Belize TImes April 25, 2021- Solidarity With and For Belize

The Belize Times

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25 APR

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

Established 1957

The Truth Shall Make You Free

25 APRIL 2021 | ISSUE NO: 5246

www.belizetimes.biz | $1.00

SOLIDARITY

WITH AND FOR BELIZE DID YOU KNOW?

PlanBelize is well underway and this includes:

• Returning JOBS for 64,000 who lost jobs in 2020.

• Addressing Crisis due to $700M borrowed by Barrow Administration -Agriculture and Tourism and other sectors will turn around the 14% GDP contraction -Facts: $4.2 billion of government debt, $10,000 per citizen, 130% of GDP debt ratio - The UDP made Belize the 6th most indebted nation -Public Officers and Teachers rejected participating in recovery with a 10% salary reduction

Union Leaders REJECTED Compensation included: 1) Land in lieu of salary lost 2) Credit Note to be used to pay off loans 3) Promissory Note to repay thus making the salary losses temporary Other rejections by Union Leaders: • UNCAC formal adoption • Unjust Criminal Enrichment laws and Whistle Blowers’ legislation • Campaign Finance Framework • Protection from wage cut for those earning $12k or less Extension of the Forbearance Directive by the CBB to the Commercial Banks and Credit Unions for the benefit of all borrowers(continued)

CABINET GO-AHEAD FOR OW/CZL SUGARCANE TO SANTANDER

Pg. 10

DEAN’S COMPENSATION A PERSONAL GRIPE NO CONCERN FOR BELIZE Pg. 8

Pg. 2

PM Recommends

Froyla Tzalam For Belize’s 3rd Governor General

Pg. 9

UDP’S ANTI-WOMEN POLICY LOSES PUP-Appointed Custom’s Comptroller Wins

1BILLION VACCINATED: GET YOURS BELIZE

Pg. 5

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25 APR

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

SOLIDARITY

PR#258 PRESS RELEASE

Cabinet Brief Belmopan. April 22, 2021. 4:15 p.m.

The Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño, met in regular session on 20th April 2021.

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Cabinet was informed that Hon. Henry Charles Usher, Minister of the Public Service, Constitutional and Political Reform, wrote to the Joint Unions requesting their views on his preliminary proposals for the fixing of salaries of public officers in accordance with the Constitution. The Unions responded to the Minister’s letter indicating their position against a salary cut as proposed in the Minister’s letter or otherwise. The Minister of the Public Service, Constitutional and Political Reform informed Cabinet that he would fix the salaries of public officers having regard to the deteriorated state of public finances and the views and suggestions raised by the Joint Unions.

Complementing the decision of the Minister of the Public Service, Constitutional and Political Reform, Cabinet decided that it would take such steps as necessary to grant a land credit in favour of the affected public officers equivalent to 50% of the salary adjustment, which credit may be exercisable on the acquisition of land from government.

Cabinet remains committed to the points set out in its letter of 30th March 2021.

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Cabinet requested that the Minister of Public Utilities, Energy and Logistics review the lease agreement signed by Edmond Castro, the former minister responsible for ports, and Recological Systems Limited for 25 years. This contract was signed on 9th November 2020, two days before the 11th November 2020 General Elections and after the House of Representatives was dissolved.

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Cabinet authorized the delivery of 50,000 tons of sugarcane from Orange Walk and Corozal sugarcane farmers to be milled by the Santander Sugar Group. With this decision, farmers will be able to generate income from sugar cane, which would have otherwise been left standing in the fields.

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Ends

Cabinet approved the appointment of a high-level Citrus Working Group to be appointed by the Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise tasked with preparing concrete recommendations to chart the way forward for the Belize Citrus Industry.

The Citrus Working Group will include representatives from the two grower associations, Citrus Growers Association and Belize Citrus Mutual, Citrus Products of Belize Limited, Development Finance Corporation, Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Immigration.

Cabinet gave its approval for the resumption of non-contact sports and for training only for those involved in contact sports as well as to allow for recreational sports. In addition, Cabinet will review the protocols in relation to sporting activities in the coming months with a view to allow for spectator sports.

Finally, Cabinet gave its approval for further amendments to the Land Utilization Act, Chapter 188, which will be presented at the Sitting of the House of Representatives.

WITH AND FOR BELIZE

Continued from page 1

• 15% salary and 50% allowance reduction for Ministers and CEOs • Stamp duty and penalty waiver for certain mortgage transactions • Loan windows of between $3$5m for public officers at the NBB and DFC • Data package discounts by BTL for teachers • NTUCB Representation on the Board of the NBB • Operationalizing of a Joint GOBUnions Committee to evaluate the state of public finances every 6 months.

Recovery options: 1) continue the UDP madness to “borrow and borrow and borrow” until the exchange rate crashes, the gas stations close, the store shelves empty and the lights go out; OR, 2) enter into an IMF Stand-by Agreement that would entail massive retrenchment, immediately higher taxes and possibly devaluation; OR 3) respond to the overwhelming voter mandates of November 11 and March 3 and set about fixing the badly broken public finances with a Homegrown Recovery Plan.

FOUR equitable pillars: 1) Spending adjustments to Government’s operating or recurrent costs, including wages, goods & services, subsidies and transfers and debt servicing The total proposed recurrent spending adjustment, compared to last budget is $203m, of which: • $40m will come from wages • $5m from pensions • $78m from good and services • $27m from subsidies and transfers • $53 from debt servicing The wage adjustment is clearly NOT the only reduction NOR the most significant.

Wage reduction is 20% of the overall adjustment – 20 cents of every dollar.

But it is absolutely necessary, along with freezing of increments or automatic wage increases.

2/ Debt restructuring and management Super bond restructuring negotiations are well underway.

Both domestic and bilateral debts are being reviewed for principal and interest reductions.

3/ Revenue resiliency A special unit is being established to collect outstanding taxes, complemented by a new revenue court. No stone will be left unturned to collect what is due to Government.

Additional progressive and targeted revenue measures may be necessary BUT GOB will defer that step as long as possible.

4/ Structural reforms to enhance growth and improve governance and transparency Higher than average economic growth will only come from fast tracking foreign and domestic investments, improving the business climate, introducing new company laws, instituting a Credit Bureau and Collateral Registry, enabling Capital Markets, among other steps.

Urgent Pension Reform, given annual spending of almost $100m, will also be adopted in Fiscal Year 2021/22.

The extent of the rejected pledge list leaves no doubt about Government’s fairmindedness and flexibility. Have private sector workers, in so many cases, not lost more than 10%? Some have lost 100%, some 50% during this crisis?

This administration must do what is best for ALL Belizeans, not just public officers. To continue borrowing, risking default and devaluation, borrowing in the name of all taxpayers so that only some can get their full salary is neither fair nor justifiable Factually, even as the public debt surged, public officers have benefitted from close to a 50% wage increase during the last decade, a real increase in purchasing power since inflation has been close to zero To support the private sector, Government will launch a $50m, CBB-supported Covid-19 Emergency Liquidity Facility that can provide soft loans at 5% interest for 5 years, for up to 200 small, medium and large business so long as their focus is on job creation/retention and export earnings Despite historic budget constraints, Government will maintain capital spending this year and for the remainder of its term to protect growth and jobs. Plan Belize projects will also commence this year, and accelerate as fiscal space widens and the economic recovery gathers steam For the medium term, Government has published, for the first time, 5-year budget targets which illustrate exactly how the public finance recovery unfolds and when wage increments can resume; if the recovery happens more quickly, then so will increment resumption.

Government invites all social actors & institutions to consider the urgency of the economic crisis, the important of unity and to therefore express public support for the balanced, reasonable Homegrown Recovery Plan that has been proposed.

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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$1.00

serving Belize since 1957 as the longest continuous newspaper.

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

Fay Castillo EDITOR

José Jiménez

LAYOUT/GRAPHIC ARTIST

Chris Williams

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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

25 APR

2021

THE BELIZE TIMES

03 3

EDITORIAL

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Truth!!!

he battle for Belize has been waged across traditional and social media these last few weeks. Neither the Unions nor the GOB show any indication of letting up or slowing down. The former PM had warned the nation of the deluge that would come after his unchecked borrowing and spending that spanned well over a decade. Yet no one could have fully envisioned the magnitude of the damage, or the severity of the consequences his unimpeded rampage unleashed. Barrow was true to his name up until the very last. His malevolent prophecy is now fulfilled; he, and perhaps only he, had the exact knowledge of what was sure to come because it was entirely the product of his own nefarious machination. Mr. Barrow certainly went out with a bang! Now we are left in the lurch, with disaster looming straight ahead and with difficult choices to make. There are no quick fixes, no miracle cures, no cheap cosmetic or superficial band-aids will save us this time. The wounds in our economy have festered, they have in turn infected the very fabric of our society with cynicism, poverty, crime, and corruption. These injuries run deep, acute, and chronic. There is simply no blanket agreement that exists which will suit everyone, fulfill each and every whim of the unions, decrease the recurrent expenditure, save us from certain devaluation of our currency, decrease employment, decrease crime, wipe out Covid-19, increase salaries and decrease our GDP to debt ratio in one fell swoop.

They say that the road to hell is paved with good intentions and for all their good intentions, the marches, the sick outs, the charades of vehicular malfunctions, the half-hearted demonstrations… the unions have come too little too late. All the public spectacle and bravado are on exhibit now, but the unions were largely quiet, tame, and bent over on command for the last administration. Recent information suggests that several union members are compromised and their better judgement severely polluted by gifts of prime land, perks, trips, and other special considerations given to them by their friends under the last government. Recording Artist Lizzo asks “Why men great ‘till they gotta be great?” Great leaders with recommendations and economic advise abound now, but these same leaders collected gratuities and accepted performance based increments even when it was obvious targets were not met. Income tax, property tax, customs duties, sales tax even GST have gone uncollected for years. Many of the departments that collect revenue on behalf of the government do not even submit the required reports.

Yet, the increments were collected regularly as were the noncontributory pensions.

The truth is that some members of the public service are guilty of entitlement. They feel as though their service to their country and community is somehow more valuable because they work for the public instead of the private sector. The romanticism with which they view their work is cute. They look down on the private sector workers and claim that because they work for profit that somehow this work is less valuable. The truth is…that workers in the private sector do not have the job security of those in public service. Neither are they privileged with many of the perks granted to these complacent public servants who quite frankly have taken for granted these jobs they expect taxpayers to keep paying for.

The burden of debt is unsustainable, that is a fact. We cannot keep borrowing to keep the unions happy, that is a fact. We are in danger of a devaluation, another fact. All of us must accept the reality and the responsibility for the hot mess we are in. We must come to terms with the fact that there is no alternative that will allow us to continue spending and borrowing to keep the inflated recurrent expenditure and government payroll. We must recognize that in order to move forward we must take control of the situation, and the only way to do that is to take the cut, devalue, or retrench or all three. The truth hurts, it is inconvenient…but it will set you free.

04 4

THE BELIZE TIMES

EDITORIAL

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25 APR

2021

en Español

¡¡¡La Verdad!!!

a batalla por Belice se ha librado en los medios de comunicaciones tradicionales y sociales estas últimas semanas. Ni los sindicatos ni el Gobierno muestran indicios de que vayan a ceder o frenar. El anterior Primer Ministro había advertido a la nación del diluvio que se produciría tras sus préstamos y gastos desenfrenados durante más de una década. Sin embargo, nadie podía prever la magnitud de los daños ni la gravedad de las consecuencias de su desenfreno. Barrow fue fiel a su nombre hasta el final. Su malévola profecía se ha cumplido, él y quizás sólo él, tenía el conocimiento exacto de lo que estaba por venir, porque era totalmente el producto de su propia maquinación nefasta. ¡El Sr. Barrow ciertamente se fue con una explosión! Ahora nos quedamos en la estacada, con el desastre que se avecina y con difíciles decisiones que tomar. Esta vez no hay soluciones rápidas, ni curas milagrosas, ni parches cosméticos y superficiales que nos salven. Las heridas de nuestra economía se han enconado, y a su vez han infectado el tejido mismo de nuestra sociedad con cinismo, pobreza, crimen y corrupción. Estas heridas son profundas, agudas y crónicas. Sencillamente, no existe ningún acuerdo general que convenga a todos, que satisfaga todos y cada uno de los caprichos de los sindicatos que disminuya el gasto recurrente que nos salve de una devaluación segura de nuestra moneda, que disminuya el empleo, que disminuya la delincuencia que acabe con Covid-19, que aumente los salarios y que disminuya nuestra relación entre el PIB y la deuda de un solo golpe.

