Belize Times March 6, 2016 by Belize Times Press

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The Belize Times

Established 1957

6 MARCH 2016 | ISSUE NO: 4983

The Truth Shall Make You Free

www.belizetimes.bz | $1.00

Guats Take Over Sarstoon Sedi’s damning admission

Pg. 3

Wilfred Elrington

Mutiny in the UDP March 2, 2016 There is mutiny in the United Democratic Party. The UDP held a National Party Council meeting on Saturday but it turned out to be more of a bashing exercise against their leader Dean Barrow whose leadership is getting weaker by the day. The BELIZE TIMES has learnt that the ruling Party is slowly breaking into factions, with loyalties switching without mercy. Gaspar Vega has his crowd. Patrick Faber has his too. John Saldivar is also picking up steam but his attention is squarely on football at the moment. Saldivar was still able to get his minions to attend the Party Council meeting and they sent a strong message to Dean Barrow. His crowd was joined by Faber supporters who, we understand, attempted to pass a motion demanding Barrow to step down before the next election. Unfortunately, Barrow is running the UDP with a personal grip and no one outside the Faber and Saldivar camps were brave enough to support. Reports to our newspaper are that there could be two new entrants in the leadership race. One of these is actually Barrow’s pic for leader, since he is not impressed with Patsy or Saldivar.

Opposition Leader addresses land concerns in Trio Village

PUP REJECTS GUAT CLAIM TO SARSTOON

Pg. 4 PUP National Executive discussing response to Guatemala’s unfounded claim

Pg. 8

BELIZE IS IN SERIOUS TROUBLE Pg. 8

Shyne Barrow

Anwar Barrow

GSU SHOOT DISABLED FATHER OF 2

Pg. 23

Pg. 9

TOP MODEL

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OPINION OUT

As a resident of Corozal Town I am very worried with the recent closure of the Fruta Bomba/Fruit Packers companies in Corozal and the recent banking situation and other business issues at the Corozal Free Zone. At the height of the industry, Fruta Bomba and Belize Fruit Packers employed approximately 1000 persons and the Free Zone at its peak also employed as much as 3,000 workers. It is now the reality that we have lost the jobs in the Papaya Industry as Fruta Bomba/ Belize Fruit Packers has announced its closure and has already terminated most of its employees. With the recent banking issues and the incompetent management of the Corozal Free Zone, more employees are being terminated and or advised that they will be working less hours/days. This is translating to a major part of our workforce being underemployed. If the low price for sugar cane is added to these two issues, the employment picture gets real bleak for Corozaleños. With all of these issues affecting the Corozal residents we have not heard from our Area Representatives/Ministers. We have not heard how the GOB will address these issues. Not one of them have addressed the serious issue of unemployment and or underemployment affecting our communities. In fact, it’s a miracle if you see Pablo Marin, Campos or Patt pass you driving in their late model vehicles. Since November 2015 they have gone MIA.

LOCAL 3 Mar

March 1, 2016 Every week things get worse in Belize on every level. Every week it gets harder to make ends meet. Every week we see more and more evidence that this UDP government only cares about a few rich friends and family members. The rest of us can go to hell and they couldn’t care less. All over the world fuel prices have gone down. In Belize they keep going up. This week the UDP shafted us again. The latest shipment of fuel came in and we were supposed to get a big break at the pumps. But the government decides that we don’t deserve a break and they raise import duties on fuel WAY UP – AGAIN. So instead of prices going DOWN, they went UP. How much more of this can we take? Diesel went up by $1.00. Our public transportation system is already in shambles with operators grumbling that they are barely surviving. Commuters are forced to ride on deteriorating buses with onion-skin tires, breaking down all the time, because the margin of profit in the industry is so small that operators can’t pay taxes, salaries, fuel and upkeep. But

Call to a national protest!!

Dear Editor,

2016

BELIZE IS IN SERIOUS TROUBLE

OUT

Corozal - The Best Is Yet to Come!!

6 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES

Dear Belizeans,

The Sarstoon incident with the Belize Territorial Volunteers has impacted and shamed my sense as a Belizean. The BDF, the Coast Guard, the Police and any other official body which protects our national integrity has been SHAMED and “slapped” by the Guatemalan authorities. The FREE access to our national waters has been blocked by a foreign authority. Our National Anthem has been embarrassed – humiliated – disgraced and discredited. In national protest to our GOB authorities – for ineffective diplomatic results – I call on all Unions, Radio Stations and Media Houses specifically the TEACHERS UNION that for the next month our national anthem is not sung by our children, nor played by radio stations. How can any Belizean sing the national anthem – where it says from the Sarstoon to the Rio Hondo – with pride and dignity when we are embarrassed, shamed and “slapped on the face” by not having the privilege as citizens of this our jewel to travel our own waters???? I may sound as a lonely voice in the wilderness, I may sound solitary or radical, but radical I am!! I am yelling with this letter against this GOB administration. We need

to “cry” for our national integrity and pride! National abuse on our country must not be permitted. Stop the abuse – let’s bring this GOB administration to sense – let’s protest by not singing and playing our national anthem for a month… Signed, Carlos Magana Corozal District

the fat cats in government don’t care. You think you’d ever see Dean Barrow riding a Tillett’s Bus to Orange Walk, or taking a Shaw Bus to Belmopan? Government could have eased us. Really they could have. At least in Diesel! But instead bus operators will have to dig into their pockets for hundreds of dollars more each day to put fuel in their buses when things are already so hard. If government wanted to raise import duties it could have done so on Premium, since only about 20% of consumers use Premium. But this greedy, uncaring UDP lowered the price of Premium and raised the prices of Regular and Diesel which 80% of consumers use. When will we take a stand? When they raise it again? When the countries around us are paying $2.00 per gallon and we are paying $10.00 per gallon? When? The PUP has been saying it for months and months. We are in big, big trouble. In the north cane farmers are in trouble, corn farmers are in trouble, carrot farmers are in trouble, soybean farmers are in trouble. They get no breaks from government. Then we want to know why farmers in Guyana can grow rice so cheap that even after it Continued on page 8 SCAN HERE

The Belize Times

Established 1957

14 APR 2013

ISSUE NO: 4840

The Truth Shall Make You Free

www.belizetimes.bz

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serving Belize since 1957 as the longest continuous newspaper. Founder: Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price, People’s United Party Leader Emeritus EDITOR

It’s either an issue of incompetence, they do not know what to do or simply they do not care. Either way these representatives should be seen for what they are. The Corozal District has been abandoned by this inept, uncaring and callous UDP Government. In Corozal we are no longer waiting

for what is “The best is yet to come”. In Corozal we are no longer waiting… it’s already here….no jobs, no money, more suffering and more crime. Wake up Corozaleños!! The worst is here!!

WEATHER 4 Mar

5 Mar

6 Mar

267 Mar Mar

Sincerely, Myra Hernandez

Alberto Vellos LAYOUT/GRAPHIC ARTIST

Chris Williams

OFFICE ASSISTANT

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Exchange rate of One Belize Dollar

United States (USD): $ 0.50

Barbados (BBD): $ 1.00

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6 MAR

03 3

THE BELIZE TIMES

2016

Guats Take Over Sarstoon Sedi’s damning admission

Belize City, March 1, 2016 Foreign Minister Wilfred “Sedi” Elrington has made a damning admission that Guatemala has taken over the Sarstoon Island and Sarstoon River, which form part of Belize’s territory in Southern Belize. Elrington confessed in media interviews this week, after Guatemala’s military once again blocked a group of Belizeans who were travelling to the Sarstoon Area on Saturday, February 27th, that Guatemala’s “…position is consistent, they claim the area and therefore they think they are protecting their territory”. Sedi’s admission is the clearest indication that the Foreign Ministry and Barrow Administration are fully aware that the Guatemala military is not only encroaching on Belizean territory, but also that Guatemalan military is enforcing Guatemalan law on our land. This law enforcement has meant that Guatemala prevents any Belizean vessel or national from going onto Sarstoon River. They threaten to use military force. Elrington’s admittance is a serious national concern. Not only because of the meaning of the words uttered but also because in the face of Guatemala’s aggression, which has been going on ever since the Barrow Administration took office and which intensified in July last year, the Barrow Administration has not seriously defended Belize’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It appears that every Belizean but Elrington and the entire Barrow Administration has been conscious that Guatemala is out of line with their actions on Belizean territory and against Belizean nationals. In fact, the reactions and responses from Elrington after every instances of aggression, on behalf of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, has been a cowering shame. “…we are going to deal with [it] in the usual way,” indicated Elrington to the media. The “usual” way, which Elrington referred to, is sending what the Government considers a “protest note”, but which is draped in such soft, diplomatic language that it comes off more as a love note from Sedi to his friends in Guatemala. For example, in the Government of Belize’s last note to Guatemala following the August 16th 2015 incident where a Guatemalan military fleet blocked the Belize Territorial Volunteers from visiting Sarstoon Island inside Belize’s territory, which Prime Minister Dean Barrow promised would have been an “extremely strong” one,

Wilfred Elrington

the first line reads as follows: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belize presents its compliments to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Guatemala and has the honour to refer to the incidents of Sunday 16th August 2015 during the visit of a few unarmed Belize civilians in the Sarstoon River by the Sarstoon Island.” Why would there be any need for compliments or the declaration of honor in writing when the subject is over Guatemala’s illegal incursion and threats on our Belizeans? The note then went on to denounce, not the Guatemalan military, but the patriotic actions of the Belize Territorial Volunteers as ill-advised. The Guatemala Government’s response was the real extremely strong note, with their Government accusing the Belizeans of provoking and verbally abusing Guatemalan authorities who were enforcing Guatemala’s “national laws”. The Guatemalan Government also declared that they were rejecting Sedi note and that “Guatemala asserts that until the Territorial, Insular and Maritime claim against Belize is resolved at the International Court of Justice it does not recognize the existence of borders with Belize and it considers that the River Sarstoon and the islet situated at its mouth as Guatemalan territory and therefore, any foreign national who visits without the permission of the Guatemalan authori-

ties could be considered as illegal and are subject to Guatemalan law”. The August incident is still fresh in the minds of Belizeans, and Saturday’s incident, was just a repetition. But this time, the Guatemalan military was much further into Belize’s territory, almost as if standing guard just in front of the pur-

ported military base being built on the Belize’s mainland coast. This time also, the Guatemalan military did not even allow the Territorial Volunteers to enter the Sarstoon River. The confrontation on Saturday occurred one week after the BDF’s Brigadier General David Jones warned the nation that the likelihood of military confrontation is very high between Belize and Guatemala in the Sarstoon Area. Apparently though, Sedi and the Barrow Government are living in another world, or in their world, where they prefer to live as “friends” of a country that is becoming the number one threat to our existence as a nation.

