Belize Times October 30, 2011

Sunday, October 30, 2011

SUNDAY October 30, 2011

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THE BELIZE TIMES

www.facebook/Belize Times

Issue No. 4769

Forward with Francis!

New PUP Leader to be endorsed Saturday

Belize City, October 26, 2011 The past couple of weeks have no doubt created a lot of uncertainty and panic among members, supporters and sympathizers of the People’s United Party and, indeed, a vast majority of Belizeans. With the PUP dominating the radio and television airwaves, many listened and watched with bated breath as the Leadership of the grand ole party hung in the balance. Those feelings of uncertainty and panic were quickly replaced, however, by feelings of excitement and optimism generated by the euphoric news that the PUP National Executive had unanimously voted to have the Hon. Francis Fonseca become the New Leader of the PUP.

PUP Leader-designate, Hon. Francis Fonseca

Rocked by Scandals,

Perdomo Quits

Belize City, October 26, 2011 Embattled politician, Carlos Perdomo, has thrown in the towel and will not contest the upcoming general elections.

At 5:30pm on Tuesday evening, Perdomo met with his Caribbean Shores executive to inform them that he was pulling the plug on his rollercoaster political career which was on life support. While he claimed health reasons, Belizeans know the truth. Perdomo has been an utter failure. He has faced heavy, relentless criticism and public pressure over the mishandling of his Ministerial portfolios (2008-2010 – Ministry of National Security and Defense, and 2010-2011 – Ministry of

Ex-Cop found

guilty of having

two wives

Perdomo’s time is out!

Defense and Immigration). Ever since the UDP Administration took office, the Ministries under Perdomo’s watch

Continued on page 7

Appeals Court

The news of Hon. Francis’ nomination punctuated a rather eventful week in the storied history of the PUP. So stirring was the announcement that even Barrow and the UDP had to take notice. Surely, Barrow and the UDP realize that victory won’t cometh 2013 with Francis Fonseca at the helm of the “Blue Machine”. As if in a sudden twist of fate, the very man who the UDP had dismissed as a potential candidate for Leader of the PUP has now become their worst nightmare.

Throughout his political career, Francis Fonseca has gained the respect and admiration of his political colleagues and foes alike. Anyone who recalls the

Continued on page 4

Fortis

challenges BEL Nationalisation Belize City, October 25, 2011 Attorneys for Fortis Inc. have filed for a constitutional challenge against the “nationalisation” of the electricity company, Belize Electricity Limited. The request to the Court was entered on Friday, October 21st, which is exactly three months after the Barrow Administration seized the company.

Fortis declares in their application, that the nationalisation was unconstitutional and therefore illegal and void because the Government’s reason for the nationalisation was that they need-

See page 8

See page 4

Hurricane Rina

BELIZE CITY, Wednesday, October 26th, 2011

By Alton Humes At 4pm today the National Emergency Management Organisation issued the All Clear for the entire country of Belize, as Hurricane Rina, a category one storm, barreled past us and heads directly towards the island of Cozumel.

Belize has had bad experiences with tropical systems before, enough to fill a book or two (e.g. Hattie, Mitch, Keith, Chantal, Iris, Arthur, Felix, and

Continued on page 25

Continued on page 7

Teen murdered

in Camalote

halts UDP land grab

Jaime Peña

Belize dodges

Frank Usher

See page 9

See page 12

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, October 30, 2011

From the ghetto streets

“U.D.P. Clowns have No Respect”

Transport Ministry killing an icon in the Transport Business Dear Editor, Allow me to please air my views on what I see happening in my home town, Corozal. Many people are hurting in silence as nothing has been said while 54 employees are jobless and awaiting a favorable decision from the Ministry of Transport.

The Ministry of Transport has refused to give Corozal’s Gilharry Bus Line, aka, “Venus Bus Lines” runs to Belize City.

Now why would the Ministry of Transport refuse to give bus runs to a bus line which had been running the road since 47 years ago; from 1964 when the roads were dry weather dirt roads and there were no highways? One had to travel through Maskall Village to get to Belize City.

Many times one vehicle would get bogged down on the road and had to wait, sometimes for hours for someone or the PWD to come and haul one out. Roads were narrow and to pass a vehicle, one had to stop and find a road shoulder to allow the other vehicle to go through. At times a vehicle would have to reverse until a road shoulder is found so the other could pass. The road from the Haulover Bridge into Belize City was full of passing bays where a vehicle would rush into so that another could pass each other. Lots of hardship and high vehicle maintenance killed off a lot of operators. Mr. Gilharry was fortunate to have survived these critical years.

In 1964 Gilharry started running a truck passenger and freight service; running one day to Belize City and returning the following day. The journey took five to six hours due to road

The Party is nothing but the vanguard of the people, the active organ of the people, working at all times in the service of the people.”

conditions. The only bus lines then running was Batty’s, coming from Belize City one day and returning the following day. In 1969 Gilharry sold his trucks and bought a yellow bus and ran daily from Corozal 9:00 a.m. to Belize City and returning from Belize City at 5:00 p.m. In 1970 Gilharry bought a Greyhound bus and thereafter many better equipped Greyhound buses and new Bluebird buses, after which he pioneered early runs from Corozal to Belize City moving from 3:45 a.m. tom 4:00 a.m. Later Mr. Gilharry put up a Bus Terminal in Corozal and years later a Bus Terminal in Belize City was constructed. In the construction of the Belize City terminal, which also included a hotel, Gilharry incurred a big debt which later caused him to lose both terminals, but he continued running his buses.

I have mentioned all this to show Gilharry’s perseverance and dedication to provide service with good facilities to the public. I worked with him from way back in 1969 driving a truck and later the buses, so I know a bit of the history of the bus line.

In January of this year, Gilharry was running twelve buses daily to Belize City, 3:45 a.m., 4:15 a.m., 5:00 a.m., 5:15 a.m., 5:30 a.m., 6:00 a.m., 7:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., midday and 4:30 p.m. Five of these runs were not profitable but he worked with it, taking the good with the bad. Gilharry applied for fourteen runs and all fourteens runs applied for were approved by the Transport Board officially on the 21st February 2011 and later showed as approved in the Government Gazette on the 1st March 2011; yet these said runs were never given to Gilharry. Someone change the runs. Now only the Minister can change the runs, so what can we surmise? The runs that were Gazetted and approved to Gilharry were given to new bus owners who for the first time was getting road permits and had just latterly acquired a few buses.

One week before the new runs were about to be initiated Gilharry was advised by the Ministry of Transport that his runs given were only seven and started from 9:00 a.m. and running every fifteen minutes until seven runs were completed and he was to return late from Belize City every fifteen minutes ending at 8:00 p.m. from Belize City. This was when Gilharry realized that the fourteen runs which had been Gazetted as approved to him had been given to new operators.

Early in this year Gilharry had invested in twelve more buses of which two were practically new Greyhounds buses and now after his new investment his runs was now been given to Johnny come lately. His getting solely

Dear Editor, As the Belizean people struggle day by day, without jobs to provide for their families, we all won-

late and unprofitable runs from Corozal and later runs from Belize City and noting the short time intervals between runs he noted that this would put him in debt; hence his decisions on going to the court to recover runs and get justice.

Gilharry’s views that if government wants to give new operators runs, government should open new slots for them, but not take away long established runs from an operator who has been running over four decades and providing reliable services, and give them to new operators. What is the criteria used by the Minister of Transport to take away his runs and give it to new operators? Is cronyism once more showing its face? None of the runs Gilharry’s had were runs taken away from someone else to give to him.

All these runs he had pioneered from way back. If this has been done to the Honorable Melvin Hulse he would be seething with rage and frothing at the mouth.

The new runs which were given in June were for three months only, namely, June, July and August, so runs would be reissued in September. In August 2011, he applied once more for his runs, but was ignored. Is this the death blow to Venus Bus Lines?

Just a short illustration, people that sit on other properties for ten to fifteen years have gotten squatters rights from the Court and Gilharry’s on his forty years running did not squat on anybody’s run . He applied legally to the Transport Board and was granted to him. Twenty years ago, when your runs were approved you had to pay a fee and Gilharry’s was paying $15,000 for two-year permits given. Prior to that he was paying $15,000 but in 2002 rates were reduced to $12,000 for his two-year permit. In 2002 to 2011 the bus owners were told to operate on their runs until government decide how much they will charge for the permits. When permits are approved you were called up to receive your permits and you paid them, but in this last application Gilharry was never advised to pick up his permits.

People of Corozal and Belize on a whole, look and see what is happening. Take note of what your government ministers are doing!

Will they assist the 54 men they put out of jobs? Today it is Gilharry tomorrow it might be you!

Sincerely Lindo Williams

der what is next for us. Are the worst times ever going to get better or is Belize becoming a country of no hope? I think so.

Under Dean Barrow and his disrespectful so-called government, we will be hopeless. It seems as if these people don’t have any respect for nothing nor no one. Look how they treat the poor people on the street, with no respect. Look how they act on TV and the worst part of it, look how they act in the House of Assembly, like some bunch of wild dogs off their leashes.

Mr. Barrow the Assembly House is a Government house, not a dog pound where you and your hooligans belong.

Mr. Barrow, you know and I know, all that crowd that was in Belmopan on Friday, your Government paid them and threatened them with their jobs.

You should be ashamed to call yourself a Government, talking about, “in the best interest of the Belizeans.” Mr. Prime Minister, if you were so interested in the people of this country then maybe we wouldn’t be living like this, in hell! But you see Belizeans, Mr. Barrow is too busy making sure he gets his way by passing bogus laws and his ex-wife to make millions of dollars off through Government cases and to hell with the rest.

You can call yourself a hypnotizer because the red kool-aid poison you were serving the other day is working on your U.D.P. cronies. Get real or get going Mr. Barrow, your expiring date is coming up soon. Belizeans open up your eyes, I only have this to say, “tek they money and vote them out.”

Till next week.

Roberto Peyrefitte

THE BELIZE TIMES EDITOR

Alberto Vellos OFFICE MANAGER

Fay Castillo McKay PRINTING/PERSONNEL SUPERVISOR

Doreth Bevans

LAYOUT/GRAPHIC ARTIST

Chris Williams

MARKETING/ADVERTISING

Rafael Sosa

STAFF REPORTER

Carla Bradley TYPIST

Rachel Arana OFFICE ASSISTANT

Roberto Peyrefitte Printed & Published By The Belize Times Ltd.

#3 Queen Street P.O. BOX 506 Belize City, Belize Tel: 671-8385 Email: belizetimesad@yahoo.com editortimes@yahoo.com

Sunday, October 30, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

PUP SPECIAL CONVENTION

To endorse the Hon. Francis Fonseca as the New Leader of the People’s United Party

Holy Redeemer Parish Hall Saturday, October 29, 2011 10:00 a.m.

Prizes & Giveaways

FRANCIS FONSECA – A PUP SERVANT!!

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Forward with Francis!

