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The Belize Times THE BELIZE TIMES
1 NOV
2020
Established 1957
1 NOVEMBER 2020 | ISSUE NO: 5222
The Truth Shall Make You Free
www.belizetimes.biz | $1.00
UDP HOLDING BACK TABLETS FOR VOTES
Instead of showing the accomplishments of the past 13 years, the UDPs are resorting to lies, cyberbullying, vote-buying, land application distribution, pantry donations, covid unemployment cheques to select UDP voters, farmer ‘help’ to registered persons, and any other distribution of OUR money to make it seem like they care for the people now. The lowly UDP devoid of PetroCaribe money is using covid to give us our taxpayer dollars in pantry, relief, land waivers and the most insulting is the so much needed tablets. The UDP is exchanging valuable Education time by using the taxpayer bought tablets as vote-seeking handouts. October 5 was supposed to be the
TOURISM ROLLOUT Pg. 10
Pg. 2 No Debating the
COVID-19 BELIZE
Incompetence
HEREDIA BEGS SAN PEDRANOS Pg. 2
and Corruption in the UDP
Pg. 2
VOTE
THURSDAY OCT 22 to WEDNESDAY OCT 28 TOTAL NEW COVID INFECTIONS
324
TOTAL DEATHS
7
TOTAL DEATHS SINCE 23rd of March
53
TOTAL POSITIVE CASES SINCE 23rd of March
3,261
02 2 UDP HOLDING BACK TABLETS FOR VOTES
1 NOV
THE BELIZE TIMES
Continued from page 1 opening day for ALL school children. Since early September Faber claimed to have procured Tablets for 15,500 students. After 13 years of deciding that the students needed tablets, he called that “Speed.” It is all over now that he secretly engineered an Imer-style procurement of cheap tablets for double the price. Where is the extra going? Most likely, it is being used to attempt to elect Faber. Similarly, the farmers were promised that if they register they could probably get a couple hundred dollars for the hundreds of thousands lost in the 2009 drought and 2020 floods. The farmers were pushed around endlessly for the pittance. Now, they are told that if they registered that they can qualify for a little money. The UDP has contaminated the pantry, contaminated the Covid relief, contaminated the issuing of issuing of tablets, contaminated the farmers’ relief and pretty much everything else that one can think about. For context on the tablets: The government paid BTL to provide laptops for some students in a failed program called DigiLearn. This program like this reincarnation in Covid times was NOT free even at the pilot level. Students were burdened with the cost of Internet at home, headphones, flashdrives due to the small storage space allowed, computer bags, and, the biggest of all, by user/insurance fees placed by schools who felt that there was a financial need to protect themselves since the computers seemingly was still the property of DigiLearn vis-à-vis GoB. So come now one month after the virtual school opening—if Covid will allow us to call it that—in early October, after their UDP government has unapologetically mismanaged Covid(many would say, welcomed Covid unto our very own tarmac), Faber will say he has used “SPEED” to finally, after 13 years, found how to loan(of course) some money to get some tablets for SOME students. It is our estimate that a hefty 20 thousand students will not be getting a tablet to use STILL. Some schools are making the use of devices in their distant learning as NOT mandatory—only the printed assignment ought to be done. In these cases the Zoom/Teams classes and other online interventions are optional and additional if it can be afforded. Of course, nothing concrete was offered as to internet at home for students. It seems that in the case for High Schools, the extra month wait for some students to have a device will still be for nought for many students. Parents with empty pockets will be asked to pay for the use of these tablets(not laptops) as it was definitely not touted by Faber as free. They are not be free in Faber’s plan.
No Debating the Incompetence and Corruption in the UDP The UDP Corrupts even the Chambers Proposed PM Debate In 2008, the UDP proposed to the Belizean people for them to imagine the possibilities. Thirteen years later we are very sure of what they meant. There is no debating the Incompetence and Corruption within the UDP. Word of advice to the UDP 31… you should first begin with disassociating yourselves with everything that is Old, and Barrowed Then you can allow the new and BLU to move ahead with rebuilding the Belize that now has a UDP shattered economy and UDP disheartened populace who cannot wait for Election Day. Belizeans do not even want to debate; they want to vote. Anything short of a full UDP confessions of guilt and UDP mass resignations by anyone who was/is associated with Barrow leaves no room for debate. The UDP is the worse and most corrupt and incompetent gaggle of beings pretending to be a government in the world of decency and democracy. The UDP has corrupted democracy in Belize. There is no debate: people are fed up and with reason with Faber, Saldivar,
Montero, Electrician Marin, Heredia, Patt, Campos, Contreras, Barrow, Finnegan, Mena, Figueroa, Panton, Martinez, Elrington, Castillo, and the whole corrupt UDP way. Damn UDP....you even found a way to corrupt the debate proceedings…REALLY!! Blink and offer an apology to the nation for this and thirteen years of corruption. Then to show that you mean it...resign en masse. The people might then give you a chance in 2035. There is no debating that. Word to the wise...planBelize policies are piling up in front for the UDP. These plans are way out of UDP’s league. The policies are too much for them to read and much less able to understand. The planBelize stack will be remembered on Election night when the blue ballots are stacked up beside the red ballots. Plan Belize is so much more powerful than UDP’s imagination. The UDP barefacedly is going into 2020 General Election with no leader and no plan. There is NO debating that.
2020
HEREDIA BEGS SAN PEDRANOS
“!Que viva el Partido del Pueblo!” shouts Jose Manuel Heredia as he begs people to kick him out of office. Resignation is not in the DNA of the corrupt UDPs. The people will have to do them the favour and bangle out these stubborn goons. Jose who is singlehandely to blame for the Covid that is raging violently across Belize still hasn’t apologized for: Taking pictures with John Travolta in France and dragging Belize in the Puerto Azul mud. Recommending visas for ‘specials’ and personally handling the expediting of passports in the UDP’s immigration scandal that Aldo Salazar dragged past statutory limits. Promising a hospital for San Pedro time and again then later only scraping a football field into a ‘Sacachispas’ gargantuan mudhole. Neglecting the island’s utilities infrastructure and allowing blackouts and water shortages at the height of the Tourist season and the most traditional holidays Distributing the same watery land lots repeatedly to multiple owners Countles disregard for Covid quarantine protocols and thus law breaking In cahoots with Barrow and other UDPs, allowed a super cluster to be superspread via a private jet...this super cluster is the same one that has ballooned to 50 deaths and 3000 infections. The UDPs keep blaming the socalled border jumpers for going across to Chetumal. Said city now has far less active cases than Belize. Go figure.... Chetumal belongs to a municipality with a population comparable to Belize but far denser. In essence, Heredia has been a challenger to Pablo Marin for champion of incompetence and total lack of apologies for doing the dumbest of things which are then tantamount to corrupt acts. All the points above are
not comic. Belizean lives have been disregarded as Heredia stomped over everything. San Pedro and Caye Caulker could have flourished to International grandeur but Heredia has been an indecent obstacle like most UDP ministers. Think of a UDP minister and you would probably have a similar story. Just change a few details and you would have the story of another constituency and another corrupt UDP ex-Representative. Oh… Heredia is literally begging San Pedro for funds to run his campaign. It is all a ploy to make San Pedranos think he has no money stashed up in less obvious places than socks a la boots.
The Belize Times
Established 1957
14 APR 2013
|
ISSUE NO: 4840
The Truth Shall Make You Free
www.belizetimes.bz
|
$1.00
serving Belize since 1957 as the longest continuous newspaper. Founder: Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price, People’s United Party Leader Emeritus OFFICE MANAGER
Fay Castillo EDITOR
José Jiménez
LAYOUT/GRAPHIC ARTIST
Chris Williams
OFFICE ASSISTANT
Roberto Peyrefitte Printed and Published By TIMES NEWSPAPER LTD. Tel: 671-8385 #3 Queen Street P.O. BOX 506 Belize City, Belize
Email: belizetimesadvertisement@yahoo.com
editortimes@yahoo.com
1 NOV
THE BELIZE TIMES
2020
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EDITORIAL Clientelism and other UDP campaign strategies
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ast minute preparations continue in the deepest corners of Belize for the General Elections which are just two weeks away. Magically, funds which were readily available to see us through the pandemic and which mysteriously disappeared are now quite suddenly back. In the very last moments it seems that tablets, pantries, masks, weed eaters and even sewing machines have appeared seemingly out of thin air. After much protesting about flags and election propaganda, many have had a sudden change of heart and joyfully joined in. There is a bitter taste in the mouths of many voters over the bonanza of freebies given out by members of the UDP during campaign season. In fact, this current UDP set has mastered the particular distasteful talent of conditioning access to basic rights, services, and publicly funded social safety nets in exchange for votes and party support. It is very alarming that those same self-righteous UDP candidates have no compunction about using public funds and tax dollars collected from Belizeans who are now struggling under in this ravaged economy made worse by this pandemic. It is widely discussed by the World Bank that there is a disproportionate correlation between vote buying and the provision of public funded services. Khemani et al. 2016 has provided empirical evidence that suggests that “electoral incentives that center on clientelism rather than public goods provision,â€? promote social fragmentation and those communities receive less than their fair share of public investment. Belizeans have lived this rough reality for the last twelve years. Our communities bear the evidence of neglect and symptoms of the greater rot at the base. The infrastructure projects that have been the hallmark of this UDP administration are crumbling just like their leadership. We can see that pantries, the Covid relief funds, and even land are being blatantly offered in exchange for votes and party support. The UDP has had almost thirteen years to make a difference but the experts tell us what we already knew, they keep us face down in the dirt with their foot on the back of our necks. It is not by coincidence; it is done intentionally to keep us poor and in desperate need with our bellies empty and our hands out. The UDP is as rabid and voracious as ever. They would like to sell the idea to Belizeans that they are new and improved like Tide with bleach. The truth is they remain pretty much the same at the core. Different demon intent on giving us the very same nightmare. It is time for the populace to wake up and stay woke. The time for change is now. Progress will come only when these practices end and when our people are freed from the despots. Our resources must be invested in our country and people in its entirety, our next Prime Minister John BriceĂąo and the PUP will ensure that it is so.
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THE BELIZE TIMES
EDITORIAL
1 NOV
2020
en Español
El clientelismo y otras estrategias de campaña del UDP
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os preparativos de última hora continúan en los rincones más recónditos de Belice para las elecciones generales que se celebrarán dentro de dos semanas. Por arte de magia, los fondos que estaban disponibles para superar la pandemia y que desaparecieron misteriosamente, han vuelto de repente. En los últimos momentos parece que las pastillas, despensas, máscaras, desmalezadoras e incluso máquinas de coser han aparecido de la nada. Después de muchas protestas por las banderas y la propaganda electoral, muchos han tenido un repentino cambio de opinión y se han unido alegremente. Hay un sabor amargo en la boca de muchos votantes por la bonanza de los regalitos entregados por los miembros de la UDP durante la campaña electoral. De hecho, esta pandilla del presente UDP ha dominado el talento desagradable y particular de condicionar el acceso a los derechos básicos, servicios y las redes de seguridad social financiadas públicamente a cambio de votos y apoyo de su partido. Es muy alarmante que esos mismos candidatos santurrones del UDP, no tengan ningún reparo en utilizar los fondos públicos y los dólares de los impuestos recaudados de los beliceños que ahora están sufriendo bajo esta economía devastada y empeorada por la pandemia. El Banco Mundial ha debatido extensamente que existe una correlación desproporcionada entre la compra de votos y la prestación de servicios financiados con fondos públicos. Khemani y col. 2016 ha proporcionado evidencia empírica que sugiere que “los incentivos electorales que se centran en el clientelismo en lugar de la provisión de bienes públicos” promueven la fragmentación social y esas comunidades reciben menos de lo que les corresponde en la inversión pública. Los beliceños han vivido esta dura realidad durante los últimos doce años. Nuestras comunidades muestran la evidencia de negligencia y síntomas de la mayor podredumbre en la base. Los proyectos de infraestructura que han sido el sello distintivo de esta administración del UDP se están desmoronando al igual que su liderazgo. Podemos ver que las despensas, los fondos de ayuda de Covid e incluso la tierra se ofrecen descaradamente a cambio de votos y apoyo de ese partido. El UDP ha tenido casi trece años para marcar la diferencia, pero los expertos nos dicen lo que ya sabíamos, nos mantienen boca abajo en la tierra con el pie en la nuca. No es una coincidencia, se hace intencionalmente para mantenernos pobres y desesperadamente necesitados con el estómago vacío y las manos extendidas. El UDP sigue tan rabioso y voraz como siempre. Les gustaría venderles la idea a los beliceños de que son nuevos y mejorados como Tide con lejía. La verdad es que siguen siendo prácticamente iguales en el núcleo. Un demonio diferente que intenta darnos la misma pesadilla. Es hora de que la población se despierte y permanezca despierta. El tiempo de cambiar es ahora. El progreso llegará solo cuando estas prácticas terminen y cuando nuestra gente sea liberada de los déspotas. Nuestros recursos deben ser invertidos en nuestro país y la gente en su totalidad, nuestro próximo Primer Ministro John Briceño y el PUP se asegurarán de que así sea.
1 NOV
2020
THE BELIZE TIMES
BELLY of the
BEAST
Something is wrong It breaks our hearts to hear about the six year old boy who died from COVID at the KHMH. No family member was allowed to stay with him, so his last days of life were spent alone. It is too much to even contemplate. We don’t understand how it is that no provision was ever put in place for a parent or family member to stay with a sick child in the ICU if they so choose. Is it that the Ministry of Health can’t even spare a PPE for a parent to use? Is it that nobody even thought that this would happen? Is it that the Ministry of Health is being run by an electrician who we hear never passed his electrician’s exam because he still can’t figure out how to change a lightbulb? This is a sad, sad situation. The UDP will have a lot to answer for when all is said and done. Too little too late With two weeks to go till elections, the UDP is pulling out all the stops. A couple days ago they were in Santa Clara in the Corozal District handing out $500 to cane-farmers. As one cane-farmer told them, we’ll take your money but we will never forget how you all neglected us all this time. This is how the UDP does it. They promised drought assistance to farmers two years ago after millions were lost. That money never reached. They kept putting it off, excuse after excuse. But now, just days before elections, the Ministry of Agriculture miraculous manages to find $500 to hand out to cane-farmers. It’s the same thing that the UDP’s Deputy Hugo Patt has been doing. For years, the hotbed of corruption has served only a few of the well-connected UDPs who have managed to grab hold of thousands of acres of prime Belizean land. But now, just before elections, the UDP is playing Santa Claus and is handing out leases to Belizeans. Take their money, take the land. This is your money and your land. But on November 11th,
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reject them. Terrible Tony The UDP has been making a lot of noise about how they will keep people safe during this time of the pandemic, but it seems that just maybe, Tony Herrera in Corozal didn’t get the memo. A little bird in the Elections and Boundaries Department called us panicked because Herrera, who was confirmed COVID-19 positive, showed up for Nomination Day even though he was supposed to be on quarantine. Seems that Herrera claims that he had been tested and was now negative, and that he would provide proof of that at some later date. The thing is, there’s no evidence on the test lists that Herrera was tested and returned negative for COVID, and word is that he still hasn’t sent in this so-called proof to the Elections and Boundaries Department. How irresponsible is that? People are dying almost every single day from COVID-19 in Belize, and Herrera feels it is okay to be parading on the street for Nomination Day and putting other people at risk. Typical UDP. Their days are all numbered. Trenches…not tranches It’s the cutest thing. John Saldivar still acts like he is the big man in Belmopan, even when people treat him like the scum that he is. He won’t be able to pretend for much longer, though, because we hear from a source in the Ministry of National Security that contact has already been made with the attorneys in the Lev Dermen prosecution, and they are claiming that they have exactly what is needed in the investigation of Saldivar for corruption. These attorneys, we are told, are willing to share all the evidence that they have and the process has been started already. We are reliably informed that it look very bad for Saldivar, but we kinda knew that already. That same source in the Ministry of National Security says that the investigation into corruption by former UDP Minister Herman Longsworth is also well underway, and they expect that to be an open and shut matter. We figure people are already getting the sense that very soon there’ll be a new government in place in Belmopan, and so things are already starting to fell into place. That’s really bad news for some of these Ministers and their cronies who will no doubt end up spending some quality time at the Kolbe 5-star resort – ALL INCLUSIVE.
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1 NOV
THE BELIZE TIMES
QUESTIONS TO UDP LEADERS
1. Can the Belizean people please see the contract for the devices that UDP candidates are making ads about, and acting as if these are UDP contributions? 2. After the drought the UDPs promised the cane farmers millions and did not deliver, now two weeks before elections the UDP are promising $500 to cane farmers with less than 10 acres? The cane farmers are saying too little too late. 3. What is happening to the COVID response? We now have a Belizean dying a day, Dr. Manza and, waste-a-time, Malpractice George need to stop with the TV appearances and get to work. 4. Will Junior Heredia tell the good people of San Pedro when he will reimburse the good people of San Pedro for the surveys that never happened?
2020
BY ORDER OF CHARGEE NOTICE OF INTENTION TO SELL HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED a statutory body formed and registered under the Credit Union Act, Chapter 314 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, and whose registered office is situated at No. 1 Hyde’s Lane, Belize City, Belize District hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Chargee under and by virtue of a Charge registered at the Land Registry between JOSE GUADALUPE GARCIA of the one part and HRCU of the other part. HRCU will at the expiration of three months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the Schedule below. ALL offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing to Holy Redeemer Credit Union Limited from whom full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained.
SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land comprising 373.085 square metres being Parcel 3061, Block 16 in the Caribbean Shores/Belize Registration Section TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon, the freehold property of JOSE GUADALUPE GARCIA DATED this 20th day of October 2020 HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED 1 HYDE’S LANE, BELIZE CITY, BELIZE Phone: (501) 224-5644 Fax: (501) 223-0738 E-mail: foreclosures@hrcubelize.org
CARTOON
1 NOV
2020
THE BELIZE TIMES
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Party Leader John Briceño’s Address at the PlanBelize 9th Virtual Rollout October 29, 2020
Tourism Ready for the World
Transforming the Belizean economy will be a gigantic task and one that will not be done in the short term, however we must as a matter of priority start the work from day one. Just imagine in the tourism industry alone a quarter of all jobs are generated which means currently close to a quarter of our people have been out of work for the past seven months. We must turn this around and we can. We can by providing competent leadership in the tourism sector. We can by working with all the relevant stakeholders to quickly restore confidence in our brand. We can by eliminating the barriers that slow down new investments in the tourism sector and instead look for new incentives to help Belizeans who want to get involved in this sector We will do this by adhering to some key principles, as it relates to the coronavirus, we will synchronize health and hygiene protocols and standardize measures to reduce the risk of infection while helping to rebuild traveler confidence. We will review and amend existing regulations and legal frameworks to ensure that they are adapted to the changed requirements of the sector to facilitate recovery and growth. As Anthony laid out in the plan, we will build a first-class tourist destination while at the same time maintaining and preserving beautiful Belize with a product that is recognized worldwide as one of the world’s best. We will do this so that our people, Belizeans will be the key owners, partners and players in this industry. We have to make tourism a vital part of our Belizean economy for that is the social justice way. So tonight, we laid out for you a solid plan for how we will bring back tourism stronger and better. We will do so by adopting the following measures: ONE - Our COVID19 recovery pathway will reinforce and increase capacity for testing and screening to reduce exposure, for sanitation and ventilation, and for managing risk, emergency response and engaging in contingency planning and execution. TWO - Through tax incentives and public-private sector partnerships, we will invest in upgrading roads to existing destinations and build new ones to new destinations and to 5-star hotels country wide; we will invest in a sewer systems in Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye, a hospital in Ambergris Caye and we will connect Caye Caulker to the national grid, while opening up the Placencia International airport, improving emergency services in the south, and building the Dangriga tourism village and pier to spur development; and to share the tourism benefits with the south. THREE - We will use technology to target new markets in Asia, Latin America and build on our traditional markets of Europe and North America to bring more visitors to Belize. FOUR -- our national universities will focus on hospitality management to strengthen the capacity of current and new tourism workers and small businesses. FINALLY, we will provide the highest level of economic cross integration and environmental stewardship and responsible leadership in growing a resilient tourist product. We will ensure that the tourism product is developed without compromising ecological integrity, and with linkages to other productive sectors like agriculture, and with the culture, arts, entertainment and sporting industry. Hoy presentamos la política turística 2020-2025 diseñada por el Partido Unido del Pueblo. Escogimos el bello pueblo de San Pedro para hacer el lanzamiento de esta política porque reconocemos que es este pueblo, esta comunidad y este ambiente que hizo florecer una industria…un sector que es uno de los principales ejes de nuestra economía. Es el turismo que como actividad económica ha contribuido en el crecimiento de nuestra nación y ha permitido mantener una taza de empleo aceptable dándole muchos beneficios a nuestro pueblo. En el PUP estamos convencidos que ahora más que nunca debemos invertir en el turismo a nivel nacional y reasignar recursos para levantar este sector que tanto nos ha beneficiado. Haremos esto siempre conscientes de que este país ha hecho del turismo beliceño un producto de primera clase respetando siempre la sostenibilidad ambiental. Solo con este tipo de desarrollo podremos planificar a largo plazo el avance de nuestro país y nuestro pueblo que hoy pasa por tiempos muy difíciles. Estamos comprometidos que en todo esfuerzo se incluya el bienestar de nuestra gente porque para nosotros todo debe ser hecho para que Ganen Todos…Todos Ganamos All of us in the PUP are excited about the future of tourism. We believe that for sure nature has blessed us with wealth untold so we must share it with the world and in so doing we can share with others our rich diverse culture, for this too is a part of building a Belize that works for everyone and through this, Everybody fi Win! In two weeks, we go to the polls, remember now, keep practicing physical distancing, wear your face mask in public and wash your hands often. Be kind to each and from all of us in San Pedro, God bless and Good night.
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OUT FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF A YOUNG PERSON I have never volunteered for any politician to join in the campaign trail until this year. I did it because I have been living in Cayo West for the past 20 years and it amazes me that we had an area representative who has been in position even before I was born, and no one can show me any real development that has impacted the lives of the young people. I have worked hard and sacrificed to get my education with the help of my parents and other family members. Of course, I want to continue further my education. I look around and I wonder what has happened to Cayo West? Why isn’t there any vibrant source of employment? Why is it that there is no source of gainful employment that has been spearheaded by the area representative? I see no source of employment that has been promoted or encouraged by the area representative who has been sitting in this position for a long 22 years streak. Sadly, but true, I have not heard him speak on our behalf for a prosperous Cayo West all these years he has been in the House of Representatives. All I ever saw was him banging his table when others on his side spoke. I have nothing personal against the outgoing area representative who has held powerful ministries, that, had he really loved this area, he would have championed on behalf of all of us. He seems to be a nice person, but that is as far as I can tell. Of course, I strongly believe that he could have done very much in order to bring true progress for all. The few times I saw young people engaged by the area representative was when elections were close, be it village council, town board or national elections. Then and only then, I saw them dressed up in red shirts and given short term menial jobs that lasted a few days before the elections. After that, they were forgotten by the same one who always said that he was always with us. How many times, I wished he would have called annual conferences of youth leaders from organizations such as from the churches, sports, environment, cultural, NGOs, etc. to be involved in meaningful discussions to garner ideas to help improve the conditions of the young people in general of this small area of Cayo West and engage many in meaningful long term jobs. I am not in favour of handouts for the young people, rather, in the meaningful development of the human potential regardless of political affiliation, race or creed. I dislike when young people are simply used by the politician for his personal convenience and then dumped for the next three or five years. We are a generation that dreams big, but with our feet on the ground. I don’t think that believing in the possibilities made any sense to me. So, as I engaged myself with other young people and walked away from the central parts of both Benque Viejo and San Jose Succotz, I was amazed and very disheartened to see the conditions in which the people lived. I saw first-hand, the reality of the lives of people who have been made to believe that the best time for them was
1 NOV
THE BELIZE TIMES
!
TOR
LETTER TO THE EDI-
TOPIC: CALL FOR ASSISTANCE TO THE PRISON – Kolbe Foundation October 20th, 2020 By: Erin Woodye, Public Administration Student, University of Belize. Dear Editor: It is a fact that the prison does not
coming. I had never ventured beyond the central areas of San Jose Succotz or Benque Viejo, so I had no idea of the true situation of our dear citizens. I encourage everyone to go and see for yourself and see the dire situation in which our people live. After seeing the sad conditions in Succotz and Benque, I wonder how it is in Arenal, Calla Creek or Corozalito or the small communities out of the areas before mentioned. It seems that in those areas the possibilities for improvement or the best of times never arrived. I cry for my people and the youth and especially for the children I encountered in those areas. Seeing all these things has motivated me to fight even stronger and with more passion for a better Cayo West. I have heard how Mr. Jorge Espat speaks of his plan of work for the people of this area. I have heard him talk about his passion to help improve the dire situation in which our people live. I have seen him walk over and in puddles of water on what we may want to call streets. I have seen him walk in bushy areas where we were told, were supposed to be streets. I have seen poverty as I have never imagined I would see in Cayo West. My heart aches to see such deplorable conditions in which old people and especially where chil-
2020
usually attract large public attention until something goes terribly wrong, for example, when prisoners escape as what occurred on October 12, 2020 where we saw 28 prisoners escaping from the establishment, or riots as what occurred on October 13, 2020 which resulted in one prisoner being shot and later passed away and a prison guard severely injured. In view of this, I humbly write publicly asking the general public, authorities, the Government, and agencies to assist the prison to avoid these kinds of incidents. From my understanding, assistance in the following areas would be welcoming. Firstly, contribution and installation of surveillance cameras: This is necessary and will be useful to help in monitoring the prisoners and the staff. Secondly, funds to increase remuneration for employees: If the Prison Guards would be adequately compensated, it will at-
dren live. What impacts me more is that we have heard mantras such as ‘Believe in the possibilities’, ‘The best is yet to come,’ Tu amigo, siempre contigo’, Trabajando para el desarrollo’, etc. etc. Indeed they all sound fine and dandy, but as far as I am concerned, they all lack substance and it has only been a smoke screen all these years. I am convinced that change is inevitable and that we want a new kind of leader to lead us into a better future for all of us. For these and all other reasons, I definitely believe that our hope lies with Mr. Jorge ‘Milin’ Espat. I see substance in this gentleman who comes with a wealth of experience the world of entrepreneurship, business and job employment opportunities. I call on all our young voters to make the right and sensible decision to vote for a man who is decisive and who will work towards the betterment of all and who, I believe, will speak on our behalf at the House of Representatives. Vote for Mr. Jorge ‘Milin’ Espat this coming 11 of November 2020. My vote is for Mr. Jorge ‘Milin’ Espat. I have spoken.
tract better staff. Thirdly, training of staff: Officer can always learn more through training which will help in working with the prisoner while respecting human rights. Fourthly, additional prison officers: Perhaps the BDF would be able to provide assistance here rather than BDF staying in the camps. Lastly, better computer equipment: In the last incident where prisoners escaped, it was indicated that the computer system had frozen thus there was a delay in releasing the number of escapees along with their photographs to immediately alert the public. From what I have observed and learned through the media, The Director of Kolbe Foundation has the capacity and is able to manage the Prison. However, resources are limited, thus I found it unavoidable asking the public for assistance to avoid escapes and riots in the future, and furthermore, to help the Director and his team execute their duties effectively and efficiently. Thanks for sharing my call for assistance. Erin Woodye Student of the University of Belize
MEGA PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: PROPERTY PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: PROPERTY PuntaMEGA Gorda, Toledo District Punta Gorda, Toledo District
BY ORDER of the Mortgagees, Licensed Auctioneer Kevin A. Castillo will sell the following property at No. 170 Beltex Avenue, Belama Phase 1, Belize City on Monday 9th November 2020 at 1:30 pm:
All THAT piece or parcel of land containing 841.073 square meters being Lot No. 2 situated West of Punta Gorda Town, Toledo District, TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. (Being a concrete bungalow dwelling house [3 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms + living/dining/kitchen and lot [841.073 S.M.] situate at Lot No. 2 West of Punta Gorda Town, Toledo District, the freehold property of Mr. Cardinal Smith (Deceased) TERMS: STRICTLY CASH KEVIN A. CASTILLO TELEPHONE 223-4488 E-mail: kevinacas@yahoo.com Facebook: Belize Auctions
ELECTIONS AND BOUNDARIES DEPARTMENT
CHANGES IN POLLING STATION
Elections & Boundaries Commission Belize City 28th October 2020 ADDENDUM GENERAL ELECTION 2020 CHANGES IN POLLING STATION
It is notified for the general information that the Elections and Boundaries Commission, acting in pursuant to Rule 10 (1) of the Representation of the People Election Rules has made changes to the below listed Polling Station: ELECTORAL POLLING POLLING ADDITIONAL POLLING DIVISION AREA NO. STATION STATION Dangriga 96 Benguche Pre-School Human Development Department Office
(JOSEPHINE TAMAI) Chief Elections Officer
THE BELIZE TIMES 099 2020 BELIZE’S ECONOMY EXPERIENCE THE FASTEST ECONOMIC EXPANSION UNDER THE PUP 1 NOV
income per capita under the UDP from 2008 – 2019, also, the crime rate increased by an average per annum of 7.61 intentional homicides per every 100,000 people. The result of high crime and the contraction in income per capita can also be attributed to a decline in exports. From 1998 to 2008, exports were increasing at 9.24% per annum. On the other hand, under the present UDP government, exports experienced a contraction of 6.43%. This is a clear indicator of what happens when a government invests only in infrastructure and neglects the productive sector. Belize’s GDP had an average annual growth of 5.61% under the People’s United Party from 1998 to 2008. From 2008 to 2009, Belize’s economy experienced a contraction of 3.82% per annum under the UDP Government. It is important to note that an important indicator in economics to determine the quality of life and the
standard of living of citizens is the Income Per Capita. Under the PUP Government, the income per capita experienced growth of 2.61% per annum. On the other hand, under the UDP government, the income per capita decreased at 0.42 per annum. As a result of the decrease in
The UDP Government Lead Belize Economy to an Economic Recession
The UDP government inherited a healthy economy from the PUP in 2008. The economic indicators clearly show how the UDP government neglected the productive and business sector. As a result, in 2019, Belize experienced the biggest gap between imports and exports at a total of BZD 204,000,000.The UDP dead investments in infrastructure caused an increase in the debt to GDP ratio which went from 85.82% in 2008 to 95% in 2019. The forecast is that, at the end of the 2020 fiscal year, the debt to GDP will be at 135% which will be the biggest in the history of Belize. The UDP led Belize’s economy to an economic recession in the third quarter of 2019. Along with the recession there was also an increase in poverty. In 2008 Belize had 126, 717 people living in poverty. However, at the end of
2019, a total of 195,176 people is living under the poverty line. From 2008 to 2019, a total of 68,459 new people joined the group that is living in poverty. An increase in poverty is a clear indication that the UDP Government did not invest in sustainable economic development. The present UDP government got the Belizean people into a MEGA DEBT, and the high borrowing is also reflected in the Debt Per Capita. In 2008, the Debt Per Capita was BZD 7,298 and from 2008 to 2019 the Debt Per Capita increased to BZD 9,802. The UDP Government increased the Debt Per Capita by BZd 2,504 per person. This is a clear indication that the UDP has wasted the taxpayers’ money as none of the government spendings are sustainable.
Hon. Ainslie Leslie It is with profound sadness that the People’s United Party announces the passing of 73 year old Hon. Ainslie Leslie aka Br. Les. Please join Party Leader Hon John Briceno, Deputy Cordel Hyde, Chairman Henry Usher and the PUP National Executive in expressing our sincerest condolences to the family. May Br. Les. rest in peace and rise to eternal bliss.
LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICES
Notice is hereby given that Ti Toe War is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Ti Toe Fast Food” located at # 3635 Faber’s Road, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.
Notice is hereby given that Ramon Villanueva is applying for a Publican General Liquor License to be operated at “Rene’s Store” located at # 75 Cemetery Road, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.
Notice is hereby given that Xinhua Zhu is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Golden Sky Store” located at # 32 Cemetery Road, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.
Notice is hereby given that Midtown Company Ltd. is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Midtown Company Ltd.” located at BTL Park, Newtown Barracks, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.
Notice is hereby given that Qiaona Guan is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “J & K Supermarket” located at # 2049 Teacher Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.
Notice is hereby given that Midtown Company Ltd. is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Midtown Company Ltd.” located at # 168 Newtown Barracks, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.
Notice is hereby given that Anna Mae Mckay is applying for a Renewal of a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Anna Lunch Box” located at # 4 Bishop Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.
Notice is hereby given that Cynthia Aranda & Andrew Moody are applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “C & Drew King Restaurant & Bar” located in Scotland Halfmoon Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.
Notice is hereby given that Anna Mae Mckay is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Anna Lunch Box” located at # 4 Bishop Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.
Notice is hereby given that Elfride Luisa Lopez is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Cocogardens” located at # 50/51 Victoria Peak Street, Belmopan City, Cayo District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.
Notice is hereby given that Muammer Koc is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Celebrity Restaurant” located on Marine Parade, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.
Notice is hereby given that San Shine Aung is applying for a Convenience Store Liquor License to be operated at “Favourite Restaurant” located at # 1077 Mahogany Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.
Notice is hereby given that Li Qing Zhang is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Heng Loon Groceries” located at # 44 Tigris Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.
Notice is hereby given that Li Nong Zhen is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “Friendship Restaurant” located at # 6196 Philip Goldson Highway, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.
Notice is hereby given that Xin Chan Su/You Wei Tang are applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “New Glory Shop” located at # 19 New Road, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.
Notice is hereby given that Noe de Jesus Martinez is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Martinez Shop” located at # 58 Daisy Hornby Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.
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TURISMO PARA
EL MUNDO
TO BENEFIT BELIZE EN BENEFICIO DE AND ITS PEOPLE BELIZE Y SU GENTE Background
Antecedentes
Tourism is one of Belize’s main economic pillars, generating over 1 billion dollars in revenue. The industry is directly and indirectly responsible for 25% of the jobs in the country and is also the number one foreign exchange earner. However, Belize’s economy has become far too dependent on the tourism dollar, and that makes us vulnerable to any and all shocks, (local or exogenous) or disruptions in the industry.
El turismo es uno de los principales pilares económicos de Belice, que genera más de 1.000 millones de dólares en ingresos. La industria es directa e indirectamente responsable del 25% de los empleos en el país y es también la principal fuente de ingresos de divisas. Sin embargo, la economía de Belice se ha vuelto demasiado dependiente del dólar del turismo, lo que nos hace vulnerables a cualquier choque, (local o exógeno) o interrupción de la industria.
Even though tourism has recorded growth over the years, there is still a tremendous amount of work to be done to ensure that this critical industry reaches its true potential. For example, overnight arrivals (land and air mainly) which are the drivers from a revenue standpoint, are supported by a very inadequate in-country transportation system; a hotel “plant” that is recording an occupancy rate that is hovering around 35 percent and with many not meeting international standards; and an inadequate number of quality restaurants. The international airport is second-rate; the rural/urban centers are seriously inadequate and need significant investments to become world-class. There is also a significant need for more trained people to manage and work in all aspects of the industry. Finally, crime and violence pose a clear and present danger to the tourism industry.
Aunque el turismo ha registrado un crecimiento a lo largo de los años, todavía queda mucho trabajo por hacer para asegurar de que esta importantísima industria alcance su verdadero potencial. Por ejemplo, las llegadas de pernoctación (por tierra y aire principalmente) que son las que impulsan el turismo desde el punto de vista de los ingresos, se apoyan en un sistema de transporte interno muy inadecuado; una “planta” hotelera que está registrando una tasa de ocupación que ronda el 35 por ciento y que en muchos casos no cumple las normas internacionales; y un número insuficiente de restaurantes de calidad. El aeropuerto internacional es de segunda categoría; los centros urbanos rurales son seriamente inadecuados y necesitan inversiones significativas para convertirse de clase mundial. También se necesita un número significativamente mayor de personas capacitadas para gestionar y trabajar en todos los aspectos de la industria. Por último, el crimen y la violencia representan un peligro claro y presente para la industria del turismo.
Objectives
To continue to build a first-class tourist destination with little interference to the natural and human resources; To create more equity throughout the tourism industry; To build a world-class brand where the name Belize is recognized and held in high regard; To ensure that Belizeans have an opportunity to invest and own their fair share of the tourism industry; and To maximize on the inter-sectoral linkages between tourism and other industries.
