1
The Belize Times THE BELIZE TIMES
13 FEB
2022
Established 1957
13 FEBRUARY 2022 | ISSUE NO: 5286
The Truth Shall Make You Free
facebook/belizetimespress | $1.00
MOVING FORWARD
with PlanBelize
CDB President Visits
Pg. 2 planBelize Transparency and Accountabilty baffles the UDP
Pg. 2 BORDERS & ECONOMY OPEN
Pg. 8
PM & Blue Planet Fund Fighting Climate Change & Poverty
Pg. 5
The Con’s Sarcastic “Aye”
Pg. 6 PM INAUGURATES OWTHS NEW SCHOOL BUILDING SALDIVAR & BELISLE Swapping Skeletons
Pg. 6
United in Disarray
Pg. 8
THIS VALENTINE, SHOW LOVE BY WEARING A MASK AND BE SAFE
02 2
13 FEB
THE BELIZE TIMES
CDB President Visits Prime Minister John Briceño: A Dialogue for Development
Belize’s Cabinet with the CDB team discussed collaboration across areas for Belize’s continued positive development. Recently, Belize has signed a grant agreement from the Basic Needs Trust Fund, which comes from the CDB, for an amount of $5M USD. This is following from the BNTF ($5.1 USD) that is presently finalizing some projects in education, health, and water systems in the rural areas of the country. The CDB is strengthening trade, innovative financing, advancing agriculture and building economic and climate resilience. These were among the issues on the agenda when Dr. Hyginus ‘Gene’ Leon, President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) led a high-level mission to Belize commencing February 7, 2022. During the week-long visit, a series of meetings were coordinated with a cross sector of interests in private and public spheres. The President participated in the launch of a US$ 1,5 million trade programme funded by CDB and the European Union-financed EPA and CSME Standby Facility. The team hosted discussions with the Prime Minister and Cabinet, the Governor of the Belize Central Bank, the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre headquartered in Belmopan among others. Visits to ongoing and completed projects in infrastructure, health, climate change, education and trade were conducted. The Bank enjoys a longstanding relationship with the Government and people of Belize. It
was anticipated that this mission will build on this solid foundation while identifying new opportunities and partnerships to lend service to Belize and advance the country’s development and growth agenda. Accompanying the President are Vice-President (Operations) Isaac Solomon; Director of Projects, Daniel Best; Senior Advisor, Shelton Nicholls and Andrea Power (Coordinator, Regional Cooperation and Integration. The inaugural visit of Dr. Hyginus “Gene” Leon, President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), to Belize kicked off on February 7, 2022, with a meeting at the Central Bank of Belize. Hon. Christopher Coye, Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment, welcomed the CDB team and expressed appreciation for the relationship and partnership that has existed between Belize and CDB since its inception. According to the minister, “the Government is working to better position Belize to emerge economically, reflecting a culture of environmental sensitivity and building on that brand.” President Leon in turn renewed assurances of CDB’s commitment to assist borrowing-member countries in improving the lives of people and securing a sustainable future for the region’s children. He stated that the government and the bank have an aligned vision, indicating that “as
Cabinet Brief Belmopan. 10th February 2022. 9:00 a.m. The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño, met in regular session on 8th February 2022.. • The Cabinet welcomed the opportunity to exchange views with Dr. Hyginus Leon, president of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), and his delegation. The discussion revolved around the work of the bank in Belize and efforts to enhance the partnership between Belize and the CDB in the development agenda of Belize and the Caribbean region. • Hon. Eamon Courtenay, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade & Immigration, reported on the successful reopening of the land borders and seaports on 7th February 2022 for fully vaccinated persons only. Minister Courtenay indicated that since the opening of the borders and seaports total movements of persons arriving and departing Belize was well over 5,000. • Hon. Michel Chebat, Minister of Public Utilities, briefed Cabinet on the settlement arrived at with the Christian Workers Union on behalf of the stevedores. Cabinet welcomed the process employed in dealing with the stevedores which was markedly different than the violence with which they were treated under the former administration and corrected a wrong which was committed against the stevedores at the time of the privatization. • Cabinet was updated on the status of vaccinations and the number of vaccines available in Belize as of 7th February. Currently, there are more than 262,474 vaccines on hand. As of 7th February 2022, 213,352 persons or 49.59 percent of the total population had received at least one dose of the vaccine and 204,952 or 47.64 percent of the total population has been fully vaccinated. Also, 30,546 Belizeans aged 12 to 17 years old have received at least one dose of the vaccine and 25,194 two doses. Additionally, over 33,867 booster shots have been issued to date. Boosters are now available to persons (including 12- to 17-yearolds), who have been fully vaccinated for three months or more. • Cabinet mandated that COVID-19 rapid tests be given free of cost by the Ministry of Health & Wellness to Belizean students traveling for purpose of study in Mexico and Guatemala. Students will be required to show a valid student identification card as proof of enrolment in an educational institution.
we transition from the pandemic, we must seize the opportunity and create a future the rest of the region and our citizens deserve.” This, he added, was urgent, necessitating immediate, bold and impactful steps. The discussion included updates on the state of Belize’s economy, developments in the financial sector, potential areas for CDB support, the need for collaboration between the public and private sectors to promote economic expansion, regional integration, and areas for strengthening the relationship between Belize and the CDB. The president is accompanied on visit by Mr. Isaac Solomon, Vice President (Operations);
2022 Mr. Shelton Nicholls, Senior Advisor; Mr. Daniel Best, Director of Projects; Ms. Andrea Power, Coordinator – Regional Integration; and Ms. Cassie-Ann James, Communications Officer. The Central Bank was represented by Mr. Sidney Campbell, Chairman of the Board, and Mr. Emory Ford, Manager, Research Department. Minister Coye was joined by Mr. Joseph Waight, Financial Secretary; Dr. Osmond Martinez, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Economic Development; and Ms. Karlene McSweaney, Economist, Policy and Planning Unit, Ministry of Economic Development.
BORDERS & ECONOMY OPEN
Arguably the most compelling of signs that Belize is open for business, approaching pre-Covid normalcy and, now, a bastion of economic confidence is the OPENING OF THE BORDERS even with the restrictions. On February 7, after an almost two-year-long closure, caused by the global COVID pandemic, finally, Belize’s land borders and sea ports are open! After careful analyses of the rate of infection and other trends, Minister of Health, Hon. Kevin Bernard gave the nod for the reopening of the borders on Monday, much to the pleasure of cross-border traders and exporters/importers who rely on the convenience of open borders to conduct business. Gone are the middle men who were making profit margins of many MSME dwindle or disappear. Hopefully the specific high prices that were brewed get rolled back. Please note, we are not saying the ALL consumer prices are because of these middle men. There are many other global reasons. The reopening was also a welcomed decision by those in the tourism sector, particularly those who depend on the business that overnight European tourists bring to us via the Mexican border. Quite a number of Europeans prefer to fly from their country to Mexico and then travel by road through Mexico to Belize and beyond. Mexican and Belizean citizens who have longed to hop across the border to enjoy each country’s unique entertainment and cultural dishes are also no doubt happy that they will be able to do so now. And already the first signs are evident, with over 3,000 people crossing the borders in the first two days alone! Many went only to the free zone but this is expected to change dramatically with the midmonth and Valentine coinciding. Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations, Hon. Anthony Mahler informed that the Cabinet discussed the matter at length. At the next Cabinet meeting, Minister Bernard is expected to present a paper with specific protocols and/or requirements that are needed to minimize the spread of COVID-19 going forward, leading to the rest of the economy. But in the initial stages where the reopening of the borders is concerned, Min. Mahler said the system in place seems to be working effectively, minus a few minor glitches. One of these may be the one-day to go and then qualify for a Covid swab. We are sure that this will be ironed out with more information and with science prevailing. All to keep us as safe as possible in a controlled setting. The border should not be a super spreader that would be counterproductive. “All the departments are working to ensure that it is a seamless effort. There are going to be some hiccups here and there but we’re working through those and hopefully in the next couple of weeks we have a seamless process as people move back and forth to Mexico and to Guatemala,” the Minister said. He assured tourists who enter Belize for overnight visit as of February 15th, that the new insurance scheme for tourists will kick in and that it covers for their care and wellbeing even if
they test positive for COVID-19 upon entry at the borders. Somehow, the UDP media has called all tourists and asked them to rebel this measure. The UDP still wants to see the nation crumbling. They were against Independence and now against anything that is prosperous for Belize. One of the factors that might discourage travel to and from Guatemala for now is a steep cost travelling across the border that is associated with testing requirements by our two countries. Guatemala’s testing is even higher. And with Guatemalan children still traveling to Belize to receive their education, as well as Belizean traders and shoppers refusing to pay that money just to cross over and to come back, the matter will be one of the things that Cabinet will look at more closely next week to see how these issues can be worked out. Currently, and at no point, Mexico does not require any COVID tests of people entering that country. The requirement for Belizeans who leave and spend an overnight or longer in Mexico to be swabbed for a hundred dollars will predictably not stop the idea of freedom. Covid has retained us for too long. Nevertheless, the day visitors have always been the greater number who will not be affected. Let’s take care while being away. We need to be safe wherever we are. The same is true that even as travelers we need to know how to LIVE with Covid...it is here to stay. Our spirits are indomitable. Belize will move forward.
The Belize Times
Established 1957
14 APR 2013
|
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
13 FEB
2022
THE BELIZE TIMES
03 3
EDITORIAL IFI’S BRINGING ABOUT MEANINGFUL DEVELOPMENT
T
he Prime Minister (PM), Honourable John Briceño has been fomenting bilateral relations with several countries since his party came to power just over a year ago. While bilateral relations with neighbours such as Guatemala and Mexico certainly help with diplomatic relations, our PM seeks much more from such visits. He has fomented international goodwill but also increased avenues of trade and technical collaboration. He has represented Belize and her interests and brought with him tens of thousands of life-saving vaccines. Each time he has ventured away on official visits, he has brought home with him much more than self-serving promotion. He has been busy with International Financial Institutions (IFI’s) as well. These have hailed the opening of Belize for Business and the Investment Summit last year as opportunities to invest and help us build and develop Belize. A few months ago, we highlighted investor confidence signalled by the increase in several sectors such as construction and services. These sectors continue to perform well because investors both foreign and national know that there is new leadership at the helm. This leadership has already steered our economy away from devaluation and reduced the national debt significantly with the Blue Bonds. This government has also made sure that new energy and significant investment has been made in the Agriculture and Livestock sector whose exports are significant and provided much needed foreign reserves during the worst of the pandemic. This second year in office, the PUP government is focusing on economic development through a partnership with IFI’s. Already, there is a long list of projects that will bring in both significant investment and development in those areas where it is most needed…the rural areas. Through funding from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the Social Investment Fund, already underway, we have three schools in the North, pre-primary and primary schools in Calcutta and Cristo Rey. Inauguration has also recently occurred at the Orange Walk Technical Highschool. Rural water systems will be completed in Libertad and Concepcion villages. The Caye Caulker health centre and the Maria Crawford health centre, as well as the Belmopan Polyclinic, will be done. The water supply at Camalote will also be addressed. Through the BNTF9 funds Louisiana, St Michael’s, Santa Martha and Crooked Tree will receive new facilities and five schools in the Belize and Toledo District will receive funds for buildings. San Jose, San Pablo, Crique Jute, and Sarawee will have new or upgraded water systems. The Central American Bank of Economic Integration (CABEI) has also come to Belize early this year and met with our PM and other officials to develop working relations and to establish a permanent office in Belize. They have offered their support for many projects that will address many areas of climate resilience and economic development in the country. Already, there is an ongoing project for 60M Belize dollars to address National Security issues. The International Development Bank (IDB) has a long history of cooperation with Belize, and they have indicated that there are future opportunities for financing of Public/Private Partnerships (PPP’s), financing for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, financing for Smart Agriculture and Access to Climate Financing. There is still more, next week we wait to hear from the European Union (EU) team who will be in the country to discuss even more funding. IFI’s no doubt are convinced that Belize means business. They have come because they are confident that investment in Belize is a sound decision and that by supporting public and private initiatives, they will help us to develop, to achieve sustainable growth while protecting the environment. IFI’s invest to bring about meaningful change, they do not risk their money. Already there is much improvement in some of our most vulnerable communities and these projects will bring welcome growth. Their strong interest in Belize is again another indicator of the strength of our economy and confidence in our government and leaders. The PM and his Cabinet have no time to dedicate to frivolous time-consuming activities better left to clowns whose calling is to amuse citizens of foreign lands rather than serving their own people. Still, others engage in political mudslinging as a sport, but those engaged in setting to right all the wrongs that had been done to this country have no time to idle.
