Belize Times May 29, 2016

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The Belize Times

Established 1957

29 MAY 2016 | ISSUE NO: 4995

The Truth Shall Make You Free

www.belizetimes.bz | $1.00

ONLY BULL FROM INSTANBUL Belize City, May 25, 2016 Nothing of substance was accomplished by Belize in its “ten cents” meeting with Guatemala in Istanbul, Turkey, over the weekend.

Guatemala had refused to hold a direct meeting with Belize as it relates to the Sarstoon River. For months Belize was chasing after Guatemala to please allow them to sit down and talk about the serious issue of the Sarstoon River. At a summit in Turkey, attended by many countries, includ-

Pg. 3

Belize and Guatemala foreign ministers met in Turkey with no resolution to Sarstoon conflicts

Guatemalan Ministers of defence and foreign affairs imposing Guatemalan control of the Sarstoon, May 2016

FAREWELL DON JOE

DIPLOMACY, NOT LUNACY! Pg. 8

Exactly a year ago on May 26, 2015, the same foreign ministers met in Guatemala City to sign a secret protocol

Pg. 3

COP COMMITS SUICIDE??

CORRECTION AND APOLOGY

Queen Street Police are investigating a suspected suicide from within their own ranks.

PC Edward Gonzalez allegedly shot himself with his personal weapon in front of Precinct 3, which is the Queen Street Police Station sometime in the wee hours of Wednesday morning.

In our publications of the 17th and 24th April 2016 we ran two articles titled, “THE FLEECING OF THE PEOPLE’S COMPANY” and “THE FLEECING OF BTL-PT2” (hereinafter the “Articles”). In these Articles we proceeded to expound upon certain business dealings between Belize Telemedia Ltd and Belize Auto Trader; and named Said Perdomo as being a part owner of Belize Auto Trader.

We wish to correct these Articles by stating that Said Perdomo holds no interest in Belize Auto Trader. We hereby retract any inference that Said Perdomo was involved in any imprudent or underhanded dealings between Belize Telemedia Ltd and Belize Auto Trader; and we apologize for any damage done to Said Perdomo’s reputation by the publication of these Articles.

363 DAYS SINCE BARROW LOST THE SARSTOON

0 22

29 MAY

THE BELIZE TIMES

PUP mourns passing of Hon. Elijio Briceño

OPINION OUT Stay the course, PUP!!

!

Dear Editor, Two very significant things happened this weekend. The first is the passing of an icon of our community and country, a former Minister and a longstanding soldier of the People’s United Party – a Party man for sure, but a man who gave his all to God, country and people first and always. Elijio ‘Don Joe’ Briceño was the father of our Party Leader John Briceño, but he was also a legend in his own right.

I’ve seen the messages come in after his passing – messages of grief and sadness, but also remembrance of the great person he was…productive members of our community who remember Don Joe for some little thing he did for them during their childhood, some small gesture which made all the difference in their young lives. There are many such stories because this giant did so much for so many. If I could paraphrase from a message sent by Hon. Cordel Hyde – even as his feet got tired, his great heart never faltered, never wavered.

As a long-time supporter of the People’s United Party and Mayor of Orange Walk, I remember this man, larger than life even though he was confined to a wheel-chair, as a political powerhouse playing a role in every single campaign in Orange Walk because he always wanted the best for his town and for his people. His passion will be missed but his legacy of service lives on in his children and in so many of us who were privileged to spend time with him.

The second significant thing this

weekend was a trip to the Sarstoon which never happened. It never happened because there was no boat captain, no charter captain, no tour guide or tour service willing to take a small group of people to the mouth of the Sarstoon River. But actually that’s not really the significant thing – the fact is that this government, our government is willing to use OUR military and law enforcement officials against peaceful, law-abiding citizens who are doing absolutely nothing wrong.

I was there in Punta Gorda and saw firsthand the presence of persons who are mandated to protect and serve us, instead dispatched to refuse us access to our own Caribbean Sea and access to our own Sarstoon. That is the way of this UDP administration, turning our protectors against us. It was a disappointment, to put it lightly. The trip would not have gone anyway because I think we underestimated the underhandedness of this UDP. We are told that GOB sent its forces on the ground to approach boat captains and the like, threatening them that licenses would not be renewed if they took the charter. The people believed them because they know firsthand what this UDP is capable of.

But it is a shame. As the Party Leader said, this trip was to be an educational one – no drinks, no weapons, no malicious intent – just a peaceful trip to our southernmost border which is not OUR southernmost border anymore.

There’s a third thing this weekend. I see people sitting in the comfort of their homes, many of them thousands of miles away across the ocean, trying to disparage the PUP because the trip never happened. As far as what I believe, there is only one man who was able to walk on water. We aspire to be like him but we haven’t mastered that trick yet.

So say what you will. It is easier to criticize from the comfort of home and a laptop. I find that if the PUP would go to the Sarstoon, they would be criticized.

We don’t go to the Sarstoon, there are those who will criticize. I am proud of my Party which is trying to do the right thing, the responsible thing even against all odds. We will continue to do so because the PUP believes in serving the people.

Signed, The Nationalist

WEATHER

LOCAL 26 May

27 May

28 May

29 May

2016

Belize City, May 21, 2016 The People’s United Party mourns the passing of the Hon. Elijio Briceño, former Minister of Energy and Communications and father of PUP Party Leader Hon. John Briceño. Don Joe, as he was popularly known, succumbed peacefully with his family by his bedside on Saturday, May 21, 2016, at 11:58 p.m.

The People’s United Party assures the Briceño family that they can find comfort in knowing that they’re not alone in their grief. People from in-

OUT Round-About John

!

Dear Editor, I am amazed as to how much money John Saldivar is wasting around Belmopan on roundabouts. His pet project, the football field with an A/C and Glass Lounge for himself and his cronies to watch his bandits at work.

Yet, no kind of help for Belmopanese.

The reality is that some of the resources could have gone to the paving of the George Price Boulevard, a much needed traffic artery in the capital. But without vision, the people shall perish…with roundabouts.

John is all about show time and feel-good projects instead of true development. Any UDP will tell you, that’s just John – a lot of glitter and no substance. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?

Well, after Sunday’s showdown with Patrick, we’ll see if John will continue his roundabouts or if he will just be going round and about?

Yours sincerely, D. Grant

2630Mar May

side and outside of the Party have known the generosity and goodness of Don Joe. Deputy Party Leader Cordel Hyde recalls, “Don Joe was a source of towering strength to his family, and a giant figure in the Orange Walk community. He was always such a fantastic cheerleader and trusted advisor for our Party Leader, and though he had been ill for some time, and his feet eventually got tired, his huge heart never wavered.

“He worked long and hard for his family, his community and his country. And now his work is done; his soul is at rest.”

Our thoughts and prayers are with our Party Leader, and his siblings, and all Don Joe’s other relatives and friends. They say we can take solace that death is not the end; death is not a blind alley to nothingness, but an open door which leads us to eternal life. Don Joe gave it his all; his work is done; now he has gone home to rest! May God bless him and keep him whole.

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The Belize Times

Established 1957

14 APR 2013

|

ISSUE NO: 4840

The Truth Shall Make You Free

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serving Belize since 1957 as the longest continuous newspaper.

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29 MAY

2016

THE BELIZE TIMES

Only Bull From Instanbul

Continued from page 1 ing Guatemala and Belize; the Guatemalans decided to meet for a few minutes over this past weekend. What was discussed? Several matters which had been discussed already.

But not the serious issue of Sarstoon River which has caused such grave concerns in Belize.

These are what were discussed. Belize and Guatemala Foreign Ministers said they wanted peace and good faith. That is nothing new.

They said that the territorial, insular and maritime disputes should be resolved at the I.C.J once it passed the referendum in both countries. This is nothing new.

They said that while this I.C.J process is going on and even after it is concluded it will still be necessary to develop good neighbourliness which helps with peace and stability and will promote economic development. That is nothing new and is the same thing Hitler said before he invaded Poland and Czechoslovakia.

Both Foreign Ministers said there is a need to avoid incidents between the two countries that affect confidence building as agreed in 2000, 2003 and 2005. This is nothing new but was put in by Guatemala to highlight that Belize is the country shooting Guatemalans.

The Guatemalans also got “Sedi” to sign that Belize will work with Guatemala in developing confidence building between the BDF and Guatemalan Army and the possibility of having joint training of troops patrolling the Adjacency Zone. Remember Guatemala had offered to train our BDF which they told the world is an “unprofessional army” which they were willing to train. Sedi agreed. This is new.

Belize and Guatemala agreed to seek monies for the OAS office at Benque Viejo.

That is nothing new.

What is also new, is that Sedi agreed to congratulate Guatemala’s Foreign Minister who in turn congratulated Sedi “for the agreement reached and expressed their commitments towards dialogue and the creation of positive bilateral agenda, in line with the advancement of the process mentioned in the Special Agreement to submit the territorial, insular and maritime differendum to the ICJ signed in December 2008.” Nowhere in Diplomatic releases and communiques do Foreign Ministers congratulate themselves. Somebody is taking somebody for a fool.

What utter nonsense this press release represents. Isn’t working towards dialogue and a positive agenda what the Foreign Ministries of both countries have been doing or supposed to be doing since signing in 2008.

And isn’t it a fact that Guatemala backed out of the referendum in October 2013 and again in 2015 and also asked Belize to change the Special Agreement so they could hold their referendum on their own. And further, is it not Guatemala which said they won’t hold a referendum because Belize must first change its own Referendum Act from 60 percent down to 50 percent.

But here is the worst part. The only reference to Sarstoon River comes in this paragraph: “Both Ministers recognized the urgent need for and committed to working on the design and development of a mechanism for the cooperation in the Sarstoon River….” Please read it again.

Read it one more time.

The real issue it that since 28 May 2015,

Guatemala took over the Belize portion of the Sarstoon River. This includes the large island called the Sarstoon Island.

Guatemala has since enforced its maritime, military and immigration laws in the Belize territorial river.

This invasion and occupation became so aggressive and blatant that even the Belize government passed a law forbidding any Belizeans from going onto what should be Belize River.

Guatemala has insisted that Be-

lize must follow a so-called protocol if they wish to go on Sarstoon River. What Sedi and the Barrow government have signed on to is to work out such a protocol which Guatemala has been insisting on only since taking over our portion of the Sarstoon River almost ONE year ago.

Instead of the Belize government INSISTING that Guatemala must move its

03 3 naval gun boats out of our river and stop aggressing Belizeans; Sedi has agreed “to work on the design and development of a mechanism for cooperation in the Sarstoon River”.

Sounds like pure bull, right?

The Belize government has once again failed the nation by not even mentioning the take-over of our river to the international community. Neither has there been any call for Guatemala to move itself out of our river and return to their line as stated in the 1859 Treaty.

Sedi, the Prime Minister and the government has sold out Belizeans in this very serious matter. Now they want Belize to work out a “protocol” to use our own river.

4 04

29 MAY

THE BELIZE TIMES

HARD KNOCKS Nothing to smile bout A Policeman killed himself this morning at the Queen Street Police Station, a young dude. Who knows what was on his mind and why he felt so desperate that he got to the point there was no other option but to end it all.

It’s something he will have to figure out with his Maker. But here’s the thing.

So many of our men and women who serve do so in the worst of conditions. The pay is crappy, resources are practically non-existent, conditions are terribly and the work just sucks most of the time. Hell, we’ve all heard stories about officers transferring to other jurisdictions and not being able to collect their transfer allowance for years. Seriously, people, these guys are the frontline between us and the criminals. While we’re at home in bed they’re dealing with the scums in Belize. They’re the ones who have to deal with children who are molested. They’re the ones who need to deal with all the dead bodies bleeding on the ground. They’re the ones who have to deal with the most evil elements of society. So while they take care of us, who takes care of them? Certainly not the fat Minister/DJ/everybody’s buddy/sports mascot/rock star. Big deal my a@*. He’s getting his in every way that counts. He doesn’t care about anything else.

So what’s the big deal?

That’s what Patrick Faber wants to know. His camp has been spreading rumors about the plump rock star, telling delegates how porky went from rags (Bill Lindo taking him to Court for being a malpago) to riches on a hustling binge with companies like Special Effects. It’s an inspirational (not inspirational) story of a man who had nothing just a few years ago becoming a man who owns entire sporting franchises, a mansion, fancy vehicles and free rides on private jets for him and his large piglet crew whenever he feels a spree coming on. Don’t look at us… that’s what Patrick is saying.

