Belize Times April 18, 2020- "Today's Sacrifice: Tomorrow's Triumph"

The Belize Times

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THE BELIZE TIMES

18 APR

2021

Established 1957

18 APRIL 2021 | ISSUE NO: 5245

The Truth Shall Make You Free

www.belizetimes.biz | $1.00

“TODAY’S SACRIFICE: TOMORROW’S TRIUMPH” PROPOSED BUDGET OF RENEWAL, REFORM, REBOUND

“This Budget will preserve employment for 15,000 public servants, 4,900 of whom contribute to domestic and border security, while another 3,500 serve our over 100,000 students throughout the education system and the other 6,600 are on duty across the multiple departments and agencies of the national Government.

In a sense, these 15,000 public servants have 405,000 full-time customers, who are the other citizens of Belize, as well as many thousands of part- time customers — those who reside in invest in and visit Belize. Their work, paid for by all taxpayers through the appropriations in this Budget, vivifies the State, enabling the quality of life and many conveniences that all Belizeans share.

This Administration has resisted retrenchment and protected the wages of those earning up to $12,000 per year.

Thus, no one earning $250 a week or less will face a salary cut thereby ensuring that NO government employee well fall below the $5 an hour minimum wage.” an hour minimum wage.” – Prime Minister John Briceño

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Phasing-in Face-to-Face

Schools Resume

JOBS

Help for St. Vincent & the Grenadines

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BWS: POSITIVE OUTLOOK HELP FOR FIRE VICTIM ON-GOING BILL AMNESTY

*Defeating Covid-19 *Cruise Ships Returning in August *CFZ/Casinos, $10M plus in 2021 Salaries *Farm to Table

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BE SAFE AND GET VACCINATED BELIZE

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18 APR

THE BELIZE TIMES BUDGET 2021/22 SUMMARY BRIEF

No new taxes in the new Budget, despite a drop of 30% in revenues in the last Budget The PUP Government expects its revenues to recover by 14%, based on a 2.5% GDP growth and the start of a tourism industry recovery The New Budget reduces salaries by 10% or $51m BUT also reduces other spending on goods & services, subsidies and interest payments by 24% or $154m compared to the last Budget Non-wage spending cuts are therefore 3 times greater than wage cuts Government expects to pay $53m less on debt servicing by restructuring the super bond Capital investments are programmed at $300m for the year and will include: • $25m for the health sector, particularly for the fight against Covid, including for vaccines • $3m for food assistance • $7m for national security improvements • $3.5m for new low income houses • $3 million for upgrading of sugar and agricultural roads • $16.5m for improvements to delivery of education • $5m for better village streets and drains • $100m total for the Sarteneja, George Price, Philip Goldson, Caracol & Coastal Roads • $100m + for other spending, to alleviate poverty and improve the quality of life Government proposed freezing recurrent spending – wages, goods and services and subsidies - for a period of 3 years, to allow the economy and the public finances to recover What did the UDP leave behind?

• Belize has the sixth highest Government debt in the world • Belize’s economy suffered the fifth steepest fall in the world in 2020 • Belize is even excluded from the Corruption Index and ranks 167 of 190 countries when it comes to starting up a new business The UDP left $10,000 in debt for every single Belizean, borrowed $700m in just their last two years in office and departed with 3 of every 10 Belizean workers out of a job The PUP Government will protect the 2 to 1 exchange rate, pass modern laws to grow the economy and create jobs, start funding Plan Belize initiatives and clean-up the UDP mess Sacrifice today, triumph tomorrow – The Prime Minister and the Government has called for unity and resolve as Belize faces its most difficult crisis caused by UDP mismanagement & Covid-19 ***

2021

VOICE OF THE COMMON MAN

“TODAY’S SACRIFICE: TOMORROW’S TRIUMPH”

By Hilly Bennett Prime Minister Honourable John Briceño read the budget for fiscal year 2021/2022 in the halls of the National Assembly.

The hallmark “Today’s Sacrifice : Tomorrow’s Triumph” which is guided by the lodestars, renewal, reform, rebound, and a core set of values of Prime Minister John Briceño which simply cannot be debated.

Once again, the United Democratic Party, now in opposition, attempted to hurl the political pixie dust in the eyes of the Belizean populace. Faber et al’s hooliganistic theatrics and political drama was all a ploy to distract from the destruction left in the wake of the red hydra’s defeat at the polls rather than to acknowledge the UDP’s imposed reality of the economic state of affairs of the Jewel. The initial UDP’s reactions to the budget presentation was worthy of an episode of Maury Povich proportions. Most glaring were the words “I am not my father’s son” by Shyne Barrow and the boyish tantrum of the Leader of the Opposition.

The harsh reality is that the Briceño Government has inherited a financial ticking time bomb - the National Debt. The Barrow/Faber regime raped and plundered the country’s financial resources while failing to apply political pragmatism and formulate sound fiscal policies.

Instead, these political parasites feasted on the host with the insatiable borrowing and their reckless spending of public funds.

The thrust of the ‘wave election’ on 11th November 2020 is confirmation that the masses believed that the UDP lacked the managerial skills to move the country to its zenith. However, PM Briceño was adamant that “with this historic endorsement we have immense responsibilities, which obligate us to rise to the demands of the Constitution, our manifesto, and national interest. And it is to that national interest that this revenue collections and spending process-the Budget process- must do justice.”

The 2021/2022 budget with all the components included considers all Belizean men and women: those contributing in the world of business, world of work, the farmers, fishers or the ones on the fringes waiting for a life changing opportunity, the

single mothers, the disenfranchised youths. Clearly the budget encapsulates realistically reachable goals in the surge to national development and the halcyon days of the past under a PUP Government. Critically “the key policy imperative for Belize is to restore public debt sustainability and strengthen the currency peg.”

That is embedded in the home-grown approach to Plan Recovery: spending reduction, revenue enhancement, a comprehensive debt restructuring and an above-average economic expansion, all intertwined to underpin a renaissance of sturdy public finance. Plan Belize is considered the North Star to Plan Recovery. Interestingly the greatest take away is the creation of land and homeownership opportunities for the disadvantaged lot and the return to equitable economic growth.

Understandably, there can never be true development without the development of peoples.

Importantly, the binding glue in succeeding the brutish era of old is dependent on national unity and a sense of purpose that the shared sacrifice we make today will result in all being able to triumph tomorrow.

Remember the harder the sacrifice the greater the triumph! Let the recovery begin!

The Belize Times

Established 1957

14 APR 2013

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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

18 APR

2021

THE BELIZE TIMES

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EDITORIAL

In Solidarity with Belize

E

veryone is an expert these days. If in doubt check out your Facebook feed. Self-proclaimed experts on every topic under the sun abound. All are busy sharing their expertise, opinions, concerns, and recommendations. It is pleasing to see the level of engagement…albeit just a tad too late to avoid the catastrophic economic crisis which looms straight ahead. The PUP for years had warned that the unrestrained spending, borrowing, wastage and slippage would have dire consequences for the Belizean economy. The BNTU were the only union to agree, and it must be recognized that they made efforts to address the issue, if only because their own payday was being put in jeopardy by the actions they repudiated. The other Unions coming forward now, some whose mere existence has been largely ignored by the Belizean public, turned a blind eye to the shenanigans of the last thirteen years.

The Belizean Economic model is based largely on Britain’s Mixed Economy which is most often associated with Keynesianism. John Maynard Keynes developed various macroeconomic theories of economic output and inflation are influenced by aggregate demand. Under this model undesired fluctuations (recessions and inflation) in a market economy can be diminished by fiscal and monetary policy enacted by the government and the Central Bank, respectively.

The stability of output, inflation, and unemployment in the mostly market economy is achieved by active government intervention. This model falls in line with the PUP’s philosophy of social democracy. The newly elected PUP government will use every available economic intervention to realize its ideals of social and economic justice. Those standards include the delivery of basic benefits such as access to public health, education, public services, equal opportunity and includes breaking the barriers to social mobility, and the creations of social safety nets for the most vulnerable. However, social democracy also maintains that the burdens of cooperation are also distributed equally. It is therefore not far fetched that the private sector having already taken huge damage during the last year cannot be made to bear the burden exclusively.

The Unions have absolutely no remorse in debasing the efforts of the current administration who have come on board to clean up the mess made by the last. They cry foul because for once this government has made their position clear and given Belizeans all the facts on the proposals presented and rejected by the Unions. Unions have become quite adept at politicking and using unveiled venomous attacks themselves. The gargantuan task ahead to right the Belizean economy is not one the PM takes lightly, there are no easy and quick fixes. The road to recovery will be long and arduous. It is a road we must travel together; we must share the bounty and the burdens equally between the private and the public sector. Are we not all Belizeans? Are we not our brother’s keeper? When hard times come knocking …they touch one and they touch all Belizeans. When we claim that we are for Belizeans, we must mean all Belizeans not just the privileged few that have secure jobs with noncontributory pensions paid for by the same taxpayers they continue to burden with loans to pay their salaries. Belizeans may have realized that many public servants get pensioned at fifty-five from government and then receive a second pension at sixty-five from social security. Employees in the private sector have no such safety net and must save judiciously to fund their own retirement should they want one or continue working to earn their keep as long as they can.

For a long time working in the public sector has been a much sought-after prize and no wonder! Double pensions, secure employment, perks, allowances, paid long leaves after every ten years of service, these are all extras that no one in the private sector can even dream of. These are all paid by taxpayers, the same taxpayers who are now forced to pay loans to fund these salaries and yearly increments. It is shameful to ask this from people who have had to scrape just to survive in the last year. If it is indeed to left that we must go, then that also means that the burden of taxes, and unemployment as well must be shared. This PUP government true to its tenets of social justice is avoiding retrenchment, and instead offers cutback in salary which would have been offset by a reduction in working hours. Any reduction in spending power would have been mitigated by loans made available especially for teachers and other public servants at special rates. Our solidarity must not be limited to those in a special group. Our solidarity must be with all Belizeans and Belize.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

EDITORIAL

18 APR

2021

en Español

En Solidaridad Con Belice

H

oy en día todo el mundo es un experto. Si tienes dudas, echa un vistazo a tu Facebook.

Abundan los autoproclamados expertos en todos los temas bajo el sol. Todos están ocupados compartiendo sus conocimientos, opiniones, preocupaciones y recomendaciones. Es agradable ver el nivel de compromiso... aunque demasiado tarde para evitar la catastrófica crisis económica que se avecina. El PUP ha advertido durante años que el gasto desenfrenado, el endeudamiento, el despilfarro y los desvíos tendrían consecuencias nefastas para la economía beliceña. El BNTU fue el único sindicato que estuvo de acuerdo, y hay que reconocer que se esforzó por abordar la cuestión, aunque sólo fuera porque su propio sueldo estaba en peligro por las acciones que repudiaba. Los demás sindicatos que se presentan ahora, algunos cuya mera existencia ha sido ignorada en gran medida por el público beliceño, se hicieron la vista gorda ante los tejemanejes de los últimos trece años.