Dicen que el camino al infierno está empedrado de buenas intenciones y, a pesar de todas sus buenas intenciones, las marchas, las faltas por enfermedad, las farsas de mal funcionamiento de los vehículos, las manifestaciones a medias... los sindicatos han llegado demasiado poco y demasiado tarde. Todo el espectáculo público y las bravuconadas se exhiben ahora, pero los sindicatos se mantuvieron en gran medida callados, mansos y agazapados a las órdenes de la última administración. Informaciones recientes sugieren que varios miembros de los sindicatos están comprometidos y su mejor juicio gravemente contaminado por los regalos de terrenos de primera, prebendas, viajes y otras consideraciones especiales que les dieron sus amigos bajo el último gobierno. El artista discográfico Lizzo se pregunta ¿“Por qué los hombres son grandes hasta que tienen que serlo”? Ahora abundan los grandes líderes con recomendaciones y consejos económicos, pero estos mismos líderes cobraban gratificaciones y aceptaban incrementos basados en el rendimiento incluso cuando era obvio que no se cumplían los objetivos.

El impuesto sobre la renta, el impuesto sobre la propiedad, los derechos de aduana, el impuesto sobre las ventas e incluso el impuesto sobre el valor añadido llevan años sin ser recaudados. Muchos de los departamentos que recaudan ingresos en nombre del gobierno ni siquiera presentan los informes requeridos. Sin embargo, los incrementos salariales se recaudan regularmente, al igual que las pensiones no contributivas.

La verdad es que algunos miembros del servicio público son culpables de tener prerrogativas. Sienten que su servicio al país y a la comunidad es de alguna manera más valiosa porque trabajan para el sector público en vez del privado. El romanticismo con el que ven su trabajo es muy nanay. Miran con desprecio a los trabajadores del sector privado y afirman que, por el hecho de trabajar con ánimo de lucro, su trabajo es menos valioso. La verdad es que... los trabajadores del sector privado no tienen la seguridad laboral de los del servicio público. Tampoco tienen el privilegio de muchas de las ventajas que se conceden a estos complacientes funcionarios públicos que, francamente, han dado por sentado estos trabajos que esperan que los contribuyentes sigan pagando. La carga de la deuda es insostenible, eso es un hecho. No podemos seguir pidiendo prestado para mantener contentos a los sindicatos, eso es un hecho. Estamos en peligro de devaluación, otro hecho. Todos debemos aceptar la realidad y la responsabilidad del lío en el que nos encontramos. Debemos aceptar el hecho del que no hay alternativa que nos permita seguir gastando y endeudándonos para mantener el gasto recurrente inflado y la nómina del gobierno. Debemos reconocer que para avanzar debemos tomar las riendas de la situación y la única forma de hacerlo es aceptar el recorte de salarios, la devaluación o el recorte de empleos, o las tres cosas. La verdad duele, es incómoda... pero te hará libre.

25 APR

2021

UDP’S ANTI-WOMEN POLICY LOSES PUP-Appointed Custom’s Comptroller Wins Supreme Court Judge Westmin James delivered his ruling in favor of the Government of Belize.

One Ian Haylock bolstered by the UDP had put a direct hit at the heart of women by taking them to court. This Haylock had showed why he didn’t qualify to be in a position to head one of the most important top posts in the government. He is petty for no reason. He had forgotten, like the usual UDP that the Public Service serves. In this writers opinion, when a Public servant starts thinking ‘when will I get promoted’ they have lost. They should think ‘I love my work’. This UDP Haylock somehow feels that he is entitled to a position and the UDP is behind him.

Let us recap: Haylock has just added himself to the lining up protégés of ex-Mayor and rejected UDP Darrell Bradley and attorney who as PM disrespects court rulings Dean Barrow himself. Both keep defending people like Denny Grijalva who are seeking to do what is wrong for the people. Bradley infamously signed on to Candice Miller rugged contract that scraped the finances from the Belize City people for doing no work. Then she went on to get hired by the KHMH. Talk about double-dipping into the people’s coffers.

But I digress, here while the appointment of the First Female comptroller is celebrated,

The People’s United Party informs all supporters that applications are now being accepted for the Executive Committee of the following: Belize Youth Movement President Vice-President Secretary Assistant Secretary Treasurer Chief of Staff United Women’s Group President Vice-President Secretary Assistant Secretary Treasurer One (1) Representative from each district except Belize District and Cayo District which has two (2).

The Marshall’s Community Service Corps President Vice-President Secretary Assistant Secretary Treasurer One (1) Representative from each Caucus.

Application forms are available at your Constituency Office or Executive Committee. Closing Date for Applications is Friday May 14, 2021 at 3:00 p.m.

THE BELIZE TIMES Bradley/Barrow and this hurt alpha-male on the other hand decided he was passed over. It is a sad case for manhood in Belize but now vindicated. If this would have been a last minute hiring just before an election, it could have been argued that political expediency went too far. BUT, this was just after the PEOPLE OF BELIZE gave the PUP a fresh and powerful mandate. The PUP knows that this mandate is to be cherished.

It is not to be used with wanton disregard for law. So the hiring of the new comptroller was done in the clear.

Haylock and Bradley/Barrow were heard loud and clear: women according to them, have no place in leadership.

The responsibility of the appointed Comptroller of Customs and Excise was taken from the Public Service Commission and placed in the hands of the Governor-General on the advice of the Prime Minister who is required to consult which he did. Haylock had claimed that the government failed to consult and is thus challenged Leslie’s appointment.

Justice James had allowed leave for judicial review agreeing with the claimant that Prime Minister and

05 5 Minister of Finance John Briceño might have not held proper consultations with the Public Services Commission as required by section one zero seven of the constitution before advising the Governor-General to appoint Leslie as the Comptroller of Customs.

This is obviously the dead Barrow administration still disrespecting the fact that the people DO NOT want to see the UDP anywhere it matters. We hope that this will be the last of Dean Barrow. He is really done. Placencia should see more of him.

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST CONSULTING SERVICES – CONSULTING FIRM Consultancy for the Department of Transport, Transportation Policy, Legal and Operational Review and Update Belize Institution: Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy and Logistics Country: Belize Project: Capacity Building for Public Transport Reform Sector: Public Sector Abstract: This project aims to support the implementation of the short-term transportation reforms needed to strengthen the capacity of the Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy & Logistics and enhance the public transportation industry as a continuation of the Comprehensive National Transport Master Plan (CNTMP). Developed in close coordination with the Economic Development Council and the Belize Infrastructure Limited, the project will aim to: (i) build capacity for public and private institutions to effectively plan and implement policy initiatives to improve the service quality and efficiency of public transport; (ii) make the public transportation services more efficient through the design of a bus routing, scheduling and ticketing system, improved terminal facilities and an improved bus fleet with the necessary regulations and standards for the sector.

Loan/Credit/Grant No.:ATN/KR-17666-BL Contract/Bid No. : CS1 Deadline: 07 May 2021; 16:00 Local Belize Time The Government of Belize has received financing from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), toward the cost of the Capacity Building for Public Transport Reform, and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

The consulting services (“the Services”) include the Department of Transport, Transportation Policy, Legal and Operational Review and Update. The overall objective of this consultancy is to conduct a comprehensive review of the public transport policy and legal framework, and regulations governing public transportation in Belize and updating them to current international standards and best practices.

The Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy & Logistics now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services.

Consultants will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the Inter-American Development Bank: Policies for the Selection and Contracting of Consultants financed by the Inter-American Development Bank GN2350-15 and is open to all eligible bidders as defined in the policies. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Quality and cost-based selection method set out in the Consultant Policies.

Consultants may associate with other firms in the form of a joint venture or a sub-consultancy to enhance their qualifications. For the purpose of establishing the short list, the nationality of a firm is that of the country in which it is legally incorporated or constituted and in the case of Joint Venture, the nationality of the firm appointed to represent it.

Further information can be obtained via email or phone during the hours 8:00am – 5:00pm from Mondays to Fridays.

Expressions of interest must be sent in a written form to the address or by email by 07 May 2021; 16:00 Local Belize Time.

Subject: Expression of Interest - Consultancy for the Department of Transport, Transportation Policy, Legal and Operational Review and Update Belize Attn: Trudy Joseph Administrative and Procurement Assistant Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy and Logistics Transport Planning and Project Unit Melhado Parade, Nemo Building Belmopan, Belize C.A. Email: procurement.officer@transport.gov.bz Phone: 501-672-0848

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25 APR

THE BELIZE TIMES NORTHERN MEDICAL SPECIALTY PLAZA ORCHID DRIVE, B.S.I. AREA, ORANGE WALK TOWN, BELIZE PHONE: 302-3708 & FAX: 322-2320

Northern Medical Plaza invites applications from experienced, dynamic, energetic, self motivated and professional individuals for the following vacancies: Radiologist Opthamologist Urologist Laparscopic Surgeon Qualification General Practitioner with specialty in Radiologist, Opthamologist ,Urologist and Laparscopic Surgeon.

Requirements Must be registered with the Belize Medical Council 3 years experience will be considered.

Applications close: April 28,2021 Please submit application letter and three References to: northernmedical@live.com Human Resource Manager Northern Medical Specialty Plaza Ltd. Orchid Drive, BSI Area Orange Walk Town

2021

TENDER Distribution Vegetation Management BEL invites tenders for Distribution Vegetation Management (Belize District) for the period May 15, 2021 to December 31, 2023 at the following locations:  

Belize City Ladyville

The bidding documents, which outline all the duties and responsibilities of the contract, and dates for the pre-bid meeting are available on BEL’s website at www.bel.com.bz/Tenders.aspx Bidders are encouraged to attend a virtual pre-bid meeting to be held on Wednesday, April 28, 2021.

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

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

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

The lowest or any tender will not necessarily be accepted.

CARTOON

25 APR

2021

THE BELIZE TIMES

07 7

Prime Minister

JOHN BRICEÑO Weekly Message April 22, 2021

Hi everybody, my government has spent the past few months in a consultation process with our governing partners. Sure, it has been a tough negotiation with much back and forth, proposals and counter proposals. We are reminded of the balance and equilibrium required. We respect the 15,000+ persons that make up the public sector, and mindful of the needs of our 420,000 citizens.

Our tourism planBELIZE rollout continues. With a Belizean Traveler Campaign in May, we are preparing to be one of the few destinations where a successful vaccine program can be used as a real-world indicator that we are safe for visitors.

Over the last two weeks, our Farm to Table agenda highlighted an improving food packaging program, and a vegetable seedling nursery – with thousands of seedlings for distribution to food producers at all levels including backyard gardeners. We marvel at the amazing agricultural work of Bomba United Farmers, and Nagobank Farmers Cooperatives producing tomatoes and watermelons. I must also mention the touching story of 9-year-old Brayden Gillett, who got the gift of a young calf from our Ministry. This is the direction of hope.

Our Minister of Health made a very powerful point in his response to the budget, he said that the previous government spent over $100 million to fight the control of COVID-19 and our new government under strict spending protocols has spent $15 million. The point here is that we turned around the war on COVID with far less.

Belize is one of the few countries seeing headway in Vaccine roll out. I urge you to remain careful, and vigilant and encourage your family members to get the vaccine. It is the foundation upon which the world and Belize will recover, and the simple fact is – it saves thousands of lives each day.

Remember watch your distance, wash your hands and wear a face covering.

Thanks, God bless and have a safe week.

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DEAN’S COMPENSATION A PERSONAL GRIPE NO CONCERN FOR BELIZE

Belize being on the brink of economic catastrophe is not Dean’s fault—not Dean Flowers. It is the fault of the followers of the ex-PM and his followers. Many of these followers are still in the hall of government and called public officers as they would rather be called since they serve no one well. It is clear, as PSU President Henry said, that anything that happened in the Government, the Public Service is involved. The Belizean people are convinced of that. If they could have voted OUT the Public Service along with their UDP bosses they would have voted them out. But that is not the case. The bosses we voted out but the hesitant UDP Public Service members are still there. They do NOT want to participate in the UDP/ COVID hardships. The PS are upset with the people for voting out their corrupt bosses. So now the PS have recruited the teachers, manufactured common ground, to sabotage the new planBelize government.