We don’t know where he gets that stuff from. According to that fine upstanding fellow Mr. Faber, chubby’s biggest deal is his belly, and nothing else (which, truth be told, we find credible based on photographic evidence which circulated the other day…reminds me of that nursery rhyme – what’s the name again? Wee willy winkle?) Really Patrick…there was no need to sink so low. So the man has a “little” problem, a teensy one. To himself, he’s still a big deal. That’s gotta count for something, right?

Killing me softly…

Porky might be small where it counts, but he’s been throwing some mighty stones back at the pugilist…though not as big as the stones that lil’ fellow used to break his ex-wife’s windshield when he was drunk and spunky. Ouch JS…nasty stuff that. According to Porky’s camp the difference between him and the pugilist is that he’s a lover, not a fighter of women (oops, didn’t mean to blurt that out). Ewwww we didn’t need that image in our heads, JS. Behave! So yeah the thing is that the pugilist is known to go a few rounds when he’s been imbibing the devil juice. Nobody ever accused the punchy fellow of being stupid though, so he picks his battles very craftily. Just ask that girl from the Ministry of Education who was his unwilling sparring partner/punching bag the other day and ended up making a report at the Ladyville Police Station. So JS says to us…oh wait he put it on FB too… REAL MEN DON’T HIT WOMEN. That there was a direct hit on his colleague and friend the pugilist.

So there you have it folks… the battle is on but lawd almighty the choices are dismal. In one corner you have the BIG DEAL “LITTLE” MAN and in the other corner you have the mighty PUGILIST and beater of women. Whew I wouldn’t want to be a UDP right about now – that’s a tough call.

2016

Business Infinite Group Ltd. # 155,674 (“the Company”) Pursuant to Section 102 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, notice is hereby given that Business Infinite Group Ltd. has been dissolved as at 20th May, 2016 and has been struck off the Register of International Business Companies.

CITITRUST INTERNATIONAL LIMITED Registered Agent El Poder de Crear Ltd. # 129,391 (“the Company”)

Pursuant to Section 102 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, notice is hereby given that El Poder de Crear Ltd. has been dissolved as at 21st May, 2016 and has been struck off the Register of International Business Companies.

Cititrust International Limited Registered Agent El Poder de Saver Ltd. # 129,392 (“the Company”)

Pursuant to Section 102 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, notice is hereby given that El Poder de Saver Ltd. has been dissolved as at 21st May, 2016 and has been struck off the Register of International Business Companies.

Cititrust International Limited Registered Agent Exito Total Ltd. # 129,393 (“the Company”)

Pursuant to Section 102 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, notice is hereby given that Exito Total Ltd. has been dissolved as at 21st May, 2016 and has been struck off the Register of International Business Companies.

Cititrust International Limited Registered Agent

29 MAY

2016

THE BELIZE TIMES

5 05

EDITORIAL

A

GOODBYE, DON JOE

giant has passed away.

The great spirit of Don Joe has left our Earth.

We mourn our loss and we celebrate his life.

We join with the people of Orange Walk and Belize in extending our sincere condolences to the Hon. John Briceño and family as they lay to rest a beloved father, uncle and family patriarch; Elijio “Joe” Briceño.

Here was a man amongst men. A leader who helped shape Orange Walk and inspire the many who were fortunate to come in contact with him.

La Inmaculada Church could not hold the thousands who turned out to pay tribute this Wednesday afternoon. The former Prime Minister and the present Prime Minister joined by the Queen’s representative, Governor General Sir Colville Young, were among the Ministers of government and elected representatives of the National Assembly; as were the leaders, executives and members of Don Joe’s beloved People’s United Party.

Don Joe is remembered for a multitude of accomplishments, all and always for the benefit of the people whom he loved so much.

Here was a man of vision. His foresight carved out the renowned People’s Stadium. Done for the love of the young people of Orange Walk whom he felt deserved a place for sports and culture and entertainment. He it was, with or without government help, who built the football field, the basketball courts and the horse race track; the parks and playgrounds in his desire to improve his community.

Obstacles, he always told his family, were but mere challenges to test the resolve of those who desire to get the job done, to do things for others and not waver from the task.

His motto in life can be summed up in the words of family, fellowship and good food. Family was first and foremost. He valued his family and preached the importance of family first.

Not just the immediate family but aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and cousins. Birthdays were important as were Christmas and special holidays. They were times for love and family.

Fellowship with his fellow human family was equally important and reflected his poor and humble up-bringing. Don Joe always made sure there was food, even for the passers-by and the strangers. He believed in the goodness of human beings and the Christian nature he saw in people.

Don Joe was literally a teacher, guided by his belief that teachers play a crucial role in preparing the upcoming generations. As with everything he did, he dedicated himself to his students, riding to San Lazaro Village on his bicycle and galloping to San Felipe Village on horse-back to teach values and principles as well as the daily lessons. As a graduate of St. John’s College he knew the world of study goes with the world of work.

He also knew there comes those times when a man must stand up for what he believes. He believed in Orange Walk and the good, decent, hard-working cañeros whose labour built the district. The infamous black Wednesday when the government used force and brutality against the cane farmers, Elijio Briceno was marching side by side, shoulder to shoulder

with the cañeros against his own government.

As Chairman of the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association from 1977 until 1983, Don Joe knew where his heart was and the cañeros knew he would never let them down. And he never did.

When the maximum leader and father of Independence, George Price introduced Social Security as a safety net for people whom else could be entrusted with such a giant responsibility but the young Minister whose heart was bigger than the government.

And who else could break his own heart and lose a dear friend in service to the greater need of people, but Joe Briceño.

He took the side of the people of Orange Walk in securing Louisiana farm lands for a much needed housing project. In the process he lost the deep friendship he shared with Don Chich Castillo, the owner.

“Serve the People” which was and still is the motto of Belize’s greatest political party, is also the personal motto of Don Joe, the former Minister of Government but more importantly, the man of the people of Orange Walk. He never stopped serving, even as he battled a stroke and sickness in his later years. These were but just obstacles to be overcome.

They couldn’t keep the great spirit of Don Joe down.

This mighty man with the mighty heart left this world softly and quietly last Saturday night. He did so in the company of his family. He did so in the belief that his son John, would be the next Prime Minister of Belize and that the years of raising his children in the belief that it is truly more blessed to give than to receive, would serve the new leader well. He spent all his years constantly teaching and preaching to them that love, honour, family, being good neighbours and responsible and productive citizens were the values that count.

As Nelita inspired the congregation with her lilting voice singing Ave Maria; bringing tears to the eyes of many and joy to the hearts of all those in church, Don Joe was smiling in church. This great humanitarian. This lover of people had fought the good fight and won the great race.

Don Joe was so much a part of Orange Walk as Orange Walk was a part of Don Joe. He smiled as his son delivered the family’s Eulogy to a packed church overflowing the holy compound and out onto the streets.

“We survive this life”. Said Johnny, beaming, “you were right Dad-family comes first. And yes, again you were right, that there is good in everyone. And again you are right, that Belize is the greatest place on Earth.

“Hard work, drive, ambition does pay off.

“And Dad, we know what we have to do. Build a safe and a prosperous Belize for all our people.”

“This then is our commitment. This is our pledge “On this you have our word.

“Gracias Dad. “We love you always. Rest now and may the Almighty God be with you.

“Vaya Con Dios”

06 6

THE GEMS OF GRADUATION SEASON 2016 PT 2 Featuring Anglican Cathedral College, Escuela Secundaria Mexico, Independence High, Gwen Lizarraga High and Belize Rural High

2016

Mr. White, who credits his father with helping when he was battling depression in the wake of his failing at LTHS, has recovered enough to take on 18 CXCs with an eye to studying Information Technology with the goal of becoming a Programmer. He offered the following advice to fellow students and graduates: “Study hard, but remember to put in time to have fun.” And despite not taking any CXCs this year, having already done so on her first turn in 4th form, Ms. Rivas,

ANGLICAN CATHEDRAL COLLEGE

By: Alton F. Humes (Freelance Reporter) BELIZE CITY, Tuesday, May 24th, 2016

Week 2 of the BELIZE TIMES’ coverage of High School Graduation Season 2016 continues with results from Anglican Cathedral College (ACC). This Southside mainstay, located on Albert Street and recognized as the only Anglican high school in Belize City, will graduate 69 students on Sunday, May 29th, 2016 at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts on Southern Foreshore, starting at 2:00 p.m.

Leading this year’s class are: 17- year-old Valedictorian Mr. Winfield White (from Class 4-Wallace, with a Grade Average of 84.85%), 18-year-old Salutatorian Ms. Athaleah Rivas (from Class 4-Sylvester, with a Grade Average of 83.53%) and 3rd Place finisher, giving the Vote of Thanks, 18-year-old Mr. Joseph Young (also from Class 4-Wallace, with a Grade Average of 82.32%). The BELIZE TIMES interviewed the students on Tuesday, May 17th, at the St. John’s Cathedral, right next door to their campus, in the midst of their graduation practice.

The top 3 of this class are all southside residents (White from nearby Rectory Lane, Rivas and Young from Iguana Street Extension), but their shared roots are much deeper than that. Indeed, it could be said that their clashes with disappointment are the redemptive roots of their success. For White, who lives with his father and 4 of 9 other siblings, he transferred from Ladyville Technical High School (LTHS) to ACC at the start of 3rd form due to his grades, admitting to us that, “I had to adapt to how things were done at this school, and it was such that my work

29 MAY

THE BELIZE TIMES

Salutatorian, Athaleah Rivas

Valedictorian, Winfield White

3rd place, Joseph Young

ESCUELA SECUNDARIA MEXICO

Valedictorian, Eiden Patt

Salutatorian, Marco Cawich

3rd place, Cindy Yam

INDEPENDENCE HIGH

Valedictorian, Zhendi Tan

Salutatorian, Ingrid Perez

improved steadily”. For Ms. Rivas, who is from a more stable home (she lives with both parents, and 5 siblings), she had to repeat her 4th year due to, in her own words, “not focusing, missing classes”.

Mr. Young, who lives with his guardian, Ms. Hortense Augustine, and four sisters, admit-

ted to the periodic difficulty of “getting assignments done on your own”. But even with battling those challenges, it was the constant secret ingredient of support that allowed these students to weather those rough spells and steer their course into more successful waters.

3rd place, Tania Cruz who thanks her father for “always being there for me” is focusing her ambition on studying Nursing at the University of Belize. Her advice is simple: “Stay focused in school”. Mr. Young, whose family situation is unique, plans to take 9 CXC’s in hopes of becoming a surgeon. His advice

to his fellow students: “Success comes with hard work and dedication… it comes with just being yourself”.

Moving up North to the Corozal District, Escuela Secundaria Tecnica Mexico (ESTM) will graduate 133 graduates across three disciplines – Business Studies (45 students), Science Studies (26 students) and Vocational-Technical (62 students). 72 females and 61 males will take the march on Sunday, June 5th, 2016, at the school’s campus, starting at 10:00 a.m. Leading those ranks will be: Valedictorian Mr. Eiden Patt (Class 4-C, Science Studies), Salutatorian Mr. Marco Cawich (Class 4-1, Business Studies, emphasis on Agri-Business), and 3rd Place Ms. Cindy Yam (Class 4-4, Vo-Tech).

Heading South, Independence High School in Independence Village, Stann Creek District, will be graduating 171 students on Saturday, June 4th, 2016 at the school’s Omar Longsworth Auditorium (named after the school’s principal) beginning at 6:30 p.m. The top 3 students are: Valedictorian Ms. Zhendi Tan (Class 4-Business, emphasis on Tourism, with a Grade Average of 90.47%), Salutatorian Ms. Ingrid Perez (Class 4-Business, emphasis on Tourism, with a Grade Average of 90.12%) and 3rd Place Ms. Tania Cruz (Class 4-Business, emphasis on Tourism, with a Grade Average of 90.11%).

Heading back to Belize City, Gwen Lizarraga High School Principal, Dr. Lorna McKay, informed that the institution on Antelope Street Extension will graduate 93 students on Sunday, June 12th, 2016 at the Ramada Princess Hotel, beginning at 3:00 p.m.

