Belize Times July 26, 2020- UDP Targets Poor Belizeans

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The Belize Times

Established 1957

The Truth Shall Make You Free

26 JULY 2020 | ISSUE NO: 5208

www.belizetimes.biz | $1.00

SOUTHSIDE SABOTAGE UDP TARGETS POOR BELIZEANS

UDP Minister of Health, Pablo Marin

Thursday, 23 July 2020 In an interview this week, disgraced, incompetent Minister of Health Pablo Marin smugly assured the public that the cuts in National Health Insurance would not affect anybody in the country but those in Southside Belize City. He said it as if this was some consolation, when in fact it is just more punishment on those in Belize City who need help the most, but who have been neglected and targeted by the UDP. Belizeans have only to look at the outrageous actions of the Police on Wednesday at the Port of Belize compound, acting no doubt on instructions from their political masters. Stevedores and workers stood under the hot sun, peacefully standing up for their rights, desperate to hold on to their livelihoods as the economy crumbles. Instead of fighting to help the workers, the government instead sent Police to break up the protest, injuring people with rubber bullets and tear gas.

That is how the UDP really feels about Belizeans. They are cold and callous and

inhumane.

Incredibly, there are six powerful UDP Ministers in Belize City, including the Prime Minister of this country, Dean Oliver Barrow, and the leader-elect of the Utterly Disgraceful Party (UDP) Patrick Faber. Yet, for these three terms of the UDP the Southside of Belize City has been neglected, many of the people living in shacks, with no electricity or running water, walking on London Bridges to reach their homes. The poverty in many areas of Belize City hangs like a stench and is an indictment of these UDP Ministers who have managed to live in luxury while the people struggle.

Instead of finding ways to assist the people during this time of crisis, the UDP seems to each day find new ways to punish them. Instead of boosting educational assistance to those who even before COVID-19 were struggling to send their children to school, the UDP has decided to

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ROOT FOR THEM SHOOT AT THEM Pg. 2

PEYREFITTE’S

GARGANTUAN

FALSEHOOD Pg. 2

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MENA: JUMPING SHIP OR SHOVED OFF?

PUP Press Release

ON THE AWARDING OF ANOTHER 10-YEAR CONTRACT TO BRADS

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26 JUL

THE BELIZE TIMES

SOUTHSIDE SABOTAGE

Continued from page 1 cut money for education. Thousands of Belizeans have lost their means of making money, and government has been unable to assist many of them. There are still many businesses which are closed, and many struggling to remain open with a skeleton staff. These are desperate times in Belize, times when any government would do more to help their people.

But the UDP is not a ‘normal’ government. Dean Barrow and his crew are not ‘normal’ Belizeans.

In the weeks before general elections, these same UDP Ministers will go to your homes, for the first time in years. They will make all the usual promises. But remind them that they have neglected the people.

They have cut education grants and assistance for the Southside. They have cut NHI which directly affects the Southside. Instead of trying to revitalize the areas they call hotspots, and provide meaningful jobs and programs to help the people, the UDP implements States of Emergency at every turn, punishing the people more.

It is time for the people of the Southside to send a message to the UDP. The people have gotten poorer while the UDPs and their cronies have become millionaires. Enough is enough. The abuse and victimization must end now. It is time for all of them to go.

ROOT FOR THEM SHOOT AT THEM Ah the UDP. On Wednesday 22 July, 2020, Patrick Faber, leader-elect, sent out a press release from the grave. The release’s eeriness stood out since they were supporting the stevedores and thus the Christian Worker’s Union(CWU). The UDP had systematically ignored the plight of the stevedores for twelve very long years. Faber was always there…inert. Barrow during those twelve, for his part, found it convenient to grab BTL, BEL, BWS and fake the idea that he was buying it for Belizean people.

Today, we all know these companies are failing since Barrow turned especially BTL into a legal roulette.

But the workers of the country get nothing regardless of all the Barrow-Faber charade. They are now getting terminated, salary cut, time shortened when they need jobs and more pay. They need to eat; Covid is harmless beside the incompetent UDP. Now after the stevedores are standing up for themselves the UDP shoots at them.

The stevedores and staff of the Port had gotten a text message termination when they decided that this was it, the last straw. They sat in the middle of the PBL compound

in PEACEFUL protest. There was no harm being done to no one.

In a matter of minutes and with only Marisol Amaya informing the world, the UDP’s security forces shot at our Belizeans. Our Belizeans were shot at. Our Belizeans were shot at with bullets that penetrate their skin and knock them out. Our Belizeans were shot at with canisters of chemicals that burn their eyes and lungs. Our Belizeans dignity and right to protest was shot dead.

The United Democratic Party has NO RIGHT to penetrate and dismember our God-given inalienable right to be peaceful and protest for the right to have their next meal.

If the UDP failing administration cannot communicate clearly with their Security Forces in this dire time and after 12 years of preparation, it is ANOTHER damning indication that the UDP’s TIME is DONE. Barrow, Faber…do NOT put this on the Commissioner. Peyrefitte was chosen by you and the UDP. The workers deserve to hear you all say… Goodbye.

We, the UDP cannot handle Belize.