04 4
THE BELIZE TIMES
EDITORIAL
13 FEB
2022
en Español
LAS IFIS APORTAN UN DESARROLLO SIGNIFICATIVO
E
l Primer Ministro, el Honorable John Briceño, ha estado fomentando las relaciones bilaterales con varios países desde que su partido llegó al poder hace poco más de un año. Si bien es cierto que las relaciones bilaterales con vecinos como Guatemala y México ayudan a las relaciones diplomáticas, nuestro Primer Ministro busca mucho más con estas visitas. Ha fomentado la buena voluntad internacional, pero también ha aumentado las vías de colaboración comercial y técnica. Ha representado a Belice y sus intereses y ha traído consigo decenas de miles de vacunas que salvan vidas. Cada vez que se ha aventurado a realizar visitas oficiales, se ha llevado a casa mucho más que una promoción personal. También se ha ocupado de las instituciones financieras internacionales (IFI). Éstas han aclamado la apertura de Belice para los negocios y la Cumbre de Inversión del año pasado como oportunidades para invertir y ayudarnos a construir y desarrollar Belice. Hace unos meses destacamos la confianza de los inversores, señalada por el aumento de varios sectores, como la construcción y los servicios. Estos sectores siguen funcionando bien, porque los inversores, tanto extranjeros como nacionales, saben que hay un nuevo liderazgo al frente. Este liderazgo ya ha alejado a nuestra economía de una devaluación segura y ha reducido la deuda nacional de forma significativa con los Bonos Azules. Este gobierno también se ha asegurado de que se realicen nuevas inversiones energéticas y significativas en el sector de la agricultura y la ganadería, cuyas exportaciones son significativas y proporcionaron las tan necesarias reservas de divisas durante lo peor de la pandemia. En este segundo año de mandato, el gobierno del PUP se está centrando en el desarrollo económico mediante la colaboración con las IFI. Ya hay una larga lista de proyectos que aportarán una importante inversión y desarrollo en las zonas que más lo necesitan: las zonas rurales. A través del Fondo de Inversión Social que ya está en marcha tenemos tres escuelas en el Norte, escuelas de preescolar y primaria en Calcuta y Cristo Rey. También se ha puesto recientemente inaugurado la Escuela Secundaria Técnica de Orange Walk. Los sistemas de agua rural se completarán en las aldeas de Libertad y Concepción. Se hará el centro de salud de Caye Caulker y el centro de salud María Crawford, así como la policlínica de Belmopan. También se abordará el suministro de agua en Camalote. A través de los fondos del BNTF 9, Louisiana, St. Michael’s, Santa Martha y Crooked Tree recibirán nuevas instalaciones y cinco escuelas del distrito de Belice y Toledo recibirán fondos para edificios. San José, San Pablo, Crique Jute y Sarawee tendrán sistemas de agua nuevos o mejorados. El Banco Centroamericano de Integración Económica (BCIE) también ha venido a Belice a principios de este año y se ha reunido con nuestro Primer Ministro y otros funcionarios para desarrollar relaciones de trabajo y establecer una oficina permanente en Belice. Han ofrecido su apoyo a muchos proyectos que abordarán muchas áreas de resiliencia climática y desarrollo económico en el país. Ya existe un compromiso de 60 millones de dólares beliceños para abordar un proyecto de seguridad nacional, subvenciones y préstamos. El Banco Internacional de Desarrollo (BID) tiene una larga historia de cooperación con Belice, y han indicado que hay oportunidades futuras para la financiación de asociaciones público-privadas (PPP), la financiación de las micro, pequeñas y medianas empresas, la financiación de la agricultura inteligente y el acceso a la financiación climática. Aún hay más, la semana que viene esperamos noticias del equipo de la Unión Europea que estará en el país para hablar de aun más financiación. Sin duda, las IFI están convencidas de que Belice va en serio. Han venido porque confían en que invertir en Belice es una decisión acertada y que, al apoyar las iniciativas públicas y privadas, nos ayudarán a desarrollarnos, a lograr un crecimiento sostenible y a proteger el medioambiente. Las IFI invierten para lograr un cambio significativo, no arriesgan su dinero. Ya hay muchas mejoras en algunas de nuestras comunidades más vulnerables y estos proyectos traerán un crecimiento bienvenido. Su gran interés en Belice es otro indicador de la fortaleza de nuestra economía y de la confianza en nuestro gobierno y nuestros dirigentes. El primer ministro y su gabinete no tienen tiempo para dedicarse a actividades frívolas que consumen su tiempo y es mejor dejar a los payasos, cuya vocación es divertir a los ciudadanos de tierras extranjeras en lugar de servir a su propio pueblo. Otros se dedican a la lucha política como un deporte, pero los que se dedican a enmendar todos los errores que se han cometido en este país no tienen tiempo para holgazanear.
13 FEB
2022
PM & Blue Planet Fund
Combatting climate change and poverty while achieving sustainable use of marine resources is one of the world’s existential objectives at this Covid-era and much before. At this time, through the GB UK Ocean Country Partnership Programme (OCPP) an initiative of the Blue Planet Fund, Belize is currently the only Caribbean country benefiting from the programme’s efforts with focus on tackling climate change, restoring ocean health and working to reduce poverty. Through the OCPP, Belize will collaborate with UK scientific advisory, marine management and regulatory organizations to strengthen marine science capability and developing policy in the areas of marine pollution, biodiversity and sustainable seafood production. British High Commission Belmopan - Belize is the first country to launch the Ocean Country Partnership Programme (OCPP) under the UK’s Blue Planet Fund (BPF). The UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), Deputy Director for International Marine Environment, James Smith, is leading a UK delegation visiting Belize to launch the Ocean Country Partnership Programme (OCPP) funded by the Blue Planet Fund (BPF) from 6th – 11th February 2022. This delegation includes members of the operations team working to deliver OCPP in Belize from the UK’s Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture (Cefas) and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC). The British High Commissioner, Her Excellency Claire Evans OBE, is facilitating engagement with the delegation during the week of activities to launch OCPP launch in Belize. During this visit the Deputy Director, accompanied by Her Excellency Claire Evans OBE, is meeting with Prime Minister John Briceño, Minister of Finance, Economic Development & Investment; Governor General, HE Froyla Tzalam; Hon. Andre Perez, Minister of Blue Economy and Civil Aviation; Hon. Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Management; Hon. Jose Mai, Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise; and Senator Hon. Christopher Coye, Minister of State in Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment to discuss the on-going partnership between the UK and Belize under the OCPP and BPF. Under the OCPP, the UK is partnering with Belize to exchange UK science, research, and development expertise to address marine environmental challenges across three key themes: marine pollution, marine biodiversity, and sustainable seafood. The OCPP is building upon existing UK programmes such as the Commonwealth Litter Programme (CLiP) and One Health Aquaculture (OHA). Additionally, the operational team from Cefas and JNCC facilitated a Technical Stakeholder Engagement Launch Session, hosted by the British High Commission Belmopan, on Wednesday, 9 February 2022 at the British High Commission Residence. During the week, the operational team also met with CEOs from the Ministries of Blue Economy and Civil Aviation; Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Management; Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise; and Economic Development, to discuss the demand led implementation of OCPP in Belize over the next year in areas of marine biodiversity, marine pollution and sustainable seafood aquaculture. The UK’s £500 million Blue Planet Fund (BPF) was officially launched in June 2021 to support developing countries to reduce poverty, protect and sustainably manage their marine resources and address threats across four key themes: marine biodiversity, climate change, marine pollution, and sustainable seafood. The BPF is managed by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
05 5
THE BELIZE TIMES
SENATE MEETING 9th February 2022 Announcement by the President
Good Morning. Today marks our first Senate meeting for 2022, and I thought it important to start the year by sharing our work for the year 2021 with you and the wider public. For our 11 Senate Special Meetings held in 2021, a total of 117 bills, motions and papers were entered into the Order of Business, of which 58 or 49.6 per cent were bills, 43 or 36.8 per cent were motions and 16 or 13.6 per cent were papers. Of the 58 bills introduced, 52 or 89.6 per cent were approved by the Senate as introduced, 3 or 5.2 per cent were approved with amendments, and returned to the House, and 3 or 5.2 per cent remain in committee for further examination and consideration. A testament that the Senate is not a rubber-stamp, that as explained by Senator Sani Musa, (Nigeria), we are one arm of government, and we act based on the provisions of the Constitution Notably, members of this Senate participated in over 65 meetings, seminars and workshops in Sessional Select, joint parliamentary and staff committees on matters surrounding the efficiency, effectiveness and accountability of parliament, in capacity building sessions and in the work of parliament against hunger and malnutrition.; and with the United Nations, diplomatic embassies or by virtue of our membership with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, PARLAMERICAS and the Forum of Presidents of Legislative Powers of Central America and the Caribbean. In these meetings, seminars and workshops, knowledge was created, shared and transferred on key national, regional and global development challenges and opportunities for delivering on national goals and regional and global commitments under thematic areas such as climate change, poverty, social protection, open and gender responsive gov-
ernment, youth and women empowerment and human rights to name few. Worth mentioning too, for the year 2021, is the producing of a draft code of conduct for Senators and a draft amended standing orders of the Senate, through our partnership with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. For 2022, with your support, it is my intent, to build on our work in 2021 by introducing into the order of business the code of conduct for Senators and the amended standing orders of the Senate; and by the appointment of two Special Select Committees. One will be responsible to conduct inquires and all matters relating to Climate Change and Sustainable Development, which will see the Senate’s role, as not only limited to investigating allegations of corruption and mismanagement in government, but of advancing nation building. The other will be for Education, Public Engagement and Outreach with the purpose of increasing awareness of the role of the Senate; so that the wider public, particularly our youths, are familiar with and understand the role and functions of a working Senate in our parliamentary democracy. Also, we will continue with the process of strengthening the capacity of the National Assembly to support the work of Senators and both our sessional and select committees; with established collaboration with our regional and global partners and with Madam Speaker on reimagining the role of parliament in our democracy and nation building, and in moving it towards greater autonomy. I thank the staff of the National Assembly for the tremendous amount of work they do to support us, Senate, and I look forward to continued collaboration with Madam Speaker and our partners in strengthening the role of the Senate in our democracy and in delivering on the dreams and aspirations of our government and our people.
MINISTRY OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND INVESTMENT GAMING CONTROL BOARD NOTICE The Gaming Control Board of Belize would like to remind all gaming machine licensees that their licenses will expire on 31st March 2022. Licensees wishing to renew their licenses are asked to submit their original application forms to the Ministry of Investment, situated at No.46 Nanche Street in Belmopan on or before Monday, February 28th, 2022. Application forms are available at the Ministry.
We can be contacted via: Telephone: (501) 828-6704/ 828-9046 Email: belizeinvestment@invest.gov.bz Facebook: Investment, Policy & Compliance Unit
6 06
THE BELIZE TIMES
PM INAUGURATES OWTHS NEW SCHOOL BUILDING
13 FEB
2022
SALDIVAR & BELISLE
Swapping Skeletons
Prime Minister, Hon. John Briceño officially inaugurated Orange Walk Technical High School (OWTHS) new substitution school building on the school’s compound at 10 am, February 10, 2022, in Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District. Over 200+ students will have equitable access to quality education. Thus, acquire the relevant skills to effectively achieve academic and vocational excellence in an environment that is conducive to progressive learning. The School Sub project, support Belize’s development; and addresses GOAL 4 of the Sustainable Development Goals, which calls for Quality education for all. Completion of the Orange Walk Technical High School was implemented by the Social Investment Fund (SIF) at a cost of BZ$ 1.3 million with funds from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Government of Belize under the Social Investment Fund Loan 111 Project. CDB is one of Belize’s funding agencies that contributes to the development of Belizeans, and the national development of Belize. The Social Investment Fund (SIF) under the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment is the premier implementing agency for the Government of Belize and is tasked with the responsibility to address the basic needs of Belizeans in the areas of the areas of Education, Health, Water Sanitation and Hygiene. Since its existence in 1996 the Social Investment Fund has implemented 700+ Sub-Projects enhancing the education sector of Belize, thus strengthening national development of our country.
CARTOON
Saldivar and Belisle were on social media this past weekend hurling skeleton bones at each other. The closet door was ajar and these two gentle beasts were in some stupor calling each other’s stakes and raising the ante. The stench reeked of UDP cadaver after 13 years of crass infamy. The UDP media recently shied from discussing the 2018 sale of the Public Service’s Hilltop headquarters as posted on social media since the post was “defamatory.” The UDP media said nothing of the actual sale being egregious and anti-Belizean. They washed their handed of their usual bra-
zen selves. But it is clear that the non-transparency of the sale of the Hilltop PSU headquarters and, in addition, the reserved greens of Belmopan is beyond defamatory of the rights of the collective Belizean society to know and to refuse to sell. Why were Belizean national land or public spaces in Belmopan sold during the final breaths of the Saldivar and Belisle reign? Who purchased? Who exactly was selling? Council? Mayor? Representatives? Bangles fit all of them. They seemed to have been alluding to a John Saldivar post where he did reference some issue with the deal that happened during Belisle, the son’s, tenure as Mayor. The 400K in question has always been a mystery and rings similar to the 400k owed by Andre Vega. The people would like to know more about it. If it is the people’s money then it is a fair question. Where is the money? Account for it.
