Belize Times, January 8, 2017

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The Belize Times

Established 1957

The Truth Shall Make You Free

8 JANUARY 2017 | ISSUE NO: 5026

www.belizetimes.bz | $1.00

4 DAYS…5 BODIES! Bloody Start to 2017

Bert Alexander Abraham

Robert Gillett

Wednesday, 04 January 2017 As we go to press today, the fourth day of the New Year 2017, five Belizeans have already been gunned down in brutal fashion – one on New Year’s Day, two on January 2nd and two on January 3rd, all in Belize City. Even before the annoying but traditional sounds of dynamite die down completely, Police have been forced to mobilize in hotspots where it is believed that this first blaze of bullets may spark retaliations and more bloodshed.

Details are scarce in Tuesday’s murders, the

Kenneth Dobson fourth and fifth of the year, as the capacity of investigators has been taxed. According to preliminary Police reports, they were called to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital at around 2:40pm and saw Randolph Johnson, 19, dead from multiple gunshot wounds to the chest, right leg and left palm. They say that he was with five other men at a creek at Mile 3 on the George Price Highway fishing when a male person approached and fired at Johnson before fleeing into the bushes.

Randolf Joseph

Colin Sutherland

A few hours after, at 7:30pm, Police would respond to reports of a shooting incident on Holy Emmanuel Street in the Lake Independence Area. There they would find the body of Bert Alexander Abraham, 47. Preliminary indications are that Abraham was on the street in front of his residence when an unknown gunman or gunmen fired shots at him, hitting him to the back and chest. He would die there in front of his gate.

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WHY IS GOB STILL PAYING MICHELLE

BELIEVE!

LONGSWORTH?

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MoE PLAYS BULLY TEACHERS DON’T BUDGE! Pg. 6

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LIVE GRENADE IN GANG TERRITORY

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MoE PLAYS BULLY TEACHERS DON’T BUDGE! Tuesday, January 3, 2017 Today many schools countrywide remained closed as teachers under the BNTU umbrella refused to give in to sustained bullying from the Ministry of Education and Minister Patrick Faber. In the wake of the October strike which forced government to its knees and shone a spotlight on this UDP administration’s shocking neglect of good governance practices and outright corruption, Minister Faber has been tireless in his efforts to punish teachers.

The Ministry of Education in cahoots with some managing authorities of primary and secondary schools countrywide urged teachers to cut their Christmas break short by four days to partly make up for 11 days of strike action in October 2016. The return date was set for Tuesday January 3rd, but Ministry officials must have been sorely disappointed as a majority of members of the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) ignored all intimidation tactics and banded together instead. Parents largely sup-

ported the union as was clearly evident in students’ level of attendance—or we should say “lack thereof.” Teachers therefore, continued to enjoy their hard-earned rest and it appears that classes will fully resume on Monday, January 9th as originally scheduled.

That is, unless the impasse is broken or the Ministry otherwise succeeds in getting the teachers to return.

All across the country, for the most part there were no classes. Some schools were open but the attendance, both from the student population and teachers was another story. Many students who went to school on Monday could be seen returning home in the early part of the morning and in several other cases, they were kept until midday then sent home for the remainder of the day. For example, in the case of the capital’s largest secondary school, Belmopan Comprehensive School, only a little over 100 students showed up for classes out of a student population of over one thousand. Meanwhile, out of 78 teachers, only some 20 turned up. Indeed, there were some cases

where there was almost full attendance of teachers and students but those schools were definitely in the small minority. We also know of the Orange Walk Branch whose membership at a meeting last week Friday unanimously agreed to stay out of the classroom until January 9th thereby forcing school managements to keep their school gates locked.

The BNTU has not yet released figures of actual support from its membership as the reports had not yet been submitted by all branches to headquarters. For its part though, the Belize City branch seemed content with its level of solidarity. On a social media post the branch wrote “Hats off and a round of applause to ALL TEACHERS of the Belize Branch BNTU who are tak-

4 DAYS…5 BODIES! Continued from page 1 While the Prime Minister made no reference to it in his twelve minute New Year’s Address aired ad nauseum, the official murder rate in 2016 was 136, dramatically higher than the 3 years previous and almost a record. While he also made no mention of it, 2016 is the year which saw the most unfettered corruption by UDP Ministers, some of whom were able to break the law with apparent impunity. It was a year in which the Police Department was riddled with allegations of corruption and incompetence at the highest ranks, a year in which high-ranking officers and even the Minister of Police John Saldivar would be caught up in an unnatural relationship with accused murder William Danny Mason.

The rule of thumb is that lawlessness at any level can breed lawlessness at every level, and 2016 was a year of lawlessness in the

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highest elected offices of the land.

While the year has gotten off to a bloody start, it is hoped that the Police will be able to restore some semblance of control in the city where warring factions and cold-blooded killers have become the orders of the day.

Although visibly frustrated, Southside Commander ACP Chester Williams in a Facebook post today stated, “I'm going to buckle up and reach out to those who are willing to listen. We must take the bull by the horns and while we reach out with one of the gloves taken off these young men must understand that while we are willing to work with them they too must do their part. I also call upon all who have a friend or a family member who is involved to please take the time to reach out to them and show them love and appreciation. Let's not wait until it's too late. This is one way we can all contribute to this madness.”

The last murder of 2016 was recorded on New Year’s Eve.

WEATHER 6 Jan

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2017 ing their well-deserved vacation still.

Your strength and resilience is what makes OUR BNTU so strong. Your union is proud of you! To those in the classroom today, join us tomorrow.

Stand for something or fall for anything. SOLIDARITY FOREVER!!”

The Ministry of Education has not commented on the impasse, and reports indicate that Minister Faber is himself out of the country enjoying a vacation. Word is that he still refuses to give up the fight and will try to get teachers and students back into the classroom throughout the remainder of the week. As part of their propaganda and division tactics, the Ministry has already promised that teachers who were at school during the industrial action but are now being required to “give this time” will be paid a bonus.

LIVE GRENADE IN GANG TERRITORY

Wednesday, January 4, 2017 The discovery of a live grenade on Tuesday, in an area controlled by the South Side Gangsters (SSG), one of the city more volatile gangs, is probably no cause for relief by law enforcement officers as we head into what has been the bloodiest start of a new year in history. The discovery of the device, one of an alleged dozen believed to be in the hands of criminal elements, was made at around 9:00am Tuesday morning by GSU Acting Commander Inspector Glenn Caliz, near the Cumberbatch Field at the corner of Faber’s Road and Caesar Ridge Road.

According to Caliz, “Right here we have a live grenade, military type standard M26-A2 hand grenade. We had conducted some operations in this area over the past hour where we came upon this grenade. With this, we called in the BDF bomb expert, who will handle this grenade to take it to a safe location, for further investigation, and further destruction."

At a press conference held by the Belize District’s top-three commanders on Tuesday, ACP Chester Williams verified the incident, stating that “I have just been notified by the Acting Commander of GSU that sometime around nine a.m. this morning they discovered a live grenade in the Yarborough area. That grenade has been taken into custody by the B.D.F. and they will be the one

to dispose of it.”

No further information has been made available to the media, and it is unclear how the grenade made its way to the location. Currently there is an investigation underway as authorities work to minimize threats to life from rival gangs which is always a serious concern in the city. From bloody and fatal past experience, Belizeans are well aware of the damage which can be caused by these devices, and that has resulted in a persistent fear whenever there are major events including Carnival in September.

The Belize Times

Established 1957

14 APR 2013

9 Jan

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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Mike Rudon

LAYOUT/GRAPHIC ARTIST

Chris Williams

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Roberto Peyrefitte SCAN HERE

8 Jan

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2017

WHY IS GOB STILL PAYING MICHELLE LONGSWORTH? Wednesday, 04 January 2017 The Belize Times has been able to confirm that former Director of the Central Information Technology Office (CITO) Michelle Longsworth is still listed as active and is still receiving her salary and allowances even though she left office in July 2016 to travel with her husband to New York. Longsworth, a wellconnected political public officer, is the wife of former Minister Herman Longsworth who is now the government’s Consular Officer in New York.

According to our research, Michelle Longsworth left her post in July, but is still collecting more than $6800.00 every single month. To date, Longsworth has received almost $40,000 as Director of CITO even though she does not work at CITO and is in New York with her husband.

Both husband and wife have come under scrutiny before.

Herman Longsworth, a failed junior Minister of Sports, will best

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be remembered for his connection to the Marion Jones Sporting Complex and not in a good way. It is still widely believed that millions allocated to the Complex were ‘misdirected’ under his watch. He was asked to step down to make way for the Prime Minister’s pick for Albert, Tracy Taegar-Panton after it became clear that he would never win another election for the UDP. In return, he was gifted with the consular post in New York.

Michelle Longsworth’s name has come up repeatedly after the infamous Auditor-General’s reports reveal massive and institutionalized corruption in the Immigration Department. It has been asserted that Longsworth, in her capacity as Director of CITO, deliberately worked to hinder the investigation by auditors, going so far as to send a CITO officer assigned to the audit team for training abroad, a move which hampered the team’s work.

In 2016 Government came under fire after it was revealed that the sister of Minister John Saldivar, Cande-

laria Saldivar, was still receiving her full salary, allowances and perks even though she had been sitting at home since May 2015. Saldivar had been stripped of her post as CEO in the Ministry of Immigration and sent home through a directive from Prime Minister Dean Barrow.

GOB was forced to retire her from the public service in November 2016 after unrelenting pressure, though she would still receive all her benefits and pension.

It is obvious that the Prime Minister has not learned anything from the Candelaria Saldivar debacle. At a time when the country is in crisis and GOB is having trouble every month reaching its wage bills, Mr. Barrow is still quite content to feather the nests of the politically favoured.

The Belize Times will continue our investigation into this matter, since we have been reliably informed that Michelle Longsworth is also working out of the consular office in New York and collecting a salary there as well.

Prayer To The Holy Spirit O Holy Spirit, You who are the Fountainhead of all knowledge, Who Illuminate the path way which enables me to reach my goal. You Who shares your Divine gift permitting me to forgive and forget past insults and injustices, and Who are always at my side within reaching distance. I desire in this short supplication to thank You for all that You have done for me; and to assure You once more that I never want to be separated from You under any circumstances, no matter what the incentive. I want to be with You, I along with my loved ones, cradled in Your unending love. Thank You for your never-failing kindness towards me and those I call my own.

(Prayer to be offered for three consecutive days: Faith in The Holy Spirit will cause Him to respond to your request no matter how difficult the problem might be. Publish prayer as soon as request has been Granted .)

Thank You Holy Spirit.

F.C.M.

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Questions to Ministers

Would the Member for Queen Square and Prime Minister please clarify the status of the alleged lesions in his colon and provide the nation with an update on his health? Could he also say if he has fixed that troubling bowel movement problem?

Would the Member for Queen Square and Minister of Finance please say why the wife of former Minister Herman Longsworth is still receiving almost $7000 a month as Director of CITO even though she left that post in July 2016 to go to New York with her husband?

Would the Member for Queen Square and Minister of Finance please say exactly how much government is paying for the Chon Saan building located in Belmopan? Could he further explain the decision to purchase it and the decision to move the Immigration Department to that location?

Would the Member for nowhere, failed politician and new Minister of Natural Resources please state for clarity the terms of her contract, just in the event that she is threatened and has to leave and her political boss comes to the nation with another bogus explanation?

Would that same failed politician also say if she has any intention of conducting any investigation into the blatant corruption under former Deputy Prime Minister and former Minister of Natural Resources Gaspar Vega?

Would the Member for Cayo Central and Minister of Works please provide a list of the assets which he has in his name or which he has put in the names of family members and employees since taking office? Could he ask his CEO to do the same, since we understand that both are competing to see who can grab more?

Would the Member for Pickstock and Minister of Foreign Affairs please say whether he made up with Guatemalan Foreign Minister Carlos Raul Morales over the holidays?

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2017

IF DAH NOH SOH!

Jehovah…

I swear when I heard that fool say that thing about Fonso being a Jehovah’s Witness I figured he was drunk. Either that or the drinking done messed up his three brain cells.

Then to make it worse he had to take it back the very next day after he got a call from the JW people. What a moron.

But he’s in good company with the drunken master. Word is client and attorney were swilling the devil juice together on Christmas Eve just before Fonso ran off the road and into a hard-working Belizean man riding home to his family.

Can’t make light of that shit because it pisses me off…he killed that man and came out of Court laughing. LAUGHING! Karma is a bitch. That’s all I’m gonna say about that.

The ComPol… I hear the Commissioner of Police is in some deep crap because he refused to release Fonso after the accident.

