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SCAN HERE
The Belize Times THE BELIZE TIMES
10 MAY
2015
Established 1957
The Truth Shall Make You Free
10 MAY 2015 | ISSUE NO: 4944
Bring on the 13th Senator!
www.belizetimes.bz | $1.00
18 Year Old Killed in ‘Suga City’
Francis takes Dean Barrow to Court
Derrick Romero, Orange Walk Town’s fifth murder victim
PUP Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca said reform and stronger oversight measures on government spending are important to Belize’s democracy
Boots Gets $100,000 per week for the disabled!!
Pg. 4 Facey Tracy! Court docs raise questions about her integrity!
Pg. 7
Orange Walk Town, May 06, 2015 The murder of 18 year old Derrick Romero on Wednesday April 6th morning is the nation’s 49th murder and the 5th violent homicide for Orange Walk Town.
Pg. 6
FORMER MAYOR
DAVID FONSECA
LAID TO REST
Pg. 3
Gapi
can’t run nor hide! Pg. 6
Sunrise May 1st, 1954 Sunset April 30th, 2015 See Eulogy on page 12
PUP: NO TO SEDI, NO TO ICJ
2 02
PUP Mourns Passing of Stalwart Mrs. Eloisa Trujeque
OUT
May 7th, 2015 It is with profound sadness that the People’s United Party records the passing of our dear friend and member of the National Executive, Mrs. Eloisa Trujeque. Mrs. Eloisa was an outstanding and dignified Belizean woman whose life was one of public service. Her contributions in the areas of Education and Unionism will never be forgotten. She touched and changed many lives through her dedicated work as an educator and was a longstanding and leading figure in her much beloved Belize National Teachers Union. We in the PUP will, of course,
Make land available for the people
!
Dear Editor, Thousands of residents of Port Loyola are in desperate need of land to build their homes, where they can make a living. The following steps should therefore be taken to address the severe shortage of land for the residents of the division. 1) 1,000 house lots should be made available for the residents of Port Loyola from Belize City to mile 23 on the George Price Highway. 2) Private landowners should be compensated for large tracks of undeveloped land in the area and swamp land should be filled to make house lots available for the people. 3) Priority should be given to first time land owners. After 15 years of UDP neglect the residents of Port Loyola deserve better. When any government seriously addresses the huge need of poor people for house lots, the benefit to the community is endless. There is less frustration in families due to over crowdedness, and people are able use the money that would have been spent on house rent to improve their standard of living. Additionally with their own house lots there is no need for the poorest of our Belizean brothers and sisters to squat on government land or private land and develop such areas for years only to suffer public humiliation and lost of their investment in a home later. That occurs frequently when the owners of such properties suddenly forces squatters to break down their houses from such locations and disappear with no hope of getting a house lot in their own country. Residents of Port Loyola deserve their own land for houses now. Sincerely yours, Gilroy Usher, Sr.
LOCAL 8 May
10 MAY
THE BELIZE TIMES
also miss her tireless love and commitment for her Party and in particular the people of Mesopotamia where she lived and worked for so many years. At the time of her passing Mrs. Eloisa served on the National Executive of the PUP in the capacity of Chair of the Order of Distinguished Service (ODS). We thank her for her great service to our Party and to our Country and offer our deepest condolences to her family and friends.
Our Sympathies The PUP Fort George Area Representative Rt. Hon. Said Musa and the Executive Committee expresses deep its deep sympathies longstanding member Yolanda Fonseca and her family on the passing of David Fonseca May his soul rest in peace and rise in glory SCAN HERE
The Belize Times
Established 1957
14 APR 2013
|
ISSUE NO: 4840
The Truth Shall Make You Free
www.belizetimes.bz
|
$1.00
serving Belize since 1957 as the longest continuous newspaper. Founder: Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price, People’s United Party Leader Emeritus EDITOR
Alberto Vellos LAYOUT/GRAPHIC ARTIST
Chris Williams
OFFICE ASSISTANT
Roberto Peyrefitte Printed and Published By TIMES NEWSPAPER LTD.
WEATHER 9 May
2015
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10 MAY
THE BELIZE TIMES
2015
The Major Reports to Duty! PUP introduces Major Lloyd Jones as Standard Bearer for Belize Rural North
Belize City, May 04, 2015 The People’s United Party clearly demonstrated why it is offering better leadership and is poised to become the next Government with Monday’s unveiling of Major (Retired) Lloyd Jones as its Standard Bearer for Belize Rural North. Major Jones, a retired highranked military officer in the Belize Defense Force, has entered the political race to clear away the failed and embattled UDP candidate Edmond Castro who currently sits as a lame-duck representative in Belize Rural North constituency. Major Jones said that after two terms of the UDP in Belize Rural North, the people have not seen meaningful improvement. He pointed out that communities in the rural division are among the most fertile for agro-production in the country, yet there is no agriculture programme to boost the capacity and potential of farmers. He also mentioned that there has been no infrastructure development, and even proper potable water systems continue to evade the people. “The people of Belize Rural North clearly do not matter to the UDP, but they matter to us in the PUP,” he remarked. Major Jones’ candidacy is a lift for the PUP, a party working steadily to show Belizeans that it will make a better Government than the current petty and vindictive Barrow Administration. “I’m very proud to have Major Lloyd Jones as a member of the PUP Team 31. His independent spirit and strong advocacy will be a tremendous asset to our Party and also to our country,” expressed PUP Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca in his introduction of Major Jones before supporters at Independence Hall, the Party Headquarters.
L-R: Major Lloyd Jones, PUP Lake I Standard Bearer Cordel Hyde and Party Leader Francis Fonseca
“He’s the kind of candidate we in the PUP need, and one we desire and welcome,” commented Cordel Hyde, PUP Lake Independence standard bearer, who also expressed tremendous admiration for the Major’s fighting spirit. Major Jones explained that the motivation for his decision to enter political service is his desire to give back to Belize for the opportunities he received to study and work. He was also open to a dialogue of political issues. From the ICJ Referendum issue and Guatemala’s unfounded claim to the misguided spending of Petrocaribe millions. His core message is that we must always put the country and Belizeans first.
So, why politics and why the People’s United Party? He answered that the principles of the Party are those which he supports and believes in. “Belize is at a crossroads. Our people are crying out for fresh leadership. The Belizean people are tired of the lies, they are tired of the incompetence, they tired of the mismanagement…they are tired of the betrayal,” he stated. He also said that the PUP leader has the best interest of the country at heart. “During my discussions with the Hon. Francis Fonseca, he made it clear to me that he is committed Continued on page 7
Major Lloyd Jones and members of the PUP Belize Rural North Executive Committee
03 3
Facey Tracy!
Court docs raise questions about her integrity!
7th May, 2015 Before Tracy Taegar-Panton is endorsed by the United Democratic Party as the UDP’s candidate in the Albert Division, the voters should be aware of certain things. In 2013, Ms. Jonelle Hemmans sued the Belize Tourism Board (BTB). Ms. Hemmans had been put in charge of a European Union (EU) funded tourism project by the BTB. Ms. Hemmans filed a lawsuit against the BTB in which she claimed that she had declined to have the EU project rent a Taegar family-owned building on Regent Street for the project. In her claim, Ms. Hemmans said she had pointed out to Mrs. Tracy Taegar-Panton and the Board that under the EU project guidelines it would have been a conflict of interest to rent Tracy’s mother’s building. Ms. Hemmans was afterwards fired from the project and from the BTB. In her claim, Mrs. Hemmans said that Mrs. Tracy Taegar-Panton shouted that she, Hemmans, was making Mrs. Taegar-Panton “freaking frustrated”. The BTB was obliged to pay out to Ms. Hemmans a whopping $110, 625.76 with interest at $14.24 per day, plus lawyer’s fees. Court documents are a matter of public record and the PUP asks the voters of the Albert Division to take a closer look at this matter which is filed as Claim No. 313 of 2013 between Jonelle Hemmans v The Belize Tourism Board.
The People’s United Party and the Belize Times wishes all the mothers of Belize a
Happy Mother’s Day
4 04
THE BELIZE TIMES
Bring on the 13th Senator!
