Belize Times March 1, 2015

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OPINION OUT

Tourism designed only for a few

!

Dear Editor, Tourism in Belize has become a leading and very important industry for the country over the last 15 years.

This reality was made possible due to the arrivals of cruise ships to the harbor of Belize City. Today many people are now employed in this particular sector of the industry.

Even though most of the business is confined within the walls of the Fort Street Tourism Village many small businesses have evolved just outside the gates of the village. These services include food and craft vendors, horse and buggy, snorkeling tours, taxi and tour guide/operators.

This area outside the tourism village is now referred to as the Fort Street Tourism Zone (FSTZ). At its inception this area would generate huge income for these service providers as the country was a fresh and new destination for the cruise lines.

Business on the outside was good but it was done in a chaotic and haphazard way. It was only right

Time for a Change!!

!

Dear Editor, Across the nation, concerned citizens are asking how longer the Belizean people will allow the UDP government and UDP Belize City Council to get away with incompetence, wrongdoing, and corruption.

How longer will they sweep such things under the carpet with big lies?

After a thorough investigation following the shocking cold-blooded murder of Tourism Police Office Danny Conorque at the Caracol Maya site, Officer in Charge of the Cayo District ASP Dinsdale Thompson told the nation that Conorque was murdered by Guatemalan poachers, who were upset that their horses had been confiscated in the area the previous days by Belizean authorities. Shortly after the good officer spoke the truth publicly, in order to hide their incompetence in protecting our border, government forced him to retract his statement.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred “Sedi” Elrington then told the nation that the administration had no idea who murdered Mr. Conorque.

The audited accounts of the Belize City Council conducted by a reputable firm show that in 2014 the council paid out $1.3m in legal fees.

When the people demanded to know

!

February 25, 2015 Ms. Josephine Tamai Chief Elections Officer Elections and Boundaries Department Belize City, Belize Dear Ms. Tamai, At the meeting held by your Department on February 3rd, 2015 with political parties and independent candidates and other stakeholders for the Municipal Elections on March 4, 2015, you provided us with your personal assurance that there would be consultation with us and timely follow-through on issues of concern which were expressed at the meeting, particularly in respect of the following matters: a) the prompt settling by the Department of those Polling Stations not yet agreed upon and in particular the Customs compound; b) the final location of all Counting Stations; c) and how many individual ballot boxes would be counted simultaneously.

I am disappointed that in fact, such consultation did thereafter not take place and that the final list of Polling Stations and Counting Stations was published in newspapers in Belize last weekend, without consulting us at all.

At my request, Ms. Lisa Shoman attended, on behalf of the PUP, a meeting which was convened by the Returning Officer for Belize City Council Elections, Mr. Hugo Miranda.

According to the report submitted

by Ms. Shoman, Mr. Miranda conveyed to those present that the decision had already been taken to count all ballot boxes for the Belize City Council elections, not at the ITVET compound as

27 Feb

OUT

OUT

PUP objects to Elections and Boundaries’ proposed counting process

LOCAL

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THE BELIZE TIMES

notified by you on February 3rd, but to do so in 10 different Counting Stations in Belize City, each station which will be supervised by a designated Election Clerk while Mr. Miranda will remain at the offices of EBD with the intention to “oversee” the counting process from there.

Ms. Shoman was obliged to ask Mr. Miranda to specify exactly how many ballot boxes were to be counted at any Counting Station at any one time, because this was one of the concerns raised with you, and

WEATHER 28 Feb

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if Mayor Darrel Bradley benefited from that $1.3m payment for legal services, all of a sudden we are told that the highly reputable auditing firm got their figures wrong as actually only a small portion of the stated amount was paid for legal work.

In 2014 disgraced former Minister Continued on page 25 which you undertook to consult with us.

The concern was raised in order to ensure that the process of counting would be carried out according to law and in an orderly fashion, with transparency and accountability and all legal safeguards intact.

Mr. Miranda replied that “the Commission” has “mandated” the Public Officers serving as Returning Officers and Election Clerks to commence counting ALL BOXES immediately on arrival at the Counting Station - meaning that at some Continued on page 20

263 Mar Mar

2015 that the Belize Tourism Board along that the stakeholders came together to try and solve this problem – one that was giving a black eye to the country as a destination in the Western Caribbean. Over the years, many attempts have been made to try and fix this issue; especially in regards to the crowd of tour guides and taxi personnel who would solicit for jobs in front of the gates. Many “turns” systems were put in place to give people a chance to make a day’s pay. There were a lot of illegal activities as well.

Today major strides have been made in the right direction to rectify the situation. There have been a vast improvement to the infrastructure of the zone; both the Animal Park and Memorial Park has been upgraded and the streets have been cemented.

These aesthetic developments have given the area a new look, which is more conducive to business. Tour guides now work under a tour operator and they ensure that the services that they provide are legitimate and of high standard. Food and handy craft vendors are placed in strategic positions within the zone to enhance their business opportunities. Likewise, the taxi people have been given several opportunities to upgrade themselves to become tour guides; however, this initiative is still a major challenge for B.T.B within the zone. Everybody that is involved, including all the stake holders, must be commended for this improvement but there are still great challenges ahead.

The gates have been cleared completely and the tour guides are now being put under a tent and given a chance to solicit for tours in a rotation a few yards away from the terminal 2 gates. The taxi folks, whose leadership has been given a tour opContinued on page 17 SCAN HERE

The Belize Times

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14 APR 2013

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ISSUE NO: 4840

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2015

THE BELIZE TIMES

BARROW’S HALF MILLION DOLLAR HEADACHE Continued from page 1

leaked a document entitled “Report on Proposed Cost-Saving Strategy for the Government of Belize”. The study was commissioned by the Prime Minister in 2013 to appease Union leaders who at the time were agitating for a salary adjustment. The study was completed but never revealed to the public and now we know why.

One section dealt the Government spending or massage of the media and the revelation is an eye-opener. The document showed a table indicating the “Break-down of GOB’s Advertisement Costs for the Year 2013” and it listed “Wave” as having collected $568,453 of the total $887,486 spent on Radio Stations.

Wave is the UDP-owned radio station and television. Day in and day out all they do is spew propaganda and attacks on civic-minded Belizeans and members of the Opposition. For the Government to pump public funds into their political propaganda machine is outrageous and possibly criminal.

But here’s the part that made PM Dean Barrow very nervous. He is part owner and a major shareholder of “Wave Radio 105.9 FM LIMITED”. The other owners are Douglas Singh and Henry Young, two former UDP Ministers. The allegation that the Ministry of Finance, over which he presides, approved those scandalous payment amounts to Wave Radio is wrongful and would call his lead-

ership of the nation into serious question.

This is why even after Financial Secretary Joseph Waight confirmed that the information was factual and that “they’re being taken very seriously”, the Government was forced to challenge and contradict his corroboration, claiming that the figures were not for one year but three.

Even so, the Government has not disclaimed that the Prime Minister’s private company, Wave, is the preferred media to benefit from public funds.

This is a very serious situation. It basically is Wave Radio’s Government subvention. This is unacceptable.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

2015

Francis Loves Griga; Griga Loves Francis

Party Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca visiting residents and supporters in Dangriga

PUP Mayoral Candidate Gregory Ovado gets a warm embrace by supporter

Francis listening to the concerns of residents

Francis and supporters

The women of Dangriga have energized the PUP

The people of Dangriga are in solidarity with the PUP

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THE BELIZE TIMES

2015

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EDITORIAL DEAN & DARRELL - TWO OF A KIND

D

ean and Darrell are two of a kind but they dislike each other intensely.

On Nomination Day, the ailing Dean, propped up on some kind of steroids made a brave appearance with loyal supporters as the UDP City Council candidates signed up

election documents.

Posing for photographers for the media, Dean made every effort to avoid Darrell. Darrell stayed his distance at the left hand, four persons away from Dean who took pictures with the City Council team but kept a distance from Darrell.

With a magnet, opposites attract while likes repel.

Dean and Darrell are likes. They are two of the same kind. It appears that Darrell has lost all respect for his Prime Minister. He is of the view that Dean has provided poor leadership to the party and to the government. The corruption scandals that continue to swirl around the government are blamed on Dean; who for unexplained reasons has talked the talk but failed to walk the walk in stamping out corruption. There have been no measures put in place to stem the tide of incompetence that have been the hallmark of Dean’s term in office.

As to corruption and impropriety in the Barrow Administration, no one speaks up in defense of Dean when it comes to his abuse of the office of Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. Former wife, Lois, perhaps goes down in history as hauling in the most millions any wife in the Caribbean can deposit. All this for legal fees for work that should have been done by the Attorney General’s Ministry and the Solicitor General’s legal staff of nine lawyers. The exact quantity of millions will not be known until a change of government occurs and some independent investigation is undertaken. Now she is enjoying the sweet perks of being an Ambassador in New York.

