Belize Times May 15, 2016

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The Belize Times

Established 1957

15 MAY 2016 | ISSUE NO: 4993

The Truth Shall Make You Free

www.belizetimes.bz | $1.00

BARROW’S HALF BILLION DOLLAR BUKUT!!

“WE [TAXPAYERS] MUST PAY,” SAYS PM, SIX YEARS AFTER BTL TAKEOVER Belize City, Wednesday, May 11, 2016 Prime Minister Dean Barrow returned today after a five-day trip to the United States of America for medical reasons. But considering the crises currently emanating from all fronts in Belize, he might need to reserve another plane ticket soon, but this time one-way for a permanent exit.

There is jaw-dropping and backbreaking (in the case of the Prime

Pg. 6

BNTU FLEXES AGAINST SARSTOON LAW ON FRIDAY Pg. 3

Ruben Price Acquitted of Murder Pg. 23

WELL-KNOWN ATHLETE FOUND DEAD IN SAN PEDRO San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, May 10, 2016 The image of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, aptly called “La Isla Bonita” is fast being tainted by a rise in violent crime on the popular destination spot. On Friday, May 6th, 2016 the body of well-known football player and artist, 26 year old Melvin “Catracho” Almendarez was found Melvin Almendarez

Fuel Prices Up Again!

Pg. 23

Pg. 8

PUP Challenges Sarstoon Law in Court Pg. 2

349 DAYS SINCE WE LOST THE SARSTOON

0 22

24 APR

THE BELIZE TIMES

OPINION OUT “Tek” Back Sarstoon

!

Dear Editor,

On Wednesday April 20, 2016 tragedy occurred in the Chiquibul forest in southern Belize when a Guatemalan minor was killed in the night inside Belizean territory. The incident happened as BDF soldiers returned shots that were fired at them. Five weeks ago BDF Sgt. Lambey almost lost his life when he was shot in the abdomen by poachers. Prior to that incident Special Constable Conorque was ambushed and shot dead at the Caracol Maya site near the border with Guatemala. Our soldiers have every right to protect their lives when they are fired upon first in the jungle.

Guatemala has used the unfortunate incident three weeks to annex the half of the Sarstoon River which belongs to Belize. It has stated that Belize must first seek its permission to use the Sarstoon waters as the entire river belongs to her. In enforcing that position the bully has stationed gunboats in the area. Belize totally rejects Guatemala’s claim to her half of the Sarstoon River including the Sarstoon Island; nevertheless we don’t have the arms to enforce that right. For the time being our soldiers can only observe helplessly as Guatemalan vessels prevent Belizeans from traveling in the Sarstoon River ,and scores of Guatemalans fish on our side of the river every single day.

Even before Jimmy Morales was sworn in as the new President of Guatemala, he stated that he would vigorously undertake steps to get the part of Belize which they claim. Statements like that have

PUP CHALLENGES SARSTOON LAW IN COURT

emboldened Guatemalan poachers in our territory. That is why there has been a dramatic increase in the number of encroachers, who brazenly fire first at BDF patrols, who try to stop them from stealing the natural resources of our country.

The Government’s policy of cowardice, power at any cost, and appeasement is also to blame for the present loss of the Sarstoon. The administration is so afraid of Guatemala that when our two law enforcement officials were shot, they couldn’t muster the courage to tell Guatemala that its citizens were most likely responsible for the shootings. Secondly for advantage in election, every year the Government naturalizes dozens of Guatemalans as Belizeans and quickly registers them as voters. That is done although from primary school those persons are taught that Belize belongs to them.

This administration has agreed to almost every request of the Guatemalans regarding the dispute. That includes changes to both the date and threshold for the referendum on whether to take the dispute to the ICJ. Worst of all the government does everything possible to prevent Belizeans from visiting our border in the south. One week ago they even past an outrageous law with immediate effect which makes it a criminal office for Belizeans to visit the Sarstoon for an entire month. Those things have been done for two reasons 1. to hide its gross incompetence in halting the massive exploitation of the country’s natural resources daily by scores Guatemalan poachers , and 2. to conceal Government’s tacit approval of Guatemala’s full use and enjoyment of certain areas of the country to make the bully happy with them. By such actions our Government acquiescence the Guats land grab in our country.

We cannot allow Guatemala to exercise sovereignty over our half of the Sarstoon River. If we make that fatal mistake we will embolden their appetite for more of our land and natural resources. With the support of the international community, we have to take back Sarstoon.

Sincerely yours, Gilroy Usher, Sr.

WEATHER

LOCAL 12 May

13 May

14 May

15 May

2016

Belize City, May 11, 2016 Today, Hon John Briceño, Leader of the Opposition, filed a claim in the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the Sarstoon Law (Statutory Instrument No 42 of 2016). In a decision announced on the 3 May, 2016 the National Executive of the Party had decided to bring this claim.

In the Claim, Briceño seeks the following relief against the Attorney General and the Governor General: 1. A Declaration that Statutory Instrument No. 42 of 2016, Public Safety

OUT Very Frightened!!

!

Dear Editor, I am worried, very worried about my country Belize especially under the recent debacle of the Sarstoon and the worsening economy.

I try to imagine the country under Patrick Faber or John Saldivar and that frightens me even more.

Both seem to have crab mentality of going backwards.

You want to tell me that these are the only two that the UDP can find? They are bottom feeders scraping the bottom of the barrel but of course they can argue what is it Finnegan and Boots then? God forbid!

To tell the truth, I can’t even sleep just thinking about it. One’s own colleague refers to one as immature. Straight like that. Meanwhile, the other can’t even give an order to shoot down a drone in the midst of an invitation of our country’s territory. Wow! To imagine my Belize under John or Patrick is frightening. I’ve got to get me some nerve and sleeping pills.

Sincerely, Frightened Francine

2616Mar May

(Prescribed Area) (Movement) (Restriction) Regulations (“the Regulations”), is inconsistent with the Claimant’s fundamental rights guaranteed by Section 10 of the Belize Constitution; 2. A Declaration that the Regulations are unlawful and ultra vires the Public Safety Act, Cap. 142 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Rev. Ed. 2011; An Order striking down the Regulations as being unconstitutional and unlawful.

According to Briceño, the Governor General acted solely on the basis of the recommendation of the Prime Minister in making his determination that there was a risk of civil commotion, which could threaten public safety. Given that there was and could not have been any rational basis to determine that there was such risk, the acceptance of the Governor General that there was such a risk was irrational, unreasonable and/or disproportionate.

“The Regulations constitute a restriction of my right to travel to the Sarstoon. I have a right to travel to the Sarstoon and a right to lawfully oppose the existence of the Regulations. As leader and member of the PUP I wish to make a political point that the Regulations are unconstitutional. The existence of the Regulations and the intention of the law enforcement officers of Belize to enforce the Regulations are likely to affect my right to exercise my constitutional rights,” stated Hon. Briceno.

In related news, arrangements are being made for the party members to travel to the Sarstoon River.

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The Belize Times

Established 1957

14 APR 2013

|

ISSUE NO: 4840

The Truth Shall Make You Free

www.belizetimes.bz

|

$1.00

serving Belize since 1957 as the longest continuous newspaper.

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

Alberto Vellos LAYOUT/GRAPHIC ARTIST

Chris Williams

OFFICE ASSISTANT

Roberto Peyrefitte Printed and Published By TIMES NEWSPAPER LTD. Tel: 671-8385 #3 Queen Street P.O. BOX 506 Belize City, Belize

27 Mar May 617 Feb

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Exchange rate of One Belize Dollar

United States (USD): $ 0.50

Barbados (BBD): $ 1.00

Eastern Caribbean Euro (XCD):$ 1.35 (EUR) : $ 0.46

Sterling Pound Guatemala Quetzal CANADIAN DOLLAR (GBP): $ 0.35 (GTQ): $ 3.85 (CAD): $ 0.67

CHINESE YUAN (CNY): $ 3.28

Trinidadian (TTD) : $ 3.27

INDIAN RUPEE (INR): $ 33.71

15 MAY

THE BELIZE TIMES

2016

BNTU FLEXES AGAINST SARSTOON LAW ON FRIDAY “Our intention is to also get the government to rescind immediately the Statutory Instrument” – BNTU President, Luke Palacio

Belize City, May 11, 2016 The Belize National Teachers Union will hold a national demonstration in Belize City on Teachers Day this Friday, May 13th, to protest the passage of Statutory Instrument 42, the controversial legislation passed by the Barrow Administration on April 28th 2016 to prohibit Belizeans from the Sarstoon Area.

Teachers’ Day is normally a day of enjoyment and celebration for teachers. It is the one day of the year

when we recognise their efforts in our classrooms and society. The teachers, however, will sacrifice their day of enjoyment for selfless, bold action on behalf of Belizeans by taking to the streets and sending a strong message to the Barrow Administration. Rescind the S.I. or else!

According to the Union President, Luke Palacio, they will mobilise their members from the six branches to Belize City where they

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will march through the city streets.

This, he said, is another initiative under their “Stand Up for Belize” campaign launched last month.

The BNTU, like the Opposition People’s United Party and other smaller third parties, is opposed to the Statutory Instrument. The legislation was passed by the Government to stop Belizeans and movements such as the Belize Territorial Volunteers from going to the Sarstoon area.

The Government has maintained that with Guatemala’s claim over the Sarstoon area and their heightened military control of the area, it would be “provocative” for Belizeans and the BTV to travel to the Sarstoon in an attempt to assert Belizean sovereignty. The BNTU isn’t buying the Government’s excuses. They can see how the law has been forced down on Belizeans, while Guatemala’s military and fisherfolk are allowed to roam free inside Belize’s territory. The Government’s Statutory Instrument is treacherous!

“Our intention is to also get the Government to rescind immediately the SI that speaks to

03 3 the Public Safety Act. We believe very strongly after much discussion that that law is unconstitutional and it really deprives the Belizean people, man, woman and child from moving around in this country as freely as they are entitled to”, stated Palacio.

Palacio warned that if the Government does not budge his Union will meet once more to decide what their next course of action will be.

On Wednesday, the National Trade Union Congress of Belize, which is the umbrella organization for the BNTU, came out in support of the BNTU’s move. “…we also believe that if others would want to join their forums or would want to join in their protest they are free to do so”, indicated NTUCB President, Marvin Mora.

Friday’s showdown by the BNTU, and likely other Unions and partners, is an important sign that Belizeans are fully awake and ready to defend Belize. Join the BNTU and their march for Belize.

