said that he could not recall what happened on the night of the incident. This was contrary to a statement he gave to the police.

Crown Counsel Thalia Megan Francis, who represented the prosecution, asked him if he would recognize his signature on the statement if he saw it

Ladyville man accused of vicious machete attack

David Melendez

BELIZE CITY, Wed. June 20, 2012

By Roy Davis David Melendez, 36, a laborer of Plantation Road, Ladyville, who allegedly chopped two men with a machete was charged with 2 counts of attempted murder when he appeared in the #1 Magistrate’s Court on Monday, June 18.

Melendez was also charged with 2 counts of dangerous harm and 2 counts of use of deadly means of harm.

No plea was taken from him because the offences are indictable.

Neither could the court offer him bail because of the nature of the offences. He was remanded into custody until July 18.

The incident occurred around 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 16.

One of the complainants, Antonio Cowo, a resident of Ladyville, reported to the police that he was riding his bicycle on Plantation Road and as he was passing Melendez’s house, Melendez called him and invited him inside.

Cowo said when he entered the house Melendez told him he was waiting for him and Melendez attacked him with a machete.

Armed burglars attack businesswoman inside her home Belize City, June 20, 2012 Police are on the lookout for two male persons accused of home invasion and armed robbery.

A 38 year old businesswoman, who asked to keep her identity concealed, reported to the Police that around 11:30 on Wednesday June 19, she was outside her house on the Northern Highway when she saw two male persons enter her yard. She said she ran inside the house and pulled her daughter with her. Even though she locked the door, the men pounced and kicked down the door.

The men were armed, she reported, and they pointed guns at them demanding money or they would be killed.

The woman, fearing that hurt her daughter would be hurt, handed over her red purse which had $350 and several cell phones. Luckily, it was enough for the armed burglars and they left the house and premises without causing physical harm.

Cowo said Melendez chopped him on the elbow of his left arm and he ran into a room and took cover underneath a bed.

and he said, no. She also asked him if he would recognize the signature of his mother on the statement if he saw it and gain he replied no. As a result, Burgess was deemed a hostile witness.

The case for the prosecution further fell apart when Francis did not appear in court to testify.

Due to the fact that the evidence was insufficient, Justice Lord directed the jury of 9 to return a verdict of not guilty on both counts.

Matura and Welch were not represented by any attorney.

Although they were acquitted of the charges they were not freed because Welch is serving time for money he owes the court and Matura is remanded on another charge.

The police reported that Melendez then went outside and attacked Rodolfo Suarez with the machete and chopped Suarez.

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This Week’s

11

BELIZETIMES SUNDAY JUNE 24, 2012 THE BELIZE TIMES see full color at www.belizetimes.bz or Facebook/ Belize Times

Sunday, June 24, 2012

TOP MODEL Make-Up

tips

By Tania Tanesha (E-mail: mua.tania@ gmail.com, Cell: (501) 604-0736) Summer’s here! Time to relax, take the family on vacation and catch some sun. Work-wear has been traded for linen skirts, hats and flip-flops. The same way you lighten your dress code for the summer, you should lighten your makeup. If you’re worried about keeping a made-up face without the layered, cakey feeling of too much makeup, then this is your week. Belize’s weather averages in the 80s and can get sweltering at times. In the summer, it can be blazing! In my previous articles I’ve explained how to manage your makeup during super hot days, this week; I’ll explain how to keep your makeup lasting longer during hot and humid days, and also, what makeup looks to go for this summer.

First and foremost: PRIME! Yes, primers are the solid foundation of long lasting makeup even through humid weather. Its super lightweight formula provides a smooth base for your makeup. Primers are applied before your foundation for a clean, even look. Also instead of settling for the usual liquid foundation routine, this summer try a lightweight tinted moisturizer. I use ELF’s tinted moisturizer in a medium shade that’s SPF20 to protect my skin from harmful rays. It’s light as a feather and applies like silk, with a tint of color to add luster to my complexion; hydrates and evens my skin tone. How cool is that?

Go light For summer days, go light with your makeup. Apply a bronzer to the high points of your face where the sun would naturally hit: forehead, cheekbones, chin, and nose. If you have pale skin, frame your face with the bronzer on your earlobes and a little on your neck. This would make your look seem more natural. Apply with a loosely bristled brush and blend well.

What’s hot?

The trend for 2012 summer nights would be neon colors on the eyes. Think Nicki Minaj’s neon brights when it comes to eyeshades. Neons and metallic colors are the hottest trend in makeup for the spring and summer season. Go super bold with greens, blues, and even reds.

Remember to balance the look with nude lips, no color needed here. Also, Fashion week this year sported many deep, crimson, wine lipstain on models. I love this color; it’s very sexy and can be worn for almost any time of the day. When going for bold lips, remember to tone it down on the eyes. A nude or natural eye-shadow should be worn to balance off the lips.

Too many colors can seem confusing and cartoon-ish.

Keep hydrated It’s that hot time of year again, so never forget to apply your sunscreen or use products that contain SPF’s for protection. And of course, nothing like good old H2O to keep you hydrated, both inside and out. There’s no excuse not to look fab during the hot and humid summer. Stay hydrated, keep cool and put your best face forward.

Clara • Career Plan: Fashion Designer • Sign: Aries • Favourite Food: Rice & Beans, Chicken & Salad • Likes: Basketball, • exercise, dancing, reading • Lives in Belize City • Fav. Quote: “Honesty is the best policy”

CATWALK FASHIONS What’s Hip...What’s Hot...What’s Now! Phone: 203-2936 / 620-7481 #148 Cor. Queen & North Front Streets Belize City, Belize

12

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Camalote girls repeat as softball champs How they advanced: Camalote girls vs. Corozal champs, Xaibe RC School – 8-1 Belize Rural Primary vs. OW champs, Trial Farm Government School – 16-0 Camalote girls vs. Stann Creek champs, Independence Primary school girls – 6-2 Belize Rural girls vs. Toledo champs, the Forest Home Methodist girls – 3-0 Independence girls vs. Xaibe girls – 5-2 Toledo girls vs. Trial Farm girls – 5-4 Camalote girls vs. Forest Home – 2-1 Belize Rural girls vs. Independence girls – 5-2

St. Jude girls are champs Belize City, June 15, 2011 The St. Jude RC School girls of Camalote village, the Cayo district Rhea Flowers and Renisha Richards came champions, successfully defended home in the 1st inning, and Williams and their title as national primary schools Chelsie Tesecum came home in the 2nd softball champs when they faced the inning to lead 6-0 until Ronisha Rhaburn Belize Rural Primary school girls in scored Belize Rural‘s only run in the bottom the primary schools softball champi- of the 2nd.

The Independence girls won 8-0 over the onship at the MCC grounds on FriToledo girls for 3rd place. day.

The champions, 2nd and 3rd place winThe championship finals MVP pitcher, Renisha Richards, struck out ners received team trophies and individual 3 batters to give up only 1 run as she medals in an award ceremony after the tourled the Camalote girls to a 6-1 win nament, and Camalote’s pitcher Renisha Richards got loud applause when she reover the Belize Rural girls.

Shanae Williams, Kyala Lewis, ceived the Most Valuable Player award.

BELIZE'S #1 SPORTS PAGE

National primary school softball championships

MVP Renisah Reichards pitches

Bze Rural came in 2nd

Independence Primary girls won 3rd

XXIII Central American senior track and field championships

Belize wins gold at 23rd Central American Athletics Championships Managua, June 17, 2012 Team Belizean athletes won 3 gold, 5 silver and 4 bronze medals at the XXIII Central American senior track and field championships held in Managua, Nicaragua over the weekend.

Kenneth Medwood Kenneth clocked 49.81 seconds in the men’s 400m hurdles for the gold on Friday, while Costa Rica’s Gerald Drummond took silver in 53.33 and Guatemala’s Gerber Blanco Mena clocked 53.95 for the bronze.

Tricia Flores Tricia, who is one of Belize’s Senior Track and Field athletes, leaped 5.67 meters for the gold in the Women’s Long Jump on Sunday, while Panama’s Nathalee Aranda took silver at 5.41m and Guatemala’s Estefany Cruz Perez cleared 5.40m for the bronze. Tricia also clocked 12.34 seconds to win bronze medal in the 100m on Friday, in which Belize’s Kai-

na Martinez holds the record: 11.74 seconds, set June 24, 2011. Panama’s Ruth Hunt took the gold in 11.97 seconds and Costa Rica’s Sharolyn Joseph won silver in 12.25 seconds.

