Belize Times April 24, 2022 - Easter Success

The Belize Times

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THE BELIZE TIMES

24 APR

2022

Established 1957

The Truth Shall Make You Free

HYPOCRITICAL BARROW UDP

24 APRIL 2022 | ISSUE NO: 5297

facebook/belizetimespress | $1.00

The Ultimate Disaster Still Attempting to Fool Belize

Deep into 2022 and post-UDP13, it is downright shameful for a grieving Barrow to seek sanctuary for little Barrow in a UDP-media cushy interview to lay more legal-sounding falsehoods into the eyes and ears of Belizeans who can hold back their disdain to not change the channel. Let’s break that down.

Who gave Barrow air-time and artificial credibility?

Guess!!

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PLANBELIZE LAND CLINIC CAYO NORTH Easter in Belize

PM Briceño in Barbados Discussing Financial Access with US Reps

The Jewel Shines Anew

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92ND CROSS COUNTRY CYCLING CLASSIC Cheers Amid Normalcy

DELIVERING ON PLANBELIZE: RURAL BELIZE WINS

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24 APR

THE BELIZE TIMES

HYPOCRITICAL BARROW UDP

Deep into 2022 and post-UDP13, it is downright shameful for a grieving Barrow to seek sanctuary for little Barrow in a UDP-media cushy interview to lay more legal-sounding falsehoods into the eyes and ears of Belizeans who can hold back their disdain to not change the channel. Let’s break that down. Who give Barrow air-time and artificial credibility?

Guess!!

UDP13 is the UDP nickname for the terror they imposed onto Belize during 13 years of Barrow-Vega-Faber criminal anti-people administration. Criminal since the court said that Barrow and gang misspent 1,300 million Belizean dollars without permission. Vega and Faber—the public has seen their antics and so have the courts. History will not be kind. Covid-19 is no match for the vile UDP13.

The grieving Barrow is still aghast that planBelize has flown Belize all over the world and has been lauded everywhere. The international financial institutions have applauded the people of Belize for its fiscal prudence and for choosing to move away from a heedless UDP. Barrow left Belize for dead. Instead of celebrating for Belize, Barrow has again resorted to his same tactic—put Belize into any lawsuit that could bring Belize to shame. Barrow created and planted mines and now he is picking them up. Remember BTL expropriation…this was done only for the lawsuits that it bred and not for the Belizean people. Remember the Sittee River Wildlife Reserve(SRWR) given life by Barrow and Williams?

Well this was before Equity House? Crime Scenes became housed in the building where SRWR or also called Sanctuary Bay was given this life.

Who gives this failed Barrow an interview in 2022? As said eloquently by Minister Musa, how can anyone listen to an ex-Prime Minister who brought NO industry to Belize in thirteen years?

Barrow and the UDP rushed a masked as cannabis legislation some seven years ago. Barrow used the term decriminalization. All the man on the street learned is that he can now smoke weed on the streets unfettered. No policemen were seen walking with sensitive weighing machines to capture 10grams accurately. There was a blind eye turned to the notion as to where this ‘weed’ was coming from—imported or local; small man or big players. There was no overarching question of age and who could access this little 10 gees.

There was no call for a referendum from ill-advised groups nor from savvy groups. The usual incompetent and draconian UDP Barrow just put out the legislation and it was all good. But now, the planBelize government that campaigned with a clear agenda, proposed a cannabis bill, revamped the bill after consultation especially with the moral leaders, changed the bills name and details and there is a call for a referendum. As the Minister of New Growth Industries has said, the churches have the right to do what the law allows. The churches are gathering 10 percent of the electorate—some 18,500— to get their signatures. The remnants of the UDP have found it worth their while to get into this exercise and corrupt it as is their penchant with everything. Word to the wise—treat the UDP as if they are the coronavirus or worse.

Shyne Barrow is on viral tape telling the world, albeit under some influence, that he, as part of some committee, has legalized weed in Belize. Con Shyne does everything that he can to boost his ego and his frequent flyer miles. Of course, this is a lie. Now Shyne has jumped onto the Churches bandwagon asking for the same referendum on if Cannabis should be moved from simply decriminalized to legal. The desperation of the Barrows is to hold on to anything that will make the UDP relevant once more. But just like the ICJ vote, this possible referendum has nothing to do with the Barrows.

The UDP remnants, AKA Barrows, are just hanging on for dear political life. The hypocrisy of the UDP and anyone who does not disavow them is decidedly anti-Belize.

Let democracy prevail for the sake of the people, for the people and by the people.

PM Briceño in Barbados Discussing Financial Access with US Reps

In the margins of the main event in Barbados with CARICOM leaders and US Congress Representatives, Prime Minister John Briceño had an opportunity to chat personally with Congresswomen Maxine Waters of California and Rep. Sylvia Garcia of Texas who were representing the United States of America. The PM Briceño had participated in the Caribbean Financial Access Roundtable alongside Prime Minister of Barbados, Hon. Mia Amor Mottley, our other Caribbean leaders and partners of the United States, including US Representative for California Congresswoman Maxine Waters and other members of the US Team.

2022

Critical discussions include issues of de-risking and correspondent banking. A previous high-level in-person CARICOM engagement on financial access and banking de-risking issues in November 2019, and highlights the importance of the U.S. relationship with the Caribbean and its diaspora, which has influential impact on American culture and economy with over 8 million people in the U.S. This year the full-day roundtable focused on concrete proposals to tackle the challenges that small island states face due to the continued reduction of the availability of trade and financial services for their economies and people. In addition to Prime Minister Briceño and Prime Minister Mottley of Barbados, several CARICOM Heads of Government participated as did the CARICOM and OECS Secretaries-General. Senior representatives of U.S., Canadian, and Caribbean financial institutions also contributed as did industry experts from the Caribbean and the U.S. PM Motley stated that, “We are unflinching in our support for international efforts to stop crime, to stop terrorism, and to stop their financing.”

Congresswoman Waters stated clearly, “I am indeed committed to fostering greater inclusion within the financial services sector, and as Chairwoman of the Financial Services Committee of the United States House of Representatives, my committee has prioritized promoting financial access to traditionally marginalized and underbanked communities in the United States and abroad. For the Caribbean especially, this has long been a personal mission. Simply put, the Caribbean – its people and its culture – matter. The islands of the Caribbean are among America’s closest neighbors. We do tourism together, we do trade together, we secure the hemisphere together, and we’re family – both as a regional community and through the Caribbean diaspora in the United States.”

Waters came to Barbados accompanied by Financial Services Committee members Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Sylvia Garcia (D-TX), Ed Perlmutter (D-CO), and other members of the United States House of Representatives Troy Carter (D-LA) and Stacy Plaskett (D-VI).

PLANBELIZE LAND CLINIC CAYO NORTH Fixing the UDP’s Hotbed of Corruption

One Constituency at a Time April 20 – 21 - The planBelize mobile Lands Clinic was in action this week in Cayo North, Minister Chebat’s area. As in the Deputy Prime Minister’s previous iterations of the same this was also a great success. The number of elation stories were similar yet still tear-jerking. How could the UDP have had so many people in distress and living in limbo? The number of lives changed in these planBelize mobile land clinics are beyond count and the impact is immeasurable. Families that had met stonewalls under the UDP government suddenly see a path to owning their little piece of the jewel. People sleep better. Just like the houses being issued by the MIDH to one family at a time the land clinics fix the UDP’s hotbed of corruption one constituency at a time.

The area representative Hon. Michel Chebat thanks the Deputy Prime Minister and his team at the lands Department and all who make the two-day event am immeasurable success. There is more work left but a lot was accomplished. Over the next few days hundreds of Belizeans will receive their documents that have been pending for so many years.

The Hon. Michel Chebat, the Hon. Cordel Hyde and the

PUP: Delivering on PlanBelize by making government services accessible to the constituents directly where they live.

The Belize Times

Established 1957

14 APR 2013

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ISSUE NO: 4840

The Truth Shall Make You Free

www.belizetimes.bz

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serving Belize since 1957 as the longest continuous newspaper.

Founder: Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price, People’s United Party Leader Emeritus OFFICE MANAGER

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Roberto Peyrefitte Printed and Published By TIMES NEWSPAPER LTD. Tel: 671-8385 #3 Queen Street P.O. BOX 506 Belize City, Belize Email: belizetimesadvertisement@yahoo.com

24 APR

2022

THE BELIZE TIMES

03 3

EDITORIAL

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WILL THE SON SHYNE IN TOLEDO?

aster has come and gone, the bad bunny came and brought no gifts and no Sunday dinna. He brought with him as usual big names in the entertainment industry, but the hype was not felt in the Southside. As a matter of fact, the big boys on the block felt that the whole staged ordeal was just that a pappy show and they just like the celebrity guest were being used as stage props for that crazy bald head. The meeting was a big hot mess and instead of having a conciliatory effect it ignited the flame of indignation as the audience felt that the atmosphere was condescending and demeaning. That it was such is not surprising given that the Leader of the Opposition is not exactly a people person and possesses just about all the empathy of the rusty machete his daddy dearest lost. Nobody can ever accuse the borrowed family of being compassionate or considerate of anyone but themselves or their own needs.

It will be interesting to see just how far outta town or out district the entertainer is willing to go to prove that he is leader material. Surely, if he is going to follow in daddy dearest’s footsteps, he will not venture further than Belmopan. Why it is the stuff of urban legend that the former PM never ventured as far south as Dangriga, and the sun never shone on his face in Toledo.

Will the son Shyne in Toledo? I guess these next village council elections will tell the tale. It is hard to keep up with Shyne, he wants to be everything to everyone. One minute he and daddy are tight and the next he completely disassociates himself from the previous UDP government.

It is especially comical in the House, to see the looks of confusion on the faces of Hon. Tracy and Hon. Hugo when he wages war against injustices perpetrated by the past government.

The UDP never were and is still not for rural Belize. After thirteen years of mismanagement and neglect, the PUP found that there was no real investment in our rural communities. The current Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government, takes its mandate seriously. In less than eighteen months, they have rehabilitated dozens of water systems and made sure that through the Social Investment Fund that new water systems are being facilitated in the West, North and South. They have also initiated a legislature that will allow Village Councils to be able to collect revenue and use it directly to develop their communities. The Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing has delivered dozens of houses in rural communities, to those who are most in need. They have also rehabilitated hundreds of miles of feeder roads and village streets. Agriculture, the mainstay of the rural communities has seen a revival through the huge efforts of Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Abelardo Mai, to provide technical guidance, inputs, and direction to access foreign markets with Belizean products. Even, the Ministry of Health and Wellness has done its part with the help of the Social Investment Fund to invest in clinics and medical personnel in rural areas. Across the country, and for the first time there are initiatives and incentives prioritizing the needs of rural communities and especially rural women as agents of social change and environmental advocates. The PUP Government is hard at work, in the cane fields, by the river, in the milpas, even in the village plazas, or out by the sea. Life in the village is not easy, it is hard work, and the villagers are proud hardworking Belizeans. They know no matter how hard their work life is sweeter in the village.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

EDITORIAL

24 APR

2022

en Español

¿LE BRILLARÁ EL SOL EN LA CARA AL HIJO SHYNE EN TOLEDO?

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a Pascua ha llegado y se ha ido, el conejo malo vino y no trajo regalos ni la cena del domingo. Trajo consigo como de costumbre grandes nombres en la industria del entretenimiento, pero el cacareo no se sintió en la zona sur. De hecho, los grandes chicos del barrio pensaron que todo el montaje era sólo un espectáculo de papi y que ellos, al igual que los invitados famosos, estaban siendo utilizados como atrezo para el escenario de ese loco calvo. La reunión fue un gran lío y en lugar de tener un efecto conciliador, encendió la llama de la indignación, ya que la audiencia sintió que el ambiente era condescendiente y degradante. Que fuera así no es de extrañar, dado que el líder de la oposición no es precisamente una persona sociable y posee casi toda la empatía del machete oxidado que perdió su mal querido papá. Nadie puede acusar a la familia Borrow de ser compasiva o de tener en cuenta a nadie más que a ellos mismos o a sus propias necesidades.

