Belize Times December 5, 2021- GOB to BSI/ASR: Start the Cane Season

The Belize Times

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THE BELIZE TIMES

5 DEC

2021

Established 1957

5 DECEMBER 2021 | ISSUE NO: 5278

The Truth Shall Make You Free

www.facebook/belizetimes | $1.00

GOB TO BSI/ASR: START THE CANE SEASON

…current Commercial Agreement should be extended by the parties for not more than six months Belize Salutes the Visionary and Resolute Leadership of Government, and Boldness of the People of Barbados

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MHW I GOT VACCINATED!!

New Incentive Raffle New Vax Pass App Pg. 11 The New Belize

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CLOUD OF SUSPICION OVER OFFICE OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS

Belize National Day In Dubai

Pg. 8 1 December 2021 - World AIDS Day

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5 DEC

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021 Tourist Board supports Small Business and New Entrepreneurs

Cabinet Brief Belmopan. 1st December 2021. 7:00 p.m.

The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño, met in regular session on 30th November 2021.

• The Minister of Education, Culture, Science & Technology informed Cabinet that plans are in place for the reopening of schools for some level of in-person learning in January 2022. In this connection, all schools are required to apply for green light status from the ministry prior to the opening of schools in January.

• With the increase of flights into Belize and the start of the 2021 tourism season, during which record high arrivals are anticipated at the Philip Goldson International Airport, Cabinet gave the approval for the Ministry of the Blue Economy and Civil Aviation to employ eight new persons to begin training as air traffic controllers.

• Cabinet deliberated on the status of the sugar industry in northern Belize and discussed the ongoing impasse between the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association and Belize Sugar Industry Limited (BSI/ASR) regarding the Commercial Agreement and views it as critical that the 2021-2022 sugar cane harvest begins in December 2021. In this regard, Cabinet issued a statement explaining its position and recommendations to the stakeholders.

• Cabinet recommended the introduction of a Loan Motion at the Sitting of the House of Representatives scheduled for Friday, 3rd December 2021, for a US$2.5 million loan from the Caribbean Development Bank to assist government with the financing of emergency restoration of critical infrastructure as a result of damages caused by hurricanes Eta and Iota.

• Cabinet welcomed the report on Belize’s participation at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Twenty-Sixth Conference of Parties (COP26) that was held in Glasgow, Scotland, which saw the strong participation of Belize as an advocate for greater action to address pressing and urgent needs to confront the increasing impacts of climate change on the development of the nation. Additionally, Cabinet applauded the selection of the National Climate Change Office to the Adaptation Committee of the UNFCCC, and Dr. Kenrick Williams, CEO in the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change & Disaster Risk Management to the Board of the Adaptation Fund.

• Cabinet was updated on the status of vaccinations and the number of vaccines available in Belize. Currently, there are more than 319,108 vaccines available. As of 29th November 2021, 209,176 persons or 48.6 percent had received at least one dose of the vaccine and 194,398 or 45.1 percent have been fully vaccinated. This represents about 67 percent of the adult population vaccinated, an indication that the nation is moving in the right direction.

Cabinet also approved free testing for all students returning home during the month of December through the land borders.

Considering the discovery of the new COVID-19 variant, OMICRON, Cabinet gave its approval for new regulations to be implemented for persons from countries where this new variant has been detected who are entering Belize through the airport and through land borders and seaports of entry. These will be a part of the updated Public Health Regulations which will be released later this week.

• 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 five 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.

Statistics are showing that Belize is entering a robust Tourism season. It seems that pandemic-weary travellers are ready to burst out of their lockdowns and Belize is one of the main tourist magnets due to many geographic and safety reasons. The BTB is defeintely at the helm of making sure that the message of accessibility, safety and readiness resounds out there.

New airlines coming through with their promise to make Belize a destination is making Minister Mahler, the BTB, Civil Aviation and everyone involved part of tourism success. Belize being safe and ready does not automatically translate to arrivals; there is a ton of work to be done and this shows up in job numbers skyrocketing especially in Belize City.

Specifically, the Minister of Civil Aviation In a short ceremony on Tuesday December 1, 2021, The Belize Tourism Board, announced the winner of their first Innovation Challenge. Cognizant of the importance of supporting small businesses and budding entrepeneurs, BTB launched this initiative in early September, under the theme “INNOVATION CHALLENGE: TRANSFORMING TOURISM FOR THE FUTURE”..

The objective of this initiative was to provide the financial support to a Belize local academia that pitched a viable innovative business plan for a product or service that will create significant returns for Belize’s tourism industry.

With a total of 12 entries; narrowed to 5 finalists, Mr. Einar Marin emerged victorious, copping the $10,000 cash prize. Mr. Marin, the owner of Bleu by Einar Marin, has a Bachelor’s Degree in Gastronomy from Le Cordon Bleu Mayab in Merida, Mexico. He also has six months of experience from Nizuc Resort & Spa in Cancun, Mexico and six months of experience from Oriol Balaguer, a worldwide known Pastry Chef from

Barcelona, Spain.

He currently creates entremets, European style pastries and breads such as croissants, brioche donuts, sourdough, Mexican style breads and seasonal breads such as Hot Cross Buns and Pan de Muerto, using local ingredients.

In today’s ceremony, Mr. Marin noted, “Bleu by Einar Marin is dedicated to becoming the first Belizean pastry shop to offer modern and creative European style desserts and breads in the country of Belize”.

Josue Carballo, BTB’s Director of Industry Development, congratulated Mr Marin and noted that this venture sets the foundation for BTB’s stategic objectives of capacity building and support of the tourism industry.

He further noted the importance of culinary tourism and reiterated that the use of local ingredients allows for Belize’s authenticity and diverse culture to be promoted.

Also present for the cermony was Einar’s father, Mr. Celso Marin, who received the Mentorship award - a one-night stay for two with continental breakfast,courtesy of Naia Resort and Spa. For more information on the BTB and its services, visit www. travelbelize.org.

The Belize Times

Established 1957

14 APR 2013

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ISSUE NO: 4840

The Truth Shall Make You Free

www.belizetimes.bz

|

$1.00

serving Belize since 1957 as the longest continuous newspaper.

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

Fay Castillo EDITOR

José Jiménez

LAYOUT/GRAPHIC ARTIST

Chris Williams

OFFICE ASSISTANT

Roberto Peyrefitte Printed and Published By TIMES NEWSPAPER LTD. Tel: 671-8385 #3 Queen Street P.O. BOX 506 Belize City, Belize

Email: belizetimesadvertisement@yahoo.com

5 DEC

2021

THE BELIZE TIMES

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EDITORIAL

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Sugar is Still Sweet!

he Sugar Cane Industry in its heyday was the motor that propelled our national economy forward and was the catalyst for much of the development in the north of our country.

Belize Sugar Industries/ASR reports that they have a milling capacity of 1.3M tonnes of sugarcane and receive it from 5000 independent Belizean cane farmers. They also report that this industry directly supports twenty per cent of the livelihoods of the population with direct employment and indirectly contributes to 40,000 more indirectly. This makes them the largest employer in the North. Traditionally, the sugarcane harvest starts in December, these past few years however, this has been delayed by inclement weather, the Covid pandemic and, it seems that yet again, by the inability of the parties to concur on a commercial agreement. The last administration effectively managed to break the strength of the mighty Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association and by fostering the creation of several splinter groups. It was under that same administration that Atanacio Gutierrez was killed by members of the Belize Police Department at a demonstration at Tower Hill in 2009.

There is often more than meets the eye to any story and the perspectives are very important when trying to gain a comprehensive picture of the issues. Small cane farmers have been dwindling in numbers for years as economies of scale, barriers to affordable credit, and declining world market prices all force them out.

Sugar cane cutters are also a dying breed much like the stevedores in the city as labour-intensive processes give way to cheaper mechanical methods. Factor in that the mills have now ventured into being cane farmers themselves, and on a grand scale, all while enjoying tax incentives that are not available to cane farmers. The playing field, or should we say the cane field is certainly not even. The mill is now in direct and unfair competition with smaller farmers.

Profits for cane farmers are calculated after all expenses are paid, those expenses are run and tallied by the mill. They are the ones that decide with no input or consultation from the farmers who they sell to and at what price, they are also the ones that determine the expenses. The farmers simply take their harvested crop to the mill and the mill at the end of the season lets them know how much they have made and what their share will be. If it seems a bit unfair or one-sided, perhaps it may be. The mill for their part has made investments in the millions, and big businesses exist for one reason only, to make a profit. It is right that they make a profit, after all, that is the reward for risking investment, and the question is how much is too much? The Government of Belize however has a different mandate. Their mandate is to look out for the interest of the people of Belize, all of them. In some cases that may mean negotiating terms that reskill and reintegrate those that have been made redundant in the labour force because of technological innovation.

This may also mean looking out for all the small farmers being displaced by larger multinationals swooping in for the kill and subsidizing their operations by the loss of our own taxes to boot. This is akin to us taking a bat and beating our own heads in.

The current administration is different. PM Briceño is aware of the contributions past and present of the cañeros. During the pandemic, it was this important industry that provided the scarce foreign exchange we so desperately needed. It may be that the Sugarcane Industry is past its prime, but it is not quite done and out, it still contributes significantly to our GDP, foreign reserves, and economy especially in the Northern Districts. Sugarcane is still sweet in the North and now in the West. The PM and his Cabinet have spoken clearly, the harvest must start and negotiations that even the playing field and are more equal and equitable must be arranged. We have a PM who understands the importance and the history of the Sugarcane Industry, and the proud and industrious nature of the Norteños. We are confident that an agreement can be had that will work for everyone!