Brandon Jones Brandon leaped 15.47 meters in the men’s Triple Jump to win a 3rd gold for Belize on Sunday. Brandon also cleared 7.20m to win silver in the men’s long jump; while Panama’s Juan Mosquera Prado leaped 7.24m for the gold.

Shaneve Swift Shaneve won another silver medal for Belize, clocking 24.82 seconds in the 200m on Saturday, while Panama’s Ruth Hunt took the gold in 24.30 seconds.

Belize’s Kaina Martinez also holds the record in the 200m at 24.17. Shaneve also ran 56.93 seconds in the 400m to claim the bronze on Sunday, while Panama’s Andrea Ferris Quintero took the gold in 55.17 seconds and Honduras’ Heidy Pa-

lacios - the silver in 55.24 seconds.

Shantel Swift Shantel also won silver with a leap of 11.53 meters in the women’s triple jump on Sunday; while Guatemala’s Estefany Cruz Perez took the gold at 12.08m.

Alexia Neal Alexia won Belize another silver medal clocking 1:07:47 in the women’s 400 meter hurdles, while Nicaragua’s Jessica Aguilera took the gold in 1:03:66.

Alexia also clocked 15.87 seconds in the 100 meter hurdles for the bronze; while Honduras’ Jeimmy Benardez Santos won the gold in 13.99 seconds and Costa Rica’s Naomi Smith Wint won the silver in 15.83 seconds.

Shantel and Shaneve Swift, Irice Reyes and Charnelle Enriquez This female relay team won bronze in the 4 x 100 meter relay on Saturday, clocking 50.29, while the Costa Rica won the gold in 47.68 seconds and Panama - the silver in 47.79 seconds. The Swift sisters and Enriquez teamed up with Alexia Neal to place fourth in the women’s 4 x 400 meters on Sunday.

Brandon Jones, Kenneth Medwood, Chavis Lopez and Mark Anderson This male relay team won silver in the men’s 4 x 400 meters, running 3:19.33; while the Costa Ricans won the gold in 3:12.42 and the Nicaraguans took the bronze in 3:19.56.

MVP Renisha Richards

Sunday, June 24, 2012

13

THE BELIZE TIMES

Primary school softball championships

BELIZE'S #1 SPORTS PAGE

Independence boys win softball champs

Indepencence boys are champs

Belize City, June 15, 2011 The Independence Primary School boys, the Stann Creek district champs, won the national primary schools softball championships over the Roaring Creek Nazarene School boys 10-0 to win the championship at the MCC grounds on Friday, June 15.

The Independence boys completely shut out the Roaring Creek boys. Marvin Tzalam and

Christian Mojano scored 2 runs in the 1st inning.

Mark Logan, Camron Linarez, Tzalam, Alden Forman, Mojano and Gegory Almendarez added 6 more runs in the 2nd inning, and Gabriel Ramos and Logan scored 2 runs in the 3rd.

3rd place was won by the Crooked Tree boys who won 3-0 against Trial Farm boys with runs by Lawrence Banner, Ethan Wade and Jonathan Louriano.

The champions, 2nd and 3rd place winners received team trophies and individual medals in an award ceremony after the tournament, and Independence’s pitcher Gregory Almendarez received the Most Valuable Player award.

Belize City interoffice basketball competition

Belize City interoffice basketball competition

Tuff e’Nuff leads Interoffice basketball with 8-1 record

Alamilla’s Furniture beats Quan’s Trading and YFF

Belize City, June 17, 2011 Tuff e’Nuff posted three consecutive wins to continue their lead in the 2012 Belize City interoffice basketball competition at Bird’s Isle over the weekend.

Tuff e’Nuff record is almost undefeated with 8 wins and only 1 loss. They enjoyed their 8th win 63-49 over the Police on Saturday.

Farron Louriano led the attack with 17 points and 8 boards as Tuff e’Nuff led 19-13 in the 1st quarter.

Rico Black drained in 3 treys for 9 points and Keith Acosta also hit a trey for 8 points to lead 33-25 at the half. Raul Roches’ 7 points and Trevor Meighan’s 6 points saw them up 49-33 at the end of the 3rd quarter. Eckroy Yorke led the cops with 11 points, while Maurice Martinez and Carl Johnson had 8 points each and Davis Guzman 6 points.

Tuff e’Nuff also neutralized Belize Telemedia 66-60 for their 7th win on Friday night. Ashton Edwards led the scoring with 21 points, while Lennox Cayetano led Telemedia with 15 points and 10 boards.

Tuff E’Nuff had also defeated Youth For the Future 76-74 last Thursday evening. Farron Lauriano led with 23 points and six boards while Brian White led YFF’s scoring with 21 points and 10 rebounds.

Davis Guzman scored 6 pts

Belize City, June 17, 2011 The Alamilla’s Furniture team posted back to back wins as the 2012 Belize City interoffice basketball competition continued at Bird’s Isle over the weekend.

Alamilla’s enjoyed their 6th win when they defeated Quan’s Trading Company 62-57 on Saturday. Greg “Chippy” Rudon scored 18 points and led Alamilla’s scoring.

They took the lead from the start, 18-10 lead in the 1st quarter and 27-22 at the half.

Jacob “Snake” Leslie led Quan’s scoring with 15 points, but it wasn’t enough to catch up Alamilla’s who extended their lead 43-33 in the 3rd quarter and got the win at the end of the game.

Alamilla’s had also trounced Youth for the future 75-66 on Friday.

Other games: Quan’s Trading vs. Maria Chang – 57-52 Maria Chang vs. Conscious Youth Development Program – 65-64

Maria Chang’s Ronald Rivers scored 12pts

How they advanced: Roaring Creek boys vs. Corozal champs, Ranchito Government School – 5-3 OW champs, Trial Farm boys vs.

Crooked Tree – 2-0 Independence boys vs. Roaring Creek – 3-2 Crooked Tree vs. Toledo champs, Toledo Christian Academy boys – 5-2 Roaring Creek boys vs.

Ranchito boys – 4-0 Toledo Christian Academy vs.

Trial Farm – 2-1 Roaring Creek boys vs.

Trial Farm boys –10-2 Independence boys vs.

Crooked Tree boys – 8-1

Miami Heat beats Oklahoma City Thunder, takes 3-1 lead in NBA Finals

LeBron James and the Miami Heat drive past Thabo Sefolosha (r.) and the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 4 to take a commanding 3-1 lead in the NBA Finals Wednesday, June 20, 2012

By Tom D’Angelo MIAMI — Palm Beach Post Staff Writer The Miami Heat is one game from silencing the critics and disappointing the haters.

The Heat overcame a slow start in which it trailed by 17 points in the first quarter and dominated the final minutes of the fourth quarter on the way to a 10498 victory Tuesday night at AmericanAirlines Arenas.

Miami leads the Finals 3-1 and can win the second title in franchise history — and the first since it became scorned nationally when LeBron James and Chris Bosh joined Dwyane Wade two summers ago — Thursday night in Miami.

“We’re excited about the opportunity to have a chance to play for it,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said.

“We know at the same time, we have to stay the course. There will be an incredible amount of noise on the outside, and we have to focus on staying in the moment.”

The Thunder needs a victory to assure sending the series back to Oklahoma City, where it then would need to win twice to become the first team in Finals history to overcome a 3-1 series deficit.

All 30 teams that have led 3-1 in the Finals have gone on to win the championship.

“One of the things I know — I can guarantee this — is we have fight in us,” Oklahoma coach Scott Brooks said. “Obviously our backs are up against the wall. Win or go home.”

14

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Sunday, June 24, 2012

THE BELIZE TIMES

Gales Point Government School graduates 21 Gales Point, June 14, 2012 On Thursday, June 14, 2012 Graduation Exercises were held for twenty-one students of the Gales Point Government School at Galilee Gospel Church in Gales Point Village.

Nine students graduated from Primary School and Twelve students graduated from the Pre-School program in an entertaining and exciting combined ceremony for the Primary and PreSchool classes. Seemingly, the whole village turned out for this important occasion, which was held under the Theme “Shining Our Lights into the Future!�

The Opening remarks were made

by Pastor Kenneth Welch, with the Pre-school Report done by Ms. Alexandria Castillo, the Pre-school teacher, and the Primary School Report done by Principal Mr. Derrick Martinez. Parents, family and guests were then entertained with songs, rhymes, jingles and wise sayings from the Pre-Schoolers and Primary School graduates.

