Belize Times May 1, 2011

Sunday, May 1, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

1

Issue No. 4742

SUNDAY May 1, 2011

Prostituting Belize

GOB cuts Permanent Residency permits for Chinese nationals from $10,000 to $2,000!!

Belize City, April 27, 2011 On November 5, 2010 Belizeans will remember the disturbing news that there was a move afoot by the UDP Administration to secretly give away Belizean patrimony to 20,000 illegal immigrants.

Cabinet Paper no. 119 of 2010 proposed to surrender permanent resident status under the disguise of an “Amnesty Program” to 20,000 illegal immigrants, which represents a whopping six per cent of the total Belizean population.

Now the same incompetent Minister who messed up the crime situation and the Belize Police Department is at it again. Carlos Perdomo, was finally fired following his disgraceful tenure as Minister of Police. UDP style, he was promoted only to mess up a bigger portfolio as the Minister of Defense and Immigration.

BELIZE TIMES has been monitoring the activities at the Immigration Department

Briceño: Protecting local farmers must be a Priority

Immigration Minister Carlos Perdomo must explain the reason behind the cheap sale of Belizean patrimony

and with the assistance of international watchdogs who are extremely concerned, we were given a copy of Continued on page 3

Police find 20lbs

of suspected cocaine inside San Joaquin home

San Carlos Village, Orange Walk District, April 26, 2011 On Tuesday, April 26 2011, Party Leader Hon. John Briceño, accompanied by former Director of Extension and Marketing in the Ministry of Agriculture Jose Mai, met with onion producers in San Carlos Village in the Orange Walk district.

San Carlos is home to more than 20 Continued on page 3

Hon. John Briceño went to see firsthand the damage suffered by onion producers & pledged to defend them

GUILTY OF

MURDERING

WIFE

Packages of suspected cocaine found inside home

See page 4

See page 4

Photo by Allison Reisz

Belize’s Royal Family snubbed

by UK Royalty

Farid Puck & Maricarmen Zul Castro

Fake royalty, PM Dean & Kim

Real royalty, Prince William & Kate

Glenford “Bucket” Bermudez

See page 8

See page 13

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, May 1, 2011

From the ghetto streets to PM Barrow

“Living the Royal Life”

Bus Association concerned about

favouritism in bus industry

Dear Minister, The Belizean Bus Association (BBA) through this medium expresses its concern regarding the lack of transparency being perpetrated by the Ministry of Transport regarding the granting of runs to Mr. Sergio Chuc.

More than six months ago, the BBA was assured that it was recognised by yourself as an important component of the industry and that we would be considered a seat on the Transport Board to have a democratic voice in the process of issuing runs. The BBA, being granted a seat on the Transport Board, you agreed would bring balance to the process of issuances of permits.

We are therefore very disturbed to learn from Mr. Chuc himself that he has been promised 15 runs from Belize City to Benque between 5:00AM and 12:00PM and return from Benque to Belize City from 1:00PM to 6:00PM. Mr. Chuc has confirmed that he has already imported 18 buses to take up these runs. Unfortunately, in the rush to ac-

quire equipment, Mr. Chuc has imported substandard (junk) equipment that are of lower quality than the existing standards in the industry. It is only logical that if a significant investment as such was made, that Mr. Chuc has boasted publicly that the runs were given to him because he is a supporter of the UDP. The members of BBA deserve equal consideration as they are established and have the necessary experience and investments to take on these runs. These runs should not be granted to an unproven entity simply because he is a UDP crony.

The BBA therefore requests on behalf of its membership for you to fulfil your commitment to the BBA to bring transparency to the process that has been flawed and unjust for so long.

We thank you Minister in advance in anticipation that you will address this situation to elevate the industry above politics.

Sincerely and respectfully, Mr. Andrew Shaw President – Belizean Bus Association

People’s United Party has and will always be!

By Darrellitas “Dar Dar” Bradley At a press conference held last week by the Coalition Organized for the Liberty through Action (COLA) and what resembled to be the Public Service Union at the Battlefield Park, downtown Belize City, in response to the firing of COLA President Moses Sulph by Barrow administration, I believe I heard Moses Sulph asking about or inviting the Opposition (PUP) to join the cause in his statement to the press.

Many Belizeans remember that it was Sulph and his colleagues that helped to get Dean Barrow and the UDP elected, telling Belizeans just 37 months ago that Dean Barrow was the answer to our problems while the PUP warned that Barrow was bad for Belize. In fact many Belizean like me find it rather difficult to forgive Sulph and others who sold us Dean Barrow and his vicious UDP who are now destroying our family lives and country.

The attendance was not impressive and somewhat disappointing. While the so called “FREE PRESS “was in full attendance, with Belizeans for Justice giving their full support to Sulph, the Public Service Union was conveniently represented only by its President who sounded more like she was paying lip service to Sulph than chastising the Barrow government.

The question asked by concerned bystanders who came out against the UDP injustice was where were Moses Sulph’s FRIENDS? Notably absent were the upstart Eleanor Smith, sell out Dylan Reneau, im-

poster Lois Young, George Frazer, Senator Godwin Hulse, Rufus X (who finally found a party), and the Zinc Fence crew.

It was obvious by the poor solidarity shown for Sulph and the absence of those personalities who gave us this “wuthless” Barrow and the UDP, that Moses’ friends have forsaken him for the power and love of Dean Barrow’s money.

Those persons mentioned have become known apologists for Barrow and have remained silent over the last three years despite the political atrocities committed by Barrow against Belizeans and the fact that Prime Minister Barrow and his UDP Ministers publicly stated that they makes no apologies for their actions when they victimize Belizeans.

Some pretend and behave as though the firing of Sulph from his government post at the Registry is the first casualty of this UDP government when it comes to victimization. The fact is that since February 2008, there have been hundreds of Belizeans who have experienced the heavy hand of oppression and victimization by Dean Barrow and his ruthless United Democratic Party.

The litany of pain and suffering under Dean Barrow could be heard all over Belize: on the Farms, in the classrooms, public offices, the Judiciary, the market places, the gas station, neighborhood stores, the NGOs, the private sector, the unemployed, and the homes of single parents. The tune of the litany is the same throughout

Dear Editor, kindly find space for my letter in your esteemed newspaper, As Belizean people struggle day by day looking for a job or trying to make ends meet, if they have any ends to meet, we find ourselves forced to make good or bad choices in life but that only happens when there are no jobs being created. A lot of young children are out of school and on the streets, and have no family guidance. Then our minds wander off doing negative things and even bringing harm to others.

Every day is the same old story. We wake up and ask ourselves: is this going to be a good or bad day. Like the reggae artist Bob Marley would say, “only time will tell,” and believe me, the hardest time is telling on the poor Belizean people. What can we do to make our lives better? That’s all we want. But we can’t with this government because they are for themselves and their family to live sweet and for the Belizeans to live sour.

What am I trying to say: didn’t we vote for a Prime Minister to govern this country and to stand by our side in our time of need? That’s what I thought and so did the Belizean people. Instead, we received an artificial Prime Minister who likes to travel any chance he gets. Not one holiday the Belizean people can say that

their Prime Minister spent it with them. Is it that he’s so special and too good that he cannot stay here with us? Seems to be. It looks like Miami is more important to him than the people of Belize.

Mr. Prime Minister, who voted for you?

Was it us or was it the people in Miami? We need to know the truth and not lies because you seem to be good at that. Wouldn’t it be nice if the Belizean people can live like you and go places without asking questions? It’s not that easy you might say, well it’s easy for you and your family to do that because you’re living the royal life off the backs of Belizean taxpayers money and to gangster the country until your time is up out of office.

You might say you don’t care because you will still be living the royal life after you come out of power. Mr. Barrow do you know what is royalty? Let me tell you, Queen Elizabeth II is royalty. Your royalty is not for surealty.

So you see Belizeans like father like son.

Any little thing that comes up, they will be the first to jump on a plane and leave poor Belizeans behind to suffer more. Don’t worry, as the clock hand turns time is running out on you Mr. Prime Minister. Belizeans deserve a true leader Mr. Barrow and you don’t fit the criteria. Till next time. Respect to everyone living in the ghetto.

Signed, Roberto Peyrefitte

Political Aspirant Gives Support to Dr. Francis Smith Mr. Henry Charles Usher PUP Party Chairman Queen Street Belize City, Belize Dear Mr. Usher; I would like to firstly, thank our Party for affording me the opportunity to partake in the democratic process for which our party is known.

After reflection, I am hereby withdrawing myself as a candidate for the PUP Standard Bearer of the Pickstock Constituency. While I am interested in becoming a politician for the People’s United Party, to contribute to the country’s development, I really would prefer to

do this first at the municipal level in the upcoming city council elections.

Therefore, with my withdrawal I stand ready to support Dr. Francis Smith as the PUP’s standard bearer for the Pickstock Division.

Sincerely, Edward Young

THE BELIZE TIMES EDITOR

Alberto Vellos OFFICE MANAGER

Fay Castillo McKay PRINTING/PERSONNEL SUPERVISOR

our Country “CORRUPTION”, “HARDSHIP”, “VICTIMIZATION” “NEPOTISM”, “CRONYISM” and “OPPRESSION”.

For the past 36 Months there are those that simply cannot criticize Dean Barrow and the UDP because of their own selfish interests. But weeks after week these opportunists and apologists spend their entire time with their vile pen slandering and attacking the leadership of the PUP while the people continue to perish under Barrow and his minions.

The injustices to the Belizean people perpetuated by Barrow for the last three years have been exposed by the Opposition People’s United Party in the House of Representative, in its weekly BELIZE TIMES, on the daily Vibes Morning Buzz show and at PUP events. So rest assured Moses Sulph, now that you are awake unlike those that are still sleeping and enjoying the abusive embrace of Barrow’s political bed, the People’s United Party has and will always be at the forefront of fighting against the crimes committed against Belizeans.

Doreth Bevans LAYOUT/GRAPHIC ARTIST

Chris Williams STAFF REPORTER

Carla Bradley TYPIST

Rachel Arana OFFICE ASSISTANT

Roberto Peyrefitte Printed & Published By The Belize Times Ltd. #3 Queen Street P.O. BOX 506 Belize City, Belize Tel: 671-8385 Email: belizetimesad@yahoo.com editortimes@yahoo.com

Sunday, May 1, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

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Teachers elect new BNTU National President Belize City, April 26th 2011 By the time this week’s issue of the BELIZE TIMES hits the streets, hundreds of teachers from across the country will be engaged in the election of their next national president.

Two outstanding candidates, Luke Palacio and Otilio Muñoz, have offered themselves for the post. Palacio is a well-known educator in the Toledo District, while Muñoz is a firebrand community activist, Primary School Principal and president of the BNTU, Orange Walk chapter.

The teachers attending this year’s BNTU national convention in Dangriga will choose between Palacio and Muñoz to lead their BNTU national president Luke Palacio and Otilio Munoz union. The election of the national president and his new executive will be one of the final items on the agenda of the three day event.

The convention began on the 26th when teachers held a cultural event, followed by an open forum to discuss their annual report on the 27th.

Who will rise from the ashes?

Whoever wins the election should prepare for a formidable challenge ahead. The BNTU finds itself in one of its lowest points, with the outgoing BNTU leadership having failed to deliver a better future for teachers.

The new leader will have to rise from the ashes.

President Jaime Panti’s tenure was one filled with tension, and blemished by palpable cowardice. He knowingly led the BNTU to rally against the former PUP administration, but like a blind leader guiding his flock, he made them believe better would come under the Barrow Administration. His flock have been left wanting.

Since 2008, the BNTU’s clashes with the Barrow Administration have been too reguJose Mai and Hon. Briceno speaking to onion producer in San Carlos Village

Briceño: Protecting local farmers must be a Priority

Continued from page 1 members of the Belize New River Farmer’s Cooperative, which is involved in the production of various types of vegetables including sweet peppers, hot peppers, cabbages, potatoes, tomatoes and onions. This year the farmers planted approximately 20 acres of onions to be sold on the local market.

To open the discussion, Mr. Lucilo Hernandez explained to the PUP Leader the current marketing crisis being experienced by onion producers. Although the harvesting of onions began a little more than a month ago, to date farmers have only been able to market less than 1,000 pounds.

The slow movement of product has resulted in mass spoilage and farmers are losing onions daily, resulting in huge financial losses.

Farmers also explained to Hon. Briceño that since the Belize Marketing and Development Corporation imported and is marketing onions at very low prices, sale of local onions has been extremely low.

Mr. Cristino Perez, Chairman of the San Carlos Village Council explained that the actions of the government have disappointed him greatly.

As a producer, he has 35,000 pounds of onions which he is unable to market. Perez is convinced that the Ministry of Agriculture is doing nothing to assist. Hon. Briceño was able to see for himself more than 400,000 pounds of onions being stored in San Carlos – onions which farmers have been unable to sell.

Farmers explained that during the PUP administration a crisis such as the one they face today was never experienced. Lucilo Hernan-

dez explained that on the contrary, everything that is in existence in San Carlos was achieved during the PUP administration. He outlined the PUP’s achievements - roads, school, clinic, farm wells, football-field and most importantly the creation of an enabling environment. He expressed that under the PUP, the environment created resulted in the production and marketing of vegetables and crops, both for local and export markets. The PUP, said Mr. Hernandez, provided valuable foreign exchange earnings to the country. It provided employment and income to entire households, thereby providing economic and social welfare. Today, under the UDP, everyone is suffering.

Producers also mentioned that despite assurances from the Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Rene Montero, that the importation would be controlled, it did not occur, hence the crisis.

As the PUP Leader toured the production and storage sites in the community and noted the thousands of pounds of onions disregarded due to decay, he condemned the government for its inactivity during the crisis. He maintained that the protection of local producers must be the first and most important priority of the government.

Hon. Briceño reminded the producers and residents of San Carlos that the motto of the PUP is ‘Serve the People,’ and that he and his Party are committed to ensuring that every Belizean receive a just return for their product and labor and committed to promoting economic independence by stimulating economic productivity.

lar for comfort. Before the elections, Barrow promised a salary increase, but in 2010 he told the BNTU “no way” and threatened the union if it attempted to retaliate. Before 2008, Barrow promised that he would engage the BNTU as a social partner, yet the BNTU has been left out of almost every policy decision.