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THE BELIZE TIMES

EDITORIAL

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5 DEC

2021

en Español

¡El Azúcar Sigue Siendo Dulce!

a industria de la caña de azúcar fue, en su momento, el motor que impulsó nuestra economía nacional y fue el catalizador de gran parte del desarrollo del norte de nuestro país. Belize Sugar Industries/ASR informa de que tiene una capacidad de molienda de 1,3 millones de toneladas de caña de azúcar y la recibe de 5.000 cañeros beliceños independientes. También informan de que esta industria sustenta directamente el veinte por ciento de los medios de vida de la población con empleo directo y contribuye indirectamente a 40.000 más. Esto los convierte en el mayor empleador del Norte. Tradicionalmente, la cosecha de la caña de azúcar comienza en diciembre; sin embargo, estos últimos años se ha retrasado por las inclemencias del tiempo, la pandemia del COVID y, al parecer, también por la incapacidad de las partes para llegar a un acuerdo comercial. El último gobierno logró quebrar la fuerza de la poderosa Asociación de Cañeros de Belice y fomentar la creación de varios grupos disidentes. Fue bajo esa misma administración que Atanacio Gutiérrez fue asesinado por miembros del Departamento de Policía de Belice en una manifestación en Tower Hill en 2009.

A menudo hay más de lo que parece en cualquier historia y las perspectivas son muy importantes cuando se trata de obtener una imagen completa de los problemas. El número de pequeños productores de caña de azúcar lleva años disminuyendo, ya que las economías de escala, las barreras al crédito asequible y el descenso de los precios en el mercado mundial les obligan a retirarse. Los cortadores de caña de azúcar también son una especie en extinción, como los estibadores de la ciudad, ya que los procesos intensivos en mano de obra dan paso a métodos mecánicos más baratos. A esto hay que añadir que los ingenios mismos se han aventurado a cultivadores de caña y a gran escala, disfrutando al mismo tiempo de incentivos fiscales que no están disponibles para los cultivadores de caña. El campo del juego, o deberíamos decir el campo de la caña, no es ciertamente parejo. El ingenio compite ahora de forma directa y desleal con los pequeños agricultores.

Los beneficios de los cultivadores de caña se calculan una vez pagados todos los gastos que corren a cargo de la fábrica. Son ellos los que deciden, sin consultar a los agricultores, a quién venden y a qué precio, y también son ellos los que determinan los gastos. Los agricultores se limitan a llevar su cosecha al molino y ésta, al final de la temporada, les comunica cuánto han ganado y cuál será su cuota. Si parece un poco injusto o unilateral, tal vez lo sea. La fábrica, por su parte, ha realizado inversiones millonarias, y las grandes empresas existen por una sola razón: obtener beneficios. Es correcto que obtengan beneficios, después de todo, esa es la recompensa por arriesgar la inversión, la pregunta es ¿cuánto es demasiado? Sin embargo, el Gobierno de Belice tiene un mandato diferente. Su mandato es el velar por los intereses del pueblo de Belice, de todos ellos. En algunos casos, eso puede significar negociar condiciones que vuelvan a capacitar y reintegran a los que se han quedado sin trabajo debido a la innovación tecnológica. Esto también puede significar cuidar de todos los pequeños agricultores que están siendo desplazados por las grandes multinacionales que se lanzan a la conquista y subvencionan sus operaciones con la pérdida de nuestros propios impuestos. Esto es como si tomáramos un bate y nos golpeáramos la cabeza.

La actual administración es diferente. El PM Briceño está consciente de las contribuciones pasadas y presentes de los cañeros. Durante la pandemia, fue esta importante industria la que proporcionó las escasas divisas que tanto necesitábamos. Puede que la industria de la caña de azúcar haya pasado su mejor momento, pero aún no está acabada, y sigue contribuyendo de forma significativa a nuestro PIB, a nuestras reservas de divisas y a nuestra economía, especialmente en los distritos del norte. La caña de azúcar sigue siendo dulce en el Norte y ahora en el Oeste. El primer ministro y su Gabinete han hablado con claridad, la cosecha debe comenzar y deben organizarse negociaciones que igualen las condiciones y sean más equitativas. Tenemos un primer ministro que comprende la importancia y la historia de la industria de la caña de azúcar, y el carácter orgulloso y laborioso de los norteños. Confiamos en que se pueda llegar a un acuerdo que funcione para todos.

5 DEC

2021

MHW I GOT VACCINATED!!

New Incentive Raffle New Vax Pass App

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

Ministry of Health Pass App This is ready to be downloaded for Android and Apple devices. Once this App is in the phone there is no need to walk around with your vaccination card. With your Social Security number OR Belize Health Information System number (on the Vax Card) for the App and a SSB card you can prove to the world that you are vaccinated.

The App can be used to verify that someone else has been vaccinated. This can be done by scanning the QR code to verify that it is authentic. As said before, the SSB card is important to confirm identity.

If you are unable to access your vaccination record using your Social Security or BHIS number you can text, call or whatsapp 669-8843 or 613-1096.

Get Vaccinated!!

05 5

THE BELIZE TIMES

On December 1st there were 8 winners which included five 3rd place winners, two 2nd place winners, and one winner of the 1st place three thousand dollars. All this was won by getting vaccinated during the last week.

The raffle including this one is set for seven weeks. This therefore goes into the new year 2022.

This raffle is being supervised by the National Lottery Committee. The first 1st prize winner is Ariel Duarte, this could be you. Get Vaccinated with 1st, 2nd or booster shot…This will be streamed on the Ministry of Health and Wellness Facebook page every Monday at 2pm.

Belize National Day Held at Expo 2020 Dubai Dubai, United Arab Emirates, November 30, 2021. Belize is participating in Expo 2020 Dubai which is being held under the theme, “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future” with the subthemes: Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability and today, a delegation led by Minister, the Honourable Anthony Mahler, celebrated Belize’s National Day. EXPO Dubai provides opportunities to finding solutions to the pressing challenges of our time by offering a journey inside a universal theme through engaging and immersive activities. Countries can participate in one of the three subthemes and Belize is participating under the Opportunity theme to showcase Belize as an ideal destination for investments and trade.

Belize’s participation comes on the heels of its first Investment Summit which saw investment potential with countries from around the world, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with whom we signed an Economic Cooperation Agreement (ECA) in 2019. The ECA establishes a framework for expanding the economic relationship between the two countries in a number of key areas; including investment, tourism, transportation, infrastructure and construction among

others.

The Belize National Day featured remarks from the Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations, Anthony Mahler and the Minister of State of the UAE, H.E. Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, who commented on Belize’s openness to investment opportunities that are tied to biodiversity and sustainable practices to protect the country’s ecosystem.

The Belize National Day closed off with a dinner hosted by the UAE and a gift exchange by Minister Mahler who was presented with a key to the city.

Scheduled to appear as the cultural entertainment from Belize was the Garifuna Collectives, who, unfortunately were not able to perform due to COVID-19 restrictions.

This is the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East with participation from over 190 countries and is projected to attract 25 million visitors, with the Belize pavilion receiving up to 2,500 visitors in a day. The Belize Delegation also included Dr. Leroy Almendarez, Executive Director of BELTRAIDE, Commissioner General for EXPO Dubai, Mr. Evan Tillett, Director Belize Tourism Board and Ms. Nikki Augustine, Marketing and Communications Manager of BELTRAIDE, Deputy Commissioner General.

6 06

THE BELIZE TIMES

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

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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

21

1

(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

5 DEC

2021

5 DEC

2021

THE BELIZE TIMES

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PRIME MINISTER

WORLD AIDS DAY

MESSAGE 2021 “END INEQUALITIES, END AIDS, END PANDEMICS” This World AIDS Day, the World is highlighting the urgent need to end the inequalities that drive AIDS and other pandemics around the world. Progress against AIDS is now being eroded as the COVID-19 crisis continues to rage, disrupting HIV prevention and treatment services, schooling, violence-prevention programmes, and fuel gender-based violence.

Division, disparity, and disregard for human rights are among the failures that allowed HIV to become and remain a global health crisis.

Now, COVID-19 is exacerbating inequities and disruptions to services, making the lives of many people living with HIV more challenging.

Only by tackling inequalities, will we be able to advance the human rights of key populations and people who are living with HIV, make societies better prepared to beat COVID-19 and other pandemics and support economic recovery and stability.

My government will continue to promote inclusive social and economic growth. We will continue to work towards reducing inequalities through the elimination of discriminatory practices to ensure equal opportunities for every woman, man, and child in Belize. We will continue demonstrating the political, economic, and social will, needed to protect the rights of everyone, and pay attention to the needs of disadvantaged and marginalized communities.

“ENDING AIDS & OTHER PANDEMICS IS EVERYBODY’S BUSINESS- LET’S DO OUR PART”

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Cloud of Suspicion Over the Office of Public Prosecutions The latest drug plane discovery last weekend at the Mountain Pine Ridge and the revelation that, for the second time in less than a month, another Police Officer who was assigned as a part of the Director of Public Prosecution’s security detail was one of the men arrested has got a bad look not only for the Belize Police Department, but also for the high office of the DPP itself. The 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 suspension from the Police Department for “administrative failures.” Replacing him as Head of Operations was Assistant Commissioner of Police, Alford Grinage.