13 FEB
2022
07 7
THE BELIZE TIMES Prime Minister
JOHN BRICEÑO In Support of
GENDER BASED VIOLENCE MOTION House of Representatives Sitting (February 4, 2022)
Madam speaker I will vote in support of this motion and here is why: • Gender Based Violence in Belize is rampant and must end. • Gender Based Violence is a crime and a violation of human rights. Do you know madam speaker that: In 2019 alone, 217 cases of Domestic Violence were reported to the Police? Of the two hundred and seventeen cases reported only 1.4 percent (3) were taken to court. This is 3 cases madam speaker. Worse yet, of the 217 cases only 2 resulted in convictions of the perpetrators. Between 2012 and 2021, 129 women murdered in Belize. Sadly, there is no classification of femicide in Belize, which involves the intentional murder of women or girls…. Femicide is usually perpetrated by men, but sometimes female family members may be involved. My administration will do something about this madam speaker. In Belize in 2020 at least 30% of the women murdered were killed by their current or former partner. Equally disgusting is the fact that girls are not safe in their homes either. In Belize in 2020...51% of sexual assault victims were minors under the age of 16, all of them except for one, was female. • Incidents involving ‘harm and wounding’ and ‘assault’ together comprised 65% of all offenses associated with cases lodged during 2020. The statistics show that it takes an average of 8 tries for a woman to leave an abusive relationship. Now consider this, between January and November last year, there were 696 reported cases of Domestic Violence and 1459 cases cited as for future reference for a total of 2155. It is documented that only about 40% of actual cases get reported. • The World Health Organization cites that 1 in every 4 women will be victims of Gender Based Violence in their lifetime. • At least 60% of domestic violence cases registered during 2020 were the result of intimate partner violence • There is high risk of revictimization in the cases of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). The role of attachment, anger and violent behaviour is well documented in these cases. The propensity to revictimize is higher in Intimate Partner Violence. • Gender Based Violence (GBV) like Intimate Partner Violence not only has a negative impact on the psyche of the battered partner but ultimately affects the children, family, and community on a whole. • There are serious economic costs associated with Gender Based Violence, those are costs of medical services that will have to be provided to the victims throughout the course of their lifetime for those injuries and psychological trauma they suffer. • There is also an economic cost associated with the loss of productivity that comes from injury, emotional harm or death. • As a country, Belize needs to treat the issue of Gender Based Violence as a public health crisis and take the necessary steps to decrease the incidence, because it has very real and lasting consequences not only for the survivors, their children, and families but the entire country as well. • The idea that, somehow, Gender Based Violence is a private affair cannot continue to prevail, simply because the negative effects ripple across the entire community and over many generations as the cycle of violence repeats. Gender Based Violence is everybody’s business because it affects everybody. Madam Speaker, we as National Leaders, as Area Representatives who have put ourselves up for such Offices, are to be held to a higher standard of personal private and public conduct. After all we as leaders must lead by example and the young men and women of Belize now, more than ever, need leaders who can demonstrate that violence has no place on the street and certainly no place in the home. On the International front there is certainly no room for Belize’s name to be tarnished by allegations that any of its leaders are perpetrators of Gender Based Violence and Domestic Violence. In Peru, the newly appointed Prime Minister has been called to step down amid similar allegations of GBV against his wife and daughter. In Jamaica a member of parliament had to resign because of him being accused of committing violence against a woman Madam Speaker we can no longer allow for this to go on. Communities will no longer stand by while these atrocities are committed. We are here today because we believe Belizeans are rejecting the idea that our women and girls must suffer violence, discrimination and degradation in silence and impunity. We must change. As a society we must do more to value our women. Belizean Women must be free to live and work in safety and where they are equal partners. We need our women if we are to create a society that is more productive, have higher standards of living, and where infant and maternal mortality rates are lower. A Belize, where women are equal partners, are safer, healthier, and happier is what must be our goal standard. For sure, this is the Belize we on this side envision. This is the Belize we will build when we build up Belizean Women. So, I support this motion and expect everyone in this honourable house to do the same.
8 08 8
THE BELIZE TIMES
The Con’s Sarcastic Aye”
United in Disarray
Not even the original Barrow could spew out a load of nothing and fake concern as the deportee. Of the two Barrows in the National Assembly there is a stark difference. One lives to perform in the National Assembly and mean nothing then the following day he just flies home in the US. The other literally does nothing except ride a bike and go home. Shyne is now already in the USA where he is most comfortable and where he has access to shows that do not care of his abusive past and being a con artist. He openly lies about his position in the House. Shyne calls himself leader of the House of Representatives. On Friday February 4, 2022, Shyne supported a motion to condemn domestic violence...this is called a SARCASTIC AYE. Why? Shyne did not show true support to the motion. He did not resign. After 10 plus years of collecting ambassadorial money for being a non-travelling ambassador, Shyne did nothing but bring shame to the music industry. Now he, still using the people’s money, puts on a costume worthy of an American system representative and begins to perform. At the February 4 House of Representatives first sitting of 2022 Moses Shyne re-debuted in the second corrupted version of a position he was unworthy of filling—LOO. Shyne had orchestrated a second coupe of the Leader of Opposition position if a listless UDP. Now in all pre-prepared sarcastic flair con Shyne threw his hands out in a performance with the utmost of parliamentary sarcastic flair. The worse of the day was his sarcastic ‘aye’ in his division answer to the Condemnation of Domestic Violence motion. Shyne, accused of kicking his wife on the back, sarcastically supported the motion with the best of crocodile tears even Faber cannot duplicate. In true abusive relationship fashion, Shyne’s wife had publicly pulled back her story with no success. This lack of success in recanting is eerily similar to the latest Faber hammer incident. The stories were out in the public forever. The new LOO and his loo-level questions have now hot bottom and have started to dig. Shyne burrows deep as he continues with his parliamentary sarcasm in every word in the House. In his quest to prevent planBelize progress, Shyne vomits the usual reiteration of the notion that “people do not eat streets.” That is so true. The UDP is down in political and social infamy since they feigned at singularly placing millions into infrastructure and NOTHING else. Feigned
picked Mesop seat. Shyne is contributing to the debate as much as the other hand-picked Barrow who feigns at being a representative for Queen Square. Someday the people in Queen’s Square, Mesopotamia and Albert will have a representative truly elected of, by and for the residents of said divisions. It won’t be soon enough. United in Disarray Fifteen months after their Belize cast itself out of their torture chamber, the misnomered UDP is in terminal disarray. Some of their few are suggesting new terms for the D...Deano?, Dictatorship, Demolished, Destructive. Whatever the D is, the P is definitely for the Pestilence of the carcass of the group that ransacked Belize since 2008 to 2020. Drip...drip... the people of Belize are now witness to their criminal corruption...non...mis...or mal...it is a greater than a ...feasance. Let’s leave it up to the reader to decide what the U...and D...mean in UDP...never mind the P which at one point might have meant Pibil....or Petrocaribe. This group of people who is now out to pasture is definitely not United nor Democratic. The UDP media, after 7pm Saturday, reported the Nasty Propaganda and Controversy....(NPC)...Something
13 FEB
2022 like that,..reported that they could not do any better than Hugo Patt--ghost whose vehicle was involved in a drug bust and in allegations of drug trafficking. It is alleged that the extinct UDP has a constitution. Of course, we know that that is a most illusive document. Of course, by now, it has been corrupted and bludgeoned to death by the soulless remnants of a Party. They before 2020 led the most corrupt government ever to have led a government. Today, after corrupting the constitutional opposition, they are corrupting roughshod over their own leftovers of a Party. The UDP leftovers are so bad that even their very own Jerome is calling what remains of the UDP a dictatorship. Jerome went as far as renaming them. The Jerome-given name is United Dictatorship Party. Of course, this is very consistent with the UDP-first tag given to them by another of their domestic abusers. The party that condones domestic abuse is trying it’s best to erase the memory of the Belizean people. Sorry....this is not Men in Black movie. People have seen who the UDP really are and want to see you all in red bangles.
planBelize Transparency and Accountabilty baffles the UDP
since it is widely known that their main contractor was the main UDP financier. A million destined for the people’s infrastructure meant 500k for streets and 500k for UDP coffers, at best or it worse. Contracts and payouts were bloated and without transparency...never mind no accountability. So, the Opposition PUP, before the 2020 elections, had to shout foul...”the people cannot eat streets.” The cheap streets were the only thing the UDP attempted. Nothing else was being done for people to truly put food consistently on the table. In the first months of the planBelize GoB when the PUP found itself fixing everything--Health, Education, Human Development, Crime, Women’s Issues, Tourism, Agriculture, Land, Jobs and, yes, the failing UDP infrastructure. The never-accused of being bright, Shyne, sarcastically blurted the ‘people do not eat streets.” He wanted the PUP to leave the UDP broken up streets. He wanted the people to keep suffering and begging him for Pantry instead of accessing job opportunities. Shyne is now yet again the LOO of the UDP but not the party leader...only the incompetent UDP can regress to its own failure. So, at the recent House of Representatives sitting Shyne asked why his dad’s fuel taxes have not been removed as yet. Shyne asked why is the UDP’s cheap collapsing infrastructure being fixed. Shyne also failed to truly support the Motion condemning Domestic Violence. He failed to resign from his hand-
The political pixie-dusts were being hurled by the animated, arrogant, dogmatic mischief-maker Senator Michael Peyrefitte in his attempt to deceive the nation that something sinister was going on with the third supplemental appropriation bill sent to the Upper House for debate. However, as the Senate debate turned on its facts it was clear that the haunts of the UDP carrion crows feasted on the dying carcass of the Belizean economy in stark violations of the requisite constitutional and legislative norms. The Senate convened on Wednesday, February 9, 2022, to comply with the rule of law and the authorization of further spending of monies to supplement the shortfalls created by the inexactitude and UDP incompetence. The first order of business laid on the table by Senator Eamon Courtenay was the bill denouncing and condemning Gender-Based Violence in all its forms. Thereafter, the Upper House debated sessional paper 19/1 and several bills to support the public service. In anticipation of the UDP mischief-makers and lawbreakers attempt to convolute and mislead the general public that the People’s United Party was up to no good, Courtenay drew first-blood sending the arrow from the quiver straight to the heart of Peyre’. The senator for Government businesses stated that “in anticipation of the grandstanding, I want, Madam President to explain the benefit of those who intend to perpetrate mischief, the main items in the supplementary. Nonetheless, Peyre’ in his foolish wisdom made the asinine allegation that GOB lacked the creativity and ideas needed to rebuild the economy and that the supplementary budget is “one last hustle before the next bud-
get is read”. Consequently, UDP political Pandora box was flung wide open exposing the Barrow/Faber faeces of corrupt practices regarding the matter of budgetary supplementals. Honourable Christopher Coye Minister of State proffered those adjustments had to be made which had to do with the UDP regime. Reasoning that many payables racked up by the UDP (unpaid bills) amounted to 115 million dollars and was not procured for with 68 million of unauthorized expenditures. The PUP Government has to cover for mountains of outstanding payables. The matter of lack of medication for the public service as a result of the Hard-pay UDPs owing 5 million dollars which had to be paid upfront by the Briceno administration. This was the main reason for the 15 million supplemental. Contracts and monies for the downtown rejuvenation project with the blessing of China Taiwan was done under the UDP. Honorariums for the AG ministry and extended to the DPP office was agreed upon by the UDPs. Done without compliance with the rule of law. Peyre’ was reminded that within the hallowed halls of the National Assembly he was the only one convicted for violating the constitutional and legislative requirements regarding supplementation. 1.5 billion was illegally spent by Dean Barrow and the then-Attorney General Michael Peyrefitte. Senator Courtenay, in presenting the uncontroversial supplementary appropriations Bill, the chambers in echo, said “we are not ashamed… to comply with the law”. PlanBelize Transparency and Accountability will always baffle the UDP
13 FEB
099
THE BELIZE TIMES
2022
IN MEMORY OF RICHARD HARRISON Wilfrido Novelo in full white suit, Richard Harrison in the middle with Abdul Budayr of Saudi Arabia at “Casey McNab’s Restaurant” in Big Rapid, Michigan, celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day.
Richard Harrison celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day, Patron of Ireland. Hanging in the background are the green shamrocks, emblems of Ireland. “Casey McNab’s Restaurant”, Big Rapids, Michigan, USA.
by Wilfrido Novelo I first met Richard Harrison in January 1988 at Ferris State University (FSU) in the city of Big Rapids, Michigan, USA. I had gone to do a special journalism program in Technical Writing, Public Relations Writing, Publicity Release Writing, Advanced Editing and Reporting, and Libel Law/Invasion of Privacy Law. I was the Special Writer for “THE TORCH”, the university’s bi-weekly newspaper. On my arrival at FSU, I asked Mr. Bill Todd, Director of International Programs located at Bishop Hall if there were any Belizeans studying at the university. He gave me the names of Richard Harrison of San Ignacio, Carlos Guerra of Benque Viejo, Anthony Ali of Belmopan, Holly Edgell, Andrea McKoy and Susan Fuller of Belize City and sisters Jackie and Elizabeth Ackerman of Corozal. With my new Belizean friends, life became better in below zero temperatures and the snow. (I thank Brian Bolter, Deputy Director of International Programs, Sally Nikolai and Bonnie Greene for the excellent treatment they afforded me while at FSU). Richard Harrison and I became
very close friends. Thanks to Richard, I got to know many more friends from different parts of the world who were studying with him. Richard lived in Cramer Hall while I lived in the East Campus apartments. My apartment became a sort of de facto “embassy” of Belize where my new Belizean friends brought friends from Pakistan, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, to name a few. Richard Harrison was a jovial student with an incredible sense of humor. I will never forget the social outings and moments we spent with other friends. In my apartment, the Belizean ladies prepared Belizean-style rice and beans. Unfortunately, on February 6, 2020, Richard Harrison was the victim of a freak accident that claimed his life on the George Price Highway. Although belatedly, I offer my heartfelt condolences to his family on such a great loss. The memory of his friendship will always remain and live in my heart and mind. May God have you always in His kingdom of goodness, Richard Harrison. Rest in peace my friend.