One example is the Government’s decision to remove corporal punishment. The BNTU was never consulted. Again it happened when Government moved to install a Teaching Services Commission, and when GOB decided to pull the plug on the Textbook Program, or halt the half-day Fridays. Not a single teacher was asked before the Barrow Administration bullied through their ways.

Most important, the new leader will have to have the ‘cojones’ to stand up against prime ministers, insulting ministers of education, and even emerging dictators. Panti caved in to Barrow’s and Education Minister Patrick Faber pressure every time – corporal punishment, teaching services commission, insults to teachers, no salary increase – the Government had its way while the BNTU watched on defencelessly and with flailing morale.

The BNTU is one of the largest and most powerful unions across the nation. But the Barrow Administration’s bully tactics eroded its confidence and potential to represent the issues affecting teachers.

We understand that one of the central issues emerging from the Dangriga convention is the need for a salary increase for teachers, at a time the cost of living is at the highest in our country.

Prostituting Belize Continued from page 1 Statutory Instrument No. 32 of 2011.

This Statutory Instrument (S.I.) has been referred to by Immigration Officers as the “Chon Saan Amendment”, while the vigilant citizens ponder who is being accommodated by this unjustifiable scrap-metalling of our law.

This S.I. starts out by recklessly throwing out five sections of the principal Immigration (Permits and Fees) Regulations. These sections which were tossed in the garbage bin include the freehanded write off of the requirement that applicants from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) deposit a repatriation payment of Eight Thousand Dollars (BZ $8,000.00) per applicant. The repatriation payment was previously paid to the credit of the Government of Belize and the Accountant General.

Another section the UDP deleted is one that dealt with the previous safeguard that was in place if the applicant possessed a valid United States visa, and the discretion to require a bond/security for the spouse, child or parent of an applicant who is national or permanent resident of Belize. This is by any measure a choking mouthful.

The head scratching amendments culminates in a wholesale half price discount for “tourist, visitor, student and dependent permits to nationals of the People’s Republic of China”. In the clearance sale of permanent residence permits the UDP Government has slashed the previous cost safeguard fee of BZ$10,000.00 to

a mere $2,000. This means that for each Chinese applicant Belize will lose some $8,000.00 per application. Even more disturbing is that the UDP is prostituting the closest step to Belizean nationality for a measly $2,000.

The BELIZE TIMES was informed that the continuing difficulties the UDP Government has created are getting worst. Belize does not have an embassy or consulate office in China (PRC) and that the applicants would go through the United Kingdom Embassy or consulate office. There is not sufficient man power or scrutinizing capabilities to monitor and protect our Belize from the greedy and corrupt hustlers in the UDP who peddle and prostitute our passports and nationality like paletas.

The secret landings of 33 Asian nationals who had valid visas at the Phillip Goldson International Airport are one proof of that.

The BELIZE TIMES has asked why is it that there has been this clearance sale price for Belizean Immigration applicants and our Permanent Residency Permits which is one step away from the ability to vote in elections in Belize?

Belizeans are not asleep and we will not allow this incompetent and desperate bunch of UDP traitors to sell us out, again.

How much more will they compromise our national security and integrity?

As the UDP secretly scheme to try to steal the next general elections illegally and undemocratically, we, at BELIZE TIMES and the Peoples United Party will be fanatically defending this piece of jewel.

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Belize’s Royal Family snubbed

by UK Royalty Belize City, April 27, 2011 Guess who is not attending the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton this Friday? While four Prime Ministers and several Governors General from across the Caribbean along with some forty world leaders have confirmed attendance after receiving exclusive gold-embossed wedding invitations to attend the occasion, Belize’s Prime Minister Dean Barrow and his Royal Family were all snubbed.

The Barrow Royal family which basks in a life of elite status, lives in lavish homes, drives top cars, vacations in Miami, marries at expensive venues abroad dressed in Armani, and flashes their rich and famous lifestyle was understandably expecting a royal invitation, but like the UDP’s election promises, NONE CAME. We understand the Royal Wife in the Barrow Family is particularly “distraught” by the situation, and has spent hours curled up crying over it. She is convinced her royal status deserved a

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Police find 20lbs of suspected cocaine inside San Joaquin home Corozal District, April 27, 2011 Corozal Police have reported that they made a huge drug bust today after they searched a house located in the village of San Joaquin.

Around 10:30 this morning Corozal Police executed a search warrant at the residence of 23 year old Farid Puck, a mechanic of San Joaquin Village. Present at the time of the search were Puck and his common-law wife, 17 year old Mexican National Maricarmen Zul Castro.

As police searched the residence they reportedly found 10 packs of suspected cocaine. Inside one of the rooms, Police also found seat at Westminster Abbey. The Head of the Royal Family is even more dismayed. Others, including the King of Jordan, the Sultan of Oman, the Emperor of Japan, and the King of Tonga were all chosen over him to drink English wine at the reception dinner.

The Royal Family is said to consider the snub a gratuitous offence.

It’s not like the royal wedding didn’t notice anyone in Belize. Governors General Sir Colville Young was invited along with thirteen other governors general from around the Caribbean.

a large carton box hidden between the refrigerator and the wall. When the box was opened Police hit the jackpot when they pulled out 10 rectangular shape parcels wrapped in transparent plastic containing white substance consistent to that of cocaine, weighing more than 20 pounds.

Two of the parcels were already

opened. Inside the box police also found a black Luger CZ75 Compact 9mm Pistol with magazine containing eleven (11) 9mm live rounds.

Puck and Castro were arrested and escorted to the Corozal Police Station, where they were charged for drug trafficking and keeping a firearm and ammunition without a license.

Two men detained for burglary in Free Zone Commercial Free Zone, Corozal District, April 27, 2011

By Carmelita Perez Two men from the Corozal District have been detained by Police after they reportedly burglarized a store at the Corozal Commercial Free Zone and attempted to steal more than $118,000 in Mexican currency.

On the 22nd of April, free zone security officers were conducting their usually rounds within the zone when they discovered that Sai-Sidhi Store had been broken into. A quick search of the area led them to 21 year old Keith Bennett of a Santa Elena Road address in Corozal who was in possession of $9,500 in pesos.

The Police were informed about the burglary and when they arrived at the zone, Bennett was handed over to them. After the store’s owner, Sachim Sadamand Shetty was informed about the

burglary, Police discovered that a metal safe containing $78,000 pesos, a cash register containing $40,000 and other items valuing a total of BZ$2,230 had been stolen from the store.

Police discovered that entry to the establishment was gained through a small ventilation window located on the southern part of the building. A further search of the area led Police to the discovery of 3 bicycles and an open but empty metal safe along with a number of caps and shirts.

Police investigations later led them to the arrest of Henry Lima, a 24 year old laborer of Halls Layout who was found in the possession $13,900 pesos. While Lima and Bennett have been charged for burglary, Police are also looking for one Zamir Vivas for questioning. It is believed that the three men entered the establishment on Good Friday while the entire zone was closed down due to the religious holiday.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

5

ONION BLOOPERS, NATIONAL DISGRACE The people and the farmers in the north of Belize should not allow yet another case of mismanagement and incompetence by senior officials of the Belize Marketing Corporation (BMC) to go (again) unchallenged.

Cane farmers decided to diversify their crops and to invest for the first time in the cultivation of onions. Their reward from the Belize Marketing Corporation (BMC) for such a major investment was to import onions from Holland and thus saturate the local market with the imported product.

There are strong allegations that this decision to import onions was out of consideration for a relative of the Minister of Agriculture.

This relative was, as we understand it, granted a special permit by the BMC to import the onions despite the availability of onions locally, thus flooding the local market.

GARBLED DOUBLE TALK In garbled answers given in media interviews, the Managing Director of the BMC gave conflicting explanations which simply underscores a screw-up that has wiped-out a million dollar investment by the local onion farmers and their Credit Union.

The Managing Director told the media that there was a “mix-up in the calendar”. He then said that the farmers were harvesting their onion crop too early. Then he said that the crop “came in early”. Which is it? He also said that the farmers could not meet the demand for onions in August and September (this is April) and then that in any case the local farmers could only produce a small percentage of the local market demand. It depends on what you want to believe. But the common denominator is that somebody is obviously a fool.

There are two clear revelations coming out of this cacophony of screw-ups: That the Managing Director is either lying or is simply showing his gross incompetence and the cover-up to arrange for an import permit to accommodate a relative and no doubt, a crony of the Minister of Agriculture to import onions at this time, when there was no need to.

LACK OF COORDINATION This also suggests that there is a lack of coordination between the Ministry of Agriculture, who should be advising and monitoring local farmers and to advise the BMC. It is a known fact that in the last administration, the Ministry of Agriculture would never agree with any suggestion to import a product nor would they have advised the Belize Marketing Corporation to import any product before carrying out their detailed investigations to ascertain the availability of the product in the local market.

It is imperative that these onion farmers and their Credit Union demand full compensation from the government and the BMC for the millions of dollars they have lost for what amounts to either greed and corruption or gross incompetence in the Ministry of Agriculture and the BMC. NO FARM POLICY There is hard evidence to suggest that the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries has no clearly defined policies in place to boost farm production.

It offers local farmers no support or impetus. On Wednesday mornings a Ministry of Agriculture official admitted that some local farmers have to practice “what they see on TV”, because there is no GOB-assistance.

Today, the once self-sustaining Citrus, Banana and Sugar industries, once recognized as the backbone of the economy, are struggling to survive without this government’s cumbersomeness. But attempts by the government’s recent political intervention in the operations of the sugar industry, coupled with poor management and lack of foresight, led to a breakdown of the sugar mill at Tower Hill at the start, last December, of the current cane harvest. The government then spent $10 million of taxpayer’s funds as a band aid to put the industry on life support and to give cane farmers a temporary reprieve from their misery which has been brought about as a result of political stupidity.

The Ministry’s meddling in the management of the Citrus Control Board, whose Chairman is the CEO in the Ministry of Agriculture is not helping either. CCB members are very vocal about his incompetence and his attempts at irrational political manipulation.

The Citrus Growers Association will itself soon make news when it fails to meet its debt obligations. This also, more than likely will result in putting the squeeze on citrus farmers and their employees. The CGA is bankrupt to the point where they have been unable to provide farmers who were affected by the greening disease with new plants.

DROP IN FARM OUTPUTS These and other issues combine to paint a negative picture in the farming sector. Agriculture, which is supposed to be a mainstay of the national economy, will show a serious decline in production this year, except perhaps for citrus, mainly because of good management on the processing and marketing side, and bananas. Even tourism will show a minus factor with little or negative growth.

A huge chunk of the government’s budget allocation to the Ministry of Agriculture goes to the paying of salaries, allowance and perks, lots of it. This allows very little spending for agricultural services and farmers support.

Supporting the local farmers in marketing their products has always been one of the main functions of the BMC. But recently the well-established regime of this corporation is showing signs of collapsing. It is affecting rice farmers in the south who are now receiving payment for their rice from the BMC in drips and dribbles. These farmers also complain that the agricultural extension programme of the Ministry of Agriculture, if it still exists, no longer provides them with the usual technical support.

CATTLE RUSTLING In short, the Ministry of Agriculture does absolutely nothing to fulfill their mandate.

It is a well-known fact that the Minister of Agriculture, as a former livestock officer in the Ministry, which he now controls, was reprimanded by the Public Services Commission in a case that involved cattle rustling in the agriculture station of Central Farm. As Minister, a local Xate production operation was hijacked from a local investor and then the business ended up for his family members on a silver platter. There are other indiscretions by the Minister of Agriculture and some of his senior staff members are beginning to surface.

Meanwhile, we want to encourage our onion farmers in the North to demand their pound of flesh in the form of a class action suit against the authorities for messing around with their livelihood. It is a national disgrace!

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THE BELIZE TIMES

101 Reasons

against Barrow’s Budget

65

. Pensioners are asking the Prime Minister and all who voted yes in favour of his budget where in this budget is there any relief for them? After three years, there has been not a single raise, not even a one cent raise to offset the 30% spike in cost of living. Where is it? Mr. Minister, Hon. Area Representative, Mr. Senator – where is the relief for our pensioners? . 85% of juvenile crimes are the cause of broken homes left on the shoulders of single mothers but what is there to support them to get rid of the social problems? Instead of a specific programmes targeting this situation we have better treatment for 15 high energy gangsters put up in a hotel in PG and Corozal. . Not an aluminum cent is set aside in this budget for the exportation of the free text book programme, initiated by the PUP. But regardless of who did it, it was and still is one of the most effective ways of ensuring that all Belizeans can afford education. It is time we expand the free text book programme to UB. . One word – WASTE. This budget fails to address the real cost of waste; waste on fuel, abuse of government issued vehicles for personal use, waste on light, waste on water, waste on phone and more waste on time. Yet nothing is in this budget to address this alone. It is as if waste in the government does not exist, or is accepted by the UDP. This alone adds up to millions of dollars. . Where is the 3 million lost in the Police budget last year?

Why is it not reflected in this budget and why is there not a single part of this budget which reflects more training for our officers for institution strengthening and better service? Why is there not a matching fund for wives and orphans’ fund? The Police deserve better and this budget does not reflect that. Even worst, we hear of a foreigner being paid the top pay as a new Commissioner of Police. What madness. . We talk green but where in the budget does it encourage a Greener Belize to improve with solar, wind and war technology? There is not a single investment is this budget in these areas. Not even for schools, churches or NGOs. What about hybrids cars with zero emissions and going 35 miles per hour? Is that too advanced for the UDP? The question is where is the green in this budget? Can you find it? . This budget holds no money in it to make service more accessible to Belizeans at home and abroad via the use of the technology for applications for work permit, applications for residency, applications for passport, applications for lease, title lands etc. Neither for people to pay their bills eg. Land Tax, etc. This is the new era, yet this budget is stuck in the stone-age and we are celebrating it. What is there to celebrate? . Where is any dollar set aside to help combat Aids and other communicable diseases?

Where are the grants to partner with organizations already involved in finding the best medicine and treatment for our people? Not even an aluminum cent. . Every Town and City Council is under UDP control yet there is not a dollar to help fix City and Town streets or to collect the garbage. It is the worst it has ever been yet not a cent is set aside to assist the City and Town to fix streets, clean drains and deliver on the goods and services they promised to the people. Wow! . We need a National Team.

