Belize Times December 18, 2016

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The Belize Times

Established 1957

18 DECEMBER 2016 | ISSUE NO: 5024

The Truth Shall Make You Free

www.belizetimes.bz | $1.00

BARROW SCREWS

BELIZEANS!

Wednesday, 14 December 2016 As we go to press, the Belize Times has been able to confirm that representatives of the IMF are currently meeting with officials from the Ministry of Finance, and the discussions are not positive. Even worse than that, very highly placed sources tell us that government is struggling to meet its wage bill for this month. Traditionally in December public officers are paid their 15th salaries and then their end of month salaries one week after, before Christmas. But accounting officers are reportedly being told to advise staff that it is unlikely they will receive that second pay before the end of the month.

In a press conference held on Tuesday, Prime Minister Dean Barrow in trademark fashion glossed over the situation, stating that “while acknowledging that there is a

problem that must be addressed, I don’t think it is quite fair to give the impression that the sky is falling.” Perhaps Mr. Barrow was referring to that particular patch of sky over his Seashore Drive mansion or the pieces of sky over privileged members of his Cabinet, but it is abundantly clear that the situation is dire and there will be extremely difficult days ahead for normal Belizeans.

The economic crisis is not political propaganda. The IMF has warned in consecutive reports that Mr. Barrow was being reckless in his spending of the people’s money. Multiple cautions have been issued to this administration urging them to curb the wage bill, stressing upon the government that its debt profile is unsustainable. As the Prime Minister tries

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A HOTBED OF VEGAS Land Grab was Family Affair…

Wednesday, 14 December 2016 When presented with evidence of blatant corruption in the Ministry of Natural Resources involving his former Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega and his family, Prime Minister Dean Barrow did as expected, stating – “I don’t know that there is any need for an investigation. If the facts are as you say and as the

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BEWARE FAKE COPS

Tuesday, December 13, 2016 A group of robbers dressed as police officers concocted a daring robbery by setting up a fake checkpoint which helped them to fool their

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THE BELIZE TIMES

BEWARE FAKE COPS

Continued from page 1 victims into thinking they were law enforcement.

The incident happened at around 6:00 p.m. on Monday, December 12, at mile 20 on the Phillip Goldson highway. Four employees for Travellers Liquors Limited, including salesman Armando Perez, were on their way to Belmopan.

They were moving a cargo of their company’s merchandise when they spotted what they believed to

be a legitimate Police checkpoint. There were 2 persons, in Police uniforms standing near a homemade checkpoint sign. They only had one traffic cone, but one was dressed in the khaki shirt and blue pants police officers use. The other was dressed in the black battle dress uniform. Believing that these individuals were legitimate Police, the employees pulled up

BARROW SCREWS

BELIZEANS!

Continued from page 1 to restructure the bond for the third time, bondholders have seized on that mismanagement, pointing out that when this current Prime Minister took office there was only a small fiscal deficit, a deficit which is now out of control.

While his ego will not allow him to accept responsibility, it is also abundantly clear that the crisis which currently faces Belizeans is because of the Prime Minister’s wrongheaded decisions and greed for power. Remember, it was just over a year ago that the same Prime Minister stood on a podium and boasted of the “millions and millions and millions in the coffers.” Imagine that in just three years this administration managed to do away with almost $400M in Petrocaribe monies, surely guaranteeing a third term but at what cost to the country?

As announced in the House last Friday, the government is once again resorting to “printing money,” a move it has pursued on various occasions using the Central Bank. But again, those bandaid measures have not been near enough to stem the bleeding out. Ever looking out for political gain, the Prime Minister has been arrogant enough to inform bondholders that the measures they would want to see come at too high a political cost. That is exactly why the country is at the brink of devaluation, with retrenchment and higher taxes extremely likely.

Rather than attempting to fix what he has made wrong, this Prime Minister is intent on holding on to political power while the unchecked corruption in his administration has robbed taxpayers of many millions.

Belizeans would be well advised to hold on to some money this Christmas and to curb spending as much as possible. If it is not absolutely necessary to get loans at this time then it is smart to do without. Mr. Barrow is not being truthful when he continues to pretend that all is well. This will not be a Merry Christmas and most definitely not a happy New Year for many normal Belizeans.

the cargo truck next to the checkpoint sign.

That’s when one of the two Police look-alikes requested to see the driver’s license for the driver. When he produced it, the fake cop pulled out a gun and ordered the driver of the vehicle to pull the truck over to the side of the road. When they complied, the men ordered them to get out of the vehicle, and they were forcibly locked into the back of the truck at gunpoint.

Once they were subdued, the men then made off with a knapsack containing around $45,000 in cash and 2 cheques. The robbers managed to get away with a total

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pants, and a marked Police vehicle on standby. The Police checkpoint sign will be professionally made, and not crudely painted on as in this robbery. If any of these things are missing, members of the public are asked to drive past and report the fake checkpoint to the nearest police station.

The next worrying element of this robbery is that the robbers appeared to have done extensive surveillance on the schedule of the Travellers Liquors employees. It was a carefully planned and coordinated heist.

of $49,395, all proceeds belonging to Travellers Liquors.

Apart from the seriousness of the robbery, there are two worrying elements.

The first is the threat to public safety, since these robbers had a carefully planned operation. They mimicked a Police checkpoint operation and the victims were completely deceived. Police want to make sure that other members of the public don’t become victims of fake police officers operating fake checkpoints.

Police are now asking that motorists look for 6 traffic cones in the middle of the road, a Police officer dressed in the khaki shirt and blue

Land Grab was Family Affair…

Continued from page 1 honourable member for Lake Independence recited, then that is to be condemned out of hand. There’s no need for any investigation.”

Apparently, that is to be the end of that if the Prime Minister were to have his way. But it is unlikely that the documents showing that then Minister of Lands orchestrated a scheme to acquire a 1600acre parcel of land near Carmelita will go away anytime soon.

More than fifty land transfer documents are ample proof of what was simple and unadulterated, brazen corruption. Those documents show residents of Orange Walk close to the then Minister being given title to 25acre parcels (in most cases) – all connected – and then those persons immediately transferring those parcels to German Vega and Sons Imports Limited, owned by the then Minister’s brother, or directly to the then Minister’s wife, Marilene Vega. In some of those cases persons transferred the parcels of land to German Vega who then immediately transferred them to Marilene Vega.

Many of the transactions in which persons affiliated with the Minister were given 25-acre parcels of land, all in Block 4, happened on

the same day. Those persons would allegedly pay roughly $2,000 for those parcels. Then, within a week or two, those persons would transfer the land to German or Marilene Vega, for a “consideration” of between $12,000 and $15,000.

In at least 10 cases the scheme and orchestrated deception becomes even clearer. In Diagram 1, for example, Narmo Cruz received his title to Parcel 1700 in Block 4 on September 2nd, 2013, signed by then Minister of Natural Resources Gaspar Vega.

But as you can see in Diagram 2, he had already transferred that same parcel to German Vega and Sons Limited on August 27th, even before he received his title.

Another document shows the Minister giving title to 91.95 acres of land to Hilmar Alamilla (the same Hilmar Alamilla named in the Andre Vega land deal). Alamilla then turns around and transfers that parcel to Marilene Vega. All those parcels together make up the 1600 acres of prime property near Carmelita which is allegedly owned today by

WEATHER

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Gaspar Vega.

In a press release issued Tuesday evening, the People’s United Party stated that, “As more information on questionable transactions at the Lands Department during the tenure of Gaspar Vega continue to surface… many of which involve Mr. Vega and his family, Belizeans are beginning to question the decision of the Prime Minister to wait for two terms before removing him from that Ministry. The Prime Minister was either knowledgeable of what was happening and opted to turn a blind eye or was asleep at the wheel.

The PUP has also called for an independent audit of the Ministry of Natural Resources during the corruption-riddled tenure of former Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega.

The Belize Times

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14 APR 2013

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2016

THE BELIZE TIMES

DOCUMENT PROVES THAT GUATEMALA HAS ANNEXED THE SARSTOON Wednesday, 14 December 2016 In a document which has just come to our attention and which outlines travel allowance from January to August 2016 for officials in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala, there is a very troubling affirmation.

The document makes reference to a trip of Guatemalan Foreign Minister, Carlos Raúl Morales to Washington, D.C. between March 14 and 17 this year. This is the meeting where Belize and Guatemala got together with the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS) to discuss the way forward in resolving the age-old territorial dispute and funding for the OAS Office in the so-called Adjacency Zone. During that meeting, according to this document, they set out what steps would be followed to obtain funding not only for the office but also for the separate referenda to be held in both countries on whether or not the differendum should be submitted for final resolution to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

The interesting bit about this document is what the Guatemalans report as the outcome of a separate bilateral meeting featuring the Belize and Guatemala foreign ministers. They were to discuss what transpired at the mouth of the Sarstoon River on March 11 and 12, 2016. The document reads via translation, “The Guatemalan Foreign Minister reiterated and was firm in Guatemala’s position that the Sarstoon River belongs to Guatemala and it will exercise sovereignty over same. Both foreign ministers agreed to hold a joint meeting with the commanders of both militaries after the Easter break, to discuss a security protocol, through which Guatemala can authorize Belize’s military to supply its military outpost along the Sarstoon River, as a courtesy to that country. Guatemala rejected establishing any confidence building measure in the river.”

What is interesting about this declaration is that our foreign minister, Hon. Wilfred Elrington never indicated that as Guatemala’s position.

What he said in an interview on March 17, after those Washington talks was: “With respect to the meeting with the Secretary General, the Belize delegation expressed our mandate which was firmly to request the extension of the confidence building measures from where it is now stuck at the western border all the way to cover the Sarstoon. That was the instruction we got

from Belmopan to discuss at that meeting. The Guatemalans took the position that they did not have the mandate to discuss that issue.

They had apprised us of that before we arrived there. But we could not continence going there without in fact dealing with that matter. In fact that was the most pressing matter for us. So notwithstanding their reticence, we impressed upon the Secretary General the importance

CARTOON

and urgency of the continuation of the confidence building measures to ensure the secure and safety of our people and most importantly to ensure that our defence force would be able to go in and out of the Sarstoon to service our military installation there without any hindrance, That was our very firmed position.”

What has followed since then is Guatemala dragging its feet on coming to the table to discuss a Sar-

3 03 stoon protocol along the lines of the Confidence Building Measures that exist for the Western border. Minister Elrington has maintained that Guatemala’s excuse is that the Guatemalans still feel aggrieved over the death of the minor back in April 2016.

December this year was set as the deadline for a Sarstoon protocol to be signed but this document clearly indicates that Guatemala wanted a security protocol and by all indications, it is already in place if we are to judge by what has been happening in the river. In fact, even Defense Minister Hon. John Saldivar seemed to have accepted the new norm along the river when he said in the House of Representatives on December 9, 2016, “The BDF continues to conduct regular patrols and changeover at the Cadenas observation post and they do so without restrictions. Regular planned patrols as well as spontaneous patrols conducted along the entire Sarstoon River are ordered by Commander BDF and is a mission requirement given by the Ministry.

Belizean civilians also have free access to the Sarstoon River. However, due to Guatemala’s position with regard to sovereignty over the entire river, our civilians are asked to check-in at the Belize Forward Operating Base located at the mouth and north of the river. Civilians may occasionally be questioned or followed by GAF patrols to ensure that they are not doing anything illegal or that the BDF FOB is aware of their presence and activities in the area.

Our civilian interest groups are also able to conduct patrols in the river and may be questioned as to their activities only and not to their legitimacy to be there. We do share the river with Guatemala.”

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Questions to Ministers

Would the Member for Queen Square and Prime Minister please confirm or deny reports that his Minister of Natural Resources was threatened by a family member of his former Deputy Prime Minister?

Would the Member for Queen Square and Prime Minister please confirm or deny reports that the IMF is in Belize City to oversee the retrenchment of an unspecified number of public officers early in 2017?

Would the unelected Senator and Minister of Forests please confirm or deny reports that the son of a colleague and former Minister has received a fortyyear logging contract in the Sibun Reserve? If so, can he say when and by whom that license was approved?

Before she leaves office, could the unelected Senator and Minister of Natural Resources please state her connection to a company called Aviation Alliance Limited, and also confirm or deny reports that the company is owned by the son of her political boss?

Would the Member for Belize Rural North and Minister of NEMO please say why the Ministry is paying a huge sum monthly for an office in San Pedro when there is nothing in the office and no NEMO staff there?

Would the Member for Port Loyola and Minister of his own development please provide a list of his assets before entering office and his current assets, including properties he owns but has placed in the names of family members?

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MoE and BNTU on Warpath Again Tuesday, 13 December 2016 The Belize National Teachers Union is once again standing up to the Ministry of Education. The union is encouraging its members to take their full Christmas vacation, and to work with their schools’ managers to come up with their own schedule to make up the 11 days lost in the October strike.

The Ministry is attempting to short the hardworking teachers of 4 days of their Christmas Vacation, while at the same time stripping those teachers of 11 days of salary. Christmas Vacation usually ends on January 9, when teachers and students are to return to class. To make up the days, the Ministry made a decree that classes will start on Tuesday, January 3rd. They also want to short the teachers and the students 2 days of their Easter holiday by extending classes up to April 11. Education Minister Patrick Faber and his management team have consistently ignored the teachers who have been trying to negotiate for another way of making up the school days. They have workable plans which will lessen the burden by increasing the school day by 1 or 2 hours. Instead of hearing them out, the Ministry is attempting to interpret the school rules in its own way so that it can take action.

The Ministry is attempting to use Rule 131 of the Handbook of Policies and Procedures for School Services 2000. This rule makes it a requirement that a school year must be made up of 180 school days. The Ministry is interpreting it that the Chief Education Officer has some say in make-up days. Rule 131 (4) reads, “Where a school will not meet the requirement of 180 school days within its regular schedule of school days, then unless otherwise approved in writing by the Chief Education Officer, special arrangements shall be made by such school to

fulfil this requirement. Any such arrangement must be approved by the Chief Education Officer.”

The BNTU’s position is that the rule makes it clear that “special arrangements shall be made by such school”, and not “by the Ministry.”

Rule 132 clearly spells out when the Christmas and Easter Vacations start and end. The rule says, “Christmas vacation period shall begin on the Monday before Christmas….Classes shall resume on the first Monday of January...The Easter vacation period shall begin on the Monday before Good Friday. Classes shall resume on the Monday following Easter Monday.”

By this rule, classes should resume on the first Monday in January, which in this case would be January 9 since Monday the 2nd will be a public and bank holiday. Faber wants classes to resume on January 3.

In April 2017, Easter Sunday is April 16. Good Friday falls on April 14. As mandated by the rule, Easter vacation should start April 10, but Faber wants to start on April 13, taking away 2 days from teachers and students.

The BNTU is not entertaining that for a second, and in a statement released on December 12 the Union said, “The BNTU Council of Management has reached out to our members, the majority of whom shared their plans to proceed with the original calendar of days.”

They’re ignoring this decree from the Ministry of Education, and they say that parents agree as well.

Some parents have made plans with their children to take trips abroad, plans which were made months before the strike, and which would be negatively impacted by the Ministry’s decision.

The statement from the BNTU ends, “The BNTU therefore encourages our members and other teachers to enjoy the full 3 weeks of your Christmas vacation, afforded to you through the education rules. We also wish to advise and encourage school managers, if you have not already done so, to meet and discuss with your teachers a plan for the make-up time...as most are obviously not interested in the Ministry’s proposed make-up plan and promise of compensation.”

Reports to the press are that Deputy Prime Minister Faber is not relenting on the implementation of these vacation cuts, and so, this might become yet another standoff between the Union and the Government.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

2016

5 05

EDITORIAL

That Proverbial Creek

O

n Friday, at a sitting of the House at which Prime Minister Dean Barrow was absent, Lake Independence Area Representative Cordel Hyde made a shocking revelation, backed up by pages and pages of evidence. Not for the first time, there was proof in the offering that Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega had abused the powers of his office as Minister of Natural Resources.

Not for the first time, members of his family were named and implicated in what can be considered no less than outrageous, blatant and unabashed corruption. There can be no other way of looking at what was obviously an orchestrated play to place more than 1600 acres of land outside Carmelita in the hands of the Vega clan. Fifty-five parcels of crown land sold for a pittance to affiliates of Minister Vega and then reacquired by the Minister’s brother and his wife – a shameless family affair and another contemptible act by Vega to enrich himself and his family members while he was Minister of Lands.

But what happens now? Allegations against the former Deputy Prime Minister have been rampant and supported by evidence. Just one such instance was enough to warrant his resignation from Cabinet, though he refused to resign as Area Representative of Orange Walk North. There certainly has been no contemplation of criminal action by Prime Minister Dean Barrow. In fact just days after Vega’s resignation, Barrow gifted him with a duty exemption of more than $100,000. Taxpayer monies which wrongfully made its way into the hands of Minister Vega’s son and a UDP-affiliated attorney, $800,000, remain at large. Very few persons are actually naïve enough to believe that there has been or will be any real attempt to recover it.