Assistant Commissioner of Police, Marco Vidal, who is currently on leave, was assigned as the Commander of Management Services following the fifth November Bladen drug plane landing in Toledo. He is scheduled to return to his post on December sixth, but Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams told the media on Tuesday that by that date, the recommendation to have him suspended would have already been presented to the Security Services Commission to put that recommendation into motion. Williams hastened to clarify that Vidal has not been linked to any involvement in the actual plane landing, but that “as the Commander of Operations and the person who was in charge of the COST (Commander of Operations Strike Team), that he could have done certain things to prevent what happened and he did not.

So administratively, he will be held accountable for those,” Williams said.

The factors upon which Vidal finds himself in hot water include that he should have known that the unit’s vehicles were being used for activities other than deployment and that if he approved their use, he had no authority to do so that night.

Two of the vehicles that were found at the scene were vehicles that had previously been seized and assigned to the unit. While four policemen were charged in connection with that incident along with seven civilians, it was the arrest of Corporal Delwin Casimiro who was already the former security guard for DPP, Cheryl-Lyn Vidal but a member of the COST under her husband that cast suspicion on these high offices.

In her defence when the suspicion became too wild that it began to tarnish her integrity, Vidal fired off a press release stating in part that there was nothing in her interactions with Casimiro, which dated back to 2012, that would have “served as a warning sign that he could have been engaged in any criminal activity.” She also pointed out that she had also been separated from ACP Marco Vidal for over a year prior to that plane landing.

Now with the second drug plane landing allegedly involving a second Corporal of Police, Eric David Young, and similar to Casimiro, was also a security officer assigned to the DPP, questions have once again surfaced and some people are of the view that Vidal must, as in the first incident, disassociate herself from the accused men and the discovery of the plane and drugs.

In this most recent drug plane landing in the wee hours of last Sunday November 28, the Cessna aircraft crash-landed in thick fog on a private airstrip in the Hidden Valley area, Mountain Pine Ridge, Cayo District. Four of the men were caught while trying to escape on one of several dirt roads in the area with a cache of firearms, another man, Jose Quintero, believed to be the co-pilot of the

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 Police searches of the area, and, at Salus Penner’s farm house within the general vicinity, Police say they found $12,000 in a sofa and a vehicle belonging to Penner’s wife.

The men who are charged with “Conspiracy to land an aeroplane at an aerodrome contrary to the provisions made in the Civil Aviation Act” are: Miguel Angel Zetina, Edwin Armando Gonzalez, Jaime Umberto Maz, Edilberto Medrano, Penner and Cpl Eric Young. They were all denied bail and are to re-appear in Court on February second. The men, through their attorney, claimed they had been in the area hunting for some days, but Commissioner Williams questioned if that was the case, then how come they had no game meat to show for it.

Perception is massive and the reality of it is that the Office of Public Prosecutions must be the epitome of the squeakiest of clean and as far away from any clouds of suspicion.

Time will tell how these clouds will rumble and what rain, if any, will fall over the office. For the sake of Belize, it is the hope that said rain will leave a clean office in the continued dispensation of justice for all.

5 DEC

2021

Belize Salutes the Visionary and Resolute Leadership of Government, and Boldness of the People of Barbados

5 DEC

2021

THE BELIZE TIMES

099

LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICES

Notice is hereby given that Badrul

Haque Munna is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Munna Grocery” located in Caye Caulker, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Vilma Rutila Chip Coj is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Leal’s Grocery Shop” located at # 14 Mosul Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Rhea Enumberables Landero is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Khloe’s Grocery Shop” located at # 16 New Road, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Christopher Zheng is applying for a Publican Specia Liquor License to be operated at “New Chon Sing Restaurant” located at # 184 North Front Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Vince Young is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Bird’s Isle Restaurant ” located at # 90 Albert Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that De Hau Luo is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Green House” located at # 309 Central American Blvd., Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Jemz Elite Company Ltd. is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Lizard Juice Bar” located at # 8 Fort Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Eric Emmanuel Chee is applying for a Convenience Store Liquor License to be operated at “Wezn Holdings Co. Ltd” located at 1.5 Mile Philip Goldson Highway, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Feng Ping Wu is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “South Side Shop” located at # 40 Faber’s Road, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Kishor Nandwani is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “The Corner Shop 7/11” located at corner 36 Church Street & East Canal, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Jahed Ahmed Jony & MD Rakib Hossan are applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Mid Town Grocery Shop” located at # 61/63 Albert Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Jian Wen Li is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Our Chinese Shop” located at # 3752 Central American Blvd., Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Luis Cuello is applying for a Publican General Liquor License to be operated at “L & R Liquors Ltd.” located at # 993 Mayflower Garden, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Kenyon Lee Flowers is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Gwen’s Kitchen” located at # 5116 Coney Drive, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that AZM Obaidul Islam is applying for a Malt & Cider Liquor License to be operated at “Caribbean Charm” located at # 111 North Front Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Jemz Elite Company Ltd. is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Caribbean Pier” located at # 8 Fort Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Kurk Hyde is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Brenz Grocery Shop” located in Ontario Village, Cayo District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Jemz Elite Company Ltd. is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “D’Burbon Barrel” located at # 8 Fort Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Jun Da Liu is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Rick’s” located at # 3321 C.A. Blvd., Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

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5 DEC

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

PRIME MINISTER BRICEÑO AND IDB PRESIDENT HOLD DISCUSSIONS December 1, 2021 - Today, Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño held a cordial work meeting via Teams with Mauricio Claver-Carlone, President of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The meeting was requested by President Claver- Carlone in order to discuss ongoing projects in Belize.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Briceño expressed the appreciation of the government and people of Belize for the continued support of the IDB. In turn, President Claver-Car-

MoHW Increases Surveillance Following Announcement of New COVID-19 Variant Belmopan. December 2, 2021. 3:50 p.m.

The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) announced on November 26, 2021, the confirmation of the new COVID-19 variant Omicron. This variant was discovered by scientists in South Africa.

The new variant has numerous mutations, which may make it more transmissible especially amongst the unvaccinated population, and WHO has indicated that this variant poses a very high risk for global spread.

The team at the Ministry of Health & Wellness (MOHW) in collaboration with the National Immunization Technical Advisory Group and the COVID-19 Medical Advisory Group are carefully monitoring the situation. The MOHW has alerted its health teams in the districts and advised for increased surveillance of possible cases of concern. Additionally, the ministry is in communication with Baylor College of Medicine and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention to ensure that the Central Medical Laboratory is equipped with the necessary agents to identify the variant.

The Government of Belize is currently not considering any flight bans. At this time there are no direct flights into Belize from any southern African countries, and many larger countries have already implemented public health measures that include flight bans on approximately seven southern African nations.

The MOHW reminds the public to get vaccinated as a matter of urgency if they have not already done so. For those eligible, the booster dose is available.

The ministry reiterates the importance of adhering to public health measures, which include proper wearing of a fitted facemask covering both the nose and mouth, maintaining physical distance, avoiding crowds where possible, and regularly washing and sanitizing hands.

The Ministry of Health & Wellness will continue to monitor and provide updates to the public as more information becomes available.

lone congratulated Prime Minister Briceño for the dedication and determination of his administration to rebuild the nation’s economy, and on the success, the effort has already yielded.

President Claver-Carlone has also committed to strengthening the ties the government has forged with the international lending agency, built on mutual respect and a commitment to growth, development and integrity. An integral part of the discussion was focused on new projects and partnerships between Belize and the IDB in 2022.

MINISTRY OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING INVITATION TO BID HOTMIX PAVING OF SECTION OF PEREZ ROAD, PEREZ ROAD TO VISTA AT CONCRETE ENDS, ANGEL FISH TO RAINBOW RUNNER DRIVE AND SALT FISH TO TRIANGLE PARK AND ALSO BDF ARMY CAMP ROAD IN LADYVILLE VILLAGE, BELIZE DISTRICT. The Government of Belize via the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing intends to pave with Hotmix section of Perez Road, Perez Road to Vista at Concrete Ends, Angel Fish to Rainbow Runner Drive and Salt fish to Triangle Park and also BDF Army Camp Road in Ladyville Village, Belize District.

The Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing now invites sealed bids from suitably qualified and experienced contractors for Hotmix Paving of the above-mentioned sections of roads in Ladyville, Belize District.

The scope of works will involve rehabilitating a total of 11,900 linear ft (3,1000 square yards) of Roadways with Hotmix paving (HMA) and will include the following: 1 Clean main road of all vegetation and deleterious materials and dispose of spoil within a 2 miles radius of project site.

2 Clean open channels / drains – 11,900 linear feet and dispose of spoil within a 2 miles radius of project site.

3.

Drainage improvement works (Provisional item) 3 Scarify, shape and compact road surface (31000 S.Y) as per crossfall on drawings.

4 Supply, transport, place and compact 6 inches of crushed All-In as per specifications.

5 Supply all equipment, materials and labour to apply 40 mm of approved Hotmix Asphalt covering a total street surface area of 31,000 S.Y. 6.

