Belize Times June 7, 2015

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SCAN HERE

7 JUN

The Belize Times THE BELIZE TIMES

2015

Established 1957

The Truth Shall Make You Free

7 JUNE 2015 | ISSUE NO: 4948

www.belizetimes.bz | $1.00

Petrocaribe Pi単ata!!

Leaked Documents Expose Secret & Unauthorized Uses of Petro-Caribe Loan Money

Opposition Hon. Leader Francis Fonseca and Deputy Leader Hon. Julius Espat have challenged the illegal borrowing and spending of Petrocaribe loan monies

Pg. 3

Woman shot dead in More Tomorrow Village

Pg. 6

Darrell Bradley, the Belizean Pinocchio Pg. 6

Petrocaribe $$$ wasted!

Pg. 7

Crooked Tree Causeway Collapses

Former Corozal Town Mayor Mario Narvaez Dies At 62

Pg. 7

3 Men charged for weed hidden in Winnie the Pooh bag

Pg. 23

PUP: NO TO SEDI, NO TO ICJ

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7 JUN

THE BELIZE TIMES

2015

Belize’s Shining Stars!!

uation ceremonies on Thursday, June 4th at the Holy Redeemer Parish Hall. Leading them, all from the class of 4H1, will be: 18-yearold Ms. Courtney Duran (Valedictorian, with an Overall Grade Average of 90.4%), 18-year-old Ms. Amy Gennity (Salutatorian, with an Overall Grade Average of 86.6%), and 19-year-old Mr. Jamal Augustine (3rd Place, with an Overall Grade

Part 2 Featuring: Pallotti High School, Sadie Vernon Technical High School, Edward P. Yorke High School, Belize High School, Excelsior High School, Ladyville Technical High School, Anglican Cathedral College, and Toledo Community College By: Alton F. Humes (Freelance Reporter) BELIZE CITY, Wednesday, June 3rd, 2015 The BELIZE TIMES’ continues its commitment to highlighting the top achievers among our young and bright high school graduates.

We begin this week’s closer coverage with Pallotti High School on Princess Margaret Drive in Belize City. The venerable Catholic all-girls school will march up 63 more young women in their continuous and long-standing tradition on Sunday, June 7th, 2015 at the St. Joseph’s Church on St. Joseph Street, starting at

Pallotti High School

Jasmine Myvett

EP Yorke High School

Sadie Vernon High School

Courtney Duran

Amy Genitty

Jamal Augustine

Belize High School

10:00 am. Leading them will be: 16-yearold Ms. Jasmine Myvett (Valedictorian, from 4 Arts, with an Overall Grade Average of 94%) and 17-year-old Ms. Soila Rodriguez (Salutatorian, from 4 Business, with an Overall Grade Average of

LOCAL 5 Jun

Therese Burke

Joliker Leandre Jr.

Jamie Williams

Amy Turcios

Soila Rodriguez

93%). The BELIZE TIMES sat with these quiet yet fiercely determined ladies at the school campus on Monday morning.

Although studying different disciplines, they share hardships and that need to go at things for themselves. Myvett, from Sandhill Village in

the Belize District, had lost dad in her 1st year at school. That affected her immensely, to the point that she did poorly in her mid-terms.

“Even though he is gone, I honor him every day, just by doing my best in school,” she told us.

Rodriguez, she shares a nuclear family structure. She pushed as much as she could through school, with her mom being her strongest support.

“Even when she might not have understood all of my work, she sat by my side and tried to get me help with my homework and so on,” she said.

And it certainly shows, in both their career plans and their advice to their fellow graduates. Myvett wishes to become a nurse and eventually, a doctor.

She told us, “Continue striving to work hard. I’m striving to reverse all of those old and tired stereotypes about women every day.”

Rodriguez, who wishes to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), says: “Work Hard to achieve your biggest goals, and never settle for less.”

Sadie Vernon Technical High School will hold their Grad-

7 Jun

Average of 85.9%). The BELIZE TIMES sat with the graduates Monday afternoon at the school campus.

All three hail from different sections of the Lake Independence neighbourhood/constituency. But their roots and stories couldn’t be anymore different – Duran, originally a native of Orange Walk, is from a family of 6. Gennity lives with her Mom, a native of Esperanza Village in the Cayo District, and a younger brother, while Augustine lives with his Mom and 2 older sisters.

Their plates, however always seemed to be full, especially outside of the school setting. Duran balanced her Continued on page 4

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The Belize Times

Established 1957

14 APR 2013

|

ISSUE NO: 4840

The Truth Shall Make You Free

www.belizetimes.bz

|

$1.00

serving Belize since 1957 as the longest continuous newspaper.

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

Alberto Vellos LAYOUT/GRAPHIC ARTIST

Chris Williams

OFFICE ASSISTANT

Roberto Peyrefitte Printed and Published By TIMES NEWSPAPER LTD.

WEATHER 6 Jun

Nisa Sanchez

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Tel: 671-8385 #3 Queen Street P.O. BOX 506 Belize City, Belize

10 Jun

Email: belizetimesadvertisement@yahoo.com

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Exchange rate of One Belize Dollar

United States (USD): $ 0.50

Barbados (BBD): $ 1.00

Eastern Caribbean Euro (XCD):$ 1.35 (EUR) : $ 0.47

Sterling Pound Guatemala Quetzal CANADIAN DOLLAR (GBP): $ 0.34 (GTQ): $ 3.82 (CAD): $ 0.64

CHINESE YUAN (CNY): $ 3.14

Trinidadian (TTD) : $ 3.19

INDIAN RUPEE (INR): $ 31.31

7 JUN

2015

THE BELIZE TIMES

Petrocaribe Piñata!!

Leaked Documents Expose Secret & Unauthorized Uses of Petro-Caribe Loan Money

Belize City, June 2, 2015 Leaked Central Bank documents reveal that there have been hidden and unauthorized uses of tens of millions of dollars from the Petro-Caribe Loan Funds, as the Barrow Administration continues to administer the funds from the program like a piñata WITH ABSOLUTELY NO ACCOUNTABILITY OR TRANSPARENCY. On Monday morning, June 1st, Krem Radio Wake Up Belize Show’s fiery host Mose Hyde held up leaked documents on his radio/television show and explained that the documents spelled out serious flagrances in the manner in which the Government has been spending the Petro-Caribe loan monies.

The documents revealed that the Government had used $20,000,000 (TWENTY MILLION DOLLARS) from the Petro-Caribe Loan money for the payment of salaries TWICE, in 2014 and 2015.

As Mose explained, the Government has never revealed to the public that such large amounts of money have been used for the payment of salaries.

He recalled that in April of this year, the Government had released a document entitled “Uses of Funds - Drawn from Petrocaribe Financing” which detailed the uses of Petro-Caribe Loan money.

That document, sent to all media houses, did not disclose any use of money for salaries.

Mose lashed out at the Government for “blatant dishonesty”.

The Ministry of Finance responded quickly, releasing a long-winded press release which launched attacks on Mose Hyde. The release accused Mose and the Kremandala media house of “ignorance” and being “irresponsible” before “going on the deep end”, and claimed that Mose, along with many Belizeans, had misinterpreted the document. The release rejected the accusation that any monies had been used for salaries, and maintained that the Petrocaribe monies transferred out of the Government’s account was actually a “replacement” for what had already been used by the Government.

The UDP also unleashed their radio attack dogs, Alfonso Noble and the Belize City Mayor’s father, Joe Bradley, from Wus Ting Da Mawning. On that show on Monday morning, the hosts called Mose Hyde all sort of names, and accused him of various improprieties.

They laughed and snickered at their own silly jokes.

Financial Secretary Joseph Waight, whose reputation is being publicly dragged in the mud by this Government, attempted to do damage control when he gave media interview to explain on Government’s behalf, but ended up making matters worse when he revealed that the need to use Petrocaribe loan funds to replace money spent, simply means that the Government has had to “juggle” its finances.

But that was not the end of the controversial disclosures.

Another revelation of more secret money “juggling” was that $4 million dollars of the Petrocaribe loan used to bail out the private company, Citrus Products of Belize Limited last year.

Prime Minister Dean Barrow had announced that the Government would step in to assist the financially-strapped company, but no mention was made of Petrocaribe monies being used.

Now it has been confirmed by the Financial Secretary Waight that Petrocaribe loans funds were used.

The problem with the Government’s wild yet secretive bursting of the Petro-

caribe piñata is that it goes against every principle of accountability and transparency enshrined in the Finance and Audit (Reform) Act, which established modern rules for Government’s borrowing and spending of funds.

The Finance and Audit (Reform) Act required that any borrowing of over ten million dollars had to first get approval of the National Assembly. It also required that such funds be held in a special fund created in the Central Bank, and that any proposed spending be reported to the National Assembly. With Petrocaribe none of these rules are being followed,

03 3 and so Belizeans are finding out after the fact about the many political uses of millions of dollars, while the spending remains obscure and without proper oversight.

The Finance and Audit Act was amended in 2010 to introduce penalties for failure to abide by the rules of accountability, but the Barrow Administration protected its illegal acts with the passage of the Petrocaribe Loans Act, giving themselves indemnity and granting extra-powerful authority to borrow and spend without having to go to the National Assembly retrospective to when the borrowing commenced in 2012.

The controversy over Petrocaribe has reached the halls of the Supreme Court, where the Opposition People’s United Party is seeking to keep the Government in check. Deputy Leader Hon. Julius Espat and a team of legal experts have challenged Petrocaribe spending and the legality of the Petrocaribe Loans Act.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Belize’s Shining Stars!!

2015

tional-based curriculum she had to study.

Chang and Tan, as foreign-born students, had even more difficulty with barriers to understanding the English language, with Tan actually failing Standard 2 due to those barriers. “I still tried to do my best in every subject, even the ones I got nervous about, like Information Technology and Physical Education,” she said.

The ladies are grateful to those figures that supported them in their difficulties and triumphs. Quan acknowlAnglican Cathedral College edged her parents, especially her Dad, who always “pushes and guides me”, including advising her on summer course, her majors, and so on. Chang also thanked her parents, who not only “spend money on me to go to school, but also provide my lunch, walk me to school, and check in to see my grades and how I’m doing”. Tan acknowledged God as well as her parents’ support, both financially and “helping Therese Burke Joliker Leandre Jr. Jamie Williams me get tutors for my work”.

Their ambitions and forthLadyville Tech High School right advice are a reflection of the hard-won wisdom reaped on their journey. Quan will major in Biological Systems Engineering (with an interest in “life systems”) at the University of California-Davis in California, USA. She told us, “Continue to strive for progress, not excellence. Find that intersection of what you love to do and what you’re good at, and go for it.” Chang hopes to become a dentist and simply Samantha Bradley Kleyford Prado Carla Sanchez said to us, “Enjoy life”. Tan, like her business-oriented parents, Lord’s Bank Village, Ladyville in the Be- chez was undecided about whether to wishes to study Business or Internationlize District home. But Sanchez shares choose Civil Engineering, Architecture al Trade. “Study hard and don’t fool a pedigree unlike any other, as she is or the Fine Arts. Turcios, inspired by the around too much; it could affect your the sister of CXC superstar and talent- motion picture “Gifted Hands”, wishes to future,” she shared. ed genius Jonas Sanchez. That pedigree be a neurosurgeon, and one day, work Moving over to Excelsior High has been, unfortunately, both a blessing with kids.