Objetivos
- Seguir construyendo un destino turístico de primera clase con poca interferencia en los recursos naturales y humanos; - Crear más equidad en toda la industria del turismo; - Construir una marca de clase mundial donde el nombre de Belice sea reconocido y tenido en alta estima; - Asegurar de que los beliceños tengan la oportunidad de invertir y ser dueños de su parte justa de la industria del turismo. - Aprovechar al máximo los vínculos intersectoriales entre el turismo y otras industrias.
Continued on page 11
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Focus Areas
The purpose of this section of the paper is to stress the need for continued improvement of the tourism infrastructure to ensure that visitor satisfaction moves in an upward trajectory. It is also important for both the private and public sectors to become more strategic and creative when marketing the country internationally. The tourism industry is comprised of a range of facilities, assets, people and institutions working in tandem to expose to the world the bountiful assets (human, natural and man- made) with which we have been blessed. The industry is comprised of four basic elements: accommodation and gastronomy facilities, sites and attractions, supporting infrastructure and the human resources needed to propel the industry forward. There is need for new legislation, policies, standards and investments that will promote the integration of tourist services, maintain visitor numbers and encourage guests to stay longer, visit additional locations and increase their spending. It is critical that all ministries and government departments buy into what needs to be done in order for Belize to become a world-class tourist destination.
Upgrading the Hotel Plant Even though the overnight sector of the tourism industry has grown with mainly boutique hotels, there is need to attract major 5 star branded hotels that will help to drive growth to the country. This can be achieved by utilizing partnerships between government and private sector. Government can use crown lands and cash as equity and the private sector can build and operate. Putting heads in beds is critical to the success of Belize as a destination and thus the focus will be to increase the national occupancy from the current rate of approximately 35% to 60% within 5 years.
Tourism Education and Training With almost 1. 7 million tourists visiting Belize annually, it has become necessary to introduce a training institute that will cater for line and skilled personnel. It is also important to partner with the tertiary level institutions to improve and expand the programs that are currently offered. Finally, it is important to work with the international certifying bodies so that we can build a strong cadre of trainers and people working in the tourism industry.
Upgrading the Local Transportation System (mainly road) Traveling through Belize by road is still difficult and there are still far too many dilapidated buses and other vehicles servicing the industry. There is a need for standards to be introduced but with the necessary incentives to assist with the improvements that are needed.
Focus Areas
Crime continues to increase unabated and though most incidents occur against locals, far too many tourists have become victims in our country. There must be a national strategy to fight crime, especially in the larger tourist destinations. It is important to increase the number of Tourist Police and to provide the necessary training for them to be able to offer a superior level of customer service to the industry. There is also a need for a national emergency response team because we must improve the country’s preparedness to deal with health and environmental treats.
Investing in upgrading the infrastructure The infrastructure in Belize lags far behind the country’s main competitors and it is critical that a comprehensive upgrade occur, which would aid in the development of the tourism industry. Below are the priorities: -Build a new airport, including at least 3 jet bridges -Upgrade the 2 main highways with the necessary markers and signage -Open additional sites (manmade if necessary) -Build proper medical facilities in San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Placencia -Ensure that the necessary fire equipment is available in the major tourist areas -Build a cruise port (docking facility) in Belize City
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Áreas de interés
El propósito de esta sección del documento es subrayar la necesidad de mejorar continuamente la infraestructura turística para asegurar de que la satisfacción de los visitantes se mueva en una trayectoria ascendente. También es importante que tanto el sector privado como el público sean más estratégicos y creativos a la hora de comercializar el país a nivel internacional. La industria del turismo está compuesta por una serie de instalaciones, activos, las personas e instituciones que trabajan en conjunto para exponer al mundo los abundantes recursos (humanos, naturales y artificiales) con los que hemos sido bendecidos. La industria se compone de cuatro elementos básicos: instalaciones de alojamiento y gastronomía, sitios y atracciones, infraestructura de apoyo y los recursos humanos necesarios para impulsar la industria. Se necesitan nuevas leyes, políticas, normas e inversiones que promuevan la integración de los servicios turísticos, mantengan el número de visitantes y alienten a los huéspedes a permanecer más tiempo, visitar lugares adicionales y aumentar sus gastos. Es fundamental que todos los ministerios y departamentos gubernamentales se impliquen en lo que se necesita hacer para que Belice se convierta en un destino turístico de clase mundial.
Modernización de la planta Aunque el sector de la industria turística ha crecido con hoteles principalmente boutique, necesitamos atraer a los principales hoteles de marca de 5 estrellas que ayudarán a impulsar el crecimiento del país. Esto puede lograrse utilizando asociaciones entre el gobierno y el sector privado. El gobierno puede utilizar las tierras de la corona y el dinero en efectivo como inversión y el sector privado puede construir y operar. Poner cabezas en las camas es crítico para el éxito de Belice como destino y por lo tanto el enfoque será aumentar la ocupación nacional de la tasa actual de aproximadamente 35% a 60% dentro de 5 años.
Educación y formación en turismo Con casi 1,7 millones de turistas que visitan Belice anualmente, se ha hecho necesario introducir un instituto de capacitación que atienda al personal de línea y especializado. También es importante asociarse con las instituciones de nivel terciario para mejorar y ampliar los programas que se ofrecen actualmente. Por último, es importante trabajar con los organismos de certificación internacionales para que podamos construir un sólido cuadro de capacitadores y personas que trabajan en la industria del turismo.
Mejora del sistema de transporte local (principalmente carreteras) Viajar por Belice por carretera sigue siendo difícil y todavía hay demasiados autobuses y otros vehículos destartalados que prestan servicios a la industria. Necesitamos introducir normas, pero con los incentivos necesarios para ayudar a las mejoras que se necesitan.
Mejorando la seguridad
La delincuencia sigue aumentando sin cesar y, aunque la mayoría de los incidentes se producen contra la población local, hay demasiados turistas que se han convertido en víctimas en nuestro país. Tiene que haber una estrategia nacional para luchar contra la delincuencia, especialmente en los grandes destinos turísticos. Es importante aumentar el número de la Policía Turística y también proporcionarles la formación necesaria para que puedan prestar el nivel de servicio al cliente a la industria. También se necesita un equipo nacional de respuesta a emergencias. También es necesario mejorar la preparación del país para hacer frente a los problemas sanitarios y ambientales.
Inversión en la mejora de la infraestructura La infraestructura de Belice está muy por detrás de los principales competidores del país y es fundamental que se produzca una mejora integral que ayude al desarrollo de la industria del turismo. A continuación, se exponen las prioridades: - Construir un nuevo aeropuerto que incluya al menos 3 puentes de aviones jet Continued on page 12
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-Ensure that at least $150m spent over a 5 -year period on tourism related infrastructural projects -Improve the sewer and water systems in important tourist destinations -Ensure that all major tourist destinations have an adequate electricity supply -Turn House of Culture into a National Garden -Build a national aquarium
New Air Routes The growth experienced by the tourism industry in many countries has been driven by the development of air services. According to an essay on air transportation published by UKEssays, “ The advances in aircraft technology, improvements in communications and information technology, and marketing strategies have improved the quality of air travel and reduced the price of air tickets so that the volume of traffic, particularly on longer routes, has doubled in each of the past three decades. The relationship between air transport and tourism is a highly complex subject involving an intriguing mixture of tourism accessibility, economic factors, and demand of low cost carriers.” To ensure that Belize continues to record growth in the overnight sector, it is critical that new airline routes be established. The goal is to establish routes from the following target areas: Europe South America USA (West and East Coasts) Asia – (China, Japan and Taiwan)
Marketing Belize Tourism destinations like Belize have become more focused on building a unique and competitive brand in the minds of consumers. Over the last 20 years, the Belize Tourism Board in tandem with its private sector counterparts (BTIA and BHA) have done well in positioning Belize and building awareness about the destination. In order to continue to grow as a destination, the marketing of Belize must continue to be innovative and strategic in reaching the target markets that are most interested in activities that the country has to offer. The reality is that great marketing does not happen by chance, but as a result of careful planning, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the destination and by utilizing accurate data to drive the decision-making process.
New Marketing Initiatives
2020
- Mejorar las 2 carreteras principales con los marcadores y la señalización necesarias - Abrir sitios adicionales (hechos por el hombre si es necesario) - Construir instalaciones médicas adecuadas en San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Placencia - Asegurarse de que el equipo necesario contra incendios esté disponible en las principales zonas turísticas - Construir un puerto de cruceros (instalación de acoplamiento) en la ciudad de Belice - Asegurarse de que se gasten al menos 150 millones de dólares en un período de 5 años en proyectos de infraestructura relacionados con el turismo; - Mejorar los sistemas de alcantarillado y agua en los destinos turísticos importantes - Asegurarse de que todos los principales destinos turísticos tengan un suministro de electricidad adecuado - Convertir la Casa de la Cultura en un Jardín Nacional - Construir un acuario nacional - Construir un nuevo Faro Bliss con una plataforma de observación - Recuperar las playas de San Pedro y Caye Caulker
Nuevas rutas aéreas
El crecimiento experimentado por la industria del turismo en muchos países ha sido impulsada por el desarrollo de los servicios aéreos. Según un ensayo sobre el transporte aéreo publicado por UKEssays, “Los avances en la tecnología de las aeronaves, las mejoras en las comunicaciones y la tecnología de la información y las estrategias de comercialización han mejorado la calidad de los viajes aéreos y han reducido el precio de los pasajes de avión, de modo que el volumen de tráfico, en particular en las rutas más largas, se ha duplicado en cada una de las tres últimas décadas”. “La relación entre el transporte aéreo y el turismo es un tema sumamente complejo que implica una mezcla intrigante de accesibilidad al turismo, factores económicos y demanda de compañías de bajo costo”. Para asegurar de que Belice siga registrando un crecimiento sin precedentes en el sector de la pernoctación, es fundamental que se establezcan nuevas rutas aéreas. El objetivo es establecer rutas desde las siguientes áreas objetivas: i. Europa ii. América del Sur iii. EE.UU. (costas occidental y oriental) iv. Asia - (China, Japón y Taiwán)
Comercialización de Belize Los destinos turísticos como Belice se han centrado más en la construcción de una marca única y competitiva en la mente de los consumidores. En los últimos 20 años, la Junta de Turismo de Belice, junto con sus homólogos del sector privado (BTIA y BHA), han hecho bien en posicionar a Belice y crear conciencia sobre el destino. A fin de seguir creciendo como destino, la comercialización de Belice debe seguir siendo innovadora y estratégica para llegar a los mercados destinatarios que están más interesados en las actividades que ofrece el país. La realidad es que la gran comercialización no se produce por casualidad, sino como resultado de una planificación cuidadosa, la comprensión de los puntos fuertes y débiles del destino y la utilización de datos precisos para impulsar el proceso para la toma de decisiones.
Use virtual reality and augmented reality to promote the destination Use artificial intelligence to collect and promote the destination
Develop a Belize App Use of more influencers like Big Baby Miller, Simone Biles, etc. Spend more on television ads in North America and Europe Revamp the country’s digital marketing strategy
Covid Recovery Plan In March of 2020, the Covid 19 virus literally locked down the entire world almost instantly and over the last seven months, the tourism industry like many others has been decimated. This means that trillions of tourist dol-
Nuevas iniciativas de comercialización (marketing) Usar realidad virtual y la aumentada para promover el destino Utilizar la inteligencia artificial para recoger y promover el destino Continued on page 13
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lars have been wiped out of the world’s GDP. For Belize, this loss will total in the hundreds of millions of dollars which means that the Belizean economy and people will struggle for some time. Today, many businesses are hemorrhaging and struggling to keep their doors open, and far too many employees have lost their jobs, are underemployed, or have had their salaries drastically cut. The People’s United Party is committed to being a safety net for the many businesses and the thousands of people who have worked tirelessly to help build the tourism industry in Belize. With that said, the PUP will allocate ten million dollars for tourism as part of our economic stimulus program. Since the entire world is in the same situation as Belize, the public and private sector drivers behind the tourism industry must be innovative, creative and quick to devise and implement the strategies and policies that will assist in rebuilding the tourism industry and the critical sectors that support it. It is critical that the marketing campaigns (traditional and digital) show that Belize is different and safe to visit, especially since our product is one that is built for a more personal and unique visitor experience.
Tourism Industry Recovery Program | Digital Marketing During the recovery period, we will put together a team of global experts that will assess and provide updated information to help us leverage our resources and to reduce as much as possible the recovery period for the Jewel.
Digital Couching/Training During the recovery period, we will put together a team of global experts that will assess and provide updated information to help us leverage our resources and to reduce as much as possible the recovery period for the Jewel.
Social Media Influencer Campaign Paired with a Google Campaign
Launch the first COVID-19 influencer campaign targeting our primary markets to ensure that as the recovery occurs, we are in a position of priority in these markets. Documenting their travels will build consumer confidence and help to reduce those FAQ travelers have during these times.
Programmatic Media Buys Belize has been for too long “out of Market” as we have seen little creativity in the past two years. We must produce new content, highlighting unique experiences, partnered with a robust digital media push.
Small & Medium Tourism Web We understand that our small and medium tourism entrepreneurs need greater assistance in the digital space. Their digital footprint needs to be increased if we are to become a more competitive destination. By creating this online hub, we will be able to leverage a great destination online presence and have better representation online. The small and medium entrepreneurs will also benefit from our digital marketing recovery plan.
Cruise: Adopt – Implement – Improve! There is no need to try to reinvent the wheel! The strategy is to adopt best case practices from regional as well as international cruise ports and make the necessary changes to ensure that they apply to Belize.
What we need to practice: Tier 1: Testing…Screening…Exposure Reduction Tier 2: Sanitation…Ventilation Tier 3: Response (to alert of infection) …Contingency Planning & Execution
When we plan to restart, we need to: Request/require all cruise lines to submit COVID-19 SOP (Standard Operating Procedures) for cruising at earliest convenience before applying for itinerary booking in Belize Require Local Cruise Port(s) submit their plan for receiving cruise passen-
Desarrollar una aplicación de Belice Uso de más influenciadores como Big Baby Miller, Simone Biles, etc. Gastar más en anuncios de televisión en América del Norte y Europa Revisar la estrategia de mercadotecnia digital del país
Plan de recuperación de Covid En marzo de 2020, el virus Covid 19 literalmente bloqueó el mundo entero casi instantáneamente y en los últimos siete meses, la industria del turismo como muchas otras ha sido diezmada. Esto significa que billones de dólares del turismo han sido eliminados del PIB mundial. Para Belice, esa pérdida totalizará cientos de millones de dólares, lo que significa que la economía y el pueblo de Belice estarán en apuros durante algún tiempo. Hoy en día, muchas empresas se están desangrando y luchando para mantener sus puertas abiertas, y demasiados empleados han perdido sus puestos de trabajo, están subempleados o han visto sus salarios drásticamente recortados. El Partido Unido del Pueblo se ha comprometido a ser una red de seguridad para las muchas empresas y los miles de personas que han trabajado incansablemente para ayudar a construir la industria del turismo en Belice. Dicho esto, el PUP asignará diez millones de dólares para el turismo como parte de nuestro programa de estímulo económico. Dado que el mundo entero está en la misma situación que Belice, los impulsores del sector público y privado detrás de la industria del turismo deben ser innovadores, creativos y rápidos para idear e implementar las estrategias y políticas que ayudarán a reconstruir la industria del turismo y los sectores críticos que la apoyan. Es muy importante que las campañas de mercadotecnia (tradicionales y digitales) muestren que Belice es diferente y seguro para visitar, especialmente porque nuestro producto está diseñado para una experiencia más personal y única para el visitante. Programa de Recuperación de la Industria Turística | Mercadotecnia Digital Dentro de nuestro Plan de Recuperación de la Industria, entendemos las deficiencias de mercadeo digital actual y si bien será un esfuerzo de destino, todos estarán incluidos.
Asesoría/entrenamiento digital Durante el período de recuperación, pondremos un equipo de expertos mundiales que evaluarán y proporcionarán información actualizada para ayudarnos a aprovechar nuestros recursos y reducir al máximo el período de recuperación de la Joya.
Campaña de influenciadores de redes sociales combinada con una campaña de Google Lanzar la primera campaña de influenciadores de COVID 19 dirigida a nuestros mercados primarios para asegurar de que, a medida que se produzca la recuperación, estemos en la cumbre de la mente (top of mind, TOM) en estos mercados. La documentación de sus viajes aumentará la confianza de los consumidores y ayudará a reducir las preguntas frecuentes que tienen los viajeros en estos tiempos.
Compras de medios programáticos
Belice ha estado por mucho tiempo “fuera del mercado” ya que hemos visto poca creatividad en los últimos dos años. Debemos producir nuevo contenido, destacando experiencias únicas, asociado con un robusto empuje de los medios digitales.
Web de Turismo de Pequeñas y Medianas
Entendemos que nuestros pequeños y medianos empresarios turísticos necesitan una mayor asistencia en el espacio digital. Su huella digital debe incrementarse si queremos convertirnos en un destino más competitivo. Al crear este centro en línea, podremos aprovechar una gran presencia en línea de destino y tener una mejor representación en línea. Los pequeños y medianos emprendedores también se beneficiarán de nuestro plan de recuperación de mercadeo digital.
Cruceros- ¡Adoptar Implementar - Mejorar!
