Belize Times June 29, 2014

SCAN HERE

The Belize Times

Established 1957

The Truth Shall Make You Free

29 JUNE 2014 | ISSUE NO: 4901

www.belizetimes.bz | $1.00

Fire On The Barracks!!

Pregnant mother killed in blaze Pg. 3

US places Belize on Human

Trafficking Watchlist

“Police Officers provide security for sex trade establishments” – Trafficking In Persons Report, 2014 Belize City, June 25, 2014 Belize’s anti Trafficking efforts have worsened according to a report by the United States Department of State, which announced that the country has been placed on a “Watch list” along with countries with Governments that does not fully comply with the minimum standards of elimination of trafficking.

The report, released this week, declared that “Belize is a source, destination, and transit country for men, women, and children subjected to sex trafficking and forced labor”.

The report noted that a common form of human trafficking in the country is “the coerced prostitution of children, often occurring through parents pushing their children to provide sexual favors to older men in exchange for school fees, money, and gifts”.

The report also noted that the following forms of Trafficking exist in Belize: - Third-party prostitution of children under 18 - Child sex tourism, involving primarily U.S. citi-

Pg. 23

Jacqueline Arteaga

Auditor General fingers Elvin Penner in Report!

BELIZE CITY, Thursday, June 26th, 2014 A leaked copy of the Auditor General’s Report on the long-falling scandal inside the Ministry of Immigration and Nationality contains information that not only cements corrupt UDP Area Representative Elvin Penner and other officials in the midst of irreparable wrongdoing within the Ministry (including Director of Immigration Mrs. Maria Marin), but also put them squarely in the crosshairs of criminal prosecution.

The document was initially leaked

Pg. 2

Auditor General Dorothy Bradley

Premium Gas increases by 36 cents!

Pg. 23

2 02

Auditor General fingers Elvin Penner in Report!

Continued from page 1 to activist organization Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action (COLA) and then released to the media on Wednesday June 25th.

It all began when Bradley and her auditing team received a memo from the Immigration and Nationality Department (IND) on October 9th, 2013 reporting missing visas. They undertook a ‘Compliance Audit’ on the Visa Section, and then extended that over to the Passport and Nationality Sections of the Department.

But Mrs. Marin would play the ultimate stumbling block to the Auditor General’s requests, and was cited in the Report as having demonstrated “blatant disrespect” for the AudGen’s office as well as “a lack of regards for the law” under Section 12(1) of the Finance and Audit Reform Act 2005, which grants ‘undeniable’ access to all relevant records needed for audit.

But Marin may have been following the playbook that her staffers learned to follow, and it showed in the numerous offences the Auditor General alleged were committed with regard to the issuance of Nationality Certificates and Passports to individuals with numerous irregularities attached to their documents, and a staff that was working with what seemed to be a candle burning at both ends.

Take the example of one YiuPang Chen, a.k.a “Peter Pang”, a Taiwanese figure who applied for a Passport on August 7th, 2013, and no less than a week after, had it delivered by an envoy of the Department to Wen-Jing Chen (no known relation), despite the fact that no photo identification or authorization letter accompanied the pick-up. The passport was listed in the Belize Passport Issuance System (BPIS) at “Quality Assurance” status.

Then there’s Chinese applicant Jack Jie Qin, a.k.a “Marc Chin”. He went under the name change on August 5th, 2013, notarized by attorney Jose Cardona, and had it registered the following day, August 6th. Despite the

LOCAL 27 Jun

29 JUN

THE BELIZE TIMES

signatures of the Nationality Certificate handed in with application and the Deed of Name Change not remotely being a match, it was ‘certified’ by Immigration Officer Ms. Ruby Gutierrez. His Certificate number was backdated by Penner, with the dates not matching.

Turkish figure Yakup Sut is essentially a ‘ghost’ in the Nationality system, as he not only didn’t pay the nationality fee, but was recommended by Martin Cal and Elvin Penner, going in contradiction of the Nationality Act by purportedly making false statements about their knowledge of the applicant in question. Despite all of those murky concerns, Sut was approved for a Passport which was received on his behalf, but the figure who signed off on it remaining a mystery at present, with their signature illegible.

But if all that doesn’t stir your anger enough, there’s the South Korean figure behind all the current controversy, Won-Hong Kim. His application form, dated 3rd September, 2013, was found in the file processed on the 9th September, wasn’t even the original Ministry form, but a photocopied one. In addition, the passport he received (currently stuck in Taiwan and waiting to be returned to Belize) was issued under the former name, even though the application was processed under the latter.

The questionable documents

weather 28 Jun

29 Jun

30 Jun

attached to the application form submitted for process (a native Korean passport and Nationality Certificate) were all signed by Elvin Penner, as were the recommender forms, alongside wellknown supporter UDP Alfonso Cruz, Jr. Although there was no proof that the information given was ever certified correct, it was still processed, a violation of Section 3(1) of the Passport Regulations 2013. Also missing were the 2 required photographs that should have been attached to the form, and the relevant signature of the Officer-in-Charge of the Passport section, Ms. Sharon Neal-Flowers.

But even more damning than the above were the lengths taken to expedite the process on Kin’s passport. The Auditor General’s Report said that the BPIS system has “distinct roles” assigned to each person who handles the Passport for the applicant. So when the question arises as to who gave the authority to a staffer, Erwin Robinson, to be both the Data Entry Operator and Quality Control Operator, it’s a relevant one – considered by the AudGen as “a violation of passport application and approval rules.” And like the above figures, Kim’s Passport has a status of “QA passed” in the system, even after the Passport found its way to Taiwan and into his desperate hands.

The Auditor General cited Mark Tench, a Printing Officer, as being under suspicion with regard to the Kin irregularities. But his boss, Marin, was held in low esteem by the AudGen, who said she ‘evaded’ requests made to access records. Former Auditor General and Deputy CBO of the Immigration Department, Edmund Zuniga, told the AudGen that his boss told him that the records were with Minister Hon. Senator Godwin Hulse. The Auditor General noted that as of March 20th (up to the present), “There’s no indication on the releasing of requested records or registers.”

But let nothing else be lost in all the above. Today, when Elvin Penner appeared before the Magistrate’s Court, COLA’s private prosecution was not thrown out as the UDP have wanted. The Magistrate ruled that Penner WILL answer for the Won Hong Kim fiasco in a trial that starts July 24th.

261 Mar Jul

2014

PUP condemns the press release issued

by PM’s Office June 25th, 2014 The People’s United Party condemns the press release issued Tuesday June 24th 2014 by the Office of the Prime Minister in which it responds to perceived “attacks” on Justice of Appeal Awich.

The press release was personal in nature, intimidating and threatening in tone and reckless and irresponsible for an official statement issued from the Office of the Prime Minister.

The PUP finds it as completely unacceptable that the Prime Minister’s office should: 1. Threaten criminal action against those who oppose the continued controversial tenure of Justice of Appeal Awich and exercise their constitutional right to freedom of expression to speak on the issue; 2. Attempt to discredit the Bar Association simply because it disagrees with its positions; 3. Threaten to take “a course of action” against the Bar Association designed to weaken it and interfere with its decision-making process.

This latest attack on the Bar Association and named members of the Association is consistent with Prime Minister Barrow’s modus operandi of publicly attacking and vilifying those who hold a different view from that of his government. This kind of prime ministerial bullying and intimidation is ugly, divisive and unacceptable.

The PUP stands with the Bar Association of Belize in opposition to the continued tenure of Justice of Appeal Awich and calls on the Prime Minister to recant his latest attack on the Bar and its members.

SCAN HERE

The Belize Times

Established 1957

14 APR 2013

|

The Truth Shall Make You Free

ISSUE NO: 4840

www.belizetimes.bz

|

$1.00

serving Belize since 1957 as the longest continuous newspaper.

Founder: Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price, People’s United Party Leader Emeritus EDITOR

Alberto Vellos LAYOUT/GRAPHIC ARTIST

Chris Williams

OFFICE ASSISTANT

Roberto Peyrefitte Printed and Published By The Belize Times Press Ltd. Tel: 671-8385 #3 Queen Street P.O. BOX 506 Belize City, Belize

27 Mar Jul 62Feb

Email: belizetimesadvertisement@yahoo.com

editortimes@yahoo.com

Exchange rate of One Belize Dollar

United States (USD): $ 0.50

Barbados (BBD): $ 1.01

Eastern Caribbean Euro (XCD):$ 1.36 (EUR) : $ 0.37

Sterling Pound Guatemala Quetzal CANADIAN DOLLAR (GBP): $ 0.30 (GTQ): $ 3.94 (CAD): $ 0.56

CHINESE YUAN (CNY): $ 3.04

Trinidadian (TTD) : $ 3.22

INDIAN RUPEE (INR): $ 31.14

29 JUN

2014

THE BELIZE TIMES

Fire On The Barracks!!

Belize City, June 24th 2014 21 year old Jacqueline Arteaga, who was pregnant for her third child, perished in a fire that destroyed three business establishments on Newton Barracks.

The fire started at Kimmy’s Bar and Club in the wee hours of Wednesday morning. The downstairs of the establishment housed the bar and club, while the upstairs were rooms where the employees resided.