School on Faber’s Road, the institution and a curse. Sanchez admitted, while Belize High School on Mercy Lane will graduate 13 students (5 females and shyly ducking her head to ease her ner- is no longer the new kid on the block. 8 males) on Saturday, June 6th at the St. vousness, that she has experienced the They will have their graduation on Satur- John’s Vianney Church starting at 3:00 pressure of being equal to or better than day, June 6th, at the Belize Elementary pm. Leading them will be Mr. Ewart her well-known older brother, which has School Gymnasium, starting at 6:00 pm. Roches (Valedictorian) and Ms. Esmerled to “extreme physical and emotional Leading them from the classes of Se- alda Coc (Salutatorian). stress”, oftentimes getting very sick. nior 1 and 2 will be: 16-year-old Felicia In the Belize District, Ladyville TechTurcios wasn’t immune from that Pik-Ying Quan (Valedictorian, S1, with nical High School will be graduating pressure either, admitting it was meet- a cumulative GPA of 4.45), 16-year-old 69 of 71 students (36 females and 33 ing the deadlines of the School-Based Wei-Shen (Sunny) Chang (Salutatorian, males) across four programs [Business, Assessments (SBA’s) that was hard on S2, with a cumulative GPA of 4.35) and Hospitality, Agriculture and Construcher.

18-year-old Sherie Tam (3rd Place and tion/Electrical] on Saturday, June 6th Both young women were not alone Parent’s Night Speaker, S1, with a cumu- at the Ramada Princess Hotel’s King’s in their struggles, however, and relied on lative GPA of 4.33).

Room, starting at 3:00 pm. Leading support to get them through the storms In a pair of interviews conducted them will be: Ms. Samantha Bradley they faced. Sanchez credits her mom, on Wednesday May 27th and June 3rd, (Valedictorian) and Mr. Kleyford Prado who was “there throughout the 4 respectively, the BELIZE TIMES chatted (Salutatorian). years. She was always there, always with these talented, intelligent young The venerable Anglican Cathedral picking me back up.” She also credits women. All three have distinct and in- College held their proceedings at the her Homeroom and Technical Drawing teresting backgrounds. Quan was born Bliss Center for the Performing Arts on teacher, Mr. Earl Noralez, for ‘support- in Miami, Florida, USA to a Salvadorian Sunday, May 31st. The top 3 graduates, ing’ her, referring to him “like a father mom and a Chinese dad (with Belizean all from the class of 4-Wallace, are: Ms. away from home”. Turcios, too, thanked roots), and has two brothers. Chang Jamie Williams (Valedictorian), Mr. Joher parents – Dad for ‘supporting me hails from the Republic of China-Taiwan liker Leandre Jr. (Salutatorian), and Ms. financially’, and Mom for, “…always and has an older brother, while Tan was Therese Burke (3rd Place). being there, to check my homework, born in Belize, was raised in mainland And in Punta Gorda town, Toledo and say to me ‘Push harder, baby, yu China and came back to Belize around Community College (TCC) will graduate soon reach di finish line.’” She also the age of 10 years.

174 students on Saturday, June 6th, at expressed her gratitude to her Biology And with those varied roots came the school’s Punta Gorda compound. teacher, Ms. Karen Canto, who “was the difficulty of properly adjusting to The top graduates will be: Mr. Japheth with us through the toughest cours- the realities of new surroundings. Quan Chavarria (Valedictorian), Ms. Melca es, she told us, with the strength of admits that she had difficulty transition- Camas (Salutatorian), and Ms. Valencia her Christian faith, to keep going and ing from Belize Elementary to the ‘sister Tut (3rd Place). persevere”. school’ of Belize High, as well as figuring Our High School Graduation Season As for their career plans, San- out how to adjust to the more interna- series continues next week.

Part 2 Featuring: Pallotti High School, Sadie Vernon Technical High School, Edward P. Yorke High School, Belize High School, Excelsior High School, Ladyville Technical High School, Anglican Cathedral College, and Toledo Community College Continued from page 2 passion for cycling with her work as Vice President of the Belize City chapter of the BFLA’s Youth Advocacy Movement (YAM), and host of the youth radio/TV show, “Bigg Chattz”, all while dealing with chores at home and schoolwork, which was significantly different from her past life at St. Catherine’s Academy, where she was a student. Augustine was in similar straits, having to balance studying with playing basketball, especially in the National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) for the Belize City SMART No Limit club. Things were somewhat quieter for Gennity, but still, studying was very much enough for her to take on.

None of the challenges, however, would stop these young people from achieving their goals. And their biggest cheerleader continues to be, for the most part, Mom. For Duran, when it came to her various school projects, she helped out whenever she could. “Many nights, when I wasn’t sure about how to do my projects, she would say ‘Why noh do it like this?’ She was always there for me.” Gennity had back-up from her mom, a tenant nurse to the elderly and sick. Augustine, who was once a student at Edward P. Yorke High School, had stopped school. But his Mom would have none of that, pushing for him to transfer to Sadie Vernon, continue and finish his secondary education, which he could certainly be proud to say he did.

And their individual ambitions and advice belie their long journeys to where they are now. Duran wishes to be a surgeon, a General Practitioner. “Never give up… Always aspire to be what you want to be”, she told us, admitting that if it wasn’t for being at SCA, she wouldn’t be able to appreciate the long hours of hard work she put in at Sadie Vernon. Her colleague Augustine, who wishes to be an underwriter for insurance companies, agreed, saying: “Stop listening to what people say. It’s not about the school; it’s about what you learn there. You only get out of it what you put into it.” Gennity, who wishes to become a Lab Technician, kept it simple: “Pay keen attention to your teachers”.

Edward P. Yorke High School Principal Mr. Rodrick Cardinez proudly shared that 129 graduates of 132 will march up on Sunday, June 7th, 2015 at the Ramada Princess Hotel, starting at 3:00 pm. Their Valedictorian will be 16-year-old Ms. Nisa Sanchez (from class 4-Industrial Studies, with an estimated overall Grade Average of 91%), while the Salutatorian will be 17-year-old Ms. Amy Turcios (from class 4-Academic Studies, with an overall Grade Average of 85.1%). The BELIZE TIMES interviewed the young ladies at the campus on Tuesday in the midst of their preparations for the ceremony.

Sanchez and Turcios do share some roots – both have parents originally from the Republic of Honduras, while they were born in Belize City and both call

7 JUN

7 JUN

THE BELIZE TIMES

2015

5 05

EDITORIAL

ENDANGERING BELIZE

B

elize has been told to get off Sarstoon Island and told to leave from our territorial sea.

On Wednesday 3rd June 2015, the Belize Coast Guard gave a detailed media interview on their rescue mission to Lighthouse Reef to assist in a Tropic Airplane that was forced to land with its pilot and two passengers in shallow waters.

There has no full report to this nation by the Belize Coast Guard regarding a 26 hours face off with one, then two Guatemalan gun boats. This happened at the small Sarstoon Island in the southern waters of Belize.

The confrontation started between 10:00 A.M to 11:00 A.M on the morning of Thursday 28 May 2015. Belize Coast Guard personnel had travelled by boat to Sarstoon Island to gather preliminary preparations for a base construction. A Guatemalan gun boat patrol was quick to approach and request the Belize Coast Guard to leave for violating Guatemalan maritime territory.

According to Chief Executive Officer, Lt. Col. George Lovell, of the Ministry of National Security, the Coast Guard Captain told the Guatemalans it was they who were in Belizean waters and should leave. They did not leave.

Lovell also said that in the afternoon the Guatemalan gun boat left and returned with a bigger boat and more military personnel. They insisted the Belize Coast Guard leave. If we are to believe this secondhand version from Lovell, the Guatemalans remained in close proximity to the Coast Guard and even began circling the Sarstoon Island.

The Belize Coast Guard remained on the Island throughout the night and we now know from Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington, that it was Prime Minister Dean Barrow who gave the instruction for the Belize Coast Guard to turn tail and head back to Punta Gorda.

Prime Minister Barrow, whose arrogant style of governing led himself into improper and illegal activities with Petro Caribe monies and who loves to give interviews and hold Press Conferences, has not uttered a single word. He is probably hoping some local scandal will occur and thus offer a sufficient distraction to the latest Sarstoon saga.

That may not happen.

Even if it did, like the Petro Caribe violation of the country’s laws, nothing can erase the record of the Prime Minister’s sordid abuse of his office.

We are hard-pressed to find, in recent memory, an event of the nature of the Sarstoon Island face off.

Twenty-six hours is a long time to have the military of

two countries in such a tense situation. Where were our diplomats? As circumstance would have it both the Foreign Minister and his Chief Executive Officer were in Guatemala. How could it take so long to have this matter diffused? Was the O.A.S brought into the picture at the earliest?

The government’s version of events and their humiliating climb down leaves much explanation to be provided.

Imagine, the Government has been told by Guatemalan military to get off its own island and to remove itself from its territorial waters and it did so. And offers no adequate explanation to Belizeans.

For the Foreign Minister to say blandly that the Prime Minister is the one who gave the order to retreat is a wholly unacceptable report to the nation.

We turned tails and ran when told by the Guatemalan bully to get out of our own yard.

This was the time for all that big talk about (not a chance in hell) that our Coast Guard would run out of their territory. What would Guatemala have done, shoot our Coast Guard, arrest them? We think not.

We think this latest incident highlights the very poor level of preparation and leadership that has become the hallmark of the Prime Minister. It is his mishandling of the Guatemalan issue that has plunged Belize into this fiasco.

We take the point it was only three months ago that there was an incident between the Territorial Volunteers and the said same Guatemalan gun boat military. Had leadership been displayed, had Belize gotten its regional and international partners to become involved in de-militarizing the Sarstoon River a potential shooting incident last Thursday would never have materialized.

Instead, the government blamed the Belizean patriots for simply travelling to the border marker.

We cannot overlook that the Foreign Minister on behalf of his government stated on the latest confrontation and we quote, “Guatemalan officials were very professional and very mature” in chasing us of our own island and sea. Nothing said about the bravery of our Coast Guards.

It cannot be worse than this. Guatemala is behaving bellicose and provocative. And our government’s response leaves much to be desired.

If things continue this way the Opposition may be left with little choice but to completely decouple its support for the government in any matter involving Guatemala.

