Belize Times May 3, 2015

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SCAN HERE

3 MAY

The Belize Times THE BELIZE TIMES

2015

Established 1957

The Truth Shall Make You Free

3 MAY 2015 | ISSUE NO: 4943

www.belizetimes.bz | $1.00

Barrow’s Law Must Go!!

PUP Takes to the Streets

Pg. 3

PUP Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca and supporters protest outside the venue of Prime Minister Barrow’s press conference on Wednesday morning

Rats Occupy Western Regional Hospital!

Pg. 4

A Nation Terrorized by Crime

Jose Beltran

Mark Medina

Pg. 6

Tyrone Neal

Wilmer Cisneros

Frank Castro

Kevin Flowers

PUP WILL REPEAL THE BARROW LAW

2 02

OPINION OUT

OUT

I Was Kicked Off My Volunteered Services by Minister of Culture Because of Politics

Belizean-American accuses PGIA Customs of discrimination April 21, 2015

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Dear Island Residents, I am truly saddened that it has come to this and now I realize that politics plays a very dirty role on how things are ran (manipulated) in this island. I respond to a letter from the management of the San Pedro House of Culture, under the authority of Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr., Minister of Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation. The letter states that I have been relieved of my volunteer services as member of the committee of the San Pedro House of Culture in which I was just recently appointed.

Clearly, the Minister’s decision is strictly political as he has made that clear to me in person. This saddens me because I only want to volunteer my services to better my community and make the islanders proud of having such a great facility that promotes our rich culture.

At first I cried because of my rejection of these two politicians (Mito Paz and Manuel Heredia), but then I realized I was not serving them but my people of San Pedro. Today I smile with pride and joy because there are so many others who have invited me to share my passion of serving with them and for San

Mr. Emil Grinage Comptroller of Customs Customs House Port Loyola Belize City, Belize Central America

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Dear Sir, I visited Belize in August 2014 for eight days and I am appalled

Pedro.

I have worked very well with Mito Paz in the past but cannot believe that he can’t stand on his own two feet and must take petty orders from his Almighty Boss Junior Heredia. And how disgusting it is that Mr. Heredia can only work with persons who are 100% Red. So if one has talents, good ideas and a passion to work for my people, he must be rejected? Now I realize he is no genuine leader for San Pedro but is there with his own special interests to win for himself and not for us the San Pedranos nor for anybody else.

If you see me smiling today it is because I have discovered the false people as well as the genuine friends who

1 May

Negligent garbage disposal in Hopkins Village

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Dear Editor, Once again the garbage on the North End of Hopkins Village is being negligently disposed by Hopkins Harbor/Hopkins Bay daily.

Their only concern appears to be for their guests’ pleasure and safety, to play, relax, read, and sunbath on their clean beach. All garbage disposed with no care for the other tourists who pass to get to the lagoon, the Mayan beach vendors who sell gifts, the village people who use this path way to get to the lagoon to fish for food for their Continued on page 20

WEATHER 2 May

3 May

4 May

and disgusted by the treatment received from the Custom officer.

I had one suitcase (weighing 48 pounds) and one carry-on bag which contained my personal clothing and toiletries for my trip. My suitcase and carry-on bag were opened, poked, prodded and personal clothing items even taken out and put on the table. To tell the truth I was horrified and could not believe my eyes. I even asked the officer what she was looking for in my bags and was told “she had the right” to search my bags. Another point to note is that this woman did not wear a glove and imagine her touching and grabbing all the other items before me and for her to touch my personal clothing items is revolting. I was so upset I had to wash all my clothing before I could wear them. Just think about all the viruses and/or diseases that can be transferred by touching items from one bag after the other. Where is the training here? As a country that depends so much on tourism it is shocking the lack of training and professionalism the staff at immigration and customs has. To date they are the most hostile from all the places I have travelled. In most countries after they stamp your passport they tell you welcome to their country. This is very disap-

OUT

have welcomed me in the true progress for San Pedro. Thank you Mito for following the orders of the Almighty Minister of Tourism and Culture, my Former Area Representative.

With Pride, Pamela Zetina

LOCAL

3 MAY

THE BELIZE TIMES

2015 pointing as so many “Caucasian” people I know that visited Belize tell me how friendly the people are.

As an American Citizen, I have travelled to other Caribbean countries, Mexico and Europe and never experienced this type of treatment.

But what makes this horrible treatment worse is that I noticed the Custom Officer directing people steered “White” (Caucasian) Americans and/ or other “White” nationalities over to their own line, while I as a “Black” American (formerly proud Belizean citizen) was steered to the “Black” line (long lines) with other Belizeans. I further noted that the “Caucasian” visitors had several large bags and were waved right through their line. From my long line I did not see one “Caucasian” person’s bag being opened much less searched, so why was my one suitcase and carry-on searched?

If you have certain policies shouldn’t these policies be the same acrossthe-board for all visitors and not blatantly discriminating against “blacks”.

As a Belizean-American visitor I also spent money in San Ignacio on arts, jewelry and restaurants; hotel rooms and restaurants in Placencia and San Pedro Ambergris Caye.

I can’t believe the treatment I received from my country of birth, Belize. I must add that this is not the first time I have had terrible treatment from Customs in Belize, but this latest episode is the worst. I can’t in good conscience recommend any of my “Black American” friends to visit Belize fearing the treatment they will endure.

Sincerely, Dorothy Middleton 521 Constellation Square SE Leesburg, VA 20175 doromidd@hotmail.com SCAN HERE

The Belize Times

Established 1957

14 APR 2013

|

ISSUE NO: 4840

The Truth Shall Make You Free

www.belizetimes.bz

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$1.00

serving Belize since 1957 as the longest continuous newspaper.

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

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Chris Williams

OFFICE ASSISTANT

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

5 May

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4 04

3 MAY

THE BELIZE TIMES

BTB punishes staff with salary increment freeze Belize City, April 20, 2015 A year after the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) was rocked by allegations of financial mismanagement, followed by an internal struggle that forced the Director Laura Esquivel-Frampton to resign the flagship tourism institution is taking the controversial decision to freeze the salary increments of its employees.

According to reports, the BTB staff has been informed that the annual automatic salary increments will come to an end in June 2015. This freeze, according to the BTB executives, will last until 2017 when individual assessments of the staff will take place to determine whether a salary increase would be given.

This drastic measure against its employees is being taken as a result of the tough financial times at BTB. The institution is reportedly facing a $7 million dollar deficit, partly the reason the BTB Executive Board demanded Esquivel’s termination in March 2014.

Back then, reports swirled about the extravagant spending the BTB had engaged in, in particular by the Marketing Department. Using the $12 million budget it had, it hired expensive foreign designers and advertising agencies without public tenders or bids to design a new logo and propose marketing plans which created a huge fuss among tourism stakeholders. The controversial decision was also taken by BTB to pay for a self-promoting, ego-inflating 11-page spread on Harper’s Bazaar Interiors featuring no other than the hoity-toity wife of Prime Minister Dean Barrow, Kim Simpliss-Barrow. This cost over $50,000.

Months later, the Marketing Director Alyssa Noble Carnegie resigned but has re-appeared as Communications Director for Oceana Belize.

City of Belmopan, April 27, 2015 When the Western Regional Hospital mixed up new-borns and made a grieving Belmopan family to bury the wrong child and an investigation into the matter discovered cats living in the morgue in June 2013, we thought it couldn’t get worst. But this week, a shocking Channel 5 report exposed that diseased rats had infested the hospital’s kitchen.

The video evidence of the infestation was appalling and scandalous. Rats of all sizes running around in the kitchen area, throughout the food stock and cooking utensils. The room was also in a decrepit state.

It had filthy floors, the ceiling was falling apart and the walls were dirty.

It was in perfect condition for a rat motel, but not for a hospital kitchen area.

Like in June 2013, the hospital management was found to be grossly incompetent.

The Regional Manager, Melinda Guerra, who a

2015

Rats Occupy Western Regional Hospital! few months ago was wrapped up in sheets of controversy over missing monies at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, blamed everyone else but her lack of proper .

“You see the persons who are supposed to be carrying out their duties, their diligent duties here were not doing it, so we just have to admit and be honest to the public that it was not being done,” confessed Guerra.

Guerra admitted also that they knew about the rat infestation over a month ago when they had carried

out an inspection. But they didn’t do anything. They just kept on inspecting, according to her.

