Belize Times Feb 12, 2023 - Investing in Security

INVESTING IN SECURITY

The incompetent UDP-13 has left viruses in Belize that we are still trying to get rid of. One of them is the security of the nation. The Hon. Kareem Musa has had the gargantuan task of turning around a department that was marred with a few rogue policemen who have had to be weeded out little by little. The PUP follows the law and many take advantage of that. The stories of police abuse have abated in these past two years. Rogue policemen have been interdicted, demoted, and fired when the process has been followed. The Belize Defence Force in 2020 had a demoralized army who were living in quarters not suited for the persons tasked with defending our territory. The Coast Guard had and have the unenviable task of patrolling all our waters which is 12 miles from shore. In comes the PUP and just like everything else, these issues had to be fixed and fast. Similarly, Minister Marin and Minister of State Mira have been doing just that. Where is the money coming from? Some from dona-

AGM IN BELIZE

BELTRAIDE LAUNCHES

SALDIVAR DEFIES SHYNE AGAIN

With 19% Vote

Pg. 5

Restoring Degraded Lands in Latin America & the Caribbean

“Utmost importance that citizen security is a priority in Belize and, therefore, the protectors of all citizens must be equipped with the proper infrastructure and equipment to do their jobs.”

– Prime Minister John Briceño

Belize Chairs First Ever CCAD hosted in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye

Women-owned businesses benefit

INVESTING IN SECURITY

Continued from page 1

tions but millions have come from a fund that the UDP were too incompetent and non-caring to even know how to channel. The PUP had to put haste as the expiration date to use funds agreed to with the Central American Bank of Economic Integration was about to come about.

In November of 2022 the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment, handed over vehicles to the Belize Police Department (BPD) and computer equipment to the Belize Defence Force (BDF). These items were procured via the Belize Integral Security Programme (BISP), which is a $60-million-dollar project funded by the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI). This is intended to strengthen the capacity of the Belize Police Department (BPD) and Belize Defence Force (BDF) which would enable the members or officers are able to provide increased citizens security. In March of 2022, a technical team from CABEI came to Belize to reassess the needs of the agencies that are active in the program. These are the BPD, BDF, Belize Coast Guard, and the National Forensic Science Service.

The Belize Police Department received three 2023 Toyota Hilux Trucks. These vehicles are being utilized as patrol vehicles which were part of a fleet of six vehicles valued at BZD$491.474.70. The Commissioner of Police Chester Williams received the donation on behalf of the Department. The Belize Defence Force received computers and other office equipment valued at BZD$315,328.16 Hon. Florencio Marin, Jr. Minister of National Defence and Border Security received the items on behalf of the Belize Defence Force.

These items form part of the BPD’s total allocation of BZ$18,439,674.70 and the BDF’s total allocation of BZ$13,000,000.00 under the BISP.

Now in December, the government via the Hon. John Briceño, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment handed over 10 Troop Lifting Vehicles to the Ministry of National Defence and Border Security. The Prime Minister shared that, “it is of utmost importance that citizen security is a priority in Belize and, therefore, the protectors of all citizens must be equipped with the proper infrastructure and equipment to do their jobs.”

This forms the total allocation for the Belize Defence Force of $13,000,000 under BISP. The BDF benefited from other initiatives, including a new kitchen with state-ofthe-art industrial equipment, dining areas, cold storage, pantries, and a generator to ensure functionality in times of emergencies such as hurricanes. The kitchen can be utilized as a hurricane shelter, ensuring that the troops are safe during and able to quickly mobilize after a storm. Additionally, two dormitories will be built to provide much-needed sleeping quarters. It will include beds, washing stations, and restrooms at Price Barracks. Other locations like Fairweather Camp in Punta Gorda will benefit from a well-equipped Medical Center and Camp Belizario in Cayo District will benefit from a battalion headquarters.

Prime Minister Briceño reiterated that the works will continue to ensure citizen security at its utmost best. Moving forward with citizen security is definitely a part of planBelize.

PM TOURS MARINE PROTECTED AREAS

“In the spirit of shared commitment to the protection of our blue and marine resources, I accompanied the President and CEO of WWF USA Mr. Carter Roberts and other officials of the organization on a tour of our marine protected areas.

WWF is in country to discuss with the Blue Bond/PFP Unit the implementation of the Project Financing for Permanence and our processes to identify a sustainable path and mechanism for the conservation of our blue space and rich marine resources.

Present on the tour were the Vice President of Oceans Conservation of WWF Johan Bergenas, Osmany Salas of WWF Belize, CEO in the Office of the Prime Minister and Ministry of Investment Mrs. Narda Garcia. the Head of our

BELTRAIDE LAUNCHES ‘ICUBE’

Women-owned businesses benefit

City of Belmopan, February 7, 2023. The Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, and Immigration with financial support from the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) through Taiwan ICDF, has initiated a new incubator program, ICube, that will host a Mobile Incubator Center and a Start-up Incubator Center at BELTRAIDE's SBDCBelize office in Belize City.

BELTRAIDE's ICube will provide eight women-owned businesses with a space to operate their business, access the Virtual Knowledge Center (VKC) and receive business development support offered by experienced business advisors from BELTRAIDE's SBDCBelize Unit. In addition, BELTRAIDE will offer services and support to MSMEs across the country via a Mobile Incubator Center. This initiative is a part of the Government of Belize's commitment to diversify the services of MSMEs and empower enterprises. This expansion will facilitate the creation of new businesses and strengthen the skills of operating MSMEs, thereby revitalizing Belize's economy.

The launch of ICube took place on Friday, February 10, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. at BELTRAIDE's SBDCBelize office at 831 Coney Dr, Belize City. Mrs. Narda Garcia, CEO, Office of Prime Minister; Ambassador Amalia Mai, CEO, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and H.E. David Kuan- Chou Chien, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Belize, will be present at the ceremony.

BELTRAIDE takes this opportunity to congratulate the women who have been selected to be part of the Incubator Program and reminds all Belizeans about the importance of supporting our local MSMEs.

Blue Bond/PFP Unit Ms. Beverly Wade as well as officials from local entities such as Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association (TASA) and fishers and management of tourism resorts in the Turneffe Atoll area. Hon. Andre Perez Minister for Blue Economy and Civil Aviation also attended a wrap up session with the visiting team and local officials.” – PM John Briceño via FB Page #conservation #marinelife #WWF #planBelize

The biodiversity in Belize is really world class and astounding. One of the facts that the airlift highlighted were the atolls and the greenery that Belize still possess. Our living Barrier reef is peerless in the world and we have 3 of the 4 atolls that can be found in this hemisphere. The Blue Hole is world renowned. This this the beauty that the Blue Bond seeks to protect.

AGM IN BELIZE

The Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management is hosting the Joint Annual Meeting of the Initiative 20x20, Bonn Challenge, and the Agriculture, Forest, and Other Land Use (AFOLU) 2040 in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, from February 8 to 9, 2023.

Country leaders, private investors, and technical partners from across Latin America and the Caribbean have convened to connect on converging agendas and pursue the objective of presenting areas of collaboration between Initiative 20x20 - Bonn Challenge - AFOLU 2040 under the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration; streamline intersectoral cooperation between environment and agriculture for restoration; and mobilize finance to support restoration efforts.

The Initiative 20x20 is a country-led effort seeking to change the dynamics of land degradation in Latin America and the Caribbean by protecting and restoring 350 million hectares of forests, farms, pasture, and other landscapes by 2030. The initiative was launched at the 20th Climate Change Conference of Parties held in Lima, Peru, in 2014 and is the Caribbean and Latin American regions’ response to the Bonn Challenge, the United Nations Forum on Forests and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. Furthermore, the initiative serves as a platform where multiple partners can contribute

to the UN Decade on Ecosystems Restoration, which is a rallying call for the protection and revival of ecosystems worldwide for the benefit of people and nature. It aims to halt the degradation of ecosystems and restore them to achieve global goals.

In response to the Bonn Challenge, Initiative 20x20, and UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, Belize crafted its National Landscape Restoration Strategy in which 382,592 hectares have been identified for restoration opportunities. Of this, a total of 130,000 hectares have been prioritized for restoration actions by 2030. The goal is to implement reforestation practices for 44,000 hectares in forest areas inside and outside protected areas, and 6,000 hectares of degraded and deforested riparian forests. In addition, restoration efforts will improve the management of 80,000 hectares of the agro-productive landscape through improved agricultural and agroforestry practices.

Rt. Hon.

HOG HEAVEN

This week it is important to draw attention to the sixty-million-dollar Belize Integral Security Program (BISP) loan from CABEI that was approved in 2014. Those funds languished mostly untouched for over six years. In November 2020 only one million dollars had been used to cover salaries for the project unit staff that had not produced any of the desperately needed changes. This loan is part of CABEI’s support efforts to realize the Belize National Security Strategy in a cohesive design with the greater Central American Security strategy. These funds were earmarked to improve the well-being of Belizean families through the strengthening of citizen security. The funds were to be used for the upgrade of training facilities and living and working conditions of security forces, and also to acquire much-needed equipment and to increase technical capacity.

It is painfully obvious that the former Minister of National Security had more interest in Bandits of all sorts than in those security forces of which he was Minister. There was a young Belize Defence Force soldier who lost his eye due to the dilapidated state of a pier at one of the bases. One has only to look at the inhumane conditions of the living quarters at the Price Barracks or any other stations of the Belize Defence Force for confirmation of the neglect and mismanagement they suffered under Big John. There was a mandatory closing of the Sarstoon Forward Operating Base because the building there was declared dangerous. The squalor and negligence that our Belizean Security forces were subject to under Big John are human rights violations. In the North entire Police Stations were burnt down and never rebuilt, others were left abandoned because the state of disrepair made them uninhabitable for the police and their families.

All that speaks of a Minister that did not care for the welfare of those that served under him. They were subject to inhumane working and living conditions, which he, Big John, would not himself endure. His mismanagement and neglect not only jeopardized the physical health and lives of his troops but also their mental health. To be forced to endure living and working under these conditions is clearly enough to break the spirit and morale of anyone. Perhaps the well-being of the security forces and indeed their productivity was not on the list of priorities of the former Minister. Even though the funds were available there was absolutely no interest in ensuring citizen security. Whether this was just a by-product of the disdain or if it was such by design is not entirely clear.

It then comes as no surprise that when Honourable Florencio Marin and Honourable Oscar Mira took over the Ministry of National Defence and Border Security it was not only the facilities they had to renovate. There was also a great need to bolster the morale of the security forces to ensure that they can do their work, unimpeded by lack of resources or adequate facilities. This past weekend Big John again re-entered the Belmopan political scene. It seems that he had buckets of resources stashed away and clearly some people lost their heads and got carried away yet again. It is ironic that he claims to love people so much yet those who were at his mercy felt none of his empathy and he allowed them to live so inhumanely. Bacon sizzled all day at hog heaven in Belmopan on Sunday, and we leave this week with some advice for the current Leader of the Opposition, “Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty but the pig likes it.”

EDITORIAL en Español

EL CIELO DE LOS CERDOS

Esta semana es importante llamar la atención sobre el préstamo de sesenta millones de dólares del Programa Integral de Seguridad de Belice (BISP) del BCIE que fue aprobado en 2014. Esos fondos languidecieron en su mayoría sin ser tocados por más de seis años. En noviembre de 2020 solo se había utilizado un millón de dólares para cubrir los salarios del personal de la unidad del proyecto que no había producido ninguno de los cambios que se necesitaban desesperadamente. Este préstamo es parte de los esfuerzos de apoyo del BCIE para realizar la Estrategia de Seguridad Nacional de Belice en un diseño cohesivo con la gran estrategia de Seguridad Centroamericana. Estos fondos fueron destinados a mejorar el bienestar de las familias beliceñas a través del fortalecimiento de la seguridad ciudadana. Los fondos debían utilizarse para mejorar las instalaciones de entrenamiento y las condiciones de vida y de trabajo de las fuerzas de seguridad, así como para adquirir equipos muy necesarios y aumentar la capacidad técnica.

Es dolorosamente obvio que el antiguo Ministro de Seguridad Nacional tenía más interés en los bandidos de todo tipo que en las fuerzas de seguridad de las que era Ministro. Hubo un joven soldado de las Fuerzas de Defensa de Belice que perdió un ojo debido al estado ruinoso de un muelle en una de las bases. No hay más que ver las condiciones inhumanas de los alojamientos del cuartel Price y de cualquier otra estación de las Fuerzas de Defensa de Belice para confirmar el abandono y la mala gestión que sufrieron bajo el mandato de Big John. Hubo un cierre obligatorio de la Base de Operaciones de Avanzadas del Sarstoon porque el edificio fue declarado peligroso. La miseria y la negligencia a la que fueron sometidas nuestras fuerzas de seguridad beliceñas bajo Big John son violaciones de los derechos humanos. En el norte se quemaron comisarías enteras y nunca se reconstruyeron, otras quedaron abandonadas porque el estado de deterioro las hacía inhabitables para los policías y sus familias.