The biggest and loudest mouthpiece of this is the vice-president of the PSU that writes letters of bitterness and places it out there as if he canvassed the real sentiments of ALL the PS. A quick check of the PS documents shows that the properties of the computer are his and not the PSU computers. He probably doing this on taxpayer time as well.

Bigger that that is that Dean does not see how ALL his acquired land is abnormal. If he does see it, he really does a great acting job at deceiving the people. He hides the idea that his 100K compensation for Mountain Pine Ridge land is akin to Andre Vega’s 400k gifted to him by the father of the hotbed of corruption itself—Dean’s Lands department. Dean thinks that ALL Belizeans get compensated for land that easily. It is obvious that Dean was being shushed for something and this shush end when Gaspar was kicked out of cabinet as his act was to blatant for Dean to ignore.

During Dean’s football days flopping was his skill. Now he brings this to the PSU stubbornness. He is trying to deceive not just the referee but the all Belizean people.

Dean’s Fuzzy Math goes all the way to allege that 98 percent of the PS is against the Salary cut and all the motorists whose time was wasted during the broken vehicles protest were in support of the PSU. Dean said only one motorist was upset.

Dean is just another abnornal Vega boy.

Who authorizes Dean to talk time the public? The only difference between him and Pablo is that Dean has a bigger mouth and not-elected by the masses.

Dean keep throwing out numbers of failures of his UDP led public service. His fuzzy math indicts him and his public service inability to collect taxes... Incompetence. If Dean

25 APR

THE BELIZE TIMES

is the dean of incompetence then Henry, Dean and the UDP-hired public servants were his incompetent workforce who failed at collecting taxes. If someone fails to collect millions. their only job, they should then be fired.

So when will Dean disavow Gapi who got him his job. When will Dean reveal that the land gifted to him was for a quid pro quo in which his brother was the in between person. Inquiring minds want to know the exact details of the quid pro quo.

Some info for Dean and the few followers…there are 65 thousand that got a 100 percent pay cut. Many more Belizeans got 50 and 25 percent pay cuts. So what makes you so abnormal?

The Public Service have missed that THEIR first employers who corruptibly misspent and misallocated Billions of dollars for a Belize that was left for dead economically on November 11, 2021.

The PUP has solutions but all hurt these UDP hires.

The PUP is reviving investment and the economic train but in a world still yet being pummelled by the coronavirus we have to wait our turn. There are signals that things are going right but all the help is needed. Dean and the UDP simply want Belize to collapse so that they can say, ‘I told you that you couldn’t do it’.

The problem with Dean Flowers is that he comes deep from the worse

2021

part of the UDP--from Gapi Vega’s abnormal land Department names

by Dean as the center of corruption in the UDP administration of the people’s assets. For context, Gapi answered a media member’s question on Lands acquired/gifted by Gapi and family with this, “I are not a normal person in Belize.” Gapi surely made sure that that abnormalcy reached to his driver and his driver’s family.

Now...why is Dean upset with the status quo? He has been upset since a couple years back when a cleaning contract was pulled from under his feet. How dare they do that to him? Well...Gapi had been fired and he was on his own as he is now except for the media interview he rushes to as often as possible.

Industrial action is your right Dean...go ahead. We know you need to compensate for the hurt the people put on YOUR UDP. These same people want you gone as well.

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST CONSULTING SERVICES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

25 APR

2021

PM Recommends

Froyla Tzalam For Belize’s 3rd Governor General

Minister of Blue Economy and Civil Aviation Meets with the Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan)

THE BELIZE TIMES Froyla Tzalam is to succeed His Excellency Dr. Colville Young to be the new Governor General of Belize.

The Prime Minister announced at the House Meeting of April 22, 2021 that he has submitted the recommendation to the Head of State Queen of England for the next Governor General.

Froyla Tzalam is a Maya Mopan woman from the San Antonio Village, Toledo District. She has earned a degree in Anthropology and a Master’s Degree in Rural Development.

As Executive Director of the Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM) the following is put forward: “She believes that all

099 people must know their history in order to promote and protect their identity and culture. She has worked in the fields of culture, history and indigenous rights over the past decades. She wrote a grammar book on Mopan Maya and numerous articles on culture and identity. She was co-director of the African Maya History Project and for which she wrote co-authored New Vision. During her time with the National Institute of Culture and History, she curated numerous exhibitions on Belize’s culture and history. Froyla was most recently the Managing Director of Tumul K’in Center of Learning, a Maya values based high school in Blue Creek.”

Froyla Tzalam will, after the Queen’s protocols, be Belize’s third Governor General by as early as May.

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST CONSULTING SERVICES – CONSULTING FIRM Consultancy for Public Ground Transportation Routing, Scheduling and Ticketing System Belize Institution: Country: Project: Sector: Abstract:

Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy and Logistics Belize Capacity Building for Public Transport Reform Public Sector This project aims to support the implementation of the short-term transportation reforms needed to strengthen the capacity of the Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy & Logistics and enhance the public transportation industry as a continuation of the Comprehensive National Transport Master Plan (CNTMP). Developed in close coordination with the Economic Development Council and the Belize Infrastructure Limited, the project will aim to: (i) build capacity for public and private institutions to effectively plan and implement policy initiatives to improve the service quality and efficiency of public transport; (ii) make the public transportation services more efficient through the design of a bus routing, scheduling and ticketing system, improved terminal facilities and an improved bus fleet with the necessary regulations and standards for the sector.

Loan/Credit/Grant No.: ATN/KR-17666-BL Contract/Bid No. : CS2 Deadline: 07 May 2021; 16:00 Local Belize Time The Government of Belize has received financing from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), toward the cost of the Capacity Building for Public Transport Reform, and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

The consulting services (“the Services”) include Consultancy for Public Ground Transportation Routing, Scheduling and Ticketing System. The key output of the consultancy is the preparation of a Public Ground Transportation routing design for the country entailing the collection of data and design of an online ticketing system and scheduling system.

Belmopan. April 13, 2021. 11:15 a.m.

On April 12, 2021, Hon. Andre Perez, Minister of Blue Economy and Civil Aviation, and Kennedy Carrillo, CEO in the Ministry, met with H.E. David K.C. Chien, the newly appointed ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Belize.

The group engaged in cordial discussions on various matters including opportunities for collaboration in areas such as deep-sea fishing and expansion of Belize’s fishing industry, value-added food processing, and greater efforts in the preservation of Belize’s marine and coastal resources.

Minister Perez shared the accomplishments of the Blue Economy portfolio thus far and the process of strategic planning taking place simultaneously for Blue Economy and Civil Aviation.

Ambassador Chien expressed his country’s continuous commitment to maintaining an excellent relationship with the country and people of Belize. It is expected that this will be the first of many more meetings between the Ministry and the Embassy of Taiwan.

Objectives: The objectives of the consultancy are to (i) rationalize the public transport (Public Ground Transportation) lines in Belize to improve efficiency and quality of service; (ii) prepare a scheduling system for Public Ground transport vehicles; (iii) design an online system that supports ticketing and scheduling; (iv) conduct desk feasibility study on alternative modes of transportation for Public Ground Transportation fleet, e.g. Electric Vehicles, Compressed natural gas.

The Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy & Logistics now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services.

Consultants will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the Inter-American Development Bank: Policies for the Selection and Contracting of Consultants financed by the Inter-American Development Bank GN-235015 and is open to all eligible bidders as defined in the policies. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Quality and cost-based selection method set out in the Consultant Policies.

Consultants may associate with other firms in the form of a joint venture or a sub-consultancy to enhance their qualifications. For the purpose of establishing the short list, the nationality of a firm is that of the country in which it is legally incorporated or constituted and in the case of Joint Venture, the nationality of the firm appointed to represent it.

Further information can be obtained via email or phone during the hours 8:00am – 5:00pm from Mondays to Fridays.

Expressions of interest must be sent in a written form to the address or by email by 07 May 2021; 16:00 Local Belize Time.

Subject: Expression of Interest - Consultancy for Public Ground Transportation Routing, Scheduling and Ticketing System.

Attn: Trudy Joseph Administrative and Procurement Assistant Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy and Logistics Transport Planning and Project Unit Melhado Parade, Nemo Building Belmopan, Belize C.A. Email: procurement.officer@transport.gov.bz Phone: 501-672-0848

10 CABINET GO-AHEAD FOR OW/CZL SUGARCANE TO SANTANDER Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise

Ph:# (501) 822-2241/42 Fax: (501) 822-2058 Email: info@agriculture.gov,bz Website: www.agriculture.Q.Q.Y.bz

Mr. Marcos Osorio Chairman Belize Sugar Industry Control Board Mile 66.5 Phillip Goldson Highway Buena Vista, Corozal District Belize Dear Mr. Osorio, Please be informed that the Government of Belize (GoB) at its Cabinet meeting of April 20, 2021, authorized the delivery of fifty thousand (50,000.00) tons of sugar cane from Orange Walk and Corozal Sugarcane Farmers to be milled by the SANTANDER Sugar Group. This decision was made based on the current status of sugar cane milled by the Belize Sugar Industries Limited (BSIL); the quantity of sugar cane remaining in the cane fields to be delivered; and the remaining period left in the 2020/2021 grinding season BSI will not be able to efficiently mill all available harvestable sugar cane from Corozal and Orange Walk Sugar Cane Farmers. Revised production estimates provided by the Sugar Industry Research and Development Institute (SIRDI) indicated that as much as one hundred and twenty-eight ‘thousand ninety-five (128,095) tons of harvestable cane will remain standing in farmers cane fields. BSIL in their second price estimate letter to associations indicated that only one million sixty thousand (1,060,000) tons of sugar cane would be milled.

The GoB believes that this decision is in the national interest and the survival of the industry. It will assist both BSI, and the farmers to improve the management of sugar cane fields and future milling as the industry recovers from successive droughts, floods, and low prices.

With this measure, farmers will be able to generate income from sugar cane which would have otherwise be left standing in the fields.

The GoB trusts that the Sugar Industry Control Board operationalize this decision.

Sincerely yours, Servulo Baeza Chief Executive Office

THE BELIZE TIMES

25 APR

2021

Forward Together in Port Loyola

By Hon. Gilroy Usher Through the determination of the Area Representative for Port Loyola, yours truly Gilroy Usher, Sr. residents of the division as well many persons from Albert , Queen Square ,and other nearby constituencies can now have fun at the newly cut Cummerbatch field as they participate in various recreational activities.

The next step is to help obtain a number needed sporting equipment for each sporting area in the Port Loyola division.

PUBLIC AUCTION SALE

BY ORDER OF THE CHARGEE HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED, a Licensed Public Auctioneer will sell on site the following property at the time as listed.

At No. 3061 Supt. George Arthur Street, Belama Phase III, Belize City on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at 10:00a.m.

SCHEDULE

ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Parcel 3061, Block 16 in the Caribbean Shores/Belize Registration Section situate on Supt. George Arthur Street, Belama Phase III, Belize City, Belize, comprising an empty corner lot of 373.085 square metres clean and filled with canal access the freehold property of JOSE GUADALUPE GARCIA.