One that is paid for by the budget, to ride for us. Yes, the people of Belize are asking for it. They deserve it. But in this budget, how much money is in it for a National Cycling Team? Zero cents! Not a dollar, not a fifty cent, a shilling, a five cent nor a one cent. Shame!

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MORE TO COME NEXT WEEK

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Cold & callous move GOB freezes overtime payment for firefighters

Belize City, April 27, 2011 Firefighters, arguably, are some of the bravest men and women among us, risking their wellbeing day in and day out to save life and property. While some are of the view that firefighters are actively engaged only when there is a fire, the truth is that firefighters do way more than just extinguish fires. They assist with road traffic accident response, with the rescue of trapped people, and with rescue and relief efforts during times of natural disasters. At the end of the day, the work that firefighters perform is nothing short of admirable and commendable and is deserving of our highest respect and honor.

For some seven firefighters at the Belize National Fire Service,

however, they are being shown anything but respect and honor from the Government. Information reaching this newspaper is that on the instruction of the flippant Minister, Melvin Hulse, overtime payments have ceased forthwith for the group of seven firefighters.

The bearer of this most unwelcomed news was none other than Ted Smith, the Acting Fire Chief. As we understand it, the seven firefighters were summoned to a meeting with Smith in which he shared the memo from Belmopan informing of the Minister’s cold and uncaring decision. As if the seven firefighters weren’t disrespected enough already, their Acting Chief only added insult to injury when he could not offer them any explanation let alone any consolation. Smith simply uttered to the aggrieved fire-

fighters, “I will go to Belmopan to meet with the CEO”.

The abrupt cessation of overtime payment is but only one of the many grievances that the group of firefighters has taken up with the powers that be at the Ministry of Transport, Communications & NEMO under which the National Fire Service falls. Other grievances include the non-payment of outstanding increments and the regularization of posts. As for the latter, there is the case of one staff member who had enlisted with the National Fire Service twenty-eight years ago in 1983 in the capacity as Driver/Mechanic. As evidenced by his certificate which proudly hangs on a wall inside his home, that staff member had undergone firefighting training. Notwithstanding, his post has not been

Continued on page 24

Sunday, May 1, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

FROM THE DESK OF THE

PARTY LEADER

Party Leader’s Labour Day Message

L

abour Day is a good time to reflect on the key issues facing the Belizean worker as well as their employers. Of course in this time of uncertainty it is easy to forget the great social and economic advances that were achieved for the workers of Belize through struggle and cooperation, not only from workers and employers, but also from the movement which forms the basis for the People’s United Party, the labour movement.

On a daily basis we hear of the struggles Belizeans are facing, our economy is in crisis, jobs are disappearing, crime continues to plague our cities and towns, our infrastructure is broken up and broken down. On the whole Belizeans are stressed out. Unemployment rates are so high the Government refuses to provide the real numbers and on top of all this, inflation is high and confidence is low.

In general, the Belizean economy is not performing well. The years of economic growth enjoyed by Belizeans between 2000 and 2007 are gone, replaced by an anaemic one percent growth last year. Private investors, who drive the economy and create employment, are not starting new businesses and established ones are cutting back in an effort to avoid having to close down.

Our country desperately needs a national job creation strategy that will get Belizeans working and our economy growing again; the future of our nation depends on it.

We need a plan that will turn things around; today many of our incomes are not enough to meet

the rising cost of living. For our government employees, the last time they received an increase in salary was 2007 and already we know there will be none in 2011.

Yet the government continues to spend millions on new vehicles and high paying legal consultants and other contract officers.

The minimum wage remains unchanged even with an increase in taxes. And as the price of goods continues to rise, it leaves low wage earners with barely enough to purchase food.

Our Belizean workers are dedicated and hardworking people, they are accustomed to challenges that face workers in the developing world and they understand their role in the building of our nation. They want to contribute, however they expect that their government will enact laws that will secure their rights, protect their freedoms and foster an economic climate that will encourage investor confidence.

They know that it is the role of their government to encourage growth, develop new business opportunities and at the same time protect the rights of the Belizean worker. They expect this because as a government the People’s United Party ensured that our economy kept growing and our workers’ benefits were protected. We will do this again because it is a part of our mission and because we know that our country can only prosper when all our people prosper.

On behalf of the People’s United Party, we wish all Belizeans a Happy and Restful Labour Day but especially to our working men and women, thank you for your hard work and for your service to Belize.

7

8

THE BELIZE TIMES

GUILTY OF

MURDERING

WIFE

Racquel Requeña Bermudez

BELIZE CITY, Wed. April 27, 2011

By Roy Davis Glenford Bermudez, 40, a.k.a. “bucket”, charged with the murder of his wife Racquel Requeña Bermudez, 41, was found guilty of the charge today in the Court of Justice Herbert Lord.

The jury of 9 women and 3 men deliberated for about 4 hours and 15 minutes before it arrived at its verdict which was unanimous.

Justice Lord has deferred sentencing until Thursday, May 12.

Racquel, a taxi driver and mother of seven, was shot to death around 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 22, 2007 on the Burrell Boom/Hattieville Road between the roundabout and Belize Central Prison.

She was in her car when Bermudez, who

Sunday, May 1, 2011

16 yr. old left brain dead, following morning shooting Belize City, April 27, 2011 An early morning shooting on Cemetery Road, targeting a 16 year old who was not involved or related to any gang or notorious group in the old capital, has left the teenager brain dead with very little chance of survival.

Trevor Neal, who resides on Albert Hoy Street in the Belama Phase II area, was riding his bicycle toward the downtown area before heading to his workplace around 7:30 this morning when he was ambushed from behind by gun men.

The hail of bullets met its target, as Neal was hit twice, to his left arm and in the head. The bullet to the head went through his fore-

was coming from the opposite direction, swerved his blue car into hers and caused her to stop.

Bermudez then came out of his car with a shot gun in his hand and shot her in her head from close range.

After the shooting, Bermudez went to Hattieville and tried to hang himself by tying a wire to a tree and around his neck. But he was stopped when one of the men he got the wire from cut it down.

Bermudez gave the police a caution statement in which he admitted to shooting and killing his wife. That statement was admitted as evidence after a voire dire was held to determine its admissibility.

makes his prognosis grim.

Police have detained one man in connection to the shooting, but have charged no one for the senseless crime.

Questions abound as to why Neal was targeted. He does not fit the profile of a gang member or even a youth gone astray. Under strong guidance of his father, Neal had a part time job, and was planning to enrol in school this coming school year.

Yet, he has become murder number 41 for the year 2011.

Trevor Neal

head and exited the back of his head.

The injury sent Neal on a coma, and at the hospital the doctors are saying he suffered brain haemorrhage, which

Two persons testified to seeing a man of dark complexion shoot Racquel.

Bermudez gave a statement from the dock during trial in which he admitted that he was at the scene but denied he shot and killed his wife.

Bermudez said that it was a man, a passenger he had picked up at the speed bump, who shot his wife. He said he escaped from the man, who had a .38 revolver, by jumping into a pool of water.

Bermudez was represented by attorney Carlo mason. Crown Counsel Sheiniza Smith represented the prosecution.

One dead following stabbings in the old capital Wednesday, April 27, 2011 A man who was known for his trade especially among cyclists was stabbed to death early on Easter Sunday morning during a dispute with the woman he had been intimately involved with over the past few years.

Osborne “Fish” Gordon, 50, was at his home at the corner of Central American Boulevard and Coffin Street socializing with another friend but got up saying he was going to buy a stout up the street on Cemetery Road.

Continued on page 9

Sunday, May 1, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

9

Orange Walk twins busted with dangerous weapons in Mexico Orange Walk District, April 26, 2011

By Carmelita Perez Two men, allegedly from the Orange Walk District, have been detained by Mexican authorities in Cancun since Thursday, April 21st following a police raid which yielded a cache of illegal weapons.

According to reports in Mexican media, 24 year old twin brothers Guilton Oswaldo and Walter Antonio López, reportedly of Belizean nationality, were arrested on Thursday afternoon after Mexican authorities searched a residence in Cancun, Mexico. According to authorities, acting on information received through their emergency line, they visited a residential area known as Villas del Sol. A group of Police Officers searched house number 20 where they found a stock of weapons and four persons inside, identified as twin brothers Guilton Oswaldo and Walter Antonio Lopez, 22 year old Moisés Martinez Sanchez of Yucatan, Mexico and 28 year old Ana Isabel Rodriguez Zetina of Tabasco, Mexico.

Six other persons are believed to have escaped from the area before Police arrived.

Reports are that when questioned by authorities the Lopez brothers indicated that they were forced to work for a group known as Los Pelones after members of their family who reside in Belize were kidnapped. While the men told authorities they were brought to the house on Monday, April 18th, the woman claimed she was simply hired to work at the residence as a cleaning lady.

Inside the residence Police also found a magazine for an AK-47 rifle with 15 cartridges, a .38 pistol with two magazines and 14 rounds of ammunition and a 9mm pistol with 19 cartridges.

Minor fined & sentenced for Drug Trafficking BELIZE CITY, Wed. April 27, 2011

By Roy Davis A 17 year old boy, one of five persons charged with drug trafficking for 90 grams of cannabis, was sentenced to 3 years and was fined $10,000 yesterday by Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser after he pleaded guilty to the charge.

The others who were charged included Rudy Cocom, 19; Earl Rey-

One dead following

stabbings in the old capital Continued from page 8

That trip from his house, however, took him to the house of his lover, Lucilla Mortis, 48, with whom he got involved in a bitter dispute that morning. The quarrel ended up at Curassow Street at its junction with Cemetery Road where Mortis allegedly wrestled away a knife from him and stabbed him in the upper left side of the chest. The wound punctured Gordon’s heart and he died at the scene. Before the stabbing residents say they heard Mortis screaming for help.

“Fish”, as he was known to his friends and regular customers, spent many years cleaning fish at the Conch Shell Bay fish market, but frequent conflicts at the job site made him turn to a less aggressive means of livelihood.

Police, on Tuesday, officially arrested and charged Mortis with murder in connection with the incident. She was remanded until May 24th. She has for quite some time told close friends that she had been going through trying times with Gordon over his habits. Many believe that it was another of these rifts that ended in death for one and incarceration for the other.

Meanwhile, there another stabbing around 8:30 on Holy Thursday night on the other side of town on Victoria Street where it meets New Road.

There, a fisherman, Elvis Rhamdas, 41, is believed to have been stabbed with a

Lucilla Mortis

dagger in the middle of his back, neck and forehead over something his attacker believed he had knowledge of.

Rhamdas, who is on life support and paralyzed from neck down, is likely to remain in that condition because of the wound to the neck. When he was taken to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, the dagger was still lodged in his neck, a wound that doctors had to perform an immediate surgery on to save his life.

Eyewitnesses say that Rhamdas was involved in a confrontation with some men that night and one of them produced the weapon and inflicted the wounds. Police are still following leads to make an arrest in this incident.

nard, 21; Deon Arnold, 21; and Carlos Ponce, 22.

Although the minor pleaded guilty, the charge against the others was not withdrawn. Except for Reynard they were each offered a bail of $5,000 and their case was adjourned until May 16.

Reynard was denied bail because he has three other charges for drug trafficking. Last week Reynard and four others were charged with three counts of drug trafficking.

The bust occurred around 6:20 a.m. on Saturday, April 23. The police reported that they went to a house, located at 1138 Partridge Street Extension, to search for firearms and drugs. When the police searched the house they found a black plastic bag with cannabis stuck between a portion of a wall in the bedroom.

At the time all five defendants were in the house. As a result, they were taken into custody and charged.

10

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Guatemalan Luis Santizo snatches 2011 Cross Country title

Belize City, April 23, 2011 Sugar City Starz’ Guatemalan import Luis Santizo won the 2011 annual Cross Country Cycling Classic held on Holy Saturday, April 23. Santizo clocked 6:08:10 on the 140 mile ride from in front of Leslie’s Imports on the Western Highway, to San Ignacio circling around Coronation Park and back to the finish line on Marine Parade in front of the Memorial Park in Belize City.

Some 123 riders started the race, and Shane Vasquez’s teammate Peter Choto led a breakaway trio with David Henderson and Geon Hanson of the INDECO team from Belmopan, who led the race from Rockville all the way to Belmopan as far as Galen University, sweeping over $4,825 in station prizes.

Peter Choto was heard from no more on the return leg, and he did not finish the race.

The 2001 Cross Country champ

Other finishers: 2nd place

Carlos Gabriel Hernandez, Guatemalan

6:08:47, $3,000 prize & trophy, Altreith Smith memorial plaque

3rd place

Shane Vasquez, Belizean

6:09:00, $2,000 prize - 1st place, Masters Over-30 rider, $275 prize & trophy

4th place

Jeremy Conn, USA

5th place

Darnell Barrow, Belizean

6:09:10, $1,000 & trophy

6:09:35, $800 & trophy

6th place

Wilmen Isaga Bravo, Venezuelan

7th place

John Delong, USA

8th place

Andrew Myers, USA

9th place

Brandon Cattouse, Belizean

10th place

Lisandro Ajcu, Guatemalan

11th place

Byron Pope, Belizean

12th place

Manuel Rodas Ochoa, Guatemalan

13th place

Donizetti Vasquez, Mexican

14th place

Leroy Cassasola, Belizean

15th place

Jairo Campos, Belizean

16th place

Anthony Taylor, USA

17th place

Juan Carlos Rojas Villegas, Costa Rican

18th place

Marlon Castillo, Belizean

19th place

Henry Moriera, Belizean

20th place

Jose Choto, Belizean

6:09:42, $600 & trophy

$400 & trophy - 3rd place Masters, $75 prize $300 & trophy - 1st place, under 23 category, $275 & trophy $200 & trophy

$150 & trophy

Ernest Meighan took over the pace passing the Kris Chuc Memorial, then it was youth versus experience as Kyle Gentle of Cayo High Road team surged ahead to win the $1,000 prize from Sam’s Construction at the halfway point, as well as another $100 prize from Quality Poultry and a painting by Fernando Cruz.