Around 4:30 on Wednesday morning, neighbours woke up to the sound of crackling, thick smoke and a huge fire. The building, an old wooden structure, was ablaze. Reports are that all the residents evacuated, except for Jacqueline, who was trapped inside. Reports are that she was told to jump through a window to save herself, but she refused, saying that it could pose a threat to her pregnancy. She remained inside the building throughout the fire and perished.

The fire was intense and eventually spread unto the building next to it, which housed computer hardware store Business Computer Systems Limited, owned by Lourdes and Giovanni Smith. Within minutes the fire swelled and consumed both buildings totally.

Residents say that had called the Fire Department but the fire fighters took 45 minutes to respond. Upon arriving on the scene, they seemed disorganised and poorly manned. It took almost two hours before the adequate fire truck, the ladder truck, arrived at the scene and even so, fire fighters had a hard time initiating their fire fighting tactics. By the time they did, Kimmie’s Club was no more, while Business Computer Systems

In Memoriam of

Leonora Olivia Fairweather

Forever in Our Hearts Sunrise – May 19th, 1943 Sunset – June 30th, 2009 A mass will be held at the St. Joseph Church at 6:00pm.

Gone but never forgotten. May her should rest in peace and her memory live on forever.

had burnt down. The fire had also spread to the popular Pandora’s Café next door, and damaged a significant portion of the structure.

Several persons complained about the Fire Department’s inability to tackle the fire properly.

Merlene Moreira, who owns Kimmie’s Bar, said the extent of the devastation could have been lessened.

“We are disappointed because the truck didn’t give enough water, and the pump stopped like two times. The fire caught onto the next

03 3 houses, which maybe could have been saved if they did the job better,” she said.

The co-owner of Business Computer Systems, Lourdes Smith, also expressed disappointment in the performance of the fire officials. She said that she travelled all the way from Burrell Boom after being informed by their security service provider of the fire, and when they arrived no fire fighting had begun.

Fire officials say they were not aware that a young woman was trapped in the building early enough to attempt to save her.

Today, the scene of the fire looks like a bomb had exploded in the area. Old charred remains were scattered where Kimmie’s Club stood. The portions of Business Computer Systems that remained erected were being inspected for demolition. Pandora’s Café is closed for business, perhaps indefinitely, according to its owner.

4 04

THE BELIZE TIMES

on the

Wilfred Sedi ElringtonThe Real “Charade”

By Francis W. Fonseca Last week in an interview with the media, Attorney General and Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Wilfred Elrington described the COLA private prosecution of Elvin Penner as a “charade”.

Elrington went to great lengths to disparage and belittle the efforts of COLA, and its young, dynamic, and patriotic Attorney Kareem Musa, to bring Penner to justice and to provide the Belizean people with answers surrounding

the most scandalous and disgraceful passport and visa hustle Belize has ever witnessed.

COLA and Musa should be praised and supported not berated by the Attorney General.

But what are we to expect from the “artificial” Foreign Minister, the Minister of Foreign Affairs who gets up in the National Assembly and attacks the legacy of Belize’s greatest patriot George Price, the Minister of Foreign Affairs

who says that farmers fighting for their land and livelihoods is not a national issue.

It is you Hon. Wilfred who are the real Charade.

It is your Prime Minister that advised a private prosecution.

That was the real charade.

It is your UDP Government that for the past 9 months has obstructed an independent inquiry and

29 JUN

2014

investigation into this UDP immigration scandal.

It is your UDP Senators led

by Hon. Godwin Hulse who voted against such an inquiry and investigation even though the Opposition, churches, business community, and unions were unified in their support for it.

It is your UDP Government that sent our Commissioner of Police and your Solicitor General to the Supreme Court of Belize to say and argue that there was no need for an investigation and none would be carried out.

That Sir is the REAL CHARADE!!

STOP THE OBSTRUCTION! STOP THE COVER UP! STOP DEFENDING UDP PASSPORT AND VISA CORRUPTION! THE BELIZEAN PEOPLE WANT AND DESERVE ANSWERS!

PUP NOTICE Municipal Elections – San Ignacio/Santa Elena Towns The People’s United Party is inviting interested applicants for the upcoming San Ignacio/Santa Elena Town Council Elections to submit their applications. A Convention is slated for Sunday, August 24th, 2014.

Applications are available from the PUP S ecretariat, Independence Hall, #3 Queen Street, Belize City.

C omp l e t e d app l i c at i on s must be filled and returned to t he C h ai r p e rs on and the Secretary General. The non-refundable fee must be submitted to the Secretariat along with the necessar y documentation to complete the application.

Deadline for submission is July 18th, 2014.

Dra. Lesbia Cocom-Guerra for PUP CAYO WEST

29 JUN

2014

THE BELIZE TIMES

05 5

EDITORIAL A PREDATORY GOVERNMENT OF RUTHLESS PEOPLE

T

Guest Editorial by Norris Hall

his Barrow administration is sitting on a powder keg. Its arrogance, its greed, its corruption, its nepotism, its mockery and hypocrisy towards the poor and dispossessed, its indifference to the voices of dissent AND of reason and its overall ruthlessness, are no longer palatable to the masses-certainly not to the majority of this small multi-ethnic population. The voices of discontent are slowly becoming a crescendo.

There are frightening signs that the attitude of the Prime Minister is to take no prisoners and to vanquish any opposition and dissent, even within his own encampment of crooks, hustlers and thieves. It would seem that not one single member of the Cabinet is now above reproach. There is strong evidence that money laundering is one of the many favourite crimes of choice. It appears that the Financial Intelligence Unit, which falls within the Prime Minister’s portfolio in his role as Minister of Finance, has its head in the sand while people in the international business of following money, sees Belize as a money laundering haven.

The latest allegation of money laundering is, however, different. In this case, in exchange for a political favour, a certain business man made in-kind contributions of building material.

Now completed, the house is up for sale.

One newspaper has repeatedly asserted that the Prime Minister has lost the moral responsibility to govern. It also asserted, in one instance, that he was making a “public fool” of himself. It is hard to disagree.

WITH GUNS AND DAGGERS Even more damning, is the recent public declaration on national television, by the President of the Bar Association, who came out blazing with guns and daggers drawn, declaring that the Prime Minister is “a liar”. This was after the PM made certain statements in the Legislature, regarding his insistence on the re-appointment of a Judge to the Appeals Court against the advice of the Leader of the Opposition and the Bar Association.

It is generally perceived that this appointment could further erode confidence in the Courts, especially in cases that challenge decisions by the government. There is a growing roster of legal challenges against the decisions of this government - or rather, by the Prime Minister, who is the Dictator and Decider.

VISIONLESS, RUDDERLESS The Prime Minister obviously has no vision. He is rudderless. He has assumed a role, in the absence of political leadership, to become the lead Attorney for all the misgivings of his motley crew. He plays word games with the media and continues to mesmerize his diminishing following of died-in-the-wool supporters with his hogwash spoken in special English. This is underscored by the presence of his cheer–leading gallery (clap, clap on cue, Kim Jong-un the President of North Korea-style).

While the massive passport scandal continues, the Prime Minister asserts that the former Minister is “factually” guilty but not “legally” guilty.

STONEWALLING In the criminal case brought against the Minister by the grassroots organization, COLA (Citizens Organized for Liberty and Action), the government continues to stone-wall the process by refusing to hand over the evidence. The Minister of Immigration says that he does not know where certain immigration files are.

The Auditor General’s Report says differently. According to one of his staff members, he was informed in writing that his former colleague and deputy had removed the files from the Immigration office.

FACTUALLY DISTASTEFUL Another case in point is describing the actions of the Minister of Transportation in the misuse of public funds from the Belize Airport Authority as “not corrupt but distasteful”. Using public funds for personal use is defined as corruption in any language except in the Prime Minister’s legalese.

While the Prime Minster agrees that his government is factually distasteful, the public jury is fast concluding that it is a criminal gang dressed up as Ministers, guilty on all counts of crimes against this nation.

UNABATED NEPOTISM Nepotism continues unabated with special consideration given to boost the budget of Belize’s Mission to the UN as soon as the PM’s ex-wife was appointed as the Ambassador. Their less than qualified son was made the Executive Chairman of Belize (Barrow’s) Telemedia Ltd., while family and friends, who are lawyers, continue to feed from the public trough to defend the endless charges brought against this government in the stacked Courts. It has been noticed that the government’s budget for this year was increased to $9 million for litigation. The PM defends his appointment of his other son as “Musical Ambassador” for Belize as being only an honorific while there are many individuals in the musical field who have placed Belize on the international scene and who are ably qualified to serve Belize in this capacity. In the meantime, Belize’s “Musical Ambassador” continues to live as a Jew in Israel without any advantage or benefits to Belize.

LIKE A WIND WANE The PM once represented the Maya when they took a stance against oil drilling in the south. He has now made them his nemesis. He is even now jumping in bed for a romance over a proposal for the development of a wind farm in Belize.

In face of the widening gap between the Barrow oligarchy and the poor and the oppressed, it has become increasingly evident, more than ever, that the Barrow administration is a predatory government that Belize and Belizeans can no longer sustain.

6 06

THE BELIZE TIMES

WOMAN IN THE HOUSE

By Dolores Balderamos Garcia

LAVERN AND NORA In this piece I wish first of all to commend the writer of “Think About It” for his entry on Lavern Longsworth which appeared on page 30 of the Belize Times for June 22, 2014.

