Belize Times July 25, 2021- Tragedy

The Belize Times

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25 JUL

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

Established 1957

The Truth Shall Make You Free

25 JULY 2021 | ISSUE NO: 5259

www.facebook/belizetimes | $1.00

TRAGEDY

“Unjustifiable Use of Force”

The tragedy of 14 year old Laddie Gillett’s death has put our collective nation at odds with the police department and, specifically, at odds with at least one of its member’s “unjustifiable use of force.” There is no doubt that this case is a symptom of engrained worst practices by some members of the Belize police department which today is under the harshest of microscopes.

Prime Minister John Briceño: “It is so Tragic…there must be consequences. This is something that should never happen to any father or mother or any family… that they would lose the life of a 14 year old kid like Laddie.

I agree with the Special Envoy that there must be consequences.”

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VACCINATE

before it’s too late!

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More Mountain Pine Ridge Upgrades

Pg. 9

“Compromised” Audit of UDP’s Pantry Program Pg. 8

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FOLLOW THE PROTOCOLS | STAY SAFE | VACCINATE

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TRAGEDY

“Unjustifiable Use of Force”

Continued from page 1 Minister of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries, Hon. Kareem Musa: My prayers are with the family and friends of young promising Laddie Gillett. The news of his death and the initial information of this use

of force incident were particularly painful. They present difficult questions that must be answered. Every Belizean life lost, especially the untimely death of a minor, is a time for pause, soul searching and change. My heart goes out to the family. I had the difficult

PR#381 PRESS RELEASE

Cabinet Brief Belmopan. 21st July 2021. 6:00 p.m.

The Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño, met in regular session on 20th July 2021.

• Cabinet received a report from Hon. Michel Chebat, Minister of Health & Wellness, on the rising number of COVID-19 detections and approved new measures and restrictions which will come into effect on Sunday, 25th July 2021.

• Cabinet received an update from Hon. Henry Charles Usher, Minister of the Public Service, Constitutional and Political Reform, on the redistricting exercise and urged that a plan be finalized and presented to Cabinet.

• Cabinet discussed the June 2021 Trafficking in Persons Report and approved steps to improve performance in combatting this issue in Belize, calling on all relevant ministries to implement the recommendations made in the report where appropriate. In addition, Cabinet restored funding to enable implementation of the plan.

• Cabinet approved the completion and validation of the protocols for accompanied and unaccompanied migrant children in Belize. This protocol requires validation prior to its implementation and is guided by national, regional, and international conventions and gives priority to children’s right to life, survival, security and shelter.

• Cabinet gave its approval to conduct an exercise for the re-delineation of municipal boundaries for Dangriga, Corozal, Orange Walk, San Pedro, San Ignacio/Santa Elena, Benque Viejo and Punta Gorda towns. This is in support of a 2012 request by the Belize Mayors’ Association to re-delineate municipal boundaries.

• Hon. Oscar Requena, Minister of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour & Local Government, informed Cabinet that he received a letter from the President of the Christian Workers’ Union (CWU), dated 13th July 2021, informing that the CWU was invoking the 21 days’ notice to institute industrial action against the Port of Belize Limited (PBL). In response, the Labour Commissioner will meet with the parties to develop a protocol on how the talks will proceed and scheduled the first meeting for 20th July 2021.

Cabinet took note of recent developments and requested that the Labour Commissioner extend all efforts to mediate a successful outcome in the deliberations between the CWU and PBL.

•

Hon. Florencio Marin, Jr., Minister of National Defence & Border Security, reported to Cabinet on his recent working visit to New Orleans, Louisiana, in the United States, where he and his delegation were hosted by the U.S. Military to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the State Partnership Program between Belize and the Louisiana National Guard.

During his visit, Minister Marin and his delegation met with the High Command of the Louisiana National Guard and were appraised of the State Partnership Program between the Belize Defence Force (BDF), the Belize Coast Guard and the Louisiana National Guard.

Minister Marin discussed matters of cooperation between Belize and the Louisiana National Guard, including training opportunities, sharing of expertise, and assistance to the Belize Youth Challenge Programme. In recognition and in honour of the 25th Anniversary of the State Partnership Program, Belize received commendation from Governor John Bel Edwards of Louisiana.

The delegation included Hon. Oscar Mira, Minister of State; Ret’d Brigadier General Dario Tapia, CEO; Rear Admiral John Borland, Chief of Defence Staff; Brigadier General Steven Ortega, Commander of the BDF; Commander Gregory Soberanis, Acting Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard; and Force Sergeant Major Wilfredo Majano of the BDF.

Ends

25 JUL

THE BELIZE TIMES task of speaking to the parents of Laddie who are facing the waves of grief.

Belize Youth Movement: stands in solidarity with the family and friends of Laddie and other youths who have also experienced similar situations.

Hon. Kevin Bernard, Minister of Youth, Sports and E-Governance: “It is disheartening to learn of the killing of the minor, without apparent cause or justification. This fourteen-year-old had his entire life ahead of him. I am deeply disturbed by this news. I join with the rest of the country in a call for a proper investigation to be carried out and for justice to be served on behalf of Laddie Gillett,” On January 26 2021, the police updated their Use of Force policy which stated unequivocally that deadly force can be used only in the instance of “imminent threat” to the officer or another person.

The world knows about the tragic occurrence of the late evening of Wednesday July 14, 2021 in Placencia Village in the Stann Creek District.

Young Laddie was on the beach with friends under the light of a crescent moon. Village police were somehow on the scene and the young men found the need to make a move away. This is when the tragic decision was taken to use deadly force in shooting at the escaping teens. One, a child in the eyes of most, had his bursting life viciously snatched away from him.

Minister of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries, Hon. Kareem Musa, excerpted from a morning show interview on July 19, 2021: No doubt it has been an extremely long chapter of Police abuse in this country and police brutality, chapter that many don’t want to turn the page but I am in a position now to say that they will have to turn the page and close the chapter.

I am have been on my tour of the formations. Incidentally, when I was to go to Placencia Thursday morning, this happened the Wednesday night before.

A huge part of my engagement with police officers is to impart and to instil in them that it is time for change, that it is time for reform. That we cannot continue with these excess of abuse because it is hurting the people of this country.

I share the same outrage that the family shares and that all Belizeans share over the killing of Laddie Gillett.

When I was in Dangriga the Thursday morning, the first to message me was my son. My son, like Laddie Gillett is 14 years old, he said, “Dad, this is wrong”. Something needs to be done about this.

It is my duty to make sure that there is a fair and transparent investigation. There was an eyewitness.

There was another young man with Laddie. All of this forms a part of the evidence in this case. That file was then turned over to the DPP. Many were saying ‘Kareem you should have charged him with murder’. That is not under my purview. That is not my responsibility.

The DPP decided to charge with manslaughter. That is where the

2021 country is upset and irate...and justifiably so. This has happened time and time again.

Let me give credit to the Commissioner who went public the following day and said, ‘this was a case of unjustifiable use of force’. For a head of department to take that position publicly is a very rare thing. I have to commend him for that.

I join the Prime Minister, Special Envoy, all of the Youth Movements, I join my son in saying that this was an instance of unjustifiable use of force.

I have had to attend seven funerals of Police Officer this year.

All were due to Health conditions.

So when we talk reform we need to talk about it in a holistic fashion.

We have to look at it in terms of structure and discipline of these police officers.

We have to look at better training, for the police officers in terms of the use of force. In terms of using the fire arms. They are telling me that under the last administration they never got any training for the use of firearms. That is appalling. We must also assess the mental state of police officers who we divest and we give firearms to... to whom we issue firearms.

I commit to having a psychologist on board and a medical practitioner for the police department.

What I would like to take to Cabinet is to have a distinction between the types of murders. We currently have murder and manslaughter. So maybe we need to have 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree murder, then go on to manslaughter.

The DPP has to charge for an offense that she and her office are able to prove.

This (killing of the child Laddie) sets us back, way back, this one incident, but this only doubly reaffirms my commitment. I have to be there. We have to ensure that there is reform and change.

The Belize Times

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14 APR 2013

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25 JUL

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

03 3

EDITORIAL

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Vaccinate before it’s too late!

here is a lot of information on the Covid-19 pandemic as the crisis continues to dominate our daily lives and the news. The information good and bad pounds at us through social media, print, television, over the radio and by good old word of mouth. It becomes difficult for many people to differentiate facts from fiction and fake news, and this sows fear and dangerous misinformation. As with everything else, there are credible sources of information that do an incredible job of disseminating information backed by solid facts and Science, with a concern to inform and in the best interest of public service. Others have a more self-centered purpose at heart. There are unscrupulous individuals who advantageously use this global crisis to garner attention and become relevant once more. In the quest for those fifteen minutes of fame, they have sold their soul to the very devil.

Some of the cold hard, verifiable facts are these: the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital has gone into emergency mode; the designated Covid-19 ward is full; every one of those patients hospitalized has not received any vaccine against the pandemic. The vaccines significantly lower the rates of infection and the severity of symptoms, hospitalization, and death. Those communities where vaccination rates are low and where Covid-19 protocols are continuously broken, are those currently experiencing outbreaks.

We must attain the minimum of seventy per cent vaccine coverage to achieve herd immunity before we can have some semblance of normalcy and our health system is able to cope. The Government of Belize (GOB) can make vaccination mandatory under the emergency laws but is hoping that good sense prevails, and that Belizeans will take the vaccines to preserve good health and life. The GOB, at this point, is still able to provide a choice to those still unsure or unclear of the secondary effects of the vaccines. This option of mandatory testing may not appeal to everyone, but it is still a viable alternative to vaccination which prioritizes public health and safety over personal comfort.

The Prime Minister of Belize, Honorable John Briceño, has recently denounced the irresponsible behaviour of some media houses that continue to give relevance and a national platform to those who advocate against the Covid-19 vaccines. While it can be argued that the blocking of this fake news is an affront to free speech, it can also be construed as a direct threat to public health by pseudo-experts. The inclusion by reputable media houses of this discourse lends them some form of legitimacy and credence and this dangerous practice must be avoided because the consequences will be quantified

by Belizean lives lost. The PM understands this and has made an honest and heartfelt appeal to all media houses that the debunking of nonsense is not the approach to take.

Rather, he has implored that only information from credible and reputable sources be disseminated and that the citizen and residents of Belize be encouraged to vaccinate.

Belize was already on her way to mending.

This current setback can be overcome by coming together to ensure that as many as can get the vaccine. We must also ensure sanitization, wearing of masks and social distancing at every opportunity are enforced. Vaccines are freely available to anyone over eighteen, the 332 people who died because of this pandemic did not yet have the option of the vaccine. If we can, we must take heed of that very painful lesson and learn from it before it’s too late. Vaccinate before it’s too late!

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THE BELIZE TIMES

EDITORIAL

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25 JUL

2021

en Español

¡Vacúnate Antes De Que Sea Demasiado Tarde!

ay mucha información sobre la pandemia de Covid-19, ya que la crisis sigue dominando nuestra vida cotidiana y las noticias. La información, buena y mala, nos llega a través de las redes sociales, la prensa, la televisión, la radio y el viejo boca a boca. A mucha gente le resulta difícil diferenciar los hechos de la ficción y las noticias falsas, y esto siembra el miedo y una peligrosa desinformación. Como en todo, hay fuentes de información creíbles que hacen un increíble trabajo de difusión de información respaldada por hechos sólidos y por la ciencia, con la preocupación de informar y en el mejor interés del servicio público. Otras tienen un propósito más centrado en sí mismas. Hay individuos sin escrúpulos que utilizan ventajosamente esta crisis mundial para captar la atención y volver a ser relevantes. En la búsqueda de esos quince minutos de fama han vendido su alma al mismísimo diablo.

Algunos de los duros hechos fríos y verificables son los siguientes: el Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital ha entrado en modo de emergencia; la sala designada Covid-19 está llena; cada uno de esos pacientes hospitalizados no ha recibido ninguna vacuna contra la pandemia. Las vacunas reducen significativamente las tasas de infección y la gravedad de los síntomas, la hospitalización y la muerte. Las comunidades en las que las tasas de vacunación son bajas y en las que se incumplen continuamente los protocolos de Covid-19 son las que actualmente experimentan brotes. Debemos alcanzar el mínimo del setenta por ciento de cobertura vacunal para lograr la inmunidad de rebaño antes de que podamos tener alguna apariencia de normalidad y nuestro sistema de salud sea capaz de hacer frente. El Gobierno de Belice (GOB) puede hacer obligatoria la vacunación en virtud de las leyes de emergencia, pero espera que prevalezca el sentido común y que los beliceños se vacunen para preservar la buena salud y la vida. El GOB, en este momento, todavía puede ofrecer una opción a aquellos que todavía no están seguros ni tienen claros los efectos secundarios de las vacunas. Esta opción de las pruebas obligatorias puede no gustar a todo el mundo, pero sigue siendo una alternativa viable a la vacunación que da prioridad a la salud y la seguridad pública sobre la comodidad personal.

El Primer Ministro de Belice, el Honorable John Briceño, ha denunciado recientemente el comportamiento irresponsable de algunos medios de comunicación que siguen dando relevancia y una plataforma nacional a quienes abogan contra las vacunas Covid-19. Si bien se puede argumentar que el bloqueo de estas noticias falsas es una afrenta a la libertad de expresión, también se le puede interpretar como una amenaza directa a la salud pública por parte de los pseudo expertos. La inclusión de este discurso por parte de los prestigiosos medios de comunicación les otorga cierta forma de legitimidad y credibilidad, y esa peligrosa práctica debe evitarse porque las consecuencias se cuantificarán en vidas beliceñas perdidas. El Primer Ministro entiende esto y ha hecho un llamamiento honesto y sincero a todas las empresas de medios de comunicación para que la desacreditación de la insensatez no sea el enfoque a seguir. Más bien ha implorado que sólo se difunda la información de fuentes creíbles y reputadas y que se anime a los ciudadanos y residentes de Belice a vacunarse. Belice ya estaba en vías de recuperación. El retroceso actual puede superarse si nos unimos para garantizar que el mayor número posible se vacune.

También debemos asegurarnos de que se aplique el saneamiento, el uso de mascarillas y el distanciamiento social en cada oportunidad. Las vacunas están disponibles de forma gratuita para cualquier persona mayor de dieciocho años, las 332 personas que murieron a causa de esta pandemia aún no tenían la opción de la vacuna. Si podemos, debemos tener en cuenta esa dolorosa lección y aprender de ella antes de que sea demasiado tarde. ¡Vacúnate antes de que sea demasiado tarde!

25 JUL

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THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

“Compromised” Audit of UDP’s Pantry Program “Politically Compromised”—revealed Dean Oliver Barrow at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic on late March 2020. The then Prime Minister Barrow uttered these damning words at the Laing Building’s now historic press conference announcing the presence of the coronavirus in Belize. Just as the pandemic was exposing the high levels of poverty in Belize and the immediate need for food assistance, Dean Barrow revealed without detail that the Pantry Program was politically compromised.

So instead of seamlessly going into the Great Lockdown with a program that was running for many years, the incompetent UDP was beginning from scratch.

A social program to bunker from Covid-19 need to initiate from the drawing board; so, who was being fed all these years?

Wasn’t it a given that it was the poor and marginalized? Why were they now just going to make a list of the poor and marginalized?

The spikes of Covid-19 pointed directly at the UDP emperor’s nakedness.

They pointed to a system that was broken and corrupt and could not politically, financially and, much less, intellectually keep up with the challenge of a lifetime—Covid-19. The UDP called on the PUP leader Briceño for help; the writing

was on the wall—the PUP was going to form the next government and be in charge of returning Belize from the brink of disaster to its full potential. Today, Belize is poised for a revival, and beyond, with the planBelize government.

Cleaning up nevertheless means accountability and this will take longer than many Belizeans are willing to bear.

But we must, as corruption is too easy but cleaning up the corruption is a dirty lengthy undertaking. There is lots to do.

The latest revelation of corruption was another in the Auditor General yellow book reports: Performance Audit of GoB’s Pantry Program (April 2016 to March 2019) The report is already in the hands of the police and we know that the people do not want to hear the obvious—UDP was governing via systemic corruption. The people of Belize want accountability and not necessarily financial accounting. The question is ‘who will go to jail?’

Some of the details from the audit include: Overpaying one of the charitable organizations $3,822,533 dollars.

