Belize Times Janaury 24, 2021- Beating Covid-19

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The Belize Times

24 JAN

THE BELIZE TIMES

APP

2021

Established 1957

24 JANUARY 2021 | ISSUE NO: 5233

The Truth Shall Make You Free

www.belizetimes.biz | $1.00

BEATING COVID-19 After 1 month, Belizeans & PlanBelize Winning this War

Belizeans, now more than ever, it is time for action. Testing has been dramatically scaled up. We have introduced Rapid Testing at all community and regional hospitals and at Polyclinics. We will be rolling out addition testing sites and mobile testing services to wage war against this virus we need to identify those who are positive so that they know their status and are able to isolate.

The healing of our nation calls each of us to act. We must act now!- Prime Minister John Briceño on December 11, 2020 just before the curfew with Belize having thousands of active cases.

Pg. 2

STATE FUNERAL Belize’s 1st Governor General Dr. Dame Elmira Minita Gordon

Pg. 11 1st George Price Day

On Jan 15 Belizeans Celebrated the

FATHER of the NATION

Pg. 7

PlanBelize in Action

Work on Sugar Roads and Failed UDP Infrastructure

BLOATED CONTRACTS Pg. 8 PUC SPENDS $10.3M ON OLD MIRAB

MONDAY JAN. 25: REGISTRATION DEADLINE TO VOTE ON MARCH 3

02 2 PRESS RELEASE

24 JAN

THE BELIZE TIMES

EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA (TAIWAN) Ÿ#1 TAIWAN STREET, BELIZE CITY, BELIZEŸ223-1862/2278744ŸFAX 223-3082

APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR 2021 “TAIWANICDF” SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

January 11, 2021, BELIZE CITY, BELIZE— The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) is pleased to announce that the 2021 TaiwanICDF (International Cooperation and Development Fund) Scholarship Program has been officially launched.

This scholarship will allow Belizeans under the age of 50 to pursue an undergraduate or graduate degree from a list of 30 available programs offered by universities in Taiwan, starting from academic year 2021 (commencing in September 2021). Scholarship recipients will be provided with a round trip economy class airfare, housing, tuition fees, credit fees, insurance, textbook costs, and a monthly allowance, which varies due to different study programs. Applicants are required to apply simultaneously with both (1) the Embassy and (2) the University.

Application documents have to be respectively submitted to the Embassy in person by Monday, March 15, 2021, and to the University before its specific deadline.

The Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) has been offering TaiwanICDF Scholarship Program to Belizeans since 2002.

Every year there are around 20 to 35 Belizeans being awarded the Scholarship. In 2020, a total of 33 Belizeans received the TaiwanICDF Scholarship. Taiwan Embassy welcomes eligible Belizeans to submit their applications. For more information, please visit the Embassy's official website http://www.taiwanembassy.org/BZ, under the section of “Taiwan Scholarships, ” or contact the Embassy via Tel: 227-8744, 223-1862 or e-mail at blz@mofa.gov.tw.

PRESS RELEASE To: Media Houses in Belize City From: The Radio, TV and Press Team of the Methodist District Conference Date: Wednesday, January 20, 2021, Belize City, Belize Greetings in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!

The 160th Annual Meeting of the Belize/Honduras District of the Methodist Church convened its Triennial Conference for the first time in Virtual Sessions hosted by the Ebenezer Circuit on the Zoom platform. The District Conference, comprised of ministerial and lay delegates from Belize and Honduras, is meeting under the theme: “We are the Body of Christ in witness to our children: Nurturing Their Faith”.

The Conference began with Ministerial Sessions on January 18 and 19, and continue in its Representative Sessions from January 20 – 22, 2021. The sessions are being guided by the District President, Senator Bishop A. Moses Benguche, with the assistance of the Secretary of the District Conference, the Rev. Elswith R. Clare. The Children, Youth and Young Adult activities take center stage on Saturday when a Festival of Praise, Youth Forum and Discussion on the Power of Prayer will be held. The Conference concludes on Sunday, January 24th with the Youth Service in the morning and the Official Conference Service at 4:00 p.m. Methodists and friends of the Methodist Church at home and abroad are invited to join in the Virtual Worship Services while offering prayerful support for the success of the Conference.

2021

BEATING COVID-19

Continued from page 1 Our active cases are down, thanks to the effort of us Belizeans and the Ministry of Health and Wellness, planBelize taskforce, and the Briceño administration. But the effort is incomplete. We need to sustain this effort or else it will go for nought.

For many weeks in April to May of 2020, 18 cases and a couple of deaths were jarring and of course scary. Fear gripped us Belizeans. Even hard criminals feared this unseen foe—crime went down. But, us Belizeans, in large numbers, became brazen. The initial euphoric self-defence of staying at home was sloughing away. Even as one can argue that the majority use of facemasks and social distance, the effort was comparatively a failure. The coronavirus only needs a few to slip for it to spread.

Leadership was missing: UDP political leadership was non-existent and this vacuum became increasingly detrimental to Belize. We started to see number of cases that were more than we should have when compared to other countries. Why? Should we blame the UDP or should we blame the thousands who got infected?

Most likely the UDP’s inert policy towards the coronavirus is to blame.

Most likely the UDP’s active greed and nonchalance is to blame. Most likely the UDP prioritizing two leadership conventions was a lethal factor that saw our summer of Covid evolve into a tremendous loss of life. On August 18 cases soared over 500 active ones and this number grew untethered. The UDP couldn’t care less. No one was in charge of Covid-19 in Belize. The UDP were busy fulling their pockets as they DID see their retirement redlights flashing before their eyes.

On November 11, John Briceño and the planBelize team were swept into office with a mandate to enlist the UDP into extinction while curing the economy and, also, manoeuvring Belize’s Covid-19 cases back down under control.

The new Ministry of Health and Wellness saw the need for increased Rapid testing. The logic was clear— identify the infected and see to it that they are quarantined. This basic policy was too much for the incompetent and corrupt UDP to institute. Their thing was...if it did not involve a hustle then it was not worth their while. This same thinking made them REJECT a free 25 thousand testing kits—criminal. Oh....worthless UDPs. Worthless Pablo. Worthless Barrow. Worthless Faber.

Now, after massive increases in testing, Belize is finally seeing and feeling Hope. The numbers are back under 500 actives and they are going

down fast. Of course, number of infections and deaths will always be intolerable as long as it is greater than zero. The pain is equally jarring and obscene. But now, we have a general date in which vaccinations will be seen in Belize. Vaccinations plus recovered immunities need to reach to as close to 100 percent as possible. Science says that a country is truly Covidfree when 70 percent or more are in the immune category. That is our goal Belize—vaccinations, hold on.

The large majority of us have been keeping safe. Let us continue working with our new planBelize leadership. We will soon be able to accelerate our move to a Belize that truly works for everyone. The 8pm curfew will be revised with a new Statutory Instrument on February 1. We have the right to a covid-free life. Let’s continue listening to the Ministry of Health and Wellness to keep the curve going down.

We must wear our masks properly at all times.

We must wash our hands repeatedly.

We must get tested.

We must isolate and quarantine when advised by medical practitioners.

And, we are appealing to all to resist the temptation to gather in large numbers during the holidays.--Prime Minister John Briceño’s appeal is the same.

The Belize Times

Established 1957

14 APR 2013

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ISSUE NO: 4840

The Truth Shall Make You Free

www.belizetimes.bz

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$1.00

serving Belize since 1957 as the longest continuous newspaper.

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

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24 JAN

2021

THE BELIZE TIMES

03 3

EDITORIAL

SELECTIVE BLINDNESS: SYMPTOM OF CORRUPTION

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hey say that Justice is blind, and one might naturally assume it is because she is impartial‌in Belize, it is more probable that she had for the last thirteen years closed her eyes in horror. Or perhaps, it was done in order to avoid bearing witness to the squalid and dilapidated conditions of her courts or at the incapability of her overwhelmed representatives to adequately handle an ever swelling work load. At the opening of the Supreme Court there was great evidence that this GOB means to fulfill its promise that it will empower women and include them at every level of decision-making. It is certainly one for the history books that The President of the Bar Association, The Attorney General and The Chief Justice are all women. Already the difference is evident, as the opening remarks on such a historic and ceremonial event was laden with much honest discourse surrounding one of the cornerstones of our democracy. While before it was business as usual, the new consensus is that the wheels of Justice have been slow and shaky, for a myriad of reasons but given the passionate dialogue there is no doubt that very soon the change will come.

It seems that selective vision was symptomatic of a disease more virulent than the present pandemic. Corruption seems to have invaded even the PUC and their Board of Directors. We are well-acquainted with the previous administration’s penchant for turning a blind eye on glaring instances of conflict of interest and there are not many so glaring as the acquisition of the old Mirab building. A past member of the board of the PUC is coincidentally also one of the owners of the property. This is a breach of ethics and gross conflict of interest and it should never have happened under any circumstance. The cherry on the pie though seems to be the amount and terms under which the sale was made. The owners purport that it is in fact 3 lots, and one building that they sold. However, it is one building sitting on two properties and is considered by standard international real estate practices to be sold as one property. So in reality, the sale was for two properties only. There is a gargantuan effort being played out on the media plus on to justify the cost of more than 10M on a building and parking lot at a time during which the Belizean economy could least afford such outlandish and frivolous expenses. The sale for which a down payment was made just before the last general election and for which we must now pay the remaining balance at a whopping 7% interest rate.

There is no justification for the purchase of the Mirab property, for which hundreds of thousands must still be spent to make it usable. The market value of the property even with its enviable location does not factor in the depreciation of a building over twenty years old in severe disrepair.

It does not take into account the high interest rates being charged or the fact that it will require hundreds of thousands to make it usable once more. The horrible optics and the unpardonable breach of ethics aside, this was just not a good business deal for Belize. We join the call of the chairman of the PUC to have this agreement overturned in the best interest of Belizeans. This amounts to highway robbery in broad daylight and must not be countenanced.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

EDITORIAL

24 JAN

2021

en Español

CEGUERA SELECTIVA: SÍNTOMA DE CORRUPCIÓN

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icen que la Justicia es ciega, y uno naturalmente podría asumir que es porque ella es imparcial... en Belice, es más probable que durante los últimos trece años haya cerrado los ojos con horror. O tal vez, lo haya hecho por no tener que dar testimonio de las condiciones miserables y ruinosas de sus tribunales ni de la incapacidad de sus abrumados representantes para manejar adecuadamente una carga de trabajo cada vez mayor. En la inauguración de la Corte Suprema hubo una gran evidencia de que este Gobierno pretende cumplir su promesa de empoderar a las mujeres e incluirlas en todos los niveles de la toma de decisiones. El hecho del que el presidente del Colegio de Abogados, el Fiscal General y el presidente de la Corte suprema sean mujeres es algo que quedará registrado en los libros de historia. La diferencia ya es evidente, ya que el discurso de apertura de un evento tanto histórico y ceremonial estaba cargado de mucho discurso honesto en torno a una de las piedras angulares de nuestra democracia. Mientras que antes, todo era lo de siempre, el consenso es que los engranajes de la Justicia han sido lentos y poco ágiles, por un sinfín de razones, pero dado el diálogo apasionado no hay duda de que muy pronto vendrá el cambio.

Parece que la visión selectiva era sintomática de una enfermedad más virulenta que la actual pandemia. La corrupción parece haber invadido incluso la PUC y su junta directiva. Conocemos bien la afición de la administración anterior a hacer la vista gorda ante casos flagrantes de conflicto de intereses y no hay muchos tan flagrantes como la adquisición del antiguo edificio Mirab. Un antiguo miembro de la junta directiva de la PUC es casualmente también uno de los propietarios del inmueble. Se trata de una violación de la ética y un grave conflicto de intereses que no debería haberse producido en ninguna circunstancia. Sin embargo, la guinda del pastel parece ser el importe y las condiciones en que se realizó la venta. Los propietarios afirman que lo que han vendido son tres parcelas y un edificio. Sin embargo, se trata de un edificio asentado en dos propiedades y se considera, según las prácticas inmobiliarias internacionales habituales que se vende como una sola propiedad. Así que, en realidad, la venta fue sólo de dos propiedades.

Se está haciendo un esfuerzo gigantesco en los medios de comunicación para justificar el costo de más de 10 millones de dólares en un edificio y un aparcamiento en un momento en el que la economía de Belice es la que menos puede permitirse estos gastos tan extravagantes y frívolos.

La venta para la que se hizo un pago inicial y justo antes de las últimas elecciones generales y para la que ahora tenemos que pagar el saldo restante a la friolera del 7% de interés.

No se justifica la compra del inmueble de Mirab, para el cual todavía hay que gastar cientos de miles de dólares para hacerlo utilizable. El valor de mercado de la propiedad, incluso con su envidiable ubicación, no tiene en cuenta la depreciación de un edificio de más de veinte años en grave deterioro. No tiene en cuenta el elevado interés que se cobra ni el hecho del que se necesitarán cientos de miles de dólares para que vuelva a ser utilizable. Dejando a un lado la horrible óptica y la imperdonable falta de ética, este no fue un buen negocio para Belice. Nos unimos al llamamiento del presidente de la PUC para que se anule este acuerdo en el mejor interés de los beliceños. Esto equivale a un robo a plena luz del día y no debe ser tolerado.

24 JAN

2021

05 5

THE BELIZE TIMES

Mayor Rigo Vellos re-negotiates unsustainable Imer Hernandez contract, producing savings for Corozal Town January 20, 2021 Upon entering office in March 2018, Mayor Rigo Vellos and the Corozal Town Council met unsustainable debt at Town Hall due to maladministration during the 12-year UDP/Hilberto Campos-regime. None more prominent than the $1.377 Million contract signed with Imer Hernandez Development Company in February 2017 for the paving of six streets. This agreement set out a schedule of monthly payments over a period of 10 years, and included the stipulation that in the months January to March, the entire Government subvention be paid towards the contract.

This financial obligation has been the main cause of financial strife for the Corozal Town Council, putting pressure for monthly payments over the past three years. Past attempts by the Council to request the re-negotiation of the contract to lower payments did not succeed. However, one last attempt late last year proved successful, and on January 13, Mayor Rigo Vellos and Imer Hernandez Development Company agreed to new payment terms.

The re-negotiation of the terms will lower payments while extending the completion year. This will give much-needed financial breathing room to the Corozal Town Council, which amidst Covid-19 times has had to implement numerous austerity measures including a reduction of salaries to 75% (sanitation workers continued to receive their full salary), a shift-system work schedule, and focused prioritisation for spending. These measures have ensured that no employee has been fired during Covid-19, in support of families.

The re-negotiation will now allow a significant restoration of salaries for Council workers affected by Covid-19 measures. Additionally, the Council has seen it fit to consider a relief program for sectors of the business community that have been most impacted by Covid-19.

The Council, under the leadership of Mayor Rigo Vellos, has ensured sound financial stewardship, even in unprecedented challenging times, while still delivering on various projects that have enhanced our municipality.

With greater support from the new Briceño Government, much more will be done!

[End]

VACANCY NOTICE SUPERVISOR - YOUTH HOSTEL, COMMUNITY REHABILITATION DEPARTMENT Application are invited from suitably qualified persons to fill the post of Supervisor, Youth Hostel, Community Rehabilitation Department, under the Ministry of Human Development, Families and Indigenous’ Peoples’ Affairs.

Basic Purpose of Position Assist with the administrative and supervisory work involved in planning, managing, coordinating and overseeing the programming and day-to-day operations of the Youth Hostel and ensuring the safety, security and welfare of personnel and the juveniles within the facility.

Analysis of position (a) Essential Duties and Responsibilities 1. Supervise Youth Hostel Staff in the performance of their duties in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures and other rules and regulations of the institution.