Dean’s abuse does not stop there. The controversial take-over of B.T.L. has boiled down to nothing more than a huge cookie jar. The Prime Minister’s son is the Prime Executive sitting on top of a one-hundred-and-seventy-¬million-dollars-a year empire. A veritable cash cow for an unqualified, totally inexperienced young man who has a variety of private money making schemes including pawn shops, money lending agencies and mek mi rich, get rich quick schemes. The allegations that the boledo, lottery, and Fantasy 5, poorly regulated gambling, belong to the Prime Minister’s son are hard to quell. What time

can the multi-millionaire find to manage B.T.L.? And is it true small telephone companies/partnerships, in which he is reportedly involved in, have been supplying telephones, cell phones and telecommunications equipment to B.T.L? If so, like Lois’s millions, there appears to be no public tenders, no publicly disclosed contracts and no public accountability. After all B.T.L is no longer a private company, it is public property albeit Dean has been behaving like it is a private entity.

Darrell sees these things, and like many UDPs he is unable to accept or justify Dean’s stewardship of the public purse and the public weal.

Darrell must not only be cynical but would harbor envy. Considering himself superior in every respect to Dean’s son, he must feel that if the son has been assisted in amassing millions, why can’t he also enjoy some of the blessings. Ain’t that so, Darrel?

Mayoral candidate Yolanda Schakron has quite rightly called out Darrell for his false accounting of taxpayer’s monies. She has exposed Darrell’s complete abuses and failures to follow the law by not placing construction of streets for public tender and not giving the public an accounting of what the individual streets cost. There is every possibility there may be corruption, waste and kick-backs involved.

The duty of the Prime Minister who is also Minister of Finance is to see that municipal bodies obey the laws which apply to public tender, invoices and receipts for works done by private contracts when taxpayer’s monies are being spent. Dean has failed in this all important responsibility.

That failure is not an act of omission. It is a conscious decision to let sleeping dogs lie or should we say lie. The reason is obvious, even glaring. Dean is guilty of doing exactly what Darrell is doing; except on a far larger scale, involving far more millions.

The kettle cannot curse the pot black. The Prime Minister cannot call out the Mayor for they are both guilty as charged.

By personality, the two men could not be more different.

Politically they could not be more alike. As alike as Tweedledum and Tweedledee. Six of one and half a dozen of the other. Ego-maniacs, megalomaniacs, power-hungry, similar facial gestures, similar hand gesticulations, deceitful tongues and worshippers at the altar of Mammon.

The city of Belize like the country of Belize is in a mess.

With two of the same kind the reasons are self-explanatory.

If Belize is to go forward they both have to go.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

2015

PUP Belize CitCo Team Albert

on the campaign trail in Belize City

Collet

Lake Independence

Mesopotamia

Port Loyola

Queen Square

On March 4th, 2015

VOTE PUP

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THE BELIZE TIMES

2015

WOMAN IN THE HOUSE

By Dolores Balderamos Garcia

HON. W.P.E It pains my heart to advert my mind to this topic and to once again write about Hon. Wilfred Peter Elrington, better known here in Belize by his nickname “Sedi.” The thing is that Sedi is once more seeming to exceed himself in his missteps and completely outrageous utterances. If all the controversy surrounding him were not so serious, it would be laughable. However, he is the Attorney General of the country, the premier legal advisor to the government, who actually sits in Cabinet. The Solicitor General is government’s main law officer, but she is an employee of the “Crown,” meaning that she is a civil or public servant. He is a critical part of the political directorate.

At the ceremonial opening of the Supreme Court this year, grave concerns were raised by Bar Association President Eamon Courtenay. He said that at its last sitting, the Court of Appeal had not concluded even one criminal appeal, a terrible situation indeed, since so many cases are pending and so many persons are in prison awaiting decisions. In replying to this concern, the Attorney General, with a straight face, announced to the Chief Justice and to all gathered in the Court that this issue is “above my personal pay grade.” (!!!!) The American Ambassador, a judge or former judge himself, maintained a steely poker face.

However, the British High Commissioner could not contain himself. He visibly reacted by shifting his whole body to one side, while a huge smile, no doubt of derision, burst across his face.

I feel that this reaction must

have been similar to that of all attorneys gathered as well as the general public. When I saw the news that evening, I once more shook my head in disbelief. Did I hear right ?? This utterance came from the highest legal official in the country. No one holds higher office than Hon. Sedi. He had to be joking!! Like PM Barrow has said disparagingly about those he wishes to tear down, this kind of thing could only come from a fool or a knave.

The Attorney General has not stopped there. He has appeared to obstruct the proper functioning of the General Legal Council, the body which by law has the responsibility to sanction the conduct and actions of attorneys, despite the fact that his presence is essential. With indecent haste government unnecessarily passed amendments to the Legal Profession Act, changing the composition of the Council, providing that the Attorney General now appoints persons thereto, and removing the requirement of compulsory membership in the Bar Association.

Months later the Attorney General has failed to appoint his nominees, and, as is apparent to all concerned, the Council is no closer to functioning. Many, many complaints are pending against attorneys, including himself. We must therefore wonder

07 7 why it is that he has not acted as he is mandated to do. Again, Hon. Sedi has told the media in a flippant and dismissive manner that if persons have complaints against attorneys they should go to court!! This is a shocking declaration yet again. The Attorney General knows better. There has to be a body which can act expeditiously to discipline members of the profession. Citizens should never have to rely solely on the courts where these crucial matters of behavior and discipline are concerned. We must all be incredulous that the Attorney General is continuing this course of what can only be called ill- advised and just plain wrong behavior.

I believe that over sixty percent of practising attorneys have opted to remain as members of the Bar Association and have paid their fees. At the Annual General Meeting of the Association last week, outgoing president Eamon Courtenay called the latest actions and utterances of the Attorney General “utterly scandalous.”

Speaking for myself, I think that Hon. W.P.E.’s conduct is a humiliating disgrace to himself, to our profession, to his government and to the nation. He should resign!!!

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THE BELIZE TIMES

DIDO VEGA

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2015

and the PUP Corozal Town Council Team

on the campaign trail

PUP Mayoral Candidate for Corozal Town, David “Dido” Vega, addressing residents’ concerns

Northern Caucus leaders Hon. John Briceño, Ramon Cervantes Jr., Hon. Ramiro Ramirez, David Castillo & Deputy leader Hon. Florencio Marin Jr. supporting the PUP team in Corozal Town

On the campaign trail in Orange Walk

PUP Orange Walk Mayor Kevin Bernard, and Councillors Ian Cal and Rozel Arana on the campaign trail

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Belmopan CitCo Team on the campaign trail

PUP Mayoral Candidate Jose Chacon visiting skillful Belizean and her family in Las Flores

Jose Chacon and PUP supporter

Benque Viejo PUP Team on the campaign trail

PUP Mayoral Candidate Alfredo Kuylen and Councillors with the PUP campaign team

Former Prime Minister & PUP Leader Rt. Hon. Said Musa visiting residents with the PUP team

10 People’s Power defeats UDP cronyism Illegal structure removed from Belmopan “Green Space”…but CitCo “compensation” paid as secret

City of Belmopan, February 18th, 2015 With their backs against the wall, the UDP Belmopan City Council was forced to overturn a decision that had allowed a known supporter of the ruling party to build a structure inside a “green space” area in the city, causing uproar among community residents.

Green spaces are areas where no form of construction should take place, but a few weeks ago a structure meant for a commercial business began appearing on parcel #1127 which is inside a protected zone between the National Assembly and the market area.

The people voiced their concerns loudly and turned to Senator Patrick Andrews who vigorously opposed what was taking place, and announced that he was prepared to take the issue to Court to protect Belmopan’s laws.

While the Council was forced to try to make right of a situation that they made wrong, they may soon see another round of battle with residents of the capital. Confirmed reports are that the Council paid a sizeable “compensation package” to the owner of the structure. Exactly what this “compensation” amounts to is apparently a state secret because the Council has refused openness and transparency and is keeping it secret.

Reliable reports to the BELIZE TIMES are that that building belonged to the UDP’s political secretary in Belmopan, and she had been gifted the space by her bosses. In due time, she could have claimed the property.

On Sunday, February 22nd, the building was removed, clearing way for the green space.

THE BELIZE TIMES

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2015

Recipe for disaster

This happens when the UDP hires a Chef to build your street!

City of Belmopan, February 4, 2015 There appears to be a key ingredient lacking in the million dollar infrastructure work funded by taxpayers’ money in the City of Belmopan. This most important ingredient is common sense.

The BELIZE TIMES has been informed that the Ministry of Works awarded contracts to construct streets to a former Chef, who “pulled strings” with his friends high up in the UDP. This has turned out to be a recipe for disaster.

Just months after finishing the paving of the streets, the costly result of this absurdity is beginning to show. The streets have been cracking up and falling apart.

The brand new $1.1 million Salvapan/ Cemetery Road is one example of poor value for work. Cracks have appeared on the street. One of the residents on the substandard street explained that he witnessed the construction and it was

Darrel Dodges!!