Lavern is the Belizean woman who was harshly convicted and sentenced for the murder of her partner.

I am not certain if evidence of the terrible battering she had endured at the hands of her common law husband was adduced at her trial, but I am aware that comments she had made to the press were used against her, which led to her conviction for murder. I shook my head at the time, wondering if she had

been most unfairly treated and saying to myself “Da sin.”

It is very encouraging for the administration of justice that Senior Counsel Godfrey Smith and Attorney Lesley Mendez have taken up Lavern’s case in the Appeals Court and have introduced the issue of Battered Woman’s Syndrome in their appeal. The seven women and five men of the jury who decided that Lavern was guilty of murder no doubt deliberated on the facts that were presented in court, and certainly the beating of Lavern by her spouse was not canvassed sufficiently at that time. (I am not going to use the derogatory name that Lavern is called. Why should we contin-

Lost Dreams

By Gilroy Usher Sr. A careful view of the on-going massive sale of homes by the commercial banks and other lending institutions in Belize reveal a number of interesting things. This week alone, over 120 homes have been lost by various individuals and are being sold away. The vast majority of those being affected by this catastrophe are poor people. There are two reasons why people are losing their homes: massive unemployment and the steep increase in the cost of living.

Today, unemployment in our country of just over 350,000 is over 15%. That is more than double the acceptable level in developing countries, whose populations are in the millions. Due to this difficulty in finding a job, a lot of people are losing

their dream homes because there is no income to service their mortgage. This unescapable fate is even more painful for families in which both parents cannot find work.

The high cost of living is also causing scores upon scores of our people to lose their long sought homes to many of the mortgage lenders. With the high cost of everything to survive after basic expenses such as food, clothing, education, and medical care are paid, there is simply no money left for mortgage payment.

None of the hundreds of dream homes that are being sold by the lending institutions belong to any Barrow, Vega , Elrington, Penner, Castro, Martinez or other persons ,who are well connected to the ruling UDP. They are all well taken care of. No one explains how the administration does that better than Minister of State Mark King when he publicly stated, “This government takes care of UDP’s first, Belizeans second, and PUPs last”. The misuse of taxpayers’ money and the country’s resources for political patronage cannot be more official than that.

To add insult to injury, none of the hundreds of Belizeans who are losing their dreams homes to Continued on page 22

ue the stigmatizing and condemnation of Lavern?)

At this writing the decision of the Court of Appeal judges is not yet known, but I surely hope that they will deliberate in her favor and let her off with time already served. By the way, why was Lavern brought to court with her ankles in chains? With her slight frame I doubt that she is such a flight risk that she should be further humiliated by going through this. The Police and authorities do not have to copy cat what is done in the United States.

This case also jolts me back to recalling the Nora Parham case, similar to that of Lavern because both the spouses were awful wife beaters and both died from burns after catching or being set on fire. I remember vividly the family of the late Nora approaching me some years ago. Senior Counsel Lisa Shoman and I reviewed the (incomplete) transcript of the case obtained from the Archives Department, and a small group which included us as well as Dennis Jones and Judith Alpuche met to consider whether we should support a move for a posthumous pardon for Nora.

Judith Alpuche and I went to Orange Walk Town in order to interview Ms. Agripina Espejo, who was a young nurse at the time of the burning of Nora’s spouse. Ms.

29 JUN

2014

Espejo’s memory of the events was sharp and detailed. She told us very firmly and forcefully that the Nora’s abusive spouse, policeman Ketchell Trapp, told her in hospital before he died that his burning was accidental. He had said to her, Ms. Espejo related, that when he went to the latrine he had lit a cigarette after Nora threw kerosene on him during one of their many abusive encounters.

Lisa and I shook our heads at the lost defence opportunities on reading the transcript, and a hangman’s judge and jury sealed Nora’s fate, one much worse than Lavern’s – this diminutive, frail and possibly pregnant woman was hanged despite last minute pleas for clemency to the then Governor. Inexplicably the family of Nora came later to say that they did not wish to further pursue their plea for the posthumous pardon, and the papers are now in a filing cabinet.

I pray that the result for Lavern will continue to be so different from that for Nora.

Battered Woman’s Syndrome is real and can be clearly defined and presented as a defence or greatly extenuating circumstance. I am rooting for Lavern, and I think we all should be.

29 JUN

2014

07 7

THE BELIZE TIMES

Massive PUP Rally in Maya Centre Maya Centre, Stann Creek West, Sunday June 22, 2014

Hon. Francis pledges that the next PUP Government will be fully committed to political reform and economic opportunities PUP Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca welcomed by Stann Creek West Area Representative Hon. Rodwell Ferguson

Hon. Rodwell addressing over 600 supporters at Sunday’s rally. Behind him: Hon. Mike Espat, PUP Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca, Hon. Ivan Ramos & Hon. Oscar Requena

Mrs. Elizabeth Zabaneh encouraged supporters to work harder than ever to bring back the PUP

Supporters turned out by the hundreds to attend the rally and listen to their PUP Leaders

HAVE HOPE! The PUP will Serve The People

0 88

THE BELIZE TIMES

Lying in the House of Representatives and Independence of the Judiciary – A Case of Déjà Vu

By Andrew Marshalleck SC Last week the President of the Bar Association Mr. Eamon Courtenay SC directly accused the Prime Minister of lying in the House of Representatives. The language of the accusation was colourful, thoughtful and measured; no doubt a skilled work of art that will be remembered for time to come. In leading up to the accusation Courtenay identified three lies by the Prime Minister, all of which were apparently designed to rebut the suggestion that the Prime Minister was engaged in behaviour which gave rise to concern that he was trying to wrongly influence the Court of Appeal into giving decision in favour of the government in the nationalisation appeals.

The lies alleged were in effect that (i) Courtenay was promoting the interests of Ashcroft and the Opposition in causing the Bar to issue the recent resolution expressing concern over the reappointment of Awich J and its effect on the independence of the Court of Appeal; (ii) the Caribbean Court of Justice had previously scolded Courtenay for questioning the impartiality of Awich; and (iii) the Caribbean Court of Justice had supported the appointment of Awich J to the Court of Appeal.

Liquor License NOTICES Notice is hereby given that ALICIA VARELA is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “A&R Fast Food”, situate at 1 ½ Miles Phillip Goldson Highway, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

The accusation, the identity of the actors, as well as the broad issue being addressed gave rise to a moment of déjà vu, bringing a vivid recollection of a court case I observed as a young attorney in 1998 instituted by and in the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, B.Q. Pitts, against Said Musa. At the time Dean Barrow was the Attorney General whose Solicitor General, Gian Ghandi, was representing the Speaker of the House and Eamon Courtenay was representing Said Musa.

The then government had sought through the case to sanction Said Musa for lying in the House of Representatives to gain traction in upcoming elections and Dean Barrow, as Attorney General at the time, was in charge of the effort.

The connection of the case to the independence of the judiciary arises because the presiding judge was Justice George Meerabux and the case ended on direct accusations by Courtenay of misconduct by the judge.

The case came to a dramatic conclusion when on the day appointed by Meerabux J for delivery of the decision Courtenay attended Court and produced the last page of the judgment in advance of its delivery as evidence that the Judge had been collaborating with the government in producing the judgment. The page was leaked to Courtenay by a concerned government officer who was privy to the interactions taking place between Mr Ghandi and the judge over the judgment. Years later I learned that the officer was a supporter of the then government who was nonetheless disgusted by what he saw taking place. Courtenay informed Meerabux J that he would be seeking

the Judge’s removal from office for misconduct and walked out of the court room. The atmosphere of the courtroom was tense and young Courtenay’s actions were bold and unprecedented, not unlike the direct manner of his recent accusations.

The case was a critical development in Belize’s legal history and has no doubt coloured my perspective of how things work in Belize. After the decision was delivered the Esquivel administration lost power and the Musa administration took over so that no steps were taken against Musa on the judgment. The Bar Association on a resolution moved by Denys Barrow SC, in fact, later resolved to take action to remove Meerabux J from office for misconduct. The Bar had then also resolved to take steps to remove Ghandi from the office of Solicitor General. The resolution to act in relation to Ghandi in fact passed by a greater majority than that against the Judge. No action was however taken against Ghandi by the Bar because Attorney General Godfrey Smith asked him to leave the office beforehand. Justice Meerabux was subsequently removed from office for misconduct on the complaint of the Bar Association by the Governor General acting on the advice of the Belize Advisory Council.

The evidence which in the end did in Meerabux was given by the secretary who typed the manuscript of the judgment who testified that the document had Mr Ghandi’s handwriting on it. Mr Ghandi had of coursed testified in favour of the Judge at the hearing. I, notwithstanding being a new attorney, undertook the task of cross-examining Mr Ghandi, a task no one else seemed eager to undertake. And the Judge was represented by, among others, Wilfred “Sedi” Elrington.

The parallels between what occurred in relation to Meerabux J

United Oil (BVI) Group Limited # 61,934 (“the Company”) Pursuant to Section 102(8) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, notice is hereby given that United Oil (BVI) Group Limited has been dissolved as at 20th June, 2014 and has been struck off the Register of International Business Companies.