Continued from page 1

child boy following his mother around to PUP meetings and public events would readily concede that Francis Fonseca was predestined for political life. Indeed, no one could argue that when it comes to serving the PUP, Francis Fonseca has paid his dues. Whether he was leading the Belize Youth Movement (BYM) or working alongside the Right Hon. George Cadle Price at the BELIZE TIMES Press Ltd. as an adolescent, Francis gave of himself selflessly and tirelessly to fulfilling the ideals of the “Peaceful, Constructive Belizean Revolution”.

The résumé of Francis Fonseca as a member of the PUP is nothing short of impressive. Having served in various capacities on the Party’s National Executive which included Party Chairman, Deputy Leader and Senior Deputy Leader among others, Hon. Francis has performed exemplary and has helped to hold the Party together both when in Government and in Opposition.

For the son of William Fonseca, arguably the best Chief Education Officer the country of Belize has ever seen, there could be no greater a record of accomplishments than the record of accomplishments Hon. Francis attained

during his tenure as PUP Area Representative for the Freetown Constituency and as a Minister of Government.

With respect to the latter, the Hon. Francis Fonseca served as AttorneyGeneral, Minister of Youth, Minister of Sports, Minister of Labour, Minister of Culture, and arguably the ministerial post he will be most remembered and lauded for – Minister of Education.

In just five (5) years (2003 – 2008), the Hon. Francis Fonseca, as then Minister of Education, presided over what many have described as an “educational renaissance” across the country of Belize. From expanded teacher training to the construction of new schools and additional classrooms in every district to the introduction of a “National Textbook Programme”, just to name a few, the Hon. Francis Fonseca rescued a failing education system and made it ready for full and active participation in the 21st Century. Guided by his father and the then Prime Minister and a former Minister of Education himself, the Right Hon. Said Musa, Hon. Francis charted a new and progressive course for Belize’s Educational System, a course that would see education in Belize grow by leaps and bounds.

As Minister of Education, the Hon.

Francis Fonseca always led with a deep sense of conviction and purpose. This fact can be best explained in the words of the honourable gentleman at the official opening of the three-day National Education Summit on May 24, 2004.

On that historic day, Hon. Francis declared, “We meet in the name of the Belizean children whose hopes and aspirations are our nation’s hopes and aspirations. It is for them that we live, work and rise each morning”.

As two-term Area Representative for the Freetown Constituency, Hon. Francis continues to enjoy the overwhelming support and confidence of the people of this Belize City north-side Constituency. During his inaugural term (2003 – 2008), the Hon. Francis Fonseca transformed the Freetown Constituency into a developed urban community that featured modern facilities and amenities such as police substations, health center, education and opportunity center, parks and playgrounds, basketball courts, football fields, community preschool and land development projects among others. Always one to keep in regular touch with his constituents, the Hon. Francis continues to attend to the needs and concerns of the people of Freetown notwithstanding the con-

Appeals Court halts UDP land grab Belize City, October 26, 2011 The Court of Appeal has landed a major blow to Government’s attempt to grab private property in Benque Viejo del Carmen.

Late this evening, a ruling by the Court’s Justices denied the Government’s request to appeal former Su-

for public purposes.

With the guidance of his attorneys Senior Counsel Said Musa and Kareem Musa, Bruce successfully fought off the Government in the Supreme Court.

Former CJ Conteh held that the acquisition was unConstruction was halted by GOB during their claim to 4.4 acres of Bruce’s private property

peals Court decision, there is not telling if the vindictiveness of the Government will see it using more taxpayer’s money to appeal the most recent decision before the Caribbean Court of Justice.

Samuel Bruce preme Court Chief Justice Abdulai Conteh’s June 2010 ruling which called GOB’s acquisition of four acres of land illegal.

Samuel Bruce is the victim of the attempted arbitrary land grab. Bruce, who has lived in the western Cayo community for the past twenty years, owns nine acres of land which he bought from its previous owner. He developed the front half of the land and made plans to construct facilities for young people and the neighborhood including swimming pools, playgrounds, skateboard parks, and an area for business booths, on the other portion.

In 2009, Bruce wrote to the area representative hoping he could get some assistance with the project. But instead, he got Government surveyors prowling on his land after learning that Government wanted to seize 4.4 acres

necessary, arbitrary and unlawful, and that Bruce has Constitutional protection against such actions.

The Court awarded damages of $30,000 which Bruce used to start a micro-financing program to help community resident.

While Bruce felt it was safe to return to his project, he was shocked to learn that Government still wanted his property. Before the year ended, the Government had filed for an appeal of the Supreme Court’s decision at the Court of Appeal and was adamant about taking the land. Today the Appeals Court issued their ruling and struck down the Government’s application, agreeing with the 2010 decision that the land taking was an illegal deprivation of land.

While Bruce is comforted by the Ap-

Sunday, October 30, 2011 straints brought upon by an oppressive and vindictive UDP Government.

To know Francis Fonseca is to know humility and service. For those who have had the opportunity to work with him, they would tell you that there are three Fs that describe Francis Fonseca, i.e. FAIR, FRANK and FIRM. Perhaps, his greatest qualification is, however, that Francis Fonseca is a student of the Right Hon. George Cadle Price. As a young soldier of the “Peaceful Constructive Revolution”, Francis Fonseca listened attentively to the immortal words of the “Father of the Nation”, none which resonated more with him than the words “Serve the People”.

Like his Leader Emeritus, the man to whom he turned for counsel and guidance even during his final days, Francis Fonseca is a true soldier of the “Peaceful Constructive Revolution” and a true servant of the people. And so it is with this conviction that the spirit of the PUP is witnessing a renewal and a fresh breeze of hope is blowing across Belize – FORWARD with FRANCIS! QUE VIVA PUP!

Sunday, October 30, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

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Great Expectations!

When the news broke that Hon. Mark Espat would not seek the People’s United Party leadership, it was met with mixed feelings within the PUP and throughout Belize. Many value Hon. Espat’s political capital in and outside the PUP as a serious candidate for leader, but with his announcement less than twenty four hours to last week’s Wednesday 5pm deadline, it plunged the party into a kind of self-awareness/survival mode that hadn’t occurred in a long time.

With all eyes on the PUP, what followed was a media frenzy of mischief-making and distortion that focused on the weaknesses of the Party rather than on the PUP’s ability to choose a leader. By the 5pm deadline, four candidates had emerged: Arthur Saldivar, Michael Espat, Julius Espat and Francis Fonseca.

Francis is no stranger to the leadership of the PUP, as he has served as Secretary General, Chairman, Senior Deputy and has contested the post of Leader, only to be edged by a mere twenty votes. It was no surprise, then, that at a special meeting the day after all other candidates decided to withdraw their names and allow the more capable man to lead.

Francis’ strength is his closeness and understanding of the common people, but most important, that he is always approachable, he is a keen listener, and one who understands the pain of the downtrodden and as the people of Freetown puts it: Francis is always there for you.

The New PUP leader’s first political order of business will have to be to bring everyone – from backbencher to election winner – under the big blue tent. He will next have to establish and promote the healing process quickly, visiting all constituencies and connecting with all camps, every critic and sceptic.

The PUP expects a great deal from Francis Fonseca, and this will be his biggest and most interesting challenge ever. Francis has stepped up to lead and the Party is confident he will quickly prove that the PUP is a credible alternative to the incompetent and cruel Barrow Administration.

While the Party will need results now, we admit that some of the problems can only be solved over time. But one thing that is certain is that Francis will have to get party supporters to do more, to play a closer, more integral role and to stand shoulder to shoulder. In the next few days, supporters must ask not what the Party can do for me, but what I can do for my party and country.

Francis offers hope, young blood, a new direction, but most important leadership built on the foundation of the Rt. Hon. George Price’s passion to serve the people. The road ahead will be difficult, the challenges great, the finances scarce, but in the words of our late Leader Emeritus: nobody can beat the PUP when we are united, and no one is bigger than the Party.

We wish the new leader well and victory in his first test come March 2012, and then on to victory in 2013 or whenever the elections are called. The nation will be watching his leadership with hopeful eyes. So will the media and everyone else tired of living under fear and hopelessness. We know Francis’ leadership will be one of admiration and great expectations. We have not a single doubt, he will deliver.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, October 30, 2011

The People’s United Party will be holding a delegate convention on November 5th 2011 at St. Mary’s Hall to elect its Mayoral and Councillor candidates for the Belize City Council municipal elections slate. Below are the candidates who will be contesting the elections.

People’s United Party Municipal Convention 2011 To elect a Mayoral candidate for Belize City INSTRUCTIONS: Place an X in the box next to the name of the candidate of your choice.

VOTE FOR ONLY (1) CANDIDATE

1

BODDEN, Karen

CANDIDATE

2

SALDIVAR, Sharole

CANDIDATE

People’s People’sUnited UnitedParty PartyMunicipal MunicipalConvention Convention2011 2011 To elect tenaCouncillor candidatesfor forBelize BelizeCity City To elect Mayoral candidate Placean anXXininthe thebox boxnext nextto tothe thename nameof of the the candidate candidatesofofyour yourchoice. choice.

INSTRUCTIONS: Place INSTRUCTIONS:

FOR NO THAN (10) CANDIDATES VOTEVOTE FOR ONLY (1)MORE CANDIDATE 3

AYUSO, Gary

4 1BABANI, Swamy BODDEN, Karen 5

CANDIDATE CANDIDATE CANDIDATE

BENNETT, Winston

CANDIDATE

SALDIVAR, 6 2CADLE, RobertSharole ‘Bobby’

CANDIDATE CANDIDATE

7

CASTELLANOS, Javier

CANDIDATE

8

LACEY, Peter Jr.

CANDIDATE

9

MANGAR, Bruce

CANDIDATE

10

THOMPSON, Patrick

CANDIDATE

11

USHER, Gilroy Jr.

CANDIDATE

12

VAUGHAN, Dorla Marie

CANDIDATE

13

VELLOS, Alberto

CANDIDATE

14

X, Erwin

CANDIDATE

15

YOUNG, Edward

CANDIDATE

16

YOUNG, Lennox ‘DJ Tambran’

CANDIDATE

17

ZUNIGA, Harold

CANDIDATE

Sunday, October 30, 2011

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Senator Lisa Shoman says “NO WAY” to 9th Amendment

By Carla Bradley The Senate met on October 24th 2011 to address motions presented at the House Sitting last week Friday as well as to vote on the much disputed and controversial 9th Constitution Amendment Bill, now the 8th Amendment.

Notably absent were senator for the Unions Representative, who recently fired Senator Paul Perriot, as well Senator Eamon Courtney and Coronada Villafranco. While Senators Godwin Hulse and Henry Gordon, who represented the Chamber and the Churches, respectively, and Senator Lisa Shoman, who represented the People’s United Party, presented very sound cases against the passage of the 9th Amendment Bill, the majority, which was the Government-appointed Senators, overpowered the vote to pass Bill.