El modelo económico de Belice se basa en gran medida en el modelo de economía mixta británica, que suele asociarse con el keynesianismo. John Maynard Keynes desarrolló varias teorías macroeconómicas en las que la producción económica y la inflación están influidas por la demanda agregada. Según este modelo, las fluctuaciones no deseadas (recesiones e inflación) en una economía de mercado pueden disminuirse mediante la política fiscal y monetaria aplicada por el gobierno y el Banco Central, respectivamente. La estabilidad de la producción, la inflación y el desempleo en la economía de mercado, en su mayor parte, se consigue mediante la intervención activa del gobierno. Este modelo coincide con la filosofía democrática social del PUP. El recién elegido gobierno del PUP utilizará todas las intervenciones económicas disponibles para hacer realidad sus ideales de justicia social y económica. Estos ideales incluyen el suministro de prestaciones básicas como el acceso a la sanidad pública, la educación, los servicios públicos, la igualdad de oportunidades e incluye la ruptura de las barreras a la movilidad social, y la creación de redes de seguridad social para los más vulnerables. Sin embargo, la democracia social también sostiene que las cargas de la cooperación también se distribuyen por igual. Por lo tanto, no es probable que el sector privado, que ya ha sufrido enormes daños durante el pasado año, pueda soportar la carga exclusivamente.

Los sindicatos no tienen ningún remordimiento en degradar los esfuerzos de la actual administración que ha llegado para limpiar el desastre hecho por la anterior. Se quejan porque, por primera vez, este gobierno ha dejado claro su posición y ha dado a los beliceños todos los datos sobre las propuestas presentadas y rechazadas por los sindicatos. Los sindicatos se han vuelto muy hábiles en la política y en el uso de lanzar ataques venenosos. El Primer Ministro no se toma a la ligera la gigantesca tarea que tiene por delante para enderezar la economía de Belice, pues no hay soluciones fáciles ni rápidas. El camino hacia la recuperación será largo y arduo. Es un camino que debemos recorrer juntos; debemos compartir las recompensas y las cargas por igual entre el sector privado y el público. ¿No somos todos beliceños? ¿No somos acaso los guardianes de nuestro hermano? Cuando los tiempos difíciles llaman a la puerta... tocan a uno y tocan a todos los beliceños. Cuando afirmamos que estamos a favor de los beliceños, debemos referirnos a todos los beliceños, no sólo a los pocos privilegiados que tienen empleos seguros con pensiones no contributivas pagadas por los mismos contribuyentes a los que siguen cargando con préstamos para pagar sus salarios. Los beliceños se habrán dado cuenta de que muchos funcionarios públicos se jubilan a los cincuenta y cinco años con el gobierno y luego reciben una segunda pensión a los sesenta y cinco con la seguridad social. Los empleados del sector privado no disponen de esa red de seguridad y deben ahorrar prudentemente para financiar su propia jubilación en caso de quererla o seguir trabajando para ganarse el sustento mientras puedan.

Durante mucho tiempo, trabajar en el sector público ha sido un premio muy codiciado, y no es de extrañar. Pensiones dobles, seguridad en el empleo, prebendas, subsidios, permisos largos pagados cada diez años de servicio, todo ello son extras con los que nadie en el sector privado puede siquiera soñar. Todo esto lo pagan los contribuyentes, los mismos contribuyentes que ahora se ven obligados a pagar préstamos para financiar estos salarios y aumentos anuales.

Es vergonzoso pedirle esto a la gente que ha tenido que raspar para sobrevivir en el pasado año. Si es realmente a la izquierda a donde debemos ir, entonces eso también significa que la carga de los impuestos, y el desempleo también deben ser compartidos. Este gobierno del PUP, fiel a sus principios de justicia social, evita la reducción del empleo y, en su lugar, ofrece una reducción salarial que se habría compensado con una reducción de la jornada laboral. Cualquier reducción del poder adquisitivo se habría mitigado con préstamos puestos a disposición especialmente de los profesores y otros funcionarios públicos a tasas especiales. Nuestra solidaridad no debe limitarse a los de un grupo especial. Nuestra solidaridad debe ser con todos los beliceños y con Belice.

18 APR

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

PR#243

PRESS RELEASE

Ministry of Education Updates on Phased-in Return to Face- to-Face Instruction Schools will have varied approaches Belmopan. April 12, 2021. 1:30 p.m.

Following the approval of Cabinet for the Ministry of Education to proceed with the phased-in return to face-to-face instruction, schools across the country have begun the process of preparing to have students back on campus. Since the announcement was made on March 24th, 211 schools have applied to be part of the phased-in return.

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To date, 61 schools have applied to return on April 12th and 161 schools have applied to return on May 10th. Fifty-five of those schools have been visited by their district education centers (DEC), who have verified the schools’ readiness for approval to be granted to them. These verification visits from the DECs are ongoing to ensure that all schools are ready for the safe return of teachers and students. The remaining six schools in this first group will be returning in May for various reasons.

Schools will have varied approaches. Schedules will differ and so will the groups of students who will be coming back for shorter periods of time. All managements and administrations have been asked to be mindful of economic constraints and to not place unnecessary demands on students and their families. The Ministry of Education is working with the approved schools to put in place the requisite school bus runs and school feeding programs so that, step by step, the needs of all students can be addressed as best as possible.

Returning to face-to-face instruction, whether in April or May, is optional for schools. Schools are being given the opportunity to put into action their Learning Continuity Plans and to begin assessing students to bridge academic gaps. Teachers are encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible. These efforts are in preparation for a return to the classroom for all schools for the coming academic year 2021-2022.

Ends

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THE BELIZE TIMES

18 APR

2021

Belize Water Services Limited

Corporate Communication Office 7 Central American Boulevard, PO Box 150, Belize City, Belize. Tel: +501-222-4757 Website: www.bws.bz Contact: pr@bwsl.com.bz

PRESS RELEASE April 12, 2021

For Immediate Release

BWS ASSISTS AN EMPLOYEE AND HIS FAMILY AFTER A DEVASTATING FIRE

BWS assists an employee and his family after a devastating fire

Belize Water Services (BWS), with the full support of the Board of Directors, is assisting Julio Burgos and his family to rebuild their home after a devastating fire destroyed their home. Julio is a Plant Operator stationed at BWS’ main Double Run Water Treatment Plant, located at Sandhill.

On March 2021, JulioFor and Immehis family lost their house and all their possessions in a fire, April 12,23,2021 handover the house to Julio Burwhich destroyed their home in Burrell Boom Village, Belize District. Thankfully, no one was diate Release gos and his family, today, Moninjured, but everything the family owned was destroyed.

Belize Water Services (BWS),

day, April 12, 2021. We hope that

Immediately after the of receiving the news of this devastation, BWS informed Julio of the with the full support the Board this assistance to make their company’s intent to provide assistance through this crisis. The Board of Directors of Directors, is assisting Julio to them situation more manageable and has since approved the purchase of a barebones wooden Mennonite house to provide a roof Burgos and his family to rebuild overwhelming, over the family’s head. The Public Relationsless unit of the company has shows organizedJuon-going their home and afterassistance a devastating fundraising events, including household drives. We lio clothing and hisand family that items the BWS firebelieve destroyed this is atheir greathome. place toJulio start in helping family rebuild their lives after this familythis truly cares. fire. is adevastating Plant Operator stationed at

BWS’ main to Double Run Water The decision provide a house for Julio’s Family is in line with BWS’ strategic objective to Treatment Plant, located Sandimprove team building andat collaboration.

BWS promotes and encourages employees to hill.work effectively and efficiently as a team. This was a good project for everyone to collaborate on23, as we provide support On March 2021, Julio and to one of our own as they recover from this ordeal.

The donation comes at a cost of $15,000; additional funds collected from staff will go histowards family the lostinstallation their house and all of fixtures and fittings to enable Julio and his family to have a their possessions in a fire, habitable home. Additionally, which various staff members have assisted and will continue to destroyed their home in Burrell assist in demolition, clearance and installation of essentials for the new home.

Boom Village, Belize District.

The Board of Directors, Management and Staff will officially handover the house to Julio Thankfully, one was Burgos andno his family, today,injured, Monday, April 12, 2021. We hope that this assistance to make buttheir everything the family owned situation more manageable and less overwhelming, shows Julio and his family that the BWS family truly cares. was destroyed.

Immediately after the receiv### ing the news of this devastation, BWS informed Julio of BWS the –comDelivering Water and More …

For more information regarding this or any other BWS Release, please contact: pany’s intent to provide assisCorporate Communications at Tel: 222-4757 Ext. 1405 or 1408 tance to them through this crisis. or via e-mail at pr@bwsl.com.bz The Board of Directors has since approved the purchase of a barebones wooden Mennonite house to provide a roof over the family’s head. The Public Relations unit of the company has organized on-going fundraising and assistance events, including clothing and household items drives. We believe this is a great place to start in helping this family rebuild their lives after this devastating fire.

The decision to provide a house for Julio’s Family is in line with BWS’ strategic objective to improve team building and collaboration. BWS promotes and encourages employees to work effectively and efficiently as a team. This was a good project for everyone to collaborate on as we provide support to one of our own as they recover from this ordeal.

The donation comes at a cost of $15,000; additional funds collected from staff will go towards the installation of fixtures and fittings to enable Julio and his family to have a habitable home. Additionally, various staff members have assisted and will continue to assist in demolition, clearance and installation of essentials for the new home.

The Board of Directors, Management and Staff will officially

CARTOON

18 APR

2021

THE BELIZE TIMES

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Prime Minister

JOHN BRICEÑO Weekly Message April 14, 2021

Live HOPE. Live FORWARD Hi Everybody.

A news item the other night caught my attention. In one of our most remote areas in the Toledo district, Machakila and Graham Creek, three women, Miriam Choc, Cristina Choc, and Florentine Choco are leading the way in bringing Solar Powered electricity to their communities.

This should inspire all of us. While the world continues to struggle in darkness due to the pain of the pandemic, we must live hope and live forward.

Last week I read the first budget of my new government. It was a national call to sacrifice today, so that tomorrow we can win, we can rise again, triumphant together.

From day one in office, we have adopted a consultation culture. I assure you that I will continue to act in good faith by forging balance in the national interest. These days, all the decisions are hard. We will not bury our head in the sand, like the previous administration, we will do what is necessary to recover and renew.

Already our children are going back to school. It is a carefully planned approach, not one size fits all, but a realistic back to school roll out. We Yes, must share ideas, so that by August all our students can get back to a life of socialization, play, and learning. Recovery and renewal.

A few days ago, I was reading an article in one of the largest newspapers from Spain, El Pais, with a full page spread about the efforts Belize is making to open up for Tourism. This kind of international exposure is crucial to let our guests know we are ready to welcome them back. Recovery and renewal.