Just as we expected, from Christmas Eve the calls started coming in demanding that Fonso be released but somewhere, somehow the Commissioner either found God or found his missing cojones and stood his ground. I figure he’ll last probably another month. These politicos don’t do too well with people who stand up to them. I’d like to say that it’ll be a big loss but yeah…it’s 2017 and at least for the next week I’ll try not to tell any lies. But hey, the Commish did well for himself while he lasted. Too bad he never knew anything about anything that was happening. To be honest though it wasn’t his fault exactly…he had no access to internet or phone or communications and didn’t ever watch the news. Good riddance I say.

Police at Lands…

Why were members of the Police Department guarding the Ministry of Natural Resources last week? We’re hearing that they were stationed there in force just before the New Year holiday when Ms. Retreage’s contract expired (yeah right). See, the truth is this.

Senior UDP officials believe that Vanessa Retreage was the source of all those leaks out of the Ministry of Natural Resources. Some people say it’s because she and the First Son are very close and the First Son and Gapi went crossway just before Gapi was removed unceremoniously from Lands. Other senior, scurvy UDP Ministers figured she was leaking stuff to the PUP. Whatever the case, Retreage had to go to protect the UDP wutlessness in Lands, and that’s where the threat came in. Let me just say this…that threat wasn’t spam, but I’m hearing it did come from a former Senator and UDP insider who is as attractive and appealing as a big hunk of Spam, and just as shapely. So why the Police…?

Maybe to protect Ms. Retreage as she left office…or maybe to ensure that she wasn’t carrying any more files when she left! Like Forrest, that’s all I’m gonna say about that.

Ms. Retreage…

Ms. Retreage is out of direct scrutiny for now, but she still has some questions to answer. Inquiring minds still want to know about her relationship with First Son Anwar Barrow. Inquiring minds want to know about Aviation Alliance Limited and that prime parcel of land just behind the Marion Jones Complex. Inquiring minds want to about that company registered at #122 Eve Street which has already secured the approval to provide renewable energy to BEL. And since we’re in the business of getting information, inquiring minds want to know what exactly Ms. Retreage uncovered at the Ministry of Natural Resources which was dangerous enough to some people that big people in her own party would threaten her life. Let’s hear it…

Alice in Churchillia…

The Prime Minister needs to ease back on those pain meds before giving major addresses. Sure as hell they’re affecting his mind. If you took the time to listen to his New Year’s message like I did, you’re probably wondering like I am which country he’s living in – nothing about crime, nothing about corruption, nothing about anything real – just a lot of bullshit about how much the UDP has done for all and sundry, and how 2016 was great and 2017 is going to be greater and the economy will grow and all industries will take off and tourism will grow and pigs will fly. Listen, we’ve been listening to this crap from the bald-headed legend in his own mind for too long now to actually believe the words that are coming out his mouth. In 2016 the only people who prospered were the Barrows and the Vegas and the Castros and the Monteros and the Marins and the Contreras’ and…well you get my point.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

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EDITORIAL

A

Karma

s I write this on Tuesday morning, three days into the New Year that Prime Minister Dean Barrow says will be a ‘turnaround stanza,’ three men have already been gunned down. Colin Sutherland died on New Year’s Day. Robert Gillett was executed at around midday on January 2nd and just hours after, Kenneth Dobson lay bleeding on the ground, life snuffed out by lead.

The Prime Minister has consistently been able to skirt these nasty, unpleasant issues…the bodies sprawled on the ground, bleeding out from multiple bullet wounds, because it has not touched close enough to his home and cold heart.

Neither the Prime Minister nor his Special Envoy reacted to the heart-breaking murder of Tyler Savery. I wonder if the Prime Minister remembers that name – Tyler Savery.

For all normal Belizeans in this nation, the impact of violent crime in 2016 was powerful and painful. In his 12 minute New Year message, Mr. Barrow allocated one minute at the very end to lauding his government for all he says they have done for national security. He didn’t mention the crime rate in 2016. He didn’t mention those who lost their lives in one of the most violent years in our nation’s young history. He also did not mention any concrete initiatives or crime-fighting measures – just rhetoric as usual.

The Prime Minister’s New Year message, in the plainest terms, was nothing more than very well-crafted crap. This man has so removed himself from the reality around him that he appears at times quite like Alice in that fanciful Wonderland just down the rabbit-hole. It is incredible and very disturbing.

After he alone masterminded and orchestrated the wild and reckless spending of hundreds of millions in Petrocaribe monies placed with him in trust for the Belizean people, Mr. Barrow now blames Hurricane Earl and de-risking for what he in his message flippantly calls “a mild economic recession.” I wonder what constitutes a severe recession, since the Belizean economy has already shrunk for three consecutive quarters.

In that masterful 12 minute fairy-tale, Mr. Barrow blames the People’s United Party for his own secretly crafted agreement with Lord Ashcroft which cost Belizeans $557M. Mr. Barrow, without the knowledge of the nation or even his own Cabinet - law partner in tow - went to Miami and agreed to pay Lord Ashcroft an undisclosed sum. He gave Lord Ashcroft a blank check signed by Belizean taxpayers.

His protracted delay followed by the quite amazing about-

turn cost us $250M in interest alone. But he blames the PUP, out of office since 2008, for all of it. And then, says this amazing Alice, burdening us with more than half-a billion in debt was a vindication, and ‘well worth paying for an asset that is a source of pride and profit.” He cited the company’s “breakout performance,’ and claimed that we must be ‘feeling the rush.’ Imagine that!

And then Alice goes on talk about what is the ‘greatest 2016 pleasure,’ nine of ten Belizeans expressing a high level of life satisfaction while three-quarters of our young people says life is better. One could certainly be excused for believing with all certainty that the survey which yielded those results was conducted in the Barrow mansion over the holidays, or perhaps at a Barrow-Vega New Year mixer.

There can be no such satisfaction in southside Belize, for example, where many Belizeans still live in the most abject poverty. Life is definitely not better for those who still live in tottering shacks over swamps, no electricity, no running water, pigtail buckets for toilets.

In his address Mr. Barrow assured all Belizeans…2017 will be a turnaround stanza with even more economic and social reform. Industries will rebound and growth will be phenomenal and we will all be living in a good country with good leaders and opportunities and employment and no crime and social justice will flourish. Belizeans have heard it all before. We know by now that what comes out of the Prime Minister’s mouth may differ in appearance from what comes out his other end, but in substance they are both identical.

2017 will not be a pleasant year for Belizeans. As a people we have been violated by the corrupt politicians of the United Democratic Party. Senior Ministers like Gaspar Vega have been allowed to steal from us to fill their own pockets and to make their inner circle fat and prosperous.

The Prime Minister’s own family members have done incredibly well as a result of his position and the decisions he has made. Corruption has been allowed to flourish and Mr. Barrow has done nothing to check it. In every area, in every sector…our people have suffered and have been abused. The only industry still returning fat dividends is the Ministerial industry.

But if it is to be an unpleasant one for us, through no fault of our own, then it must be most unpleasant for those politicians who rape us with abandon and wild glee. Karma has shown that it is a vindictive and vicious creature, very much alive and well. The UDP has wronged us and betrayed us without mercy. We will not forgive, and we will not forget.

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Alleged Samurai Rapist Gunned Down After Release from Kolbe Wednesday, 04 January 2017 Robert Gillett, a 28 year-old exconvict, was the second of the five victims who lost their lives over the violent New Year’s Holiday. His family expected him to celebrate the New Year with them, but he never made it.

That’s because on Monday, January 2, 2017, the last day of the weekend, Gillett was walking on North Front Street. It was close to midday when he arrived in front of Belize Farm Center, and he did not make it any further. That’s because a car pulled up, and the occupants

Robert Gillett

of that vehicle immediately started firing shots at him. The spray of gunfire caused Gillett to suffer as many as 11 gunshot wounds, injuries which claimed his life on the scene.

His family in Ladyville were expecting him to visit with them that day, but when he didn’t make it, they later on received news that he had been murdered. Gillett was released in October 2016 after serving 8 years in jail for burglary. He was convicted of burglary in 2008 for the crime in Lord’s Bank in which Mara Naomi Garcia, a maid, was raped and her throat was slashed with a samurai

KENNETH ‘FUDGIE’ DOBSON IS 2017’S 3RD MURDER Wednesday, 04 January 2017 The third murder of a so far bloody New Year is also a recent inmate of the Belize Central Prison, Kenneth Dobson.

He was better known as “Fudgie” and his killer went to one of his favourite spots to gun him down.

Residents tell the press that he regularly went to the house on stilts on Raccoon Street Extension to play dominoes with friends. That’s where he was socializing on Monday, January 2, at around 7:30 p.m. From Police investigation, indications are that a gunman barged in and fired several shots at Dobson. He was injured and he tried to fight, and then run, but he didn’t get anywhere far. He collapsed a short distance away from the initial attack. There are some indications that other assailants joined Dobson’s pursuer to assist in finishing him off. Shortly after, the gunman or gunmen fled the scene, and police responded as quickly as they could. As a result of this attack, Dobson passed away.

Neighbours and other persons close to Dobson believe that his past contact with the law may have earned him enemies who used this opportunity. In fact, his sister told the media that, “A

of last year he was finally acquitted in the Supreme Court which allowed him to walk free. He was also charged back in 2005 for the murder of Jermaine Barrow. All indications are that when he was released from prison in 2015, Dobson was staying out of trouble.

2017 sword. His younger brother, John Chessman, who was allegedly the mastermind of that gruesome killing, managed to get off after his attorney successfully convinced the trial judge that his constitutional rights were violated by Police when they questioned him.

While many Belize will remember Gillett as the man who allegedly participated in the vicious rape and murder of an innocent woman during a burglary, Gillett’s family remembers him fondly, and his cousin spoke with the press saying, “...Eleven times, that’s cold… that’s really cold for someone so sweet and loving. You know we all do wrong in our lives and at the end of the day, people do change.

But then for a person to take a gun and just gun him down eleven times without mercy, without love is crazy.”

The investigators say that they have two persons detained pending investigation, but no motive has been identified as yet.

NEEDED: Caretaker. Salary is $120.00 weekly.

Contact 664-2684 for more information.

For Sale

By Order of the Mortgagee Kenneth Dobson long time they have wanted to kill him... because of his past, we told him, Fudgie don't let down your guard out there, he would always tell us that he is blessed...

We were telling him yesterday that people are using the dynamite to cover up the gunshot. Why are you going out there to give up your head? That is what we were telling him like as a joke, not knowing that at the end of the night that is what would have happened to him.”

Dobson was accused of the 2011 murder of Erwin Staine and in March

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the below companies have been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the below date indicated: JERKIMER OVERSEAS LTD. - January 4th, 2017 CREEKWOOD OVERSEAS LIMITED - January 4th, 2017 BALHUST INVESTMENTS LTD. - January 4th, 2017 ALEMAN, CORDERO, GALINDO & LEE TRUST (BELIZE) LIMITED

Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Chargee under a Charge made the 3rd day of September 2008, between STEVEN VALENCIA of Puffer Street, San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, Belize District, Belize (hereinafter called “the Chargor”) of the one part and SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LIMITED (hereinafter called “the Chargee”) of the other part, and recorded as LRS-200806929, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto.

All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. SCHEDULE ALL THAT parcel of land being San Pedro – Registration Section, Block 7 Parcel 2015 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 4th day of January, 2017.

MUSA & BALDERAMOS LLP 91 North Front Street Belize City Attorneys-at-Law for Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.

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2017

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Arrest Made in 2016’s Last Murder

Wednesday, 04 January 2017 On Tuesday, officers of the Belize Rural Eastern Division reported that they had made an arrest in the murder of Dillon Grinage, 25. Grinage, a resident of Sandhill, earned the tragic distinction of being 2016’s last murder. Immediately after the shooting on New Year’s Eve Police detained Sandhill resident Patrick Harris, allegedly no stranger to the Police and on Tuesday he was charged for murder.

The incident happened on December 31, 2016, New Year’s Eve, at around 9:10pm when the entire country was counting down only 3 hours to the midnight fireworks. Grinage and another friend were sitting down at a food shop, which is located near

Dillon Grinage to the Philip Goldson Highway’s intersection with the Old Northern Highway.

That’s when, according to Police, a lone gunman came from be-

hind the gas station at the junction and targeted Grinage. The assailant shot him several times in the head and body and the injuries were fatal.

Police were called in and they found him bleeding out. They tried to rush him to the KHMH, but unfortunately he was pronounced dead on arrival.

His sister, Deidra Grinage, was in San Pedro when she got the sad news shortly after – “I was with my other brother, who is a Police Officer when I got the call from my cousin who heard that my brother got shot. She wanted me to inform my mom. So I called my mom and she didn’t know because she was getting ready to go to church. So when I did tell my mom she was in

FIRST MURDER OF 2017 MAY SPARK RETALIATION Wednesday, 04 January 2017 Colin Sutherland, a 22 yearold man from the Conch Shell Bay area of the City, was shot and killed on New Year’s Day. The rest of the country was winding down their New Year's Day activities when Sutherland’s family received word that he had been shot and kill right down the lane from where he lived.

