Belize Times April 30, 2017

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The Belize Times

Established 1957

The Truth Shall Make You Free

30 APRIL 2017 | ISSUE NO: 5043

www.belizetimes.bz | $1.00

SEVERE GAS PAIN! As a Result of UDP Overeating…

Thursday, April 27, 2017 Prime Minister Dean Barrow has said not a word about the astronomical rise in pump prices as recently as two days ago, April 26th. At midnight, the cost of Regular Fuel rose by 49 cents, Diesel by 27 cents and Kerosene, the poor people’s butane, by 14 cents. The rise in pump prices has nothing to do with the price of oil – that remains

very low. It has nothing to do with acquisition costs. What Mr. Barrow has done is to constantly increase the taxes on fuel, gouging consumers so that he can maintain GOB’s coffers, depleted by UDP corruption, abuse and mismanagement.

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MINOR

MURDERED IN LORD’S BANK Thursday, 27 April 2017 A family from Lord’s Bank is mourning the loss of a loved one who was killed by a gunman. The victim is 17 year-old Brandon Randy Bradley, an ITVET student who lived in the Green Estate area of the village.

The incident happened on Wednesday, April 26, sometime around 10 p.m. Reports are that Brandon and his older brother were hanging out with a group of friends at a lo-

Middleton Mute – Who is he Protecting?

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UDP CABINETSECRETARY GUILTY OF IMPLICATED MISFEASANCE IN PASSPORT IN OFFICE? FRAUD Pg. 2

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SEVERE GAS PAIN!

Continued from page 1 It is as simple as that.

Just before the Budget was read, Financial Secretary Joe Waight had promised that taxes on fuel would not be raised because they had reached the threshold of what they could charge. But that threshold has been passed several times since Waight made that statement. Pump prices of fuel are currently the highest in the region. Just recently Mexicans protested in the streets, burning down gas stations and setting fires because the cost of their fuel went past the $6 mark. We are now past the $10 mark for Super and Regular, with the cost of Super approaching $11.

This is a sure sign that the Barrow administration has no heart for Belizeans. The rising cost of fuel was the main driver for increasing inflation during the last quarter. The media reports that in February 2017 the cost of diesel, for example, was 40% higher than it was during the same period last year. The cost of Regular and Super was 20% higher than it was last year.

And that is before consecutive increas-

MURDERED IN LORD’S BANK Continued from page 1 cal shop. He left to go home riding on his bicycle with a knapsack on his back.

When he was just a short distance from his house, he was ambushed by an assailant or assailants. It is believed that he was shot several times in the street, and he tried to retreat into a nearby open lot, away from the gunfire. That’s where he collapsed and drew his last breaths.

His family reportedly heard the gunshots, and so his brother came out to investigate. It’s a sight that nobody wants to meet, and his brother moved his body to the roadside. Police found them on the side of the street, and Brandon Bradley’s lifeless body was taken to the KHMH. The gunshots hit him in the upper chest, the back, and the left shoulder. His bike and knapsack were not found with him.

Police don’t know why he was targeted, and they are out canvassing the village trying to solve the murder.

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2017

GUILTY OF MISFEASANCE IN OFFICE?

es since, culminating in the massive increase on Tuesday.

Mr. Barrow cannot get back monies misappropriated by his good friend and former Deputy Gaspar Vega. He will not even order any investigation into this corrupt Minister who enriched himself and his family members by raiding the public purse and grabbing our natural assets for himself. Patrick Faber can find ONE MILLION dollars to try to break up the BNTU, just like that – ONE MILLION DOLLARS – but we taxpayers, normal Belizeans have to struggle to meet our bills when faced with increased taxation by this heartless administration.

Imagine that – on one hand, Mr. Barrow and Mr. Faber can take ONE MILLION DOLLARS to use as political handouts, and in a matter of days after that, raise taxes on fuel because they need money for the public coffers. That is incredible.

And there is word that there will be another increase in a matter of weeks, while Belizeans wait for the best that was to come.

MINOR

LOCAL

30 APR

THE BELIZE TIMES

Thursday, 27 April 2017 The Deputy Prime Minister is on record saying he WILL pay one million dollars of taxpayers’ monies to those teachers who did not go on strike and turned up at schools while the Teachers Union members were on strike. One million dollars of taxpayers’ monies in a country with fifty percent poverty and thousands of poor teenagers unable to go to college is a very serious matter. The matter becomes more serious when the Deputy Prime is in fact engaging in an illegal action. It is illegal for him to use unauthorized taxpayers’ monies to reward non-striking teachers.

It is also illegal because there is NO legal authorization from the National Assembly to spend such monies on the particular matter. In addition to the ILLEGALITY, the Deputy Prime Minister was seen lying to the nation in an interview with Channel 7 earlier this week. The lie is that the one million dollars is to be taken from

UDP CABINET-SECRETARY IMPLICATED...

Thursday, 27 April 2017 The line of questioning in the Senate Hearing has once again unearthed evidence which has landed squarely at the door of the Prime Minister, in this case, his Cabinet Secretary Carlos Perdomo, formerly a Minister of Immigration. On Wednesday, Perdomo was named as the person who directed that a Belizean passport be issued for an Asian national person who clearly did not meet the requirements.

According to retired Immigration Officer Therese Chavarria, a man who goes by the name Paul Ku went to the Belize City Passport Office in May of 2011 with a Naturalized Belizean, Rina Chiu Hsiang Lo. She is a justice of the peace, and reportedly well known to frequent the Immigration Department.

She tried to get a passport processed for Paul Ku, who she asserted was a Belizean. The immigration officers became suspicious of this man when he couldn’t speak a word of English while his biometrics were being captured.

Therese Chavarria told the senate that she investigated the man’s backstory and his birth certificate, and she found out that it was a fraudulent document that didn’t belong to him.

Chavarria said that she refused to

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issue a passport to Paul Ku, even though Rina Hsiang Lo tried to bribe her with $500 after repeatedly visiting to try and convince her that the birth certificate was genuine. She said that she went on vacation with the specific instructions that Paul Ku’s application shouldn’t have been approved. She returned to find out that Former Immigration Director Ruth Meighan gave instructions to another officer to issue the passport after being given a directive from Carlos Perdomo, the then Minister in Charge of Immigration.

Apparently, Rina Hsiang Lo showed up with another application file and another fraudulent birth certificate for Paul Ku. When the Senate asked her for her opinion of Carlos Perdomo’s alleged intervention, she said, “I was very much appalled by that…The minister normally would not give such instruction.”

The Auditor General in her report on Immigration, reports on the case saying that the audit team questioned Carlos Perdomo about the case, and he reportedly confirmed that he personally knew Rina Hsiang Lo, who acted as an immigration agent in this particular case. Perdomo reportedly told the audit team, “She is in Caribbean Shores and lives on the Northern Highway. She is a good friend of mine and I got to know her when I was getting involved in politics.”

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last year’s budget. Last year’s budget has expired and no such authority has been given for the use of such funds to the Deputy Prime Minister.

Another big lie came out of the Deputy’s mouth when asked where in the budget he could get the one million dollars. He said it is from funds set aside for teachers who are expected to get pregnant and the amount of such teachers do not reach the projected numbers.

This answer is a lie and it is about doing something illegal. Such monies can only be used to pay for pregnant teachers.

Such monies cannot be used to reward or compensate non-striking teachers. To say it can be used is a lie.

What the Deputy Prime Minister has said about using monies allocated for a specific purpose, for his own political purpose raises a troubling question.

It is that he can abuse his Ministerial position to abuse taxpayers’ dollars. He is asking for legal trouble. He can be hauled before the Caribbean Court of Justice for the crime of misfeasance in office.

It must be noted that this same person who is now Deputy Prime Minister had boasted publicly before the November 2015 elections that he used Petro Caribe funds to finance a trip by his voters from Belize City to Corozal where they ate pibil and tacos and some were “tipsy”. This is an admittance of illegally using public monies for personal political gain.

The man who thinks he will be the next Prime Minister has damaged his image being irresponsible with public monies and was quick to lie when caught in wrong doing.

The Belize Times

Established 1957

14 APR 2013

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ISSUE NO: 4840

The Truth Shall Make You Free

www.belizetimes.bz

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$1.00

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3 May

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03 3 Middleton Mute – Who is he Protecting?

30 APR

2017

THE BELIZE TIMES

Thursday, 27 April 2017 Early this morning, credible reports circulated, indicating that the home of Barton Middleton in the San Lorenzo Housing Site in Orange Walk Town was being searched by Police. Middleton drew the ire of the Committee yesterday when he refused to answer any questions or say anything more.

Senator Eamon Courtenay who had been absent from the last proceedings took up the questioning, asking Middleton if there was anything he might have said then that he wished to change. This of course, after telling Middleton that he found 99% of what he said to be incredible. That’s when Middleton told the committee, “what I have to say is: today I will exercise my Constitutional Rights and I don’t have anything else to say to this Committee.” When asked why he retorted, “I don’t have to explain, Sir. I don’t have anything else to say. That’s my Constitutional Rights. I don’t have to give a reason. I don’t have anything else to say.”

The Committee therefore had no other choice but to dismiss him.

Before though, Chairman Aldo Salazar reminded him of the seriousness of the proceedings and of the Committee’s decision to forward all

evidence had so far, to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution for them to investigate and bring charges against any witness, if warranted. In particular, Salazar once more reminded him that to lie and give false evidence can lead to a charge of perjury which carries a penalty on indictment of 10 years in prison. Salazar told Middleton, that being the Upper Chamber of Parliament “we require proper decorum and require the truth…I think people have been taking these proceedings— some people have not been taking it as seriously as they should because they are not aware that they are liable to serious penalties. And primarily because of what this Committee feels has been viewed by some witnesses, to treat this Committee as if it is some sort of comedy, we have determined that wherever we have felt and feel that persons may have perjured themselves or may have conducted themselves in a manner which violates the sanctity of these proceedings, and which may be viewed by a Court as an offence under the legislative power and privileges or under the Criminal Code, we have decided that we

will hand over all information and evidence that we have to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.”

Asked why the Committee itself could not have done due diligence and confirmed if Middleton had in fact lied about his alleged brain surgery at the Corozal Community Hospital or prior immigration offence charges, Salazar stated, “you should recall that our duty relates to the report of the Auditor General as to the findings that relate to immigration issues, so whether Mr. Middleton had surgery or—I mean he spun a very interesting and intriguing tale. But as to the veracity of the surgery etc., that’s not really a matter for us to investigate.

To put it bluntly, that’s neither here nor there for us in terms of getting to the real immigration matters. What we want to know is his interaction with the Immigration Department, if at all.”

As to when the information and evidence will be forwarded to the DPP, Salazar says if they have concluded their questioning of a witness, they might not have to wait until the Senate Hearings conclude to send that information off.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Questions to Ministers

Would the Member for Queen Square and Prime Minister confirm or deny reports that he went on personal leave the week of the BNTU elections just so he would not be caught up in the backlash created by his protégée trying to buy the election?

Would the Member for Queen Square and Prime Minister please confirm or deny reports that he has been approached by senior insiders in the UDP who are demanding that Attorney-General Michael Peyrefitte replace obvious failure Patrick Faber in his affections? Could he also say if he is considering that rather sizable option for leadership of the UDP? Would the member for Queen Square and Prime Minister please say which members of his Cabinet are not allowed to travel to the US because their Visas have been revoked? Could he also say which CEOs and UDP officials have gotten the same treatment from the US? Would the Member for Belmopan and Minister of Defence please say why he is able to travel to Mexico on official business but never accompanies his military commanders when they travel to the US? Would he further be willing to say what is his status where travel to the US is concerned?

