Belize Times December 19, 2021- Belize's Victory by Belize Times Press

The Belize Times

19 DEC

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

Established 1957

The Truth Shall Make You Free

BELIZE WINS

19 DECEMBER 2021 | ISSUE NO: 5280

www.facebook/belizetimes | $1.00

MCC Recognizes PlanBelize Democracy

“These (selected) governments have demonstrated a clear commitment to democratic governance, investing in people, and pursuing economic freedom. We look forward to working together to develop programs that reduce poverty and enable sustainable and inclusive economic growth.”

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BELIZEANS CURBING COVID, CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS

LAND BORDERS AND SEAPORTS REOPEN JAN 1

Frontier is Here; Tourism High Season

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UDP UNWORTHY OF CONSIDERATION Pg. 9

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Vaccines Spark Sports Boom Pg. 8

THE PEOPLE’S UNITED PARTY WISHES EVERYONE A SAFE AND MERRY CHRISTMAS

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BELIZE WINS MCC Recognizes PlanBelize Democracy

Belizeans…if you have not noticed, our jewel Belize is consistently being revered on the international stage, and on many fronts. The Blue Bond achievement marked a historically environmental international milestone and has become the template for other countries in debt. This environmental consciousness was again underscored by a monumental win at the Ms. Earth pageant by Ms. Destiny Wagner. Likewise, Prime Minister John Briceño’s appeal to the developed world at COP-26 in Scotland continues to reverberate around the globe. Belize’s Maya/Caribbean brand is par excellence and the People United Party’s planBelize has masterfully encapsulated that with the resilient spirit of true transparency, actual accountability, love for the environment, and unwavering democratic principles. The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) with their international lens has noticed that the Briceño-led team is one that epitomizes the high standards of their set criteria.

The MCC forms partnerships with developing countries that are committed to good governance, economic freedom and investing in their citizens. So when the MCC Board of Directors selects countries as eligible for MCC assistance these governments would have demonstrated a commitment to just and democratic governance, investing in people, and economic freedom, using the following four-step process. In a public release the MCC announced to the world that Belize has met the criteria. It is clear that this international acknowledgement of the planBelize government is invaluable. The eventual grant aid to Belize is the cherry on top of this international acclaim. This win belongs to everyone. … Travelling? You can feel even prouder to say, “I am Belizean.” And, you can proudly add, “Our Prime Minister is John Briceño.” The release - WASHINGTON (Dec. 15, 2021) – The Millennium Challenge Corporation’s (MCC) Board of Directors held its quarterly meeting yesterday and selected

Cabinet Brief Belmopan. 15th December 2021. 4:35 p.m. The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño, met in regular session on 14th December 2021 •

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19 DEC

THE BELIZE TIMES

Cabinet gave its approval for the Minister of Tourism & Diaspora Relations and the Minister of the Blue Economy & Civil Aviation to hold consultations with the relevant stakeholders about the possibility of designating separate fee structure to apply to departure fees for regional flights. The intention is to attract more regional flights through Belize. Cabinet approved six reports to be presented to the International Labour Organization. These reports are in compliance with Belize’s obligation under Article 22 of the International Labour Convention to which Belize is a State Party. These reports were prepared after consultations with the relevant government departments, non- governmental organizations, and other agencies. They report on Belize’s compliance with the conventions relating to Forced Labour, Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organize, Employment Bargaining, Collective Bargaining and the Minimum Wage. Some of these reports were due from as far back as 2010 and are in partial fulfillment of some 20 reports which were unreported under the previous administration. Cabinet gave its approval for the establishment of a measuring, reporting and verification program within the Forest Department to serve as the implementing and coordinating team for government’s mandate relating to issues on carbon dioxide emissions reduction from deforestation and forest degradation, conservation, the sustainable management of forests and the enhancement of forests carbon stock. This program is to take effect on 1st January 2022. Cabinet gave its endorsement to proposed amendments to the Development Finance Cooperation (DFC) Act to enhance the efficient and effective delivery of DFC’s financial products and services by DFC to the Belizean citizens. Cabinet was updated on the status of vaccinations and the number of vaccines available in Belize. Currently, there are more than 360,042 vaccines available. As of 29th November 2021, 210,154 persons or 48.8 percent had received at least one dose of the vaccine and 197,739 or 45.9 percent have been fully vaccinated. The Minister of Health & Wellness informed Cabinet that in strengthening the medical sector’s ability to care for COVID-19 patients, and the possible detection of the Omicron variant in Belize, five new ventilators and patient monitors will be donated to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Cabinet also approved the reopening of land borders effective 1st January 2022. The health conditions applicable to such travel will be published shortly. Concerned over the number of road traffic accidents, including drunk driving incidents, Cabinet requested a step-up in highway patrols by the Department of Transport and an increased presence by the Traffic Branch of the Belize Police Department including checkpoints with testing apparatus to measure the alcohol levels in drivers. Motorists are informed to expect delays on the major roads and highways. This is necessary to reduce the number of road traffic accidents across our nation. Finally, as the holiday season draws near, Cabinet continues to encourage those not yet vaccinated to do so and reminds Belizeans who have been fully vaccinated for more than three months that booster shots are now available. The public is reminded to maintain physical distance, wash hands regularly, and wear a mask or face covering in public.

Belize and Zambia as newly eligible to develop MCC compacts—the agency’s five-year grant program. As part of its annual discussion on country selection, MCC’s Board also reviewed the policy performance of eligible and previously selected countries and received an update on the status of the $500 million MCC-Nepal Compact. “I am excited to announce MCC’s new partnerships with Belize and Zambia,” said MCC’s Acting Chief Executive Officer Mahmoud Bah. “These governments have demonstrated a clear commitment to democratic governance, investing in people, and pursuing economic freedom. We look forward to working together to develop programs that reduce poverty and enable sustainable and inclusive economic growth.” Selecting Belize for a compact allows MCC to partner with a country that has demonstrated a clear commitment to democratic governance, but that is facing rising poverty rates and significant challenges to economic growth. With this new partnership, MCC will support the Government of Belize’s efforts to build economic resilience and address its most binding constraints to growth. Zambia completed a prior compact with MCC in 2018 and demonstrates strong performance on MCC’s scorecard. A subsequent compact will support the Government of Zambia’s efforts to address the country’s pressing development challenges and pursue critical economic and democratic governance reforms following its recent democratic transition. MCC’s Board of Directors also reselected Indonesia, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and Timor-Leste for compact development; and Kenya and Kiribati for threshold program development.

2021

The Board reaffirmed its support for continuing compact development in Kosovo. In addition, the Board reselected Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Niger, and Benin as eligible for concurrent compact programs for regional integration. However, due to Benin’s overall multi-year decline in its commitment to MCC’s eligibility criteria and the principles of democratic governance, the Board discussed and endorsed MCC’s determination to significantly reduce the portion of the planned regional investment that would be made in Benin through a concurrent compact. MCC regularly reviews its partner countries’ policy performance throughout the development and implementation of a compact or threshold program. Following this year’s review, MCC’s Board of Directors discontinued MCC’s development of a proposed threshold program with Ethiopia while welcoming the opportunity to renew engagement with Ethiopia in the future if conditions permit. Finally, MCC’s Board of Directors received an update and discussed the progress to date of the $500 million MCC-Nepal Compact. The Board of Directors made note of the commitment by the Government of Nepal to seek to ratify the compact in the near term. Find out more about MCC’s selection process on our ‘Who We Select’ web page. ### The Millennium Challenge Corporation is an independent U.S. government agency working to reduce global poverty through economic growth. Created in 2004, MCC provides time-limited grants and assistance to countries that meet rigorous standards for good governance, fighting corruption and respecting democratic rights.

BELIZEANS CURBING COVID, CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS sadness to Belize. Our children being at home together with us away from school has been to save lives. March 2020 to December 2021 should have been enough to teach us that our freedom is essential to life as we know it. The human psyche is not meant to be held in check and much less in the most celebrated time of the year. Let us be cautious.

Belizeans are to be commended. In a matter of weeks, Belize went from 2800 active cases in mid-October to 1600 active cases in mid-November to under 600 on December 15, 2021. Belize is on pace to be in double digit active cases at the start of the new year. Couple this remarkable swing with a positivity rate that has been under 10 for many weeks and under five for a significant number of days, as well, we can say that Belizeans and the Ministry of Health led by Minister Michel Chebat are one year later on a similar path of Covid-19 control. The other significant threshold of 200,000 thousand Belizeans fully vaccinated is about to be reached by a weary Belizean public. This last number means that 70 percent of Belizeans over 12 years old have both Pfizer or Az or Sinopharm shots and two weeks after the same. Add to that fact, Johnson and Johnson vaccine takers who needed only one dose and two weeks to be fully vaccinated. But the full extent of the crux of this Covid-19 vaccination is the saving of lives. Deaths are also down. Yet let us not lose the most important of human notions that ONE person hospitalized and that one person facing death is of magnanimous

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14 APR 2013

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The Truth Shall Make You Free

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19 DEC

2021

THE BELIZE TIMES

03 3

EDITORIAL

HOME-GROWN PROGRAMS TRANSLATE TO COMPACT INITIATIVES

ecently, the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) has named Belize as the recipient of a compact grant. These are large five-year grants awarded to countries that meet MCC’s stringent eligibility criteria. The criteria assesses a country’s commitment to ruling justly, investing in people, and economic freedom. The Board uses specific policy indicators and public, third-party, governance data compiled into country scorecards. Belize has shown great advancement in the areas and further proof is this noteworthy selection. MCC’s Acting Chief Executive Officer Mahmoud Bah stated “These governments have demonstrated a clear commitment to democratic governance, investing in people, and pursuing economic freedom. We look forward to working together to develop programs that reduce poverty and enable sustainable and inclusive economic growth.” The Compact grants fund initiatives to reduce poverty and stimulate economic growth. These are based on the principle of country ownership, that assistance is most effective when centred around partnerships where recipient countries assume greater responsibility for their own economic development. Although Belize continues to make strides in areas of investments, development, and democratic governance, it still must continue to work toward establishing economic resilience. Belize must also decrease its poverty and unemployment rates to address its challenges to economic growth. One year later, we have not managed to go back to pre-pandemic levels. The fact is that in many areas we have not recovered, but in other areas we have surpassed and even exceeded expectations. The Home-Grown economic recovery plan has yielded much and initiatives such as the MCC’s compact initiative will bring much needed investments where they are truly needed. The international community has taken notice of the innovation characteristic of this administration. The Blue Bond initiative and the Investment Summit have forced the world to sit up and take notice of the bold moves we are making. Belize continues to set the bar in areas such as conservation and initiatives that benefit the environment even as it pulls itself out of the economic rock bottom it was thrust into by the last administration. As we end the calendar year, we are replete with hope for a better brighter future.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

EDITORIAL

19 DEC

2021

en Español

LOS PROGRAMAS AUTÓCTONOS SE TRADUCEN EN INCIATIVAS COMPACTAS

ecientemente, la Corporación del Desafío del Milenio (MCC) ha nombrado a Belice beneficiario de una subvención compacta. Se trata de grandes subvenciones de cinco años que se conceden a los países que cumplen los estrictos criterios de elegibilidad de la MCC. Los criterios evalúan el compromiso de un país de gobernar con justicia, invertir en las personas y la libertad económica. La Junta utiliza indicadores de política específicos y datos públicos de gobernanza de terceros, compilados en tarjetas de puntuación de los países. Belice ha mostrado un gran avance en estas áreas y una prueba más es esta notable selección. El director general en funciones de la MCC, Mahmoud Bah, declaró: “Estos gobiernos han demostrado un claro compromiso con la gobernanza democrática, la inversión en las personas y la búsqueda de la libertad económica. Esperamos trabajar juntos para desarrollar programas que reduzcan la pobreza y permitan un crecimiento económico sostenible e inclusivo.” Las subvenciones del Pacto financian iniciativas para reducir la pobreza y estimular el crecimiento económico. Se basan en el principio de apropiación por parte del país, según el cual la ayuda es más eficaz cuando se centra en asociaciones en las que los países receptores asumen una mayor responsabilidad por su propio desarrollo económico. Aunque Belice sigue avanzando en los ámbitos de las inversiones, el desarrollo y la gobernanza democrática, todavía debe seguir trabajando para establecer una resistencia económica. Belice también debe disminuir sus tasas de pobreza y desempleo para hacer frente a sus retos de crecimiento económico. Un año después, no hemos conseguido volver a los niveles anteriores a la pandemia. El hecho es que en muchas áreas no nos hemos recuperado, pero en otras hemos superado e incluso sobrepasado las expectativas. El plan de recuperación económica de autóctono ha dado mucho de sí, e iniciativas como el pacto de la MCC aportarán inversiones muy necesarias donde realmente se necesitan. La comunidad internacional ha tomado nota de la innovación característica de esta administración. La iniciativa del Bono Azul y la Cumbre de Inversión han obligado al mundo a sentarse y tomar nota de las medidas audaces que estamos tomando. Belice sigue marcando el listón en ámbitos como la conservación y las iniciativas que benefician al medio ambiente, al tiempo que sale del bache económico en el que le sumió la anterior administración. Al terminar el año natural, estamos llenos de esperanza en un futuro mejor y más brillante.

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19 DEC

THE BELIZE TIMES

05 5 2021 5 DEC

Frontier Here; Tourism Belize Salutes the Visionary Cloud ofisSuspicion Over High the Season Office of Public Prosecutions and Resolute Leadership of

On Saturday 11th December afternoon, U.S-based Frontier Airlines inaugurated flights to Belize with two new Thenonstop latest drug discovery airplanes fromplane Orlando, Floridalast weekend at the Mountain Ridge and the revelation that, and from Denver,Pine Colorado, to Belize, for the second less thanflights a month, another representing twotime newinadditional Police Officer who was assigned as a part of the for Belize’s overnight tourism sector. Director of Public security These gained as itProsecution’s rebounds from the detail was one of that theCOVID men arrested has got a bad look not impact has unleashed since onlyfirst forquarter the Belize Police Department, the of 2020. The two flights but also for the arrive high office the DPP itself. will every of Saturday from the The two cloud of suspicion is definitely there in spite of a release from the office after the first arrests from the Southern Highway arrests. What adds to that image is that the DPP’s estranged husband who was the Head of Police Operations and who dealt strictly with deploying teams and vehicles to intercept drug planes and their contents, is now the subject of an internal Police tribunal that is looking to recommend his As we see more fully vaccinated shoppers, fully suspension fromthat thewe Police Department forecono“admasked, we know are ready for an open ministrative failures. ” Replacing himonasJanuary Head 1st of my. We are ready for open land borders Operations Assistant Commissioner Police, and a gradualwas reopening of the sea ports inof progress. Alford Grinage. This is critical for freedom in general and specifically Assistant Commissioner of only Police, Marco for a sector of Belize. This fact is not for tourism Vidal,but who currently on leave, was assigned as inflow, it isisalso important for many small businessthe Commander of Management Services followes. Tailors, mechanics, small restaurants, medical proing the fifth Bladen drug plane fessionals, andNovember entrepreneurs in general, highlylanding depend Toledo. is scheduled return hisregular post onin open landHe borders for manytoitems thattothe on December butIf Commissioner of Police, importers do notsixth, import. the item is imported, the Chester Williams told the who media onup Tuesday that price is exorbitant and guess ends paying—the by that date, the recommendation to not have him consumer. The Belizean supermarkets need despair. suspended would have already been presented to Most shopping of groceries will still be limited to your the Security Services Commission to put that reccompetitive pricing and what is not available in Belize. ommendation motion. hastened to Online shopping into is here to stayWilliams and similarly will keep that Vidal has not been linkedtrek to any involveitsclarify competitive edge against a one-day to Chetumal in the actual plane landing, but that “as the orment Melchor. Commander of Operations and the variant person inwho With the new omicron coronavirus the was charge everywhere, of the COSTexperts (Commander of OperaUS andinvirtually are strengthening tions Team), thatboosters he couldashave done certain their callStrike for coronavirus maximum protecthings to prevent what happened and he with did not. tion against severe COVID-19. In an interview ABC administratively, he will be President held accountable for onSoSunday, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Joe Biden’s those, ” Williams said. Chief Medical Advisor, said that while omicron “appears The to factors Vidal finds protection” himself in to be able evadeupon somewhich of the immune hot water include that he and should have known thata from COVID-19 treatments vaccines, receiving the unit’s were used for activities booster shotvehicles “raises the levelbeing of protection high enough other than deployment and the thatomicron, if he ”approved that it then does do well against he says. their use,the he had no authority do so thathas night. While definition of fully tovaccinated not Two of for thethe vehicles that were founda at thedose scene changed time being, receiving third (or were vehicles thatofhad previously been seized and& second, in the case people who received Johnson assigned to the unit. back Whilesome fourprotection policemen Johnson) seems to bring lostwere with charged in connection with incident the newer coronavirus variant. “Ifthat you look at thealong data, with seven civilians, it was the Corporal the more and more it becomes cleararrest that ifof you want to Casimiro whoyou was already se-” beDelwin optimally protected, really shouldthe getformer a booster, curity guard for DPP, Cheryl-Lyn Vidal but a memFauci said. berThose of thefigures COST have under her husband thathave cast largesusdominated life and on these high offices. since early 2020, but lypicion determined public restrictions In her Sarah defence when the suspicion became The Atlantic’s Zhang suggested last month that too wild thatare it more beganimportant to tarnish her nowadays, integrity, hospitalizations to track Vidalthat fired off a press release stating in partillness that given Covid-19 tends to produce less-serious there vaccinated was nothing in her with Casiamong people whointeractions catch it. miro, which dated backand to 2012, would have Drs. Monica Gandhi Lesliethat Bienen echo the “served a warning signopinion that heessay. could “Singapore, have been point in a as New York Times engaged in anyvaccinated criminal activity. ” She pointed one of the most countries in thealso world, startthat she been separated from ACP edout focusing its had daily also Covid reports on hospitalizations Marco Vidal for in over a year prior to write. that plane landrather than cases September, ” they ing.So, for those thinking that open land borders is bad Now with the that second plane landing alfor Belize, most likely, is thedrug wrong political, health legedly involving a second Corporal Eric and economic stance. Freedom is goodof forPolice, the human David Young, and similarwith to Casimiro, also ait spirit and Belize’s relation the world. was For what officer assigned the DPP issecurity worth, vaccination levels intoMexico are, atquestions a slightly have pace oncethan again surfaced and some areRoo of higher Belize (<0.5M pop.) andpeople Quintana the view must, in cases the first incident, (>1.8M pop.)that hasVidal had just 129as new in December disassociate the accused menSo and while the Belizeherself has hadfrom 721 in that same time. as thesmall discovery of the and plane and drugs.benefit due to our enterprises consumers In this competitive most recentpricing, drug plane landing will in the market-driven the economy reweefaster hoursfrom of last 28, theNumber Cesscover its Sunday UDP andNovember Covid-19 crises. na of aircraft crash-landed in thick on a private one planBelize’s general goals wasfog to ‘defeat covid’. airstrip in isthe Hidden Valley area, Mountain Pine Maybe that an extremely high threshold, but Covid-19 Cayo District. Four ofand the for men were caught isRidge, definitely under control now the foreseeable while Covid tryingunder to escape onisone several dirt roads future. control theof wish of the Belizean in the who area will withmask a cache of firearms, another people up, vaccinate, sanitize, andman, stay Jose Quintero, believed to be the co-pilot of the out of large crowds.