The Valedictory Address was delivered by top student Brenesha Myers, who along with several other students, did well in the PSE Exams of

Gales Point Government School 2012 graduating classes this year. Gales Point Government School students have been improving overall in performance in the PSE, an encouraging sign for this small school of just over one hundred children. Brenesha aims high, as she asserted that she aspires to become a forensic scientist.

Guest Speaker was Ms. Myrna Manzanares, who reminded the graduates that they are special and should therefore uphold their human dignity at all times. Special Guest was Area Representative Hon.

Hon. Dolores with Valedictorian Brenesha Myers (center) & Ms. Shelly

15 Dolores Balderamos Garcia, who presented gifts to all the graduates and congratulated parents, teachers and families for ensuring that their children have come this far and for supporting them so that they may continue to achieve. Accompanying Hon. Dolores were Ms. Mirlin Plunkett, former Rural Development Officer, Ms. Audrey Myvett, Ms. Delvorine Reyes, Mr. Richard Arnold and Mr. Bernard Bennett. Also in attendance was Local Manager Dr. Tanya Nunez.

Certificates and Awards were distributed by Ms. Doris Jenkins, Ms. Carol Aranda and Principal Derrick Martinez.

Graduating from Pre-School were Kevin Andrewin, Khan Castellanos, Gerald Flowers, Ashton Usher, Charleston Myers, Kareem Smith, Elsworth Welch, Keandra Flowers, Myrtle Welch, Randeen Chavez, Jerome Vasquez, and Ledrawn Perez.

Graduating from Primary School were Anton Andrewin, Lincoln Dwehene, Tyron Flowers, Chelsea Martinez, John Moore, Tereek Moore, Brenesha Myers, Ionie Samuels and Shaquiel Welch.

The uplifting and inspiring ceremonies concluded with the School Song, a Reflection by John Moore and the Vote of Thanks by Anton Andrewin.

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16

THE BELIZE TIMES

Dizzy UDP duo disses Minister Saldivar, embarrasses PM Barrow Belize City, June 18, 2012 It is a known fact that the UDP is a better opposition party and the PUP is better to lead. Undoubtedly two rabid UDPs who are still in opposition mode defending their Government by making fun of the hardships faced by Belizeans and still blaming everything on the PUP are the nasty loudmouths on Wave Radio’s “Wus Ting Da Mawnin”.

Monday morning saw an unusual kind of bickering from the dizzy duo: one is said to be the “real Mayor” at the UDP Belize City Council while the attorney son attends to Court cases, and the other is said to be the confused editor of the UDP newspaper. Confused they both must have been. The duo had a mouthful to say about a National Security Ministry led by UDP leader-aspirant John Saldivar, and the Police’s inability to deal with gangs, who are being paid by the Government to support an “illusionary truce” while shootings are rampant.

The UDP hosts turned their anger at the GSU, accusing the UDP’s special Police Unit of wrongdoing.

“Dem need to review the GSU. Dem feel like dem cud just run through everybody,” spouted nasty mouth Joe. “I agree. Hear weh dem name: Gang Suppression Unit…dah when last deh suppress wah gang,” joked loudmouth Fonso, before admitting that a few weeks ago he narrowly escaped being busted by Police in a local club where there was crack cocaine.

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Mayor’s vehicle un-official business?

Why does the Mayor’s vehicle stop on Hopkins Street regularly?

Dizzy Fonso detained

Dizzy Joe under Police arrest We’re not sure if nasty-mouth Joe was afraid of the GSU or he was making fun of them, but he repeatedly said before signing off, “I am hoping that I am not searched by the GSU”.

Following the show, it is reported that both men got calls from the Minister of National Security John Saldivar asking if they were high on something during the show.

Belize City, June 18, 2012 In April, the BELIZE TIMES had questioned whether anyone at the San Pedro Town Council was aware that a vehicle belonging to the Council had been seemingly abandoned and left to gather dust in a private yard in Belize City. The vehicle, a silver-colored Jeep Liberty, was hard to miss for our probing eyes as it displayed “Mayor” on its San Pedro license plates.

Well, there is good news because a few days later someone moved the vehicle and it wasn’t ex-UDP Mayor Elsa Paz. She once owned the vehicle but ended up selling it to the Council for the same price it was bought despite the two years’ wear-and-tear.

The vehicle seemed to have been put to immediate use as it has been seen around the city, strolling to and fro daily, like a hot tamales delivery vehicle. Seems

in order right? Not quite. The purpose of the vehicle was for the Mayor to use whenever he travelled to Belize City. So unless the Mayor has moved to Belize City and is running the affairs of San Pedro like the Prime Minister is running the nation’s affairs, by remote control, something is terribly wrong.

What caught our attention most is that every faithful afternoon, the vehicle is seen on Hopkins Street in King’s Park, at a certain street, picking up a certain young Hispanic girl. This wasn’t quite in order either, unless the Mayor knows something his San Pedro family doesn’t know.

In April we had to ask the Mayor to reclaim the town council’s property. This time we have to ask him to explain what is going on with the council’s property.

What’s the un-official business?

Sunday, June 24, 2012

THE BELIZE TIMES

Ministers out of touch with the peoples’ needs

By Gilroy Usher, Sr. (PUP Standard Bearer for Port Loyola)

Today many of the ministers of government are riding around the country in unnecessary expensive luxurious vehicles that cost, for some over $100,000 each. What a waste of taxpayers’ money! Ministers can easily purchase roadworthy vehicles that reach any part of the country for much less.

The Prime Minister recently stated that things will get very hard in Belize for the foreseeable future. That’s because in the budget that will be presented next week, spending on community projects and social programs will be reduced by over $30 million.

This is a result of a bad economy which is forecasted to see a deep decline in oil revenue and earnings from agriculture and other sectors.

Needless to say, the unnecessary expensive spending for ministers will not be affected by the huge cuts in the budget. While ministers keep their expensive luxurious rides that cost $100,000 or more in the next fiscal year the new budget will result in huge cut backs in spending for crime prevention, better health care, more access to education, road maintenance, and adequate water supply among other important things.

The PM said that the govern-

ment only provides a minister with $75,000 of taxpayers’ money to purchase a vehicle and anything over that amount is paid by the particular minister himself. That, of course, is total bull. If that is indeed the case, let them publish the names of all the ministers who have luxurious vehicles that cost over the $75,000 with the receipts that show that they paid the difference out of their pockets. The truth is that whenever there is a change of government most ministers hand in their vehicles, while a few of them purchase the vehicles that they use for their ministerial work for about one-fifth of the cost just before an election.

That has been the reality in Belize for decades now. Nobody is therefore buying the P.M’s. nonsense that his ministers are actually paying thousands of dollars out of their pockets for their luxurious rides that often cost more than double the amount allocated for in the budget.

Today ministers drive around their constituencies in luxurious vehicles and tell the people that they have no money to address their concern of jobs, housing assistance, access to electricity, sporting facilities, and other basic but essential things. It just shows how out of touch the government is with the people and their needs.

We therefore say to the ministers: stop using those unnecessary expensive luxurious vehicles that cost $100,000 or more at taxpayers’ expense. Use the savings for needed community projects in your constituencies to help the people cope with the worst hard times they’re experiencing in the country.

17

The Influence and Power of Television

By Stanley Lemus Rt. Hon. Said Musa, former Education Minister, former Prime Minister, former PUP Leader, and one of our elder statesman, in one of his speeches some years ago was talking about the influence of the powerful medium called the television and the effects it has to develop or destroy our minds as a people.

Some of his words were “the television is worse than an invading army of 10,000men”.

That statement may seem abstract and meaningless to many of us. But time has now proven based on the course of events now confronting us, be they good or bad, that Hon. Said Musa made that statement as a visionary and with a lot of meaning. The powerful medium called T.V. has taken control of many of our lives, taking away our values, our morals and has been influencing even many of our actions.