Now let me, on behalf of all Belizeans, express solidarity with our sisters and brothers in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. We are all watching the devastation and human misery caused by the recent volcanic eruption. Even in these difficult times, we must help.

Our Ministry of Foreign Affairs is looking into how we can lend support, but in the meantime you can donate funds to the Belize Red Cross fund for St. Vincent.

My friends, while many countries are going into a third and fourth lockdown, Belize will soon be going into Stage 3 of our vaccine rollout. It is clear that our efforts to control COVID-19 are working, but there is no time to relax and rest. This is why I continue to make the call to get vaccinated when it is your turn.

There is no other way to do this than together. Remember the 3Ws – wash your hands, watch your distance and wear your mask in public.

Thanks, God bless and have a safe week.

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JOBS RESTORING CONFIDENCE FOSTERING ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND ENABLING SUSTAINABLE JOB CREATION

The Corozal Commercial Freezone is a hallmark of such a push As PM John Briceño has voiced, “we knew it was bad” but what they met when the new PUP government took office was an economy torn to shreds. As the UDP left office they made sure to desecrate the coffers, sell off what they can sell, buy in an auto-fire sale any government asset they could and destroyed the paperwork that would lead to quick criminal charges. Today in May, the most rabid of UDPs are using the worse of their criminal immaturity to attempt to fluster the PM and his planBelize administration into ignoring to blame the UDP and to just fix the economy…albeit magically.

So yes, with all that said the challenge is still there and it is in immense proportions and the Briceño administration and his world-class economic team are in some cases breaking economic ground in devising innovative policy to deal with the UDP-infected public service and economy. The budget 2021-22 is one of these gargantuan projects that has resulted in months of crafting work which involved research and consultation at historic levels. The Briceño administration has had to battle with the most present of antagonists—time. People want their jobs back NOW; the pain under the UDP-13years has been torturous. Add to that thousands of Belizeans want back their Covid-19 decimated jobs for months now. The UDP has taken advantage of this fact and shamelessly, unapologetically and overnight asking, “Where are the jobs promised?” These jobs were lost because of UDP criminal handling of the economy and the health crisis as they heeded no advice—the UDP were busy stealing from the government coffers in using any loophole possible; and where there were no loopholes, they fixed in a loophole.

But as the PUP-led government will have it the economy is been turned around albeit at a pace that Covid-19 will allow. Belizeans have been up to the task. We have worn the masks and heeded the Covid protocols. Active cases in Belize fell from almost 5k in December under UDP protocols to under 500 in Jan and then under 50 in late March in a turn around that defies first world country statistics and conventional math. Credit for this is squarely at the heeding of the Belizean people and then the Ministry of Health and Wellness led by Minister Michel Chebat. They were able to do with $15Million what the UDP couldn’t do with 500 million that has us in a full-fledged economic crisis. Barrow/Faber have no apology; where is that money? If definitely, is not in Covid relief. So, Briceño policy is clear that defeating Covid-19 using leading the populace with Covid protocols, efficient testing protocols, and effective vaccination is the first step in a sound economic policy and sustained creation of job.

Agriculture and Tourism may be the flagships of a planBelize robust economy but the parts that will make these sail are being put in place as Covid-19 allows. It cannot

18 APR

THE BELIZE TIMES

go any faster than that as lives are at stake—there is no gambling with Belizean lives. So as the Schools reopen bring hundreds of people who depend on these as a multiplier the economy is boosted. As the casinos as brought back into the fold thousands of Belize sigh in relief. Both of these may differ tremendously in the spectrum of moral grounds but both can only be open because of the sound heeding of protocols

by Belizeans lead by the sav-

vy Briceño government, Health and Wellness and the frontline workers.

Similarly, the freezone has opened since the beginning of February. Detractors were calling it a mistake and that Covid would spike in the Northern district. That has not been the case. The health barrier between our Mexican friends that come to be customers and Belizean employees have been effective in containing any spread. The 10 million dollars in salary to 1,100 workers is a welcome statistic for 1000plus families who had in some cases miraculously braved one year. For them the re-opening was not fast enough. The UDP cringes at the thought that planBelize is working. Belize needs an opposition to corruption. She does not need one that hides the past and brings down any policy they believe will work just so the PUP will not get credit. There is lots of credit to get in being a healthy opposition but this UDP will never get it.

Some more facts on the freezone: There are 261 Active Companies as of February 5th, 2021.

108 have been cleared by the

2021

Ministry of Health and Wellness to open for business.

1,036 employees registered as of February 5th, 2021/Alternate basis) Salary income of 10,000,000.00 Belize Dollars annually.

Daily Visitors: Typical Week: 3211 Vehicles & 12,844 People Since opening to March 31: 33,759 Vehicles and approximately 130,000 Mexicans So as Tourism is going international as it should be, and as Agricultural Exports are going international as it should be, JOBs in Belize will be seen to be multiplying and go beyond what the UDP’s criminalities had nixed, and beyond what the Covid pandemic had ruined. The Briceñoled government will be one that will go down in History as one that provided Belize with an elixir of hope and that went beyond the promises of fixing of Belize. Belize will become the poster country for economies that braved Covid and arose in a much envied splendor of a people who all won and are working for themselves.

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST CONSULTING SERVICES

Institution: Belize Water Services Limited Country: Belize Project: Design of Wastewater Treatment Solutions in Coastal Areas Sector: Water and Sanitation Abstract: The general objective of this Technical Cooperation is to engage consultants to conduct diagnostic assessment and prepare detailed designs of the preferred viable sewerage system option for the village of Caye Caulker, Belize. Consultants are also expected to prepare detailed bidding documents for such works.

Loan/Credit/Grant No.: BL-T1125 Contract/Bid No.: ATN/OC-18380-BL Deadline: May 7, 2021 The Government of Belize has received financing from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), toward the cost of the Detailed Designs of a Wastewater Treatment System for the village of Caye Caulker and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

The consulting services (“the Services”) include, but are not limited to, detailed design of a wastewater collection and treatment system for the island village of Caye Caulker including: a. Review, update and re-validate projected sewage characteristics and demand; b. Evaluate and determine the viability for implementing the preferred solution; and c. preparation of detailed designs; The project duration of the consultancy service is 14 months.

The Belize Water Services Limited now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services.

The short list shall comprise of five (5) to eight (8) firms with a wide geographic spread.

Consultants will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the Inter-American Development Bank: Policies for the Selection and Contracting of Consultants financed by the Inter-American Development Bank GN-2350-15 and is open to all eligible bidders as defined in the policies.

Consultants may associate with other firms in the form of a joint venture or a sub-consultancy to enhance their qualifications.

For the purpose of establishing the short list, the nationality of a firm is that of the country in which it is legally incorporated or constituted and in the case of Joint Venture, the nationality of the firm appointed to represent it.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Quality and Cost-Based Selection (QCBS) method set out in the Consultant Policies.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours 0900 to 1600 hours.

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by fax, or by e-mail)

by May 7, 2021, no later than 3:00 P.M. Belize Water Services Limited Attn: Mr. Frederick Sandiford 7 Central American Boulevard Belize City, Belize, C.A. Tel: +(501) 222-4757, Ext. 1106 Fax: +(501) 222-4263 E-mail: rce@bwsl.com.bz

18 APR

2021

On A Point of Disorder

“I’m not my Father’s Son,” statement made by the only representative in Belize to have been deported from the United States after spending years in prison for a shooting incident outside a nightclub just at the end of the last millennium. He, Shyne was gifted the Mesopotamia candidacy and via crafty electioneering with votes of people not living in the division managed to get into the House. He crafted his way into the house and now attempts to mislead the people of Belize with sly remarks worthy of his “crosspollination.” The latter was how Dean Barrow called people that go to the USA and then return bringing their bad habits.

Now we know why the deportee representative has not disavowed the rape of Belize by the former Prime Minister and by the UDP. This corrupt party is the one Faber would like to someday lead. The UDP’s final political gasps is full of disrespect for the electorate. This drowning party misrepresents anything even if it means being disingenuous, a fake and straight out lying.

Shyne Barrow vomits that this PUP government is giving out hundreds of contracts for roads no one can eat. The truth is that the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing has used 12Million dollars to FIX roads that the UDP had built on highly suspect contracts to one individual. Eta and Iota drenched Belize enough to reveal that the UDP’s ‘Climate Resilient’ was a farce. So the roads had to be fixed on real and not bloated prices. The PUP’s miles of fixed roads are now a part of time and vehicle maintenance saving.

Also, definitely his Father’s son, Young Barrow kept saying that he was guided by the Speaker of the House but he went on read, in contravention of the guidance, and be a spoiled brat. Such a spoiled brat is tolerated when one is handed an electioneered constituency and did not do the groundwork under his own sweat and tears. Shyne keeps using cheap lines in an effort to misguide the people who are listening for the truth. No one believes him and he is his father’s son.

Shyne Barrow… for you to totally divorce your father you have to do one thing. RESIGN… this action will then put you in par with all the PUP representatives who all put out planBelize to the people of Belize and were elected with a vast majority. Give back all the salary that you were gifted for doing nothing as a quasi-Ambassador. The only achievement in music was coattailing on Diddy on albums that hardly made it to the top and got only nominations. Then, Shyne Barrow, go to Mesopotamia and send Faber an application to run in a convention to get a UDP standard bearer in a By-Election. Also, ONLY Mesopotamia voters will vote. All those public servants who voted by proxy for you cannot vote for you as most do not live in the constituency. During all this time, we hope you can hold a real job. The City Council may have a job for you in the Sanitation Department.

Next, Shyne Barrow talks about the cost of living that his father had promised to bring down and did not.

Shyne Barrow called the pantry the

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THE BELIZE TIMES

hallmark of the past administration. Yes it was. The UDP was feeding Mickey and Minnie Mouse. ONLY UDP cronies got pantry. This happened everywhere in the country. Now, there is cash transfer and food given out to the NEEDY. The needy is usually silent. If there is any one that is not getting and deserves to, they should not give up.

Shyne Barrow called a PUP representative a ‘repeat offender’. It is public knowledge that Shyne has been caught outside of nightclubs in criminal offenses and public disorder in New York City and Belize, respectively. So by record and viral video, Shyne is a super repeat offender now in the House misusing the Standing Orders.

UDP’s record fuel price is 13 dollars in 2012. Shyne Barrow spoke on the fuel prices that are approaching 12 dollars. Ay… fuel prices. ALL political antagonists in the world use this as against incumbents when the truth is that the oil economy has its own life. His father in 2009 added a flat 1dollar on fuel additional to the existing formula for the revenue replacement duty.

In pandemic 2020, Barrow added another fifty cents. At this point, all existing revenue is not enough as the Barrow infection on Belize goes deep. But planBelize will keep fuel prices under as much control as economic forces allow it.

