Belize Times April 28, 2019- Belizeans Disappointed!

APP

The Belize Times Established 1957

The Truth Shall Make You Free

28 APRIL 2019 | ISSUE NO: 5144

NO!!

Thursday, April 25, 2019 Belize’s mother of all referenda is reset to just before Mother’s Day on Wednesday May 8, 2019.

Eight days after the under-injunction April 10, 2019 referendum date, the UDP had the Queen of England’s representative hastily signing another set of writs for a referendum. This was done with a new law, the Belize Territorial Dispute Referendum, passed as a ‘fix’ in just five days, by the House and Senate. Last time, the writ was secretive so that is a little change. Wow! If only the UDP could be that expedient with the issuing of land to all Belizeans, and all the general governing of

the nation.

How anxious can they be to gamble out our country? They are on record saying that losing at the International Court of Justice would be the end of the matter.

We (Belizeans) would likely become refugees, according to the UDP. The ICJ trial is like a monopoly game. The UDP truly sees Belize’s borders with artificial significance.

Such rhetoric is not surprising coming from someone who has asked his constituency to vote in elections for someone who is like them...and not to vote for George C. Price.

The entire United Democratic Party does not comprehend that ALL of Belize’s land and maritime

boundaries are intertwined in the very Belizean spirit and DNA, so far and beyond artificial. It is only in some power stupor that this administration is choosing the way of the Dodo birds—rushing blindly to the edge of an abyss.

Has anything changed since April 10 as Belizeans are artificially given another target date even as the Chief Justice is yet to have his say on Monday April 29(hold on tight)?

Updates, let’s see, One: The United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union meddled in our process by making a joint statement on our ICJ referendum. They should know better than to interfere in someone else’s democratic process. Rus-

www.belizetimes.biz | $1.00

sia-Brexit-Mueller-Trump…a few key words. The content of their release gets lost as pure Belizeans think “none a yu bizniz.” Really? Did Trudeau and May and all European Union presidents/PMs chime in and knew about this letter? Or did some ‘poco-tiempo’ set of diplomats forge it. Sincerely, it rang out like fake news.

Since when are the British and European Union in agreement on something?

Two: The outgoing Guatemalan president has publicly urged Belize to have the referendum in a sort of dog whistle. He also

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THE UDP: A STATE OF

ADVANCED DECOMPOSITION

Thursday, April 25, 2019 The news late last week that the morgue at the Southern Regional Hospital is not functioning, and has not functioned for more than a month, came as a shock to the nation. In fact, it seemed to come as a shock even to the Ministry of Health, which issued an absolutely ridicu-

lous press release long after the fact, and long after Belizeans condemned the negligence and neglect not only with regard to the morgue, but in the entire health system.

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BELIZEANS

DISAPPOINTED!

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Pg. 10

02 2

28 APR

THE BELIZE TIMES

NO!!

EAMON STILL SEARING ON SOCIAL MEDIA Thursday, April 25, 2019 Senate Presentation on the Belize Territorial Dispute Referendum Bill 2019(BTDRB) In the future, some medical scientists allege, humans will only require a genetic pill to ‘fix’ any ill the body might be suffering. Belize’s Prime Minister Barrow seems to believe he can already do the same with our Rule of Law. No one in his cadre of ministers seems to be able to speak truth to power to curb this horribly wrong notion.

Most probably, these representatives poised as ministers cannot diagnose the errors of his ways.

On the 15th of April, the Senate read and passed the BTDRB with the urgency of a mad rush to the WC. The fumbling President of the Senate, was almost ready to “wrap it up” when all was still raw— practically all the Senators were yet to present. In other words, most of Belize was being silenced by someone who is generally a stranger to them.

That rang with deep overtones of disrespect and authoritarianism. Even the ‘new Senator’ thought he would be out by 11:30am. He should have just

Continued from page 1 spited us by showing some innocent children how to wrongly draw Belize as part of Guatemala. He is truly a comedian at heart. Belize asks him to please get Belize out of his imagination and possibilities.

Who has not flinched is the People’s United Party and its resolve to push the UDP administration to get the ICJ referendum process on its correct legal footing and educational soundness. It is probably impossible for the PUP to go wrong since they have all the people behind them as can be ascertained in the all-powerful People’s Declaration. A la George Price, John Briceño braved visits with all our 31 constituencies in order to Get the PUP’s Position Right. The UDP can learn from that but their leader wishes to ignore the glaring writing on the proverbial and social walls.

PUP Representatives and Standard Bearers stand on solid moral footing when they show their hearts, and whenever they look into anyone’s eyes to say no to the UDPs ill-conceived referendum process and, still, No to the ICJ.

THE UDP: A STATE OF

news, then having to hurriedly bury their loved one in a closed casket, through no fault of their own. That was over a month ago, and the morgue has not worked since then.

In typical style the UDP has accepted no blame for the failure of the morgue. On Tuesday, after the PUP fired off a release demanding that they get the morgue fixed, the Ministry of Health sent out a lame release not explaining the problem, but lashing out at the PUP for highlighting the problem.

This cold-hearted, lame-brained Barrow administration is willing to spend $190,000,000 on a road which will serve only a very few people, some of them in Cabinet, but have ZERO cents to fix the health system, including the morgue at the Southern Regional Hospital which hasn’t worked in a whole month. The Prime Minister has stood up in the House and practically cried tears in defense of his $190M road. But the same Prime Minister has not shed a tear when Belizeans have died because of negligence in the health system. He

ADVANCED DECOMPOSITION Continued from page 1 Every Belizean, no matter what political affiliation, should have been deeply disturbed when the media reported that a man from Dangriga, whose wife died of natural causes in their home, was turned back from the Southern Regional Hospital when he tried to take the body of his wife there. In fact, that man had to leave his wife’s body in their home for the night, until she could have been picked up the next day by the undertaker he selected to care for her. That is rank negligence and rank disrespect. No Belizean should have to go through that.

But this is not the first or only time the UDP Administration has screwed up at the Southern Regional Hospital morgue. Just over a month ago, a family had to be called in to get the body of their loved one after it started to decompose, inside the morgue.

Imagine the grief of a family given that

United States

on page 31 ExchangeContinued rate (USD): $ 0.50 of One Belize Dollar

Barbados (BBD): $ 0.97

2019

Eastern Caribbean Euro (XCD):$ 1.32 (EUR) : $ 0.43

left, ask Belizeans.

Senator Eamon Courtney’s presentation unapologetically threw hot salt unto the Interim Injunction UDP wound.

This assault on the UDP’s referendum process was nothing short of heroic and even Churchill would salute. Social media still rocks at the video clips of his searing words.

Ahead is an attempt to condense the essence. (not necessarily in order of presentation) (After the BOLDTYPE are excerpts) Call for Unity “We have an opportunity as Belizeans to renew our commitment on the Belize-Guatemala issue to a united and unified position. It is far too important an issue for us to continue. The Honorable Attorney General blames the PUP for politicizing it and the PUP blaming the UDP for politicizing it. Whoever is at fault, the time is opportune for us to put political differences aside and to approach this matter as

has not shed a tear when babies die because there was nobody to attend to them in time. He has not shed a tear when poor Belizeans cannot access basic medication or basic services because the UDP has wrecked the health system.

The Prime Minister will not shed a tear because he can travel out of the country every single month to seek medical attention at the fanciest hospitals across the world. All the UDP Ministers can. They have never had to stand in line for hours, only to be told that there is no doctor in attendance. They have never had to be told that there is no Ambulance to transport their loved ones. Only ‘normal’ Belizeans have those problems.

It is time for the Belizean people to let this UDP government pay for its abuse and neglect. Mr. Barrow wants his legacy to be roads and roundabouts. He would be happy with that. But his legacy, and the legacy of the UDP when they are kicked out of office soon, will be CORRUPTION, greed, a people poorer than ever before and a health system which is failed. It is time for the UDP to go.

Belizeans united to fight against Guatemala.”

April 10 referendum miscue “It is not without significance that we find ourselves here at the National Assembly debating a bill to allow a referendum to take place lawfully on a day after when the referendum should have been held. That should give us reason to pause; when is it that this government realized that a piece of legislation is required in order to lawfully hold this referendum? We were supposed to go April 10, 2019 without this bill. It means Mr. President that we were going to have a referendum that was not properly authorized by law and that we are now going to consider this piece of legislation; we need to get it right.”

Exposes Election and Boundaries Vital Stats: Everybody came today with evidence. Everybody come with documents. I bring mine. April 11, 2019, a letter signed by Darrell Bradley, the former UDP Mayor of Belize City and aspirant to Caribbean Shores addressed to Josephine Tamai, Chief Elections Officer on behalf of a client. Mr. Bradley is writing her on a letter she wrote on the 26th of March 2019 under the caption Failure To Carry Out Continued on page 7

The Belize Times

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14 APR 2013

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The Truth Shall Make You Free

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28 APR

2019

THE BELIZE TIMES

03 3

EDITORIAL

BELIZEANS, DEAL WITH THEM!

D

eath comes calling equally for the poor and the privileged, it comes for the educated and the unenlightened, and it takes the young and the old just the same.

Recent occurrences in our health system have struck a raw nerve with the Belizean public. The matter is one in a series of unfortunate events as the MOH would have us believe. Just bad, dumb luck? Or is it just dumb and lack of proper planning and administration of our resources? The morgue has not been operational at the Southern Regional Hospital from about mid-March. On April 2, 2019 family members of a recently deceased woman were forced to bury her in a closed casket funeral due to advanced state of decomposition. This caused the family much unnecessary grief and anguish.

Now this latest incident is just a testament of the ineptitude that has for the last 10 years come to characterize the MOH. We have borne witness to a rat infestation so enormous that it began in the Western Regional Hospital’s kitchen pantry and stretched over into the hospital nursery. One of those same rats was found chewing on the toes of a defenseless premature baby in an incubator. We have also heard accounts of snakes attacking nurses in that very same hospital. Who can forget the deaths of thirteen babies at the KHMH in 2013 due to a bacteria found in the neonatal unit? Even now there is a critical shortage of medicines countrywide for people suffering from a wide range of acute and chronic illnesses because government bureaucracy seems intent on squeezing out certain pharmaceutical importers and distributors of the private sector. The MOH seems indifferent to the plight and suffering of Ordinary Belizeans who cannot afford to travel outside the country to secure their medication.

The Minister of Health has been silent for all these gaffes. He prefers instead to have the PM, his CEO, or any other members of his staff face the public and to give account to Belizeans of his ineptitude. The recent press release has stirred the ire of the public yet again and does nothing to assure Belizeans that the shortcomings will be righted. Adding salt to an already profound wound is that GOB has “competing priorities” and even while they “acknowledge the need to purchase equipment for the morgue” MOH cannot give us a definite timeline as to when this will occur. Instead MOH tries to assuage us that they “hopefully have the morgue up and working over the medium term,” and then asks the public’s cooperation in the interim.

Quick research has unearthed a plethora of information on the procurement of mortuary refrigeration drawers. GOB will be ecstatic to find out that Alibaba.com lists a unit of 6 storage drawers for an average of $2000US. GOB may want to inquire if in fact they are eligible for any special family discounts to garner additional savings.