10 MAY
2015
Francis takes Dean Barrow to Court
Belize City, May 06, 2015 Opposition Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca is on a mission to restore Belize’s democracy which has come under serious threat and is corroding fast with the United Democratic Party and Dean Barrow at the helm. Hon. Francis has filed a claim before the Supreme Court in which he is seeking an order for Prime Minister Dean Barrow to bring into force Sections 7 and 9 of the Sixth Constitutional Amendment which was passed in 2010. Those sections introduced the legal basis for the appointment of a 13th Senator, which had been promised by Dean Barrow as Opposition/UDP Leader in his 2008 Manifesto, as part of a series of measures offering greater accountability and transparency. But Barrow had a change of mind once he became Prime Minister. His promises turned out to be pure political rhetoric. “It ain’t going to happen,” Barrow arrogantly told the media in August 2010, even though the Non-Government Organisations had already elected outspoken Mayan leader Greg Ch’oc as their choice for Senator. Three years later, despite greater clamour for checks and balances on Government spending, he remained stubborn, saying, “I cannot support the notion of any thirteenth Senator”. Astonishingly, Barrow’s pig-headed refusal was not just about keeping a manifesto promise made to Belizeans but about enacting an important piece of legislation that had been passed but remained intentionally stillborn. To the PUP leader, this is one of Barrow’s most sinful acts as leader of our country. “Barrow and the U.D.P. pledged and promised the Belizean people to restore and maintain good governance by reforming the Senate to ensure that those Senators nominated by the Opposition and N.G.O.s together constitute the majority and by empowering the Senate to initiate and conduct public inquiries into mismanagement or corruption by officials in Central Government or statutory bodies. Barrow and the U.D.P. have now abandoned the pledge, broken this promise and have turned their backs on governance reform and accountability,” Hon. Francis stated at a press conference on Wednesday, April 6, 2015. Attorney for the Opposition Leader, Senior Counsel Eamon Courtenay, was even more forceful about Barrow’s betrayal. He said Barrow was putting himself above and beyond the rule of law. “…the Party Leader is going to ask the Supreme Court to consider and decide whether we have a constitutional democracy in which the Constitution is supreme, or whether Mr. Dean Barrow is above the Constitution and the law of this country. We are going to ask the Supreme Court to determine and consider whether Belize is a democracy in which the rule of law prevails, or whether we now live in Barrowghanistan, where we have Dean Barrow prevailing with the rule of man,” Courtenay declared. The Opposition leader will be seeking a declaration from the Court that the Prime Minister is acting unconstitutionally and unlawfully and an order to compel the PM to bring into force the ignored sections of the 6th Amendment within thirty days. “The Party supports greater accountability and transparency in Government finances and activities and continues to strongly maintain that it is vitally important for Belize’s governance and democracy that the 13th Senator be appointed as a matter Continued on page 21
Senior Counsel Eamon Courtenay said PM Barrow has acted illegally and unconstitutionally
10 MAY
2015
THE BELIZE TIMES
5 05
The UNIONS, CHURCH, BUSINESS COMMUNITY and ACTIVISTS are all AGAINST Barrow’s Law
Marvin Mora, President - NTUCB
Senator Father Noel Leslie, Churches
Senator Mark Lizarraga, Business Community
Yaya Marin Coleman – Activist
BARROW’S RESPONSE?? The UNIONS are bought and paid for The CHAMBER is disingenuous The CHURCH is wrong The ACTIVISTS are misled
Barrow Law, GOOD for Barrow
BAD FOR BELIZE!
6 06
10 MAY
THE BELIZE TIMES
2015
Gapi can’t run nor hide! Belize City, May 7, 2015 UDP Deputy Leader Gaspar Vega hung his head low as he walked out of the Chief Justice’s chambers this morning. Vega didn’t get what he wanted as Chief Justice Honourable Kenneth Benjamin rejected attempts by his attorney, Rodwell Williams, to amend Court documents submitted in their claim against Ramon “Monchi” Cervantes Jr. Reports were that Vega was hoping that the Court’s exempt him from attending the proceedings. The Court ruled however that both parties make themselves present at every Court date. Vega, who is also the UDP area representative for Orange Walk North, claims that he was defamed by “Monchi”, who is the PUP’s representative for Orange Walk North. But Cervantes has denied those claims. The case stems from a recording released by the Cervantes family at a memorial for in November of last year in which the main sus-
18 Year Old Killed in ‘Suga City’ Continued from page 1 Romero and his friends were socialising in the yard of their residence, an apartment complex located on Sittee River Street in the Louisiana Area, when an armed man turned up riding a bicycle, stood outside the house gate and fired a hail of bullets at them. The gunman then ran away, leaving behind terror. While Romero’s friends scattered away and escaped injury, the teenager was critically wounded and remained motionless on the ground. According to Police officials, Romero was shot four times, in his shoulder, back, abdomen and neck. He was rushed to the hospital but passed away about an hour later. Authorities continue to investigate what could have triggered this violent attack. So far they have not detained anyone for questioning. Witnesses could not identify the gunman because he reportedly wore a cap. The murder indicates that there is increased gang tension in the community. In an incident of similar style and in the same neighbourhood, on March 21st, two teenagers, 16 year old Oscar Vasquez and 17 year old Michael Usher, had been shot dead as they stood in the yard on Palmar Boundary Road. The double murder was also believed to be related to conflict between rivalry groups. According to a Police source, there are about 30 gangs in Orange Walk Town, but they do not consider this alarming.
pect in the disappearance and murder of Ramon Cervantes Sr., Manuel Castillo, implicated Gaspar Vega. Castillo revealed in the recording that the despicable assault on the well-loved senior citizen was a political hit on the Cervantes family. Vega, in response to the allegations, confirmed that it was Castillo’s voice in the recording and denied the charges. Monchi and his family have filed official statements to the Police, requesting that they investigate the allegations made in the recording, but all indications are that the Police have ignored their appeal. Vega can’t run nor hide from the scrutiny of the Court. He will have to re-appear in Court on June 23, 2015.
Gapi and attorney Rodwell Williams leaving court
10 MAY
THE BELIZE TIMES
2015
WOMAN IN THE HOUSE By Dolores Balderamos Garcia
Antonio Soberanis Gomez
In 1988 Cubola Productions of Benque Viejo del Carmen published a seminal text on Belizean history. I still believe that this is one of the very best volumes of Belizean history that has been produced. It is called “Colonialism and Resistance in Belize,” and was written by O. Nigel Bolland, then Professor of Sociology at Colgate University in New York. Chapter 8 is titled “The Labour Movement and the Genesis of Modern Politics in Belize.” I consider this chapter in particular to be essential reading for any student
of our modern history. In the early 1930’s labour conditions in the colony of British Honduras were deplorable, leading to horrible living conditions for a great majority of the people countrywide. “Dependancy on rations, inferior food, low wages, the absence of medical attention and the prevalence of medical problems associated with malnutrition, and poor and insanitary accommodations” were the order of the day. And there was no legal recourse. Conditions kept deteriorating, but the Governor rejected proposals to legalize trade unions and to institute a minimum wage and sickness insurance. Bolland tells us that officials only began to change their tune after “labourers had forcefully demonstrated their discontent and determination in a series of meetings, demonstrations, strikes, petitions and riots.” In March 1934 Antonio Soberanis Gomez, a barber by trade, surged to the forefront of the struggle of the ‘Unemployed Brigade,’ and turned the people in a “more militant direction” than merely marching around the town with placards. Soon over 800 people were meeting at least twice weekly to cheer on Soberanis’ attacks against
Boots Gets $100,000 per week for the disabled!! Belize City, May 04, 2015 A major scandal in the Government Ministry headed by Anthony Boots Martinez has been exposed. According to official data from the Budget book, Boots’ Ministry has been getting millions of dollars to directly support disabled persons in our society with financial assistance, but there is no evidence that this has been occurring. The 2014/2015 Budget shows that Boots’ Ministry of Human Development and Social Transformation was allotted $5.5 MILLION to be spent as financial grants to persons with disabilities for that year. The data also indicated that $4.5 MILLION was proposed for each of the years 2015, 2016 and 2017. Based on the 2014 budget, Boots’ Ministry would be getting about $100,000 per week to spend on the disabled. But where has all the money gone?
Not to disable persons for certain. We contacted dozens of disabled persons throughout the country and they responded that they get no support from the Government. The organisation which lobbies for disabled person, the Belize Assembly of Persons with Diverse Abilities (BAPDA), has recorded no such kind of support through their organization either. The contributions for their activities is shamefully miniscule, barely a drop in the ocean compared to the bountiful funding that has been specially designated to Boots’ Ministry. There is an estimated 2,000 disabled persons in Belize. Can the Minister tell the people of Belize where the money has gone? It also noteworthy that the unaccounted and extravagant spending began in 2014, the same year the Government began collecting Petro-caribe monies. So is the money Petrocaribe dollars too?
the Governor and the elite establishment. “The more violent the language used from the rostrum, the more the crowd liked it.” However, Soberanis was not just a rabble-rouser. Called “the Moses of British Honduras,” he created and led the Labourers and Unemployed Association, and the workers’ demands came to be “couched in moral and political terms that started to define and develop a brand new nationalistic and democratic political culture in Belize.” Antonio’s father was Canuto Soberanis, who came from Yucatan. His mother was Dominga Gomez from Corozal. Antonio, the eldest of seven children, was born on January 17, 1897. He grew up in Belize Town, but also travelled widely in Central America and the United States. He was bilingual, and this skill he used to great advantage throughout his leadership of the social and political struggle for almost ten years. Soberanis’ history as told by Bolland is completely gripping. His Association was not completely a union, but it was very political. It used boycotts, demonstrations, and strikes to pressure officials and employers to make concessions that benefitted the people. Soberanis’ fiery rhetoric attacked not only the Governor, but the colonial administration itself. “We are a new people... we are only asking for our rights... justice for all men” were his cries for betterment, and he rejected the Governor’s lame excuses that a wage increase was impossible. He also pressured local merchants to donate to the poor, leading a Tenth of September march of 3,000 persons and making sure they were fed!! He also organized a very successful strike in Stann Creek, with workers later receiving a 400% raise-a-pay!! Most importantly, he led a new nationalistic
07 7 consciousness that preceded the work of the younger nationalist leaders of the 1950’s. During one demonstration led by Soberanis, the crowd of 1,500 people in Belize City overwhelmed the police, and the Governor was forced to meet with him and other organizers of the protest for higher wages. Laws were changed slowly, but they were changed for the better. Later on, sedition charges against him could in no way take away from the huge achievements he had gained for the poor and for the workers. He had managed to link the aspirations of the Belizean people for employment, higher wages, and better housing and health to an all-out assault on the cynicism and callousness of the colonial masters. He was in the view of some historians the first truly political and nationalist leader of our country, then the colony of British Honduras. There is more in the book, but I would like Belizeans, especially students, to read it for themselves. A fullfledged biography of Soberanis should be researched and written. And I do feel that there could not have been George Price and Philip Goldson and others had there not been an Antonio Soberanis Gomez. His contribution to freedom, fundamental rights, a Belizean national consciousness, and the seeds of Belizean democracy cannot be overestimated. He should posthumously be named a National Hero. It is not sufficient for his bust to stand in Battlefield Park. A monumental historical figure such as he was, needs to be known about and celebrated to the fullest, and I feel that we have just not done enough in this regard. The time is now to reverse this terrible neglect.