4 04

THE BELIZE TIMES

HARD KNOCKS Respect the Protocol

Take the politics out of it. Take the propaganda out of it. There’s something screwy happening in the Sarstoon.

There’s something we’re not being told.

Now even our BDF can’t go into the Sarstoon without having to ask permission. Forget this crap we’re being fed about our soldiers and their soldiers being buddies. Forget that crap about their general and our general being buddies. We’re not buddies. The truth is that we’ve lost the Sarstoon. Somehow, someway this river which is in our national anthem is gone, and our diplomats are so foolish that they’re still playing buddies with the Guatemalans. I swear they must be laughing at us in Guatemala, thinking we’re all a bunch of dummies here. And we can’t trust our own people. They’re lying to us…talking about cautious optimism and progress and a breakthrough when we hear that the Sarstoon wasn’t even discussed at the meetings in Washington. There are traitors among us.

Fool deh talk…

It’s the first time we’ve ever seen the Prime Minister look like a complete goofball at a press conference. Imagine having a briefing to inform the people about the result of meetings in Washington but saying absolutely nothing. My friend from Channel 7 was left scratching his head, trying to find a way to tell the PM that he held a damned bogus conference. NOTHING! That’s what the media was told. That’s what the nation was told. The PM sat there and said NOTHING. We are in real serious trouble people. There are a bunch of incompetent people trying to tell us that we need to go to the ICJ and that they are the ones to guide us there. But we don’t buy that. The UDP can’t run things.

They’ve proved that.

Poor Mr. Ashcroft…

So on top of all our other problems, we have to pay Lord Ashcroft more than $200M. Let’s get it straight. Mr. Barrow won’t pay. The government of Belize won’t pay. WE, the taxpayers of Belize will pay. REALLY! This is the best that we were told was coming. Imagine that.

Where the hell are we going to get that money to pay Lord Ashcroft? How could Mr. Barrow sit down in a meeting with Lord Ashcroft and tell him that we’re going to pay him all that money. Why are our people still just sitting down and taking this? When will we stand up? I can’t believe that the unions aren’t saying anything. The social partners aren’t saying anything. This country is being run into the ground by this worthless UDP and all the people who should be standing up have been compromised.

Let’s talk about refugees…

What the hell is this refugee program all about? And why are we giving immigrants documents without any screening or checking? Why aren’t the people in authority giving us the information we need? Who is doing the vetting? Why do they keep lying to us? Bev says one thing and Godwin says another thing and the PM says something completely different. Seems to me that the US is putting some serious pressure on Belize? Imagine that this program has been in place since last year November and nobody knows anything about it.

The UDP keeps trying to bamboozle us and nobody’s asking the right questions.

We need to know what’s up with all these refugees who are being given legal status in Belize. We need to know now.

Fuel UP…AGAIN! The price of fuel has gone up at the pumps again. Everywhere else fuel prices go down, but not in Belize. The other day when acquisition costs went down government raised the import duties. They said they would lower import duties if acquisition costs went up, but they lied. How much longer will we keep accepting this? When will we stand up? Why don’t bus owners just park their buses? Belizeans are getting a royal bukut from this UDP government.

15 MAY

2016

NOTICE OF COMMENCED DISSOLUTION Notice is hereby given ORVIL BUSINESS LIMITED commenced dissolution on 4th April, 2016; and Belizean Liquidators Services Inc. whose registered office is at 50 Shirley Street, P.O. Box CB-13917 Nassau, Bahamas, is the Liquidator of the company.

Notice is hereby given SIE MEDICAL LTD., FLUORESCENT HOLDINGS LTD., BLACKSTONE PARTICIPATION S.A., and ACUSERV GROUP INC. all commenced dissolution on 5th April, 2016; and Belizean Liquidators Services Inc. whose registered office is at 50 Shirley Street, P.O. Box CB-13917 Nassau, Bahamas, is the Liquidator of the companies.

Notice is hereby given ROSETA INVEST & TRADE LTD. commenced dissolution on 6th April, 2016; and Belizean Liquidators Services Inc. whose registered office is at 50 Shirley Street, P.O. Box CB-13917 Nassau, Bahamas, is the Liquidator of the company.

Morgan & Morgan Trust Corporation Belize Limited

NOTICE OF COMMENCED DISSOLUTION Notice is hereby given GREENROSE LTD., COROZAL SHIPPING & TRADING COMPANY LIMITED and FULVIEW GROUP INC. all commenced dissolution on 8th April, 2016; and Belizean Liquidators Services Inc. whose registered office is at 50 Shirley Street, P.O. Box CB-13917 Nassau, Bahamas, is the Liquidator of the companies.

Notice is hereby given MC LEAN DEVELOPMENT S.A. and BURONGA BUSINESS LTD. both commenced dissolution on 11th April, 2016; and Belizean Liquidators Services Inc. whose registered office is at 50 Shirley Street, P.O. Box CB-13917 Nassau, Bahamas, is the Liquidator of the company.

Notice is hereby given SUTTON FINANCE LTD. commenced dissolution on 13th April, 2016; and Belizean Liquidators Services Inc. whose registered office is at 50 Shirley Street, P.O. Box CB-13917 Nassau, Bahamas, is the Liquidator of the companies.

Morgan & Morgan Trust Corporation Belize Limited

NOTICE OF COMMENCED DISSOLUTION Notice is hereby given BENALUP CORPORATION commenced dissolution on 14th April, 2016; and Belizean Liquidators Services Inc. whose registered office is at 50 Shirley Street, P.O. Box CB-13917 Nassau, Bahamas, is the Liquidator of the company.

Notice is hereby given DIONDIS UNITED S.A. commenced dissolution on 15th April, 2016; and Belizean Liquidators Services Inc. whose registered office is at 50 Shirley Street, P.O. Box CB-13917 Nassau, Bahamas, is the Liquidator of the company.

Notice is hereby given NELA FINANCIAL LTD. commenced dissolution on 18th April, 2016; and A.J.K. Corporate Services (Belize) Limited whose registered office is at Suite 306, Blake Building, Cor. Eyre & Hutson Streets, Belize City, Belize, is the Liquidator of the company.

Morgan & Morgan Trust Corporation Belize Limited

NOTICE OF COMMENCED DISSOLUTION Notice is hereby given BIRLAR SECURITIES LTD., LAVINGER SECURITIES LTD., HOMILTON SECURITIES LTD., PROFITVIEW ADVISORS S.A., GERLATS MANAGEMENT INC. all commenced dissolution on 21st April, 2016; and Belizean Liquidators Services Inc. whose registered office is at 50 Shirley Street, P.O. Box CB13917 Nassau, Bahamas, is the Liquidator of the companies.

Notice is hereby given ROMILEY TRADING CORP. and MARFIL CORPORATION both commenced dissolution on 25th April, 2016; and Belizean Liquidators Services Inc. whose registered office is at 50 Shirley Street, P.O. Box CB-13917 Nassau, Bahamas, is the Liquidator of the companies.

Notice is hereby given GOZZILLA CORP., JAZTOWER CORPORATION and DRAKE TRADING CORP. all commenced dissolution on 26th April, 2016; and Belizean Liquidators Services Inc. whose registered office is at 50 Shirley Street, P.O. Box CB-13917 Nassau, Bahamas, is the Liquidator of the company.

Morgan & Morgan Trust Corporation Belize Limited

15 MAY

2016

THE BELIZE TIMES

5 05

EDITORIAL

A Government of Crises & Controversies

E

very now and then the Barrow Administration seems to believe that it has to lie to us in the interest of some greater good. This is exactly what has happened to Prime Minister Dean Barrow and Foreign Minister Sedi Elrington in every press conference when asked about the loss of the Sarstoon to Guatemala directly under his watch.

The Belizean people aren’t fools. They know exactly what is going on. They can see the lies coming out of the mouths of our leaders. They know how to cite the fake smiles and the false calm they offer.

The Government has been caught in another lie.

Our media colleagues from Plus TV News, whom the Barrow Administration has tried over and over to shut down, exposed the secret implementation of an amnesty programme for thousands of illegal immigrants currently in Belize.

Were it not for the constant prodding of the media, the Government would have never opened up about what is going on. The amnesty program according to the Government’s official explanation is one of two “refugee” programmes that will be rolled out in Belize.

The Belizean citizenry has reacted with great suspicion and rightly so. To have to lie to Belizeans again, this time over a clandestine initiative begs more questions than answers. How can the Barrow Administration deny that immigrants are already being given some form of legal status in Belize, outside the regular schedule of processing new citizenship, when the long lines of Central American migrants with applications in hand can be seen in broad daylight outside the office of Help For Progress?

Why have they hired a UDP operative just to handle these applications? An operative who was a major player in the Penner/Castro/UDP Government passport and visa scandals. Was this why the Barrow Administration attempted the illegal move of transferring the Immigration portfolio to a Junior Minister, a known UDP flunkee who played a seminal role in the “hotbed of corruption” Ministry

of Natural Resources?

But the real question is, why is the Barrow Administration carrying out a “refugee” scheme in 2016 when there are no civil wars in Central America?

There is no political unrest or substantial threat facing populations of any kind in our region to trigger a migration of refugees. And wasn’t this the same Barrow Administration that turned away the United States’ request for temporary refugee assistance to 300 Cuban refugees in-transit to the U.S.? You see why we cannot trust anything they say?

We believe that the answer lies in a new deal struck that will bring big money into the cashstrapped Government’s coffers, and additionally, funds will come from the payment of application fees for the over 5,000 “Belizeans in waiting”.

Now that the Petro-dollars have all dried up, “Refugees” is the new money-making venture for the Barrow Administration. The UDP Government is not only financially constrained; they are also lacking in honour and dignity.

There is something sinister here besides the lies, the denials and more lies.

Strangely, the applications being received and reviewed are mostly from immigrants already living “illegally” in Belize. They will become pawns in the UDP’s callous political ploy to register new voters.

The UDP Government will say that there is no refugee scheme. The people know better.

The Barrow Administration believes it has to lie to the Belizean people, but when on top of lies you also behave totalitarian and draconian as they have with the passage of Statutory Instrument 42 of 2016 without fearing any repercussions from our people, then we know we are living in dangerous times.

Here we have one more reasons, amidst the economic crisis, rising crime level, rampant corruption and serial incompetence in defending Belize’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, for the Belizean people to say ‘enough is enough’.

Stand up for Belize, Belizeans. Nuff respect to our teachers!

06 6

15 MAY

THE BELIZE TIMES

BARROW’S HALF BILLION DOLLAR BUKUT!!