DATED this 21st day of April 2021

All sales are strictly cash and deemed final. For more information contact: HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED 1 HYDE’S LANE, BELIZE CITY, BELIZE Phone: (501) 224-5644 Fax: (501) 223-0738 Email: foreclosures@hrcubelize.org

25 APR

2021

THE BELIZE TIMES

11

58 12

25 APR

25 APR

THE BELIZE TIMES 2021

2021

25 APR

2021

ON THE MOVE Minister Dolores Balderamos Garcia, HDFIPA w/ MoS Usher, MoS Ramirez, Hon. Vega

Min. Julius Espat, MIDH

13

18 JAN

THE BELIZE TIMES 2015 Hon. Elvia Vega, Corozal Bay

Hon. Oscar Mira and Mayor Sharon Palacio, Belmopan

Hon. Landy Habet, Cayo Northeast

w/ Hon. Louis Zabaneh, Dangriga Cleanup Campaign on the shores

Hon. Jorge ‘Milin’ Espat, Cayo West Oak, Tubroose and Riverside Streets With ROTC Ambassador H.E. Chien, in Patchakan and San Victor

Paving in San Martin and Maya Mopan

CNE team delivering water to the Buena Vista Area, SI

Hon. Alex Balona, Cayo Central

Min. Jose Mai, AFSE

w/ Hon. Jorge Espat YFCW projects; dispuestos a ayudar MOU of partnership with the LOVE Foundation Gifts Calf to Brayden Gillett, a young Farmer

Hon. Oscar Requena and Hon. Mike Espat, Toledo

In Yalbac Village, caring for community needs

Min. Kevin Bernard, YSE Anti-Cyber-Bullying Training for Youth from the Santa Elena area

Calla Creek Bridge Sheep Farm Training Completed

Min. Rodwell Ferguson, PUEL

Min. Andre Perez, BECA

Tour of the Jalacte, Pueblo Viejo, & San Jose Villages

Hon. Florencio Marin Jr., Corozal South East

visited the Department of Transport in Belmopan

visit to the staff of the Belmopan Post Office

One flight at a time to normalcy

Attending Calcutta residents

Hon. Ramiro Ramirez., Corozal South West

Hauling out that machete

14

25 APR

THE BELIZE TIMES

BY ORDER of the Mortgagees Messrs. The Belize Bank International Limited, Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A. Castillo and Christiana R. Castillo are selling ONLINE via belizepropertyauctions.com the following property/properties.

Sales currently running and will expire on Monday 10th May 2021 at 1:30 pm 1. 28.961 Acres (53 parcels) situate approx. 5 Kilometers north San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize District:

2021

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 properties, vehicle and boats. Sales currently running and will expire between Monday 10th May 2021 at the times shown on the website.

1. Parcel No. 1404 Handyside Street, Belize City, Belize District:

Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A. Castillo and Christiana R. Castillo Introduces "belizepropertyauctions.com" our new website for online sales of properties and chattels.

BY ORDER of the Mortgagees Messrs. The Belize Bank International Limited, Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A. Castillo and Christiana R. Castillo are selling ONLINE via belizepropertyauctions.com the following properties.

Sales currently running and will expire on Friday 22nd January 2021 at 1:30 pm 1. 28.961 Acres (53 parcels) situate approx. 5 Kilometers north San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Fort George/Pickstock

45

1404

(Being a two storey residential structure [1040 sq. ft.] and lot [104.038 S.M.] situate on Handyside Street, Belize City, the freehold property of Mr. Anthony Young and Mrs. Candelaria Young) 2. No. 781 Malacate Area, Independence Village, Stann Creek District:

PARCEL #’s

AREAS/SIZES

PARCEL #’s

AREAS/SIZES

9720

2545.697 Sq. meters

9747

9721

647.180 Sq. meters

9748

569.234 sq. meters

9722

616.045 sq. meters

9749

557.101 sq. meters

9723

675.461 Sq. meters

9750

557.101 sq. meters

9724

680.631 sq. meters

9751

627.843 Sq. meters

9725

557.101 Sq. meters

9752

558.052 sq. meters

9726

557.101 sq. meters

9753

558.052 sq. meters

ALL THOSE LEASEHOLD premises being Lot No. 781 situate in Independence Village, Stann Creek District and bounded as follows: on the Northeast for 30.742 meters by Lot No. 748; On the Southeast for 20.014 meters by Lot No. 782; On the Southwest for 30.472 meters by Lot No. 780; On the Northwest for 20.014 meters by a 40 feet street containing 615.270 square meters of land as sown on Entry No. 7908 Reg. 29 at the office of the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. (Being an elevated (4ft. above ground) timber/concrete dwelling house and Lot [615.270 S.M.] situate Lot No. 781 Malacate Area, Independence Village, Stann Creek District, the leasehold property of Ms. Delcia Palacio)

9727

557.101 sq. meters

9754

558.052 sq. meters

9728

567.614 Sq. meters

9755

583.842 sq. meters

3. 2012 Ford Explorer:

9729

532..124 Sq. meters

9756

662.901 sq. meters

9730

504.324 Sq. meters

9757

875.185 sq. meters

9731

401.908 Sq. meters (open space)

9758

504.063 Sq. meters

9732

693.120 Sq. meters

9759

409.181 sq. meters

9733

724.672 Sq. meters

9760

440.475 sq. meters

9734

724.672 Sq. meters

9761

557.770 sq. meters

9735

742.011 sq. meters

9762

570.492 sq. meters

9736

612.663 sq. meters

9763

560.699 sq. meters

9737

612.663 sq. meters

9764

557.101 sq. meters

9738

612.663 Sq. meters

9765

599.945 sq. meters

9739

661.347 sq. meters

9766

563.892 sq. meters

9740

719.078 sq. meters

9767

557.101 sq. meters

9741

558..590 Sq. meters

9768

535.726 sq. meters

9742

657.157 sq. meters

9769

785.774 sq. meters

9743

660.457 sq. meters

9770

Streets reserve

9744

697.944 sq. meters

9771

Green area

9745

710.193 sq. meters

9772

18.01 acres

9746

629.888 sq. meters

2591.87 Sq. meters (Open space)

(Being 28.961 acres of vacant land subdivided to create 53 parcels situate approximately 5 kilometers north of the San Pedro Bridge (straight line) and west of Las Terrazas Resort on Ambergris Caye, Belize District.

(BeingThe 28.961 acres of vacant to create 53 parcels situate approximately 5 freehold property of Messrs.land Satorisubdivided Land Inc. Surety for Mr. Rajiv Seth & Mr. Rupinder Kaur Gill) 2. 21 vacant Lotsof approximately 3 kilometers of the San Pedro Ambergris Caye: Resort on kilometers north the San Pedro Bridgenorth (straight line) andBridge, west of Las Terrazas

Ambergris Caye, Belize District, the freehold property/properties of Messrs. Satori Land Inc. Surety for Mr. Rajiv Seth & Mr. Rupinder Kaur Gill)

TERMS: STRICTLY CASH KEVIN A. CASTILLO TELEPHONE: 223-4488 Website: belizepropertyauctions.com Email: belizeauctionsales@gmail.co Facebook: Belize Auctions

2012 Ford Explorer 4. Sir Alex: 35 ft. Pipersburgh Monohull Passenger Fiberglass Boat - 2 Yamaha 200 Outboard Motors (no foot)

5. Baby Giselle: 29 ft. Wayward Monohull Passenger Fiberglass Boat - 1 Yamaha 200 Outboard motor

BOATS CAN BE VIEWED AT NO. 170 BELTEX AVENUE, BELAMA PHASE 1, BELIZE CITY

TERMS: STRICTLY CASH KEVIN A. CASTILLO TELEPHONE: 223-4488 Website: belizepropertyauctions.com Email: belizeauctionsales@gmail.co Facebook: Belize Auctions

25 APR

MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE GIVES CALF TO YOUNG FARMER

Belmopan. April 19, 2021.

4:15 p.m.

Hon. Jose Abelardo Mai, Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, handed over a calf this morning to Brayden Gillett, a 9-year-old farmer of Blackman Eddy in the Cayo District.

Prior to receiving the calf this morning, Brayden had been raising a calf at his home in Blackman Eddy for almost a year when his animal was stolen. Upon learning Brayden’s story, Minister Mai, through collaboration with the Mennonite Community in Shipyard, agreed to donate a young animal.

During the handing over, Minister Mai encouraged Brayden to continue to pursue his dream of being a cowboy and to become a successful cattle farmer, in order to create employment and contribute to the development of the country.

The brief ceremony took place on the grounds of the community center in Blackman Eddy. Present at the ceremony were the Mr. Kano Green, chairman of Blackman Eddy, village councillors and residents.

Minister of Agriculture Appoints Citrus Working Group Belmopan. April 19, 2021. 5:10 p.m.

Hon. Jose Mai, Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, has nominated a high-level Citrus Working Group tasked with preparing concrete recommendations to chart the way forward for the citrus industry in Belize.

The working group is to be chaired by Hugh O’Brien, former chief executive officer in the Ministry of Agriculture, and includes Dr. Eugene Cleland, representative for the Citrus Growers Association (CGA); Ernest Raymond, representative for Belize Citrus Mutual (BCM); Kent Herrera, representative for Citrus Products of Belize Limited (CPBL); Franklyn Magloire, representative, Development Finance Corporation (DFC); Jose Novelo, representative for the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise; and a representative from the Ministry of Foreign Trade.

The specific terms of reference of the working group are as follows: i. To analyze the present situation with regards to the citrus industry in light of record low production, citrus greening and other diseases, financial constraints and other local and international challenges; ii. To present proposals for reform, including legislative and organizational changes, and analyzing all viable options for the citrus industry in general; iii. To prepare concrete recommendations to revive and diversify the citrus industry; iv. To conduct (i), (ii) and (iii) by reviewing existing studies and information, and consulting with key industry personnel.

Production of citrus in Belize has rapidly declined in recent years, reaching a low of 2.1 million boxes in the 2019-2020 crop while the current crop is not expected to reach even 2 million boxes. This is a dismal production when compared to the 7.8 million boxes produced in 2005, a time when citrus was in its glory days and considered the “King of the South.”

The citrus industry is facing numerous challenges. Minister Mai believes that given the right environment and leadership, the industry can be both revived and diversified.

The Citrus Working Group is appointed initially for a period of eight weeks, during which time the group is expected to prepare and submit recommendations to Minister Mai, who will then submit these recommendations to Cabinet via a Cabinet Paper for their consideration.

15

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

NOTICE Fortson Ltd. #82,592 (“the Company”)

Notice is hereby given that the Company named Fortson Ltd. has been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the 15th April, 2021.

CILTrust International Limited Registered Agent

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

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

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

Bids are to be accompanied by: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f)

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

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

16

25 APR

THE BELIZE TIMES

Farmers Successfully Complete Sheep Training

2021

NOTICE K&K International, Ltd. #39,717 (“the Company”)

Pursuant to Section 102(4) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, notice is hereby given that K&K International, Ltd.: a) is in dissolution b) commenced dissolution on the 19th day of April, 2021; and c) CILTRUST INTERNATIONAL INCORPORATED whose address is 35 Barrack Road, Third Floor, Belize City, Belize is the Liquidator of the Company

CILTrust International Limited Registered Agent Belmopan. April 15, 2021. 5:00 p.m.

Hon. Jose Mai, Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, and H.E. David K.C. Chien, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan), today participated in a certificate ceremony for 30 sheep farmers from the Orange Walk and Corozal districts at the Yo Creek Agriculture Station, Orange Walk District.

Minister Mai and Ambassador Chien issued certificates of participation and completion to sheep farmers who received training in a range of topics, including animal care, nutrition, pasture establishment, health and traceability. The training was done by expert technicians and facilitators from the Breeding Sheep and Goat Production and Guidance System Enhancement Project which is administered by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Taiwan Technical Mission.

The Breeding Sheep and Goat Production and Guidance System Enhancement Project is a four-year project that goes on to 2023. The main objectives of the project are to assist Belizean farmers to improve the quality of the sheep and goats; to conduct market value chain analysis and implement a marketing program to promote consumption and market penetration for sheep and goat products; and to strengthen the Sheep and Goat Traceability System to improve value chain efficiencies and branding quality of sheep and goat products. The governments of Belize and Taiwan have expressed their desire and commitment to further strengthening the friendship and cooperative relations between the two countries through the implementation of this project and look forward to further collaboration to improve the welfare and benefit of the Belizean people.

The farmers will now be expected to produce sheep more efficiently using resources available at their farms and to increase income and profitability from sheep and goat rearing, while at the same time contributing to national food security.

More training workshops will be held for other farmers in all districts.

25 APR

2021

17

THE BELIZE TIMES

THINK ABOUT IT DON’T DO THAT Four fishermen are actually being evicted from their fishing camp and will experience a drastic worsening in their lives in these worsening times.

This sorry state of affairs was reported by Veija Alvarez with camera scenes by Seann Lopez on Love FM Wednesday night news.

Fifteen minutes from Belize City is a well-known fishing camp that has been in existence for over twenty years. It is a more artistic looking contraption sitting perilously on the shallow sea near Swallow Caye. It is obviously the property of poor, struggling fishermen content to barely feed their families and live a peaceful existence in theses brutal economic times.

It is amazing that the wind and weather and sometimes rough seas have not smashed up the contraption and floated its many lumber portions away.