2. Ensure proper orientation of new staff.

3. Assist with the coordination and facilitation of ongoing in-service training for staff.

4. Coach and mentor staff, with emphasis on Core Correctional Practice (interactional

and relationship building skills), to foster an environment of continuous learning.

5. Model professional behavior and appropriate interactional skills.

6. Ensure the safety and welfare of all residents.

7. Participate in case conferences, as necessary, and support the case management

process.

8. Ensure that the grievances of the residents are heard and addressed.

9. Assist with the planning of programmes and activities geared towards the

rehabilitation of residents, and monitor implementation.

10. Coordinate routine medicals for all residents, and ensure that other medical issues

are addressed promptly as they arise.

11. Oversee the implementation of the behaviour modification programme.

12. Check all major equipment on a weekly basis and report faults as necessary.

13. Ensure that proper handing over occurs at every shift change.

14. Ensure that maintenance issues for the buildings are reported and followed up.

15. Be on-call to respond to issues as they arise.

16. Any other duties that may be assigned.

REQUIREMENTS Qualifications/Experience Associate Degree in Social Work or related Social Science with at least three (3) years’ experience in the field. Three (3) years working with youth; three (3) years’ supervisory experience; experience working with children or adolescents within the child protection system or in an institution would be an asset.

Knowledge: a. Legal and human rights framework as they pertain to children and court procedures; b. Supervision methods for children in a custody setting. c. Security considerations and measures. d. Report preparation and record keeping as they pertain to court system; e. Adolescent behavior and mental health issues; f. Basic Counseling methods; g. Principles and practices of leadership, management, supervision and training; Skills: a. b.

a. b.

c.

d. e.

Strong written and interpersonal skills Ability to respond to emergencies or stressful situations calmly, quickly, and decisively and utilize de-escalation techniques Capacity to train and coordinate the work of others; Flexibility and ability to exercise judgment in relating to juveniles and in responding to changing situations; Ability to prepare clear, concise, accurate and complete written and oral reports and maintain accurate records of work activities; Ability to foster teamwork Ability to act in alignment with the organization’s desired culture to achieve organizational goals.

Special Work Conditions a. Work is subject to extended hours, weekends, call-backs or on-call status and

irregular schedules to include completion of work assignments on evenings,

weekends and holidays. b. Work is subject to travelling and irregular hours in order to perform work assignments Reporting Requirements Supervisor will report directly to the Chief Supervisor of the Youth Hostel.

Salary Government Payscale 10 of $20,407 x $976 - $38,951 per annum Submission of Applications Interested persons must submit completed application packages which must include curriculum vitae, copies of qualifications, 2 reference letters, police record and Social Security card. Application must be sent to secretary.crd@humandev.gov.bz or delivered to Community Rehabilitation Department on Lake Independence Boulevard (The Hub Building) off Chetumal Boulevard, Belize City.

Deadline for applications is January 28th, 2021

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24 JAN

THE BELIZE TIMES

GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

VALENTINO SHAL

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

Valentino Shal has been working in the development field for the past 18 years both in Belize and in the Caribbean. He has provided consulting services to major multilateral institutions such as the World Bank, InterAmerican Development Bank, the Caribbean Development Bank, and other international and local development partners including the Government of Belize.

He has also worked as a Community Development Specialist for the Belize Social Investment Fund, Program Manager for Peace Corps Belize and Development Liaison in Belize for the Government of Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development. His worked has focused primarily on poverty reduction, social infrastructure, and environmental conservation. Under these sectors, he was worked specifically on youth development, small enterprise development, alternative livelihoods, social and gender impact assessments, environmental and social safeguards, tourism development, protected areas management, monitoring and evaluation and climate change adaptation.

Valentino has also previously served on the Boards of several organizations including Galen University, the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) and the Ya’axche Conservation Trust (YCT). Coming from the Toledo District, Valentino speaks two indigenous languages fluently namely Maya Mopan, Maya Q’eqchi, and he spends his down time at his cacao farm near San Pedro Columbia.

Valentino holds a Master’s Degree in Environment and Development from the London School of Economics and Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Belize.

2021

NOTICE

GOVERNNMENT OF BELIZE TREASURY BILLS ISSUE NUMBER 2/2021 Tenders are invited for an issue of Government of Belize Treasury Bills. The amount of the issue will be $64,391,800.00.

The Bills will be issued in electronic form only evidenced by an electronic book entry in the Central Securities Depository of the Central Bank of Belize in multiples of $200 and will be repayable at par 91 days after issue. They will be issued on Tuesday, 26 January 2021 and will be redeemed on Tuesday, 27 April 2021.

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

Members of the public who wish to participate in the auction must submit their bid to the Central Bank of Belize electronically or at the designated drop off box no later than 12:00 noon on Friday, 22 January 2021.

The Auction on the Central Securities Depository System (CSD) will be opened from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on Tuesday, 26 January 2021.

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

Bank: Central Bank of Belize Account: GLICORP0402627 The Government of Belize reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all tenders in whole or in part.

CENTRAL BANK OF BELIZE Notices are placed on Central Bank of Belize Website (www.centralbank.org. bz) 7 January 2021

CARTOON

24 JAN

2021

THE BELIZE TIMES

07 7

STATE FUNERAL

Honoring Dr. Dame Minita Gordon, GCMG GCVO JP.

The Official Remembrance by the Hon. John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize January 20, 2021

I begin today’s remarks addressing directly Ms. Kelorah Frankly and other Family Members of Dame Elmira Minita Gordon, please accept our condolences and heartfelt gratitude for sharing your sister with us.

Her service to our Nation as our first Governor General has enshrined her in our history as one of the pioneers of the young nation of Belize and as one of our most formidable Belizean women.

Another of our awesome Belize women who recently passed away, our most celebrated Belizean writer Zee Edgell, author of the novel Beka Lamb wrote that: “Anyone could spare the time, stopped whatever they were doing to watch the funeral go by. It was a custom. It was important to know who had died…

It was more than a funeral they watched. In a way, it was a small lesson in community history, and everyone, for those minutes, was a diligent scholar.”

Words most appropriate for this occasion and for this Belizean patriot.

Over the past three days our nation came together in community under the rules of pandemic, to watch and listen by the thousands and to honour the good work of Dame Minita. Even now Belizeans are joining us virtually from all over the world as we bid our last farewell to our nation’s first Governor General.

Dame Elmira Minita Gordon was a beaming, brilliant, and towering renaissance Belizean. Her parents, Frederick Gordon and May Dakers, immigrated from Jamaica to Lucky Strike, Belize in the 1920s.

Elmira along with her five siblings: Lincoln Coyi, Dorinda Henderson, Kelorah Franklin, Rolston Coyi, and Robert Reyes grew up like all the Belizean children of their generation.

I am sure none would imagine that the little girl who was born in Belize City on 30th December 1930 and grew up on Plues Street would become our nation’s first Governor General, and the first woman Governor General in the Commonwealth.

So, while we mourn her passing, we also celebrate her life of 90 years and all she accomplished during her time here with us.

Kelorah said Minita’s mantra was “aim high” and aim high she did. She was an outstanding Belizean academic, and professional psychologist. A graduate of St. George’s Teachers college. A graduate of the University of Nottingham and University of Birmingham in England and then at the University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada. From 1977 to1980 she worked, and she studied.

Her industry and talent earned her a master’s degree in educational psychology and then a doctorate in applied psychology from the University of Toronto Minita was a teacher of teachers, a mentor, and someone who served the people.

The example Dr. Minita Gordon set as a diligent and brilliant student who excelled up to the highest levels of her studies made her one of the most qualified Belizeans but more so an inspiration, especially for young girls in Belize.

Growing up in Belize City and raised Anglican young Elmira attended St. John’s Girls’ School and St. Mary’s Primary. She served as a member of the Girl Guides from 1946. Years later, in 1970 she became the District Commissioner of the Girl Guides for the Belize district. Mr. Price would have appreciated her years of work with the girl guides, the Red Cross and her missionary service.

Many people might not know this, but our first Governor General was a skilled artist especially in the media of textiles and leather craft.

She shared her creativity with many young people training them and taught them the value of using recycled materials, this was decades before recycling was a thing in Belize. This too would have impressed the fellow artist who would become our first Prime Minister.

Her life before becoming our first Governor General was exemplified by a commitment to excellence.

I believe it was the collective of all these things that caused Mr. Price to appoint this unique and talented Belizean woman from South Side Belize City to join him along with Prince Michael of Kent on 21st September 1981 when Dame Minita Gordon was appointed as Governor General of Belize.

Elmira Minita Gordon was a decorated Belizean woman, she was promoted to both Dame Grand Cross of the Order of St. Michael and St. George (GCMG) and Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO).

She was a part of an exclusive group of “double dames”.

But I am sure if you speak to her family, they will tell she was equally proud of the title of District Commissioner of the Girl Guides for the Belize district; of her appointment as a Justice of the Peace; and a senior Justice of the Peace. Her lifetime membership of the Belize Red Cross and British Red Cross. Her work as a member of the National Library Service Board, the St. Hilda’s College Board of Governors, Deputy Chairperson of the Domestic Wages Council of the YWCA and a member of the Educational Psychology Programme Planning Committee.

The sum total of it all is that Dame Minita served us well as the first governor general of Belize. A job she executed with excellence and grace.

So today we honour her, we pay tribute to her life-time of work, dedication and sacrifice to our beloved nation; and we celebrate a life well-lived.

Dame Minita Gordon ended her pilgrimage here on earth on 1st January 2021, but her legacy will live on and should inspire generations of young Belizean women.

To her family and friends, I say on behalf of a grateful nation, thank you.

We ask of our Creator, no less for Elmira Minita Gordon than what is expressed in our beautiful Belizean National Prayer which states that after enjoying the blessings of this life, please admit us, dear Lord, to that eternal reward that you have prepared for those who love You. Amen.

Thank you, Dame Minita, we will forever remember your dedicated service to our nation.

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24 JAN

THE BELIZE TIMES

Bloated Contracts: The Mirab Purchase In the Barrow/Faber UDP world of bloated contracts not even the Public Utilities Commission (the guardian of our light and water bills) is exempt from the 13 year long reign of corrupt deals. As this writer has put it, if the UDP touched it, it got corrupted. The Barrow/Faber touch contaminated everything: the pantry, Boost, infrastructure, children’s tablets, land transactions, Elections, Tourism, Assets sell-off just to name a few. In that list we skipped, Sanctuary Bay, Faber/Coc, Faber/Longsworth, Faber/Tablets, Dermen/Saldivar, Mason/Saldivar, Recondev/Saldivar, Puerto Azul, Immigration Scandal, Salazar, Pablo’s Pharmaceuticals etc. since these are a more obscene genre of infamy.

In the 13 year UDP field of nightmares, the PUC was seen as a rubber stamp to manipulate the electric current rates, water rates, calling charges and Internet charges. If an election is near the rates dipped a bit and just after the elections the rates skyrocketed. With Barrow’s nephew as Chair of the PUC Board, the CEO John Avery was nothing more than an obsequious yes-man. So now, when we hear of a 10.3 million dollar purchase of a building by Memorial Park that belonged to the Mirab group via a leaked document questioning the same RED flags blare all over. With this number of millions you know that the higher echelons of UDP infamy were fully abreast.

What did the UDP gain with a 10.3

2021

HEADQUARTERS EXECUTIVE SEARCH

million dollar deal with the Mirab group?

Is this not a clear violation of the 5 million cap on government deals needing an open tendering process, according to the Finance and Reform Act? Is the PUC calling on the Mirab Group for negotiation legal?

Why would the PUC request to buy a building for 10.3 million and continue paying twelve thousand dollars a month rent 14 months after the Mirab deal was signed?

We will remember that on December 5, 2019 this was pre-Covid. This was a time that by popular opinion and as hinted by UDPs, elections were to be called early in 2020. Did this have any bearing on this secret ‘deal’? The secret tag definitely fits as it was not public knowledge until it was queried by the new PUC Chairman Dean Molina. The Mirab Group quickly came out in defence of the deal. Patrick Faber and the UDP went utterly silent except for a little bluster on the curfew—since it is working to fix the UDP’s Trumpian ineptness with Covid, it should be lifted. Faber of course will say he has no knowledge of the Mirab deal and he will not defend it.

The UDP is extinct and Faber does not know it yet.

But I digress, a bit, is it coincidental that a utility, BTL and Digi, is renting at the Mirab building for some unknown rental fee? The things in Belize that make you go, hmmm. Should our utility company be renting there, might be an appropriate question.

The Caribbean Examina�ons Council (CXC)®, the regional examining body, is seeking four (4) talented professionals to join its team in the following capaci�es: i.

WESTERN ZONE OFFICE - JAMAICA:

Pro-Registrar/Deputy Chief Execu�ve Officer, Administra�ve Opera�onal Centre

Interested applicants should email their informa�on to: Execu�veJobs@cxc.org.

Further informa�on on the role can be accessed via our website: www.cxc.org/ vacancies Include the names and contact informa�on for three (3) referees and address your submission to: The Registrar/CEO, Caribbean Examina�ons Council ii. iii. iv.

HEADQUARTERS, EASTERN ZONE OFFICE - BARBADOS:

Manager, Examina�ons Administra�on and Security Department (EAS) Manager, Measurement and Evalua�on, Examina�ons Development and Produc�on Department (EDPD) Internal Auditor, Office of the Registrar (OOR)

Interested applicants should apply via our website: www.cxc.org/vacancies where further informa�on on the roles can be accessed.

Clearly iden�fy the Job Title/Posi�on which you wish to be considered for in the subject line: e.g. Applica�on for the post of Internal Auditor, Office of the Registrar (OOR) Include the names and contact informa�on for three (3) referees and address your submission to:

The Registrar/CEO, Caribbean Examina�ons Council CXC is a performance driven organisa�on which offers a compe��ve, a�rac�ve remunera�on and benefits package as well as opportuni�es for further learning and career development.

The Deadline for submissions is Sunday, 7 February 2021. Only suitably qualified applicants will be contacted.

ONLY ELECTRONIC APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED

SAN PEDRO HIGH SCHOOL

ROBERT’S GROVE LIMITED (In Receivership) - PROPERTIES & ASSETS PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District Robert’s Grove Limited (In Receivership) hereby advertises the sale of the following properties and assets by public auction by Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A. Castillo & Christiana R. Castillo ONLINE via belizepropertyauctions.com.

Sale expires on Friday 5th February 2021 at 1:30 pm.

A temporary vacancy exists for the following post at San Pedro High School for the period April 1st to June 30th, 2021: •

Chemistry Teacher

Applicants must have a minimum of a first degree in the subject area to be taught.

Experience teaching the subject at the CSEC level and online teaching will be assets.

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCELS

Placencia North

36

3641, 3642, 3257, 3259, 3260, 3261, 3262, 3263, 3264, 3265, 3266, 3267, 3268, 3269, 3271, 3281, 3284, 3286

(Being the following improvements/developments: Main Two Level Administration/Studio Building, Ocean view Apartment Suites (A, B & C), Workers Quarters, Habanero Restaurant and Bar, Outdoor Bar & Patio, Swimming Pool and Court, Beachfront Spa and massage parlor, Laundry House, Back Office Building/Bedroom, Marina Generator House, Bicycle Shed, Gazebo, Gymnasium Building, Sweet Mama’s Restaurant, Beachfront Pier, Staff Quarters, Dive Shop Building, Office/Storeroom Timber Building, Main Warehouse, Garage Shed Building, Carpentry Shop Building, Staff Quarters, The Marina, RG Generator House, Manager Residence, Fuel Station & Storage Tanks TOGETHER with approximately 13 acres of land including eighteen (18) parcels, the freehold properties of Messrs. Robert’s Grove Limited) KINDLY VISIT: BELIZEPROPERTYAUCTIONS.COM FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION VIEWING BY APPOINTMENTS ONLY TERMS: STRICTLY CASH KEVIN A. CASTILLO CHRISTIANA R. CASTILLO TELEPHONE: 223 4488 Email: kevinacas@yahoo.com Facebook: Belize Auctions

Applicants must also have excellent communication, interpersonal skills and be willing to work with students.