Continued from page 1 Minister) news that the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Netherlands has delivered a ruling on the matter of the outstanding compensation payments for the Barrow Administration’s highly-controversial takeover of Belize Telemedia Limited in 2009.

Initial reports are that the Court has set the value of the shares in dispute at rate much higher than expected and predicted by the Government. The Barrow Administration has been praying feverishly that the Court accepts their proposal that the value of shares is not more than $1.44 per share. However, the Court has rejected the position, and set the value at just over $5.00 per share, which means that that the UDP Government could pay as much as $450 MILLION for shares it took away in 2009.

Last year in a shameless move to lessen the blow of the Government’s ballooning liabilities as he readied his Party for early elections, PM Barrow held secret meetings with Lord Michael Ashcroft to discuss the payment of compensation. This was six whole years after the actual BTL acquisition.

The two needed a settlement agreement which saw Barrow agreeing to pay as much as $162.7 million as prepayment. The Government must also now pay close to $150 million in 10 days with the next $150 million in one year.

If, as our sources are indicating, the additional amount is $450 million,

the total financial agony of Barrow’s ill-advised BTL takeover could be inching closer to HALF BILLION dollars.

This is Barrow’s half billion dollar bukut in the making.

The compensation attracted tens of millions of dollars in interest alone.

Following the expropriations, Prime Minister Barrow beat his chest that the Government would pay when it deemed it appropriate, knowing that the longer it took the costlier it would be.

Additionally, the Barrow Administration resorted to hire and pay for private attorneys closely connected to the family of the Prime Minister. First it was BTL’s then legal advisor Lois Young-Barrow. Then, Denys Barrow, the brother of the Prime Minister who charges $1,000 an hour, picked up the tab. Over the six years of legal battles over the BTL expropriation, tens of millions of dollars has been spent on paying for legal costs.

The full bill for the BTL takeover is looking to match half of the nation’s entire budget. This is debt that the Belizean people will bear on their shoulders and all because of one man’s ego.

The Prime Minister was stoical when responding to the media’s questioning of the arbitration ruling today. He could not dodge the issue.

He simply said, “We must pay”. But what he really meant was that you the Belizean people will have to pay, and pay dearly.

SSB Shutdown

Averted!

Belize City, May 6, 2016 A national shutdown of Social Security offices to have taken place on Friday, May 5, 2016 was averted when the Government rushed to intervene and respond to some of the concerns of the employees.

Social Security Board employees and the Government-appointed management have been at odds for several months over employment issues. Represented by the Christian Workers’ Union, the employees have called out the management for not practised fair play when addressing their concerns. The Union has accused the management of being disingenuous even during the negotiations of the Collective Bargaining Agreement for

the workers.

Employees are also up in arms that while the SSB executives easily benefit from large bonuses and perks, the management squeezes them for minor financial incentives.

In October last year the Union members held demonstrations during their lunch hours for several days.

The plan on Friday, May 5th, was for the employees to walk off their desks and shutdown the entire operations at 3 o’clock that afternoon. The surprise move would have sent the Government a sudden wake-up-call that the employees have had enough. However, the Government got wind of the planned action and intervened through their management to quell the storm. We will continue to monitor the situation.

2016

NOTICE OF COMMENCED DISSOLUTION

Notice is hereby given SYS LTD., SEPTENT GROUP INC., CARESS INDUSTRIES S.A. DINSEL TRADING LTD. and HAPFIELD OVERSEAS TRADING LIMITED all commenced dissolution on 29th April, 2016; and Belizean Liquidators Services Inc. whose registered office is at 50 Shirley Street, P.O. Box CB-13917 Nassau, Bahamas, is the Liquidator of the companies.

Morgan & Morgan Trust Corporation Belize Limited Pretoria Inc. #104,264 (“the Company”) Pursuant to Section 102 (4) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, notice is hereby given that Pretoria Inc.:

a) is in dissolution b) commenced dissolution on the 27th day of April, 2016; and c) Olga Ditzel whose address is F102, 43, Triq San Frangisk, Balzan, Malta is the Liquidator of the Company.

P.O.S. Belize Limited Registered Agent

VERALTYN VENTURES INC. #145,605 (“the Company”) Pursuant to Section 102 (4) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, notice is hereby given that VERALTYN VENTURES INC.:

a) is in dissolution b) commenced dissolution on the 9th day of May, 2016; and c) ROBERTO PAREDES whose address is 50th and 74th Street, San Francisco, PH 909, 15th Floor, Panama City, Panama is the Liquidator of the Company.

MACLACHLAN & DENNIN LIMITED Registered Agent

15 MAY

2016

07 7

THE BELIZE TIMES

PUP Leader

HON. JOHN BRICENO

Holds Important Meeting with Western Caucus

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Companies listed below have been dissolved and duly struck off the IBC Register as follows: NAME OF COMPANY

NAVAJO AGENCY INC. MIRBAY AIRCRAFT LTD. LANICERA S.A. BAY GROUP LTD. MYSTIC INVESTMENT INC. FALCO ASSOCIATED S.A. HELIOS FINANCE CORPORATION TURANGI INVESTMENT LTD. GEMINY BUSINESS LTD. VITECH INC. EURASIA TREND S.A. SALIDA GROUP S.A. GOLDEN PLACE INC. FLORIEL MANAGEMENT INC. FENIMORE INVEST CORP. P.P.3 BELIZE LTD. P.P.2 BELIZE LTD. P.P. BELIZE LTD. BONEVA HOLDING S.A. LEANDER MARKETING LTD. FIGUEROA UNITED S.A. DAYSILIA COMMERCIAL CORP. SEEFLED INVESTMENTS LIMITED CHIVER SHAPE FINANCE INC. LAGOMAR INVEST INC. FELLOWES INVEST & TRADE INC. INTERVENTURES GROUP INC. BROTHERTON SERVICES INC. GALLSTONE LTD.

Date of Dissolution

1-Apr-16 1-Apr-16 1-Apr-16 6-Apr-16 9-Apr-16 9-Apr-16 9-Apr-16 12-Apr-16 14-Apr-16 15-Apr-16 16-Apr-16 16-Apr-16 16-Apr-16 16-Apr-16 19-Apr-16 19-Apr-16 19-Apr-16 19-Apr-16 19-Apr-16 20-Apr-16 21-Apr-16 21-Apr-16 22-Apr-16 27-Apr-16 29-Apr-16 29-Apr-16 29-Apr-16 29-Apr-16 29-Apr-16

Morgan & Morgan Trust Corporation Belize Ltd.

Job Vacancy Ad for Operations Manager – NTPCL Natural Tropical Products Co Ltd. Is looking for a new:

OPERATIONS MANAGER Your Mission: The Operations Manager will report to the General Manager and serve as a member of the Management Team along with other Department Supervisors. This position’s primary responsibility is ensuring organizational effectiveness by providing leadership for the company’s financial functions.

Requirements: • Associates Degree in Business Administration or in the Business Field • At least 5 years working experience in a distribution or manufacturing company as a Supervisor or Manager • Must be a charismatic person, able to motivate and mobilize your team and co-workers • Rigorous - Must have a good sense of organization and policies • Experience in HR is an asset • Bilingual • Must have a driver’s license The place of work will be in San Ignacio.

Send your full application, a picture, 2 recommendation letters to: Natural Tropical Company Limited Address Or email to vbriceno@big-h.com For more information, feel free to call 670-8800.

Deadline: May 25, 2016

08 8

John Saldivar dropped the ball!

City of Belmopan, May 3, 2016 The UDP must be scraping the bottom of the barrel with John Saldivar and Patrick Faber as the only contestants for first Deputy Leader. The April 29 deadline for application came and went and no one else cared to apply.

While Patrick has been taking a flogging from his own party colleagues for being quarrelsome and immature, John Saldivar’s failures with one of the nation’s most important Ministries has been exposed fully. John has not shown one iota of leadership over the last few weeks with Guatemala’s persistent disrespect of our sovereignty.

When an illegal Guatemalan drone trespassed into our airspace in Sarstoon, Saldivar turned a blind eye.

The Minister of Defence should have stepped up big time to show bravery. But when put to the test, John buckled. His coast guard commander made the right move and waited for the command to take down the drone in defense of our patrimony. But it never happened because John could not make a decision and according to some people, he may have even wet his pants.

Some say once the media left the area, John was in a rush to get back to Belmopan to go to La Cabana.

There are two key aspects of John Saldivar’s leadership that must be taken into account. Firstly, he never broke ranks with Barrow’s draconian Gun Law which has carted of dozens of innocent, poor Belizean grandparents, adults, teens and children to prison. And second, he has not said a single word to oppose Barrow’s Sarstoon Law. To highlight the real hypocrisy of John Saldivar, while he watched on as the Territorial Volunteers were stopped in Barranco so the Guatemalans did not become upset at Belizean defiance, the Agriculture Show in his political territory featured Guatemalan rides and merchants.

What a twist for the man who wants to be King. As the saying goes, who knows, who knows, He goes where the wind blows.

WELL-KNOWN ATHLETE FOUND DEAD IN SAN PEDRO Continued from page 1 dead on a feeder road.

“He was seen with injuries to his head and face, and abrasions to his chest,” explained Supt. Sandra Bodden, O.C., San Pedro Police Formation.

Authorities said that Almendarez was seen in the area that day, but not in any form of distress.

Several of his belongings including a bicycle and clothing were found in another area about half a mile away, near the entrance to the DFC area of the island.

Police are not prepared to say whether foul play was involved. They have detained a person for questioning but the investigation is still ongoing.

Residents nearby indicate that they heard the sound of a gunshot just before the body was discovered.

15 MAY

THE BELIZE TIMES

John Saldivar

2016

Belize - An Economy with Low Capital Formation Belize City, May 11, 2016 According to the World Bank, Gross Capital Formation (formerly gross domestic investment) is described as: “additions to the fixed assets of the economy plus net changes in the level of inventories. Fixed assets include land improvements (fences, ditches, drains, and so on); plant, machinery, and equipment purchases; and the construction of roads, railways, and the like, including schools,

offices, hospitals, private residential dwellings, and commercial and industrial buildings. Inventories are stocks of goods held by firms to meet temporary or unexpected fluctuations in production or sales, and “work in progress.” According to the 1993 SNA, net acquisitions of valuables are also considered capital formation. (World Bank Report Gross Capital Formation (% of GDP).

