Belize Times February 28, 2021- Together With PlanBelize

02 2

UDP’S

PRESS RELEASE

PR#163

First Shipment of COVID-19 Vaccines Arrives in Belize Belmopan. February 24, 2021. 7:35 p.m.

A donation of 1,000 Astrazeneca COVID-19 vaccines arrived this morning at the Philip Goldson International Airport by cargo flight.

Dr. Melissa Diaz Musa and Dr. Julio Sabido received the donation on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

The Ministry is very excited about this first shipment of the COVID-19 vaccines donated to Belize. This will allow for the commencement of the vaccination of Belize’s frontline health workers early next week. The vaccines are currently in storage at the National Vaccine Storage Facility at Western Regional Compound in Belmopan.

The Minister of Health and Wellness, Hon. Michel Chebat, expressed his appreciation for the donation given to Belize by the Government and people of Barbados.

A press conference to share more information on the vaccine donation and rollout is scheduled for Monday, March 1, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. The press conference will be hosted by the Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño along with the Minister of Health and Wellness, Hon. Michel Chebat, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Hon. Eamon Courtenay.

Ends

28 FEB

THE BELIZE TIMES

HYSTERICAL

HUSTLING

Continued from page 1

Another Ministry audit reveals more stench and mismanagement and obscene misappropriation of funds.

Many of us have visited the Hol Chan Marine Reserve to enjoy the pristine ecology Belize offers. This legal protection was no barrier to UDP corrupt minds and actions. Instead of respecting the 34 year old enactment protecting Belizean natural assets for our children, the UDP is being charged with fleecing from reserve funds some 4million dollars.

At a press conference led by Minister Hon. Andre Perez, the preliminary findings revealed unnamed persons involved in roughshod spending of taxpayer monies.

Andre Perez: “My friends, fellow residents of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, these findings are not the result of a witch hunt. There are the direct indication of years of financial abuse and mismanagement and managers and staff carefully selected and put there by the previous U.D.P. administration. It is a pillaging of one of our most sacred and beloved treasures here in San Pedro. My presentation here today is a sound of war against corruption and downright robbery. Hol Chan is the first example. There are many more to come.”

1.) It was found that major capital expenditures of $2.5 million dollars showed an increase of $1 million dollars from one year to the next which appeared not to have been fully approved

Unelected Millionaires “At the mercy of the world” -ExPM DBarrow

And what about the rest of Belize? Millionaire Carla Barnett and Fat-Wallet Peyrefitte, both complicit in the failed policies of the UDP are sent home into the twilight with their vehicles and customized furniture, respectively.

Both failures at the Freetown division were given priority to buy these costly assets at obscenely low prices.

This story is short AND horribly disrespectful. The Commission of Inquiry on the Sale of Assets will have the last say.

Look at the Integrity Commission report on these two…Millionaires.

2021 by the board and the costs incurred were not monitored to safeguard cash flows and assets of HCMR. There was no urgency placed to ensure that the HCMR received value for money and that its assets were safeguarded.

2.) The HCRM is currently debt strapped with a $394,000 loan plus $115,000 in overdraft with the Belize Bank and $50,000 over-draft due to the Atlantic Bank. Total debt exposure is $559,000 and income is below the $200,000 mark. According to the audit preliminary report, it is evident that the current financial situation could have been avoided if adequate cash management controls and procedures were in place pre-COVID 19.

3.) Returned checks, staff receivables and other assent accounts left on the balance sheet without any support, this has led to loss of $55,000.

4.) There are large receivable balances of $79,000 that have not be pursued and potentially lead to write off in bad debts and, 5.) In conducting assessment verification tests, the audit team has been unable to fully verify $854,000 worth of assets which the HCMR purchased over the previous 3 years.

6.) There was evident abuse of management about the paying of rental expenses of for the Former Executive Director and other members of the management team, when not authorized by contract or by the board. The total of such expenses amounted to $40,050 over 3 years.

7.) There was also apparent abuse of the staff loan privilege where the auditors saw no system for approvals of loans to executive team and other staff members. … a staff loan balance of $58,457.00 due from the former Executive Director alone at the end of March 2020.

8.) During the review of 2017 to 2018, the auditors were able to detect a potential fraud in the amount of $636,843.00. This resulted from the analysis of visitor logs compared to actual amounts recorded in the general ledger after adjustments.

The result is over 4 million in losses to the Belizean taxpayer. This is definitely not the end of this.

Now we can ADD HolChan Reserve fleecing to the LONG LIST of corrupt acts being unearth since November 11.

The Belize Times

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14 APR 2013

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ISSUE NO: 4840

The Truth Shall Make You Free

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28 FEB

2021

THE BELIZE TIMES

03 3

EDITORIAL

HARMONY AND COLLABORATION; LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT

T

here is much reason to recommend harmonious collaboration. The Municipal Election on Wednesday, March 3rd, 2021 will be an opportunity for the Belizean electorate to choose and pave the path of a smooth working partnership between the central and local governments. The realization of Plan Belize will come even more speedily if we have both sectors of government working in unison toward the same goal. Already we can see the fruits of arduous labour in the Ministry of Infrastructure, Development and Housing as they have paved large sections of major highways. There has also been the rehabilitation of miles of feeder and agricultural roads and work has been done on Southern bridges. All this accomplished in just one hundred days. This ministry is already working on plans and construction of a model home, this marks the beginning of a decade long-awaited housing project.

The People’s Work has begun. The Free Zone has employed over one thousand one hundred workers. The sugar cane crop that was off to a shaky start due to poor conditions on the feeder roads is now in full swing after work was done on these. The Ministry of Agriculture has embarked on a countrywide tour to visit stakeholders and has reignited the exportation of cattle. The grocery bags are being distributed and the cash program has a new influx of resources. There are many positive changes afoot in the Ministry of Lands, already there has been distribution of land documents in Southern Belize. Belize is on the road to recovery from the pandemic and the economic crisis caused by gross mismanagement by the past UDP administration. The goals set out in Plan Belize will need the cooperation of the central and local governments to ensure that these are implemented quickly and effectively. Resources, already very limited, must be utilized efficiently and with due care not to duplicate efforts and to maximize their output.

It is therefore important to recognize that where a municipality and central government can work closely, those who share the same plan and objectives, will have the most benefits because they will maximize both efforts and resources. Working collectively will ensure that Plan Belize will achieve its maximum potential in record time. Working against each other will bring a waste of resources simply because the goals will not mesh seamlessly.

This Municipal Election must be about harmony, collaboration, and maximization of efforts. We have no time and even fewer resources to waste. We know that Belizeans want and need results quickly.

This Municipal Election Belizeans will vote for the swift implementation of Plan Belize.

Vote BLU!

04 4

THE BELIZE TIMES

EDITORIAL

28 FEB

2021

en Español

ARMONÍA Y COLABORACIÓN; GOBIERNO LOCAL Y CENTRAL

H

ay muchas razones para recomendar una colaboración armoniosa. Las elecciones municipales del miércoles 3 de marzo de 2021 serán una oportunidad para que el electorado beliceño elija y allane el camino de una colaboración fluida entre los gobiernos locales y central. La realización del Plan Belice será más rápida si ambos sectores del gobierno trabajan al unísono hacia el mismo objetivo. Ya podemos ver el fruto de un arduo trabajo en el Ministerio de Infraestructura, Desarrollo y Vivienda, ya que han pavimentado grandes tramos de las principales carreteras. También se han rehabilitado kilómetros de carreteras secundarias y agrícolas y se ha trabajado en los puentes del sur. Todo esto se ha logrado en tan solo cien días. Este ministerio ya está trabajando en los planos y en la construcción de una casa modelo, lo que marca el inicio de un proyecto de vivienda esperado desde hace una década.