It is more amazing that persons in office either, police, coastguard, fisheries, Port Authority or whomever should arbitrarily make a cold-hearted decision to destroy the livelihood of decent, hard-working Belizeans. The news report mentioned some building authority or an environmental issue. None of these can trump breaking down a small 20 feet fishing camp which feeds five families.

Fishermen, like farmers, engage in the most back-breaking physical work.

The work they do require years of acquired knowledge passed on from generation to generation. They are also constantly challenged by the forces of nature: Winds and weather, tide and storms and squalls, pestilence and predators including human pirates and bureaucrats in office with cold, cold hearts.

How dare they tell these sons of the soil and sea that in twenty-four hours they are to uproot their lives? This is a man-made storm that has suddenly gathered over their heads.

We call on the fishing co-operative to immediately get involved. Whatever is the perceived problem, there is a better solution than destroying lives.

We call on the minister to intervene, if necessary.

This is not what the blue government is about.

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL Guilty! Guilty! Guilty! That was the news coming out of the USA on Tuesday.

A white police name Derek Chauvin was found guilty of the murder of a black man named George Floyd.

Floyd was wrestled to the ground by three or four police, handcuffed and pinned face down. Chauvin put his knee on Floyd’s neck and pressed his weight on his neck for nine minutes, strangling Floyd to death. In broad daylight in front of dozens of onlookers and passersby.

One brave 16 year-old filmed the whole ghastly scene, despite being threatened by the police. This was May 2020 in Minneapolis, USA. Initially the police lied about how Floyd died. But when the teenager posted the video, it went viral and Chauvin’s goose was cooked – the police chief fired him. The same police chief testified in Court that what occurred was unacceptable police behavior and was unnecessary and excessive.

Riots had erupted all across America. The Black Lives Matter movement received renewed energy and support in their righteous campaign against police brutality and systematic police racism. Riots and protests erupted in Britain and across Europe at the obscene and unbelievable images of police slowly strangling a black man to death, with such callous, inhumane disregard for life.

In Belize, policing has become a major problem for the poorer classes.

Police are discourteous, unprofessional and brutal to citizens. They have no respect for the legally guaranteed rights of Belizeans. Unlawful detentions in police stations are now routine, despite it being unconstitutional.

Brutality is very much alive. Use of force and unlawful entry into the privacy of homes continues under the lie that the police are searching for weapons. Community policing was strangled some time ago.

This columnist has had a productive and encouraging discussion with the new Prime Minister on the police/community situation. While on the campaign trail, Honorable Johnny had heard ‘nuff’ disturbing complaints from good, decent citizens to know there is a problem, a cancerous problem.

We believe Belizeans can have a professional police department where upholding the law and fighting crime and criminals does not mean police becoming like criminals. Indeed, the vast, vast majority of police men and women are good decent human beings. Part of the problem is the management or lack thereof. We believe a special Chief Executive Officer with special terms of reference reporting to the Deputy Prime Minister or the Prime Minister can deliver an effective, professional police department.

A meeting of the recently established Association of Defence Attorneys and the new Minister of Home Affairs is being sought, at which policy changes concerning unlawful and unethical police behavior is on the agenda.

A recent Supreme Court decision by Judge James in Shane vs The Attor-

ney General and Police Commissioner two months ago smashing unlawful detention in police station is being ignored. This is incredible and unacceptable and it highlights the hard work ahead in breaking a culture of impunity.

BARROW LOSES CUSTOMS CASE “God Noh Like Ugly”. This is a popular phrase with the older generation.

It means God does not appreciate wrong-doing, or wicked intention, or evil.

Dean Barrow was Prime Minister for 13 years. Thank God he is gone, never to return. Shakespeare wrote that the evil that men do lives after them.

The multitude of evil things done to Belize and Belizeans by Barrow lives on, will haunt this beautiful nation for generations.

In undoing and wrecking the public service, one of the wrong things Barrow did was to destroy the upward mobility of a senior public officer at the Customs Department.

Under the law which governs public officers, every public officer must retire on reaching 55 years of age. The former controller reached retirement age in 2016 or 2017. Mr. Barrow gave him a two years contract to continue to be Comptroller until he reached 57 years. On reaching 57 years he was given another two years contract (in violation of the public service law). In December last year 2020, the person finally, finally retired.

But all that 4 years, the officers next in line was deprived of a promotion and deprived of a higher pension as he did not go on the Comptroller pay salary scale.

For some unknown reason, the senior customs officers who was the Deputy Comptroller did not challenge Dean Barrow’s very unlawful and wrong behaviour, at no time during the 4 unlawful years.

Government changed on 11th November, 2020. It seems the new government wished for a dynamic, young, highly qualified female senior customs officer to be the new Controller. Acting on legal advice, the government followed a section of the law and removed the position of Comptroller from Section 106 of the Constitution (which requires Public Service Commission approval) to Section 107 which authorizes the Prime Minister to effectively appoint a Controller. He appointed the female as Belize’s first woman Comptroller of Customs.

The Deputy decided to challenge the decision in the Supreme Court.

Incredibly, he got the very bad, former evil Prime Minister Dean Barrow, who twice messed up his career, to be his lawyer.

The case went before Justice Westmin James, Barrow lost the case.

The very learned Judge found no merit in Barrow’s brief. He concurred in the government legal argument submitted by the brilliant attorney Godfrey Smith.

“God Noh Like Ugly” MICHAEL ASHCROFT Michael Ashcroft, super successful billionaire businessman, owner of banks and a huge investor in Belize, appeared on local Channel 5 for an extensive conversation on Wednesday of this week.

We found the interview informative, intriguing.

On the issue of a huge multi-million dollars investment proposal for the Port in Belize City, we wish to see a public discussion. We heard that sometime ago that the project would require massive dredging to allow tourist ships to dock at the Port on southside, Belize City. We cannot, being from the sea, agree that the dredged material should be dumped in our pristine waters and damage our reef system.

Mr. Ashcroft said on Wednesday morning, the dredged material would be dumped on the mainland. This changes everything in our humble view.

Bring that project. Bring that money. We are like drowning men; we are grasping at straws. In this case, it appears as a lifeboat.

NOTICE Moon Dew Ltd. #168,258 (“the Company”)

Notice is hereby given that the Company named Moon Dew Ltd. has been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the 15th April, 2021.

CILTrust International Limited Registered Agent

18

Special Envoy Makes Courtesy Call to Governor General Belize City. April 20, 2021.

On Monday, April 19, 2021, H.E. Rossana Briceño, the Special Envoy for the Development of Children, made a courtesy call on H.E. Sir Colville Young, Governor General of Belize. During their meeting, the Special Envoy discussed the needs of her office and potential areas in which the Office of the Governor General can assist. Mrs. Briceño also thanked the Governor General for his recent donation of BZ$5,000 towards the commencement of programs under the Office of the Special Envoy. For his part, the Governor General encouraged the Special Envoy to seek partnerships with the citizenry and business community to support the work of her office. As Sir Colville Young prepares to demit office as the Governor General of Belize, he and the Special Envoy discussed his legacy over the last 28 years. His legacy will live on and he will be fondly remembered for his contributions to music, literature and education.

Ministry of the Public Service, Constitutional and Political Reform Implements Good Governance, Transparency and Ethics Course Belmopan. April 21, 2021.

On April 20, 2021, the Ministry of the Public Service, Constitutional and Political Reform (MPSCPR) in collaboration with Galen University, launched the Good Governance, Transparency and Ethics Training of Trainers course. Forty public officers from different ministries will be trained as trainers to implement the anti-corruption curriculum to public officers within the wider public service.

In his virtual address to the participants, Dr. Osmond Martinez, CEO in the Ministry, said, “This anti-corruption training strategically mobilizes all segments of society to create public awareness. It is in alignment with the promise made by the Briceño Administration through Plan Belize for good governance and anti-corruption within our government system.”

On February 18, 2021, the Ministry signed a memorandum of understanding with the Love Foundation to implement anti-corruption training for public officers as a part of its continuous professional development programme. The Galen Institute of Leadership Development and Continuing Education is conducting this training of trainers’ program, which will conclude on May 27, 2021.

25 APR

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

NOTICE NOVELLOGIC LTD. #48,649 (“the Company”)

Pursuant to Section 102(4) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, notice is hereby given that NOVELLOGIC LTD.: a) is in dissolution b) commenced dissolution on the 21st day of April, 2021; and c) Charles Andriamaro whose address is Anse Aux Pins, Victoria, Seychelles is the Liquidator of the Company

CILTrust International Limited Registered Agent

25 APR

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THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

BY ORDER OF CHARGEE NOTICE OF INTENTION TO SELL

BY ORDER OF CHARGEE NOTICE OF INTENTION TO SELL

NATIONAL BANK OF BELIZE LIMITED a company duly incorporated and registered under the Laws of Belize with registered office situate at Parcel 7550 Corner Forest Drive & Hummingbird Highway, Belmopan, Cayo District, Belize hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Chargee under a Legal Charge between DALE PELAYO hereinafter called “The Chargor” and NATIONAL BANK OF BELIZE LIMITED hereinafter called “The Chargee” which was duly recorded at the Lands Registry in the City of Belmopan on the 20th day of March, 2014 by Instrument No. LRS-201403490. NATIONAL BANK OF BELIZE LIMITED will at the expiration of Two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the properties described in the Schedule below.

NATIONAL BANK OF BELIZE LIMITED a company duly incorporated under the Laws of Belize with registered office situate at Parcel 7550 Corner Forest Drive & Hummingbird Highway, Belmopan, Cayo District, Belize hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Chargee under a Legal Charge between LYNDON RUSSELL GILLETT and RHYMA ANN GILLETT hereinafter called “The Chargors” and NATIONAL BANK OF BELIZE LIMITED hereinafter called “The Chargee” which was duly recorded at the Lands Registry in the City of Belmopan on the 30 th day of January, 2015 by Instrument No. LRS-201501223. NATIONAL BANK OF BELIZE LIMITED will at the expiration of Two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the properties described in the Schedule below.

ALL offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing to NATIONAL BANK OF BELIZE LIMITED from whom full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained.

SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land comprising 0.25 Acres being Parcel 922, Block 24 in the Society Hall Registration Section TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon, the freehold property of DALE PELAYO. DATED this 15th day of April 2021 NATIONAL BANK OF BELIZE LIMITED Corner Forest Drive & Hummingbird Highway, Belmopan, Cayo District

ALL offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing to NATIONAL BANK OF BELIZE LIMITED from whom full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained.

SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land comprising 464.416 square meters being Parcel 3499, Block 1 in the Corozal North Registration Section TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon, the freehold property of LYNDON RUSSELL GILLETT and RHYMA ANN GILLETT. DATED this 15 th day of April 2021 THE NATIONAL BANK OF BELIZE LIMITED Corner Forest Drive & Hummingbird Highway, Belmopan, Cayo District

BY ORDER OF CHARGEE NOTICE OF INTENTION TO SELL

BY ORDER OF CHARGEE NOTICE OF INTENTION TO SELL

NATIONAL BANK OF BELIZE LIMITED a company duly incorporated and registered under the Laws of Belize with registered office situate at Parcel 7550 Corner Forest Drive & Hummingbird Highway, Belmopan, Cayo District, Belize hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Chargee under a Legal Charge between FAUSTINO MOH hereinafter called “The Chargor” and NATIONAL BANK OF BELIZE LIMITED hereinafter called “The Chargee” which was duly recorded at the Lands Registry in the City of Belmopan on the 8th day of October, 2014 by Instrument No. LRS-201412899. NATIONAL BANK OF BELIZE LIMITED will at the expiration of Two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the properties described in the Schedule below.

NATIONAL BANK OF BELIZE LIMITED, a duly incorporated and registered Company under the Laws of Belize with registered office situate at Parcel 7550 Corner Forest Drive & Hummingbird Highway, Belmopan, Cayo District, Belize hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Mortgage made BETWEEN ELSTAN LORD (hereinafter called “the Mortgagor”) and NATIONAL BANK OF BELIZE LIMITED (hereinafter called “the Mortgagee”) which was duly recorded at the Land Titles Unit in the City of Belmopan on the 26th day of August, 2015 as Instrument No. LTU-201501452. NATIONAL BANK OF BLIZE LIMITED will at the expiration of Two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the SCHEDULE below.

All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing to NATIONAL BANK OF BELIZE LIMITED from whom full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained.