Todo esto habla de un ministro que no se preocupaba por el bienestar de los que servían a sus órdenes. Estaban sometidos a condiciones de trabajo y de vida inhumanas, que él mismo, Big John, no soportaría. Su mala gestión y su negligencia no sólo pusieron en peligro la salud física y la vida de sus tropas, sino también su salud mental. Estar obligado a soportar vivir y trabajar en estas condiciones es claramente suficiente para quebrar el espíritu y la moral de cualquiera. El bienestar de las fuerzas de seguridad y su productividad quizá no figuraban en la lista de prioridades del exministro. Aunque había fondos disponibles, no había ningún interés en garantizar la seguridad de los ciudadanos. No está del todo claro si esto fue sólo un subproducto del desdén o si fue por diseño.

No es de extrañar, por tanto, que cuando Florencio Marín y Oscar Mira se hicieron cargo del Ministerio de Defensa Nacional y Seguridad Fronteriza no sólo tuvieran que renovar las instalaciones. También había una gran necesidad de reforzar la moral de las fuerzas de seguridad para garantizar que puedan hacer su trabajo, sin obstáculos por la falta de recursos o de instalaciones adecuadas. El pasado fin de semana, Big John volvió a entrar en la escena política de Belmopán. Parecia tener cubetas de recursos escondidos y claramente algunas personas perdieron la cabeza y se dejaron llevar una vez más. Es irónico que afirme amar tanto a la gente, pero los que estaban a su merced no sintieron nada de su empatía y les permitió vivir de forma tan inhumana. El tocino chisporroteó todo el día en el paraíso de los cerdos de Belmopán el domingo, y dejamos esta semana con un consejo para el actual líder de la oposición: "Nunca luches con un cerdo. Los dos os ensuciáis, pero al cerdo le gusta".

Belize Chairs First Ever CCAD hosted in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye

grass management strategy; and developing action plans on biodiversity, climate change, marine litter, and forest fire management. Belize’s CCAD priorities are aligned closely with those of the SICA Presidency.

The Central American Com-

mission for Environment and Development was established with the mission of developing a regional regime for environmental cooperation and integration that contributes to improving the quality of life of the populations of its Member States.

February 7, 2023 - Belize hosted the first Central American Commission for Environment and Development (CCAD) Council of Ministers Meeting as President Pro Tempore under the Central American Integration System (SICA). Honorable Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management, presided over the proceedings at the Grand Caribe Hotel Resort in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye.

The Council of Ministers Meeting is being held in the margins of the Initiative 20 X 20, Bonn Challenge, and AFOLU Joint Meeting on Restoring Degraded Lands. The objective of the meeting is to share the

achievements of the outgoing Pro Tempore Presidency of the Dominican Republic, present Belize’s priorities during its presidency, review the 2022 financial report, and approve the 2023 budget. Project reports and new project concepts are being presented for approval.

During its presidency, Belize will prioritize the development of an interregional agenda on climate change with a particular focus on climate finance and advancing the Revised Regional Framework for Achieving Development and Resilience to Climate Change; brokering a regional position on the Loss and Damage Fund; developing regional policy documents including the regional sea-

SALDIVAR DEFIES SHYNE AGAIN

The cadaver of the ex-mass party of Belize continues to show that who they are—a corrupt and incompetent set. They cannot even get voters to come out with their hearts to support three personas of suspect past. Saldivar corruption tag is well document even by the US state department. Colonel Lovell associated himself with Shyne is enough for him to lose all credibility. Of course, he is still reeling from the helicopter crash incident. Torres is of Tacoma infamy. So these three went to battle for naught. The Belmopan constituency is moving forward with Oscar Mira. The UDP as is their wont need to show that they are relevant and prevent any and all development. They have realized that 2030 is their most realistic shot at an ok showing in a General Election. Oscar Mira is there to stay.

To add insult to democracy, the news shows long lines under the sun in Belmopan. But these lines were not going into the UB Gym where the convention voting was happening. This was at a random house. What were they doing? What were they lining up for? These people mostly had ink on their index finger indicating that they had voted. They hid from the camera. Lo and behold the camera did not get to the house and it was prevented as it was private property. But the information was out. It looked like there was something being given to everyone that voted. Your guess is as good as mine. Democracy was obviously taking a hit.

The ex-mass party was true to itself as it could not even take out more than 20 percent of voters in Belmopan. Imagine if they tagged ONLY supposedly UDP voters.

ANNOUNCEMENT

The People’s United Party invites applications for those wishing to serve on the Executive Committee for the Corozal North Constituency.

Closing Date for Applications is Tuesday, February 28th, 2023 at 5 p.m.

They would have gotten like a couple percent turnout. There might have been more reporters there to cover the recurring demise of the once a mass party than the extinct species called a UDP.

Applications must be submitted in Duplicate: One copy should be delivered to Chairman of the Northern Caucus and the Original delivered to the PUP Secretariat.

?Question(s) Week of the

February 9, 2023

When will the UDP denounce the UDP-friendly media exposing their ‘bacon house?” Were people being paid to vote? Whose voters were paid to vote in the Belmopan UDP standard bearer convention? Democratic?

Congratulations!

To the Museum of Belize (NICH) on their 21st anniversary! The Museum was established on February 5, 2002.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY HON. JOHN BRICEÑO PRIME MINISTER OF BELIZE ON THE OCCASION OF

THE INITIATIVE 20X20, BONN CHALLENGE AND AFOLU 2040 JOINT MEETING ON RESTORING DEGRADED LANDS

THEME: LAND-BASED ACTIONS FOR MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION: SUPPORTING THE UN DECADE ON ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION

in SAN PEDRO, BELIZE, on 8TH FEBRUARY 2023

Your Excellencies, Other distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen

We are pleased that you are with us here today in beautiful San Pedro for this important Initiative. Your presence here today is not just testament to your commitment to twenty by twenty, but, it signifies the importance you each must play in the regional discourse on restoring our ecosystems. We have an important work ahead of us in this region – our work will determine prosperity or poverty, health or disease, development or despair. As melodramatic that this may sound on the surface, this is really what these meetings are truly about. Our task, therefore, is to restore the functionality of degraded ecosystems or risk our own long term sustainable development. Initiatives like the Bonn Challenge help us to take t he necessary political steps to establish and promote country-led efforts to change the dynamics of land degradation in Latin America and the Caribbean by restoring more than 350 million hectares of degraded land by 2030.

For sure, we have no shortage of degraded land in our region, some estimates suggest as much as 80 percent of our natural ecosy stems have been converted to human-altered landscapes. While we have political support at the highest level across the region, where we must accelerate our efforts is in the development of significant financing and nationally appropriate technical support for land restoration. In this regar d we readily acknowledge that our successes are possible because of the technical support of the UN system and other partners whose contributions h elp us to achieve our emissions reduction goals. The support of our financial partners facilitates negotiations that are beneficial; and, equitable trade of carbon offsets for developing countries.

I think we all agree that this must happen within the next year. The necessary targets which we had for our 2020 ecosystem restoration has now became our 2030 targets. Let us be successful in our efforts this time around so that we do not end up kicking the can down the road yet another time. Let us not let the 2030 targets become 2040 targets. We need to take our emissions reductions results to market, and in so doing, let us be inclusive, collaborating with our private sector partners to achieve our restoration goals. For such important work, we need all hands-on deck. Indeed, I am happy to learn of the participation of private investors in this Joint Meeting – your engagement and support in this process is pivotal to its success.

Restoration of degraded landscapes are beneficial, for they positively impact our climate goals. The science points to complex and inter-related benefits between healthy natural systems and human health. A clear example of this is the covid-19 pandemic. Look -- we know the benefits of restoration, what we as a global community must now resolve, are those best methods and approaches to restore ecosystems. Partners, such as the IUCN and others, have invested significant effort in developing guidance and technical support packages for countries. Still implementation on the ground is lacking. Yet there is reason to remain optimistic.

I am pleased to say that while the international discourse continues, locally, communities are making the necessary strides to restore their ecosystems. For example, here in Belize indigenous technology and know-how, provided with the support of government and international donors, is being used to introduce easily implementable, small-scale options for replanting mangroves and enhancing agricultural landscapes thro ugh alley-cropping and organic fertilization. We readily confess though that scaling up these interventions will require buy-in from larger donors, the private sector, international partners, and, of course, the markets.

Like many others, Belize has been persistently making the call for greater, broad-based, and accessible financing to ramp up restoration on the ground and to put the world on track for a sustainable future. We are also seeking to create our own opportunities, taking advantage of converging agendas in the international carbon market space. About two weeks ago, my government launched Belize’s Medium Term Development Strategy. The strategy was developed to operationalize our #planBelize which seeks to transform Belize toward a more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient society in which all Belizeans must benefit. The strategy is predicated on a whole-of-government approach to deliver on six strategic objectives which are founded on the recognition that the socio-economic well-being of Belize’s people and our economy on a whole is natural-resource based, with tourism, fishing, and agricultural industries tightly linked to the health of our biological diversity and the delivery of ecosyste m services.

Recently, we showed our bold approach to marine conservation by completing a debt-for-marine-protection swap better known as The Blue Bonds where we committed to increase expenditure on marine conservation until 2041 and expand our Biodiversity Protection Zones in coral reefs, mangroves, and fish spawning sites from 16 percent to 30 percent of its sea space by 2026. My administration is keen on transit ioning to a Green and Blue Economy with a focus on improving the lives of our local and indigenous communities who along with my government are c ustodians of these green and blue spaces.

We absolutely recognize the need for greater transparency in estimating and reporting emissions reductions, and to this end, Belize is taking the initiative to develop its own transparent and accurate monitoring, reporting, and verification system, building on available te chnology but anchored in our national capacities; and we are willing to share our experience with others. Thus, our national development approach has taken into account the need to balance development with the natural environment while ensuring a sustainable future for the people of Belize. While this is our national circumstance, the same is ultimately true for the region and for the entire globe. Without achieving the much-talked-about harmony with nature, we are simply living on borrowed time. We often refer to Belize as ‘the jewel’ and we truly believe this.

This is why we are committed to playing our part in achieving the Bonn Challenge, Initiative 20x20, and the AFOLU 2040. Our country-led development of a National Landscape Restoration Strategy is for us a signal that we are an active participant in the global Dec ade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030. On the regional front, Initiative 20x20 is our home-grown effort to meet, and it is my expectation, to exceed the Bonn Challenge – we are therefore, proud to be part of these initiatives. Belize welcomes the goals and objectives of Initiative 20x20 a nd looks forward to our ongoing regional approaches to combat degradation and climate change through regional mechanisms such as SICA and CARICOM and their various instruments to achieve greater regional integration.

It is my expectation that this Joint Meeting of the Initiative 20X20, Bonn Challenge, and AFOLU 2040 will build on the successes of the region as a whole, but with energized focus on achieving results.

Liberty Children's Home and Sister Cecelia Home for the Elderly Receives Donation from IDB Group Employees

The Office of Mrs. Rossana Briceno, Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children and Elvira Mendez, the Counsellor for Belize at the IDB Group present donation to Liberty Children's Home and Sister Cecelia Home for the Elderly

BELIZE TAX SERVICE DEPARTMENT’S NOTICE HOW TO REGISTER ON IRIS?

This guide will provide a step-by-step on how to register your account:

Go to the Official Belize Tax Service Online Website Belize Tax Services (bts.gov.bz)

On the home page click the “Register for an account” button.

This link will take you to the online registration form.

Start Filling the Following Details:

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Enter your Name and Date of Birth as given on your Social Security Card/Birth Certificate

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Belize City. February 09, 2023. In the aftermath of Hurricanes Lisa, the Counsellor for Belize in the Office of the Executive Directors for Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, Elvira Mendez in collaboration with the employees of the Inter-American Development Bank Group [IDB Staff Association, the IDB Family Association, the IDB Retirees Association, and the IDB Global Credit Union], launched the "Solidarity with Belize" fundraising campaign to collect funds for local non-governmental organizations in the countries affected by the hurricanes. The campaign also had the support of the IDB Group Administration that matched the funds raised by the staff. The OAS Staff Association also supported the campaign. The total amount collected was BZD$30,000.

Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children and Elvira Mendez Counsellor for Belize at the IDB presented the donations to Liberty Children's Home and Sister Cecelia Home for the Elderly, each receiving BZD$15,000. The funds will be used for supporting the Relief Effort as a result of Hurricane Lisa. Ms. Agatha Valentine, Director, of Liberty Children's Home and Ms. Diana Fuller, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Sister Cecelia's Home, received the donations on behalf of HelpAge Belize.

• At least 1 lower case character

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THE BELIZE TIMES 191

This process will take approximately 24 hours to link.

Today, Mrs. Rossana Briceño,

Mrs. Briceño, on behalf of the Government of Belize, expressed her sincere appreciation to the employees of the IDB Group Family and all other volunteers and contributors whose collective effort made this donation possible. Also present for the ceremony was Julian.

TENDER

TENDER

Line Surveying and Staking

Ministry of Labour Re-Initiates HIV/AIDS Policy in the Workplace Initiative

BEL invites tenders for Line Surveying and Staking Countrywide at the following locations:

Streetlight Maintenance

Corozal

Orange Walk

Belmopan

Dangriga

San Ignacio

The Ministry of Labour, in collaboration with the National AIDS Commission (NAC), has reinitiated the HIV/AIDS Policy in the Workplace Initiative. As part of that engagement, the Labour Department and the NAC held a certified training seminar in Belize City on February 1st, 2nd, and 8th, 2023, for 12 Belizean companies and organizations. The program will be extended nationwide in the coming year.