Continued on page 23

1 NOV 15 MAY

2015 2016

THE BELIZE TIMES THE BELIZE TIMES

Belizean Beauty

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10 SPORTS

THE BELIZE TIMES TIMES THE BELIZE

Xaibe RC boys champs

8 MAY 15 MAY

2016

Crooked Tree girls champs

Xaibe RC boys & Crooked Tree girls are Softball Champs Belize City, May 6, 2016 The Crooked Tree Government School successfully defended their title when they won the 2016 National Primary School Female Softball Championship at the Marion Jones Sports Complex in Belize City on Friday, May 6.

The Crooked Tree girls upstaged the Aguacate girls 10-3. Ashanti Gillett struck out 2 batters, gave up 4 hits and

walked 2 batters, allowing the Aguacate girls to score 3 runs. Marciala Can struck out 3 batters, walked 6, and gave up 4 hits, allowing the Crooked Tree girls to score 7 runs in the 1st inning and 6 runs in the top of the 2nd inning which was not completed.

For 3rd place, Stann Creek district champions from Independence Primary School allowed the St. Francis Xavier RC School girls from Esperanza

only one run in the top of the 1st inning. Independence was led by pitcher Rhea Ardon. Esperanza’s Hadie Vernon walked 8 batters, gave up one hit and the diamond made 2 errors, allowing the IPS girls to score 9 runs for the 9-1 win.

Crooked Tree’s catcher Laisha Jones won the Most Valuable Player award.

In the male competition, the

Tigersharks bite City Boys lead Hurricanes 101-88 2016 SMART in NEBL Finals Game 2 Mundialito

San Pedro, May 7, 2016 Defending National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) champs, the San Pedro Tigersharks, came back to life in Game 2 of this year’s finals, winning the Belize City SMART Hurricanes 101-88 at the Angel Nunez auditorium at the San Pedro High School last Saturday night.

The Tigersharks led from the getgo. Ashton Edwards top scored with 30pts and 3 rebounds. The Tigersharks never let up. The other big scores came from Douglas Valley with 20pts; Andrew “Bynum” Ortiz with 18pts and 8 rebounds; and American import Caleb Sutton who put up 8pts.

The Hurricanes were led in scoring by Farron Louriano with 30pts and 6 rebounds.

Game 3 comes up this Friday, May 13, in neutral grounds, at the Belize Elementary Auditorium here in Belize City where the winner takes all!

Corozal boys from Xaibe RC School won national championships against the Orange Walk district champions, the Carmelita RC School boys. MVP pitcher Lorenzo Nas led his Corozal team to an 11-4 win, scoring 11 runs off Steven Chiac’s pitching.

In 3rd place, the Camalote boys won 9-7 over the Belize district champions, St. Luke’s Methodist boys, who settled for 4th place.

Collet Strikers vs Warriors

Belize City, May 7, 2016 Defending Champs City Boys posted their 4th win in the competition to lead the 2016 SMART Mundialito. Young Warriors, Carlston FC, Ladyville Jaguars and Brown Bombers also posted wins at the MCC garden in Belize City last Saturday.

ton

Andrew Ortiz scored 18 pts

Tigersharks win 101-88 Hurricanes

Match Results: City Boys vs. Heights FC - 2-0 Goals by Cyril Jones, Devin Thur-

Young Warriors vs. Collet Strikers - 1-0 Goal by Jonah Chebat Carlston FC vs. Ladyville Rising Stars – 1-0 Goal by Tasheed Henry Ladyville Jaguars vs. Face of Belize - 1-0 Goal by D’jon Canelo Brown Bombers vs. Reality Youths FC – 3-0 Goals by Eldon “Tuncy” Byrd (2), Keeden Shay Bowen Upcoming games: Hattieville Riverside Boys vs. Reality Youths Brown Bombers vs. Heights FC Ladyville Jaguars vs. Young Warriors Ladyville Rising Stars vs. Face of Belize Carlston FC vs. City Boys

Young Warriors team

Carlston FC team

8 MAY 15 MAY

2016

THE BELIZE TIMES

FC Ellite team

Elite FC defeats Eiley FC in 1st Division football Belize City, May 8, 2016 Elite FC enjoyed their first win over Eiley FC 2-1, while the Stars Academy and Lake I Strikers struggled to a 1-1 draw when the Belize District Football Association’s 1st Division competition kicked off at the MCC Garden on Sunday.

Elite FC drew first blood when Dion Roches scored the 1st goal, but Kevin Rowland answered for Eiley FC for a 1-1 draw at the half. Elite FC was able to exploit the advantage when an Eiley FC player was ejected and Marlon Gutierrez scored the winning goal.

In Game 2, the Stars Academy and Lake I Strikers both lost men to red cards, and with each side down to 10 men, they settled for a 1-1 draw. The competition continues on Sunday, May 15.

Lord’s Bank Sunrise curbs Uprising in Harrison Parks Cricket Lords Bank, May 7, 2016 Lords Bank Sunrise bowled out Isabella Bank’s Uprising to a 94-88 score in the 2016 Harrison Parks cricket competition at the Lords Bank oval last Saturday.

Sunrise’s Giovannie Baizar walloped four boundaries to top-score

Edison Parks bowls

Sunrise team

Kevin Rowland equalize 1-1 for Eiley FC

Team Santino’s Daniel Cano wins Weekend Warriors’ cycling tour

Armenia Village, May 8, 2016 Team Santino’s Daniel Cano won the A division of the Weekend Warriors’ 4-stage cycling tour, while Team Santino’s Francis Cassasola won the B Division and Team DigiCell 4G Herwald Humes won the C Division, also winning the 4th Stage which finished in Armenia Village on the Hummingbird Highway on Sunday.

Shalini Zabaneh,1st FEMALE

A Division 1st Daniel Cano – Team Santino’s 2nd Warren Coye – Team Santino’s 3rd Fitzgerald “Palas” Joseph – Team Lampaz 4th Isaiah Willacey - Team F.T. Williams Females 1st Shalini Zabaneh - Team Sagitun 2nd Alicia Thompson - Team Benny’s Megabytes 3rd Lisa Berger – Team BSFC El Pescador B Division 1st Francis Cassasola - Team Santino’s 2nd Santino Castillo – Team Santino’s C Division 1st Herwald Humes – Team DigiCell 4G

SPORTS 11

Santino and Francis Cassasola win B divison

with 27 runs. Conway Jones also hit 4 boundaries to score 24 runs, while Zaggy scored 10 runs. Gilbert Seguro batted 5 runs, and the other Sunrise batsmen were also in single digits. Including 13 wides and 2 byes, Sunrise was all out for 94 runs.

But when Uprising came to bat, the Sunrise bowlers made short work of them as Gareth Joseph took 3 wickets, Gilbert Seguro and Zaggy took 2 wickets apiece, and Conway Jones and Edison Parks took a wicket apiece.

Uprising’s Dwayne Hendy batted 4 boundaries to score 21 runs and Lionel “Bump” Pook scored 15 runs, but the visitors fell short, scoring only 88 runs before their last wicket fell.

In other games around the league, Flowers Bank’s Wicked Elev-

Corozal’s Rigo Menjivar wins Junior Bodybuilding in Chetumal Corozal Town, May 8, 2016 Corozal Town is home to Mr. Belize Rigo Vellos, but there is news of another rising star in the sport of bodybuilding.

Rigo Menjivar, who trains with Mr. Belize at the Spartan Fitness Gym in Corozal, participated and won 1st Place in the Junior Category of Mr. PowerGym held in Chetumal, Quintana Roo on Saturday May 7, 2016. We say congratulations!

en won 80-79 over Crooked Tree’s Brilliant with 6 wickets to spare.

Lionel Pook batted 14 runs

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THE BELIZE TIMES

15 MAY

2016

PEOPLE’S UNITED PARTY RESOLUTION OF THE NATIONAL PARTY COUNCIL ON THE STATE OF BELIZE GUATEMALA RELATIONS 7 May 2016 Belize City WHEREAS the People’s United Party regards defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Belize against the unfounded claim by Guatemala as the most important priority of our Nation AND WHEREAS the PUP has always been in the vanguard of the struggle to find a peaceful, full and final resolution to the unfounded claim, and to protect and defend Belize’s national interest AND WHEREAS the Government of Guatemala has recently adopted a hostile and aggressive attitude towards Belize which demands that Belize renews its internationalization campaign to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to correct the historical record NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the People’s United Party

1. Renew its pledge to be in the forefront of the defence of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Belize against Guatemala in order to ensure that the national interest is fully protected, that Belize’s just cause is advanced in the international community, and to ensure that Belize remains a peaceful nation; 2. Condemn the unilateral and illegal control by Guatemala of the Sarstoon, and demand that Guatemala immediately respect Belize’s right to its part of the Sarstoon River in accordance with the 1859 Treaty between the United Kingdom and Guatemala and international law, sovereignty and territorial integrity; 3. Condemn the amassing of Guatemalan Armed Forces along the Belize Guatemala Border which constitutes a serious threat of the use of force against Belize by Guatemala and is provocative and risks resulting in armed conflict, and therefore demand that Guatemala de-escalates its troop concentrations in the border areas to normal and routine levels; 4. Demand that the Government of Belize immediately rescinds Statutory Instrument No 42 of 2016, the unconstitutional Sarstoon Law, which constitutes an affront and insult to the Belizean people and an unconstitutional restriction of the people’s right to freedom of movement guaranteed by the Belize Constitution, and fully restores the presence of the Belize Defence Force on our side of the southern border; 5. Strongly urge the Government of Belize to adopt a meaningful national approach to the Belize Guatemala issue, and to fully respect the right of the Opposition to participate in the process on the basis of respect, full disclosure, and full participation.

6. Require that the elected representatives of the people be fully respected and the Area Representatives be fully empowered to act to improve the lives of their constituents.

15 MAY

2016

THE BELIZE TIMES

PUP –United & Ready to Lead!

Contributed It’s called inclusion, people – just so you know. It was amazing to see the roots soldiers of the People’s United Party come together as one Party Council.

Now that is how it should be done. That is real Power to the People. This Sarstoon thing is serious business. This Guatemala thing is serious business.

And we must approach it seriously and UNITED. Some of us may disagree with one thing or the other. That’s okay – we’re humans, not robots designed to follow mindlessly and blindly and to accept everything we’re told.

That’s the UDP. That’s how they do things.

WE ARE GOING TO THE SARSTOON because we don’t buy the rotten fruit the government is trying to sell us. As a Party we believe that our border line lies at the mid-point of the river south of Sarstoon. We renounce this unconstitutional Sarstoon Law which benefits only the Guatemalans. We demand that the government rescind this bogus law and that as a nation we work together and fight together to assert our sovereignty diplomatically and on the ground.