Será interesante ver hasta dónde está dispuesto a llegar el artista para demostrar que tiene madera de líder. Sin duda, si va a seguir los pasos de su padre, no se aventurará más allá de Belmopan. Es una leyenda urbana que el ex primer ministro nunca se aventuró tan al sur como Dangriga, y el sol nunca brilló en su cara en Toledo. ¿Será que le brillará el sol al hijo Shyne en Toledo? Supongo que las próximas elecciones municipales lo dirán. Es difícil seguir el ritmo de Shyne, quiere ser todo para todos. Un minuto él y papá están unidos y al siguiente se desvincula completamente del anterior gobierno de la UDP. Es especialmente cómico en la Cámara, ver las miradas de confusión en los rostros de la Honorable Tracy y el Honorable Hugo cuando hace la guerra contra las injusticias perpetradas por el gobierno anterior.

El UDP nunca fue y todavía no es para el Belice rural. Después de trece años de mala gestión y abandono, el PUP comprobó que no había ninguna inversión real en nuestras comunidades rurales. El actual Ministerio de Transformación Rural, Desarrollo Comunitario, Trabajo y Gobierno Local se toma en serio su mandato. En menos de dieciocho meses han rehabilitado docenas de sistemas de agua y se han asegurado de que, a través del Fondo de Inversión Social, se faciliten nuevos sistemas de agua en el oeste, el norte y el sur. También han iniciado una legislatura que permitirá a los Consejos de Aldea poder recaudar ingresos y utilizarlos directamente para desarrollar sus comunidades. El Ministerio de Desarrollo de Infraestructuras y Vivienda ha entregado decenas de casas en comunidades rurales, a los más necesitados. También han rehabilitado cientos de kilómetros de carreteras secundarias y calles de pueblos. La agricultura, que es el pilar de las comunidades rurales, ha experimentado un renacimiento gracias a los enormes esfuerzos del ministro de agricultura, Abelardo Mai, para proporcionar orientación técnica, insumos y dirección para acceder a los mercados extranjeros con productos beliceños. Incluso el Ministerio de Salud y Bienestar, ha hecho su parte con la ayuda del Fondo de Inversión Social para invertir en clínicas y personal médico en las zonas rurales. En todo el país, y por primera vez, hay iniciativas e incentivos que priorizan las necesidades de las comunidades rurales y, especialmente, de las mujeres rurales como agentes de cambio social y defensoras del medioambiente. El Gobierno del PUP trabaja duro, en los cañaverales, junto al río, en las milpas, incluso en las plazas de los pueblos, o junto al mar. La vida en el pueblo no es fácil, es un trabajo duro, y los aldeanos son beliceños orgullosos y trabajadores. Saben que, por muy duro que sea su trabajo, la vida es más dulce en el pueblo aldeano.

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24 APR

THE BELIZE TIMES 2022 92ND CROSS COUNTRY CYCLING CLASSIC Cheers Amid Normalcy

3rd Masters Over35 Jose Choto

1st 18-year-old: Goran Gabourel

Top 3: John Delong, Hasani Hennis, Byron Pope Belize City, April 16, 2022 - Anguillan rider Hasani Hennis won the 92nd annual Cross Country Cycling Classic organized by the Cycling Federation of Belize, a 140-mile ride from Belize City to the Coronation Park in San Ignacio and back on Saturday, April 16. Hennis’ victory won him the $5,000 first prize, the garland, a T-shirt from Bey & Codd and four trophies!

American John Delong had led Hennis in the last miles into the city, but Hennis made his move 100 yards from the finish line, and Delong did not have the legs to meet the challenge in the final sprint. Belizean riders, Byron Pope and Marlon “Diesel” Castillo, had been in a four man break with Hennis and Delong leaving Belmopan in the return leg back to the City, but Delong opened up a break in the last miles entering the City, and only Hennis was able to keep up with Delong.

Of 80 riders who began the race, only 44 finished. The race did have its happenings—a major RTA, a stolen bicycle after one of the spills, and a non-Belizean winnner—but none of these was bigger than the return of Belize’s largest and most important sporting day in Belize.

Winners 1st Hasani Hennis – Team Anguilla 5:50:26 - $5,000 prize 2nd John Delong - Team Skyline (USA) - 5:50:26 - $2,500 prize 3rd Byron Pope – Team Westrac Alliance - 5:51:42 - $1,500 prize 4th Marlon Castillo - Furnished Apartments Ltd - 5:51:47 - $800 prize 5th Julio Padilla Miranda - Guatemala National Team - 5:54:13 - $600 prize 6th Oscar Quiroz, Jr. 501 Valvoline Cycling Team - 5:54:18 - $500 prize 7th Giovanni Lovell – Team G-Flow 5:54:36 - $425 prize 8th Josyln Chavarria, Jr. - Team 501 Valvoline - 6:02:57 - $325 prize 9th Nashen Ysaguirre – (unattached) - 6:03:07 $225 10th Richard Santiago – Team Road Rage - 6:03:15 - $150 prize’ 11th Derrick Chavarria Team 501 Valvoline - 6:04:04 - $100 12th Goran Gabourel – Team Road Rage – 6:04:04 – $100 13th Brandon Cattouse – Team 501 Valvoline - 6:04:29 - $100

2nd Tyrin Tasher – Team M&M Engineering - 6:11:00 - $100 prize’ 3rd Morton Bradley – Team PMA Racing - 6:11:03 - $75 Elite Category 3 1st Joslyn Chavarria Jr - Team 501 Valvoline - $175 prize 1st – 18-year -old Goran Gabourel – Team Road Rage - 6:04:04 - $175 prize.

Young Swiss male looking for friendship from Belize.

Write to: Vitus Castelberg Aspermontstr 19 Switzerland (Europe)

PUBLIC AUCTION SALE - PROPERTY Teakettle Village; Cayo District

BY ORDER of the Mortgagees Messrs. The Belize Bank Limited, Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A. Castillo and Christiana R. Castillo are selling ONLINE via belizepropertyauctions.com the following property. Sale currently running and will expire Monday 25th April 2022 at the time shown on the website.

1st Over35 Masters Marlon Castillo 14th Joshua Fuller – Team 501 Valvoline - 6:04:29 - $100 15th Jafari Castro – Team Westrac Alliance - 6:04:29 - $100 16th Henry Li – Team G-Flow 6:04:29 - $75.00 17th Jose Canastuj - Guatemala National Team - 6:04:29 - $75 18th Jose Choto – Team Road Rage - 6:04:36 - $75 19th Wasani Castro – Team Westrac Alliance - 6:04:48 - $75 20th Wendell Williams – Team M&M Engineering - 6:05:33 - $75.

Under-23 Elites 1st Derrick Chavarria – Team 501 Valvoline - $175 prize 2nd Henry Li – Team G-Flow $100 prize 3rd Wendell Williams Jr. – Team M&M Engineering - $75 prize Masters Over 35 1st Marlon Castillo - Furnished Apartments Ltd - $175 prize 2nd Brandon Cattouse – Team 501 Valvoline - $100 prize 3rd Jose Choto – Team Road Rage - 6:04:36 - $75 prize Masters 4/5 1st Andrei Perez Team PMA Racing - 6:30:48 - $175 prize 2nd Roque Matus – Team M&M Engineering - 7:02:19 - $100 prize 3rd Ryan Willoughby – Team M&M Engineering - 7:02:19 - $75 prize Elite 4/5 category 1st Renan Matus – Team M&M Engineering - 6:08:57 - $175 prize

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Society Hall

24

4278 & 4279

(Being a concrete bungalow dwelling house [1,200 sq. ft.] containing 3 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms + living/dining/kitchen + Laundry room TOGETHER with Lot [23,800 sq. ft.] situate at Parcel Nos. 4278 & 4279 Teakettle Village, Cayo District, the freehold properties of Ms. Mishell McKenzie)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - www.belizebank.com (foreclosure listing) TERMS: STRICTLY CASH KEVIN A. CASTILLO TELEPHONE 223-4488 Website: belizepropertyauctions.com E-mail: kevinacas@yahoo.com Website: belizepropertyauctions.com Face Book: Belize Auctions

NOTICE OF COMMENCEMENT OF DISSOLUTION Notice is hereby given to all interested parties that the following companies (“the Companies”) incorporated under the IBC Act of Belize commenced dissolution as follows: Name of Co.

Date of Commencement of Dissolution

Liquidator Name & Address

MATRIXIA GLOBAL LTD.

06th April, 2022

Theodoros Loukaris of Marinou Geroulanou 61, 4153, Limassol, Cyprus

KARPO CONSULTANTS CORP.

07th April, 2022

Sebastian Gerez Banega of Rivera 2679 bis ap 101

Any claims against the company should be forwarded to the Liquidator within 30 days from commencement.

Icaza Belize Trust Corporation Limited Registered Agent

6 06

24 APR

THE BELIZE TIMES

LET US RECALL

2022

Background: The Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) is a statutory organization established in 1996 as a Trust Fund under the Protected Areas Conservation Trust Act, No.15 of 1995. PACT contributes to the financing, sourced nationally and internationally, of the Belize National Protected Areas System - a system that is managed by Government Agencies, Non-Governmental Organizations, and Community Based Organizations.

Position Description: The Accountant is responsible for applying the principles of accounting by recording all financial transactions, analyzing accounting data and preparing applicable financial reports by compiling information, preparing profit and loss statements, assist in audit and statutory reporting and utilizing appropriate accounting control procedures in the Finance and Accounting Department of PACT. The position is also responsible for supporting the budget preparation and monitoring processes and to provide direct oversight for the collection and tracking of revenues.

Core Competency Requirements: • Bachelor’s degree in accounting (Minimum) • QuickBooks certification is required • Relevant qualification and certification are an asset – Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) (Preferred) • 7 or more years of working experience in accounting is required • Previous experience in auditing is required

DENISE BARROW - Refusing to be a parliamentarian - Not Representing anybody - Missing House meetings (Budget 2021 to Budget 2022) - Paid taxpayers’ dollars to ride a bike - Tracy and Shyne are OK with an absent Barrow - The UDP supports this Gapi move - Queen’s Square deserves better - Belize deserves respect

Remuneration: Compensation package commensurate with qualification and experience within a designated salary scale.

The full job description is available upon request. Packages must be submitted electronically and must include signed application letter, resume, certified copies of academic certificates, current police record (receipt can be submitted initially) and a list of two professional references (names and contact information only) no later than Wednesday, April 27th 2022. Only complete packages will be processed. Packages should be addressed to: Executive Director ed@pactbelize.org with copy to hramanager@pactbelize.org Re: Accountant Vacancy PACT is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against protected characteristics (gender, age, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, disability).

PACT is not liable for any costs incurred by applicants in submission of their application.

NOTICE GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE VACANCY NOTICE Suitably qualified applicants are invited to fill the position of:

DEPUTY REGISTRAR OF THE SUPREME COURT The Deputy Registrar of the Supreme Court will be responsible to serve and function as deputy chief administrator of the General Registry of the Supreme Court

Notice is hereby given that the below companies have been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the dates indicated: Name of Company

Date

FENACLE S.A.

08th April, 2022

BLL CONSULTORES ASOCIADOS, S.A.

09th April, 2022

GCC Corporate Consultants Group Limited Registered Agent

Applicants must: • be a qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Attorney-at-Law of at least ten (10) years call to the bar in a Commonwealth jurisdiction; and

NOTICE OF COMMENCEMENT OF DISSOLUTION

• have administrative experience within the public sector; or at a supervisory/management Level.

Notice is hereby given to all interested parties that the company GLOBAL CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LIMITED (“the Company”) incorporated under the IBC Act of Belize commenced dissolution on the 06th day of April, 2022; and Erik Øie Brekke of Vesteråsveien 34b, 0382 Oslo, Norway is the Liquidator of the Company, and any claims against the company should be forwarded to the Liquidator within 30 days from commencement.

Interested persons may download an application package from the Supreme Court’s Website – www.belizejudiciary.org or request in writing from: The Secretary Judicial and Legal Services Commission Belmopan City, Cayo District Belize, Central America Telephone number: 822-2204 or 822-2235 email address: ceo@mps.gov.bz Deadline for receipt of applications: May 15, 2022 Note: Only suitably qualified applicants will be acknowledged.