Cititrust International Limited Registered Agent

29 JUN

2014

and what is now taking place with Awich JA seem to me obvious. The players are largely the same albeit they are older and capacities have changed. Dean Barrow is of course no longer Attorney General but is now Prime Minister. Mr Ghandi is no longer Solicitor General but is now legal advisor to the Prime Minister and Courtenay is not now representing Musa but Aschroft related entities. Wilfred Elrington again defends the Judge when no one else in the profession appears ready to do so. And, of course, the substance of the allegation is not a direct collusion in the preparation of the judgment of the court but the use of periods of appointments and honorary accolades to influence or give an appearance of influencing the court’s decision.

While Awich’s appointment has taken center stage in public fora in this regard, it has not been missed that only weeks before the hearing of the appeals commenced President Sosa was awarded the Order of Belize and now weeks after the decision is delivered he is bestowed the designation of no less than Knight Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George.

Of course Ghandi continues to settle the appointment of Court of Appeal judges on the instructions of the Prime Minister Barrow who is also directly responsible for the bestowal of the honorary accolades.

PUP NOTICE

Municipal Elections – Dangriga Town The People’s United Party is inviting interested applicants for the upcoming Dangriga Town Council Elections to submit their applications. A Convention is slated for Sunday, August 17th, 2014.

Applications are available from the Constituency Committee Chairperson Myrick Marshall or the PUP Secretariat, Independence Hall, #3 Queen Street, Belize City.

Completed applications must be filled and returned to the Chairperson and the Secretary General. The non-refundable fee must be submitted to the Secretariat along with the necessary documentation to complete the application.

Deadline for submission is June 27th, 2014.

29 29 JUN JUN

2014 2014

THE BELIZE THE BELIZE TIMESTIMES

9 TOPMODEL 09

ENTERTAINMENT

NEWS Miss Earth

Belize

June 25, 2014 Miss Earth Belize is among a total of 15 Miss Earth Queens are visiting Nassua, Bahamas on a goodwill invitation extended by Miss Earth Bahamas, Ms. Vandia Sands, and the Bahamas Beauty Organization to allow the delegates an opportunity to see their country and what it has to offer; as well as to build on what Amber describes as, “a beautiful kind of worldwide friendship”.

It is a week full of activities planned for the ladies

by Miss Earth Bahamas under the theme “Women Making Their Mark”.

Amber will be an official representative of Belize as she meets and greets the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Bahamas, Governor General of Bahamas, and the Minister of Tourism among other activities.

Special thanks to her parents Indira Samuels and Javier Rivero, Armando and Eva Moguel, J’adore Boutique, and all friends and family who have supported her along her journey and help made this trip possible.

Amber returns home on Tuesday July 1st.

Vianney • • • • •

Nouveau Model Management Height: 4’ 10” Career Plan: Psychologist Sign: Sagittarius Favourite Food: Lasagna

• • •

Location: Abandoned Building, Belize City, Belize District

in Nassua, Bahamas

TOP MODEL Clothing and Accessories provided by CATWALK FASHIONS

Likes: Swimming, Painting, Practicing Makeup Ideas, Taking Selfies for Instagram, Shopping with Mom and having frozen coffee with friends Lives in: Belize City, Belize District Fav. Quote: “God Gives the toughest battles to his strongest soldiers”

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

Cor. North Front Steet & Queen Street Belize City

Follow us on facebook

10 SPORTS

THE BELIZE TIMES TIMES THE BELIZE

Tigersharks

are 2014 Elite Basketball Champs!!

San Pedro Town, June 22, 2014 The San Pedro Tigersharks will go down in history as the first National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) champs. The Tigersharks were very hungry for the win as a heated Game 3 unfolded against the Cayo Western Ballaz at the Angel Nunez Auditorium on Sunday morning, June 22.

Playoff MVP Ashton Edwards showed why he is also the league’s best 3-point shooter, with three 3-points for the night, and an overall 22 points and 5 rebounds in the game.

The visitors were unable to take the lead throughout the game.

Tigersharks’ big shooters were Tyrone “Mission” Edwards, Michael

Adams and Darwin “Puppy” Leslie who each scored 10 points and Doug Penland with 5 points.

At the end of the game the Tigersharks outscored the Cayo Western Ballaz 60-52.

Regular season MVP Farron Louriano led the visitors with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Kurt “Chengo” Burgess had 10 points and 13 rebounds and NEBL’s steal king Ivan Flowers added 9 points.

Roger Troyer had a glory night in Game 2 when he scored 29 points to lead the Ballaz to a 74-67 win at the Sacred Heart College Auditorium in San Ignacio on Friday night. But on the night when it counted, his hands had

29 JUN

2014

cooled down with 5 points.

The first prize of $20,000 went to the Tigersharks.

Individual Awards Most Valuable Player (Regular Season) - Farron Louriano Best Defensive Player Ballaz’s Kurt Burgess Most Rebounds Ballaz’s Kurt Burgess Most Assists - Tigersharks’ Tyrone “Joker” Edwards Best Young Player Andrew Ortiz of SMART No Limits Best Sportsmanship - Belmopan Point Bandits Adam Carswell Most Blocks - Michael Adams Most Steals - Ivan Flowers

Infotel’s Elton Anderson scored 9 points San Pedro Tigersharks

Cayo Western Ballaz

Holy Redeemer girls advance to basketball nationals

Belize City, June 13, 2014 The Holy Redeemer R.C. School girls have repeated as Belize District Primary Schools basketball champs, defeating the Belize Elementary School girls last Friday. The Holy Redeemer girls won 20-15.

Holy Redeemer’s Zaria Jenkins scored 12 points while Leeza Russell added 4 points and Kelsie Moss and Katrina Aguilar scored a bucket apiece. BES’ Alyanna Musa scored 12 points, Zazie Mckenzie tossed in a bucket and Kristin Musa hit a free throw.

The Holy Redeemer girls got an easy 20-0 win when the Pancotto Nazarene Primary School girls from Sand Hill forfeited their semifinal game.

The Holy Redeemer girls had also won the Belize City championship: 21-17 against the BES girls last Thursday; again led by Zaria Jenkins with 17 pts. BES’ Alyanna Musa scored 10pts.

Holy Redeemer girls

BES’ Zazie Mckenzie scored 2pts

St. Martin’s boys win Belize District basketball champs Belize City, June 20, 2014 The St. Martin De Porres RC School boys won 42-40 against the Holy Redeemer RC School boys in double overtime last Friday to win the Belize district primary schools basketball championship.

Martin’s Tyrece Usher scored 13 points while Raheem Baptist added 8 points. Holy Redeemer’s Shakur Swift and Shamar Molina scored 11 points each while James Saunders added 7 points.

Tyrece Usher also scored 13 points as he led Martin’s to a 48-6 win against the Pancotto Nazarene Primary School boys of Sand Hill. Raheem Baptist added 12 points and Keaun Avilez scored 5 points.

Baptist had scored 22 points as he led the Martin’s boys to Belize City championship, defeating the Holy Redeemer boys 34-33.

St. Martin’s boys

Martin’s Raheem Baptist scored 8pts

11 SPORTS 11 Belize Bank Bulldogs

29 29 JUN JUN

THE BELIZE THE BELIZE TIMESTIMES

2014 2014

clobber Customs 11-4 Belize City, June 21, 2014 The Belize Bank Bulldogs posted their 4th win over Customs/Central Bank in the Belize City interoffice softball competition at the Rogers Stadium last Saturday evening.

Bulldogs took a bite out of Customs 11-4 by mercy rule in the 5th inning. Leonard Linares, Allen Ifield and Tyra Moriera scored 2 runs each, while Kenroy Young, Mike Rivero, Neisha

Pitcher, Leonora Morales

Belize Bank’s Shane Pollard pitches

City Boys & Collet Strikers lead SMART Mundialito Belize City, June 21, 2014 The City Boys and Collet Strikers are leading the 2014 SMART Mundialito into week 7 of the tournament held at the Yarborough Green.

Carlston FC and Heights FC played to a nil-zip draw last weekend.

The City Boys Jrs. posted a 2-1 win over the London Strikers, as Akeem Sutherland scored his 3rd and 4th goals of the tournament, while only Kallai Cho scored for the London Strikers.

The Collet Strikers drew 1-1 against the Ladyville Jaguars.

D’jon Canelo converted a penalty and Mikey Palacio equalized 1-1 for the Strikers.

Hattieville United came up

empty against Third World, who held them to a nil-zip draw.

Lastly, the Brown Bombers came from behind to upset the Ladyville Rising Stars 2-1. Rising Stars’ Camryn Lozano headed in the 1st goal, but the Bombers’ captain Dion Cacho equalized 1-1 before the half. Cacho also converted a penalty in the 2nd half for the 2-1 win.

Upcoming Games (Saturday, June 28) Ladyville Jaguars vs. Hattieville United Heights FC vs. Brown Bombers Third World vs. City Boys Carlston FC vs. London Strikers Collet Strikers vs. Rising Stars

City Boys team

Sutherland and Agnes Lucas scored a run apiece for the win. Customs’ Elbert Neal, Keemar King, Sasha Brown and Kareem Michael scored a run apiece.

Other matches: Belize Water Services/ Ministry of Education vs. Telemedia – 12-8 National Sports Council vs. Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital - 16-6

Belize Bank team

Mexicans win Olympic Day Run Belize City, June 22, 2014 Visiting Mexican runners won the Men’s and Women’s Open Divisions of the Belize Olympic and Commonwealth Games Committee World Olympic Day on Albert and Regent Streets in Belize City on Sunday, June 22.