At this House meeting, the truth of the 12 million used by Infrastructure Development and Housing in 3 months for 10s of miles of road by multiple contractors not called Imer was too much to bear. The UDP infamously used 8 million dollars on Faber’s Road in what has been touted as campaign financing since it was gouged just before the 2015 elections. This is an infamy appropriately named as the LOO Faber attempted to stop Hon. Espat, the relevant minister, to make his point. So when Shyne Barrow alludes to roads not helping the poor people, Shyne is alluding to the half a billion pushed by his father into the hands of corrupt deals. All this has been buried in paper work and has not seen the legal light of day yet. Shyne joins the UDP faction of the public service to ask how the PUP has not fixed ALL the UDP destruction of the Belizean economy.

That is the point Barrow, your father and the UDP sucked feverishly on Belize until they could no more. Then when the Belizean economy was on life support he called elections.

But the PUP will rise with all of Belize far beyond Phoenix-like. The ashes of UDP infamy will never be forgotten especially

by Shyne and Faber and Barrow and Panton and Patt. There are enough ashes to bury you and the UDP into history as the party that attempted feverishly to destroy Belize.

LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICE Notice is hereby given that Randolph Samuels is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Randolph’s Place” located in Gale’s Point Manatee, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

PUBLIC AUCTION: AUTOMOBILE SALE

By Order of the Ministry of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries, Licensed Auctioneer, Arturo A. Lui will Auction the following Automobiles:

On site Auction Date: Friday April 30th, 2021 at 10:00am Auction/Viewing location: Police 9:30am Training Compound, City of Belmopan CALL/EMAIL FOR MORE INFORMATION: +501-602-7570 arturoalui@live.com

HIGLIGHTED ITEMS INCLUDE: 2003 Nissan Murano

Automobiles 2009 TOYOTA 2011 NISSAN 1999 TOYOTA 2009 FORD 2010 HYUNDAI 2009 GMC 2015 GREAT WALL 2011 Ford 2011 ISUZU

2013 FORD 2003 2004 2015 2002 2016 1999 2013 2012 2006 2004

2011 Nissan Pathfinder

HILUX PATHFINDER 4RUNNER FUSION SANTA FE ACADIA WINGLE

Ranger D-MAX F-150

NISSAN MURANO FORD E-150 GREAT WALL WINGLE

FORD ISUZU

F-450 MUX

ISUZU

PIK UP

FORD FORD

TOYOTA LINCOLN

2013 ISUZU 2013 FORD 2013 FORD 2013 FORD

1999 Isuzu Pickup

Automobiles 2015 GREAT WALL 2017 GREAT WALL 1995 TOYOTA 2012 FORD 1997 KIA 2013 FORD 2013 FORD 2013 FORD 2013 FORD 2015 GREAT WALL 2017 GREAT WALL 2012 FORD 2011 FORD 2001 BLUEBIRD

2016 ISUZU 2013 FORD

F-150 F-150

RAV4 NAVIGATOR

D-MAX F-150 F-150 F-150

2006 GREAT WALL WINGLE 2013 FORD F-150 2012 FORD F-150

1999 2008 2005 2007

TOYOTA CHEVROLET KIA DODGE

Motorcycles 2012 HONDA 2012 MEILUN 2011 HONDA 2011 Honda 2009 LIFAN

WINGLE WINGLE TACOMA F150 Sephia

F-150 EXPEDITION EXPEDITION EXPEDITION WINGLE WINGLE F150 F-250 THOMAS

D-MAX F-150

SIENNA EQUINOX Car NITRO

STORM 125CC TRAILBIKE

TORNADO Tornado GY

TERMS: Vehicles will be sold AS IS to the highest bidder above the reserve price After successful bid has been accepted, immediate full payment is DUE via certified check, cash, or wire transfer payment.

Arturo A. Lui PO BOX 786, Belize City, Belize Call us at 501-602-7570 Email us at: arturoalui@live.com

NOTICE GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE TREASURY BILLS ISSUE NUMBER 5/2021 Tenders are invited for an issue of Government of Belize Treasury Bills. The amount of the issue will be $64,391,800.00.

The Bills will be issued in electronic form only evidenced by an electronic book entry in the Central Securities Depository of the Central Bank of Belize in multiples of $200 and will be repayable at par 91 days after issue. They will be issued on Tuesday, 27 April 2021 and will be redeemed on Tuesday, 27 July2021.

Each tender must be for $200 or a multiple of $200 and must specify to five decimal places the amount, which is offered for each one hundred dollars face value of the Bills sought.

Members of the public who wish to participate in the auction must submit their bid to the Central Bank of Belize electronically or at the designated drop off box no later than 12:00 noon on Friday, 23 April 2021.

The Auction on the Central Securities Depository System (CSD) will be opened from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on Tuesday, 27 April2021.

Successful bidders should arrange to settle via the Automated Payment & Securities Settlement System of Belize (APSSS).

Bank: Central Bank of Belize Account: GL1CORP0402627

The Government of Belize reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all tenders in whole or in part.

CENTRAL BANK OF BELIZE Notices are placed on Central Bank of Belize Website (www.centralbank.org.bz) 12 April 2021

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18 APR

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

NOTICE PR#245

PRESS RELEASE Government of Belize Launches Appeal for Cash Donations to Support St. Vincent and the Grenadines Belmopan. April 15, 2021. 6:15 p.m.

The Government of Belize has launched an appeal for cash donations to support the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines affected by the eruption of the La Soufrière Volcano.

The La Soufrière Volcano on St. Vincent erupted on April 9, 2021, wreaking widespread destruction to property and disruption to their way of life. The volcano has entered an explosive eruptive phase that may continue over the next few days and weeks. Subsequent explosions are expected to be of similar or larger magnitude.

Approximately 18% of the population of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (110,000) has been displaced by the La Soufrière eruption. Additionally, an estimated 3% of the population (3,500) is located in shelters and numbers are reported to be rising.

Heavy ash fall is a major concern and has affected persons with respiratory conditions as well as housing, drainage and infrastructure including the water supply.

Persons wishing to donate monies may do so through the Belize Red Cross. In this time of great need, the Government of Belize urges all to give as generously as possible. The people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines need our help.

Belize Stands in Solidarity with St. Vincent and the Grenadines (previous release) Belmopan. April 13, 2021. 12:30 p.m.

The Government of Belize has pledged a contribution of US$50,000 to the Government and people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to aid in relief efforts as our CARICOM sister nation continues to endure volcanic activity following the first explosive eruption of the La Soufrière volcano on Friday, April 9, 2021.

Reports indicate that a total of 85 shelters have been activated with over 3,500 housed in these and approximately 16,000 to 20,000 persons likely to be affected or displaced in St. Vincent and the Grenadines as the volcano continues its series of explosive events with significant venting of ash that are likely to continue over the next few days. The ashfall is also affecting neighbouring islands in the Eastern Caribbean at this time.

Belize welcomes Vincentians who have been forced to evacuate their homes due to the seismic activity and who may have ties to Belize through family or friends in accordance with the determined requirements for entry including COVID-19 protocols. The Government of Belize will also provide humanitarian resources as required to assist with the disaster response plan on the ground.

Close communication and coordination on the situation in St. Vincent and the Grenadines will continue between Belize’s National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) during this emergency.

Belize stands in full solidarity with St. Vincent and the Grenadines during these dual crises presented by disaster response and the consequential socio-economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected in the Eastern Caribbean as they brace this catastrophic event.

Ends

Interstel Ltd. #71,046 (“the Company”) Notice is hereby given that the Company named Interstel Ltd. has been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the 31st March, 2021.

CILTrust International Limited Registered Agent

NOTICE JOY CHARM INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENT LIMITED #108,893 (“the Company”) Notice is hereby given that the Company named JOY CHARM INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENT LIMITED has been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the 8th April, 2021.

CILTrust International Limited Registered Agent

TENDER Distribution Vegetation Management BEL invites tenders for Distribution Vegetation Management (Belize District) for the period May 15, 2021 to December 31, 2023 at the following locations:  Belize City  Ladyville The bidding documents, which outline all the duties and responsibilities of the contract, and dates for the pre-bid meeting are available on BEL’s website at www.bel.com.bz/Tenders.aspx Bidders are encouraged to attend a virtual pre-bid meeting to be held on Wednesday, April 28, 2021.

Submission of interest to attend the meeting can be sent to bidsumittal@bel.com.bz Tenders must be submitted via email to bidsubmittal@bel.com.bz no later than 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 30, 2021.

The email subject should include the bid number located on the respective bid form.

For more information or queries, send email to bidsubmittal@bel.com.bz Cost incurred for preparation of the tender document is the sole responsibility of the bidder.

The lowest or any tender will not necessarily be accepted.

18 APR

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

11

We are Lighting it Up Blue as we celebrate World Autism Awareness throughout the month of April.

Join us every Friday in April as we wear Blue to show our support.

Stay in tune with #YourMoECST as we promote #AutismAwareness, acceptance and inclusivity. #LightItUpBlueBZE #AutismBelize Autism Belize. Let’s Talk We would like to show our support and respect for persons with different disabilities and unique challenges they’re life experience may bring .These persons who are also our friends and family are deserving of our respect and support to ensure that all children and adults with autism can lead full and meaningful lives.

The Orange Walk Town Hall and Central Park lit Autism Awareness Blue

Belmopan awareness Walk

Belmopan awareness Walk

On George Price Ave, awareness Walk

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18 APR

18 APR

THE BELIZE TIMES 2021

18 APR

2021

2021

ON THE MOVE Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner paid a courtesy visit to Prime Minister John Briceño.

Ministry of Health and Wellness GET VACCINATED, BELIZE

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18 JAN

THE BELIZE TIMES 2015

Min. Francis Fonseca, MoECST - Phased Opening of Schools

Min. Julius Espat, MIDH

La Inmaculada RC, Arenal

Belize Elementary School

Min. Jose Mai, Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise Vaccinations in Orange Walk

w/ Hon. Marconi Leal Fixing streets in Sarteneja

They discussed commitment to unifying the efforts of Central and Municipal Governments

Hon. Michel Chebat, Cayo North and Min. of Health and Wellness

Min. Andre Perez, Blue Economy and Civil Aviation

Vaccinations in Belmopan

Bridge in Calla Creek is now fully operational

Min. Kareem Musa, Home Affairs & New Growth Industries w/ Min. Orlando Habet, Sustainable Development, Climate Change & Disaster Risk Management

w/ Hon. Oscar Mira Met w/ by H.E. Chien, Taiwanese Ambassador

Engaging with members of CN

Road Works in Belmopan

Oscar Requena, Minister of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government

Hon. Elvia Vega Samos, Corozal Bay

Met w/ leaders of Spanish Lookout

Hon. Florencio Marin Jr., Minister of National Defence and Border Security

Dept. of Civil Aviation at PGIA w/ MIDH, connecting Collins Blvd & Santiago Juan Layout

Staff members of the Corozal TC

Sworn-in, at her first House Meeting

Successful Well in Water for San Antonio

Courtesy visit from Lt Col. Reiner Jantos, Germany’s Defence Attaché, flanked by MoS Mira and MoS Ramirez

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THE BELIZE TIMES

PM Briceño Visits:

the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital On April 14, Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño, Hon. Michel Chebat, Minister of Health & Wellness, and other health officials were led on a tour of the KHMH’s COVID and Critical Care facilities. The primary objective of the tour was to assess the readiness of the KHMH in the event of another wave of COVID-19 cases.