Another Stinking Cover Up

Continued from page 1 popular Belize City Councillor, who the Mayor calls “partner” at times.

Information to the BELIZE TIMES is that the Councillor crashed the vehicle somewhere in the river valley area of the Belize District. The Councillor sustained some injuries as a result of the accident and was hospitalised and treated at a private hospital in Belize City.

The extent of the damages to the Mayor’s vehicle is not known. But the fact that it has been stashed away from the public in a hiding place indicates that it is really bad.

The media has been trying to pin down Mayor Bradley to ask him about this incident, but like the many issues and questions regarding the lack of accountability at City Hall, the Mayor prefers to dodge. He cancelled interviews which had been scheduled with various media house.

The problem for Mayor Bradley is that he has an election in six days. He already looks like a confused buffoon who is unable to come clean about the spending of $40 million. He can’t think he can hide from the media until after March 4th. The media won’t let him.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

obvious from the start that the contractors thought they were making pizza.

“The steel reinforcement was adequate for the road but it was INCORRECTLY PLACED. It was placed on the road bed without proper spacers. Rebar needs adequate concrete covering to be effective. The rebar for this street were placed on the

ground. The concrete trucks drove on top of these steel bars further pushing them down and that is how it was poured. What we have right now is steel all the way at the bottom of the street doing absolutely nothing for the strength of the street, leaving the concrete to be stressed beyond its breaking point. Concrete is strong in compression and weak in tension. That is what Continued on page 18

UDP Mayoral Candidate hired by GOB as Minister’s Aide City of Belmopan, February 26th, 2015 Khalid Belisle, the scrawny UDP Mayoral Candidate for Belmopan is under tremendous pressure for extremely close relationship with Belmopan Area Representative John Saldivar.

The BELIZE TIMES has exposed that Belisle and Saldivar masterminded a get-rich scheme through a company called “Mytheon Solutions”. The company which was started by Belisle and Saldivar, but is now owned by Saldivar’s wife, Darlene Saldivar, collected over two million dollars from the Ministry of National Security for purchases of phone credit through the company. Saldivar is the

Minister of National Security.

Belisle and Saldivar gave birth to Mytheon Solutions in 2009. By June 2010, Belisle released ownership of the company to Saldivar and then in late 2010, the company was transferred to the third wheel in the special relationship.

There is even more worrisome evidence that Belisle and

Saldivar are too close for comfort.

The BELIZE TIMES has received evidence that since May 1, 2013, Khalid Lester Belisle has been employed under Government service as the “Minister’s Aide” under the Ministry of National Security. He is paid $24,000 according to documents leaked to the BELIZE TIMES. This would explain why

Belisle and Saldivar are attached like conjoined twins.

Belisle must now come clean about his full relationship with his boss. The people of Belmopan do not want a puppet at City Hall. Speak out Khalid, the people want answers!

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THE BELIZE TIMES

2015

LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICES Notice is hereby given that PERLA PERDOMO is applying for a Night Club Liquor License for the yer 2015 to be operated at “Traveller’s Barrel Bar & Signature Lounge”, situated at 2 ½ Miles, Phillip Goldson Highway, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that ELVIA REYES is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “El Verano”, situated at San Lazaro Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that RUTH E. SALAZAR is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Puerto Mariscos”, situated at #89 A Freetown Road, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that GREGORY TILLETT is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “Wildlife Restaurant and Bar”, situated at Crooked Tree Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

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THE BELIZE THE BELIZE TIMESTIMES

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

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14 SPORTS

1 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES TIMES THE BELIZE

2015

Independence High wins football nationals San Ignacio, February 21, 2015 The Independence High School boys won the high school football championships hosted by St. Ignatius High School at the Norman Broaster Stadium over the weekend.

The Independence high boys drilled the Western Zone champs St. Ignatius’ boys 2-0 with goals by Jonathan Bejerano in the 5th minute of play and by Gabriel Ramos Jr. in the 58th minute.

In the consolation game for 3rd place, the Isla Bonita boys won 2-1 against Gwen Liz. San Pedro’s Edley Godoy scored the 1st goal in the 22nd minute, but Clinton Dawson equalized for Gwen Liz in the 52nd minute. San Pedro’s team captain Jose Chimal scored the 2nd winning goal in injury time.

The St. Ignatius principal presented team trophies and individual medals to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners, and the Most Valuable Player award went to HIS Osmani Sanchez.

The central champs, the Gwen Lizarraga High boys lost 4-2 to Independence High. They were down to 9 men after they lost Naim Wilson to an injury and later on the referee sent off Jovian Usher with a red card.

Independence High boys

MVP Osmani Sanchez

St. Ignatius High boys

Jose Chimal scored San Pedro 2nd goal

San Pedro boys

Top 3 Elite: Brandon Cattouse, Ignacio Prado & Marlon Castillo

O. Walk Tech girls

Orange Walk Tech girls are football champs San Ignacio, February 21, 2015 The girls of won the won the National Secondary Schools Sports Association (NSSSA) football championships hosted by St. Ignatius High School at the Norman Broaster Stadium in over the weekend.

The Sugar City girls of Orange Walk Technical High School won the national football championships against the Georgetown Tech girls 2-0. MVP Giselle Baeza converted a penalty in the 25th minute, and Baeza recovered a rebound from a shot by Jaimy Terry and sent it right back, lobbing the ball just under the crossbar in the 26th minute. The Georgetown offensive withered and never recovered.

The St. Ignatius principal presented team trophies and individual medals to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners, and the Most Valuable Player award went to Orange Walk Tech’s Giselle Baeza.

Ignacio Prado wins Digicell Valentine mini-tour

Orielly Terry & Maria Castillo scored O. Walk 2nd & 3rd goals 3rd place went to the Central Zone winners SCA girls who outgunned the Mopan Tech girls 4-3 in a penalty shootout.

Belize City, February 22, 2015 Benny’s Megabytes Mexican import Ignacio Prado took top honors in the Digicell 4G Valentine’s Cycling Classic, a 3-day mini-tour in Belize City and on the George Price Highway over the weekend.

Prado led the tour after the first 2 stages, a prologue on Saturday morning, and a 37.5 mile criterium of 30-laps over a circuit course on Princess Margaret Drive in Belize City on Saturday afternoon.

C-Ray Road Addikz’ Brandon Cattouse was 2nd, Digicell 4G’s Joel Borland, who represented Belize at last year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, was 3rd; and Team Santino’s Marlon Castillo was 4th. Team Western Spirits’ Oscar Quiros was 5th.

In Stage 3, a 90 mile ride from San Ignacio Hotel to the Western border and back to the City, Benny’s Megabytes’ Byron Pope was 1st in 3:54:27. 2nd was Castillo of Team Santino’s and 3rd was Ignacio Prado.

Overall Standings 1st Ignacio Prado – Benny’s Megabytes – 5:29:21 - $1,200 (1st Under-23) 2nd Brandon Cattouse - C-Ray Road Addikz - 5:29:26 - $800 3rd Marlon Castillo – Santino’s – 5:29:35 - $600 4th Oscar Quiros – Western Spirits – 5:29:36 - $200 (2nd Under-23) 5th Byron Pope – Benny’s Megabytes – 5:29:42 - $100 6th Jose Robles – Western Spirits – 5:29:45 – 1st Masters - $250 Continued on page 15

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THE BELIZE TIMESTIMES THE BELIZE

SPORTS 15

ACC & Ladyville Tech girls lead softball competition

Wesley defeated Pallotti 16-6

Pallotti’s Marlette Martinez WES’ Karla Guerra scored 2 runs

Ignacio Prado wins Digicell

Valentine mini-tour

Top 3 Females: Shalini Zabaneh, Alicia Thompson & Kirah Eiley Continued from page 14 7th Nissan Arana – Predators – 5:33:15 8th Joel Borland – Digicell 4G – 5:33:25 – (3rd Under-23) 9th Ron Vasquez – Western spirits – 5:33:27 10th Darnell Barrow – Team SMART – 5:33:31.

Masters 1st Jose Robles - $250 prize 2nd Liam Stewart (Western Spirits) – 5:33:34 - $150 prize 3rd Henry Moreira (Team SMART) – 5:33:39 - $100 prize Belizean Masters 1st Liam Stewart (Western Spirits) – 5:33:34 - $250 prize 2nd Henry Moreira (Team SMART) – 5:33:39 - $150 3rd Leroy Cassasola (Team Santino’s) – 5:33:40 $100 Females Alicia Thompson (Belize Bank Swoosh) – 3:43:35 -$250 prize Shalini Zabaneh (Team Sagitun) – 3:43:36 - $150 prize 3rd Kirah Eiley (unattached) - $100 prize and a medal Juniors 1st Shane Jones (Team Chavarria Cycling) - $300 prize 2nd Kaydine Pinello - $200 3rd Darien Anderson (Team SMART) - $100

EPY’s Leeza Russell scored 1 run

SJC & Gwen Liz boys win softball games Belize City, February 19, 2015 The Gwen Lizarraga High School boys walloped the Anglican Cathedral College boys 25-4 on Tuesday night, February 24. ACC was without their usual starting pitcher Keyvon Evans, and Gwen Liz boys scored 13 runs in the 1st inning; as ACC’s pitcher Jose George walked 1 batter and gave up 16 hits, while the ACC diamond made 4 errors.