The next General Elections will be held on…

PEYREFITTE’S

2020

GARGANTUAN

FALSEHOOD

Peyrefitte says that 400 thousand was issued to the families of the fallen soldiers in the February Helicopter tragedy; the families counter that nothing was given.

Government, sans unelected Peyrefitte, say it was considered but not given.

In late February of 2020, the nation of Belize was pulled through the elation of probably the largest drug bust and most luxurious of business jet’s haul in young Belize’s crime fighting history. In not even a Saldivar 72 but in a few blinks, our dear Belize was unceremoniously shocked into mourning the death of four of our fledgling air wing members who had perished when one of our Taiwan-gifted U1-H1 helicopters fell out of the sky into a watery grave. Both history making occurrences happened on Thursday February 27, 2020.

The first happened on an illegal airstrip just off the coastal road down South in Belize whilst the tragedy occurred in a Western Lagoon a few miles east just near the Caribbean Sea. Occam’s razor says that when considering two assumptions the one with the simplest explanation usually is the correct one.

So yes the two occurrences are related but how far and what are the details have largely been left to people’s imagination and conclusions.

The tragedy of the crash multiplied unto itself when you go back and watch the gloating that occurred at the Police press conference on the historic drug haul and narcoplane seize. BUT, all of this happened while there was no accounting at that time, no mention, no thought of the helicopter that had not returned to base.

Our four: Major Adran Ramirez, commanding officer of Air-wing; Major Radford Baizar, second in command, Corporal Yassir Mendez and Corporal Reynaldo Choco were all tragically dead at the time of the drug bust press conference.

That oversight demanded much, much more that 400 thousand dollars and not counting the negligence of sending the Helicopter ill-equipped for the mission.

Who sent the mission again? Ask 100 Belizeans and you will get what we believe.

UDP government incompetence is where the buck stops.

Let us put 400K into some perspective.

Mayor Khalid Belisle and the BCC got paid 400k for PSU’s Hilltop.

Vega and Pitts got 400K in one fell swoop which is now drowned in litigation after they failed to return it after public outcry.

Candice Miller was ruled to cost some 500K to the Belize City residents.

Getting back. The family of one of the pilots was clear and correct whilst saying that the life of their loved one was worth much more than 400k.

So when we listen to the unapologetic Peyrefitte calling those who talk about the tragedy “Facebook Whores” we know that the family is being disrespected, insulted and ignored by the UDP. At Peyrefitte’s post tragedy press conference just a couple weeks after he had been shoved in as Minister of National Security he showed that he had failed miserably. That Ministry is not for anyone to learn on the job. It was not surprising as the gamut of the UDP is devoid of skill so they have to use anyone, anywhere, at random. So petty Faber is leader-elect with no leader acumen only scandal after scandal.

Fast forward four months later, Peyrefitte is asked about compensation to the families. He blazes out that they government accepts no blames and that each family has received 100 thousand dollars each. Brazen incompetence and open falsehood are both at the corrupted heart of the UDP. Belizean citizens are tired of you all; go!!!

The Belize Times

Established 1957

14 APR 2013

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ISSUE NO: 4840

The Truth Shall Make You Free

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$1.00

serving Belize since 1957 as the longest continuous newspaper.

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Roberto Peyrefitte Printed and Published By TIMES NEWSPAPER LTD. Tel: 671-8385 #3 Queen Street P.O. BOX 506 Belize City, Belize

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26 JUL

THE BELIZE TIMES

2020

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EDITORIAL

Hard Times Indeed!

T

imes are hard in the Jewel. The cost of living is high and will undoubtedly become more expensive as we wade deeper into the age of Covid-19.

Already we know that the purchasing value of our dollar is diminished, the evidence is in the shrinking shopping bags we are all ill able to afford every time we go to the store. We ask however, even in these bleak times, how much can three hundred thousand dollars and over one year worth of meetings get Belizeans? The answer it seems is next to nothing. After a year of meetings and hundreds of hours of damning testimony, and hundreds of thousands of dollars Senator Salazar kept us in suspense for two more years to finally admit he will do zilch. We are now thoroughly convinced that under the UDP 300K is not worth much more than cheap and flimsy excuses.

While we are deeply disappointed that the hundreds of instances documented in testimony both at the Senate Hearings and by the Auditor General’s Report have all been for naught, we cannot say that we are the least bit surprised. We can expect little else from Senator Salazar who tried to dilute the findings, stall the report and has gone on record to say he chaired the Senate Committee unwillingly. They have had no choice but to acknowledge that “Given the nature of what we have seen from the Auditor General’s Report and the testimony before the Committee we are left with no doubt that there were corrupt forces operating within and around the immigration department.

It is undeniable that the Department was in serious need of attention. There is evidence that this situation was allowed or perhaps encouraged to fester under the period of stewardship of Minister Elvin Penner.” (Page 158). There have been several other ministers involved in a myriad of what could only be surmised as criminal behavior, topped by that most infamous of cases, The Citizen Kim case. How was it possible that Wonhong Kim became a citizen and applied and received his Belizean passport all while sitting in prison on the other side of the world? He could only have accomplished that miraculous feat with the help of very influential people indeed.