The Judicial and Legal Services Commission does not bind itself to make an appointment from among those persons who apply.

Belize Corporate Services Limited Registered Agent

24 APR

07 7

THE BELIZE TIMES

2022

CANTO LAMENTOSO Por Ricardo Moguel Rosado

derrotadas.

Un canto violento ruptura la tranquilidad de la selva maya.

El son del tunkul despierta el amanecer Las tortillas luchan con los guerreros águila sobre el comal, se esconden en el lek Los loros se dirigen al sol rogando que el calor no despegue sus alas, Los monos araña saltan de la copa de los árboles y celosamente vigilan la entrada a Xibalba, Los faisanes se colocan encima de los chultunes y bajo orden de yum kaax, vigilan el maíz.

Todo es armonía en la selva Maya.

Los dioses de las 4 señorías de las cuatro esquinas con sus 4 diferentes colores ven 3 extrañas naves acercarse.

Chocan dos mundos y se tuerce el tiempo El canto violento lamentoso se extiende por lo que los dzules nombrarían América.

El Zoch, búho mensajero, anuncia lo que vendrá y narra la oscuridad Las mazorcas son exiliadas de la milpa, Los jaguares se convierten en guerreros, El conocimiento y sabiduría son repeladas por sangre de los originarios, Las lágrimas de los árboles bañan el suelo y conciencia Americana.

El sereno lava la historia escondida Emerge una nueva visión, un nuevo mundo, una raza cósmica.

Zazil Ha y Vicente Guerrero engendran el nuevo amanecer.

Nachan Ka’an les da pavos en forma de flechas, Las 19 estados Mayas se desploman bajo el peso de los cañones españoles.

Yucatán se tiñe de rojo americano.

Los guerreros Balam mueren en batalla o se van a Dzuluinicob, Belice, o Nojpeten.

Resisten hasta 1697 cuando Martin de Urzúa conquista Tipu y Nojpeten En 1761 la selva Maya tiembla otra vezJacinto Ca’anek, La serpiente negra, se proclama nuevo señor, Ofrece dignidad y sale a flote un orgullo resentido de un pueblo subyugado.

Nos dio esperanza y le dieron muerte.

1821 Yucatán se proclama primera república.

En 1841 Santiago de Imán proclama la segunda independencia de la tierra del faisán y el venado.

Le da promesas falsas a los maya 11,000 Maya luchan por independencia Se internan en la selva y entierran sus rifles bajo la orquídea negra.

La ley prohibía que un Maya portara arma.

Los tres se juntan y aceleran la historia.

Antonio Ay, Jacinto Patt y Cecilio Chi discuten sobre la dialéctica de libertad.

3 corazones en el umbral de la liberación.

Y los machetes gritaron, lloraron y se desplomaron.

Ya no un símbolo de labor proletario agrícola O herramienta para subjugar la selva sino un arma de resistencia para fundar la nación Maya Explota la Guerra de Liberación Maya, La guerra Social.

Corazon del cielo llora.

Ya BASTA!!!!!!

Hermano contra hermano.

El zopilote perdió su color y alegría.

250,000 fueron bienvenidos por kisin, el apestoso, dios de la muerte.

De 10 millones originarios en 1492,

Por 530 años vivimos en la oscuridad.

Desunidos, luchando por una existencia indignificada, Nos robaron nuestra tierra, nuestra cultura, y trataron de destruir nuestra espiritualidad.

Quemaron nuestros códices, Ahora vivimos en un mundo de decepción y aguardiente.

Absolut nos convierte en obsoleto.

Nuestro mensaje se esconde en los textiles.

La sangre de los mártires inunda nuestra tierra.

solo quedaron 250,000 pobladores de la selva Maya.

El sol y la claridad desaparecieron.

Los ríos se llenaron de sangre.

Las Anturios florecieron en la oscuridad, El amor oscuro se escondió en el otro lado de la noche.

Los jaguares conquistaron la selva.

En 1872, los rifles rugen otra vez en terreno Maya.

Marcos Canul defiende la dignidad de los originarios.

La única esperanza está en sus ojos.

En los altos de Yalbac acompaña el espíritu de los guerreros Águila.

Caminando por los senderos verdes se escucha el grito de libertad.

Está anclado firmemente en el corazón de los tatitos.

La chichi limpia su lagrima.

Nace el nuevo amanecer.

El sol brilla con todo su esplendor.

Las ambiciosas bestias de la noche han sido

Nuestra palabra perdió su significado.

Sentimos vergüenza por nuestro lenguaje.

La escuela la estrangulo.

La computadora ya no escribe.

Ya no hay lagrimas Mi vida suspendida.

Mi cultura descartada en el basurero de la historia.

Somos extranjeros en nuestra propia casa.

Empieza un nuevo ciclo.

Antonio Soberanis nos despertó.

George Price nos dio esperanza.

Jesus Ken porto el machete libertador.

Con la música de los mariachis, Con el aroma de frijoles refritos, Con las tortillas bailando sobre el comal, Los espíritus de los guerreros ya no están anonadados, El ritmo de los tunkules le retornan la fuerza, Unos hijos del maíz están escuchándolas, Ya no quieren seguir marginados.

Las ideas son el arma más potente de la revolución.

Arte es un arma para cambio social.

Weyano’one, seguimos aquí Kux’ano’on, estamos vivos.

8 08 8 Easter in Belize

THE BELIZE TIMES

24 APR

2022

The Jewel Shines Anew

There was no shortage of Easter events across the country over the extended Easter holiday weekend to keep Belizeans entertained. Each and every municipality held free activities that catered to the entire family. Various municipalities started from earlier on in the month with activities that culminated over the long Easter weekend. Covid…did not stop us.

Just to recap and starting in the south, the PG Town Council in collaboration with Waluco’s Bar, held an Easter Fest on Sunday with full band music by Sweet Pain Band and others.

They brought back the traditional needle and thread competition, soft drink drinking contest, the three-legged race that we did as children at primary school. People also danced for prizes, ate as much watermelon as they could for prizes, and drank as much beer as they could for awards. Climbing the Greasy Pole was the challenge of the day.

In the Twin Towns, the famous Mopan River was the venue for a canoe print race from the BWS Pump to the Low-lying bridge. This came with an Egg Hunt too.

Over in Benque Viejo del Carmen, there was an Easter Beach Party by the river side that also featured fun events for the family on Easter Mon-

day, with dancing, drinking, greasy pole competitions and a kayak race for adults, and a watermelon-eating competition for the kids.

Up north in Corozal at the Miami Beach, the Town Council headed by Mayor Rigo Vellos came up with a kite contest event as an innovative way to revive that dying tradition.

There were prizes for best box, highest, biggest, most creative and prettiest kites, and live entertainment. This all-day event also featured Greasy Pig and Greasy Pole competitions, and a five-a-side football match.

Next door in San Pedro, at the Boca del Rio Park, residents took part in Easter egg hunts, a traditional Greasy Pole competition for the coveted prize of $300, a volleyball competition, watermelon-eating and beer-drinking contests, with live entertainment provided by Shuga City Band. The highlight was a ceviche-making competition. Yes, Shuga City Band was in SP. Orange Walk had its own Egg Hunt and races for the kids. Fun at the People’s Stadium galore.

Down in Dangriga, Mayor Robert Mariano also spearheaded a kite contest at the Holy Ghost School Grounds and the Sacred Heart compound for children from five to 13 years old, and

with prizes for the top three kites.

And, in the capital, the Belmopan City Council had and continues to have a series of events, including the handing over of the buffer on April fifth, followed by Art in the Park on the ninth, then a Football and Youth Market in Salvapan on the tenth, handing over of park equipment on the 11th, a She4She and He4He Champions Municipal Skills Training that spanned from 11th to the 22nd, an all-day Easter Sun-

day gala, a Kids Egg Hunt on the 18th, and a Start Up Essentials Workshop on the 22nd. This coming weekend, there will be a Kickball competition on Saturday, a Kids Bicycle Race and haircuts on Sunday, and to end off a month-long list of events, there will be a Garden City Night Market and Elite Race on April 30th.

Hotels were loaded. Staycation is a thing. Covid did have a silver lining. The jewel shines anew.

The University of Belize is seeking a VICE PRESIDENT to support the effort to transform itself into a vibrant national institution committed to sustaining the continuing development of Belize.

THE OPPORTUNITY Reporting to the President, who carries overall responsibility for the functioning of the institution, the Vice President is responsible for the day-to-day management of, and medium-term planning for, the academic operations of the University. The post carries specific oversight responsibility for the teaching and research operations and management of the individual faculties and other academic units, including ensuring adequate staffing of teaching and research positions, and including the management of campus operations at Central Farm and Punta Gorda, and the Environmental Research Institute. The Vice President is also responsible for supervising the operations of the Student Affairs Office, the Office of the Registrar, the Office of Quality Assurance and the Library. A critical requirement of the post is the establishment and maintenance of arrangements for ensuring the highest possible levels of academic quality in the teaching outcomes of the institution, for ensuring relevance in the content of courses and programmes offered by the University, and for ensuring the highest quality in teaching delivery and harnessing research.

The ideal candidate would be performance-focused, output- and outcome-oriented, people-friendly, and willing and capable of encouraging high-level performance from subordinates. Emphasis in candidate-selection would be placed on a demonstrated track-record.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS students, and non-academic staff; • Doctoral degree and a record of excellence in teaching, research and service; • Proven academic leadership skills; willingness and ability to lead, manage, motivate and • Experience in administration in tertiary-level institutions, including staffing, budgeting, and multicounsel faculty members and administrators; year operational planning and the oversight of institutional activities; • Demonstrated experience in the design, development, organisation, management and • Experience in the conduct and management of research activities. evaluation of teaching curricula; knowledge of the maintenance of curricula relevance; and knowledge of teaching delivery methods and the evaluation of teaching delivery effectiveness, including distance delivery; • Experience in the development of tertiary-level academic policies as they affect faculty, IDEAL CHARACTERISTICS • A persuasive leader who will work with the Office of Institutional Advancement, faculty, staff • Impeccable integrity; and the Alumni Association in the development of donor prospects; • People-centred with outstanding interpersonal communications skills with a demonstrated • Strong focus on the delivery of the highest possible quality of the main University product: ability to develop strategic partnerships; the student graduate; and • A proven leader and skilled manager with an inclusive leadership style who will empower • Commitment to the establishment and maintenance of the highest level of academic quality. faculty, staff and students to think creatively; • Ability to inspire trust and confidence, while building consensus within the institution; • Ability to interact effectively with organizations as the face and voice of the University, acting as the advocate for the institution’s mission to drive national development, and attracting needed resources; • Ability to work in a non-partisan way with all stakeholders; While operations at UB are conducted in English, a working knowledge of Spanish would be useful.

COMPENSATION AND TERMS OF ENGAGEMENT This is a full-time contractual appointment. Compensation and terms of engagement will be competitive with those associated with posts carrying similar breadth of responsibilities at institutions in the region similar to the University of Belize.

APPLICATIONS TO BE ADDRESSED TO

Major Lloyd Jones (Ret’d) MBA, MSc. Vice Chairman Board of Trustees Head of the Vice President’s Selection Committee University of Belize Hummingbird Avenue Belmopan City, Cayo District Belize, Central America Email: ubseniorvacancies1@gmail.com

Candidates should include a cover letter, detailed curriculum vitae, and copies of relevant degrees and certificates. To expedite the applications process, candidates are asked to include also the names, addresses, and electronic contact information (including telephone numbers) of five (5) referees (two persons who report directly to the candidate, two persons to whom the candidate reports directly, and one faculty member from the current or a former educational institution). The University of Belize must have authorization from candidates to contact the identified referees.

Queries may be addressed to: ubseniorvacancies1@gmail.com For More information About the University of Belize: www.ub.edu.bz

Deadline to Apply is Monday, May 9, 2022

24 APR

2022

LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICES

Notice is hereby given that Noelia Cruz is applying for a Malt & Cider Liquor License to be operated at “L & B Cool Spot” located in Scotland Half Moon Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

099

THE BELIZE TIMES

BTB AND BTS MOU FOR GREATER COOPERATION IN TAX ADMINISTRATION Belize Tax Service was the Director General, Mrs. Michelle Longsworth.