El trabajo del pueblo ha comenzado. La Zona Franca ha empleado a más de mil cien trabajadores. La cosecha de caña de azúcar que tuvo un comienzo inestable debido a las malas condiciones de las carreteras secundarias, está ahora en pleno apogeo tras los trabajos realizados en ellas. El Ministerio de Agricultura ha emprendido una gira por todo el país para visitar a las distintas partes interesadas y ha reactivado la exportación de ganado. Se están distribuyendo las bolsas de alimentos y el programa de dinero en efectivo ya cuenta con una nueva afluencia de recursos. Hay muchos cambios positivos en marcha en el Ministerio de Tierras, ya se han distribuido documentos de la tierra en el sur de Belice. Belice está en vías de recuperarse de la pandemia y de la crisis económica provocada por la pésima mala gestión de la pasada administración del UDP. Los objetivos establecidos en el Plan Belice necesitarán la cooperación del gobierno central y de los gobiernos locales para garantizar que se apliquen con rapidez y eficacia. Los recursos, ya muy limitados, deben utilizarse de forma eficiente y con el cuidado debido para no duplicar esfuerzos, y para poder maximizar su rendimiento.

Por lo tanto, es importante reconocer que cuando un municipio y el gobierno central puedan trabajar en estrecha colaboración, que compartan el mismo plan y los mismos objetivos, obtendrán los mayores beneficios porque maximizarán tanto los esfuerzos como los recursos. Trabajar colectivamente garantizará que el Plan Belice alcance su máximo potencial en un tiempo récord. Trabajar unos contra otros traerá un desperdicio de recursos, simplemente porque los objetivos no encajarán a la perfección. Esta elección municipal debe ser una cuestión de armonía, colaboración y de maximizar esfuerzos. No tenemos tiempo ni recursos que perder. Sabemos que los beliceños quieren y necesitan resultados rápidamente.

En estas elecciones municipales, los beliceños votarán por la implementación rápida del Plan Belice. ¡Vote BLU!

28 FEB

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

BTL, UDP-BRED WHITE ELEPHANT OWES A BILLION; MAKES $2.5M Barrow’s brazen expropriation of BTL is the biggest scam ever. Not even Barrow and William’s legal child Sittee River Wildlife Reserve(Sanctuary Bay) can hold a candle to this. The FTC managed to wrestle 23 million US for Sanctuary Bay. Barrow made Belize pay over HALF A BILLION dollars, at least, secretly agreed to in a Miami hotel room just before the 2015 General Elections for a white elephant now limping to pace forward.

On Saturday February 20, the newly called Board of Directors led their first AGM to inform their shareholders virtually and Belize the first full accounting in the Covid times. The most shocking of items was that the company’s profit is plummeted 77 percent from 17 million dollars to 2.5 million.

Markhelm Lizarraga, Chairman, BTL: “Scrutiny of the financials revealed that in addition to an outstanding liability of 19 million in unpaid dividends to the Government of Belize, there were unrealistic expense provisioning for bad debts. This inadequacy contributed to an overly aggressive and unrealistic portrayal of profits over the periods 2018-2019, and 20192020. Returns on equity over the past few years were dismal and continued falling, and reports were heavily focused on growing EBITDA. This is earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. And these reports did not focus on an unsustainable growth in expenses, which resulted in declining trends in profits, over the years.”

The CEO, Ivan Tesecum, presented a more detailed assessment dating back to the last 10 years before.

Ivan Tesecum, CEO, Belize Telemedia Limited: “BTL has invested 468 million. Over the last 5 years, though, we’ve invested 311 million, vs the 5 previous years of 157 million.

What has that been invested in during the last 5 years?

We have a modern 4G LTE advanced mobile network, one of the first in this entire region. We have our fiber to the home DigiNet network that now covers over 80% of this country. And, we also had to install a submarine fiber cable to San Pedro because we know what the tourism industry and what tourism means to the overall productivity of this country, and that is clearly shown by how we have been impacted in that area during COVID-19.

These investments have required large cash requirements. They have depleted cash reserves, whilst increasing the long-term port-

folio, and requiring the use of overdraft facilities. And that is shown, here, whereby, we have increased - and you see the black-line again showing an increase from left to right on your screen. And this has been, in terms of an increase in long-term liabilities to finance, 1.) the 50-million-dollar 4G LTE Advanced network, 2.) the 96 million dollar fiber to the home network, which is called DigiNet or DigiTel. We’ve invested 22 million on the convergent billing project.

And we’ve invested 18 million on the sub-C fiber cable to San Pedro, amongst other projects. Well, what are the loans that we currently have?

Our long-term loans at this point are that we have a 30-million-dollar, 7-year Atlantic Bank loan, which is at a rate of about 6.9%. We have a 35-million-dollar, twelveyear Taiwan ICDF loan at 5 and a half %.

We have a 12-million-dollar GOB loan that is not cash-impacting but is an exchange for services. And we have a 3.5-million-dollar, 5-year loan with St. John’s Credit Union at the rate of 5 and a half %, and that is the Digi-learn Project that we had.

Small business, we believe that presently, because of COVID-19, there is a large market to digitize. We know everything, for the most part now, has been ramped up.

We know that the COVID-19 will not go away any time soon. We know this new fiscal year, we’ll be under continued pressure, as we expect. So, small businesses will have to ramp up in terms of digitization what they need to offer.

We believe that we are well poised with our suite of services, and new services that we need to bring in to be able to offer. E-commerce is something big for us.

Digi Home, we’ll begin offering services that go into the home as well.

And lastly, I think one of the most exciting ones is the Digi wallet, a mobile financial services platform that we’ll be offering that will allow us to be able to use our cell phones as your new wallet.”

Even as Mr. Lizarraga spelled optimism for BTL this is another of UDP’s stories of grandeur that ended up in failure. Two and a half million will definitely not suffice as profit for a company with that large a debt. As with the rest of Belize, this had been an induced suffering by Barrow’s son who was put at the helm of a company he knew nothing about. Now, he is out studying after the company has been fleeced of all the profitability before Barrow. Again, don’t blame Covid…this company was being run as a private company(so said Barrow) when there was a very public boast that it has been enshrined in the constitution for the people.

So what was not presented at the AGM was how much did Anwar ‘earn’ for all the fibre optics laid, his board meetings, his salary, his projects et al. He was definitely more than the eyes and the ears of his father. 2.5… how can this be turned to a Boledo number?

05 5 UDP, After 100Days Unconfessed Corrupted Opposition When your cronies take Independence’s Village grader and paint the IVC to GVC, it is your doing supposedly LOO Patrick Faber.

When Patt signs off reserved Lands in West Landivar smack in the middle of the pandemic, June 2020 for 2000 bucks, it is your responsibility to tell him to resign.

When Patt finds a way to a 65 grand scheme or 50, Faber...you must know, and if you don’t you ask. We know you are incompetent but corrupt? Tell the people the details of Patt’s Tacoma triangle or quadrangle.

When Patt shares Belizean(Belize City) prime Land, for example the 6million dollar acreage for 26 or 58 thousand, for Collet, we want the list of those members of Collet who were to receive land. We want to see their applications.

When Coc and Longsworth and Henry run roughshod in your Ministry with you beside, are you cheerleading? You should be serving the people but if you don’t squeal on them, then...LOO, you are complicit and must resign.

After 100 days in Opposition, Faber and UDP have proven to be worthless and incompetent even in Opposition.

Even as we all know that UDPs are an extinct group, on paper there are five who managed to subvert campaigning and via electioneering squeaked in 3 Representatives and two proxy winners with authentic Barrow borrow, borrow, borrow, DNA.

6 06

THE BELIZE TIMES FOR SALE

BY ORDER OF THE MORTGAGEE The Development Finance Corporation of Bliss Parade Belmopan, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as mortgagee under Deed of Mortgages or Charges between those hereinafter named and the said Corporation which mortgages are recorded at the Land Titles Unit, or the Lands Registry and that the said Development Finance Corporation will, at the expiration of two (2) months from the date of the first publication of this notice, sell the properties described in the Schedule hereto.

All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing to the said Corporation at its Headquarters Office or District Offices.