Senator Shoman was the first to

speak against this proposed bill and elaborated on Section 2, Section 69 and Part 13, which is the new addition stating Government’s full control over public utilities. Senator Shoman first questioned why the Government of Belize was passing an amendment on “nationalization” when the Constitution already allows nationalization to occur.

In Section 2 of the Constitution of Belize it clearly states that this Constitution is the Supreme Law of Belize, and Senator Shoman goes on to say that the current Government of Belize, in respect to this Bill passed, has disrespected the very words of this section for she strongly believes that the government is moving to parliamentary supremacy. The Senator then went on to say that this Bill will cause inconsistencies in the Constitution, as the Constitution of Belize must be read as a whole and not by parts, as each

Barrow’s trickery!!

PM says BTL is only worth $71m, well consider it sold!

Wednesday, October 26, 2011 As if this Barrow regime had not totally lost their minds when they fought all attempts to keep democracy alive on the Ninth Amendment, now they have outdone themselves when Barrow gets up in the House and says that BTL was only worth $71 million, Belize dollars. He made the

bold announcement during his raucous presentation at the House last Friday, much to the amusement of all soberminded people.

Barrow notified the House that his government had contracted an international firm, Nera, to put a value on BTL when his government seized the company from its original owners. Bar-

part leads into another or relates to other sections.

The Churches had helped in the process of making what seemed as significant changes to the Bill before it went to the House, but Senator Shoman asserted that what is left and what was there is relatively the same, and have the same objective. The Senator indicated that Part 13 of the Bill is still as strong as the ouster clauses that were removed when the government met with the Council of Churches and in her opinion.

Senator Hulse and Senator Gordon spoke in the same pattern.

Both stated that the Senate’s voting would make no difference as the House of Representatives already passed the Bill. Senator Hulse declared that in 2008, the Senate was basically stripped of some powers and now they cannot, in his opinion, stop a Bill from passing. He also said this new section 13th of the Bill tells the Courts that they were wrong and that the acquisition of BTL was right from the very

row said that Nera provided two valuations. Nera’s first valuation of BTL up to the time his government took control of the company is $71.3 million Belize dollars. With the disputed $50m loan with British Caribbean Bank then the value of BTL offered by Nera goes up to $116.4 million Belize dollars. Either way, Belizeans know better.

Barrow obviously has “stronged” his way to a position where he wants to be. There is a saying: “Give the devil his due”, and Barrow has certainly earned his due of being a bully Prime Minister, too arro-

Continued on page 25

start even after the Court had ruled it was illegal. Both Senators Hulse and Gordon abstained from voting yes or no to the Bill on Monday.

Fortis

challenges BEL Nationalisation Continued from page 1 ed to prevent the country from being plunged into rolling blackouts. Fortis says BEL was financially capable of surviving the dry season, and that there was no real threat of blackouts, and Government knew this.

With the passage of the 9th Constitution Amendment, Fortis has added in its claim that the Amendment takes away their right to challenge the nationalisation of the company, which is guaranteed by section 17 of the Constitution.

Fortis also points out that Government has yet to start discussing compensation, which is a component of nationalisation.

Of interest is that Belizeans have not benefitted from Government’s takeover which makes the “public purpose” argument difficult to believe.

Prime Minister Dean Barrow has announced that next year he may consider a decrease in electricity rates, but that would be just in time for the municipal elections.

At the heels of yet another highlevel litigation, only time will tell how his one will turn out. One thing is for certain and that is that Belizeans will not benefit only the Government’s preferred, high-paid attorneys.

Rocked by Scandals,Perdomo Quits

Continued from page 1

have been disastrous, and have been total failures to the nation.

Perdomo stood watch as the murder count went from 95 in 2007 under the previous administration, to 132 in 2010 under the UDP. This is after Perdomo had promised as an election ploy on October 17 2007 to introduce a “360 degree program” to battle crime.

Perdomo was not even in office, yet the lies began splurging out. His plan to “restore the respect for law and order and recuperate our people’s confidence in our national system of law and order” was anything but disgraceful as Belizeans lost confidence in both the system of law and order and its agents. The murder rate spiked to 132, the highest ever. Perdomo and Prime Minister Barrow said they would persecute a ring of corrupt cops, yet they kept the most corrupt ones closer and used them as pawns to do their bidding.

In June 2010, Perdomo was demoted when he was stripped of the Ministry of National Security. But given his family’s influence over the Prime Minister and the UDP, he was still granted an opportunity to exploit another Ministry – this time the Minis-

try of Immigration and Defense. Soon after, new scandals and controversies erupted. Allegations of the illegal sale of visas, human trafficking, poor support for the military, constant Guatemalan encroachment and even violent attacks against our soldiers, and the breach of our national security compound to steal weapons and high-level information were serious and real.

With such a disastrous record, Perdomo found no other way but out to give way to another UDP flimsy character. Waiting with anticipation have been a few who have been lurking and plotting for some time. First is rejected contender Roger Espejo. Espejo could not even muster 8% of the electorate’s support in the UDP Caribbean Shores Convention last year. His measly 375 votes in a constituency of almost 5,000 was the joke of the town for many weeks.

Next is disgraced Mayor Zenaida Moya-Flowers who seems to be willing to do anything and with anyone for a political constituency. Shamefully, as Perdomo announces his departure, the Mayor is nowhere to be found and won’t even have the opportunity to nominate and second her candidacy.

Third is the royal nephew. This

young businessman has been pushing the right dial buttons with Belize Telemedia Limited, enjoying a cozy business relationship which has led to millions in profits for his cellular company.

His candidacy would, of course, bring the spotlight on this “special arrangement” and his choice not to enter the political arena turned out to be a business decision.

Calling a convention was not even an option for the UDP in Caribbean Shores. It would be too risky with a wildcard like Zenaida Moya in their midst. Former UDP Manager of ACB fame thought it would give his candidate, Espejo, the best chance, but a powerful faction closed the deal against them. That faction is the Singh family whose test of the political waters left them scared and scarred, with Douglas Singh losing shamefully to Hon. Francis Fonseca in the 2003 elections. The deal breaker was the agreement that Perdomo would be allowed to keep his portfolio in exchange for Michael Singh’s assured endorsement. Singh is a risky choice for the UDP. His short tenure as CEO in the Tourism Industry was embarrassing as he failed to deliver on anything for the industry. His han-

dling of the cruise industry-tender debacle which favoured rich special interests at the cost of our local tenders demonstrates why he should never be trusted by the people. While Perdomo’s baggage may be too much for the UDP, Singh’s closet is certain to contain so many skeletons, or should we say money laundering files?

Belizeans should keep a close watch on the UDP’s machinations in Caribbean Shores. Belizeans must call for Perdomo’s immediate removal. He is a disgraced politician who does not deserve to collect taxpayers’ money just like that. There was clearly no consideration given to Perdomo’s dismal record and to the excuse that he is resigning because of health reasons. If he is not healthy enough to prepare for electoral battle, how can he be healthy for Ministerial office?

Soon, the memory of one of Belize’s worst Ministers to serve in one of the highest offices might just become distant. But the lives that have been lost, the violence and bloodshed on the streets, and national embarrassments suffered under his watch will make it difficult to simply etch his shameful record faintly on a gray slate UDP tombstone for losers.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Ex-Cop found guilty of having two wives BELIZE CITY, Wed. Oct. 26, 2011

By Roy Davis Ex-police constable Jaime Peña, 36, charged with bigamy, was found guilty of the charge today in the court of Justice Herbert Lord.

The jury of 6 women and 3 men deliberated for about 4 hours before it arrived at its verdict which was unanimous.

Justice Lord has adjourned sentencing until Friday, November 11, in order to give Peña time to prepare a plea for mitigation. Peña was not represented by an attorney. The penalty for bigamy is 7 years.

Peña’s first wife, Ruby Peña nee

Jaime Peña

Camera, 36, a primary school teacher, testified that she married Peña on February 7, 1998, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Corozal Town. She said they lived together as man and wife for about 9 years and they have three children, their ages 13, 9 and 7.

She said she last saw him about 2 years ago when he came to her house and asked her to take him back.

Onelia Botes testified that she was one of the witnesses to the marriage ceremony that was performed by father Lazarus Augustine.

The certificates from the first and second marriage were admitted into evidence.

Edmund Pennil, the Registrar of the Supreme Court, testified that on February 19,

Two murders in Toledo More cases of sexual assault on children BELIZE CITY, Tuesday, October 25th, 2011

By Alton Humes At the heels of public outcries and calls for stiffer penalties against perpetrators of sexual offenses against children, there are more reports of those deprives cases.

Police are investigating a carnal knowledge case that dates back to June of this year. A 3-year old female student from Roaring Creek Village, Cayo District, reported that when she went to her uncle’s home here in the city, a man identified as Yannick Haulze reportedly accosted her and then had intercourse with her against her will.

The two aggravated assault cases are downright sad and perverse. The first concerns a pastor who reportedly thought it was quite alright to hurt and abuse one of his young male congregants. Jason Neal, pastor of a church

in the village of Roaring Creek, had a congregant (age not given), staying with him at his home. But that was seemingly license enough to allegedly touch the boy’s privates twice, once in June, the next in July of this year. The boy, accompanied by a parent, reported him to Belmopan City Police, and Neal was arrested and charged with 2 counts of aggravated assault.

The next incident was perpetrated against a 7-year-old girl. She, accompanied by her mother, reported to Police that one ‘Jeremy’ hurt her twice: first; taking her underwear and pants off to rub his penis on her vagina and then, touching her vagina. The incidents in question occurred in the span between the 1st and 20th October, 2011.

All investigations continue, and Police continue to gather evidence in each case.

BELIZE CITY, Tuesday, October 25th, 2011

By Alton Humes The Police are investigating two separate murders in the Toledo District.

Mr. Pedro Che Pacoy, a 58 year old Guatemalan national, was found dead on Friday, October 21st, miles away from his milpa off the Southern Highway in the village of Medina Bank in the Toledo District by his son, Manuel.

The old man left home last Thursday, 20th October, to work his place and never came

2008, he performed a marriage ceremony at the Registry between Jaime Peña and Olga Leticia Gusman Vasquez, a Guatemalan national.

Peña gave a statement from the dock in which he claimed that his name was Jaime Peña and not Luciano Jaime Peña as was the name on the certificate of his alleged marriage to Ruby.

He asked that his birth certificate with the name Jaime Peña be admitted as evidence.

In addition, Peña submitted that based on the evidence presented by the prosecution he does not have a case to answer to. But Justice Lord ruled that he does have a case to answer to.

home. He was found with bruises on the right side of his abdomen, suggestive of foul play.

The second case involves Herman Muschamp, a resident of Punta Gorda Town. Muschamp was socializing with friends on Monday October 17th, and was seen with a man identified as Clarence Coleman after midnight on October 18th. But here’s where things veer off. It is who hurt Muschamp or of who attacked him, but by the time he got home, he would be motionless and unresponsive. Muschamp was rushed to the Town Hospital in PG with injuries to his face and head, along with copious bleeding. He would later be rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where he would die on October 22nd, 2011.

In all cases, investigations continue.