In attendance, to witness the signing was the BTB’s Registrar of Hotels, Mr. Denmar Villar, and the Belize Tax Services’ Deputy Director General, Ms. Vilma Broaster.

Notice is hereby given that Pearla M. Augustine is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “E & P’s Restaurant & Bar” located at Miles 19 Philip Goldson Highway, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Lindford Rosado is applying for a Night Club Liquor License to be operated at “Thirsty Thursdays Restaurant & Bar” located at # 164 Newtown Barracks, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Wenhai Luo is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “M & Dream Supermarket” located in Caye Caulker, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

CALL

671-8385 or Belize City, Belize, Thursday, 21 April, 2022: A Memorandum of Understanding “MOU” was signed today between the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) and the Belize Tax Services (BTS).

The Memorandum of Understanding aims to lay the foundation on which BTB and BTS will develop cooperation activities in the area of tax administration for the tourism sector, in accordance with their respective

Notice is hereby given that Wilson Moralez is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Kontiki Ceviche Bar” located at # 9 Wolfe Street, Kontiki Area, San Ignacio Town, Cay District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Giselle Espat is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “The Ceviche Stop” located at # 13 Star Apple Street, Santa Elena Town, Cayo District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Miao Hong Li is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Sweet Dreams Entertainment & Marketing” located at # 3808 Construction Drive, Belmopan City, Cayo District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Miao Hong Li is applying for a Night Club Liquor License to be operated at “Sweet Dreams Entertainment & Marketing” located at # 3808 Construction Drive, Belmopan City, Cayo District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Lorena Yasmin Cervantes is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “Ceviche Express II” located at corner # 18 St. Thomas & Dunn Streets, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Justin E. Vasquez is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “Alpha Den” located at # 200 West Lake, 8 Miles George Price Highway, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Merlyn Moreira is applying for a Night Club Liquor License to be operated at “Bayview Oasis” located at 4 ½ Miles Philip Goldson Highway, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

laws and policies. As a result, both organizations seek to strengthen the inter-institutional collaboration in areas that include information sharing, intelligence meetings, joint audits and other areas concerning to the effective administration of tourism-related taxes in Belize.

Signing on behalf of the BTB was Director of Tourism, Mr. Evan Tillett, and signing on behalf of the

EMAIL: belizetimesadvertisement@ yahoo.com

To place advertisement in the Belize Times Newspaper

ELECTIONS & BOUNDARIES DEPARTMENT The Nominations Centers for the below list of Villages with nomination dates of 5th,12th &19th June, 2022 have been amended as follows: Nominations open at 9:00 a.m and closes at 12 midday in ALL the Villages NOMINATION CENTERS VILLAGES NOMINATION DATE 1. San Jose * 5th June, 2022 2. Na Luum Ca 5th June, 2022 3. Jacintoville 5th June, 2022 4. Laguna 5th June, 2022 5. San Felipe* 5th June, 2022 6. San Marcos* 5th June, 2022 7. Yemeri Grove 5th June, 2022 8. San Pedro Columbia** 5th June, 2022

CHANGE FROM: Toledo Community College Toledo Community College Toledo Community College Toledo Community College Toledo Community College Toledo Community College Toledo Community College Toledo Community College

CHANGE TO: Julian Cho Technical High School Julian Cho Technical High School Julian Cho Technical High School Julian Cho Technical High School Julian Cho Technical High School Julian Cho Technical High School Julian Cho Technical High School Julian Cho Technical High School

VILLAGES 1.Golden Stream* 2.Indian Creek * 3. Medina Bank 4. San Miguel* 5. Silver Creek* 6. Big Falls ** 7.San Antonio ** 8. Crique Jute 9. Mafredi 10. Pueblo Viejo*

NOMINATION DATE 12th June, 2022 12th June, 2022 12th June, 2022 12th June, 2022 12th June, 2022 12th June, 2022 12th June, 2022 12th June, 2022 12th June, 2022 12th June, 2022

NOMINATION CENTERS CHANGE FROM: CHANGE TO: Toledo Community College Julian Cho Technical High School Toledo Community College Julian Cho Technical High School Toledo Community College Julian Cho Technical High School Toledo Community College Julian Cho Technical High School Toledo Community College Julian Cho Technical High School Toledo Community College Julian Cho Technical High School Toledo Community College Julian Cho Technical High School Toledo Community College Julian Cho Technical High School Toledo Community College Julian Cho Technical High School Toledo Community College Julian Cho Technical High School

VILLAGES 1. Aguacate 2 Blue Creek 3. Mabilha 4. San Benito Poite 5. Santa Teresa 6. Jordan 7. Santa Cruz* 8. Santa Elena 9 San Vicente 10. Jalacte*

NOMINATION DATE 19th June, 2022 19th June, 2022 19th June, 2022 19th June, 2022 19th June, 2022 19th June, 2022 19th June, 2022 19th June, 2022 19th June, 2022 19th June, 2022

NOMINATION CENTERS CHANGE FROM: CHANGE TO: Toledo Community College Julian Cho Technical High School Toledo Community College Julian Cho Technical High School Toledo Community College Julian Cho Technical High School Toledo Community College Julian Cho Technical High School Toledo Community College Julian Cho Technical High School Toledo Community College Julian Cho Technical High School Toledo Community College Julian Cho Technical High School Toledo Community College Julian Cho Technical High School Toledo Community College Julian Cho Technical High School Toledo Community College Julian Cho Technical High School

10

24 APR

THE BELIZE TIMES

2022

PUBLIC AUCTION SALES: PROPERTIES

Orange Walk District: Orange Walk Town/ San Jose Palmar Village/ Douglas Village; Belize District; Maskall Village/ San Pedro, Ambergris Caye/ Belize City; Cayo District: Ontario Village; Stann Creek District: Dangriga; Toledo District: San Miguel Village/ Punta Gorda Town

BY ORDER of the Mortgagees, Messrs. Ascendancy Belize Limited, Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A. Castillo and Christiana R. Castillo are selling ONLINE via belizepropertyauctions.com the below described properties. Sales currently running and will expire Wednesday 27th April 2022 at the times shown on the website.

A: Orange Walk District: East Orange Walk Estate; Orange Walk Town; San Jose Palmar; Douglas Village 1. Parcels 514, 515 & 516 East Orange Walk Estate, One Mile from Town Center, Orange Walk District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Indian Hill East

4

514, 515 & 516

8. Parcel No. 2112 DFC Area, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

San Pedro

7

2112

(Being three (3) vacant lots [514 – 334.79 S.Y. or (279.926 S.M.); 515 – 832.86 S.Y. or (696.372 S.M.); 516 – 888.29 S.Y. or (742.715 S.M.) situate in East Orange Walk Estate, one mile from Orange Walk Town Center, Orange Walk District, the freehold properties of Mr. Ishwar Mahbubani)

(Being a 3-storey concrete structure with [6120 sq. ft.] – Ground Floor – Store + two – 1 Bedroom Apartments; First Floor – Three – 1 Bedroom Apartments: Second Floor – 2 Bedroom Apartment + Large Terrace and lot [533.33 sq. yds.] situated in D.F.C Housing Site, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, the freehold property of Mr. Thomas Santos)

2. Parcel No. 3091/1 Savannah Street, Orange Walk Town:

9. Parcel No. 1406 Neal Pen Road, Belize City, Belize District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Orange Walk Town

4

3091/1

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Queen Square

45

1406

(Being a concrete bungalow dwelling house [727 sq. ft.] containing 2 Bedrooms + 1 Bathroom + Living/Dining/Kitchen TOGETHER with Lot [555.56 sq. yds.] situate at Parcel No. 3091 Savannah Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District, the leasehold property of Mr. Kenis Garcia)

(Being a two-storey concrete/timber dwelling house [1568 sq. ft.] containing 3 Bedrooms + 1 Bathroom on each floor TOGETHER with Lot [340 sq. yds.] situate at Parcel No. 1406 Neal Pen Road, Belize City, the freehold property of Ms. Sharon Burgess)

3. Parcel No. 1236 Stadium Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District:

10. Parcel No. 1323/1 Ontario Village, Cayo District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Orange Walk Town

4

1236

(Being an incomplete concrete & block structure [369 sq. ft.] + prefabricated structure [1,600 sq. ft.] TOGETHER with Lot [462 sq. yds.] situate at Parcel No. 1236 Stadium Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District, the freehold property of Mr. Richard Vellos) 4. Parcel No. 808 San Jose Palmar Village, Orange Walk District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Society Hall

24

1323

(Being two buildings - Building ‘A’ two-storey concrete/timber dwelling house [1969 sq. ft.] containing Ground Floor: bedroom + bathroom + Living/Dining/Kitchen + Storeroom; First Floor: 3 bedrooms [280 sq. ft.]; Building ‘B’ Laundry house [257 sq. ft.] TOGETHER with lot [1,165.67 sq. yds.] situate in Ontario Village, Cayo District, the leasehold property of Mr. Gilbert Rhaburn).

E: Stann Creek District: Dangriga 11. Parcel No. 1294 Canal Street, Dangriga, Stann Creek District

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

San Jose Palmar

4

808

(Being a vacant corner lot [1,250 sq. yds.] situate in San Jose Palmar Village, Orange Walk Town, the freehold property of Mr. Danny Duran.)

5. 28.91 Acres of land on the Douglas/San Pablo Road, 1.6 kilometers west of the Douglas Road/Phillip Goldson Highway, Orange Walk District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Dangriga South

31

1294

(Being two storey concrete dwelling house [3,185 sq. ft.] containing Ground Floor - 3 Bedrooms Apartment; First Floor – 2 Bedrooms + 1 Bathroom Apartment TOGETHER with Lot [512 sq. yds.] situate at Parcel No. 1294 Canal Street, Dangriga, Stann Creek District, the F: Toledo District: Big Falls/Golden Stream; Punta Gorda Town 12. Parcel No. 577 San Miguel Village, Big Falls/Golden Stream Area, Toldeo District

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Douglas Rural

4

118

(Being 28.91 acres of ruinated cane fields and grassy patches situate 1.6 kilometers northwest of the intersection of the Douglas Road and the Phillip Goldson Highway and approximately 700 meters southeast of Nuevo San Juan Village, Orange Walk District, the freehold property of Messrs. Alfredo Samuel Cabrera and Josue Cabrera) B: Belize District: Maskall Village; San Pedro, Ambergris Caye; Belize City 6. Parcel No. 246/1 Maskall Village, Belize District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Big Fall/Golden Stream

42

577

(Being a two-storey concrete dwelling house [1743 sq. ft.] containing Ground Floor: 3 Open Areas + Kitchen; First Floor: 3 bedrooms + 1 bathroom + living/dining/kitchen + porch [421 sq. ft.] + covered shed [280 sq. ft.] and lot 2,642.62 S.Y. or 0.546 acres] situate in San Miguel Village in the Big Falls/Golden Stream Area, Toledo District, the freehold property of Mr. Mariano Kus).