This public health scandal is outrageous and disgraceful. No one at the Western Regional Hospital has been held accountable for it. Rats are a deadly species. They cause various painful and even fatal gastro-intestinal diseases including salmonellosis and leptospirosis. These diseases lead to death if not treated properly.

Fortunately, there have been no reports of anyone becoming sick as a result of the rodent infestation. But clearly it was a disaster waiting to happen.

For Sale

By Order of the

For Sale

By Order of the

Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Mortgage made the 5th day of February, 2008, between CUPERTINA PULCHERIA TEUL of New City Area, Toledo District, Belize of the one part, and SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LTD., of the other part, and recorded at in Deeds Book Vol. 6 of 2008 at Folios 1189 – 1214, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto.

Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Mortgage made the 5th day of March, 2012, between NAZARIO ITZA JR. of San Jose Succotz Village, Cayo District, Belize of the one part, and SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LTD., of the other part, and recorded at in Deeds Book Vol. 5 of 2012 at Folios 1163 – 1170, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the properties described in the schedule hereto.

All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.

All offers to purchase the said properties must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.

SCHEDULE

SCHEDULE

ALL THAT piece and parcel of land being Lot Number 31 containing 464.576 SM situate West of Punta Gorda Town, Toledo District being more particularly shown on Plan of Subdivision of Block Number 28 by surveyor Valdez, Register 4 Entry 2194 at the Office of the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys in Belmopan TOGETHER with all buildings and erection thereon.

ALL THAT piece and parcel of land being Lot Nos. 284 and 285 comprising of 609.718 Square Yards and 495.109 Square Yards respectively situate in Succotz Village, Cayo District, bounded and described as shown on Plan No. 1151 of 2003 attached to Minister’s Fiat Grant No. 1151 of 2003 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 23rd day of April, 2015.

DATED this 4th day of April, 2014.

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

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

3 MAY

2015

THE BELIZE TIMES

5 05

EDITORIAL

S

Defiant Tyrant

ix weeks ago, on Friday 27th March 2015, during the night around 7:30pm the Prime Minister rushed through the House of Representative a new law called the Petro Caribe Loan Act. It is the only law of its kind in the world.

Nowhere among the 198 members of the United Nations, not even in twisted democracies or outright dictatorship is there such a law. It is the only one of its kind.

Over the six weeks that Mr. Barrow did this dastardly deed the ordinary citizen in the street and at the workplace has begun to get a clear understanding of how slimy is the law.

The law covers criminal activity committed by the Prime Minister from September 2012 to March 2015 when he took out of the Petrocaribe monies on 78 different occasions, millions amounting to a total of 286 million dollars. There has been no accounting.

The law covers illegalities and irregularities of Mr. Barrow in taking out these large amounts of millions without ever getting prior approval from the National Assembly.

Both the House of Representatives and the Senate must approve beforehand each of the withdrawals. Not once did Mr. Barrow seek approval. Not once was Mr. Barrow given a single such approval.

The law goes further and gives Mr. Barrow the power to continue doing what he was illegally and criminally doing from September 2012 to March 2015. Which is, for him to take out any amounts any time and spend how he wishes and there is no limitations on his spending.

This, to put it mildly, is the action of a tyrant.

This law was hastily introduced in the House during the national budget debate and without any prior warning or fore-knowledge given to the constitutional opposition.

Typical behaviour of Mr. Barrow.

Immediately, on seeing the draft, the Leader of the Opposition was clear and forceful in his party’s condemnation, calling it a “scandalous and unconstitutional” piece of legislation and letting it be publicly known that the opposition could never such a dangerous act.

Since that Friday night, week after week the condemnation against the law have been outpouring from the nation.

Churches, Unions, the business community, third parties and other important voices in the media and a stream of ordinary citizens on the call-in shows The opposition has been restrained in its public posture.

Preferring to listen to the public discourse and to assist in public information and question and answer sessions while preparing a proper response to the worst piece of legislation ever passes.

The opposition also has a lawsuit in the Supreme Court challenging the unconstitutional manner by which Mr. Barrow has “borrowed” about 300 million dollars in violation of

the Finance and Audit Reform Law and Section 114 of the Constitution.

The passage of this new monstrosity dubbed the Barrow law is now also the subject of further Supreme Court challenge.

The duty and responsibility of the Opposition does not rest with the lawsuits in the Supreme Court. The Hon. Francis Fonseca has made it clear that on a change of government, the Barrow law will be thrown out. He has not intimated or insinuated what will be done to Mr. Barrow once the citizens throw him out of office. The Opposition, as we said, has been restrained on this matter.

But the Opposition will not be silenced or be inactive in the face of this attack on the country’s laws and democratic institution. Tyranny in whatever form, large or small, must be resisted and defeated. This is the duty of the Opposition as much as it is the duty of all freedom loving Belizeans.

It was disgusting to hear the Prime Minister attempting to suggest that persons who got loans for the National Bank or others who received benefits from the Petrocaribe monies were somehow complicit in his wrongdoing or were endorsing his illegal behaviour.

His repeated exploration as to why he passed such a scandalous piece of legislation, because it is difficult to determine to exact price of the petrol upon purchase, is an outright lie.

To hear him tell the nation that “there is not a chance in hell that there will be any repeal of the Petrocaribe law is statement of disrespect and defiance to the people of Belize.

This is not an elected official speaking. These are not words for an elected representative of the people to utter. A representative of the people is a servant of the people, one who bows to the wishes of the people.

The words are those of a petty tyrant. A man who has become too big for his britches. A man so arrogant and so full of himself that he can defy public opinion. That he can tell the public to hell with you.

This is in effect what he is saying. This is what he is telling the churches. This is what he is telling the Chamber of Commerce. This is what he is telling the Unions and its workers, who have a constitutional duty to oppose wrongdoing and bad legislation.

This is no small matter what Mr. Barrow has done. With his law he has put himself above the constitution. No Prime Minister, no one, must be allowed to do so. By his law, he has put himself above the Court. No Prime Minister is above the Courts of the land. Through his law, he has put himself above the people. No Prime Minister should be more powerful than the people.

Mr. Barrow is a defiant tyrant that uses the words of tyrants and does the actions of a tyrant.

The time has come to answer him – no tyrants here linger, despots must flee.

6 06

THE BELIZE TIMES

A Nation Terrorized by Crime April 28, 2015 The Belize Youth Movement is calling on the Ministry of National Security to demonstrate appropriate concern and proper leadership and response at what have been extremely violent weeks in the country.

There have been 44 cold-blooded murders and dozens more near fatal shootings in the four early months of 2015. Almost half (20 killings) of those homicides have occurred in Belize City and the majority of them involve gun violence and gang violence. April has been the bloodiest month with 16 murders so far. While our communities, in particular Belize City neighbourhoods are terrorized by gun violence, our society is fast losing precious lives. 2015 is well underway to being another very bloody year.

Three key matters are of great concern to us.

The first is the clear lack of concern and response from the Ministry of National Security. Policing is not only about investigating crimes after they have occurred, but also preventing them, and we have not seen the kind of response or even concern from the Ministry of National Security to introduce or implement adequate preventative measures. The Ministry appears out of touch and disengaged from the reality of the social rampage taking place in our society.

The second is the high prevalence of deadly guns in the hands of criminal elements in our streets and the lack of any plan to tackle this crisis. Some years ago, initiatives such as the Cash for Guns programme, which offered monetary incentives to anyone who turned in a gun, were implemented.

This Government’s only response has been the introduction of draconian laws which have not only abused the rights of citizens, but done very little, as indicated by the statistics, to reduce the number of guns on the streets.

In fact, even the grand theft of ammunition from the Belize Defense Force compound that was discovered on January 23, 2015 has been treated with absolutely no urgency. A Channel 5 News Report on Monday, April 27th 2015 revealed that the authorities are nowhere close to finding out in whose hands the ammo could have ended up.

Two weeks ago, 24 year old Jermaine Welcome was killed in Roaring Creek Village after someone fired an M16 Rifle at him.

Lastly, we continue to mark our total disappointment at the Government’s failure to treat youth development as a strategic priority. The promise of rolling out the National Youth Development Policy, made on February 27, 2013, has turned out to be nothing but a cheap political stunt. [End]

3 MAY

2015

PUP Leader Visits Corozal South East

3 MAY

THE BELIZE TIMES

2015

WOMAN IN THE HOUSE

By Dolores Balderamos Garcia

14 TABLETS AND 500 BOOKS!!!

This past week we brought to fruition a small but signal event, the handing over of Tablets and Educational Software to the Hattieville Government School in Belize Rural Central at a brief ceremony last Thursday afternoon.