Applications should be submitted along with a resume, copies of certificates, transcript, letters of recommendation and teacher’s license (must).

Salary will be in accordance with Government’s pay scale, which is based on qualifications.

Applications must be addressed to:

Principal P.O. Box 23 San Pedro High School San Pedro Town A.C. Deadline for Applications: February 5, 2021.

24 JAN

099

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

BELIZE TAX SERVICE REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

Security Services and Armoured Deposits for Belize Tax Service Offices (BTSD) Countrywide Introduction The Belize Tax Service is responsible for the collection of taxes for the Government of Belize. The BTSD has branch offices country-wide to carry out its mandated functions.

The requirements of the proposal is to provide static guards to protect the staff and premises of the BTSD. Objective The objective of this terms of reference is to engage a suitably qualified private security firm to provide security services to protect the BTSD staff and premises and to provide monthly reports to the BTSD. Scope of Provision of Security Services The scope of work for this proposal and the engagement of the successful Security bidder who will be engaged in two shifts a day (24 hours) and address the following tasks.

1. Provision of Static guards manning the gates controlling people and vehicles.

2. Provision of static guards protecting buildings and grounds during the day and night.

3. Provision for escort guard on daily deposits.

Detailed Extent of Security and Courier Services The Security Firm shall provide security services for the protection to the personnel, assets and premises and courier services of the Belize Tax Services offices countrywide.

1. (a)

(b)

General requirements For the Belize City office, twenty-four (24) hours security service is required followed by armoured vehicle courier services to be performed 5 days per week (Monday – Friday) For the District offices, security services shall be performed 5 days per week (Monday – Friday) from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. or until cashier balances followed by courier service.

• Belmopan • San Ignacio • Corozal • Orange Walk • Dangriga • Punta Gorda • San Pedro

(c)

Armoured Deposit Carrier Service must be insured.

(d)

The security officers shall be properly trained and licensed, in accordance with local laws, to perform security services, including but not limited to, the carrying of licensed firearms for the effective performance of their duties.

(e)

The security officers should be armed on tax collection days.

(f)

The officers shall be uniformed and wear appropriate identification badges.

The names of the guards shall be given well in advance of assignment to perform service.

(g)

Security officers must hold a valid Police Record.

2. (a)

Duties/Responsibilities The security service shall include control of entries and exits, body search based on suspicion and ID card check/verification of the incoming people other than the staff working at the building and overall security of the building with its entire premises.

- Watch and Control Duty: Include watching at the place of assignment and control duty to prevent parking of cars and placement of foreign objects in front of the building.

- Reception Duty: Assisting visitors upon their arrival at the building in an effective, kind and professional manner and registering their names and directing them to the relevant departments/sections.

(b)

1.

Security Officers shall perform their duties at the office entrance, in the front of the building, at the parking area and at other places at the sides of the building as shall be notified by the management.

In all emergencies, guards must refer to Emergency contacts provided for each of the Belize Tax Office’s location.

the end of each workday.

5.

BTS managers will do a weekly check of the logbook.

6.

Security of Motor vehicles is mandatory at all times.

7.

Deposits must be done daily on the instruction of the Branch Manager and this must be properly secured once left the compound as the firm will be held responsible for any lost.

8.

Security Officers shall conduct patrols outside the building to ensure that doors remain locked and that there is no sign of breakage at the Belize City office.

9.

Any other security related task as may be agreed upon from time to time by the parties involved.

3.

Qualification of Security Firm

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Certificate of Good Standing from Belize Company Registry Certificate of Good Standing from the Social Security Board Certificate of Good Standing from the Belize Tax Service “For Bidding Purposes” Current Trade License Special license issued by the Police Department Experience in the field of security services during the past five years Evidence of past jobs.

At least two (2) recommendations letters are required.

4.

Skills, Knowledge, Abilities

a. c. e.

5.

Reputable Reliable Professional

b. d.

Experienced Trustworthy

Contract Details The successful firm will be employed on a contractual basis for a period of two (2) years.

Duty Stations: Belize Tax Service Branch offices countrywide locations (Belize City, Belmopan, San Ignacio, Corozal, Orange Walk, Dangriga, Punta Gorda, and San Pedro).

6.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES: Bidding package should contain:

a) Comprehensive proposal including company profile, interest, experience, and competence of the security firm. b) Certificate of Good Standing from Belize Company Registry c) Certificate of Good Standing from the Social Security Board d) Certificate of Good Standing from the Belize Tax Service “For Bidding Purposes” e) Current Trade License f) Special Security License issued by the Police Department g) Two (2) recommendation letters h) Price breakdown required as specified below: Main Office: One (1) unarmed officer x 7 days per week (day time) Two (2) unarmed officers x 7 days per week (night time) One (1) armed officer x 3 days per month (these 3 days are Tax Days) Courier service x 5 days per week excluding holidays Branch Offices: One (1) unarmed officer x 5 days per week (day time) One (1) armed officer x 3 days per month (these 3 days are Tax Days) Courier service x 5 days per week excluding holidays Cost incurred in visiting the premises and preparation of the tender bid are the sole responsibility of the tenderer. Bids are to be accompanied by the documents listed above or under section 3 – Qualifications of Security Firm.

The lowest or any tender will not necessarily be accepted. Late bids will be disqualified and returned to the sender unopened.

Full Terms of Reference can be requested from: dana.ayuso@bts.gov.bz

2.

Security patrols and pegging for the day must be conducted no less than 12 times per 12hr shift, and recorded in the Logbook Patrols.

Deadline date for submission of proposals before or on February 5, 2021 and address to:

3.

General working hours for staff are 8am – 5pm, Mon. – Fri. any physical presence on the compound before or after the aforementioned hours or weekends and public and bank holiday, must be only with permission of a supervisor and properly documented in the logbook.

4.

Security officers must ensure the building and compound is properly lock and secure at

Director General Belize Tax Service Charles Bartlett Hyde Building Mahogany Street, Belize City Ref: “TENDER FOR THE PROVISION OF SECURITY SERVICES FOR BELIZE TAX SERVICE OFFICES COUNTRYWIDE”

10

Tribute to the Father of the Nation,

THE RT. HONORABLE GEORGE CADLE PRICE

By CEO in the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science & Technology, Dian Castillo Maheia At the Wreath-Laying Ceremony of the 1st Observance of George Price Day

Good morning, my fellow Belizeans, I am honored and deeply appreciative of the opportunity to speak today on the occasion of the 102nd birthday of the Father of our Nation, the Right Honorable George Cadle Price. I am no accomplished historian. I do not have the same treasure trove of memories of encounters and experiences with Mr. Price that so many of our people have.

But I am the daughter and the granddaughter of teachers, I value the stories and the memories of our family, and I share in your deep-seated respect and love for this great man.

Today as we gather to honor him, I keep thinking of the lessons we have learned from him: the humility, the service, the faith. And more, I keep thinking of why it matters. Why is it so important for us to continue to pay our respects to this humble, gentle man? Why do we need to teach our children about him?

Why do we all need to learn these lessons?

We need to learn these lessons because they are as relevant today as they were when Mr. Price was here with us.

The stories we all know of his walking through the streets and picking up trash, saying good morning to everyone he passed, asking for your name and the name of your parents – and then remembering more of your family members… these are more than stories we should share like fairy tales. These are examples we should follow. Your age, your job – those things are not nearly as important as being polite, being considerate, being kind. It costs us nothing to keep our surroundings clean, to greet the people we encounter, to smile and to wave even if we do not know them.

Mr. Price’s service to Belize has been unmatched. His dedication to building this nation and to working for our common good is unquestionable.

And he worked quietly, without fanfare, without fancy degrees. Imagine the good we could all do if we followed that example.

I ask you, now, my friends, to please indulge this Lit teacher. In his poem “Belizeans: Unite to Build our Nation” Mr. Price speaks directly to us all.

He says that “we have worked all night and worked all day.” Actually, he says it twice. In the world of poets, that means you need to pay attention to that line.

The work is long. It is hard. “While we

24 JAN

THE BELIZE TIMES

build, the rivers flood the roads, the forests choke the tamed earth, the underground waters flee the thirsty field.” Have we not so recently experienced this? – From droughts to floods, we have seen that we cannot control the elements of nature. But still we work.

“The builders await the sunrise. They seek new strength.”

That brings us to the lesson of faith.

Mr. Price’s faith was strong, constant.

I was reminded this morning of his love for the Virgin of Guadalupe. His walks to mass each morning at the Holy Redeemer Cathedral form the basis of so many of our people’s memories. Mr. Price knew that the sun would rise each morning, and that with the sunrise would come the new strength. His Catholic faith, his belief in the Holy Eucharist, in the Holy Trinity, these things renewed his strength daily.

Today, when our world seems confusing and hard to navigate, we can learn from this example too. Seek refuge in faith and let us see that every morning, as he says in the poem, “The sun rises from the life-giving sea”…

When the sun rises, “its glory fills the beauty and the bounty of our Belizean land.” He encourages Belizeans to “see the living beauty all around us, the teeming bounty, the soul-moving glory.” These are powerful words to remind us that we live in a beautiful country. From east to west, and north to south, that radiant sun comes to “staunch the floods and enrich the fields.”

Darkness does not last forever. “The sun rose. A new day. The past is present and the present future.”

How meaningful are those lines for us today? Today is a new day. Today is the first day ever that we honor Mr. Price in this way, with a holiday declared by our new government of the People’s United Party. Today, as we stand here, at his grave, the past is present. We remember.

We celebrate. We believe that Mr. Price’s legacy must continue. The present is future.

“There, not buried but founded, lies [a Belizean patriot]. Not bones on arid plain that once became alive. [He is] alive.

[His] spirit moves the Belizean man.

Today, let us allow the spirit of Mr. Price’s legacy to “call forth the new Belize, First in whispered messages, then in thundering call.”

Today and every day, “Belizeans: let us unite to build our nation.”

2021

PLANBELIZE AND REAL INFRASTRUCTURE WORK The Ministry of Infrastructure Development & Housing has had teams working in southern Belize for over a week on critical areas. In Independence, our Ministry analysts have identified priority streets leading to residential lots and businesses which needed to be repaired as a matter of priority. We thank as always our personnel on the ground who work tirelessly to ensure that residents are able to travel comfortably and safely.

NOTICE:

The People’s United Party invites applications for those wishing to represent the Party as our Standard Bearer for Corozal Bay Electoral Division. Application forms are available electronically from the PUP Secretariat and must be submitted to the PUP Secretariat no later than Friday, January 29th, 2021 at 4:00 P.M.

NORTHERN MEDICAL SPECIALTY PLAZA ORCHID DRIVE, B.S.I. AREA, ORANGE WALK TOWN, BELIZE PHONE: 302-3708 & FAX: 322-2320

VACANCY Northern Medical Plaza invites applications from experienced, dynamic, energetic, self motivated and professional individuals for the following vacancy of a Internist.

Requirements Must be registered with the Belize Medical Council 3 years experience will be considered.

Must know how to manage an Intensive Care Unit.

Applications close: February 11, 2021 Please submit application letter and three References to: northernmedical@live.com

24 JAN

2021

THE BELIZE TIMES

11

Tribute to the Father of the Nation,

THE RT. HONORABLE GEORGE CADLE PRICE

By Deputy (acting) Prime Minister, Hon. Cordel Hyde At the Wreath-Laying Ceremony of

The 1st Observance of George Price Day

January 15, 2021 Thanks Master of Ceremonies, this is how it looks when you win, the place is full.

Good Morning Everybody, Father Jeremy, members of the Price Family, His Worship the Mayor, Members of the National Assembly, Members of the Belize City Council, Our Family and Friends from all over.

Welcome and Good Morning again.

Over a dozen men and women started out this journey together with the nationalist movement 71 years ago. ONE… would endure and persevere through it all to lead the People’s United Party for 40 years, to six straight General Elections victories and ultimately to Belize’s political Independence.

We have more than one National Hero, and we may eventually have more, but we only have ONE Father of the Nation. ONE man who was the First Premier. ONE man who was the first Prime Minister. And, ONE that stood tallest on September 21st, 1981.

A quiet, reticent, humble man, he led us to Independence with all our territory intact in the face of an oftentimes belligerent neighbour who to this day still claims more than half of our territory.

He has forged a narrative that united us an alliance to victory.

He insisted that we be a party that speaks to the working people and to those with no work.

It is said that capitalism and politics that we practise these days have been high jacked by the wealthy where investing for the long term has been replaced by short-term profiteering. George Price resisted that in his day.

He has shown us that we too must resist that in our day. Too many people in Belize have no

future at all, no security at work, no certainty at home and not even a decent house to sit in on a rainy day. That is not the Belize the George Price envisioned and that is not the Belize we want for ourselves.

He was a flawed man, as with all men, but he was perfectly imperfect. He lived like no other man lived. Sacrificed like no other did. Dedicated his life in such a way that all manner of men and women can only dream of imitating. Despite being the most powerful man in the entire country for the better part of four decades, he lived in the same house, on the same street, in the same area practically all his life.

Wore the same clothes, ate the same food, woke the same time, attended church each morning at the same time, lived the ideals of social justice in its truest form.

Empowered root farmers in the north and built roads for indigenous people in the south. Out of the shambles of Hurricane Hattie he build Hattieville and Belmopan. And strove to make us a united, independent and hardworking people.

He believed in us and we believe in him. He inspired such loyalty and love that will never be equalled. In honouring him, we honor the very best of us.

This demonstration of our gratefulness for his life and work should not be limited to him but it should rightfully start with him.

There was none like him and celebrating him, does not, should not detract from anyone else.

That is not the George way.

This may be George Price Day but this is really the People’s Day as he would have no doubt preferred it. We claim him as ours in the People’s United Party but actually he is ours as Belizeans.

Before there was a Pope Francs there was a George Price, the humblest of leaders the world had ever seen. Pope Francis says that we are more concerned in making a living than making a life. We judge success by the index of our salaries and the size of our houses and automobiles rather than our quality of service and relationship to humanity.

In the words of man George Price himself, our true worth is not to own an automobile or to have a big bank account or to

display academic certificates or titles. Our true worth as true Belizean citizens is to work to produce the goods and services that make Belize great, to help our less fortunate brothers and sisters who yet suffer poverty, and misery, and humiliation.

See the life of the poor is sacred. We should never drop their cross, it is ours to bear. Mister Price has left us but he has not died. I read somewhere that the spirit of a freedom fighter is not buried in the grave of the valiant. He will be with us on this journey to ultimate freedom for our people—economic and spiritual freedom. He will be with us in this journey to Belmopan to make things right for the people who need our help the most because Mr. Price wouldn’t have it any other way. So we need to seek him out, listen to his voice. Always ask ourselves, “What would Mr. Price do?”

Because what is good for the people cannot be bad for the Party.

What is bad for the people cannot be good for the Party.

Pope Francis on his encounters with the old and the sick and the migrants and the prisoners said, “I have often asked myself wondering, why them and not me. I could have easily ended up there.” It is easier to ask yourself in your struggles, “why me and not them?”

I think that George Price often told himself, what is good for the people is good for him.

My people, it is time for a pause, a reflection, a moment of recollection. We must treasure the life of every man and woman, the poor, the elderly, the sick, the unborn, the children, the unemployed, the abandoned and dispossessed, the landless, and the hopeless. I think that is the true essence of what we are celebrating here today.