ALL offers to purchase the said properties must be made in writing to NATIONAL BANK OF BELIZE LIMITED from whom full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained.

THE SCHEDULE ABOVE REFERRED TO ALL THAT piece or parcel of land comprising 10.96 Acres being Parcel 200/1, Block 1 in the CONCEPCION/AVENTURA Registration Section TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon, the freehold property of FAUSTINO MOH. ALL THAT piece or parcel of land comprising 10 Acres being Parcel 202/1, Block 1 in the CONCEPCION/AVENTURA Registration Section TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon, the freehold property of FAUSTINO MOH. DATED this 15th day of April 2021

THE SCHEDULE ABOVE REFERRED TO ALL THAT PIECE OR PARCEL of land being Lot No. 52 (775.443) square meters of land situated North of Bermudian Landing-Burrell Boom Road, Bryam Estate Area, Belize District bounded and described as shown on Plan No. 40 of 2007, Entry No.1404 Reg No. 12, attached to Minister’s Fiat Grant No. 40 of 2007 TOGETHER will all buildings erections and developments standing and being thereon.

NATIONAL BANK OF BELIZE LIMITED

NATIONAL BANK OF BELIZE LIMITED

Corner Forest Drive & Hummingbird Highway, Belmopan, Cayo District BELIZE

Corner Forest Drive & Hummingbird Highway, Belmopan, Cayo District BELIZE

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Guterres calls for ‘paradigm shift’ to recover from COVID setbacks (United Nations News) A “paradigm shift” aligning the private sector with the global goals is needed to address the challenges of the future, including those triggered

by COVID-19, the UN chief said on Monday, addressing the Financing for Development (FfD) Forum.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres painted a grim picture of the past year during which more than three million have died from the virus. Around 120 million have fallen into extreme poverty and the equivalent of 255 million full-time jobs have been lost.

He noted that as the speed of infections is increasing, “the crisis is far from over”.

“An enormous push at the highest political level” is needed, said Mr. Guterres, to reverse these dangerous trends, prevent successive waves of infection, avoid a lengthy global recession and get back on track to fulfil the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change.

Testing multilateralism Advancing an equitable global response to recover from the pandemic is “putting multilateralism to the test”, the UN chief said, adding, “so far, we have failed”.

To illustrate this, he pointed out that just 10 countries globally account for around 75 per cent of COVID vaccinations given, noting that some estimates put the global cost of unequal access and vaccine hoarding at more than $9 trillion.

Mr. Guterres underscored the need for “unity and solidarity” to save lives and prevent catastrophic debt and dysfunction.

Call for critical actions To set the course for a sustainable and resilient COVID response and recovery, the UN chief called for urgent action in six areas, beginning with closing the funding gap of the UN-backed vaccine initiative, COVAX. “To end the pandemic for good, we need equitable access to vaccines for everyone, everywhere”, he said. He also called for development assistance, to go primarily where it is most needed.

Debt crisis solutions The debt crisis needed to be properly addressed, he said, including “debt suspension, relief, and liquidity”.

“But we need to go beyond debt relief”, he continued, urging a strengthened “international debt architecture to end the deadly cycles of debt waves, global debt crises and lost decades”.

Investing in a new social contract, based on solidarity in education, green jobs, social protection, and health systems was the UN chief’s fifth priority action, which he

maintained was “the foundation for sustainable and inclusive development”.

“This Forum must provide ambition and momentum, to finance

a resilient, inclusive, equitable and sustainable future for all”, the Secretary-General concluded.

90-year setback The President of the General As-

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sembly, Volkan Bozkır, observed that the COVID-19 pandemic has “precipitated the single largest economic contraction in 90-years, devastating lives and livelihoods in the process”.

Even with vaccines providing a light at the end of the tunnel, he said that “we are nonetheless faced with years of socioeconomic impact” ahead.

However, the Assembly president said the 2021 FfD Forum was an opportunity “to lay the foundation for a proper recovery”.

“Let us seize the opportunity of this crisis to effectively shift toward a more sustainable and resilient path, to demonstrate the strength and utility of the multilateral system, and to build a world that we will proudly pass down to future generations”, he added.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

OUT

!

Prayer for PM Briceño

Join me as I pray for guidance and wisdom for our PM. You do not have to be a PUP to do so, you only need to be a human being wanting better for our country Belize.

Our Father, owner of the universe. Thank You for another day of life, though struggling in a COVID 19 pandemic that has depressed, stressed, yet blessed a selected few. I know you will take me through today because I believe in You. Today, I want to offer a special prayer for my Prime Minister John Briceño.

John Briceño & Government who are tasked to oversee the development, safety, health, education and betterment of every Belizean with every decision he and his cabinet makes. Please bestow on my PM wisdom.

Father, help him to not only discover and understand your guidance and your will, but to bend his will to obey Yours. Give him ears to listen carefully to what he should do, and a willing heart to carry out Your directives. Guide him into all wisdom, even when it looks different from the “wisdom” of the world. Help him speak what You tell him to say and do what You tell him to do.

Lord, my Helper, as we walk down unfamiliar paths, guide us.

Turn the darkness into light before us and the rough places into level ground. I have no knowledge of what is around the next bend, or what unexpected things will come our way, but You know all things. I put myself into your hands in quiet faith.

God, you know the leader of our nation, PM John well. You understand his thoughts and are aware of all his ways. Even before a word is on his tongue, You know what he is going to say. Thank You for going before and behind PM John and laying your hand upon him. This is all so wonderful! Your presence and your Spirit are always with him. No matter where he goes, Your hand will guide him and hold him fast. Even darkness is light to You. Thank you, ever-present Lord, for your constant instructions in all things.

Your Word is forever, as it read is Psalm 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

This is my prayer today God. In Jesus’ name I pray Amen --Elmer O. Cornejo

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Why are so many babies dying of Covid-19 in Brazil?

By By Nathalia Passarinho and Luis Barrucho BBC Brazil More than a year into the pandemic, deaths in Brazil are now at their peak. But despite the overwhelming evidence that Covid-19 rarely kills young children, in Brazil 1,300 babies have died from the virus. One doctor refused to test Jessika Ricarte’s one-year-old son for Covid, saying his symptoms did not fit the profile of the virus. Two months later he died of complications from the disease.

After two years of trying, and failed fertility treatments, teacher Jessika Ricarte had all but given up on having a family. Then she fell pregnant with Lucas.

“His name comes from luminous. And he was a light in our life. He showed that happiness was much more than we imagined,” she says.

She first suspected something was wrong when Lucas, always a good eater, lost his appetite.

At first Jessika wondered if he was teething.

Lucas’s godmother, a nurse, suggested that he might just have a sore throat. But after he developed a fever, then fatigue and slightly laboured breathing, Jessika took him to hospital, and asked for him to be tested for Covid.

“The doctor put on the oximeter. Lucas’s levels were 86%. Now I know that is not normal,” says Jessika.

But he was not feverish, so the doctor said: “My dear, don’t worry. There’s no need for a Covid test. It’s probably just a minor sore throat.”

He told Jessika that Covid-19 was rare in children, gave her some antibiotics and sent her home.

Despite her misgivings, there was no option to have Lucas tested privately at the time.

Jessika says that some of his symptoms dissipated at the end of his 10-day antibiotics course, but the tiredness remained - as did her concerns about coronavirus.

“I sent several videos to his godmother, my parents, my mother-in-law, and everyone said that I was exaggerating, that I should stop watching the news, that it was making me paranoid. But I knew that my son was not himself; he was not breathing normally.”

This was May 2020, and the coronavirus epidemic was growing. Two people had already died in her town, Tamboril in Ceará, north-east Brazil.

“Everyone knows each other here. The town was in shock.”

Jessika’s husband Israel was worried that another hospital visit would increase the risk that she and Lucas would become infected with the virus.

But the weeks went by, and Lucas became sleepier and sleepier. Finally on 3 June, Lucas vomited over and over again after eating lunch, and Jessika knew she had to act.

During the 33 days Lucas was in the ICU, Jessika was only allowed to see him three times.

Lucas needed immunoglobulin - a very expensive medication - to deflate his heart, but luckily an adult patient who had bought his own had donated one leftover ampoule to the hospital. Lucas was so ill that he went on to receive a second dose of immunoglobulin. He developed a rash on his body and was running a persistent fever. He needed support to breathe.

Then Lucas began to improve and the doctors decided to take out his oxygen tube. They video-called Jessika and Israel so that he wouldn’t feel alone as he regained consciousness.

“When he heard our voices he started to cry,” says Jessika.

It was the last time they were to see their boy react. During the next video call “he had a paralysed look”. The hospital requested a CT scan and discovered Lucas had had a stroke. Still, the couple were told Lucas would make a good recovery with the right care and would soon be moved out of ICU and into a general ward. When Jessika and Israel went to visit him, the doctor was just as hopeful as they were, she says.

“That night, I put my cell phone on silent.

I dreamed Lucas came up to me and kissed my nose. And the dream was a great feeling of love, gratitude and I woke up very happy. Then I saw my cell phone and saw the 10 calls that the doctor had made.”

The doctor told Jessika that Lucas’s heart rate

and oxygen levels had dropped suddenly, and he had died early that morning.

She feels sure that if Lucas had been given a Covid test when she had requested it back in early May he would have survived.

“It is important that doctors, even if they believe it is not Covid, do the test to eliminate the possibility,” she says.

“A baby does not say what he is feeling, so we depend on tests.” …Between February 2020 and 15 March 2021, Covid-19 killed at least 852 of Brazil’s children up to the age of nine, including 518 babies under one year old, according to figures from the Brazilian Ministry of Health. But Dr. Marinho estimates that more than twice this number of children died of Covid. A serious problem of underreporting due to lack of Covid testing is bringing the numbers down, she says.

Dr Marinho calculated the excess of deaths by unspecified acute respiratory syndrome during the pandemic,

and found that there were 10 times more deaths by unexplained respiratory syndrome than in previous years. By adding these numbers, she estimates that the virus in fact killed 2,060 children under nine years old, including 1,302 babies.

Why is this happening?

Experts say the sheer number of Covid cases in the country - the second-highest number in the world - have increased the likelihood that Brazil’s babies and young children are affected.

“Of course, the more cases we have and, as a result, the more hospitalisations, the greater the number of deaths in all age groups, including children. But if the pandemic were controlled, this scenario could evidently be minimised,” says Renato Kfouri, president of the Scientific Department of Immunisations of the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics.

---This is not just because there is little testing capacity, but also because it is easier to miss, or misdiagnose, the symptoms of children suffering from Covid-19, as the disease tends to present differently in younger people.

An observational study of 5,857 Covid-19 patients under the age of 20, carried out by Brazilian paediatricians led by Braian Sousa from the São Paolo school of medicine, iden-

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2021

tified both comorbidities and socioeconomic vulnerabilities as risk factors for the worst outcome of Covid-19 in children.

Marinho agrees this is an important factor. “Most vulnerable are black children, and those from very poor families, as they have the most difficulty accessing help. These are the children most at risk of death.” She says this is because crowded housing conditions make it impossible to socially distance when infected, and because poorer communities do not have access to a local ICU. These children are also at risk of malnutrition, which is “terrible for the immune response”, Marinho says. When Covid payments stopped, millions were plunged back into poverty. “We went from 7 million to 21 million people below the poverty line in one year. So people are also going hungry. All of this is impacting mortality.”

“It hurts to see a child dying without seeing their parents,” says Dr Carneiro.

Scientists stress the risk of death in this age group is still “very low” - the current figures suggest only 0.58% of Brazil’s 345,287 Covid deaths to date have been of 0-9 year olds - but that is more than 2,000 children.

“The numbers are really scary,” says Dr Carneiro.

(For the full story go to https://www.bbc. com/news/world-latin-america-56696907)

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2021

THE BELIZE TIMES

COVID ‘long-haulers’ share how they felt better after the vaccine: ‘For the 1st time in a long time, I have hope’

As scientists try to untangle why some COVID-19 patients experience lingering symptoms for months after illness — a phenomenon also known as postacute COVID-19 syndrome or “long COVID” — another mystery has emerged: Why are some “long-haulers” finding relief from their long-term symptoms after getting the COVID vaccine?