The Queen’s Square Political office was receiving packages and distributing them

PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: PROPERTY Belama Phase 1, Belize City, Belize District

Government of Belize and CDB Sign Grant Agreement for BNTF 10th Programme

Leader of QS Political Office refused to give information to the OAGB QS 160 recipients did not sign so it is impossible to verify QS list also did not provide addresses so again verification not possible There was an undocumented arrangement between the Salvation Army and the QS PO. Instances when persons not on the master list of beneficiaries still received packages Ministers referred 40 percent of the recipients Pantry had 4041 recipients but only 229 applications Some Fam-care software allegedly used to process applicants was of no use.

At least 145 recipients had full time employment.

There was no tendering process to select providers for the food items There is a general recommendation that the Human Development office review all the recipients and probably make use of the SSB for data. The public will have its eye closely on this one. They are expecting names to be mentioned and consequences to be handed out.

PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: PROPERTY

July 21, 2021 - The Government of Belize through the Social Investment Fund (SIF) signed a grant agreement with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) under the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) 10th Programme on July 16, 2021.

Signing on behalf of the Government of Belize were Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño; Mrs. Narda Garcia, chair of the SIF Board; and Mr. Valentino Shal, director of the board.

The BNTF Programme is the principal programme of the CDB aimed at reducing the incidence of poverty in low-income vulnerable communities. Under the programme, sub- projects are implemented to improve access to quality education and training, water and sanitation, basic community access and drainage, livelihoods enhancement and human resource development services. These projects contribute significantly to addressing the basic needs of Belizeans, creating opportunities to integrate citizens into the national development grid of Belize.

The sub-projects will be implemented by SIF, the implementing agency for the Government of Belize tasked with addressing the basic needs of all Belizeans. Project costs and the financing plan are estimated at US$5,743,460 with CDB providing US$5,031,000 in grant funds and US$712,460 counterpart funding from the Government of Belize.

Since its inception, the BNTF has supported the implementation of over three thousand sub-projects that have benefited more than three million persons in vulnerable communities.

PUBLICAUCTIONSALE: FABULOUS WATERWAYPROPERTY

Moho Bay Area, Belize City, Belize District

BY ORDER of the Mortgagees Messrs. The Belize Bank Corporation Limited, Belama Phase 1, Belize City, Belize District Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A. Castillo and Christiana R. Castillo are selling

BY ORDER of the Mortgagees Messrs. The Belize Bank Limited, Licensed R of ONLINE the Mortgagees Messrs. ThetheBelize Bank property.

Corporation Limited, Licensed Auctioneers KevinWATERWAY via belizepropertyauctions.com below described Sale Auctioneers KevinAUCTION A. Castillo and FABULOUS Christiana R.A. Castillo are selling ONLINE via PUBLIC SALE: PROPERTY currently running and will expire August 2021 atvia 10:00 am.

Moho Bay Belize City, Belize District Sale currently running d Christiana R. Castillo areThursday selling5thONLINE belizepropertyauctions.com the below described belizepropertyauctions.com theArea, below described property.

BY ORDER of the Mortgagees Messrs. The Belize Bank Limited, Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A. Castillo an willONLINE expire Thursday 5th August 2021 at am. aleParcel currently running andHaynes will expire Thursday 5th August 2021Christiana at 10:00 am.areand R. Castillo selling via belizepropertyauctions.com the1:30 below described property. Sa No. 2407/1 Samuel Crescent, Belama Phase 1,

currently running and will expire Monday 2 August 2021 at 1:30 am.

Belize City: Parcel No. 1609 Moho Bay Area, Belize City: 2407/1 Samuel Haynes Crescent, Belama Phase 1, Belize City: Parcel No. 1609 Moho Bay Area, Belize City: ON SALE: PROPERTY Belize City, Belize District Bank Corporation Limited, Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A. LINE via belizepropertyauctions.com the below described sday 5th August 2021 at 10:00 am. a Phase 1, Belize City: Block Parcel Registration Section 16 2407/1 Caribbean Shores nd

wo-storey timber/concrete dwelling house [2,576 sq. ft.]: Ground Floor – two apartments each BLOCK REGISTRATION SECTION PARCEL REGISTRATION SECTION Caribbean Shores 1609 2 bedrooms + 1 bathroom + living/dining/kitchen; First Floor - 3 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms +BLOCK 16 PARCEL (Being a fabulous two-storey concrete dwelling house [3,941 sq. ft.] containing 4 bedrooms + 3 full walk-in close Caribbean Shores 1609 ng/kitchen and lot [380.516 square meters] situate on Samuel Haynes Crescent, Belama Phase161, Belize + 3 bathrooms + Powder room+ living/dining/kitchen + Laundry + 2 verandas + Fully flat concrete roof with railings + BlockREGISTRATION SECTION ParcelBLOCK PARCEL storerooms +(Being Garage (4 a vehicles parking)two-storey and lot [623 sq. yds.] situate 2 lots from the sea[3,941 in Mohosq.

Bayft.]

Area, Belize Ci fabulous concrete dwelling house conasehold property of Ms. Elizabeth Villanueva.) the freehold property.) taining 4 bedrooms + 3 full walk-in closets + 3 bathrooms + Powder room+ 16 Caribbean Shores 2407/1 16 2407/1 VIEWING AVAILABLE WITH 24 HOURS NOTICE TERMS: STRICTLY CASH living/dining/kitchen + Laundry + 2 verandas + Fully flat concrete roof TERMS: STRICTLY CASH (Being a two-storey timber/concrete dwellingKEVIN house [2,576 ft.]: Ground with railings + 2 storerooms +KEVIN Garage (4 vehicles parking) and lot [623 sq.

A. CASTILLO A.sq.

CASTILLO TELEPHONE Floor two apartments containing + 1 bathroom + living/ 2,576 sq.– ft.]: Groundeach Floor – two2 bedrooms apartments each 223-4488 yds.] situate 2 lots from the sea in Moho 223-4488 Bay Area, Belize City, the freehold TELEPHONE Website: belizepropertyauctions.com dining/kitchen; First Floor - 3 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms + living/dining/kitchproperty.)

E-mail: kevinacas@yahoo.com kitchen; First Floor - 3 bedrooms +on2Samuel bathrooms + Website: belizepropertyauctions.com en and lot [380.516 square meters] situate Haynes Crescent, BelaFacebook: Belize Auctions situate on Samuel Haynes Crescent, Belama Phase Villanueva.)

1, Belize ma Phase 1, Belize City, the leasehold property of Ms. Elizabeth VIEWING AVAILABLE WITH 24 HOURS NOTICE E-mail: kevinacas@yahoo.com eva.)

Facebook: Belize Auctions TERMS: STRICTLY CASH TERMS: STRICTLY CASH : STRICTLY CASH KEVIN A. CASTILLO KEVIN A. CASTILLO TELEPHONE 223-4488 TELEPHONE 223-4488 IN A. CASTILLO Website: belizepropertyauctions.com Website: belizepropertyauctions.com E-mail: kevinacas@yahoo.com PHONE 223-4488E-mail: kevinacas@yahoo.com Face Book: Belize Auctions Face Book: Belize Auctions izepropertyauctions.com

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25 JUL

THE BELIZE TIMES

PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: PROPERTY

PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: PROPERTY

PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: PROPERTIES PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: PROPERTIESPlacencia Pensinsula, Stann Creek District

2021 Camalote Village, Cayo District

Placencia Pensinsula, Stann Creek District

BY ORDER of the Mortgagees Messrs. The Belize Bank International Limited, Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A.

PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: PROPERTIES Camalote Village, Cayo District

BY ORDER of the Mortgagees Messrs. The Belize Bank Corporation Limited, Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A. C and Christiana R. Castillo are selling ONLINE via belizepropertyauctions.com the below described property.

Castillo and Christiana R. Castillo are selling ONLINE via belizepropertyauctions.com those properties appearing th currently running and will expire Monday 26th July 2021 at 10:30 am:

BY ORDER of the Mortgagees Messrs. The Belize Bank International Limited, Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A. below. Sales currently running and will expire on Monday 26 July 2021 at the times shown on the website.

ParcelPROPERTIES Nos. 2710 & 2711 Society Hall, Cayo District: PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: PROPERTIES Castillo and Christiana R. Castillo are selling ONLINE belizepropertyauctions.com those Residences, properties appearing 1. No.via 1486 West Wind Drive, The Placencia Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District: Camalote Village, Cayo District Camalote Village, Cayo District th of theCorporation MortgageesLimited, Messrs. Licensed The Belize Bank Corporation below. Sales currently running and will expire on Monday 26 July 2021 at the times shown on the website.

BY ORDER of the Mortgagees Messrs.BY TheORDER Belize Bank Auctioneers Kevin A.Limited, CastilloLicensed Auctioneers Kevin A. Castillo PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: PROPERTIES and Christiana R. Castillo are selling ONLINE via described belizepropertyauctions.com and Christiana R. Castillo are selling ONLINE via belizepropertyauctions.com the below property. Sales the below described property. Sales currently running willam: expire Monday 26th July 2021 at 10:30 am: Placencia Pensinsula, Stann Creek District currently running and will expire Monday 26th July 2021 atand 10:30 Nos. 2710 & 2711 Society Hall, Cayo District: Parcel Nos. 2710 & 2711 Society Hall,Parcel Cayo District:

Placencia Pensinsula, Stann Creek District

BY ORDER of the Mortgagees Messrs. The Belize Bank International Limited, Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A. Castillo and Christiana R. Castillo are selling ONLINE via belizepropertyauctions.com those properties appearing below. Sales currently running and will expire on Monday 26th July 2021 at the 1. No. 1486 West Wind Drive, The Placencia Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District: times Residences, shown on the website.

BY ORDER of the Mortgagees Messrs. The Belize Bank International Limited, Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A. Castillo and Christiana R. Castillo are selling ONLINE via belizepropertyauctions.com those properties appearing 1. No. 1486 West Wind Drive, The Placencia Residences, Placencia Peninsula, below. Sales currently running and will expire on Monday 26th July 2021 at the times shown on the website.

BY ORDER of the Mortgagees Messrs. The Belize Bank Corporation Limited, Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A. Castillo and Christiana R. Castillo are selling ONLINE via belizepropertyauctions.com the below described property. Sales currently running and will expire Monday 26th July 2021 at 10:30 am: Parcel Nos. 2710 & 2711 Society Hall, Cayo District:

No. 1486 West Wind Drive,District: The Placencia Residences, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District: Stann Creek

REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCELS Society Hall 24 2710 & 2711 (Being a concrete bungalow dwelling house [5,324 sq. ft.] containing 7 bedrooms + 5 1/2 bathrooms + living/dining/kitch porch + timber deck and board walk to gazebo + 3 car garage [968 sq. ft.] and lots [3,292.185 S. M.] situate on a road on REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL south side of the George Price Highway near Mile 49 1/'2, Camalote Village, Cayo District, the freehold properties of Mr. D Ferrier & Edith Ferrier) Placencia North 36 1486 REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCELS REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCELS Society Hall 24 2710 & 2711 Society Hall 24 2710 & 2711 (Being a three storey timber/vinyl dwelling house: Ground Floor 28 ft. X 59 ft. + porch 8 ft. X 28 ft.

TERMS:+STRICTLY CASH (Being a concrete bungalow dwelling house [5,324 sq. ft.] containing 7 bedrooms ++ 5 1/2 bathrooms + living/dining/kitchen (Being a concrete bungalow dwelling house [5,324 sq. ft.] containing 7 bedrooms + 5 1/2 bathrooms + living/dining/kitchen KEVIN containing 2 bedrooms + 1 bathroom + living/dining/kitchen + laundry + utility room + storage under porch++3timber deck [968 and board to gazebo + 3 car [968on sq.a ft.] on the A. CASTILLO porch + timber deck and board walk to gazebo car garage sq. ft.]walk and lots [3,292.185 S. garage M.] situate roadand onlots the [3,292.185 S. M.] situate on a road TELEPHONE 223-4488 south of theCamalote George Price Highway near Mile 1/'2, Camalote Village, District, the freehold properties of Mr. David staircase; First Floor: 22 ft. X 43 ft. + porch 5 ft. X 22 ft. containing master bedroom + bathroom + south walk-in side of the George Price Highway near Mileside 49 1/'2, Village, Cayo District, the49freehold properties of Mr.Cayo David Website: belizepropertyauctions.com Ferrier & Edith Ferrier) E-mail: kevinacas@yahoo.com Ferrier & Edith Ferrier) closet; Second Floor: 10 ft. X 10 ft. viewing attic (access to all three floors via internal concrete staircase Face Book: Belize Auctions TERMS: STRICTLY CASH with timberPARCEL steps) and lot [919.702 square meters (1099.95 square yards)] situate on West Wind Drive, The TERMS: STRICTLY CASH KEVIN A. CASTILLO KEVIN A. CASTILLO Placencia Residences, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District, the freehold property of Mr. Ron TELEPHONE 223-4488 1486 TELEPHONE 223-4488 Website: belizepropertyauctions.com Oczkowski Barbara Website: belizepropertyauctions.com 59 ft. + porchand 8 ft.Ms. X 28 ft. Bell.)

E-mail: kevinacas@yahoo.com E-mail: kevinacas@yahoo.com *******NB. Restrictions on use of Property is available upon request******* Face Book: Belize Auctions utility room + storage under Face Book: Belize Auctions

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Placencia North

36

1486

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCELS

Society Hall

24

2710 & 2711

(Being a concrete bungalow dwelling house [5,324 sq. ft.] containing 7 bedrooms + 5 1/2 bath(Being a three storeyREGISTRATION timber/vinyl SECTION dwelling house: Ground Floor 28 ft. XPARCEL 59 ft. + porch 8 ft. X rooms + living/dining/kitchen + porch + timber deck and board walk to gazebo + 3 car garage BLOCK REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK + living/dining/kitchen + laundry + utility room + 28 ft. containing 2 bedrooms + North 1 bathroom Placencia 36 1486 [968 sq. ft.] and lots [3,292.185 S. M.] situate on a road on the south side of the George Price Placencia North 36ft. X 43 ft. + porch 5 ft. X 22 ft. containing master bedstorage under staircase; First Floor: 22 (Being a three storey timber/vinyl house: Ground Floor 28 ft. X 59 ft. + porch 8 ft. X 28 ft.

Being a three storey timber/vinyl dwelling house: Grounddwelling Floor 28 ft.

X Highway near Mile 49 1/’2, Camalote Village, Cayo District, the freehold properties of Mr. David room + bathroom + walk-in closet; Second Floor: 10 ft.

X 10 ft. viewing attic (access to all three containing 2 bedrooms + 1 bathroom + living/dining/kitchen + laundry + utility room + storage under ontaining 2 bedrooms + 1 bathroom + living/dining/kitchen + laundry + Ferrier & Edith Ferrier) No. 2108 West Wind Drive, Placencia + Residences, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District: floors via 22 internal staircase with timber and lotThe [919.702 square meters (1099.95 taircase; First Floor: ft.First X 43 Floor: ft.concrete + porch 22 master bedroom + bathroom +master walk-in staircase; 225 ft. XX 43ft.ft.containing + porch 5 2.ft.

X 22 ft.steps) containing bedroom bathroom + walk-in loset; Second Floor: 10Second ft. X 10 ft. viewing (access toviewing all three floors internal staircase square yards)] situate onattic Wind Drive, The Placencia Residences, Placencia Peninsula, closet; Floor: 10 ft.West X 10 ft. attic via (access toconcrete all three floors via internal concrete staircase with timber steps) and lot [919.702 square meters (1099.95 square yards)] situate on West Wind Drive, The TERMS: STRICTLY CASH Stannwith Creek District, property Mr. Ron Oczkowski and Bell.) timber steps) andthe lot freehold [919.702 square metersof (1099.95 square yards)] situate onMs. WestBarbara Wind Drive, The lacencia Residences, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District, the freehold property of Mr. Ron KEVIN A. CASTILLO *******NB. Restrictions on useStann of Property available upon request******* Placencia Peninsula, Creek District,isthe freehold property of Mr. Ron Oczkowski and Placencia Ms. BarbaraResidences, Bell.)

anduseMs. Barbarais Bell.) *******NB.Oczkowski Restrictions on of Property available upon request******* No. 2108 Drive, The Placencia Residences, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek 2.West No.Wind 2108 West Wind Drive, The Placencia Residences, Placencia Peninsula, *******NB. Restrictions on use of Property is available uponDistrict: request*******

2. No. 2108 West Wind Drive, The Placencia Residences, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District: Stann Creek District: REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK

PARCEL Placencia North 36 2108 (Being a two-storey concrete building [32 ft. X 32 inclusive of a porch 5 ft. X 16 ft. + back porch 5 ft. wide containing Ground Floor: master bedroom + walk-in closet + bathroom + living/dining/kitchen + half bathroom + laundry room; Second Floor: 1 bedroom + closet + bathroom (access via internal concrete & tiled staircase)] and lot [937.060 S.M.] situate on West Wind Drive, The Placencia Residences, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District.)