SCHEDULE

All that piece or parcel of land situate in Independence Village, Stann Creek District and being Lot No. 583 containing 693.058 Square Meters of land as shown on Entry No. 6216 Register 4 at the Office of the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys, City of Belmopan, Cayo District held under a Deed of Assignment dated the 31st day of December, 2014 being the leasehold interest of RAY CECIL OGALDEZ. All that piece or parcel of land being Lot 336 containing 543.648 S.M. situate in the subdivision known as Los Lagos, along the Northern Highway near Mile 13, Belize District held under Deed of Conveyance dated 16th day of August, 2004 being the freehold interest of MURVIN ISAIAH BOOD. DATED THIS 17TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2021

CARTOON

28 FEB

2021

28 FEB

2021

THE BELIZE TIMES

07 7

Prime Minister

Hon. John Briceño Weekly Message 22nd February 2021

Facing the Challenges Head on Hi Everybody, just six months ago, as opposition, we were in consultations with our partners in business, unions and civil society. Today, as government, we continue to consult on our national budget. We said we wanted a respectful partnership, and we will work hard to achieve this.

This past week it was revealed that 112 government vehicles were sold off, FIRE SALE style, in the months leading to the last general election. After speaking with the former PM and the Fin Sec, it was revealed that 112 government vehicles were sold for an average of only $2600. Some as low as $200.

This is beyond shameful.

Our starting point is clear. Our economy has collapsed. Personal income has fallen to 1992 levels. Sixty eight percent of our labour force is either unemployed or underemployed. Unemployment is at 30%. Eight six cents of every dollar that Government collects are spent on wages, salaries and pensions. Our Debt to GDP ratio is at 134% and the UDP left us this year with five hundred million dollars deficit that we will all have to pay.

This is our inherited starting point – this is what the UDP did to our country.

But our Belizean spirit is strong, and your government will face the hard work ahead of us and together we will overcome.

Already, in just three months, many positive results are showing.

Our health team is leading the way to flattening the COVID curve.

We have amended the legislation to strengthen the PAC. Our agriculture team is aggressively promoting our FARM to TABLE policy.

Our National Security Ministry is moving toward innovation.

Our Foreign Trade Ministry is opening up markets for our products.

Our Education Ministry is preparing for schools to re-open safely.

And our economic team are all hands-on deck to implement our Recovery strategy.

Our VACCINE PLAN is ready and being fine-tuned for when the first vaccines arrive early next month.

These things were possible because we consulted, and we are facing the challenges head on using our planBELIZE as our north star.

Let us continue to reach out to each other, especially the many struggling to put food on the table in this difficult time.

Week by week we make progress.

Thanks, God Bless and be safe!

8 08 8 LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICES Notice is hereby given that Annette Lenorie Vernon is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “TruDLee’s Cool Spot” located in Burrell Boom Village, , Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Francis Woods is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Old Belize” located at 5 ½ Miles George Price Highway, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Princess International Belize Ltd. is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “Princess International Belize Ltd.” located on Newtown Barracks, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Wen Cheng Chang is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “Luxy Sports Club” located on Newtown Barracks, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Lorena Cervantes is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Ceviche Express II” located at corner 18 St. Thomas & Dunn Streets, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Jamil Matar is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Grab & Go Shop & Grill” located at # 9 Philip Goldson Highway, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that An Min Li is applying for a Hotel Liquor License to be operated at “Aki Hotel” located at # 22 Belize Road, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Diana Araceli Chuc is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Dayel’s Grocery Shop” located at # 8 Mopan Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

THE BELIZE TIMES

28 FEB

2021

INVITATION TO BID PROCUREMENT NOTICE The Ministry of Health & Wellness (MOHW) hereby invites eligible and qualified bidders to submit sealed bids for Laboratory Supplies & Reagents for the period April 2021- March 2022.

All interested bidders are asked to contact the secretary in the Office of the Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of Health & Wellness, Third Floor, East Block Building, Belmopan (Tel. 822-2325) for the Instruction to Bidders and relevant documents.

Eligible Bidders must be in accordance with Ministry of Health & Wellness requirements as indicated in the Instruction to Bidders. All bidders must be in possession of a valid MOHW License. A fee of $200.00 made payable to the Government Treasury utilizing Fees for Bidding Documents - 18017/11617/130/24 is required for the acquisition of the Tender Package. The receipt must be presented to the secretary at the point of collecting the Package.

The Tender Package must be collected from the Chief Executive Officer’s (CEO) Secretary – Ministry of Health & Wellness, East Block, Belmopan on Monday March 1st, 2021 & Tuesday March 2nd, 2021 from 8AM to 5PM. All tender submissions must be returned to the CEO Secretary - Ministry of Health & Wellness no later than Friday March 26th, 2021 at 10AM. Late bids will be rejected.

Please be prepared to submit relevant samples immediately upon request.

Ref: GEN/186/01/21(57)

28 FEB

2021

THE BELIZE TIMES

099

Belize City Council: Always ‘bout the People The day was filled with emotion as Mayor Bernard Wagner and the Belize City Council handed over a set of keys to a brand new house to 63-year-old Mrs. Merline King and her family.

Through a partnership with Atlantic Bank Limited, The Insurance Corporation of Belize, The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Belize Electricity Limited, Belize Electricity Limited Golden Citizen Program, Belize Water Services Limited, Nando’s Wholesale and Mikado, Ms. Mirlene’s house with unfavorable living conditions was transformed into a home that could withstand the harsh conditions that plagued her in the past.

After hearing Ms. King’s plea for public assistance back in November 2020, Mayor Wagner took action,

contacted his counterparts and was able to go beyond the City Council’s mandate to change her life and gift her a new home. We are proud of these business community members who stepped up to assist as well as of the accomplishments garnered by this City Council through its continuous efforts. Despite the challenges, we continue to be Always ’bout the people!

Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing

All over in Belize

Infrastructure works have commenced on the Santa Familia - Bullet Tree Road. Grading, widening and shaping-up before filling with finer material. This will be followed

by wetting and compacting.

Many thanks to the assistance of Hon. Julius Espat and the Ministry of Infrastructure, Development and Housing.

NOTICE OF COMMENCED DISSOLUTION Notice is hereby given BLAKESLEY OVERSEAS INC. and NOVA CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LTD. both commenced dissolution on 2nd February, 2021; and Belizean Liquidators Services Inc. whose registered office is at 50 Shirley Street, P.O. Box CB-13917 Nassau, Bahamas, is the Liquidator of the companies.

Notice is hereby given SUNSHINE IN THE SKY, CORP. and AH GROUP LTD. both commenced dissolution on 8th February, 2021; and Belizean Liquidators Services Inc. whose registered office is at 50 Shirley Street, P.O. Box CB-13917 Nassau, Bahamas, is the Liquidator of the companies.

Notice is hereby given CASANOVA CONSULT CORP. S.A. commenced dissolution on 8th February, 2021; and Belizean Liquidators Services Inc. whose registered office is at 50 Shirley Street, P.O. Box CB-13917 Nassau, Bahamas, is the Liquidator of the company.

Morgan & Morgan Trust Corporation Belize Limited

NOTICE OF COMMENCED DISSOLUTION Notice is hereby given INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTION LTD., DILVERTON FINANCE LTD., BLINTON TRADING LTD., DRALON HOLDING LTD., VIDA PANAMA Z.L., S.A. and VALLEY BUSINESS S.A. all commenced dissolution on 23rd February, 2021; and Belizean Liquidators Services Inc. whose registered office is at 50 Shirley Street, P.O. Box CB-13917 Nassau, Bahamas, is the Liquidator of the companies.

Notice is hereby given ZEBRAN HOLDINGS LIMITED commenced dissolution on 23rd February, 2021; and International Liquidator Services Ltd. whose registered office is at Withfield Tower, 3rd Floor, 4792 Coney Drive, Belize City, Belize, is the Liquidator of the company.

Notice is hereby given GRETNA PROPERTIES INC. commenced dissolution

on 2nd February, 2021; and Gabriel Garcia of Ruta 8 KM 17.500 @2 OF. 402 CP 91600 – Montevideo, Uruguay, is the Liquidator of the company.

Morgan & Morgan Trust Corporation Belize Limited

10

28 FEB

THE BELIZE TIMES

Belize Electricity Limited advises its customers in the Belize and Cayo Districts that the supply of electricity will be temporarily interrupted as follows:

2021

Belize Electricity Limited advises its customers in the Belize District that the supply of electricity will be temporarily interrupted as follows:

Date: Sunday, February 28, 2021 Time: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Date: Sunday, February 28, 2021

Area: entire Belmopan, portion of the Hummingbird Highway from Belmopan to Armenia, including Armenia and all areas along Mile 31 to 50 George Price Highway including La Democracia, Mahogany Heights, Frank’s Eddy, St. Matthew’s, Cotton Tree, Valley of Peace, Roaring Creek, Camalote, Teakettle, Arizona, Ontario, Buena Vista, Blackman Eddy, San Marcos, Santa Teresita, Selena and Los Tambos.