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6 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES

2016

PUP Rejects Guatemalan Claim to Sarstoon Belize City, February 29, 2016 On Saturday 27 February 2016, the Foreign Minister of Guatemala, Carlos Raul Morales, claimed, in Guatemalan media, that all of the Sarstoon River is Guatemalan territory. That is false and provocative. Based on reliable reports, it is clear that on the 27 February 2016 a Guatemalan military vessel entered Belizean territorial waters. This was an egregious violation of Belizean sovereignty and a breach of international law. The People’s United Party categorically rejects the false claim by Foreign Minister Morales, and strongly condemns the provocative and illegal acts by the Guatemalan Navy. The PUP calls on the Government of Belize to immediately deliver a strongly worded Diplomatic Note to Guatemala rejecting the spurious claim by Foreign Minister Morales, and to recall our Belizean Ambassador to Guatemala for urgent consultations. We further call for an urgent ministerial meeting between Belize and Guatemala at

the Organisation of American States to adopt measures that reduce tensions whilst fully respecting Belize’s territorial integrity. The PUP strongly asserts that Belize is sovereign over all its territory, as defined by the Belize Consti-

tution, and that Belizeans have the right to travel to any and all parts of Belize. We call on the Government to exercise sovereignty over all Belizean territory, and, when required, to provide an appropriate level of protection to all Belizeans within Be-

lize.

In commenting on the developments over the weekend, Opposition Leader Hon. John Briceno stated that “Guatemalan has embarked on a dangerous and confrontational course; we reject it. Now, more than ever, we need a bipartisan approach to what is clearly a threat to Belizean sovereignty. The PUP is ready to play a leading role in a national effort to defend our national interest”. ON the 25th February 2016, the PUP National Executive approved the appointment of a Belize Guatemala Advisory Committee comprising: Rt. Hon. Said Musa, Chairman; Assad Shoman, Godfrey Smith, Eamon Courtenay and Lisa Shoman.

PUP Leader visits Southern PUP Executive Committees IN DANGRIGA

IN TOLEDO EAST & WEST

March 1, 2016 PUP Leader Hon. John Briceño has intensified his nationwide tour of PUP committees, visiting leaders and supporters. On Friday, February 26, Hon. Briceno held a meeting with the PUP Executives of Stann Creek West and Dangriga. On Saturday, February 27, Hon. Briceño met with the Executives for Toledo East and Toledo West along with their Area Representatives Hon. Oscar Requena and Hon. Mike Espat. The Party Leader is joined by Party Chairman Henry Usher in these visits. The purpose of the visits is to focus on rebuilding and reviving the People’s United Party. Hon. Briceno will continue to travel and meet with each Constituency Executives in the weeks ahead. Que Viva el PUP! Long Live the People’s United Party!

6 MAR

2016

THE BELIZE TIMES

5 05

EDITORIAL

From Rio Hondo to Old Sarstoon?

his UDP Government has completely sold out to Guatemala. The Government of Belize has openly and unapologetically surrendered control of Belizean territory to Guatemala. Sarstoon Island is located on the south end of Belize’s territorial map. The UDP Government is compelled to inform the Guatemalan military before it does anything on Sarstoon Island, even if it is just to carry out a coast guard visit. We have seen the video footage of “boat races” involving BDF vessels and Guatemalan navy boats, as Belize’s military attempts to conduct patrols of our border points. We have seen the UDP Government’s handling of the situation. More and more, the feeling is as if Sedi and his boss have banded against Belizeans. None of them want Belizeans on or near Sarstoon Island, it appears. Over the weekend, the Belize Territorial Volunteers group came again under aggression by Guatemala’s military during a trip to the Sarstoon Area. The group wanted to go to the Gracia a Dios border marker. This is the third time our Belizeans are aggressed by Guatemalan military. In the first incident, an entire boat occupied by Belizeans were intercepted by armed Guatemala military while on Belizean waters and towed into Guatemalan waters by force. Belize’s security forces failed to provide security, putting the lives of the Belizeans at risk. The group of Belizeans were taken to the coastal community of Livingston where they were kept against their will for an overnight. While visiting Belize, Guatemala’s Foreign Minister disrespected the gravity of the incident when he claimed that his military officials

were “assisting” the group of Belizeans. Was Saturday’s blatant incursion by Guatemala’s military and threats to our Belizean people the third and last strike? We don’t think so. Not after measuring Sedi Elrington’s responses. The PUP is right on target to call out Guatemala’s provocative behaviour. The PUP also wants our Ambassador in Guatemala City to come back home. This is how a nation under threat behaves. It sends off an immediate message that “we noh happy”. Sedi has made the entire world think we are happy with the goings on. Not before United Nations General Assembly or before CARICOM heads of government leaders meeting has he expressed condemnation for Guatemalan’s continued invasion of Belizean territory. Why? “From proud Rio Hondo to old Sarstoon”, says the Belizean national anthem, but thanks to the UDP Government, Sarstoon is now controlled by Guatemala’s military. Our school children are taught that Belize’s territory is 8867 square miles but little do they know that the UDP Government is giving away a large chunk in the Sarstoon for the Guatemalans to patrol with their navy and chase away Belizeans from. A video ad prepared by Guatemalan officials, detailing what is their claim on half of Belize (Cayo, Stann Creek and Toledo Districts) has begun airing on their television channels daily. It appears comedian President Jimmy Morales’ pre-election promise that he will take back Belize was not a joke. But Sedi’s weak responses as Foreign Minister to their actions are treated as a joke by the Guatemalan authorities.

06 6

6 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES

Barrow & Sedi – Bad for Belize

2016

GELARD GROUP LIMITED. #147,628 (“the Company”)

Pursuant to Section 102 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, notice is hereby given that GELARD GROUP LIMITED has been dissolved as at 1st March, 2016 and has been struck off the Register of International Business Companies. Cititrust International Limited Registered Agent

Dean Barrow Contributed There is no way that Belizeans should feel comfortable about going to the International Court of Justice right now. Not under this UDP administration. Not with Sedi Elrington doing all the negotiations for us. Not when Dean Barrow and Sedi Elrington seem to think that it’s more important to please the Guatemalans and make them happy than to protect our land. When OUR Belizeans want to go to the Sarstoon we can’t - because the Sarstoon doesn’t belong to us anymore. It belongs to Guatemala. This past weekend when the Belize Territorial Volunteers attempted to go to the Sarstoon along with the media they were turned back IN BELIZEAN WATERS. They couldn’t even go as far as the Forward Operating Base which is being built by the BDF. I guess they have to ask permission to go there too. All along the coast from Barranco to the Sarstoon the Guatemalans have started putting up fishing camps and huts. Soon there’ll be houses there, and eventually Guatemalan communities. Obviously this administration is afraid to stand up to the Guatemalans. See, Sedi Elrington doesn’t want to “offend” the Guatemalans. You know what’s scary? A few years ago Belizeans could go into the Sarstoon. There was no doubt it belonged to us. Fishermen from the South had no fear going into that area. Tour operators had no problems taking tourists into the Sarstoon. But under this incompetent UDP and under the totally clueless Sedi, it’s gotten to the point where no Belizean is free to go into the Sarstoon. Boat captains don’t go there anymore. Tour operators don’t go there anymore. It doesn’t belong to us anymore. Video footage taken this weekend shows Guatemalan boats way inside Belizean waters. When you look at the footage you can see the BDF’s Forward Operating Base behind the boats. Anybody with common sense and even pre-school ed-

Wilfred Elrington ucation could figure out that means the boats were in OUR waters. But Sedi doesn’t want to figure that out. He says there is a “suggestion” that “maybe” one of the boats may have come into our waters, and if so they will go through the usual letter writing process. Everybody knows by now that’s bogus. Sedi probably already sent a note apologizing for those pesky Belizeans who dare to bother the Guatemalans in the Sarstoon. It’s funny but it’s no joke. Even our fishermen now keep away from the area around the Sarstoon. Only Guatemalans fish there now. They have access to all our marine resources, while our Belizean fishermen have to go further and further to get a good catch. Sedi doesn’t care. Dean doesn’t care. Since general elections in 2015 it’s been hard to figure out what the UDP cares about. We’ve lost the Sarstoon. The UDP doesn’t care. But that’s not the only thing Belizeans have to worry about. Check this out. Pensioners who get monies from abroad and bank with Heritage haven’t gotten their money this month. Imagine that. Imagine that you have no other source of income but that money coming like clockwork from outside Belize. That’s how you pay your bills. That’s how you pay your mortgage. That’s how you buy food and pay your loans and send your kids or grandkids to school. And then the money doesn’t come in. The companies abroad say they sent it as they do every month. Heritage Bank says they don’t know where it is. What do you do then? Where do you turn? This correspondent banking thing is serious, serious business. And the worst is yet to come. Think about that. This government isn’t. They’re not saying anything about it because Dean Barrow doesn’t live pay check to pay check. Gapi Vega doesn’t live pay check to pay check. But sadly many Belizeans do. What are they going to do now? They said the best was coming. They lied.