Guatemala will not invade Belize. That is just a scare tactic that Sedi Elrington has used to justify his weak stance and pussy-footing around Guatemala. But just as it has done in the Sarstoon and in the Chiquibul, this bully to the West and South of us will try to manhandle us. They want to continue to plunder our natural resources in the Chiquibul and in the Sarstoon Temash National Park. They want to continue to fish in our waters. They want to show that they have maintained a presence in these areas, and this UDP administration seems to want to support that.

I am proud of my Opposition which has shown that it is prepared and able to join in the talks with Guatemala. This is not

a political issue. It is a national issue. But as a Party we decided this past weekend that we will not be pushed around by the UDP who are exceptional at saying one thing and doing the other. They say they want the Opposition on board but forget to invite the Opposition’s Representative to the most critical meetings we’ve had with Guatemala recently.

And then, the Prime Minister refused to tell us what happened at those meetings. He treats us like we are idiots, just like Sedi who said that the common Belizean doesn’t understand these high-level negotiations. So the Prime Minister says he doesn’t know what happened since he wasn’t there in Washington and only Sedi was there. Then Sedi walks in a few minutes after and says well he doesn’t want to talk because he already briefed the Prime Minister on everything that happened and so did Alexis Rosado so the PM knows everything. It’s crazy.

The Opposition is ready to rejoin the talks with Guatemala, but only if the government stops playing these endless games. The unconstitutional law which restricts the freedom of movement of Belizeans must be discarded.

So where do we go from here?

Well if the government does not listen then the People’s United Party will go to the Sarstoon, as the duly elected and constitutional Opposition. Belize belongs to Belizeans, and if we are to truly defend the rhetoric about “not one blade of grass” then we can’t sit at home just saying the lines. We must go to the Sarstoon to see for ourselves what is happening and we must go to show our government and the government of the Republic of Guatemala that we are prepared to stand up for our little Belize.

The People’s United Party is strong and ready and most importantly, WE ARE UNITED. Maybe the best is yet to come. Long Live the PUP. Long Live Belize.

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15

16

BARROW GOVERNMENT GAMBLES BELIZE’S SOVEREIGNTY

By Norris Hall I am now more than ever convinced that the Prime Minister of Belize lives in an ivory tower and far removed from the reality of the poor and the real threat posed by Guatemala’s aggression. If this is not so, then the Prime Minister is a classic con man deprecating in his nest.

This is a really serious issue of national importance and yet we cannot be told what was the outcome of the bi-lateral meeting between Belize and Guatemala with the OAS in Washington D.C. The Prime Minister is again stalling for time to cover-up his incompetence and that of his Foreign Minister.

Why the hell was a press conference called by the Prime Minister on Thursday on the outcome of that Washington meeting if the Prime Minister said that there was nothing to report and all we heard were platitudes -empty platitudes.

When pressed by reporters, he had to do his best to restrain his usual outburst of anger when he is challenged. He was uncharacteristically subdued.

What could be so secret about the Washington meeting, in view of the fact that the Barrow government, the people of Belize and the world knows that Guatemala has committed an act of aggression against Belize and has illegally annexed the Sarstoon River, with not much a protest by the Belize Foreign Minister and worse a pathetically impotent government representing we the people.

The outcome of that meeting should have been clear without the need to negotiate.

Guatemala is occupying parts of Belize in contravention of international law. The position of the OAS should be clear on that issue. With regards to Guatemala’s persistent incursions and destruction of Belize pristine (once) Chiquibul Forest, there is no need for the Belize government to soft peddle on this, even though a Guatemalan child was accidentally killed, as collateral damage, in a dark night shootout between the Belize Defence Force and a band of Guatemalans who were illegally plundering the Chiquibul. The BDF acted in self defence.

Friends of Conservation, an environmental group working in the

15 MAY

THE BELIZE TIMES

2016

Elections and Boundaries Commission Belize, 11th May, 2016.

DISSOLUTION OF VILLAGE COUNCILS WHEREAS, Section 10 (1) of the Village Councils Act Chapter 88 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000-2003, provides that the Elections and Boundaries Commission shall, at least seven days before any general election of members of the council becomes due under the provisions of this Act or any regulations made there under, dissolve that council, by Order published in the Gazette and on the radio; AND WHEREAS, the general election of members of the Village Councils set out in the Schedule hereto becomes due during the period 5th June 2016 to 10th July, 2016; NOW THEREFORE, in exercise of the powers conferred upon it by the aforesaid Section 10 of the Village Councils Act, the Elections and Boundaries Commission hereby dissolves the Village Councils set out in the Schedule hereto with effect from 19th May 2016.

As from the said 19th May 2016, the following provisions shall apply in accordance with Section 11 of the said Act:(a) All the powers, duties and liabilities of the outgoing Council shall, until the constitution of a new Council, be exercised, performed and discharged by the persons who held the posts of Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer of the Council immediately before the dissolution; and

Chiquibul forest for many years, have persistently informed the Barrow Administration of the increasing threat and Guatemalan incursions and plundering of this forest. The government did hardly anything to stop this and the OAS has been fully-fully aware.

There is something not right. The Prime Minister is not being truthful and Guatemala should tell us what deal they made with a certain high ranking official in the Belize government, if perhaps there WAS such a deal, that if revealed, could even spell treason.

Could the Guatemalans, for instance, please tell us if the Sarstoon Island at the Belize side of that River was indeed sold to Guatemalan business interest?

It appears, you see, that a certain government official, who enjoyed being wined and dined by the Guatemalans, appear to be too nice, beyond diplomacy, to the Guatemalans, even as an apologist for them as they assert their claim to Belize.

Our Foreign Minister is again too happy to set in motion a move to again amend Belize’s Referendum Act, to comply with a request from his Guatemalan counterpart and as it relates to an accommodation for national referenda on whether or not we should take the Guatemalan claim to the ICJ-clearly a move rejected by both Guatemalans and Belizeans.

Like today’s talks in Washington, D.C., like today’s press conference by the Prime Minister, unless the OAS stops playing games with our lives and with our land and unless the Government of Belize steps up their act and elevates their diplomacy with serious diplomats, it will all be a charade.

But perhaps it may be one that we deserve to get a wake-up call, albeit too late.

(b) All property belonging to or vested in or in the occupation of the Council shall, during the period aforesaid, vest in and be in the occupation, control and management of the persons indicated in paragraph (a) above.

DATED this 11th day of May, 2016.

SIGNED: Josephine Tamai FOR CHAIRMAN ELECTIONS AND BOUNDARIES COMMISSION

SCHEDULE VILLAGE COUNCILS DISSOLVED WITH EFFECT FROM 19th May 2016

COROZAL DISTRICT San Roman Santa Clara Louiseville Chan Chen San Antonio Consejo ORANGE WALK DISTRICT Yo Creek Carmelita San Jose San Luis San Pablo San Roman Palmar BELIZE DISTRICT Burrell Boom La Democracia Freetown Sibun Gracie Rock St. George’s Caye Mahogany Heights Western Paradise

TOLEDO DISTRICT Santa Elena San Jose Barranco Conejo Creek Crique Sarco Midway Sunday Wood Crique Jute Jalacte Naluum Ca Pueblo Veijo San Vicente Santa Cruz San Antonio

CAYO DISTRICT Roaring Creek Camalote Duck Run 1 Duck Run 11 Billy White Buena Vista Bullet Tree STANN CREEK DISTRICT Hopkins Seine Bight Silk Grass

15 MAY

2016

A Prelude to Disaster

By G. Michael Reid For as long as any Belizean living nowadays can remember, there has been a Guatemalan claim hanging over our heads. There was a time when the topic was never far removed from any conversation, but lately, we have become lax and complacent. The recent development at the Sarstoon however, is a stark reminder of the dangers that lurk perpetual on the other side of our western and southern borders.

Guatemalans recently literally elected a clown to be the president of their country. As a part of his campaign manifesto, Jimmy Morales promised his people that he would revive Guatemala’s efforts at annexing Belize. Many believe that Morales was just waiting for an incident like that which happened in the Chiquibul on April 20th to make a move in the direction of fulfilling that promise. He knows that there is no way on GOD’S green earth that this is going to happen but it is important for him to at least, seem to be striving toward that end. Even early in his presidency, Morales is already facing severe criticism at home for not doing enough to tackle the rampant corruption that is ingrained in his government. He believes that he has found the perfect distraction but many Guatemalans seem more concerned with the country’s economic woes, soaring crime and endemic corruption than in engaging the world in military conflict.

Following the shooting of a Guatemalan encroacher, President Morales took to the airwaves and delivered a rather belligerent and incendiary speech, labelling the incident as a “cowardly act of aggression and excessive use of force against minors by the defence forces of Belize.” This now, in pre-emption of any type of investigation and in direct contravention to guidelines set out in confidence building measures signed onto by both countries. Guatemala’s foreign minister, also named Morales, ratcheted the rhetoric up a notch, declaring that “Guatemala is not playing” and accused Belizeans of “hunting down Guatemalan peasants.” “We cannot continue to bury our dead”,declared Morales, and despite PM Barrow announcing the crisis over,

17

THE BELIZE TIMES

Morales declared that nothing could be further from the truth.

Contrast that to the actions taken by own government when a young tourism police officer was executed cold blooded style by Guatemalans while accompanying tourists to the Caracol Archaeological Reserve back in September of 2014. Our Prime Minister was practically silent and while even the Police were sure that the murderers were Guatemalans, Foreign Minister Sedi Elrington flippantly dismissed the suggestion, informing the nation that, “we’re not even sure if they are Guatemalans”.

Back in May of 1998, almost two hundred Belizeans were held up and robbed at gunpoint on the Hummingbird

denied that any such program was in effect but it has lately been confirmed that in fact, this is a program that has been ongoing since last April. Prime Minister Barrow also initially denied the existence of the program but later admitted that there is a type of “refugee program” in place. Now the term “refugee” implies that these persons would be “forced to leave their country in order to escape war, persecution, or natural disaster”.

There have been no wars in Central America for over a decade and no natural disasters to speak of. Why then the need for a refugee program?

What seems to be coming out of all of this is that Belize has been targeted as some sort of a dumping ground or “transfer” station. All persons seeking asylum are dumped in Belize and are screened by agents who determine whether they qualify for entry into the United States.

The question is; what happens to those persons who do not qualify and who exactly are these people?

A recent report identified the root of problems facing these countries as “a maldistribution of wealth, a lack of access to public services, corrupt govern-

to our politicians to accommodate this program is not enough to pose this type of danger to Belize. Make no mistake; there is lots of money involved here because the United Nations pays countries handsomely for this type of service. The long term effects are severe however, and in a few short years, there will be hell to pay.

