Belize Times October 2, 2011

Sunday, October 2, 2011

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SUNDAY October 2, 2011

Belize City, September 27, 2011 In a desperate attempt to tip the scale on his dismal and worsening rating, Prime Minister Dean Barrow launched what was obviously a political campaign for the upcoming Municipal Elections, and perhaps even general elections, on the occasion of this year’s Independence Day celebrations.

Having starved the nation of any development and economic growth over the last three years, which has weakened investor confidence and debilitated the business climate, Barrow wants to dupe Belizeans with a slew of pre-election promises. The list of promises, or in this case rotten plums, includes writing off $62.6 million in housing loans, street works, so-called lowered internet rates, and an imagined lowered electricity rates.

Barrow is offering nothing less than rotten plums! Since coming

Issue No. 4765

into office, there have been hundreds of Belizeans who have had their homes taken away and put on sale because of their inability to meet their debt obligations. This inability is the result of growing unemployment, skyrocketing cost of living, and high loan interest rates.

Prime Minister Barrow has stood aside and refused to offer assistance to Belizeans for three long years, but now

with beckoning elections, he seems to have all the right answers.

Our nation’s infrastructure has been crumbling before our very own eyes. Though they collect revenue and receive funding to the tune of millions of dollars annually, the UDP municipal bodies have failed to improve streets and drainage across the country. The

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Superman spends a

night in the Slammer Philloughby allegedly beat his wife Barrow has launched an election campaign on promises he has failed to deliver for over 3 years

Tourism Industry Turmoil

Former BTB Director Seleni Matus walked off the job

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Belize City, September 27, 2011 Over the last twenty years or so, tourism has grown in importance and is now a vital pillar that supports Belize’s economy along with agriculture, fishing and oil production.

The reality is that tourism has created employment opportunities at all levels. Today, tourism is in some way or the other responsible for one in every four jobs created in Belize’s economy. It is also the single largest foreign exchange earner for the country and creates the greatest opportunity for government to generate needed revenues to carry out its

Shame on you Philloughby!

City of Belmopan, September 27, 2011 It’s one of the most despicable and shameful acts a man can

be guilty of –beating a woman. Even music icons like Buju and Bob Marley have acknowledged that woman “is the greatest gift”, and that is why the allegation that Belize City Councillor Phillip Willoughby beat his wife last week Friday, will be the kryptonite of this self-professed “Superman” and wanna-be politician’s selfinflated ego.

The BELIZE TIMES has been reliably informed that Philloughby spent a night in jail after he was detained on Friday, September 23rd. Although

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Family man shot dead in his yard; police clueless

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4 yr. old girl raped!

Victim’s agonizing mother claims Police harassment

BELIZE CITY, Tuesday, September 27th, 2011

By Alton Humes The most-disturbing report that a 4 year old child was raped by an adult male is under investigation by Belize City Police. But while the mat-

ter is being looked into, the mother of the child claims not enough was done to get the alleged perpetrator, and instead, the Police have turned their harassment on her.

Continued on page 6

Floyd I. Davis Wednesday, September 28, 2011 A father and family man who reports say was wrongly implicated in a firearm offence charge a year ago was shot dead in his own yard some 21 hours before he was scheduled to appear before the Magistrate’s Court on that offence.

Floyd Ifield Davis, 47, left home

Continued on page 9

See page 15

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, October 2, 2011

From the ghetto streets

“They care less about us” The BSI Crisis…what would George Price do?

Dear Editor, As we become 30 years old as an Independent nation and as we celebrate the life of George Price, it behoves us to reflect upon our journey to assess how far we have come and if we are going in the right direction.

One of the urgent issues facing us is the future of the sugar industry of Belize. And amidst all the facts, misleading statements and lies that have been pervading the discussion, we must focus clearly and decide firmly on what is best for the development of Belize and Belizeans.

In November of 2010, the management of Belize Sugar Industries Limited (BSI) admitted that they were in a financial crisis and that they did not have finances to pay the third payment that was due the cane farmers and neither did they have the finances necessary to begin the 2010/2011 cane crop operations. GOB lent BSI 10 million dollars and Tate and Lyle lent BSI another 10 million dollars. Later, through the media, the Belizean public learnt that the Atlantic Bank group (AB) was interested in replacing ING bank as a main lender to BSI. Even though the Prime Minister had mentioned in an interview in February 2011 that AB did not only want to be a lender but also wanted to participate in the ownership of BSI, the managers of BSI subsequently refuted such statement, in keeping with their position that the BSI managers were only seeking a lender to refinance their most urgent short-term loans. However, as time went by, in later interviews, the BSI managers began alluding to their quest for an investor.

As a consequence of BSI’s man-

agement changing their position from looking for a replacement lender to seeking a majority investor, the cane farmers at the General Assemblies of the Belize Cane Farmers Association (BCFA) of the 12th of June and again on 14th of August, 2011, resoundingly and unanimously passed and approved a resolution that the farmers want to be the majority owner of BSI and they mandated the leadership of the BCFA to take all steps necessary to ensure such majority ownership, so that the sugar industry remains in the control and ownership of Belizeans with the Belizean farmers and BSI factory workers actively sharing and participating in the ownership and management of BSI. On the 4th of July, the leadership of the BCFA received a draft proposal of AB’s offer which included that upon paying BSI’s loan with ING Bank of US$20 million, AB would obtain 51% ownership of BSI and would engage in subsequent capital injections until AB obtains 75% of the ownership of BSI so as to achieve total effective control, mainly through a dilution of the shares of the current owners, of whom the BSI workers are the largest shareholder with 81.29%. In other words, the 81.29% of the BSI workers shares and ownership would be diluted firstly to about 40% and then subsequently to about 20%. This is so because two of the many conditions of AB are that AB can inject any amount of capital in BSI on one hand, and that the current shareholders will be refrained from exercising their stock right to purchase future share issues, on the other hand.

Dear Editor, Belizeans have lain to rest the greatest man that ever walked this earth, and that man is the Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price, Father of the Nation. He was a man of compassion and honor towards In other words, AB would gain ownership and control of all BSI, including Belcogen and all their other lands and properties for only US$20 million.

On the 26th of August, the farmers received a letter of interest from the Sterling Group for a US$35 million investment. Then on the 31st of August, 2011, the Mexican capital arrangers visited Belize, the farmers representatives, the BSI workers, several government ministers and the engineering consultants hired by the farmers and they confirmed that they have secured US$42.5 million through American Funds, which will be more than enough to pay off the pressing ING loan and to begin the 2011/2012 cane crop operations.

YET, the management of BSI continues to snub the farmers and to ridicule the farmers’ purchase offer. Why? Are the farmers not worthy and dignified to share the ownership of BSI along with the workers of BSI as Belizeans? Or do the BSI managers hold some prejudice against the farmers – whether racial, social or economic? Why is BSI management supporting the Honduran proposal without any substantial or justifiable reasoning?

What is it that makes the Honduran Atlantic Bank group more worthy of ownership than the Belizean workers and farmers that have invested, toiled and laboured in this industry for over 50 years, in good times and in bad? Does the management of BSI expect the intelligent people of Belize to swallow

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Revise Our National Anthem!

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

Dear Editor, With Belize having reached the thirtieth year of its independence, it is high time that we consider the revision of the poetic script on which our National Anthem is based.

This writer has had no musical training but we can all agree that the musical rendition of our National Anthem is beautiful and most appropriate. However, the poem to which our National Anthem has been set is quite inappropriate at this time of Belize’s History. For instance, in the first place, having identified the geographical location of the country the poet expresses whole-hearted devotion to the liberty of Belize “this tranquil haven of democracy”. However, at the time of writing Belize was not a democracy but a British colonial territory. This is followed by reference to “the blood of our sires”

who incidentally were the white, largely-British operators of logwood and mahogany enterprises whose African slaves were the hewers of wood and carriers of water.

At this point the poet expresses his hope that by the grace of God and the might of truth we would eventually be free. The poet’s position is clearly established that at the time of the composition of the poem Belizeans were not free, which is a fact.

The poet in the chorus of the poem rouses up his fellow Belizean by referring to them as sons of the Baymen’s clan. They are to prepare themselves to drive back the tyrants and the despots from Belize, described as a “peaceful haven of democracy.” However as those of us have read the history of Belize, in the 1920s this country was

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his Belizean people.

Mr. Price brought this country to the highest standards in his time and it’s a damn shame to see what this country has now become. It is now a country that shows no mercy to its citizens and that only happened under this careless U.D.P. government.

From the time they got into office it seems like everyone stopped caring about each other and the things that are happening in the country.

Look at all the killing, crime, neglect at K.H.M.H., pressure the poor, the failure of the law system, the way how we live, the brutality from the police officers and the way how the justice system work in Belize.

The system is there to protect the rich and doesn’t care about the poor. That is how Dean Barrow and his U.D.P. government have this country right now. Nothing has been done for the Belizean people, but there has been more pain and sorrow. But the worst of all is the abuse of innocent children in this country.

The other night I was watching the 6:00 p.m. news on TV when the mother was explaining an incident of rape against her four-year-old child and the miscarriage of justice against the abuser who was released from the police custody because of not enough evidence. It is ashamed how the system came this way, thanks Mr. Barrow for making it possible.

Belize will never get back to how it used to be under the UDP. Belizeans protect our young future and don’t let the system protect it for you. Till next week.

Roberto Peyrefitte

THE BELIZE TIMES EDITOR

Alberto Vellos OFFICE MANAGER

Fay Castillo McKay PRINTING/PERSONNEL SUPERVISOR

Doreth Bevans

LAYOUT/GRAPHIC ARTIST

Chris Williams

MARKETING/ADVERTISING

Rafael Sosa

STAFF REPORTER

Carla Bradley TYPIST

Rachel Arana OFFICE ASSISTANT

Roberto Peyrefitte Printed & Published By The Belize Times Ltd.

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

Sunday, October 2, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

THANK YOU This past Monday, our nation paid tribute to the Father of the Nation and our first Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. George Price.

From the time of his death Belizeans from all across the world used many ways to pay tribute to the life of Mr. Price.

On behalf of the members and supporters of the People’s United Party I wish to thank everyone for the outpouring of affection and appreciation for our Leader Emeritus, including the Government of Belize, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and particularly the Members of the Belize Defence Force and the police department.

I also wish to thank the media for their outstanding coverage of the events and for their tributes to the Father of the Nation.

To the people of Belize I say a special thank you for the overwhelming expression of love and support given in honour of the life of Mr. Price. From the phone calls, to the wreaths, candles, public statements and every other gesture, your actions were a symbol of that great Belizean spirit and of our ability to come together.

Tomorrow, Thursday, 29th September is the 61st birthday of the People’s United Party. In honour of our Party’s Birthday and in honouring our Leader Emeritus, I call on everyone to perform an act of service to someone, whether it be visiting a sick friend in the hospital, or helping a child across a busy street, clean up your neighbourhood park or give a plate of food to someone who is hungry. All of us can honour the memory of Mr. Price through an act of kindness and in service to others.

And to all friends and supporters of the People’s United Party, happy birthday.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Tourism Industry in turmoil Continued from page 1

functions. With the level of importance tourism has on the socio-economic development of Belize, it is truly disturbing to see a once great organization like the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) in such disarray.

Barrow’s

rotten plums

Continued from page 1

Barrow Administration has allowed the reckless and unaccountable management at all municipal bodies, while town and city residents live in the worse conditions. Now the Prime Minister will boast of a $10m infrastructure project in Belize City. What he has not said is that the funding is a loan from the Inter-American Development Bank which means neither municipal nor central government are in good financial standing to carry out the project.

Instead they have had to depend on outside monies, which are evidence of our increased reliance on foreigners as well as the ballooning of our public debt.

Barrow’s promise to lower internet rates is one big joke. The Governmentowned Belize Telemedia Limited currently offers 256 kilobits at $100. Barrow has promised to offer 128 kilobits at $49. So, what is new? Nothing. At $49 for 128k, it means 256k (double of 128k) will cost $98, which is only $2.00 cheaper than what it is today.

Who does Barrow think he is fooling?

Moreover, since taking over the telecommunications company, the Barrow Administration has not kept any of its promises of lowered phone rates, freeing Voice Over Internet Protocol or expanding services to the poor. BTL has been nothing but a piñata bag for Barrow’s family and UDP friends.

The Prime Minister’s hypocrisy didn’t even end there. His 2008 election campaign was anchored on “imagining the possibilities”, which has been the only thing the UDP has been good at – keeping Belizeans imagining! And while we have imagined for so long, with the reality being cold and cruel times, Barrow wants to stretch your imagination by promising that next year he would consider reducing electricity rates. When exactly? In April, which is just in time for the municipal elections.

Barrow has proven to all to be a sort of master of political games. He has admitted it himself when he said that he campaigns in poetry but governs in prose, which means he believes he can promise it all during his campaigning, but never feels obligated to keep his commitment.

At this point, Barrow’s promises have all become rotten. Belizeans need to see beyond Barrow’s façade. Giving the UDP power for another three or five years means Barrow will promise anything to win, but will once again fail to deliver until, of course, that next election cycle comes around. You can fool the people sometimes Mr. Barrow, but you can’t fool everyone all the time.

During the ten year period 1998 to 2008, tourism in Belize experienced an unprecedented period of prosperity in both overnight and cruise tourism.

The industry reached close to a million visitors and saw exponential growth in tourism receipts increasing from one hundred and thirty five million to over five hundred and fifty million dollars during the said period. Belize became the envy of the region as we were able to create enough of a balance between overnight and cruise. Now don’t get us wrong, everything was not perfect!

There were some things that could have been done differently but at least during the ten year reign of the People’s United Party, people had hope and confidence in the industry. This has all changed over the last three years. These days, local and foreign investors, big and small are disenchanted with the way this UDP government through the Ministry of Tourism and the BTB has managed the industry. There has been no expansion in the industry to create new jobs and

opportunities which would help our ailing economy. Are there has been a lack of direction and focus the industry so desperately needs.

The first problem is that there is no leadership. There is also an on-going war between the Minister of Tourism and BTB over money. There is a bunch of managers who either do not understand the industry nor have the passion to make it “go”. First there was a major war between the former Director, Tracy Panton and the former CEO, Mike Singh. That war ended with both being casualties when both were pretty much asked to leave. Then there was a series of wars with members of the board that led to both Stanley Longsworth Jr. and Santiago Castillo being “clipped.” Now last week the ongoing war between the current CEO, Lindsay Garbutt, and the Director of Tourism, Seleni Matus ended with Ms. Matus abruptly walking off the job leaving the board in scramble mode. She has also left the country, and the entire UDP

Sunday, October 2, 2011 mess behind.

These recent occurrences do not bode well for the industry since continuity is important. Talk to stakeholders and employees of both the Ministry and the BTB and you hear horror stories.

The Minister of Tourism Manuel Herredia has made the golden egg rotten to its core. But what should we expect would happen when you have a fisherman as the leader of one of the most important industries in Belize? What did we think would have happen when the government imported an NGO minded director from Washington who was working from home and who had little tourism and management experience? I guess their experiment failed.

From what this newspaper is hearing, there are others in the ministry and the BTB who are ready to bail. We only hope that all this movement does not give a numbskull like Kevin Gonzalez the opportunity to become Director of Tourism again. Thirteen years ago we had Mr. Gonzalez and Mr. Garbutt running the tourism industry into the ground. As a nation, we cannot afford to have these two gentlemen running the single most important industry in Belize.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

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Knock On Wood Mr. Barrow!

Mr. Barrow took a huge gamble when he launched his CitCo/Town Board election campaign in his Independence Day address. Mr. Barrow should have known better but instead of taking the high ground especially on the passing of the Father of the Nation Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price, Barrow calculated politically that with all eyes and ears focused on him for the 21st, he not fall for such great a temptation.