Our first duty is to Belize.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Darrell Bradley, the Belizean Pinocchio Belize City, June 3, 2015 Whenever Pinocchio lied, his nose grew longer and longer. Pinocchio’s Belizean counterpart, Mayor Darrell Bradley, has a similar fetish for lying, but when he lies, his lips grow longer and longer.

In each television appearance, those that know Darrell Bradley and his conniving ways could easily detect the lies flowing from his LIPS. Whether he was denying that he gave a liquor license to his councilor buddy, Deon Leslie, to operate a bar/ nightclub at BTL park where children recreate; or whether he was denying that he would serve out his full term as Mayor before abandoning city residents with a $50 million dollar debt, Darrell Bradley has proven himself to be one of the most untrustworthy politicians in modern day Belize, putting even the original “liad-man”, Dean Barrow, to shame.

Unfortunately though, Bradley’s penchant for lying has not come without a cost. As a matter of fact, it is actually costing us as city residents millions of dollars in unaccounted revenue. Take for instance the fact that he has given three different versions of what took place with the $1.3 million dollars in the Council’s “legal fees”.

Did his law firm get it? Did Tricia Pitts Anderson get it? Did Michael Young get it? Or was it a payment to Belize Waste Control? In the end, we will never know; but the fact remains, city residents will never see that $1.3 million again.

Just three weeks ago, Bradley held a Mother’s Day party at Lopez Mateos Park, comprised of approximately 50 city council employees (city residents are probably paying for their overtime) and about 13 Caribbean Shores Mothers.

A news reporter asked Bradley if he had received his Petrocaribe Mother’s Day Cheer, to which his lips began to move and grow and move and grow.

Lies on top of lies. This man actually had the bolas to say that he did not get any of the Petrocaribe money for Mother’s Day. Two days later however, no less than the Prime Minister had to strip Bradley naked and declare him a bona fide liar. So the truth is Darrell Bradley DID receive his portion of the Mother’s Day cheer rumored to be $50,000.00. That’s more of our money vanishing into thin air.

Residents of Belize City are praying for Darrell to stop talking because every time his lips start to move, it’s costing us millions of dollars in unaccounted revenue.

Last week, the city council closed down Body 2000. Bradley, perhaps trying to save face for closing down the most popular gym in Caribbean Shores, said he knew nothing about it. But, as fate would have it, he would be exposed once again. Word on the street is that the owner of Body 2000 is livid

by Bradley’s comments, because not only does Darrell Bradley know about the closure of his establishment, but Darrell Bradley is/was his lawyer!

In his most recent interview to the press, this Belizean Pinocchio stated that he has no control over the increase in trade licenses and property taxes. The residents of Caribbean Shores are no fools Mr. Pinocchio. You have hit them where it hurts. Their trade licenses have doubled and their property taxes have tripled and all the while, you were at the helm.

The fact of the matter is the well-educated and well-informed residents of Caribbean Shores cannot wait for the appointed day to deal with Mr. Pinocchio.

Caribbean Shores is ready for an honest leader; a leader who is responsible; and a leader who listens. It is time for a true son of the Shores. It is time for Kareem Musa.

Woman shot dead in More Tomorrow Village More Tomorrow Village, Cayo District, June 4, 2015 Belmopan Police are investigating the mysterious killing of a Guatemalan national in More Tomorrow Village.

39 year old Guatemalan Paula Garcia was found dead inside her home which is located at Flower’s Farm along the More Tomorrow Village road. She had a gunshot wound to her neck.

Her husband, who was at home at the time of the shooting, said that around 1:00am on Thursday morning, he heard a gunshot. When he saw his wife, he realised that she had been injured.

It is not clear how Garcia ended up fatally shot, and by whom, but Police continue their investigations.

7 JUN

2015 PUP Marshalls Belize City Meeting All members of the PUP Marshalls Corps of the Belize District (Belize City, Belize Rural Central, Belize Rural North) are invited to a very important and informative meeting to be held on Sunday, June 7th 2015 at 3:00pm sharp at the Independence Hall.

Please be on time. Together we move forward in serving the people.

7 JUN

2015

THE BELIZE TIMES

07 7

Former Corozal Town Mayor Mario Narvaez Dies At 62

By Roberto Pasos Former Corozal Town Mayor Mario Ignacio Narvaez has passed away at age 62.

Mr. Narvaez had been in hospice for about a year, receiving treatment for illness, and died about 9:45pm on Monday June 1, 2015 at the Star Medica Center in Merida Yucatan, Mexico.

He was Corozal’s first Mayor, who was directly elected by the residents of Corozal Town after the law was revised in 1999 by the Law Revision Act, Chapter 3 of the Laws of Belize. Mayor Narvaez was elected under the People’s United Party banner to serve two consecutive terms by Corozal Town residents. Under his stewardship as Mayor, Corozal

Petrocaribe $$$ wasted!

Crooked Tree Village, June 2, 2015 It is not known how many tens of thousands of dollars from the Petrocaribe loans was hastily diverted for a Crooked Tree Causeway project, just in time for Edmund Castro’s Belize Rural North convention, but it certainly is clear that those monies have been wasted.

The causeway, on which material was dumped for an elevation project, began falling apart following brief showers over the Belize District. Part of the stretch of road cracked and fell into the river, causing commuters to panic and become concerned about the safety of the passageway.

While more monies will now be needed to repair the causeway, there are no indications that those responsible for the project are being properly supervised to ensure the best value for money. The residents are very sceptical of this and they believe that the causeway is hazardous and not suitable.

Former Village Chairman, George Guest, has been lobbying for a bridge to replace the causeway. He said he was dumbfounded when he saw heavy equipment appear and learnt that more money was being spent on the roadway, despite the worsening conditions. “…the bridge would have knocked all this out and the water would have flown freely like it used to. Right now it’s not going anywhere. We will flood again. The whole of the village will flood this time because he built a dam. I’ve got common sense. And I’ve got a brain between my ear-holes. Castro ain’t got that. He says that the Petrocaribe money is building this causeway. Well, where’s the Petrocaribe money? It’s going back into the lagoon Castro,” expressed Guest.

The haphazardly “repaired” Crooked Tree causeway is not the only project in Belize Rural North that Belizeans must be vigilant about. In the weeks leading to Castro’s convention, all sorts of miracle projects popped up including the hasty paving of roads.

With Village Council and an early general election approaching, the UDP is rolling out Petrocaribe monies along its campaign path…with non-elected candidates decided who gets what and who doesn’t. If this disproportionate and excessively reckless way of spending monies is not stopped, Petrocaribe will be leaving ugly and costly scars everywhere.

Town saw many developments and infrastructural projects that are presently creating benefits for the people of Corozal Town. The Gabriel Hoare Market brought great economic benefits; the completely refurbished Central Park; the relocation of the Slaughter House; paved streets using Town Council revenues, are just some of the great accomplishments done by one of the best Mayors Corozal Town had ever seen.

In addition to serving as Mayor for the terms 2000 -2003 and 2003–2006, Mayor Narvaez served as a member of the Corozal Town Board from 1991 – 1994. During this period he served both as Councilor and Mayor. He also

served as the Chairman of the People’s United Party Corozal Bay Executive Committee. He was an avid sports fan and sponsored many teams and tournaments in support of the community. In his younger days he was a volleyball and basketball player.

Mayor Mario Narvaez will be remembered by the people of Corozal Town as a friendly, humble, respectable, approachable and a responsible Mayor who served his town to the best of his ability.

He is survived by his wife Maria Estela Narvaez, daughters Mariely, Nayeli, and Karina Narvaez and a host of relatives and friends.

Mayor Mario Ignacio Narvaez, July 30, 1952 – June 1, 2015. May he rest in peace.

0 88

THE BELIZE TIMES

2015 Dolores and the PUP Always working for Belize Rural Central

May 29th, 2015 Hon. Dolores continues vigorous outreach in BRC. On Tuesday May 26th Ms. Dolores presented a donation to the principal and teachers to the Hattieville Seventh Day Adventist Primary School to assist with the school’s utilities.

She also delivered along with her

City Administrator

totals CitCo vehicle Will taxpayers pay for damaged late-model vehicle?

Belize City, May 26, 2015 Belize City Mayor Darrel Bradley has come to the City Administrator’s defense after the City Council-purchased vehicle assigned to her ended up totalled along the Northern Highway after a trip to Chetumal.

Bradley told Channel 7 News said that the Government’s vehicle policy gives him full and unlimited use of vehicles just “like a Minister” while his City Administrator, Candance Burke, also has access to her vehicle just like a “Minister’s Chief Executive Officer”. This explains where the Mayor gets his pig-headed attitude.

He believes he should be treated like a Minister!

But back to the City Council’s damaged vehicle. Burke and her family were apparently driving back to Belize City after going shopping in Chetumal, when the vehicle flipped around mile 14 on the Northern Highway and landed in the bushes, completely damaged.

The Council tried its best to conceal the accident. There was no report of it to the Police, as far as we know.

This is the second City Council vehicle assigned to Burke that has been badly damaged. The first one, a nearly brand-new Toyota Hilux, was crashed in December last year.

As to the Mayor’s previous pickup truck, which was crashed by Councillor Alifah Elrington, it has been replaced with a late-model SUV.

7 JUN

staff several loads of hardcore material for the Belizean American Site, Farmer’s Site and Old Hattieville. The material will help residents significantly, as the rainy season approaches.

Photos show handing over of cheque, delivery of material and visits with residents.

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THE BELIZE THE BELIZE TIMESTIMES

Belizean Beauty

Guadalupe

• • • • • •

Career Plan: Business Administrator Sign: Libra Favourite Food: Shrimps Likes: Reading Lives in: Belize City Fav. Quote: “Be there for others, but never leave yourself behind.”

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

9 TOPMODEL 09

TOP MODEL Clothing and Accessories provided by CATWALK FASHIONS

Cor. North Front Steet & Queen Street Belize City

10 SPORTS

7 JUN

THE BELIZE TIMES TIMES THE BELIZE

2015

Central Bank & DigiCell topple opponents in Interoffice Basketball Belize City, May 16, 2015 The Belize Bank Bulldogs, Belikin, Digicell 4G, Central Bank and Central Health all posted big wins in the Belize City interoffice basketball competition at Bird’s Isle over the weekend Central Bank crushed Ready Call 81-66, led by Jacob “Snake” Leslie and Mark Swift with 21 points each. Dave Apolonio and Ed Baptist added 10 points each. Ready Call’s Raheim Franklin led his team’s score with 17 points and 6 rebounds.

DigiCell 4G upset the defending champs Complex Generals 47-37, led by Raheem Staine with 15 points and Jason Lamb with 10 points.

Complex’s Rhetton Belisle and Wilfred Richards scored 11 points apiece and Roman Williams added 5 points.

