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The Belize Times
Established 1957
4 SEPTEMBER 2016 | ISSUE NO: 5009
The Truth Shall Make You Free
www.belizetimes.bz | $1.00
BLACK FRIDAY A DARK DAY FOR DEMOCRACY
Belmopan City, Wednesday August 31, 2016 On Friday, August 26th, in what was an illegal, criminal and unconstitutional display never before seen in the House of Representatives, the UDP administration used the Police to brutally muzzle the Opposition members in the House. Members of the Special Patrol Unit, batons in hand, were instructed by Speaker of the House Michael Peyrefitte to enter the gallery and to remove Member for Cayo South Julius Espat using excessive force.
Speaking on the adjournment, the Hon. Espat was about to delve into what has been on the minds of right-thinking Belizeans for the past weeks - UDP Ministers, officials and cronies exposed in the most disturbing, distasteful and criminal chronicles of corruption in Belize’s political history. At least thirteen UDP Ministers have been named in a pervasive, lucrative and
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PEYREFITTE PUP MARCHES ON BELMOPAN MUST GO!
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SAVE BELIZE MARCH - BELIZE CITY - SEPT. 7, 2016
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BLACK FRIDAY
Continued from page 1 systematic raping of Belize’s nationality processes – accused by the AuditorGeneral Dorothy Bradley of intervening ILLEGALLY in the facilitating of Visas, Nationality and Belizean passports for many, many foreigners who did not provide supporting documents and DID NOT MEET REQUIREMENTS. But it’s not only that. The Prime Minister himself, the man who promised to chop out corruption if it ever ‘reared its ugly head,’ is also named in the audit along with his wife, Kim Simplis Barrow. They facilitated nationality for Mr. Barrow’s brother-in-law WHO DID NOT QUALIFY. In an act so cowardly and scripted it boggles the mind, the moment the Hon. Espat mentioned the word corruption the Speaker of the House tried to shut him down. When Espat refused to back down, acting on the instructions of the UDP, the Speaker ordered him suspended from the House. And when Espat still refused to back down, the Speaker ordered the Police to carry him from the House. SHAME! Senior Parliamentarians, elected representatives in the House of Representatives, were pushed and bullied and aggressed by Police acting on the orders of their political bosses. And even after the Opposition members of Parliament were outside the gallery, the Police continued to aggressive them, a completely illegal and brutish move since the Speaker has no authority outside the House. Because the UDP wanted to silence the Opposition, they are wholly responsible for BLACK FRIDAY, the darkest day in Belize’s parliamentary democracy to date. Because of the UDP, Belizeans had to witness the thuggish behaviour of the Police Department which is mandated to protect and serve citizens, not the whims of their political masters. The Prime Minister is as wrong as he has ever been if he thinks the Audit Reports will just go away, and if he thinks that he can wash away the stink of UDP corruption with a show of force. This week, using taxpayer dollars as they always do, the UDP launched a campaign to smear the good name of the AuditorGeneral. That is the modus operandi of the Party when it is under attack. But this time they have gone way too far. The Opposition will continue to reveal
1 Sep
the truth of this UDP which has shown that it is the most corrupt administration in the political history of our country.
PEYREFITTE MUST GO!
Wednesday, 31 August 2016 The Opposition People’s United Party has issued a demand for Speaker of the House of Representatives, Michael Peyrefitte, to be removed from that post immediately. That demand came at a press conference held at Independence Hall on Monday, in response to the disgraceful debacle in the House Friday. In issuing the call for the head of Peyrefitte, PUP Leader Briceño asserted that “the Speaker showed his bias, and unrestrained acts of intimidation against members on the Opposition. He disgraced the office of the Speaker; he brought the House into disrepute; he is a complete disgrace.” The actions of the Speaker were as illegal as they were disgraceful. Ignorant of the Standing Orders of the House, Peyrefitte did not follow the proper procedures when naming the member in question, the Hon. Julius Espat. He did not allow a Minister to name Espat, but did so himself, and contrary to the Standing Orders, did not put the matter to a vote before ordering the Police to remove Espat. “The Hon. Michael Peyrefitte has completely lost the confidence of the Opposition as Speaker. We therefore demand his immediate removal as Speaker,” Briceño stated, explaining that the PUP’s legal team has already been instructed to initiate Court action for the illegal actions of Peyrefitte.
WEATHER 2 Sep
3 Sep
4 Sep
2016
PUP MARCHES ON BELMOPAN
A DARK DAY FOR DEMOCRACY
LOCAL
4 SEP
THE BELIZE TIMES
Wednesday, 31 August 2016 Today the People’s United Party marched on Belmopan in a show of support for their Senators fighting in the House against a Government side which has demonstrated time and time again that rather than do what is right, they will stick to the Party line. True to the UDP tradition of intimidation the Police set up checkpoints and barriers but the will of the people would not be deterred. It was a day of unity for Party supporters as the PUP gathers its troops for a massive march in Belize City next week Wednesday, September 7th. The time is NOW. The people must stand up to the dictatorship which is on the brink of destroying the country. Inside the House PUP Senators Valerie Woods, Paul Thompson and Michel Chebat, acting for Senator Eamon Courtenay stood strong for the people of Belize, aided by business Senator Mark Lizarraga who has been a champion for accountability and transparency in the man-
MEDIA ASSAULTED BY POLICE
Wednesday, 31 August 2016 Speaker of the House Michael Peyrefitte, at the House of Representatives last Friday, also instructed the Police to forcefully remove media professionals from various media houses in attendance to record the House proceedings. Several were pushed and aggressed by the Police, while Channel 7’s Jules Vasquez was assaulted by members of the Special Patrol Unit, carried out of the gallery. It is the first time in memory that the media has been attacked in the House in this fashion, and the instruction was given solely to allow Police to move on Member of Parliament the Hon. Julius Espat without that dubious, shameful moment in history being recorded by the media. Neither Speaker Michael Peyrefitte nor any member of the Police or the Government have offered any explanation or apology for the treatment of the media at the hands of the Police, under instructions from the media.
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agement of the People’s money. Hundreds of millions of dollars continue to be appropriated by the government without proper accounting for where that money is going, long after that money has already been spent. The PUP Senators in the House also passed a motion for a Senate Inquiry into the despicable scandal revealed by separate audit reports produced by AuditorGeneral Dorothy Bradley. Since that audit reveals blatant corruption by UDP Ministers and high-ranking officials, it is no surprise that the UDP Senators in the House are not interested in any inquiry which could very well lead to criminal actions. Late this evening the motion was put to a vote by Senator Michel Chebat. All UDP Senators and the Church, which is trying hard to convince the Government to appeal the Section 53 Ruling voted NO to a Senate Inquiry. All PUP Senators, along with Senators for the private sector and unions voted YES for an Inquiry. But this is not the END. Rather it is the beginning of the END for the UDP. PUP Leader John Briceño has sent out the call for “all BELIZEANS especially those of us who believe in democracy and good governance and who know that we deserve better, to join us on Wednesday, 7th September in Belize City for our SAVE BELIZE MARCH where we will take Belizean democracy back in a display of the power of the people.”
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The Belize Times
Established 1957
14 APR 2013
|
ISSUE NO: 4840
The Truth Shall Make You Free
www.belizetimes.bz
|
$1.00
serving Belize since 1957 as the longest continuous newspaper. Founder: Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price, People’s United Party Leader Emeritus OFFICE MANAGER
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Roberto Peyrefitte Printed and Published By TIMES NEWSPAPER LTD. Tel: 671-8385 #3 Queen Street P.O. BOX 506 Belize City, Belize
6 Sep
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2016
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THE BELIZE TIMES
GSU TERRORIZES MAYFLOWER NEIGHBOURHOOD Monday, August 29, 2016 The Gang Suppression Unit continues to be a feared Police presence on the street, not because they are especially effective at combating gangrelated crime but because they have become notorious for abusing citizens while they conduct their police “raids” on homes. That’s the unit for which the Barrow Government has paid George Street residents, including known gang members, almost 200 thousand dollars of taxpayers’ money after being sued for GSU excess. The PUP is on public record as calling for the disbanding of that unit, which incensed its now disgraced former commander, Superintendent Mark Flowers. Brothers Tyrone and Ellis Meighan Jr., who the streets say are prominent members of Ghost Town, have complained to the media that the Gang Suppression Unit harassed them and the entire Ghost Town community. The Meighan brothers are known publicly for not having the best of relationships with the Police, evidenced by very regular searches, raids and detentions. But this time the GSU allegedly went too far. It started with the murder of George McKenzie Jr., which happened at the Soca Concert on the ITVET compound on Sunday, at around 12:45 a.m. The Meighans are not suspects in that crime because McKenzie
Tyrone Meighan
was their friend and ally, but the GSU reportedly followed them all the way home after they witnessed the death of their friend. When they get onto their Banak Street turf, the GSU reportedly stopped the vehicle they were in, dragged them into the street and forced them to the ground with brutal force. Tyrone Meighan was shot in the foot with rubber bullets…his younger brother Shaquille also shot by the cops with what is believed may have been a pellet gun.
Chester to GSU – STAY OUT THE SOUTHSIDE Wednesday, 31 August 2016 Early morning terrorism by the GSU on Sunday in Ghost Town has revealed the serious rift in the Police Department, caused in large part by the inactivity of a lame-duck Commissioner of Police, Allen Whylie and political manipulation at the highest levels. For years the GSU has been allowed to brutalize Belizeans with near impunity, and have even allegedly been used to carry out political intimidation on behalf of UDP Ministers, but on Sunday morning they bucked heads with Assistant Commissioner of Police Chester Williams. According to reports from Mayflower Street in Belize City, the GSU descended on them without reason
BCCI STANDS UP AGAINST CORRUPTION Monday, August 28, 2016 The OAS Secretary General’s Special Representative, Magdalena Talamás, has come under fire from Guatemala’s Foreign Minister Carlos Raul Morales. He thinks that she misspoke to their media while she was discussing the results of the independent experts which have vindicated Belize in the fatal shooting of 14 year-old Guatemalan Julio Ruano. He has also stated that Guatemala, and not Belize, is owed an apology. According to Morales, “He (PM Barrow) owes us an apology for the 13 Guatemalans who have died.” On Saturday, August 28, Talamás hosted a short press briefing to tell the people of Belize that she had been tasked by the Secretary General Luis Almagro to deliver the report from the independent investigators to the Governments of both Belize and Guatemala. Talamás told the Belizean press that “We are satisfied that the experts have conducted a thorough investigation…I would like to clarify that this report is technical report that was conducted…it was produced by forensic experts that are not OAS staff members. The governments of the United States and Mexico responded affirmatively and put at disposal two very high level experts.” She stressed the points that those experts; Dr James Hamby from the US, and Dr. Patricia Trujillo of Mexico are not connected to the OAS; they are highly trained, and their report is theirs, with no
The Mayflower residents say that the GSU officers began firing off gunshots and though they cannot say exactly how much, it was enough to scare the entire community where there were women and children. But, what is all this about? Well, best information says that McKenzie may have been stabbed and killed by affiliates of the George Street Gang. So, was the GSU conducting a preemptive strike to lay down protection for that gang through brute force and threats? An investigation by the Professional Standards Branch has been triggered to try to inquire into the incident.