Late last year a kind donor provided $3,000.00 for this project, and Business Computer Systems of Ladyville ordered the devices for us. The funds allowed us to access fourteen top quality tablets at a great deal, and so it was necessary to try to find out how we could gain maximum benefit for the primary school teachers and students.

I chatted with teacher ex-

traordinaire Yasser Musa as to how we could really make a positive difference with the few devices. He of course suggested that we should present them in keeping with the People’s United Party’s Education Agenda, which was launched on January 15th this year, the ninety-sixth birthday of late father of the nation George Price. Titled “Creativity & Technology,” our Education Agenda pledges that we will make full use of modern technology and educational tools in order to adopt a revolutionary approach to teaching and learning.

Yasser, with his accustomed enthusiasm and generosity, placed some five hundred e-books on a flash drive, books

Hon. Dolores displays flash drive which contains 500 e-books

Students of Hattieville Government School pose with their Area Representative, Hon. Dolores Balderamos Garcia

that include encyclopedias, natural history texts, history and science volumes and many others; and along with the tablets we presented them to the school so that teachers and children can introduce themselves to the vast amount of material thereon.

The twenty teachers and Principal, Juanita Batun, met with me on Wednesday so we could discuss the handing over the next day. I was very gratified to feel the unanimous enthusiasm to receive the tablets and e-books. The brief ceremony the next day was attended by some ninety students, Principal, Vice Principal and teachers and a few special guests. Myrtle Palacio, Sharole Saldivar, Yasmin Shoman and Major Lloyd Jones graced us with their attendance.

After a rousing rendition of the National Anthem, the Lord’s Prayer and the School Pledge, I handed over the Tablets and the Flash Drive, presenting them to Principal Batun and several teachers.

Thereafter, Briheda Haylock briefly demonstrated the use of the devices to access the software. This was followed by Melanie Torres, Infant 1 teacher, and Imam Neal, Standard 4 teacher, giving their testimonials as to how they intend to use the tablets and software to enhance learning by the children. The Vote of

07 7 Thanks was given by Vice Principal Carmella Oshon Gallego.

It was a great pleasure to see the bright faces and broad smiles of all the children. It was obvious that they couldn’t wait to see for themselves how the tablets are used and how to do their research by looking up encyclopedias on a tablet instead of in a big heavy library book. I believe too that the teachers are equally excited to explore the contents of the 500 e-books and to incorporate this knowledge into their teaching and the learning experiences of the children.

I hardly thought that I would be quoting Channel 7 in any entry for this column. We know that hundreds or thousands of tablets, without more, were given away by government to UB students, and we saw the outcome of that shameful gimmick.

But I must say that Channel 7 put it just right in saying “It was an event of vastly different scale, but the idea is sound: technology is supposed to enhance the educational experience. The way that will be accomplished is by allowing the teachers access to a library of books on one portable device, instead of lugging around weighty text books.” Yes, That’s It!!!

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THE BELIZE TIMES

3 MAY

2015

33 MAY MAY

THE BELIZE THE BELIZE TIMESTIMES

2015 2015

Belizean Beauty

Kenya

• • • • • •

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Career Plan: Entrepreneur Sign: Gemini Favourite Food: Fry Chicken Likes: Dancing and loves being a mom Lives in: Belize City Fav. Quote: “Life is what you make it.”

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10 SPORTS

THE BELIZE TIMES TIMES THE BELIZE

Belize Bank Bulldogs win softball marathon Belize City, April 26, 2015 The Belize Bank Bulldogs softball women won the 2015 female softball marathon organized by the Belize City Softball Association to launch its 2015 competition tournament at Rogers Stadium on Sunday.

The Bulldogs hammered Beacon 5- 1 in the final as Kiri Lizama, Sharette Vernon, Ashley Lucas, Cindy Joseph and Fiona Rivero came home in the 4th inning.

The Beacon women collected 5 hits off Bulldogs’ pitcher Ashley Lucas, who struck out 4 batters. The Bulldogs diamond made no errors forcing Beacon to leave 2 runners on base and only Mertell Bailey came home for Beacon in the 1st inning In Game 1, the Bulldogs had hammered Telemedia: 6-3 with pitcher Fiona Rivero striking out 4 four batters. Telemedia women collected 4 hits off Rivero’s pitching and Christine Avila scored Telemedia’s 1st run in the 2nd inning, and Elaine Humes and Norecia Fraser came home in the 3rd inning.

scored in the top of the third. The Bulldogs collected 6 hits off Telemedia’s pitcher Kenisha Sutherland who also walked one batter, while the BTL diamond made 12 errors. The Bulldogs scored 2 runs each in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th innings to win 6-3.

In Game 2, the Bulldogs hammered Beacon: 5-1 as Beacon’s pitcher Lanisha Jones gave up 6 hits and walked 2 batters while the diamond made 7 errors. Lisa Jones, Jameka Hilton, Sharette Vernon, Jolene Davis and Greta Davis came home to give the Bulldogs a 5-0 lead in the top of the 5th inning. Only Beacon’s Kimberly Lockwood scored in the bottom of the 5th.

In Game 3, Beacon eliminated Telemedia 14-3, collecting 6 hits off Kimani Smith’s pitching, she also walked 4 batters, and the BTL diamond made 18 errors, allowing Mertell Bailey, Clarencia Jones and Kira Arnold to score 3 runs apiece and Carla Humes and Sharette Jones scored 2 runs apiece.

3 MAY

2015

Belize Bank Bulldogs

Telemedia ladies

Dangriga Warriors lead NEBL basketball playoffs bid Belize City, April 25, 2015 The Dangriga Warriors are almost into the 4th spot of the National Elite Basketball League after a 57-56 upset of Cayo Western Ballaz at the Sacred Heart Auditorium on Friday night.

Daniel Nolberto led the Warriors with 17 points, Brandon Flowers added 14 points, Edgar Mitchell scored 12 points, including the winning free throw. Trevaughn Usher had 6 points, and Bernard Busano chipped in 4 points.

An injury had benched Richard Troyer and Ballaz’ Keith Acosta led with 17points, Akeem Watters added 9 points and Kurt “Chengo” Burgess had 5 points and 18 rebounds.

Other games: Yellow Pages Hurricanes vs. Orange Walk Running Rebels - 86-62 Top scorers: Brian “Brybo” White, 16pts, 14 reb; .Randy Usher, 17pts Belmopan Red Taigaz vs. Belize City’s No Limit - 99-96 Top scorers: Greg Rudon, 52 pts; Farron Louriano & Jarrel Velasquez, 22pts Upcoming games: Warriors vs San Pedro Tigersharks at the Stann Creek Ecumenical Auditorium, Saturday No Limit vs Cayo Western Ballaz at Bird’s Isle, Friday Red Taigaz vs running Rebles at Orange Walk Multipurpose, Saturday

Earl Johnson scored 14pts

Randy Usher scored 17pts

Tariq Middleton scored 12pts

33 MAY MAY

2015 2015

11 SPORTS 11

THE BELIZE THE BELIZE TIMESTIMES

Team Face of Belize leads SMART Mundialito Belize City, April 25, 2015 The Face of Belize FC has 2 wins in the 2015 SMART Mundialito U-15 football competition held at the Yabra Green on Saturday.

The London Strikers bombed the Ladyville Jaguars 2-0 with goals by Keiffer Perteau and substitute Jose Castellanos.

The Young Warriors crushed Third World with 2 goals from Joshawn Flowers and another goal from Jose.

Hattieville Youth FC drew 1-1 with Charleston FC; as Christian Caceres scored for Hattieville, and Cion Augustine equalized for Charleston FC. Collet Strikers and Rising Stars drew 0-0.

Taste of Belize scored a 1-0 upset over the defending champs City Boys Jrs. with Ajani scoring the winning goal.

The Brown Bombers bombed Heights FC: 6-0 as Eshaq King scored a hat trick, Justin “Akon” Menzies added 2 goals more and Arthur Bailey scored the 6th goal.

Upcoming games: Third World vs Heights FC Ladyville Jaguars vs City Boys Rising Stars vs Hattieville Youth FC Face of Belize vs Young Warriors Collet Strikers vs Charleston FC London Strikers vs Brown Bombers

Zhi Cheng wins Travellers 5-Barrel Veterans’ table tennis champ

Belize City, April 26, 2015 Zhi Cheng won the 5th Annual 5BARREL Veteran Championships held by the Belize Table Tennis Association at the Belize Elementary School Auditorium on Sunday.