The present government is preparing itself, just in case, there is another Covid-19 spike in Belize. Nothing is being taken for granted during this time. The entire populace is on a very cautious time of vaccination and very low active Covid-19 cases. But it is not time to be careless and the government is leading effectively.

the Northern Regional Hospital

18 APR

2021

18 APR

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

15

Successful Partnership in Port Loyola Through the partnership of yours truly Gilroy Usher, Sr., Mr. Joe R. Perez, and Mr. Allan Pollard, Jr. Deputy Mayor and Councilor with responsibility for Work. This access road, Freedom Street, was cleared off to enable several residents of Port Loyola to reach their house lots

Ministry of Finance TENDER NOTICE General Security and Surveillance of the Sir Edney Cain Building Belmopan Procurement Type: Procurement of Services – SECURITY Procurement Method: Open Tendering Procedure (National Competitive Bidding) The Ministry of Finance hereby invites Tenders from security companies for the general security and surveillance of the Sir Edney Cain Building in Belmopan. The tender shall be for a period of two (2) years commencing June 1, 2021 and ending May 31, 2023.

The successful tender will be responsible for the security of the building and premises by unarmed guards from 6:00 pm to 6:00 am daily from Mondays to Thursday AND on weekends starting from 5:30pm on Fridays to 6:30am on Mondays, AND on public and bank holidays. Security guards must hold a valid and clean Police Record

The successful tender will be expected to provide the following security and surveillance services: (a) General security and surveillance of the Sir Edney Cain Building (the “Premises”) including all building and fixtures erected therein; (b) Allow only authorized persons to enter the buildings or compound. The Security must maintain a log of all persons entering and leaving the premises; (c) Conduct patrols outside the building to ensure that doors remain locked and that there is no sign of breakage into the building; (d) The Security Company, its agent or servants shall not divulge to any person or persons, any proprietary information coming to their knowledge in the course of their duties; (e) Any other security related task as may be agreed upon from time to time by the Parties involved; Costs incurred in visiting the premises and preparations of the tender bid are the sole responsibility of the tenderer. Bids are to be accompanied by: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f)

Company profile Current Letter of Good Standing from the Belize Tax Service Current Letter of Good Standing from the Belize Companies Registry Current Letter of Good Standing from the Belize Social Security Board Current Trade License Evidence of evidence of past jobs

Additional information can be obtained from Ms. Terry Smith by email at yadira.kantun@mof.gov.bz. Tenders are to be submitted in a sealed envelope clearly marked “TENDER FOR THE GENERAL SECURITY AND SURVEILLANCE OF THE SIR EDNEY CAIN BUILDING (BELMOPAN)”, addressed to: Financial Secretary Sir Edney Cain Building (3rd Floor) Ministry of Finance Belmopan Bids must be received no later than April 30, 2021 at 4 p.m. The lowest or any tender will not necessarily be accepted. Late bids will be disqualified and returned to the sender unopened.

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18 APR

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

UDP’S GIANT PROBLEM The people of Belize said in two no uncertain terms, “Out with the Corrupt UDP.” By strokes of luck or by rabid electioneering and, like the coronavirus, a few variants stayed.

These virulent strains keep hacking away at the minds of Belizeans hoping to get someone to believe their alternative facts, veiled lies and open deceit. As said before, the UDP corrupts everything they touch.

Now they have corrupted their following of the standing orders in the house; it is now the UDP’s standing on a point to disorder.

The UDP in the House are in deep denial. They expect weak Arguelles or heavy handed Peyrefitte or superlackey Longsworth in the Speaker’s chair. But no, Speaker Woods will not tolerate the UDP disrespecting the ears and minds of the Belizean people. She has a challenging task as EVERYTHING the UDP says is pointless and verbal garbage...coming from the heart of corruption itself.

The UDP fail to reconcile that they have been clobbered incessantly by democracy and they cannot believe that the people of Belize are intelligent with the same democracy. The UDP beat up on Democracy but it is still alive and the UDP a ala terrorists are taking advantage of the liberties it allows. Anyone that takes advantage of our freedoms to launch untimely attacks on the 4 month old government is being a political terrorist. These UDP supporters are NOT speaking for the people. They speak for themselves and extinct party.

The gargantuan problem with the UDP is that they are riddled

with a corrupt background and thus have zero moral authority to point at corruption. They make it worse by making up stories with falsehoods about a planBelize government that has the most powerful mandate ever issued by the Belizean people.

The UDP issued the worse disrespecti of the Belizean people by attacking the PUP on Day one using false profiles and alternative facts.

They did all this under the guise of democracy and being an opposition.

Most importantly, the UDP is leaderless. Two rigged conventions and two mighty elections has shown with crystal clear clarity that the UDP is tagged for extinction.

The complaints about planBelize always come from the few UDPs still disrespecting Belize.

Lastly, after the budget reading Faber attempted to congratulate Hon. Vega on her win in Corozal Bay. But as is his wont he corrupted his congratulations by saying Hon. Vega will “attempt to represent” Corozal Bay. Corozal Bay rejected you and your Pibil. You owe her and the people of Corozal Bay an apology.

The UDP needs to start from scratch even if they are to be a weakling third party. The first move is to confess everything they know of the corrupt deeds of their past administration. Then they can all resign. If they can muster By-election wins with new candidates then we can say they have restarted. The same candidates might not even be worthy applicants after the confessions.

The problem with the UDP is no moral authority given their corrupt past...the electorate said so.

PR#250

PRESS RELEASE Ministry of Health & Wellness Extends Contracts for Hemodialysis Services

Belmopan. April 14, 2021. 10:55 a.m.

On April 12, 2021, the Ministry of Health & Wellness signed contracts with four service providers for the extension of its hemodialysis program for patients with end-stage renal failure.

Hon. Michel Chebat, Minister of Health & Wellness, and Dr. Deysi Mendez, CEO in the Ministry, signed contracts with La Loma Luz Adventist Hospital, Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, Dialysis Del Caribe, and Ramona Linda Dialysis Clinic.

The contracts will provide coverage to 96 patients countrywide, with each service provider offering two hemodialysis sessions in addition to laboratory testing weekly per patient.

The Ministry was able to renegotiate rates with the service providers, which resulted in the expansion of the program and the addition of nine patients who were on the waiting list. The Government of Belize has invested $1,565,300 for the contracts, which are valid until September 14, 2021.

Dialysis is needed when kidneys stop functioning properly and cannot remove waste from the body commonly caused by diabetes and high blood pressure. The number of individuals with end-stage renal failure has been increasing continuously. One of the Ministry’s responses is to expand the dialysis coverage to patients who are struggling to meet the high cost of hemodialysis treatment.

Ends

18 APR

2021

THE BELIZE TIMES

THINK ABOUT IT WHO IS JANUS Who is Janus, who is he?

Janus is the god of beginnings, of transitions, of time, of endings in Ancient Roman religion and their myth.

In Belize, between 2007 and 2012, a regular column appeared in the Amandala newspaper written by Janus.

Janus was a nom de plume, a pen name, a pseudonym of a person of vast knowledge and experience. A wise person who sought neither fame nor fortune, not even publicity. He was content to share his ideas and opinions with his fellow citizens.

Janus is Charles Bartlett Hyde. A former public officer extraordinaire. A man who belonged to a special breed of Belizeans. His illustrious life and career is also a history of the important period of the closing chapters of British colonialism through to our self-governance and onward to the long-awaited march to independence.

Am outstanding athlete in his youthful days. He was a lover of all sports and the drama and keen competition between competing teams and individuals.

Mr. Charles B. Hyde was a brilliant student. He was the acknowledged intellectual among the intellectual who rose to prominence in the public service. He was trained in England and initially became the country’s Postmaster General. He was responsible for all letters, packets and parcels and the fledging internal telephone system. He opened scores of village and community post offices in the remote corners of the country.

He presided over the Postal System during the heyday of letters and incoming remittances. Following the exodus of creoles after the devastation of Hurricane Hatti in November 1961, the Postal Service became the pre-eminent department of the country. Hundreds of thousands of letters poured into Belize from our diaspora in the land of milk and honey to our little land poverty-stricken by the neglectful colonial British.

Those letters brought home millions of dollars in money and postal orders. Suddenly, the post office was transformed into a million dollars moneymaking, machine. Belizeans at home lived for the day when the postman rang his bell. In this busting, bristling organization, only one man could have so smoothly, so effortlessly provided such a huge unparalleled service to so many. That man was the one and only Charles B. Hyde.

Now, also to be tagged with the pen name of Janus…, the man who loved books and ideas... The above spilled over into him having his own book. As a tribute of love, admiration and affection, his devoted and illustrious children compiled a collection of some of his Amandala columns.

On Wednesday morning 14th April 2021 at the national library in Belize City, Janus, the book, was launch. The front cover says “Janus -a Collections of Ideas and Opinions 2007-2012 by C.B Hyde”.

Speaking at the launch were Nuri Muhamad, radio TV journalist, who recently published his book on gangs in Belize. Glenn Tillett, talented writer, poet and former editor. Adele Ramos, former editor, journalist and publisher.

Paul Rodriguez former editor of Reporter newspaper, columnist and Catholic theologian. Joy Ysaguirre, former chief librarian. Dickie Bradley, poet, former Assistant Postmaster general who worked under the tutelage of C.B Hyde.

Two of his outstanding sons Nelson and Charles Jr paid loving tribute in their closing remarks.

The man of the hour and the man for all seasons, now 97 years of age, listened and watched the event at home, carried live on the former guerilla radio and tv station which C.B manage in one of his many incarnation.

He was the Speaker of the House of Representatives, chairman of the Public Services Commission, Chairman of the Board of the nation’s libraries, a lover of the sea, a lover of books and words, a lover of people, a patriot and a hater of injustice.

The tributes at the book launch of Wednesday turn out to be a glimpse into the awesome and extraordinary life of one of the best sons of Belize. One of the very best-Charles Bartlett Hyde, aka C.B and now Janus. Perhaps the only human who looked back through our history while at the same time he look forward into our future.

RATHER BE A HAMMER, THAN A NAIL The Government of Belize has put in writing its formal proposals to the Teachers and Public Service Unions. The Association of Senior Managers is not a Union but government continues to overlook their improper conduct in making unacceptable public statements against the government for which no Senior Manager should properly be doing.