Edgar Miguel Hoch Orozco took over to win six prizes worth $700 between the Hawkesworth Bridge and Esperanza village, then Juan Rojas Villegas swept another four prizes for $700 between Georgeville and Ontario. Wilmen Isaga Bravo had also led the race from Teakettle to Camalote, picking up $1,300 in station prizes.

The 2003 & 2004 Cross Country champion Chris Harkey took over the pace at Camalote and won over $550 in prizes and a bull between Camalote and mile 31. Jeremy Conn led briefly

Other games: Game 1: Ernest Broaster/Raul Arnold vs. Cabral/Moratoya

24-22

8-21

15-10

Game 2: Tico Requena/Juan “Chico” Marin vs. Denver Lino/Jaleel Lino:

21-11

20-22

15-6

Game 3: Luis Requena/Ronnie Sosa vs. Victor Hernandez/Amir Arnold:

17-21

21-19

15-9

Game 4: Audinette/Arnold vs. Broaster/Arnold:

19-21

21-16

15-11

Game 5: Tico/Chico vs. Requena/Sosa:

18-21

21-14

15-8

$100 & trophy - 2nd place, Under 23 category, $150 & trophy

$100 & trophy

$100 & trophy

$100 prize & trophy

$100 & trophy - 3rd place, Under-23 category, $75 & trophy $50 & trophy

$50 & trophy

$50 & trophy

$50 & trophy

$50 & trophy

Game 6: Audinette/Arnold vs. Tico/Chico:

12-21

21-13

18-16

BELIZE'S #1 SPORTS PAGE

Shane Vasquez, the first Belizean to cross the finish line, came in 3rd place

from Cheers to mile 24, before the breakaway trio began their run to the city.

Carlos Gabriel Hernandez jockeyed with Santizo for the lead at mile 21 and mile 19 to win $125 in 2 station prizes.

Darnell Barrow took over the lead leaving Hattieville and swept the next 6 station prizes on the way to Prosser Fertilizers at mile 7. But the Guatemalan rider and Jeremy Conn were content to sit on Barrow’s rear wheel, riding in his slipstream, and letting him to do all the work of breaking the wind.

Guatemalan Luis Santizo wins the race

Shane Vasquez was in the chase, but he made his move too late, and even when he had Hernandez in sight, he had no way of knowing that Santizo was in the lead. When Santizo finally made his move, Barrow did not have the legs to follow, and Santizo swept the last 8 station prizes for $1,300 from the Faber’s Road junction to the finish line.

That gave him the $5,000 first prize sponsored by Bowen & Bowen, the champion’s trophy from the Belize Cycling Association, the Jeffery O’brien trophy, the Elston Kerr Cup and the Altreith Smith Memorial trophy and the winner’s garland of roses contributed

by Florasol.

Audinette & Arnold win Men’s Beach Volleyball 3rd stop Belize City, April 17, 2011 Germaine Audinette and Arvid Arnold won the 3rd stop of the 2011 Belize Volleyball Association National Men’s Beach volleyball tour sponsored by Smart Speednet at the Buttonwood Bay Park on Sunday, April 17.

In the finals Arnold and Audinette won over Jason Cabral and Gustavo Moratoya in two sets: 26-24 and 21-14.

The tour continues with a 4th stop next month, the male and female champions of the tour will represent the Jewel when Belize hosts the Central American beach volleyball championships on May 20-23.

Arvid Arnold spikes

Game 7: Hernandez/Arnold vs. Broaster/Arnold:

22-20

21-16

Game 8: Cabral/Moratoya vs. Requena/Sosa:

18-21

21-8

15-8

Game 9: Cabral/Moratoya vs. Hernandez/Arnold:

21-15

21-16

Game 10: Cabral/Moratoya vs. Tico/Chico:

21-7

17-21

15-11

Arvid tries to sneak one past Ernest Broaster

Sunday, May 1, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

11

City Boys beats Third World 3-1, remain #1

Belize City, April 21, Upcoming Games: 2011 The defending Griga Knights vs. Cayo South United, Superleague football Carl Ramos Stadium, Saturday champions, the RayOrange Walk United vs. City Boys, mond Gentle City Boys People’s Stadium, Saturday reign supreme in this Hattieville Monarchs vs. Placencia year’s Belize Bank comAssassins, Hattieville, Sunday petition with 27 points Third World vs. Paradise Freedom, from 9 wins. The City MCC Garden, Sunday Boys stomped the other city team, Third World, 3-1 at the MCC grounds in Belize City last Thursday night, April 21.

Dalton Cayetano scored the City Boys’ first goal in the 20th minute of play, but Third World’s Sanja Pitts drove in the equalizer in the 41st minute. Deon Macaulay scored the City Boys’ 2nd winning goal in the 45th minute to lead 2-1 at the half. Macaulay then iced the win with a 3rd goal in the 80th minute.

Other games:

BELIZE'S #1 SPORTS PAGE

Paradise Freedom Fighters vs.

Orange Walk United

1

Paradise

0

Orange Walk

Goal by Andres Makin

Deon Macaulay scored City Boys 1st & 2nd goals

Griga Knights vs. Placencia Assassins

1

Griga Knights

3

Placencia

Goals by Ashley Torres (2), Bernard Linares, Stephen Apolonio

Hattieville Monarchs vs. Cayo South United

1

Hattieville

1

BDF draws 1-1, Hankook Verdes wins 1-0

Cayo

Goals by Jerome “Jaro” James, Oliver Wiltshire

Leon O’brien wins Lightburn Classic half marathon Belize City, April 23, 2011 Leon O’brien won the Lightburn Classic half marathon held under the auspices of the Belize Amateur Athletic Association on the Western Highway on Saturday, April 23.

O’brien clocked at 1:24:56 on his 13.6 mile run from the starting point in front of Leslie’s Imports on the Western Highway to mile 8 and half and back to win the first prize and trophy, he also won another prize and trophy as the first runner

Joel Padrol takes on Danny

Top 3 Masters finishers

Belmopan, April 23, 2011 The Belize Defence Force was looking into the jaws of a 1-0 defeat, before they salvaged a 1-1 draw in their match with San Felipe Barcelona of Orange Walk at the FFB Football Institute in Belmopan on Saturday, April 23.

Clifton West drew first blood for the visitors when he connected a header on BDF goalie Derol Roches in the 27th minute of play for San Felipe to lead 1-0 at the half.

Richard Jimenez and David Trapp led the BDF counterattack but Trapp’s 1st shot hit the side net of the goal and a 2nd try bounced off the crossbar.

BDF’s Evan Mariano

Nolly Velasquez controls the ball

Top 3 finishers

Other finishers: Alex Alvarado, 7th in 1:56:16 Darwin Rhaburn, was 8th in 1:56:19 Kevin Siroki, 10th in 1:57:10, 4th Masters Patrick Palacio, 11th in 1:57:39, 5th Masters Anthony Flores, 12th in 2:05:33, 6th Masters Jose Encalada, 13th in 2:10:28 Ezekiel Myvette, 14th Pablo Mai, 15th in 2:16:00 Magadalena Chub, 16th in 2:16:46, 1st Female Robert Cayetano, 17th in 2:17:02, 7th Masters David Bennett, 18th in 2:26:20, 8th Masters Delcie Martinez 19th in 2:46:00, 2nd Female, 1st Female Masters

Jimenez

Magdalena Chub, 1st place Female winner

Delcie Martinez, 2nd place Female winner

past the halfway point.

The BDF’s Ian Cunha clocked 1:29:18 to win the 2nd prize and a trophy, while Kenrick Duncan clocked 1:33:40 to win 3rd prize when he finished in 1 hour 33 minutes and 40 seconds. Veteran Louis Haulze clocked 1:34:40 to finish 4th; he also won 1st prize in the Master’s category. Jesus Mai clocked 1:34:03 to finish 5th, while Wilhem Bailey won 2nd prize in the masters’ category as he finished 6th in 1:45:34.

replaced Mike Cho in the 2nd half, and delivered the equalizer when he recovered a rebound and blasted the ball back into the net in the 64th minute. BDF’s Michael Martinez took over from a battered David Trapp, but the long whistle sounded to a 1-1 draw.

Hankook Verdes tasted victory after a 1-0 win over the FC Belize at the Marshalleck Stadium on Thursday night. Julian Maldonado scored the winning goal.

The win avenged their 2-4 loss to FC Belize the week before.

12

THE BELIZE TIMES

Teams A & F lead Rose

Classic basketball U-17

tournament

Other games: Team F vs. Team E

27 22 Team F

Team E

Top scorers: Ryan Lucas, 9 points; Brian White, 9 points

Team G vs. Team B

33 31 Team G

Team B

Top scorers: Rodrick Williams, 12 points; Calvin Quilter, 7 points

Team D vs. Team C

37 28 Team D

Team C

Belize City, April 21, 2011 Teams “A” and “F” are leading the Rose Classic basketball tournament with 4 wins each in the first week of play at the Bird’s Isle in Belize City last week April 18-21.

Last Thursday Team A posted their 4th win 30-27 over Team H. Brandon “Bubbles” Harris lead Team A with 13 points while Devin MVP Daly top-scored with 18 points for Team H.

Top scorers: Raheem Staine, 14 points; Stephen Dixon, 9 points

Team F vs. Team G

30 28 Team F

Team G

Top scorers: Elvis Olivera, 15 points; Russel Staine, 8 points

Team A vs. Team C

22 21 Team A

Team C

Top scorers: Charles Armstrong, 11 points; Rodwell Neal, 10 points

Team E vs. Team B

31 23 Team E

Team B

Team D vs. Team H

27 25 Team D

Team H

Team A vs. Team G

32 24 Team A

Team G

Easter Sunday Horse Race Results

By Ladrick “Mad Bull” Shepherd Here are the results of the 2011 Easter Sunday Horse Race held at Castleton Track in Burrell Boom.

Top scorers: Delroy Faber, 16 points; Raheem Gaynair, 8 points

Team F vs. Team C

24 21 Team F

Team C

Top scorer: Travis Bernardez, 9 points; Jaleel Arnold, 8 points

Team H defeated Team B

30 18 Team H

Team B

Top scorer: Devin Daly, 15 points; Evan Ferguson, Raymond Allen, 8 points

Team D defeated Team E

23 16 Team D

Team E

Top scorers: Raheem Staine, 8 points; Alejandro Baptist, 6 points

Team F defeated Team H

30 29 Team F

Team H

Team C defeated Team B

24 17 Team C

Team B

Team A defeated Team E

33 24 Team A

3 Furlong

1st place: Prospector di Cash – Jockey, Eric Martinez 2nd place: Sexy Chocolate – Jockey, David Smalls 3rd place: Marr Girl – Jockey, Carlos Rody

4 Furlong 1st place: Buster – Jockey, Kris Tillett 2nd place: Twinkle Twinkle – Jockey, Alesandro Rody 3rd place: Lady V – Jockey, David Smalls 5 Furlong 1st place: Quad Jr. – Jockey, Carlos Rody 2nd place: Lady Cavier – Jockey, David Smalls 3rd place: Death Warrant – Jockey, Erick Martinez 6 Furlong 1st place: Blessed Kid – Jockey, Finley Tomas

2nd place: Kiss Dem and Leave Dem – Jockey Eric Martinez

3rd place: Wild Kiss – Jockey, Kris Tillett

6 Furlong 1st place: Dawn – Jockey, Earl Budd 2nd place: 24K – Jockey, Eric Martinez 3rd place: Paloma Negra – Finley Thomas 8 Furlong 1st place: Perfect Storm – Jockey, Kris Tillett 2nd place: Overdrive – Jockey, Eric Martinez 3rd place: Brittany’s Choice – Jockey, Earl Budd

Team E

Team D defeated Team G

27 12 Team D

Other finishers:

Team G

Visit Us Online at: www.belizetimes.bz

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Sunday, May 1, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

This Week’s

13 BELIZETIMES SUNDAY MAY 1, 2011

see full color at www.belizetimes.bz

E-NEWS NELLOPLAYER

Follow her on Facebook/Tanya Carter

Belizean

Lisa Tucker’s new role on “The Vampire Diaries”

Actress Lisa Tucker, who has Belizean parentage, has a role on the popular CW television series “The Vampire Diaries”.

Lisa, whose mother is Belizean and father a U.S. national, plans to kick off her debut on the show with energy. The 21 year old actress will play the role of Gretta, a witch who is seeking revenge for the death of her brother and father, who were wizards.

“I am very happy,” Tucker has told Associated Press.

“There are many love triangles in this series so it will be an interesting show to watch. Acting as a witch is fantastic because she can do magic. Also, she has lots of personality, the kind that doesn’t care what people have to say”.

This is not Lisa’s first acting gig. She has been appearing in a number of shows over the last ten years, including the Lion King Broadway Show, Zoey 101 and the OC. Many can still recall when the brave 16 year old gave American Idol a shot.

REESEWitherspoon & husband vacation in Belize

The happy couple were spotted hand in hand with her two kids, Ava, 11, and Deacon, 7 strolling the streets of Belize. The actress was wearing a straw hat, a white T-shirt and jeans and according to sources, looked happy as can be. Well I hope so – starting off a marriage so hectically might be tough for the couple, especially with Reese’s career so demanding.

Although brief, Reese is due back in Los Angeles soon where she’ll have to get back to work promoting her new film, which is out in theaters April 22.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Sunday, May 1, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

15

16

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, May 1, 2011

MADDYVANDIJK/REALIST says: April 21, 2011 at 2:14 am I heard there are some nice resorts in Belize, fitting for The Prime Minister and his family.

I would much prefer if the Prime Minister would spend much of the taxpayer’s money back in Belize on his family vacations though. Ok, I get it you are indeed the PM, you should be able to spend taxpayer’s money in any country you darn well please.

Eden Martinez???

Just what if……………….god forbids.

Have a Happy Easter PM. my 2cents says: April 21, 2011 at 7:19 pm I can’t see why its a well deserved trip for him when he ain’t done $#!% for the country. He’s probably tired from ripping the country off and finding high position jobs for his family members yes. Other than that I really can’t see why its a well deserved trip.He’s vacationing while his country is in turmoil and his people are scared $#!%less. i hope they will all enjoy the oil revenue from the country and hope he will buy enough candles to see his way to hell, damn no good !@#$%^&. daveyt says: April 21, 2011 at 10:49 am Now, if the story about the marketing Board importing Onions is true. Belizeans – boycot imports & only by local produce.