Ed Hornick is one of them. Hornick, a senior editor at Yahoo News, was diagnosed with COVID-19 in mid-March 2020 by a doctor in the emergency department at a London hospital. Although he recovered from the primary coronavirus symptoms in late April, by May 1 Hornick noticed the “extreme fatigue was still there and odd symptoms were appearing — mostly neurological,” he tells Yahoo Life. “I had ‘brain fog’ — a condition where a person has trouble recalling names, memories and facts. I was forgetting my friends’ and family’s names, repeating stories in the same sentence and not remembering, and my shortterm memory was gone.”

He also dealt with “debilitating” migraine headaches — something he’d previously gotten under control with medication. “After COVID, it was as if my medicine wasn’t effective anymore,” he says.

But that wasn’t all. Hornick also suffered from bad tinnitus, blurred vision, dizziness, loss of balance and coordination, heart palpitations, and muscle weakness and twitching. “I couldn’t even walk a block without running out of breath and my heart racing,” he says.

Jessamyn Smyth, a professor and athlete with an immune disease, was also diagnosed with COVID-19 in March 2020 after she came down with fever and a “bizarre, sharp chest pain,” she tells Yahoo Life. “I tried hard to hold onto my work and be there for my students, about whom I was so worried. I got sicker and sicker, though, and did not get better.”

After a “life-threatening bout with COVID” over four months, in which she experienced crashing oxygen-saturation levels, the worst of her health problems started to dissipate. But Smyth noticed that her other symptoms didn’t go away: “I continued to have tachycardia [a rapid heartbeat] and chest pain,” along with trouble breathing, livedo reticularis (a vascular condition marked by a purplish skin discoloration) and joint pain.

“There was a lot of what people insist on calling ‘brain fog’ that was, for me, extreme aphasia and totally destroyed capacity to concentrate or accomplish work,” Smyth says, “and there was a lot of what people insist on calling ‘fatigue’ that was, in fact, absolutely knock-down-pass-out-for-15-hours pathological exhaustion.” She adds: “I learned that all this is common to many long-COVID people.”

Smyth and Hornick are far from alone. Experts estimate that 10 to 30 percent of COVID-19 patients experience long-term symptoms. A February research letter published in JAMA Network Open followed up with more than 170 patients up to nine months after they’d been diagnosed with COVID and found that about 30 percent reported persistent symptoms, even though many people in the study reported only mild illness. Fatigue was the most common symptom, followed by the loss of smell or taste and brain fog.

Dr. Bradley Sanville, who helped start the postCOVID-19 clinic at UC Davis Health in Sacramento, Calif., tells Yahoo Life that the “classic post-COVID symptoms I see most frequently” include brain fog, fatigue, shortness of breath and chest pain.

However, for some people suffering from long COVID, the vaccine comes with a surprising side effect: They get better.

For Smyth, everything changed a couple of weeks after she got the COVID-19 vaccine in February.

“The fatigue and aphasia got noticeably better, and I realized I hadn’t had livedo reticularis or COVID toes or chest pain since the shot,” she says. “It was way beyond an emotional relief or stress-reduction reaction.”

She adds: “I began to feel like myself for the first time in a year.”

After Hornick got his first COVID vaccine in March, he experienced “flulike symptoms” for several days. But by day five, he noticed that he felt surprisingly “good.” One of the long-term symptoms he’d struggled with the most — brain fog — had “dissipated altogether,” he says. And although he still had headaches, they weren’t as bad as they had been. “I felt clearheaded and didn’t have the usual trouble with

memory, recall and comprehension.

So far, it has stuck.”

While Hornick is not free from all of his lingering post-COVID symptoms — he still experiences chronic fatigue, tinnitus, tremors and spasms — he feels relieved about this sudden change.

“For the first time in a long time, I have hope that my overall health may improve,” he says. “I’m hoping that over time, the remaining symptoms start to dissipate — or at least become more manageable — so I can live a normal, productive life.”

However, “nobody is entirely sure why people are getting long COVID to begin with,” says Sanville.

It’s also not yet clear why some post-COVID symptoms resolve more quickly than others. “For example, fevers, chills and taste/smell-associated symptoms typically resolve within two to four weeks, while fatigue, dys-

pnea [shortness of breath], chest tightness, cognitive deficits and psychological effects may last for months,” Dr. M. Rizwan Sohail, a professor of medicine specializing in infectious diseases at Baylor College of Medicine, tells Yahoo Life.

Further adding to the mystery is how the vaccine might be helping long-haulers like Hornick and Smyth. But immunologists and virologists have some theories. “One is that a small amount of virus reservoir remains in the body after initial infection,” explains Sohail. “This residual virus or its genetic material causes ongoing low-grade inflammation and symptoms related to long COVID. Another possibility is that vaccine-induced immune response leads to a ‘hard reset’ of the immune system. And because immune dysfunction — according to this hypothesis — is the cause of longer-term symptoms, a reset leads to symptoms resolution.”

Sanville says he’s had several longCOVID patients whose symptoms improved after they received the vaccine.

23 “I’ve had a few people who have gotten back entirely to normal lives,” he says. But Sanville points out that this doesn’t happen to every patient who receives the vaccine.

“Why that develops in some people and not others is not clear,” he says. “Not every patient has that effect.”

Sohail says these “unexpected benefits of the vaccine are both surprising and exciting.” However, at this point, he says, “we do not know, and neither can accurately predict, which patients with long COVID will benefit from this particular aspect of vaccination. Therefore, we need more data before we can counsel patients about this.”

Sanville agrees: “Whether it was the vaccine that did it or the timing was right for getting back on their own, it’s nice to, hopefully down the road, get some information about what exactly the mechanism is and whether that’s a verifiable treatment.”

So should patients who have recovered from COVID still get the vaccine? Yes, according to Sanville and Sohail. Although they develop natural antibodies after having the illness, “some of the patients with COVID do not develop sufficient levels of protective antibodies to prevent reinfection,” notes Sohail. “Therefore, we recommend that patients with a history of COVID strongly consider getting the vaccine.”

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THE BELIZE TIMES

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THE BELIZE TIMES

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INSERT25 1

STRENGTHENING OF TAX ADMINISTRATION PROJECT REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST Consulting Firm to Design, Implement and Execute a Countrywide Public Awareness and Marketing Campaign Institution: The Ministry of Finance (MOF) Country: Belize Project: Strengthening of Tax Administration (STA) Abstract: Consulting Services – Consulting Firm to Design, Implement and Execute a comprehensive Public Awareness and Marketing Campaign before, during and after the implementation of the NEW procured Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS).

Loan No.: 4839/OC-BL Deadline: May 14, 2021 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 (BTS) Department 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”) include the contracting of a consulting firm for a period of twelve (12) months to Design, Implement and Execute a comprehensive Public Awareness and Marketing Campaign for the promotion of the new procured ITAS system. informing the public that this new system is intended to allow for the BTSD to accomplish its future Business Model Principles which aims to be a fully automated process with seamless integration with other entities, data driven and taxpayer centric. The new ITAS system focuses on improving services which will allow for a 360 view of a taxpayer tax account to be both face to face and online, improve compliance and increase revenue collection. The New ITAS system will be taxpayer centric which will allow taxpayer to access and manage their tax account online. The main activities of the consultancy includes: 1. Develop, and Map out the communication strategy and action plan for the Pre, During and Post ITAS implementation 2. Design and Develop various communication materials targeting internal and external stakeholders, using different and relevant modes of communication in a continuous and progressive phased-out approach consistent with the Pre, During and Post ITAS Implementation.

3. Production, Broadcasting and Dissemination of various communication materials targeting internal and external stakeholders in a continuous and progressive phased-out approach consistent with the Pre, During and Post ITAS Implementation.

4. Evaluation of the effectives of the public awareness communication campaign .The Consulting firm should have a minimum of five (5) years’ experience in the following areas below (* are a must): *Development of change management campaigns *Advertisement campaigns *Audio-visual production *Graphic design Educational campaigns Communication planning Strategic communication Communications marketing Digital content creation.

The firm should prove its expertise in conducting large communication activities, at national and local level, and conducted at least two PR campaigns of similar type in the last 5 years in Belize or in the Caribbean, the firm should have specific experience in at least one similar assignment in Belize for citizen engagement and outreach activities in the past five (5) years, and experience in organizing events (workshops, trainings, conferences targeting different groups: citizens, national and local public administration, mass media, NGOs etc.).

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 legallyestablished 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. (iv) Two references (v) Proof of nationality: Copy of certificate of incorporation and information of shareholders of company specifying the shares owned by each respective shareholder 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) Current Trade License Consultants will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the Inter-American Development Bank: Policies for the Selection and Contracting of Consultants financed by the Inter-American Development Bank (GN-2350-15, May 2019 edition) and is open to all eligible consultants as defined in the IDB policies.

Consultants may associate with other firms in the form of a joint venture or a sub-consultancy to enhance their qualifications. For the purpose of establishing the short list, the nationality of a firm is that of the country in which it is legally incorporated or constituted and in the case of Joint Venture, the nationality of the firm appointed to represent it.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Selection based on the Consultants’ Qualification method set out in the IDB Consultant Policies. The selected consulting firm will be selected based on its experience and competence relevant to the assignment and most appropriate qualifications and references. Only the highest ranked consulting firm from the short-listed firms will be notified and will be asked to submit a technical and price proposal.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Expressions of interest must be delivered via direct mail or e-mail at the address indicated below by 4:00 p.m. on May 14, 2021.

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 Design, Implement and Execute a Countrywide Public Awareness and Marketing Campaign in the subject header, or submit before or on May 14, 2021 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 Specialist Project Executing Unit Strengthening of Tax Administration Project Charles Bartlett Hyde Building Mahogany Street, Belize City Tel: 501-222-5114/E-mail: stephanie.pouchie@mof.gov.bz

INSERT 2 26

THE BELIZE TIMES

NORTHERN MEDICAL SPECIALTY PLAZA ORCHID DRIVE, B.S.I. AREA, ORANGE WALK TOWN, BELIZE PHONE: 302-3708 & FAX: 322-2320 Northern Medical Plaza invites applications from experienced, dynamic, energetic, self-motivated and professional individuals for the following vacancy of a Pediatrician Qualification General Practitioner with specialty in Pediatrics Requirements Must be registered with the Belize Medical Council 3 years’ experience will be considered.

Applications close: May 13, 2021 Please submit application letter and three References to: northernmedical@live.com Human Resource Manager Northern Medical Specialty Plaza Ltd. Orchid Drive, BSI Area Orange Walk Town

NOTICE GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE TREASURY BILLS ISSUE NUMBER 5/2021 Tenders are invited for an issue of Government of Belize Treasury Bills.

The amount of the issue will be $64,391,800.00.

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

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

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

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

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

Bank: Central Bank of Belize Account: GL1CORP0402627 The Government of Belize reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all tenders in whole or in part.

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

25 APR

2021

LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICES

Notice is hereby given that H. Bahadir Yamanel is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “Princess International Belize Ltd. Casino” located at # 160 Newtown Barracks, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Fernando Hernandez is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “L & A” located in Guinea Grass Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Maria Gongora is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Neymar’s Grocery” located at # 20 Sittee River Street, Orange Walk Town Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Amie Copo is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “The Mojito House” located at # 16 A Liberty Avenue, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Roger A Cuellar is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “Morning Star” located on Mahogany Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Dana Bermont is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “River Treats” located in San Antonio Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Wen Lin Quan is applying for a Malt & Cider Liquor License to be operated at “388 Entertainment” located at #36 Bakers Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Maria Cawich is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “San Pit Shop” located in Carmelita Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Wancheng Zheng is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Goodwill Supermarket” located at # 2805 C.A. Blvd. Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Casino Tropicana Co. Ltd. is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “Casino Tropicana Co. Ltd.” located at # 160 Newtown Barracks, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Glenda Delcarmen is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Little John’s Corner” located at # 24 Landivar Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Heena Bhojwani is applying for a Malt & Cider Liquor License to be operated at “The Living Room” located at mile 1 Philip Goldson Highway, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980

EDITING SERVICES Licensed Secondary School Teacher With 20 years’ experience Help in Essay Work; Master’s Level Offered as well.

Help in Biology, Spanish, and Geography possible.

Contact 6635108 for details

NEEDED: 2 Domestic workers needed at Gallardo’s residence in Roaring Creek village, Cayo District.