During the closing ceremony held today, the Ministry of Labour and NAC signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with each participating company and organization. This signals a commitment to address HIV/AIDS as a workplace issue through the development and implementation of workplace policies and programs. The MOU seeks to ensure that businesses and organizations support the HIV/AIDS workplace initiatives and programs of the Government of Belize, the NAC, and the International Labour Organization (ILO). It will establish capacity development training, refresher training for

Punta Gorda

Belize City and Ladyville

San Pedro and Caye Caulker

Independence and Placencia

The bidding documents, which outline all the duties and responsibilities of the contract, are available on BEL’s website at www.bel.com.bz/Tenders.aspx

all employees, a workplace testing initiative, and the development of an HIV and AIDS Workplace Policy. Furthermore, it calls for organizations to provide HIV/AIDS counseling and information, commemorate World AIDS Day, as well as attend and participate in HIV/AIDS in the workplace conferences and forums.

The ILO issued a code of practice on HIV/AIDS and the workplace in 2001. This code is critical and covers key principles that the Ministry of Labour uses as a guide along with Belize’s National AIDS Policy.

Bidders are invited to a pre-bid virtual meeting at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 7, 2023. To gain access to the meeting link, send an email to bidboxrequest@bel.com.bz with the subject “Bid #2022-786 Line Surveying and Staking Countrywide”.

Bidders will be required to submit a fixed price quotation to perform the services and provide all equipment and materials listed.

Submit bid via email to bidsubmittal@bel.com.bz no later than 3:00 p.m. on Friday, February 10, 2023.

For more information or queries, send email to bidboxrequest@bel.com.bz

The ministry applauds each organization that participated and signed the MOU, as this will create a better working environment for everyone, regardless of HIV status. Through capacity building and effective HIV/AIDS workplace policies, the ministry will continue to engage companies and organizations across the country in an effort to reduce HIV transmissions, HIV-related stigma, and discrimination.

BEL invites tenders for Streetlight Maintenance for the period 2023 to 2025 at the following locations:

Corozal

Orange Walk

Punta Gorda

The bidding documents, which outline all the duties and responsibilities of the contract, are available on BEL’s website at www.bel.com.bz/Tenders.aspx

Bidders are invited to attend a Virtual Pre-bid Meeting at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 14, 2023 To express interest in attending the meeting and to gain access to the meeting link, send an email to bidboxrequest@bel.com.bz with the subject “Streetlight Maintenance 2023 - 2025” no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 10, 2023.

Proposals will be accepted by email only and should include the subject found in the respective bid form.

Submit bids by email to bidsubmittal@bel.com.bz no later than 3:00 p.m. on Friday, February 17, 2023

For more information or queries, send email to bidboxrequest@bel.com.bz

Met Service Receives Sea Level Monitoring Equipment

February 7, 2023 - The Government of Belize, through the Ministry of Blue Economy and Civil Aviation (MBECA), in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Representative for Belize and Belize’s National Designated Authority to the Green Climate Fund (GCF), today handed-over the National Meteorological Service of Belize (NMS) with weather equipment to monitor sea level and upgrade some functionalities of the ‘SURFACE’ Climate Database Management System (CDMS).

The donation includes two radar water level sensors, one measurement and control datalogger, and one weather-resistant enclosure. The equipment is valued at US$10,301.33 for a total investment of US$40,201.33.

Through its climate services, the NMS provides critical support for managing risks and reducing disasters in climate-sensitive sectors such

as agriculture, health, the blue economy, etc. The NMS continues to monitor climate trends in rainfall, temperature, heatwaves, and other extremes and share new records of long-term climate change indicators. One way in which this is done is through its Climate Database System ‘SURFACE’ CDMS. Its capabilities go beyond the capture and storage of weather and climate data. It encompasses practical interaction between weather, climate, and water in various sectors within Belize, and is something the NMS has been planning for over the past few years. This database plays an integral role in the NMS’ overall goal of providing meteorological and climate-based products and services to protect life and property and contribute to the enhancement of the social, economic, and physical well-being of the people of Belize.

On September 2, 2022, FAO signed a contract with Elligence Solucoes Em Technologia Ltda. for the upgrading of the ‘SURFACE’ CDMS of the NMS for better coastal management; a deliverable under the project “Enhancing adaptation

planning and increasing climate resilience in the coastal zone and fisheries sector of Belize,” valued at US$29,900. The upgrades to the NMS’ CDMS include ocean wave management fea-

tures and metadata management features to facilitate ocean wave parameters. A two-day training will be provided to improve the capacity of the Coastal Zone Management

Authority and Institute, NMS, and the Fisheries Department on ocean wave dynamics based on raw data collected.

The database upgrade is a hallmark of the climate change initiative in Belize. The primary goal of the project is to enable the NMS to enhance its data collection and management capabilities to measure and process basic ocean wave information that could support coastal monitoring and modelling activities such as monitoring sea level rise, which has yet to be monitored extensively in Belize.

Belize to Welcome President of Cuba for Official State Visit

Belmopan, February 6, 2023.

The Government of Belize announces an official visit to Belize by H.E. Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, First Secretary of the Cuban Communist Party and President of the Republic of Cuba. The President will arrive in Belize City on February 12, 2023.

The programme includes a Special Sitting of the National Assembly, a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño, as well as the signing of two agreements.

The visit will mark the first by a Cuban President to Belize.

Special Envoy H.E. Rossana Briceño to Attend Women Empowerment Forum in Taiwan

H.E. Rossana Briceño, Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children of Belize and the Chairperson for the Spouses of CARICOM Leaders Actions Network (SCLAN), will visitTaiwan from February 14 – 17, 2023, to attend the international forum "Empower Women! Empower LAC!" on February 15, 2023.

During her visit, H.E. Briceño will also meet with government officials and representatives from different fields of education, academy, and international organizations to exchange viewpoints regarding matters of women empowerment and other mutual interests inTaiwan.

The purpose of the said forum is to emphasize the cooperation between Taiwan and its Latin American ally countries to empower women during the post-pandemic era and to provide a platform for all the participants to share and exchange viewpoints on the issues regarding women's rights and development through global collaboration. H.E. Mario Abdo Benitez, President of Paraguay; Madame Silvana Lopez Moreira de Abdo, First Lady of Paraguay; as well as Hon. Keisal Peters, the Foreign Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, are also invited to attend the forum.

During the forum, H.E. Briceño will join the Policy Panel Discussion on "Challenges and Prospects for Women's Socio-Economic Development in the Post-Pandemic Era- Public-Private Partnerships and International Collaboration," as well as attend the group panel discussion on "Empowering Women through Education." The Special Envoy will also meet with H.E. Dr. Tsai, Ing-Wen, President of Taiwan; H.E. Dr. Jaushieh Joseph Wu, Minister of Foreign Affairs; and leaders of women groups in Taiwan to discuss the future partnership between Belize and Taiwan, especially on women and children issues.

Belize and Taiwan began the cooperation project titled "Enhancing the Economic Empowerment of Women in Belize in the COVID-19 Post-Pandemic Era: Technical Assistance for Women's Employment, Entrepreneurship and Financial Inclusion" in October 2021, which has made many achievements and has benefited many women in Belize thus far. Based on the solid partnership and friendship between the two countries, Belize and Taiwan remain committed to working closely with each other and further enhancing the bilateral diplomatic bond.

The Credit Reporting Law

By Hon. Gilroy Usher, Port Loyola

“Your credit report and credit score are two of the most vital aspects of your financial health.”-

Erin Lowry

At the sitting of the House of Representatives on Friday February 3, the Credit Reporting Bill went through its final reading. After it is approved by the Senate and the Governor General in the coming weeks, the road will be paved for the establishment of Credit Bureaus in the country under the regulations of the Central Bank of Belize.

The new law will be a historic achievement for the administration, creditors and lenders, Belizeans who know the benefits of being credit worthy, and Mr. Maurice Underwood, who knowing the importance of a Credit Bureau in national development and had the vision to establish Credit Master System despite many challenges.

Credit is one of the most important things in an economy large or small. Credit makes all types of services accessible in Belize, the Caribbean, Central and South America, the United States, and all other countries through the world. With the Credit Reporting Law Belize is catching up with many others countries in the establishment of a system that protects the interest of creditors and lenders as well borrowers or the users of credit.

By issuing a credit score for individuals and businesses that is based on their credit history, a Credit Bureau offers creditors/lenders the opportunity to offer or deny credit whether with cash, goods, or services based on the credit history of applicants which increases the likelihood of them being paid by customers as promised.

A Credit Bureau develops its data base by collecting information from businesses that offer a wide range of services on credit. Some of the businesses that offer credit in the country are banks, credit unions, pawnshops, payday loan centers, insurance companies, Courts, hardware stores, grocers , corner stores , importers, and exporters as well as producers and manufactures.

Establishment of more than one credit bureau will be very good for Belize. Natural competition in the market will motivate the different Credit Bureaus to offer the most reputable service to increase their market share and profits.

In the United States Credit scores range from 300-850. The higher your score, the more credit worthy a person is deemed. Credit Worthiness ranges as follows: Excellent 800- 850; Very Good 740-799; Good 670- 739; Fair 580669; Poor 300- 579

In the absence of Credit Bureaus in the country many individuals access new credit in the same city, town, or village after refusing to pay (stiffing) one or more persons or businesses that offered them credit.

With the new Credit Reporting Law such poor business practice will decrease drastically. Quicker than expected, in a few months, whenever persons seek a line of credit from any business, it will be mandatory that they produce a credit report from a reputable Credit Bureau, in a similar way, that possession of a valid Social Security Card is mandatory to apply for a loan at bank. Realizing the importance of good credit fast, from 2023 onward, more Belizeans will borrow wisely and make every effort to pay for whatever service is offered to them on credit to maintain a good credit rating.

Maintaining their credit worthiness will also result in less individuals and businesses being taken to court for payment of bad debts. Many of those who find themselves in such unfortunate situations will willing make use of payment plans to pay their debts and regain their credit worthiness. The new Credit Reporting Law will also help to ensure that persons and businesses who accesses service for others on credit ensure that those beneficiaries make good on their payments as promised to protect their credit as good Samaritans. Unintentionally, the new law will result in a special fate for persons and businesses with poor credit rationing. By being in the bad book of hard payers, those who find themselves to the unenviable category will be denied access to an increasing number of services on credit, or they will be offered services on credit at much higher interest than person with good credit.

SUCCESSFUL CLINIC IN PORT LOYOLA

The clinic at the PUP Port Loyola office on Wednesday February 8 was a tremendous success. Many thanks to the staff and the many constituents including scores of new persons who took the opportunity to discuss a wide range of matters with their Area Representative Hon. Gilroy Usher.

ALL TAXPAYERS REQUIRED TO FILE TAX RETURNS AND PAY TAXES ONLINE

Pursuant to Section 22 (2)(c) of The Tax Administration and Procedure Act, Chapter 51 Revised Edition 2020 (TAPA), which grants the Director General of the Belize Tax Service Department (BTSD) the authority to specify the manner in which returns should be filed, including electronically and with electronic signature, the Director General hereby notifies ALL taxpayers that effective April 1, 2023 they will be required to file tax returns and pay all taxes administered by the BTSD online.

In September 2021, the BTSD implemented the Integrated Revenue Information System (IRIS Belize) online portal. Only Large Taxpayers were required to utilize the portal, while all other taxpayers were encouraged to sign up and commence using IRIS Belize voluntarily. However, as part of a phased approach to fully implementing IRIS Belize, as of April 1, 2023, it is mandatory that every taxpayer is registered for an IRIS Belize account.

Commencing with the tax period ending 31st March 2023, and for subsequent tax periods, taxpayers must electronically file with the BTSD a return required to be filed for the tax period under the relevant tax law and make payment. The Department will no longer be accepting tax payments or filing of tax returns in the office. Payment and returns will only be accepted through the portal. This is aimed at making filing tax returns and paying taxes faster, more convenient, and free while ensuring and fostering the safety and security of the BTSD employees, as well as taxpayers. Equally, this will assist BTSD in providing more efficient and timely service to our taxpayers.

Please be reminded that per the governing tax Acts: The TAPA; The Income and Business Tax Act, Chapter 55 Revised Edition 2020; and The General Sales Tax Act, Chapter 63 Revised Edition 2020 of the Laws of Belize, each taxpayer is under an obligation to pay taxes AND file a return on or before the deadline for each respective tax type.

To register for an IRIS Belize account, visit https://www.irisbelize.bts.gov.bz/CreateAccount

In order to facilitate the transition process, taxpayers may seek technical assistance from the IRIS Belize HELP DESK which may be contacted via telephone at +501 613-8375; +501 6132773; +501 614-5731; +501 613-4711; or email at onlineaccounts_bz@bts.gov.bz during the hours of 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM on Mondays-Thursdays, and 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM on Fridays.

UB From GoB Solar Photovoltaic System

On February 6, 2023, the Government of Belize, through the Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy, Logistics & E-Governance, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the University of Belize (UB) to formalize full ownership and operation of the 480 kilowatts 'peak' (KWp) Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System to the university.