The Hon Gaspar Vega has been present for only a single Sitting of the House, since he resigned in disgrace from Cabinet in 2016, but has been collecting salary and community vote monies from the public purse. These monies, around 10K monthly, could have over the last three years alone bought Belizeans 72 cold storage units of 6 drawers each. Foresight, adequate planning, prudent fiscal management and proper administration are not qualities symptomatic of the current MOH by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, we hazard a guess that the shambles that is now the MOH is in fact representative of the total and complete system malfunction and corruption of the current GOB. We have every confidence that Belizeans will swiftly deal with the multiple systemic failures shortly at the polls. #dealwitdem

04 4

THE BELIZE TIMES

EDITORIAL

28 APR

2019

en Español

¡BELICEÑOS, A LIDIAR CON ELLOS!

L

a muerte viene llamando por igual a los pobres y los privilegiados, viene para los educados y los no iluminados, y toma a los jóvenes y a los viejos por igual. Los acontecimientos recientes en nuestro sistema de salud han golpeado un tema sensible con el pueblo beliceño. El ministerio de salud (MOH, en inglés) nos quiere hacer creer que el asunto es uno en una serie de eventos desafortunados. ¿Sera mala y tonta suerte? ¿O es simplemente estúpida la falta de planificación y administración adecuada de nuestros recursos? La morgue no ha estado operativa en el hospital regional del sur desde mediados de marzo. El 2 de abril, 2019 miembros de la familia de una mujer recién fallecida se vieron obligados a enterrarla en un funeral con ataúd cerrado debido al estado avanzado de descomposición. Esto le causó a la familia mucho dolor y angustia innecesaria.

Ahora, este último incidente es sólo un testamento de la ineptitud que ha venido a caracterizar al MOH durante los últimos 10 años. Hemos sido testigos de una infestación de ratas tan enorme que comenzó en la despensa de la cocina del hospital regional occidental y se extendió a la guardería del hospital. Una de esas ratas se encontró masticando los dedos de un bebé indefenso en una incubadora. También hemos escuchado los relatos de las serpientes atacando a las enfermeras en ese mismo hospital. ¿Quién puede olvidar la muerte de trece bebés en el KHMH en 2013 debido a una bacteria encontrada en la unidad neonatal? Todavía hoy hay crítica sobre una escasez de medicamentos en todo el país para las personas que sufren de una amplia gama de enfermedades agudas y crónicas, porque la burocracia gubernamental parece estar decidida a exprimir a ciertos Importadores y distribuidores farmacéuticos del Sector privado. El MOH parece indiferente a la situación y el sufrimiento de los beliceños ordinarios que no pueden permitirse viajar fuera del país para asegurar su tratamiento.

El ministro de salud ha permanecido en silencio ante todas estas metidas de pata. Prefiere mejor que el Primer Ministro, su director ejecutivo (CEO, en inglés), o cualquier otro miembro de su personal se enfrente al público para darles cuenta a los beliceños de su ineptitud. El reciente comunicado de prensa ha vuelto a agitar la ira del público y no hace nada para asegurar a los beliceños que las deficiencias se corregirán. Agregándole sal a una herida ya profunda es que el Gobierno de Belice (GOB, en inglés) tiene “prioridades competitivas” e incluso mientras “reconocen la necesidad de comprar equipo para la morgue” el MOH no puede darnos un cronograma definitivo en cuanto o cuándo ocurrirá esto. En cambio, el MOH trata de apaciguarnos con que ellos “Esperan tener la morgue en funcionamiento a mediano plazo”, y luego pide la cooperación del público durante este periodo.

Una investigación rápida ha desenterrado una plétora de información sobre la adquisición de equipos frigoríficos funerarios. El GOB estaría extático en descubrir que Alibaba.com enumera una unidad de 6 compartimientos de almacenamiento para un promedio de $2000US. El GOB podría preguntar si de hecho califican para cualquier descuento especial familiar para lograr ahorros adicionales.

El Hon. Gaspar Vega ha estado presente sólo para una sesión de la cámara, desde que renunció en desgracia del gabinete de gobierno en 2016, pero ha estado recibiendo el salario y el dinero de fondos de la comunidad de la bolsa pública. Estos fondos, alrededor de 10 mil mensuales, pudieron, en los últimos tres años comprarles a los beliceños 72 unidades de almacenamiento frigorífico de 6 compartimientos cada uno. La previsión, y planificación apropiada, gestión fiscal prudente y administración adecuada no son cualidades sintomáticas del actual MOH por cualquier tramo de la imaginación.

De hecho, nos aventuramos a adivinar que el caos que ahora es el MOH es de hecho representativo del total y completo mal funcionamiento del sistema y la corrupción del GOB actual.

Tenemos toda la confianza que los beliceños lidiarán rápidamente con los múltiples fracasos sistémicos en breve, en las urnas. #dealwitdem

28 APR

2019

THE BELIZE TIMES

QUESTIONS TO THE MINISTERS

CARTOON

Will the Minister of Finance please request the Governor of the Central Bank to disclose the cleaning contract for the Central Bank building and will he also ask the Central Bank Governor if any member of the Barrow family is in any way connected or associated with this very lucrative cleaning contract?

2. Will someone in the government please tell the people of Dangriga what happened to Papa Mena? In light of all what is happening at the hospital in Dangriga their area representative has been very silent leaving the good people of Dangriga to wonder if they have any representative in the Cabinet.

3. Will the Minister of Immigration and Senator responsible for Government Business please inform the nation when the Report of the Senate Select Committee into the immigration scandal will be made public? Belizeans want to know what the findings of the committee in light of the shocking testimony of UDP Ministers and former Ministers like Elvin Penner, Boots Martinez, Edmond “Clear the land�

Castro, Rene Montero and others. Will the Minister say if the report recommends that these ministers were involved in corrupt activities?

4. Will the Prime Minister and Minister responsible for Election and Boundaries please inform the nation if all the legal procedures have been put in place by the Election and Boundaries Commission to ensure a free and fair result in the upcoming Referendum? And will the Prime Minister also say if the Election and Boundaries Commission have been holding meetings in preparation for the upcoming referendum?

05 5

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UDP SLOVENLY SICARIO

06 6 What do the people of the world die from?

By Hannah Ritchie Oxford Martin School 6th March 2019 https://www.bbc.com/news/healthAround the world, people are living longer.

In 1950, global average life expectancy at birth was only 46. By 2015, it had shot up to over 71.

In some countries, progress has not always been smooth. Disease, epidemics and unexpected events are a reminder that ever-longer lives are not a given.

Meanwhile, the deaths that may preoccupy us - from terrorism, war and natural disasters - make up less than 0.5% of all deaths combined.

But across the world, many are still dying too young and from preventable causes.

The story of when people die is really a story of how they die, and how this has changed over time.

Causes of death around the world About 56 million people in the world died in 2017.

This is 10 million more than in 1990, as the global population has increased and people live longer on average.

More than 70% die from non-communicable, chronic diseases. These are not passed from person to person and typically progress slowly.

The biggest single killer is cardiovascular disease, which affects the heart and arteries and is responsible for every third death.

This is twice the rate of cancers - the second leading cause - which account for about one in six of all deaths.

Other non-contagious diseases such as diabetes, certain respiratory diseases and dementia are also near the top of the list.

LOST BOAT REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE: Notice is hereby given that Ermer Roberto Correa , of Copper Bank Village, Corozal District, owner of a fiberglass skiff namely “ARIE” bearing registration number CZL- 0109 is declaring the lost of his boat registration certificate.

LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICE Notice is hereby given that Chun Hua Huang is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at ”J. Mall ” located in Hattieville Village, 15 Miles George Price Highway, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

THE BELIZE TIMES

PHC 30-30-30, PAHO’s new Regional Compact on Primary Health Care for Universal Health Following the presentation of a report with recommendations to achieve universal health, which highlights the central role of Primary Health Care (PHC) and the need to eliminate barriers to access, the Director of PAHO launched a new regional compact with goals to achieve it.

Mexico City, 11 April 2019 (PAHO)- In order to help the countries of the Americas achieve universal health, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has launched the Regional Compact on Primary Health Care for Universal Health: PHC 30-30-30. This Compact establishes goals to eliminate barriers to health access, and to increase funding by 30% to the first level of care by 2030.

The presentation of the Compact took place on the 10th of April following the launch of the report of the High-level Commission “Universal Health in the XXI Century: 40 years of AlmaAta.” The report emphasizes that achieving health for all will only be possible by ensuring the right to health, models of care that are based on PHC, care that is centered on the needs of people, effective financing, multisectoral collaboration and social participation.

“Without such resources, we can never respond to the diverse health needs of people and the community. Without a comprehensive first level of care, and the participation of the community in all aspects of its governance, we can never realize the promise of Primary Health Care. And without a strong first level of care, we can never achieve Universal Health in the Americas,” said PAHO Director, Carissa F. Etienne.

The goals that PAHO proposes that countries commit themselves to achieving include: • •

Reducing by at least 30% the barriers that hinder access to health by 2030.

Allocate at least 30% of the entire public health budget to the first level of care by 2030.

Likewise, the Compact calls for the transformation of health systems towards equitable, comprehensive and inclusive health care models based on primary care.

“The development of care models based on PHC, with intersectoral actions, and with the necessary human, financial and technological resources, is fundamental to eliminate inequities and achieve universal health in the Region,” said Dr. James Fitzgerald, Director of the Health Systems and Services Department at PAHO.

Currently, it is estimated that 30% of the population of the Americas lacks access to the health care they need. The barriers that prevent such access include financial, geographical, institutional, social and cultural barriers, which constitute the main impediments to equity, health and development in the 21st Century. On average, countries of the Region invest 4.2% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in health, less than the 6% minimum recommended by the WHO. Of that percentage, countries allocate an average of 26% of their health budgets to the first level of care.

The new PHC 30-30-30 Compact for Universal Health is PAHO’s immediate response to the ten recommendations of the Universal Health Commission in the 21st Century, and a call to its Member States to accelerate the regional response to achieve health for all in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

Applying these recommendations “will catalyze the transformation we need to achieve Universal Health by 2030,” said Dr. Etienne.

28 APR

2019

28 APR

2019

THE BELIZE TIMES

BELLY of the

BEAST

Mo’ Money The Belize Times has been very reliably informed that tensions are high in Cabinet right now after Ministers have allegedly demanded more money to pay off and bring out people to vote YES to the ICJ on May 8. A source told us that the bald head old back Barrow was outraged, since he claimed that he had already handed out money for mobilization before the referendum was cancelled. So anyway, apparently all the ‘mobilization’ money paid out to UDP representatives and caretakers before April 10 is gone. It must have followed the Petrocaribe money into that black hole, and the big cheese is irate. So now he’ll have to find new money to pay out to mobilize people to vote YES. The same source is saying that Belizeans can look out for another increase in the price of fuel before May 10. Real Ali Baba and the 40 thieves kinda move.

