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The Belize Times
Established 1957
The Truth Shall Make You Free
5 JUNE 2016 | ISSUE NO: 4996
www.belizetimes.bz | $1.00
Mutiny in the UDP! Patrick Faber
Gapi Vega City of Belmopan, May 31, 2016 A bitter revolt is taking place in the United Democratic Party following the convention for First Deputy Leader, which Patrick Faber won over John Saldivar by 88 votes. Despite the shellacking and rejection from “the base”, Saldivar apparently has the support of those who matter in the UDP, that
is, a majority of the Ministers who make up Cabinet and the Ministers of State who participate in Cabinet meetings and its decision-making. This group of anti-Faber Ministers led by Gaspar Vega include Frank Papa Mena, Omar Figueroa, Erwin Contreras, Tracy Panton, Anthony “Boots” Martinez, Rene Montero, Edmund Castro, Pablo Marin, Angel Campos, Hugo Patt and Beverly
GUAT MILITARY EJECTS BELIZE MEDIA FROM SARSTOON RIVER
PUP CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION
John Saldivar
Dean Barrow
Castillo. On Faber’s side, there is only Michael Finnegan, Manuel Herredia and Elodio Aragon. On Tuesday morning, Saldivar and Vega hosted his 12 disciples for an early breakfast meeting in which they plotted their next move. UDP sources have confirmed that the group crafted a set of demands for the Prime Minister, which they took
with them to the Cabinet meeting. There, the group took their stand, letting the Prime Minister know that they refuse to have dutty Faber as their Deputy Prime Minister, and that they want to see changes, including the stripping of the Natural Resources portfolio from God-
MORE BLOOD SHED IN SHINY’S NAME
Pg. 7
BEV FIRES CLEANER!!! Pg. 2
Michael Wallace
The vehicle that came under attack
Pg. 23
Pg. 7
CORRECTION AND APOLOGY In our publications of the 17th and 24th April 2016 we ran two articles titled, “THE FLEECING OF THE PEOPLE’S COMPANY” and “THE FLEECING OF BTL-PT2” (hereinafter the “Articles”). In these Articles we proceeded to expound upon certain business dealings between Belize Telemedia Ltd and Belize Auto Trader; and named Said Perdomo as being a part owner of Belize Auto Trader. We wish to correct these Articles by stating that Said Perdomo holds no interest in Belize Auto Trader. We hereby retract any inference that Said Perdomo was involved in any imprudent or underhanded dealings between Belize Telemedia Ltd and Belize Auto Trader; and we apologize for any damage done to Said Perdomo’s reputation by the publication of these Articles.
370 DAYS SINCE BARROW LOST THE SARSTOON
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OPINION A student cries out!
!
Dear Editor, I am a 4th form student at one of our Belize City high schools. I thought I should write to you about a situation currently facing myself and many others in our graduating class. We have done well in our studies, as a matter of fact I and three of my close friends are on the Honour Roll. When the graduating list was published I had no fear that I would not graduate. My problem and that of many of my classmates is that of money. Our parents do not have the funds to cover our school cost and graduation expenses. My mom a single mother has struggled trying to put food on the table and has not been able to find the money to finish paying my school fees. Graduation is this week and we are still in limbo as to whether or not I will be able to graduate with my classmates. Another issue I face is what I do after high school? My mom did not have the money to pay for me to apply to UB or any other 6th Form. Mr. Editor I have the brains to study and do well. I have been so stressed out lately and so are many of my friends who see our future going down the drain. We are looking for summer jobs and there are none. What should we do as young people? I am a young lady who respects herself and want to do better in life. I do not see the opportunities for myself and I know my mom is doing her very best. I have heard her cry in frustration. Just thought I would share this and I know many other students in other high schools and 6th Forms around this country face the very same situation. Signed. Depressed Student
2 Jun
Ingrid Herrera
WEATHER 3 Jun
Belize City, May 25, 2016 With crime spiralling out of control, in particular the cold-blooded gun violence among gang rivalries in the old capital, we must ask how does Gang Suppression Unit (GSU) Commander Mark Flowers find the time to play bodyguard for the Prime Minister’s notorious son, Shyne Barrow? The GSU boss’s reputation as a no-nonsense, hard-core officer went down the drain when he recently appeared in a Shyne Barrow music video as a thug’s bodyguard. The video featuring the has-been rapper’s one and only music hit “Bad Boyz”, which dates back some 20 years ago, was re-done here in Belize for the kick-off of P. Diddy’s “Bad Boy Family Reunion Tour” in the United States last week. The event featured several of Bad Boyz’s old-time artists and Shyne Continued on page 23
15 more workers sent home; all collateral damage from convention
Belize City, June 1, 2016 UDP Belize Rural Central area representative Beverly Castillo has been accused of being one chancey politician by her office cleaner. A letter dated May 30, 2016 from Bev to Mrs. Ingrid Herrera, who she hired to clean her constituency office space in Ladyville, has the shocking news that she is being terminated from her job forthwith. Mrs. Ingrid is a brave UDP. Instead of walking into the sunset, she went to the media to call out chancey Bev. Some say it is Juliet who encouraged her to do it. Mrs. Ingrid, a UDP delegate in Sunday’s convention, said Bev apparently suspects that she supported Patrick Faber. Bev, of course, is part of the losing team that backed Saldivar. If Ms. Ingrid’s suspicions are true, it exposes serious pettiness! Mrs. Ingrid said Bev didn’t even ask her how she voted. Clearly holding back tears, a distraught Mrs. Ingrid said she deserved better respect from Bev. “I have neglected my home, my children, my husband to be on tour with them and on Sunday when the convention was being held…and because of the amount
4 Jun
5 Jun
2016
Bad Boyz recruits GSU Boss?
BEV FIRES CLEANER!!!
OUT
LOCAL
5 JUN
THE BELIZE TIMES
of votes that he had received they are assuming that I voted or I have supported Patrick Faber. I don’t agree with the way and the strategy that Beverly Castillo has done this because I am U.D.P. supporter for many years, a diehard U.D.P. supporter, and I have worked for Ms. Beverly from the time she was a standard bearer to this present moment. I have campaigned for her tirelessly day and night, in the rain, in the hot sun, Sunday to Sunday, so she can be where she is. It hurts me because I have done Beverly Castillo no wrong,” said Mrs. Ingrid. The BELIZE TIMES has received reports that there have been more sudden firings of Government workers following Sunday’s convention. At least 15 UDP supporters from the Saldivar camp, who were given jobs in the Government, and are suspected of voting for Faber have been fired. Prime Minister Dean Barrow once revealed the UDP policy that every election brings its amount of collateral damage. He said this when the UDP began
266 Mar Jun
firing PUP supporters following the 2008 general elections. The UDP firing its own is tribalism to an extreme level. Actually, it is political cannibalism. You know how that ends.
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The Belize Times
Established 1957
14 APR 2013
|
ISSUE NO: 4840
The Truth Shall Make You Free
www.belizetimes.bz
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$1.00
serving Belize since 1957 as the longest continuous newspaper. Founder: Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price, People’s United Party Leader Emeritus EDITOR
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27 Mar Jun 67Feb
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5 JUN
2016
THE BELIZE TIMES
IMF Confirms Economic Crisis
JUNE 01, 2016 The recent IMF Article IV Consultation confirms the dismal state of Belize’s economy under the UDP. According to the IMF “The economic outlook has worsened further since the 2015 Article IV Consultation and is subject to significant downside risks.” “The economy is slowing and fiscal and external vulnerabilities are rising. Falling oil production and multiple shocks in the primary sector reduced GDP growth to 1 percent in 2015. The decline in prices of energy and other commodities led to deflation in 2015, although the increase in fuel tax restored positive inflation, at 0.1 percent in March. The current account deficit widened to 9.8 percent of GDP as exports fell by 9 percent (mainly oil and marine products) and imports continued to grow, partly due to investment projects. Following partial compensation payments for the two nationalized companies, international reserves fell to 4.6 months of imports in March 2016. The fiscal deficit widened to 8 percent of GDP due to a one-off payment related to a settlement of a loan to one of the nationalized companies, an increase in public sector wages and transfers, and a large overrun in capital expenditure.
As a result, the stock of public debt climbed to 82 percent of GDP,” said the IM report further. While the UDP government has been unable to truthfully explain the economic realities to the Belizean people, in his Budget presentation, Party Leader, Hon. John Briceño signaled that hard times were upon us. Our country is in an economic crisis as a result of the UDP’s excessive and unsustainable borrowing and spending. To mitigate a recession, the IMF is saying to the UDP that it must cut government expenditures and contain the public sector wage bill while broadening the tax base and implementing tax reforms. In other words, that means retrenchment of public officers and further raising of taxes on hard working Belizeans. The People’s United Party has consistently reminded the Government of the repercussions of the mismanagement of the economy. This IMF Press Release is testament to the warnings of the PUP. Belizeans will now have to wake up to the sad reality, after the election party of 2015 using borrowed money, that we have been tricked and that we have even harder times ahead under this UDP government.
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THE BELIZE TIMES
HARD KNOCKS
TKO Did you guys feel that tremor Sunday evening, like the earth shook? Well we checked with our local weather experts and nothing. We checked in with our regional weather experts and nothing – no earthquake nowhere in the region. Know what it was? The Big Deal getting knocked the hell out by the Real Deal. The Belmopan bandit get jacked up. I hear his people had to send home for his pressure pills and stand vigil by his bedside, Dougie fanning him on one side and Gambis holding his hand and telling him noh worry boss, noh worry. Dih man get beat like wah oversized, gigantic, fat drum. Anyway, if unnu think the big deal about nothing is a forgiving sort, unnu dead wrong. Reliable sources say that the man is spending hours looking through the lists trying to figure out who took the cheese and voted him out. See, according to the numbers Saldivar figures he had like 380 solid. He ended up with 248. Do the maths. That’s 132 delegates that took the cheese, hug up the big man, blow inna ih ears leebit and then gawn vote fu Patrick. No seh me seh, but unnu days numbered. Oh wait – unnu believe all dah talk bout everything curry right now. Me sorry fu unnu. G-14 Red Remix All ah unnu laugh wen the PUP gat lee ruction noh? Laugh now den. Word is that 14 Cabinet ministers went to the house of the man formerly known as the Big Deal for a meeting before Cabinet. All of them took a sip of Jim Jones koolaid, did the three musketeers one for all, all for one thing and headed to the Cabinet Room all full of spunk – spunk running over. So they get into the room and tell the PM we noh happy. We got some demands and you need to listen now. So the PM says demands? Listen? Who, me? Alright hear this. Dis dah noh dat. If you are not happy then let’s call this thing off and go back to the polls once you have the bolas to put on the table. Well you coulda mih hear pin drop. Datideh market run out ah bolas quick quick and everybody tek seat. But check this out – Saldivar and his people noh happy. Watch how ting wah bruk up soon soon. The former Big Deal wants to be leader so bad he can taste it, and mark my words there is not going to be any peace in the Real Deal’s life anytime soon. Just wah lee advice mi bally RD – noh forget BD controls the Police, and I mean the Special Branch – you know, those people who tap phones and peep through window. Soh if I dah mi you, I mi wah stop drink dih dutty liquor and stop put hand pon woman before yu get wah real surprise pon FB one of these days. Bev & Juliet Soh unnu mi eva did find out why Juliet cuff up Bev dih odda day? Me noh know. One spell dih two ah dem sweet sweet like loving joesy and betsy syrup, and the next me hear dah bip bap and teeth fly outta mouth. But love only hurt noh sah? Soh next ting me hear, Bev deh listen to music outta wah different “Speaker,” and pon Sunday dih two ah dem deh pon different side - Bev supporting BD and Juliet supporting RD. Oh but dah weh Juliet gawn do to ihself? Me hear dat dah liposuction, maybe fu try get back dih sweetie sweetie. Wat a este. Me happy happy fu dih sista deh try get back inna shape, cause square dah wah shape, but lawd nobody wah eva accuse she ah be cute. Then again, she noh need fu be cute cause she done mek all the cheddaz while she dah mi Senator – house all ova dih place deh rent – big money deh roll. Noh worry pet, my old dead granny used to tell me if yu don’t get dem wid looks, yu could get dem wid money. Soh you still deh win. Oh Land of the Starstoon How bout we just give Guatemala dih Starstoon and we kip dih Sarstoon? Ayyy tek bad ting mek laugh. Seriously, fun and joke aside, Guatemala is taking Belizeans for fools. I swear after they meet with Sedi they probably have one big hallary laughing. Imagine, for years now Sedi has been meeting with the Guatemalans – years. Thing about it. How much progress has been made? Forget the government spin. Forget Sedi’s spin. How much progress has been made? What have we gained? What have we lost? What has Guatemala gained? I know sure as anything we have lost the Sarstoon and Guatemala has gained the Sarstoon, let’s start with that. But how much ground have we made up? Find a little corner and think about it. Forget politics. Be a Belizean only if you can. How far have we come since Sedi has been handling the negotiations with Guatemala? Have we gone forward even an inch, or backwards? Fu tief mih bally Dickie whap, think about it.