Construction and installation of concrete kerbs – 1000 L.F (Provisional Item) Bidders who are interested must have the necessary equipment and technical expertise and experience to complete the works in accordance with the Bidding Documents.

Bidding will be conducted through national competitive bidding procedures and interested bidders may obtain further information and inspect the bidding documents at the offices of Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing at the address below during normal office hours Monday through Fridays from 8.00 A.M – 12.00 Noon and from 1.00 PM – 4.00 PM. Bidding documents are free of charge and may be picked up by interested bidders on the submission of a written application to the address below.

All bids must be delivered to the address below by 10.00 AM local time on December 13, 2021 and they will be opened on the same day at 10.15 A.M, at the address below. Late bids will be rejected. A bid security of $10,000 must be submitted and delivered to the address below at the same time of the bid submission.

1.

Victor Espat 2. Lennox Bradley Chief Executive Officer Ministry of Infrastructure Development & Housing #1 Power Lane Belmopan, Belize Tel: 501-822-2136/39 Fax: 501-822-3282 E-mail: ceo.secretary@mow.gov.bz

Chief Engineer Ministry of Infrastructure Development & Housing #1 Power Lane Belmopan, Belize Tel: 501-822-2136/39 Fax: 501-822-3282 E-mail: chief.engineer@mow.gov.bz

5 DEC

2021

11

THE BELIZE TIMES

PM VISITS SAN CARLOS, OW DISTRICT

Prime Minister John Briceño was visiting today with the people of San Carlos in the Orange Walk District. Specifically, he was there to see how the New River Co-operative Society Limited was doing. This society’s members cultivate vegetable, grains and graze cattle. Their main products are potatoes, onions and carrots which have often been hailed by the Minister of Agriculture Jose Mai himself. Minister Mai protects the Belize product sold at the local town and city market. Protection is needed against imported products.

The co-operative has received funding via the Resilient Rural Belize Programme which itself derives funding from the International Fund for Agricultural Development and the Green Climate Fund. Government fully supports the Matching Grants Fund. The programme will help farmer’s employ climate resilient agricultural practices and technologies. It will integrate the farmer’s participation into the development of potato, onion, and carrots value chain.

The community of San Carlos has been a consistent producer of potatoes, onions, and carrots. Farmers have gained practical experience over the years and have been improving quality and productivity.

The Prime Minister’s visit pinpoints the support from the government for local produce to sustain Belize’s food security while adding to any possible export markets.

PUBLIC AUCTION SALES: PROPERTIES

Belmopan, Cayo District; Placencia Village, Stann Creek District; Sarteneja Village, Corozal District

BY ORDER of the mortgagees, Messrs. The Belize Bank Corporation Limited, Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A. Castillo and Christiana R. Castillo are selling ONLINE via belizepropertyauctions.com the following properties. Sale currently running and will expire Monday 13th December 2021 at the time shown on the website.

A. BELMOPAN, CAYO DISTRICT: 1. No. 9 Cayo Street, Belmopan, Cayo District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Belmopan

20

149

(Being a concrete bungalow dwelling house [1,310 sq. ft.] containing 3 Bedrooms + 2 Bathrooms + Living/Dining/Kitchen + Laundry Room + Porch TOGETHER with lot [362.31 S.M.] situate at No. 9 Cayo Street, Belmopan, Cayo District, the freehold property of Ms. Patricia S. Bradley and Mr. Leon F. Lopez) B. PLACENCIA VILLAGE, STANN CREEK DISTRICT: 2. Parcel No. 2891 first subdivision south of Airstrip, western side of Placencia Road, Placencia Village, Stann Creek District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Placencia North

36

2891

(Being a two-storey timber/concrete dwelling house [2068 sq. ft.] containing Ground Floor: 2 Bedrooms + 1 Bathroom + Living/Dining/Kitchen + Porch; First Floor: 3 Bedrooms + 1 Bathroom + Living/Dining/Kitchen + Porch TOGETHER with lot [457.100 S.M.] situate in the first subdivision south of the Placencia Airstrip, western side of the Placencia Road, Placencia Village, Stann Creek District, the freehold property of Ms. Dawn Anderson & Mr. Hector Tut) 3. Parcel No. 2871 first subdivision south of Airstrip, western side of Placencia Road, Placencia Village, Stann Creek District:

(Being a two-storey timber/concrete dwelling house [2016 sq. ft.] containing Ground Floor: 2 Bedrooms + 1 Bathroom + Living/Dining/Kitchen + Porch + Laundry; First Floor: 2 Bedrooms + 1 Bathroom + Living/Dining/Kitchen + Porch + Laundry TOGETHER with lot [422.590 S.M.] situate in the first subdivision south of the Placencia Airstrip, western side of the Placencia Road, Placencia Village, Stann Creek District, the freehold property of Mr. Sidney Lopez and Ms. Valarie Godoy) C. SARTENEJA VILLAGE: COROZAL DISTRICT: 4. Parcel No. 715 Sarteneja Village, Corozal District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Sarteneja

1

715

(Being a concrete bungalow dwelling house [825 sq. ft.] containing 2 bedrooms + 1 Bathroom + Living/Kitchen TOGETHER with lot [75 ft. X 125 ft.] situate in Sarteneja Village, Corozal District, the freehold property of Mr. Graciliano Rivero Sr.)

TERMS: STRICTLY CASH KEVIN A. CASTILLO TELEPHONE 223-4488 Website: belizepropertyauctions.com E-mail: kevinacas@yahoo.com Face Book: Belize Auctions

NOTICE POSTech International Ltd. #138,910 (“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 POSTech International Ltd.: a) is in dissolution b) commenced dissolution on the 29th day of November, 2021; and c) WANG, YI-HUNG whose address is 4F., No. 79, Songxin Rd. Xinyi Dist., Taipei City 110, Taiwan is the Liquidator of the Company Members of Mexican agriculture department( SENASICA) inspection of documents and physical inspections of animal for exportation of cattle to Mexico. Members of our very own BAHA present as well.

CILTrust International Limited Registered Agent

58 12

5 DEC

5 DEC

THE BELIZE TIMES 2021

2021

5 DEC

2021

13

18 JAN

THE BELIZE TIMES 2015

BUILDING AND STRONG Prime Minister John Briceño, Hon. Mira, Mayor Palacio and others at the Orange Candlelight Vigil

Min. Anthony Mahler, Tourism and Diaspora Relations

Min. Michel Chebat, Health and Wellness

Min. Orlando Habet, Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management

At the Distribution of Seedlings to Parliamentary Champions

Cutting the Ribbon at Alaska Air Inaugural Flight to Belize

Hon. Oscar Requena, Toledo West and Hon. Mike Espat, Toledo East

Met w/ Mayor Selgado and PG TC to discuss local infrastructure

UWG and Hon. Elvia Vega, Corozal Bay

By example, at the Belmopan Diabetes walk

Hon. Jorge Espat, Cayo West At the UWG Cayo Northeast Swearing-in

Hon. Jose Mai, MAFSE

16 Days of Activism on Independence Hill, Belmopan

At Belize Day at World Trade Expo in Dubai

Min. Francis Fonseca, Education, Culture, Science & Technology represented by Hon. Louis Zabaneh

Día de Vacunación en Arenal!

Donation to the people of Trinidad

Hon. Jose Mai, MAFSE, Special Envoy Briceño and House Speaker Valerie Woods

Parliamentarians’ Special Visit to Central Farm, combatting hunger in Belize w/ Hon. Oscar Mira at Inauguration of St. Michael RC Primary School building

Meeting w/ the BNTU

At a Self-Defence practical seminar

Sheep and Goat Nutrition Management & Reproductive Biotechnology Workshop

Awarding Nursing Scholarships

Min. Kevin Bernard, Youth, Sports & E-Governance

Along with Hon. Dolores Balderamos Garcia, Min. Human Development), Handing out Seedlings

At the Florida Trade Expo representing Belize well

Awarding Michael Fritz the Youth Leadership and Advocacy Award

14

THE BELIZE TIMES

Progress in Port Loyola

By Representative Hon. Gilroy Usher With the support of the Belize City Council especially Councilor Micah Goodin who is responsible for sanitation, there will be a special cleanup campaign in the Jane Usher Area of the Port Loyola Division this Saturday and Sunday December 4th and 5th to remove all debris from the neighborhood including old household items, tires, tree branches, and other similar things.

All residents of the Jane Usher area of the division are therefore encouraged to put out all discarded items from their yards by Friday night for PICKUP this Saturday and Sunday December 4th and 5th.

It is also good news that scores of youths in Port Loyola as well as the other nine divisions in Belize City are gainfully employed in a special Apprenticeship Program that’s organized with the support of several G.o.B. Ministries of government to clean up their neighborhoods. This initiative that’s greatly appreciated by the youths and it will last at least for the next three months through the Christmas season.

With Area Representative Hon. Gilroy Usher, Councilor Micah Goodin, several other councilors, and youths in the Apprenticeship Program all working together, the Port Loyola community is being improved one day at a time.

5 DEC

2021

INVITATION TO TENDER: EXTERNAL AUDIT 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.

I. Background The University of Belize (UB) is the nation’s national, multi-location institution committed to excellence in higher education, research and service for national development. As a catalyst of change, it provides relevant, affordable and accessible educational and training programs that address national needs based on principles of academic freedom, equity, transparency, merit and accountability. UB has a current enrolment of over 4,600 students and just over 107 million dollars in assets. UB’s main campus is in Belmopan City and it has campuses at three other locations in the country.