Advanced Decomposition Can you believe that the morgue at the Southern Regional Hospital hasn’t been working for a month now? Apparently nobody knew, not even officials at the Ministry of Health who seemed genuinely shocked when the PUP pointed it out this week. And in typical UDP style, instead of fixing the damn problem, the Ministry blames the PUP for telling them to fix the damn problem. That’s what comes from having an electrician as the Health Minister. He dumbs down everybody that works with him, apparently. This is beyond ridiculous. Barrow and his worthless bunch can find money to pay people to vote YES to the ICJ. They can find money to pay a whole bunch of people to spew propaganda, and find money to pay a whole bunch of diplomats to mill around saying YES to the ICJ like robots. But they can’t find the money to pay to fix the morgue. The best is yet to come, we hear.

Maybe that means all the morgues in the country will stop working. Who knows?

Strategy Session The Belize Times has just been advised that all the UDP intellectuals (what an oxymoron) are currently assembled in the Ministry of Health to figure out damage control. Belizeans have been taking shots at the government, which apparently can find $190M to build a road to Caracol, but can’t fix the morgue at the Southern Regional Hospital. We’re told that Pablo, and Rene (who really, really wants this road to Caracol for his own personal reasons) are suggesting that the government issue a release stating that it will build a state of the art morgue, CSI style, on the road to Caracol. And if that doesn’t appease the commoners, they advised, the government can promise to build the morgue right next to a brand new state of the art DNA testing facility on the Caracol Road. What more could the people want, they cried?

Please Don’t Die It was probably Pablo who came up with the idea to send out a release asking people in the south to please be considerate until the UDP can get the morgue fixed. By being considerate, apparently, the Ministry of Health is asking people please not to die, at least for the next few weeks. And if they absolutely cannot put it off, could they please die in another area and not an area which should be serviced by the Southern Regional Hospital.

We think that’s a perfectly reasonable thing to ask. But oh, don’t die near PG, because we are told that morgue isn’t working too well either, and there is only space for four persons anyway; so it gets crowded. And don’t die in Belmopan, because they have the same exact problems, space for 4 only. Your best bet right now is to die in Belize City, because there is a little more space at the KHMH morgue. The Ministry thanks you for your cooperation and consideration.

Bad Touch The Belize Times has received very credible information that there is a doctor in the public health system in the south who is known for very disturbing hanky-panky where female patients are concerned. Seems that this doctor has run afoul of the administration on various occasions, after numerous complaints, but keeps getting placed back in the system because of his last name. The medical maniac, we are told, has connections very high up in the government structure, so he is considered one of the untouchables in the south. My old granny used to say that ‘dog weh tief from foul coop neva stop.’ No wonder the health system is the way it is.

Did You Know?

Did you know that there is no ambulance servicing the Toledo District right now, and none in Punta Gorda? Seems that two ambulances were crashed and never fixed, so whenever there is the need to transport a patient in critical condition, an ambulance has to come all the way from the Southern Regional Hospital, or the PG Hospital has to send that patient in another truck assigned to the Ministry of Health? There’s a whole lot you may not know, but everything that is in the dark must come to light, and the truth really does set you free.

07 7

EAMON STILL SEARING ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Continued from page 2 Directives Omitting Applicants From the Registrar of Electors and Monthly Supplemental List. ...Ironically and curiously the vital statistics unit did produce proof of his Belizean citizenship on the same day when he complained to Mrs. Tamai. …What was wrong was that because Mr. Bradley was a member of the UDP his complains to you seems to have been given special significance. …A registering officer is directed by the Chief Elections officer to register someone so that he can vote in the elections.

Barrow’s Words Interesting: On October 15, 2008 the Honorable PM said in an interview, the Special Agreement would be taken to the National Assembly for its consideration. On the 3rd of December the PM repeated that the National Assembly would consider the Special Agreement. On the 6th of November, our dear departed Ambassador Fred Martinez who was in charge of the process said that the agreement will be taken to the National Assembly for it to be considered. To this day none of these promises have been held.

Courtney position since 2008 On the 26th of November 2008: Courtney quoting himself “We believe that the National Assembly should have debated it and should have in fact should have authorized the Minister to sign it or not authorized the minister not to sign it. But the government of the day has decided that they wanted to go this way and it is their decision.

Senator Godwin’s Fear Senator Hulse had a fear that going to court with the slightest possibility of losing some ground would seek to deter people who seek a yes vote when the time comes.

Gian Ghandi advise to the then Attorney General 12th of March 2009: No matter what the strength of Belize’s case may be under International Law, the possibility of some territorial adjustment by Belize cannot be ruled out. In fact, it would be surprising to the point of incredulity if the ICJ adjudication would result in a whole sale rejection of Guatemala’s Claim given the nature and composition of the ICJ. Denny’s Barrow concern Quoted Ghandhi: It would not be enough to tell Belizeans that Belize has an exceptionally strong case on the merits. Belizeans would want a cast iron guarantee that there would be no loss of Belizean territory in any circumstances. No informed Belizean would want to gamble Belize’s future. The stakes are too high.

Belize Territorial Dispute Referendum Bill 2019 There are still no regulation that provide for monitors to participate in this referendum. Who is going to oversee the voting? Who is going to oversee the counting? The Representation of People’s Act does not provide for a standalone referendum and it does not authorize the appointment of persons. There is no authority under any law in Belize for the appointment of community leaders, member of the bar, member of the chamber, to go into a polling station or to go into a counting station.

WHEN this referendum is held and the votes are close, who is going to be fighting over whether a ballot should be accepted or not?

PUP position since 2008 “Talking about peddling propaganda, it is important that the record be clear. I took the time to go into the OAS’s website. December 3, 2008: before the Special Agreement was signed.”

Words from Organization of American States website: Notably, that document(Special Agreement) even though it has already been vetted by the cabinets of both countries had still not been made public. Government of Belize official have said that it will be made public only after it has been signed in Washington. Officials of the opposition People’s United Party have expressed the view that even before the document is signed at the OAS it must go to the National Assembly which is the body legally empowered to submit an issue of National importance to a countrywide referendum.

“Third of December of 2008 in the archives of the Organization of American States, the position of the People’s United Party was made clear.”

This Bill seeks to bring in, through the back door, the Special Agreement into domestic law. We on this side Mr. President ask, “Why the rush?”

El Pueblo unido jamás será vencido. ¡Hasta la victoria siempre, unidos!

Watch the video clips on your favourite FB page: Belize Times

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THE BELIZE TIMES

28 APR

2019

REAL Good Governance Reform!

Changing the Status Quo For the People’s United Party to restore the people’s confidence in any government after three terms of an abusive, corrupt and incompetent UDP, it must be serious about good governance reform. The Barrow administration has been the worst in history, allowing no REAL oversight and giving UDP Ministers powers which led to gross irregularities and abuses of process and people. The new People’s United Party government will do things differently. We will give power back to the people of the country who will elect us to represent them.

We WILL: PUT POLITICS AND MINISTERIAL POWER IN THEIR PROPER PLACES: We will immediately strengthen the Integrity Commission, providing the necessary funds for its Secretariat to fulfil its important legal, auditing and investigative roles free from any undue political influence.

Monitor the conduct and performance of Government Ministers and all elected officials in public life to ensure their “honourable” exercise of duties and responsibilities, and to prevent any behavior that can bring disrepute and shame to our nation, to our government and/or to our Party. Such embarrassing behavior will lead to their immediate expulsion from the Cabinet.

If a Minister is found breaking the law he/she will be subjected to the legal process and will face the consequences like any other person, including jail time. The rule of law means nothing if the laws do not apply equally to all.

We will limit the subjective authority of Ministers by removing the discretionary powers and reducing the need for letters from Ministers for everything. Presently, letters from Ministers are needed for recruitment to the Police and the Belize Defense Force, a hitherto unheard of thing. Public officers will be made to do their job, without fear or favour, and punishment will be swift for incompetence and/or corruption.

WE WILL: STRENGTHEN CHECKS AND BALANCES: We will reconstitute the Public Accounts Committee for the effective participation of the Social Partners in the Senate so as to ensure its proper role in overseeing the sound and prudent management of public revenues and expenditures approved in the Budget.

We will strengthen the capacities, allocate the appropriate resources and ensure the autonomy of the offices of the Auditor General, the Contractor General, the Ombudsman, and the Integrity Commission to better fulfil their technical mandates and provide the appropriate support to the oversight responsibilities of the Public Accounts Committee and other oversight committees.

WE WILL ENABLE: An EMPOWERED LEGISLATURE: The PUP will improve legislative governance by providing greater oversight by the National Assembly with respect to the work of the House Committees. We WILL establish Standing Senate Committees that will have the authority to conduct inquiries into any and all matters with a view to advancing the cause of nation-building.

WE WILL RESTORE: EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT PUBLIC SERVICE: We will take immediate steps to restore the autonomy of the Public Service (establish clear boundaries between the political directorate and the public service) and Public Service Commission to re-establish integrity and impartiality in the recruiting, training, evaluating and disciplining processes, and

We will introduce the necessary legislation with appropriate measures to protect whistle blowers and witnesses involved in corruption cases and to increase the penalties for acts of corruption and public authority abuses.

The PUP will revert to having Permanent Secretaries (Senior Career Public Officers) as the accounting officers of the specific Ministry/ Ministries.

WE WILL CREATE A: SEPARATION OF POWERS: All Judges and Magistrates of the Court will be employed with security of tenure. The PUP will establish sound systems and good practices for recruitment of all officers of the Court and will hold them responsible for the efficient administration of justice and to ensure the separation of powers of the state as clearly stipulated in the Constitution: Cease and desist from the public badgering and coercing of the judiciary by the Prime Minister and the Cabinet The Director of Public Prosecution will also be given security of tenure and the Department of Public Prosecution will be given the necessary resources to ensure that it complements the work of the Police to increase the rate of successful prosecution, particularly in murder cases WE WILL DELIVER: ELECTION REFORM: Within the first year of office we will present legislation to regulate campaign spending. We will also propose and enact legislation to limit campaigning up to the day before elections.

On Election Day all campaigning, paraphernalia, advertising etc. will not be allowed as it is done in other Caribbean countries.

We will insist, by any means necessary, that the UDP Government comply with the rule of law and conduct nationwide re-registration in 2017. The recent findings of 700 pages of unadulterated corruption in the Immigration Department lay bare for all to see the untold numbers of foreigners who received Belizean nationality by fraudulent means with the consequence being that these new fraudsters can and do vote in municipal and general elections, deciding for Belizeans who should be their government.

Implement a fixed date for general elections similar to that of municipal elections Implement a transparent redistricting exercise, free from any appearance of political manipulation, with the goal being a fair representation of the public Introduce campaign financing legislation Introduce an independent Elections & Boundaries Commission that shall be free from political interference with a Chairman who is appointed in a similar fashion as the DPP and Auditor-General, so he or she can be autonomous and free from the perception of governmental control.

I, John Briceño, as head of the next Government along with my Cabinet and together with the National Legislature, pledge to lead this transformation, motivated by the will of the people. In this noble path, we are guided by the philosophy of our Founding Father, the Right Hon. George Price, whose dynamic concept of a Peaceful, Constructive Revolution empowers us to confidently chart this way forward to a better future for all Belizeans.

28 APR

2019

FUEL PRICES Gasoline prices, 22-Apr-2019: The average price of gasoline around the world is 8.75 Belize Dollar per us gallon. However, there is substantial difference in these prices among countries.