The tournament started off with the top 16 veteran table tennis players (over 35 years age) competing in a double elimination format. Cheng defended his title to make it to the finals in the upper division by defeating Siu Pan Chen, Hector Lopez, and Carlos Cui. Tux Vasquez won 2nd place and made his run to the finals by defeating Toni Liu and Harold Young, then after losing to Carlos Cui, worked his way back to the finals by defeating Siu Pan Chen, Hector Lopez and Cui who retired from the competition due to leg injury. Cui finished 3rd as a result, and Hector Lopez was 4th.

Zhi Cheng was determined to overcome Tux Vasquez who had beat him at their last match-up in the 2015 RF&G 1st Biannual National Ranking Tournament. Vasquez hoped to pull off a win again; but it was Cheng who managed to win 3-1 in the finals.

Cayo Shotokan Karate Club brings home 28 Medals

Ajani Vaughn celebrate face of Belize 1st Goal

April 27, 2015 The Cayo Shotokan Karate Club was awarded the 2nd Place trophy for winning 8 gold, 11 silver and 9 bronze medals at the 3rd Copa Poptun in Guatemala on Saturday, April 25, 2015.

The delegation led by Sensei Herman Pastor Jr. and David Diego was comprised of 13 Junior athletes ranging from ages 6 to 16.

The Belize Karate Federation takes this opportunity to make special mention of Caylon Dyke who won the most medals in the tournament by winning two gold medals in separate kata categories and one gold and a silver medal in separate kumite categories. Congratulations are also extended to all our young athletes for displaying great bravery and high level of sportsmanship during the competition, we are confident that we are grooming future leaders of Belize!!

Police United & Bandits tops in PLB playoffs Belmopan, April 26, 2015 The Police United FC and the Belmopan Bandits are both locked at the top spot of the Premier League of Belize football playoffs.

Both teams have 6 points as they posted wins on Sunday.

The Police United out-gunned Belize Defence Force 2-1 at the FFB Stadium in Belmopan. Carlton “Fubu” Thomas looked to put the soldiers on the scoreboard from the get go but his right foot shot was no challenge for goalie Keith Allen. Police United’s Lennox “Criminal” Castillo answered with a shot but BDF goalie Tevin Gamboa handled the chal-

lenge.

“Fubu” Thomas tried again and when Keith Allen came out Fubu crossed the ball to Harrison Tasher who scored into an empty goal for B.D.F. to lead 1-0 in the 21st minute twenty-one minutes in. “Criminal” Castillo then set table for Harrison “Kafu” Roches to equalize 1-1 in the 28th minute for a 1-1 draw at the half.

Tevin Gamboa denied Police Devon Makin on his first shot from a corner kick, but Gamboa could not handle Makin pivoting left foot shot that gave the Police a 2-1 lead in the 58th minute which held until the long whistle.

At the Norman Broaster Stadium in San Ig-

nacio the Belmopan Bandits shook up Verdes FC: 2-1 when Randy Padilla scored in the 34th and 48th minutes and the Bandits led 2-0 until Alcides Thomas scored in the 72nd minute.

Upcoming games On Wednesday, April 29 at 7:30 Police vs Belmopan Bandits at the F.F.B. stadium Verdes vs BDF at Norman Broaster Stadium On Saturday, May 2 at 7:30pm Bandits vs. Police at Norman Broaster stadium Verdes vs. BDF at Norman Broaster

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THE BELIZE TIMES

3 MAY

2015

71 and Strong HRCU Passes Half-Billion in Total Assets

April 26, 2015 In October 2014, two great pioneers of Holy Redeemer Credit Union passed away. Mr. Karl Menzies served as president of HRCU from 1997 up to the time of his death, always reminding anyone he came in contact with to work hard and save at the “poor people’s bank”. A little less known than Mr. Karlie was Mrs. Hazel Lowe. However if it wasn’t for Mrs. Hazel there probably wouldn’t have been an HRCU, for it was she and two of her friends who gave Father Henri Sutti 25 cents each to start the credit union in May 1944. Seventy-one years later that 75 cents start-up capital has grown to more than $500 million in total assets. And on Saturday, 25th April, at the Annual General Meeting more than 2500 member-owners rightly cheered at achieving this impressive half-billion dollar benchmark.

They came in droves from as early as noon. Belizeans, young and old from all walks of life, excited, despite the heat, to hear about the credit union that they are all part owners of. It was standing room only by the time Dr. Carol Babb, a member of Credit Committee, declared the meeting open promptly at 3pm.

After the approval of last year’s minutes, the Board of Director’s Report was delivered by new President, Mr. Fred Smith, who, himself has served diligently on the Board of HRCU since 1987. Highlights of his report included: • Dollar value of loans: $91.9 million • Number of Loans issued: 22,393 • Total Gross Profits: $38.3 million • Total Net Profits: $27.8 million • Total Assets: $501.2 million • Total Member-Owners: 50,564, growing by 1,583 from last year In addition to the financial highlights the President announced that the Board is recommending dividends of 5% and loan interest rebates of 20%, which would result in a total payout to member-owners of $21.7 million in profit. This was greeted and approved resoundingly by loud cheers. Once again the faithful borrowers of HRCU are being rewarded with 20¢ of every $1 of interest paid being returned. And once again HRCU is proving to be the best return on investment in the country, and for many of our less fortunate brothers and sisters their only investment income.

Mr. Smith also informed member-owners that a Branch Office in Independence Village was under construction and would be opening soon to serve all surrounding areas of Stann Creek and Toledo. At a time when many financial institutions are cutting back due to the high overhead cost of doing business in the rural parts of Belize, HRCU is expanding to be able to provide full services, including 24-hour ATM machines to all its member-owners from the South.

Serving on the Credit Committee since 1978, Ms. Marion Marsden delivered the credit report. Meeting every week, the committee carried out its difficult task with efficiency and fairness, incorporating new riskbased analyses in the approval of loans. Of the 22,393 loans approved during the year, more than half in dollar value ($46.2 million) were for investment and home construction, repairs and renovation, proving once again that HRCU is one of the primary engines fueling the Belizean economy.

In addition, more than 5700 loans were issued for education and medical purposes, two pillars of the social infrastructure of the country that have seen continuous erosion in recent years. For many Belizeans, school and health costs are beyond their reach. Thankfully HRCU is there for its member-owners in their time of need.

It was also announced that the HRCU Board of Directors had approved another increase in the Loan Protection Benefit to $125,000.00 at absolutely no cost. The year before, the insurable coverage for loans was extended from age 75 to age 80. Therefore, all debts of $125,000.00 or less would die with the debtor, as long as that person was 80 years or younger. Amazingly, 96% of member-owners’ loans fall within that limit and are thus now fully insured without costing them a single penny. Combine that with the low interest rate, no loan set-up charges, no close out costs or early or late penalty fees, and the quality service offered, it is easy to see why HRCU is number one.

Speaking briefly and on point as usual, the Director Emeritus, Dr. Jane Usher reminded everyone that HRCU existed because of its member-owners. It is powered by Belizeans with the vision of, “pooling our monies together and lending to each other in times of need.” Ms. Jane thanked God for another successful year at HRCU, and said that despite a couple of falls she was still strong as ever and at her desk every day ready to answer the questions of member-owners. She was proud to announce that HRCU crossed the 50,000 membership hurdle on December 12th, 2014, and just prior to the close of the financial year the half-billion in total assets. Ms. Jane also reminisced on the passing of Mr. Karlie, saying that he was a great source of wisdom on the Board. She presented to Mrs. Dorothy Menzies, two awards honoring her late husband.

At the close of the meeting there were elections for vacancies on the Board and other com-

mittees of HRCU. For the first time and proving that HRCU is indeed a people’s movement, nominations were made from the floor, and the Central Bank as regulator of credit unions had to conduct a poll. This was done in an orderly and fair fashion and the newly elected Board members pledged to serve the member-owners to the best of their ability with hard work and diligence.

That hard work has already started, as Belize is in the midst of uncertain times with international banking relationships at risk. However, for the thousands of member-owners of HRCU they can at least rest assured that their money affairs are in good hands, as their credit union is strong at 71. In the words of Ms. Marsden, “We know that going forward won’t be easy, but with our faith and trust in the Almighty, together with the strength of our credit union’s membership, we will continue to succeed and we will prevail.”

