The Belize Times Established 1957
3 FEBRUARY 2019 | ISSUE NO: 5132
The Truth Shall Make You Free
www.belizetimes.biz | $1.00
Electricity Up Again, Water Next! BEL and BWSL Getting Away with Highway Robbery BELIZE CITY, Thursday 31st January 2019 This month has seen the introduction of crippling electricity rates and a roll-back of rates for water and sewerage. For context, it should be noted that the Government nationalized both services. UDP government took control of BEL in 2011, along with BTL after a failed earlier attempt in 2009. On the occasion of the second B.T.L. nationalization, the UDP Government forced through an amendment to the Constitution that purports to enshrine forever own-
Pg. 2 UDP’s Deceitful Political Gimmick Pg. 2
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PUP GENERAL PASSES
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QUEEN STREET LOCK-UP
PUP CITCO FORUM ON COMBATING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
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THE BELIZE TIMES
Electricity Up Again, Water Next! Continued from page 1 ership of the public utilities in Belizean hands – though in 2017, there was a proposal to sell shares to cover the budget deficit. The Government has installed many of its favorites to run these utility companies. In the case of BEL, CEO Jeffrey Locke is expected to step down this year and another favorite, UDP supporter, who sits on the BEL, BTL, Central Bank and APBEL boards and chairs the last two, has expressed interest in the post. In December last year, BEL formally requested of the Public Utilities Commission to increase the mean electricity rate to 41.5 cents per kilowatt-hour from 39.3 cents, an increase of almost seven percent. After further review, the PUC initially gave BEL half-a-cent more than they requested due to discrepancies in their calculations. Surprisingly, even the Government raised public outrage, complaining that the rates would further injure working Belizeans. However, following a meeting earlier this month, the PUC amended the increase to a slightly fewer .4138 cents per kilo-watt hour for the period January 1 to June 30, 2019. According to BEL, they “used their strong financial position to temporarily absorb an $18.9 million increase in the cost of power that has been occurring since May 2018.” With the addition of the tax on consumers spending more than $100 on electricity, more Belizeans will certainly feel the pinch. Meanwhile, at the end of last week, BWS secured a major victory in the Supreme Court against the PUC over lower rates to have been implemented nearly a year ago this February. According to reports in other media, the PUC conducted its Annual Review Proceeding in 2017 under what it called “exceptional circumstances,” but BWS obtained an injunction to halt the decrease. Supreme Court Justice, Michelle Arana, in her January 25th judgment found that the PUC did not give BWS proper notice of Annual Review Proceedings under exceptional circumstances where the company claimed none existed. She found that the PUC acted outside its jurisdiction, and the PUC was ordered to pay costs. That means that rates will stay at a mean $8.50 per 1,000 gallons. The PUC says it will take its time on a decision to appeal. The bottom line is that in the teeth of “maaga season,” Government has seemingly no interest in lightening Belizeans’ burden.
United States
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UDP’s Deceitful Political Gimmick OJ PROMISES SQUATTERS TO SOLVE THEIR LAND ISSUES
Belize City: Thursday 31st January 2019 Earlier this week, OJ Elrington, the UDP Standard-Bearer for the Freetown division posted on social media that he would rescue and assist the residents of Belama Phase 4. who were facing possible eviction from the owner of Fen Lan Development. In his post, he said that residents did not have to relocate because he had already arranged with the owner, Mr. Chang of Fen Lan and the Lands Department to assist them with their land issue. According to a resident who attended the meeting organized by OJ, he had nothing concrete to offer them. Instead, he took out sheets of paper and handed it around for the residents to sign. The document was more like a contract which committed everyone to pay a monthly fee of $50 dollars as a form of sub-lease or rent to stay on the land. The contract did not provide any further detail that would guarantee or entitle
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the house owners permanent stay on the property. The affected persons concluded that OJ Elrington was just making wild promises such as street lighting, drains and water for political gains .The people felt deceived by his intention to get them to commit to payments to Mr. Chang of Fen Lan Development. When this entire incident started on the 11th January, 2019 residents were warned that they were squatting by Asian businessman, Alex Chang of Fen Lan Development. Mr. Chang demanded them to show copies of documents to prove they were Belizean Citizens and that he would review their documents and decide if he will enter a lease agreement with them or have them ejected from his land. Residents were shocked this past Wednesday, January 30th, 2019 when their houses were being dismantled. Residents claim that workers just started demolishing their homes without a word or showing any form of authorization.
2019
PUP GENERAL PASSES
Belize City: Monday 28th January 2019 Well known PUP devoted General Anthony Sylvestre Senior died on Sunday after being in a coma for two weeks at the KHMH hospital. Party Leader Hon. John Briceño, on behalf of the People’s United Party family have issued a press release where he expresses profound sadness and deepest condolences to the family of the late Anthony Sylvestre. Sylvestre Sr is recognized as a long-serving statesman who served in the public service and consummate PUP warrior. During the many years, Silvestre served both Party and country in the capacity as Editor and Manager of the Belize Times Newspaper and as Secretary General for the People’s United Party. He also served efficiently as a Permanent Secretary in the Ministries of Defence, as Chairman of the Public Service Commission and the Public Service and as Cabinet-Secretary under the then government of the Rt. Hon. George Price. Even after leaving his official roles in the government, Silvestre continued serving the Party he loved as a valued advisor and up to the time of his death, remained as a true general of the revolution with an institutional knowledge of both governmental and political issues. No doubt Anthony will be missed by his family, friends and by the PUP family which proudly claims him as one of their own, a general of the grand old party.
The Belize Times
Established 1957
14 APR 2013
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ISSUE NO: 4840
The Truth Shall Make You Free
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3 FEB
2019
THE BELIZE TIMES
EDITORIAL
BELIZE GASLIGHTED!
A
form of severe and subtle psychological manipulation, gaslighting, seeks to sow elements of doubt in a targeted individual or in members of a targeted group leading them to question their own memory, perception and even sanity for the purpose of gaining more power over them. Dr. Stephanie A Sarkis PhD stated in Psychology Today said that this was the “common technique of abusers, dictators, narcissists, and cult leaders.” The romance Belize once enjoyed with the GOB has now turned toxic. According to Sarkis there are four major tactics used by gaslighters. The first is that they tell blatant lies. This in an attempt to override your perceived reality and with the expectation that if you repeat the lie enough eventually it is perceived as the truth. Are we not repeatedly told cost of living is going down, that the economy is doing better, that major crimes are down even as murder rates climb and we struggle ever more to get by on a stagnant minimum wage? You will know a gaslighter by the manner in which their actions never match their words. Do you remember the rooting out of corruption that was to take place? Scandal after scandal at the hotbed of corruption which is the Lands Department, months of Senate inquiries on the Immigration scandal and we have Continued on page 4
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en Español
BELICE BAJO GASLIGHT!!
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na forma de grave y sutil manipulación psicológica, gaslighting, busca sembrar elementos de duda en un objetivo individual o en miembros de un grupo determinado que los llevan a cuestionar su propia memoria, percepción e incluso la cordura para el propósito de obtener más poder sobre ellos. La Dra. Stephanie A Sarkis PhD declaró en Psychology Today que esta era la “técnica común de los abusadores, los dictadores, los narcisistas, y líderes de cultos”. El romance que Belice ha alguna vez disfrutado con el Gobierno de Belice ahora se ha convertido en tóxico. Según Sarkis, hay cuatro tácticas principales utilizadas por los gaslighters. La primera es que dicen mentiras flagrantes. Esto en un intento de anular la percepción de la realidad y con la expectativa de si se repite la mentira suficientemente eventualmente se percibe como la verdad. ¿No se nos dice repetidamente que el costo de la vida está bajando, de que la economía está mejorando y que los crímenes importantes han bajado incluso a medida que suben las tasas de asesinatos y luchamos cada día más para salir adelante debido al salario mínimo estancado? Usted conocerá a un gaslighter por la manera en que sus acciones nunca coinciden con sus palabras. ¿Recuerdan la erradicación de la corrupción que iba a tener lugar? Después de escándalo tras escándalo en el lecho de corrupción que es el Departamento de Tierras, meses de investigaciones del Senado sobre el escándalo de Inmigración y todavía no hemos presenciado ni arrestos
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THE BELIZE TIMES
BELIZE GASLIGHTED!
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yet to witness an arrest or charges laid. Gaslighters often project the blame for mishaps onto others. Over a decade of the current UDP administration and yet it is the PUP who are to blame for everything from Bullet’s detention to the defeat of a favourite candidate at their in house convention. Another hallmark of this brainwashing technique is confusion and sometimes to create even more of this, gaslighters throw you a bone. Just to throw you off they might for instance unexpectedly lower the price of fuel if even for a night only to raise it even higher the next day. Gaslighters want to undermine your awareness. Finally they seek to make you question your ability to trust your own experiences, your memory, common sense, feelings or even what you see in front of your very eyes. For instance saying that we have retained our territorial integrity and we still hold the Sarstoon. Accepting that we must seek approval from the Guatemalan authorities to navigate the area clearly indicates that we no longer occupy that territory, still gaslighters will negate what is clearly before our eyes even as they make it illegal for Belizeans to visit the area. These are master manipulators. The relationship between Belizeans and the GOB has soured. Belizeans are clearly not impressed by the Machiavellian machinations of the Master Puppeteer. The jig is up. No longer will Belizeans allow themselves to be swayed by this UDP Government intent on keeping power at all cost. #NO2DICJ
3 FEB
2019
BELICE BAJO GASLIGHT!!
Continued from page 3
ni cargos presentados. Los gaslighters a menudo proyectan la culpa de los contratiempos a otros. Ya es más de una década de la administración actual del UDP y sin embargo es el PUP que tiene la culpa de todo, desde la detención de Bullett a la derrota de un candidato favorito en su Convención partidista interna. Otro rasgo distintivo de esta técnica de lavado de cerebro es la confusión y a veces para crear aún más de esto, los gaslighters te lanzan un hueso. Sólo para hacerte desatinar ellos podrían, por ejemplo, inesperadamente bajar el precio del combustible, si incluso por una noche, sólo para elevarlo aún más alto al día siguiente. Los gaslighters quieren socavar tu estado de conciencia. Finalmente, buscan hacerte cuestionar tu capacidad de confiar en tus propias experiencias, tu memoria, sentido común, sentimientos o incluso lo que ves delante de sus propios ojos. Por ejemplo, diciendo que hemos conservado nuestra integridad territorial y seguimos teniendo el Sarstún. Aceptar que debemos conseguir la aprobación de las autoridades guatemaltecas para navegar por el área indica claramente que ya no ocupamos ese territorio, aun así, los gaslighters niegan lo que está clarísimo ante nuestros ojos, incluso cuando a la misma vez, ellos mismos han hecho ilegal que los beliceños visiten el visienvisiten el Área. Estos son maestros de la manipulación. La relación entre beliceños y el GOB está en crisis. Los beliceños claramente no están impresionados por las maquinaciones Maquiavélica del maestro titiritero. Se acabó el juego. Los beliceños ya no se dejarán influenciar por este gobierno UDP con intenciones de mantener el poder a toda costa. #NO2DICJ
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2019
QUESTIONS TO THE MINISTERS 1. Will the Minister of Defence please inform the nation when was the last time that the Belize Defence Force carried out an exercise for the defence of the airport? It is a part of the responsibility of the BDF to protect our international airport and so this is one of the most important part of the work of the BDF and Belizeans need to know that this exercise is being done. 2. Will the Attorney General please say if he is concerned about the conditions at our lock up facilities at police stations across Belize? The revelation of the filthy and unhealthy conditions of the police station at Queen Street is a national disgrace and a human rights violation and must be address. 3. Will the Prime Minister finally do the right thing and fire the Minister of Health? The recent comment by the CEO in the Ministry of Health Dr. Figueroa who said that in the health system “we don’t care anymore,” is a serious indictment of the Health Minister. We hope that this will now cause the Prime Minister to take action and fire Pablo Marin for being the most incompetent Minister of Health ever! 4. Will the Minister of Foreign Affairs please say if the comments by the Ambassador of Belize to the US are the Government of Belize’s position with respect to Venezuela? Is the official position of Belize that the government of Venezuela is a failure?