GRADUAL REOPENING OF LAND BORDERS AND SEAPORTS

plane, was apprehended on Tuesday with a broken right leg and broken right arm. He is now being hospitalized at an undisclosed facility, while the search continues for others who Police suspect are still on the lam. Twenty-five and a half bales of suspected cocaine weighing 1,277 pounds were also found after intense destinations. Police searches of the area, and, at Minister of Tourism, Hon. Salus Penner’s farm house within the Anthony Mahler explained to the general vicinity, Police say they found media at the Philip Goldson Inter$12,000 in a sofa and a vehicle benational Airport on Saturday that it longing to Penner’s wife. took at least five months of discusThe men who are charged with sions for two parties to finalize the “Conspiracy to land an aeroplane at arrangement for Frontier to come an aerodrome contrary to the provito Belize. It is one of many that he sions made in the Civil Aviation Act” pledged to seek and more as we are: Miguel Angel Zetina, Edwin Arlead into the new year. mando Gonzalez, Jaime Umberto “We will work diligently, we Maz, Edilberto Medrano, Penner and will work frenetically, to ensure Cpl Eric Young. They were all denied that we are successful here in Bebail and are to re-appear in Court on lize. Tourism represents 40% of February second. The men, through GDP, 40% of the workforce, and their attorney, claimed they had been so, as the Minister of Tourism and in the area hunting for some days, but Diaspora Relations, failing is not Commissioner Williams questioned an option in 2022. No matter what if that was the case, then how come COVID throws at us, any variants, they had no game meat to show for it. we will work together with the priPerception is massive and the vate sector and we will succeed reality of it is that the Office of Pubwith new partners like Frontier,” lic Prosecutions must be the epitome Minister Mahler asserted. of the squeakiest of clean and as far Frontier and Belize share more away from any clouds of suspicion. than air travel in common. Both Time will tell how these clouds will have made efforts to protect the rumble and what rain, if any, will fall environment. This was highlightover the office. For the sake of Belize, ed by Frontier’s International Sales it is the hope that said rain will leave a Agent, Alfredo Gutierrez. clean office in the continued dispensa“Protecting the environment, tion of justice for all.

Charlie the cougar and, at random, Mel the mule deer. Frontier, which goes by the slogan “low fares done right” passes the savings directly on to Frontier’s passengers, according to Gutierrez, with significantly cheaper prices than any other US carrier. He said that the attractive airfares will remain in place year-round. Travelers can visit the airline’s website at www.flyfrontier.com. Minister Mahler said that unlike most airline companies that want revenue guarantees, Belize did not enter into any such agreement with Frontier. The Minister said that if the effort is made to invest marketing dollars in the markets where they should go, there is no need for revenue guarantees. Alfredo Gutierrez explained that Frontier did not need to do so because it felt that Belize was a natural tourist destination year-round and the airline could make its profits if it flies throughout the year to Belize. Minister Mahler explained that each new route to Belize represents millions of dollars in revenues that could be used to invest in the economy and help to fight poverty and the other social ills we face. On November 19th, Belize also added another non-stop flight from Seattle, Washington and Los Angeles, California by Alaska Air. These achievements are not easy, but Minister Mahler said the team at the Belize Tourism Board and the Ministry will work to bring as many new carriers into Belize from the region and at least one from Europe in the coming months. On Saturday alone, the Philip Goldson International Airport saw 21 flights arrive in Belize from various locations throughout the region and the US.

Government, and Boldness of the People of Barbados

respecting nature, those ideals are things that Frontier Airlines as a green airline was looking for – and a country that has done so much in eco-tourism, sustainable tourism, protection of the animals and everything that you’ve done aligns perfectly with the ideals of Frontier,” Gutierrez said, explaining the rationale behind the image of a flamingo bird on its aircrafts. Promoting the protection of these and other wild animals, Gutierrez said, was what Frontier strives for. Hence, the airline has invested in better planes that burn 43% less fuel, reconfigured its seating and re-customized its weight-saving and baggage system. It was easy to note that one of the airlines was named Flo after a Pink Flamingo and the other Ecles for an Ermine. In a list (airliners.net) of 48 other animals, notable names on Frontier’s aircraft are Stu the rabbit,

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THE BELIZE TIMES

5 DEC 19 DEC

2021

PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: PROPERTIES

San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize District; Hopkins Village, Stann Creek District BY ORDER of the Mortgagees, Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A. Castillo & Christiana R. Castillo are selling ONLINE via belizepropertyauctions.com the properties appearing below. Sales currently running and will expire on Monday 20th December 2021 at the times shown on the website.

1. Parcel No. 6100 Mahogany Bay Village, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

San Pedro

6100

(Being a vacant waterway lot [410.74 sq. yd.] situate within Mahogany Bay Village (formerly Grand Oasis Development), San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize District, the freehold property of Messrs. Golf Victor Bravo Ltd.)

2. Parcel No. 1 - 15.21 Acres RIVER SIDE, north Hopkins Village, Stann Creek District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Hopkins Village

(Being 15.21 Acres of vacant river front land, suited for tourist development, situate approximately 300 yds. from the Caribbean Sea, north Hopkins Village, Stann Creek District, the freehold property of Messrs. Hopkins Harbour Limited.)

TERMS: STRICTLY CASH KEVIN A. CASTILLO CHRISTIANA R. CASTILLO TELEPHONE 223-4488 Website: www.belizepropertyauctions.com E-mail: Belizeauctionsales@gmail.com Face Book: Belize Auctions

CARTOON

19 DEC

2021

07 7

THE BELIZE TIMES

Keynote Address Caribbean Lawrence Placide Awards 2021

HONOURABLE JOHN BRICEÑO Prime Minister of Belize Friday – December 10, 2021 Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, I deliver warm greetings from the people of Belize. With protocol having been established, I will proceed. First and foremost, I wish to congratulate the Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Services Industries (TTCSI) for extending this annual award to nationals of the CARIFORUM States. The people of Belize welcomed this move and your leadership in bringing the regional coalitions together. However, I am extremely excited to see that upon opening this auspicious award to the entire Caribbean; a Belizean entrepreneur is the 2021 winner. Many of our Belizean entrepreneurs have committed to the unique training opportunity that the Caribbean Export Development Agency, with funding from the European Union, has brought to the region with the Services Go Global Program. Ms. Farah Guerrero and our stars across the Caribbean have applied themselves to the level of creating this opportunity for themselves, their businesses, and ultimately our respective countries by committing themselves to embrace this opportunity brought to them by the Belize Coalition of Service Providers. Through their unique offerings of new goods and services, our entrepreneurs have broken away from tradition and indirectly supported their own freedom by deciding to expand their service delivery globally. Overall, this improves our small countries’ quality of life, greater morale, and economic freedom. Entrepreneurs can change the way we live and work. When successful, their revolutions will improve our standard of living. In addition to creating wealth from their entrepreneurial ventures, they also create jobs and the conditions for a flourishing society. Entrepreneurship capital is defined as “a region’s endowment with factors conducive to the creation of new businesses,” and it exerts a positive impact on the region’s economic output. Regions with a higher level of entrepreneurship capital show higher levels of output and productivity. In contrast, those lacking entrepreneurship capital tend to generate lower levels of output and productivity. At a regional level, the Heads of Government must do more to support the services sector. This is a cause that I am ready to champion. I am also aware that the TTCSI is leading the way in collecting trade-in services data, which is valuable in tracking the performance of services in the region, thereby ensuring that policymakers are guided by robust data analytics. I wish to call upon the TTCSI to share these strategies with other CSIs in the region. Evidence indicates that entrepreneurial capital plays a very important role in creating growth across sectors. The Government of Belize, of which I am humbled to be the Prime Minister, sees entrepreneurship capital, especially in the service industry, as extremely important to the economy. The service sector is over 60% of Belize’s revenue base, which is why we see such value in the Belize Coalition of Service Providers and other coalitions in the region. Entrepreneurs create new businesses by breaking new paths in new goods and services, resulting in new employment, producing a cascading effect or virtuous circle in the economy. Entrepreneurs add to National Income. Entrepreneurial ventures generate new wealth. Existing businesses may remain confined to the scope of existing markets and may hit a glass ceiling in terms of income. New and improved offerings, products, or technologies from entrepreneurs enable new markets to develop and create new wealth. Additionally, the cascading effect of increased employment and higher earnings contribute to better national income in the form of higher tax revenue and higher government spending. The government can use this revenue to invest in other struggling sectors and human capital. Entrepreneurs also Create Social Change. The Services Go Global training is important in helping our entrepreneurs prepare to offer service over digital means bringing much foreign exchange into our countries, which will never achieve economies of scale due to our size. Entrepreneurs regularly nurture entrepreneurial ventures by other like-minded individuals. The qualities that make one an entrepreneur are the same qualities that motivate entrepreneurs to take it forward. Businesses in our country are seeing the value of social entrepreneurship. My government sees Entrepreneurs as national assets to be refined, motivated, and reimbursed to the greatest possible extent. This award will do just that for Farah Guerrero, our winner today. In closing, I wish to congratulate the other winners of this evening’s Awards. My government pledges our support to services providers and looks forward to the successes of the Services Go Global Programme graduates in the region. I endorse the work of the Coalitions of Services Industries and once again commend the Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Services Industries and Caribbean Export for making this Award available to Caribbean nationals. Belize is pleased to receive the inaugural Caribbean Lawrence Placide Award 2021. Thank you all; congratulations, Farah, and all of you who have provided this honor. The Service Go Global training will continue to prepare entrepreneurs in the service sector to no longer be confined by the borders of our countries when we trade. The world is a global marketplace, and with our improved trading agreements within Cariforum, our Caribbean will rebound!

Address by

HONOURABLE JOHN BRICEÑO Prime Minister of Belize Gender Lens Investment Friday December 10, 2021

‘Women Fih Win’

The roles we ascribe to women and men have been fashioned deeply within the foundations of how we raise families, raise our children, and build our communities… Even as more and more women take their place in building society and taking on leadership roles in development, economy, governance, we still quiver… and it still stands out when we see a woman in that lead position. In Belize, we are seeing a slow but steady transformation… from the numbers of girls who progress through primary school to secondary school and on to tertiary level education. While we celebrate those numbers and note it as encouraging, we have to be realistic and acknowledge that women taking the lead in the workplace and governance is still not where our society and holistic development requires. It is for this reason, I quickly accepted your invitation to speak at this signing event. It is yet another opportunity for me to underscore my Administration’s commitment to create that environment that will allow women to take up leadership whether in the board room, the national assembly room or any other room still believed to be a man’s room. Within our Administration of Government, we have appointed women as Chief Executive Officers for Government Ministries, to lead the Chambers of the National Assembly, the Head of State, Chairpersons and Members of Boards, Heads of Committees and Heads of Departments, Ambassadors… and there is more we aim to accomplish. The global literature still presents a situation where women are underrepresented. Your very project brief highlighted some of that data… It is estimated that closing the economic gender gap could increase the global gross domestic product by $28 trillion by the year 2025. The IFC Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (WeFi) Snapshot Report outlines the difficulties faced by entrepreneurs in emerging markets, with female-led start-ups receiving only 11% of seed funding capital. That situation takes on an even grimmer look when considered regionally – in Latin America and the Caribbean. Here at home, women are underrepresented in small and medium enterprises. Socio Economic Impact Assessment done by BELTRAIDE for a UNDP project indicates that 83.9% of business owners in Belize are micro enterprise owners and 11.4% are small enterprise owners. Most micro enterprise owners are women (55.2%) but results reveal that most small and medium enterprises are owned by men, 67.6% and 66.7%, respectively. This data gives evidence to the literature your initiative cited for our region. Many women-owned and/ or led businesses continue to struggle with a lack of access to capital to develop and scale their businesses. Recently, our Development Finance Corporation presented a programme that specifically geared its focus towards attracting more clients of women-led enterprises. The programme offered preferential lending rates for MSMEs for women of any age and in any sector. That is just a small step in the right direction. Access to affordable finance continues to be a problem for more women than men and access to ownership of land even more so. The digital era has created even more inequality as it is most often the women in rural areas who are disconnected from the internet and have limited access to devices. Our administration is approaching this issue fundamentally at the policy and programmatic level. Education is one of the most powerful ways to empower women, but we must focus now on up-skilling and re-skilling our labour force to keep up with the technological advancements. Global studies show that women who are educated are more productive, and this translates into faster economic growth. Other gender dynamics must also be addressed at the individual, family, community and societal levels. Women’s economic empowerment is central to realizing women’s rights and gender equality. Educating, empowering, and safeguarding women’s rights is good for business, it is good for the world’s economy and it is certainly good for the Belizean Economy. So it is a positive step that our region moves to sign an agreement between UN Women and Portland Private Equity (PPE) that is hailed as transformational, championing, and accelerating gender equality in the Caribbean, positioning private sector businesses to address gender equality as a long-term issue for sustained economic growth. I thank you for this opportunity and my Administration and our Plan Belize Agenda anchors on making Belize work for everyone. Women must be allowed to play the integral role in the economic development of our country. Thank you

8 08 8

Vaccines Spark Sports Boom December 12, 2021 - The ready availability of vaccines, and their rapid uptake by all athletes aspiring to return to competition has resulted in a veritable explosion of sporting activities around Belize. The rule of all-vaccinated athletes prevailed when football tournaments kicked off at the national level with the Football Federation of Belize’s Top League tournament and the National Amateur Women’s League in November, while district associations’ first division tournaments kicked off in Corozal, Orange Walk, Belize and Cayo. It was clear that the young people have been waiting for this release of energy. The pandemic has been a societal shock that sports is a great antidote against. Cycling and athletics had resumed from when non-contact sports opened up in May, and other sports such as basketball, volleyball, softball, cricket and canoeing are just waiting to process their paperwork of vaccination certificates of the athletes for competitions to commence sometime in the new year. Elite cyclists look forward to the KREM New Year’s Day Cycling Classic from the Corozal Border to Belize City. The Weekend Warriors Cycling Club looks forward to the Belmopan to Belize City 100-mile circuit race on December 19, and Chief’s Single Cien Boxing Day Race, after Edison Usher won their 64-mile road race on Sunday, November 28. The undefeated Verdes FC of Benque Viejo del Carmen are the de facto champions of the FFB’s Top League with 27pts and one week to go of the regular season, as they celebrated their 9th victory 3-1 over Garden City FC at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium in Belmopan on Sunday afternoon. Elroy Smith’s 26th minute penalty, Jordy Polanco’s 31st minute golazo, and Edvin Villeda Bernal’s 78th minute strike sealed the 3-1 win. Altitude FC of Placencia will secure second place with 19pts from 6 wins and a draw after 9 games, having lost both their encounters with Verdes. Rumberas of Bella Vista village will challenge the defending champions Jewel Fury FC in the championship finals of the National Amateur Women’s League, which entered playoffs after 5 weeks of regular competition featuring 11 teams who played a single round-robin within 2 groups. In semifinals at the FFB Stadium on Sunday, Jewel Fury FC eliminated the San Pedro Pirates with a goal by Zulma Ortega in the 10th minute. The upstart youths of Rumberas upset the seasoned veterans Verdes Rebels Girls FC: 2-0 at the Norman Broaster Stadium, when Kelsey Polanco converted a penalty in the 52nd minute, later Kaite Jones added to the score. The Caribbean Rum Boys and Guinea Grass FC continued to lead the Orange Walk Football Association’s 1st Division competition at the Louisiana Government School field, where Caribbean Rum blasted an undermanned San Felipe squad 5-0 on Sunday afternoon. Enrique Valdez struck twice in the 21st and 37th minutes, while Irvin Osorio 19’, Brian Chan - 29’ and Russel Casanova - 44’ scored a goal apiece. Francisco Rivas’ 10th minute goal and Charles