CRYSTAL PARADISE TRADING LIMITED #82,506 (“the Company”)

Pursuant to Section 102 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, notice is hereby given that CRYSTAL PARADISE TRADING LIMITED has been dissolved as at 1st March, 2016 and has been struck off the Register of International Business Companies. Cititrust International Limited Registered Agent

AMEDEUS HOLDINGS LIMITED #84,273 (“the Company”)

Pursuant to Section 102 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, notice is hereby given that AMEDEUS HOLDINGS LIMITED has been dissolved as at 1st March, 2016 and has been struck off the Register of International Business Companies. Cititrust International Limited Registered Agent

6 MAR

07 7

THE BELIZE TIMES

2016

MY PERSPECTIVE By Dolores Balderamos Garcia

Precedent in Guatemala There is an important event and much drama unfolding in our neighbor country Guatemala. It started just a few weeks ago, on February 1st to be exact. Of course for proponents it took much, much longer for commencement to actually be made. I am talking about the rape and crimes against humanity trial of ex army officers, a case brought to Court by eleven women who were systematically raped, sexually abused, and enslaved at the military base of Sepur Zarco in the southeast in the 1980s. The horrendous human rights abuses against these indigenous women occurred during Guatemala’s long armed conflict, in which thousands upon thousands of in-

digenous persons were brutalized and killed by the military. A comprehensive history of the why and the how of Guatemala’s civil conflict has, I believe, yet to be written, and the United States has a lot to answer for, but that is really for another time. Many years of preparation and advocacy by various experts and women’s groups have finally resulted in this case reaching the Court. Two ex military officers are accused of allowing the rape and abuse of the women. The United Nations says that in this case rape, as well as domestic and sexual slavery, were used as a weapon of war and of terror by the army. The captivating fact is that such an offence has never before been tried in the country where the crimes actually occurred, so Guatemala is blazing a trail. And we are also aware that many

times the army acted at the behest of wealthy landowners who did not wish for land reform and for the empowerment of poor indigenous Mayas who only wanted small parcels of land for subsistence farming. As the trial commenced the alleged victims, now in their 70s and 80s, covered their heads and faces, and other women did the same in solidarity with the litigants. At a pre-trial hearing the women told the judge that their husbands had been murdered by the soldiers. The soldiers then raped them, burned down their houses and crops and forced them to move into shacks outside the military base. They were forced to cook and clean and were repeatedly raped. They were sex slaves for the use and enjoyment of the soldiers. Four wives fled and hid in the mountains. Many of their children died of hunger and disease. Interestingly as well, some of the testimonies of the women in the case were recorded in 2012. A few months later, one of the women who testified died. The matter is now dubbed “Caso Sepur Zarco,” and there were demonstrations in Guatemala City in 2012 to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, with activists holding placards saying “Nuestra Mirada Esta en la Justicia,” roughly: “Our Eyes Are on Justice.” As mentioned, the women were supported by advocacy groups, and in 2011 they, along with five male witnesses, decided to come forward. Crimes Against Humanity are not included in the post-war amnesty law,

and so the case is being heard. In court, interpreters are sitting with the alleged victims, as they speak only Q’eqchi. We recall that in 2013 ex general and President Efrain Rios Montt was found guilty in another unprecedented case of genocide and crimes against humanity. The verdict was overturned by the constitutional court ten days later, and Rios Montt has yet to account fully. Rios Montt’s apparent impunity is not a good precedent for the Sepur Zarco case. However, it appears that history is in the making in this case in Guatemala. It should be watched closely. Among advocates and activists there is great hope that the justice system will work. One newspaper headline was: “Guatemalan Soldiers To Answer Sexual Slavery Charges in Historic Trial.” Will justice and accountability prevail? P.S. I wrote this piece a few days ago. On checking today February 27, 2016 I have seen that the verdict has been given in this trial!! The two army officers have been found guilty and sentenced to cumulative prison terms of 120 and 240 years respectively. The verdict was delivered to a packed-to-capacity courtroom. In the court was Nobel Peace Prize winner Rigoberta Menchu, among many other advocates. One observer with the Washington Office on Latin America said: “The ruling is an extremely important moment for Guatemalan justice.”

Belmopan Mayor threatens to leave 30 families homeless

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Opposition Leader addresses land concerns in Trio Village Toledo District, February 16, 2016 Opposition Leader John Briceño met on Sunday, February 28th with the chairman and residents of Trio Village to discuss their concerns over land ownership. The villagers are being threatened with homelessness after finding out that the land they have been living on for years was sold to South Korean national Sang Yin in 2014. Yin is reportedly urging the residents to leave the land if they cannot pay $20,000. The village residents are mostly poor farmers who have been living on the lands for over twenty-five years. Now they have no one to turn to, as the Government has clearly favoured the foreigner and his money from the start. In his discussions with the residents, Hon. Briceno pledged to fight for their rights. Hon. Briceno pointed out that when he was the Minister of lands under the for-

BELIZE IS IN SERIOUS TROUBLE

Continued from page 2

is shipped to Belize it can be sold for 60 cents a pound. You know why…because in Guyana the Government helps the farmers. In Guyana their officials in government recognize that farmers are the backbone of the country. Fruta Bomba is done in Belize. Last week they laid-off about 125 more persons. Yet every time we get the official stats from the government’s Statistical Institute of Belize unemployment is way down. It’s bogus, people. Hundreds laid-off from papaya farming….1,000 laid off from banana farms…600 laid off from shrimp farms and yet government says unemployment is down. Do you see the government worrying about all those persons out of a job? No. They don’t care. How many hundreds more will be out of a job when the Corozal Free Zone collapses? Because it will collapse! Right now it is on life-support and now Atlantic Bank has told cigarette traders in the zone that their accounts will be closed in a couple weeks. We must wake up. We must get up. We must stand up before it is way too late. They told us that best is yet to come. But they lied.

mer PUP administration, he worked hard for tens of thousands of Belizeans to become land owners. He said that when the next PUP Government takes office, he will place the authority of land distribution to a committee that will be fair to all Belizeans.

6 MAR

2016

6 MAR

2016

THE BELIZE TIMES

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6 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES

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Top 3 Females

Top 3 Juniors

St. Martin de Porres girls win national basketball champs Orange Walk Town, February 27, 2016 The St. Martin De Porres RC School girls defeated the Cayo district champions, the girls of St. Francis Xavier RC School of Esperanza Village, 16-4 to win the primary schools basketball nationals held at the Orange Walk Multi-Purpose Complex over the weekend. For St. Martin’s Shantel Flowers scored 11pts while Cherish Wade added 5pts. The Martin’s girls won 15-8 over Holy Family School girls from Hopkins, Stann Creek to advance to the nationals. The Cayo girls had eliminated the Orange Walk girls 11-6. For 3rd place Stann Creek won 11-4 against Orange Walk; led by Shendra Casimiro with 6 pts and Leandra Ramos scored 4pts. Orange Walk’s Isabella Baeza scored 4pts. Skills Challenge Winner Six players, one per district competed in a skills challenge, comprising 5 different categories: shooting; free throw and 3 pointers, Lay-up, speed dribbling, obstacle course and 2-ball dribbling. The winners won medals: Martin’s Cherish Wade won the

Gold with 36pts; Hopkins’ Ophelia Casimiro won the silver with 31pts and Sugar City’s Juanita Hamilton took 3rd place with 28pts. All Star Game Winner The North Zone won 12-10 over the South Zone in the All Star game after the championship finals. Representing the Northern Zone were Tamara Gonzalez and Keely Banner from Corozal, Rica Gentle, Amanda Bowen, Juanita Hamilton, Raquel Moguel and Shenaia Vanegas from Orange Walk, Sonte Gentle, Destiny Dominguez, Shantel Flowers, Cherish Wade and Gareth Bruce from Martin’s, coached by Ryan Michael of Belize. Representing the south zone were Denisha Canelo, Sherilee Mendez, Karel Avila and Aneka Young from Toledo, Shakinah Myers, Marquela Robateau, Lucy Anthony and Edith Miranda from Cayo, and Ashley Maximo, Nadia Casimiro, Leandra Ramos and Shandra Casimiro from Stann Creek; coached by Irene McKoy of Cayo. The All Star Female MVP award went to Shantel Flowers (Belize) and Male MVP went to David Smith (Orange Walk).

St. Martin’s girls champ

Esperanza girls won 2nd place

6 MAR

SPORTS 11

THE BELIZE TIMES

2016

E.P. Yorke girls & SJC enter softball playoffs

SCA girls

Maud Williams’ Latifah Ferguson

Maud Williams boys

Carmelita Jrs & Blackwater win in O.Walk U-19 football Orange Walk Town, February 27, 2016 Carmelita Juniors and Blackwater enjoyed big wins in the Orange Walk Town Council’s under-18 football tournament; while Vibes Alive and Crystal posted wins in the under-15 tournament at the Orange Walk Technical High School field on Saturday afternoon. In Game 1, the Orange Walk Central Stars ‘A’ schooled the Blackwater Eagles: 3-zip with goals scored by Jesse “Beast” August, Alexis Chan and Alfredo Gongora. In Game 2, a single strike by Joan Bull was enough to give Vibes Alive the 1-zip win over Orange Walk Central “B” Stars. In Game 3, the Man of the Match was Ethan Viarm, who scored Crystal Palace’s winning goal for their 1-zip win over the Blackwater Young Stars. In Game 4, Carmelita Juniors’ goalie Patrick Reid was the Man of the Match, stopping 3 penalties in a penalty shootout and scoring the winning penalty in sudden death for their 1-0 win against the Orange Walk ITVET squad; 2 of the ITVET kickers missed the goal completely, even after their goalie Danny Sentimiento had stopped 5 penalties to give his squad a fighing chance. In Game 5, Trial Farm won 1-0 against the Tower Hill Rising Stars, with a single tally by Jason Muniz. The undefeated Gwen Lizarraga High School boys picked up a 5th win: as pitcher Devontae Middleton shut out the Sdie Vernon Technical high School boys 10-0 on Saturday afternoon.