Prayer To The Holy Spirit O Holy Spirit, You who are the Fountainhead of all knowledge, Who Illuminate the path way which enables me to reach my goal. You Who shares your Divine gift permitting me to forgive and forget past insults and injustices, and Who are always at my side within reaching distance. I desire in this short supplication to thank You for all that You have done for me; and to assure You once more that I never want to be separated from You under any circumstances, no matter what the incentive. I want to be with You, I along with my loved ones, cradled in Your unending love. Thank You for your never-failing kindness towards me and those I call my own.

(Prayer to be offered for three consecutive days: Faith in The Holy Spirit will cause Him to respond to your request no matter how difficult the problem might be. Publish prayer as soon as request has been Granted .)

Thank You Holy Spirit.

F.C.

25 APR

INSERT27 3

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

BELIZE FISHERIES DEPARTMENT

MINISTRY OF BLUE ECONOMY AND CIVIL AVIATION

PRESS RELEASE USAID-funded InfoSegura strengthens data management and administrative capacity of the Belize Crime Observatory

PRINCESS MARGARET DRIVE * P.O. BOX 148 * BELIZE CITY, BELIZEC.A. PHONE: (501) 224-4552/223-2623 * FAX: (501) 223-2986 Email: fisheries_department@fisheries.gov.bz Website: www.fisheries.gov.bz

21st April 2021 PRESS RELEASE Pregnant Adult Antillean Manatee with fully developed fetus found dead near Hopkins On the evening of April 19, 2021 the Belize Fisheries Department received reports of an Antillean Manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) washed ashore near Hopkins.

Partners of the Marine Mammal Stranding Network were able to obtain assistance to take initial photographs of the dead manatee. Yesterday the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and Research Institute, with assistance from the Hopkins community, were able to carry out a complete necropsy on the adult female who was pregnant with a fully developed fetus. The findings of the necropsy were consistent with blunt force trauma due to watercraft impact therefore the cause of death was ruled as a watercraft related incident.

BELMOPAN, Tuesday, 20 April 2021—The Ministry of Home Affairs & New Growth Industries today received US$15,205 worth of Information Communication Technology (ICT) Equipment, including a high-powered Dell server, 3 Dell workstations, with high-quality monitors, procured under the USAID-funded “Evidence-Based Information Management for Citizen Security in Central America and the Dominican Republic” Project (also known as the InfoSegura Project).

The ICT equipment was handed over to the Ministry of Home Affairs & New Growth Industries for the Belize Crime Observatory (BCO), which serves as the national repository of crime data and information. The USAID-sponsored ICT procurement satisfies urgent needs outlined in the BCO’s Strategic Action Plan (20202023) and provides a sophisticated ICT framework for the BCO to advance its work in support of its multi-disciplinary stakeholders and the realization of Belize’s multi-agency Crime Intelligence Architecture.

The InfoSegura project supports interventions and policies that aim to strengthen crime and justice data platforms both nationally and regionally, including working to support the formulation of evidenced-based policies and decisions. The project is being implemented in Belize by the United Nations Development Programme, with the Ministry of Home Affairs & New Growth Industries as the Implementing Partner.

This is a significant loss as manatees have low reproductive rates, breeding females give birth to on average one calf every two to five years. The gestation period is about a year. Intervals between births range from two to five years.

The Fisheries Department reminds boaters to take necessary precautions especially when in No Wake Zones, to use marked channels and to be very cautious when navigating in known manatee areas. The Department is currently working with partners to implement measures to urgently address the threat of boat collisions with manatees.

The public is also reminded that the Antillean manatee is a critically endangered species and is fully protected under section 88 of the Fisheries Resources Act No. 7 of 2020. The Fisheries Department advises the public to report any incidents involving manatees by calling telephone number 224 4552 or by emailing fisheries_department@ fisheries.gov.bz END

PUBLIC AUCTION: AUTOMOBILE SALE

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

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

HIGLIGHTED ITEMS INCLUDE: Contacts

2003 Nissan Murano

2011 Nissan Pathfinder

1999 Isuzu Pickup

United Nations Development Programme: Marilyn Pinelo-Lee, marilyn.lee@undp.org | Programme Officer Belize Crime Observatory Adele Ramos, bco@nsc.gov.bz |Interim Technical Coordinator

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

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

HILUX PATHFINDER 4RUNNER FUSION SANTA FE ACADIA WINGLE

Ranger D-MAX F-150

NISSAN MURANO FORD E-150 GREAT WALL WINGLE

FORD ISUZU

F-450 MUX

ISUZU

PIK UP

FORD FORD

TOYOTA LINCOLN

2013 ISUZU 2013 FORD 2013 FORD 2013 FORD

F-150 F-150

RAV4 NAVIGATOR

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

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

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

2016 ISUZU 2013 FORD 1999 2008 2005 2007

TOYOTA CHEVROLET KIA DODGE

Motorcycles 2012 HONDA 2012 MEILUN 2011 HONDA 2011 Honda 2009 LIFAN

WINGLE WINGLE TACOMA F150 Sephia

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

D-MAX F-150

SIENNA EQUINOX Car NITRO

STORM 125CC TRAILBIKE

TORNADO Tornado GY

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

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

INSERT 4 28

25 APR

THE BELIZE TIMES “Protect

2021

Your Creation”

Trademarks ∙ Patents ∙ Designs ∙ Copyright

PRESS RELEASE

PR#251

PRESS RELEASE Belize to observe World Intellectual Property Day 2021 Belmopan, April 21, 2021

Belize to observe World Intellectual Property Day 2021

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) decided in 2000 to designate an annual World Intellectual Property Day to address the perceived gap between intellectual property (IP) as a business/legal concept and its relevance to people’s lives. World Intellectual Property Day is observed on April 26 each year with a variety of events and activities worldwide. It aims to increase people’s awareness and understanding of intellectual property.

The theme in celebration of World IP Day 2021 is “IP & SMEs: Taking your ideas to market”.

With this theme, WIPO is hoping to shine a light on the economic importance of small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and their critical role in driving economic recovery and job creation. COVID-19 has vastly impacted the world’s economy and Belize is no exception. Since SMEs make up around 90 percent of the world’s businesses and employ around 50 percent of the global workforce, generating up to 40 percent of national income in many emerging economies, we must encourage and support SMEs in taking their ideas to market, this may bring us one step closer in building back the world’s economy.

In celebration of World IP Day 2021, Belize Intellectual Property Office (BELIPO) will be highlighting the World importance of IP for economic growth andOrganization development, with(WIPO) the aim of encouraging The Intellectual Property decid- our Belizean citizens to tap into their creative skills and allow their ideas to come to fruition. ed in 2000 to designate anofannual World Day In that regard, representatives BELIPO will appearIntellectual on the “You and Property the Law” show on Krem TV on Wednesday, April 21, 2021, at 7:30 p.m.

We will be speaking about IP day and our to address the perceived gap between intellectual property (IP)scheduled as activities and the significance of IP for economic growth and development. a business/legal relevance to Copyright people’s lives.

Worldstudents BELIPO will beconcept hosting twoand virtualits seminars for SME’s, Holders, University and the general Property public. Day 1Day (Aprilis 22)observed will be geared towards creating awareness on with how registering Intellectual on April 26 each year a your intellectual property can impact the success of your business. Day 2 (April 23) will be focused on variety events and activities It market”. aims toThere increase Copyrightof and how right holders can “takeworldwide. their ideas to the will be people’s presentations from Marie Sharp’s Fine Foods Ltd., Belize Agro Enterprise Ltd., BELTRAIDE, Attorney-at-Law Marissa awareness and understanding of intellectual property.

Longsworth and BSCAP. On April 26 (IP Day), BELIPO will be having an open day where members of the public are invited toThe stop in and collect information andof getWorld special assistance. theme in celebration IP Day Strict 2021COVID-19 is “IP &measures SMEs:will be adhered to.

TakingWeyour ideasthetopublic market”.

With this theme, WIPO isforhoping to also invite to visit our website at https://www.belipo.bz/ more information relating to BELIPO’s IP Day activities. shine a light on the economic importance of small or medium-sized The Belize Intellectual Property Office under the auspices of the Attorney General’s Ministry enterprises (SMEs) and their criticaland role in driving economic recovery takes this opportunity to encourage entrepreneurs SME’s to “take their ideas to market” today, Belize and the rest of world is waiting. and job creation. COVID-19 has vastly impacted the world’s economy

Belmopan, April 21, 2021

and Belize is no exception. Since SMEs make up around 90 percent Ends of the world’s businesses and employ around 50 percent of the global workforce, generating up to 40 percent of national income in many emerging economies, we must encourage and support SMEs in taking their ideas to market, this may bring us one step closer in building back the world’s economy.

PRESS RELEASE

Ministry of Blue Economy Meets with Key Partners in San Pedro Belmopan. April 15, 2021. 3:40 p.m.

Hon. Andre Perez, Minister of Ministry of Blue Economy and Civil Aviation, along with representatives from the Ministry, met with key partners in San Pedro to discuss collaboration opportunities.

Discussions focused on opportunities for greater community involvement.

The highlight of the meeting was Minister Perez’s invitation to the partners to explore opportunities for co-management of the Bacalar Chico Reserve in San Pedro. This is in accordance with the Ministry of Blue Economy’s principle of inclusivity and community engagement. The Minister noted that best practices have shown that the community must be an integral partner in the management of its marine reserves.

The Ministry of Blue Economy and Civil Aviation welcomes the opportunity to engage with all sectors interested and able to partner in its vision: “By 2030, Belize’s Blue Economy will be productive, resilient and vibrant, contributing substantially to the socio-economic well-being of the country and its people.”

Kennedy Carrillo, CEO in the Ministry, and Beverly Wade, Policy and Planning Advisor, accompanied Minister Perez. Present were representatives of the San Pedro Fishing Association, San Pedro Tour Operators Association, San Pedro Tour Association, and the San Pedro Town Council.

Ends

In celebration of World IP Day 2021, Belize Intellectual Property Office (BELIPO) will be highlighting the importance of IP for economic growth and development, with the aim of encouraging our Belizean citizens to tap into their creative skills and allow their ideas to come to fruition.

PR#248

In that regard, representatives of BELIPO will appear on the “You and the Law” show on Krem TV on Wednesday, April 21, 2021, at 7:30 p.m. We will be speaking about IP day and our scheduled activities and the significance of IP for economic growth and development.

BELIPO will be hosting two virtual seminars for SME’s, Copyright Holders, University students and the general public. Day 1 (April 22) will be geared towards creating awareness on how registering your intellectual property can impact the success of your business. Day 2 (April 23) will be focused on Copyright and how right holders can “take their ideas to the market”. There will be presentations from Marie Sharp’s Fine Foods Ltd., Belize Agro Enterprise Ltd., BELTRAIDE, Attorney-at-Law Marissa Longsworth and BSCAP. On April 26 (IP Day), BELIPO will be having an open day where members of the public are invited to stop in and collect information and get special assistance. Strict COVID-19 measures will be adhered to.

We also invite the public to visit our website at https://www. belipo.bz/ for more information relating to BELIPO’s IP Day activities.

The Belize Intellectual Property Office under the auspices of the Attorney General’s Ministry takes this opportunity to encourage entrepreneurs and SME’s to “take their ideas to market” today, Belize and the rest of world is waiting.

Ends

PRESS RELEASE

Minister of National Defence and Border Security Welcomes Germany’s Defence Attaché Belmopan. April 13, 2021. 4:25 p.m.

On Monday, April 12, 2021, Hon. Florencio Marin Jr., Minister of National Defence and Border Security, received a courtesy visit from Lieutenant Colonel Reiner Jantos, Germany’s Defence Attaché, at the Curl Thompson Building, Belmopan.

During their meeting, Minister Marin and Lieutenant Colonel Jantos pledged to continue to promote the spirit of goodwill and mutual interests and to strengthen the existing good relationship of cooperation between the two countries. They also discussed training opportunities for the military forces.

Minister Marin was accompanied by Hon. Oscar Mira, Minister of State in the Ministry; Brigadier General (Ret’d) Dario Tapia, CEO in the Ministry; Admiral John Borland, chief of defence staff in the Ministry; and Hon. Ramiro Ramirez, Minister of State in the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government.

Accompanying the Defence Attaché were Lars Behrend, First Secretary for Mexico and Central America, and Sergeant Major Sascha Peters.

Ends