Saturday’s Matches: Central Health Region vs. Atlantic Bank – 81-69 Lead scorers: Travis Bernardez, 27pts, Justin Wade, 37pts, Belize Bank Bulldogs vs. Heritage Bank - 81-78 Lead scorers: Rupert Brown, 36pts; Winston Pratt, 39 pts Belikin vs. Infotel - 60-51 Lead scorers: Kadeem Olivera, 26pts; Stafford Young, 16pts

Belize Paddlers Compete in Puerto Rico Olympic Cup Canoe/Kayak Sprint Event May 31st, 2015 The Belize Canoe Association, now an official member of the Belize Olympic Committee and the International Canoe Federation (ICF), is competing in its first ICF event, the Puerto Rico Olympic Cup (Sprint) which takes place from June 5th – 7th.

Chris Guydis, Wilberto Daniels, Bayron Cruz and Amado Cruz will compete in different kayak sprint races of distances of 200M, 1000M in K1, K2 and K4 Men’s Senior’s Category.

Ms Jane Usher, the Association’s Recording Officer/Secretary and Team Leader, said that this is a great opportunity for our Belizean paddlers to gain exposure and experience on how sanctioned international canoe events are managed and these paddlers can help develop our local races.

The Belize Canoe Association thanked the Belize Olympic Committee for their assistance, coach Mr Bob Kary for volunteering his time to help prepare the team and asks all Belizeans to show their support as we root for our guys.

The team left Belize on Tuesday, June 2nd and will return on Tuesday, June 9th.

DigiCell’s Jason Lamb scored 10pts

Young Warriors, City Boys, Rising Stars & Bombers win in Smart Mundialito Belize City, May 16, 2015 The undefeated Young Warriors, Rising Stars and defending champs City Boys all posted wins in Week 7 of the 2015 SMART Mundialito annual football tournament at the M.C.C. Garden in Belize City on Saturday.

Ladyville Rising Stars vs. Carlston FC – 1-0 Goals by Elan White (2) Face of Belize vs. Ladyville Jaguars - 1-1 Goals by D’jon Canello, Mushay Grant Young Warriors vs. London Strikers - 1-0 Goal by Anthony Usher Brown Bombers vs. Third World - 3-0 (Default Win) City Boys vs. Hattieville Youth FC - 1-0 Goal by Rasheid Lord Heights FC vs. Collet Strikers - 1-1 Goal by Adrian Usher, Mikey Palacio

Central Bank’s Cojac Smith scored 7pts

Collet Strikers’ Mikey Palacio on the offensive

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2015 2015

11 SPORTS 11

THE BELIZE THE BELIZE TIMESTIMES

Benny’s Megabytes Vallan Symns

wins Weekend Warriors Rockville race Belize City, May 31, 2015 Team Benny’s Megabytes Vallan Symns won the Weekend Warriors’ Rockville circuit race from Leslie’s Imports to Rockville and back to CISCO Construction on the George Price Highway on Sunday.

1st Vallan Symns - Team Benny’s Megabytes - 1:37:07 2nd Isaiah Willacey - Team F.T. Williams/British Caribbean Bank – 1st B division 3rd David Pollard - Team F.T. Williams/B.C.B- 1:37:34 – 2nd A Division 4th Mark Lisbey – Team F.T. Williams/ BCB – 2nd B Division 5th Warren Coye – Team Santino’s – 1:38:17 - 3rd A di-

vision 6th Kent “Bob” Gabourel - Team Benny’s Megabytesh 7th Santino “Chief” Castillo – 3rd B Division 8th Colin Maheia – Team F.T. Williams/BCB 9th Andrew Vasqauez – Team Belize Water Services 10th Shalini Zabaneh – Team Sagitun – 1st Female 11th Mark Reid – Team Santino’s 12th Robert Mariano – Team DigiCell 4G 13th Mark Gentle - F.T. Williams/BCB

Shalini Zabaneh won 1st in Female Category

Top 3: Isaiah Willacey - 2nd, Vallan Symns - 1st, Warren Coye - 3rd

14th Daniel Cano – Team DigiCell 4G 15th Antonio Escarpeta - Team F.T. Williams/B.C.B 16th Ernest Olivera - F.T. Williams/

BCB 17th Francis Cassasola – Team Santino’s 18th Dean Belisle - Team BelCal 19th Kirk Sutherland – Team DigiCell 4G 20th Ian Whittaker - Invitee

BTTA holds RF&G table tennis championships Belize City, May 31, 2015 Over 50 players in 4 different categories contested the 2nd bi-annual RF&G table tennis ranking tournament hosted by the Belize Table Tennis Association at the Belize Elementary School auditorium on Sunday.

After the round robin qualifiers in the morning, the top performers in each group advanced to a double elimination round in all categories. Carlos Cui won the A Division, 14-year-old Latrell Solis won the B-Division, John Del Cid won the C division, and Petie Usher-Matus won the Women’s division In the A Division, after some intense matches the day closed off with an exciting final that went down to the wire between Carlos Cui and Tyrone Tun. Carlos Cui won 3-2 just managing to edge out Tyrone in the finals set 13-11.

A Division Results 1st – Carlos Cui 2nd – Tyrone Tun 3rd – Nicholas Martin B Division Results 1st – Latrell Solis 2nd – Nicholas Martin 3rd – Hector Lopez 4th – Yasser Musa C Division Results 1st – John Delcid 2nd – Jaylen Nicholson 3rd – Amiri Hoare 4th – Leo Carballo WOMEN Division results 1st – Petie Matus 2nd – Su Sen 3rd – Kelly Liu 4th – Esperanza Leal Trophies were awarded to all the winners by the sponsors, RF&G Insurance Marketing Coordinator Ms. Sonia Tun. She thanked the BTTA for the opportunity to sponsor such a large event; one that includ-

ed many junior players, as well as senior and women players. RF&G is one of the original sponsors of the BTTA with this being their 6th year of sponsoring this event, and promising to continue in 2016.

While BTTA Membership Director, Mrs. Janine Carballo, assisted with the trophies presentation, Director Hector Lopez, thanked the Sponsors, RF&G for their continued support of the event, the players, organizers, and spectators for a very successful tournament.

Top 3: A Division

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PUP Love in Esperanza!

7 JUN

THE BELIZE TIMES

2015

Children of Esperanza Village entertained by the game of May Pole

PUP Cayo North East Celebrates Community’s 50th Anniversary Esperanza Village, June 1, 2015 It was a festivity like no other – residents of Esperanza Village gathered at the community center and football field to celebrate their community’s 50th anniversary in grand fashion.

PUP Cayo North East Standard Bearer Orlando “Landy” Habet and his well-oiled Committee Executive organised a day of fun activities. It started with a football tournament for the athletes. The matches were competitive and finishing in the first place were the Esperanza Warriors. Second place was Los Tambos football club and Third place was Atleticos football club.

Inside the community center, Mr. Habet gathered with the residents to recognize and award stalwart residents of the community. These residents are seen as senior community leaders and are well-respected in the community.

On the field, the residents continued to enjoy some more sports, as the Joan Garbutt Softball diamond came alive with softball games, followed by the traditional May Pole for the children and adults.

It was a beautiful day to celebrate a special event. The hardworking PUP Standard Bearer has committed to recognizing communities and their good people in his division.

“Appreciation and thanks go to the teachers who prepared the children for the Maypole, the Awardees, the football and softball players and all those who helped make the Day an enjoyable an fruitful one. We shall Do it again! Esperanza just needs a little boost. They have Good People. Like Micah says, ‘Esperanza is Love’,” Habet shared.

SOME OF THE AWARDEES

PUP Cayo North East standard bearer Orlandy “Landy” Habet

Landy hands over prize to Los Tambos Football Club players

1st place team: Esperanza Warriors got a trophy and prize money

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2015

THE BELIZE TIMES

PUP Collet

Belize City, June 1, 2015 The food available at the BBQ & Cowfoot Soup Fundraising Sale held on Vernon Street by the PUP Collet Committee was delicious, but the vibes among residents and supporters who turned out to support was positive and upbeat.

PUP Collet Standard Bearer Yasmin Shoman and members of her Committee were on hand to greet and chat with supporters.

She shared that the funds raised from the initiative will go towards feeding programs and school supplies for needy children in the Collet Division. With summer approaching, families will soon begin to deal with the back to school crunch, and in these hard times under the Barrow Administration, the help will come in handy.

The PUP Committee will continue to reach out to the community. It is already planning a jumble sale slated later this month.

Look out for more positive vibes from the PUP Collet team.

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holds BBQ & Cowfoot Soup Sale!

Ground general ‘Tambran’ assisting the fundraiser

L-R: PUP Collet Standard Bearer Yasmin Shoman, PUP Mesopotamia Standard Bearer Dorla Vaughan & PUP Caribbean Shores Standard Bearer Kareem Musa

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7 JUN

THE BELIZE TIMES

2015

NOTICE OF COMMENCED DISSOLUTION Notice is hereby given BARNSBURY ASSOCIATION LTD. commenced dissolution on 11th May, 2015; and Belizean Liquidators Services Inc. whose registered office is at 50 Shirley Street, P.O. Box CB-13917 Nassau, Bahamas, is the Liquidator of the companies.

Notice is hereby given BUSINESS SERVICE GROUP CONSULTING LTD. commenced dissolution on 12th May, 2015; and Belizean Liquidators Services Inc. whose registered office is at 50 Shirley Street, P.O. Box CB-13917 Nassau, Bahamas, is the Liquidator of the company.

Notice is hereby given MEDRES LTD. and CHATYSTA GROUP LTD. both commenced dissolution on 14th May, 2015; and Belizean Liquidators Services Inc. whose registered office is at 50 Shirley Street, P.O. Box CB-13917 Nassau, Bahamas, is the Liquidator of the company.

Morgan & Morgan Trust Corporation Belize Limited

NOTICE OF COMMENCED DISSOLUTION Notice is hereby given ABC WEST CO., LTD. commenced dissolution on 18th May, 2015; and Belizean Liquidators Services Inc. whose registered office is at 50 Shirley Street, P.O. Box CB-13917 Nassau, Bahamas, is the Liquidator of the company.

Notice is hereby given SHERBROOKE FINANCIAL CORP. commenced dissolution on 19th May, 2015; and Belizean Liquidators Services Inc. whose registered office is at 50 Shirley Street, P.O. Box CB-13917 Nassau, Bahamas, is the Liquidator of the company.

Notice is hereby given FIXTON INVEST & TRADE INC., ADINE DEVELOPMENT INC., SUN RA INC. and TERRY PROPERTY S.A. all commenced dissolution on 20th May, 2015; and Belizean Liquidators Services Inc. whose registered office is at 50 Shirley Street, P.O. Box CB-13917 Nassau, Bahamas, is the Liquidator of the company.

Morgan & Morgan Trust Corporation Belize Limited

NOTICE OF COMMENCED DISSOLUTION Notice is hereby given FORTUNE ENTERPRISES S.A. commenced dissolution on 21st May, 2015; and Belizean Liquidators Services Inc. whose registered office is at 50 Shirley Street, P.O. Box CB-13917 Nassau, Bahamas, is the Liquidator of the companies.