Nikita Usher, President BCCI influence coming from the hemispheric organization. The report exonerates the Belize Defence Force soldiers who were on that patrol on April 20, 2016. The Guatemalan President, the Guatemalan Foreign Minister, and the Guatemalan Ambassador to Belize all accused the BDF of being murdering human rights violators. That report has also vindicated the rangers from the Friends for Conservation and Development because it shows that the Belizean authorities ordered Guatemalan Carlos Alvarado Ramirez, his sons Carlos Alvarado Ruano and Julio Alvarado Ruano to stop when they encountered them well into Belizean territory. They knew that they were illegally inside Belize, and they knew that they were conducting illegal hunting. The FCD rangers ordered them to stop, and though Carlos Alvarado Ramirez denies having done so, there is evidence that gunshots were fired at the Belizean law enforcement team. The
ACP Chester Williams and with excessive force, shooting indiscriminately and injuring two persons. Williams, the Commander of Eastern Division South, has been trying to develop a relationship with these embattled neighbourhoods through their Com-
expended shells were removed by Guatemalan civilians and the Guatemalan Army who tried but failed to cover up the fact that the joint patrol had come under fire. Magdalena Talamás is quoted in the Guatemalan media as saying, “It’s time that you will turn the page, it’s time to start a process of reconciliation, and focus on the work that lies ahead.” That comment has offended the Guatemalans and Guatemalan Foreign Minister Morales has commented that they intend to complain very forcefully to the OAS Secretary General. He called Belize “shameless” and has stated clearly that Belize’s relationship with Guatemala will be further eroded by this set of circumstances. Belize’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred Elrington, who has been accused of openly supporting Guatemala’s cause over Belize, has maintained that Guatemala owes Belize no apology for the inflammatory statements which were made and continue to be made by foreign Minister Morales. We at the Belize Times note that while Guatemala wasted no time in demanding an investigation into the death of Julio Ruano, Minister Elrington never bothered to request an investigation into the death of Danny Conorquie, ambushed and murdered by Guatemalans as he stood his post at the Caracol Archaeological Reserve. Justice has been denied in that case because our authorities, specifically Minister Wilfred Elrington, have been afraid to anger Guatemala.
munity Policing Program. He has voiced his disapproval of Sunday morning’s behaviour of the GSU, and he told the press, “We cannot be out there under one hand saying that we want to be friends with the community and then on the other hand we have other elements of the department going after people in such an aggressive manner, basically destroying all the work that we have been doing on the Southside Belize City.” Williams went farther to send a clear message to the GSU – “If they are going to come in any aggressive manner and try to intimidate or cause any aggression then my advice to them is to stay out of Southside Belize City.”
WOMAN KILLED IN SAN PEDRO
Jennifer Coleman Monday, August 29, 2016 San Pedro Police investigators have arrested and charged 51 year-old Donald Heredia, a Caye Caulker resort grounds keeper, with the stabbing murder of Jennifer Coleman, 51. Police found Coleman bleeding out from the neck in front of her home on Aventura Street on Tuesday night, August 23, at around 11:50pm. She was rushed to the island’s polyclinic, but was pronounced dead on arrival. On the scene of the crime Police found a knife which they believe to be the murder weapon. Residents told the press they suspect that she had a male visitor that evening, and that she was attacked in her home. The attacker fled, and she may have rushed out trying to get help, but her injury was too grave and she collapsed on the street, which is where Police found her. Immediately after the incident had taken place, Police had one man in detention for questioning and a few days later they arrested and charged Heredia for the crime of murder. It is believed that he made frequent visits to Coleman’s home.
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THE BELIZE TIMES
Questions to Ministers Could the Member for Queen Square and Prime Minister or the Second Wife First Lady verify what monies have been collected, allegedly on behalf of the children of Belize… from high-priced fundraisers in the United Kingdom, Dubai and other exotic locales? Could either of the above say if there has been any accounting for those funds, what projects have been funded with those monies and who signs the checks? Could the Member for Queen Square and Prime Minister explain why he held on to the damning Audit Reports until after the General Elections of 2015? Could the Member for Belmopan and new Minister of Defence confirm whether the nude photo gone viral on the internet is familiar to him? And if so, could he say whether that photo was indeed taken in the bed of William Danny Mason as has been alleged? Could the Member for Collet and Minister of Education provide Belizeans with an update on the so-called free textbook program? Can he say if it has been completely neglected, or only mismanaged until students are no longer able to access textbooks for their basic education? Could the Member for Collet, Deputy Prime Minister and Olympic swimmer say whether the new SUV to replace the one dumped in the sea will be funded by monies from William Danny Mason? Would the Member for Pickstock and Minister of Foreign Affairs say whether he has dual nationality and is in fact both Belizean and Guatemalan? Could the Member for…oh wait nobody elected him – so could the unelected Minister of Police Godwin ‘Lighthouse’ Hulse say whether any person will be held liable for the irresponsible destruction of his colleague’s SUV? Could the Member for Port Loyola and Minister of Human Development say why he has to be escorted by members of the Police wherever he goes?
4 SEP
2016
HARD KNOCKS
Gapi’s GONE… You may have noticed that when all unholy hell broke out in the House of Representatives on Friday, Gapi Vega was nowhere to be seen. In fact, he was a no-show in the House. At first I thought it was because his name came up multiple times in the Auditor-General’s very revealing audits, and then we realized, nope – this man’s got no damned shame. And then, the news started filtering in on the political grapevine. Gapi Vega is ready to throw in the towel. Apparently he’s already cleared out his desk and wants out of the UDP completely. Well, hell, who’d have thunk that the man had the cojones to walk away. Guess he found the ones that his boss lost. The man who once held the reins of all the UDP political mojo in the north has been telling people that this is the end of his Party and he’s not hanging around to go down with the rest of the crew. Imagine that, the man can barely produce a sensible sentence but he sees the writing on the wall… Bonfire… The Audit reports continue to rock the shaky dolly-house which is the UDP, and one of the UDP Ministers who’s gone into hiding is the fat fellow from Belmopan. In fact, he hasn’t shown his face since his very unglamorous glamour shot, allegedly in the bedroom of William Mason, started circulating on Facebook again. The truth is that as bad as the Audit Report is, porky is probably more ashamed of that picture, and boy does he have a lot to be ashamed of – actually that’s not really accurate. Anybody who’s seen that picture knows what I’m saying, right? Anyway, lil’ appendage aside, porky’s piglets have been boasting around Belmopan that they had a bonfire with immigration documents after the scandal broke. You know who I’m talking about…the two scurvy guys who hustled big in Immigration, travelling all over with porky in a private jet, living it up in Beverly Hills…wait for it, though! You know that saying about every fat fowl? Retired with Perks… Talking about fat fowls, Candelaria Saldivar is still receiving a CEO’s salary and perks. She was removed from Immigration almost a year ago after Heads of Department visited the minister en masse demanding that either she goes or they would. So she went, but like all fat fowls before that Sunday, she was living high off the hog (no reference to her brother). When it came up in the House on Friday Mr. Barrow had no apologies to make. Instead, he had the audacity to explain that he’d continue to pay until he finds another post for the privileged one. The thing is nobody wants to work with her, so last word is that GOB is looking to retire her with a full pension tied to her CEO salary. Oh wait, can anybody find out if Candy’s Visa has been revoked? Just saying… Fool deh talk… Another fat fowl whose name came up in the House Friday is the man who tried to find Dory in the Caribbean Sea in his government-issued SUV. Everybody and their granny knows he was drunk, and even the Police know that his story about the vehicle being stolen is bogus. Imagine that worthless fool who stands on a podium and tells our kids to reach for the stars made the Police haul in his girlfriend and question her about a fake story, harassed the poor girl when he knows exactly how that vehicle ended up in the sea. He sent out a release claiming that he is going to pay for his own replacement vehicle. LOL. Really! Nobody believes that. He should pay for the damned vehicle because he knows that it wasn’t stolen in the first place. Police should pick him up and charge him for damage to property, a mischievous act, driving under the influence and just generally for being a bloody fool. VISAS Revoked… So have you heard the latest about Frank ‘Papa’ Mena, that proud Garifuna brother who came into power with such high expectations? Less than a year in office and the man’s biggest claim to fame is getting money from William Danny Mason. We won’t talk about those gun licenses delivered to Mason without any security vetting just yet…and now the brother is prominently named in the Audit Report. Latest word is that he and his wife won’t be travelling to the US anytime soon. Don’t say I said, but apparently Uncle Sam has kicked both of them to the curb. Ouch! Noh panic, Papa, in this at least you’ll have plenty of company. Trust us on this…there’s a long line of Ministers, officials and their spouses who won’t be shopping in Miami this Christmas…
4 SEP
2016
THE BELIZE TIMES
5 05
EDITORIAL
The Bell Tolls for Thee, Mr. Barrow
M
r. Barrow must cringe when he looks in the mirror. From imagining the possibilities of greatness, he has become a man whose legacy WILL BE tainted by the stink of unprecedented corruption, a man who must now run and hide and dodge, rather than face what he and his United Democratic Party have come to represent to the Belizean people. The bold Barrow of years past is no more. Through arrogance and hunger for power, he has created his own hell. We have called the leader of the UDP many things, with good reason, but we have never had occasion to call him stupid. We credit him with intelligence enough to know why we are where we are, and why we cannot continue to go down this path. Mr. Barrow must find what former UDP Mayor Zenaida Moya once claimed he lost, and must do the right thing. We must return some semblance of integrity to the systems that govern us, and the only way that can be done at this point is for the Prime Minister to allow an independent inquiry – an objective, REAL inquiry with investigators not appointed by or answerable to the Prime Minister – into the scandalous revelations which are really just the tip of the iceberg in the insane corruption which has riddled the Visa, Nationality and Passport systems. Just this week Party Leader John Briceño renewed the call for an inquiry, and the need for one removed from the corruption within – “What the audits reveal is that when Immigration Minister Godwin Hulse and Director Maria Marin were informed about the illegal Economic Citizenship scheme they did nothing about it. Not an investigation. Not even a move to revoke the fraudulent passports. Nothing! They did not a single thing. They just continued with business as usual…” WE CANNOT CONTINUE WITH BUSINESS AS USUAL! We do not want an investigation carried out by agents of this government, like Commissioner of
Police Allen Whylie. We have seen from bitter experience how that works out. Because of political infiltration and manipulation, the Commissioner by his actions and directives has allowed the entire Police Department to be tarred and tainted by that filthy brush. We demand an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the beheading of Pastor Llewellyn Lucas – not only his demise, but the entire involvement in that sordid saga by high-ranking UDP Ministers and highranking Police Officers. The integrity of the Cabinet (what little remained) and the entire Police Department has been tarnished by the William Danny Mason debacle, and any investigation, such as it is or was, cannot be conducted and carried out by the same persons named and shamed. Mr. Barrow must, with all haste, allow an independent, objective and serious Integrity Commission to be put in place. That ridiculous rhetoric about no persons of ‘integrity’ wanting to expose their lives to scrutiny has been shown for what it is – the PM dodging scrutiny of his corrupt Ministers! There are many Belizeans of impeccable character who are prepared to sign up for a role on the Integrity Commission. It is time for the Prime Minister to bow and yield. Why is the Prime Minister so afraid of investigations and inquiries? If he is as good as the rhetoric that he spouts, should he not then be willing to allow any and all scrutiny? If he is as convinced as he says of the ‘cleanliness’ of his Cabinet, why not subject them to the integrity test and let the chips fall where they may? Mr. Barrow says that he cannot afford the costs associated with anti-corruption initiatives, but that is a lie. What Mr. Barrow cannot afford is what would be revealed by such anti-corruption initiatives. What so you see when you look in the mirror, Mr. Barrow? Do you lament the glory days when you spoke about “the magic” of the UDP? Do you rail and curse your Ministers for ruining your legacy, or do you take responsibility for what YOU have done to this country? The bell is tolling, Prime Minister. Will you ask for whom it tolls? Or do you know? It tolls for thee, Mr. Barrow. The people demand it.