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Belize Rural North 1

11

v

(Being a concrete bungalow dwelling house [30 ft. X 45 ft.] and lot [676.302 S.M.] situate in the Village of Maskall in the Belize District, the leasehold property of Mr. Aamon Alex Brackett, surety for Ms. Sherett S. Brackett) 7. 2 Acres San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize:

“FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION & PHOTOGRAPHS PLEASE VISIT WEBSITE”

TERMS: STRICTLY CASH

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

North San Pedro

7

5434 & 5435

(Being 2 Acres of vacant Caribbean Sea front land, situate west side of Ambergris Caye 3 miles north of the center of San Pedro Town, District, the freehold properties of Mr. Daniel

KEVIN A. CASTILLO TELEPHONE: 223 4488 Email: kevinacas@yahoo.com Face Book: Belize Auctions

24 APR

2022

11

THE BELIZE TIMES

VILLAGE COUNCIL ELECTIONS 2022

Nominations Begin May 8 First Ballots to be cast May 15 FULL Schedule in our Next Issue

VOTE FOR YOUR PUP TEAM Delivering on PlanBelize

58 12

24 APR

THE BELIZE TIMES 2022

24 APR

2022

24 APR

2022

13

18 JAN

2015THE BELIZE TIMES

ALL OVER BELIZE Prime Minister John Briceño

Hon. Anthony Mahler and the Belize Tourist Board

Celebrating

Easter‘22

Cycling Team sponsor in the Holy Saturday Cross Country Classic

Min. Requena, Toledo West, Rural Transformation Bringing water to San Antonio—Life

Benque Viejo’s fun contests

“See the Able, not the Label” – Autism Awareness Month

Hon. Oscar Mira, Belmopan

Belize City family fun Oscar Requena Cup brings out the youth

Spirit of giving on Good Friday

Orange Walk’s egg hunt and more

Completing the job on Agricultura Street and many others

Sponsoring art and Raquel Art endeavour

Hon. Kevin Bernard

Corozal’s beach fun San Ignacio – Santa Elena egg hunt and goodies

Stann Creek sport Handing over upgrade to Ecopark in San Jose Palmar Village

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THE BELIZE TIMES

24 APR

2022

24 APR

2022

15

THE BELIZE TIMES

THE MOECST RECEIVES DESKTOPS AND HYGIENIC SUPPLIES FROM TAIWAN

Request for Expression of Interest GENDER AND SOCIAL INCLUSION STRENTHENING FOR 30 TARGETED PRODUCERS’ ORGANIZATIONS Institution: Ministry of Economic Development Country: Belize Project: Resilient Rural Belize Programme Loan No.: 2000002301 Deadline for Submission of Proposals: May 13, 2022 at 10:00 AM. Background of programme: The Government of Belize (GOB), through a financing agreement with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Green Climate Fund (GCF), has embarked on a six-year Programme, Resilient Rural Belize (RRB), which aims to minimize the impacts of climatic and economic events on smallholder farmers while supporting sustainable market access for their produce. The programme will help farmers employ climate resilient agricultural practices and technologies; integrate profitable smallholder participation into the development of select vegetables, fruits, and honey value chains; and support smallholder production capacity through investments in public and private climate resilient infrastructure and in the strengthening of smallholder farmer Producers’ Organizations and relevant GOB Departments.

Background of the assignment: The programme aims to provide investments and interventions to a minimum of 30 producer organizations, which are distributed all over the country. However, the participation of women and youth as full members of the POs has been limited, which restrains their access to decision making and key program investments.

This scenario does not enable both women and youth to participate in and benefit from profitable economic activities and program benefits. It is key for the success of the programme that each PO understands the benefits of allowing new members and move towards gender equality and women empowerment and participation.

Today, April 13, 2022, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology (MoECST) received a donation of desktop computers and hygienic supplies from the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Belize.

At the handing-over ceremony, H.E Ambassador David Kuan-Chou Chien presented eleven (11) desktop computers, twenty-thousand (20,000) masks and four hundred and eighty (480) bottles of hand sanitiser with total value of BZ$200,000, to Hon. Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education, Culture, Science and Technology. All the items that were handed over at today’s event were donated by SimplyHelp Foundation, a Taiwanese charity organisation in the United States.

In his remarks Ambassador Chien noted, “As all schools begin to return to full pre-pandemic schedules, the Embassy of Taiwan hopes the donation of the computers will be useful in facilitating both teaching and studying in the classroom, while hygienic supplies will be distributed to the schools to safeguard the health of Belize’s education community.”

On behalf of the MoECST, Hon. Minister Fonseca expressed his appreciation for Taiwan’s continued support and also reiterated his commitment to strengthen the partnership between the two governments.

High-Level Meeting on Migrant Labour and Trafficking in Persons A high-level meeting of the ministries of Immigration, Human Development, Home Affairs, Labour, Tourism, and Agriculture along with the Director of Public Prosecutions was held in Belmopan on April 11, 2022.

Ministry representatives discussed the topics of migrant labour for agroindustry in Belize and the need to strengthen collaboration amongst ministries and departments in preventing and combating labour exploitation and trafficking in persons.

Participants conducted a review of the recent migrant incident of March 19/20, 2022, and focused on striking a balance between the need for migrant labour, the demands of the industries and the protection of individuals, especially children from child labour and other forms of exploitation.

At the level of chief executive officers and heads of department, the Anti- Trafficking in Persons Council will continue to conduct educational campaigns on labour exploitation with the aim of building awareness. Also, through its Operations Committee, the council will enhance inspections and operations to identify and respond to labour violations and possible trafficking in persons.

Participants pledged revitalized efforts to strengthen inter-agency collaboration and decided on the development of a national migration policy, which will work in tandem with anti-trafficking efforts thus fulfilling the government’s mandate of combatting all forms of exploitation.

The Resilient Rural Belize Programme is committed to mainstreaming gender equality and social inclusion (GESI), to ensure that young people, women and men have equal access to, and control over, resources for development, benefits, and decision-making at all stages of development processes, projects, programs, and policies within the agriculture sector.

Deliverables: The Individual Consultant shall provide the following deliverables: a) An Inception report, which will include the consultancy approach, training methodology and workplan, the draft of the proposed GESI capacity building programme for the different groups (PMU staff and CSAEO, POs and DOC/MOA staff) and an outline of the training sessions. b) A training completion report for each group, which shall include the presentations and training methodologies used, attendance register, photographs, issues identified during training and the commitments made by the different groups trained, as well as recommendations for future training (electronic and one original). c) Develop a small booklet or handout (not a training manual) to share with the POs and Implementing partners on gender equality, women empowerment and social inclusion with specific reference to ways for promoting these in RRB intervention. The booklet should also list the specific opportunities/affirmative actions that the Programme provides for these vulnerable groups. This could be developed from the information used to conduct the trainings (electronic and one original). d) Consultancy Completion Report (electronic and one original), which shall include results, issues faced during the assignment, lessons learnt, commitments achieved, as well as recommendations & affirmative actions for the inclusion of youth and women in the whole project and of how to assure women and youth are benefited from project services. e) The report will also include recommendations relevant for the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) System.

Consultant’s qualifications and experience: The Gender Consultant must possess a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Gender Studies, Sociology, Social Work, Development Studies and/or Agriculture.

Specific Experience: • Minimum five (5) years of experience in conducting GESI investigations, analysis of gender gaps in rural areas, facilitation of training processes with the government as well as community actors, and/ or socio-economic surveys with a gender and social inclusion approach.

• Minimum five (5) years of experience with the use of participatory methodologies for trainings as well as women and young people empowerment.

• A minimum of three (3) years’ experience conducting training sessions on topics related to Youth, Gender Equity and Social Inclusion.

• Consultant must be fluent in English and Spanish language both written and verbal.

Individual Consultants interested in receiving the Request for Expression of Interest (REOI) document for this consultancy should register their interest by sending an e-mail (with subject: Request for REOI - Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Strengthening for 30 Targeted Producers’ Organizations to the Procurement Officer at nvernon.RRB@med.gov.bz giving full contact details of the Consultant. This will ensure that the Consultants receive updates regarding this consultancy.

The REOI must be delivered to the following address on or before May 13, 2022, at 10:00 AM (Local time).

Consultants also have the option of submitting their REOI electronically using the File Request Link: https:// bit.ly/3Kd46zX

Attn: Nadia Vernon Procurement Officer Resilient Rural Belize Programme Ministry of Economic Development National Agriculture Showgrounds Hummingbird Highway Belmopan, Belize

16

24 APR

THE BELIZE TIMES

THINK ABOUT IT AMERICAN REPORTS ON OUR HUMAN RIGHTS “On the night of July 14, 2021, police corporal Kareem Martinez shot and killed 14 year on Laddie Gillett while Gillett and a friend were fleeing from police officers.

“According to Gillett’s friend Thomas Palacio, he and Gillett ran because they believed the two men in the dark clothing confronting with guns intended to rob them.

“Palacio said the men had not identified themselves as police officers. Palacio claimed the officers beat him, and he feared he would be killed”.

“Two days after the incident, Martinez was charged with manslaughter by negligence and granted bail while awaiting trial”.

The above quotations are from a 31pages Report released by the Department of State of the United States of America on the Human Rights Situation in Belize for the year 2021. Each year the government of the USA releases a Human Rights Report on countries in the world, including little Belize which keeps finding itself getting a black eye thanks to a few members of the police, BDF, and prison departments.

Many of the sad incidents need not happen. The new government should send out strong signals that its policy is zero tolerance regarding violations of Belizeans human and constitutional rights. Zero tolerance.

The Report is compiled by officials at the US Embassy in Belmopan, who conduct their own inquiries and investigations into instances of human rights abuses. We thank those officers and the annual publications are a welcomed reporting which should be used by all concerned in our country.

It is high time that the Police Department as well as Prison, BDF, and Coast Guard, be forced to produce an annual departmental report. Such reports should be tabled in our National Assembly and become a public document for the media, activists and attorneys to peruse. This can only help us to become a better people and force those in authority to do the right thing.

Were it not for Duane Moody of Channel 5 tv in Wednesday night’s news, Belizeans would know nothing of the 2021 Human Rights Report. This is shameful for us as a young nation.

The Report deserves full discussion. Radio and tv stations have a duty to this country to see that we are all aware of what is going on in the various departments whose duty is to protect and respect us. They are paid to do so, not to be abusing our people.

The Laddie Gillett scandal is double scandalous as the Solicitor General department has failed to pay compensation for the unlawful killing of the teen.

The same situation applies in the shooting death of Alyson Major by police. It is a worthless department which sits back and allow citizens to be wrongly arrested, wrongly detained, beaten, shot, killed, their vehicle impounded for years.

The Report contains many other areas of official abuses and wrong doings.

When we voted out the worthless regime of Dean Barrow and his political minions, we did so because we wanted meaningful changes. Barrow and his demons maybe gone, but his collaborators and facilitators linger on.

For those with eyes to see, let them see.

BELIZE-THE PLACE TO VISIT IN 2022 After reading the 31 pages of the US Report on Belize’s disturbing human rights behavior, it was refreshing to read a brief report in Breaking Belize News written by Benjamin Flowers. He is reporting on a story in the prestigious FORBES magazine on the 22 Best Places To Travel Around The World In 2022”.

Our beautiful and delightful country is right there with the best of the best.

Dangriga, Hopkins and Placencia are named.

The Forbes magazine Travel journalist and photographer who big up Belize is Stephanie Vermillion who urged travelers to visit Belize for the “mystical Maya Sites, wondrous aquatic habits, and lush national parks.” Of course, there is mention of our Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve and our awesome barrier reef.

On Wednesday 20th April, 2022, we were at a section of our reef-just heavenly, pure heaven. We swear, Half Caye, neighboring Blue Hole and our awesome barrier reef must have broken off from heaven and land in this part of the world.

Damn, these places like so many others in our country are really breath-taking.

PRIVATE BOLEDO OWNERS PAY NO TAXES The boledo and lottery were stolen from the people and government of our country. It was handed over to two or three private, privileged persons, none of whom ever worked for the public service.

The cash flow of millions of dollars passes through the bank account of the two or three highly privileged persons.

One is a known UDP supporter. Another is alleged to be the son of the former Prime Minister. These dudes have benefited more than ten years when the boledo/lottery were stolen, in secret, under the former Prime Minister.

Upon the recent change of government, it was learnt that an additional ten years contract was given to those benefiting from the legalized theft of the

2022

boledo.

And then, a statutory instrument was signed in secret in which Prime Minister Barrow exempted the payment of taxes to those to whom he gave the boledo and lottery.

The Head of the tax department of Belize, who is very close to the UDP, and who remains ensconced in this critical position, has never disclosed how many millions of dollars has not been collected through the sweet heart boledo deal.

Millions people, millions.

Now comes word that the new government will no longer allow the exemption from taxes to continue.

We hope the new government will not only impose all taxes on the stolen boledo and lottery, but that new social taxes are imposed.

We hope also that every effort will be taken to take back the boledo and place it squarely in the public service.