I dare say, that is what Mr. Price would have wanted.

Happy Birthday Mr. Price.

59 12

24 JAN

THE BELIZE TIMES 2021

A Public and Bank Holiday in Celebration of the 1st observance of

24 JAN

2021

GEORGE PRICE DAY on January 15, 2021 Wreath-Laying at the Lord Ridge Ceremony

24 JAN

2021

18 JAN

THE BELIZE TIMES 2015

13

STATE FUNERAL

Dr. Dame Elmira Minita Gordon, GCMG, GCVO, JP December 30, 1930 – January 1, 2021 Belize’s 1st Governor General (81-93) & the Commonwealth’s 1st Female Governor General The Government of Belize hosted a 3-day ceremony January 18 – Arrival of the body at Philip Goldson International Airport and Official Flags flown at half-mast all over the country January 19 – Cortège (Procession) and Lying in State at the Government House, Belize City.

January 20 – Ecumenical Service at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Baptist, Belize City. A procession will begin at the base of the Swing Bridge on North Front Street at 9:15 a.m. for the service at 10:00 a.m.

14

THE BELIZE TIMES

24 JAN

2021

PUP HIGHLIGHTS OF 2020 (JULY TO SEPTEMBER) July 2020 The PM Countrywide Tour begins in an effort to spread the word that the PUP was ready for Elections: Now I know that things dread, after all I was the person who at the last House Sitting raised the issue of a stimulus package. But any stimulus package has to have the input of our partners, it should include the input of the productive sector, the business sector by way of the Belize Chamber of Commerce and those who would want to see funds be directed to getting our country moving in the right direction again. We should not be borrowing to put money into the hands of cronies or to put cash in the hands of Party supporters. So we want to see the plan. We want a plan that shows how these monies, especially that $12 million US from the IDB for cash transfers, will be distributed. We want to see who will benefit and how 24 million dollars, which we will all have to pay back, will be spent.

We on this side say again that the people have lost confidence in this UDP Government, they are tired of the UDP.(At the House of Representatives June 26, 2020) The PUP condemns: the decision of this UDP Government to slash the University of Belize’s (UB) subvention by 24.2% from $11 million to $8.34 million. This severe cut will inevitably lead to a reduction in the programs of study offered

by UB and likely, to the termination of members of faculty and staff. While we recognize and acknowledge the economic crisis facing the country, we view this decision to be misguided and counterproductive. The University of Belize is our National University and the flagship of our education system. In the last decade, funding to UB has increased by only $1million from $10 million in 2008 to $11 million in 2019. This has severely undermined UB’s ability and capacity to grow and develop which is unacceptable. For 12 long years, this UDP administration and the Ministry of Education has failed to plan and as a result, unable to put our National University on a sound and sustainable financial footing.

PUP Sides with the Port Workers: We call on the Government to spend less time on stupid political attacks and more time in working actively to resolve the situation to ensure that the rights of all workers are protected. It is the government’s constitutional responsibility. We also call on the receivership to put on hold, any termination and to return to the negotiating table to find a just and equitable solution to this matter. This is not the time for petty political gimmicks.

PUP Councils braving COVID in spite of the broke no-help incompetent UDP: Now July 21, Mayor Rigo Vellos, Deputy Mayor Hilberto Clarke, Councillors and residents of Corozal Town were joined by Opposition Leader Hon. John Briceno and Orange Walk Town Mayor Kevin Bernard for the official handing-over of two new Garbage Trucks. Mayor Vellos expressed his utmost gratitude to the Government and people of Japan, and to Ambassador Kubota, for the generosity. Mayor Vellos also recognised JIICA Volunteer Ryoya “Roy” Oyama who worked alongside the Town Council and was instrumental in seeing the process of the initiative started. In their speeches, Mayor Bernard and Hon. Briceno expressed their unconditional support for Mayor Vellos and the Corozal Town Council and offered encouragement for the hard work to continue.

August 2020 TOUR of the CITY Began: We have started our tour in Belize City. I am excited about meeting the residents of Belize City, to visit the market, to go to City Hall and to spend time in all constituencies with our standard bearers and with our city residents. It is also in Belize City that we will be launching our first policy. Our Plan Belize policy on Jobs and the Economy will be rolled out shortly at the Princess Hotel. We will share with you our plan for a $5 dollar an hour minimum wage, the creation of thousands of new jobs, the refocusing of our private and public

sector priorities and we will share our stimulus plan for a post-Covid Belizean economy.

TODOS GANAMOS: EVERYBODY Fih WIN… The PUP’s planBelize was just beginning to unfold. It was our way of showing that we mean business and that Belize needs to work for Everyone. The UDP trembled…that tremor has not ended as they bask in extinction.

PUP’s Fight Against Illegal Transfers: The people of Corozal lead by the PUP Standard Bearers have had enough. This past Friday they showed their discontent with the handling of Trans fers by the Elections and Boundaries office. The practise of moving people from one house to another to gain advantage in an election is illegal. This illegality it more pronounced when the house being moved into is only an office building or an empty lot or to a house fit for one person.

Historic Launch of PlanBelize: PUP EDUCATION policy was FIRST August 12 was by any measure a historic day for Belize and for the People’s United Party. Since his election as leader of the PUP in January 2016 and even before that John Briceño has been listening to the people of Belize. George Price has set a pace for him and Hon. Briceño means to follow it like clockwork. The policies in #planBelize can be accessed by anyone at planBelize.bz.

The dates can also be followed there. Join the movement, register into the site.

John Briceño’s constant visits to every constituency of Belize and his savvy for understanding the very complex spirit of Belizeanism has him poised to be the next Prime Minister of Belize. Today was the day that John Briceño and the PUP are opening up their #plan- Belize to commence the move from figurative to real.

September 2020 PlanBelize Rolls out Plans for Agriculture: But no more, the PUP’s plan for Agriculture into the future includes our Food Security, Tax Cuts, Export agreements, Trade agreements, Financing, Diversification, Increase of Yields, focussed Education, Storage Capacity, New Markets and much more. Other sectors like Tourism will flourish directly and indirectly because of a vibrant Agro productive sector. Covid-19 exposed the ill-advised focus on the Tourism sector. While the government salivates on a continued view to bolster tourism singularly, the PUP’s plan- Belize revitalizes all sectors which will be thriving as Belize really works for everyone. In this upcoming General Elections, with the PUP…Everybody fih Win… Todos Ganamos.

National Day of Prayer, John Briceño is Inspired in the Right way: Let us use today’s ecumenical service to honour our Creator, but to understand also that we must do so, not just at this time but all the time, and, not just in our thoughts and prayers but in our actions too - beginning with gratitude, kindness and compassion. For through the good times and the challenging ones we are one Belizean Family who should and must hold through to all those things said to be good -- the beatitudes.

Let us also keep in our hearts and minds that greatest commandment which calls on each of us to love God and to love one another as we love ourselves. This is my hope and my prayer as we celebrate and give thanks for our nation.

PL VISITS AREAS AFFECTED BY HURRICANE NANA: This was not a photo-op. The soon to be Prime Minister truly feels for the people and is aware that only by being among them can he truly serve them.

PL John Briceño on Independence Day 2020: “For nearly thirteen years Belizeans have witnessed unprecedented corruption, cronyism, nepotism and mismanagement of the economy and our precious resources. A small group of well-connected UDPs have plundered the Treasury, stolen the people’s lands, and prostituted Belizean nationality. The record of this UDP administration is one of betrayal, scandal and mismanagement. But we already know this and what we must do to correct these wrongs. We must vote.”

NOTE: Please look out for PUP 2020 Highlights(October-December) in the next issue of the Belize Times.

24 JAN

2021

THE BELIZE TIMES

VOICE OF THE COMMON MAN

BARROW GUILTY OF ECONOMIC TREASON?

by Hilly Bennett Upon being elected to office on November 11, 2020 the People’s United Party Government found the Haven of Democracy on a precipice of economic destruction. The state of affairs of Belize was in total disarray. The health infrastructure in shambles, rampant corruption, unabated crime and violence and no consideration given to the development of people. The economy was haemorrhaging from wanton neglect of sound fiduciary decisions.

Evidently, a case for economic treason can be brought against Dean Barrow and all his minions.

In 2011, the Green Party whip, Trevor Sargent of Ireland, proposed a constitutional amendment to enact a new charge of “economic treason”, which would have potential retrospective effect. The Bill would amend the Irish constitution at Article 39 that defined treason-levying war against the State or conspiring to overthrow the organs of government by force of arms.

Sargent proposed two subsections: 2) ‘Economic treason shall consist of action that result in reputational damage for the country, an unacceptable cost, or the loss of economic sovereignty, for the State’ 3) ‘Nothing in this section in this section shall preclude the drafting of Legislation applying these definitions retrospectively’ Undoubtedly, the Barrow Government including its neophyte leader Patrick Faber have plunged Belize into serious financial straits, straightjacketed to obscene contracts and unsustainable financial obligations domestically and externally, exposing the Jewel to dire consequences. Consequently, there is the fomenting of public anger which is focused on the United Democratic Party’s wrongdoings including corruption, incompetence, and abuse of the people’s purse. The result is a demand that the culprits, who self-interest and greed has undermined the National well-being, shall be brought to justice.

During the recent Senate session, Senator Eamon Courtenay revealed, in the upper chamber, that fifty-seven million was spent by the UDP without the relevant legal authorities of the Finance and Audit (Reform) Act 2005 and Amendment 2010 in conjunction with the Belize Constitution. Assurance was made that the monies will be accounted for and the possibility of criminal charges being laid.

Similarly, in March 2019, Prime Minister John Briceno and Honorable Julius Espat filed suit against

the then Prime Minister Dean Barrow and the Financial Secretary for the misappropriation of approximately one point four billion dollars.

The requisite approval from parliament was not followed thus violating the dictates of the Belize constitution and the Finance and Audit (Reform) Act of 2005. Admittance

by Fin Sec Waight of the one hundred million “slippage” illustrated the UDP administration indifference to good governance. The Court ruled against the PM and Waight.

Compounding Belize’s economic woes has been the insatiable borrowing and reckless spending and the chronic appetite for meaningless infrastructure- roads that lead to nowhere and roundabouts.

Inflated contracts were issued to a few set of United Democratic Party cronies which involved members of the Dean Barrow club, like Karen Bevans, the ten million Mirab building by the Public Utilities Company and John Avery et al, the Arguelles brothers and the truck driver Imer Hernandez creating what is considered “state capture” by the National Human Development Index Report. The UDP government was subservient to the whims and fancy of the individuals.

Notwithstanding the IMF mission advice that the wage bill is unsustainable Barrow continued to reject the sound recommendation.

In his “swan song” 2020 budget presentation, Barrow boasted that he grew the wage bill by thirty five million each year for the past ten years an increase in salaries from 276.3 million in 2008 to 540.5 million presently . A contradiction to his “making every dollar counts” pronouncements in March 2020.

Although the black swan events, the COVID-19 pandemic, the floods and drought must be considered, it was the gross mismanagement of the country’s financials that disallowed a cushion for the unforeseen shocks.

It is the writer’s opinion that there should be an offense for financial treason. The offense should carry a mandatory sentence and huge fines, applicable to individuals of fiduciary responsibilities in government.

The Prime Minister John Briceño and the PUP Government is vigorously pursuing the Opposition’s financial irregularities with an indication that legislation and reforms are on the horizon. Amidst the darkness of the Dean Barrow destructive legacy we soldier on.

Decisions will be made in alignment with the peoples’ mandate. These decisions will serve the interest of all and not a few.

15

16

24 JAN

THE BELIZE TIMES

Good Leaders

By Gilroy Usher, Sr “Successful people are always looking for opportunities to help others. Unsuccessful people are always asking, “What’s in it for me?”

-Brian Tracy Development for the people requires persons who think of serving the entire community instead of themselves. Jobs, roads, housing, and other goods and services should available throughout a community instead of mainly in areas where persons with good political connection reside.

A servant of the people is concerned about the upliftment of his fellowmen with access to land, education, healthcare, and justice and other basic things for

a better life. Such a person does not engage in corrupt or shady schemes for self-enrichment. True service and greed are incompatible.

National progress demands persons, who knows what must be done to correct the ills of a society.

Such individuals should have a list of programs that must be implemented to make life better for the people, and they must have practical plans to turn those dreams into reality. A shepherd who relies on his flock for daily instructions to a better future is a failure. The blind cannot lead the blind. In a similar way someone cannot lead his community to a better future, if he cannot produce a roadmap to get it done.

Managing the affairs of a city or country is a huge and complex responsibility. The task requires persons with the best possible education. The minimum educational requirement to join The Belize Police Department is a high school diploma. Such requirement is necessary for the department to have competent officers who can do basic things such as to record a statement properly or serve as a witness in court.

Managing a municipality or a country is far more challenging and complex than carrying out the basic duties of a new police officer. It is therefore preferable that persons aspiring for elected office possess a minimum of an associates degree to ensure that they are up to the task at hand if they are successful at the polls. The days when the Belize Police Department could rely on recruits with only a primary school education has long passed. In a similar way the days have long passed when the public could rely on a politician with a high school diploma to manage the affairs a municipality or a country properly.

A servant of the people is also a people friendly person. Such an individual shows appreciation for everyone wherever

2021

they are. A servant of the people is comfortable meeting the people on the street, in upper class neighborhoods, and in marginalized communities with rundown parks, inadequate housing, gang warfare, poor streets, and lack of access to jobs and utility services especially electricity and water.

People have more confidence that someone will carry out his promises to improve their communities, when in seeking public office an individual puts his shoulder to the wheel as a vote getter. Such a person pulls his weight in ensuring persons are registered to vote and in ensuring that electors come out to vote in an election.

On Wednesday March 3 this year, Belizeans in all eight municipalities will elect a mayor and councilors to manage the affairs of their cities or towns for the next three years.

This essay outlined some qualities of a good leader to help ensure the best persons are elected to office in those elections.

From my assessment of the candidates for the municipal elections in little over a month, I am convinced that the governing PUP is offering the best candidates throughout the country, and strongly encourage the people to VOTE BLUE on Wednesday March 3rd.

BELIZE NATIONAL PRAYER Almighty and Eternal God, who through Jesus Christ has revealed Your Glory to all nations, please protect and preserve Belize, our beloved country.

God of might, wisdom and justice, please assist our Belizean government and people with your Holy Spirit of counsel and fortitude.

Let your light of Your divine wisdom direct their plans and endeavours so that with Your help we may attain our just objectives. With Your guidance, may all our endeavours tend to peace, social justice, liberty, national happiness, the increase of industry, sobriety and useful knowledge.

We pray, O God of Mercy, for all of us that we may be blessed in the knowledge and sanctified in the observance of Your most holy law, that we may be preserved in union and in peace which the world itself cannot give. And, after enjoying the blessings of this life, please admit us, dear Lord, to that eternal reward that You have prepared for those who love You. Amen

24 JAN

2021

THE BELIZE TIMES

THINK ABOUT IT CORDEL – REVOLUTIONARY What the Honourable Cordel Hyde has done is as close to revolutionary as a government Minister can do.

Last week he visited Dangriga to personally meet and discuss with citizens their aspirations to own a piece of land.

Imagine, the Deputy Prime Minister of the nation, with all the burden and pressures of his high office and other portfolio responsibilities, finds the time, no, makes time to travel to Griga to work. He took a portion of his Ministry staff to process applications. Over two hundred Belizeans relished the golden opportunity to see and converse with their new Minister of Lands.

Other land Ministers have turned up in constituencies to hand out land papers. But it was always just before an election as part of vote bribery and political gimmickry.

There ain’t no general elections for the next five years and Cordel certainly does not need a few handful of votes.