¡No hay necesidad de intentar reinventar la rueda! La estrategia es adoptar las mejores prácticas de los puertos de cruceros regionales e internacionales y hacer los cambios necesarios para asegurar de que se apliquen en Belice
Lo que necesitamos poner en práctica:
Nivel 1: Pruebas ... Detección ... Reducción de la exposición Nivel 2: Saneamiento... Ventilación Nivel 3: Respuesta (a la alerta de infección) ...Planificación y ejecución de contingencias Cuando planeemos reiniciar, necesitamos: Solicitar/requerir a todas las líneas de cruceros que presenten COVID-19 SOP (Procedimientos Operativos Estándar) para los cruceros lo antes posible antes de solicitar la reservación de un itinerario en Belice. Continued on page 13
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THE BELIZE TIMES
gers, outline “corridors” as well as construct (if needed), identify, isolation areas and new sanitation protocols in regular and compromised scenarios as well as with reporting/mapping for contact tracing guidelines Require Ports to get COVID cruise visitor interaction training for all staff, security and retailers and have a certification of compliance to be renewed as is deemed necessary Expand secure “Bubble” tours with trained operators
We have identified the following
private sector actions: Implement standardized health and safety protocols to facilitate a safe and consistent travel experience Develop and adopt new digital technologies that enable easy and safe travel and improve overall traveler experience Offer flexibility for bookings or changes such as waiving fees due to COVID-19 positive cases Offer promotions, more affordable products and services or greater value to encourage and promote domestic and international travel Adapt business models to the new global situation and collectively work to develop new products and solutions to boost domestic and international tourism Encourage the purchase of travel insurance that includes COVID-19 cover Provide consistent and coordinated communication to travelers, offering information to have better risk assessment and awareness and to enhance their experience Develop capacity building and training programs for current and new tourism workers and small businesses and empower them with the essential digital skills to adjust Reinforce sustainable practices, working in partnership with local communities Invest in crisis preparedness and resilience to better equip the sector to respond to future risks or shocks, while working closely with the public sector However, we recognize that the private sector cannot act alone. Public and private collaboration is necessary for the recovery of the industry and the success of this plan.
Below are a few key
principles:
1 NOV
2020
Requerir que los puertos locales de cruceros presenten su plan para recibir a los pasajeros de cruceros, delinear los “corredores” así como construir (si es necesario ), identificar, áreas de aislamiento y nuevos protocolos de saneamiento en escenarios regulares y comprometidos, así como con informes/ mapas para las pautas de rastreo de contactos Exigir a los puertos que obtengan capacitación sobre COVID en la interacción de los visitantes de cruceros para todo el personal, la seguridad y los comerciantes minoristas y que tengan una certificación de cumplimiento que se renovará cuando se considere necesario Ampliar los tours “de burbuja” seguros con operadores entrenados
Hemos identificado las siguientes
acciones del sector privado: Aplicar protocolos normalizados de salud y seguridad para facilitar una experiencia de viaje seguro y coherente Desarrollar y adoptar nuevas tecnologías digitales que permitan viajar de forma fácil y segura y mejorar la experiencia general del viajero Ofrecer flexibilidad para las reservas o cambios, como la exención de tarifas por los casos positivos de COVID-19 Ofrecer promociones, productos y servicios más asequibles o de mayor valor para fomentar y promover los viajes nacionales e internacionales Adaptar los modelos de negocio a la nueva situación mundial y trabajar colectivamente para desarrollar nuevos productos y soluciones para impulsar el turismo nacional e internacional Fomentar la compra de un seguro de viaje que incluya la cobertura de COVID-19 Proporcionar una comunicación coherente y coordinada a los viajeros, ofreciendo información para tener una mejor evaluación de los riesgos y una mayor conciencia y para mejorar su experiencia Desarrollar programas de capacitación y formación para los actuales y nuevos trabajadores del turismo y las pequeñas empresas y darles las habilidades digitales esenciales para adaptarse Reforzar las prácticas sostenibles, trabajando en asociación con las comunidades locales Invertir en la preparación para las crisis y la capacidad de recuperación para equipar mejor al sector a fin de que pueda responder a futuros riesgos o perturbaciones, colaborando al mismo tiempo estrechamente con el sector público Sin embargo, reconocemos que el sector privado no puede actuar solo. La colaboración pública y privada es necesaria para la recuperación de la industria y el éxito de este plan. A continuación, se presentan algunos principios clave:
Synchronize health and hygiene protocols and standardized measures, to reduce the risk of infection while helping to rebuild traveler confidence
Sincronizar los protocolos de salud e higiene y medidas estandarizadas, para reducir el riesgo de infección mientras se ayuda a reconstruir la confianza del viajero
Institute international testing protocol before departure using fast, efficient and affordable tests
Instituir un protocolo de pruebas internacionales antes de la partida utilizando pruebas rápidas, eficientes y asequibles
Quarantine steps should be only for positive tests
Las medidas de cuarentena deben ser sólo para las pruebas positivas
Review and amend, if necessary, existing regulations and legal frameworks to ensure that they are adapted to the changed requirements of the sector to facilitate recovery and growth
Examinar y modificar, de ser necesario, los reglamentos y marcos jurídicos existentes para asegurar de que se adapten a las nuevas necesidades del sector a fin de facilitar la recuperación y el crecimiento
Provide consistent, simple and coordinated communication to citizens and travelers to ensure better risk assessment and awareness via a public relations and media campaign
Proporcionar una comunicación coherente, sencilla y coordinada a los ciudadanos y viajeros para garantizar una mejor evaluación de los riesgos y la sensibilización a través de una campaña de relaciones públicas y medios de comunicación
Come up with a retooling plan to help stakeholders who will be affected by the new norm; and
Elaborar un plan de reequipamiento para ayudar a las partes interesadas que se verán afectadas por la nueva norma; y
Have a strategy and mechanism in place to assist the operators with the debt servicing burden. Many operators have not been able to meet the debt servicing obligations as their income streams have dried up literally overnight Continue to support travel promotion campaigns to attract both leisure and business travel Continue to invest in crisis preparedness and resilience to better equip the sector to respond to future risks or shocks, while working closely with the private sector
Disponer de una estrategia y un mecanismo para ayudar a los operadores con la carga del servicio de la deuda. Muchos operadores no han podido cumplir con las obligaciones del servicio de la deuda porque sus fuentes de ingresos se han agotado literalmente de la noche a la mañana Seguir apoyando las campañas de promoción de viajes para atraer tanto los viajes de placer como los de negocios Seguir invirtiendo en la preparación para las crisis y la capacidad de recuperación para equipar mejor al sector a fin de que pueda responder a futuros riesgos o perturbaciones, colaborando al mismo tiempo estrechamente con el sector privado
1 NOV
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THE BELIZE TIMES
2020
STANDARD BEARERS
Cayo South: Julius Espat
ON THE MOVE Cayo Central: Alex Balona
Corozal Bay David ‘Dido’ Vega
Cayo Northeast: Orlando Habet Corozal North: David Castillo
Cayo West: Jorge “Milin’ Espat
EVERYBODY FI WIN!
Corozal Southeast: Florencio Marin
planBelize
TODOS GANAMOS!
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THE BELIZE TIMES
STANDARD BEARERS
2020
Port Loyola: Gilroy Usher
ON THE MOVE
Pickstock: Anthony Mahler
Queen’s Square: Allan Pollard
Belmopan: Oscar Mira
BZ Rural Central: Dolores Balderamos García
Cayo North: Michel Chebat BZ Rural North : Marconi Leal
EVERYBODY FI WIN!
planBelize
TODOS GANAMOS!
1 NOV
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THE BELIZE TIMES
2020
STANDARD BEARERS
Fort George: Henry Usher
ON THE MOVE
Mesopotamia: Candice Pitts
Freetown: Francis Fonseca
C. Shores: Kareem Musa
Albert: Paul Thompson
Collet: Oscar Arnold
EVERYBODY FI WIN!
planBelize
Lake Independence: Cordel Hyde
BZ Rural South: Andre Perez
TODOS GANAMOS!
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1 NOV
THE BELIZE TIMES
STANDARD BEARERS
2020
Orange Walk South Jose Mai
ON THE MOVE Corozal Southwest: Ramiro Ramirez
Dangriga: Louis Zabaneh
Orange Walk East: Kevin Bernard
Stann Creek West: Rodwell Ferguson
OW North: Ramon ‘Monchi’ Cervantes
Toledo West Oscar Requena
EVERYBODY FI WIN!
Toledo East: Mike Espat
planBelize
TODOS GANAMOS!
1 NOV
2020
THE BELIZE TIMES
19
NUESTRO PACTO SOLEMNE CON EL PUEBLO DE BELIZE NOSOTROS, LOS TREINTA Y UN CANDIDATOS DEL PARTIDO UNIDO DEL PUEBLO, INDIVIDUAL Y COLECTIVAMENTE DE FORMA INCONDICIONAL Y DE BUENA FE NOS COMPROMETEMOS A: 1. Trabajar incansablemente para alcanzar los objetivos establecidos en el #PLANBELIZE Manifiesto del Partido Unido Del Pueblo 2. Sobre todo, permanecer fiel al lema del PUP – Servir al pueblo – y no utilizar nuestras oficinas para beneficio personal 3. En todo momento defender fielmente la Constitución y las Leyes de Belize 4. Apoyar sin reservas los planes y políticas de un gobierno PUP que promuevan la justicia social, económica y ambiental 5. A velar porque todos los trabajadores reciban un salario justo por su trabajo e implementar un salario mínimo y digno de $5 por hora 6. Trabajar para eliminar los privilegios económicos y sociales y la disparidad entre los beliceños y proteger el derecho de todos a la vida, la libertad, el acceso a una educación asequible, la atención sanitaria universal, la tierra y la vivienda y el derecho a vivir en comunidades pacíficas 7. Proteger la identidad, la dignidad y los valores sociales y culturales de los beliceños, incluidos los pueblos indígenas 8. Promover activamente el desarrollo sostenible en Belize y proteger nuestro medio ambiente natural y construido 9. Insistir en una gobernanza buena y transparente y responsabilizar a quienes traicionan el bien público 10. Defender la integridad territorial de Belize y proteger el interés de Belize en los foros internacionales.
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WISE UP
By Gilroy Usher, Sr. “Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery. None but ourselves can free our minds.” –Bob Marley Willoughby was once removed as Councilor with responsibility for sanitation after repeated complaints to the Mayor from the individual with the Sanitation contract that he had become tired of being constantly forced to grant the Councilor a special request for input to his check ready. Fully aware of his dubious activities to access money in any way possible, the UDP viewed Willoughby as totally unfit to be its standard bearer for the Albert Division. They subsequently removed him as a candidate for that area easily by making him a monetary offer that he readily accepted. In the words of his UDP colleague Dean Samuels, by accepting the offer to suddenly end his candidacy to be his party’s standard bearer for the Albert Division after campaigning in the area for two years, Willoughby showed that he has no commitment to betterment for people. Willoughby was later eager to become his party’s Mayoral candidate for the 2018 municipal election in Belize City. However, aware of his shadiness in doing things for his financial gain, the party selected a less controversial person as its candidate. In the UDP convention in 2018 to select a standard bearer for Port Loyola Division, Faber was the general on the ground, who put everything on the line to ensure that Willoughby was victorious in the event. Faber only supported Willoughby for that convention to help prevent Peyrefitte from becoming the UDP standard bearer for the area as that would have allowed Peyrefitte to challenge him and Saldivar for leadership of the party with majority support of the party’s standard bearers and Ministers. If Faber thought Willoughby would reciprocate his support in his time of need, he was mistaken. Although Faber had supported his political campaign in every possible way, Willoughby turned around and supported Saldivar for UDP
1 NOV
THE BELIZE TIMES
leadership. Worthless. The man just has no loyalty to anyone. Everything is centered on his personal gain. To help contain the spread of the coronavirus, the government ordered a two weeks countrywide lockdown and thought of implementing a plan to offer financial relief to persons, who lost their jobs as direct result of the pandemic. It eventually agreed to the call of the Opposition and concerned citizens like myself, that since those who were unemployed before Covid-19 would also be severely affected by the lockdown due to last of their ability to go out and find jobs to care for their families, they should be assisted with $100.00 every two weeks for hardship caused by the pandemic. Unfortunately like Singh, Willoughby strongly believed that persons, who were unemployed before the pandemic including hundreds of single mothers should not receive any government funds for hardship caused by the coronavirus. He made that point clear in an interview with on 7 News Belize in April 20 Today because poor people can’t get a piece of land, up to four homes are being built in a single family yard and scores of Belizeans are squatting in swamps to avoid unmanageably costly house rent. That however is of no concern to Willoughby. Championing the cause for house lots for ordinary Belizeans is a non-issue for him. In a call to Love FM morning show in April this year the self-serving individual made it perfectly clear that government needs its money to pay bills and not to acquire land for the people. In relation to government making land available for the people Willoughby said, “It won’t happen.” Presently scores of persons in Port Loyola are very angry with Willoughby. That’s because in robbing Peter to pay Paul he used his connection with the government to strong people land in which they have invested heavily with time and money and give those lots to a handful of UDP supporters. Finally, although Willoughby has been the ruling party’s standard bearer for the past two years, he has not assisted anyone with jobs, proper housing, and greater access to education or legitimate lots, among other basic things. All he does is make promises to area residents that he never fulfills. Now that election is less than two weeks away Willoughby and the UDP suddenly remembers the residents of Port Loyola and are engaged in the distribution of sand, beaverboard, zinc, and other election gimmicks to try and trick the people into voting for them on election day November 11. For thirteen long years, Willoughby and the ruling UDP have repeatedly proven that they are unconscionable, greedy, and all about betterment for themselves, while ordinary Belizeans continue to suffer in worsening poverty. Belizeans need to wise up to the strategy that these people have used to keep them poor and dependent on them. Don’t fall for the trap. Take whatever they are offering you, overnight, with our own money (government funds), before the election, and vote them out of office for a better future with PUP. Reject Willoughby and the UDP
2020
VOICE OF THE COMMON MAN
NATIONAL DEPUTY PARTY LEADER, CORDEL HYDE: NOT PROMISES; IT’S CHALLENGES! by Hilly Bennett “Time and again the need arises for a government to be reminded that its purpose is to serve the people, not to rule them” National Deputy Leader, the Honourable Cordel Hyde in his welcome remarks at the launch of the #Plan Belize Manifesto encapsulated the importance embedded in the document and a PUP vision that will lift Belizeans up from the dark ages, experienced over the last 13 years under an abusive, corrupt, dictatorial UDP administration, and propel them into an enlightened era of prosperity. The manifesto of the future People’s United Party government views development beyond economics and includes the development of people as an important component to the Jewel’s future. Economic experts have proffered that policies and practices of countries that are inclusive of the developing of its people, are not only ethically desirable but also make sound economic sense. Very pronounced in the National Deputy Leader’s statement is that the PUP manifesto is not solely about building bridges but includes building people. Hyde’s scathing remark directed at the United Democratic Party included that whilst the unfortunate masses are forced to sleeping on wet floors many have crocodiles for neighbours. By contrast, the red regime insists on the construction of meaningless infrastructure like roundabouts and roads that leads to nowhere. The UDP is concentrating its energies to contesting
the General Election on November 11th in a failing attempt to once again control the high stool of power. The PUP with its manifesto goals and objectives is creating a new socio-political order. This is characterised by political stability, democracy, good governance, and a bouncing back to true development of the country. Such direction would eliminate corruption, minimise political graft and bring an end to nepotism and cronyism. Hope, killed by the destructive UDP regime, would be surely resurrected. Consequently, the guardrails will be replaced to ensure that the check and balance institutions are given autonomy enabling accountability and transparency. Cordel commented that the PUP manifesto is a bold comprehensive plan that insists on what is best for the people and what is best for Belize and not the wants of the leaders. He alluded that the rebuilding of this tiny sovereign nation would be a task for giants utilising the words of the Father of the Nation, George Cadle Price. The National Deputy Leader insisted that this bold initiative is “not promises; its challenges. It’s not what we will do. It’s what we have to do! We have the talent. We have the courage. We have the smarts. We have the Human Resources. We have the dreams. We have the right people at the right time to do the right job.” Notwithstanding, the document is revolutionary in spots, and daring. It is not an impossible task. He went on to say that “some will say it’s impossible... Watch how we make the impossible possible.” His message: when the PUP wins everybody fi win. Hasta a la Victoria !
OUT
!
Dear Editor,
Kindly allow me space in your newspaper. I will withhold my name for fear of being victimized. On September 22nd, 2020 the government approved a budget for dialysis and we are still waiting. It’s a month now since. Why are they taking so long? Many people will die waiting. I am a dialysis patient and I am writing because the government is playing politics with dialysis. I am on the government waiting list for over a year now. I have seen other patients who come after me and already on the government dialysis program. It
is very unfair. Do they want me to die? Dialysis is a lifesaving procedure and is very expensive in Belize. If you don’t do dialysis within every 3-4 days the body starts breaking down and complications start to take over. I am doing 2 dialysis procedures every week and at a cost of $200 per session. I should be doing 3 dialysis every week, but I cannot afford it. It’s a struggle meeting payments for two. So, I was very happy to hear that the government will be helping with at least one dialysis every week. That would really help a lot. So I don’t understand why they are playing politics with it. Everybody deserves a chance to live, whether PUP or UDP. Please GOB, help us. God Bless. Dialysis patient.
1 NOV
2020
THE BELIZE TIMES
THINK ABOUT IT
JOHNNY WILL DO IT Johnny Briceño is at the crossroads of history. On the night of 11th November, 2020 the people of Belize will give him the majority seats to become the government of the nation. This is an awesome responsibility. In February 2008, the electorate gave Dean Barrow the mandate to improve management of our country. Barrow promised Belizeans we would have transparency, integrity and accountability in how government does all its business. He even said he had a “panya” machete, sharpened on both sides to chop off the head of corruption whenever corruption reared its ugly head. When he was made Prime Minister, he quickly threw away the machete and suddenly started talking out of the other side of his mouth; “…there is corruption in my government, there will always be corruption in my government.” Not a word that he will deal with it. Or he will put in place rigid measures to tackle corruption. Instead the opposite took place. Corruption grew and flourished under Barrow. It is now widespread and stinks to high heaven. It has reached the stage where even Barrow is suspect. His detractors say he too is corrupt. The allegation, with some evidence is that he has enriched himself and his family members from taxpayer’s monies. He hopes to quietly leave on the 12th November and enjoy his riches in a mansion in Miami. Johnny Briceno is a humble person. He is an unassuming original Orange Walkeño. He will be the first Prime Minister to be elected from outside the biggest population center of Belize City. He comes from a family of politicians and public servants. His dad was hugely popular and was an electoral success as an area Representative and a Minister of government. His uncle, Polo was a leader in local government and area Representative himself. Johnny himself is no neophyte. Elected in 1998, he became Deputy Prime Minister of our country. When he had serious policy differences with his own government, he did the brave and unusual thing. He resigned. Have you ever compared Barrow or Faber? Did Barrow ever resign from the cold hearted Esquivel government? Even when Esquivel retrenched (fired) eight hundred public officers in a single day? No. Did Barrow resign when Esquivel sprayed thousands of acres of agriculture lands with poisonous paraquat? No. Did Faber ever disagree or resign from Dean Barrow’s corruption infested government? No. Did Faber resign when Barrow, his Sista B and son, fake Jew Shine, and other ministers voted for the corrupt money taking tranchie Saldivar was made party leader? No. Of course not. In any event, Barrow, Faber, Saldivar and their gang are done. They will be thrown in the dirt box of our political history come 11th November. Everybody knows that. And let’s add this in. The electorate are impressed with the dynamic team which Johnny and Cordel have put together from experienced leaders like Rodwell, Mike, Julius, Florencio, Francis and Dolores to an impressive new and diverse crew of talented new leaders, Chebat, Henry Charles, Mahler, Oscar, Gilroy, and Monchi. To them will be entrusted the leadership of our nation. To Johnny will fall the heavy task of restoring faith in a government elected to serve ALL the people of Belize. Johnny is willing, able and capable of doing that. And more. There will be a new, effective Public Accounts Committee, a serious Integrity Commission, but equally important, free education for our young people, a housing policy for those in need, land availability, job creation, an effective health care system, reduction in our cost of living. Every type of policy which respects the rights of all our people, zero tolerance for police brutality and abuse, and zero tolerance for ministerial abuse and irregularity. If we get these, and with God’s help we will, it will be one thousand percent more than what we have gotten under Barrow, Faber and their gang of con-artists. We sincerely believe that these changes are what Johnny is all about. Belize and its wonderful, long suffering people deserve no less.