Notice is hereby given RICHMAR LOGISTIC AND CHARTERING LIMITED, INDEPENDENT CAPITAL GROUP S.A., and HARRIET MANAGEMENT LTD. all commenced dissolution on 27th May 2015; and Belizean Liquidators Services Inc. whose registered office is at 50 Shirley Street, P.O. Box CB-13917 Nassau, Bahamas, is the Liquidator of the companies.

Morgan & Morgan Trust Corporation Belize Limited

Project Engineering Solutions LTD. #142,741 (“the Company”)

Pursuant to Section 102(4) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, notice is hereby given that Project Engineering Solutions LTD. a) is in dissolution b) commenced dissolution on the 27th day of May, 2015; and c) Lugano Corporate Services Ltd. whose address is 7 New Road, Second Floor, Belize City, Belize is the Liquidator of the Company Lugano Corporate Services Ltd. Registered Agent

7 JUN

2015

Keeping it real We need less talk, more action

By Micah J. Goodin Youth development is not a one night stand in which we launch a youth policy, romance our youth population with endless possibilities and then wake up with a hangover from excessive cocktail consumption.

It has been two years and four months since the grand launch and celebration of a document that was to forever change the realities of our Belizean youth.

Though vague in its approach to education, youth governance and economic opportunities people this policy contains the blueprint of our lives, it is all we have to dream from.

To date, the only things that have tremendously changed for us are the quality of the streets on which young black men are murdered on.

Since 2008 almost 1000 Belizeans have been murdered of which more than half are estimated to be youth. A crime occurs in our country every 23 minutes of which 34% occur in the Belize District, according to data from the IT unit of the Police Department. Of this amount the majority is reported on the south side of Belize City where ‘bars, pawnshops and gaming salons outnumber schools 25 to 1’.

Our education system has been broken for so long that it is now effectively breaking down our society. There are more youths outside than inside the worn out walls of a classroom where a teacher struggles to find a stick of chalk because the ministry cannot provide her with adequate and fundamental resources.

As a member of the Belize Youth Movement, I can confidently say that our impediment is not a lack or limited knowledge of the issues affecting our youth population. We know what our problems are, we face them every day. Our obstacle is that our ideas are met with a lack of interest, political will and resource commitment on the part of the government.

We have a government that has spent more on concrete than on our future. It has spent more on telephone bills than on us. We are invisible until a UDP Minister wants to look good in the media

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THE BELIZE TIMES

or wants to use us to win an election.

Last week Friday there was a youth forum at the Youth Gateway Center which was built from a loan by the Inter-American Development Bank, coincidentally in the constituency of the Minister of Education Youth and Sports (political agenda at play?).

I stand with all the youths that participated and I salute them.

However, I refuse to be magnanimous with one of the panelists who participated, namely Darrell Bradley.

Mayor Bradley does not understand the nature of youth develop-

ment; he does not understand our struggles. In January of last year this man said crime was a figment of our imagination. He obviously does not feel what we feel. His actions and inactions have only accelerated the demise and destruction of our young people.

No new parks or sports arenas for the south side, while north side gets an alcohol producing structure in one of its parks.

He also called the humble suggestion that the Council could start a scholarship fund as “stupid”?

I urge the government to

talk less and do more for the Belizean youth. Invest in us, develop us, and give us a chance to become what God has prepared us to be. Give life to the youth policy; allocate a portion of the budget towards the formation and operations of a national youth council which you promised us a long time ago. Respect!

LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICE Notice is hereby given that Wally Phanord is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Papa U”, situated at 9760 Rose Bradley St., Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

PUBLIC AUCTION SALE

BY ORDER OF THE MORTGAGEE HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED, a Licensed Public Auctioneer will sell the following property at the place and time as listed.

At the Parking Lot across the street from the office of Holy Redeemer Credit Union Limited, No. 1 Hyde’s Lane, Belize City on Friday June 12, 2015 at 10:00a.m.

ALL THAT piece or parcel or block of land being Block No. 41 consisting of 49 Acres situate along the San Ignacio – Benque Viejo Road, Cayo being such land comprised in MINISTER’S FIAT GRANT No. 800 of 1999 dated 16th October 1999 and more particularly shown and delineated on a Plan of Survey No. 800 of 1999 recorded at the Office of the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys, Belmopan, Cayo District as Plan No. 1514 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon, the freehold property of MINOR CASTELLANOS DATED this 27th day of May 2015 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 Email: hrcu@btl.net

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Down Memory Lane

had the best control kill. There were some intense and heated arguments at times, but they never got out of control because everyone was aware of where they were located.

The games were open to the public so passersby would stop in and watch, sometimes to standing room only. You could hear the ooohs and aahs as the Chinese players moved with coordinated precision to set up their plays. The games would continue until late into the night. Some of the movie-going audience from Majestic Theatre would stop by to enjoy the games after the show (two for the price of one). Eventually the game became more popular and subsequently Mr. Quinto and his friends were instrumental in organizing the first volleyball tournament held at St. Ignatius. At this time most of the players who played basketball on St. Ignatius court also played volleyball. The weekends were reserved for bet games. Football in the back (where the bell was located), basketball and volleyball on the court sometimes simultaneously (half-court basketball on one end and volleyball on the other), cards, dominoes, dice, marbles, top, caparuche, roller skating, hand ball, but I digress, you get the picture. Mr. Quinto and his friends deserve most of the credit for making volleyball happen. (If anyone has information to the

Respect to Mr. Gonzalo “William” Quinto

Mr. Quinto on the right and his friend Mr. Simon Quan on the left. (Photo courtesy of Ms. Connie Quinto’s Facebook page) Contributed By Evondale Coburn Several weeks ago I posted on my timeline chronicling the Old Parr basketball teams. The sponsor of that team was Mr. Gonzalo Quinto. Mr. Quinto is known by many Belizeans for the above introduction but there are also many Belizeans, especially the younger generation who know little about Mr. Quinto and his Chinese friend Mr. Simon Quan.

Mr. James Lee and several others were responsible for sponsoring and popularizing the game of Volleyball in Belize. Before I get to the volleyball piece I would like to highlight a couple of Mr. Quinto’s work and generosity which I believe he would not object to being promulgated. During our playing career, after every game and whether we won or lost (we did not lose many) his Canton Restaurant on New Road was closed to the public and opened solely for his players, their wives, girlfriends and most loyal fans who accompanied us after games. We were afforded whatever we wanted to eat and or drink all at his expense. Additionally we were each given a stipend as appreciation for our efforts. All we wanted to do was win for him and watch him flash his infectious smile as he hoisted the championship trophy four times out of five years before I migrated to the US. We were respectful and appreciative of his generosity. Small gestures like this had a profound effect on a poor boy from Plues Street. I’ll explain in closing.

Gonzalo Quinto & Sons’ main store is located next door to the Central Police Station on Queen Street. Daily, at the end of the work day, the police courtyard at the front of the station house was transformed into a volleyball court complete with referees and officials. This may have been around 1967 (I stand to be corrected).

Mr. Quinto and his Chinese friends formed the core of his team with the late Camma and Kent Myvett as regulars on their team because of their height and kill abilities. The other teams were made up of players from the community who learned the game along the way. Some of these players were Jimmy Harris (he was a well-respected traffic policeman who rode one of the signature Triumph motorcycles in the department), Jimmy “Capito” Lawrence, Pappy Nunez, Junie Myvett, Thor Middleton, Ned Lord, Anthony “Pro” Myvett (brother of Kent Myvett) and his cousin Gilbert Gomez, and Beebs Menzies, to name a few and several other members of the police force.

There were other players involved but I’m unable to recall names at the moment. It was a treat and also impressive to be at courtside and watch the Chinese players return powerful kill from the opposing team on their fingertips quietly setting Camma or Kent for their kill at the net. Jimmy Harris had the most powerful kill that I have seen at the time and Camma

7 JUN

2015 contrary please enlighten me).

In closing, team-sports allow an individual to develop intangibles that are applicable to your everyday life in order to be successful. Discipline, leadership, teamwork, perseverance, dedication, conflict resolution, social interaction, practice, preparation and execution, listening and following instructions. I’ve always listened and paid attention to my parents, teachers, friends, and people like Mr. Quinto who worked hard and displayed high standards, integrity, support and affection to others. I’ll say this reluctantly because it’s not about me but I sucked it all in and applied what I have learned which allowed me to retire twice and now enjoy the fruits of my labor. I did not want to let any of these people down because they expected excellence.

Mr. Gonzalo “William” Quinto, you are a great Belizean! Thanks for investing in a group of unknown kids from humble beginnings. Many of us became household names in our neighborhood and Belize because of your confidence in our abilities as athletes. It was money well spent. I overstand [sic] why you are a successful businessman. UTMOST RESPECT to you Sir!!

7 JUN

2015

THE BELIZE TIMES

Reid Care or not to care

By G. Michael Reid “There’s something wrong with your character if “opportunity” controls your loyalty”. ~ Trent Shelton “The only people to whom I owe my loyalty are those who never made me question theirs”. Anon “Loyalty is only a conditional virtue and can be a powerful force that prevents us from taking an unpopular stand against the misguided religious or political views of our family or friends”. ~ Anon As a supporter of the People’s United Party, I was only moderately interested in the outcome of last week’s convention in the Belize Rural North (BRN). The final tally of the votes however, piqued my interest to the point where I felt compelled to spend some time musing over the political paradigm and culture of not only BRN but of our country on a whole. Why do voters remain loyal to politicians and political parties even in the face of overwhelming evidence that they are corrupt?

The convention held in the village of Sand Hill was to determine who would run on the party ticket of the United Democratic Party in the next General Elections. From all indications, those elections will be held sooner than later but that of course, hinges on the arbitrary decision of one man and one man only; the Prime Minister. I have long advocated for a set day for elections as is the case in the US where elections are held on the first Tuesday in November. Leader of the Opposition Francis Fonseca has already indicated being favorable to that concept and has gone further in promising a four-year term. This makes perfect sense and the idea that one man can, merely on whim and fancy, decide when, where and why to hold elections opens a wide door to manipulation and chicanery.

The Prime Minister has promised that elections won’t be this year but then again, he also promised transparency and accountability. He promised to address corruption and unlawful enrichment and then he promised us an oil refinery. Actually, the things

a chance? Why squander so much money on having a convention when they already knew what the outcome would be? Why not just endorse your boy?

Leading up to the convention, and in fact, pretty much for the entire tenure of his political life, Castro has been beseeched by scandals and allegations. Twice has he been “slapped on the wrist” by the Prime Minister for being caught with his hands deep in the cookie jar! Not only is Castro as crooked as a corkscrew but he is not even good at being a crook. He continually gets caught in his misdeeds but then again, he seems to know that not only will his party defend him but that the voters of Belize Rural North will just keep voting for him. In other words, “he’s a crook but he is our crook”.