It was with that backdrop and with the presence of the Governor General, Chief Justice, Diplomats, Mayors, Ministers and the Clergy that for a moment in time Mr. Barrow got caught up in the euphoria of his own rhetoric and hype. He placed great emphasis on his very personal intervention with the gangs, calling it a historic achievement. Then Mr. Barrow went a bit further, calling his private meetings with gangs a pillar of his success in the fight against crime. Obviously drunk with false pride, Barrow went on to say “that September is the only month we may see NO record of gang violence.” Of course, all thanks to him.

But no sooner had the words come out of Mr. Barrow’s mouth that the street tensions resulted in a most tragic loss of life. Violence reared its ugly head in the old capital on Victoria Street where two “shatta’s” showed up and sprayed bullets down Victoria Street. When the madness was over, nine year old Joshua Abraham laid dead. A student of Ebenezer Methodist Primary School.

There is a chilling message in the Victoria Street murder. There are no short term gains, no amount of pretty speech can replace Ebenezer School’s motto of “Deeds not words”, Mr. Barrow.

Caught up in his own breeze, Mr. Barrow went on to poke fun at the US Ambassador, whose boss President Obama cited Belize as a drug transshipment country two weeks ago, in claiming that Belize was far ahead of the USA in using infrastructural projects as a policy to put its people back to work. Neither the US Ambassador nor the Belizean people are buying it and instead are asking how it took so long for Barrow to figure this out with the highest unemployment rate. How does Mr. Barrow’s proclamation coincide with the death of foreign investment and a majority of businesses on life support.

The big question after Barrow’s campaign speech for the Citco and Town Council elections is who did he excite? We’ve had starvation and haad times for the past 3 ½ years. Who’s excited about new promises upon old promises? Who’s excited about GST off internet when interest rates have never been lowered in the 3 years BTL has been owned by Government? Who’s excited about utilities bills perhaps being lowered when we Barrow refuses to give back the $36m which he claimed BEL owed us just several months ago? Isn’t this same Barrow that increased our water rates?

For the majority of Belizeans struggling to make ends meet to put food on the table and send their children to school, struggling between which bill they can pay, what is there to be excited about as one single mother has put it “we can’t eat internet”.

Barrow slipped big time on the 21st. Will he now do right by 9 year old Joshua Abraham and really tackle the root cause of crime or should the Belizean people need to do what Barrow should have done after the statement on the gangs which was to knock on wood, in this his case a whole jungle full of wood?

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Superman

spends a night in the Slammer Continued from page 1 now denied by the UDP politician, the report has been confirmed by close Police sources as well as the victim’s family friends. The report is also being kept under the lid by the Police, after top UDP officials intervened and threatened that if anyone speaks they will be sent home.

But the BELIZE TIMES is here to expose and fight all evils, no matter their shape or form. The incarceration was reportedly over a domestic dispute that took place at his wife’s home on Monkey Bay Street in Belmopan, where Willoughby also resides. We understand from sources that the dispute was triggered by a text message received by the phone belonging to the UDP politician’s wife. Willoughby, who was busted doing the rub-a-dub-dub with a female “friend” at a night club in San Ignacio back in July of this year, apparently couldn’t contain his anger and he unleashed his fury. It is alleged that he attacked his wife, in front of their toddler.

The Police found a distressed mother and child. Reports to the BELIZE TIMES indicate that when the mother was taken for a medical checkup, the doctor classified the bruises on her face as harm.

Police took Philloughby to the Station. To cool him down, as normally happens in a domestic dispute, the officers locked him up overnight.

Close friends of the wife tell the BELIZE TIMES that the Monkey Bay Street home is filled with fear. Philloughby, who has risen to a false sense of UDP stardom, apparently believes he can oppress everyone, even his family at home.

That may be the reason the victim visited the Police Station the next day to withdraw her complaint and ask that no charges be levied.

As previously indicated, Philloughby is denying the extent of the accusations.

According to Channel 7 News, the incompetent and disrespectful UDP Belize City Councillor admitted that there was a complaint against him, but that no one is pressing charges so “it’s going nowhere”.

Never before has the public been as disenchanted with failed politicians as they are with Philloughby and his bunch of official nincompoops that include Dion Leslie, Eric Chang, Dean Samuels, Kevin Singh, Roger Espejo and Zenaida Moya.

Now the same disastrous team wants to run City Hall for another three years. No way!

Information to the BELIZE TIMES from the “foothills of BelChina” indicate that Philloughby’s bid for next year’s CitCo elections has been called into question by high party executives, who believe he has crossed the line with this latest incident.

But it must not stop there. Women’s rights activists, whether they volunteer at the Women’s Department, signed up for the Women in Politics project, work at WIN-Belize or the Women’s Commission must take a stand against Philloughby and call for his immediate resignation.

Furthermore, they must investigate the UDP politician’s home and if necessary protect to the wife and child from further danger.

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, October 2, 2011

4 yr. old girl raped!

Continued from page 1

The mother, a woman in her late 20s, spoke to us at the offices of the Belizeans for Justice on Vernon Street today. Despite her demeanor veering between anger and crashing hopelessness, she did her utmost best to describe what happened to her 4-year-old daughter, a toddler attending PreSchool.

On the day in question, just around 2:45 p.m., she received a call from the appointed babysitter, a female, who informed her that she would arrive late to pick up the child from school. But even as the babysitter made her way over to the school, a ‘shadowy’ figure arrived first, and perpetrated the unimaginable.

Posing as the child’s relative, he received her and then took her to an unknown location, where he reportedly viciously and brutally molested her, injur-

ing her vaginal regions. By the time the mother found out, she was livid, and after inquiring and coordinating where the child could be, she went over to the school to give the teachers a piece of her mind.

But the teachers instead seemed to give her a piece of theirs, saying they only let the child go with the perpetrator because he “seemed” like a family member. But, not being deterred, she didn’t give up until the child was returned to her, albeit with gruesome injuries to her nether areas we cannot fully describe here.

She’s deeply upset today, however, because the alleged perp was actually released from custody, with the strong possibility that he could find and hurt the child again. The child question, on the other hand, was smiling and happy, with no sign that she was in any way harmed. But that’s been proven to be deceptive, as the mother admits she’s had to ‘talk down’ the child, and her attitude

and demeanor is “go an’ come”.

To the Police officers and those investigating the case, she is adamant in the hopes they will not further botch the case by making certain the perp is found and re-arrested.

She’s confident that the child will be willing to testify against her accuser, even if the DPP Office is not gung-ho about the idea. To be sure, there is no official motive behind this unconscionable act, and investigations are ongoing.

On Wednesday afternoon learnt that the mother and child had been detained by Police. The mother said the Police was not happy with her remarks when she gave interviews to the media.

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Sunday, October 2, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

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FROM THE DESK OF THE

PARTY LEADER

Tribute to a Great Man Today I give thanks to our Creator for the life of our beloved Mr. Price.

I know that 10 years from now my sons will give thanks for the life of our first Prime Minister.

Thirty years from now, my grandchildren will give thanks to our Creator for the life of the architect of Belize’s Independence.

A hundred years from now, Belizeans will know and honour the contribution of the Right Honourable George Cadle Price, the Father of the Nation.

Mr. Price as we all called him was beloved, first, because of who he was. He was a man who walked among us as ordinary folk, never ever flinching in his love for Belize and for the people. He was strong enough to lead a revolution, and gentle enough to walk softly and comfortably among the less fortunate. He so loved Belize and what this tiny nation could become that he dedicated his entire life in her service. His family was the Belizean people, his home stretched from the proud Rio Hondo to the old Sarstoon.

Perhaps it was what we all saw in him that made us love him so much, for he was a man who believed in God, and loved all people and he always believed in the future. He talked of Belize not in isolation, but always as a part of the family of nations. He was moved when the Belizean flag was first hoisted at the United Nations. He insisted that we show our gratitude to our sister nations in the Caribbean and that we forge closer ties with our friends in Latin America big and small alike.

George Price was a man of vision, who never lost faith in the idea that Belizeans deserved to chart their own destiny as an independent nation. Many of us believed in that dream so we joined his peaceful, constructive, Belizean revolution in pursuit of achieving that objective. We still believe in this revolution and today more than ever we in the People’s United Party rededicate ourselves to the task of nation building and to the principles of social and economic justice.

Like George Price we want honest and accountable government that cares for the good of every Belizean.

As a young boy of eleven, I met Mr. Price at our family home in Orange Walk. He spoke to me about the importance of study, he told me to keep reading and he reminded me that I must learn to speak both Spanish and English, for our reality, he said, was both Central American and Caribbean. He saw our strategic placement in this hemisphere as yet another of the gifts of our Creator.

The good book says humility goes before honour, and the father of our Nation had an abundance of both. Honourable enough to never allow himself to be lured by the trappings of the highest office in the land, humble enough to walk little Stacy to school. Our Mr. Price never desired personal wealth and never sought accolades.

In 1998, when I was acting as prime minister during the

time of hurricane Mitch, when our country was in fear of the possibility of the greatest natural disaster to hit us, Mr. Price, then our Senior Minister, spent countless hours with me and the emergency team, he reminded us that we must give the nation every assurance that together and with the grace of God, we will be ok, and we were ok. He was, for a young first time acting Prime Minister, a source of strength and encouragement.

When I became leader of the People’s United Party I visited with our Leader Emeritus and his message was simple. “My Party Leader,” he said, “your work is now to unite the Party, remember, we are the People’s UNITED Party. “Also, he said, never forget that we are here to ‘serve the people.”

I believe Mr. Price was saying that as a party we will always prevail when we understand that our mission is to never rest as long as there is a nation to build and until justice and liberty prevails.

All throughout his political life, George Price fought hard for the things he believed in. He never abandoned a task no matter how difficult it seemed. He loved God and never faltered in his faith. He was honest and decent and good.

George Price led Belize firm in his conviction and throughout his political career he never saw an adversary as an enemy, he couldn’t, he was not the kind of man who was mean-spirited. We never heard him make negative statements in our Parliament or at political rallies. He kept focused on building a better Belize.

A lo largo de su carrera política George Price lucho por su credo. Nunca abandono una tarea por muy difícil que fuera.

Amaba a Dios y nunca vacilo en su fe…siempre comenzaba su día yendo a misa a la iglesia del Holy Redeemer.

George Price gobernó Belice con convicción y a lo largo de su carrera política nunca vio al adversario como un enemigo.

Ese no era el…nunca fue un hombre rencoroso.

El padre de nuestra nación… un prócer… fue un hombre de fe y un hombre que vivió esa fe. Por eso Dios lo bendijo con una larga vida…con un pueblo que lo ama… y con un legado que durará a través de los tiempos.

Para nosotros que conocimos a este gran hombre tan de cerca…trabajando con el… rendimos cierto lo de Gabriel Garcia Márquez el gran autor Colombiano que dice “La muerte no llega con la vejez – sino con el olvido”.

Pues entonces George Price nunca morirá ya que su legado seguirá vivo en el pueblo beliceño. Nunca se irá en el olvido.

Y George Price ha vivido… ¡¡¡sí que ha vivido!!!... como dice otro autor Suramericano el Argentino Ernesto Sábato “Vivir consiste en construir futuros recuerdos”. Y los recuerdos que ha construido el padre de la nacion son inmensos.

In the book of psalms Chapter 23 verses 23 and 24 it says: The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.

George Price was a man of faith, and a man who proved that faith by his actions. For this God blessed him with long life, a family and a nation that loves him and a legacy that will live through the ages.

As Belizeans let us honour his legacy by building a prosperous nation; as a party we must live by the creed he gave us and serve the people, especially the less fortunate.

Go now in peace Mr. Price, dear leader, dear friend, you have done your good work.

You did not stumble; you did not falter; you never let us down.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Sunday, October 2, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

9 yr. old boy shot dead on Independence Day

Wednesday, September 28, 2011 The life of an innocent child was robbed when he was shot dead while in the middle of a crossfire between rival groups in Belize City.

Nine year old Joshua Abraham, a standard two student at Ebenezer Primary on Barrack Road, asked his mother, Marcia Argalles, if he could go right around the lane from their Usher Street address to watch the 21st day parade.

The little boy had just done so and had gone to buy water at the nearby shop when his attention was drawn to someone in the crowd. At that same time, shots rang out on Victoria Street at its junction with New Road. Two men who arrived on separate bicycles reportedly

Family man shot dead in his yard; police clueless Continued from page 1 at Western Pines, Mile eight on the Western Highway sometime around five on Sunday evening saying he was going to buy groceries. But little did he suspect that when he returned shortly after 11 that night, someone would be lurking in his yard to kill him. In fact, Police believe two persons hid in the dark of the night and shot him at almost point blank range as he exited his car to tend to his puppies at the back of the yard.

His common-law wife, Sharee Robinson, heard him drive into the yard, and got up to unlock the house door for him, but he never made it inside. She heard three loud bangs almost immediately after and when she peeked outside, only saw Ifield lying on the ground with blood covering his face. He was hit about the upper body and died the same night.

In August of 2010, Ifield, who was a taxi driver by trade, picked up three persons as a job and was in the process of transporting them when police searched his taxi car and discovered unlicensed firearms and ammunition inside. They were all charged and remanded, but got bail eventually and were awaiting trial. Ifield, it is reported, had planned to give testimony that would exonerate him in the case, and had, for some time, felt that his movements were being studied. In fact, Ifield had even planned on relocating to the Cayo District in the coming weeks for fear that someone was out to kill him. As a precautionary measure, he had also altered his means of livelihood from taxi driver to body works repairman to avoid any similar incidents as the August 2010 one. None of that saved his life.

The case did not proceed as was planned on Tuesday and it is not certain how it will unfold now that the Ifield is dead. What is certain is that his family has to find the wherewithal to bury him and move on with their lives, not knowing for sure who is responsible for his killing.

hid behind parked vehicles and aimed at someone in the immediate vicinity where little Joshua was. Instead, the bullets struck the little body, killing him.

The mood of celebration was quickly turned into chaos and confusion by what had happened. Everyone was scurrying to save the little boy’s life.

Alarmed by the sharp sting of the bullet, little Joshua ran across the street to a

Joshua Abraham

Hotel Cook accused of Bakery burglary

Quincy Gentle BELIZE CITY, Wed. Sept. 28, 2011

By Roy Davis Police say 21 year old Quincy Gentle could not resist breaking into Cambranes Bakery. It could have been because he is employed as a cook.

Gentle, 21, a cook at Princess Hotel and Casino who resides at 14 Wilson Street, was charged with the burglary of Cambranes bakery, located on Freetown Road, when he appeared today in the #6 Magistrate’s Court.

Gentle pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was released on a bail of $5,000 and his case was adjourned until October 28.

The burglary occurred between August 30 and August 31.

Police investigation revealed that the culprit gained entry to the bakery by prying open the burglar bar door and the metal shutter at the front of the building.

Salvador Cambranes, the owner of the bakery, reported to the police that the items that were stolen included 5 cookies, 2 loaves of banana cake, one grey Samsonite brief case containing assorted documents and one cash register containing $150. The value of the items amounted to $1,204.

The police reported that gentle was caught on surveillance cameras when he entered the bakery.

9 house for help and yelled for his mother.

She heard her son’s cry and rushed to where he was, where he was bleeding profusely and the neighbours tried to stop the blood from gushing out. He died the same day.

The little boy showed much promise at his school, having been described as a leader in his class who particularly liked gospel music. On the day just before the holiday Joshua had sung the song, ‘Can’t Even Walk’ by Mr. Vegas.

His sudden death has left his classmates sad.

Two persons, 25 year old Randy Green and 22 year old Michael Young, were charged with the murder. When they appeared in Court yesterday, Magistrate Dorothy Flowers remanded them into custody until November 10th.

10

THE BELIZE TIMES

BDF Lieutenant robbed at gunpoint BELIZE CITY, Wed. Sept. 28, 2011

By Roy Davis Clarence Grant, 28, a fisherman of Ontario Village who allegedly robbed BDF Lieutenant Zane Duhaney at gunpoint, was charged with robbery when he appeared today in the 36 Magistrate’s Court.