Andy Elvis Gonzalez Arana of Chetumal won the Men’s Open which was 2 laps around the course in 13 minutes and 34 seconds.

Belizean Leon O’Brien, clocking 13 minutes and 45 seconds, took 2nd and Vladimir Gonzalez Arana clocked 14 minutes and 07 seconds for 3rd place.

Rosa Del Carmen Cruz also of Chetumal won the Women’s race, while Belizean Tichelle Solis was 2nd and Adonis White 3rd.

Jamie Usher won the Women’s Masters’ Category and Desi Garel-Figueroa was 2nd. Teresita Grajalez was 3rd.

Veteran marathon runner Louis Haulze won the Men’s Masters with Anthony Flores finishing 2nd and Patrick Palacio in 3rd place.

Over 100 athletes of all ages participated in the run. Erwin Hamilton won the male high school category. Nour Safa of Belize High School won the girls’ category and her sister, Ayah Safa, took 2nd. In the primary school category, Jonathan Perera took 1st place, Louis Bardalez of St. Joseph’s RC School was 2nd and Wayne Crawford was 3rd. Brandy Frazer won the primary schools girls’ run, Evelyn Rodriguez took 2nd, and Adelita Carrillo won 3rd.

Rosa Del Carmen Cruz

Andy Gonzalez Arana

12 SPORTS

THE BELIZE TIMES TIMES THE BELIZE

29 JUN

2014

Uruguay’s Luis Suarez faces ban for World Cup ‘biting’

Mexico’s Chicharito

Concacaf Shines at World Cup Concacaf, which incorporates teams from North and Central America, as well as three South American minnows, has never before had three teams make it out of the World Cup group stages and into the knockout rounds.

Mexico’s 3-1 win over Croatia on Monday night ensured that for the fourth time Concacaf had qualified two teams for the last-16, with Costa Rica having already secured their place by beating Italy 1-0 last Friday.

“Concacaf is lifting its hand up in solidarity, we came with four and two of us are already in the next round, going well. We’ve already earn more respect from everyone,” said Mexico coach Miguel Herrera.

“Costa Rica have had a great tournament, The United States are a solid team and Mexico have shown that.

“As a confederation, Concacaf is improving and we’re showing that we’re ready to compete on a level playing field with the powerful confederations, which everyone knows are Europe and South America.”

In all three previous occasions that two Concacaf qualifiers made it into the second round, they were Mexico and the US in 1994, 2002 and 2010.

Costa Rica have only once before reached the knock-out stages, in 1990, but the US were knocked out in the group that year and Mexico had not even qualified, due to a suspension over the use of over-aged players in a youth tournament.

Honduras have never made the knockout rounds and in fact have yet to win a World Cup match in eight attempts over three tournaments.

Costa Rica’s Brian Ruiz

RIO DE JANEIRO: Uruguay star Luis Suarez could be facing a lengthy ban after he was charged by FIFA for allegedly biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup. FIFA said early Wednesday that its disciplinary committee has opened proceedings against Suarez.

If the Liverpool striker already banned twice before for biting - is found guilty of assaulting an opponent, FIFA rules call for a ban of at least two matches up to a maximum of 24 months.

FIFA asked the team to present evidence by 5pm Wednesday and a decision must be published before Saturday, when Uruguay play Colombia in a round-of-16 match.

Television replays showed Suarez appearing to attempt to sink his teeth into Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini’s shoulder in an off-the-ball incident.

Chiellini angrily remonstrated with Mexican referee Marco Rodriguez, pulling his shirt off his shoulder to show red marks.

Afterwards a disgusted Chiellini told Italian television: “He bit me, it’s clear, I still have the mark.”

“The referee should have blown his whistle and given him a red card,” he added.

Suarez sought to play down the incident to Uruguayan television, claiming Chiellini had barged him.

“There are things that happen on the pitch and you should not make such a big deal out of them,” Suarez said.

USA’s Clint Dempsey

Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini displays his shoulder showing apparent teeth marks. Photo AP

Uruguay’s Luis Suarez

Top 10 Goal Scorers: Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 4 goals Neymar (Brazil) – 4 goals Thomas Mueller (Germany) – 3 goals Xherdan Shaqiri (Switzerland) – 3 goals Enner Valencia (Ecuador) – 3 goals Karim Benzema (France) – 3 goals Robin van Persie (Netherlands) – 3 goals Arjen Robben (Netherlands) – 3 goals James Rodriguez (Colombia) – 3 goals Andre Ayew (Ghana) – 2 goals

29 JUN

13

THE BELIZE TIMES

2014

For Sale

By Order of the Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Assignment of Mortgage made the 10th day of December, 2007, recorded in Deeds Book Vol. 46 of 2007 at Folios 26 – 42, between SOCIAL SECURITY BOARD (the Assignor) Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. (the Assignee), and the said MAE TILLETT, which said property was mortgaged by the said MAE TILLETT to the said SOCIAL SECURITY BOARD on the 4th day of April, 2002 and recorded in Deeds Book Volume 17 of 2002 at Folios 711 – 764 will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto.

All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. THE SCHEDULE ALL THOSE LEASEHOLD INTEREST IN ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 39 situate on the Southern Side of the Western Highway, Mile 8 Belize District and bounded as follows: On the North for 32.580 metres by Lot No. 38B; On the South for a total distance of 31.986 metres

by Lot Nos. 39D & 39E; On the East for 15.008 metres by Lot No. 39A; and On the West for 15.020 metres by A Street; Containing 484.498 Square Metres of land as shown on Plan No. 2042 at the Office of the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys TOGETHER with all buildings, erections and developments standing and being thereon.

DATED this 18th day of June, 2014.

For Sale

By Order of the Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Assignment and Transfer of Mortgage made the 17th day of August, 2011, between THE BELIZE BANK LIMITED (the Assignor) SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LTD., and VINCENT MANGAR JR., which said property was mortgaged by the said VINCENT MANGAR JR. to the said BELIZE BANK LIMITED on the 30th day of March, 2009, and recorded at the General Registry in Deeds Book Volume 9 of 2009 at Folios 559 – 588, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto.

THE SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land situate along the Punta Gorda/San Antonio Road in the Village of Elridge, Toledo District. This lot measures on the North side 36.405 metres; On the South 45.779 metres; on the Eastern side 51.549 metres and on the Western side 47.437 metres as shown on plan of subdivision

by M. E. Sanchez, Licensed Land Surveyor at Entry No. 11608 Register No. 14 and dated September 12th 2008 and the said lot is numbered 2 on the said plan TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 18th day of June, 2014.

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

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

For Sale

By Order of the

NOTICE

Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Mortgage made the 4th day of October, 2001 between RAYMOND WHYTE and ANSELMA WHYTE of Hercules Avenue, Independence Village, Stann Creek District, Belize of the one part, and Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., of the other part, and recorded in Deeds Book Vol. 37 of 2001 at Folios 899 – 922, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto.

In the Matter of the Trusts Act Chapter 202 of the Laws of Belize and In The Matter of An Application by the Star of Bethlehem Lodge for the appointment of New Trustees namely Lillian Burgess and Helen Elizabeth Myvett both of Belize City, for the sale of the trust property of the said Lodge namely all that piece or parcel of land situate in Cemetery Road, Belize City, Belize, being a portion of the Lot numbered 14 on a Plan by H.L. Perkins, Surveyor dated 5th July, 1915 bounded and described as shown on Transfer Certificate of Title dated 4th March, 1957, registered in the Land Titles Register Volume 2 at Folio No. 357.

All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.

The attention of the General Public is hereby drawn to this Notice. Any person whose rights and interests may be affected by the appointment of Lillian Burgess and Helen Elizabeth Myvett as trustees and or by the sale of the trust property of the said Star of Bethlehem Lodge is hereby requested to show cause on or before the 18th day of July, 2014, why the said Lodge property ought not to be sold and the proceeds of the sale thereof not distributed to the said trustees.

SCHEDULE ALL THAT lot piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 388 comprising of 668.756 Square Metres of land situate in Independence Village, Stann Creek District, bounded and described as shown by Plan No. 355 of 2001 attached to Minister’s Fiat Grant No. 355 of 2001 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 18th day of June, 2014.

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

DATED this 16th day of June, 2014.

MUSA & BALDERAMOS 91 North Front Street Belize City Attorneys-at-Law for Lillian Burgess and Helen Elizabeth Myvett

14

29 JUN

THE BELIZE TIMES

2014

Handelson Ltd. # 66,008 (“the Company”)

For Sale

By Order of the

Pursuant to Section 102(4) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, notice is hereby given that Handelson Ltd.: a) is in dissolution b) commenced dissolution on the 24th day of June, 2014; and c) Cititrust International Inc. whose address is 35 Barrack Road, Third Floor, Belize City is the Liquidator of the Company

Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Mortgage made the 30th day of August, 2012 between MARIA SORAIA ROCHES of Hopeville Area, Punta Gorda Town, Toledo District, Belize of the one part, and Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., of the other part, and recorded in Deeds Book Vol. 21 of 2012 at Folios 67 – 136, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto.