This is an interesting scenario because what the United States is apparently trying to do is to reverse a problem that they themselves have created; but why at our expense? Research has shown that many of these gangs that now plague the streets of Central American nations germinated within the inner cities of the US. Researcher Sonja Wolf opined in a paper published by the University of Miami that, “Once the Salvadoran civil war ended [in 1992], the US authorities began targeting offending noncitizens more aggressively for repatriation”.Wolf wrote that, “Designed to reduce what the US perceived as an imported problem, the deportations actually spread US gang culture to Central America and made existing gang phenomena more virulent.” Reports confirm that “early generations of Central Americans formed gangs while living as marginalised, undocumented immigrants, mostly in Southern California.” Cynthia Arnson, Director of the Latin American Program at the Wilson Centre in Washington DC agreed with Wolf when she told Al Jazeera news in an interview that “A lot originated in the deportation in the 1980s.That was a piece of organisation for gangs such as MS-13 and the 18th street gang”. Belize was recently declared per capita, one of the most murderous cities in the region.

These so-called Northern Triangle countries of Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala have the highest murder rates in the world. What is this, a match made in hell?

Right now, Belize seems focused exclusively on the Sarstoon but there is a much more imminent danger looming. We need to keep a close watch on this one Belize and for GOD’S sake, let us sleep with your own eyes and stop believing lies!

Until recently when concerned individuals within the Immigration Department began blowing the whistle, this program was being done in complete secrecy.

This is a very dangerous situation and warrants more scrutiny and exposure.

Highway in what was then billed as the “largest armed robbery in Belize’s history.” During the incident, an unarmed BDF soldier was callously shot and killed by men who were even more positively identified as being Guatemalans. Again, at the time, the response from our government was, to say the very least, measured. The incident was quickly glossed over and swept under the proverbial rug despite the fact that robbers were continuing to cross the border. For a long while, they preyed upon visitors to not only archaeological sites along the border but well inside our country. At that time, our current Prime Minister Dean Barrow was also in government and was serving as Minister of National Security and the Deputy Prime Minister. Some wonder why these aggressions, transgressions and situations always seem to happen when the United Democratic Party is in government. Do the Guatemalans view them as soft and weak?

What our government has done in response to what has been happening at the Sarstoon is to reactivate an amnesty program whereby thousands of immigrants are being given legitimate residency in our country. Until recently when concerned individuals within the Immigration Department began blowing the whistle, this program was being done in complete secrecy. This is a very dangerous situation and warrants more scrutiny and exposure. Given the recent state of affairs, should we not be more careful who we let into our country?

When pressed for information, Immigration Minister Godwin Hulse, at first

ments that repress the poor to protect the interests of an elite ruling class, and a lack of political channels available for popular participation in the formal democratic process“. One would think that our people ourselves would be in need of some type of refugee assistance in those departments.

The problem is that Belize has enough problems of its own without importing such potentially dangerous individuals that could have an eventual deleterious effect on our nation and its people. The spill-over will be deadly and the strain on our social services unsustainable. Whatever money is being paid

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THE BELIZE TIMES

15 MAY

2016

What Belizeans think of Barrow’s Sarstoon Law!! “…if anyone had any ill views of the government and how they’ve been handling this situation, it shows clearly that this government is more concerned in yielding to Guatemala’s unfounded claim.

That law we believe is unconstitutional.” - Geovannie Brackett - President, COLA “No magistrate will enforce that law. It’s a fool-fool law. In Jamaica, they would say “idiot mi bwai” - the law itself is signed on a legal error.” - Dickie Bradley, Attorney/NTV Supporter “…by government now signing this SI, by government now saying Belizeans you cannot access that area, it is sending a clear message that Belize is giving in to Guatemala and we must condemn that.

Today the people of Barranco, the people of Graham Creek, who depend upon the natural resources to make their living, be it fishing, be it gathering food. These people are now being deprived from their livelihood.” - Hon. Oscar Requena - PUP Area Representative, Toledo West “That is unlawful and against d constitution of Belize!” – Vivan Sabal “The questioned even the penalty. I was talking to the folks from FCD and some of the penalties that have been imposed on those who have illegally encroached from Guatemalans is not $2,000. Some of it is less.”- Hon. Valerie Woods, PUP Senator “…that would be tantamount to admitting that we no longer WANT the Sarstoon and that we are ceding it to Guatemala. This government needs to wake up before it is too late. Appeasement does not work against a determined foe.” Chris Harris “It’s a shame to see that our police are been used as puppets to do the government’s dirty job. With many crimes unsolved, they run to arrest our brave citizens and feel proud about it. Government is arresting the brave civilians and on the other hand feeding, giving money, housing and more to gangs… hmm lots of questions without response.” – Oscar Barrera “What a shame on the Belizean government!!!” – Calistro Chen “This dah lone fool. Belizean people always have to suffer. Done tired a this fricking Government.” – Richie Pitts “This is lone stupidness. RESPECT is what those in POWER should have for us the people of BELIZE not for the Guatemalans.” – Lourdes Itzab “How is it that they are brave enough to harras, victimize, dehumanize, suppresses our constitutional, moral and human rights, and embarrass the country but cannot stand up for us against Guatemala?!! But alas we are the ones who tolerate such treatment!” – Neri Orozco “This Government made it very clear with their campaign slogan... ‘The best is yet to come’ and here it is. It is happening now arresting native Belizeans in our own country. What a disgrace with this current government.” – Jorge Chulin “This is what we’ll be the beginning and the end of democracy, freedom of movement is being taken away, then media, oh that’s already in progress. Speech well be next, the best is yet to come.” – Dorla Guttierez “Great job Mr. Barrow! You achieved deceiving us Belizeans. Why dont you come forward and tell Belizeans that Sarstoon has been given to Guatemala! What a shame! This is what your UDP govmnt has as the best. But it was our own people that voted for you and hope that the UDP family is happy with your coward act. Then you will tell us that all is fine. All is fine for you but not us” – Adelina Bolon

FEB 157 MAY

2016 2016

REGIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

THE BELIZE THE BELIZE TIMESTIMES

Fuel-tanker crash kills over 70 in Afghanistan’s Ghazni

At least 73 people have been killed and dozens of others injured after two passenger buses and a fuel tanker burst into flames following a head-on collision in eastern Afghanistan.

Many of the dead, including children, were burned beyond recognition as a result of Sunday’s accident in Ghazni province, near the Afghan capital Kabul.

Jawid Salangi, a spokesman for the governor of Ghazni, said the two buses, carrying about 125 passengers from Kabul to Kandahar, collided with the tanker, setting off a fire that quickly engulfed all three vehicles.

Afghan army units went to the scene of the accident in Moqor district and managed to save some passengers, but many of the injured were in a critical condition, he said.

Brazil suspends lower house speaker Eduardo Cunha, the architect of efforts to impeach President Rousseff, is accused of obstructing a corruption probe

Children among victims of collision involving tanker and two passenger buses in area said to have Taliban checkpoints.

The uncertain future of Canada’s wildfire diaspora Over 80,000 Fort McMurray residents have been forced to flee their houses and nobody knows what they will come back to Fort McMurray, Canada’s oil capital, is a ghost town today.

More than 80,000 residents of the city and its environs have fled a gargantuan wildfire that leapt over rivers and roads and marched into their neighbourhoods.

Oil workers, store clerks, business owners, teachers, medical personnel and children are now scattered around evacuee centres in the nearby cities of Edmonton and Calgary, and across Canada.

They have become a diaspora.

The fire that drove them away is gradually burning its way into uninhabited forest, where few, if any people live.

Cooler weather and showers have slowed its advance and plans are being drawn up to send damage-assessment teams into the exclusion zone.

Flooding triggers deadly landslides in southern China

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Jamaican politician commits suicide Jamaican politician Faye Reid Jacobs is believed to have committed suicide, according to media reports from that island.

It is reported that Jacobs was found dead around 8:30 pm on Sunday and although circumstances of her death have not been released, it is believed she drank a poisonous substance, some of which was found near her body.

Jacobs is a businesswoman who contested the Westmoreland Central constituency for the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) in a 2014 by-election but lost.

The Jamaica Gleaner reports that the JLP has expressed shock at her passing.

A banker by profession, the Jamaica Observer said Jacobs held senior executive positions in several major Caribbean banks. She was the founding the director of the Caribbean Integrated Financial Services Ltd and was an associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers (London) and a Fellow of the IFS School of Finance (formerly the Chartered Institute of Bankers, London), who had accreditation from the University of London at the Master’s level in International Human Resource Management and Organisational Behaviours.

She was also listed in the Who’s Who of Professionals in 2000 and the Jamaica Directory of Personalities.

Days of heavy rain, blamed on El Nino, bring disruption and devastation to several major cities

A Brazilian Supreme Court judge has suspended Eduardo Cunha, the senior lawmaker at the centre of efforts to impeach President Dilma Rousseff, citing his attempt to obstruct a probe into his alleged corrup-

tion.

The speaker of Brazil’s lower house of Congress is the architect of the impeachment drive, which is expected to see Rousseff forced to step aside from office on Wednesday.

Despite facing criminal charges including bribery and hiding money in Swiss bank accounts, Cunha has survived months of attempts by prosecutors and a congressional ethics committee to see him brought to justice.

But the man Brazilians refer to as a real-life Frank Underwood - the corrupt US politician in the hit Netflix series “House of Cards” - appeared finally to have been brought down by Justice Teori Zavaski.

The ruling reflected concerns on the Supreme Court that with Rousseff suspended and replaced by her vice president, Michel Temer, Cunha would have moved up to first on the presidential succession list.

Late spring rains are a feature of the climate across southern China, but this year the rain has been earlier and heavier than usual.

Once again, this departure from the norm is being blamed on the - now weakening - El Nino.

Torrential rain began on Sunday and the province of Fujian was particularly badly affected.

More than 190mm of rain fell in

parts of the province.

A landslide on the construction site of a hydro-electric power station is known to have killed at least 33 people and several more are still missing.

Shenzhen in Guangdong province has been badly affected by floods. The city is home to seven million people and it links Hong Kong to the mainland. On Sunday, 430mm of rain fell - the heaviest rain

the city has seen in at least six years. Damage caused by the flooding is estimated at $12m.

The rain continued on Tuesday, with Guangzhou, also in Guangdong province, receiving a citywide average of 47mm, although the Panyu district recorded 165mm in less than 24 hours. Drivers were trapped in their vehicles as floodwaters rose to a depth of 0.8 metres.