Mr. Barrow will not speak on it unless put under extreme pressure by the media, and even then he will dismiss it as a baseless accusation. Under his instructions, the Ministry of Natural Resources will go mum. There will certainly not be a criminal investigation because the Police will say they would have to be called in, and that will never happen. There will be no further official discussion on compensation payments and no further discussion of an audit in the Ministry of Natural Resources. And that will effectively be the end of that.

The media has also revealed evidence of corruption presented by no less than the CEO in the Ministry of Health.

For an unspecified amount of time, certain unnamed pharmaceutical suppliers were providing drugs different from what was specified in the contract with the Ministry of Health. This no doubt allowed them to reap lucrative dividends, while also putting the lives of Belizeans at serious risk because of suspect pharmaceuticals without the required

quality assurance backing. This was massive and potentially deadly corruption. But it will be covered up at the very highest level. The daughter of UDP Minister Erwin Contreras, now intimately involved with UDP Minister of Health Pablo Marin, is the director of the Drug Inspectorate responsible for the monitoring of these pharmaceuticals. But she will be protected, as will all involved in this mess.

Minister Edmond Castro, gifted with a full title by his Prime Minister, is another magnet for wrongdoing, it seems.

He was sanctioned early on after it was revealed that he hustled a Belizean-American woman out of $55,000 for a piece of land which was not his to give. Then he was caught up in a petty scandal at the Belize Airports Authority when it was revealed that he was using BAA monies to pay his personal and campaign bills. Then he was caught up in another scandal involving the facilitation of Visas for Chinese nationals.

And now, because of his back-door dealings as a sugar-cane ‘farmer,’ he has caused the BSCFA to be suspended, an action which could cost farmers millions in Fairtrade money. He has been and will continue to be protected, as we have seen evidenced by absolutely ludicrous comments from Minister of Agriculture Godwin Hulse.

As we approach a gloomy end of year, all those scandals have been overshadowed somewhat by the economic reality and outlook for 2017. The almost sure default on the bond payment due February 2017 will have dire financial repercussions. There are three judgments awaiting enforcement in foreign Courts. There will be the balance of payment for BTL which will come due in a matter of months. And no sign of a golden goose anywhere.

All indications are that bondholders are not satisfied with GOB’s preliminary offer because it does not do enough to inspire confidence. But how could these bondholders have any confidence in a government which so lauded the last restructuring and then dropped the ball out of hand? Promises are a comfort to a fool, and the government is not dealing with fools.

Mr. Barrow is to blame for all these multi-faceted scenarios which threaten the stability of our country. He is responsible for the corruption and mismanagement which have stripped the larder bare, and he is responsible for the financial imprudence which has landed all of us up that proverbial creek without paddles. With the exception of the teachers who stood strong and may yet pay for their noble stance, Belizeans showed alarming apathy in 2016. Maybe, just maybe, that apathy will be shredded by the razor-sharp scythe of austerity in 2017, especially since it is normal Belizeans who will feel the effect, as always, of this bitter pill while our Ministers, their families and their cronies will continue to live lives of plenty.

06 6 RETREAGE GONE…BARNETT IS 3RD LANDS MINISTER IN 13 MONTHS THE BELIZE TIMES

Wednesday, 14 December 2016 For weeks rumours of the imminent departure of Attorney-General and Minister of Natural Resources Vanessa Retreage had been circulating. This week it became clear that the rumours were credible and on Tuesday, the announcement came at a press conference in Belmopan. The explanation came from Prime Minister Dean Barrow who stated, practiced smirk in place, that it was simply a matter of Retreage’s one-year contract with government coming to an end.

But just as credible as the rumours of her departure were the rumours that Retreage had come under fire from senior members of Cabinet - allies of disgraced former Minister Gaspar Vega who were angry that documents proving Vega’s corruption were being leaked. There were also reports from high-level UDP sources that the brother of Gaspar Vega, German Vega, had made threats against Retreage which she got wind of.

Those reports were disparaged by Retreage at yesterday’s press conference, and both she and Barrow stuck resolute-

ly to the script that the year was up and all was well between the outgoing Minister of Natural Resources and the UDP. Of course, only the most naïve or colour-struck political observer would believe that story, even delivered in the neat and tidy package that it was.

Sources tell the Be-

lize Times that as Retreage started digging into the corruption at Lands, particularly where fraudulent compensation is concerned, she raised the ire of senior Ministers. We are even told that she was accused at some point of being the one orchestrating the leak of documents. Sources close to Retreage says that

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she quickly became frustrated when she realized that the cover-up of corruption at Lands was way above her newly created pay-grade, and that coupled with what she allegedly believed to be a credible threat predicted her departure.

While the Prime Minister has assumed the portfolio of Natural Resources, it will be placed in the hands of Senator Carla Barnett, who is believed to be way more malleable than Retreage, more of a team player like Godwin Hulse. She will become the third holder of the torch, so to speak, at the Ministry of Natural Resources in 13 months, a sure sign that the Prime Minister has lost total control of that Ministry and of his administration.

Vacancy A vacancy exist for a Shop Supervisor at Oceana Gift Shop located at # 111 North Front Street, Belize City. Call cell # 666-5326 for more information.

07 7 CCJ Orders PUC to Return COP CHARGED FOR Speednet’s Money HUMAN TRAFFICKING 18 DEC

2016

Monday, December 12, 2016 The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has handed down a major victory in favour of Speednet Communications Ltd. (parent company of the telephone brand SMART) and against the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) in an appeal of a case filed in 2011. The PUC has thus been ordered to return to Speednet $790,600.

As outlined by the CCJ in a release, the dispute arose out of a difference in interpretation of the relevant regulations which set out the licence fees per ‘channel’ at $100. The channels (contained in the 14 Point-to-Point links that Speednet applied for in 2010) were used to provide call, SMS and data service to customers. According to the CCJ, the cost should have been $1,400. They agreed with Speednet that they were using the cheaper “radio frequency” channel as opposed to “voice” channel.

The judgment was handed down on December 9, 2016 via teleconference.

Senior Counsel Eamon Courtenay representing Speednet explained that they maintained “from the very beginning that where a statute is unclear you must rule or lean in favour of the taxpayer, the person who has to pay the fee.” In this case, the CCJ agreed that the word ‘channel’ used in the Regulations was not clear. Neither the Regulations nor the parent statute, the Belize Telecommunications Act 20024 (“the Telecoms Act”), defines the term. At the Belize Court of Appeal level, their judgment reflected that ‘channel’ means ‘voice’ channel but the CCJ expressed reservation on how the Court of Appeal had arrived at that conclusion. In its summary of the judgment the CCJ writes, “The CCJ agreed with the court’s reluctance

THE BELIZE TIMES

in treating a Wikipedia article as evidence of a similar quality to that found in specialized reference texts and held that the article ought not to have been accepted as the evidential centrepiece for the meaning of the term ‘channel’, as the court seemed to have done.”

For his part, Ernesto Torres, Speednet CEO was pleased about the final decision stating “we have been vindicated in that position and it also relates to the fact that the fees go back to what they’re supposed to be and the amount of fees that we would have been charged had we lost the case, according to our finance group would have actually been 5 million. Because there were other assignments that were made and we refused to pay because of the court case that was pending so it’s a big relief.”

The PUC was also ordered to pay costs at the Supreme Court/Court of Appeal and the CCJ levels. Senior Counsel Andrew Marshalleck joined S.C. Courtenay in representation of Speednet. Senior Counsel Fred Lumor and attorney Sheena Pitts represented the PUC. The case was heard by Justices A. Saunders, J. Wit, D. Hayton, W. Anderson and Madame Justice M. Rajnauth-Lee.

PC Edif Alex Sierra Wednesday, 14 December 2016 A Police Constable attached to the Benque Viejo deh Carmen Police Station has been charged for human trafficking offences after a patrol of his colleagues busted him with an SUV-load of undocumented Salvadorans. According to Police, they intercepted the vehicle but had no idea what they would find when they stopped it.

According to San Ignacio OC Supt. Richard Rosado, ““Police and a team of volunteer special constable were conducting anti-crime patrols within the Santa Elena Town area and upon reaching in front of the Ministry of Works compound on the George Price Highway, attention was drawn to a black heavily tinted SUV vehicle bearing no license plates. The said vehicle then over-

took the police mobile and the police subsequently intercepted the vehicle.

Police subsequently approach the said vehicle and notice that there were 8 persons in the vehicle with the driver.”

In the vehicle Police found PC Edif Alex Sierra, along with 8 Salvadorans, four adults and four minors. The Salvadorans, when questioned were all found to be undocumented, and when the vehicle was searched Police found the sum of $2000US. “We believe it’s a ring that originated probably from Salvador and they have contact in Belize. More than likely they will be charged for immigration offences and the police officer will be charged for facilitating the transportation. It is sad that when we have a police officer abusing their authority involving in criminal activity, Rosado told the media following the bust.

Since then the Immigration Department has gotten involved and Sierra has been charged both criminally and internally, where his dismissal has been recommended. It is believed that the Salvadorans will be returned to their home country.

08 8 Another Vega Land Mess…NSV vs. BTL

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Nestor Hernandez Tuesday, December 13, 2016 The scandal of how 1,600 acres of land in Carmelita made its way to private owners and then on to former Minister Gaspar Vega’s brother and wife is slowly being digested by the Belizean people. But it is clear that even while the recent revelations are certainly bad enough, they are only the tip of the iceberg. There is another mess caused by what appears to be a Vega family land hustle spanning years, and one of Vega’s nephews is currently suing BTL over a piece of land in Hopkins Village.

That land is lot #1004 in the village, and BTL was granted a lease in November 2010 for 7 years, and given the option to extend up to 30 years if they so wished. BTL placed their cellular phone tower there, along with other hardware required to run their telephone services in the village. They were under the impression that only they had claims to this land, since their lease expires next year.

Little did they know that deals were being cut by officials of the Lands Department, and in January 2013, the then Minister of Natural Resources approved the purchase of land. They ought to have known of BTL’s lease and so either through negligence or intentional fraud, Moses Lopez was allowed to buy the very same land that BTL had leased.

He paid $1,000 for the purchase, and in just a few months, he sold it to a company called NSV Enterprise.

NSV has two directors on record - Nestor Hernandez, nephew of Gaspar Vega and a former deputy Commissioner of Lands, and his wife.

Nester Hernandez was fired from the Lands Department in 2014, and so this questionable land deal happened while he was still at his post.

Nobody can say with certainty if persons at the Lands Department intentionally wronged BTL by selling this land, but legal minds say that in land disputes title beats lease. In

2016

2015, someone from NSV wrote to BTL informing them of this title that NSV had. NSV demanded that BTL pay money for use of the land, since under ordinary circumstances the telephone company would owe some form of rent to be operating their equipment on a legitimate land owner’s property. Also, it is no easy task for BTL to simply pack up their equipment from the piece of land in Hopkins and relocate to a different area.

The telephone company refused to pay, since they have a lease that is still in good standing.

NSV filed a lawsuit against them in the Supreme Court, and that case is now before Justice Courtney Abel. Acting Solicitor General Nigel Hawke is representing the Government, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Magali Perdomo is representing BTL, and Estevan PerTHE UDP HAS COMPLETELY LOST CONTROL rera represents NSV. The case had December 13, 2016. The People’s United Party is utterly shocked at the its first hearing on bizarre explanation of the departure of Attorney-General and Minister of Monday, DecemNatural Resources Sen. Vanessa Retreage by Prime Minister Dean Barrow. It seems that Mr. Barrow expects Belizeans to believe that ber 12, and at this Senator Retreage had only committed to working for a year so her leaving time, the Acting is entirely expected and nothing extraordinary.

Solicitor General and the attorney for We note that Senator Retreage was given the Attorney-General’s post a BTL are attemptyear ago and was posted to the Ministry of Natural Resources in August ing an out-of-court 2016, 4 months ago. Neither she nor the Prime Minister mentioned this settlement. If they year-long commitment, so we find that explanation ludicrous and deceitful can’t come to an on the part of Mr. Barrow and Senator Retreage. arrangement, the case will then There are credible reports that Senator Retreage received threats as a progress further. result of investigations being carried out at the Ministry of Natural So, who will Resources.

The PUP condemns such threats against any public servant have to pay for the who is trying to execute duties. knowledgeable of what their was fiduciary happening and opted to turn a blind eye or mess that the ofwas asleep at the wheel. In either case, the mismanagement of ficials at the Lands There have assets been three Ministers withis responsibility Ministry of government and loss of income attributable tofor the the indecisiveness Department made Natural Resources in 13 months – Senator Minister Godwin Hulse, of the Prime Minister to address such an important issue. yet again? Will it Senator Minister Vanessa Retreage and now Senator Minister Carla be Belizean taxBarnett.

It is quite apparent that Prime Minister Dean Barrow has The People’s United Party calls for an immediate independent audit of lost the payers, who own control ofofthis Ministry and his administration past have year. We do not Ministry Natural Resources.

The people in of the Belize demanded the nationalized accept Mr. Barrow’s frivolous and declarations all is well transparency and accountability in nonchalant the management of theirthat finances and telephone comwhen it is clear that NOTHING is well. assets, and not the obvious deflections, distractions and optical illusions pany, or Belizean practiced by the Prime Minister at every turn. taxpayers who the As more information on questionable transactions at the Lands Attorney General’s Department during the tenure of Gaspar Vega, many of which involves Mr. Ministry repreVega and his family, continues to surface, Belizeans are beginning to ********END********** sents? Either way, question the decision of the Prime Minister to wait for two terms before the people of Beremoving him from that Ministry.

The Prime Minister was either lize gets shafted in knowledgeable of what was happening and opted to turn a blind eye or this deal. was asleep at the wheel. In either case, the mismanagement of government assets and loss of income is attributable to the indecisiveness of the Prime Minister to address such an important issue.

The People’s United Party calls for an immediate independent audit of the Ministry of Natural Resources. The people of Belize have demanded transparency and accountability in the management of their finances and assets, and not the obvious deflections, distractions and optical illusions practiced by the Prime Minister at every turn. ********END**********

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Electrician Minister Confused About Pharmaceutical Bill Wednesday, 14 December 2016 The Belize Times recently shared the comments of Health CEO Dr. Ramon Figueroa explaining the reason behind the short tender for pharmaceuticals from September 2016 to March 2017. That is when he revealed that the Ministry “had an incredibly outstanding bill above and beyond the approved budget for last year for pharmaceuticals.

Actually it was for this financial year.” He disclosed that “outstanding was about $23/$24 million…It really went through the roof. Before that it was pretty much stable.”

The matter was put as a question to Ministers inside the House of Representatives at the last meeting on Friday December 9th and Minister of Health Pablo Marin closed off his response with the quote: “without data you are just another person with an opinion; with limited data, you are just another confused person.”

Well, it appears from the explanations that have been given by the Minister both inside the National Assembly that he is the one confused and further, the budget books show indicate that the “books have been cooked.” After a review of the 9 budget books presented since the Barrow administration took office in 2008, there are now more questions about the spending on pharmaceutical supplies and it would seem to indicate that CEO Figueroa was right about pharmaceutical expenditure going through the roof, just not necessarily about the actual year.

Speaking with another media house, the Minister responded to the

Pablo Marin question of whether the Ministry owed over $20 million for pharmaceuticals “It’s already paid… That is why we have the BHIS system that is working. Right now we are asking every pharmacy to input and to take a stock of what they have, put it in bid cards for us to be able to have all of that ready for when we do the next tendering. The problem is that everybody just send…‘you know what, I want this amount of medication.’ And when we realize, you know what, it exceeded and when the time come and how we have the system is that whatever we use, then you bring to us, as the importer or the person that has the contract on certain pharmaceuticals but at the end of the year, if I did not ask for you to bring any medication, you are bringing it now at the end of contract and then I will have to pay you. That is when we realized, you know what, they did ask more than what they wanted and that is where the bulk of money came in. But the good part about it is that pharmaceuticals that we had in stock could have held us off for this amount of time. So yes, we owed the money but also, we did not have to buy

anymore.”

Whatever the case, the numbers in the Budget books differ from what the Minister presented in the House. He reported that in 2008/2009, because the tender was opened, spending for medical supplies came down to about 8 million [In reality $9,029,507 was spent for 2008/2009]. He continued, “Now, when you start to look at the numbers from 2010/2011 we spent about 11 thousand 6 hundred [sic]. In 2011/2012 another $11 million; in 2012/2013 $12 million; in 2013/2014 we spent $15 million; in 2014/2015 another $15 million; in 2015/2016 we spent $14 million and 2016/2017 we have spent $15 million.