Time: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

BEL apologizes for the inconvenience caused. This scheduled power outage is necessary for BEL teams to conduct maintenance of Belmopan Substation and install utility poles in order to improve power supply in the area.

Call Toll Free, 24 Hours 0-800-BEL-CARE OR 0-800-235-2273 for customer inquiries and information on power interruptions.

Area: areas along George Price Highway from the Boom/Hattieville Road Roundabout to Ji Chan including Hattieville, Freetown Sibun, Gracie Rock, Gracie Rock, Butche Burns, Rockville, Cedar Bank and Ji Chan.

BEL apologizes for the inconvenience caused. This scheduled power outage is necessary for the team to replace utility poles as part of our ongoing system upgrades in order to improve power supply in the area.

Call Toll Free, 24 Hours 0-800-BEL-CARE OR 0-800-235-2273 for customer inquiries and information on power interruptions.

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28 FEB

2021

THE BELIZE TIMES Santa Elena/San Ignacio

Corozal

Belmopan

Benque Viejo Del Carmen

Orange Walk Town

11

14

THE BELIZE TIMES Belize City

Punta Gorda

San Pedro Dangriga

28 FEB

2021

28 FEB

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

OUT

!

Dear Editor,

Tracy Panton is precisely following in the theme of the UDP. Tracy is succeeding the Honourable Julius Espat at the House of Representative’s Public Account Committee but failing to live up to the work. Already she is painting a UDP corrupted vision on to the chair of that committee.

Julius Espat painstakingly unearthed the lawless “ooops slippage” 100 Million and the 1.4Billion spent unlawfully and extra constitutionally by Prime Minister Barrow.

What will Tracy help to unearth of the UDP past document? She will sit on it…IMHO. Tracy without blinking much DOES NOT want to do any public accounts of the past UDP. So why the hell did she accept Petty’s nomination.

As usual the UDP have that vicious touch of corrupting everything they touch.

Tracy and the UDP think the JPAC is a way to cover up their past as the LOO is on record saying, “Don’t blame me for the wrongs of the past UDP.” Patrick Faber for you to be exonerated of the UDP past you need to do the following: 1. Confess with evidence what all was done. No concession, its CONFESSION that is required and STOP begging for leniency. You can get some mitigation after being pronounced guilty.

2. Tender your resignation, then history will view you with some type leniency. it could say, “there was some bit of honour in the one called petty.” Could....no guarantees, but you increase your chances with confession, resignation and then let the law take over.

3. Recall your stooges that are STILL YET attempting to rape Belize by walking around shielded by contracts to do nothing.

I suggest that these people be given working tools and asked to clean the sidewalls and drains. They do want to work, right? If they do not want the work, they can abandon their jobs as they did years ago.

Stop giving Jerome work. He only bluffs as he doesn’t know the law. Notice how the people of Freetown judged him easily as incompetent.

It is laughable to hear UDPs trying to force themselves into the people. ‘Include us’ ‘We can help you fix it’ ‘We know what to do’ If the UDP were so knowledgeable, then what is it that ONLY the most devious, deplorable and rabid UDP supporters voted for them in Nov 2021.

THE bad state of the economy now is because of the UDP/Barrow/Faber/ Panton/ most inept of decisions in the last decade.

There is lots you will need to preside over Tracy Panton. The House will give you the agenda. You can refuse and resign as well.

Oh, UDPs do not resign, they stick on like leaches. Prove you are honourable and REMOVE all those voters from your office and home and ask for a bi-election in Albert.

It will free your soul.

Seriously, Thompson Voter

LOYAL BELIZE TIMES READER

Over this past weekend, Hon. Henry Charles Usher and the Corozal Team had the opportunity to visit Mr. Rash, a stalwart PUP supporter who has saved every Belize Times newspaper for more than 30 years.

Mr Catch is a true believer in the Peaceful Constructive Belizean Revolution who embodies the core values of our great People’s United Party! #HCU #blazeyuhfyah #PUP

15

16 OUT

!

28 FEB

THE BELIZE TIMES

Dear editor,

I weeks now I want to repeat for effect “How Dare You Jale Bud” Shyne got slapped again silly just as he showed his face of Dean. He shamelessly and quite stupidly asked where is the Mickey Mouse Pantry? Where are the houses the PUP said it would build?, Why the PUP has not stopped crime?

The UDP have given in to vomiting lies and mumbo jumbo in their attempt to do two things: 1) Make the people forget that they(UDP) are guilty of corruption, leaving Belize broke, signing obscene bloated contracts and criminal level incompetence.

2) Attempting to block at all costs the progress of planBelize, stopping new jobs for Belizeans and obstructing any plan that will help the poor.

Hon. Julius did not call Shyne a “Jale Bud” since it has been stricken from the House records. What has not been stricken off is the shot at the face of Nathania Rueben for which Shyne was complicit.

We the people know he spent time for that. We know he was deported and he was reluctant to come to Belize. Now, he wants to return to the US. But what makes him qualified to get a proxy win in Mesopotamia. Who are these people that voted for him?

Shyne came to Belize used to rows outside of nightclubs. When Shyne comes to the House he has to attempt to read questions given to him by the leader of the opposition…vis-à-vis his father.

Let get a recall of both Barrows by ACTUAL voters of Queen’s Square and Mesopotamia. The municipals will show it clearly. Watch it…proxyless.

Thanks, Southside Needs to Win

VACANCY

2021

NOTICE

ASSISTANT OPERATIONS SUPERVISOR Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons to fill the following post in the Operations Department. In the Port’s continued effort to promote diversity both males/females, able/ differently abled are encouraged to apply for the available post.

Reports to: Cargo Operations Manager Summary of Responsibilities: The Assistant Operations Supervisor will report to the Cargo Operations Manager and will assist with the supervision of all container movement and operations personnel. He or she will be responsible for preparing vessel worked forms to Accounts Department for billing and statistical/Operational reports. Able to check reefer plugins, read and calculate charges.

Learn newly implemented Octopi Terminal Operating System, training to be provided. Assist COM with preparing gang order for vessels and reefer cargo information. This post is fun and challenging, come prepared for a new venture.

Job Responsibilities: • Assist with supervising of the movement of inbound and outbound of all containers and break bulk/bulk cargoes.

• Assist with supervising of personnel working in the port compound and pier.

• Check and sign delivery orders for authenticity to load direct delivery container • Assist with the supervising of the loading and unloading of containers and break bulk vessels in compound/pierhead.

• Provide reports of vessels worked to Accounts Department for billing.

• Provide reports (work logs) of vessels worked for operations statistics.

• Check reefer plugins, reading and calculate charges.

• Prepare Operational reports.

• Learn Octopi Terminal Operating System. (training to be provided) • Assist with the preparation of gang order for vessels.

• Check and prepare reefer cargo information.

• Any other duties and functions, of a related nature that may be assigned from time to time by the Cargo Operations Manager.

Job Qualifications/Requirement: • Associates Degree or higher • Minimum 3 years’ experience in Cargo & Container Operations, production or similar (In house training will be provided) • Passes in in Math & English CXC will be an asset Required Skills, Knowledge and Characteristics: To be selected applicants must possess the following important characteristics: • Ability to work independently • Ability to work flexible working hours • Math and analytical skills required.

• Supervisory and leadership skills required.

• Pro-activeness required.

• Microsoft office proficiency required.

Compensation Package: Will be commensurate (in accordance with the Company's Salary Structure).

To apply: Provide updated resume, cover letter (addressed to Human Resource Manager), copy of valid social security card, valid police report, name and phone number of two(2) previous employers.

Email to: jobapplications@portofbelize.com Closing date for receipt of applications is: Monday, March 8th, 2021

28 FEB

2021

THE BELIZE TIMES

THINK ABOUT IT BTL AND OTHER COMPANIES Bad news, sad news! BTL is the latest entity to be wrecked by the UDP government. This is no surprise. What is surprising and shocking is the scale and mismanagement of waste, doubtful and extravagant spending and possible corruption. Under the UDP everything was about corruption.