PARCEL *******NB. Restrictions on use of Property is available upon request******* 2108

REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK Placencia North 36 Being a two-storey concrete building [32 ft. X 32 inclusive of a porch 5 ft. X 16 ft. + back porch 5 ft. wide ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - www.belizebank.com (foreclosure listing) ontaining Ground Floor: master bedroom + walk-in closet +SECTION bathroom + living/dining/kitchen + half REGISTRATION BLOCK PARCEL TERMS: STRICTLY CASH athroom + laundry room; Second Floor: 1 bedroom + closet + bathroom (access via internal concrete Placencia North 36 & 2108A. CASTILLO KEVIN led staircase)] and lot [937.060 S.M.] situate on West Wind Drive, The Placencia Residences, Placencia a two-storey concrete building [32 ft. X 32 inclusive of a porch 5 ft. X 16 ft. +TELEPHONE back porch 223-4488 5 ft. wide eninsula, Stann(Being Creek District.)

Website: belizepropertyauctions.com bedroom + walk-in closet + bathroom + living/dining/kitchen + half *******NB.containing RestrictionsGround on use of Floor: Propertymaster is available upon request******* E-mail: kevinacas@yahoo.com bathroom + laundry room; Second Floor: 1 bedroom + closet + bathroom (access via internal concrete & (BeingADDITIONAL a two-storey concrete- www.belizebank.com building [32 ft.(foreclosure X 32 inclusive of a porch Face 5 ft.Book: X 16Belize ft. Auctions + back porch INFORMATION listing)

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Placencia North

36

2108

TELEPHONE 223-4488 Website: belizepropertyauctions.com E-mail: kevinacas@yahoo.com Face Book: Belize Auctions

PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: PROPERTY

Punta Gorda Town, Toledo District PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: PROPERTY Punta Gorda Town,Bank Toledo DistrictLicensed Auctioneers Kevin A.

BY ORDER of the Mortgagees Messrs.

The Belize Limited,

BY Castillo ORDERand of the Mortgagees Messrs. are Theselling Belize ONLINE Bank Limited, Licensed Auctioneers Kevin the A. Castillo Christiana R. Castillo via belizepropertyauctions.com below and Christiana R. Castillo are selling ONLINE via belizepropertyauctions.com the below described property. Sale described property. Sale currently running and will expire Monday 26th July 2021 10:00 am. currently running and will expire Monday 26th July 2021 10:00 am.

No.1092 1092 Sixth Street, Punta Gorda No. Sixth Street, Punta Gorda Town,Town, ToledoToledo District:District:

tiled staircase)] and lot [937.060 S.M.] situate on West Wind Drive, The Placencia Residences, Placencia

TERMS: STRICTLY CASH 5 ft. wide containing Ground Floor: master bedroom + walk-in closet + bathroom + living/ Peninsula, Stann Creek District.)

KEVIN A. CASTILLO dining/kitchen + half bathroom +oflaundry room; Second Floor: 1 bedroom + closet + bathroom *******NB. Restrictions on use Property is available upon request******* TELEPHONE 223-4488 (access via internalWebsite: concrete & tiled staircase)] and lot [937.060 S.M.] situate on West Wind belizepropertyauctions.com Drive, The Placencia Residences, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District.)

E-mail: kevinacas@yahoo.com ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - www.belizebank.com (foreclosure listing) Face Book: Belize Auctions *******NB. Restrictions on use of Property available upon request******* TERMS: STRICTLYis CASH

KEVIN A. CASTILLO TELEPHONE 223-4488 Website: belizepropertyauctions.com E-mail: kevinacas@yahoo.com Face Book: Belize Auctions

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - www.belizebank.com (foreclosure listing) TERMS: STRICTLY CASH KEVIN A. CASTILLO TELEPHONE 223-4488 Website: belizepropertyauctions.com E-mail: kevinacas@yahoo.com Face Book: Belize Auctions

CARTOON

REGISTRATION SECTION Punta Gorda Registration Section

BLOCK

PARCELS

42 Block 1092 Parcel Punta Gorda 42 1092 (Beinga asmall small masonry block building X 24 + zinc lot [713.37 situate on Street, (Being masonry block building [16 [16 ft. Xft.24 ft.] ft.] + zinc shedshed and and lot [713.37 S.Y.]S.Y.] situate on Sixth SixthGorda Street, Punta Gorda Town,the Toledo District, theoffreehold of Ms. Fern Carin Gutierrez).

Punta Town, Toledo District, freehold property Ms. Fernproperty Carin Gutierrez).

TERMS: STRICTLY CASH TERMS: STRICTLY CASH KEVIN A. CASTILLO KEVIN A. CASTILLO TELEPHONE 223-4488 TELEPHONE 223-4488 Website: belizepropertyauctions.com Website: belizepropertyauctions.com E-mail: kevinacas@yahoo.com E-mail: kevinacas@yahoo.com Face Book: Belize Auctions Facebook: Belize Auctions

25 JUL

2021

THE BELIZE TIMES

MEETING WITH PM BRICEÑO

07 7

On Wednesday July 14, 2021, the United Women’s Group’s (UWG) National Executive met with Prime Minister and Party Leader Hon. John Briceño, H.E. Rossana Briceño, Hon. Dolores Balderamos-Garcia, Hon. Elvia Vega-Samos, and UWG advisors to discuss the UWG National Executive’s Proposed Plans & Objectives for the UWG. In collaboration with the Area Representatives, the UWG National Executive’s goal is to engage and work towards achieving the 7-point agenda in Plan Belize for Women with its caucus chapters and constituency representatives.

We are focused on empowering Belizean women, increasing women’s political engagement, increasing membership, and offering real opportunities for female members of the People’s United Party. #womencanlead #womeninleadership #planbelize

8 08 8

More Mountain Pine Ridge Upgrades Forest Department Inaugurates Rehabilitated Facilities in Mountain Pine Ridge July 19, 2021 - The Forest Department under the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management held an inauguration ceremony today for key facilities in Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve renovated under the Selva Maya Natural Resources Protection Project.

The facilities include the San Ignacio Forest Station, the Cooma Cairn Ranger Station, Pine Ridge ranger quarters and visitors’ restroom, and a storage facility at Forest Department headquarters in Belmopan.

Renovation works on the San Ignacio Forest Station included newly built walls, the installation of a new roof, electricity, and proper plumbing among other works. The rehabilitated station will ensure that rangers are better equipped to execute sustainable management activities for improved protection of the biodiversity in these areas.

A ranger station at Cooma Cairn was also rehabilitated and outfitted with the necessary amenities such as electricity, a solar heating system, mattresses, stove and tank, water reservoir and a restroom to make it habitable.

The quarters were established to monitor and control encroachments in the

25 JUL

THE BELIZE TIMES

Baldy Beacon Reserve, which has been affected by unregulated activities such as natural resources extraction, hunting and unauthorized land distribution. The ranger station also serves as an outpost for monitoring forest fires. The ranger quarters and visitors’ restroom at Pine Ridge also received renovation works.

The storage facility at the Forest Department headquarters was expanded and received much- needed rehabilitation. The improved space will assist the department with storing and securing firefighting equipment and confiscated material and items used as evidence in court prosecution.

Under the project, the Forest Department also saw the construction of the Savannah Forest Station in Stann Creek. The new station will allow the department to provide a more hospitable working environment for its staff and clients while offering a more secure and improved structure that can withstand the effects of extreme weather events.

The total cost of all the renovations is BZ$366,300. The development project was implemented by the International Union for Conservation of Nature with financial support from the Federal Republic of Germany through KfW, a German state-owned investment and development bank.

Extension of Lockdown for Southern Communities July 16, 2021- Cabinet has decided to extend the initial lockdown for the villages of Conejo, Midway and Barranco in the Toledo District for an additional period of two weeks, which should conclude at the end of this month of July. A curfew is also in effect until the end of this month. (as in the rest of the nation which will experience a tightening of the curfew come July 25) The Ministry of Health & Wellness continues to provide food packages for all households in the southern village communities for the duration of the lockdown as well as a stipend of $150 per week.

The public is also advised that members of the judiciary and security guards have been added to the list of “frontline workers,” reference Statutory Instrument No. 74 of 2021. If these persons are not immunized by August 1, 2021, they will need to present a negative COVID-19 test to their respective employers every two weeks.

There has been indication by the Minister of Health and Wellness that there would be in the future benefits for those who have been vaccinated which in turn would be restrictions to those who have not been. On July 21, the KHMH has full Covid bed capacity of all 20 beds with unvaccinated patients.

In the first week of August, the world will have 4 Billion people vaccinated with at least one dose. Total world population in 7.8 Billion. Get vaccinated, Belize!

2021 NOTICE

GOVERNNMENT OF BELIZE TREASURY BILLS ISSUE NUMBER 8/2021 Tenders are invited for an issue of Government of Belize Treasury Bills. The amount of the issue will be $64,391,800.00.

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

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

Members of the public who wish to participate in the auction must submit their bid to the Central Bank of Belize electronically or at the designated drop off box no later than 12:00 noon on Friday, 23 July 2021.

The Auction on the Central Securities Depository System (CSD) will be opened from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on Wednesday, 27 July 2021.

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

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

CENTRAL BANK OF BELIZE Notices are placed on Central Bank of Belize Website (www.centralbank.org. bz) 9 July 2021

25 JUL

2021 LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICES: Notice is hereby given that Takayuki Yanai is applying for a Malt & Cider Liquor License to be operated at “Taka Kitchen” located at # 1 Cor. Hutson Street & Marine Parade, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Dana Welch is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Kelly’s Kool Spot” located at # 9223 Holy Emmanuel Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Fredrick Gabourel is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Mimi’s Bistro & Event Service Ltd.” located at # 117 Albert Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Santiago Valdez is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “V-Mart” located at # 65 Pasture Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Belize Water Buffalo Association is applying for a Club Liquor License to be operated at “The Water Buffalo Club” located in Tower Hill, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Ramon Babb is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Babbox Win Stop” located at # 45 Rio Hondo Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Raquel Moreno is applying for abRestaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Shuga City Nutrition” located at # 124 San Francisco Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Sandra Chi is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Lilia Shop” located in San Luis Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

099

THE BELIZE TIMES Belize’s Ambassador to the US and Permanent Representative to the OAS Presents Credentials His Excellency Lynn Young, the new Ambassador of Belize to the United States of America, presented his letters of credence to U.S. President Joseph Biden on July 7, 2021.

In presenting his credentials, Ambassador Young expressed Belize’s commitment to continue strengthening the bilateral relations based on common values of democracy, peace and security, good governance, and sustainable development for the betterment of the people of both countries.

In his response, President Biden spoke of the strong partnerships Belize and the U.S. enjoy and applauded Belize’s peaceful transition of power in November 2020, praising it as a testament to Belize’s tradition of democracy.

Also Belize’s Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS), Ambassador Young presented his credentials to H.E. Luis Almagro, Secretary General of the OAS on July 9, 2021.

Ambassador Young commended the work of the OAS and noted that working together at regional and hemispheric levels through a multilateral forum such as the OAS is the only way to effectively confront the multiple challenges which member states face. He reiterated Belize’s commitment to work with its neighbours to achieve the goals of peace, sustainable development, and the well-being of all the peoples of the Americas.

Secretary General Almagro commented on the very important role Belize has always played in the organization, noting that H.E. Nestor Mendez, the Assistant Secretary General of the OAS, is also from Belize.

VACANCY: Cashier needed at Yasin Store & Ice Bar located at # 19 West Collet Canal Street, Belize City.

Call 623-8180 for more information.

VACANCY: Caribbean Charm located at # 111 North Front Street, Belize City, Belize District has a vacancy for a Cashier. Call 6013909 for more information.

PSYCHIC CARD READING Contact Ms.Hilda psychic card reader for advice on love, make lover stay, money help, ect. $2.00 U.S. donation. You get 2 questions free of charge.

Call 323-590-7739 for readings or write to: 6452 San Vicente Los Angeles, CA 90048.

Statement by Belize on Illegal Embargo on Cuba

Belmopan. July 20, 2021 - As repeatedly confirmed by overwhelming votes at the United Nations, the embargo imposed on the people of Cuba by the United States of America is a gross violation of international law.

The economic and trade sanctions unilaterally and illegally imposed by the United States of America have resulted in untold suffering of the Cuban people. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have been exacerbated by the impacts of the sanctions. This is immoral and inhumane.

The Government of Belize calls for the immediate lifting of the embargo so the people of Cuba can live in peace and dignity and pursue their development on their own terms without interference.

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: EDGELEY INC. – 08th July, 2021 Belize Corporate Services Limited Registered Agent

10

THE BELIZE TIMES

Demographic Changes and the Consequences

By Hon. Gilroy Usher, Port Loyola “It is obvious, according to the commonest principles of human action that no man will do as much for you as you will do for yourself.”- Marcus Garvey The English settlement in British Honduras (B.H.) now Belize was declared a British colony in 1862. At the time, the population of B.H. consisted of three groups a) a few hundred Mayas inland, b) scores of white men from Britain, and c) hundreds of enslaved black people who made up the vast majority of the population. Those black persons are the ancestors of the Creoles.

The British brought hundreds of blacks as slaves to the colony from African for free labor to cut logwood and later mahogany.

The Caste War of Yucatan (Mexico) (18471901) forced hundreds of native Mayas to resettle in north and west of Belize, while thousands of Spanish-speaking refuges of European descent settled in northern part of the country.

Despite the influx of those immigrants, up to 1946 B.H. remained a colony with a majority black population specifically 22,693 persons or 38.3% black, (18,360 persons or 31% Mestizo), 10,030 persons or 16.9% Maya, and (4,122 persons or 6.9% Garifuna). The remaining ethnic groups at the time including local East Indians, Whites, and Chinese/Asians each comprised less than 4% of the population.

For more than three fourths of the 1900’s black people owned most of the businesses in the entire Belize District which of course included Belize City. A very low percentage of the black population was imprisoned, and most black persons were taking proper care of their families including uplifting themselves with jobs, education, land, and housing among other things. Up to self-government in 1964 and Independence in 1981, black people in Belize were also dominant in party politics Nevertheless, to the astonishment of many black persons, the 1990 census showed that forty-five years after we became a colony, blacks numbered only 55, 051 persons or 29.8% of the population and were now the second largest instead of the largest ethnic group in the country. With 80,477 persons or 43.6% of the population, for the first time the Mestizo was the largest population in the Belize. Also in 1991, the 3rd largest ethnic group in Belize was still the Maya with 20,410 persons or 11.1% of the inhabitants.

The healthy growth and upliftment of the black population in Belize was hindered by a number of factors with dire consequences for them.

The terrible devastation of Belize by the 1931 Hurricane and 1961 Hurricane Hattie triggered the start of the continuous migration of hundreds of Blacks from the country to greener pasture in the United States.

The worthless colonial masters had taught black people to scoff at agriculture, which empower people to feed themselves and become independent. Consequently while many Blacks were fighting to reach the land of milk and honey to the North, hundreds of immigrants from Central American began streaming to Belize as refugees to escape the bloody civil wars in Nicaragua (1960- 1979), El Salvador (1979-1992), and Guatemala (1960- 1996).

In 1982, the Government of Belize and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees even inaugurated the Valley of Peace community in the Cayo District for hundreds immigrants fleeing the civil war in El Salvador. In working the land those immigrants and many of their children have become very productive farmers in the country. In 2007, the population of Valley of Peace

25 JUL

2021

PUBLIC AUCTION SALES: PROPERTIES

AUCTION SALES: PROPERTIES Hope Creek,PUBLIC Sarawee Village, Stann Creek District: Punta Hope Creek, Sarawee Village, Stann Creek District: Punta Gorda Town, Elridgeville, Gorda Town, Elridgeville, Toledo District

BY ORDER of the Mortgagees, Messrs. The Belize Bank Limited, Licensed Auctioneers

BY ORDER of the Mortgagees, Messrs. The Belize Bank Limited, Licensed Auctioneers Kevin Christiana R. Castillo are&selling ONLINE via belizepropertyauctions.com the below the descri A. Castillo Christiana R. Castillo are selling ONLINE via belizepropertyauctions.com alone was 2,108 residents. Additionally, in PUBLIC AUCTION SALES: PROPERTIES th currently running and will expire Thursday 5 August 2021 at the different times on the website. below described SalesCreek currently running and will expire Thursday 5th August 1999 the government granted amnesty to Hope Creek, Sarawee properties.