Gwen Liz’s Keron Tillett, Devontae Middleton, pitcher Raheem Trumbach, and Clinton Dawson scored 4 runs apiece, while Blake Gentle, and Jovan Usher scored 3 runs apiece, and Keanau Lewis scored 2 runs.

Dwayne Balthazar and Raheem Brooks scored one run each, even though the Gwen Liz boys left 3 runners on base.

Belize City, February 24, 2015 The Anglican Catheral College, Ladyville Technical High School and Wesley College girls posted wins this past week in the secondary schools’ softball tournament which continued at the Roger’s Stadium on Tuesday evening.

ACC pitcher Ashley Alarcon led the ACC girls in a 19-13 win over the Gwen Lizarraga high School girls. They hammered out 19 runs off Essenie Ciego’s pitching.

Ladyville Tech’s pitcher Ashley Robinson struck out 6 batters to shut out the Maud Williams High School girls 15-0 last Thursday. Maud Williams’ Latifah Ferguson gave up 7 hits and walked 4 batters, while the diamond made 12 errors.

Jay Gideon led Ladyville’s scoring with 3 runs, while Jalecia Jones, Dejeane Noralez, Carolina Dominguez and Selawny Goodin scored 2 runs apiece and Kenisha Ferguson, Kayla Jones, Ashley Robinson and Kersten Dominguez scored 1 run each.

The Pallotti High School girls were leading 6-0 over the Wesley College girls in their 2nd outing last Wednesday, but Wesley recovered to win 16-6 by mercy rule in the 4th inning.

SJC boys Trumbach walked 7 batters and gave up one hit, allowing the ACC boys to score 4 runs in the bottom of the 1st inning, but Trumbach allowed no more runs in the next 2 innings as they scored 3 runs in the 2nd inning and 10 runs in the 3rd.

The St. John’s College boys posted their 2nd win: 13-8 over the Gwen Liz boys on Monday, February 23. Gwen Liz pitcher Devontae

Middleton struck out 8 batters but walked 9, while the diamond made 4 errors.

The SJC boys got 6 hits and Zidane Thompson and Charles Stuart led the attack scoring 3 runs apiece, while Brandon Teichroeb, and John Pollard scored 2 runs each and Edwin Hernandez, Kellyon Pollard and Javier Molina scored one run each.

Other games: Ladyville Tech vs. Wesley College - 17-7 Nazarene High vs. Ladyville Tech - 20-3

Nazarene boys

16 SPORTS

THE BELIZE TIMES TIMES THE BELIZE

1 MAR

2015

Cayo Western Ballaz lead Elite basketball Punta Gorda, February 20, 2015 The undefeated Cayo Western Ballaz are leading the National Elite Basketball League with a record of 3-0, after a 96-80 blowout of the Toledo Diplomats at the Julian Cho High School court in Punta Gorda on Saturday night.

Roger Troyer had a double-double with 43 points and 13 rebounds which set a new record in the competition. Elbert Arriola and Johan Bermudez added 10 points apiece and Emerson King put 9 points. Toledo’s Michael Bables scored 34 points while Shamir Martinez had 18 points and Evon Lino put in 8 points.

Other matches: SMART No Limit vs. Orange Walk Running Rebels - 72-50

Lead scorers: Greg Rudon, 16pts; Randy Usher, 12pts San Pedro Tigersharks vs. Belize City Hurricanes - 91-73 Lead scorers: Milton Jones, 21pts, 9 rebounds; Jermaine Small, 17pts Belmopan Red Taigaz vs. Dangriga Warriors - 77-51 Lead scorers: Jarrell Velasquez, 19pts; Daniel Nolberto, 12 pts Upcoming games: No Limit vs. Belmopan Red Taigaz @ Bird’s Isle on Friday Cayo Western Ballaz vs. Dangriga Warriors @ Ecumenical court on Saturday Hurricanes vs. Running Rebels @ Orange Walk Multi-Purpose Complex Tiger Sharks vs. Toledo Diplomats @ Julian Cho Court

SMART’s Greg Rudon scored 16pts & 6 rebs

Verdes FC is No. 1 in PLB football

Unity Presbyterian boys

Trinity & Unity boys win in primary schools softball Belize City, February 24, 2015 Pitcher Marcus Lacario struck out 1 batter as he led the undefeated Trinity Methodist School boys to their 3rd win over the Salvation Army School boys, scoring 3 runs off Cassian Billary’s pitching, and another 7 runs in the top of the 2nd inning. The Salvation Army boys only scored one run in the 1st inning and 4 more in the 2nd inning. The Trinity boys scored 7 more runs in the top of the 3rd inning before time ran out. The final score was 10-5 Pitcher Dennis Colon led the Unity Presbyterian School boys to their 2nd win (8-3) against the St. John’s Anglican Primary School boys. Pitcher Maleek Wagner struck out 1 batter, but the Unity boys scored 2 runs in the bottom of the 1st inning, 3 more in the 2nd inning and 3 more in the 3rd inning. Colon struck out 1 batter and the St. John’s boys score only 2 runs in the top of the 1st inning; Colon allowed no runs in the 2nd inning

and the St. John’s boys scored only 1 more run in the top of the 3rd inning.

On Monday, the St. Luke’s Methodist School girls hammered the Buttonwood Bay Nazarene School girls: 21-12, even though the Buttonwoond girls scored 12 runs off Samantha Foreman’s pitching. Pitcher Ivana Mercado gave up 21 runs.

The St. Luke’s Methodist boys walloped Jaheed Valencio’s pitching to score 17 runs in their 17-8 win over the defeated Buttonwood Bay Nazarene School boys, who scored 8 runs of Justin Menzies’s pitching.

Other matches: Trinity Methodist School boys vs.

Wesley Upper School - 11-6 Salvation Army boys vs. Buttonwood Bay Nazarene - 14-8 St. Luke’s Methodist boys vs. Salvation Army School - 8-6 Central Christian School girls vs.

Holy Redeemer RC - 9-8 Holy Redeemer School vs. Central Christian School boys - 7-4 Calvary Temple School vs. St. John’s Anglican Primary girls - 10-4 Unity Presbyterian vs. Central Christian School boys - 10-6

Punta Gorda, February 22, 2015 The Verdes FC of Benque Viejo is No. 1 in the Premier League of Belize football competition with 9pts from 3 wins, after they came back from a 1-0 deficit to dominate the King’s Energy Freedom Fighters at the Toledo Union field in Punta Gorda on Sunday afternoon.

Wilmer Garcia scored Freedom Fighters’s 1st goal, but Jarret Davis scored the equalizer for Verdes and added a 2nd winning goal.

The other 3 matches from the weekend ended in draws. San Ignacio United broke the Belmopan Bandits’ winning streak by holding them to a nil-zip draw at the Norman Broaster Stadium on Sunday The undefeated BDF and Police also battled to a 0-0 stalemate at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium on Saturday night; the BDF are No.2 in the PLB with 8pts from 2 wins and 2 draws.

The Placencia Assassins drew 1-1 with FC Belize at the Michael Ashcroft Stadium in Independence on Saturday night, Luis “Barker” Torres scored Placencia and FC Belize equalized before the long whistle.

Upcoming weekend matches: Placencia Assassins vs BDF at the Michael Ashcroft Stadium on Saturday FC Belize vs Freedom Fighters at the M.C.C. grounds on Sunday Belmopan Bandits vs Verdes at the Norman Broaster Stadium.

San Ignacio United vs Wagiya FC at the Carl Ramos Stadium.

UNCAF names David Trapp one of Central America’s “most valuable” football players

February 20, 2015 UNCAF, the Central American football federation, has listed David Trapp among the most valuable football players in Central America.

The UNCAF website (http://uncafut.com) says that Trapp was #5 on the list.

His net value is reportedly $600,000.

Trapp is currently playing for the Revolutionary Conquerors, which is now Ilagulei FC. UNCAF explains that their rating is for players who play Central American football or international soccer.

Number 1 went to Keylor Navas, Real Madrid’s goal keeper, who is valued at $10 million.

1 MAR

2015

Tourism designed only for a few

Continued from page 2 erators license, works from terminal 1 along with all the other tour operators who have booked tours from their website. Here is the crux of the matter.