5 JUN
2016
5 JUN
THE BELIZE TIMES
2016
5 05
EDITORIAL Gangsters’ Paradise
C
rime has gripped the nation of Belize and it seems that there is no end in sight. It is undeniable that Belizeans are living in one of the most violent times in all of our young history. Belize’s murder rate continues to be one of the highest in the region and indeed the world – well above the UN defined civil war levels. It cannot be happenstance that all this started under the Barrow administration. What is it about the Barrow Administration’s approach to crime fighting that has led to the surge in violent crimes particularly murder? What if crime is being used as a distraction to have the Belizean people expend valuable resources on internal security instead of national defence? Why is it that such violent crimes seem to take root in predominantly black communities? All question for which we must demand answers. Belize’s national security strategy, like its Guatemala strategy is obscure, disjointed and ineffective. Since 2012 the man responsible for the execution of such strategy has been John Birchman Saldivar. It is under his harmful superintendence of the Belize Police Department that Belize has seen 484 murders in just four short years (145 - 2012; 99 - 2013; 121 - 2014; and 119 – 2015). Compare this onslaught to US combat losses of just 514 in Afghanistan over the same period (310 – 2012; 127 – 2013; 55 – 2014; and 22 – 2015). The Hon. John Saldivar who has been making himself of great importance lately has been able to avoid much public condemnation for the most part, due in large measure to his ability to hide behind the Prime Minister who has often taken the lead in addressing the Belizean people on crime, particularly gang violence. Mr Barrow has been the UDP’s problem-solver-in-chief but it is unclear how much more of this violence the Belizean people will be able to take. 2016 has seen
an upsurge in murders and it now appears that the criminals are trying to outdo each with ever more sensational executions. The assassination of Diablo; the execution of Shiney; and the commando-like assault on the Wallace brothers have all exposed the incompetence of the Minister of National Security. As if the abovementioned murders are not bad enough, gang violence has now been transplanted to the once quiet village community of Ladyville. Residents now live in fear of being caught in the crossfire. Their once peaceful community has been shattered! We have asked many of our young men and women to help us ensure public safety and they have dutifully accepted our offer. But we continue to fail them. We have failed to pay them well. We have failed to properly train them. We have failed to adequately equip them. Because of the Barrow Administration failures at national security Belize has been turned into a gangsters’ paradise. Policing in Belize has become a stressful occupation under the Barrow Administration and it now appears that the stresses of policing are taking its toll on our Police Officers. It was truly sad to hear of the recent suicide of one officer and the attempted suicide of another. Clearly greater efforts must be made to provide the necessary psychological support to our Police Officers to allow them to better manage the stresses associated with policing. In 2015/2016 the Ministry of National Security received about $129 million in budgetary support, of that about $70 million went to the Belize Police Department. Not one red copper was allocated for psychological support! Do you think that the Minister of National Security cares about our Police Officers? Whilst our Police Officers were fighting to cope with the stress of Policing in an increasingly violent Belize, Birchman was making himself out to be a Big Deal. That the “base” has said No Deal!
06 6
2016 “motivates me to try even harder,” even as she managed to find time to do ‘fun’ things in her spare time, such as reading and listening to music. In contrast, Mr. Nandwani says his mother (his father passed on in 2013) “loves seeing me come all the way to the top.” All took the American SAT test and the Belize ATLIB to further their chances to study either here or abroad. Ms. Li keeps her advice to her fellow graduates and students simple: “Work hard, play hard, even as you need to stay on top of things.” Mr. Nandwani says: “Set your priorities right, and find balance in all you do. Never doubt yourself.” Mr.
THE GEMS OF GRADUATION SEASON 2016 PT 3 Featuring Belize High School, Cornerstone Presbyterian High, Pallotti High, St. Catherine’s Academy, Toledo Community College, Nazarene High and Excelsior High By: Alton F. Humes (Freelance Reporter) BELIZE CITY, Tuesday, May stth, 2016 The ever-prodigious Belize High School (BHS) located on Mercy Lane in Belize City has been noted for its unique, internationalized curriculum. The academic institution will hold its 4th official Graduation Exercise (a special feat for this school, according to Principal Mrs. Jamie Lee Usher) on Saturday, June 4th, starting at 6:00 p.m. at the Belize Elementary School Auditorium. 36 graduates will be taking up that final march, and leading those ranks are three members of the school’s sole 4th-year class, 4-Senior, and all of whom boast cumulative GPA’s of 4.48 each [within a few decimal points], are: 17-year-old Ms. Jin Yang (Kelly) Li [Valedictorian], 17-yearold Mr. Amit Nandwani [Salutatorian] and 16-year-old Mr. Ankit Chandwani [3rd Place, will be the Parent’s Night Speaker]. The BELIZE TIMES caught up with the trio and their excited peers during their joint Student’s Parade and Report Card Hand-out/ Graduation Practice at sister school Belize Elementary School’s (BES) Auditorium on Wednesday, May 25th. Despite the early nature of the events – the parade itself was scheduled to start at 8:00 a.m. - there was no shortage of excitement abounding, even while going through the aforementioned report card hand-out and brief practice. It was some time after that ceremony that the trio graciously agreed to do the interview with us. The trio are all from immigrant families who moved to Belize – in Li’s case, her parents are originally from mainland China, while the latter gentlemen have roots in the continental nation of India. While they have most certainly adapted to their new homeland, what they haven’t left behind is an undogged, efficient work ethic. And while many will assume that private schools students couldn’t possibly have it as hard as those at other schools, the trio honestly said that wasn’t the case. Ms. Li pointed to the Science class she took as the most difficult part of her time at BHS, admitting to us that it “wasn’t compatible with other courses” she wanted to take, and said the work “really does pile”.
5 JUN
THE BELIZE TIMES
BELIZE HIGH SCHOOL
Valedictorian, Jin Yang (Kelly) Li
3rd place, Andkit Chandwani
Salutatorian, Amit Nandwani
CORNERSTONE PRESBYTERIAN HIGH
Valedictorian, Brittany Zantingh
Salutatorian, Merci Lopez
3rd place, Kristian Chan
PALLOTTI HIGH
Valedictorian, Lianne Moguel
Salutatorian, Aldisha Dawson
Mr. Nandwani says his Business courses were the most difficult, “not because of the work, but rather because the practical courses were the most difficult for me”. Mr. Chandwani seems to sum it all up when he pointed to the entire BHS curriculum as ‘advanced’, and noted, “No matter what you take, multiple courses are especially difficult.” Because of, or rather
due to, those aforementioned immigrant roots, it isn’t much of a surprise that the families of the trio are judge, jury and (at times) advisors on their educational journey. And while Ms. Li and Mr. Chandwani say their parents “support from afar”, Ms. Li goes further, citing her parents as her ‘harshest critics’, saying that their constant criticism
3rd place, Mary-Kay Maduike Chandwani puts it this way: “Continue striving for your goals. Don’t follow the norm; whatever you did to get to where you are, continue to do it.” There will be a special member of BHS’ Class of 2016 that we must make mention of. Young Belizean hero Rowan Garel will also be walking up for his diploma, marking another great achievement in his
life.