Some Belizeans have been so taken and hypnotized by this medium that we believe everything as gospel and truth. Whilst I agree that T.V. does have some good programmes, the majority of what it shows is worthless junk. As an example, check the cartoons for our kids. They used to be done with some level of fun and morale but not anymore. They now promote deception, lewdness, cheating and violence. For many the T.V. has taken over our minds and created a new type of mental slavery.

In our country there is no censorship on any television

broadcast. Seeing that we like to copy and rubber stamp what others are doing, then perhaps we ought to copy what Barbados does in relation to T.V. broadcasting.

There is more control there. There is less crime and societal decay, and more economic growth.

As was foretold by Hon. Said Musa, this medium has helped to stop us from reading good books, it influences our diets, our live styles, the way we dress, the places we go, and most importantly it causes a serious decay in our judgment, making us believe that everything is okay to do, be it right or wrong, good or bad.

Is it any wonder then, that our current state of affairs and development is where it’s at? Perhaps, the Hon. Said Musa who is still an active politician/parliamentarian may want to take up the challenge to advocate for change on the unlimited and unfiltered way of T.V. broadcasting by calling for measures of census. This will not go down lightly with many Belizeans but I am sure the churches, NGOs and other groups would and should join in such a campaign. When our cinemas were up and running, there were censorship laws that were enforced and upheld.

So for those trapped inside the box and who don’t have any desire to change or rock the boat, I say get on board and support a move to rid us of any medium that is destroying our minds. As our weather changes regularly, we must too. Learn to embrace changes as long as it is for the good of Belize. Let us all embrace changing television broadcast where it will provide service to our people as a nation and not the dis-service it now gives.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Sunday, June 24, 2012

THE BELIZE TIMES

Are Zenaida Moya & UDP corruption off the hook?

Belize City, June 13, 2012 As we become more technologically advanced, information continues to flow all over the websites about Belize; some good but most bad thanks to this two-term UDP Government.

The thing called Corruption is so bad it has crept into almost every single way of life especially inside this UDP government. The term “Imagine the possibilities” was and continues to be real under this UDP crowd.

If the following examples aren’t corruption then I don’t know what is. These were taken from the report of the Auditor General for the year April 2009 to March 2010. When you see and read this, you will understand why this report has not been tabled in the House of Representatives.

Auditor’s Report and Observations on Belize City Council: Overpayment of Salary - $69,231.29 Mayor Belize City Council. Examination of salaries and allowances paid to the Mayor of Belize City for period March 2006 to 31st December 2008 revealed she was overpaid $69,231.29. This was a result of $8,900 per month instead of her approved salary of $6,000 per month. Details of monthly payments are shown as follows: $3,000 salary per month paid from payroll; $5,400 stipend per month paid from Finance, and $500 per month as telephone allowance.

According to a Copy of the City Council’s minutes of Meeting held in March 17th, as provided by Ministry of Local Government, the Council met and greed to the following: Councilors Agreement for 2006 – 2009 Stipend/ Allowances: Mayor $6,000 month stipend. Allowances: Mayor will continue to get special gas allowance. If payments were made as per Minutes of Meeting the Mayor should have received a total of $204,000 for the period March 2006 to 31st December 2008, instead of the $273,231.29 that she was actually paid.

Please note that this amount did

Zenaida Moya not include payments made for the period March 2006 to September 2006. But the cash book disappeared and could not be located. This was brought to the attention of the Financial Manager and the Internal Auditor whose attempts to locate the cash book were unsuccessful.

The report went on to state that the Mayor also received a vacation grant of $19,000. Based on said Report, the Mayor received Vacation grants twice in 2007 and 2008. Nothing in the Council’s minutes reflected any approval for any vacation grant. It was also noted, that the Mayor received almost unlimited fuel for her assigned vehicle E-1568 and also another one, with license plate C-001 registered in her name and the name of another person.

These vehicles received fuel on a regular basis paid from the Council’s fund.

The question that needs to be asked is whether the same thing is still going on at City Hall? Will our Government stop brushing things under the carpet, and call for correcting many of these illicit practices of corruption currently being carried out in a lot of Ministries?

Mr. Prime Minister, stop pretending, your ship is way off course. The thing called Nepotism, Greed and Corruption has ruined Belize’s reputation under your leadership. It’s time to go, Dean Barrow.

19

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Sunday, June 24, 2012

21

THE BELIZE TIMES

The Inevitability of Same-Sex Marriage June 7, 2012 Godfrey Smith

Flashpoint

For some time afterwards, I kept returning to my conversation with the sixth formers. It was like a refreshing pool of hope that I could mentally plunge into. They had agreed to be interviewed one Saturday afternoon about homosexuality, God and religion. I doubt they were representative of their peers. Not that it mattered. They were obviously very intelligent and thought critically about these issues.

Their responses were natural, instinctive, unstudied. There was one atheist among them (praise God!). The others believed in the Christian God but didn’t think that he concerned himself with the day-to-day affairs of humankind, let alone spy, like a celestial peeping Tom, on the sex lives of one particular specie of the several million species of animals that inhabit the earth. They were divided on whether the bible was actually God’s word or just another important piece of literature, but unanimous that it could hardly be a reference guide to modern living.

While each asserted his/her heterosexuality, they were comfortable with members of the LGBT community and felt that such persons had a right to privacy and to pursue a lifestyle that made them happy, provided that minors were not hurt in the process. What struck me most was how easily they laid bare religious hypocrisy and double standards.

Why was it, they mused, that adultery (prohibited as one of the Ten Commandments) carried no criminal penalty in modern Christian societies but consensual sex between adult males (not important enough to make it into the Decalogue) did? It seemed to them irrational that sex between consenting male adults behind closed doors would be considered more destructive to the values of society than adultery which destroys families and thus the building block of society. If penalties are to be ascribed for acts of “sexual immorality” corrosive of social mores, then the approach of Islamic states like Iran and Afghanistan is at least more consistent. There, both homosexuality and adultery attracts equal punishment (death). In Christianity, there is the dumbfounding double standard of homosexuals being violently assaulted in broad daylight while pedophiliac priests are not hounded from their sacristies and lapidated but shifted to another parish.

Neither was it lost on them that women are routinely disrespected in religious culture. One piece of evidence offered of God’s condemnation of homosexuals is his wholesale destruction, by fire and brimstone, of the city of Sodom, except for Lot who God found to be righteous. When the men of Sodom demanded that Lot hand over his two male house guests (disguised angels) so that they could sodomize them, Lot handed over his two virgin daughters instead to be gang-raped by the men. He himself later impregnates both daughters, after being made drunk by them. He was too drunk to perceive when they laid with him and when they left, but

not too drunk to fill them with his seed. Yet it is Lot’s wife who God - with more than a hint of misogyny - turns into a pillar of salt just for looking over her shoulder at his spectacular fireworks as he “burnt fire” on the Sodomites.

If, they mused, Belize was a constitutional democracy as opposed to a theocracy (like Iran or Afghanistan that apply the Sharia code of Islamic law), why were people getting bent out of shape about an individual challenging the constitutionality of a law that criminalizes homosexuality. In places like Saudi Arabia there are religious police and people are brought before religious courts to enforce conformity with Sharia law.

In Belize, however, the constitution - a piece of man-made law - is the supreme law of the land, not the Bible or ecclesiastical law. The constitution recognizes the dignity of the human person and the equal and inalienable human rights of all persons.

Those human rights evolved from the notion that every human being - as distinct from the other animals - is worthy of respect. Human dignity is the fundamental and foundational value that underlies and gives meaning to the other human rights. If each human being is worthy of respect then each should be have an equal and inalienable right to life, liberty, privacy, equality and the right to be free from inhuman and degrading treatment.

What is wrong about the criminalization of consensual same sex conduct is that it relegates persons to an inferior status and degrades their dignity by declaring their most private and intimate feelings “unnatural” and criminal and invades their right to privacy and equality.

The coalition of Belizean churches that have closed ranks in opposition to UNIBAM’s constitutional challenge to the criminalization of homosexuality feels compelled to do so because they say that once this piece of moral ground is lost to the ungodly the next battle will be over same-sex marriage. Why deny it? They are right, though that battle might be many years away in Belize.

The argument for same-sex marriage flows from the universally accepted human rights norm that all persons (gays, lesbians and straights) are conferred with inherent dignity and equality. Since they are, then every adult person must have an equal right to participate in the basic institutions of society, marriage being one, unless there is empirical evidence that allowing gays and lesbians to marry has harmful effects. There is no evidence to suggest that the incidence of child abuse, domestic violence or exposure to crime, violence or any other negative value system would be any higher in same-sex couples than currently exists in opposite-sex marriages.