The bulk of the cruise ship passengers, who have independent tours and walkouts exit the tourism village through this gate. There are people who work on the front line within the Tourism Village that would refer the guests who are not booked and have no tour to exit terminal 1 to look for a couple persons who are associated with this particular taxi /tour operator. This is a very questionable activity that has been going on for a few years now which has the blessing of the B.T.B. These folks at the terminal 1 gate, besides being able to do referral, also believe that they are entitled to the walkouts so at the end of the day only a few people work and the majority leave without making a cent.

The mastermind behind this new system is the B.T.B representative in the zone which most believe has orchestrated this structure for his own benefit.

The established tour guides, who are well-trained, highly-qualified and have invested all their time and money over

17

THE BELIZE TIMES all the years since the cruise ships are here, are now left in the cold. This new structure is only designed for a certain few. This individual who the B.T.B refers to as the Zone coordinator has been around for a few years and initially we thought he had good intentions to try and get the F.S.T.Z straightened out. We as taxi personnel and tour guides went as far as unionizing to get order and proper regulation in the zone which for the most part have been a success. Now the B.T.B. along with their representative in the zone have colluded with the largest group, the taxi/guide company, busted the union and given that company an all-access pass into Terminal 1 and 4 where they now operate with impunity. Everyone in the zone is aware of this latest development and believes that they have been taken for a ride. This is grave concern that needs immediate attention as many people’s livelihood are in jeopardy and these are people that have committed all their lives in the last fifteen years to be a part of this industry.

Through this medium I appeal to the necessary authorities to intervene and rectify this situation as many families are being affected in a negative way by this new approach. We are screaming for help. This representative has failed us miserably and we are very disappointed. There needs to be a drastic change at this position if there should be an equal opportunity for all stakeholders who have a vested interest in the cruise tourism industry in Belize. These people deserve nothing less. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

Respectfully submitted, Joseph Alvarez

DANGRIGA

Job Offered By: Company: Job Type: Position:

BelAgro Agriculture Big Creek Group of Companies Full-Time PRODUCT SPECIALIST - SALES AGRONOMIST - Crop Input Team

Education: Professional Degree in Agricultural Science Skill Set: Exceptional communications and analytical skills in both English and Spanish.

Ability to set and meet established goals.

Ability to build/maintain strong relationships Excellent working knowledge of chemical, seed,

fertilizer, and custom applications At least 3 years actively working in crop inputs Responsibility: Provide customers with current updated information on crop input products and best practices in the Industry, through the offering of accurate and label directed agronomic information to assist customers with weed, insect, and disease control options and fertilizer and seed options. Meet sales targets.

Submit a resume to: Sales Team E-mail: agro@bigcreekgroup.com Attention: Manager Belagro Agriculture Submission Deadline: March 17, 2015

18 2 YR. OLD KILLED

IN HAIL OF BULLETS San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, February 25, 2015 The San Pedro Town community continues in deep shock following the senseless killing of 2 year old Charlie Daniel “Danny” Espat, who was at home sleeping when bullets ripped through his home, fatally injuring him.

The innocent child was fast asleep with his parents, Aleyda Sandoval and Rolando “Roli” Espat, when their home came under attack about 1:45 on Tuesday morning.

Neighbors say they heard up to ten gunshots. The shots tore through the wooden walls of the house causing fear, panic and death.

The toddler’s father told the media that when he heard the gunshots, he tried his best to protect his family.

“I was asleep when I heard the gunshots. The first thing I did was to try and cover my kid because he was in the middle and my wife was in the corner of the bed. I tried covering both of them with my body. I threw myself over them but everything happened so fast. I heard several shots, perhaps 10. When the shots stopped I asked, is everybody ok, and she said the baby is not moving,” Espat said.

Baby Daniel was rushed to the Dr Otto Rodriguez San Pedro PolyClinic II, but the gunshot wounds to his head were fatal. He was pronounced dead.

His mother, Aleyda, was also injured in the shooting. She had sustained gunshot wounds to her left hand and back. She was transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital by air and is undergoing treatment. Medical officials say she will need to undergo surgery to remove a bullet that is lodged in her back and is causing complications for her lungs.

Drug Warfare The Police have not confirmed it, but reports are that the attack on Rolando Espat’s home is the result of heightened drug warfare on the island.

Less than two weeks ago, a 13 year old was also shot while she was inside an apartment next door to the Espat’s. The victim was Meredith Escalante.

Then on February 9th, a male person was shot in the same neighbourhood and Police believe all three incidents may be related to the shooting.

In a recent incident, on February 18th, Police discovered the lifeless bodies of 41 year old Selvin Chi and 23 year old Benjamin Molina buried in a shallow grave in a remote area

THE BELIZE TIMES on the north side of the island. The men are from the Corozal District and were in San Pedro seeking employment.

San Pedro has become a hub for illegal drug operations. The kingpins hire beach combers who mope around the island waiting for that lucky, or perhaps unlucky, find. This has led to the establishment of turfs, suppliers and buyers. One turf is not allowed to cross the other’s path, and if they do, things get ugly or deadly.

Spike in crime In 2014, San Pedro saw a spike in violent crime.

The country also saw an increase in major crimes. Every district, expect for Cayo, saw the number of murders increase when compared to the previous year. The Belize District saw 19 more murders in 2014 than 2013.

Overall, there were 24 more murders in 2014 than the year before. There were also 216 shooting incidents in the year.

1 MAR

2015

Recipe for disaster Continued from page 11 the steel is there for. Since it is useless at the bottom of the street, the concrete cannot bear the tension and cracks. WHAT A WASTE!” the resident shared.

Reports to the BELIZE TIMES is that this same UDP Chef was also granted a second contract among used, valued about $1.3 million, for another cement street in the San Martin area. Guess who has to pay for the repairs of all the inferior work? Not the UDP Area Representative for sure.

This is the sort of thing that happens only under the UDP! The Prime Minister said it best when he chastised his Party for getting things “wrong nine out of ten times”.

1 MAR

2015

THE BELIZE TIMES

19

20 OUT PUP objects to Elections and Boundaries’ proposed counting process Continued from page 2 point there will be a simultaneous count, in Belize City of some 85 boxes.

Ms. Shoman raised several objections to the “mandate” as expressed by Mr. Miranda based on the following : 1. Section 74 and 75 of the Belize City Council (Registration of Electors and Elections) Regulations Cap 85S, which govern the procedure in respect of the conduct of elections for the Belize City Council mandate that the “Returning Officer” SHALL open the sealed ballot boxes” as soon as received, and SHALL in the presence of candidates and agents proceed to do a number of things. Whereas the law would seem to permit the Returning Officer to delegate his responsibility to each of the 10 Election Clerks appointed to assist in the carrying out of his responsibility, the Returning Officer is constrained by the law, and is not permitted to further sub-delegate the tasks and duties contained in Sections 74 and 75 to those Counting Clerks who will be working under the direction of the Election Clerks. It is only the Returning Officer, or the duly appointed Election Clerks who may perform the relevant duties.

2. Ms. Shoman also took the position that based on the personnel figures that had been provided to me by your office that there were not enough personnel to provide for even 2 Counting Clerks per box, the bare minimum required for such a task.

3. An objection was made as well, on the basis of space, and the number of persons per box allowed per party - 4 per box in addition to the Counting Clerks and the need for sufficient space, privacy, lack of noise and adequate resources to

THE BELIZE TIMES accomplish the task of properly counting each ballot box.

All of these objections were met with dismissal by Mr. Miranda on the basis that this “could be done administratively” even if the law was saying something else, and that the decision had already been taken by “the Commission” that the count would be simultaneous, with the object of concluding the count of ALL 85 ballot boxes in Belize City by about 9:30 pm or 10.

We are also informed enough personnel to count will be available because the EBD plans to use the Polling Agents from during the day, to act as Counting Clerks, in order to get the job done.

The decision taken was never consulted with the People’s United Party, as promised and we would not and do not agree to the simultaneous count

of all ballot boxes in Belize City at the 10 Counting Stations. There is absolutely no way that the Returning Officer or the Elections Clerks can possibly carry out their legal mandate and duties under the law and the decision taken by the Commission, as per Mr. Miranda, to take an approach which is not sanctioned by the law, means that the counting process in the Belize City Council is rife with possibility for confusion, chaos, mistake and inaccuracy particularly as the Ballot is one which involves two different contested races – mayoral and councilors, and which traditionally are more difficult to count than in General Elections.

In the smallest polling stations, Pickstock, Fort George, Albert, Queen’s Square and Mesopotamia -

1 MAR

2015 this will mean 7/8 boxes will be counted at the same time, in Freetown, Caribbean Shores, Collet, and Port - 9/10 boxes and in Lake Independence, the biggest 12 boxes at the same time.

We call on your Department, and Returning Officer Miranda not to proceed in counting ballot boxes in a manner that is clearly against the letter and spirit of the law, and to proceed instead in a manner that is fair, transparent, accountable and legal.