We move up North to a school making our articles for the first time – Cornerstone Presbyterian High School, from the Corozal District. Not much is really known about this school tucked along the Phillip Goldson Highway, but what is known is that they will be graduating 16 students on Saturday June 4th, 2016 at their school campus. 9 boys and 7 girls will make the march and leading them, all from the class of 4A, will be: Ms. Brittany Zantingh [Valedictorian], Ms. Merci Lopez (Salutatorian) and Mr. Kristian Chan (3rd Place). Heading back to the City and one of the two all-girls high schools in the nation, Northside mainstay Pallotti High School will be graduating 71 students also on Saturday, June 4th, 2016 at the Fordyce Chapel at St. John’s College on Princess Margaret Drive in Belize City. The top 3 students are: 17-year-old Ms. Lianne Moguel (Valedictorian, from class of 4-Arts, with a Grade Average of 93.37%), 16-year-old Ms. Aldisha Dawson (Salutatorian, also from the above class, with a Grade Average of 91.23%) and 17-year-old Ms. Mary-Kay Maduike (3rd Place, from the class of 4-Science, with a Grade Average of 91.12%). The BELIZE TIMES caught up with them at the school’s Princess Margaret Drive campus on Thursday, May 26th. Ms. Moguel has cross-border roots in both Belize and Mexico – she was born in Quintana Roo and lived for a time in Orange Walk Town until her family moved to Belize City in her 2nd year at Pallotti. Ms. Dawson’s father is none other than noted Police Officer, Senior Superintendent Alden Dawson. Ms. Maduike’s roots extend all the way to the African nation of Nigeria; born there, in fact, as were her parents, who are both from Imo State [although her father now resides in the United States]. It is of little surprise that with such diverse roots of familial fortitude, their journeys through Pallotti were certainly more bearable with the help of some watchful angels guiding their paths. For Ms. Moguel, who had to bear the pressure not just of constantly travelling from Orange Walk Town to Belize City, and even after that ceased, adjusting to the life of the “Big City.” Luckily for her, in addition to her parents (she credits her Dad for “pushing me and showing me my capabilities”). Ms. Dawson, in her strict household, had to learn to make sacrifices, admitting that “even when I came home from late classes, I had to still complete my chores, even while finishing my assignments to the point where I even had to get up early to finish studying.” She credits her parents, grandparents and her homeroom teachers, especially her grandmother and the latter figures for providing that extra boost of support. Ms. Maduike’s mother is a nurse who consistently travelled, and opted to stay in Belize to give her daughter a chance to finish high school. She considers her mom as “my everything”, who came to her aid during the challenging times. And certainly those aforementioned figures will not be too far away on the next stages of their educational and career journeys. Ms. Moguel, who will be taking 13 CXC’s in hoping of becoming a dual Doctor in Psychology and Law, gives her advice to her fellow students and graduates as follows: “Ambition has a price; never give up, because there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.” Ms. Dawson, who will take 9 CXC’s in hopes of pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, with the intent to pursue her Master’s in Jamaica in the future, offers up her multi-
Continued on page 16
5 JUN
2016
GUAT MILITARY EJECTS BELIZE MEDIA FROM SARSTOON RIVER Belize City, May 31, 2016 The Government of Belize’s declaration on May 24th that Belizeans now have “untrammeled access” to the Sarstoon River following bilateral talks in Istanbul, Turkey, was exposed as a lie when Guatemalan military personnel stopped and turned back members of the Belizean media from Sarstoon River last Friday. “You are in Guatemalan waters; you cannot continue so I will ask you to please leave,” declared a Guatemalan military officer on board their vessel, the metal shark. The media group including reporters from Channel 5, Krem Radio and the Amandala travelled to the area to verify whether the Government’s announcement a few days earlier was true. But they found out that the diplomatic talk around the official table contradicts what is happening on the ground. The People’s United Party issued a stinging release calling for urgent action from the government, demanding that Belize asserts its sovereignty over our portion of the Sarstoon and Sarstoon Island. The release states that, “this latest incident is evidence of Guatemalan bad faith which erodes the very limited progress achieved at the bilateral meeting between Belize and Guatemala held in Istanbul, Turkey on 23 May, 2016”. The Opposition’s representative on that team which represented Belize in Istanbul, Senator Eamon Courtenay has also weighed in on Friday’s incident, claiming that it is a disappointment that
the Guatemalan forces felt it in order to stop Belizean civilians from going into the Sarstoon. He told the BELIZE TIMES that “this is a matter that is extremely serious. It requires all parties to come together to have a singularity of purpose. This is not a time for politics. We have to accept that the Sarstoon remains illegally and unlawfully under the control of Guatemala and we need to resolve that as a matter of urgency”. In its release, the PUP calls on the government to (1) adopt a comprehensive plan to restore full Belizean sovereignty and control over Belize’s internal waters of the Sarstoon River and of Sarstoon Island; (2) immediately recall Ambassador Alexis Rosado for consultations; (3) insist on a meeting between Belize and Guatemala under the auspices of the OAS that will result in a signed protocol guaranteeing free navigation in the Sarstoon River; and (4) appoint a national team to competently manage Belize/Guatemala relations. The BELIZE TIMES has been able to confirm that Guatemala has denied local media reports of the incident. Guatemalan officials have concocted their own version of what took place, and it is nothing close to what actually took place. Neither the Prime Minister nor any representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has seen it fit to issue an official release on the incident or to call a press briefing to inform the public on the current situation in the Sarstoon. There are rumors of the Government issuing another “strong protest note”, but we know how those end up.
Mutiny in the UDP!
Continued from page 1 win Hulse and Foreign Affairs portfolio from Wilfred “Sedi” Elrington, or else! Barrow, who rules the UDP like a Jim Jones cult, rejected the group’s ultimatums. His closest friend and political ally, Michael Finnegan, explained it best when he said “if you know Dean Barrow properly, he would never entertain that”. We are told that the UDP Leader reminded the group that he can easily call new elections since he has achieved his goal of a historic third term and let them face the music. The extremely wild threat quelled the steam from the UDP’s G-14 if only temporarily, but the damage was done. Faber’s win and his ascension to First Deputy Leader mean nothing to the 14 Cabinet Ministers who openly and bellicosely opposed him in the convention. Throughout the campaign, several key UDP reps such as Boots Martinez, Carla Barnett, Papa Mena and Edmund Castro emphasized that Faber’s immaturity is the reason for backing Saldivar. Their view of Faber has not changed. Not surprisingly, to save face for the UDP, the G-14 members all denied that there is any kind of division in their ranks. Saldivar, when asked about the pre-Cabinet morning meet-
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THE BELIZE TIMES
ing, responded “I don’t know about a meeting at my house and I have no intention of disclosing anything that we have discussed between now and then…” In contrast, Faber and those in his camp all admitted that there are hurt feelings, division and the “need to heal”. Faber, in response to the preCabinet plotting, said “I do know that they indeed had a meeting because the Cabinet meeting started a bit late”, which fully confirmed what Saldivar denied had occurred. As the UDP attempts to do damage control and hide their dirty linen, it will be interesting to see the games played between the two factions. Saldivar is now treating the new First Deputy Leader title as just a position. He has already announced that he will prepare for the Leadership race in 2020, which is the real prize Patrick Faber has been after. While the UDP has announced that Faber’s rise to Deputy Prime Minister will become effective next week Tuesday, June 07th, Saldivar, Vega and their group of majority-Cabinet Ministers, will surely not just sit back and allow him to gain or exert any political might. This UDP ship is sinking!
Queen of the Bay 1946 to 2016 - in unbroken line 70th Year Anniversary Queen of the Bay Pageant 2016
Her Graciousness, the reigning Queen of the Bay, Falon Tiana Cain, invites Belizean young women between the ages of 18 and 23 to participate in the Queen of the Bay Pageant to be held on Saturday, 27th August 2016 at 7:00 pm at The Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts. Interested young women, please call 223-4465 or 615-9494 or go pick up an application at CRAVINZ Fast Food Restaurant at 1 ½ Miles Philip Goldson Highway, Belize City, Monday to Saturday 11am-2pm or 4pm-8pm. Deadline for submission of completed applications is on Friday, June 17, 2016. Ms. Zenaida Moya Pageant Coordinator Celebrating the 218th Anniversary of the Battle of St. George’s Caye and the 35th Anniversary of the Independence of Belize.
Queen of the Bay Secretariat Belize City – Cell No. 615-9494
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THE BELIZE TIMES TIMES THE BELIZE
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2016
Parkinson, Matus & Hukmani win RF&G table tennis championships Belize City, May 29, 2016 Taye Parkinson, Petie Matus and Devesh Hukmani emerged as champions when the Belize Table Tennis Association (BTTA) held its biannual RF&G national table tennis ranking tournament at the Belize Elementary Auditorium on Sunday. A Division 1st - Taye Parkinson (3-0 vs. Amiri Hoare in finals) 2nd - Amiri Hoare 3rd - Latrell Solis 4th - Jorge Espat B Division 1st - Taye Parkinson (3-1 vs. Rohit Pagarani in finals) 2nd - Rohit Pagarani 3rd - Joshua Gegg 4th - Jorge Espat C Division 1st - Devesh Hukmani (3-0 vs. Mihir Karmani) 2nd - Mihir Karmani 3rd - Manuel Castellanos 4th - Malachi Crawford Female Division 1st - Petie Matus (3-0 vs Su Sen in finals) 2nd - Su Sen 3rd - Kelly Liu 4th - Afeni Lamb
Taye Parkinson Champ of A& B Divisions
Amiri Hoare won 2nd in A Div.
Rohit Pagarani won 2nd in B Div.
Devesh Hukmani won C Div.
Roaring Creek Grace Kennedy secures 8th softball win
Belize Bank Bulldogs lead Belize City women's softball 3-0 Belize City, May 26, 2016 The undefeated Belize Bank Bulldogs are leading the 2016 Belize City women’s softball tournament, following a 15-8 mercy rule win in the 6th inning over the Beacon at the Roger’s Stadium on Friday. The Beacon led 8-0 up to the 4th inning with Mertell Bailey scoring 3 runs, while Licia Ferguson, and Vanessa Rose scored 2 runs apiece, and Kira Arnold scored 1 run. Jolene Davis led the Bulldogs’ comeback in the 4th inning, scoring 3 runs, while Greta Davis, Ashley Lucas, Kiri Lizama and Marsha Wills scored 2 runs apiece, and Georgia Williams, Sharette Vernon and Agnes Lucas scored 1 run apiece. BTL posted their 1st win over Beacon 9-2 last Wednesday, getting 12 hits off Hortense “Luluch” Thurton’s pitching. Erlene Belisle, Lydia Cacho and Barbara Cadle scored 2 runs apiece; while Martha Rhys, Yuko Togonaga and Elaine Humes scored 1 run apiece. Only Clarencia Jones and Tamara Ramsey scored for Beacon.
Belize Bank Bulldogs
Camalote girls
Shanice Williams made 4 runs
Roaring Creek Village, May 29, 2016 The Roaring Creek Grace Kennedy ladies outplayed Unitedville Rebels 9-8 to secure their 8th win and the lead in the Cayo Softball Association’s women’s competition. Camalote United and the Belmopan Bandits also posted big wins at the Roaring Creek field on Sunday. Roaring Creek got 8 hits off Nikita Perez’s pitching. She also gave up 4 walks. Sharine Reyes and Ayanah Smith led the attack, scoring 2 runs apiece, while Shadalee Ho, Wendy Stuart, Stephanie Francis, Keisha Garbutt and Arlene Wade scored 1 run apiece. Rebels’ Pat Spain and, Francine Salazar scored 2 runs apiece, while Indira Spain, Shadine Salazar, Jenieve Salazar and Lynn Perez scored 1 run apiece. Other Match Results: Camalote United vs. Belmopan Capital City Emeralds - 17-0 Belmopan Bandits vs. Esperanza Wolverines - 18-17
BTL girls
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THE BELIZE TIMES
2016
SPORTS 11
Team Kulture Megabytes sweeps Weekend Warriors/ Fitzgerald Joseph’s birthday race Belmopan, May 29, 2016 Team Kulture Megabytes dominated the Fitzgerald Joseph birthday race held by the Weekend Warriors Cycling Club on the Hummingbird Highway. 1st Vallan Symns - Kulture Megabytes 2:50:50 ($300 prize and trophy) 2nd Kent Gabourel - Kulture Megabytes ($200 prize and trophy) 3rd Preston Martinez - Kulture Megabytes - 2:57:00 ($150 prize) 4th Daniel Cano - Team Santino’s ($125 prize) 5th Isaiah Willacey - Team F. T. Williams - 2:59:38 ($100) 6th Steven Robinson - Team Caribbean Tires ($50 prize & trophy) 7th Alicia Thompson - Kulture Mega-
Top 3 A Division bytes - 3:02:58 ($50 prize) 8th Fitzgerald Joseph - Team Lampaz 9th Juan Gonzalez - Team Santino’s - 3:07:41 ($50 prize) 10th Geoffrey Waight ($50 prize) B Division 1st Steven Robinson - Caribbean Tires ($75 prize) 2nd Juan Gonzalez - Team Santino’s ($50 prize) 3rd Ryan Willoughby - Team SMART team ($25 prize) C Division 1st Enrique Moralez - Team Caribbean Tires - $75 first prize 2nd Valentine Sosa - Truckers Posse - $50 prize. 3rd Lawrence Craig - Truckers - $25 prize.