Grant pleaded not guilty to the charge. He claimed that at the time of the incident he and his girlfriend were detained at Belmopan Police Station for assault. But the police reported that Duhaney, in an identification parade, positively identified Grant as the culprit.

Magistrate Dorothy Flowers explained to Grant that the court cannot offer him bail because the offence was committed with a firearm. She remanded Grant into custody until October 28.

Clarence Grant The incident occurred around 5:20 p.m. on July 29. Duhaney reported to the police that he was walking on Orange Street when he was approached by his assailant who pointed a firearm at him and marched him into Trench Alley a.k.a. “Pregnant Alley”.

Duhaney said $300 was stolen from him.

Edward Buller gets 16 years for manslaughter

Edward Buller BELIZE CITY, Wed. Sept. 28, 2011

By Roy Davis Edward Buller, 50, who was charged with the murder of Ella May Bennett, 41, and was convicted of manslaughter on September 19, was sentenced to 16 years today by Justice Adolph Lucas.

Before he decided on the sentence, Justice Lucas heard pleas for mitigation from Buller and his attorney, Phillip Palacio. Buller expressed

his sympathy for the family of the deceased and asked for leniency. Palacio said his client had no conviction prior to the one for manslaughter.

Bennett, originally from Roatan, Honduras, was killed on July 21, 2009.

Two days later, her body, nude from the waist down, was found on the verandah of an abandoned concrete bungalow house at 32 Central American Boulevard. A post mortem examination on her body revealed that she died from injuries to her head and face.

Buller, in a caution statement given to the police that was admitted as evidence, said he and the deceased had an argument and a struggle over a piece of “smoke” and he pushed her and she fell on the verandah.

But Buller testified and claimed that he was home watching television the night of the incident and he went to bed around 10p.m. Crown Counsel Sharmela Williams represented the prosecution.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

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Opening Hours Mon - Fri - 8am - 6pm Saturday 8am - 2pm 4552 Youth for the Future Drive Tel: 22.73137

MJ’s Entertainment Zone Game Room & Bar 9 West Collet Canal open everyday from midday until

Sunday, October 2, 2011

11

THE BELIZE TIMES

21st Address - Orange Walk Independence Day Celebrations Delivered by Councillor Kevin Bernard The solemnity typical of these official ceremonies is today made even more sombre with the passing of the Father of our Nation the Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price.

While our hearts weigh heavy with grief over this great loss, we are uplifted by the words of our first prime minister who on this very day 30 years ago, stood on the steps of our nation’s capital and proclaimed that “Belize is a Caribbean and Central American nation which works and lives in a revolution that is peaceful, constructive, new, progressive and Belizean. It is our own, with all our national attributes.”

In this singular statement is the victory of a people determined to win a struggle for nationhood and our unique identity. It provides a sense of place so that today all of us can show the world who we are as Belizeans. And also in this single statement is our social compact with every Belizean. That compact that all of us aspire and achieve through hard work, sacrifice and dedication.

This is why even in the pale of this gloomy moment in our history our Belizean symbol of hope--the blue, white and red of the Belizean flag-- flies majestically at full mass on this 30th Anniversary of our Independence. It flies in tribute to what was achieved because of the vision and determination of our fore fathers, led by the father of the Nation, the Rt. Honourable George Price.

As the heartbeat of the north, a place loved by Mr. Price, our Orange Walk Town was built on the backs of our farmers; ordinary Belizeans who participated in the mixed economy of the George Price era. Our progress was earned because our ancestors saw in the rich soil of the north the opportunity to grow sweet sugar cane and to produce it in such abundance that it gave rise to one of the most productive industries in Belize. They provided for us a blueprint for greater progress and for prosperity in the north.

Yet in the midst of all our potential and with an unbreakable human spirit, today we still find ourselves in time when so much is at stake.

We live in fear amidst the growing violence in our communities. Economic uncertainty looms in the face of our shrinking economy and our infrastructure is falling apart.

We know the people of Orange Walk are not happy with such conditions, they expect more and they demand better. After all our communities were built to show the endurance of our people and the pride we in the north feel at being productive Belizeans.

Orange Walk se considera el corazón del Norte, un lugar muy querido por el Sr. Price.

Nuestro municipio de Orange Walk fue construido con el gran esfuerzo de nuestros agricultores Beliceños…gente ordinaria que participaron en la economía mixta de la época de George Price. Nuestro progreso fue obtenido porque nuestros antepasados vieron en el suelo rico del Norte la oportunidad de cultivar la caña de azúcar y producirla en tal abundancia… dando lugar a una de las industrias más productivas en Belice. Esto nos ofreció un plan para un mayor progreso y prosperidad en el norte.

Pero aún en medio de todo nuestro potencial y con un inquebrantable espíritu humano, hoy todavía estamos en el momento en que tanto está en juego. Vivimos con miedo y en medio de la creciente violencia en nuestras comunidades. La incertidumbre económica se nos viene encima al frente de nuestra economía que se reduce y nuestra infraestructura se está desmoronando.

Of course in times of uncertainty the determined look to the future with hope and optimism. We here in Orange Walk are always optimistic, so that even when our sugar cane industry is at risk, we draw strength and optimism from our cane farmers in the north coming together to find solutions to problems facing the industry.

My friends, Orange Walk is our home,

it is our own special part of the jewel we call Belize. Here our families work hard and raise their children in the traditions and with values like respect, love, honesty and hard work. It is the place I love and have called home for my entire life. Because there is no better place for me than Orange Walk I want to see it thrive. To see family businesses prosper on Main Street and to see our farms just outside of town grow and produce the fresh foods we eat.

All of deserve to live in a place where we are safe, where our parks and playgrounds are places where children come to play and where our elder folks can sit and enjoy the fresh air and cool breezes coming off the New River.

Our town can be vibrant and prosperous again and I will work with determination to help to restore our town to the place it once was.

Nuestro municipio puede volver a ser el Orange Walk de antes y yo me comprometo a restaurar nuestra ciudad y volverla a lo que antes fue…un municipio modelo.

Todos merecen vivir en un lugar donde estamos seguros, donde nuestros parques y centros de recreo son lugares donde los niños vienen a jugar y nuestros nuestra ciudadanos de la tercera edad pueden sentarse y disfrutar del aire fresco y la brisa tan agradable proveniente del New River.

And so on our Independence Day, let us all give thanks for the life of the father of our Nation, the Rt. Honourable George Price, and let us honour his contribution by working to make our piece of the jewel be a shining example of our national attributes.

A Happy Independence to all of us.

EULOGY Alan Forman (Sunrise: May 15, 1935 – Sunset: September 26, 2011)

As read by Lion Leo Cuellar Alan passed on to his final resting place in the bosom of his creator, on Monday 26 September 2011, at 8:00am. At the same time, we were honoring our best leader, the Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price. Alan died quietly at his home in the company of his eldest son Clive.

Alan was born to Alan Dury Forman Sr. and Martha Humes Forman known to many as Mamita. He was one of five boys, and he had five sisters. Today we have two sisters Betty Cadle and Martita Leslie and two brothers, John and Selvin, to carry the legend of their Forman generation. Alan was married to Argelina (Helen) Alamilla now deceased and is survived by his six children: Clive, Delcia, Norma, Bettyann, Dury Jr., and Helen. He also leaves behind to mourn 10 grandchildren and three great grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.

Continued on page 34

Come Celebrate

PUP 61 Birthday in Xaibe, Corozal

The PUP Xaibe organizing committee, the Corozal North Executive and Corozal North Standard Bearer Valdemar Castillo take great pleasure to invite all to come and celebrate the 61st Birthday of the People’s United Party, to the vibrant village of Xaibe, Corozal District, which will take place on October 8, 2011.

For over 30 years, the people of Corozal North,and neighbouring areas come to celebrate the People’s United Party’s birthday in Xaibe Village, Corozal District.

As the years passed, these celebration is anticipated with increasing excitement.

The evening starts at 3pm with a huge parade through the principal streets of Xaibe, and will end at the Xaibe football field where the celebrations continue.

The official ceremony follows. The Party Leader Hon. John Briceño, the four standard bearers from Corozal, and various other invited guests will be there. Come and hear the positive messages, see the cultural presentations and take part in the raffle. There will also be lots of food and drinks available and a free dance follows as from 9 pm until.

Transportation will be provided.

Join us as we celebrate.

PUP always!

PUP Corozal North Standard Bearer Valdemar Castillo

Party Leader Hon. John Briceño will be in attendance along with other Party Officials

12

Sunday, October 2, 2011

BELIZE'S #1 SPORTS PAGE

THE BELIZE TIMES

Telemedia women’s softball team

Belize City, September 25, 2011 The Belize Telemedia women’s softball team won the 4th annual Charles Solis Memorial softball tournament held under the auspices of the Belize Softball Federation at the home of softball at the Rogers’ Stadium on Sunday, September 25.

In the grand finale, Game 5, Elaine Humes led her team to an 8-3 win, when Grace Kennedy forfeited their game in the top of the 7th inning.

Charles Solis’ son Lorne Solis presented the Charles Solis Memorial Cup to Telemedia’s Ruth Lamb.

The most valuable player award went to Grace Kennedy’s shortstop, Shadalee Ho, who scored 4 runs and had the best batting average 0.700, getting 7 hits in 10 official at bats.

Telemedia wins 4th

Charles Solis Memorial Cup

Other games: Game 1 – Grace Kennedy vs.

Ontario Rebels

10

Grace Kennendy

4

Ontario Rebels

Winning pitcher: Melita Ho

Game 2 – Grace Kennedy vs.

Telemedia

7

Grace

0

Telemedia

Winning pitcher: Leandra Guy

Game 3 – Telemedia vs.

Ontario Rebels

8

Telemedia

1

Ontario

Winning pitcher: Elaine Humes

Game 4 – Telemedia vs.

Grace Kennedy

14

Telemedia

4

Grace

Winning pitcher Elaine Humes

Lydia Cacho scored 4 runs

Elaine Humes scored 3 runs

Greta Davis hit 5 runs

Brown’s Bombers, Hattieville

United & Complex Admirals post wins Belize City, September 25, 2011 The Brown Bombers U-15, Hattieville United SC U-17, Brown bombers U-17 and Complex Admirals all posted big wins in the Belize District football Association youth football competition at the MCC grounds on Sunday.

In Game 1, the Brown Bombers U-15 blasted the Young Stars of Be-

Upcoming games:

Complex Admirals won 2-1 over Hattieville

U-15: Hattieville United vs. Young Stars U17: ACC Deacons vs. Brown Bombers U-17: Ladyville Rangers vs. Hattieville United SC U-20: San Pedro FC vs. Hatieville United

lize City 11-1, when Dimitri Fabro scored the 1st winning goal and soon added a 2nd goal. Naim Wilson added the 3rd and 4th goals. Sean Young scored a 5th goal to lead 5-0 lead at the half.

In the 2nd half, Sean Young scored his 2nd second goal to lead 6-0, then Naim Wilson scored a 7th goal to complete his hat trick, and scored his 4th goal of the ball game to lead 8-0.

Brandon Myers scored the Young Stars’

Continued on page 13

Sunday, October 2, 2011

13

THE BELIZE TIMES

Brown’s Bombers, Hattieville

BELIZE'S #1 SPORTS PAGE

United & Complex Admirals post wins Continued from page 12

only consolation goal, but Sydney “Bucket” Bradley added his hat trick for the 11-1 final score.

In Game 2, Hattieville United SC U-17 came from back from a 2-0 deficit to outlast the ACC Deacons 5-3. ACC’s Calvin Reneau scored the 1st goal and the ACC boys soon led 2-0 lead when Geon Makin scored a 2nd goal.

Hattieville’s Richard Waight kept his squad in the ball game by scoring 2 goals to tie the ball game, then ACC’s Sergio Luna regained the lead 3-2 when he scored a 3rd goal, but Richard Waight completed his hat trick to tie the game 3-3 at the half.

In the 2nd half, Richard Waight

gave Hattieville a 4-3 lead when he scored a 4th goal and Trevaun Rhaburn added a 5th goal for the 5-3 win.

In Game 3, the Brown Bombers U-17 bombed the Ladyville Rangers 6-2, with Jarron Myvett scoring the bombers’ 1st goal and Devaughn Zuniga added a 2nd goal, but Charles August scored a goal for the Rangers to trail 1-2 at intermission.

Devaughan Zuniga added 3 more goals in the second half, and Clinton Dawson put the finish on a pass to center from Kenrick Card for a 6th goal in the 6-2 win.

In Game 4, the Complex Admirals outlasted the Hattieville United U-20 to win 2-1, even after Kendice “Sube” Williams score first for Hattieville in the 1st half. After the break, Travis Eiley scored 2 goals for the Admirals 2-1 win.

Hattieville’s Ceton Martinez on the attacks

Millennium stomps Ladyville Orchids 13-0 Ladyville, September 25, 2011 Belize City’s undefeated, Millennium Girls, rule the Belize district female football competition with 5 wins in 5 outings, after they stomped the Ladyville Orchids 13-0 in Week 6 of the tournament at the Ladyville field on Sunday afternoon.

Sarah Arzu outran Orchids’ goalkeeper, Margarita Sanchez, to score the first goal in the early minutes of play. The Orchids’ defense led by veteran Helen Flowers, with the help of Jacqueline Rivera, Noemi Savedra and Lilian Banegas, tried to contain the Millennium attacks, but Gianne Cayetano soon blasted in a 2nd goal. Sandy Vernon added a 3rd goal and Kursha Pollard booted in a 4th goal.

Sarah Arzu scored a 5th and Cayetano served to Christine Avila-Jacobs, who scored a 6th goal to lead 6-0 at the half.

In the 2nd half, Kaya Cattouse and Miriam Rowland replaced Sandy Vernon and Sharmaine Augustus, assisted Cayetano to connect with a header to score the 7th goal. Cattouse blasted in an 8th goal from the edge of the 30yard box, and Arzu completed her hat trick with a 9th goal. Cayetano finished a pass from Rowland, with a 10th goal to complete her hat trick.

Kara Kisling added 2 more goals, and Pollard recovered a rebound and nailed home a 13th goal before the long whistle.

Milton Flores scores

Other games: Ladyville Tornadoes vs. Sand Hill Untouchables

1

Ladyville

0

Sand Hill

Caye Caulker Island Girls vs.

Hattieville Heat

2

Caye Caulker

Christine Jacobs scored 1 goal

0

Hattieville

Sarah Arzu had a hat trick

Oceana Pros & Strikers win in men’s softball Belize City, September 25, 2011 The BH Strikers and the Oceana Pros enjoyed sweet victories when the Belize City softball competition continued at the home of softball at the Rogers’ Stadium in Friday night’s double header.

Strikers scored 6 runs on 5 hits, including shortstop Stephen Williams’ solo blast over the leftcentre field fence. Meanwhile, Team 313 scored 4 runs on 3 hits, but was the recipients of 6 baseson-balls and 3 hit bats men. Team 313’s Jason Belisle struck out 9 batters and gave up no runs in the 1st inning, but he walked 2 batters and threw 2 wild pitches. The Strikers took a 3-0 lead when Stephen Williams, Ryan Bennett and Steve Moody scored three runs in the bottom of the second inning.

Only Patrick Rowland scored for Team 313 in the top of the third inning, while the Strikers extended

their lead as Williams hit an out of the park homer over the left field fence in the third inning, and Keith Madrill got on base on a walk and scored.

Strikers’ pitcher Brandon Bood struck out nine batters but he threw five wild pitches, three of which hit the batter while their defence committed six errors, allowing Oscar Arnold to score in the top of the fourth.