The new public financial information is that BTL embarked on a major investment and spending spree. Some four hundred million dollars were spent on upgrading and improving the technology of the telecommunication company.

For years, we had been hearing, from relatively reliable sources, about suspect spending. There were high-up personalities in BTL who were ordering cell phones, ordering equipment, buying like crazy. It can’t be that all these spending were one hundred percent, totally legit.

It’s hard to believe. It’s possible but still, it’s hard to swallow, especially, when viewed against the multiple information of hustling and corruption everywhere under disgraced Prime Minister Dean Barrow.

Four hundred million dollars, and probably more...

According to new chairman Mark Lizarraga, it would take about forty years to recover that amount of investment. By other calculation it could be seventy seven years before revenues less expenditure recover our monies.

When we hear some days ago that Hol Chan Reserve frauds blew away 4 million with another 1.5 million dollars under scrutiny.

When we hear BEL owes over 60 million dollars to Mexico…

When we hear Belize Tourist Board was dipping into workers’ pension money to pay a special handful of elite senior staff…

And Public utilities Commission brought a building for 10 million dollars while renting present office space.

Even the Prime Minister’s nephew is being called out. His favorite son was put in charge of BTL for many years. The whole situation is dread. Seems like the whole UDP government and the semi government bodies and companies were powered by corruption.

We wish to call on the Prime Minister’s advisors and financial gurus to rope in all these money making entities. All revenues are to be deposited into the government account and a subvention paid for operating expenses.

The Auditor General staff has to be increased for real-time audit and end outside private sector audit of these companies and Boards.

We are in a period of austerity and facing the worse crisis ever. And there are persons wasting, stealing and hustling from public monies.

With fifty odd thousand persons begging for grocery and a hundred dollars each every month, sixty odd percent unemployed. And hard times ahead, austerity and sacrifice must be made of sterner stuff.

Dean Barrow is a rotten rich man. So are his family and cronies.

But the vast majority of Belizeans and many business persons are under pressure and the future is not bright. The country is in a mess.

The new government cannot be distracted with the little side shows and contract people and fake news. Serious challenges are front and center crying out for leadership inspiration, ideas and solution.

MALCOM X Malcom X is once again big news in the USA and UK. This awesome man who challenged the racist system in America was assassinated on 21st February 1965. He was 39 years of age.

Thanks to technology Belizeans are increasingly using Netflix and a thing called firestick. Apart from accessing music videos, we can see and hear intellectual like Cornel West, Ta Nishi Coates etc, and Martin Luther King and Malcom X. We Belizeans do not have a culture of reading books, or of engaging in public discussions of historic events and persons who have shaped or changed history and the way we think. We are very limited, very deprived.

Our local television do us a great disservice by ignoring our history, culture, artists, intellectual educators and athlete. Our poets, writers

17

and singers don’t exist in the world of local TV. To add to this sad observation may we be candid to say, the talk shows on Love FM and Channel 5 shy away from political interviews and burning current issues. Channel 7 has no show in the mornings.

They piggy back on Krem’s live feed because under the broadcasting law they must have a certain amount of local content.

It’s a tragedy. Add to this, the three universities present and the situation becomes incredible. Silence from Galen, silence from University of Belize and the unkindest cut of all, silence from the University of the West Indies Branch in Belize.

Malcom X’s oldest child Attalah Shabagg, loves Belize and its beautiful peoples. She practically lives here in our country. Former Prime Minister asked her to be a sort of roving ambassador for us.

The sensational news a few days ago was that the FBI in America helped orchestrate and facilitate the murder of Malcom X. In Belize, it was just another manic Monday, just like Tuesday same like Wednesday, no big deal come Thursday and Friday.

DEATH AND ANGER Last week, a woman died. She had spent her life as an employee of the government. She retired last year. She needed her pension, needed it badly to help her in her sickness. She suffered and died, receiving not a penny.

Her pension was held up for over five months as the public services commission just could not get around to writing a simple formal letter that she had reached her retirement age.

A letter, a piece of paper, and a human being dies without receiving a dollar of the pension she worked and earned all her life. The family are angry, as well they should be.

We understand there are over a hundred public officers and teachers who have retired and cannot get their final letter so they can collect their pensions from the Treasury Department. This has been so before the November general elections.

Somebody need to talk hard to Charles Gibson, the former UDP Minister who was incredibly made chairman of the Public Services Commission by the UDP. Hard.

COVID, WE DOING GOOD Belizeans have accomplished an extraordinary victory on the coronavirus. It has come at a heavy price, 314 of our citizens were taken down. Thousands infected, but we are surviving the war. Let us stay vigilant keep wearing your mask. Keep social distance and sanitize your hands often.

We give thanks and praise to our great God. We say special prayers for our nurses, doctors, hospital staff and all soldiers on the front line of the crucial battle for health and for life.

With Gods help and us doing all we can, we are going to make it through the valley of the shadow of death.

TORTURE AT PRISON Local TV and social media has been showing clear instances of torture of three prisoners by prison officers inside the prison. The prisoners are handcuff behinds their backs, are kneeling down and the officers are spraying them in their faces at close range.

This is common practice at the prison it was widespread and routine but has slackened off a bit.

What is also routine is the lengthy time imposed on dozens of prisoners when they are sent in the hole, or what is termed AD SEG meaning Administrative Segregation this is a building without electricity and no convenience no radio, no TV, no reading material, and only a few minutes out in the open. The length of time arbitrarily imposed on prisoners who break prison rules are way beyond the period allowed by law.

One other observation, Visiting Justices, who are Justices of the Peace, no longer visit the prison and check up on the prisoners or their conditions.

The situation at prison needs urgent reforms.

18

EMPOWERING WOMEN

By Gilroy Usher, Sr. On Monday February 22, over 30 members of newly formed PUP Port Loyola Women’s Committee (PLWC) met with Area Representative and Minister of State for Human Development and yours truly.

The PLWC is newly led by chairlady Sharon Burgess. The other officers are Deputy Chairlady-Marsha Belisle, Secretary-Sherlette Young, Asst. Anieka Stanford, Treasurer-Dorla Lamb, and Asst. Treasurer Rochelle Staine.

28 FEB

THE BELIZE TIMES

The objectives of PLWC include empowering the women of the Port Loyola division and assisting the community in every possible way.

Activities of the group will include identification of suitable employment, sewing class, catering lessons, parenting sessions, evening classes to assist children with assignments, serving of food to senior citizens, assistance for deserving single mothers, childcare for deserving single mothers on the minimum wage, gardening, advocacy against gender-based violence, and reaching out to families who have lost their loved ones due to accidents or violence.

Plans of the PLWC to raise funds include Barbeques, turkey dinner, bake sales, charter trips, cleaning services, and family days with sporting activities.

All women in Port Loyola are invited to be a part of the PLWC . The office of the PUP Port Loyola Women’s Committee is located at #10 Gill St., Belize City near Excelsior High School

L-R Dorla Lamb, Anieka Stanford, Marsha Belisle, Area Rep. Hon. Gilroy Usher, Sr., Sharon Burgess, and Sherlette Young

2021

OUT

!

Dear Editor All types of UDP is seen everywhere spewing lies to us Be-

lizeans.

A couple weeks ago I saw Charles Gibson, once an honourable man, on TV. Now he is retweeting the same insane lyrics of the UDP. This dude calls in to a news station just to state his sad corrupted UDP style stay-on-theundeserved job tactic.

Then worse, rejected Caribbean shores candidate Darrell Bradley(gifted the Senate presidency by another Caribbean shores reject) is afraid that the PUP’s super majority given by the people of Belize is dangerous. Darrell thinks that

on Faber’s Rd. Tel: 615-8522 / 632-8696.

The theme for the Port Loyola Women’s

since the UDP corrupted the 2008 supermajority that the PUP would so the same. No Darrell, the PUP will use it to help the people. Or is it that you are afraid of.

We all know the UDP is the enemy of the people. Darrell as we know is infamous for defending Guatemalan Denny from Orange Walk who took Orange Walk to court and squeezed money from the poor of Orange Walk with Darrell’s constitutional help.