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BELIZE TIMES WEEKLY

SCIENCE & TECH R

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London is set for driverless car roll-out – so what comes next?

What’s the difference between a guardian angel and a chauffeur? That’s just one of the things you need to know about the robot-on-the-road revolution

By Hal Hodson THE French Riviera is lovely at this time of year. I’m zipping along the coast in an old Honda Civic. The steering wheel spins to take the car round a bend – but my hands stay in my lap. And since there’s no need to keep my eyes on the road, I’m free to enjoy the beachfront view. An oddly pixelated man with a two-dimensional windsurfer under his arm gives me the eye.

Sadly, my Riviera is being projected on a large wrap-around screen in a room-sized simulator in Wokingham, UK. As the car navigates the windy road, Nick Reed at the Transport Research Lab sits next to me and talks about the plan to deploy driverless cars in Greenwich, London, by the end of the year.

The Gateway project will see London become one of the first cities in the world to have driverless vehicles. The number and exact routes they will take have still to be decided, but a few months from now you will be able to jump into an autonomous pod (see picture, above) and be ferried to your destination along public roads. “It’ll be the first chance the public has had to experience driverless cars,” says Reed. “Not just the people on board, but the people sharing the space with them.”

This is the beginning of a revolution in transport, as the cars roll out slowly in small pilots in urban areas. In the UK, Greenwich, Milton Keynes, Coventry and Bristol will lead

the way. Similar projects are happening in other cities around the world, including Singapore; Austin, Texas; Mountain View in California; and Ann Arbor in Michigan.

One of the things driverless cars need is highly detailed maps, and these are being developed for each of the pilot cities. The islands of precision mapping will then fan outwards from urban hubs along primary roads. Mapping firm TomTom says it has already

covered 28,000 kilometres of roads in Germany with sufficient resolution for driverless cars – 4 per cent of all the roads in the country.

“Things like the Gateway project – where we’re going to have fully driverless cars, but operating only in certain environments – can happen quite quickly,” says Reed, as we drive over the cobbles of a small French town. “The environments in which the vehicles work will gradually become broader and more complex.”

Women sleep half an hour longer than men, phone app data shows

By David Shultz Did you sleep well? The answer may depend on your age, location and gender. A survey of 5000 sleepers from across the world has revealed that women get the most sleep, particularly those under the age of 25.

Daniel Forger at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and his team were able to get their huge dataset thanks to Entrain, a smartphone app that people use to track their sleep. With their consent, Forger’s team accessed users’ data on their wake time, bed time, time zone and how much light they were exposed to during the day.

Analysing this information, they found that middle-aged men sleep the least, while women under the age of 25 sleep the most. As a whole, women appear to sleep

on average for 30 minutes longer than men, thanks to going to bed slightly earlier and waking up slightly later.

For an individual, the time they woke up had the strongest link to how much sleep they got, suggesting that having a job that starts early every day can mean that you get less sleep than someone who starts work at a later hour.

Late nights in Singapore There were also differences between countries. People in Singapore, for example, sleep for an average of 7.5 hours a night, while Australians get 8.1 hours. Late bedtimes seem to be to blame – people in Singapore tended to stay up until after 11.45 pm each night, while people in Australia were likely to hit the hay closer to 10.45 pm.

The team found that, in general, national wake-up times were linked more to daylight hours than bedtimes.

This could be because bedtimes are more affected by social factors.

The app data also revealed that, as people got older, they tended to go to sleep and wake up earlier, suggesting that the window for when a person can sleep narrows with age. “As one gets older it becomes harder to sleep at certain times and therefore people schedule their sleep at those times,” says Forger.

If you’re already going to bed early but would like to sleep better, here’s a tip: go outside. Forger’s team found that people who are exposed to outdoor light sleep more than those who are largely exposed to indoor light – although this might be because outdoor occupations are more tiring.

So much of what we know about sleep only comes from lab studies, says Stanford University behaviour scientist Jamie Zeitzer, who was excited about the citizen science aspect of the study. “It’s giving us a very different view of how sleep looks in the real world.”

Reed’s vision involves just one of two very different kinds of autonomous car that will hit our roads in the next year or so. The Toyota Research Institute, led by Gill Pratt, calls these two types “guardian angel” and “chauffeur”.

The autonomous passenger-ferrying pods we will see in cities are chauffeurs. Guardian angels, on the other hand, are cars that will never fully wrest control from a human but will jump in to stop you doing something stupid.

Sensors and software Every car in Toyota’s 2017 fleet – from the most basic model up – will have the sensors and software required to run in guardian angel mode. Sensors will enable automatic emergency braking, for example, allowing the car to stop itself if it detects an imminent collision. Even the cheapest Corolla will not smash into the car in front, says Pratt.

Data from the sensors in all of its cars will be fed into Toyota’s central data centre in Plano, Texas. Toyota’s artificial intelligence researchers will then use this to train their AIs how to drive on a wider variety of roads than are being considered in pilot schemes like the Gateway project. Ultimately, data gathered from guardian angel systems will help build cars that can drive as chauffeurs on any road. “Our cars drive a trillion miles a year, which is a lot of data,” says Pratt.

Both types of self-driving car should save lives. In the UK alone, 17,000 people are killed every year on the roads. Globally, the number is 1.25 million. “That’s seen as acceptable and we’ve kind of tailored our lives around that being OK,” says Reed. “But I don’t think it is OK.” Driverless cars could also have large social benefits, helping less mobile people get around. “It’s one of the reasons that Greenwich as a local authority is so keen to look at ways it can meet the needs of a growing population and an ageing population,” says Reed.

In places like Greenwich, the demographic poised to increase the most over the next 20 years involves people over 65. One problem governments want to address is how older people can be cared for at home for longer. Using autonomous vehicles to drive them around could be a big help. “It would be a kind of super dial-a-ride, basically,” says Reed.

In general, however, consumer expectations will dictate the way we use driverless cars, says Reed. “If people in cars want to work or relax or watch films, then engineers can find ways to make the cars safe enough.”

If the pods in Greenwich are anything to go by, the size and shape of vehicles may change too. Yet the width of roads and aerodynamics will still constrain what is possible. “You can imagine completely different forms, but you probably can’t have a car 4 metres wide and 1 metre long,” says Dominique Taffin at Yanfeng Automotive Interiors, Cologne, Germany.

“Cars are rather unique things,” says Pratt. “They’re an isolation chamber that you sit in for 1 or 2 hours a day.” That’s a very odd thing to do, he says. When we no longer need to drive them ourselves, we are free to reimagine completely what we want to do with that time and space. “How can you turn driving from a dreadful experience to a wonderful experience that you would look forward to?”

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THE BELIZE TIMES

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EDITORIAL en Espanol

UN GOBIERNO DE CRISIS Y CONTROVERSIAS

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e vez en cuando la administración Barrow parece creer que nos tiene que mentir en aras de un bien mayor. Esto es exactamente lo que le ha sucedido al Primer Ministro Dean Barrow y al Ministro de Relaciones Exteriores Sedi Elrington en cada conferencia de prensa cuando se les pregunta acerca de la pérdida del Sarstoon a Guatemala bajo su gobierno.

El pueblo beliceño no es tonto. Ellos saben exactamente lo que está sucediendo. Pueden descifrar las mentiras que salen de las bocas de nuestros líderes.

Ellos saben cómo citar las sonrisas falsas y la falsa calma que ofrecen.

El gobierno ha sido descubierto en una mentira.

Nuestros colegas de los medios de comunicación de Plus TV News, a quien la administración Barrow ha intentado una y otra vez sancionar, expusieron la ejecución secreta de un programa de Amnistía para miles de inmigrantes ilegales actualmente en Belice.

Si no fuera por la constante insistencia de los medios de comunicación, el gobierno nunca habría aceptado lo que está sucediendo. El programa de Amnistía, según la explicación oficial del gobierno, es uno de dos programas de “refugiados” que se desarrollará en Belice.

Los ciudadanos Beliceños han reaccionado con gran suspicacia y con mucha razón. De modo que tengan que mentirles a los Beliceños otra vez, esta vez sobre una iniciativa clandestina, plantea más preguntas que respuestas. ¿Cómo puede la administración Barrow negar que los inmigrantes ya recibieron algún tipo de estatus legal en Belice, fuera del programa regular de procesamiento de nueva ciudadanía, cuando las largas filas de migrantes centroamericanos con aplicaciones en mano se pueden ver a plena luz del día fuera de la oficina de Help for Progress? ¿Por qué han contratado a una operadora UDP para manejar estas aplicaciones? Una operadora que fue una figura importante en los escándalos de pasaporte y la visa del gobierno Penner/Castro/ UDP. ¿Fue esta razón por la cual la administración de Barrow intentó la jugada ilegal de transferirle la cartera de Inmigración a una Vice-Ministro, una conocida operadora UDP que también jugó un papel fundamental en el Ministerio de Recursos Naturales

celebrado como “un centro de corrupción”?

Pero la verdadera pregunta es, ¿por qué la administración Barrow está llevando a cabo un esquema de “refugiados” en el año 2016 cuando no hay guerras civiles en América Central? Cuando no hay inestabilidad política o alguna amenaza sustancial frente a las poblaciones de ningún tipo en nuestra región como para desencadenar una migración de refugiados. ¿Y no es esta la misma administración Barrow que negó la petición de los Estados Unidos para asistir a 300 refugiados cubanos temporales en tránsito a Estados Unidos? ¿Vean por qué no podemos confiar en nada de lo que dicen?

Creemos que la respuesta se encuentra en un nuevo mecanismo negociado que traerá grandes cantidades de dinero a las arcas del gobierno, y además, los fondos vendrán del pago de las tasas de aplicación para los más de 5,000 “Beliceños en espera”.

Ahora que los Petro-dólares se han acabado, “Los Refugiados” parce ser la nueva manera de generar dinero para la administración Barrow. El gobierno UDP no solo está limitado financieramente; también carecen de honor y dignidad.

Hay algo siniestro aquí además de las mentiras, las negaciones y más mentiras.

Curiosamente, las aplicaciones que están siendo recibidas y que se están revisando son en su mayoría de inmigrantes que ya viven “ilegalmente” en Belice. Estos se convertirán en peones en una cruel estratagema política del UDP para inscribir a nuevos votantes.

El gobierno UDP va a decir que no existe ningún esquema de refugiados. Pero la gente sabe mejor.

La administración Barrow cree que tiene que mentirle a la gente de Belice, pero cuando además de eso también se comportan de modo draconiano y totalitario como lo han hecho con la aprobación de la Ley 42 de 2016 sin temor a cualquier repercusión de nuestro pueblo, sabemos que estamos viviendo en tiempos peligrosos.