Belizeans yearn for Justice. So far this ideal has been elusive because corruption begets even more corruption. The contagion of Corruption reaches far, wide and very deep. Even with a Writ of Mandamus we were unable to have the Police Department initiate the investigation into these despicable acts. The current Compol lacks the independence to initiate it and continues to play up to the UDP. Impunity and chaos are the new order of the day.

How can the UDP coddle with criminals and fraudsters of every ilk while they abuse the basic human rights of citizens? The UDP have debased Belizean honor and national pride with these antics. The country is utterly demoralized and tired of excuses when we need solutions. The time for the blame game is up. Belizeans are tired of hard times and empty promises. Salty Salazar is as corrupt as he is inept and like the rest of the UDP needs to make a hasty exit. Call the elections. #planbelize

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THE BELIZE TIMES

EDITORIAL

S

26 JUL

2020

en Español

!Tiempos difíciles de verdad!

on tiempos duros en la Joya. El costo de la vida es alta y sin duda se volverá más caro a medida que nos adentramos en la era de Covid-19. Ya sabemos que el valor de compra de nuestro dólar ha disminuido, la evidencia está en las bolsas de compras cada vez más pequeñas que todos somos tenemos problemas para pagar cada vez que vamos a la tienda. Nos preguntamos, sin embargo, en estos tiempos tristes, ¿cuánto pueden conseguir los beliceños de trescientos mil dólares y más de un año de reuniones? La respuesta parece ser casi nada. Después de un año de reuniones y cientos de horas de testimonio condenatorio, y cientos de miles de dólares el Senador Salazar nos mantuvo en suspenso por dos años más para finalmente admitir que no hará nada. Ahora estamos completamente convencidos de que bajo el UDP 300K no vale mucho más que excusas baratas y endebles.

Aunque estamos profundamente decepcionados de que los cientos de casos documentados en los testimonios, tanto en las audiencias del Senado como en el informe del Auditor General han sido en vano, no podemos decir que nos sorprendan en lo más mínimo.

No podemos esperar mucho más del Senador Salazar, quien trató de diluir los hallazgos, retrasar el informe y ha declarado que presidió el Comité del Senado de mala gana. No han tenido más remedio que reconocer que “Dada la naturaleza de lo que hemos visto en el Informe del Auditor General y el testimonio ante el Comité no nos queda ninguna duda de que hay fuerzas corruptas operando dentro y alrededor del departamento de inmigración.

Es innegable que el Departamento tenía una gran necesidad atención.

Hay pruebas de que esta situación fue permitida o tal vez alentada a enconarse durante el período de administración del ministro Elvin Penner.” (Página 158). Ha habido varios otros ministros involucrados en una miríada que se podría suponer como comportamiento criminal, encabezado por el más infame de los casos, el caso del Ciudadano Kim. ¿Cómo fue posible que Wonhong Kim se convirtiera en ciudadano y solicitara y recibiera su pasaporte beliceño mientras estaba en prisión en el otro lado del mundo? Sólo pudo haber logrado esa milagrosa hazaña con la ayuda de personas muy influyentes.

Los beliceños anhelan justicia. Hasta ahora este ideal ha sido inalcanzable porque la corrupción engendra aún más corrupción. El contagio de la Corrupción llega muy lejos, amplio y muy profundo. Incluso con un mandato judicial no pudimos hacer que el Departamento de Policía iniciara la investigación de estos actos despreciables. El actual Compol carece de la independencia para iniciarla y sigue jugando a ser el chucho faldero del UDP. La impunidad y el caos son el nuevo orden del día. ¿Cómo puede el UDP consentir a criminales y estafadores de todo tipo mientras abusan de los derechos humanos básicos de los ciudadanos? El UDP ha degradado el honor y el orgullo nacional de Belice con estas payasadas. El país está totalmente desmoralizado y cansado de excusas cuando necesitamos soluciones.

El tiempo para el juego de la culpa se ha acabado. Los beliceños están cansados de tiempos difíciles y promesas vacías. El salado de Salazar es tan corrupto como inepto y como el resto de la UDP necesita hacer una salida apresurada. Llame a las elecciones. #planbelize

26 JUL

2020

THE BELIZE TIMES

BELLY of the

BEAST

Two-faced UDP On Wednesday morning, the Utterly Disingenuous Party (UDP) issued a release praising the stevedores and workers at PBL for protesting and taking a stance. According to those simpletons, they were in full support of the workers. One hour after that, the riot squad descended on the compound and attacked the protesters, firing rubber bullets all over the place and letting off tear gas. There’s no two ways about it. That was an attack directed by the state. Those orders to let loose the riot squad like a pack of rabid dogs came from way high up.

We know how these things worked because we’ve watched the UDP operate before. We remember when cane-farmers protested peacefully in the north and Dean Oliver gave certain orders which resulted in a cane-farmer being shot and killed. We remember. The person responsible for killing that cane-farmer got away with murder. He was never charged. The UDP will remember this Wednesday for a long, long time to come. It is the day when the Government used the force of the Police to attack, violently, workers who were doing nothing but standing up for their rights. It doesn’t matter what that big dimwit Michael Peyrefitte says. We know the UDP and truth is never used in the same sentence. The UDP is cold, callous and inhumane. We will never forget.