In 2012, the Government of Belize partnered with UB and the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to install a solar PV system on the UB’s main campus in Belmopan. This initiative was designed to support all sectors of society through socioeconomic benefits. It seeks to do so by enhancing environmental sustainability by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and by producing a viable energy source through the development of clean energy via solar generation. The partnership was founded on the notion that solar PV systems are an important part of Belize's energy future.

The installation of this system has been beneficial for the nation and the government, as highlighted through many purposes, such as academic enhancement through training students and conducting school tours, the introduction of clean energy, and meeting environmental commitments, among others. It will improve the technical capacity of the university’s engineering faculty and staff maintenance team members.

Throughout its operation, the Government of Belize has ensured that the system operates at its full potential and meets all stipulations outlined in its 2011 MOU. The government will continue to support the national development of Belize by supporting UB's incorporation of renewable energy into its curriculum.

The Government of Belize appreciates JICA and the Government and people of Japan for their role in installing this system. We are excited about future collaborations between our two nations that can benefit both parties equally.

The MOU was signed by Dr. Vincent Palacio, President of the University of Belize, and Mr. Jose Urbina, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy, Logistics & E-Governance.

from his Family and PUP Family Samuel Octavio Waight

Born 4 February, 1935

Mr. Sam, as he is well known, lives in Teakettle Village with his daughter and surrounded by many grandchildren from his six children with a few great grandchildren. At 88 years old, he is healthy, still goes to San Ignacio, sometimes three times per week to visit family and friends.

Mr. Waight first ran in politics in Cayo South in 1979 where he won over Teodosio Ochoa, the UDP candidate and won three more general elections after that.

Mr. Sam is known to be a no-nonsense politician, will tell-you-ashe-sees-it kind of man. He will go above and beyond for members in his constituency and will always give people a ride in his car. That is one of the reasons he liked having pick up trucks, because he could pick up more people.

There is a street named after him in Valley of Peace, and if you ask anyone there if they know him, the answer would be yes, or they have heard of him. The most common story would be how he stayed with them late into the night when they were promised electricity and he did not leave until the lights were on.

SPEECH Three LabourofSpeechDay Premier

Belize City May 1, 1964

Like the energy of the sun and the energy of the sea, labour of man is a creative force which, together with other forces, brings to fulfillment the plan of the universe.

The energy of the sun gives light and the energy of the sea brings rain. Light and water are essential to life and growth. The labour of man uses sunlight and rain water to grow food and to make clothes and shelter, and power, and all things a modern world needs for the welfare and the gladness of all its people.

The sun and the sea are creations without a soul. Man who gives his labour to fulfill creation has a soul and man has the great dignity of the human person. The Psalmist says of man:

“Thou has placed him only a little below the angels, crowning him with glory and honour, and bidding him rule over the works of thy hands.” (Psalm 8)

Labour, the activity of man, is the most valuable and the most important of all the energies which develop and beautify matter. The worker is the most important and most valuable to society. And, in a universal way, all are givers of labour: the owner of capital who puts it to work, the owner of land who puts it to use and the worker who gives his labour to make the land produce, to develop its resources and to provide services necessary to a modern nation.

All of us are workers and we rejoice that our Government and people have marked this day to honour the dignity and the importance of our Belizean worker, and indeed the workers of all countries.We know how valuable and how important our Belizean workers are and how they should have their rightful place in our new nation. Representatives of our workers are on our National Economic Development Council and on many government committees. It is right that workers should be also owners of capital and of land, and in this way, they will have a real stake in the economic life of our country. From labour, capital and land must come the resources and the energies to build a prosperous and happy nation. Government has made available large tracts of land for development and government has given security of tenure to this land. This policy continues to prevail all over the country.

When all these three resources of development move forward in harmony, in partnership and with efficiency there will be not only a good climate for development but there also will be prosperity. Many workers are part-owners of our Development Finance Corporation, many are owners of land, and many have saved their money in the beginning of capital formation. There must be many more such enterprising workers.

You have supported us from the very beginning of our movement of independence and we know your worth. That is why we respect your ability to understand and to support our plans to better our country and its people.

We believe in truth and in sincerity. That is why we publicly accept the facts and the problems of our country, which at this stage of its history is a country largely undeveloped for many years, but now striving with might and main to develop its resources and to better the lives of its people.

It is easy and, indeed, tempting to gain a temporary political advantage, by making glowing but impossible promises which the financial, economic, and commercial facts of our country cannot fulfill at this moment. It is easy, but dishonest, to blame our government for not doing things that cannot be done at this moment by any government in our country.

To avoid economic setbacks and social strife, there is constant need for workers to use the intelligence with which the Belizean worker is so well endowed. There are some hard and unpleasant economic facts which we as a people must face, and it is not our policy to hide from you these facts. There has been progress in the sugar and citrus and pine resin industries. But there is need for more industries and greater farming activities in order to provide employment for every Belizean worker who wishes to work.

BY ORDER OF CHARGEE NOTICE OF INTENTION TO SELL

NATIONAL BANK OF BELIZE LIMITED a company duly incorporated and registered under the Laws of Belize with registered office situate at Parcel 7550 Corner Forest Drive & Hummingbird Highway, Belmopan, Cayo District, Belize hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Chargee under a Legal Charge between CAROL BANNER hereinafter called “The Chargor” and NATIONAL BANK OF BELIZE LIMITED hereinafter called “The Chargee” which was duly recorded at the Lands Registry in the City of Belmopan on the 18th day of January, 2019 by Instrument No. LRS-201900596. NATIONAL BANK OF BELIZE LIMITED 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 NATIONAL BANK OF BELIZE LIMITED from whom full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained.

SCHEDULE

ALL THAT piece or parcel of land comprising 1250.12 Square Yard (s) being Parcel 2052/1, Block 24 in the Society Hall Registration Section TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon, the freehold property of CAROL BANNER.

DATED this 26th day of January 2022

NATIONAL BANK OF BELIZE LIMITED Corner Forest Drive & Hummingbird Highway, Belmopan, Cayo District

BY ORDER OF CHARGEE NOTICE OF INTENTION TO SELL

NATIONAL BANK OF BELIZE LIMITED a company duly incorporated and registered under the Laws of Belize with registered office situate at Parcel 7550 Corner Forest Drive & Hummingbird Highway, Belmopan, Cayo District, Belize hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Chargee under a Legal Charge between CELIA YANETH QUINTERO hereinafter called “The Chargor” and NATIONAL BANK OF BELIZE LIMITED hereinafter called “The Chargee” which was duly recorded at the Lands Registry in the City of Belmopan on the 7th day of August, 2014 by Instrument No. LRS-201409878. NATIONAL BANK OF BELIZE LIMITED will at the expiration of Two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the properties described in the Schedule below.

ALL offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing to NATIONAL BANK OF BELIZE LIMITED from whom full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained.

SCHEDULE

ALL THAT piece or parcel of land comprising 464.698 S.M. being Parcel 1580, Block 23 in the San Ignacio North Registration Section TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon, the freehold property of CELIA YANETH QUINTERO.

DATED this 26th day of January 2023

NATIONAL BANK OF BELIZE LIMITED

Corner Forest Drive & Hummingbird Highway, Belmopan, Cayo District

Progress and Success

Prime Minister John Briceño and Ministers Hon. Michel Chebat, Cayo North

Min. Anthony Mahler, Tourism and Diaspora Relations

Min. Kareem Musa, Home Affairs & New Growth Industries Minister Fonseca & MoS Zabaneh, Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology

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

Hon. Oscar Mira, Belmopan

Min. Julius Espat, Infrastructure

Street Project in Corozal Continues

The Corozal Town Council's drainage project on 5th Avenue from 6th Street South to 7th Avenue, continues. This week, the first section of the drain was prepared by workers of the Council. The drain will mitigate flooding that has affected residents in the area for decades. Also this will help to preserve the section of the road which will be paved by the Council in the coming weeks.

The Council remains fully committed to improving our town's infrastructure, tackling critical areas of need including street maintenance, street paving and drainage work with its own resources. Mayor Rigo Vellos and the Council express gratitude to residents for their cooperation and understanding as the Council carries out work throughout the town.

CTC - The Work Continues!

International Court of Justice Sets

Time-Limits in Belize v Honduras

Belmopan. February 6, 2023.

On Thursday, February 2, 2023, Belize received notice from H.E. Philippe Gautier, Registrar of the International Court of Justice, informing Belize’s Agent that in the case concerning Sovereignty over the Sapodilla Cayes (Belize v Honduras), the Court by Order of same date has fixed May 2, 2023, for Belize to file its Memorial and December 4, 2023, for the Republic of Honduras to file its Counter-Memorial.

H.E. Ambassador Assad Shoman has advised the Registrar that Belize intends to file its Memorial on or before the deadline set by the Court.

SENIOR SECRETARY

The Central Bank invites qualified individuals to join its Banking, Currency, and Investment Department

The Senior Secretary, Banking, Currency, and Investment, will provide secretarial support to the department’s management team on a daily basis, maintain the department’s correspondence files, respond to customer queries, and assist with the coordination of social activities within the department. Essential duties and responsibilities of the Senior Secretary include:

▪ Update and maintain the department’s files in accordance with the Central Bank’s Records Management Policies and Procedures;

▪ Assist with drafting, formatting, and/or editing letters, memorandums, emails, minutes of meetings, and other correspondences;

▪ Schedule and coordinate appointments and meetings;

▪ Coordinate travel arrangements for the department’s staff;

▪ Sort and distribute incoming mail and route outgoing mail to respective departments on a timely basis;

▪ Calculate, scan, and email foreign exchange rates to authorize dealers and update on Central Bank’s website;

▪ Prepare requisitions in the Central Bank’s accounting system;

▪ Respond to queries and requests received via the banking Web and;

▪ Perform any other duties assigned.

The applicants should possess the following:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

▪ An associate’s degree in business management or a related field from a recognized tertiary institution with at least three years of relevant work experience

TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE

▪ Possesses, applies, and maintains a high degree of knowledge to deliver quality work; Possesses time management, organization, and planning skills; Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

COMPETENCIES

▪ Personal Credibility; Verbal and Written Communication Skills; Interpersonal Skills; Results Orientation; Flexibility/Adaptability; Initiative; Thoroughness; Analytical Thinking; Building Collaborative Relationships

Submit the following documents by Wednesday, 22 February 2023:

▪ CBB Employment Application Form (Available online)

▪ Curriculum Vitae

▪ Three (3) current references (one must be from a previous employer)

▪ Certified copies of university transcripts, degrees, and any other personal certificates

VOICE OF THE

COMMON MAN SHAME ON U-NION LEADERS

By HILLY BENNETT

The Chief Executive Officer of the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, Chandra Cansino has lashed back at the seemingly politically compromised union President Andrew Baird, saying that the "Union is wrong, wrong and wrong." This was said after they issued a Press Release from the President of KHMHWU, that the institution still suffers from critical equipment and medicine shortages in key areas. Cansino fact-checked the information proving the existence of falsified allegations in the entire release. The President has since come under fire for his irresponsible act to gaslight the nation.

Again, on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 the Joint Unions(leaders) held a Press Conference that was veiled with deceit and misinformation filled with hot air and a measure of grandstanding in the attempt to take aim at the Prime Minister Honorable John Briceño and the Government. It is clear that the union leaderships, that was sitting at the head-table, is without shame when the facts regarding the issues laid is considered. Like Baird, this was a clear attempt to gaslight the masses with misinformation and the hurling of threats of industrial action and insinuating the move to civil unrest.

The foremost issue raised by the Union leaders at the head-table was the unfreezing of increments and the proposed approach to pension reform. Although, the UDP politically compromised Dean Flowers, President of the Public Service Union would make it seem that it was the PUP Government that instituted the increment freeze on Public Officers—an economic hit from the hand of Dean Barrow.

On a May 8, 2020 press conference said that "It is in that context that the GOB proposal requiring the most minimal of sacrifices from those paid by the public purse must be seen. All we are asking is that Public Officers and Teachers give up increments for fiscal year 2020-2021...Thus, the increment freeze group is in dollar terms is being asked for the smallest amount of monies ".

For context, when Dean Barrow imploded the wage bill and boasted that he grew the wage bill by 35 million dollars a year for ten years, notwithstanding the caution by the IMF that it was unsustainable, and retrenchment was necessary, there was not even a whiff coming out of the unions. Dean Barrow ran the economy over the cliff and resorted to borrowing a million dollars

a day to pay salaries. Upon hitting the debt wall the crocodile tears flowed and he prayed for manna from the heavens. After the May 8, 2020 Press Conference Prime Minister Honorable John Briceño told the media that Barrow "wants to have his cake and eat it. He is saying I am not going to fire anybody and I am just going to borrow and borrow till I can't borrow anymore. It's not only about borrowing to make the salaries, it's about looking at his government, where the monies are being spent, where it is that we have to have cuts, where it is that we have people that are there only because they are political cronies. We have to cut the fat and get to the real deal that we need to be able to run the government as sustainable as possible." He was heedless to the advice of the IMF and those of John Briceño, the then, Leader of the Opposition.