The Major Reports to Duty! Continued from page 3 to returning the People’s United Party to those ideals and that he is committed to a new path for the P.U.P., one that will put country before party and one that will be fair to all manner of Belizeans irrespective of your political affiliation. Let us be real people, the P.U.P. is the party that delivers. The PUP is the party that has truly transformed Belize. We went from colony to independence. The PUP is a party of nation builders, that’s what we do and come 2017 or whenever the elections are called we are going to deliver,” he stated. Major Jones has a stellar record,
both in military and professional service. Upon retiring from the Belize Defense Force in 2004, he was the serving Commanding Officer of the Maritime Wing. From thereon, he has developed his expertise in strategic planning, logistics, transportation, shipping, contingency planning and oil spill response services. He served as Ports Commissioner at the Belize Port Authority from 2004 to 2010. He has Master’s Degree in Business Administration is about to complete Master’s Degree studies in Science (Climate Change and Sustainable Development) in 2016.
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THE BELIZE TIMES
10 MAY
2015
10 10 MAY MAY
THE BELIZE THE BELIZE TIMESTIMES
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10 SPORTS
Cattouse Cyclists Dominate Cancun Race Cozumel, Quintana Roo, May 3, 2015 The Cattouse family of the C-Ray Road Addikz team dominated the Cedral Cycling Classic in Cozumel, Quintana Roo on Sunday, May 3. Brandon Cattouse won the Elite category, his sister Kaya Cattouse won the Female race and their father, Ray Cattouse won the Masters B category of the race, while Giovanni Lovell of the Digicell 4G team won the U-23 race. Brandon Cattouse clocked 2:37:07 as he won the 60 mile elite race, edging out Byron Pope of the Benny’s megabytes team who finished second in 2:37:08. Mexican rider Jesus Antonio Frutos was 3rd in 2:37:09; Jose Cuellar
Samos was 4th and Belizean Phillip Leslie of the Benny’s Megabytes team was 5th. Luis Avila Balam was 6th and Luis Gonzales Lopez was 7th, Edgar Espinosa finished 8th. The event set a new record with over 160 riders. The race started which began with a slow roll-out from the Quintana Roo Park in front of the Cozumel City Hall, and then hit the highway, finishing at the entrance arc at the township of El Cedral. Ray Cattouse won the Masters B Race over a 45-mile course, besting Mexican Hugo Barron of Queretaro who finished 2nd, Manuel Osorio of Merida was 3rd, and Belizean Isaiah Willacey of the Santino’s team was 4th. Kaya Cattouse won the 35-mile Female race with Laura Rodriguez of Merida placing 2nd and Fabiola Rodriguez of Cozumel finishing 3rd. Giovanni Lovell of the Digicell 4G team won the U-23 race; while Delawm Abraham of the Benny’s Megabytes team took 2nd place; while Mexican rider Fernando Luciano was 3rd and Levy Mendoza was 4th.
UB Jaguars & Orchid Girls
win softball opening games Lords Bank Village, May 3, 2015 The University of Belize Jaguars, the Burrell Boom Orchid Girls and the Double Head Cabbage women each posted big wins in the 2015 Belize Rural women’s softball opening games at Lord’s Bank on Sunday. The UB Jaguars won 12-2 against Willows Bank United by mercy rule in 4 innings. Willows Bank pitcher Shana Avilez walked 3 batters and gave up 9 hits and the rest of the diamond committed 5 errors; allowing UB’s Deannah Garbutt, Amber Wade, Monica Tablada and Melissa Jones to score 2 runs apiece, while Judy Soberanis, Karlene Williams, Denika Noralez and Leeza Macfadzean scored one run apiece. The Willows Bank women got 6 hits off UB’s Karlene Williams, who struck out 3 batters and walked one, but only Clemencia Wade and Geraldine Fermin scored for Willows Bank. Double Head Cabbage won 12-11 against Flowers Bank, as Flowers Bank’s pitcher Dian Baldwin gave up 10 hits and walked 10 batters, allowing Kaylee Macfadzean to score 3 runs, Merle Garbutt and Annette Morey scored 2 runs apiece, and Ardeth Macfadzean, Denise Cassasola, Kendice Broaster,
10 MAY
THE BELIZE TIMES TIMES THE BELIZE
UB’s Karlene Williams pitches
Karen Clarke and Brentlee Garcia scored one run apiece. DHC’s pitcher Herlet Clarke struck out 2 batters and gave up 15 hits, allowing Sharra Robinson to score 3 runs, Dian Baldwin and Georgia Joseph scored 2 runs apiece; while Ranisha Rhaburn, Francine Robinson, Shanna Robinson and Kelsey Robinson scored one run each. The Burrell Boom Orchid Girls won 8-6 against Lords Bank Sunrise. Upcoming matches, Sunday, May 10 Willows Bank United vs. Burrell Boom Orchid Girls UB Jaguars vs. Double Head Cabbage Rancho Dolores vs. Flowers Bank
2015
Brandon Cattouse won 1st Elite, Ray Cattouse won 1st Masters B, Kaya Cattouse won 1st Female, and Giovanni Lovell won 1st place U-23
Belize Contingent (L-R) Phillip Leslie, Tarique Flowers, Byron Pope, Delawn Abraham, Giovanni Lovell, Brandon Cattouse, Kaya Cattouse and Ray Cattouse
No Limit hunts for playoff spot Belize City, May 1, 2015 The San Pedro Tigersharks are leading the National Elite Basketball League playoffs after an 81-79 win over the Dangriga Warriors, who are battling with Belize City’s No Limit for the 4th playoff spot. No Limit currently has the edge after a 77-66 upset of the Cayo Western Ballaz at Bird’s Isle on Friday night. The defending champs Tiger Sharks disciplined the Warriors 81-79 inside the Ecumenical High School Gymnasium last Thursday night. Edgar Mitchell led the Warriors attack with 13 points, while Brandon Flowers came up big with 25 points. Out at the island in Belize City, the Ballaz shooting star Richard Troyer was missing in action due to a leg injury, and No Limit made the most of his absence in the 4th quarter. Greg “Chippy” Rudon had double double-digits with 23pts and 12 rebounds. The Belmopan Red Taigaz tripped the Orange Walk Running Rebels 75-70 at the Orange Walk Multipurpose Complex on Friday. Stephen “Muerte” Willams topscored with 23 points, while the Rebels’ Sheldon Williams outscored his teammates with 18 points. Upcoming games: No Limit vs. Tigersharks, Saturday Yellow Pages Hurricanes vs. Belmopan Red Taigaz, Friday Western Ballaz vs. Running Rebels, Saturday
Rhetton Belisle scored 14pts
10 10 MAY MAY
11 SPORTS 11
THE BELIZE THE BELIZE TIMESTIMES
2015 2015
Guydis
Canoe wins Happy Cow Canoe Race Roaring Creek, May 2, 2015 The Guydis Canoe, paddled by Chris Guydis, Wilberto and Kenrick Daniels, won the 10th annual Happy Cow canoe race from the Iguana Creek Bridge to the National Agricultural and Trade Show grounds on Saturday. Here are the top ten finishers: 1st overall/1st male - Guydis Canoes – $150 prize 2nd overall/2nd male - Belize Bank Bulldogs (Armin Lopez, Bayron Cruz) – $75 prize 3rd overall/1st Intramural – Guardz (Elvis Sutherland, Dercy Haylock, Glenford Sutherland) – $150 prize 4th overall/1st Mixed Family - (Milenie and Clayton Cabb, Eric Cano) - $150 prize 5th overall/1st Pleasure category -
“Weh Dem Deh” (Daniel Harris, Jesus Cruz, Fernando Cruz) - $150 prize 6th overall/1st Juniors - N.I.C.H. (Mark Jimenez, Alex Cruz, Armando Lopez) $150 prize 7th overall/1st Solos - Western Home Supplies (Amado Cruz) - $150 prize 8th overall/2nd Mixed - Team Westrac (Henner, Lydia and Erwin Cruz) $75 prize 9th overall/3rd Mixed - Cayo Pitbulls: Miguel Mangandid, Roxana Lemus, Dean Harris - $50 prize 10th overall - “Good Enuff” (Jane Usher, Carlos Lopez, Ruth Cruz) 2:34:08 11th overall/2nd Juniors - Tropic Air (Martin Gideon, Avis Guydis, Michael Daniels – $75 prize 12th overall/1st Masters - Grumpy Ol’ Men (Jerry Wilken, Stanley Bailey, Joe Segura) - $150 prize 13th overall/1st Females - Belize Bank (Ana and Lily Cruz, Delilah Cabb) - $150 prize 14th overall/3rd Male - “Easy Going” (Dennis and Ryan Gabourel, Michael Moody) - $50 prize 15th overall/2nd Pleasure category - Print Belize (Leroy Romero, Michael Sedacey, Vian Caretela) – $75 prize
Guydis Canoes placed 1st in Male Category
1st place in Female Category, Belize BanK
Verdes FC & Bandits clash in Premier League finals
San Ignacio, May 3, 2015 Verdes FC of Benque Viejo and the defending champs Belmopan Bandits will meet for the Premier League football closing season championship finals at the FFB Stadium in Belmopan on Thursday night, May 7. Verdes FC closed the playoffs with 11 points after submitting the Belize Defence Force to a 5-1 beat-down at the Norman Broaster Stadium in San Ignacio on Sunday. BDF Carlton “Fubu” Thomas gave teammate Leon Cadle his first break at goal, but Cadle choked; and Osmar Duran did no better on 2 tries from point blank range. Verdes’ Najib Guerra tested BDF’s goalie Tevin Gamboa with a long range shot, and Jamil Cano’s shot drained over the crossbar. The BDF won a free kick and Verdes’ goalie Benito Moreira denied Vallan Symns’ attempt to score off the set piece. Ryan Gill triggered Verdes’ next try into the goal area and Symns handled the ball. The referee ruled penalty which Rodney “Shamir” Pacheco converted to give the Green machine a 1-0 lead at the half. Orlando Jimenez’s left foot shot made it 2-0 in the 60th minute and David Trapp dropped the ball perfectly to Jamil Cano, whose shot scored in the 64th minutes: 3-0. Marlon Molina came off the bench to make it 4-0 and fired a 5th goal into the net in the 78th
Bombers 2-0 London Strikers
City Boys, Heights FC, Collet Strikers & Brown Bombers win in SMART Mundialito Marlon Molina scored Verdes’ 4th & 5th goals minute. Verdes goalie Benito Moriera shut out the BDF’s try on a penalty but the army finally got a consolation goal from Edgar Adderley in the 88th minute. The Bandits advanced to the finals with 10pts after blasting Police United 2-0 at the Norman Broaster Stadium last Saturday night with goals by Randy Padilla in the 55th minute and Jehosphat Nady in the 86th minute. The Bandits drew 1-1 with the Police at the FFB Stadium last Wednesday with a goal by Elroy Kuylen, while Danny Jimenez scored for the Police.