The top students are: 17-year-old Valedictorian Ms. Janelle Babb (Class 4A1, Academic), 16-yearold Salutatorian Ms. Lily Lainez (Class 4C1, Business) and 3rd Place Ms. Nancy Ortiz (Class 4A1, Academic).

The BELIZE TIMES interviewed the Valedictorian and Salutatorian on Thursday, May 19th, at the school’s Antelope Street Extension campus while the graduates were in the midst of hectic meetings with school officials. Ms. Lainez is from the Lake Independence area and lives with her parents and 6 siblings – 4 brothers and 2 sisters. She admitted to us that other than this final year, which naturally would be complex with fighting for the Valedictorian-ship, doing her SBA’s and so on, she actually “never had it hard” in school. And that is in no small part due to her mother, who “pressured me every day” to do her work, to the point of having others ‘talk’ to her and giving extra advice. It’s paid off, of course, very handsomely, as she plans to take 8 CXCs, and plans to study Business. She sticks to the ever-popular and age-old adage when it comes to her advice to her fellow graduates and students: Continued on page 12

29 MAY

2016

THE BELIZE TIMES

MOTHER’S DAY IN CARIBBEAN SHORES

KAREEM MUSA Always for the People!

07 7 Court gives GOB until June 27th to respond to PUP’s “Sarstoon Law” challenge

BELIZE CITY,Wednesday, May 25, 2016 The Barrow Government today announced that it has revoked the now infamous Statutory Instrument number 42 of 2016, otherwise known as the Sarstoon Law, which restricted the movement of Belizeans from entering the Sarstoon River for a period of one month.

The Opposition People’s United Party opposed the passing of the law and is of the view that it is seriously flawed and unconstitutional. As a result, Opposition Leader Hon. John Briceño launched a legal challenge to the legislation.

Party Leader Hon. Briceno and the party’s Legal Advisor, Andrew Marshelleck, SC, appeared in the courtroom of Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin last Friday to begin the constitutional challenge to the law which the government hastily passed on April 29, 2016.

“The Sarstoon Law” is a serious encroachment on the freedom of movement guaranteed by the Belize Constitution, and it is now left to the Supreme Court to declare that the law was unconstitutional, because the circumstances which the law sought to alleviate did not exist in the first place.

The Barrow Administration passed SI 42 out of his fear of the Guatemalan Armed Forces which has taken over the entire Sarstoon River, and the government of Belize has been begging Guatemala to agree to a protocol so that Belizeans can go back into the Sarstoon River, which is a part of Belize sovereign territory.

On Friday at the Supreme Court, the government’s Deputy Solicitor General Nigel Hawke informed the Chief Justice that he did not have the time to prepare the necessary response to the legal challenge. The Chief Justice adjourned the case to June 27, when it is expected that the government will file the necessary response to the claim.

In the lawsuit, the Governor General of Belize and the Attorney General of Belize are named as the first and second defendants respectively.

After the hearing on Friday, Marshalleck explained to reporters, “The Governor-General in deciding to promulgate the SI acted outside of the scope of his authority as conferred by the provisions of the Public Safety Act in that the trigger for making a law of this nature is that he must be satisfied that there is a risk to public safety caused by some risk of civil commotion, and again we say that there is nothing in fact that happened or that was likely to happen that would have given rise to any civil commotion which would have then entitled him to do as he did.”

Hon. Briceno told reporters, “For us it is important to make it abundantly clear to the prime Minister that we will not stand for it – that Belizeans on a whole are outraged by the very idea that we can no longer visit parts of our country, so our objective here is one that, as the legal advisor said, to challenge the law and hopefully we can get a ruling to better define when a government can pass certain SIs preventing people from going in certain areas under certain circumstances.”

08 8

THE BELIZE TIMES

DOLLY HOUSE CRUMBLING Belize City, May 25, 2016 The UDP is clearly on its way out. Their leader is still braggadocios and a bully but his days are numbered, while their up and coming leaders are all major failures. But the most glaring signs of serious trouble on the horizon for the UDP are the infighting and backstabbing taking place.

Mike Juan Trouble in Cayo South With the Patrick Faber-John Saldivar race heating up, so have the divisions in constituencies. Cayo South, for example, has become the battleground for internal warfare for the UDP. The division is no longer controlled by the chiney man.

Faber has been weakening Saldivar in the Cayo area. Saldivar’s own political backyard in Cayo South is in disorder. Neither the chairpersons of Camalote nor Ontario are on Saldivar’s camp. Those two areas were considered Saldivar strongholds up until some weeks ago when the village leaders came out publicly for Faber.

Things have turned so ugly that the seats of UDP village chairmen like Mike Juan in Unitedville are being challenged by new UDP candidates in proposed conventions reportedly plotted by the Saldivar camp. This is one big ugly fight.

Political Cheating in Corozal Bay

Danini

Pablo Marin

In Corozal Bay, Pablo Marin is going one way with Saldivar, while his senior constituency supporters are going the other with Faber. Marin has been advised by supporters to join them or else, but Marin is only listening to the “sound of his heart”.

Marin is cheating on his constituency. His time is mostly spent in Cayo now, where he has found a new “partner”.

Marin’s new love affair is creating serious political troubles in Corozal Bay. His new partner is none other than the daughter of Erwin Contreras. This means he must follow his new “father in law” who is a strong supporter of Saldivar.

Marin’s Corozal Bay supporters have not sat back. We are told senior UDP women and UDP Bay Executive Members chose to boycott his recent mother’s day program in response to the ill treatment of Marin’s former Corozal Bay partner.

Marin di tek women lightly, but he’ll soon get the sense.

Hot Mess for Hot Bev of Corruptio In BRC the hot mess that erupted last year continues.

The lady Bev has yet to recover from the rough love at the hands of her large than life partner from as far back as November last year.

Some say she likes it that way.

When we UDP insiders what caused the commotion and separation, we are always told that with the Senator’s size, three is more than a crowd in that circle.

John Saldivar

29 MAY

2016

Diplomacy, Not Lunacy!

By Hilairé Bennett Secretary General to the Commonwealth, Baroness Scott’s visit to Belize has been critically significant in the wake of the spate of incursions and illegal fishing by Guatemalan civilians and the asserting of military power by the Guatemalan Armed Forces (GAF) in the Sarstoon.

The Baroness’ message was resonant with the re-affirmation by the Commonwealth Heads of Continued on page 9

29 MAY

2016

Diplomacy, Not Lunacy!

Continued from page 8 Nation in support of Belize’s right to sovereignty and territorial integrity. Baroness Scott is that individual that is mandated by the Commonwealth Heads of Government to examine the needs of small and vulnerable states like Belize, including their security needs. The organisational body has been deeply concerned about the precarious situations that have overcome these vulnerable countries and have admonished that “the need to be scrupulous about security arrangements is both obvious and urgent”.

However, the significance of the visit was transformed into media footnotes complemented with a passive embrace by the Rt. Honourable Dean Barrow.

The reason for the watered-down attention is possibly that the Organisation of American States (OAS) has become the organisation of choice to assist in finding a solution to the dispute. Nonetheless, there is existential scepticism which has on numerous occasions erupted in protest by civil organisations such as COLA, regarding the OAS’ handling of the Guatemalan situation. The perception continues to linger that the OAS is just a “Latin American talk shop” catering to the whims and fancy of its Spanishspeaking members and merely tolerates the English-speaking Caribbean, Belize included. In 1985, the Commonwealth consultative group highlighted that “Belize and Guyana, the two CARICOM countries on the mainland each having territorial disputes with larger neighbours, Guatemala and Venezuela, respectively, and have been subject to political pressure and territorial incursions by them. Each has been unable to join the regional agency, the OAS, because its Latin American neighbour has objected to its entry until the territorial dispute is settled”.

Contrarily, the Heads of Government to the Commonwealth have been steadfast in their commitment and support for the efforts of the Government of Belize to maintain Belize’s territorial integrity. The spirit of this commitment was reassured through the capacity of the Secretary General to the Commonwealth Baroness Scott.

In 1983 Commonwealth Heads mandated the then Secretary General H.E. Mr. Shridath S. Ramphal to undertake a study regarding the special needs of small states “consonant with the right to sovereignty and territorial integrity that they shared with all nations”.

A consultative group comprising of members of both large and small states was convened. Subsequently, a report was submitted to the Commonwealth Secretariat. The Group found “it is indisputable that the smallest and weakest within the international community, those with the least political clout, military strength or economic resilience are among the ones who are likely to suffer most and whose special vulnerability is likely to go unnoticed and unrelieved”.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Obviously, Belize vulnerability is the resultant of a lack of military might and the economic power needed towards against predatory Guatemala. Notwithstanding the lack therefore the Report advises that skilful engagement of diplomacy within the framework of a prudent, well-thought out foreign policy should be the first line of defence, of states like Belize, in its defence. Evidently, “Sedi” Elrington and the United Democratic Party Government have made the worst political blunder in history in not engaging skilful diplomacy.

Sedi continues to be smart and not being clever. This UDP Government should be relying on the diplomatic means in conveying to the international community the impact the existing Guatemala threat has on Belize’s national security and the survival of the Jewel. It is incumbent on the governments of small states to realise that “small does not necessarily mean helpless”.

However, Belize has become helpless and have realistically fallen from a small state to a weak state. The cumulative and existing internal factors such as weak institutional structures, the lack of a strong sense of nationhood and the existence of unassimilated, ethnic minorities (mostly Guatemalans) and poorly defined borders (characterised by “Sedi” as artificial) has placed Belize into the category of weak states. Compounding factors such as the UDP’s inability to deliver political, social and economic benefits, the core values necessary for the enhancement to the quality of life, and the fact that the Foreign Minister has failed to apply skilful diplomacy by not engaging the international body closely related to Belize – the Commonwealth – in the country’s plight against a recalcitrant Guatemala is a path to Belize’s demise the has taken.

Undoubtedly, a report on the status of Belize has been submitted by the Baroness. The information made available by the Rt. Honourable Dean Barrow and the Foreign Minister could become consequential to the urgency placed by the Commonwealth on the volatile situation in the Sarstoon and other areas of concern. The fact is Guatemala has invaded the Belize portion of the Sarstoon from its source to its entry into the Caribbean Sea. I will agree with the Rt. Honourable Dean Barrow that diplomacy must be allowed to work, but it has to be skilful and prudent. Certainly not the lunacy making international press. For too long “Sedi” has been allowed to engage his “foolishman wisdom”, standing on the rights of Belize and its citizens.

In concluding I echo Secretary General Shridath Ramphal’s statement that “sometimes it seems as if small states were like small boats pushed out into turbulent sea, free in one sense to traverse it, but without oars or provisions, without compass or sails, free also to perish, or, perhaps to be rescued and taken on board a larger vessel”. That larger vessel in my opinion is the Commonwealth of Nations, Belize’s linchpin to the global society, the United Nations and its security organ, the Security Council.

Queen of the Bay 1946 to 2016 - in unbroken line 70th Year Anniversary Queen of the Bay Pageant 2016

Her Graciousness, the reigning Queen of the Bay, Falon Tiana Cain, invites Belizean young women between the ages of 18 and 23 to participate in the Queen of the Bay Pageant to be held on Saturday, 27th August 2016 at 7:00 pm at The Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts.

Interested young women, please call 223-4465 or 615-9494 or go pick up an application at CRAVINZ Fast Food Restaurant at 1 ½ Miles Philip Goldson Highway, Belize City, Monday to Saturday 11am-2pm or 4pm-8pm.

Deadline for submission of completed applications is on Friday, June 17, 2016.

Ms. Zenaida Moya Pageant Coordinator Celebrating the 218th Anniversary of the Battle of St. George’s Caye and the 35th Anniversary of the Independence of Belize.

Queen of the Bay Secretariat Belize City – Cell No. 615-9494

10 SPORTS

8 MAY 29 MAY

THE BELIZE TIMES TIMES THE BELIZE

2016

CAMALOTE UNITED defeats Wolverines in Cayo softball

Camalote Village, May 22, 2016 The Camalote United mauled the Esperanza Wolverines 17-2 by mercy rule in 3 innings when the Cayo Softball Association’s female competition continued in Camalote Village on Sunday.