And that the sordid story of the UDP’s brazen theft of the boledo is exposed for all to see.

MAN CANNOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE Man cannot live on bread alone. It’s too expensive.

There is a war going on. Russia, the world’s second most powerful military, felt it had no choice but to invade Ukraine which was inviting Russia’s enemy-NATO-to come on Russia’s border. The border is some seven hundred miles long on their mutual border.

This war has caused petrol and, many other products such as wheat, to become more expensive. Many nations are suffering from increased costs of imported products.

Belize is feeling the squeeze, with petrol and wheat and other food stuff.

With petrol at fourteen dollars and rising, everything is going up in costs.

Now, imported wheat is hitting us in the flour department. When flour goes up, so does the cost of bread.

In Belize, the prices never go up by five or ten cents, it’s always by huge jumps.

The cost of bread will go up.

Oh lord, not bread.

BOOKS AND WRITERS Have you heard of “Book Week?” A week dedicated to books?

If you have not, don’t feel no way. Hardly anyone heard of it. Or cares about it. We live in a country where books are of no importance. Persons read only because they have to, like students. Otherwise no one read books or care about it.

But books are important. Very important. It is books which gives us information and gives us ideas, and helps us to gain knowledge and to think and reason.

Books are important to our minds the way food is important to our bodies.

Some of us cannot do without books. We have a thirst and a hunger for knowledge. And we love to read and think.

In celebration of the importance of books, the week from 21st to 28th April will celebrating as Book Week. It is being promoted mainly by the Leo Bradley Library with support from NICH. There will be conversations with writers, and an announcement of the winner of the Belize Literacy Prize.

We are so encouraged by the efforts of our library staff, the National Institute of Culture and History, the Book Industry and Mexican Embassy. We need to start making books and writers much more prominent in our culture and in our country.

There is no alternative to reading. It broadens the mind. It soothes the soul.

It is better than wasting precious time drinking alcohol or smoking weed or cigarettes.

The media need to do more to promote books and reading much more. The library will gladly work with the media and start making books more a part of the enrichment of our lives.

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the below companies have been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the dates indicated: Name of Company

Date

DENGTON HOLDINGS LIMITED

08th April, 2022

TAFFORT GROUP CORP.

08th April, 2022

AVIDEL INTERNATIONAL CORP.

08th April, 2022

Icaza Belize Trust Corporation Limited Registered Agent

24 APR

2022

17

THE BELIZE TIMES

Agriculture in Belize Rural North The Belize District area around Maskall and Bomba, both on the old Northern Highway, is one of the more productive areas in the country in vegetable crops. The area produces onions, tomatoes, carrots, sweet peppers and diverse other crops.

Right now tomatoes are in season for the members of Los Pequeños Agricultores y Ganaderos de Nago Bank Co-operative, who are harvesting tomatoes. Nago Bank is a fertile productive area around Bomba.

The Co-operative consists of men and women. The women in this coop are not afraid of putting on their boots and going into the field... gender bias does not exist as long as there is work to be done.

Prices of tomatoes tend to be mostly supply driven; right now they retail in the market for around $2.50 a pound. Farm gate prices (buying directly from the farmer at his farm) might be better.

Keep on working hard to build Belize, Nago Bank! (Thanks to the Co-ops Department for the great pictures!) – Minister Jose Mai, Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise

GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE MINISTRY OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND INVESTMENT BELIZE INTEGRAL SECURITY PROGRAMME (BISP) INVITATION TO QUOTE No CABEI-G-005-2147/2022

April 13th, 2022 The Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment acting through the Belize Integral Security Programme (BISP), funded by the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) has allocated funds towards the cost of supply and delivery of Laboratory Equipment.

The Ministry now extends an invitation to Suppliers to tender for the below listed items: GOODS Exhibit Storage Refrigerator Handheld Portable Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer

QUANTITY 1 1

Interested bidders may obtain a complete set of bidding documents inclusive of Specifications free of cost through written request to the below physical address or via electronic mail (email) to procurementofficer.bisp@med.gov. bz and copy to projectcoordinator.bisp@med.gov.bz or you can visit the Ministry of Economic Development’s webpage, www.med.gov.bz to download the bidding documents. Additionally, the Invitation to Quote can be found on the Belize Procurement Notice Board’s webpage https:// blz-cppnb.caricom.org/epps/home.do Deadline for submission of sealed bids is Tuesday April 26th, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., via direct mail or hand delivered to the address indicated below.

Late submissions will be rejected.

Project Coordinator Belize Integral Security Programme (BISP) Programme Executing Unit 1904 Constitution Drive 2nd Floor, Unit #3 Belmopan City, Belize C.A. Ref: Invitation to Quote Supply and Delivery of Laboratory Equipment (CABEI-G-005-2147/2022)

18

PLWG Acquire Empowering Skills “Apart from learning how to use your creativity to make beautiful designs, this Arts & Craft workshop also taught you important life skills that are necessary to get along with others and be successful in your careers. Apply those skills in your lives even if no one is supervising you. They will enable you to achieve your dreams.” - Hon. Gilroy Usher, Port Loyola Area Representative That was the advice of Port Loyola Area Representative on Wednesday April 6, as Hon. Gilroy Usher gave the remarks at a brief ceremony at the YMCA on Faber’s Rd. for the distribution of certificates to twenty-eight members of the Port Loyola Women’s Group (PLWG) who participated in a oneweek arts & craft workshop. During the workshop the participants learnt to make beautiful ornaments by recycling paper, cloth, plastic, and metal among other things.

With their newly acquired skills many of the participants in the workshop will be able to reduce the cost of living for their families by making their own decorations for their homes; others will be able to supplement the income for their families by marketing their beautiful designs in the community. Some of the participants in the workshop will also be able to use their newly acquired skills to teach their children and others how to have fun as they put their creativity to use in making different pieces by recycling items at home .

The workshop was organized

by Miss Marissa Alamilla, managing director of Group of Ladies in Development (GOLD) and senior manager at the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing (MIDH). The instructor was Miss Veronica Burgos, program coordinator.

Many thanks to Dr. Clara Cuellar man-

24 APR

THE BELIZE TIMES

2022

Invitation for Bids Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Immigration The Government of Belize (GOB), through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Immigration (the “Ministry”) has decided to conduct an Amnesty Program for irregular migrants who have been living in Belize. The Program is scheduled to begin August 2, 2022. The GOB has set aside funds to meet related expenses and has earmarked the purchase of the below listed equipment as necessary to carry out an effective amnesty program: 57 Desktop Computers 57 Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) 57 Web Cameras 40 Signature Pads 40 Scanners 14 File Server Hard Drives 40 Photocopiers 20 Printers 1 Year Subscription – Online Appointment System The Ministry now invites tenders for the supply of the above listed equipment. Bidding for the equipment is to be made by lot(s) or the entire package. Interested tenderers can obtain the bidding document commencing on April 25, 2022 from the address below between the hours of 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00 am to 3:30 pm on Fridays.

The deadline for clarifications is May 2, 2022 at 4:00 pm. The deadline to submit tenders is May 11, 2022 at 2:00 pm. Sealed bids are to be delivered to the Ministry at the address below.

Late bids will be rejected and returned unopened.

ager of the YMCA for making the facility available for the workshop.

Many thanks, also, to the organizer and instructor for the event and all others who assisted in any way to make it a success.

The requisite to participate in this bidding includes, but is not limited to, the presentation of Certificates of Good Standing from the Belize Companies Registry, the Belize Tax Service and the Belize Social Security Board or proof of Incorporation and Financial Audited Statements for the last 3 years. Qualification requirements are as specified in Instructions to Bidders, Clause 14, Documents “Establishing the Eligibility and Qualifications of the Bidder”, and in the Bid Data Sheet. All bids shall be accompanied by a Bid Securing Declaration as specified in the Instructions to Bidders.

This advertisement can also be seen on the Ministry of Immigration’s web page at https://immigration.gov.bz.

The address referred to above is the address for the (i) collection of Bidding Documents; (ii) submission of Bid Documents; and (iii) opening of bids, as stated below: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Immigration Mountain View Blvd.

Belmopan City, Belize, C.A. Tel: 822-3860 Email: ceo@immigration.gov.bz The Bidders are requested to submit as part of the bid the “Statement of Ethical Conduct and Fraud and Corruption”.

In case of misleading information or non-adherence to the Fraud and Corruption provisions of the Bidding Documents, the Bidder shall be pursued by the GoB.

24 APR

THE BELIZE TIMES

2022

OF THIS AND THAT BREAD RAISE Bus owners want to raise prices. Gas company want to raise price. Now bread people want to raise price. This is tuff. Government is trying to stop resist. They do not want to. It may still happen.

That is ruff. Not their fault.

BREADBACK Wheat is a plant. It produces a grain. It is grows in temperate weather. It is used to make flour. Flour is used to make bread.

Russia and Ukraine are at war. It affects gas price. It also will affect bread price. Russia makes 86 million tonnes of wheat. It is the biggest exporter in the world. Ukraine is the fifth biggest exporter. Russia and Ukraine are big. They control one third of world exports in wheat.

That is bread and butter. Well, a lot of butter from bread.

Big up Abi Mai. He says grow what we eat. Say less.

COME AND GONE Easter is done. Only the weather stayed.

Money gone. It was fun though. We are sun burnt. Most people have a hangover. Hangover from liquor. Vacation hangover too. We need a vacation from the vacation. Time to recover.

We should be proud. Belizeans bashed in Belize. This is one good thing about covid.

We discovered Belize. Mountain Pine ridge.

The Cayes. The River valley. Some people still jump the border. That is ok too. Most of us stayed put.

That is loving yourself. Let us keep it up.

FIRST BELIZEAN Holy Saturday race was drama. Good race. Exciting. Well, most of it. It was disappointing. This garland hates Belize. It has puppy foot. Never deh home.

There is always controversy. Opinions can’t done.

How we make a fuss timer win? Yes, he is a professional. Yes, local riders are broke.

They have to work. They are not paid to ride. But Hezzus!

Marlon Castillo gave a story. Byron Pope gave a story. Marlon said Popie played passam. He just wanted “first Belizean” prize. It is not hard to believe Marlon. History supports his opinion. First Belizean is the first loser. It is an embarrassment. It is like participation ribbons. The ones you give to preschool children.

It is a weird thing.

Getting a prize. The prize is for who is first to brush their teeth. The Belizean who admits. He must admit to brushing his teeth with a toothbrush someone else used first.

Yack.

There is a big word. It is defeatist.

Belizeans are admitting. Even before the race. We admit. Admit that we will not win. Craziness.

Take it out the race.

AIR CONDITIONING It is hot. The other day it was 104 degrees. We need one big Laskco fan. To blow all day over Belize. We should buy a big AC

for the country. Quick though. Before Agric show.

RAPE Rape is a strong word. Rapist is the worst word. Worse-era person. Rape is worse than murder. In murder, at least, you die. Rape, you live every day. Tortured. Haunted. Scared.

It is bad when it is a lie. The person called rapist never gets back. He is marked for life.

True or not true.

Wrong accusations hurt men. There is nothing like it for women. People will convict. They will convict the victim. Or they will convict the man. All they will use is the news. Then the shush will do the rest. Sad. All rapists should be hung. All false accusers should be hung too. There are real people.

With real horror stories. Humiliation. Pain.

Make truth win. Hang the rest.

SIX OF ONE AND HALF DOZEN Wait. Alexis Rosado is charged for rape.

There is not even a trial yet. He resigns.

Shyne is convicted of shooting a young girl. He is convicted. Goes to jail. Serves 10 full years. But he is Leader of the Opposition?

That makes sense to you?

MURDER It is too easy to kill. Belize is violent. Too many guns. Too much anger. Too much free time.

One man killed over a lighter. The other one killed over five dollars. The next one killed for stoning a house. Fi Gad sake stop it.

Then we watch one another. Who fi blame when brother kill blood brother? When BDF stamp in a man face?

Someone please go get a mirror from Courts.

SOCIAL DISTANCE CONDOMS China is a big country. Covid started there.

That is what they say. Something strange is happening there. They are having a problem with making babies. It is called a fall in birthrate. Global baby bust.