II. Scope of Audit Services The successful external audit provider will review and audit the financial records and record keeping processes at UB, including the financial statements and related notes produced by management and express an audit opinion on those records beginning with fiscal year end July 31, 2021. The external audit services provider is expected to consult with the staff of the Budget & Finance department during the period of the engagement and will be expected to 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, as required, and share with them such comments and recommendations, orally or in writing, as may be appropriate or indicated. A written Management Letter or Letter of Recommendations is expected to be provided to UB, along with the formal audit opinion on the financial statements and accounts at the end of the audit.

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 with the preparation of that candidate/s bid.

Bids are to be addressed and delivered to: The President, University of Belize Administration Building Hummingbird Avenue Belmopan City, Belize Further details related to the proposed audit engagement can be obtained by contacting: Acting Director of Finance University of Belize Administration Building Hummingbird Avenue City of Belmopan, Belize Tel: + (501) 822-3680 ext.187 Email: isangster@ub.edu.bz III. CLOSING DATE: MondAy, deceMBer 06, 2021 At 4:00PM

5 DEC

15

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 6th, Tuesday 7th & Wednesday 8th 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. Parcel No. 2911 Cedar Street, Santiago Juan Layout, San Ignacio, Cayo District: REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

San Ignacio North

23

2911

The freehold property of Ms. Adelita Zaiden

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

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

12. Parcels Nos. 10075 & 10076 Santa Rita Area, North Ambergris Caye, Belize District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Mount Pleasant

20

788

San Pedro

7

10075 & 10076

The freehold property of Mr. Leopold Suarez

The freehold properties of Messrs. Legacy Group Limited

Parcel No. 418 Corner 3rd Avenue & 5th Street North, Corozal Town, Corozal District: REGISTRATION SECTION Corozal Central

BLOCK 4

13. No. 300 Vista Del Mar, Ladyville, Belize District, Belize:

PARCEL

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

418

Vista Del Mar

16

300

The freehold property of Mrs. Guadalupe & Mr. Edmund Longsworth

4. Unit No. 601 Renaissance Tower, No. 8 Newtown Barracks, Belize City, Belize District:

The freehold property of Ms. Karina Kuylen

14. No. 315 San Estevan Village, Orange Walk District: REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

San Estevan

1

315

The freehold property of Mr. Augusto Angel Blanco.

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Kings Park

45

946/H30

Freehold property

5. Parcel No. 461 George Price Highway, Unitedville, Cayo District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Society Hall

24

461

The freehold property of Mr. Ulric L. Willoughby

6. 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.

7. Parcel No. 1609 Moho Bay Area, Belize City: REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Caribbean Shores

16

1609

Freehold Property

15. Parcel No. 1523 Seine Bight Village, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District: REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Placencia North

36

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

16

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

PARCEL

Corozal North

4

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

Corozal North

4

4111

The freehold property of Mr. Raleigh Rivas and Ms. Olga Rivas)

8. Parcel No. 410 Seine Bight Village, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District: REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Placenia North

36

410

The freehold property of Mr. Kent Roland Francis and Ms. Silvana Andrea Garcia

9. Parcel No. 2275 Seine Bight Village, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District: REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Placenia North

36

2275

The freehold property of Mr. Lammey Alvarez.

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Orange Walk Town

4

2708

The freehold property of Mr. Gustavo Gongora & Ms. Rubicela Mai

20. Corner Kiskadee Street and San Lorenzo Road, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk DisREGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Orange Walk Town

4

4096

The freehold property of Mr. Marlo Perrera & Ms. Dianelli Perrera

10. Parcel No. 1710 Mahogany Street, Punta Gorda Town, Toledo District: REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Punta Gorda

4

1710

The freehold property of Ms. Elizabeth Borland

19. Parcel No. 2708 Phillip Goldson Highway, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District:

21. Parcel No. 466 West Canal Street, Belize City: REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Albert/Mesop

15

466

The freehold property of Messrs. Perez Hardware Store/Mr. Orlando Perez

Continued on page 16

16

5 DEC

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

Continued from page 15 32. Parcels Nos. 21, 42 & 280 Libertad Registration Section, Corozal District:

22. 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)

BLOCK

PARCEL

Placencia North

36

2842

BLOCK

PARCEL

Libertad

4

21, 42 & 280

The freehold properties of Mr. Leonard Folgarait

33. 200.35 Acres Eastern Side Southern Lagoon, Manatee Area, Belize District:

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

REGISTRATION SECTION

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.

The freehold property of Mr. Ajinder Singh Garcha

34. Parcel No. 1835 San Diego Street, Hillview Area, Santa Elena, Cayo District:

24. Parcel No. 1824 Corner Jamaica and Mejiba Streets, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Santa Elena/Cayo

23

1835

Orange Walk Town

4

1824

The freehold property of Mr. Rosendo Juarez.

The Freehold property of Mr. Mark Nugent

35. Lot No. 13 Santa Cruz Village, Stann Creek District:

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

BLOCK

PARCEL

Ann Gabourel

4

1080

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.

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

The Freehold property of Mr. Marlo Perrera

26. Parcel No. 1726 Guinea Grass Village, Orange Walk District: REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Tower Hill

4

1726

PARCEL

San Estevan

1

639 & 640

The freehold property of Mr. Manuel Jesus Blanco and Mr. Agusto Blanco)

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

BLOCK

PARCEL

San Jose Palmar

4

853

PARCEL

45

1682, 1683 & 1684

37. No. 1 Cor. Talawalla & Edwin Park Streets, Lord’s Bank Village, Belize District:

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

BLOCK

St. Martin de Porres West

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

The freehold property of Ms. Gloricelda Camara

REGISTRATION SECTION

REGISTRATION SECTION

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Ladyville/Lords Bank

16

3806

The freehold property of Mr. Kevin Enriquez & Mrs. 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

The freehold property of Mr. Freddy Orlando Tun

29. Parcel No. 2770 Trial Farm Village, Orange Walk District: REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

San Pedro

7

12333

The freehold property of Mr. Nestor Adraino Vasquez

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

BLOCK

PARCEL

San Estevan

4

16/1

The leasehold property of Ms. Irma Olivera

31. Parcel No. 244 Caledonia Village, Corozal District: REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Caledonia Village

1

244

The freehold property of Messrs. Chico’s Company Limited

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

LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICES Notice is hereby given that Caisu Li is applying for a Convenience Store Liquor License to be operated at “Li & Lee Grocery Store & Fast Food” located at # 25 West Collet Canal, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Social Lounge Ltd. is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Social Lounge Ltd.” located at Miles 4 ½ Philip Goldson Highway, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Vicky Thakur Thadhani is applying for a Malt & Cider Liquor License to be operated at “The Fine Taste” located on Hutson Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Social Lounge Ltd. is applying for a Night Club Liquor License to be operated at “Social Lounge Ltd.” located at Miles 4 ½ Philip Goldson Highway, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Vicky Thakur Thadhani is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “The Fine Taste” located on Hutson Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Sandra Quinteros is applying for a Malt & Cider Liquor License to be operated at “Senor Coconut” located at # 96 Barrack Road, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Vishaun Shamae Usher is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “V & J Restaurant ” located in Maskall Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

5 DEC

2021

THE BELIZE TIMES

THINK ABOUT IT CONQUERING COVID & OMICRON TOO Belizeans are doing well in the fight against Covid.

Persons continue to lose their lives and persons continue to get infected.

But the number of deaths seems to be falling and so too are infections.

These deaths and infections are mainly from one of the several off-shoots or strains of the coronavirus.

It is called Delta and is more contagious and more deadly than the regular Covid which burst on the world in early 2020.

Now this virus has morphed into another worrying strain called Omicron.

Nations in Europe are in panic, Omicron is rapidly turning up in several European countries which have suffered tremendously, economically, social and in every which way.

Belize has suffered too. Our economy was knocked flat on its back. But we were able to drag ourselves up. We are on our feet but still shaky and walking slowly-weak and in need of help.

We Belizeans are doing well in our fight against Covid. We have lost over five hundred of our loved ones. Let us not drop our guards.

We must continue to get vaccinated. We must begin to start eating healthy and we must continue to wear masks, keep our distance from each other and wash our hands constantly.

We can do it people, we can save our lives and the lives of each other.

Let us not come out of the Christmas season infected and facing deaths.

CONQUERING COCAINE Trying to conquer the cocaine planes is as difficult as trying to conquer Covid.

For years the Americans (USA) have been locked in a battle with the cartels in Columbia and Mexico, and several countries in between which have been dragged into this situation.

Cocaine comes mainly from Colombia in South America.

Nothing that has been done so far has stopped, or even slowed the production and exportation of this drug. The money is just too big. Big enough to stand up to the USA, is pretty big.

The big reason is that Americans (USA) crave cocaine.

Their massive entertainment industry and their massive sporting industry thrive on cocaine. Hollywood, Wall Street, the upper and middle classes can’t get enough of the stuff.

Mexico, which shares a very long border with the US, almost two thousand miles of border, has been overwhelmed by cocaine cartels. These cartels are so heavily armed, that they are an army in their own right and might.