Police say that at around 6:30 p.m., on Sunday, January 1, Sutherland was walking on Youth

and moaning. I want them to laugh and have their fun, because it is anybody that this could happen to. It's just my turn...I love my brother very much. That's my (other) half. They know that it will eat me out, that's why they hurt him."

Colin Sutherland

shock. She got off the phone and went out there. I called my mom again and she said my brother passed away on his way to the hospital.”

Police investigations so far indicate that Grinage may have been targeted because he and his assailant may have gotten into an argument, which later turned into a murder when a firearm was brought into the squabble. Grinage is not known to have any run-ins with Police and in fact he lived in the same in Sandhill yard where his grandmother, Irma, lives.

Police are also looking for another man who they believe can shed more light on the murder.

Police say that they are very sure that Colin Sutherland was a law-abiding citizen. They have encountered his brothers in the past, but not him. According to ACP Chester Williams at a press conference on Tuesday, “We are looking for some people of interest who we believe may be able to assist the investigation. We have not been able to come across those persons as yet but as soon as we do and the investigation has moved a bit further we will we will brief the media as to where we are.”

NOTICE WLG Corporate Solutions LTD. # 38, 435 (“the Company”) Pursuant to Section 102 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, notice is hereby given that WLG Corporate Solutions LTD. has been dissolved as at 29th December, 2016 and has been struck off the Register of International Business Companies.

PMC GROUP (Belize) LTD. Registered Agent

for the Future Drive. He was in the company of two other persons.

He was near to his home on East Collet Canal, but he never made it because as soon as they reached near the Bel China UNO Gas Station, they passed a car which was parked. A gunman immediately jumped out of the vehicle, took aim at Sutherland and opened fire, hitting him multiple times in the chest, the abdomen and the back.

The injuries were severe. Police officers were able to respond rapidly to the shooting but found Sutherland near death. They tried to rush him to the KHMH for emergency medical treatment but the wounds claimed his life.

Police are unsure to the reason Colin Sutherland was murdered, but his brother, Oliver Sutherland, told the media that he believes that someone lured Colin to his death.

He believes that it is one of their own friends who did this, and he said that it was due to jealousy and to hurt him and his other family members.

According to Oliver Sutherland, “We came up from nothing to something, and people don't like that. I can't watch my brother on a bed like that, on a New Year's Day. Like it's my New Year's gift they gave me... He is my everything! I want them to see me good, how they got me grieving, bawling out

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the below companies have been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the below dates: FLOREA EQUITIES CORP. – December 30th, 2016 Advorca Finance Ltd. – December 30th, 2016 KINLOW GROUP, LTD. – December 30th, 2016 ICAZA BELIZE TRUST CORPORATION LIMITED

08 8

8 JAN

THE BELIZE TIMES

UDP GUARDIAN EDITOR KILLS MAN ON GEORGE PRICE HIGHWAY

Alfonso Noble

Gilbert Myers

2017

NOTICE “Notice is hereby given that the company named “ELITE CENTURY LTD.” has been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the 24th day of December, 2016.”

GenPro Consulting (Belize) Limited

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the below companies have been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the dates indicated:

Tuesday, January 3, 2016 The Editor of the UDP’s newspaper, the Guardian, and co-host of WAVE Radio’s morning show, Alfonso Noble, has been a no-show after he killed Gilbert Myers on the night of Christmas Eve while driving his company vehicle on the George Price Highway near Mile 4. Footage of the scene indicates that Noble went way off the side of the road and hit Myers who was riding his bicycle heading home to spend Christmas with his family in Hattieville. Myers died on the spot.

Noble was detained on the scene and refused to provide Police with a blood or urine specimen to test for alcohol content. He was escorted to the Raccoon Street Police Station where he would be sequestered in the Police canteen, and not in a cell, until his arraignment date on Wednesday, December 28, 2016.

He was charged for Manslaughter

by Negligence, Causing Death by Careless Conduct, Driving without Due Care and Attention and Failure to Provide Specimen to the Police.

On Wednesday after his arraignment, as he left the Court-

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HOWICK INVESTMENTS LIMITED – December 22nd 2016 CHESTNUT INTERNATIONAL LIMITED – December 22nd, 2016 HILLTONE INVESTMENTS LIMITED – December 22nd, 20216 ALEMAN, CORDERO, GALINDO & LEE TRUST (BELIZE) LIMITED Registered Agent

room Noble refused comment, but his attorney Herbert Panton took the opportunity to complain to the media about the inconvenience suffered by his client, who was held by Police over the Christmas holidays. One can only imagine what an inconvenience the incident must have been for the Myers’ family, but Panton made no reference to that.

Panton also incredibly claimed that his client, Noble, refused to give a specimen to Police because he is a Jehovah’s Witness and they are prohibited from giving blood for testing.

That comment elicited widespread outrage on two grounds – one, Noble is not a Jehovah’s Witness and (2) Jehovah’s Witnesses are allowed to give blood for the purpose of testing, just not for the preservation of life. Panton was forced to retract his ridiculous assertion within 24 hours in a sheepish release admitting that Noble was not in fact a Jehovah’s Witness. He did not explain in his release why Noble refused to give the specimen, though.

Multiple sources have come forward to tell the Belize Times that both Noble and his attorney, Herbert Panton, were seen drinking together on Christmas Eve at an establishment near City Hall on North Front Street.

Others say that just prior to the incident both men were seen drinking at an establishment on Caesar Ridge Road.

Police sources have indicated that based on the evidence on the scene, Noble was clearly in the wrong since Myers was well off the road when he was hit and killed.

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the below company has been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the date indicated: GLOBAL GATE INVESTMENTS INC. – DECEMBER 22nd, 2016 Icaza Belize Trust Corporation Limited Registered Agent

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the below company has been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the below date: UniTech Ltd. - December 3rd, 2016 BELIZE CORPORATE SERVICES LIMITED Registered Agent

MAY 88 JAN 12 JUN 19 JUN

2016 2017 2016

THE BELIZE TIMES

9 SPORTS 09

NEW YEAR’S MESSAGE FROM

HON. JOHN BRICEÑO Leader of the People’s United Party

A Better Year...

A Better Belize As we close out 2016, a year that was not one of the best for us, we look to 2017 with a deep desire to see a different kind of Belize. We sincerely wish that 2017 will be less violent, less destructive and that it will be a year of economic progress. We pray that 2017 will be a better year for our productive sector and that our investment climate will improve.

We need this to be the come back year for our agroproducers and we need to see more small businesses start up and existing businesses expand.

Of course this will only happen if there is confidence in government’s ability to make the right decisions that will bring about positive results.

Sadly this cannot happen if rampant corruption continues; if new scandals about corrupt ministers, their family members and cronies emerge and with no one being held accountable.

For us in the People’s United Party, 2016 was a year for change. We elected a new leader and a vibrant executive.

We kept to our promise to ensure that the PUP is ready to lead and ready to win. Our Parliamentarians in the House and Senate went to work defending the positions of the Belizean people and as a result we have the Senate investigation into the bucket-sale of visas and passports. This process should not be derailed by frivolous lawsuits by ministers and other officials.

In 2017 we will build upon what was started with increased activism and even more hard work. We remain true to our values, to serve the people and to build Belize. We will focus especially on keeping government accountable, and on ensuring that necessary reforms occur in Belize.

Let me say it plain, we hold this UDP Administration fully accountable for the re-negotiation of the super bond.

Belizeans need to know all the details of this suspicious new agreement. In 2013 the country was told that this matter was solved. Now they are going back to the bondholders to seek to re-negotiate. The people are entitled to full transparency for we are the ones being forced to pay for each and every mistake or miscalculation.

We cannot have another situation like the BTL settlement which ended up costing Belizeans over half a billion dollars for a portion of a company which according to government’s valuators, is worth a little over $100 million.

We will also pay extra close attention to the Prime Minster’s next budget presentation. There is no doubt that there will be new taxes. The middle class and the productive sector will once again be called upon, by this UDP administration, to bear the burden of their incompetence.

We in the PUP will fight to ensure that any new fiscal measures be sensible, that these measures do not further hurt the poor; that they encourage investment & growth; that they be transparent and we must do everything possible to maintain the Belizean dollar at 2:1.

The PUP will not accept the same old budgetary process of the PM reading a speech that is filled with half-truths, which must later be corrected with Supplementary Appropriation Bills worth $100s of millions.

By now we are all convinced that there is compelling evidence of deep-seated corruption and plundering of the nations resources by Ministers and family members of the UDP. So far we have only seen the tip of the iceberg. We demand accountability of the thousands and thousands of acres of land that have been transferred to friends and family of the UDP at gross undervalue and in the over $70 million paid out in so-called land compensation.

Last year the PUP launched its governance reform agenda where we presented an overview of the kind of government we intend to become.

The PUP will play its part in setting the reform agenda required by UN Convention Against Corruption. We will also continue to insist on an effective and functioning Public Accounts Committee. We will continue to insist on electoral reform and we say to this UDP Administration that there must be re-registration before re-districting and the year for this to occur is 2017. The law requires it and we demand it.

Of the many areas of reform, none is of more concern to Belizeans than those, which may have an impact on Belize’s relations with Guatemala.

For too long Guatemala’s unfounded claim to our territory has haunted us and we must find a solution. The PUP will never agree to any session of our territory to Guatemala. Our position remains Guatemala should get no part of our territory because they are entitled to none. Still we remain committed to the peaceful settlement of this dispute and we remain committed to being apart of a national team that seeks a peaceful settlement of the dispute. We continue to insist that in moving forward with the process all the relevant laws need to be reformed – the Referendum Act, the Maritime Areas Act and if necessary the Belize Constitution. And we say there should be no referendum without electoral reform and relevant legislative reform.

My fellow Belizeans, the New Year gives us a chance to learn from yesterday, commit to today’s tasks, and look towards a brighter tomorrow.

A tomorrow where our government works for the betterment of everyone; where all Belizeans can live in peace with one another; where the anger and bitterness that seem so apparent in too many of our young people is replaced by compassion and kindness. We in the PUP know that every Belizean desires and deserves to live in a better Belize. We believe with all our hearts that we can make this happen and we will continue to work with you to fulfill our promise to build a Belize that works for everyone.

May 2017 be our year of rich blessings.

Happy New Year!

God bless us all and God Bless Belize!

10 SPORTS SMART’s Ron Vasquez Wins THE BELIZE TIMES TIMES THE BELIZE

21 8 MAY AUG JAN

2017 2016

2017 KREM New Year’s Cycling Classic Belize City, January 1, 2017 The SMART Zoom cycling team dominated the 27th annual KREM Radio New Year’s Elite Cycling Classic, with Ron Vasquez taking 1st place, Brandon Cattouse – 2nd prize, and Oscar Quiros – 5th prize in the 90 mile race from the Corozal Free Zone on the Philip Goldson Highway to the finish line at the Mahogany Street roundabout with Central American Boulevard to Belize City.

1st Ron Vasquez – Team SMART 4:06:09 - $2,500 prize and a round trip ticket to the continental United States from American Airlines, and a SMART cellphone package. Vasquez also won over $4,600 in station prizes from mile 35 to the city.

2nd Brandon Cattouse – Team SMART - 4:10:50 – $1,500 prize 3rd Giovanni Lovell - Team DigiCell 4G - $1,000 prize.

4th Jose Choto – Team Imani’s - 4:11:41 - $500 prize – 1st masters over-35 5th Oscar Quiros – Team SMART $350 prize 6th Nissan Arana - Team Westrac Alliance - $275 prize.

7th Robert Liam Stewart - $200 prize – 2nd Over-35 Masters.

8th Joslyn Chavarria Jr - Team DigiCell 4G - $175 prize.

9th Keion Robateau - Team Westrac Alliance - $150 prize.

10th Giovanni Choto - Team Imani’s - $100 prize.

11th Rudy Rincon - Team Yapurland of Mexico - 4:13:20 $75 prize 12th Joel Vanegas - Team Westrac Alliance - 4:14:58- $75 prize.

13th Darien Anderson - Team Benny’s Megabytes - 4:15:39 $50 prize.

14th Shane Jones - Team Westrac Alliance - $50 prize.

15th Carroll Devin Azueta Team Imani’s - $50 prize.

16th John Delong - Team Starlight (USA) - $25 prize.

17th Justin Faux - unattached - $25 prize.

18th Deryn Bellini Amaro Team Westrac Alliance- $25 prize.

19th Kenroy “Smokes” Gladden – 1st Masters 4/5 - $500 prize 20th Mark Staine – Team SMART - $25 prize.

24th Isaiah Willacey – unattached – 2nd Masters 4/5 – 4:26:19 - $200 prize.

27th George Abraham Sr. – 3rd Masters 4/5 – $100 prize.