Shame The nation could only watch in disbelief as Michael Peyrefitte blatantly lied and disrespected the families of the four BDF soldiers who died when a helicopter crashed while on an anti-drug mission. Peyrefitte stated, smug smile in place, that the government had given the families of the four men $100,000 each. It seems like he expected the nation to be all AWWWW, how nice. What Peyrefitte obviously didn’t expect was for the families to go public and state that he was a big, fat liar. None of the families have gotten one cent from the government. Peyrefitte lied. And when the media asked him about the lie,

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this fool had the face of brass to say that the government had given the money, the families just hadn’t gotten it. WTF! As the mother of one of the heroic pilots said, shame on Peyrefitte and shame of the government for lying like this and for disrespecting not only the families but the memories of the dead soldiers. This is typical of the UDP, though. And Peyrefitte has shown that he is nothing but another cold, arrogant, liad UDP just like all the rest.

Papa GONE Word to us is that Patrick Faber, still jubilant over his victory and still all up in his prom queen type feelings, has put a political hit on those who were so vocal in attacking him. One of the first to go, we understood from after the Convention, would be Frank Papa Mena, considered a weakling in UDP circles. And so said, so done.

We were told that Faber flew down South to hold several closeddoor meetings, and lo and behold, a few days after a whole bunch of UDPs start clamouring for Papa to step down because he has been missing from the area and there is no way that he can win in Dangriga for the UDP. We have news for the UDPs and their new prom queen leader-elect. Leave Papa or move him. It doesn’t matter. The people of Belize have already decided. Whenever elections are called, the people will vote out the UDP all across this country.

Everybody has gotten tired of the corruption and the incompetence and the arrogance. It’s only a matter of weeks now. Wait for it.

Pressure We predicted this would happen a long time ago. The UDP dolly-house has crumbled, and the best is yet to come. We are reliably informed that Gapi may have stepped back, but he is far from out of the game. Sources say that this past weekend at least six Cabinet and disgraced former Minister, Mason boy toy and Dermen pansy John Saldivar met at Gapi’s home in Orange Walk for hours. We’re not sure exactly what was discussed, but we do know that it wasn’t a surprise party for the new leader-elect. We know, because people in Belmopan love to talk, that Saldivar has stated that he isn’t finished by a long shot, and he has been heard bragging that he will still be leader of the UDP no matter what he has to do. If Mason was a free man and Saldivar made a comment like that, we’d advise Patsy to be very afraid. But that’s all we’re going to say about that.

Except to say that things inside the UDP will be blown to bits in the next couple weeks. And it’s way overdue. Elections soon people.

You can take that to the bank.

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26 JUL

THE BELIZE TIMES

QUESTIONS TO THE MINISTERS

1. Considering the fact that the Minister of Health publicly admitted that he canceled NHI subsidy only in South Side Belize City and further considering that the Attorney General decided to place the South Side of Belize City under a State of Emergency a mere six days after the end of a nationwide lockdown, will the Prime Minister and the leaders of the UDP say if it is a calculated move by the UDP to punish the South Side of Belize City?

2. Now that the Minister of Health has confessed that he cut off NHI funding for the South Side of Belize City, will the government agree that its entire poverty alleviation initiative in Southside Belize City was a complete hoax and is it not a fact that under 12 years of the UDP that the people of the South side have become poorer?

3. Will the Prime Minister as Minister of Finance say if he will instruct the Auditor General to do a complete audit of the Ministry of Housing for the past five years so that Belizeans can see exactly where the more than 20 million dollars in funding for the Ministry of Housing was spent?

4. Will the Minister of Education and UDP Party Leader-Elect please report to the Belizean people exactly how much funding is being provided to the thousands of schools in the nation to make them ready to open up classes on the 10th of August? And will the Minister also say if Government has done anything by way of public education for parents on how their children will be kept free from exposure to the coronavirus?

5. Belizeans stay safe, remember to wear your mask in public, wash your hands often, keep six feet apart and register to vote.

2020

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY GENERAL Wednesday, July 22, 2020

For Immediate Release

UDP’S PETTY POLITICAL GIMMICKS The UDP’s politicizing of the very urgent situation facing stevedores and workers of the Port of Belize Limited is shameful. In a release issued today, the hypocritical UDP spent much time attacking the PUP and Michael Ashcroft, when it is Prime Minister Dean Barrow who met secretly with Lord Ashcroft in Miami to orchestrate a settlement for BTL which cost Belizeans over half a billion dollars. It is the UDP that has indebted Belizeans to Ashcroft to the tune of almost a BILLION dollars, thanks to Mr. Barrow’s trademark arrogance, incompetence and bad decisions.

To blame the PUP, out of office for 12 years, for a situation happening at the Port of Belize today is ludicrous! The plight of the Stevedores has been a years-long one, and this UDP Government, with all the power to effect meaningful change to protect the rights of the workers, never once entered the fray. In fact, it is this UDP government who made stevedoring an essential service and in effect, handcuffing and stymying the earned industrial rights of the waterfront workers.

The People’s United Party stands in solidarity with the workers of the Port of Belize Limited, those who have for days been protesting an arbitrary reduction in salaries and the threatened termination of thirty-six workers (36), including twenty-nine (29) Union workers and half of the Union’s negotiating team. This is classic union busting and requires nothing short of absolute condemnation and resistance.