Rayan Rowland got the Strikers’ fifth hit in the bottom of the fourth inning and scored to lead 6-2, until Milton Flores and Oscar Arnold scored two more runs for team 313 in the top of the sixth inning. Neither side scored in the seventh inning as the Strikers went on to win 6-4. The winning pitcher was Brandon Bood and the losing pitcher was Jason Belisle.

In the nightcap, the Oceana Pro’s walloped the Strikers 14-7.

The Pro’s scored 14 runs on 10

Team 313’s Jason Belisle pitches

hits including rookie catcher Shaquille Moody’s 2 run homer over the centre fence in the bottom of the 3rd inning.

Meanwhile, Strikers scored 7 runs on 12 hits.

The winning pitcher was Herman Burke and the losing pitcher was Brandon Bood who had relief help from Keith Madrill.

14

THE BELIZE TIMES

BELIZE'S #1 SPORTS PAGE

Basketball at East Sports Center Friday September 23rd, 2011

By Ladrick Shepard Here are the results of the basketball games played on September 23, 2011 at the East Sports Center in Orange Walk Town.

5 Star vs. Lakers - 68-28 Top scorers: Stephen Hall, 29pts; Timothy Murray 13 pts Old Master Top Shattaz vs.

Dream Team – 57-43 Top scorers: Steven Fuentes 24 pts.; Roberto Vidal 18 pts

Ball Above All vs. Union Town Bad Boys – 78-72 Top scorers: Raheam Cummings, 22 pts.; Randy Usher 23 pts.

Timber Wolves vs. Tru d hole ballaz – 67-55 Omar Marin, 24pts.; Andrew Montero, 16pts Young Gunners vs. Die Hard Ballaz – 83-69 Top scorers: Aaron Cadle, 16 pts.; Vinnie Garbutt, 17pts

KARATE PRESS RELEASE The Cayo Shotokan Karate Club (CSKC) in conjunction with the Belize Karate Federation (BKF) celebrated its 21st Anniversary by hosting an Invitational Youth karate Championship, held at the Cahal Pech Village Resort on Saturday, 24th September 2011.

A total of 80 children and youth participated in this historical event.

Sensei Oswalds Mata, President of the Central American Karate Confederation also was present for this event along with athletes from El Slavador. Other International participants were Sensei Alejandro Rubio, Member of the Guatemala Karate Federation, along with his tam from Poptun, Guatemala.

The CSKC was founded by

Sensei Herman Pastor Jr. on 24th September 2011, in the twin towns of San Ignacio /Santa Elena, Cayo District. Since then the club has expanded to Belmopan City and Benque Viejo Town.

We hereby take this opportunity to thank our sponsors who made this youth activity a success: Atlantic Bank, Cahal Pech Village Resort, St Martin’s Credit Union, Cayo Adventure Tours, Pacz Tours, Maya Walk Tours, Sports Council- Cayo Branch, Belize Western Border Management Agency, Mo’ Time Rentals, and Sirrom Gas. Many thanks also to the Organizing Committee of the CSKCParenting Committee who worked tirelessly to make this tournament a success.

TOURNAMENT RESULTS Clubs

Gold

Silver

Bronze

Total

Cayo Shotokan Karate Club- San Ignacio

8

8

5

21

Cayo Shotokan Karate Club- Belmopan

4

6

12

22

El Salvador

5

2

0

7

Martial Arts Academy of Belize

2

4

2

8

Kazoku Shotokan Karate Dojo

2

1

0

3

Guatemala

2

1

1

4

THE WORLD IS READING

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Sunday, October 2, 2011

15

BELIZETIMES SUNDAY OCTOBER 2, 2011 THE BELIZE TIMES see full color at www.belizetimes.bz or Facebook/ Belize Times

This Week’s Sunday, October 2, 2011

TOP MODEL

E-NEWS FamilyFusion

For Belizean music including “satta masagana”, “Rock Port” and “Watermelon Man” visit www.myspace.com/familyfusion.

Jr.GONG

joins Rolling Stones Legend

Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley is part of a new band which includes Rolling Stones heavyweight Mick Jagger.

The new band is called Super Heavy, includes Rolling Stone legend Mick Jagger, Dave Stewart, Joss Stone, and Indian film composer A.R. Rahman.

Though the story has just broken, the band has, in fact, been recording for 18 months.

Their debut LP is to be released this month.

Shakira & Pink Floyd buy Caribbean island

Shakira and Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters have bought a Caribbean island together.

The Colombian singer has joined forces with the musician to purchase the $16 million site of Bonds Cay, north of the Bahamas, in order to build a resort which will cater for millionaire Shakira, 34, and Roger, 68, are reportedly hoping to “reinvent the concept of tourism” by building both a set of luxury holiday homes which will also include private beaches and a number of hotels with plans to sell prime seaside property on the island.

Abigail • • • •

Attended University of Belize Career Plan: Entreprenuer Sign: Pisces Favourite Food: Lasagna

• Likes: Modeling, Dancing, Singing, Travelling, Writing

• Lives in Los Lagos • Fav. Quote: “Be all that you can be”

16

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, October 2, 2011

The March for Progress Continues… Belize High School inaugurates new Campus BELIZE CITY, Tuesday, September 27th, 2011 By: Alton Humes In the middle of the aftermath of the passing of the Rt. Hon. George C. Price, there was an event that although small, it was notable enough to make the Father of the Nation proud. Last week, Tuesday, September 20th, 2011 the Belize High School inaugurated its new minicampus behind the Belize Elementary School straddling Princess Margaret Drive and Mercy Lane.

Additionally, the private secondary institution celebrated its 1st year of existence. But the main event, the inauguration of a spanking-new 6-classroom building (costing approximately BZ$100,000+) was not to be missed. [For note, the media presence at such a notable event was dismal; your BELIZE TIMES reporter was the sole journalist present.]

The ceremonies were held inside the Belize Elementary School, with a mostly rapt audience comprised of students, faculty and staff, along with the school’s Board of Directors. The event ‘opened’ with a semi-impromptu version of ‘Happy Birthday’ dedicated to the school, then a more formal welcome from the day’s Mistress of Ceremonies, lecturer & Vice Principal of BHS, Mrs. Jaime Lee Usher. After her exaltation of the school’s virtues (mainly the opportunity for higher education via advanced technology and smaller classes), an instrumental rendition of the Belizean National Anthem as well as another musical composition were performed by lecturer Ms. Hiroko Nakamura and a trio of students.

Then there was the opening prayer led by lecturer and dialysis activist Mr. Godfrey Sosa. The welcome address was delivered by the BHS principal, Ms. Leticia Eck, who acknowledged the life and works of the late Hon. Price, and then highlighted the successful construction of the classrooms by a small crew of workers, led by Mr. Javier Gutierrez. Despite the relative “newness” of the institution, she was deeply optimistic about the school’s potential for growth.

Then there were speeches from Ms. Deanna Nisbet (notable educator and principal of Belize Elementary School) and the keynote address was delivered by the Chairman of the Board of Directors of BHS and current Chairman of the Social Security Board, Ms. Merlene BaileyMartinez.

Entertainment was duly provided, which celebrated the richness of talent that envelops the school; first, lecturer Mr. Enrique Pech and a trio of students a rendition of the beloved classic “Homeland by the Sea”, as written by the late, great Mr. Ed Yorke and next, but no

BHS students during special ceremony held at new school compound

know that “You are BHS…” After all of that, there was another rendition of “Happy Birthday” by all present as well as the formal blessing of the new building by priest Fr. Oliver Smalls of the Roman Catholic Church, with refreshments being served thereafter.

For such a small school with a dynamic platform, and their sojourn on Mercy Lane a temporary one, there can be no doubt, nay-sayers and all that the Belize High School’s “march for progress” continues.

means least, a captivating and dynamic dance by young student Ms. Yohina Cervantes. A surefire attention-grabber was what was said inbetween the performances by MC Mrs. Usher: exhorting the students to remember the example of Mr. Price and to let a nay-saying public View of entrance to BHS

Sunday, October 2, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

“13th Senator” advocates consider appeal BELIZE CITY, Wednesday, September 28th, 2011

By Alton Humes It could very well be called the biggest “monkey wrench” that could be thrown against the Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) community. In a historic, but upsetting Supreme Court ruling, Justice Samuel Awich denied the Belizeans for Justice and the Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action’s claim for review of Prime Minister Dean Barrow’s inaction on the appointment of a 13th member to the Belize Senate.

The appointee, Gregory “Greg” Ch’oc, and the complement of Belizeans for Justice and the Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action as well as his supporters at the Association of Protected Areas Management Organizations (APAMO), who elected him, now have 21 days (since the September 19th ruling) to file an appeal on the matter.

BFJ’s attorney Anthony Sylvester made it clear when he spoke to the media that the interviews given by the Prime Minister to Channel 7 News several months ago are distinctive evidence that Prime Minister has gone back on his words, despite Justice Awich’s views to the contrary.

On the question of whether the Prime Minister had refused to abide by a law, Judge Awich’s ruling stated that

the Prime Minister has “wide discretion” (Judgment, Paragraph Sec. No. 29) as to when the Act [i.e. the Belize Constitution (Sixth Amendment) Act] will be enforced, particularly in section 23 of the said Act. He also stated that “the duty created [to enforce the act] is a matter between the Prime Minister and Parliament/National Assembly and not between the Prime Minister and the general public...” This includes the two parties that sued in court. (Judgment, Paragraph Sec. No. 40.) [He also spoke of a slim possibility of a “failure to carry statutory duty” in Sec. No. 45.]

Judge Awich used his gavel to ‘bash’ the media [via Paragraph Sec. Nos. 43 & 44], when he referred to the media coverage (specifically the coverage by 7News) as generalized proof that they are “mostly guilty of spin and political bias…”, and lambasted the NGOs for relying on such coverage, completely ignoring the fact that he considered that very coverage to make his ruling.

Any and all confusion and issues aside, the parties are considering appealing to the Court of Appeal, and if all else fails, they will go to the Caribbean Court of Justice in Trinidad and Tobago.

Either way, Belizeans for Justice and the Coalition for Liberty through Action are committed to holding Prime Minister Barrow accountable in this long-standing matter.

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Sedi Elrington & U.S. Officials discuss Seawell, Rhett Fuller extraditions - Wikileaks OUTSTANDING EXTRADITION REQUESTS 2008-07-10 21:18 Chargé and Poloff called July 10 on Attorney General Sedi Elrington to discuss outstanding extradition requests for Mark and Gary Seawell and Rhett Fuller.

We sought assurances that the recent change over of the Solicitor General would not add additional delay to the cases.

Elrington said that the cases would proceed as scheduled and that he would personally follow them to ensure that they received correct handling. The next Seawell hearing is set for the end of July. He told us that Fuller (whose case goes back nearly a decade) was scheduled to receive a decision from the Court of Appeal at its next session in October.

Elrington placed the blame for the slow pace of the extraditions on the judiciary, saying that judges had no pressure on them to produce timely decisions. Complaints about delays were coming from both the public and the bar, and the government was considering how to improve the situation.

Elrington said he favored legislation to make judicial salaries payable only on completion of timely decisions.

Separately, Chargé and RSO met with National Security Minister Carlos Perdomo July 8 and raised the Seawell extradition case among other issues. While the judicial aspect of Mark’s hearing was not in Perdomo’s mandate, we noted that the hunt for Gary seemed to have died out and his trail had gone cold. We urged a renewed effort by the police to arrest Gary so that he could face extradition proceedings.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, October 2, 2011

INTERVIEW

George Cadle with Father of the Nation

PRICE

Editor’s Note: The following interview was done October 9, 2010 by John Usher, a standard 2 student and first printed on January 28, 2011. In honour of Father of the Nation, Rt. Hon. George Price we re-publish with permission from young John.

Good Morning, Mr. Price. My name is John Usher. I am 9 years old and in Standard 2 at Belize Elementary School.

I am doing a school project on Belizean patriots and would like to ask you some questions.

Q: First of all, how are you?

A: I am fine, young man. I pray every day and do my best to stay healthy. I will be 92 years old in January and have lived a long life of service.

Q: What does it mean to be a patriot?

A: A patriot is someone who loves his country and its people, and he serves them in the way God has shown him. It can be any profession, teacher, doctor, or businessman. What is important is that he or she works hard in the best interests of his or her country and cannot be afraid of sacrifice and suffering.

Q: When you were my age, did you want to be Prime Minister of Belize?

A: At 9 years old, I wanted to be a worker, a professional perhaps, even a hero like a firefighter or policeman. But most of all I wanted to serve God and follow the way He pointed out to me.

Q: Did you want to become a Priest?

A: Yes, as I got older I felt God’s calling to become a Priest. I studied and read my Bible as much as I could. But then God pointed me in a different direction, a different way of serving the people.

Q: In 1950 you helped to start the People’s United Party, were you scared?

A: I was not scared. I saw it as an opportunity to get rid of colonialism and make Belize an independent country. As a people we had already felt agitated by the dictatorial nature of the colonial government. Then on December 31, 1949 the currency was devalued. Before then the Belize dollar exchanged with the US dollar for 1 to 1. After devaluation, it was $1.50 Belize to $1.00 U.S. Our representatives in the local government voted against devaluation, but the Governor used Clause 6, a form of veto or overriding power to impose devaluation.

That was the time we woke up. We gath-

ered right here, around this table, and decided to fight. We began the peaceful, constructive, Belizean revolution. By the grace of God and the unity and work of the people we succeeded and gained independence. It was a long and hard struggle, but there were many milestones along the way, like Adult Suffrage and Self-Government. Before 1954 there were many hurdles we had to cross before we could vote. But we knew that the people had to have the vote, to have a say in how to run their country.

It was a great achievement of the people; a Belizean identity was created.

Q: Were there many people who helped you? Can you name some?

A: Oh yes, there were and are many soldiers of the revolution. The founding fathers gathered right here around this table.

There were Leigh Richardson, John Smith, Nick Pollard, Philip Goldson and others.

But there were so many unknown heroes. It was a people’s movement.

Q: Did your family help you?

A: In a way they helped me by staying out of it. I didn’t want them around, because I didn’t want to be accused of nepotism. Look at what is happening today with Prime Minister Barrow and all his family members benefitting. That should not be.

So my family stayed out and allowed me to work with the people. In the beginning they were worried about me and thought that maybe I should leave politics for someone else. But they later supported my work and some of them, like your grandmother, Leni Jo Usher, were very helpful. She worked with me in the Pickstock Office and is very good with people. Also your Great Grandmother, Jane Usher, assisted my work greatly. She was a Minister of Government and the first Woman President of the Senate.

Q: What was the hardest work you had to do?

A: The hardest work was to meet the people in the farthest corners of our country. It wasn’t like today where you can jump in your car and drive to Toledo. I travelled around the country, in boat, on horseback, many times on foot. It was around the clock work, but it was very rewarding.

Q: Did you have a lot of homework?

A: (Laughs) Well, a different kind of homework. Not like the one you have in school. I met a lot of people in their homes, because I wanted to see how they were living. I wanted to improve how they were living.

Hon. Price being interviewed by John Usher, October 2010

Q: What was the work that made you feel happiest?

A: I felt happiest when the people responded and gave me their support. I knew that with the people’s support we could achieve what we started in 1950. I felt very happy when we became an independent country.

Q: Did you feel nervous on Independence Day? A: I wasn’t nervous. I was ready.

We were ready. We were like horses in the starting gate, ready to prove ourselves as independent Belizeans. There was some opposition to independence, people who were frightened of taking such a leap, but for the most part all Belizeans were excited and proud to be achieving nationhood. As you know, the date is September 21, 1981. We chose 21, because of the Holy Trinity. 2 + 1 is 3, for Trinity. I felt that Belize had to be a nation that respected and revered the supremacy of God. By doing so we would prosper and be free.

Q: Are you happy to be called “Father of the Nation” and “National Hero”?

A: Happy, yes, but not for the titles, as much as the recognition that we worked together and achieved something great, an independent Belize. Somebody had to do it.