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4 SEP
THE BELIZE TIMES
2016
Baby Aiden Abandoned After ‘Kidnapping’ Scare in social media messages that the men, who allegedly fled the scene in a grey SUV, had told her not to provide information to the Police or they would kill baby Aiden. Later that same day relatives of the baby’s father posted that the men had demanded $50,000 and took the baby when his mother didn’t have it to give. The alarm went out in earnest after a report was made to the Police, prompting a Jasmine Alert countrywide. The alert was discontinued on Friday morning after the child was found, allegedly by a watch-
Monday, 29 August 2016 Police have no update on the alleged kidnapping of 9-month old Aiden Matus, taken from his mother’s home in Bella Vista, Southern Belize, at around 1:30am Thursday morning. Fortunately, less than 24 hours after he was supposedly abducted, the baby was deserted near the Lord Ridge Cemetery in Belize City, unclothed but unhurt except for mosquito bites. The news broke early Thursday morning via Facebook where the mother of the child, Yoselyn Ordonez, 17, posted that two men had barged into her home and taken her child. She would later state
Caye Caulker Man Charged for Murder Belize City, Monday, August 29, 2016 A Caye Caulker man who his attorney informed the Court suffers from “a prolonged history of mental illness” was arraigned on one count of murder and remanded to the Belize Central Prison until his next court date. Donald Heredia, 51, and his attorney Darrell Bradley appeared before Chief Magistrate, Ann Marie Smith this morning, after Caye Caulker Police charged him with the murder of Jennifer Coleman, 51. The Chief Magistrate read the murder charge to him, alleging that “you intentionally caused the death of Jennifer Coleman by unlawful means,” and asked him if he understood the charge. Heredia began to mumble something, at which point Bradley informed the Chief Magistrate that “my client has a history of mental illness and I am requesting an evaluation.” Bradley also expressed concern about how Heredia, who is on medication, will get his medication. The Court informed Bradley that the prison will take care of that and that Heredia could be brought to the Cleopatra White Polyclinic if it is necessary. Heredia was remanded to prison until his next Court date on September 30. On Wednesday, August 30, neighbours of Jennifer Coleman saw her run out of her house and fall in the street. She had a large cut wound to her neck and was pronounced dead on arrival by the time Police transported her to the San Pedro Polyclinic. Information to Police led to the arrest of Heredia, who was al-
man near the Lord Ridge Cemetery who then called in the Police. On Friday, ACP Chester Williams, Regional Commander, Eastern Division South told the media “Last night shortly after ten p.m., the child was found in the Cemetery area. Police went and located the child, the child was taken to the Domestic Violence Unit and then to the hospital to ensure that the child was in good state. Thankfully, the child was unharmed and I believe by now the child has been united with his parents.” There is speculation in some quarters that the kidnapping was orchestrated to extort money from the child’s father who is currently a contractor building a road in Southern Belize. Today when we checked, Yoselyn Ordonez had removed the posts claiming that her child Aiden Martinez was kidnapped, as well as all recent pictures of him.
Donald Heredia legedly seen coming from Coleman’s house on the day she was murdered. Based on the reports to Caye Caulker Police, they conducted an identification parade at which Heredia was positively identified as the man who was coming out of Coleman’s house and he was arrested and charged with her murder.
George McKenzie Jr. Murdered at Soca Madness Monday, 29 August 2016 Police have one man detained for the brutal stabbing murder of George McKenzie Jr., 24, son of deceased notorious street figure George ‘Junie Balls’ Mckenzie. The fatal injuries occurred during an altercation at the ITVET compound after midnight Saturday where revellers celebrated Soca Madness. According to reports, McKenzie was dancing when the fight started, and in a matter of seconds he had been stabbed multiple times to the chest and abdomen. He managed to run outside where he met an officer at the gate and was transported to the KHMH where he succumbed to his injuries. While there were persons in the immediate vicinity including officers on duty, the altercation allegedly occurred so quickly that nobody managed to get a clear view of the attacker, much less apprehend those
George McKenzie Jr. involved. Officers of the Crimes Investigation Branch have taken statements from officers nearby and from other persons closest to the scene of the stabbing, but no charges have yet been levied on the person in custody. As to a motive, Police say they have been unable to ascertain one at this point. They would not say if they believe the killing to be gang-related. Mckenzie Jr. was no stranger to the law, but investigators would not speculate on whether his past had come back to haunt him, or whether his murder was in retaliation for something he may have done. Mckenzie Jr., 24, was the son of notorious figure George ‘Junie Balls’ McKenzie who was murdered nine years ago – coincidentally on August 28th, the same day of his son’s death.
Execution Style Murder in the City Monday, August 29, 2016 Belize City Police continue to investigate the murder of Doyle Garbutt, 31, who was shot to death inside his van at around 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 25. When officers responded to the scene they found the white van at the corner of Balan and Giles Streets in a drain; Garbutt’s lifeless body was inside with a single gunshot to the right side of the head. Police don’t have much information to go on at this time, since residents claim that they didn’t even
Doyle Garbutt
hear gunfire, but they believe that he was shot while he was driving his vehicle, and when the bullet hit him he lost control of the vehicle and ended up in the drain. Investigators found one expended shell which they think is from the bullet which killed Garbutt. It is suspected that his killer may have been in the van with him. Because of the time of the night, the area was not active with persons who may have seen the crime unfold to be of much help to the investigators. Still, they are working as be they can to get to the bottom of this crime.
4 SEP
2016
Two Men Charged for Sensational Home Invasion Belize City, Friday, August 26, 2016 Two men appeared in the Magistrate’s Court today to answer, separately, to charges relating to an armed robbery of a home in the Kings Park area last month, from which jewellery and a substantial amount of cash in US dollars were stolen. Police charged Trevor Guy, 23, with one count of Aggravated Burglary and one count of Aggravated Assault with a Firearm upon Salvador Garcia, while Victor Franklin was charged with one count of Handling Stolen Goods. Both men appeared before Magistrate Carlon Mendoza and pleaded not guilty to the charges. Due to the nature of the offences for which he was charged, Guy was remanded to the Belize Central Prison until his next Court date on October 27, while Franklin was released on bail of $1,500 plus one surety in like amount, and is to return to Court on the same date as Guy. Police charged Franklin with Handling Stolen Goods after he was allegedly found with two gold rings valued at $800. The rings have been identified as the property of Maria Sylvester, from whose home the items were stolen during the invasion of late last month. Sylvester, who resides at 18 A Street, Kings Park, reported to Police that she was at home along with her daughter and son-in-law when they were held attacked. Maria Sylvester claimed that at 2:30 p.m., on Monday, July 25 she was in her living room, located in the upper flat of her house, talking with her daughter, Janine Sylvester, 49, and her daughter’s companion, Alberto Vega, 52, when suddenly two young men rushed in and held them up at gunpoint.
Trevor Guy
CAREER OPPORTUNITY FOR THE POST OF ACCOUNTANT GRAND BELIZEAN ISLAND CO. LTD. invites qualified
candidates for a career opportunity of Accountant. Responsibilities: - Manage of accounts - Ensure compliance of Accounting Standards - Payables – including processing of Purchase Orders, Bills etc. - Maintain and reconcile the books of accounts - Deal with daily transaction of petty cash and perform reconciliation of all accounts on a weekly/monthly basis. - Dealing with all Tax related matters - Reconciliation and presentation of financial reports. - All related duties assigned Qualifications: - Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting with at least three years experience in the accounting field or -Flexibility - Bi-lingual - Proficient in the Accounting programs - Quickbooks specifically - Well Planner and Organizer. - Knowledge and experiencing in reconciling and presenting Financial Statements and reports on a monthly basis. - Knowledge of accounting procedures
Send application along with latest resume and photograph no later than August 31st, 2016. Victor Franklin One of the men pointed the gun at them and ordered them to lie down with their faces to the floor while he tied them up. While they were lying on the floor, one of the gunmen approached Maria Sylvester and ordered her to take him to the safe. In fear of her life, Sylvester complied and took the gunman into her bedroom where the safe with her jewellery and case was located. The thieves made off with a number of items, including a gold Rolex watch, gold rings, a Nikon digital camera, two iPhones and $20,000 in cash.
MAN ACCUSED OF SHOOTING MINOR WALKS Belize City, Monday, August 29, 2016 A man who Police charged in February with Attempted Murder, Use of Deadly Means of Harm and Dangerous Harm was cleared of those indictable offences when he appeared in the Magistrate’s Court today. The accused was told that the charges against him were ordered by the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to be withdrawn due to insufficient evidence. Joseph Lopez, 20, appeared before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser who told him that he did not have to return to Court because the DPP has ordered the Court to withdraw the charges against him. Lopez had been accused of the attempted murder of Tyrone Reyes, a seventeen-year old who was shot on the night of Friday, February 17, 2016, as he was walking on Boot’s Crescent in the Port Loyola area. Reyes reported to Police that at around 9:10 p.m., as he was walking
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THE BELIZE TIMES
Human Resources Grand Belizean Island Co. Ltd. Barrier Reef Drive, P.O. Box 121, San Pedro Town A.C. Belize Tel #226-4483/4430 Fax# 226-4435
or email: eloysa@grandbelizeanestates.com sales@grandbelizeanestates.com
GRAND BELIZEAN ISLAND CO. LTD. invites qualified candidates for the following career opportunities:
Inventory & Asset Controller - Minimum of Bachelor Degree in Accounting or Business Administration with at least three years experience in the field - Flexibility - Bi-lingual - Proficient in computers- Quickbooks - Well Planner and Organizer
Joseph Lopez on Boot’s Crescent someone ambushed him from behind, firing several shots at him, one of which hit him in the middle of his back. Lopez, who is a part-time computer technician and a resident of #50 Reggae Street, was picked up by Police and charged for the shooting. This morning when Lopez got the news that the charges against him were withdrawn he got so excited that he literally ran out of the courtroom.