Sir Manuel Passes
A Statement From His Family It is with deep sadness that the Esquivel family announces the death of the Rt Hon Dr. Sir Manuel Esquivel KCMG, which occurred on Feb 10, 2022. An announcement will be made in the coming days regarding his Memorial Service.
CONSULTANCY NOTICE
Development of a Stakeholder Engagement Plan for Environmental Impact Assessments in Belize BACKGROUND The Department of the Environment (DOE) is committed to meaningful and effective stakeholder engagement in the preparation and evaluation of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA). This will contribute to a successful project, eliminate conflicts with local communities and other stakeholders, and provide for a transparent and systematic process that is beneficial to all parties. Failing to carry out a meaningful consultation in development of the EIA report and in the evaluation process may result in timeline delays, failure of the project, and a significant cost to the community, executing agency, and beneficiaries. Public Consultations and Hearings were carried out in-person since the inception of the EIA Regulations. However, the safeguard measures now in place to prevent, control, contain and suppress the spread of the infectious disease COVID-19 has required that the DOE identify and implement new measures for the continued and enhancement of public involvement in the EIA process. Hence, the stakeholder plan shall take into consideration such new measures and the need for their standardization and formalization, taking into consideration existing policies and programs to engage stakeholders. OBJECTIVES The Department of the Environment is looking for a consultant/firm that will be able to develop a Stakeholder Engagement Plan, taking into consideration the safeguard measures now in place to prevent, control, contain and suppress the spread of the infectious disease COVID-19. The consultant will be expected to develop and submit the following to the Department for implementation. I. A Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) to be used during the EIA Screening Process when conducting public consultations/hearings to further strengthen the Environmental Clearance Process. Such a plan will outline actions/activities/processes to be set in motion at the time confirmation is received that the developer will proceed with the EIA study, to the final stage of the EIA process, that is, the decision-making stage. II.
A procedure that is the most effective/efficient means of communication to standardize the public consultation and engagement, considering the background of all stakeholders.
III.
Developed an information commercial showcasing the means and way of effective participation for the EIA process.
QUALIFICATIONS (i) Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in Social Science, Communication, Psychology, Sociology or related field, Master’s degree preferred. (ii) Minimum of 5 years working experience in the field of Social Science with a broad understanding of human behavior, communication, as well as issues of environment and society, and with practical experience in the development of action plans. (iii) Familiarity and work experience in the field for an extended period in Belize are essential. (iv) Ability to engage stakeholders in an effective and efficient manner. (v) Excellent writing and communication skills and ability to work in a multidisciplinary and multicultural team and excellent command of English is required. SUBMISSION PROCESS The Department of the Environment is inviting consultant/firm who possess the requisite qualifications to submit an application to include a cover letter, a proposed work plan, methodologies, and copy of C.V along with a proposed budget to the Chief Environmental Officer, Department of The Environment, Second Floor, The Green Building, 7552 Hummingbird Highway, City of Belmopan. The DOE will not bear any cost associated with the preparation of this proposal. Digital Copies of the application can be emailed to doe.ceo@ environment.gov.bz. DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION The deadline for the submissions of packages is 4:00 pm on February 24th, 2022. Interested persons can get a copy of the Terms of Reference (ToR) from the DOE website: www.doe.gov.bz or contact the Department of the Environment via email gordonkd@gobmail.gov.bz or eiaunit@environment.gov.bz
10
THE BELIZE TIMES
Belize and Mexico Hold Ministerial Meeting to Discuss Formal Trade Agreement February 2022 - Belize and Mexico met virtually to advance discussions for a trade agreement between the two countries. Belize’s delegation was led by the Hon. Eamon Courtenay, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Immigration, while the Mexican delegation was led by Señora Tatiana Clouthier Carrillo, Secretary of the Economy. Minister Courtenay noted that formalizing trade with Mexico is of paramount importance, as the consensus is that such an agreement is vital for the economic development of Belize, including growth in exports to Mexico.
LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICES
Notice is hereby given that Lionel Smith is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Coxman International Cool Spot” located in Rancho Dolores Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.
Notice is hereby given that Leandro Hegar & Andrea Witz are applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “City Eats” located at # 551A Buttonwood Bay Blvd., Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Magdelena Gregoria Bol is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Magda Grocery Shop” located on Otro Benque Road, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Maria Gongora is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Neymar’s Grocery Store” located at # 20 Sittee River Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Ceidi Polanco is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Johnny’s Fast Food” located in Carmelita Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Rosendo Urbina Jr. is applying for a Hotel Liquor License to be operated at “Honey Camp Beach & Hotel Ltd.” located in Honey Camp, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.
The ministers reaffirmed the desire to conclude negotiations at the earliest possible date and exchanged views on ways to achieve this objective. After comprehensive discussions, the meeting concluded with both countries reaffirming their commitment to agreements made by Prime Minister John Briceño and President Andrés Manuel López Obrador during their meeting in Mexico. These include improving economic cooperation between Belize and Mexico; agreeing on technical exchanges on legal and techni-
cal hurdles that the parties can resolve through cooperation; the conclusion of a possible MOU on Trade and Investment Cooperation; and a commitment by Mexico to explore possibilities for facilitating the exportation of Belizean goods. Minister Courtenay was supported by Ambassador Amalia Mai, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade; Andy Sutherland, the Director General for Foreign Trade; and other senior trade officials in the ministry.
13 FEB
2022
13 FEB
2022
THE BELIZE TIMES
11
58 12
13 FEB
13 FEB
THE BELIZE TIMES 2022
2022
13 FEB
2022
18 JAN
2015THE BELIZE TIMES THE BELIZE TIMES Min. Julius Espat, MIDH
BUILDING AND STRONG Min. Andre Perez, Minister of Blue Economy and Civil Aviation
Min. Jose Mai (MAFSE) and Min. Anthony Mahler(TDR) At the Northern Border... clearing and paving
Hands on at Seminar in Caye Caulker Village in a PPP initiative with BTIA
Prime Minister John Briceño, CDB President Hyginus ‘Gene’ Leon
LATAM Summit ‘22 reinforcing relationships with the Latin America, specifically for the areas of trade and investment
Min. Michel Chebat, Public Utilities and Logistics
San Marcus Village, Cayo...is now passable
Over 200 head of Cattle, exported to Mexico
DPM Cordel Hyde, Natural Resources, Petroleum & Mining Grader for San Ignacio/Santa Elena
E-Mobility Launch
Meeting with the Cabinet
Excellency Rossana Briceño, Special Envoy for the Development of Families & Children and MoECEST
Belize Youth Movement w/ Chairman Hon. Henry Charles Usher Successful Mobile Land Clinic in Ladyville, Belize Rural Central with Hon. Dolores
W/ NaRCIE Officers: Strategizing to effectively meet the special needs of our children and their education.
Min. Kevin Bernard, Health and Wellness In Monkey River, Stann Creek
BYM National Executive met today to discuss some challenges that young people face in Belize
Min. Julius Espat, MIDH
Hon. Louis Zabaneh and Mayor Robert Mariano Dangriga
Collaboration in the Sewing classes Project
Familiarization Visits
Handing Over of Houses – Belize City, Salvapan, St. Matthew’s, Benque Viejo
13
14
13 FEB
THE BELIZE TIMES
2022
PUBLIC AUCTION SALES: PROPERTIES & VEHICLES Countrywide
BY ORDER of the Mortgagees, The Belize Bank Limited, 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 21st & Tuesday 22nd February 2022 at the times listed on the website: N.B. Properties and vehicles will remain on sale on this website on a bi-weekly basis until conclusion. 1. 17 + Acres of developed land situate along the Punta Gorda/San Antonio Road, Toledo District:
ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being 17 acres 2 rods 14 poles of land situate on the left ascending the Punta Gorda/ San Antonio Road, Toledo District Belize. Freehold properties of Mr. Derrick D. Williams and Mr. Roy Williams. 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
12. 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. 13. 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.
2891
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:
REGISTRATION SECTION
BLOCK
PARCEL
Placencia North
36
2871
The freehold property of Mr. Sidney Lopez & Ms. Valarie Godoy 4. 147.228 Acres, San Marcos Agricultural Area, Toledo District:
ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being 147.228 acres situate in the San Marcos Agricultural Area, Toledo District. Freehold properties of Mr. Marcial Mess.
5. 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. 6. Parcel No. 788 “Little Orange Walk” formerly Melhado Estate, Mount Pleasant, Cayo District:
REGISTRATION SECTION
BLOCK
PARCEL
Mount Pleasant
20
788
The freehold property of Mr. Leopold Suarez. 7. Parcel No. 418 Corner 3rd Avenue & 5th Street North, Corozal Town, Corozal District:
REGISTRATION SECTION
BLOCK
PARCEL
Corozal Central
4
418
The freehold property of Mrs. Guadalupe & Mr. Edmund Longsworth 8. 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.
14. Lot No. 2 West of Punta Gorda Town, Toledo District:
ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 2 containing 841.073 square meters situate west of Punta Gorda Town, Toledo District TOGETHER with all buildings and erections, the freehold property of Mr. Cardinal Smith (Deceased). 15. No. 315 San Estevan Village, Orange Walk District:
REGISTRATION SECTION
BLOCK
PARCEL
San Estevan
1
315
The freehold property of Mr. Augusto Angel Blanco. 16. 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.