Sunday, October 30, 2011

9

THE BELIZE TIMES

18 yr. old charged for murder of businessman Ernesto Myvett BELIZE CITY, Wed. Oct. 26, 2011

By Roy Davis Sanjay Lino, 18, a part time construction worker residing at 31 Ebony Street was charged with the murder of Ernesto Myvett, 43, a businessman and ex-BDF soldier, when he appeared today in the #2 Magistrate’s Court.

Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser did not take a plea from

Sanjay Lino

him because the offence is indictable. Neither could she offer him bail because of the nature of the offence. She remanded him into custody until December 7.

The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 4.

According to reports, Myvett was alone in his store, located on Maskall

Pedophile accused of assaulting 11 yr. old step-daughter BELIZE CITY, Wed. Oct. 26, 2011 A 42 year old man, who allegedly molested his 11 year old step-daughter, was charged with aggravated assault of an indecent nature when he

appeared in the #1 Magistrate’s Court.

The man pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The prosecutor objected to bail on the grounds that the offence is of a se-

Teen murdered in Camalote Tuesday, October 25, 2011 Frank Usher, 16, a youth who fled his home in Roaring Creek to elude a slew of murderous threats he had been receiving over the past few weeks ago, was not lucky enough to escape his attackers. Usher, who relocated to the adjoining village of Camalote with friends, was shot once in the heart at around five on Sunday morning in bushes on Young Bank Road just outside where he was staying.

According to residents, two gunshots broke the still of the morning.

One of his friends said he also heard the shots, but thought nothing at first, until he heard people outside and looked through his window and saw that the villagers had surrounded his dying friend on the ground.

There might have been a brief exchange of words between the two before the shots were fired. That discussion reportedly had to do with the whereabouts of weapons and

when Usher could give no definitive response and his killer threatened him again, Usher might have dared the person to “goh head and shoot”.

Relatives of the deceased believe that he was shot as he got out of his refuge to make the daily commute back to Roaring Creek, where he spent his waking hours. After the fatal shots rang out, the boy managed to identify the person who shot him before he passed away, and Belmopan police are now on a manhunt for the suspect. The man is said to be one of the two who had previously threatened Usher in the presence of others.

Usher’s relatives have said that the men who threatened him were friends of his who had asked him to secure two prohibited AKA rifles and another smaller gun. Nervous about getting nabbed with an unlicensed weapon, Usher took the gun to another person. When the original gun bearers inquired about the weapon and Usher could not produce it that was when the threats began.

rious nature, that it has become prevalent, that the complainant is a minor and there is the strong possibility that if granted bail the defendant would interfere with the witness.

In response the man said he met his common-law wife about 2 years ago and he did not know that she had 3 children. He claimed that his 11 year old step-daughter does not like when he disciplines her and she comes home late at nights and sometimes

Road in Sandhill, when three persons entered, two of them armed with firearms.

Myvett was fatally shot in his upper body as he fled. His assailants stole his 9 millimetre pistol and made their get away in a maroon vehicle that was parked on Maskall Road near to the exit to the Northern Highway.

The police reported that they recovered 3 expended shells from the scene.

she comes home with $50.

Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith was prepared to offer him bail if he had another place to stay. But she changed her mind when the prosecutor told her that the man is on parole for a conviction of indecent assault on a previous step-daughter. She remanded the man into custody until November 24.

The incident occurred on September 29. The child reported to the police that her step-father fondled her private parts.

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BELIZE'S #1 SPORTS PAGE

THE BELIZE TIMES

Winners’ Summary: Juan Adalberto Altamirano Olarte - Tae-kwon-do dojo Carolina Barrera – Kumite Fernando Salam - Kumite (Exhibition) Manuel Ang Valderas Kumite

Joel Meyer takes on Juan Adalberto Altamirano

Sunday, October 30, 2011

House of Shotokan hosts international martial arts championships

Belize City, October 22, 2011 Belizean sports fans got to enjoy plenty of live martial arts action when the House of Shotokan hosted Mexican students of tae-kwon-do to its first international martial arts championships at the Belize Elementary School auditorium last Saturday.

Chetumal’s Juan Adalberto Altamirano Olarte of the Eagle Park tae-kwon-do dojo won the male mixed martial arts kumite. Altamirano had first won 4-3 against fellow Mexican Santiago Velasquez in the 1st round and he eliminated Joel Meyer of the House of Shotokan 2-1 in the second round. Meyer had advanced out of the 1st round by a 3-2 win against Roberto Gonzalez in the first round.

Mexican Luis Felipe Escamilla had also advanced out of the first round by a 5-1 beat-down of Alvin Gonzalez. Altamirano won 2-1 against Escamilla in the final for 1st place and Escamilla took 2nd; while Joel Meyer took 3rd place.

Mexican Carolina Barrera of the Eagle Park

Magdalena Barrera attacks Carolina Barrera

dojo won the female kumite against her sibling, Carolina Barrera.

A number of exhibition bouts highlighted the kumite action as Belizean black belt karateka Fernando Salam took on Mexican kick boxer Uri Gamino Villa. Salam adjusted his attacks from the kick-boxing style, switching to karate style to land several hand strikes to the face to win the match.

Judo-ka Eddermys Sanchez had no trouble pinning Joel Meyer to the mat in the next mixed martial arts bout.

Sanchez did not fare so well when he challenged Fernando Salam, even though he used a reverse hold to pin Salam to the mat on his first try. Salam broke free and then pin Sanchez from behind. Sanchez tried twice more, but each time Salam pinned him to the mat to win the bout.

Eagle Park dojo’s Manuel Ang Valderas won the final kumite of the day against his teammate Carlos Escobar in tae-kwon-do style.

The kumites were preceded by kata demonstrations of form by karatekas of the House of Shotokan, several age categories from 8-yer-olds to teenagers and adults, as well as weapons kata.

Alex Lourie & Jamie Usher

win annual Henry Usher half marathon on the Western Highway, through Belize City and on to the Northern Highway to the finish line at Price Barracks.

Jamie Usher clocked 1:51:46

Alex Lourie won Mens’ marathon

Ladyville, October 23, 2011 Alexander Lourie and Jamie Usher won the annual Henry “Eagle” Usher half marathon organized by the Belize Defence Force as part of its Annual Sports Day at the Price Barracks in Ladyville on Saturday.

Alexander Lourie won the $1,000 first prize when he beat his rivals in the 13 mile run from Old Belize

Jamie Usher win Fem marathon

as she won the $1,000 1st prize among the women, while Elissa Gibson clocked 2:09:00 to win $800 as 2nd prize. BDF’s Monique Godoy clocked 2:30:00 to win the $650 as the 3rd prize.

Ashanti Carr won the $300 first prize in the 5km race clocking 22:37, while her twin Ashonti Carr clocked 22:50 to win the $200 2nd prize. Gloria Chun finished in 28:25 to win the $100 3rd prize, while Crystal Allen finished 4th in 33:25.

Franz Vernon clocked 19:47.09 seconds to win the $300 first prize in the male 5 km race. James Ramos clocked 19:52.00 later to win the $200 2nd prize and Alexander Alvarado finished clocked 19:58 to win the $100 3rd prize.

Jamal Webster finished 4th in 21:34, while Wayne Crawford was 5th in 23:07 and Vince Castillo clocked 24:52 to take 6th place. Ricardo Aguilar was 7th in 26:42 while Trei Solis finished 8th in 30:00.

The sports day continued with a 10 km race as well as 100m and 200m sprints and 400m and 800m races as well as a 4 x 200m relay race. There were also basketball and volleyball games, and a tug-of-war to round out the day filled with family fun activities.

Other finishers: Male category Justin Baptist, 2nd place, $700 prize Kenrick Duncan, 3rd place, $600 prize Brandon Palacio 4th place, $500 prize Jesus Mai 5th place, $400 prize Louis Haulze 6th place, $300 prize Daniel Harris 7th place, $200 prize Robert Stephenson 8th place, $150 prize Leonel Castillo 9th place, $100 prize Elbert Flowers 10th place, $75 prize Jervis Roca, 11th place

Ricardo Oyuela won 7th in 5km

Sunday, October 30, 2011

11

THE BELIZE TIMES

BES boys & girls

BELIZE'S #1 SPORTS PAGE

lead primary schools volleyball Other games: St Martin De Porres vs. Ebenezer School – 25-10, 25-1 St. Martin De Porres vs. St. John Vianney RC – 28-30, 25-18, 15-10 Belize Elementary girls vs. Wesley Upper School girls - 25-13, 25-13 Belize Elementary boys vs. Wesley Upper School boys –25-17, 23-25, 16-14 Salvation Army girls vs. St. Ignatius girls 25-20, 25-2 St. Ignatius boys vs. Salvation Army - 25-11, 25-12 Salvation Army vs. Buttonwood Bay Nazarene – Nazarene win by forfeit St. John Vianney RC vs. the St. Martin De Porres – 25-10, 25-17

BES’ girls team

Belize City, October 24, 2011 The undefeated Belize Elementary School girls and boys each enjoyed their 4th victories of the Belize City primary schools volleyball competition on Monday, October 24.

The Belize Elementary School girls won easily over the St. Ignatius RC School girls in two sets 25-6 and 25-12, while the Belize Elementary School boys had to go to 3 sets to prevail over the Nashus boys 2511, 16-25, and 15-11.

Hattieville & Boom to represent Belize Rural Belize District, October 20, 2011 The Hattieville Government School girls and the Burrell Boom Methodist boys were also chosen to represent the Belize rural schools at the Belize district finals when the Belize National Sports Council held rural eliminations in Burrell boom last Thursday.

The Hattieville girls had to go to 3 sets to outlast the Belize Rural Primary School girls, who won the 1st set: 25-19, before they took it away

BES’ boys team

25-18 and 15-9.

The Burrell Boom Methodist boys won 25-16, 26-18 over the Hattieville Government School boys; both 1st and 2nd place teams will advance to the district finals against the city champions and sub-champions.

The Belize Rural Primary girls had eliminated the Lucky Strike Government school girls 25-17, 25-12 in the semifinals, while the Burrell Boom Methodist boys had also eliminated the St. Agnes Government school boys 25-11, 25-10 in the semifinals.

Undefeated Millennium pins

down Tornadoes Belize City, October 23, 2011 The Undefeated Millennium Girls enjoyed their 8th consecutive win when they defeated the Ladyville Tornadoes 1-0 on Sunday.

Geanne Cayetano and Christine Avila-Jacobs led the Millennium offensive supported by midfielders Kursha Pollard, Sandy Vernon and Sharmaine Augustine. Kara Kisling executed a free kick with such precision goalkeeper Imelda Alarcon got her gloves on the ball, but only to deflect the ball into the back of the net.

Despite changes in their line-u and stepped up offensive from the Tornadoes team, Millennium was able to secure the 1-0 win.