Esperanza’s Shanaya Soberanis gave up 14 hits and walked 3 batters. Shanae Williams led the attack scoring 3 runs, while Shanice Williams, Samantha Casey, Taesha Lewis, Kenisha Sutherland, Isha Matute and Renisha Richards scored 2 runs apiece. Patricia Budna and Rhea Flowers scored a run each. Only Denise Gordon and Rose Vernon scored for Esperanza.

Other Games: Belmopan Bandits vs. Unitedville Rebels - 6-4 Winning pitcher - Francine Salazar Roaring Creek Grace Kennedy vs. Belmopan Emeralds - 12-0

BEL POWERSOCKETS LEAD INTEROFFICE SOFTBALL WITH 4 WINS Belize City, May 20, 2016 The BEL Powersockets are leading the 2016 Belize City interoffice softball competition with 4 wins, hammering KHMH 12-5 at the Roger’s Stadium on Saturday.

BEL’s pitcher Melissa Foreman struck out 3 batters to hand the medics their 4th loss, as Godsden Ferguson, Glenford “Mac-10” Flowers, Jason Bennett and Foreman score d 2 runs apiece, while Susan Lu, Mark Cassasola and Jorge Fabro

scored 1 run apiece.

BEL had also won 17-7 vs BTL, 18-11 vs National Sports Council, and 18-10 vs Guardian.

Other Games: National Sports Council vs.

BTL – 7-0 NSC vs. KHMH - 15-4 NSC vs. BTL - 16-12 Guardian vs. BTL - 8-7 Guardian vs. KHMH - 19-9 Guardian vs. Sports Council -16-14 BTL vs. KHMH - 14-3

Arlene Wade hit 3 runs

Lupita Chicas hits

Belize Bank Bulldogs leads softball competition Belize City, May 20, 2016 The Belize Bank Bulldogs are leading the 2016 Belize City female softball competition held at the Roger’s Stadium. Bulldogs, led by veteran pitcher Hortencia Richards, won 11-3 against the Beacon by mercy rule in 5 innings. Beacon’s pitcher Hortense Thurton gave up 8 hits and Sharette Vernon led the attack scoring 4 runs, while Greta Davis and Cindy Joseph scored 2 runs apiece, and Georgia Williams, Marsha Wills and Tyra Moriera scored 1 run each. Only Mertell Bailey, Licia Ferguson and Jane Usher scored for Beacon.

The Bulldogs, with Richards’ daughter Ashley Lucas on the mound, also won 4-3 against Belize Telemedia and veteran pitcher Mary Flowers.

Beacon’s Hortense Thurton pitches National Sports Council win 7-0 BTL

Jose Almendarez scored Hattievillle’s 2nd goal

Defending Champs City leads 2016 SMART Mundialito Continued on page 11

Sharette Vernon scored 6 runs

Erlene Belisle scored 1 run

8 MAY 29 MAY

SPORTS 11

THE BELIZE TIMES

2016

Defending Champs City leads 2016 SMART Mundialito Belize City, May 21, 2016 The defending champs, City Boys, are 6-0 as they continue to lead the 2016 SMART Mundialito, while Young Warriors, Hattieville Riverside Boys, Brown Bombers also posted big wins in Week 6 of the tournament at the MCC garden on Saturday.

Carlston’s FC Brandon smith scored 2 goals

Bombers’ Luis Sosa Jr. attacks

Belize Elementary girls lead with 8 goals Belize City, May 20, 2016 The Belize Elementary School girls posted their 3rd win against St. John Vianney RC School girls last Thursday, when Aaliyah Herbert scored the winning goal. BES girls also defeated Wesley Upper School 5-0 last Tuesday with 2 goals by Chrystal Young and Michaelen Hyde, while Niesha Garbutt and Rianna Chebat scored a goal each. BES had enjoyed their 1st win: 2-0 vs Holy Redeemer with a goal each from Michaelen Hyde and Aaliyah Herbert.

Other Games: St. Martin de Porres RC School girls’ vs. St. Mary’s Anglican School – 3-0 Goals by Jianna Usher (2), Shantel Flowers St. Martin’s girls vs. Salvation

Army School girls – 1-0 Goal by Hui Ling Chen St. John’s Anglican girls vs. Bethel Primary School – Win by Forfeit St John’s Anglican girls vs. St Mary’s girls – 1-0 Goal by Rolisha Budran Anglican girls vs. Bethel Primary – 3-0 Goals by Ashanti Lopez St. John Vianney RC School girls vs. Holy Redeemer – 4-0 Goals by Jaydi Mckenzie (3), Giselle Usher St. John Vianney RC School girls vs. Unity Presbyterian School – 0-0 Holy Redeemer RC School girls vs.

Unity Presbyterian – 3-0 Salvation Army School vs. Bethel Primary – 2-0 Goals by Ashley Phillips, Cassandra George

Game Results: City Boys vs. Face of Belize – 2-0 Goal scorers: Keyia Requena, Rasheid Lord Young Warriors vs. Reality Youth - 2-0 Goal scorers: Jonah Coye, Ryan Chiac Collet Strikers vs. Carlston FC - 2-2 Goals by Brandon Smith (2), Chris Maskall, Jevon Theus Hattieville Riverside vs. Heights FC - 2-0 Goals by Ruben Darios, Jose Almendarez Brown Bombers vs. Ladyville Rising Stars - 4-0 Goals Keifer Perteau (2), Michael Bradley (penalty), Eldon “Quincy” Byrd

Ebenezer & St John Vianney boys lead Primary School football Ebenezer boys

Holy Redeemer boys

St. Martins’ boys

Delroy Lopez defends

St. Martins’ girls win 3-0

LAKE I BOMBERS & WESTLAKE WIN IN 1ST DIVISION FOOTBALL Holy Redeemer girls win 3-0

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29 MAY

THE BELIZE TIMES

2016

Barrow Eats Crow after Hostile Nationalization of Telephone Company

Dean Barrow

By Norris Hall The Prime Minister of Belize is today eating crow as he grasped to put a positive spin on what his hostile piracy of Belize Telemedia in 2009 will now cost the tax payers of Belize.

While the Prime Minister was trying to explain his costly gamble, his son, whom he had appointed to run the telephone company, at a press conference, appeared to be far

removed from the national implications and the cost to his father’s government and the people of Belize.

The younger Barrow, while acknowledging that the national telephone company, which he was nepotistically appointed to head at his father’s behest, also seemed far removed from the judgement of tribunal, that the Barrow Administration must now pay an additional $500 mil-

lion to the Ashcroft Group of companies that once owned and invested in the modernization of the telephone company that enjoyed a top-notch reputation in the region.

Touting the social and economic benefits of the nationalization of the telephone company, while hastily pushing legislation through parliament with much jingoism to get his way, the Prime Minister, at the time, said that

THE GEMS OF GRADUATION SEASON 2016 PT 2 Featuring Anglican Cathedral College, Escuela Secundaria Mexico, Independence High, Gwen Lizarraga High and Belize Rural High Continued from page 6 “What the mind can conceive, it can achieve”.

Ms. Babb, like her colleague, is also from the Complex area, and is the 4th youngest of 10 siblings.

Her main challenge in her 4 years at Gwen Lizarraga was the “difficulty” in learning subjects. But like her colleague, it was her parents, particularly her mom, who “always wanted the best from me” and all her older siblings, so as to ‘be an example’ to her younger siblings.

Following to the letter of her mom’s advice, she shared: “Everything you have, go out and earn it”. And that is the example she will also leave to her fellow students. She will take 9 CXCs, and hopes to follow her sister’s footsteps to become a doctor. For her fellow graduates, her advice is: “I don’t think this should be your last step. Continue to further your education”. And to the up-and-coming students she leaves behind, she says: “Focus.

When you get your education, cherish and hold onto it”.

And finally, there’s the Belize Rural High School in the Belize District, who will be graduating 23 students on Saturday, June 4th, 2016 at the school’s campus

GWEN LIZARRAGA HIGH

Valedictorian, Janelle Babb

Salutatorian, Lily Lainez

3rd place, Nancy Ortiz

BELIZE RURAL HIGH

he did not estimate that the nationalization of the company would have been at a cost of more than $150 million. Real market value for the company put it at a little over $300 million.

With the recent ruling by the tribunal, total cost so far for this ill-advised, hostile grab of the telephone company is about one thousand million dollars, not including high legal fees, mostly paid to the Prime Minister’s brother, as the Government’s privately-hired attorney. It does include an additional $50 million invested in BTL from the Belize Social Security Investment Board.

Since the telephone company was nationalized in 2009, there have been costly management hiccups and chess gambits to position the Prime Minister’s son as the king of the company. But heavy has been his crown.

The company has been haemorrhaging with annual losses of roughly $ 8 million a year and as high as $12 million in 2012.This does not include certain Court judgements for financial compensation for unethical practices. Public opinion, according a poll, suggested that the services of the company and the efficiency of its service have been in decline.

At an Annual General meeting, the Prime Minister’s son, by signalling desperation, suggested that the company should consider diversification into real estate. He did not indicate, though, which land he was thinking about putting on the market.

As if by coincidence, his press conference, was held on “good timing”, while his dad was putting a positive spin on what the government has to payout for the telephone company.

He said that this will be “a banner year for BTL” with improved services along with a strange figure of$1,000 million for new investments to streamline the operations of the company.

He did not say though, where this state-owned company will find that money.

To date, the government has a national debt of $2 billion and counting.

CALL

671-8385 or

EMAIL:

Valedictorian, Vashti Tulcey

Salutatorian, Rick Velasquez

3rd place, Icella Rowland

in Double Head Cabbage Village, starting at 3:30 p.m. The top 3, who are all Business students, according to school of-

ficials, are: Valedictorian Ms. Vashti Tulcey, Salutatorian Mr. Rick Velasquez and 3rd Place, Ms. Icella Rowland.

The BELIZE TIMES’ coverage of High School Graduation Season 2016 continues next week.

belizetimesadvertisement@ yahoo.com

To place advertisement in the Belize Times Newspaper

29 MAY

13

THE BELIZE TIMES

2016

Elections and Boundaries Commission Belize, 25th May, 2016.

DISSOLUTION OF VILLAGE COUNCILS

VACANCY NOTICE UNICEF is seeking a qualified individual with legal status to work in Belize for the position of Driver, GS-2 Level (Classified) in the Belize Country Office.

Within the delegated authority and under the given organizational set-up, the incumbent may be assigned the primary, shared, or contributory accountabilities for all or part of the major duties.

Purpose of the Position Under the supervision of the Operations Assistant, the Driver, at the G-2 level, provides reliable and safe driving services, ensuring the highest standards of professionalism, discretion, integrity, sense of responsibility, excellent knowledge of protocol whilst ensuring compliance with local driving rules and regulations.

The Driver demonstrates a client-oriented approach, high sense of responsibility, courtesy, tact and the ability to work with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.

Key Expected Results 1. Reliable and safe driving services for staff and officials. Drives office vehicles for the transport of UN staff, officials and visitors and delivery and collection of mail, documents and other items, and meeting official personnel and visitors at the airport and may include assisting with basic visa and customs formalities arrangements when required.

2. Maintenance of assigned vehicle. Ensures vehicle is kept in good running condition at all times through addressing minor repairs, making arrangements for major repairs, timely changes of oil, check of tires, brakes, water levels and car washing.

3. Documentation of vehicle related information. Ensures availability of all the required documents/supplies including vehicle insurance, vehicle registration, vehicle logs, office directory, map of the city/country, first aid kit, and necessary spare parts in the assigned vehicle; keeps track of insurance and other tax formalities.

4. Ensures that the steps required by rules and regulations are taken, in case of involvement in an accident.

5. Delivery and collection of mail, documents and other items from post office, government agencies, NGO/CSO partners and other institutions.

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 2nd June 2016.

As from the said 2nd June, 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 (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 25th day of May, 2016.

SIGNED Josephine Tamai

FOR CHAIRMAN ELECTIONS AND BOUNDARIES COMMISSION

6. Operates photocopying/duplicating machines, scanner and document binder 7. Assist in customs clearance of UNICEF items arriving in Belize.

8. Performs other duties as required.

Qualifications of Successful Candidate •

Completion of Primary Education; a valid driver’s license and knowledge of local driving rules and regulations.