19 DEC

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

NOTICE

Gillett 70th minute strike gave Guinea NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to Section 36 of the Administration Grass a 2-0 win over Carmelita on Saturday night. Eliazar “Toto” Itza’s 19th minof Estates Act Chapter 160 of the Laws of Belize that all creditors ute strike sealed the San Jose Pumas’ having any claims or demands upon or against the Estate of RAUL 1-0 win over the Galacticos on Sunday GONGORA deceased, late of #42 Church Street, Benque Viejo, Cayo morning. Kevin Young’s 84th minute District, Belize who died on the 27th day of May, 2020 in whose estate equalizer helped Louisiana FC top a 1-1 Grant of Administration have been granted to the Administratrix MARIA draw with Yo Creek’s La Ceiba FC after HERCILIA AGUIRRE CRUZ a.k.a. MARIA HERCILIA AGUIRRE, Nijel Novelo scored in the 29th minute. should lodge such claims or demands with the said MARIA HERCILIA Walter Robles’ hat trick led Progresso AGUIRRE CRUZ a.k.a. MARIA HERCILIA AGUIRRE c/o M.H. FC to a 7-0 win over San Francisco FC on Sunday night after Tyrique “HamCHEBAT & CO., Attorneys-at-Law of No. 53 Barrack Road, Belize mer” Ciego and Jaheim Augustine each City, Belize on or before the expiration of the three months from the scored twice. first publication hereof AND NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at the Kenny Linarez’s 89th minute goal expiration of the said three months the Administratrix shall proceed to equalized for Caesar Ridge FC to salvage distribute the assets of the said JULIO GONZALO MOJICA, deceased, a 1-1 draw, after Leon Jones scored first amongst the parties entitled thereto having regard to all the claims or for Stars Academy in the 17th minute, demands of which particulars are lodged and the Administratrix shall when the Belize District Football Association 1st Division entered its 3rd week not be liable for assets of the deceased or any part thereof so distributed of competition at the MCC garden on to any person or persons whose claims or demands they shall not then Saturday morning, December 11. The have had notice. Hattieville United Youth Sporting Club enjoyed their 1st win: 4-1 over the Kelly Street bombers, with goals by Cion AuDated this 9th day of December, 2021 gustine - 50’ and 58’, Michael Myvette 62’ and Kenyon Lewis - 90’. Only Lemar Whyte scored for Kelly St. The Ladyville Rising Stars also enjoyed their 1st win over the Village Boyz, with goals by KeM.H. CHEBAT & CO. shawn Gordon - 52’, Kenroy Allen - 56’ Attorneys-at-Law and Tristan Reyes 80’. Trayvion Martinez for MARIA HERCILIAAGUIRRE CRUZ a.k.a. struck twice for Lake I FC’s 2-0 win over MARIA HERCILIA AGUIRRE Administratrix the Eagles of the Estate of RAUL GONGORA Mauro Cucul of the Belize National Coast Guard won the 10th annual End of the World Marathon, while Chrystal Thomas won the female marathon held in Placencia on Sunday, December 5, while BNCG’s Albert Davis and Rosa Cruz Roo won the half marathon. Adding to the theme of Belize doing well internationally, a selection of AhORCHID DRIVE, B.S.I. AREA, madiyya League under-17 basketballers ORANGE WALK TOWN, BELIZE held an undefeated 6-0 record as they won the “Big Ballers” international basPHONE: 302-3708 & FAX: 322-2320 ketball tournament organized by ABC Basketball Academy Basketball in CheNorthern Medical Plaza invites applications from experienced, dynamtumal, Quintana Roo, last Sunday, Deic, energetic, self motivated and professional individuals for the folcember 5. lowing vacancies: Twelve Belizean athletes also represented the Jewel in athletics, kayaking, cycling, karate, judo, sailing, tennis and Radiologist triathlon at the first ever Junior Under-23 Opthamologist Panam Games held in Cali, Colombia Laparoscopic Surgeon from November 25 to December 5. Horse racing fans got a preview of what the Boxing Day and New Year’s Qualification Day races will be like at the Castleton Racetrack in Burrell General Practitioner with specialty in Radiology Boom, when the Belize Horse Racing Association held 7 races at the PeoOphthalmology, and Laparoscopic Surgery. ples Stadium in Orange Walk on Sunday, November 28. Our youths have been Requirements jockeying for Sports to open up. The Must be registered with the Belize Medical Council Ministry of Health nevertheless has an entire population to take care of. The 3 years’ experience will be considered. youth of the world have largely survived bouts with the coronavirus but it is left to the statisticians to figure out how many Applications close: December 31, 2021 youth have inadvertently infected the more vulnerable. So the caveat is sports Please submit application letter and three can flourish but out youth need to get References to: vaccinated and be very mindful of getnorthernmedical@live.com ting infected. Infected youths are mostly Human Resource Manager asymptomatic but they can infect others. As the Covid-19 active cases continNorthern Medical Specialty Plaza Ltd. ue to fall Belize must continue keeping Orchid Drive, BSI Area up their guard for this Christmas time Orange Walk Town and beyond. Let’s play!

NORTHERN MEDICAL SPECIALTY PLAZA

19 DEC

099

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

UDP UNWORTHY OF CONSIDERATION The UDP is actually semi competent at something. Even the remnants of the UDP corrupt everything they touch, that they can do. The Barrows, Patt, Faber and Panton have corrupted the reality of being this nation’s loyal opposition. The petty UDP attempt to spew out falsehoods in order to prevent the planBelize government from serving the people. They call out kangaroo press conferences and stumble their way to the end with comical the-sky-is-falling rhetoric. Then, they make up any story and call is a press release. Their last one had Tracy Panton screaming foul…on further review it was an empty call. Tracy, you and the UDP need to resign. Your sanity as a loyal Opposition is soiled by your party’s Misfeasance, Malfeasance and Nonfeasance during their 13 years of terror. Confess now!! As we ended the 16 days of activism last Friday, the UDP upset many women by the blatant hypocrisy of her UDP. Last week Friday her UDP issued a bogus press release titled “Bullying Tactics by PM John Briceño toward Honorable Tracy Panton.” A reader wrote, “As a female I don’t condone bullying of any sorts inside or outside the House of Representatives. But, I simply cannot forget when PUP female parliamentarians in the House of Representatives (HOR) have been bullied, called B*#ches, their bedroom lives thrown in their faces by some of these same UDP male parliamentarians’ friends. Honorable Tracy et al kept quiet and said nothing.” The latter might be an overuse of Honourable but that is what the reader wrote.

NOTICE

The reader continued, “I honestly don’t believe Honorable PM Briceño bullied Tracy but was simply trying to make a point. After 13 years of complete mismanagement of the country again the hypocrisy of these UDPs is appalling. They come with this ‘Holier than thou attitude’, going on and on and on while they(the UDP) are the reason the country is in this mess today. To me it’s like the UDP’s in the HOR are taking Belizeans for a fool after all the corruption they engaged in for 13 years.” “The release said they are deeply disappointed by the Prime Minister’s behavior toward a female parliamentarian. Well, as a female, I believe she and all UDPs should have been disappointed in her former Prime Minister and other male parliamentarians’ behavior in the HOR. The way they carried on in the house was appalling and disrespectful. It was one of her former UDP Colleagues who said ‘this is a big mans’ game.’ Honorable Tracy needs to step up and grow up. Politics is not for the weak.” Let us just add that Tracy herself takes advantage of her constituency by having obviously excessive number of persons transferring their votes to an office and her family home. Court says it ok but the unfairness is blatant. Quick math shows that her small margin of victory in Albert has that unfairness tainted all over. All in all, there was nothing even remotely bullying by the Prime Minister at the House on the representative from Albert. The UDP is trying hard to be worthy even of consideration. Maybe in 2035…

NOTICE

HORNG TERNG AUTOMATION CO., LTD. #100,230 (“the Company”)

Pursuant to Section 102(4) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, notice is hereby given that HORNG TERNG AUTOMATION CO., LTD.: a) is in dissolution b) commenced dissolution on the 7th day of December, 2021; and c) WANG, HSIEN-YI whose address is No.15, Ln. 343, Huarong Rd., Gushan Dist., Kaohsiung City 804, Taiwan is the Liquidator of the Company CILTrust International Limited Registered Agent

NOTICE CHIN-I METAL CORPORATION #11,779 (“the Company”)

Pursuant to Section 102(4) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, notice is hereby given that CHIN-I METAL CORPORATION: a) is in dissolution b) commenced dissolution on the 7th day of December, 2021; and c) WANG, PAO-LIN whose address is 5F.-2, No. 13, Ln. 127, Sec. 2, Minsheng E. Rd., Zhongshan Dist., Taipei City 104, Taiwan is the Liquidator of the Company CILTrust International Limited Registered Agent

NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to Section 36 of the Administration of Estates Act Chapter 160 of the Laws of Belize that all creditors having any claims or demands upon or against the Estate of SATURLINA AGUIRRE a.k.a. SATURINA AGUIRRE deceased, late of Cristo Rey Village, Cayo District, Belize, who died on the 24th day of February, 2016, in whose estate Grant of Probate has been granted to the Executor, VICTOR AGUIRRE, should lodge such claims or demands with the said VICTOR AGUIRRE c/o M.H. CHEBAT & CO., Attorneysat-Law of No. 53 Barrack Road, Belize City, Belize on or before the expiration of the three months from the first publication hereof AND NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at the expiration of the said three months the Executor shall proceed to distribute the assets of the said SATURLINA AGUIRRE a.k.a. SATURINA AGUIRRE, deceased, amongst the parties entitled thereto having regard to all the claims or demands of which particulars are lodged and the Executor shall not be liable for assets of the deceased or any part thereof so distributed to any person or persons whose claims or demands they shall not then have had notice. Dated this 9th day of December, 2021 M.H. CHEBAT & CO. Attorneys-at-Law for VICTOR AGUIRRE Executor of the Estate of SATURLINA AGUIRRE a.k.a. SATURINA AGUIRRE

NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to Section 36 of the Administration of Estates Act Chapter 160 of the Laws of Belize that all creditors having any claims or demands upon or against the Estate of ABNER EMILLE SEGURA a.k.a ABNER SEGURA deceased, late of Santiago Juan, San Ignacio, Cayo District, Belize, who died on the 11th day of May, 2019, in whose estate Grant of Administration have been granted to the Administrators, ROSA DEL CARMEN SEGURA and ABNER GIANCARLO SEGURA, should lodge such claims or demands with the said ROSA DEL CARMEN SEGURA and ABNER GIANCARLO SEGURA c/o M.H. CHEBAT & CO., Attorneys-at-Law of No. 53 Barrack Road, Belize City, Belize on or before the expiration of the three months from the first publication hereof AND NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at the expiration of the said three months the Administrators shall proceed to distribute the assets of the said ABNER EMILLE SEGURA a.k.a ABNER SEGURA, deceased, amongst the parties entitled thereto having regard to all the claims or demands of which particulars are lodged and the Administrators shall not be liable for assets of the deceased or any part thereof so distributed to any person or persons whose claims or demands they shall not then have had notice. Dated this 9th day of December, 2021 M.H. CHEBAT & CO. Attorneys-at-Law for ROSADELCARMEN SEGURAandABNER GIANCARLO SEGURA Administrators of the Estate of ABNER EMILLE SEGURA a.k.a ABNER SEGURA

19 DEC

THE BELIZE TIMES

THE MINISTRY OF BLUE ECONOMY AND CIVIL AVIATION AND THE NATURE CONSERVANCY COMMENCE WORK ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NEW CONSERVATION FUND FOR BELIZE Belmopan, 8 December 2021- On November 5, 2021, the Government of Belize and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) announced finalizing a debt conversion agreement enabling the country to reduce its debt burden and increase its investment in conservation. A component of the agreement stipulates the establishment of a new conservation fund for Belize to disburse funding received from the Blue Bonds to projects and partners working in Belize to achieve conservation outcomes that are aligned with national marine and coastal conservation priorities. The funding will be available to both government and non- government actors including non-profit organizations, civil society, academia and the private sector. The Ministry of Blue Economy and Civil Aviation and TNC have initiated the consultative process to inform the establishment of the conservation fund and held a virtual information session on November 24, 2021. The information session was the first of a series of planned stakeholder engagements. The session outlined the conservation fund’s targets, goals and timeline for 2022. A stakeholder engagement workshop is scheduled for January 2022 to discuss key topics related to the establishment and operation of the fund. Stakeholders may contact bzcfworkshop@TNC.ORG with questions or for more information regarding the conservation fund.

2021

NOTICE

GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE TREASURY BILLS ISSUE NUMBER 1/2022 Tenders are invited for an issue of Government of Belize Treasury Bills. The amount of the issue will be $83,200,000. The Bills will be issued in electronic form only evidenced by an electronic book entry in the Central Securities Depository of the Central Bank of Belize in multiples of $200 and will be repayable at par 91 days after issue. They will be issued on Wednesday, 5 January 2022 and will be redeemed on Wednesday, 6 April 2022. Each tender must be for $200 or a multiple of $200 and must specify to five decimal places the amount, which is offered for each one hundred dollars face value of the Bills sought. Members of the public who wish to participate in the auction must submit their bid to the Central Bank of Belize electronically or at the designated drop off box no later than 12:00 noon on Friday, 31 December 2021. The Auction on the Central Securities Depository System (CSD) will be opened from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on Wednesday, 5 January 2022. Successful bidders should arrange to settle via the Automated Payment & Securities Settlement System of Belize (APSSS). Bank: Central Bank of Belize Account: GLICORP0402627 The Government of Belize reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all tenders in whole or in part. CENTRAL BANK OF BELIZE Notices are placed on Central Bank of Belize Website (www.centralbank.org. bz) 24 November 2021

Peace, Good will, and Happiness from Prime Minister Briceño, The PUP National Executive, and the Entire PUP Family. To all Belizeans a very

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2021

19 DEC

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

PUBLICAUCTIONSALES: PROPERTIES & VEHICLES Cayo, Belize, Stann Creek, Orange Walk and Toledo Districts

BY ORDER of the Mortgagees Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A. Castillo and Christiana R. Castillo are selling ONLINE via belizepropertyauctions.com the below described properties and vehicles. Sale currently running and will expire on Monday 20th & Tuesday 21st December 2021 at the times listed on the website: N.B. Properties and vehicles will remain on sale on this website on a bi-weekly basis until conclusion. 1. 17 + Acres of developed land situate along the Punta Gorda/San Antonio Road, Toledo District:

ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being 17 acres 2 rods 14 poles of land situate on the left ascending the Punta Gorda/ San Antonio Road, Toledo District Belize. Freehold properties of Mr. Derrick D. Williams and Mr. Roy Williams.

ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being 147.228 acres situate in the San Marcos Agricultural Area, Toledo District. Freehold properties of Mr. Marcial Mess.

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

San Pedro

10075 & 10076

The freehold properties of Messrs. Legacy Group Limited 14. No. 315 San Estevan Village, Orange Walk District:

3. Parcel No. 172 St. Martins de Poress, Belize City, Belize District:

St. Martin’s de Poress

ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 1 containing 1,381.029 square meters situate along Pappishaw Road, Eldridgeville Village, Toledo District, the freehold property of Mr. Ronald Lee Baker. 13. Parcels Nos. 10075 & 10076 Santa Rita Area, North Ambergris Caye, Belize District:

2. 147.228 Acres, San Marcos Agricultural Area, Toledo District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

12. Lot No. 1 along Pappishaw Road, Eldridgeville Village, Toledo District

BLOCK 45

PARCEL

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

172

San Estevan

315

The freehold property of Merysita Chee, Linbert Guerra & Eleuteria Chee. 4. Parcel No. 2911 Cedar Street, Santiago Juan Layout, San Ignacio, Cayo District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

San Ignacio North

2911

The freehold property of Ms. Adelita Zaiden.

5. Parcel No. 788 “Little Orange Walk” formerly Melhado Estate, Mount Pleasant, Cayo District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Mount Pleasant

788

The freehold property of Mr. Leopold Suarez. 6. Parcel No. 418 Corner 3rd Avenue & 5th Street North, Corozal Town, Corozal District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Corozal Central

418

The freehold property of Mrs. Guadalupe & Mr. Edmund Longsworth 7. Parcel No. 461 George Price Highway, Unitedville, Cayo District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Society Hall

461

The freehold property of Mr. Ulric L. Willoughby.

8. Lot No. 59A Pomona Village Extension, Stann Creek District:

Lot No. 59A, comprising 696.567 square metres situate in Pomona Village Extension, Stann Creek District, Belize. Freehold property of Mr. Thurman Williams.

9. Parcel No. 410 Seine Bight Village, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Placenia North

410

The freehold property of Mr. Kent Roland Francis and Ms. Silvana Andrea Garcia 10. Parcel No. 2275 Seine Bight Village, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Placenia North

2275

he freehold property of Mr. Lammey Alvarez. 11. Parcel No. 1710 Mahogany Street, Punta Gorda Town, Toledo District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Punta Gorda

1710

The freehold property of Ms. Elizabeth Borland.

The freehold property of Mr. Augusto Angel Blanco. 15. Parcel No. 1523 Seine Bight Village, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Placencia North

1523

The freehold property of Ms. Sherlette Augustine.

16. Parcel No. 2125 Breadnut Street, Belama Phase 2, Belize City, Belize District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Caribbean Shores

2125

The freehold property of Mr. Arleigh Gough & Ms. Olga Urbina 17. Parcel No. 4111 Blue Bird Street, Alta Mira, Corozal District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

Corozal North

PARCEL 4111

The freehold property of Mr. Raleigh Rivas and Ms. Olga Rivas 18. Parcel No. 1142 Phillip Goldson Highway, San Jose Palmar, Orange Walk District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

San Jose Palmar

1142

The freehold property of Ms. Marisa Perera & Mr. Carlos Perera 19. Parcel No. 2708 Phillip Goldson Highway, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Orange Walk Town

2708

The freehold property of Mr. Gustavo Gongora & Ms. Rubicela Mai 20. Parcel No. 466 West Canal Street, Belize City:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Albert/Mesop

466

The freehold property of Messrs. Perez Hardware Store/Mr. Orlando Perez 21. Parcel No. 158 Sunset Park, 8 ½ Miles George Price Hwy, Western Paradise, Belize District:

ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 158 containing 1,013.39 S.M. situate at Mile 8.5 Northern Side of Hector Creek Road, Western Highway, Belize District of Belize, the freehold property of Mr. Lawrence Ellis and Mrs. Kimberly Ellis)

22. Parcel No. 2842 first subdivision south of Placencia Airstrip, Placencia Village, Stann Creek District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Placencia North

2842

The freehold property of Mr. Ajinder Singh Garcha

Continued on page 12

25. Parcel No. 1080 Pucte Villas Subdivision, near Mile 56 ½ west Phillip Goldson Hwy, Orange Walk District:

District:

THE BELIZE TIMES

Continued from page 11

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Ann Gabourel

1080

The Freehold property of Mr. Marlo Perrera

23. Parcel No. 1824 Corner Jamaica and Mejiba Streets, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District: 26. Parcel No. 1726 Guinea Grass Village, Orange

Walk District:SECTION REGISTRATION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Orange Walk TownSECTION REGISTRATION

4BLOCK

1824 PARCEL

2021

36. Parcels 1682, 1683 and 1684 Linda Vista Estate,

35. Parcels 1682, 1683 and 1684 Linda Vista Estate, off George Price Highway, Belize off George Price Highway, Belize City, Belize: City, Belize:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Ann Gabourel

1080

San Estevan

Blanco)

28. Parcel No. 853 San Jose Drive, San Jose Palmar, Orange Walk SECTION District: REGISTRATION BLOCK PARCEL

4BLOCK

1682, 1683 & 1684

37. No. 1 Cor. Talawalla & Edwin Park Streets, Lord’s

REGISTRATION SECTION PARCEL REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCKBLOCK PARCEL Ladyville/Lords Bank Ban Ladyville/Lords

3806 3806

The The freehold property of Mr. Kevin Enriquez Mrs. Andrea freehold property of Mr. Kevin&Enriquez & Mrs. Enriquez

639 & 640

25. Parcel No. 1726 Guinea Grass Village, Orange Walk District:

San Jose Palmar

1682, 1683 & 1684

St. Martin de Porres West

The freehold property of Mrs. Marissa Sosa & Mr. Godfrey Sosa.