I am glad that it is Belize who awarded me.

I refused awards from the British, except to be a member of the Privy Council. I felt that I could assist Belize by being a member of the Privy Council, so I accepted that award.

Q: Which world leader do you most admire?

A: I like the liberator of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah. He was the founder, prime minister and first president of an independent Ghana in 1957. He came from humble beginnings, studied in the United States, at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, I think, and worked with the people.

Q: If you could have dinner with any world leader or historical figure from the past, who would that be and why?

A: You will laugh at me, our Lord Jesus Christ. No one in particular I think, though I do like and admire the great African liberators.

Q: Is it true that you used to pick up litter off the street?

A: Yes that is true. On my way home in Belmopan I picked up plastic bags and

fruit skins that people had thrown on the ground. I encouraged everyone to stop littering, and I think it helped, a bit. It is a very unhealthy practice to pollute. I wish that Belizeans wouldn’t do it. I understand that in Chetumal, you can’t litter. But many times, Belizeans just wait to cross the border and throw their trash here. When I have the energy I still keep my environment as clean as possible.

Q: How would you try to stop all the crime in Belize?

A: That is a difficult one. But I would put them in jail and have working camps to fix roads and bridges and keep the country clean. I would insist that those found guilty be locked up and put to work. They might call you a dictator if you impose that, but I think there must be more discipline in our people.

Q: What is your favorite prayer?

A: I like the Hail Mary and Our Father. In fact I was praying them just now before you came. I was saying the Rosary, which I pray at least three times a day. But our entire day should be a prayer, because we work in devotion to God, our creator.

We should not only pray on special occasions, but always.

Q: If you could ask God for one thing, what would that be?

A: To go to heaven. I don’t want to be lost.

Q: Is the Belize in 2010 the country you envisioned in 1950, 60 years ago?

A: When we started the revolution, we knew that we wanted independence, a free country. We didn’t know what our country would look like. But we wanted to create a Belizean identity. There are many things, technology that we had no idea about, television, computer and others. We must continue to adapt our country to the changing times, but always keeping in mind that we are a nation of God. So yes, in a way, Belize is the country I envisioned 60 years ago, but the work continues, the revolution lives on.

Q: What can I do to help Belize be a better place?

A: Study hard. Be useful and serve your country in whatever profession you choose. Do not be afraid of work, of hard things. Lead a life of prayer and of service to God and your fellow man. Always say no to doing the wrong things.

photo by Richard Holder photo by Richard Holder

photo by Richard Holder

THE BELIZE TIMES

photo by Richard Holder

Sunday, October 2, 2011

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Father of the Nation Farewell to the

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Vision without Education and Spiritual Wisdom is like a ship in deep troubled waters without a compass

By Aunt Grace Coleman The Father of our Country, Hon. George Cadle Price, was a man who shared God’s own heart and also a prophet. This man knew God, like other prophets, Martin Luther King, Mandela, President Obama and few Godly women were created like Moses.

Spiritual degrees did not come from the classroom. It all began at home, with Godly parents. He was the chosen one to rule and govern over his people and his country Belize.

He did it with all his love, compassion, dignity, and pride, not only for himself but for all of his people; no matter their color, creed and race. He was a humble man. He did not feel himself so high and mighty that he did not to mingle with all his people. He walked all the streets of Belize, through the Country on dry and wet lands, up the hills and down the deep valleys, in all kinds of weather. He hugged each and everyone, and had the tolerance to listen to everyone’s views and problems.

He knew everyone in their neighborhoods including the little children. What was so awesome and special about him was that he made the sacrifice out of his busy days to leave his office every Wednesdays to sit down and listen to his people’s problems. He gave the hopeless the chance to keep the faith; he gave the weak and broken hearted strength to go on in life. He visited the sick and the lame in the hospitals and he had the spiritual ability to keep the peace in his country, he made himself available not only as a Premier of his Country, but a Father, walking with his Continued on page 34

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Firma Viceministro de Relaciones Exteriores Libro de Condolencias por la Muerte del “Padre de la Independencia” de Belice La Habana, Cuba, Septiembre 23 2011 En la mañana de ayer, 22 de septiembre, el Viceministro de Relaciones Exteriores de Cuba, Rogelio Sierra Díaz, y otros funcionarios de la Cancillería asistieron a la firma del libro de condolencias abierto en la Embajada de Belice en la Habana, con motivo del fallecimiento del Padre de la Independencia, Héroe Nacional de Belice y ex Primer Ministro, el Muy Honorable George Price, el pasado 19 de septiembre.

Price fue quien llevó al país a la independencia en 1981, siendo su primer mandatario. Fue uno de los fundadores del Partido Unido del Pueblo (PUP) y arquitecto de la independencia del país. En septiembre de 2000 devino la primera persona en recibir la más alta condecoración de Belice, la Orden de Héroe Nacional. Durante su vida recibió otras altas condecoraciones, entre ellas la Orden de la Comunidad del Caribe y la Orden José Martí, esta última de manos del Comandante en Jefe, Fidel Castro, en el año 2005.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Belize

THE BELIZE TIMES

Blacklisted

by the United States

Drug plane on Southern Highway, November 2010

By Carla Bradley Belize has been blacklisted by the US Government as a country that is either a major producer or transit point for illegal drugs.

Every year, the US President is required to notify Congress of major drug producing and transit nations, and there has been growing evidence gathered by US officials that Belize is become a major source of narco-trafficking.

The government of Belize has yet to make a statement on this drastic action taken by the United States Government. It is strange that the government of Belize would hold back from addressing the issue. While Belizeans ponder why the country was blacklisted, it must be noted that in the past few years there have been several drug planes, one containing the largest amount of drugs ever to be discovered in Belize and even some unreported landings in other parts of our country.

In March of 2008, just one month after the United Democratic Party won the general elections, a drug plane, maybe two, landed on the Northern Highway. A twin engine Beech craft with a Venezuelan flag on its tail wing and what local authorities believe to be a fake registration number YV678, landed at mile forty one on the Northern Highway on March 7 2008 at about 1am. No drugs were found as it was believed that the drugs had been transported into another plane after the aircraft found was believed to be damaged. The masked men who had assisted in the landing of the planes were shootout with the B.D.F, but nei-

ther them nor their weapons were, strangely, ever found.

In November of 2010, yet another plane landed on Belizean soil but this time on the Southern Highway. Six officers and one custom officer were detained by police in Independence village, in connection with the drug plane. They were found with muddy boots, and wet ADU Uniforms. A total of 80 Bales of COCAINE and 17 loose packs of suspected Cocaine were found some miles away from where the plane had landed.

In June of this year yet another plane crash landed in the area of Guinea Grass, a six seater piper aircraft with a prominent Mexican flag emblazoned on the fuselage. No one was found near the plane and neither was drugs found but it is believed to have been involved in illicit transactions as the area was known to have had other landings.

The landings of these suspected drug planes and the discovery of drugs contributed to the decision made by the US President. While the current government cannot even begin to combat the local crime wave existing in our nation today, we are now being invaded by the drug cartels, as Belizeans find it easier to assist these dangerous cartels in the shipment of drugs to other parts of the world particularly the United States in order to earn a living. The negative impacts of the country’s blacklisting will be burdensome as it may well impact the economy as tourists may think twice before visiting and again investors may think twice if drug cartels have been known to have penetrated the borders and now operate in the country so brazenly.

THE WORLD IS READING

THE BELIZE TIMES www.belizetimes.bz

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Sunday, October 2, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

REALITY CHECK! Helpless, Wandering Children

By Carla Bradley After the death of the greatest leader Belize will ever see, I have reflected on so many things after hearing all the accomplishments of the former Prime Minister and Father of the Nation, Rt. Hon. George Price. His humility, generosity, big heart and most exquisite touch on all the hearts of the nation were traits that most leaders around the world tend to ignore or forget. One thing that stood out after all the eulogies, speeches, and personal stories was his love for the people, especially the less fortunate.

Breaking bread with the humble people of the nation, and always inquiring on how they and their family have been doing. It struck me that this man was indeed the Ghandi of Belize.

Poverty is a plague that is not only affecting the people of our country but it affects countries across the globe. As I walk the streets of Belize City, tour the southern districts and live in the western part of the country, one thing they have in common is poverty. Children, who wander begging passersby for a quarter or even a dollar, some just simply ask for something to eat. This sinks your heart

with sadness.

In my opinion children should be the number one priority in a parent’s life but for some strange reason some parents see it more as a burden. Not passing judgment but it irks me to see children begging on the streets, or go to school without a decent pair of shoes. I have seen kids go to school without a book or a pencil, with hunger written all over their faces and tears in their eyes.

In a span of an hour, standing in front of the BELIZE TIMES in downtown Belize City, I was approached by 2 kids, between the ages of eight and twelve and both asked for food as it was lunch time and they had nothing to eat. How can these children be left to fend for their meals? I have seen single mothers wander the streets in search for any job they can find, to be able to put food on the table.

According to statistics the poverty level stood at 33% in 1999, in 2002 it stood at 33.5% and in 2010 according to the last census, it skyrocketed to a horrific 43% which is 7% away from being half the population in poverty. This is, in my opinion, is a call for help, for intervention. We as a people need to come together and come up with solutions to this never ending plague. We must not be fooled by fancy words, and empty promises that jobs are being created. If it were true that more jobs have been created in the past three years, then why is it that the poverty level increased by 10%? And according to statistics, in 1998 the unemployment rate stood at 14.3%, in 2000 it stood at 11.5% (and not

20% as stated by the census in April 29, 2011 on Channel 7news), and in 2007 unemployment stood at 8.1%. In 2009, the unemployment rate increased by 1.6% to 13.1% and in 2010 it had a shocking increase of 9.9% to 23%. In this case it went from roughly thirty three thousand people to seventy nine thousand Belizeans unemployed. So where is the increase in jobs?

While our children beg on the streets for food, and citizens of this country wander across the country in search for jobs to be able to sustain their homes, we must realize that the Belize we once knew is no longer the Belize we live in. In Mr. Price’s eyes everyone was equal no matter the ethnicity, the social status, the fancy cars and homes, the prestigious family names, he believed that we were all one people and that we all deserved to have a job and provide for our families.

23 Where are the youth building programs? The trade workshops? The Single Mother workshops? These are only a few ideas we can try to help the issue, it might not eliminate it but it will surely help a number of our brothers and sisters and especially their children.

We must work towards educating our younger generation and teaching them the value of life and what it is to work for your dreams. We must instill in them what Mr. Price strived for: peace, economic justice, equality and especially humility. So if you can afford to help a child from a school you know will need it and appreciate it, do it. One idea is to start a back to school program where people can contribute to a foundation that will help children to afford basic necessities such as school supplies, uniforms, shoes, etc. and just maybe we can turn the lives of these children and their families around.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Reid If it is true that a promise is comfort to fools then it must be that Dean Barrow’s Independence Day speech left every fool in town resting rather easy; it was chuck full of promises. The question is, how much of it was realistic and how much was even true.

Political pundits have for a while been suggesting that the UDP are in full election mode. Last Wednesday’s speech removed any remaining doubt and might be the surest indicator that we will be going to the polls sooner than later. Many feel that it will have to be before the reading of the next budget which will for a surety, expose the nakedness of this emperor.

In his annual address from Independence Hill, Mr. Barrow sounded very much like a man fishing for votes and brother; did he ever load up the hook with bait. Problem is that much of the bait is either artificial or has been used so often it has completely lost its lure.

The PUP on the other hand, was

caught up in the moment of bidding farewell to the Father of our Nation. A powerful and impactive speech was withdrawn at the last minute in favor of one more relevant to the solemn order of the day. The PUP had lost its founder, Leader Emeritus and major source of inspiration. The Party Leader decided to take the high road and suspend hostilities for at least the mourning period. Dean Barrow and the UDP had no such inkling.

Mr. Barrow’s tactic brought to mind the recent prize fight between Floyd Mayweather and Victor Ortiz. Ortiz was apologizing to Mayweather for a head-butt when Floyd seized upon the opportunity and knocked Ortiz cock-cold. The punch was ruled legal but many fans considered it unsportsmanlike and unbecoming of a fighter of his caliber. In soccer, when a player on the opposing side is injured, it is considered good sportsmanship to kick the ball out of play thereby negating any decided advantage. Policy to “protect yourself at all times” notwithstanding, but sportsmanship ‘tis forever the more noble than gamesmanship.

Unlike Ortiz, Johnny Briceño is not out for the count. In fact, he came off looking by far the more magnanimous of the two. It was a time when the entire nation was feeling melancholic, and in his own words, Mr. Barrow might have “shot his wad too soon.” It was a notable campaign speech but was totally wasted given the environs and state of our nation at that time.

The speech itself, while ably delivered by a man well versed and practiced in the game of deception and con, was full of holes and laden with lies and chicanery. Then again, it was obviously designed to just give comfort rather than assurances. What Mr. Barrow seems unable to comprehend is that Belizeans are not nearly the fools that he is playing them to be. A few will take comfort but the majority will take umbrage.

Mr. Barrow made sure to cover the issues that Belizeans are currently most concerned about. Top of the list is crime and in particular, the senseless murders that have ravaged our peaceful existence.

Like a proud cock at a poultry show, Mr. Barrow ascended his perch, puffed his chest and crowed in pantomime about his successful rendezvous with his gangleaders. According to Mr. Barrow, there had not been a single gang murder since his forging of a truce a couple of weeks earlier. In a cruel twist of irony, no sooner had the words departed from his lips than the Wednesday morning silence was shattered by gunfire. When the smoke had cleared, the victim was identified as the third child killed as a result of the ongoing gang rivalry; this one not yet ten years of age. Still feel like crowing, Mr. Cock?

Mr. Barrow next took on the sore issue of telecommunications.

Since strong-arming BTL from Michael Ashcroft, Belizeans, instead of benefits, have seen rising costs and fast deteriorating service. Mr. Barrow has a plan; he will reduce internet cost. Instead of selling 256 kilobits for $100, he will sell 128 kilobits for what he described as the “rock bottom price” of $49.99. Now this is where I need help. If you were selling me a pound of sugar for one dollar and you now sell me a half of a pound for fifty cents, where will I be saving again?

“But wait”, according to Mr. Barrow, he was not done yet. He was going to take general sales tax (GST) off internet.

The fact is that Mr. Barrow continues to

Sunday, October 2, 2011 spout his pro-poor policies and tout himself as a champion of the disenfranchised but, “pssst, Dean”, “Dean-O”, poor people can hardly afford bread much less internet. How about taking GST off all telephone service as you promised to do?

After all, it is ours now, isn’t it?

Mr. Barrow went on to explain to us that one of the reasons why he had to take BEL was because “A great deal of expensive equipment was never commissioned and never used”. As it turned out, BEL was buying spare parts and equipment that usually goes bad in order to have them in stock when needed. What a foolish practice when they can always wait until they really need them and then wait two to four weeks for repairs, as was the case with the BSI factory.

As has been the case in just about every speech given by Dean Barrow since taking over the reign of government, Mr. Barrow again bragged of obtaining Forensic equipment. “Electronic fingerprinting machines are even now being installed”, said he, “in each of six District stations. The system will store and match fingerprints and identify suspects through a countrywide data base of samples.”

Dean, oh Dean! This system was bought way back in 2006 by then Minister of Police Ralph Fonseca. I was the Master of Ceremonies at the handing over ceremony. Besides, you do not have to install anything at each district; there is a central database that all stations can tap into. When the UDP took office, the Police had already entered some 18,000 prints and the legislation had been enacted to allow them to be used as evidence in court. Someone is giving this man wrong information.

The fact of the matter is that Belizeans will welcome any small mercy bestowed by this greedy and selfish government.