Opposite-sex couples get married because they jointly want to make a legally binding commitment, the implications of which are readily understood and known by the society. Persons who for complex biological reasons are homosexual or bisexual might desire to make that same legally binding commitment just like opposite-sex couples. The right to marry should therefore not be legally defined as the right to marry someone of the opposite sex just as it is not defined as the right to marry someone of the same ethnic group.

This article was reproduced from www.flashpointbelize.com

LABOURING IN THE VINEYARD PART 1

[Book Review by Dr. The Hon. Ralph E. Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines of Sir Shridath Ramphal’s Collected Counsel on the occasion of the Launch of Caribbean Challenges at Cave Hill, UWI, Barbados, on June 13, 2012]

First of all, I must thank most sincerely Sir Shridath “Sonny” Ramphal for the opportunity to review his book Caribbean Challenges which is being formally launched this evening.

It is not every day that a Caribbean icon of international renown requests your humble servant to review the latest of his impressive intellectual outpourings. I took Sir Shridath’s polite request as a mandatory injunction to review the book. To have demurred would have been an abdication of my duty to the people of the region and a derogation from my personal sense of responsibility. So, here I am at a locale which holds pleasant memories for me: I lectured at Cave Hill in the Faculty of Social Sciences for three years between 1976 and 1979 until my contract of employment was frustrated through a determination by the then government of Barbados on the alleged ground that I was “an agent of Cuban communism”, and thus a threat to national security. My work permit was thus summarily revoked. That was par for the course at the height of the Cold War! In the volume under review, Sir Shridath provides counsel in thirteen essays and speeches covering a range of subjects including leadership, jurisprudence, knowledge and ideology, international development and global politics, vision for the Caribbean, diplomacy, the environment and climate change, international trade, Caribbean history, and our region’s political economy but with one central focus: the impact of it all on the deepening of the process of regional integration in the interest of the Caribbean, especially those we know as “West Indians”.

Four of the speeches in Sir Shridath’s book are memorials to four outstanding Caribbean nationals: Prime Minister Williams of Trinidad and Tobago; the intellectual giant, Rex Nettleford

Continued on page 26

22

THE BELIZE TIMES

To Honor My Father Today, I would like to write about a man who has lived an exemplary lifestyle and has been an excellent example in my life. This man is my father.

You know sometimes one may wonder why children’s behaviors differ from family to family, and I do believe the input of a father is paramount in this regard.

I can remember as a young boy not having much but being appreciative of what I had. I was taught many values by my Dad as he toted me around with him. Some values have stuck with me all these years. For example, one day we went to visit a friend of his and he said, “Hello Gusto,” so I said the same only to be corrected. “For me it is Gusto. For you it is Mr. August“.

I remember his advice that he was always content with what he had, not desiring other people’s stuff. Because of this I have always been able to be content with what I have. Though this might seem simple to you, I personally believe it has made me into an honest person as I have learnt to be content with my possessions, and as a result refrained from stealing and covetousness.

I also owe my Dad for the trade I am currently using to make a living. I am surviving on a job that I love, so for the past six months I haven’t worked a day in my life. I can remember every week my Dad forcing me to practice my current trade. I would practice but with a long mouth, pouting the whole time through. I had no idea that practice would be feeding me now!

Another thing that means the world to me which I got from my Dad was that I never saw him hitting on my Mom. Because of this, up to this day, after over sixteen years in marriage I have never hit my other half. Instead, I honor and love on her.

My Dad never came home drunk at night and I never felt, as a young child, the need to run and hide from him. He neither drank nor smoked, and so I have always felt safe with him.

I also never saw my Dad look or touch inappropriately any of my sisters and in a country where I keep hearing this heinous act done over and over I have the best example of how to treat my girls!

One example set by my dad as I clearly recall is the working of two jobs. He had his eight-to-five job and he would go back out in the night to work taxi until early in the morning just to provide for his family. He was a hard working man.

Today as I take care of my family I have pleasant thoughts of my dad in the back of my mind as I live his example, allowing pure love to flow from my heart and my actions towards them.

To top it all off I must admit that although I am a grown man caring for my own family I know that of all the persons in the world that I can call upon, there is one man that I know no matter what the time or the place, once he is healthy, he will respond to the call of his son.

I say thanks Dad. You have been there through the years for your children and I dare say that it is easy for me to know God as a Father because of being your son!

Until next week God bless!

THE WORLD IS READING

THE BELIZE TIMES www.belizetimes.bz

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Sunday, June 24, 2012

23

THE BELIZE TIMES

My Rights...

My Rights...

Can you find in the puzzle and circle the rights belo Can you find in the puzzle and circle the rights below.

Hola!

I was watching a morning show on the T.V. and a pastor was talking about human rights as being less important than the community’s rights.

My Mom says that human rights are the rights of the community because they help to make our countries and our lives better.

Think about this, because of human rights and most importantly the United Nations Convention (Agreement) on the Rights of the Child our right to grow up with our parents, go to school, see a doctor, share our thoughts with others or be alive are protected.

Imagine you are going to school and because you are doing badly the government took you out and put you to work at job where you get only a shilling a day as your pay.

Imagine if you had a disability when you are born and the government told the doctors you should not live.

Or think about this in some countries girls are not taken to see doctors because they are thought of as less important than boys. Many end up dying.

How do you think our lives are better because of respecting human rights?

H V E U B T W E D S I U M S X

Q T S Y W M B E X L U A N U B

S T L O I W T W R D E V O L H

L T P A B C N S F W F S K A U

E I F E E G O P Y H N S P M B

To Be Loved

G C V T M H I E T P H P A J Y

Q X O E M U T A Z V Y W V Y P

T R M X I Q A K Y Z D O L T I

P E R E U R C F D Q T X X C G

C T N O I F U V K Y N N Z P H

EDUCATION HAPPY HEALTH LIVE LOVED PROTECTED SPEAK

Can you help the children find their way home from school?

To Be Loved

Can you help the children find their way home from school?

Q Q H M G Z D B J B P E A K B

G G Y M E B E G Z V S Q D F X

U W G G A S H L N L C B C J U

P Y C V R H P G T T P M Q Z D

N J A E E L H N X H I L M X L

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, June 24, 2012

New book explores

“Facebook Education”

PAGE The Priest and The Politician

An artist’s struggle

By Roy Davis Yoho brother man In my opinion There isn’t much difference Between a priest And a politician.

The priest or father Is a real deceiver He is a fake prophet Who wants you to accept A false doctrine Fraught with lies and half truths From end to beginning.

According to him If you do the right thing You’ll go to heaven A place some where High up in the sky But if you live in sin If you do the wrong thing You’ll burn forever In hell fire.

The politician On the other hand Is also guilty of deception He uses pretty speech To make promises He will never keep He will tell you That with your vote With your support He’ll make life better for you Here on earth While that may be true It is only for a few In this case I am the judge You readers are the jury The judges of my poetry Son in all fair play I must tell you I must say You’re not bound to accept Everything I say For though it’s my conclusion That the priest and the politician They are one and the same man It is also my opinion That not every politician is a priest And not every priest is a politician That is my summation.

Belize City, June 19, 2012 Being an artist has become one of the worst paying careers in Belize. It’s so bad it’s not even considered applicable for minimum wage. Artists get no “wage”, no weekly salary, no special government subvention and many times the “thank yous” for a job well done is too far in between, if any comes one’s way any at all.

But aside the thanklessness, being an artist is also one of the most self-gratifying “careers”.

Once an artist completes a job, seeing it go from concept to reality, it’s a masterpiece to the beholder.

One man struggling in the art industry but relentlessly pursuing his goal to continue creating masterpieces is veteran rap/reggae artist and film actor, Dan Man. Dan Man, who is also known as Allison Hemsley, has been involved in music since he was 13 years old. His first music was released when she was about 23 years, and since then it’s been a rollercoaster ride for him, with steady climbs and free falling.

Even with such artistic seniority, Dan Man is struggling like every other artist in Belize. This week he stopped by the BELIZE TIMES promoting his 5 year old reggae album titled “SCROLL”. Scroll was produced in 2007, a much different time when art seemed to be a worthy career and artists benefitted from opportunities.