3 MAY

2015

18 JAN

THE BELIZE TIMES 2015

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3 MAY

THE BELIZE TIMES

2015

For Sale

By Order of the

For Sale

By Order of the

Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Mortgage made the 16th day of September, 2008 between AGATHA GORDON and ANTHONY MOORE of #8416 Hyde Street, Belize City, Belize, of the one part, and Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., of the other part, and recorded in Deeds Book Vol. 42 of 2008 at Folios 271 – 342, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto.

Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Mortgage made the 4th day of February, 1999 between ANGELA LAMMEY of 2326 New Site Area, Dangriga Town, Stann Creek District, of the one part, and Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., of the other part, and recorded in Deeds Book Vol. 4 of 1999 at Folios 209 – 232, 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 situate near Mile 12 on the Northern Highway, Belize District, Belize and is a portion of a 20.069 acre parcel of land more particularly delineated on Plan 147 of 1985 the piece or parcel of land is Lot No. 41 on a Plan of Survey of Subdivision prepared by Henry D. Flowers, Land Surveyor and registered at the Lands Department, Belmopan in register 2 Entry 3964 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 16th day of April, 2015.

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 20th day of October, 2010 between GERALD WALTER PETERS of Del Oro Site, Pomona Village, Stann Creek District, Belize of the one part, and Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., of the other part, and recorded in Deeds Book Vol. 32 of 2010 at Folios 285 – 312, 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 a portion of Lot No. 66 comprising of 722.193 Square Meters situate in Pomona Village, Stann Creek District, bounded and described as shown by Plan No. 462 of 2010 dated 8th September, 2010 attached to Minister’s Fiat Grant No. 462 of 2010 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 16th day of April, 2015.

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

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 LEASEHOLD INTEREST IN ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 1533 situate along the Stann Creek Valley Road, Rivas Estate, Dangriga Town, Stann Creek District, and bounded as follows:- On the Northeast for 15.237 Meters by the Stann Creek Valley Road; On the Southeast for 26.997 Meters by a creek; On the Southwest for 15.353 Meters by Lot No. 1538; On the Northwest for 29.035 meters by Lot No. 1532; containing 509.34 Square Yards as shown on Plan No. 1670 at the Office of the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 16th day of April, 2015.

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 22nd day of December, 1986 between SELVIN DAVIS and MATILDA DAVIS of Sand Hill Village, Belize District, of the one part, and Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., of the other part, and recorded in Deeds Book Vol. 12 of 1986 at Folios 21 – 42, 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 a portion of Block No. 1132 situate at Mile 19 on the Belize-Corozal Road in the Belize District of British Honduras granted to the said Egbert Nathan Laign by the Crown on the 15th June 1960 and more particularly delineated and described on Plan No. 7 of 1960 signed by James A. Waight, Director of Surveys and bounded as follows:- On the North 500 yards or thereabouts by land the property of the said Egbert Nathan Laing, on the South 500 yards or thereabouts by land the property of the said Egbert Nathan Laing, on the East 75 yards by the Belize-Corozal Road, TOGETHER with buildings thereon.

DATED this 16th day of April, 2015.

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

3 MAY

2015

THE BELIZE TIMES

Reid 2005 and 2015: the real difference

By G. Michael Reid “On some positions, Cowardice asks the question ‘Is it safe?’ Expediency asks the question ‘Is it politic?’ And Vanity comes along and asks the question ‘Is it popular?’ But Conscience asks the question, ‘Is it right?’”

“The ultimate measure of a person is not where they stand in moments of convenience, but where they stand in moments of challenge, moments of great crisis and controversy.” ~ Martin Luther King In his Editorial of last week, dated April 26, 2015, Amandala publisher Evan X Hyde drew inferences from and pointed to a few difference between conditions of 2005 and 2015. The Publisher pointed to key areas that might explain why, in 2005 the people felt compelled to take to the streets in protest while in 2015, despite underbelly rumblings, the natives remain passive.

This is a phenomenon ripe for analysis and rife with complex entanglements.

Before I continue, I must explain that I am writing this on no one’s behalf. Nobody tells me what to write and what not to write. At those times when someone would suggest that maybe I should write about this or about that, even if I had intended to, I will usually switch topics and go in a different direction. It might well be silly and not financially astute, but it is what it is and I am who I am. I find it important to say this because my articles are published in the BELIZE TIMES, and while I don’t see X Hyde right now as a friend of the PUP, they certainly don’t need him as an enemy. The man is prolific and proficient in his writings and wields a lethal pen. Blame me don’t blame the PUP. In his Editorial, the Publisher points to “two big differences between 2005 and 2015” that without a doubt, contributed to the “rising up” and the almost “bringing down” of the PUP government of the day. One reason, accord-

in place and as could be expected, it turned out to be a tough sell. Some senior government officials were being affected causing them to become disgruntled and that resulted in some serious undermining occurring. Watch and see what happens when this Petro Caribe ride is over. Watch!

There was one particular measure which in my opinion did significant damage and hurt the government more than any other measure that had to be put in place. In late October of 2004, government announced that as a part of its cost saving measures, it would be cutting almost three quarters of a million dollars from its monthly expenditures by discontinuing subsidies to media houses. RSV limited, whose portfolio includes Love fm and Estereo Amor was to be hit the hardest. Six major media houses were affected causing a couple like FM2000 (which was not yet PUP operated) and the Amandala to announce staff cuts. Love fm had been receiving some $19,000 per month while Estereo Amor received an additional $3,000, bringing their total to over $250,000 per year. All toll, six of the major media houses in Belize were to be affected. This discontinuation of funds, as could have been expected, did not sit well and the media went on a sustained propaganda war which added the necessary fuel

17

Hyde has been doing a yeoman’s job of highlighting issues and keeping focus on the problems facing us today. He has done much to establish himself as his “own man” and has been a welcome and pleasant surprise. In contrast though, his old man, whose incessant incendiary commentaries and exposés of 2005 was the main spark that lit the fuse for that tinderbox, seems content ing to the Publisher, “is that the PUP in sitting this one out. Unlike 2005 government of early 2005 had been when his Editorials and From the divided by the G-7 Cabinet rebellion of Publisher dealt directly with the isAugust 2004…whereas the UDP govsues of the day, much ink is now ernment of 2015 is solidly united bespent on the problems within the hind the Petro Caribe Loans Act”. This PUP. Even this latest article speaks is noteworthy because it exposes a little to the dictatorial inclines and profound difference between the two power drunk staggering of this madpolitical parties. All seven members of man leading us to hell. The UDP is the G7 remained in government, dealmost through its second consecspite objecting to party policies, and utive term in office and have been were eventually reinstated to Cabinet guilty of some serious misgivings. posts. Where is the UDP’s Marcel CarWould not our attention be better dona today? paid to the problems of today!? We The Publisher goes on to suggest should not forget our mistakes of that “The second difference between the past but we must also pay some 2005 and 2015 is that the UDP Oppoattention to the present. The UDP resition, manifestly feeble in early 2004, cently replaced two sitting ministers was able to take charge and establish and have endorsed two foreign born leadership of the protesting groups in individuals to run for office but not a late 2005(4?)/early 2005…” Let us look bleat of protest. Contrast that with at something else that happened in Yolanda Shakron’s attempt at office. late 2004 leading up to 2005 that most In February of this year, Plus certainly contributed to the ensuing TV revealed the findings of a report “Proposed cost saving Strategy for the Government of Belize” which Plus TV revealed the findings of a report “Progave a detailed report on government’s advertising posed cost saving Strategy for the Government costs per annum. RSV Ltd of Belize” which gave a detailed report on govreceived $133,000, Amanernment’s advertising costs per annum. dala received $185,000 while Wave Radio received RSV Ltd received $133,000, Amandala a whopping $586,000. This received $185,000 while Wave Radio reis what is happening in 2015. In 2005, the PUP was ceived a whopping $586,000. forced to make cuts but of course, they did not have for Dean Barrow’s civil disobedience hell that broke loose. The “manifestly access to the cash cows of BTL, BEL campaign. Make no mistake, in this feeble UDP” of 2004 did little on their or Petro Caribe. Yes, there are stark day of technology the media, more own and indeed, rode to power on the differences between 2005 and 2015 than any other entity or condition, backs of those “protesting groups”. but at the end of the day, the biggest forges opinions, influences public The real question that must be asked difference is a man called Benjamin sentiment and stirs the emotions of is; what really riled up those groups Franklin. Make no mistake, it’s about the masses. to the point of such violent protests? the money honey and ain’t a damn Let me say that Krem’s Mose Oh, I am taking nothing away from thing funny. In GOD we trust! whatever the PUP was doing wrong but contrasted with what is happening today, the PUP’s look petty in their violations and transgressions.