Belize City, February 29, 2015 The Edward P. Yorke High School and St. John’s College high school will qualify as the No. 2 seed into the secondary schools softball competition. The E. P. Yorke girls hammered the Ladyville Technical High School girls 11-8 at the Rogers Stadium in Belize City last Wednesday. Pitcher Jasany Westby struck out 13 batters, while her teammate got 3 hits off Ashley Robinson’s pitching. Robinson also walked 9 batters, and this permitted Aesha Metsken to scored 3 runs, while Hannah Usher, Keisha Lacayo and Ellen Arnold scored 2 runs apiece and Westby and Ivany Young scored 1 runs apiece. The Ladyville girls got 3 hits off Westby, who also walked 5 batters and Seleaney Goodin scored 2 runs for Ladyville, while Robinson, Jay Gideon, Dejeanne Noralez, Kersten Dominguez, Atoya Dixon and Keisha Jones scored one run apiece. The Maud Williams High School girls may also make the playoffs as the No.4 seed; after winning 19-14 against the St. Catherine Academy girls last Thursday evening. Maud Williams’ pitcher Latifah Ferguson struck out 4 batters and scored 3 runs in the win. SCA’s Kendice Armstrong had struck out 7 batters, but walked 21. Magdalena Cassasola and Vanisha Tablada also scored 3 runs apiece, while Juliet Madrill, Alisha Dillett and Moriesha Gillett scored 2 runs apiece for the win. Celine Bailey and Ashley Bailey came home once each for Maud Williams. The St. John’s College boys posted their 3rd as they outlasted E.P. Yorke 1915 in their last match. SJC led 5-0 when E.P. Yorke’s Jefferson Spencer walked 10 batters, and the diamond made 6 errors. This allowed Killyon Pollard to score 4 runs, Zidane Thompson scored 3 runs; and Shevaughn Flowers, Shaun Garoy, Alwayne Hendy and Jaywin Pandy scored 2 runs apiece. E.P. Yorke’s Jefferson Spencer, Darien Bethran, Ashton Cleland, Alfredo Myvett, Devon Jones and Kareem Davis scored 2 runs apiece to give E.P. Yorke an 11-5 lead in the bottom of the 3rd inning, but they could not stop SJC from scoring. The undefeated Gwen Lizarraga High School boys picked up a 5th win: as pitcher Devontae Middleton shut out the Sdie Vernon Technical high School boys 10-0 on Saturday afternoon.

St. Martin de Porres boys win basketball nationals

6 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES

BSI/ASR Crop Review - Week 12

2016 For Sale By Order of the

Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Mortgage made the 29th day of August, 2007, between EDWARD YOUNG of Lord’s Bank, Belize District, Belize of the one part, and SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LTD., of the other part, and recorded in Deeds Book Vol. 33 of 2007 at Folios 743 – 810, 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. (February 22, 2016 to February 28, 2016) Cane milled – 49,543 tons Total cane milled since start of 2015/2016 crop: 538,784 tons Total cane milled in the same period in 2014/2015 crop: 611,890 tons Difference in this year’s crop: -73,106 tons Sugar produced – 5,042 tons Total sugar produced since start of 2015/2016 crop: 49,203 tons Total sugar produced in the same period in 2014/2015 crop: 75,055 tons

day day

Grinding rate – 7,078 tons of cane per day Average grinding rate since start of 2015/2016 crop – 6,414 tons of cane per Grinding rate in the same period of 2014/2015 crop – 7,284 tons of cane per

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. 128 containing 465.064 square meters situate in Lord’s Bank Village, Belize District and bounded and described in Minister’s Fiat (Grant) attached to and shown on Plan No. 1234 of 2006 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. DATED this 18th day of February, 2016.

Juice purity – 87.03% Average juice purity since start of 2015/2016 crop – 84.43% Juice purity in same period of 2014/2015 crop – 88.34% Mud levels in cane – 5.10% Average mud level in this year’s crop – 4.96% Mud level in same period in 2014/2015 crop – 4.02% Tons Cane per Ton Sugar (TC/TS) – 9.83:1 Average TC/TS since start of 2015/2016 crop – 10.95:1 TC/TS for same period in 2014/2015 crop – 8.15:1 Sugar level in cane – 96.10% Average sugar level since start of 2015/2016 crop – 95.56 % Sugar level in the same period in 2014/2015 crop – 95.33% Factory Time efficiency – 96.57% Factory efficiency since the start of 2015/2016 crop – 95.05% Factory efficiency in the same period in 2014/2015 crop – 95.33% BSI Comments - Factory performance was very good with 49,543 metric tons milled for the week. - Cane quality is starting to improve resulting in a gradual improvement of TC/TS ratio. - Farmers are encouraged not to engage in post-harvest burning since it removes all post-harvest trash left on the soil surface. This residue helps to minimize air pollution, helps to retain moisture in the soil, reduces the use of herbicides by preventing weed growth and serves as fertilizer once it decomposes. Data compiled from Daily and Weekly Factory Reports prepared by BSI.

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

For Sale By Order of the Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Mortgage made the 27th day of April, 2011, between Gregoria Martinez of Big Falls Village, Toledo District, Belize of the one part, and SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LTD., of the other part, and recorded in Deeds Book Vol. 10 of 2011 at Folios 813 – 880, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto. All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. SCHEDULE All that piece or parcel of land comprising 0.10.895 acres situate along the Southern Highway, Big Falls Area, Toledo District, Belize TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. DATED this 18th day of February, 2016. MUSA & BALDERAMOS LLP 91 North Front Street Belize City Attorney-at-Law for Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.

6 MAR

2016

THE BELIZE TIMES

Eulogio de Enrique Modesto Samos

Read by Adrian Danny Madrid Enrique Modesto Samos, J.P. nació el 15 de Julio del 1946, falleció a la edad de 69. En sus propias palabras “todo el Benque celebra mi cumpleaños porque 15 de Julio es la feria del Benque”. A la edad de 20 años fue cuando conoció y se enamoró de Dalia Asaeta con quien se casó a la edad de 21 años. Es matrimonio trajo 2 hijos y 2 hijas, Dalia Juanita, Jose Enrique, Rafael y Crystal Samos, 6 nietos, Alarice, Nailah, Elijah, Zahira, Rafael Jr y Carlito. Don Tito, como lo conocían su familia y sus numerosos amigos siempre fue orgulloso de sus hijos, los 2 hijos doctores, y las dos hijas cosmetólogas. Estudio en la escuela Monte Carmelo y por ser muy inteligente lo brincaban de clases sin terminar el año escolar. Luego estudio contabilidad por correspondencia. Finalmente estudio otro curso de contabilidad en Nova Scotia, Canada. Trabajo en Belmopan cuando se llamaba “New Site”. Después trabajo de contador en la compañía de Salada en Big Creek y luego en Alta Vista. Finalmente fue el contador de Northern Fishermen Co-operative Society donde trabajo desde Julio 1976 por 37 años hasta que se retiró en 2012. Su momento de más orgullo fue el 21 de septiembre de 1981 a la media noche cuando dio el discurso de independencia representando al Primer Ministro George Price en Benque. El 25 de enero 2015 don Tito fue reconocido por la asociación de juez de paz y comisionados de la corte suprema por su servicio al pueblo de

Belice. Otros momentos de mucho orgullo fueron cuando se graduaron sus hijos de doctores y sus hijas de cosmetólogas. Modesto fue un fanático de la política, muy patriota. Sirvió como miembro del municipio de Benque Viejo y también como vice alcalde de Benque del partido unido del pueblo. Durante el tiempo cuando Belice andaba en busca de la independencia, Enrique Modesto Samos fue uno de los elegidos para solicitar votos en varios países Centro Americanos a favor de la independencia de Belice en las Naciones Unidas. Viajo a Costa Rica, Nicaragua, etc. solicitando votos a favor de la independencia de Belice. Un chiste o pregunta que siempre nos decía don Tito, adonde estabas cuando se fue la luz, nadie sabe la respuesta, pero yo creo que Crystal si lo sabe. Don Tito también era un papa muy estricto con sus hijos y cuando hacían algo malo les mostraba la mano diciéndoles les voy a dar un coscorrón. Modesto fue un esposo, padre, abuelo, tío, suegro y amigo ejemplar siempre preocupándose de su familia. Todos sus amigos lo miraban con orgullo y mucho respeto. Fue un hombre muy fuerte que lucho hasta el final no dejándose vencer. Le encantaba festejar y siempre platicar de política. Siempre muy bien vestido preocupado de su apariencia. Con o sin cáncer pedía que le pintaran su pelo y siempre se maquillaba para verse bien y se hacía su manicure. En cuando era hora de comer nunca comió usando solo los dedos, odiaba ensuciarse las manos, siempre usaba su tenedor y cuchillo, hasta cuando comía su pizza, BBQ o un donut. Igual como su nombre, él fue un hombre modesto pero también caritativo, sencillo, muy querido por toda su familia y por sus numerosos amigos. Descansa en paz en el cielo con el Señor. Adiós mi amigo, goodbye my friend. On behalf of the Association of Justices of the Peace and Commissioners of the Supreme Court I bring condolences to the wife of my brother Modesto, Ms. Dalia Samos her sons and daughters, grand children and family, may he rest in peace.

CALL 671-8385 or EMAIL:

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To place advertisement in the Belize Times Newspaper

6 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES

2016

PUBLIC AUCTION

BY ORDER OF THE MORTGAGEE, DEVELOPMENT FINANCE COOPERATION, CERTIFIED AND LICENSED AUCTIONEER MIGUEL A. ELLIS WILL SELL THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES: On Wednesday , 9th March, 2016 at DFC Office, Coney Drive, Belize City At 10:30am No.

Name

Description

Development

MADHU ODHERMAL BABANI

All that piece or parcel of land situate North of the Western Highway now George Price Highway near Mile 8 1/2, Poor Manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rest Area, Belize District comprising 45.53 acres as drawn on Entry No. 6039, Register No. 25 held under Deed of Conveyance dated the 2nd April, 2013 being the freehold property of MADHU ODHERMAL BABANI.

MADHU ODHERMAL BABANI

All that piece or parcel of land situated at west of Phillip Goldson Highway near Mile 32, Belize District containing 49.99 acres as shown on Entry No. 14489, Register No. 3 held under Empty plot of land Deed of Conveyance dated the 1st December, 2014 being the freehold property of MADHU ODHERMAL BABANI.

MADHU ODHERMAL BABANI

All that piece or parcel of land being Block No. 2 situated along the west side of Phillip Goldson Highway near Mile 32, Belize District containing 27.73 acres as shown on Plan Entry No. 13890 held under Deed of Conveyance dated the 18th February, 2014 being the freehold property of MADHU ODHERMAL BABANI.