•

Two years of work experience as a driver in an international organization, embassy or UN system with a safe driving record.

•

Fluency of the local language of the duty station as well as proficiency in English.

Competencies of Successful Candidate Core Values • Commitment •

Diversity and inclusion

• Integrity Core competencies • Communication •

Working with people

•

Drive for results

Functional Competencies: • Analyzing •

Learning and Researching

•

Planning and Organizing

•

Following Instructions and Procedures

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organisation.

Closing date of submitting applications is 07th June, 2016. Late applications will not be considered and regret letter will only be sent to short-listed candidates.

Please submit your application for this post by visiting our website http://jobs.unicef.org/ cw/en-us/#/job/496053

SCHEDULE

VILLAGE COUNCILS DISSOLVED WITH EFFECT FROM 2ND June 2016 COROZAL DISTRICT Chunox Progresso San Narciso Buena Vista Copper Bank Paraiso ORANGE WALK DISTRICT Santa Martha August Pine Ridge BELIZE DISTRICT Hattieville Biscayne Gardenia May Pen Crooked Tree Caye Caulker

TOLEDO DISTRICT Bella Vista Bladen Monkey River Punta Negra Trio Jacintoville Laguna San Felipe San Marcos San Pablo Yemeri Grove CAYO DISTRICT Arenal Calla Creek Cotton Tree St. Matthews Franks Eddy More Tomorrow San Marcos Selena Santa Familia STANN CREEK DISTRICT New Mullins River

14

29 MAY

THE BELIZE TIMES

Bulgarians Plead Guilty to Daring ATM Thefts Belize City, May 25, 2016 Jeorgi Petrov, 28 and Halid Aptula, 25 were visibly upset with their attorneys on Friday after Senior Magistrate Sharon Frazer reserved her sentence and sent them back to the Belize Central Prison until June 8, 2016. Both men pleaded guilty to 18 counts of theft from the Belize Bank ATMs located on Albert Street and North Front Street by the Water-taxi Terminal.

On May 7th Halid Aptula was caught in the act by a vigilant Belize Bank auditor as he withdrew money from the ATM on Albert Street. The Bank had been targeted on different occasions earlier in the year, so Bank officials were on the lookout for the suspected cyber-thieves. When the auditor spotted Aptula he recognized him from surveillance footage and followed him to the ATM on North Front Street. As Aptula withdrew from that ATM, a passing Policeman was summoned and briefed, after which Aptula was taken into custody.

A search of the room shared by Aptula and Petrov turned up more than 100 fake credit cards, laptop computers, phones, blank plastic cards and more than $21,000 in cash, resulting in both men being detained and arraigned on one count of theft on May 10th.

The men had allegedly found a way to steal Personal Identification Numbers from persons outside the country, after which they used fake credit cards to withdraw money illegally in increments of $500 and less.

They initially pleaded guilty to one count of theft on May 10th, but on May 20th, Friday, they changed that plea to guilty, and also pleaded guilty to 17

2016

BY ORDER OF THE SUPREME COURT OF BELIZE LICENSE AUCTIONEER NOEL J. CODD WILL SELL the following items on Saturday 4th June, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Corozal Free Zone, Corozal District: 355- BLOUSES 50 89- DRESSES 50 262- BLOUSES 3X100 161- SHORTS 3X100 55- PANTS 3X100 70- BLOUSES 25 45- PANTS 100 126- PANTS 50 26- PANTS SETS 100 48- BLOUSES 25 33- BATH SUITS 25 44- PANTS 50 46- KIDS SHORTS 3X100 44- MEN SHORTS 100 150- MEN T- SHIRTS 50 56- KIDS T- SHIRTS 3X100 92- MEN T- SHIRTS 3X100 108- KIDS PANTS SETS 50

179- KIDS T- SHIRTS 3X100 27- MEN PANTS 1 -CASIO CASH REGISTER 1- SEWING MACHINE 1-PLASTIC CABINET 1-WATER COOLER 1-SMALL FAN 1-OFFICE CHAIR 1-STOOL 2- PLASTIC CHAIRS 5- VEC FANS 22-METAL CLOTHES RACKS 60-WALL CLOTHES RACKS 36-MANIQUINS 1-STEP LADDER 3- NAP SACKS 12- TOWELS 7-SOCKS 12 PACKS

TERM: STRICTLY CASH LICENSE AUCTIONEER: NOEL J. CODD Carmelita Village, Orange Walk District Office: 677-5184 or Cell: 624-5184 Email: noelcoddauction@yahoo.com more counts of theft totaling $14,800.

For the crime the men can be fined $3000 for each count or can face jail time. Attorneys Christelle Wilson and Oscar Selgado, representing Petrov and Aptula respectively, submitted that their clients had saved the Court time by pleading guilty, and since the total sum stolen was not large, they should both be fined proportionately and set free.

Senior Magistrate Sharon Frazer was not totally convinced by the submissions and indicated that she would need more time before sentencing. The men are to return to her Court on June 8th.

PUBLIC AUCTION SALE

By Order of Owners Licensed Auctioneer NOEL J. CODD will sell on Friday 3rd June, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. on site.

Akeem Humes, accused of 2013 murder, walks free

Akeem Humes Belize City, Friday, May 13, 2016 A young man, who walked off a murder case for lack of evidence in August 2011, walked off another mur-

der charge this morning for lack of evidence.

Akeem Humes, who has been linked to the George Street Gang, was brought to the Supreme Court this morning from the Belize Central Prison where he has been on remand for the January 2013 murder of Orlando Williams who was shot on East Canal and apparently died on the scene.

Shortly after Williams was murdered, police arrested and charged Humes for the murder. Humes had only enjoyed a short stretch of freedom, since his release from prison in August 2011 after a similar murder charge against him was dismissed for lack of evidence.

Humes and another man, Ryan AlContinued on page 23

ALL THAT piece or parcel being Parcel 1213 Block 20 Belmopan Registration Section property containing 444.18 square yards, house measures 2300 sq. ft. containing 5 bedrooms 4 bathrooms Split Level concrete home with fence yard located at no. 3 Bladden Street, Belmopan City.

NOEL J. CODD Licensed Auctioneer Carmelita Village, Orange Walk District Office: 677-5184 Cell: 624-5184 Email: noelcodd@yahoo.com

29 MAY

15

THE BELIZE TIMES

2016

ABSOLUTE POWER CORRUPTS ABSOLUTELY

Contributed There’s so much happening in our little country that it’s hard to keep up. When you criticize the Government, they call you names and attack you. They accuse you of preaching doom and gloom, of behaving like the sky is falling. Well look up people because something sure is falling…and it’s not the price of fuel or anything else.

Abuse of alcohol can destroy a home.

It can destroy a community, and it can destroy a country. Abuse of politics and power is the absolute same thing. Look at one thing – this situation with sports in Orange Walk. The people who have always supported sporting activities for our youths, like the beloved Mad Bull and others, may support one party over another.

But sports transcends politics. And still we have problems because some of the people at the Sports Council and at the Ministry of Sports are political and power junkies. They can’t see that this isn’t about demonstrating who has power, or about using that power to punish those who may support the PUP and not the UDP. We saw it in the recent situation with Fiestarama in Orange Walk Town. This is a community event which brings us all together – an expo in which entrepreneurs and small businesses and large industries can showcase their products, where artisans can demonstrate their skills for the nation to see. It is a family event where our people come together as one. But the political junkies at the Sports Council saw it as an opportunity to beat their chests, and wanted to charge $3,000 for the use of the People’s Stadium, when preparation and cleanup is done by the Town Council. Imagine…$3000 just for the use of that venue.

We see it in the cost of fuel at the pumps, which keeps rising. All around us, in the region and in the world, pump

prices have maintained a steady low as the price per barrel of oil stays around $40. Except in Belize, where our people continue to suffer from the exorbitant cost of fuel at the pumps. We never seem to get a break.

When pump prices would have gone to around $6 a gallon, Government stepped in to raise taxes on it. And then they raised it again. Fuel drives everything in our community – our agriculture sector, our industries, our transportation sector and utilities.

So when our fuel is high, the price of everything is high. Yet government puts out bogus statistics about inflation being low every quarter. That’s crap. We are feeling it on the ground. The cost of everything – EVERYTHING – continues to go up.

Our politicians have become junkies.

They need their power fix every day and that abuse of power is destroying us. As a people and as a country we cannot continue to maintain the arrogance, wrongheadedness and abuse of some of our people who lead us.

My people. The time to save your country is before you lose it. Forget where this message is coming from but you, for yourself – look around. Where will we get the money to pay Lord Ashcroft when that arbitration award comes in? It will be in the region of $250-$275M. Probably within the next couple weeks. Where will we get that money? Mr. Barrow won’t get it out of his pocket, or out of his personal coffers, that’s for sure. We will have to find that money. Where will we get it?

They borrow money to build us roads and roundabouts. They give the contracts to their incompetent cronies. The work is sub-standard. But we are told by the power junkies that we should be happy that we got a road. We should stop complaining.

My people. WAKE UP. STAND UP. Let your voices be heard!

Image Factory to launch

“The Adventures of Rowan Garel” Children’s Book Wednesday, May 25, 2016 The 32-page illustrated children’s book tells the story of Rowan’s highadrenaline undertakings to raise funds for Belize Council for the Visually Impaired (BCVI) to provide services and support for children who are blind. To the summit of Victoria’s Peak; Across the country of Belize and Down into the Blue Hole, Rowan surpassed his personal and charitable goals each time.

Written by Katie Usher and Gia Martinez and Illustrated by Marvin Vernon, Climb Walk Dive is the brainchild of Image Factory Foundation’s Yasser Musa who felt it imperative to tell Rowan’s incredible story.

“This children’s book was developed because the action of Rowan Garel sparks our imagination and fills our hearts with the enduring power and fire of the human spirit. It is a story about family, tenacity and hope. It is a great Belizean narrative,” Musa said.

Climb Walk Dive: The Adventures of Rowan Garel will be available for purchase for $15.00 with all proceeds going toward Rehabilitation and Education services for Belizeans who are blind or visually impaired.

BY ORDER OF THE SUPREME COURT OF BELIZE LICENSE AUCTIONEER NOEL J. CODD WILL SELL the following vehicle on Monday 30th May, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Noel J. Codd office, Carmelita Village, Orange Walk District:

2003 Grey Ford Explorer TERM: STRICTLY CASH LICENSE AUCTIONEER: NOEL J. CODD Carmelita Village, Orange Walk District Office: 677-5184 or Cell: 624-5184 Email: noelcoddauction@yahoo.com For Sale

By Order of the Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Assignment of Mortgage made the 19th day of March, 2013, recorded as LTU-20130057, between THE BELIZE BANK LIMITED (the Assignor) SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LTD., and LETRICIA LAMB AND IAN PHILLIPS, which said property was mortgaged by the said LETRICIA LAMB and IAN PHILLIPS to the said BELIZE BANK LIMITED on the 11th day of Janaury, 2013, and recorded in Deeds Book Volume 1 of 2013 at Folios 1493 – 1536, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto.

THE SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 39 situated in the Boom Pine Ridge Area on the Boom Hattieville Road, Belize District as shown on a plan of Subdivision prepared by Kenneth A. Gillett, Licensed Land Surveyor and registered at Lands and Surveys Department in Belmopan, Cayo District in Register No. 16 Entry No. 3435 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 16th day of May, 2016.

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

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THE BELIZE TIMES

29 MAY

2016

29 MAY

2016

Celebrate Our Forefathers

By G. Michael Reid I do not share the sentiment that we have too many holidays in Belize.

In fact, I believe that we could do with a few more so that the working class people can get a break. In what amounts to nothing short of modern day slavery, the aristocratic business owners can vacation whenever and for however long they choose while the regular Joe must toil away endlessly for meagre wages. But, “dah suh it set” and I’m not here to rock that boat just yet.

We just came out of a long weekend and the average person on the street had no idea what we were celebrating. It didn’t matter much really, suffice only that we were able to get some time off and enjoy a long weekend. While I’m not in favour of getting rid of any holidays, we should take a look at a couple and exchange them for others more relevant and appropriate to our culture and traditions.

What started out as Queen Victoria’s birthday evolved into Queen’s Day and then Commonwealth Day and most recently, Sovereign’s Day. When you think about it then, and when you think about what “sovereign” actually means; it means we have come full circle to where it all began; celebrating a day to honour the monarchy.