What Cordel has done sets a high bar. He has indicated he would wish to visit other districts for the same purpose. This is a new policy direction. For a Minister, in this case the Deputy Prime Minister, to personally go out to serve the people directly is a new phenomenon for our former colonial country.

This is huge and transformational. It speaks volume for the new government. It can only be compared to the great George Price. He constantly toured the country meeting people and listening to their concerns.

We understand the new Prime Minister is considering requesting all his Ministers and area representatives to set aside Wednesday mornings for meeting any citizens who have problems which the government bureaucracy is not solving. Meeting constituents should be an on-going process at the paid-for constituency offices.

The significance of Cordel’s working tour with regards to empowering citizens with land is a major initiative. Major!

Respect Deputy.

HUGO PATT COMMITTED A CRIME At the first working meeting of the National Assembly two Fridays ago, the on-going revelations of the UDP government corruption, wrong doing and shenanigans continue to pour out.

The shocking and disgraceful dealings with the country’s land is appalling. Wishing to paint a different picture on one of the many misdeeds, former lands Minister Hugo Patt explained that he gave a SIX MILLION dollars worth of land to a UDP crony for twenty six thousand dollar. He said this was because government might have changed and the PUP would give away the land.

The big problem for the Ex-Minister Hugo Pat is that he had no authority to give away SIX MILLION dollars worth of land. The land was bought from a private owner for SIX MILLION dollars. There is no authority for Hugo Patt to give away the people’s property to a single individual just before election. That is defrauding the revenue.

The police recently charged two public officers for defrauding government of thirty five thousand dollars.

But the police have not yet arrested ex-UDP Minister Herman Longsworth who stole thousands of dollars of Sports Council monies. Nor have they even interviewed or charged John Saldivar for evading income taxes, money laundering or any crime for the tranches of over one hundred thousand dollars from Dermen.

Neither has the police brought any charges against ex-UDP Minister Rene Montero. To our knowledge the police have not even obtained a statement from the Whistleblower De La Rosa, who has explosive explanations and allegations against Montero.

So maybe we can understand why Hugo Patt can publicly admit to a crime and the police look the other way.

SHORT OF JUDGES Not one but two judges have resigned from the criminal division of the Supreme Court. One of these is Colin Williams who was a champion for the liberty of citizens locked up in prison without a trial and those who face trial without having a lawyer. There is now no judge doing criminal cases in Belize City. The situation is dread.

There are four candidates who may be interested to be judges. Among the best lawyers practicing in court is Anthony Sylvestre. He has also successfully challenged several Constitutional issues affecting fair trial and the justice of accused persons. The Caribbean Court of Appeal most times rule in favour of Mr. Sylvestre’s submissions.

Second is Merlene Moody who has worked in the court system all her life. For Prosecutor,

17

Crown Counsel, Magistrate and private practice attorney, she has a wealth of knowledge and experience.

There is also the DPP Mrs. Cheryl Lynn Vidal, very knowledgeable in the criminal law. And there is the current Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser who is highly experienced.

The shortage situation in the Magistrate court is a little better.

No Magistrate in Benque, San Ignacio, Independence, one short in Belmopan and Belize City is limping along. Two persons fresh out of law school have been appointed. But to place green lawyers as Magistrates in the districts is an injustice to citizens.

We need to ask, why is attorney Selgado being repeatedly denied an opportunity to serve as a Magistrate? And why aren’t more lawyers volunteering to help resolve the shortage by serving a one year or two years stint.

BARROW’S DISGRACEFUL TREATMENT OF MINITA GORDON To the everlasting shame of Dean Barrow, among the long list of shameful things he has done, was his treatment of Minita Gordon.

In 1993, the UDP won the general election by four votes. It was the second time UDP won an election. Their first was in 1984, by 1989 the people kicked them out of office, primarily because of the unbearable arrogance of Dean Barrow and the cold hearted behavior of then Prime Minister Esquivel.

The 1993 election was so close that the UDP was an insecure government. There was talk of UDP Ministers crossing over to the PUP. Like in communist countries, a “plot” was uncovered to induce UDP Ministers to join the PUP and so cause a change of government.

Said Musa was arrested and as was a Don from Dangriga, the indefatigable Clinton Pele Hernandez. They were charged and taken to court.

An alleged part of the “plot” was that once two or three elected UDPs changed and joined the PUP, the Governor General would have no choice but to recognize that the PUP now have a majority and would replace the UDP as the government.

Barrow and Esquivel were in panic. They removed Minita Gordon and replaced her with Colville Young a former candidate who lost to Lindy Rogers. Way back in the 1960’s.

Dame Minita Gordon, who had a University degree, then obtained a Master’s degree and further obtained a Doctorate degree was unceremoniously thrown out of office and treated like dirt. Over the past thirteen years she was left to fend for herself. No pension, no driver, no medical insurance. It is shocking.

On Wednesday 20th January, 2021, our first Governor General was buried, Former Prime Minister Dean Barrow did not attend. Quite rightly. Of the few persons Jesus condemned were hypocrites. Even Love FM commented in their Wednesday newscast of the insult of Mr. Barrow.

Opposition Leader Patrick Faber turned up at the church service late. Oh mein! Disrespectful.

SMART STREAM The government service replaced the old manual voucher system of paying out public monies, for a computerized modern system called the Smart Stream.

Smart Stream is a bonanza for crooks, thieves and embezzlers who have been robbing public funds from day one. Now and then some are caught. Last week, two public officers were taken to court for easily defrauding the Smart Stream of thirty five thousand dollars. The month before that over fifty thousand dollars were embezzled. As easy as Sunday morning.

Obviously there are flaws and serious loopholes in the Smart Stream.

Time to tackle it.

ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST Gregory Bowen 38 years of age was detained at the Queen Street Police Station on the weekend of 2nd and 3rd January, 2021. He was found dead in the cell. Police say he hung himself with his pants. There is no cause to disbelieve the story. It turned out the police are familiar with Bowen and according to his family they knew from past experiences that Bowen had a mental problem.

This is not the first dearth in custody of the mentally ill.

Two things need to change urgently. The bad habit of police detaining persons for up to two days then releasing them without any charge. An open violation of their constitutionally-protected right to their freedom.

The second one is the urgent need for the new Minister of Health to get involved and put in place a proper, effective procedure to deal with mental persons outside of office hours. In the evening, night and weekend when the Port Loyola clinic is closed, these poor sick persons are left to the mercy of the world.

IF CHANGES ARE TO MADE, IT’S UP TO WE “The question isn’t who is going to let me, it is who is going to stop me. ”-- Ayn Rand.

18 OUT REACH UP! REACH OUT! REVITALIZE AND REVOLUTIONIZE DANGRIGA!!!

!

Now that the New Year is underway, people in Dangriga, Belize and all over the world are in anxious expectation of better things to come. 2020 was marked by challenges of unparalleled proportions, but 2021 has been ushered in with matchless hope that by the power of the Divine Hand, recovery and even prosperity are not only possible, but inevitable.

Dangriga will not be left out of the revolution that will come upon

the world. This revolution will embrace innovative technologies to transform the way we communicate, work, engage, produce, and live as a human family. We must prioritize urban and community planning; economic development; environment and natural resources; health and human services; as well as land administration.

Even amid the chaos and confusion happening in our world today, the human spirit is undergoing a transformation like never before in modern history. These birth-pains of humanity are a sign of new and greater things to come. As Dangrigans too experience our own struggles—including job losses and loss of lovedones—the indomitable will to survive, thrive and pay homage to those who have gone before us, will ignite a fire in those who will not give up; who will propel themselves from unemployed to employer, from jobless to creating jobs for others.

A resilient people will not shrink in the face of hardships. By reaching up, we will birth new ways of doing things, and reach out to others who will join in the mission to transform our lives and our communities. This movement will revitalize our economy and revolutionize our industries.

Your next Dangriga Town Council must not shrink the payroll, but find innovative ways to empower people to tap into their true potential to produce the kind of wealth that will confound the existing trends. Those in leadership positions must set the example by channeling those resources which they have been using for luxurious living, into the hands that have been emptied by the COVID-19 pandemic and the scourge of per-

24 JAN

THE BELIZE TIMES sistent poverty. The Council’s Management must be prudent enough to give Dangriga ‘bang for its buck’.

The entire community must take ownership of this effort. Everyone has a part to play in this revolution: from businesses to churches; from schools to NGOs; from political leaders to the leaders of the next generation. Women and men; youth and elders; Belizean and migrant – it does not matter who you are or where you came from, every resident of Dangriga Town has a vested interest in its progress.

This revitalization must see a raise to the minimum wage so that dignity can be restored to all workers; it must empower those who have stood at the fringes of society for far too long; it must respect the role of women and their right to be treated equally, regardless of conventional gender norms; it must ensure that elders are not treated as dispensable, and ‘only one foot away from the grave’; it must provide an enabling environ-

ment for farmers and fishers to take advantage of technological innovations and emerging markets; it must protect especially women and girls from sex trafficking, sexual violence, or any other form of gender-based violence; there must be a social safety net for all Belizeans, and especially those elders who have built this community over the past decades. Can you envision the revitalization and revolution that will birth the City of Dangriga?

This is the overarching vision – to realize the kind of transformation that will not just get us through the COVID-19 pandemic, but that will take us to higher heights as a model for the rest of Belize and the world. Imagine a community where uncommon people can tap their power to be the true drivers and engines of economic growth; where Dangriga’s women pool their talents and resources to dominate markets – even the unconventional ones; where sewing cooperatives and modern business franchises— rather than handouts and feeding programs—put food on the dinner table. The power lies in all of us upon whose backs this community has been built; community leaders and political leaders are your humble servants, placed in positions of authority to enable and empower every citizen to bring out the best out in themselves.

Reclaim your power; reclaim your destiny! Reach Up! Reach Out! Revitalize and Revolutionize Dangriga!!!

Thanks Derrick Velasquez

2021

OUT

!

Dear Editor, Finally, I mustered the courage to bid farewell to her Excellency, Dr. Dame Minita Gordon, Belize’s first woman Governor General and first woman Governor General in the Commonwealth.

Given her distinction and prominence, I have been quite disheartened by the manner in which the state had consistently treated her.

There is a huge gap in my knowledge of her, and perhaps other Belizeans, because after her invaluable service to this nation, and in one of the highest public offices, she was essentially disregarded. There was no feature of her after she left office, no appearance of her at official functions, no effort to preserve and sustain her social relevance.

I therefore, thank our Prime

Minister, Hon. John Briceño, for honoring Dr. Gordon with this very fitting state funeral.

I also thank Dr. Gordon for inspiring me and for letting other little girls, especially from south side Belize City from which she hailed. I know and believe that all the high offices of this land are indeed achievable.

Her Excellency, Dr. Dame Minita Gordon, thank you for your services to Belize. May your soul rest in its eternal glory.

Thanks, Proud Belizean Woman

CALL

671-8385 or

EMAIL: belizetimesadvertisement@ yahoo.com

To place advertisement in the Belize Times Newspaper

TENDER Janitorial, Building Interior Cleaning & Maintenance Services BEL invites tenders for Janitorial, Building Interior Cleaning and Maintenance Services (Belize District) for the period April 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021 at the following locations: 1. BEL’s Corporate Headquarters and Dispatch buildings located at 2½ Miles Philip Goldson Highway.

2. Belize City Plant and all associated offices and bathrooms located at BEL’s Magazine Road compound.

3. BEL’s Ladyville Storage Facility located next to the Philip Goldson International Airport.

4. BEL’s West Lake Substation - Gas Turbine compound located at 8½ Miles George Price Highway.

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

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

Tenders must be submitted via email to bidsubmittal@bel.com.bz no later than 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 5, 2021.

The email subject should include the bid number located on the respective bid form.

For more information or queries email

bidsubmittal@bel.com.bz

Cost incurred for preparation of the tender document is the sole responsibility of the bidder.

The lowest or any tender will not necessarily be accepted.

24 JAN

19

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

TENDER FOR THE SUPPLY OF FOOD ITEMS AND HOUSEHOLD SUNDRIES TO THE BELIZE COAST GUARD YEAR 2021/2022 1.

Tenders are invited for the supply of food items listed below to the Belize Coast Guard for the period 1st April 2021 to 31st March 2022.

2.

Quotation for the supply of goods are to be based on Duty Paid Prices. Brand names are to be specified where necessary.

4.

The food and household sundries requirements are calculated by the month and are an estimate only.

Orders by the Belize Coast Guard will fluctuate as necessary.

3.

5.

Contract will be terminated if the contractor consistently fails to supply the requisite items as agreed.

Tenders should be in sealed envelope marked “Tender for the Supply of Food, Household Sundries, Vegetables, and Meat to the Belize Coast Guard” and should be deposited in the tender box at the Ministry of National Defence and Border Security, Belmopan no later than 22nd February 2021, at 11:30am.

LIST OF FOOD ITEMS AND HOUSEHOLD SUNDRIES REQUIREMENT BELIZE COAST GUARD Food allocation and household sundries are per month Belize Coast Guard 2 ½ Miles George Price Highway, Belize FOOD (RATION) TENDERING FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021 -2022

SER

Commodities

Units

Qty

Pkg

Breakdown

Brand

1

BBQ Sauce

18 oz bot

10

cses

12 per case

Kraft

2

BBQ Sauce

80 oz bot

1

cse

6 per case

Kraft

3

Bake Beans (honey)

28 oz tin

12

cses

12 per case

Bush

4

Baking Powder

8 oz tin

5

cses

24 per case

Heart Club

5

Beans - Black

100 lb sack

3

scks

100 lb per sack

Local

6

Beans - Red Kidney

100 lb sack

6

scks

100 lb per sack

Local

7

Beef consume

12 g sachet

30

cards

12 sachet per card

Mahler

8

Black Pepper

lb

18

jr

1 lb per jar

Badia

9

Bread - Wheat

each

800

ea

10

Butter

1 lb per pk

3

cses

30 pks per case

Blue Bonnet

Local - La Popular

11

Cookies

box

1

cse

24 x 250 grams

McVittes

12

Campbell Soup

10.5 oz tin

10

cses

12 per case

Campbell

13

Cereal

18 oz pk

5

cses

12 per case

Honey Nut Cheerios

14

Cereal

14.5 oz pk

1

cse

12 per case

Honey Bunches of Oats

15

Cereal

560 g pk

5

cses

10 per case

Kellogs Corn Flakes

16

Cheese

2 kgs per blks

7

cses

10 blk per case

Happy Cow

17

Chicken Sausage

142 g tin

10

cses

48 per case

La Fe

18

Chicken consume

12 g sachet

75

cards

12 sachet per card

Mahler

19

Chopped Ham

12 oz tin

8

cses

24 per case

Dak

20

Coconut milk

400 g tin

12

cses

24 per case

Grace

21

Coconut powder

3

cses

12 boxes per case

Grace

22

Coconut Oil

1 lt bot

5

cses

12 per case

Grace

23

Coffee

180 g bot

5

cses

15 per case

Dolca

24

Coffee

Oz

1

Bot

42.5 per bot

Maxwell

25

Complete Seasoning

oz

16

jrs

24 oz per jar

Badia

26

Condensed milk

395 g tin

7

cses

48 per case

Nestle

27

Cooking Oil

4.6 gal

12

cses

5 gal per case

Marina

28

Corn Beef

12 oz tin

7

cses

24 per case

Grace

29

Corn Tortillas

lb

100

lbs

Local

30

Creamer

bot

1

oz

56 oz per bot

Coffee Mate

31

Curry powder

lb

2

lbs

1 lb per jar

Local or import

32

Custard

box

2

cses

10 per case

Koop Mans

33

Evaporated milk

378g tin

12

cses

48 per case

Carnation

34

Fajita Marinade & Season- oz ing

1

jr

21 oz per jar

Badia

35

Flour

5

scks

50 lb per sack

Babe Agua

lb

Continued on page 20

26 20

17 24 JAN

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

Continued from page 19

36

Flour lb

5

scks

50 lb per sack

Wheat

10

scks

100 lb per sack

Babe Agua

10

scks

100 lb per sack

Wheat

1

cse

12 per case

Worcestershire

37

Flour

38

Flour

39

French Sauce

40

Fruit Cocktail

15 oz tin

5

cses

24 per case

Del Monte (packed/USA)