That is where they are saying we spent $24 million. It was for two years. And it’s not $24 million, it’s $29 million but for two years. At the present moment we have 826,000 prescriptions and we are seeing about 699,000 patients.”

Indeed for the year 2010/2011 the budget book for the following year shows that spending was actually $9,493,141 and for 2011/2012 $11,790,302. However, discrepancies begin with the spending for fiscal year 2010/2011 because two budget books later (2012/2013), the actual spending recorded is indeed as the Minister puts it: $11,929,757. The discrepancies do not end there as it relates to conflicting figures in the budget books that follow. Looking at 2012/2013 the Minister cited $12 million as the spending but the following fiscal year the budget book records the revised estimates at $9,308,264 and still, in the 2014/2015 budget, the spending is

Did Alleged Murderer Commit Suicide?

Tuesday, December 13, 2016 San Ignacio Police are currently investigating the sudden death of a man from Yalbac Village which is allegedly connected to a murder on Sunday. According to official reports, Police were called to the village just before 5:00pm on Tuesday and found the body of Maximiliano Williams lying off the main road with a gunshot wound to the chest. A 16-gauge shotgun was found beside him.

Police had been seeking Williams for questioning in the murder of another man from the same village, farmer Melecio Gonzalez. That incident happened at around 8:30pm Sunday night. Police were summoned to the village in the Cayo District where they found the farmer lying dead in his own crops. Preliminary indications indicated

Melecio Gonzalez that he had been bludgeoned to death.

According to Officer Commanding San Ignacio, Supt. Richard Rosado, “we believe he was hit in the head by one person by the name of Williams with a rock.”

Residents reported to Police that both men were very good friends, and had been seen drinking together earlier on Sunday evening,

both apparently intoxicated. Investigators believe that the drinking may have led to an altercation which then led to the murder of Gonzalez.

Williams had been on the run since Sunday night, until his body was discovered on Tuesday. Police say they are exploring all angles, even though there are indications that Williams may have taken his own life.

9 SPORTS 09 set at $12,267,664.

Similarly, the figures do not carry across for fiscal year 2013/2014 when the Minister says spending increased to $15 million. What the books show is that while $10 million was approved, it is $9,537,255 that is recorded as having actually been spent. But two years after, the budget book for that fiscal year records the actual spending as $15,005,625 million as cited by the Minister and then, in the 2016/2017 budget book, there is a negligible change from that to $15,142,690. The increase to 15 million from a projected 10 million was explained thus by the Minister, “In 2013 the decision was made to contract for a 2-year period in order to control price on the market.

This has allowed us to keep expenditure stable since then to present date.”

In 2014/2015 it was projected again that $10 million will be spent and contrary to what the Minister indicated that “another $15 million” was spent, the budget book for the following year shows the expenditure at $9,182,841 but the estimates for 2016/2017 revise the figure to $16,129,288.

The estimate for 2015/2016 is $12,529,220 and the following year the budget book shows that $11,824,072 was spent when the Minister has informed that the Ministry purchased $14 million in medical supplies.

The Minister concluded that for 2016/2017 15 million had been spent.

Looking at the budget, we see that $12,866 was budgeted and only time and the next budget book will tell what figures they will reveal but this review would suggest that beyond being confused, some lies are also being propagated and it raises the need for an external audit to be conducted.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

18 DEC

2016

18 DEC

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THE BELIZE TIMES

2016

NOTICE GRANADINE VENTURE CORPORATION No. 92, 775 (“the Company”) Pursuant to Section 102 (4) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, notice is hereby given that GRANADINE VENTURE CORPORATION : a) Is in dissolution b) Commenced dissolution on the 12th day of December, 2016; and c) KECIA KERUBE ALTAMAR whose address is 50th & 74th Street, San Francisco, PH909, 15th Floor, Panama City, Panama is the Liquidator of the Company.

MACLACHLAN & DENNIN LIMITED Registered Agent

NOTICE TOLBA INC. No. 158, 490 (“the Company”) Pursuant to Section 102 (4) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, notice is hereby given that TOLBA INC. a) Is in dissolution b) Commenced dissolution on the 12th day of December, 2016; and c) ALFONSO DONAIRE whose address is C. Prat de la Creu, 83 Baixos, AD500 Andorra La Vella is Liquidator of the Company.

MACLACHLAN & DENNIN LIMITED Registered Agent

NOTICE TAU GLOBAL INC. No. 158, 489 (“the Company”) Pursuant to Section 102 (4) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, notice is hereby given that TAU GLOBAL INC.:

and

a) Is in dissolution b) Commenced dissolution on the 12th day of December, 2016;

c) ALFONSO DONAIRE whose address is C. Prat de la Creu, 83 Baixos, AD500 Andorra La Vella is Liquidator of the Company.

MACLACHLAN & DENNIN LIMITED Registered Agent

NOTICE Krameria Management Inc. No. 91, 629 (“the Company”) Pursuant to Section 102 (4) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, notice is hereby given that Krameria Management Inc.: a) Is in dissolution b) Commenced dissolution on the 12h day of December, 2016; and c) Mrs. Tatyana Cilia whose address is 58 Triq Sant Alfonso, TasSilema, Malta is the Liquidator of the Company.

CILTrust International Limited Registered Agent

GENERAL PROCUREMENT NOTICE SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PROJECT WATER AND SANITATION The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved Loan Contract 3684/OC-BL for BELIZE for a total amount of US$10,000,000.00. These resources are targeted to finance Solid Waste Management Project II, which shall be implemented by the Solid Waste Management Authority (BSWaMA), Ministry of Natural Resources during a period of sixty (60) months.

The main objective of the project is to support Belize in its efforts to reduce environmental pollution through the improvement of solid waste management practices in northern and southern Belize and Belmopan. Specifically, the project will finance investments to improve solid waste transport, recovery, and final disposal in towns and nearby villages in the Northern (Orange Walk and Corozal) and Southern (Stann Creek and Toledo) Corridors and in Belmopan, and to strengthen BSWaMA as the lead agency in the waste management sector. The project’s implementation includes: Component 1: Investments to improve solid waste management: (i) closure of six dumpsites including the acquisition of land in those sites where the land is not owned by the Government of Belize; (ii) construction of six transfer stations – sorting facilities; (iii) construction of a new cell at Mile 24 Regional Sanitary Landfill; and (iv) final designs and supervision of civil works. Component 2: Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Building. This component is aimed at ensuring the cost recovery of the entire system, implementing public education and awareness programs and improving the management of waste streams other than MSW. The Specific Procurement Notices (SPN) for bidding shall be published in UN Development Business, the Inter-American Development Bank’s website, BSWaMA’s website and local newspapers, pursuant to the Procurement Plan published on www.iadb.org and www. belizeswama.com. Procurement shall include goods, works, services other than consulting services and consulting services for infrastructure and consultancies.

The SPN for bidding as is the case shall be published according to IDB Policies.

Interested bidders and consultants can address their request for clarification and additional information on procurement to: Solid Waste Management Authority, Ministry of Natural Resources Attn: Mr. Gilroy Lewis, Project Director Queen Elizabeth II Blvd., Cohune Walk Belmopan, Belize, C.A. Tel: (501) 828 4864; Fax: (501) 802 1527 PO Box 285 E-mail: sw.director@naturalresources.gov.bz

NOTICE JESSALYNE PROPERTY S.A. (“the Company”)

Notice is hereby given that JESSALYNE PROPERTY S.A. has been dissolved and duly struck off the IBC Register.

Moore Stephens Magaña LLP Liquidator

12

THE BELIZE TIMES

ON THE

MOVE

Toledo West Swearing in

PAHO\WHO Meeting - Belize City

Cayo North Swearing in

On Tuesday, accompanied by the Hon. Landy Espat, Shadow Minister of Health, Party Leader John Briceño met our PAHO\WHO country Representative Mr. Luis Roberto Escort along with Dr. Guillermo Mendoza (Team of Mission), Ms. Claudia Pech, Dr. Carlos Garzon and Dr, Gebre Yitades at PUP headquarters. They met to discuss Belize’s National Cooperation Country Strategy, the many challenges Belizeans are facing with our health care system and the improvement of and access to quality health care in Belize.

The PUP Representatives pointed out that three (among many others) important issues that a new PUP government will pursue are: 1) Primary Health Care.

2) Affordable National Health Insurance for all citizens.

3) Partnering with PAHO\WHO in securing quality and affordable medicines and medical equipment.

The PUP made it abundantly clear that gambling with our citizen’s lives by bringing in medicines of questionable quality must stop! The PUP believes that affordable quality health care is a right, not a privilege!

Meeting at BSCFA

Toledo East Swearing in Meeting in Belmopan

Toldeo East Executive Committee - Chairman: Melhelm Espat, Charles Selgado, Charles Ramclam, Natividad Arzu, Oneida Hernandez, Beatrice Canello Bo, Shanesha Armstrong, Juakin Makin, Roland Nah, Wahlon Parham, Crispin Roches, Anthony Fuentes, Derick Borland, Jose Flores, Lorenzo Logan, Mary Palacio, Constance Ramclam, Filberto Rash

18 DEC

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2016

Belize Rural North The Sand Hill Village Council headed by Chairman Marconi Leal sponsored an all day Football and Basketball Morathon on Sunday Dec 4, 2016. When the dust cleared on the Football pitch, Carmelita emerged in first Place while Corozalito took second place.

In Basketball it was Tuff e Nuff from San Pedro standing tall against the rest and taking the first place honors while Double Head Cabbage from Belize Rural North took 2nd place honors.

Double Head Cabbage team

Tuff e Nuff team

Carmelita team

Corozalito FC team

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Orange Walk South The Jose Mai football marathons 2016 ended on Sunday 11 December in Yo Creek. Massive turnout of fans from across the OW South Constituency. 10 teams participated in the final marathon. Congratulations to the champion “August Pine Ridge Central”. Second place was won by Guinea Grass’ “Mi Gente” and third place wnet to Yo Creek!!! The Hon. Jose Mai thanks all sponsors who contributed to the marathon series!!!

14 SPORTS Wesley College Boys Win CSSSA Basketball Championship Belize City, December 9, 2016 The Wesley College boys won the Central Secondary Schools Sports Association (CSSSA) basketball championship with 2 back to back wins in the finals against the Gwen Lizarraga High School boys at the SJC gym last Wednesday and Friday, December 9.

In Game 1 of the Finals on Wednesday, the Wesley boys blew out Gwen Liz: 47-34, led

by Tevaun Lennan with 15pts.

Kerdell Tench added 10pts and Xylon Belgrove and Gregory Buckley put up 8pts apiece.

Gwen Liz’s Kenyon Requena and Trey Gentle scored 11pts apiece; Jarrell Westby added 9pts and Kenneth Buckley and Ivan Cacho threw in a bucket apiece.

In Game 2 on Friday, the Wesley boys won 60-47 vs. Gwen Liz, led by Elden Gladden with 14 pts.

Joshua Bradley and Tevaun Lennan scored 11 pts. apiece, while Xylon Belgrove added 8pts and Gregory Buckley had 6pts.

Gwen Liz’s Jarrel Westby scored 13 pts., and Trey Gentle and Raheem Brooks added 11pts apiece while Kenyon Requena had 8pts.

The Wesley boys will represent the Central Zone at the

THE BELIZE TIMES TIMES THE BELIZE

21 8 MAY AUG 18 DEC

2016

ACC Girls Win CSSSA Basketball Championship Belize City, December 9, 2016 The Anglican Cathedral College girls won the Central Secondary Schools Sports Association (CSSSA) basketball championship by 2 back to back wins in the finals against the Wesley College girls at the SJC gym last Wednesday and Friday, December 9.

In Game 1 of the Finals on Wednesday, ACC won 36-3 vs. Wesley, led by Shandra Palacio with 16 pts., and Zaria Jenkins added 12 pts. Gianni Fortune scored 4pts, and Bria Gabourel and Kailah White threw in a bucket apiece.

Wesley’s Taliyah Hyde scored 3pts.

In Game 2 on Friday, ACC bombed Wesley 44-11, led by Zaria Jenkins with 32pts and Shandra Palacio added 8pts.

Gianni Fortune scored 4pts. Wesley’s Taliyah Hyde scored 3pts, Marcelina Williams added 4pts, and Cherish Wade threw in a bucket.

The ACC girls will represent the Central Zone at the National Secondary Schools Sports Association (NSSSA) basketball championships to be held at the Stann Creek Ecumenical High School gymnasium in Dangriga on Friday and Saturday, December 16-17.

National Secondary Schools Sports Association (NSSSA) basketball championships to be held at the Stann Creek Ecumenical High School gymnasium in Dangriga on Friday and Saturday, December 16-17.

Wesley College boys

Gwen Liz boys

ACC girls

Wesley girls

Fitzgerald Joseph Wins Weekend Warriors’ ‘Turkey’ Race Belize City, December 11, 2016 Team Lampaz’ Fitzgerald “Palas” Joseph won the Weekend Warriors Cycling Club’s Caribbean Tires’ turkey race from COURTS in Belmopan to Caribbean Tires in Belize City, via the Chetumal St. Bridge on Sunday morning.

A Division 1st Fitzgerald “Palas” Joseph – Team Lampaz - 2:03.10 2nd Robert Mariano – Team DigiCell 4G 3rd Daniel Cano – Team Santino’s 4th Darwin Lodge – Team Lampaz 5th Stephen Bissett – Team Lampaz 6th Steven Robinson – Team Caribbean Tires 7th Collet Mehia – Team Kulture Megabytes 8th Derrick Smith - Team BFSC - El Pescador 9th Andrew Vasquez - Team BFSC - El Pescador 10th George Abraham – Team Bel-Cal 11th Charles Garay - Team BFSC - El Pescador 12th Arden Garay - Team BFSC - El Pescador B Division

1st Ryan Willoughby - Team Caribbean Tires 2nd Santino Castillo - Team Santino’s (5th overall) 3rd Sean Duncan – Team Smart (7th overall) 4th Joe Mckoy – Team F.T.Williams (11th overall) 5th Charles Garay - Team BFSC - El Pescador (15th overall) Continued on page 15

8 MAY 18 31 DEC JUL 12 JUN 14 19 18 AUG JUN DEC

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09 11 SPORTS 15

Coast Guard Leads CYDP Football Semi-finals

Kelly Street’s Tyrique Muschamp equalize 1-1

Tut Bay win 3-0 Yabra Belize City, December 11, 2016 The Police United are leading the Premier League of Belize football playoffs with 3pts from a 3-1 win over the Belize Defence Force at the Norman Broaster Stadium on Sunday, while the undefeated Belmopan Bandits drew 1-1 with FC Belize at the MCC Garden.

Police United’s Carlton “Fubu” Thomas

Fitzgerald Joseph Wins Weekend Warriors’ ‘Turkey’ Race Continued from page 14 6th Ian Abraham – Team SMART 7th Clarence Tesecum - Team Santino’s C Division (from Cotton Tree to Caribbean Tires) 1st Ed Blank - Team BFSC - El Pescador - 2:07.00 2nd Andrew Bennett - Team SMART 3rd Lisa Berger - Team BFSC - El Pescador 4th Judith Williamson - Team SMART 5th Steve Gill - Team SMART 6th Alejandro Morales 7th Michael Wagner – Team Caribbean Tires 8th Siyah Swasey was eighth in 2:34.00.

Prizes were given for the top 4 in each division - 1st prize - a Christmas turkey, 2nd prize - a ham, 3rd prize - 1 case of soft drinks, 4th and 5th prizes: half a case of soft drinks.

Belize City, December 10, 2016 The undefeated Coast Guard is leading the Conscious Youth Development Program (CYDP) football playoffs with 6pts, and will be the No.1 seed going into semi-finals at the MCC Garden on Saturday, December 17.

The Coast Guard clinched their berth in the semi-finals with a 4-0 win over Hattieville United in Game 2 of their quarterfinals series at the MCC last Saturday, December 10, with a goal apiece from Allen Armstrong, Orvin Wade, Steven Coleman and Addier Duran, who had no trouble scoring on Hattieville’s 7-man team which called it off at the half time break.

Coast Guard will face No.4 seed Tut Bay, who won their semi-final spot by a 3-0 win over Joseph Mohamedali vs Yabra FC, with 2 goals scored by Brian Martinez Carlos Lino and a 3rd goal from Kevin Rowland. Tut Bay has 3pts advancing to the next round.

Kelly Street won the No.3 seed spot with 4pts from a win and a draw and a 1 goal differential. They take on the No. 2 seed Survivors FC, who also have 4pts and a 3 goal differential. After a 1-1 draw with Ladyville FC in Game 1, Kelly Street won Game 2 of their series: 2-1 with goals from Tyrique “Pippin” Muschamp and Kadeem Myers, after Tyrone Parchue had scored first for Kelly St., 2-1 Ladyville FC Ladyville.