Another ridiculous holiday is what is now known as Day of the Americas.

It is said that a rose by any other name remains the same and regardless of how they dress this one up, it is a day in honour of the most vicious and barbaric son of a gun ever to walk this planet.

On October 12, 1492, Christopher Columbus dropped anchor off the island of Hispaniola and embarked upon a campaign of death and terror.

In less than two years after he arrived, 250,000 people had perished at the hands of this barbarian. Many were dismembered and tortured to death.

Babies were killed for sport and fed to hunting dogs while women and children were raped at will. The genocide continued long after Columbus was

THE BELIZE TIMES cree was issued, would later challenge the crazy Bull declaring that: “The sun shines on me as well as on others. I should be very happy to see the clause in Adam’s will which excluded me from my share when the world was being divided.” A maxim we would do well to adopt!

In a revolutionary speech given in July of 2015 in La Paz Bolivia, current Pope Francis begged forgiveness “… for the sins, offenses and crimes committed by the Catholic Church against indigenous peoples during the colonialera conquest of the Americas.” Many believe that this statement of papal contrition is an important first step toward revoking this crazy and obnoxious document that has, over the years, given credence to much wrong. It is time for Belize to join our voices to those who are demanding that Pope Francis goes even further and revoke and rescind this ridiculous document that is still being held over our heads. Without Inter Caetera, Spain would have had no right that Guatemala can now claim to have inherited.

There are two holidays that should

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stone in our history. That was the date of a very important meeting that showed our mettle and resolve as a people. On June 1st, of 1797, a public meeting was held in the Settlement of Belize which was to decide our fate as a nation. One would have thought that they were voting for President of Football Federation of Belize as arguments raged back and forth and still they could not break the tie. 51 dead and gone. Scholarly estimates wanted to run while 51 wanted to put pre-Columbus population of the stay and fight regardless of the odds; Americas at anywhere between 50 and make no mistake, the odds were to 100 million combined. By time the huge. A mighty Spanish armada was conquest was complete; eighty (80) to bearing down on Belize intent on drivninety (90) percent were gone, dead, ing us from what was to become our annihilated. Happy Holiday! beloved Jewel.

In his diaries that can be found on History records that Thomas the internet, former slave owner turned Paslow, while a cruel and callous slave bishop, Bartolome de Las Casas, reowner, showed much guts that day in cords in detail some of the atrocities heading a group that was holding fast of those associated with Columbus. to a decision to stay and fight. One Las Casas wrote, “Such inhumanities could almost hear the murmurings of and barbarisms were committed in my those on the other side as they tried sight as no age can parallel. My eyes to show the sense and logic in why have seen these acts so foreign to the settlement should be abandoned. human nature that now I tremble as The exchange was intense and just I write.” Yet each October, we the dewhen there seemed no end to the impasse, in rumbled a bunch of ragged rogues from deep in the River Valley. They had There are two holidays that should be added to come to vote and give supour calendar to replace these two celebrations port to those who saw furof meaningless tribute. The first is Januther down the road and past the interest of their own ary 15th, the birthday of the Father of our safety. Belize was home and Nation George Cadle Price. The more time it was worth fighting for.

In the end, the vote that passes by and the more leaders that wounded up 65 to 51 in fawe have to compare this man with, the vour of those who believed more we can recognize the true value and in Belize and believed that it was better to fight, and die if worth of his contributions. need be, in order that those be added to our calendar to replace of us who currently enjoy these fruits scendants of those who suffered, set these two celebrations of meaningcould forevermore have a land to call aside a day to honour this man! less tribute. The first is January 15th, our home. We are faced with a similar Columbus wrote in his memoirs a the birthday of the Father of our Nation situation today and the time might yet few years before his death that “Gold George Cadle Price. The more time come when we shall have to tally the is the most precious of all commodithat passes by and the more leaders ayes and the nays. How vote ye, enties; gold constitutes treasure, and he that we have to compare this man joyer of this fair territory; be ye inhibitor who possesses it has all he needs in with, the more we can recognize the or inhabitant? the world, as also the means of rescutrue value and worth of his contribuJune 1st is a significant date and is ing souls from purgatory, and restoring tions. Let us give this man his just due far more relevant and important to us them to the enjoyment of paradise.” and celebrate a day in his honour. than a Queen’s Day or a Columbus Day; From the looks of things, there are A second very important date by whatever names they choose to call many today who still live by this creed comes up next week. June first marks them. Let us honour the courage of our and it might explain why so many still the beginning of the rains and also the forefathers and make Vote Day a pubhail him as hero. beginning of the hurricane season but lic and bank holiday. May GOD forever The interesting irony is that Chrisit also marks a very significant milebless Belize. topher Columbus plied his devilry with the full consent and blessings of the Church. Upon learning of Columbus’ so-called discovery, Pope Alexander VI in May of 1493 issued his infamous papal bull, which granted official ownership of the New World to Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain. In his Inter Caetera, the Pope declared that, “We of our own motion, and not at your solicitation, do give, concede, and assign for ever to you and your successors, all the islands, and main lands, discovered; and which may hereafter, be discovered, towards the west and south; whether they be situated towards India, or towards any other part whatsoever, and give you absolute power in them.”

Therein lays the crux of our modern day problem for it is this audacious document which is used by Guatemala as the basis and genesis of her claim over our territory. Francis I of France, who was born the year after the de-

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29 MAY

THE BELIZE TIMES

MY PERSPECTIVE

By Dolores Balderamos Garcia

NOT GOOD ENOUGH The Millennium Development Goals were the World’s time-bound and quantified targets for addressing extreme poverty in its many dimensions – income poverty, hunger, disease, lack of adequate shelter, and exclusion – while promoting gender equality, education, and environmental sustainability. The eight MDGs, as they have been called, were established following the Millennium Summit of the United Nations in the year 2000. One hundred and eightynine countries committed to work to achieve them, and the goals were all measured from the baseline year 1990 and for twenty-five years up to the year 2015.

These goals were (I use the past tense because we are now in 2016) 1) Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger 2) Achieve universal primary education 3) Promote gender equality and empower women 4) Reduce child mortality 5) Improve maternal health 6) Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases 7) Ensure environmental sustainability and 8) Develop a global partnership for development. During the twenty-five year period progress towards these goals was uneven worldwide. Some countries achieved much, while others were not on track to achieve any.

And since the beginning of this year 2016, the Sustainable Development Goals have replaced the MDGs. In 2013 the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Belize published a report on Belize’s performance during the twentythree years. One would have to describe the report card as checkered. Regarding the first goal, that of eradicating extreme hunger and poverty, not enough data was available to make a proper assessment on reducing the proportion of people living below the indigence line; also as to the proportion experiencing hunger Belize was off target, and we know that poverty levels have in fact gone up. As to goal 2, achieving universal primary education, we were generally on target. However, there were disparities between access in urban and access in rural areas, and the literacy rate was a disappointing 70%. In addition, the proportion of pupils entering Infant 1 was only 87%, so the assessment that we were on target seems inaccurate.

We really did not do well at all on promoting gender equality and

empowering women, which was Goal 3. Even though there was parity in the number of boys and girls entering school, there was significant disparity in tertiary education, employment of women, and women in elected politics.

As to Goal 4, reducing child mortality, Belize remained off target, with the under 5 mortality rate and the infant mortality rate unacceptably high. In improving maternal health, Goal 5, declines in 2012 placed us in the off target category.

As to Goal 6, combatting HIV/AIDS malaria, and other diseases, despite being just on target, progress made after 2008 was as a result of efforts from 1998 to 2008. Since 2008, advocacy has really slowed, so that much better could have been done. We have definitely not heard much from the present administration as to why HIV levels have not been reduced even more, as ought to have occurred. Finally, on Goals 7 and 8, ensuring environmental sustainability and developing a global partnership for development, the report card saw Belize on target to protect the environment, but challenged in overall development.

Looked at critically, I believe that the report card is just NOT GOOD ENOUGH. The present government could have done very much better in these straightforward goals. But they wasted time and resources. The massive windfall of financing brought by the Petrocaribe monies was instead squandered on partisan politics and electioneering. This large amount of money should have been expended in productive ways to make sure that every child was in school, that there was job creation so as to reduce the indigence and poverty levels, to work on more employment for women, to increasing the survival of babies and mothers, and to a much more significant reduction in diseases like HIV/AIDS. The UDP government really has no excuse for this huge squandering of resources and the resulting lost opportunities. We certainly could have done much better on these basic MDG Goals. But they were too busy flinging out tacos, beer, partisan favors, and the blatantly partisan bribery for the winning of elections at all costs. The Millennium Development Goals are now history. And history will not absolve the Dean Barrow administration for the missed and wasted opportunities and the failure to achieve all our targets. It could have and it should have been done.

2016

For Sale

By Order of the Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Mortgage made the 18th day of December 2013, between GILBERT NORRIS BROWN of 6 Lords Bank Village, Belize District, Belize, of the one part, and SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LTD., of the other part, and recorded in Deeds Book Volume 24 of 2002 at Folios 1415 - 1438, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto.

All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 6 comprising 1066.67 Sq. Yds. situate at Lord’s Bank Village, Belize District, bounded and described as shown by Plan No. 458 of 1999 attached to Minister’s Fiat Grant No. 458 of 1999 TOGETHER with buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 16th day of May, 2016.

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

For Sale

By Order of the Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Mortgage made the 9th day of November 2011, between JESUS ICH of San Antonio Village, Toledo District, Belize, of the one part, and SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LTD., of the other part, and recorded in Deeds Book Volume 24 of 2011 at Folios 773 - 836, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto.

All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. SCHEDULE ALL THAT lot, piece or parcel of land comprising 1041.57 Square Meters (1239.47 SY) situate in San Antonio Village, Toledo District and bounded and described as shown by Plan No. 58 of 1994 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections, standing and being thereon.

DATED this 16th day of May, 2016.

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

FEB 297 MAY

2016 2016

REGIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

THE BELIZE THE BELIZE TIMESTIMES

European migrant crisis: Capsized boat horror caught on camera

NEWS

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The deadly capsizing of a migrant boat in the Mediterranean has been caught on camera by the Italian navy as it rescued 562 people

State department faults Clinton over email security The trawler overturned apparently as a result of people on board rushing to one side after spotting a rescue ship, and five were found dead.

People clung desperately to the deck or dropped into the sea.

Italy’s Bettica patrol boat threw life rafts and jackets while another Italian ship sent rescue boats.

The same patrol boat rescued a further 108 migrants in another incident later on Wednesday.

Nearly 6,000 migrants trying to reach Europe illegally have been rescued from flimsy craft in the Mediterranean in recent days.

Aid agencies say the sea-crossing between Libya and Italy is the main route for migrants since an EU deal with Turkey curbed the number sailing across the Aegean to Greece.

Meanwhile, an unprecedented operation by the Italian navy is under way off the coast of Libya to recover the wreck of a migrant boat that sank in April last year.

Up to 700 migrants died - the largest single loss of life in the Mediterranean in decades.

Mexico mass grave: Exhumation of 116 bodies in Morelos Mexican authorities have begun exhuming 116 bodies found buried in a mass grave in the central state of Morelos The rural grave, discovered last November in the town of Tetelcingo, consists of two 10m (33ft) deep pits.

Prosecutors say that the bodies may have been dumped illegally by morgue officials, but the investigation into who is responsible is ongoing.

Morelos is among the worst-affected states in Mexico’s epidemic of drug-related violence.

At least 20,000 people have disappeared across Mexico, the UN estimates - other organisation put the number far higher.

Investigators at Tetelcingo worked under a yellow tent as families of missing persons and National Human Rights Commission representatives looked on.

Genetic samples will be taken from each set of remains to attempt identification before they are reburied in marked graves.

The exhumation is expected to take about five days.

State prosecutor Javier Perez Duron said an investigation was under way into who was responsible for the illegal mass burial.

A state department inquiry has accused Hillary Clinton and other former US secretaries of state of poorly managing email security.

Brazil leaked tape forces minister Romero Juca out A close ally of Brazil’s acting President Michel Temer is stepping aside in a new political scandal.

Planning Minister Romero Juca was caught on tape allegedly conspiring to obstruct the country’s biggest-ever corruption investigation.