The question persists, why do voters continue to vote for an individual who has proven time and time again to be incompetent, corrupt and boldface in his misdeeds? I imagine it’s for the same reasons why some folks keep defending the UDP and why voters in Washington DC kept voting for Marion Barry. In January of 1990, while serving as Mayor of the capital of the United States, Barry was caught on camera smoking crack. He was subsequently arrested

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entire nation, in particular after the story made front page headlines of newspapers like the Los Angeles Times and the Boston Globe. It was not even as if Marion Barry was such an exemplary major. Like Castro, his terms in office were wracked with scandals and financial disparities.

Wasteful spending and bloated contracts were the major causes of Barry’s problems and the comparisons that this man has promised and not with our own situations are uncanny delivered on are so numberless that if not ironic. it would take this entire column to As close an answer as I can list; I will leave it up to you the readcome up with is that people tend ers to recollect. He did make it clear to develop a sense of loyalty and that elections would not be held until once that loyalty is formed, they he has had the opportunity to spend feel compelled to remain loyal even all the monies collected through the if it means setting aside good judgPetro Caribe initiative. The way things ment. Social psychology provides a are going and the way these monies partial explanation suggesting that are being squandered, we shouldn’t “the norm of social commitment dihave to wait too long. rects us to honor our agreements...

A substantial amount of that People usually stick to the deal money was spent just this past even though it has changed for the weekend in having this pointless worse”. In our current situation, poliand unnecessary convention. The ticians use our own taxpayers’ monincumbent was current Minister of ey to grant small favors and our loyState Edmund Castro who was being alty becomes ipso facto obligations challenged by his former campaign to our feelings of gratitude. Loyalty manager Dwight Tillett. For weeks, does not necessarily require us to both candidates have been running be complaisant or servile, but poliendless political ads and while we’re ticians have a way of manipulating not sure where Dwight Tillett’s monit to be as such. There is a certain ey was coming from, we have a pretresonance to the saying “when an ty good idea how Castro’s budget organization wants you to do right, it asks for your integrity; when it wants The Prime Minister has promised that elections you to do wrong, it demands your loyalty.” won’t be this year but then again, he also promPictures of supportised transparency and accountability. He did make ers hoisting Castro on it clear that elections would not be held until their shoulders following his victory conjured he has had the opportunity to spend all the the image of a very dark skinned woman hoisting monies collected through the Petro Caribe former Ku Klux Klan wizinitiative. ard Bill Wilkinson in San Pedro. She was loyal to by the FBI, was charged and eventua very evil man who has done her was funded. At some point, we will ally convicted. He served six months entire race wrong. It is written that have to get serious on the discussion in a federal prison but after his re“man inherits the capacity for loyabout campaign financing reform. lease, was allowed to run again and alty, but not the use to which he I watched a few of the ads and was once again elected, serving a full shall put it and he may just as unreally felt that Tillett would give Casmayoral term from 1995 until 1999. selfishly devote himself to what tro a better run for his money. The Barry’s victory came in spite of the is petty or vile, as he may to what man seemed sincere, intelligent and release of the FBI video which was is generous and noble”. Voters of articulate; he is a former a teacher, a released just prior to the election.

Belize Rural North need a reality public servant and a respected memThe video went viral and shocked the check. ber of his community. Apparently, those are not the qualities that Belizeans are looking for in their political candidates. From all appearances, it seems that Dwight Tillett never had a chance and the result was predetermined. One has to wonder then, if Dean Barrow and basically his entire cabinet knew that they would throw their political weight and finances behind Edmund Castro, why fool poor Dwight Tillett into believing that he had

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7 JUN

THE BELIZE TIMES

Consejo Takes Neighborhood Watch to a New Level May 23 2015 We are a “different” Neighborhood Watch. Out of perceived necessity based on our distance from Police and Medical services in town and the need to have resources quickly available. We have developed the “Responder” program. Responders are our neighbors. They care enough about the community to have volunteered to respond when called upon.

Sometimes in the middle of dinner and sometimes well after dark. While you may not always think we “do it right”, our responders are doing this because they are willing to help protect the community.

Remember, we work with but, are not a replacement for the police or community medical services or NEMO. What we are is a first line of defense. Looking out for one another and responding as quickly as we can when called for a criminal situation, medical emergency, or a natural disaster.

Our responders respond to events when a neighbor reports suspicious activity. We remind all residents that our community is safe because people are watching and not assuming “well it must be OK” we congratulate our residents for maintaining a vigilant attitude.

To illustrate our level commitment to defending our community we need

only to look briefly at our incident-tracking log for 2014, and thus far in 2015. In 2014 we had one attempted assault and battery (along Consejo Road); one act of vandalism (Buccaneer Bay); one theft of an antenna (Mayan Seaside); one break-in but nothing stolen (Mayan Seaside); one theft of lawnmower (Consejo Shores); and one home break-in involving theft (Consejo Shores). In the last incident cited, it is important to note that the thief was caught, the items were returned to the owner, and the perpetrator is now serving a prison term. 2015 Incident Summary: To date, there has not been any thefts, no break-ins, nor any assaults reported. This has been accomplished by using current technology and ongoing training. Many residents are purchasing security alarms, cameras and dogs.

We are very proud of the dedication and diligence that our responders and watchers have provided and continue to provide towards safeguarding our community. Never before have neighbors in our area looked out for their fellow neighbors to such a degree. We have had a big impact on reducing crime locally. All of us should take great pride in the fact that we demonstrated to the entire area that we will not be victims of crime and those who try will know the price will not be worth it.

2015

CONSUMER NOTICE If you have credit commitments, PLEASE LIVE UP TO YOUR AGREEMENT. If you have problems, TALK TO YOUR CREDITOR. Don’t be known as a “HARD PAYER” blocking yourself out of our growing credit economy.

Always remember “A GOOD NAME IS BETTER THAN MONEY IN THE BANK”.

Visit our office and bring along your social security card to check if there are any complaints against you.

Credit Master Systems Complaint Information System PUTTING VALUE BACK INTO “YOUR WORD” #11 Douglas Jones Street Belize City Tel: 223-5845/2283 Email: cmsbz@btl.net Website: cmssearch.bz

10th Anniversary Petrocaribe

Welcome to Belize

Venezuelan School Ship “Simón Bolívar” (BE-11) June 10th – June 15th, 2015

7 JUN

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THE BELIZE TIMES

2015

PUP Hattieville Campaign Team

Election Ready!!

Employment Opportunity Dental Clinic is looking for a competent licensed Dental Surgeon.

Role and Responsibility: The successful candidate will be part of a Dental team to provide general dental care to patients.

Qualifications and Experience: The Dental Surgeon must have at least 1 year experience as a dental surgeon and a good understanding of all aspects of dentistry. They must speak English, Spanish and be able to communicate effectively and efficiently to patient’s needs, wants and desires.

They must provide honest, quality, ethical and morally competent dental care to patients.

Skills and competences:

- - - - - - -

Ms. Dolores & Ms. Young with the PUP Hattieville campaign team

Belize City, June 2, 2015 PUP Belize Rural Central Area Representative Hon. Dolores Balderamos Garcia and her Hattieville campaign team are preparing vigorously for the upcoming general election campaign. On Saturday May 30th, team members attended a very informative and inspiring training session conducted by training expert and PUP stalwart Ms Merilyn Young.

All the pointers and discussions were well received by those in attendance, who pledged to continue the on-the-ground visits and campaigning on behalf of their caring and hardworking PUP area representative.

PUP Hattieville Adelante!

Water crisis in Gardenia and Biscayne Villages Belize District, May 26, 2015 The residents of Gardenia and Biscayne Villages deserve potable running water in their homes. The BWS water line stops in Sandhill just 1.5 miles outside of Gardenia Village and 4 miles from Biscayne Village. It will take a pittance from the Petro Caribe Fund together with villagers’ labor to extend the water line to these two villages so that they can have safe drinking water.

In Biscayne Village, a villager shared that there is a water crisis.

He said the wells are dried up and a water truck arrives with water, only UDP supporters get water.

Just how unfair can the UDP be to the people of Gardenia and Biscayne Villages?

“It is our TAX DOLLARS that pays for the water and the truck.

Every single villager deserves to fill their buckets. How can you say this UDP Government is a Government for all?” questioned the resident.

Composite and Amalgam fillings Crown and Bridge Root canal therapy Periodontal maintenance Oral Hygiene Extractions Oral Rehabilitation

Salary: Negotiable

Ms. Dolores & the lucky winners of three door prizes

Kindly send curriculum to: Dr Dalix Hernandez dhdentalclinic@yahoo.com

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7 JUN

THE BELIZE TIMES

2015

BELIZE TIMES WEEKLY

SCIENCE & TECH R

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Gadgets powered wirelessly at home with a simple Wi-Fi router Throw away those power cords and chargers. Signals from a Wi-Fi router providing wireless electricity could soon be used to power gadgets and charge phones 01 June 2015 by Chris Baraniuk Our homes are a tangled mess of wires and chargers. But that might be about to change.

Work is under way to use the Wi-Fi signals that surround us to power our gadgets.

In Seattle, six households have taken part in an experiment in which modified electrical devices were put in their homes along with a Wi-Fi router. Over 24 hours, the devices were powered solely by the router’s signal, which also continued to provide wireless internet access to the home.

How was this possible? The energy of the radio waves the router sent out was converted into direct current voltage with a component called a rectifier, much as solar panels convert light energy into electrical energy. That voltage was then boosted to a useful level by a DC-DC converter (arxiv.org/abs/1505.06815).

The system powered temperature sensors and battery-less low-resolution cameras, and charged standard batteries.

The hard part is getting the router to constantly push out enough energy, says team member Vamsi Talla from the University of Washington in Seattle.

When someone is browsing the web, the Wi-Fi signal is active and can be used to power devices. However, when not browsing the signal goes quiet.

“With Wi-Fi for communications, you only want to transmit when you have data to send,” Talla says. “But for power delivery, you want to transmit something all the time. There’s a clear mismatch.”

To get around this, the team designed software that broadcasts meaningless data across several Wi-Fi channels when no one is using the internet.

Small devices could use this

as part of an internet of things, says Ben Potter at the University of Reading, UK. “Where we’re heading is to have more sensors in everything around us,” he says. “Innovations with microchips mean they can run with less power. For that type of application, this is interesting technology.”

The problem is that Wi-Fi is never going to provide a very powerful signal.

Wi-Fi is tightly regulated in many countries – the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC), for example, limits the power of a Wi-Fi broadcast to 1 watt.

An iPhone charger delivers at least 5 watts – and has no other demands on its output.

One company with a solution is Ossia in Bellevue, Washington. It has a system called Cota that gets around the FCC regulations by designing a wireless hub that transmits waves at a Wi-Fi frequency but doesn’t send a communications signal.