Growers, harvest the onions anyway, load them onto dump trucks, then on Tuesday show your disgust at Mai & the GOB by dumping them in the car park of the Marketing Board offices on Tuesday, blocking his GOB SUV in! He’ll then know what 65,000 lbs of onions looks like!!!!! Do the same at the same time at his residence, to drive the point home!!!!!!!! idea says: April 23, 2011 at 7:08 pm Instead of giving gang leaders a furnished house, and $$$$ why not help these hard working people. Barrow always left behing the latinos!!!! innocent says: April 24, 2011 at 9:47 pm WHO IS THE DPP TRYING TO TRICK. THIS IS A RIDICULOUS REASON GIVEN BY HER. THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO ARE MUCH SICKER THAN SWAN IN PRISON. I THINK IT IS BECAUSE SWAN IS A UDP SOLDIER. OUR JUSTICE SYSTEM IS NOT FAIR. islander says: April 22, 2011 at 8:29 am So what happens if he gets convicted? Will Chryl Lynn Vidal then oppose him going to jail because his special diet cannot be accomodated in prison?

HE SHOULD HAVE THOUGHT ABOUT HIS MEDICAL CONDITION AND SPECIAL DIET BEFORE STARTING TO SELL FIVE DOLLA WEED. Earl Grey says: April 21, 2011 at 10:51 am Maybe the PM can TAKE A LEADERSHIP COURSE WHILE IN FLORIDA………..

AND SECURE SOME TRAINING AND RESOURCES FOR OUR LAW & ORDER PERSONNEL. IF IT’S JUST A HOLIDAY……….what a waste…………….

Posts are from www.belizetimes.bz, Belize Times Facebook Account and www.channel5belize.com

Sunday, May 1, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

Strictly Personal Barrow is bogus

By glenntillett@yahoo.com By all accounts, particularly those from the people I care about who used public transportation to go out to the cayes over the weekend, Belize’s National Coast Guard did a terrific job of trying to ensure safety and security at sea. I want to publicly thank the men and women of the national security and law enforcement services who forwent their responsibili-

If they’re going to be doing “police duty” on shore maybe investigating vessel thefts might be more in their area of expertise. I am not saying that I know much about anything, but that seems more of a logical area for deployment, just saying.” ties to their families to carry out their duties to the rest of us over the long holiday weekend.

The weekend was not wholly without incident, but the death and casualty count must have been one of the lowest in years.

Ladies and gentlemen, I salute you all.

It was the 2003-2008 Musa administration that conceived, planned and implemented the National Coast Guard. Ralph Fonseca as Minister of Home Affairs did an excellent job of overseeing the entire matter in record time.

He was ably aided and abetted by CEO Allan Usher (Brig. Gen. Rt.) and former BDF Commandant Cedric Borland (Brig. Gen. Rt.).

I thought they all did a superb job and although the unit has not grown the way they had planned, they have made a significant impact, particularly in the area of safety at sea, and in search and rescue operations.

Now Mr. Barrow has ordered them to man the Mile 5 Western Highway checkpoint as well, as a reward for a job well done.

I was born in what was then still a fairly bustling fishing and farming community called Monkey River Town, and consider myself a child of the sea. I have roamed our waters from north to south and from east to west. I was thrilled at the advent of the National Coast Guard and thought it another of the revolutionary things the Musa administration had done. I had hoped that the Barrow administration would build on its success.

That it doesn’t seem to be happening that way is one more disappointment but hey, now I know what to expect from this bunch.

I can’t help but wonder, though, if manning the Mile 5 Western Highway checkpoint is the best shore duty Mr. Barrow can find for the Coast Guard, especially when vessel theft has been one of our faster growing crimes.

If they’re going to be doing “police duty” on shore maybe investigating vessel thefts might be more in their area of expertise. I am not saying that I know much about anything, but that seems more of a logical area for deployment, just saying.

Anyway, if it had been this administration which had promised to plan and implement a National Coast Guard Service we might still be waiting. I have lost count of all the new and revolutionary things the former administration did that we now take for granted, so much so that the Barrow administration has shown no shame in its game in taking credit for some of it.

And concurrently I’ve lost count of all the promises the Barrow Administration made that remain unfulfilled.

There are some wits who will call it pendulum politics when dis ya crowd get the old heave-ho but with each passing day the disenchantment and disappointment is deepening and frustration mounts. To many Belizeans the last administration and the current one is a tale of two extremes.

Heck, even the people who voted for the UDP are saying those were the good old days when times were bad.

Get outta here.

Barrow is bogus.

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18

THE BELIZE TIMES

REALITY CHECK!

Gangs. Who are they and why do they exist in our country, and are they really the core of our crime plague?

By Carla Bradley It is true that crime has been existent for quite some time, and it is not only visible in our country but across the globe.

We are surrounded by countries that have an alarming crime rate, and crimes that are sometimes too heinous to even speak about. We see great poverty in these countries and countless children and families who go day by day without knowing if they will see another day. We then examine our own little jewel and say that we are living in hard days and this is true.

I speak to people and say that I have never in my young life, and neither in the stories told by my father, seen or heard of Belize in the way in which I hear and see Belize today. Many people say that this is nothing new and that even under the PUP crime existed and I know this is true, but according to statistics in the past three years it has escalated to an all time high.

The numbers don’t lie. We must put aside the political side taking and really examine the crime situation in our country. It is as a result of many factors, which have played a key role in feeding this disease.

We can look at the poor administration of the current government as one key factor; they really have no leads in how to deal with this situation. A person once said to me, if we are to stop the corruption we must address it from the top and work our way down. We look at so many programs the government has introduced and none have been able to help the situation. One unit has actually stirred up even more anger, as they go by the wrong way.

It is understood that they mean well, but they seem to be poorly trained, and have

a very hostile way of dealing with the citizens of this country. My point is, if you have a lead, and believe that you will capture a fugitive or drugs, or weapons, then follow your lead, but analyze the situation first and see how you can go by doing it without angering innocent people.

We can then move on to the poverty level in this country. Over 148,000 persons are living in poverty in our little country.

The number of homeless people living on the street corners, curled up along the shutters of business has increased dramatically. The number of children begging at the supermarkets for money to help their families and for food because they just need to eat is staggering.

Jobs are scarce and the cost of living is just soaring to the skies. It is understood that this is occurring in every country across the globe, but why waste time looking at other countries, when we must focus on ours and how we can make it easier on our people. We can see so many students graduate from college, but when entering the real world they are slapped in the face as all those years seem to have been in vain as no jobs are available. These young intelligent minds are then left in idle mode, and go into a “do whatever I need to do” survive mode. They say that an idle mind is the devil’s workshop. What does the government expect if our young people have no job to go to? They will turn to street violence, drug selling, and even killing over these so called “turfs” because that is their only bread and butter. I am not saying that all gang members are saints, but all of them made that choice because of their past experiences, or because of troubled homes.

So my only advice in this situation, and I am speaking as a youth and a young mother’s perspective, is that we must attack corruption from the top and work our way down. We must quit pointing fingers at the gangs and start educating our youths, provide good jobs, workshops and anything to keep their minds occupied and just maybe we can save what is left of our jewel.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

HANG ‘EM and THEN WHAT?

By The Critic During the 1998 – 2008 PUP Administration, the country of Belize underwent massive transformation and development in almost every conceivable sector. So irrefutable is this fact that even the PUP’s harshest critics sing aloud their praises.

Of the plentiful achievements attributed to the 1998-2008 PUP Administration, perhaps none left more of an imprint on the minds and hearts of Belizeans than that of the “Cultural Renaissance”. From North to South, we all witnessed a re-wakening of the Belizean Culture and re-embraced what it truly meant to be Belizean. So alive was the Belizean Culture again that our friends and visitors from afar shared in the “Belizean Identity”.

Were it not for the visionary and committed people at the National Institute of Culture & History, which by the way was established by the PUP, this “Cultural Renaissance” would have never occurred. Led by the creative genius, Yasser Musa, the team at NICH labored tirelessly eventually yielding tangible outputs represented today by the Houses of Culture, the Museum of Belize, restored Maya ruins, the Annual Archaeological Symposium, and renovated visitor centers across the country. And who could forget the tremendous financial, logistical, and creative support Brother Yasser and his team gave to Belize’s artistic community which included musicians, singers, artisans, writers, and poets among others. No other artist could identify with this statement more than the late great Andy Palacio, who Brother Yasser affectionately referred to as the “Music Man”.

Sadly and tragically enough, just as quickly as the PUP revived our culture, the UDP came along in February 2008 and totally obliterated it. Thus, what we’ve witnessed since February 2008 is a “Cultural Destruction” at the hands of the UDP. Led by its incompetent and inexperienced Minister of Culture, Manuel

Heredia, the UDP has killed the Belizean Culture. Talk to the artists and the lovers of art & culture and they will attest to this depressing fact. Take a visit to our many cultural sites and their dilapidated condition will speak volumes to the absolute neglect and abandonment by the Ministry of Culture. Then, consider the dwindling number of visitors, both local and foreign, to those cultural sites. Truth be told, the UDP has systematically destroyed everything that represents the “Belizean Identity”. What is even sadder is that with everything else, the UDP bears no shred of shame.

If anyone still needs a reason other than the aforementioned reasons to clearly see that the UDP doesn’t give a rat’s ass about culture, he/she simply needs to look at the two dimwits that bear the titles of Belize’s “Cultural Ambassador” and “Musical Ambassador” respectively. Peter “Titiman” Flores is no Andy Palacio and possesses neither the musical or intellectual acumen of the “Music Man”. It would be laughable were it not serious, but consider for a minute what “Titiman” probably says to his counterparts in the region when they gather for meetings, “Fi yu, fi mee, fi aal a wee”. As for the “Jewish Imposter”, everyone knew he was an artist. What we all know following the night of March 26, 2011, however, is that Belize’s “Musical Ambassador” is a CON-artist.

Make no mistake about it; the UDP’s destruction of our country’s culture is borne out of pure pettiness and vindictiveness – the UDP WAY! The UDP needs to be reminded, however, that in any civilized society, there are certain aspects of that society which ought to be “sacred” and treated bipartisanly. One such aspect is that of a country’s culture. Our culture is what defines and distinguishes us a “people”.

Indeed, it is our very existence. Hence, to kill our culture is to kill our very existence. No doubt, Manuel Heredia could care less but Belize’s artisans and artists and, indeed, all Belizeans should care. To not care would equal to no longer being BELIZEAN.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

19

My Heart Aches…

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

Another Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycling Classic has come and gone.

Another foreigner was draped with the precious garland. Another Guatemalan is the Cross Country Champ. When will it end?

I guess I was one of many Belizeans who hoped for the unexpected. As I listened to the many shows leading up to the event, it was evident that the cycling gurus had no faith in our riders. There was an unending flow of criticism. They were not ready, they were not practicing enough, they have too many women, they were eating too much fry chicken and the list goes on. I know they meant well. I know deep down they want to see a Belizean win.

Being a proverbial optimist, I hope for the win, perhaps because I watched too many movies with the underdog triumphing, or maybe because I believe unconditionally in my country and my people. I will always stand by their talents, their potential and their resilience.

I held my breath many times during the race, hoping and yes, praying for a Belizean to win. After all, my Belizean flag and my Belizean identity were at stake.

Unfortunately, it was not to be.

But while my heart aches, I say to my people, not to see this as a failure, but rather as an opportunity that has been presented to us. Yes, an opportunity to coalesce around something that we all feel passionate about, that is, the retaking of our garland.

There is no doubt that a foreigner capturing the garland again has sparked an outpouring of national pride unlike anything we have seen in years, and for the person to be Guatemalan two years in a row is liken to rubbing salt in the wound.

This cannot be repeated, and the call to arms has gone out. We must begin to prepare.

However, what is clear is that the masses, we the people, have one concept of what the classic should be and the Belize Cycling Association has another. This is best captured in a statement by Damien Gough, Manager of Sugar City Cycling Team.

“The strategy for today as for the strategy last year was to work for Marlon. When we came down into the last 4-5 miles of the race however you can’t gamble the win, a win is a win and we’ll take that win anytime and I hope the Belizean public understands that this is just the nature of how the bicycle unfolds. Yourself as well as commentators realize this and I am sure that you appreciate that we couldn’t sacrifice the winners.”

Channel 7 Newscast for April 26th, 2011 For them, it was simply a win. For Belizeans, it is pain and heartache that we will carry for a whole year. It seems that it

has escaped many that the Annual Cross Country Cycling Classic has without any conscious effort become a symbol of Belize, and of hope, for a future. It is embedded in the psyche and DNA of our people.

Perhaps it has to do with its evolution as an event that was born out of particular circumstances. History has it that the majority of city dwellers were not privileged to travel outside of the city for vacation at Easter Time. So a group of men began the Holy Saturday Cross Country Race starting in the city. This has evolved into a classic and a part of our natural heritage.

Today it is a symbol of who we are. It embodies our soul. We have claimed ownership of it. Belizeans want the garland to be placed around the necks of a Belizean.

This requires a mental shift in the approach of our leaders, the Belize Cycling Association and all Belizeans.

Firstly, if the race is an international one, then there must be a TEAM BELIZE in the race. Whenever we travel abroad to represent Belize in any international event, it is a team representing the country of Belize that goes with their Belize jersey. Why treat the cross country classic any different?

And as the WUB morning show host reminded us, the team that won was sponsored by Belizeans, managed by Belizeans and rode on Belizean soil. In addition, we have home court advantage. We have all the ingredients to win.

Secondly, our leaders must be in sync with the people and support TEAM BELIZE financially and by their presence.

Leadership is by example. If properly trained and equipped TEAM BELIZE will be inspired when riding if they know that our leaders were among the people along the route and at the finish line. This would be a shot in arm. Or if they know that their win of the garland will be recognized by an appointment as the Sports ambassador for their year of reign or a street will be named after them, would this not give them the extra energy?

For the 2011 cross country, the Prime Minister was in Florida, the Deputy Prime Minister was in Mexico, the Minister of Youth was in California and the Minister of Sports was MIA, Missing in Action.