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ANTHONY MAHLER We are impressed with Anthony Mahler and are sure he will be an effective area representative and Minister of government. Residents of Pickstock will get a dynamic person who will ensure that they are a full partner in the changes the BLU will bring. Anthony and his wife are two wonderful human beings. Both are successful professional persons. They care about the people of Belize and of Pickstock and want every family to feel involved in the health, education and social betterment that we all deserve. We cannot understand how the outgoing government could push a washed-up, burnt-out, no good politician who abandoned the Port Loyola people to jump into Pickstock. An insult to the voters and a major disrespect to decent citizens who deserve to have a quality area representative. Anthony is by far the better man. CHEBAT Another quality candidate on the BLU team. Michel is solid and just what Cayo needs as the country pushes away from corruption and incompetence towards a government which helps the people to improve their lives. All indications are that Chebat will win easily in his constituency. What we like about Michel is that he is bubbling with ideas to get his area and its residents to benefit from economic activities and social development. FRANCIS Every election the UDP send some false prophet or con-artist to Freetown. Singh, Peyrefitte, Carla Barnett and even Lee Mark Chang (who is now over at Caribbean Shores without a single idea of what to do for the residents). The people of Freetown has been voting for Francis every time he asks for their support. They know he is a sincere and genuine person who is for real. His opponent has nothing to offer. A bag of talk and nastiness on social media. He has no principle or morals. While taking a salary from a government office, this young man was frequently on the UDP media attacking people. This violates the public service law that public officers must not engage in party politics. Francis is an experienced and qualified person. One of the very best Ministers of Education and a source of knowledge and wisdom. Freetown knows that with Francis in government, they will get all the things they so rightly deserve. HENRY CHARLES Henry is BLU blood. The DNA of the great George Price runs in his blood. His dad is the mighty Said Musa, who built ten thousand homes for Belizeans, one thousand new class rooms, introduced National Health Insurance and created eight thousand jobs. But most of all Henry Charles is also the son of an unsung heroine, a warrior of the party and the people of Belize. A quiet, self-effacing but awesome mother who raised Henry Charles to follow his destiny. In a sense, it’s almost unfair that Henry Charles has no competition in Fort George. He has helped mastermind the new PUP to where it now stands on the eve of a great general election victory. When the PUP wins, the people of Belize wins. Todos ganamos. DOLORES We save one of the best for last. Dolores is a huge asset for the new government. She has been there and done that. Highly qualified and, highly experienced, Dol is going to bring the women, children and family and social services to new levels in Belize. Her presence in Cabinet is reassuring. Dolores will mow down the do-nothing Saldivar and Gapi Vega puppet who abandoned Ladyville, Hattieville, Lords Bank, Mahogany Heights and Mile 8. Respect Dolores, every time.
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1 NOV
THE BELIZE TIMES
2020
PUBLIC AUCTION SALES: PROPERTIES
Hope Creek, Red Bank Village, Independence Village, Placencia Village, Stann Creek District: Sea Front Cattle Landing Area, Punta Gorda Town, Elridgeville, Toledo District
BY ORDER of the Mortgagees, Messrs. The Belize Bank Limited & The Belize Bank International Limited, Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A. Castillo & Christiana Castillo will sell the following properties at the locations, dates and times below: A. HOPE CREEK VILLAGE, STANN CREEK DISTRICT: 1. At Lot No. 40 Hope Creek Village, Stann Creek District on Monday 2nd November 2020 at 9:00 am:
ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 40 comprising (733.40 square yards) situate in Hope Creek Village, Stann Creek District of Belize and bounded and described as shown on Plan No. 783 of 1999 attached to Minister’s Fiat (Grant) No.783 of 1999 dated 28th August 1999 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. (Being an elevated (6 ft. above ground) timber dwelling house containing 3 bedrooms + kitchen + living/dining room + Outside bathroom and lot [730.40 S.Y.] situate at Lot No.40 Hope creek Village, Stann Creek District, the freehold property of Ms. Henaria Bol)
B. INDEPENDENCE VILLAGE, STANN CREEK DISTRICT: 1. At Lot No. 781 Malacate Area, Independence Village, Stann Creek District on Monday 2nd November 2020 at 10:30 am:
ALL THOSE LEASEHOLD premises being Lot No. 781 situate in Independence Village, Stann Creek District and bounded as follows: on the Northeast for 30.742 meters by Lot No. 748; On the Southeast for 20.014 meters by Lot No. 782; On the Southwest for 30.472 meters by Lot No. 780; On the Northwest for 20.014 meters by a 40 feet street containing 615.270 square meters of land as sown on Entry No. 7908 Reg. 29 at the office of the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. (Being an elevated (4ft. above ground) timber/concrete dwelling house and Lot [615.270 S.M.] situate Lot No. 781 Malacate Area, Independence Village, Stann Creek District, the leasehold property of Ms. Delcia Palacio)
C. PUNTA GORDA TOWN AND TOLEDO DISTRICT: 1. In front Messrs. The Belize Bank Limited, 30 George Price Street on Monday 2nd November 2020 at 1:30 pm:
A. All that piece or Parcel of Land containing 196.91 acres of land situated in the Cattle Landing Area, Toledo District, Toledo and bounded and described as shown by Plan attached to Ministers’ Fiat (Grant) No. 1244 of 2007 dated the 3rd day of January 2008, together with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. B. All that piece or Parcel of Land containing 177.12 acres of land situated in the Cattle Landing Area, Toledo District, Toledo and bounded and described as shown by Plan attached to Ministers’ Fiat (Grant) No. 1245 of 2007 dated the 3rd day of January 2008, together with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. (Being two vacant SEA FRONT parcels of land situate in Cattle Landing Area, Toledo District, the freehold property of Messrs. Belize Basics Resources Limited).
2. In front Messrs. The Belize Bank Limited, 30 George Price Street on Monday 2nd November 2020 at 1:30 pm:
REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL Punta Gorda 42 1710 (Being a timber/plycem building [3 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms + Living room + Dining Room + Kitchen + Open Shed [10 ft. X 13 ft.] and lot [464.576 S.M. or 555.6 S.Y.] situate on Mahogany Street, Punta Gorda Town, Toledo District, the freehold property of Ms. Elizabeth Borland).
3. In front Messrs. The Belize Bank Limited, 30 George Price Street on Monday 2nd November 2020 at 1:30 pm:
2. At Lot No. 781 Malacate Area, Independence Village, Stann Creek District on Monday 2nd November 2020 at 10:30 am:
All that piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 21 comprising (1141.14 Square yards) situate in Red Bank Village, in the Stann Creek District of Belize and bounded and described as shown colored red on Plan No. 677 of 2002 attached to Minister’s Fiat (Grant) no. 677 of 2002 dated 5th September, 2002 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. (Being a concrete bungalow dwelling house [19 ft. X 24 ft.] containing 1 bedroom + sitting room + kitchen and lot [1141.14 S.Y.] situate at Lot No. 21 Red Bank Village Layout, Stann Creek District, the freehold property of Mr. Mateo Teul)
ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 1 containing 1,381.029 square meters situate along Pappishaw Road, Eldridgeville Village, Toledo District TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. (Being vacant Lot No. 1 containing 1,381.029 square meters situate along Pappishaw Road, Eldridgeville Village, Toledo District, the freehold property of Mr. Ronald Lee Baker)
4. In front Messrs. The Belize Bank Limited, 30 George Price Street on Monday 2nd November 2020 at 1:30 pm:
3. At Lot No. 781 Malacate Area, Independence Village, Stann Creek District on Monday 2nd November 2020 at 10:30 am:
REGISTRATION SECTION Placencia North
BLOCK 36
PARCEL 2159
(Being a canal side vacant lot situate in the sub-division known as The Placencia Residences near Mile 13 Placencia Road, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District, the freehold property of Mr. Ryan Pott). *******NB. Restrictions on use of Property is available upon request*******
ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Block No. 24 containing 1.30 acres – (6,292 square yards) situate along Papishaw Road, Elridgeville Village, Toledo District bounded and described as follows: On the North for a distance of 134.617 meters (441.65 feet) by Block No. 21; On the South for a distance of 139.074 meters (456.27 feet) by Block No. 25; On the East for a distance of 57.327 meters (188.08 feet) by the Papishaw Road and on the West for a distance of 21.100 meters (69.22 feet) by Block No. 22as shown on a plan of survey ADDITIONAL INFORMATION www.belizebank.com (foreclosure listing)
TERMS: STRICTLY CASH KEVIN A. CASTILLO CHRISTIANA R. CASTILLO TELEPHONE 223-4488 E-mail: kevinacas@yahoo.com Face Book: Belize Auctions
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2020
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OUR SOLEMN COVENANT WITH THE BELIZEAN PEOPLE WE, THE THIRTY-ONE CANDIDATES OF THE PEOPLE’S UNITED PARTY, INDIVIDUALLY AND COLLECTIVELY UNCONDITIONALLY AND IN GOOD FAITH PLEDGE TO: 1. Work ceaselessly to achieve the goals set out in the #PLANBELIZE Manifesto of the People’s United Party 2. Above all, remain faithful to the motto of the PUP – Serve the People – and not to use our offices for personal gain 3. At all times faithfully uphold and defend the Constitution and Laws of Belize 4. Unreservedly support plans and policies of a PUP Government that promote social, economic, and environmental justice 5. Ensure that all workers receive fair pay for their work and to implement a livable minimum wage of $5 per hour 6. To work to eliminate economic and social privilege and disparity among Belizeans and to protect the right of all to life, liberty, access to affordable education, universal health care, land and housing and the right to live in peaceful communities 7. To protect the identity, dignity and social and cultural values of Belizeans including indigenous peoples 8. To actively promote sustainable development in Belize and to protect our natural and built environment 9. To insist on good and transparent governance and to hold accountable those who betray the public good 10. To defend Belize’s territorial integrity and to protect Belize’s interest in international fora.
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Acción de Macro Sin perjuicio de ese esfuerzo, es preciso adoptar urgentemente ciertas medidas macroeconómicas fiscales y monetarias para poner en marcha la economía. Reducir las tasas de interés, mantener la liquidez y aumentar los préstamos - Mientras que las fuentes de préstamos del gobierno pueden estar agotándose, el sistema bancario sigue siendo altamente líquido con un exceso de liquidez general en torno a los 300mn. Sin embargo, las tasas de interés no han bajado de manera significativa. De hecho, las tasas de interés de los préstamos residenciales han comenzado a subir. Invertiremos esta tendencia y nos aseguraremos de que los tipos de interés bajen. Para ello, el Banco Central con el apoyo del gobierno será mucho más creativo para provocar la reducción de los tipos de interés, manteniendo la liquidez adecuada y fomentando el aumento de los préstamos a los sectores generadores de divisas orientados a la exportación y a las pequeñas y medianas empresas (PYMES). Dar prioridad a los gastos de capital que generen beneficios de inversión a largo plazo - Los gastos de capital del gobierno no se interrumpirán, sino que se centrarán en las inversiones en infraestructura que generen beneficios de inversión a largo plazo. No haremos malas inversiones como la nacionalización de BTL, el Banco Nacional de Belice que genera pérdidas perennemente y la insensata carretera del Caracol. Red Nacional de Logística - En su lugar nos centraremos en la construcción de una eficiente red nacional de logística. Entre otras cosas, se completará la carretera costera, se construirá un corredor agrícola Norte-Sur desde Blue Creek hasta la Carretera Occidental a través del Valle de la Paz y se fomentará el desarrollo de la capacidad de transporte a granel a través de nuestros principales puertos. Riviera Maya a Ambergris Caye - Se emprenderá una infraestructura de puentes y carreteras para conectar Ambergris Caye con el sur de la Riviera Maya de México.
BLU Revirtiendo
la economía Empleos y la economía
El gobierno del UDP, con su flagrante mala gestión y su corrupción desenfrenada, nos ha llevado al precipicio de la ruina económica. La ausencia de fondos de contingencia, los insostenibles niveles de deuda y el pobre estado de las finanzas del gobierno limitan severamente las herramientas a disposición del gobierno. El gobierno está ahora quebrado y ha recurrido a préstamos para pagar las cuentas, pero sin ningún plan para recuperar y hacer crecer la economía. Ahora, los préstamos se están agotando, la tarjeta de crédito está al máximo. A pesar de este estado lamentable de cosas, revertiremos esta economía.
Participación del sector privado
El sector privado es el motor fundamental de esta economía. Cualquier resurgimiento económico debe involucrar al sector privado como un socio clave. Equipo de Tareas de Recuperación Económica Público-Privado - Se establecerá inmediatamente un equipo de tareas de recuperación económica público-privado para que se reúna de forma regular y continua para hacer recomendaciones al Gabinete sobre las medidas de recuperación económica. Asociaciones públicas-privadas - Para movilizar el capital privado, se fomentarán las asociaciones públicas-privadas (APP) especialmente para proyectos de gran escala. Esos proyectos pueden incluir esfuerzos para lograr costos energéticos más bajos y la independencia energética nacional, en particular mediante fuentes de financiación del clima como el Fondo Verde para el Clima y otros. Inversiones del sector privado por vía rápida - Nuestro gobierno también acelerará las inversiones del sector privado. Proyectos como Caye Chapel Four Seasons y Blackadore Caye, entre muchos otros, no deben languidecer, sino que deben ser impulsados al progreso. Esto desbloqueará cientos de millones de dólares de inversión directa en divisas en Belice, lo que dará lugar a cientos, si no miles, de puestos de trabajo en la construcción y, en última instancia, a personal operativo permanente. Unidad del APP en la OPM - Estas iniciativas serán apoyadas, supervisadas y controladas a través de una unidad del APP establecida en la Oficina del Primer Ministro.
Acción sectorial específica Dadas las limitadas reservas de divisas, se prestará especial atención al apoyo y el fomento del turismo, la agricultura y otros sectores generadores de divisas orientados a la exportación.
Turismo El turismo ha representado casi la mitad de nuestra economía. Las repercusiones en este sector como resultado de la pandemia han dado lugar a una contracción masiva de la economía, la pérdida de decenas de miles de puestos de trabajo, una crisis fiscal, una crisis de deuda y una crisis de divisas. Si bien la reacción instintiva puede ser el decir que tenemos que diversificarnos lejos de un sector tan voluble, un enfoque más sabio es reconocer su importancia actual para nuestra economía y tomar medidas que garanticen su resurgimiento inmediato, pero con una estrategia más resistente. Esta es la fruta colgante más baja que puede traer de vuelta la actividad económica y crear empleos rápidamente. Mejora de la comercialización dirigida y el uso de recursos de la BTB - Esto significará mejores prácticas de comercialización dirigida y un uso más prudente de los recursos por parte de la BTB. Incentivar las estancias prolongadas y las inversiones en segundas residencias - Esto también significará ajustes a nuestras políticas y leyes para incentivar las estancias prolongadas, y para incentivar la inversión en segundas residencias y condominios en Belice. Obras de infraestructura de San Pedro y Caye Caulker - San Pedro y Caye Caulker son sin duda las principales atracciones para el turismo de larga estadía. Sin embargo, estos lugares han sido en gran parte abandonado por este gobierno del UDP. Invertiremos fuertemente en infraestructura en San Pedro y Caye Caulker. Esto incluirá no sólo la inversión en carreteras, sino también, con mayor urgencia, en el desarrollo y la mejora del sistema de alcantarillado de ambas islas, especialmente para Caye Caulker, y las comunidades de San Juan, San Pedrito, Escalante y las subdivisiones del DFC en San Pedro. La conexión de Caye Caulker a la red nacional también es una prioridad urgente. Hospital del APP de San Pedro - También fomentaremos el desarrollo de una asociación público-privada para la construcción de un hospital en San Pedro. Aeropuerto Internacional de Placencia - Para abrir el sur, en línea con el Plan Estratégico Nacional de Turismo, ya sea por medio de un APP o de otra manera, el Aeropuerto de Placencia deberá ser completado. Dangriga Cultural Tourism Village & Town Pier - Un renacimiento de Dangriga será diseñado mejorando lo que Dangriga tiene para ofrecer - el compartir su rica cultura Garifuna.
Continued on page 25
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mente la respuesta y la prestación de servicios. La estrategia se basará en la aplicación de 4 pilares: •
Material: Garantizar que todos los centros y el personal sanitario dispongan de los suministros necesarios para responder a la crisis Personal: Movilizar y racionalizar el personal clínico y no clínico según las necesidades Infraestructura: asegurar espacios para acomodar la capacidad de sobrecarga Sistemas: Establecer sistemas para integrar el esfuerzo de respuesta (datos, comunicación, transporte, remisiones, etc.)
•
Agricultura y Ganadería
•
Al mismo tiempo, deben adoptarse medidas inmediatas para potenciar otros sectores que, evidentemente, no sólo tienen una importancia vital para la seguridad y el sustento de los alimentos, sino que ofrecen oportunidades reales de crecimiento económico y diversificación amplia. La agricultura y la ganadería representan sectores clave que ofrecen esas oportunidades del norte a sur.