As a general rule, richer countries have higher prices while poorer countries and the countries that produce and export oil have significantly lower prices. One notable exception is the U.S. which is an economically advanced country but has low gas prices.

The differences in prices across countries are due to the various taxes and subsidies for gasoline.

All countries have access to the same petroleum prices of international markets but then decide to impose different taxes. As a result, the retail price of gasoline is different.

(Ed. Note: The price in Venezuela is not an error. https:// www.globalpetrolprices.com/ gasoline_prices/) Gasoline prices, 22-Apr-2019 (BZ Dollar per gallon) Venezuela 0.06 Ecuador 3.73 Colombia* 5.68 Haiti 6.13 USA* 6.35 Tr.&Tobago 6.51 Panama* 6.65 Dominica 6.67 Puerto Rico 6.77 Suriname* 7.04 Taiwan* 7.39 Guatemala* 7.41 El Salvador* 7.51 Mexico* 7.72 Costa Rica* 7.81 Guyana 7.95 India* 8.13 China* 8.14 Argentina* 8.20 Paraguay 8.21 Australia* 8.25 Honduras 8.29 Nicaragua* 8.33 Canada* 8.55 Saint Lucia*8.58 Brazil* 8.63 Peru* 8.66 Grenada* 9.06 Cayman Isl.*9.27 Cuba 9.27 Chile* 9.46 Bahamas 9.54 Domin. Rep.*9.65 Japan* 9.68 Jamaica* 10.22 Belize 10.90

(in the website) Barbados* 14.56 Note: The prices for the countries with an * are updated weekly. The data for the remaining countries are updated monthly.

THE BELIZE TIMES

099

Happy Labour Day 2019

To all workers and their families From The Belize Times and the People’s United Party

BELIZE CRIME AND GENERAL NEWS Thurs. April 24, 2019 Police looking for known suspect who stabbed a WPC WPC, Shameika Mcfadzean, 23 years old, who is attached to Precinct 4, Belize City, reported she was off duty at the time and was in Placencia for the Easter weekend socializing with friends.

On Sunday while hanging out a woman known to her and her friends, walked up to them and started a fight. McFadzean said that it was while she was attempting to part the fight the woman stabbed her in the lower back. Police is currently looking for the suspect who is a known Belize City resident./// 3 year old injured in shooting incident is thankfully o.k.

The family of Jose Navarrette, 37 years old, and Herminda Navarette, along with Jose Junior, 3 years old, and another family member had just returned from church sometime after 9pm on Sunday, April 21, 2019. The family was just entering the house located on a farm in St, Margaret’s Village, Humming Bird Highway, when they heard a loud pop. As family members were trying to investigate what took place Herminda said she saw her husband and her baby bleed-

ing profusely. Navarette Senior received pellet wounds to the arms, meanwhile Navarette Junior received pellet wounds to the back and leg. Both were rushed to the Western Regional Hospital where they were treated and released. Herminda said her husband is the manager of a farm and the only problem she knows of is a mishap with a farm worker. Meanwhile, ACP Joseph Myvett, Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch said “So far we are not able to establish a motive but we are following several leads. /// Officials trying to find cause of fire that totally destroyed a bar in the South A fire in San Jose Village, Toledo District has completely destroyed a bar and all its contents sometime after 11 pm, Tuesday April 23, 2019. Businesswoman Margarita Pop told police she left Margarita Cool Spot secured and less than half an hour later was alerted that her bar was on fire. The thatched building and all its contents is valued at approximately $5,000.00./// Casket with woman inside left exposed following a car accident A family suffered a disturbing emotional ordeal after the tomb of their loved

one was completely destroyed and the casket left exposed after a vehicle crashed into it at the Lord Ridge Cemetery. While police have refused to speak on the matter we can confirm that the incident that involved a black SUV vehicle happened on Monday April 22, 2019 at the Lord Ridge Cemetery. No fatalities were reported. We understand the deceased mother and wife was buried only three years ago./// Other Incident: Teenager drowns near Mexican border over Easter holidays 19 year old resident of August Pine Ridge, Orange Walk, Belizean, Willy Mendez, drowned while swimming in the area of Cocodrilo Dorado cenote located along the Rio Hondo in the border community of La Union, Quintana Roo, Mexico.

Mexican media report that Mendez went swimming with a group of about 10 Belizeans from around 10 am Easter Sunday but, it was until 5 in the evening when the unfortunate drowning unfolded.

A witness in the area says Mendez separated from the group. He was later found dead and was reportedly brought across the river back to the Belize side.///

10 SPORTS GUATEMALA’S JULIO PADILLA

THE BELIZE THE BELIZE TIMES TIMES

21 29 AUG JAN 28 APR

2016 2017 2019

3rd Jose Conastuj - 1st Julio Padilla - 2nd Alex Julaju

wins Cross Country Cycling Classic

Belize City, April 20, 2019 Julio Padilla Miranda of Team Opticas Deluxe from Guatemala won the 91st annual Holy Saturday Cross Country cycling classic organized by the Cycling Federation of Belize, 142 miles from Leslie’s Imports on the George Price Highway to San Ignacio and back to BTL Park in Belize City on Holy Saturday morning, made all the more impressive by Padilla’s teammates Alex Julaju and Jose Canastuj taking 2nd and 3rd respectively.

1st Julio Padilla Miranda Team Opticas Deluxe - 5:44:34 $6,000 prize 2nd Alex Rony Julaju - Team Opticas Deluxe - 5:44:34 - $3,000 prize 3rd Jose Canastuj - Team Opticas Deluxe - 5:44:34 - $2,000 prize It was one of the fastest Cross Country races ridden in recent history, almost equalling Ryan Buamann’s 2008 record: 5:40:12, even though the new race route into San Ignacio over the new Santa Elena bridge added a half mile to the distance. Under-23 rider Julaju broke away solo when the race rolled west through Teakettle and swept over $6,000 in prizes all the way to San Ignacio and the Hawksworth Bridge. The main peloton caught up to him in Esperanza coming back, but after resting an hour in the peloton, Julaju was ready to go again.

He and Conastuj took off from the lead break at mile 35, and swept all remaining prizes, over $5,000 on the way to BTL park. The 2 under-23

riders waited for their team leader Julio Padilla to bridge the gap at mile 30, but Padilla brought Corey Williams along for the ride. Williams could not keep up and fell behind at mile 20, after which the Guat trio rode their race, “opening the throttle and kicking in the turbo” to open up a 5-minute lead on the nearest chasers by the time they crossed the finish line.

4th David Flynn (USA) – Team Classic Cycling | 5th Giovanni Lovell – Team DigiCell | 6th Corey Williams – Team Belize Linkup | 7th Patrick Raines (USA) – Team Classic Cycling | 8th Ron Vasquez - Team Benny’s Megabytes | 9th Justin Williams – Team 4th David Flynn USA 5th Giovanni Lovell - 6th Corey Williams - 7th Belize Linkup | 10th Patrick Raines USA Angel Tzib - Westrac Alliance | 11th Oscar Quiros – Team SMART | 20th Anthony Taylor – unattached | 12th Wasani Castro – Team Clear the will provide for a fair platform for Ed. Note: The Belize Times heartLand | 13th Nissan Arana - Westrac competition at this the flagship of ily CONGRATULATES ALL particiAlliance | 14th Brandon Cattouse – Belizean sports—the Belize Holy Satpants and the organizing committee.

Team SMART | 15th Chris Harkey urday Cross Country Cycling Classic.

We also wish to quietly mention (USA) – Team Classic Cycling | 16th The sporting health of this race has the issue of Belizeans living abroad Joslyn Chavarria Jr – Team DigiCell deep cultural ramifications that must and possibly not being able to bring | 17th Robert Liam Stewart – unatbe cared for and kept beyond any ill. teammates and also their qualifying tached | 18th Quinton “the BadAgain, thanks to all involved and we or not for prices as local Belizeans. dest” Hamilton – unattached | 19th are already looking forward to the We strongly endorse any move that Jose Choto – Team Recino’s Imports 11th of April 2020.

KHMH & MOES Premium Wines win in BDFA Maclean Insurance interoffice football

Belize City, April 17, 2019 The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital and the Ministry of Education and Sports/Premium Wines posted big wins in the Belize District Football Association’s (BDFA) Maclean Insurance Interoffice football competition at the Marion Jones Stadium last Wednesday night.

In Game 1, K.H.M.H. prescribed a 2-1 dose of humility for Belize Water Services, as Kevin Najera scored KHMH’s 1st goal in the 5th minute to lead 1-0 at the half. BWS’ David Robateau equalized 1-1 in the 36th minute, but Osmin Morales scored KHMH’s 2nd winning goal in the 61st minute.

In Game 2, MOES/Premium Wines schooled Tourist Village Tennants: 5-1. Carlos Landaverde gave the Tennants a 1-0 lead in the 5th minute, but Steven “Bredds” Baizar equalized for Premium Wines from the penalty spot in the 15th minute. Juan Carlos Dussan scored Premium Wines’ 2nd goal from a set pice in the 49th minute, and Baizar completed his hat trick with 2 goals in the 53rd and 57th minutes. Kursha Pollard scored Premium Wines’ 5th goal in the 60th minute.

Osmin Morales scored KHMH 2nd goal vs BWS

28 APR

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HOLY REDEEMER

CREDIT UNION LIMITED

75th AGM

WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2019 2:00 P.M. SHARP, BELIZE CIVIC CENTER 0ඍඕඊඍක ඗ඟඖඍකඛ 3ඔඍඉඛඍ %ඍ 3කඍඛඍඖග )඗ක <඗ඝක ³ඊඝඛඑඖඍඛඛ 0ඍඍගඑඖඏ´ &඗ඕඍ /එඛගඍඖ 7඗ 5ඍ඘඗කගඛ $ඊ඗ඝග <඗ඝක &කඍඌඑග 8ඖඑ඗ඖ (Passbook and Picture ID will be required to enter)

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28 APR

THE BELIZE TIMES 2019

28 APR

2019

28 APR

2019

18 JAN

THE BELIZE TIMES 2015

APRIL EASTER PUP AT WORK

Belize City Council

Wheelchair Donations; Easter Basket in Collet; Egg Hunt; Dominoes; Easter Mass

Orange Walk Town Council

Band Fest; Fort Mundy Project; Workshop for Council Workers

Corozal Town Council

Easter Celebrations, Easter Egg Hunt, Caring for the environment

THE PEOPLEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S UNITED PARTY - SERVING THE PEOPLE

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THE BELIZE TIMES

28 APR

2019

28 APR

2019

HONOURING THE LIFE AND WORK OF

GODWIN BUCKLEY J.P. Delivered on April 24, 2019 by Party Leader, Hon. John Briceño On the wall in my office is the address Mr. Price gave on Independence Day 1981 from the steps of the National Assembly in Belmopan.

I love that speech, I read it often to remind me and also our other leaders of the work ahead. There is a section of the speech that I repeat again and again, it is the section when Mr. Price talks about who we are as a people.

He said: “Belize is a people with all the attributes of nationhood, our hand works the mixed economy our heart beats with social justice and our soul cherishes treasures of the spirt.”