On Tuesday, December 20, 2022 the Prime Minister Honorable John Briceño and the Deputy Prime Minister Honorable Cordel Hyde, accompanied by the Minister of Education, Honorable Francis Fonseca; Minister of Public Service, Constitutional Reform and Religious Affairs, Honorable Henry Charles Usher and Financial Secretary Joseph Waight held a cordial meeting with the representatives of the Joint Unions and discussed a myriad of issues, including the increment freeze and pension reform. The Prime Minister informed the Joint Unions that restoring the increment frozen was contingent upon pension reform. The PM insisted that although pension reform is necessary, the new formula would not affect those Public Officers that have been in the Public Service for a number of years. Nonetheless, Dean Flowers made assertions to the opposite as though every Public Officers would be affected. Dean Flowers yuh wrong, wrong and wrong. That is not so!

At the meeting in December 2022, the Prime Minister had scheduled a follow-up meeting with the Joint Unions for July 2023 but the Unions requested an earlier date. The PM had agreed to March 2023. Hence, the Press Conference on Tuesday last becomes questionable as to the motive. It is rumored that an audit of the Public Sector Workers Trust is in the horizon and that the Press Conference was to create a distraction. The People’s United Party Government as a responsible government, continues to make decisions, sometimes hard, but the right ones in the interest of country and people delivering on the mandate of PlanBelize.

The deadline for filing

TD4’s for the basis year 2022 is February 28, 2023

Below are the listed Online Requirements

1. It is mandatory that employers having more than 25 employees file their PAYE Reconciliation via IRIS Belize Portal.

2. When filing out the PAYERECON Template it is required to enter The Tax Identification Number (TIN) and social security number for each employee. The PAYERECON Template must include all employees whether taxable or non-taxable. (Template can be found on our website www.bts.gov.bz labelled PAYERECON)

3. The Belize Tax Service Department can assist you with Tax Identification Number for the employees for whom you submitted a TD4 supplementary last year. The form BTS101 should be filled out COMPLETELY for any employee who does not have a TIN. (Expired social security cards will not be accepted).

4. Employers are required to ensure that all monthly PAYE submission has been entered in their tax account.

5. If any withheld taxes were paid after the due date, penalties and interest would have accrued and therefore, all such amounts would need to be paid before your TD4’s can be processed. Any outstanding taxes withheld should be paid before processing can begin.

6. Please be informed that if all supporting documents are not attached to the online submission this may result in a delay of the processing of your employees’ returns.

Note for your employees when filing employee return: The BTSD take this opportunity to invite employees, to get registered and utilize the IRIS Belize online portal to file their employee returns for 2022. If your banking information has changed since last filing, please inform us by completing and uploading a vendor authorization form. A credit union or bank account number along with a valid copy of a social security card is required when filing for an Employee Tax Refund. The deadline for your employees to file their employee income tax return is Friday, March 31, 2023. All forms and templates listed above may be found on our website www.bts.gov.bz To register for an IRIS Belize account, visit https://www.irisbelize. bts.gov.bz/CreateAccount

In order to facilitate the transition process, taxpayers may seek technical assistance from the IRIS Belize HELP DESK which may be contacted via telephone at +501 613-8375; +501 613-2773; +501 614-5731; +501 613-4711; or email at onlineaccounts_bz@bts.gov.bz during the hours of 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM on Mondays-Thursdays, and 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM on Fridays.

LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICES

Notice is hereby given that Errol Leslie is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “The Barracks Chill Spot” located at # 84 Barrack Road, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Hernan A. Serrano is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Serrano’s One Stop Shop” located at # 10 Marage Road, Ladyville Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Jianhong Chen is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “New Fortune” located at # 6454 Mahogany Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

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

Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Neil R. Gibson is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Pine Ridge Lodge” located at Miles 14 Pine Ridge Road, Cayo District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance

Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Rosanna Depaz/Andrew Haylock are applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “The Gully Grill” located on Joseph Andrews Drive, San Ignacio Town, Cayo District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that David Green is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Hidden Haven” located in Unitedville Village, Cayo District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance

Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Wen Quan Su is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Sunlight Restaurant” located at # 2 Guerra Street, San Ignacio Town, Cayo District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Orlando Medina is applying for a Malt & Cider Liquor License to be operated at “Slim’s Grill” located in Biscayne Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance

Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Raquel B. Castillo is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “A & I Kitchen” located at # 1 George Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Abdul Quddus is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Jannat Keyes Grocery” located at # 23 Wood Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Maria I Eraso is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Lucita Shop” located at Miles 2 George Price Highway, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance

Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Maria L. Castro is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Lilly’s Restaurant & Bar” located in Maskall Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance

Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Dennis E. Gladden/Troy A. Flowers are applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Belize In A Cup” located on Res. Newtown Barracks, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Hitesh G. Vimlani is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “LG Super Store” located at # 068 Faber’s Road, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance

Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Samuel E. Charley is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Charley’s Place” located in San Antonio Village, Corozal District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Grisel Botes is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “D Yaad House Restaurant” located in Libertad Village, Corozal District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Antonio J Magana is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “El Centro” located in San Joaquin Village, Corozal District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Ana Laura Mai is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “ Mai’s Mini Shop” located in Xaibe Village, Corozal District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that James Grant is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “J’Bell’s Cool Spot” located in San Andres Village, Corozal District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Miguel UK is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Mike’s Supermarket” located in Patchakan Village, Corozal District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Clarisa M. Tepaz is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “Charley’s Place” located in San Antonio Village, Corozal District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Rubisela L. Briceno is applying for a Malt Liquor License to be operated at “Ruby’s Cool Spot” located in Chan Chen Village, Corozal District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Mayra L. Tzul is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “Amigos Del Mar Restaurant” located in Copper Bank Village, Corozal District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Yuming Zhu is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Charley’s Place” located in San Antonio Village, Corozal District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Jose A. Alcoser is applying for a Night Club Liquor License to be operated at “C & B Night Club” located at Baeza Layout, Corozal Town, Corozal District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance

Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Reed –Lee Supaul is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Delma’s Shop” located in Libertad Village, Corozal District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Doroteo Rodriguez is applying for a Malt Liquor License to be operated at “Palapa Noa Noa” located in San Joaquin Village, Corozal District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Martita Lima is applying for a Malt Liquor License to be operated at “Melanies Cool Spot” located on San Andres Road, Corozal Town, Corozal District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Cindy Herrera is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “Pasadina Restaurant & Bar” located in Ranchito Village, Corozal District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Elizabeth Tun is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “T & E” located in San Andres Village, Corozal District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Ivan Patt is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “Champion Lounge” located in Chunox Village, Corozal District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Marco A Gongora is applying for a Malt Liquor License to be operated at “Adolfo’s Pool & Bar” located in Concepcion Village, Corozal District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Andy Orosco is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “Sky Bar & Lounge” located at Finca Solana, Corozal Town, Corozal District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Emelda Valdez is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Eduardo’s Mini Shop” located in Ranchito Village, Corozal District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Belize Brewing Company Ltd. is applying for a Convenience Store Liquor License to be operated at “Naybaz 7” located in San Roman Village, Corozal District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Noemi A. August is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “D’ Hideout” located on Pineapple Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Raul Cuello is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “L & R Liquors” located at # 72 Belize /Corozal Road, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Shalinni Blanco/Meilyn Humes are applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “Mi Segunda Casa” located on East San Martin Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Alberto Vargas is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “A & C Store” located at # 72 San Andres Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Jorge Cante is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Georgie’s Restaurant” located in San Felipe Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Caribbean Rum Boyz & Progresso FC enter Kevin Bernard 1st Division football finals

GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE

SECOND ROAD SAFETY PROJECT

CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR ROAD SAFETY CURRICULUM REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

The Government of Belize (GOB) has received financing from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) towards the cost of a Second Road Safety 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 GOB 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 withdrawal 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 GOB shall derive any rights from the Financing Agreement or have any claim to the proceeds of the Financing.

The Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment (MFEDI), the Executing Agency, now wishes to procure consultancy services for Road Safety Curriculum for the Second Road Safety Project.

The objective of the consultancy is to develop supplementary teacher curriculum resource materials for gender/masculinities and anger management; preparation of a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework for delivery of Road Safety curricula and conducting training of trainers for teachers. The duration of the assignment is expected to be over a period of twelve (12) months.

MFEDI now invites interested eligible consulting firms to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) indicating qualification and experience required to provide these consultancy services.

Consultants shall be eligible to participate if:

Orange Walk Town, February 5, 2023

Progresso FC will challenge the defending champions Caribbean Rum Boyz in the Kevin Bernard 1st Division championship finals organized by the Orange Walk Football Association on Sunday afternoon, February 12, after both teams enjoyed victories in the semifinals at the Louisiana Government School field on Sunday, February 5.

In Game 1, Nazim Aldana’s 59’ strike was enough to give Caribbean Rum Boyz the 1-0 win over the San Jose Pumas FC.

In Game 2, Hector Carlos 79’ and Shamir Novelo 81’ secured Progresso FC’s 2-1 win, after Axel Alamilla 17’ scored first for San Antonio FC.

All 4 teams qualified to the playoffs by victories in the quarterfinals the week before, when Caribbean Rum Boyz had eliminated Louisiana FC: 5-1 with a brace from David “Hondo” Solorzano 81’ and 87’, and goals by Jaheim Augustine 28’, Alwyn Zelaya 50’, and Shane Morgan 75’. Only Armando Chirinos 48’ scored for Louisiana FC.

Progresso FC had advanced by eliminating last year’s sub-champions Guinea Grass FC: 2-1 with goals from Jair Novelo 22’ and Ronaldo Westby 43’, after Oswaldo Chan 13’ struck first for Guinea Grass.

San Antonio FC had qualified by eliminating Mi Gente FC: 3-2 with a brace from Rigoberto Cardenas 48’ and 68’ and a goal by Amilcar Alamilla 61’. Leonardo Can 37’ and Zender Ramirez 66’ scored for Mi Gente.

San Jose Pumas also advanced with a brace from Michael Rivas 47’ and 72’, eliminating San Jose FC: 2-1 with only Isaac Gillett 79’ scoring for San Jose.

CNN Travel

Belize

With direct flights to Belize City from about a dozen North American airports, this Central American country is a low-hassle hop for many travelers during the November to April high season.

Most visitors head directly to Belize’s Caribbean coastline. The country’s largest island, Ambergris Caye, sits next to Belize Barrier Reef – the world’s second largest coral reef system. Margaritaville Beach Resort is set to open on the island in early 2023, and “eco-luxury” resort Alaia Belize opened in 2021.

Farther south, the Great Blue Hole – a massive underwater sinkhole – is an aquatic magnet for both scuba divers and aerial photographers.

But Belize offers way more than its enticing islands: Lush rainforests, cave networks, winding rivers and rich Mayan archaeological sites invite exploration in a country that’s had an evolving sustainable tourism master plan since 2012. Ruins of the Mayan city of Altun Ha are just about an hour north of Belize City. Or farther west, Lamanai is one of Belize’s largest and most fascinating Mayan sites. https://edition.cnn.com/.../ where-to-travel.../index.html MH

(a) in the case of a body corporate, it is legally incorporated or otherwise organized in an eligible country, has its principal place of business in an eligible country and is more than 50 per cent beneficially owned by citizen(s) and/or bona fide resident(s) of eligible country(ies) or by a body(ies) corporate meeting these requirements;

(b) in the case of unincorporated firms, the persons are citizens or bona fide residents of an eligible country; 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 Member Countries of the CDB can be found at the following web address: http://www.caribank.org/ about-cdb/member-countries. The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to paragraph 1.9 of CDB’s Guidelines for the Selection and Engagement of Consultants (2011), setting forth CDB’s policy on conflict of interest.

In the assessment of submissions, consideration will be given to technical competence, qualifications and experience, local and regional experience on similar assignments, financial capability and existing commitments. Key Experts will not be evaluated at the shortlisting stage. All information must be submitted in English. Further information may be obtained from the first email addresses below between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 pm (local time) Monday to Friday.

The Expression of Interest must be received electronically at the first addresses (Second Road Safety Project) and second email address below (CDB) no later than 3:00 p.m. (local time) on Friday, February 24, 2023. The subject line of the email containing each submission shall be clearly marked “Expression of Interest – Consultancy Services for Road Safety Curriculum for the Second Road Safety Project under the Ministry of Economic Development.”

Following the assessment of submissions, a short-list of not less than three (3) and not more than six (6) applicants will be provided with full terms of reference and invited to submit technical and financial proposals to undertake the assignment. GOB 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 shortlisting any applicant and will not defray any costs incurred by any applicant in the preparation and submission of Expressions of Interest.

246) 539 1600 Email: procurement@caribank.org

Caribbean Rum Boys win 1-0 vs San Jose Pumas FC

Progresso FC win 2-1 vs San Antonio FC

The Joint Public Accounts Committee holds its First Public Hearing

31st January 2023 -The Joint Public Accounts Committee (JPAC),a Standing Committee of the House of Representatives, held its 7th Meeting and 1st Public Hearing yesterday,Monday,3Qth January 2023,in the Committee Room of the National Assembly building in Belmopan.

During the Hearing,the Committee met with the newly installed Acting Auditor General, Mrs. Dorothy Bradley; the Financial Secretary,Mr. Joseph Waight; and,the Accountant General, Mrs. Teresita Miranda. The Committee examined the general findings of the Auditor General's Report for 2012-2013,including a Minority Report of the Public Accounts Committee prepared in 2018,outlining a list of recommendations to be considered by the National Assembly following the 20122013 Audit Exercise.