But Dan Man is no easy pushover and he intends to keep fighting in the struggle.

“I am well known, yet I cannot get a job. Something is deeply wrong,” said Dan Man, before he pointed out that businesses seem to be politically motivated even when selecting workers. He has had to depend on street sales and support from friends. Just last year, Dan Man released the single “Taiyad a gat nothing”, and while the song became the anthem of the oppressed, it apparently never reached the ears of the nation’s leaders.

Belize City, June 19, 2012 The Image Factory Art Foundation announces the public presentation of a new book: “Facebook Education: From Middle School to Old School and From the USA to Belize” by educator Francis “Frank” Palacio.

The book will be presented at the Image Factory in Belize City on Wednesday June 27, 2012 at 10:00am.

Francis aka Frank Palacio was born and raised in Belize and educated at St. Joseph School, St. Johns College, and Belize Technical College, all in Belize City. He continued his education at California State University Los Angeles and Chapman University in the Los Angeles, California area.

The book is part autobiography and part treatise on the impact popular social networking FACEBOOK has had not only on Mr. Palacio, but on people all over the world.

In the book, Mr. Palacio interviewed people he has come across on Facebook and asked them to talk about their experience using the popular social networking website.

People interviewed include a college professor, a deacon, a professional actor, an engineer, an author, a beauty queen, a nurse, a business person and the founder of Beinggarifuna.com, –that is, Teofilo Colon Jr (a.k.a. “Tio Teo” or “Teofilo Campeon”).

Palacio is a graduate of California Sate University, Los Angeles. He obtained a teaching credential and a masters degree in education from Chapman University. In 2005, Frank was one of a select group of teachers chosen to attend the UCLA Writing Project as a fellow.

Sunday, June 24, 2012

THE BELIZE TIMES

THINK ABOUT IT PREDATOR CAUGHT IN CAYO There was a media frenzy in San Ignacio this Wednesday.

Information that a youngish businessman from Belize City was a “suspect” in the death of 13 year old Jasmine Lowe was too much for residents.

Since early Wednesday morning the crowd started to gather in front of the building housing the Court and the Police Station where the “suspect” was being held.

The television media had reported a most sensational matter. A ring said to belong to Jasmine was reported being found in the “suspect’s” vehicle. Since outside of court one plus one is either two or eleven, this man must be the killer of Jasmine. But this type of speculation could be deadly wrong.

To make it worse, two young teenagers reported to Police that the “suspect” had attempted to lure them into his car.

Even offering money to each on separate occasions this week.

The “suspect” was in fact apprehended by Police based on the description of the car given by the teens. He is reported to have been caught with another teenager in his car.

San Ignacio residents are understandably all riled up. Especially as 9:00am passed without the suspect being charged. When the “suspect” was finally charged it was for the murder of the teenager. Police say he can be charged for at least eleven more accusations.

100 DAYS OF NOTHING One Hundred Days of Nothing.

That was the headline of this newspaper last week to describe the first one hundred days of the newly elected government.

Who coined the phrase is an artist. A journalistic genius.

Nothing so describes the government’s first one hundred days as nothing.

The country is in for a long brutal and hardest of times.

SPECIAL EFFECTS Special Effects is supposedly the name of a company in Belmopan.

It came in for scrutiny when former Public Service Minister started pushing other government Ministers to purchase exclusively from this company.

Since the same Minister took over Defence and Police and the corruption filled Immigration Department his new instruction is that these departments are to buy everything from Effects.

We advise public officers to follow the public services regulations and financial orders. Get three quotations before a purchase is made. Purchases of a certain amount must be done by the tendering process.

If the Prime Minister wishes to avoid more scandal he should investigate the business already underway with Special Effects and BDF. Also the wholesale sale of visas criteria unabated and the Immigration Department – with money links all the way to the top. Changing the Department from one Ministry to another cannot stop this ingrained hustling and corruption.

GODWIN SLIPS Godwin Hulse is the new, one hundred days old, Minister of Local Government, Labor and NEMO. This is a tiny Ministry that can easily takes on Housing, Fire Service, Forestry, Agriculture, Fisheries, Aviation and several more departments.

The past week Minister Hulse gath-

ered some two hundred public officers from his departments to lay out how he will govern them.

They gathered in Placencia at a place called Robert’s Grove.

We trust this wasn’t the expensive resort of the same name?

We trust taxpayers’ money was not spent at this resort.

We trust Godwin Hulse will get a call from Henry Gordon advising him that Ministers don’t manage personal or dayto-day administration of government departments.

FOOT DRAGGING LABOUR Antonio “Pancho Villa” Gonzalez and James McFoy have been the steadfast and loyal labor leaders of the Christian Workers Union.

In a public, labour relations dispute between CWU and one of the agencies its workers belongs to, James McFoy, General Secretary of the CWU described the Labour Department as a “foot-dragging department”.

The sentiment has been long held by the suffering workers and labourers of this country. They believe the Labour Department is biased and in favour of employers and does not aggressively look after the welfare of employees.

McFoy, in a moment of disappointment and frustration with the Labour Department told a TV interview that he would not hold back and would speak bluntly about the Labour Department . “It is a foot dragging department.”

Respect is due, McFoy. JASON CANTO’S MURDERER It was disturbing to hear on Channel 5 that the eye witness to the murder of Jason Canto three weeks ago will not be identifying the murderer.

The murderer shot Jason canto from close range in a barber shop and was himself shot by the witness.

Now that the murderer is out of hospital, the Police requested the witness to attend an identification parade.

The witness either refused to identify the suspect or was unable to identify the suspect or simple decided not to get any more involved.

We do not know if he is scared or was threatened or genuinely unable to identify the suspect.

Jason Canto’s murderer will likely walk away from justice.

DISCRETION During a television interview Assistant Commissioner of Police Elodio Aragon Jr. used the word “discretion”.

He said that a number of irritants, and frustrating matters involving Police officers could be resolved by use of a little bit of discretion by Police Officers.

Police Officers in Belize are known for their complete lack of discretion.

Bulls in chin closets.

And citizens get the unfortunate end of the proverbial stick.

EVERYBODY HAS TALENT “Everybody has talent – do what you do with that talent that counts” - Usain Bolt, the world’s fastest human being, a Jamaican speaking in a recent interview.

He also said, “Jamaican people are very proud – whatever we are doing, we always try to push ourselves. Whether we are running a race or working in a shop, we want to be number one”.

We Belizean people need to get ourselves together.

TRINIDAD GOVERNMENT The Trinidad Government was elected two years ago.

The government is made up of four coalition partners.

Over the past weekend one of the coalition partners announced it was resigning from the coalition government.

That partner is a party named The Movement For Social Justice and it intends to become a mass party.

BERNE MUSIC Berne is one of Belize’s most prolific song writers and album producers.

He is also an excellent marketing executive of his productions.

Just witness him Monday night on television promoting his latest cd. Like Don King minus the crazy hair style.

Berne recently featured in an adventure movie and was a well-received performer at the Spring Break music fest at Cancun.

The talented brother deserves all our support.

Do you know who should really be our music Ambassador? Berne baby, Berne.

LORD RHABURN If not Berne, then why not Lord Rhaburn.

Lord Rhaburn has through the years been the biggest ambassador for Belize.

He has written some legendary music during his illustrious career. One of his many classics has to be the Credit Union song. Henry Usher Jr. told this writer the song was commissioned many years ago to commemorate and promote Credit Unions in Belize.

Here are some of the Master’s words: “If you want to save my friend, Credit Union is around the bend… No use putting your money in your pocket, ‘cause when you turn around you know you ain’t got it…. “…The banks are willing to lend, but that is only to certain big men. “… So as money goes from hand to hand, give your cash to the Umbrella man – a telling you save! Save! The credit union way. Save, save, save, it will make you rich some day”.

The greatest of respect is due to Lord Rhaburn.

While he is still with us this country owes him a great deal. Since he is not the son of a Prime Minister and will not be appointed Music Ambassador, the least we can do is award him a culture pension.

Out of gratitude, out of respect.

Out of love.

THE TALLAHATCHIE BRIDGE Somewhere in the background of my head or the neighbour’s shed is the faint music. It is the unmistaken music of The Tallahatchie Bridge.

Last heard that song as a child or a young man.

Like the “Whiter Shade of Pale” I never understood the song. Never could figure out why Billy Jo jumped the Tallahatchie Bridge.