17. Parcel No. 4111 Blue Bird Street, Alta Mira, Corozal District:
REGISTRATION SECTION
BLOCK
Corozal North
4
PARCEL 4111
The freehold property of Mr. Raleigh Rivas and Ms. Olga Rivas 18. Parcel No. 1142 Phillip Goldson Highway, San Jose Palmar, Orange Walk District:
REGISTRATION SECTION
BLOCK
PARCEL
San Jose Palmar
4
1142
The freehold property of Ms. Marisa Perera & Mr. Carlos Perera 19. Parcel No. 2708 Phillip Goldson Highway, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District:
REGISTRATION SECTION
BLOCK
PARCEL
Orange Walk Town
4
2708
The freehold property of Mr. Gustavo Gongora & Ms. Rubicela Mai 20. Parcel No. 2492 Oak Street, Halls Layout, Corozal Town, Corozal District :
REGISTRATION SECTION
BLOCK
PARCEL
Corozal North
1
2492
The freehold property of Mr. Yasin Shoman & Ms. Ruth Shoman
9. 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. 10. 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 11. Parcel No. 2275 Seine Bight Village, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District:
REGISTRATION SECTION
BLOCK
PARCEL
Placenia North
36
2275
21. Parcel No. 158 Sunset Park, 8 ½ Miles George Price Hwy, Western Paradise, Belize District:
ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 158 containing 1,013.39 S.M. situate at Mile 8.5 Northern Side of Hector Creek Road, Western Highway, Belize District of Belize, the freehold property of Mr. Lawrence Ellis and Mrs. Kimberly Ellis)
22. Parcel No. 2842 first subdivision south of Placencia Airstrip, Placencia Village, Stann Creek District:
REGISTRATION SECTION
BLOCK
PARCEL
Placencia North
36
2842
The freehold property of Mr. Ajinder Singh Garcha
The freehold property of Mr. Lammey Alvarez
Continued on page 15
cia Airstrip, Placencia Village, Stann Creek District:
13 FEB
BLOCK 2022 Placencia North 36 2842 The freehold property of Mr. Ajinder Singh MOVE Garcha MAFSE ON THE REGISTRATION SECTION
OIRSA Hands Over Small Hive Beetle REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL Traps Orange Walk Town 4 1824
February 7, 2022 - The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security TheEnterprise Freeholdtoday property of Mr. Mark Nugent and received a donation of 800 small hive beetle traps from the International Regional Organization for Agricultural Health (OIRSA). The donated traps were purchased from Australia 25. Parcel No. 1080 Pucte Villas Subdivision, near and have a total value of US$3,637. Mile ½ west Goldson Hwy, Orange Walk This56 donation willPhillip assist bee farmers countrywide who are being affected by the small hive beetle, which is a scavenger and District: parasite of honeybee colonies. The beetle Aethina tumida is native to Africa and was introduced to Belize in SECTION 2016, mainly by commercial movement REGISTRATION BLOCK PARCELof bees. Both adult and larval beetles feed on larvae, pollen, honey Ann Gabourel and bee brood. The adult female lays 4her eggs in the1080 hive. The larvae hatch and feed on broods, pollen and honey, then leave the The Freehold property of Mr. Marlo Perrera hive to pupate in the soil, where the adults hatch, then fly to look for new hives. The handing over was conducted by OIRSA country represen26. No.Blanco, 1726 Guinea Grass by Village, Orange tative,Parcel Mr. Fermin and was received Hon. Jose Abelardo Mai, Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise. Walk District:
BLOCK
The freehold property of Mrs. Mariss
31. Parcels 1682, 1683 and 1684 Linda Vista Estate, off George Price Highway, Belize City, Belize:
REGISTRATION SECTION
REGISTRATION SECTION
BLOCK
PARCEL
Tower Hill
4
1726
The freehold property of Ms. Gloricelda Camara
The freehold property of Mr. Rosend
February 7. 2022 - An aquaculture workshop was held today at the Tilapia Hatchery Center in Central Farm, Cayo District, for shrimp farmers. The workshop was facilitated by Grant Stentiford and Matthew Sanders, aquaculture the Vi 35. Lot No. 13experts Santafrom Cruz Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), an agency District: under the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in the United Kingdom. All that piece of land containing 836 CEFAS seeks national and international networking in areas aquaculture and No. 13 situate inof Santa Cruz Village, marine science, and is in Belize to help examine how the country can deal with ER with all buildings and erections s issues related to development and future planning in aquaculture, fisheries and property Mr. Jose O. Rau food security. The facilitators are a part of a UK freehold delegation that is inof country holding a series of workshops, meetings and seminars throughout the week to assist in sectors such as agriculture, mariculture, aquaculture and the environment. The UK 36. Parcels 1682,(OCPP) 1683funded and 16 delegation is to launch the Ocean Country Partnership Programme under the UK’s Blue Planet Fund. They will continue to hold Price workshops and meet-Be off George Highway, ings as the linkages to explore projects beneficial to Belize. Several participants from local shrimp farms and seaweed farms joined virtualREGISTRATION SECTION B ly in the workshop along with the representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise and the Tilapia Hatchery Center who were St. Martin de Porres Westpresent. 45
PARCEL
23. Parcel No. 1726 Guinea Grass Village, Orange Walk District: Tower Hill 4 1726
San Estevan
San Estevan
Bank Village, Belize District: REGISTRATION SECTION
32. No. 1 Cor. Talawalla & Edwin Park Streets, Lord’s Bank Village, Belize District:
Ladyville/Lords Bank REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK
Blanco) 25. Parcel No. 853 San Jose Drive, San Jose Palmar, Orange Walk District:
SECTION BLOCK PARCEL 28. Parcel No. 853 SanREGISTRATION Jose Drive, San Jose Palmar, 4 853 Orange Walk District: San Jose Palmar
PARCEL
B
16
Ladyville/Lords Ban 16 The freehold property of3806 Mr. Kevin E The freehold property of Mr. Kevin Enriquez & Mrs. Enriquez Andrea Enriquez.
1 639 & 640 639 & 640
1
PARCEL
The freehold property of Mrs. Marissa Sosa & Mr. Godfrey Sosa.
PARCEL
The freehold property of Mr. Manuel Jesus Blanco and The freehold property of Mr.Mr. Manuel Jesus Blanco and Mr. Agusto Agusto Blanco)
BLOCK
St. Martin de Porres 1682, 1683 37. No. 1West Cor.45Talawalla & Edw & 1684
The freehold property of Ms. Gloricelda Camara
27. Parcels Nos. 639 &640 San Estevan, Orange Walk District: 24. Parcels Nos. 639 &640 San Estevan, Orange Walk District: SECTION PARCEL BLOCK REGISTRATION SECTIONREGISTRATION BLOCK
ALL THAT piece or parcel of land co along the eastern side of Southern La Gales Point, Manatee Village, Belize property of Mr. Arnaldo Pena.
34. Parcel No. 1835 San Diego CEFAS Hosts Santa Elena, Cayo District: Aquaculture Workshop REGISTRATION SECTION B Santa Elena/Cayo 23 for Shrimp Farmers
24. Parcel No. 1824 Corner Jamaica and Mejiba Streets, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District:
REGISTRATION Continued from page 14SECTION
15
THE BELIZE TIMES PARCEL
VEHICLES: 2019 Geat GreatWall WallWingle Wingle5 6 2019
2019 Wall Wingle 5 2016Geat Volkswagen Amarok
1999 MCI 1 Door Bus
1999 Blue Bird Bus
2
The freehold property of Mr. Freddy Orlando Tun
REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL 26. Parcel No. 16/1 San Estevan Village, Orange Walk District: San Jose Palmar
4
REGISTRATION SECTION
853
The freehold property of Mr.San Freddy EstevanOrlando Tun
BLOCK
PARCEL
4
16/1
The leasehold property of Ms. Irma Olivera
29. Parcel No. 2770 Trial Farm Village, Orange Walk 27. Parcel No. 244 Caledonia Village, Corozal District: District: REGISTRATION SECTION
REGISTRATION SECTION San Pedro
BLOCK
Caledonia Village
BLOCK
PARCEL 1
PARCEL 244
7 property of Messrs. 12333 The freehold Chico’s Company
The freehold property of Mr.Limited Nestor Adraino Vasquez
28. Parcels Nos. 21, 42 & 280 Libertad Registration Section, Corozal District:
REGISTRATION SECTION
BLOCK
PARCEL
Libertad
1
21, 42 & 280
30. Parcel No. 16/1 SanThe Estevan Village, Walk freehold properties of Mr.Orange Leonard Folgarait District: 29. 200.35 Acres Eastern Side Southern Lagoon, Manatee Area, Belize District: THAT piece or parcel of land containing 200.35 REGISTRATION SECTIONALL BLOCK PARCEL acres situate along the eastern side of Southern
Lagoon and of Gales Point, Manatee San Estevan 4 3 ¼ miles north16/1 Village, Belize District, Belize, the freehold property of Mr.Irma Arnaldo Pena. The leasehold property of Ms. Olivera 30. Lot No. 13 Santa Cruz Village, Stann Creek District:
All that piece of land containing 31. Parcel No. 244 Caledonia Village, Corozal District: 836.013 square meters being Lot
No. 13 situate in Santa Cruz Village,
REGISTRATION SECTION
Creek District TOGETHER BLOCKStann PARCEL with all buildings and erections
Caledonia Village
1
standing and being thereon. The 244 of Mr. Jose O. freehold property Raudaules & Ms. Rixy G. Ramirez
The freehold property of Messrs. Chico’s Company Limited
“FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION & TERMS: STRICTLYCAS PHOTOGRAPHS PLEASE VISIT WEBSITE” KEVINCASH A. CASTILLO TERMS: STRICTLY 223-448 KEVINTELEPHONE A. CASTILLO TELEPHONE 223-4488 Website: belizepropertyaucti Website: belizepropertyauctions.com
E-mail: kevinacas@yahoo E-mail: kevinacas@yahoo.com Face Book: Belize Auctions Facebook: Belize Auctio
16 SPORTS
THE BELIZE TIMES TIMES THE BELIZE
21 29 JAN 13 AUG FEB
2016 2017 2022
BELIZE GIRLS WIN 5-1 vs Toledo in FFB U-20 football
Punta GordaTown, February 5, 2022 The Belize district girls enjoyed their 2nd win in the Football Federation of Belize’s Elite national Under-20 female tournament at the Victor Sanchez Union field last Saturday morning, even as the Corozal Elite girls posted their 1st win at the Carl Ramos Stadium in Dangriga. Shante Chacon’s hat trick: 40’, 74’ and 79’ led the Belize girls to a 5-1 win over the winless Toledo Elite girls, who took the field with only 10 players, as if knowing it was their last game. Loraine Cal 17’ free kick got Toledo on the scoreboard first, after goalkeeper Destinee Lopez erred in picking up the ball when her defender Lorraine Stephens played the ball back to her. Aaliyah Herbert equalized 1-1 at 35’ and Vashtie Stephens 57’ made it 3-1. Jaylene Lambey led Toledo’s counterattack, supported by Remunda Chiac Anneta Bah and Hilma Chub, but the Belize defenders Saudy Rivera, Lorraine Stephens, Asharie Estrada and Leeah Haylock shut them down. Carlene Tillett, Seleni Pena and Esmeralda Baptist pressed for more goals, forcing defenders Ymaneli Aldana, Allana Pandy, Kayla Gonzalez and Rasheeda Lino back into their half. It was also the Belize girls’ last game, as the Orange Walk girls picked up the extra point from a scoreless draw with the Belmopan girls at the FFB Stadium to advance to the playoffs with 7pts. At the Ambergris Stadium, Elva Nuñes’ 53’ strike secured the San Pedro girls’ lead of the Northern Group A with 8pts, by a 1-1 draw with the Cayo Elite girls, after Carrie Galvez equalized 54’. At the Carl Ramos Stadium, Alysha Terry’s 29’ tally gave the Corozal Elite girls their first win: 1-0 over the Stann Creek girls, whose back match at the FFB Stadium this coming
Belize Elite U20 girls win 5-1 vs Toledo TOL Remunda Chiac attacks vs BZE Saudy Rivera
Toledo Elite U20 lost 1-5 to Belize Elite
Kelly St. Bombers & Lake I FC enter BDFA 1st Division Finals
Belize City, February 6, 2022 The Kelly Street Bombers and Lake I. FC have qualified to the championship finals of the Belize District Football Association First Division, both by big wins in the semifinals at the MCC garden on Sunday evening. In Game 1, Lake I FC dazzled the Stars Academy 2-1, after the Stars led 2-1 by Corey Perteau’s 3’ goal. Lake I’s Ryan Simpson equalized 20’, and Floyd Jones scored the game winner 44’. In Game 2, revenge was sweet for the Kelly Street Bombers who has lost 1-2 to Caesar Ridge FC in the regular season. Steven “Bredds” Baizar scored a brace 41’ and 77’, and Francis “Franco” Andrews delivered 62’. CRFC’s Kenny Linarez struck first at 9’, and Ian Revolorio 50’ gave Caesar Ridge a 2-1 lead. The Kelly Street Bombers take on Lake I FC in the finals scheduled for Sunday afternoon, February 20. The Stars Academy challenge Caesar Ridge FC for 3rd place in the consolation match.
Lake I FC - Lawnie Leslie wins header Lake I Goli Libncoln Roches denies Stars’ Keiffer Perteau
CRFC - Carlos Lino attacks vs Kelly St. Bombers
Lake I FC - Shawn Roches clears the ball
weekend will determine the final rankings in the Southern Group B and the matchups for the playoffs on February 19.
Belize & Stann Creek girls win in FFB U-17 football
BZE Shanalee Flowers shoots
TOL Brianna Williams defends vs BZE Ailani Gonzalez
Punta Gorda Town, February 5, 2022 The Belize district girls enjoyed their first win in the Football Federation of Belize’s Elite national Under-17 female tournament at the Victor Sanchez Union field last Saturday morning, even as the Stann Creek girls posted their 2nd win at the Carl Ramos Stadium in Dangriga. Premilie Hope’s 63’ strike secured the 1-0 win over the Toledo Elite girls. Hope and Zaria Gentle brought the game to the hosts’ side of the field, supported by Ailani Gonzalez and Shanalee Flowers at midfield, and Tannaejah Castillo and Kylee Roches on the wings. The Toledo defenders Tasyanna Lambey, Brianna Williams, Jaynilee Carr and Vadia Myvette had their work cut out to help goalkeeper Vanessa Gonzalez
keep a clean slate up to the half. Down at the other end, Jada White and Jamaya Paquiul were trying to get an offense going for Toledo, with the help of their midfielders Janilyn Cal, Nneka Young, Saire Ramos and Christine Grant. But Samryn Rancharan anchored the Belize defense with Veril Morris, Shakeisha Jones and Emaya Ku to shut them out. At the Carl Ramos Stadium, Khalydia Velasquez struck 7 goals: 3’, 29’, 33’, 48’, 67’, 68’ and 80’ to lead the Stann Creek girls to an 8-4 win over the Corozal Elite girls, and emphatically punctuate her place as the league’s top goal scorer with 11 tallies. Ceneia Apolonio scored at 64’. Corozal’s Lineth Chan scored a hat trick 56’, 73’ and 81’ to rank 2nd in the league with 9 goals, after Gianina Menjivar’s 36’ goal.