• • • • •
1. Controls on Inventory/Assets- Ordering Materials, Machinery Parts 2. Controls on employees, tools & Equipment 3. Control Safety at the Warehouse and with employees 4. Reports of Inventory (Stock In & Stock Out) 5. Analyzing
Send application along with latest resume and photograph no later than 31st August, 2016 Human Resources Grand Belizean Island Co. Ltd. Barrier Reef Drive, P.O. Box 121, San Pedro Town A.C. Belize Tel #226-4483/4430
Fax# 226-4435
or email: eloysa@grandbelizeanestates.com sales@grandbelizeanestates.com
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4 SEP
THE BELIZE TIMES
KHMH:
A DANGEROUS STORY OF NEGLECT
2016
NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the below company has been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the date indicated: ERGINAX LIMITED – August 24th, 2016 ICAZA BELIZE TRUST CORPORATION LIMITED Registered Agent
Contributed The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (a statutory body) has the responsibility for the operational management of Belize’s premier public hospital. It serves as the country’s national referral hospital, providing tertiary health care for all of Belize, in addition to serving as the secondary care hospital for the Central Health Region. In fiscal year 2016/17 the Dean Barrow Administration allocated $23.51 million or 18.6% of the Ministry of Health’s budget (or a mere 2.5% of the total national budget) to KHMH. In effect, this represents $65.85 for each and every Belizean for the entire fiscal year or less than 20 cents ($0.018) a day. Now remember that Dean Barrow pays his brother $1,000/ hour for ‘legal services.’ Notice the difference? Twenty cents a day for your health care but $1,000 an hour for his brother! The lack of resources is taking its toll on the hospital. Shortly after the 2015 elections the Barrow Administration approved a 250% increase in the outpatient fees, a move it would never have approved before the elections. The outpatient fees went from $10 to $25 for consultations. This may not seem huge for Dean Barrow and his cronies, but it represents a significant increase for the poor and the elderly. The truth is that the KHMH is deteriorating fast. The 21 year old building is crumbling and is unable to withstand a powerful hurricane. Many of the critical building systems (electrical, plumbing, heating, AC, etc) are all failing and in the process adding to the stress of the patients, staff and visitors. At the moment there are not enough beds to deal with a burgeoning population plus a growing illegal immigrant population. It is a known fact that on many occasions, patients have to be kept at the Emergency ward because there are no available beds. Management is thus forced to prematurely discharge patients in order to make space for those in the Emergency Ward. Patients often have to return to the hospital within hours because they should not have been discharged in the first place. A common tactic being employed at the moment is to simply give medi-
cation at the emergency section and send home the patient so that the hospital does not have to find a bed for them, even though in the normal course of things those patients should have been admitted. This is a dangerous practice as medical personnel have to make economic decisions rather than medical decisions. Hurricane Earl once again highlights the need for a suitable emergency generator that can power the entire hospital. Minutes after Earl caused the hospital to lose power, a patient may have died because KHMH does not have adequate standby power. We have been advised that a suitable generator for the hospital would cost no more than $250,000, the ‘legal fees’ paid by the Belizean people for 31 days of service from the Prime Ministers own brother. If this does not tell you what Dean Barrow thinks about the poor people of this country I don’t know what will! The KHMH has been a feathered nest for cronies of the UDP. The high voltage Minister of Health has been a complete disaster, adding nothing of substance to KHMH other than a chapel - a sure sign that once admitted there, one might be wise to put one’s soul in order for there is a significant chance that one might end up dead not because of the lack of professionalism, competence and care of the medical professionals but because of the lack of adequate resources. Who can forget the loss of 13 babies and the horrible, cold-hearted response of the UDP cronies at the helm of the hospital at the time? What about Perera and the equipment he supposedly purchased at bloated prices and which were not even received? The rumors persist about the corrupt practices in relation to the purchase of medical supplies being bought from suppliers whose sole qualifying feature is their connection to the Barrow Administration. The long and short of it is that it is only the poor that suffer, because neither Dean Barrow, members of the Cabinet nor their family members go to the KHMH for services. They all go to private hospitals or to Mexico, Guatemala or the USA. This is the real reason why they have no interest in providing the KHMH with the necessary resources to properly take care of the Belizean people.
NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the below company has been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the August 23rd, 2016. SWINDON TRADE & FINANCE S.A.
ICAZA BELIZE TRUST CORPORATION LIMITED
NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the below company has been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the date indicated: Durham Overseas Ltd. – August 26th, 2016 Belize Corporate Services Limited Registered Agent
NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the below company has been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the date indicated: TADEL INTERNATIONAL LIMITED – August 26th, 2016
ALEMAN, CORDERO, GALINDO & LEE TRUST (BELIZE) LIMITED Registered Agent
MAY 48 SEP 12 JUN 19 JUN
2016 2016
THE BELIZE TIMES
9 SPORTS 09
PUP Party Leader, Hon. John BriceĂąo, The Belize Times Newspaper and the entire PUP family Takes great pleasure in wishing Ms. Jane a Happy & Bless
99th Birthday
with many more years of Exceptional service to the Belizean people.
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2016
BELIZE & COLUMBIA WIN THRU TO OW U-15 MUNDIALITO FINALS Orange Walk Town, August 28, 2016 The Orange Walk Under-15 Mundialito organized by New Horizon Sporting Club is into the Finals, where ‘Belize’ of Orange Walk Central will take on ‘Colombia’ of San Jose Palmar at the Louisiana Government School field in Orange Walk Town on Sunday, September 4. In the semifinals on Sunday in Game 1, Belize eliminated ‘Holland’ of Guinea Grass: 2-1 with goals by Edrei Bobadilla in the 1st half and Axel Alamilla in the 2nd half to lead 2-0, while Armand Chirinos scored a late consolation goal past Belize goalie Kate Jones. In Game 2, Colombia eliminated Mexico of San Estevan 2-1 with goals by Andir Chi in the 1st half and Henry Cordero in the 2nd half to lead 2-0. Colombia’s goalie Izhar Carillo stopped a penalty try by Joan Bull and only Mexico’s captain Alexis Chan scored. Mexico and Holland play for 3rd place before Sunday’s final.
Jason Cowo vs Angel Ico
Andri Chi and Henry Cordero scored one goal each
Joan Bull attacks Colombia
Infotel wins Game 1 of BDBA Firms Basketball Finals
Orange Walk Town, August 28, 2016 Orange Walk and Cayo district selections won a game apiece in women’s and men’s football friendlies organized by the New Horizon Sporting Club which hosted a pair of football friendlies at the Louisiana Government School field after Mundialito semifinals on Sunday afternoon. In Game 1, the Orange Walk women stomped the Santa Familia females of the Cayo district: 7-0 with Frenelly Barillas and Katie Jones scoring 2 goals apiece, and a goal apiece from Rhona Cocom. Aliyah Leiva and Mariely Flores. In Game 2, the men of Cayo Radio Destroyers won 2-0 vs an Orange Walk selection.
Frenelly Barillas 1st and 3rd goals
Belize City, August 27, 2016 Infotel took the Belize District Basketball Association (BDBA) Firms championship finals Game 1 against the Belize Bank Bulldogs: 99-97 at the Belize Elementary auditorium on Saturday night. Infotel was led by Earl “Bolo” Johnson with 36pts, 10 rebounds; Eyan Rene Augustine added 18pts, while Darwin “Dawgy” Elijio drained 4 treys for 15pts. Stafford Young put up 13pts and Elton Anderson - 10pts, Bulldogs’ Brian “Brybo” White scored 30pts, 19 rebounds; Roscoe Rhys hit 5 long treys for 20pts, and Marcel Orosco added 16pts, while Lincey Lopez had 10pts. Duane Staine posted 9pts, Rupert Brown chipped in 7pts and Christ McGann – 5pts. The defending champs need a win in Game 2 on Friday, September 2 to take the series to a Game 3. In the semifinals on Friday, the Bulldogs chilled the BCC Dragons: 87-81; led by Rupert Brown with 19pts, Brian “Brybo” White added 17pts, and Marcel Orosco -16pts. Lincey Lopez posted 12pts, and Roscoe Rhys - 11pts. Dragons’ Sydney ‘Bucket’ Bradley top scored with 22pts, Akeem Watters added 16pts, and Cordel Gonzalez and Benedict Terry scored 15pts apiece. Gabriel Taylor had 11pts. In Game 2 of the semifinals, Infotel eliminated Telemedia 99-97; led by Eyan Rene with 33pts, and Earl “Bolo” Johnson added 21pts. Elvis Olivera scored 14pts, Stafford Young added 11pts and Elton Anderson – 9pts. Darwin “Dawgy” Elijio posted 7pts. BTL’s Jason Vasquez scored 26pts, Lupito Acosta added 22pts, Devon Lozano tallied 17pts and Lennox Cayetano - 11pts.
Infotel Eyan Rene scored 33pts vs BTL
84 MAY 31 JUL 12 JUN 14 19 AUG SEP JUN
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THE BELIZE TIMES
2016 2016
KULTURE MEGABYTES’ KENT GABOUREL
rounded out the top 10. Team BSFC El Pescador’s Ed Blank won the “C” category’s 40-mile race from Leslie’s Imports to Garbutt’s Farm on the Philip Goldson Highway and back to Slim’s Bar. C Category 1st Ed Blank – Team BSFC El Pescador 2nd Alejandro Morales – Team Caribbean Tires 3rd Herwald Humes – Team DigiCell 4G 4th Enrique Morales – Team Caribbean Tires 5th Lisa Berger - BSFC El Pescador 6th Ingmar Perera - BSFC El Pescador 7th Judith Williamson – Team SMART 8th Charles Bruce 9th Ivan Tesecum – Team DigiCell 4G 10th Steven Gill - Team SMART Juniors 1st Ernest “Jawmeighan” Bradley – Team Smart Juniors 2nd – Team Cabral/Marin 3rd Kaydine Pinello – Team Smart Juniors. Elites - 60 miles, turning at mile 40 1st Keion Robateau – Team Westrac Alliance 2nd Tarique Flowers - Team Benny’s Megabytes 3rd Byron Pope - Team Benny’s Megabytes 4th Nissan Arana – Team Westrac Alliance 5th Angel Tzib – Team BECOL Uprising
wins Weekend Warriors’ Andrew “Pawpa” Brown birthday race
Biscayne Village, August 28, 2016 Team Kulture Megabytes’ Kent “Bob” Gabourel won the Weekend Warriors Cycling Club’s annual Andrew “Pawpa” Brown Birthday Race - A&B categories from Leslie’s Imports on the George Price Highway, via the Burrell Boom bypass to the Crooked Tree junction on the Philip Goldson Highway and back to Slim’s Bar in Biscayne Village on Sunday. A/B Category 1st Kent Gabourel – Kulture Megabytes 2:16:10 2nd Fitzgerald “Palas” Joseph – Team Lampaz 3rd Kirk Sutherland - Team DigiCell 4G 4th Barney Brown - Team Scotiabank 5th Ray Cattouse – Team C-Ray 6th Ryan Willoughby – Team SMART 7th Warren Coye – Team Santino’s 8th Dave Yearwood – Team DigiCell 4G 9th Preston “Moto” Martinez – Team BelCal 10th Santino Castillo - Team Santino’s
Taiwan’s JACKY CHEN Belize City, August 23, 2016 ‘Go or Die’ is not just a Facebook alias for Jacky Chen, a 38-year-old electronics engineer - it’s his motto as he rides around the world, hoping to return home to Taipei, Taiwan by 2020. Chen had only $400 in savings for his trip when he packed his bedroll, sleeping bag, tent, laptop and some extra clothes and rode off on his bicycle to see the world last June, beginning his world tour from Alaska. He rode down the Pacific seaboard, Canada and the United States to reach California in time for Christmas. Along the way, his charming smile and warm ways won the hearts of many well-wishers who helped out with free meals, lodging and other supplies. He crossed over into Mexico and reached the capital, Mexico City,
by May 2016, when his bike was stolen. Luckily for him, the Merida bicycle company is one of his main sponsors so he can get spares wherever there is a Merida agency. So he got a replacement bike and rode on to Cancun, from where he crossed over to Cuba. He then returned to Cancun and rode south through the Mexican state of Quintana Roo to enter Belize in Corozal on Thursday, August 18. The Taiwanese Embassy hosted Chen while in Belize and he shared an account of his amazing adventure with members of the local press at a luncheon hosted by the Embassy at the Canton Restaurant in Belize City on Tuesday, August 23. Chen said it was the first time he had tasted genuine Taiwanese cooking since
PLACENCIA ASSASSINS ARE NO. 1 IN PLB FOOTBALL
“Go or Die” ROUND THE WORLD
leaving Taipei. Chen said Belize is one of the friendliest countries he has ever been, and he particularly enjoyed Belizean cuisine, including the spicy relleno stew he was served in Corozal and Orange Walk and the rice and beans. Chen continued his ride from Belize City for the Benque border on Thursday, August 25, accompanied by some local cyclists. From Guatemala, Chen has charted out a route
through Central America to Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Brazil. He will continue south through Uruguay and Argentina to Tierra del Fuego in Chile, hopefully to arrive by February 2016. From there, he heads for Europe and the Middle East in 2017, and will tour Africa in 2018; crossing over into Asia to ride across mainland China in 2019. Indonesia is also on his program, before he returns home to Taiwan in 2020.