Village, Stann District: Punta Gorda Town, Elridgeville, Toledo 1. had Lotsettled No. 40 Hope Creek Village, Stann Creek District: 2021 at the different times on the website. thousands of immigrants who in

BY ORDER of the Mortgagees, Messrs. The Belize Bank Limited, Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A

PUBLIC Village, AUCTION SALES: PROPERTIES Belize illegally. The vast majority of those per- R. 1.Castillo Lot No.are 40selling Hope Creek Stann Creek District: Christiana ONLINE via belizepropertyauctions.com the below described pro Creek, Sarawee Village, Stann sons were from Central America. currentlyHope th Creek District: Punta Gorda Town, Elridgeville, Toledo running and will expire Thursday 5 August 2021 at the different times on the website.

BY ORDER of the Mortgagees, Messrs. The Belize Bank Limited, Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A The black people that were brought to 1. Lot No. 40 Hope Creek Village, Stann Creek District: the Americans as slaves to cut logsChristiana in Be- R. Castillo are selling ONLINE via belizepropertyauctions.com the below described pro currently lize and cultivate sugar on plantations in the running and will expire Thursday 5th August 2021 at the different times on the website.

Caribbean Islands all came from 1.theLot mothNo. 40 Hope Creek Village, Stann Creek District: erland, Africa. None of them were superior to the other. Nevertheless, to increase the number of local producers as well as the size of the local market for our products, ALLorTHAT piece parcel of land 40 comprising (733.40 square yards)situ ALL THAT parcel of orland being Lotbeing No. Lot 40 No. comprising (733.40 square yards) from self-government to the present time piece situate in Hope Creek Village, Stann Creek District of Belize and bounded and described Village, Stann Creek District ofNo. Belize and described as shown on Plan No. 783 o success, governments of Belize have always as shown on Plan 783 ofand 1999bounded attached to Minister’s Fiat (Grant) No.783 of 1999 dated ALL THAT piece or No.783 parcel ofTOGETHER land beingdated Lot 40August comprising (733.40 square and yards) situate in H rejected any suggestion to offerMinister's black peoFiat (Grant) of 1999 28th TOGETHER with all build 28th August 1999 withNo. all buildings and1999 erections standing being thereple the opportunity to resettle in Belize direct Village, Creek District of Belize and bounded and described as shown on dwelling Plan No.3 bedrooms 783 of 1999 on.

(Being an elevated (6 above ground) timber dwelling house containing standing andStann being thereon.

(Being anft.elevated (6 ft. above ground) timber house cont from war torn countries in Africa or of the+ living/dining living/dining room + Outside bathroom and lotS.Y.] [730.40 S.Y.] at situate at Lot anH Minister's Fiat+ kitchen (Grant) +No.783 of 1999 dated 28th August TOGETHER with all buildings + any kitchen room Outside bathroom and lot1999 [730.40 situate Lot No.40 ALL THAT piece parcel of+Village, land being No. 40 comprising (733.40 square yards) situate No.40or Hope creek StannLot Creek the freehold property of Ms. Henaria Bol)in H Caribbean countries, including Haiti. . standing and being thereon.

(Being an elevated (6 ft.District, above ground) timber dwelling house containing 3 Stann Creek District, the freehold property of Ms. Henaria Bol) Village, Stann Creek District of Belize and bounded and described as shown on Plan No. 783 of 1999 In 2018, twenty-four percent +ofkitchen the + living/dining room + Outside bathroom and lot [730.40 S.Y.] situate at Lot No.40 Hope cre 2. (Grant) Lot No. No.783 21 Sarawee Village, Stann Minister's Fiat of Creek 1999 dated 28th Creek AugustDistrict: 1999 TOGETHER with all buildings an 2. Lot No. 21Creek Sarawee Village, Stann District: Haiti’s population of 11 million were blacks Stann District, the freehold property of Ms. Henaria Bol) standing and being thereon.

(Being an elevated (6 ft. above ground) timber dwelling house containing 3 living in extreme poverty with 2.less Lot than No. 21 Sarawee Village, Stann Creek District: + kitchen + living/dining room + Outside bathroom and lot [730.40 S.Y.] situate at Lot No.40 Hope cre $2.00 per day. As victims of unstable governStann Creek District, the freehold property of Ms. Henaria Bol) ments and terrible natural disasters including Lot No. earthquakes, many Haitians would2.grasp the 21 Sarawee Village, Stann Creek District: opportunity to resettle and start a new life in Belize or another peaceful and law abidALL or parcel of land being21 Lotcomprising No. 21 comprising 1178.93 square yards sit- in ing country away from the suffering their piece ALLinTHAT orTHAT parcelpiece of land being Lot No. 1178.93 square yards situate ALL THAT piece or Sarawee parcel ofVillage land being Lot No. 21 comprising 1178.93 square yards situate inFiat Saraw uate in Extension, Stann Creek District, Belize shown on Minister’s nation.

Extension, Stann Creek District, Belize shownononMinister’s Minister’s Fiat (Lease) No.of779 of 2001 18th date Extension, Stann Creek Belize shown Fiat (Lease) No. 779 2001 (Lease) No.District, 779 of 2001 dated 18th July, 2001 and more particularly shown anddated delineatThat’s the same opportunity that Beand and more particularly shown and delineated on a Plan of Survey by Licensed Surveyor Harol ed on a Plan of Survey

by Licensed Harold D. Flowers and recorded the Lands more particularly shown and delineated onSurveyor a Plan of Survey

by Licensed SurveyoratHarold D. Fl lize has offered to Mennonites, thousands ALL of THAT piece orand parcel of landDepartment, being Lot No.Belmopan, 21 comprising 1178.93 square yards2736, situate in Saraw recorded at the Lands Cayo District Register 12 Entry 2 and Surveys Department, Belmopan, Cayo District in Register 12inEntry together recorded at the Lands andSurveys Surveys Department, Belmopan, Cayo District in Register 12 Entry 2736, tog refugees from Central American, and hunExtension, Stann Creek District,and Belize shownstanding on Minister’s Fiat thereon.

(Lease) No. 779an ofelevated 2001 dated 18th with all buildings erections and being (Being timber all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

(Being an elevated timber dwelling all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

(Being an elevated timber dwelling house elh dreds of Chinese through the illegal and sale more of particularly shown and delineated on a Plan of Survey by Licensed Surveyor Harold D. Fl dwelling elevated on2 concrete posts [720 Sq. ft.] containing 2 bedrooms + kitchen/ posts [720 Sq.house ft.]containing containing bedrooms ++ kitchen/living + bathroom and lotand [1,178.93 S.M.] posts [720 Sq. ft.]

2 bedrooms kitchen/living + bathroom lot [1,178.9 Belizean passports. In Belize City,concrete theconcrete Asians recorded at theliving Lands and Surveys Cayo DistrictVillage, in Register EntryDistrict, 2736, tog + bathroom andDepartment, lot [1,178.93 Belmopan, S.M.] situate in Sarawee Stann12Creek Sarawee Village, Stann Creek District, District, the leasehold property of Mr. Hector Menjivar Surety Surety for Ms. have now almost completely taken over the Sarawee Village, Stann Creek the leasehold property ofelevated Mr. Hector Menjivar the leasehold property Mr. Hector Menjivar Surety an for Ms. Mercedes Hernandez.) all buildings and erections standingofand being thereon.

(Being timber dwelling house el Hernandez.) operation of grocery stores thatHernandez.) were once concrete posts3.[720 Sq. ft.] containing 2 bedrooms + kitchen/living + bathroom and lot [1,178.93 S.M.] No. 1710 Mahogany Street,Town, PuntaToledo GordaDistrict: Town, Toledo District: Parcel No. 1710Parcel Mahogany Street, Punta Gorda the main sources of income and 3.upliftment 3. Parcel No. 1710 Mahogany Street, Punta Gorda Town, Sarawee Village, Stann Creek District, the leasehold propertyToledo of Mr. District: Hector Menjivar Surety for Ms. for black people a few years ago.

Hernandez.)

The British white man did an excellent 3. Parcel No. 1710 Mahogany Street, Punta Gorda Town, Toledo District: job in indoctrinating black people of Belize to despise, scorn, mistrust, and crucify black people like themselves. It’s therefore not surprising that to gain favor with the ruling elite in the country, many of the black intelREGISTRATION SECTION PARCEL REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK BLOCK PARCELS lectuals in Belize, who should know better, Punta Gorda 42 1710 REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL are the most vocal in the denunciation of any Punta Gorda (Being a timber/plycem building [3 bedrooms + 242bathrooms1710 + Living room + Dining Room + Kitche effort to allow black refugees from anywhere REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL Punta Gorda 42 1710 Shed [10 ft. (Being X 13 ft.] and lot [464.576 S.M. [3 or bedrooms 555.6 S.Y.] on Mahogany Street,+ Punta a timber/plycem building + 2situate bathrooms Living room DiningGor in the world to resettle in the country.

They Punta Gorda 422 bathrooms 1710+room (Being a timber/plycem building [3 bedrooms + + Living + Dining Room + Toledo District, the freehold property of Ms. Elizabeth Borland).

Room + Kitchen + Open Shed [10 ft.

X 13 ft.] and lot [464.576 S.M. or 555.6 S.Y.] situate however are 500% cool with the hundreds (Being a timber/plycem building [3Punta bedrooms +Town, 2 bathrooms +District, Living room +Mahogany Dining Room + Ms. Kitche Shed [10 ft.

X 13 ft.] and lot [464.576 S.M. or 555.6 S.Y.] situate on Street, Pu on Mahogany Street, Gorda Toledo the freehold property of 4. allowed Lot No. 1 along Pappishaw Road, Eldridgeville Village, Toledo District: of other immigrants who are being Shed [10 ft. Elizabeth X 13 ft.] Borland). and lot [464.576 S.M. or 555.6 S.Y.] situate on Mahogany Street, Punta Gor Toledo District, the freehold property of Ms. Elizabeth Borland). to resettle in the nation.

Toledo District, the freehold property of Ms. Elizabeth Borland).

Lot No. 1 along Road, Eldridgeville Village, Toledo District: 4.Pappishaw Lot No. 1 along Pappishaw Road, Eldridgeville Village, Toledo District: Such movements of4.people lack 4. or Lot No. 1 along Pappishaw Road, Eldridgeville Village, Toledo District: thereof help to explain the slow growth and declining influence of the black population in Belize and the rapid growth and clout of the Mestizo and other ethnic groups in the nation.

As a result of those demographic changes in the country, today black people now ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 1 containing 1,381.029 square meters 1) own very few businesses, situate along Pappishaw Road, Eldridgeville Village, Toledo District TOGETHER with 2) an extremely large percentage of all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. (Being vacant Lot No. 1 conthe black population is jobless, taining 1,381.029 square meters situate along Pappishaw Road, Eldridgeville Village, and 3) the vast majority of persons imToledo District, the freehold property of Mr. Ronald Lee Baker) prisoned are black.

5.

1.30 Acres Pappishaw Road, Elridgeville Village, Toledo District: Today black people in Belize are also mostly landless, and they are the most victims of gang violence especially murders.

Furthermore, although black people are the second largest population in the country, no fault of the present government, black people only represent 15% in the Cabinet.

ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Block No. 24 containing 1.30 acres – (6,292 square yards) sitThe effect of demographic changes on uate along Papishaw Road, Elridgeville Village, Toledo District bounded and described as follows: On black people in Belize today is best captured the North for a distance of 134.617 meters (441.65 feet) by Block No. 21; On the South for a distance of by this quote “This year, on Monday 2nd 139.074 meters (456.27 feet) by Block No. 25; On the East for a distance of 57.327 meters (188.08 feet) by the Papishaw Road and on the West for a distance of 21.100 meters (69.22 feet) by Block No. 22as August (Emancipation Day), we hope there shown on a plan of survey numbered Plan No. 1893 signed by L.S. Tingling, Government Surveyor will be some serious discussion on our past TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. (Being an elevated [2 1/2 ft. and the way forward for more than one hunabove grade] timber dwelling house [24 ft. x 32 ft.] 2 bedrooms + living room + bathroom + verandah dred Creoles, who are the children of slav+ wash room and land (1.30 acres) situate on Pappishaw Road, Elridgeville Village, Toledo District, ery, remain at the bottom of the social and the freehold properties of Mr. Cesar Briceno) economic ladder.” –‘Think About It’ in Belize ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - www.belizebank.

Times Sunday July 18, 2021. com (foreclosure listing) It is therefore heartening to know that TERMS: STRICTLY CASH KEVIN A. CASTILLO the country presently has a Prime Minister, CHRISTIANA R. CASTILLO who is committed to address the needs and TELEPHONE 223-4488 concerns of all Belizeans as much as includWebsite: www.belizepropertyauctions.com E-mail: kevinacas@yahoo.com ing the needs and concerns of black people Face Book: Belize Auctions in this nation.

25 JUL

2021

THE BELIZE TIMES

CUBA UNDER ATTACK

-Assad Shoman What Happened on 11 July?

The street demonstrations that took place across Cuba on 11 July were large and unexpected. There had not been any new law or measure that sparked the protests.

Yet almost simultaneously, all over Cuba people are out on the streets. How come?

The call to come out on the streets and protest against the government was made on social media, on Facebook, Twitter and others. The call came from Miami.

There were literally millions of messages passed, all calling for taking to the streets, some assuring that help was on the way, with US gunboats approaching the island.

Messages called for riots and violence, including assassination of the President.

Once people began to go on the streets, the campaign put out videos (many of them manufactured and completely false), exaggerating the size of the protests, downplaying the violence and looting carried out by many of the people, creating false images of police killing and beating people, claiming that police and army were deserting and the regime was about to fall, that US marines were on the way to help, et cetera.

The acts of vandalism and violence that occurred on 11 July—the looting of stores, interruption of vaccine applications, overturning of police cars, attacks against citizens—were stopped by police action but also by the irruption of thousands of Cubans onto the streets There were no armoured vehicles on the streets. No tear gas was hurled, no water cannons used, no rubber bullets shot.

No lines of soldiers advancing on thousands of protesters. Indeed, Cuba’s army never intervened. All these things happen when there are peaceful demonstrations in many countries, including in Latin America, in Europe and, of course, in the USA. There are no “disappeared” people as is common in other countries in our hemisphere. Most of the injured were those citizens attacked by the rioters and looters. The rioters had been instructed to attack police in particular, to try to provoke repression.

Many police were rescued by citizens who came to their aid.

Most of the media campaigns, both the one around the July 11 events and those over the years, are funded by US governments, federal and state, and they are motivated by a desire to destroy the Cuban state.

Serious Hardships This much is true: the Cuban people have been experiencing very hard times in recent years. Everything is scarce, including medicines and toiletries. Food is extremely hard to obtain. For many months now it has gotten so bad that many shops are closed as a rule, but open when something arrives.

When something like chicken becomes available, there are long queues one must join in order to buy. There are people who take advantage of scarcities to buy and sell at inflated prices. The authorities try to stop this, but it is not easy to control.

All of this is compounded by the restrictions of movement made necessary by the COVID pandemic. People have been asked to stay at home for over a year; schools are closed. Cuba has handled the pandemic relatively well, but with the arrival of the Delta variant, positive cases have been spiking.

Then there are the blackouts. Nothing like what many countries of the world suffer, but recently there have been periodic blackouts in some places because the major station that provides 60% of electricity to the country was closed for essential repairs. It is now back in operation and will be up to full capacity soon.

The suffering and misery caused by the food shortages in particular cannot be understated. Not that anybody is starving

to death in Cuba. There are no homeless, starving, street children like we have come to accept as inevitable in US inner cities, but when someone in the household has to queue for hours every day in order to get necessary goods, and when these goods are so scarce, people suffer a lot.

The USA says that the reason for this scarcity is that the communist government is incapable of providing these goods, and that Cuba is a failed state. Things are much more complex.

The US War on Cuba The USA has been waging a war against Cuba ever since the Revolution made it clear in 1959 that it was by and for the people of Cuba and not for US capitalists that had dominated Cuba since its independence.