CARTOON
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THE BELIZE TIMES IN THE SUPREME COURT OF BELIZE A.D. 2018 (DIVORCE) ACTION NO.: 243 (ALVA ELIZA RUBIO ( BETWEEN ( AND ( (JEFFREY JOHN RUBIO
PETITIONER
RESPONDENT
TO: JEFFREY JOHN RUBIO
TAKE NOTICE that the Petition for dissolution of marriage dated 30th day of July, 2018, endorsed with a notice to you to appear and answer the charges therein has been filed in the Supreme Court of Belize, by ALVA ELIZA and that you are required within twenty eight (28) days of the second publication hereof, inclusive of the day of such publication, to enter an appearance, either in person or by your attorney, at the Registry of the Supreme Court in Belize City, Belize should you think fit so to do and thereafter to make answer to the charges in the said Petition and FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that in default of your so doing the Court will proceed to hear the said charges proved and pronounce judgement, your absence notwithstanding. This Petition is filed and this Notice to appear is by Musa & Balderamos LLP of No. 91 North Front Street., Belize City, Belize, Attorneys-at-Law for the Petitioner, ALVA ELIZA RUBIO. DATED this 22nd day of January, 2019 SABITA MAHARAJ DEPUTY REGISTRAR Note: Any person entering an appearance must at the same time furnish an address for service within two miles of the Supreme Court.
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THE BELIZE TIMES
QUEEN STREET LOCK-UP Detained policeman’s inside scoop sparks Public outrage By Aaron Humes Freelance Reporter BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Jan. 31, 2019 New Commissioner of Police and budding attorney Chester Williams has ordered a clean-up of the Queen Street Police Station detention cell, widely and infamously known as “Pisshouse,” ahead of planned renovations. While the conditions of the cell have been in the news since a small protest led by activist Yaya Marin-Coleman in 2014, there was new outrage following the posting of explicit and revolting photographs showing its present status this week on social media. Interdicted Corporal of Police Darrell “Tutsi” Usher and his brother Dorian, were detained for 42 hours following a dispute with a friend at Dorian’s house on Sunday night, January 27th. Charges of wounding (against Cpl. Usher) and aggravated assault with a firearm (against Dorian) were preferred but eventually dropped at court. But somehow Cpl. Usher was able to use his camera phone to take pictures of his surroundings and post
them to Facebook, calling on the Health Department to “shut down” the station and taking a swipe at ComPol Williams, charging that his appointment had not really changed things for residents or police. But according to the Commissioner, the Department was already in the process of estimating costs for an overhaul of the area, which would include removing the tiles on the floor and replacing the bathroom elsewhere. Williams told reporters on Wednesday, “…persons who are detained by police do not shed them-
2019
Guatemalans busted with the whole works Cocaine, Crack and Cannabis Belize City: Monday 28th January 2019 Benque Viejo police have arrested and charged two Guatemalan Nationals from Melchor de Mencos for drug-related offenses over the weekend. The man, 34-year-old Ivan De Jesus Lopez was busted with 492 grams of cocaine and 29 grams of crack cocaine. He was charged with two counts of drug trafficking. He has since been taken to the Magistrate’s Court today where he was fined selves of their humanity. They are still human beings and, as such, we, rightfully so, need to ensure the area where we keep prisoners is kept in such a way that it is tantamount to human(e) treatment.” But, he added, it is often the prisoners themselves who deface the cell and he was left to wonder at the conditions following a refurbishment described as taking place “not too long ago.” The Human Rights Commission of Belize, led by attorney Kevin Arthurs, has gotten involved and has planned meetings with Commissioner Williams in the coming days.
a total of $25,000 for the 492 grams of cocaine and an additional $10,000 for the 29 grams of crack cocaine, and he was also sentenced to three-year imprisonment. Additionally, a second drug bust was carried out by police at a check point on the Arenal Road. Police say they stopped and conducted a search on a grey Nissan Taxi carrying a female passenger identified as 39-year-old Ruth Naomi Ordonez. A woman police conducted a search of her property and discovered a black plastic bag containing 336 grams of Cannabis. Ordonez was arrested and charged with drug trafficking. She was also taken to court and fine a total of $10,000 in default three-year imprisonment. She was given up to the end of the month to pay or face jail time.
Message from Hon. John Briceño, Leader of the Opposition
International Day of Education
Hi Everybody, Thursday 24th January was declared as the International Day of Education by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNESCO. UNESCO declares that Education is a human right and that it transforms lives. We in the PUP agree. This is why in our own plans we have put education as one of our major priorities. In our Belizean Bill of Rights we say that the next PUP Government will provide real free education for everyone from Pre School to Junior College. This would be fulfilling one of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, which states that by 2030 all young people should have access to education from primary school to secondary school. Already I have put together a team of our best educators including some of our young educators to look at how we can make our education system better. Hon. Francis Fonseca our former Minister of Education is heading this team to come up with a new PUP Policy on Education that will make learning more relevant, and ensure that it is exciting, inclusive of technology and based on the needs of our people. If we are going to reduce poverty by a half in 10 years then we need a nation of people who have the skills and knowledge to meet the changing demands of the global economy. I have said before, there is no time to waste, we have to leap forward and so from day one of the next PUP Administration, relevant education will be a priority. Derek Bok, former president of Harvard University is credited for making this quote famous, “if you think education is expensive, try ignorance”. We can no longer afford to have any Belizean lacking access to education for it would be a violation of their human rights and it would mean leaving the next generation behind. That will not work. Together we will work to create a strong education system and to build a Belize that works for everyone Thanks God Bless and have a safe week.
3 FEB
2019
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THE BELIZE TIMES
BELLY of the
BEAST
Barrow again The lame duck, bad back Barrow has done it to Belizeans again, without Vaseline. Very quietly last week, the Belize Bank won a case against the government which means that the Bank won’t have to pay taxes, since GOB owes the Bank about $100M which it refuses to pay. We can imagine how those guys at the Bank are laughing all the way to the bank, so to speak. What it means is that the Belizean people will lose all those taxes, tens of millions a year, and Barrow’s bad debt will continue to grow interest at 6%. It’s a sweet deal for the bank. And let’s not forget that the lame duck’s law firm still does work for Belize Bank – best buddies all around while we ‘normal’ people suffer. Done tell Chesta he have to outfit the cell block with a good bed and good mattress just in case people with back problems need fuh spend lee time. Just saying. Paper tiger, lame duck Mr. Barrow had to send out for extra meds over the weekend when things got a little too heated at a UDP meeting, we hear. Word is that the Faber faction – all those people who support him – are flexing and demanding that ole bad back be put out to pasture right about now. We hear that the very feeble Barrow tried to push a vote that constituency conventions would not continue, and he was voted down in a hurry. We also hear that Mr. Barrow was given until the end of the year to hit the road. We’re telling you this will be an interesting one to watch. Insult to injury There is more bad news for the old Barrow. He’s been pushing this Sista B thing in Queen Square, and thought it was a done deal. Or that was the plan. We are told that the scoundrel was waiting until the last moment then he would pulled Sista B back and dropped a HUGE bombshell in the form of big Mike. But both the big deal and the real deal smelled the rat, and we are told that both of them announced at the meeting that they will be fielding candidates in Queen Square too, to take on Sista B or Big Mike. What a hell of a thing. These are sad, sad days for Mr. Barrow. We’d sympathize, but we don’t. Paulette Sedi played senile when he was asked about the outrageous request to pay his daughter about $200,000 a year while she is on study leave, and also to pay somebody else about $200,000 to replace her. According to Sedi, he doesn’t know anything about that. In fact, says the senile one, if he had known anything about it he would not have supported it. Really, these politicians who think they are smarter than everybody else really take us for idiots. Sedi is the Minister of Foreign Affairs. His daughter works under him, and has done so since 2008. Yet he pretends that he didn’t know, but more than that can’t do anything about it. Stop yuh fool. Anyway, we hear Paulette has been on study leave since last year and is still collecting the $200,000 a year. We need to know about that. Pronto. Imagine that this is the man pushing for us to go to the ICJ. Good Lord. Lost boy Oj Everybody knows Oj by now, so the news that he was just profiling for the cameras when he said he had fixed the issue of the Belama Phase Four squatters should come as no surprise. The man jumped in like a savior but flopped like a fish – telling the people that it was all worked out, then when the people go home they find their homes being broken down, and Oj nowhere in sight. The man may talk a good game, but he’s just a lost boy when it comes to politics. The people are already getting to know the real fool behind the fool. No chance in hell for this man in Freetown! Pablo & Ramon The Belize Times has been reliably informed that after CEO Ramon Figueroa vented on the news last week, Pablo had to take some personal leave to get over the trauma. Figueroa finally, finally admitted something that we have been saying for a very long time. Health care in this country is a mess, and it’s only getting worse! There are too many political appointments to high positions, case in point Mrs. Monima in Corozal, and it’s destroying the system. People are dying. Because Pablo isn’t very bright, he selects people who are just as not bright as he is. And nobody can touch them because they’re the Minister’s special select. We hear that Pablo has already made the decision to remove Ramon as CEO, and he is actively looking for a replacement. Knowing Pablo, he will probably make his wife the CEO, since he had no shame in making her the Drug Director in the Ministry of Health.