That says everything about the UDP respect for the importance of the garland and what it means to the Belizean people.

Finally, sports galvanize, inspire and build a nation. Our sports men and women are components of the social capital of this nation. Sports can give hope to thousands of poor Belizean children to take on the world instead of each other. It is critical to forging national unity.

It is therefore incumbent upon all of us to support the move to national teams to represent Belize in international events, and the Annual Cross Country Cycle Classic gives us a unique opportunity from which to start. It certainly can unleash the full potential of our people and unite us as one nation behind one garland.

Once we are thinking as one nation, nothing is insurmountable. The transition to Phase II of the revolution will then be underway, for a NEW BELIZE to be born, to bring to all Belizeans a better life and a just share of the national wealth.

www.belizeandiaries.com

Are you fulfilled?

I

was sitting at my desk at work when this woman came into the office for some information. I provided her with what she needed but for some reason she was hesitant to leave. She struck up a conversation but I was not too happy about it as I was trying to wrap up a project.

Nonetheless, I sat there and listened to her as she began telling me of her trials and tribulations through in life and how her experiences have led her to helping women who are going through the same and have no one to turn to.

As she stood there talking I remembered my friend, John Baptist, who I had met years ago on my way to Corozal, angry and intent with the hope of finding out who had taken my place in my marriage; that was eleven years ago, but when people come into your life and help you through rough times you never forget them. The reason this woman took me back to that time is because I find myself in a position where I am managing life as a single woman and a single parent of two for the last few months and while I don’t have the hassles of the relationship I was in for the last eight years, there is still a void in my life.

I ask myself, this is what it is about? The same routine everyday – work, school, home. How do you find out what your purpose on earth is? Does each person really have a purpose other than just being a statistic for the world to go on? I think subconsciously I have been asking myself this question for quite some time but somehow I managed to put it in the back of my mind hoping it will go away – not sure why – I just did.

In any case, what this lady has done is open a box of questions and thoughts in my head that I need to face should I have any hope of being completely fulfilled in my life.

(And yes, it is possible to be completely fulfilled). For the last few years, I have just lived – I have not been living, taking chances, enjoying the beauties of this world. But in order to do all this, you have to place yourself in a position where

you know who you are, your likes and dislikes, what your goals in life are.

For many people when they’re in a relationship, they tend to lose themselves and become caught up in the family, placing all their personal goals and desires on the back burner.

I did some research on self actualization and found these as the main characteristics of a self actualised person. Take a look below and see if you possess these characteristics. If you do, then hats off to you that means you are living life as a fulfilled person but if you find yourself not being able to relate to these then I guess you and I have some work to do on improving who we are!

Acceptance and Realism: Selfactualized people have realistic perceptions of themselves, others and the world around them.

Problem-centering: Self-actualized individuals are concerned with solving problems outside of themselves, including helping others and finding solutions to problems in the external world. These people are often motivated by a sense of personal responsibility and ethics.

Spontaneity: Self-actualized people are spontaneous in their internal thoughts and outward behavior.

While they can conform to rules and social expectations, they also tend to be open and unconventional.

Autonomy and Solitude: Another characteristic of self-actualized people is the need for independence and privacy. While they enjoy the company of others, these individuals need time to focus on developing their own individual potential.

Continued Freshness of Appreciation: Self-actualized people tend to view the world with a continual sense of appreciation, wonder and awe.

Even simple experiences continue to be a source of inspiration and pleasure.

Peak Experiences: Individuals who are self-actualized often have what Maslow termed peak experiences, or moments of intense joy, wonder, awe and ecstasy. After these experiences, people feel inspired, strengthened, renewed or transformed.

For this and more articles, log on to www.belizeandiaries.com

20

THE BELIZE TIMES

COLOR ME

ROYAL WEDDING

COLOR ME

Well a lot of people were all excited last week about the wedding taking place in London. My Mom got up early to see a little bit of the wedding between Prince William and his fiancée.

I watched bits and pieces too but I was more interested in London.

I was imagining what it would be like to visit London. It has some amazing old buildings. I love history so learning about why and how they were built would be so cool!

Since I’m in a “London mood” I thought we could have fun colouring London! Hope you’ll like colouring Big Ben, which is London’s most famous landmark, Westminster Abbey this is where members of the English royal family get married and London’s famous red double decker bus!

Sunday, May 1, 2011

COLOR ME

Sunday, May 1, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

Do We Really Have To Die? During my Easter vacation I decided to kick back and watch a little TV and ended up looking at this program where six people gave their life story encounter of dying and coming back to life.

More on this later but first an even more important question: Did Jesus really have to die? God is all powerful yet He chose to let His Son die for us! Why? The reason for this is something that many of us do not understand or even want to believe about God! See He is Just (legal). He lives by, and honors His very own laws! If this was not true Jesus would not have needed to die for our sins. God could have just fixed everything!

Jesus had to die to serve the sentence for man’s sins! Since Easter has passed, and the irregulars have put in their ‘yearly’ visit to church and the Easter bunny has hopped back into his hole, let’s look at what Jesus claims He did while His lifeless body laid in the ground for three days.

Matthew 12:39 -40 But Jesus replied: You want a sign because you are evil and won’t believe! But the only sign you will get is the sign of the prophet Jonah. He was in the stomach of a big fish for three days and nights, just as the Son of Man will be deep in the earth for three days and nights.

According to this scripture while His body would lie lifeless in the ground His spirit would be in the heart of the earth getting some important work done. From this we can deduce a number of things; a) that your mind and spirit move together when your body dies! b) that without a body we still reserve the ability to “feel” c) that our memory remains intact!

Jesus was able to remember His mission which He had to accomplish in three days while dead. In (Luke 16:19-31) the rich man remembered his brothers, could make out Lazarus’ features, and felt pain, although he was dead!

Now back to my earlier encounter as I relaxed in my palace watching the program on near death experiences. I realized that those who claimed to have died temporarily and come back to life, only confirmed Scriptures in a deeper way.

They all testified of feeling their spirits being sucked out, where they could look down and see their lifeless bodies being attended to. After that comes a bright light, then warmth.

The six people gave detailed accounts of how they felt. They felt light like a weight was lifted, they felt peaceful, and basically no one wanted to go back in their bodies!

As I come to a close I must do so with a warning. There is life after death, and we must face the Judge of the earth who is just, as I mentioned earlier. Yes Easter has passed, but the reason He died remains intact.

So, do we really have to die? “No!” We do not have to die!

We can accept His free gift and escape an eternal sentence of punishment for our sins and enjoy eternal life!

If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. - Romans 10:9 Until next week God bless and keep safe.

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22

THE BELIZE TIMES

Eulogy:

Samuel William Price Delivered by Robert Usher I would like to extend my sympathies to the brother and sisters of Samuel Price and to the sons and families of this wonderful man whom we all knew simply as Uncle Sam. This uncle was also Grandpa to 7 grandchildren and Dad to his 3 sons who are here with us today to pay farewell to their father.

Samuel William Price was born in Belize City on December 28, 1926, the seventh child and second son of William Cadle Price and Irene Escalante Price.

He passed from this life sometime on April 16th on his 84th birthday when his body was discovered in his home, murdered. I will spear you the grisly details. Enough has been said on the local news. The police opined that he put up a good defense for his age from the evidence on the crime scene. He was and has been targeted numerous times and this time these scoundrels hit bull’s eye.

Uncle Sam was a retiree who came home from the United States to live and enjoy the beauty of Belize. Joyce Price said it best when she wrote a response to the news of his death that was aired on Channel 5’s evening news on April 18th. And I quote: “I am the daughter-in-law of Mr. Sam Price, married to his son William Cadle Price for 38 years.

Mr. Price was a healthy 84 year old of sound mind and made his decisions on his own, he was strong willed and set in his ways. He loved his homeland of Belize and when he did leave the United States some years ago he spoke constantly and lovingly of returning HOME to live out his life where he belonged after his retirement and that is what he did. It is horrid, tragic and unbelievable what has happened to this man who kept to himself and bothered no one.”

End of quote.

Yes, he came back to the land of his birth to live the simple life in a once beautiful home on the banks of the Belize River adjacent to the Caribbean Sea in the place we Belizeans so often refer to as the Jewel. His jewel was “Tarpon Cove” so named because of the huge tarpon fish caught by his son Craig one summer afternoon in front of his home when Belize was then a place of peace and tranquility.

When he left our shores, he was a young man of 18 years of age who boarded the ship “The President” owned by the Lykes Brothers Steamship Company in the year 1944.

I have been told that my parents were at the wharf to see him off. He

Samuel Price

waved a last good-bye and it would be twenty-three years later before he returned home for a first visit. His first few years away from home were spent as a merchant seaman. One of his early friends in his seafaring days was Mr. Kent McField who is here in the congregation today to pay his respects to his friend now gone. I want you to know that your presence means a lot to us, Mr. Mac. Mr. Kent McField told me that he met Sam Price for the first time outside of Belize in Montevideo in a bar drinking a beer. He said to Mr. Mac, I know you. Mr. Mac said I know you too.

They shook hands, did a few abrazos and became instant friends again.

They met a few weeks later in Buenos Aires where Uncle Sam had a few more beers, a beverage he gradually took a liking for and treated as medicinal as the years wore on. Any male person who visited his house can attest to the fact that we were all bra lee and we were all offered a beer to engage us in conversation.

As a merchant seaman Uncle Sam literally travelled the world. He visited several South American, North American, and European, African and Asian countries. He spoke fondly of his visits to India and France, two places I never ever dreamed of visiting. Little did I know many, many years later that both these two countries would become special and important places to Suzette and me?

Uncle Sam eventually settled in New Orleans where he met, courted and married the lovely Mary Jane Laborde. Sadly she died many years ago in an automobile accident and the task became his of raising three sons. They are: William Cadle, Craig Philip and Steve Michael Price. His three sons have given him seven grandchildren, Michael, Rachel, and Amanda, the children of William Cadle and Joyce Camp Price, Michelle and Kimberly, the children of Craig Philip and Norma Pena Price

and Nicole and Kristen, the children of Steve Michael and Martha Alcoser Price. He also has 14 great-grand children.

After the loss of his wife, he and his sons came to Belize and lived with relatives for a few years. When he came back for the first time he discovered that his sisters had increased the Price clan by extremely large numbers that even today we have difficulty remembering who exactly is who. Now, a visiting relative would say something like this when meeting a family member he or she hasn’t seen for a long time - Let’s see now you are Judy and you are a Canton. No I’m sorry but you have it wrong I am a Craig. And the confusion abounds. His sisters who have survived him are: Lydia Waight, Jane Usher, Meg Craig, Jo Balderamos, Betsy Canton, Sue Price and Judy Equitz. I will spear you the agony of listing the names of their children.

He was pre-deceased by his sister Ann and his younger brother, John and of course, he is survived by his elder brother, the Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price.

I remember visiting Uncle Sam on week-ends at Ole Miss Drive in Kenner, La when he moved back to the States with his sons. Did I look forward to those weekends? You see the cafeteria on my school campus served food totally lacking in gourmet quality. One day I observed a metal trolley in the kitchen where I happened to look in one day and I saw the words stamped boldly on a carton box “GRADE E, but edible”.

I realized then that I must be eating that stuff. Now you know why I looked undernourished in my first year at college. It was only Uncle’s Sam’s cooking on the week-ends that gave me the strength to go on for another week. He made the best salads ever. It wasn’t so much the greens which were fresh but the dressings which were original creations of his. Every meal was good. He made extras all the time. It was from him that I learned the word lagniappe (LAN-yap) it is Cajun French for extra, something thrown in for good measure. It is the equivalent of the thirteenth roll in a baker’s dozen.

Cadle, Craig and Steve took me back to school Sunday evenings and there was never a week-end I really wanted to leave his home. I so enjoyed the lagniappe.

Uncle Sam had no burning ambitions when he came home to Belize to retire. He was a simple man who lived a simple life. I know that in the last few years every Sunday my

Sunday, May 1, 2011

mother cooked him food and when she didn’t cook on a particular Sunday she made sure that whoever in the family cooked that Sunday that Uncle Sam got fed and not only that he got fed, but he got fed first. My brother, Clement, was his confidante and close friend. He visited every week and took him grocery shopping on Saturdays. All his nephews and nieces and grand nephews and nieces from time to time took care of him in any way possible when his children were not here. As a matter of fact Maria Waight commented on the internet to Channel 7’s News reporting his death and I quote, “Sam Price was my great granduncle.

Throughout my lifetime, my family and I visited him very often on the weekends. He was such a lively character and always made us laugh. One thing I will always remember is how much he loved his tamales. I cannot believe that someone would do this to an 80 year old man”. End of quote. Another grand niece, Jane Ellen and her uncle, Marion were the ones that saw his body and took the care to make sure that the image of his brutally beaten corpse was not exposed to the world via the internet. We remember him the way he was. We only need to glance on the cover of today’s booklet to refresh our memory.

No, he had no burning ambitions. He had no more mountains to climb. He bothered no one and expected no one to bother him but many were there who did. He was once physically mauled on his own property because he was defending what was his and what was his right to do. His home we know has been the target of numerous invasions.

He lived a Spartan life even though he had some means. He needed to prove nothing to nobody so in mourning his passing we can only pray that the violence that besets our country can somehow be reduced in time by all of us - never giving up and always keeping at working for peace and understanding by endeavoring to forge an awakening, in all the people, for peace in this city of turmoil.

I would like to repeat a few lines of one of my favorite prayers, Our National Prayer.

“Almighty and Eternal God who through Jesus Christ has revealed Your Glory to all nations please protect and preserve Belize our beloved country. We pray, O God of Mercy for all of us that we may be blessed in the knowledge and sanctified in the observance of your most holy law, that we nay be preserved in union and in peace which the world itself cannot give. And, after enjoying the blessings of this life, please admit us, dear Lord, to that eternal reward that you have prepared for those who love you. Amen Goodbye Uncle Sam. May you now rest in peace!!!

Sunday, May 1, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

en Español

¡ERRORES CON CEBOLLAS! VERGUENZA NACIONAL El pueblo y los campesinos en el norte de Belice no deben permitir que otro caso de mala gestión e incompetencia de los altos funcionarios de Belize Marketing Corporation (BMC) por sus siglas en Ingles terminen sin respuesta otra vez.