PARCEL

The The Freehold ofMr. Mr.Manuel MarloJesus Perrera freeholdproperty property of Blanco and Mr. Agusto

REGISTRATION SECTION Tower Hill

PARCEL

36. No. 1 Cor. Talawalla & Edwin ParkVillage, Streets,Belize Lord’sDistrict: Bank Village, Belize District: Bank

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

BLOCK

The freehold property of Mrs. Marissa Sosa & Mr. Godfrey Sosa.

24. Parcel No. 1080 Pucte Villas Subdivision, near Nos. Mile 56 ½&640 west Phillip Goldson Hwy, Walk 27. Parcels 639 San Estevan, Orange Orange Walk District: District: REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

REGISTRATION SECTION

St. Martin de Porres West

Hill property of Mr. Mark 4 Nugent 1726 The Tower Freehold The freehold property of Ms. Gloricelda Camara

19 DEC

All that piece of land containing 836.013 square meters being Lot No. 13 situate in Santa Cruz Village, Stann Creek District TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. The freehold property of Mr. Jose O. Raudaules & Ms. Rixy G. Ramirez.

Andrea Enriquez.

VEHICLES: 2019 Great Wall Wingle 6

2019 Geat Wall Wingle 5

1999 MCI 1 Door Bus

1999 Blue Bird Bus

2016 Volkswagen Amarok

PARCEL 1726

853

The freehold property of Ms. Gloricelda Camara The freehold property of Mr. Freddy Orlando Tun

29. Parcel No. 2770 Trial Farm Village, Orange Walk

26. Parcels Nos. 639 &640 San Estevan,District: Orange Walk District:

REGISTRATIONSECTION SECTION REGISTRATION San Pedro

San Estevan

BLOCK BLOCK

PARCEL PARCEL 12333

639 & 640

The freehold property of Mr. Nestor Adraino Vasquez

The freehold property of Mr. Manuel Jesus Blanco and Mr. Agusto Blanco) 27. Parcel No. 853 San Jose Drive, San Jose Palmar, Orange Walk District:

30. Parcel No. 16/1 San Estevan Village, Orange Walk District:

REGISTRATION SECTION REGISTRATION SECTION San San JoseEstevan Palmar

BLOCK BLOCK 44

PARCEL PARCEL 853 16/1

leasehold property Ms.Freddy Irma Olivera The The freehold property ofofMr. Orlando Tun

28. Parcel No. 2770 Trial Farm Village, Orange Walk District 31. Parcel No. 244 Caledonia Village, Corozal District: REGISTRATIONSECTION SECTION REGISTRATION

BLOCK BLOCK

PARCEL PARCEL

San Caledonia Pedro Village

244 12333

The freehold property of Messrs. Chico’s Company Limited

The freehold property of Mr. Nestor Adraino Vasquez 29. Parcel No. 16/1 San Estevan Village, Orange Walk District:

TERMS: STRICTLYCASH KEVIN A. CASTILLO TELEPHONE 223-4488 Website: belizepropertyauctions.com E-mail: kevinacas@yahoo.com Facebook: Belize Auctions

LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICES PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: AIRCRAFTS

REGISTRATION SECTION Notice is hereby given that Social Lounge Ltd. BLOCK PARCEL Notice is hereby given that Caisu Li is applying for a is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to San Estevan 4 16/1 Convenience Store Liquor License to be operated at

Notice is hereby given that Vicky Thakur Thad-

Notice is hereby given

hani is applying for a Malt & Cider Liquor LiBritish Aerospace BAE 125 800 A SN 25806; Piper that Vishaun Shamae be operated at “Social Lounge Ltd.” located at cense to be operated at “The Fine Taste” lo“Li & Lee Grocery Store & Fast Food” located at # 25 Usher is applying for The leasehold property of Ms.Miles 4 ½ Philip Goldson Highway, Belize City, Irma Olivera Prop PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: AIRCRAFTS cated on Chyenne Hutson Street, Turbo Belize City, Belize West Collet Canal, Belize City, Belize District under a Restaurant Liquor Li-

the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 30. Parcel No. 2441980. Caledonia Village, Corozal District:

Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor LiDistrict under the Liquor Piper British Aerospace BAE 125 800 A SN 25806; Chyenne Turbo to Prop be Govoperated BY ORDER of the Asset &Intoxicating Utilities Unit,License Ministry ofcense Finance, Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Government of Belize, cense Ordinance Revised Edition BY ORDER of the1980. Asset & Utilities Unit, Ministry of Finance, at “V &Licensed J Restaurant

ernment of Belize, Licensed Auctioneer Kevin A. Castillo is selling located Maskall Auctioneer Kevin A. ONLINE Castillo is selling ONLINE via belizepropertyauctions.com belowindescribed belizepropertyauctions.com theisbelow” the described airis hereby given that Vicky Thakur Thad- via Notice is hereby given that Sandra Quinteros REGISTRATION SECTION Notice BLOCK PARCEL th Notice is hereby given that Social Lounge Ltd. is apVillage, Belize District aircrafts. Sales currently running and will expire Monday 20 December 2021 at the times shown on the hani is applying for a Shop Liquor License to crafts. Sales applying for a Malt & Cider Liquor License to currently running and will expire Monday 20th Decemplying for a Night Club Liquor License to be operatunder the Intoxicating Caledonia Village 1 244 website. be operated at “The Fine Taste” located on be operated at “Senor Coconut” locatedon at #the 96 website. ed at “Social Lounge Ltd.” located at Miles 4 ½ Philip ber 2021 at the times shown

Hutson Street, Belize City, Belize District unThe freehold property of Messrs. Chico’s Company Goldson Highway, Belize City, Belize District under der the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Limited the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Revised Edition 1980. Edition 1980. 31. Parcels Nos. 21, 42 & 280 Libertad Registration Section, Corozal District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Libertad

21, 42 & 280

Liquor License OrdiBarrack Road, Belize City, Belize District under nance Revised Edition British Aerospace BAE 125 800 A SN 258061: the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Re1980. vised Edition 1980.

The freehold properties of Mr. Leonard Folgarait 32. 200.35 Acres Eastern Side Southern Lagoon, Manatee Area, Belize District:

Piper Chyenne Turbo Prop

ALL THAT piece or parcel of land containing 200.35 acres situate along the eastern side of Southern Lagoon and 3 ¼ miles north of Gales Point, Manatee Village, Belize District, Belize, the freehold property of Mr. Arnaldo Pena. 33. Parcel No. 1835 San Diego Street, Hillview Area, Santa Elena, Cayo District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

Santa Elena/Cayo

PARCEL 1. Terms are1.for Cashare for Cash Terms

BELIZE

Terms of Sale:

areAircrafts being sold ‘As Is’ sold ‘As Is’ 1835 2. Aircrafts 2. are being

3. Viewing by appointments only by appointments only to fly 4. Aircrafts 3. areViewing NOT LICENSED and UNABLE 4. Aircrafts NOT LICENSED and UNABLE to fly 5. To participate in theseare sales, bidders’ MUST submit their valid identification to be vetted by T 34. Lot No. 13 Santa Cruz Village, Stann Creek District: 5. To participate in these Commissioner of Police prior to thesales, sale. bidders’ MUST submit their valid 6. Conditions of Sales for the aircrafts on request. identification to be vettedare byavailable The Commissioner of Police prior to All that piece of land containing TERMS: STRICTLY CASH the sale. 836.013 square meters being Lot KEVIN A. CASTILLO 6. Conditions of Sales for the aircrafts are available on request. No. 13 situate in Santa Cruz Village, TELEPHONE 223-4488 Stann Creek District TOGETHER TERMS: STRICTLY CASH E-mail: belizeauctionsales@gmail.com with all buildings and erections KEVIN A. Belize CASTILLO Face Book: Auctions standing and being thereon. The The freehold property of Mr. Rosendo Juarez.

freehold property of Mr. Jose O. Raudaules & Ms. Rixy G. Ramirez

TELEPHONE 223-4488 Website: belizepropertyauctions.com E-mail: kevinacas@yahoo.com Face Book: Belize Auctions

19 DEC

2021

THE BELIZE TIMES This component of the project aims to ensure that Belize will have regulations that facilitate the enforcement of SPS measures for improved production and trade of poultry, and that Belize will have recommendations on the enactment of the Aquatic Animal Health Bill or Regulation that will ultimately facilitate the implementation of SPS measures required for improved production, market access and trade. Delivering remarks for the European Union Technical Support Office to Belize, Xavier Canton-Lamouse, Team Leader/Project Manager said, “The current project will comply with international standards in order to increase market opportunities not only with the EU market but also in the Caribbean Region and will further contribute to integrating the Caribbean market into the world economy by boosting the competitiveness of Belizean products. It will ultimately provide more nutritious food and safer food and will promote cli-

Belize exports receives a boost as 11th EDF SPS Measures Project upgrades Animal Health Legislation Bridgetown, Barbados, 14th December 2021 (IICA): On 6th December at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise(MAFSE), Belmopan, Belize, stakeholders came together to launch the strengthening Agricultural Health and Food Safety (AHFS) legislative framework component of the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures Project. Implemented by IICA with the support of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise and the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA), a task force comprising public and private actors has been established to assist the project consultant in developing poultry disease regulations and to provide guidance on the way forward with the draft aquatic regulations. Funded under the regional 11th EDF European Union programme in the Caribbean which has a total commitment of €326 million allocated over the last seven years to promote the implementation of the EU-CARIFORUM Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), regional integration and private sector development. Speaking at the launch, Hon. Jose Abelardo Mai, MAFSE, Belize said, “It is my understanding that the current Poultry Regulations that exist are outdated and no longer compliant with current international standards. There are also other private standards which are not mandatory under the Belize Poultry Improvement Plan (BPIP), and a draft Poultry Disease Regulations which was developed in consultation with stakeholders. The Newcastle Disease outbreak in November 2008 and Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza of 2015 triggered the development of the Draft Poultry Disease Regulations, having realised the need for a more robust poultry disease surveillance, disease control and prevention measures, early diagnosis and rapid response, an emergency response plan and even perhaps a compensation plan for our poultry farmers.” Minister Mai continued, “I believe that it is important that an amalgamation of all these documents be quickly carried out and drafted with the support of the consultant which will benefit not only our commercial poultry sector but even owners of backyard poultry that depend on chicken meat and eggs as a daily source of protein. In 2020, the wholesale value of poultry was over BZE$104 million. As lucrative as this may sound, we have to realise the vulnerability of industries due to diseases. Without the enactment of such important poultry disease regulations, we have much to lose as our commercial and backyard poultry can easily experience the incursion of a poultry disease. These regulations will permit BAHA to take the necessary measures to control and eradicate any poultry disease. It will also demonstrate Belize’s compliance with international obligations and maintain transparency.” Belize as a member country of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) abides by the disease control standards of the OIE as set out in the Terrestrial Code, Aquatic Code and respective Manuals. Minister Mai explained, “When these standards are included in country legislation it strengthens technical capacity of the Veterinary Services and builds trust among stakeholders

and trading partners. Under the World Trade Organization (WTO) only Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures are to be considered in the trade of animal and animal products. When these measures are enforced by legal disposition, trading partners are assured that trade measures are not technical barriers but in accordance with the appropriate levels of protection of one’s country. The enabling structure will allow us to safeguard food security, animal health, public health and the environment; and apply to both commercial and backyard poultry.”

13 mate smart and environmentally friendly practices for the benefit of the citizens of Belize. I have no doubt that this new SPS project will further boost exports of food products to the vast European Union market which has offered a duty-free and quota free market to all CARIFORUM countries since 2008, generating export earnings for those countries. It will also allow Belize to further promote exports to other lucrative markets within the region and worldwide.” In attendance at the launch were representatives from the MAFSE; the Ministry of Health and Wellness; the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development; BAHA; Belize IICA Delegation; Belize Poultry Association, the Project Consultant - Mrs. Iran Tillett-Dominguez; and members of the private sector. Key project milestones: • Final Regulations for the Belize Poultry Health Bill to be enacted in 2022, • Report on the review of the BAHA Act for enabling provision for enactment of the Aquatic Animal Health Bill, • Final Belize Aquatic Animal Health Bill enacted in 2022 or Draft Aquatic Animal Health Regulations, and • Final Aquatic Animal Health Regulations to be enacted in 2022.

58 14

19 DEC

THE BELIZE TIMES 2021

2021

19 DEC

2021

18 JAN

THE BELIZE TIMES 2015

BUILDING AND STRONGER Min. Anthony Mahler, Tourism and Diaspora Relations

PM John Briceño

Christmas All Over Belize

Frontier Airlines Inaugural Flight With Deputy PM Hyde, expressing Thanks to God – with the Council of Churches

Hon. Henry Charles Usher, Fort George E-Summit for Democracy, President Biden presenting

Thankful to the media

Blazin yu Blu Fyah for Christmas Orange Walk Town Council

Benque Viejo Town Council

Thankful to Taiwan San Pedro Town Council Merry Christmas to Children in OWC and Belize

Western Caucus Executive Swearing-in

Saying thanks to our very own Editorial Board

Corozal Town Council

Appreciating Art in Belize with Minister Fonseca

Belize Rural Executive Swearing-in

Celebrating 108, with Leonora Patnett

Vaughan, Markie, PM, Alex, Henry, Keegan

Belize City Council

Belmopan City Council

THE BELIZE TIMES

19 DEC

2021

19 DEC

2021

THE BELIZE TIMES

THINK ABOUT IT GUESS WHO’S COMING TO VISIT? JOHNNY BRICEÑO Belize’s oldest citizen, Lenora Patnett, got the surprise of a lifetime when the Prime Minister of Belize attended her birthday party. At 108 years, there is hardly anything left that could surprise “Miss Leah” until Johnny Briceno bounded up the flight of stairs and entered the modest living room. There, seated in her favorite chair like African royalty or an adored griot was the lady of the hour. This historic scene took place on Monday 13th December 2021 on famous Wagner’s Lane. What is so famous about Wagner’s Lane? For one, it was part of the only authorized formal living place of the Eboes, a large number of Nigerian slaves who built their long-barracks type houses from Wagner’s Lane to Racecourse Street. Though these wooden quarters burnt down in the 18th Century wooden apartments all joined together were rebuilt by the industrious Eboes. Another reason for its fame is the large number of personalities who cluttered its over-crowded yards and shacks with no less than seven alleys--some heading out to Albert Street, others meandering to East Canal Street and South Street. Wagner’s Lane was probably the most crowded neighborhood in Belize City. Miss Leah’s only daughter, Rita Patnett Sedacy was an all-time beauty queen. So was Christina Meighan; so too, was Yvonne Peyrefitte also known as Mahogany which featured the emotional singer Diana Ross. Isolene Young was a first runner-up for the Queen of the Bay beauty contest. So was Marilyn Panting who was named after Marilyn Monroe, a Hollywood superstar. Dorothy Lewis who married Skeet was a Queen of the Bay. Carmita Rhodas was also a runner-up. Her brother Mervin “shape” Rhodas was an exceptionally gifted basketball player who took to cycling and was among the top seven who broke the longstanding cross country record in 1978. In the 1960s, British soldiers had a regular presence on Wagner’s Lane. Miss Dorothy had two beautiful daughters Martha and Betty. There were regular weekened parties, lots of British music and occasional fights. Phillip Flowers was Mr. Belize bodybuilding champion. He died during 1961 Hurricane Hattie when he dived through a window to save a drowning person in the murky, rising waters in the dark of the raging storm. Abel Ordonez was one of the swimming champion in the races that used to take place from Belize City to St. George’s Caye. He and his brother Orlando Landy were cycling worthies. Their Grandmother, Gemima Young married Usher was the daughter of an Amerindian, most likely from the mosquito coast of Nicaragua. Aunt Gemima’s son Henry Charles, married the famous Miss Jane of HRCU fame. James “Jimbo” Parks was an accomplished cyclist. His brother Clive was a credited boxer when boxing was big at Rogers Stadium in the 1960’s. But it is their younger brother Alfred “Taras Bulba” Parks who eclipsed all athletic abilities on Wagner’s Lane and the country. He captured Belize’s most prestigious sports accolade-Cross Country Champion, not once but twice, in 1976 and 1979. The 1979 win is the substance of legend. After the race started at 5:00 am and Parks reached Hattieville, thereafter no rider ever overtook him. Ever. Never ever. This amazing solo flight has never happened before or after in the illustrious 93 years of cross country cycling history. Alfred’s dad, Pa Eddy, had the longest dorey in Belize City, renamed the Long Ship after a Viking movie of that name showed at Eden Cinema. Errol Skeete, outstanding basketball player escaped death in the 1960’s when his team travelling by bus to attend an overseas competition, when there was a horrible road accident resulting in fatalities and injuries. Gwenny Courtney and her police brother Chestnie had their own alley in front of Roy and Evadney Gill yard. Miss Leah says Derek Courtney and Miss Gwenny are closely related. Miss Gwenny daughter, Judith Gongora, was a Miss Cycling queen and her son, Ray Gongora, along with Diane Haylock revived drama and made it accessible to roots Belizeans. Mr. and Mrs. Randolph Goff had all their children on Wagner’s Lane. Their Randish became a musician like his dad and Ruby and Pearl were twins who were softball stars. Colville Young, Governor General got his bride Norma from Wagner’s Lane. Kriol gyal Sylvanna Woods and Speaker of the House of Representatives Valerie Woods Smith got roots on Wagner’s. Their uncle raised his family in the high two-storey wooden house still standing in front of Miss Leah’s one, but just barely standing. There were two obeah ladies on Wagner’s Lane whose names will remain unmentioned. But card cutting fortune telling, purro-smoking, how to get back your man and oil of come-back-to-me were a thriving business. There were two Lodge Halls on Wagner’s Lane. One downstairs the residence of Keith Arnold’s (Central Bank Governor) family home. The other upstairs of Miss Joyce Arnold home. Chains could be heard rattling on some dark and sleepless nights. Compton Hinkson lived in the same yard as Miss Leah. He became the Post Master General. A few weeks ago, Mrs. Castillo Price from Wagner Lane made history by becoming the first female Post-Mistress General of Belize There were several ghosts who haunted children on Wagner’s Lane and many adults too. But as hurricane lanterns gave way to yellow bulb house lights and street lamp posts arrived, these ghosts tricks- of- the- imagination receded and evaporated. John Young (1885 to 1987) was a boat builder along with his brothers and father. They were the Lighthouse keepers on Halfmoon Caye. He built the two-storey wooden house at 7 Wagner’s Lane in 1919. It is still standing circa 2021. Mr. Young also built a small upstairs house in his yard when his daughter Isolene