We have met with many of these workers and we believe that their stance is a just and righteous one.

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

--ENDS--

CARTOON

26 JUL

2020

07 7

THE BELIZE TIMES

Montero Beats Out Other Bidders for Half a Million Dollars

What is Joehann and Construction Engineering Ltd. building now? Thatch roof? We all know Minister Montero’s brother owns this one. This was the same company that missed building the warehouse for Pablo last August 2019 just as CEO George Gough entered the fray.

Well, I guess they need something other than the Caracol ancient temples for people to see as they fly by Rio On Pools and Rio Frio Caves on the 180million dollar Caracol road. Half a million dollars for a thatch house…with wooden posts and all. Wow!! The people of Belize will follow this one closely.

In closing, did they mean FORREST Gump? Or they forgot that the Mountain Pine Ridge is in a forest reserve?

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY GENERAL

ON THE AWARDING OF ANOTHER 10-YEAR CONTRACT TO BRADS BELIZE CITY, 23rd JULY, 2020 -- On 14th July as Leader of the Opposition I wrote to Minister of State Tracy Taegar-Panton requesting that as the Minister responsible for the issuing of boledo licenses she provide me with the full details of the recently signed contract between the Government and Brads Gaming Group Limited, which by law must be presented to the National Assembly.

To date, no such information has been forthcoming though this matter will be tabled at this Friday’s Sitting of the House of Representatives.

The Opposition is very concerned about the awarding of this contract once again to the Brads Gaming Group. We note that Belizeans have been kept in the dark about the identity of the beneficial owners of Brads Gaming Group Limited, despite persistent reports that persons with political connections at the highest level of government are players in the company.

We find it outrageous that this company was awarded a 10-year contract just months before the end of this UDP Administration’s term in office, particularly in light of those persistent suggestions that nepotism was involved in the awarding of this contract. We believe it is critical that there be full disclosure of all the details of the contract and of the beneficial owners of Brads Gaming Group.

All of these things underline the importance of disclosure in a timely manner so that the members of the National Assembly can be fully prepared to debate this issue when the House sits on Friday.

By its refusal to hand over the documentation requested, including the identities of the persons involved in Brads Gaming Group and the details of the tendering and award process, it seems patently clear that the Government has something to hide. ###end###

CHRISTIAN WORKERS UNION

Affiliated to: National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) 28 Dean Street • Belize City, Belize, C. A. P.O. Box 533 • Tel: 227-2150 • Email: cwu.belize@gmail.com

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release

PBL behaviour troubling Belize City, Wednesday, July 22, 20201: The Christian Workers Union (CWU) regards the behavior exhibited by the Receivership at Port of Belize Ltd (PBL) as very concerning, and ought to be extremely troubling to Belizeans, particularly Workers.

PBL unilateral and unconscionable deduction of ten percent (10%) of the earning of it Staff, without any disclosure or their permission, provoked a trade dispute. The issue of the PBL Workers’ claim for the unlawful deduction of their salaries was to be addressed today before the Tribunal appointed by the Minister under the Essential Services Act, following CWU’s notice to the Labour Commission, pursuant to the provisions of the Essential Services Act of trade dispute on 7 July, 2020. The CWU notice to Labour triggered a series of events, including appointment of a Tribunal to attempt to overcome the impasse and settle the dispute.

PBL, at the last hour, wrote to the Labour Commissioner yesterday informing that they will not comply with the Labour Commissioner's request to submit documents to the Tribunal. The PBL letter did not directly state so, but CWU takes it that PBL will therefore not participate in the Tribunal process. PBL also threatened to go to the Supreme Court to challenge any decision of the Tribunal or actions of the Labour Minister.

This PBL action is an act of extreme bad faith and shows that PBL is not interested in any way in resolving the trade dispute, except on their terms and conditions. Compounding this arrogant disregard is the fact that PBL have refused to comply with the provisions of Section 45 of the Labour Act, which sets out the requirements of the redundancy process in this Belize. This has caused the Attorney General and Labour Commissioner to make an urgent application to the Supreme Court for an injunction, as the Labour Commissioner has the statutory duty under the Labour Act to enforce the provisions of the law.

The situation is a fluid one and merits close monitoring.

END

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26 JUL

THE BELIZE TIMES

Protest In Solidarity with the Workers of Belize People gathered in Belmopan in front of the Ministry of Labour Office to protest the disrespect being shown to the workers of Belize especially in light of the stevedores being teargassed yesterday by the security forces. Today it is two standard bearers holding fort for the People’s United Party. These from Dangriga, Louis Zabaneh, and from Belmopan, Oscar Mira. The PUP has met with the stevedores paving the way for the future and has characterized the UDP actions as ‘political gimmickry.’

P.O. Box 2359

2020 ◊

July 20th, 2020.