Tiny, little Belize is increasingly getting drawn into the cocaine trade. Cocaine planes keep landing in Belize. The cocaine is offloaded and later smuggled into Mexico and then onwards into the USA. Belize has been used by the cartels for years. The cocaine was mainly by sea. Fast forty footer boats with three hundred horse power engines would speed from Panama loaded to the brim for Belize. They offload on the dozens of mangrove islands.

We should not be surprised that our police, soldiers and civilians are recruited in this lucrative business. We have been rather naïve. The vast majority of Belizeans are tired of being poor. The foreign television, foreign music, and all that stuff have been promoting a different life style to the one we used to know.

Many of us want to look and live like rich Americans.

Many of our people want to be materialistic. Material things cost money.

SUV, fancy house, fancy clothes and the party life cost money.

None of these party people and good life people want to slave from week to week. They don’t want to save a little pittance at a time. They want to get there now.

“The devil got you Lucy, under lock and key. He ain’t about to set you free”.

CONQUERING CHRISTMAS Conquering Christmas is much easier than fighting Covid or resisting cocaine cash.

Christmas this year will be particularly rough. Its our second year under economic scarcity. No money no deh.

AMERICAN SPY PLANE FOUND THE DRUG PLANE An American spy plane found the drug plane that landed in the pine ridge over the weekend.

17

The plane is available to the Mexican authorities in their flight against the cartels movements of valuable cocaine which is craved by Americans in the USA. So helpful has been this spy plane that it spotted vehicles moving in the vicinity of the drug plane in the mountain pine-ridge in the wee hours of the 28th November.

This major help by the USA and Mexico has given the embattled Belize police department a confidence boost. As was expected Commissioner of Police Chester Williams hosted another of his media event to boast up the public’s very dim view of the police department.

Unfortunately, the HBO series starring Chester Williams (not related to Billy Dee Williams) was a bit marred when co-star Jules Vasquez started shooting pointed arrows at Chester.

A series of serious questions caused Chester to lose his cool.

The media and the public have a genuine concern over corruption in the police department. Commissioner Chester Williams does deserve credit for trying his best to deal with rogue cops.

He cannot claim to be completely blind-sided by what has recently emerged. Which is that the GSU which has been operating above the law for several years is a problem. A change of government in November 2020 saw a change of name from GSU to G13 but the unit remained above the law.

There are eleven complainants whose vehicles have been impounded and confiscated, unlawfully. These vehicle are kept by the G13 unit and used as private property by the individual police on the unit. These vehicles are not turned over to customs or the Ministry of Finance or the government’s Vehicle Care Unit.

If that was being done for items as big as vehicles, what was happening for guns and drugs? And cash? Were all these items taken from citizens properly accounted for, or only those for which persons were arrested and must go to Court.

And if GSU/G13 handled their own exhibits, what happened with these exhibits when the case is completed?

Jules Vasquez, journalist, is right to question how come Marco Vidal, Assistant Commissioner of Police had a hand-picked close knit group (including his nephew) who moved from police patrol to Special Branch to GSU, to elite top cops, to G13 to special this and special that, until they landed up being arrested for facilitating a drug plane.

The commissioner of Police has a duty to properly answer the question.

He also needs to talk less and do more. There is clearly serious issues inside the police department.

It should also be clear that the new Minister of Police and the new government is concerned about matters involving police; we say no more.

CHESTER WILLIAMS VERSUS JULES VASQUEZ The following is a portion of Wednesday 1st December 2021 newscast from Channel7:Chester “By right he (Marco Vidal) should have and he would not have the authority to authorize it” Jules “Is this not a culture of impunity that he fostered and that you facilitated by always turning your head in the other direction”.

Chester “Here you come with your fool again Jules” Jules “What else can we conclude?”

Chester “You cannot tell me I facilitated nothing. We have dealt with this before, but it seems like you are just so adamant of trying to impute nonsense. I am not going to have it with you today”.

Jules “Would you say though, suggest that somebody - if you can take somebody else property without legal procedures sir you are operating with impunity. That is with no regard for the law.

Chester “Have I not said just now that it’s a part of the internal investigation?”

Jules “But then it is indicative of the fact that this a rogue unit and it happened under your watch and this man (Marco Vidal) is at the apex of the law enforcement, he is the tip of the spear.”

Chester “What else you want me to say…”

Jules “I want you to say that you facilitated, you empowered and enabled him.”

Chester “I am here facilitating you to ask me foolishness.”

18

LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICES

Notice is hereby given that Rodney Cal is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Lenny’s Shop” located in Yo Creek Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Manuel de Jesus Solar is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “El Solar” located in Santa Martha Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Ursula Leiva is applying for a Convenience Store Liquor License to be operated at “Roadway Express” located in San Jose Palmar Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Selma Ayuso is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Victor’s Inn” located in Petville Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Malcolm Romero is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “K&B Beers” located in San Pablo Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Juan Fransisco Sanchez is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “J&R Hardware” located in Yo Creek Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

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

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

Notice is hereby given that Veronica Quetzal is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Vero’s Shop” located in Guinea Grass Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Luciana Copo is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “J & N” located in Guinea Grass Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Marilou Brendy Romero is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Aileen’s Store” located in Guinea Grass Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

5 DEC

THE BELIZE TIMES

Notice is hereby given that Alberta Catzim is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Bertha’s Fast Food” located in San Jose Palmar Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Gregorio Rodgrigues is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Camino Maya” located in Indian Church Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Ana Elvira Herrera is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Emrick Shop” located in San Jose Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

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

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

Notice is hereby given that Emiteria Silveria Gongora is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “D 3 Sisters” located in San Jose Palmar Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Magarita Cocom is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “J & M Grocery Shop” located in Yo Creek Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Roanna Novelo is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “The Deck Bistro & Bar ” located in Tower Hill Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Xhana Forte is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Q Bess’s Bar & Grill” located in Carmelita Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Eufemio Jimenez is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Jiminez Shop” located in Guinea Grass Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Rivaldo Garcia is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Angie’s” located in San Jose Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Gaspar Osorio is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “J & F” located in San Estevan Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Alfredo Castillo is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “I & K Groceries” located in San Estevan Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Michael Edwin Hills is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Drinks by Mike Shop” located in San Jose Palmar Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

2021 GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE MINISTRY OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND INVESTMENT

BELIZE INTEGRAL SECURITY PROGRAMME (BISP) INVITATION TO QUOTE No: CABEI-G-006-2147/2021 The Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment acting through the Belize Integral Security Programme (BISP), funded by the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) has allocated funds towards the cost of supply and delivery of Office Furniture.

The Ministry now extends an invitation to Suppliers to tender for the below listed items:

GOODS

Conference Table Conference Chairs Office Chairs Executive Chairs Waiting Chairs with Arm Rest Office Desk Office Desk (L-Shape) Workstation Legal 4 Drawer Filing Cabinet Legal 2 Drawer Filing Cabinet Lateral 2 Drawer Filing Cabinet Metal Standing Shelf 4-Seater Dining Table with Chairs

QUANTITY 1 10 6 1 6 1 1 1 3 1 1 2 1

Interested bidders may obtain a complete set of bidding documents inclusive of Specifications free of cost through written request to the below physical address or via electronic mail (email) to projectcoordinator.bisp@med.gov. bz or you can visit the Ministry of Economic Development’s webpage, www. med.gov.bz to download the bidding documents. Additionally, the Invitation to Quote can be found on the Belize Procurement Notice Board’s webpage https://blz-cppnb.caricom.org/epps/home.do Deadline for submission of sealed bids is Monday December 13th, 2021, at 10:00 a.m., via direct mail or hand delivered to the address indicated below: Project Coordinator Belize Integral Security Programme (BISP) Project Executing Unit 1904 Constitution Drive, 2nd Floor, Unit #3 Belmopan City, Belize C.A. Ref: Invitation to Quote Supply and Delivery of Office Furniture (CABEI-G-006-2021/2147) Electronic Bidding will not be Permitted, and Late submissions will be rejected.

NOTICE GENIUS STAR LIMITED #95,388 (“the Company”) Notice is hereby given that the Company named GENIUS STAR LIMITED has been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the 24th November, 2021.

CILTrust International Limited Registered Agent

5 DEC

2021

LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICES

Notice is hereby given that Odilia Esperanza Tillet is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Odilia’s” located in Carmelita Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

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

Notice is hereby given that Rodolfo/Anavela Esquivel are applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Anna’s” located in Santa Martha Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Oscar E. Gutierrez is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Cocina Sabor” located on Philip Goldson Highway, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Adin Adan Awe is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “” located at # 14A Progress Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Luisa Ramirez is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Pita Mini Grocery” located in Guinea Grass Village , Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Neelam Issrani is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Sony Store” located at # 44 San Antonio Road, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Corina Zepeda is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Copa Cabana Restaurant” located on Otro Benque, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Alma Alcoser is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Orange Plaza” located on Tangerine Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Dora Suyapa Escalante is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Antojitos Mili” located on Princess Diana Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICES

Notice is hereby given that Elvira Mejia is applying for a Malt & Cider Liquor License to be operated at “A & E’s Restaurant & Bar” located in Maskall Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Eugene Jex is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Highway Trails Resort & Country Club” located in Lucky Strike Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Hong Qing Chen is applying for a Convenience Store Liquor License to be operated at “Hong Chen Shop” located at # 87 Vernon Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Bin Bing Chen is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “Miracle Bar” located at # 15 West Collet Canal, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Sandra Teichroeb is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Sandra’s Shop” located in Ladyville Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Xinmei Zhang is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Yan Zhen Shop” located at # 63 Vernon Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Sandra Teichroeb is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “J & J Restaurant” located in Ladyville Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Stanley Smith is applying for a Malt & Cider Liquor License to be operated at “Altun Ha Restaurant & Bar” located in, Lucky Strike Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

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

19

THE BELIZE TIMES

Notice is hereby given that Yu Qiang Liu is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Hong Fa” located at # 61 Vernon Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Verna Samuels is applying for a Hotel Liquor License to be operated at “Birds Eye View Lodge” located in Crooked Tree 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” located at # 38 Iguana Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

NOTICE OF COMMENCEMENT OF DISSOLUTION Notice is hereby given to all interested parties that the company LARNE ADVISORS INC. (“the Company”) incorporated under the IBC Act of Belize commenced dissolution on the 18th day of November, 2021; and Ms. Neidy Johanna Tapias Lozada of World Trade Center Of. 1108, Ibagué, Colombia is the Liquidator of the Company, and any claims against the company should be forwarded to the Liquidator within 30 days from commencement.