We must never forget these words he spoke on Independence Day 1981; we should also teach it to our children. We must also never forget that Mr. Price did not come up with this definition of a true Belizean by himself. I believe he arrived at this understanding because of the many people who joined the movement and who were engaged with him in the task of nation building. It was their example that helped Mr. Price define us as Belizeans.

Today as we gather here in thanksgiving for the life of Godwin Buckley I am thinking of the good Belizean, for he was one of those brave PUP soldiers who was there through it all.

His life is an example of what Mr. Price was talking about on that first Independence Day. For most of his eighty plus years here with us, Godwin Buckley lived the life a good Belizean. He worked with Mr. Price in the struggle for our independence.

He worked hard with this community serving in many capacities including as a member of the San Ignacio/Santa Elena Town Council. He was a man who like George Price was a worker.

For over 50 years, PUP leaders in this community benefited from his service to his Party and nation.

He was a leader, mentor, campaign organizer and friend to everyone, always doing his part to serve the people. He accepted many awards and citations with grace and was always proud to be a member of the People’s United Party.

He also helped to build the PUP and here in Cayo, Godwin Buckley will forever be loved and respected by all of us in the Party. Every successful PUP representative in Cayo knew and treasured him. Here in Cayo Central, from Assad Shoman to Dan Silva, from Collet Montejo to Alex Balona, as well as the many campaigners, executive members and Party Stalwarts all loved and respected Mr. Godwin. Yes, for his dedication to our Party, but more so

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for his selfless giving to help build the Twin Towns.

For me personally, it was always a pleasure to stop by his home where we would have long chats about the country and the Party. He was always happy to receive a visit from his Party Leader and I will miss those visits and those times when he would show me his many awards and certificates—received working for his beloved PUP. Godwin Buckley is one more from a generation of patriots who helped to define us as a Party and as a nation.

His generation taught us that most important lesson from the Scripture, which is found in the book of Acts when St. Paul said “I have shown you in all things that by working hard in this way we must help the weak, remembering the words that the Lord Jesus himself said, ‘That it is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Godwin, Mr. Price, Miss Jane, Madam Liz, San Perdomo, Lindy Rodgers, Harry Courtenay, all of them left us with the task to continue the work they started to live in this land we so love and to leave it better for our children.

There are three generations of Buckley’s here today and so I say to his children, Rose, Aloma and Barbara, to his 10 grandchildren and to his three great-grandchildren, thank you for sharing Godwin with us. Know this, your father, grandfather and great grandad helped to shape a nation; of this you must always be proud.

Godwin Buckley J.P. was a soldier of the People’s United Party who lived our motto to serve the people. We are comforted by the fact that having lived a long and fruitful life he passed away at home surrounded by loved ones.

We celebrate his life today because he leaves for us all an outstanding example of a Belizean whose hands worked the mixed economy, whose heart was always beating with social justice and who we believe will now enjoy his eternal reward that was prepared by our Creator for those whose soul cherished the treasures of the Spirit.

Rest dear Godwin, friend and soldier, you have surely earned it.

For Sale

By Order of the Mortgagee Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Mortgage made the 30th day of January,2012, between DENISE FOREMAN of 245 Seagull Street, Belize City, Belize (hereinafter called “the Borrower”) of the One Part and SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LIMITED (hereinafter called “the Mortgagee”) of the Other Part, and recorded at the Land Titles Unit in Belmopan in Deeds Book Volume 3 of 2012 at Folios 479 – 528 and the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto.

All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 592 (692.710 S.M.) situate in Independence Village, Stann Creek District and described as shown on Plan No. 355 of 2006, TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 9th day of April, 2019 MUSA & BALDERAMOS LLP 91 North Front Street Belize City Attorneys-at-Law for Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.

For Sale

By Order of the Mortgagee Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Mortgage made the 19th day of May,2010, between MINOR CASTELLANOS of 4 Miles, Northern Highway, Belize City, Belize District, Belize (hereinafter called “the Borrower”) of the One Part and SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LIMITED (hereinafter called “the Bank”) of the Other Part, and recorded in Deeds Book Volume 16 of 2010 at Folios 685-712 and the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto.

All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. SCHEDULE ALL THAT lot, piece or parcel of land situate at Mile 16, Northern Highway, Belize District being Lot No. 3 comprising 927.797 square meters of land, and being more particularly delineated and described as shown on a plan of subdivision by Licensed Surveyor E.H. Ellis and recorded at the office of the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys at Register No. 22 Entry No. 8748,TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 15th day of April, 2019 MUSA & BALDERAMOS LLP 91 North Front Street Belize City Attorneys-at-Law for Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.

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THE THEBELIZE BELIZETIMES TIMES

ESPAÑOL

$407 millones cuesta a la economía de El Salvador exceso de trámites estatales EL ECONOMISTA: Martes 23 de Abril 2019 El costo por los trámites que ciudadanos y empresas realizaron durante 2016 en los 14 ministerios del Órgano Ejecutivo ascendió a $407 millones, es decir, casi dos puntos del Producto Interno Bruto (PIB), según determinó un estudio elaborado por el Organismo de Mejora Regulatoria (OMR), con apoyo de la Comisión Nacional de Mejora Regulatoria en México (CONAMER).

En la investigación se analizaron 835 trámites, los que a su vez cuentan con 2,240 modalidades. Son precisamente estas modalidades las que implicaron un Costo Económico Social (CES) de $407 millones.

La mayor parte de costos se deriva del tiempo que los particulares destinan a cumplir con todos los requisitos que las instituciones les exigen (90.7 %), y el resto, al costo de oportunidad por el tiempo que se espera para obtener una resolución (9.3 %).

El Organismo de Mejora Regulatoria (OMR) explicó que las cargas administrativas de estos 835 trámites se midieron luego de adaptar la metodología del programa SIMPLIFICA, creado por la CONAMER. En promedio, cada ministerio cuenta con 164 modalidades de trámites, se solicitan 11 requisitos por modalidad y se debe esperar 38 días calendario para obtener una respuesta. El costo por trámites se calcula

2019 2019

$407 millones cuesta a la economía de El Salvador exceso de trámites estatales

en $1,788.

Según la OMR, determinar las características de cada trámite ha permitido agruparlos en trámites para ciudadanos y empresariales. De las 2,240 modalidades de trámites que se contabilizaron, 1,515 son empresariales, con un costo de $276.9 millones. Mientras que las 725 modalidades restantes son realizadas por ciudadanos y tienen un costo estimado de $130.1 millones.

El ministerio con más carga administrativa es Hacienda con $195 millones, $181 millones fueron pagados por empresarios y $14 millones por los ciudadanos.

Mientras que el ministerio con

más número de trámites es el de Obras Públicas. Solo en este ministerio se contabilizaron 157 trámites. En el Ministerio de Hacienda se exigen 146 trámites.

Esta medición forma parte del Proyecto de Simplificación y Registro de Trámites, el cual tiene como meta reducir en un 20 % las cargas administrativas que los trámites de los 14 ministerios imponen a los usuarios, hacia finales de 2020, justo al cierre de FOMILENIO II, el programa conjunto de inversión de los gobiernos de El Salvador y de Estados Unidos que busca reducir la pobreza y favorecer el

Panamá y China retoman negociaciones sobre tratado de libre comercio EL ECONOMISTA: MARTES 23 de Abril 2019 Panamá y China emprenderán entre el 24 y el 26 de abril en Pekín la quinta ronda de negociaciones para la firma de un tratado de libre comercio (TLC) con el que el país centroamericano busca convertirse en la puerta de entrada a América de los productos chinos, informó este martes una fuente oficial.

El Ministerio de Comercio e Industrias explicó en un comunicado que Panamá persigue con el acuerdo “potenciar su conectividad y dinamizar las ventajas del hub logístico”, así como incrementar “significativamente” las exportaciones panameñas hacia el mercado asiático.

“Nos sentimos optimistas de poder avanzar en las negociaciones manteniendo nuestra posición de velar por los mejores intereses de Panamá, asegurando aperturas de mercados para aquellos productos con mayor potencial y procurando las mejores condiciones para la atracción de inversión extranjera procedente de China”, indicó el ministro de Comercio e Industrias, Néstor González.

2828APR JAN

Panamá y China retoman negociaciones sobre tratado de libre comercio

El acuerdo, que comenzó a negociarse en junio del año pasado, “se negocia bajo el principio de compromiso único, lo que implica que nada está cerrado hasta que todo el contenido esté cerrado”, agregó el funcionario.

Panamá se convirtió en junio de 2017 en el segundo país de la región -después de Costa Rica- en entablar relaciones diplomáticas con China y romper vínculos con Taiwán, al que el gigante asiático considera una provincia rebelde.

Desde el establecimiento de relaciones, las empresas chinas se han adjudicado multimillonarios contratos, como

una terminal de cruceros o el cuarto puente sobre el Canal de Panamá.

China ya tenía una importante presencia en Panamá, pues es el primer proveedor de la Zona Libre de Colón (la más grande del continente) y el segundo usuario, por detrás de Estados Unidos, del canal interoceánico, por el que pasa el 6 % del comercio mundial.

El Gobierno panameño ha insistido en los últimos meses en que no hay prisa para la firma del TLC y que lo más seguro es que sea la nueva administración que salga de las urnas el próximo 5 de mayo la que tenga que cerrar el acuerdo.

clima de negocios en el país.

El proyecto también se propone construir el Registro Nacional de Trámites y Servicios, lo cual también quedó establecido en la Ley de Mejora Regulatoria. Si un trámite es incluido en el portal, no se considerará válido.

“El registro tendrá carácter vinculante y pretende brindar certeza jurídica a empresarios y ciudadanos sobre los trámites que les podrán ser exigidos y los requerimientos particulares de cada uno de ellos”, ha dicho el OMR. Metodología Yesenia Salas, especialista en evaluación económica del OMR, explicó que uno de los criterios utilizados para determinar qué trámites incluir en el estudio y cuáles no fue su obligatoriedad; por ejemplo, aquellos vinculados con un permiso, licencia o autorización para desarrollar una actividad comercial o ciudadana.

“La metodología pone valor a los tiempos que ciudadanos y empresarios invierten en gestionar un trámite, acumular requisitos, buscar toda la documentación que le van a solicitar; y el tiempo que tarda esperando una respuesta por parte de la institución”, detalló.

Identificar los trámites que representan mayores costos permitirá elaborar planes de simplificación, aseveró Salas. La Ley de Mejora Regulatoria, que entró en vigor el 9 de abril pasado, estipula que los sujetos obligados deberán elaborar un plan anual de mejora regulatoria. “Queremos desarrollar una actividad sistemática donde se puedan ir midiendo los trámites año con año y con eso ir construyendo planes de simplificación, que a su vez serán parte de los planes de mejora regulatoria que la ley contempla”, agregó Salas.

28 APR

2019

THE BELIZE TIMES

17

One Vision…One People BILL OF RIGHTS The People’s United Party wants to share its vision with the Belizean people. It is rooted in a philosophy that goes back to the Father of our Nation the Right Hon. George Price. Mr. Price always believed ours was a work in progress; he led a revolution that is at its core peaceful, always constructive, progressive and uniquely Belizean.