The pandemic was bad for them. China had a wicked fall in the number of births. That is between 2019 and 2021. Births reduced by 30%.

That is the lowest drop since 1949. This is opposite the rest of the world. We used the lock in to “lock down.”

In China, they took social distancing too far.

No bodies. They blame the impact on birthrates to the pandemic. They estimate that the number of Chinese people could fall. Fall to half of what it is now. That is in a hundred years. If this pattern continue. They have 1.4bn people now.

But could go to 730mn people by end of this century.

Serious business. We should send some Bermudan Landing man there. Fix that quick.

NEFLIX AND CHILL Cable is old news. Bootleg DVD’s worse.

Sorry for Ron G and Teddy’s.

Firestick and Netflix are winning.

Netflix is the biggest streaming video company in the world. All security guards have Netflix. That is how they do not sleep on the job. All house wife have it too. That is how we watch novelas. Only thing better than Netflix is free Netflix. We tief. Borrow. Beg to get pass-

19 words. Narcos, Squid Game and Money Heist haffi watch.

Everyone and their granny has Netflix. The company has a problem. 100 million people are sharing the passwords. Netflix used to ignore it. They will start to tighten up things. This is as early as 2023.

So enjoy it while it lasts.

PERSPECTIVE This is what a drunk lady said: “The church collected from slavery. Programmed the minds of slaves. It told them to love their masters. Obey them. All the rape. Torture and evil. Death. While the church carved up the world. Forgive them Father.

The church is a murderer. It killed Jesus. It is a den of thieves. That is what Jesus said. The church is white washed tombstones. That is what the Nazarite called them. He was betrayed by them. They did not want to hear truth.

Jesus was not a Christian. He hung out with prostitutes. Did drugs. In those days alcohol. He had chick in his entourage. Broke every rule in the book. Backchat his Ma. Used his powers to resurrect his friend. This was because he was late.

Jesus cursed. He did it at a tree. We love Jesus. The Church? They are not Jesus. Pharisees? Yes, but Jesus, No. Don’t fight with the church. Agree with them. Agree to original sin. Agree that we give to Caesar what is for Caesar. Even if that is a spliff.

Did God save weed in Noah’s ark? The church should have destroyed it then.

If heaven has all the plants God made. Does it have weed trees too? Hydro? If weed is there, on a ganja plantation behind the pearly gates, will the church leave heaven? Shake the spot.

Pay your tithes. Don’t fight the church. Don’t be like Jesus.”

Cowards. Censor that.

CHIPS There is cool guy. His government name is Michael Norales. Everyone calls him Chips. He is from PG. Piene.

He is doing a thing. Him and the mayor. Selgado. Chips is big time. He has the record. He is a skillful guy. People person. Personable. Fun loving.

Positive dude. Gotta love him. He is the only man to win in two different districts. He won in politics for town council in PG. He won in Belize City too.

Chips is one in a million.

TELEVISION QUEENS The most important time of day was 6:30. This is in the evening. Then, it changed to 6:00. We all watch news. The race for our hearts is between two. Indira and Marleni. The rest are first runners up. Some not even in the race.

The news can be brutal at times. Lots of bad news. A pretty face helps.

Indira and Marleni are good representations.

International. Professional. Top notch. There is a complaint. Marleni and Indira seem to have gone.

Back seats. The replacements cannot tie their shoes. Sorry.

Good try. But do not fix what is not broken.

TRY THIS “A stupid man’s report of what a clever man says is never accurate, because he unconsciously translates what he hears into something he can understand.”

20

THE BELIZE TIMES

Oil prices are dropping, so why aren’t gas prices? Corporate greed

By Rep. Marie Newman (D-Ill.), opinion contributors for The Hill Last Monday, U.S. benchmark West Texas Intermediate oil prices briefly dipped down to $94 a barrel, marking its lowest level since late February. The last time a barrel of oil cost that much, the national average for a gallon of regular was just over $3.50.

Yet today it remains as high as $5 in some states.

When the cost of oil spikes, gasoline prices skyrocket. So why is it that when oil prices decrease rapidly, the price at the pump has barely dropped?

Greed. Greed from the Big Oil corporations, who are unfairly driving up the costs on hardworking American families.

Now, the recent gas price spikes were not unexpected. President Biden warned Americans that his decision to ban imports of Russian petroleum products into the U.S. would affect gas prices. Still, even with these consequences, the vast majority of Americans and politicians — Democrat and Republican — supported the move as part of a global effort to ensure Vladimir Putin’s Russia remains an economic pariah.

Obituary

Antonio Noble

January 28th, 1938 April 16th, 2022 Parents: Fortunato Noble and Valeria Torres Spouse: Lourdes Noble Siblings: Octavia Campos, Hermelinda Sosa, Enrique Noble and Valeria Campos Daughters: Monica Noble Catch and Lourdes Itzab Sons-in-Law: Abimael Catch and Edwardo Itzab Grandchildren: Andrea Catch, Clara Catch, Gian Itzab, Angeles Itzab Great grandchildren: Shelby Itzab Mr. Antonio Noble was affectionately known in Corozal town as “Lenguas.” He leaves behind an empty space in the hearts of his close family and friends.

May he Rest in Peace and rise in eternal Glory.

But let’s be clear, the senseless war in Ukraine is no excuse for our nation’s richest oil corporations to make America’s working families foot the bill at the pump. These are the same companies that earned a record $174 billion in profits during the first nine month of 2021.

Look no further than ExxonMobil, America’s largest oil company, which bragged earlier this month that their first quarter earnings profited $9.3 billion from pumping oil and gas alone, breaking a seven-year quarterly record.

If there is anyone that can afford Putin’s price hike — it is Big Oil. I already know what you’re thinking.

It’d be foolish for anyone to believe the fossil fuel industry is going to choose relief for hardworking Americans over their own greed and profit.

So, how do we manage the playing field? In the immediate term, we need Congress to pass the Big Oil Windfall Profits Tax Act, which will lower consumer costs and maintain American competitiveness by taxing the oil companies that are profiteering in this moment of crisis. This is how we lower costs for families while holding Big Oil accountable and preventing further exploitation.

This is, however, solely a short-term solution to a long-term problem. It’s long past time the U.S. ends our reliance on fossil fuel corporations and instead strengthens our energy independence and boosts our supply chain to prevent this scenario from ever occurring again.

Luckily, significant steps have been taken in recent months. To help insulate workers and families from price increases, Democrats and one single Republican in the House passed the America COMPETES Act in March to strengthen our nation’s supply chains, bolster domestic manufacturing and reduce our reliance on nations like Russia. On top of that, the bipartisan infrastructure law invested billions of dollars to supercharge America’s transition to electric vehicles, clean energy and new green, union jobs.

Now it’s time for Congress to double down and speed up — not slow down — our transition to a clean energy future.

That’s why I joined my colleagues in the Congressional Progressive Caucus in calling on President Biden to marshal the federal government’s purchasing power to invest in affordable, homegrown renewable energy so that we cut costs for millions of families.

Through executive action, this administration can bring down energy prices and save taxpayers billions of dollars by ending domestic and international federal fossil fuel subsidies and reinstating the crude oil export ban.

This is our golden opportunity to not only lower costs for American families by investing in clean energy but also make real strides in addressing the climate crisis. If we don’t, American families will continue to be ripped off at the pump while Big Oil rakes in billion-dollar profits.

Newman represents the 3rd District of Illinois and is a member of the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure

24 APR

2022

24 APR

THE BELIZE TIMES

2022

21

STRENGTHENING OF TAX ADMINISTRATION PROJECT REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST Consulting Services for Consulting firm to Prepare, Implement and Execute a New Audit Model, making use of the wider range examination and risk-based techniques (to include analytical tools for audit) Institution: The Ministry of Finance (MOF) Country: Belize Project: Strengthening of Tax Administration (STA) Abstract: Consulting Services for Consulting Firm to Prepare, Implement and Execute a New Audit Model, making use of the wider range examination and risk-based techniques (to include analytical tools for audit).

Loan No.: 4839/OC-BL Deadline: April 29, 2022, Belize Local Time The Government of Belize (GOB) has received financing from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for the execution of a five-year tax modernization project entitled “Strengthening of Tax Administration” (BL-L1031). The main beneficiaries of the Project are: (a) the Government, which will have more revenues to implement its public policies; (b) taxpayers, who will have more support and a digital environment to fulfil their tax obligations; and (c) the population, from the government policies implemented. Through this project, the Belize Tax Service Department (BTSD) has procured a Modern Integrated Tax Administration System (the Revenue Management System (RMS)) and is presently in the implementation process. This new system will be used in the management of the Belize Tax Administration.

The BTSD management has identified the need for a modern audit approach based on risk analysis. The BTSD Strategic Plan states that: “BTSD will explore the introduction of a Risk Management Plan (RMP) to properly respond to the risks identified on a timely basis, to minimize overall compliance burden for both the taxpayers and the tax administration. As an important aspect of the RMP, risk mitigating strategies will be proposed for application against potential and existing risks. The plan will highlight all areas of risks including risk-based assessments, risk-based audits, risk-based sector and taxpayer segmentation, compliance risks (registration, filing, reporting and payments) and international risks. Risk mitigation reduces the extent of exposure and ensures that the strategic objectives are achieved.”

The consulting services (“the services”) includes the contracting of a consulting firm for a period of ten (10) months to Prepare, Implement and Execute a New Audit Model, making use of the range examination and risk-based techniques (to include analytic tools for audit).

The main activities of the consultancy include: 1. To assess the status of BTSD taxpayer audit strategies and operations for all tax type.

2.

To review the Audit Division organization and resources, as well as the staff skills.

3.

To suggest the strategy for centralization/decentralization of the audit.

4.

To propose a new organization area (if required).

5.

To propose the staff composition by area and by location.

6.

To propose the different audit programs taking into consideration taxpayer segments and different audit locations (central, districts).

7.

To propose a system of massive audit based on IT verification of returns against risk factors and third-party information. The selected cases should be resolved very quickly (4 cases a day) as they are based on firm verification.

8.

To propose modern analytical tools for tax auditing suitable for Belize’s environment by conducting a SWOT analysis to support the audit work.

9.

Once the proposal of the modern analytical tools is approved, the consulting firm will procure the Analytical tools software for auditing with 50 licenses with subscription for 3 years, implement, and train auditors in its utilization for adoption.

10. To execute onsite Pilot audit (for at least one month in duration) with the audit team to plan, execute and report on randomly selected taxpayers.

11. To develop training materials and manuals in hard copies and digital copies in Microsoft Word format.

The consulting firm should have a minimum of five (5) years’ experience in similar assignment. In addition, the consulting firm should have a minimum of three (3) years specific experience in the following areas (* are must): •

Tax administration taxpayer audit and risk analysis. (*)

•

Conducting design of modern taxpayer audit programs. (*)

• • •

Conducting design of risk-based audit programs. (*) Training tax administration staff in audit techniques (*) Using modern audit analytic tools. (*)

• •

Developing programs for organizational strengthening for tax administration.

Developing modern taxpayer audit programs.

Conducting design of modern information crosschecking programs.

•

Business Strategy (supporting business and organization goals).

•

The firm should prove ability to identify strategic issues, opportunity and risks. As well as have knowledge and experience working in Belize and or the Caribbean environment in a similar assignment.

The Ministry of Finance now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested eligible Consultants must submit an Expression of Interest providing information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the services (brochures, description of similar assignments specifying start and end dates of assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills, etc.). The term “consultant” means a legally-established professional consulting firm or an entity that may provide the services.

Expression of Interest package should contain: (i) Document explaining interest, experience, and competence of the consulting firm. (ii) Firms experience in the assignment of similar consultancy services during the past five years. Description of similar assignments specifying start and end dates of assignments. (iii) Firms evidence of past jobs. (This includes letters from the respective client on the job (s) carried out, or a copy of contract or agreement with the client including copy of the TOR). (iv) Two references (v) Proof of nationality: Copy of certificate of incorporation, information of shareholders of company specifying the shares owned by each respective shareholder of the company and a copy of documentation of nationality of the shareholders of the company.