Then, with the experience, Darrell bred his own Monster Miller and signed her to a 300 thousand grab from Belize City that made even the word ‘contract’ a corrupt word. Contracts are usually honourable documents but we can recall, the UDP corrupts everything the touch. The UDP seems to be mutating to a more infectious variant of itself every day.

Patrick we can see u corrupting the opposition. He should be looking out for the people but he is just looking out for UDPs first.

Many Thanks Public

Committee is “Whatever your mind can conceive and believe, you can achieve.”

28 FEB

2021

19

THE BELIZE TIMES

ELECTIONS AND BOUNDARIES DEPARTMENT Elections & Boundaries Commission Belize City 22nd February 2021

ADDENDUM MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS 2021 CHANGE IN APPOINTMENT It is notified for the general information that the Chief Elections Officer with the approval of the Elections and Boundaries Commission acting pursuant to section 18 (2) Part IV of the Belize City Council Act have rescinded the following appointments and appointed replacements for the below Election Clerks:

ELECTION CLERKS

MUNICIPALITY RESCINDED NEW

APPOINTMENT

APPOINTMENT BELIZE CITY Fort George Division

Nelma Jones

Principal Education Officer

Education Department

Orange Walk Town

Luana Moguel Sosa Director, Examination Unit Education Department Belize City

(JOSEPHINE TAMAI) Chief Elections Officer

20

28 FEB

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

PROCUREMENT NOTICE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW BARN FOR THE NATIONAL SHEEP AND GOAT BREEDING CENTER, MINSTRY OF AGRICULTURE-LIVESTOCK UNIT, CENTRAL FARM, CAYO DISTRICT

BELIZE SOCIAL INVESTMENT FUND TENDER NOTICE

Country: Belize 9: Project: BNTF 9: Caribbean Development Grant––GA61/BZE GA61/BZE Country: Belize Project: BNTF Caribbean Development Grant Project ID: 1509/9/E6, Contract Number: E/B9-02/2021, National CompetProject Country: Belize Project ID: 1509/9/E6, Number: E/B9-02/2021, National Competitiv itiveContract Bidding (NCB) Financing Institution: ICDF (Taiwan Technical Mission) Deadline: March 9, 2021 Deadline: March 9, 2021

Project Name: Breeding Sheep and Goat Production and Guidance System Enhancement Project.

Title: Specific Procurement Notice Project Number：TT-310-2020-028

1. The Government of Belize has received funding through the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) towards the cost of Eligible Sub-projects and intends to apply part of the funds to cover eligible payments under the contract for Santa Marta Government Preschool Building Construction, Santa Marta Village, Orange Walk District, Belize.

1. The Government of Belize has received funding through the Caribbean

The Social Investment Fund, a Statutory Corporation, established under the Social InThe Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise is towards2. the (CDB) ofNo.Eligible Sub-projects andDrive, intends apply p vestmentcost Fund Act 3 of 1996 and located at Constitution Belmopan,to Cayo Dishereby requesting an expression of interest for the construction trict, hereby invites tenders from suitably qualified contractors for the construction of the cover eligible following: payments under the contract for Santa Marta Gove of a Sheep Barn at the Livestock Unit located in Central Farm, Building Construction, Santa Marta Village, Orange Walk District, The contract proposes to: Cayo District.

The contract proposes to construct a new preschool building measuring 49’-6” long by 43’8” wide complete with an open classroom area, preschool students’ bathroom facilities, teachers’ lavatory facilities, storage space, kitchenette, and an access ramp to accommodate users with diverse abilities. The structure will also be equipped with a verandah, cold formed channel steel truss roof system, ceramic non-slip tiled reinforced concrete floor, reinforced masonry block walls, galvanized aluminum louvered windows, security grilles, and aluminum flush type doors. Works will also include for the construction of a chain link perimeter fence, construction of walkways, and for the provision of site drainage. Provisions for the installation of electrical, plumbing, water supply and waste water systems, in accordance with the regulations of the respective authorities, will be included in the contract.

Barn Size: 135ft by 60ft

2. The Social Investment Fund, a Statutory Corporation, established Investment Fund Act No. 3 of 1996 and located at Constitution Drive Submission of Application For further information interested firms and companiesDistrict, can send hereby invites tenders from suitably qualified contractors for the a letter of expression of interest to the below address before following: March 5th, 2021.

The contract proposes to:

3. Final (Project Site) Destination as specified in BDS: Santa Marta Village, Orange procurement.officer@agriculture.gov.bz Walk District, Belize.

Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise The contract proposes toInvestment construct new preschool building measuring 49'-6 4. The Social Fundanow invites sealed bids from eligible and qualified bidders Belmopan City, Belize for the construction works in the aforementioned areas.

complete with an open classroom area, preschool students' bathroom facilit Bidding will be conducted through the National (NCB) procedures facilities, storage5.specified space, kitchenette, and an accessCompetitive ramp toBidding accommodate user in the CDB’s Guidelines for Procurement (January 2006), and are open to all bidders also who arebe legally incorporated or otherwise organized in,cold and have their principal place s The structure will equipped with a verandah, formed channel of business in an eligible country. Eligible countries are member countries of CDB.

BY ORDER OF MORTGAGEE ceramic non-slip tiled reinforced concrete floor, reinforced masonry blo NOTICE OF INTENTION TO SELL 6. Qualification requirements (a) The bidder shall furnishflush unaudited audited aluminum louvered windows, securityinclude grilles, and aluminum typeor doors.

W financial statements of the firm for years 2017, 2018 and 2019 to confirm an average annual turnover least BZ$ 250,000.00 (b) Bidders should have General Experience under for the construction ofofaatchain link perimeter fence, construction of walkways contracts in the role of contractor, JV member, subcontractor, or management contractor offormed site drainage.

Provisions installation plumbing, HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED a statutory body and for the years 2017, for 2018 the and 2019 with activity ofof at electrical, least five (5) months in each yearwater start- s ing 1st January, 2017. (c) Bidders should have Specific Experience with a minimum of simregistered under the Credit Union Act, Chapter 314 of the Laws of Belize, Revised systems, in accordance with the regulations of the respective authorities, w ilar contracts specified that have been satisfactorily and substantially completed as a prime Edition 2000, and whose registered office is situated at No. 1 Hyde’s Lane, Belize contractor, as a joint venture member, management contractor, or subcontractor, between contract.

City, Belize District hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under and by virtue of a Deed of Mortgage registered at the Land Titles Unit between VEENA SADARANGANI of the one part and HRCU 3. Final (Project of the other part.

1st January 2010 and the bid submission deadline and should have less than or equal to four (4) contracts, each of a minimum value of BZ$62,500.00, but with a total value of all contracts equal or more that BZ$250,000.00. (d) demonstrate cash flow (including access to credit) of BZ $40,000.00 of which not more than BZ$ 10,000.00 can be materials (e) other provided in the respective Bid Documents.

Site) Destination as specified in BDS: Santa Marta Vill District, Belize.

7. A secured “sample” electronic Bid document can be shared with interested Bidder at the

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.

address below, starting February 8, 2021, on week days between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. for viewing purpose only (has a time restriction for viewing). A complete set of electronic Bidding documents can be purchased by interested bidders upon payment of a non- refundable fee of BZD $150.00. Requests may be made by writing to the address below.

Written applications must be clearly marked: “Tender for Santa Marta Government Preschool Building Construction, Santa Marta Village, Orange Walk District, Belize”. The method of payment will be by cash deposited to, or Bank transfer to the Social Investment Fund’s bank account only. A request for the Social Investment Fund’s banking details can be made at the address below. The Belize Social Investment Fund is not accepting cash payment at this time.

4. The Social Investment Fund now invites sealed bids from eligible and q works in the aforementioned areas.

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

5. Bidding will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding specified in the CDB’s Guidelines for Procurement (January 2006), a SCHEDULE 8. Deadline the submission of bidsor is atotherwise or before 10:00organized a.m. Tuesday, March 9, h bidders who are legallyfor incorporated in, and 2021 at the address below. Bids will be opened virtually at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, ALL THAT FREEHOLD piece or parcel of land situate along the East Coast place ofofbusiness in 11, an2021 eligible country.