•
Deuda Este gobierno ha fallado en la gestión adecuada de la deuda pública. Desperdiciando dinero barato como los más de 400 millones de dólares en finanzas de Venezuela, en lugar de reducir nuestra deuda, nos quedamos sin ningún fondo de contingencia o flexibilidad en tiempos de crisis como la crisis de COVID que enfrentamos actualmente. Los niveles de deuda se han salido de control llevando al gobierno al borde de la bancarrota, amenazando nuestra tasa de cambio y el colapso general de nuestra economía. Debemos tratar de controlar estos niveles de deuda inmediatamente. Esto significa el establecimiento inmediato de una unidad dedicada a la gestión de la deuda dentro del Ministerio de Finanzas. El objetivo del gobierno entrante del PUP es reducir la creciente deuda a niveles sostenibles por debajo del 90% del PIB en 5 años y finalmente por debajo del 70% del PIB, mientras que al mismo tiempo se garantiza una amplia financiación disponible para las prioridades del gobierno. Si eso significa la reestructuración de cierta deuda, entonces esa será la tarea que se llevará a cabo de inmediato.
DERROTANDO el COVID-19,
RECUPERACIÓN MÁS FUERTE
Durante la mayor parte de 2020, el mundo ha sido sacudido por los efectos corrosivos de la pandemia del Coronavirus-19. Belice no se ha librado. Más de 50.000 personas perdieron sus trabajos, la economía se contrajo drásticamente en alrededor de la cuarta parte, más de 2.000 personas se han contagiado con el virus y más de 40 han muerto a causa de él. Belice se recuperará, Belice se recuperará más fuerte que nunca. #planBELIZE se compromete a En la economía • Estimular la economía para crear más de 50.000 empleos • Ofrecer incentivos a los empleadores para que vuelvan a contratar a antiguos empleados • Consultar inmediatamente con los sindicatos y la comunidad empresarial para enmendar la reciente modificación de la Ley del Trabajo. • Acelerar un paquete de estímulo de al menos 30 millones de dólares para el turismo, y 50 millones de dólares para la economía en general • Acelerar proyectos pendientes de inversión/desarrollo del sector privado para estimular el empleo y la actividad económica • Promulgar urgentemente una legislación moderna sobre la insolvencia y empresas para salvar puestos de trabajo protegiendo a las empresas de la quiebra • Establecer una Comisión Económica Nacional COVID-19 de base amplia para impulsar nuestro rebote económico • Adoptar medidas legislativas para que el Banco Central pueda realizar intervenciones de mercado específicas basadas en incentivos para reducir las tasas de interés de los préstamos • Consultar con los bancos comerciales y las cooperativas de crédito para introducir urgentemente medidas para reducir las pérdidas de viviendas y propiedades y los cierres de empresas • Modificar las leyes que regulan las casas de empeño y los alquileres con opción a compras para proteger a las personas como resultado de COVID-19 • Introducir rápidamente medidas innovadoras para atraer divisas para defender el dólar y facilitar el acceso a las divisas
Sobre la salud
La experiencia actual de aumento de los casos de COVID 19 demuestra una vez más la importancia de respetar las medidas básicas de salud pública, entre ellas la rápida detección de los casos, el aislamiento de estos, la localización de los contactos y un buen control de las infecciones. Por esta razón, la PUP se compromete a invertir en tecnologías y capital humano aprovechando las capacidades epidemiológicas y de laboratorio para garantizar el cumplimiento de las medidas de salud pública que apoyen la contención de la actual amenaza para la salud. Para hacer frente con eficacia al aumento de la demanda de atención sanitaria, la PUP mirará más allá del sistema de prestación de servicios de salud pública e involucrará seriamente al sector sanitario privado. Esta colaboración ofrecerá una toma de decisiones rápidas y basada en pruebas que mejorará drástica-
RESTAURANDO LA CONFIANZA FOMENTAR EL ESPÍRITU EMPRESARIAL Y PERMITIR LA CREACIÓN DE EMPLEO SOSTENIBLE Es hora de limpiar la casa, empezar de nuevo, embarcarse en un nuevo camino hacia un futuro mejor para la creación de empleo y la prosperidad económica - lleno de vigor, energía, esperanza y oportunidad - y donde el crecimiento económico anual de más del 5% se convierta en la nueva norma.
• • • • • •
Continuar con la ayuda al desempleo a todas las personas cualificadas hasta que la crisis de COVID-19 se disminuya Recuperar la inversión del sector privado como un verdadero socio e impulsor de nuestra economía para aprovechar el potencial de la economía de Belice Establecer una unidad incubadora de asociaciones de inversión pública y privada (AIPP) dentro de la Oficina del Primer Ministro para establecer y acelerar nuevas inversiones Inversiones del sector privado por la vía rápida que incluyen la exigencia del que las autoridades y departamentos reguladores examinen y determinen las solicitudes en tiempo real Facilitar y fomentar las inversiones y el comercio en las plataformas comerciales internacionales Diseñar deducciones sustanciales de los tipos de interés en los préstamos hasta un 30% y aumentar el acceso a los más de 300mn de exceso de liquidez en el sistema bancario
• Apoyar al sector privado, especialmente en los sectores de exportación, mediante diversas medidas fiscales • • •
• • • • • •
Reducir al 1,5% el impuesto a las empresas dedicadas a la exportación de bienes o servicios Proporcionar a los agricultores créditos fiscales por las tierras cultivadas o utilizadas para el ganado Apoyar la producción y la fabricación local mediante una calificación de cero a efectos del GST de los productos y derivados locales procesados y no procesados y cobrar el estándar del 12,5% de GST en los sustitutos de importación Eliminar el impuesto ambiental sobre los insumos para los productos fabricados en Belice Reducir el costo de Internet eliminando el GST Importación a la tasa cero de bienes de capital y equipo y productos intermedios para la exportación o el sector productivo o las empresas manufactureras Abolir el impuesto de contrato Introducir certificados de reembolso del GST asignables Reducir el tiempo para las evaluaciones de valoración del impuesto de timbre y reducir el impuesto de timbre al 5% en las ventas de tierras Continued on page 26
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⇒ Establish a Ministry of Information Technology and Digital Transformation to spearhead development in ICT, transformation of governments services and spur t e c h n o l o g i c a l i n n o va t i o n a n d development of the digital economy
THE BELIZE TIMES
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• Establecer un Ministerio de Tecnología de la Información y Transformación Digital para encabezar el desarrollo de las TIC, ⇒ Substantially increase market la transformación de los servicios gubernamentales y estimular access for agriculture, aquaculture la innovación tecnológica y el desarrollo deala n d economía m a n u f a c t u r e d digital goods into Mexico, Guatemala, USA, Canada, • Aumentar sustancialmente el acceso a los mercados de la agriTaiwan, Caricom and the EU cultura, la acuicultura y los productos manufacturados en Méx⇒ Establish an Export Development ico, Guatemala, los Estados Unidos, el Canadá, Fund Taiwán, la Caricom y la Unión Europea ⇒ Establish a National Jobs Center to act asExportaciones a job skills registry, provide job • Establecer un Fondo para el Desarrollo de las s e a r c h s e r v i c e a n d wo r k f o r c e • Establecer un Centro Nacional de Empleosdevelopment para actuar services como un registro de habilidades laborales, proporcionar servicio de ⇒ Restructure Government’s debt profile to place public finances búsqueda de empleo y servicios de desarrollo de lathe fuerza de on a sustainable path trabajo ⇒ Enable municipalities to issue • Reestructurar el perfil de la deuda del Gobierno a s s i g n a b lpara e p r o pcolocar erty tax lien certificates las finanzas públicas en una senda sostenible • Permitir que los municipios emitan certificados gravámenes ⇒ Allowde Belizeans and Belizean businesses to open US$ accounts in del impuesto sobre la propiedad asignable Belize • Permitir a los beliceños y a las empresas beliceñas abrir cuen⇒ Introduce measures to encourage tas en US$ en Belice the development of alternative green energy generation • Introducir medidas para fomentar el desarrollo de la generación de energía verde alternativa
A través de estas yThrough otras iniciativas, vamos a these and other initiatives, we will • • • • •
⇒ recuperar In the tourism bring back puestos at least 20,000 jobs bypara 2021 En el sector del turismo, alsector, menos 20.000 de trabajo 2021 y la tecnología, generar 20.000 empleos En el sector de los servicios ⇒ In the más services technology sector, generate 20,000 jobs En el sector agrícola, generar de and 30.000 empleos ⇒ In the agriculture sector, generate more than 30,000 jobs Apoyar a las PYMES para crear 5.000 nuevos puestos de trabajo ⇒Support MSME’s to create 5,000 new jobs En el sector extraterritorial, recuperar cientos de puestos de trabajo bien remunerados ⇒ In the offshore sector, bring back hundreds of high paying jobs
A medida que la economía repunte de nuevo, vamos a
As the economy roars back, • Aumentar el salario mínimo a 5 dólares por horawe will ⇒ Increase minimum wage to $5 per hour • Proporcionar créditos fiscales a los empleadores para las empresas agrícolas y las em⇒ Provide employer tax credits for agricultural businesses and low profit presas con bajo margen de beneficios margin firms • Abolir el impuesto sobre la renta PAYE completamente en 5 años - 5% cada año ⇒ Abolish PAYE income tax completely in 5 years – 5% each year • aumentar inmediatamente el umbral de deducción del impuesto sobre la renta a 30.000 ⇒ immediately increase income tax deduction threshold to $30k dólares PUP government will del urgently addressy the waste and misallocation of Un nuevo gobierno del PUPAsenew ocupará urgentemente despilfarro la mala asignación de los preciosos dólares de los precious taxpayer dollars, redeeming its unflinching conviction that Belize is afflicted contribuyentes, redimiendo su inquebrantable convicción de que Belice sufre un déficit de disciplina y gestión, NO de recurby a deficit of discipline and management, NOT of resources. sos. The PUP recognizes the valuable contribution of the vast majority of the
El PUP reconoce la valiosa contribución de la officers. gran mayoría de los funcionarios públicos que trabajan hardworking public There are those though, among the estimated 16,000duro. Sin embargo, hay strong formalque and se open vote register fail tocon perform and so doing, undermine quienes, entre los 16.000 funcionarios estiman en el who registro plaza deintrabajo formal o abierto, que no cumplen the publicelgood. message is unambiguous: for inequívoco: every taxpayer dollar and every con su deber y, al hacerlo, socavan bienOur público. Nuestro mensaje es por cada dólar de los contribuyentes y human resource hour, the next Government will expect, without exception, cada hora de recursos humanos, el próximo Gobierno esperará, sin excepción, resultados medibles. measurable results.
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THE BELIZE TIMES
ELECTIONS AND BOUNDARIES DEPARTMENT
RESTRICTIONS OF THE SALE OF INTOXICATING LIQUOR ON ELECTION DAY Elections and Boundaries Commission Belize City, 26th October 2020
NOTICES GENERAL ELECTION 2020
RESTRICTIONS OF THE SALE OF INTOXICATING LIQUOR ON ELECTION DAY The Elections and Boundaries Department invites the attention of all persons concerned to Section 28 of Act No. 34 of 2020 of Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2020 which provides that every person who is the holder of any liquor licence authorising the sale of intoxicating liquor in any premises maintained solely for that purpose shall take all necessary steps to cause such premises to be closed to the public on election day, that is, 11th November, 2020 between the hours appointed for the opening of the poll and twelve midnight. The law further provides that any person who is the holder of any hotel licence, special hotel licence, restaurant licence or any other licence to sell liquor in any premises, not solely maintained for that purpose, shall take all necessary steps to prevent the sale of liquor on election day between the hours appointed for the opening of the poll and twelve midnight. A breach of this section by any person is an offence and a fine not exceeding two thousand dollars. EMPLOYER TO ALLOW EMPLOYEE THE PRESCRIBED PERIOD FOR VOTING The Elections and Boundaries Department invites the attention of all employers to Section 29 (1) of the Representation of the People Act, which provides that every employer shall, on polling day, that is 11th November 2020, allow to every voter in his employ a reasonable time during the prescribed period for voting, and that no employer shall make any deduction from the pay or other remuneration of any such voter or impose upon or exact from him any penalty by reason of his absence during such period. All employers are urged to comply with this requirement. Failure to do so is an offence under the law. PROHIBITION AGAINST CARRYING OF FIREARMS ON ELECTION DAY The Elections and Boundaries Department draws the attention of the public to Statutory Instrument No. 22 of 2008 which provides that no person shall carry, discharge or use any firearm or ammunition in any public place within one hundred yards of any polling station or counting station between the hours of opening of the poll on the polling day that is, 7:00 a.m. on 11th November 2020, until the completion of counting of ballot papers. A contravention of this provision is an offence under the Firearms Act. PROHIBITION AGAINST USE OF MOBILE TELEPHONES AND TAKING OF PHOTOGRAPHS INSIDE POLLING STATION The Elections and Boundaries Department draws the attention of the public to Statutory Instrument No. 44 of 2008 which provides that no person shall on polling day within a polling station, without the express permission of the Presiding Officer, use a mobile telephone, paging machine or any other device for electronic communications; or film or take photographs or make any audio or video recording of any matter or thing on election day, that is, 11th November 2020 A breach of this section by any person is an offence under the law. BAN AGAINST LOUDSPEAKERS AND MEETINGS ETC., ON POLLING DAY The Elections and Boundaries Department wishes to remind the public that under Section 31 of the Representation of the People Act, no person shall carry, wear or use, or furnish or supply to any other person, any loudspeaker, bunting, ensign, banner, standard or set of colours, or any flag, other than the national flag, for the purpose of political propaganda, on polling day, that is, 11th November 2020. This section further provides that no person on polling day shall organize, hold or participate in any meeting, or organize, lead or participate in any procession, of five or more persons, or accost, solicit or canvass his vote from any elector who has already joined the line of voters waiting to vote at any polling station. Failure to comply with these provisions is an offence under the law.
28 Unelected Denny Offering Pantry and Land
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THE BELIZE TIMES
De’mars labelled vehicles can be seen going all around Orange Walk Central. Before Belize City got shafted by UDP’s Miller to the tune of hundreds of thousands, Orange Walk had Denny Grijalva. The last UDP OW town council signed an indecent agreement with Grijalva that would make Miller and Montero applaud. The Imer-style shaft was ready to hurt the people of Orange Walk Town as soon as Kevin Bernard took over the council. The man that now claims to care for Orange Walk Town and who is hoping Guatemala succeeds at the ICJ took the OW Town to court. Denny being a part of the corrupt UDP wanted to make good on his over bloated contract. Guess who was his lawyer,...yes it was Darrell Bradley, who later went in to create his own last minute contract monster. So when Denny and his company is seen scrapping streets it is the forced overpriced payment he has squeezed out of the people of Orange Walk Town. When Denny and his underpaid workers offer you pantry from the government it is CORRUPTION at work. Denny is NOT elected yet he has his paws in government(our) money and offering some 15 dollar bags hoping to get OW Central votes. Take your money and ask Denny why he voted YES to the ICJ. His Guatemalan blood doesn’t know what it is to be Belizean. He has never changed that... he said so himself. Just as he was shafting the OW residents, Denny, with the backing of the UDP, was caught, charged and fined for destroying
the remains of a Mayan temple, Noh Mul. Grijalva could not care less. He saw a mound of earth gathered by our ancestors 1000plus years ago and decided it was easier to gather than to legally mine white marl in an actual karst hills. In their 2018 November Central OW convention, Denny scrapped up some 900 votes of paid voters. Denny capitalized well on the need of voters. That number is short by a couple thousand needed for him to even contest against the PUP party leader in Orange Walk Central. John Briceùo is known in Orange Walk for his charisma and for teaching people to fish. When in Government John Briceùo will look out for his people in OW Central as in the entire Belize. John Briceùo is capable of that and more. Getting a bit specific, planBelize has set out a plan to give out 60,000 house lots in Belize. Be sure that OW central first time lot owners will get their fair share. When Denny asks you for hundreds of dollars to survey a lot you should question the corruption in such a deal. How can Denny front for the government? Hugo Patt’s corrupt tentacles are all the way in Orange Walk. Patrick Faber’s petty politics does not have a reign anywhere in Belize. A vote for Denny will be a vote for love of Guatemala, corrupt pantry deliveries, corrupt land hustling, fleecing of Orange Walk Town. Orange Walk Town needs the tandem of Kevin Bernard and John Briceùo. Belize needs them both as well.