Yours Faithfully, I M Palacio Secretary General People’s United Party c. The Chairman Elections and Boundaries Commission Mr. Derek Courtenay SC Mr. Orlando Espat

PUP COROZAL TOWN COUNCIL TEAM

1 MAR

2015

THE BELIZE TIMES

Reid A Convergence of Circumstances

By G. Michael Reid The incompetence of this current administration became glaring manifest this past Saturday when the skies of Belize were turned into a virtual deathtrap. Scheduled flights had to be cancelled, turned back or diverted to airports in Guatemala and Honduras, seemingly with no one in authority having a clue as to what was going on and commuters having nowhere to turn for an explanation. It was later learned that Air Traffic Controllers who were supposed to work that day had all developed a mysterious illness. Industrial Relations Officer for the Public Service Ray Davis would later term it as an “unhappy convergence of circumstances.”

According to Davis, “They were sick. End of story - Punto finale.

That’s it.”

That was not it however, and it is still not “it”! The air traffic controllers are not happy and if everyone continues to pretend as if there is no problem and business resumes as usual, eventually there will be hell to pay. If the existing grievances are not addressed, then the chance of the same thing happening again will be extremely high. Belize got lucky this time; very lucky but this is not the type of gamble that we want to take or can afford to take even once; much less to risk it again in the future.

The job of an air traffic controller is vitally importance as it involves the safety of hundreds of lives at any given moment. The Phillip Goldson International Airport does not see the volume of airline traffic that larger airports around the world do but our air traffic controllers are not only responsible for planes that land here.

There are planes that traverse our airspace on their way to other destinations that also rely on our air traffic personnel to keep them safe and properly guided while up there. Saturday is also PGIA’s busiest day and it is frightening to imagine what could have hap-

pened while those controllers were off the job.

The big question of course, is how did things get to this point?

While the big wigs and political bosses are busy pretending ignorance, information has been leaking out. Director of Civil Aviation Lindsey Garbutt seems to have inadvertently let the cat out of the bag. In an interview given after the fact, he conceded that the Air Traffic Control Center is severely understaffed and that personnel have been working much longer hours than is recommended.

According to Garbutt, “We are not at present working with the optimum amount of people needed. We hired 6 people last June, we are prepared to proceed to hire another 9 and to continue bringing the air traffic control unit up to full strength as soon as it is possible.” When asked how many people are now working, Garbutt replied, “approximately ten.”

Investigations reveal that it is exactly nine. Now let’s do some math. If they hired 6 last June and they need to hire another 9 just to “continue bringing the air traffic control unit up to full strength”, then that would mean that we currently have 9 persons doing a job that requires 24 persons to do properly. Now folks, we are not talking about janitors or store clerks here; these are air traffic controllers!

While we have heard plenty of nothing from the political appointees, we have heard little from the workers themselves. Ray Davis who represents the Public Services

Union, of which the controllers are a part, went to great pains to convince everyone that there was no strike or any sickout and they were “not boycotting or doing anything like that to call attention to anything.” There is good reason for that of course, because on July 24th of 2009, government approved the Essential Services Amendment Bill which makes it illegal for essential service employees to stage sick-outs and go-slows.

CEO in the Ministry of Tourism Tracy Taegar-Panton made it clear that “… as you know they are considered essential services and there are repercussions for such actions to be taken and we will have to address the matter as soon as we are able to ascertain really what has caused this event.”

Prime Minister Dean Barrow was returning to the country that same day; coincidence or impeccable timing? A report on facebook suggested that he was eventually flown into the country on the private jet of his friends at ASR which was sent to Miami to bring him home.

Unfortunately, there was no political mileage to gain from this one, since by the time he arrived, things were pretty much back to normal. What happens next however, is anybody’s guess. Barrow might decide to take a page from Ronald Reagan’s playbook and fire the whole kit and caboodle. Some might remember back in 1981 when Air Traffic Controllers in the US decided to strike that then President Reagan fired over 11,000 of them; what’s nine compared to that number? Not only did Reagan fire his Air Traffic Controllers but he banned them for life from working anywhere in the federal service. Many were forced into poverty as a result of the blacklisting and it was not until 1993 when President Clinton lifted the ban that a mere 800 of the 11,000 were able to eventually get jobs. Barrow is not known for his compassion and this might explain why none of these

21 controllers are speaking.

The situation is that these air trafficking controllers have been working under some very trying conditions. There are reports that they lack some very basic necessities which include headsets, pens, water and even toilet paper. What seems to have these controllers most upset however is that three of their fellow employees were fired and have been replaced by political cronies who have been given choice positions and huge salaries while they themselves have been denied their scheduled and well-deserved salary adjustments. Victimization, nepotism and cronyism have become hallmarks of this Dean Barrow administration and it seems that no sector of the public service, regardless of how essential, has been able to escape the long reach of their inimical tentacles.

While Lindsey Garbutt himself has done a yeoman’s job of downplaying this very serious situation, it brings to memory the huge waste and misappropriations of the airport authorities’ funds by the man previously in charge of that essential service. A year ago, Minister of State Edmund Castro escaped with a mere slap on the wrist after it was revealed that he had drawn down some sixty odd checks from the operating account of the Belize Airport Authority. Money that should have been used to buy necessary equipment for our traffic controllers were instead used to pay bills at bike shops, chicken shops, beverage companies and for political work in the Belize Rural North. Who can forget PM Barrow’s infamous labeling of the actions as “ill-advised, distasteful and wrong but not corrupt”.

Both Barrow and Castro’s hands are as dirty as these poor traffic controllers who must do their work without the use of even toilet paper. Pay back the money Castro and let’s clean this mess up.

22

1 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES

VENTURE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH LIMITED # 18,929 (“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 VENTURE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH LIMITED: a) is in dissolution b) commenced dissolution on the 20th day of February, 2015; and c) Cititrust International Inc. whose address is 35 Barrack Road, Third Floor, Belize City, Belize is the Liquidator of the Company Cititrust International Limited Registered Agent

2015

MERIDIAN MANAGEMENT SERVICES LTD. # 27,872 (“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 MERIDIAN MANAGEMENT SERVICES LTD.: a) is in dissolution b) commenced dissolution on the 20th day of February, 2015; and c) Cititrust International Inc. whose address is 35 Barrack Road, Third Floor, Belize City, Belize is the Liquidator of the Company Cititrust International Limited Registered Agent

1 MAR

2015

THE BELIZE TIMES

23

PUP SAN IGNACIO TEAM on the campaign trail

PUP Belmopan Standard Bearer Hon. Senator Patrick Andrews supporting the PUP team

PUP Cayo Central Standard Bearer Daniel Silva, Mayoral Candidate Ramon Quiroz, and Councillor Candidates Omar Rodriguez and Sheena Urbina

PUP supporter greeting Party Leader Francis and Deputy Leader Julius

PUP Senator Hon. Anthony Sylvestre Jr. joined the campaign trail in Cayo

PUP Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca greeting students during his visit to San Ignacio and Santa Elena

The PUP team that will ensure victory on March 4th in San Ignacio and Santa Elena

PUP Orange Walk Central Area Representative Hon. John Brice単o and Cayo Central Standard Bearer Dan Silva visiting a PUP stalwart

24

1 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES

2015

BY ORDER OF CHARGEE NOTICE OF INTENTION TO SELL ATTORNEY GENERAL’S MINISTRY

Second Floor, East Block, Independence Plaza, Belmopan, Belize, Central America Tel: (501) 822-0519/822-2504 Fax: (501) 822-3390 Email: Ministry.info@agm.gov.bz

TERMS OF REFERENCE Post Title: Assistant Solicitor General (Legislative Drafting) JOB PURPOSE: The primary role of Assistant Solicitor General (Legislative Drafting) is to draft clear, unambiguous and relevant legislation, primary and secondary, consistent with Government policy and in accordance with the established Legislative Programme.

SCOPE OF WORK:

1. Research, analyze and draft both primary and secondary Legislation pursuant to drafting instructions received.

2. Research and prepare opinions in relation to existing legislation or proposed legislation.

3. Supervise Crown Counsel (Legislative Drafting)

4. Represent the Government at meetings of interest groups and consultative bodies, providing information and explanation of existing and proposed legislation.

QUALIFICATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

1. Qualification: Qualifications as an Attorney-at-Law, Solicitor or Barrister Diploma or Masters of Law in Legislative Drafting:

2. Experience: 7 years post graduate experience which should be in a legislative drafting office.

3. Skills: (a) Ability to work accurately under pressure to tight deadlines. (b) Ability to assimilate complex matters and facts quickly and work independently. (c) Ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor own work; (d) Excellent inter-personal skills, ability

to work in a consultative and collaborative manner (e) Strong communication, writing and IT skills. (f) Appreciation of confidentiality and political sensitivity. (g) Sound judgement.