Collet Strikers defeated Carlston FC 1-0
UPCOMING GAMES ON SATURDAY, MAY 9 Collet Strikers vs. London Strikers Carlston FC vs. Heights FC Young Warriors vs. City Boys Brown Bombers vs. Ladyville Jaguars Third World vs. Hattieville Youth FC Face of Belize vs. Rising Stars
12
THE BELIZE TIMES
Eulogy for David W. Fonseca
Read by Yasmin Shoman Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote: “To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children...to leave the world a better place... to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” William David Fonseca, affectionately known as “Dave,” embodied all of this and so much more. He was born in Belize City on May 1st, 1954 to Rafael and Gertrude Fonseca. He attended Holy Redeemer Primary School and graduated from St. John’s College in 1972. He started his working career at Barclay’s Bank shortly after leaving school, a successful career which took him to Antigua at which time he served in a senior supervisory capacity. In 1988, David entered electoral politics as a Belize City Councillor candidate on the People’s United Party slate. He was elected and would eventually serve three terms as Mayor of Belize City, making history as the first directly-elected Mayor. He was responsible for tremendous infrastructure development and social growth throughout Belize City. Dave had a passion for sports and played any sport involving a ball. But his absolute favourites, all at which he excelled, were basketball, tennis and cycling. He was involved in track and field for many years, serving as Treasurer of the Track and Field Association. He coached the Barclays Bank volleyball, basketball and tennis teams. David was a loving and devoted son, father, brother and friend. He and his partner, Arilee, were fundamental figures in the homecare of his sister, Andrea,
whom he loved dearly. David was always quiet, but possessed great inner strength and was always the rock of the Fonseca family in times of tribulation. From 1999 to 2006, I had the great honour of working very closely with this outstanding leader. David Fonseca was truly the “People’s Mayor”. He was a dear family friend, a political mentor and the greatest humanitarian I have ever met. He devoted many years of his life to public service and undoubtedly left an indelible mark. His leadership was always respectful and inclusive. No matter how much stress he may have been enduring or how busy his schedule was, David always graciously made time for residents, staff, and colleagues who requested an audience with him. His humility and sincerity endeared him to all with whom he came in contact. A devoted servant of the people, David held
clinic every Wednesday of the week to tend to residents who had requests or concerns. He refused to leave his office until he had seen everyone. And no one ever left dissatisfied because he ensured that he found a way to assist every single person. That was just who David Fonseca was! When he gave you his word, it was written in stone. Much of the social assistance that he rendered came out of his own pocket. I can personally attest to countless acts of kindness that the Mayor did for so many in need. One example of David’s great compassion was when he hired an amazing young Belizean man with special needs, Luke Jones, and paid him from his personal funds for almost two years until we could have afforded to put Luke on the City Council payroll. How many politicians would do this? Not many. But then again, David Fonseca was not your ordinary politician. He was an exceptionally kind and compassionate person. What I admired tremendously was the great respect that Dave gave to each one of us when we would express our positions on various issues. He was a great and keen listener. If he disagreed with a point, he would gently and ever so kindly state his position, never once raising his voice or being condescending. David was always the consummate gentleman and always greeted everyone with a pleasant smile and kind words. His birthday, which was on Labour Day, was very special to all of us. He was so loved by the staff that they always insisted on spending his birthday with him. So David treated them to a special family day which would either be held at the beach or a park so we could all
10 MAY
2015
celebrate their hard work and dedication together. For David, it was not about HIS birthday. It was about the workers. Though not very talkative, David did possess a very witty and mischievous sense of humour that captivated everyone in his midst. No matter how tense our caucus meetings sometimes were, you could count on him to break the tension with one of his jokes. He did not like conflict and drama. He was always very calm and was always the voice of reason; never overcome by emotion, he was always very practical. He truly was a Kipling man, able to walk with kings yet keep the common touch. William David Fonseca is pre-deceased by his father, Rafael Fonseca; mother, Gertrude Fonseca; son, Joshua Fonseca; and sister, Andrea Cox. He will be sadly missed by his daughter, Margot Fonseca Krahn, and her mother, Therese Fonseca; daughter, Nikita Fonseca; sons Vito Fonseca, Geovanni and Alfonso Martinez, Stuart Cruz, and their mother, Yolanda Fonseca; his devoted partner, Arilee Evans; grandchildren: Jasmine, Emmee, Ellie, Aubrey and Jairo; brothers, Ralph and Mark Fonseca; sister, Lillian Fonseca-Burgos; sisters-in-law, Donna and Loly Fonseca; brother-in-law, Rick Burgos; uncle, William “Chichi” Fonseca; aunt, Bernice Gonzalez; special cousins, Francis Fonseca, and Lisa and Phil Gonzalez; and a host of other relatives and friends. Our beloved Mayor, perhaps you did not realize just how many lives and hearts you touched through your kind words and deeds. There will never be another like you. My heart is heavy, but I find comfort in knowing you are now at peace. Rest well, my dear friend. You have left Belize City a better place…you have succeeded!
10 MAY
2015
THE BELIZE TIMES
13
14
THE BELIZE TIMES
Oh, what a wicked act!