Los agricultores de caña decidieron diversificar sus cultivos para invertir por primera vez en el cultivo de cebollas. Su recompensa del BMC por una inversión tan importante fue la importación de cebollas de Holanda y así saturar el mercado local con el producto importado.

Hay acusaciones fuertes que esta decisión de importar cebollas fue hecha por consideración a un pariente del Ministro de Agricultura. Esta relación, a nuestro entender, ha concedido una autorización especial por parte de BMC para importar las cebollas a pesar de la disponibilidad de cebolla a nivel local, con lo que inundan el mercado local.

Doble discurso confuso En respuestas confusas dadas en entrevistas con los medios, el Director Gerente de la BMC dio explicaciones contradictorias que simplemente pone de relieve una metida de pata que ha borrado-una inversión de un millón de dólares por los agricultores locales de cebolla a la Union de Credito.

El Director General dijo a la prensa que había una “confusión en el calendario”. Luego dijo que los agricultores estaban cosechando sus cultivos de cebolla antes de tiempo. Luego dijo que el cultivo “llegó a muy temprano”. ¿De que estaba hablando? También dijo que los agricultores no pueden satisfacer la demanda de cebolla en agosto y septiembre (ojo) estamos en el mes de abril) y luego de que en cualquier caso, los agricultores locales sólo pudieron producir un pequeño porcentaje de la demanda del mercado local. Depende de lo que usted quiere creer. Pero el denominador común es que alguien es, obviamente, un tonto.

Hay dos revelaciones claras que sale de esta cacofonía de metidas

de patas: Que el Director General está mintiendo o simplemente demostrando su incompetencia y el encubrimiento de tramitar un permiso de importación para acomodar a un relativo y sin duda alguna a un compinche del Ministro de Agricultura para importar cebollas en este momento, cuando no hay necesidad.

FALTA DE COORDINACIÓN Esto también sugiere que hay una falta de coordinación entre el Ministerio de Agricultura, que debe asesorar y vigilar los agricultores locales y para asesorar a la BMC. Es un hecho conocido que en la última administración, el Ministerio de Agricultura no estuvo de acuerdo con cualquier propuesta de importar un producto ni tampoco asesoro a la Corporación de Comercialización de Belice para importar algun producto sin antes llevar a cabo sus investigaciones detalladas para determinar la disponibilidad de los productos en el mercado local.

Es imperativo que estos agricultores de cebolla y su demanda de compensación de crédito total de la Unión por parte del gobierno y de la BMC por los millones de dólares que han perdido por lo que es o bien la codicia y la corrupción o incompetencia en el Ministerio de Agricultura y de la BMC. NO a LA POLÍTICA AGRÍCOLA No hay evidencia para sugerir que el Ministerio de Agricultura y Pesca no tiene políticas claramente definidas en su lugar para impulsar la producción agrícola.

Se le ofrece a los agricultores locales poco apoyo o impulso. El miércoles por la mañana un funcionario del Ministerio de Agricultura admitió que algunos agricultores locales pongan en práctica “lo que ven en la televisión”, porque no hay asistencia del Gobierno de Belice.

Hoy en día, la una vez autosostenible industria de cítricos, banano y las industrias del azúcar, una vez reconocido como la columna vertebral de la economía, están luchando para sobrevivir

sin la burocracia que conlleva este gobierno. Pero los intentos de intervención política reciente del gobierno en las operaciones de la industria azucarera, junto con la mala gestión y falta de previsión, llevó a la ruptura de la fábrica de azúcar en Tower Hill en inicio del diciembre pasado, de la cosecha de la caña actual. Luego, el gobierno gastó 10 millones de fondos de los contribuyentes como una curita para poner a la industria soporte vital y dar a los agricultores de caña un alivio temporal a la miseria que se ha producido como resultado de la estupidez política. la intromisión del Ministerio en la gestión de la Junta de Control de cítricos, cuyo presidente es el director general del Ministerio de Agricultura no ayuda tampoco. miembros en la CCB son muy vocales sobre su incompetencia y sus intentos de manipulación política irracional.

La Asociación de Cultivadores de Cítricos pronto haran noticias cuando no cumplan con sus obligaciones de deuda. Esto también, más que probablemente dará como resultado presionando a los agricultores de cítricos y sus empleados. La CGA está en quiebra hasta el punto en que han sido incapaces de proporcionar a los agricultores que fueron afectados por la enfermedad del enverdecimiento de las nuevas siembras.

Caidas en la produccion de granjas…… Éstas y otras cuestiones se combinan para pintar una imagen negativa en el sector agropecuario. La agricultura, que se supone que es uno de los pilares de la economía nacional, demostrará una disminución importante en la producción de este año, excepto quizás para los cítricos, principalmente debido a la buena gestión en la transformación y comercialización y tambien el banana. Incluso el turismo muestra un factor menos con un crecimiento escaso o negativo.

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Un pedazo enorme de la asignación presupuestaria del Gobierno para el Ministerio de Agricultura va al pago de sueldos, subsidios y prebendas, UNA GRAN PARTE! Esto permite que quede poco para los servicios agrícolas y para apoyar a los agricultores.

El apoyo a los agricultores locales en la comercialización de sus productos ha sido siempre una de las principales funciones del BMC. Sin embargo, recientemente el régimen bien establecido de esta corporación está mostrando signos de colapso. Se está afectando a los productores de arroz en el sur, que ahora están recibiendo el pago de su arroz de la BMC de gota en gota. Estos agricultores se quejan también de que el programa de extensión agrícola del Ministerio de Agricultura, si todavía existe, ya no les proporciona el apoyo técnico de costumbre.

Robo de ganado En resumen, el Ministerio de Agricultura no hace absolutamente nada para cumplir su mandato.

Es un hecho bien conocido que el Ministro de Agricultura, como oficial de la ganadería en el antiguo Ministerio, que ahora controla, fue reprendido por la Comisión de Servicios Públicos en un caso que implicó el robo de ganado en la estación de agricultura de Central Farm. Como Ministro, una operación local de la producción de Xate fue embargado de un inversor local y luego el negocio terminó en las manos de su familia en una bandeja de plata. Hay otras indiscreciones por el Ministro de Agricultura y algunos de sus altos funcionarios están comenzando a emerger.

Mientras tanto, queremos animar a nuestros agricultores de cebolla en el Norte para que exigan su libra de carne en forma de una demanda colectiva contra las autoridades por andar por ahí atentando contra sus medios de subsistencia. Es una vergüenza nacional!

24

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, May 1, 2011

BNTU bashes GOB over Moses Sulph firing Belize City, April 22, 2011

By Carla Bradley The Belize National Teacher’s Union has broken its silence, and is the fourth organization to come out in support of the reinstatement of unionist and social activist, Moses Sulph.

Sulph was fired from his post as Data Entry Clerk at the General Registry on April 8th. The letter, approved by the Ministry of Public Service, did not indicate a reason for the termination.

Last week Tuesday, the Coalition for Liberty through Action, Belizeans for Justice and the Public Service Union criticized the Barrow Administration for the termination, and demanded Sulph’s reinstatement. The members of those groups which included COLA vice-president Giovanni Brackett and PSU president Jacqueline Sanchez said they believed the termination was a result of Sulph’s anti-GOB activism.

The following Thursday, outgoing BNTU President, Jaime Panti, joined his union colleague to defend Sulph.

Panti said the termination was totally

Cold & callous move

Continued from page 6 regularized; nor has he received any adjustment whatsoever of his salary.

This latest act of disrespect and cold-heartedness by Hulse and the UDP Government serves to remind us that the UDP has absolutely no regard nor care for the hard workers of Belize. Then again, we may want to restate the foregoing statement.

Hulse and the UDP Government “do care” and very much so for a “select group” of workers in Belize. This “select group” includes family members and close friends of the UDP. Case in point: while the flippant Minister’s daughter sits comfortably in her plush, air-conditioned office in London reveling in her lucrative perks; our firefighters, who put their lives on the line for us are treated like second-class workers.

Our firefighters wear their uniform and badge with extreme pride and honor. Working often under adverse conditions, that pride and honor continue to resonate in the hearts and on the faces of our firefighters. The least Hulse and the UDP could do is to treat our firefighters with the respect and honor they so rightly deserve. As we prepare to commemorate “Labor Day” in the next few days, it is our hope that the grievances of our firefighters will be addressed and settled.

unfair. “I think it is without due reason and I do believe that he needs to be reinstated to his position. In any situation, there is a due process that needs to be followed and in his case, I know he is an open vote [worker] but I do believe that because of his being vocal on issues then I believe he is being victimized and I believe he has a civil and constitutional right that needs to be protected and that’s why the unions are standing in solidarity.”

But Minister of Public Service Hon. John Saldivar had no apologies to offer

to Sulph or the unions for his Government’s actions when he spoke on the matter the next day. Saldivar’s view was that Sulph got what he deserved. “As far as I know the regulation with respect to their involvement in activities that are against the interest of the government - no public officers are permitted to do that. While no reason was forwarded there is also the fact that his desk was being investigated for irregularities. Why are they not even thinking that that may be one of the reasons that led to it?” said Saldivar.

The Unions believe the action is an affront to democracy. When Panti was asked if he felt that the Barrow Administration was instilling fear in people who speak out, he replied, “Certainly.

I do believe that as a country we need to create a culture of people speaking on issues. I don’t think that we need to stifle anybody.”

Sulph, who is COLA President, has been highly critical of the Barrow Administration. COLA has opposed Prime Minister Barrow’s “drill, baby drill” policy, organized a camp out in front of the PM office, and most recently filed for a claim against GOB at the Supreme Court asking the Court to force the Prime Minister to make way for a 13th Senator, who would represent NGOs, which the Barrow Government had promised but has refused to fulfill.

Beware, Court Danger Belize City, April 27, 2011 The BELIZE TIMES was brought to notice that there is a very unsafe practice which the Police and the Courts have taken up. There are two things that we do not expect from these two groups, stupidity and reckless endangerment of the public.

On June 10, 2010 the worst and must frightening act of public violence in Belize’s history was committed when 24 year old Andre Trapp, was slaughtered just outside the window of the Chief Justice’s Chambers, in downtown Belize City, while court was in session.

In response, all the UDP Government did was to put up three movable signs in the middle of the street beside the Magistrate’s Court and post an unarmed security guard to let traffic in and out.

The situation has deteriorated further as now Magistrate Court prisoners are now being loaded and off loaded through the same entrance as civil-

ians, magistrates and witnesses. There is a rear entrance to the court building where the prisoners were normally escorted into the Magistrate Court; despite this, the prisoners are being handcuffed and chained gang style and marched out the same narrow passage way as witnesses, civilians and the Magistrates.

The safety concern is obvious but the BELIZE TIMES realizes that the molt ball smelling AG is particularly “slow”, for his benefit, we will spell it out.

First, the prisoners are at risk to reprisals from enraged family members or victims who are aggrieved by the criminal attacks of the passing prisoners. These accused persons are chained in such a way that they are unable to defend themselves. That restraint would not otherwise be an issue but this Wednesday April 27, 2011, there were ONLY TWO police officers moving a gang of thirteen chained accused

Businesswoman fined $2,500 for Drug Trafficking BELIZE CITY, Wed. April 27, 2011

By Roy Davis Cherry Mae Flowers, 52, a businesswoman who pleaded guilty to drug trafficking on Monday, April 17 was fined $2,500 today by #7 Court Magistrate Aretha Ford.

Flowers was not given the sentence of 3 years nor a fine of $10,000 because it was her first offence. Also, there was no evidence that she had benefitted from the proceeds of drug trafficking.

Flowers faces a sentence of 2 years if she does not pay the fine.

Flowers wanted to plead guilty to the lesser charge of possession simplicitor but it was not accepted by the Director of Public Prosecution, Cheryl Lyn Vidal.

A second person, Margaret Tillett Flores, was charged jointly with Flowers but the charge against her was withdrawn.

Flowers who resides at #188 Neal pen road, was busted with 226.7 grams of can-

Cherry Mae Flowers nabis around 8:30 a.m. on Monday, April 11. The police went to Flowers’ house to search for firearms and drugs. When the police searched her house they found a black plastic bag with the cannabis on her bed.

persons.

The BELIZE TIMES was informed by members of the judiciary that the police bus is now illegally parking in the spaces reserved and used by Judges of the Supreme Court. This is the most dangerous of situations.

But it is also a security concern for the public who are crammed into the public civilian entrance used by the police to take in the prisoners. We at BELIZE TIMES refuse to imagine the possibilities of an enraged prisoner attacking a victim while they are being transported out, or a stray bullet or grenade intended for a prisoner, killing an innocent civilian.

For crying out loud, the people of Belize know that this UDP government is incompetent, we understand that, but to be “hard ears” as well is unacceptable, especially when innocent Belizeans are helplessly at risk of being harmed by your careless stupidity.

11 yr. old & mother shot during OW armed robbery Orange Walk Town, April 25, 2011

By Carmelita Perez On Holy Thursday night a Chinese businessman from Orange Walk Town gave two burglars a taste of rough justice. The incident happened at around 9:30pm when two armed men, one of dark complexion and the other of brown complexion, entered Yi Gen Store located on Zericote Street and held the store owner’s wife at gunpoint.

At the time of the robbery a number of customers along with shop owner Yi Gen Wu were inside the establishment. When Wu saw that his wife was in danger he took out his licensed 9mm pistol and fired at both robbers.

As the second armed robber shot back at Wu, 31 year old Yilvia Cansino, her daughter and her 11 year old son Carlos Cansino were injured when they were shot on the right ankle.

Cansino’s daughter was also injured when the gun fell and brushed her foot. The weapon, scorching hot from all the firing, caused burns to the child’s skin.

Two robbers were injured by the gunshots, but one of them managed to escape from Police. He has been identified as Jeremy Rhaburn, and was arrested by Belize City Police over the weekend after he visited the Karl Huesner Memorial Hospital for treatment. The second robber has been identified as 22 year old Miguel Medina of Trial Farm Village. Medina was shot on the knee and was unable to escape.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

25

San Pedro Mayor & Town Council - a Sell Out! San Pedro Town, April 25, 2011 San Pedro Mayor Elsa Paz, who once said she believed in going green, has apparently now changed credo by going blue. Blue, because the Mayor could very well now be swimming in a pool of blue notes.