Murder Spree continue across the City
Marie Sharp’s son and partygoer among Victims By Aaron Humes Freelance Reporter BELIZE CITY, Wed. Jan. 30, 2019 Despite the appointment of a new Commissioner of Police and other changes at the upper echelons of the Belize Police Department, this first month of 2019 is set to end with a double-digit amount of murders, 12, on the heels of a near record-breaking pace in 2018. Commissioner Chester Williams’ vow to reduce the amount of murders, especially in Belize City, has been put to the test by three murders reported between Saturday evening and Monday night and a fourth major shooting incident. Nearly two weeks had gone by without a murder but the attacker or attackers of twenty-oneyear-old Marcos Zelaya very nearly succeeded in ending his life shortly after 9:00 a.m. on Saturday while walking on Complex Avenue in Belize City. Zelaya has since been stabilized in hospital and doctors predict he has a high chance of surviving. Police believe the incident is connected to gang rivalry in the tiny St. Martin de Porres area where the groups mostly live adjacent to each other. Zelaya’s brother, Jose Jr., was killed in Corozal in mid-2018. Next was twenty-three year old Johvanney Tablada, shot multi
Monday, January 28, 2019
ple times by a gunman on bicycle while he was attending a party at a girlfriend’s house on Fabers’ Road Extension on Saturday night. Police have said they have obtained several leads to follow, including possible connections to his personal life and to separate shooting incidents in recent months. However, Tablada’s family insists their son was never involved in criminal pursuits. Perhaps the most sensational of the incidents reported over the weekend was the death of 58 year old Michael Williams, first son of condiment magnate Marie Sharp of Dangriga. Williams managed distribution of the famous Marie Sharp brand in Belize City. He was dropping off his girlfriend at her house on North Front Street just after midnight Sunday morning when two men in dark clothing approached the
Continued on page 8
For Immediate Release
PUP MOURNS THE PASSING OF ANTHONY SYLVESTRE SR.
Party Leader Hon. John Briceño and the People’s United Party express Monday, January 28, 2019 For Immediate Release Ǥ ǡ Ǥ PUP MOURNS THE PASSING OF ANTHONY SYLVESTRE SR. ǡ ǡ the ǡ Party Leader Hon. John Briceño and People’s United Party express Party’s SecretaryǦ ǡ Ǧ Ǥ Ǥ
ǡ Ǥ ǡ Ǥ Ǥ Ǥ ǡ ǡ ǡ ǡ ǡ ǡ Party’s SecretaryǦ ǡ Ǧ Ǥ Ǥ ǡ
ǡ Ǥ Ǥ Ǥ ǡ ǡ ǡ Ǥ ǡ ǡ ǡ Ǥ ---Ends-- ǡ ǡ Ǥ
---Ends---
8 08 8 Murder Spree continue across the City Continued from page 7
vehicle and opened fire. Williams took the brunt of the shots and his partner only sustained minor injuries. According to Williams’ family, they believe he was possibly being monitored and followed and that the killing was not random; however, police have not established an official motive. Even more puzzling is that according to police, neither Williams nor his girlfriend show up in their records and so they as yet have no clue why he would be
San Pedro Beauty Queen Diagnosed With Cancer
Belize City Monday 28th January 2019 The community of San Pedro is coming together once again but this time in support to help of one of their very own beauty queen, Ms San Pedro, Chelsea Muñoz who has been diagnosed with Cancer. At barely 20 years of age, Chelsea is currently battling Hodgkin Lymphoma and San Pedranos have expressed their willingness to help her in covering medical bills. In late November, Chelsea traveled to Merida for a doctor’s check-up after she felt a lymph node on her neck and underwent surgery the first week of December last. The tumor which was sent for testing revealed that Chelsea was diagnosed with stage two Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) is a type of lymphoma where cancer originates from a specific type of white blood cells called lymphocytes. Chelsea immediately started on Chemotherapy – (ABVD). She will have to undergo a treatment which includes 12 sessions of chemotherapy for a period of six months and will have to travel every two weeks to Merida. Doctors will be conducting C.T scans every two months to evaluate if the chemotherapy is satisfactory checking on the tumour if they are decreasing especially because in the area of her lungs. The first fundraising event in support of Chelsea is schedule Sunday, February 10, 2019 – is a Row for the Crown Marathon. Anyone interested in taking part in this event can contact Marisa Guerrero at 501-600-8908.
THE BELIZE TIMES targeted. Ms. Sharp herself told Channel 7 News on Tuesday that this is the third death in her family in this month alone; she lost her husband Gerry Sharp in midmonth followed by a brother in-law. It is especially bitter as she had just seen and hugged her son hours earlier at her brother-in-law’s funeral. He is also survived by three sons, including cyclist son Patrick Williams, and two brothers. Marie Sharp
says she will continue in her primary role as researcher and developer of the jams, jellies and hot sauces she has been making for over a quarter-century, including a new one to be launched on Valentine’s Day. She also noted that while whoever killed her son accomplished their objective, it is his family whom they hurt most. And on Monday, Guatemalan laborer Elmer Salazar, 43, got into a dispute at his former workplace, a marina located
3 FEB
2019 at Mile 4 ½ on the George Price Highway, and was chopped several times in the neck with a cutlass. Shocked former colleagues witnessed a brief argument between him and the suspect, who fled after inflicting the fatal wounds. Salazar is said to have lost his job a few weeks ago and came to try to get it back, but he may have been under the influence of alcohol. Police have identified the suspect and launched a search for him.
3 FEB
THE BELIZE TIMES
2019
PUP CITCO FORUM ON COMBATING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE On Wednesday January 30th, 2019 the Belize City Council (CITCO) held a conference on domestic violence which is seen a national crisis in our country. We started the year 2019 with five murders, the fourth one being the stabbing death of 37 years old Anita Pineda at the hands of her common-law-husband 35 years old, Angel Rueben Cassasola. According to reports, Pineda was suffering years of abuse by her common-law-husband. Domestic violence is not physical violence alone, it is any behavior which is sexual, emotional, psychological or financial abuse, committed by a person against a spouse, child, de facto spouse, or any other person who is a member of the household of the applicant or the respondent. According to a study done by the Women’s Commission, majority of cases of domestic violence goes unreported and the number of cases are far higher. Crime statistics provided by the Belize Police Department indicated that between 2006 and 2014 there were 96 cases of femicides, which averages to 10.6 per annum. The highest being in Belize, Cayo and Orange Walk District. Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams said that the Belize Police Department is working on a domestic violence protocol. This protocol will entail that once a domestic abuse victim goes to make an official recorded statement, court action will be taken. If a victim does not want court action he/she must appear before the magistrate and make that request. Under this protocol, the Police Family Domestic Unit will be moved from inside the police
compound to an independent location. Among other staff, the unit will have its own in-house gynecologist, counselor and psychologist. This unit is expected to be up and running by the ending of March, 2019. COMPOL Williams said “it is our moral obligation to help our brothers and most importantly our sisters who are victims of domestic violence.” There are several resources available to women who suffer domestic violence. These include Non-Governmental Organizations, safe homes, the Family Domestic Violence Unit that operates 24 hours and the Women’s Commission. In her presentation, social and political activist, Carolyn Trench-Sandiford said “Domestic violence is messy, it requires a change in mindset, it goes beyond discussion on laws, the breakdown of relationships and safe houses; it is beyond an understanding of the historical and root causes and manifestations of abuse; It is so much deeper, as it must deal with unresolved pains and issues that fester within a person; it is about how to nurture a more compassionate and non-violent society; it is about putting back together broken hearts, and minds and spirit, dedicated to bringing about a Belize of prosperity, of opportunity, of hope, of peace and love for each other. It is about each of us taking action.”
099 LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICES Notice is hereby given that Jian Pong Chen is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at ”Amy Restaurant ” located at # 92 Poinsetta Street, Ladyville Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Carlos Lopez is applying for a Night Club Liquor License to be operated at ”The Blue House” located in Ladyville Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Jason Cain is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at ”Club Bizo” located at # 43 Queen Charlotte Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Elizabeth Young is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at ”Fender’s Club” located at # 43 Handyside Street, Belize City, District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Sharlette Miguel is applying for a Malt & Cider Liquor License to be operated at ”Mayan Crystal Skull” located in Rockstone Pond, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Apex Event Sevices Belize Limited is applying for Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at ” Apex Event Sevices Belize Limited” located on Central American Blvd., Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Yang’s Enterprise Co. Ltd. is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at ” Yang’s Enterprise Co. Ltd.” located at #153 Douglas Jones Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Ernesto Williams is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Food King” located at #42 Cemetery Road, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Zenaida Sinturion is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at ” Golden Lounge” located at #116 East Collet Canal, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.
NOTICE OF COMMENCED DISSOLUTION Notice is hereby given HUBEL OFFSHORE INC. commenced dissolution on 17th January, 2019 and Belizean Liquidators Services Inc. whose registered office is at 50 Shirley Street, P.O. Box CB-13917 Nassau, Bahamas, is the Liquidator of the company. Notice is hereby given URSHAM HOLDING S.A. commenced dissolution on 24th January, 2019 and Belizean Liquidators Services Inc. whose registered office is at 50 Shirley Street, P.O. Box CB-13917 Nassau, Bahamas, is the Liquidator of the company. Notice is hereby given HILMA ASSOCIATED S.A. commenced dissolution on 25th January, 2019; and Cornerstone Trust Corporation Limited of 122 Eve Street, Belize City, Belize, is the Liquidator of the company. Notice is hereby given DIMERON HOLDING LTD. commenced dissolution on 28th January, 2019 and Belizean Liquidators Services Inc. whose registered office is at 50 Shirley Street, P.O. Box CB13917 Nassau, Bahamas, is the Liquidator of the company. Morgan & Morgan Trust Corporation Belize Limited
Notice is hereby given that Terrylee Charles is applying for a Malt & Cider Liquor License to be operated at ” Tey’s Food Spot.” located in Double Head Cabbage Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Karina Villanueva is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at ” Karina’s Lounge” located at #8 Apollo Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Nancy Hines Bailey is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at ” Manatee Lodge ” located in Gales Point Manatee Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.