Brandon Cattouse, 2nd Giovanni Lovell, 3rd

Champ Ron Vasquez

Alicia Thompson Repeats as 2017 KREM Female Cycling Classic Champ Belize City, January 1, 2017 Team Belize Bank Swoosh’s Alicia Thompson successfully defended her title as Women’s champion in the 27th annual KREM New Year’s Cycling Classic in a 52-mile ride from the Orange Walk Town Hall on the Philip Goldson Highway to the finish line at the Mahogany Street roundabout with Central American Boulevard to Belize City.

1st Alicia Thompson - Team Belize Bank Swoosh - 3:16:00 $1,000 prize, a round trip ticket to USA from American Airlines, and a SMART cellphone package.

2nd Kaya Cattouse – Team Cray Cycling - $300 prize.

3rd Gabrielle Lovell – Team DigiCell 4G - 3:53:00 - $200 prize.

4th Kaylynn Gillett - Team Belize Bank Swoosh - 4:05:00 – 1st Youth.

5th Alicia King - - Team Belize Bank Swoosh - 4:25:00 – 2nd Youth 6th Paulita Chavarria – Team Chavarria Cycling – 3rd Youth.

Only 6 of the 8 riders who began the race, finished. Cross Country champ Gina Lovell of the Team DigiCell 4G team won the 1st station prize of $150 at the Tower Hill Bridge but did not finish the race.

Top 3 senior females

1st Youth, Kaylynn Gillett

Alicia Thompson wins - Kaya, 2nd

Top 3 Youth Females

MAY 31 88 JAN JUL 12 JUN 14 19 JAN AUG JUN

2016 2017 2016 2017

09 SPORTS 11

THE BELIZE TIMES

Team Imani’s Shaun Codd Wins 2017 KREM Junior Cycling Classic

Belize City, January 1, 2017 Team Imani’s Shaun Codd won the 27th annual KREM Radio New Year’s Junior Cycling Classic from the Orange Walk Town Hall on the Philip Goldson Highway to the finish line at the Mahogany Street roundabout with Central American Boulevard to Belize City.

NashanYsaguirre, Shaun Codd and Brian Sutherland

BELMOPAN BANDITS Win 2016 PLB Football Championship

1st Shaun Codd – Team Imani’s - 2:31:36 - $1,000 prize and SMART cellphone.

2nd Nashen Ysaguirre – Team Cabral/Marin - 2:35:58 $300 prize.

3rd Brian Sutherland – Team SMART Zoom - $200 prize.

4th Wilhem Coye – Team Big Shep 5th Efrain Mencias – unattached

6th Shawn Armstrong Jr – Team Big Shep 7th Brian Polanco – Team Imani’s 8th Kevin Gentle – Team Big Shep 9th Gerson Lovell– Team DigiCell 4G 10th Gian Lovell – Team DigiCell 4G 11th Anthony Rosado – Team Big Shep 12th Patrick Williams – Team SMART Zoom 13th Nelson Zayden Jr – Team WKC Strikers 14th Joseph Tillett – Team Cabral/Marin 15th Sherwin Requena – Team SMART 16th Carlton Robinson – Team WKC Strikers 17th Gian Lino – Team Cabral/ Marin - 2:46:16 18th Derrick Chavarria – Team Chavarria

Only 18 of the 34 riders who began the race, finished. Codd led from the getgo and swept over $600 in station prizes on his 52 mile ride to the city.

Western Queens Win Cayo Basketball Champs

Western Queens team

Belmopan, December 31, 2016 The Belmopan Bandits won the 2016 Premier League of Belize football championship, bombing the Belize Defence Force: 4-0 in Game 2 of the finals at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium in Belmopan on New Year’s Eve. The Bandits’ captain Elroy Smith converted a penalty in the 2nd minute to lead 1-0. Brazilian import Aloisio Teixeira scored a 2nd goal in the 12th minute and the 3rd goal in the 34th minute to tally 11 goals this season.

Honduran import Jairo Rochez remained the PLB’s top scorer as he added a 4th goal in the 35th minute to tally 14 goals for the season.

The BDF had no comeback, even though Kyle Budna and Mark Arzu came off the BDF bench to refresh their attacks in the 2nd half. The Bandits reinforced their offensive lineup with strikers Elroy “Bibs” Kuylen, Marlon Meza and defender Frank Lopez to secure the 4-0 win, which won the championship 4-1 on aggregate, from the BDF’s 1-0 win in Game 1 of the finals.

PLB officials joined FFB’s acting President Marlon Kuylen in presenting the team trophies to the champions and sub-champions, and individual medals to the players.

Individual awards: Best Goalkeeper - Bandits’ Shane Orio Most Valuable Player for the regular season - Bandits’ Shane Orio.

Best Defender - Elroy Smith Best Midfielder - Jordi Polanco Most Valuable Player of the playoffs – Jordi Polanco.

Most Goals - Jairo Roches.

Rookie of the Year - Jarren Lambey of Paradise Freedom Fighters Best Coach - Kent Gabourel Sr. Best Manager - Bandits’ Kenneth Budna.

2nd place, Belmopan Shock San Ignacio, December 29, 2016 The Western Queens of Benque Viejo won the San Ignacio/ Santa Elena Basketball Association’s (SSBA) women’s championship: 33-31 in the finals against the Belmopan Shock girls at the Victor Galvez Stadium in San Ignacio Town on Thursday night.

Western Queens’ Jessica Prom led with 13pts. Shirley Codd hit 2 long treys to finish with 10pts. Jasmine Armstrong put up 4pts and Amanda Aguirre scored the winning basket.

Enid Dakers top-scored for Belmopan Shock with 21pts; her last 2 free throws tied the ball game 31-31 with 14 seconds on the clock! Bianca Macfadzean had added 6pts while Jayda Brown and Nina Awe scored a bucket apiece.

The Belmopan men won the Under-23 and the Masters Over-35 championship finals by default when the Tuff E’ Nuff U-23 and masters’ squads could not make it to the finals on December 22. The SSBA had accommodated Tuff E’ Nuff, and pushed back the finals to December 29, but the 2 Belmopan teams were awarded the championship in each division, by default, when the Tuff E’ Nuff teams did not show up on December 29.

49 12

THE BELIZE TIMES

We Believe in ‘Bex’…

Rebecca Rath

Representing the Jewel in Manila Wednesday, 04 January 2017 Rebecca Rath, one of Belize’s most vibrant pageant contestants to date, flew out on Tuesday, January 3rd, en route to the Philippines where she will represent the Jewel at the prestigious Miss Universe beauty pageant.

On Saturday, September 10th, Rebecca took the crown as Miss Belize 2016, beating 10 other contestants. The 23-year-old proudly graced the stage in her cultural costume that featured Marie Sharp’s pepper sauce in tribute to her home district of Stann Creek. She had already won the hearts of a large majority and on the night of the pageant, it was Rebecca whose evening gown was adorned with multiple award ribbons.

The Dangriga queen has seen the spotlight as model and athlete and it is the hope of the nation that the gorgeous Belizean with a radiant and soft smile will place in the top finalists on the international stage on pageant night slated for January 30th.

The slender 5’ 8” beauty has been flitting from town to town engaging in acts of charity, winning the hearts of Belizeans from all walks of life since being selected to represent Belize in September 2016. While she previously contributed of her time to the development of underprivileged children and coaching a female volleyball team, the ramped-up activities she has been engaging in are all part of her preparation as she aims for the win. As she puts it, “Belize is coming for the kill this year.”

While expecting it to be a tough competition, “Bex” as she is affectionately known is not feeling intimidated or nervous; instead, she is excited for the challenge. Preparation has included a change in lifestyle to ensure she is physically set for the contest. Staying focused on the big prize has also seen her work to enhance her presentation, speech and knowledge of current world affairs. But the toughest part, she says is practicing “wearing heels” for long periods of time.

Otherwise, she feels prepared and considers the journey a life-changing experience which has opened her eyes. While she admits inspiring other people along the way, she ac-

knowledges being inspired by others as well.

Her dad, award-winning photographer Tony Rath, posted on his Facebook page on Tuesday, “Bex has received so much support from old friends and new, and moral support from everyone she met in person and online, that I watched her grow in confidence, in poise and in grace as if she absorbed the strength and love from the people around her - especially the young people searching for hope. Her greatest fear I know is letting them all down; her greatest motivation to make them all, and the country of Belize proud. She started this journey as a highly competitive young woman wearing little to no makeup and tennis shoes. She is still fiercely competitive, but now has grown into a confident competitor in the foreign world of glamour against 100 other women that have lived, breathed and practiced this stuff their whole lives. And now Bex is a representative for little Belize on the world’s biggest stage in the Philippines. I like her chances.”

Belize’s hope for a stellar performance this time around is buoyed by the attention that Rebecca has already received. She has been featured in a list of the top 20 front-runners by one of the most recognized international pageant sites, missosology.org. Of this attention she stated, “…they are already noticing a Miss Belize after so many years and so I am very excited to get there and to deliver what they are expecting to see. So, it’s a lot of pressure but it’s unbelievably exciting.”

As a front-runner, the University of Houston graduate (with a degree in Management) got a visit a few weeks ago from a Miss Universe crew which featured various Belize attractions, including the stunning natural beauty.

The 65th edition of the Miss Universe pageant will take place at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila. Rebecca’s participation ends Belize’s ten-year absence from the contest.

We join the nation in wishing Rebecca every success on this journey. She carries the hope of the nation with her. No pressure!

8 JAN

2017

8 JAN

2017

18 JAN

THE BELIZE TIMES 2015

13

14

8 JAN

THE BELIZE TIMES

2017

PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: PROPERTY Ambergris Caye, Belize District

BY ORDER of the Receiver, Sueno Del Mar Limited, Licensed Auctioneer Kevin A. Castillo will sell the following property ON SITE [13 Miles north of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, Belize District] on Monday 9th January 2017 at 11:00 am: SUENO DEL MAR RESORT - 13 MILES NORTH OF SAN PEDRO TOWN, AMBERGRIS CAYE

REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK San Pedro 7

PARCEL 8843

(Being Sueno Del Mar Resort situate 13 Miles north of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye and includes: Palapa Bar & Grill; Two Swimming Pools; Direct TV Satellite System; Isotropic Satellite Internet System; Electrical System provided by Belize Electricity Ltd.; Resort Electricity back-up Generator; 45,0000 gallon resort water storage; Laundry Facility; Guest Storage; Staff Housing; Resort Maintenance Storage; 32 ft. Boat with 2 - 200 HP Yamaha Outboard Motors; 9 Resort Villa Buildings (36 villas are partially furnished and 3 villas unfurnished) (32 two bedroom villas) (6 one bedroom villas) (1 three bedroom villa); on 9.6 acres of land with 506 feet of frontage on the Caribbean Sea in the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve, Ambergris Caye, Belize District, the freehold property of Messrs. Sueno Del Mar Limited

TERMS: STRICTLY CASH KEVIN A. CASTILLO TELEPHONE: 224 4473 Email: kevinacas@yahoo.com

8 JAN

THE BELIZE TIMES

2017

15

THINKING OUT LOUD BY: KEVIN BERNARD

I’d like to take this opportunity to wish all of you the very best in this New Year.

2017 is here and it will be a challenging one. I keep in close contact with businesses both large and small here in Orange Walk, and it is no secret that they are preparing for some lean times. As well our vendors, entrepreneurs and farmers are tightening their belts after what was already a very rough 2016.

We are a resilient people and I have no doubt that we will get through the worst of times together. But still it bothers me to see my people struggling, faced with burdens which are not their fault and which they did nothing to deserve.

The truth is that none of what we went through in 2016, and none of the challenges we will face in 2017 are our fault. This government has been the most reckless and incompetent and corrupt that Belizeans have ever seen. The Prime Minister has really betrayed all of us. I remember looking at a press conference where the Prime Minister was announcing Gaspar Vega’s resignation.

He looked like he wanted to cry as he spoke about how hard this all has been for Vega’s family. I wonder which one of Mr. Vega’s family members this has been hard on? All of them seem to have done very, very well while he was Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources. Some of his family members have even become millionaires.

Corruption like that, at such a level from this senior politician who lives right here in Orange Walk has cost us all. Imagine all those millions which were given away in bogus compensation to Vega’s family and friends and UDP cronies. Imagine all the good that could have done for us, how many streets could have been paved, how many youth centers built, how many children sent to school. We were robbed of all that money so

that a few people could get very rich. And they drive all around Orange Walk like they did nothing wrong.

Imagine what we as a people could have done with the Petrocaribe money. Venezuela gave the UDP that money to help the poor, but the Prime Minister did everything but help the poor. That money only helped the rich to get richer. That money is all gone, and our poor people still have nothing.