YWAM U-13 team
Top 3 C Division
Brown Bombers bump Collet Strikers 1-0
Y.W.A.M. U-13 & Medina’s U-15 win in Belmopan youth football Belmopan, May 29, 2016 The Belmopan Football Association’s youth football tournament is down to the championship finals, with the first game of a 2-game series played at the Governor General’s field in Belmopan on Sunday. In the U-13 finals Valencia’s Youth With A Mission (YWAM) beat Revolution 1-0, while in the Under-15 finals Medina’s defeated the Revolution 1-0. In the U-17 female finals, Medina’s and Flames drew 1-1. The Game 2 of each series will play on Sunday, June 5, preceded by 3rd place games in each age class.
Top 3 B Division
Belize City, May 28, 2016 The Brown Bombers defeated Collet Strikers 1-0, with a goal by Keyden Bowen in Week 7 of the 2016 SMART Mundialito at the MCC garden on Saturday. The tournament will have an All Star Game on Sunday, June 5.
- 1-0
Week 7 Results: Reality Youth vs. Ladyville Jaguars - 1-1 Goals by Kibran Flores, D’jon Canelo Ladyville Rising Stars vs. Young Warriors
Goal by Levie Davis Face of Belize vs. Heights FC - 0-0 Hattieville Riverside Boys vs. Carlston FC - 0-0 Upcoming Games (Saturday, June 11) Hattieville Riverside Boys vs. Face of Belize Young Warriors vs. City Boys Brown Bombers vs. Carlston FC Collet Strikers vs. Reality Youth Heights FC vs. Ladyville Jaguars
Delroy Meighan scored YWAM’s 1st goal
Westlake, Ladyville Jaguars & Stars Academy win in BDFA 1st Division football
Stars’ Dayton Morrison wins header
Warriors’ Ryan Woods defends
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THE BELIZE TIMES
5 JUN
2016
PUP LEADER MEETING VILLAGE COUNCIL TEAMS
In preparation for the upcoming village council elections, PUP Leader Hon. John Briceno is meeting PUP village council teams. Along with Stann Creek West Area Rep./Deputy Party Leader Rodwell Ferguson, he met with Medina Bank Village Council candidates and supporters this week
Hon. Landy Habet to the rescue in Billy White Village!
May 31, 2016 Billy White Village in Cayo Northeast was without water for three days due to a problem with the water pump. Classes for primary school students were suspended on the second day due to the lack of water. I requested assistance from the Ministry of Rural development and they responded quickly. Water was restored by the 4th day with the installation of a new temporary pump. Billy White is one of those villages with only one functioning Water Board member out of the seven mandated by law. The Water Board should have had a replacement pump available to install on the very first day. These things must change but only the people can make those changes that are in their best interest. My PUP Cayo Northeast Committee bought water and distributed to as many families as possible in an attempt to alleviate the water scarcity. In temperatures exceeding 100 degrees water becomes imperative for survival.
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THE BELIZE TIMES
For a Special Dad
Remembering the life of Elijio “Joe” Briceño
La Inmaculada Church, Orange Walk Town 25th May 2016 Read by Hon. John Briceño, Leader of the People’s United Party First of all let me begin by thanking the community here at La Inmaculada Church for this beautiful service. Bishop Christopher Glancy, Father Tony and Father Larry, thank you for your assuring and comforting presence. It is a beautiful choir that is leading the singing today and we thank all of you for the uplifting music and Nelita, what a beautiful rendition of Ave Maria. If he could speak directly to me right now, our Father “Joe,” “Boss Joe,” or “Grampa Joe” would be saying how very happy he is that you are here today. He would also say to me: “son no forget to thank the Prime Minister and Mrs. Barrow for coming.” PM, Kim we are grateful for your presence here today, thank you. He would not allow me to be formal with our Former Prime Minister Said Musa, he would say in a serious tone, “John, mek sure you tell Said thanks for his speech. Yes, Hon. Said, thank you for your very kind words about our dad. Then of course: “make sure you offer them something to eat before they go home ok.” So please everyone you are welcome to join us at the family home after the internment. How grateful he would be for all the many members of Cabinet and of the National Assembly who are here today. Thank you Minister Martinez, my friend, for your official remarks on behalf of the Government. And of course the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the BDF. You have been so gracious throughout the whole planning. “Son,” “No forget to thank all these people ok?” Then with that big grin he would tell his grandson Andre: “you see how many of these people here are PUP, you have to remember the PUP is like a family.” And of course if you da PUP you know we show up for funerals. Tio Dalli was telling us when he was in high school, in Belize City, our father while on his way home from school would join in any funeral procession he encountered along the way. I guess from young he was indeed a PUP. Even though I was told that my grandparents started out as NIP’s, until Don Chico brought over Tio Polo and then our father. Grampa Joe loved his Party and to have so many of our Party officials and supporters here today sitting together with officials from other organizations, diplomats, and officers and supporters of the UDP is something he would very much appreciate. We thank you all for being here. What would make him happiest though would be to see so many of our neighbours and friends here today. Meet Joe Briceño’s extended family -the good people of Orange Walk. Last night so many of you came to the wake at the family home. Thanks to Mayor Bernard, the police and everyone
who helped us to make it so that everything went smoothly. I know if he could speak the words Don Joe would say: “gracias, gracias por todo” and from where ever he is looking down right now, he is beaming with satisfaction. In those last hours of our father’s life, while emotionally everything seemed to be falling apart, what was actually happening was the opposite; everything was falling into place. We were all gathered together at The Cardiology Center where our dad spent his last days. People just kept checking in, my uncles, aunts, cousins, friends, everyone rendering assistance. Our brother Javi and sister Gladys abroad kept checking in constantly. Through it all Doctor John Gough and his team of amazing doctors and nurses were always there with us, explaining what was happening, answering every question, making sure not only our dad was being given the best care possible, but all of us. We are so thankful to everyone for the love and support and more so for the great care our father received. We had the space to say our goodbyes and so many broad shoulders to lean on. Indeed there are so many people we must thank for so much. If ever there was a man who loved people it was our dad, and that love and appreciation for others he passed on to all of his children. Make no mistake about it; the love and support you are showing to us and for our dad is the strength that is helping our family make it through this inevitable goodbye. So again, thank you. On Sunday mornings after breakfast Jaime and I used to walk across the street from my home and go visit my dad. After he suffered a serious stroke in 2005 and could no longer walk, those Sunday morning visits became our special time together. During his better days I would often find him home in his wheelchair, talking to Rocky his favorite personal assistant or with Willy or Vicente, who took such good care of him. He was always telling stories about his brothers and sisters. He loved talking about youthful days
when he and my Tio Polo and the rest of his siblings were growing up. These poor guys would have to sit through his stories about the many young ladies he would try to woe, or hear of those times when he and Tio Polo would be attracted to the same girl. His stories about Tio Dalli, his youngest brother, were his favorites. He was very close to his little brother, mentoring him through his youth and even in his
late years. Dad insisted that Tio Dalli tell him everything. Of course he made it clear to us that Tio Dalli must be involved in all important decisions in his life. Like Rocky and I, my brothers and sisters all had to sit through those stories, over and over again. I believe he kept telling them because it was his way of reminding us of the importance of family. You know, last year when my little brother Elijio got married, he and his bride held up their vows in church to wait for my dad who had an unforeseeable delay. It would not have been right for us to go on without him. I was so proud and grateful to Elijio and Cindy for doing that. The next lesson was about the importance of food and fellowship. In recent days his contribution to many of my Orange Walk Central committee meetings, which were held at his home, was always, make sure there is enough food. At home he always insisted that there was more food in case some friend needed something to eat. See, my dad believed in what he believed in; he valued what he valued and what he believed in was the goodness of peopleand what he valued most was family. He would forgive us for many things, but what was unforgivable was missing any important family event. For him birthdays, special holidays and particularly Christmas were about family and about loving each other. And if a friend or neighbour should unexpectedly drop by, we were required to love them too. Vanessa, Maritza and his late wife Ramona knew all too well those times when our father would never be able to give then a specific number of guests who were invited to come to eat on his birthday Each of us has our own version of moments when our father taught us about life. Renan use to talk about those times on the road with Boss Joe or Tio as he called him and the stories and experience he shared with my dad. On Sunday he laughed, shaking his head in agreement when my younger brother
5 JUN
2016 Javier was talking about the construction of the People’s Stadium. We all laughed as Javier talked about walking in the hot sun over the grounds of People’s Stadium uprooting the sticks left behind from the acres of fallen trees. The building of People’s Stadium was not just a government project; he wanted his family involved so that the community would also get involved. Even after he entered electoral politics, he kept up his involvement with the Cane Farmers. From 1974 to 1983 he served as Chairman of the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association, even while serving as a Minister of Government. Dad always knew the importance of that industry to this community and made sure he was actively involved. Renan likes to tell Vanessa, Maritza and Elijo, about the many development projects our father did here in Orange Walk. Renan would tell them our dad was a visionary. I have to agree, after all while serving in cabinet, both Renan’s dad, Uncle Polo, and our father always made sure Orange Walk was a part of the national development. From schools to parks, stadiums to opening up new communities, to land for the farmers, they were always looking ahead. In many ways it was hard to separate our family life from our lives in this community. It would seem that every time we got together with our dad at family gatherings it was about our contribution to Orange Walk. Our Tia Anna and Tia Nellie could fill an entire night with stories of events surrounding the PUP and this community. I am sure they would agree that their brother Joe was unstoppable once he decided that something had to be done. My father saw obstacles as things you moved out of your way and so refused to be held back once he decided his people needed something. And tied up in all this was always that spirit of generosity. He truly believed in that biblical saying: it is more blessed to give than to receive and he lived that creed to his dying day. I would want to think that a lot of the charity work that my brother Jaime get’s involved in here is Orange Walk and elsewhere rubbed off from our father. What did not rub off on Jaime and my children however was his passion for sports and athletics. From coaching softball teams (Ms. Alice, remember the Ideal Softball Team) to building a stadium for football and basketball as well as a track for horse racing; he believed that young people needed sports and healthy competition. He felt equally passionate about entertainment and culture and The People’s Stadium, humble as it was, saw concerts featuring some of the top entertainers in the world, like Los Bukis, Los Temerarios and Marco Antonio Solis, all brought here by our father for the enjoyment of the people. I know how proud he was of how much Jaime continues to do for our community. Our father was proud of all his children, I think we all know this, for wherever we live we try to be good neighbours and good citizens. Yes, we were taught like many here that we must “serve the people.” And I say this to my immediate family that it is our responsibility as Briceños to give more by way of service. Our parents expect that of us. Continued on page 15
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Remembering the life of Elijio “Joe” Briceño Continued from page 14 If I am to speak of one thing that makes me most proud of my father it is the fact that he was the Minister chosen by Mr. Price to implement a social security scheme in Belize. Mr. Price in giving this responsibility to his young minister from Orange Walk must have seen in our father that genuine care for others. Maybe it was the combination of a Catholic education, his years of study at St. John’s College and his family upbringing that brought out that quality in him. Dad really lived a life of public service, taking on those projects and challenges that were focused on improving the lives of others. Yet of all the qualities that our father had that was least talked about was that Joe Briceño was to some extent a maverick. Perhaps it all started in his days as a teacher when he used to bike to San Lazaro Village then ride his horse from there to San Felipe Village where he taught primary school. He loved to reminisce about his years as a teacher in the villages and how he was heeding the call of Mr. Price to prepare the next generation for nationhood. That frontiersman mentality along with his strong convictions at times cost him dearly. I remember how he agonized over the loss of his good friend Don Chich Castillo, who had owned the land that is now the Lousiana area here in Orange Walk Town. My father lost his friend when he insisted that that land be acquired by Government from the Castillo family and handed over to people for their homes. That decision did not only cost him a friend but votes as well. Today the Lousiana area is a thriving community of many thousands of Belizeans. He lost a good friend and mentor but he knew he did the right thing. And then there was the time when he upset many of his colleagues in Cabinet when he lead the cane farmers revolt in protest against his own government in what we here in Orange Walk call “Black Wednesday”. We were tear gassed and beaten by the authorities but for Joe Briceño, that was a small price to pay for doing the right thing and he was always prepared to suffer the consequences for his actions. Our father did not fit neatly into any package, not as a husband, father, leader or Christian. That is just not who he ever wanted or tried to be and I say this clear in my mind that not once did he ever see himself as a perfect person: not a perfect father, a perfect leader or a perfect man. He would be disappointed if I did not say that, yes, our dad was a man who made mistakes, who at times got it wrong and who sometimes made bad judgments. In life we all do, but we survive this life not in how we fall but how much better we become when we rise. I also know that he worked hard every day at being a better person and for that reason the man who rode tall on a horse always got back in the saddle after a fall. He did this because he was always working to be better at something. That is why his legacy will always be the total sum of a man who every day tried harder. For him the effort was as important as the result. I truly believe that my father’s spirit of generousity and determination reside in each of his children and in his grandchildren. I want to hope it resides in many others too for it is a spirit that always had great faith in his God and in the future. Dad, when you see mom, Tio Polo, Ramona, Tio Charro, Tio Lalo, Tia Clody, Tia Dina, Tia Mattie and your son Polito, tell them we miss them and remember them in our prayers. You were right Dad, family is first; yes there is good in everyone; hard work, drive and ambition pays off, and true, Belize is the greatest place on earth. We know what we have to do dad. We will build Belize and on that you have my word. Gracias Dad. We love you. Rest now. Vaya con Dios.