Empty plot of land

MADHU ODHERMAL BABANI

Parcel No. 8965, Block No. 7, San Pedro Registration Section containing 1 Acre situate 3.5 Miles North of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, Belize District held under Land Certificate being the freehold property of MADHU ODHERMAL BABANI.

Empty plot of land

MADHU ODHERMAL BABANI

Parcel No. 8964, Block No. 7, San Pedro Registration Section containing 1 Acre situate 3.5 Miles North of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, Belize District held under Land Certificate being the freehold property of MADHU ODHERMAL BABANI.

Empty plot of land

JACQUELINE DENISE TAM

Parcel No. 2450, Block 7, San Pedro Registration Section, containing 450.17 S.Y. situate in San Pedrito Area, San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, Belize District, Belize, held under Land Certificate being the freehold property of JACQUELINE DENISE TAM.

One - Three (3) bedroom timber house containing 1 kitchen, 1-living, 1-dining and 1 bathroom attached to a porch: Building Size: 450.17 S.Y

Empty plot of land

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6 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES

2016

PUBLIC AUCTION

Name

Description

Development

ARTURO ADOLFO LIZARRAGA

All that piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 55 in the subdivision known as Los Lagos, situate in the Mile 13 Area, Northern Highway, Ladyville, Belize District, held by Deed of Conveyance dated 6th February, 2003, being the freehold property of ARTURO ADOLFO LIZARRAGA.

Three (3) bedrooms bungalow house, one (1) kitchen, one (1) living area, two (2) bathroom and an open porch. Measuring 1104.72 S.Y.

FREE ZONE OFFICE

All that piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 54 in the subdivision known as Los Lagos, situate in the Mile 13 Area, Northern Highway, Ladyville, Belize District, held by Deed of Conveyance dated 6th February, 2003, being the freehold property of FREE ZONE OFFICE LIMITED.

Three (3) bedrooms bungalow house, one (1) kitchen, one (1) living area, one (1) bathroom and an open porch. Measuring 571.72 S.Y.

EMELITA GABOUREL

Lot No. 102 containing 1105.60 S.Y. Hattieville Belize District, held under Minister’s Fiat Leases No. 436 of 1995, being the Leasehold property of EMELITA GABOUREL.

One-Two (2) bedrooms bungalow house, one (1) kitchen, one (1) living area, one (1) bathroom. Measuring 1105.60 S.Y.

Parcel 675, Block 45, St. Martin De Porres West Registration Section containing 411.14 S.Y. being the freehold property of JUDITH JUDITH KAY CACHO KAY CACHO. ( Located on the Corner of Raleigh Street & McKay Boulevard, Belize City, Belize)

JAMES THOMAS BOWMAN

All that piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 306 containing 541.966 S.M in the subdivision known as Los Lagos in the Mile 13 area, Northern Highway, Ladyville, Belize District, held by Deed of Conveyance dated 12th June, 2007, being the freehold property of JAMES THOMAS BOWMAN.

Four (4) bedroom bungalow house 1 kitchen, 1 living area, 1 dining, 2 bathroom, and an open porch Measuring 648.191 S.Y.

VAUGHAN HARRISON GILL & JENIVE ANNESTINE GILL

All that piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 386 in the subdivision known as Los Lagos, situate in the Mile 13 Area, Northern Highway, Ladyville, Belize District, held by Deed of Conveyance dated 25th April, 2005, being the freehold property of VAUGHAN HARRISON & JENIVE ANNESTINE GILL

One, three (3) Bedroom concrete bungalow comprising 1 Bath, 1 Kitchen, 1 Dining and 1 living attached to an open porch. Building size: 25’6” x 30’5”

One two (2) bedroom concrete bungalow dwelling containing 2 bedroom, 1 bath, 1 living and dining. Building Size: 22.5’ x 32’.

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6 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES

2016

PUBLIC AUCTION

Name

Description

Development

JOSE ALVAREZ

All that piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 289 containing 541.996 S.Y. in the subdivision known as Los Lagos, situate in the Mile 13 area, Northern Highway, Ladyville, Belize District, held by Deed of Conveyance dated 30th day of December, 2004, being the freehold property of JOSE ALVAREZ.

Three (3) bedroom bungalow house 1 kitchen, 1 living area, 1 dining, 1 bathroom and open porch. Measuring 648.0 S.Y.

CLINTON VINCENT LIGHTBURN

Parcel 1410, Block 45, Albert/Mesop Registration Section containing 154.073 S.M. situate on No. 81 West Canal Street, Belize City, Belize District, being the freehold property of CLINTON LIGHTBURN.

A Three (3)-story wooden building. Comprising of 221.00 S.Y. Building size: 39’x51’.

MARIA DEL SOCORRO PEREZ

All that piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 180 containing 629.776 S.M., situate along Mile 8 Western Highway, Belize District held under Minister’s Fiat Lease No. 209 of 2000 dated March 17 2000 and being the leasehold interest of MARIA PEREZ.

One-Two (2) bedroom elevated concrete house containing 1-bathroom, 1-Living, 1-Dining and 1-Kitchen with front and back porch. Size: 685.00 Sq. Ft

GILL’S COMPANY LIMITED

Parcel 613, Block 45, Lake Independence Registration Section containing 299.30 S.Y. situate in Belize City, Belize District held under Land Certificate being the freehold property of GILL’S COMPANY LIMITED. (Located on Johnson Street & Magazine Road, Belize City, Belize)

Recently constructed Two storey building. Size: 1,905.70 Sq. Ft.

ANGEL CASTILLO VON HENKEL

All that lot piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 291 containing 642.22 S.Y., in the subdivision known as Los Lagos, situate in the Mile 13 area, Northern Highway, Ladyville, Belize District, as surveyed by Kenneth A. Gillett, licensed surveyor and recorded at the office of the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys, Belmopan at Register 16 Entry 4460, held under Deed of Conveyance dated the 30th day of October, 2013, being the freehold property of ANGEL CASTILLO VON HENKEL.

One - Two (2) bedroom concrete bungalow containing 1-kitchen, 1-dining and 1-living room. Size: 740.80 Sq. Ft.

Miguel A. Ellis P.O. Box 118, Belmopan, Ph: 634-9058 E-Mail: Miguel_ellis@hotmail.com Please contact DFC for financing

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6 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES

2016

PUBLIC AUCTION

BY ORDER OF THE MORTGAGEE, DEVELOPMENT FINANCE COOPERATION, CERTIFIED AND LICENSED AUCTIONEER MIGUEL A. ELLIS WILL SELL THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES: On Tuesday , 15th March, 2016 at DFC Office, Orange Walk At 10:30am No.

Name

Description

Development

ISMAEL YAH

Parcel No. 16/1, containing 2889.8 S.M, Block 1, Lousiville Registration Section, Louisville Village, Corozal District held under Certificate of Lease, being the leasehold property of ISMAEL YAH.

One - Two (2) bedroom concrete building containing 1-living, kitchen and dining room combined with one bathroom and an incomplete structure. Size: 62675 sq. ft.

NATIVIDAD MIGUELA COPO

Parcel 592/1, containing 2074.4 s.m. Block 1, San Jose/San Pablo Registration Section, located in San Jose Village, Orange Walk District, being the Leasehold property of CARMEN GARCIA surety for NATIVIDAD MIGUELA COPO.

Two (2) bedroom bungalow house containing a combine living and kitchen area and 1 bathroom

JORGE ALBERTO ROSADO

Parcel No. 1847, Block 4, Ann Gabourel Registration Section, containing 555.56 s.y., Orange Walk District held under Land Certificate, being the Freehold property of JORGE ALBERTO ROSADO. (Located in the San Lorenzo housing Site)

One- Three (3) bedroom concrete bungalow house containing 1-kitchen, 1 -dinning, 1 -living room and 1-bathroom with veranda. Size: 796.25 Sq. Ft.

ROGER PABLO TUN & PABLO TUN

Parcel # 333/1, San Lazaro Registration Section, Block No. 4, (1367.188 s.m. Or 1635.157 s.y) situated in San Lazaro Village, Orange Walk District, held under a Certificate of Lease, being the Leasehold Property of PABLO TUN (Surety) for ROGER PABLO TUN AND PABLO TUN.

First Floor: One Two (2) bedroom, 1 kitchen, 1 dining, 1 living & 1 bath & office & laundry; 2nd floor - 4 bedrooms, 1 bath, 1 kitchen & 1 dining, 1 living 2 verandahs (lot size = 85 x 175)

VALERIO RENE LOPEZ

Parcel No. 86/1, Block 1, Buena Vista Village Registration Section, containing 2901.15 s.m., situate in Corozal District and held under Certificate of Lease being leasehold property of CRISANTO CRISTINO EWAN surety for VALERIO RENE LOPEZ.

0.72 Acres of Land (2,901.15 s.m.) with fruit trees and a Pimento House. (Located just off the Philip Goldson Highway)

FARM FRESH LIMITED

Parcel No. 596, Block 4, Millers Bight Registration Section, containing 13 Acres situate in Carmelita Village, Orange Walk District being 13 Acres of land held under a Land Certificate dated 12th December 2011, being the freehold property of FARM FRESH LIMITED. (Located on the Old Northern Highway).

Empty Parcel of Land (No developments or improvement on land)

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6 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES

2016

PUBLIC AUCTION

Name

Description

Development Agricultural Parcel of Land (Containing 1 Shed, 2 water towers with storage rooms and one bathroom. All developments are in good conditions. The packaging building is of concrete flooring & the walls are built of zinc along with roof. (Has access to electricity and portal water).

FARM FRESH LIMITED

Parcel No. 595, Block 4, Millers Bight Registration Section, containing 87 +/- Acres, situate in the Carmelita Village, Orange Walk District, held under a Land Certificate dated 30th June 2011, being the freehold property of FARM FRESH LIMITED. (Located on the Old Northern Highway).

ARTURO OMAR RODRIGUEZ

Parcel No. 1824, Block 4, Ann Gabourel Registration Section, containing 555.56 S.Y., situate in Orange Walk District, ., held under Land Certificate being the freehold property of ARTURO OMAR RODRIGUEZ.