10 SPORTS
THE BELIZE TIMES TIMES THE BELIZE
ATLETICOS CD
21 83 MAY AUG FEB
2016 2019
wins 2nd back-to-back Belmopan 1st Division football championship
Belmopan, January 27, 2019 Club Atleticos CD 2-peat as Belmopan First Division football champions, winning the 2019 title: 3-1 in a penalty shoot-out against Roaring Creek United in the Finals at Isidoro Beaton Stadium in Belmopan on Sunday evening, January 27. In Game 1 the consolation match for 3rd place, Juventus FC won 3-2 against Galacticos FC of Duck Run. Galacticos’ Victor Figueroa scored in the 5th minute and Rosny Martinez scored a penalty in the 39th minute. Juventus’ Russell Cassanova scored in the 20th and 35th minutes: 2-2 in regulation. Juventus’ Harlan Cassanova scored a penalty in the 28th minute of overtime: 3-2. In the Game 2 of the Championship Finals, Atleticos outgunned Roaring Creek 3-1 the penalty shootout, after Clifborn Neal scored in the 26th minute, and Atleitcos’ Tyriq “Hammer” Ciego equalized 1-1 in the 28th minute. In penalties, Alberto Sibrian, Tahj
Champs 2x Atleticos CD Reid and Luis Miguel Avalos scored for Atleticos; while only Mario Valencia scored for Roaring Creek. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners received team trophies and individual medals in the award ceremony after the final, and Galacticos FC took home the 4th place trophy. Individual awards: BFA Fair Play Award - Napoles FC
SQ Mega Stars & Jaguars win BVA national volleyball championships
Punta Gorda Town, January 27, 2018 The S.Q. Mega Stars and the S.E. Jaguars won the Belize Volleyball Association national women’s championship in the two-day tournament organized by the at the Punta Gorda Multipurpose Complex over the weekend. In the Female competition, 6 teams competed in a single round robin from which the top 4 teams advanced to the semifinals. In Game 1 of the semifinals Saturday afternoon, the S.Q. Ultra Stars won 25-22, 25-23 over the S.Q. Stars Juniors. In Game 2 of the semifinals Saturday evening, the S.Q. Mega Stars won 25-14, 25-9 over the S.E. Lady Jaguars. In the consolation game for 3rd place Sunday morning, the S.E. Lady Jaguars dominated the S.Q. Junior Stars: 25-23, 25-20 led by Kayde Vaughn, Sherylee Thurton, Melanie Palacio, Zalika Henderson and Jessica Reyes spiking home points on balls set by Cinthia Perez. Junior Stars’ Gareth Bruce, Jayda Smith, Marci Mejia Khaya
Best Fans Award - Galacticos CF Best Manager Award - Dorian Rivero, Roaring Creek United Best Coach Award - Edmund Pandy Sr, Roaring Creek United Most Goals Award - Rosny Martinez, Galacticos CF Best Goalkeeper Award - Orlando Galdamez, Club Atletico Best Defender Award - Richard Gillett, Club Atletico Best Midfielder Award - Amir Torres, Club Atletico
Angel Alvarez defends Galacticos’ goal
Champs Mega Stars Gordon and Olivia Mckenzie scored points on plays set by Iman Safa. In the championship Final, the Mega Stars eliminated the Ultra Stars: 25-20, 25-19, led by Nelissa Ramirez, Shynelle Glenn, Zazie Mckenzie, Aya Safa and Kimberly Spence scoring points set by Allyana Musa. It was sweet revenge; as the Ultra Stars had to spanked the Mega Stars: 25-6, 25-15 in the round robin, led by Sherika Burton, Fatima Ramirez, Leandra Betson, Kevanna Sebastian and Mya Musa scoring points on balls set by Karen Quan. In the Male competition at Toledo Community College gym on Saturday, 10 teams competed in two groups of 5 teams which played a single round robin, from which the top 2 teams from each group advanced to
Champs SE Jaguars the semifinals. In Game 1 of the semifinals at the P.G. Multipurpose Complex Saturday night, the S.E. Jaguars eliminated the SQ Dragons 25-22, 25-20. In Game 2 of the semifinals, the T-Rebels eliminated the SkyPur Cobras: 25-22, 25-20. In the consolation match for 3rd place Sunday afternoon, the S.Q. Dragons of Belize City won 25-17, 25-15, led Continued on page 11
833MAY 31 JUL FEB 12 JUN 14 19 AUG FEB JUN
2016 2019 2016 2019
THE BELIZE TIMES
11 09 SPORTS 11
Team NICH wins Quality Poultry Haulover to Boom canoe race
1st Mixed - Team Lucas Westrac UES
Burrell Boom, January 27, 2019 Team N.I.C.H. won the Quality Poultry Haulover to Burrell Boom canoe race organized by the Belize Canoe Association on Sunday. 1st N.I.C.H. - Efrain, Felix and Hener Cruz - 2:09:10 - $150 prize - 1st Males 2nd Crunch Time - Amado & Daniel Cruz, Jerry Cante 2:10:21 - $75 prize. 3rd Team Guydis - Tyreek Thompson, Wilberto & Kenrick Daniels - 2:12:07 - $50 prize. 4th Team “Xibalba - Justin Allen, Cristina Lopez, Enrique Cruz - 2:13:06. 5th Team Lucas - Clayton and Milenie Cabb, Eric Cano 2:13:57 – 1st Mixed - $150 prize. 6th Team P.A.C.T.: Sergio Lopez, Armin Lopez, Adrian Williams - 2:16:16 7th Team Coast Guard: Brandon Lind, Noel Avila, Jimmy Dennis - 2:16:21. 8th Team Vanilla Hills: Dennis & Jorge Castellanos, Gustavo Pott - 2:16:28. 9th Young Ting - Daniel Cruz Jr, Andres Cabb, Javier Guardado - 2:17:55 – 1st Juniors - $150 prize. 10th Print Belize - Rudolf Gentle, Andres Cabb, Claudio Cruz - 2:18:04 – 1st Masters $150 prize. 11th Team Viva Belize Sleeping Giant: Francisca CruzPhaender, Roy Cano, Matthew Mask - 2:20:30 – 2nd Mixed $75 prize. 12th Team Viva Belize Jesus, Carlos & Jose Linares - 2:20:49. 13th Koop Sheet Metal - Ana Cruz-Camp, Lily Cruz, Delila Cruz - 2:33:03 – 1st Females – $150 prize. 14th Sea Sports - Michael & Johnny Searle, Keron Cobb. 15th Grumpy Old Men: Jerry Wilkens, Stanley Bailey, Chris Guydis - 2:39:35 – 1st Masters $75 prize. 16th Team Haadly Patikla: Eldon Sanchez, Shennel Pook, Kelsey Nicholas - 1:52:13 – 1st Mixed - $50 prize.
1st Females - Koop Sheet Metal
1st Juniors Young Ting
SQ Mega Stars & Jaguars win BVA national volleyball championships
San Pedro Tigersharks are No.1 in NEBL: 2-0
Continued from page 10 by Francis Hauze, Edgar Martinez, Elton Anderson, Kadeam Bernard and Kaelen Ingram scoring points on balls set by Jaylen Manzanero. In the championship Final, the S.E. Jaguars men won their 4th back to back to back national championship against the T-Rebels: 23-25, 2517, 15-11, led by Yserri Palacio, Jason Cabral, Zachary Garbutt, Ivor Garcia and Albert Bradley scoring points on balls set by Michael Jenkins. P.G. fans had delighted when the T-Rebels won the 1st 25-23, led by Raluni Bernardez, Daril Avila, Anfernee Archer, Lirisi Kadeam Cayetano and Randall Wingright hammering kills at the net on balls set by Allwyn Mahung. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners received team trophies and individual medals in the award ceremony after the finals.
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3 FEB
2019
ON THE
MOVE
PUP LEADER MEET OAS REPS. BRC new Executive Committee
MICHO on Tour
Dolores Clean-up - Lords Bank
3 FEB
THE BELIZE TIMES
2019
13
REAL Good Governance Reform! Changing the Status Quo For the People’s United Party to restore the people’s confidence in any government after three terms of an abusive, corrupt and incompetent UDP, it must be serious about good governance reform. The Barrow administration has been the worst in history, allowing no REAL oversight and giving UDP Ministers powers which led to gross irregularities and abuses of process and people. The new People’s United Party government will do things differently. We will give power back to the people of the country who will elect us to represent them. We WILL: PUT POLITICS AND MINISTERIAL POWER IN THEIR PROPER PLACES: We will immediately strengthen the Integrity Commission, providing the necessary funds for its Secretariat to fulfil its important legal, auditing and investigative roles free from any undue political influence. Monitor the conduct and performance of Government Ministers and all elected officials in public life to ensure their “honourable” exercise of duties and responsibilities, and to prevent any behavior that can bring disrepute and shame to our nation, to our government and/or to our Party. Such embarrassing behavior will lead to their immediate expulsion from the Cabinet. If a Minister is found breaking the law he/she will be subjected to the legal process and will face the consequences like any other person, including jail time. The rule of law means nothing if the laws do not apply equally to all. We will limit the subjective authority of Ministers by removing the discretionary powers and reducing the need for letters from Ministers for everything. Presently, letters from Ministers are needed for recruitment to the Police and the Belize Defense Force, a hitherto unheard of thing. Public officers will be made to do their job, without fear or favour, and punishment will be swift for incompetence and/or corruption. WE WILL: STRENGTHEN CHECKS AND BALANCES: We will reconstitute the Public Accounts Committee for the effective participation of the Social Partners in the Senate so as to ensure its proper role in overseeing the sound and prudent management of public revenues and expenditures approved in the Budget. We will strengthen the capacities, allocate the appropriate resources and ensure the autonomy of the offices of the Auditor General, the Contractor General, the Ombudsman, and the Integrity Commission to better fulfil their technical mandates and provide the appropriate support to the oversight responsibilities of the Public Accounts Committee and other oversight committees. WE WILL ENABLE: An EMPOWERED LEGISLATURE: The PUP will improve legislative governance by providing greater oversight by the National Assembly with respect to the work of the House Committees. We WILL establish Standing Senate Committees that will have the authority to conduct inquiries into any and all matters with a view to advancing the cause of nation-building. WE WILL RESTORE: EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT PUBLIC SERVICE: We will take immediate steps to restore the autonomy of the Public Service (establish clear boundaries between the political directorate and the public service) and Public Service Commission to re-establish integrity and impartiality in the recruiting, training, evaluating and disciplining processes, and
We will introduce the necessary legislation with appropriate measures to protect whistle blowers and witnesses involved in corruption cases and to increase the penalties for acts of corruption and public authority abuses. The PUP will revert to having Permanent Secretaries (Senior Career Public Officers) as the accounting officers of the specific Ministry/ Ministries. WE WILL CREATE A: SEPARATION OF POWERS: All Judges and Magistrates of the Court will be employed with security of tenure. The PUP will establish sound systems and good practices for recruitment of all officers of the Court and will hold them responsible for the efficient administration of justice and to ensure the separation of powers of the state as clearly stipulated in the Constitution: Cease and desist from the public badgering and coercing of the judiciary by the Prime Minister and the Cabinet The Director of Public Prosecution will also be given security of tenure and the Department of Public Prosecution will be given the necessary resources to ensure that it complements the work of the Police to increase the rate of successful prosecution, particularly in murder cases WE WILL DELIVER: ELECTION REFORM: Within the first year of office we will present legislation to regulate campaign spending. We will also propose and enact legislation to limit campaigning up to the day before elections. On Election Day all campaigning, paraphernalia, advertising etc. will not be allowed as it is done in other Caribbean countries. We will insist, by any means necessary, that the UDP Government comply with the rule of law and conduct nationwide re-registration in 2017. The recent findings of 700 pages of unadulterated corruption in the Immigration Department lay bare for all to see the untold numbers of foreigners who received Belizean nationality by fraudulent means with the consequence being that these new fraudsters can and do vote in municipal and general elections, deciding for Belizeans who should be their government. Implement a fixed date for general elections similar to that of municipal elections Implement a transparent redistricting exercise, free from any appearance of political manipulation, with the goal being a fair representation of the public Introduce campaign financing legislation Introduce an independent Elections & Boundaries Commission that shall be free from political interference with a Chairman who is appointed in a similar fashion as the DPP and Auditor-General, so he or she can be autonomous and free from the perception of governmental control. I, John Briceño, as head of the next Government along with my Cabinet and together with the National Legislature, pledge to lead this transformation, motivated by the will of the people. In this noble path, we are guided by the philosophy of our Founding Father, the Right Hon. George Price, whose dynamic concept of a Peaceful, Constructive Revolution empowers us to confidently chart this way forward to a better future for all Belizeans.