Cititrust International Limited Registered Agent

Standberg Ltd. # 69,753 (“the Company”) Pursuant to Section 102(4) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, notice is hereby given that Standberg Ltd.: a) is in dissolution b) commenced dissolution on the 24th day of June, 2014; and c) Cititrust International Inc. whose address is 35 Barrack Road, Third Floor, Belize City is the Liquidator of the Company Cititrust International Limited Registered Agent

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) invites application for a consultancy on Information Technology/Epidemiology to establish a Maternal and Child Health (MCH) reporting system; open reports- (process of care, output and outcome indicators) to improve access by health care workers at all levels and to improve the quality of decision making process utilizing available data from the BHIS as part of the project “Strengthening of critical maternal and neonatal services in Belize” funded by the European Union.

Duty station: Qualifications/ Experience:

Skills:

Belize City Masters degree or higher in biostatistics/epidemiology, health informatics, information technology or related fields; Medical background or degree highly desirable; Experience in relational databases and interfaces, and report building from relational databases for cross sectional and longitudinal reports; conducting data mapping exercises; working with maternal and child health would be an asset • • • • • • • •

Languages:

Deadline:

Strong interpersonal skills, diplomacy and tact to effectively communicate with senior level officials, multiple stakeholders and professionals from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.

Resourcefulness, initiative, leadership qualities and skills to deal with difficult situations and sensitive areas Leads team efforts Must operate within as well as the Standard of Conduct for the International Civil Service.

Behaves consistently in accordance with the Code of Ethics of the Organization.

Develops a network of appropriate contacts inside and outside PAHO to gain information or to build an alliance.

Enables utilization of knowledge and information sources.

Delivers relevant knowledge and information in most appropriate form Very good knowledge of English and Spanish

Letters of application and resume, including two current letters of recommendation should be sent to P.O. Box 1834, Belize City no later than July 21, 2014

An interview will be held for this position and only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted. For further details visit our website http://new.paho.org/ blz/ PAHO/WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece and parcel of land being Lot No. 100 comprising 549.538 square Metres situate in Hopeville Village, Toledo District, Belize and described as shown on Plan No. 2064 attached to Minister’s Fiat Grant No. 370 of 2010 in the office of the Commissioner of Lands And Surveys in the City of Belmopan TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and thereon.

DATED this 19th day of June, 2014.

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

For Sale

By Order of the Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Mortgage made the 4th day of September, 1990 between DOMINGO VALERIO AND ROSE VALERIO of Georgetown Village, Stann Creek District, Belize of the one part, and Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., of the other part, and recorded in Deeds Book Volume 18 of 1990 at Folios 371 – 394, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto.

All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. SCHEDULE ALL THAT LEASEHOLD INTEREST IN ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Block No. 27 situate in the Waha Leaf Farm Layout, Stann Creek District and bounded as follows: On the North for 652.34 feet by A Road Reserve; On the East for 1278.95 feet by A Road Reserve; on the Southwest for 846.35 feet by A Road; On the West for 740.25 feet by A Portion of Block No. 6 containing 15.116 acres as shown on Plan No. 1152 at the office of the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys.

DATED this 19th day of June, 2014.

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

29 JUN

THE BELIZE TIMES

2014

Home Economics The Great Forestry Opportunity

By Richard Harrison The economy of Belize once depended heavily on forestry-based industry, especially during the second half of the 1800’s and first half of the 1900’s. It provided most of the jobs in what was then a British colony.

Logwood for production of dye….and mahogany for furniture production….were the principal contributors to this export-oriented business. In the second half of the 1900’s, pine lumber for the domestic construction industry became of importance, until the pine bark beetle wreaked havoc on our pine forest stocks in the late 1900’s. More recently, the prized rosewood has been in the news... and the mahogany is still the center of our national emblem.

Since the middle of the 1900’s, with largely depleted forestry stock and with the advent of the land reforms of that period….Belize moved away from forestry and towards a more agrarian economy.

Did we miss the boat? Did we have to give up apples so that we can have oranges? Could we have had both? Is this question still relevant? Allow me to argue that we should have reinvested heavily in forestry…even as we diversified into agribusiness…and that this opportunity has still not escaped us.

Belize’s subtropical climate, soil types, water supply and topography is fertile environment for the thriving of many valuable forest species. Mahogany, cedar, pine, rosewood, zericote, jobillo, granadillo, santa maria, cabbage bark, sapodilla, botan, teak, palmetto, bamboo, mangrove… offers timber wood for a wide range of uses, from frame boards, to charcoal, marina planks and exotic furniture and gift items.

There are many more valuable forest species other than wood supply…bayleaf, xate, ak, orchids, peat moss, heart of palm, cohune, mushrooms, herbal medicines, gums, resins, essential oils, flowering species…to name a few.

Belize is rapidly replacing timber wood with steel in our construction industry.

The principal driver behind this trend is the declining forest stocks which caused increased prices, lack of availability and lower quality from early harvesting. Steel is

imported and sold at prices not much higher than what timber wood is available for...and there is a perception that it is more durable...hence a better investment.

Steel imports have grown exponentially while local timber wood production has declined significantly. Most of the pine lumber and plywood board being used in Belize today is imported from the USA and Brazil.

As a country we have agreed to give up our own production from our natural resources and jobs instead to ship away our money to create jobs for others abroad. We will never produce steel in Belize.

We can stick our heads in the sand and say that forestry is a lost opportunity….especially if we follow the short-term, short-sighted policies that our governments have been exposing since Independence or we can choose otherwise….. and start a programmed effort to build back our timber wood stocks….while developing other non-timber resources as well.

Many jobs will be created from the get go….as forestry investments are very labor intensive.

Belize currently has a planted population of an estimated 10,000 mahogany trees.....which in 30 years will value $40 million at current prices....with little to no maintenance cost. We should plant another 5,000 every year for the next twenty years.

Some ideas for changes that can be made to get this ball rolling: 1. FAO as a development partner should be requested to help Belize with putting together a timber wood development plan…with short, medium and long term goals…and including sustainable financing models for the plan.

2. All co-management agreements with NGOs operating inland should be amended to include conditions that require programmed investments in timber wood as a percentage of their total land holdings.

3. More private investments in timber wood forest should be encouraged, by government allowing for a portion of such investments to be deducted from land taxes due.

4. 50% of the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) growing revenue, currently at around $3 million per annum, should by policy be directed into a National Forestry Development Fund (NFDF), which is co-invested with private land owners and NGO land holders in timber wood forest investments….on a competitive basis...including providing incentives for ranchers to plant fence lines with timber wood species.

5. All the revenues from royalties collected on forestry products should be re-invested back through the NFDF in timber wood reforestation.

6. The Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development budget should be increased from $6.65 million to $13 million….with all the additional funds invested in a massive long-term program for development of the pine forests….creating around 300 full time jobs in the Mountain Pine Ridge (MPR). This should be done in a way that enhances the tourism potential of the MPR. 7. Our laws should be mod-

15 ified to allow for a more free flow of timber wood stocks from Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua via Belize and traded into the Caribbean and other markets. This will in the short term also supply the needs of our exotic furniture manufacturing industries, so that they can supply quantities being demanded in Mexico and beyond.

8. The import duty on steel should be raised by 10%, and those additional revenues invested in the NFDF. 9. The laws that govern the NFDF should allow for marketable financial instruments that can attract international financing for timber wood forestry investments in Belize….including, but not limited to, carbon trading and debt-for-nature swaps.

Richard Harrison is a local businessman and investor in the manufacturing and service industries. Mr. Harrison holds a Masters in Business Administration degree from Lancaster University, United Kingdom. Send comments to harrisonbz@yahoo.com

16

THE BELIZE TIMES

29 JUN

2014

29 JUN

2014

THE BELIZE TIMES

Reid Check Yourself!

By G. Michael Reid “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

— That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed... That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government…when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government” ~ Declaration of Independence of the United States of America.

“The Tyranny of a prince in an oligarchy is not so dangerous to the public welfare as the apathy of a citizen in a democracy.” ~ Montesquieu Political philosophy explores topics such as politics, justice, rights and the enforcement of laws. It is a study of the duties owed to a people by its government and the duties (if any) owed to that government by its citizens. It also looks at when a government might be legitimately overthrown. In political philosophy, revolution is considered not only a right but the duty of a people whose government acts against their common interests.