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THE BELIZE TIMES
Mr. Barrow - YOU’VE BEEN SERVED!
We are here to serve notice that we have had enough and we will take it no more. What happened in the House of Representatives last Friday was not only a national embarrassment and a disgrace, but also a direct, calculated attack on our Belizean democracy! And what was the cause of this dark day in our democracy? UDP CORRUPTION! It is now clear that what transpired at last Friday’s House sitting was no coincidence; it was planned and designed by the UDP leadership. Let us not forget that the Hon. Julius Espat, the member for Cayo South, was debating the Auditor General’s Report on Immigration, revealing the findings of the worst passport scandal in Belizean history. He was revealing to the Belizean people that this UDP Government has issued more than 55,000 fraudulent passports and visas. He was publicizing the fact that almost every minister in this UDP Cabinet, including the Prime Minister, is implicated in the mother-of-all scandals. What was being exposed was undeniable, widespread and deep-rooted proof of corrupt dealings by the UDP ministers, councillors and their supporters. Hon Espat was exposing the hypocrisy of the Prime Minister and unprecedented corruption by the UDP administration. He was doing his job; he was serving the people. And so we demand an apology from the Speaker, the immediate lifting of the suspension of Hon Julius Espat and the restoration of all his rights and privileges as a member. It was the voice of the PUP in the House that led the UDP to create the single most undemocratic and unparliamentary day in Belizean democracy. Not in my 23 plus years in the National Assembly did I experience anything close to what we experienced last Friday. The events at last Friday’s meeting of the House of Representatives were an obscene abuse of power by the Speaker with the complicity of the UDP Government. The Speaker showed his bias and unrestrained acts of intimidation against members on the Opposition. He disgraced the office of the Speaker; he brought the House into disrepute; he is a complete disgrace. The Hon. Michael Peyrefitte has consistently allowed members on the Government side to hurl insults, impute improper motives to members of the Opposition, use unparliamentary language and even allow members on the Government side to disparage the good name of people who are not members of the House, while consistently restraining members of the Opposition when we attempt to defend our positions. The Speaker has disrespected the Opposition’s role and has subjected elected PUP Representatives of the People to new and unprecedented levels of contempt by the UDP Administration. It is clear that on Friday he had no right to call for the naming of the member for Cayo South who had already apologized. It was the Speaker who was out of order! This will not be allowed to continue. Enough! The Hon. Michael Peyrefitte has completely lost the confidence of the Opposition as Speaker. We therefore demand the immediate removal of Michael Peyrefitte as Speaker. Let me, as the Leader of the Opposition, also condemn the disgraceful and abusive treatment of the media by the authorities at last Friday’s meeting. The National Assembly is the People’s House, it is the place where we conduct the business of the Nation; so to have the media thrown out in such a violent manner was wrong. There is no doubt it was clearly an intentional act designed by the UDP to try to cover-up the UDP’s disgusting and illegal behaviour which transpired after the media was forcibly removed from the National Assembly. We in the People’s United Party take this very seriously and so hold the unelected Police Minister Godwin Hulse and his UDP colleagues directly responsible for the behaviour of the Police Department and call on all Belizeans to condemn the UDP for what is certainly an attack on our Belizean Democracy.
4 SEP
2016
4 SEP
2016
18 JAN
THE BELIZE TIMES 2015
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THE BELIZE TIMES
4 SEP
2016
On Guatemala, Guatemala’s Special Assistant and the OAS….
Late last week the OAS presented its report on an incident which happened in Belizean territory in the Chiquibul in April. The independent investigation, demanded by irate Guatemalan officials, was conducted by two emiPUBLIC AUCTION SALE: PROPERTY nently qualified experts in forensic science and criminal investigation from Caribbean Coves/Caye Winds, SALE: Ambergris Caye, Belize District PUBLIC AUCTION PROPERTY the United States and Mexico. The results have vindicated Belize’s military Caribbean Coves/Caye Winds, Ambergris Caye, Belize District elements involved in that incident, stating that there is evidence that BDF and rangers from Friends for Conservation and Development were fired on BY ORDER of theMessrs. Mortgagees,Atlantic Messrs. Atlantic International Bank Limited Licensed Auctioneer Kevin A. Castillo will Ke by the Guatemalan involved, and only returned fire. BY ORDER of the Mortgagees, International Bank Limited Licensed Auctioneer sell the following property (Parcel No. 5083 situate in the Caribbean Coves/Caye Winds Area, west of San Pedro Town, The reactions to the OAS Report are not surprising…least all following the posi- property sellofthe No. 5083in situate the of Caribbean Coves/Caye Winds west o Ambergris(Parcel Caye, Belize District) front of theinoffices Messrs. Atlantic International Bank Limited,Area, Black Coral Street, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye on Monday 12th September 2016 at 11:00 am: tion by Sedi Elrington who has shown that he is in Guatemala’s corner. Sedi Belize Ambergris Caye, District) in front of the offices of Messrs. Atlantic International Bank Li says Guatemala owes Belize no apology. Street, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye on Monday 12th September 2016 at 11:00 am: Magdalena Talamas, O.A.S. Representative “I have travelled to Belize and to Guatemala at the request of the Secretary General to formally hand over the report of the independent commission that carried out the investigation of the incident that took place in the Adjacency Zone on April 20th. I would like to clarify that this report is a technical report that was conducted…it was produced by forensic experts that are not OAS staff members. The governments of the United States Magdalena Talamas and Mexico responded affirmatively and put at disposal two very high level experts…I want to take this opportunity to REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL express, reiterate our thanks and appreciation to the governments of Mexico San Pedro 7 5083 and the United States for their support and for providing these two very able (Being a two storey concrete residential building [Ground Floor: 2 bedrooms + open area to accommodate st living/dining/kitchen + access to roof top; 1 Floor: 2 bedrooms + open area to accommodate living/dining/kitchen + experts Dr. Patricia Trujillo from Mexico and Dr. James Hamby of the United access to roof top and lot [1909.27 sq. yds; includes +/- 70 feet beach front] situate in the Caribbean Coves/Caye Winds Sates. We are satisfied that the experts have conducted a thorough invesArea, west of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, the freehold property of Messrs. Caribbean Coves Estates Limited) tigation. The OAS commissioned the report and that same report has been TERMS: STRICTLY CASH submitted to both countries, so that they can evaluate it and determine the KEVIN A. CASTILLO pertinent actions that need to be taken from now forward.” TELEPHONE: 224-4473 Carlos Raul Morales – Foreign Minister, Guatemala Email: kevinacas@yahoo.com They determined that the report has serious basic deficiencies and it has them because there was no chain of custody of the element of fact; there was PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: PROPERTYPARCEL REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK no custody in the area where the minor San Pedro, Ambergris Caye; Belize District 5083 San Pedro 7 PROPERTY PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: died due to the delay of the Organization San Pedro, Ambergris Caye; Belize District (Being a two storey concrete residential building [Ground Floor: 2 bedrooms + open area to accommo in conducting this investigation. See, I st Licensed Auctioneer Kevin A. Castillo will sell the follo BY ORDER of the Supreme Court of Belize, ORDER to of the Supreme Court Belize, Licensed Auctioneer Kevin A. Castillo the following property 2 bedrooms + open areawill tosell accommodate living/d living/dining/kitchen +BYaccess roof top; 1 ofFloor: am surprised by the words of this lady. ON SITE (Villa 7Estates, Reef Villagejust Estates, just north of theSan San Pedro Bridge, San Pedro,San Ambergris CayeAmbergris on Monday 12th Cay ONunderstand SITE (Villa 7 Reef Village north of+/the Pedro Bridge, Pedro, Honestly I tell you I doaccess not to roof top and lot [1909.27 sq. yds; includes 70 feet beach front] situate in the Caribbean C September 2016 at 12:00 noon: September 2016 at 12:00 noon:Ambergris Caye, the freehold property of Messrs. Caribbean Coves E how an international official can sayofthat Area, west San Pedro Town, Villa 7 Reef Village, Reef Village Estates, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize District: there are things more important than that of the child. In fact, at this moment we Villa 7 Reef Village, Reef Village Estates, San Pedro,CASH Ambergris Caye, Belize Distric TERMS: STRICTLY are sending a letter, a very strong letter KEVIN A. CASTILLO Carlos Raul Morales to Secretary General Almagro over the TELEPHONE: 224-4473 words she pronounced. And in relation Email: kevinacas@yahoo.com to what the Prime Minister Barrow said, that is how the Belizeans are. It’s sad. They are cynical. The truth is that the words of the Prime Minister are irresponsible and I will tell you why they are irresponsible. He very well knows that if in fact the report says that the gunshots of the Belize army, according to the report, were not the ones which killed the child, he forgets…he forgets that the gunshots which killed him were precisely from this organization called Friends for Conservation and Development, which is a Belizean entity. It is a Belizean organization which patrols jointly with the Belize Defence Force the protected areas and in any case, he forgets that by forming a part of the patrol they are PART of that patrol. Wilfred ‘Sedi’ Elrington – Foreign Affair Minister, (Guatemala?) People have different pressures especially government officials and Guatemala has been going through a difficult time. The officials have been having tremendously difficult times. They like to emphasize that Belize is only one issue they are dealing with and it’s not all that important to them. So, historically when governments are under pressure they REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL look for an escape goat, this might have San Pedro 7 Villa 7 (5227-H108) (Being an elevated, waterway, concrete villa containing 2 bedrooms + 1 bathroom + lanai + roof top patio been the case. From a foreign affairs persituate in the Reef Village Estates Development, north of the San Pedro Bridge, San Pedro, Ambergris spective, the important thing is that we Sedi Elrington Caye, Belize District, the freehold property of Messrs. Reef Village Estates Limited) remain cordial with the Guatemalans… TERMS: STRICTLY CASH that we deal with them in a way whereby KEVIN A. CASTILLO we will be able to act in a more friendly way towards us. I really don’t think TELEPHONE: 224 4473 Email: kevinacas@yahoo.com that we should get caught up with demanding apologies from anybody.”