The competition continues on Sunday, October 30 Other games: with the Caye Caulker Island p l a y i n g of three Stars vs. Ladyville b a c k Orchids – 5-0 matches Hattieville Heats in Caye vs.Sand Hill UnCaulker.

touchables – 1-0

Orchids takes on Caye Caulker

Sandhill defends

Millenium’s Christine Jacobs attacks

Tornadoes’ Salambu Munnings attacks

12

This Week’s

OCTOBER 30, THE BELIZE TIMES BELIZETIMES SUNDAY Sunday, October 30,2011 2011 see full color at www.belizetimes.bz or Facebook/ Belize Times

TOP MODEL

E-NEWS

MISSCOROZAL 2011

photo by Richard Holder

Jeanie

• Attended University of Belize • Career Plan: Media Personality • Sign: Aquarius • Favourite Food: Italian • Likes: Singing, Modeling, Hanging out with Friends • Lives in Ladyville • Fav. Quote: “Reach for the Sky, if you fall on the Mountain Top you are Still Very High, So Always Aim High”

Sunday, October 30, 2011

13

THE BELIZE TIMES

The UDP

and the Drug Cartel Belize City, October 25, 2011 Belize continues on the United States’ notorious list of countries considered to be major drug producers or transit routes for illegal drugs.

The news from the U.S. State Department that Belize could face possible sanctions for its role in the drug trade was followed by the Washington Post’s in-depth report which revealed that more than 10 metric tons of cocaine are smuggled through Belize’s territory each year through coastal waters, aircraft landing on roads and national highways, and small boats which ferry their load through rivers.

Police Minister Douglas Singh admitted in the Post interview [reprinted in the BELIZE TIMES October 16, 2011 issue] that in Belize “a lot of legitimate and illegitimate businessmen” are prospering because of the drug trade.

While Singh’s casual admission of the state of affairs is disturbing, what is more frightening is the growing evidence that security forces and Government officials are co-opting and facilitating narco-traffickers, and that IS the reason the drug business is flourishing.

According to Singh, Mexican businessmen suspected of working for Mexico’s drug cartel are present in Belize. While he made no direct references nor called names one very recent incident, which involves the murder of a Mexican national suspected of having ties with one of the most dangerous drug cartels and who was involved in a multi-million dollar Government project

in Belize, raises grave concerns about the BarGapi Vega row Administration’s role in the drug cartel.

Luis Carlos Carrillo Cano was murdered on October 19th outside a restaurant in Cancun. He was believed to be the nephew of drug lord, Vicente Carrillo Fuentes, and also brother to Ricardo Carrillo Cano who is accused by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency of money laundering, extortion, kidnapping and murder. His killing during the alleged robbery was believed to be drug-related.

While Cano was under constant scrutiny in Mexico, especially when his company Safei Quintana Roo was hired to do major remodelling of the state prison, when he came to Belize and was contracted to take up a portion of the multi-million dollar construction of the Marion Jones Sporting Complex, it happened quietly and with the blessings of Government authorities.

Cano’s company, Urbanisadora Continental, was part of a joint venture to build the Marion Jones Stadium with a local company. Exactly how Cano came to be involved in the project is not clear, but worth investigating.

Is the UDP in bed with the drug cartel? Growing evidence is that such is the case. A couple of years ago, the document referred to as “the Broaster Report” made serious allegations against senior Police Officers and high

Senator Godwin Hulse concerned about GOB’s $64m write-off

By Carla Bradley One of the motions presented at the Senate on October 24th 2011 was the write off of $64,160,886.71 in respect to the Housing and Planning Department of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development loans and mortgages portfolio.

Senator Douglas Singh, on behalf of the government, presented the said sum to be written off, and stated that this would be looked as a positive thing for the people who owe this money. Senator Hulse on the other hand believed that writing this considerably large sum of money would hurt the tax payers’ pocket and that people would then look at is a donation and might even take it as a habit to not pay back. He instead suggested that some form of mechanism, or payment plan be put into place for these loans to be paid by the people, even if it was only a hundred dollars a year.

The Senator also commented on the

motion for a new Auditor General Mrs. Dorothy Bradley. While he agreed that she is more than capable to fill such a position, he is greatly concerned that the government is moving to appoint a new Auditor General when files presented by the past Auditor General have still not been addressed. Great concerns and questions arose from these files and no answers have been given as yet. He believes that these questions and concerns must be dealt with so as to make the transition easier for the new Auditor General.

Senator Hulse also commented that in his understanding of the Constitution of Belize, the Senate had no jurisdiction over the amendments proposed as they did not fall under the Senate. It basically means that he believes that their vote is very much in vain as it wouldn’t have made an impact as the House of Representatives already passed the bill, which is why he abstained from voting along with the Churches’ Senate representative, Henry Gordon.

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Luis Carlos Carrillo Cano

Government officials. Cano’s name never appeared, but another suspected Mexican drug lord did along with the name of the Deputy Prime Minister.

The Deputy Prime Minister has never disputed the allegations.

Under the UDP, drug planes land and unload their cargo on national highways and farm roads. Under the UDP, visas are sold to persons half way across

Doug Singh

the world for dirt cheap, under the UDP containers with weapons artillery and suspected illegal drugs disappear from the highly secured Customs compound.

Most recently, under the UDP, even the Belize Defense Force armoury is unsafe as dozens of military weapons have disappeared. Is it all coincidence or one big conspiracy to facilitate drug lords and the drug cartel? You be the judge.

14

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Sunday, October 30, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

15

Former Parliamentarian Valdemar Castillo addresses 6th form students Calcutta Village, October 7, 2011 Students of the Adventist 6th Form Business Class in Calcutta, Corozal District, received a special visit on Friday October 7th 2011 when former Parliamentarian and Government Minister Valdemar Castillo arrived at the school for a special presentation.

Castillo has a long history of service to the nation. He was first elected as representative for the Corozal North constituency in 1979, and has

served in many capacities including Minister of Labour, Local Government and the Sugar Industry, as well as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. Today he is the Opposition PUP’s Standard Bearer in the area and is also the Chairman of the PUP’s northern caucus.

Castillo was invited to the school to discuss the Constitution of Belize. He answered questions such as: When and where was the Belize

San Pedro Lions

awards 2 scholarships Monday, October 24, 2011 Through a generous and anonymous donor, the San Pedro Lions Club was able to secure scholarships for two deserving children totaling Bze $5000.

The club collaborated with the Ambergris Caye Elementary School and

the students were placed into their respective classes today Monday, October 24, 2011.

The San Pedro Lions Club takes this opportunity to congratulate Joana Tun, a Standard V student and Leroy Arzu, a standard I student and wishes them the best of luck.

San Pedro Lions handed over scholarships

Constitution written?

What is the purpose of the Belize Constitution? Who wrote it and where it came from? Why is the Belize Constitution important for the country? What is the Belize Constitution?

Castillo also discussed the 9 Constitutional Bill in detail, and explained how it threatens to infringe on the fundamental rights and freedom we currently enjoy.

During the presentation, the students listened keenly, took notes and showed interest and concern.

The students and their class prefect thanked Valdemar Castillo for making an educational presentation of the Belize Constitution, and presented him with a token of appreciation and an open invitation to return.

The people’s representative in Corozal North discusses Constitutional issues with students

16

THE BELIZE TIMES

Miss Garifuna Belize City to be held Friday Belize City, October 26, 2011 As a part of the schedule of events leading up to Garifuna Settlement Day, the National Garifuna Council, Belize City Branch, is pleased to inform the general public that the selection of Ms Garifuna Belize City will be held at the Holy Redeemer Parish Hall in Belize City on Friday, October 28, 2011 at 7:30PM. There will be six talented young ladies vying for the title. They are Samantha Augustine, Jane Bermudez, Elsiemae Bermudez, Shamira Magdaleno, Gwendolyn Roches and Shanice Valerio. This cultural pageant is an annual event that provides young Garinagu the opportunity to showcase and share with the community their pride

and appreciation for the cultural heritage of our ancestors. The candidates will be judged in two main areas: how best they demonstrate the cultural dances and individual presentations which include expression and fluency in the Garifuna language.

The winner of the Miss Garifuna Belize City pageant will move on to the Fr. Marin Parish Hall, in the Dangriga on Saturday, November 5, 2011, and join the winning contestants from other communities throughout Belize who will be competing for the prestigious national title of Miss Garifuna Belize.

An invitation is extended to all to come and cheer their favorite candidate and enjoy this rich cultural event.

(Press Release)

Cristina Kirchner re-elected as Argentina’s president AP, Monday 24 October 2011 01.22 BST The Argentinian president, Cristina Kirchner, has been re-elected with one of the widest victory margins in the country’s history, a triumph that vindicated her message that she is best able to keep spreading the wealth of an economic boom.

Kirchner had nearly 54% of the votes cast in Sunday’s election after almost 97% of polling stations had reported. Her nearest challenger got just under 17%.

“We need everyone to comprehend … that because of the popular will and this political decision, you can count on me to continue deepening this national project for the 40 million Argentines,” she vowed in her victory speech before thousands of supporters on Sunday night.

The goal of this “project” is to profoundly change society by using Argentina’s resources to raise incomes, create jobs, restore the country’s industrial capacity, reduce poverty and maintain an economic boom that has seen the country grow and reduce poverty.

Since she and her predecessor as president, her husband Néstor Kirchner, first moved into Argentina’s presidential palace in 2003, the income gap between the country’s rich and poor has been reduced by nearly half. Mean-

while, according to the International Monetary Fund’s numbers for 20022011, Argentina’s real GDP has grown 94%, the fastest in the western hemisphere and about twice the rate of Brazil, which has also grown substantially, the economist Mark Weisbrot said.

The US president, Barack Obama, “could take a lesson from this”, said Weisbrot, co-director of the Centre for Economic and Policy Research in Washington. “It’s an old-fashioned message of democracy: you deliver what you promise and people vote for you. It’s kind of forgotten here in the US.” Kirchner noted that she is Latin America’s first woman to be re-elected as president, but described the victory as bittersweet, since her husband, who died of a heart attack almost a year ago, wasn’t there to share it.

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Sunday, October 30, 2011

Sunday, October 30, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

Insufficient beds for surgery at the KHMH

gilroy usher sr. port loyola

By Gilroy Usher, Sr. (PUP Standard Bearer Port Loyola) Proper health care for the people is one of the basic responsibilities of any government. Without good health people cannot use their talent and the resources of the county to build a better Belize in which every single person is given the opportunity to enjoy a decent standard of living.

It is therefore shocking to know that a lot of people, who need urgent surgery, cannot access that medical care at the KHMH due to a severe shortage of beds in that section of the hospital.

That situation in the department is causing untold hardship on many families. Transportation costs, food expenses, additional medication, and contin-

ued stress on patients and their loved ones are only some of the unnecessary experienced when patients are turned away from the KHMH for surgery. Many Belizeans, who cannot afford the high cost of operation in private clinics, have paid the ultimate price due to the shortage of beds in the operation section of the KHMH. This is because they end up losing the battle with their illness while waiting for a bed in the surgical department at our leading hospital to make their operation possible. This is a most shameful situation for a government that says its cares about the welfare of the Belizean people.