Young brought her only child Dickie Bradley into the busy, bustling, melting pot of Wagner’s Lane an adventure and a world of its own. Then came Phillip Goldson. In the mid-sixties, he lived on East Canal near Berkeley Street corner, almost across from where Norman Neal lived upstairs of Teddy Findley, a tin-smith. Goldson held his community meetings in John Young’s yard. Goldson and firebrand Emma had lived at the corner of South Street and Chapel Lane (behind Wesley Church). Goldson became Minister and Bradley became his Permanent Secretary (CEO). In 1975, one Easter Sunday morning all hell broke loose through Simmons Alley, which connects Albert Street to Wagner’s Lane. A store-owner dude, David Eid set an arson move at his downstairs wooden store. Upstairs lived Mr. and Mrs. Slusher their illustrious son Allan “Sammy Davis” Slusher and his sister Patricia. That arson was to burn down the whole Pitts family homes and shop; burn down popular BroadWay Restaurant and Bar; Burn down everything from Simmons Alley to South Street, going Northwards and turning west to engulf everything stopping short of the Halls; the Ordonez homes and failing to cross Wagner’s Lane where dozens of shacks would have disappeared into smoke. George Price came early that Easter Sunday morning to offer his sympathies and inspiration. Then came Johnny Briceño, Monday 13th December 2021 in the year of our Lord, drawn by nothing less than a living miracle. A quite, humble, awesome human being blessed by the Creator to live an incredible 108 years and still going strong. The highest official in our nation. The most powerful leader of our country turned up in the home of Leonora Patnett. Leonora was ecstatic. The residents were in awe. The gang that invaded the remnants of abandoned Alleys and wooden houses hid their fire-power and looked on. Johnny had braved the middle of gang war between George Street and Wagner’s Lane to visit this very special, unique, human being. Who among this generation of lost souls will reach the blessed age of 108 years? None. Not a single one of us. What the Prime Minister of Belize did on Monday speaks volume to his character, yea volumes. By quick contrast the previous Prime Minister not only failed, but refused to visit this living museum of information and local history. Worse, in the most shameful act of cold heartedness, callous and becoming of the man the then Prime Minister took away the one hundred dollars widow’s mite from the lady. On her 100th birthday, Miss Leah received a letter from Social Security. Your 100 dollars token monthly assistance is hereby revoked. Colder than that doesn’t exit. The Amandala newspaper reported this unchristian act. Didn’t move Mr. High and Mighty Prime Minister. He was busy approving the transfer of millions of Social Security funds over to Belize Telemedia Limited where his millionaire son was out in charge of the nation’s wealthiest company. Said Musa had approved a special Social Security welfare payment of one hundred dollars monthly to elderly citizens in need. Under High and Mighty these senior citizens were systematically stripped of the paltry but much needed assistance. We can now better understand why Jesus looking at persons like High and Mighty said it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. We have given a brief glance of some of the personalities produced by Wagner’s Lane and the incredible families who nurtured and inspired such persons. Leonora Patnett with all her faculties and memories is a repository of more information and history! We beg the National Institute of Culture and History to conduct a full coverage and interview for posterity. May the blessing of our Almighty Jehovah continued to rain down on Lady Leonora “Miss Leah” Patnett. PASTOR WADE SCEPTICAL Louis Wade, a religions Pastor who hosts a daily morning show on Plus Tv, and who has been converted to backyard farming and agriculture, has expressed disgust in the investigation of Assistant Commissioner of Police, Marco Vidal. He stated that the Police should not be the ones investigating wrongdoing and illegal behaviour by the cop. This view is colored by reports that Vidal has been placed on suspension but with full salary. And the investigation is limited to a vehicle scandal by Vidal’s Unit. The scandal surfaced after Vidal special Unit officers were arrested and charged for involvement in a drug plane landing. A fifth officer was also charged in a second drug plane landing. While these officers are innocent until proven otherwise, the matter has focused national attention on Vidal’s Unit. It emerged that Vidal’s unit for more than two years has been confiscating vehicles said to be stolen from neighboring countries and being used in Belize. These vehicles were never turned over to Customs Department or the Ministry of Finance nor reported to the Audit Department. Instead Vidal’s Unit kept and used the vehicle like private property and many may have been sold by his officers and the money pocketed. There are now persons claiming that Vidal’s Unit has been routinely extorting money from them. We also spoke with a family who say they reported to the Orange Walk police station how Vidal’s Unit took away their vehicle for over a year and still can’t get it back. Pastor Wade’s main complaint is that the police cannot be allowed to investigate their own. The CEO in the Ministry will get only get such information that the police want him to get. The investigation will only be about one or two vehicles and Vidal will get a mild rebuke, according to the pastor.

18 POLICE AWARDS CEREMONY IN BELMOPAN

On Friday, December 10th, 2021, Acting Officer commanding, the Belmopan Police Station, Elroy Carcamo, ASP, Deputy Commander Administration, of the Belmopan Police Station, Stephanie Grinage, Inspector, conducted an award ceremony for the Police Officers that are attached at Belmopan Police Station. The ceremony was held at the National Police Training Academy. The ceremony commenced with a prayer, which was followed by an inspection of the officers. The inspection was conducted by the Minister of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries Hon. Kareem Musa and Western Region Commander, Mr. Marlon Allen, ACP. Following the inspection, remarks were given by the Ag. Officer Commanding and Hon. Kareem Musa. Awardees: Our outstanding citizens who worked closely with Belmopan Police were awarded: Mr. Paul Guerra Sr. JP | Mr. Simeon Lopez, JP | Ms. Ayodele Bulwer | Ms. Franzene Solano Businesses for their continuous support to Belmopan Police Station: Formosa Café | Quality Poultry | Casa Café | Coco Gardens | Don Carlos Tacos | Security Alliance | Hearts of Christ Children Ministry | Police officers Most Consistent officer for November 2021 Randien Coleman, PC 2198 | Damien Reid, PC 2106 Most Improved Officer for November 2021 Lised Usher, PC 1962 Dedication and Hard Work for November 2021 Elias Young, PC 1556 | Jose Uh, PC 1214 | Yannick Wade, PC 1332 | Arushy Calderon, PC 1576 | Lorenzo Tun, PC 1670 Dependable Officer of the year Durham Gonzales, PC 1468 | Rayon Martinez, Cpl 564 Outstanding NCO for November 2021 Nora Parham, Sgt. Community Policing Officers of the Year 2021 Kimberly Moore, PC 1669 | Roberto Ical, PC 559 Most Supportive Officers” Cassandra O’Brien, Cpl 1310 | Alexander Shal, PC 1414 Officers of the Year 2021 Margret Villafranco, PC 2398 | Gayna Hyde, PC 2234 | Marlon Salazar, PC 1226 | Javier Alvarez, Cpl 743 At the conclusion of the ceremony, each officer walked away with a Christmas Ham courtesy of the Business Community of Belmopan and the grand prize courtesy of the Hon. Minister.

19 DEC

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021 UWG Swearing-in Cayo South Executive On Monday, 13th December 2021, members of the UWG National Executive travelled just outside of Belmopan to swear in the newly formed Cayo South UWG Executive Chapter. Hon. Julius Espat hosted the event and pledged his full support to the ladies of Cayo South. Master of Ceremonies was Mr. Mario Lopez and present at the event to give the Thank You remarks and pledged to be of full support was CEO in the Ministry of Infrastructure, Development and Housing, Victor Espat. To introduce the ladies of the Cayo South UWG Chapter was Mr. Jervis Banner, Roaring Creek Chairman. Welcome address was given by UWG District Representative for Cayo, Mrs. Katie Jones. Invited guests present were: CEO in the Ministry of Development Families and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Mrs. Tanya Santos and also President of the National Women’s Commission,

Mrs. Thea Garcia Ramirez. During the ceremony, the newly formed Cayo South UWG Executive requested that Ms. Mallie Anderson be sworn in as UWG Member Emeritus of Cayo South for her longstanding and continuous works and contributions to the ladies and the constituency of Cayo South. CONGRATULATIONS to the new UWG Cayo South Executive Chapter: President - Esperanza Arriaza | Vice President - Bernadette Leslie | Treasurer - Roshanne Banner | Secretary - Christie Reyes | Asst. Secretary - Joselina Ana

Ramirez Executive Member - Matilda Alvarado | Executive Member - Desiree Usher | Member Emeritus - Mallie Anderson We need women at all levels, including the top, to change the dynamic, reshape the conversations and to make sure women’s voices are heard and heeded, not overlooked and ignored. - Sheryl Sandberg UNITED WOMEN’S GROUP - Meaning Engagement and Empowerment of Belizean Women. https://unitedwomensgroup.com/ new-members #truebluewomen #UWG

PUBLIC AUCTION SALE *Third Publication* BY ORDER OF THE MORTGAGEE HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED, a Licensed Public Auctioneer will sell on site the following property at the time as listed. At No. 55 Sunset Park, Mile 8 ½ George Price Highway, Belize District on Monday 20th December 2021 at 10:00am SCHEDULE

ALL THAT lot, piece or parcel of land being Lot. No. 55, comprising 749.947 square metres situate in the Sunset Park Area, near Mile 8.5 on the George Price Highway, Belize District, more particularly delineated and described as shown on Sub-Division Plan of Survey by C. B. Samuels, Licensed Land Surveyor dated 18th November 1996 TOGETHER with a 35ft x 63ft concrete/plycem openconcept bungalow house containing two bedrooms, two bathrooms, living/family room and kitchen, in a clean and fenced yard with room for expansion, the freehold property of BEVERLY MCKENZIE. DATED this 6th day of December 2021

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

19 DEC

2021

THE BELIZE TIMES

Climate Change Risk Webinar for MSMEs in Belize

December 7, 2021 - The Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment, in its role as the National Designated Authority (NDA) to Green Climate Fund (GCF), in collaboration with the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), have received grant financial support from the GCF, through the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), and technical support of Willis Towers Watson (WTW) to promote knowledge and understanding of climate finance in the Belizean private sector. The project focuses on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through capacity building to access GCF funding and designing bankable projects (GCF concept notes). The project is built upon the following phases: • Phase 1: Inception • Phase 2: Private sector capacity building and discussion forum

Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise Signs MOU with Japan International Cooperation Agency December 16, 2021 - Hon. Jose Abelardo Mai, Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, today signed a memorandum of understanding with Mrs. Michiyo Hashiguchi, resident coordinator for Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), on the Development of Agriculture Cooperatives and the Improvement of Management Capacity. The aim of the project is to increase onion and potato productivity and quality and extend storage capacity for four additional months after the harvest. This will increase the income generated by farmers and in turn help Belize in maintaining its food security status and decrease its food importation bill. In his remarks, Minister Mai stated that the signing is another achievement of the Plan Belize manifesto, which depicts and addresses the commitment government has to ensure food sovereignty. He also said that the project meets the ministry’s mandate to reduce food loss and waste by improving storage and logistics facilities, and investing in the development of new products from by-products and waste at the local levels by value adding and using processing technologies. Mrs. Michiyo Hashiguchi gave an overview of the project development. She stated that the project, which costs a total of $186,000 with Government of Belize supporting 15 percent in technical assistance, will be implemented before the start of the harvesting season. Four 40-feet cold storage units will be procured for farmers in the districts of Corozal, Orange Walk, Belize and Cayo. Training will be provided for farmers. Present at the event were other personnel from the ministry and Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute.

• Phase 3: Private sector scoping study and action plan • Phase 4: GCF concept notes preparation and development Under Phase 2, a webinar for MSMEs describing what climate change is, how it affects companies, along with the opportunities to invest in adaptation and mitigation took place today virtually via Zoom. The NDA, through Dr. Osmond Martinez, CEO for Economic Development, provided welcoming remarks, while the CDB presented their overall engagement on climate finance and support to MSMEs in the Caribbean and Belize in particular. The WTW team presented on cli-

resilience and mitigation. Ms. Olivia Avilez from the Belize Sugar Industry presented the project her team is working on with the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), which focuses on building climate resilience of small sugar cane producers in northern Belize. Ms. Heather McIntosh from the Caribbean Shrimp Company detailed her mitigation-related project, financed by a renewable energy and energy efficiency loan from DFC. Both speakers highlighted the benefits that resilience and mitigation measures have brought to their respective businesses. This webinar is the first of a series of events and consultations under the project. A capacity building event on GCF access for private sector actors will take place in January 2022. In addition, a Call for Project Ideas will be issued shortly by the BCCI, asking entities to submit climate project ideas that aim to benefit Belizean MSMEs in terms of climate adaptation and/or mitigation. Two project ideas will be selected and turned into concept notes for submission to the GCF.

mate change and its impacts to date on Belize and its MSMEs, and also detailed the different climate change risks for businesses. Adaptation and mitigation measures that Belizean MSMEs can now implement were presented, with GCF being introduced as an important source of climate finance that focuses on supporting the private sector in addressing climate change. The Development Finance Corporate (DFC) also presented the funding they provide at the national level for MSMEs to adapt to a changing climate while mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Guest speakers from Belizean businesses presented on-the-ground opportunities related to investing in climate

Belize Water Services Limited

Corporate Communication Office 7 Central American Boulevard, PO Box 150, Belize City, Belize. Tel: +501-222-4757 Website: www.bws.bz Contact: pr@bwsl.com.bz

PRESS RELEASE BWS Employees – 99% vaccinated December 8, 2021

For Immediate Release

As an essential service provider, Belize Water Services (BWS) is focused on ensuring the continued reliability and safety of our water and wastewater systems for our customers, as well as the health and safety of our employees. BWS is proud to announce that our employees have cooperated to achieve nearly full vaccination of our workforce. Our current vaccine statistics are as follows:

Total Staff

Number Vaccinated

Percentage Vaccinated

Fully Vaccinated

% Fully Vaccinated

403

400

99.3%

389

96.5%

We commend our employees for this high level of vaccination uptake and for recognizing that water and wastewater services are a key component to public health, especially now given the pandemic. A reliable continuous supply of potable water is essential to homes, workplaces, schools, and, even more so, to hospitals and health care facilities. It is therefore critical for BWS staff with their specialized skills to remain healthy in order to keep our facilities and our services operating for the protection of public health. BWS employees were saddened by the loss of one of our own to the virus early in pandemic. Vaccines are the single most effective tool to protect our staff, their families, and our communities against COVID-19 virus. As soon as the vaccines were available, as part of BWS’ COVID-19 preparedness and mitigation, BWS’ Board pushed for utility workers be given priority for the vaccine. To date, BWS has had 77 employees who have tested positive for the virus. We are pleased to report that none of these employees became critically ill or had to be hospitalized; in fact, they have been medically cleared to return to work in fairly short time spans. This provides statistical proof that the vaccines work. Ensuring protection against COVID-19 is a team effort in our workplace. The COVID-19 vaccine adds one more layer of protection against infection for our employees and ultimately helps to protect the entire community. BWS employees are issued a “Fully Vaccinated” pin as soon as they submit their confirmation – they wear it with pride! Thank you, BWS Employees!

###

BWS: Delivering Water and More …

For more information regarding this or any other BWS Release, please contact: Corporate Communications at Tel: 222-4757 Ext. 1405 or 1408 or via e-mail at pr@bwsl.com.bz

19 DEC

THE BELIZE TIMES

GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE CARIBBEAN DEVELOPMENT BANK Second Road Safety Project On November 21, 2021, the Second Belize Road Safety Project joined the worldwide event “World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims (WDR)”. This day is commemorated on the third Sunday of November each year. On WDR, tribute is also paid to the dedicated emergency crews, police, and medical professionals who deal with the traumatic aftermath of road crashes daily. World Day of Remembrance 2021 puts the spotlight on the reduction of traffic speeds. Low speeds have the potential to prevent many deaths and serious injuries, especially those of pedestrians and all other vulnerable road users such as children, elderly and the disabled. Many lives can be saved if drivers would just slow down. As part of the activities to commemorate World Day of Remembrance 2021, the Second Road Safety Project will be engaging in a countrywide distribution of flyers at various checkpoints in collaboration with the Department of Transport and the Police Department. At this time, prayers are requested for the families of persons who lost their lives or were seriously injured, as well as prayers and thoughts of gratitude for the many first responders, medical personnel, and caregivers.

As CEO in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment and chair of the Operating Steering Committee of the Road Safety Project, Dr. Osmond Martinez and the Road Safety Team advise drivers to exercise caution, remove all distractions and, most importantly, REDUCE SPEED. The Belize Road Safety Project Initiative is a collaborative effort between the Caribbean Development Bank and the Government of Belize. For more information on this initiative visit: https://www.facebook. com/SecondRoadSafetyProjectBZE One life lost is a life too many!