THE BELIZE TIMES
A REMEMBRANCE
By The Rt. Hon. Said Musa Wednesday, May 25, 2016 Don Elijio Joe Briceño was a warrior for the PUP. I had to smile when I was preparing my notes for this service of thanksgiving for the life of the Honourable Joe Briceño. I wrote Joe Briceño was a member of the old guard when I entered electoral politics for the PUP in 1974. I had to smile because 42 years later today I am now described as a member of the old guard of the PUP. In his heyday Joe Briceño was a consummate politician. Tip O’Neill a former Speaker of the US Congress once said “all politics is local”. Joe Briceño exemplified the truth of that statement. The Orange Walk District was Joe Briceño’s stumping ground. Orange Walk Town was his home town and he spent his two terms as an elected representative and Minister in the PUP Governments 1974 – 1984, working to serve the people especially of the Orange Walk District. He pursued many projects for the growth and development of his beloved Orange Walk. Joe Briceño was skilled in the rough and tumble of politics especially when he was fighting for the caneros for better prices in the sugar cane industry. We’ve come a long way since those early days Joe but the struggle still continues. The cane farmers are once again going through a very difficult time. Joe Briceño was a fierce nationalist. We were colleagues together in the PUP Government of 1979 fighting for the independence of Belize. This was the Cabinet led by Premier George Price which orchestrated the internationalization of our nation’s right to self-determination. We lobbied our friends in CARICOM. We lobbied our friends in the Commonwealth of Nations. We lobbied the nations of the Non-Aligned Movement including the countries of Latin America with the support of General Omar Torrijos the President of Panama. And we lobbied the United Nations until 1980 when by an overwhelming majority the UN voted and declared that Belize should advance to a secure independence with all its territory intact. And so it was that Belize won its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity on September 21st, 1981. The Hon. Joe Briceño as well as the Hon. Guadalupe Pech, the Hon. Florencio Marin and the Hon. Valdemar Castillo, all Ministers from the north, we were all members of that Cabinet of the Rt. Hon. George Price that shepherded the march to freedom in 1981. It is part of the irony of politics that it
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was this PUP Government that led the struggle for the independence of Belize that would suffer defeat at the polls a few years later in 1984; its first defeat in a general election since 1954. Don Joe Briceño was however able to live to see the PUP return to Government with his son John Briceño later winning many elections to become the Deputy Prime Minister of Belize and now the Leader of the People’s United Party. I am sure both John and Jaime got their passion for politics and their commitment to the principles, policies and programs of the PUP from their Dad, Don Elijio Joe Briceño, who never faltered, never wavered whether the PUP was in or out. A True Blue! On behalf of my family and all members and supporters of the People’s United Party, I extend our deepest sympathies to his children and his entire family. On a personal note, I regarded Joe Briceño as a friend. I admired his kindness and generosity of spirit. Like his brother Polo he was always a gracious host to offer a delicious relleno or escabeche at his home to his party members. He was a big man; big in stature, big in spirit. May his Soul rest in peace.
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THE BELIZE TIMES
THE GEMS OF GRADUATION SEASON 2016 PT 3 Featuring Belize High School, Cornerstone Presbyterian High, Pallotti High, St. Catherine’s Academy, Toledo Community College, Nazarene High and Excelsior High Continued from page 6 pronged advice: “Never stop trying, and don’t listen to what others say. Make your own pathways in life. Failure only comes when you stop trying.” Ms. Maduike, who is taking 11 CXC’s and plans to become a Gynaecologist, with a dream side-hustle of starting a clothing line with her sister, keeps her advice simple: “Never give up, and always stay strong.” Keeping things in Belize City, the St. Catherine’s Academy (SCA) will be adding to their storied reputation as a conduit of higher learning for young women when, according to school officials, 123 students graduate on Saturday, June 4th, 2016 at the school’s Multi-Purpose Building located on the ground of their campus beginning at 9:30 a.m. Leading those ranks will be: 17-year-old Ms. Christina Aldana [Valedictorian, from the class of 4-Science, with a GPA of 3.9475], 17-year-old Ms. Alyssa Hernandez [Salutatorian, also from the above class, with a GPA of 3.93] and 16-year-old Ms. Geanna Pererra [3rd Place, also from the above class, with a GPA of 3.9025; will be the Parent’s Night Speaker]. The Valedictorian admitted to us that it was the matter of “keeping my grades up” that occupied her journey at the school, stating that it “takes time, effort and dedication. It’s about being focused, and knowing to make sacrifices to get what you want”. Ms. Hernandez concurred with her fellow graduate, while Ms. Pererra admitted to us that she had issues “with transitioning to high school”, despite coming from a top-notch primary school, St. Joseph’s Primary. And as with so many of their peers at other schools, it was the love of their loved ones that got them over the rough patches. Ms. Aldana points to her dad and sister, but chiefly credits the latter for “always being there for me. She even helps me when I can’t find the answers to my work on Google”. Ms. Hernandez credits her mother for “having to put
up with my stress – always calming me down, and keeping me from the edge of going crazy”. Ms. Pererra points to her cousin still in high school as inspiration, saying: “She really looks up to me as a role model. She even wants to be like me one day, following the path I took to be here”. And as for their plans, Ms. Aldana will be taking 6 CXC’s, and plans to attend the University of Belize to study Architecture. Her advice to her fellow students is: “Make your goals, and design a plan to reach those goals. Be smart for something, not for nothing.” Ms. Hernandez, who will take 9 CXC’s and plans to major in Computer Science at St. John’s Junior College, with the intent to specialize one day, says: “You don’t have to be the brightest, you just have to work hard”. And Ms. Pererra, who will take 10 CXC’s, and plans to major in Physics and Math at St. John’s Junior College with the goal of becoming a Software Engineer, puts it like this: “Always remain focused and never lose sight of what you want to do”. Next up on the block, we head to the South and another representative of this proud, culturally vibrant and nationalistic region – Toledo Community College (TCC). According to Principal Ms. Harriett Lino, 171 students – 89 females and 82 males will take the march on Saturday, June 4th, 2016 at the school’s campus in Punta Gorda Town, beginning at 10:00 a.m. The top 3 students are: Ms. Kristine Duncan (Valedictorian, from the Science class, with a Grade Average of 92.83%), Mr. Samuel Fam (Salutatorian, from the Business class, with a Grade Average of 92.20%) and Mr. Kershaw Cho (3rd Place, also from the same class, with a Grade Average of 91.93%). We head back to the city to feature Nazarene High School on Princess Margaret Drive. School officials were only willing to share that 76 graduates (21 males and 55 females) will take the march-up on Thursday, June 2nd, 2016 at the Belize Biltmore Plaza, beginning at 3:00 p.m. Leading them will
Continued on page 20
ST. CATHERINE’S ACADEMY
2016
PUBLIC AUCTION SALE BY ORDER OF THE CHARGEE HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED, a Licensed Public Auctioneer will sell on site the following property at the time as listed. At No. 159 Red Snapper Avenue, Vista Del Mar, Ladyville, Belize District on Wednesday 15th June 2016 at 1:30p.m. ALL THAT piece or parcel of land comprising 348.26 square metres being Parcel 1609, Block 16 in the Vista Del Mar Registration Section situate at No. 159 Red Snapper Avenue, Vista Del Mar, Ladyville, Belize District, TOGETHER with a cement bungalow house, 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, living room, dining room, recent extension for kitchen and wash room the freehold property of HURL M. HAMILTON. DATED this 1st day of June 2016
All sales are strictly cash and deemed final. For more information contact: HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED 1 HYDE’S LANE, BELIZE CITY, BELIZE Phone: (501) 224-5644 Fax: (501) 223-0738
For Sale By Order of the Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Assignment of Mortgage made the 19th day of March, 2013, recorded as LTU-20130057, between THE BELIZE BANK LIMITED (the Assignor) SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LTD., and LETRICIA LAMB AND IAN PHILLIPS, which said property was mortgaged by the said LETRICIA LAMB and IAN PHILLIPS to the said BELIZE BANK LIMITED on the 11th day of Janaury, 2013, and recorded in Deeds Book Volume 1 of 2013 at Folios 1493 – 1536, 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
Valedictorian, Christina Aldana
Salutatorian, Alyssa Hernandez
3rd place, Geanna Pererra
EXCELSIOR HIGH
ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 39 situated in the Boom Pine Ridge Area on the Boom Hattieville Road, Belize District as shown on a plan of Subdivision prepared by Kenneth A. Gillett, Licensed Land Surveyor and registered at Lands and Surveys Department in Belmopan, Cayo District in Register No. 16 Entry No. 3435 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. DATED this 16th day of May, 2016.