The three-term Mayor, who boastfully claimed to be a role model for women, has turned out to be nothing more than a sell out and a real political gold-digger. The Mayor, without approval of the residents of San Pedro, decided to put up Town Council assets as collateral for a loan. The Town Council ended up defaulting on the loan, and the bank was forced to take court action. In a desperate move, Mayor Paz turned to selling out the Council like a mercenary to save herself and the council some embarrassment and outright condemnation.

In 2010, the councilors and Town Administrator agreed to make a $1.4 million loan with 16% interest. The loan was to pay off David Medina for the construction of Angel Coral Street which was inaugurated as a political stunt days before the 2009 municipal

elections.

But financial planning was obviously non-existent because the Town Council failed to honor the loan at Atlantic Bank, and were about to be taken to Court. But just as the Council was to face humiliation, it was bailed out by a multimillion dollar investor on the island. The investor, we understand, not only took over the loan but also two town council payrolls which went on his tab.

Documents available shows that all council members agreed to give up valuable council assets as collateral.

If the Mayor and her Council dare to deny such truth then we challenge

Mayor Paz needs to come clean about the source of funds for this million dollar investment

them prove otherwise. We stand ready to expose the trail of loan information, the name of the company that bailed out Mayor Paz, and the name of the person who she has sold her soul to.

While the Council suffers the worst financial crisis in history and its employees are working with uncertainty

Leave the Placencia Water Board Alone

Contributed “I have a beef with Mr. Barrow”, so stated a resident of Placencia, “While we welcome the paving of the road, one can’t but help to wonder now with all the bits and pieces we have been hearing that it was all part of a master plan to facilitate the proposed tourism village”.

Think about it. All of a sudden everyone heard that a pier will be built. Look how long we have been struggling with this half one we’ve got, now a brand new pier will be built and twice as long as the old one – something just don’t add up.

Last week the peninsula got the good news that a modern sewerage system was coming their way. Good news because while the people of Placencia welcome a sewerage system they are skeptical that they were not informed. What they have been hearing between the grape vines.

At the heart of Placencia’s problems is an irony of sorts as Placencia runs one of Belize ‘s most functioning water boards – a water board that even helps its villages in social programs such as a death or illness in one’s family so what is the problem.

Well in order to repay the loan to the Government for the sewerage system for Placencia, Government has given BWS of Belize City the nod to take over the Placencia Water Board’s operations at the end of the completion of this project. Yes you read right, tek weh Placencia Water Board and all its works and success stories over to BWS. In the interest of Placencia, the peo-

ple are asking, what is it that BWS will do that they have not been doing so far and if the government needs X amount of dollars from the project why can’t they manage it themselves and pay themselves?

“I see no problem with us running everything,” so stated a member of the Water Board, “but all this now is no seen as a bigger plan, a plan to set Placencia for cruise ship readiness, but for whom,

for whose interest? Placencia is just a part of this big conversation but the people of the point ain’t taking anything lying down”.

For now it’s talk. Its back door chattering, a whisper here and there and it’s anybody’s guess but one thing for sure they got a beef and that beef is with Mr. Barrow, Prime Minister Barrow.

OW man dies two weeks after chopping attack Belize City, April 27, 2011 In a tragic third twist of fate, an employee of Circle R Food Supply who was attacked during an armed robbery at his jobsite earlier this month passed away in the KHMH just after midnight on Tuesday.

Armando Castellanos, 39, was along with Carlos Alvarado and Nolberto Leiva, a manager at the business, on the night of Tuesday, April 12th, waiting in their delivery truck for someone to open the gate to the business at mile four on the Northern Highway when they were ambushed by two armed, masked men who emerged from nearby

Armando Castellanos

bushes.

During the attack, the robbers chopped Castellanos in the head, arms and legs and shot at Leiva as he ran. In the process, the thieves escaped with a moneybag containing $30,000 in cheques and $6,000 in cash, property of the company.

While police have not disclosed much on the incident, they have said that they are looking for two persons of interest into the matter.

of the next pay check, the Mayor has no problem living a royally lavish lifestyle.

One just needs to look at the Mayor’s 24 apartment condo which is the talk in San Pedro Town. Then there was the Mayor’s wooden house on Pescador Drive, which has been replaced by a spanking new building called “4 Sister Paz Plaza”. The big question is where did all the money come from? Sure as hell Elsa will say she got a loan but any business person will tell you that the Mayor, with the small salary that she should be earning, cannot afford to pay loans of that nature? The condo, which is said to be worth over $4 million, is almost complete but up to now no one seems to know where the monies came from?

The 4 Sister Paz Plaza is just one of two multimillion dollar projects Mayor Elsa Paz and her family has made good for themselves. Sources tell us that plans are also ongoing to turn Big Daddy’s into a three-storey beach side condo next to Central Park. No wonder the mayor cares less to tell people that she no longer wants to run in election and that she is “SET FOR LIFE.” While the Mayor is busy making good for herself, she still is yet to tell the people of San Pedro at what cost did the council “partner” with the certain multimillionaire. We say “partner” because the quid pro quo has yet to be exposed.

What can be said for now is that the Council has had to bend over so much that now not one of the dredging or mangrove clearance permits are in the name of this special businessman nor his companies. All clearance permits to construct a private road were under the Town Council’s name.

All clearance permits for dredging and mangrove clearance at a certain site is also under the Town Council’s name.

In fact, a large sign displayed on the site proudly claims the dredging and clearance as a “Town Council Project.” So the question is at what cost did the San Pedro Town Council sell itself for? Is the Mayor of San Pedro and the Town Council a SELL OUT or a Political Sketel?

26

THE BELIZE TIMES

THINK ABOUT IT THE GRAVE OF GEORGE GABB A recent quickie poll by a television station of a handful of sixth form students showed that most of those polled had no idea who Belizean heroes are. So we better explain briefly who George Gabb is. Forgive the are and the is – bad English.

George Gabb could sculpt and he could carve. In fact he was Belize’s best sculptor, producing master pieces fashioned from the exotic wood from this country. No one had ever sculpted wood like George Gabb, or ever will. There is only one George Gabb just like how there is only one Michelangelo or one William Shakespeare and one Bob Marley.

George Gabb was also a playwright, and actor, a builder of boats, a keen sailor and an extraordinary storyteller.

When George Gabb left this earth there was an official sending off and commemoration of this remarkable Belizean. There were speeches and tributes at the National Institute of Culture and History.

The grave of George Gabb sits forlorn and neglected at the Lord Ridge Cemetery. It has not yet been “bricked“. There is no tile nor marble nor granite. This is how the officials of this country treat its talented people.

OLD BELIZE – NEW OWNER As part of the many signs of the hard times, another business has gone under. This time it is Old Belize.

An entertainment idea that provides water sports, restaurant, dancehall, mini culture museum and a marina, sitting just 4 miles away from the largest population center.

There just ain’t nothing happening in Belize. No investments, no job opportunities, no money circulating, no extra cash to spare on entertainment and restaurant. Belize is becoming a sad unhappy and no money nuh deh place to live.

Old Belize has been sold by the bank and it is to be hoped that the new owners will find better luck than those who had the vision to come up with this great idea and who put their money only to see the economy going to hell.

GAS PRICE AT $15.00 Is there any leadership in relation to this problem of gas prices? Gas is now basically at $13 a gallon. Anyone watching the foreign news must wonder that with the unrest continuing in the oil producing countries, speculators and greedy capitalists predict that oil can reach $15 and $20 a gallon in Belize.

Is there any planning for such possibility? Are we storing up this precious commodity in the event

of a catastrophe? Or are we just sitting back whistling and hoping that prices will just go back to normal or not go sky high? Isn’t planning and preparing part of good leadership?

Are there alternatives? Can Mexico sell us cheap gas? Can we ask Hugo Chavez to rescue us?

BAIL AND FREEDOM The People’s United Party was checking into how is it that a person remanded to prison on Monday last week was walking the streets on Thursday of the same week. He was denied bail under a cruel law but was set up to take away his freedom for ninety (90) days. The People’s United Party wants to know if there was political interference and whether the Director of Public Prosecutions allowed her office to be manipulated

by UDP politicians.

The situation is worse than that.

Citizens who are denied their freedoms in the lower courts and especially those under the 90 days law are increasingly having their constitutional rights violated. The Constitution is very clear that any person accused of a crime is to be treated as innocent until such time that a trial finds him guilty. Denying a person’s liberty is a form of punishing that person before a trial is even held.

The 90 days law has been changed to make it harder for a person to get bail.

For some stupid reason the law actually states that “the court is not to hear a bail application before 10 working days from the date the person applies”. Add to this that the court office takes its own sweet time to process the application and then there is another delaying factor as Judges do not any longer treat application for liberty with urgency.

Over the Christmas holidays many citizens remained separated from their families because their bail applications were treated with no sense of urgency. This has now become the practice. Weeks turn to month before an application is heard. It is a very sad state of affairs.

Such is now the norm as they say in the legal profession.

What the PUP should focus on is to tell Belizeans that with a change of government the liberty of persons will be restored in the Constitution and will be respected. And that persons applying for bail will have their applications heard within days.

THE CHURCHES The churches can do more, much more to help make Belize a better place.

A lot of the “abstract” which is going on in Belize to the detriment of the young generation and the nation happens because the churches

are not doing their part. The churches are the representatives of Jesus or Allah or Jah or whichever name you call the Biggest Man. The churches are not speaking out against the devil and all his works.

This much can be said Jesus is not happy with these Christian denominations in Belize. The time has come for the Christian churches to follow the example of Christ and speak out strongly against the many wrongdoings that are happening.

The men and the women who mount the pulpit must let off and do so hard. The times are serious and call for serious sermons. Belize is going to hell. Straight to hell. And the churches are a big part of it.

EDWARD “BUNNY” PANTING Mr. Edward Panting popularly known as “Bunny P” will be celebrating his 90th birthday this weekend.

His wife Edith Young Panting left this world in the 1960s. Bunny never remarried but he and his wife had four children John and Grace now living in New York City, Marilyn and Hubert living in Chicago. Marilyn is the entertainer and was one of the original Bob Reneau dancers.

Mr. Panting is the brother of Olmer Jennette who worked at James Brodie and Company for many years and on his retirement moved

Sunday, May 1, 2011

to Chicago with his daughter Therese and sons Ashley and Riley.

Olmer passed away last Easter.

Family and friends will gather at the YWCA this Saturday night to pay tribute to Mr. Panting who has given his life to the Lord and is a well known singer and poetry writer.

NEW BOOK ON MALCOLM X There is a new book on Malcolm X written by a renowned American University Professor who invested more than 12 years of his search to produce what is being hailed as a masterpiece with never before revealed information about the extraordinary Malcolm X. Will bring you details of publisher, prices etc. next week.

A WOMAN FALLING OUT OF LOVE Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul music, is releasing her latest album next week. It is called “Aretha, A Woman Falling Out of Love”.

Aretha’s last album named “So Damn Happy” was released eight years ago. Aretha is from the time of Otis Redding, James Brown, Wilson Pickett, Percy Sledge, Carla Thomas, Diana Ross, The Temptations, Smoky Robinson and many more who produced some of the most wonderfullest songs on the planet.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

UDP crony, James “Raindrops” Swan,

gets bail for firearm charge! DPP didn’t object Belize City, April 27, 2011 In a week in which more than a dozen Belizeans were “rounded up” by the law enforcement, marched to the Court and remanded to prison after Police raids at their homes yielded alleged criminal findings, one well-connected, notorious UDP crony, who had also been busted and accused for a serious firearm offense, found loopholes in the court system to avoid going to jail.

On Monday April 18th, a 6 ½ hour long UDP Crony “Raindrops” benefits from search at the residence of special treatment James “Raindrops” Swan Sr. led to the Police discovery of almost 200 grams of cannabis, over made it a criminal offense under the Fire$15,000 in U.S. currency, and an illegal arms Act. 9mm magazine on the premises at Mile 1 In Court that Monday afternoon, on the Northern Highway.

Swan Sr. was the only one among the famSwan Sr., his son James Jr., his wife ily who was denied bail and remanded to Bernadette, daughter Kristie and son’s prison, as the law stipulates. However, by common-law wife Camille Rodriguez Thursday morning Swan’s application for were all charged separately. Swan Sr. was bail at the Supreme Court was granted charged for the 9mm magazine found in leave, and when he went before the Judge, his bedroom. Police said the magazine he put up an act suitable for an Oscar didn’t match his licensed 9mm gun, which nomination.

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Humor in UDP Politics!

Eden Martinez as Acting Prime Minister? Can you imagine that (lol)? While you are smiling did you know that it was either Eden or Hutchinson? Eden only edged out Hutchie by two votes (lmao).

But it even get funnier as when Patrick Faber was told about it he almost fainted because he wanted to act as Prime Minister more than anyone else as it would have looked so good on his resume.

Talk about acting for this UDP administration. Acting

has been taken to higher heights.

Ever notice all who are acting?

Acting Prime Minister, Acting Chief Justice, Acting Chief Magistrate, Acting Head of Police, Acting Fire Chief, and can anyone remember how long they had the DPP acting for? These are the only ones we can remember that have been acting so long.

For the Imagining the Possibilities Award for the least likely person to act as Prime Minister to actually get to act as one, we official nominate Eden Martinez.

Hahaha.

Swan’s attorney said his client suffered from diabetes, and argued that the environment at the prison is not a healthy one for his medical condition.

The Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryl –Lynn Vidal made an appearance herself, but against everyone’s expectations she didn’t put up a fight to ensure that the notorious figure is kept away from the public. Instead, she bowed to Swan’s attorney’s request and agreed that Swan should not go to prison. The DPP explained that as a diabetic, Swan’s medication and spe-

cial diet could not be accommodated by the prison authorities.

With more arguments for bail than common in criminal cases dealing with firearm offences, Judge Adolph Lucas granted bail at $5,000. Judge Lucas also ordered that Swan must return to Court on May 18th; that he must report to the Queen Street Police Station on Thursday April 28th, and every Thursday after that until the case for firearm offense has ended, and he is not to interfere with any witness in the case.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, May 1, 2011