The Cota set-up can produce up to 20 watts, but would only deliver 1 watt to a single phone. CEO Hatem

Zeine says that’s enough to charge an iPhone 5 several times over in a single day if it has constant access to the signal.

“Unlike Wi-Fi, our power signal is unmodulated,” says Zeine. “It’s a continuous wave, there’s no message in it.”

A receiver chip on the device being charged tells the hub which of Cota’s thousands of antennas it is receiving signals from.

Those antennas alone are kept active and the system is able to ignore other objects in the room, such as a human body.

Eric Woods, an IT infrastructure researcher at consultancy firm Navigant in London, thinks there will be demand for this type of technology for the many sensors that will fill the smart homes and cities of the future.

Sensors powered by WiFi could be used to monitor air quality or the status of systems across a city, says Woods. “Removing the need to think about batteries takes away one of the barriers to the exploitation of those technologies,” he says.

Gene study shows humans took Egyptian path out of Africa

Anatomically modern humans migrated out of Africa, but where and how? For years, researchers have argued about whether anatomically modern humans took the northern route through Egypt into Eurasia, or the southern route via the Arabian peninsula. Genomic analysis of hundreds of people from the area reveals that we took the high road – but that’s far from the end of the story.

“I think we’re only at the beginning of trying to understand the out-of-Africa migration,” says Michael Petraglia at the University of Oxford.

This event probably occurred between 50,000 and 60,000 years ago. Luca Pagani of the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute in Hinxton, UK, and his colleagues examined the genomes of 100 Egyptians and 125 Ethiopians to see whether traces of the early migration could still be seen in current occupants of those countries.

If the last stop out of Africa was Egypt, Eurasian genomes should have more in common with Egyptian than other African genomes. And if the last stop was Ethiopia, Eurasian genomes should be more like theirs.

To control for more recent migrations in and out of those areas, the researchers ran computer models to simulate later movements and controlled for the predicted genomic effects. The Egyptian genomes emerged as those most similar to Eurasian ones, indicating that Eurasians took the northern route.

Good fit This conclusion fits well with other evidence, says Petraglia, who was not involved in the study. Eurasians interbred with Neanderthals soon after they left Africa.

And we know that Neanderthals lingered in the Levant at about the time of the out-of-Africa migration, but there’s no evidence that they lived further south, says Petraglia.

Luisa Pereira at the University of Porto, Portugal, isn’t convinced by the new results. She says that they depend too much on the computer simulations, which might not capture all genetic mixing that has happened since then. It makes sense that Egyptian genomes would have more in common with Eurasian ones, given that Egypt is right on the region’s doorstep, she adds.

But Pagani says the simulations are robust. His team even tried artificially introducing an “error” to make the Ethiopian genomes more like the Eurasian ones, but Egyptian data still emerged as more similar.

Nevertheless, Pereira’s criticism suggests that we’ll need more evidence before any consensus can be reached on the routes humans took out of Africa.

7 JUN

21

THE BELIZE TIMES

2015 For Sale

By Order of the

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 15th day of July, 2009, between EDUARDO SARAVIA of Hope Creek Village, Stann Creek District, Belize of the one part, and SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LTD., of the other part, and recorded in Deeds Book Vol. 16 of 2009 at Folios 957 – 986, 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.

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 1st day of October, 2009, between SANTIAGO ACOSTA of Mile 11 Stann Creek Valley Road, Stann Creek District, Belize of the one part, and SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LTD., of the other part, and recorded in Deeds Book Vol. 23 of 2009 at Folios 1067 – 1096, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto.

All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. SCHEDULE ALL THAT LEASEHOLD INTEREST IN ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 132 situate in Hope Creek Village, Stann Creek District, Belize, and bounded as follows:- On the North for 22.856 Metres by a Street; On the South for 22.856 Metres by Lot No. 111; On the East for 33.523 Metres by Lot No. 133; On the West for 33.523 Metres by Lot No. 131, containing 766.202 Square Metres as shown on Plan No. 2080 at the office of the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 4th day of June, 2015.

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

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 situate South of Stann Creek Valley Road, Hoffman Estate, near mile 11, Stann Creek District, being Lot No. 5 comprising of 771.893 s.m. of land as is shown on the said sub-division plan dated 29th July, 2008 made by the said J.H. Hertular, Diploma Community Planner and Licensed Land Surveyor and recorded at the Lands and Survey Department, Belmopan on Entry No. 1389 Register No. 7 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 4th day of June, 2015.

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

For Sale

By Order of the

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 17th day of July, 2006, between ROY SYLVESTRE TILLETT JR. of Pomona Village, Stann Creek District, Belize of the one part, and SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LTD., of the other part, and recorded in Deeds Book Vol. 26 of 2006 at Folios 603 – 632, 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.

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 Gift subject to existing mortgage registered as Instrument No. LTU-201200869 made the 28th day of April, 2012, made between Miria Anita Romero and Anthony Alexander Romero to ALEXANDER ROMERO, which said property was mortgaged to the said Scotiabank by a Deed of Assignment and Transfer of Mortgage made the 13th day of May, 2008, recorded in Deeds Book Vol. 18 of 2008 at Folios 145 – 176, which said property was mortgaged to the Development Finance Corporation on the 10th day of July, 2007, recorded in Deeds Book Vol. 27 of 2007 at Folios 229 – 274, 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.

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. 63 comprising 461.849 Square Metres situate in Pomona Village, (Del-Oro Site), Stann Creek District, bounded and described as shown by Plan No. 178 of 2006 attached to Minister’s Fiat Grant No. 178 of 2006 TOGETHER with buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 4th day of June, 2015.

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

SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 28 situate in Pomona Village, Stann Creek District, and bounded as follows: On the North for 22.860 Metres by Lot No. 15; On the South for 19.874 Metres by A Street; On the Southeast for 4.329 Metres

by A Daylight Cut; On the West for 36.570 Metres by Lot No. 27; And on the East for 33.523 metres by A Street; Containing 831.304 Square Metres (994.31 Square Yards) of land as shown on Plan No. 1992 at the Office of the Commissioner of Lands and Survey. TOGETHER with all buildings, erections and developments standing and being thereon.

DATED this 4th day of June, 2015.

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

22

THINK ABOUT IT OUR NATION IN DANGER The Guatemalan military and the Belize Coast Guard had a stand-off/face-off in the coastal waters down south. It happened at Sarstoon Island which is in Belizean territorial waters. The Guatemalan military patrol insisted that our Coast Guard leave the Island which on orders from the Prime Minister they reluctantly did. Put another way, Belize had to put its tail between its legs and slink away.

This happened on Thursday 28 May 2015 and lasted for 26 hours. This is a full day plus two hours for the Guatemalans to have verified their position as to whether they were in our territorial waters or not. They knew exactly where they were and intentionally forced us to eat crow. Their Generals and Commanders are laughing at us. We are a laughing stock.

We are proud to hear that our Coast Guard stood their ground.

We thank almighty God that things did not escalate.

The Belize government has wimped out of the matter. As they have done in previous situations. We are ashamed by our government. No one is asking them to start a war.

We are asking that they do what any government would do in the circumstances. Lodge a formal protest, a strong one, each time Guatemala slips up or engages in these types of behavior. Six days after the Sarstoon Island matter the government has still not protested to Guatemala.

There are presently 92 clearances by Guatemala nationals in our territory. These are known by our government. There was the shooting death of Danny Conorque that could only be by a Guatemalan. There is the towing of a Belizean boat with dozens of our citizens from out of the same Sarstoon River to Livingston in Guatemala by Guatemala military gun boats recent as February this year.

There have been no responses from our government.

Our government allowed a Guatemalan company to build Belize’s military out-post in the southern waters. What a sick joke on our nation. In any democracy the Minister of National Security would have to resign.

One of these days these provocations will result in Guatemala taking military control of our southern river and seas and maybe our lands.

Our government has not been reporting Guatemala’s behavior to the Caribbean nations, or to O.A.S. or to the Commonwealth countries or to the United Nations. Our foreign Embassies are of no help to our country on this most serious existential issue.

We are taking these serious matters lightly. We will come to regret it.

We are also deeply disappointed that only an employee in the Ministry of National Security has spoken briefly on the stand-off.

In weighty matters of this nature, the protocol requires that an elected Minister of Government address the nation and make himself available to the media for questions.

Also to be considered is that Guatemala is gearing up for Presidential, Congressional and Mayoral elections in September. In the same way we think our government is a wimp. Same way some ambitious candidates could be saying the Guatemala government is allowing Belizean Coast Guards to violate their territory-repeatedly.

Our government is taking these matters too lightly.

GOVERNMENT BEHAVING UNLAWFUL The government is behaving unlawful with government monies.

The government is saying it makes seventy-five thousand dollars of public monies available to UDP area representatives and un-

7 JUN

THE BELIZE TIMES

elected UDP standard bearers. But only twenty-five thousand dollars to PUP elected area representatives.

This is called discrimination and is unconstitutional. It is written in section 16 of the Belize Constitution that no law shall be discriminatory either of itself or in its effect. Also NO PERSON shall be treated in a discriminatory matter by any PERSON OR AUTHORITY. The Prime Minister and his government fall under the ANY PERSON OR AUTHORITY provision. If public monies are used for UDP elected officials the same amounts must be made available for PUP elected officials. The same applies for when the government uses public monies on political matters like Christmas cheer and Mother’s Day programs. The Prime Minister cannot be using public monies like it is his. Such is the law and such is the Constitution. Of course the P.M. can always break the law by passing an illegal retrospective law.

MAJOR CONSTITUTIONAL CHALLENGE Allyson Major Sr. sat calmly and quietly in the Supreme Court, listening to his attorney Anthony Sylvestre outline the case against the government and the Police.

In a nutshell the government through its Police detained, then arrested and charged Mr. Major for unlawfully keeping a gun and ammunition. He was remanded to jail where he spent 38 days before finding money for a lawyer to go to the Supreme Court for bail.

Had he not received bail he would have spent a minimum of three months on remand, like so many poor people have been forced to do by the unjust gun laws. If convicted he would have spent a mandatory time of five years in jail.

The facts of his case are that on 17 April 2012 the worthless and hated Gang Suppression Unit G.S.U (which has committed all manner of human rights abuses, violation of citizen’s rights and physical assaults, as well as planting evidence against poor people) searched a premise in Belize City. Five persons were taken to Police Station for gun and ammunition.

Mr. Allyson Major was not at the premise at the time of the search or the finding of the illegal items. He never even lived there.

In preparing the charge sheet for the five persons found at the premises, the G.S.U included two additional persons- Yvette Lynch, a nurse and Allyson Major.

Late in the evening of the 17 April, the G.S.U. located and arrested Allyson Major and the following day 18 April took him to Court where he was remanded to jail.

During trial in November 2013, the G.S.U. could present no evidence against Mr. Major except the usual stupid lie that they had some “intelligence” that he was a resident at the premises. The Magistrate quite correctly dismissed the charges.