Would the Member for Collet and Minister of Education please say how stupid he feels after his ridiculous interview with the media about the illegal honorarium and his meddling in the BNTU election? Could he also say if he has been informed that Attorney-General Michael Peyrefitte may replace him as leader of the UDP? Would the Member for Corozal Bay and Minister of Health please confirm or deny reports that because he interfered in the tender process for medication, it has still not been approved by the Committee and health facilities are running out?

Would the Member for Corozal Bay and Minister of Health please confirm or deny reports that an unqualified Mexican national, the wife of one of his cronies, has been appointed as Regional Health Manager in the North, bypassing persons who were qualified?

30 APR

2017

IF DAH NOH SOH!

Teachers’ Fum Fum… Patrick Faber get weh dih duck get…plain and simple. Dih lee simple bally liad tho, saying he didn’t interfere in the BNTU elections. Patrick actually seh pon dih news that if he mih buy dis election dih results mih wah be different, cause the UDP dah pro wen ih come to buy results. Check dah shit out. Brazen lee bally dat. Everybody knows he had his sidekick and bagman Rayford in Corozal trying to bribe teachers to vote against Elena Smith. Usually Roosevelt would be the bagman but he’s in Taiwan I hear. But check this. Patrick is taking a licking because he couldn’t pull off the BNTU thing, so now he’s asking Rayford to account for the money that was handed out before the BNTU convention. Seems that Rayford may have played a Castro on him. What a este. I swear that’s the funniest thing. The fool should know by now he can’t buy the teachers. If I could borrow a line from my cousin Bob, he can fool some people sometime, but he can’t fool all the people all the time. Dih man gat worries right now. You can take that to the bank.

Hit the Road, Jack…

The UDP’s inner circle, minus the soon to be gone, tired leader, was in session this weekend, following the BNTU elections. Check this out…they are saying that if Patrick, with his million dollars and all his resources and promises and bribes and intimidation and so-called self-proclaimed brilliance and savvy couldn’t even secure enough votes at the BNTU so the UDP’s horse in the race could become President, then maybe the party should go back to the drawing board where the leadership race is concerned. All of a sudden, he’s not looking quite as pretty as he once did, if you know what I mean. Right about now it’s an uphill battle, especially since late word is that his mentor and bald father-figure is being pushed and prodded by senior insiders to throw in the towel where Faber is concerned.

Like sand through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives…

Michael Peyrefitte for leader…

Don’t take your eyes off Mike Peyrefitte. Okay, shit, I know it’s hard to take your eyes off him because he tends to occupy a lot of space, but I didn’t mean it that way. Don’t get offended, we fat people are allowed to insult each other…says so right there in the rules. Anyway, Mike is getting increasing traction as the man for the top spot in the UDP. Word to this rotund scribe is that the Prime Minister’s trusted whip is leading the charge, but get this – even that other plump fellow from Belmopan – the one who can’t travel to the US – has agreed to support Mike before he supports Patrick. There are serious rumblings in Cabinet people. This is no joke.

Optics…

I am saddened, on behalf of fat people everywhere, for I have been reliably informed that the biggest obstacle in Mike’s path is himself, and I mean that quite literally. It seems he doesn’t have that svelte look going on and there are those who think he’s not pleasing enough on the eyes. Let’s see how that works out. I hear friends are trying to convince him to get the same surgery as the sour former Senator did but that hasn’t been working out so well. I’m rooting for you Mike…you got this.

Mike’s Club & Immigration Department…

And then there’s that other Mike in Belmopan, the one who is very close to Mason’s buddy from Belmopan. Remember the plan to set up the Immigration Department at the Chon Saan building? Well that didn’t work out. Seems that too many hands wanted to be in the cookie jar.

So here’s the new plan. The Immigration Department will now be moved to the building which houses Mike’s Cue Club in Belmopan. What a marvellous idea. Persons doing document business can take advantage of the long delays to play some pool or sip a couple beers. I like it.

Hell, I might just take a week off and go in for my passport – every day. Anyway, my question is – what exactly are John Saldivar and Papa Mena doing in this mix? They’ve been seen meeting with Mike Lee on different occasions recently, but neither of them has anything to do with Immigration…well, nothing above board anyway. Can’t wait for these two to be called before the Senate Inquiry. Won’t that be fun?

Shyne in the lead…

The rapper formerly known as Shyne Jamaal Moses Mohammed Levy el-Ahmed bin Laden is convinced that he’s a shoo-in for Mesopotamia, what with Daddy’s financial support and his Uncle’s endorsement. But it’s not going to be so easy, says Zenaida Moya, of underdeposit fame. Z has been heard telling supporters that Shyne may think he’s a big deal, but she’s a pro at taking big things (like deposits for example) and turning them into little things. So she figures she’s got a shot. So does Bernard Pitts, and even Norman Rodriguez, the Magistrate who we understand may be charged for rape after an accusation was made against him just recently. It’s a motley crew for Mesop…a tough one to predict.

30 APR

2017

EDITORIAL

Woman-beater

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THE BELIZE TIMES

very single year in November, religiously, pertinent departments and stakeholders celebrate what is called 16 Days of Activism. It kicks off on November 25 which is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

The aim is to raise awareness and to give women a voice to speak out against those who abuse them, and beat them, and hurt them. The aim is to hopefully end this cruelty against women at the hands of men – to empower women, to end a culture of abuse in which women are seen as punching bags.

Just months past, we saw Kim Simplis Barrow, the Special Envoy for Women & Children, the spouse of the Prime Minister, as she signs certain documents, dancing in the street with the US Ambassador to send the message that violence against women must cease…that it cannot and will not be tolerated.

So how ironic it is, then, that the Deputy Prime Minister of Belize, the Minister of Education and the man chosen by the Special Envoy’s husband, the Prime Minister, to lead this country is himself a man who is known to abuse women, a man who has been accused on multiple occasions of physically abusing women, punching them, beating them? What a cruel, incredible irony.

On the morning of September 6, 2014, a woman went to the Ladyville Police Station where she told officers that she had been celebrating her birthday at the home of Minister Patrick Faber when the unthinkable happened. In a rage, she claimed, “Patrick Faber assaulted her by choking her on the bed.” The official Police statement continues, “Patrick grabbed (name withheld by Editor) from her hair, pulled her off the bed onto the ground, and pulled her to the corridor whereby he punched her twice to the right side of the face…”

The report was later withdrawn by the victim, who was at the time an employee of Faber at the Ministry of Education, and allegedly his girlfriend. Faber refused to elaborate, saying it was a private matter and the report was withdrawn, after all. Incredibly, Faber asked for the media’s respect in leaving the matter alone.

And that was that.

But that was not that, as it would turn out. The very same September, 2014 – on the 18th, to be exact, Patrick Faber’s then wife would petition the Court for a divorce. In her petition, she would recount the nightmarish ordeal she suffered at the hands, literally, of Faber. That included occasions in which he would be drunk and would abuse her verbally, using obscenities and demeaning her in front of others. But it got worse. Faber’s behaviour degenerated to the point where she says he grew increasingly “hostile and violent.”

According to the victim, the Respondent (Faber) would became intoxicated and uncontrollable. In one instance she says, while drunk, “He began to push the petitioner in the head. When they got in the vehicle the Respondent attacked her…The respondent has also attacked the petitioner with a knife, slashed the wheels of her car to prevent her from leaving the house and struck the petitioner on her thigh when she refused his sexual advances.”

On another occasion, she claimed, he stoned her with perfume bottles and on yet another, he attacked her while under the influence of alcohol.

There is much more, but even a cursory view of the official Court document is enough to paint the picture of a man who is abusive – not a man who hit a woman once in a fit of rage, though even that would be inexcusable, but a man who over the course of years abused his wife.

Though that should be enough in and of itself, there are other reports about Faber which have circulated, demonstrating his inability to control himself under the influence, and his proclivity to abuse women.

There are those in the UDP who would undoubtedly defend Faber, particularly as he intends to be the next leader of that Party and the next Prime Minister of Belize when Dean Barrow leaves office. But really, Faber’s actions are indefensible.

While some will surely say that this is his personal life and should be left alone, this is the man who wants to lead this country.

As a nation, and as a people, we are asked to abhor men who are abusive to women. We are asked to protect our women and to value and nurture them. There are horror stories of women dying at the hands of abusive partners, like Christie Carrasco, stabbed to death in a jealous rage. We are taught that it is not okay to hit women or to abuse them in any way, even verbally. Remember the spouse of the Prime Minister, dancing in the street. Remember the 20,000 Woman march and rally.

So then, what message is the UDP sending by having this man as their Deputy Prime Minister, and by proposing him as the next leader of this country? Do we then tell our women that it is okay for them to be abused and beaten? It would be interesting to hear the position of the Prime Minister on this. After all, Faber is his protégée.

Incredibly, as this is being written, Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber is giving a speech to a group of UDP women at a Women in Politics consultation.

Imagine that.

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Golpeador de Mujeres

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ada año en noviembre, religiosamente, los departamentos pertinentes y las partes interesadas celebran lo que le llaman 16 días de Activismo.

Inicia el 25 de noviembre que es el Día Internacional para la Eliminación de la Violencia contra la Mujer. El objetivo es concienciar y dar a las mujeres una voz para hablar en contra de quienes abusan de ellas y les pegan y las hieren. El objetivo es acabar con esta crueldad contra mujeres a manos de los hombres – el empoderar a las mujeres, para poner fin a una cultura de abuso en la cual las mujeres son vistas como sacos de boxeo.

Solo hace pocos meses, vimos a Kim Simplis Barrow, la Enviada Especial para las Mujeres y Niños, la esposa del Primer Ministro, mientras firmaba ciertos documentos, haciendo bailes en la calles con el Embajador de Estados Unidos para enviar el mensaje que la violencia contra las mujeres debe cesar... que no puede y no será tolerado. ¿Qué tan irónico es, entonces, que el Viceprimer Ministro de Belice, el Ministro de Educación y el hombre elegido por el esposo de la Enviada Especial del Primer Ministro, para dirigir este país es el mismo hombre que se conoce que abusa de las mujeres, un hombre que ha sido acusado en múltiples ocasiones de abusar físicamente a mujeres, agrediéndolas, golpeándolas? Qué ironía tan cruel e increíble.

En la mañana del 06 de septiembre de 2014, una mujer fue a la estación de policía de Ladyville donde ella les dijo a los oficiales que había estado celebrando su cumpleaños en la casa del Ministro Patrick Faber cuando sucedió lo impensable. En un arrebato, afirmó, "Patrick Faber la agredió y la asfixio en la cama." Continúa el comunicado policial, "Patrick agarró a (el nombre fue excluido por el editor) de su pelo, la tiró de la cama hacia el suelo y la arrastro al pasillo donde le asesto un puñetazo dos veces en el lado derecho de la cara..."

El informe fue retirado más tarde por la víctima, quien era en ese entonces una empleada de Faber en el Ministerio de Educación y al parecer su novia. Faber se negó a elaborar, diciendo que era un asunto privado y que el informe había sido retirado, después de todo.

Increíblemente, Faber pidió respeto a los medios de comunicación para dejar reposar el asunto. Y Ahí termino la cosa.

Pero resulta que ahí no termino la cosa. El mismo septiembre de 2014 – el día 18, para ser exactos, la en ese entonces esposa de Patrick Faber solicitaría un divorcio a los Tribunales. En su petición, ella relata la pesadilla de la terrible experiencia que sufrió en las manos, literalmente, de Faber. Incluyendo ocasiones en las que él estaría borracho y abusaba de ella verbalmente, con obscenidades y degradándola delante de otras personas.

Pero la cosa se puso peor. El comportamiento de Faber se degeneró hasta el punto donde, cuenta ella, se fue volviendo cada vez más “hostil y violento”.