The new Government of Prime Minister Johnny Briceño assigned three Cabinet Ministers to engage in direct talks with the Unions concerning the dire economic situation in which the last government has tackled all the areas in which there could be some level of reduction in public spending. The wage salaries and pension expenditures are way, way out of whack.

Government has no desire to touch pension payments. But salaries must be realigned.

17

The budgetary reduction is for a temporary freeze in annual increments.

And a temporary reduction of 10 percent in salaries.

Specifically the government proposes that Public Service employees getting up to $12,000 per year will not see any reduction in their pay.

Above $12,000 up to $20,000 the reduction will be 8 percent.

Salaries from $20,000 up to $40,000 will see a 12 percent reduction.

These reductions are Temporary and will be reviewed every year with a view to improving on them if the economy starts improving.

The International Monetary Fund-IMF recently received the economic condition of Belize. Their assessment painted a dire situation. Words like laying off employees and devastation are to be in their economic scenario. Government has said those are a No, No at this stage. We applaud the Prime Minister’s response. Especially as he can get money from the IMF. The IMF restriction and conditions to get their millions in loans are seen as to high a price to pay.

We hope our country never has to go to the IMF. And here is an interesting scenario. If you were an employee being paid by the government would you prepare no pay reduction but face losing your job?

Is getting a temporary reduced pay better than getting no pay at all.

WILL MAHEIA ANGRY “Hate to say it but this Belize Peace Movement group had done a lot and made a good name and reputation, and bam like some sh.. happened and everyone got fried.

Up and a damn word, mein.”

“Did everyone in the executive got bought out? I know some did and that is expected but dang the rest should pick up the slack. It was a good group that focused on Belizean interest.”

“May I suggest that those on the executive resign and give room for new blood. Or get their act together and let’s start doing things”.

“I just saw every news cast carry Geovanni Brackett story and really that should be coming from BPM. It would mean a lot more. Respect to Brackett for stepping up to the plate.”

A DISGUSTING DISCUSSION It was a disturbing discussion. On Wednesday night 14th April on Krem TV, four guests on “you and the law” talking about the importance of public offices.

Along with two lawyers the other guests were Aria Lightfoot from USA and Lennox Lamb a consultant who does public service training.

It was informative and educational. We were not aware that the constitution and the law establishes specific procedure to ensure that public officers are not hired or fired by politicians. There should be a Public Service Commission comprised of men and women of integrity to make sure the country has a professional body of employees saving all citizens favor fairly.

Everyone agreed that what the law says and what actually takes place are two different things and that the public serviced is in a mess. Customs Department and Lands Department were signed out as two of the corrupt departments where the public officers at those places are enriching themselves by abusing their positions.

It was a disturbing discussion but it was necessary for Belizeans to know what is going on in the country.

18

18 APR

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

UDP LOSES AGAIN

The TRUTH PREVAILS

One of the most grand and petty obscenities of UDP’s vile-driven political lawsuits has been unapologetically scratched by the UDP themselves. The lawsuit attempted foolishly, as is UDP’s custom, to claim that Mayor Bernard Wagner did not qualify to run for Mayor for a second term. The claim which was quickly exposed as legally ill-advised alleged that Mayor Wagner had to live within Belize City proper to qualify.

Well, to make this story short. The people overwhelmingly returned Mayor Bernard along with a largely new team of councillors.

Continuing with the flat-earth-type claim would have further cemented the UDP’s political grave in which they are currently buried since a few months back.

Attached is the letter signed by fence-jumper himself. Of note, no UDP press conference was held for this the most recent of UDP losses.

PR#242

PRESS RELEASE Belize Delegation Participates in World Bank/IMF’s Spring Meetings Belmopan. April 12, 2021. 10:30 a.m.

On April 10, 2021, a Belizean delegation participated virtually in the World Bank/IMF’s Spring Meetings. Led by Hon. Christopher Coye, Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment, the delegation included Mrs. Narda Garcia, CEO in the Office of the Prime Minister, and Mrs. Elvira Mendez, Belize’s Counsellor to the IDB’s Office of Executive Directors.

In his address to the virtual forum, Minister Coye highlighted the critical condition of the nation’s economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, exacerbated by a drought that decimated crops in 2019 and 100-year floods caused by hurricanes Eta and Iota in 2020. In numbers, he explained, “the effect has been dramatic with economic contraction exceeding 14%, debt-to-GDP skyrocketing to 130%, unemployment approaching 30%, fiscal revenue shortfall near 30% and a primary deficit around 8% of GDP.” Minister Coye also pointed to the pressing discussion of debt relief that must take a position of priority, noting that “as challenging as Belize’s experience has been, as a deemed middle-income country (MIC), Belize, like other MICs, has not been a beneficiary of the Debt Service Suspension Initiative. Belize has not been the recipient of resources under the IMF’s Rapid Credit Facility. Belize is not likely to be eligible under the Common Framework. Belize has not been the beneficiary of any debt relief whatsoever.”

In closing, Minister Coye expressed the hope, on behalf of small states like Belize, for meaningful debt relief, grant and concessionary funding to successfully avert the dual debt and climate crises with a view to long-term climate resiliency and sustainable economic recovery and transformation.

Ends

18 APR

2021

19

THE BELIZE TIMES

OUT Contact: Mike Hernandez Jr. Sr. J.P. Communication and PR Officer PHONE: 501-227-2420 FAX: 501-227-2423 TOLL FREE: 1-800-624-0686 WEBSITE: travelbelize.org; email: pr@belizetourismboard.org ADDRESS: P.O. Box 325, #64 Regent Street, Belize City, Belize.

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE TO RESUME PORT CALLS TO BELIZE IN AUGUST BELIZE CITY, BELIZE, Thursday, 15 April, 2021: Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) announced last week that it will resume port calls to Harvest Caye in Southern Belize, on August 9, 2021. Norwegian Joy will depart from its home port in Montego Bay, Jamaica on August 7, and will include Belize as a part of its week-long Western Caribbean itinerary.

The Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations and the Belize Tourism Board welcome this Return to Service announcement from NCL, as it signals the safe reopening of the cruise tourism sector in Belize. It has been over a year since the cruise industry in our region has been suspended, and the thousands of Belizeans that work in this sector are ready to welcome cruise guests to our shores once again.

!

Dear Editor, All I could think when I see and hear Shyne talk is how he was deported bringing along his bad American habits with him. You can take out stupid out of the US but you cannot deport stupid out of that fatherless dude.

Faber is not a Boy....nor is he a Jackass. So that is settled at least in my letter.

The opposition chose to walk out of the House of Representatives today, and left their constituents unrepresented due to the fact

that they were upset with the unprecedented Infrastructure work being seen all over the country.

They were annoyed because their baseless and untruthful attacks was defended with the facts. During the discourse the ‘boy’ was used obviously because he was acting with little restraint.

The UDP’s Faber has to act petty to satisfy his anger of being carried away from the UB gym.

All this does is leave Belize without an opposition. Thanks God for the progressive PUP. Most governments would just take advantage.

Not the PUP…they will take care of the people. They will serve the people. Time will tell. The truth shall set us free…I know the Belize Times use that. It is the truth.

Thanks Editor Belizean

Announcement

Vaccinations are being rolled out to the tourism workforce in Belize, and an increase in tourism businesses in the cruise sector continue to meet the requirements for the Gold Standard Certification (Belize’s Health and Safety Management Program for the Tourism Sector). With the collaboration of the private sector and relevant government agencies, Belize has also developed health and safety protocols that support the safe restart of cruising to Belize.

Cruise lines have also developed health and safety protocols and have carried thousands of passengers successfully on cruises in Europe and Asia in recent months. NCL will use their SailSAFE Health and Safety Program to ensure the safety of guests while aboard and onshore. As a part of these measures, NCL will require mandatory vaccination of all crew and guests. Each destination on the itinerary will also be operating with enhanced protocols. The ships have undergone extensive renovations such as upgraded medical grade air filtration systems on board, upgraded medical facilities, revamped layout of activity areas to meet social distancing and enhanced sanitizing stations, to name a few.

NCL’s President and Chief Executive Officer Harry Sommer said, “Over a year after we initially suspended sailings, the time has finally come when we can provide our loyal guests with the news of our great cruise comeback. We have been working diligently towards our resumption of operations, focusing on the guest experience with health and safety at the forefront. The growing availability of the COVID-19 vaccine has been a game changer. The vaccine, combined with our science-backed health and safety protocols, will help us provide our guests with what we believe will be the healthiest and safest vacation at sea.”

The return of cruise tourism is a very important step in Belize’s efforts to recover the economy. Last month, NCL donated more than $225,000 in dry goods and foods to benefit Belizean families and other southern communities in the Stann Creek District and Belize City. The donation helped local citizens economically impacted by the effects of the global pandemic. As the sector continues to prioritize the health and safety of both guests and locals, Belize is committed to the ongoing monitoring and preparation required to welcome additional cruise calls in the coming months.

It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.

Further announcements will be made in due course.

The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.

For further information, including updated announcements, and access to the official virtual condolence book, please visit: www.royal.uk The British High Commission will also be publishing official updates on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ukinbelize

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18 APR

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

Cruise lines poised for rebound despite no word on when US sailings can resume

By Chris Isidore, CNN Business New York (CNN Business)It appears travelers are once again eager to take a cruise — and investors may be ready to hop aboard with them.

Even though the Centers for Disease Control has yet to give a firm date for when it will allow ships to sail to and from US ports, industry leader Carnival Corp (CCL) reported last week that passenger bookings nearly doubled in the three-month period ending in February, compared to the prior three month period.

The news helped prompt Credit Suisse to raise its recommendation on the shares to “overweight,” or buy, from its previous neutral rating and to increase its 12-month target price to $40 a share, a 66% uptick from the prior target. The bank said it could see the price go as high as $50 a share if things go well.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) — which despite its name is a US company— announced plans to resume domestic cruises on July 4, with the requirement that all passengers and crew are vaccinated for Covid-19. The company is still awaiting the CDC’s approval of those plans.

Carnival and Norwegian shares gained 9% and 10%, respectively last week. Royal Caribbean Cruises (RCL), the No. 2 US cruise line based on pre-pandemic passenger revenue, was up nearly 4%. And all three have done very well yearto-date, with Norwegian and Royal Caribbean rising 20% and Carnival up 35%.

But even with those gains, share prices are still far below early 2020 levels. Stocks started to decline on February 1 last year when Carnival confirmed that a passenger aboard its Diamond Princess Ocean liner had tested positive for Covid.

Current share prices for all three companies are up more than 260% from early April of last year — but are still down between 33% to 50% from those pre-pandemic highs.

When will the CDC give the all clear?

Other market analysts also say the outlook for the battered industry is fairly strong, despite the continued reluctance by the CDC to greenlight US cruises.