As Mayor of Orange Walk thing, the very first thing I did upon taking office was address transparency, accountability and integrity at Town Hall. I believe that the most important role of any municipal or government body is to handle the people’s money responsibly. We made our financial records public and accessible and we included the community in every major decision made. As politicians we always have to remember that we are not making decisions with our money, but with the people’s money. We are only the caretakers.

I think that is where this government of the day lost its way. These greedy, arrogant politicians started to believe that all the money at their disposal was for them. They started to believe that they could use it how they wanted for their own enrichment and purposes. They started to believe that they were kings and gods, empowered to do anything they wanted. Look where that attitude has gotten us today. Those assets have been depleted because of the greed of a few, and now we all must pay the price even though these few continue to laugh all the way to the bank.

It is my hope that one day I will serve my people in another capacity, if God is willing. It is time to try to put things right for the people of Belize. It is time to restore integrity and good governance to office and time to get these corrupt politicians out.

Enough is enough.

A RUDE AWAKENING… By: Eduardo Santos Another year has dawned upon us and with that we will be faced with new challenges in our lives. Promises and resolutions will be made and for some, they will be broken in record time. I for one was one of the few that did not come up with a bucket load of resolutions since I know that somewhere down the line it might be broken. The only concession I did make was to try to get out of this year alive and to do what is best for not only myself but for my peers.

For those of you that were not following the world news, especially in the financial sector, this year will be a rude awakening for you. The credit crunch that is affecting a lot of developing countries will finally reach our beloved shores.

Could this scenario have be adverted?

Were there solutions that could have been implemented so as to cushion the blow? The answer is yes but the people that we elected to manage our country were doing a poor job at it.

The idea that Belize’s economy is headed for a crash is nonsense. You have to distinguish between two things—the economy and the stock market. The economy is the sum of all the goods and services that are produced in this country every day. There are the agricultural industry, tourism, the building and offshore sector. That’s the real economy, and it’s just as strong or weak today as it was a week ago.

The Stock Exchange is something very different. There is no economy and no production of goods and services.

There are only fantasies in which people from one hour to the next decide that this or that company is worth so many billions, more or less. It doesn’t have a thing to do with reality or with the economy. It only means that a bunch of heavy speculators are now moving their shareholdings from companies to other companies.

When Belize started floating bonds on the international market we became trapped in the vicious cycle of having our budget being ransomed by these transnational companies. If the funds generated from the bonds would have been directly invested back in our country to build niche industries, then the process would have been worth it. You cannot expect to go into a bank, borrow money

and not think that anything will happen to you in the event that the project fails. If instead of investing in the said project you squandered the money, then failure is the only option.

Since the November 2015 National Election victory by the incumbent United Democratic Party, we have seen some appalling revelation concerning the workings of certain government ministers. It has gone to such an extent that the Prime Minister, in an attempt to pacify the masses, has stripped some ministerial portfolios as a form of damage control. No less than the former Deputy Prime Minister has been forced to resign from his powerful post and has indicated his decision to retire from the political arena.

All these shenanigans that are being committed do come at a price. Because of some dubious land transactions, the government has been forced to compensate persons for lands that should not have been issued to them in the first place. These monies that is being wasted in the process could have been used for constructive projects to uplift our country. When will this process be halted or at the very least investigated? That only will happen when we the people come together and demand accountability from our government leaders. If we would stop paying taxes, or producing for the economy, then the country would collapse.

As I have stated before, the idea that Belize’s economy is headed for a crash is nonsense since we still produce every day that we go to work.

The effects of defaulting on our foreign debt payments is that our assets that are outside of the country such as our foreign reserve deposits can be confiscated in order to partially pay off our debts. As a way to avert this, expect higher taxes (15% GST), and stricter control on the ability to convert local currency into the US dollar. Products will becomes more expensive and our buying power will diminish. Even with higher taxes, if our government cannot stamp out corruption, then the cost of living will rise to an uncontrollable level. It is time that we begin to take a keen interest in how we are governed or face some dire straits in the not too distant future.

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8 JAN

THE BELIZE TIMES

2017

LASHED BY THE ROD OF CORRECTION

By: Norris Hall The rod of correction struck a deep and harsh blow in early October of last year, on the power hawks in Belmopan, revealing their dark souls and the lack of goodwill, decency and political acumen. Their conflict with the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) could now become gummy, sticky and nasty as they try to avenge the historical humiliation that the BNTU dished out on them. It will become even more challenging for the teachers as their anemic umbrella organization, the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB), is likely to bail on them. The NTUCB has been infiltrated by agents of the government as has the politically-loaded Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Unlike the teachers, they appear not to have a high road built on principles.

During the past week, a certain over-zealous woman who has left behind a dirty track record with the NTUCB has resurfaced and is positioning herself in her attempt to take control of the NTUCB. Her moves have the distinct fingerprints of a government agent. She has taken some cheap potshots at the Teachers’ Union in an attempt to redeem her credibility with the NTUCB. The BNTU should, for its own credibility, remove itself from its spineless umbrella, the NTUCB. They (the teachers) have proven to be their own brokers of the principles of trade unionism in their demand for good and responsible governance.

THE MAIN EVENT OF 2016 The main event of 2016 was, without question, the pressure that this National Teachers’ Union brought to bear on a reckless and high-handed government. While the initial dispute was over the government’s decision to renege on a promised meager pay hike to the teachers, the union leadership did not quibble. Rather they took the moral high ground, demanding an end to endemic corruption in the Barrow Administration and a demand for good governance.

But the teachers held their ground as the Prime Minister tried to play hardball and capricious games with them.

They held the government to ransom for the greater moral and national good.

Exacerbating this national stand-off was when the Foreign Minister threw his feet and mouth in the fray by declaring that it was not the role of a labour union to involve itself in governance issues. He made it even worse, when he declared that he “Does not know if they (the teachers) have the wisdom, the ability and the competence to tackle those issues.”

This was a declaration of war. The BNTU staged a massive demonstration in Belize City and then a national strike, threatening to hold out until the Prime Minister and his government met their eight-point demands - in essence for better governance and an end to corruption. They demanded that

the government sign on to the United Nations Convention against Corruption.

Hitherto the PM had consistently refused to do so. The teachers also hammered out their demands for the reconstituting of the Integrity Commission of the Legislature, the appointment of a thirteenth senator, an election promise that the PM continued to vacillate on - one of many he made to be elected eight years ago.

At the bottom of the list of demands was the pay raise. It was the only bargaining chip the Prime Minister used to seduce the NTUCB, and one which they bit. It was the catalyst for the teachers’ row over the government’s hypocrisy.

STRANGLING THE SCHOOL SYSTEM After strangling, for ten days, the national school system with protest and strikes, and despite the Education Minister’s attempts to introduce scab teachers which backfired, the Prime Minister and wannabe strongman buckled under pressure. He acceded to all of the demands of the powerful National Teachers’ Union.

This accomplishment by the Belize National Teachers Union is a landmark event for principled militancy, people power and the power of the trade union movement when faced with adversity and attempts at oppression. It is a landmark achievement paralleled with the slave rebellions in Belize and elsewhere, in the 19th century that led to the emancipation of slavery. It is also germane to the riots of 1949, by the first Workers’ Union against an oppressive British colonial regime and their protest against the devaluation of the British Honduras dollar. It was this type of militancy that gave birth to the People’s Committee, the harbinger of the People’s United Party and the impetus for the birth of the nationalist movement in Belize. It was a fight for change and betterment against the lack of opportunities, poverty, British racism and for Independence. It is a struggle that must continue in the face of a national economic crisis, rising unemployment and abject poverty. It demands that we take the lead with the teachers.

It cannot be achieved through political magnanimity.

Magnanimity is not what our teachers taught us last October as they took the moral high ground and stood for principles in governance and honesty. The commitments made by the Prime Minister to meet the demands of the Belize National Teachers Union are already being watered down or becoming very gummy, or being mocked by him with a display of bad faith in addressing the demands for good governance and an end to corruption in his Administration.

THE UN CONVENTION AGAINST CORRUPTION When he made his commitment to sign on to the United Nations Convention against Corruption, for instance, he ensured that his signature was not going to be affixed in affirming his government’s commitment. He was out of the country. His office announced a delay in his return from Washington, DC,

because of illness. It was not an emergency. In fact it turned out to be nothing of grave concern. Skeptics believe that this was a deliberate ploy for him, as the country’s leader, to avoid personally signing on to this important Convention.

He also agreed to reconstitute the Integrity Commission of the National Assembly. But in doing so he appointed a handful of political hacks to this Commission, thus denying it its integrity. His appointments are a motley crew of political loyalists including a former party political candidate in a national election, an “Accountant” who serves on numerous government Boards including the Social Security Board and the Board of Directors of Belize Telemedia Ltd. In making this appointment, the PM ignored the required recommendations of the National Association of Accountants. Another of his appointees is a weak political lackey who also represents the government on various Statutory Boards. The other is a former ‘friend’ who has been able to make a personal cottage industry and a good income from the stipends she receives by her appointment to just about every Statutory Board. One of these was that Board of the Civil Aviation Authority that the PM was eventually forced to fire after it was revealed that money was be-

ing syphoned off by the then Minister of Civil Aviation and his companions on this Board.

NO REDEMPTION This is a clear indication that this man, the Prime Minister, has no intention to be redemptive; that he intends to continue to preside over the rampant corruption in his Administration with a continuing determination for cover ups to deliberately avoid honesty and transparency in government.

With regards to the appointment of the thirteenth senator to represent the non-government organizations (NGOs), this person will be sworn in this month.

However, it is rumoured that the PM has already indicated that he will also be appointing a fourteenth senator to neutralize the thirteenth and to maintain dominance in the Upper House. It will be yet another act of his bad faith.

He is yet to reappoint the watchdog Public Accounts Committee (PAC) which is chaired by an Opposition member. He dissolved the PAC when the Opposition started to ask hard questions about the irresponsible spending of public funds by the government. The Prime Minister will continue to manipulate any mechanism required to monitor corruption in government as is required by the United Nations Convention against Corruption.

Meanwhile, he continues to wage a vendetta against the Belize National Teachers Union for bruising his ego, humiliating him and brining him to his knees. This man has a very dark and ruthless soul.

It is a soul that is impelled by greed and devoid of human compassion.

Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.

NOTICE For Sale

By Order of the Mortgagee Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Mortgage made the 23rd day of July 2012, between SAMUEL SLUSHER of Forest Home Village, Toledo District, Belize (hereinafter called “the Borrower”) of the one part and SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LIMITED (hereinafter called “the Mortgagee”) of the other part, and recorded in Deeds Book Volume 18 of 2012 at Folios 643-708, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto.

All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 47 containing 0.37 acres situate in Forest Home Village, Toledo District, Belize TOGETHER with all building and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 8th day of December, 2016.

MUSA & BALDERAMOS LLP 91 North Front Street Belize City Attorneys-at-Law for Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.

8 JAN

2017

17

THE BELIZE TIMES

WHO PAYS THE PIPER?

By: Mike Rudon Jr. I don’t generally write much anymore. I tend to offend way too many people. I don’t like many politicians and in my line of work that’s not necessarily a safety net, if you know what I mean. But I came out of my hole this week because I got really pissed off at a friend this weekend and it kinda got my panties in a bunch. It was a simple comment on FB, that miraculous social media creature which instantly transforms all of us into experts at everything – just four little words. WHO PAYS THE PIPER?!

My friend was referring to the situation with the BNTU and the Ministry of Education. There has been unprecedented confusion because the Ministry insists that teachers should return to school on January 3rd to make amends for their eleven days on strike. Many teachers, along with the BNTU and managing authorities, claim that the Ministry does not have the authority to issue any such instructions, so those teachers will be guided by the previously set schedule and will return to classes on January 9th.

Should be easy to resolve, but it’s not. And that has left a whole lot of parents and students in a kind of limbo. Some schools opened on Monday, many didn’t.

Some opened and had to close after teachers didn’t show up. At some schools teachers showed up but students didn’t. You see the situation, right?

Okay so like everything else on this little piece of earth, it’s become political, conveniently so for the UDP. Rather than accept that people are just fed up of all the corrupt bullshit, they want to believe that the villainous PUP is behind the teachers’ stance. They believe that Luke Palacio, like a black Moses, is solely fixated on parting the red sea because he is allegedly a PUP – no other reason.

The rabid fanatics, and they are very few, seem content to wallow in the rancid corruption of some of our politicians in government. They seem to think its fine. They seem to think all is well.

But I digress. To the PIPER! So

in a post on FB insisting that school should open on Monday as per the Ministry’s instructions, my friend threw out the snide question – WHO PAYS THE PIPER? - to bolster her assertion that the Ministry aka the Government aka the UDP can call the tune because they are paying the pipers, whom I assume are the teachers. She is an educated woman, a teacher herself, but regrettably also a politician.