The US has conducted multiple terrorist-like actions in Cuba: bombings, chemical warfare, assassinations. The US launched the failed Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba. It allowed operatives based in Miami to bomb hotels in Cuba when tourism became a viable option in the 21st century. It pressured countries to break ties with Cuba or refuse to cooperate with it, even going to the extreme of telling them not to accept the help of Cuban doctors to fight the pandemic because that was “human trafficking”. And it has imposed a blockade since 1961.

One has to understand what the blockade involves to appreciate its significance. It is not true, as the Mayor of Miami said recently, that ‘you can’t blame the embargo for Cuba’s scarcities because they can trade with any other country in the world’. The blockade prevents companies from other countries from doing business with Cuba. It allows the US Treasury to impose multimillion dollar fines on them for so doing. It is this “extra-territorial” element of the blockade that unites the world in denouncing it.

New Trump/Biden Measures In addition to the blockade legislated by the Congress of the USA (in place for 60 years), President Trump unilaterally imposed 243 new measures to block Cuba from the world and to cause so much hardship for the people that they would rise up against the government, which was the sole purpose of these acts. Biden criticized Trump for that during his campaign; after all he was Obama’s VP, and Obama had declared that the blockade was a failed policy. Yet Biden has not removed even one of those actions since he came to power.

We cannot deal with all of them here, but let us look at just a few. One restricts the freedom of US citizens to travel to Cuba (violating their Constitutional rights). Another stops Cubans living in the USA from sending remittances to their relatives in Cuba.

Taking those together means that millions of Cubans have been deprived of their means of livelihood by a stroke of Trump’s pen. When tourism became a major business in Cuba during the 1990s, hundreds of thousands of Cubans became entrepreneurs, self-employed people who provided services (lodging transport, souvenirs, guides, the lot) to tourists and improved their families’ living conditions. With the ban on US visitors, compounded by the COVID pandemic, that source of income has been virtually wiped out. At a stroke, tens of thousands of families were deprived of their source of income.

A third measure taken by Trump—and still imposed by Biden—concerns migration.

President Obama’s government signed a number of migration agreements with Cuba to provide for an orderly flow of migrants.

Cuba does not stop any of its citizens from travelling anywhere, but of course they can’t unless they have a visa. The agreements with the USA provided for 20,000 immigrant visas to be granted to Cubans every year, but this agreement has never been fulfilled

by the USA, and under Trump, and still with Biden, it has been made impossible. Cubans who want to apply for visas of any kind must now go to a third country, because Trump virtually closed down the embassy in Cuba.

The fact that the US government made it impossible for 20,000 Cubans each year to migrate to the USA as agreed was also another pressure point leading to frustration and anger.

Tougher Measures Another measure taken by Trump was to activate Title III of the Helm-Burton Act of 1996, which allows parties whose property was confiscated by the Cuban Government in 1959 to sue in U.S. courts those companies and individuals who “traffic” in the property in question. The Act contains a broad definition of “traffic” and encompasses anyone (not just US citizens) who derives an economic benefit from “confiscated property.” Since 1996, each successive U.S. President has suspended this section of the Helms-Burton Act. With this activation, most companies who were thinking of investing in Cuba have decided otherwise and even those already there became worried. There were good reasons for George W. Bush to refuse to activate that section, and yet Biden has kept it in place.

Biden has also named Cuba on the list of countries that are ‘sponsors of terrorism’.

The whole world regards this as a gross abuse. Cuba has never committed an act of terrorism against any country. Indeed, Cuba has suffered multiple terrorist acts from the US. But placing Cuba on that list is much more than just a slanderous act. It makes it much more difficult than it already was for Cuba to do business with any company anywhere, as there are strict world-wide banking regulations that prohibit transactions with “terrorists”.

What are the implications? It means that Cuba may have money in hand but it cannot purchase needed goods—including medicines and medical supplies for general use and for fighting COVID—because of these banking restrictions.

Dollars in Hand, Can’t Use Let me give one example. In recent years, Cuba has operated what we can call “dollar shops”. Ordinary Cubans could go to a bank and take out a debit card, deposit US dollars (from remittances or tourist economy) and then use that card to purchase goods. There are so many dollars with people here that these stores always attract large queues.

A few weeks ago, the banks had to announce that they will no longer be receiving US dollars, only Euros, Pounds, etc.— currencies that are largely inaccessible to Cubans. Why? Because due to the intensified blockade, the Cuban banks have accumulated millions of US dollars but can no longer use them to import goods.

Companies in several parts of the world that until recently were trading with Cuba have had to stop for fear of US penalties, because the US treasury has been imposing multimillion dollar fines against companies and banks that do any sort of business with Cuba.

Do we begin to understand now why the shops have been empty for months?

Sometimes a tanker arrives with oil needed for electricity generation and it won’t unload until the Cubans can work through the restrictions imposed by the blockade.

COVID and the Vaccines What was particularly striking about the propaganda campaign before and since 11 July was the charge that Cuba is mishandling the pandemic and needs help from outside to deal with it. Although Cuba is presently suffering a surge of cases due to the prevalence of the Delta variant in certain provinces, on 21st of July it had a fatality rate of 0.7%, when in the UK and Belgium it was 2.3%, in the US 1.8%, and in Belize 2.4%.

Cuba is the only country so far in Latin America and among very few in

11 the world to have developed not one but two vaccines with an efficacy rate of over 90%. That of course must be especially hard for US politicians to swallow: how can a tiny “failed state” blockaded by the most powerful country in the world develop anti-COVID vaccines when the US and other governments spent billions to do just that?

That also means that apart from providing all the resources needed to fight the pandemic, the medical care and facilities to care for patients and suspected cases, the government had to concentrate a lot of resources to develop the vaccines, at a time when the increased blockade made it nearly impossible to access medical supplies in the world.

That is why many countries in the world have been renewing their calls to end a blockade that is anyhow illegal and criminal and condemned by every country in the world except one. Because it is unbelievably cruel to consciously cause additional suffering to a whole people at a time of pandemic.

A most moving plea comes especially from the suffering people of the USA, and I quote: “Black Lives Matter condemns the US federal government’s inhumane treatment of Cubans, and urges it to immediately lift the economic embargo.

This cruel and inhumane policy, instituted with the explicit intention of destabilizing the country and undermining Cubans’ right to choose their own government, is at the heart of Cuba’s current crisis . . .

This embargo is a blatant human rights violation, and it must come to an end.”

Dangerous Times We are living at a particularly difficult and sensitive time. The USA is emerging from having exposed itself to the world as a society that is profoundly and systemically racist. A society where the racist voter suppression laws that prevent black and brown people from exercising their right to vote are rapidly intensifying. Their society has been exposed for using mass incarceration of black people as “the new Jim Crow”. A country where police brutality in relation to black and brown people is endemic and entrenched. A country with profound economic inequality by every measure. A country whose last President almost succeeded in engineering a coup to remain in power. And a country that has now had to withdraw ignominiously from a 20-year war in Afghanistan that resulted in the deaths of untold numbers.

In a word, US hegemony is in crisis.

An empire in decline is always unpredictable and dangerous. The presence in its ‘backyard’ of a country that has resisted all attempts to be strangled, that contributed to the destruction of apartheid in South Africa, that has saved the lives of millions worldwide with its solidarity, one that despite the longest and cruellest blockade in history has today developed vaccines that can help defeat the worst pandemic in modern history, is too dangerous to let stand. It must be defeated.

We must expect ever greater efforts by the USA to bring down the Cuban revolution. It is a danger, a threat that endangers all of us, especially small countries in the region who depend on respect for international law, for the right of peoples to self-determination, for our very existence.

That is why it was right, and in Belize’s interest, for the Belize government to call for respect for international law and for the lifting of the blockade.

We must demand that President Biden listen to the vast majority of the countries and peoples of the world in their insistence that the USA must end the blockade. It is criminal; it violates the human rights of the people of Cuba; it is exceedingly cruel; it should end now.

Editor’s Note: The article above is solely the opinion of the author and not necessarily that of the People’s United Party.

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THE BELIZE TIMES 2021

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25 JUL

2021

2021

18 JAN

BUILDING AND STRONG Prime Minister John Briceño with the women of the UWG

13 INAUGURATIONS

THE BELIZE TIMES 2015

‘Before you relax, Get Vax!’

Min. Francis Fonseca, MoECST and MoS Hon. Louis Zabaneh

Min. Michel Chebat and HW Team

Judy Diego Government Pre-School

Mask distribution, health education and vaccination, OWT Myrtle Banner Government Preschool

Min. Julius Espat, Infrastructure Development and Housing

Belmopan education campaign

San Pablo lines up Monrad S. Metzgen Preschool

San Ignacio: Daniel Martinez, 19yr old vaccinating

Olga Drive Road in the Corozal District

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

Grading and Spot patching…

Progresso Rd

Hon. Michel Chebat, Cayo North

Pomona Satellite Clinic Santa Cruz Government Pre & Primary School

WASH: UNICEF donating to Toledo’s Children

Quality time to be in his Constituency for Hurricane preparedness

Forest Department Inaugurates Rehabilitated Facilities in MPR

Maya Centre, Toledo

PG Police Station San Juan Bosco R.C. Pre School

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25 JUL

THE BELIZE TIMES

FFB Football kicks off in August Belmopan, July 16, 2021 The Football Federation of Belize has announced that its youth and female football tournaments will kick off on August 1, with final say-so from the Ministry of Health and Wellness and contact sports getting the green light from the Government of Belize.

The FFB’s national Under-13, Under-15 and Under-17 tournaments kick off on August 1, and the National Amateur Women’s League (NAWL) kicks off on August 7. The Premier League of Belize 2021 opening season is also expected to kick off at the end of August, for which the FFB is encouraging urges all players and their families and fans to get vaccinated.

The tournaments will be played behind closed doors as no fans will be allowed inside the stadium until MOHW gives the green light. Until then the FFB will follow the national COVID guidelines, which closely follow the anti-COVID-19 protocols which the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) proposed last October. All FIFA and CONCACAF competitions have been played by these rules since then.

The national Under-15 Boys team and the national Under-17 and Under 20 Female selections are all in training camp at the FFB Institute in Belmopan, as they are preparing for upcoming regional tournaments. The U-15 boys are preparing for the UNCAF qualifiers which will be held at the Estadio Nacional de Nicaragua in Managua on August 22 - 28. The U-20 girls are preparing CONCACAF U-20 qualifiers in September 10 - 19, and the U-17 girls are readying themselves for CONCACAF qualifiers on August 21-29, when they take on Barbados, Curacao and St. Vincent and the Grenadines in group B. NAWL champions Jewel Fury player Myra Suzie Sibrian was crowned Queen of the Bay last September, and she gave National Girls’ Teams some inspiring words when she visited the FFB Institute on Monday, July 19.

UCLA’s head soccer coach Dr. Ryan Jorden is also expected to visit the FFB institute from Thursday to Saturday, July 29 - 31, to scout Belize’s best football players to find candidates for athletic scholarships to UCLA. Everyone is encouraged to vaccinate in order to see sports move forward even faster.

2021

BY ORDER OF CHARGEE NOTICE OF INTENTION TO SELL HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED a statutory body formed and registered under the Credit Union Act, Chapter 314 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, and whose registered office is situated at No. 1 Hyde’s Lane, Belize City, Belize District hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Chargee under and by virtue of a Charge registered at the Land Registry between ANNE MELCHORA PALACIO (Chargor) of the first part, DWIGHT ANTHONY ALVAREZ (Borrower) of the second part and HRCU of the third part.

HRCU will at the expiration of three months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the Schedule below.

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

SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land comprising 454.91 square yards being Parcel 697, Block 45 in the St. Martin De Porres Registration Section situate at No. 697 Aloe Vera Street, Belize City, Belize District, Belize TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon, the freehold property of ANNE MELCHORA PALACIO. DATED this 5th day of July 2021 HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED 1 HYDE’S LANE, BELIZE CITY, BELIZE Phone: (501) 224-5644 Fax: (501) 223-0738 E-mail: foreclosures@hrcubelize.org

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: SEAVIEW TRADING, S.A. – 15th July, 2021 Sucre & Sucre (Belize) 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 dates indicated: Name of Company

Date

GREGSON LTD.

03th July, 2021

Art Expo Media Group LTD.

06th July, 2021

WALL STREET HOLDINGS LTD.

12th July, 2021

Icaza Belize Trust Corporation Limited Registered Agent

25 JUL

2021

OUT

!

Dear Editor, Allow me some space in your paper to register my utter frustration with many Public Servants working in these government offices. Their lack of PR skills and mistreatment of those seeking services at the various government offices has been a long-standing problem which seems to be worsening. I write on the premise that there are good hardworking Public Servants who go above and beyond the call of duty. On the other hand, and sadly so, we have those who are obnoxious to say the least. To those I ask: Why work as a Public Servant if your intent is not to serve? Why come to work if you are having a bad day and plan on sharing your misery with others?

I have often heard it said that you need to ‘come up’ if you want to get anything moving in some of these offices. In other words, pay cash under the table. Some Public Servants have gotten bold and are telling you up front, “you got to pay if you want your land documents to move.” Same goes for Immigration as it pertains to your documents or passport and even Vital Statistics with something as simple as a correction of name or a document.

The actions of these low down hustling public servants has become untenable.

Another issue that eats at my last nerve and many others in the public is the lack of attendance to telephone calls. You call most government offices where secretaries or receptionists are posted to answer the telephone calls and the phone just rings off the hook. No one ever answers the phone and, if you are one of the lucky ones and they do answer, you are told the person is not at his/her desk, is out of office or in a meeting. Like really? Why lists a telephone number if it serves no purpose?

The new PUP administration dare not take the fall for these public servants who refuse to serve and seem to always be on go-slow. They are frustrating the public they are hired to serve and this cannot be made to continue.

Ministry of Natural Resources, Immigration Departments in Belmopan and Belize City, Vital Statistics in Belize City are some of the worst government offices to visit. It appears on first hand that the Public Servants in these offices are on a mission to sabotage the New PUP Administration hence they provide pathetic service or they are simply incompetent and unable to comply with the demands of the job. Either way, I stand with the many Belizeans who have had the nightmarish experience of long waits and rude service at these various government offices.

Oh, by the way, I dare not forget some of our clinics and polyclinics where human beings are treated like animals. There has got to be a time when we get professionals to deal with the general public and we receive acceptable and respectable treatment.

We demand better. Our tax dollars must at the least appear to work for us.

Frustrated, Belizean

THE BELIZE TIMES National closing event Selva Maya Natural Resources Protection Project Global challenge, joint efforts: After four and a half years of hard work, the Selva Maya Natural Resource Protection Project has reached the end of its implementation period. The project has made important contributions to protected areas, their connectivity, local communities and the governance of the Selva Maya. It is worth highlighting the investment and strengthening of equipment, infrastructure in prioritised protected areas, tools and instruments for the management and effectiveness of Protected Areas (PA), as well as the strengthening of the working capaci-

ty and governance structure of the Strategic Coordination Group of the Selva Maya (GEC).

The main objective of the project has been to maintain the ecosystem functions and cultural values of the Selva Maya, promoting the well-being of its people and providing environmental services of global importance. The total budget was 12.8 million Euros, of which 8 million Euros were financed by German cooperation, through KfW (German Development Bank) and the co-financing from the Protected Areas agencies of Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico (4.8 million Euros).

15 The International Union for Conservation of Nature, through its Regional Office for Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean (IUCN ORMACC) was privileged to act as executing agency of the Project financed by the German Federal Government through KfW (German Development Bank).

The project has been implemented jointly with governmental institutions of the three countries: in Belize, the Forest Department of the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change & Disaster Risk Management (MSDRM); in Guatemala, with the National Council for Protected Areas (CONAP), through its Regional Office in Petén; and in Mexico, with the National Commission for Protected Natural Areas (CONANP) through the Yucatan Peninsula and Mexican Caribbean Regional Office.

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25 JUL

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

Hon. Ferguson, Delivering Food to Stann Creek Villages Posted: The boys are still out delivering grocery bags to the villages from Santa Cruz to Independence including the peninsula. It is not an easy task… 350 bags do not go anywhere in a constituency with 10,000 voters, and it will give me a bad name more than anything.

I had them so I have distributed one way or the other. I hope the local committee use their best judgment in the distribution and I know not everyone will be happy but it is hard to please all. I hope who get appreciate the little token and I urge the committee’s to consider a different set of people the next time around.

The next 350 bags which is due at the end of the month will go to villages from Maya Center to the hummingbird community including Mullins River. We do try to share as equitable as possible. Thanks guys for spending the entire day doing delivery.