Dylan Reneau Marvin Mora

President

Kevin Peralta Clifford Martinez

1st Vice President

Adelaida Lorelei Westby Guerra

2nd Vice President Elena Smith Patrick Balan

General Secretary Hortence Humes Miguel Aguilar

A Assssiissttaanntt G Geenneerraall S Seeccrreettaarryy LoreleiMejia Westby Jorge

T Trreeaassuurreerr

Lennox Hyde Ella Waight

A Aussdisittaonr t Treasurer Earl DeanLopez Flowers

Couudnitcoirlor A

Trustee Tate Phillip Councilor

Keith Augustine Garry Trustee Yearwood Daniel Luna

T rustees Flowers Kathleen Director of Education

Keisha Williams D irector oVillagran f Education Cynthia

Director of Women Addy AffairsAguilar Director of Gender AffairsSmith Elena Admin. Secretary

Belize City Center, Belize City

◊

Belize, Central America

Press Release

The University of Belize and the University of Belize Faculty and Staff Union Situation The National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) is recognized as the highest representation of all Unionized Labour in the country of Belize. For over half a century the NTUCB has championed the causes of Workers from many sectors of the economy. The newly formed University of Belize Faculty and Staff Union (UBFSU) recently presented its industrial relations matters with its employer, the University of Belize, to the NTUCB. We take this opportunity to highlight the importance of the University of Belize’s role in the current and future development of our country which cannot be overemphasized. For this reason, the NTUCB will not be silent on the matter, as the repercussions to future Workers and the nation is something we cannot contemplate.

The matters presented divulge the University’s Management disrespect and disregard towards the Union’s request for transparency and accountability. We understand that the UBFSU has already signed a non-disclosure agreement which legally binds them to strict confidentiality measures. We; therefore, call on the University’s Board of Trustees to honour UBFSU request and furnish them with information that will ensure that fairness prevails. This is an excellent opportunity for the University of Belize to collaborate and refrain from the confrontational nature given these unprecedented times we are currently facing. Industrial relations issues at the University will undoubtedly result in extra financial constraints on the Belizean families who are trying to provide their children with higher-level education, therefore, we reiterate that this issue is of national importance. Our country cannot develop if those who are expected to educate the future leaders of our nation, do so by demonstrating actions that are undemocratic and unjust.

NTUCB also calls on the Board of Trustees of UB, and their Management Team, to treat the members of the UBFSU with the respect and dignity they deserve. We remind the Board of the University of Belize that they represent only about half of the stakeholders of the University, which is capital; the UBFSU represents the true essence of what makes up the University, Labour!

We continue to closely monitor this situation and will provide all our support to the UBFSU to ensure that the outcome of this issue reflects transparency, fairness and respect!

United we stand, divided we fall! SOLIDARITY FOREVER!!!

-END-

NTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCB NTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUC NTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCB NTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUC BNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCB NTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCB BNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCB

Tel.: (501) 227 2678

Fax: (501) 227 2864

P.O. Box 2359

July 20th, 2020.

Dylan Reneau Marvin Mora

President

Kevin Peralta Clifford Martinez

1st Vice President

Adelaida Lorelei Westby Guerra

2nd Vice President Elena Smith Patrick Balan

General Secretary Hortence Humes Miguel Aguilar

A Assssiissttaanntt G Geenneerraall S Seeccrreettaarryy Lorelei Westby Jorge Mejia

T Trreeaassuurreerr

Lennox Hyde Ella Waight

A Aussdisittaonr t Treasurer Earl Lopez Dean Flowers

C Aouudnitcoirlor

Trustee Tate Phillip Councilor

Keith Augustine Garry T rustee Yearwood Daniel Luna

T rustees Flowers Kathleen Director of Education

Keisha Williams D irector oVillagran f Education Cynthia

Director of Women Addy AffairsAguilar Director of Gender AffairsSmith Elena Admin. Secretary

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Belize City Center, Belize City

E-mail: ntucb@btl.net

◊

Belize, Central America

Press Release

NTUCB’s Position on the Christian Workers Union and Port of Belize Ltd Situation The National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) brings to attention our concerns regarding the existential threat confronting the Christian Workers Union (CWU), the essential service provided by the Port of Belize and probable loss to livelihoods in an already crime-riddled municipality. There is no doubt that the precedence being set regarding this issue will form a new basis for similar matters in Belize’s Public-Private development environment; more critically are the effects to a valuable tripartite structure.

As the vanguard for Belizean workers and the colossal advocate for trade unionism in Belize, the NTUCB does not have the option to allow evident egregious attacks on our members to remain unanswered, especially in these times of pending crisis of major proportions. Our Congress calls to light the curious silence of several national stakeholders and their wanton neglect of duties and responsibilities as caretakers of our essential labor force and voting populace, despite several SOS signals from CWU. There is a curious silence from the Port of Belize Limited (PBL) on the reasons why the stale CBA has not been revisited, why unilateral decisions were taken to cut salaries by 10% and have now made redundant varying posts for thirty-six (36) Workers, with twenty-nine (29) being CWU Members -- of which four (4) are Shop Stewards/Union Representatives. PBL has not paid the 5% ex-gratia bonus to staff as stated in Article 24, refusing to disclose its financials as the bonus hinges on the Port making a minimum net profit of $500,000.00 as disclosed in its annual audited financial statement.