This blatant neglect in healthcare is occurring at the KHMH despite the fact that the health facility is in Belize City, which is most populated municipality and commercial hub of the country.

The shortage of beds for surgeries at the KHMH is indeed a terrible situation; however, the shortages of the most basic things for proper healthcare in the towns and villages which are far away from the scrutiny of the media are ten times worst.

For the last 3 ½ years this UDP government has made absolutely no effort to address the shortage of beds for operation at the KHMH. This is because the Ministers and their cronies, who live like the rich and famous at taxpayers’ expense, don’t use the KHMH for

surgery. When in need of such medical care they access first class treatment at private clinics at home and abroad. That is why this government shows no interest in ensuring that the HKMH has the necessary beds for poor people who need to take surgery. Nevertheless we the grassroots people demand proper attention to the needs of the surgical department at the KHMH because that’s the only hospital we can afford to save

17 our lives.

Our people are not asking for worldclass beds at the KHMH. They are not asking for beds that cost exorbitant prices. All they are asking for is decent beds in this department to enable them to take their operation. If the Ministers give-up the many perks that they enjoy at taxpayers’ expense for a month (not even a year, much-less five years) there would be more than enough money to outfit the surgical department at the KHMH with the needed beds.

The Belizean people have suffered enough due to the severe shortage of beds in the surgical department of the KHMH. They therefore want to know when the Government will take the necessary steps to correct this most disgraceful situation at our leading hospital.

18

THE BELIZE TIMES

Reid B

elizeans were subjected last Friday to yet another display of base ramblings conducted by those who purport to be our leaders. In an exercise resembling more a fish market squabble than a respectable debate, the second and third readings of the controversial Ninth Amendment Bill were pushed through the House and forwarded to the Senate for ratification.

Despite a brief respite in the way of a temporary injunction, by mid Tuesday afternoon, the way was cleared and the Bill was rushed to the Governor General for his seal of assentation.

The Prime Minister had made it clear from the very beginning that hook it or crook it; the Ninth Amendment would be passed into law. With a super majority in the House made up primarily of ob-

sequent brownnosers, a rubber stamp Senate and a Governor General with no power of discretion, this was a prime example of a “forgone conclusion.”

The Prime Minister was in fine quarrel form on Friday, labeling lawyers asses and lashing out at any who had dared to stand in his way. That group, interestingly enough, included some prominent players in our society; namely the Bar Association, the Chamber of Commerce and the National Teacher’s Union just to name a few. There was also the matter of 21,000 voters who had signed a petition to request a referendum. Tough luck, said the Prime Minister, as he thumbed his nose in disdain.

One can understand Mr. Barrow having what Jules described as “a spring in his step” but even Barrow’s most prolific spinmeister had to question the amount of “precious political capital (that) was hemorrhaged” as a result of this latest display of arrogance. Mr. Barrow can certainly claim victory but many believe that it will wind up, a pyrrhic one indeed.

On the other hand, those countless many that so nobly resisted this push to dictatorship can be comforted in knowing that their efforts were not entirely in vain. While the Ninth Amendment is law, Belizeans came away with a much better understanding of what our Consti-

tution is all about. Many who had paid little mind to this significant document before, are now quoting chapters, sections and sub-sections. A Pandora’s Box in effect, has been opened and a new interest kindled that might very well lead to a desperately needed reform of this, our “former’ supreme law of the land.

If there is one true statement that was made by our foreign Solicitor General during the sham consultations, it is that “the Constitution is a living document that should be allowed to grow and change with the times.” There are a few things that should be added and a few that should be taken away but no change should be undertaken to prohibit our freedoms but rather to enhance them.

An imperative endeavor should be to ensure that lessons on the Constitution be incorporated into the curriculum of every public or private school in the land. A part of this would be to involve those young minds in the reforming and revamping of all things incidental thereto or connected therewith; the Constitution is in need of immediate revision.

The Constitution must include a provision for a binding referendum, whereas any change made to our Constitution must be done with the consent of a majority of the electorate. It has been proven many times over that the people cannot rely upon the discretion of persons elected into public office. Therefore, no law or policy should be predicated upon any “minister’s discretion”. That clause should be forever removed from our Constitution and from all laws governing our country.

The ninety day waiting period between first and second reading must have mandatory and specifically defined

Sunday, October 30, 2011

consultations. That political circus that was recently concluded and passed off as consultation was anything but, and wound up instead, a ridiculous waste of time and money. For the thousand opposed, it was from the start, an exercise in futility.

We must write into the Constitution, statutes that demand more accountability and better transparency. In this day of advance communications and technology, it is very easy to keep the public informed as to all things pertaining to governance. The public must make themselves available to the provision of an adequate checks and balance. If we indeed choose to live under a system of democracy and if a democracy is indeed a government of the people for the people and by the people, then the people must become more vigilant and involved.

We must demand that each government department maintain a website where they shall post all revenues and expenditures. It is ridiculous for a Boots Martinez or a Michael Finnegan to be given countless million to disburse at their leisure with no mechanism for accountability in place. We seem almost to be encouraging corruption and make it way too easy for these elected officials to take advantage of their position and privileges.

Court judgment has now been rendered and the Ninth Amendment becomes law. As was noted by attorney Godfrey Smith however, “political judgment awaits the government on its decision to ignore the wish of twenty-one thousand people for a referendum.”

Dean Barrow is now laughing but as the old folks would say, “first laugh dah nuh laugh.” The people shall have the last laugh!

Sunday, October 30, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

A New Leader of the PUP And the Next Revolution: One Belize-Prosperous, United and Free

By Carolyn Trench-Sandiford – Deputy Leader People’s United Party - Belize

P

erhaps Martin Luther King says it best. ‘The measure of a man’s worth is not where he stands in times of comfort, but where he stands in time of challenges and controversy’.

The Hon. Francis Fonseca has stepped up to the plate to be the leader of the People’s United Party and the next Prime Minister of Belize. He said, and I quote, ‘to be a part of the solution’ for a party and a country.

As I have said in a previous article, our leader will have no honeymoon. He has to hit the ground running to shape a party to be battle ready to win the upcoming municipal and general elections, He will also have the task of instilling hope in a people crying out for jobs, for better living conditions and simply to be safe and secure in their

homes and community.

The emergence of a new leader brings to a closure a tumultuous time in the life of the party. He will undoubtedly provide the calm after the storm.

Members of the People’s United Party and the people of Belize will welcome the Hon. Francis Fonseca, and expects him, with a sense of urgency and purpose, to steady the ship, to plot the course, to assemble the team and to transition the party from being perceived as the opposition to a government in waiting.

On Saturday October 29th, 2011, we go to a Special Convention where the Hon. Francis Fonseca will address the party and the nation. Thereafter, we move forward to continue the revolution, this time, to create One BelizeProsperous United and Free, to bring about Economic independence, security and sustainability…..

Equity in the distribution of our wealth for economic, social and environmental justice….

Safety and security of our people and our borders….

The recapturing of our sovereignty…. and The consolidation of national unity…

For comments email carolyntrench@gmail.com

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www.belizeandiaries.com

A Drunken Tongue Speaks a Sober Mind

A

s most teenagers, I began experimenting with alcohol from my mid teens and while it made me less tense and allowed me to have fun, I never really acquired an addiction or great liking for it. After conceiving in 2004, I gave up drinking and never had another until some years later as even the smell turned me off.

I did have first hand experiences with a close friend who always seemed to become possessed after having one too many drinks. He would break up things in his home, curse out his wife and utter very mean and cruel things to her – calling her very demeaning names and on most occasions, he would hit her in front of his children. The sad part is he

would sober up and be so apologetic for the things he did and said and would try in many ways to make amends – but once he returned to the bottle, the monster would resurface and history kept repeating itself for years and years.

As a sober individual the man was very nice that most people on the outside including myself could not understand why the wife was so withdrawn when they were out at social functions – little did they know that she would suffer the consequences of his over-drinking once they got home.

As a social drinker, I cannot comprehend how some men and women can allow alcohol to overpower their lives and damage their families. While addiction is adamant and dangerous, in this

particular home, the danger was not the addiction but rather the anger and rage that were exposed as a result of the drinking. Alcohol intake lowers a person’s inhibitions, meaning it makes you less calculating and therefore allows you to do things and say things that you would think twice to do when sober. In an article I read a few weeks ago on the internet, this outburst of rage is not due to a Jekyll and Hyde issue but rather it’s that the layers of inhibition are no longer compressing what is underneath – but in the end what comes to the surface is still you (the intoxicated/sober person).

In other words, the drunks that cry indicate hidden sadness when sober; those who are more or less the same when drinking, though a bit clumsier and sweatier are those who overall hid the least emotions. The article continues stating that the things which bother you when drunk are the things which bother you when sober but for some reason you restrain yourself from expressing the things that annoy you either to your work colleagues, spouses and/or friends.

In a poll conducted amongst friends, 7 out of 10 persons agreed that, ‘a drunken tongue speaks a sober mind.’ One contributor to the Belizean Diaries website said, “I believe they are indeed, things they wanted to say a long time ago and use the alcohol as an excuse”; another reader said, “Sometimes I wonder... Most of what people really feel is kept inside to avoid an argument, hurting someone or even losing the people they love. With alcohol in the system, there is an “excuse” for the way they act or what they say... Most of the

Sunday, October 30, 2011 times it is just pent up frustrations that are being expressed... “Liquid courage”. Hmmm, then again, people can be just outright mean!! So while my friend, earlier in the article, was very apologetic for the things he said when he was drunk, there indeed may have been some truth to how he really felt about his home and his wife. The alcohol amplified his feelings that were already buried inside and had been able to control while sober. Perhaps in this case, the husband personality would be different if he would learn how to confront his feelings, when sober, on issues he has with his spouse and by doing that he may be tackling the root of the problem and avoiding the tirades when he is intoxicated.

One article read, that alcohol doesn’t make anyone do anything but rather it is generally a depressant in a broad categorization that reduces inhibitions. It coincides with what the previous article had stated, that if you’re getting angry while drunk, it means that you’re angry in some degree while sober, and just letting it out while drunk.

There are healthy and productive ways to express anger, frustration, and negative feelings other than “to scream at someone for hours on end”.

As a solution, it was suggested that part of what you need to do is work on your anger while sober, so you bring less of it to the drink. The second part is to tell yourself that alcohol is a “happy drug,” and approach it only in happy times like parties or hanging out with friends. Don’t drink to drown sorrows or to handle bad vibes in your life. Learn to re-associate alcohol with fun times, and you just may be more relaxed when you drink.

Sunday, October 30, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

In my perspective…

Time for the PUP to Hit the Reset Button

BELMOPAN, Belize, Friday October 21, 2011 - Former Attorney General Francis Fonseca has been unanimously chosen as leader of People’s United Party (PUP) ending a crisis within the 61-year-old political institution.