13 FEB
2022
THE BELIZE TIMES
THINK ABOUT IT FABER HAS NOT RESIGNED Patrick Faber has not resigned as Leader of the opposition party. Patrick Faber has gotten entangled in another domestic allegation was wrongly charged and taken to Court where the weak police-move was immediately thrown out by the Senior Magistrate. Faber’s fiancée had made a report to the police, and in less than 24 hours she withdrew her report. She did so in writing to the police as well as posting on her Facebook a clear, straight forward explanation and publicly withdrawing her report and any attempts to arrest Faber and take him to Court. The Police willfully proceeded to arrest and take Faber to Court. His fiancée attended the Court, entered the witness stand, swore on the Bible and proceeded to answer questions and made it crystal clear she wanted no Court action and had so informed the police. The Senior Magistrate, who has considerable experience as a practicing attorney, asked certain questions and dismissed the allegations against Faber. Those are the facts, checked and re-checked. Subsequently, Patrick Faber, an elected member of the House of Representative and the duly, lawfully constituted Leader of the United Democratic Party informed the public he would be resigning at the end of January 2022. Before Faber had been taken to Court, the chairman of the UDP was on the media running down his boss who is the leader of the party, saying improper things(for the UDP) and calling for Faber to resign. That is not his role as chairman, and it was highly irregular. The PUP didn’t say a word. They didn’t have to. The chairman was hammering Faber. The end of January came and went. Faber did not resign. The unseemly conduct of the chairman and the Macbethian ambition of Shyne to be Leader gave Faber ample justification to announce he would remain leader of the party and ensure proper procedures and transition to new leaders. This is what the chairman should have been saying. Faber exposed that the UDP was falling into evil hands and evil men. A handful of wicked power-hungry men. Faber called them “vultures.” The Chairman called a meeting of the UDP members of their National Party council, NPC. You won’t believe this. The results of a voting to decide whether or not Faber has resigned was 49 to 48. Yes, a difference of one vote. The voting is a foolishness. The UDP Party Council cannot vote to resign a person. We have never heard such stupidity. Their Party Leader said he will resign on 31st January he didn’t, they can’t call a meeting and “resigned” their Leader. To put an explanation on top of an absurdity, the UDP Chairman informed the nation that under some legislation or other if something is confirmed electronically then that is as good as confirming it in written black and white. Yea! yea! But that ain’t the issue. Anyone says they are resigning and does not resign, no legislation – no Skype, no Zoom, no electronic data can resign someone if they change their mind. No wonder the UDP government was such a weak, confused, shitten and incompetent government, which plunged our country into waste and corruption- a bunch of sheep swallowing every explanation barrow told them. 49 to 48. Not all were sheep. This is the proverbial house divided against itself. O.J. Elrington. son of Hubert Elrington, who was a former two times Minister in the UDP governments and who predicted accurately that Dean Barrow would crash our country on the economic reef, also publicly expressed his concern. OJ is quoted as saying after attending the NPC Saturday meeting: “we now have a dictatorship in the UDP. The D is no longer Democratic but rather Dictatorship”. With that said. Need we say anything else. MOTHER BLAST MAGISTRATE An angry mother took to Facebook to blast a Magistrate of the Family Court. The mother did not call the name of the Magistrate. She is to be commended for that. She must have heard the phrase-dickie sey nho call no name. Her anger stems from a decision that she has a young child who is still breast feeding. The father who was nowhere around when she was giving birth, or months thereafter, has now showed up at the Family Court wanting to spend time with the child. A Magistrate at the family Court has granted the father’s request and taken away the child for 4 days in a row. The mother is livid she claims the child is still breastfeeding. That her breast milk is curdling into lumps in her breasts, and this is painful. But not nearly as painful as the wrenching away of her little darling to spend days with the dead-beat dad. The mother wonders if there was not another way the Magistrate could
17
have handled the matter. We don’t like to hear only one side of a story. For every story has two sides, sometimes three. We do know there is something wrong at the Family Court. It has been in collapse for some time. Some of the Magistrates are young and not exercising the patience and good judgements required in the emotionally charged issues. The Head of Family Court retired but was rehired even through there are excellent, qualified persons eligible, in my opinion. Magistrate Villanueva of Belmopan stays back working until 6:00pm on family days, even though she commutes from Belize City daily by bus. She has a background in social work and loves dealing with and helping distressed persons. And guess what, she has been transferred all the way to Dangriga, even though she just returned from maternity leave. Magistrate Moody was formally in charge of the Family court. She was Director of the Legal Aid Centre. She worked in the Solicitor General’s Office and with the great Gandhi. She was a Crown Counsel and prosecutor and worked in the private sector. She is Judge material. Why is she not in charge of the family court? There are others. Belize has over one hundred lawyers. Why is the Family Court falling apart? ASHCROFT WRITES ANOTHER BOOK Belizeans know Michael Ashcroft as the big-time investor in Belize. He owns Belize Bank, he owned Belize TeleMedia Ltd (and was paid a lump sum of over 500 million dollars for it by Prime Minister Dean Barrow who was his previous lawyer); he owns the Port Authority and other assets. Mr. Ashcroft is also a highly respected mover and shaker in Britain where he donates millions of dollars to the Conservative Party, which is presently the government in that country. But the Billionaire businessman, who might have helped bring down the Musa government, has another side to him. He is an author and has written and published several books. He focuses mainly on Prime Ministers and powerful political figures in Britain. His books include RED KNIGHT, an unauthorized biography of Keir Starmer, the current Leader of the Opposition in Britain. JACOB’s LADDER is on a now Minister of government. CALL ME DAVE, on a former Prime Minister. DIRTY POLITICS, DIRTY TIMES, on his battles with some of his enemies. He hasn’t written, yet, on Belizean Prime Ministers Musa and Barrow. His latest book, to be released 29th of March this year, targets the wife of the present British Prime Minister FIRST LADY: INTRIGUE AT THE COURT OF CARRIE AND BORIS JOHNSON. The prestigious British newspaper- The Guardian (Belize ‘s opposition party UDP, newspaper has a similar name) says the book was scheduled for release later this year, but with Boris Johnson enmeshed in a scandal and with calls for his resignation, Ashcroft fast-forwarded the release of this book). The book examines Mrs. Carrie Johnson, her life and career and offers British voters the chance to see what role she plays in the Prime Minister’s government and why that matters. Parts of the book is being serialized in the Mail on Sunday newspaper. Both the Prime Minister and his wife have roundly condemned what we call bitter political attacks against Mrs. Johnson who they say is not in politics. CUBA-PAYING THE PRICE FOR FIDEL The great Fidel Castro and hundreds of revolutionary Cubans and the now famous Argentinian doctor, Che Guerrera, overthrew the government of Cuba, on 1st January 1959. In 1899, America won a war with Spain and took over Cuba. Cuba was allowed its independence in 1902 but remained under the control of the USA. Over the years Cuba became a poverty stricken and corrupt country. Ripe for revolution. And then Che and Castro came along. Inevitably, the USA became hostile to Castro and his government. The USA hired mercenaries who were trained in Guatemala and invaded Cuba in 1961. They were defeated by Castro’s army. In 1962, the USA government imposed an economic blockade against the government and people of Cuba. When racist Donald Tramp became President of the USA, he increased painful sanctions against Cuba. New president Biden has done nothing to ease that pain. The United Nations has estimated that the embargo has deprived Cuba of some $130 billion dollars. The United Nations has condemned the embargo and called for it to be lifted. Caricom has also called on the USA to end the embargo. Monday this week, marked sixty years of pain and suffering on the proud and independent people of Cuba, who like human beings everywhere, only wish to live in peace and happiness with access to food and shelter. Cuba has a population of eleven million and has always, always supported Belize to become an independent nation with all our territory intact—That Belize has allowed Guatemala to take half of our river at the Sarstoon, that must make our friends shake their heads in wonder and disbelief.
18
13 FEB
THE BELIZE TIMES
VOICE OF THE COMMON MAN
WE IN THE WORLD
By Hilly Bennett The recent Central American Bank for Economic Development (CABEI) recent mission to Belize is aligned with the promised mandate of PlanBelize to develop a foreign policy that advances Belize’s development which explores new avenues of cooperation. Separate Partial Scope Agreements (PSA) with the countries of Mexico and Guatemala and the Caribbean Community (Caricom) inter-sessional meeting being chaired by Prime Minister John Briceño, are some of the examples. At the Caricom meeting on the third day, SICA will join the conversation to consider the existing opportunities across the regional divide to open new markets for products and investments. Belize has been a non-founding CABEI regional member since 2006. However, the relationship between Belize and CABEI under the previous United Democratic Party (UDP) Barrow/Faber Government has not been this receptive and engaging. Dr. Osmond Martinez CEO of the Ministry of Economic Development characterized the relationship as an ascending curve and that “the relationship we have now, we didn’t have.” The blatant incompetence of the Barrow Government was uprooted when the incoming PUP Government found that 60 million dollars for the integral security program that was approved by Parliament in 2015 and a first disbursement was to be made in 2018 remained untouched until today. Imagine these monies that could have funded areas of necessity being lost as a result of UDP wanton lack of vision and interest in the development of the country and people. The overall objectives of the Belize Integral Security Program and the funding were to support the betterment of the quality of life for Belizeans and the regional efforts for the prevention, reduction and combating of crime. The monies which were approved by CABEI, were earmarked for the investment in infrastructure and equipment for the Belize Defence Force (BDF), the Belize Police Department, Belize Coast Guard and National Forensic Sciences Service. Included were construction works, refurbishing and the improvement of existing buildings as well as the supply of specialised technical equipment, surveillance and monitoring equipment, mobilisation equipment for the country’s national security. The PUP and the economic expertise which includes Dr. Martinez have salvaged the 60 million which will be repurposed in areas geared toward poverty reduction and economic
resilience. On Monday 17th January 2022, CABEI made an official visit to Belize to call on Prime Minister John Briceño. Interestingly, the delegation was led by Executive President Dr. Dante Mossi; this is considered a first. Previously, the technical personnel made representation. Mossi’s visit is a clear signal of respect and confidence in the People’s United Party government and the leadership of John Briceño. CABEI’s mission to the jewel was to reaffirm its commitment to Belize’s economic and social development. Additionally, an analysis regarding investment opportunities in Belize is part of the continued effort by the noble organisation to support Belize’s social development and competitiveness. These goals will be pursued through the institutional strategy 2020-2024, “The Region’s Pillar of Sustainable Development” and business model for creating opportunities in Belize’s post-COVID recovery. Dr. Mossi met with Prime Minister John Briceño and Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment, Minister of State and Minister of Economy, Christopher Coye, Minister of Education, Culture, E-Governance, Science and Technology, Minister Francis Fonseca. Incidentally, 225 scholarships were approved with funding by CABEI. Thereafter, the mission met with various ministries to get an overview in areas of development. One project being considered is the rehabilitation of the road from the International Airport to Belize City under the stewardship of the Honourable Julius Espat and the ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing to analyse the feasibility of CABEI funding the project. The productive sector was given exhaustive consideration with representatives of the Citrus Growers Association (CGA) and Banana Growers Association (BGA) to create an enabling and resilient environment for these products. A conclusion was drawn that the sectors lacked the necessary technical support for their survival. Other areas that found the ears of the mission was the Blue Economy, Tourism and the Free Zone. As expressed in a CABEI release it was declared that “as a result of this linkage CABEI will have a better overview of cooperation and financing opportunities for its partner country, which will not only strengthen its position as a benchmark for development and economic integration in the region, but will also help boost the economy and, therefore, the quality of life of Belizeans.” Definitely, the Briceño administration is on a trajectory to cement Belize’s position in the WORLD!
2022
STATUTORY NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE ESTATE of GLADYS ENITH GUERRERO VILLAGOMEZ a.k.a. GLADYS BOLES, Deceased of Arenal Road, Benque Viejo, Cayo District, Belize. NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to Section 36 of the Administration of Estates Act, Chapter 197 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, that all creditors and other persons having any claims and demands upon or against the Estate of GLADYS ENITH GUERRERO VILLAGOMEZ a.k.a. GLADYS BOLES, Deceased of Arenal Road, Benque Viejo, Cayo District, Belize, who died on the 6th day of August, 2018 and in whose estate Grant of Administration with the Will Annexed has been granted to BELIZE FUDICIARY SERVICES LIMITED, of No. 35 Barrack Road - Third Floor, Belize City, Belize, shall lodge claims or demands with the said BELIZE FUDICIARY SERVICES LIMITED of No. 35 Barrack Road – Third Floor, Belize City, Belize, on or before the expiration of three months from the first publication hereof AND NOTICE IS ALSO HEREBY GIVEN that at the expiration of the said three months the said BELIZE FUDICIARY SERVICES LIMITED shall proceed to distribute the assets of the said GLADYS ENITH GUERRERO VILLAGOMEZ a.k.a. GLADYS BOLES, deceased, amongst the beneficiaries entitled thereto, having regard only to claims and demands of which they shall then have had notice. DATED this 9th day of November, 2021 GLENN D. GODFREY & COMPANY LLP Attorneys-at-Law for BELIZE FUDICIARY SERVICES LIMITED in the Estate of GLADYS ENITH GUERRERO VILLAGOMEZ a.k.a. GLADYS BOLES
BY ORDER OF MORTGAGEE NOTICE OF INTENTION TO SELL HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED a statutory body formed and registered under the Credit Union Act, Chapter 314 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, and whose registered office is situated at No. 1 Hyde’s Lane, Belize City, Belize District hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under and by virtue of a Mortgage registered at the Land Registry between SHARON EDWARDS TUN of the one part and HRCU of the other part. HRCU will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the Schedule below. ALL offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing to Holy Redeemer Credit Union Limited from whom full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained.