Thursday, September 17, 2020
2020 OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY GENERAL OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY GENERAL For Immediate Release
Thursday, September 17, 2020 Tuesday, October 27, 2020 VASQUEZ MUST GO
For Immediate Release For Immediate Release
VASQUEZ MUST GO
The United is appalled, as all rightnj–Š‹Â?Â?‹Â?‰ ‡Ž‹œ‡ƒÂ?• AnyPeople’s allegation byParty the UDP that People’s United Party Leader The„‡ǥ People’s United Party is appalled, as all rightnj–Š‹Â?Â?‹Â?‰ ‡Ž‹œ‡ƒÂ?• •Š‘—Ž† ƒ– –Š‡ ƒ’’ƒ”‡Â?– Â?‘Â?…ŠƒŽƒÂ?…‡ ™‹–Š ™Š‹…Š –Š‡ Â?‹–‡† any John BriceĂąo is afraid to debate Patrick Faber does not dignify •Š‘—Ž† „‡ǥ ƒ– –Š‡ ƒ’’ƒ”‡Â?– Â?‘Â?…ŠƒŽƒÂ?…‡ ™‹–Š ™Š‹…Š –Š‡ Â?‹–‡† ‡Â?‘…”ƒ–‹… ƒ”–› ‹• –”‡ƒ–‹Â?‰ ‘—–”ƒ‰‡‘—• ƒŽŽ‡‰ƒ–‹‘Â?• ‘ˆ Â?‹•ƒ’’”‘’”‹ƒ–‹‘Â? response. What is ironic and hypocritical is the fact that Faber nev ‡Â?‘…”ƒ–‹… ƒ”–› ‹• –”‡ƒ–‹Â?‰ ‘—–”ƒ‰‡‘—• ƒŽŽ‡‰ƒ–‹‘Â?• ‘ˆ Â?‹•ƒ’’”‘’”‹ƒ–‹‘Â? ‘ˆ „› ‘Â?‡ ‘ˆ –Š‡‹” ‘™Â?Ǥ ‡•–‘” ƒ•“—‡œ Šƒ• „‡‡Â? ƒ ˜‡”› •‡Â?‹‘” ˆ‹Â?ƒÂ?…‹ƒŽ OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY GENERAL ‘ˆ „› ‘Â?‡ ‘ˆ –Š‡‹” ‘™Â?Ǥ ‡•–‘” ƒ•“—‡œ Šƒ• „‡‡Â? ƒ ˜‡”› •‡Â?‹‘” ˆ‹Â?ƒÂ?…‹ƒŽ er responded formally to the invitation to participate in the debate, ƒ†˜‹•‘” –‘ –Š‡ ”‹Â?‡ ‹Â?‹•–‡”ǥ ƒÂ?† Šƒ• ‡Â?Œ‘›‡† –Š‡ ’‡”Â?• ‘ˆ –Šƒ– ’‘•‹–‹‘Â? ƒ†˜‹•‘” –‘ –Š‡ ”‹Â?‡ ‹Â?‹•–‡”ǥ ƒÂ?† Šƒ• ‡Â?Œ‘›‡† –Š‡ ’‡”Â?• ‘ˆ –Šƒ– ’‘•‹–‹‘Â? Thursday, September 17, 2020–‘ „‡ For Immediate Release norˆ‘” did heÂ?ƒÂ?› attend Monday’s Â?ƒÂ?› ›‡ƒ”•Ǥ ‘” Š‹Â? „› –Š‡ –Š‡ ‰‘˜‡”Â?Â?‡Â?– ‰‘˜‡”Â?Â?‡Â?– ‡˜‡Â? ˆ‘” ›‡ƒ”•Ǥ ‘” Š‹Â? –‘ meeting. „‡ …‘††Ž‡† …‘††Ž‡† „› ‡˜‡Â? ĥ ĥ ‡˜‹†‡Â?…‡ Šƒ• ƒ’’‡ƒ”‡† –‘ •Š‘™ ”ƒÂ?’ƒÂ?– Â?‹•—•‡ ‘ˆ Â?‘Â?‹‡• ‹• ƒ •Žƒ’ For‡˜‹†‡Â?…‡ Šƒ• ƒ’’‡ƒ”‡† –‘ •Š‘™ ”ƒÂ?’ƒÂ?– Â?‹•—•‡ ‘ˆ Â?‘Â?‹‡• ‹• ƒ •Žƒ’ the sake of absolute clarity, the PUP notes that John VASQUEZ MUST GO ‹Â? –Š‡ ˆƒ…‡ ‘ˆ –Š‡ ‡Ž‹œ‡ƒÂ? ’‡‘’Ž‡Ǥ ‹Â? –Š‡ ˆƒ…‡ ‘ˆ –Š‡ ‡Ž‹œ‡ƒÂ? ’‡‘’Ž‡Ǥ BriceĂąo was invited to participate in a debate to be hosted by the The People’s United Party is appalled, as all rightnj–Š‹Â?Â?‹Â?‰ ‡Ž‹œ‡ƒÂ?• Belize Chamber of Commerce & Industry. He sought a meeting Vasquez’s arrogant, frivolous resignation as Chairman of BTL makes clear Vasquez’s arrogant, frivolous resignation as Chairman of BTL •Š‘—Ž† „‡ǥ ƒ– –Š‡ ƒ’’ƒ”‡Â?– Â?‘Â?…ŠƒŽƒÂ?…‡ ™‹–Š ™Š‹…Š –Š‡ makes Â?‹–‡† clear that he has no remorse at having been caught using company’s monies with organizers to discuss the details, and up to the time of this ‡Â?‘…”ƒ–‹… ƒ”–› ‹• –”‡ƒ–‹Â?‰ ‘—–”ƒ‰‡‘—• ƒŽŽ‡‰ƒ–‹‘Â?• ‘ˆ Â?‹•ƒ’’”‘’”‹ƒ–‹‘Â? that he has no remorse at having been caught using company’s monies ˆ‘” Š‹• ‘™Â? ’”‹˜ƒ–‡ ‡Â?–‡”–ƒ‹Â?Â?‡Â?–ǥ ƒŽŽ‡‰‡†Ž› –‘ –Š‡ –—Â?‡ ‘ˆ ƒŽÂ?‘•– ŠƒŽˆ ƒ ‘ˆ „› ‘Â?‡ ‘ˆ –Š‡‹” ‘™Â?Ǥ ‡•–‘” ƒ•“—‡œ Šƒ• „‡‡Â? ƒ ˜‡”› •‡Â?‹‘” ˆ‹Â?ƒÂ?…‹ƒŽ release being written, the organizers have not responded. We unˆ‘” Š‹• ‘™Â? ’”‹˜ƒ–‡ ‡Â?–‡”–ƒ‹Â?Â?‡Â?–ǥ ƒŽŽ‡‰‡†Ž› –‘ –Š‡ –—Â?‡ ‘ˆ ƒŽÂ?‘•– ŠƒŽˆ ƒ Â?‹ŽŽ‹‘Â? †‘ŽŽƒ”•Ǥ Šƒ– ‹• ƒŽ•‘ …Ž‡ar from Government’s inaction to this ƒ†˜‹•‘” –‘ –Š‡ ”‹Â?‡ ‹Â?‹•–‡”ǥ ƒÂ?† Šƒ• ‡Â?Œ‘›‡† –Š‡ ’‡”Â?• ‘ˆ –Šƒ– ’‘•‹–‹‘Â? derstand that a Šƒ– release has…Ž‡ar beenfrom issued in whichinaction the organizers Â?‹ŽŽ‹‘Â? †‘ŽŽƒ”•Ǥ ‹• ƒŽ•‘ Government’s to this ’‘‹Â?– ‹• –Šƒ– –Š‡”‡ ™‹ŽŽ „‡ ƒŽŽ ƒ––‡Â?’–• –‘ •™‡‡’ –Š‡ Â?ƒ––‡” —Â?†‡” –Š‡ ”—‰ ˆ‘” Â?ƒÂ?› ›‡ƒ”•Ǥ ‘” Š‹Â? –‘ „‡ …‘††Ž‡† „› –Š‡ ‰‘˜‡”Â?Â?‡Â?– ‡˜‡Â? ĥ –‘ ’”‘–‡…– ƒ•“—‡œǤ ’‘‹Â?– ‹• –Šƒ– –Š‡”‡ ™‹ŽŽ „‡ ƒŽŽ ƒ––‡Â?’–• –‘ •™‡‡’ –Š‡ Â?ƒ––‡” —Â?†‡” –Š‡ ”—‰ confirm receiving BriceĂąo’s request, and it stated that they would ‡˜‹†‡Â?…‡ Šƒ• ƒ’’‡ƒ”‡† –‘ •Š‘™ ”ƒÂ?’ƒÂ?– Â?‹•—•‡ ‘ˆ Â?‘Â?‹‡• ‹• ƒ •Žƒ’ ‹Â? –Š‡ ˆƒ…‡ ‘ˆ –Š‡ ‡Ž‹œ‡ƒÂ? ’‡‘’Ž‡Ǥ not–‘ ’”‘–‡…– ƒ•“—‡œǤ meet with any leader separately. That is an interesting Š‹• ‹Â?Â†Â‹Â˜Â‹Â†Â—ÂƒÂŽÇĄ …ƒ—‰Š– ”‡†njhanded using BTL’s money as his own, is also spin, the UDP’s representative on the Integrity Commiss‹‘Â?ÇĄ Â?‘ Ž‡•• –ŠƒÂ? ƒ •‹…Â? since BriceĂąo ausing private meeting, just a clear session to Vasquez’snever arrogant,requested frivolous resignation as Chairman of BTL makes Š‹• ‹Â?Â†Â‹Â˜Â‹Â†Â—ÂƒÂŽÇĄ …ƒ—‰Š– ”‡†njhanded BTL’s as his own, is also joke. He serves as the UDP’s Chairman on money the SSB’s Investment clarify details. There was, then, no basis to ignore his request. that he has no remorse at having been caught using company’s monies the UDP’s representative on the Integrity ‘Â?Â?‹––‡‡ ƒÂ?† ĥ ‹…‡nj Šƒ‹”Â?ƒÂ? ‘ˆ –Š‡ Commiss‹‘Â?ÇĄ Â?‘ Ž‡•• –ŠƒÂ? ƒ •‹…Â? ‡Â?–”ƒŽ ƒÂ?Â?ÇĄ ’‘•‹–‹‘Â?• ™Š‹…Š Theˆ‘” Š‹• ‘™Â? ’”‹˜ƒ–‡ ‡Â?–‡”–ƒ‹Â?Â?‡Â?–ǥ ƒŽŽ‡‰‡†Ž› –‘ –Š‡ –—Â?‡ ‘ˆ ƒŽÂ?‘•– ŠƒŽˆ ƒ People’s United Party has ‘ˆ been engaged in Investment countrywide joke. He serves as –‘ the–Š‡ UDP’s Chairman on the†‘ŽŽƒ”•Ǥ SSB’s ‰‹˜‡ Š‹Â? ƒ……‡•• Â?‘˜‡Â?‡Â?– –ƒš’ƒ›‡” •‹Â?’Ž‡ Â?‹ŽŽ‹‘Â? †‘ŽŽƒ”•Ǥ Šƒ– ‹• ƒŽ•‘ …Ž‡ar from Government’s inaction to this ”‡•‹‰Â?ƒ–‹‘Â? ĥ Šƒ‹”Â?ƒÂ? ‘ˆ ÇĄ ™‹–Š ƒ …ƒ•—ƒŽ ”‡Â?‹Â?†‡” –Šƒ– Š‡ involve ™‘—Ž† ‘Â?Â?‹––‡‡ ƒÂ?† ĥ ‹…‡nj Šƒ‹”Â?ƒÂ? ‘ˆ –Š‡ ‡Â?–”ƒŽ ƒÂ?Â?ÇĄ ’‘•‹–‹‘Â?• ™Š‹…Š our consultations for many months and will continue to ’‘‹Â?– ‹• –Šƒ– –Š‡”‡ ™‹ŽŽ „‡ ƒŽŽ ƒ––‡Â?’–• –‘ •™‡‡’ –Š‡ Â?ƒ––‡” —Â?†‡” –Š‡ ”—‰ Šƒ˜‡ ”‡–‹”‡† ƒÂ?›™ƒ› ‹Â? …–‘„‡”ǥ ‹• ˆƒ” ˆ”‘Â? ‡Â?‘—‰ŠǤ ‰‹˜‡ Š‹Â? ƒ……‡•• –‘ –Š‡ Â?‘˜‡Â?‡Â?– ‘ˆ –ƒš’ƒ›‡” †‘ŽŽƒ”•Ǥ •‹Â?’Ž‡ people –‘ ’”‘–‡…– ƒ•“—‡œǤ in the decision-making process. We have presented our ”‡•‹‰Â?ƒ–‹‘Â? ĥ Šƒ‹”Â?ƒÂ? ‘ˆ ÇĄ ™‹–Š ƒ …ƒ•—ƒŽ ”‡Â?‹Â?†‡” –Šƒ– Š‡ ™‘—Ž† comprehensive plans and policies for rebuilding the nation and Š‹• ‹Â?Â†Â‹Â˜Â‹Â†Â—ÂƒÂŽÇĄ …ƒ—‰Š– ”‡†njhanded using BTL’s money as his own, is also Šƒ˜‡ ”‡–‹”‡† ƒÂ?›™ƒ› ‹Â? …–‘„‡”ǥ ‹• ˆƒ” ˆ”‘Â? ‡Â?‘—‰ŠǤ --MORE--
this Thursday, we will launch Agenda to revitalize the Tourism the UDP’s representative on theour Integrity Commiss‹‘Â?ÇĄ Â?‘ Ž‡•• –ŠƒÂ? ƒ •‹…Â? joke. He serves as the UDP’s Chairman on the SSB’s Investment industry. ‘Â?Â?‹––‡‡ ƒÂ?† ĥ ‹…‡nj Šƒ‹”Â?ƒÂ? ‘ˆ –Š‡ ‡Â?–”ƒŽ ƒÂ?Â?ÇĄ ’‘•‹–‹‘Â?• ™Š‹…Š --MORE-We ‰‹˜‡ urgeŠ‹Â? allƒ……‡•• Belizeans reflect ‘ˆ on–ƒš’ƒ›‡” the many issues facing our –‘ –Š‡ to Â?‘˜‡Â?‡Â?– †‘ŽŽƒ”•Ǥ •‹Â?’Ž‡ nation ”‡•‹‰Â?ƒ–‹‘Â? as we head toward‘ˆ a ÇĄ ™‹–Š criticalƒ …ƒ•—ƒŽ election process. Please stay ĥ Šƒ‹”Â?ƒÂ? ”‡Â?‹Â?†‡” –Šƒ– Š‡ ™‘—Ž† safe. Šƒ˜‡ ”‡–‹”‡† ƒÂ?›™ƒ› ‹Â? …–‘„‡”ǥ ‹• ˆƒ” ˆ”‘Â? ‡Â?‘—‰ŠǤ --ENDS— --MORE--
Contact: Linsford Castillo E-mail: secgenpup@gmail.com
Thursday, September 17, 2020
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY GENERAL OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY GENERAL For Immediate Release
Thursday,October September 17, Tuesday, 27,2020 2020 VASQUEZ MUST GO
For Immediate ReleaseRelease For Immediate
VASQUEZ MUST GO
OnPeople’s Wednesday, 28, 2020, People’s United Party The UnitedOctober Party is appalled, as the all rightnj–Š‹Â?Â?‹Â?‰ ‡Ž‹œ‡ƒÂ?• The„‡ǥ People’s United Party is appalled, as all rightnj–Š‹Â?Â?‹Â?‰ ‡Ž‹œ‡ƒÂ?• •Š‘—Ž† ƒ– –Š‡ ƒ’’ƒ”‡Â?– Â?‘Â?…ŠƒŽƒÂ?…‡ ™‹–Š ™Š‹…Š –Š‡ Â?‹–‡† will appear in the Supreme Court to OF resist the attempt to stop the THE SECRETARY GENERAL •Š‘—Ž† „‡ǥ ƒ– –Š‡ ƒ’’ƒ”‡Â?– OFFICE Â?‘Â?…ŠƒŽƒÂ?…‡ ™‹–Š ™Š‹…Š –Š‡ Â?‹–‡† ‡Â?‘…”ƒ–‹… ƒ”–› ‹• –”‡ƒ–‹Â?‰ ‘—–”ƒ‰‡‘—• ƒŽŽ‡‰ƒ–‹‘Â?• ‘ˆ Â?‹•ƒ’’”‘’”‹ƒ–‹‘Â? General Elections scheduled for November 11, 2020. Currently, ‡Â?‘…”ƒ–‹… ƒ”–› ‹• –”‡ƒ–‹Â?‰ ‘—–”ƒ‰‡‘—• ƒŽŽ‡‰ƒ–‹‘Â?• ‘ˆ Â?‹•ƒ’’”‘’”‹ƒ–‹‘Â? ‘ˆ „› ‘Â?‡ ‘ˆ –Š‡‹” ‘™Â?Ǥ ‡•–‘” ƒ•“—‡œ Šƒ• „‡‡Â? ƒ ˜‡”› •‡Â?‹‘” ˆ‹Â?ƒÂ?…‹ƒŽ September 17, 2020 For Immediate Release ‘ˆ „› ‘Â?‡ ‘ˆ –Š‡‹” ‘™Â?Ǥ ‡•–‘” ƒ•“—‡œ Šƒ• „‡‡Â? ƒ ˜‡”› •‡Â?‹‘” ˆ‹Â?ƒÂ?…‹ƒŽ there isThursday, an application for an injunction to delay elections until ƒ†˜‹•‘” –‘ –Š‡ ”‹Â?‡ ‹Â?‹•–‡”ǥ ƒÂ?† Šƒ• ‡Â?Œ‘›‡† –Š‡ ’‡”Â?• ‘ˆ –Šƒ– ’‘•‹–‹‘Â? ƒ†˜‹•‘” –‘ –Š‡ ”‹Â?‡ ‹Â?‹•–‡”ǥ ƒÂ?† Šƒ• ‡Â?Œ‘›‡† –Š‡ ’‡”Â?• ‘ˆ –Šƒ– ’‘•‹–‹‘Â? redistricting of our political constituencies can be carried out. VASQUEZ MUST „› GO ˆ‘” Â?ƒÂ?› ›‡ƒ”•Ǥ ‘” ‘” Š‹Â? –‘ „› –Š‡ –Š‡ ‰‘˜‡”Â?Â?‡Â?– ‰‘˜‡”Â?Â?‡Â?– ‡˜‡Â? ˆ‘” Â?ƒÂ?› ›‡ƒ”•Ǥ Š‹Â? –‘ „‡ „‡ …‘††Ž‡† …‘††Ž‡† ‡˜‡Â? ĥ ĥ The‡˜‹†‡Â?…‡ Šƒ• ƒ’’‡ƒ”‡† –‘ •Š‘™ ”ƒÂ?’ƒÂ?– Â?‹•—•‡ ‘ˆ Â?‘Â?‹‡• ‹• ƒ •Žƒ’ People’s United Party will fight and ask the Court to up‡˜‹†‡Â?…‡ Šƒ• ƒ’’‡ƒ”‡† –‘ •Š‘™ ”ƒÂ?’ƒÂ?– Â?‹•—•‡ ‘ˆ Â?‘Â?‹‡• ‹• ƒ •Žƒ’ People’s United Party is appalled, as all rightnj–Š‹Â?Â?‹Â?‰ ‡Ž‹œ‡ƒÂ?• ‹Â? –Š‡ ˆƒ…‡ ‘ˆ –Š‡ ‡Ž‹œ‡ƒÂ? ’‡‘’Ž‡Ǥ ‹Â? –Š‡ ˆƒ…‡ ‘ˆ –Š‡ ‡Ž‹œ‡ƒÂ? ’‡‘’Ž‡Ǥ hold theThe argument that the Constitution of Belize sets out clearly •Š‘—Ž† „‡ǥ ƒ– –Š‡ ƒ’’ƒ”‡Â?– Â?‘Â?…ŠƒŽƒÂ?…‡ ™‹–Š ™Š‹…Š –Š‡ Â?‹–‡† a timeline for elections to beresignation held in the country. We believe, ‡Â?‘…”ƒ–‹… ƒ”–› ‹• –”‡ƒ–‹Â?‰ ‘—–”ƒ‰‡‘—• ƒŽŽ‡‰ƒ–‹‘Â?• ‘ˆ Â?‹•ƒ’’”‘’”‹ƒ–‹‘Â? Vasquez’s arrogant, frivolous as Chairman of BTL makes clear also, Vasquez’s arrogant, frivolous resignation as Chairman of BTL makes clear ‘ˆ „› ‘Â?‡ ‘ˆ –Š‡‹” ‘™Â?Ǥ ‡•–‘” ƒ•“—‡œ Šƒ• „‡‡Â? ƒ ˜‡”› •‡Â?‹‘” ˆ‹Â?ƒÂ?…‹ƒŽ that he no remorse at having caught using company’s monies that voting ishas a sacred right and been Belizeans should not be denied that he has no remorse at having been caught using company’s monies ƒ†˜‹•‘” –‘ –Š‡ ”‹Â?‡ ‹Â?‹•–‡”ǥ ƒÂ?† Šƒ• ‡Â?Œ‘›‡† –Š‡ ’‡”Â?• ‘ˆ –Šƒ– ’‘•‹–‹‘Â? ˆ‘” Š‹• ‘™Â? ’”‹˜ƒ–‡ ‡Â?–‡”–ƒ‹Â?Â?‡Â?–ǥ ƒŽŽ‡‰‡†Ž› –‘ –Š‡ –—Â?‡ ‘ˆ ƒŽÂ?‘•– ŠƒŽˆ ƒ theˆ‘” Š‹• ‘™Â? ’”‹˜ƒ–‡ ‡Â?–‡”–ƒ‹Â?Â?‡Â?–ǥ ƒŽŽ‡‰‡†Ž› –‘ –Š‡ –—Â?‡ ‘ˆ ƒŽÂ?‘•– ŠƒŽˆ ƒ right toÂ?ƒÂ?› safely cast votes on November 11th. ‡˜‡Â? ĥ ˆ‘” ›‡ƒ”•Ǥ ‘” their Š‹Â? –‘ „‡ …‘††Ž‡† „› –Š‡ ‰‘˜‡”Â?Â?‡Â?– Â?‹ŽŽ‹‘Â? †‘ŽŽƒ”•Ǥ Šƒ– ‹• ƒŽ•‘ …Ž‡ar from Government’s inaction to this ‡˜‹†‡Â?…‡ Šƒ• ƒ’’‡ƒ”‡† –‘ •Š‘™ ”ƒÂ?’ƒÂ?– Â?‹•—•‡ ‘ˆ Â?‘Â?‹‡• ‹• ƒ •Žƒ’ Our Party maintains, as has been stated, that will carry out Â?‹ŽŽ‹‘Â? †‘ŽŽƒ”•Ǥ Šƒ– ‹• ƒŽ•‘ …Ž‡ar from Government’s itinaction to this ’‘‹Â?– ‹• –Šƒ– –Š‡”‡ ™‹ŽŽ „‡ ƒŽŽ ƒ––‡Â?’–• –‘ •™‡‡’ –Š‡ Â?ƒ––‡” —Â?†‡” –Š‡ ”—‰ ‹Â? –Š‡ ˆƒ…‡ ‘ˆ –Š‡ ‡Ž‹œ‡ƒÂ? ’‡‘’Ž‡Ǥ –‘ ’”‘–‡…– ƒ•“—‡œǤ ’‘‹Â?– ‹• –Šƒ– –Š‡”‡ ™‹ŽŽ „‡ ƒŽŽ ƒ––‡Â?’–• –‘ •™‡‡’ –Š‡ Â?ƒ––‡” —Â?†‡” –Š‡ ”—‰ a redistricting exercise as a priority upon forming the new gov –‘ ’”‘–‡…– ƒ•“—‡œǤ ernment. For such anfrivolous exercise tousing be carried out just daysalso before Vasquez’s arrogant, resignation as Chairman Š‹• ‹Â?Â†Â‹Â˜Â‹Â†Â—ÂƒÂŽÇĄ …ƒ—‰Š– ”‡†njhanded BTL’s moneyofasBTL his makes own, isclear thatUDP’s heishas no remorse at beenpractical caught using monies an election scheduled, makes no orcompany’s legal sense. the representative onhaving the Integrity Commiss‹‘Â?ÇĄ Â?‘ Ž‡•• –ŠƒÂ? ƒ •‹…Â? Š‹• ‹Â?