4 SEP
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THE BELIZE TIMES
2016
MISS STANN CREEK
Crystalline Castillo Wins 2016 Queen of Bay
Belize City, August 27, 2016 Miss Stann Creek Crystalline Castillo became the 2016 Queen of the Bay designate, with the most votes from the judges in the 71st Queen of the Bay pageant at the Bliss Institute Saturday night. Crystalline was also voted Miss Talent for her cultural performance in BDF battle-dress as she advocated to protect the Chiquibul Forest and Belize’s many other natural treasures. She aced the question and answer segment, calling for a reduction in the high crime rate and for Belize to become a place of peace, love and unity – a Jewel for all! She won a 4-year scholarship to Galen University, a Samsung Galaxy phone with DigiCell internet, $1,000 cash from the Office of the Prime Minister, a one-year membership at the Neal & Gordon’s Gym, and an HP laptop from Fultec Systems. Miss Toledo Aldisha Vernon won 2nd place, and would become Queen if for any reason Crystalline cannot fulfil her duties as Queen. She also won a scholarship to UB from the Ministry of Education, a Samsung Galaxy phone from DigiCell and a year’s gym membership. Miss Belize City Latanya Crawford, a Social Work major at UB, won 3rd place and was also voted Miss Amity by other girls. She won a Samsung Galaxy A3 phone with DigiCell internet, one year gym membership, and a weekend stay at a resort in Placencia. Miss Corozal Aldisha Castillo won 4th place, third runner-up, and Miss Eloquence. She won a Samsung Galaxy A3 phone with a year’s DigiCell internet, and a weekend at Hidden Valley Inn in the Mountain Pine Ridge. Miss Belize District Darcel Gianna Duran, a 20-year-old UB nursing student won 5th place, taking home as her prizes a $300 Alcatel tablet from COURTS Unicomer and $100 cash. Miss Belmopan Geraldine Flowers did not make it to the final 5, but she won Miss Photogenic based on the many photo-shoots during her week of activities with the other contestants. The other candidates were Miss Orange Walk Giselle Grant and Miss Cayo Shamika Armstrong.
Miss Toledo Aldisha Vernon won 2nd place
Miss Belize City Latanya Crawford won 3rd place
THE PARTY LEADER TOURS BRN The Party Leader, Hon. John Briceño toured the Belize River Valley on Thursday August 18, 2016, only to find that many residents are still waiting for the elusive Mr. NEMO, in the person of Area Representative Edmond Castro. Accompanying the Party Leader was Major Lloyd Jones and Carol Williams, Chair of the PUP Belize Rural North constituency. The Party Leader saw firsthand the damage suffered by the people of BRN and the poor response of the Government, especially Mr. NEMO. From talking to residents it was clear that Castro and the UDP cannot put politics aside, even in the aftermath of such a national disaster. Little relief has reached the people most affected by Hurricane Earl as Castro has handpicked his rabid party supporters to act as agents of NEMO. Those agents have chosen to ignore known supporters of the PUP, telling them nonsense such as “let the PUP help unnu.” John Briceño reminded the people that the resources at the disposal of NEMO do not belong to the UDP or Castro but that they belong to all the people of Belize. NEMO therefore has a duty to be fair and impartial in the distribution of hurricane relief. The visit was a whirlwind tour which saw the Briceño reaching out to our people in St Paul’s Bank, Willow’s Bank,
Double Head Cabbage, Lemonal, Flowers Bank, Scotland Half Moon and Burrell Boom. Those that were not visited should not be too disappointed as he promised to be back to spend more time in the division. The leadership in BRN thanks the Party Leader for his time and looks forward to his next visit.
Miss Corozal Aldisha Castillo won 4th place
16
4 SEP
THE BELIZE TIMES
2016
MASON PENETRATED DEEP INTO
BARROW’S CABINET
Hon. Said Musa House of Representatives It is now a matter of public record that a number of Cabinet Ministers were frequent guests at the home of Mr. William “Danny” Mason on Intelco Hill in Belmopan. These included the then Minister of National Security John Saldivar, the former Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega, the present Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber, the Minister of Trade and Investment Erwin Contreras, the Minister of State Frank ‘Papa’ Mena, the Minister of State Elodio Aragon and certainly at least on one occasion Minister Godwin Hulse who in the streets has been dubbed Godwin Lighthouse (who says he does not drink but did have one lighthouse beer when he attended the infamous victory party of the Deputy Prime Minister Faber at the Mason house. It is also a matter of public record that Mr. Mason has been making substantial financial cash contributions to certain Ministers. The Hon. John Saldivar has admitted receiving “in excess of $50,000.00”. Actually according to Mr. Mason, who has been speaking out from his prison cell at the Hattieville Correctional Facility, he gave Minister Saldivar $90,000.00 and subsequently when the Minister was travelling abroad to the USA an additional US$30,000.00. Minister Frank ‘Papa’ Mena has admitted receiving $10,000.00 from Mr. Mason. He has promised to donate this money to one of his favorite charities. Perhaps he will tell the nation the name of his charity that he plans to give the money. He should not forget to mention the additional $5,000.00 he received from Mr. Mason on the day of the Bye election in Dangriga. Minister Aragon received $20,000.00 from Mr. Mason. Did he spend it on his campaign office in Orange Walk Town? Or will he donate it to one of his favorite charities? Minister Gaspar Vega received an Angus Bull from Mr. Mason. Others like Minister Contreras received small gifts. Former Minister Salvador Fernandez received financial contributions on behalf of the UDP Western caucus. They were wined and dined at the Mason mansion. Actually according to the workers at the house it was more like top shelf scotch whiskey. It is also a matter of public record that several high ranking police officers followed the lead of the Ministers and were also entertained at the Mason house. In fact the Mason ranch at Mile 41 on the George Price Highway was used for target practice on a range by GSU officers. What is of special public concern is that this fraternity and socializing that took place between Mr. Mason the Ministers and certain law enforce-
Mason. Broaster is saying that as soon as he became aware he shared that info with the Commissioner. Is that so? And did the Commissioner inform his Minister? Who is lying? If indeed the Minister was informed and yet continued his close relationship with Mr. Mason for over a year to the extent of being entertained by Mr. Mason and sleeping in Mason’s bed in the house on Intelco Hill, then the state of our nation’s political, economic and social fabric has been torn to shreds. Our nation’s security has been seriously compromised. The Prime Minister in response to this sorry, sordid and corrupt state of affairs has made a minor cabinet re-
shuffle removing Saldivar from the police portfolio. But he refuses or is unable to remove the Minister from the Cabinet. He refuses to see the gravity of the situation his government is in. He only acted because the “optics” were bad. He is saying that the entire scandalous Mason saga involving Ministers of his Cabinet does not meet the threshold of impropriety or corruption that he as Prime Minister has decided. He will not be a slave to public opinion. Well if you are truly interested in getting to the bottom of this scandalous affair to let the chips fall where they may, why not appoint an independent investigator? Why not Mr. Prime Minister? Something is seriously rotten in the state of Belize. Mason has been put in isolation to keep him away from other inmates at the prison and to prevent him from speaking to the media. But it’s too late. The rotten House of Cards is beginning to crumble.
WE DEMAND ACTION ment officers has allowed for a climate of impunity, privilege and protection offered to criminal elements who curry favors in return for bribes and kickbacks paid to persons in high public office. Who facilitated the issue of a bogus birth certificate to Mr. William Mason which showed that he was born in Crooked Tree. (How appropriately named!) How come Mr. Mason and his household were able to receive firearm licenses approved in one day with no security vetting by the police Special Branch. The application forms were delivered to the Minister from the South with cash in the envelope. In no time the approvals were granted for 9mm pistols and pump action shot guns. In all 6 firearms licenses were approved in one day for Mason. And for good measure Mason is saying he had to buy another gun at Gallardo’s for one of the Minister’s political associates. To add insult to injury Mason was allowed to pay for his gun licenses as a Belizean and not the higher rate charged to foreigners. $75.00 instead of $500.00 for the 9mm and $150.00 instead of $1,000.00 for a pump shot gun. If an independent investigation were carried out into this entire sordid and corrupt affair, it may well reveal that there was a series of fundamental breaches of the intelligence service and our national security providing answers to the many questions unanswered to date. Did the Commissioner of Police receive Interpol reports from Canada about Mr. William Mason aka Oulette? Did he report the information to his Minister? Interestingly ASP Broaster said he became aware of Mr. Mason’s alleged swindling in Canada as far back as 2014. The then Minister of National Security is saying he did not become aware till September 2015 when he claimed he ceased all contacts with
We here in the PUP say that the recommendations of the Auditor General must be followed, including but not limited to the cancellation forthwith of ALL nationality certificates, passports and visas fraudulently issued including the one issued to the Prime Minister’s brother-in-law.
VERWALTUNG QUALITAS S.A. #130,543 (“the Company”) Pursuant to Section 102(8) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, notice is hereby given that VERWALTUNG QUALITAS S.A. has been dissolved as at 24th August, 2016 and has been struck off the Register of International Business Companies. CIL Trust International Limited Registered Agent
CARIBBEAN GROUP S.A. #133, 578 (“the Company”) Pursuant to Section 102(8) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, notice is hereby given that CARIBBEAN GROUP S.A :
A) Is in dissolution B) Commenced dissolution on the 19th day of August, 2016 and C) CIL Trust International Inc. whose address is No. 35 Barrack Road, Third Floor, Belize City, Belize, Central America is the Liquidator of the Company. CIL Trust International Limited Registered Agent
4 SEP
17
THE BELIZE TIMES
2016
MY PERSPECTIVE By Dolores Balderamos Garcia
THE HAMBY/ TRUJILLO REPORT In my column just two weeks ago I wondered when the report of the OAS-requested investigation into the death of the Guatemalan minor in April this year would be delivered. We didn’t wait too long afterwards, and late last week it was released. There has to be some level of relief and positive thinking on our part as Belizeans, but I would not use words like satisfaction or vindication, although I am pleased with the content thereof. The Belize Defence Force, yes, must feel some satisfaction to be cleared of direct blame, but a child was killed and most likely by shots fired by Friends for Conservation & Development rangers. There is no celebration here. Do not get me wrong though. I have to feel good that Belize has emerged from this episode reinforced in our position that Guatemalans continue to raid our natural resources and illegally trespass in our country. This has been plainly seen internationally once more. Just looking at the facts from this case, we see that the father of the minor lied repeatedly, and that at the time of his death it surely was not the first time the minor had illegally trespassed. He was even detained by Belizean authorities the month prior to the fatal incident. In addition, what must vex Belizeans is the revelation that various Guatemalan entities tampered with the scene and removed important evidence of what transpired. Belizeans have to feel dismay at the ‘faciness’ and brazenness of these trespassers, to the point even of our security personnel being shot at. And let this be said boldly. Both the Guatemalans and the Organization of American States have egg on their faces. The Morales’, President Jimmy and Foreign Minister Carlos Raul, grossly over-reacted and were blatantly bellicose towards us. Too besides, the OAS put out a statement repudiating the incident, in what for them was an unwise rush to judgement. To repudiate is not merely to regret. The meaning of repudiate is “to refuse to accept or be associated with;” “to deny the truth or validity of;” “to disown.” This was pretty strong language from an or-
ganization that should at least be circumspect in pronouncing on events in member countries, and particularly when the facts are not in. Can Belizeans be blamed for seeing OAS officials as a Latin club who will favour Hispanic countries of the hemisphere? As for our own Minister Sedi, at least we can say that he is always entirely consistent!! When asked if Guatemala should apologize to Belize, he yet again made excuses for them. Poor Guatemala, he said (I paraphrase), they are under pressure and in difficult times and may have looked for a scapegoat. He also said that the Prime Minister has his own view, and that the important thing is that we remain cordial to the Guatemalans and deal with them in a way that will enable them to be friendlier towards us. In other words we must turn the other cheek, despite the Morales’ insulting and belligerent conduct and inexcusable condemnation of our BDF soldiers and by extension our entire people. The world according to Sedi is that we must not get caught up in demanding apologies from anyone. Can you believe it?!? As to Ms. Magdalena Talamas, she was very subdued in presenting the Harnby/Trujillo Report formally, and seemed to want to get out of there as quickly as she possibly could. She said that the child’s death was very painful, and who can disagree? However, I think that the Belizean media were tame and let her off the hook far too easily. Only three questions were asked by reporters, none of which raised the issue of the OAS’ premature repudiation of the incident. She then beat a hasty retreat. As a footnote, although it is far from being just “by the way,” I ask why Belize did not insist on a similar inquiry into the murder of our own Danny Conorquie. Surely it cannot be too late for justice to be seen to be done. Wake up, Mr. Luis Almagro and do something please. Dancing punta at the socalled Adjacency Zone is not sufficient. You and your organization owe it to Belize.