Police United Leads PLB playoffs scored their 1st goal in the 22nd minute, Daniel Jimenez added a 2nd goal in the 38th minute, and Byron “Barrow” Usher delivered a 3rd goal in the 49th minute to lead 3-zip; until Shane “Chucky” Flores scored the BDF’s only consolation goal in the 91st minute.

In Belize City, FC Belize’s Mexican import Hector Martinez headed the ball away from Bandits’ goalie Shane Moody Orio and into the net in the 35th minute to lead 1-zip at the half.

Jerome “Jaro” James equalized for the Bandits, also with a header, in the 74th minute.

In game 2 of the playoff series, the Bandits host FC Belize at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium on Saturday night, while Police United visits the BDF at the MCC on Sunday.

Bandits’ Jairo Roches attacks

Mark Leslie controls the ball

Watch your head Ryan Simpson

49 16

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18 DEC

2016

18 JAN

THE BELIZE TIMES 2015

MORE UDP LAND SCANDALS

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THE BELIZE TIMES

2016

PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: PROPERTY Ambergris Caye, Belize District

BY ORDER of the Receiver, Sueno Del Mar Limited, Licensed Auctioneer Kevin A. Castillo will sell the following property ON SITE [13 Miles north of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, Belize District] on Wednesday 28th December 2016 at 11:00 am: SUENO DEL MAR RESORT - 13 MILES NORTH OF SAN PEDRO TOWN, AMBERGRIS CAYE

REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK San Pedro 7

PARCEL 8843

(Being Sueno Del Mar Resort situate 13 Miles north of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye and includes: Palapa Bar & Grill; Two Swimming Pools; Direct TV Satellite System; Isotropic Satellite Internet System; Electrical System provided by Belize Electricity Ltd.; Resort Electricity back-up Generator; 45,0000 gallon resort water storage; Laundry Facility; Guest Storage; Staff Housing; Resort Maintenance Storage; 32 ft. Boat with 2 - 200 HP Yamaha Outboard Motors; 9 Resort Villa Buildings (36 villas are partially furnished and 3 villas unfurnished) (32 two bedroom villas) (6 one bedroom villas) (1 three bedroom villa); on 9.6 acres of land with 506 feet of frontage on the Caribbean Sea in the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve, Ambergris Caye, Belize District, the freehold property of Messrs. Sueno Del Mar Limited

TERMS: STRICTLY CASH KEVIN A. CASTILLO TELEPHONE: 224 4473 Email: kevinacas@yahoo.com

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2016

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19

EDITORIAL en Espanol

E

Ese Arroyo Proverbial

l viernes, en una sesión de la cámara de representantes en la que el Primer Ministro Dean Barrow se encontraba ausente, el representante de Lake Independence Cordel Hyde hizo una revelación impactante, respaldado por páginas y páginas de pruebas. No por vez primera, hubo prueba contundente de que el Viceprimer Ministro Gaspar Vega había abusado de los poderes durante sus funciones como Ministro de Recursos Naturales.

No por vez primera, miembros de su familia fueron nombrados e implicados en lo que puede considerarse nada menos que corrupción atroz, indignante, y descarada. No puede haber ninguna otra manera de ver lo que fue obviamente una obra orquestada para colocar más de 1600 hectáreas de tierras en las afueras de Carmelita en las manos del clan Vega. Cincuenta y cinco parcelas de tierras de la corona (gobierno) se vendieron por una miseria a los afiliados del Ministro Vega y luego fueron readquiridas por el hermano del Ministro y su esposa – un asunto de familia desvergonzado y otro acto despreciable de Vega para enriquecerse a sí mismo y a los miembros de su familia durante su gestión como Ministro de Tierras.

Pero ¿qué pasa ahora? Las denuncias contra el ex Vice Primer Ministro han sido abundantes y apoyadas con evidencia. Una instancia era más que suficiente para requerir su dimisión del gabinete, aunque se ha negado a renunciar como representante de Orange Walk North. Ciertamente el Primer Ministro Dean Barrow no ha contemplado acción penal en su contra. De hecho tan sólo unos días después de la dimisión de Vega, Barrow le otorgo una exención de impuestos de más de $100,000. Dinero de los contribuyentes que injustamente se fue a las manos del hijo del Ministro Vega y un abogado UDP-afiliado, unos $800.000, siguen sin recobrarse. Realmente muy pocas personas son tan ingenuas como para creer que ha habido o habrá cualquier intento real de recuperarlo.

El Señor Barrow no habla de esto excepto bajo extrema presión de los medios de comunicación, y aún entonces lo deshecha como una acusación sin fundamento. Bajo sus instrucciones, el Ministerio de Recursos Naturales guardara silencio. Ciertamente no habrá una investigación criminal porque la policía dirá que tendría que ser llamada, y eso nunca va a pasar. No habrá ninguna otra discusión oficial sobre indemnizaciones y no habrá más discusión de una auditoría en el Ministerio de Recursos Naturales. Y eso será efectivamente el final de eso.

Los medios de comunicación también han revelado pruebas de corrupción presentadas por nada menos que el CEO (Oficial Principal del Ministerio de Salud) por sus siglas en ingles. Por un tiempo no especificado, algunos proveedores farmacéuticos anónimos estuvieron proporcionando medicamentos diferentes a lo que se especificó en el contrato con el Ministerio de Salud. Esto sin duda les permitió cosechar dividendos lucrativos, mientras a la vez la vida de los Beliceños se puso en grave riesgo debido a productos farmacéuticos sospechosos sin respaldo de garantía de la calidad requerida.

Esta fue una corrupción masiva y potencialmente mortal. Pero esto se cubrirá desde el más alto nivel. La hija del Ministro UDP Erwin Contreras, ahora íntimamente involucrada con el Ministro de Salud UDP Pablo Marin, es la directora de la oficina de la Inspección de Drogas responsable de la vigilancia de estos fármacos. Pero ella será protegida, así como todos los involucrados en este desastre.

El Ministro Edmond Castro, dotado con título completo de Ministro por su Primer Ministro, parece ser otro imán para la fechoría. Fue sancionado desde el principio después que se revela que le chanchullo a una mujer Beliceña-americana $55.000 por un pedazo de tierra que no era suyo. Luego se le involucro en un escándalo de poca monta en la Autoridad de Aeropuertos de Belice cuando se reveló que estaba utilizando el dinero de la BAA (Autoridad de Aeropuertos de Belice pos sus siglas en ingles) para pagar sus cuentas personales y cuentas de campaña. Luego fue envuelto en otro escándalo que involucra la facilitación de visas para ciudadanos chinos.

Y ahora, debido a sus negocios ilegítimos como “cañero”, ha causado que suspendan a la BSCFA (Asociación Beliceña de Agricultores de Caña de Azúcar (por sus siglas en ingles), una acción que podría costarle millones a los agricultores de los dineros del Fairtrade. Ha sido y continuará siendo protegido, como ya hemos visto y lo demuestran de manera absoluta los absurdos comentarios del Ministro de Agricultura Godwin Hulse.

A medida que nos acercamos a un sombrío fin de año, los escándalos han sido un tanto eclipsados por la realidad económica y las perspectivas para el 2017. La omisión casi segura del pago de bono de febrero de 2017 tendrá graves repercusiones financieras. Hay tres juicios en espera de ejecución en los tribunales extranjeros. Hay un saldo restante por lo de BTL pagadero en cuestión de meses. Y no hay ninguna señal de una gallina de los huevos de oro a la vista.

Todas las indicaciones son que los inversionistas de bonos no están satisfechos con la oferta preliminar del GOB porque no les inspira confianza alguna. Pero, ¿cómo podrían estos inversionistas tener confianza en un gobierno que elogio la reestructuración pasada y luego se dejó caer la pelota de las manos? Las promesas son un consuelo para el zonzo, y el gobierno no está tratando con bobos.

El Señor Barrow es el culpable de todos estos escenarios multifacéticos que amenazan la estabilidad de nuestro país. Él es el responsable de la corrupción y la mala gestión que ha saqueado la despensa hasta dejarla vacía, y es responsable de la imprudencia financiera que nos tiene en aprietos como en ese arroyo proverbial, contra la corriente y sin remos. Con la excepción de los maestros que se mantuvieron fuertes y que todavía pudieran pagar por su noble postura, los Beliceños mostraron una alarmante apatía en 2016. Tal vez, sólo tal vez, esa apatía pudiera ser destrozada por la filosa guadaña de la austeridad en el 2017, especialmente cuando serán los Beliceños normales que sentirán el efecto, como siempre, de esta píldora amarga mientras nuestros ministros, sus familias y sus compinches continuarán viviendo una vida de abundancia.

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António Guterres jura el cargo como nuevo secretario general de la ONU

Centroamérica, la víctima “colateral” de la guerra contra el narcotráfico en México BBC Mundo: 13 de Diciembre de 2016 Desde hace varios años la región padece una intensa ola de violencia que según especialistas se debe, en parte, a la operación de carteles mexicanos.

El combate militar a estas organizaciones en su país de origen aceleró que migraran hacia América Central, donde ya tenían presencia desde la década de 1990.

Con la guerra que emprendió el expresidente Felipe Calderón cambió el escenario, le dice a BBC Mundo Roberto Orozco, director del Centro de Investigación y Análisis Estratégico de Nicaragua.

“Se fortaleció la presencia de los carteles mexicanos en toda Centroamérica”, explica.

“Eran, por decirlo de alguna manera, dueños del algunas líneas de tráfico” en la región.

Así, sobre todo para los países del Triángulo Norte –Guatemala, Honduras y El Salvador– estos grupos son ahora uno de los principales problemas internos, reconoce la ONU. ¿Por qué El Salvador vive “los días más violentos del siglo”? ¿Qué hay detrás de la dramática reducción en el número de asesinatos en El Salvador en el último mes?

En ese sentido, el informe 2015 de la Junta Internacional de Fiscalización de Estupefacientes (JIFE) advierte que el tráfico de drogas “se ha convertido en una importante amenaza para la seguridad”.

Y encarna, además, un desafío mayor, porque las organizaciones criminales operan en varios países, le dice a BBC Mundo Eduardo Stein, exvicepresidente de Guatemala.

“Los gobiernos van a la zaga en articular legislaciones más ágiles que permitan a los cuerpos de seguridad funcionar también de forma transfronteriza”, explica.

“En el caso del narcotráfico el problema es mucho más grave, por las cantidades tan grandes de dinero que han logrado corromper estructuras públicas, comenzando por las policías”, añade.

El inicio El entonces presidente de México, Felipe Calderón, declaró la guerra contra las drogas el 10 de diciembre del 2006.

Fue durante el lanzamiento de la Operación Michoacán, la primera acción militar de su gobierno contra los carteles que, según las autoridades mexicanas, mantenían el control de extensas zonas del país.

Desde ese momento el conflicto provocó la muerte de unas 100 mil personas y la desaparición de otras 27 mil, según datos de la Secretaría de Gobernación y el Sistema Nacional de Seguridad Publica.

También hubo desplazamientos de comunidades y pueblos, aunque no se conoce una cifra exacta de afectados.

Una encuesta de la empresa de opinión pública Parametría estima que son 1.7 millones, casi el 2% del total de la población del país.

Pero el informe especial sobre desplazamiento forzado interno de la Comisión Nacional de Derechos Humanos (CNDH) dice que las víctimas son 35 mil 433.

El documento se presentó en mayo de este año.

La mayor parte del combate a las organizaciones criminales lo realizó el Ejército y la Marina, con apoyo de la Policía Federal.

De esta manera carteles como los Zetas, el de Sinaloa y el del Golfo movieron parte de sus operaciones a Centroamérica.

Y a ellos les siguieron la Familia Michoacana y el grupo que le sucedió, los Caballeros Templarios.

“Estación de servicio” En Centroamérica los efectos de la guerra de México contra el narcotráfico se sintieron pronto.

En el 2007, de acuerdo con la consultora Stratfor, sólo el 1% de la cocaína que se enviaba a Estados Unidos pasaba por territorios centroamericanos.

Hasta entonces, la mayor parte del trasiego se realizaba por vía marítima o aérea.

Pero casi una década después el panorama es distinto.

El informe sobre estrategia internacional de control de narcóticos del 2016 del Departamento de Estado revela que el 90%

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2016 2016

En el acto de hoy, Naciones Unidas escenificó el traspaso de poderes, dando la bienvenida al próximo secretario general y rindiendo tributo a Ban. El diplomático surcoreano se mostró convencido de que Guterres “navegará con éxitos” los muchos desafíos del cargo y llevará a la organización a nuevos logros.

El secretario general destacó en ese sentido que pasa el testigo a un hombre “de integridad y principios” .

Mientras, la Asamblea General reconoció la labor de Ban con la aprobación de una resolución destacando su liderazgo al frente de la organización.

La Asamblea, que adoptó el texto por aclamación, dedicó al diplomático coreano una prolongada ovación.

“Durante los último diez años, el secretario general Ban ha liderado la ONU con inquebrantables principios para el bien” , señaló el presidente de la Asamblea General, Peter Thomson.

Como grandes pilares del legado de Ban, Thomson destacó el acuerdo de París sobre el cambio climático, las nuevas estrategias de desarrollo y su trabajo en favor de la igualdad de género.

Naciones Unidas: 13de Diciembre de 2016 “Yo, António Guterres, juro solemnemente ejercer con toda la lealtad, discreción y conciencia las funciones que se me confían como secretario general de Naciones Unidas”, dijo en inglés el ex primer ministro de Portugal ante el pleno de la Asamblea General.

Guterres, en una breve ceremonia, se comprometió además a no aceptar instrucciones de ningún Gobierno u otra autoridad en el ejercicio de sus responsabilidades.

El portugués, que entre el 2005 y el 2015 trabajó como Alto Comisionado de la ONU para los Refugiados, fue elegido el pasado mes de octubre por los 193 Estados miembros para dirigir la organización.

Guterres se destacó desde el principio del proceso de selección como el gran favorito, imponiéndose a una docena de personalidades que aspiraban también al cargo.

JUICIO CONTRA CARLOS VIELMANN COMIENZA EN ENERO Guatemala/AP 13 de Diciembre de 2016 Vielmann está acusado de asociación ilícita y de la ejecución extrajudicial en 2005 de tres reos fugados de la cárcel de alta seguridad de Escuintla conocida como “El infiernito”, durante una operación policial para recapturarlos y del asesinato en 2006 de siete privados de la libertad dentro de la granja modelo de rehabilitación Penal Pavón, durante una operación para recuperar el control del penal.

(Pic: Biline) : Carlos Vielmann -corbata naranja- enfrentará juicio en enero por acusacio-

nes de ejecuciones extrajudiciales.

En 2014 la Sala de lo Penal de la Audiencia Nacional rechazó un recurso de Vielmann contra su procesamiento aduciendo que existían indicios de la participación del exministro “en la cadena de hechos que determinaron el fallecimiento, en trágicas circunstancias, de los tres fugados de la cárcel conocida por El Infiernito y de los siete penados que aparecieron muertos” tras el asalto a la cárcel de Pavón.

En 2009 Vielmann se nacionalizó español logrando así evadir la justicia en Guatemala que lo acusaba de los mismos hechos y que había solicitado su extradición en 2012.

En octubre de 2013 Javier Figueroa, ex subdirector general de investigación criminal de la Policía Nacional Civil, quién se fugó a Austria, fue absuelto en aquel país de su participación en los hechos mientras que en mayo de 2015 Erwin Sperisen, ex director de esa fuerza, fue condenado a cadena perpetua por la muerte de los siete reos del Penal Pavón por un tribunal de Ginebra, Suiza, adonde había huido.

The Associated Press intentó comunicarse con Vielmann y su familia así como con el abogado que lo representa, pero rehusaron hacer declaraciones.

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CONTRALORÍA Y CICIG INVESTIGAN CONTRATO El Ministerio Público (MP), la Comisión Internacional contra la Impunidad en Guatemala (Cicig) y la Contraloría General de Cuentas (CGC) efectúan una investigación al contrato con la empresa brasileña Norberto Odebrecht, en donde se han identificado varias irregularidades.

El Ministerio Público (MP), la Comisión Internacional contra la Impunidad en Guatemala (Cicig) y la Contraloría General de Cuentas (CGC) efectúan una investigación al contrato con la empresa brasileña Norberto Odebrecht, en donde se han identificado varias irregularidades.

Guatemala: 13 de Diciembre de 2016 La investigación se encuentra bajo reserva, pero Prensa Libre obtuvo información en la que se establece que entre las irregularidades se identificó que fue la em-

Centroamérica, la víctima “colateral” de la guerra contra el narcotráfico en México Cont’do de pagina 20 de los cargamentos de la droga cruzaron primero por América Central.

Muchos de los cargamentos pertenecen a organizaciones mexicanas, especialmente al Cartel de Sinaloa, la que domina el tráfico en la región, señala Roberto Orozco.