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3 FEB
THE BELIZE TIMES
MY PERSPECTIVE By Dolores Balderamos Garcia
THE GAP
I was intrigued last week when I happened upon an article entitled “26 Billionaires Own the Same Wealth as the Poorest 3.8 Billion People.” I think I would like to quote the first two sentences from the article in their entirety “The gap between rich and poor is fracturing society, poisoning politics and fuelling public anger, according to a new report from the anti-poverty non-profit Oxfam, which found that last year just 26 people owned the same amount of wealth as the poorest 3.8 billion people. This figure is down from 43 the year before (!!!).” This is a really staggering statistic, as it shows how unequal our world is. The article goes on to provide more examples of this gargantuan wealth disparity. For instance, it tells us that in just ten years the number of billionaires in the world has doubled, and the wealthiest individuals and corporations are paying lower taxes than ever; while at the same time 3.4 billion people are living in awful poverty on less than Bz.$11 per day. And men hold 50% more of the world’s wealth than women. The picture begins to emerge, with Oxfam vice president telling the media that the world’s economy today is fundamentally inhuman, and that “you’re not going to get a decrease in extreme wealth until you have leadership committed to tackling its root causes, and right now we don’t.” This becomes even more depressing. 262 million children stay at home because there is no funding for their education, and 10,000 people die every day because they don’t have access to basic health care that could easily be funded through proper fiscal systems. While in the United States itself, the 400 richest Americans own more wealth than all African American households and a quarter of Latino households. But Donald Trump’s administration has slashed taxes for the wealthiest. The NGO Oxfam is therefore calling for a new economic model, a “human economy” in which tax systems for the wealthiest people and businesses are overhauled to eliminate tax evasion and to increase tax revenues. The tax money could then be put into providing universal public services like education and health care in order to tackle inequality and poverty. I particularly like the comments of the Oxfam vice president when he says “Inequality is not inevitable. It’s a political choice.” “The
wealthy have disproportionate power to determine the well-being of millions of people because their wealth and incomes are not being taxed properly.” After all these facts and comments I thought of what is happening in our own Belize. I am reflecting on our reality, and sometimes from what I am observing there seem almost to be two Belize – the one in which a few fortunate persons and families are rich and powerful and getting ahead, and the other one in which the great majority of our people are suffering and just not getting anywhere. I see homeless persons on Queen Street, who hang around day and night and urinate and defecate outside buildings. I see a decently dressed individual who loiters all day with a bag over his shoulder, but who I am sure is doing nothing. I know of children who are going to school hungry or with only sugary drinks and powder bun or ‘hard time’ in their stomachs; while foreigners hog up the hugest share of the earnings from tourism, and a few yuppies and business persons dine and drink at fine restaurants, where a regular dish costs $40, more than many working persons earn in a whole day. Looking at Belize, there must be growth in business for us to have a vibrant economy, but we have got ensure equity and fairness in our tax system. And even though the wealth and income disparity may not be as stark or as massive here as it is in other countries, it is clear that we are not doing enough to lift a majority of Belizeans out of the vicious cycle of hardship and poverty. We must look at our own Belizean economy to see whether it is working for our people. We must resolve to drastically improve our education and health systems and work to provide opportunities for young people and women in particular (but not leaving men out at all) to become productive and to provide a better life for themselves and their children. I fully endorse our Party Leader’s call for us to ensure that we must have a Belize that works for everyone. As the Oxfam people are pointing out as it pertains to the world economy, if there is the political will to change the status quo, this can be done. The wealth and income gap can be narrowed, even closed, if the right decisions are made, but we first need the resolve to do it.
2019
For Sale By Order of the Mortgagee Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Assignment and Transfer of Mortgage made the 5th day of February, 2014, registered as Instrument No. LTU-201400226, between THE BELIZE Bank Limited (“the Assignor”), of the first part, SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LTD. (“the Assignee”), of the second part and ESTEVAN MES of San Pedro Columbia Village, Toledo District, Belize (hereinafter called the “the Mortgagor”) of the third part, which said property was mortgaged by the said ESTEVAN MES to the said Belize Bank Limited on the 13th July, 2010 and recorded in Deeds Book Volume 22 of 2010 at Folios 849-874, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto. All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. THE SCHEDULE ALL THAT freehold interest in all that piece or parcel of land being 147.228 acres of land situate in the San Marcos Agriculture Area, Toledo District, and bounded and described as shown on Plan No.17 of 2006; TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. DATED this 11th day of January, 2019. MUSA & BALDERAMOS LLP 91 North Front Street Belize City Attorneys-at-Law for Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.
For Sale By Order of the Mortgagee Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Assignment and Transfer of Mortgage made the 17th day of March 2010, registered in Deeds Book Volume 8 of 2010 at Folios 531-556 between Heritage Bank Limited (formerly Alliance Bank of Belize Limited) (the Assignor), of the first part, SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LTD. (“the Assignee”), of the second part and REYNALDO MALIK of No. 3248 Lauren Burgess Crescent, Belama Extension Phase 3, Belize City, Belize District, Belize (hereinafter called the “the Mortgagor”) of the third part, which said property was mortgaged by the said REYNALDO MALIK to the said Heritage Bank Limited (formerly Alliance Bank of Belize Limited) on the 23rd October, 2008 and recorded in Deeds Book Volume 38 of 2008 at Folios 1461-1490, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto. All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. THE SCHEDULE ALL THAT lot, piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 169 in the subdivision known as LOS LAGOS, situate in the Mile 13 area, Northern Highway, Ladyville, Belize District, as surveyed by Kenneth A. Gillett, Licensed Surveyor and recorded at the office of the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys, Belmopan at Register No. 16 Entry No. 4460 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon; and ALL THAT lot, piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 170 in the subdivision known as LOS LAGOS, situate in the Mile 13 area, Northern Highway, Ladyville, Belize District, as surveyed by Kenneth A. Gillett, Licensed Surveyor and recorded at the office of the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys, Belmopan at Register No. 16 Entry No. 4460 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. DATED this 11th day of January, 2019. MUSA & BALDERAMOS LLP 91 North Front Street Belize City Attorneys-at-Law for Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.
3 FEB
2019
CELEBRATIONS THROUGHOUT YEAR 2019 AIMING TO BOOST PUBLIC AWARENESS OF CHEMISTRY By Dr. Pedro Villegas About seven years later I was given a book about the periodic table of the elements. For the first time I saw the elegance of scientific theory and its predictive power. –Sidney Altman– The General Assembly of the United Nations has designated 2019 as the International Year of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements. The year will coincide with the 150th anniversary of the Table’s creation by Dmitry Mendeleev. It will also mark a number of other milestones in the history of chemistry, including the discovery of phosphorus 350 years ago, Antoine Lavoisier’s categorization of 33 elements in 1789 and the formulation of the “Law of the Triads” by Johann Wolfgang Döbereiner 190 years ago. The decision was announced by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), whose proposal to celebrate the Periodic Table in 2019 coincides with its centenary, and was supported by several organizations including the European Association for Chemical and Molecular Sciences (EuCheMS). IUPAC says the year will raise global awareness of chemistry and show how the periodic table is ‘central to linking cultural, economic and political aspects of the global society through a common language’. The Periodic Table has
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THE BELIZE TIMES
been considered one of the most significant achievements in modern Science, which relates several areas of knowledge, such as Astronomy, Chemistry, Physics, Biology and other Natural Sciences. For the international scientific community, it is a very useful and unique tool, allowing scientists to predict the properties of matter on Earth and the Universe. The Periodic Table was published for the first time in the year 1869, allowing illustrate periodic trends in the properties of the elements then known, by ordering them based on their chemical properties. After its publication Mendeleev made a forecast of the properties of some unknown chemical elements until then and left predicted that places would occupy the Periodic Table. Until now, all the chemical elements of atomic number from 1 (Hydrogen) to 118 (Hogenson) have been discovered; and the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) confirmed the elements 113, 115, 117 and 118 in 2015. The International Year of the Periodic Table also coincides with the centenary of the IUPAC. God bless Belize! Follow us: www.cubel. org & www.facebook. com/cubelconsultancy
PUBLIC AUCTION SALES: PROPERTIES
Corozal & Orange Walk Districts
BY ORDER of the Mortgagees, Messrs. The Belize Bank Limited, Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A. Castillo & Christiana R. Castillo will sell the following properties at Unit No. 4 Corner Belize/Corozal and San Antonio Roads, (First Traffic Light) Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District on Saturday 2nd February 2019 at 10:00 am:
1. Parcel No. 770 corner 7th Avenue and 6th Street South, Corozal Town, Corozal District:
REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK Corozal Central 1
PARCEL 770
(Being concrete commercial building and lot situate at corner 7th Avenue and 6th Street South, Corozal Town, Corozal District, the freehold property of Mr. Ricardo Gomez)
2. Parcel No. 38 corner Cactus Street & Oleander Avenue, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District
REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL Orange Walk Town
4
38
(Being a concrete dwelling house elevated 2.5 feet above grade measuring first [44 ft. X 34 ft.] + [13 ft. X 17 ft.]+ garage [19 ft. X 21 ft.] + laundry/storeroom [13 ft. X 19 ft.] + recreation den [13 ft. X 19 ft.] containing Master Bedroom/ Bathroom/Walk-in-Closet + 2 other Bedrooms with shared Bathroom + Small Office + Living/Dining/Kitchen + Porch [6 ft. X 44 ft.] and lot [1950.70 square meters or 2333.04 square yards] situate at corner Cactus Street & Oleander Avenue, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District, the freehold property of Mr. Carl Michael Meggs) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION www.belizebank.com (foreclosure listing)
TERMS: STRICTLY CASH KEVIN A. CASTILLO CHRISTIANA R. CASTILLO TELEPHONE: 223 4488 Email: kevinacas@yahoo.com Face Book: Belize Auctions
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3 FEB
THE BELIZE TIMES
Referendum, Election and Anniversaries This February 8, PM Barrow will complete, a seemingly endless, eleven years of “leading” our fledgling nation. His force-ripened three-term administration will be remembered as one that touted a fictitious manifesto with imaginary promises that yielded only distress unto its citizenry. Real progress, financial transparency and personal accountability were either illusive or elusive. Every public action seemed to signal to some pie in the sky whilst Belizeans stayed hungry on the ground. Parents and teachers raised us to “obey the laws” and to “follow the rules”. Life hammers this firmly or softly into what we call respect for authority. Belizeans know what is right and wrong. It therefore has become increasingly difficult to follow the UDP laws and their governance since we see a blatant disregard for doing what is right. It hurts to hear “The aye’s have it” after three parliamentary mandated readings as laws are imposed on Belize. Many of these laws seek to legalize actions that were lost cases in court rulings. It would seem that the UDP administration does not respect the law. They manipulate it whenever possible. They have even disregarded the Caribbean Court of Justice. By action and by word, they show that they do not need to follow their rulings. They can just pass a law conveniently. Yet, the ‘normal’ citizens must obey the laws. This corruption hurts absolutely. February 8, 2008, Belize had her first referendum, truly historic. It occurred concurrently with the General Elections that began the UDP’s first of the aforementioned trio of administrations. The referendum was on if Belize should have an elected Senate. The ‘Yes’ side won. Yet, the UDP pushed that referendum result into our imaginations. Again, total disrespect! Oh! Only Queen Square polled a majority of ‘No’ votes. Imagine! This was the ONLY constituency in the nation of Belize that voted ‘No.’ Yet, Belize’s choice was ignored. Notice the theme of these pointers. • What anniversary will PM Barrow celebrate this February 8, 2019? Is it the 11th or the 10th? ‘Google it.’ • Over these past eleven
years, Barrow press conferences began and ended and all I perceived were riddles, wrapped in mystery surrounded by an enigma. There was only one key in unravelling this befuddling. That key is Dean Barrow’s interest. (Thanks Mr. Churchill) • Do you remember the movie Men in Black? How about the press conference with Ministers in Black? The Prime Minister wanted us to unsee the abnormal and corrupt land grab. The ploy was clear. • We often hear that “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas”. People do not want others to see the worst of them. In September 2015, Belizeans were asked by the PM to turn a blind eye. We had our own version of the Vegas quote: “What happened in Miami should stay in Miami”.The ‘accommodations’ at the hotel was worth half a billion of our hard-earned dollars. We should not forget this. • Oh my… Christmas messages… Independence Day promises… Budget tirades…All verbiage. • Even the Turkey protocol was all a lie. Not the Christmas gift but the meeting in Istanbul. The Sarstoon Protocol was not finalized, as the PM announced. The resounding ICJ/Guatemala issue asks us to trust this UDP government and the management of our most important existential question. Talk about placing the possum in the henhouse. The UDP feels the need to spend millions to convince us that we should vote ‘yes’ to go with Guatemala to the International Court of Justice to check if we can continue singing our National Anthem. This is like spending lavishly on your girlfriend hoping that she will agree when you finally pop the question. You cannot buy love. Belizeans are not used to eating Red Herrings. Barrow nevertheless has built his political empire on that premise. He uses words and slight to attempt to fool some people. I dare say that that trick has stalled and Belizeans are wide-awake. PUP past foreign ministers are right only in the fact that ONLY a PUP government can be trusted with the ICJ issue. Maybe we should have another General Election along or before this April 10 referendum. All voting age Belizeans must register and vote their conscience. Read, listen and make up your mind. Vote for yourself, and Belize, and nobody else.