Dean Barrow cannot continue selling us the same bill of goods however, and expect us to keep buying. We deserve better and we demand better. We know you can talk the talk, just once now, let us see you walk the walk.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

September 26th, 2011 And the Next Revolution: One Belize-Prosperous, United and Free

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

O

n September 26th, 2011, a nation paused. A people mourned. A country gave homage. It was a moment in time that cannot be re-lived. It was a day in history that will never be forgotten. It was almost surreal.

Perhaps it was prophetic that it occurred in September, and interwove with the celebrations of the 30th anniversary of our Independence and the 61st birthday of the People’s United Party.

Perhaps it was intended to inspire, to motivate, and to give hope to a party, a people and a nation. For just that moment, that day, the barriers that divided us came crashing down.

It was a day that spawned a political renewal, for the new generation was exposed to, and the old and not so old generations were reminded, of what service to people and country means, and how it ought to be, and the qualities which we must aspire to emulate.

We were all able to see and experience history through the eyes and voice of the Rt. Hon. George Price, and all those who struggled and sacrificed, and lived and breathed the peaceful constructive Belizean revolution to forge a new nation and a unique identity. We were acquainted and reacquainted with the purpose of the People’s United Party, and the principles, values and ideals for which it stands.

On September 26th, 2011, the voices of his people shouted ‘que viva George Price’ and ‘que viva PUP’ and ‘que viva the hero of the revolution’ when the coffin entered Independence Square. Dr. John Waight, the Prime Minister and our Party Leader chronicled eloquently the life of a man who was married to his God, his country-Belize, his people and his party.

The National Anthem of Belize, the Hymn of Belize and the Battle Hymn of the Republic sent him off on a march from his City of Belmopan, and the massive blue and white flag at Cotton Tree flew proudly and gloriously in the wind, as it saluted him on his way to his final resting

place in Belize City.

Thousands lined the highway and stood for hours in the sun at the Lord Ridge cemetery to participate in the final Christian rites, many with his picture, and the flag of Belize that gave us freedom, liberty and the right to chart our own course.

On September 26th, 2011, the Prime Minister of Belize, in his official remarks at the Father of the Nation State funeral said and I quote “It is destiny fulfilled. What Mr Price strove for all his life, he has been able to produce in his death. We are now a country totally united. United in homage to our National Hero, and his creed of One Belize” In his passing, the Rt. Hon. George Price once again pointed the way for his party, his people and the nation he believe in. He has given us a platform to lift ourselves from to continue the work of nation building.

For in his life on earth, he has shown us that dreams are possible, when the movement he led created a New Belize on September 21st, 1981. In his passing, he has repeated this feat, and showed us that it is also possible to create One Belize, for we all did it for him, on September 26th, 2011, even if it was for a day, and for a moment. We were ONE BELIZE. After enjoying the blessings of this life, our beloved Mr. Price has been admitted to that eternal reward that God has prepared for those who loved him, and as our Party Leader reminded us at his funeral, and I quote “ I know that ten years from now, my sons will give thanks for the life of our first Prime Minister. Thirty years from now my grandchildren will give thanks to our Creator for the life of the architect of Belize’s independence. A hundred years from now, Belizeans will know and honour the contributions of the Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price, Father of the Nation.’

For he remains with us, and at the top of the stairs of Independence Hall, a light now shines and his image beckons. It says ‘Join the revolution. Live the revolution. Breathe the revolution. Continue the revolution.’

Only if we do so, can we create One Belize-Prosperous, United and Free, and only so will we truly fulfill the dreams of the Father of the Nation, the Rt. Hon. George Price. So was it written in 1950, so was it done in 1981. So is it now written, and so shall it be done.

September 26th, 2011. A New Beginning for a Party, a People and a Nation.

For comments email carolyntrench@gmail.com

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THE BELIZE TIMES

The Goldsonian Principle

By Ivan Frank Roberts J.P. HISTORY: I first heard the words in the Supreme Court of Belize. Here I take an extract from Insert 20 Of the Belize Times dated Sunday, September 20, 2009, “The Chief justice told lawyer Lois Young Barrow she should consider the Goldsonian Principle, Young Barrow looked perplexed, not knowing what was coming her way, and the learned Chief justice said - Counsel, perhaps you should apply the Goldsonian Principle, Mr. Goldson had said that the time to save your country is before you lose it. So the time to save your rights is before you lose them.”

The Chief justice was bantering over a ma¬jor constitutional issue before him.

Sir, Barry Bowen, I and the Landowners Association filed applications requesting the Chief justice to strike down the government constitutional amend¬ment relating to Section 17 of the Constitution.

This section guarantees to all persons the right of access to the court and the right of reasonable compensation within a reasonable time whenev¬er the government properly and lawfully acquires any property. The government has attempted to amend the Constitution to take away this guar¬antee from all land owners in Belize. This is un¬heard of.

It is unheard of because no government in a democracy seeks to take away the constitutional rights of its citizens in order to facilitate oil com¬panies. The government has told Belizeans that all oil found in Belize should belong to the gov¬ernment. As such, the government, in one of the many amendments it is making to our Constitu¬tion, has put forward this strange amendment that it is taking away the oil from the people of Belize and vesting it in the government.

Government has gone much further in its amendments to pre¬vent every land owner and potential land owner from ever being able to get any compensation for the loss of oil under their land.

Worse, they are being prevented from going to the Supreme Court to uphold their rights, which are guaran¬teed under the Belize Constitution in Section 17.

HOW QUICK DO WE FORGET Back then the Barrow Government was seeking to give every thing to do with oil to the New King of Belize. Alex Cranberg. When you call this man’s name be prepared to die. He has no other than Barrow and Williams protecting his interest in Belize. This is the very same Barrow and Williams who did protect Michael Ashcroft for many years.

When the Belize 6th Amendment Bill came out the Bar Association told the nation that nothing could be done about the bill until the Bill became law.

I begged to differ because there is Section 20 of the Constitution which tells me that if I feel that my rights, is been, has been, or is likely to be contravened, that I have access to the Supreme Court for redress. The same Section 20 exists today so why is the Bar Association not filing suit. The same Goldsonian Principle exists today.

THE 9th AMENDMENT Those Belizeans who worked on the preamble to the Belize Constitution were inspired enough to have realized that the day will come when evil men will sit in the House of Representative to whom they would be giving power to make laws in section sixty nine (69)

for the Constitution of Belize. Therefore they, in the creation of our Constitution, in section 1 spelt out what type of political stance Belize will adopt and where Belize will reside in the world. Immediately for placing Belize on the world map, those wise man and women, went about to protect Belize from any evil law maker of Belize. They created Section 2 which states, “This Constitution is the supreme law of Belize and if any other law is inconsistent with this constitution that other law shall, to the extent of the inconstancy, be VOID”.

I want to remind you all that we are an English speaking nation with other languages coexisting within the nation.

The English language is structured in such a way that we have hierarchical position (relating to or arranged in a formally ranked order) when we number our writings. Therefore section two (2)

carries a heavier weight than number sixty nine, (69). Knowing that in section sixty nine they were going to give elected men and women the power to make laws, in section seventeen (17) they gave the law makers the right to take away your property but spelt out the manner in which they can do such taking and in section twenty (20) they gave the nation protection from any such law maker who seek to deprive them of their rights through access to the court for redress.

Then before they gave the law makers the power to make laws again from a hierarchical position (relating to or arranged in a formally ranked order) meaning in section sixty eight (68) told the law makers what type of laws they were suppose to make. They told them that the laws you make must be for Good Governance. Then and only after sections 2, 17, 20 and 68 did the creators of our Constitution gave to the elected members of the House of Representative the power to make laws. The Constitution make it clear that there shall be three arms of Government: The Executive (which is Her Majesty the Queen of England), The Legislative (Area Reps), and The Judiciary (The Court). There is a

Sunday, October 2, 2011 separation of powers. None of the three arms of Government has more power over the other.

We Want To B GODS The present Law makers want to make themselves GOD over us all.

Since they have what they label the SUPER MAJORITY, they now seek to take power over the other two arms of Government. To do this they, in this 9th Amendment, immediately change section 2 of the Constitution. They do this by taking the words “any other Law” out of section 2 by saying that “any other Law” does not apply when they are changing, altering, amending the Constitution. The protection given to us by the constitution against bad laws will now be lost.

The very next thing they did is to make themselves GOD by adding a new subsection (9) to the present section (69). To hide what they are really doing, they did not change anything in section (69) but they added, “it is hereby declared that the provisions of this section are all ¬inclusive and exhaustive and there is no other limitation, whether substantive or procedural, on the power of the National Assembly to alter this

Continued on page 32

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Sunday, October 2, 2011

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THE BELIZE TIMES

www.belizeandiaries.com

Dear Diary, I am a single woman, independent and self employed. But I’m lonely. I have this married man who has been expressing interest in me but I have been giving him the run around for some weeks now. Will it be wrong if I entertain this affair considering that I have no ill will or intent for the wife and his family? I don’t want to break up his home or have any expectations from him to leave his home but I like his company very much.

Sincerely, Single Girl

SHE SAYS: Dear Single Girl, I understand you completely! As a woman who has played the wife and the sweetheart I can put myself in your shoes but I caution you to be very careful as I am a firm believer of what goes around comes around (karma). You say you’re attracted to this man and I take it the feeling is mutual - you say you have no expectations from this man to leave his home and that is all fine and well but there is a high possibility of trouble brewing simply because you have already admitted to enjoying his company which tells me you have already begun having emotional attachments to this man. Once emotions become involved it is a clear indication that there will be demands for more attention and time spent with you. My advice is to let sleeping dogs lie - in my opinion, it’s not all that we crave or desire we should give into. If you two were destined to be together fate will let it happen. Trust me!

HE SAYS: Dear Single Girl, First and foremost, I must say kudos to you because unlike a lot of other women who find themselves in the same “dilemma”, at least you’ve shown to possess a conscience. This is evidenced by your admission that you wish not to be a “home wrecker”.

You say that you’ve been giving this guy the run around which would suggest to me that he is the one who is pushing the issue. That, to my mind, further suggests that he represents a growing number of married men who simply want to “have their cake and eat it too”.

While you say that you’re lonely, you must understand that getting involved with a married man will not erase that loneliness as you will inevitably have to compete against his wife and children for his time and attention.

My advice to you would be to place yourself in the shoes of the wife. Ask yourself: How would I feel if my husband was pressuring another woman to get involved with him? And as you ask yourself this question, consider that if a man can cheat WITH you, he most certainly can cheat ON you.

In my view, it’s better to remain alone until you are able to find someone who is uncommitted and unattached than to get involved with someone who will merely use you as a “convenience store”.

A Single Woman’s Pursuit

A

conscious decision is being made by women for quite some years now and that is to remain single and uplift themselves through their own blood, sweat and tears as opposed to getting married and becoming dependent on another individual for finances and emotional support. While I applaud these women for their tenacity and independence I have also observed a trend with these single women that have been proven as detrimental to other women and by extension, also to children.

While these women are able to be self fulfilled through their hard work and perseverance, where do they go for fulfillment of their other needs? Every now and then women will have urges and will have needs for physical attention without the emotional attachment and in their minds, who is a better target than a married man, even if it’s at the expense of a family and another woman.

It is not easy to understand how a single woman can garner the audacity to sleep with someone else’s husband but there are many reasons for this. In this article we look at the common reasons why they do it and the type of women who would choose to engage themselves with a married man.

As little girls growing up, we are taught that we should not steal and have respect for other people’s property. Most of us are taught to respect ourselves in order to have respect rendered to us – so is it safe to say that women who lie with married men did not learn self respect and or self worth? When you were a child did you say, “when I grow up I want to be a mistress?”

To start with, the kind of woman who outrightly seeks to pursue a married man is certainly not an empathetic one. Having empathy is being able to put yourself in someone else’s place and understand how they might feel. This woman would not waste any time trying to understand how the wife would feel when and if she finds out about the affair or how it will create a breakdown in the family which will affect the children. With the exception of the single woman, who gets to walk away unscathed and leaves a mess for others to clean up, an affair is a very devastating experience for everyone involved.

This single woman is selfish as she wants what she wants and in her mind, it’s just too bad for everyone else involved. She may say that she didn’t intend for it to happen but it didn’t just happen and it’s not okay! It took a while for you to get caught up with the married man, all

the while never stopping it before it even got started.

All single women know that married men are off limits but to some they are a challenge. If a woman can woo this man who is taken it gives her a sense of accomplishment which wraps right into this issue of self esteem and self worth. But there are some women who will pursue a married man just to prove that they still have that groove and when it comes down to the nitty gritty she will back off due to her conscience and her knowledge of it being inappropriate and a dead end.

I have known women who say that the reason they prefer to be with a married man is that they get to be supported sexually and financially with no burden of having to tolerate the man for endless hours or his bad and nagging habits. I have also been told that the thrill is next to none when you’re with a married man, it apparently gives the woman a boost in self esteem and makes her feel in control and superior to the wife at home – reminding me of a line from Bon Jovi, ‘you really on your knees when you think you’re standing tall….’. Another reason is that the married man has sold them dreams and lies that they love them more than their wives, that they’re better in bed, that they will leave home soon because the wife is this and that. Some psychologists believe that women who have affairs with married men are looking for a father figure they never had and thus the pursuit of a married man. Either way it is wrong and unacceptable.

When a married man approaches you, analyse his objective. Obviously he doesn’t see you as a decent young lady he can build a life with - he has that at home already – but rather as a lady with whom he can have a few hours of cheap thrills when his wife is not around. He’s the man you currently share your bed with, yet when you see each other in public while he is in the company of his wife, he doesn’t acknowledge your presence but behaves as if he doesn’t even know you.

Men, on the other hand need to be very careful when they are having affairs. To the man it may be a fling and a one-time thing but many women do possess the traits of Glenn Close’ character in Fatal Attraction. One night can lead to a messy and volatile separation and divorce and can traumatize the children and scar the family forever. Is sampling something on the side really worth losing the entrée you know is yours for keeps?

To all single women – “Never make any man a priority, when you are only an option for that man.”

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Get Out of Debt There’s no time like the present to start on the path to get out of debt. Set aside some time to create an attack plan for lessening and eliminating your debt. Here are some tips to get you started.

• Know what you owe: A major downfall in managing debt is not knowing exactly how much you owe. You may have a vague idea, and know approximately when your bills are due, but without knowing specifics you are more likely to run into trouble. Make a list or chart all your current debt balances—all credit cards, loans, etc.—and note the date each payment is due every month. Keep it somewhere you will see it on a regular basis. Set up reminders for each bill due date on your phone or email to help ensure you make each payment on time.

• Consider consolidating: Like many Belizeans, you may be carrying more than one form of debt, which can make it hard to manage, especially with multiple payment due dates. Consider debt consolidation, which allows you to combine your smaller loans into one larger loan, usually with a longer term and lower interest rate,

THE BELIZE TIMES

resulting in one monthly payment.

Consolidation has advantages and disadvantages depending on your individual situation, so talk to a financial professional, like a Certified Accountant, or Financial Advisor to see if consolidating your debt is right for you.

• Reduce, reduce, reduce: A key strategy to managing and lessening your debt is to always reduce, never increase. It can be tempting to open another credit card when one is maxed out, but doing so will only make debt management more difficult. Instead, look for ways to adjust your spending habits to pay down the debt you already have.

Make a goal to always pay more than the minimum payment due.

• Don’t hide: If you feel like your debt is spinning out of control and you don’t know what to do, talk to a financial professional who can help get you back on track. You may also want to contact your creditors.

Creditors will often work with you to come up with an alternate payment plan if you take the time to explain your situation.

We are glad to share these tips as we all weather the scorching financial times that we are facing.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Sunday, October 2, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

Farewell to the Father of the Nation On Monday the twenty sixth of September two thousand and eleven the body of one of the greatest Belizean heroes, a father to the nation, was laid to rest! It was clear that even in his death he was able to encourage a sense of unity all over the nation. We saw political parties come together, people of various religious persuasions coming together, and even media stations working together. I also could not help but feel a strong sense of patriotism as I paid keen attention to the efforts and excellence shown to mark this once in a life time event.