The “right of revolution” dates as far back and was first articulated as part of an official state philosophy of the Zhou Dynasty which ruled China from 1122 until 256 BC. The Chinese believed that Heaven gave emperors the right to rule based only on their ability to govern well. This was referred to as the “Mandate of

17

nephew, declared that “it doesn’t hurt that he is related.” Sedi Elrington recently admitted that government funds were used to purchase land from a friend of his which was subdivided and subsequently issued exclusively to UDP representatives in Belize City. A month ago on Mother’s Day, almost a million dollars of the people’s money was distributed exclusively to UDP area Heaven”. The Chinese also believed representatives to share among that if a ruler did not rule well or their cronies and party supportbecame despotic, then Heaven iters. self would withdraw the mandate Nepotism seems the order of which would then result in the the day and almost the policy of overthrow of said ruler and regime. the UDP government. The Prime In fact, the Christians of Jesus day, Minister has appointed many of actually believed that he was sent his close relatives to lucrative to lead them in a revolution that positions and recently defendwould overthrow the oppressive ed the appointment of another Roman regime. The philosophy has minister’s daughter to a top and been used throughout history to crucial position in the Ministry of justify various rebellions, including Health. Elvin Penner continues the American Revolution and the to enjoy protection and there is French Revolution. evidence of a massive cover-up Let me state unequivocally that in this very serious atrocity. Dethis article is not meant to incite spite many allegations of wrongdoing, Ministry of Health CEO Peter Allen Sedi Elrington recently admitted that government funds was recently declared were used to purchase land from a friend of his which by the Prime Minister a “good man and true”. True was subdivided and subsequently issued exclusively to to whom, Mister Prime UDP representatives in Belize City. A month ago Minister, true to whom? on Mother’s Day, almost a million dollars of the The list of violations people’s money was distributed exclusively to by this government of the rights of our people UDP area representatives to share among their is long and space will not cronies and party supporters. permit me to list even a fraction thereof. Scandals and evidence of corruption posal of the party in power. any riot or to portend any type of come fast and furiously and we Recent comments by Minisbloody revolution BUT…it should hardly have time to recover from ters Mark King, Manuel Heredia be clearly understood that no peoone when another one surfaces. and Deputy Prime Minster Gaspar ple should be expected to endure, With every press conference, the Vega, which were later endorsed the type of oppression, corruption, Prime Minister rubs it in the face by the Prime Minster himself, have balkanization and victimization that of the people and taunts us with shown a dangerous level of disrehas seen rearing its ugly head in his cackles and gesticulations. spect and scorn for the fifty percent our country.

The Prime Minister would be well of the people who did not vote for The United Democratic Party advised however, that the people the UDP. King proclaimed on nationis in its second term of governhave not only the right but a duty al television that in dispensing his ment but had all things been fair to overthrow a ruler that does not duties, he considered “UDP first, and equal, the 2012 general elecprovide for their needs. It is not Belizeans second and PUPs last”. tions would have certainly turned wise to neglect the needs of such Heredia, in appointing a new board out differently. A lot went wrong a large percentage of any poputo the Airport Authority, declared in 2012, including the naturalizalace. This “politics of exclusion” that they had to be UDP’s because tion of thousands of immigrants in is unfair and unwise and must be it is their government that is in powthe days immediately leading up discontinued immediately. Let he er. Gaspar Vega, in justifying lucrato the elections. An OAS observawho have ears, listen well! tive government contracts to his tion team reported that “the active role played by party activists, who congregated in significant numbers outside of many voting centers, produced a less than conducive environment for the voting process.” The report went on to state that, “At one polling station, an OAS observer witnessed a party activist distributing money immediately outside of the polling center to a group of people after they had voted.” The latter was a common practice and there are many who suggest that the elections were bought and stolen and not won.

The OAS report made several recommendations including “The Enactment of Campaign Finance Regulations” and “mechanisms to protect the ability of voters to vote without outside pressure or fear of reprisal as they exercise their voting rights”. Subsequent Village Council elections have proven that none of these recommendations have given any consideration and the practices, if anything, have grown progressively worse.

In spite of all of that, the margin of victory for the UDP was razor slim and just under fifty percent of persons who voted, showed support for the People’s United Party. Still, given the “first past the post” system under which we are governed, to the “victor goes the spoils” and all resources of the country and the people were delivered to the dis-

18

THE BELIZE TIMES

29 JUN

2014

Recipe of the week

Caipirinha Float It’s World Cup time! Here are two Brazilian recipes that will make you the star of any World Cup Fever Party.

Ingredients 2 large limes, cut into wedges 1/4 cup superfine sugar 8 oz. cachaa 1 carton mango sorbet Preparation: 1. Place the limes and sugar in a pitcher and muddle until well combined.

2. Stir in the cachaa, adding ice to fill up the pitcher. Stir vigorously.

3. Divide mixture evenly among pint glasses.

4. Top with liberal scoops of mango sorbet and serve right away with bendy straws and long spoons.

29 JUN

2014

THE BELIZE TIMES

19

The World Cup is on, so if you’ve been watching the matches with your family here’s a little treat for you this week at MKC

20

29 JUN

THE BELIZE TIMES

PAY & PLAY “BOLEDO”

OUR WAY OF SHOWING YOU

2014

BRAIN

TEASER

SUDOKU PUZZLE

“APPRECIATION” FOR YOUR PATRONAGE “YOU CAN’T LOSE” OVER 3,100 WINNERS

JL’s Quick Loan, Quick Cash Card & Credit Master Systems

BY ORDER OF CHARGEE NOTICE OF INTENTION TO SELL HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED a statutory body formed and registered under the Credit Union Act, Chapter 314 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, and whose registered office is situated at No. 1 Hyde’s Lane, Belize City, Belize District hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Chargee under and by virtue of a Charge registered at the Land Registry between Marion Webster Jones and the said Holy Redeemer Credit Union Limited.

See answers NEXT WEEK

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

ALL offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing to HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED from whom full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained.

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

Answers for last week’s puzzle SUDOKU PUZZLE SOLUTION

Answers for last week’s puzzle

See answers NEXT WEEK

29 JUN JUN 29

THE BELIZE TIMESTIMES THE BELIZE

2014

REGIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

NEWS

21

US blacklists three nations over trafficking Thailand, Malaysia and Venezuela now open to sanctions for what US calls a failure to fight human trafficking.

Governor of Kenya’s Lamu held over attacks The governor of Lamu county in Kenya has been arrested in connection with three recent attacks in which at least 65 people were killed, according to police.

Issa Timamy was arrested late on Wednesday in connection with last week’s killings over two consecu-

tive nights in the town of Mpeketoni and a nearby village that claimed at least 65 lives.

Another attack this week left at least five dead, officials said.

“The governor is in custody,” Ndegwa Muhoro, Kenya’s Criminal Investigations Department chief, said, adding that

Timamy would appear in court later on Thursday.

“There are various charges lined up for him that are related to the attack.” he said.

Despite an immediate claim of responsibility from the al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab group for the Mpeketoni attack, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has blamed “local political networks” along with an “opportunist network of other criminal gangs”.

Political rivalry

The accusations have exacerbated the political rivalry between Kenyatta and opposition parties.

Timamy is a member of the opposition United Democratic Forum (UDF) party.

Musalia Mudavadi, UDF party leader and a former deputy prime minister, criticised the arrest, calling it “selective victimisation”.

Rousseff to run for Brazil re-election Ruling party nominates President Dilma Rousseff for presidential election in October despite falling popularity Brazil’s ruling Workers’ Party has formally nominated President Dilma Rousseff to run for re-election in October in what is shaping up to be its toughest race since winning power in 2002.

Rousseff’s popularity is falling because of Brazil’s high cost of living and slowing economy, and she was jeered at the opening game of the World Cup last week.

She survived massive protests last year by Brazilians de-

manding better health, education and public transport services instead of the costly stadiums built for the World Cup. She is still favoured to win re-election in a second-round runoff, though her lead has narrowed in recent months, according to opinion polls.

“We face a challenge because the quality of life has improved in Brazil and when that happens in a country, its people demand more and im-

proved quality,” Rousseff said in a speech to a cheering party convention.

Rousseff’s main challenger, Aecio Neves of the centrist Brazilian Social Democracy (PSDB) party, is running on a more business-friendly platform aimed at restoring investment and growth to Brazil’s economy “It will be a very difficult election, but, wait, the game has not even kicked off yet,” said party founder and former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

21 Jun 2014 The United States has blacklisted Thailand, Malaysia and Venezuela, accusing them of failing to stop human trafficking, opening them to possible sanctions, and putting them in the same category as North Korea and Syria.

The three countries were all downgraded to the lowest “Tier 3” status in the 2014 US State Department report on trafficking released on Friday.

The report said the countries failed to meet minimum standards in fighting human trafficking, which affects 20 million people globally.

Secretary of State John Kerry launched the annual report of how 188 governments around the world have performed in fighting the flesh trade and other forms of exploitative labour.

“There cannot be impunity for those who traffic in human beings. It must end,’’ Kerry said, describing it as slavery in the 21st century and an illicit business generating annual profits of $150bn.

Other countries in the list are Gambia, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Zimbabwe.

Mexico drug lord arrested watching World Cup Head of diminished Tijuana-based drug cartel Fernando Sanchez Arellano, also known as “The Engineer”, arrested.

The head of the once-mighty Tijuana-based Arellano Felix drug cartel was arrested while watching Mexico’s football team play in the World Cup, a top Mexican federal official has said.

Federal police chief Monte Alejandro Rubido said Fernando Sanchez Arellano was arrested in the border city of Tijuana on Monday and was expected to be brought to Mexico City sometime on Tuesday.

Sanchez Arellano had $100,000 in cash when he was arrested, Rubido said at a news briefing.

Journalists were shown photographs of Sanchez Arellano in a green football jersey and with his cheeks painted with green, white and red, the colours of the Mexican flag.

Sanchez Arellano inherited leadership of the Arellano Felix cartel from his uncle, Javier Arellano Felix, who was arrested by the US Coast Guard in international waters off Mexico’s Baja California in 2006. The uncle later was sentenced in San Diego to 40 years in federal prison.