GCC Corporate Consultants Group 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

SPOONER INVEST S.A.

25th November, 2021

Teostek Trading Inc.

25th November, 2021

Icaza Belize Trust Corporation Limited Registered Agent

NOTICE IZREX INVESTMENTS LTD. #30,647 (“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 IZREX INVESTMENTS LTD.: a) is in dissolution b) commenced dissolution on the 1st day of December, 2021; and c) CILTRUST INTERNATIONAL INCORPORATED whose address is 35 Barrack Road, Third Floor, Belize City, Belize is the Liquidator of the Company CILTrust International Limited Registered Agent

NOTICE LOREX FINANCIAL GROUP LTD. #30,646 (“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 LOREX FINANCIAL GROUP LTD.: a) is in dissolution b) commenced dissolution on the 1st day of December, 2021; and c) CILTRUST INTERNATIONAL INCORPORATED whose address is 35 Barrack Road, Third Floor, Belize City, Belize is the Liquidator of the Company CILTrust International Limited Registered Agent

20

THE BELIZE TIMES

5 DEC

2021

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

Job Title: Communication/Administration Officer Duration: Twelve (12) months Location: Public-Private Desk, Secretariat for the Economic Development Council in the Office of the Prime Minister, Belmopan.

Job Title: Projects Officer Duration: Twelve (12) months Location: Public- Private Desk, Secretariat for the Economic Development Council in the Office of the Prime Minister, Belmopan.

1. Background: 1.1 The Economic Development Council (EDC) was launched during the first Prime Minister’s Business Forum in 2011 upon recognition of the need for a mechanism to be in place to support action for addressing problem areas that impede rather than facilitate an enabling investment climate in Belize. The Public-Private Desk (PPD) in the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) was established in 2012 to provide technical support to the EDC in executing its mandate. In 2017 the Economic Development Council Act, No. 38 of 2017 was passed which formally outlines the EDC’s structure and mandate. Key functions of the EDC include to: (i) Foster an improved business climate by making recommendations to the Prime Minister and relevant government ministries; (ii) Support reforms that lead to an improved business climate; (iii) Strengthen the relationship between the private and public sector through meaningful dialogue.

1.2 Since November 2020, the Government of Belize has reiterated a renewed focus on advancing ease of doing business reforms as outlined in #PlanBelize in support of a robust and resilient economic rebound. The successful implementation of initiatives championed by the EDC (as operationalized by its Secretariat) require efficient coordination and project management that is supported by qualified expertise. The PPD, as the Secretariat to the EDC, is staffed by technical officers and a head of department. The PPD takes on a project management approach to managing its work, ensuring that proper planning, risk management, stakeholder engagement and monitoring and evaluation of activities occur in a systematic manner. The Public-Private Desk is hereby seeking to strengthen the work of the EDC’s Secretariat by procuring a Communications/Administration Officer to join its team.

2. Objectives: 2.1 The Public-Private Desk is looking for a dynamic Communication/Administration Officer to support its work. This person will be responsible for successfully raising the profile, building and managing relationships with key stakeholders and effectively communicating the mandate and work of the Public-Private Desk and the Economic Development Council. The Communications /Administration Officer will work along with the Project Coordinator, Project Officer and report to the Executive Director.

3. Qualifications: 3.1 The following is the minimum technical expertise required to conduct the assignment: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, or other related fields, with knowledge of communications and marketing principles. At least 3 years of professional work experience in communications and marketing or public relations. More than two years of experience in designing, editing and producing publications, especially reports and briefs. Experience in customer relationship management, website content editing and proofing, and advanced English-language writing, editing and spoken English.

4. Submission: 4.1 To request the full Terms of Reference for this position kindly email: project.coordinator@opm.gov.bz Telephone enquiries may be directed to Carmen Sosa, Project Coordinator. Tel: +501-828-5262.

Applicants should send an expression of interest and Curriculum Vitae directed to: Mr. Ishmael Quiroz, Executive Director, EDC at executive.director@opm.gov.bz and copy to project.coordintor@opm.gov.bz Insert: Public-Private Desk – Communication/Administration Officer as the subject line of the email. Deadline for receipt of submissions: Wednesday, December 15, 2021 by 5:00PM

1. Background: 1.1 The Economic Development Council (EDC) was launched during the first Prime Minister’s Business Forum in 2011 upon recognition of the need for a mechanism to be in place to support action for addressing problem areas that impede rather than facilitate an enabling investment climate in Belize. The Public-Private Desk (PPD) in the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) was established in 2012 to provide technical support to the EDC in executing its mandate. In 2017 the Economic Development Council Act, No. 38 of 2017 was passed which formally outlines the EDC’s structure and mandate.

Key functions of the EDC include to: (i) Foster an improved business climate by making recommendations to the Prime Minister and relevant government ministries; (ii) Support reforms that lead to an improved business climate; (iii) Strengthen the relationship between the private and public sector through meaningful dialogue.

1.2 Since November 2020, the Government of Belize has reiterated a renewed focus on advancing ease of doing business reforms as outlined in #PlanBelize in support of a robust and resilient economic rebound. The successful implementation of initiatives championed by the EDC (as operationalized by its Secretariat) require efficient coordination and project management that is supported by qualified expertise. The PPD, as the Secretariat to the EDC, is staffed by technical officers and a head of department. The PPD takes on a project management approach to managing its work, ensuring that proper planning, risk management, stakeholder engagement and monitoring and evaluation of activities occur in a systematic manner.

The Public-Private Desk is hereby seeking to strengthen the work of the EDC’s Secretariat by procuring a Projects Officer to join its team.

2. Objectives: 2.1 The person filling this post will provide expertise in the area of project management including but not limited to planning, monitoring and evaluation, stakeholder engagement and risk assessment of the unit’s action plan items and compliment the work of the Project Coordinator and Executive Director.

3. Qualifications: 3.1 The following is the minimum technical expertise required to conduct the assignment: Master’s Degree in Project Management, Business Administration, Economics, Development Studies and other Social Sciences, or other field relevant to the tasks identified under the EDC’s mandate. Have at least three years’ experience in the private sector. Certificate and work experience in Project Management are distinct advantages.

4. Submission: 4.1 To request the full Terms of Reference for this position kindly email: project.coordinator@opm.gov.bz Telephone enquiries may be directed to Carmen Sosa, Project Coordinator. Tel: +501-828-5262.

Applicants should send an expression of interest and Curriculum Vitae directed to: Mr. Ishmael Quiroz, Executive Director, EDC at executive.director@opm.gov.bz and copy to project.coordintor@opm. gov.bz Insert: Public-Private Desk – Projects Officer as the subject line of the email. Deadline for receipt of submissions: Wednesday, December 15, 2021 by 5:00PM

5 DEC

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

21

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) Chart of Accounts. (b) Financial Plan. (c) Annual Budget. (d) Monthly and quarterly financial reports. (e) Annual Financial Statements (f) Cash flow projections. (g) Filed accounting records. (h) Payment of Invoices and recording.

Continued on page 22

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THE BELIZE TIMES

PAHO/WHO and UNAIDS urge eliminating inequalities to end AIDS GOAL: Eliminating AIDS by 2030 New HIV infections in Latin America have not declined from 2010 to 2020 while reduction in the Caribbean is not on track to meet targets. Accelerating introduction and scale-up of new prevention and treatment methods for the most at-risk population is key to getting back on track and overcoming challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

On the eve of World AIDS Day this December 1, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) and the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) emphasized that the number of new HIV infections has not declined in a decade in Latin America. The organizations urged increased action to reach the goal of eliminating AIDS by 2030, after almost two years of disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“End inequalities. End AIDS.” is the theme of this year’s World AIDS Day, which focuses on confronting the inequities that drive AIDS and hinder access to essential HIV services, especially for those most affected and left behind.

“HIV does not affect everyone equally. There are people at higher risk of becoming infected, who continue to face stigma and discrimination, and who do not access

the prevention methods or care they need, and that is unacceptable,” said PAHO Director Carissa F. Etienne. “If we want to end AIDS, we must focus on those most at risk, on accelerating the introduction of new and existing diagnostic and prevention methods, and on ensuring early access to the most effective treatment,” she said.