41

Garlic Consume

12 g sachet

30

cards

12 sachet per card

Mahler

Worcestershire bot

42

Garlic Powder

lb

12

jr

1.5 lb per jar

Badia

43

Gatorade Powder

51 oz bot

4

cses

3 per case

Gatorade

44

Hot dog sausage

12 oz per pk

15

cses

16 per case

Gwaltney

45

Italian Seasoning

oz

1

jr

5 oz per jar

Badia

46

Jalapeno pepper

8 oz tin

2

cses

48 per case

Del Monte

47

Jam

16 oz bot

1

cses

24 per case

Del Monte

48

Juice Squash

1 lt bot

4

cses

12 per case

Marie Sharp Orange

49

Juice Squash

4

12 per case

Marie Sharp Tambran

50

Juice Squash

2

Marie Sharp Grapefruit

51

Juice Squash

2

Marie Sharp Fruit Punch

52

Juice Squash

4

Marie Sharp Pineapple

53

Ketchup

8

cses

12 per case

Del Monte

54

Lemon & Pepper Season- lb ing Salt

24 oz bot

1

jr

2 lb per jar

Badia

55

Luncheon meat (pork)

340 g tin

8

cses

24 per case

Grace

56

Macaroni & cheese

177g pk

10

cses

24 per case

Kraft

57

Maggie Soup

60 g pk

1

cses

12 boxes per case

Maggie

58

Margarine

16 oz tin

1

cs

24 per case

Wood & Dunn

59

Marie Sharp Pepper

10 oz bot

12

cses

12 per case

Marie Sharp

60

Mayonaise

8 oz bot

4

cses

12 per case

Kraft

61

Mayonaise

1 gal

1

cse

4 per case

Plantation

62

Milk

1 lt box

2

cse

12 per case

Lala

63

Milo

300 g pk

12

cses

12 pks per case

Nestle

64

Mix vegetables

15 oz tin

5

cses

24 per case

Del Monte (packed/USA)

65

Nut meg

lb

3

lbs

1 lb per jar

Badia

66

Oats

18 oz tin

5

cses

12 per case

Quaker (packed /USA)

67

Olive Oil

1 gal

3

Cses

4 per case

Badia

68

Onion Powder

jars

10

69

Parmesan Cheese

Bot

4

bots

Badia

70

Peanut Butter -Creamy

bot

1

cses

12/160m

Jif

71

Poultry Seasoning

oz

6

jr

22 oz per jar

Badia

72

Powder milk

840 g

3

cses

12 per case

Nestle Nido

73

Ranch Dressing-light

bot

2

cses

12 per case

Hidden Valley

Kraft

74

Recado black

lb

10

lbs

per lb

Local

75

Recado red

lb

30

lbs

per lb

Local

76

Refried Beans

580g tin

6

cses

12 per case

La Costena

77

Rice

5 lb

22

cses

50 lb per case

Tropic Rice "A"

78

Rice

5 lb

20

cses

50 lb per case

Brown Rice

79

Salad Cream

600 g bot

12

cses

12 per case

Heinz

80

Salsa Casera

220 g tin

5

cses

48 per case

La Costena

81

Salt

500 g pk

1

sck

50 pks per sacks

Sol

82

Sardines

3.75oz

2

cses

50 per case

Bumble Bee

83

Season all

lb

16

jr

2 lb per jar

Badia

84

Shell pasta

200g pk

9

cses

20 per case

Ina

85

Shortening (Tube)

2 lb

8

cses

12 per case

Regia

86

Soy Sauce

5 fl oz

10

cses

12 per case

La Choy

87

Spaghetti

pk

4

cses

20 per case

Ina

88

Spaghetti & Meat Balls

15 oz tin

10

cses

24 per case

Chef Boyardee

89

Split Peas

22 lb bag

6

bgs

22 lbs per bag

Chef Choice

90

Sugar White

lb

6

scks

100 lbs per sack

Local

91

Sugar Brown

lb

4

scks

100 lb per sack

Local

92

Sugar Corn

14.75 g tin

5

cses

24 per case

Del Monte (packed/USA)

93

Tang juice

packets

5

cses

20 boxes per case

Tang

94

Tea bag

25 per box

1

cse

20 boxes per case

Red Rose

95

Tomato paste

100 g pk

6

cses

48 per case

Regia

96

Tuna

170 g tin

6

cses

48 per case

Herdez

97

Vanilla

32 oz bot

6

bot

each

Gary Continued on page 21

17 JAN 24

27 21

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

Continued from page 20

98

Vinegar

gal

10

cses

4 gal per case

Femagra

99

Whole Kernel corn

14.75g tin

3

cses

24 per case

Del Monte

100

Yeast (Instant)

4 x 11 g

5

cses

24 per case

Fermipan

101

Field ration:

102

Cereal - mini

1.31oz

5

cses

30 per case

Kellogg's

103

Chicken Sausage

142 g tin

3

cses

48 per case

La Fe

104

Chocolate bar (sml)

fun size

1

cse

144 per case

Snicker

105

Corn Beef (small)

7 oz tin

6

cses

24 per case

Grace

106

Mint sweet

bags

2

cses

100 per case

107

Oats (3min pkts)

packets

cses

….. per case

Quaker

108

Granola Bar

1.2 oz

3

cses

50 per case

Nature Valley

109

Pan Creama Biscuit

106gr

4

cses

36 per case

Pan Crema

110

Milk packet Chocolate

10 pkts

1

cse

20 boxes per case

Swiss Miss

111

Noodles - chicken

85g

6

cses

24 per case

Ramen

112

Rice

2 lbs

2

cses

20 lbs per case

Tropic Rice "A"

113

Sardines

3.75oz

3

cses

50 per case

Bumble Bee

114

Tang juice

packets

2

cses

20 boxes per case

Tang

115

Tea bag

25 per box

1

cse

20 boxes per case

Red Rose

116

Tuna

170 g tin

3

cses

48 per case

Herdez

117

Sweetener (250 pkts)

8.75 oz

1

cse

20 boxes per case

Sweet'n Low

118

Salt packets

1

cse

….. per case

SUNDRIES TENDERING FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021 – 2022 SER

Commodities

Units

Qty

Package

Breakdown

Brand

1

Air-freshener

10.5 oz tin

4

cse

12 per case

Airwick

2

Bath soap

bar

2

cses

36 per case

Irish Spring

3

Batteries AA

pk

30

pks

4 per pk

Duracell

4

Batteries AAA

pk

30

pks

2 per pk

Duracell

5

Batteries D

pk

10

pks

2 per pk

Duracell

6

Battery water

1/2 lt btl

2

cses

24 per case

7

Broom (plastic)

each

10

ea

8

Cleaning cloth

pk

50

pks

5 per pk

Magitel

9

Clorox

gal

15

cse

4 per case

Snow White

10

Comet w/bleach

1

cse

12 per case

Comet

12

Dishwashing liquid

750 ml bot

4

cse

12 per case

Axion

13

Disposable cups large

each

10

bgs

50 per bags

Biodegradable

14

Disposable forks

each

10

bgs

50 per bags

Biodegradable

15

Disposable spoon

each

10

bgs

50 per bags

Biodegradable

16

Fish spray

450 ml tin

5

cse

24 per case

Fish

17

Flash disinfectant

1/2 lt tim

12

cse

20 per case

Flash

18

Foil paper

200 sq ft pk

3

cse

12 per case

Aluminium

19

Hand liquid soap

14 oz bot

3

cse

24 per case

Lucky

20

Harpic

750 ml bot

4

cse

12 per case

Harpic

21

Jumbo paper towel

case

2

cse

12 per case

Local - CPC

22

Jumbo toilet tissue

case

2

cse

12 per case

Local - CPC

23

Disinfectant Spray 99.9%

12.5 oz tin

2

cse

12 per case

N/A

25

Mop

each

10

ea.

26

Mosquito coil

each

4

cses

60 per case

27

Muratic acid

qt

1

cse

12 per case

28

Off repellent

6 oz tin

12

cse

12 per case

Off

29

Oven cleaner

tin

1

cse

12 per case

Easy Off

30

Paper towels

case

4

cse

30 per case

Bounty

31

Plastic bag transparent

1 gal bags

4

case

100 per box

Ziploc

32

Plastic bag transparent

2 gal bags

4

cse

100 per box

Ziploc

33

Pledge

12 oz tin

2

cse

12 per case

Pledge

34

Pot washer

each

45

ea.

36

Scotch brite

12 / 1ct

1

cs

37

Scrubbing brush

each

20

ea.

38

Soap powder

5.5 kg bag

7

cses

4 per case

Foca

39

Take out tray large

each

4

cses

100 per case

Biodegradable

40

Take out tray small

each

3

cses

100 per case

Biodegradable

42

Toilet paper

bale

20

bales

12 pks per bale

Softy

43

Trash bags heavy duty

14 gal bags

2

rolls

100 per roll

Lucky

Local

Heavy duty mop Black

20 per case Local

Continued on page 22

28 22

17 24 JAN

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

Continued from page 21

44

Trash bags heavy duty

33 gal bags

8

rolls

100 per roll

Lucky

45

Vehicle air freshener

each

2

cse

24 per case

Dalan

47

Windex

26 oz bot

2

cse

12 per case

Windex

48

2 Stroke oil

1 qt

2

cse

12 per case

Havoline

49

4 Stroke oil

1qt

6

cse

12 per case

Havoline

MEAT TENDERING FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021 -2022 SER

Commodities

Units

Quantity

Breakdown

Brand

1

Beef Steak (Minimal Fat)

lb

335

5lb per bag

Local

2

Boneless Ham

lb

30

2lb per bag

Running W

3

Chicken Ham

lb

30

2lb per bag

Quality Poultry

4

Breakfast Sausage

24 oz

90

2lb per bag

Running W

5

Butt Beacon

12 oz

40

2lb per bag

Running W

6

Turkey Bacon

lb

40

2lb per bag

Quality Poultry

7

Chicken

lb

4000

5 lbs per chicken

BEWG

8

Cow Foot

lb

60

5 lb per bag

Local

9

Boneless Chicken Breast

Lb

100

10

Fresh Fish (scale & deguts) lb

400

10-inch head to tail

Fishermen's Coop

11

Ground Steak

85

5lb per bag

Local

2lb per bag

lb

Quality Poultry

12

Ground Chicken

lb

85

13

Chicken Patty

lb

75

Quality Poultry

14

Pigtail

bucket

3

35 lb per bucket

Chief Choice

15

Pork Chops (lean)

lb

330

5lb per bag

Local

16

Salami Sausage

lb

40

5lb per bag

Local

Quality Poultry

FRUITS AND VEGETABLES TENDERING FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021 - 2022 SER

Commodities

Units

Quantity

Package

Breakdown

Brand

1

Bananas

ea

10

box

100 per box

Fyffe's

2

Broccoli

lb

50

lbs

3

Cabbage

lb

150

lbs

4

Cauliflower

lb

50

lbs

5

Carrots

lb

130

lbs

Local

6

Cassava

lb

15

lbs

Local

7

Cantelope

lb

40

lbs

Local

8

Celery

lb

50

lbs

Local

9

Cilantro

lb

12

lbs

Local

10

Coco

lb

40

lbs

Local

11

Cucumber

lb

75

lbs

Local

12

Eggs

ea

100

Trays

13

Garlic

head

120

Heads

14

Grapefruit

sack

2

scks

15

Lettuce

lb

150

lbs

16

Lime

ea

600

ea

17

Ockro

lbs

10

lbs

18

Onion

lbs

5

sacks

Onion (Red)

lbs

5

19

Orange

ea

6

20

Papaya

lb

40

lbs

Local

21

Pineapple

lb

50

lbs

Local

22

Plantain

ea

250

ea

Local

23

Potatoes

lbs

12

scks

24

Sweet Pepper

lbs

50

lbs

Local

25

Sweet Potato

lbs

30

lbs

Local

26

Tomatoes

lbs

130

lbs

Local

27

Watermelon

ea

160

lbs

Local

28

Calaloo

lb

50

Local

30 per tray

Local Local

100 per sack

Local Local

ea

Local Local

50 lbs per sack

Local

sacks

50 lbs per sack

Local

sack

100 per sack

Local

110 lbs per sack

Local

Local

29

Spinach

Lb

50

Lbs

Local

30

Ginger

Lb

20

Lbs

Local

31

Zucchini

lb

50

Lbs

Local

24 JAN

2021

THE BELIZE TIMES

23

UDP INFAMY/INCOMPETENCE/CORRUPTION/RECESSION (JULY TO SEPTEMBER)

July 2020 Barrow loses Case at the Caribbean Court of Justice(a trend that was chilling given that they were in charge of Belize at the ICJ: were contextually arbitrary, inconsistent with the standards of good governance, in breach of the duty of good faith, contractually unreasonable, fundamentally unfair, an abuse of State power, and therefore contrary to the rule of law. Taken together these all constitute a serious threat to, and undermining of, fundamental and core constitutional values and principles. They also weaken the integrity of the legal system, especially if the government is permitted to enjoy exemption from its failure to comply with its rule of law obligations in this case. And as well, left unaccounted for they diminish constitutional faith and public trust, and hence democratic legitimacy. (CCJ words damning the UDP government The UDP Routinely Locked Down the Southside of Belize City: At light speed the most depressed section of the ‘Old Capital’ is being forced on lockdown. This part of Belize City is where the most single mothers and impoverished families reside. It is despicable that Southside is the area where the most powerful United Democratic Party ministers, including Prime Minister Dean Barrow hold constituency representation for years. With six days of breathing space given to the citizens, the government acting on the provision of Section 18 of the Constitution of Belize has invoked a State of Emergency (SoE) on Southside Belize and conceded that they have no real long lasting answers to fight crime.

PM Barrow rents from Himself: Oh, that so excellent law firm Barrow & Williams is now the landlord to the government of Belize. How so? According to AG Peyrefitte, the Scenes of Crime of police will now be housed on Albert Street. Just about the time Sanctuary Bay was incorporated as the Sittee River Wildlife Reserve in 2003 Barrow & Williams was already situated down Albert Street as one approaches the St. John’s Cathedral in Belize City. But now, the main law partner is now Prime Minister of this country. The new building just opposite to the original is a beautiful and modern building as one could expect after 12 ½ years of being at the helm of the despised UDP government. (this situation still persists…as is UDP normal they wrote a last minute contract to enslave the GoB for years) Barrow/Faber/Marin Cut the Health Insurance: The unconscionable action of the incompetent Dean Barrow UDP Government imposing budgetary cuts to the National Health Insurance (NHI) program has been condemned by the People’s United Party and Leader Honourable John Briceño. …the Prime Minister Barrow and his minions “couldn’t care less” whether “normal” Belizeans are suffering in these dire and harsh circumstances. The wrath of the people’s judgment awaits!(VCM) UDP-led forces Shoot at Belizeans: a matter of minutes and with only Marisol Amaya informing the world, the UDP’s security forces shot at our Belizeans. Our Belizeans were shot at. Our Belizeans were shot at with bullets that penetrate their skin and knock them out. Our Belizeans were shot at with canisters of chemicals that burn their eyes and lungs. Our Belizeans dignity and right to protest was shot dead. The United Democratic Party has NO RIGHT to penetrate and dismember our God-given inalienable right to be peaceful and protest for the right to have their next meal.