The Constitutional claim argued in front of Supreme Court Judge Michelle Arana is based on the G.S.U. violating the constitutional rights of Mr. Major that he is not to be deprived of his liberty. Secondly that he is not to have his right to be presumed innocent violated.

In his written submissions to the Court, strengthened by oral presentations, attorney Sylvester relied on the relevant Sections of the Constitution, the articles of the European Court of Human Rights, the draconian Crime Control laws, the Firearms laws, decisions from foreign Courts, decisions of the Privy Council, British House of Lords cases, Belize Chief Justice decision in Sgt Palacio vs. Joseph Grant, the C.C.J decision in Phillip Zuniga vs. Belize A.G. It is disgraceful that the government through the Attorney General’s Ministry is fighting against Mr. Major in an effort to deny

him financial compensation for a blatant violation of his fundamental human rights as guaranteed by the Belize Constitution. The duty of our government is to protect citizens from those who abuse them and violet their human rights, not the opposite of protecting the abusers.

We urge more citizens to go to the Supreme Court against the wanton violation of their rights being committed by Police, Lands Officials, Customs and GST branches of the government.

Also citizens need to take Mayor Bradley to Court for denying them a driver’s license because they owe property tax. One thing has nothing to do with the other and the Mayor is acting illegally.

The Supreme Court will hand down its decision next month.

THE MAYOR AGAIN Belize City Mayor again. This time he turned against his own client, Body 2000, in order to grandstand and score political points.

Why else would a politician so publicly smear Body 2000?

On Friday afternoon, Police and City Council officials unlawfully entered Body 2000 gym and ordered customers to immediately leave. They then forced the gym to close. They claim Trade License was not paid.

This is outrageous behavior.

This is no way to treat business people.

There is no justifiable reason to do this to Body 2000.

The Mayor could have waited until the gym closed in the evening to notify the person in charge. Everyone knows gyms hardly make money. The few customers who pay dues cannot cover the operating costs of utilities and staff; it’s more of a community service than a profit making enterprise. The only reason the gym is not closed is because the owner is a physical fitness fan and supports healthy living style and exercise.

Shucks! Here is a creole Belizean always helping his community in sports, culture and with entertainment. Why can’t his gym be given a payment plan? Why can’t a gym which can only produce healthy citizens and healthy lifestyles be given a reduced tax rate? There are some privileged businesses which do not pay taxes to the Mayor’s Council. How come?

WILLIAM’S RING Is it a wedding ring? Is it a special ring? Is it a gay thing? Or is it just a ring?

If so, why is it on the ring finger on the left hand? There seems space on the right hand.

It don’t (does not) even look like real gold.

But it sure looks like a wedding band on the ring finger.

Ah! The things that people notice.

A MINISTER IS CO-ORDINATOR This is more than a gay thing.

The Minister of National Security showed up on national television as the National Co-ordinator of Belize’s National Football Team.

Come on Sir, this is overdoing it.

Why? You are a full time Minister of Government responsible for one of the most important portfolio subject areas-security. For both internal in respect to the Police and external security in regards to the army. The Coast Guards are obviously under the Americans.

The BDF most recent spectacular failure was the hog-wash that their only vehicle had engine trouble, and having no plan B, or a back-up plan they left Danny Conorquie to take tourists into a danger zone with absolutely no protection. Danny was then murdered in front of dozens of foreign tourists and their cameras. The murderers, most likely being from Guatemala seeking revenge over what BDF soldiers may have done to them the previous day or days. This is also the Minister which approved and allowed

2015 Guatemala to build Belize Military base in the southern waters.

On the Police side, the Minister, his Ministry and the Police department have been unable to produce any plan or policy to tackle, curb or deal effectively with on-going violence and murders. Rape, home-invasions, gang violence and vicious murders are the number one concern of the nation. The Minister’s solution is road blocks and Police brutality.

The poor image of the Police in our society is at an all-time low. The abuse and violations of citizen’s fundamental rights are at an all-time high.

The Minister is paying attention to football.

JULES IS DISTORTING Channel 7 news on Tuesday night was not the best or even good journalism. We expect better from Jules, even as we know he has a UDP agenda and uses his TV to promote a distorted view.

In trying to stir up the Ivan Ramos- Julius Espat spat over the P.M approval of petro monies for Ivan’s constituency, Jules pushed the UDP propaganda on the issue.

The PUP is not fighting the spending of the petro monies. It is fighting the illegal manner in which the UDP government is handling the monies. It is a fact the Prime Minister violated the Constitution and the laws governing approval of the National Assembly and proper accountability of the monies.

Those are the facts.

LIFE IS REALLY HARD Life in Belize is really hard for large sections of our population.

The cost of living and the low wages being made is having a debilitating toll on our people. For those without a job it is a daily grind just to survive.

Our country was never this coarse and rough. Hustling, thieving, all forms of male and female prostitution all forms are going on.

It’s dread.

It’s happening at a time of unprecedented spending, waste and hustling by the government.

DOYLE PRINCE For his generation Mr. Doyle Prince was the man with the baddest swagger. He must have patterned his walk from the movie characters in his time - could be John Wayne, Yul Bryner or Audie Murphy.

Doyle is now in his eighties and battling diabetes. Doyle is a colorful character and knows a whole heap of the history and places of Belize City.

He also worked with Robert Sydney Thurton, the mentor and patron of a young George Price. Doyle and Price worked in Mr. Thurton’s office as his trusted Assistants and Secretaries.

Doyle would have important information on the young George Price which must form part of the history of the country’s greatest leader.

Maybe NICH-the Institute of Culture and History could find a little interest to interview Doyle Prince.

MAGNA CARTA Some months ago, a Professor from the University of the West Indies visited Belize in order to encourage the local Branch of the U.W.I to promote a public forum of the Great Charter of liberties which is 500 years this month.

That forum was a success but was limited to only college or Sixth Form students.

The great Charter of human rights, rule of law, jury trial and the rights of citizens deserve a more fuller discussion and with a wider audience participation.

How about it U.W.I, U.B and Galen?

7 JUN

2015 3 Men charged for weed hidden in Winnie the Pooh bag

THE BELIZE TIMES

UDP Embraces Corruption!

Sandhill Village, June 4, 2015 With almost unlimited access to Petrocaribe money and almost the entire UDP Cabinet backing him, disgraced UDP Area Representative Edmond Castro pulled off a win in the UDP’s Belize Rural North Standard Bearer convention held on Sunday, May 31st, 2015.

This shows how much the United Democratic Party embraces corruption. Big time Ministers like Boots Martinez, Patrick Faber, John Saldivar, and Mark King brought their heavy brown paper bags to

support Castro against a political novice, Pastor Dwight Tillett.

While the strong show of support paid off for Castro, it left Belizeans asking whether something was wrong with the people of Belize Rural North. Castro must have been sharing red cool aid.

In the weeks leading to the convention, Castro’s name continued to come up in scandals, keeping consistent with his political history. He recently appeared in Court in the defamation case which he brought against whistleblower Alvarine Burgess, but ended up admitting that he participated in a visa hustle. Castro

The Petro Caribe Crutch

Cayo District, June 1st, 2015 Three men were arrested and charged after Police authorities in Benque Viejo del Carmen searched the trunk of the vehicle they were travelling in and discovered a large quantity of marijuana hidden inside a Winnie the Pooh bag.

The men, 43 year old Juan Garcia, who is a taxi driver of Dangriga Town, 29 year old Jose Majil Madre of Dangriga Town, and 21 year old Herson Gonzales, a taxi driver of Arenal Village, were travelling from Arenal Village to Benque Viejo and stopped at a Police checkpoint in Arenal Village.

The passenger area of the vehicle was searched but nothing was found.

It wasn’t until Police officers checked the trunk and peered into a large red and black Winnie the Pooh bag that they found illegal substance.

Inside the bright coloured bag they found twenty-five parcels wrapped in black plastic bags that were tightly sealed by transparent tape. When the parcels were checked by the Police, its content was suspected to be cannabis.

The men were taken to the Benque Viejo Police Station where the drugs was further inspected and weighed, amount to 11,132 grams.

They have been charged for drug trafficking.

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Belize City, June 1, 2015 Ever since 2012, the UDP Government of Belize has ceased to grow its recurrent revenue. The influx of the Petro Caribe Loan that has been provided by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela via the initiative started by the late Commander Hugo Chavez, the government has gotten lazy.

The revelation of the Statement of Government Account at the Central Bank of Belize clearly indicates that the UDP Government of Belize is technically broke.

We say this because on March 18, 2014, the Barrow Government borrowed $20.0m from the Petro Caribe account to pay salaries for public officers (see Image 1. Also note that in December 16, 2014 another $20.0m was borrowed.

In total the government borrowed $40.0m to finance recurrent operations. This was further confirmed by the Financial Secretary, Joseph Waight, in a television interview on Monday, June 1, 2015, where he claimed the government keeps

finding itself in a cash crunch and therefore had to draw down on the Petro Caribe loan funds.

He tried to explain that the draw down was a reimbursement for monies previously spent by the government on projects that were to be funded by the Petro Caribe loan, but the entire nation of Belize knows that is hogwash. How can the country be in a cash crunch and have liquidity to spend on Petro Caribe project at the same time? This has been the modus operandi of this Barrow administration. Just plain lazy and greedy for easy money.

The UDP government since 2008 have destroyed the foreign investment confidence by the unnecessary nationalizations of four (4) privately owned multi-million dollar companies and continues to threaten others such as Fort Street Tourism Village.

In addition, the UDP have taxed the business community so much that many of those business owners are now out of business. Property Taxes and Trade License were

then had to answer allegations that he was illegally occupying privately owned land, and he admitted that he was indeed cultivating cane on land that didn’t belong to him.

Despite all of the scandals, the UDP never once has taken any action against Castro. The Party apparently accepts and embraces questionable behaviour from its political leaders. Instead of allowing a man who has been in the middle of so much wrong doing to take the back seat, the UDP has fully embraced him.

increased arbitrarily by more 200% in most cases. The Belizean public (consumers) were not spared as the UDP hiked the General Sales Tax up to 12.5%. In effect that hike in the GST has devalued the Belize Dollar to 87.5 cents. Despite promises that the price of fuel would be capped at $8.00, fuel prices at the pump are sky high and only tumble down before an elections.

It is clear that the UDP government has run the country into bankruptcy and cannot pay for the basic recurrent expenditure such as salaries. Even with the reduction in the debt servicing requirements by the government it is becoming harder to generate the level of recurrent income because the source of the income is drying up due to the shrinking Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and the shrinking business community.

Since 2008 Belize has seen a drastic decline in its economy as a result of bad fiscal management, incompetence and corruption. Now the Petro Caribe loan is being used to mask all the UDP government incompetence, at the expense of future generations.

CARTOON

24

THE BELIZE TIMES

7 JUN

2015