2019
UNICOMER is seeking a Customer Experience Manager who is strategic and able to influence change at all levels of the organization.
REQUIREMENTS:
Manage and ensure that an excellent experience is delivered at all customer touch points across the organization.
Design and execute customer experience strategies that will lead to business growth.
Manage a robust voice of the customer program that captures real-time customer feedback.
Create a strong, customer-centric culture complete with accountability and ownership at all levels in the company.
Manage the customer care contact center team to achieve all targets in pursuit of providing a world-class customer experience.
Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management.
Minimum of three (3) years of leadership experience in a Customer Service related industry.
Must have excellent communication and conflict resolution skills.
Must be a strategic thinker and problem solver.
Must be a self-starter and goal oriented.
Being mobile and bilingual is an asset.
Please send resume to: Director of Human Capital Email: human_resources_bz@unicomer.com Closing date: February 12th, 2019.
NOTICE ATENAS INTERNATIONAL LTD. # 135,294 (“the Company”)
Pursuant to Section 102 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, notice is hereby given that ATENAS INTERNATIONAL LTD. has been dissolved as at 26th January, 2019 and has been struck off the Register of International Business Companies. MACLACHLAN & DENNIN LIMITED Registered Agent
NOTICE BLUECAREY INC. # 161,177 (“the Company”)
Pursuant to Section 102 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, notice is hereby given that BLUECAREY INC. has been dissolved as at 26th January, 2019 and has been struck off the Register of International Business Companies. MACLACHLAN & DENNIN LIMITED Registered Agent
3 FEB
2019
THE TYRANNY OF PUBLIC DEBT
The need for domicile debate By: Hilly Bennett Jacques Attali’s, in his contribution to the Newsweek, The West and the Tyranny of Public Debt, wrote “The history of public debt is very history of national power: how it has been won and how it has been lost. Dreams and impatience have always driven men in power to draw on the resources of others- be it slaves, the inhabitants of occupied lands or their own children, yet to be born- in order to carry out their schemes, to consolidate power, to grow their own fortunes.” Attali proffered that the history of public debt is intertwined in the evolution of states. In ancient times, rulers of empires borrowed on the expectation of future conquest, harvest or taxes. Debt became public when national authority got separated from the monarchy. In the book, The Economic History of Belize From the 17th century to Post Independence, Barbara Bulmer-Thomas, Victor Bulmer-Thomas, it is evidenced that the Public Debt in Belize was first issued under colonialism in 1863. The central purpose was for much-needed improvements to Belize. The colonial government made investment, at the public’s expense, in a full-scale railway in the south, connecting the valley to the nearest sea-port, which opened in 1911. Figures for the fiscal year2017/2018 show Belize public debt standing at three points five billion dollars or ninety three point eight percent of GDP. Unaccounted in the debt profile is the below-the-line accounts- contingent liabilities, contested legacy claims, obligation related to the nationalization of BTL and BEL. On March9th, 2018 at the budget presentation, Prime Minister Barrow outlined the amounts regarding Belize public debt. The total amount owing in obligations to external creditors is two point five zero nine billion dollars or seventy-one percent of public debt. The remaining twenty-nine percent or approximately one point zero two six billion, which constitutes the domestic debt stock. GOB’s external debt portfolio- those are debt obligations denominated in foreign currency and requiring foreign-currency repayments- one point five billion are owed to commercial bondholders; some four hundred million is owing to Petro Caribe Loan Program sponsored by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela; three hundred and five point three million to the CDB; two hundred and forty-two million dollars to the Republic of China on Taiwan and two hundred and twenty-seven million dollars to IDB. Notably, when the Peoples United Party demitted office in 2008 the PUP government had “brought government’s finance back into line.” The commercial debt was successfully restructured. A program of fiscal restraint was implemented lowering the debt percentile to 80% of GDP. Upon taking office in 2008 the United Democratic Party government benefited from the Alba Petro Caribe arrangement made between the PUP government and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela – some four hundred million dollars to alleviate the condition of the poor, additionally, the BNE oil revenue amounting to five hundred million was added to the public coffers, providing the Barrow administration with a sound financial footing.
17
THE BELIZE TIMES
Within their three terms in office, the UDP has transformed the Belizean economy into “an indentured economy.” The Barrow government has grown the debt to one billion one hundred forty nine point zero three five dollars. Under the guise of infrastructural development, debt has become the fuel for the engine of economic growth. In reality, DEBT is the new form of bondage for the Belizean populace. Income distribution has deteriorated resulting in increased poverty and inequality. Unemployment continues to rise notwithstanding the bogus statistics presented by the government. The festering problem of crime and violence remains unabated. These anomalies contribute negatively to the debt burden and quality of life in Belize. A domicile debate regarding Belize’s public debt is of paramount importance for the future of the Jewel. The IMF Article IV Report highlights several recommendations to the government of Belize necessary to reduce the debt to GDP ratio to sixty percent within a ten-year period. In my opinion, these structural adjustments are not people centred and could be detrimental to the survival of the less fortunate living on the fringe of societythe marginalized, the single mothers, the youths, the elderly and disabled. On January 10th, 2019, three SI’s were signed by the Barrow government relating to pension reform, which is one of the IMF’s recommendations. There is also the likelihood of several zero rated items becoming taxed by the General Sales Tax department. The Director of the Western Hemisphere Department at the IMF, Alejandro Werner cautioned that several risks could negatively impact the regions of Latin America and the Caribbean, including Belize- the escalating trade tensions between China and the United States. A slowdown in some major economies could result in lower trade growth for the region. The region could also suffer if global financial conditions tighten further, including spikes in global financial volatility higher US interest rates and a stronger US dollar. Additionally, higher volatility in global markets could result in less capital, potentially harming investments potential. The Brexit situation and the recent Venezuelan crisis could also affect the Belizean economy. These external shocks could be spiral the economy into recession, devaluation or default. The very reason why Attali warned that public debt must be handled carefully even when the borrowing is moderate. Responsible government do not finance their everyday expense by borrowing. Nobody can predict what will trigger a sovereign debt crisis. Belize’s economic woe is also an internal one. The UDP government is plagued by the pathological phenomenon of corruption, clientilism, middle-mannism and parasitism; the Barrow regime lacks fiscal discipline and the financial stewardship to steer the Jewel, the haven of democracy to economic prosperity. The budget presentation for the financial year 2019-2020 should be interesting. No doubt the Wizard of Finance will spin his spurious arguments to lobby for budget support. Hence the reason a domicile debate on the public debt is urgently necessary. Voice of the Common Man
NOTICE BRISSIA INVESTMENTS INC. # 80,419 (“the Company”)
Pursuant to Section 102 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, notice is hereby given that BRISSIA INVESTMENTS INC. has been dissolved as at 26th January, 2019 and has been struck off the Register of International Business Companies. MACLACHLAN & DENNIN LIMITED Registered Agent
NOTICE VITRI HOLDINGS S.A. # 161,232 (“the Company”)
Pursuant to Section 102 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, notice is hereby given that VITRI HOLDINGS S.A. has been dissolved as at 26th January, 2019 and has been struck off the Register of International Business Companies. MACLACHLAN & DENNIN LIMITED Registered Agent
NOTICE ANSTON FINANCE LTD. # 10,859 (“the Company”)
Pursuant to Section 102 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, notice is hereby given that ANSTON FINANCE LTD. has been dissolved as at 26th January, 2019 and has been struck off the Register of International Business Companies. CILTrust International Limited Registered Agent
NOTICE BravelQ Ventures Inc. # 153,371 (“the Company”)
Pursuant to Section 102 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, notice is hereby given that BravelQ Ventures Inc. has been dissolved as at 26th January, 2019 and has been struck off the Register of International Business Companies. CILTrust International Limited Registered Agent
18 Careless and Insensitive!
3 FEB
THE BELIZE TIMES
2019
Health Ministry C.E.O Ramon Figueroa tells Medical Authorities
Belize City: Thursday 31st January 2019 In a meeting held last week involving the Director of Health Ser-
OUT Shame on you Doc
!