August 2020 Pablo builds Empty Overpriced Buildings and calls them PolyClinics: As you travel our beauty of a nation from Sarteneja to Cristo Rey and San Narciso to Chunox and Benque we see a great number of buildings labelled Poly Clinics. But their doors are closed at mid morning and afternoon. These are the remnants of UDP hustle. Once the building is done, there is no more to milk and they move on to another one. Pharma isnt good enough; Pablo saw infrastructure in his UDP colleagues so he moved on to ‘help’ his ministry. (While the UDP was cutting NHI, the PUP showed plans to roll NHI out to the entire Belize.)

Hugo Patt’s people claim that NO VILLAGE HAS A BOUNDARY: In the second coming of Seceding Sedi, Hugo Patt’s best man at the Lands and Survey Department Vallejos was categorical in stating that villages in Belize have no boundaries. And to provide some comfort he said, two at least have boundaries. Yes! It is Hugo Patt’s version of Sedi alleging that Belize has “artificial borders.” So for all it’s worth Patchakan has no boundary to make it a unique community. Interesting. What was Patt’s minion saying?

BARROW’S FRENCH BUKUT TO BELIZE EVERYBODY “Après moi, le déluge”: This was Dean Barrow’s usual pretentious verbiage when questioned about rumoured scalping of public officers’ salaries and reflects the type of leadership that has ruled over Belize and its people for twelve and a half years. Arrogant!! Après moi, le déluge translated from French literally means ‘after me, the flood’. It has also been defined as I don’t really care what happens after, I’ll be gone. All this is a direct Barrow insult to Belizeans citizens expecting them not to have the capacity to understand. The Barrow Government has plunged Belize into a serious economic crunch which has been further compounded by their utter mismanagement of the coronavi-

rus and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Faber was Caught: HE HAS THEN and still today HAS NOT PLAN for Belize(only for Himself, pseudo-Champion of Incompetence wishing to be leader of the Corrupt UDP): On August 21, Faber was slobbered over by the PM after Faber presented some dates to deal with education after his August 10 date to open did not materialize. The Prime Minister’s words reverberated as sarcasm since Faber’s dull presentation was drawn out since for some reason he felt a need to repeat everything he said twice. Either he underestimated his audience or knew he couldn’t explain himself well--both damning reasons.

Faber as is usual with the incompetent UDP failed to apologize for not having plan B ready before August 10. Everyone was telling him and his fellow Petrocaribe tacos CEO that August 10 for in-person classes was way too early. They arrogantly pushed forward an idea (no plan) to open and no other vision nor lesson plans nor security for our children nor resources. Faber usually builds without planning ahead—Marion Jones, Civic Center, Cultural Centre.

September 2020 UDP’s Incompetence Caused COVID Spread in Belize and the loss of Life: According to the UDP Ministry of Health, we now have over a 1000 positive cases for SARS-COV2 in our land of the free. Many are now ignoring these numbers due to the high level of anxiety it causes. The reality is that in less than a UDP month, our infection rate went beyond exponential and at par with the UDP government’s failed health policies. Possibly the most glaring proof of UDP blame is the infection of some 40 healthcare frontline workers.

Barrow promised transportation, care for their children, ex gratia payments and, biggest of all, and overabundance of Personal Protective Equipment(PPEs). All have been more Barrow broken promises. The PPEs which includes N95 masks, gowns, respirators, gloves and other specialized equipment have somehow went missing in action.

Shyne Begs for Money: “BRING THE BAGS”: When you borrow, borrow, borrow till you cannot anymore in the name of Belize it is extremely reckless.

But when you attempt to mirror Saldivar’s tranches in your own name you are in a definite fight with FIU regulations and legalities. As to the latter point, Shyne Barrow again has another viral video (others show him being slapped silly, offending women, refusing to leave an establishment, and suing his own benefactor) where he is seen in video chat with a person that goes as Fat Joe. A Google search clears up that he has no ties to Belize and much less to Mesopotamia. In the video chat leak, Shyne is trying to change even as Fat Joe says he, Barrow, has not changed his way of being. Shyne asked Fat Joe to bring “the bags.”

Net Vasquez Use of BTL Credit Cards: It is reported that the previous CEO enjoyed an annual salary over BZD 700,000 inclusive of utility, housing, and other wonderful perks. Barrow constantly touts that BTL is for Belizeans, “da fu wi compni” when it is clear that only a few have been privileged to enjoy the benefits from Telemedia, or is it Digi now? Recently the national telecom has been making negative media waves. First, it was the allegations of not paying BZD 25 Million in GST (investigation pending since July 2019) and now the allegation of financial abuse by Chairman Nestor Vasquez. Net Vasquez has been a trusted advisor to Prime Minister Dean Barrow for a very long time. As a reward, he has been appointed to the Board of Directors of several key organizations such as BTL (Chairman), SSB Investment Committee (Chairman), and Central Bank of Belize (Deputy Chairman) and the Integrity Commission (Member) APBEL (Director). Why would the Prime Minister keep an octogenarian at the helm of the national telecom company for 32 years seems to puzzle everyone? It is clear though that SSB has invested heavily in BTL in recent years and before APBEL became defunct, the Petro Caribe funds were being squandered on election parties, tacos, and giveaways.

FABER SUDDENLY REALIZES that STUDENTs NEED DEVICES: The PUP in 2008 placed a detailed plan to provide laptops for students. Today, if those laptops would of course be old technology. Faber remembers them and feels that its technology that is old. To spite the PUP he ignored the idea to the loss of the students of Belize. Or did Faber not know better? So come now on the eve of a virtual school opening—if Covid will allow us to call it that—in early October, after their UDP government has unapologetically mismanaged Covid(many would say, welcomed Covid unto our very own tarmac), Faber will say he has used “SPEED” to finally, after 13 years, found how to loan(of course) some money to get some tablets for SOME students. It is our estimate that a hefty 20 thousand students will not be getting a laptop to use.

Pick up next week’s issue for the end of UDP Infamy/Incompetence/Corruption/Recession of 2020. Eventually, Ganamos Todos …but first we got a broke country to fix. Barrow/Faber SUCCEEDED in dragging Belize into their third recession for their third term. This recession dragged Belize into the Covid pandemic in the weakest possible state. We are still in UDP’s recession but battling it and success is in the horizon.

24

THE BELIZE TIMES

24 JAN

2021

24 JAN

INSERT25 1

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

TENDER NOTICE TENDER NOTICE BELIZE DEFENCE FORCE BELIZE DEFENCE FORCE MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEFENCE AND BORDER SECURITY BELMOPAN MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEFENCE AND BORDER (Invitation to Bid) SECURITY BELMOPAN (Invitation to Bid)

The Ministry of National Defence and Border Security hereby invites tenders to supply the Belize Defence Force with the following provisions: Sundries and Food Items the FiscalForce Yearwith 2021/2022.

The Ministry of National Defence and Border Clothing, Security hereby invites tenders to supply the for Belize Defence the following provisions: Clothing, Sundries and Food Items for the Fiscal Year 2021/2022.

The tender shall be for a period of one (1) year (1st April 2021 to 31st March 2022) The tender shall be for a period of one (1) year (1st April 2021 to 31st March 2022) The successful tenders will be expected to supply the following: The successful tenders will be expected to supply the following: FOOD ITEMS SER SER 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 9 10 11

8 9 10 11

SER SER 1 1

2 3 4 5 6 7

2 3 4 5 6 7

SER 1SER 2 1 3 2 4 3 5 4 6 5 7 8 6 9 7 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

8 9 10 11 12 13

FOOD ITEMS

MEAT MEAT Chicken(Large/Extra (Large/ExtraLarge) Large) Chicken BeefSteak Steak Beef GrindSteak Steak Grind PorkChops Chops Pork Pork Ribs Pork Ribs Pigtail(bkt) (bkt) Pigtail CowFoot Foot Cow SEAFOOD SEAFOOD FishWhole Whole(Snapper, (Snapper,Barrow, Barrow,King) King) Fish FishFillet Fillet Fish Shrimps36/40 36/40minimum minimumsize size Shrimps Conch 18cm or 3oz minimum size Conch 18cm or 3oz minimum size GRAINS

1,500 1,500 700 700 480 480 450 450

BRAND

GRAINS Beans BlackEye EyePeas Peas Beans - Black Beans Red Kidney Beans - Red Kidney Beans- Black Beans- Black Flour Flour Rice “A” Grade Rice “A” Grade Split Peas Split Peas Sugar (White) Sugar (White)

SEASONING

QUANTITY PER QUANTITY PER MONTH 33,050 lbs 33,050 lbs 2,250 lbs 2,250 lbs 150 150 lbs lbs 2,250 lbs 2,250 lbs 1,700 lbs 1,700 lbs 37 37 bkt bkt 500 500 lbs lbs

BRAND LocalLocal

Local Local Local Bebe Agua Bebe Agua Optional* Optional* Local Local Local Local Local

lbs lbs lbs lbs

QUANTITY QUANTITY PER PER MONTH MONTH 1,000 lbs 1,000 lbs lbs lbs lbs lbs lbs lbs lbs lbs lbs lbs lbs lbs

BRAND

QUANTITY PER QUANTITY PER MONTH SEASONING BRAND MONTH Salt Local 700 lbs Black Local Local 160 lbs Salt Pepper 700 lbs Season All McCormick 250 lbs Black Pepper Local 160 lbs Black Recado Local 50 lbs Season All McCormick 250 lbs Red Recado Local Local 260 Lbs Black Recado 50 lbs Garlic Powder Local 22 Cse Red Recado Local 260 Lbs Garlic Fresh Local 60 Lbs GarlicPowder Powder 22 Cse Curry Local Local 6 Lbs Garlic Paprika Fresh Local 60 Lbs Smoke Badia/ McCormick 100 Lbs Curry Powder Jerk Sauce Grace Local 8 Cse6 Lbs Badia/ Chili Powder Badia 100 Lbs Smoke Paprika McCormick 100 Lbs Ground Cumin Local 100 Lbs Jerk SauceSeason Grace Complete Badia/Local 150 Lbs8 Cse Chili Powder Badia 100 Lbs Red Pepper Flakes Badia/McCormick 8 Cse Ground Cumin 100 Lbs BBQ Seasoning Local Local 100 Lbs Complete Season Local Badia/Local 100 150 Lbs Fish Seasoning Lbs

14 Pork Red Seasoning Pepper Flakes Local Badia/McCormick 100 15 BBQ Seasoning Local HERBS 16 Fish Seasoning 18 Dry Basil Local Local 10 PorkParsley Seasoning 19 17 Dry Local Local 10

20 Dry Rosemary 18 Dry Basil 21 Oregano 19 Dry Parsley

HERBS Local

Local Local Local

10 10

Lbs8 100

Cse

100 lbs 100 lbs

Lbs

lbs lbs10 10

BREAKFAST ITEMS

SER

BREAKFAST ITEMS Beef Patties 1 Beef Patties Breakfast Links 2 Breakfast Links Eggs 3 Eggs Hot Dog Sausage 4 Hot Dog Sausage Italian Sausages 5 Italian Sausages Red Salami Sausages 6 Red Salami Sausages Slice Bacon 7 Slice Slice Bacon Ham Slice Ham 8 Smoke Chops 9 Smoke Chops

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

SER

lbs lbs lbs lbs

5,500 5,500 1,000 1,000 6,600 6,600 13,200 13,200 665 665 5,500 5,500

SER

Lbs

1 2 3 4 5 6

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

BREAD

White Slice Bread Wheat Slice Bread Wheat Bread SER BREAD Raisin Bun 1 White Slice Bread Burger Bread 2 Wheat Slice Bread Dinner Rolls 3 Wheat Bread SER 4 5

QUANTITY PER MONTH QUANTITY PER MONTH 375 lbs 375 lbs 500 lbs 500 lbs 90 crates 90 crates 55 cse 55 cse 100 lbs 100 lbs 575 lbs 575 lbs 600 lbs 600 925 lbs lbs 925 575 lbs lbs 575 lbs

Raisin BunPASTA

BRAND Local Local Local BRAND Local Local Local Local Local Local Local

700QUANTITY pks PER MONTH 160 pks

BRAND

Burger Bread Local Spaghetti Pasta (Little Twine) 6 Dinner Rolls Local Optional* Penne Pasta (Tube) Optional* Farfalle Pasta (Butterfly) Optional* Fusilli Pasta (Screw) Optional* SERFusilli PastaPASTA BRAND (Tricolour) Optional* Spaghetti Pasta (Little Macarroni Pasta (Narrow Elbow) Optional* 1 Twine) Optional* Route Pasta (Wheels) Optional* 2 Penne Pasta (Tube) Optional* Conchiglie Pasta (Shells) Optional* 3 Farfalle Pasta (Butterfly) Optional*

4 Fusilli Pasta (Screw) MEAL READY EAT (MRE) 5 FusilliTO Pasta (Tricolour)

QUANTITY PER MONTH 7,300 pks 250 pks QUANTITY PER 400 pks MONTH 700 pks 7,300 pks 160 pks 250 pks 99 pks 400 pks

8 99 8

pks cse cse

8

cse

8 cse QUANTITY PER MONTH 8 cse 88 8 8 8 8

Optional*

8

cse cse cse cse cse cse

cse

Optional* 8 cse Macarroni Pasta (Narrow SER TYPE BRAND QUANTITY PER 6 Elbow) Optional* MONTH8 cse 7 24Route 1 Hour Pasta Pack (Wheels) MRE USOptional* Type 12,500 packs 8 cse 8 Conchiglie Pasta (Shells) Optional* 8 cse CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT

SER 1 2 3 4 5

ITEM Olive Greens (OGs) Vest (Green) Physical Training Short Pants (Dark Blue) Jungle boots PX 10.5 Bergen with frame

BRAND Optional* Optional* Optional*

QUANTITY 1000 pairs 3000 3000

ALTAMA US Type

1500 pairs 1000

Lbs lbs lbs

Continued on Insert 2

INSERT 2 26

24 JAN

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

Continued from Insert 1 SER

NONPERISHABLE GOODS

BRAND

QUANTITY PER MONTH

1

Aloe Drink Assorted

OKA

2

cse

2

Baked Beans (6 gal)

Bush

22

cse

3

Baking Powder (227grs)

Health Club

23

cse

4

BBQ Coal

Local

26

cse

5

BBQ Sauce (4 gal)

Heinz

16

cse

6

Bottle Pepper

Marie Sharp

15

Cse

7

Butter (30oz)

Optional*

20

cse

8

Campbell Soup

Campbell

58

cse

9

Cheese Block (10cas)

Happy Cow

28

cse

10

Chicken Sausage (142grs)

Grace

108

cse

11

Chiller Juice WD

Western Dairies

5

cse

12

Chocolate Drink (Swiss Miss 6/50pk)

Swiss Miss

10

cse

13

Chopped ham (340grs)

DAK

65

cse

14

Coconut Milk (13.5oz)

Optional*

16

cse

15

Coconut Oil

Local

100

Bots

16

Coconut Powder (1/12pks)

Optional*

24

cse

17

Coffee

Nescafe

44

cse

18

Coffee Creamer

Nestle

2

cse

19

Coffee Creamer (100pks)

Nestle

50

cse

20

Coffee Mate

Nestle

1

cse

21

Concentrate (1gal)

Citrus Valley

232

cse

22

Consume

Malher

53

cse

23

Corn Beef (12oz)

Grace/ Caribbean Choice

65

cse

24

Corn Beef (198grs)

Grace/ Caribbean Choice

60

cse

25

Corn Flakes (lg)

Kellogg’s

37

cse

26

Cereal Varity Pack (Small 1/30 pks)