Según la víctima, el demandado (Faber) alcanzaba un estado de embriaguez y fuera de control. Por ejemplo, dice, mientras borracho, "comenzó a empujarla en la cabeza.

Cuando llegaron al vehículo la atacó... El demandado ha atacado al demandante con un cuchillo, le cortó las ruedas de su coche que le impedía salir de la casa y golpeó a la demandante en su muslo cuando ella rechazó sus avances sexuales."

En otra ocasión, afirmó, él le lanzo botellas de perfume y todavía en otra, la atacó mientras estaba bajo la influencia del alcohol.

Hay mucho más, pero incluso un simple vistazo del documento oficial de la corte es suficiente para pintar la imagen de un hombre que es abusivo, no un hombre que golpeó a una mujer en un ataque de furia, aunque incluso eso sería imperdonable, pero un hombre que durante años abusó de su esposa.

Aunque eso debería ser ya suficiente de por sí, hay otros informes sobre Faber que han circulado, demostrando su incapacidad para controlarse a sí mismo durante sus borracheras y su proclividad al abuso de mujeres.

Hay aquellos en el UDP que indudablemente defenderían a Faber, especialmente ya que él pretende ser el próximo líder de ese partido y el próximo Primer Ministro de Belice, cuando Dean Barrow deje el cargo. Pero realmente, las acciones de Faber son indefendibles. Mientras que algunos seguramente dirán que esto es su vida personal y debe dejársele en paz, este es el hombre que quiere liderar este país.

Como nación y como pueblo, se nos pide aborrecer a los hombres que son abusivos con las mujeres. Se nos pide proteger a nuestras mujeres y a valorar y cuidarlas. Hay historias de horror de mujeres que mueren a manos de parejas abusivas, como Christie Carrasco, asesinada a puñaladas en un ataque de celos. Se nos enseña que no está bien golpear a las mujeres o maltratarlas de cualquier forma, incluso verbalmente. Recuerde a la esposa del Primer Ministro, bailando por la calle. Recuerde la marcha y concentración de 20.000 mujeres.

Entonces, ¿qué mensaje es el que el UDP envía con tener a este hombre como su Vice primer Ministro, y proponiéndolo como el próximo líder de este país? ¿Entonces les decimos a nuestras mujeres que está bien que sean maltratadas y golpeadas? Sería interesante escuchar la posición del Primer Ministro sobre esto. Después de todo, Faber es su protegido.

Increíblemente, mientras esto está siendo escrito, el Viceprimer Ministro Patrick Faber le está dando un discurso a un grupo de mujeres UDP en una consulta sobre la Mujer en la Política. Imagínese.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Is BSCAP a B-SCAM?

Wednesday, 26 April 2017 Shyne Barrow, the son of the Prime Minister and former wellknown rapper, has started an organization he calls BSCAP, the Belize Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. He is trying to convince radio stations, DJs, hotels, banks and other organizations which play music that they should pay a percentage of their gross revenues into his organization.

When that happens, says Shyne, he will then turn around and pay artists whose music has been played by those entities.

Artists should be paid for their work, particularly if those who play their music profit from it. A lot of work, time, passion and financial resources go into the creation of our Belizean music, so our artists absolutely do deserve to be compensated.

But is Shyne the person to do it?

Can he be trusted? How will artists know how much Shyne has been paid, and by whom, when he gives them whatever he wants to give them every quarter? How will artists know that they aren’t being scammed by this former rapper who is known to be less than trustworthy, to say the least.

In 2011, Moshe Levi Ben David, as he was called then, filled the MCC Garden for a concert, because he promised that Barrington Levy would perform, as well as two of the best international R&B/Hip Hop artists as a surprise to Belizeans. But the biggest surprise of that night is that none of those artists showed up, leaving the thousands who attended feeling that they were scammed and demanding their money back.

Right after that concert, one of the concert organizers, Ritchie Galvez, told reporters that “Po People Entertainment was responsible for Black Chiney, Black Rhino, Chino and Shyne cause we paid him. Gangland was responsible for the two guest appearance and Barrington Levy which Po People paid five first class tickets for them to come. I did my part. I fulfilled everything [and] Shyne, up to now, we’re still wondering what happened.”

So can Shyne be trusted with the monies he says are due to artists. He is going around the country, allegedly collecting already from some organizations, and threatening others with lawsuits if they don’t pay BSCAP. But Shyne still can’t even make full payment for the Penthouse

Shyne Barrow

Suite at the Renaissance Towers.

Playing big time, he stayed there and racked up a huge bill, and up to today still allegedly owes close to $40,000.

So artists need to be very careful before jumping on Shyne’s bandwagon. And get this, not only does he want to collect on behalf of Belizean artists. Shyne also wants to be paid on behalf of artists like Ed Sheeran, Beyonce, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Chicago, Michael Jackson, Aerosmith, Vybz Cartel, Ariana Grande, etc. He says that BSCAP is authorized to collect on behalf of all artists, not only local talent. Imagine, this man, a convicted felon,

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2017

can’t even go to the US, but says he is authorized to collect monies on behalf of international artists.

Artists beware…all may not be exactly what it seems. Inform yourselves, get the facts and find out exactly what Shyne is all about before jumping on the BSCAP bandwagon.

In 2011 Shyne said, “I gotta be successful. I can’t be a local success or a local hero, I gotta be big on the charts like I once was, number one, biggest record, millions sold…I’m going to Paris, I’m going to Africa, I’m going to Germany, London, everywhere to promote Shyne…” So suddenly now he wants to represent Belizean artists? Or is it still all about Shyne?

Is BSCAP nothing more than a B-SCAM?

30 APR

07 7

THE BELIZE TIMES

2017

BELIZE’S GREATEST ASSET STILL AT RISK Contributed Belize’s greatest, and arguably most beautiful, natural asset, the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System is still at risk from offshore oil exploration. The Government of Belize, in December 2015, announced to the world that it would ban offshore oil in all of the seven marine protected areas that make up Belize’s only World Heritage Site but after1 year, 4 months, 26 days, it has failed to pass the required legislation. Aside from the legislation itself is that even with the government’s announcement, it is still insufficient as it only plans to put in place a 1 km buffer around the World Heritage Site and the length of the Barrier Reef. Why only 1 km and how will this be sufficient in such an environment is something that the government has still not explained.

The Belize Barrier Reef is a natural infrastructure, an asset that we did not have to construct yet benefit so bountifully from. Approximately 60% of all tourists, or six of every ten visitors, who come to Belize, come because of the draw of the majestic Barrier Reef. The tourism industry is of course a multi-million dollar industry that provides jobs and income to thousands of Belizeans across the country. Similarly, the health of our fisheries sector depends on the health of the reef. Approximately 190,000 Belizeans depend on the reef for their livelihoods. Our total economic benefit from the reef is estimated to be around $1 billion per year and this is a conservative estimate. The Belize Barrier Reef is what our National Anthem calls “nature’s blessing” and our only responsibility is to protect and conserve it, not for its own sake but for our sake.

It is unclear why the Government of Belize is insisting on pursuing offshore oil. There is so much more to lose than to gain.

The impact of a single major oil spill would be catastrophic for the entire country. The cost of the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill that occurred seven years ago has reached US$54 billion.

This is simply not something we can afford. Beyond this obvious extreme risk is that the world is moving away from fossil fuel to run the global economy. According to a new report released this week backed by energy giants Shell and BHP Billiton, the use of fossil fuel, particularly coal and oil, must decline “sharply” if the world is to meet the goals of the Paris accord. The report was released by the Energy Transitions Commission, a group set up in 2013 by a cross-section of major firms, NGOs and academics.

The Government of Belize itself knows that as a country we must change course towards renewables. The UN-sponsored Growth and Sustainable Development Strategy put out by no less than the Ministry of Economic Development and Petroleum makes no mention of offshore oil making up any part of Belize’s sustainable development plans. Instead the Strategy calls for greater protection of all of Belize’s protected areas including the ones that make up Belize’s World Heritage Site.

The Government of El Salvador just last month banned all metals mining in the country. They came to the conclusion with the support of government agencies, NGOs and the Catholic Church, that water was more important than mining. The Government of Belize needs to demonstrate the vision, wisdom and gravitas of the Salvadoran government and ban offshore oil exploration in all of Belize’s waters. The opportunity cost of the mining ban for the government and people of El Salvador was very high. They decided to forego millions of dollars in revenues. Meanwhile in Belize, we would continue to benefit tremendously from a fully protected Barrier Reef for generations to come.

All we would need to forego is the short-sightedness displayed at times. With the impending impacts of climate change on our natural resources and industries, we cannot afford to increase the exposure of our people and economy to greater vulnerabilities. We can and must protect the Barrier Reef not for its own sake but for ours.

NOTICE WIN HOPE INTERNATIONAL LTD. # 79,302 (“the Company”) Pursuant to Section 102 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, notice is hereby given that WIN HOPE INTERNATIONAL LTD. has been dissolved as at 5th April, 2017 and has been struck off the Register of International Business Companies.

CIL Trust International Limited Registered Agent

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30 APR

THE BELIZE TIMES

Faber Denies Meddling…

BNTU Says Wheel & Come Again Wednesday, 26 April 2017 The members of the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) gave the ruling UDP yet another slap in the face last Thursday April 20 when they elected firebrand unionist and Senator, Elena Smith to the presidency of the union. The UDP had worked hard to get Mario Mesh elected but they were sorely disappointed as he held little sway with the BNTU members on the ground in San Roman, Corozal.

This however, was after the Union’s Council of Management did its due diligence to weed out non-financial members of the union from voting in the Convention that saw the largest turnout in recent years. Outgoing president Luke Palacio stated on a morning show this week, “there was evidence of some of the persons who we’ve never seen at conventions for a very, very long time” being present that day. That apart, Rayford Gordon, a trusted assistant of Education Minister Patrick Faber was seen on the ground on the day of the election and so was the driver of the Foreign Minister. When asked about Gordon, all Faber would say is that he doesn’t know his daily whereabouts.

Their presence was yet another indication that there had indeed

2017

page and added in an interview, “it is no secret that the leadership of the BNTU under Luke Palacio was a very rocky time in terms of that relationship with me and also with the wider government. I will not tell

Luke Palacio

Patrick Faber

Elena Smith

been political intervention but Faber has denied the allegation.

However, the union has disclosed further indications of the UDP’s attempts to get a candidate more supportive of their party installed.

Palacio said, “we knew that there were persons who came to the convention not in the usual way, because our branches provide transportation for our teachers to go to convention.” He was referring to offers of transportation that were made by a council member of the Punta Gorda Town Council to teachers. Senator Smith added that on Wednesday April 19th during the first day of the convention, they were informed of a meeting at the

Minister’s house with the subject matter being precisely the BNTU election. This led Palacio to affirm, “so that when the Minister now speaks that he was not aware of what was going on and these other things, we are definitely not convinced about that. There were key persons who you know are supporters of the party in government, and we have no problem with that—that is your democratic right—but for you to come out here now and try and indicate that you knew nothing of this, eena Creole, we have to say “wheel and come again.”

Perhaps to deviate attention from their scurrilous manoeuvrings, two hours after the election results came in, Minister Faber congratulated Elena Smith on his social media

you that I am not happy that that has come to an end, but I was genuine when I made the comment to congratulate the new president."

Well, Palacio had this message for the Minister: “Whether he’s happy or unhappy, Luke Palacio has nowhere to go. My Union has selected me as the first vice president of the BNTU for the next two years… and I will be her [Elena Smith’s] right hand.” For her part, Smith has distanced herself from Faber. She affirmed, “I don’t care if the Minister has said that yes, we are friends.

He and I sat on the executive together some years ago. We were never bosom buddies...we worked cordially and I knew him because of the Union.” She takes over the reins of the BNTU on July 1st.