Three (3) bedrooms bungalow house, one (1) kitchen, one (1) living & dining area, two (2) bathroom and an open porch. Measuring 555.540 S.Y.

RENEI EDEL TUN

Parcel No. 181/1, & 182/1, Block 4, situate in Trinidad Village Registration Section, containing (2871.8 S.M.) & (293.5 S.M.) respectively, situate Orange Walk District, held under a Certificate of Lease, being the Leasehold property of RENEI EDEL TUN.

1-3 Bedroom concrete bungalow containing 1- living, 1- dining, 1-kitchen and 1 bathroom.

LUIS TUN

Parcel No. 229/1, Block 4, Trinidad Registration section, containing 1,250 sq yds, situate in Trinidad Village, Orange Walk District, held under a Certificate of Lease, being the leasehold property of LUIS TUN (also known as CASIMIRO TUN)

1 - 2 bedroom concrete bungalow house.

ESDRA NERMIAS REYNOSO

Parcel # 96/1, Block 4 Chan Pine Ridge registration section, containing 907.48 s.m., situated in Chan Pine Ridge Village, Orange 1 - 3-bedroom concrete bungalow Walk District, held under a Certificate of Lease, house containing 1-living, dining & being the Leasehold property of DIANELA kitchen with 1 bathroom. TZUL REYNOSO aka AURORA DIANELA TZUL surety for ESDRA NERMIAS REYNOSO.

MARGARET & JAIME NOGUERA

Parcel 83/1 containing 395.81 Acres, Block 1, Pembroke Hall Registration Section, situate in the Calcutta Village, Corozal District held by Certificate of Lease being the leasehold property of MARGARET NOGUERA surety for JAIME & MARGARET NOGUERA.

Approximately 145 acres containing sugarcane. (Located within the Calcutta Village, approximately 2 miles from the main highway)

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6 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES

2016

PUBLIC AUCTION

Name

MARTA LETICA CACERES

Description

Development

Parcel 4085/1, Block 4, Orange Walk Town Registration Section (previously Lot No. 1139 situate in Louisiana Farm Extension held under Minister’s Fiat Lease No. 986/99), being the Leasehold property of CARLOS E. REYES surety for MARTHA LETICIA CACERES

Parcel 4086/1, Block 4, Orange Walk Town Reg. Section (previously Lot No. 1142 (423.31 s.m.), situate in Louisiana Farm Extension, Orange Walk Town, held under Minister’s Fiat Lease No. 986/99), being the Leasehold property of CARLOS E. REYES surety for MARTHA LETICIA CACERES

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Empty Lot

MARTA LETICA CACERES

Parcel 4089/1, Block 4, Orange Walk Town Reg. Section (previously Lot No. 1143 (containing 395.336 s.m.), situate in Louisiana Farm Extension, Orange Walk Town, held under Empty Lot Minister’s Fiat Lease No. 695/99), being the Leasehold property of RAUL I. RODRIGUEZ) surety for MARTHA LETICIA CACERES

MARTA LETICA CACERES

Parcel 4090/1, Block 4, Orange Walk Town Reg. Section (previously Lot No. 1146 (containing 426.967 s.m.), situate in Louisiana Farm, Orange Walk Town, held under Minister’s Fiat Lease No. 700/99), being the Leasehold property of MERNA PLACIDA CAWICH (also known as MIRNA CAWICH) surety for MARTHA LETICIA CACERES

Empty Lot

Miguel A. Ellis P.O. Box 118, Belmopan, Ph: 634-9058 E-Mail: Miguel_ellis@hotmail.com Please contact DFC for financing

BY ORDER OF THE MORTGAGEE, Social Security Board, CERTIFIED AND LICENSED AUCTIONEER MIGUEL A. ELLIS WILL SELL THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES:

On site, Saturday 12th of March 2016 At 10:30am No.

Name

G. MENDEZ

Description ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Parcel No. 189, Block 45, situated in the Vista Del Mar Registration Section, Belize District. Being a concrete bungalow (having 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, 1 kitchen, 1 dining room and a living room) situate at Yellow Tail Street, Ladyville, the leasehold property of G. Mendez.

Development

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On Redherrings

& Belize State of Affairs By G. Michael Reid It is agreed between her Britannic Majesty and the Republic of Guatemala that the boundary between the Republic and the British Settlement and Possessions in the Bay of Honduras, as they existed previous to and on the 1st of January 1850, and have continued to exist up to the present time, was and is as follows: Beginning at the mouth of the River Sarstoon in the Bay of Honduras, and proceeding up the mid channel thereof to Gracias a Dios Falls; then turning to the right and continuing by a line drawn direct from Gracias a Dios Falls to Garbutt’s Falls on the River Belize, and from Garbutt’s Falls due north until it strikes the Mexican frontier. It is agreed and declared between the High Contracting Parties that all the territory to the north and East of the line of boundary above described, belongs to Her Britannic Majesty; and that the territory to the south and west of the same belongs to the Republic of Guatemala. ~ Article I of the 1859 treaty between England and Guatemala As Belize prepares for perhaps its most challenging budget exercise ever, an age old political football has been thrown into play. Last Saturday, members of the Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV) attempted to travel up the Sarstoon River for a ceremony at the Gracias a Dios Falls. As noted in the excerpt from the treaty above, Gracias a Dios is one of the definitive points of reference for Belize’s border with neighbouring Guatemala. The BTV was hoping to commemorate the anniversary of an occasion where 37 or their group had been detained and carted off to Livingston for an unplanned visit to the Guatemalan town. As fate would have it, the BTV never made it past the mouth of the Sarstoon River since they were met by a military blockade of Guatemalan ships reportedly well within our waters. As per normal,

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our Foreign Minster blamed the BTV accusing them of inciting trouble. This Guatemalan issue is a powder keg with a fuse that’s getting shorter and more dangerous. Since 2011 when a few patriotic Belizeans led by firebrand activist Wil Maheia formed themselves into what is now the BTV, the group has been making regular trips to the border. They have been attempting to clear and properly demarcate some areas and more importantly, to bring attention to the aggressive behaviour of Guatemala’s military, some peasants and her political hierarchy. Recently-elected President Jimmy Morales had made it clear even before assuming leadership that one of his goals was to pursue the claim to Belize. Now, no one can doubt the courage of these territorial volunteers (wish our leaders had half the balls) and neither

ourselves in however, is far more egregious and we must be careful not to be fooled by slick fallacies and propaganda techniques. The Guatemalan issue will be there but what we have facing us is far more pressing and urgent. Belize must be very careful of not only allowing the Guatemalan claim to be used as a distraction but also on how we approach this matter; it must be done in a careful and deliberate way. Again, while I have maximum respect and admiration for our Territorial Volunteers, putting life at risk might not be the prudent course to take. All that it will take is one overzealous hothead with a high powered rifle, whether military or civilian, and the game will change forever. Mano to mano, our poorly equipped Belize Defence Force is no match for Guatemala’s powerful army. Hell, just last week, someone stole a bunch of their uniforms and boots so we might have to fight naked and barefooted. A couple of years ago, someone again stole their guns and ammunition and what a calamity we be in. This is not to say that we should cower but we will have to be smart. A major part of the problem is that our own government has been publicly

2016 What has to happen is for Belize to approach this problem from a different angle. In the twenty or so years before Independence, the Father of our Nation George Price worked tirelessly to gain the support of all nations of the world in our quest for Independence. In 1980, the United Nations met and passed a unanimous verdict. Belize was to be Independent with all territories intact. Those territories were as defined in the 1859 treaty that specifically laid out the perimeters and boundaries. To Belizeans, there is no doubt as to where Belize is, what Belize is and who Belize belongs to. As per the United Nations vote of 1980, so does the rest of the world. The situation is that we have no issue with Guatemala, they can claim all they want to, we have the support of the international community and instead of rattling sabres (or broomsticks if you will) in the face of Guatemala, we should be going back to the international community reminding them of their sanction. Caricom leaders were in Belize just last week. The Prime Minister sits as the chair and sets the agenda. Why was this issue not upfront and prominent? Guyana has a similar problem with Venezuela but whenever Guyana officials get the opportunity, they put that high on priorities. Our Foreign Minister went to the UN and spoke about what, climate change? That is all good and well but the climate that we need to change is the one that has us living in this perpetual state of uncertainty. I do not believe that the international community would stand aside and watch any unprovoked aggression by Guatemala against Belize. We must be careful though, to not give the impression that we are the ones aggressing or spoiling for a fight. Leave that alone and let us deal with the issues that are affecting our daily standard of living. Things like corruption, victimization, de-risking, inflation, unlawful enrichment, nepotism and all the other abuses by our public officers; this is where we need to concentrate our attention. Stay focused my people, stay focused!

The Father of our Nation George Price worked tirelessly to gain the support of all nations of the world in our quest for Independence. In 1980, the United Nations met and passed a unanimous verdict. Belize was to be Independent with all territories intact. would anyone accuse them of wittingly colluding to deceive and distract the citizens of Belize. Make no mistake though; we are dealing here with a shrewd cunning and conniving tyrant that will capitalize on any opportunity to take attention away from the unholy mess that he has gotten us into! As much as I would have liked for the PUP to have won last year’s General Elections, it is now becoming ever more evident that their defeat was serendipitous and that the victory of the UDP will be pyrrhic. A victory by the People’s United Party would have allowed Barrow and his band of miscreants to ride rich into obscurity with impunity while this current mess would have been left for the PUP to clean up and take the blame for. The Prime Minister has promised to drag this term out for its full five years but the smart money is that it might be an even shorter term than the previous two. If he does not call it, it will call him! The situation is that this government is grasping at any straw to use as red herrings but the stench from this mess is too high to cover up with any distraction. This present Sarstoon issue in my opinion is just another convenient distraction to steer away our attention from the serious problems facing this government. The Guatemalan issue has been with us for as long as any of us can remember and will probably stay around for as long as politicians on either side of the border can use it to their benefit. This unholy economic mess that find we

warning and advising our volunteers to stay away from the Sarstoon area. This means then that the blame for any incident resulting from any visit would fall squarely on the shoulders of those volunteers. They will say, “you have been warned”. Some of us will be upset, and rightfully so, but as with Danny Conorquie, it will withstand the nine day wonder and then be relegated to the dustbin of sad occurrences. Like it or not, that is how it is.