Basic Salary:

BZD$70,308.00 (Belize Dollars) per annum

Allowances:

BZD$22,500.00 (Belize Dollars) per annum

Applications to be submitted to: The Solicitor General, Attorney General’s Ministry

Second Floor, East Block, Independence Plaza Belmopan, Belize Tel: +501-822-0519 Fax: +501-822-3390 Email: Ministry.info@agm.gov.bz Deadline for Submission:

30th March 2015

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

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

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

SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land comprising 328.818 S.M. being Parcel 3100, Block 16 in the Caribbean Shores/Belize Registration Section situate at the Corner of Albert Hoy Avenue and Supt. George Arthurs Street, Belize City, Belize District, the freehold property of ADRIAN LESLIE DATED this 25th day of February 2015 HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED 1 HYDE’S LANE, BELIZE CITY, BELIZE Phone: (501) 224-5644 Fax: (501) 223-0738

1 MAR

2015

THE BELIZE TIMES

25

Time for a Change!!

Continued from page 2 of State Elvin Penner was accused of being the mastermind in the illegal sale of a Belizean passport to a criminal, who was in a prison in Taiwan and had never visited Belize.

When news of the hustling with Belizean citizenship broke, the Barrow administration told the nation that there was no corruption with what happened, and they have done everything possible up to the present time to ensure all efforts to prosecute Penner for his alleged wrong doing ends in failure.

After months of careful investigation by a reputable watchdog group, it was revealed this week that the UDP Guardian newspaper was paid over half million dollars in advertisement. Instantly people began to complain about the abuse of taxpayers’ money, when many of our hospitals don’t have funds for the most basic medicine for poor people. Immediately a spokesperson for the government was brought out to tell the people not to worry about anything because those who conducted the investigation made a big mistake with the figures.

According to the Government the investigators were mistaken because the over half million dollars paid to their party newspaper for advertisements was for a three year period instead of for one year as the records show.

The government’s cover up of its incompetence, wrongdoing, and corruption with big lies reminds one of how in the classic book Animal Farm by George Orwell the dictator Napoleon used Squealer, a witty and eloquent speaking pig, to convince the other animals on the farm that everything was perfect under the leadership of Napoleon, who had become an incompetent and corrupt leader, who engaged in all sorts of wrongdoings imaginable.

On March 4th the people of this country need to show the ruling party in both the Government and the Belize City Council that unlike the animals of Manor Farm they will not tolerate any more lies and cover-up and instead vote for a change and betterment by electing the honest, responsible, and people-centered candidates of the People’s United Party to office.

Sincerely yours, Gilroy Usher, Sr. 629-6560

Belize Union of Seventh-day Adventist Church to visit Belize Thursday, March 12, 2015

PRESS RELEASE

Coming soon the highest ranking Official of the Seventh-day Adventist Church Worldwide, Pastor Ted Wilson will be visiting our lovely jewel. He will be accompanied by other Church Leaders from the United States.

Dr. Dennis Slusher, President of the Belize Union of Seventh-day Adventist Churches, along with other Officials from the Church and Government will be meeting Pr. Ted Wilson as he steps on Belizean soil at the Phillip Goldson’s International Airport on Thursday, March 12, 2015.

Pr. Ted Wilson, will address more than 5,000 members and friends at the University of Belize Gymnasium in Belmopan on Thursday evening March 12 at 5:30pm.

He brings a message of hope for all Belizeans while the world is in panic at the unstable economic times and the crime situation we face every day, therefore he will exhort members to continue proclaiming the Gospel of Salvation to all mankind.

WELCOME TO Belize, Pr. Ted Wilson and other Leaders.

---------------------------------------WITNESSING FOR CHRIST UNTIL HE COMES

26

THE BELIZE TIMES

1 MAR

2015

1 MAR

2015

THE BELIZE TIMES

A +C

27 By: Alton F. Humes (Freelance Reporter)

“My Story” Image Factory exhibit debuts at

BELIZE CITY, Monday, February 20th, 2015 It’s not much of a secret, at least in Belize, that when it comes to anything related to the so-called LGBT community, there’s nothing but scorn, mistrust and at times full-out hatred from non-LGBT citizens, especially since it is considered out-and-out “wrong” by those opposed to such a lifestyle. So you would think an exhibit, comprised mostly of images and stories speaking out about the LGBT community from within, wouldn’t receive so much as an ounce of support from anyone in the country, right?

Artist Briheda Haylock That wasn’t the case for the exhibit “My Story”, launched on Friday, February 6th, at the Image Factory Gallery on North Front Street in Belize City, to ostensibly kick off the 20th anniversary of the foundation of the “hub” of modern Belizean art and culture. But no exhibit in modern memory could possibly prepare you for an exhibit that somehow defies immediate classification.

Controversial LGBT activist

and President of the United Belize Advocacy Movement (UNIBAM), Caleb Orozco, admittedly touted the much-maligned, international-based idea of ‘human dignity’ during his brief speech preceding the exhibit launch, saying: “Dignity doesn’t happen without speaking.” But the kaleidoscope of visual and written

viewpoints, particularly from those within the gay community and their allies, could leave others wondering if any sort of speaking out – whether positively or negatively – will leave anyone feeling dignified after all.

Although UNIBAM’s name and infamous reputation are heavily attached to the exhibit (as is that of the Canada Fund), the delicate but very arresting visual creations on display are chiefly the responsibility of Ms. Briheda Haylock, the creative figure aligned with such creations as “Society Killed the Teenager”, “Megalomania”, “Milestone”, and more recently, “The 3rd Eye” with fellow artists eLise and Alyssa Craig.

In her interview with the BELIZE TIMES, the 24-year-old admitted that the ‘less-is-more’ approach came best under pressure, especially since Orozco came a-calling just after the success of “The 3rd Eye” exhibit. And although she is known for thumbing and jabbing at societal conventions (especially in terms of narrow-mindedness), the exhibit was much closer to her heart (for personal reasons) and as such, required more finesse than what she usually does.

“Gay people can’t be defined”, she told us.

Her mission with the exhibit was strictly about education, teaching tolerance and unity, admitting that “…society needs this. We’re just trying to show that gays are people too, and sexuality is only a little part of you.”

It’s left for the viewer to determine, as always, what opinion works best for them. One thing is certain however - the debate over LGBT citizens and the fight for “rights” will rage on for a long time.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

1 MAR

2015

NOTICE OF COMMENCED DISSOLUTION

NOTICE OF COMMENCED DISSOLUTION

Notice is hereby given STILLWELL FINANCIAL GROUP INC. commenced dissolution on 2nd February, 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 JELENA CONSULTING INC. commenced dissolution on 10th February, 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

Morgan & Morgan Trust Corporation Belize Limited

NOTICE OF COMMENCED DISSOLUTION

NOTICE OF COMMENCED DISSOLUTION

Notice is hereby given VUBOL INVESTMENTS LTD. and MILTON OVERSEAS CORP. both commenced dissolution on 4th February, 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 CAPULIN BUSINESS LTD. commenced dissolution on 12th February, 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

Morgan & Morgan Trust Corporation Belize Limited

NOTICE OF COMMENCED DISSOLUTION

NOTICE OF COMMENCED DISSOLUTION

Notice is hereby given RADDING UNITED S.A. commenced dissolution on 5th February, 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 ALIDOR UNITED S.A. and BLACKWOOD VENTURES CORP. both commenced dissolution on 2nd February, 2015; and International Liquidator Services Ltd. whose registered office is at Withfield Tower, 3rd Floor, 4792 Coney Drive, Belize City, Belize, is the Liquidator of the companies.

Morgan & Morgan Trust Corporation Belize Limited

Morgan & Morgan Trust Corporation Belize Limited

NOTICE OF COMMENCED DISSOLUTION

NOTICE OF COMMENCED DISSOLUTION

Notice is hereby given SUNDRIO DEVELOPMENT INC. and HERSEY INTERNATIONAL INC. both commenced dissolution on 6th February, 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 TRIPPLE SEVEN INTERNATIONAL CORP. commenced dissolution on 11th February, 2015; and International Liquidator Services Ltd. whose registered office is at Withfield Tower, 3rd Floor, 4792 Coney Drive, Belize City, Belize, is the Liquidator of the company.

Morgan & Morgan Trust Corporation Belize Limited

Morgan & Morgan Trust Corporation Belize Limited

1 MAR

2015

THE BELIZE TIMES

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30

THINK ABOUT IT AIRPORT SCANDAL The sudden shut down of the Phillip Goldson International Airport raises a host of serious questions.

Not the least of those questions is the manifest mismanagement and lack of preparedness for crises and unexpected eventualities.

An issue is also raised in relation to the private versus public ownership of such an important facility, especially in the age of security and terrorism concerns. Citizens of the United States of America and citizens of Europe are the principal targets of terrorists seeking their twisted notions of revenge. As America increasingly bombs targets in the Middle East, Africa and other geographical locations where ISIS, Al Qaeda, and their so-called affiliates; so too will the counter attack increase against America and European human targets.

The Phillip Goldson International Airport should never have been sold.

But having been sold, a change of government should have reversed the situation. We have seen what are some of the consequences. Worst is yet to come.