Â†Â‹Â˜Â‹Â†Â—ÂƒÂŽÇĄ …ƒ—‰Š– ”‡†njhanded using BTL’s as his own, is also ˆ‘” Š‹• ‘™Â? ’”‹˜ƒ–‡ ‡Â?–‡”–ƒ‹Â?Â?‡Â?–ǥ ƒŽŽ‡‰‡†Ž› –‘ –Š‡ –—Â?‡ ‘ˆ ƒŽÂ?‘•– ŠƒŽˆ ƒ joke. Henoserves as the UDP’s Chairman on money the SSB’s Investment We have quarrel with those who are advocating forthissuch Â?‹ŽŽ‹‘Â? †‘ŽŽƒ”•Ǥ ‹• ƒŽ•‘ from Government’s inaction to the UDP’s representative on the…Ž‡ar Integrity ‘Â?Â?‹––‡‡ ƒÂ?† Šƒ– ĥ ‹…‡nj Šƒ‹”Â?ƒÂ? ‘ˆ –Š‡ Commiss‹‘Â?ÇĄ Â?‘ Ž‡•• –ŠƒÂ? ƒ •‹…Â? ‡Â?–”ƒŽ ƒÂ?Â?ÇĄ ’‘•‹–‹‘Â?• ™Š‹…Š an joke. exercise. Ourƒ……‡•• contention is based on–ƒš’ƒ›‡” the filing such an ’‘‹Â?– ‹• –Šƒ– –Š‡”‡ ™‹ŽŽ „‡ ƒŽŽ ƒ––‡Â?’–• –‘ •™‡‡’ –Š‡ Â?ƒ––‡” —Â?†‡” –Š‡ ”—‰ He Š‹Â? serves as –‘ the–Š‡ UDP’s Chairman on late the†‘ŽŽƒ”•Ǥ SSB’s of Investment ‰‹˜‡ Â?‘˜‡Â?‡Â?– ‘ˆ •‹Â?’Ž‡ –‘ ’”‘–‡…– ƒ•“—‡œǤ ”‡•‹‰Â?ƒ–‹‘Â? Šƒ‹”Â?ƒÂ? ÇĄ ™‹–Š ƒ …ƒ•—ƒŽ ”‡Â?‹Â?†‡” –Šƒ– Š‡ ™‘—Ž† application, days before a‘ˆ critical and the’‘•‹–‹‘Â?• fact that™Š‹…Š enter ‘Â?Â?‹––‡‡ ƒÂ?† ĥ ĥ ‹…‡nj Šƒ‹”Â?ƒÂ? ‘ˆ election, –Š‡ ‡Â?–”ƒŽ ƒÂ?Â?ÇĄ ‰‹˜‡ Šƒ˜‡ ”‡–‹”‡† ƒÂ?›™ƒ› ‹Â? …–‘„‡”ǥ ‹• ˆƒ” ˆ”‘Â? ‡Â?‘—‰ŠǤ Š‹Â? ƒ……‡•• –‘ –Š‡ Â?‘˜‡Â?‡Â?– ‘ˆ –ƒš’ƒ›‡” †‘ŽŽƒ”•Ǥ •‹Â?’Ž‡ taining such an application would contravene the Constitution of Š‹• ‹Â?Â†Â‹Â˜Â‹Â†Â—ÂƒÂŽÇĄ …ƒ—‰Š– ”‡†njhanded using BTL’s money as his own, is also ”‡•‹‰Â?ƒ–‹‘Â? ĥ Šƒ‹”Â?ƒÂ? ‘ˆ ÇĄ ™‹–Š ƒ …ƒ•—ƒŽ ”‡Â?‹Â?†‡” –Šƒ– Š‡ ™‘—Ž† the UDP’s representative on the Integrity Commiss‹‘Â?ÇĄ Â?‘ Ž‡•• –ŠƒÂ? ƒ •‹…Â? Belize. Šƒ˜‡ ”‡–‹”‡† ƒÂ?›™ƒ› ‹Â? …–‘„‡”ǥ ‹• ˆƒ” ˆ”‘Â? ‡Â?‘—‰ŠǤ joke. He serves as the UDP’s--MORE-Chairman on the SSB’s Investment ‘Â?Â?‹––‡‡ ƒÂ?† ĥ ‹…‡nj Šƒ‹”Â?ƒÂ? ‘ˆ –Š‡ ‡Â?–”ƒŽ ƒÂ?Â?ÇĄ ’‘•‹–‹‘Â?• ™Š‹…Š --ENDS— ‰‹˜‡ Š‹Â? ƒ……‡•• –‘ –Š‡ Â?‘˜‡Â?‡Â?– ‘ˆ –ƒš’ƒ›‡” †‘ŽŽƒ”•Ǥ •‹Â?’Ž‡ ”‡•‹‰Â?ƒ–‹‘Â? ĥ Šƒ‹”Â?ƒÂ? ‘ˆ ÇĄ ™‹–Š ƒ …ƒ•—ƒŽ ”‡Â?‹Â?†‡” –Šƒ– Š‡ ™‘—Ž† --MORE-Šƒ˜‡ ”‡–‹”‡† ƒÂ?›™ƒ› ‹Â? …–‘„‡”ǥ ‹• ˆƒ” ˆ”‘Â? ‡Â?‘—‰ŠǤ
Contact: Linsford Castillo E-mail: secgenpup@gmail.com
--MORE--
THE BELIZE TIMES 29 2020 United Democratic Party Commitments 2015 Manifesto 1 NOV
PART III (LAST OF 44 BROKEN PROMISES, UDP STYLE)
UDP PROMISING NEW STUFF; WHAT ABOUT THESE FABER #
Broken Promise
31.
Review the policy that prohibits the holding of US Dollar accounts at domestic banks in order to retain capital in Belize 32. Develop an investor-friendly residency program 33. Improve government services through the implementation of a system-wide quality process reform 34. Enact bills to enforce transparency & accountability in Public Financial Management.
35. Fully implement an integrated e-Government system in all departments where practical
Outcome Capital has taken flight; In fact, is the last few years, UDP combination of policy has weakened the banking system. With a third recession and a decimated economy with band-aids everywhere, Belizeans just want the UDP out of their lives. Is this the McAfee, Mason, Pukke, Dermen, Kingston etc. program? Services to a few was great. It is called corrupted services. On Feb 20 and 23, there was a major and a historic demonstration pointed to the finances of the country being corrupted. In fact, the very supreme court had on Jan 31 ruled that PM Barrow had been involved for years in deliberate unconstitutional spending of Belizean money. Maybe this is why the Prime Minister’s last decision on John Saldivar was a video to the nation. The Barrow Touch or the Barrow’s Law is the corrupted version of Midas and Murphy. Faber cannot get his 2012 imposed amendments to work. Education is not happening at rates Belize needs to progress. PSE is regressing in terms of success. The politicizing of the health system has been detrimental. Pablo Marin is not good for the MoH. Let us recall, the PM left him as Minister of health because he wins elections. Sad. We have a malpracticing Minister of Health. Anyone seen the policy? Yet, they can rack up a 24 thousand dollars in phone bill for the last fiscal year.
36. Diversify the education curriculum to ensure relevance to national demand 37. Launch a nationwide preventative campaign to reduce diabetes, hypertension & obesity through proper nutrition & exercise 38. Develop a National Housing Policy that will stimulate housing starts & create a secondary market for mortgages 39. Institute a National Lands Advisory Council to ensure With Patt and the caretakers the corruption at Land continues. Patt said so himself. adherence to progressive land use policies Did he give 350 caye lots for 1000 dollars to UDP delegates for votes? When the media asked him, he infamously said he won’t answer since his words are often distorted. Yes, Patt sounded distorted. 40. Implement a mandatory recycling program Oh yes they recycled the ministers in Cabinet. There was no improvement.
41.
Restrict importation & use of non-biodegradable Has the UDP found out which packing is biodegradable? Does Belize have scienpackaging tists who verify that the packaging being called biodegradable actually is? Is another fraud happening in plain sight? 42. Develop & implement a modern migration policy that Is this the Dermen convict policy? will ensure that immigration into Belize will contrib- In this the Dianne Finnegan/Beverly Williams policy? ute positively to our national development 43. Implement the National Council on Ageing’s Strate- Our septuagenarian and octogenarian relatives are waiting. Covid is staring them gic Plan 2015 – 2019 to address the needs of our in the face. Mr. UDP what will you do? elderly, including legal protection, healthy life styles, financial security, social support, housing conditions & access 44. Invest $60 million to upgrade & widen the Philip It is 2020 and the old Haulover is still there. The widening rendered a highway Goldson Highway from Mile 2 to the PGIA junction, with deep defects. Horrible accidents along the stretch point to only some of the & replace the Haulover Bridge defects. At the very last minute the UDP is trying to give Imer Hernandez the contract. Campaign financing??
30
1 NOV
THE BELIZE TIMES
2020
Faber, Patrick Jason Classless UDP 1st/2nd/3rd Term Final Progress Report
Issues
Term
Final
1st
2nd
3rd
Minister of Education
F
F
F
F
Retrenchment/Victimization of School Wardens
A+
A+
A+
A+
Incomplete Belize Civic Center; two deaths
U
U
F
F
Union Busting ($1Million Easter Cheer)
A
A
A
A
Herman Longsworth/Patrick Henry Money Missing
F
F
F
F
Marion Jones Stadium 2.7 Million
-
F
F
F
Visa Recommendations for Unknowns
U
U
U
U
Crime (high dropout rates)
F
F
F
F
Vega and all the Land Issues
U
U
U
U
BNTU Issues
F
F
F
F
Respect for Teachers
F
F
F
F
School Retention of Students
F
F
F
F
Danny (250K??), Intelco Hill
U
U
U
U
Lev Dermen
U
U
U
U
Sanctuary Bay (Kanantik Education Courses)
A+
U
U
U
Corozal Pibil Tacos
-
-
A+
A+
Belizean economy
U
U
U
U
Women’s Issues
F
F
F
F
Submerging/Wrecking Government Vehicles
-
-
A+
A+
Useless Music Ambassador at NICH
F
F
F
F
Sports(Local and International)
F
F
F
F
Our Children’s Access to School
F
F
F
F
Julian Cho HS/Simeon Coc’s misused $2Million
-
-
F
F
Teacher’s Commission
-
F
F
F
Scholarships for Cronies(Fraser, Willoughby, Perdomo)
A
A
A
A
Secondary Education Financing Formula
-
F
F
F
Yellow Man’s Hiring & Firing Issue
-
F
F
F
Economy in Collet
F
F
F
F
Crime in Collet
F
F
F
F
Housing in Collet
F
F
F
F
Land Programs in Collet
F
F
F
F
Job availability in Collet
F
F
F
F
The Hub still closed
-
-
F
F
Covid State of Education
-
-
F
F
University of Belize Subvention Cut
F
F
F
F
School Reopening During Covid Times
-
-
F
F
Overpriced Campaign Tablets
-
-
F
F
U – Ungraded meaning that is not assessable since he was guilty of inaction. F – Definitely did not do anything to help the people of Belize. A+ – He seemed to be happy with helping himself. Future Outlook: With so much inaction on BIG issues happening around him, Patrick Joshua is eons away from being a leader. When half of a few delegates from a divided party vote for you there is a Patrick Joshua Faber demise awaiting. Since Patrick Joshua has to go through an election against a politically-inert Saldivar and the outcome is a virtual TIE then Patrick Joshua should start thinking of an improbable 2035 run. Recommendation: Mr. Faber should go to John Briceño and request tips on how to beat Oscar Arnold. The UDP will be extremely lucky to come out of elections 2020 with a person in the House to be the UDP Leader of the Opposition.
1 NOV
31
THE BELIZE TIMES
2020
Saldivar, John Birchman Classless UDP 1st/2nd/3rd Term Final Progress Report
Issues
Term
Final
1st
2nd
3rd
Recondev
F
F
F
F
Public Service, Governance Improvement and Elections & Boundaries
U
-
-
U
Visa Recommendations for Unknowns
-
A+
-
A+
Vega
A+
A+
A+
A+
McAfee
A+
A+
U
U
Danny
-
A+
A+
A+
Dermen
-
A+
A+
A+
Kingston
-
A+
A+
A+
Tranches
-
A+
A+
A+
Desage
-
U
U
U
Sanctuary Bay
-
-
-
U
Murders (1500/12years)
-
F
F
F
Crime
-
F
F
F
Sarstoon (he lost it to Guatemala)
-
F
F
F
Adjacency Zone
-
F
F
F
Preventing Plane Landings
-
F
F
F
Disabling Illegal Airstrips
-
F
F
F
Arrests of Illegal Border Crossing(Land)
-
F
F
F
Arrests of Illegal Border Crossing(Air)
-
F
F
F
Narco Submarines
-
F
F
F
Narco Boats
-
F
F
F
Curbing Money Laundering
F
F
F
F
Curbing Human Trafficking
-
F
F
F
Forward Operating Bases
-
F
F
F
Belmopan Constituency
F
F
F
F
Economy in Belmopan
F
F
F
F
Crime in Belmopan and Surroundings
F
F
F
F
Housing in Belmopan (only to foreigners)
F
F
F
F
Land in Belmopan (greens for campaign dollars)
F
F
F
F
Job availability in Belmopan
F
F
F
F
Market Space
F
F
F
F
U – Ungraded meaning that is not assessable since he was guilty of inaction. F – Definitely did not do anything to help the people of Belize. A+ – He seemed to be happy with helping himself. Future Outlook: Was extremely ambitions but after spending almost 3 days as leader of the United Democratic Party, he is no more. Trying to climb back even within the UDP has been a failure. How can Saldivar claim to want to lead the people of Belize when all his actions bleed with corruption and self-aggrandizement? Recommendation: Saldivar should totally resign from public life. There is still time to save face. Withdraw from the General Elections and maybe history will give you a bargain. John will remember that the investigation on the tranches are still a very live issue.
32
THE BELIZE TIMES
1 NOV
2020