Valedictorian, Kasaun Roches
Salutatorian, Bethany Gonguez
3rd place, Monica Wade
MUSA & BALDERAMOS LLP 91 North Front Street Belize City Attorneys-at-Law for Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.
5 JUN
2016
Kabuki Dance By G. Michael Reid Vision without action is daydream. Action without vision is nightmare. ~ Japanese Proverb In any situation, the best thing you can do is the right thing; the next best thing you can do is the wrong thing; the worst thing you can do is nothing. ~ Theodore Roosevelt A couple of weeks ago, Belize came as close to conflict with Guatemala as it has been since 1976. That was the year, when a combined team of Guatemalan and Salvadoran armed forces were amassed at our border in preparation for an assault on our sovereignty. History records that were it not for a massive earthquake in Guatemala City on the very day set for the invasion, our status as “peaceful haven of tranquillity” would have been exchanged for a “region torn asunder”. There is no doubt that it would have been a fight which Guatemala would have lost but the consequence to us would have been dire. War is hell and the philosopher Bertrand Russell once quipped that “war does not determine who is right but only who is left”. What would have been left would have been a nation ravaged by war and with most likely lots of casualties on both sides. I really do not think that Guatemala would dare even think about “punking” ole Mother England and while we are indeed Independent, the image of the Queen on our dollar carries a lot of weight. To trample on Belize would be to tangle with Her Britannic Majesty and while she is no longer the dominant force that she once was, she still ain’t nothing to play with! We need only look to the Falklands Islands Crisis of 1982, when Argentina challenged England by attempting to occupy those territories which are also under dispute, to see what might transpire. Upon learning of Argentina’s intentions, the British government at the time immediately dispatched a
THE BELIZE TIMES continuing pressure from his people. He has not delivered on his promise to address the embedded corruption that has plagued that country for decades and the people are getting impatient. There have been numerous demonstrations and people are already calling for his removal; the man needs a distraction like John Saldivar needed delegates. For his part, Prime Minister Dean Barrow has also used this Guatemala issue to full advantage. Belize is in dire financial straits with just about every major industry in crisis. Our debts are huge and mounting and the Petro Caribe cash cow has tumbled over and died. Barrow is already facing dissent within his Cabinet and the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Vega is said to be only one of many to come. This man needs a distraction like Patrick Faber needs a beverage. Dean Barrow has met with Jimmy Morales on several occasions and many believe that the two have cordial relations and have signed agreements that are yet to come to light. Foreign Minister Sedi Elrington is also uncom-
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find a way to live together in peace and cannot continue with this silly political charade ad infinitum. The interesting thing is that while our respective leaders continue to frisk and frolic in their “kabuki dance”, the common peoples of Belize and Guatemala co-exist with little problems on the ground. Brisk informal trade continues unabated across borders of both the task force and engaged the Argensouthern and western areas of our tine armed forces, which by the way, country. Belizeans attend universidwarfs anything that Guatemala has to ties and seek medical assistance offer. In comparison, by size Guatemain Guatemala while Guatemalan la is 42,043 sq. miles while Argentina children stream across our borders is 2,068,302 sq. miles. Guatemala has daily to get an education. Belizeans a population of 15 million people while and Guatemalans play together, Argentina is 43 million strong. The conpray together and even marry each flict which began in April of 1982 lasted other. Many eyebrows were raised all of 74 days with Argentina surrenrecently when it was revealed that dering on June 14th of the same year. even Guatemala’s own foreign minThere is no question again as to who ister Carlos Morales is married to would win but only what would be left. a Belizean. Someone recently reIt must also be noted that while vealed to me that Sedi Elrington’s there is no “defence guarantee” as father was also born in Guatemala. such, Belize did receive Independence It goes even deeper than that. within the Commonwealth. During Sandra Torres, wife of former Guaher official visit of a few weeks ago, temalan president Alvaro Colon who ruled Guatemala from 2008 to 2011 and who herself came a close Belize is in dire financial straits with just second to Jimmy Moabout every major industry in crisis. Our rales in the recently held elections for president of debts are huge and mounting and the that country, has strong Petro Caribe cash cow has tumbled Belizean ties and was once rumoured to have over and died. Barrow is already facing been born in Belize. It is dissent within his Cabinet and the resa well-known fact though, ignation of Deputy Prime Minister Vega that this very Sandra Torwas educated in Beis said to be only one of many to come. res lize and graduated from Sacred Heart College in fortably chummy with Guatemala’s San Ignacio. What a tangled web secretary general of the CommonForeign Minister Carlos Morales and was woven here! wealth Baroness Patricia Scotland reafthey themselves seem to be in on the The fact of the matter is that firmed that organization’s support for ploy. Sooner than later, the peoples of what is happening here is silly and Belize’s sovereignty. In a statement both Belize and Guatemala will realize good for no practical purpose. We upon leaving the Baroness remarked that we have for too long been played must resolve this issue and make “... The 1859 line is a line that has as pawns in this high stakes chess our harmonious existence formal. been maintained and will be maingame and when we do, there will be We need to once and for all, detained going forward.” For context, hell to pay. flate this political football and bring the Commonwealth is comprised of 53 What is understood is that soonto an end, this childish game being countries and a full 33% of the world’s er than later, we will have to resolve played by these politicians. If we’re entire population. What…huh, huh… this issue and put this foolishness going fight, then let us fight but what!!!! behind us. As we were reminded by if we’re not, then let us embrace The Baroness Scotland also reBaroness Scotland, Belize and Guaeach other and exist in harmony. minded us, “You know that the Aftemala are neighbours and will conMay GOD bless Belize and the rican, Caribbean and Pacific states tinue to be so forevermore. We must common people of Guatemala! (ACP) has just made a very clear declaration in relation of their position; and the Commonwealth’s position on the integrity and the sovereignty of Belize remains absolutely unchanged.” The ACP again is an organisation comprised of 79 African, Caribbean and Pacific states including Cuba (48 countries from SubSaharan Africa, 16 from the Caribbean and 15 from the Pacific). Except for Cuba, these countries are also all signatories to the Cotonou Agreement, (also known as the “ACP-EC Partnership Agreement”) which binds them to the European Union. We do not stand alone! I maintain that Guatemala is not “going to bust a grape” and that this whole fiasco is being orchestrated by the leaders of our two countries to create a convenient distraction to the humongous problems that both are facing. Even so early in his presidency, Jimmy Morales is facing dissent and
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5 JUN
THE BELIZE TIMES
MY PERSPECTIVE By Dolores Balderamos Garcia
MISPLACED PRIORITIES I am writing this entry the day before the UDP convention to elect their first deputy leader. What a circus and what a bacchanal and orgy of spending, media hype and ego massaging has been going on with the two contenders. Not that either of them seems to bring anything new or exciting to the table of national leadership. Our country is crying out for sound and inspiring leadership from those in control, but alas, we just are not seeing it. There is even a banner on Haulover Bridge, certainly a first in campaigning for any election that we Belizeans have seen, not to mention the lamppost buntings, flags and the ad nauseam television ads. It is to me surreal - the emphasis the two pugilists, as they have been called, are placing on publicity. And all this for the votes of less than six hundred persons. The voting itself is something that the leader must be chagrined about, having come up because after Mr. Barrow threw his deputy Prime Minister under the bus, his deputy replied by suddenly and unexpectedly resigning and leaving open the space that will shortly be filled. No doubt, the PM would have preferred to “hold it down” until he himself was good and ready to begin transitioning towards retirement. Where the heck are these people getting all this money from? A friend of mine has said that the two candidates have even commissioned songs about themselves with the cost having to be in the thousands of dollars, and the final price tag, it can be speculated, ranging to tens of thousands of dollars. It is obscene, when so many Belizeans are struggling to put food on the table. Belize is in serious trouble. I do not have to go into the details of the latest International Monetary Fund visit and report on our ailing economy. And, personally, I become very annoyed whenever it is time to drive up to the gasoline pump. Every single time motorists have to fill up it is costing more and more. This UDP crowd are really demonstrating misplaced priorities. Let me take just one example
from the news of this past week. We know that it was just a matter of time until Belize was confirmed to have cases of the Zika virus. This has now happened, and frightening too is that one case is that of a woman who is pregnant. Where is the Minister of Health? In my view he cannot just leave it to health officials to be telling Belizeans what is happening. Perhaps these officials are doing a good job at surveillance and response, but we do not have enough information. Where in the Cayo District is this case of Zika? How populated is the municipality or village? We need to hear from the minister. The buck stops with him, and Zika is no joke. He must be seen to be leading the charge, and should long ago have briefed our people on details of what is occurring. He has a bully pulpit, if only he would use it, to show that he is taking his responsibility very seriously. Instead we are only hearing about which leader and standard bearer is supporting Faber or Saldivar. You can bet your bottom dollar that the Health Minister will be “big” at the UDP convention. After all, his boss praised him a few years ago for winning elections in the Corozal District, even though on his watch thirteen babies perished at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital from a deadly bacterial outbreak. He never even spoke, let alone apologize. For the ministers of this Barrow administration, it is all politics and feverish spending on partisan activities. I make the point that on this Zika issue alone we should be seeing the minister personally taking charge and being the face of the urgent response that must happen. In an entry I did for My Perspective months ago, I opined that we in Belize do not need to have even one case of microcephaly in a baby. If this should occur, God forbid, I would have to say where is the minister? If the answer is that he was busy preparing his red shirt for the UDP voting day, then I will have to say that this is one sole example of UDP MISPLACED PRIORITES. They are NOT stepping up to the plate of leadership that can be seen and felt. They remain obsessed with the hype of internal partisan politics and self-aggrandizement. I cry SHAME ON THEM!!
2016 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 18th day of December 2013, between GILBERT NORRIS BROWN of 6 Lords Bank Village, Belize District, Belize, of the one part, and SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LTD., of the other part, and recorded in Deeds Book Volume 24 of 2002 at Folios 1415 - 1438, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto. All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 6 comprising 1066.67 Sq. Yds. situate at Lord’s Bank Village, Belize District, bounded and described as shown by Plan No. 458 of 1999 attached to Minister’s Fiat Grant No. 458 of 1999 TOGETHER with buildings and erections standing and being thereon. DATED this 16th day of May, 2016. MUSA & BALDERAMOS LLP 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 9th day of November 2011, between JESUS ICH of San Antonio Village, Toledo District, Belize, of the one part, and SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LTD., of the other part, and recorded in Deeds Book Volume 24 of 2011 at Folios 773 - 836, 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 lot, piece or parcel of land comprising 1041.57 Square Meters (1239.47 SY) situate in San Antonio Village, Toledo District and bounded and described as shown by Plan No. 58 of 1994 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections, standing and being thereon. DATED this 16th day of May, 2016. MUSA & BALDERAMOS LLP 91 North Front Street Belize City Attorney-at-Law for Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.