Ten other countries around the globe are already allowing cruises, and some 400,000 passengers have taken trips in the past eight months. Other countries are set to open their ports as well.

But the United States is by far the largest market, with about half of the global cruises based here, according to Jaime Katz, who follows the industry for Morningstar.

Katz believes that the CDC will allow ships to start calling on US ports later this summer and no later than the fall.

“Our thinking is this isn’t some-

thing on the top of the CDC to do list,” she said. “It’s priority has been getting case counts down, which it should be.”

The threat to shift cruises away from US ports But there is a risk that if the CDC

doesn’t act, cruise lines could simply have the ships sail from ports in the Caribbean.

That puts pressure on the CDC to allow US cruises. Having passengers fly to and from the Caribbean rather than leave and return to US ports elim-

inates any health benefits that might come from not allowing US-based sailings, Katz said.

The ship lines won’t speak directly about their plans, but Carnival CEO Arnold Donald told investors last week that although the company would prefer to depart from its 14 US ports, “if we’re unable to sail, then obviously we will consider home porting elsewhere.”

The state of Florida filed a federal lawsuit against the CDC and the federal government to get permission for US cruises.

“Cruises are a vital part of Florida’s tourism industry— employing thousands and boosting our state’s economy. Every day the federal government unfairly Continued on page 21

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

PROCUREMENT OFFICER Sr. Financial Manager 

Immediately bring to the attention of your supervisor any irregularity or fraud that has come to your knowledge.

The Belize City Council is seeking applicants to fill  Ensure that all protocols, procedures and the post of Procurement Officer in the Finance guidelines are used at all times in carrying out Department. assigned duties.

All interested persons must submit their application  Ensure that professionalism is displayed at all packages in a sealed envelope, addressed to the times when carrying out duties.

Director of Administration no later than Friday, April 30, 2021.  Any other duties assigned from time to time.

Application packages should include the following: 1. Completed Belize City Council Application Form 1. Cover Letter 2. Resume 3. Copy of the applicant’s Social Security Card 4. A current Police Record 5. A passport sized photo 6. Two (2) letters of reference



Report to the Council immediately after the city has experienced a disaster.



Responsible to keep and prepare all fuel logistics.



Reports to the Sr. Financial Manager.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBLITIES 

Procure all items, supplies, etc on behalf of the Belize City Council.



Prepare all purchase/requisition orders in a timely and efficient manner.



Record all purchase/requisition orders in Log Book.



Responsible for checking vouchers in the absence of the Accounts Receivable Officer.



Perform relief cashier duties.

QUALIFICATIONS •

Associates Degree in Accounting

•

3-5 Years working experience in a similar post

•

Excellent time management skills

•

Computer literacy

•

Experience as a cashier would be an asset.

•

Knowledge of automotive materials and supplies would be an asset.

THE BELIZE TIMES 21 2021 Cruise lines poised for Printing Press Post rebound despite no word on when US sailings We are seeking can resume JOIN OUR TEAM

JOB

ships, which should make them even more profitable going forward. That reduced capacity could also increase prices for those who plan to sail again.

Overall, the recovery in the cruise industry could come quicker than for airlines, which depend much more on business travel, rather than just leisure customers, for much of their profitability.

“They should come out of this with better profitability than they had before,” Katz said of the cruise lines. “They’ve gotten rid of ships that underperformed.”

PRESS SUPERVISOR

PREFERABLE MALE OVER THE AGE OF 40 must be HARD WORKING, DEDICATED ENTHUSIASTIC, GOAL ORIENTED, TEAM PLAYER

SEND YOUR INFO TO

Continued from page 20 keeps this economic giant docked, our economy suffers,” said Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, adding that the industry is being singled out on the basis of outdated data. “Our litigation seeks to end this federal overreach and allow Floridians to safely get back to work and travel.”

Norwegian Cruise Line wants CDC to let vaccinated passengers sail Norwegian Cruise Line wants CDC to let vaccinated passengers sail White House Press Jen Psaki said she couldn’t comment on the suit itself, but said “the CDC guidance is based on data and health and medical guidelines, hence that’s why they put it out and why they regularly update it.”

The CDC issued guidance on April 2 that it expects to allow a resumption of sailings and that it “recommends” rather than requires vaccinations for all aboard a ship. The agency also said it wanted to see “simulated (trial) voyages that will allow crew and port personnel to practice new Covid-19 operational procedures with volunteers before sailing with passengers.”

But the CDC did not give a date by which it plans to allow US sailings for the first time since March of 2020 and the industry has stepped up its criticism of the restrictions recently.

The Cruise Line International Association, the industry trade group, last week called the CDC’s statement “disappointing,” “unduly burdensome” and “largely unworkable.”

The group said the health agency is demanding a zero-risk approach for cruises, rather than calling for efforts to mitigate the pandemic, which it said is the CDC’s guideline for “every other US sector of our society.”

But even if the CDC allows sailings in early summer, it will still be far from a normal travel season, Katz said.

“The important thing to remember, very little capacity will comes on at first. You’re not going to have 100 ships deployed right away. And those that sail will be about 50% of capacity,” she said. “It’ll take 60-90 days to restaff the fleet. They don’t think people are going to come back in a week.”

That makes the issue of the exact date of US sailings somewhat less important, as the revenue flow from this summer was never going to be substantial. The real key is to have the industry back to full strength by the end of this year and early 2022.

Whenever the cruise lines do set sail, they will be doing so with far more debt — more than double what they had on the books at the start of 2020. All of the companies borrowed massive amounts of cash to ride out the prolonged shutdown.

But they’ve also made other cuts, including selling off less profitable

OPPORTUNITY

18 APR

P.O. Box 1199 along with a photo CAREER OPPORTUNITY

HUMAN RESOURES MANAGER Director of Administration

The Belize City Council is seeking applicants to fill the post of Human Resources Manager in the Human Resources Department All interested persons must submit their application packages in a sealed envelope, addressed to the Director of Administration no later than Friday, April 30, 2021.

Application packages should include the following: 1. Completed Belize City Council Application Form 2. Cover Letter 3. Resume 4. Copy of the applicant’s Social Security Card 5. A current Police Record 6. A passport sized photo 7. Two (2) letters of reference This position is accountable to the Director of Administration.

AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY: The Human Resources Manager is responsible for ensuring that the overall administration, coordination, and evaluation of human resources plans and programs are realized.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBLITIES (for the full list, kindly contact the Belize City Council): 1. Manage the staff of the Human Resources Department.

2. Develop objectives, strategies, plans, policies and programs in the areas of resource planning, recruitment, personnel policy, record administration, employee and labor relations and performance management.

3. Administer compensation, benefits and performance management systems, safety and recreation programs.

4. Perform complex staffing duties, including dealing with understaffing, refereeing disputes, firing employees, and administering disciplinary procedures.

5. Contribute to the development of the Human Resources Department goals, objectives and systems.

6. Maintains the Council’s work structure by updating job requirements and job descriptions for all positions.

7. Assist with the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) referrals in the absence of the Director of Administration.

8. Negotiate bargaining agreements and help interpret labor contracts.

9. Study legislation, arbitration decisions, and collective bargaining contracts to assess industry trends.

10.Responsible for the procurement and issuing of all council’s uniform for all employees.

11.Prepare Departmental Budget and monitor the department’s financial performance.

12.Manage the input of all data regarding information for employees into the Human Resources NEO System.

13.Assist the Director of Administration with any Special Projects for the Council that he/she is involved in.

14.Report to work immediately in the event a disaster threat and after the City has suffered a disaster.

REQUIRED SKILLS: • • • • • • •

Must be able to implement the Hiring Process Must be knowledgeable of Administration benefits Must be knowledgeable of Performance Management Must be people oriented and results driven Knowledge of Human Resource Systems and database Must have knowledge of Compensation & wage structure Must have knowledge of Communication processes

QUALIFICATIONS:

• •

Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management or; Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with a concentration in one of the following:  Human Resources  Organizational Behavior  Management and Leadership  Industrial Relations

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18 APR

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

Belice, cómo este paraíso caribeño afronta la pandemia y levanta un turismo resiliente Por Marta Saiz | Javier Sulé Ortega, El País La covid-19 volvió a poner a prueba a este país cubierto de selva tropical y con el segundo arrecife de coral más valioso del mundo, acostumbrado a superar huracanes y efectos del cambio climático. Ahora su reto es crear un modelo económico diversificado, más sostenible e inclusivo.

Belice empieza muy tímidamente a retomar el pulso al turismo. La economía de este pequeño país caribeño del norte de Centroamérica de apenas 400.000 habitantes se desarrolló siempre alrededor de la actividad turística, un sector que representaba antes de la pandemia el 40% de su Producto Interior Bruto (PIB) y el 39,3% del empleo total. La gran mayoría de los turistas que lo visitaban eran estadounidenses, seguidos de canadienses y europeos atraídos principalmente por su gran arrecife de coral, el segundo más grande del mundo y que baja desde la Riviera Maya hasta la frontera con Honduras.

El país más pequeño de Centroamérica cuenta también con una red de cuevas y cavernas subterráneas y con bosques tropicales muy bien conservados. De hecho, casi el 80% del país está cubierto por una densa selva tropical, buena parte de la cual se encuentra bajo protección del Gobierno. Los recursos naturales son así su primer activo que sumado a sus condiciones ambientales y climáticas lo convirtieron siempre en un destino para los amantes de la naturaleza y la aventura.

Pero con la pandemia todo cambió.

Se cerraron las fronteras y el turismo se desplomó. Las llegadas de visitantes descendieron un 66% y la crisis arrastró a gran parte de las 86.000 personas que dependían directa o indirectamente de esta industria. La pobreza y el desempleo aumentaron de forma dramática.

Afortunadamente y a pesar de su limitada capacidad de recursos sanitarios –solo hay un médico y 15 enfermeras por cada 1.000 habitantes, según el Banco Mundial- la respuesta de Belice ante la Covid-19 fue rápida y su gestión de la pandemia bastante aceptable. Hasta principios de abril de 2021 se habían confirmado 12.485 casos y 318 fallecidos.

A través de videollamada, Anthony Mahler, ministro de Turismo de Belice, afirma que en una época como esta del año ya estarían recibiendo entre 50 y 60.000 personas. Ahora con las fronteras prácticamente cerradas y la obligatoriedad -en algunos países- de hacer cuarentena a la vuelta del viaje, apenas están recibiendo visitantes. Así, la covid-19 volvió a poner a prueba la capacidad de resiliencia del turismo de Belice, una actividad que ha tenido y tiene que hacer frente periódicamente a huracanes y tormentas, y también a los efectos del cambio climático, como el ascenso del nivel del mar y la erosión costera, así como a todos los impactos económicos y sociales que se derivan.

Con la economía al límite, Belice decidió reabrir su aeropuerto el octubre pasado y la recuperación del turismo se convirtió en una prioridad. El Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo (BID) reformuló su programa de turismo sostenible para financiar la respuesta inmediata de salud pública y adaptarlo a las nuevas circunstancias con la intención de interrumpir la cadena de transmisión del virus.