By the Voice of the Common Man The Petrocaribe Loans Act 2015 was rushed through the National Assembly on March 27th 2015. There has been strong opposition to this piece of legislation from the Unions, Churches, Business Community and Activists. The Leader of the Opposition People’s United Party Honorable Francis Fonseca has called the Barrow Law both “scandalous” and “unconstitutional”. He has also given Prime Minister Barrow an ultimatum to have this sordid law abrogated. Short of this, appropriate action will be taken. Senator Mark Lizarraga for the Business Community declared that the Barrow Law will undermine the effect of Transparency and Accountability in the Finance and Audit (Reform) Act of 2005 which its subsequent amendment at 2010 sought to achieve. The Finance and Audit (Reform) Act established with clarity that the Petrocaribe Fund should form a part of the Consolidated Review Fund. Section 3 (1) of the Act states: Pursuant to Section 114 (1) of the Belize Constitution, all revenues or other money raised or received by Belize…shall be paid into and form part of one Consolidated Revenue Fund. Furthermore, there is not an existing law which makes provision that it should or can “be kept in a special account at the Central Bank of Belize…” as the Barrow Administration is doing. The limitations, matter and manner of spending is guided by Section 5 of the Act (2005) which was later amended by Prime Minister Barrow in 2010, to include penalties for any breach to the Act which can lead to Police arrest, criminal charges and court fine and/or sentencing. PM Barrow is well aware of the changes he made to section 5. In undermining the spirit of democracy, Dean Barrow enacted the Petrocaribe Loans Act 2015. The Prime Minister now has carte blanche authority regarding the borrowing and spending of the Petrocaribe Fund (poor people’s money). Barrow has placed himself out of the reach of the law and dictates of the Finance and Audit (Reform) Act. Since 2012 the Prime Minister and entire UDP administration has contravened sections 3 and 5 of the Act. Realising penalties for the contraventions, they created a “Get out of jail” card with the Petrocaribe Loans Act (2015). Oh, what a wicked act. We got to bell this cat. The Prime Minister and the UDP Government can “borrow money from Alba Petrocaribe Belize Energy Limited in any amounts WITHOUT the prior authorization of the National Assembly and enter into a loan agreement with APBEL for the said purpose” and “the money borrowed from APBEL may be kept in a special account at the Central Bank of Belize and may be withdrawn from time to time as the need arises” with “no limitations”. My God, of what a wicked act! The Petrocaribe Loans Act 2015 mirrors that of an old Belizean anecdote before the era of television. Two men become involved in a plot to burglarize several luxurious Belizean businesses. Eventually the mastermind didn’t want to share the booty of the “mother lode” proportionally with the other one. He put the “Dragons” (the Police) on the other and s aw the “Black Mariah” carting off his fellow accomplice. The mastermind made way with the wealth in the sack in the dark confines of Duck Lane. Unbeknown was a poor and destitute fellow lurking in the dark. The mastermind going along chanting, “all is mine, all is mine”. Out of the darkness came the poor fellow who snatched the sack of wealth from the grips of the mastermind. The poor, shabby, destitute fellow chanted, “not this time, not this time”. The Prime Minister’s administration is attempting to cart off the Petrocaribe Fund out of the Consolidated Reve-
nue Fund to be hidden in the Central Bank chanting “all is mine, all is mine”. However the Leader of the Opposition Hon. Francis Fonseca , the Unions, the Church, the Business Community and the poor and socially marginalised Belizeans are loudly chanting, “NOT THIS TIME, NOT THIS TIME Mr. BARROW”. The central purpose of the
late Comandante Hugo Chavez’s vision for the Petrocaribe Fund was to alleviate the conditions of the poorer class of the Jewel and other needy societies of the West Indies. The Petrocaribe Loans Act is nothing but a wicked act to keep the socially marginalised in destitute conditions of dependence.
10 MAY
2015
VACANCY: A vacancy exists at Belizean Chinese Restaurant for an honest and experienced cook. Call 636-6646 to find out more.
10 MAY
THE BELIZE TIMES
2015
Roaring Creek Village takes a stand against gambling
Roaring Creek Village, Cayo District, May 04, 2015 Roaring Creek Village Council Chairman Jervis Banner and the Village Council have taken swift action against business establishments that engage in gambling as a counter measure to the level of crime in the community. There have been three murders in the village since the year started; all of them the result of gun violence. This is a major concern for the Council and they have committed to deal with the conditions that lead to social deviance. As a result, one of the first decisions by the Council was to prohibit gaming establishments. Two gaming machine establishments have been
closed. One of them was found to have been operating improperly in the community for a few days. It had begun operating without the consent of Chairman Banner. The other has been operating for some time, but the Council has taken the decision not to allow the business to continue. “We do not believe that it is in the best interest of the community to have those kinds of businesses operating. There has been too much crime activity and we need to deal with that as a matter of priority,” Banner told the BELIZE TIMES. Banner has also written to the Gaming Control Board
Lupus and RA Association of Belize seeks support April 30th 2015 The Lupus and R.A. (Rheumatoid Arthritis) Association of Belize (LARA) is a newly incorporated Non-Profit Association whose mission is to improve the quality of life of persons affected by Lupus and RA, through public awareness, support, camaraderie and advocacy. The duly appointed members of the LARA Executive Committee are: President: Mrs. Kovenka Rodriguez James Vice President: Mrs. Agnes Segura-Gillett Treasurer: Ms. Neena Mahitani Secretary: Ms. Dejanira Thompson Chapter Representatives: Mrs. Areini Palacio Morgan (Southern Chapter) Ms. Sharon Codd (Western Chapter) Mr. Andrew Becquer (Northern Chapter) The Lupus & R.A. Association of Belize also advises the public that it is the only duly incorporated Lupus Association in Belize and that it is no way connected or affiliated with the Belize Lupus Association (BeLA), which is not an incorporated body, but rather, a business name registered to a private individual. We would like to encourage all persons affected by Lupus or RA, or persons who wish to support our cause, to join our association and assist in the furtherance of our mission. We can be contacted via our Facebook page: RA & Lupus Association of Belize; via email at laraassociationbz@gmail.com or via P.O. Box 1579, Belize City.
LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICES Notice is hereby given that YAWEI ZHENG is applying for a Convenient Store Liquor License to be operated at “7 Day Store”, situated at Caye Caulker, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that ISSRANI BHAGWANDASS is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Leena Shopping Center”, situated at #10 Albert Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.
requesting that they revoke the gaming license for both establishments. In his letter, he indicated that the Council is not in support of gaming businesses in their community and object to the awarding of licenses for businesses wishing to operate in the village. Banner expressed concern that because the city of Belmopan does
15 not allow gaming establishments in their municipality, businessmen have looked to Roaring Creek Village. But the Chairman said they are not welcome. The decision is supported by the village residents, who are also concerned about the level of crime in their community.
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THE BELIZE TIMES
10 MAY
2015
10 MAY
2015
THE BELIZE TIMES
Reid Requiem for a hero By G. Michael Reid News of the death of former mayor of Belize City David Fonseca came as a shock to not only the citizens whom he served for almost two decades in Belize City; but to the entire country and indeed, many in the international diplomatic corp. To say that David Fonseca was a “wellliked politician” would be understating things quite a bit. Born William Henry David Fonseca, the man who was known to many simply as “David” served as mayor of Belize’s largest municipality for a record sixteen years. He was the first mayor to be directly elected and oversaw significant transformation in how the city is governed. Under his watch, the city got its first City Manager, its first Financial Manager and its first fully staffed Traffic Department. He oversaw significant developments and applications in the area of sanitation and left Belize City cleaner and more modern than ever. Unfortunately, David Fonseca was caught up in the political upheaval of 2004/2005 and left City Hall in 2006 under a cloud of controversy. Shortly after the municipal elections of 2006 that saw David finally losing after winning a record three consecutive terms, in-coming Mayor Zenaida Moya embarked on a smear campaign and proceeded to dig up anything that she could find to tarnish her predecessor’s name and legacy. She expended much effort in trying to convince the then Director of Public Prosecutions Kirk Anderson to charge David Fonseca for anything that he possibly could. In November of 2006, the DPP in a letter to the City Council informed Moya that “…no criminal charges or charges are warranted against ex-mayor Fonseca for any offense, vis-à-vis the complaint which has been made against him by your office.” The propaganda was effective however, and many who should have known better, loaned
being re-elected, has abandoned his mayoral obligations in a bid for higher office. Darrell Bradley has been hoisted on a high pedestal for having cemented many of the streets that David Fonseca had built. Bradley has not built one new street and many that were dug up and cemented were in relatively good shape and needed nothing more than adequate maintenance. I think that history will better define the differences between David Fonseca and any of these other two waste-of-time media hounds that have followed behind him. During my time with the Police Department, I worked closely with David Fonseca and can attest to his tireless effort and dedication to the well-being of this city. If David was guilty of anything, it was in trying too hard to please an ungrateful constituency. David Fonseca conducted his own Wednesday clinics and would spend some long hours at City Hall. Many have recounted how he would stay late into the night until the last person in line was seen. Many were there for financial assistance and David gave until it hurt. David Fonseca was a humble man and did not live the lavish lifestyle of many of our current politicians. He did not spend the
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vid Fonseca and who was privy to the financial dealings at the council. I had asked in private confidentiality if she knew or believed David to be corrupt. She was categorical in the negative and explained that the council’s problems did not stem from corruption. She did complain that David could not say no and quite often overreached his ability their voices to chorus of condemto deliver. Yet, garbage collections nation. David Fonseca had always were done, bills were paid, open insisted that the money spent under lots were chopped and the city was the social assistance program was kept clean. David Fonseca did not not for his personal gain but to assist leave politics a rich man. David was, the poor. David was also, never one for all intents and purposes, a man to turn anyone away because they and a good mayor. did not belong to a preferred political Interestingly enough, not once party. Unlike the arrogant and pompduring his time of beleaguerment ous ass now serving in that office, did David stand to defend himself David Fonseca was a people’s peragainst his accusers. He was quiet son and a special kind of politician. and mild mannered and I believe The irony in all of that is that that he died broken hearted. He while she was pushing and pursuwas broken hearted because deing charges against David Fonseca, spite having helped so many, so Moya was busying engaging herself few came to his defense when he in some serious misgivings and miswas assailed. Of all the people appropriations of her own. Who can that visited him and got help, not forget when in August of 2008, Mark one would stand and say, “Wait a King took to the airwaves backed up minute this man is not all bad beby nine of ten city councilors to concause he helped me when I was demn her shenanigans; labeling her in need”. There are many, many as the “most corrupt mayor ever”. people who very well could have done that but who stood by silently while this kind soul was crucified. It is David Fonseca was a humble man and did not a scenario that repeats live the lavish lifestyle of many of our current itself regularly and given our nature as humans, politicians. He did not spend the city’s finances will most likely continue on needless traveling, personal emoluad infinitum. No one knows the ments or gambling habits; he gave more true pain of a person’s than he had to the people... soul and the limit that is sometimes reached. David Fonseca is gone now, and while they can conKing revealed that Moya had given city’s finances on needless traveling, tinue to lie about and against him, bloated contracts to her brothers, personal emoluments or gambling they are no longer able to hurt his salary advances to herself (which habits; he gave more than he had to gentle soul. May GOD forgive him she never paid back, by the way), and the people and as a result, usually his sins, may he rest in peace and had used City Council funds to pay found himself in a financial bind. may he rise in glory on that day for personal security at her house. I was friendly for a while, with a when we will all be called to judgFortunately for Moya, she was folperson who worked closely with Dament. Rest well, David, rest well! lowed into office by another UDP slate of councilors and has gotten the benefit of a media too compromised to criticize anything remotely connected to the United Democratic Party. David Fonseca, unlike current Mayor Darrell Bradley was a full time mayor who spent countless hours doing City Council work. Bradley, on the other hand, spends most of his time in court and after just a couple months of
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10 MAY
THE BELIZE TIMES
2015
For Sale By Order of the
For Sale By Order of the
Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Mortgage made the 5th day of February, 2008, between CUPERTINA PULCHERIA TEUL of New City Area, Toledo District, Belize of the one part, and SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LTD., of the other part, and recorded at in Deeds Book Vol. 6 of 2008 at Folios 1189 – 1214, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto.
Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Mortgage made the 5th day of March, 2012, between NAZARIO ITZA JR. of San Jose Succotz Village, Cayo District, Belize of the one part, and SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LTD., of the other part, and recorded at in Deeds Book Vol. 5 of 2012 at Folios 1163 – 1170, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the properties described in the schedule hereto.
All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.
All offers to purchase the said properties must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.
SCHEDULE
SCHEDULE
ALL THAT piece and parcel of land being Lot Number 31 containing 464.576 SM situate West of Punta Gorda Town, Toledo District being more particularly shown on Plan of Subdivision of Block Number 28 by surveyor Valdez, Register 4 Entry 2194 at the Office of the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys in Belmopan TOGETHER with all buildings and erection thereon.
ALL THAT piece and parcel of land being Lot Nos. 284 and 285 comprising of 609.718 Square Yards and 495.109 Square Yards respectively situate in Succotz Village, Cayo District, bounded and described as shown on Plan No. 1151 of 2003 attached to Minister’s Fiat Grant No. 1151 of 2003 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.
DATED this 23rd day of April, 2015.
DATED this 4th day of April, 2014.
MUSA & BALDERAMOS LLP 91 North Front Street Belize City Attorney-at-Law for Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.
MUSA & BALDERAMOS 91 North Front Street Belize City Attorney-at-Law for Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.
10 MAY
19
THE BELIZE TIMES
2015
Chunox St. Viator Vocational High School
SUMERU MANAGEMENT CORP. # 120,188 (“the Company”)
VACANCY Principal
Pursuant to Section 102 (4) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, notice is hereby given that SUMERU MANAGEMENT CORP.: a) is in dissolution b) commenced dissolution on the 4th of May, 2015; and c) Cititrust International Inc. whose address is 35 Barrack Road, Belize City, Belize is the Liquidator of the Company
Chunox St. Viator Vocational High School, Chunox Village, Corozal District, invites applications from suitably qualified persons for the position of Principal of Chunox St. Viator Vocational High School. The position will be effective August 1st 2015. The Principal will be expected to: • Interact effectively with a diverse student body • Lead a team of committed, self-motivated professionals • Create an atmosphere conducive to the inculcation of Christian values • Demonstrate an understanding of secondary education • Prepare and implement curriculum focused on Agriculture and other vocational subjects
CITITRUST INTERNATIONAL LIMITED Registered Agent
The Principal will be a person who: • Is familiar with the Roman Catholic teachings, traditions and practices • Is familiar with and supportive of the educational mission of Chunox St. Viator • Is accessible and consultative when making decisions • Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills • Has the ability to articulate effectively the high school’s mission to the students, staff, parents/guardians, alumni and to the larger community • Demonstrates effective leadership and management skills • Must possess a valid teacher’s license
NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the below company has been dissolved and struck-off the International Business Companies Register with effect from April 25th, 2015:
Preference will be given to applicants who possess a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership (or related field) from an accredited institution, and minimum of five years’ experience in teaching or administration in the Belizean educational system. Fluency in Spanish will be an asset. Remuneration will be in accordance with the salary scales approved by the Ministry of Education.
LOWELL CONSULTANCY LIMITED
Applications complete with resumes are to be submitted by Friday, May 15, 2015 to: The Principal Chunox St. Viator Vocational High School P.O. Box 330 Corozal Town
Zetland Corporate Services Belize Limited
NOTICE
The Publisher & Cycling Federation of Belize, wishes to send a big
I, Melbourne Rice, is hereby applying to Belize City Magistrate Court for a Moneylender’s License to authorize me to carry out business as a Money Lender in 2015 under the name of business Ymanie’s Pawnshop, which is located at #18B Orange Street, Belize City, Belize.
to the following for production of: “THE TRADITION Magazine”
THANK YOU
Diamond Sponsors • • •
General Post Office Belize Telemedia Limited Santiago Castillo Limited
Gold Sponsors • • • • • • • • • • •
Belize Electricity Limited Bowen & Bowen Ltd. Grace Kennedy Belize Ltd. Holy Redeemer Credit Union Ltd. Income Tax Department National Sports Council Norman’s Printing House OCEANA Public Utilities Commission SOL Belize Ltd. Tony’s Superstore (Independence Village)
Special Thanks To:
Yvonne Robinson, Perry Gibson, James Muschamp, Janelle Chanona, Alan Auil, Elston Wade, Leticia Westby, Fitzgerald “Palas” Joseph, Santi Castillo, Karen Rosito, William Ysaguirre, Isaac Rhys, Eugene Trench, Chris Williams, Anwar Barrow, Hon. Herman Longsworth, Dion Leslie, Kaya Cattouse, Glenn Tillett and all teams who submitted team photos and info.
Silver Sponsors • • • • • • • •
Belize Tourism Board BRADS Gaming Co. Ltd. James Brodies Co. Ltd. NICH Prosser Fertilizer & Agrotec Co. Ltd. Quickstop Personal Finance Center St. John’s Credit Union SMART
Bronze Sponsors • • • •
Budget Car Rental Bird’s Isle Restaurant Brothers Habet Fuel Logistics Limited.
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THE BELIZE TIMES
2015 Hurricane Season expected to be “Quiet” Belize City, May 01, 2015 Experts are predicting that the 2015 Atlantic Hurricane Season will be “quiet”, with 7 named storms, 3 hurricanes, and at least 1 intense hurricane. The Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June 1 to November 30, and according to weather experts, the Caribbean has a 22% chance of seeing at least one major hurricane (42% is average). These predictions are based on two main factors. The first is that the weather system on the Pacific Ocean, known as El Niño, is weak. This will likely bring about a quiet Atlantic hurricane season due to increased upper-level winds over the tropical Atlantic creating wind shear that will tend to tear storms apart. The second factor is that sea surface temperatures from the Caribbean to the coast of Africa have been much cooler than aver-
age in the eastern tropical Atlantic, and near average in the Caribbean in March 2015. When temperatures are cooler than average, a below-average Atlantic hurricane season is more likely. Experts are still warning, however, that there exists a “predictability barrier” for weather predictions. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will issue its first seasonal hurricane forecast for 2015 on May 27. So far, they are predicting, a weak El Niño event in the equatorial Eastern Pacific which should weaken the warming in the Caribbean.
10 MAY
2015
Who is responsible for this land clearing in Cayo South?
10 MAY
THE BELIZE TIMES
2015
Bring on the 13th Senator!
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Andy and Shyne
Francis takes Dean Barrow to Court
Continued from page 4 of urgency,” affirmed Hon. Francis. The People’s United Party is committed to strengthening democracy through a reformed Senate. As it stands, the Senate is controlled by the Government, which appoints six Senators plus the President. The other six seats are held by the Opposition (3 seats), the Union, Business and Churches who hold one each. The Senate is one layer of oversight to Government spending. It has the power to review and recommend amendments to law, can propose motions and laws, and can conduct special inquiries into possible wrongdoing. Over the past two years, the Senate has attempted to exercise each of these powers – a motion to strengthen the Public Accounts Committee, a motion to inquire into the Immigration scandal involving corrupt UDP Cayo North East area representative Elvin Penner, and a motion to investigate Petrocaribe spending, were both blocked by the Government Senators, led by the once champion of reform, Godwin Hulse. While the Hon. Francis is the sole claimant in this case, he has invited the social partners to join and support in solidarity with the call for greater oversight and meaningful reform in Belize.