For Sale By Order of the Mortgagee Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Mortgage made the 16th day of November, 2004 between EGBERT IRVING of No. 40 Pine Street, Dangriga Town, Stann Creek District (hereinafter called “the Borrower”) of the one part, and SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LIMITED (hereinafter called “the Mortgagee”) of the other part, and recorded in Deeds Book Volume 37 of 2004 at Folios 131 - 138, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto. All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Block No. 26 situate at Stann Creek Valley Road 19 Miles containing 7a. 2r. 33p. coloured pink and and bounded and described as in Plan No. 49 of 1951 and surveyed by James A. Waight Government Surveyor TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. DATED this 24th day of August, 2016. MUSA & BALDERAMOS LLP 91 North Front Street Belize City Attorneys-at-Law for Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.
For Sale By Order of the Mortgagee Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Assignment of Mortgage made the 14th day of May, 2008, registered in Deeds Book Vol. 18 of 2008 at Folios 255 – 270, between The Belize Bank Limited (the Assignor), Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. (the Assignee), and PETER WILLIAMS (the Mortgagor), which said property was mortgaged by the said PETER WILLIAMS to the said Belize Bank Limited on the 30th day of October, 1991 and recorded in Deeds Book Volume 23 of 1991 at Folios 559 – 588 will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto. All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. THE SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being 0.64 acre situate along the San Antonio – Punta Gorda Road, Jacintoville, Toledo District bounded and described as shown by Plan No. 35 of 1991 attached to Minister’s Fiat (Grant) No. 35 of 1991 dated 4th February, 1991 and entered in the Crown Lands Book (Grants) at the General Registry, Belize City, TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. DATED this 24th day of August, 2016. MUSA & BALDERAMOS LLP 91 North Front Street Belize City Attorneys-at-Law for Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.
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THRILL ON THE HILL By G. Michael Reid “We’re a different sort of thief here, Lamora. Deception and misdirection are our tools. We don’t believe in hard work when a false face and a good line of bullshit can do so much more.” ~ Scott Lynch,The Lies of Locke Lamora “If a thief and an immoral society find a thief and an immoral political leader, it will support him to the death!” ~ Mehmet Murat ildan The obstreperous goings-on at last Friday’s House meeting in Belmopan were disgusting, disgraceful and distasteful. They were not however, surprising. Those of us who have been observing the style and pattern of this UDP administration over the past eight years or so have become quite familiar with the tactics employed. We would or should have known what to expect and the real surprise is that the Hon. Julius Espat didn’t. He allowed himself to walk into a trap. Julius is relatively new to the game of politics; I mean, when compared to the likes of Dean Barrow, Michael Finnegan and even a few members on his own side of the House. Relatively speaking, Julius is but a babe in the woods. Those woods into which this babe has ventured, however, are full of some very wily, devious and bloodthirsty jackals; they play their game at a very high level. I believe that Julius Espat is a young and bright politician. He is energetic, committed and hell-bent on doing big things for his constituents of Cayo South. This has caused some friction with the Speaker, who is eager to prove that he is the Boss. The two have locked horns on a number of occasions and in Kriol we would say that “the Speaker got it een fah ahm”! The unfortunate thing is that there were some significant issues on the agenda for last Friday’s House sitting and as a result of what happened, no address was given to these matters. The Auditor General’s report is damning and lays out in detail the many improper and
THE BELIZE TIMES correct or curtail Finnegan’s antics. And this, my people, is the man teaching us about civility and decorum in the House? Wheel and come again. The fact of the matter is that Julius Espat was not wrong in what he said; he might only have been wrong in saying it. Is the Speaker biased? You’re damned right he is! The problem is that every person that has ever held that position has been biased but none has ever been so blatant or extreme in their display of prejudice, partisanship and partiality. One can understand Julius saying that the Speaker is being paid to block the Opposition because that is how it seems. I cannot remember the Speaker even once, stopping any member from the government side from speaking on any issue and in any manner that they choose. Yet, members of the Opposition are held within strict rules and guidelines of the Standing Orders. A big part of the problem is in how the Speaker is chosen. According to the Constitution, a Speaker is supposed to be elected by members of the House. I can remember following the General
4 SEP
2016
salary. Positions like that of Speaker of the House should be taken outside the purview of politics and applicants should not be connected to one particular party or the other. The current Speaker for example once ran as a candidate on the UDP ticket and there should be no doubt where his loyalty lies. This is also one of those positions that could be filled with someone from the Diaspora. They have been illegal acts by many members of Parliaclamouring to get involved in the proment. Names are called and dates are cess of governance and the Speakers given and if it is evidence you want Mr. for both upper and lower House could Prime Minister, here it is! The cows in come from that pool. It is time that the House however, know exactly where we step outside of the box and take the weak fence is and Julius’ temperathe necessary steps to improve our ment became a target. The seasoned current state of affairs. What we have veterans like Said Musa and Mike Espat is not working; it is broken and it is in or many of the others might not have bitneed of urgent repair. ten that bait, but Julius did. As for the Auditor General’s ReIt would be difficult for anyone to port, we must make sure that this convince me that what happened in the does not “blow over” and that it is House last Friday was not orchestrated not swept under the rug and forgotand pre-arranged. We have seen much ten. The UDP have already begun worse insults hurled across the floor and their campaign to discredit and no less frequent violations of these supposedly than the Speaker himself was on TV sacrosanct Standing Orders. In fact, just the night before the House Meeting, a few minutes prior to Friday’s ruckus, questioning its validity. We need a Senate Inquiry and we need the Police to investigate A big part of the problem is in how the Speaker those cases that were obviis chosen. According to the Constitution, a ously criminal. We also need to recall all those fraudulently Speaker is supposed to be elected by issued nationalities and exammembers of the House. I can rememine our voters’ list to see how ber following the General Elections, the this has influenced our past Prime Minister naming his Cabinet and two elections. According to the report, fifty-five thousand also naming the person he had chosen (55,000) passports are said to be the Speaker. Was there an election to have been issued without that we did not know about? proper documentation. This poses a threat to not only our own national security but that the Prime Minister was freely tongueElections, the Prime Minister naming of our neighbouring countries who allashing young Kareem Musa, calling him his Cabinet and also naming the person low our citizens to travel freely. The “maladroit”, “baby brains” and a few he had chosen to be the Speaker. Was U.S. Ambassador has already warned other unmentionables. One would think there an election that we did not know that this might very well affect those that in fairness, the Speaker would do as about? who wish to travel to that country he does whenever any member of the I believe that it is time for this profrom Belize. Our already battered and Opposition dares to step out of line. The cess to be carried out differently. The tarnished reputation has taken yet anPrime Minister is known to ramble all Speaker of the House should not be apother blow and it begs the question: is over the place, speaking on issues not pointed by, nor should they serve at the this the best that is to come, or is there even remotely “connected therewith or pleasure of the Prime Minister. His role more? This coming Wednesday there incidental thereto” the matters that are in maintaining order and decorum in the will be a massive demonstration in Bebeing discussed on the floor. Yet, not House is too vital to democracy for him lize City. Let us stand my people and once has the Speaker ever stopped him or her to be so one-sided. I think that let them know once and for all, that we or cautioned him. You mek any memit is about time that we demand that have had enough. May GOD bless bers of the Opposition try that!!! the Governor-General start earning his Belize! In an interview aired on Channel Five this Monday, Michael Finnegan, of all people, admonished Julius Espat calling his actions “unfortunate, disrespectful and disgraceful”; Finnegan now, who once called former Speaker of the House Elizabeth Zabaneh a “biased son of a bitch”! When it comes to “disrespectful and disgraceful” conduct in the House, few can match the member from Mesopotamia. Finnegan is often disrespectful, in particular to female representatives on the other side of the aisle and once even made a particularly crude sexual reference while addressing the Honourable Dolores Balderamos . Finnegan is known to be rude and disrespectful to women inside and outside of the House of Representatives, once asking the Prime Minister with an obvious sexual innuendo, what he had done or hadn’t done to Audrey Matura. And who could forget Finnegan referring to Rhenea Nunez as “that Kerobee bitch”? Yet, not once has the Speaker risen to
4 SEP
THE BELIZE TIMES
2016
THINKING OUT LOUD BY: KEVIN BERNARD
M
onths ago I mentioned that the UDP will fall to pieces – so said, so done. What we saw in the House of Representatives on Friday was a disgraceful manifestation of a government which is crumbling – shock after shock after scandal and the Prime Minister is holding on by his very fingernails. What we saw on Friday will get worse as the UDP struggles to hold on while the people get angrier and angrier and more frustrated. Truly, for the UDP, the worst is yet to come. I sat in that honourable House on Friday and I watched the Speaker use our Police Officers against us. In all my years in and out of politics I have never seen such shameful behaviour. Imagine a Member of Parliament roughed up in the people’s House by the Special Patrol Unit under instructions from the Speaker of the House. Imagine our media personnel – not thugs but respectable media personnel – hauled out of the House by the Police, again on instructions of the Speaker. What have we come to when that becomes acceptable behaviour? Where do we go from here? The frustration inside and outside the House was palpable. The people have truly had enough and we saw it on Friday. I watched the faces of the UDP Ministers as they had to be escorted outside the House and to their vehicles by Police personnel. I watched the face of the Prime Minister as he had to be physically surrounded by Police to ensure his own safety. He looked like a man waking up from a sound sleep, aware for the first time of how angry the people are – how far he has pushed us. I don’t know what the Prime Minister expects? Has he become so blinded by arrogance that he’s lost all sense of reality? In one breath he tells our teachers and public officers, including Police Officers, that there is no money to pay their salary adjustment this year. And in that same breath he stands in the House of Representatives and explains that the government of Belize will
pay for all repairs to the DPM’s submarine/vehicle. And if it can’t be fixed the government of Belize will pay for a brand new one. Imagine that. He also, without shame, says the government will continue to pay Candelaria Saldivar, sister of John Saldivar, her full CEO salary and perks until they find another posting for her. That is a slap in the face for our teachers and public officers. One of Mr. Barrow’s biggest problems, and one of the reasons he will leave behind a legacy of failure, is because he does not listen to anybody. He feels that he knows everything and his way is the only way. He has become so power-hungry that he refuses to see what is facing him. What is contained in the Auditor-General’s reports is the worst case of corruption that has ever faced this country. Mr. Barrow’s Ministers and officials have been using the Immigration Department as a piggy bank. It is estimated that the Department has been milked for tens of millions, if not hundreds of millions of dollars by corrupt UDP Ministers and operatives. But Mr. Barrow is trying to pretend that nothing happened. Even with the evidence right in front of his face, he believes that he can continue to fool the Belizean people into thinking that nothing bad happened, that it was only a case of a few ministers signing a few recommendations for a few people. The truth is that our national documents have been rendered practically worthless by the UDP in what is the most terrible act of betrayal I have ever witnessed. Foreigners, by greasing the right palms, were able to access Visas, nationality certificates and Belizean passports without even coming to Belize. Now born Belizeans will be subject to the most intense scrutiny by foreign governments when we travel because of what these corrupt UDPs have done. This week our Party Leader announced that we will be holding the UDP accountable as we prepare to take to the streets. We will let Mr. Barrow and his government know that what they’re doing is not okay, and it is not going to blow over. Stand up my people. The Time is Now!