According to WHO and UNAIDS estimates, 2.4 million people are living with HIV in Latin America and the Caribbean. Eightyone percent of them have been diagnosed.

Of those, 65% have received treatment and 60% had a suppressed viral load. Meanwhile, AIDS deaths fell 27% since 2010 and the percentage of people with HIV who got their diagnosis late dropped from 33% in 2016 to 25% last year.

“To end AIDS by 2030, we must urgently end the economic, social, cultural and legal inequalities that drive AIDS and other pandemics in our region,” said Alejandra Corao, UNAIDS Acting Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean. “While there is a perception that a period of crisis is not the most appropriate time to prioritize addressing underlying social injustices, it is clear that until this one is resolved, we must redouble our efforts in order to overcome

the crisis,” she said.

COVID-19 and HIV: the achievement of targets at risk In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic impacted HIV services, compromising treatment availability and disrupting delivery of services. Those included prevention activities, HIV testing (which fell 34% from 2019) and testing for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as well as antiretroviral therapy among newly diagnosed individuals, according to data from 20 countries.

The pandemic also delayed PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) implementation.

PAHO/WHO and UNAIDS warn that as testing and the number of positive results are reduced, there is significant risk of a setback in progress toward elimination goals. Both organizations believe that community-based health services need to be strengthened and adequately funded to be the first line of battle against stigma, placing people and their human rights at the center of the response to the pandemic.

However, dispensing medications for multiple months at a time, telehealth, online appointments, self-testing, mailing and home delivery of medications, and new models of community-driven care have helped sustain HIV services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Self-testing, PrEP and appropriate treatment People concerned about confiden-

2021 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 the introduction of PrEP, which can be taken by those who are not living with HIV but are at high risk of contracting it. This population accounts for 92% of new HIV cases in Latin America and 68% in the Caribbean. Only ten countries in the region have public policies for the provision of PrEP, two more countries than in 2019.

Without boosting PrEP, the region is unlikely to achieve enough reduction in new infections to end AIDS by 2030.

Ensuring early treatment with the most effective drugs is also critical to reducing transmission and saving lives. However, many countries are lagging in adopting the antiretroviral dolutegravir (DTG) as part of the preferred treatment recommended by WHO. In most countries in the region, the number of people on a treatment regimen with this antiretroviral – which is more effective, easier to take and has fewer side effects than others – does not exceed 50%.

People living with HIV who have an undetectable viral load cannot transmit the virus.

STRENGTHENING OF TAX ADMINISTRAION TERMS OF REFERENCE FINANCIAL OFFICER Continued from page 21

(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

(k) Experience with the Government of Belize Smart Stream platform will be of significant benefit.

VI. R EPORTING 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

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.

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:

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

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

5 DEC

23

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF CREDIT UNIONS REGISTERED UNDER THE CREDIT UNIONS ACT Quarter Ending: 30 September 2021 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

Holy Redeemer Credit Union

St. Francis Xavier Credit Union

St. John's Credit Union

Spanish Lookout Credit Union

BZ$'000

Blue Creek Credit Union

La Inmaculada Credit Union

St. Martin's Credit Union

Toledo Teacher's Credit Union

ASSETS Cash and Balances Due from Banks Government Securities/Investments Total Loans Less: Specific Loan Loss Reserves Net Loans Fixed Assets (Net) Other Assets TOTAL ASSETS

272,799 122,601 267,015 (10,595) 256,420 14,283 666,103

12,632 3,154 89,512 (1,790) 87,722 5,926 1,131 110,566

29,592 11,586 55,336 (4,248) 51,088 5,041 330 97,637

19,218 2,000 58,422 58,422 1,421 81,061

21,190 104 56,239 (1,509) 54,730 1,286 215 77,525

20,200 8,807 47,492 (3,584) 43,908 2,450 609 75,974

11,946 1,106 19,557 (799) 18,758 2,562 303 34,675

3,634 200 17,612 (374) 17,238 2,016 305 23,393

LIABILITIES & CAPITAL Demand Deposits Savings Deposits Time Deposits Share Deposits Total Deposits Balances Due to Banks Balances Due to Other Financial Institutions Balances Due to Other Credit Union Other Liabilities TOTAL LIABILITIES

4,151 18,064 57,807 480,529 560,551 699 2,000 563,250

6,105 5,150 67,792 79,046 1,374 1,441 81,862

7,787 11,064 64,996 83,847 111 351 1,538 85,847

16,841 31,914 21,243 69,998

1 69,999

65,739 2,874 68,613 51 68,664

6,725 317 50,934 57,976 897 58,873

2,419 320 22,607 25,346 1,103 26,449

2,178 1,643 14,522 18,343 548 18,891

EQUITY Share Capital Reserves Current Year Profit/(Loss) General Loan Loss Reserve Asset Revaluation Account TOTAL CAPITAL

5,317 84,952 12,584 102,853

2,249 23,834 2,117 505 28,705

3,249 7,603 583 355 11,790

10,605 136 321 11,062

8 8,322 311 220 8,861

1,770 13,371 1,883 77 17,101

1,856 4,427 397 1,546 8,226

72 3,972 458 4,502

TOTAL LIABILITIES & CAPITAL

666,103

110,566

97,637

81,061

77,525

75,974

34,675

23,393

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Interest Income Interest Expense Net Interest Income Non-Interest Income Non-Interest Expense Net Operating Income Other Income (Expense) Net Income (Loss)

FINANCIAL INDICATORS

Holy Redeemer Credit Union 8,858 711 8,147 163 2,464 5,846 (205) 5,641 Holy Redeemer Credit Union

St. Francis Xavier Credit Union 2,740 28 2,712 76 1,097 1,691 (250) 1,441 St. Francis Xavier Credit Union

St. John's Credit Union 1,640 127 1,513 81 953 641 (225) 416 St. John's Credit Union

-

Spanish Lookout Credit Union 960 727 233 30 273 (10) (10) Spanish Lookout Credit Union

Blue Creek Credit Union 1,136 249 887 38 217 708 (30) 678 Blue Creek Credit Union

La Inmaculada Credit Union 1,721 65 1,656 68 821 903 29 932 La Inmaculada Credit Union

St. Martin's Credit Union 622 21 601 84 364 321 (149) 172 St. Martin's Credit Union

Toledo Teacher's Credit Union 698 24 674 127 426 375 (45) 330 Toledo Teacher's Credit Union

Base Lending Rate (Interest rate used as an index in pricing a credit union loan) Residential Mortgage Rate Average Lending Rate (Annualized) Average Deposit Rate (Annualized) Fixed Deposit Rate ($5,000/$10,000 for 3 months) Number of Branches/Agencies

12.00% 9.00% 11.17% 0.53% 0.00% 1

12.00% 12.00% 12.01% 0.15% 1.75% 4

12.00% 12.00% 10.54% 0.62% 0.00% 3

8.00% 8.00% 6.94% 3.93% 5.50% 0

8.00% 8.00% 7.62% 3.51% 0.00% 0

12.00% 12.00% 14.47% 0.43% 0.00% 1

12.00% 12.00% 12.77% 0.33% 1.00% 1

12.00% 12.00% 15.33% 0.47% 0.00% 1

CAPITAL ADEQUACY Net Institutional Capital/Total Assets Total Capital/Total Deposits

11.84% 16.10%

14.09% 33.64%

11.96% 13.37%

13.11% 15.34%

10.27% 12.46%

11.54% 26.25%

13.06% 30.89%

13.84% 22.05%

48.23% 56,865 213,476

14.19% 8,270 2,950

35.05% 8,722 20,666

30.07% 7,942 13,104

31.03% 6,893 14,396

35.95% 5,843 15,001

47.14% 2,450 9,498

16.43% 1,947 1,067

1.71% 3.97%

0.59% 2.00%

0.51% 7.68%

0.00% 0.00%

4.64% 3.07%

0.94% 7.55%

2.13% 4.09%

1.03% 2.12%

FINANCIAL STRUCTURE Total Deposits/Total Assets Total Loans/Total Assets

84.15% 40.09%

71.49% 80.96%

85.88% 56.68%

86.35% 72.07%

88.50% 72.54%

76.31% 62.51%

73.10% 56.40%

78.41% 75.29%

PROFITABILITY (Annualized) Return on Assets (%) Return on Equity (%) Net Interest Income/Adjusted Operating Income Interest Expense/Adjusted Operating Income

3.80% 23.69% 98.04% 8.56%

3.88% 14.78% 97.28% 1.00%

1.20% 9.45% 94.92% 7.97%

0.79% 6.15% 88.44% 276.22%

0.81% 6.54% 95.89% 26.92%

4.96% 21.50% 96.06% 3.77%

2.30% 9.59% 87.74% 3.07%

3.95% 20.33% 84.14% 3.00%

LIQUIDITY Liquid Assets/Total Deposits Liquid Asset Statutory Requirement Excess (Shortfall) Statutory Liquid Assets ASSET QUALITY Total Non-Performing Loans (Net of Specific Loan Loss Reserves)/Total Loans Total Loan Loss Reserves and Provisions/Total Loans

Notes: 1. Figures were obtained from Credit Union Returns submitted to the Central Bank of Belize as required under section 58(1)(c) of the Credit Unions Act.

24

THE BELIZE TIMES

5 DEC

2021

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