For sure I have learnt many things that I didn’t know before.

I heard the current Prime Minister make a statement that there will never be another Prime Minister who could fill the shoes of Mr. George Cadle Price. I heard also that he is the only democratically elected Prime Minister in the world to serve in that office for the length of time that he had served.

I found all the efforts to be very gratifying and meaningful, and an excellent example of what the people of Belize are made of. We are a capable people, a blessed nation! I would like to address something that kept coming up but before I do, let me clarify an observation. I heard one lady compare Mr. Price to a page out of scripture. I would also like to make this observation: It is not enough nor is it worth while to disconnect Mr. Price’s legacy from our personal lives. To make all this well deserved effort at his death and for his funeral, but to continue blindly ignoring that which he stood for and which he preached, would be as misleading as people of the world celebrating Christ’s birth and death but living outside of His purpose for dying. Mr. Price, according to the witnesses and friends that came out to speak, was a humble, un-selfish, caring, honest, hardworking role-model! Let’s not stop at celebrating his life, but let it be the beginning of walking in his footsteps in the effort to move this blessed ‘jewel’ forward.

Now to address a topic that kept coming up as we perused Mr. Price’ life. He was completely devoted and committed to a higher power. He believed in God and lived his life in surrender to Him. We may wonder how is it that he could have lived a life that seems so difficult for the rest of us to attain, and I believe in here lies the answer to that question. I heard that he was the only prime minister who was faithful to attend mass! I noticed as he was being interviewed around his table that he kept referring back to his spiritual foundation and the need for mankind to live in honor and respect to God. For many, these are not things we are interested to hear, it is much easier to live life without having to answer to anyone or having someone crafting boundaries for us to live in! The sad reality is that without these ‘Godly’ boundaries, we begin to function as animals. Every one looks out for themselves, stealing is seen as honest mistakes, the value of life becomes zero and we would kill you for something that is yours, like dogs we have sex with everyone we meet making more fatherless children and deepening the vicious, high-speed, downward spiral! Yes you can live without God, for about the same amount of time a fish can live without water but this is in no way permission granted to live with an absence of Him in our lives!

What caused Mr. Price to live this legacy, what gave him the ability to stand out from the rest, what energized him and caused him to be humanitarian? The answer is clear and if that is not enough you will hear in each interview his connection to the higher power!

Let’s take up the part of this relay that Mr. Price has handed to us. Let’s run forward with the baton to finish this race, with deep care for country and people and an unshaken commitment to the Mighty One! Until next week, God Bless!

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, October 2, 2011

BELIZE TIMES WEEKLY

SCIENCE & TECH R

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Selected By Chris Williams

Obesity expert: Sugar is toxic and should be regulated 28 September 2011 by Tiffany O’Callaghan It might taste good, but sugar is addictive and fuelling the obesity epidemic, says Robert Lustig Your lecture on sugar has been viewed more than 1.6 million times on YouTube. Why do you think it’s had so much attention?

The obesity epidemic just gets worse and people are looking for answers. Diet and exercise don’t work and the idea that obesity is about personal responsibility has come into question. Many people have said sugar is bad, but they didn’t supply the biochemistry. I supplied that.

Do you think fructose - which along with glucose makes table sugar - drives obesity?

I don’t think fructose is the cause of obesity, but I do think it is the thing that takes you from obesity to metabolic syndrome, and that’s where

the healthcare dollars go - diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

So the idea that “a calorie is a calorie” is wrong?

As far as I’m concerned that’s how we got into this mess. If a calorie is a calorie, the solution is eat less and exercise more. Except it doesn’t work. And the reason is that fructose is toxic beyond its caloric equivalent, so if you consume it instead of glucose you get more of a negative effect even if the calories are the same.

It’s important that people recognise that the quality of our diet also dictates the quantity. In addition, “eat less” is a really crappy message that doesn’t work. “Eat less sugar” is a message that people can get their heads around.

Why do we consume so much sugar?

One reason is that it’s addictive.

The food industry knows that when they add fructose we buy more. That’s why it’s in everything. There are five tastes on your tongue: sweet, salty, sour, bitter and umami. Sugar covers up the other four, so you can’t taste the negative aspects of foods.

You can make dog poop taste good with enough sugar. In essence, that is what the food industry has done.

You say that sugar is a chronic toxin. Why? We have three levels of toxins: things like cyanide where one part per million will kill you; arsenic and lead where 30 to 50 parts per million kills you; and toxins where high doses of thousands of parts per million can kill you. A lot of the last category are nutrients, for instance vitamin A, vitamin D and iron. Well, fructose falls in that category.

You think fructose should be regulated. Why treat it differently

Kindle Fire: Amazon ignites the tablet market Online retailer unveils its new Kindle Fire tablet computer, expected to be the biggest challenge yet to Apple’s iPad

Josh Halliday, Wednesday 28 September 2011 Amazon has unveiled its long-awaited tablet computer – the Kindle Fire – in what is expected to be the biggest challenge yet to the dominance of Apple’s iPad. The online retail giant showcased its 7in colour screen tablet computer in New York on Wednesday, with a retail price less than half that of Apple’s best-selling device.

However, the iPad has a larger screen at 9.7in.

The Kindle Fire, which is based on Google’s Android software, will retail for $199 (£127), compared to the cheapest iPad at $499. Unlike the iPad 2 and many other tablet devices, the Kindle Fire does not have a camera or mobile internet access.

Amazon also announced a new Kindle model with a touchscreen, very close to the design of the latest Barnes & Noble Nook e-reader.

The Kindle Touch has a black-and-white screen, consistent with current Kindle models, and will cost $99. The non-touchscreen Kindle will cost $79, and a touchscreen Kindle with 3G internet access will cost $149.

Jeff Bezos, founder and chief executive of Amazon, will aim to replicate the success enjoyed by its Kindle e-reader, which is the online retailer’s best-selling product.

Expectations are high for Amazon’s device. Forrester research estimates that the Kindle Fire will sell between 3m and 5m units in its first year, compared to 9.3m iPads sold between April and June.

The Kindle Fire comes with a 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime, the company’s premium membership service that will allow users to stream videos and free delivery of goods bought via Amazon.

The Kindle Fire will ship in the US from 15 November and the Touch from 21 November. The Fire and Touch will be available only in the US.

to vitamin D or iron, say?

The difference is that for vitamin D and iron there is no abuse potential. With fructose there is. We don’t regulate toxic substances that aren’t abused. We don’t regulate abuse substances that are not toxic, like caffeine. Where we get excited is where we have toxic substances that are also abused like cocaine, ethanol, heroin and nicotine. Well, fructose is a toxic substance that is also abused.

By that analogy, we ought to regulate it.

Do you think sugar regulation will happen?

Obviously, no one is ready to do that. The question is how much more metabolic syndrome and diabetes do we need to see before we consider changing that policy? That’s a decision for policymakers, but they can’t make the decision without the science. I’m supplying the science.

Amazon is the second largest retailer of digital music in the US, behind Apple, and the Kindle Fire is aimed at streamlining the sale of music, and also magazines and movies.

Amazon dominates the e-reader market with around a 50% share and sold about 3m Kindles in the fourth quarter of 2010, according to figures from research company IDC, but has never released any formal sales figures for the device with the black-and-white screen.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

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THE BELIZE TIMES

REVOLUTION OF ‘81 = 30 TIMES In These Times Across 2. In the 1980s the name of the Belize Times was changed to the __________ Times reflecting a day in the weekend on which God rested.

7. Under whose leadership was the Belize Times started?

Down 1. This native of Florida, USA, came to Belize in 1953 after his yacht crashed into the barrier reef. He was a writer for the Belize Times and turned his columns into books documenting “The Great Story of Belize”. Guess his name if you can.

3. On which day of the week does the Belize Times hit the news-stand?

4. How many times a week is the Belize Times published/printed?

5. The Belize Times Motto “The Truth Shall Make You Free” is a shortened form of the Bible verse “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free”.

In which Gospel can this verse be found?

6. The Belize Times was established in 1956 after a split from this newspaper.

Answers: 2. Sunday 7. George Price 1. Emory King 3. Thursday 4. Once 5. John 6. Belize Billboard

Find The Column!

Every week you can read these columns in the Belize Times: Amazing Grace; Dilemmas of Development; Mariposa’s Kids’ Corner; One Woman’s Perspective; Pon Di Gully Side; Reid Between the Lines; Sober Reflections; Straight Up; Strictly Personal; Think ‘Bout It; The Next Revolution and The Patriot.

Can you find and circle their bits and pieces in the word search puzzle below?

Find The Column!

Every week you can read these columns in the Belize Times: Amazing Grace; Dilemmas of Development; Mariposa’s Kids’ Corner; One Woman’s Perspective; Pon Di Gully Side; Reid Between the Lines; Sober Reflections; Straight Up; Strictly Personal; Think ‘Bout It; The Next Revolution and The Patriot.

Can you find and circle their bits and pieces in the word search puzzle below?

Z C R E L Z A Z A J G Y H W O D K T F M

A A E U E N M K S F Q O E F I G S H Y T

E J M J Q E B T G S C D R L K N K D I U

G B G X L C R E N N I L E N A N T U A Y

S B M N R A C D U E B M B S E T I U L R

Z H S D I K N O R U M I O Q H J S H W S

G L M G C Z I O R A L P S Q B Y N U T F

J K H E H P A E S N I E O F V J O R X N

L T M S N K I M N R E V O L U T I O N E

N E X T O I R T A P E R S P E C T I V E

R L R E S L X M Q X D P L R T V C C L W

P C C V B Q Y J Q A K Q H L R P E O X T

AMAZING BETWEEN CORNER

F P I G F F F H E W V C Y Y I U L D P E

O Q A X K D I K W G M E L M D N F W C B

Q A B N C W G E A H M R L K S C E A Q U

Z V Y L B X B I H X G J U B E F R S W B

N C A C D A W O F G Z H G D V G A Q E E

P E Q S Z E O D E G H Q J E S M F L L K

V L K J O S B L E B M M M A L C A F I I

U M Q H G R I J W L M O M G G L T A H F

AMAZING BETWEEN CORNER DEVELOPMENT DILEMMAS GRACE GULLY KIDS LINES MARIPOSA NEXT ONE PATRIOT PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE REFLECTIONS REID REVOLUTION SOBER STRAIGHT STRICTLY THINK

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THE BELIZE TIMES

The Goldsonian Principle Continued from page 26 Constitution; and a law passed by the .National Assembly to alter any of the provisions of this Constitution which is passed in conformity with this section shall not be open to challenge in any court of law on any ground whatsoever”.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? Let us first look at the word inclusive. It means, “all is one”. Now lets us look at the word exhaustive which comes from the word exhaust which means, “to consume entirely, burnt out”. Add “ive” to “exhaust” and we have “exhaustive” which means, “testing all possibilities or considering all elements”. So what is Dean Oliver Barrow saying to us all? I will take out the big words and put little ones so that we can all understand.

THE REAL MEANING of Section 69 (9):“(9) For the removal of doubts, (so that you know exactly what I am saying), it is hereby declared, (by we your Area Rep.) that the provisions (all in section 69 before this proposed change) of this section (69 before the proposed change) are all ¬inclusive (are now considered as one thing) and exhaustive (are all burnt out, consumed totally, like when fire burns it up, no good any more) and there is no other limitation, (and since they are all one which we have just burnt up, there is no other limits on our power no matter how you look at it) whether substantive or procedural, on the power of the National Assembly to

alter this Constitution; and a law passed by the National Assembly to alter any of the provisions of this Constitution which is passed in conformity with this section (which is passed by this new change which we are now making) shall not be open to challenge in any court of law on any ground whatsoever (no court “Judge” can hear a case filed against what we have done under any section of this constitution)”. Section 20 just got killed with out touching it.

Then in the new Section 145 proposed in the 9th Amendment they seek to push sections seventeen (17) and twenty (20) aside so that they can do what ever they so choose. How do they do this? They do it by using the English language to its max. One word, “NOTWITHSTANDING”. That one word pushes sections seventeen (17) and twenty (20) aside with out changing it in any way.

The Oxford Dictionary tells us that the meaning of “NOTWITHSTANDING” is, “although”, “in spite of the fact that”.

Now let us read the proposed new Section 145. Next to “NOTWITHSTANDING” I will insert the words “in spite of the fact that” and hope that you will see what your Area Representative is doing to you and the taking of your rights and property. Remember that Section 20 gives you rights and Section 17 protects your property. Let us Read: HOW THEY TAKE OFF THE BAIT 145. (1) For the removal of doubts,

it is hereby declared that the acquisition of certain property by the Government under the terms of the(a) Electricity Act, as amended, and the Electricity (Assump¬tion of Control Over Belize Electricity Limited) Order, 2011 (hereinafter referred to as “the Electricity Acquisition Order”); and (b) Belize Telecommunications Act, as amended, and the Belize Telecommunications (Assumption of Control Over Belize Telemedia Limited) Order, 2011, (hereinafter referred to as “the Telemedia Acquisition Order”), was duly carried out for a public purpose in accordance with the laws authorising the acquisition of such property, and no court shall enquire into the constitutionality, legality or validity of the said acquisitions (notwithstanding, anything to the contrary contained in section 17, section 20 or any other provision of this Constitution or any other law or rule of practice.)

Change the word notwithstanding to it real meaning Belize Telecommunications Act, as amended, and the Belize Telecommunications (Assumption of Control Over Belize Telemedia Limited) Order, 2011, (hereinafter referred to as “the Telemedia Acquisition Order”), was duly carried out for a public purpose in accordance with the laws authorising the acquisition of such property, and no court shall enquire into the constitutionality, legality or validity of the said acquisitions (in spite of the fact of anything to the contrary contained in section 17, section 20 or any other provision of this Constitution or any other law or rule of practice.)

(No matter what sections seventeen (17) and twenty (20) says it do not apply when they are changing, altering, amending the Constitution.) This is where all your rights has just been taken from you that are contained in sections seventeen (17)

Sunday, October 2, 2011 and twenty (20).

Now for all of you who were so easily fooled to sell out your country for one day’s meal, who boldly shouted that they support the 9th Amendment, and the Council of Churches who told the nation that they support the 9th Amendment, let us look at the possibilities.

Have you seen any printed promise of what would be changed? Did it go to and was passed by the House of Representative? Would it not be a new bill if there was a change to this bill? Being a man of god did not Jesus say to render to Caesar what is Caesar’s and on to GOD that what is God’s? Did the bible in the book of Hosea not tell you, “wow to the man who scattered my flock”.You need to revisit Hosea and address the entire 4th chapter then revisit your action of miss leading the nation. Was it for your own gain?

THE POSSIBILITIES Let us suppose that ten years from now, a nation such as Taiwan, China, even Guatemala was to finance thirty one born Belizeans, whose parents are of that country, and who were raised at home to love the parents’ native country and not Belize, were to win a super majority in a general election. This 9th Amendment would open the doors for that super majority to amend section 1 of the Belize Constitution to read: “Belize shall be a sovereign state of Taiwan, China, even Guatemala in Central America by the Caribbean Sea”. Yes! I know that this lot will tell you that this is scare tactic. You know what! You better get bloody scared because I am. Vote! Support! Back this 9th Amendment and look at the possibilities.

One of the Area Rep wants your land.

With Section 17 compromised he doesn’t have to prove that his taking it is for Public Use. He can just take it legally. I beg all of you adopt the Goldsonian Principle.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

THINK ABOUT IT GEORGE PRICE With apologies to Shakespeare.

“George Price did bestride our narrow world, like a Colossus, and we lesser men walk in his huge shadow, and peep about, to find ourselves dishonourable graves.