“It was then recommended by the national executive that the senior Member of Parliament, the member of Fort George, be the leader of the opposition,” The party was thrown into a tailspin after John Briceño officially resigned as Opposition Leader Tuesday, two weeks after he stepped down as party leader.

Interim leader Mark Espat said he too would relinquish his post.

On Thursday, Fonseca got the nod by the National Executive after three candidates - Julius Espat, Mike Espat and Arthur Saldivar – withdrew from the race.

Fonseca said he was asked to contest the post by the family of George Price, one of the party’s founding members and the Father of The Nation.

“It was a difficult decision I made to submit my acceptance to the nomination for the post of party leader. It was a long thought out decision but I thought it was in the best interest of the party and I feel as I did years ago when I first offered myself for party leader that I have a contribution to make to the P.U.P. and to the country of Belize,” he explained.

“It won’t be easy,” he said of the challenge ahead.

“A change in leadership does not mean there is suddenly a new wave of support for the PUP. Obviously that is not the case.

“I will have to go out every day as the leader of this party and prove to the Belizean people that we are a credible and viable alternative to the United Democratic Party and I am prepared to do that job with the support of the other thirty representatives of the PUP and the member of the national executive, the member and supporters of the PUP,” Fonseca added. Caribbean360. ************************** Many people including myself thought that the resignation of the Hon. John Briceño came at the worst time ever - just when the party was gaining strength; and most people thought the PUP had a good chance of regaining the Prime Minister’s office. At a time most

think the country is going in the wrong direction, even the PM Dean Barrow said that the resignation of Mr. Briceño would help him politically, but he did not want to kick a man when he is down.

Well, after pondering this for some time, I think this is the best thing that could happen to the PUP. It gives them an opportunity to regroup - not just to criticize your opponent but to come up with solutions and fresh ideas. They can present a clear and optimistic message to the Belizean people and tell them what you would do for the country, not just what is wrong. This is the time for the leader to distinguish himself as a serious leader - a time when the country is crying out loud for leadership. Get out of the nasty/personal gutter politics and present yourself as a fresh, caring, problem-solving leader who listens and make decisions based on facts and not emotions. I believe this is a good time for the PUP leader to hit the re-set button, make a nationwide speech to the country and lay out what his vision will be for the country and let the discussion begin.

I have a few questions for Mr. Fonseca to answer and if he can answer these questions in a sincere and thoughtful manner, I believe he can become the next Prime Minister of Belize.

A. What is your plan for immediate jobs creation?

B. What is your long term plan to improve Belize’s economy?

C. How will you reduce the high crime rate in Belize?

D. What is your plan to rebuild the crumbling infrastructure of Belize?

E. What will you do about the GSU? F. What will you do about the just passed 9th Amendment?

G. What is your plan to improve the tourism industry?

H. What will you do about Government corruption?

These are just a few of the concerns plaguing the Belizean people today. If Mr. Fonseca can answer these questions satisfactorily, he can lead his party to victory in the next elections.

The people of Belize need a humble, respectable, innovative, get-things-done leader. The country is crying out for such a leader. A leader with a positive and forward-thinking message. A leader that will put an end to the corruption and cronyism that exists today. We’ve had enough of this kind of leader and his party hacks. We’ve had enough of the lies and corruption - appointing family and friends to positions they don’t deserve. Enough is enough, let’s reset the button. It’s time for something new and different. We need a new beginning, this is the time.

Rayford Young is a Belizean-American, who currently lives in Michigan, U.S.A. Send comments to rayfordyoung@comcast.net

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A Message From The Poor

by Erwin X You remind us of the plant That works so hard night and day, To produce her precious nectar, To have the honey bee that comes from afar To take it away.

You remind us of the poor little child Who’s mother is dead, Who dearly believes in her little head Her mama has gone away And will be back to comfort her.... someday.

You remind us of the goodness And warmth of the rain That could sometimes Turn into a beastly hurricane Why ... do you bring us pain?

Why does the poor have to suffer From your corrupted game?

Why do you come to us as wolves in sheep clothing?

Pretending to help us in time of need, Tricking us with lies born from political greed.

Blinding us so we don’t see the wolf within.

Why do you come to us as wolves in sheep clothing?

You win our trust and take our vote, Then leave us amidst ignorance, unemployment And poverty to battle our sinking boat.

You appoint yourself to high places And quickly turn back on our starving faces.

You who suppose to be our leader Have become our common oppressor.

But this is just a reminder We were the ones who gave you power.

Therefore a message from the poor Coming election we will say....

Crime minister...........no more Dictator.....................no more Corruption..................no more Unemployment...........no more Exploitation................no more Greedy government....no more Empty promises..........no more 9th Amendment.............no more Evil politicians...........NO MORE Signed The Poor © Copyright – Ghetto Food

THE BELIZE TIMES

REALITY CHECK! The Power of a people’s voice and unity!

By Carla Bradley Often we hear people saying that unity is the only way forward, and most of us dismiss it when in reality this is the truth. The citizens of the country forget that they have more power than the government they elected. For example, a slogan that is always used in political campaigns, “For the people, By the people”, clearly reminds the people

that they are the ones who run the show. In my opinion, when this government decided to take back these utilities in the people’s name, then why not let the people decide if what they were amending was in their best interest?

We hear the Prime Minister say over and over that he has the mandate of the people that he is doing what the people said to do. Now we all know that the consultations turned out to be political rallies, and everyone who opposed with a reason were shut down and the people who agreed either read off a paper, couldn’t even pronounce the word “amendment” which made you question if they really understood what was taking place. I am not criticizing my people, but I just wanted to

Sunday, October 30, 2011 see more open minded people, who would listen to both sides and not just go by political affiliation. Some even went as far as to say, they agree with it because they are UDP supporters and the party told them to say yes because it is good. This truly saddened me, because no matter the educational background, we can think and make decisions for ourselves and not be led astray.

We as citizens of this country must always remember that our voices mean everything in this country. We are the ones that vote on Election Day, we are the ones that choose who goes in and who is kicked out. We have the power to tell this government, “wait a minute, I have a say in how my country is administered.” Unity is a strong word and can achieve anything. This is effective whether it is uniting a family, friends, and even an entire country.

Look at the Middle East for example, these people had enough of the infamous Gadhafi telling them what to do, and literally making their lives a

Continued on page 25

Sunday, October 30, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

Vital But Affordable Vehicle Insurance Have you ever forgotten to renew your driver’s license because of getting caught up in all the birthday hype? Or even worse not realized that your insurance had expired and yet you were still driving?

In Belize there are many who take the chance of driving without insurance believing they won’t get caught! They do this probably not understanding the risk involved! If you just happen to run into someone’s hundred thousand dollar vehicle who will pay for the damages?

Interestingly, I am amazed at the diligence of those who make all sorts of sacrifice to renew their insurance but completely neglect the most important insurance of all.

Imagine, when we are sick we rush off to the doctor, and if your car breaks down you rush to the mechanic! Talking about mechanics I believe they now deserve more props than ever since repairing vehicles of today is getting almost as complicated as working on a human body! And then again, you will be amazed that we are much more willing to go to the doctor for physical sickness than to consult with the manual for spiritually fatal diseases!

See we may attempt to run from it but at the heart of the violence and crime we face today is spiritual death! We cannot look at ‘physical death’ to understand ‘spiritual death’. In the scriptures physical death is described as sleeping (1Thessalonians 4:13) where the spirit leaves the body while ‘spiritual death’ is really separation from God. Adam was told by the Manufacturer that the day he eats of the fruit he will surely die but if we look at the account closely nothing seemed to happen for years even after Adam disobeyed.

Why, because he died spiritually first! He was immediately separated from God. Early on we begin to see the result of this separation as a homicide was reported where Cain killed Abel. This is the result of spiritual death. It is man walking around under the guidance of their fleshly lusts and desires rather than under the guidance of their spirit which is connected to God. A good example of this is that of a car or a plane being driven around with the driver inside asleep or unconscious!

My issue is this: although many believe God is too sweet and would never punish anyone eternally, there are countless accounts in the manual warning us of the imminent consequence of dying with your ‘spirit dead’! According to the famous John 3:16 we will either perish (eternally) or have eternal life! He threatens that we will be thrown into a lake of fire if our names aren’t written down in the book of life!

This is where I come in. He has hired me to sell fire and life insurance to those who haven’t bought as yet. Remember if you are willing to spend hundreds yearly on insurance for a vehicle that will rot away eventually how much is it worth to purchase fire and life insurance on yourself which is of much greater and un-comparable importance!

I am one of many agents selling this insurance and one of the interesting things is that it is completely free. As with any other insurance, there are a couple requirements and disclaimers that must be adhered to of course, or your insurance may be cancelled.

As far as availability, opening hours are “twenty four seven” with free upgrades once a week on every Sunday. Feel free to stop in at any location (embassy) or take advantage of our best offer “The Mobile Service” where we come to you!

Please remember the next time you insure your motor vehicle to ask yourself the question have I bought ‘fire and life’ insurance for my spirit?

Until next week God bless!

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THE BELIZE TIMES www.belizetimes.bz

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, October 30, 2011

“Haad times” for Tubal Institute The Future of Your Estate Estate planning is a crucial, and frequently overlooked part of creating a financial plan. A common misconception about estate planning is that only wealthy individuals need to be concerned with it. However, estate planning, regardless of wealth, is the only way to control what happens to your assets should you become disabled or pass away.

Estate planning is the process of anticipating and arranging for the disposal of an estate. Estate planning typically attempts to eliminate uncertainties over the administration of a probate and maximize the value of the estate by reducing taxes and other expenses. Guardians are often designated for minor children and beneficiaries in incapacity.

In this month we have National Estate Planning Awareness Week.

Here are some tips to get your estate plan in order now and keep it current throughout your lifetime.

Gather your personal and financial information. The first step in forming your estate plan is to collect all of the information that you need to include. Put together a list of full names, addresses and Social Security numbers for you and your family members; your current financial advisers; and your assets and liabilities at current values. Gather retirement plan beneficiaries’ statements, employment benefits statements, life insurance policies, deeds to real property, partnership and business agreements and the last two years of income tax returns. Include divorce papers, agreements, existing estate plan documents and any other such documents.

Write out your personal goals.

Identify beneficiaries to whom you would like to bestow inheritance and specify how much, what percentage or which specific assets go to each individual or charity. Identify executors and trustees to carry out your wishes after death, or if you should become incapacitated. Designate guardians to raise your minor children in the event something happens to both you and your spouse. If you are not sure about your estate plans, talk them over with a professional financial advisor, like a CPA, who specializes in estate planning. Tell them about any questions, concerns and ideas you may have.

Make it official. Due to the complexity and importance of your estate planning documents, it is advised that you have a qualified attorney draft them. Shop around to find the right attorney for you, as you will discuss your personal affairs together. Bring all personal and financial information

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and goals discussed above when you meet.

Maintain your plan. Call your CPA or attorney about updating your plan at least every three years or any time you have major changes in your personal situation. Be sure to keep your key financial paperwork readily accessible for those who will be dealing with your affairs if something happens to you.