That seemingly innocuous but very revealing question - WHO PAYS THE PIPER…? It should have a very obvious and immediate answer.

Who pays the piper? Well, certainly not any Minister or CEO or politician – we’re forgetting something very vital and important here. See, how this works is like this. Politicians decide, for good or bad reason that they want to represent the people.

They come to ask us for the job. We weigh them and if they are not too evidently wanting, we offer them the job for a limited time. We pay them.

We pay their salaries with all perks and allowances. We pay for their offices and vehicles and homes and mistresses. We pay for all the decisions these politicians make, good or bad. We pay when the Minister of Education gets drunk and his vehicle goes swimming. We pay all of it. They work for us. Even Mr. Barrow works for us. We pay him and we pay all his family members who have become millionaires. We bought Mr. Vega his farm near Carmelita. We paid for every member of his family who got filthy rich. We pay now, and our children will pay and their children will pay.

See my problem is this, and it really pisses me off. When these fools get into power, they get into POWER. Suddenly they don’t work for us anymore. And although we pay them, they don’t answer to us. They steal from us. They get rich off us. They abuse us. They victimize us. They take our money and kick us in the collective ass. They are omnipotent.

Eventually when we fire them, they’ll all be rich and we’ll be screwed. And we keep paying and paying and paying…

So my friend! You want to know who pays the piper, and who calls the tune? It’s not who you seem to think.

WE PAY THE PIPER. WE CALL THE TUNE. It would be good if you politicians would remember that.

Okay I feel better now!

NOTICE Application for a Moneylender’s Certificate I, BASSEM HUSSEIN CHAKAROUN, hereby give notice that I have applied to the Magistrates’ Court sitting at Belize City, for a renewal certificate to be granted to me under the Moneylenders Act, Chapter 260 to authorize me to carry on business as a Moneylender in the name of JEWELRY EXCHANGE CENTER LTD. 4552 Youth for the Future Drive, Belize City, Belize.

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the below companies have been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the date indicated: COMPTOM PROPERTIES LIMITED – December 30th, 2016 I.T.C. LIMITED – January 3rd, 2017

Belize Corporate Services Limited Registered Agent

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the below companies have been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the 31st day of December, 2016: NICOIN INTERNATIONAL LIMITED ZAGALIA ENTERPRISES LTD. ALEMAN, CORDERO, GALINDO & LEE TRUST (BELIZE) LIMITED

For Sale

By Order of the Mortgagee Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Mortgage made the 11th day of April 2005, between GREGORY ALMENDAREZ of Independence Village, Stann Creek District (hereinafter called “the Borrower”) of the one part and SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LIMITED (hereinafter called “the Mortgagee”) of the other part, and recorded in Deeds Book Volume 11 of 2005 at Folios 615-680, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto.

All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land containing 366.181 sq. meters and being Lot No. 300 situate in Independence Village, Stann Creek District as shown and described on a Plan of survey attached to Minister’s Fiat Grant No. 804 of 2003 and lodge at the Lands Title Unit Belmopan TOGETHER with all building and erections standing and being thereon.

TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 1st day of December, 2016.

MUSA & BALDERAMOS LLP 91 North Front Street Belize City Attorneys-at-Law for Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.

18

8 JAN

THE BELIZE TIMES

2017

Belizean Beauty

TOPMODEL School: University of Belize Location: Belize City FB: Aeren Allycea Arnold

"I see a Belize where we will continue to face challenges.

For now, let us laugh at the confusions, smile through the tears, and keep reminding yourself that everything happens for a reason."

Visit us at www.belizetimes.bz or find us on Facebook/ Belize Times

LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICES Notice is hereby given that Edgar Arjun Woodye is applying for a renewal of a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “The Jerk Shack”, East Collet Canal, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Premier Duty Free Ltd is applying for a renewal of a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Premier Duty Free Ltd.”, Philip Goldson International Airport, Ladyville, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Tricia Bradley is applying for a renewal of a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “Mel’s Place” 318 Mahogany Heights, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Maura Mejia is applying for a renewal of a Night Club Liquor License to be operated at “La Catracha.”, 1756 Coney Drive, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Premier Duty Free Ltd is applying for a renewal of a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Premier Duty Free Ltd.”, Fort Street Tourism Village, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that James Gordon is applying for a renewal of a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Mahni’s Food Spot.”, 6 Santa Barbara Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that is Laurel Young is applying for a renewal of a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Riverside Orchard”, Gracie Rock Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Bhagwan Dass Issrani is applying for a renewal of a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Leena Shopping Center”, 4 Fort Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Elvira Mejia Lanza is applying for a renewal of a Malt & Cider Liquor License to be operated at “A & E Restaurant & Bar”, Maskall Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Jose Douglas Lopez is applying for a renewal of a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “1 Stop Country Shop”, Maskall Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Elvia Briceno is applying for a renewal of a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “San Francisco Restaurant”, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Mahesh & Rosita Lalwani is applying for a renewal of a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Lalwani Grocery Shop”, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Mario Gonzalez is applying for a renewal of a Malt & Cider Liquor License to be operated at “Esclipse Sports Bar”, San Jose Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

8 JAN

2017

THE BELIZE TIMES

19

EDITORIAL en Español

A

Karma

l momento de escribir estas líneas en la mañana del martes, transcurridos tres días del nuevo año, el cual el Primer Ministro Dean Barrow dice será el periodo del giro hacia la recuperación, tres hombres ya han sido asesinados a balazos. Colin Sutherland murió el primer día de Año Nuevo. Robert Gillett fue ejecutado alrededor del mediodía del 2 de enero y apenas horas después, Kenneth Dobson yacía sangriento en el suelo, una vida extinguida por plomo.

El Primer Ministro siempre ha sido capaz de evadir estos asuntos feos y desagradables…los cuerpos tirados en el suelo, sangrado de múltiples heridas de bala, porque no le ha tocado lo suficientemente cerca de casa y su frío corazón.

Ni el Ministro ni su Enviada Especial reaccionaron ante el asesinato que parte el alma de Tyler Savery. Me pregunto si el Primer Ministro recuerda ese nombre – Tyler Savery.

Para todos los Beliceños normales de este país, el impacto del crimen violento en 2016 fue potente y doloroso. En su mensaje de año nuevo de 12 minutos, el Señor Barrow asignó un minuto al final para elogiar a su gobierno por todo lo que según él, han hecho por la seguridad nacional.

No hizo mención de la tasa de criminalidad del 2016. No mencionó a quienes perdieron la vida en uno de los años más violentos en la joven historia de nuestro país. Él tampoco mencionó medidas de lucha o iniciativas concretas contra el crimen - sólo retórica como de costumbre.

El mensaje de año nuevo del Primer Ministro, en los términos más simples, no fue más que huevadas muy bien elaboradas. Este hombre se ha distado tanto de la realidad que le rodea que a veces se parece a Alicia en ese país de las maravillas fantasiosas justo en el agujero del conejo. Esto es increíble y muy preocupante.

Después de ser el cerebro que planeo y orquestó el gasto imprudente y salvaje de cientos de millones en fondos de Petrocaribe confiados a él en custodia para el pueblo Beliceño, el señor Barrow ahora culpa al huracán Earl y la protección internacional para la eliminación de riesgo financiero de lo que en su mensaje frívolamente llama "una leve recesión económica". Me pregunto qué es lo que constituye una grave recesión, puesto que la economía Beliceña se ha contraído durante tres trimestres consecutivos.

En ese magistral cuento de hadas de 12 minutos el Señor Barrow culpa al Partido Unido del Pueblo por su propio acuerdo secreto elaborado con el Señor Ashcroft que le costó a los beliceños M $557. EL Sr. Barrow, sin el conocimiento de la nación e incluso de su propio gabinete – llevándose al socio de su firma de abogados - fue a Miami y acordaron pagarle al señor Ashcroft una suma no revelada.

Le dio al Señor Ashcroft un cheque abierto firmado por los contribuyentes beliceños. Su tardanza prolongada en

pago seguida por el giro bastante sorprendente en su postura nos costó $250 M solamente en interés. Pero él culpa al PUP, que ha estado fuera de gobierno desde el 2008, por todo. Y nos dice esta sorprendente Alicia, quien nos carga con más de medio billón de dólares en deuda que esto es una reivindicación, y ' merece la pena pagar por un activo que es una fuente de orgullo y de lucro.’ Citó el "rendimiento innovador' de la empresa y afirmo que debemos estar inundados de febril sentimiento ¡Imagínese eso!

Y luego esta Alicia nos habla de lo que es su 'mayor placer del 2016,' nueve de diez beliceños expresando un alto nivel de satisfacción con la vida, mientras que tres cuartas partes de los jóvenes afirma que la vida es mejor. Uno ciertamente podría ser dispensado al creer que con toda seguridad la encuesta que rindió esos resultados se llevó a cabo en la mansión de los Barrow durante las vacaciones, o tal vez en una fiesta de año nuevo de los Barrow-Vega. No puede haber ninguna tal satisfacción en la zona sur de Belice, por ejemplo, donde muchos beliceños todavía viven en la pobreza más abyecta. La vida no es definitivamente mejor para aquellos que todavía viven en casuchas tambaleantes sobre pantanos, sin electricidad, sin agua potable, y las afamadas cubetas blancas de cola de cerdo para inodoros.

En su discurso el Sr. Barrow aseguró a todos los Beliceños... El 2017 será el tiempo de vuelta con más reformas económicas y sociales. Las industrias se repondrán y el crecimiento será fenomenal y todos viviremos en un buen país con buenos líderes y oportunidades y empleo, sin delincuencia, y la justicia social florecerá. Los Beliceños han oído todo esto antes. Sabemos por ahora que lo que sale de la boca del primer ministro puede diferir en apariencia de lo que sale de su otro extremo, pero en sustancia son ambos idénticos.

El 2017 no será un año agradable para los beliceños. Como pueblo hemos sido violados por los políticos corruptos del Partido Unido Democrático. A Ministros de alto rango como Gaspar Vega se les ha permitido robar de nosotros para llenar sus bolsillos y se ha permitido que su círculo de allegados engorde y prospere. Los miembros de la familia del Primer Ministro han hecho muy bien como resultado de su posición y las decisiones que ha tomado. A la corrupción se le ha permitido prosperar y el Señor Barrow no ha hecho nada para controlarlo. En cada área, en cada sector... nuestro pueblo ha sufrido y ha sido abusado. La única industria que todavía paga grandes dividendos es la industria de ser Ministro de gobierno.

Pero si ha de ser desagradable para nosotros, no por culpa nuestra, entonces habrá de ser más desagradable para los políticos que nos violan con abandono y salvaje alegría. El Karma ha demostrado que es una criatura feroz y vengativa, muy viva y coleando. El UDP nos ha agraviado y traicionado sin piedad. No perdonamos y no olvidamos.

20

88JAN JAN

THE THEBELIZE BELIZETIMES TIMES

ESPAÑOL

Masivas protestas en México por alza en gasolina

Descontentos exigen la salida de Peña Nieto.

El gobierno de Peña Nieto comenzó el 2017 afrontando manifestaciones por el alza en los combustibles, marchas que se extenderán, según dirigentes Ciudad de Mexico: 02 de Enero de 2017 Cientos de personas expresaron su rechazo en la Ciudad de México al aumento a los precios de las gasolinas que entró en vigencia este domingo en el país, en la primera protesta del incipiente 2017 contra el gobierno del presidente Enrique Peña Nieto.

Los manifestantes, convocados por las redes sociales, se congregaron ante el monumento conocido como Ángel de la Independencia, representativo de la capital mexicana, para marchar hacia la plaza principal de la ciudad, el Zócalo.

Los inconformes comenzaron a llegar alrededor de las 11 horas locales al pedestal del monumento pero la marcha comenzó casi dos horas más tarde, cuando ya se habían reunido unos 500.

“Vengo por voluntad propia y porque (el aumento) nos afecta a todos”, dijo Gloria Jiménez Mendoza, quien manifestó su decepción por las reformas estructurales que ha emprendido el Gobierno.

“El presidente prometió que a partir de sus reformas todo iba a estar mejor. Entonces preguntamos en dónde está el beneficio. Si todo va en contra del pueblo para qué las reformas, si al contrario nos han afectado. Y no ha cumplido, nunca ha cumplido. Es más, cuando habla de su país que está gobernando uno se pregunta qué país será, porque el mío no”, declaró.

Asimismo, expresó preocupación sobre lo que pueda ocurrir en el país en lo que resta del mandato de Peña Nieto (2012-2018). “Qué va a pasar en dos años que le faltan. Este tipo no sé a dónde nos va a llevar. Deberíamos convocar que lo destituyan, porque no es adecuado que esté una persona gobernando en contra de su pueblo”, acotó.