TIME TO GET UNITED...

NOTICE

BY ORDER OF THE SUPREME COURT OF BELIZE LICENSE AUCTIONEER NOEL J. CODD will sell the following vehicles on Tuesday May 2ND, 2017 AT 10:00a.m. in front of Noel J. Codd office, Carmelita Village, Orange Walk District 1 Mitsubishi Outlander 1 Suzuki Grand Vitara TERM: STRICTLY CASH

NOEL J. CODD Licensed Auctioneer

Carmelita Village, Orange Walk District

AND DRAG BARROW OUT OF OFFICE!

Tel: Office: 677-5184 cell: 624-5184 Email:noelcoddaction@yahoo.com www.noelcoddinc.com

@Noel Codd Auctioneer

30 APR

THE BELIZE TIMES

2017

09 9

HOLY REDEEMER

CREDIT UNION LIMITED

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M G A d r 73

WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY, APRIL 29, 2017 2:00 PM SCA MULTIPURPOSE MERCY CENTER M������������ ������ �� ������� F�� Y��� ��������� M�������� C��� L����� T� R������ A���� Y��� C����� �����

PLEASE NOTE: Passbook along with Picture ID will be required to enter

10 SPORTS KULTURE MEGABYTES’ KENT GABOUREL

8 JAN 26 FEB 21 29 AUG JAN 30 APR

THE BELIZE TIMES TIMES THE BELIZE

Wins Weekend Warriors Classic

2017 2016

Top 5 - A Division

Belize City, April 23, 2017 Team Kulture Megabytes’ Kent “Bob” Gabourel won the Weekend Warriors’ annual Cross Country Cycling Classic from Mile 62 in Georgeville to the finish line by Leslie’s Imports on the George Price Highway in Belize City on Sunday morning.

A Division.

1st Kent Gabourel - Team Kulture Megabytes - 2:41:00.

2nd Barney Brown - Team Scotiabank – 2:43:00 3rd Fitzgerald “Palas” Joseph - Team Lampaz 4th Kirk Sutherland – Team DigiCell 4G 5th Mark Gentle – Team F.T. Williams 6th Jack Sutherland - Team DigiCell 4G 7th Derrick Smith – Team BFSC El Pescador 8th Warren Coye – Team Santino’s 9th Dean Belisle - Team Bel-Cal 10 Andrew “Pawpa” Brown - Team Kulture Megabytes B Division 1st Santino Castillo – Team Santino’s – 2:43:10 2nd Hector Tzuleta – Team Valvoline 3rd Ryan Willoughby – Team Valvoline 4th Clarence Tesecum – Team Santino’s 5th Marvin Hyde – Team Lampaz 6th Mark Reid – Team Santino’s 7th Sean Duncan - Team SMART Zoom 8th Kenny Gooding - Team F.T. Williams 9th Frank Burns – Team Cayo Rentals 10th Gilberto Acosta - Team Santino’s C Division - 50-miles from Garbutt’s PUMA gas station to Leslie’s Imports 1st Luis Usher – Team F.T. Williams - 2:30:00 2nd Ingmar Perera – Team BFSC El Pescador 3rd Lisa Berger – Team BFSC El Pescador 4th Elvis Perez – Team Scotiabank 5th Armando Moralez – Team Valvoline 6th Eustace Ireland – Team Lampaz 7th Wilhelm Coye 8th Kaylyn Gillett - Team Kulture Megabytes 9th Enrique Moralez – Team Valvoline 10th Siyah Swasey - Team BFSC El Pescador

Top 5 - B Division

Top 5 - C Division

Hummingbird Girls & Holy Redeemer Boys Shine

The top 5 winners of each Division were awarded trophies, while 6th to 10th place finishers received medals

Belmopan Bandits & Verdes FC Win in PLB Football Semi-finals

David Madrid tries header Belize City, April 23, 2017 The defending champs Belmopan Bandits and Verdes FC of Benque Viejo both enjoyed big wins in Game 1 of their Premier League of Belize semifinal series on Sunday.

At the Norman Broaster Stadium in San Ignacio, Verdes FC arrested the Police United 2-0 with goals by Nahjib Guerra in the 38th minute and by Jarret Davis in the 48th minute.

Verdes might have won 4-0, but they missed 2 penalties.

At the MCC Garden in Belize City, a late goal by Honduran import Jairo Rochez gave the Bandits a 1-0 win over the Belize Defence Force.

Upcoming games: Bandits vs. BDF at Isidoro Beaton Stadium on Saturday, April 29, Police United vs. Verdes at Norman Broaster Stadium on Sunday.

Belize City, April 24, 2017 The Hummingbird Elementary girls and the Holy Redeemer RC School boys won the Belize City primary schools volleyball championships organized by the National Sports Council at the Stars Gymnasium on Monday afternoon.

In Game 1, the Hummingbird girls won 19-25, 25-20,

15-4 over the Belize Elementary girls.

In Game 2, the Holy Redeemer boys won 25-8, 25-10 over the Belize Elementary boys.

Both 1st and 2nd place teams go on to represent the city at the Belize District championship finals to be played at the Belize Elementary auditorium on Wednesday, May 3.

8 MAY 31 26 JUL FEB 12 JUN 14 30 19 AUG APR JUN

THE BELIZE TIMES

2016 2016 2017

6th Annual SMART Mundialito Kicks Off

Belize City, April 23, 2017 The Ladyville Rising Stars, Reality Youth FC and Heights FC posted big wins in Week 1 of the 6th annual SMART Mundialito, which kicked off at the MCC Garden last Saturday.

In Game 1, the Brown Bombers held the defending champs, City Boys, to a nil-zip draw.

In Game 2, Ladyville Rising Stars dazzled the Ladyville Jaguars: 3-0 with goals by Marvin Card, Steven Rivera and Kenrick Gordon.

In Game 3, Hattieville Riverside Boys and Carlston FC drew nil-zip.

In Game 4, Warriors FC and Collet Strikers drew nil-zip.

In Game 5, Reality Youth FC won 1-0 against the BES Corinthians with a goal by Glenford Thomas.

In Game 6, Heights FC scorched Sampson Academy: 1-0 with a goal by Kyjaun Kirkwood.

Games continue on Saturday, April 29.

Marvin Card scored Rising Stars' 1st goal

11 09 SPORTS 11

Steven Rivera scored Rising Stars' 2nd goal

Dream Ballers & Western Ballaz Win Thru to NEBL Playoffs

Flowers Bank Easy Does It team

Flowers Bank Girls Win Belize Rural Softball Marathon Lords Bank Village, April 23, 2017 The Flowers Bank Easy Does It softball girls won the Belize Rural season-opening women’s softball marathon in Lord’s Bank Village on Sunday.

In Game 1, Flowers Bank clipped the Burrell Boom Orchid Girls: 17-10 by mercy rule in 4 innings, as the Flowers Bank girls got 12 hits off Valerie Vernon, who also walked 10 batters. Dian Baldwin on the mound for Flowers Bank gave up only 2 hits, but walked 11. The Flowers Bank girls forced the Boom girls to leave 5 runners on base, and Boom scored no runs in the 4th inning.

In Game 2, Flowers Bank spanked the Lord’s Bank Sunrise girls: 13-4 by mercy rule in 4 innings; as they got 9 hits off Christine Clarke, who struck out one batter and walked one. The Lord’s Bank diamond made 4 errors. Renisha Rhaburn on the mound for Flowers Bank gave up only one hit, as she struck out 3 batters, but walked 6. The Flowers Bank diamond made only one error, forcing the Lord’s Bank girls to leave 4 runners on base, and they scored no runs in the 3rd nor 4th innings.

In Game 3, the Boom girls won 2nd place by a 12-5 win over Lord’s Bank.

Lords Bank's Christine Clarke pitches

Renisha Rhaburn scored 4 runs

Belize City, April 22, 2017 The Cayo Western Ballaz won the 4th place berth in the National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) playoffs by a 74-73 win over the Belmopan Bandits at the UB Gym last Thursday night, and the Dangriga Dream Ballers won the No.2 spot in the playoffs with their 8th win: 75-70 against the Orange Walk Running Rebels at the Stann Creek Ecumenical auditorium on Saturday.

The Belmopan Bandits recovered to win the No.3 spot with a 92-90 win against the defending champs, the Belize City Hurricanes at the St. Catherine Auditorium on Saturday night. The Bandits have acquired Devin Daly who top scored with 26pts, while Stephen “Muerte” Williams added 20pts, and Farron Louriano scored 14pts, while American import Richard Smith III tossed in 12pts. Hurricanes’ Glency Lopez scored 23pts, and Shaquille Crawford added 18pts.

At the UB gym on Thursday, Daniel “Buddy” Nolberto and Darwin “Puppy” Leslie scored 19pts apiece for Western Ballaz’ 74-73 upset of the Bandits, and Elsworth Itza added 14pts. Bandits’ Richard Smith III scored 18pts; while Greg Rudon added 16pts and Williams had 10pts.

In Dangriga on Saturday Dillmore Conorquie scored 24pts, and Tahj Wells added 16pts for Dangriga Dream Ballers’ 75-70 win over the Running Rebels’ Quinton Bowen also put up 14pts. Roger Reneau led the Rebels with 23pts and James Ewing added 14pts.

At the Orange Walk Multipurpose Complex on Friday night, the Rebels had upset the SMART Belize Hurricanes: 79-72; led by Roger Reneau with 21pts, and James Ewing added 14pts. Hurricanes’ Bryan White scored 18pts, and Akeem Watters added 17pts.

Devin Daly scored 26pts

Stephen Williams scored 20pts

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30 APR

THE BELIZE TIMES

A BELIZE THAT WORKS FOR EVERYONE!

Labour Day Message by

Hon. John Briceño, PUP Leader

If there is one movement that highlights the aspirations of our people it is the labour movement. The labour movement in Belize exemplifies the strength and determination of the Belizean worker for it is because of the labour movement that the lives of many of our people have been enhanced.

All of us can agree that the labour movement, which was started when our workers fought to resist devaluation, has played an important role in improving the lives of Belizeans workers. Our workers are the foundation upon which the Belizean middle class was built, and we will only build the middle class and expand it if our workers do so.

We in the PUP have always been committed to the principles of social, environmental and economic justice.

We know we can only achieve this by working in partnership with institutions and organizations like the labour movement, who have fought side by side with the PUP and who like us believe that every Belizean worker must achieve fair living wages, safe working conditions and a workplace free from discrimination through building better relations with employers.

The PUP will always be grateful for our unions and will always collaborate with the labour movement.

We will continue to advocate for an increase in the minimum wage. We will keep working to make our labour laws fair, to recognize the important role of unions in promoting and protecting Belizean workers and creating opportunities for personal growth.

We in the PUP believe that together with Labour and working with our partners in the productive sector, the private sector and civil society we can Build a Belize that Works for Everyone. On behalf of all of us in the PUP: Happy Labour Day!

2017

UN BELICE QUE FUNCIONE PARA TODOS Si hay un movimiento que enaltece las aspiraciones de nuestro pueblo es el movimiento obrero. El movimiento trabajador en Belice es un ejemplo de la fuerza y determinación del trabajador Beliceño porque debido al movimiento obrero es que se han mejorado las vidas de muchos Beliceños.

Todos pueden acordar que el movimiento obrero, que se inició cuando los trabajadores lucharon para resistir la devaluación, ha jugado un papel importante en mejorar la vida de los trabajadores Beliceños. Nuestros trabajadores son la base sobre la cual se construyó la clase media de Belice, y sólo levantaremos la clase media cuando hayamos disminuido el desempleo y creado puestos de trabajo que son significativos y relevantes para nuestro tiempo.