In the tapes, leaked by a newspaper, he appears to talk of stopping the probe at oil giant Petrobras by impeaching suspended President Dilma Rousseff.

Mr Juca says his comments have been taken out of context.

Dilma Rousseff said the tapes prove that the impeachment process is a “political coup” designed to protect senior figures implicated in the Petrobras scandal.

She is accused of massaging budget figures ahead of her re-election in 2014, and is due to be tried in the senate in the coming months.

In the audio transcript, leaked by the Folha de Sao Paulo newspaper on Monday, Mr Juca appears to be saying the impeachment was necessary to “staunch the bleeding” and create a “political pact” needed to “stop everything and limit things.”

Mrs Clinton failed to comply with rules on record-keeping, the inspector general found, and used private email for official business without approval.

But there are “longstanding, systemic weaknesses” in record-keeping that pre-dated her tenure, it said.

Mrs Clinton said the report showed she was no different from her predecessors.

“Contrary to the false theories advanced for some time now, the report notes that her use of personal email was known to officials within the department during her tenure,” said a statement from the campaign.

It added that there was no evidence of any successful breach of her server.

The FBI is also investigating whether there was a security breach and but has not yet interviewed her.

She has denied handling any classified information in her private emails.

Cuba legalises small and medium private businesses Cuba’s government has announced that it is legalising small and medium-sized private businesses.

It is the latest stage of reforms begun when President Raul Castro took over from his brother, Fidel

in 2008.

Raul Castro has been trying to stimulate Cuba’s stagnant economy but has faced resistance from Cuban Communist Party hardliners.

With the restoration of relations with the US last year, Cuba is also opening up to foreign investment.

The government currently al-

lows self-employment in several hundred job categories from restaurant owners to hairdressers.

The Cuban economy has been stimulated by many of these becoming small businesses and employing other workers.

The latest reforms were published in a 32-page document detailing the party’s plan for economic development, and approved

by Congress.

It did not specify what the new status for “private businesses

of medium, small and micro size” would entail.

Neither did it mention if businesses would be given additional rights such as the ability to import supplies or export products.

But analysts say the new status is a sign of the government’s recognition that private enterprises will have a significant role in the future, although the main means of production could remain in the hands of the state.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

2016

BELIZE TIMES WEEKLY

SCIENCE & TECH R

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World’s Largest Solar Rooftop System Goes Online, Will Power 8,000 Homes Lorraine Chow | May 25, 2016 The Indian state of Punjab is now home to the world’s largest rooftop solar plant. The massive array will produce 11.5 megawatts of energy and is expected to provide clean power to 8,000 homes.

The plant, which has an installed capacity of 19.5 megawatts, is spread over 82 acres of rooftop in a single campus on multiple roofs at the Dera Baba Jaimal Singh, the world headquarters of the Radha Soami religious organization.

Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal and renewable energy resources minister Bikram Singh Majithia inaugurated the facility last week, to usher a “solar power revolution” and to motivate other Indian states to replicate similar projects, according to the Press Trust of India.

“Today, pollution has become a major source of worry and concern,” Majithia told Reuters India, “and renewable energy is the way forward.”

Majithia boasts that the project will help reduce 400,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide over the next 25 years, or the

equivalent to planting nearly 200,000 trees.

“Besides,” he said, “this project would also go a long way in creating awareness about eco-friendly solar power among the general public, as one crore [or ten million] devotees visit the Dera Baba Jaimal Singh annually,” the Times of India reported.

The Rs 1.35 billion project was a collation between the Radha Soami’s environmental and educational society and the Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA).

PEDA director Balour Singh explained to the Times of India that there are several other 5 megawatt rooftop plants in various countries, including the U.S. and China, but

Scientists Uncover Array of Strange Animals in Cave That Has Been Sealed Off for 5.5 Million Years Katie Pohlman | May 24, 2016 Scientists have found a whole new world hidden inside a cave that has been sealed for about 5.5 million years. The cave and its residents could provide scientists with answers to questions about global warming and the formation of life on Earth.

These interesting creatures call the Movile Cave in Romania their home. It was sealed when a sheet of limestone collapsed onto the opening.

The cave wasn’t discovered until 1986 when Romanian workers were testing the surrounding ground as a potential power plant site.

Access to the cave is restricted. Less than 100 people have entered it. One of the reasons for this is that the journey itself is dangerous. BBC explained: To enter, you must first lower yourself by rope 20m down a narrow shaft dug into the ground. The only light is from your helmet, which bounces around the walls as you descend.

You must then climb down through narrow limestone tunnels coated in an ochre clay, in pitch darkness and temperatures of 25 °C. These paths eventually open out into a central cavern containing a lake.

Microbiologist Rich Boden, who is currently at

the University of Plymouth in the UK, made the journey in 2010.

“It’s pretty warm, and very humid so it feels warmer than it is, and of course with a boiler suit and helmet on that doesn’t help,” Boden told BBC. “The pool of warm, sulphidic water stinks of rotting eggs or burnt rubber when you disturb it as hydrogen sulphide is given off.”

The environment inside Movile Cave is very inhospitable.

The lake gives off carbon dioxide as well as hydrogen sulphide, BBC reported. The air inside the cave contains 10 percent oxygen compared to the 20 percent we are used to. Visitors can only stay down there for 5 or 6 hours before their “kidneys pack in.”

Due to this unusual environment, the animals that live in the

India has the largest one that produces 11.5 megawatts of electricity.

The Hindustan Times reported that a power purchase agreement was signed between the Dera and the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited for 25 years.

“The first phase (7.5 megawatts) of this project was allotted in September 2013 and synchronised with the grid in April 2014. Later, the second phase (12 megawatts) was allotted in February 2015 and synchronised in December 2015,” the publication explained.

At Re-Invest-2015, India’s annual renewable energy exposition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi awarded Punjab for being one of the best performing states for solar capacity addition, ANI News noted.

Majithia said Punjab was producing only 9 megawatts of renewable energy till February 2012 but has since expanded to 470 megawatts and is expected to hit 1,080 megawatts by the end of the year.

The Indian government has an ambitious goal of achieving 100 gigawatts of solar capacity by 2022. The country has made incredible strides in renewable energy projects, such as its Cochin International Airport in the state of Kerala that’s known as the world’s first 100 percent solar airport.

cave have developed interesting traits.

Thirty-three of the 48 species identified are unique to the cave.

Many of the species have no eyes because they have no need for them in the dark cave. Most of them are translucent, making them look particularly strange. And many have adapted to grow extra-long antennas or other appendages to find their way in the darkness, according to BBC. Other mysteries surround the cave as well. One spider species, scientists say, is related to a spider found in the Canary Islands some 4,000 kilometers (2,485 miles) away. The cave also received no radiation from the nuclear accident at Chernobyl in 1986, even though soils and lakes surrounding the cave had traces of radiation, according to a 1996 study. From that study, scientists have determined the water in the lake doesn’t come from above, like most caves, but from below.

Scientists are also interested in studying bacteria in the cave and its ability to oxidize methane and carbon dioxide, which are two greenhouse gases that contribute the most to global warming. Researchers hope by studying the bacteria they can figure out a way to remove the gases from the atmosphere.

29 MAY

2016

THE BELIZE TIMES

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EDITORIAL en Espanol HASTA LA VISTA, DON JOE

Ha fallecido un Gigante El gran espíritu de Don Joe ha ido.

Lloramos nuestra pérdida y celebramos su vida.

Nos unimos con la gente de Orange Walk y Belice en extender nuestro más sincero pésame a la familia del Honorable John Briceño en la muerte de su padre amado, tío y patriarca familiar; Elijio “Joe” Briceño.

Este era un gran hombre entre los hombres. Un líder que ayudó a formar Orange Walk que inspiro a los muchos que fueron afortunados de tener contacto con él.

La Iglesia La Inmaculada no podía sentar los miles que salieron a hacerle homenaje este miércoles por la tarde. El ex Primer Ministro y el actual Primer Ministro, acompañados del representante de la reina, el Gobernador General Sir Colville Young, estaban entre los ministros de gobierno y representantes de la Asamblea Nacional así como estuvieron los líderes, ejecutivos y miembros del Partido Unido del Pueblo, el partido muy querido de Don Joe. Don Joe es recordado por una sin fin de logros, todos y siempre en beneficio del pueblo que él tanto amó.

He aquí un hombre de visión. Con su visión tallo el famoso People’s Stadium. Hecho por el amor a la juventud de Orange Walk, que el sentía merecía un lugar para deportes, cultura y el entretenimiento. Él fue, con o sin ayuda del gobierno, que construyó el campo de fútbol, las canchas de baloncesto y la pista para carreras de caballos; los parques y juegos infantiles en su deseo de mejorar su comunidad.

Siempre le dijo a su familia, que los obstáculos, eran solo desafíos para poner a prueba la voluntad de aquellos que desean hacer el trabajo, para hacer cosas por los demás y nunca vacilar de la tarea.

Su lema en la vida puede resumirse en las palabras como la familia, el compañerismo y la buena comida. Para el la familia era primero. Valoro a su familia y predicó la importancia de la familia primero. No sólo la familia inmediata pero tías, tíos, sobrinos, sobrinas y primos. Los cumpleaños eran tan importantes como la Navidad y fiestas especiales. Estos eran tiempos de amor y en familia.

El trato con su familia humana y compañerismo eran igualmente importante y reflejaba su humilde enseñanza. Don Joe siempre aseguro que hubiera comida, incluso para los transeúntes y los extraños.

Creía en la bondad de los seres humanos y la naturaleza cristiana que veía en la gente.

Don Joe era literalmente un profesor, guiado por su creencia de que los maestros desempeñan un papel crucial en la preparación de las próximas generaciones. Como con todo lo que hacía, él se dedicó a sus alumnos, montando su bicicleta al pueblo de San Lázaro y luego galopando a caballo a la aldea de San Felipe para enseñarles valores y principios así como las lecciones diarias. Como un graduado del Colegio San Juan sabía que el mundo del estudio va a la par del mundo del trabajo.

Sabía también que llega la época cuando un hombre debe defender lo que cree. Creía en Orange Walk y en los buenos y decentes trabajadores cañeros cuyo trabajo había construido el distrito.

Durante el famoso Miércoles Negro, cuando el gobierno utilizó la fuerza y la brutalidad contra los productores de caña, Elijio Briceño marcho al lado y de hombro a hombro con los cañeros contra su propio gobierno.

Como Presidente de la Asociación de Agricultores de Caña de Azúcar de Belice desde 1977 hasta 1983, Don Joe sabía dónde tenía el corazón y los cañeros sabían que él nunca los abandonaría. Y nunca lo hizo.

Cuando el máximo líder y Padre de la Independencia, George Price introdujo la Seguridad Social como una red de seguridad para la gente… a quién más le podría confiar esta gran responsabilidad pero al joven Ministro cuyo corazón era más grande que del gobierno Y quién más podría romperse el corazón y perder a un gran amigo en el servicio a la mayor necesidad de la gente, pero Joe Briceño. Él tomó el lado de la gente de Orange Walk en la obtención de tierras de Louisiana para un proyecto de vivienda muy necesario.

En el proceso perdió la profunda amistad que compartía con Don Chich Castillo, el dueño.

“Servir al pueblo” era y todavía es el lema del partido político más grande de Belice, es también el lema personal de Don Joe, el ex Ministro de gobierno, pero más importante aún, el hombre de la gente de Orange Walk. Nunca dejó de servir, incluso cuando luchó contra un derrame cerebrovascular y la enfermedad en sus últimos años. Estos eran sino sólo obstáculos que debía superar. Estos no podían retener el gran espíritu de Don Joe. Este hombre poderoso con el corazón grande paso a mejor vida durante una noche del pasado sábado. Lo hizo en compañía de su familia. Lo hizo con la creencia de que su hijo John, sería el próximo Primer Ministro de Belice y los años que paso criando a sus hijos en la creencia de que es más bienaventurado dar que recibir, le serviría al nuevo líder también. Pasó todos sus años constantemente enseñando y predicándoles que el amor, el honor, la familia, el ser buenos vecinos y ciudadanos responsables y productivos son los valores que cuentan en esta vida.