Men at some time are masters of their fates; The fault, dear PUP, is not in our stars but in ourselves, that we are not united.” (from Julius Caesar) “Would he were fatter! But I fear him not. Yet, if my name were liable to fear, I do not know the man I should avoid so soon as George Price. He reads much; he is a great observer, and he looks quite through the deeds of men. He loves plays, he listens to music. Often he smiles. He is known for his wit and his photographic memory that recalls even unto the third and fourth generations of supporters and detractors. Such men as he be never at heart’s ease, whilst they behold that their goal has not been achieved. For independence will be achieved – if not through negotiations and diplomacy then Price will snatch it even from the jaws of the British and the threatening Guatemalans. (somewhat from Julius Caesar).

“Tis a common proof, that low-

liness is young ambitions ladder.

Whereto to climber – upward turns his face, and when he once attains the upmost round, he then unto the ladder turns – urging and encouraging his followers to reach for the plateau of plenty.” (somewhat from Julius Caesar).

“When beggars lie there are no comets seen. But when George Price passed, the heaven themselves shook, as did the earth beneath our feet, reminding us that a great spirit was ascending.” (Julius Caesar) “There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” (from Hamlet) This wise advice did George Price give to us:“Give thy thoughts no tongue, Nor any unproportioned thought his act.

Be thou familiar but by no means vulgar; The friends though hast and their adoption tried Grapple them to thy soul with hoops of steel.

Give every man thine ear, but few thy voice Take each man’s censure, but reserve thy judgment.

Costly thy habit as thy purse can buy.

But not expressed in fancy, rich, not gaudy; For the apparel oft proclaims the man.

Neither a borrower nor a lender be; For loan oft loses both itself and friend, And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry, This above all; so thine own self be true And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man.” - (somewhat from Hamlet) “To be, or not to be a Belizean?

That is the question Whether ‘tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune Or to take arms against a sea of troubles, And by opposing end them.” – (somewhat from Hamlet) “Friends, Belizeans, countrymen, lend me your ears. I come to bury George Price and to praise him. The evil that politics brings out in politicians is set aside and ignored as we pay tribute to this great visionary, legend and icon.

The present Prime Minister has said in his speech “The PUP shall never have another such leader; The nation itself shall never have another George Price” and so truth

33 come out the mouth of those who practice policies of hatred and victimization.

The goodness of George Price is interned with his bones. But his deeds and accomplishments, too legion to list, will forever live on in the hearts of Belizeans. When the poor needed shelter – ten thousand homes he built; when the poor needed help – land reform and social security. Every problem was but a challenge.” - Caeser “There is a tide in the affairs of men, which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune; omitted all the voyage of their life is bound in shallow and in miseries. On such a full sea did said the fearless George Price, who took the current when it serves and brought the ship of state to independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. – (from Caesar) “Men of few words are the best men” (Henry 5 Act 3) And George Price is among them preaching always his “economy of words”.

“Set honor in one eye and death in the other, and I will look on both indifferently.” (from Caesar)

Visit Us Online at: www.belizetimes.bz

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THE BELIZE TIMES

EULOGY - Alan Forman Continued from page 11 Alan’s life came to the limelight when he was 13 years of age: after his father’s death.

Being the eldest male child, he had to step forward and help in the raising of the large family. He quit school and started working in the coconut plantation of the day and went on fishing etc. Mr. Forman was like a rock in the development of the San Pedro community. As a young person he was a fisherman and diver. Alan always had good foresights, he used to say that he was not happy with the way the lobster industry was developing because 1: it was in the control of foreigners and 2: the practice of paying the fishermen in Belize City. By the time they came home to San Pedro, not much was left of their pay for the family. He and other leaders of San Pedro then formed the popular Caribeña Cooperatives.

As a young man full of energy, he was the most popular master of ceremonies of his time. He was also very good at basketball and popular with the bongos at beach parties with his friends. He was very active in the political growth of San Pedro especially within his political party, the People’s United Party. He rubbed shoulders with politicians like the late Sandy Hunter, the late Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price, the past

Prime Minister Said Musa, Glen Godfrey, Louis Sylvestre, Hon. John Briceño, and much more. He took pleasure working with them and also entertaining them.

Alan again had another vision and used to say “diving for a long time would hurt one’s health” and “lobster won’t be here in abundance forever”. So again he sought new horizons. He took part in the development of hotel and restaurants, he introduced life onboard boats; we all remember “The Offshore”. We also do have fun memories of his Coral Beach Hotel, his dive shop and the popular Tackle Box. He worked in the community to build the new San Pedro High School, which is flourishing today. The rest is history. I cannot recount all the many achievements he did for his beloved San Pedro.

But most importantly, I must mention, that he was best in raising his family and helping the less fortunate people to the extent that he was very well loved and admired by Belizeans countrywide. He was so well known that when on the mainland visiting, he was greeted by practically everyone. So many tourists who stayed with him in the early days are now friends; friends who loved him and will miss him dearly.

I mentioned earlier that his accomplishments were too numerous to recount. Do you remember township roll back, struggling for self government and independence? Yes, Alan was there all the way.

In closing, allow me to mention what, in my opinion, is Alan’s best legacies. He surely leaves San Pedro better that he met it. His popular advice was, “friend, in this world you never know who you work for; just work.” Alan may you rest in peace. Adios Amigo!

The BSI Crisis…what would George Price do?

Continued from page 2 the fallacy that because AB is a bank they have will have an unending source of money? Does the management of BSI expect the intelligent people of Belize to swallow the fallacy that because AB is a bank they will manage well and never go bankrupt? Why is it that while AB has admitted to syndicated financing, they have mentioned only one financial group – the Caribbean Development Bank- from where they will get US$20 million which, ironically, will be supported by a Government of Belize sovereign guarantee? Where will the rest of their money come from? Why is it that the managing director of BSI has been stating that only AB has submitted a concrete proposal, when on the 14th of September Mr. Earl Lopez of the BSI Employees Trust stated in an interview

that the AB people admitted to them that they are still doing their due diligence? So is there a concrete proposal or is the due diligence still underway? Who is lying - BSI management or the Honduran AB group?

My fellow Belizeans, we must indeed reflect on the path we will take as a nation. While 40 years ago George Price succeeded in making Tate and Lyle divest itself of its lands so that the lands go back into the hands of the Belizean cane farmers, today we face the danger that if the AB proposal succeeds, then we will revert to over 40 years ago where one Central American Latifundista group will control most of the lands, most of the production, all of the operations and all of the marketing and sales; with us Belizeans going backwards from being part owners of the industry to enslaved employees of our foreign masters.

Belizeans Reflect!!! Belizeans Unite!!!

Sincerely, Ramon “Monchi” Cervantes A Cane Farmer Orange Walk Town

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Humor in UDP Politics!

In this week Cabinet meeting the following matters were discussed: • If Ministers will get pay and a half for attending Monday’s funeral.

• If they can get a free plane ticket to go and shop in Miami this weekend for pretending to care about unity.

• And if they can bring along both their wife and sweetheart but not necessarily on the same plane. …………….

In other related matters, Boots has received 120 payment requests for BEL bills, Patrick Faber has pending 813 requests for school fees, Salva is yet to answer 23 requests for liquor, and Melvin Hulse is ignoring one request for geese and duck with feather. …………….

The Minister of Immigration has asked to explain what he knew about the movie shenanigans.

Well, he responded, it is the making of a movie that was a movie about a movie that was the making of a movie that wasn’t a movie. …………….

In other related news the Prime Minister have decided to give his platinum watch up for charity the reason being the wanted a good reason to buy a new one. …………….

Sedi Elrington is now so in love with funerals that he leaves work after two in the afternoon just to go play in one. It doesn’t matter whose it is. …………….

The attorney for DJ Dalla, Darrellitas, has written to Mayor Moya demanding payments which caused the Mayor to blast out “Not another dalla!” …………….

Thangs are so bad under Barrow that even affluent persons are now picking up the crumbs off the table. Things are so bad more and more Belizeans are picking up bottles for small change. So bad one pack of noodles or Ramen lasts two days.

Vision without Education and Spiritual Wisdom is like a ship in deep troubled waters without a compass Continued from page 20 people, going in little and big homes, drinking tea and eating Creole bread with them.

He did not need police protection because he was not afraid. He never gave people a fish but he taught them to fish. His people did not have to eat the crumbs off the master’s table; his table was anointed by God. He lived and died in the same home he was born in, for money in abundance, and material things, and power was not in his divine plan.

God moved him from Priesthood ideas and gave him a job to do. Now he is home with his Father in heaven.

While God is saying well done my son in whom I am well pleased. While he did not have a family or get married, he gave his life, all his love and utmost attention to his Belizean people and his Country.

The Father of our Nation was a

friend from when I was a child. He knew my mother, Mrs. Ida Meighan in the year 1935. Mother was living close to his home. She used to bake bread and bun and every weekend she would send Mr. Price his bread and bun with my little brother, Miguel.

We had a big farm in Thurton Ridge, Duck Pond and during mango season, my brother brought Mr. Price his special mangoes every weekend.

As I grew up to be an adult, I went to live in the United States and always visited him on some vacations. When I got sick I had to come home and I went to Belmopan to see Premier Price, I told him I needed to buy a home in Belmopan. He was so happy for me, he sent me Mr. Boisey Smith and Mr, Fuller, who were my friends, to look for a new home in Orchid Garden next to Miss.

Gordon’s home. It was truly a beautiful home, but with my financial budget I could only afford $550 a month. When

I told him I was unable to buy the home he gave me a big hug and smile as usual, and said to me ‘I am so sorry Gracie, you would had been a shining light in Belmopan’.

But I am now saying to the nation, my country, and all my people, color, creed and race: we have lost a Father of our Nation. He truly believed all his people were more important than money and material things.

Where there is all education and no spiritual vision the people will perish, until we all learn how to live together in unity.

Vision by Aunt Grace Coleman PS: No one has the ability to heal our nation but God himself.

Revise Our National Anthem!

Continued from page 2 a British colonial territory. Clearly the poet was using the term “democracy” loosely.

The poet clearly wishes to argue that it was the “Baymen’s Clan” that brought freedom from slavery for the “hewers of wood.” However, he goes on to pray that by the “might of truth and the grace of God” we would no longer be “hewers of wood.”

In closing lines, after lauding the beauty of the Belizean land, the poet asserts his fellow countrymen to “Keep watch with the angels, the stars and moon. For freedom comes tomorrow’s noon.”

Clearly, then, the poem is about a people longing to be free and the lines quoted above suggest that freedom would soon be experienced.

A country’s national anthem should be positive and fervent in the realization that there is strength and glory in the spirit of the nation. Our National Anthem is none of this. It looks back too strongly to our colonial past. I know that it was chosen to bring all those who fought for our liberation together. Now our revolution is completed and we need glory in our national independence.

J. Alexander Bennett

Sunday, October 2, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

35

We told you so!!

Sri Lankan film crew was fake!

Who brought them to Belize?

Belize City, September 27, 2011 Eleven Sri Lankan nationals, who were allowed entry into Belize with the blessings of high-level Government officials including the film commissioner and Director of the Immigration Department, are now under a criminal investigation. This latest controversy is another major embarrassment to the Government, in particular the Minister of Immigration Carlos Perdomo, which has come under sustained fire following a series of allegations of visa and immigration scandals.

The Sri Lankans, who arrived as a team of “film makers”, were arrested on September 16th, more than three weeks after they initially arrived in the country. They were charged with “supplying false information” as Immigration officials claim that they were hoodwinked with wrong information prior to the visa issuance.

On July 19th, 2011 the Director of Immigration Ruth Meighan approved visa entries for 19 Sri Lankans and 2 Indian nationals. The group came, according from the Director, under the invitation of Film Commissioner Nigel Miguel to “scout for locations and film a movie project in Belize”.

Though the news that a Bollywood team would soon feature a made-inBelize movie created some excitement, reliable information provided to the BELIZE TIMES suggested that it was all just a fiasco, a false scheme too similar to the wanton scandals involving the reckless issuing of Belize visas to questionable individuals. The BELIZE TIMES published a report titled “Another Visa Scandal” highlighting serious concerns about the team of alleged filmmakers. The report attracted heavy criticism from the Department of Immigration, who claimed in a press statement that they issued visa entries based on what they believed was authentic information given to them. The Department’s information was provided by the Film Commissioner Nigel Miguel who said, according to the statement, that he was working in partnership with a movie production company called “Brilliant Creation”. Miguel even offered a name for the movie, supposedly titled “NANBA”. Immigration officials said that “in keeping with established procedures” they approved the application for visas.

And so it was that a group of Sri Lankans arrived in Belize in late August. The BELIZE TIMES understands that their arrival triggered immediate alarm because when airport officials contacted the Director of National Institute of Culture and History, Dianne Haylock, she knew nothing of the “film crew”. It took a surprise call from “a very high official” in the Ministry of Immigration, who instructed that the delegation be allowed entry.

With the media having raised red flags on the foreigners’ arrival, what happened next was unprecedented.

The Sri Lankan team flanked by a confident film commissioner Miguel gave an exclusive television interview on August 26th to Channel 7’s usually-

alert News Director Jules Vasquez.

Vasquez, who is normally painfully interrogative, was remarkably lazy as he asked easy questions and swallowed the answers like good bait.

Even though the interview contained inconsistencies, the questions and answers flowed like a script. When Vasquez asked for the so-called “Project Coordinator”, Sudharsaan Sampath, to respond to the allegations he said, “We have just come to Belize.

We have not yet started our work”.Yet, when the Film Commissioner was interviewed, he claimed that significant work had started including “2 days of locations shoots, and recording a video”. Miguel also vouched that the group was a real film crew.

Sampth also claimed that they were seeking exotic locations for the film and said that the blue hole was selected. He indicated that they would rent a helicopter to assist in the films. Yet when asked about a budget, he indicated it was only $40,000 to $50,000. Any movie buff will know a basic film budget runs in the six figures.

It is incredible that the normallyinformed Vasquez had apparently not done his homework. A follow-up of previous Channel 5 news reports could have helped with forming more incisive questions for his exclusive talk with the Sri Lankans. Channel 5 had obtained a listing of the Sri Lankans names and their alleged roles in the crew. They included a stunt master and assistant, a costume designer, two make-up artists, and two escorts/ cooks. This unearths another question: if their mission was simply to “scout locations”, then why the need

for cooks and make-up artists?

And so it was that Vasquez left the interview seemingly convinced he had just spoken to Bollywood’s version of Steven Spielberg. He had certainly allowed himself to be duped, and had done his viewers a great injustice.

He would realise it three weeks later when his news station obtained an official correspondence from Sri Lanka’s Special Media Unit which disclaimed having any knowledge or accreditation of the “film crew” in Belize.

All of a sudden the Film Commissioner also wasn’t so sure about his “film crew” either. He told Vasquez that after weeks of failing to provide money for the movie, he decided to send the group back home. But before Miguel could avoid being exposed, the Immigration Department swept in. On September 16th, immigration officials picked up the entire crew at Conningsby Inn, a hotel on Regent Street, and marched them to Court on charges of “supplying false information”.

In Court the 11 Sri Lankans plead-

ed guilty and were charged $350 each forthwith or in default three months imprisonment. They were unable to pay, so they were sentenced to prison.

The BELIZE TIMES understands that the group has more worries.

They reportedly have a huge unpaid bill at the hotel after three weeks stay.

Additionally, they have not indicated how they will cough up over $44,000 needed to pay for flights back to Sri Lanka.

While the Sri Lankans have their obstacles, the Government has major issues to contend with. The lax manner in which 21 foreigners were able to obtain visa entries is a serious concern. How did the Film Commissioner Nigel Miguel become acquainted with the con artists, and did he do the necessary background checks before inviting them to Belize are questions that need to be answered. If Miguel, who is in the middle of this scandal cannot offer good reasons for his judgment, then we ask, why does he still have a job?

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, October 2, 2011