En el PUP siempre hemos estado comprometidos con los principios de justicia social, ambiental y económica. Sabemos que sólo podemos lograrlo trabajando en sociedad con instituciones y organizaciones como el movimiento sindical, que han luchado mano a mano con el PUP y que como nosotros creemos que cada trabajador Beliceño debe lograr salarios justos, condiciones de trabajo seguras y un ambiente de trabajo libre de discriminación a través de mejorando las relaciones con los empleadores.

El PUP siempre estará agradecido con nuestros sindicatos y siempre colaborara con el movimiento sindical. Vamos a seguir abogando por un aumento en el salario mínimo. Vamos a seguir trabajando para hacer nuestras leyes laborales justas, para reconocer el papel importante de los sindicatos en la promoción y protección de los trabajadores Beliceños y creando oportunidades para el crecimiento personal.

En el PUP creemos que junto con el movimiento laboral y trabajando con nuestros socios en el sector productivo, el sector privado y la sociedad civil podemos construir un Belice que funcione para todos. En nombre de todos nosotros en el PUP: ¡Feliz día del trabajo!

Happy Labour Day Belize !

30 APR

2017

THE BELIZE TIMES

ON THE

MOVE

Meeting with Commonwealth Representatives On Tuesday, April 25, 2017 PUP leader John Briceùo and members of his executive met with Political Advisor for the Commonwealth Secretariat Tres-Ann Kremer. Kremer also met with UWG President Tanya Santos and other members of the United Women’s Group Executive. The Commonwealth Secretariat representatives are in the country gathering data on the involvement of women in politics with a view to enhancing their inclusion in the political arena.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

30 APR

2017

30 APR

15

THE BELIZE TIMES

2017

MY PERSPECTIVE

By Dolores Balderamos Garcia

PRO LIFE AND PRO CHOICE IN BELIZE This has been an eventful week for the Belize National Teachers Union and for our country.

The Union, their leaders, and their rank and file have stood firm and closed ranks in the face of many attempts at partisan interference and union busting. They were able to hold successful convocations and a much-watched election of new executive members and a new president. Elena Smith and I go way back. I am very gratified that she has received the mandate to pick up the torch and don the mantle of Teachers Union leadership. I wish her all the very best. I pause, too, to congratulate both Ruth Shoman and Adelaida Guerra. What a close poll for the post for which they vied.

Only eight votes separated them.

They are both winners big time, and all best wishes to the women and men who will continue to serve their union and the Belizean people.

Last week I looked at Roman Catholic nun Sister Joan Chittister and how she exposed the hypocrisy in the United States of those socalled conservatives who proclaim that they are Pro Life.

For my part I am pleased that here in Belize we have managed to avoid the ProLife/Pro Choice divide that has plagued the U.S. No one in their right mind is pro abortion, and the right to life is shared equally by the unborn. However, I firmly hold that Belize's law on abortion makes good sense. I was not happy some years ago when some very conservative Catholic advocates began to question and call for the repeal of our very strict law preventing abortion except in very exceptional cases, and advocating instead for a total bar on all abortions.

Our law strictly prohibits the willful ending of pregnancy, the exception being when two medical practitioners certify that the woman's pregnancy may be ended when her own life or health and/or the lives of her other child/children are in danger if the pregnancy continues. There is good sense here, and if as it stands the law is sensible, then there would be no need to fix it.

But further, looking at the im-

plications for Belize of the United States barring funding both nationally and internationally for clinics and organizations that provide reproductive health services due to hypocritical Trump-induced policies, it seems evident that it is our poor women in Belize and poor women worldwide who will suffer. A United States that is more insular and less generous abroad will not help diplomacy, but more, it will leave a big gap and severely narrow the choices for women who need those choices most.

I could never understand why certain very conservative clergy members condemned the use of condoms. Disease prevention has always been and will always be a pressing priority, and it seems to me that practical options must be made available and accessible, again for those who need them most. In this respect, I am definitely Pro Choice, of course NOT Pro Choice in the abortion sense, but Pro Choice in the sense of leaders' responsibility to make useful options for women and young people available. Reproductive health care entails educating and sensitizing girls and women to make healthy choices.

I say clearly, let us not get bogged down in arguments that are not our own here at home. It is better and vastly more sensible to do all we can to empower girls and women and also young men through training for the prevention of unwanted pregnancies and for motherhood by informed choice so that we can all be truly Pro Life. I would also like to spend some time in another entry looking at whether our leaders in Belize are Pro Life and Pro Poor as they claim to be. It is necessary to take a critical look at the Boost and Pantry Programs to see whether they are good not only in concept and policy but also in implementation and effect. The present government must not be let off the hook simply because they are touting their Pro Poor agendas.

They may be giving with one hand and taking away with the other. But I do not want to get ahead of myself. More next week.

THINKING OUT LOUD BY: KEVIN BERNARD

I have been told that there are persons in Orange Walk and even outside of the municipality who are being paid weekly by the Orange Walk East Area Rep to attack me personally on Facebook, and also to disparage the work of the Orange Walk Town Council.

I don’t know because I haven’t noticed any attacks and to be honest, I don’t care either way.

Mr. Aragon will learn that I am a man, not a boy, and can’t be bothered with the playground antics of grown men who behave like children. I’ll just say that maybe, just maybe, Mr. Aragon could use some of the money he spends on Facebook games to help even one needy child in Orange Walk East to go to school. And that’s all I’m going to say about that.

In the meantime, I would like to once again thank all those in the community who continue to work together to get things done despite stupid distractions. I continue to be proud of my team at the Council, and particularly grateful for the many community stakeholders and residents who continue to support us as we work TOGETHER to keep the transformation in our town going.

In just the past couple weeks, we have managed to complete the paving of Arthur and Progress streets, located in the center of town. In the northern section of town, we have paved Tate Street. Before the end of this year, and hopefully in the next few weeks we will be paving George Price Boulevard, San Francisco Street and San Francisco Boulevard.

Also in the past few weeks, we have managed to complete paving works on Sapodilla and Mahogany Streets, and have applied a first coat of pavement to Pineapple, Rio Bravo and Palmetto Streets. We have done the same on Pasadita, Naranjal and Cabbage Streets, and they should be finished shortly.

Within the next few months, we will be paving Bliss Drive, Gristock Street, Santa Familia Street, Santa Maria Street, Independence Street, Unity Street and South Main Street.

I will always be grateful to our people who have maintained their support for us, and confidence in my leadership.

And I can tell you now that I will never let you down. There is a lot left to do, and working for this community consumes us at the Council. That is why I and my team never allow ourselves to be distracted by petty nonsense. So Mr. Aragon is wasting his money and those he pays to attack us are wasting their time.

I would also like to take this opportunity to send sincere congratulations to Senator Elena Smith, the new President-elect of the BNTU and the new executive which includes outgoing president brother Luke Palacio.

It is an incredible thing to see the union, and our educators from across the nation, stand up and stand strong. I was angry and appalled by the behaviour of Patrick Faber and the UDP who made no attempts to disguise their attempts to manipulate the election. But as they have done so successfully in the past, our teachers sent a resounding message that they will not be moved, not by money nor intimidation.

Senator Elena Smith is someone who distinguished herself last October as a person who cannot be politically manipulated, by any Party. She spoke loudly against corruption and like all right-thinking Belizeans, demanded good governance. We need people like this in positions of power, people who cannot be bought and paid for. I believe the UDP has gotten way too used of buying things and buying people, so this was a good lesson for them.

God-willing, I would like to be a part of a new era in politics where we can once again respect our politicians for the men and women they are. I want to be a part of a new political culture where those in power are not concerned with enriching themselves or their family members, but are totally focused on doing good works for the people and country.

I am confident that those days are ahead of us.

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30 APR

THE BELIZE TIMES

2017

Time to Market Cycling Properly

By Gilroy Usher Sr. For the last Cross Country Cycling Classic each time the media gave an official of the Cycling Federation of Belize the opportunity to list the sponsors of the annual Holy Saturday race, the person made it a point to state that in dealing with the event the federation only mentions the name of its big sponsors. That refers to the five or six businesses which donate a thousand dollars or more each to the federation for its biggest event.

As a result of that shortsighted policy, persons like myself who gave the Federation $500.00 for a station prize on Holy Saturday and a few others persons who gave more than that amount but less than a $1,000.00 individually to the sport, received absolutely no acknowledgement from the sporting body in the press.

That is very poor marketing of cycling, especially the Cross Country race which is an 89 year old event and the biggest sporting activity throughout the nation. The situation explains why after managing the sport for almost nine decades the Cycling Federation previously the Association of Belize is always broke, and short of funds to execute its calendar of events.

The Federation’s deplorable marketing of cycling discourages many persons and businesses from assisting with its various races. The truth is that a properly managed Cycling Federation would attract more and more sponsors for its events throughout the year.

The Cycling Federation of Belize has become the puppet of a couple businesses which give it less than $5,000.00 each in exchange for exclusive promotion on the air by the organization.

Once the Federation starts marketing cycling especially the Cross-Country race properly it will ensure that persons who donate $500.00 or more for an event get the

proper acknowledgement in the media for their contributions. This proactive marketing strategy would also motivate many more businesspersons to contribute $500.00 or a couple hundred dollars more to the Federation for the Cross Country race as well as other races. With this marketing strategy the revenue from scores of smaller donors could equal or surpass what the Federation earns from a couple big sponsors.

A number of businesses spend five hundred dollars or more on advertisements for Easter and other holidays, but very few of those same businesses contribute even a $100.00 to the Cycling Federation for a race. That occurs because the Federation doesn’t give sponsors the necessary acknowledgement for their contributions to the sport if it’s less than $1,000.00 or ten blue notes.

The media houses solicit many advertisements for the Cross-Country race and other cycling events and they give those businesses maximum publicity. Excellent for the press. It’s not the media’s job to promote the sponsors of a cycle race. That is the responsibility of the Cycling Federation. In marketing the Cross Country race as well as other races, the Federation should make it mandatory that its spokesperson acknowledge the contribution of all donations of $500.00 or more. Secondly, its contract with the media houses for airing of an event should include acknowledgement of all sponsors of $500.00 or more, at least 6 times on the day of the event – three times on the way to Santa Elena and three times on the return journey to Belize City.

In marketing cycling the Federation should also have an all - day jump up at the same location where a major race begins and ends.

Once cycling especially the Holy Saturday race is marketed properly, the Cycling Federation of Belize will raise sufficient funds for its calendar of events and to be of assistance to its members in a number of ways.

CORRUPTION IN GOVERNMENT

By: Eduardo Santos It is essential to note from the outset that there is no single, comprehensive and universally accepted definition of corruption. It would be a long and awkward process to come up with a universally shared definition. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in the Global Programme against Corruption -UN Anti-Corruption Toolkit- briefly states that the difficulties encountered in formulating a common definition are due to legal, criminological and political problems.

In general, corruption is a complex social, political and economic phenomenon. Nowadays corruption is internationally recognized as a major problem in society, one capable of endangering the stability and security of societies, threatening social, economic and political development and undermining the values of democracy and morality. This holds true at both the domestic level and the international level.

Indeed, with the growing globalization of markets of services, goods and people, accompanied by the internationalization of illegal activities, the international dimension of corruption gains in significance. As a result, reducing corruption becomes a priority at both the national and international levels and requires concerted efforts, exchange of experience and a certain degree of standardization.

Although it is true that countries differ in their anticorruption strategies, it is nowadays increasingly possible to cooperate and exchange information on successful practices.

The World Pap of the 2016 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) by Transparency International (TI) measures "the degree to which corruption is perceived to exist among public officials and politicians." High numbers which are in green indicate low perceptions of corruption, while the color red points out the higher perceptions of corruption. More than 70% of the world has corruption but it differs from country to another in the level.