2021

Presentation of Credentials Belmopan. December 13, 2021. 12:35 p.m. Governor General H.E. Froyla Tzalam received the Letters of Credence of two new ambassadors to Belize at a virtual ceremony held today. Presenting their letters of credence were H.E. Mrs. Milena Georgieva Ivanova, Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria; and H.E. Mr. Alireza Ghezili, Ambassador for the Islamic Republic of Iran. The ambassadors each conveyed on behalf of their respective countries their intent to continue the work of building strong bilateral relationships and increasing cooperation in different areas. The Governor General welcomed the ambassadors and extended her well wishes to the respective countries. She also shared her regrets about not being able to meet the ambassadors in person due to COVID-19 restrictions.

www.centralbank.org.bz

PUBLIC NOTICE Circulation of Counterfeit Belize Currency Notes 14 December 2021: The Central Bank of Belize hereby informs the public of the circulation of counterfeit Belize currency notes. The public is reminded that the Central Bank of Belize has the sole right to issue Belize currency notes and coins, and only such notes and coins issued by the Central Bank are legal tender in Belize. The public is urged to become familiar with the security features of the currency notes issued by the Central Bank of Belize. Recognizing the security features will protect against the acceptance of counterfeit Belize currency notes. Four (4) key and easily identifiable security features are described below, while a more detailed explanation could be found on the Central Bank of Belize’s website at https://www.centralbank.org.bz/currency/security-features. Key Security Features of Belizean Currency Notes:

Prayer To The Holy Spirit

O Holy Spirit, You who are the Fountainhead of all knowledge, Who Illuminate the path way which enables me to reach my goal. You Who shares your Divine gift permitting me to forgive and forget past insults and injustices, and Who are always at my side within reaching distance. I desire in this short supplication to thank You for all that You have done for me; and to assure You once more that I never want to be separated from You under any circumstances, no matter what the incentive. I want to be with You, I along with my loved ones, cradled in Your unending love. Thank You for your never-failing kindness towards me and those I call my own. (Prayer to be offered for three consecutive days: Faith in The Holy Spirit will cause Him to respond to your request no matter how difficult the problem might be. Publish prayer as soon as request has been Granted .) Thank You Holy Spirit. F.M



The windowed security thread: this thread comes to the surface at regular intervals so that its metallic sheen may be seen; the complete thread is only visible when viewed against the light.



Watermark with Electrotype: the value of each denomination is in letters under the watermark and can be seen when held up to the light. The watermark is the Jaguar on the $100.00 and $50.00 notes and the Sleeping Giant on the $20.00, $10.00, $5.00 and $2.00 notes.



See-through feature consists of specific design elements printed in precise register on both sides of the note: when the note is held up to the light, the parts of the design printed on the back will fit exactly with the unprinted areas on the front to produce the complete design. This feature is located near the watermark. www.centralbank.org.bz Hologram with Intaglio Overprint: on the $100, the hologram is the shape of a toucan with “intaglio overprint” in the shape of a periwinkle flower. A hologram is a flat optical image, which looks three dimensional when viewed with the naked eye. It carries many small images of the Toucan and the numeral 100 within, which can be seen in many colours when viewed at different angles.



PUBLIC NOTICE

Any member of the public that suspects that he/she is in receipt of a counterfeit currency note is urged to take the following precautionary measures: 

Feel, look, and tilt banknotes to check for the security features.



Observe the presenter's physical description, such as gender, race, age, height, build, clothing, distinguishing marks or tattoos, language/dialect spoken, as well as that of any companions, and provide this information to the nearest branch of the Belize Police Department immediately. ISSUED BY:

 Delay the presenter, if possible and only if it is safe to do so. 1 GABOUREL LANE. THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR BELIZE CITY, BELIZE ItCENTRAL is a criminal offence to reproduce Belize currency notes with the intent to defraud. Persons found BANK OF BELIZE T: +501 223 6194 guilty of this offence shall, on conviction, be liable to imprisonment for up to 10 years. The public is encouraged to report any information on currency counterfeiting to the nearest branch of the Belize Police Department. Kareem Michael Governor, Central Bank of Belize

19 DEC

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE MINISTRY OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND INVESTMENT REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST CONSULTANCY FOR AN OFFICE CLEANER FOR THE BELIZE INTEGRAL SECURITY PROGRAMME (BISP)

BELIZE SOCIAL INVESTMENT FUND TENDER NOTICE

BELIZE SOCIAL INVESTMENT FUND Country: Belize Project: Caribbean Development Bank Grant No: GA 61/ BZE Project ID: 1509/9/E3 Contract Number: SS/SL3-01/2021 National Competitive Bidding (NCB) Deadline: January 7, 2022

TENDER NOTICE

Nº CABEI-CS-005-2147/2021 BACKGROUND The Government of Belize (GOB) is implementing a security programme with the overall objective to contribute to improving the quality of life of Belizeans and to support regional efforts that seek to combat crime. The key goal of the Belize Integral Security Programme (BISP) is to strengthen citizen security by providing support to those institutions directly engaged in maintaining national security. The Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI), as part of the services it provides to its beneficiary member countries, is providing the total financing for the procurement of a consultant to fill the role of Procurement Officer in the framework of the Belize Integral Security Programme (BISP). The Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment will be responsible for the execution of the Programme and all its components, reporting all progress to CABEI and ensuring the execution of each component under the terms established for CABEI formulation and approval. The execution of BISP components will be carried out by the Co-Executors: Belize Police Department, Belize Defence Force, Belize Coast Guard and National Forensic Science Services.

1. The GovernmentDevelopment of Belize has received funding the Caribbean ect: Caribbean Bankthrough Grant No: DevelopGA 61/BZE Project ID: 1509/9/E3 ment Bank (CDB) towards the cost of Eligible Sub-projects and intends to apply part of /SL3-01/2021 National Competitive Biddingof(NCB) the funds to cover eligible payments under the contract for Construction DormitoriesDeadline: January 7, 2022 and Ancillary Works for Dorothy Menzies Child Care Center Replacement Facility, Belmopan, Cayo District, Belize. 2. The Social Investment Fund, a Statutory Corporation, established under the Social Investment Fund Act No. 3 of 1996 and located at Constitution Drive, Belmopan, Cayo District, hereby invites tenders from suitably qualified contractors for the construction of the following: The contract proposes to: The contract proposes to construct two (2) separate single storey reinforced concrete dormitories each containing an interior floorspace of approximately 3,800 square feet. Each dormitory shall be equipped with restroom facilities, activity areas, bedroom facilities, kitchenettes, sick bays, staff monitoring facilities, and access for persons with disabilities. Works shall also include the construction of site fencing, the construction of a playground area - complete with a gazebo, and the undertaking of relevant site works. Provisions for the installation of electrical, plumbing, water supply and wastewater systems, in accordance with the regulations of the respective authorities, will also be included. 3. Final (Project Site) Destination as specified in BDS: Belmopan, Cayo District, Belize 4. Social Investment Fund now invites sealed bids from eligible and qualified bidders for the construction works in the aforementioned areas. 5. Bidding will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding (NCB) procedures specified in the CDB’s Guidelines for Procurement (January 2006), and are open to all countries eligible for procurement under European Investment Bank funded projects which includes CDB member countries. 6. Qualification requirements include (a) The bidder shall furnish unaudited or audited financial statements (balance sheets with corresponding notes, income statement, and statements of cash flow) of the firm for years 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 to demonstrate the current soundness of the bidder’s financial position (b) Bidders should have general experience under contracts in the role of contractor, JV member, subcontractor, or management contractor for the years 2017, 2018 and 2019 with activity of at least five (5) months in each year starting 1st January, 2017 (c) Bidders should have specific experience as a prime contractor, joint venture member, management contractor, or subcontractor, between 1st January 2010 and the bid submission deadline and should have less than or equal to three (3) contracts, each of a minimum value of BZ$300,000.00, but with a total value of all contracts equal or more than BZ$900,000.00 (d) demonstrate cash flow requirement: capacity to have a cash flow amount of BZ$100,000.00 of which not more than BZ$30,000.00 can be credit for materials (e) an average annual turnover of BZ$900,000.00 which shall be calculated as total certified payments received for contracts completed within the best two (2) years of the years 2016,2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 (e) other provided in the respective Bid Documents. 7. A secured “sample” electronic Bid document can be shared with interested Bidders at the address below, starting December 6, 2021, on week days between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. for viewing purpose only (has a time restriction for viewing). A complete set of Bidding documents (hard-copy or electronic version) can be purchased by interested bidder upon payment of a non-refundable fee of BZ$150.00. Requests may be made by personal application or in writing to the address below. Written applications must be clearly marked: “Construction of Dormitories and Ancillary Works for Dorothy Menzies Child Care Center Replacement Facility, Belmopan, Cayo District, Belize”. The method of payment will be by cash deposited to, or Bank transfer to BSIF’s Bank Account only. Banking details can be requested at the address below. Cash payment will not be accepted at the BSIF Office. 8. Deadline for bids is at or before 10:00 a.m., January 7th, 2022 at the address below. Bids will be opened virtually at 10:15 a.m., January 7th, 2022 at the Social Investment Fund, 3rd Floor, #1902 Constitution Drive, Belmopan, Cayo District in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to participate. The link is https://bit. ly/31ACuQU . Electronic bidding will not be permitted. Late bids will be rejected. All bids must be accompanied by a “Bid Security” of BZ$ 14,000.00 or an equivalent amount in a freely convertible currency or Bank Guarantee. The bid validity period is 90 days. 9. A Virtual Pre-bid meeting with interested eligible bidders will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 22nd, 2021. The link is https://bit.ly/31ACuQU. Bidders can participate in the meeting to address any queries about the bidding document or the scope of works. Persons who purchase packages are urged to attend. 10. The address referred to above is:

The General Objectives of the consultancy to be contracted is to provide general cleaning services for the of Belize has received funding through the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) office of the Programme Executing Unit. ligible Sub-projects and intends to apply part of the funds to cover eligible payments The Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment now invites interested consultants to present their expressions of interestChild along with their respective resume to participate in the selection process r Construction of Dormitories and Ancillary Works for Dorothy Menzies for the consultancy of an Office Cleaner with the Belize Integral Security Programme (BISP). ement Facility, Belmopan, Cayo District, Belize. SCOPE OF WORK

The Office Cleaner will be responsible to maintain the cleanliness and orderly conditions of all office spaces. In doing so the Office Cleaner must comply with the following functions: •

Cleaning of the office spaces, conference room, restrooms, storeroom, kitchen, and dusting and

•

Perform any other duties assigned from time to time

ment Fund, a Statutory Corporation, established under the Social Investment FundandAct polishing of its furniture cleaning of equipment and appliances • Disposal of office and kitchen garbage ocated at Constitution Drive, Belmopan, Cayo District, hereby • invites tenders fromdefects or needs for repairs to equipment and/or appliances Notify management of occurring • Secure facilities after operating hours by locking doors, closing windows, turning off light and ntractors for the construction of the following: Air condition units

ses to:

SUPERVISION AND REPORTING The Office Cleaner will work under the general guidance of the Administrative Assistant and report directly to the Administrative Assistant and the Project Coordinator. The position will be based at the Project Executing Unit’s office located at #1904 Constitution Drive, 2nd floor, Unit#3, Belmopan City.

es to construct two (2) separate single storey reinforced concrete dormitories each ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE r floorspace of approximately 3,800 square feet. Each dormitory shall be equipped es, activity areas, bedroom facilities, kitchenettes, sick bays, staff monitoring facilities, The consultant must submit documentation to support experience and academic qualifications • Minimum of a Primary School Certificate ns with disabilities. • •

At least two (2) years’ experience in providing cleaning services in a professional organizational setting At least two (2) years’ experience in providing cleaning services in a domestic setting Have a “clean” police record In possession of a Social Security Card that is valid for employment in Belize Fluent in English Preferably living within the Belmopan Area At least one (1) letter of reference from previous employer

ude the construction of site fencing, the construction of a playground area - complete • he undertaking of relevant site works. Provisions for the installation of electrical, • • ply and wastewater systems, in accordance with the regulations of the respective • • be included. TERMS

The Office Cleaner will be selected by a competitive process in accordance with the Policy for the Procurement of Goods, Works, Services and Consultancies with CABEI resources and its Norms for Application (DI-52/2020 / PRE-40/2021). The duration of the consultancy is for 27 months. The post will be for one year, in the first instance, subject to an annual review and evaluation, Salary will be commensurate with the requirements of the post and the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.

e) Destination as specified in BDS: Belmopan, Cayo District, Belize

Fund now invites sealed bids from eligible and qualified bidders foreligible theConsultants construction Interested may obtain further information and a complete Terms of Reference from the Programme Execution Unit of the BISP. Requests should be addressed to projectcoordinator.bisp@ ntioned areas. med.gov.bz during office hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time from Monday to Friday; or you can

visit the Ministry of Economic Development’s webpage, www.med.gov.bz to download the Terms of Reference. Alternately, you can call 880-2526 to request further information. Additionally, the consultancy announcement can be found on the Belize Procurement Notice Board’s webpage https://blz-cppnb. caricom.org/epps/home.do

nducted through the National Competitive Bidding (NCB) procedures specified in the Deadline for submission of Expressions of Interest is Tuesday January 4 , 2022. Expressions of interest r Procurement (January 2006), and are open to all countries eligible for procurement along with Resume and supporting documentation (Diplomas, Certificates, Reference, etc.), must be sent via electronic mail (email) to projectcoordinator.bisp@med.gov.bz and copied to procurementofficer. stment Bank funded projects which includes CDB member countries. th

bisp@med.gov.bz with subject heading:

Ref: Nº CABEI-CS-005-2147/2021 Office Cleaner or via direct mail or hand delivered to the address indicated below by 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday January 4th, 2022.

rements include (a) The bidder shall furnish unaudited or audited financial statements LATE SUBMISSIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. Contact: Ms. Ruby Pascascio corresponding notes, income statement, and statements of cash flow) of the firm for Senior Procurement Officer Social Investment Fund Project Coordinator 018, 2019 and to demonstrate the current soundness ofBelize theIntegral bidder’s financial Security Programme (BISP) 3rd Floor, #19022020 Constitution Drive MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Belmopan shouldCayo have general experience under contracts in the role of contractor, JV member, P.O. Box 42 District Ground Floor, Sir Edney Cain Building Tel: 822-0239/822-0508 nagement contractor for the years 2017, 2018 and 2019 with activity of at least five (5) Belmopan City, Belize C.A. E-mail:st ruby.pascascio@sifbelize.org starting 1 January, 2017 (c) Bidders should have specific Ref: experience as a prime cc: colin.escalante@sifbelize.org Nº CABEI-CS-005-2147/2021 Office Cleaner therese.arzu@sifbelize.org

22 2021 5 DEC

05 5 2021

19 DEC

THE BELIZE TIMES

OAS SixthMHW Meeting of Ministers and High Belize National Day Authorities of Science and Technology I GOT VACCINATED!! Held at Expo 2020 Dubai The Sixth Meeting of Minis- er of Transformative Science and · Science, Technology, InnoNew Incentive Raffle Dubai,Entrepreneurship United Arab Emirates, ters and High Authorities of Sci- Technologies to Drive our Comvation and to November 30, 2021. Belize is particence and Technology, held virtually munities Forward. ” Belize was reduce the digital divide and proNew Vax Pass App ipating in Expo 2020 Dubai which is on December 7 and 8, 2021, was represented at the meeting by mote the inclusion of women and organized jointly by the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Government of Jamaica under the theme “Harnessing the Pow-

Death

Qualify weekly by Getting your 1st, 2nd shot Vaccine or the single Johnson and Johnson shot or a booster shot Prizes 1st place…$3,000 2nd place…$1,000 3rd place…$500

Announcement Angelita Merlene Williams nee Ranguy

Ministry of Health Pass App This is ready to be downloaded for Android and Apple devices. Once this App is in the29th, phone1950 there- is no October need to walk around with2021 your vacDecember 13th, cination card. With your Social Security God number OR getting Belize Health Inforsaw you tired and mation putSystem his armsnumber around (on you the andVax Card)whispered for the App a SSB card you “and Come to Me” can prove to the world that you are With tearful eyes we watched vaccinated. you The and Appsaw canyou be pass usedaway. to verify that someone else has been vacciAlthough webe loved nated. This can doneyou by dearly. scanning We could not make you stay. the QR code to verify that it is authentic. As said before, the SSB card A Golden heart stopped beating. is important to confirm identity. Hard working hands at rest.your If you are unable to access vaccination record using your Social God broke our hearts to prove to Security or BHIS number you can us, He only takes the best. text, call or whatsapp 669-8843 or 613-1096. She is predeceased by her ParGet Vaccinated!! ents: Bismark Ranguy Jr. and Rosita Ranguy, sisters Elma Ramclam and Melonie Parham.

She is survived by her husband Arnold Llewelyn Williams Sr. Son: Arnold Jr, Evan, Christopher Sr., Ronald and Leon Williams. Daughters: Florence Williams, Lovinia Coleman, Sylvia Muschamp, Dorla Williams, Anessa Williams. Brothers: Cecil, Bismark Jr, Roger, Isaac, Raymond and Jack Ranguy. Sisters: Delly Martinez and Deenah Parham. 27 Grandchildren and 9 greatgrandchildren. May her soul rest in peace and rise in glory.