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REGIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

THE BELIZE THE BELIZE TIMESTIMES

Jamaican troops guard election offices after tight poll Jamaican reservist soldiers have reinforced security at electoral offices after a final count of votes cast in last week’s general election narrowed the winning party’s majority to one seat in the heavily indebted Caribbean nation. The opposition Jamaican Labour Party (JLP) was declared the victor of Thursday’s closely fought election but after a second count authorities stripped it of one seat, reducing it to 32 of 63 seats. One more constituency remains to be recounted. The tight election reflects division about Jamaica’s economy, with the winners promising low taxes and jobs after years of austerity under an IMF programme. The ruling People’s National Party was credited by many with restoring economic order. The Electoral Commission said on Monday the earliest it could determine the winner was Wednesday. JLP leader Andrew Holness had been due to be sworn in as prime minister on Tuesday, local media said.

Brazil detains Facebook executive over court order row Arrest, which was called “extreme and disproportionate” by Facebook, is over data related to a drug trafficking probe. Federal police in Brazil have apprehended the vice president of Facebook for Latin America after the social media company refused access to data which, authorities say, was important to a criminal probe. Tuesday’s detention, which was called an “extreme and disproportionate measure” by Facebook, was over data related to an investigation of drug trafficking in Sergipe state. Court officials in Sergipe confirmed the detention of Diego Dzodan and police said he remained in custody for questioning in Sao Paulo state, according to the Reuters news agency. “This information was required to produce evidence to be used in an organised crime and drug trafficking investigation,” a police statement said. WhatsApp targeted Brazilian media reported that the authorities were specifically targeting WhatsApp, Facebook’s popular mobile phone chat tool.

Jamaican Labour Party initially declared winner of general election, but further counting has seen contest tighten.

UN slaps North Korea with tough new sanctions Security Council approves fifth sanctions resolution in response to Pyongyang’s recent nuclear test and rocket launch. The UN Security Council has unanimously adopted a resolution that significantly expands existing sanctions against North Korea, in response to the country’s recent nuclear test and rocket launch. Wednesday’s resolution was voted after being thoroughly negotiated by Washington and Beijing, the closest ally of the Pyongyang government. US Ambassador Samantha Power said the new sanctions on North Korea go further than any UN sanctions regime in two decades, and are aimed at cutting off funds for its nuclear and other banned weapons programmes. “Our collective security demands that we stop North Korea from continuing along this destructive and destabilising course,” Power said.

NEWS

Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton win big Democrat Clinton and Republican Trump win most states in the biggest day in the race for the presidential nomination. Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton have moved closer to winning their parties’ nominations with a series of victories in the Super Tuesday elections . Clinton and Trump each won at least seven of 11 state races as they distanced themselves from party rivals and looked ahead to the November 8 presidential election. Ted Cruz, a Republican senator, won his home state of Texas, Alaska and Oklahoma as he sought to emerge as Trump’s main rival. Clinton’s only opponent, Bernie Sanders, also won Oklahoma, as well as his home state of Vermont, Colorado and Minnesota. Cruz desperately needed the Texas win in order to stay in the race, and was likely to keep campaigning as the only Republican who has been able to defeat Trump in any primary contest. Still, Trump’s wins in the South were a blow to Cruz, who once saw the region as his opportunity to stake a claim to the nomination.

Guatemala sentences two to 360 years in sex slave case Retired army officer and former paramilitary sentenced over sexual enslavement of women during bloody civil war. A Guatemalan court sentenced a retired army officer and a former paramilitary fighter to 120 years and 240 years in prison, respectively, for the sexual enslavement of women during the country’s civil war. Friday’s ruling was the first in which a local court had handed down a judgment for such crimes in the country, which is seeking to address

abuses committed during its 19601996 civil war. According to the United Nations, some 245,000 people were killed or disappeared during the conflict. The retired officer, Esteelmer Reyes Giron, was found guilty of crimes against humanity for holding 15 women in sexual and domestic slavery and for killing another woman and her two young daughters. Heriberto Valdez Asij, a civilian

with military connections, was convicted on the same charges, as well as the forced disappearance of seven men. During the trial, the victims testified to the abuse they suffered during six months in 1982 and 1983 at the Sepur Zarco military base in northern Guatemala. After the army had entered their communities, the men were taken away, and when the women went to the military base to ask for them, they were raped and forced to cook and wash clothes for the soldiers.

THINK ABOUT IT

GUATEMALA vs. BELIZE The ongoing battle between Guatemala and Belize entered another round on Saturday 27th February 2016, at the Sarstoon River. It was another victory for Guatemala. And another discouraging defeat for Belize. For the last three rounds, this February, last August and last July, Belize had thrown no punches and in return was given a barrage of left jabs and upper-cuts to the face and chest. Belize staggered away humiliated. Guatemala is way ahead on points and Belize is once again looking like a loser. Wil Maheia and a small band of his territorial volunteers announced their intention to be in Sarstoon River and possibly visit the Gracias A Dios border marker. It was one year ago that Guatemala illegally entered Belize and as promised by Guatemala their militarily took away a Belizean vessel with dozens of Belizeans and kept them overnight at Livingston, Guatemala. This Saturday they again, with military might, prevented Wil Maheia and his volunteers from travelling on what is now the former Belize side of the Sarstoon River. The Volunteers had been warned repeatedly by the Belize government not to go. The Belize government has messed up the match between itself and Guatemala. Apparently, they are taking instructions from their coaches and sponsors, who unfortunately have a stake in Guatemala winning the fight. So Belize is going along with wrong advice and needs to seek new coaches and trainers. The situation in the Sarstoon has become utterly unacceptable. Guatemala has effectively taken over the whole of the Sarstoon River since August 2015, when they put it in writing to the Belize Government. The Belize Government has accepted. Has acquiesced. Not only has the Belize government accepted this loss of territory but has joined Guatemala in her stated position which is that they will keep our half of the Sarstoon River until such time that the ICJ rules otherwise. This is now the new position of Belize. What the hell... The Guatemala blockade had five military boats on Saturday. They harassed the Belize Volunteer boats in front of the construction taking place on Our mainland where our BDF are building a silly board base. Not surprising was that the BDF were intentionally sent to Punta Gorda town while Guatemala asserted its control over our side of the Sarstoon River. There has been no word from the OAS (because Belize has lodged no complaint). There are no remarks from the US Embassy nor from the British Embassy. Neither has Caricom or the Commonwealth said anything (because Belize has said nothing to them). There is nothing from the Belize Ambassador to Washington or to the United Nations. Is this what will happen should Guatemala do to Punta Gorda or Toledo what they have done in Sarstoon? Our humble opinion is yes. Guatemala will find a way to get portions of Toledo without any problems. They will say the same thing to the Belize government in writing as they did last August. That they are taking their territory until such time that the ICJ says otherwise. Since the Belize government has agreed to go to the ICJ they are riding the program. So this is where we are in 2016. Guatemala comes and takes our half of the Sarstoon River, which is historically a part of our national territory and our government is responding like the cowards they are. It’s incredible. Equally incredible is that on Monday 29 February life in Belize went on as if Saturday in the Sarstoon was just some minor far away incident not worthy of a text or a Facebook outrage. Students at UB and Galen University did not mass protest at the Prime Minister’s and Foreign Minister’s office in Belmopan. Not a single teacher anywhere, across our confused

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country, suspended classes and held discussions with students on Guatemala’s naked aggression in using military force to enforce its illegal take-over of large portions of our territory in the Sarstoon River. Half of our side of the river stretching for some 32 miles. This also means that all our territorial seas in front of our former half of Sarstoon have effectively been taking away from us. We no longer have 8,867 square miles of territory. This is a national emergency. WIL MAHEIA-HERO Heroes don’t come along acting like Arnold Schwarzenegger, or talking like Barack Obama. They are sometimes ordinary, everyday people like you and me. Thing is they go beyond where you and I would go. And are prepared to make sacrifices you and I are not prepared to make. On Saturday, 27 February Wil Maheia almost alone and against all odds was determined to show his face in the Sarstoon River which has been militarily taken over by Guatemala. The Belize Government, frightened by a written communications by Guatemala, contacted Wil and told him do not go to the river. They even threatened him that he would get no help because the Guatemalans would arrest him. My! My! Imagine your own government telling you not to go to your own river because another nation would chance you and they would not lift a finger to help you? Wil’s response was that he will face the consequences. The US Embassy contacted Wil Maheia on Friday. How are things going with you, said the friendly voice. What’s this we hear of another expedition and the government’s warning along with the certainty of Guatemala arresting you? I am still going, came the friendly response from an always amicable Wil. And so despite the threats and the weather and the pilinki support Wil and a handful of brave souls set out in small boats from Punta Gorda to Sarstoon River. Wil did not know of the change to the national anthem-”From proud Rio Hondo to No Sarstoon” and so he believed half of the Sarstoon River was for Belize. He found out differently. The game had changed. His government was working with Guatemala. His government wanted Guatemala to arrest him and jail him and put fear into him, so that he stops exposing how Sarstoon island and Sarstoon River are no longer for Belize. Wil will return to Sartoon River, again and again. There was once a brave Belizean. His lonely one man determination helped to save us from the Webster Proposals of the British, Americans, and Guatemala. He was against the Heads of Agreement and was kicked out of the UDP for opposing the giveaway of sea in the Maritime Areas law. For these unpopular acts of courage Phillip Goldson lives on as a hero of our heritage. It would take the whole BELIZE TIMES to recount the many instances of George Price resisting British and American threats. The time to save the Sarstoon is before the UDP sign it over to Guatemala. Wil Maheia is becoming a hero. THE POWER OF WORDS There is a phrase: the pen in mightier than the sword. It is a tribute to the power of words. Words are the weapons of modern societies. Ask the lawyers and the diplomats. Not to mention the preachers and the politicians. The claim by Guatemala to Belize has changed from the “unfounded Guatemalan claim” to “Belize/Guatemala Differendum”.