NOTICE OF COMMENCEMENT OF DISSOLUTION

Notice is hereby given to all interested parties that the following companies (“the Companies”) incorporated under the IBC Act of Belize commenced dissolution as follows: Name of Company

Date of Commencement of Dissolution

Liquidator Name & Address

HYBROSERVE ASSETS LTD.

23rd June, 2021

Galatia Pericleous of 32 Kritis, Papachristoforou Building, 4th floor, 3087, Limassol, Cyprus

FERRARA CAPITAL INC.

06th July 2021

Francieli Morawski of Rua Domingos Paiva 152 Torre B Ap 2410, CEP 03043-070, Sao Paulo, Brazil

COLIBRI TRADING COMPANY S.A.

16th July 2021

Mr. Jason Mackey of Caves Professional Centre, Suite 3, Blake Road, West Bay Street, Nassau Bahamas

Any claims against the company should be forwarded to the Liquidator within 30 days from commencement.

Icaza Belize Trust Corporation Limited Registered Agent

NOTICE OF COMMENCEMENT OF DISSOLUTION

Notice is hereby given to all interested parties that the following companies (“the Companies”) incorporated under the IBC Act of Belize commenced dissolution as follows:

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT

Name of Company

Date of Commencement of Dissolution

Liquidator Name & Address

Crimson Enterprises Limited

07th July, 2021

Romina Marie Torrilla of Sovereign Place, 117 Main Street, Gibraltar

Pharnacia Investments Limited

07th July, 2021

Romina Marie Torrilla of Sovereign Place, 117 Main Street, Gibraltar

Revuln Ventures Limited

07th July, 2021

Mr. Luigi Auriemma of Fl 510, S.Agatha, vjal I-Indipendenza, Zurrieq, ZRQ2336, Malta

Any claims against the company should be forwarded to the Liquidator within 30 days from commencement.

Belize Corporate Services Limited Registered Agent

Customer Service Training

NOTICE OF COMMENCEMENT OF DISSOLUTION

Notice is hereby given to all interested parties that the following companies (“the Companies”) incorporated under the IBC Act of Belize commenced dissolution as follows:

“To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity.” – Don Alden Adams.

Day 2, July 21st, 2021 The Department of Transport, through its Terminal Unit Team, has been working diligently to improve the quality of customer service to daily commuters, across the country.

Minister Ferguson also took the

opportunity to interact with the staff and delivered a few words of advice.

Also present at the training was Chief Transport Officer, Ms. Dian Vasquez, who shared the goals and vision of the department as well as her expectations of the team.

This is definitely looked forward to by many of the working class that commute for a living. Life should be a bit easier with this endeavour.

Name of Company

Date of Commencement of Dissolution

Liquidator Name & Address

PIONEER ENERGY CO. LTD.

25th June, 2021

Tseng Yang, Shu-Ching of No. 6, LN. 18, Wufu 1st Rd., Fengshan Dist., Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, R.O.C.

NEW EAST INVESTMENTS INC.

25th June, 2021

Lee, Chun-Hung of 5F, No. 7, LN. 7, Minzu 6th St., Xizhi Dist., New Taipei City, Taiwan, R.O.C.

VENTURE BRIGHT INC.

25th June, 2021

Yang, I-Hsuan of 19F, No. 81, Sec. 2, Zhongzheng E. Rd., Tamsui Dist., New Taipei City, Taiwan, R.O.C.

YANG BROS. & CO., LTD.

20th July, 2021

Wu, Pi-Tsui of No. 321-21, Bagu Rd., Luzhu Dist., Taoyuan City, Taiwan, R.O.C.

KINGDOM GREAT LTD.

20th July, 2021

CHANG, SHIN-YI of No. 22, Fujia St., W. Dist., Chiayi City, Taiwan, R.O.C.

Any claims against the company should be forwarded to the Liquidator within 30 days from commencement.

GenPro Consulting (Belize) Limited Registered Agent

25 JUL

2021

THE BELIZE TIMES

THINK ABOUT IT “JUSTICE FOR LADDIE” Laddie Gillett and his friend Palacio had just left Placencia beach hurrying to reach home before the Covid curfew at 10pm. Suddenly, men in black jumped out of nowhere in their path. They instinctively turned and started running away.

A single shot rang out. Baow! The bullet entered Laddie’s back, tore through his internal organs and perforated his chest. We are not sure if he died instantly or if he suffered a slow painful death. His companion was pounced upon, kicked and stamped as little Laddie laid dying.

Palacio is 19 years of age. Little Laddie was 14 years. His innocent life snuffed out forever by a Police Corporal.

Since that faithful Wednesday night 14th July, 2021, Belize has been transformed.

Years of police brutality, aggressive behaviour and unwarranted force against citizens coalesced across all sectors of the country. There have been candle-light vigils and protests every night.

In an unprecedented and historic move, Prime Minister John Briceño and three of the cabinet Ministers condemned the shooting: Youth Minister Kevin Bernard, Police Minister Kareem Musa, and outspoken Housing Minister Julius Espat. Never once did the former Prime Minister or his lousy Ministers condemn policy wrong doing and unlawful killings.

If there is to be justice for Laddie Gillett there must be swift and meaningful changes coming out the Cabinet. Here are some suggestions: Appoint a Citizens Oversight Commission with men and women of courage and integrity, to be Chaired by former Judge Adolph Lucas.

End the militarization of the police-- Take away all military uniforms and submachine guns. The names and numbers of every police should be on their uniforms.

Disband the hated GSU, now called G13, and dismantle the so-called commanders support squad which has been harassing and chancing citizens across the country including in peaceful Placencia.

Stop sending our police to train in El Salvador and Honduras where they become contaminated by those brutal oligarchies.

Scrap the police Training School curriculum which obviously has been turning out the wrong type of police. Replace the trainers with qualified lecturers and include anger management, proper policing, the rights of citizens, duties of good policing, how to deescalate situations and never be aggressive when dealing with citizens, when and how to use force.

Print and display the constitutional rights of detainees. In all police stations.

Amended the law to require police to have a warrant to search for guns and ammunition.

Re-introduce the position of Assistant Inspectors of police and place the best officers in charge of police stations.

Shift the CEO over to new Growth Industries and employ Major Jones as CEO for the police.

Bring in an expert or two from Britain or the Commonwealth, into the highest levels of the police to fashion a new and modern professional force.

The Prime Minister has said he wants much more emphasis by the police on community policing. We endorse that view. A full and effective community policing must be put in place NOW under Cabinet instructions.

Shakespeare wrote in Julius Caesar that “there is a tide in the affairs of men. Which, taken at the flood leads on to fortune, omitted, all the voyages of their life is bound in shallows and in miseries. On such a full sea are we now afloat.”

The people of Belize have suffered under 13 years of Barrow and the UDP with their brutal, unprofessional police. The tide of Laddies’s killing has brought the opportunity for our Prime Minister and his new government to bring about the much needed changes.

The citizens have lost trust in the police. The police Department is made up of a majority of good and decent men and women. We owe it to them to make the police Department a place of pride and dignity rather than one that carries the ugly reputation.

WAS LADDIE MURDERED? According to several attorneys who practice in the criminal Courts the circumstances under which 14 year old Laddie Gillett was killed warrants a charge of murder.

If a police corporal who is trained in the handling, use and discharge of firearms, pulls out his gun, puts his finger on the trigger, aims it at a person’s body, and pulls the trigger, that means he intended to inflict an unlawful harm. If the person is killed especially if he is shot in the back, under such circumstances the charge is murder.

FREE ALL GANGA PRISONERS Any person who is in prison for any marijuana charge should be freed. Whether the charge is possession of a small amount or drug trafficking of large amounts.

The government has taken the bold step of introducing a law to turn marijuana into a legal business.

Persons can apply for a license to do several of the various business activities. If you have a land, or can use a land, you can apply and get a license to be a ganja farmer of up to one acre of ganja. It is called a Cultivation License. If you don’t want to be a ganja farmer, but have or can get a secure vehicle or vehicles you can apply for a license to be a ganja delivery person.

If you want to sell weed, you can apply for a Dispensary Operation License. This license authorizes you to store, market and to sell marijuana.

If you just want to buy weed fi smoke you can apply for a weed smoker’s license.

The new law calls it a (Cannabis Program) Identification Card. If you are a Belizean, you pay Fifty dollars and get one of these cards which is good for two years. You must present this card and you can buy up to twenty-eight grams of weed at one time.

17

Please don’t buy plenty weed (28 grams is a lot of weed) and please don’t smoke plenty weed. You can also buy two weed plants at a time.

The government will set up a Central Nursery in Belmopan. This is where all the legal weed, weed seeds, seedlings, and weed plants will be kept. It is from here the weed sellers will buy their official plants and seeds. Persons wishing to sell weed fudge, weed cake, weed tart, weed tablata, weed wangla, weed pastries, and other weed edibles, they can apply for a Processing License.

The same processing license can cover weed shampoos, body oils, and other prescribed purpose.

The draft law does not mention pharmaceutical products such as medicines, rubbing compounds, rubbing compounds and so on, but this can be corrected.

There is also jobs for security officers. Security firms and companies and person can apply for a security provider license to provide security to ganja farmers, delivery person’s, dispensaries where weed is kept and sold and for places which get a license to allow smoking at their premises.

There will also be a Restaurant Consumption Lounge License for person’s who have restaurants and wish to provide a special area for weed smokers to buy and smoke or eat or drink weed pastries and drinks.

Special customs and tax exemptions are available, but only to foreigners. This is unfair. Belizeans should enjoy the same benefits as foreigners. We expect this part to be changed.

May we add, this bold and progressive move by Minister Kareem and the Cabinet is being done to earn money. It is a revenue and tax measure. It is hoped that many tourists, investors and other types of visitors will buy Ganga and so increase monies available to our country and people.

We urge the Minister of Health and Wellness to start a campaign about the evils of drugs including alcohol and cannabis. Only sick people use drugs straight like that. In the meantime, all persons in jail for possession of ganja and for drug trafficking should be released. We cannot be two faced. First, the weed is illegal, then a small amount is not illegal, then large amounts up to 28 grams is to be legal and people can plant a whole acre of weed so the government can collect taxes. Cho mein.

No one should go to jail for ganja no more.

And change the old law that over 60 grams of cannabis is drug trafficking. Out wid dat. Crack down pan crack and cocaine and heroin and morphine.

SHOOTING ON WAGNER LANE Last Monday night shooters came from Berkley Street area and entered Wagner’s Lane. They opened fire on a group of young men who scattered and thankfully no one was shot.

On Tuesday night there was a shooting on Plues Street in which a female and a male were shot. The male died. His funeral was held on Saturday 17th July. Dozens of uniformed police were visible on George Street, home of the George Street gang.

It is likely these shootings are part of the ongoing hatred between the remnants of the Wagner Lane gang and the George Street gang. Both gangs have murdered members from the other gang.

Wagner’s Lane is one street behind Albert Street in the area of Wesley Church.

George Street is three streets West of Wagner’s Lane.

When will these shootings and nonsense stop?

There is a need to relocate these troubled young people from these troubled clustered areas. As things now stand there is only one way out. Each shooting death ignites a reprisal. Reprisals lead to revenge. The cycle is repeated over and over again, all across the city. And into the districts as well.

When will these shootings and murders come to an end?

GUN AMNESTY Maybe some thoughts should be focused on whether a gun amnesty should be given a try, once again.

In the 1990’s, there was an effective gun-buy-back program. Those behind the idea were Lascelle Arnold, Cedric Flowers, Rufus X, Lionel Castillo. It started in the compound of the Amandala Newspaper. So successful, it had to be relocated to Youth Hostel building for security reasons.

Dozens of guns were handed in exchange for cash. No questions asked. Most of the then gang members sent in guns with a friend or girlfriend. Bring the gun and collect money.

Over a hundred guns were taken off the streets and were publicly destroyed in central park by a machine which cut and crushed the metal.

To it worth holding another buy back of guns sponsored by the Chamber and the merchants.

SUPREME COURT SOCK IT TO THE POLICE On Tuesday, this week the Supreme Court again found the Police Department guilty of violating the constitutional rights of Belizeans. The judgement condemns the police for stopping and searching persons without having any reasonable grounds to do so. The sickening practice of profiling people was found to be illegal and a violation of their constitutional rights.

Earlier this year Judge Westmin James handed down another important constitutional slap in the faces of the police. In the case of Shane Harris versus the Police and Attorney General the Supreme Court found that detaining persons in police stations without charging them was a violation of their constitutional right to their freedom.

None of these important Supreme Court decisions will mean anything to the too many police. Many of them will continue to disobey the Court and the law with impunity.

Editor’s Note: This column is the opinion of the author and not necessarily of the People’s United Party.

18

25 JUL

THE BELIZE TIMES

Excerpts of Eulogy of Doroteo ‘Tuti’ Zetina Delivered by Hannah Zetina July 17, 2021

grandmother. She probably thought he was a bum always sitting by the window and not working, but eventually they

would both start to steal glances from across the street and of course Dads went to play pool more often. The adventurous and charismatic guy that he was, Dads asked one of his friends to play the guitar while he sang out on the street serenading Rosenda. Mamita even threw a bucket of water on him to leave, but he was persistent and they went on to create a beautiful family. He was the father of 12, 8 boys and 4 girls.

2021 Dads got the name ‘Tuti’ because when there were no cooking jobs or oil expeditions he would take a job selling popsicles or paletas. He was a great salesman, and his best seller was the Tuti Fruiti.

Dads, we will miss you. We all love you. Your legacy continues in all of us and all the people you impacted from all over the world and, of course, all the bellies you filled with your wonderful cooking.

Assistant Manager, Economic Intelligence

The Central Bank invites qualified individuals to join its Research Department.

Dads, Grampa, Uncle Dol, Pancho and, of course, Tuti or Tuti Fruiti. The many aliases you went by tell the tale of an adventurous man. Born from the love of Gran and Papito, Mrs. Romula Nicholson Zetina and Mr. Carlos Zetina, from the northern villages of Xaibe and Douglas but making their lives in Belize City, Dads and his brothers helped in the family business of shoemakers, going up the Haulover Creek to collect the bark from the red mangrove which was used to tan the raw cowhide to make leather.

He was very close to his brother Apolonio and they would go on adventures across Belize learning to cook, a passion and skill that Dads will always be remembered for. As his skills grew he got a job with the “Tiger Company” hunting in the wild and unforgiving jungle for weeks, cooking exotic dishes for all who would like a taste of his culinary expertise. He then became a sought-after cook and worked for the seismic companies that came to Belize hunting for the black gold.

The next passion in his life was playing billiards. He received a gift from one of his expeditions on an oil rig, a bumper pool table which he converted to a carom table placed in the shed in the home yard. This would spark and set another part of his legacy as one of Belize’s greatest pool players. Dads took billiards to another level, becoming the first person in Belize to reach a 140-status earning the Top Shota Status.

He met his wife and love of his life of 59 years Rosenda Perez while playing pool. Dads would go to Mike’s Pool Room as normal and one day he glanced across the street to see one fine young woman. He would hang out near the window hoping to catch a glance at “Chendy” as he called my

The Assistant Manager, Economic Intelligence, assists in the general and strategic administration of the Research Department to ensure that the goals of efficient and effective economic monitoring and analyses, and the formation of economic policy recommendations are achieved. The Assistant Manager, Economic Intelligence will:

▪

Ensure that monetary, financial, and economic information is provided in a timely and efficient manner for economic analyses;

▪

Conduct and supervise in-depth economic research and provide advice on economic policy;

▪

Supervise technical work and work processes to ensure efficiency and effectiveness and that the Unit’s objectives are met;

▪

Recommend staff training and development initiatives to improve work output, quality, resiliency, and productivity;

▪

Coordinate the production and publication of reports on economic, monetary, and financial issues adhering to the Bank’s standards;

▪

Liaise with external, local, and international agencies on macro-economic developments and assess economic trends and impact on the country; and

▪

Oversee and coordinate the timely updating of economic forecast.

The applicants should possess the following: EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

▪

Preferred qualification is a Master’s Degree in Economics or a related field from a recognized university, with at least three (3) years relevant experience; or

▪

A Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from a recognized university, with at least six (6) years relevant experience.

TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE ▪ Possesses, applies, and maintains a high degree of knowledge in the relevant area to deliver quality work, and keeps informed of the latest trends and developments in the discipline; knowledge of Central Bank of Belize Act; knowledge of all sectors of the economy and their linkages, and business and management principles; proficient in software applications, including Microsoft Suite and statistical software.