The main forms of corruption are bribery, embezzlement, fraud and extortion.

However, these forms can partly overlap and at times are interchangeable with each other. "Bribery" is the payment (in money or kind) that is given or taken in a corrupt relationship. To pay or receive a bribe is corruption and should be understood as the essence of corruption. A bribe is a fixed sum, a certain percentage of a contract, or any other favor in money or kind, usually paid to an official who can make contracts on behalf of the government or otherwise distribute benefits to companies or individuals, businessmen and clients.

"Embezzlement" is theft of public resources by public officials. Embezzlement is when a government official steals from

the public institution in which he his employed, and from resources he is supposed to administer on behalf of the government and the public.

However, disloyal employees in private firms can also embezzle money and other resources from their employers.

"Graft" refers to large "gifts,” and most countries have laws against it. Example of graft is a politician using his knowledge or position to purchase land which he knows is planned for development, before this is publicly known, and then selling it at a significant profit.

"Trading in influence" or influence marketing in certain countries, refers to the situation where a person is selling his/her influence over the decision process involving a third party (person or institution).

"Fraud" is an economic crime that involves some kind of dishonesty, cheating or deceit.

It is a broader legal and popular term that covers more than bribery and embezzlement. It is fraud for instance when government representatives are engaged in illegal trade networks, counterfeiting and racketing, and when forgery, smuggling and other organized economic crime is propped up by "official" sanction and involvement. It is fraud when top officials take a share for closing their eyes on this; it is serious fraud when they have an active role in it.

"Extortion" is money and other resources extracted by the use of force, violence or the threats to use force in an atmosphere of insecurity. "Protection" or "security" money can be extorted in the classical, infamous mafia style.

"Nepotism and cronyism" Nepotism (personal relatives) has to do with favoritism of relatives and close circles in posts and advantages, while cronyism (personal friends) is demanding that a business should employ a friend of an official controlling regulations affecting the business. Belize can show many examples of this, by employing unqualified candidates just for favoring relatives or personal friends which affect business leading to huge corruption.

"Kickback" kickback (manipulative corruption) is an official's share of misappropriated funds allocated from his or her organization to an organization involved in corrupt bidding.

Since the Barrow administration came to power, the scale of corruption within the government has raised to an unprecedented level. While there has been a lot of evidence that could have indicted key members within the administration, the government has opted to turn a blind eye to that and to sweep it into the dustbins of history. We cannot move forward collectively if the persons that represent us in government are the main culprits and the reason corruption has now become the norm. A politician can commit acts that are treasonous in nature and not be charged but the common man who is caught with one stick of weed will be hauled off to jail in such a dramatic fashion that you would believe he had committed murder. It just shows how disjointed from reality we now are. The worst is yet to come…

30 APR

2017

THE BELIZE TIMES

THINK ABOUT IT LABOUR DAY In honour of the workers of this country, Monday 1st May, 2017 will be a public holiday. Those who labour are the backbone of Belize.

They are in the words of a carpenter from Galilee two thousand years ago, “the salt of the Earth”.

The leader of the Peoples United Party will be making a special mention of workers and labourers in his Labour Day message. No doubt the UDP politicians who have been attacking the workers at the Port and especially the workers who labour in our schools and classrooms will issue press releases and official Labour Day messages. But we all know hypocrisy when we hear it and see it.

On this year’s Labour Day we at this column particularly wish to big up Belizean teachers and especially those who defied “tyrants who here linger, the despots who must flee this tranquil haven of democracy”.

At this juncture in our young history we need to redouble our efforts to move mountains to bring much more of our people into the labour force, so they can be independent of bribing politicians and enjoy the dignity of their labour.

The great George Price and his party were grounded in the workers of Belize. It is they who made him and his cause successful. And while the PUP is like the tent of Indian Chief Sitting Bull, i.e. it is big enough to accommodate all Belizeans-capitalist, socialists, Christians, Muslims, manual labour, skilled labour, fisherfolk and country folks, each and every worker, labourer and the poor, the unemployed, students, artists, sportspeople, all and sundry.

A peaceful and enjoyable Labour Day to one and all.

POLICE IN A MESS There continues to be a slow but sure melt-down in the management of the Police Department. The blame for this unsatisfactory situation lies squarely with the Minister, his C.E.O and the Commissioner.

Under the Constitution of Belize ALL Ministers in Cabinet including the Prime Minister are responsible for what an individual Minister does and does not do.

Be reminded that we have the same government and same Ministers for the past sad nine years. Be also reminded that for the past nine years over one thousand persons have been murdered at the average rate of one hundred and twenty each year. That is a godawful statis-

tic which is now the history and legacy of Dean Oliver Barrow.

To further our view of a Police Department that it is hopelessly incompetent and unable to properly manage its important mandate we offer the following: A citizen (Boco T) was killed in the Police Precinct in San Pedro. At first Police lied (as usual) that they were chasing Boco T, he jumped a fence and fell and sustained multiple fatal injuries. The autopsy and other evidence disproved the lies and the government was forced to pay thousands of dollars in compensation.

In Caye Caulker a young man was beaten to death in the CIB office. The beaters rushed the person to the clinic claiming he was suffering from chest pains. The doctor was firm that he arrived dead. A post-mortem and subsequent investigation revealed from two eyewitnesses that the young man was repeatedly shocked with an electric device and punched and kicked in his chest and abdomen. Two officers were charged and the government has not yet paid a penny to the family.

In the San Ignacio Police Station in December 2015 a young lady calling out for water to drink was taken at gunpoint and raped in an abandoned latrine. She repeatedly shouted for help and reported the rape as soon as the Police changed shift. She was released without any statement being taken. She went on television news to report the dastardly deed. A review of the station cell video showed the officer removing the female at gunpoint.

He was charged for the rape. The government has paid not a dollar in compensation for the rape. Neither has the woman champion/envoy said a word. Not a word.

In Toledo, two drunken police officers left the Police Station and confronted several citizens with their clubs, eventually beating a person to death. They were charged.

What is the point being made?

That over the recent years there have been major/murderous problems in Police Stations, not to mention the ongoing beatings and in some cases torture with electric devices. Yet there have been no corrective measures. None. No new protocols, no new instructions to the commanding officers and Station Sergeants who fail to protect citizens from rogue and sadistic police. The beat goes on.

Add to this, the recent phenomena since Barrow became Prime Minister. But first remember our

Prime Minister attempted to change the Constitution of Belize to allow police to collect citizens and take them straight to jail for ninety days without any charge and without any court proceeding. That’s damned incredible but true. Only public outcry and strong editorials from The Reporter and Amandala newspapers caused the PM to back down.

What is the recent phenomena we mentioned? The notorious Gang Suppression Unit and an ever expanding series of lawless units called M.I.T (mobile interdiction) Special Branch Strike Squad, Anti-Drug Unit and other rogue elements known for violating the rights of citizens.

Serious violations including breaking up homes, beating groups of teenagers, false detention, unlawful arrests, unlawful imprisonment for days at the police station and false charges. These things are anathema in any democracy.

Anathema is a word which means it is abhorrent, a curse, a repulsive unacceptable behaviour.

How did the Prime Minister fall so low in his leadership of the country?

Police openly and wantonly violating the rights of Belizeans.

There is no new manual governing Police behaviour and conduct.

There is no effective oversight or regulating body or agency in place.

There is no real Ministry, Minister or CEO. The police are a virtual law onto themselves.

17 The recent thug behaviour by two San Pedro police officers from one of the many “strike” teams wantonly shooting a pistol towards the feet of a group of persons and beating a hand-cuffed female on the ground, outraged Belizeans.

The political reaction was to levy the minor charge of wounding to appease public sentiments. The strike team in San Pedro has a long list of ill treatment of citizens including beatings and shootings. No one is demoted and no procedure put in place to end the criminal behaviour of police.

The recent public video of the Police smuggling uncustomed goods and stealing in a store brought a press release from the Ministry of the Police. But the big things like murder, manslaughter, torture and police beatings and abuse are treated with a disdainful silence.

The officials in the United States of America who are responsible for reporting on human rights abuses and police and army violations of citizens do a good job in reporting to their officials. It is shameful to read these annual reports that smear the once good image of Belize.

In Belize, no one reports on the abuse (except a lame mention by the ineffective ombudsman) and worse, no one is tasked with putting a stop to the abuse and ensuring abusers are punished.

18

THE BELIZE TIMES

30 APR

2017

Barrow’s Legacy of Pain & Sorrow

By: Major (Ret’d) Lloyd Jones On April 26, 2017 the Barrow Administration raised taxes on fuel imports for the sixth time since the start of the year. In 2016 Barrow increased pump prices 10 times and by the end of 2016, fuel prices were on average 12.95% higher than they were at the start of the year. It is a well established economic fact that fuel (energy) is an important input for economic activity; as they say, fuel touches everything. The 12.95% permanent increase in the retail price of fuel in 2016 led to a 1.43% decline in GDP. Economists will tell you that developing countries cannot advance if they do not sustain economic growth in the region of 5% to 6%: Barrow’s best efforts in 2016 yielded a negative 1.43%! Remember now, it was the self same Barrow and the UDP, leading up to the 2015 elections who boasted that the “best was yet to come”.

Some years ago Hubert Elrington, a man of huge intellect and legal scholarship, and a former Minister of Government under Manuel Esquivel’s UDP, referred to Dean Barrow as “all glitter and no substance”. Hubert has always been carefree with his words, he calls it as he sees it and that disposition soon earned him the moniker “crazy glue”; but there is method to Hubert’s madness. Hubert Elrington had seen Dean Barrow up close and personal and he did not like the optics! It would take the rest of us many years to see what it was that Hubert saw long ago.

Dean Barrow has placed us at the precipice of utter and complete economic collapse. Belize remains in a deep economic depression and Belize’s Minister of Finance has no idea how to get us out of it. Unfortunately for us, the Prime Minister’s Cabinet, packed with intellectual lightweights, cannot help him either.

Dean Barrow is considered to be one of Belize’s best legal minds but one sentence does not a story make. Not surprisingly, as it turns out, the brilliant lawyer is a horrible economist, a poor financial manager and a reckless statesman. The UDP under Prime Minister Barrow blew through almost a billion dollars from two sources alone: PetroCaribe and BNE. He then turns around and brags of a renaissance; of a transformation and of better Belize when all he has done, in his almost 10 years as Prime Minister, has been to give us glitter and no substance. The fact is that only those within a very small circle inside the UDP benefited from Barrow’s spending orgy. Structurally, Dean Barrow has so weakened the Belizean economy that, for the first time since our independence, the peg to the US dollar was threatened. What Barrow has done is akin to a business manager who leaves your company with a spanking new building but with a million-dollar mortgage and no way of paying that mortgage because he did not expand sales.

When the Prime Minister read his last budget he promised a bounce back. But down in the ghetto, where 42% of us reside, Barrow’s increase

FINGER LICKIN' BBQ

at the pump guarantees that there will be no bouncing back. Imagine the audacity of a Prime Minster who can impose such a cruel price hike on fuel, even after he and Patrick Faber can give away one million dollars to try and derail the BNTU. Mr. Barrow wishes us to believe that he is propoor but Barrow is a man who does not know poverty. He does not seem to understand that things are so bad that more and more people have resorted to renting rooms because they can no longer afford to rent a house.

He does not seem to understand that the Asian stores are now retailing hot dog sausages at $0.50 a piece because our people cannot afford to buy the entire pack of eight. He does not seem to understand that high fuel prices hurt the poor the most; it is they who must pay more for food, for transport, for medicine and for rent.

Dean Barrow has given the poor

food pantry with one hand and he has taken it away through higher fuel taxes with the other hand.