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UNITED WE STAND….
Contributed by: Eduardo Santos While pressure groups may undermine the normal method of political participation in Belize’s representative democracy their existence may strengthen pluralist democracy. This is achieved by pressure groups encouraging the general public to participate in politics and improve the government’s policy-making through better information and scrutiny. However, while some pressure groups certainly do lead to a more democratic outcome, others may do little to improve democracy because of elitism and an overly-narrow focus resulting in ‘tyranny by the minority.’ It will be argued that, overall, pressure groups do not generally undermine democracy. The most well-known pressure groups are usually those that have engaged in direct action, often using controversial ‘civil disobedience’ stunts which hit the news headlines e.g. the cane farmers’ demonstrations or the shutting down of the highways by certain bus companies’ campaign to prevent the creation of rules that could have affected their livelihood adversely; or the BNTU/ NTUCB demonstration against the wage freeze by the government.. These singleissue causal pressure groups arguably undermined democracy by breaking the law – law which has been passed by elected representatives in the House of Representative and Senate – and causing significant disruption to other law-abiding citizens in prime examples of tyranny by the minority. However, the campaigners involved were trying to ensure that their views were heard - the cane farmers, for example, may feel that they are under-represented in the Government. Representative democracy, as it works, does not necessarily allow all persons to have their views and opinions represented, and so direct action by pressure groups perhaps enhances pluralist democracy (a system in which there are numerous centres of political power). However, the ability of a pressure group to actually influence government policy depends not only on the wide support of the general public but also on the availability of so-called access points to politicians. Another way in which pressure groups enhance rather than undermine democracy is through their wide
and extensive membership. The classic example is that there are now more members of the BNTU/NTUCB than there are paid members of political parties. Even if people feel that that there is no party that particularly represents their interests they can usually identify with a pressure group and may participate in politics through pressure groups rather than through more traditional routes. Another upshot of this high membership of pressure groups is that it can give a weighting to the different items on the government’s mandate following an election, because different groups can express interest in particular. Despite some incidences of pressure groups providing incorrect information, many pressure groups help to educate and inform the public and the government on important issues. In Belize, most of the NGOs who should be the watchdogs against political mischief are dormant or have been effectively beaten into submission. There is a need for the common man to get together, regardless of ethnicity, religion or political affiliation and take an active role in our society. Over the past few months we have witnessed different incidents where the actions of our elected official could be construed as criminal acts in other societies. The Ministry of Natural Resources was accurately termed ‘a private business’ by the ex-Minister of Natural Resources after he was tasked by Prime Minister Barrow to clean up the mess. We now have scandals brewing in mammoth proportion with high ranking officials both in the private and public sector involved with Mr. William Mason who is now accused of the kidnapping and murder of Pastor Llewellyn Lucas. The time to save our country is now and not tomorrow when we have lost it. It is high time that we all come together and show the government that their leadership is not conducive to a progressive growth. We need to call for stronger legislation geared at our elected officials. If the government does not listen to the voice of reason, or if we continue to be silent in the face of oppression, then our destiny is already written on the wall. We will change a tired broken king for a diabolical court jester in 2020 and Belize will truly become an economic wasteland.
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THE BELIZE TIMES
4 SEP
2016
EDITORIAL en Espanol Las campanas repican, Señor Barrow
S
eguro que Mr. Barrow tiembla cuando se mira en el espejo. De imaginar las posibilidades de grandeza, se ha convertido en un hombre cuyo legado será contaminado por la pestilencia de corrupción sin precedentes, un hombre que debe ahora huir, ocultar y esquivar, en lugar de enfrentar lo que él y su Partido Democrático Unido han llegado a representar al pueblo Beliceño. El Barrow audaz de los últimos años ya no es. Por la arrogancia y el hambre por el poder, ha creado su propio infierno. Hemos llamado el líder de la UDP muchas cosas, con razón, pero nunca hemos tenido ocasión de llamarlo tonto. Lo confirmamos con inteligencia suficiente para saber por qué estamos donde estamos, y por qué no podemos seguir por este camino. El Sr. Barrow debe encontrar lo que la ex alcalde UDP Zenaida Moya afirmó que perdió y debe hacer lo correcto. Tenemos que devolverle aunque sea un semblante de integridad a los sistemas que nos gobiernan, y la única manera que se puede hacer en este momento es que el Primer Ministro permita una investigación independiente – una investigación objetiva, REAL con investigadores no propuestos por o respondiéndole al Primer Ministro – en las revelaciones escandalosas, que son solo la punta de iceberg de la corrupción loca que ha llenado los sistemas de Visas, Nacionalidad y Pasaportes. Solo esta semana líder del partido John Briceño renovó la llamada para una investigación, y la necesidad de una quitar la corrupción interna – “lo que revelan las auditorías es que cuando el Ministro de Inmigración Godwin Hulse y directora María Marín fueron informados acerca del esquema ilegal de la ciudadanía económica no hicieron nada al respecto. Ninguna investigación. Ni un movimiento para revocar los pasaportes fraudulentos. ¡Nada! No hicieron ni una sola cosa. Sólo continuaron con el negocio como de costumbre...” ¡NO PODEMOS SEGUIR COMO NO PASO NADA! No queremos una investigación realizada por agentes de este gobierno, como EL Comisario de policía Allen Whylie. Hemos visto por medio de la
amarga experiencia como esto funciona. Debido a la infiltración política y manipulación, el Comisario por sus acciones y directivas ha permitido que el Departamento de Policía sea manchados y contaminado por el mismo pincel sucio. Exigimos una investigación sobre las circunstancias de la decapitación del Pastor Llewellyn Lucas – no sólo su muerte, sino la participación de toda esa saga sórdida de altos Ministros del UDP y altos oficiales de la policía. La integridad del gabinete (de lo poco que permanecía) y el Departamento de Policía han sido empañados por la debacle de William Danny Mason, y cualquier investigación, tal como es o era, no puede ser realizado y llevado a cabo por las mismas personas señaladas y avergonzadas. El Sr. Barrow debe, con toda prisa, poner en marcha una Comisión de Integridad independiente, objetiva y seria. Esa retórica ridícula sobre que ninguna persona con ‘integridad’ querer exponer su vida al escrutinio se ha demostrado por lo que es – ¡el PM esquivando escrutinio de sus ministros corruptos! Hay muchos beliceños de carácter impecable que están dispuestos a participar en la Comisión de integridad. Ha llegado la hora que capitule y se rinda Primer Ministro. ¿Por qué el Primer Ministro le tiene tanto miedo a las investigaciones e indagaciones? ¿Si es tan bueno como la retórica que suele soltar, pues entonces debe permitir el escrutinio a todo? Si esta convencido, como él dice de lo “trasparente” de su gabinete, ¿por qué no someterlos a la prueba de integridad y dejar que las fichas caigan donde puedan? El Sr. Barrow dice que no pueden permitirse los costos asociados con iniciativas contra la corrupción, pero eso es una mentira. Lo que no puede permitirse el Sr. Barrow es lo que sería revelado por estas iniciativas de lucha contra la corrupción. ¿Qué ves cuando miras en el espejo, Sr. Barrow? ¿Lamenta los días de gloria cuando usted hablaba sobre “la magia” del UDP? ¿Insulta y maldice a sus ministros por arruinar su legado, o se hace responsable por lo que le ha hecho a este país? La campana repica, Primer Ministro. ¿Preguntara porque repica? ¿O sabe que repica por ti, Sr. Barrow? La gente lo exige.
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2016
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THE BELIZE TIMES
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OW Resident Gunned Down Monday, August 29, 2016 Popular Orange Walk resident Kevin Flowers, 28, was killed by a gunman who shot him several times right in front of his yard. It happened just after 5:00a.m. on Sunday, August 28 on Smithsonia Street in the town. Police investigations reveal that he had only just arrived home on his bicycle. He was about to open the gate and enter when an unknown assailant ambushed him. The man shot him several times in the forehead, the back, the neck, and the left forearm. Flowers collapsed right on the street in front of his home and unfortunately, that’s where he took his last breath. The Police aren’t saying at this time if they have any suspects, but there is suspicion that he may have been killed for his alleged connection to recent incidents in Orange Walk Town. He was a person well known to Police.
NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the below company has been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from August 31st, 2016. MILLIE LIMITED
Belize Corporate Services Limited Registered Agent
NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the below company has been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from August 30th, 2016. RUNLAKE OVERSEAS LIMITED ALEMAN, CORDERO, GALINDO & LEE TRUST (BELIZE) LIMITED Registered Agent
NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the below companies have been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the 31st day of August, 2016:
Prayer To The Holy Spirit O Holy Spirit, You who are the Fountainhead of all knowledge, Who Illuminate the path way which enables me to reach my goal. You Who shares your Divine gift permitting me to forgive and forget past insults and injustices, and Who are always at my side within reaching distance. I desire in this short supplication to thank You for all that You have done for me; and to assure You once more that I never want to be separated from You under any circumstances, no matter what the incentive. I want to be with You, I along with my loved ones, cradled in Your unending love. Thank You for your never-failing kindness towards me and those I call my own.(Prayer to be offered for three consecutive days: Faith in The Holy Spirit will cause Him to respond to your request no matter how difficult the problem might be. Publish prayer as soon as request has been Granted .) Thank You Holy Spirit.
W.Y.
GREAT TRADE CO., LTD. CHUAN CHENG INT’L INC. GenPro Consulting (Belize) Limited Registered Agent
NOTICE
23 LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICES Notice is hereby given that VIN’S LIQUORS LTD. is applying for a Publican General Liquor License to be operated at “Vin’s Liquors Ltd”, situated at # 1 Euphrates Avenue, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that KUAN FEN HSIEN is applying for a Publican General Liquor License to be operated at “Vin Hong Supermarket”, situated at # 1 Euphrates Avenue, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that ZHOU RONG LI is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Jian Ye”, situated at # 3 2nd Street, Kings Park, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that ZHANYING XIAO is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Chang Lien”, situated at # 34 King Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that ESTEFANIA ALONZO GOMEZ is applying for a Night Club Liquor License to be operated at “Dreamlike City”, situated at 1 ½ Mls. Philip Goldson Highway, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that WEN YAN XIAO is applying for a Convenience Store Liquor License to be operated at “Heng Weng Shop”, situated at # 39 King Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that GINA ZABANEH is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “GinaZ Corner”, situated at # 1725 Hummingbird Highway, Stann Creek District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Xin Chan Su & You Wei Tang are applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “New Glory Road”, situated at # 91 New Road, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Yao Qiang Tang is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “New Hope Grocery Shop”, situated at #35 Baymen Avenue, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Xin Hui Zhang is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “New Fortune”, situated at # 91 East Collet Canal, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Huayuan Zhou & Jian Hong Bu are applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “K & K Fast Food & Restaurant”, situated at # 124 Freetown Road, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.
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2016