COMPETENCIES ▪ Results Oriented; Flexibility/Adaptability; Communication Skills; Leadership; Emotional Intelligence/Relationship Management; Diagnostic Information Gathering; Analytical Thinking.

Submit the following documents by Wednesday, 18 August 2021:

▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

Central Bank Employment Application Form (available online) Curriculum Vitae Three (3) references (one must be from previous employer) Copies of university transcripts, degrees, and any other personal certificates Applications should be addressed to: Manager, Human Resources Department Central Bank of Belize P O Box 852 or Gabourel Lane Belize City, BELIZE Ref: Assistant Manager, Economic Intelligence - Research Department Email: hr@centralbank.org.bz or online at www.centralbank.org.bz (All applications will be held in strict confidence.)

25 JUL

2021

19

THE BELIZE TIMES

Testing the Limits of the ‘Post-Vaccine’ Era

By Fareed Zakaria, CNN Are we still in a pandemic?

Sadly, the answer is a resounding yes. In some countries, it may feel as if vaccines have ended the crisis. But the more-transmissible Delta variant and anecdotes of “breakthrough” infections—when a fully vaccinated person comes down with Covid-19—are injecting uncertainty.

The virus is still raging in the largely unvaccinated developing world, but rich countries are handling their current state of vaccine–virus limbo differently. France will implement a new “health pass” rule, requiring proof of vaccination, recent recovery, or a negative Covid-19 test to enter most museums and movie theaters, the BBC reports, noting a recent surge of cases; the government hopes to extend the requirement in August to anyone entering a restaurant or bar. (The law sparked controversy in France’s National Assembly, and David A. Andelman writes for CNN that President Emmanuel Macron is staking his political future on new restrictions.)

In the US and UK, life is moving ahead—and infections are still a part of it.

The vaccinated have largely been protected from serious illness and hospitalization, but “breakthrough infections, while rare, are making headlines,” Jen Christensen reports for CNN, pointing out that three more New York Yankees players known to be vaccinated, for instance, recently tested positive. The US CDC has stopped keeping track of breakthrough infections among the vaccinated, but The Economist writes that mostly-restriction-free Britain, where 53.4% are fully inoculated and where Prime Minister Boris Johnson has discarded measures like gathering-size limits, will be a global test worth watching.

“The Delta covid-19 variant is ripping through Britain, with more than 40,000 cases reported a day (roughly two-thirds of the peak in January), and the number is doubling every fortnight,” the maga-

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zine writes. “It is the first country to face a wave of the more transmissible Delta variant after having vaccinated most of its adult population. It will be watched by policymakers in other rich countries

seeking to answer a crucial question: does a mixture of vaccination and acquired immunity allow them to treat covid-19 more like other endemic diseases (ie, influenza and the coronaviruses that cause

common colds), or are more severe restrictions still necessary? ... Even if deaths are much lower than otherwise would have been the case, huge numbers of infections can still cause immediate damage.”

GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE MINISTRY OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND INVESTMENT REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

CONSULTANCY FOR PROCUREMENT OFFICER FOR THE BELIZE INTEGRAL SECURITY PROGRAMME (BISP) Nº CABEI-001-2021/2147

BACKGROUND The Government of Belize (GOB) is implementing a security programme with the overall objective to contribute to improving the quality of life of Belizeans and to support regional efforts that seek to combat crime. The key goal of the Belize Integral Security Programme (BISP) is to strengthen citizen security by providing support to those institutions directly engaged in maintaining national security. The Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI), as part of the services it provides to its beneficiary member countries, is providing the total financing for the procurement of a consultant to fill the role of Procurement Officer in the framework of the Belize Integral Security Programme (BISP). The Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment will be responsible for the execution of the Programme and all its components, reporting all progress to CABEI and ensuring the execution of each component under the terms established for CABEI formulation and approval. The execution of BISP components will be carried out by the Co-Executors: Belize Police Department, Belize Defence Force, Belize Coast Guard and National Forensic Science Services.

The General Objectives of the consultancy to be contracted is to ensure timely procurement of all Goods, Works, Services and Consultancies subject to CABEI’s Procurement Guidelines and Belize’s Procurement guidelines.

The Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment now invites interested consultants to present their expressions of interest along with their respective resume to participate in the selection process for the consultancy of a Procurement Officer with the Belize Integral Security Programme (BISP).

SCOPE OF WORK The Procurement Officer is responsible for overall and day to day activities for the procurement of goods, services and consultancies subject to CABEI Procurement Guidelines and in accordance with the Project’s Operations Manual and the Loan Contract. The Procurement Officer will prepare Annual Procurement Plans (APP) and develop technical specifications for goods and services contained in the APP. In addition to preparing monthly Procurement Reports for the Project Coordinator, he/she will prepare Quarterly Reports, detailing the goods and services procured and funds disbursed for the previous period, problems found and how they were dealt with. He/she will also be responsible for contract administration.

SUPERVISION AND REPORTING The Procurement Officer will work under the general guidance and report directly to the Project Coordinator. The post will be based at the Office of the Programme Executing Unit in Belmopan.

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE The successful candidate shall have at least a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Business Management, Accounting, Finance, Economics, or other related discipline or Master’s degree in accounting, finance, economics, business administration, business management or other related disciplines. A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in procurement processes of goods, works and consulting services and prior project management training or experience will be considered an advantage. Experience working with Multilateral Banks and knowledge of CABEI’s procurement guidelines and procedures will be positively valued.

Knowledge of written and spoken Spanish would be an asset.

TERMS The Procurement Officer will be selected by a competitive process in accordance with the Policy for the Procurement of Goods, Works, Services and Consultancies with CABEI resources and its Norms for Application (DI-52/2020 / PRE-40/2021). The successful candidate will be employed on a fulltime contractual basis; the initial contract will be for a one-year period.

Interested eligible Consultants may obtain further information and a complete Terms of Reference from the Programme Execution Unit of the BISP. Requests should be addressed to projectcoordinator.bisp@med.gov.bz during office hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time from Monday to Friday; or you can visit the Ministry of Economic Development’s webpage, www.med.gov.bz to download the Terms of Reference. Additionally, the consultancy announcement can be found on the Belize Procurement Notice Board’s webpage https://blz-cppnb.caricom.org/epps/home.do Deadline for submission of Expressions of Interest is Monday August 2nd, 2021. Expressions of interest along with Resume, must be sent via electronic mail (email) to projectcoordinator.bisp@med.gov.bz or via direct mail or hand delivered to the address indicated below by 3:00 p.m. on Monday August 2nd, 2021.

Late submissions will not be considered.

Project Coordinator Belize Integral Security Programme (BISP) Project Management Unit 1904 Constitution Drive 2nd Floor, Unit #3 Belmopan City, Belize C.A. Ref: Belize Integral Security Programme (BISP) Procurement Officer

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25 JUL

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

BELIZE TAX SERVICE DEPARTMENT TERMS OF REFERENCE BAILIFF DUTY STATION:

Belize City, Belize

TAX OPERATION DIVISION: Tax Recovery Unit – Belize Tax Service Department

IV. 4.1

(b) Records of cases assigned are maintained in keeping with established standards.

I. BACKGROUND 1.1

1.1

The Government of Belize having assumed office in November 2020, is faced with high tax arrears and limited human resource capacity to address the situation within the current constraints of the Belize Tax Service Department (BTSD).

The government is committed to addressing this operational deficiency by putting the necessary structures in place to strengthen the tax administration, and enforcement of tax arrears collection. Noting substantial arrears of Business Tax (BT), General Sales Tax (GST), Income Tax (IT) and Land Tax (LT), the government is committed to the establishing of an integrated Tax Recovery Unit (TRU) under the Belize Tax Service Department (BTSD), that will be tasked with aggressive collection and recovery of all lawfully due outstanding arrears.

The TRU will be set up with its main mandate to work with the BTS to develop a structured strategic framework with enabling mechanism to improve and maximize the collection of taxes.

The BTSD is responsible for the collection of all taxes and to enforce collections in support of its tax operations. For this purpose, the TRU will be responsible for the technical, administrative, planning, monitoring and evaluation responsibilities for the enforcement of tax collection. In addition, a TRU will be created to facilitate the coordination between the agencies involved as part of the execution structure, and to provide strategic advice and monitoring to/of the overall implementation process.

1.2

The present Terms of Reference (TOR) will support the contracting of the Bailiff for the TRU under a contractual arrangement with the BTSD.

II.

OBJECTIVE AND SCOPE OF WORK

(c) Required Demand Notices, Summonses, levy writs and Judgement are prepared and served in accordance with the relevant procedures and guidelines. (d) Warrants have been executed and summonses served according to the timeframe established. (e) All relevant reports are accurately and comprehensively prepared and submitted by the due date.

V. 5.1

3.1

3.2

3.3

The main responsibilities of the Bailiff include, among others: a) Garnishment, Lien, Demand Notices and Stop Order prepared, served, and monitored. b) Intelligence, reconnaissance, technical and physical support provided to the police force when executing warrants of arrest provided. c) Testimony in court as an expert witness for the BTS provided. d) Warrants executed and summonses served. e) Record of cases maintained. f) Reports prepared and submitted.

Technical and Professional Duties include: (a) Conduct interviews with taxpayers and/or their representatives to initiate enforcement action. (b) Collect appropriate items or properties owned by delinquent taxpayers to which administrative levy has been identified to effect collection of the tax debt. (c) Execute the action approved by the TRU Manager. (d) Serve demand notice in pursuant of liabilities with a stipulated period and ensure that the time is adhered to. (e) Produce the necessary documentary evidence to be used in court cases to support the Government’s position. (f) Promote voluntary compliance with the relevant revenue laws. (g) Develop relationship with informants to obtain information related to cases. (h) Maintain records of all cases assigned. (i) Provide intelligence, reconnaissance, technical and physical support to the police force to facilitate the execution of warrants of arrest. (j) Testify as expert witness for the Government, attends court and gives evidence to comply with revenue laws and requirements. (k) Perform other related duties assigned by the TRU Manager.

The Bailiff shall undertake his/her work in direct coordination and with the supervision of the Tax Recovery Unit Manager.

QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE Education and Experience:

Academic Qualification: High School Diploma.

•

General Experience: Three (3) years relevant working experience in similar consultancy.

5.2.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities: (a) Excellent computer skills using Microsoft Office (b) Task orientated and able to prioritize projects, multitask and meet tight deadlines. (c) Fluent in written and spoken English with the ability to express data in a concise and clear manner. (d) Team player and possess strong self-motivation and initiative. (e) Sound decision making skills and objectivity with the proven ability to act with confidentiality and discretion. (f) Professional, honest and display strong business ethics and integrity; and

To execute and enforce the tax collection laws with respect to chronic delinquent tax liabilities and complex collection cases.

III. RESPONSIBILITIES/ACTIVITIES

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS This job is satisfactorily performed when: (a) All enforcement actions are executed in accordance with provisions of the tax laws.

VI.

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

6.1

The Bailiff reports to the TRU Manager. He/she shall work in close coordination with the staff of the legal division of the BTSD.

VII. COMPENSATION 7.1

The Bailiff will be paid a semi-monthly salary to be established during the contracting process.

7.2

Given the staff-like tasks and responsibilities of the TRU personnel, reports (deliverables) do not apply. Instead, performance assessment reports from the supervisor.

VIII. APPLICATIONS 8.1

Deadline for submission of application letter and curriculum vitae is Friday August 13, 2021.

8.2

Applications should be addressed to: Mrs. Michelle Longsworth Director General Belize Tax Service Department Charles Bartlett Hyde Building Mahogany St. Belize City, Belize RE: Application for Tax Revenue Unit – Bailiff

AND submitted via e-mail to michelle.longsworth@bts.gov.bz marked Tax Revenue Unit – Bailiff in the subject header. Only short-listed applicants will be notified.

25 JUL

21

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

BELIZE TAX SERVICE DEPARTMENT TERMS OF REFERENCE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER DUTY STATION:

Belize City, Belize

TAX OPERATION DIVISION: Tax Recovery Unit – Belize Tax Service Department I. BACKGROUND 1.1

The Government of Belize having assumed office in November 2020, is faced with high tax arrears and limited human resource capacity to address the situation within the current constraints of the Belize Tax Service Department (BTSD). The government is committed to addressing this operational deficiency by putting the necessary structures in place to strengthen the tax administration, and enforcement of tax arrears collection. Noting substantial arrears of Business Tax (BT), General Sales Tax (GST), Income Tax (IT) and Land Tax (LT), the government is committed to the establishing of an integrated Tax Recovery Unit (TRU) under the Belize Tax Service Department (BTSD), that will be tasked with aggressive collection and recovery of all lawfully due outstanding arrears.

The TRU will be set up with its main mandate to work with the BTS to develop a structured strategic framework with enabling mechanism to improve and maximize the collection of taxes.

1.1

The BTSD is responsible for the collection of all taxes and to enforce collections in support of its tax operations. For this purpose, the TRU will be responsible for the technical, administrative, planning, monitoring and evaluation responsibilities for the enforcement of tax collection. In addition, a TRU will be created to facilitate the coordination between the agencies involved as part of the execution structure, and to provide strategic advice and monitoring to/of the overall implementation process.

1.2

The present Terms of Reference (TOR) will support the contracting of the Enforcement Officer for the TRU under a contractual arrangement with the BTSD.

II.

OBJECTIVE AND SCOPE OF WORK

2.1

To detect, investigate and analyse complex and sensitive cases of revenue laws infraction with particular emphasis on criminal and civil violations in respect of the tax laws; execute and enforce tax collection in respect to chronic delinquent tax liabilities, dishonoured cheques; prepare cases for prosecution and report on status or outcome of investigations for the Belize Tax Service Department (BTSD).

III. RESPONSIBILITIES/ACTIVITIES 3.1 The main responsibilities of the Enforcement Officer include, among others: a) Complex revenue law infraction cases investigated. b) Business of chronic delinquent taxpayer analysed and reported c) Outstanding tax debt from high valued cases collected and replacement for dishonoured cheques lodged to the appropriate bank account. d) Debt Restructure Program to recover tax debts which have been written-off prepared, enforced and monitored. e) Intelligence on delinquent taxpayers gathered from planned surveillance, executed, and reported. f) Payment arrangements facilitated and monitored. g) Garnishment, Lien and Demand Notices and Stop Order prepared, served, and monitored. h) Intelligence, reconnaissance, technical and physical support given to the police force when executing warrants of arrest. i) Affidavit to secure search warrant prepared. j) Assigned delinquent collection program for tax offices planned, executed, and reported. k) Record of cases maintained. l) Reports prepared and submitted.

3.2

Technical and Professional Duties:

(a) Conducts interviews with taxpayers and/or their representatives to collect tax as due and initiate corrective action. (b) Utilizes information obtained from analysis of financial statements and other financial material to determine the delinquent taxpayers’ ability to pay. (c) Negotiates payment arrangements/settlements with delinquent taxpayers and monitor payments to ensure deadlines are met. (d) Collects payments for dishonoured cheques by: • Verifying information on relevant system.

• Contacting taxpayer for repayment of taxes.

• Enforcing recovery strategies for tax recovery. (e) Conducts meetings with the responsible officer at the tax office to determine the scope, time and resources needed to execute a collection program. (f) Secures key stakeholders and coordinate all activities required for the collection program. (g) Designs and submit the collection program to the TRU Manager and executes after approval. (h) Evaluates, document, inform and manage the benefits from the collection program. (i) Prepares write-off report and submits to TRU Manager. (j) Conducts a cash flow analysis of future net inflows of the taxpayer to facilitate the design of a debt reconstruction schedule. (k) Conducts quarterly review under debt reconstruction schedule to ascertain if portion of debt write-off is collectable. (l) Provides intelligence and reconnaissance support to TRU Manager or any other authorized group within BTSD. (m) Investigates the feasibility of third parties’ sources to which garnishment may be used to effect collection of the tax debt. (n) Investigates and identify appropriate items owned by delinquent taxpayers to which administrative levy may be used to effect collection of the tax debt. (o) Investigates properties owned by delinquent taxpayers (whether real or personal) which a registered lien may be used to effect collection of the tax debt. (p) Prepares and submit a report identifying the appropriate enforcement tool to effect collection of the tax debt and the risk associated.

(q) Coordinates and execute the approved action from the TRU Manager. (r) Prepares and serve demand notice in pursuant of liabilities with a stipulated period and ensure that the time is adhered to. (s) Interprets the various Acts, Regulations, policies, and guidelines related to applicable programmes such as collection and enforcement of accounts receivable and filing requirements. (t) Produces the necessary documentary evidence to be used in court cases to support the Government’s position. (u) Promotes voluntary compliance with the relevant revenue laws.