In 2004, the government realized that things were getting out of control. The petroleum industry was still just a dream and would not come on-stream for a year yet.

Some serious borrowing was being done in an effort to keep government afloat but even that well was running dry. Austerity measures had to be put

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3 MAY

THE BELIZE TIMES

2015

DO YOU KNOW YOUR

SCORE? BYM hosts Family Fun Day Belize City, April 26, 2015 Over 60 children from several constituencies in Belize City had a blast at the first Belize Youth Movement Family Fun Day held on Saturday April 18, 2015 at the YWCA Basketball Court on St. Thomas Street in Belize City.

They were treated to a day of games and fun entertainment by members of the Belize Youth Movement.

The youth arm also held a BBQ fundraiser which was supported by leaders of the Party and members of the community.

The event was a

VISIT OUR OFFICE AND BRING ALONG YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY CARD

CREDIT MASTER SYSTEMS #11 DOUGLAS JONES STREET

BELIZE CITY

PUP Leader Hon. Francis greeting families at BYM event

first in a series that will be held throughout the country. The youth arm is also organising activities to raise funds to provide scholarship opportunities to young

people in economically-marginalised families. To support you can contact National President Alberto Vellos or any member of the BYM.

3 MAY

2015

THE BELIZE TIMES

Dr. Carla Barnett – From Iron Lady to Political Driftwood

By the voice of the Common Man There has been a worldwide advocacy for women representation in politics. World history has recorded a number of important women rise to political office in various countries.

Margaret Thatcher has risen to the ranks of political office in England.

Thatcher became known as the “Iron Lady”. The label was coined by a writer of the Red Star Yuri Gabrilov in 1976 because of Thatcher’s iron clad stance against the Soviet Union and socialism.

Other notable women are Indira Ghandi of India, Golda Meir of Israel and Benazir Bhutto of Pakistan. These women have all been called “Iron Lady”.

Benazir Bhutto was known for her charismatic authority and political astuteness. She was responsible for the implementation of economic policies and various social initiatives. She was also responsible for the denationalisation of state-owned corporations.

Benazir Bhutto was assassinated on the 27th December 2007 after leaving PPP’s last rally in Rawal Pindi prior to the 2008 election. It is quite possible that she was killed for the cause she represented in her attempt to better the lives and condition of her fellow citizens.

In the annals of Belize’s history in

the twentieth century women have fought for gender equality and gradually a number of them establishing themselves in Belizean politics.

These women have raised their voices regarding national issues in this country.

One such woman who can be considered Belize’s Iron Lady was the Honorable Gwendolyn Lizarraga. Madam Liz was a “fiery, earthy woman” who along with the United Women’s Group advocated for the economic independence and called for better conditions regarding housing and cost of living which affected

much of the working class women.

Gwendolyn Lizarraga became Belize’s first Lady-minister holding the education portfolio in the People’s United Party Government.

However, when the People’s United Party and its move towards national liberation was becoming popular the colonial government found it dire to launch a counter-attack in their attempt to deflate the PUP’s popularity.

This counter attack was a cleverly contrived mixture of repression and the co-option of “respectable” allies, some of whom had good standing and stature in the community. Some were supporters of the Garveyite movement and there were those who were members of the worker’s movement.

The attempt was to divide the community and weaken the support for the People’s United Party.

The sickening and sad reality is that in their attempt to conquer the PUP at the polls, the Colonial Party lured two upstanding and great women, to become a part of their “oppressive colonial apparatus”. These women were the great Nurse Vivian Seay of the Black Cross Nurses and Mina Grant, the wife of a prominent attorney. These women began doing social work with the working class women

19 in Belize at the bidding of the colonial state.

Recently there have been strong advocacy for women’s representation in the political arena in Belize. A number of women have joined the political fold and the quest for political office for both the UDP and the PUP. The Honourable Dolores Balderamos Garcia is the only sitting female representative for the People’s United Party in the Belize Rural Central constituency. This Honorable woman has been a tireless advocate for gender equality, women’s rights and the respect of women. Honorable Dolores is championing the cause through her literary contributions in this newspaper, talk shows and her fiery debates in the halls of the national assembly even in the face of disrespectful utterance from the members of the United Democratic Party. Often times her advocacy for the issues is done in rebel-like fashion- with a cause.

One woman for the UDP that has decided to wet her feet in politics is Dr. Carla Barnett. Dr. Barnett has been named standard bearer in the Freetown Division for the next general election. She has been touted in much fanfare and angelic manner by the Prime Minister Dean Barrow as the saviour of the good people of Freetown.

Undoubtedly, Dr. Carla Barnett has served Belize well in her capacity as a public servant under both the People’s United Party administration Continued on page 22

20 Hon. Dolores assists Western Paradise Village Hon. Dolores Balderamos Garcia working together with Western Paradise Chairman Mr. Acencion Cal and West Lake Area residents of Western Paradise Village delivered material today, which makes one of the main entrances to this part of the village accessible. Photo shows residents with Hon. Dolores and delivery truck.

Negligent garbage disposal in Hopkins Village Continued from page 2 family and make their living by fishing in the lagoon.

Hopkins Harbor/Hopkins Bay sure has enough staff, and money, to pay them to dump or properly remove the daily rack up of their beautiful manicured, man created beach, highly maintained, by disposing their debris, beach garbage , all insidiously placed on the other side of the fence.

The Village Council, the Belize Government, Environmentalists, and BTB officials should investigate this gross pollution, harmful and dangerous disposal of garbage. Why is this overlooked? Is someone getting paid off?

The Village Council is supposed to be working on beautifying Hopkins, working on signs and roads to look better, and for safety reasons for the tourist. Health issues with garbage disposal needs to be addressed NOW, not on Caribbean time.

There is still the issue of the jetty that is collecting the sand rapidly while it is causing even faster erosion on the other side of it, causing all of Hopkins to have massive erosion and loss of the coastal beach of the entire village. Kismet Inn suffers the most as well as Seaside Village, North Beach and Driftwood, all the way to the False City Point.

This matter needs urgent attention.

Thank you, A concerned Citizen for Hopkins’ safety and growth

THE BELIZE TIMES

3 MAY

2015

3 MAY

THE BELIZE TIMES

2015

21

The need to repeal Barrow’s Law

By Gilroy Usher, Sr. The unions, the churches, the business community, and thousands of Belizeans across the length and breadth of this country are greatly displeased with the recent passage of the Petro Caribe Loans Bill in the House on Thursday March 26th, 2015. This bill was rushed through all three motions in the National Assembly in a single day. There was no time for proper debate in either the House or the Senate on the Petro Caribe Bill, undermining the provision of oversight.

Oversight is needed because in its absence we have not gotten value for money for spending on a number of projects that have been financed by loans from the program. Today a number of streets that should have been done with concrete remain incomplete while others are breaking up after a couple months. The reason? There was no tendering process to ensure that competent persons were given the contracts for such projects instead of incompetent political cronies. Similarly while the government has spent thousands of dollars of Petrocaribe loan on Mothers’ Day cheer and Christmas Cheer for

known UDP supporters, it has not used a dollar of the Petrocaribe money to address the dire need for proper low-income housing for the Belizean people.

Contrary to UDP propaganda, the Opposition PUP is not against the spending of Petro Caribe funds for worthwhile projects in the country.

The truth is the Petrocaribe initiative was started by the last PUP administration, because with foresight it saw the huge benefits for the country with the undertaking. Back then the Opposition UDP was totally opposed to the initiative and said it was a waste of time. All right thinking Belizeans support the use of loans from that source for the building of roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, markets, and other community projects that will improve the quality of life of the Belizean people.

As a people we are simply requesting accountability for the spending of Petro Caribe funds, because those monies are loans which must be repaid by the hardworking taxpayers of this country. The Finance and Audit Reform Act of 2005 gave the House of Representatives the authority to act as a watchdog to prevent any government from bringing economic hardship on the people of this nation. To help ensure that we get value for money borrowed the Finance and Audit Reform Act specifically states that the government must get the approval of the House for any loan of $10 million or more.