The Committee has agreed to meet again on the 20th February 2023,to continue the work of reviewing the the Auditor General's Reports for fiscal periods 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 with a view to provide a comprehensive list of recommendations to the National Assembly on its findings. t is important to note that the Audit Report of 20142015 is the latest report on file.The Members of JPAC are committed to working with the Auditor General and the other responsible entities to ensure that more timely and reliable reports are submitted for the review and consideration of the National Assembly in the interest of providing for greater transparency and accountability in both revenue collection and the use of public resources.

Members present at today's meeting were Hon. Tracy Panton,Chairperson,Hon.

Julius Espat, Hon. Kareem Musa, Hon. Dolores Balderamos-Garcia, Senator Kevin Herrera, Senator Elena Smith,and Senator Janelle Chanona. Absent from today's meeting were Hon. Kevin Bernard and Hon. Hugo Patt.

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST Consultancy Services

Consultancy Services for the Digitization and Implementation of a Digital Document Management System inclusive of the Procurement of a Document Management System/Software and Development of User Manuals

Institution: Ministry of Finance

Country: BELIZE

Project: Strengthening of Tax Administration Project

Sector: Finance

Project No.: BL-L10315

Operation No: 4839/OC-BL

Deadline: Friday, February 17, 2023, at 4:00 pm local Belize time

The Government of Belize (GOB) has received financing from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for the execution of a five-year tax modernization project entitled “Strengthening of Tax Administration” (STA) (BL-L1031). The Ministry intends to apply a part of the proceeds towards the consultancy service for the Digitization and Implementation of a Digital Document Management System inclusive of the Procurement of a Document Management System/Software and Development of User Manuals.

Through the STA Project, the Belize Tax Service Department (BTSD) has procured a Modern Integrated Tax Administration System (the Revenue Management System (RMS)) and is presently in the implementation process. This new system will be used in the management of the Belize Tax Administration. The BTSD is looking for reorganizing its Internal Audit Division into an Internal Control Division with the view of improving both, the control of staff integrity and the internal audit. This consultancy is intended to address this concern.

Objective of the Consultancy:

The purpose of this consultancy is to implement a digital document management system and imaging services, which will include the procurement of a suitable document management software, associated hardware and the development of user manuals.

The consulting services (“the services”) is expected to be for a period of fifteen (15) months.

The selected consultancy firm should have the following characteristics:

The Firm General Experience:

•The firm should demonstrate at least five (5) years general experience.

Specific Experience:

•Working experience in similar assignments

•At least five (5) years in the following areas below:

 Document management system

 Digitization activities

 Working with software networks, updating system software and tracking data and communications

 Working experience conducting software and hardware installations, operating systems, troubleshooting, and networking Job analysis and job evaluation.

 Working experience writing, reviewing, or executing plans for new or established document management systems

 Working experience analyzing, interpreting, or disseminating system performance data.

 Training needs analysis, and;

 Staff training capacity

The firm should have but not be limited to the following Key Experts:

-Team Leader/Lead Consultant

-IT Expert

-Document Management Specialist

The Consultancy Firm specific objective will be.

•To implement an electronic document management systems and imaging services to facilitate BTSD’s goal of reducing paper consumption and to convert paper-based document formats into digital images that are easily storable, searchable, and retrievable for viewing and printing, either in part or in the document’s entirety as specified by the User

•Digitize all hard-copy files using identified software; to scan, index, and properly save files in the database by establishing Digital Document Management System (DDMS) parameters such as naming conventions and search criteria

•To perform data validation and quality checks of the digitized records and to configure the software product to operate with existing BTSD computer systems

The Ministry of Finance now invites eligible Consultancy Firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested eligible Consultants must submit an Expression of Interest providing information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the services (description of similar assignments specifying start and end dates of assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills, etc.). The term “consultant” means a legally established professional consulting firm or an entity that may provide the services.

Expression of Interest package should contain:

(i) Document explaining interest, experience, and competence of the consulting firm.

(ii) Firms experience in the assignment of similar consultancy services during the past five years. Description of similar assignments specifying start and end dates of assignments.

(iii) Firms evidence of past jobs. (These includes letters from the respective client on the job (s) carried out, or a copy of contract or agreement with the client including copy of the TOR).

(iv) Proof of nationality: Copy of certificate of incorporation, information of shareholders of company specifying the shares owned by each respective shareholder of the company and a copy of documentation of nationality of the shareholders of the company.

Additional documentation required for National Consultants:

(v) Copy of Certificate of Good Standing from Belize Company Registry

(vi) Copy of Certificate of Good Standing from the Social Security Board

(vii) Copy of Certificate of Good Standing from the Belize Tax Service

(viii) Copy of Current Trade License

Consulting firm will be selected in accordance with the Quality and Cost-Based Selection (QCBS) method set out in the Inter-American Development Bank: Policies for the Selection and Contracting of Consultants financed by the Inter-American Development Bank (GN-2350-15) and is open to all eligible consultants as defined in the IDB policies. The selection of the successful firm will be based on a competitive process among short-listed firms that takes into account the quality of the proposal and the cost of the service. Only the short-listed firms will be asked to submit a technical and price proposal.

Consultants may associate with other firms in the form of a joint venture or a sub-consultancy to enhance their qualifications. For the purpose of establishing the short list, the nationality of a firm is that of the country in which it is legally incorporated or constituted and in the case of Joint Venture, the nationality of the firm appointed to represent it.

Interested consulting firms are asked to submit their expression of interest via e-mail to Michelle.Longsworth@bts.gov.bz and copied to tamara.tingling@mof. gov.bz marked STAP- Consulting firm to design and implement an Internal Control Model including the implementation of a system to support internal control processes in the subject header, or submit hard copy on or before 4:00 p.m. (local Belize time) on Friday, February 17, 2023, to the following address:

Director General

Belize Tax Service

Strengthening of Tax Administration Project Eleanor Hall Building

Chetumal Street, Lake I, Belize City

Tel: 501-222-5114

For clarifications kindly contact:

Procurement Specialist

Project Executing Unit

Strengthening of Tax Administration Project

Eleanor Hall Building

Chetumal Street, Lake I, Belize City

Tel: 501-222-5114/E-mail: tamara.tingling@mof.gov.bz

BTB is participating in Destination Belize, being held at the Westin Hotel in Guatemala City on February 8. The event includes the participation of over 35 major tour operators in Guatemala. It included presentations by the Belize Tourism Board, the Belize Hotel Association as well as 10 representatives of Belizean resorts.

The tourism industry is probably the most vital of industries in keeping the hailed GDP to Debt ratio down. We all saw what the pandemic did to Tourism but what the pandemic did not do is deplete

the Belize spirit. It may have invigorated it as Belize is back on top of the Tourism world and soaring to greater heights. Minister Anthony

Mahler will have it no other way. This is one Tourism minister that won’t let up in pushing Belize forward and out of any challenge.

Failure to comply herewith will result in DFC forwarding these cases to its Attorney for loan recovery through the Courts. You are reminded that based on the Promissory Note and Loan Agreement executed with DFC, you will be fully responsible for all costs (legal and others) incurred from the loan

Peter Loewen Camp 37, Little Belize Community, Corozal District, Belize

Belize

Abraham Harder Camp 57, Indian Creek Community, Orange Walk District, Belize

Abraham Andres Friessen aka Abram Andres

Camp 57, Indian Creek Community, Orange Walk District, Belize

Jacob Olfert Camp 57, Indian Creek Community, Orange Walk District, Belize

By Sean Scanlan, Taiwan News

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan is celebrating 34 years of diplomatic relations with the Central American country of Belize. Over the past few decades, both sides have interacted frequently through trade, trade, tourism, and culture.

Belize has been referred to as a “Garden of Eden” with diverse ecosystems hosting thousands of endemic animal and plant species. Belize was also the center of the Mayan Empire, and more than 600 historical sites have been discovered within its borders.

To celebrate bilateral relations, Belize is featured in this beautiful lantern showcasing some of its wonderful plant and animal life. Belize hosts the world's first jaguar ecological reserve: Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. This lantern features two jaguars prowling the tropical rainforest which is also home to the Mayan pyramids.

Also depicted in this lantern are other animals such as the tapir, which is the national animal of Belize, as well as the toucan, which is the national bird. Also of note in this display are mahogany trees and black orchids, which are the pride of Belize, demonstrating the country's dedication to the protection of ecology, animal life, and cultural heritage.

7 Abraham Harder Camp 57, Indian Creek Community, Orange Walk District, Belize

8 Abraham Harder Camp 57, Indian Creek Community, Orange Walk District, Belize

David Klassen Camp 57, Indian Creek Community, Orange Walk District, Belize

9 Misael Isai Rivero Sarteneja Village. Corozal District, Belize Arnold Roman Canul Sarteneja Village. Corozal District, Belize

10 Guermo Henry Santa Cruz Area, Caledonia Village, Corozal Distriict, Belize

11 Leroy Charles Westby Hermelinda Layout, Corozal Town, Corozal District, Belize

12 Ronal Yuviny Rosalez Chanbenque Area, Caledonia Village, Corozal District, Belize

13 Seydy Paulina Nah Copper Bank Village, Corozal District, Belize Adelita Filiberta Lucero No. 73 Otro Benque Road, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District, Belize.

14 Lucerito Amparito Hall Mangrove Drive, San Pedro Town, Ambergis Caye, Belize District, Belize

15 Carlos Paz(Borrower) & Dorila Bautista(CoBorrower)

Santa Cruz Village, Stann Creek District, Belize

16 Jacob Thiessen Camp 57, Indian Creek Community, Orange Walk District, Belize

17 Bernhard Friesen Camp 62 (Laskot Area), Indian Creek Community, Orange Walk District, Belize

18 Isaac Shroeder Camp 105, Neuland Community, Corozal District, Belize

19 Isaac Shroeder Camp 105, Neuland Community, Corozal District, Belize

20

Ruiz Trio Village, Toledo District,

Reynaldo Manuel Ek Mangrove Drive, San Pedro Town, Ambergis Caye, Belize District, Belize

Gonzalo Martinez Santa Cruz Village, Stann Creek District, Belize

Peter Redecop Camp 57, Indian Creek Community, Orange Walk District, Belize

Heinrich Friesen Camp 51, Indian Creek Community, Orange Walk District, Belize

David Penner Camp 105, Neuland Community, Corozal District, Belize

Franz Enns Camp 110,Little Belize Community, Corozal District, Belize

Wilhelm Harder Camp 53, Indian Creek Community, Orange Walk District, Belize

Manuel Jesus Ye Bullet Tree Fall, San Ignacio Town, Cayo District, Belize

Franz Schmitt Camp 50, Indian Creek Community, Orange Walk District, Belize

David Schmitt Camp 58, Indian Creek Community, Orange Walk District, Belize

Johan Thiessen Camp 50, Indian Creek Community, Orange Walk District, Belize

Alexander

Belize Wilmer Rondolfo Ruiz Trio Village, Toledo District, Belize

Development Finance Corporation (DFC) hereby requires the below listed Loan Borrower/s to visit the DFC office on or before the expiry of three weeks from the first publication hereof to make suitable arrangements for loan repayment.

recovery measures.

BTB Presents in Schools

The BTB in partnership with Dr. Rene Villanueva has embarked on a series of school presentations about the importance of #CivicPride. This week, the team visited Grace Primary Upper School and Sadie Vernon High School in Belize City.

As a part of BTB’s Civic Pride Campaign, a national flag was donated to each school. If you would like to schedule a school presentation, kindly contact us at pr@ belizetourismboard.org. This is OUR Belize! Respect it, Cherish it, Love it!

We would agree that Belizeans need to practise more love of country by showing that they love Belize. What better way can there be to show for love Belize as if it’s our own bedroom? Bedrooms should be Zen clean.

5 FEB 2023

Leal to Cricket: $10 Thousand

Hon. Marconi Leal has donated ten thousand dollars has been donated to the Belize Cricket Association for gears and equipment for the 2023 season.

This month, we had another successful opening of the Annual Cricket Season in the Belize River Valley! It is getting bigger and better every year. with now 17 teams participating! Last year, we made the same contribution of $10,000 for the purchase of uniforms for the teams.

Thank you to all the BRN residents and visitors who continue to come out to support the teams.

VACANCY NOTICE

Security Officer

Applications are invited from suitably qualifi ed persons to fill the following post in the Security 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 Security & Safety Officer

Summary of Responsibilities : Ensuring the safety and security of designated properties, assets, personnel, and visitors. Responsibilities include patrolling the premises, setting up security controls, monitoring property access, investigating suspicious behavior, and enforcing company policies.

Primary Responsibilities:

a. Patrol of Pier, Transit Sheds, Compounds, Office. Low Berth etc. as instructed

b. Control of Entry and exit points of Facility

c. Surveillance of cargo from ship to delivery

d. Deposits to the banks

e. You are to be verse with the Port of Belize Limited Surveillance System & Security Manual

f. Any other duties of a relat ed nature assigned from time to time.

18.2 of the ISPS – Code Port facility personnel having specific security duties should have knowledge and receive training in some or all of the following, as appropriate:

1. knowledge of current security threats and pa tterns;

2. recognition and detection of weapons, dangerous substances and devices;

3. recognition of characteristics and behavioral patterns of persons who are likely to threaten security;

4. techniques used to circumvent security measures;

5. crowd management and control techniques;

6. security-related communication;

7. operations of security equipment and systems;

8. testing, calibration and maintenance of security equipment and systems;

9. inspection, control, and monitoring techniques, and

10. methods of physical searches of persons, personal effects, baggage, cargo, and ship’s stores.