Although Belizeans face a very high poverty level, this tip is still a very important aspect of our struggle to get out of that category and give our children or loved ones an advantage on their quest in this same fight after we are gone. If you have any other tips on this topic please share them with us at the BELIZE TIMES at email: editortimes@yahoo.com

BELIZE CITY, Monday, October 24th, 2011

By Alton Humes We never thought, even in the darkest midst of the current economic downturn, that certain businesses would ever shut down and/or be ‘on the block’ for sale/auction. But this is 2011, we are in an economic downturn, and everyone’s getting ‘hit’, from Juanita’s Store, Malic’s, etc. Now it’s starting to spread like a rampant, uncouth virus, looking to take down even more businesses and even an NGO, the Belize Family Life Association (BFLA).

And now, there’s a school at eminent risk of joining this ‘Extinction Club’: the Tubal Technical & Vocational Institute. While it may seem small news-wise, it is important because since the institution’s founding in 2001, they haven’t had it easy, being an independent school dedicated

solely to educate the poor through skills training in the technical & vocational arts.

In speaking briefly with co-founder and notably recognized ‘Unsung Hero’ Mr. Lyndon Bailey today, the frustration’s setting in. While they receive a minor subsidy from the Government of Belize for poorer students who can’t afford books and such, it’s not enough. Even with fundraising efforts and minor help from parents and their current enrollment of 100 students, it’s still not enough, creating an already vacuous hole in the school’s pockets. As much as BZ$30,000 to BZ$40,000 in ‘write-offs’ must be made to accommodate needy students who want to get in the school which Bailey admits doesn’t add up.

Like we said before, important school, small story. But large enough to demonstrate why there is a huge need for a program to help these enters of our free nation…for without them, what will we have left, if we have anything at all…?

Sunday, October 30, 2011

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Woman accuses OW hospital of killing her baby

By Alton Humes BELIZE CITY, Wednesday, October 26th, 2011 A young Orange Walk woman is enduring the worst kind of grief possible; to lose her 1st newborn child.

But what makes it more unbearable is that 22 year old Patricia Young believes the life of her child could have been saved, if it were not for the hospital’s negligence.

According to the resident of Trial Farm Village, she began experienced labor pains on Tuesday, October 18th,

so she checked into the Northern Regional Hospital. It was her first time giving birth, but she was ready as she could be. But that’s when it went downhill, and rather fast.

According to Young, she was recommended for a Caesarian section (Csection) by a gynecologist. But apparently no one at the Northern Regional Hospital, either deliberately or by accident, read her ‘clinic card’, which had key information that because of her height and weight, delivering a baby would be next to impossible. Young is

REALITY CHECK! The Power of a people’s voice and unity!

Continued from page 22 living hell, they wanted democracy not dictatorship. To be clear, I am not condoning violence, just stating that this country came together and got rid of the one person who was dividing the nation.

We must stop to remember, who came to who begging for a vote before elections? Who came offering the sun and the moon before elections?

Who asked us to imagine the possibilities? Yes it was this government, why couldn’t they do the one thing we asked them, 21000 strong Belizeans, to hold a referendum? If you say you had the mandate of the people, why

were you afraid to prove it? In my opinion, it is because he never had the mandate of the people, nor of his ministers, only the voices in his head. We must always remember, we are the ones suffering, we are the ones without a job or a family member without a job, we are the ones who are mourning the loss of a love one to the senseless killings, and we are the ones living in poverty not knowing if tomorrow we will eat. My people open your eyes and speak out against this injustice caused by this UDP government and say “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!”

Barrow’s trickery!!

Continued from page 7 gant to abide by the wishes of the people.

Now to come with a ridiculous value for BTL to try and fool the people won’t work. Belizeans would recall that in order for BTL to sail, Barrow had to find money for the shares no one has wanted to buy. How did he do it? He got $50m from our hard earned Social Security benefit monies. His ex-wife, Lois Young-Barrow, who is the Social Security Board Chairlady, approved the use to buy shares in BTL. Additionally, Barrow went ahead and dipped into the public’s pocket at Central Bank to take out a further $20 for BTL shares. According to Barrow, up to $5m worth of shares have been bought by Belizeans. Add it all up and you get $75m. So how can BTL be valued at $71.3, when Barrow has sold $75m?

Talk about rip off! Mr. Barrow, when will you stop taking people for a ride? Don’t feel so comfortable riding high, because while attempting to ridicule everyone you should know that what is worse than losing by a PUP knockout at the polls is to lose by your own faults.

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a petite woman, and the child weighed seven pounds.

Unfortunately, that lack of care, coupled with putting her mother out of the room when she needed her most and being ‘forced’ to wait to bear her own child, resulted in the complicated live birth of her child (posthumously named Ayanna Brianna Richards), and the eventual death of the child on Sunday, October 23rd at the KHMH in Belize City, barely a day after being released from the hospital the day before, Saturday, October 22nd.

Young says negligence from the Hospital’s staff nurses caused the ordeal. She said they did not ask her any pertinent questions, but also that she wasn’t physically checked for any potential complications of the birth (the

child was revealed to have died of asphyxia, pulmonary lesions on her lungs and a hemorrhage in her brain).

“The post mortem said that she died from asphyxia, I went to a doctor to specify to me and explain to me what is this autopsy is saying: it said that it is poor negligence of the nurses, everything is negligence, asphyxia, pulmonary something with her lungs and haemorrhage in her brain all of that lone negligence from the nurses.

That caused my daughters’ death, negligence from the hospital, it is not that I saying it but the autopsy am saying it, I went to a doctor to explain everything to me,” said the mourning mother in an interview with Orange Walk’s CTV-3 News.

Young is now considering suing the hospital for her loss, and there could possibly be investigations by the Northern Regional Hospital and the Police into what happened and who’s responsible.

Young also said that while at the hospital, she witnessed when a nurse dropped a baby into a sewage bowl, causing the baby’s hand to break.

Fuel prices near $12 Belize City, October 24, 2011 The economy may be in its worst times, but it doesn’t seem the Barrow Administration will ever budge to provide relief. Fuel prices have gone from under $7.00 in 2008 to a steady increase, despite the Prime Minister’s pledge that he wouldn’t allow it to burden commuters.

Well, the PM has consistently broken his promise to the people. On midnight Saturday, fuel prices increased substantially once more. Regular and Premium gas shot up by sixty cents, while Diesel increased by fifty cents. Regular and Premium prices are now nearing $12.00. Diesel is nearing $11.00.

The fuel price increases were not announced by the Government.

Belize dodges

Hurricane Rina Continued from page 1 more recently, Richard in 2010). So when Hurricane Rina, the most recent entry of the 2011 Atlantic hurricane season, was staring at our shores with the potential of causing major damage, it sent the nation on high alert mode.

But Belize seems to have been spared as Hurricane Rina merely nearly grazed Belize’s waters and went its way north. Nonetheless, the nation was in frenzy as it prepared to brace for the at-one-time Category 2 storm.

The center of key interest in evacuation for those leaving the vulnerable islands of Caye Caulker and San Pedro Ambergris Caye was the Caye Caulker Water Taxi on North Front Street in Belize City. To accommodate them all, buses from the Belize Bus Owners’ Cooperative (BBOC) were provided to shepherd them to the University of Belize Gymnasium which was designated a shelter in Belmopan.

The number of people evacuating from the islands numbers roughly 300 to 500.

One of the evacuees told us he and his wife packed up this morning around 6am, took the boat and came to the city to get to safety.

Meanwhile schools in the Orange Walk, Corozal, and Belize Districts were cancelled for the day. With the All Clear, classes countrywide will resume tomorrow.

Island residents pack up and leave town

San Pedro residents onboard boat to ferry them to Belize City for safety

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Sunday, October 30, 2011

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Humor in UDP Politics!

PUP Caribbean Shores Standard Bearer Anthony Mahler with Bombers U-16 Team

Anthony Mahler

supports youth development

Mr. Mahler with Bombers U-14 Team

Belize City, October 26, 2011 PUP Caribbean Shores Standard Bearer Anthony Mahler is committed to seeing young people involved in

positive, recreational activities.

Mr. Mahler is sponsoring two teams that are participating in the Football

Angry customer threatens First Caribbean with bomb scare Belize City, October 25, 2011 An apparent false bomb threat caused scare at First Caribbean Bank, requiring the staff and clientele to exit the bank for a few hours.

Bank employee, Sharifa Webster, explained that at about 1:25pm she answered a phone call and the person calling simply said he had left a package containing a bomb in the bank. The caller said he was not satisfied with the service he had received earlier in the day.

The short message was enough for the bank to go on survival mode.

They exited the building and called the Police, who blocked the entrance to Albert Street from its intersection with Orange Streets, Regent Streets, and Church Streets.

Belize Defense Force Sergeant Major Ulloa searched through the building but found nothing threatening.

After about two hours, the bank was declared safe and employees returned to close the day.

Federation of Belize’s Under 16 and Under 14 competitions. Both teams, named “Bombers”, have advanced to the finals.

Mr. Mahler is committed to creating opportunities for the residents in Caribbean Shores, young and old.

He told the BELIZE TIMES that with young people’s involvement in sports and other activities, society would see a reduction in criminal activity.

He wished his team well, and said they he was convinced they would be victorious in the finals.

The following matters were discussed in this week’s UDP Cabinet meeting: That beside the 9th Amendment, the UDP got nothing else to stand on. Hulse proposed that they must do the flippin thing all over again.

To quickly pass the 10th Amendment if the 9th is still held up in an injunction.

To send a bottle of champagne to the G.G. and the Zinc Fence for playing into the hands of Dean Barrow. ………………………

In other News: The Mayor was cited in a casino in Mexico. One person swore she was seen in Australia, but word reaching Cabinet is that she is in the UK with Ashcroft. The Mayor was wearing gold-coloured running shoes and a gold necklace with a pair of cojones medal given to her by the Lord. ………………………

A seventh letter was sent by Patrick to the teachers to blame them for the Government not being able to pay them. ………………………

This week a first year student attending law school in Barbados decided to come to his uncle’s aid in defending the 9th Amendment. When he was done scribbling his rough draft, he shared it with his colleague only to realise he had called his own father a liar and was failing his future lecturer. ………………………

Right after the House meeting on Friday, a couple more Ministers waited to know who was really paying a million dollars for their absence in the House. They said they the maths just didn’t add up staying with Barrow. ………………………

When the news broke in Cabinet of Gaddafi fate, the Prime Minister was quick to give an overview of the fallen Libyan leader. “He was arrogant. He was full of himself much like a dictator. He had to have his way or no way”… right then BQ leaned over to Sedi and asked, “why is he describing himself”. ………………………

When asked why he supported the 9th Amendment, Herredia’s response was that because it had something to do with the 10th of September and the Battle of St. George’s Caye. ………………………

Things are so bad under Barrow that Chendo Urbina had to close down his gas station and Salva’s house is up for sale. So bad many people are giving up and are dying to get out from life under Barrow.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, October 30, 2011