by yasser musa I’ve been thinking about two artists recently Andy Palacio and Moses Michael Levi (born Jamal Barrow) aka Shyne, both Belizean, but that is where the similarity ends. Two days ago Dean the father of Moses announced that he was going to use Petro money to build a church for the church leaders. The Prime Minister’s smile reminded me of his son’s lyric from the Bad Boys song, Bling bling, it’s a Bad Boy thing Bullets heat-seekin, streep sweepin, with an evil grin In late 2007 Andy Palacio walks up the red cliffs of Barranco. International and Belize media trail him. A hyped up Advanced Dental Care is looking for a competent licensed Dental pack of friends and fans folSurgeon low him to where his mother is seated. Palacio is formally Role and Responsibility: conferred UNESCO Artist for Peace by Culture Minister The successful candidate will be part of a dental team to provide Francis Fonseca. His accepgeneral dental care to patients. tance speech is short, he decides to sing and then dance Qualifications and Experience: in a circle of older women. The Dental Surgeon must have at least 10 years experience as a That same year Stonetree dental surgeon and a good understanding of all aspects of dentistRecords from Benque Viejo ry. They must speak fluent English and be able to communicate released Watina, which like a rocket shot up to # 1 on the effectively and efficiently patient’s needs, wants and desires. World Music Charts. Andy They must provide honest, quality, ethical and morally competent and producer Ivan Duran are dental care to patients. They must understand “Smile Design” awarded the World Music and provide a dental laboratory precise and detailed plan for preExpo Award (WOMEX). In his cision cosmetic results. acceptance speech Andy said, “In today’s world, howevSkills and Competencies: er, Garifuna music has taken on the additional role of con-Composite and Amalgam fillings tributing to the socio-econom-Crown and Bridge ic development not only of its -Cosmetic Veneers practitioners, but indeed of -Root Canal Therapy the very nations of which we -Periodontal Maintenance are citizens, making contribu-Oral Hygiene tions in just about every field, including education, gover-Extractions nance, commerce, entertainment and tourism.” Salary: Whenever I talk to artists, Negotiable and musicians and the issue of Belize’s current Music AmKindly Send Curriculum Vitae to: bassador comes up the conDr. Gonzalez gonzalezdentalclinic@gmail.com versation turns sour, distasteful to borrow a word from the father of Moses.
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Why? In 2009 the artist Shyne returned to his homeland. His uncle Michael Finnegan declared to the nation that he had built a special extension to his home so that his nephew could start a recording studio. Shyne was appointed Music Ambassador by his father’s government. They said he would be working with the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH). But by 2010, NICH was heading down a path of Colonial masturbation. They took a calculated cultural turn to pre1981, back to British Honduras with its aura for fake elitism and a passive compliant approach to culture. Since his appointment not even the staunchest supporters of this UDP government has come forward to defend the role of Shyne in the context of development, except his father who on June 12, 2014 said, “I thought, hoping that he could regain former glory and rise to former heights.” It is easy to say that Shyne as Music Ambassador has been a sick joke, a slap in the face to the artistic community and dagger to the progress that could have been made. However, that is not my main critique. Shyne is a pawn on a chessboard designed by his megalomaniac father Dean Barrow. It was never about cultural progress, development or hard work. It had everything to do with a colonial mind fixated on power not progress. If there is one thing I learned from my brother Andy Palacio it is that we are journeymen on a mission to change the things we can. We live in a world of contrasts. The approach of our ambassador from Barranco is very different from the one from Brooklyn. Brooklyn is bling bling, it’s a bad boy thing. Barranco is Lidan Aban (together). Respect to together….Juntos Podemos!
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THINK ABOUT IT LLOYD JONES’ MAJOR MOVE Major Lloyd Jones of the Belize Defense Force has taken up a new challenge. He takes an unprecedented step as the standard bearer for the Peoples United Party in the Belize Rural North Constituency. This is a major move. Major for the PUP, major for the people in the Belize River Valley area and major for Belize. It comes on the one year anniversary of the untimely passing of Maxwell Samuels, a former Police Commissioner and three times elected representative for the area. Max would have been beaming with pride to have seen Lloyd, another disciplined son of the soil, offer himself to represent the good people of the constituency. Since retiring from the military (in Belize military officers retire at the early age of 35) Major Jones has distinguished himself in every field of undertaking. Lloyd became the Commissioner of the Port Authority regulating boating and marine activities for the country. The Major is also highly trained in shipping and harbor matters. Lloyd brought pride and high standards to the Port Authority. He served with distinction until the UDP put a disorganized and undisciplined person in the form of “Flipping”, “MadaFish,” Minister Melvin Hulse. The Port started to sink and of course Lloyd would not be part of such unprofessionalism. The present Port Commissioner is a UDP crony. That Party victimizes competence. Major Lloyd Jones will be an impeccable and formidable candidate for the Rural North constituency. We have no doubt that with a good campaign team and organization in the villages, the people of the area will elect this outstanding Belizean to be their representative. THEIR DAYS ARE OVER Labor Day came and went, just like that. Workers Unions just are not what they used to be. A study of workers unions in many of the English speaking Caribbean countries show that they sometimes gave birth to independence movements or were an integral part of the push across the Caribbean to overthrow colonialism and take control of our destinies. In Belize, unions have seen their heydays. It is possible, if not, it is certainly arguable that over the past decade, union membership has not increased. This is so even though the workforce has seen some increase. Furthermore, at work places like Belize Water Services, Belize Electricity, Belize Telecoms, the public service, schools, and hospitals where there is an educated work force, the unions are not particularly successful on behalf of their members. None of these unions seem to appreciate the need for a better Social Security Board with increased benefits. Millions have been removed from Social Security to put in B.T.L but not a single benefit has been increased for workers. There is an absence of improved health services for workers and their families. There is no daycare facility for the little children of workers. The absence of a first time land owners program is also another finger pointed at unions. A housing project with a quota for teachers, nurses, police, public officers and other workers is a glaring issue. These issues are of course no reflection on the members of the unions. They do however raise questions of the individual and collective leadership of those at the top of workers unions.
As we say, labor day come and gone. Just like that. Not even a tribute to the many men and women who stood up for workers and who gave strength to the principle of unionism. LAND FOR MAYA-NON FOR CREOLES The Maya in Toledo have been living on their land for as long as anyone can remember and then much longer than that. Their ancestors owned the whole of Belize. Their temples and mounds from the northern districts to the cayes, from the Cayo district and down southern Belize remain irrefutable proof of that. The Mayas only ask that in parts of Toledo they be allowed to decide their own destiny over their own land. We respect that and support them. But as we watch a small drama unfold in Lake Independence in Belize City we must raise alarm over what it means. Some citizens are being evicted on behalf of one individual who media reports says bought six acres of swamp two or three years ago. About fourteen families have cleared mangroves and partly filled the swamp and have been living in the area for upwards of nine years. How is it that the Minister of Lands and the UDP Area Representative for Lake Independence allowed one individual to get six acres of land on the southside of Belize City? How? The UDP practices an open policy of victimization along with a form of nepotism and political opportunism. For any person to get any land in any part of the country that person has to take in a letter from a UDP politician to the Minister of Lands. In the case of Lake Independence it is the UDP area representative Mark King. Did he give the individual a letter of support to get the six acres? Mr. King is the very same facey politician who told the nation he and his government practices a form of discrimination in which they and the government resources are for UDP first, ordinary Belizeans second and PUP last. This policy has been publicly endorsed by the actions of the Prime Minister. Such a policy is illegal and it is unconstitutional. A government is elected to serve all persons. The constitution forbids discrimination against anyone group while favoring others. But of course, the UDP Minister and government are increasingly behaving as if they are above the law. So how is it that a dozen families are forced off former government lands to make way for one individual who may not even be a Belizean? And why these obviously poor and desperate families are told the government will make land available to them way up at Cotton Tree Village some forty five miles away from Lake Independence? The area where these six acres have been given to one person has turned out to be right next to the new area cleared and filled by government as part of the new Chetumal bridge development. That cannot be coincidence. Can it also be insider information and that the individual is fronting for a Minister or UDP crony? There are serious questions that need to be answered by Mark King and the Minister of Lands. We also wish to note that two weeks before the Belize City Council elections in March; it was announced with great fanfare that the Minister of Lands had made some twenty acres of lands available to the city Mayor to distribute to hand-picked workers at the City Council as an obvious form of election bribery. Even while other Belizeans were being treated as third class citizens and cruelly evicted from Lake Independence.