These values remain true today and form a part of our PUP Creed. We are committed to the protection of our territorial sovereignty. We cannot, and will not risk even an inch of our beloved country, from the Rio Hondo to the Sarstoon. And we are committed to an accessible, fair and independent justice system and the rule of law in Belize.

The PUP will always seek to achieve social, economic and environmental justice. It is a commitment to the socio-economic improvement of all Belizeans. Our plan is to rid Belize of poverty. To the PUP, poverty is an ugly scar on our nation’s collective conscience, and no amount of cosmetic surgery can paste over the suffering of close to half of our people, most of them women and children, who live on less than ten dollars per day.

This is not only a task for governments. We all have a stake in this enterprise, but government must LEAD and bold leaders must show that they truly care. For us the task ahead is clear - to build a Belize that works for everyone, so that every Belizean should come to expect five things. This vision, this determination, has created what we call our BELIZEAN BILL OF RIGHTS. FIRST - Every Belizean should have access to a piece of land. With land we immediately create opportunities for upliftment and personal growth.

SECOND - Every Belizean should be able to own a decent home. The 17th Century Jurist and politician Edward Coke in speaking on human rights said: “A man’s home is his castle.” Every Belizean in 2017 should expect such an entitlement whether they live on Bocotora Street or on Seashore Drive.

THIRD - Every Belizean should be given the chance to go to school from pre-school to junior college. We have to make education free from pre-kinder to Junior College. If we will give our young people a chance at success, it must start with a good education.

FOURTH – Accessibility to quality basic health care is critical, which means every Belizean should be enrolled in the National Health Insurance Program. If we can invest 42 million dollars in a basketball stadium, then we should be able to provide basic health services to all.

FIFTH and most important, the driving force behind it all is JOBS - good jobs that can lead to meaningful careers; jobs that will give Belizeans a chance for personal growth and prosperity and provide a hand up for those at the very bottom of the economic ladder.

If we do these things, if we create a fair and just society, if we build on these principles we will then be able to change people’s lives and together we will rid our shores of the scourge that is poverty.

18

THE BELIZE TIMES

28 APR

2019

EARTH DAY 2019 “PROTECT OUR SPECIES!”

By Dr. Pedro J. Villegas Thursday, April 25, 2019 “The Earth will not continue to offer its harvest, except with faithful stewardship. We cannot say we love the land and then take steps to destroy it for use by future generations”. —John Paul II— Earth Day is celebrated every April 22nd since 1970.

This date is considered to mark the birth of the modern Environmental Movement.

This year’s theme is: “Protect our Species”. According to the Earth Day Network, we are in the midst the largest period of species extinction in the last 60 million years, losing species at 1,000 to 10,000 times the normal rate, with multiple extinctions daily. In other words, the theme is really an SOS: Save Our Species!

Latin America and the Caribbean biodiversity powerhouses with the greatest diversity of species and ecosystems on the planet, and a quarter of its mangrove forests and one half of its tropical forests; as well as home to 11 of the Earth’s 14 terrestrial biomes, 7 of the world’s 17 megadiverse countries, 7 of the world’s 25 biodiversity hotspots, and 20% of key biodiversity areas of the planet The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) identifies 2,388 threatened species just in Ecuador alone, Mexico has 1,284, and the island of Jamaica has 319 threatened species. In comparison, the United States of America has 1,600 – including Alaska and Hawaii – and Canada has just 157.

While endangered species unquestionably are high priorities for conservation actions, all species matter. First, it is important to recognize that only a small portion of the world’s species of life – as of today, some 98,512 species of the planet’s fungi, plants, and animals have been assessed and categorized. Of the species assessed to date, more than 27% are threatened with extinction according to the IUCN Red List. All species

play a role in the web of life in the ecosystems where they are found and many species have keystone roles, such as species of pollinators, structural species such as mangroves and corals, and seed-dispersing species such as many birds, mammals, and even some lizards in Latin America and the Caribbean ecosystems.

Species data in Latin Amer-

suitable habitats as a result of climate change) and declines in species due to other causes such as diseases (also related to climate change) and unsustainable harvests. One valuable source of information

ica and the Caribbean are still missing for most plants and invertebrates, and the data for many vertebrate groups is in need of review and updating.

Efforts to inventory and catalogue species, to identify and describe new species, and to assess the conservation status and distribution of species all are underfunded and cannot keep pace with the loss of habitats (including loss of

that goes largely unutilized is the data generated by environmental assessments of projects to meet national or local regulatory requirements and lender requirements.

Nature’s gifts to our planet are the millions of species that we know and love, and many more that remain to be discovered. Unfortunately, human beings have irrevocably upset the balance of nature and, as

a result, the world is facing the greatest rate of extinction since we lost the dinosaurs more than 60 million years ago. But unlike the fate of the dinosaurs, the rapid extinction of species in our world today is the result of human activity.

The unprecedented global destruction and rapid reduction of plant and wildlife populations are directly linked to causes driven by human activities: Climate Change, Deforestation, Habitat Loss, Trafficking and Poaching, Unsustainable Agriculture, Pollution and Pesticides to name a few. The impacts are far reaching. If we do not act now, extinction may be humanity’s most enduring legacy!

You can reach your own conclusions.

God bless Belize!

Ed. Note: Belize as many low-lying countries in the world may be powerless to make sweeping changes to our climate but we should be making decisions TODAY that will make our future Belizeans be as dry as possible while having highest quality of life.

Follow us at: www.cubel. org & www.facebook.com/ cubelconsultancy

28 APR

2019

THE BELIZE TIMES

GUATEMALA’S TERRITORIAL CLAIM HAS BEEN LOCKED OFF By: Dr. Gerald Zuniga, Political Science Studies, Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala & Universidad Mariano Galvez, Guatemala City I am not certain if it was an intentional act or just an act of coincidence.

I may clarify before going further that I use the tools of my career as a political scientist to write my articles. All my articles are written with the main purpose of education and not necessarily entertainment. That being said, I continue. The Heads of Agreement of March 11th, 1981 which had in Clause 1 and I quote “The United Kingdom and Guatemala shall recognize the independent state of Belize as an integral part of Central America and respect its sovereignty and territorial integrity in accordance with its existing and traditional frontier subject in the case of Guatemala, to the completion of the treaties necessary to give effect to these Heads of Agreement. I am not certain if it was an intentional act or just an act of coincidence. Knowing that the Heads of Agreements were rejected, the Constituents of our Constitution made sure that they defined the State and territory of Belize in total detail and without a shade of a doubt. A detailed definition that is not found in many Constitutions. Chapter 1(2) states: Belize comprises the land and sea areas defined in Schedule 1 to this Constitution, which immediately before Independence Day constitute the colony of Belize. You might ask yourself the question “what does Schedule 1 say?” Schedule 1 comprises of 2 paragraphs. Paragraph (1) is of importance here Paragraph (2) only details the cays that forms our territory which includes Ranguana Range of cays and Sapodilla Range of Cays. So Paragraph (1), states the following: The territory of Belize comprises the mainland of Belize and all its associated islands and cays within the area bounded by the frontiers with Guatemala and Mexico and the outer limit of the territorial sea of Belize described as follows:--(a) The frontier with Guatemala is the line prescribed by the Treaty between the United Kingdom and Guatemala signed on 30 April, 1859: (b) The frontier with Mexico is the line prescribed by the Treaty between the United Kingdom and Mexico signed on 8 July 1893; (c) The outer limit of the territorial sea of Belize is the limit provided by law measured from such baselines as may have been prescribed before Independence Day by law or otherwise, or as may be so prescribed thereafter, And also includes the Turneffe Islands, the Cay of Lighthouse Reef and Glover Reef, together with all associated islets and reef, and their adjacent waters as far as the outer limit of the territorial sea appertaining to them.

You have just read Schedule 1(1) of our Constitution. This is an ordinary law like the Criminal Code, it is the Supreme Law of the land and it is in layman’s language and crystal clear. Mejor no canta un gallo. So our constitution has locked off Guatemala’s territorial claim since September 21ST, 1981 AT 12:00:01a.m. and this is not in virtue of our Independence, it is because the constitution says so. That being said, any referendum and all those who advocates or advocated for a yes vote would have grossly violated our Constitution and it is typified as a grave offense. Nevertheless, the violation is awarded and rewards and this has to stop beginning with our Governor General, as Head of State. Ignorantia legis nemiminem excusat; the ignorance of the law is no excuse. The least that all those who violated our Constitution since September 21, 1981 can make is a public apology.

So those who were going to vote yes would have inadvertently violated our Constitution and as I said it would have been a grave offense. Such referendum as some has implied has absolutely nothing to do with patriotism, rights of voice, rights of choice, rights to votes, or any other rights or to solve the claim once and for all as some said, etc. rather is a matter of The Rule Of Law. It is the prevalence of our Constitution which is the Supreme Law of the land. Our Constitution as I have stated in most of my articles on this matter is above or superior to all laws, even international law. Venezuela is the perfect example.

If it was left to international law alone, the fate of Maduro would be different even though there is the motto of “no intervention” in the international community. Don’t be fooled by the word international. Our Constitution is above International Law. If international law would be above Constitutions, that would be chaos and gross disrespect.

Then it wouldn’t be United Nations rather One Nation, which some dream of, for their personal interest and agenda.

However, in matters related to Human Rights, international agreements takes preeminence and this it with the objective of avoiding the institutionalization of violations of human rights like genocides. Yet, they still happen. Treaties are not arbitrarily signed. They are signed with the spirit of one’s Constitution.

Hence, ours says in its Preambles that there should be respect to treaty obligations in the dealings among nations but that treaty must be in accordance with the Constitution otherwise it is null and void.

So, if you want your referendum since even the Prime Minister says that not having a referendum violates your democratic rights then you have to ask your Representatives to amend our Constitution, including Schedule 1, to satisfy your desire or urge to vote in a referendum where you can give an international court with judges you don’t even know nor heard about nor know

what is the total content and scope of Guatemala’s claim the authority or jurisdiction to make a judgment on our behalf. However, on our behalf doesn’t mean it could be favourable to us but we would have to accept it whatever it may be and whatever the outcome would eventually be because it was our decision.

However, that would have raised another question because we would have been voting for those who don’t have the age to vote and those who can’t vote and who are we to make a very important decision on their behalf when we are not authorized. That is abuse of power or an abuse of authority and it is a criminal offense because we wouldn’t have been granted any authority. The least that could be done is at least to increase the threshold to simple majority (50% + 1) of voters going to vote whether for a yes or no. So if there are 200,000 voters registered, at 100,001 persons should had voted.

Other might say that a judge didn’t declared such. A Constitution is not made for judges, lawyers, political scientist, or politicians. It is made for the ordinary citizen. It is made for us all and the language is normally simple and crystal clear. However, when our Constitution is challenged, the judiciary is the jealous guardian. That is what Chief Justice Benjamin is exercising and the Court of Appeal is executing the observance of the due process. So anyone just knowing how to read and write, which is simple literacy, knows that it is violated. It is like the Ten Commandments. It wasn’t written for popes, archbishops, priests, nuns, pastors, etc. It is written for all Christians and believers. The same with a Constitution. Belize’s and Guatemala’s Constitution are in clear languages. The problem is, that both constitutions are continuously toilet paperized.