January 30, 2019 Editor, Belize Times Queen Street Belize City
Dear Editor, I listened with absolute incredulity to Dr. Gilda Lewis say that the last time this country made a tough decision was in 1798 and that Independence was not important. Shame on you Doctor Lewis. You owe all Belizeans an apology, especially our brave patriots who fought for and won our Independence with ALL our territory intact. She was on the Vibes morning show along with another young lady from Foreign Affairs (didn’t get her name) under the guise of ‘educating’ Belizeans on the ICJ issue but really pushing the same ‘Yes’ propaganda. Kudos to Vibes for allowing both sides opportunities to present their views. I only wish they had opened the phone lines so I could have called in and given the doctor a piece of my mind. To think Dr. Lewis actually calls herself a historian and has taught history at the tertiary level. No wonder our young people lack basic civic education. It is obvious from her comments that for her the Independence movement was inconsequential, yet she has been a member of the Belize Advisory Council for years. What could she possibly advise our leaders – that the pocono bway skirmish was the greatest achievement of this nation? This is why this whole ICJ education process has been a failure. The referendum unit and Foreign Affairs have misled the Belizean people and now there is even more confusion. Now we have Gilda Lewis trying to re-write history! Belizeans, stand strong, reject the propaganda of these false prophets and vote NO on April 10th. Sincerely, D. Bermudez
vices, Regional Managers, Medical Council, Nursing Council and Medical Association, Dr. Ramon Figueroa – spoke on the issue of the accusation of Medical Negligence at the Corozal hospital by Leah Miller. This particular incident took place in the afternoon of New Year’s Eve, where according to Miller, she was told by the nurse on duty that there was no doctor present at the hospital to attend to her three month old baby boy who was suffering from vomiting and diarrhea. By the time the doctor arrived some two hours later, her baby was already dying. During the meeting, Figueroa bluntly said that he refuses to place the blame on any one single individual. He added that after looking at the report, the whole thing boiled down SELKIRK INTERNATIONAL INC. #29,206 to carelessness and insensitivity. He (“the Company”) stated: “We don’t care anymore, if we would care about how we deal Pursuant to Section 102 (4) of the International Business Compawith people, these things wouldn’t nies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, happen. It is not because we don’t notice is hereby given that SELKIRK INTERNATIONAL INC.: have the knowledge. In this day and a) Is in dissolution age when we have a child dying of b) Commenced dissolution on the 28th day of January 2019; and diarrhea and vomiting, to me, in my c) CIL Trust International Inc. whose address is 35 Barrack mind, it is unacceptable. We need Road, Third Floor, Belize City, Belize is the Liquidator of the Company. to take more interest and be more sensitive and caring when delivering CILTrust International Limited this service to people. If we try, we Registered Agent can change that with better monitoring, better supervision, better human resource relationships and team building in all the regions, we all would be better off. We’ve done a lot of capacity and training and dealing with diarrhea and vomiting is the basic thing we learn at medical and ASCOLI LIMITED #64,401 nursing school”. Figueroa fired off (“the Company”) this statement after a training exercise held for pediatric emergency Pursuant to Section 102 (4) of the International Business Compamanagement in Corozal last week. nies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, But it is widely believed that the notice is hereby given that ASCOLI LIMITED: lack of care and insensitivity goes a) Is in dissolution further than just the doctors and nurses who are at the front line. b) Commenced dissolution on the 28th day of January 2019; There is a sense of frustration by and medical personnel because Minisc) CIL Trust International Inc. whose address is 35 Barrack ter Marin and his Health Ministry is Road, Third Floor, Belize City, Belize is the Liquidator of the Company. not providing medical supplies and amenities needed to provide basic CILTrust International Limited health care services. It is a known Registered Agent fact that hospitals across the country are without basic pharmaceuticals and specialized personnel. Recently there were two buildings said to be Medical Clinics inaugurated in Corozal that are still not yet providing services. The first is located in San Pedro/Cristo Rey and came with a price tag of $880,000 AXFORD LIMITED #101,171 and the other situated in Sarteneja (“the Company”) village which was built at a cost of $800,000. Yet they were inauguPursuant to Section 102 (4) of the International Business Comparated for political mileage only benies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, cause these villagers have to pour notice is hereby given that AXFORD LIMITED: into Corozal Town hospital because these buildings cannot provide meda) Is in dissolution ical services without the necessary b) Commenced dissolution on the 28th day of January 2019; and equipment, staff and medical supc) Mrs. Karin Elisabeth Janse van Rensburg whose address plies. is Monte Vista 1, Gateway Manor, Melody, Hartbeesport, 0216, South Also, the Ministry boasts about Africa is the Liquidator of the Company. a surgical ward at the Corozal Hospital, yet it is non-functional because it CILTrust International Limited Registered Agent is lacks specialized staff.
NOTICE
NOTICE
NOTICE
3 FEB
19
THE BELIZE TIMES
2019
THINKING OUT LOUD BY: KEVIN BERNARD
PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: PROPERTIES Vista del Mar; Burrell Boom Road; Belize District BY ORDER of the Mortgagees, Messrs. The Belize Bank Limited, Licensed Auctioneer Kevin A. Castillo will sell the following properties at No. 170 Beltex Avenue, Belama Phase 1, Belize City, Belize District on Saturday 2nd February 2019 at 1:30 pm: 1. .97 Acre Sailfish Avenue, Vista del Mar, Ladyville, Belize District:
All discussions and debates these days seem to be about the upcoming referendum, and the advisability of going to the International Court of Justice. I like it. I think every voting Belizean should be fully engaged in this discussion because it is possibly the most important one of our time. The issue on the table isn’t a trivial one. It is our very territory. What we decide at the referendum in April will affect our country, and all of us, for generations to come – whichever way it goes. So join in. Be engaged. Don’t wait for the Government to come and educate you, because a REAL education campaign is not on their agenda. Learn the issues, and listen to both sides of the argument, and then vote your mind and heart. I have made no secret of what my decision will be when we go to the referendum. I made my decision long before the PUP came out with its official position and People’s Declaration recently. I happen to share the views which created the People’s Declaration. I feel that government has slipped down badly in its bogus education campaign. I agree that Belizeans living abroad should be allowed to vote in this most critical referendum. I believe that our Foreign Minister has messed things up badly, and if we go to the ICJ now it would be from a position of weakness, and not strength. That is my position, and those who know me know that when I take a stance I stand by it. I have watched as persons on both sides of the argument battle it out. I have seen friends become enemies on Facebook, based on their positions. I have seen those who think they are brighter than everybody else try to push their position down people’s throats. I have seen persons being insulted, and bullied, and called all manner of things. I have also watched as government tries to push its position on people with ads and propaganda all saying YES. Trust me, there are bullies on both sides. I have heard that if you vote YES, you don’t love Belize. I have also heard that if you vote NO, you don’t love Belize. Why do we have to be like that? It’s been happening a long time – this reality that we don’t get the concept of respect. We don’t un-
derstand that people have a right to their own opinions, and also a right to be respected for their opinions. Some of us believe that because we have an opinion, it becomes a fact. I have no difficulty with those Belizeans who will vote YES. I don’t think that they are traitors. I don’t think they are betraying the country. I respect their opinions. It is as simple as that. And the ICJ is only the latest thing. We lost our respect for each other, as a people, a long time ago. What politics has become is a good example of that. Recently the Orange Walk Town Council was doing some paving works on Fonseca Street. It’s a part of our ongoing program. We have managed, with the support of the community and with responsible management, to pave an unprecedented amount of streets in Orange Walk. And we will continue to work. There is not a municipality which can boast the work that we have done, and I say that proudly. While inspecting the works, I met former UDP Mayor Phillip de la Fuente, who is a good guy and a friend. He took a photo with me in front of the works, and it is interesting the way it caught people’s attention. It was almost like some people believe that two persons on different sides of politics should not be friends, and should not collaborate. Maybe Phillip should not have been seen in a photo with me because he was obviously happy about the work being done. And he shouldn’t have been? As a people, we need to grow up. We need to become more mature, and we need to get this concept of valuing people for who they are and what they do, and not because of their political party or affiliations or beliefs. And that is the message I would like to send out this week. As we head to the referendum, and even beyond, we need to remember that we are Belizeans, and we are human beings. Let’s learn to love and value and respect each other. The truth is, we’re all in this together.
REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL Vista del Mar 16 1819 (Being a vacant lot [.97 acre] situate on Sailfish Avenue, Vista del Mar, Ladyville, Belize District, the freehold property of Messrs. Vista del Mar Development Company Limited)
2.
40 Acres south side Burrell Boom Road, Belize District:
ALL THAT piece or Parcel of Land containing 40.00 acres of land situate on the south side of the Burrell Boom Road, Belize, Toledo District bounded and described as shown by Plan No. 256 of 1999, TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. (Being the old sand pit used by Messrs. Vista Del Mar Development Co. Ltd situate approximately 15.5 miles from Belize City on the Burrell Boom Road, Belize District, the freehold property of Messrs. Vista del Mar Development Co. Ltd.)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION www.belizebank.com (foreclosure listing)
TERMS: STRICTLY CASH KEVIN A. CASTILLO TELEPHONE: 223 4488 Email: kevinacas@yahoo.com Face Book: Belize Auctions
20
THE BELIZE TIMES
STRENGTHEN INSTITUTIONS TO GENERATE OPPORTUNITIES
By: Osilbz@np Never before has Belize been so polarized, our social, economic and political structure is stagnant. The lack of opportunities is the order of the day, unemployment at its highest level since 2008, the cost of living is unbearably high and this UDP government has been unable to increase minimum wage. The Barrow administration has not been able to attract foreign direct investment to our shores because of lack of trust and the corrupt practices of officials who make it very expensive to do business in Belize and this aborts the creation of jobs. The Productive sector is being strangled because export prices on exported products is not viable enough to beat the over-all low prices. We have more than 75% of the workforces in the informal sector or working in precarious conditions to cope with the crisis situation. Belizeans are submerged in misery, bordering extreme poverty. Their only hope is change that only come with the Peoples United Party. Even though the UDP has been in government going on
eleven years and general elections are due in 2020, this government has lost its sense of direction and is bankrupt on ideas to move Belize forward, and they continue squeezing the working man with unbearable increases in electricity and other essential services. Unlike the UDP’s, who are drunk on power and arrogance, the PUP has leaders with the necessary vision to to generate a path of change and growth that will benefit Belize and improve its’s social & economic developments. It is time for a change, if you want to be a part of the change, then it is necessary to participate and take the right steps to make it possible. A PUP government will create a stable environment with job opportunities, better healthcare, higher educational standard, housing and decrease crime to help move Belize forward. The time between now and the upcoming election in 2020 offers us the opportunity to reflect on where we are and which direction we rather go for the benefit of our children and country future. Let us rebuild our deteriorating country with a PUP government.
3 FEB
2019
Belizeans Nuh Ready Fi Referendum Vital Statistics can’t find records for Joseph Alexander Bennett
Belize City:Thursday 31st January 2019 Honourable John Briceno, Leader of the Opposition Peoples United Party via the “Peoples Declaration” issued last week identified areas of concern regarding the ICJ referendum to be held on 10th April 2019. One of the areas mentioned is the backlog at Vital Statistic Office. The view is that the situation is the result of political interference and mismanagement. The call resonated within the hallowed chamber of the PUP headquarters. Clear up the mess at Vital Statistics so that the relevant documents be issued in a timely fashion. Additionally, “Immediate actions be taken to ensure equal access and treatment be given to all Belizeans.” Evidence has been forthcoming in regard to a prominent historian and educator who is being disenfranchised in becoming a registered voters.
Joseph Alexander Bennett made an application at the Vital Statistic Office for his birth certificate. The search of records proved futile in obtaining the document. Simply put, it doesn’t exist. The birth certificate is part of the requirement to get re-registered. Mr. Bennett has contributed immensely to Belizean society through various capacities as an educator, historian and teacher. The irony of this unjust situation is that Bennett was one of the participants commissioned by FLASCO-Guatemala to sensitize university students of Latin American faculty of social sciences in Guatemala in relation to the Belize position. Presentations were made on topics relating to the history of Belize, the economic and political history of Belize and Alexander Bennett presentation on culture and integration in Belize. The disenfranchisement of Alexander Bennet from voting in the upcoming April 10th referendum is clear indication that John Briceno and the Peoples United Party are right – Belize is not ready for the ICJ referendum. How many Alexander Bennett are out there that will be disenfranchised from exercising their constitutional right to vote because of political interference and gross mismanagement at the Vital Statistic Office. The answer can only be found by a thorough examination of the records at Vital Statics.