Eligible countries are Constitution member c March at the Belize Social Investment Fund, 3rd Floor, #1902

Drive, Belmopan, Cayo District in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose Turneffe Island, Belize District, Belize comprising 50 Acres of land and being more to participate virtually. The link to access the virtual bid opening is as follows: https://bit. particularly delineated and described as shown on Plan of Survey by J.A. Keith being ly/31ACuQU Electronic bidding will not be permitted. Late bids will be rejected. All bids 6.2007, Qualification requirements include (a) ofThe bidder Entry No. 11040 Register No. 18 and shown on Plan No. 1315 of attached to must be accompanied by a “Bid Security” BZ$ 3,300.00 or an shall equivalentfurnish amount in aun freely convertible currency or Bank Guarantee. The bid validity period is 90 days.

Minister’s Fiat Grant No. 1315 of 2007 dated the 8th day of January financial 2008, lodged statements of the firm for years 2017, 2018 and 2019 to confirm at the Office of the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys, City of Belmopan, Cayo 9.

A Virtual Pre-bid250,000.00 meeting with interested biddersshould will be heldhave at 10:00 Genera a.m. on turnover least BZ$ (b) eligible Bidders District, Belize TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being of at Tuesday, February 23, 2021. The link to access the virtual Pre-bid meeting is as follows: BiddersJV can member, participate in the meeting; whereby, queries will be thereon. contracts in thehttps://bit.ly/31ACuQU. role of contractor, subcontractor, or manage addressed. Bidders are urged to attend.

DATED this 15th February 2021 HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED 1 HYDE’S LANE, BELIZE CITY, BELIZE Phone: (501) 224-5644 Fax: (501) 223-0738 Email: foreclosures@hrcubelize.org

the years 2017, 2018 and 2019 with activity of at least five (5) months i 10. The address referred to above is: 1st January, 2017. (c) Bidders should have Specific Experience with a m Contact: Ms. Ruby Pascascio contracts specified that have been satisfactorily and substantially com Senior Procurement Officer Social Investment Fund 3rd Floor, #1902 Constitution Drive Belmopan Cayo District Tel: 822-0239/822-0508 E-mail: ruby.pascascio@sifbelize.org

cc: colin.escalante@sifbelize.org therese.arzu@sifbelize.org

28 FEB

2021

THE BELIZE TIMES

21

Ministry of Education has taken Urgent, Effective Action to Suppress the Impact of Covid-19 on Education

Belize City: Wednesday 17th February 2021 -Contributed-It has been almost a year now since the first case of Covid-19 was announced and caused panic among our populace, a lock down was justified; a State of Emergency and curfew that were announced, disrupted lives and brought learning institutions to a screeching halt causing chaos at all levels of our daily lives.

It is widely believed that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the learning process, and the impact on the human capital of this generation of learners is likely to be longlasting. Taking notes, trying to comprehend while attending virtual classes due to the pandemic is devastating.

Many mothers, especially those single and uneducated are of the opinion that educating their children during COVID-19 is a monumental challenge, many children in urban and rural areas have no electricity, no access to the internet or television and parents find it difficult to help their children with homework lessons.

Teachers cannot visit these students with challenges by going to their homes at least once a week to help them with their learning.

In a nutshell, a great majority of students have difficulties understanding what is being taught online by teachers.

Even the lucky children attending tutorial classes or accessing online learning several hours a day have challenges where their parents have to be juggling their jobs with additional family responsibilities like as-

sisting their children’s learning, many with poor internet connectivity which makes teaching and learning so much harder during COVID-19.

Earlier this week Minister of Education, Francis Fonseca said that selective schools will reopen for face-to-face learning prior to August. He revealed that the Covid-19 Education Task Force will make its recommendations on the reopening of schools around the country and noted that there are some schools that will be prioritized for reopening, which includes vocational and agricultural institutions.

In Belize like in many other countries across the world, students and teachers alike have been coping with some challenging experiencing with changes with teaching and learning after school closed. This Pandemic is marking a dramatic different childhood experience that these young people will remember for the rest of their lives, and a different teaching experience where teachers have had to rapidly adapt, be creative and shift roles.

Minister Francis Fonseca noted that these selective schools will reopen for face-to-face learning prior to August and expounded that the Covid-19 Education Task Force will soon be making its recommendations for the reopening of schools around the country.

Over many months, online has the potential of having a huge negative impact on students’ skills and economic prospects for the rest of their lives.

Today we hear that the World

Bank has been working with countries to support them in addressing this crisis. I am certain that Belize is among the other countries applying to source this help as COVID-19 is wreaking havoc on the lives of young children, students, and youth.

The disruption of societies and economies is impacting education in unprecedented ways.

Fonseca said that the online, remote learning assessment is very difficult. “It’s much different than going into a classroom, observing and assessing a teacher and how students respond to that teacher. It’s much more difficult to properly assess how students are doing through remote learning, how effective teachers are being. It’s much more challenging, much more difficult but we have a dedicated team under the supervision of Deputy Chief Education Officer Dr. Neulin Villanueva who is specifically focused on assessment. We’re not satisfied, he said, too many of our most vulnerable students are falling behind. These includes our special education students, ITVET students, our pre-schoolers, our agricultural students and Central Farm students. These are vulnerable groups that I am concerned about. We have to find a way with a sense of urgency to work with our COVID education task force to come up with a clear plan to get these students back into the classroom, back out into the fields in terms of agriculture, back into their workshops in terms of ITVET students” The Covid-19 Education Task

Force was put in place on February 1 through to July 31. The 9-member group has been mandated to present recommendations to the ministry on the requirements for the safe and practical reopening of the classrooms. The Task Force is made up of the CEO in the Ministry of Education, Dian Maheia; Special Envoy for Women and Children, Rossana Briceno; BNTU’s President Elena Smith; Acting Director of Health Services Dr. Melissa Musa; Martine King of Mind Health Connect; Salome Tillett, Principal of St. Catherine’s Academy; Jamie Usher, Principal of Belize High School and Kevin Chen of the National Student Union of Belize.

Even before COVID-19 hit, the world was experiencing a learning crisis, children of primary- and secondary-school age were out of school and the Learning Poverty rate in lowand middle-income countries was 53 percent – meaning that over half of all 10-year-old children could not read and understand a simple text.

Worldwide today, there are some 700 million students studying from home in a context of huge uncertainty and with families and schools having to navigate across options of hybrid and remote learning, or no schooling at all. In the vast majority of countries, there is no end in sight to this uncertainty. Early evidence from several high-income countries has already revealed learning losses and increases in inequality.

22

28 FEB

THE BELIZE TIMES

OUT

2021

VACANCY

NOTICE BOATMAN

!

Dear Editor

Allow me the topic, Peyrefitte and his Abstruse Lies… I had to Google a Peyrefitte-sized word for an adjective.

I want to tell Peyre…Bring the Evidence!!...of a healthy economy.

“Where’s is it?”

Why are microphones still placed in front of Peyrefitte?

The man has NO like for Belizeans. In fact, his last utterances were blatant abstruse lies of the type that you utter to someone you have no respect of.

Peyrefitte is firstly lying to himself. He wishes that Barrow did not indicate Après moi, le déluge. But anyway…Barrow often clinically lies to himself.

But this time around he was trying to mask his immense failure and criminal actions. He was trying to convince himself that he was actually doing a great job but no one can handle his roller coaster set of horrific decisions—megalomania at its gross optimal.

In comes Peyrefitte, never been elected, in fact always rejected, and decided to hurl another of the UDP’s cynical Trumpian-level mendacity.

Peyrefitte the people want to know what REALLY happened with the helicopter one year ago? Was that another of your UDP vicious tirades of bombastic inexactitudes?

Michael...this is the type of lie that if you cannot back it up, you must give up your Senatorial position, a position of honour that is too much above you.

Now that is not a terminological inexactitude… this is fact…You Peyrefitte are only a sensational fool and these are usually just a passing fancy. Thanks PM… When George Price spoke of giants needed in Belize, he meant giant in heart and spirit to grow the Nation; GP meant the PUP and definitely thus he meant John Briceño.

GP meant those of us that still follow him.