Agente durante una redada antinarcóticos Pero esa es una parte del problema.

Para mover la mercancía los mexicanos desplazaron, primero, a algunas organizaciones criminales de la zona.

Y después contrataron a otros grupos para asegurar el trasiego. Entre los más conocidos están las pandillas, que incrementaron su poder en el Triángulo Norte.

También aumentó la criminalidad, especialmente la vinculada por la operación de carteles, como ocurre en Guatemala, Honduras y El Salvador.

“Ahora enfrentamos tipos de violencia asociadas directamente a la criminalidad organizada y los controles territoriales que llevan a cabo las pandillas”, explica Stein.

“Su alianza con la delincuencia organizada ha hecho que las Maras sean una especie de instrumento de control territorial para los carteles”.

El analista Orozco coincide. “Centroamérica se convirtió en una especie de centro de servicio para los carteles mexicanos”, asegura.

“En riesgo la estabilidad” La violencia en Centroamérica es una de las consecuencias de la primera década en la guerra contra las drogas en México, coinciden analistas.

Otra es la influencia de los carteles en la política regional. Hace unos años, por ejemplo, se mantenían ajenos a la política.

Ya no es así, reconoce el exvicepresidente de Guatemala. “El narco esperaba el resultado electoral para ver que alcaldes se habían electo y entonces amenazarlos o corromperlos”, cuenta.

“Ahora postulan a sus candidatos y desalientan violentamente cualquier competencia para asegurarse los corredores de ilegalidad”.

El resultado es una serie de problemas que no sólo afectan a los círculos políticos, reconocen organizaciones como la Oficina en Washington para América Latina (Wola, en inglés).

“Lo que se ha visto en la región es la capacidad de la criminalidad organizada para generar corrupción e infiltrarse en las instituciones”, le dice a BBC Mundo Adriana Beltrán, responsable del programa de Seguridad ciudadana de Wola.

Es un problema que supera a la criminalidad.

“Pone en riesgo el estado de derecho y la gobernabilidad”, insiste Beltrán.

presa Norberto Odebrecht la que inició los trámites para gestionar el crédito con el Banco Nacional de Desarrollo Económico y Social (BNDES), desde Brasil.

De igual forma se evidenció que al momento de otorgar el dinero al país para el proyecto de ampliación a cuatro carriles de la CA-Occidente, el BNDES fue la que dio el nombre de la constructora que debía ejecutar el proyecto, sin que exista evidencia de que Guatemala se haya opuesto a esa designación, pese a que incumple con la Ley de Contrataciones.

Por esa razón, las autoridades solicitaron información a la entidad financiera en Brasil, para que

establezca si esas son sus políticas de crédito.

Investigación En un informe del Grupo de Diarios América (GDA) publicado el domingo en Brasil, se reveló que el BNDES suspendió el financiamiento para las empresas que recibían recursos de esa entidad, entre ellas Norberto Obedrecht, acción que tomó como parte de una investigación de la operación Lava Jato, que evidenció una red de corrupción que alcanzó a varios países en Latinoamérica.

La empresa brasileña Odebrecht era la encargada de la ampliación a cuatro carriles de la carretera CA-2 Occidente, de

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Cocales, Escuintla, hacia Tecún Umán, San Marcos, frontera con México.

Para ese proyecto, el BNDES otorgó un financiamiento de US$280 millones (Q2 mil cien millones) y el Banco Centroamericano de Integración Económica US$119.4 millones (Q895.5 millones), para un total de US$399.4 millones (Q2 mil 995.5 millones).

Según el ministro de Finanzas, Julio Héctor Estrada, el BNDES suspendió los desembolsos que restaban para financiar el proyecto desde principios de año.

Licitación Además del MP, la Cicig y la CGC, el Ministerio de Comunicaciones también efectúa una investigación, la cual causó que desde la semana pasada se haya iniciado un proceso para liquidar el proyecto.

Según el jefe de esa cartera, Aldo García, en enero tienen planificado dar inicio a una licitación para el mantenimiento y reparación del tramo carretero que ya fue ampliado por Odebrecht, pero también se contempla un concurso para concluir el proyecto.

García explicó que para el proceso de liquidación del proyecto se tendrá que solicitar una ampliación presupuestaria al Congreso, así como para las licitaciones.

Nineth Montenegro, legisladora de Encuentro por Guatemala, indicó que la solicitud deberá ser “muy analizada”.

Mientras que Carlos Barreda, de la Unidad Nacional de la Esperanza, indicó que antes de cualquier acción se deberá efectuar la investigación y denunciar a los responsables de haber otorgado la obra.

CUBA Y UE ENTRAN EN NUEVA ERA DE RELACIONES DIPLOMÁTICAS Bruselas: 12 de Diciembre de 2016 “Hoy en día reconocemos que hay cambio en Cuba y queremos acompañar ese cambio económico y social” , dijo la jefa de la diplomacia europea, Federica Mogherini, momentos antes de la firma del acuerdo en Bruselas con su homólogo cubano, Bruno Rodríguez, y los 28 cancilleres europeos.

Con la firma de este pacto, la UE puso fin a la llamada Posición Común de 1996, que Cuba calificó de “injerencista” y “discriminatoria” , ya que vinculaba la cooperación europea a “mejoras de los derechos humanos” , al tiempo que buscaba “favorecer un proceso de transición hacia una democracia pluralista” .

La situación de los derechos humanos y de las libertades políticas en la isla caribeña fue uno de los principales escollos en los casi dos años de conversaciones, pero los negociadores decidieron finalmente abordarla en un diálogo separado para allanar el camino hacia el pacto.

En este diálogo separado, del que ya se han celebrado dos encuentros, “hablamos de todo amistosamente en un enfoque constructivo y pienso que esta es la manera de proceder”,aseguró Mogherini en rueda de prensa preguntada sobre si con la firma del acuerdo la UE respeta lo hecho por Cuba en derechos humanos.

“Hay numerosas áreas de coincidencia entre la UE y Cuba, y también áreas de profundas diferencias, fundamentalmente relacionadas con ámbitos políticos”, explicó por su parte Rodríguez, quien defendió el derecho de un país a elegir su sistema político y la no injerencia exterior en asuntos internos.

El acuerdo, negociado durante casi dos años desde abril de 2004, establece así el objetivo de “entablar un diálogo (...) a los fines del fortalecimiento de los derechos humanos y de la democracia” y el refuerzo de las relaciones “sobre la base del respeto mutuo (...) y a la soberanía” , según el documento al que ha tenido acceso la AFP .

Una fuente diplomática explicó, antes de la firma, que la UE “no da un cheque en blanco a Cuba” , porque se establece “que se irá avanzando en función de los progresos democráticos” y la capacidad “de parar, de acelerar o de suspender el acuerdo” .

Trump no afectará Cuba, que era el único país latinoamericano sin un marco diplomático de este tipo con el bloque europeo, restablece la plena normalización de sus relaciones con su segundo socio comercial, semanas después de la muerte del mandatario cubano Fidel Castro y cuando el deshielo con Washington está en el aire.

A pesar de la aproximación iniciada por el presidente estadounidense Barack Obama, aunque sin llegar a levantar el embargo impuesto a Cuba en 1962, su sucesor en la Casa Blanca a partir del 20 de enero, Donald Trump, ya advirtió con “poner fin” al deshielo si no hay “un mejor acuerdo” para su país.

Aunque la jefa de la diplomacia europea señaló que la próxima administración Trump “no afectará” a las relaciones de la UE con Cuba, sí subrayó, al igual que su homólogo cubano, su preocupación sobre eventuales sanciones de Estados Unidos a las empresas que violen su embargo contra la isla.

“Las relaciones entre Cuba y la UE felizmente no pasan por Washington” , dijo Rodríguez, para quien habrá que “remover” , no obstante, “el obstáculo que significa, en particular en el plano financiero, la aplicación que persiste del bloqueo contra Cuba” .

La Unión Europea reanuda así por completo sus relaciones con la isla antes que Estados Unidos, máxime cuando las empresas extranjeras no quieren perder el tren de la apertura cubana iniciada tímidamente por el actual presidente Raúl Castro.

En el 2015, las exportaciones de los 28 países del bloque a Cuba ascendieron a 2.200 millones de euros (2.320 millones de dólares) y sus importaciones representaron unos 540 millones de euros.

El Acuerdo de Diálogo Político y Cooperación se aplicará en un primer momento de manera provisional y parcial a la espera de un largo proceso de ratificación por parte de la Eurocámara, así como de los parlamentos de los 28 países del bloque.

Disidentes cubanos habían pedido en octubre a los eurodiputados su no al pacto, al considerar que su actual redactado “legitima” al régimen comunista, y advirtieron que algún parlamento nacional podría rechazar el texto, lo que supondría el final del acuerdo.

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2016

THINKING OUT LOUD BY: KEVIN BERNARD

As I write this article early in the week, my emotions are caught somewhere between anger and hope, with some frustration thrown in for good measure. Everybody knows that this is my favourite time of the year. It serves to bring out the child in me, because children can find joy in the simplest things. Christmas makes me want to be a better person, to see smiles on the faces of my family and friends, to do good for the people of this town.

But that good feeling has been damaged by a callous action which makes me very angry. Just one day after we celebrated as a community our annual tree-lighting ceremony, our tree was deliberately destroyed by fire. As I write this details are still sketchy, but Police have detained and released two persons responsible. For some reason unknown to me at this time, these two men came to Orange Walk and set our tree on fire. Despite being told that there were witnesses on the scene, I am informed that the men were released because of a lack of witnesses.

I am trying hard to believe that it was a random act by men who were not in their correct senses, and that there is no political connection. I am trying hard to give Police the benefit of the doubt, to accept that the matter was investigated properly and thoroughly and there was no interference or manipulation of any sort. While it is extremely difficult in the face of such utter stupidity, I am trying to stay positive. It is a matter of great concern to me because I know the work that went into putting up that tree as a symbol of hope in our community. I know what it meant to me and to all from the Council who put their hearts into it. I know what it meant to all who came out to celebrate that special moment with us.

So I am angry, but at the same time I cannot help but feel enriched because in the wake of this senseless stupidity, I have seen our community mobilize in selfless fashion.

The Orange Walk Town Council has already received donations and pledges, as well as generous gifts of ornaments.

The calls offering assistance have uplifted my spirits and as always I am appreciative of my people. Truly I would not want to live anywhere but in Orange Walk Town.

I can assure you now that because of your generousity and kindness, a new tree will be shining brightly in Central Park before too much longer.

And for that I am grateful and happy. I take this opportunity also to thank my staff which was devastated by the wanton destruction of that Christmas tree but remained positive and immediately galvanized to see how we could pool the resources and labour to make this our Christmas miracle.

I also take this opportunity to remind all in our community that this is a time for peace and harmony and for getting along. We have seen too much division along political lines, too much division in the way we think and feel, and I would ask all of you to remember that we are all residents who only want the best for ourselves and for our community. This Christmas let us put aside all the divisiveness and malice and hard feelings and enjoy a good Christmas.

Let us be good to those around us, regardless if they are PUP or UDP or gay or straight or Catholic or Evangelical or black or white or pink.

Orange Walk Town is too small for division. Belize is too small for division. Let the destruction of the tree be a lesson that any action which hurts our community affects each and every one of us – all of us. And let there be peace this Christmas.

GOB FALLING ASLEEP AT THE ECONOMIC WHEEL

By: Eduardo Santos The current financial crisis is yet another crisis that has shaken our economy and forced the government and financial institutions to ponder once again the overall working of financial systems. The crisis which began in the US and then spread to Europe, has now affected the livelihoods of almost everyone in the world including Belizeans. In addition to easy lending of money, the impacts include securitization and changing nature of banking, excessive use of derivatives, inflow of easy money, improper financial regulations concerning spending, inconsistent government policy and weak oversight. These reasons were also the cause for the inflation within our already fragile economy.

One of the main causes of the economic turmoil was the borrowing of cheap money from the PetroCaribe Funds, especially with its lax interest rate as set forth in the agreement. This led to substantial increase in the current account deficit which in turn, caused macroeconomic imbalances within our economy. These imbalances interacted with the flaws in the Government of Belize’s fiscal policies to put great stress on the financial intermediation process.

Another cause to which the crisis can be attributed is the transformation of the traditional model of banking system through “securitization” - that is, turning assets into securities traded on markets. In this, a number of government-backed loans were pooled together in the form of mortgage-backed bonds, which ultimately went to the investors as interest payments on bonds. Such financial innovations were supported by the authorities and considered as a means of risk-sharing and thus benefitting the borrowers, the investors as well as the banks. The banks borrowed even more money in order to lend out and make more money.

After an almost complete transition to postindustrial society, Belize had off-shored its production units to foreign companies and therefore depended a lot on imports to meet the demands of the consumers while our exports increased at a fraction of imports. The negative effect of this is that we became dependent on loans and grants to sustain our economy. We do not have our industries performing as expected and the government is not doing a better job of building up local industries to generate additional revenues.

The base of our economy since 1981 was always built on agriculture (sugar, citrus and banana) but since the liberalization of world regimes, we are slowly losing preferential markets both in the U.S and EU. Pilot projects were started to replace our dependencies on sugar with the introduction of non-traditional crops such as papaya, soybeans and cotton. The prices of commodities, especially oil rose rapidly, making it difficult for even the common cane farmer to survive the times of crisis.

Two of the biggest papaya producers, Fruta Bomba and K and N Harvesters have already ceased operations in Corozal and Orange Walk leaving a lot of people unemployed.

Every crisis signals some weakness in the financial system and emphasizes the need to de-

sign mechanisms and policies in order to reduce the impact of any future crisis. When the crisis hit Belize, instead of developing new fiscal policies that would save unnecessary spending on the part of the government, we have seen the exact opposite. We see constant reports of corruption within the rank and file of our present government that is going to cost millions upon millions of tax dollars. The government should reformulate policies to reduce the risk of financial crisis and prevent itself from the contagion.

Greater levels of transparency are required, especially with respect to innovative financial instruments and practices that can encourage imprudent investments, and immoderate spending. This is the lesson to be learned from the securitization issues that lead to the fall of major investment banks. The trading decisions of certain market players have significant impact on the financial framework and hence government should strengthen their disclosure requirements.

Increased transparency will make the market less volatile, especially when the market conditions become adverse.

A major problem faced during boom times is falling capital ratios of banks. The government should keep a limit (cap) to the extent till banks can leverage up during good times. This will help maintain better funds for the crisis period. The government can also maintain capital ratios by introducing funds requiring each bank to pay a particular amount periodically which can be then paid back during credit crunch.

The government should also have better coordination with their foreign counterparts to improve international exchange of information and better crisis management arrangements. There is also a need for international coordination among regulatory and supervisory policy to prevent the spread of any such crisis across national or regional boundaries. Also, the monetary and fiscal policy of the government should have coherence between the short-term benefits and long-term implications. All the regulations should be countercyclical, that is, they should be more stringent during the credit booms. The government should intervene and prevent excess leveraging by banks in times of booms in order to counteract the repercussions during crisis.

Although the booms and shocks of the business cycle are part of the economic reality and are as such out of our control, the intensity of these can be controlled to some extent.

Imprudent and unchecked spending and lack of stringent regulation especially in the area of financial innovations have led to the current crisis, but we can look to reduce the ill-effects of subsequent crises by better regulatory mechanisms, more transparent systems, and better coordination between the government and financial institutions. This will eventually lead to a more secure and sustainable economic order.

The world seems to be recovering from the current financial crisis but its effects will be echoing for years to come.

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2016

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THE BELIZE TIMES For Sale

Port Loyola Housing for the Poor! Really???

By Gilroy Usher, Sr. “Port Loyola Housing for the Poor” - that’s one of several large signs on a huge, yellow, concrete, three storey building at the Cor. Central American Blvd. and Cemetery Rd. in Belize City which Port Loyola Representative “Shoes” told the media he gave to his daughter. The name of the business gives the mistaken belief that things will happen to make life better for the small man and woman of the area.

Documents at the Belize Companies Registry in Belmopan show that Port Loyola Housing for the Poor was registered as a limited liability company on July 21st 2008, with two Belize City residents - Martha Davis registered in Port Loyola at #7286 Reggae Street and Manuel Malic who is registered in the Collet Division at #4 Lakeview Street as the owners of the business. Port Loyola Housing for the Poor is a profit making operation. The main source of its revenue is allegedly secret government contracts for a wide range of activities. As a limited liability company only the things that are directly owned by the establishment can be used to settle its debts.

Although “Shoes” spearheaded the formation of Port Loyola Housing for the Poor, his name is not listed on any of the ownership documents for the business. Nevertheless he controls 100% of the enterprise; he decides which government contracts to secure for its operation, how much the employees should be paid and how much of the huge profit from contacts from his own government will be deposit in his personal accounts or be carried around by him in his socks. Don’t let no ghost fool you!