There is a curious silence and alarming level of progressive inactivity from our Ministry of Labor. We sight concerns in the Ministry’s failure to act in a fashion that indicates the Ministry appreciates its mission to ensure adherence to existing labor laws and to assist Workers who are invariably at a distinct disadvantage in disputes with their Employers. Repeated CWU appeals to the Labor Ministry have provided no respite. Quite the contrary, as in the case of Stevedores being designated an Essential Service, Labor seems to come out on the same side as PBL against CWU Members.

Victories at the Port have been Members-led in large measures!

NTUCB would welcome any expression of solidarity which demonstrates that trade unionism is not alone in the current struggles with PBL. NTUCB hopes that this release is seen as an impetus to aid the Ministry to act like the champions for Workers it so desperately needs to be, particularly in these challenging COVID times!

NTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTU NTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUC NTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCB NTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUC BNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCB NTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCB BNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCB CBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCBNTUCB

Tel.: (501) 227 2678

Fax: (501) 227 2864

E-mail: ntucb@btl.net

26 JUL

2020

OUT

!

Dear Editor, Give me a few eyes…and ears, Five years ago when Faber wanted our votes he took many of us from Collet to Corozal for a day in lots of buses. We heard food and drinks and that was enough.

The ride was free. The food was free. The pibil was mostly a surprise for me. That mek it even betta. I no like salt water but I forgot that for a day. On that day I did not think of nothing but just enjoyment.

Everything seemed good until the trip was over. I could not believe how upset Belizean people were with that trip. If I knew then what I kno now I would not have gone.

As I saw Faber, in all his senses, say that he spent PetroCaribe dollars on the trip. Then the trip started to taste bad.

Now Belize still owes that money. I hear it is hundreds of millions.

I know the trip did not spend that but we are the symbol of that time.

I believe it was ‘roll-it’. The Prime Minister said that.

How could he do that? How could he waste taxpayer’s money like a joke?

It amazes me now that Faber is trying to be elevated to leader of the country. I didn’t vote at the convention cause I am a ‘nobody’ to Faber. I noh know where he got the people to vote for the convention.

He did only wrong stuff or mostly nothing ya da Collet. How does that qualify Patrick Faber to leader of all the UDP? Maybe the UDP get who dem deserve.

I noh see how he can ever become leader-elect of the UDP and much less Belize. Poh thing.

In fact, I don’t see him remaining in politics much longer than this. Isn’t he a millionaire? Hope he mind his money good.

The UDP should just confess their wrongs and pay. Elections are like a reward to them when they should be punished for corruptly taking from Belize.

This is especially for Faber since he sliced the future from our babies...our children. Education cuts at every level.

Schools will never be ready under Patrick Faber. I do not trust him with my baby. I will wait.

Signed Ex-Collet UDP/New for Oscar

THE BELIZE TIMES

FIVE IN A WEEK, INCLUDING A 1-YR OLD, KILLED It all started on last Saturday night in Ladyville, Belize District. Egbert Baldwin was walking on Jackson Av-

enue in Ladyville when he was shot several times. Another man who was nearby also received a gunshot wound to his leg. Baldwin died while receiving treatment at the KHMH and the other man, has been treated and released. /// Then there was another fatal shooting on Sunday, July 19th, at about 12:40 a.m., Police responded to a report of a shooting at CK Bar in San Ignacio Town. According to Police investigations a group of persons were seated inside a red Toyota Camry car, while some were standing outside near the vehicle. That is when two armed men approached them, and began shooting towards their direction.

As a result Samuel Hill 22-year-old, Belizean taxi-driver of Esperanza Village and Windell Trapp 29-year-old, Belizean unemployed of Santiago Juan Layout sustained fatal injuries.

Marquees Robateau 19-year-old, Belizean, Telesha Mckay 29-year-old, Belizean consultant of Esperanza Village and Danny Jimenez, who is a Police Officer received injuries and remain in stable condition. Danny Jimenez and the Police are requesting funds for his jaw surgery. Police are investigating the shooting.

On Tuesday, July 21st 2020, at about 10:29 p.m., Police responded to a report in Carmelita Village, Orange Walk District. Upon arrival, they observed the motionless body of Terrique Munnings, (26) Unemployed of Ladyville Village, Belize District, off the shoulder of the Phillip Goldson Highway with chop wounds. Initial investigation revealed that Munnings was riding his bicycle and was accompanied by two minors on separate bicycles on the Phillip Goldson Highway in Carmelita Village when they were attacked by three men who were armed with machetes. The minors escaped, however, Munnings was not so fortunate, and as a result, was chopped several times. Police say they know the identity of the men are currently looking for them./// On Wednesday, July 22nd, 2020, at about 2:27 p.m., Police responded to a report of a shooting in Calcutta Village, Corozal District. Initial investiga-

tion revealed that about 2:15 p.m., Raymond Jenkins (42), Belizean watchman of Carolina Village, Corozal District, along with a minor took a cellular phone to be repaired at a residence within the Village. Shortly thereafter arrival at his destination, several shots were heard and allegedly two men arrived on a motorcycle and fired several shots at Jenkins causing the fatal injuries. Jenkins was transported to the hospital for medical attention, but was pronounced dead on arrival. Police are investigating./// On Tuesday, July 21st, Police responded to a report at the visited Bella Vista Poly Clinic in Bella Vista Village, Toledo District. Upon arrival, they observed the body of a toddler who was identified as Abdiel Ramos, 1-year-old, Belizean of Bella Vista Village Toledo District. Initial investigation revealed that at 4:30 p.m., whilst Reyna Isabel Revello, 24-year-old, Belizean of Bella Vista Village and mother of Abdiel was inside her yard cleaning, whilst her four children were playing in the yard. She noticed that baby Abdiel was missing. Upon making checking at an adjacent lot she found Abdiel motionless body inside an abandoned WELL approximately 2feet wide in circumference and 2 feet deep. Abdiel was taken to Bella Vista Poly Clinic for medical attention but was pronounced dead on arrival. ///

NEEDED: Shop Keeper to work at Jian Kang Li Grocery Store located at # 15 Dolphin Street, Belize City, Belize District. Call 2270328 for more information.