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THE BELIZE TIMES
2016 May 31st, 2016
BRC’s response to the Channel 7 report on QADS’ launching of its new reading books. It is hard to win when one is right and ethical but one’s opponent has the power and the money and is less than ethical. A quote from the Channel 7 news: “Well there was a huge falling out between the Government of Belize and BRC printing last year, which landed them both before the courts. The issue stemmed from a fight of “Who’s way is the best way.” The Ministry of Education wanted to change certain things but BRC was resistant.” The person who made the above statement did not know the real reason why BRC took the Government of Belize and the Ministry of Education to court. The real reason why BRC took the Ministry of Education and the Government of Belize to court is because the Ministry of Education had promised to give all children school books and they had been hurting our children’s learning for years by not giving all children complete sets of the promised learning how to read books that they had promised to give. For years, the Ministry of Education had not been giving every child a complete set of BRC’s Reading books. In May 2014, the Ministry of Education announced that they were only going to give children BRC’s books from a stash of BRC’s books that the Ministry of Education had not been giving to our children over the past two years. For the school year 2014-2015, not one child in Infant One or Infant Two received a complete set of BRC’s learning how to read books from the Ministry of Education. How were children going to learn how to read without learning how to read books? When the Ministry of Education chose not to give our children books that they had promised to give; they really hurt our children. That was a real injustice to our children. Our children’s rights were being denied to them by the Government of Belize and the Ministry of Education. There was no way for the children to defend themselves and have their rights protected. BRC gave away or sold close to 12,000 sets of its learning how to read workbooks to the children. BRC’s conscience could not allow it to have books in the warehouse and children without books. Was it ethical for the Ministry of Education to refuse to give our children in Infant One and Infant Two complete sets of learning how to read books last school year (2014-2015)? Was it legal? Was it right? BRC went to a lawyer and asked if there was any way that the children could sue the Government of Belize and the Ministry of Education for not giving children the books that they had promised to give. The lawyer suggested that BRC could sue the Government of Belize and the Ministry of Education. The lawyer believed that he would be able to include a statement that the children’s right to receive the reading books that the Ministry of Education had promised to give them had been violated. I asked the lawyer if the suit could bring out the fact that the teachers’ right to use the books that they believe best for their children had also been violated. Before we got to court, the lawyer indicated that he could not find a way to include the children’s violated rights into the suit. BRC asked for and received mediation. The teachers, managers and parents have not been consulted about which books they want to use. Their right to have a voice in choosing the books that their children use is being denied. Close to 100% of the teachers want to use BRC’s Reading. Our children’s right to receive the books that their teachers, managers and parents believe are best for their children is being violated. If there is a law that denies teachers, managers and parents the right to have a voice in the books that they believe best for their children, then that law needs to be changed. QADS has not and will not pilot their books. There is no Belizean classroom evidence that the QADS’ books are as good as are BRC’s books. Ministry of Education Officials are already stating that schools will be required to use QADS’ reading books. If the books fail to help our non-privileged children learn how to read, the Ministry of Education can hide or deny the failure for many years. There is a lot at stake. If our non-privileged children do not learn how to read, all of us will pay a heavy price. Power and money does not make one’s way best. Deacon Cal
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Obscene Spending at UDP convention Belize City, May 30, 2016 There are unconfirmed reports that the UDP candidates for First Deputy Leader spent over a quarter million dollars in their campaign leading to last Sunday’s convention. The UDP has once again shown that their priorities are messed up, that they put politics before solving real issues facing Belizeans. Both candidates and their factions dug deep in their campaigns. It had the feel of a national election as political banners and paraphernalia were erected on the lamp posts, buildings and homes. Ads costing no less than $300 each flooded the nightly news stations expanding the news time to over the traditional one hour. Each ad played 5-6 times every night for the last two months, with Faber outspending Saldivar for a whole month. The candidates also spent thousands of dollars wining and dining the five hundred and eighty nine delegates in the convention on Sunday, May 29, 2016. Faber claimed to be the “real deal” and held meetings with as many of the 31 delegate groups. He had a special dinner in the north and a rally in the South. On the night before the convention, Faber had a gala banquet reportedly for 360 delegates at Biltmore Hotel, costing over $40,000.
Saldivar had large-size champagne parties to launch his campaign song and meetings with delegates up north, south and west. On the days before the convention, Saldivar held a special Pool Party and covered the cost of accommodation for 175 delegates who he corralled to ensure Faber did not reach them. The accommodation alone cost some $35,000. Just how much the two camps spent on the delegates on the actual convention day is another ordeal. Observers were critical of the way money was being spent. Posted to Facebook, one observer noted, “Faber and Saldivar have bought more media time for this contest than either did while campaigning for their seats in the National Assembly. So by my rough estimation, each has spent at least $100,000 on TV advertising alone! When you remember that only a small group of delegates will vote, that is a ridiculously high cost per impression”. On convention day, even the outgoing Deputy Prime Minister Vega said to one television station that he would have done things differently when it came to the spending. This is after admitting that he brought 16 buses to the city, which has a cost value of $8,000 alone. Notably, his division, Orange Walk North, only had fifteen delegates to vote in Sunday’s convention.
THE GEMS OF GRADUATION SEASON 2016 PT 3 Featuring Belize High School, Cornerstone Presbyterian High, Pallotti High, St. Catherine’s Academy, Toledo Community College, Nazarene High and Excelsior High Continued from page 16
be: Ms. Aleisha Armstrong (Valedictorian, from the class of 4B), Ms. Kevisha Yearwood (Salutatorian, from the class of 4A) and Ms. Alanna Reneau (3rd Place, also from the aforementioned Class 4A). We close out this week’s jam-packed article with Excelsior High School, located on Faber’s Road. The schools will be graduating 11 students (8 females and 3 males) on Saturday, June 4th, 2016, at the St. John’s Vianney Church on Faber’s Road in Belize City. Leading their ranks, all from the class of 4T, will be: 16-year-old Mr. Kasaun Roches (Valedictorian), 19-year-old Ms. Bethany Gonguez (Salutatorian) and 18-year-old Ms. Monica Wade (3rd Place - will turn 19 on Thursday, June 2nd). The BELIZE TIMES interviewed the students at the school’s Faber’s Road campus on Monday, June 30th, in the midst of the school’s preparations for a local intra-high school recycling competition. Their school experiences are fairly similar. Mr. Roches admitted that he had serious issues with passing his English classes. Ms. Gonguez admitted that her problem subject was Science, while for Ms. Wade, she admits to her problem subject being Chemistry. What got them through, as always, was the unconditional support – the ‘backative’ of their families and school officials that looked out for them. For young Mr. Roches, it was one of the school’s Vice-Principals, Mr. Ramirez, who fulfilled that role, admitting, “I tended to like
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THE BELIZE TIMES
doubting myself and what I could do. He motivated me to continue”. For both Ms. Gonguez and Ms. Wade, in addition to the familial support (parents for Ms. Gonguez, step-father for Ms Wade), they share another source of support in Ms. Greta Jenkins, the school counsellor, who they both say ‘motivated’ them and got them through the bad days. Going forward, their plans are as ambitious as the lives they are hoping to improve. Mr. Roches, who will be taking 8 CXC’s, plans to become either a Computer Engineer or Computer Repair Specialist – and barring either of those, a Doctor. His advice to his fellow students and graduates is: “Continue what you’re doing, never give up and keep following your dreams.” Ms. Gonguez, who will be taking 7 CXC’s in hopes of becoming a lawyer or Police Officer, but preferably the former, says: “Make sure you stay in school and finish school. I just want good for everybody out there.” Ms. Wade, who will take 8 CXC’s like her colleague, plans to study to become a Nurse, and later wishes to take on a dual challenge – becoming a medical doctor and a Doctor in ‘Culinary Arts’, with the goal of opening a restaurant for her mother to manage with her. And while we’re not sure if such a degree exists, what isn’t in doubt is her advice to her fellow graduates and students: “Never give up, always reach for your goals, and keep your head high.” The BELIZE TIMES concludes our exciting look into High School Graduation Season 2016 with our final article next week.
2016 VACANCY NOTICE
UNICEF is seeking a qualified individual with legal status to work in Belize for the position of Driver, GS-2 Level (Classified) in the Belize Country Office. Within the delegated authority and under the given organizational set-up, the incumbent may be assigned the primary, shared, or contributory accountabilities for all or part of the major duties. Purpose of the Position Under the supervision of the Operations Assistant, the Driver, at the G-2 level, provides reliable and safe driving services, ensuring the highest standards of professionalism, discretion, integrity, sense of responsibility, excellent knowledge of protocol whilst ensuring compliance with local driving rules and regulations. The Driver demonstrates a client-oriented approach, high sense of responsibility, courtesy, tact and the ability to work with people of different national and cultural backgrounds. Key Expected Results 1.
Reliable and safe driving services for staff and officials. Drives office vehicles for the transport of UN staff, officials and visitors and delivery and collection of mail, documents and other items, and meeting official personnel and visitors at the airport and may include assisting with basic visa and customs formalities arrangements when required.
2.
Maintenance of assigned vehicle. Ensures vehicle is kept in good running condition at all times through addressing minor repairs, making arrangements for major repairs, timely changes of oil, check of tires, brakes, water levels and car washing.
3.
Documentation of vehicle related information. Ensures availability of all the required documents/supplies including vehicle insurance, vehicle registration, vehicle logs, office directory, map of the city/country, first aid kit, and necessary spare parts in the assigned vehicle; keeps track of insurance and other tax formalities.
4.
Ensures that the steps required by rules and regulations are taken, in case of involvement in an accident.
5.
Delivery and collection of mail, documents and other items from post office, government agencies, NGO/CSO partners and other institutions.
6.
Operates photocopying/duplicating machines, scanner and document binder
7.
Assist in customs clearance of UNICEF items arriving in Belize.
8.
Performs other duties as required.
Qualifications of Successful Candidate •
Completion of Primary Education; a valid driver’s license and knowledge of local driving rules and regulations.
•
Two years of work experience as a driver in an international organization, embassy or UN system with a safe driving record.
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Fluency of the local language of the duty station as well as proficiency in English.