Because of Dean Barrow more of our children will go to school hungry. More of us will be begging for medical assistance and more of us will be deprived of our dignity as we lose our jobs in this Barrow-generated economic storm.

The legacy of Dean Barrow will long succeed him. Generations of Belizeans will to come know the consequences of having optics-driven political leadership.

When your Prime Minister is more glitter than substance there will always be harmful trans-generational repercussions. Barrow has achieved his three terms in office, he has his legacy but for an increasing number of Belizeans, Barrow’s legacy means nothing more than gas pain!

The People's United Party Belmopan Constituency Executive Invites you to visit our booth at the National Agriculture and Trade Show Saturday, 29th and Sunday 30th April, 2017

Delicious BBQ Chicken will be on Sale!

Support The PUP Corozal Bay Executive Finger lickin' BBQ Sale.

$7.00 a plate - 10:00 am on Saturday April 29, 2017 at the PUP Corozal Bay Office on College Road

Win a Bicycle for only

$1.00!

Booth #B4 is located near Children's Mechanical Rides.

Call 670-2090 or 664-4788 for more information

30 APR

19

THE BELIZE TIMES

2017

NOTICE STATUTORY NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE VACANCY Position: Experienced Secretary

IN THE ESTATE OF ALJEMIRO PAZ a.k.a. JOSE ALGEMIDO PAZ, deceased of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize District, Belize.

NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to Section 36 of the Administration of Estate Act, Chapter 197 of the Laws of Belize that all creditors and other persons having any claims and demands upon or against the Estate of ALJEMIRO PAZ a.k.a. JOSE ALGEMIDO PAZ, deceased, late of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize District, Belize, who died on the 19th day of August, 2015 and in whose estate Grant of Probate has been granted to EVELIA PAZ a.k.a. GRACIELA EVELIA PAZ of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize District, Belize, should lodge claims or demands with the said EVELIA PAZ a.k.a. GRACIELA EVELIA PAZ c/o Balderamos Arthurs LLP, Charter House, Suite 6, 3 ½ Miles Plillip Goldson Highway, P.O. Box 486, Belize City, Belize on or before the expiration of the said three months from the first publication hereof AND NOTICE IS ALSO HEREBY GIVEN that at the expiration of the said three months the said EVELIA PAZ a.k.a. GRACIELA EVELIA PAZ shall proceed to distribute the assets of the said ALJEMIRO PAZ a.k.a. JOSE ALGEMIDO PAZ, deceased, amongst the beneficiaries entitled thereto, having regards only to claims and demands of which he shall then have had notice.

DATED this 20th day of April 2017 BALDERAMOS ARTHURS LLP Attorneys-at-Law for the Estate of ALJEMIRO PAZ a.k.a. JOSE ALGEMIDO PAZ

NOTICE

BY ORDER OF CHARGEE NOTICE OF INTENTION TO SELL HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED a statutory body formed and registered under the Credit Union Act, Chapter 314 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, and whose registered office is situated at No. 1 Hyde’s Lane, Belize City, Belize District hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Chargee under and by virtue of a Charge registered at the Land Registry between LLOYD FORD JR. of the one part and HRCU of the other part.

Required: Initiative, Motivated, Quick Learner, Excellent Communications Skills Qualifications and Experience: • • • •

Bachelors Degree OR 2-3 years working as a Secretary Bilingual (English & Spanish) would be an asset Excellent Written and Oral Communication Skills Team Worker

Salary:

Negotiable and dependent on experience and qualifications

Must have the ability to organize his/her workload with particular attention to detail. Should be able to operate in a busy environment and meet deadlines.

Closing Date: May 15, 2017 Please send your resume and the names of at least two (2) sources of reference to the below:

Manager P. O. Box 1074, Belize City, BELIZE

PUP NOTICE The People’s United Party informs all supporters in ORANGE WALK CENTRAL, and portions of ORANGE WALK EAST & ORANGE WALK NORTH constituencies that applications are now being accepted for the posts of MAYOR & COUNCILORS for the March 2018 Municipal Elections. The closing date for all applications for those interested in any of the above positions is Friday, April 28, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. For further information, please contact your local Executive Chairperson or the PUP Secretariat.

HRCU will at the expiration of three months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the Schedule below.

ALL offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing to Holy Redeemer Credit Union Limited from whom full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained.

SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land comprising 348.257 square metres being Parcel 3196, Block 16 in the Caribbean Shores/Belize Registration Section situate at No. 3196 Marciana Funes Street, Belama Phase III, Belize City, Belize TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon, the freehold property of LLOYD FORD JR. DATED this 24th day of April 2017 HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED 1 HYDE’S LANE, BELIZE CITY, BELIZE Phone: (501) 224-5644 Fax: (501) 223-0738

PUP NOTICE The People’s United Party informs all supporters in COROZAL BAY and portions of COROZAL NORTH constituencies that applications are now being accepted for the posts of MAYOR & COUNCILORS for the March 2018 Municipal Elections. The closing date for all applications for those interested in any of the above positions is Friday, April 28, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. Please contact your local Executive Chairperson for further information or the PUP Secretariat.

20

ESPAÑOL

3030APR APR

THE THEBELIZE BELIZETIMES TIMES

CAPTURAN A SACERDOTE POR CASO DE VIOLACIÓN EN IZABAL

El sacerdote Ignacio López García, sindicado de violación, fue capturado el lunes último en la frontera de Guatemala con El Salvador, Anguiatú, Chiquimula.

El sacerdote Ignacio López es investigado por un caso de violación en Izabal.

Prensa Libre, Redacción 25 de Abril de 2017 La aprehensión fue efectuada luego de varios meses de que el Juzgado de Primera Instancia Penal de Izabal ordenara su captura por el delito de violación con

2017 2017

circunstancias especiales de agravación.

Su captura fue coordinada por la Interpol con personal de la Dirección General de Migración y la Policía Nacional Civil.

Según investigaciones, luego de la orden de captura emitida, el sacerdote huyó a Zacapa y Alta Verapaz e intentaba refugiarse en El Salvador, pero fue sorprendido por autoridades.

En febrero último, Domingo Buezo Leiva, vicario de Izabal, envió una carta a integrantes de esa institución en la que informó que López García, párroco de la iglesia Espíritu Santo y Nuestra Señora, en Puerto Barrios, Izabal, no podría ejercer el ministerio sacerdotal ni efectuar ningún acto religioso hasta que el proceso legal concluya.

“Se le pide al presbítero Ignacio López García someterse voluntariamente a las investigaciones y colaborar con la justicia, para aclarar lo más pronto posible su situación”, señaló en el comunicado.

Julia Barrera, vocera del Ministerio Público, dijo que la denuncia contra el sacerdote fue recibida el 6 de febrero último.

Los disturbios siguen en las calles venezolanas.

Santos López Alonzo fue enviado a juicio por su posible implicación en la masacre de Las Dos Erres.

KAIBIL SERÁ JUZGADO POR LA MASACRE EN DOS ERRES

La tercera fase de la investigación por la masacre en el parcelamiento Dos Erres, La Libertad, Petén, similar a un libro que avanza de capítulo en capítulo, fue enviada ayer a juicio por el Juzgado de Mayor Riesgo A Ciudad de Guatemala Prensa Libre: 10 de Abril de 2017 En esta fase figura como acusado el kaibil Santos López Alonzo, quien habría tenido participación en la muerte de 200 pobladores del referido lugar, así como en la violación de derechos humanos.

Los cargos que el Ministerio Público (MP) hace en contra de López Alonzo son: asesinato de 200 personas, delitos contra los derechos de la humanidad y supresión del estado civil, por haber extraído de la comunidad a un niño, a quien llevó a su casa e hizo pasar como su hijo.

La Fiscalía de Derechos Humanos explicó a la jueza Claudette Domínguez que la masacre ocurrió entre el 6 y 8 de diciembre de 1982, cuando una patrulla de kaibiles ingresó al parcelamiento en busca de 21 fusiles que habían sido robados a la institución armada.

Los registros militares de la época ubican al procesado en el lugar, en el momento que se dio la incursión.

En silencio El operativo militar desarrollado en Dos Erres consistía en la recuperación de armamento robado por guerrilleros al Ejército durante un enfrentamiento.

Los kaibiles ingresaron al lugar durante la noche del 6 de diciembre. Testimonios de sobrevivientes señalan que los elementos castrenses irrumpieron en Cont’do pagina 21

MÁS MUERTOS Y MÁS PROTESTAS EN VENEZUELA Otro joven murió en Venezuela, donde la oposición ha anunciado otra gran protesta para este miércoles, con lo que buscan expulsar a Maduro.

Por AFP y EFE / Venezuela 25 de Abril de 2017 Un joven venezolano de 23 años murió a causa de una herida de bala durante una protesta registrada esta madrugada en la ciudad del El Tocuyo, del estado Lara, en el occidente de Venezuela, informó hoy el Ministerio Público, mientras la oposición advirtió a Maduro de que seguirán las grandes protestas.

Orlando Johan Jhosep Medina murió en “la madrugada de este martes 25 de abril durante una manifestación registrada en la avenida Lisandro Alvarado, parroquia Bolívar del municipio Morán”, informó la Fiscalía en un comunicado.

De acuerdo con la in-

formación recabada por el Ministerio Público, “el joven estaba en una manifestación en la referida avenida larense de El Tocuyo, cuando recibió un disparo en la cabeza que le ocasionó la muerte de manera inmediata”.

Con dos últimos casos se elevaría a 27 el número de muertes que han tenido lugar bajo un clima de tensión en el marco de una ola de protestas antigubernamentales en las últimas tres semanas en todo el país.

“Se determinó que la víctima fue herida con un arma de fuego tipo escopeta” , añadió la Fiscalía, que no precisa más detalles de lo ocurrido.

El alcalde del municipio Libertador de Caracas, el chavista Jorge Rodríguez, informó ayer de la muerte de otro joven en medio de una ola de manifestaciones en todo el país, esta última en el occidental estado Mérida.

La víctima, de 25 años, identificada como Daniel Infante, recibió una impacto de bala y fue trasladado hasta un centro de salud, donde, según Rodríguez, perdió la vida.

Nuevas manifestaciones La oposición venezolana alista una nueva marcha para este miércoles hacia el centro de Caracas, un nuevo desafío para el presidente Nicolás Maduro al que presiona por elecciones generales con una ola de protestas que en un mes deja 24 muertos.

Cont’do pagina 21

30 APR

2017

18 JAN

THE THEBELIZE BELIZETIMES TIMES 2015

¿Por qué pasó un submarino nuclear de EE.UU. por el Canal de Panamá?

La Marina de Estados Unidos acompañó el paso de un submarino nuclear por el Canal de Panamá y las fotografías y videos se viralizaron por Internet.

Ciudad de Guatemala Prensa Libre: 22 de Abril de 2017 El gran submarino quedó documentado mientras cruzaba el Canal de Panamá, la vía fluvial artificial que conecta los océanos Atlántico y Pacífico entre América del Norte y América del Sur. Las autoridades panameñas le confirmaron a medios locales que se trataba de un submarino nuclear de la Marina de EE. UU. Medios panameños aseguran que se trataba del

PENCE PROMETE “RESPUESTA APLASTANTE” CONTRA COREA DEL NORTE

El vicepresidente de Estados Unidos, Mike Pence, prometió el miércoles una “respuesta aplastante en caso de ataque” de Corea del Norte en el portaviones Ronald Reagan, estacionado en Japón.

Hay “nubarrones en el horizonte”, dijo el número dos del ejecutivo estadounidense, que calificó al régimen comunista de Corea del Norte de “amenaza más peligrosa y urgente para la paz y la seguridad en Asia Pacífico”.