Having violated the Finance and Audit Reform Act for the last three years by borrowing and spending over $228m from the Petrocaribe

Dr. Carla Barnett – From Iron Lady to Political Driftwood

Continued from page 19 and under the present government.

She is well-respected for her service abroad in the area of finance. Dr. Barnett has made several literary contributions regarding the challenges and impact of globalization on the jewel and the development necessary to advance Belize’s economy. In one of her policy papers she stated, “there is evidence to suggest that rapid growth experienced between 1986 and 1990 did not filter throughout the economy” and as Assad Shoman interpreted her statement to mean in 13 Chapters (1994) “the majority poor people did not benefit”.The economic growth translated to crumbs from the table. A similar scenario has materialised in Belize under the United Democratic Party government’s two terms.

Today, Prime Minister Barrow is grandiosely highlighting the transformation of Belize, masquerading various infrastructural projects as the needed development for Belize notwithstanding that very little has trickled down to the marginalised and destitute Belizeans.

Dean Barrow continues to disregard the statistic which has recorded a consis-

tent rise in inequality, poverty and joblessness. Aside from the many millions funded by various international agencies (recently over US $60 million given for rural poverty alleviation) the Petrocaribe Fund has done little to change the numbers regarding the social ills affecting the development of Belizeans. This is exactly what Dr. Carla Barnett has advocated against and has often stressed the need for transparency, accountability and good governance – a failed promise by the Barrow Administration.

However, in Dr. Barnett’s quest for political office, she has become silent on the very issues she advocated against.

Problems such as the blatant mismanagement of the Petrocaribe Fund; the ridiculous “restrospectivity bill” and wanton disregard for transparency and accountability; the reckless spending of the people’s purse; and the ballooning national debt to some $2.7 million. She remains silent on the issue of corruption within the Barrow administration unheeded by the cry of the wounded wolf “for God’s sake stop it”. She has become mum regarding the stifling of the good people of Freetown and the rest of Belize for voting for the PUP – the single

initiative without seeking the necessary prior approval from the House, government has legalized its unlawful borrowing of millions and millions of dollars with the passage of the new law. That is because the new law gives the administration full authority to make loans from the Petrocaribe fund for any amount for whatever purpose it may decide without getting any approval from the House for such borrowing. And since the new Petrocaribe law is retroactive three years, the government cannot be held accountable for its repeated gross violation of the Finance and Audit Reform Act from 2012. That’s a huge slap in the face of transparency with government funds since the Finance and Audit Reform Act of 2005 was specifically passed in parliament to help prevent such abuses.

With this law it’s perfectly legal for the Prime Minister to use the money to throw a grand birthday party for himself, or pay off the entire mortgage for his close relatives and friends or finance his party’s election campaigns, if they find it legitimate to do so. That’s precisely the

case because the new law gives the government the authority to get loans from the Petrocaribe fund in whatever amount and for whatever purpose it may decide without any approval from the House. Only in dictatorship leaders give themselves absolute power to spend millions and millions and millions of dollars of the people’s money as they see fit without answering to anyone. Less we forget we need to remember the words of Macbeth “Power corrupts and absolutely power corrupts absolutely”.

Any person who gets a contractor to build his home without overseeing the spending and construction for his dream house gets a rude awakening with a shabby and incomplete work. In a similar way the result will be disaster if the people of this country give tons of money for the development of their communities to the ruling politicians without supervision of their activities by the House. It’s therefore in the interest of every single Belizean throughout this country that they support each and every effort to have this law repealed.

mothers, the poor, the sick and the elderly who have greater needs and concerns than mother’s day cheer or Christmas ham.

Seemingly, Dr. Carla Barnett has become part of the oppressive apparatus and a statistic to a political strategy similarly employed by the colonial government circa 1952 – the cleverly contrived mixture of repression and co-option of the respectable people of

Belize. Has the good doctor been transformed into a driftwood in UDP political tide?

This scenario is definitely not what the various women advocacy group of “20,000 strong” envisioned for women entering politics – a mere supporter and not a bearer of her own cause. In the game of political chess the queen has been swapped for a pawn. It is now that the “machete must fly”.

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THINK ABOUT IT FRANCIS ON KREM The Leader of the Opposition was a guest on the Krem morning radio and TV show with hosts Mose Hyde and India Camela. It was informative and it again gave Belizeans an insight into the man who will be the next Prime Minister.

Francis is one of us. He is a Belizean man born to humble folks whose contribution we can easily embrace. His mom, the popular “Miss Molly” was a stalwart of her church and community and equally so in her dedication to her family and to her two children. Francis’ father was a teacher and education official rising to the highest rank in his profession.

Francis grew up in a loving and disciplined home where Christian values and service to fellow human beings were paramount. His dad was a teacher throughout the length and breadth of the country and this too would have helped to mold the mind and character of the young Francis.

Listening to Francis, one sees and hears the father. Francis is genuine. He readily explains his views rather than seeking to impress or score points. He is too sincere in his beliefs for that. What was equally impressive, as India commented, was the passion with which Francis expressed his vision and commitment to change Belize for the betterment of Belizeans.

Sincerity and a passionate commitment are not to be taken lightly. They are ingredients sorely lacking in the political arena. As fate would have it, the media interviewed the Prime Minister that same day. The image was disturbing. A heartless machine defending his unconstitutional Petro Caribe law and twisting the results of the 2012 elections and the recent municipal elections to claim it is a referendum on the issue. A slicko, always out to deceive. The Petro Caribe law is a recent phenomenon. Born from a deceitful mind as recent as 27 March 2015. How can the 2012 elections or the municipals be a referendum on the recent law?

But back to Francis. It was also interesting to look and listen to the young man. There was not an ounce of hubris and arrogance. On the contrary, we saw a person of much humility answering questions with clenched fists and as truthfully as possible. Humility in a leader is “a consummation devoutly to be wished”.

What was also interesting was the view Francis takes on some of the big issues of governance and the defects which Mose was highlighting. Francis himself highlighted additional flaws and made clear changes in the system should be part of an overall, comprehensive review.

Those of us who know Francis know how deeply he feels about shaking up the system of government which allows the Prime Minister to be crippling Belize.

Belize, after all, is what all this is about. A better Belize for all Belizeans. Let us not lose sight of that. For seven years we have seen our country go from bad to worst. This is not just about PUP versus UDP. It is about getting a better leader than the one now ruining the nation.

It’s time for Mr. Barrow to go.

He has had his chance and he has mucked it up.

BY THE HUNDREDS Hundreds of Belizeans continue to rot

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inside the prison unable to reach a trial.

The Constitution of Belize guarantees to every citizen that he or she is entitled to a trial within a reasonable time. Reasonable time cannot be three, four, five years in jail.

It is only under the UDP government of Dean Barrow that some five hundred men and women are locked up in jail unable to reach court. There are many more that are on bail but cannot have a trial.

Why? Because the government refuses to provide resources to the Chief Justice to get on with resolving this crisis. There is an urgent need for temporary Judges and some four prosecutors to tackle this humanitarian crisis in the prison.

It is grossly unfair and unjust to have human beings rotting their lives away, awaiting their trials year in, year out. Especially at this time when we find out the government is wasting millions of dollars from Venezuela/Petro Caribe.

There are only four Judges struggling to deal with a huge back-log of cases.

Judges Gonzalez, Lucas, Lord and Hannomansingh. Each of these judges has over sixty trials on their present court calendar.

Each week the Magistrates Court send up additional indictable offenses. It is getting worse.

In the case of the Cayo district, Judge Hannomansingh has almost one hundred trials. He also has to do the Stann Creek and Toledo districts with another seventy trials.

It is almost inhumane to subject judges to such daily grinding burdens.

How did Belize ever reach such a sorry state of affairs?

MAYOR DEFIES BARROW Prime Minister Dean Barrow has put the full weight of his government behind his disgraced Minister Castro in next month’s convention.

Castro is being challenged by Dwight Tillett, a former Principal of Nazarene College and Castro campaign committee Chairman.

Last week former UDP Minister Samuel Rhaburn publicly endorsed Tillett as the best person to represent the party in the area. This was at a public event in the constituency. The Mayor of Belize City, also attended and publicly spoke in favor of Tillett against Castro.

For some time now it is becoming very clear that the Mayor has lost all respect for his Prime Minister. It appears the Mayor has the Deputy PM as his new political godfather.