The urgent call for the sitting of the House of Representatives for April 12 is a clear manifestation of our ignorance of our Constitution.

There can’t be any referendum on our borders. Period.

Our Constitution is crystal clear and straight forward. Our boundary is defined in Schedule 1(1) and we don’t need the ICJ to confirm nor re-affirm

19 our borders—that is unconstitutional. To solve Guatemala’s claim or for Guatemala to solve their claim because we don’t have any claim neither does our constitution says that we need to have a referendum to solve any claim much less give our jurisdiction to the icj, based on our actual Constitution in any case it must be on mutually agreed upon matters that DON’T imply nor explicitly refer to territory or territorial rights there of nor there with. Like how Art.19 Transitory of Guatemala’s Constitution says, it could be in the areas of social, economic, and/or cultural matters. As long as Schedule 1(1) prevails in our Constitution, Guatemala’s claim in regards to territory is locked off and Guatemala’s hard line oligarch and military has no option but to accept it, including the international community.

The Agreement signed that doesn’t violate our Constitution is the 13 Agreement signed by Ex-president Otto Perez Molina. That should have been the agreement that he should have and we should have demanded him to take back to his people for a referendum and he had the faculty to do so in accordance with Art. 19 Transitory. As per usual, we sleep up.

The same with our recognition by Expresident Jorge Serrano Elias.

Our Constituents were intelligent to seal our territorial integrity by our Constitution which unfortunately many of us aren’t aware of.

I have said in some of my articles, let them know “Brethren, we can negotiate other matters less our borders.”

Our Constitution totally prohibits it. Podemos negociar otros asuntos menos nuestra frontera porque nuestra Constitución lo prohíbe totalmente.

Meanwhile, the Constituents who prepared Guatemala’s Constitution which was promulgated on May 31, 1985, made an important error of claiming our territory but not even recognizing our people rather we are considered as Central Americans. If so be the case, then it means to them that we formed a part of the Guatemalan Kingdom but we got Independence like the other Central American countries. So what is their claim about? It shows capriciousness’ and no rationality. Curiously, most yessers were upholding many legal opinions by Internationalists when they all given a blind eye to our Constitution.

They disrespected our Constitution but Belize also has intelligent sons and daughters and we will fight to make the rule of law prevails.

Long Live Belize!

20

THE BELIZE TIMES $20 Million Required for True Development

in Port

By Gilroy Usher, Sr. Thursday, April 25, 2019 Port Loyola has experienced fifteen years of worsening poverty and suffering due to UDP neglect. To get the division on the path to meaningful development, government needs to spend a minimum of $20 million directly in the area annually.

The massive corruption in Belmopan is common knowledge. A minimum of $45 million of the $180 million budgeted for the Caracol Road, which is 37 miles through mainly thick uninhabited jungle, will be siphoned off in bloated contracts by corrupt individuals with political connection. With proper management of government’s resources $20 millions of those ill-fated funds could be salvaged and used to spearhead the urgent investment needed in Port.

Out of that saving $3 million should be used to provide the residents of the division with 250 filled lots between Belize City and Mile 23 on the George Price Highway (G.P.H.) for first time land owners. $2 million should also be earmarked to replace London bridges in the area with properly filled all-weather roads. A further $3 million should be earmarked to finance 75 low income two and three concrete houses for deserving families, and both B.E.L. and B.W.S. should be provided with $2 million each to help finance introduction of their utility service to new areas in Port Loyola and relevant arears along the G.P.H. To further true development in the Port Loyola $100,000.00 should be used to provide each of 200 small business in area with a $500. “Grant”. That is to assist them in improving their services and productivity. Numerous taxi operators in Port Loyola are paying exorbitant fees daily to rent vehicles for their business. In addressing that problem $100,000.00 should be budged to enable those affected persons to access secure low interest loans through the DFC or credit unions to purchase their own vehicles.

Over 800 jobs would be created in Port with the initiatives already outlined.

A further 600 jobs can be created for residents of the area by allocating $800,000 in the Budget for financing to enable responsible youths to access loan to start their own business. A portion of that $800,000 should also be budgeted for renting large but suitable areas for business in Belize City. Such spaces should then be divided into smaller units and rented at affordable prices to hairdressers, seamstresses, barbers, cooks, and other entrepreneurs in Port Loyola, who need affordable location to get their businesses off the ground.

To empower the people with education out of the

$45 million that should be rescued from less corruption with the Caracol Road, $100,000.00 should be allocated to provide primary school grants of $150.00 each to a minimum of 650 students, and $500,000.00 should be budgeted for scholarship grants of $500 each to 1,000 deserving students of Port for them to further their education at the High School, Junior College, or University level. A further $400,000.00 should also be budgeted for a new primary schools in the area.

For needed improvement in recreational facilities in Port Loyola, $1 million should be included in the Budget for the upgrading of the basketball courts and football fields in the area including the construction of suitable concrete bleachers. A portion of that $1 million should also be used to construct additional playgrounds in other parts of the division.

To further meaningful development in the constituency $100,000.00 should be allocated for the Pantry and Boost Programs. That is to ensure that 300 families in the area who truly deserve to benefit for the safety net are included on its list of recipients.

To enable single mothers to take home more of their pay to their families, the Budget for Port Loyola should include $100,000.00 to provide free daycare for deserving single mothers, who are gainfully employed.

In the area of health $3.8 million should be budgeted to improve health care in Port. Of that amount $.5 should be allocated to assist the health center in the area with basic supplies on a monthly basis. The remaining $3.3 million should be used to assist residents of the division in accessing medical care at both public and private hospitals locally and abroad.

Every year Belize loses over $600 million in bogus land compensation, secret accommodation agreements, and scores of bloated contracts. With those millions being stolen from the Belizeans people annually, the $20 million necessary for true development in Port Loyola could also be allocated to the other 30 electoral divisions for similar improvement to complement national development.

28 APR

2019

Eagle JEM Estate:

HRCU Community

Thursday, April 25, 2019 The Holy Redeemer Credit Union Vision Statement: Together we will achieve economic stability for our member-owners by being the preferred choice for all financial services.

Housing is always a sign of economic stability and the Holy Redeemer Credit Union is all in to work together with its members to work towards that end. A few days ago they launched the Eagle JEM Estate: HRCU Community witnessed by over 1,000 people at the Sandhill village venue, 14 or so miles out of Belize City.

The event which targeted members and potential members of the HRCU, highlighted 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom houses available at the HRCU community, named Henry Eagle Usher. The HRCU is also offered on-site information the housing types and payment schemes for houses of various values.

Mark Menzies, human resource manager for the HRCU, explained that the housing project was the brainchild of credit union icon Jane Usher. “Ms. Jane always said that we need to help people, and people always need housing. That’s why we are out here today,” Menzies said.

Menzies added that the project is in its first phase, where 67 houses will be built, before the project moves into phase two.

Over 30 of the houses are near completion. Interested persons have until 3:00 p.m. to make it to the open day.

Wendy Castillo, Vice President, Board of Directors, H.R.C.U.: “Looking at our financials every year and looking at how we’ve performed for every AGM yearly, we saw the demand in our loans department, where majority of our member-owners come in to apply for housing, home improvement, renovation. So when you look at our overall projection, housing is a big demand within Belize itself.

As you know, government is not building any homes; people don’t have access to affordable homes.

So as a responsible credit union, a credit union built on people’s movement and the idea of helping each other, our board and our investment committee decided to embark on this bold initiative. We haven’t seen a housing project like this in many years. So it is a great opportunity for all member owners. My advice is to take advantage of it, pay promptly, make sure you make your pledge payment monthly and this will be the home of your dreams.”

28 APR

11. Belize Rural North

THE BELIZE TIMES

2019

Elections & Boundaries Commission, Belize City 24th April, 2019

12. Belize Rural South

BELIZE TERRITORIAL DISPUTE REFERENDUM ACT, 2019

Debra Baptist Estrada Assistant Director Of Immigration Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Environment, Sustainable Development, Climate Change & Immigration Elections & Belmopan Martin Alegria Chief Environmental Officer Department of Environment Belmopan City

BELIZE TERRITORIAL DISPUTE REFERENDUM ACT, 2019

APPOINTMENT OF RETURNING OFFICERS AND ELECTION CLERKS

13. Belize Rural Central

APPOINTMENT OF RETURNING OFFICERS AND

Allison McKenzie Director Department of Youth Services ELECTION CLERKS Belize City

21

Floridalia Quiroz Administrative Officer II Attorney General’s Ministry Belmopan City

Boundaries Commission, Belize City Normajean Vanegas General Sales Tax April, Officer 2019 I 24th Department of General Sales Tax San Pedro Town Curte Sanchez Administrative Assistant Belize Defence Force Ladyville, Belize District

The general public is hereby notified that the Elections and Boundaries Commission has appointed the below listed Returning Officers and the Chief Elections Officer with the approval of the Elections and The general public is hereby notified that the Elections and Boundaries Commission has appointed the below listed Returning Officers and the Chief Elections Boundaries Commission has appointed the below listed Elections Clerks for the purpose of holding a 14.below Corozallisted North ElectionsVelma Godoy Larry Chan Officer with of2019. the Elections and Boundaries Commission hasofappointed the Clerks for the purpose of holding a Referendum to be Referendum to bethe heldapproval on 8th May, The appointments are in accordance with section 7(1) the Principal Education Officer Customs Exciseand Officer I Belize Territorial Dispute Referendum Act, 2019; Act No. 6 of 2019 and Section 13(2) of the held on 8th May, 2019. The appointments are in accordance with section 7(1) of the Belize Territorial Dispute Referendum Act, 2019; Act No. 6 of&2019 Section District Education Center Customs & Excise Department Representation of the People Act respectively.

13(2) of the Representation of the People Act respectively.