SCHEDULE ALL THAT block, piece or parcel of land situate along Privassion Creek, Mountain Pine Ridge Area, Cayo District, containing 1.04 acres being such land comprised in MINISTER’S FIAT GRANT No. 204 of 2013 dated 23rd April 2013 and more particularly shown and delineated on a Plan of Survey by M.A. Middleton, Licensed Land Surveyor, recorded at the Office of the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys, Belmopan City, Cayo District in Register No. 28 Entry No. 14822 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon, the freehold property of SHARON EDWARDS TUN. DATED this 31st day of January 2022 HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED 1 HYDE’S LANE, BELIZE CITY, BELIZE Phone: (501) 224-5644 Fax: (501) 223-0738 E-mail: foreclosures@hrcubelize.org
5 DEC 13 FEB
2021 2022
THE BELIZE BELIZE TIMES TIMES THE
05 5 19
Day Hon. UsherMHWCake Decorating andBelize Hair NationalCOVID-19 Vaccine Now Analysis: New Skills for I GOT VACCINATED!! Continues the Held at Expo 2020 Dubai Available for Income Generation New Incentive Raffle work in Port Eligible Minors New Vax Pass App Loyola
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
Over the last weekend, Port Loyola Area Representative Hon. Gilroy Usher made the basketball court Caesar Rd. Thison is ready to beRidge downloaded for Android and Apple devices. Once more accessible and safer this Appthe is indelivery the phoneofthere is no with a load need to walktoaround with your vacof sand fill three large cination card. With Social waterholes in your front of Secuthe rity number OR Belize Health Inforcourt. mation 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. Additionally, Get Vaccinated!!two groups of youth were offered employment to assist in improving the community by cutting overgrown grass and cleaning the drains.
Hon. Usher was also among four parliamentarians, who gained valuable information to better serve their divisions from a visit to Belize Rural North with the Area Representative Hon. Marconi Leal.
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 On December 1st there were 8 subthemes and Belize is participatwinners which included five 3rd place ing under the Opportunity theme to winners, two 2nd place winners, and showcase Belize as an ideal destinaone winner of the 1st place three thou“This Initiative is about women Ministionempowerment”for investments and trade. sand dollars. All this was won by getBelize’s participation comes on ter Francis Fonseca ting vaccinated during the last week. the heels of its first Investment Monday of January, thirty six women, mostlySumThe raffle On including thisthe onelast is day set for mit which saw investment potential completed a two-month-long training program seven single weeks.mothers, This therefore goes into with countries from around the in year one 2022. of two fields of their choice – cake-baking and decorat-world, the new including the United Arab Emirates ing,raffle or hair analysis. This includes perms, braiding, weaving and This is being supervised by (UAE), with whom we signed an Ecothe National dying. Lottery Committee. The nomic Cooperation Agreement (ECA) first 1st prize is was Ariel conducted Duarte, The winner program with assistance from the Taiin 2019. The ECA establishes a framethis could be you. Get Vaccinated wanese Embassy and thewith Ministrywork of Education’s Pro- refor expandingIT-VET the economic 1st, 2nd or booster shot…This will be gram. The Minister of Education, Francis Fonseca the countries colationship betweenand the two streamed on the Ministry of Health and ordinator of the program, Fay Dyer how including these inin aspoke numberabout of key areas; Wellness Facebook page every Monvestment, tourism, transportation, ininitiatives help people earn their living. day at 2pm. frastructure and construction among
others. The Belize National Day featured February 2022 - TheofMinistry remarks from8,the Minister Tourism of & Relations, WellnessAnthony informsMahler that andHealth Diaspora children 12 to years and the aged Minister of 17 State of are the now UAE, eligible to receive a booster dosewho of H.E. Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, COVID-19 vaccine three months after commented on Belize’s openness to receiving their second dose. investment opportunities that are tied The ministry in sustainable collaborationpracticwith to biodiversity and the of country’s Education,ecosystem. Culture, es toMinistry protect the Science andNational Technology will make arThe Belize Day closed off with rangements to facilitate for and easya aca dinner hosted by the UAE gift cess to the Children exchange by booster Minister doses. Mahler who was aged 12 to 17a years not city. attending presented with key to the schoolScheduled can get vaccinated to appearatasthe thenearculest and scheduled times that turalschools entertainment from Belize was will agreedCollectives, upon and shared the be Garifuna who, shortly unfortuby bothwere ministries. nately not able to perform due to The ministry continues to urge COVID-19 restrictions. persons getfirstvaccinated This to is the World Expo from to be COVID-19. are awith low participacost-efheld in theVaccines Middle East fective public intervention tion from over health 190 countries and isand proare onetoofattract the best public health jected 25 million visitors,meawith sures thatpavilion contribute to up protection the Belize receiving to 2,500 from presenting illness, hospivisitors in a day. severe The Belize Delegation talization and death due to Almendarez, COVID-19. also included Dr. Leroy The public is reminded to continue Executive Director of BELTRAIDE, Comto follow strict public for health and social missioner General EXPO Dubai, measures by wearing a properly fitted Mr. Evan Tillett, Director Belize Tourism face mask all Nikki timesAugustine, in public, regBoard and at Ms. Marular washing and sanitizing ofManager hands, keting and Communications keeping proper physical distance and of BELTRAIDE, Deputy Commissioner avoiding General. crowds and enclosed areas.
20
THE BELIZE TIMES
October 23, 2012 – UDP RECORD
“Premium gasoline is approaching $13 a gallon in Belize City, but it has passed that mark in Punta Gorda, where consumers now pay $13.21 on the gallon.” Amandala Reported Gas prices hit their highest level in 8 years in the USA — here’s what’s driving the surge
By Irina Ivanova February 9, 2022 - Gasoline prices across the U.S. are surging to the highest level in eight years as the price of crude oil rises, spiked by worries about geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe. The average price of a gallon of gas hit $US 3.47 on Wednesday, according to AAA, a jump of eight cents from the previous week. Gas prices this week are at their highest since October 2014, according to the U.S. Energy Department. While gasoline prices typically dip in the first months of the year as Americans wait out cold weather indoors, this year has been different. Oil traders, anxious over the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, have bid up the price of crude oil to more than $90 a barrel. “This has not been demand-driven, but it has been supply-driven, and recently we’ve seen crude oil prices move on the basis of geopolitics. A lot of what-if scenarios: what if Russia does invade Ukraine and we have sanctions?” Tom Kloza, global head of energy analysis for the Oil Price Information Service, told CBS MoneyWatch. Russia produced more than one-tenth of the world’s oil in 2020 — a sizable portion that would be disrupted with military conflict or threatened sanctions by the U.S. and its allies. While the price of Brent crude oil, the international benchmark, has fallen from earlier in the week, is was at $91on Wednesday, or 50% higher than it was at the start of last summer. “Higher oil prices will eventually lead to higher prices at the pump,” AAA spokesperson Andrew Gross said. “When oil gets pricier, it’s reflected at the pump right away, but when the price of oil drops it seems like it takes forever for the price of gasoline to follow through,” he added. About half of the cost of gasoline comes from the price of crude oil, according to the Energy Information Administration. The rest is made up by the cost of refining, transportation and federal and state taxes. Oil-producing countries have been slowly ramping up their output, but global oil production is still below its pre-pandemic levels and lags consumption. U.S. drivers are also affected by refinery closures, OPIS’ Kloza said. Since last year, hurricanes along the Gulf Coast as well as Shell’s decision to close a large refinery near New Orleans have reduced the nation’s refining capacity by about 3%. “It’s enough to make a difference,” he said. Next year, several large refineries are slated to open around the world, but until that time, oil prices will likely keep rising, analysts say. Some Wall Street banks are expecting crude prices to hit $US120 a barrel, which would break historical records. “This year, if I had to bet on it, I would bet that we’ll see the highest gasoline price average for the country that we’ve ever seen, but it’s not going to represent the new normal,” Kloza said. The record-high average price of gas in the U.S. is $4.11 a gallon, set in July 2008. Editor’s Note: So governments all over the world have little control over the final price at the pump. Note that the 2012 record of the UDP might fall in this Covid time. The difference is that the UDP manufactured that high price due to NO innovation and incompetence in building the economy. Barrow’s stupid rationale is similar to Shyne’s(still Barrow) sarcastic rationale today. That Barrow decided to tax money from the country before it could go into real development. Then Barrow’s UDP government put the money into fake infrastructure development and a singular contractor. This singular contractor aided by the UDP ‘08-‘20 government recycled the money to the UDP as campaign contributions. These campaign contributions still have the UDP on life support today. So, when Shyne abuses US TV shows with side-lined hosts he, Shyne is begging for his own version of Saldivarian tranches. Darn, how dumb can the Fat dude
be to believe Shyne’s lie of being the leader of Belize’s House of Representatives. Yes, Belize… slick Shyne said just that. Watch the Wendy Williams show without Wendy Williams. But back to fuel prices…the Belizean people need to be informed and work with the John Briceño government as they will
do everything to keep Belize’s economy growing. A growing and versatile economy is the main economic weapon to combat the impending record high fuel prices. The planBelize government is up to the task— to make Belize work for the betterment of everyone.
13 FEB
2022
13 FEB
21
THE BELIZE TIMES
2022
PUBLIC AUCTION SALES: PROPERTIES
Orange Walk District: Orange Walk Town/ San Jose Palmar Village/ Douglas Village; Belize District; Maskall Village/ San Pedro, Ambergris Caye/ Belize City; Cayo District: Ontario Village; Stann Creek District: Dangriga; Toledo District: San Miguel Village/ Punta Gorda Town
BY ORDER of the Mortgagees, Messrs. Ascendancy Belize Limited, Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A. Castillo and Christiana R. Castillo are selling ONLINE via belizepropertyauctions.com the below described properties. Sales currently running and will expire Wednesday 16th February 2022 at the times shown on the website. A: Orange Walk District: East Orange Walk Estate; Orange Walk Town; San Jose Palmar; Douglas Village 1. Parcels 514, 515 & 516 East Orange Walk Estate, One Mile from Town Center, Orange Walk District:
REGISTRATION SECTION
BLOCK
PARCEL
Indian Hill East
4
514, 515 & 516
(Being three (3) vacant lots [514 – 334.79 S.Y. or (279.926 S.M.); 515 – 832.86 S.Y. or (696.372 S.M.); 516 – 888.29 S.Y. or (742.715 S.M.) situate in East Orange Walk Estate, one mile from Orange Walk Town Center, Orange Walk District, the freehold properties of Mr. Ishwar Mahbubani)
2. Parcel No. 3091/1 Savannah Street, Orange Walk Town:
9. Parcel No. 1406 Neal Pen Road, Belize City, Belize District:
REGISTRATION SECTION
BLOCK
PARCEL
Queen Square
45
1406
(Being a two-storey concrete/timber dwelling house [1568 sq. ft.] containing 3 Bedrooms + 1 Bathroom on each floor TOGETHER with Lot [340 sq. yds.] situate at Parcel No. 1406 Neal Pen Road, Belize City, the freehold property of Ms. Sharon Burgess) 10. Parcel No. 1323/1 Ontario Village, Cayo District:
REGISTRATION SECTION
BLOCK
PARCEL
Orange Walk Town
4
3091/1
(Being a concrete bungalow dwelling house [727 sq. ft.] containing 2 Bedrooms + 1 Bathroom + Living/Dining/Kitchen TOGETHER with Lot [555.56 sq. yds.] situate at Parcel No. 3091 Savannah Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District, the leasehold property of Mr. Kenis Garcia) 3. Parcel No. 1236 Stadium Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District:
REGISTRATION SECTION
BLOCK
PARCEL
Society Hall
24
1323
(Being two buildings - Building ‘A’ two-storey concrete/timber dwelling house [1969 sq. ft.] containing Ground Floor: bedroom + bathroom + Living/Dining/Kitchen + Storeroom; First Floor: 3 bedrooms [280 sq. ft.]; Building ‘B’ Laundry house [257 sq. ft.] TOGETHER with lot [1,165.67 sq. yds.] situate in Ontario Village, Cayo District, the leasehold property of Mr. Gilbert Rhaburn). 11. Parcel No. 2427/1 Ontario Village, Cayo District:
REGISTRATION SECTION
BLOCK
PARCEL
Orange Walk Town
4
1236
(Being an incomplete concrete & block structure [369 sq. ft.] + prefabricated structure [1,600 sq. ft.] TOGETHER with Lot [462 sq. yds.] situate at Parcel No. 1236 Stadium Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District, the freehold property of Mr. Richard Vellos) 4. Parcel No. 808 San Jose Palmar Village, Orange Walk District:
REGISTRATION SECTION
BLOCK
PARCEL
Society Hall
24
2427/1
(Being two buildings - Building ‘A’ concrete bungalow dwelling house [1083 sq. ft.] containing 3 bedrooms + bathroom + Living/Dining/Kitchen + porch; Building ‘B’ shop [222 sq. ft.] and lot [555.56 sq. yds.] situate at Ontario Village, Cayo District, the leasehold property of Mr. Humberto Patt). E: Stann Creek District: Dangriga 12. Parcel No. 1294 Canal Street, Dangriga, Stann Creek District
REGISTRATION SECTION
BLOCK
PARCEL
San Jose Palmar
4
808
(Being a vacant corner lot [1,250 sq. yds.] situate in San Jose Palmar Village, Orange Walk Town, the freehold property of Mr. Danny Duran.) 5. 28.91 Acres of land on the Douglas/San Pablo Road, 1.6 kilometers west of the Douglas Road/Phillip Goldson Highway, Orange Walk District:
REGISTRATION SECTION
BLOCK
PARCEL
Dangriga South
31
1294
(Being two storey concrete dwelling house [3,185 sq. ft.] containing Ground Floor - 3 Bedrooms Apartment; First Floor – 2 Bedrooms + 1 Bathroom Apartment TOGETHER with Lot [512 sq. yds.] situate at Parcel No. 1294 Canal Street, Dangriga, Stann Creek District, the freehold property of Ms. Gretel Mariano)
REGISTRATION SECTION
BLOCK
PARCEL
Douglas Rural
4
118
F: Toledo District: Big Falls/Golden Stream; Punta Gorda Town 13. Parcel No. 577 San Miguel Village, Big Falls/Golden Stream Area, Toldeo District (
(Being 28.91 acres of ruinated cane fields and grassy patches situate 1.6 kilometers northwest of the intersection of the Douglas Road and the Phillip Goldson Highway and approximately 700 meters southeast of Nuevo San Juan Village, Orange Walk District, the freehold property of Messrs. Alfredo Samuel Cabrera and Josue Cabrera) B: Belize District: Maskall Village; San Pedro, Ambergris Caye; Belize City 6. Parcel No. 246/1 Maskall Village, Belize District:
REGISTRATION SECTION
BLOCK
PARCEL
Big Fall/Golden Stream
42
577
(Being a two-storey concrete dwelling house [1743 sq. ft.] containing Ground Floor: 3 Open Areas + Kitchen; First Floor: 3 bedrooms + 1 bathroom + living/dining/kitchen + porch [421 sq. ft.] + covered shed [280 sq. ft.] and lot 2,642.62 S.Y. or 0.546 acres] situate in San Miguel Village in the Big Falls/ Golden Stream Area, Toledo District, the freehold property of Mr. Mariano Kus). REGISTRATION SECTION
BLOCK
PARCEL
Belize Rural North 1
11
v
14. Parcel No. 907 Punta Gorda Town, Toledo District
(Being a concrete bungalow dwelling house [30 ft. X 45 ft.] and lot [676.302 S.M.] situate in the Village of Maskall in the Belize District, the leasehold property of Mr. Aamon Alex Brackett, surety for Ms. Sherett S. Brackett) 7. 2 Acres San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize:
REGISTRATION SECTION
BLOCK
PARCEL
North San Pedro
7
5434 & 5435
(Being 2 Acres of vacant Caribbean Sea front land, situate west side of Ambergris Caye 3 miles north of the center of San Pedro Town, District, the freehold properties of Mr. Daniel Guerrero.)