The real owner of Port Loyola Housing for the Poor is “Shoes.” Davis and Malic are only front persons to conceal the real owner of the operation. Furthermore Port Loyola Housing for the Poor is just one of the many businesses he has formed with front persons to hustle from government coffers.

Forget the catchy name. “Shoes”

thinks poor people don’t deserve anything good. That is why instead of using taxpayers’ money to build proper two and three bedroom, low income concrete houses for the people, he builds tiny, weak ply-cem houses without partitions, electrical wiring or sewage facilities for the residents of the division. The quality of such houses is so inadequate that they begin falling apart after only two years. It’s shameful that despite the catchy name, Port Loyola Housing for the Poor, many persons like poor Miss Baizar on Curl Thomson St. and poor Miss Dorla on Sanker St. who really deserve housing assistance are denied such help because Shoes believe they are PUP. It must also be noted that despite the catchy name for housing relief, after eight years of Port Loyola Housing for the Poor as a registered business more than a dozen families at #63 Central American Blvd beside Southside Butane Gas remain trapped in inadequate houses with no end to the injustice in sight.

Furthermore, only a few months after “Shoes” was put in control of close to a million dollars for housing relief after Hurricane Richard hit Belize City in 2010, he said that the money was finished although only a handful of persons had obtained housing assistance for hurricane damage.

When the press put it to “Shoes” that it is wrong and a conflict of interest to rent his own yellow building near the gas stations on the Blvd. to the Women’s Department for which he is the Minister, it was then that he quickly said that the yellow mansion belongs to his daughter. After eight years as the real owner of Port Loyola Housing for the Poor “Shoes” owns a huge tract of land near the checkpoint on the George Price Highway and at least 15 large yellow concrete buildings throughout Belize City. Clearly Port Loyola Housing for the Poor has served “Shoes” well, but certainly not the good people of the division who deserve proper housing.

By Order of the Mortgagee

Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Assignment of Mortgage made the 17th day of July 2008, between ALLIANCE BANK OF BELIZE LIMITED (“the Assignor”), SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LIMITED (the Assignee”) and WILLIAM HENRY BOWMAN of 791 Bella Vista, Belize City, Belize District, Belize (hereinafter called “the Borrower”) of the one part and SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LIMITED (hereinafter called “the Mortgagee”) of the other part, and recorded in Deeds Book Volume 26 of 2008 at Folios 571-590, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto.

All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. SCHEDULE Firstly, ALL THAT piece or parcel of land comprising 7 acres situate near mile 19 on the Stann Creek Valley Road in the Stann Creek District being the land comprised in the Minister’s Fiat Grant No. 135 of 1971 dated the 6th day of January, 1972 and entered at the General Registry in the Crown Lands Book (Grants) No. 4 at Folios 91 Entry No. 735 and referred to as Block 38 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

Secondly, ALL THAT piece or parcel of land comprising 8 acres 1 rood 16 poles situate near mile 19 on the Stann Creek Valley Road in the Stann Creek District being the land comprised in the Minister’s Fiat Grant No. 136 of 1971 dated the 28th day of January, 1972 and entered at the General Registry in the Crown Lands Book (Grants) No. 4 at Folios 89 Entry No. 724 and referred to as Block 37 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

Thirdly, ALL THAT piece or parcel of land situate near mile 19 ¾ on the Stann Creek Valley Road in the Stann Creek District containing 7 acres 1 rood 28 poles, being the property comprised in the Minister’s Fiat Grant No. 134 of 1971 dated the 28th day of January, 1972 attached to the Fiat aforesaid TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 1st day of December, 2016.

MUSA & BALDERAMOS LLP 91 North Front Street Belize City Attorneys-at-Law for Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.

For Sale

By Order of the Mortgagee Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Mortgage made the 11th day of April 2005, between GREGORY ALMENDAREZ of Independence Village, Stann Creek District (hereinafter called “the Borrower”) of the one part and SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LIMITED (hereinafter called “the Mortgagee”) of the other part, and recorded in Deeds Book Volume 11 of 2005 at Folios 615-680, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto.

All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land containing 366.181 sq. meters and being Lot No. 300 situate in Independence Village, Stann Creek District as shown and described on a Plan of survey attached to Minister’s Fiat Grant No. 804 of 2003 and lodge at the Lands Title Unit Belmopan TOGETHER with all building and erections standing and being thereon.

TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 1st day of December, 2016.

MUSA & BALDERAMOS LLP 91 North Front Street Belize City Attorneys-at-Law for Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.

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18 DEC

THE BELIZE TIMES

WHAT A BLOODY ECONOMIC MESS!!!

By: Norris Hall When the Prime Minister of Belize was in the American capital last week, some of Washington’s investment bankers were not too pleased about the purpose of his visit. When he called on their doorsteps, he and his entourage went begging for an extension for the repayment of a $1.1 billion debt. This does not include the accumulated interest. The bankers had twice agreed to further underwrite this consolidated loan.

When he took office he successfully re-negotiated the repayment arrangements made by the previous government. But his government began to renege on their payments because of a self-made debt crisis caused by the mismanagement of the national economy.

It is on the precipice of total collapse and exacerbated by an absence of any clear cut policies and the well-established institutionalized corruption.

It should be of no surprise that the recent request to the bond holders for a third re-negotiated debt repayment schedule was met with much chagrin. This was unprecedented. They had already known from the depressing reports by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund about the gloomy state of Belize’s economy and about its mismanagement by Barrow et al. Reading between the lines of these reports was like reading a Stephen King novel. It was translated by Standards & Poor (a financial intelligence credit rating agency), to mean that the Barrow Administration, has simply mismanaged the country’s economy.

The most recent S&P rating for Belize is a CC. It can hardly get worse.

With this low rating, Belize’s liquidity will only worsen and the outlook is gloomy.

PM CRITICAL OF S&P The Prime Minister has been critical of this rating agency ever since S&P began to put the handwriting on the wall to warn of the slippage as the country’s ratings began to fall from a B+ to a dismal low C rating. “The downgrade reflects signs of lower political willingness to service Belize’s current commercial debt obligations,” says the S&P report.

When this Prime Minister first came to office in 2008, in his arrogance, he tried to play hard ball with his creditors without a leg to stand on. It is understandable why, on his recent visit with the bond holders in Washington, DC, they were so pissed off. They had previously agreed to give his government a new lease on life with an extended deadline when he negotiated the first rescheduling of this bond pay-

ment. This is especially in view of the massive black eye Belize now has from these international reports. He cleverly propagandized and maligned this debt, calling it a “Super Bond”. It is simply a consolidated debt of $1.1 billion that was incurred by two previous administrations. It included $700 million accumulated by a previous United Democratic Administration of Manuel Esquivel and $400 million by the Musa Administration. The arrangement made by the Musa Administration, unlike the current state of affairs, was applauded by a number of financial institutions including Moody and Associates and Standards and Poor. With more delays by the Barrow Administration to pay off this debt, and with rising interest rates the Prime Minister may well be creating a mega-bond from this “Super Bond”.

CRAZY AND RECKLESS SPENDING Bond holders were also aware of the crazy and reckless spending by the Prime Minister and friends, and how they spent excessively to bribe and buy themselves back to government in 2015. Not that the third term was really a big deal.

When things were beginning to look sticky, the Prime Minister in 2015 called snap elections-again.

His first term in office was won when he bamboozled his United Democratic Party to power with violence and civil disobedience.

His first (two terms came in eight years rather than the ten - a term in office being five years. His “record” third term was way for him to boost his super ego about winning a record third term, in what is widely perceived as an illegitimate government. There are new revelations that the 2015 elections were fraudulent.

The only official announcement about the recent round of talks with the Bond holders is that the Prime Minister had delayed his return home after the talks because he “‘is receiving medical treatment for gastroenteritis.” He later returned home alive and well to say the negotiations with the bond holders were on –going. No spin this time.

A LIFETIME DEBT FEW WOULD AGREE TO UNDERWRITE The longer the government takes to pay this debt (it wants it extended up until 2038), bond holders will be extracting more of their pound of flesh with very high interest rates. But the “Super Bond” is a miniscule part of the Prime Minister’s self-made woes. He, members of his government and his “royal gentry” continue to live large despite the rising level of poverty, the rising cost of living, high unemployment and all these other ills of a

dysfunctional government. The government continues to act irresponsibly in its dealings with American and international Banks with complete disregard for American and international banking regulations. It is clear that this is what broke the camel’s back, causing U.S regulators to force American Banks to cut their ties with local Banks. There could have been a number of other reasons. One is an alleged State-owned land swap for dirty money, with the involvement of a former Minister of Lands.

The loss of these banking links will significantly impair activities in key sectors of the economy, including tourism and trade and constrain real effort to reduce the deficit.

A “D” RATING WOULD MEAN DICKHEAD Belize’s credit rating is lower than it has ever been since the country attained its independence in 1981. The CC rating will impair both fiscal and external imbalances. But the Prime Minister has said earlier that this will not affect the country’s performance.

We hope that he is smoking some legal stuff as he continues to drag his feet on the decriminalization

2016

of “Mary Jane” (marijuana).That is not because he is a paragon of virtue.

BEFORE BARROW BELIZE HAD STATUS One bond holder also noted that before Mr. Barrow came to power in 2008, Belize was actually operating with a minor fiscal deficit. He noted that what the Prime Minister of Belize did when he came to office, was to ramp up spending.

There are ominous indicators given the rising debt levels and rampant corruption in this government. The latter has cost the country more than $1 billion and counting. It will not be able to meet its obligation to its creditors. This will mean that the $1.1 billion “super bond” could well become junk bonds. It is already in junk territory.

There are well known venture (vulture?) capitalists who are ready to swoop in to grab these junk bonds when this inevitable happens. The Prime Minister knows a few of them. He may be prepared to deal. But they drive a mean bargain, like loan sharks. They virtually take over the running of a company or a country. This was the experience of Argentina back in 2014/15. A vulture capitalist in that scenario took over $45 million of the country’s debt. From this he made $1.5 billion in profits.

Argentina as well as Peru, are still reeling from their experiences of desperation.

NOTICE Slyter Holding Corp. No. 136, 627 (“the Company”) Pursuant to Section 102 (4) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, notice is hereby given that Slyter Holding Corp.:

and

a) Is in dissolution b) Commenced dissolution on the 5th day of December, 2016;

c) Dmitry Chebanov whose address is Apt. 78, Shchelkovskiy Proezd, 3 bld. 1, Moscow, Russia is the Liquidator of the Company.

CIL Trust International Limited Registered Agent

NOTICE Glovart Consulting Ltd. No. 136, 630 (“the Company”) Pursuant to Section 102 (4) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, notice is hereby given that KIRWEN LTD. a) Is in dissolution b) Commenced dissolution on the 5th day of December, 2016; and c) Dmitry Chebanov whose address is Apt. 78, Shchelkovskiy Proezd, 3 bld. 1, Moscow, Russia is the Liquidator of the Company.

CILTrust International Limited Registered Agent

18 DEC

2016

THINK ABOUT IT INSULT TO FIDEL It was an insult to Fidel Castro for Dean Barrow to send Patrick Faber to represent Belize at the funeral services in Cuba.

Patrick Faber may be the Deputy Prime Minister in a UDP government but, like his government, he knows very little about the achievements of the great leaders from the Caribbean nation of Cuba. And worse he cares even less about the ideas that have held the people of Cuba together for so long.

When Fidel and his comrades including the awesome guerrilla warrior Ernesto “Che” Guevara overthrew, by military means the USA puppet/dictator Batista, they were faced with a nation and people in crisis.

Tourism had brought exploitation and prostitution to new levels. Cubans were by and large uneducated and illiterate. There was no healthcare for the masses. No housing project and a culture of poverty and dependency.

Under Fidel Cuba has long been the top nation in the world for its literacy and healthcare programs which benefit every Cuban.

Despite a crippling and brutal total embargo by the US against Cuba, Fidel brought his people to economic self-sufficiency.

Patrick Faber was left with his mouth open when he heard from numerous world leaders the significant contributions that led to the liberation of several countries and millions of people. It was Fidel and the Cuban people who sent soldiers all the way to the continent of Africa to bring down the racist government in Angola, Nambia and deliver a death blow to Apartheid in South Africa which had Nelson Mandela in prison.

Dictators in Guatemala, the rest of Central America and South Africa feared Fidel and the exploits of “Che” who gave his life in Bolivia. Fidel had referred to the puppet leaders in the Organization of American States, OAS, as the whore to imperialism.

Patrick Faber and his fellow Minister should take note as they sit idly by while Belize has lost the Sarstoon Island and its half of the Sarstoon River.

Patrick Faber, as the outgoing education Minister should find time to read about the achievements of the Cuban resolution. The fabulous story of what leadership can accomplish with the support of the people. Why in God’s name are there so many poor people in Belize, and why are so many young people not enjoying High School and Sixth Form education?

Before Patrick Faber opens his hypocritical mouth and talk about how

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THE BELIZE TIMES

he found out what a great personality Fidel was to many world leaders, he should consider that this Fidel would have had him shot by a firing squad after a trial for wasting millions of PetroCaribe dollars that should have been used to better the lives of poor Belizeans.

Which street or park or playground in Faber’s constituency is named after Fidel? Which housing project in the Collet constituency represents the goodwill and abiding friendship that Fidel had for the people and country of Belize?

How many schools have you built Minister Faber? How many children condemned to a life of poverty and wasted existence by your abuse of Petro dollars that could have saved those kids? How many school dropouts have you saved by returning them to classrooms and skills training?

It is men like you, your fellow Ministers and Prime Minister that Fidel had to take up guns and run your kind out of power.

Like we said, it was disrespect to the Cuban government and people for a man like Patrick Faber to be travelling to Fidel’s funeral on behalf of Belizeans.

Total disrespect to one of our greatest leaders in the Caribbean, the Americas and God’s good planet!

JUDGE JOHN TRADIO GONZALEZ Soon Judge Gonzalez will retire as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Belize.

This humble, unassuming man hails from the village of Chunox in the Corozal District.

In his young and radical days, the rebel from Chunox could be seen at the Bliss Library and at evening classes preparing to uplift himself through the world of study.

He was accepted to read law at the University of the West Indies where he joined Norman Neal, Glenford Quallo, George Brown, George Singh and many other illustrious Belizean going through their rite of passage.

Troadio graduated with a Che Guevara beard and went on to be a Crown Counsel, Prosecutor, Chief Magistrate, Director of Public Prosecutions and Supreme Court Judge.

He acted as Chief Justice on several occasions.

He never lost touch with his roots and humble upbringing and has always enjoyed the love of the people.

He remains the only Judge who can walk the streets of southside, Belize City; purchase fruits at Queen Square

Market and carry on a conversation on the base and corners.

Big respect for giving us a life of dedicated service.

Big respect!

YOU HAVE NO SHAME In democratic countries, when a person is appointed by corrupt politicians to important public office in violation of the spirit and the letter of the law, and there is public outcry, the person is required to decline the appointment.

Not so in Belize. The arrogant hand-picked appointment to be Chairman of the defunct, so-called Integrity Commission is an insult to all that is decent and democratic in Belize.

The Prime Minister has once again been exposed for being a smallminded, wicked politician who has no intention to allow any inquiry or investigation into the cesspool of corruption his government is wallowing-in.

We guess it’s another injunction, for the Chief Justice to kick out the compromised Chairman.

IT WAS A HUSTLE So the Harvest Caye hustle has come to light, somewhat. The UDP government arranged for a foreign cruise-ship to buy an island off Dangriga and turn it into a cruise destination.

The Norwegian Cruise company did a fantastic job. So did the dudes who sold them the island. Why wasn’t the island leased so Belize could get big US bucks, instead of the money going into private pockets.

And as any fool would know, which tourist wants to come to rat infested, crime-ridden Belize City when they have one stop shop Harvest Caye.

No planning, no vision. The poor in Belize City will go poorer.

The way things are going they will soon have to eat the animals from the zoo.

Life was never this hard…never this hopeless. And the fat cats in Belmopan just keep getting fatter.

Watch when the barge tun-over.

CAROL BABB MEAN Everyone has been so disappointed at the mean and arrogant behaviour of the Chief Education Officer towards teachers.

My goodness Madam, you get small-minded and worthless just like the Minister of Education.

Public Officers who behave political are in violation of the laws and open themselves to being demoted or dismissed.

How you allow yourself to be so easily influenced to do wrong?

DID YOU KNOW Did you know that Belize has

diplomatic relatives with Taiwan but none with the giant and future ruler of the world – China?

Did you know that only five or so countries have formal relations with Taiwan which pay for such a friendship by donating millions to the Belize government and possible millions to the UDP party?