Corozal District Belize City ELECTORAL DIVISIONS

RETURNING OFFICERS

ELECTION CLERKS

15. Corozal South East

Sheldon Samuels National Coordinator Adult & Continuing Education (ACE) Education Department Belize City

James Gabriel Postmaster General General Post Office Belize City

Fulton Barry Palacio Agriculture Officer Agriculture Department Corozal District

Dennis Patt Technical Supervisor Ministry of Works Corozal District

16. Corozal Bay

Arisia Brown Finance Officer Sub-Treasury Corozal District

Frederick Haylock Income Tax Officer II Income Tax Department Corozal District

2. Pickstock

Lliani Arthurs Director Department of Human Services Belize City

Ian Haylock Deputy Comptroller of Customs Customs & Excise Department Belize City

17. Corozal South West

Doyle Flowers Customs & Excise Officer I Customs & Excise Department Corozal District

Nemencia Broaster Education Officer I Education Department Corozal District

3. Caribbean Shores

Annisa Perdomo Income Tax Officer II Income Tax Department Belize City

George Castro Supervisor of Audit Audit Department Belize City

18. Orange Walk North

Hugo Miranda Cooperative Education Officer Cooperative Department Belmopan City

Mateo Jones Director Technical Supervisor Ministry of Works Orange Walk District

4. Freetown

Ian Smith Director, Information Technology Ministry of Health Belmopan City

Angela Lino Andrews Finance Officer II Accountant General Department Belize City

5. Albert

Radisha Simpson Coordinator HRMIS Ministry of Public Utilities, Public Service, Energy and Elections & Boundaries Belmopan City

Therese Martinez Customs & Excise Clerk I Customs & Excise Department Belize City

Anna Bennett Accountant General Accountant General Department Belize City

Calbert Barber Senior Labour Officer Labour Department Belize City

Michelle Alvarez Director Ministry of Natural Resources Belmopan City

Domingo Pou Labour Officer Labour Department Belize City

8. Collet

Starla Bradley Director Community Rehabilitation Department Belize City

Rudolfo Gutierrez Commerce Protection Liaison Officer Bureau of Standards Belmopan City

9. Lake Independence

Lewin Samuels Supervisor of General Sales Tax Department of General Sales Tax Belize City

Tennielle Williams Principal Hydrologist Ministry of Natural Resources Belmopan City

10. Queen’s Square

Neulin Villanueva Deputy Chief Education Officer Ministry of Education, Science & Technology, Culture, Youth & Sports Belmopan City

Shawn Vargas Coordinator Employee Assistance Programme Ministry of the Public Utilities, Public Service, Energy and Elections & Boundaries Belmopan City

Debra Baptist Estrada Assistant Director Of Immigration Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Environment, Sustainable Development, Climate Change & Immigration Belmopan

Floridalia Quiroz Administrative Officer II Attorney General’s Ministry Belmopan City

12. Belize Rural South

Martin Alegria Chief Environmental Officer Department of Environment Belmopan City

Normajean Vanegas General Sales Tax Officer I Department of General Sales Tax San Pedro Town

13. Belize Rural Central

Allison McKenzie Director Department of Youth Services Belize City

Curte Sanchez Administrative Assistant Belize Defence Force Ladyville, Belize District

14. Corozal North

Velma Godoy Principal Education Officer District Education Center Corozal District

Larry Chan Customs & Excise Officer I Customs & Excise Department Belize City

15. Corozal South East

Fulton Barry Palacio Agriculture Officer

Dennis Patt Technical Supervisor

1. Fort George

`

6. Port Loyola

7. Mesopotamia

11. Belize Rural North

Joaquin Dominguez Education Officer I Education Department Orange Walk District 19. Orange Walk East

Reynaldo Verde Assistant Commissioner Department of General Sales Tax Belize City

Teresita Miranda Assistant Accountant General Sub-Treasury Belize City Andrei Marin District Lands and Survey Officer Land Department Orange Walk District

20. Orange Walk South

Jose Coy Administrative Officer Ministry of Public Utilities, Public Service, Energy, Elections & Boundaries Belmopan City

Myra Samos Administrative Officer Ministry of Health Orange Walk District Francisco Gonzalez Sr. Information Communication Technology Officer Ministry of Finance Central Information Technology Office Belmopan City Mr. Carlos Pol Senior Economist Ministry of Economic Development, Investment, Trade Commerce Belmopan City

21. Orange Walk Central

Carla Selene Alvarez Principal Education Officer Education Department Orange Walk Town

Antonio Coyoc Hospital Administrator Department of Health Services Orange Walk Town

22. Cayo North

Elbert Jahmor Lopez Principal Education Officer Education Department Cayo District

Katherine Mendez Director National Authorizing Office Ministry of Finance Belmopan City

23. Cayo North East

Lennox Bradley Chief Engineer Ministry of Works Belmopan City

Miriam Codd Education Officer Education Department Belmopan City

24. Cayo West

Marcelo Windsor Deputy Chief Forest Officer Forestry Department Belmopan City

Dorita Pacheco Administrative Officer Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Environment, Climate Change & Immigration Belmopan City Marvin Pook Assistant Conservator I Belize Archives & Records Service Belmopan City

25. Cayo Central

Andre Cho Director Geology and Petroleum

John Nembhard Assistant Comptroller Customs Continued onofpage 22 Customs & Excise Department

22

28 APR

THE BELIZE TIMES

THINKING OUT LOUD BY: KEVIN BERNARD

As a politician who grew up with role models like Father of the Nation George Price, who put the people of Belize, and service to the people of Belize way above himself, I have tried to respect all persons. For me, and the people of Orange Walk can tell you this, political affiliation does not matter. I believe that we have been put here at the whim of the people, and we must serve ALL the people, ALL the time. That is how I was raised, at home, and in the political arena. We must respect all persons, no matter what we consider to be their standing in life.

When I heard the news of the man who was turned back from the Southern Regional Hospital because the morgue was not working, I was shocked. But I know that sometimes unexpected things happen. I understand that sometimes terrible things go wrong. But then I found out, as did the entire country, that the morgue hasn’t been working for more than one month. Now that, my friends, is unacceptable. In other countries, the Minister of Health and his top officials would have been forced to resign. But in Belize, unfortunately, these people never take responsibility for their actions.

I feel for that man who, grieving the death of his wife, took her to the Southern Regional Hospital and was turned back. I got goose bumps as he explained that he had to take her back home, because he took care of her in life and he would take care of her in death too. And this is why I started out this column by talking about respect. Our leaders these days have lost all respect for our people.

Nobody in the Ministry of Health bothered to let the people know that the morgue was not working.

Nobody cared enough to do so.

Nobody cared about that man who took his wife there. Nobody cared enough to respect the remains of his loved one. That is a shame. It is unacceptable. We need to hold our leaders accountable, and we need to do much better than this.

Like a lot of Belizeans, I have watched with embarrassment the antics of our leaders in the House

of Representatives. The Minister of Health, Pablo Marin, is always quick to get up to boast about the health system in Belize, but what he speaks is not the truth. It is far from the truth.

The problem is that the Ministers of Government do not have to access the health system here. Every single one of them, from the Prime Minister down, can fly out to Miami to seek medical attention if they even catch the common cold. They don’t go through the struggles that the rest of us do. So they don’t care. And because they don’t respect us, and think we are lower than them, they do nothing to fix the problem.

I have seen the issues with health facing the people of Orange Walk East. Elodio Aragon Jr., when he was campaigning, promised a brand new health center. Instead, since he got elected, the dilapidated building which was being used as a health center has been abandoned. That is the reality. That is the truth. It is nothing that any of our leaders should boast about. All across the country it is the same. The poorest of our people have to find a way to reach the larger hospitals when they or their loved ones get sick. And there, too many times, they are denied access to treatment and denied access to basic medication.

In any country in any corner of the world, anybody with a grain of common sense will tell you that development is based strongly on the level of health, and the level of education. It is ridiculous that this government went through more than $400M in PetroCaribe money, and not one dollar was invested in our health system. Not one dollar. None of our hospitals or health centers was upgraded with those hundreds of millions. And yet this government loves to boast.

It is all about respect. We need to respect our people.

We need to care for them, and we need to serve them. This government has failed miserably.

2019

Continued from page 21

Elections & Boundaries Commission, Belize City 24th April, 2019

BELIZE TERRITORIAL DISPUTE REFERENDUM ACT, 2019 OF RETURNING OFFICERS AND ELECTION 24.APPOINTMENT Cayo West Marcelo Windsor Dorita Pacheco Deputy ChiefCLERKS Forest Officer Administrative Officer Forestry Department Ministry of Agriculture, Belmopan City Forestry, Fisheries, The general public is hereby notified that the Elections and Boundaries Environment, Climate Change & Commission has appointed the below listed Returning Officers Immigration and the Chief Elections Officer with the approval of the Elections and Boundaries CommisBelmopan City sion has appointed the below listed Elections Clerks for the purpose of holding Marvin Pook are in accora Referendum to be held on 8th May, 2019. The appointments Assistant Conservator I dance with section 7(1) of the Belize Territorial Dispute Referendum 2019; Belize Archives &Act, Records Act No. 6 of 2019 and Section 13(2) of the Representation of the People Act Service Belmopan City respectively.

25. Cayo Central

Andre Cho Director Geology and Petroleum Department Belmopan City

John Nembhard Assistant Comptroller of Customs Customs & Excise Department Benque Viejo Town

26. Cayo South

Craig Moore Deputy Director Geology and Petroleum Department Belmopan City

Dylan Reneau Finance Officer I Ministry of Education, Science & Technology, Culture Youth & Sports Belmopan City

27. Belmopan

Sylvia Usher Administrative Officer I Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation & Poverty Alleviation Belmopan City

Jesus Castillo Administrative Officer Ministry of Education, Science & Technology, Culture Youth & Sports Belmopan City

28. Dangriga

Tanya Mae Nunez Principal Education Officer Education Department Stann Creek District

Victor Paulino Senior Cooperative Officer Cooperative Department Belmopan City

29. Stann Creek West

Englebert Emmanuel Director Licensing and Accreditation Ministry of Health Belmopan City

Alhenry Westby Regional Coordinator NEMO Belmopan City Sharon Belisle Income Tax Officer II Income Tax Department Dangriga Town Akirah Sanchez Administrative Officer Ministry of Health Belmopan City

30. Toledo West

Carmen Lopez Manager District Education Center Toledo District

Sherlene Bonnell Finance Officer Sub-Treasury Toledo District George Tillett Education Officer II Education Department Toledo District Kenton Parham Coordinator NEMO Toledo District

31. Toledo East

Wilber Sabido Chief Forest Officer Forestry Department Belmopan City

Carla Smith General Sales Tax Officer I Department of General Sales Tax Toledo District Elmer Torres Customs & Excise Officer III Customs & Excise Department Toledo District

(JOSEPHINE TAMAI) Chief Elections Officer

28 APR

2019

THE BELIZE TIMES

23

PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: PROPERTY North Ambergris Caye; Belize District

PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: PROPERTY North Ambergris Caye; Belize District

BY ORDER of the Mortgagees, Messrs. The Belize Bank International Limited, Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A. Castillo & Christiana R. Castillo will sell the following property ON SITE (Las Terrazas Hotel & Resort, 5.6 kilometers north of San Pedro Town Bridge, Ambergris Caye) on Monday 29th April 2019 at 11:30 am:

REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL San Pedro 7 5412 (H27) (Being a Sun Roof Condominium [1,767 square feet] containing Master Bedroom/Bathroom/Walk in Closet + 2 Bedrooms + Shared Bathroom + Living/Dining/Kitchen + Pergola Ocean View Balcony [9ft. wide] + Sun Roof Pool [7 ft. X 9 ft.] + Lagoon View Porch + Laundry] situated within the Las Terrazas (Belize) Limited development approx. 5.6 kilometers north of the San Pedro Bridge, Ambergris Caye, Belize District, freehold property of Mr. Abraham Roffe Cherem and Mr. Abraham Saade Dayan.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION -

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - www.belizebank.com (foreclosure listing) www.belizebank.com (foreclosure listing) TERMS: STRICTLY CASH KEVINSTRICTLY A. CASTILLO CASH TERMS: CHRISTIANA CASTILLO KEVIN A.R. CASTILLO TELEPHONE 223-4488 CHRISTIANA R. CASTILLO E-mail: belizeauctionsales@gmail.com TELEPHONE: 223 4488 Face Book: Belize Auctions Email: kevinacas@yahoo.com Face Book: Belize Auctions

24

THE BELIZE TIMES

28 APR

2019