Kellogg’s

80

cse

27

Custard Powder

Koodmans

29

cse

28

Fruit Cocktail (30oz)

Del Monte

18

cse

29

Gatorade

Gatorade

2

cse

30

Gatorade (Powder)

Gatorade

4

cse

31

Jalapeño Pepper (6 gal)

Optional*

4

cse

32

Jam (20oz)

Optional*

15

cse

33

Luncheon Meat (340grs)

DAK

65

cse

34

Macaroni and Cheese(pk)

Kraft

43

cse

35

Mackerel (100 tins)

Grace

50

cse

36

Maggie Soup

Maggie

15

cse

37

Maggie Soup (Small 25/12pk)

Maggie

10

cse

38

Maxwell Coffee

Maxwell House

6

cse

39

Maxwell Coffee(100pks)

Maxwell House

20

cse

40

Mayonnaise (4 gal)

Country Barn

12

cse

41

Milk Condensed (390grs)

Nestle/Dutch Lady

60

cse

42

Milk Evaporated (387grs)

Carnation

60

cse

43

Milo (300grs)

Nestle

40

cse

44

Mix Vegetables (425grs)

Grace/Del Monte

30

cse

45

Oats (510grs)

Optional*

30

cse

46

Pan Crema Biscuits

Gamesa

60

cse

47

Peanuts 2.5oz (24 pks)

Planters/Blue Diamond

45

cse

48

Peanuts Butter (12oz)

Optional*

12

cse

49

Pouch Water

Local

100

cse

50

Quaker Bars (40pk)

Quaker

55

cse

51

Raisin

Optional*

1

cse

52

Ramen Noodles (24pks)

Maruchan

150

cse

53

Ranch Dressing

Hidden Valley

8

cse

54

Salad Cream (10oz)

Heinz/Grace

38

cse

55

Salad Dressing

Heinz/Chief Choice

5

cse

56

Salsa Casera (220grs)

La Constena/ Herdez

30

cse

57

Salt Packets (3000 pks)

Optional*

2

cse

58

Shortening

Optional*

23

cse

59

Soft Drink Assorted

Local/Can soda

10

cse

60

Soy Sauce

La Choy

15

cse

61

Spaghetti & Meatballs (425grs)

Chef Boyardee/ Campbells

65

cse

62

Squash Juice

Citrus Valley/ Marie Sharp

30

cse

63

Sugar Packets (2000 pks)

Optional*

2

cse

64

Tang (96pk)

Tang

45

cse

65

Tea bag

Optional*

33

cse

66

Tomato Ketchup (24oz)

Del Monte /Heinz

42

cse

67

Tomato Paste

Del Monte/Hunts

33

cse

68

V8 Splash

V8

10

cse

69

Vanilla

Benjamin

2

cse

70

Vegetable Oil

Wesson/Global

68

cse

71

Water 500ml

Local

10

cse

SUNDRIES SER

VEGETABLES & FRUITS

QUANTITY PER MONTH

SER 1 2 3 4

1

Apples

40

Cse

2

Banana

74

Box

3

Broccoli

322

Lbs

4

Cabbage

1,735

Lbs

5

Cauliflower

365

Lbs

6

Carrots

1,582

Lbs

7

Casava

100

Lbs

8

Celery

355

Lbs

9

Cho Cho

100

Lbs

10

Cilantro

153

Lbs

11

Coco Yam

210

Lbs

12

Cucumber

845

Lbs

13

Habanero Pepper

50

Lbs

14

Lettuce

500

Lbs

15

Lime

635

Ea

16

Muskmelon

570

Lbs

17

Okra

305

Lbs

18

Onion

1,500

Lbs

19

Orange

2,100

Ea

20

Papaya

650

Lbs

21

Pineapple

650

Lbs

22

Plantain (Green)

100

Lbs

23

Plantain (Ripe)

590

Lbs

24

Potatoes

600

Lbs

25

Radish

100

Lbs

26

Sweet Pepper

1,760

Lbs

27

Tomatoes

1,371

Lbs

28

Watermelon

2,550

Lbs

29

Young Pumpkin

300

Lbs

5 6 7 8 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

ITEM

UNIT

BRAND

Air Freshener (block) Air Freshener (spray) Bath Soap Biodegradable Soup Cup w/ Covers Biodegradable Burger Trays Biodegradable cup 12oz Biodegradable cups 12oz Biodegradable Cups 16oz Biodegradable cups 16oz Biodegradable Forks Biodegradable plates 6" Biodegradable Plates 9" Biodegradable Soup Bowl 6" Biodegradable Soup Bowl 9" Biodegradable spoon (packs) Biodegradable Take Out Trays Bleach (gals) Bleach Paper Towel Broom Camphor balls Carbo Negro Cleaning Cloth Deck Broom

Block Canister single Single

Optional* Optional* Optional* Optional*

QUANTITY PER MONTH 60 96 288 600

Single Pack Single Single Single Single Single Single Single Single Pack Single

Optional* Optional* Optional* Optional* Optional* Optional* Optional* Optional* Optional* Optional* Optional* Optional*

500 5000 1000 1000 1000 3000 500 1000 1000 500 5000 5000

Gallons single Single Single Gallons Pack Single

Optional* Optional* Optional* Optional* Optional* Optional* Optional*

240 144 60 25 10 288 30

Continued on Insert 3

24 JAN

2021

THE BELIZE TIMES

LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICES

Notice is hereby given that Rivaldo Garcia is applying for a Malt & Cider Liquor License to be operated at “Palapa Bar” located in San Jose Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Ling Yu Huang is applying for a Convenience Store Liquor License to be operated at “Luda’s Supermarket” located on Otro Benque Road, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Santiago Campos is applying for a Malt & Cider Liquor License to be operated at “Lion King” located on Belize/Corozal Road, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

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

Notice is hereby given that Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association is applying for a Convenience Store Liquor License to be operated at “Belize Sugar Cane Farmer’s Association Service Station” located at Miles 51 ½ Philip Goldson Highway, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Meshac McLaughlin is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Rubi’s Grocery Shop” located at # 52 Palmar Road, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Reyma Isabel Delcid is applying for a Malt & Cider Liquor License to be operated at “Pupuseria Dianita’s” located at # 64 Otro Benque Road, Orange Walk Town, Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Mirna Portillo is applying for a Night Club Liquor License to be operated at “Club Eruption” located in Ladyville Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Sonia Cruz is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “Happy Cevichela’s House” located 11 ½ Miles Philip Goldson Highway, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

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

Notice is hereby given that Nigeria Murthra Matara is applying for a Malt & Cider Liquor License to be operated at “Pinky Cool Spot” located in Carmelita Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

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

Notice is hereby given that Raquel Eulalia Moreno is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Shuga City Nutrition Outlet” located at # 121 San Francisco Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Aaron Castillo is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Jun’s Grocery Shop” located at # 217 West Collet Canal, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Solayra Chan is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “A&K Mini Shop” located at # 27 Dunn Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Abdul Kader is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Khan Family Mart” located in Caye Caulker, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Jessica Nayely Salas is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Santa Maria Restaurant” located in San Antonio Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Adrian Belgrave is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “A1 Convenience Shop” located at # 82 East Canal, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Dany Ricardo Moguel is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “JD’s Snack Shop” located at # 6 Stadium Street,, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

NEEDED: Store Supervisor at B2 Store located at # 58 Bullet Tree Road, San Ignacio.

Call 631-9919 for more information.

INSERT27 3

Continued from Insert 2

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47

Deodorizing Cleaner Dishwashing Liquid (gal) Floor Mop Fly Spray Foil paper Foil Paper 25ft Furniture Polish Glass Cleaner Jumbo Tissue Liquid hand soap Liquid Soap Lysol spray Mop Bucket Muriatic Acid 1L Napkins Oven cleaner Paper Towels Pine Oil Pine Oil Plunger Pot Washer Scrubbing Brush Soap Powder

48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55

Soap Powder Small Steel Wool (pack) Tilex Toilet Bowl Cleaner Toilet Paper Trash Bags 33gls Trash Bags Heavy Duty Vim

Bottles Gallons Single Canister Box Single Canister Bottles Rolls Bottles Gallons Canister Single Bottles Pack Canister Rolls Gallons Bottles Single Single Single 5Kg Bags bags Pack Single Bottles Rolls Single Box Single

Optional* Optional* Optional* Optional* Optional* Optional* Optional* Optional* Optional* Optional* Optional* Optional* Optional* Optional* Optional* Optional* Optional* Optional* Optional* Optional* Optional* Optional* Optional*

360 36 60 192 96 72 12 24 120 48 56 48 5 60 48 24 60 90 120 30 200 24 200

Optional* Optional* Optional* Optional* Optional* Optional* Optional* Optional*

2400 48 12 36 2880 72 80 24

Note: Brand Optional* means product selection is open to vender submission. The vender must state the brand in submission.

All submission shall include the following: a.

Bid is to be submitted in Belize Dollars.

b.

Prices to include GST where applicable.

c.

Bids are to be type written.

Bids are to be submitted in sealed envelopes and addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of National Defence and Border Security, Belmopan at the address below. The envelope must be marked “Bids for the Belize Defence Force”.

Submission is to be made no later than 10:00am on Friday, February 22nd, 2021. Bids submitted after this deadline will not be considered.

Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of National Defence and Border Security Curl Thompson Building, Constitution Dr Belmopan, Belize

INSERT 4 28 2021 UDP Symptoms of Incompetence and Corruption: Embezzlement

24 JAN

THE BELIZE TIMES

There have been several cases of embezzlement emerging from the different government departments in the last few weeks. These are signs and symptoms of a UDP that curdled with incompetence and corruption since February of 2008.

These cases involve the arrests and charges on public officers but we know that they were following the larger acts of corruption that was carried out by their UDP leaders, if not their very own instructions.

Since the lockdown in March 2020, the NHI spending was cut back drastically, resulting in reduced services to many of the poor who depended on the basic health insurance. Reports are suggesting that as much as $60,000 thousand dollars was embezzled from the NHI fund in Corozal before the November 2020 General Election. An assistant administrator at the Corozal Community Hospital was detained for questioning. The system has multiple checks and balances, so it is suspected that the administrator had an accomplice. The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) is currently investigating. Did Pablo know about this before the elections and sat on it? Would he take a polygraph?

Faber and the UDP: Begging to remain Relevant The UDP is running around like headless chickens replicating the same words of the planBelize PUP hoping that no one will notice. Additionally, they are putting out nonsensical press releases written with the logic of nincompoops and grandstanding at some lonely press conference obviously begging to remain relevant. Faber needs to be a cooperating witness to all the thievery that occurred since February 2008 and November 2020. After he confesses to what his UDP did and maybe to involvement, then we will believe that he really means the best for Belize. To cap off his testimony, Belize will accept his resignation. If he is honourable then that will be done.

Let’s move to the ex-Water and UDP Chair that lives on kindergarten grounds. This dude is suffering...he will soon walk the streets in anxious distress. August like many UDPs are at the foot of a terrible withdrawal syndrome. The power and grab habit had become enshrined in their psyche and the disbelief that their UDP’s corrupt habits came to an end since November 11, 2020 has them reeling. The UDP have not slept well for more than two months now. August can be seen sweating profusely all over Facebook trying to be the worse of them all; even, his fake profiles are obviously August characters. How many people will walk the streets with Alberto is a quick count as UDP followers are an extinct breed of fanatics?

The UDP can be heard shouting: the curfew is working, please end it. That is what the people want. The people do not want the UDP and Faber is begging them to remain relevant.

To beg, they even called a press conference to ask the fired UDP’s to stay with them. Sick!!

Faber wants back the medical expert Peyrefitte every Saturday night shouting at the people.

Alberto wants to quell his anxiety by walking in the streets; will he talk to himself?

Peyrefitte says that if the UDP are guilty then they should have evidence. He is ready to be chairman of a shadow party.

These three nincompoops do no comprehend yet that the UDP is extinct and that they are only the souls of a corrupt and now defunct party.

The people of Belize is watching them as the animals of a circus that is now past their time of deception. The people are saying....send them to their cages where they belong.

Belize is moving forward. The PUP and the rest of Belize welcome back the municipalities of Punta Gorda, Benque Viejo del Carmen, Dangriga, San Ignacio/Santa Elena, the once robbed, San Pedro and Belmopan City. Belize will work for you.

Today, there is another case of embezzlement to report on.

Two clerks who used to be employed at the Ministry of Labour, Local Government and Rural Transformation were slapped with fifteen charges of theft for misappropriating over thirty-five thousand dollars from the government coffers. They have been identified as first class clerk, Emany Sanchez (29) and second

class clerk, Steve Murray Junior (22).

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Joseph Myvette said investigations so far revealed that they would submit documents with both their signatures pending approval from a CEO or some other senior person. The monies was then diverted through the smart stream system to their personal account.

The investigation is on-going and others may be charged. It is expected

that more cases of embezzlement will be revealed in the days ahead.

The public would like to see bigger fish frying. Bigger fish have found ways to not be legally culpable only factually culpable. Dean Barrow told us this in plain sight at the House of Representatives.

Time will tell that there are no sacred cows and anyone found guilty will face the full and fair wrath of the law

NOTICE TO PUC LICENSED WIREMEN & THE GENERAL PUBLIC PUC EXPANDS ITS SERVICES TO INCLUDE ONLINE OPTIONS The PUC is accepting electrical designs submissions, wireman’s license renewals and new application for wireman license via email. Please see below the proceduresfor each of the services.

I.

Electrical Design Submissions Submissions for design approval only:

1. Wireman must complete electrical design as per PUC submission guidelines then scan full design along with the properly filled out PUC form labeled “Submission Data Sheet For No Objection of Design”; the scanned documents must be saved as a pdf file in the name of the client. For example, ‘electrical design for Mr. John Doe’.

2. Wireman will email the pdf fileas an attachment to submissions@puc.bzandcopy their client.

3. The PUC will review submission and emails back the approved copy or notes for corrections within 2 working days from submission.

Submissions for application to BEL to connect: 4. Wireman must scan the approved design, the properly filled out PUC certificate(s) and PUC form labeled “Declaration by Wireman and No Objection by PUC for Project Completion”; the scanned documents must be saved as a pdf filein the name of their client.

5. Wireman will email the pdf fileas an attachment to submissions@puc.bzand copy their client.

6. The PUC will review submission, carry out inspection and email approved design and certificate(s) to wireman, the client and BEL for further processing.

II.

Wireman License Submissions Renewal of license:

1. Wireman must make payment of $10.00 to PUC’s Belize Bank Account #1390930010120001 and specify their name, license number and purpose of payment, for example, ‘John Doe lic #1b34 license renewal’.

2. Wireman must scan the proof of payment receipt, both sides of his old license, recent passport size picture and properly filled in PUC renewal form; the scanned documents must be saved as a pdf filein the name of the wireman.

3. Wireman will email the pdf fileas an attachment to wiremanlicense@puc.bz.

4. PUC shall process new license and send email to wireman who arranges for its retrieval.

Application for new license: 5. Applicant must make payment of $20.00 to PUC’s Belize Bank Account #1390930010120001 and specify his/her name, purpose of payment, for example, ‘John Doe New license ’.

6. Applicant must scan the proof of payment receipt, valid social security card, recent passport size picture, recent police record, diplomas/certificates, two recommendation letters from licensed wiremen and a properly filled in PUC License Application form; the scanned documents must be saved as a pdf filein the name of the applicant.

7. Applicant will email the pdf fileas an attachment to wiremanlicense@puc.bz.

8. PUC shall vet new application and respond to applicant via email within 5 working days.

9. Applicants who pass vetting will be contacted to sit exams.

For further information contact us at 223-4938 or text/WhatsApp 606-7571, also visit website: www.puc.bz or Facebook page: Public Utilities Commission Belize.