3 FEB
2019
No to the ICJ By: Gilroy Usher, Sr. Belizeans are peaceful people. We genuinely desire to put an end to Guatemala’s unfounded claim to a large part our country. We, however, cannot settle the claim at any cost to please Guatemala, mother England, and the international community. Territorial disputes between small and large countries are a fact of life. “From its independence from Spain in 1811 to the present time Venezuela has claimed more than half of the territory of Guyana. A border commission that was set up in 1966 with representatives from Guyana, Venezuela, and Britain failed to reach agreement. With changes in the governments of both countries, relations improved, to the extent that Venezuela sponsored Guyana’s 1990 bid for OAS membership.” -Google. As with Guyana which gained independence from Britain in 1966, Belize will continue to exist regardless of how long the dispute remains unresolved. Similarly whether the dispute is resolved now or decades in the future that will not stop foreign investment in the country. American Sugary Refinery (ASR) and many other foreign companies continue to invest millions of dollars in Belize despite Guatemala’s claim to our land. The Government says Belize will be victorious at the ICJ, because it has an ironclad case. We were also told that the country had a winning case when G.O.B. refused to pay due to compensation to the
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THE BELIZE TIMES
British billionaire Michael Ashcroft for the nationalization of BTL shortly after the UDP victory in the 2008 general elections. G.O.B. lost that case and was forced to pay Ashcroft $550.00 million for a company that was worth less that $2 million when it was appropriated. All litigation carries a risk. If we vote (yes) to take the Guatemala dispute to the ICJ, and we lose the case, Belize will get the knife. The Judges will give Guatemala a portion of our land or sea to settle the dispute. After both countries had signed the Compromis Guatemala literally
annexed Sarstoon Island, which has belonged to Belize for centuries. With inaction from our own government, we must now get permission from the bully to visit our own Sarstoon Island. This clearly indicates that presently only Belize can lose at the ICJ. The Referendum Unit has failed in its responsibility to present both the pros and the cons of going to the ICJ to enable the people to make an informed yes or no vote. That has occurred because G.O.B is using the millions of dollars allocated for that purpose, mainly to campaign all-out for a Yes vote. In the normal course of litigation, the plaintiff provides the defendant with a claim before his court appearance for him to be aware of the charge against him. Not so with this Compromis. Belizeans will only be aware of what Guatemala is claiming in the dispute if they vote yes to
the ICJ. Don’t believe the crop that Guatemala is eager to go to the ICJ knowing that it will lose its case. We got independence in 1981 with all 8,867 square miles of our territory in tack because prior to 1981, we spotted the danger of losing a part of our land or sea with the Webster Proposals as well as the Heads of Agreement and rejected those terms of settlement. Today a number of intellectuals are saying that Belizeans, who are calling for a vote on the ICJ are crazy. We must recall that Phillip Goldson was also called all kinds of derogatory names when he stood up for Belize and led the fight in the rejection of the Webster Proposals, The Heads of Agreement, and the Maritime Areas Act. This government has been a huge failure in dealing with the Guatemalan issue. It can’t trust them. No to the ICJ.
Belize, 29 January 2019
NOTICE Liquidator of Choice Bank Limited
NOTICE TO INSPECT SCHEDULE OF PROPOSED ACTIONS FOR THE COMPULSORY WINDING-UP OF CHOICE BANK LIMITED INTERNATIONAL BANKING ACT, CHAPTER 267 AND DOMESTIC BANKS AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS ACT, NO 11 OF 2012
To: Depositors, Creditors and Lessees of CHOICE BANK LIMITED TAKE NOTICE that the Liquidator of Choice Bank Limited has prepared for filing with the Central Bank of Belize a schedule of the actions proposed to be taken for the purpose of the compulsory winding-up of Choice Bank Limited and the schedule can be inspected on the 1st day of March, 2019 at Choice Bank’s office, Corner Hudson Street/Marine Parade, Belize City, Belize. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that the schedule will be filed with the Central Bank on the 28th day of February, 2019.
CALL
671-8385 or
EMAIL:
belizetimesadvertisement@ yahoo.com
To place advertisement in the Belize Times Newspaper
Please note that a depositor or other creditor or shareholder or other interested person of Choice Bank Limited has twenty (20) days from the filing of this schedule of proposed action with the Central Bank to file objections with the Central Bank to any action proposed in such schedule. Dated this 29th day of January, 2019
Cedric D. Flowers Liquidator, Choice Bank Limited
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3 FEB
THE BELIZE TIMES
2019
ROBERT’S GROVE LIMITED (In Receivership) PROPERTIES & ASSETS
PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District
Robert’s Grove Limited PUBLIC (In Receivership) hereby advertises sale of the following properties and assets AUCTION SALE: ROBERT'S GROVEthe RESORT Placencia Peninsula, StannA. Creek District & Christiana R. Castillo ON SITE [Seine Bight by public auction by Licensed Auctioneers Kevin Castillo BY ORDER of the Receiver, Licensed Auctioneer Kevin A. Castillo will the properties and assets known2019 as Robert's Village, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District] onsell Monday 4th February at 1:30 pm: th
Face Book: Belize Auctions
KEVIN A. CASTILLO TELEPHONE: 223 4488 Email: kevinacas@yahoo.com
TERMS: STRICTLY CASH
VIEWING BY APPOINTMENTS ONLY
Grove Beach Resort ON SITE [Seine Bight, Placencia, Stann Creek District] on Friday 4 January 2019 at 1:30 pm:
Continued on page 23
3 FEB
2019
THE BELIZE TIMES
23
Continued from page 22
REGISTRATION SECTION Placencia North
BLOCK 36
PARCELS 3641, 3642, 3257, 3259, 3260, 3261, 3262, 3263 3264, 3265, 3266, 3267, 3268, 3269, 3271 3281, 3284, 3286
(Being the following improvements/developments: a) Main Two Level Administration/Studio Building - (Being a two storey concrete building [3,866 sq. (Being the following improvements/developments: building [1,312 sq. ft]: Ground - 2 accounts office ft]; Ground Floor Section [6,605 sq. ft.] 1 administration + restaurant spaceFloor + outdoor/indoor diningspace + reservaa) Main Two Level Administration/Studio Building (Being a two tion office + 1 bathroom: Second Floor 1 guest room (1 bedroom + 1 [560 sq. ft.] + kitchen + storage room + solarium + gift shop + conference room + resort office; Second storey concrete building [3,866 sq. ft]; Ground Floor Section [6,605 sq. bathroom). Floor Section access via a timber staircase that interlock and connects to a wrap-around verandah; ft.] 1 administration + restaurant space + Section outdoor/indoor dining sq. Generator - ( Being a concrete and zinc structure Upper level [3,589 sq. ft.] [560 + 5 family studioj)+Marina verandah and stairsHouse area [3,112 sq. ft] )
ft.] + kitchen + storage room + solarium + gift shop + conference room divided into two section: Section A (backup generator) concrete structure b) Ocean view Apartment Suites (A, B that & C) - (Being three[375 identical storey structures (14 + resort office; Second Floor Section access via a timber staircase measuring sq. ft.]:concrete Sectiontwo B (transformer) zinc structure) Ocean Viewverandah; Units). Each contains 408 k) sq.Bicycle ft [24 Shed ft X 17 ft] + timber 1 bedroom 1 bathroom. interlock and connects to a wrap-around UpperStructure level Section - (Being strips + walls, concrete floor and galva[3,589 sq. ft.] + 5 family studio + verandah and stairs area [3,112 sq. ft] ) nize roof, and measures 14ft x 14ft. It is access through the main pathway b) Ocean view Apartment Suites (A, B & C) - (Being three identical to the gym) concrete two storey structures (14 Ocean View Units). Each Structure l) Gazebo - (timber strips, wood railing and timber floor measuring contains 408 sq. ft [24 ft X 17 ft] + 1 bedroom + 1 bathroom. Buildings 13 ft X 13 ft, with galvanize roof. The resting area inside has seating arA and B are connected by a wood deck that includes a timber stair case rangement.) and a third-floor deck with a zinc roof gazebo) m) Gymnasium Building - (Being a concrete structure of 816 sq. ft. c) Workers Quarters - (Being a two storey concrete structure: and a front timber deck of 192 sq. ft.) Ground floor 651 sq. ft. [21 ft X 31 ft.] - 2 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms + n) Sweet Mama’s Restaurant - (Being a symmetrical shape palapa porch [248 sq. ft.]. Upper Level [928 sq. ft] - 2 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms bar, high pitched roofing made of thatch and bush stick beams. The floor + living/dining/kitchen + porch) is concrete, with timber walls and includes a water fountain and a fix bard) Habanero Restaurant and Bar - (Being a timber and zinc/ beque pit with extended chimney and bamboo/timber counter.) thatched roof building containing 3,000 sq. ft. of restaurant area and o) Beachfront Pier - (Being a timber pier measuring 220 ft. + thatched 2,291 sq. ft. as verandah /dining area. Restaurant Section - Kitchen + Palapa bar 874 sq. ft. + 2,204 sq. ft. of timber decking) Prep room+ baking area + cool area + dishing washing area + bar countp) Staff Quarters - (Being a bamboo stick/zinc building measuring er + inside dining + 1 bedroom + 1 bathroom + 2 half bathroom (female 400 sq. ft. - 2 bedroom) & male) q) Dive Shop Building - (Being a bamboo sticks/zinc building meae) Outdoor Bar & Patio - (Being a Thatch Gazebo style outdoor suring 1,600 sq. ft. + deck verandah containing 464 sq. ft.) bar [10 ft x 13 ft] + wooden deck 3,002 sq. ft. + timber decking + stone r) Office/Storeroom Timber Building made barbecue pit complete with a chimney) s) Main Warehouse f) Swimming Pool and Court - (Being in the forefront of the t) Garage Shed Building property and on the north side of the main administration building is a u) Carpentry Shop Building well-maintained concrete rectangular swimming pool depths from apv) Staff Quarters proximately 2 – 5 ft., measuring 67 ft x 34 ft. + surrounded by 1,198 w) The Marina square feet of timber deck) x) RG Generator House g) Beachfront Spa and massage parlor - (Being a plycem strucy) Manager Residence ture measuring 286 sq. ft. divided into two identical accommodation ) z) Fuel Station & Storage Tanks h) Laundry House - (Being a concrete structure containing 306 sq. and approximately 13 acres of land including eighteen (18) parcels, ft. + small storage space + office + open laundry machine space) the freehold properties of Messrs. Robert’s Grove Limited) i) Back Office Building/Bedroom - (Being a two storey concrete
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TERMS: STRICTLY CASH KEVIN A. CASTILLO TELEPHONE: 223 4488 Email: kevinacas@yahoo.com Face Book: Belize Auctions
24
THE BELIZE TIMES
3 FEB
2019