Competencies of Successful Candidate Core Values •
Commitment
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Diversity and inclusion
•
Integrity
Core competencies •
Communication
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Working with people
•
Drive for results
Functional Competencies: •
Analyzing
•
Learning and Researching
•
Planning and Organizing
•
Following Instructions and Procedures
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organisation. Closing date of submitting applications is 07th June, 2016. Late applications will not be considered and regret letter will only be sent to short-listed candidates. Please submit your application for this post by visiting our website http://jobs.unicef.org/ cw/en-us/#/job/496053
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2016
THE BELIZE TIMES
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EDITORIAL Un Paraiso Para Criminales
La delincuencia se ha apoderado de la nación de Belice y esto no parece tener fin. Es innegable que los beliceños viven en los momentos más violentos de toda nuestra joven historia. La tasa de homicidios de Belice sigue siendo una de las más altas en la región y el mundo – muy por encima de los niveles que las Naciones Unidas definen como guerra civil. No puede ser casualidad que todo esto comenzó bajo la administración de Barrow. ¿Qué será que tiene el enfoque contra el crimen de la administración Barrow que ha llevado a una oleada de violentos crímenes particularmente asesinatos? ¿Cree que la delincuencia está siendo utilizada como una distracción para tener al pueblo Beliceño gastando valiosos recursos en la seguridad interna en lugar de la defensa nacional? ¿Porque es que los crímenes violentos parecen arraigarse en las comunidades predominantemente negras? Debemos exigir respuestas a todas estas preguntas. La Estrategia de Seguridad Nacional de Belice, como su estrategia sobre Guatemala es obscura, desarticulada e ineficaz. Desde 2012 el hombre responsable de la ejecución de dicha estrategia ha sido John Birchman Saldivar. Bajo su superintendencia perjudicial del Departamento de Policía de Belice se ha visto 484 asesinatos en sólo cuatro años (145-2012; 99-2013; 121-2014; y 119 – 2015). Cabe comparar este ataque a las pérdidas de combate de Estados Unidos, de sólo 514, en Afganistán durante el mismo período (310 – 2012; 127 – 2013; 55 – 2014; y 22 – 2015). El Honorable John Saldívar, que se ha estado dando gran importancia últimamente, ha sido capaz de evitar la condena pública en su mayor parte, debido en gran medida a su capacidad de esconderse detrás el Primer Ministro, que a menudo ha tomado la iniciativa de hablarle a la población Beliceña sobre la delincuencia, particularmente la violencia de las pandillas. El señor Barrow ha sido el solucionadorde–problemas en jefe del UDP, pero no queda claro cuánto más de esta violencia el pueblo Beliceño será podrá aguantar. El año 2016 ha visto un aumento en asesinatos y ahora parece que los criminales están
tratando de superar a cada uno con las ejecuciones cada vez más sensacionales. El asesinato del Diablo; la ejecución de Shiney; y el asalto como de comandos de los hermanos Wallace han expuesto la incompetencia del Ministro de Seguridad Nacional. Como si no fueran suficientes los asesinatos antes mencionadas ahora las pandillas han sido introducidas a la comunidad anteriormente tranquila al pueblo de Ladyville. Sus habitantes viven ahora con miedo de ser atrapados en el cruce de fuego. ¡La comunidad anteriormente conocida como tranquila ha sido destrozada! Le hemos pedido a muchos de nuestros jóvenes hombres y mujeres que nos ayuden a garantizar la seguridad pública y obedientemente han aceptado nuestra oferta. Pero continuamos fallándoles. Hemos fracasado en pagarles bien. Hemos fallado en entrenarlos correctamente. Hemos fracasado en equiparlos adecuadamente. Debido a los fracasos de la administración de Barrow en la seguridad nacional, Belice se ha convertido en paraíso para los criminales. Ser policía en Belice se ha convertido en una ocupación estresante bajo la administración de Barrow y ahora parece que los esfuerzos de la policía se han convertido en una carga para nuestros agentes de policía. Es verdaderamente triste escuchar del reciente suicidio de un oficial y el intento de suicidio de otro. Claramente mayores esfuerzos deben hacerse para proporcionar el apoyo psicológico necesario a nuestros policías para que puedan manejar mejor el estrés asociado con la policía. En el año 2015/2016 el Ministerio de Seguridad Nacional recibió más de $ 129 millones en apoyo presupuestario, del cual más de $ 70 millones fue para el Departamento de Policía de Belice. ¡Pero ni un centavo de esto fue asignado para apoyo psicológico! ¿Cree usted que el Ministro de Seguridad Nacional se preocupa por nuestros agentes de policía? Mientras que nuestros agentes de policía luchan por lidiar con el estrés policial en un Belice cada vez más violento, Birchman se proclama la gran cosa. ¡Lo cual la “base” ha desmentido!
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THE BELIZE TIMES
Calaney Flowers murder trial continues Belize City, Tuesday, May 31, 2016 On Tuesday of last week, the prosecution in the murder trial of Calaney Flowers closed its case and Flowers’ defense team which is led by attorneys Dickie Bradley and Arthur Saldivar made a no case to answer submission. Yesterday, Monday, Supreme Court Justice John Troadio Gonzalez, who is hearing the case without a jury ruled that Flowers does have a case to answer. Calaney Flowers has been accused of the murder of her former boyfriend Lyndon Morrison and the attempted murder of Morrison’s girlfriend Sochyl Sosa.
The incident occurred on the night of August 28, 2012, when she allegedly use her red Saturn car to knock down Morrison and Sosa off the Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle that they were riding on Freetown Road. Shortly before the incident on Freetown Road, Flowers had met Morrison on Mahogany Street and allegedly told him that she would stop him from seeing their son. Flowers defense opened today, Tuesday, when she gave an unsworn statement Continued on page 23
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THE BELIZE TIMES
Guatemala Deports 8 Belizean Fishermen Belize City, June 1, 2016 As we go to press eight fishermen detained by Guatemalan authorities late last week should be en route to Belize after being processed in Guatemala City and deported. According to a release issued by Government last Friday, the eight fishermen were held by Guatemalan navy after they were allegedly found getting out of their vessels on a beach located at Punta Manabique, Izabal, located south of the Sarstoon in the Gulf of Honduras. Representatives from Belize’s Embassy in Guatemala were involved, and reported that all eight were in good health. They were identified as Jeffery Gongora, Manuel Flores, Simeon Batun, Antonio Pop, Jorge Tamai, Bartolo Jimenez, Isidro Tamia and Ernesto Megan. According to Guatemalan au-
Continued from page 22 from the prisoner’s dock. Flowers said that on the night of August 28, 2012, she had a normal conversation with Morrison at the Chinese shop. “I reminded him about the money he was supposed to give me for our son,” she told the Court. Flowers said she was the first to leave the Chinese shop and she drove onto Central American Boulevard and while she was on Freetown Road Lyndon motorcycle flew past her. “It was going very fast,” she said. “Next thing I know there was a crash and the cycle was on the street. It happened very fast. I was terrified and all I could think of was to rush to his parent’s house to tell them about the accident”. Flowers said that Lyndon’s mother, Laurel Grant was at home and she told her about the accident. “I did not tell her anything about him flaunting a woman in my face. I had already moved on with my life and he had already moved on with his. I had no rea-
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LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICE Notice is hereby given that JING FENG LEE is applying for a Convenience Store Liquor License to be operated at “Jerry Store”, situated at 3707 Central American Boulevard, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.
thorities seven of the eight men had Belizean fishing licenses, but none of them had an authorization from the Guatemalan Port Authority to be in those waters. The vessel they were in was also not registered. Latest indications were that the men had been allowed to travel to the Belizean Embassy in Guatemala to secure travel documents, and were to be deported and transported back home via road. A source in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told the BELIZE TIMES that
while the men were charged for illegal entry, no fine was imposed on them, and they were not mistreated in any way. We note that in the
area of the Sarstoon, and even further north to Barranco, illegal Guatemalan fishermen have unrestricted access to Belizean waters and our authorities do not budge.
Calaney Flowers murder trial continues son why I would want to hurt the father of my son”. Flowers stood in the prisoner’s dock with tears streaming down her face, as she said, “I know my car didn’t hit Lyndon’s cycle. I was not driving fast”. The defense then called Keith Franklin, a security supervisor who was employed at Atlantic Bank and who was in the area when the accident occurred. Franklin testified that he witnessed the accident, because when he heard the sound of the motorcycle turning from off the Belcan Bridge he was curious and he walked to the entrance of the Atlantic Bank’s parking lot to observe. Franklin said he saw when the
motorcycle rider lost control and the cycle crashed into a vehicle that was coming out of the yard of the Central Assembly of God Church. Franklin said the motorcycle slammed into the front portion of the vehicle and the pinion rider Sochyl Sosa went flying about 30 feet from where the motorcycle and its driver Lyndon landed. Franklin was subjected to intense cross examination from Senior Crown Counsel Sheiniza Smith who is leading the Crown’s evidence in the trial. The defense will address Justice Gonzalez on Wednesday when the trial resumes.
Bad Boyz recruits GSU Boss? Continued from page 2 was on the list. Shyne could not make it there physically. As bad as he would want to return to that life, his criminal record and deportation prohibits him. So the cheap-budget video made it on a big screen, with Shyne lip singing to the once upon a time hit. Fans were heard booing Shyne’s presentation. But back to GSU commander. There he was prancing next to Barrow with his mean looks. We know he is blinded by politics, but is he also deaf? As Shyne recited his once streetevoking lyrics “Coke boil in the pot, shake the Feds and bust shots at them street cops”, Flowers and another GSU officer are seen proudly flanking Barrow in their full camouflage suits looking like gangsters and bad boys. Is this what Flowers really wants to be promoting… “to bust shots at them street cops”? We know what was in this for Shyne. His obsession with one day returning to his high-roller living, fly Bentley Coupes and Trump Hotel
stays are known to all and sundry. But what was GSU boss Mark Flowers, a Government employee working under public officer rules, doing parading himself in official uniform in a gangster rap music video? Perhaps, it is, as Shyne’s would say, just a “Bad Boyz thing”.
MORE BLOOD SHED IN SHINY’S NAME Belize City, May 30, 2016 Police believe that the carefully planned and orchestrated murder of Michael Wallace, 22, on Saturday was in retaliation for the execution of Gerald “Shiny” Tillett in April. Tillett was killed as he socialized at the Wadani Shed in Dangriga by a single bullet fired into his temple. Tillett was the head of the notorious George Street Gang, and Police say the man arrested for his murder, Nicholas Swaso, is affiliated with the South Side Gang (SSG). But the arrest of Swaso has done nothing to quell the bad blood between the two gangs, and the Wallace murder is just the latest in what Police believe to be continued retaliatory attacks. Michael Wallace, along with his brother Richard, 29 and another man, Edward Flowers, had travelled to the Belize Central Prison to visit their brother, a minor on remand for murder. They were returning to Belize City just after 2:00pm in a white Nissan Altima car, when as they neared Mile 8 on the George Price Highway, they came under a wellplanned attack. A white Infiniti SUV approached from the rear, while a navy blue Chevy Trailblazer blocked the road in front of the Altima. Gunfire erupted from both vehicles, and bullets hit Michael in the head and body. The car veered off the highway and stopped on the side. Richard managed to get out of the car, but was hit and run over by the Trailblazer as he tried to escape the hail of lead. Flowers escaped unhurt. According to Police from the Rural Division, the shooters in the Trailblazer abandoned that vehicle, while the Infiniti SUV lost control as those shooters fled and ran off the road. Police were able to confiscate both vehicles when they arrived on the scene. One person believed to be one of the gunmen has been detained, while Police have stated publicly that they believe that there will now be retaliation for the murder of Wallace.
Pretoria Inc. # 104,264 (“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 Pretoria Inc. has been dissolved as at 26th May, 2016 and has been struck off the Register of International Business Companies.
CITITRUST INTERNATIONAL LIMITED Registered Agent
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THE BELIZE TIMES
5 JUN
2016