Dr. Hon. Louis Zabaneh, Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology. The meeting brought together the highest science, technology, and innovation (STI) authorities of the hemisphere, as well as representatives from the private sector, academia, and civil society. It is a key instrument for On December 1st there coopwere 8 scientific and technological winners which included five 3rd place eration and remains the principal winners, two 2nd place winners, and forum for hemispheric dialogue one winner of the 1st place three thouand the formulation of public polsand dollars. All this was won by geticies in science, technology, and ting vaccinated during the last week. innovation in the Americas. The raffle including this one is set for The ministerial seven weeks. This thereforemeeting goes into addressed the following subthe new year 2022. themes: This raffle is being supervised by · Science andCommittee. Technology the National Lottery The first 1st prize winner in is the ArielFrameDuarte, to Build Resiliency this could you. Get Vaccinated with work ofbeSustainable Develop1st, 2nd or booster shot…This will ment and COVID-19 Recovery be streamed on the Ministry of Health and · Youth: Improving Skills Wellness Facebook page every Monand Readiness for Industry 4.0 day at 2pm.

being held under the theme, “Con-

girls, ruralMinds, and indigenous comnecting Creating the Future” munities, and other populations in with the subthemes: Opportunity, vulnerable situations Mobility and Sustainability and today, Effective public-private-aca· delegation led by Minister, the Honourable Anthony Mahler, celebrated ademia collaboration to enhance Belize’s National Day. EXPO competitiveness and quality ofDubai life provides opportunities to finding solu· Levelling the playfield for tions participation to the pressingin challenges active the glob-of our time by offering a journey inside al economy by micro, small, and a universal theme through engaging medium enterprises (MSMEs) and immersive activities. Countries through STI can participate in one of the three · Technology Foresight as subthemes and Belize is participatInput for Public Policy Decisions ing under the Opportunity theme to (Prospecta showcaseAmericas) Belize as an ideal destination for investments and trade.Mak· Science for Decision Belize’s participation comes on ing the heels of its first Investment SumDuring the meeting, minismit which saw investment potential ters and high-level authorities exwith countries from around the world, changed good practices and idenincluding the United Arab Emirates tified offers for cooperation to help (UAE), with whom we signed an Ecoimplement hemispheric actions to nomic Cooperation Agreement (ECA) accelerate the recovery from the in 2019. The ECA establishes a framepandemic. work for expanding the economic reDr. Hon. Louisthe Zabaneh exlationship between two countries in a number of key areas; including inpressed his gratitude for the vestment, tourism, transportation, inpresentations made during the frastructure and construction among

meeting and for the opportunity to share Belize’s experiences with supporting MSMEs. Minister Zabaneh’s remarks focused on “levelling the playing field for active participation in the globothers. al economy by MSMEs through The Belize National Day featured STI.” He expressed that Belize remarks from the Minister of Tourism hasDiaspora engaged in several important and Relations, Anthony Mahler initiatives to stimulate thethe transand the Minister of State of UAE, formation harness H.E. Khalifa necessary Shaheen AltoMarar, who the power ofonscience, commented Belize’s technology, openness to investment opportunities that at are the tied and innovation, all aimed to biodiversity human and sustainable practicsustainable development es protect the He country’s ecosystem. of toBelizeans. presented on The Belize National Day closed off with three initiatives that directly ima dinner hosted by the UAE and a gift pacted MSMEs: Belize Investexchange by Minister Mahler who was ment Summit and the Innovapresented with a key to the city. tion Pact Manifesto, theas National Scheduled to appear the culDigital Agenda, and the moderntural entertainment from Belize was ization of Belize’s legal environthe Garifuna Collectives, who, unfortument.were not able to perform due to nately COVID-19 In hisrestrictions. closing remarks, Minis the first World Expo to be isterThis Zabaneh thanked the minheld in the East with participaisters andMiddle delegates for the option from over 190 countries and is proportunity and recognized the jected to attract 25 million visitors, with support offered to Belize by the the Belize pavilion receiving up to 2,500 Inter-American Development Bank visitors in a day. The Belize Delegation and included the OAS.Dr. HeLeroy also expressed also Almendarez, his anticipation in exploring straExecutive Director of BELTRAIDE, Comtegic partnerships as EXPO an integral missioner General for Dubai, partEvan of Tillett, Belize’s transformational Mr. Director Belize Tourism Board and to Ms.leapfrog Nikki Augustine, Marapproach sustainable keting Communications humanand development for theManager beneof Deputy Commissioner fit BELTRAIDE, of the country and region. General.

14 2021

THE BELIZE BELIZE TIMES TIMES THE

19 DEC

Progress in Port Loyola

5 DEC

2021 23

LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICES Notice is hereby given that Shuxian Su is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Blue Rainbow Shop” located at # 74 Cemetery Road, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Samantha Munoz is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Krazzy Kups” located at # 3645 Philip Goldson Highway, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

By Representative Hon. Gilroy Usher Notice is hereby given that With the support of the Belize Luis Gonzalez is applying for Restaurant Liquor Councilor License toMiCitya Council especially operated “TJ’s” located cah be Goodin who at is responsible for at san# 2 Bethias Lane, Orange Walk itation, there will be a special cleanup Town, Orange Walk District uncampaign in the Jane Usher Area of der the Intoxicating Liquor Li-the Portcense LoyolaOrdinance Division this Saturday Revised Edi-and tion 1980. Sunday December 4th and 5th to remove all debris from the neighborhood Notice is hereby given that Soincluding old household items, tires, layra De Los Angeles Chan is treeapplying branches, for andaother Beersimilar Liquorthings. LiAll residents of the cense to be operated at Jane “A & UshK er area of thelocated divisionat are Mini Shop” # 27therefore Dunn Street, Orange Town, Orencouraged to put Walk out all discarded ange Walk District under items from their yards by Fridaythe night Intoxicating Liquor License Ordifor nance PICKUPRevised this Saturday and Sunday Edition 1980. December 4th and 5th. It isisalso goodgiven news that that scores Notice hereby Belize Brewing Ltd. as is applying of youths in PortCo. Loyola well as the fornine a Convenience other divisions in Store BelizeLiquor City are License to be operated at “Naygainfully employed in a special Apprenbaz Store” located on Stadium ticeship Program with Street, Orangethat’s Walkorganized Town, Orthe ange supportWalk of several G.o.B. Ministries District under the Intoxicating to Liquor of government cleanLicense up theirOrdineighnance Revised Editionthat’s 1980.greatly borhoods. This initiative appreciated by the youths and it will Notice is hereby given that Belast lize at least for the months Brewing Co.next Ltd. three is applying through the Christmas season. for a Convenience Store Liquor With toArea Representative Hon. License be operated at “Naybaz Store” located at Miles 53 Gilroy Usher, Councilor Micah Goodin, Philip Goldson Highway, Or- in several other councilors, and youths ange Walk Town, Orange Walk the District Apprenticeship Program all working under the Intoxicating Litogether, the Port Loyola community quor License Ordinance Revised is being improved Edition 1980.one day at a time. Notice is hereby given that Belize Brewing Co. Ltd. is applying for a Convenience Store Liquor License to be operated at “Naybaz Store” located at # 24 San Anotnio Road, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Belize Brewing Co. Ltd. is applying for a Convenience Store Liquor License to be operated at “Naybaz Store” located in Trial Farm Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH & WELLNESS INVITATION TO BID

INVITATION TO TENDER: EXTERNAL PROCUREMENT NOTICEAUDIT SERVICES The University of Belize invites tenderers to submit proposals for the provision of external audit services for up to four (4) years beginning with its recently concluded fiscal year ended July 31, 2021.

The Ministry of Health & Wellness (MOHW) hereby invites eligible and qualified I. Background bidders to submit sealed bids for COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test Standard Q. The University of Belize (UB) is the nation’s national, multi-location institution committed to excellence in higher education, research and service for nationalbidders development. a catalyst of change,the it provides All interested are As asked to contact secretary in the Office of the relevant, affordable and accessible educational and training programs Chief Executive Officer, Health freedom, & Wellness, Third Floor, East that address national needs basedMinistry on principlesof of academic equity, transparency, merit and accountability. UB has a current Block Building, Belmopan (Tel. 822-2325) for the Instruction to Bidders and enrolment of over 4,600 students and just over 107 million dollars in assets. UB’sdocuments. main campus isEligible in Belmopan City andmust it has be campuses at relevant Bidders in accordance with Ministry of three other locations in the country.

Health & Wellness requirements as indicated in the Instruction to Bidders. A II. Scope of Audit Services fee $200.00 madeaudit payable to will thereview Government utilizing Fees for The of successful external provider and audit Treasury the financial records and record keeping processes at UB, including the for the acquisition of the Bidding Documents - 18017/11617/130/24 is required financial statements and related notes produced by management and express an audit opinion on those records beginning with fiscal year endmust July 31,be2021. The external services provider expected Tender Package. The receipt presented to audit the secretary at theis point ofto consult with the staff of the Budget & Finance department during the period of the engagement and collecting thetoPackage. will be expected review UB’s internal controls and processes arrangement, and express an opinion on their adequacy. Particular attention may need to be paid to the integrity and security of the computerbased records system. The successful external audit provider will be expected to meet with members of management, with the Audit Committee of UB’s Board of Trustees and with the full Board of Trustees, The Tenderand Package must collected from the Chief Executive Officer’s as required, share with thembe such comments and recommendations, orally or in writing,(CEO) as may be appropriate or indicated. A written Management Letter or Letter of Recommendations is expected to be Secretary – Ministry & Wellness, East Block, Belmopan on Decemprovided to UB, along with of theHealth formal audit opinion on the financial statements and accounts at the end th rd of the audit. ber 20 – 23 2021 between the hours of 8AM to 4PM. All tender submissions UB reserves the right to reject any tender and to suspend this call for tenders at any time, and will not be responsible for any costs associated the preparation of that must be returned to the CEO with Secretary - Ministry ofcandidate/s Health &bid. Wellness no later

than Friday December 24th, 2021 Bids are to be addressed and delivered to: at 10AM. Late bids will be rejected. Please be

The President, University of Belize prepared to submit Administration Building relevant Hummingbird Avenue

samples immediately upon request.

19 DEC

THE BELIZE TIMES

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

Date

LA POINTIQUE INT'L LTD.

30th November, 2021

MASS GAIN LTD.

30th November, 2021

BENEFIT GATHERING INC.

30th November, 2021

VAST FOCUS LIMITED

30th November, 2021

GenPro Consulting (Belize) Limited Registered Agent

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

Date

AFRICAN FOREST CONSULTING LTD.

03rd December, 2021

ZEMET HOLDING CORPORATION

10th December, 2021

UNICE CORPORATION LTD.

10th December, 2021

OPTIMUMTREND COMPANY S.A.

10th December, 2021

BULGROW PROJECT S.A.

10th December, 2021

Icaza Belize Trust Corporation Limited Registered Agent

NOTICE OF COMMENCEMENT OF DISSOLUTION

Notice is hereby given to all interested parties that the company GOLDCREST ENTERPRISES LIMITED (“the Company”) incorporated under the IBC Act of Belize commenced dissolution on the 06th day of December, 2021; and Diarmuid O’Connell of Moore, 3rd Floor, Ulysses House, Foley Street, Dublin 1 is the Liquidator of the Company, and any claims against the company should be forwarded to the Liquidator within 30 days from commencement. Belize Corporate Services Limited Registered Agent

NOTICE OF COMMENCEMENT OF DISSOLUTION

Notice is hereby given to all interested parties that the company CIMA DEVELOPMENT INC. (“the Company”) incorporated under the IBC Act of Belize commenced dissolution on the 09th day of December, 2021; and Ms. Sandra Hew Khee of C239, Block C, the Junction Business Hub, Calebasses, Mauritiusis the Liquidator of the Company, and any claims against the company should be forwarded to the Liquidator within 30 days from commencement. Icaza Belize Trust Corporation Limited Registered Agent

2021

NOTICE Mega Selection Corp. #112,367 (“the Company”)

Pursuant to Section 102(4) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, notice is hereby given that Mega Selection Corp.: a) is in dissolution b) commenced dissolution on the 8th day of December, 2021; and c) Areti Palate whose address is 4, Taygetou Street, 6057 Larnaca, Cyprus is the Liquidator of the Company CILTrust International Limited Registered Agent

19 DEC

2021

GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE SIGNS ONTO THE REGIONAL 2022-2026 UNITED NATIONS MULTI-COUNTRY SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION FRAMEWORK

On December 9, 2021, Hon. Eamon Courtenay, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, and Immigration of Belize, and Ms. Birgit Gerstenberg, United Nations Resident Coordinator (RC) for Belize and El Salvador, signed the 20222026 United Nations Multi-Country Sustainable Development Framework (MSDCF) at a ceremony at the Leigh Richardson Building in Belmopan. In his remarks, Foreign Minister Courtenay highlighted the synergies between the framework and Belize’s national development strategies and called for a focus on participatory governance mechanisms to improve development efforts. Ms. Gerstenberg affirmed that this new strategic partnership will help to accelerate action during the next five years on common development priorities. The 2022-2026 UN MSDCF is the strategic framework that represents the UN’s collective response to addressing the common development challenges of the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean. It provides a common platform for development cooperation to Belize that is strongly rooted and linked to national priorities. The framework prioritizes outcomes in the region in four areas: economic resilience and shared prosperity; equality and wellbeing; resilience to climate change shocks and sustainable natural resource management; and peace, safety, justice, and the rule of law. These outcomes will be pursued in Belize by 19 UN agencies, both resident and non-resident, working together with national and international development partners, including governments, civil society, and private sector. This is the second generation of this regional framework. Belize is the first of the 18 countries in the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean to officially launch the new UN MSDCF.

Public Notice

December 16, 2021

Notice to Bus Operators

The Department of Transport (DOT) hereby informs all bus operators that the DOT is currently reviewing and updating all operators’ files and accounts. To this end, the department requests that all operators with a current outstanding balance for Road Service Permit (RSP) kindly visit the office to settle outstanding arrears or arrange a payment plan by January 15, 2022. Failure to do so can result in the suspension or non-renewal of the RSP. This comes as part of the department’s mandate to transform the public transportation sector as recommended by the National Comprehensive Transportation Master Plan for Belize. The department thanks bus operators who have updated their accounts.

THE BELIZE TIMES LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICES Notice is hereby given that Rory Guity & Sherima Guity are applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Tacos Don Carlos” located at # 115 Freetown Road, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Shao Qing Huang is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Vista Restaurant” located at # 632 Vista Del Mar, Ladyville Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Zhang Qiang Zhu is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Fantaxia Restaurant” located at # 6 Queen Charlotte Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Xiaoli Zhao & Wilson Chi Leung Cheng are applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Pandora Cafe” located at # 2136 St. Thomas Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Liyu Zhu is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “JoJohn Shop” located at # 22 Lovely Lane, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Zhiqiang Huang is applying for a Convenience Store Liquor License to be operated at “Everyday Supermarket” located at Miles 15 ¾ George Price Highway, Hattieville Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Zhengrong Kuang is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Jan Kang Shop & Fast Food” located at # 38 Iguana Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Douglas Young is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “Deep Sea Marlin” located at # 13 Regent Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Sandra Eliesen is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “S & R Variety Store” located at # 7074 Racoon Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Jose Sanchez is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Sanchez Shop” located in Maskall Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Jia Mao Yao is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “We Hardware & Construction Supplies” located at # 1 Mitchell Estate, Ladyville, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Mario Ayuso is applying for a Malt & Cider Liquor License to be operated at “Aisha’s Mini Market” located at # 4 1st Street, King’s Park, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Juliana Reyes is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Zeta Belmopan” located in Belmopan City, Cayo District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Shahida Vega is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Bellavi’s Bistro” located at # 7560 Dolce Delight Street, Belmopan City, Cayo District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Keisha Zuniga is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Lakers Mini Mart” located at # 8371 Lawrence Avenue, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Huerta Ramirez is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Mexican TacosEl Chapito” located in Ladyville Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Maritza Villanueva is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Karina’s Lounge” located at # 8 Apollo Street , Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Jose Lopez is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Dougg’S Country Shop” located in Maskall Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that William & Rosa Calderon are applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Willy’s Mini Mart” located in Lucky Strike Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Audibaldo Monima is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Signature Deck” located at # 17 Farmers Market, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Audibaldo Monima is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Signature Restaurant & Pub ” located at # 2 Dolphin Drive, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Juanita Banner is applying for a Malt & Cider Liquor License to be operated at “Panchie’s” located in Willow’s Bank Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Fredy A. Pensamiento is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “The Iguana Stop” located in Burrell Boom Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Hortense Vaughan is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “T & V Grocery Shop” located at Res. Merva Theus Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

25 Notice is hereby given that Erlin Moore is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “Wish Willy Bar & Grill” located in Caye Caulker, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Alita Gentle is applying for a Malt & Cider Liquor License to be operated at “Gentle Cool Spot” located in Gales Point Manatee Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Juan Carlos Dussan is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “P Market Super Market” located at # 26 Nargusta Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Juan Carlos Dussan is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “PMarket ” located at # 609/10 Philip Goldson Highway, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Juan Carlos Dussan is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Public Super Market” located at # 49 West Canal, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Tie Toe War is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Ti Toe Fast Food” located at # 3635 Fabers Road, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Stella Blasi Velu is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Sumathi Indian Restaurant” located at # 19 Baymen Avenue, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that R & B Group Ltd. is applying for a Malt & Cider Liquor License to be operated at “Mapp Street Market Place” located at # 2 Mapp Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Zhuoyang Huang is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Lord’s Bank Fast Food” located in Lord’s Bank Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Zhuoyang Huang is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Quick Meal” located at #7 Mitchell Estate, Ladyville Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Penghui Li is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “YBF Shop” located at # 2A Johnson Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

26 2021 5 DEC

THE BELIZE TIMES

21 2021

19 DEC

STRENGTHENING OF TAX ADMINISTRAION TERMS OF REFERENCE FINANCIAL OFFICER DUTY STATION: Belize City, Belize PROJECT NUMBER: BL-L1031

(h) Preparing and submitting to the Bank, the expense reports and supporting documentation, along with the requests for advances of funds.

I. BACKGROUND

(i) Maintaining an adequate filing system for the Programs’ financial records (budget, accounting and treasury), including the payment records, among others.

1.1 The Government of Belize, through the Ministry of Finance (MOF) is embarking towards the modernisation of the tax administration by merging the existing Income Tax Department (ITD) and the Department of General Sales Tax (DGST) into a single function-based tax administration, and procuring and implementing a new Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS). 1.2 In order to facilitate the process, the Tax Modernization Program was initiated and comprises of five main projects/components including: (a) Communication and Change Management; (b) Organization/Human Resources (HR)/Infrastructure; (c) Business Processes Re-engineering; (d) Legislative Framework; and (e) Information Technology. These will be implemented in phases, with the existing core areas of the ITD and DGST operating as the new, consolidated functional organization, the Belize Tax Service (BTS). 1.3 To support this endeavor, the GOB has requested the support of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to fund a five-year project, “Strengthening of Tax Administration” (BL-L1031). The main objective of the Project is to strengthen Belize’s tax administration aimed at increasing tax revenue collection, through the following specific objectives: (a) increasing the effectiveness of the Government to collect taxes, through improvement in the tax administration governance and; (b) increasing tax administration efficiency, through improvement in the operational processes and modernization of the technological infrastructure. 1.4 The MOF is responsible for the implementation of the overall Belize Tax Modernization Program and, for this purpose it has established a Program Management Office (PMO) under the Office of the Financial Secretary to support the implementation of the Program along with the consolidation of the BTS. The MoF is the Executing Agency (EA) of BL-L1031. For this purpose, a Project Executing Unit (PEU) is established in the PMO with concrete technical, administrative, financial, control and planning, monitoring and evaluation responsibilities for the IDB-funded initiative. 1.5 In this regard, a vacancy exists for the Financial Officer for the PEU under a contractual arrangement with the MOF, and as part of the BL-L1031 initiative. II. OBJECTIVE AND SCOPE OF WORK 2.1 he objective of the position it to lead the overall financial management responsibilities of the Project (i.e. accounting, budget administration, treasury, and asset management), and for ensuring the presence of the necessary control environment for effective and transparent financial reporting in compliance with IDB and national regulations. 2.2 The Financial Officer is responsible for the overall financial management and administration aspects of BL-L1031, by leading and executing the fiduciary functions for all components of the Project in accordance with national legislative requirements and the financial management policies and ethical code of the IDB and the GOB. In particular the Financial Officer: (a) ensures that appropriate financial and accounting systems and controls are implemented so that all Project activities are executed in accordance with the applicable MOF and the Bank’s financial and accounting requirements; and (b) assists the Project Coordinator with monitoring Project activities to meet the stipulated Project objectives, transparency and accountability requirements as they relate to the planned expenditures and asset allocation. III.