REGISTRATION SECTION
BLOCK
PARCEL
Punta Gorda
42
907
(Being an incomplete two-storey concrete dwelling house containing Ground Floor: 3 bedrooms + 1 bathroom + living/dining/kitchen; First Floor: incomplete foundation and land situate in Punta Gorda Town, Toledo District, the freehold property of Ms. Phillipa G. Williams.)
8. Parcel No. 2112 DFC Area, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize District:
“FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION & PHOTOGRAPHS PLEASE VISIT WEBSITE” REGISTRATION SECTION
BLOCK
PARCEL
San Pedro
7
2112
(Being a 3-storey concrete structure with [6120 sq. ft.] – Ground Floor – Store + two – 1 Bedroom Apartments; First Floor – Three – 1 Bedroom Apartments: Second Floor – 2 Bedroom Apartment + Large Terrace and lot [533.33 sq. yds.] situated in D.F.C Housing Site, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, the freehold property of Mr. Thomas Santos)
TERMS: STRICTLY CASH KEVIN A. CASTILLO TELEPHONE: 223 4488 Email: kevinacas@yahoo.com Face Book: Belize Auctions
22
THE BELIZE TIMES Belize National Prayer
Babies of mRNA-vaccinated moms Have Antibodies
Almighty and Eternal God, who through Jesus Christ has revealed Your Glory to all nations, please protect and preserve Belize, our beloved country. --------------------God of might, wisdom and justice, please assist our Belizean government and people with your Holy Spirit of counsel and fortitude. --------------------Let Your light of Your divine wisdom direct their plans and endeavours so that with Your help we may attain our just objectives. --------------------With Your guidance, may all our endeavours tend to peace, social justice, liberty, national happiness, the increase of industry, sobriety and useful knowledge. --------------------We pray, O God of Mercy, for all of us that we may be blessed in the knowledge and sanctified in the observance of Your most holy law, that we may be preserved in union and, in that peace which the world itself cannot give. --------------------And, after enjoying the blessings of this life, please admit us, dear Lord, to that eternal reward that You have prepared for those who love You. Amen.
OUT
!
Dear Editor, R e c e n t l y, there was a happy, happy land Clinic in Belize Rural Central…in my home village of Ladyville. Now, I am PUP and have not been able to get a piece of land in my middle age for little more than a decade— the UDP years. I am following and by now, each constituency cannot wait for the Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde and the planBelize mobile land clinic to come visiting. The hotbed of corruption has transformed to the hottest of Ministries that works in a transparent environment. On Thursday and Friday last week or so, it looked like thousands of citizens turned up at the Ladyville Community Centre where Hon. Cordel and his staff showed patience, professionalism and service with sincerity. Loads of Belizeans were able to process the new requirements
By Nancy Lapid, Reuters.com Feb 7 The following is a summary of some recent studies on COVID-19. They include research that warrants further study to corroborate the findings and that has yet to be certified by peer review. At six months of age, babies born to mothers vaccinated against COVID-19 during pregnancy are more likely to have antibodies against the virus in their blood than babies born to unvaccinated mothers who were infected while pregnant, a small study suggests. Researchers on Monday reported in JAMA on 28 six-month-old infants born to women who were vaccinated with two doses of an mRNA vaccine at 20 to 32 weeks’ gestation, when transfer of maternal antibodies to the fetus via the placenta is at its highest, and 12 babies of that age whose mothers were infected during that same time frame. They found detectable levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG), the most common antibody in blood, in 57% of babies born to vaccinated mothers but in only 8% of the babies of infected, unvaccinated mothers. It is not clear how high antibody levels need to be to protect against
for First-Registration of their land titles. I was heard and now I can feel planBelize. I was one of the upset ones that felt that I would never win. But now I understand. The UDP ^($W*&(@ up everything so to fix it all back is taking a little miracle. But it is happening. The only ones discontented are the few rabid UDPs that can see their bank account balance lowering. Most likely this is the plight of their hungry leaders—one for food, one to go to the US and the other who will get upset for this. So petty!! It is commonplace to see tears of joy at these clinics when people who had given up hope can now have the right to own a piece of the jewel. PlanBelize is based on the rights of Belizeans to Education, Land, Job, House and Healthcare. Again, now I know what is meant by the North Star which is shining brightly. The planBelize mobile land clinics will keep moving their success all over the country…was the word. Happy Lease Owner PUP ALWAYS
infection, and antibodies are not the body’s only defense mechanism. But “many interested parties from parents to pediatricians want to know how long maternal antibodies persist in infants after vaccination, and now we can provide some answers,” Dr. Andrea Edlow of Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston said in a statement. “We hope these findings will provide further incentive for pregnant people to get vaccinated.” Contracting COVID-19 late in pregnancy is linked with a higher risk for obstetric complications, new data suggest. Among 14,104 women giving birth before vaccines were available, the 586 with moderate or severe COVID-19 during delivery or within 6 weeks beforehand were more likely to need cesarean deliveries, to deliver pre-term, to die around the time of birth, or to experience serious illness from high blood pressure, bleeding, or infections other than SARSCoV-2. The combined rate of
13 FEB
2022 those events was 9.2% in uninfected women versus 26.1% in women with recent or current moderate or severe COVID-19, researchers reported on Monday in JAMA. After accounting for other risk factors, the odds of experiencing at least one of those complications was more than double in the moderate/ severe COVID-19 group. Women in that group were also more likely to lose the pregnancy or to have an infant die during the newborn period. Mild or asymptomatic infection was not associated with increased complications, the researchers said. Their data were collected before the Delta and Omicron variants of the virus appeared, and none of the women had been vaccinated, so the results cannot predict what might happen under current conditions. However, they “underscore the need for women of childbearing age and pregnant individuals to be vaccinated and to take other precautions” against COVID-19, said Dr. Diana Bianchi of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, which funded the study. (For more visit Reuters.com)
13 FEB
THE BELIZE TIMES
2022
23
MINISTRY OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT & HOUSING PHILIP GOLDSON HIGHWAY AND REMATE BYPASS PROJECT CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A LIVELIHOODS ENHANCEMENT STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST The Government of Belize (GOBZ) has received financing from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (UKCIF) towards the cost of the Philip Goldson Highway and Remate Bypass Project and intends to apply a portion of the proceeds of this financing to eligible payments under a contract for which this invitation is issued. Payments by CDB will be made only at the request of GOBZ and upon approval by CDB, and will be subject in all respects to the terms and conditions of the Financing Agreement. The Financing Agreement prohibits withdrawals from the Financing Account for the purpose of any payment to persons or entities, or for any import of goods, if such payment or import, to the knowledge of CDB, is prohibited by a decision of the United Nations Security Council taken under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. No party other than GOBZ shall derive any rights from the Financing Agreement or have any claim to the proceeds of the Financing. The Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing (MIDH) through its Project Execution Unit (PEU), the Executing Agency, now wishes to procure consultancy services for the Development and Implementation of a Livelihoods Enhancement Strategy and Action Plan for Small Businesses and Communities along the Philip Goldson Highway and Remate Bypass. The objective of the consultancy is to explore the potential economic development opportunities available for Project-impacted communities especially small businesses and entrepreneurs, including vendors, to take advantage of the wider economic opportunities that the upgrading of the road is intended to bring. The consultancy team is expected to provide the consultancy services in two phases: Phase One (Assessment and Planning) in 30 days, over a four-month period; and Phase Two (Implementation) in 45 days, over an eight-month period. MIDH now invites interested eligible consulting firms to submit Expressions of Interest indicating qualifications and experience required to provide these consultancy services. Consultants shall be eligible to participate if: (a) Be legally incorporated or otherwise organized in, and have their principal place of business in an Eligible Country; (b) Be more than fifty (50) percent beneficially owned by a citizen or citizens and/ or a bona fide resident of an Eligible Country, or by a body corporate or bodies meeting these requirements, as far as the ownership can be reasonably determined; and (c) in all cases, the consultant has no arrangement and undertakes not to make any arrangements, whereby any substantial part of the net profits or other tangible benefits of the contract will accrue or be paid to a person not a citizen or bona fide resident of an eligible country. Eligible countries are member countries of CDB. The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to paragraph 1.9 of CDB’s Guidelines for the Selection and Engagement of Consultants (2019), setting forth CDB’s policy on conflict of interest. In the assessment of submissions, consideration will be given to qualifications and experience on similar assignments. The consultancy team should possess persons with appropriate qualifications in Sociology, Community Development, Gender Studies or a related field, as well as expertise in monitoring and evaluation, management or business or a related field; and natural resources management with a minimum of 10 years’ practical experience in applying community development and small business/livelihoods development, and natural resource management in rural communities. All information must be submitted in English. Further information may be obtained from the first address below between 8:00am and 5:00pm local time Monday to Friday. Expressions of Interest must be submitted in English by email, in pdf format, to both email addresses below, no later than 10:00am local time on Friday, 4th March 2022. The e-mail subject line should state, “EXPRESSION OF INTEREST - CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A LIVELIHOODS ENHANCEMENT STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN, PGHRP” and the body of the email must state the name and address of the applicant. The Expression of Interest will be deemed to have been received at the time it is received by the receiving office named in the first address below. The burden of proving receipt of the email will be on the applicant and will not be met solely by a read receipt or sent items report generated by the applicant’s computer. Following the assessment of submissions, a short list of not less than three and not more than six applicants will be provided with full terms of reference and invited to submit technical and financial proposals to undertake the assignment. GOBZ reserves the right to accept or reject late applications or to cancel the present invitation partially or in its entirety. It will not be bound to assign any reason for not engaging the services of any applicant and will not defray any costs incurred by any applicant in the preparation and submission of Expressions of Interest. 1. Attention: Mr. Evondale Moody Project Execution Unit Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing Belmopan BELIZE, C.A. Tel: +501-828-5220 Email: peu@midh.gov.bz
2.
Procurement Officer Procurement Policy Unit Caribbean Development Bank P.O. Box 408, Wildey St. Michael BARBADOS, W.I. Tel: +246-539-1600 Email: procurement@caribank.org
24
THE BELIZE TIMES
13 FEB
2022