What is Differendum? The word simply means difference. Why would Belize be using a misleading word which covers the ugly truth. There is much more than a difference between Belize and Guatemala. Guatemala is claiming half of our country. That is a serious matter. An existential threat. NURI MUHAMMAD ON GANGS “Insights Into Gang Culture in Belize” is the latest book to be available to the small, reading public in our country. It is written by one who knows; Nuri Muhammad. It is sub-titled Essays on Youth, Crime and Violence. The book is highly recommended by Louis Zabaneh Ph. D, an author and the driving force behind Galen University. Glen Tillett, writer, social commentator and former Editor of Amandala and Bilal Morris, Social Activists in the USA. Nuri was a pioneer and the first Director of the Youth Department in 1993, Manager of the Youth Cadets and Executive Director of Youth For the Future and Conscious Youth Development Program. He has wide experience and a doctorate from the University of the people. He is the foremost authority on youth, prisons and rehabilitation in this country. He was Imam of the Muslim Community in Belize and key organizer in bringing Louis Farrakhan to Belize. At the launch at the National Library last Friday, Ursula Smith and Melissa Major (wife of Gang Leader Junie Balls) joined former gang banger Lincoln Kelly in sharing their experience in the underworld of gang and violence and paid tribute to their Mentor Nuri Muhammad. Congratulations are in order to Nuri, a nationalist and sincere leader who is committed to bettering the lives of the less fortunate citizens. Nuri means “light” in Arabic. It is written “Let your light so shine that men may see your good works and glorify your father in heaven”. The book is 200 pages and sells for $35. LOVE OF LITERATURE On 6 March at the University of the West Indies there will be prose and poetry presentations under the theme “Love Affair With Literature”. So sorry it is in Kingston, Jamaica. In Belize City, the Turton Library on North Front Street has a small exhibition as part of Black History. It features Bert Tucker, books by Evan X Hyde and phrases of African/American writers. This commendable move is the effort of Shakira Terry and Ardette Ramclam along with Joy Ysaguirre. There are no bookstores in any of the districts. In Belize City we know of only Saido at the Image Factory. This speaks poorly of our people and country, it is for this reason the library service has to think out of the box and become proactive in promoting books, reading and ideas. There has to be panel discussions on books and active promotions of the small but growing group of writers in Belize. TV, cable, Internet and cell phone appliances cannot replace reading and the knowledge which comes from books. The world belongs to the thinkers and those with knowledge. There is much to be done. YOU CAN END GUATEMALA’S CLAIM Bet you did not know there is a book…it’s actually a booklet (little book) titled, “How YOU Can End the Guatemalan Claim?” It was written by Assad Shoman in 2013 and is packed with historical facts and eye opening information. It is written in simple straight forward language. It has 93 pages and is not for sale. It is for free. It is a must reading for all Belizeans if they are to understand what is going on with Guatemala and Belize.

2016 There should be discussions in schools, assignments for students, public panels and radio and television discussions on the contents of this book. While Assad Shoman is the foremost authority and most respected Belizean on the Guatemalan claim to our nation; we do not agree with his view that the ICJ is the only way. Belize has to go back to the international community with a new insight, such as forcing the British to pay Guatemala compensation for their breach of Article 7 of their Treaty. Also, Belize needs to rope in its citizens in the USA to act as a third force in lobbying and convincing the black Americans of the injustice of Guatemala’s aggression and ridiculous claim. GAMBLERS DID IT Princess Casino is like the Hotel California. In that song, “you can check out anytime you want but you can never leave”. Have you heard the silly explanation being offered by the Government’s sports council as to why they sold out a chunk of the MCC to Princess Casino to be used as a parking lot? For two thousand dollars a month? Princess makes ten times that amount in one hour. In the first term of his government Prime Minister Barrow was photographed receiving a large cheque from Princess as donation for something. Later the Prime Minister announced he was reducing the taxes Princess Casino pays on its gambling operations. Wow! The Prime Minister’s law firm was said to represent Princess. When Cordel Hyde was Sports Minister, Princess came with a proposal to rent a part of MCC for parking. Cordel told them where to go jump... George Price was against Princess bringing casino to Belize. He deferred to those who claimed it was part of the tourist package. Ain’t no tourist going to Princess to gamble. They too busy enjoying the pristine wonders God blessed us with. We hear of the UDP ministers gambling and losing thousands each week. Particularly two Southside Ministers who are addicted to the place. Why are we not surprised to hear that government has sucked our sportsmen and women out of a chunk of the MCC? “....skip a light fandango, turn cartwheels across the floor. I was feeling kinda sea-sick; the crowds calls out for more, the room was getting hotter as the ceiling flew away....” By the song Whiter Shade of Pale. JOHNNY vs DEAN-the Difference Recently on Plus TV one of the many important differences between Johnny and Dean Barrow became clear. Johnny said that the allocation of land to Belizeans should be overseen by a committee of citizens representing a cross-section of the society. By contrast, Dean Barrow has continued the old worthless process of a corrupt system in which Gapi and any Minister run the Ministry as their personal business. Under Barrow’s government no reform or improvement has taken place for eight years. The Leader of the PUP is conducting a tour of the country and will be expressing more progressive changes that need to be implemented if Belize is to become a better place for its citizens. IN JUSTICE Proud to hear the Chief Magistrate has been tempering justice with mercy. A female tourist with a little weed was arrested and kept in filthy police station cell overnight. Next day she explained and showed medical marijuana papers. She is warned and sent home. A hungry looking man was charged for stealing food items. He pleaded guilty and explained he had not eaten for two days. Ann Marie scolded him and told him not to come back to court. We hope some of the Magistrates who have no pity are learning a lesson.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

GSU SHOOT DISABLED FATHER OF 2 NEAR GUAT BORDER Belize City, February 24, 2016 GSU shot 28-year-old Roberto Chan in the back of his right shoulder as he drove his wife Lupe, and their 2 children home in his white Toyota 4-runner after visiting a friend on the road to Santa Rosa near the Guatemalan border at about 7:15 last Wednesday evening, February 24. Roberto, a vegetable vendor, and Lupe say they were unaware of any danger until two shots rang out and one bullet broke the back windshield, went through the driver’s seat and hit Chan in his right shoulder. Unable to drive, he pulled up while Lupe screamed at the gunmen to stop shooting because they had children in the car. The bullet could have easily hit Chan or Lupe in the head. Mercifully their 6 year old daughter had dozed off, lying flat on back seat, while Lupe cradled their 7-month old son in her arms. Lupe says they believed they had been attacked by bandits who had come across the border, until they saw the green camouflage uniforms of the GSU in the lights of their vehicle. Roberto said there was no road block or police vehicle on the road as they passed, and the GSU had come out of the bush behind their vehicle after they had passed and opened fire. Lupe says the GSU officers had no vehicle and were on foot. They pulled Chan from the vehicle, put him in the passenger seat and drove him to San Ignacio Hospital, where he was treated for his wound a later released on Thursday. The doctors decided not to remove the bullet. San Ignacio police at the hospital Wednesday night said they did not know of the GSU operation; as the GSU officers came from the city. The San Ignacio scenes of crimes police

LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICES Notice is hereby given that ISAIAS CHAN is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Camaron”, situated at City of Belmopan, Cayo District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that ALBERTO GARCIA is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “A&C Restaurant”, situated at Crab Street, Trial Farm Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that LAWRENCE TILLETT is applying for a Malt and Cider Liquor License to be operated at “Big Kahuna Bar and Grill”, situated at Smithsonian Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

processed Chan’s 4-runner wearing gloves but found nothing incriminating in the vehicle: no drugs, weapon nor contraband. There were a few US dollar bills in the compartment between the seats. The GSU have had custody of Chan’s vehicle from the moment he was shot, but in the absence of any evidence; the Police have not charged Chan with any crime. Calla Creek is reportedly a hotbed for smuggling due to its proximity to the Guatemala border, but villagers in Bullet Tree had no knowledge that the GSU were in the area. They report seeing unmarked van with tinted windows and civilian plates in the area, but it had no Government blue plates so they did not think it was Police. This same vehicle later picked up the GSU officers at the San Ignacio hospital Wednesday night after the incident. When we visited the scene of the attack Thursday morning, the bloodstains on the ground showed where Chan’s vehicle had stopped and where he bled as he was transferred to the passenger seat. In the dark of night, the GSU had not stopped to pick up

CARTOON

the two expended shells, which in the cold light of day still gleamed in the roadway where the GSU had stood and fired. The GSU gave somewhat different account of the incident to the media the next day. They claim they had a road block with lights, and that Chan had evaded the road block and had then tried to reverse his vehicle in an attempt to injure the officers, at which point they shot Chan. A visit to the scene gives the lie to this version of events; as the trail is barely wide enough for one vehicle, with trees on either side. Had there been a Police vehicle blocking the road, there would have been no way for Chan to go around it. It was raining in light drizzle that night, and that jungle trail is muddy at the best of times; Chan’s vehicle wheels would have spun mud, but the 3 GSU officers’ uniforms were immaculately clean as they stood guard outside the Emergency room Wednesday night when Chan was being treated.

23 The road to Santa Rosa is little more than a bush trail a “picado road”; and there is a fork unto a disused trail; but as Chan was coming around a curve and coming downhill in the dark, this fork in the trail was hidden from his view until he rounded the curve. The GSU boot marks were still plainly visible in the mud of this side trail where the GSU had waited in ambush. The incident has left Chan unable to work, with no means to feed his wife and children; he is now surviving on the charity of his family and friends. Roberto has been handicapped from childhood; when he broke his left arm which the doctor did not set it properly and it never healed right. He carries the arm at an awkward angle and can’t use it for heavy lifting required in his trained profession as a welder/mechanic. This is why he ekes out a living as a vegetable vendor. Chan has consulted the doctors at the La Loma Luz clinic in Santa Elena about an operation to remove the bullet, so he may have the full use of his one good arm but the operation will cost $4,000 to $5,000. He and his wife have sought the advice of an attorney, Dickie Bradley to represent him in a civil action against the Police Department to seek compensation for his injuries and whatever legal redress the law may offer for this unjustified shooting.

THE BELIZE TIMES

6 MAR

2016