Pence hizo estas declaraciones en Japón, donde hace una visita de dos días después de haber pasado por Corea del Sur y en particular por su frontera con Corea del Norte, en plena tensión con Estados Unidos por la probabilidad de que Pyongyang esté preparando su sexto ensayo nuclear.

El viceministro de Exteriores norcoreano, Han Song-Ryol, aseguró el martes a la BBC que el ritmo de ensayos balísticos se iba a acelerar. “Vamos a llevar a cabo más ensayos de misiles semanalmente, mensualmente y anualmente”.

Arsenal de Corea del Norte que muestra en desfile militar. (AFP) Frente a la actitud de la comunidad internacional, que considera estos ensayos una provocación y una violación de las resoluciones de la ONU, Pence ya advirtió hace unos días que “todas las

USS Dallas (SSN-700).

En imágenes que circularon por redes sociales, también fueron vistos soldados armados caminando en la cubierta, además de otros sumergibles de la marina.

El paso del submarino por el Canal de Panamá fue confirmada por la página US Carriers, la cual ha registrado los movimientos del USS Dallas desde que entró en funcionamiento, el 28 de abril de 1976.

Este hecho se da ante la tensión militares que mantiene el gobierno de Donald Trump con Corea del Norte. opciones están sobre la mesa” .

“Derrotaremos cualquier ataque y reaccionaremos al uso de cualquier arma convencional o nuclear con una respuesta arrolladora”, aseguró, citando la “determinación del presidente Trump y de las fuerzas armadas de Estados Unidos”.

El portaviones “Ronald Reagan”, que se encuentra en la base naval estadounidense de Yokosuka, forma parte de la séptima flota de Washington y está listo para un despliegue programado en el Pacífico occidental.

Portaviones estadounidense enviado a las costas japonesas. (AFP)

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Submarino de la Marina de Estados Unidos cruza el Canal de Panamá.

Sin embargo, desde finales del 2016, la marina de Estados Unidos había informado que esta unidad sería dada de baja en abril de este año. La ceremonia estaba programada para el 9 de abril, según una carta enviada por John "Gumba" Carcioppolo. Originalmente la inactivación del submarino se había estipulado para septiembre del 2014, pero esta fue retrasada.

El Museo Marítimo de Dallas, ubicado en Trinity River (Texas), tiene planes de resguardar partes originales del USS Dallas.

Acciones de ataque

Los estadounidenses dispararon 59 misiles Tomahawk en una base de un grupo terrorista. Esto se dio luego de un ataque con armas químicas que un grupo radical hizo en Siria.

Además dejaron caer el mayor dispositivo no nuclear, conocido como "la madre de todas las bombas", en una cueva y túneles utilizados por militantes islámicos en Afganistán.

La tensión entre Corea del Norte y EE. UU. se dio luego de varias declaraciones de funcionarios de ambos países, que se amenazaron entre sí con una guerra.

Estas declaraciones suponen un cambio de actitud del presidente estadounidense, que hace algunos días todavía aseguraba querer resolver solo la cuestión nuclear norcoreana si Pekín no lograba controlar a su turbulento vecino.

Actualmente hay unos 47 mil soldados estadounidenses en Japón y otros 28 mil en Corea del Sur. Ataque simulado Corea del Norte proyectó el domingo la recreación de un ataque con misiles sobre una ciudad de Estados Unidos durante un acto celebrado en Pionyang, según mostró el martes por la televisión

estatal.

En plena escalada de tensión en la península coreana, las imágenes fueron exhibidas en un auditorio de la capital con motivo del 105 aniversario del fundador del país, Kim Il-sung, según detalló KCTV. El montaje muestra un misil balístico disparado por Corea del Norte que supuestamente cruza el océano Pacífico y golpea una ciudad no identificada de Estados Unidos.

Tras el estallido, aparece una bandera estadounidense en llamas con una imagen superpuesta de un cementerio.

KAIBIL SERÁ JUZGADO POR LA MASACRE EN DOS ERRES Cont’do de pagina 20 las viviendas y sacaron a los hombres para reunirlos en el centro de la comunidad.

Las mujeres, niños y niñas también fueron sacados de sus viviendas, después los separaron y llevaron a distintos lugares.

Por grupos, los soldados llevaron a los hombres a un pozo.

Allí los golpearon con un mazo en la cabeza y posteriormente los lanzaron al interior. Sobrevivientes dicen que escucharon la detonación de un explosivo.

Varias mujeres y niñas sufrieron violaciones sexuales, señala la acusación. Algunos de los menores fueron asesinados. No se supo si los fusiles fueron ubicados en el lugar.

Otro hecho que se señala en contra del acusado es haber extraído de la comunidad a Ramiro Osorio Cristales, quien tenía 5 años cuando ocurrió la matanza.

ESPAÑOL

López Alonzo llevó al menor a su casa y le cambió el nombre por Ramiro Fernando López García, y lo hizo pasar por su hijo.

Consta en su declaración como agraviado que el militar le daba malos tratos.

Un caso similar en Dos Erres, solo que con un menor de tres años, motivó un documental de Steven Spielberg que se estrenará en EE. UU. con el nombre Finding Oscar.

En agosto del 2016 López Alonso fue extraditado de Estados Unidos, donde estuvo detenido por seis años por problemas migratorios.

Otros vinculados al caso y condenados en EE. UU. son Gilberto Jordán y Jorge Sosa Orantes, declarados culpables de fraude migratorio, pues negaron haber tenido relación con la masacre cuando ingresaron a ese país.

MÁS MUERTOS Y MÁS PROTESTAS EN VENEZUELA Cont’do de pagina 20 Un día después de un “plantón” de manifestantes contra Maduro en importantes vías del país, que derivó en violencia y causó tres muertos, los opositores organizan una protesta que pretende llegar a la sede de una de las instituciones que acusan de servir al Gobierno.

“Vamos avanzando. No nos rindamos. Si logramos mantener esta presión, vamos a lograr el cambio.

El miércoles volvemos a la calle”, declaró el vicepresidente del Parlamento de mayoría opositora, Freddy Guevara.

Sin querer revelar dónde, la oposición pretende marchar hacia la Defensoría del Pueblo, el Consejo Nacional Electoral (CNE) o el Tribunal Supremo de Justicia (TSJ), ubicados en el centro de la capital, considerado bastión del chavismo.

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Artificial womb helps premature lamb fetuses grow for 4 weeks

By Jessica Hamzelou Extremely premature lambs have been kept alive in an artificial uterus for four weeks. The system uses a fluid-filled plastic bag and could be used for premature babies within the next three years.

“We’ve developed a system that, as closely as possible, reproduces the environment of the womb and replace the function of the placenta,” says Alan Flake at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania, who led the study.

“It is fascinating,” says Neil Marlow, at University College London. “People have been trying to do this for ages.”

But he says the system will have to undergo years of testing to be sure it is safe for babies.

Flake and his colleagues developed their system with babies in mind. Being born extremely prematurely is the most common cause of death in babies.

Infants born at 22 to 24 weeks, instead of the full 40 weeks, have only a 10 per cent chance of survival, says Flake.

Bag of fluid Those that survive are vulnerable to a host of disorders, and can develop lasting disabilities, such as poor vision or hearing or cerebral palsy. “They have very immature organs,” says Flake.

“They’re simply not ready to be born yet.”

Babies supported in incubators are prone to infections, for instance, and the gas ventilation that is needed to help babies breathe can leave them with lung damage.

But the plastic bag system provides a sealed environment that should protect a fetus from infections. To mimic the environment of the uterus, the team fill their bags with fluid comprising water and salts.

In place of a placenta – which supplies a healthy fetus with oxygen and other substances – the team connected oxygenator devices to the umbilical cords of the developing lambs. Instead of pumping oxygen into the lambs, the team developed a technique that uses the animals’ own heartbeats to drive the collection of oxygen from the device.

They hope that providing oxygen in this way would be better than the ventilators currently used for premature babies, which can damage their lungs.

Bottle-weaned In their experiments, the team used lambs that were 15 and 17 weeks into the full 21-week gestational period for sheep. These were removed by Caesarean section, carefully placed into the bags, connected to the oxygenators, and then closely monitored.

The lambs were kept in the bags

for up to four weeks. Most of them were then euthanised and examined. All of the lambs appeared to show healthy development, and the team found no abnormalities in the lambs’ brains and lungs. “These animals are, by any parameter we’ve measured, normal,” says Flake.

Some of the lambs were “born” – removed from the bags and bottle-weaned. The oldest is now a year old

and is doing well, say the team.

They are now working with the US Food and Drug Administration to develop a version of the device for extremely premature human infants. Their plan is to support babies born at around 24 weeks, until they reach around 28 weeks.

By this point, their odds of survival are much higher, say the team. This is a “very reasonable” plan, says Mark Turner, at the University of Liverpool, UK. However, Turner is cautious of the team’s aim to trial the device on babies within three to five years. “I have concerns about getting the details just right,” say Turner. Some treatments for premature babies have previously been rushed through, only for it to be discovered later that they are harmful.

In the 1960s, for instance, babies were often given too much oxygen. This disrupted the formation of blood vessels, in some cases causing the retina to be separated from the back of the eye. “Several thousand children went blind because of that, including Stevie Wonder,” says Turner.

Human trial If the team can get the system working for human infants, it would be useful for

only about half of the babies that are born extremely prematurely – those that can be delivered by C-section.

For their human device, Flake’s team hope to improve the fluid that babies will be bathed in. Amniotic fluid contains nutrients and growth factors, as well as fetal urine.

The team plan on adding substances that are known to aid the development of the gut, for instance.

The human device will look different, too. “I don’t want this to be visualised as fetuses hanging on the wall in bags,” says Flake. He says the device will eventually look like an incubator – with a cover and a dark interior. He also plans to make the device “parent-friendly”, allowing parents to communicate sounds to the baby and to see it with a camera.

Marlow says this is an important consideration, as having a premature infant can be extremely distressing for parents.

On the whole, Marlow is optimistic about the device, but shares similar concerns to Turner. “Anything that is more gentle, and interferes in normal development as little as possible, is to be welcomed,” says Marlow. “But we need to keep an eye on the risks.”

Ancient carvings show comet hit Earth and triggered mini ice age

By New Scientist staff and Press Association Ancient symbols carved into stone at an archaeological site in Turkey tell the story of a devastating comet impact that triggered a mini ice age more than 13,000 years ago.

Evidence from the carvings, made on a pillar known as the Vulture Stone, suggests that a swarm of comet fragments hit the Earth in around 11000 BC. One image of a headless man is thought to symbolise human disaster and extensive loss of life.

The site is at Gobekli Tepe in southern Turkey, which experts now believe may have been an ancient observatory.

Computer software was used to match carvings of animals – interpreted as astronomical symbols – to patterns of stars and pinpoint the event to 10950 BC. Other evidence for the im-

pact from a Greenland ice core suggests roughly the same time frame.

The cataclysm ushered in a cold climate lasting 1,000 years and is likely to have resulted from the break-up of a giant comet in the inner solar system.

‘Worst day in history’ “It appears Gobekli Tepe was, among other things, an observatory for monitoring the night sky,” says lead researcher Martin Sweatman, from the University of Edinburgh’s School of Engineering.

“One of its pillars seems to have served as a memorial to this devastating event – probably the worst day in history since the end of the Ice Age.” The carvings appear to have remained important to the people of Gobekli Tepe for millennia, indicating an event that had a very serious and long-lasting impact, say the

scientists.

A number of the pillar symbols suggest that long-term changes in the Earth’s rotational axis were recorded by the early astronomers using an early form of writing.

The discovery also supports the theory that Earth experiences times when comet strikes are more likely, due to the planet’s orbit intersecting with rings of cometary fragments.

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