Job Qualifications/Requirement:

• A High School diploma, with 3 years experience in Security Officer field.

• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

• Computer literate.

• Knowledge of Laws & regulations

• Working Knowledge of public safety

• Security operation & procedures

Skills/Competencies:

• Ability to work independently.

• Team oriented, ethical, and punctual (On Call)

• Good communication skills

• Strong reporting skills

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.

National Agriculture and Trade Show

April 28, 29, 30, 2023

Effective Monday, February 20, 2023, potential new vendors, or those wishing to relocate to a new location will be invited to do so by visiting the National Agriculture and Trade Show Headquarters located on the showgrounds to view available spaces and complete the necessary transactions, if so desired. During the grace period granted to existing leaseholders, new vendors may contact NATS headquarters to register their interest in spaces that may become available.

THE BELIZE TIMES

The National Agriculture and Trade Show (NATS) Committee under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise hereby informs the general public that the National Agriculture and Trade Show 2023 will be held on April 28, 29 and 30, 2023 under the theme “Innovations in Technology: Driving a Climate Resilient and Competitive Agriculture and Food Sector”.

Preparation of the grounds is currently underway and the committee advises that the reservation and sale of concession stands, food stalls, and commercial booths has commenced. Right of first refusal will be granted to 2022 leaseholders and as such those vendors will have until February 17, 2023, to confirm their desire to re-establish their booth leases by contacting NATS Headquarters. This preference exists EXCEPT where there was a reconfiguration of the grounds and/or removal of booths, in which case that space is no longer available for rental.

VACANCY NOTICE

BOATMAN

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

Reports to: Marine Manager

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 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 un derway.

6. Assist in the refueling of vessel.

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

Job Qualifications/Requirement:

Belize National Prayer

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.

• 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

2023.

Sun-kissed paradise reopens to the world

By Panorama Group(posted on Feb 1st Edition of Miami Herald)

The removal of all entry requirements post-pandemic has breathtaking Belize ready for a surge of arrivals

Blessed with an array of gorgeous natural assets including a sun-soaked coastline dotted with exotic islands, golden sands, lush rainforests, eco-friendly new dive sites, ancient Mayan sites, and the world’s second largest barrier reef, Belize is an increasingly popular destination for tourists with an adventurous streak who seek more from their vacation.

From zip lining at speed through the jungle canopy to incredible dive locations scattered about the warm, crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, Belize’s tourism offering is second to none, with its thrilling activities complemented by a colorful tapestry of great cuisine and cultures crafted over centuries. Relatively short flight times and decent connections with major U.S. cities - including nonstop flights from Miami - make Belize an ideal choice for travelers searching for a memorable vacation with a difference.

Often overlooked in favor of dominant neighbor Mexico, Belize is working hard to make a name for itself in traditional and emerging segments of the tourism sector, including eco-tourism and music and cultural-themed immersive experiences that bolster its image as a welcoming and safe destination for international visitors.

The investor-friendly government has recently embarked on an ambitious reform process to modernize and consolidate business laws and processes, with a view to diversifying its economy into areas such as tourism.

“We are a nation with a very small population at just over 430,000 citizens, but we are beautiful, friendly and warm people, open to visitors because we love our country and we are proud of what we have,” Juan Antonio Briceño, Belize’s Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, states proudly.

“Belize bridges two regions and offers endless opportunities for everyone. We have a strategic location and bountiful natural terrestrial and marine resources, as well as a very young and vibrant population. The government is generating lots of opportunities for investors to invest successfully in Belize and, at the same time, also creating many opportunities for our people.”

Magnificent Mayan sites showcase Belize’s world-class heritage assets

Ancient architecture and natural wonders charm

Belize not only blends an array of natural wonders and centuries of tradition and culture with warm-spirited people, but boasts a wonderful range of underwater ecosystems, particularly the eye-catching sinkhole, Blue Hole Natural Monument.

Famous for being the largest geological formation of its kind in the world, the collapsed cave system is considered by experts to have formed above ground around 10,000 years ago. Encircled by a beautiful ring of coral in the sparkling, shallow waters of the Lighthouse Reef Atoll, the monument’s star attraction is the incredible Great Blue Hole, which is roughly 1,000 feet (330 meters) across and more than 400 feet (130 meters) deep.

Just as impressive is the Belize Barrier Reef, which sits only a few kilometers from Belize’s coastline and forms part of the larger Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, second in size only to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, the reef teems with hundreds of species of coral and fish, making it an ideal spot for divers, snorkelers and biologists from across the globe.

Back on dry land, ancient Maya temples hidden among tropical rainforest attract and intrigue visitors in equal measure, whether in low or high season. Indeed, tourism chiefs underline that it is not uncommon to come across ancient pieces of pottery or discover a distant hill is actually a temple.

All the ancient sites are managed by the Institute of Archaeology and have interpretive centers, as well as trained guides fluent in different languages. “From all our research and analysis, people want a life-fulfilling experience and they want to immerse themselves in a destination like Belize that offers so much diversity of experiences in one product,” states Minister of Tourism Anthony Mahler.

“They want to learn, they want to experience, and they want to share our cultures. Adventure tourism and experiential tourism are high on the priority list for us in terms of projecting Belize globally, and specifically in North America, since we have international airlines serving many cities flying into the country.”

Investment in luxury developments aims to attract well-heeled visitors

Vision of private islands, five-star hotels and high-end villa and lodge accommodation moves closer

The countdown is well and truly on for Belize’s National Sustainable Tourism

Master Plan (NSTMP) 2030, with only seven years remaining until target objectives are assessed for the final time and progress measured.

“The vision of the NSTMP is for Belize (as a destination) to be a recognized embodiment, within its international marketplaces as a unique, authentic, sustainable and competitive world-class destination,” notes the Belize Tourism Board (BTB).

“The strategic goals of the NSTMP 2030 are to provide: Leadership which will support the Belizean stakeholders in taking leadership over sustainable tourism development; optimization of socio-economic benefits from tourism; sustainable tourism planned development; and competitiveness in achieving world-class destination status.”

The overriding objective of the NSTMP 2030 is to more than double overnight tourist arrivals while enhancing average length of stay and daily expenditure. This includes a focus on upscale private island developments as well as more traditional high-end, luxury, five-star hotel, exclusive villa and lodge accommodation.

5 FEB 2023

“

Luxury and very-low to low density mix development use business models for private islands that cater to very exclusive clientele,” the NSTMP 2030 says. Investment in beach boutique hotels is also required so Belize can offer “high-end to luxury and very

THE BELIZE

Continued on page 25

REQUEST FOR BIDS

REQUEST FOR BIDS

BELIZE

BELIZE

MINISTRY OF RURAL TRANSFORMATION, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, LABOUR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Contract Title: Supply and delivery of one water well and geothermal well rig to the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government

MINISTRY OF RURAL TRANSFORMATION, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, LABOUR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

RFB Reference No. RFB001/2023

1. The Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government acting on behalf on the Government of Belize invites sealed bids from eligible suppliers for the following item:

Contract Title: Supply and delivery of one water well and geothermal well rig to the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government

No. Description of Goods Quantity Final Destination

RFB Reference No. RFB001/2023

1 Water Well and Geothermal Well Rig 1 The Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government

2 The Request for Bids is in accordance with Open Tendering Procedure as specified in the Finance and Audit (Reform) Act, Chapter 15 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, and is open to all eligible potential suppliers.

1. The Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government acting on behalf on the Government of Belize invites sealed bids from eligible suppliers for the following item:

3. Interested potential suppliers may obtain further information from the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government at coord.rural.dev@labour.gov.bz

4 Bids must be delivered in three hard copies to the address below on or before Wednesday February 15th, 2023 at 4:00 pm An electronic copy is to be submitted at the same time. Late quotations will be rejected. Quotations will be opened in the presence of the evaluation committee on Thursday February16th, 2023, at 2:30 pm.

5. The address referred to above is: Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government

5163 University Boulevard Belmopan Belize

Attn: Coordinator, Rural Development Telephone: 822-0073

Email: coord.rural.dev@labour.gov.bz

2. The Request for Bids is in accordance with Open Tendering Procedure as specified in the Finance and Audit (Reform) Act, Chapter 15 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, and is open to all eligible potential suppliers.

3. Interested potential suppliers may obtain further information from the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government at coord.rural.dev@ labour.gov.bz

4. Bids must be delivered in three hard copies to the address below on or before Wednesday February 15th, 2023 at 4:00 pm. An electronic copy is to be submitted at the same time. Late quotations will be rejected. Quotations will be opened in the presence of the evaluation committee on Thursday February16th, 2023, at 2:30 pm.

5. The address referred to above is:

Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government

5163 University Boulevard

Belmopan Belize

Attn: Coordinator, Rural Development

Telephone: 822-0073

Email: coord.rural.dev@labour.gov.bz

Sun-kissed paradise reopens to the world

Continued from page 24

low to low-density coastal accommodation facilities with beach access, catering to the needs of exclusive clientele looking to relax and enjoy pristine beaches and complementary services.”

Travelers lucky enough to be able to afford private jets or helicopters can take advantage of a “Luxury Tourism” program which offers a streamlined immigration and arrivals process for private aviation passengers. The program aims to provide outstanding, exclusive, and convenient tourism services and experiences to tourists.

Other tourism segment niches are also being explored, according to Briceño. “We are looking at special areas like medical tourism, conference center development or sport tourism,” he says. “We have the advantage of being small and compact, but with many opportunities and features that people want to experience, or wish to invest in.”

Natural treasures entice and enthrall

Minister Mahler reveals exactly why Belize’s tourism portfolio is the strongest in the wider region

Please sum up the essence of Belize, its culture and people, what makes it so unique?

In a word: Amazing. In another: Diverse. Belize is a very diverse, small, English-speaking country in Central America. We have some of the world’s most pristine marine resources and the second largest barrier reef.

We have three of the four atolls in the Caribbean, the Blue Hole Natural Monument, an extensive cave network and rainforests with rich and abundant flora and fauna. In this compact area, there are some of the best natural assets and multicultural people.

We also have a rich ancient history with the Maya culture and a large concentration of archaeological sites all across the country; whether it be natural caves or infrastructure like temples; accessible in the northern, southern, eastern, and western areas.

While 2021 saw global tourism and travel struggling, this year’s rebound is set to catapult the industry back to pre-pandemic levels. How would you describe the resilience of your tourism sector?

While the global recovery is somewhere around 50-60 percent; we’re hovering towards 85-90 percent already. That is with the borders being fully re-opened, and from what we’ve done with the airport and cruise sector; it has taken at least six or seven months for us to really see an impact.

In terms of overnight arrivals, our main priority, from when we took over office, is to ensure that we had air routes into Belize. We negotiated with legacy carriers, ultra-low-cost carriers, and low-cost carriers. Today, the capacity in Belize is on par — or a little bit more than — the capacity in 2019.

We still have some outstanding roads to be rebuilt and to be reinstalled. We have also worked with the cruise lines to ensure that the health and safety protocols are in place for visitors to come and enjoy Belize in a safe way.

We have a very resilient private sector in the country. We have been impacted by hurricanes, SARS, the September 11th attacks, Ebola, we have gone through the global financial crisis, and the industry has rebounded.

When you compare the global rebound, you’re talking about a 50 percent projection for 2022; when you’re looking at Belize, it’s about 85 percent.

What are some of the niches that you are now targeting to further develop your tourism offering and to target the experience seekers and environmentally conscious travelers of today?

The priority areas for us at the moment are adventure, experiential, weddings, food and culture.

How important is the U.S. travel market for Belize from a historic perspective and what are the latest trends and developments?

More than two-thirds of the people who come to Belize arrive from the U.S. We have very robust airline roads into Belize, with flights from Miami, Houston, Dallas, Denver, Seattle, Orlando, Los Angeles, New York, and several others. A portion comes from Canada and a smaller portion comes by road because we share a border with Mexico and are a popular destination for Mexicans.

What is your message to the 400,000 Belizean diaspora in the U.S?

If we have a respectful dialogue with Belizeans in the diaspora, and we assist them in terms of returning and building their homes or businesses, they will play an important part in the growth and development of our nation.

I say to them: Come home. Come retire. Come and invest. Come to Belize and create your second home. We want you to be a part of this journey as we continue to build our amazing country.

northern medical specialty plaza

ORCHID DRIVE, B.S.I. AREA, ORANGE WALK TOWN, BELIZE

PHONE: 302-3708

Northern Medical Plaza invites applications from experienced, dynamic, energetic, self-motivated and professional individuals for the following vacancy of a GENERAL DOCTOR

Qualification

•Bachelors in Medicine

Knowledge &Skills

•Excellent communication skills both written and oral

•Computer literate prefer working knowledge of Microsoft word, excel or access.

•Ability to work well with staff and peers on a professional and personal level.

Requirements

General Practitioner must be registered with the Belize Medical Council.

Applications close: February 24th, 2023.

Please submit application letter and three

References to:

northernmedical@live.com

General Manager

Northern Medical Specialty Plaza Ltd.