En igual sentido habló Ernesto Pacheco, quien dijo que acudió a la manifestación porque está en desacuerdo con las políticas del mandatario, “ya que a nosotros como pueblo, el pueblo que según él gobierna, nos afectan”. “Él dice que (los beneficios de las reformas) se van a ver en 30 o 40 años. Pero él debe gobernar para que los sintamos ahorita. Todo lo que él pone nos ha afectado. Subió la luz, ahorita el transporte se va a disparar, porque todo utiliza gasolina y todos los comerciantes aprovechan para subirle también (a sus productos)”, argumentó.

“El presidente prometió que a partir de sus reformas todo iba a estar mejor, ¿y dónde está el beneficio?

Finalmente, externó su confianza en que a en las manifestaciones planeadas para los próximos días se sumen más personas “porque en realidad estamos hartos”.

“Debíamos buscar la forma de llevar al presidente a un juicio político porque pensamos que todo lo ha hecho en contra de su pueblo. Queremos que destituyan a Peña Nieto”, puntualizó.

A su vez, María Vallejo Sosa deploró que la convocatoria no hubiera reunido más personas y consideró que para que la presión social tenga oportunidad de cambiar las cosas “ya tenemos todos los mexicanos que estar conscientes de que nos tienen con la pata en el cuello”.

“Nos quejamos y nos quejamos pero no hacemos nada.

Me da mucha tristeza y coraje que seamos tan apáticos, que no acudamos a los llamados que se hacen en señal de protesta por todo lo que hacen nuestros queridos gobernantes; son un asco, son lo más corrupto que pueda haber. Pero más nosotros, no hacemos nada”, lamentó.

Crece descontento En su marcha hacia el Zócalo los manifestantes portaban letreros con lemas como “No más gasolinazos” y el ubicuo “Fuera Peña”, demanda que suele expresarse en las manifestaciones de grupos como los familiares de los 43 estudiantes de la escuela para maestros de Ayotzinapa desaparecidos en el 2014 y los maestros opuestos a la reforma educativa.

De hecho, la Coordinadora Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación (CNTE), que encabeza las protestas contra la reforma educativa, se ofreció a apoyar a los inconformes con el incremento a las gasolinas difundiendo sus convocatorias en las redes sociales.

Cont’do pagina 16

después de la filtración, pues esta mostraba que él y su esposa poseían una compañía offshore que no habían declarado antes entrar al parlamento.

Varios líderes mundiales, incluyendo al presidente ruso, Vladimir Putin, y el primer ministro de Pakistán, Nawaz Sharif, salieron a denunciar las filtraciones y negar los señalamientos de vínculos con lavado de dinero.

Y, en el Reino Unido, los Panamá Papers le hicieron pasar un momento de vergüenza al entonces primer ministro de ese país, David Cameron, quien admitió que su familia se había beneficiado de un fondo offshore legal creado por su padre.

Oficinas principales de Mossack FonsecaLas autoridades en Estados Unidos y países de Europa y Asia lanzaron investigaciones para Cont’do pagina 16

2017 2017

El legado de los Panamá Papers: ¿qué pasó después de la mayor filtración de documentos sobre paraísos fiscales de la historia?

Unos 11 millones de documentos de una de las compañías más reservadas del mundo -la firma legal panameña Mossack Fonseca- salieron a luz pública en abril, dejando así al descubierto parte de los secretos escondidos en los paraísos fiscales.

Pero, ¿qué pasó con las revelaciones luego del destape y la polémica iníciales?

Para saberlo la BBC conversó con los periodistas que recibieron la filtración y se encargaron de compartirla con el mundo: Bastian Obermayer y Frederik Obermaier.

Las consecuencias inmediatas La primera gran víctima de los Panamá Papers fue el primer ministro de Islandia, Sigmundur Gunnlaugsson.

Gunnlaugsson renunció casi inmediatamente

La PNC refuerza la seguridad en las fronteras con El Salvador.

PNC REFUERZA SEGURIDAD POR FUGA DE REOS EN EL SALVADOR Guatemala: 02 de Enero de 2017 La Policía Nacional Civil (PNC) de Guatemala, por medio de las comisarías 21 de Jutiapa y 22 de Jalapa, ha desplegado refuerzo en la seguridad en el área fronteriza.

Estas acciones policiales se dan ante la posible llegada de los 10 reos que se fugaron de una prisión a cargo de la policía de El Salvador.

Todos son presuntos pandilleros que están en proceso penal por delitos como homicidio, lesiones y agrupaciones ilícitas.

Los reclusos estaban en una

prisión de una estación policial de San Francisco Gotera, Morazán. El escape fue durante la noche del domingo 1 de enero.

Autoridades de la PNC confirmaron que ya dieron instrucciones para resguardar el perímetro de las fronteras y evitar el ingreso de personas perseguidas por la justicia.

Las acciones guatemaltecas contemplan operativos que ya está instalados en rutas terrestres con el vecino país e inspecciones en caminos vecinales donde comúnmente ingresan personas con problemas legales.

A la prevención se unió el personal de las unidades anti-

pandillas y fuerzas de tarea de fronteras de ambos países.

De acuerdo con la información publicada por el diario elsalvador en su página web, los fugados son identificados como Kerin Alberto Guevara Argueta, de 25 años de edad, José Salvador Cárcamo, 18, Edwin Geovany Vásquez Romero, 24, José Rigoberto Argueta Reyes, 22.

Además, Alexander Bladimir Argueta Argueta, 23; Cristian Eduardo Cardona Sánchez, de 25, Edwin Reynaldo Díaz Martínez, 28; José Francisco González Carbajal, 21; un menor de edad y una persona que no han identificado.

8 JAN

2017

18 JAN

THE THEBELIZE BELIZETIMES TIMES 2015

“EL ‘GASOLINAZO’ FUE LA GOTA QUE DERRAMÓ EL VASO” México 2 ENE 2017 Un grupo de manifestantes en la Ciudad de México protesta contra el alza del precio de las gasolinas La ola de indignación en México por el aumento del precio de las gasolinas no para.

Al grito de “no al gasolinazo” y “Fuera Peña Nieto”, un grupo de alrededor de 50 manifestantes ha tomado este lunes una gasolinera en las avenidas de Insurgentes y Reforma, en el centro de la capital. Otras protestas y bloqueos similares se han registrado en 11 Estados desde el domingo, cuando empezó el alza en el combustible, informa la Policía Federal. “El gasolinazo fue la gota que derramó el vaso”, afirma Yolanda Bañuelos, un ama de casa de 58 años que se ha manifestado por primera vez en reacción al incremento en el combustible.

Pic Biline: Un manifestante cuelga un cartel contra el aumento de las gasolinas en la Ciudad de México “No me interesa el presidente, me manifiesto para defender mi bolsillo, tenemos que sobrevivir con lo mínimo y este aumento nos hace la vida imposible”, recrimina Bañuelos.

El grupo de manifestantes se ha congregado a partir de las nueve de la mañana después de que se lanzó la convocatoria por las redes sociales. El contingente ha bloqueado de forma intermitente la circulación en el cruce de ambas vías y ha impedido que los conductores cargaran gasolina en ese punto.

Algunos automovilistas y peatones inconformes con el alza de precios se han solidarizado con la protesta. “El aumento a la gasolina es prácticamente un aumento de todo, hacen lo mismo con los productos básicos”, señala molesto Eduardo Reyes. “Le pedimos a la gente que despierten, a todos nos afecta esto, no sólo a quienes tienen un coche”, agrega.

Las consignas han tenido como blanco la reforma energética y las políticas de liberación económica del presidente, Enrique Peña Nieto.

Los manifestantes han calificado el incremento

Masivas protestas en México por alza en gasolina Cont’do de pagina 17

La marcha llegó finalmente al Zócalo y los participantes efectuaron un mitin ante el Palacio Nacional, sede oficial del Ejecutivo, donde algunos exhortaron a no pagar impuestos en protesta contra el alza y llamaron a acudir a las manifestaciones que se realicen en adelante.

En las redes ya se difunden convocatorias a acciones para los próximos días, incluyendo un boicot a las gasolineras y una primera movilización nacional el 8 de enero.

Otros grupos efectuaron sus propias protestas este domingo en diversos puntos de la capital y fuera de ella, como un bloqueo a la autopista México-Querétaro.

Este domingo entró en vigor el aumento de entre 14% y 20% al costo de las gasolinas y el diésel anunciado el martes pasado por la Secretaría de Hacienda y Crédito Público, y que llega antes de la liberalización de los precios del sector, que comenzará en marzo.

de “abusivo” y se han mostrado indignados por la “corrupción” en el Gobierno. “Estoy harto de que Peña Nieto quiera enriquecerse a

costa de los mexicanos”, asegura un manifestante que ha preferido no revelar su nombre y que llevaba una más-

El legado de los Panamá Papers: ¿qué pasó después de la mayor filtración de documentos sobre paraísos fiscales de la historia?

Cont’do de pagina 17 determinar si las personas mencionadas en las filtraciones habían violado sus respectivos marcos jurídicos.

Pero en todo este proceso, Mossack Fonseca ha mantenido que sus operaciones no tienen nada que sea reprochable.

De hecho, nunca ha sido acusado de cometer irregularidades.

Pero, ocho meses después de que se publicara por diferentes medios de comunicación los Panamá Papers, ¿qué creen Obermayer y Obermaier que se ha logrado?

El balance hoy “Nosotros, junto al Consorcio Internacional de Periodistas de Investigación (ICIJ, por sus siglas en inglés: International Consortium for Investigative Journalists), le hicimos un seguimiento”, le dijo Obermaier a la BBC. “Encontramos que en 79 países alrededor del mundo se han abierto investigaciones, 6.500 contribuyentes y compañías están siendo investigadas globalmente y Mossack Fonseca ha tenido que cerrar nueve oficinas.

Incluso tuvieron que quitar sus letreros en sus oficinas principales en Panamá”.

Obermaier señaló que los Panamá Papers habían mostrado cómo el mundo de los offshore podría ser usado para ayudar a actividades terroristas.

“Para mí fue sorprendente saber que Europol encontró 3.469 coincidencias probables entre sus propios expedientes y los Panamá Papers, 116 de las cuales tenían que ver con un proyecto vinculado con el terrorismo islámico”.

Obermayer concuerda y aseguró que la filtración había revelado que el mundo de los paraísos fiscales no es solo un lugar para que los ricos eviten pagar impuestos. Indicó

ESPAÑOL

21

cara popularizada por la película V de Vendetta. “Ojalá recapacite el presidente de la República, no ha hecho nada por nosotros y ya sólo le quedan dos años en el cargo”, reclama Angélica Martínez.

“Así es como vemos al presidente, que intenta legitimar su poder ante un pueblo que ya no lo respeta”, explica Jared Fernández, que fue a la protesta caracterizado como una versión satírica del mandatario.

El grupo de manifestantes ha anunciado que tomará otra gasolinera de forma pacífica este martes a la altura del metro Villa de Cortés, al sur de la Ciudad de México.

Otros inconformes han cerrado por la mañana varios carriles en ambos sentidos de la autopista México-Toluca, la puerta de entrada a la capital desde el poniente. Otras 16 protestas y cierres simbólicos se han registrado este lunes en varios puntos del país, desde el norteño Estado de Sonora a Chiapas, en el sur. El domingo un grupo bloqueó el tránsito en la carretera México-Querétaro, la principal vía de acceso a la urbe desde el norte y que registraba una alta afluencia por el regreso de los automovilistas de las vacaciones navideñas.

que los Panamá Papers habían demostrado que el secretismo de las compañías ficticias podría ser usado para esconder actividades criminales”.

“No me sorprendió que los ricos usaran paraísos fiscales para esquivar los impuestos. Lo que me impresionó fue que hubiese tanto crimen. Creo que una gran cantidad de compañías offshore son usadas porque alguien quiere esconder algo”.

Obermayer indicó que se han dado cambios concretos como resultado de la publicaciones de las filtraciones.

“Mucho ha cambiado en Alemania. Nuestro ministro de Finanzas introdujo una nueva legislación, la ‘Ley de Panamá’, la cual obliga a los ciudadanos a declarar si están usando una compañía ficticia, y Panamá se ha mostrado más abierta a hacer cambios”.

“Algunos países han anunciado (el establecimiento de) registros para los propietarios beneficiarios y otros países también lo quieren introducir por primera vez”.

“La presión sobre los paraísos fiscales nunca ha sido tan grande y los Panamá Papers han hecho eso.

Se han encargado de dirigir el foco de la luz sobre el problema”.

“Pero lo que todavía no ha cambiado es que la industria que ayuda a los evasores de impuestos sigue viva y pujante. Ellos tienen gran influencia, gran poder, fuertes grupos de cabildeo o lobby. No vemos el final del offshore, pero vemos que se está encogiendo”. ¿Una solución potencial?

Ambos periodistas abogan por un registro global de propietarios beneficiarios para acabar con el secretismo tributario.