3.2.1 The Enforcement Officer shall undertake his/her work in direct coordination with the sion of the Tax Recovery Unit Manager.

supervi-

IV. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS This job is satisfactorily performed when: A) The assigned outstanding tax debts are collected and lodged in accordance with the Tax Acts. b) All enforcement actions are executed in accordance with provisions of the tax laws. c) Surveillance activities are conducted as stipulated in the guidelines. d) Payment arrangements are made and negotiated with taxpayers and constantly monitored for adherence to the provisions of the settlement. e) Approved write-off recommendations are reflected in the taxpayers’ accounts. f) Records of cases assigned are maintained in keeping with established standards. g) Required Demand Notices, summonses, levy writs and judgement are prepared and served in accordance with the relevant procedures and guidelines. h) All relevant reports are accurately and comprehensively prepared and submitted by the due date.

V.

QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

5.1

Education and Experience:

Academic Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance and Management, Accounting or equivalent qualification.

General Experience: • Three (3) years relevant working experience in similar consultancy.

Specific Experience: • Three (3) years relevant working experience in collections and enforcement.

5.2. (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) (j) VI.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities: Excellent computer skills using Microsoft Office Knowledge and experience working with Microsoft Project would also be an advantage.

Working knowledge of Belize’s Taxation Regime, and/or regulations.

Ability to prepare, analyze, interpret, and evaluate customer account/records while being detail-orientated, meticulous, and accurate in all aspects of the job.

Task orientated and able to prioritize projects, multitask and meet tight deadlines.

Fluent in written and spoken English with the ability to express data in a concise and clear manner.

Team player and possess strong self-motivation and initiative.

Sound decision making skills and objectivity with the proven ability to act with confidentiality and discretion.

In-depth knowledge of government and private/public initiatives and operations.

Professional, honest and display strong business ethics and integrity; and REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

6.1 The Enforcement Officer reports to the TRU Manager. He/she shall work in close coordination with the staff of the BTSD. VII. COMPENSATION 7.1 The Enforcement Officer will be paid a semi-monthly salary to be established during the contracting process.

7.2 Given the staff-like tasks and responsibilities of the TRU personnel, reports (deliverables) do not apply. Instead, performance assessment reports from the supervisor.

VIII. APPLICATIONS 8.1

Deadline for submission of application letter and curriculum vitae is Friday August 13, 2021.

8.2

Applications should be addressed to: Mrs. Michelle Longsworth Director General Belize Tax Service Department Charles Bartlett Hyde Building Mahogany St. Belize City Belize RE: Application for Tax Revenue Unit – Enforcement Officer

AND submitted via e-mail to michelle.longsworth@bts.gov.bz marked Tax Revenue Unit – Enforcement Officer in the subject header. Only short-listed applicants will be notified.

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BELIZE TAX SERVICE DEPARTMENT TERMS OF REFERENCE PARALEGAL DUTY STATION:

Belize City, Belize

TAX OPERATION DIVISION:

Tax Recovery Unit – Belize Tax Service Department

I. BACKGROUND 1.1

The Government of Belize having assumed office in November 2020, is faced with high tax arrears and limited human resource capacity to address the situation within the current constraints of the Belize Tax Service Department (BTSD). The government is committed to addressing this operational deficiency by putting the necessary structures in place to strengthen the tax administration, and enforcement of tax arrears collection. Noting substantial arrears of Business Tax (BT), General Sales Tax (GST), Income Tax (IT) and Land Tax (LT), the government is committed to the establishing of an integrated Tax Recovery Unit (TRU) under the Belize Tax Service Department (BTSD), that will be tasked with aggressive collection and recovery of all lawfully due outstanding arrears.

The TRU will be set up with its main mandate to work with the BTS to develop a structured strategic framework with enabling mechanism to improve and maximize the collection of taxes.

1.1 The BTSD is responsible for the collection of all taxes and to enforce collections in support of its tax operations. For this purpose, the TRU will be responsible for the technical, administrative, planning, monitoring and evaluation responsibilities for the enforcement of tax collection. In addition, a TRU will be created to facilitate the coordination between the agencies involved as part of the execution structure, and to provide strategic advice and monitoring to/of the overall implementation process.

1.2 II. 2.1

The present Terms of Reference (TOR) will support the contracting of the Paralegal for the TRU under a contractual arrangement with the BTSD. OBJECTIVE AND SCOPE OF WORK The objective of the position is to assist the supervising Tax Recovery Unit Manager on a broad range of issues, including but not limited to taking the day-to-day legal responsibilities and providing legal advice that includes all the aspects of the analysis, investigation, research and drafting process. He/she is responsible for providing support in discrete legal issues by advising the BTSD, drafting undertakings and structuring remedies for the relevant issues. This professional may also be engaged in helping to analyse and collect evidence and schedule hearings.

III. RESPONSIBILITIES/ACTIVITIES 3.1 The main responsibilities of the Paralegal include, among others: (a) Complex revenue law infraction cases researched and investigated. (b) Carry out office administration, including statements and drafting/ preparing letters (c) Organize diaries, schedule meetings and respond to telephone/email queries. (d) Write first document drafts, such as contracts, and proofread documents. (e) Conduct legal research (f) Acting as liaison among all parties including court or other neutrals for scheduling and sharing information (with the permission of TRU Manager) (g) Organize case files, assisting with trial preparation including the assembly of exhibits, witness binders and court filings, and compile litigation bundles. (h) Network with clients and build valuable relationships. (i) Performing such other tasks and duties as may be assigned by the TRU Manager and direct supervisor, Legal Officer, and other senior associates and paralegals from time to time.

3.2 Technical and Professional Duties include: (a) Provides support to in-house legal counsel/TRU Manager (b) Provide advice on different legal issues and assist in drafting legal opinions, memoranda and other legal documents on tax issues. (c) Conduct legal analysis and research on various legal matters, Drafting legal documents on tax matters, and court related matters. (d) Business communications for review (e) Maintaining legal case database and calendar of court cases (f) Draw up formalities regarding the settlement of disputes and monitor the implementation of the legal agreement. (g) Conduct searches, review taxpayer files, and propose or organize case files. (h) Interview complainants and witnesses. (i) Other.

considered recurrent deliverables or responsibilities: (a) Updates to Tax Recovery Unit Manager (b) Report on legal research and services provided on various Tax issues (c) Weekly progress/status reports. (d) Final Report including all services provided and the recommendations for the way forward. (e) Other

V. QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE 5.1

Education and Experience:

Academic Qualification: A Bachelor’s Degree in Law or any other relevant subject from an accredited college.

General Experience: • Three (3) years relevant working experience in similar consultancy.

OR Academic Qualification: Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies.

General Experience: • Three (3) years relevant working experience in similar consultancy.

5.2.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

(a) Excellent computer skills using Microsoft Office (b) Working knowledge of Belize’s Taxation Regime and/or regulations; (c) Ability to prepare, analyze, interpret information while being detail-orientated, meticulous, and accurate in all aspects of the job; (d) Task orientated and able to prioritize projects, multitask and meet tight deadlines; (e) Fluent in written and spoken English with the ability to express data in a concise and clear manner; (f) Team player and possess strong self-motivation and initiative; (g) Sound decision making skills and objectivity with the proven ability to act with confidentiality and discretion; (h) Professional, honest and display strong business ethics and integrity; and VI.

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

6.1 The Paralegal reports to the TRU Manager. He/she shall work in close coordination with the legal division of the BTSD. VII. COMPENSATION 7.1 The Paralegal will be paid a semi-monthly salary to be established during the contracting process.

7.2 Given the staff-like tasks and responsibilities of the TRU personnel, reports (deliverables) do not apply. Instead, performance assessment reports from the supervisor.

VIII. APPLICATIONS 8.1 Deadline for submission of application letter and curriculum vitae is Friday, August 13, 2021.

8.2

Applications should be addressed to: Mrs. Michelle Longsworth Director General Belize Tax Service Department Charles Bartlett Hyde Building Mahogany St. Belize City Belize

3.3 The Paralegal shall undertake his/her work in direct coordination and with the supervision of the Tax Recovery Unit Manager.

RE: Application for Tax Revenue Unit – Paralegal

IV. DELIVERABLES 4. .1 The Paralegal will be responsible for preparing/updating the following reports which are

AND submitted via e-mail to michelle.longsworth@bts.gov.bz marked Tax Revenue Unit – Paralegal in the subject header. Only short-listed applicants will be notified.

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BELIZE TAX SERVICE DEPARTMENT TERMS OF REFERENCE TAX RECOVERY UNIT MANAGER DUTY STATION:

b) c) d) e) f)

Negotiations with taxpayers to settle tax liabilities are encouraged and constantly monitored.

Criminal prosecution and/or civil suits are initiated in accordance with provisions of the law.

Specific enforcement actions to be employed are approved within the stipulated timeframe.

Strategies to promote and enhance voluntary compliance are developed and implemented.

The reports received from TRU staff are carefully analyzed, provided with feed-back in the required time and appropriate actions are taken without delay. g) Problem resolution (grievance) procedures to investigate taxpayers’ complaints are implemented, enforced, and maintained. h) All reports are accurately and comprehensively prepared in the required format(s) and submitted by the due date. i) All HR policies and procedures are equitably administered without discrimination.

Belize City, Belize

TAX OPERATION DIVISION: Tax Recovery Unit – Belize Tax Service Department I. BACKGROUND 1.1 The Government of Belize having assumed office in November 2020, is faced with high tax arrears and limited human resource capacity to address the situation within the current constraints of the Belize Tax Service Department (BTSD). The government is committed to addressing this operational deficiency by putting the necessary structures in place to strengthen the tax administration, and enforcement of tax arrears collection. Noting substantial arrears of Business Tax (BT), General Sales Tax (GST), Income Tax (IT) and Land Tax (LT), the government is committed to the establishing of an integrated Tax Recovery Unit (TRU) under the Belize Tax Service Department (BTSD), that will be tasked with aggressive collection and recovery of all lawfully due outstanding arrears.

The TRU will be set up with its main mandate to work with the BTS to develop a structured strategic framework with enabling mechanism to improve and maximize the collection of taxes.

1.1 The BTSD is responsible for the collection of all taxes and to enforce collections in support of its tax operations. For this purpose, the TRU will be responsible for the technical, administrative, planning, monitoring and evaluation responsibilities for the enforcement of tax collection. In addition, a TRU will be created to facilitate the coordination between the agencies involved as part of the execution structure, and to provide strategic advice and monitoring to/of the overall implementation process.

1.2 The present Terms of Reference (TOR) will support the contracting of the TRU Manager for the TRU under a contractual arrangement with the BTSD. II.

OBJECTIVE AND SCOPE OF WORK

2.1 The objective of the position is to provide the necessary strategic, governance, and administrative leadership for the TRU and, thereby, ensuring the direction, planning and technical direction of TRU towards the attainment of the goals and targets, leading the physical and progress reporting, and serving as the main focal point of the TRU with the BTSD, Ministry of Natural Resources, Petroleum & Mining (MNRPM) and other public and private institutions.

2.2 The TRU Manager is responsible for leading, directing, planning, and managing all the activities of enforced collections in support of the BTSD operations; to monitor the implementation of key strategies, techniques and programs for detection and examination of high impact cases involving breaches of the revenue; to employ enforcement tactics to ensure the collection of new and longstanding delinquent tax liabilities, in accordance with provisions of the tax laws.

III. RESPONSIBILITIES/ACTIVITIES 3.1

The main responsibilities of the TRU Manager include, among others: a) Provides leadership, support, and guidance to staff to ensure that the unit is effectively managed. b) Participates in the development of the operational and work plans, ensuring that all the relevant activities to be undertaken and required resources are considered. c) Plans, coordinates, and directs all the activities of the unit. d) Establishes and enforces standards and rules of professional conduct for staff within the unit to maintain the highest degree of confidence in its integrity and efficiency. e) Ensures staff is aware of and operates in accordance with all relevant laws, policies, and procedures. f) Maintains effective working relations with external and internal stakeholders and customers, ensuring that the unit provides a consistently high level of service. g) Performs any other duties as assigned by the Deputy Director General, Tax Operation.

3.2 Technical and Professional Duties: (a) Exercises line management authority over the TRU staff in direct coordination with BTSD management. (b) Coordinates and secures legal advice from the Legal Division whenever necessary, to implement enforcement actions. (c) Maintains an up-to-date working knowledge of criminal and civil laws, legal requirements, criminal investigation procedures, criminal prosecution, and court procedures. (d) (e) Monitors negotiations with taxpayers or their attorneys/accountants for the arrangements to settle liabilities. (f) Promotes the utilization of a wide range of investigative tools to locate delinquent taxpayers and uncovers unreported income and hidden assets. (g) Guides the conduct of field investigations of taxpayers who fail to comply voluntarily. (h) Approves necessary enforcement actions where taxpayer fails or refuses to comply voluntarily. (i) Continually monitors and enforces BTSD’s professional and ethical standards on the staff of the unit. (j) Serves as advisor to the Deputy Director General, Operations on matters relating to enforcement and collection. (k) Develops and implements procedures to investigate criminal violations of the tax laws. (l) Ensures that procedures are developed for the integration of functions with other operational areas of BTSD. (m) Coordinates and reviews all reports prepared and submitted by the TRU Unit. (n) Provide for the timely monitoring and management of the unit’s risks and lead the implementation of the mitigation measures, as necessary. (o) Provide timely and accurate reports to the Director General, Financial Secretary, and other agencies on the developments, progress, and challenges of the Project. (p) Other.

3.3 The TRU Manager shall undertake his/her work in direct coordination and with the supervision of the BTSD. IV.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

4.1 The TRU Manager will be responsible for preparing weekly reports which are considered recurrent deliverables or responsibilities, the job is satisfactorily performed when: a) Long outstanding tax liabilities are efficiently collected within the stipulated timeframe.

V. 5.1

QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE Education and Experience:

Academic Qualification: Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Business Management, Finance and Management, Public Sector Management, or the equivalent qualification.

General Experience: • Three (3) years relevant working experience in similar management position.

Additional Experience would be an asset: • Three (3) years relevant working experience in tax administration • Specialized training in collections and enforcement • Diploma in Tax Audit and Revenue administation.

OR Academic Qualification: A Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Business Management, Finance and Management, Public Sector Management, or the equivalent qualification.

General Experience: • Five (5) years relevant working experience in similar management position.

Additional Experience would be an asset: • Five (5) years relevant working experience in tax administration • Specialized training in collections and enforcement.

• Diploma in Tax Audit and Revenue Administration.

5.2. (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) (j) (k) (l)

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities: Excellent computer skills using Microsoft Office Working experience in various accounting software (QuickBooks, etc.)

Knowledge and experience working with Microsoft Project would also be an advantage.

Working knowledge of internationally accepted accounting principles, guidelines and best practices is required.

Working knowledge of Belize’s Taxation Regime, as well as all relevant financial based policies, procedures and/or regulations.

Ability to prepare, analyze, interpret, and evaluate customer account/records while being detail-orientated, meticulous, and accurate in all aspects of the job.

Task orientated and able to prioritize projects, multitask and meet tight deadlines.

Fluent in written and spoken English with the ability to express data in a concise and clear manner.

Team player and possess strong self-motivation and initiative.

Sound decision making skills and objectivity with the proven ability to act with confidentiality and discretion.

In-depth knowledge of auditing and accounting principles of government and private/public initiatives and operations.

Professional, honest and display strong business ethics and integrity; and

VI.

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

6.1 The TRU Manager reports to the Director General of the Belize Tax Service Department. He/she shall work in close coordination with the staff of the BTSD. VII. COMPENSATION 7.1 process.

The TRU Manager will be paid a semi-monthly salary to be established during the contracting

7.2 Given the staff-like tasks and responsibilities of the TRU personnel, reports (deliverables) do not apply. Instead, performance assessment reports from the supervisor.

VIII. APPLICATIONS 8.1

Deadline for submission of application letter and curriculum vitae is Friday, August 13, 2021.

8.2

Applications should be addressed to: Mrs. Michelle Longsworth Director General Belize Tax Service Department Charles Bartlett Hyde Building Mahogany St. Belize City Belize RE: Application for Tax Revenue Unit – Manager Tax Recovery Unit

AND submitted via e-mail to michelle.longsworth@bts.gov.bz marked Tax Revenue Unit – Manager Tax Recovery Unit in the subject header. Only short-listed applicants will be notified.

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