Did you know that China is one of the five countries that control the United Nations through the Security Council? China has a population of over one billion people, (other members Russia has 143 million people, USA has 325 million, France has 64 million and Britain 65 million).

The continent of Africa which has 1.2 billion people and is made up of fifty countries is not a permanent member of the U.N Security Council. Neither is India which has 1.2 billion people.

SPEAKING OF PEOPLE Want to know how a racist like Donald Trump could win an election to become President of the USA? Make America Great Again really means make white people great again. There are 196 million white people in America out of a total population of 325 million. 50 million are Latinos, 34 million are black people, 14 million are Asians.

See how easily white people can outvote all the voters. Normally lots of persons don’t vote in USA elections. This year the white people came out big for the Donald.

The Guatemala government and the Israeli government are very happy with Trump’s victory.

Ah wonder why?

DOWNGRADED Belize has been downgraded twice in November by the ratings agency S&P. Hardest of times are right around the corner.

Two months after a Donald Trump type named Santa Claus pass through, hard times will start flooding the land.

Because Belize bogus leaders did not learn from the Bible and store up savings from Petro Caribe, the seven years of famine will be particularly bitter.

Next year, the only thing that will be in abundance will be political bull….

THOMAS RAMIREZ The well-known and well-loved Police Sergeant Thomas Ramirez Sr. passed away a few weeks ago. He was a brother and a patriot. For a period, he was in charge of the security of the Father of our NationGeorge Price.

Our belated condolences to his family and many friends!

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18 DEC

THE BELIZE TIMES

2016

PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: PROPERTY

Carib Reserve, Tobacco Caye, North Stann Creek River, Hopkins Village, Red Bank Village, Independence Village, Stann Creek District

BY ORDER of the Mortgagees, Messrs. The Belize Bank Limited, Licensed Auctioneer Kevin A. Castillo will sell the following properties on Thursday 29th December 2016 at the locations and times below listed: 1. At Lot No. 45 Sarawee Village, Stann Creek District at 9:00 am:

ALL THOSE LEASEHOLD INTEREST IN ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 45 situate in Sarawee Village, Stann Creek and bounded as follows: On the North for 19.809 meters by 50 feet Road; on the South for 22.856 metres by Lot No. 38; on the East for 31.968 metres by Lot No. 44; on the West for 28.921 metres by 33 Feet Road; and on the Northwest for 4.309 metres by a Daylight Cut, containing 868.31 square yards as shown on Entry 5656, Register No. 4 at the Office of the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon (Being a concrete bungalow dwelling house [20 ft. X 30 ft.] containing 2 bedrooms + 1 bathroom + Living/Dining/Kitched and lot [868.31 S.Y.] situate in Sarawee Village, Stann Creek District, the leasehold property of Mr. Juan Pau)

6. At Lot No. 11 False Sittee Pointt, south Hopkins Village, Stann Creek District at 12:15 pm:

All that piece or parcel of land, situate at Commerce Bight, Sittee River in the Stann Creek District of Belize and being portions of the lands described on the Sub-division plan of survey dated the 9th day of May 2011 and registered at the new Lands Registry in Belmopan in Register No. 14 at Entry No. 13267 and shown as False Sittee Point, being lot no 11 comprising 904.437 s.m., Together with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon (Being a vacant lot [904.437 S.M.] situate on False Sittee Point, south of Hopkins Village, Stann Creek District, the freehold property of Mr. Aron Loewen)

7. At Lot No. 21 Red Bank Village Layout, Stann Creek District at 1:30 pm:

2. At Parcel No. 1027 Isidora Guevara Street, Dangriga, Stann Creek District at 10:00 am:

All that piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 21 comprising (1141.14 Square yards) situate in Red Bank Village, in the Stann Creek District of Belize and bounded and described as shown colored red on Plan No. 677 of 2002 attached to Minister’s Fiat (Grant) no. 677 of 2002 dated 5th September, 2002 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. (Being a concrete bungalow dwelling house [19 ft. X 24 ft.] containing 1 bedroom + sitting room + kitchen and lot [1141.14 S.Y.] situate at Lot No. 21 Red Bank Village Layout, Stann Creek District, the freehold property of Mr. Mateo Teul)

REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK Dangriga South 31

PARCEL 1027/1

8. At Lot No. 237 Corner Delany & Craboo Streets, Independence Village, Stann Creek District at 2:30 pm:

(Being an incomplete concrete house and lot situate on Isidora Guevara Street, Dangriga, Stann Creek District, the leasehold property of Mr. Elwin Ariola)

3. At Parcel No. 1027 Isidora Guevara Street, Dangriga, Stann Creek District at 10:00 am:

ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 237 situate in the Village of Independence in the Stann Creek District TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. (Being a vacant parcel of land situate at the Corner Delany and Craboo Streets, Independence Village, Stann Creek District, the freehold property of Mr. Basilio Mes and Ms. Antonia Mes)

PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: PROPERTY Hopkins Village, Stann Creek District

All that lot, piece or parcel of land situate in the Carib Reserve being block numbered 36 containing 5 acres and bounded on the North by Block No. 37 there measuring 450’ 0” on the South by No. 32P there measuring 450’ 0” on the East by Block No. 99 there measuring 484’ 0” the said piece or parcel of land being more particularly described in Grant No. 33 of 1954 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. (Being 5 acres of land situate in the Carib Reserve [45 meters north of the North Stann Creek River; 300 meters south of the Melinda Road and approximately 2.7 kilometers west of Dangriga Town, Stann Creek District], the freehold property of Mr. Nolan Jackson)

4. At Parcel No. 1027 Isidora Guevara Street, Dangriga, Stann Creek District at 10:00 am:

BY ORDER of the Mortgagees, Messrs. The Belize Bank International Limited, Licensed Auctioneer Kevin A. Castillo will sell the following properties in front Hopkins Village Police Station, Hopkins Village, Stann Creek District on Thursday 29th December 2016 at 11:30 am:

1. 4.93 acres situate North of Freshwater Creek Lagoon, Stann Creek District:

ALL THAT piece or parcel of land comprising 4.93 acres situate North of Freshwater Creek Lagoon, Stann Creek District bounded and described as shown by Plan No. 267 of 1991 attached to Minister’s Fiat Grant No. 267 of 1991 dated August 1 1991 Entry Plan No. 190 Reg. No. 8 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. (Being a vacant parcel of land containing 4.93 acres [containing length: approximately 870 meters long north to south; width: widest (between the sea and the creek) approx. 80 meters; narrowest is approx. 30 meters situate North of Fresh Water Creek Lagoon, Stann Creek District, the freehold property of Messrs. Anselmas Island Limited surety for Hopkins Bay Limited)

2. 361.676 acres situate along the Western Side of Commerce Bight Lagoon, Commerce Bight Area, Stann Creek District, Belize: ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Block No. 1 comprising 1.60 acres situate along the East Side of Tobacco Caye Range in the Stann Creek District of Belize and bounded and described as shown by Plan No. 578 of 2006 attached to Minister’s Fiat (Grant) No. 578 of 2006 dated 26th May 2006 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. (Being 1.6 acres of land along the East Side of Tobacco Caye Range, Stann Creek District, the freehold property of Mr. Karl Gabourel Jr.)

5. At Parcel No. 1027 Isidora Guevara Street, Dangriga, Stann Creek District at 10:00 am: ALL THAT piece or parcel of land situate along the North Stann Creek River, Stann Creek District and being Block 322A and 324 attached to the said property together with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. (Being Block No. 322A comprising 5.612 acres and Block No. 324 comprising 10.325 acres, the freehold properties of Mr. Fredrick Garcia)

ALL THAT piece or parcel of land comprising of 361.676 acres situate along the Western Side of Commerce Bight Lagoon, Commerce Bight Area, Stann Creek District, Belize as shown on Grant No. 364 of 2006 with Plan No 364 of 2006 annexed and being more delineated on Plan Entry 8959 in Register 7 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. (Being a vacant parcel of land containing 361.676 acres situate along the Western Side of Commerce Bight Lagoon, Commerce Bight Area, Stann Creek District, the freehold property of Messrs. Commerce Bight Limited surety for Messrs. Hopkins Bay Limited) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - www.belizebank.com (foreclosure listing)

TERMS: STRICTLY CASH KEVIN A. CASTILLO TELEPHONE: 224 4473 Email: kevinacas@yahoo.com

18 DEC

27

THE BELIZE TIMES

2016

LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICES Notice is hereby given that Kenny Lo is applying for a renewal of a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Benson Shop”, # 5 Mitchelle Estate, Ladyville, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Israel Ortiz is applying for a renewal of a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Natasha Fruit Shop”, # 7692 Faber Road, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Guomao Su is applying for a renewal of a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Caye Caulker Yummy Yummy Restaurant”, Front Street, Caye Caulker, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Orlando Medina is applying for a renewal of a Malt & Cider Liquor License to be operated at “Slim’s Bar & Grill”, Biscayne Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Cai Yin Ou is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Aunty Shop”, # 95 Cemetery Road, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Xiao Zhi Li is applying for a renewal of a Convenience Store Liquor License to be operated at “Yenidio Restaurant”, #18 C.A. Blvd. Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Qiao Hong Liu is applying for a renewal of a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Hong Yuan Shop” # 139 Cemetery Road, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Yan Feng Luo is applying for a renewal of a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Yan Feng Lou Supermarket”, Sandhill Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Xia Cong Zhang is applying for a renewal of a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Highway Fast Food”, Ladyville Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Yong Bo Tan is applying for a renewal of a Convenience Store Liquor License to be operated at “Rong Feng Shop”, # 148 New Road, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Yong Bo Tan is applying for a renewal of a Night Club Liquor License to be operated at “Carib Seafood”, # 148 New Road, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that George Ningh is applying for a renewal of a Malt & Cider Liquor License to be operated at “Siesta Inn”, 3 Mls. Philip Goldson Highway, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Daisy Orozco is applying for a renewal of a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “Daisy’s Cool Spot”, Ramon’s Plaza, Ladyville Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Daisy Orozco is applying for a renewal of a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “Aroma De Mujeres”, 9 Mls. Philip Goldson Highway, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Maria Iselma Codd is applying for a renewal of a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Carmelita Supermarket”, Carmelita Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Neri Carrillo is applying for a renewal of a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “J & S Shop”, San Lazaro Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Ramon Ernesto Villanueva is applying for a renewal of a Publican General Liquor License to be operated at “Rene Store”, # 75 Cemetery Road, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the below company has been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the date indicated: MAUS HOLDINGS LTD. – December 14th, 2016 Icaza Belize Trust Corporation Limited Registered Agent

NOTICE DIAMOND PARTNERS CORP. No. 155, 530 (“the Company”) Pursuant to Section 102 (4) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, notice is hereby given that DIAMOND PARTNERS CORP. a) Is in dissolution b) Commenced dissolution on the 5th day of December, 2016; and c) GUSTAVO ARTURO KRASINSKAS PUIG whose address is Luis de la Torre 1033, Montevideo, Uruguay is the Liquidator of the Company.

MACLACHLAN & DENNIN LIMITED Registered Agent

NOTICE Pointed Group Ltd. No. 136, 626 (“the Company”) Pursuant to Section 102 (4) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, notice is hereby given that Pointed Group Ltd.: a) Is in dissolution b) Commenced dissolution on the 5th day of December, 2016; and c) Dmitry Chebanov whose address is Apt. 78, Shchelkovskiy Proezd, 3 bld. 1, Moscow, Russia is the Liquidator of the Company.

CIL Trust International Limited Registered Agent

NOTICE “Notice is hereby given that the company named “MEGA FINANCIAL CORPORATION” has been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the 7th day of December, 2016.”

Belize Corporate Services Limited

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

LULA INVESTMENTS INC. – December 8, 2016 NITRO SHIPPING LTD. – December 10, 2016 ATRANET BUSINESS LTD. – December 10, 2016 Belize Corporate Services Limited Registered Agent

28

NEWS

REGIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

18 DEC DEC 18

THE BELIZE TIMES THE BELIZE TIMES

2016

Aleppo battle: Raids on Syria city ‘likely a war crime’ UN says Trump invites top tech leaders to NYC

A deal to evacuate rebel fighters and civilians from eastern Aleppo has stalled, with heavy shelling reported.

Syrian activists say air strikes resumed over rebel-held territory, where at least 50,000 civilians remain.

The UN said raids by the Syrian government and its allies on an area “packed with civilians” most likely violates international law.

The renewed violence came despite a ceasefire put in place less than a day earlier.

Zeid Raad al-Hussein, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said the Syrian government had “a clear responsibility to ensure its people are safe”.

In a statement, he said: “The way this deal was dangled in front of this battered and beleaguered population - causing them to hope they might indeed live to see another day - and then snatched away just half a day later is also outrageously cruel.”

Mexico kidnap victim’s wife: ‘Your mother for my husband’ Vigilantes in a Mexican village have seized the mother of a local gang leader and proposed swapping her for a kidnap victim taken on Monday.

After seizing alleged collaborators of the gang, including the mother of the leader “El Tequilero”, the locals have recorded video messages for the gang.

“In return for my husband’s life, I will deliver your mother,” says the kidnap victim’s wife in one video, which has been broadcast on local TV. Police have been sent to the village.

“We have your mother here, mister known as El Tequilero,” says Yadira Guillermo Garcia, whose husband, an engineer, was seized by the gang, addressing the gang leader.

“I request an exchange.... I want him safe and sound.”

In another video, residents of San Miguel Totolapan, carrying guns, explain that they have suffered for too long from the violence and intimidation meted out by El Tequilero and his gang, which is feared for carrying out mass kidnappings.

“They have humiliated us, they have killed our families and we won’t let it happen again,” one of them says.

Elusive gang boss Police have been trying to track down El Tequilero, whose real name is Raybel Jacobo de Almonte, for weeks now.

At the end of November, police used helicopters to search the mountainous area in Guerrero state where he is believed to be hiding but failed to catch him.

The bombing of the last parts of Aleppo held by rebels is probably a war crime, the UN’s human rights chief says.

Philippines’ Duterte admits personally killing suspects Philippines’ President Rodrigo Duterte has admitted he personally killed criminal suspects as mayor of Davao.

It is the first such admission he has made since becoming president in June, but echoes comments he made in 2015.

He ran the southern city for two decades, earning a reputation for cutting crime, and criticism for allegedly supporting death squads.

Mr Duterte was speaking to business leaders at the presidential palace on Monday, before an overseas trip.

It is the latest in a series of controversial and sometimes contradictory comments by Mr Duterte.

‘Blood on his hands’ “In Davao I used to do it personally. Just to show to the guys [police] that if I can do it why can’t you,” he said.

“And I’d go around in Davao with a motorcycle, with a big bike around, and I would just patrol the streets, looking for trouble also. I was really looking for a confrontation so I could kill.”

In 2015, he admitted killing at least three men suspected of kidnapping and rape in Davao.

On Wednesday some of the biggest names in the American technology business are headed to Trump Tower to meet the president-elect.

He won’t need to serve any lunch - there’s already more than enough beef to go around.

Throughout his campaign to be elected president, Mr Trump put technology companies and their executives in the firing line, with calls for boycotts and accusations of tax-dodging.

And with tax and immigration reform at the heart of his plans in the White House, there could be ample scope for fireworks between the leader-to-be and Silicon Valley’s most-powerful.

Central to the discussions will be Peter Thiel. The Paypal founder, investor and Facebook board member is part of Mr Trump’s transition team after he offered energetic support during the campaign.

Mr Thiel is well-respected in Silicon Valley and will serve to act as the bridge between the new administration and tech leaders.

Who is Trump adviser Peter Thiel?

We’ll likely only hear snippets of what gets discussed at the meeting, but here’s a breakdown of who’s reportedly going, and what they may discuss.

Brazil: Clashes as Senate approves 20year austerity plan The Brazilian Senate has approved a controversial amendment to the constitution capping public spending for the next 20 years.

The approval of the austerity measure is an important victory for President Michel Temer.

He took office earlier this year promising to lead the country out of its worst recession in many decades.

Protests against the measure turned violent in the capital Brasilia and at least a dozen states in the country.

The opposition says the measures will mainly hit areas such as health and education, which are already underfunded.

Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets during the Senate session to protest against the austerity plan.

After the vote, many demonstrations descended into violence.

In Brasilia, masked protesters set fire to a bus and marched on the local offices of Globo TV, which they say is biased towards Mr Temer’s government. But the marchers were blocked by riot police.

In Sao Paulo, the headquarters of the state’s conservative Industrial Federation (Fiesp) was attacked.

To pass the constitutional amendment, the government

needed the votes of 49 senators - three-fifths of the Senate.

The measure was approved by a narrower margin than the government expected, passing by 53 to 19 votes.

“We have won. That was the main thing: to deliver the product in the middle of a storm,” said government leader in the Senate Romero Juca.

The project, known in Brazil as PEC 55, freezes expenditure in the executive, judiciary and legislative branches of power, allowing them to grow only by the rate of inflation in the previous year.