The private sector interests and the personalities behind the ownership of the Goldson Airport are interested in only one thing - making money. While the government is broke, taxes are high and more than half of our population is living in poverty, a handful of persons have become overnight millionaires off the Airport.

No nationalist government would countenance this.

The shutting down of the Goldson Airport on Saturday was, this time, caused by the Board appointed to oversee the Civil Aviation Department and the Ministry of Tourism which is responsible for the Aviation Department.

Both the Board and the Ministry are ill-equipped to administrate the Aviation Department. All they are interested in is tourism, cocktails and travelling abroad.

They are not professional, career public officers and have not the slightest clue or interest as to what is their real responsibility as managers of a government department. Theirs is part of the overall negligence under which the government is running, or rather ruining the country.

And to think Aviation is a tiny unit with a mere five members of staff. We were taken aback to learn that the portfolio of aviation is under tourism. We were more taken aback that the Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry was a tourism junkie. (We won’t bother to waste words on the Minister).

Equally disconcerting is the politically-appointed Chairman of the Board for Civil Aviation. Was this not the same personality who authorized taxpayers dollars to be sucked out of the Aviation funds by the disgraced Minister Castro who paid for family funeral, his son’s bicycle repairs and God knows what all

1 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES

else to the tune of thousands of dollars.

How could he ever still be the Chairman of any Government Board thereafter? How? Shame on you Hon. Prime Minister. You reward wrongdoers.

Both the CEO and Chairman, as shown on Channel 5 and Channel 7 news, looked like a deer caught in the glare of sudden night lights. They looked lost and confused. And so they were.

They had not the slightest clue why the small staff of the Department would resort to such a drastic act of defiance. It’s because of the way they are treated!

For the first time in the history of Belize, the international airport closed down.

ELECTION TABLETS In six days’ time there will be Municipal elections in the cities and towns of the country.

This explains why students of the University of Belize had to humble themselves and be embarrassed to get a tablet from government.

The embarrassment of having our future leaders have to stand in line like beggars waiting to be given a tablet with the woman-scorned Minister showing his face and making a speech.

Why couldn’t the tablets be left with the Principal and the students sign for it without the public embarrassment?

What the students want to know is which crony or family member got the bloated contract to “order” the tablets and how much commission and profits were made?

If U.B students had strong student union leaders they would have boycotted the show-time propaganda ceremony whose sole purpose was to exploit their presence.

BACK WAY Having unleashed community terrorism on the poorer classes with their nonsense of arresting and charging people for bicycle bell and light; the Police have tried to recover a little good will.

When they started their foolishness, single mothers carrying their young to school; hard working law abiding adults on their way to work, a few street hustlers seeking to put bread on the table- were all targeted and thrown in police pickup vehicles.

Then they were kept at Police stations. Later processed and dragged into the Courts for ridiculous fines of $25 for not having a bell and $75 for not having a light.

A simple public information campaign could have been employed. But the Police and their political bosses preferred to rough up people, throw them in the back of the Police pickups and lock them behind bars at Police Stations. For weeks and months they did this to citizens.

Now some Chinese merchants or cronies seeking special favors give the Police eighty bicycle bells to give out and they all pretending they so love the poor people, who just weeks ago they were abusing.

Real community policing means dismantling the GSU and bringing criminal charges against rogue Police who are abusing people.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH Black history in the USA is highlighted during the month of February each year.

In Belize where at least one quarter of the population is…how to put it technically…black people, there is no history, period.

There is no month set aside to discuss the issues affecting the Creole and Garifuna population. There is no month set aside to highlight the achievement of the black people in our country.

Guess it’s all about leadership or the lack thereof.

A people who don’t know their history are like a tree which has no roots.

Gonna wither and die away.

DANNY CONORQUIE The nation was shocked, then angry over what happened to Danny Conorquie.

Danny was a Special Constable who accompanied tourists to the Chiquibul Forest Reserve. The Belize Defense Force was always to provide protection.

One day the BDF did not do so.

Some low-down killer took advantage and ambushed and murdered Danny Conorquie. This was done in broad-daylight in front of many tourists.

Danny Conorquie was more than likely an innocent target who had done nothing to those who killed him.

It is possible the BDF may have chanced some of the bandits as their horses had been confiscated and were at the tourist site where Danny was killed.

The news is now reporting that to date the Prime Minister has still not paid the family any compensation for BDF negligence in not providing security.

While certain UDP lawyers and family members are collecting millions of dollars for work that government lawyers can do; those Belizeans whose families are killed because of government negligence are left out in the cold.

Like Danny Conorquie, the family of Delbert McLaughlin has not received a cent although Mr. McLaughlin lost his life when a government vehicle overturned due to negligence.

We also understand that Police Officer Martinez who was rendered disabled after a traffic accident has not received a red cent from his government.

CANE FARMERS An article in the British Guardian is a must read for Belizeans and policy makers.

2015 The article published on Saturday 21st February but is still online is entitled “Jamaican Farmers Face Bleak Future as E.U. Axes Cap on Sugar Beet Production”.

It applies to Belize.

The article states that at the end of next year 2016, the European Union will end restrictions on the planting of sugar beet. This will allow an increase in sugar production from beet plants. This means that European countries will be buying more beet sugar and less cane sugar. Beet sugar is expected to flood the sugar market which is already facing low prices.

Jamaican farmers are paid 394 pounds for one ton of cane, 394 pounds at the current exchange rate is $1222.24. This price will fall by 40 percent in 12 months. For Jamaican farmers such a fall will be below their breakeven point.

Some 165,000 persons work directly or indirectly in the cane industry in Jamaica.

African, Caribbean and Pacific countries (ACP) which grows sugar cane for sale to European countries will be forced into poverty. Some 6 ½ million people will fall into poverty within three years of the change to beet sugar.

The article also mentions that the global sugar export trade is worth 47 billion pounds.

OIL PRICE-THIEF Petrol prices in Belize have gone up again.

The government and the local petrol company di thief Belizeans.

Suddenly, over the weekend Premium gasoline gone up to $8.03 while regular gas gone up to $8.04. Overseas price of oil has fallen by 50 percent.

Bunch of crooks.

BLOCKING YOUNG PEOPLE Wonder why many of our young productive citizens are unable to find jobs?

Because the government keeps re-employing their cronies in violation of the law that such persons on reaching the age of 55 years must retire.

Rehiring should only occur where the person retiring has special skills that no one else has. This is not the case.

Why does a former Police Commissioner, who had retired almost half a decade ago and was reemployed twice, still have a government job as Transport Commissioner? He is blocking our university graduates.

Why has another Police Commissioner been put in charge of scientists and experts at the Government Laboratory at Ladyville? He too is blocking advancement of others.

There are many of these cases in which the government has been re-employing cronies in the public service.

But we notice for several Belizean attorneys who are Magistrate, they are hastily retired at 55 years and replaced by foreigners.

Something is wrong.

1 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES

2015

GOB neglects San Jose Village!!!

Mr. Virginio Sub, Hon. Oscar Requena, Mr. Justino Pec & Mr. Francisco Bol

CARTOON

Belize City, February 26th, 2015 On a daily basis, representatives of the Barrow Administration can be heard boasting on the media about the millions which the Government is spending in the country. Prime Minister Dean Barrow himself travelled to Cayo North East last year to tell the people that if they vote UDP, he will spend millions and millions in their community. But all this talk of millions has apparently evaded or overlooked the entire Toledo District.

On Wednesday, February 25th, three leaders from San Jose Village in the Toledo District and their area representative Hon. Oscar Requena travelled to Belize City on a media blitz to expose the serious neglect of basic and important amenities in their community.

Mr. Virginio Sub, the Chairman of San Jose Village; Mr. Francisco Bol, the community’s Alcalde, and Mr. Justino Pec, the Chairman of the Quality Child Friendly Initiative; visited the BELIZE TIMES and the Morning Whip on Vibes Radio to discuss the concerns of their fellow community residents.

Mr. Sub expressed grave concern about the road conditions in San Jose Village. He pointed out that their roads are totally neglected and dilapidated and that the Government refuses to repair it.

He explained that main road into the village, with a distance of nine miles, is near impassable.

Mr. Sub and Mr. Bol say that they have written letters to the Ministry of Works for urgent works, but the appeals have been ignored.

Mr. Bol added that even their community center has been neglected. The old center built in the 1970s was damaged

by Hurricane Iris and construction for a new center began under the former PUP Government. When the UDP Government took office in 2008, the construction was near complete and only required the roofing work. Seven years later, the center is in the same structural condition, with a missing roof.

Mr. Pec said he is concerned because the poor road conditions do affect the students’ ability to get to school.

The community leaders called on the Government to fulfil their responsibility to the villagers of San Jose.

31

An Empty Chair for an Empty Head

UDP mayoral candidate Khalid Belisle shunned a public debate organized by Plus TV and the Belmopan Evangelical Association on Thursday evening

1 MAR

2015

THE BELIZE TIMES

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