Nelita inspiro la congregación con su voz cadencioso cantando el Ave Maria; le trajo lágrimas a los ojos de muchos y alegro los corazones de todos aquellos en la iglesia, Don Joe estaba sonriendo en la iglesia. Este gran humanitario. Este amante de la gente había luchado la gran batalla y ganó la gran carrera.

Don Joe era tanto una parte de Orange Walk como Orange Walk fue una parte de Don Joe. Sonrió cuando su hijo leyó el elogio de la familia a una iglesia llena y desbordante.

“Sobrevivimos esta vida”. Johnny dijo, afianzado, “tenía razón papá - la familia es primero. Y sí, otra vez tenía razón, todo mundo tiene algo bueno. Y otra vez tienes razón, Belice es el mejor lugar en la tierra.

“Esfuerzo, unidad, ambición si conviene” “Y si Papá, sabemos lo que hay que hacer. Construir un Belice fuerte y próspero para toda nuestra gente”.

“Entonces este es nuestro compromiso hoy. Este es nuestro deber” “En esto usted cuneta con nuestra palabra.

“Muchas gracias Papa.

“Siempre le amaremos. Descanse y que Dios Todopoderoso esté con usted.

“Vaya Con Dios”

22

THE BELIZE TIMES

THINK ABOUT IT NO JOBS Graduation season is here once again.

And once again there are no jobs available for our young people. None.

The government of Belize has been stocking up the public service offices with cronies and unqualified people. They are also keeping their supporters in offices even after such persons reach the retirement age of 55 years.

Young people whose parents sacrifice and send them to college and sixth form and in many cases to University, are forced to stay home and idle their lives away because the government couldn’t care less whether they work or not.

It’s a damn shame.

BAD NEWS

reference to the Guatemalan government.

He said it recent as last month while speaking about Guatemala’s behaviour towards Belize.

“I don’t trust them”.

LEMONADE The Queen of pop music, Beyonce, new album called Lemonade is bigger than big. And badder too.

It is a visual album. It’s like one big book with song following song.

Music commentators say it’s about African Artists; black women, celebrity gossip, the power of social media and about the music industry.

They say it’s like a one-hour movie.

Creative and cutting edge.

NOAM CHOMSKY

“Until all institutions-industrial, commercial, media, others- are unThe International Monetary Fund officials are in Belize. They are doing der democratic control, or in the an assessment of the state of the hands of what we now call stakeholders, politics will be the shadow Belize economy.

All the data and figures are alarm- cast by big business over society.” ing. The economy is slowing down. Noam Chomsky in a recent article.

There are no investments on the hoDONALD TRUMP rizon. Crime and joblessness are on the increase.

This man has got to be the most And the rapid ramping up of the fascinating politician to emerge in price of petrol spells especially bad news for the cost of living, including the U.S.A. Considered a buffoon and transportation and food stuff. When an intellectual dwarf only ten months the price of petrol fell way, way down ago, he is now the nominee who will last year, the government refused to represent the Republican Party in the reduce the price at the pump. Now it November presidential elections.

Latest polls show he has a very is starting to inch upwards the govslight margin over the Democratic ernment immediately increases the nominee -Hilary Clinton. price to motorists.

Donald Trump, a racist and a war It is estimated that the latest monger, represents a trend that price increases will suck out thirty million dollars out of the overbur- is emerging in Europe and South America as well as in Australia and dened private sector.

The IMF also noted that the un- some Asian countries.

In the Philippines, the newly sustainable debt of the Belize government now stands at 83 cents out elected President-Rodrigo Duterte is another mini Donald Trump. Right of every dollar.

The IMF also stated that this fig- wing and dangerous to democracy ure will go higher once the full total this man is worth watching.

In Australia an outright racist has of the B.T.L. acquisition payments been able to get as much votes as kick in. the established candidate for Prime Minister.

NO MAGISTRATE In France and Germany, the exThere is no Magistrate in Orange isting leaders are bad news but the almost neo-nazis party is a force to Walk.

Now and then a Magistrate from be reckoned with.

But Donald Trump takes the cake.

Belize City goes to Orange Walk, but We share the view that he can win that clearly is not satisfactory.

The people of Orange Walk are over Clinton. We also share the view getting the short end of the prover- his Presidency will be welcomed in Guatemala and Israel, as in other bad bial stick. places.

“I DON’T TRUST THEM” NEW YORK PATRIOTS Remember these forthright Word is that a group of Belizean words spoken by Assad Shoman in

patriots out of New York will be coming to Belize for the expressed purpose of going on the Sarstoon River.

It is not clear if they intend to carry a Belize flag and plant it on the Sarstoon Island.

One of the organizers is said to be a prominent activists and former member/leader of UBAD. The United Black Association for Development was perhaps Belize’s most radical group of young men and women who emerged in the latter part of the 1960s. Their agenda was black pride and black power.

It is a shame and says a lot about our current society that our young people do not seem to understand the gravity of the issues facing their generation. Rising poverty, massive unemployment, police brutality, an incompetent and corrupt government and now the loss of the Sarstoon, has failed to rouse their ire.

Granted, no generation of young people have been so distracted by technology, “reality” TV, massive music and video visuals. Even weed and alcohol.

Yet, it is yesterday’s activists who are still in the forefront for justice and equality.

It says something about our society and the type of education our young people are subjected to.

A man from yesteryear oft quoted as saying, “the time to save your country is before you lose it”.

We have lost a portion of our country and we don’t even know.

WILL HIS LUCK RUN OUT? It is written, “Oh what a web we weave when first we set out a deceive”.

The Prime Minister of Belize was born under a lucky star. He came to power during the time of the weakest and most divided opposition.

He has been on a roll ever since.

Along the way the nation of Belize has been the biggest loser.

The institutions of the country have never been in such dire straits. Add to this, a government that is broke

29 MAY

2016

and a people under the yoke of hard times, you begin to get the picture.

Rising crime, and especially violent crimes and murders have now become common place and the government has shown an absolute talent for inability to solve this scourge.

The endemic nature of an education system in which more young people are out of school than those attending, says volumes.

The number of poor Belizeans at the start of 2008 compared to the statistic in 2016 would make a mule cry. Not only is there no hope for fifty percent of our population but poverty is so deep that it is being passed on from one generation to the next.

We cannot even feed ourselves.

We buy vegetables from Mexico and eat canned foods from North America, while thousands of fertile land remain idle and agriculture is some kind of Cinderella industry.

The bonanza of Petro Caribe ballooning to over three hundred million dollars has come and gone. That the ruling politicians, even as they raised taxes, increased government spending, and then robbed the people of a chance at a better life, is a story not yet told. The pirates in Belmopan have murdered a nation’s dream and a chance at prosperity.

And then to have the nation’s patrimony truncated. For Guatemala, in broad daylight, in front of our eyes, without firing a single shot, to take away Sarstoon Island and the whole damn 32 miles of our Sarstoon River is nothing short of amazing.

One year ago, this foul deed unfolded. During that time there have been press releases and press conferences and even a statutory instrument banning Belizeans from the Sarstoon and holding out penalties of monetary fines and prison confinement and still the deed itself was covered in confusion.

Nuff credit goes to the Prime Minister. He has succeeded in befuddling not just the issue but the people who should have been the guardians of our little part of the galaxy.

Like we said, the dude was born under a lucky star.

29 MAY

2016

THE BELIZE TIMES

UDP CRABS IN A BUCKET Saldivar vs. Faber Pt. 2 Death Announcement

Elijio “Joe” Briceño

Don’t grieve for me now I’m free.

I’m following the path God has laid you see.

I took his hand when I heard him call.

I turned my back and left it all.

Be not burdened with times of sorry.

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life’s been full, I savoured much.

Good friends, good times, a love untouched.

From the poem, I’m Free Author Unknown Our beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend passed away peacefully just before midnight on Saturday, 21st May at the age of 78. Elijio “Joe” Briceño was much loved by his brother Eudaldo “Dali” Briceño, sisters Anita Perera and Nellie Cattouse, children John, Jaime, Jorge, Javier, Sergio, Ricardo, Elijio Jr., Gladys, Vanessa and Maritza, 20 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. He is predeceased by his wife Ramona Briceño, brother Eulalio, Leopoldo, Graciano Briceño, sisters Matilda and Clodi Briceño, and Dina Cantun.

An official funeral was held on Wednesday, 25 May 2016, at 2:00pm at La Inmaculada Church, Orange Walk Town. Interment followed at the Piemonte Cemetery.

Perhaps my Time seem all too brief.

Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your hearts and peace to thee.

God wanted me now; He set me Free!

From the poem, I’m Free Author Unknown

LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICE Notice is hereby given that ZHOU ZHENG is applying for a Convenience Store Liquor License to be operated at “Easy Shopping Market”, situated at Caye Caulker Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Belize City, May 24th, 2016 lice said she never returned to pursue Last week we shared with our charges. readers the nasty infighting taking Saldivar was severely criticised place in the United Democratic Party for the post, even though it made no over the race for First Deputy Leader. direct mention of Faber. The line of Only two candidates cared to vie attack, claimed certain UDP insiders, for the post, Patrick Faber and John was low and very shameful. It’s not Saldivar. Something must be very like Saldivar’s closet is clean, they told wrong with a Party in search for the us. best and most qualified candidate The Faber camp ramped up for leadership that ends up with Fa- their attack campaign in response. A ber and Saldivar. Mr. Immature Loud- not-so decent photo of Saldivar bemouth and Mr. Petty! How pitiful. gan spreading on the social media.

The candidates and their support- It shows a heavy set man wearing ers have taken the campaign to new nothing but his “birthday suit” and lows with their attacks at each other. sprawled bare on a bed. The photograSaldivar landed the first low blow pher must have been granted severe when he posted a flyer on his own punishment and sentenced to hell.

Facebook page with the message: The nasty photo floating on the “REAL MEN DON’T HIT WOMEN” in social networks carry a message that bold letters. It was a “did he really go asks: Is this who you want as your there??” moment in the UDP, but not Deputy Leader? without reason. Faber’s past domestic The skeletons are bulging out of affairs has been too messy for a senior both politicians’ closets as convenGovernment official. He has come un- tion day, Sunday, May 28th, nears. der heavy scrutiny and criticism for his 580 UDP delegates are being asked not so mature behaviour many times, to choose between a woman beater but more so during his separation with and a petty disturbed pornstar. For the his wife. Among the reports is one that UDP the best of the worst is yet to he attacked her by smashing her car’s come. windshield with a brick.

Faber also did not escape the media’s scrutiny over allegations that he physically assaulted a young lady, who he has been dating, during a birthday party for her at 2001 Toyota Camry. 4 Cyl. Fulhis Lord’s Bank home. To ly Loaded, Power windows and make matters worse, the Power Locks. Cruise Control, young lady is an employee at the Ministry of EducaEngine and Trans in Excellent tion for which Faber is reconditions. Only 84k original sponsible for. The young lady had made a report to miles on the dash. Contact 636the Police, a report that 6245 for serious inquiries. the BELIZE TIMES has in its possession, but the Po-

FOR SALE

23 Akeem Humes, accused of 2013 murder, walks free Continued from page 14 varez, were charged with the December 2009 murder of Jason Flores, but upon the instructions of the Director of Public Prosecutions, they were cleared of the murder charge at the Magistrate’s Court level.

This afternoon, some of Humes’ family members showed up at court, after they had received the news that he was scheduled to make an appearance before Justice Adolph Lucas and that he would likely be sent home.

Inside the court room, after Humes’ attorney Anthony Sylvestre Jr. had said a few words to Judge Lucas, the judge was ready to explain to Humes that the state does not have evidence to continue the murder charge against him, so he is being released.

Outside the court, Humes’ family hugged him and quickly whisked him away from the court area in a car that had suddenly pulled up in front of the court.

Humes’ attorney Sylvester explained to court reporters that the Crown had a weak case and he has tried to get bail for his client, when he realized that there was no evidence against him. The court would not grant bail for fear that they might open the flood gates, Sylvestre explained.

Sylvestre said that the main witness that the Crown was banking its hopes on admitted to the Ombudsman in a written statement that police had set him up to pick out Humes at the identification parade by showing him a picture of Humes.

“It is on the basis of the Crown having no evidence against Humes why he was freed today,” Sylvestre said.

CARTOON

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THE BELIZE TIMES

29 MAY

2016