18 DEC

2016

THE BELIZE TIMES

29

ROSEWOOD

AGAIN!

Tuesday, December 13, 2016 So you thought that when our precious Belizean rosewood was placed on Appendix II of the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 2013 that we had solved our rosewood problem. Who can ever forget the grand fiasco in which family members of prominent UDP Ministers were deeply involved; it is no wonder it took so long to do something about it. The rosewood Minister at the time was so frustrated that she burned the illegal rosewood to make sure the rosewood Dons would not get it.

Well, the problem only went quiet, it never went away. Even after the rosewood became a protected species, residents in southern Belize continued to observe and also report illegal rosewood being harvested throughout Toledo and Stann Creek. But it appeared no one was able to or maybe interested in dealing with it. Supposedly no one knew who was cutting, who was buying, or where it was going.

The thing is, the rosewood trade is so lucrative that it has created millionaires in Belize. It is no wonder any and everyone can be on the payroll. At its basic form, a plank of rosewood could fetch anywhere between $10 to $15 US dollars per foot. If processed further, say to form parts of musical instruments or tools, the price for this precious wood could be at least 10 times higher. As a protected species under the CITES Convention, only rosewood from managed forests can be exported, and only small patches of forest are being managed in this manner. But the demand is higher than the supply.

No problem…in comes illegal rosewood.

Just last week we learned that some 30,000 board feet of illegal rosewood was discovered at a woodwork factory in Benque Viejo Town. Interestingly, this business is also an exporter of precious woods, including rosewood. We speculate that the intention was to mix the illegal rosewood with the legitimate rosewood for export, thereby tricking the system, deceiving the people of Belize. We also believe that some of the same players may still be involved in this new rosewood debacle…very powerful people.

Last we were told charges were pending. Let’s see if and when those charges will be laid and if names will be called. Let’s see if and when we can control this problem and have Belizeans benefit from the proper use and management of our natural resources.

BELIZE SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY, MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES ACCOUNTS CLERK FOR SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PROJECT II A.) BACKGROUND The Government of Belize (GoB) with funding from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), proposes to implement a five year project to improve solid waste management practices in the Northern and Southern Corridors (Corozal, Orange Walk, Belmopan, Dangriga, Placencia and Punta Gorda) that will support the goals of environmental protection, natural resource conservation, and protection of public health, safety and welfare. The project will also contribute to enhancing the image of Belize in the eco-tourism market and strengthen the Belize Solid Waste Management Authority (BSWaMA) as the entity responsible for improving solid waste management in the country.

Component 1 - Capital Investments to improve solid waste management: This component aims to improve municipal solid waste transport, recovery, and final disposal in the aforementioned Corridors as well as in Belmopan through the following investments: i) closure of six dumpsites, ii) construction of six transfer stations – sorting facilities iii) construction of a new cell at Mile 24 Regional Sanitary Landfill, and iv) final designs and supervision of civil works including the preparation of site-specific Environmental Assessments and Environmental and Social Management Plans.

Component 2 - Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Building: The resources allocated to this component will finance consulting services and activities to strengthen the BSWaMA, including: (i) consultancies to support in the design and implementation of a cost recovery mechanism for solid waste collection, transport and disposal; (ii) external short-term consultants and training activities to strengthen knowledge in landfill and transfer station operations, composting, recycling and management of other waste streams such as hazardous waste, as well as advisory services in areas such as legal support for contracting activities and elaboration of regulatory guidelines; (iii) social communication/public education and awareness activities and materials; (iv) preparation and implementation of site-specific social inclusion plans for recyclers, and (v) consultancy for the design and implementation of an Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) for BSWaMA. B.) SCOPE OF WORK The scope of this consultancy is to provide financial and accounting management of the Solid Waste Management Project II (SWMP) and to carry out the administrative control functions of the Project. In this capacity, the Person Engaged will assist the Financial Specialist in the overall financial and accounting management of the SWMP II in accordance with the terms of the SWMP II Loan Contract, the Memorandum of Understanding between the MNR and the BSWaMA, agreed Project-specific accounting regulations with the IDB, the Project Procurement Plan, Project Execution Plans, Annual Operating Plans and other Project related documents and GoB financial policies and regulations.

C.) SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES The Accounts Clerk shall provide a professional compliant procurement process which achieves value for money: The Person Engaged shall: 1) Review and be familiar with all documentation relating to the Project, with particular attention to the SWMP II Loan Contract with the IDB. The Person Engaged shall undertake work on the Project in accordance with the Project documents.

2) Support the Financial Specialist in all aspects of financial- accounting management of the Project and shall: a) Assist in the preparation of annual Project budgets and monitor and report on expenditures against budget on a continuous basis: b) Assist the Financial Specialist in maintaining accurate financial accounting records for the Project in line with the standard accounting principles and the financial reporting requirements of the IDB; c) Assist the Financial Specialist in maintaining adequate accounting and financial controls as well as appropriate support documentation filing systems for the operations of the Project that allow for financial and accounting monitoring of the Bank’s resources and the local counterpart contributions, in accordance with Bank requirements, for verification by the Bank and the external auditing firm, to include, inter alia, i) Oversight of all payment vouchers, and fixed assets inventory from the various sources of Project funding; ii) Oversight of the analysis of comparative quotations; iii) Prepare and submit a reconciliation of the accounts for IDB funds and Government of Belize counterpart funds on a monthly basis; iv) Provision of digital approval of Smart Stream vouchers; v) Ensuring that the all statutory deductions are paid in time; vi) Management of the inventory of all Project assets; d) Provide all supporting documentation required for Bank disbursement requests. e) Assist the Financial Specialist in the preparation of financial statements for internal Project control, external auditing and IDB/ GOB supervision purposes, on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis as required and agreed between the parties; f) Assist the Financial Specialist in the preparation of semiannual reports on the revolving fund and other financial reports as required for submission to the Bank; g) Assist the Financial Specialist in facilitating external and internal audits; h) Ensure that all financial documents and voucher copies are filed appropriately; i) Any other duties assigned from time to time.

D.) QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE The Person Engaged will have at least Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Auditing or a recognized certificate in accounting. Membership in a recognized accountancy body would be an advantage. A minimum of two (2) years of relevant proven experience in financial – accounting management is required. Knowledge and experience in financial reporting and disbursement procedures of the IDB, World Bank, or other international donor organization is preferred. The Person Engaged must have excellent computer skills and be proficient in the use of accounting software such as QuickBooks. Ability to work well on a team and fluency in English are essential. Excellent oral and written communication skills.

E.) TERMS OF ENGAGEMENT The successful candidate will be employed on a full time contractual basis. The duty station is the BSWaMA’s office in Belmopan.

The initial contract period shall be two (2) years, extendable by mutual agreement in accordance with prevailing Belize legislation as well as results of her/his performance appraisal.

F. PAYMENT SCHEDULE Negotiable based on qualification and experience.

G. APPLICATION Interested persons may send their application letter and Curriculum Vitae (CV), references and supporting documentation, hardcopy or by email, no later than January 6th, 2017 at 4:00 PM to:

Solid Waste Management Authority, Ministry of Natural Resources Attn: Mr. Gilroy Lewis, Project Director Queen Elizabeth II Blvd., Cohune Walk City of Belmopan, Belize, C.A. Tel: (501) 828 4864 Fax: (501) 802 1527 PO Box 285 E-mail: sw.director@naturalresources.gov.bz

30

THE BELIZE TIMES

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2016

BELIZE SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY, MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES PROCUREMENT OFFICER FOR SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PROJECT II A.) BACKGROUND The Government of Belize (GoB) with funding from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), proposes to implement a five year project to improve solid waste management practices in the Northern and Southern Corridors (Corozal, Orange Walk, Belmopan, Dangriga, Placencia and Punta Gorda) that will support the goals of environmental protection, natural resource conservation, and protection of public health, safety and welfare. The project will also contribute to enhancing the image of Belize in the eco-tourism market and strengthen the Belize Solid Waste Management Authority (BSWaMA) as the entity responsible for improving solid waste management in the country.

Component 1 - Capital Investments to improve solid waste management: This component aims to improve municipal solid waste transport, recovery, and final disposal in the aforementioned Corridors as well as in Belmopan through the following investments: i) closure of six dumpsites, ii) construction of six transfer stations – sorting facilities iii) construction of a new cell at Mile 24 Regional Sanitary Landfill, and iv) final designs and supervision of civil works including the preparation of site-specific Environmental Assessments and Environmental and Social Management Plans.

Component 2 - Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Building: The resources allocated to this component will finance consulting services and activities to strengthen the SWaMA, including: (i) consultancies to support in the design and implementation of a cost recovery mechanism for solid waste collection, transport and disposal; (ii) external short-term consultants and training activities to strengthen knowledge in landfill and transfer station operations, composting, recycling and management of other waste streams such as hazardous waste, as well as advisory services in areas such as legal support for contracting activities and elaboration of regulatory guidelines; (iii) social communication/public education and awareness activities and materials; (iv) preparation and implementation of site-specific social inclusion plans for recyclers, and (v) consultancy for the design and implementation of an Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) for BSWaMA. B.) SCOPE OF WORK The Procurement Officer shall be responsible for the execution of the procurement activities for SWMP II in accordance with the provisions of the “Procurement Policies” of the InterAmerican Development Bank and relevant GoB policies, laws and regulations as well as the execution of the procurement activities of the Solid Waste Management Authority.

C.) SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES The Procurement Officer shall provide a professional compliant procurement process which achieves value for money: 1. Coordinate all aspects of procurement for SWMP II and the BSWaMA; 2. Prepare and update Procurement Plans for submission to the IDB, GoB and other relevant entities for approval; 3. Manage the procurement of works, goods, consulting services, non-consulting services and external auditing services including: a) Plan and engage with Waste Management Engineer and staff to understand requirements and specifications; b) Ensuring the preparation of bid package (bidding documents and contracts) under the supervision of the BSWaMA Director and in collaboration with funding agencies, other relevant Government entities and issuing them to interested bidders; c) Ensuring that all procurement procedures are in strict conformity with the relevant funding agencies’ Procurement Guidelines and GoB policies, laws and regulations; d) Submitting draft bid package to funding agencies for non-objection; Arranging for advertising in the local newspapers, UNDB Business online, others as the case may be, inclusive of Terms of Reference, General Procurement Notice, Specific Procurement Notice, Request for Expression of Interest; Request for Proposals, Request for Bids (under all known procurement methods); e) Ensuring the preparation of responses to relevant communication with respect to clarifications and issues resulting from bidder’s queries of the bidding documents; f) Organizing and chair Pre-Bid and Pre-Proposal Conference Meetings; coordinate bid related site visits with the Waste Management Engineer; g) Organizing Public Bid Opening and issue Bid Opening Minutes; h) Convening and chairing the Bid Evaluation Committee where applicable; i) Overseeing the verification of bids (legal, technical and financial submission and verification of references and bank information); j) Preparing Bid Evaluation Reports and corresponding draft contract and submitting to: the legal counsel for vetting; BSWaMA’s Board of Directors for endorsement; the relevant funding agencies for non-objection; and the Contractor General for Concurrence of the award of contract, as the case may be; k) Ensuring contracting of consultants, suppliers and contractors is in accordance with funding agencies’ procurement guidelines and GoB policies, laws and regulations; l) Ensuring that prospective contractors and consultants are duly constituted and are ongoing concerns; m) Issuing of contracts for signature by relevant parties.

4. Manage the validity of all BSWaMA’s contracts during their execution, securing the legal status of each agreement: a) Ensuring the submission and safeguard of all bid validity documents (i.e. Bonds, Guarantees, Insurances, etc.) during and after tendering and execution of the contracts; b) Ensure the timely receipt, extension and release of all Bonds, Guarantees, Insurances, etc.; c) Coordinate the Financial Specialist to ensure that authorized payments to contractors are according to the terms of the contract; d) Notifying BSWaMA management and other staff of duration and expiration of the Bid Validity Periods, Contract durations within the overall Final Disbursement Date; e) Addressing contractors’ complains and issues, preparing contract amendments and ensuring proper closeout of all contracts, including evaluation of contractors’ performance.

5. Provide assistance for procurements requiring customs clearance and ensure that goods delivered at all locations are received and inspected to be in good condition; 6. Ensure appropriate certification for the delivery of goods, works and services of all contracts; 7. Liaise with contractors and conduct site inspections of goods and works as necessary; 8. Maintain accurate auditable records of all procurement process and preparing reports to the BSWaMA Board of Directors, auditors, various ministry requests and the Contractor General data related to contracts signed under SWMP II as required; 9. Reviewing and recommending to BSWaMA Board of Directors and funding agencies any improvement or enhancement of agreements within the relevant guidelines; 10. Preparing periodic activity reports for submission to the BSWaMA Director and preparing Quarterly Progress reports to the relevant funding agencies; 11. Ensuring that procurement is conducted as per the requirements of the Project Operations Manual and Environmental Management System; 12. Conducting workshops and seminars to train staff and contractors in procurement procedures; 13. Assuming responsibility for the SWMP II assets assigned to her/him for the execution of her/his duties; 14. Undertaking other related and relevant duties, as may be assigned by the BSWaMA Director.

D.) QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE Qualification: First degree in Procurement Management, Social Sciences, Project Management, Law, English Language, Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Engineering or equivalent qualification; At least two (2) years working experience in Procurement, Project or Contract Management; Competencies: (i) The ability to demonstrate professional responsibility in fulfilling the requirements of the position; (ii) The ability to efficiently manage all program procurement processes; (iii) The ability to monitor schedules and manage potential risks by identifying serious deviations or variations that may compromise program results; (iv) The ability to effectively manage one’s time in a situation of competing demands so as to meet deadlines; (v) The ability to work on own initiative without direct supervision and ability to work on a team.

E.) TERMS OF ENGAGEMENT The successful candidate will be employed on a full time contractual basis. The duty station is the BSWaMA’s office in Belmopan. The initial contract period shall be two (2) years, extendable by mutual agreement in accordance with prevailing Belize legislation as well as results of her/his performance appraisal.

F. PAYMENT SCHEDULE Negotiable based on qualification and experience.

G. APPLICATION Interested persons may send their application letter and Curriculum Vitae (CV), references and supporting documentation, hardcopy or by email, no later than January 6th, 2017 at 4:00 PM to:

Solid Waste Management Authority, Ministry of Natural Resources Attn: Mr. Gilroy Lewis, Project Director Queen Elizabeth II Blvd., Cohune Walk City of Belmopan, Belize, C.A. Tel: (501) 828 4864 Fax: (501) 802 1527 PO Box 285 E-mail: sw.director@naturalresources.gov.bz

18 DEC

31

THE BELIZE TIMES

2016

NOTICE

PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: PROPERTY San Pedro, Ambergris Caye; Belize District

BY ORDER OF CHARGEE NOTICE OF INTENTION TO SELL

BY ORDER of the Supreme Court of Belize, Licensed Auctioneer Kevin A. Castillo will sell the following property ON SITE (Villa 7 Reef Village Estates, just north of the San Pedro Bridge, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye on Wednesday 28h December 2016 at 1:00 pm:

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 HENRY AUGUSTUS SAMUELS of the one part and HRCU of the other part.

Villa 7 Reef Village, Reef Village Estates, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize District:

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 435.6 square yards being Parcel 107, Block 45 in the Queen’s Square Registration Section situate at No. 15 Raccoon Street, Belize City, Belize District, TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon, the freehold property of HENRY AUGUSTUS SAMUELS DATED this 7th day of December 2016

REGISTRATION SECTION San Pedro

BLOCK

PARCEL

7

Villa 7 (5227-H108)

(Being an elevated, waterway, concrete villa containing 2 bedrooms + 1 bathroom + lanai + roof top patio situate in the Reef Village Estates Development, north of the San Pedro Bridge, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize District, the freehold property of Messrs. Reef Village Estates Limited) TERMS: STRICTLY CASH

HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED 1 HYDE’S LANE, BELIZE CITY, BELIZE Phone: (501) 224-5644 Fax: (501) 223-0738

KEVIN A. CASTILLO TELEPHONE: 224 4473 Email: kevinacas@yahoo.com

NOTICE For Sale

By Order of the Mortgagee Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Mortgage made the 23rd day of July 2012, between SAMUEL SLUSHER of Forest Home Village, Toledo District, Belize (hereinafter called “the Borrower”) of the one part and SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LIMITED (hereinafter called “the Mortgagee”) of the other part, and recorded in Deeds Book Volume 18 of 2012 at Folios 643-708, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto.

All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 47 containing 0.37 acres situate in Forest Home Village, Toledo District, Belize TOGETHER with all building and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 8th day of December, 2016.

MUSA & BALDERAMOS LLP 91 North Front Street Belize City Attorneys-at-Law for Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

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2016