Thanks Editor, Municipal Voter

Allen Yu

Cadir Escalante

Fernando ‘Big Sanch’ Sanchez

Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons to fill the following post in the Marine Department. In the Port’s continued effort to promote diversity both males/females, able/ differently abled are encouraged to apply for the available post.

Reports to: Chief Marine Pilot Summary of Responsibilities: The primary duty of the Boatman shall be to safely assist navigation of the vessel along with the Boat Captain.

Job Responsibilities: 1. Proper care, preservation and maintenance are taken of mooring lines, life belt, anchors and other related equipment.

2. All matters related to deck seamanship including safe loading and unloading of the vessel, swab deck, cleaning interior and exterior of vessels on a daily basis or as required by the Captain or the Marine Clerk/Marine Department.

3. Be required to paint and assist in repairs, refit program and servicing of vessels.

4. Assist with the mooring and unmooring of the vessel.

5. Act as lookout when underway.

6. Assist in the refueling of vessel.

7. Any other duties assigned from time to time of a related nature.

Job Qualifications/Requirement: • Minimum High School Diploma.

• 3 years experience boat handling.

• Work flexible hours (inclusive of night duties).

Required Skills, Knowledge and Characteristics: To be selected applicants must possess the following important characteristics: • • • • •

Knowledge of marine craft communication and problem –solving skills.

Must have the ability to adapt to changing conditions and respond to emergency situations.

Ability to swim.

Team Oriented.

Be Punctual.

Compensation Package: Will be commensurate (in accordance with the Company's Salary Structure).

To apply: Provide updated resume, cover letter (addressed to Human Resource Manager), copy of valid social security card, valid police report, name and phone number of two(2) previous employers.

Email to: jobapplications@portofbelize.com Closing date for receipt of applications is Friday, March 12, 2021.

Ladrick ‘Mad Bull’ Sheppard

Joanna Rodriguez Joesie Cantun

Doreth Pascascio

28 FEB

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

OUT Excerpts of an open letter to the San Ignacio and Sta. Elena town council.

February 19, 2021

!

Dear Mayor Trapp,

We address this letter to you and your council as residents of the twin towns are requesting urgent answers as it is feared that only when there is an election that answers are given.

Your two terms of singlehandedly ruling a council that has not seen the participation of elected council members and their promise to have equal participation in decision making and publicly keeping the twin towns informed of the council’s income and expenditure now requires answers at this eleventh hour. We hereby request answers to ease the distrust in the council’s questionable actions such as: A. Why under the financial constraints of our country we find that there is minimal consultation with the public at large as it pertains to projects being carried out in the municipality so that priorities be identified before funds are inequitably spent?

B. Is there a preference to employ workers from one particular family?

C. Why distribute sand and gravel by loads, cement blocks in huge amounts to few families when expenditure could be prioritized?

D. Why at this eleventh hour, so urgently dump expensive gravel material on the streets without proper compaction, leveling and drainage which will only last a few weeks and could be coined as wasteful spending?

E. Why lay substandard chip and seal material on the streets knowingly the life span will be short lived?

F. Why invest so much resources in constructing such an expensive drain around the gas station?

G. Is the council in full ownership of the driver’s license equipment and is there any profit sharing agreement with any third party?

H. When will an audit of the council’s finances be carried out and report be disseminated to the people of the twin towns as promised?

I. Why do we see the council’s machinery constantly and visibly being utilized on private property on the Benque Viejo road leading to the Garbage site?

J. What was done with the material from the hospital located next

VOICE OF THE COMMON MAN

TOGETHER WITH PLAN BELIZE, WE STICK WITH PROGRESS!

By Hilly Bennett Whilst being interviewed on the Whip morning talk show on Vibes media, radio and television station, Mayor of Belize City Bernard Wagner made the hallmark pitch for the upcoming municipal elections on March 3, 2021 - “Stick with Progress.”

Wagner reminded the voting populace that the former UDP Prime Minister, Dean Oliver Barrow had damned the Belize City Council to failure by July 2018 subsequent to their victory at the polls. However, without the assistance of a UDP Central Government, Wagner and his dream team was able to turn things around at City Hall.

A similar situation unfolded to the current town council office and was material disposed of in a transparent manner?

K. What was the end result as it pertains to the council’s property, mainly the NEW Ford Ranger pickup that was involved in a Road Traffic accident and to date the residents have not been informed if the Council was duly reimbursed or the vehicle replaced?

L. What is the arrangement with the gravel material from the dump site area to clarify concerns recently posted on social media?

M. Was there equipment not belonging to the council transporting material outside of the municipality?

N. If above is true, was it sold and funds deposited to the council’s revenue or some other arrangement made?

O. Is there any preferred company or person who is contracted to supply machinery to the Town Council and if so, why haven’t there been public tender in securing assets for the council as transparency requires?

P. When was the last audit of the council’s finances carried out and by whom?

Q. Has there been a preference in granting liquor licenses to business establishments that have contravened the liquor license act.

R. Why hasn’t there been a report on the income for the yearly municipal fair for the past 18 yrs.?

S. Is there any asset purchased by the town council but that has not yet been transferred to the council, such as pickup trucks, heavy equipment, tools or machinery?

T. Why are the council’s vehicles being utilized for political propaganda and their license plates removed?

We close in saying that in pursuing transparency, equality and trust, we do expect clarification on above stated concerns.

when Prime Minister John Briceño and the PUP Government was voted into office and took up the administration of the ‘Haven of Democracy’, ‘the Jewel’ Belize. The council finances were reading ruby red with binding contracts given out just prior to the elections. Such as the ménage à trois, the devilish, Candice Miller contract. The council found outrageous loan portfolios unattended.

Nonetheless, the PUP City Council of 2018, was able to weather the UDP storm as a result of astute financial stewardship, the implementation of cost-saving measures, and trimming of wastage in the affairs of Local Government. Importantly, there were shared sacrifices.

Mayor Wagner, in recognising the present socio-economic crisis that has befallen the Jewel, stemming from a corrupt, incompetent, visionless, heartless UDP Government, has echoed Prime Minister John Briceño call for “shared sacrifices” to overcome this dire situation being experienced by the country and its people on a daily basis.

Undoubtedly, Belize is experiencing “times that try men’s souls” a compounding effect of the UDPs’ failings and the COVID-19 pandemic. PM Briceño in his appeal to the citizenry said that “more than ever we need the Belizean support.” They have to walk with us on this one .”

Similarly, in the war for US independence, when Washington’s army was facing defeat, Thomas Paine wrote on the significance of sacrifice on a drum head with the sole light of a campfire. He wrote “...The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have

23 this consolation with us, that the harder the sacrifice the more glorious the triumph.”

That glorious triumph became a partial reality with the landslide victory on November 11, 2020. Belizeans sacrificed their votes and voted out the “low- down, filthy scoundrels” of the United Democratic Party—the red hydra. However, the circle of victory is not complete without a countrywide win in municipal elections 2021. Revelations continue to surface of the corrupt acts, some on the fringes of criminality, by UDP’s cockroaches, rodents and parasites, at the former central Government and from within the various UDP municipalities. Consequently, the electorate cannot expect anything less than thievery and abuse from the slated candidates of the UDP. Additionally, the UDPs have no ground to look to the high heavens and pray for victory after conniving with the devil against the good citizens of Belize. It would certainly be illogical to give a voting chance to any other slate but a People’s United Party slate.

Notwithstanding a UDP administration in power, the municipalities suffered utter neglect from the UDP elected councils and the want of assistance from the UDP Government, except for the PUP controlled councils in Belize City, Orange Walk, and Corozal. The PUP municipal governments forged success making the ‘impossible possible’ in those municipalities without the help of the Barrow/Faber Government.

Impressively, a PUP victory in the municipal elections will result in a PUP Government partnering with the councils more easily and with a similar visions across the great divide. The partnership will be committed to building the cities and towns across a nation of neighbourhoods that care. A vote for the PUP slates will allow Cities and towns of learning, of healing, of courage and creativity; cities and towns with heart, with hope, cities; and towns reborn and building together with Plan Belize. This active plan has consideration for people and country. Together let’s build a Belize that works for everyone - VOTE BLU Bz!!

24

THE BELIZE TIMES

28 FEB

2021