LESSONS FROM THE MAYA Congratulations are in order to the Maya of Toledo and their leaders for a victory of sorts in their long legal battles in Court. The Mayas have been fighting for legal recognition that the lands in Toledo which they have always occupied and worked, belongings to all of them, collectively. It’s called communal land rights.

The government wants authority to give away to cronies and sell out the lands of the Maya as they do elsewhere.

A Supreme Court trial under the former Chief Justice Abdulai Conteh resoundingly ruled against government and in favor of the Maya.

Government appealed and lost in the

Court of Appeal.

Government appealed to the Caribbean Court of Justice. The CCJ which visited Belize two weeks ago, did not hold a trial, instead they opted to get the two sides to agree on a way forward.

Government is already singing a different tune from the Maya. Government is saying the Maya will be treated like if they have some sort of squatter’s rights.

The Mayas will find out their struggles against an insensitive government is far from over.

SHAKESPEARE William Shakespeare is unquestionably the greatest writer in the English language. His mastery and the beauty of the language come from the many plays he wrote. Plays in his time are the equivalent of movies in our time.

“Shakespeare Lexicon and Quotation Dictionary” is a two volume publication being sold by Amazon for about $24 Belize dollars each.

Those who love Shakespeare and love language and wish to become poets and writers and literature teachers will benefit from these two volumes. They contain 50,000 quotations with full definitions of words and shades of meanings.

Delicious. Enjoyable for a lifetime of reading.

WHITER SHADE OF PALE A song by that name sung by Procol Haram is a classic since the 1970’s. The meaning of the song has always eluded me. But the lyrics remain awesome. Here are some.

“If music be the food of love/ then laughter is its queen/ and likewise if behind is in front/ then dirt in truth is clean/ my mouth by then like cardboard/ seemed to slip right through my head/ so we crashed dived straightening quickly/ and attacked the ocean bed.”

“And so it was that later As the miller told his tale That her face at first just ghostly Turned a whiter shade of pale” NEVER ENDING CRIME The pain just won’t go away. Each week the tears and grief and sorrow. Another youth shot down in cold blood. Another murder added to the statistic.

This never ending crime seems to have never any solution.

It’s been seven long, bitter, bloody years since a man of many words and little or no solutions came along.

2015 How long Oh Lord! How long must death ride its pale horse through our hopeless lives under solution-less leaders. How long?

SILENCIO The Belize Human Rights Commission has punked out on us.

They have gone silent just when we needed them most.

In the face of almost wanton police brutality and widespread abuse of the basic rights of citizens, the Commission is silent.

Belizean society and particularly the young, the women, the poor and marginalized need someone somewhere to speak up for them, stand up for them and see they are protected and get justice when their rights are violated. The recent behavior in San Pedro on Tuesday by the police is a sickening tale of torture and wanton sadism.

Come on Commission, this is serious business.

Especially as how there is no Ombudsman.

AUDITOR GENERAL When you reach General, you big.

Whether it’s a military General or a Civilian General like Accountant General, Registrar General, and Contractor General.

So Dorothy Ann Smith, Auditor General, your report for the years 2011 to March 2012, confirms your wellearned status as a career public officer and dedicated servant of the people.

If only you could get your hands on the accounts for Petro Caribe September 2012 to March 2015. Now that would be nothing short of a coup-dedat.

Page 2 of the latest Audit Report:“As explained in the analysis of Financial Statement 2011/2012 TWENTY THREE commercial bank accounts presented for auditing WERE NOT RECONCILED.” “Adjusted budget column include UNAPPROVED SUPPLEMENTAL ALLOCATIONS MADE WITHOUT THE REQUISITE APPROVAL from the National Assembly.”

“Statements of Arrears of Revenue does not include arrears from some Ministers.” “…. The Financial Statements DO NOT GIVE A TRUE AND FAIR VIEW of the Government financial position as at March 31, 2012 in ACCORDANCE with the Finance and Audit Reform Act 2005.”

Kudos

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UDP Still Opposes Maya Communal Land Barrow’s Law Must Go!!

Continued from page 3 the Barrow Government. The UDP has borrowed over $285 million and spent almost $80 million, without any National Assembly approval as required under the Finance and Audit Reform Act. The PUP launched a legal challenge against this illegal move. When the Prime Minister realised that he was in serious trouble, he used his executive power to pass the Petrocaribe law which exempts the millions in Petrocaribe monies from the controls imposed by the Finance and Audit Act. The Prime Minister has clearly abused his powers and he has done so to protect himself from the law. He is fully aware that the Finance and Audit Act imposes criminal penalties on anyone who breaks its provisions. The Prime Minister is guilty of this.

The protest this morning is one of the steps the PUP is taking to galvanize support for its position against the Petrocaribe Act. Lake I’s champion Cordel Hyde was there. So was Cayo Central general Dan Silva and Cayo South’s formidable leader Hon. Julius Espat.

Belmopan’s fighter Patrick Andrews, Corozal South West and Corozal South East’s victors Hon. Ramiro Ramirez and Hon. Florencio Marin Jr. were present.

The fantastic four from Orange Walk: Hon. John Briceno, Hon. Abelardo Mai, Ramon Cervantes and Josue Carballo took their place in the march. Belize City militant rebel leaders Gilroy Usher, Yasmin Shoman, Dr. Francis Smith, Paul Thompson and Dorla Vaughan stood their ground. Belize Rural Central outspoken area representative Hon. Dolores Balderamos Garcia marched upfront, and Belize Rural South standard bearer Elito Arceo joined in solidarity.

PUP Leader Hon. Fonseca has announced a 21-day ultimatum to Prime Minister to rescind the law and restore transparency and accountability. Hon. Fonseca has called on the social partners to join the campaign and champion reform. Should the 21 days expire and the Prime Minister refuse to budge, the PUP will take action.

LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICES

Notice is hereby given that DERRICK MAHLER is applying for a Malt and Cider Liquor License to be operated at “G-Spot Sport Bar”, situated at 8 Miles George Price Highway, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

agreed on by the Government of former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Said Musa and Maya leaders in 2007, which recognised the Maya communal land in the Toledo District, was rubbished by the UDP Government. Dean Barrow and his Deputy Gaspar Vega showed preference to the special interests who wanted exploit the land whether the Maya people liked it or not.

The irony of this all is that Dean Barrow was one of the attorneys representing the Maya peoples and defending their cause prior to the 2008 elections. Once he gained power; however, he turned against them.

While the Maya people are right to celebrate this week’s victory before the Caribbean Court of Justice, they should remain cautious and alert as the Dean Barrow Govern-

ment is notorious for ignoring court rulings because, as the PM Barrow has said, the Court has no Police to enforce their judgments.

The Maya people must also be reminded that the Dean Barrow Government is not just opposed to their cause because of some minor difference. The UDP is opposed because ideologically, the UDP have never been for the small man, whether it is the indigenous, the worker, or the poor. In fact, in August 2010, the UDP made it clear in a Policy Statement publicly declared at a political convention that they will not support Maya land rights no matter what.

Here is what the UDP’s Policy Statement on the Maya says… “Because a large amount of person in the wider Maya community have questioned and sought information

Respect to our workers CARTOON

Belize City, April 26, 2015 Ever since Prime Minister Dean Barrow took office in 2008 the Maya peoples of Southern Belize have had to step up the defense of their rights in the face of abuse and oppression.

A 10-point agreement drafted and

and clarification on the actions and objectives of the Mayan Leaders Alliance in securing a judgment and agrees that such a ruling is not in the best interest of every Mayan citizens and family. Because the ruling has thrown state of Mayan land tenure into utter confusion, because the party concern that such a judgment sets a unwise undesirable and unpractical precedence… because we believe in a democratic nation of Belize there should be no place for any such precedence to be set. The UDP therefore is of the firm position that the issuance of individual land titles to members of the Mayan community…is the right and desirable to go”.

Don’t grow weary just yet Maya leaders and more importantly, don’t trust the Dean Barrow government.

Message from PUP Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca May 1st 2015 Friday, May 1st is Labour Day. On behalf of the People’s United Party, we salute the workers of Belize and pay tribute to all those Belizean men and women who toil tirelessly every day to make this country a better one.

We pay particular tribute to our teachers, our doctors and nurses, our public officers, BDF soldiers, coast guard, police officers, those who work in our agricultural sector, in tourism and all Belizean men and women who work hard each and every day.

Our great People’s United Party is founded on the workers of Belize; a Party whose philosophy is based on the principle of workers first. In 2015 more than ever we must value and respect our workers. We salute them!

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