RESPONSIBILITIES/ACTIVITIES

3.1 The main responsibilities of the Financial Officer include, among others: (a) Reviewing all documentation relating to the Project; and, be informed on the Program Operation Manual (POM), the Loan Contract, the Procurement Plan (PP), the Annual Operational Plan (AOP), the Project Execution Plan (PEP), and the initial Disbursement Projection Table. (a) Managing, in an effective and transparent manner, the financial resources of the Project (b) Preparing the “Chart of Accounts” of the Project and submitting it for consideration and non-objection of the Bank. (c) Maintaining the payment and budgetary records of the Project in the SmartStream system/ platform, following the guidelines of the MOF, and implementing a parallel Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platform to maintain the accounting, budgetary and treasury records of the Program (including the general ledger) as well as the preparation of financial reports. (d) Maintaining the registration and control of all fixed assets purchased with resources of the Project, through the deployment of the applicable Fixed Assets Module of the ERP platform. Specifically, conducting the following actions: (a) the official recording of the assets upon delivery, receipt and acceptance by the MOF/PEU, following internal procedures, and in compliance with the Stores Orders of 1968; (b) the provision and attachment of official identification numbers or codes (preferable electronic/bar coding); (c) the allocation of each assets to a department, division or unit of the MOF, along with the identification of the person/position responsible for its use and safeguard; (d) the tracking of movements of the assets, being geographically or internally in the Ministry; (e) the write off of assets that may be deemed unserviceable, based on the inspection of a commission of representatives of the MOF and the PEU, and subject to the approval by the IDB, based on the recommendations of an independent external auditor; (f) the verification of the conditions of the fixed assets no less than once per fiscal year, and previous to the closing of the Project’s financial statements; and (g) the execution of internal control procedures for spot checks conducted by independent personnel of the MOF and PEU, not responsible for their use and/or safeguard. (e) Preparing and updating the Project’s Financial Plan for calendar year and Fiscal year, including the investment and disbursement plans in accordance to Pluri-Annual Execution Plan/Project Execution Plan (PEP), the Annual Operational Plan (AOP), and the Procurement Plan (PP). (f) Following applicable national and internal procedures, executing through the Treasury Single Account (TSA) the payments, transfers and disbursement of resources to cover the Program’s eligible expenses to contractors, goods and services providers, consultants, and other. (g) Preparing and submitting, for consideration of the IDB, the bi-annual budget execution reports and financial statements in formats agreed with the Bank and classified by component and product/activity.

(j) Contracting the annual independent external audits, following IDB norms and procedures. 3.2 Specific financial management activities include: (a) Review the Project Operations Manual (POM), the PEP, the AOP, the PP and other Project documents to ensure complete and comprehensive understanding of the intended goals, activities and results of the Project, including their financial planning and management implications. (b) Review the IDB financial management policies and GOB financial regulations to ensure full understanding and familiarity with the payment processes and requirements and controls, following the purchase and contracting of goods, works and services nationally and internationally. (c) Manage, update and maintain the accounting system to allow for the identification of the sources and uses of Project funds and reporting in line with standard and generally accepted financial management requirements based on Bank and GOB policies and procedures. (d) Provide for the effective administration of the Project’s financial/budget control system. (e) Prepare the Project’s annual budget by component and consolidated, along with Disbursement Schedule, Financial Plan and other, and work in collaboration with the PEU’s Procurement Specialist to contribute to the drafting of the annual PP with respect to costs and expenditures. (f) Maintain updated financial statements and audit reports to support disbursement requests to the Bank, and work with PMO and PEU personnel to prepare the justification of expenses from previous disbursements, according to component activities contained in the Financial Plan and the Advance of Funds. (g) Provide guidance to the PMO and PEU team with respect to eligible and ineligible expenses according to the Loan Contract. (h) Provide regular updates to the PMO/PEU management team on Project budget status, with attention to tracking and monitoring budget expenses, Project financial benchmarks and results, against the PEP, AOP, PP and overall Financial Plan. (i) Coordinate with personnel of the MOF for the implementation and execution of the payment system, taking into consideration process controls, signatories, authorizations and other. (j) Provide for the execution of payments to contractors and goods and services providers, following the stipulations contained in the POM, while aiming at an effective compliance with time cycle requirements and targets. 3.3 Specific financial monitoring and reporting activities include: (a) Establish and maintain adequate financial, accounting, and internal control systems to allow for effective monitoring and reporting on, among others, planned versus actual budget execution on a continual basis. (b) Prepare payment requests and corresponding expenditure reports and financial statements as per requirements, and any other financial documents necessary in close liaison with the MOF. (c) Prepare and review notes, reports and presentations for the IDB, the PMO, Financial Secretary, and PSC as necessary. (d) Coordinate and cooperate with the independent external auditing firm on an annual basis and ensure submission of annual audited financial statements within 120 days of close of each fiscal year (i.e. 31st July) and at Project completion within 120 days after last disbursement. (e) Provide monitoring and oversight as required to the financial administration of Project activities, in conjunction with technical specialists of the MOF, PMO and PEU. (f) Work with the Procurement Specialist and the Project Coordinator to prepare regular updates to the PEP (in MS Project and excel), AOP, and PP and corresponding Financial Plan and inform on the quarterly Project status reports to MOF. (g) Follow-up and reporting to the Project Coordinator and Program Manager as required, ensuring status updates, and timely preparation of periodic financial reports for presentation to the PSC and other management instances. (h) Maintain and inventory of all assets and investments of the Project in coordination with the financial and administrative officers of the MOF. 3.4 The Financial Officer shall undertake his/her work with the guidance of and coordination with the MOF and the PMO, and in accordance with the Loan Contract, annual work plan, and IDB financial management and procurement policies and in compliance with GOB regulations. Finally, the Financial Officer will provide the necessary support to team members of the PMO, PEU and MOF with respect to payment requests, financial reporting, and information sharing. IV. REPORTS/DELIVERABLES 4.1 The Financial Officer will be responsible for preparing/updating the following reports which are considered recurrent deliverables or responsibilities: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h)

Chart of Accounts. Financial Plan. Annual Budget. Monthly and quarterly financial reports. Annual Financial Statements Cash flow projections. Filed accounting records. Payment of Invoices and recording.

Continued page22 27 Continued onon page

22 2021

19 DEC

27 2021 5 DEC

THE BELIZE TIMES

U.S. Embassy and Government of Belize Hold PAHO/WHO SECTOR and UNAIDS urge PUBLIC eliminating inequalities to end AIDS Bilateral Meeting on National Security Priorities VACCINE MANDATE GOAL: Eliminating AIDS by 2030 New HIV infections in Latin America Belmopan, December 9, 2021 have not declined from 2010 to 2020 while The Minister the Public Service, Conreduction in theof Caribbean is not on track to stitutional and Political Reform, Honormeet targets. Accelerating introduction and able Henry Charles Usher,and Thetreatment Minister scale-up of new prevention of Health Honorable methods forand the Wellness, most at-risk populationMiis key to getting track and overcoming chel Chebatback andonthe President of the challenges posedUnion, by the COVID-19 Public Service Mr. Dean pandemFlowers ic.met on December 8, 2021, to discuss On the eve of World AIDS this the vaccine mandate issued lastDay month December 1, the Pan American Health Orby the Government of Belize. Present ganization (PAHO/WHO) and the Joint Unitthe meeting was Chief Executive edatNations Program onthe HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) Officer of the Ministry of theofPublic emphasized that the number new SerHIV vice, Constitutional and Political Reform, infections has not declined in a decade in Mr. America. Rolando The Zetina, and the members Latin organizations urged increased toExecutive reach the goal of eliminatof the action Union’s Team. ing AIDS after it almost years of At by the2030, meeting was two agreed that disruptions to the COVID-19 pandemic. based onduescience, vaccination does “Endprotection inequalities. End Covid AIDS.”19 is and the provide against theme of this year’s World AIDS Day, which that a growing body of evidence has focuses on confronting the inequities that shown that vaccines are safetoand effecdrive AIDS and hinder access essential tive against the disease. HIV services, especially for those most afwas fectedItand leftfurther behind.agreed that the vaccine“HIV mandate, which was to come into does not affect everyone equally.effect There are at higher of becomon people December 15, risk 2021, for all ing infected, who will continue to face stigma public officers, be postponed until and discrimination, and who do not access

the crisis,” she said. COVID-19 and HIV: the achievement of targets at risk In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic impacted HIV services, compromising treatthe prevention methods or care they need, ment availability and disrupting delivery of such time it is deemed fit and and that is unacceptable,” said PAHO Direc- services. Those included prevention activiunavoidable. tor Carissa F. Etienne. “If we want to end ties, HIV testing (which fell 34% from 2019) and Government AIDS,The we Union must focus on those most at risk, and testing for other sexually transmitted of Belize will work together of to new and infections (STIs), as well as antiretroviral on accelerating the introduction compilediagnostic statistics, and suchprevention as the meth- December existing therapy 14, among diagnosed individ2021,newly Belmopan – The U.S. Emods, and on of ensuring early public access to the uals,theaccording to of data from 20 countries. bassy and Government Belize hosted a bilateral percentage vaccinated most effective ” sherate said. The pandemic also (pre-expomeeting today to discuss thedelayed full rangePrEP of U.S. - Belize officers, Covidtreatment, 19 infection to WHO and morUNAIDS estiprophylaxis) implementation. securitysure cooperation and shared democracy goals. The withinAccording the Public Service, mates, 2.4 million living with HIV PAHO/WHO UNAIDS warn that two sides reviewed securityand developments and reaftality rate amongpeople publicare officers in Latin America and the Caribbean. Eightyand of theenhanced number coordination of positive on refirmed as thetesting importance and the sickness benefit costs one percent of them have been diagnosed. sults are efforts reduced, there is significant risk counternarcotics and strengthening citizen and associated the disease Of those, 65%with have received treatment and a setback in progress toward elimination border of security in Belize. thus far. 60% had a suppressed viral load. Mean- The goals. Both was organizations believe commeeting attended by U.S. that Embassy by the outcome while,Guided AIDS deaths fell 27% since 2010 and health services and need to be Chargémunity-based d’Affaires, a.i. Leyla Moses-Ones Political/ of percentage the research and based on who got the of people with HIV strengthened and Narcotics adequately to be Economic and International andfunded Law Enforcetheir diagnosis late dropped from 33%ment in Affairs the first of Andie battle De against stigma, plac(INL)line Chief Arment. The Belize the data collected, the parties 2016 25% last ing included people Minister and their humanAffairs rights at Kathe delegation of Home Hon. havetoagreed toyear. work together “To endand AIDS by 2030, we ur- Musa, center of the response to the Chief Executive Officers withpandemic. responsibility to promote encourage the must reem gently end enforcement the economic,ofsocial, However, medications for for Security and Defence,dispensing Kevin L. Arthurs and Brigadier effective the cultural and legal inequalities that drive AIDS and months at a time, telehealth, onGeneralmultiple (Ret’d) Dario Tapia, Director of Immigration Debsafety protocols and whenevother pandemics in our region,” said Alejanline appointments, self-testing,Estella mailing and ra Baptist-Estrada, Customs Comptroller Leslie, er Corao, deemed unavoidable and in Director dra UNAIDS Acting Regional homeCommandant delivery of RADM medications, and and new Coast Guard Elton Bennett, theLatin bestAmerica interest of “While for andand thesafety Caribbean. models ofofPolice community-driven Commissioner Chester Williams. care Other have key public officers and the public there is a perception that a period of crisis helped HIV also services during the U.S. and Belizeansustain officials were in attendance. to effect the gradual iswe notserve, the most appropriate time to prioritize Chargé COVID-19 pandemic. d’Affaires Moses-Ones underscored, addressing underlying social injustices, it“Fostering is Self-testing, and appropriate citizen security andPrEP strengthening the rule of introduction of a vaccine manclear law is atreatment key pillar of the partnership between the Unitdate.that until this one is resolved, we must redouble our efforts in order to overcome concerned about confidened States andPeople Belize. From assistance on countering

tiality of diagnosis or who are usually not reached with conventional testing can now know their HIV status through self-testing in their homes. PAHO and UNAIDS recommend this testing method - which until now was only introduced by national programs in ten countries in the region. The organizations are promoting PrEP in this year’s World AIDS Day campaign. Since 2015, PAHO and UNAIDS have recommended ofprofesPrEP, trafficking in personsthe and introduction illicit narcotics, to which can be taken by those who are not sionalizing forensics labs, to equipping law enforcelivingand with HIV but at high conment customs withare vehicles, and risk muchofmore, tracting This is population 92% the Unitedit. States committedaccounts to standingfor togethnewour HIV casesBelize, in Latin America and 68% erofwith partner, to create safer streets in the Only ten”countries in the and moreCaribbean. resilient communities. region have publicHon. policies the provision In his remarks, Musafor expressed, “It is ofsecret PrEP,that twothe more thanorganized in 2019. no issuecountries of transnational Without boosting PrEP, the is unlikely crimes is more complicated andregion multifaceted than to achieve enoughtoreduction in take new advaninfecever, as it continues increase and tions AIDS by 2030. imposed by the tage of to theend economic implications Ensuring early treatment with that the COVID-19 pandemic.Therefore, it is reassuring most is also reducwe are effective not in this drugs fight alone, butcritical insteadtowith the ing transmission and saving lives. continued strong relations between ourHowever, countries many countries are lagging adopting the we will fight the organized criminalinelements while antiretroviral dolutegravir as part of expanding on Belize’s vision for(DTG) a safe and secure the preferred treatmentand recommended by Belize with its sovereignty territorial integrity WHO. intact. ” In most countries in the region, the number people on a treatment Belizeofand the United States hostregimen bilateral with thisonantiretroviral – which is more efmeetings a bi-annual basis to seek ways for fective, easier to take hasand fewer side increased cooperation on and national regional effectsissues. than others – does exceed 50%. security Since 2009, thenot United States has People more livingthan withUS HIV who havetoan undeprovided $34.8 million advance tectable viral load cannot transmit the virus. security in Belize.

STRENGTHENING OF TAX ADMINISTRAION TERMS OF REFERENCE

Continued Continued from from page page 26 21

FINANCIAL OFFICER

(i) Internal and external audit responses and actions. (j) Financial administration analysis and recommendations. (k) POM (financial management section). (l) Fixed Asset allocation reports (m) Other. V. QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE 5.1

Education and Experience:

Academic Qualification: Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Financial Auditing, or other related fields with an equivalent recognized qualification in Accounting. General Experience: • Three (3) years minimum working since obtaining academic degree Specific Experience: • Three (3) years relevant working experience in Financial Management and Office/Records Management. Proven experience working in a similar capacity for a project financed by a multi-lateral institution such as the IDB will be an asset • One (1) year experience working with QuickBooks • One (1) year experience working in Microsoft Project OR Academic Qualification: An Associate’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Financial Auditing, or other related fields with an equivalent recognized qualification in Accounting. General Experience: • Three (3) years minimum working since obtaining academic degree Specific Experience: • Five (5) years relevant working experience in Financial Management, and Office/Records Management. Proven experience working in a similar capacity for a project financed by a multi-lateral institution such as the IDB will be an asset • One (1) year experience working with QuickBooks • One (1) year experience working in Microsoft Project 5.2

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

(a) Excellent computer skills using Microsoft Office (b) Working knowledge of internationally accepted accounting principles, guidelines and best practices is required; (c) Working knowledge of Belize’s Taxation Regime, as well as all relevant financial and procurement-based policies, procedures and/or regulations; (d) Ability to prepare, analyze, interpret, and evaluate financial reports and accounting records while being detail-orientated, meticulous, and accurate in all aspects of the job; (e) Task orientated and able to prioritize projects, multitask and meet tight deadlines; (f) Fluent in written and spoken English with the ability to express data in a concise and clear manner; (g) Team player and possess strong self-motivation and initiative; (h) Sound decision making skills and objectivity with the proven ability to act with confidentiality and discretion; (i) In-depth knowledge of auditing and accounting principles, and a general awareness of financial practices and procedures of government and private/public initiatives and operations; (j) Professional, honest and display strong business ethics and integrity; and

(k) Experience with the Government of Belize Smart Stream platform will be of significant benefit. VI. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS 6.1 The Financial Officer reports to the Project Coordinator of the PEU. He/she shall work in close coordination with the staff of the MOF and especially the members of the PMO, the BTS and the Financial Officer of the Ministry. VII.

COMPENSATION

7.1 The Financial Officer will be paid a monthly salary to be established during the contracting process. 7.2 Given the staff-like tasks and responsibilities of the PEU personnel, reports (deliverables) do not apply. Instead, performance assessment reports from the supervisor. VIII.

APPLICATIONS

8.1 CRITERIA for SELECTION Consultants will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the Inter-American Development Bank: Policies for the Selection and Contracting of Consultants financed by the Inter-American Development Bank GN-2350-15 section 5 – individual consultants and is open to all eligible candidates as defined in the IDB policies. The individual consultant will be selected based on their experience and competence relevant to the assignment and most appropriate qualifications and references in accordance with the Comparison of Qualifications method set out in the Consultant Policies. 8.2 APPLICATION PROCEDURES: Expression of Interest package should contain: (i) Cover letter briefly explaining interest, experience, and competence of the consultant (ii) Comprehensive resume (iii) Copy of degrees/certificates (iv) List of at least two references (v) Proof of nationality: copy of documentation of nationality Qualified Consultant should submit their application via e-mail to michelle.longsworth@bts. gov.bz marked STAP- Financial Officer in the subject header, or submit hardcopy before or on Friday, December 31, 2021 by 3:00 p.m. to the following address: Director General Belize Tax Service Department Strengthening of Tax Administration Project Charles Bartlett Hyde Building Mahogany Street, Belize City Tel: 501-222-5114 For clarifications kindly contact: Procurement Specialist Project Executing Unit Strengthening of Tax Administration Project Charles Bartlett Hyde Building Mahogany Street, Belize City Tel: 501-222-5114/E-mail: stephanie.pouchie@mof.gov.bz

THE BELIZE TIMES

19 DEC

2021

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