22

THE BELIZE TIMES

Belize lags behind in Internet Use & Affordability Belize City, June 22 2014 Belize sits at the bottom of the ranking in the area of internet use in the Caribbean region.

A recently-released World Development Indicators report shows that Belize and Haiti are the countries with the lowest levels of internet use by its citizens.

The World Bank’s data, which was based on the International Telecommunication Union’s World Telecommunication/ICT indicators database, looked at the number of individuals in each country using the internet as a percentage of the population.

The study classified “internet users” as people who used the internet, from any location, whether by computer, mobile phone, digital TV or other.

In the Caribbean, Belize only had 25% as internet users, below everyone else except Haiti who scored 8.9%.

St Kitts and Nevis, which has a population of 54,000, has 79 percent as internet users.

Despite having developed a new Ministry with the portfolios “Science and Technology”, the Barrow Administration has failed to make information and technology a driving force in our country. There is no plan

Lost Dreams Continued from page 6 the lending institutions in the stagnant economy can seek to save their small castles with refinancing from the government-owned National Bank of Belize. That door has always been closed to those broken-hearted persons although the institution is financed by taxpayers of all political persuasion. For those who can’t see, the National Bank of Belize is managed with the strict adherence to the UDP Government philosophy as stated by Mark King. Noncompliance to that philosophy is the reason why veteran banker Jose Marin, the first general manager of the bank, was sacked six months after it opened its doors and replaced with a rubberstamp successor.

Today more than ever, Belize needs leaders with the interest of the people at heart. More than ever, this country needs new leaders with the vision to address the major problems including those of unemployment and the high cost of living that are causing so much hardship for the people. Until this new leader ship is in place, hundreds of more Belizeans will continue to lose their dream homes to the commercial banks and other lending institutions with no end in sight.

Class of 2014

29 JUN

2014

to merge those areas with our old education curriculum, no move to inject growth in our economy through it.

Too Slow What the Ministry has been able to achieve, led by archaic-thinking individuals, is to keep internet beyond the reach of Belizeans with its slow bandwidth speeds and through-theroof prices. A recent survey of bandwidth speeds and internet pricing in the Caribbean embarrassed Belize.

The survey showed that Belize was the only country in the region which still offered 128K speed. No it’s not a joke. Also, Belize’s highest bandwidth speed, 8 megabytes, was indisputably outmatched by the 160 megabytes available in Barbados or the 100 megabytes available in Curacao and Grenada. Both latter countries have populations much smaller than Belize, but their economies are centred on e-commerce for banking and business.

Very Expensive The same survey also found that Belize’s slow internet speed was also very expensive compared to others in the region.

For example, the 8 megabytes proudly offered as its highest bandwidth by the Government-owned BTL, is sold for US$353 per month.

Well, with less than one third of that money, just US$100, in Barbados you can get twenty times more at 160 megabytes. In Jamaica, US$125 can buy you 100 megabytes per month.

Belize could be accused of gouging its internet customers. Here at home a 2 megabyte per month speed would cost $120, but in Trinidad the same speed would cost just over $20 per month.

Aside from the major differences in pricing, the truth is that the countries have recognised the major role which technology plays in the advancement of their economies.

Here in Belize, the UDP Cabinet is still playing with poco-no boy sticks and practising political tribalism of the past. To move ahead, Belize must get rid of the UDP cavemen.

St. Matthews Government Primary School graduates 27 St. Matthews Village, Cayo District, June 25, 2014 27 proud young and promising Belizeans said farewell to St. Matthew’s Government Primary School at a special graduation ceremony held today, June 25, 2014.

The graduating class was led by Valedictorian Angelica Cifuentes and Salutatorian Dairon Alberto Peralta who celebrated the culmination of their studies at the primary school and shared their intrigue in the new goals ahead.

Cifuentes expressed the Class of 2014’s gratitude to the teachers and staff of the school for supporting and standing at their side throughout the years. She challenged each graduate to study hard so they each could become a Minister of Government, in particular the Minister of

Education, in order to give teachers, such as theirs, due recognition and even a proper pay! Then too, will students also get affordable education so they could become productive citizens, she added.

Principal Sandra Lewis beamed with pride as this year’s group of school children stood on stage and accepted their certificates of excellence.

In her speech, she told her students that they must use what they have learnt at the school to build on as they enter a new journey. She advised parents to continue supporting their children with education.

The Guest Speaker was Mrs. Gwen Nunez-Gonzalez who spoke to the students about making good Continued on page 23

Top students: Dairon Alberto Peralta & Angelica Cifuentes

29 JUN

2014

THE BELIZE TIMES

US places Belize on Human

Trafficking Watchlist

Continued from page 22 zens targeting minors - Sex trafficking and forced labor of Belizean and foreign women and girlsto work in bars, nightclubs, and brothels - Exploitation of immigrants who are in search of work - Forced labor in particular in the South Asian and Chinese communities “The Gov’t decreased its efforts to investigate and prosecute trafficking offenses and convict trafficking offenders in 2013,” Trafficking In Persons Report, 2014 The Report bashes the Administration for failing to properly tackle Human Trafficking. It accused the Barrow Administration of showing little importance to fighting the scourge which has gained global prominence. The report is filled with charges of inaction and even abetment that go as follows: “[The Government] did not proactively identify potential trafficking victims among vulnerable groups in 2013…”

“The Belizean government’s efforts to protect trafficking victims decreased compared to the previous reporting period.”

“Although NGOs reported having identified additional potential trafficking victims, the government did not follow up on these referrals despite the mandate to protect victims under Belize’s anti-trafficking law.”

“Police did not systematically inspect brothels or bars for indications of trafficking during the year”.

“Trafficking-related complicity by government officials, including allegations of involve-

St. Matthews Government Primary School graduates 27 Continued from page 22 choices in life, even though they may be unpopular or lacking in fun.

She used her life experiences and choices to show how tough decisions can get people to good places. She indicated that she chose a life of study and hard work instead of partying and it has paid off.

Special awards were presented to the students by Mrs. Shakeyra Berry, Ms. Rosa Vellos and Mrs. Adanely Requena.

The ceremony ended with the symbolic passing of the torch to Standard 5 students.

ment of high-level officials, continued.”

Non-compliance, according to this new Report has been so blatant, that even a case that dates back to 2011 in which a Government official allegedly raped a Trafficking victim during an investigation has not been deal with.

In fact, says the report, instead of boosting their investigations, Police Officers now “provide security for sex trade establishments”.

The annual Trafficking In Persons Report is an important instrument to assess the current state of anti-trafficking responses in each country.

Belize’s placement on the Tier 2 Watch List is a downgrade, as the US Department of State is reviewing the country’s standing and could eventually place Belize among the nations deemed to be grave delinquents (Tier 3).

This status could lead to sanctions from United States to withhold or withdraw non-humanitarian and non-trade related assistance. In could also mean less development aid from international financial institutions like the World Bank or International Monetary Fund.

Along with Belize, countries on the Watch List include Angola, Bolivia, Botswana, Burma, Guyana, Haiti and Pakistan.

23

Green Tropics’ proposal doesn’t cut it, says attorney for Valley of Peace farmers Belize City, June 23, 2014 A proposal pitched by Green Tropics Limited to a group of Valley of Peace farmers to end a dispute over land ownership has been deemed as unacceptable by the farmers’ attorney Senior Counsel Andrew Marshalleck.

The farmers have accused Green Tropics of destroying hundreds of thousands of dollars of their crops, after an aerial spraying was carried out by a party contracted by the company on March 15th. Following this incident, Green Tropics accused the farmers of illegally occupying their land, and on June 9th attorney for the company, Mikhail Arguelles and Associates, issued eviction letters demanding that the farmers “remove [themselves] from our client’s property on or before Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 3:00pm”.

Green Tropics has since made an offer that includes compensation of $2,000 per farmer and permission to occupy 150 acres under a communal deed held by the Valley of Peace Farmers Association.

But the offer does not meet the farmer’s expectations, according to Marshalleck, who has asked Green Tropics to “try again”.

The land currently occupied by the farmers is 180 acres and is the best positioned for farming. Their agricultural fields are near to a canal that is connected to the Belize River, which supplies water to their crops. The farmers had asked the company for seeds and fertilizers, but the company refused.

But Marshalleck said there is no question of ownership for the farmers and whether they are prepared to defend their rights.

“The value of what is involved means nothing to Green Tropics, while for the farmers it means their whole lives,” remarked Marshalleck.

In support of the farmers is Cayo South Area Representative Julius Espat, who added that the Valley of Peace farmers are not squatters, but rightful owners of the land they have been utilising for years.

Premium Gas increases by 36 cents!

Belize City, June 25th, 2014 The price of Premium gas increased at midnight on Tuesday, June 24th 2014 by a whopping 36 cents!

The new price per gallon, which now is $12.03, surprised drivers across the country as there had been no announcement of the hike in price by the facey UDP Government. The Barrow Administration has picked up a terrible habit to secretly push higher gas prices on Belizeans.

The previous price of Premium was $11.67 per gallon. The increase comes at a really bad time, as many Belizeans are preparing for their summer travels.

Overall, the cost of living in Belize has been in a debilitating upward trend for months and months, with little effort by the Government to come to consumers’ aid. Instead of the Government working for you, you are working for the Government.

CARTOON

24

THE BELIZE TIMES

29 JUN

2014