Additional documentation required for National Consultants: (vi) Copy of Certificate of Good Standing from Belize Company Registry (vii) Copy of Certificate of Good Standing from the Social Security Board (viii) Copy of Certificate of Good Standing from the Belize Tax Service (ix) Copy of Current Trade License The total estimated contract price for this consultancy inclusive of taxes is US $ 451,328.00.

Consulting firm will be selected in accordance with the Quality and Cost-Based Selection (QCBS) method set out in the Inter-American Development Bank: Policies for the Selection and Contracting of Consultants financed by the Inter-American Development Bank (GN2350-15, May 2019 edition) and is open to all eligible consultants as defined in the IDB policies. The selection of the successful firm will be based on a competitive process among short-listed firms that takes into account the quality of the proposal and the cost of the service.

Only the short-listed firms will be notified and will be asked to submit a technical and price proposal.

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.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Expressions of interest must be delivered via direct mail or e-mail at the address indicated below by 4:00 p.m. (Belize local time) on Friday, April 29, 2022.

Interested consulting firms are asked to submit their expression of interest via e-mail to Michelle.Longsworth@bts.gov.bz marked STAP- Consulting Firm to Prepare, Implement and Execute a New Audit Model in the subject header, or submit on or before 4:00 p.m. (Belize local time) on Friday, April 29, 2022 to the following address: Director General Belize Tax Service Department Strengthening of Tax Administration Project Charles Bartlett Hyde Building Mahogany Street, Belize City Tel: 501-222-5114 For clarifications kindly contact: Procurement Officer Project Executing Unit Strengthening of Tax Administration Project Charles Bartlett Hyde Building Mahogany Street, Belize City Tel: 501-222-5114/E-mail: Ian.Ramirez@mof.gov.bz

22

THE BELIZE TIMES

24 APR

2022

STRENGTHENING OF TAX ADMINISTRATION PROJECT REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST Consultancy Firm to prepare and implement the Belize Tax Service Department (BTSD) Enforcement Collection Model based on risk criteria Institution: The Ministry of Finance (MOF) Country: Belize Project: Strengthening of Tax Administration (STA) Abstract: Consulting Services – Consultancy Firm to prepare and implement the Belize Tax Service Department (BTSD) Enforcement Collection Model based on risk criteria Loan No.: 4839/OC-BL Deadline: April 29, 2022, Belize Local Time The Government of Belize (GOB) has received financing from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for the execution of a five-year tax modernization project entitled “Strengthening of Tax Administration” (BL-L1031). Through this project, the Belize Tax Service Department (BTSD) has procured a Modern Integrated Tax Administration System (the Revenue Management System (RMS)) and is presently in the implementation process.

This new system will be used in the management of the Belize Tax Administration.

The authorities’ concerns on the growth of the arrears balance are reflected in the BTSD strategic plan; “The stock of debt has been steadily increasing throughout the years, with the largest increase recorded between 2017 and 2018. The respective annual increases from 2016 to 2018 were 4%, 7% and 23%. There is a need to institute a mechanism to facilitate monitoring and timely enforcement actions to collect and recover revenues.”

The consulting services (“the services”) includes the contracting of a Consultancy Firm for a period of five (5) months. The main activity of the consultancy includes:

1. To assess the current situation of BTSD enforcement collection and review the organization and resources of the collection area as well as their skills 2. To assess the potential sources for information on taxpayer transactions and assets that could be used as arrears payments (Customs, social security, immovable property registration department, Bank accounts, City Council’s Traffic Departments, etc.)

3. Propose a strategy for enforcement collections and prioritization based on risk analysis, define risk parameters and relevant mitigation measures as well as special procedures according to taxpayer segments 4. Establish a system of payment by instalment via Internet, with parameters defined by BTSD with payments through automatic debit in the taxpayer bank account and to freeze delinquent taxpayers’ bank accounts via Internet 5. Establish rules for writing off uncollectable debts and modify ITAS to incorporate them 6. Update the BTSD Enforcement Collection manual defining the procedures to select the debts to be enforced, the task to collect the debt, the identification, and procedures to put a lien on debtors’ properties, the rules, and procedures for agreements for payment by instalment, etc.

7. Propose performance indicators for monitoring the enforcement collection 8. Deliver workshops and train the collection staff in the new procedures 9. Implement the new procedures 10. Conduct Pilot with the designated BTSD staff to plan, execute and report on randomly selected taxpayers.

The Consultancy Firm should have a minimum of five (5) years’ relevant working experience in the following areas:

• • •

Organizational development and design; Enforced arrears collections; Tax administration training

As well as minimum of five (5) years relevant assistance to tax administrations, particularly in the arrears collection areas. In addition, the Consultant firm should have at least three (3) years of previous experience specifically in conducting programs on arrears collection with the use of risk analysis techniques or similar programs and consultancies between the calendar years 2015 to 2020, as well as experience in Belize, and Caribbean environment.

The Ministry of Finance now invites eligible Consultancy Firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested eligible Consultants must submit an Expression of Interest providing information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the services (description of similar assignments specifying start and end dates of assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills, etc.). The term “consultant” means a legally established professional consulting firm or an entity that may provide the services.

Expression of Interest package should contain: (i) Document explaining interest, experience, and competence of the consulting firm. (ii) Firms experience in the assignment of similar consultancy services during the past five years. Description of similar assignments specifying start and end dates of assignments. (iii) Firms evidence of past jobs. (These includes letters from the respective client on the job (s) carried out, or a copy of contract or agreement with the client including copy of the TOR). (iv) Two references (v) Proof of nationality: Copy of certificate of incorporation, information of shareholders of company specifying the shares owned by each respective shareholder of the company and a copy of documentation of nationality of the shareholders of the company.

Additional documentation required for National Consultants: (vi) Copy of Certificate of Good Standing from Belize Company Registry (vii) Copy of Certificate of Good Standing from the Social Security Board (viii) Copy of Certificate of Good Standing from the Belize Tax Service (ix) Copy of Current Trade License The total estimated contract price for this consultancy inclusive of taxes is US $133,555.00.

A Consulting firm will be selected in accordance with the Quality and Cost - Based Selection (QCBS) procurement method 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, May 2019 edition) and is open to all eligible consultants as defined in the IDB policies. The selection of the successful firm will be based on a competitive process among short-listed firms that takes into account the quality of the proposal and the cost of the service. Only the short-listed firms will be notified and will be asked to submit a technical and price proposal.

Consultants may associate with other firms in the form of a joint venture or a subconsultancy 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.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Expressions of interest must be delivered via direct mail or e-mail at the address indicated below by 4:00 p.m. (Belize local time) on Friday April 29, 2022.

Interested eligible Consultants are asked to submit their expression of interest via e-mail to Michelle.Longsworth@bts.gov.bz marked STAP- Consultancy Firm to prepare and implement the Belize Tax Service Department (BTSD) Enforcement Collection Model based on risk criteria in the subject header, or submit on or before 4:00 p.m. (Belize local time) Friday April 29 , 2022 to the following address: Director General Belize Tax Service Strengthening of Tax Administration Project Charles Bartlett Hyde Building Mahogany Street, Belize City Tel: 501-222-5114 For clarifications kindly contact: Procurement Officer Project Executing Unit Strengthening of Tax Administration Project Charles Bartlett Hyde Building Mahogany Street, Belize City Tel: 501-222-5114/E-mail: Ian.Ramirez@mof.gov.bz

24 APR

THE BELIZE TIMES

2022

23

STRENGTHENING OF TAX ADMINISTRATION PROJECT REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST Consultancy Firm to prepare and implement a Taxpayer Account Model to allow for fast taxpayer centric overview Institution: The Ministry of Finance (MOF) Country: Belize Project: Strengthening of Tax Administration (STA) Abstract: Consulting Services – Consultancy Firm to prepare and implement a Taxpayer Account Model to allow for fast taxpayer centric overview Loan No.: 4839/OC-BL Deadline: April 29, 2022, Belize Local Time The Government of Belize (GOB) has received financing from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for the execution of a five-year tax modernization project entitled “Strengthening of Tax Administration” (BL-L1031).

Through this project, the Belize Tax Service Department (BTSD) has procured a Modern Integrated Tax Administration System (the Revenue Management System (RMS)) and is presently in the implementation process. This new system will be used in the management of the Belize Tax Administration.

The consulting services (“the services”) includes the contracting of a Consultancy Firm for a period of six (6) months. The main activity of the consultancy includes: 1. To assess the current situation of BTDS taxpayer account in Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS).

(ii)

Firms experience in the assignment of similar consultancy services during the past five years. Description of similar assignments specifying start and end dates of assignments. (iii) Firms evidence of past jobs. (These includes letters from the respective client on the job (s) carried out, or a copy of contract or agreement with the client including copy of the TOR). (iv) Two references (v) Proof of nationality: Copy of certificate of incorporation, information of shareholders of company specifying the shares owned by each respective shareholder of the company and a copy of documentation of nationality of the shareholders of the company.

Additional documentation required for National Consultants: (vi) Copy of Certificate of Good Standing from Belize Company Registry (vii) Copy of Certificate of Good Standing from the Social Security Board (viii) Copy of Certificate of Good Standing from the Belize Tax Service (ix) Copy of Current Trade License The total estimated contract price for this consultancy inclusive of taxes is US $133,555.00.

2. Develop a model for a new taxpayer account in ITAS. The model should specify the entities dealing with the taxpayer account, the information that flows to and from the account, and the transactions that will be allowed with the taxpayer account (e.g., debt from tax returns, debts from refunds, debts from adjustments, debts from audits, debts from payment by instalment agreements, credits from regular payment, credits for adjustments in appeals cases, credit from payments of payment by instalment agreements, etc.). The account will be organized

by Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TIN), tax type and period

A Consulting firm will be selected in accordance with the Quality and Cost Based Selection (QCBS) procurement method 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, May 2019 edition) and is open to all eligible consultants as defined in the IDB policies.

The selection of the successful firm will be based on a competitive process among short-listed firms that takes into account the quality of the proposal and the cost of the service. Only the short-listed firms will be notified and will be asked to submit a technical and price proposal.

3. Define the procedures for taxpayer access to his account via Internet

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.

4. Define which transactions taxpayers would be allowed to perform through the Internet 5. Define the changes to be made in ITAS for the introduction of the new model 6. Prepare the taxpayer account manual 7. Implement the new taxpayer centric current account 8. Train BTS staff in the new taxpayer account design and operation The Consultancy Firm should have a minimum of five (5) years’ relevant working experience in the following areas: • • •

Designing modern taxpayer account Preparing taxpayer account procedures and manuals Training enforcement agents in taxpayer account;

As well as minimum of five (5) relevant working experience in enforcement of arrears payment and design of modern taxpayer current account. In addition, the Consulting firm should have at least three (3) years of previous experience conducting consultancies to countries implementing modern taxpayer accounts.

The Ministry of Finance now invites eligible Consultancy Firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested eligible Consultants must submit an Expression of Interest providing information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the services (description of similar assignments specifying start and end dates of assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills, etc.).

Expression of Interest package should contain: (i) Document explaining interest, experience, and competence of the consulting firm.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Expressions of interest must be delivered via direct mail or e-mail at the address indicated below by 4:00 p.m. (Belize local time) on Friday April 29, 2022.

Interested eligible Consultants are asked to submit their expression of interest via e-mail to Michelle.Longsworth@bts.gov.bz marked STAP- Consultancy Firm to prepare and implement a Taxpayer Account Model to allow for fast taxpayer centric overview in the subject header, or submit on or before 4:00 p.m. (Belize local time) on Friday April 29 , 2022 to the following address: Director General Belize Tax Service Strengthening of Tax Administration Project Charles Bartlett Hyde Building Mahogany Street, Belize City Tel: 501-222-5114 For clarifications kindly contact: Procurement Officer Project Executing Unit Strengthening of Tax Administration Project Charles Bartlett Hyde Building Mahogany Street, Belize City Tel: 501-222-5114/E-mail: Ian.Ramirez@mof.gov.bz

24

THE BELIZE TIMES

24 APR

2022