WHO IS MARILYN MOSBY Marilyn Mosby is the Chief Prosecutor in Baltimore, U.S.A. Baltimore is one of the several cities in U.S.A where racial tensions have flared up because of Police killings of unarmed black men. Unlike most of the other situations, the six police officers have been charged for the death of 25 year old Freddie Gray. Three of the Police are white and three are black Americans. The Police claim that on seeing them, Freddie Gray ran. They caught him and found a small knife in his pocket. They arrested him after wrestling him to the ground and handcuffed and threw him in a Police vehicle. Freddie Gray died inside the vehicle from a broken spine at the base of the neck. The decision by Marilyn Mosby to bring charges against the Police is nothing short of sensational, not only in Baltimore but across the U.S.A. By bringing charges against the Police, Mrs. Mosby, 35 years, has taken on the white racist system all across the U.S.A. She has become an instant heroine and super-hero. Let’s watch and see in the months ahead how the Empire and its pirates will strike back to her. Already on Fox news they are suggesting her decision is hasty and pre-mature. Belize, where Police abuse has become widespread and has the full support of the system, we could surely do with one or two Marilyn Mosby. ADELITA GUERRA Information is still sketchy but we say it here. At the opening of education month over last weekend, a teacher gave a dynamic and relevant address which was reported in the media. That address needs to be highlighted. WILLIAM & MARLENI Channel 5 television has a morning show Mondays to Fridays. It is called “Open Your Eyes”. It has prime time viewership. Of late it is splicing its 6:45 A.M to 8:00 A.M time period into one, two and sometimes three different topics and guests. For run-of-the-mill matters perhaps this works. For serious national issues or heavy duty topics we think it detracts viewers from focusing. We also share the view that more serious topics need to be featured and that William and Marleni need to ask piercing questions while retaining their easy, smooth style of interviewing. With Love FM having lost, deliberately so, Mr. Nuri Muhammed from their morning show and station, the loss is obvious. There has been no one to replace him in style and substance. All the more William and Marleni need to appreciate that the country is badly in need serious discussions and interviews. Let there be no mistake about one important fact. Belize is not getting better, not economically, political, socially or in any meaningful respect. The media, or what little there is of it, has a huge responsibility to step up. PATRICK ROGERS Patrick Rogers is back. Like Arnold Schwarzzeneger. The founding member of the activist group “Commoners” along with former U.S military Commander Nehal Jihad McLauren, immediately let his presence be known. At a press conference with third party V.I.P, Rogers attacked the terrible Retrograde law recently passed by government. Both Rogers and V.I.P leaders Hubert Enriquez, Paul Morgan, Bobby Lopez, and
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Mr. Smith, raised serious core governance issues and made it clear they were prepared to take to the streets to manifest their displeasure with government. If it comes to protests, gentlemen, please organize and publicize, least you look like the National Trade Union Congress on Labor Day 1st May. Less than fifty members (or was it only executives) turned up in the worse showing by such a giant organization. It was not clear if Ray Davis was numbered among them. He, incidentally, received the kiss of death when the Prime Minister publicly praised him for his unbelievable behavior in refusing to vote in the Senate against the worst legislation ever passed by the National Assembly. Look what NTUCB has come to. RATS IN BELMOPAN HOSPITAL Belmopan is the nation’s capital. The Belmopan hospital was upgraded to Western Regional Hospital and is the regional hospital for all persons living in the Cayo district, which comprise from Benque Viejo through San Ignacio, Santa Elena, the scores of villages all around and down the highway to Roaring Creek as well as others like Cotton Tree, and surrounding the Capital. For there to have been such a horrible rat infestation at the Belmopan hospital speaks volumes of indictments against the Minister of Health and his C.E.O. Shucks, you guys are responsible for nothing. No wonder there is a cruel post on Facebook showing the Minister and a bregging rat. The question is posted- what do they have in common? The answer- they the rats and the Minister run the hospital. SUFFER THE LITTLE CHILDREN The Police were at a home on southside, Belize City, this week. The scandal their uniformed presence raised was because of a more serious scandal that occurred. A six year old female child had reported to her parents that a nine year old neighboring female child had fondled her private and put her finger in her private while they were playing. In the “she say, she said” exchanges the nine year old told the Police the six year old had done the same thing to her; put her finger inside her private. Listen people, this is shocking. This is not a Police matter. Police in uniform ought not to be scandalizing the homes of minors and placing all kinds of suspicion and gossip on the parents and the children. This shocking incident needs to be discussed because children by now should be highly sensitive and conscious of “good touch, bad touch” behavior. What is befalling our innocent little children are the wanton, unregulated images coming out of the television. That television or a handful of channels originate from the U.S.A, a place which is the modern equivalent of sinful, biblical Babylon. Our children were not born violent, or criminal or sexually depraved. Neither are they naturally materialistic. Our children are the victims of what they see and hear. We adults, our social and religious leaders are failing our innocent children with this culture of sex, alcohol, material things and violence. A child, growing up, watching hundreds of violent movies is proven to be a person who will be prone to do violent acts. So too for sexual images. So too for wanting material things and living a lifestyle beyond his or her means to afford. We are all guilty of neglecting our children. Church groups, scouts, girl guides, and many other wholesome activities and youth groups are lacking in our society. We must do more.
THE BELIZE TIMES 23 2015 Hon. Francis Condemns Barrow’s Court dismisses case against Attack on Father Noel Leslie Albert Vaughan
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Belize City, May 06, 2015 It won’t be described as a landmark case by any of the so-called “independent” media houses and in fact will be ignored by some, but the Court’s decision on Wednesday to dismiss the criminal trial against media personality Albert Vaughan is a major victory for the fourth estate. Vaughan is a radio show host and contributor to this newspaper. On August 4th Vaughan, equipped with his work tool, a camera, was doing his job at a protest carried out by angry sanitation workers. The Police showed up and told the protesters to clear the way. When they didn’t they detained everyone on site, including Vaughan. Since August 4th, the Police, acting under political instructions, have accused Vaughan of loitering at the scene of the protest. They detained and
charged him and then have forced him to appear before the Magistrate’s Court a handful of times to answer to the criminal misdemeanour. But the Police had no case against Vaughan. Their charge was a trumped up one. Fuelled only by political vindictiveness. Their so called evidence was baseless. The Police were not even sure if Vaughan remained at the spot where he had been seen taking photos or had moved after the Police instructions were issued. The Courts do not waste time. The Police and the media have always had tense relations. One covers while the other uncovers. But Wednesday’s court dismissal of the case against Albert Vaughan is a healthy sign that at the very least the judiciary will not condone political wickedness. Kudos to Vaughan’s attorneys Kareem Musa and Kevin Arthurs for stepping up.
Sedi says Belize’s Maritime Borders are artificial too!
Belize City, May 07, 2015 Every nationalist and right thinking Belizean will agree with the People’s United Party declaration that it will not support the move to take Guatemala’s unfounded claim to the International Court of Justice because it cannot trust Sedi Elrington and the UDP’s management of the issue. Just this week the man who leads Government’s negotiations on Guatemala’s territorial claim, made another anti-Belizean statement when he declared that not only was Belize’s western border artificial, but also its maritime border with Guatemala and Honduras. Sedi was speaking to a group of fishermen who are upset about the illegal fishing by Guatemalans along the Southern border. Sedi responded that there is barely anything the UDP Government can do about it, because there is no actual border. “The biggest problem we have in relation to the fishing industry is that we don’t have defined, articulated maritime borders. That has to be properly defined because it is only when it is properly defined and demarcated then we could properly monitor and patrol it. At this point in time we don’t know when we are in Belizean waters, we don’t know when we are in international waters and unless you are certain of where you are when you arrest people and take them to court for infringement in our waters,” he told a very sceptical audience. Sedi clearly has not learnt his lesson after already having called Belize’s border
artificial. Former Foreign Minister, Eamon Courtenay, in speaking to the media about the PUP’s opposition to the ICJ, said that Sedi actions and statements have caused him not to be trusted. “We cannot be led into the ICJ by an Attorney-General who is confused about the integrity of our maritime borders in the south of this country. It is the consensus of the Party that the team in charge of this fight in the ICJ is not a team that we can trust,” remarked Courtenay. Courtenay also challenged the UDP to hold the referendum simultaneously so the people of Belize can say No to the Sedi, No the UDP and Not the ICJ.
Belize City, May 06, 2015 Opposition Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca has condemned Prime Minister Dean Barrow for his attacks on Senator Father Noel Leslie who voted against the Petrocaribe Loan Bill at the Senate meeting held on Tuesday, March 31st, 2015. Barrow, in his usual slick style and language, attempted to demean Father Leslie at a press conference on Wednesday, April 29th. Barrow accused Father Leslie of misleading the position of the Church on the Bill. “That seems to have been an individual vote on the part of Father Leslie… [I]was made clear that nobody gave Father Leslie that instruction,” commented Barrow when asked about the Senator’s vote. At the last Senate meeting Father Leslie preceded his vote announcement by lamenting that the Bill had not been presented in a transparent manner and that it was undermining the democratic process by not allowing proper debate and discussion. He also indicated that the Bill, which dealt with the borrowing and spending of $280 million, did not contain a plan of how the money would be spent. Senator Leslie, who represents the Church, voted against the bill, along with the Business Community Senator Mark Lizarraga and Opposition Senators Lisa Shoman, Patrick Andrews and Anthony Sylvestre Jr. The Union Senator Ray Davis appeared confused despite the Unions’ close history with reform measures to control Government spending which the Bill sought to undo and he abstained from voting. The Prime Minister has since taken direct aim at the Church and
Business Senators for their opposition. He claimed that the Senators’ votes were not in conformity with the support which both the Church and Business community have given with the spending of the Petrocaribe funds. At last week’s press conference, the PM announced that he had promised the Church leaders that the Government would use Petrocaribe funds to help with the construction of a chapel inside the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, but wondered if Senator Father Leslie’s vote was a departure of the Churches’ desire for the collaboration. In a shameless attempt to increase the stakes, the Prime Minister then announced that the Government was prepared to fund the entire project at $150,000. The PM is clearly using the spending of the Funds to hold the Church leaders at ransom. Opposition Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca is not amused by the Prime Minister’s tactics, however. “It is typical of Prime Minister Barrow to attack anyone who disagrees with him. It is disgraceful. Even Senator Father Noel Leslie does not escape his wrath and venom when you don’t tow his line,” Hon. Fonseca said. The Opposition Leader said that he does not believe that Senator Father Leslie was misleading those he represents. “My understanding is quite the contrary, that they did have a discussion on this matter, the Council of Churches, and that he [Senator Father Leslie] voted no on the basis of that discussion,” he added. Cannon Leroy Flowers who appeared as a guest on Positive Vibes Radio Morning Buzz show on Wednesday May 6th, expressed support for Senator Leslie’s vote on the bill. Cannon Flowers is a member of the Council of Churches.
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