Un propietario beneficiario es la persona que tiene control significativo en una compañía y sus ganancias.

Richard Brooks, periodista de la revista Private Eye, y autor de The Great Tax Robbery (El gran robo tributario) es más pesimista que sus colegas de los Panamá Papers.

“Sea cual sea el registro que tengas, de alguna manera necesitarás supervisarlo”, indicó.

“Necesitas que se aplique la ley con suficientes recursos para poder investigar. Los criminales y los responsables de lavado de dinero serios inventarán algo”.

“Los Panamá Papers le dieron un poco de impulso a los esfuerzos por develar los paraísos fiscales. pero no fue suficiente y, de hecho, hay evidencia de que hay algo de reincidencia.

Los paraísos fiscales británicos, por ejemplo, no revelarán información sobre los propietarios de sus compañías ficticias al público”.

“Sabemos que esos territorios están pobremente preparados para vigilar las leyes internacionales sobre intercambio de información que se les ha impuesto. Por eso, hasta que sean completamente transparentes, estaremos muy lejos de resolver el problema de los paraísos fiscales”.

Hay intentos por establecer transparencia que ha encontrado una fuerte oposición.

Por ejemplo, la Unión Europea se ha tenido que comprometer con su plan de establecer un registro público de los propietarios beneficiarios después de la resistencia de varios Estados miembros.

La efectividad de las medidas implementadas en todo el mundo como un resultado de los Panamá Papers sigue siendo un desafío.

22

THE BELIZE TIMES

8 JAN

2017

NEW YEAR’S MESSAGE FROM

HON. JOHN BRICEÑO Leader of the People’s United Party

Un Mejor Año...

Un Mejor Belice Estimados amigos y compatriotas Beliceños, el 2016 está por detrás de nosotros y con la gracia de dios seremos testigos de los albores de un nuevo año.

Para muchos el repique que entona el año nuevo nos da un nuevo comienzo y un optimismo renovado.

Al cierre del 2016, un año que no fue uno de los mejores para nosotros, miramos al 2017 con un profundo deseo de ver un Belice diferente, donde más amabilidad, paciencia y perdón resultará en menos violencia y muerte, porque el 2016 fue un año muy violento en nuestro país ya que los asesinatos alcanzaron ciento treinta y cinco (135).

También vimos más accidentes mortales de tráfico, más incendios provocados, más ira y amargura, todo resultando en pesar y pérdida.

Igualmente vimos las cifras del desempleo crecer mientras más beliceños que querían trabajar no podían encontrar un empleo.

Deseamos sinceramente que el 2017 sea un año menos violento y menos destructivo y que sea un año de progreso económico. Oremos para que el 2017 sea un mejor año para el sector productivo y que el clima de inversión también mejore.

Necesitamos que el 2017 sea un año de recuperación para los agroproductores y necesitamos ver más negocios pequeños en marcha y crecimiento de los negocios existentes.

Por supuesto esto sólo sucederá si hay la confianza en la capacidad del gobierno para tomar las decisiones correctas que darán resultados positivos.

Lamentablemente esto no puede suceder si continúa la corrupción desenfrenada; si surgen nuevos escándalos sobre ministros corruptos, miembros de su familia y compinches y no se le responsabiliza a nadie.

Esto debe parar si es que vamos a crear el clima adecuado para que crezca nuestra economía y así se restaure la confianza.

Para nosotros en el Partido Unido del Pueblo, 2016 fue un año de cambio. Hemos elegido un nuevo líder y un Comité Ejecutivo vibrante que ha comenzado con los esfuerzos de reconstrucción. Mantuvimos nuestra promesa de asegurar que el PUP esté listo para liderar y listo para ganar.

Nuestros Comités Ejecutivos locales iniciaron el proceso de reforma en los 31 distritos electorales y con su apoyo pudimos hacer frente con nuestros profesores y pudimos seguir exponiendo la corrupción de esta administración actual del UDP. Nuestros Parlamentarios en la Cámara y en el Senado comenzaron a trabajar en defensa de los puntos de vista del pueblo Beliceño y como resultado tenemos la Investigación del Senado sobre la venta ilegitima y al por mayor de visas y pasaportes que ahora está siendo investigado. Este proceso no debe ser frenado por demandas frívolas por parte de ministros y otros funcionarios. Los Beliceños tienen derecho a una rendición de cuentas apropiada.

El pueblo Beliceño tiene derecho a una rendición de cuentas apropiada de este escándalo en el Departamento de Inmigración En el 2017 se construirá lo que se inició con mayor activismo y más trabajo. Nos mantenemos fieles a nuestros valores…el trabajar duro cada día para construir Belice. Nos vamos a centrar especialmente en mantener un gobierno responsable y vamos a garantizar que las reformas necesarias se produzcan en Belice.

Permítanme decir que hacemos responsable a este gobierno UDP por la renegociación del Super-bond. Los Beliceños exigen saber todos los detalles de este nuevo acuerdo sospechoso.

En el 2013 le dijeron al país que este asunto se había solucionado, ahora a menos de 4 años nos vemos obligados a volver con los tenedores de bonos para tratar de volver a negociar.

El pueblo tiene derecho a la transparencia total porque nosotros somos los que nos vemos obligados a pagar por cada error o error de cálculo. No podemos tener otra situación como el acuerdo de BTL que terminó costándoles a los Beliceños más de medio billón de dólares para parte de una empresa que, los evaluadores del gobierno estiman, vale un poco más de 100 millones de dólares.

También prestaremos mucha atención a la próxima presentación del Primer Ministro sobre el presupuesto. No cabe duda de que habrá nuevas medidas fiscales (impuestos). La clase media y el sector productivo, una vez más se les llamará, por esta administración UDP, a sobrellevar

la carga de su incompetencia.

En el PUP lucharemos para que las nuevas medidas fiscales sean sensatas; que estas medidas no les hagan más daño a los pobres; que estimulen la inversión y crecimiento; que sean transparentes y mantengan el dólar al dos por uno.

El PUP no aceptará el mismo proceso presupuestario viejo del Primer Ministro leyendo un discurso que está lleno de verdades a medias, que más adelante deben ser corregidas con cuentas complementarias de apropiación valoradas a cientos de millones de dólares.

Por ahora estamos todos convencidos de que hay pruebas contundentes de la profunda corrupción y saqueo de los recursos de la nación por los Ministros UDP y sus familiares.

Hasta ahora sólo hemos visto la punta del iceberg.

Exigimos rendición de cuentas de los miles y miles de acres de tierra que han sido transferidos a amigos y familiares a precios subvalorados y resultando en 70 millones pagados indebidamente…llamándoles compensación. No nos daremos por vencidos, seguiremos este asunto hasta que los responsables del robo de nuestro patrimonio nacional sean llevados ante la justicia.

Si queremos hacer bien para esta nación, una mayor rendición de cuentas del gobierno debe ser confirmada y cualquier acción corrupta por los encargados de la gestión de los asuntos de esta nación debe resultar en enjuiciamiento.

No cejaremos en nuestros esfuerzos para ver que aquellos que abusan del poder otorgado a ellos sean responsables por sus acciones.

También haremos lo posible para hacer las reformas muy necesarias que debieron haberse hecho hace mucho tiempo en el proceso…para asegurar y garantizar la buena gobernabilidad.

El año pasado el Partido lanzó su Programa de Reforma de Buena Gobernabilidad donde presento un resumen de la clase de gobierno que intentaremos de administrar cuando volvamos al gobierno.

El PUP desempeñará su papel en el establecimiento de la agenda de reforma requerida por la Convención de las Naciones Unidas contra la Corrupción. También seguiremos insistiendo en un Comité de Cuentas Públicas que sea eficaz y funcional. Asimismo seguiremos insistiendo en la reforma electoral y le decimos a este gobierno UDP que debe haber un nuevo registro antes de volver a re-estructuración de distritos electorales…y el año para que esto ocurra es el 2017. La ley lo requiere y nosotros lo demandamos.

De las muchas áreas de la reforma, ninguno es más preocupante para los Beliceños, que las que pueden tener un impacto en las relaciones de Belice con Guatemala. Por demasiado tiempo el reclamo infundado de Guatemala a nuestro territorio nos ha perseguido y debemos encontrar una solución. El PUP nunca estará de acuerdo con cualquier sesión de nuestro territorio a Guatemala, nuestra posición permanece que no deben conseguir nada porque ellos no tienen derecho a nada. Seguimos comprometidos con la solución pacífica de este conflicto y seguimos comprometidos a ser parte de un equipo nacional que busca una solución pacífica del conflicto. Seguimos insistiendo que para avanzar el proceso todas las leyes necesitan reformarse – la ley de Referéndum, la ley de Zonas Marítimas y la Constitución de Belice. Y decimos que no debe haber ningún referéndum sin reforma electoral y reforma de la legislación pertinente.

Compatriotas Beliceños, el año nuevo nos da una oportunidad de aprender del ayer, comprometerse con las tareas de hoy y mirar hacia un mañana más brillante. Un mañana donde nuestro gobierno trabaja para el mejoramiento de cada uno de nosotros; donde todos los Beliceños puedan vivir en paz uno con el otro, donde la ira y la amargura que parece tan evidente en muchos de nuestros jóvenes es substituido por la compasión y la bondad. En el PUP sabemos que cada Beliceño quiere y merece vivir en un mejor Belice. Creemos con todo nuestro corazón que podemos hacer que esto suceda y vamos a seguir trabajando con usted para cumplir con nuestra promesa de construir un Belice que funcione para todos.

Creemos con todo nuestro corazón que podemos hacer que esto suceda y vamos a seguir trabajando con ustedes para cumplir con nuestra promesa de construir un Belice que funcione para todos.

Que dios nos bendiga en el 2017. ¡Feliz Año Nuevo! ¡Que Dios nos bendiga a todos y a Belice!

8 JAN

23

THE BELIZE TIMES

2017

NOTICE MOONPICTURE CONSULTANTS LTD. # 151, 223 (“the Company”) Pursuant to Section 102 (4) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, notice is hereby given that MOONPICTURE CONSULTANTS LTD.: a) Is in dissolution b) Commenced dissolution on the 29th day of December, 2016; and c) ADRIANA RODRIGO DALECIO whose address is Timbo 2629, Apt. 1, Montevideo, Uruguay is the Liquidator of the Company.

MACLACHLAN & DENNIN LIMITED Registered Agent

NOTICE Baton Consult Ltd. # 64, 015 (“the Company”) Pursuant to Section 102 (4) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, notice is hereby given that Baton Consult Ltd.: a) Is in dissolution b) Commenced dissolution on the 30th day of December, 2016; and c) Collegia Law Firm whose address is Nekrasova Str. 114 BC CAPITAL, 2nd Floor, Office 31, MINSK, 220068, REPUBLIC OF BELARUS is the Liquidator of the Company.

CIL Trust International Limited Registered Agent

NOTICE Cobrian Investment Corporation # 149, 876 (“the Company”) Pursuant to Section 102 (4) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, notice is hereby given that Cobrian Investment Corporation: a) Is in dissolution b) Commenced dissolution on the 21 st day of December, 2016; and c) CHEN, YU-CHIEN whose address is No. 24, Ln. 169, Leye St., Da An Dist., Taipei City, Taiwan (R.O.C.) is the Liquidator of the Company.

CIL Trust International Limited Registered Agent

NOTICE Fast Company Design Inc. 141, 400 (“the Company”) Pursuant to Section 102 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, notice is hereby given that Fast Company Design Inc. has been dissolved as at 29th December, 2016 and has been struck off the Register of International Business Companies.

CIL Trust International Limited Registered Agent

NOTICE Supra Holdings Ltd. # 50, 899 (“the Company”) Pursuant to Section 102 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, notice is hereby given that Supra Holdings Ltd. has been dissolved as at 22nd December, 2016 and has been struck off the Register of International Business Companies.

CILTrust International Limited Registered Agent

NOTICE Metro Investments Ltd. # 88, 409 (“the Company”) Pursuant to Section 102 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, notice is hereby given that Metro Investments Ltd. has been dissolved as at 22nd December, 2016 and has been struck off the Register of International Business Companies.

CIL Trust International Limited Registered Agent

NOTICE GLADIUS INVESTMENTS INC. # 160, 591 (“the Company”)

Pursuant to Section 102 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, notice is hereby given that GLADIUS INVESTMENTS INC. has been dissolved as at 22nd December, 2016 and has been struck off the Register of International Business Companies.

MACLACHLAN & DENNIN LIMITED Registered Agent

NOTICE Wicklow Limited # 93, 005 (“the Company”) Pursuant to Section 102 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, notice is hereby given that Wicklow Limited has been dissolved as at 29th December, 2016 and has been struck off the Register of International Business Companies.

PMC GROUP (Belize) LTD. Registered Agent

24

THE BELIZE TIMES

8 JAN

2017