But always enjoyed listening to the song.

POETRY Every so often I go look up the poets and read their poems.

Of late I find it easy to do so at Poetry Foundation.org on the internet.

This morning I enjoyed very much reading Robert Frost, Alfred Tennyson and Lord Byron. And I even relished four of the newly featured new ports, Rita Dove, Ariana Reimer.

PROSECUTORS GET NOLLE PAY There are some eight prosecutors in the overburdened Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions They plod on against much odds in one of the most difficult jobs in the country. To seek to put in jail the murderers, rapists, child molesters, robbers, thieves, burglars and other menaces to our society.

25 Theirs is a thankless job. Lack of resources, poor investigation, reluctant witnesses, frightened witnesses, police incompetence and a government which talks the talk but doesn’t walk the walk.

Prosecutors are trained lawyers.

They are appointed by the Judicial Services Commission and they are titled as Crown Counsels. They are the same as Crown Counsels in the Solicitor General’s Office, except that in SolGen’s office they do strictly civil matters. Prosecutors handle criminal matters.

Now unfairness and injustice has been allowed to enter the matter. Crown Counsels in the Solicitor General’s office have recently been given promotion and last month they have been approved hefty salary increases and further increases in allowances and perks.

That by itself is no problem. They probably deserve it. They certainly deserve it against the back up of naked nepotism that sees government paying the Prime Minister’s brother and wife huge amounts of taxpayers’ dollars in legal fees.

But the Crown Counsels at the DPP’s office are as equally deserving as their counterparts in SolGen’s office. Prosecutors work harder and now work in a dangerous environment where witnesses are frequently threatened and some murdered.

Given the tremendous negative effects that rising crime is causing our country, we cannot comprehend how Prosecutors can be so disrespected by the government.

Treat Prosecutors with respect and approve an increase for them as well.

For the record, the hard working team of Prosecutors is Cecil Ramirez- Senior Crown Counsel, Trienia Young, Steevannie Duncen (Belizeans) Christophe Rodirguez, Sharmelia Williams, Thalia Francis (Trinidadians), Kaysha Grant, Shriniza Smith (Jamaicans).

DOCTORS PROTEST We are proud of the doctors of Belize City. One of their own, Dr. Ivan Garcia was brutally murdered by strangulation.

The doctors staged a two days protest on Wednesday and Thursday in Belize City. They closed some services and left open emergencies.

They should have gone further.

They should have closed all hospitals countrywide – leaving only emergency services open. One week shut-down in the first instance.

Nurses nationwide should have joined in.

Strong support should have come from the Chamber of Commerce, members, businesses, lawyers and teachers.

Except for the UDP Union members, like Dylan Reneau and Jackie Willoughby, the Unions should have fully supported the doctors’ strike.

A failing Government is the reason why we have with rising crime.

The government has failed to provide the two-dozen vehicles needed in Belize City by patrol Branch and CIB. Government has not provided the resources and additional personnel so needed.

Government has no solution. Removing tint from vehicle windows, locking up whole families for one bullet or a few sticks of weed is idiocy; unleashing brutally against the poor and the young is not a solution.

Citizens need to jerk up this government when it comes to its gross incompetence in tackling crime.

In this report the doctors who protested are to be congratulated.

All it takes for evil to won is for good men and women to do nothing.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, June 24, 2012

To the ICJ? Belize risks more than Guatemala Continued from page 1

protection via our country giving British citizens and enterprises preferences and privileges over others is again unsubstantiated. What special preferences is Vernon talking about? Our Belize dollar is pegged to the U.S. dollar at a 2 to 1 rate since 1978 and we are an independent nation since 1981. So how is it that the British Crown guarantees our currency as legal tender? Nothing like this is in our constitution and again Vernon’s claims are untrue. Finally, Belize is not a protectorate of Britain because we are an independent nation as declared in the United Nations charters.

Vernon’s fourth and final reason is that his previous reasons as stated above affect our economic development and discourages foreign investment.

This is far from the truth. In fact, even Guatemalan investors have been investing in Belize since the early 1980’s and

continue to be interested in investing in Belize. As an example, the Ramada Royal Reef Hotel was built in the 1980’s by a group of Guatemalan investors. Another fact is that trade between Belizean businesses and businesses based in countries such as Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico and Panama has been growing and flourishing for years without any impediment. The evidence is the myriad of Central American products that abound on the shelves of our stores in Belize. Once again Vernon’s claims are baseless.

As Belizeans, we must bear in mind the facts that 1) Belize’s independence in 1981, with its borders defined, was voted on, supported and recognized by the overwhelming majority of the member states of the United Nations (UN) and thus our independence is real, valid and unquestionable, and 2)the ICJ is an offspring of the UN and thus if the UN

has recognized and asserted our independence and territorial integrity, there is no reason why we should voluntarily go to the ICJ to put in question our borders that have already been validated by the mother organization.

Fellow Belizeans, please also take a good look at what the question is over which the ICJ is to purportedly rule on and over which we are being asked to vote on. The question reads, “Do you agree that any legal claim of Guatemala against Belize relating to land and insular territories and to any maritime areas pertaining to these territories should be submitted to the International Court of Justice for final settlement and that it determine finally the boundaries of the respective territories and areas of the Parties?”

The question for all of us Belizeans is, since it is an established fact that the UN (the mother of the ICJ) has given

us our title to our land and our independence, with all our boundaries and territories described, why should we even contemplate going to the ICJ (the daughter of the UN) for it to finally determine our boundaries and territories?

By going to the ICJ we stand to lose half of Belize, and Guatemala stands to lose only a baseless claim.

If there is a legitimate juridical claim

by Guatemala that arose from a breach of contract by Britain, then I suggest that the only compensation that should be contemplated in going to the ICJ should be monetary, and Britain should share in the payments of such.

We should not put our land on the bargaining table! Our 8,867 square miles land is not for negotiation!!!

Sincerely, Ramon “Monchi” Cervantes Orange Walk Town

LABOURING IN THE VINEYARD Continued from page 21

of Jamaica; the former Governor of the Central Bank, G. Arthur Browne; and the distinguished jurist of Grenada, Sir Archibald Nedd. Not unnaturally, Sir Shridath’s reflections and reminiscences are populated by a parade of titans who have helped to shape the Caribbean over the past fifty or more years, including T. Albert Marryshow, Grantley Adams, Norman Washington Manley, Eric Williams, Fidel Castro, Forbes Burnham, V.C. Bird, Errol Barrow, Michael Manley, A.N.R. Robinson, P.J. Patterson, John Mordecai, William Demas, Sir Arthur Lewis, and Alistair McIntyre. The region’s political, intellectual, and administrative leadership of a more recent generation are accorded, too, their due.

Sir Shridath did not merely have a ring-side seat, as an observer, he was an active participant in seminal global and regional events of the past fifty years. Indeed, he laboured tirelessly in the vineyard of regional integration, to borrow from Eric Williams’ inscription, from “Bill” to his “dear Sonny” in the magisterial tome From Columbus to Castro. The History of the Caribbean 1492 – 1969. Sir Shridath not only put in a long day shift in the vineyard, year in, year out, but he returned continuously for night duty, joyously. He is still at toil in his beloved vineyard even beyond his four score years. He continues to write and speak with the illuminating glow of the mid-day sun, not the evening shadows of a sunset.

The essays and speeches in Caribbean Challenges were authored over a period of thirty-nine years, 1973 to 2012. In 1973 he was fashioning the framework for “a wider unity” between the African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries in their partnership negotiations with Europe. In 2012, in the “Dr. Eric Williams Memorial Lecture” entitled “Labouring in the Vineyard” he was reflecting on the odyssey of the Caribbean integration movement, its current condition, and its future prospects. Every essay or speech in Sir Shridath’s book resonates with contemporary import and relevance.

A splendid “Foreword” by my dear friend from student days, Denis Benn, now the Michael Manley Professor of Public Policy at U.W.I, and a beautiful-

ly-crafted “Introduction” by another friend and former teacher, Professor Norman Girvan, add immensely to Caribbean Challenges. It is a bargain at US $25.00 for a book of such high intellectual quality and depth, professionally-produced in hardcover. Hansib Publications Limited of London and Hertfordshire, United Kingdom, owned by a Caribbean national, is to be commended for publishing this masterpiece which Sir Shridath has dedicated “For All West Indians”. I am urging each of you, and your friends who are not present, to purchase a copy. All profits and royalties from the sale of the book have been assigned to the Rex Nettleford Foundation.