Orchid Drive, BSI Area Orange Walk Town

NOTICE

GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE TREASURY BILLS ISSUE NUMBER 3/2023

Tenders are invited for an issue of Government of Belize Treasury Bills. The amount of the issue will be $67,408,200.

The Bills will be issued in electronic form only evidenced by an electronic book entry in the Central Securities Depository of the Central Bank of Belize in multiples of $200 and will be repayable at par 91 days after issue. They will be issued on Wednesday, 15 February 2023 and will be redeemed on Wednesday, 17 May 2023.

Each tender must be for $200 or a multiple of $200 and must specify to five decimal places the amount, which is offered for each one hundred dollars face value of the Bills sought.

Members of the public who wish to participate in the auction must submit their bid to the Central Bank of Belize electronically to bids@centralbank.org.bz or at the designated drop off box no later than 12:00 noon on Friday, 10 February 2023.

The Auction in the Central Securities Depository System (CSD) will be opened from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on Wednesday, 15 February 2023.

Successful bidders should arrange to settle via the Automated Payment & Securities Settlement System of Belize (APSSS).

Bank: Central Bank of Belize Account: GLICORP0402627

The Government of Belize reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all tenders in whole or in part.

CENTRAL BANK OF BELIZE

Notices are placed on Central Bank of Belize Website (www.centralbank.org. bz) 25 January 2023

Land Registry Notices

CHAPTER 194, LAWS OF BELIZE NOTICE UNDER SECTION 13

In accordance with Section 13 of the Registered Land Act Chapter 194, I Patricia Robateau Blackett, Registrar of Lands, hereby serves notice that within one month from the date hereof, I intend to register the following parcels of land listed below for which application for first registration have been received.

The attention of the general public is hereby drawn to this notice. Any person whose rights and interest may be affected by the registering of these parcels must get in touch with me before expiry date of this notice between Mondays to Fridays at the Land Registry, Belmopan.

Patricia Robateau Blackett

(Mrs.) Registrar of Lands

APPLICATION NO. LRS-201410856

This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section FORT GEORGE/PICKSTOCK Block No.45 and being Parcel No.1644 Formerly portion of Lot No.1265, 266 ± Square Meters situate in Hunter’s Lane on the North Side of Belize City, Belize District.

This parcel of land is subject of a Deed of Conveyance No.842 of 1992 dated 11th May, 1992 and recorded in Deeds Book Volume No.9 of 1992 Folios 1411-1416 in favor of JOAN ROSITA POUPER NEE PANDY

APPLICATION NO. LRS-202217738

This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section ORANGE WALK TOWN Block No.4 and being Parcel No.1509 Formerly Lot No.1 & 2, 3,443 Square Meters situate in Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District.

This parcel of land is subject of a Deed of Conveyance No.2100 of 2008 dated 18th June, 2008 and recorded in Deeds Book Volume No.25 of 2008 Folios 21-32 in favor of VIRGEN MEDINA.

APPLICATION NO. LRS-202300331

This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section ORANGE WALK TOWN Block No.4 and being Parcel No.2567 Formerly Lot No.16, 502.456 Square Meters situate in the Dr. George Estate, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District.

This parcel of land is subject of a Deed of Conveyance No.892 of 1991 dated 20th May, 1991 and recorded in Deeds Book Volume No.10 of 1991 Folios 857-864 in favor of OTTO ESQUIVEL.

APPLICATION NO. LRS-202300531

This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section FORT GEORGE/PICKSTOCK Block No.45 and being Parcel No.967 Formerly Entry No.20799, 190.515 Square Meters situate on the North Side of the Town of Belize, Belize District.

This parcel of land is subject of a Deed of Conveyance No.3053 of 1996 dated 20th September, 1996 and recorded in Deeds Book Volume No.21 of 1996 Folios 751758 in favor of CONSUELO VICTORIA BRADLEY AND NOLAN ERROL BRADLEY.

APPLICATION NO. LRS-202300866

This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section CAROLINA/CALCUTTA Block No.1 and being Parcel No.94, 14.47 Acres situated West of the Northern Highway, Corozal Reserve, Corozal District.

This parcel of land is subject of a Minister’s Fiat Grant No.370 of 1976 dated 13th October, 1976 in favor of ROMALDO NICHOLSON.

APPLICATION NO. LRS-202301205

This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section SAN IGNACIO SOUTH Block No.23 and being Parcel No.685, 686 & 687 Formerly Lot No.29, 31 & 33, 773.012, 750.419 & 752.440 Square Meters (respectively) situate in the Dr. George Estate, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District.

This parcel of land is subject of a Deed of Conveyance No.3100 of 2007 dated 1st October, 2007 and recorded in Deeds Book Volume No.37 of 2007 Folios 1363-1376 in favor of MICHAEL PRESTON.

APPLICATION NO. LRS-202301226

This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section LADYVILLE/LORD’S BANK Block No.16 and being Parcel No.5159 Formerly Lot No.24, 1012.128 Square Meters situate at Mile 11¾ on the old-Belize-Corozal Road, Belize District.

This parcel of land is subject of a Deed of Conveyance No.2185 of 2001 dated 16th July, 2001 and recorded in Deeds Book Volume No.29 of 2001 Folios 259-268 in favor of PAUL H. FLOWERS.

APPLICATION NO. LRS-202301358

This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section BELIZE RURAL NORTH 1 Block No.11 and being Parcels No.383 & 377 Formerly Lots No.20 A & 21, 521.3 and 439.2 Square Meters (respectively) situate in More Force Road, Maskall Village, Belize District.

This parcel of land is subject of a Deed of Conveyance No.836 of 1995 dated 30th March, 1995 and recorded in Deeds Book Volume No.10 of 1995 Folios 83-88 in favor of EDMOND CASTRO.

APPLICATION NO. LRS-202301359

This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section BELIZE RURAL NORTH 1 Block No.11 and being Parcels No.381 & 382 Formerly Lots No.18 & 19, 559.4 and 534.3 Square Meters (respectively) situate in More Force Road, Maskall Village, Belize District.

This parcel of land is subject of a Deed of Conveyance No.714 of 1995 dated 30th March, 1995 and recorded in Deeds Book Volume No.8 of 1995 Folios 1175-1180 in favor of EDMOND CASTRO.

APPLICATION NO. LRS-202301446

This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section TOWER HILL Block No.4 and being Parcel No.1867 Formerly Plan No. 1879, 201.08 Acres situate in the Chan Rio Area, South of the Yo Creek/San Antonio Road, Orange Walk District.

This parcel of land is subject of a Minister’s Fiat Grant No.372 of 2005 dated 13th June, 2005 in favor of ROSENDO URBINA JR.

APPLICATION NO. LRS-202301474

This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section CAYE CAULKER Block No.12 and being Parcel No.954 Formerly Lot No.4, 553.8 Square Yards situate in the Village of Caye Caulker, Belize District.

This parcel of land is subject of a Deed of Conveyance No.2658 of 2004 dated 15th November, 2004 and recorded in Deeds Book Volume No.35 of 2004 Folios 797-806 in favor of STEPHEN CARROLL HYAMS.

APPLICATION NO. LRS-202301484

This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section ORANGE WALK TOWN Block No.4 and being Parcel No.3028 Formerly Lot No.325, 603.96 Square Meters situate along Sapodilla Street, Louisiana Farm Layout, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District.

This parcel of land is subject of a Deed of Conveyance No.1532 of 2007 dated 7th May, 2007 and recorded in Deeds Book Volume No.19 of 2007 Folios 31-40 in favor of HOMER EMIL LEIVA.

APPLICATION NO. LRS-202301531

This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section LADYVILLE/LORD’S BANK Block No.16 and being Parcel No.2422 Formerly Lot No. 40, 888.89 Square Yards situate in Lord’s Bank Village, Belize District.

This parcel of land is subject of a Minister’s Fiat Grant No.511 of 2010 dated 12th October, 2010 in favor of BEVERLY D. CASTILLO.

APPLICATION NO. LRS-202301567

This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section BENQUE VIEJO DEL CARMEN Block No.23 and being Parcel No.3074 Formerly Lot No.4, 573.78 Square Yards situate in Benque Viejo Town, Cayo District.

This parcel of land is subject of a Deed of Conveyance No.561 of 1998 dated 2nd February, 1998 and recorded in Deeds Book Volume No.7 of 1998 Folios 1003-1012 in favor of CARLOS RENE MENDEZ.

APPLICATION NO. LRS-202301631

This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section CAYE CAULKER Block No.12 and being Parcel No.485 Formerly Lot No.136, 461.049 Square Meters situate in the Bahia Puesta Del Sol Area, in the Caye Caulker Village, Belize District.

This parcel of land is subject of a Deed of Conveyance No.1162 of 2005 dated 11th May, 2005 and recorded in Deeds Book Volume No.15 of 2005 Folios 1261-1278 in favor of TRACIE REYES.

Land Registry Notices

Continued from page 26

Pursuant to Section 37(3) of the Registered Land Act, Chapter 194, Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, notice is hereby given of the loss of the following Land and Lease Certificates

The above Land/Lease Certificates after the expiration of twenty-one (21) days from the appearance of this notice. Any person in possession of the above-mentioned certificates is required to return it to the Belize Land Registry, Ministry of Natural Resources, City of Belmopan.

LTU-202202087

LAND TITLES UNIT Ministry of Natural Resources City of Belmopan

UNDER THE GENERAL REGISTRY ACT, CHAPTER 327 OF THE LAWS OF BELIZE REVISED EDITION

WHEREAS having made the necessary inquires and having read the statutory declaration filed in connection therewith, I have come to the conclusion that the duplicate of the Transfer Certificate of Title dated 6th day of October, 2003 and Registered in the Land Titles Register Volume 44 at Folio No. 16

ALL THAT lot, piece or parcel of land being Lot 48 situate along the sea coast at Mayacan, north of South Stann Creek District being more particularly shown on a Plan of Survey by William P. Neal, Licensed Surveyor dated 1st August 1997 and registered at the Lands and Survey Department in register 15, Entry 2775.

In the name of: JOSE SILVA of 211-1930 West 3rd Avenue, Vancouver, B.C., Canada V6J

1L1

HAS BEEN IRREVOCABLY LOST OR DESTROYED BY MISADVENTURE.

I HEREBY GIVE NOTICE that I intend, at the expiration of twenty-one days from the first appearance of this notice, to issue a new duplicate of the Registered Transfer Certificate of Title registered in the Land Titles Register Volume 44 at Folio No. 16

ANY PERSON in whose custody the TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE may be or who may have any objection to such issue is hereby requested to inform me of the fact.

PATRICIA ROBATEAU BLACKETT (Mrs.)

Registrar of Lands

near mile 43, Orange Walk District bounded and described as shown on Plan No. 1099 of 1998 in the General Registry, Belize City.

In the name of: ALMA MINER of 129 South End, Corozal Town, Corozal District. HAS BEEN IRREVOCABLY LOST OR DESTROYED BY MISADVENTURE.

I HEREBY GIVE NOTICE that I intend, at the expiration of twenty-one days from the first appearance of this notice, to issue a new duplicate of the Registered First Certificate of Title registered in the Land Titles Register Volume 7 at Folio No. 106

ANY PERSON in whose custody the FIRST CERTIFICATE OF TITLE may be or who may have any objection to such issue is hereby requested to inform me of the fact.

PATRICIA ROBATEAU BLACKETT (Mrs.)

Registrar of Lands

Registered Land Act

Chapter 194 – Revised Edition Section 140(1)

OWNERSHIP BY PRESCRIPTION

Name of Applicant

SHIRLEY ALISTA BULL, SIDNEY CLARENCE LOPEZ AND CYNTHIA ELISA USHER (JOINTLY)

LTU-202300096

LAND TITLES UNIT Ministry of Natural Resources City of Belmopan

UNDER THE GENERAL REGISTRY ACT, CHAPTER 327 OF THE LAWS OF BELIZE REVISED EDITION

WHEREAS having made the necessary inquires and having read the statutory declaration filed in connection therewith, I have come to the conclusion that the duplicate of the First Certificate of Title dated 14th day of April, 1999 and Registered in the Land Titles Register Volume 7 at Folio No. 106

ALL THAT lot, piece or parcel of land being 75.19 acres situate along the Northern Highway

LRS-202207772

Registration Section PLACENTIA NORTH Block No 36 Parcel No 3664

Application for ownership by prescription for the above mentioned parcel situate in PLACENTIA NORTH Registration Section has been received from SHIRLEY ALISTA BULL, SIDNEY CLARENCE LOPEZ AND CYNTHIA ELISA USHER (JOINTLY) being Parcel No. 3664 containing 1125.675 Square Meters.

The attention of the general public is hereby drawn to this notice. Any person whose rights and interest may be affected by the registration of SHIRLEY ALISTA BULL, SIDNEY CLARENCE LOPEZ AND CYNTHIA ELISA USHER (JOINTLY) as proprietor with Absolute Title for Parcel No. 3664 PLACENTIA NORTH Registration Section containing 1125.675 Square Meters is hereby requested to show cause on or within one month from the date thereof, why ownership should not be granted to SHIRLEY ALISTA BULL, SIDNEY CLARENCE LOPEZ AND CYNTHIA ELISA USHER (JOINTLY).

PATRICIA ROBATEAU BLACKETT (MRS.) REGISTRAR OF LANDS