En apoyo al Gobierno, se establecieron así medidas de reducción de ries-

gos con rigurosos protocolos de bioseguridad en los tres puntos de entrada al país -aeropuerto y las fronteras con México y con Guatemala- y se diseñó todo un corredor turístico seguro con la construcción de infraestructuras permanentes acondicionadas para zonas de espera, áreas de triaje, detección y realización de pruebas de diagnóstico.

El fin era el de facilitar el aislamiento de pacientes y conectarlos, si se daba el caso, a los servicios básicos de salud. De hecho, estas medidas de higiene y seguridad, que para el ministro de turismo son sus “estándares de oro”, les han valido de la obtención del sello de viaje seguro, ‘Safe Travels’, otorgado por el Consejo Mundial de Viajes y Turismo (WTTC).

Dentro de la cautela, las expectativas empiezan a ser optimistas. “Belice es muy dependiente del mercado americano con lo cual, en la medida que ese mercado empiece a liberarse, el turismo se restablecerá a los niveles anteriores. No sabeContinued on page 23

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

CHIEF INTERNAL AUDITOR Mayor and City Administrator Submit a report to Council and management following every meeting of the Audit Committee.

Develop annual detailed report of completed work.

Summarizing Audit Committee findings and recommendation as it pertains to council’s accounting policies and practices, legal counsel regarding commitments, contingencies, and compliance with regulatory body, internal and external auditors and major findings and of special investigations or reviews.

Provide copy of any annual or bi-annual audit report to the Auditor General’s Department.

Carry out any other reasonable duties that may be assigned from time to time.

Ensure that all protocols, procedures and guidelines are used at all times in carrying out assigned duties.

Ensure that professionalism is displayed at all times when carrying out duties.

Report to work immediately in the event a disaster threat and after the City has suffered a disaster.

 

The Belize City Council is seeking applicants to fill the post of Chief Internal Auditor.

All interested persons must submit their application packages in a sealed envelope, addressed to the Director of Administration no later than Friday, April 30, 2021.

Application packages should include the following: 1. Completed Belize City Council Application Form 2. Cover Letter 3. Resume 4. Copy of the applicant’s Social Security Card 5. A current Police Record 6. A passport sized photo 7. Two (2) letters of reference This position reports to the Mayor and the City Administrator

DUTIES/RESPONSIBLITIES         



Develop and implement annual audit work programs.

Provide independent review and assessment of departmental operations.

Plan and perform audits in accordance with auditing requirement and submit reports to Council and Management.

Facilitate the communication of audit results through written reports and oral presentation to the Council and Management.

Create annual budget for the department.

Perform administrative duties and any other tasks necessary to assist management with special projects.

Tracks the receipt of audit reports and assure that the reports meet applicable standards.

Maintain a database of audit related information.

Identify any findings of non-compliance and/or mismanagement of Council resources while carrying out audit duties.

Attend by invite to Council Caucus Meeting.

    

QUALITIES • Independent- must be able to carry out work with little to no supervision.

• Reliable – must be able to get the job done as and when requested.

• Trustworthy- the work of the audit department requires persons to be confidential in their findings and matters of the Council.

• Assertive – must establish confidence and take control of situation.

• Principled – must have high ethical work standards and boundaries in order to make effective decision.

• Cautious and vigilant – must be attentive to work and proceed with eyes open and alert.

QUALIFICATIONS: Master’s Degree in Business/Accounting or related field or Bachelor Degree in Accounting.  Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Association of Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA)  Minimum Seven (7) years of audit experience in public accounting and internal audit or managerial experience  Computer literate  Demonstrate technical abilities in selected areas (audit, accounting, regulatory, compliance, etc.) 

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18 APR

THE BELIZE TIMES 2021 Belice, cómo este paraíso caribeño afronta la pandemia y levanta un turismo resiliente

Continued from page 22 mos si será cuestión de un año o de dos, pero no creemos que vayan a quedar secuelas una vez pasado este pico de pandemia y se logre la inmunidad”, señala Ramiro López Ghio, representante del BID en Belice, a través de una videollamada.

“Después de años, hemos visto cómo han regresado los delfines y muchas especies de aves a las costas.

El mundo se está curando del abuso que le hemos causado. En Belice creemos fundamental poner medidas paliativas para proteger los recursos naturales”, explica el ministro de Turismo.

“El turismo remontará a finales de este año y hasta 2023”, afirma el ministro, y destaca que la pandemia apenas cambiará el modelo del turismo en el país, pues ya se basa en una actividad respetuosa con el medio ambiente. Para ello la protección del ecosistema, tanto terrestre como marino, es fundamental.

Además, junto al Fondo Mundial para la Naturaleza (WWF) se desarrollará el primer plan de manejo de cuencas para la protección del agua dulce. “Lo que nos ha enseñado esta pandemia es la importancia de proteger el medio ambiente.

Después de años, hemos visto cómo han regresado los delfines y muchas especies de aves a las costas. El mundo se está curando de todo el abuso que le hemos causado. En Belice creemos fundamental poner las medidas paliativas para proteger los recursos naturales. Pero también sabemos que el freno para el cambio climático no depende solo de nosotros, sino de los países más grandes y con más poder de decisión”.

Para Mahler lo peor ya pasó. “El crecimiento y el desarrollo de la industria del turismo en Belice comenzará a ver la luz en los próximos dos meses y muchas personas volverán a tener sus puestos de trabajo activos”.

Vacunación e Inmunización La total recuperación del turismo pasa, sin embargo, por la inmunización de sus habitantes. Con esta intención, Belice ya entró en la pugna de competir por conseguir vacunas en cantidad suficiente, con la relativa ventaja, al menos, de tener una población muy pequeña a la que inmunizar. En esa estrategia, la respuesta del sector de la salud al coronavirus cuenta también con el respaldo del BID, especialmente a través de préstamos de inversión y garantías que facilitarán la accesibilidad a la vacuna y fortalecerán igualmente su capacidad para negociar un rápido acceso a las mismas.

Por un lado, ese apoyo se traduce en la adquisición de vacunas a través del mecanismo Covax de la Alianza de Vacunas GAVI, que pretende asegurar que todos los países tengan un acceso rápido y equitativo a la inmunización.

“Para Belice se facilitaría el acceso a vacunas de al menos un 30% de la población, mediante una garantía crediticia para cubrir la compra de dosis a Covax y con un préstamo para apoyar la implementación del programa de vacunación en todo lo referente a lo que son cadenas de frío, distribución y campañas de información pública sobre la vacuna”, explica López Ghio.

Para Belice se facilitaría el acceso a vacunas de al menos un 30% de la población, mediante una garantía crediticia para cubrir la compra de dosis a Covax”

Ramiro López Ghio, representante del BID en Belice Además, este organismo ha creado los instrumentos de garantía y las condiciones de seguridad jurídica entre los Estados de América Latina y el Caribe y las farmacéuticas para resolver el difícil tema de las obligaciones de indemnización que contraen los países menos favorecidos frente a los fabricantes, y que muchas veces es un obstáculo insalvable.

La Agricultura Como Alternativa Pero el impacto sin precedentes de la pandemia puso en evidencia la fragilidad y los riesgos de ser una economía excesivamente dependiente del turismo. Lo vivido por Belice, según el BID, remarca la necesidad de diversificarla. Al contrario de lo que sucede en pequeñas islas caribeñas como Bahamas o Saint Thomas, donde no hay de-

masiadas alternativas, el país centroamericano tiene en la agricultura una apuesta de futuro que podría convertirse en punta de lanza de su economía. “Belice tiene una baja densidad poblacional, un territorio fértil y un mercado muy importante como el de México, Guatemala, Honduras o Estados Unidos.

En la medida que se genere financiamiento para la agricultura y se mejore la productividad ahí va a haber un foco de desarrollo económico importante para el país en los próximos años”, considera López Ghio.

Con todo, la recuperación del turismo continuará siendo fundamental para la economía del país. Uno de los retos para la sostenibilidad será seguir mejorando su resiliencia frente a los desastres y al clima, y seguir realizando las inversiones necesarias para reducir riesgos. Para ello, los expertos consideran que hay que apostar también por

la protección y preservación de las áreas naturales más críticas, ya sean barreras de coral, manglares o humedales, garantizar la seguridad alimentaria y fortalecer los sistemas agrícolas.

Lo cierto es que el país está cada vez más preparado frente a huracanes que ya apenas ocasionan víctimas. Y aun siendo siempre grave su impacto, López Ghio prefiere quitarle hierro: “La gente que quiera visitar Belice no ha de tener pánico a los huracanes porque son muy de temporada, normalmente de septiembre a noviembre, y se prevén. Además, la forma y la categoría que toma el huracán se va dando con el correr de los días y si afecta fuertemente lo hace en la zona costera. En cuanto toca tierra apenas tiene efecto al interior”.El ministro de Turismo es optimista y no duda de que saldrán reforzados para poder hacer frente a posibles pandemias o contratiempos en el futuro. Y asegura tener claro que la manera de avanzar y convertirse en un destino de primera es garantizar la sostenibilidad y la protección de sus recursos naturales.

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE Sr. Financial Manager Immediately bring to the attention of your supervisor any irregularity or fraud that has come to your knowledge.

Assist as alternate officer in the absence of the Payroll Officer.

Responsible for licensing and re-licensing of all Council vehicles and equipment.

Responsible to keep and prepare all fuel logistics.

Ensure that all protocols, procedures and guidelines are used at all times in carrying out assigned duties.

Ensure the professionalism is displayed at all times when carrying out duties.

Any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.

Report to the council immediately after the city has suffered a disaster.

Reports to the Sr. Finance Manager.

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The Belize City Council is seeking applicants to fill the post of Accounts Payable in the Finance Department.

All interested persons must submit their application packages in a sealed envelope, addressed to the Director of Administration no later than Friday, April 30, 2021.

Application packages should include the following: 1. Completed Belize City Council Application Form 1. Cover Letter 2. Resume 3. Copy of the applicant’s Social Security Card 4. A current Police Record 5. A passport sized photo 6. Two (2) letters of reference DUTIES/RESPONSIBLITIES : •

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Receive all invoices for payment and ensuring that they are certified correct by the respective department head and approved for payment by the Sr. Finance Manager.

Enter deposit slips.

Ensure by checking with the Accounts Officer, that funds are available under the respective head and sub-head before vouchers are passed for preparation.

Maintain and keep up to date an Accounts Payable Ledger ( individual and summary) Prepare monthly Accounts Payable Report and submit to the Accountant.

Perform relief Cashier duties.

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QUALIFICATIONS : 

Minimum of Associates Degree in Accounting

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3-5 Years working experience in Finance

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Knowledge of QuickBooks

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Experience as a cashier would be an asset.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

18 APR

2021