Undoubtedly, Sir Shridath is the most outstanding diplomat and one of the foremost legal scholars and public servants that the Caribbean has ever produced. There has never been a more articulate and persuasive advocate of regional integration of the deepest kind; not merely functional cooperation or even a single market, but a single economy, and the actualisation of the dream of a single West Indian nation-state.

On his father’s side, Sir Shridath is a descendant of Indian indentured immigrants who came to the Caribbean in the 1880s. He was born in British Guiana, now Guyana. He lives now in Barbados, but his claim to this country is most strong: His great-great grandfather on his mother’s side was an immigrant from Barbados whose union with an African woman in Guyana has produced generations now resident in Guyana, Barbados and further afield.

Indians would not have been indentured if African slavery in the West Indians had not ended in 1838 and plantation agriculture, especially the sugar plantations, did not require substantial quantities of cheap labour. The British planter-merchant elite went first for Portuguese indentured labourers, then abundant Indian indentured servants, and a little later, Chinese labourers. These various migrant populations (European, African, Asian) and the indigenous Amerindians constituted the demographic make-up of young Sonny Ramphal’s British Guiana, and the wider seascape and landscape of the Caribbean. They shaped Ramphal’s internation-

alism and regionalism. The processes of creolisation and anti-colonialism engendered his cosmopolitan sophistication, nationalism, and sense of regionalist and international solidarity. He was socialized into receiving and transmitting universal culture but with a Caribbean particularity, including a Guyanese sensibility. All this is manifest in Caribbean Challenges.

Young Ramphal was an academic star at secondary school, at Kings College, London, and at the Inns of Court School of Law. By the end of the 1940s he was more than ready for a highly lucrative career at the Bar. But the vineyard of nationalist and regionalist public service summoned him to labour at the dawning hours, during the sunlight hours, and after nightfall. There he found his voice, lost his innocence, but not his faith, grounded his passion, and strengthened his conviction in the cause of West Indian nationhood. He was now bound forever in the service of the vineyard and those to whom it truly belongs.

One of Sir Shridath’s exemplars in the vineyard was Norman Washington Manley, among the greatest leaders that our region has produced thus far. In 1947, at the famous Montego Bay Conference, N.W. Manley had proclaimed that West Indian unity is a great cause and that great causes were never won by doubtful men (and women). Sonny Ramphal has never been doubtful about this cause. Unfortunately N.W. Manley hesitated at a moment of truth at the time of the creation of the West Indian Federation.

Between 1958 and 1961, Sir Shridath was a senior law officer in the shortlived Federal Government of the West Indies. Many talented young men and women of commitment went into the federal service. A few are still with us in this Earthly City but most have gone to Beulah Land including my father-in-law, F.O.C “Cosie” Harris, who was a legal colleague of Sir Shridath.

A two-year sojourn in Jamaica followed the demise of the Federation.

Guyana beckoned him to be a maker of its independence constitution. He then served with distinction as Attorney General and Minister of Foreign Affairs in the nationalist, regionalist and antiimperialist Guyana of the late 1960s and

early 1970s. He was at the centre of the founding of CARIFTA (the Caribbean Free Trade Association) in 1965 and of CARICOM (the Caribbean Community and Common Market) in 1973. He was at the forefront of creating the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group. And in 1975, he was unanimously elected as the Secretary General of the Commonwealth, a first for a national from the South, a post which he demitted in 1990 after three successive terms.

Between then and now, he has been an active leader in a series of regional and international initiatives and activities, including: Membership of the World Commission on Environment and Development (Brundtland Commission); Chairmanship of the World Conservation Union; Chairmanship of the West Indian Commission of Time for Action in 1992; Headship and Chief Negotiator of the Regional Negotiating Machinery (RNM); Membership of the Brandt Commission on International Development; Chancellorship of three universities, including UWI; Chairman of the Technical Committee on Regional Governance attached to CARICOM’s Prime Ministerial Task Force on Regional Governance (Chaired by me) consequent upon the historic Rose Hall Declaration of 2003; and activist work in a host of regional and international entities.

So, the essays and speeches in Caribbean Challenges cover Sir Shridath’s activism from 1973 to 2012. They represent a treasure throve of history, policy insights, and prognosis for programmatic action.

One of the extraordinary prescient offerings in Sir Shridath’s volume is a substantive extract from an address which he delivered in Montego Bay, Jamaica on July 05, 1975, at a farewell dinner before his assumption of office as the Commonwealth’s Secretary General. It was originally published in 1988 in his collection of speeches, Inseparable Humanity.

It is entitled simply: “To Care for Caricom”.

This speech should be in the hands of every Parliamentarian, every national and regional public servant, every business leader, every journalist, every academic, and in all secondary schools and universities in the region. Everyone should read it. Every word of it is as relevant today as it was then. (Part II continues next week)

Sunday, June 24, 2012

THE BELIZE TIMES

PUP Leader demands “Give Belizeans their wage increases!”

BELIZE CITY, Wednesday, June 20th, 2012 Although it wasn’t directly mentioned in the last issue of the BELIZE TIMES, it was the first thing that People’s United Party (PUP) Party Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca mentioned in his opening speech to the media and the Party faithful at last week’s press conference.

The event was held to mark the 100 days of nothing offered up by this late-to-thegame UDP administration. The Party Leader made it clear that Belizeans at large can no longer ‘afford’ to live with poor wages while the UDP politicians get fat from workers’ suffering.

Among the many disputes Hon. Francis mentioned in his speech are those between the Social Security Board workers and their Board of Directors, of which former Police Minister Doug Singh is the current Chairman.

Recently the Christian Workers Union leaders who are negotiating on behalf of the workers accused the Labour Department of “foot-dragging” and possibly aiding and abetting the SSB’s intransigence.

There is also the dispute involving the Government-owned Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) and its workers, where not just wages and dividends remain at stake, but also the potential for crippling black-outs and sustained outages should the workers

PUP Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca

Pablo Marin

abuses Gov’t resources Corozal Town, June 18, 2012 Pablo Marin, the Minister of Health and representative of the Corozal Bay constituency, has been abusing government funds without any regard for the people of Corozal. He has been using the Government’s resources, which are paid for and maintained by the peoples’ taxes, to fill his beach property in the Finca Solana Area in Corozal Town.

Some weeks before the March 7 elections he started using the

Ministry of Works’ dump trucks and Grader to fill parcel of lands in the Finca Solana area belonging to him and other UDP big wigs. He was subsequently stopped by the Ministry of Works officer in charge as some people in Corozal were starting to complain of the brazen abuse of authority and power by the Minister of Health.

Soon after the elections Pablo Marin ensured that the new Minister of Works visita Corozal. He then used that opportunity to make cer-

GOB equipment used on Marin’s private property

27 not see headway. The Union has been forced to enter debilitating discussions with the Government’s “labour commissioner” whose first goal was to shut up the Union.

PUP Leader Hon. Francis said he was aware of the struggles faced by workers. But more than that, he was equally emphatic that salary increases should reach further to other fields – teachers, doctors, nurses, police and military officers, etc. Not only are they out there on the front lines working to make Belize better, but also, they ‘keep this country going’.

The PUP, and the Party Leader, are making the strongest push to breakthrough to this stubborn, bull-headed UDP government.

“We [the PUP] are here to represent you, to give voice to your suffering, to work for you….. The Belizean people are not happy. It is time to get serious; IT’S TIME TO GET TO WORK!!!” remarked Hon. Francis.

If the UDP won’t listen, we’ll know exactly what to do in 2017 or even much sooner… and they won’t even see it coming.

tain that the officer in charge of the Ministry of Works in Corozal get instructions to continue filling his land in the Finca Solana area. The officer in charge of the Ministry of Works, fearing for his job, had to allow the trucks and grader to go back to fill the private property by the sea.

The streets in Corozal Town and the village streets in all of the Corozal District are in the most deplorable state because it is said that ‘no money noh deh fu fix dem!’

However, the resources of the Ministry of Works are being used to fill the Minister’s private property on the sea side.

The people of Corozal want to know how is it that this can be condoned by the government and nothing is being done?

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, June 24, 2012