Aquí hay una razón más, en medio de la crisis económica, del aumento del nivel del crimen, de la corrupción rampante y la incompetencia en serie en defendiendo la soberanía y la integridad territorial, para que el pueblo Beliceño diga “ya basta”.

Defendamos Belice…Beliceños. ¡Mucho respeto a nuestros maestros!

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Eucharistic Adoration and Global Rosary Crusade in Belize City on Friday May 13 May 11, 2016 This Friday May 13th is the 99th anniversary of the apparition of Our Lady of Fatima to the 3 kids where She told them to pray the rosary for Peace. We need Peace in our Families, Peace in our Marriages, Peace for our Youths and Peace in our country.

The Event starts at 5:30p.m with the annual Guadalupe Procession leaving Holy Redeemer Cathedral to the Marion Jones Stadium. All parishes countrywide are taking part in this procession which will have an attendance of over 2,500 of our brothers and sisters. For the first time, eight BDF soldiers will be carrying the Virgin of Guadalupe. We have confirmation that a total of 57 buses are coming in into the city from Corozal, Orange Walk, Cayo, Dangriga, and Punta Gorda and 100 persons from San Pedro. There will also be about 200 Students from St. Johns, 200 students from Pallotti, and 200 Students from Saint Catherine’s.

At 6:45 p.m. at the Marion Jones Stadium, Bishop Dorrick Wright will do the welcome address then, Bishop Glancy will lead the consecration prayer to our Lady Of Guadalupe to protect our country against storms and hurricanes.

At 7:00p.m, the Diocesan choir will lead us in Praise and Worship music after which a five year girl will crown Our Lady of Fatima,

Court orders psychiatric evaluation for man charged with assaulting Police Officers BELIZE CITY, Fri. May 6, 2016 A Scotland Half-moon man who policed charged with three counts of assault, two against police officers and one against a fellow resident of the village, was remanded to the Belize Central Prison, where he will undergo a psychiatric evaluation before he returns to court on July 6.

John Dawson, a twenty-two-year-old laborer, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith this morning. Dawson was charged with aggravated assault upon Police Constable #345 Joseph Pook, who works out of the Scotland Half-moon sub-station, and Corporal Darrell Usher, from the Ladyville Police Station. Dawson allegedly assaulted the two cops with a piece of steel rod. Dawson’s third count of aggravated assault was upon Scotland half-moon resident Charles Sola.

The assault upon Sola was reportedly with a machete.

Chief Magistrate Smith realized that something was wrong when she began asking Dawson some basic questions in considering bail for the accused. She asked him how he came about receiving the injury to his leg as he was seen limping into the Court room. Dawson’ s answer came across to the Chief Magistrate like gibberish, so she asked her court prosecutor if he agreed that Dawson may be in need of psychiatric evaluation.

This was after Dawson had blurted out in Continued on page 23

then girls will being roses to our Lady while the boys will bring roses to St. Joseph. During this time thirteen Priests will also be available for confessions both in English and Spanish. At 7:50p.m one hundred first communion girls will form two lines where the Bishop will lead a Eucharistic procession into the football field followed by all Priests, nuns, sisters, and Lay Ministers dressed in black and

white.

At 8:00 p.m. the Global Living Rosary will commence. It will be 60 yards wide and each bead will be a person who will represent different countries of 5 continents Africa, Antarctica, Asia, North America and South America.

A Scriptural rosary will be led by Father Amelio Chi, followed by each live bead saying

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the first half of the Hail Mary in their native language and the congregation in the stadium saying the second half of the Hail Mary in English.

After the Living Rosary, Bishop will do Benediction for the entire congregation in the stadium.

The Eucharistic Family Rosary Crusade invites you all to be a part of the biggest Catholic event in our beloved country.

Lets unite as we worship the Kings of Kings and the Lords of Lords.

For More Information: Contact Divine Mercy Church at 223-7072 or Mrs. Edita Pariente at edita_pariente@htomail.com

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Court orders psychiatric evaluation for man charged with assaulting Police Officers Continued from page 22 court, “I saw the devil/demon Darrell Usher’s finger and he shot me in the head”.

When the Chief Magistrate heard Dawson expressing himself in that fashion, she decided that he should be kept in custody at Kolbe Correctional Facility, so that he can be properly evaluated to determine if he is fit to stand trial.

When Dawson realized that he was being sent to prison, he engaged the Chief Magistrate further but to no avail to him.

“So what if I was to say that Darrell Usher pulled the trigger and shot me. Would that make more sense,” he asked.

Dawson continued his babbling as he told the court that the police are “telling lone lies on me.” And then he said to the court, “If I tell you the truth, you won’t believe me.”

“How can I get some justice,” he asked the Magistrate, his eyes probing her face.

“Are you on medication,” Smith asked Dawson.

Dawson replied, “There are 10,000 herbs in the forest and out of all of them, I only take one.” He did not say, however, what was the one herb he was referring to.

Smith then told him that he would be remanded so that a psychiatric evaluation can be done on him.

Dawson then questioned whether or not that means he will be able to get his medical attention. When it was time for him to leave the courtroom, Dawson refused to get up and walk. He had to be dragged out of the courtroom and back to the holding cell.

LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICES Notice is hereby given that GUO SHU WU is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Shang Pin Restaurant”, situated at 107 Cemetery Road, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Belize Restaurant Group Limited is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “Memorial Park Diner”, situated at Memorial Park, North Park Street, Belize City under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that HOLANDA OSIRIS CHAN is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “Foxxi’s Bar”, situated at 65 Mosul Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

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RUBEN PRICE ACQUITTED Belize - An Economy with Low Capital Formation OF MURDER

BELIZE CITY, Tues. May 10, 2016 A man who was charged for a murder which occurred in June 2011 walked free out of the Supreme Court, after the trial judge hearing the case without a jury upheld a no case submission and acquitted him of the charge.

Justice John Troadio Gonzalez told Ruben Price to stand up; as he explained to him that he had just decided to accept the argument his attorney made on his behalf and that he was no longer facing the charge but was free to go home.

On the night of June 26, 2011, Steven Perez was shot in the head at the corner of Iguana and Dolphin Streets. There were no eyewitnesses to the murder, but police arrested and charged Ruben Price, who was 18-years-old.

The prosecution’s only evidence against Price was a caution statement that he allegedly gave to police.

After eight witnesses took the stand and gave evidence at the trial, Price’s attorney Simeon Sampson SC, made a no case submission, because he contended that the caution statement that his client gave to the police was not freely given. The police had beaten the statement out of the young man, Sampson argued.

Price, according to the testimony of the doctor who examined him, had several in-

Fuel Prices Up Again!

juries and bruises on his body. The prosecution claimed that he suffered those injuries when he fell off his bicycle in his attempt to run away from the police.

Sampson, however, was able to chisel away at the weak prosecution fact of how his client came by the injuries.

In his ruling, Justice Gonzalez declared that he did not believe that Price had given the police the caution statement willingly. The judge ruled not to admit the caution statement into the prosecution’s evidence for the murder.

Therefore with the caution statement made inadmissible with the judge’s ruling, it brought an end to the prosecution‘s case since the Crown’s represented by Crown Counsel Kileru Awich was relying on the statement’s admissibility to secure a conviction.

From the witness stand, Price told Judge Gonzalez that he was beaten badly and even pepper sprayed to make the confession, which he did, but that he never gave the caution statement voluntarily or of his own free will.

This morning in his ruling, Judge Gonzalez concluded that based on all the evidence that came before the court in the voir dire, he was of the view that Price did not give the statement willingly, despite the fact that the police and a JP said otherwise. He was convinced otherwise after a doctor testified that he saw Price with superficial wounds which he classified as harm and the injuries seen on the accused could not add up to a fall from a bicycle as the prosecution case was suggesting.

Belize City, May 9, 2016 The price of fuel went up again last Friday, May 6th, along with the frustration level of commuters across the country.

Regular fuel increased by 25 cents, to $9.12, while Premium fuel increased by twelve cents, to $9.26.

Diesel fuel increased sharply, from $7.29 to $8.36. This is a walloping hike of 57 cents for fuel on which the pro-

CARTOON

Continued from page 8 In his Budget presentation in March 2016 the Prime Minister quoted that the Belizean economy projected, for the fiscal year 2016-2017, to have an anemic growth rate of between 1.5 – 2.0%. This was coming off a similarly feeble growth of 1.4% in 2015-2016. This level of growth is not sustainable growth. Growth of even between three percent and four percent is still insufficient to make this growth translate into a trickle down for the population. The fundamental problem created is that this weak level of economic growth is due to consumption and not investment.

To foster economic growth it is required to increase the rate of gross capital formation, the rate in new capital investment to produce more, to at least a 20 to 25 percent. In Belize this rate by 2014 was only 18 percent (World Bank Report), among the lowest in the world. This implies that the contribution of public investment (at 14% in 2014) was not strong enough to offset the decline of the private component; in fact; this could even have sharpened it. There is a severe lack of local investment by the private sector in Belize and this is evident when you look at the high level of liquidity in the banking system.

Therefore, strengthening investment, both private and public, represents a crucial aspect which must become not only an economic priority but also a political one. This, in addition to benefitting economic activity in Belize, would increase longterm growth. For this to happen the country must address, with structural reforms, the causes of maintaining historically low investment rates in relation to other economies in the region like Jamaica, Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama and Mexico.

In the last eight years the country has undergone a process of decapitalization, through a smaller share of the gross capital formation. The Economic Statistics Database service provided

by EconomyWatch.com (who gets data from the IMF) reports that during the years 1998 – 2008 investment as a percentage of GDP was an average of 21.9%, well within the accepted parameters to foster meaningful economic growth. However in the last eight years this rate has dropped to an average of 14.8%. This makes Belize No. 144 in world rankings according to Investment (% of GDP) in year 2014. The world’s average Investment (% of GDP) value is 21.62 %; presently Belize is 5.48% less than the average.

ductive sector depends on.

Now the above are Belize City prices, which means that in every other district the price is much higher.

We have tried over and over to get a reasonable explanation for the constant rise in fuel prices from the Ministry of Finance, especially with global crude oil prices still extremely low, but all

we get is that the Barrow Administration has already signaled that it will be gutting out Belizean fuel consumers for the $50 million deficit in this year’s budget.

The Government has already adjusted its share of the taxes it collects from fuel, increasing it to get more money. Yet it continues to assault Belizeans by jacking up fuel prices when most countries in our region are spreading the benefits of lower world prices.

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