Domestic worker needed in Mango Creek Village, Stann Creek District. Call 628-9755 for more information.

Wilson Hernandez Construction Service is hiring construction workers. Interested persons can visit the construction site at # 1588 Seashore Drive, Belize City or contact 670-8835/623-1654 for more information.

Hard working male individual with strong customer service skills to perform cashier duties. Interested persons between the ages 18-30 may apply at Kazi Super Store located on Barrack Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District.

099 LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICES Notice is hereby given that M. Tareq is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Stop & Shop Supershop” located at # 2216 Baymen Avenue, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Nigel Mejia is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at ”N.J.’s Store” located in Santana Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Dacheng Li is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “U Mall” located in Ladyville Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Issaias Manzanero is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “ Manza Shop” located in Fire Burn Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Issaias Manzanero is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “ Manza Shop” located in Fire Burn Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Laura Urbina is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “ Traveller’s Liquor Shop” located at # 2 Cinderella Street, Orange Walk Town.

Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Adonai Shamir Teyul is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Triple “JJJ Mini Mart” located in San Antonio Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Kendal Otoniel Esquivel is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Esquivel Shop” located in Tower Hill, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

10

THE BELIZE TIMES

MENA: JUMPING SHIP OR SHOVED OFF? Is Minister/Deputy Speaker Mena jumping from the UDP ship or is he is being shoved off? A letter sent from the Dangriga UDP is asking their leader-elect to call a convention as Mena is not cutting it for them anymore.

The problem that they fail to properly disclose is that Mena has seen Zabaneh take over already and that Dangriga has all but shoved all that is

26 JUL

2020

UDP out of their culture capital. What remains is a township and 2 villages of disenchanted voters who are waiting to move Dangriga along with the nation and vote Blue. True blue is where Johnny Briceño is and where Hope resides for Belize.

Mena is happy with where he is now and that is not in the UDP. He gave up a long time ago on the UDP and Faber. Bye bye Papa Mena…

TECHNICAL MANAGER We hereby invite application from qualified persons to fill the post as Technical Manager in the Port of Belize Limited.

Obituary

Anel Donaldo Soler

Sunrise: December 8, 1959 Sunset: July 3, 2020 He was born on December 8, 1959 in Benque Viejo, Cayo District. He was born to parents Atancio Soler and Victoria Soler Nee Nah. Mr. Donaldo lived in Lemonal for a short time before moving to Scotland HalfMoon. He resided in this village for 51 years.

Mr. D as he was sometimes called, Had a love for the bush. He particularly enjoyed hunting and fishing. Many people can also attest for his love of planting, he would always have something to give to his visitors, sometimes it would be a bunch of plantain or some ground four or even a piece of bush meat. He was also a man of many talents he knew how to build thatch roof houses, carve a dory, and do logging in his youth he even harvested chicle. Most of the people in this village, can also talk about his love for his land rover. The Jeep, was his baby he took good care of it and would not part with it even after it stopped running. Every person who was ridden in the jeep, can say that the vehicle was as resilient as its owner. He used to love to say that the Jeep was once driven by George Price himself hence he would never part it.

Mr. Soler passed on July 3, 2020 and he will be very missed by his Family. He is survived by his common-law wife at 31 years Elmita Wagner.

They had 5 children: Gladys, Javier, Esmeralda, Vanessa and Jayvon. He is also survived by 6 Grandchildren, 9 Siblings, some aunts and uncles and a host of Cousins.

Mr Donaldo had a big heart. The People’s United Party family extends a heartfelt condolences to the Soler family. May he Rest in Peace and rise in eternal glory.

Duties & Responsibilities: • Develop a realistic maintenance and repair budget and subsequent to management approval, manage M&R budget for Mechanical and Infrastructure departments.

• Develop and implement realistic preventive and predictive maintenance programmes to ensure that equipment and other assets are maintained in peak condition at or below budget cost • Lead the implementation of corrective maintenance and ensure that emergency breakdowns in equipment and service installation are restored speedily to minimize interruptions in service • Structure tasks and goals, establish efficient courses of action to meet goals/K.P.I’s. set priorities, organise information efficiently to execute tasks to meet staffing levels for management and labour, productivity, equipment needs, service requirements, safety requirements and ensure maximum return on investment • Determine and recommend the type, appropriate levels of quantities and costs of maintenance materials and spares to be stocked for effective maintenance • Manage, motivate, coach and lead all maintenance and repair team members • Provide regular process control checks, initiative and support performance improvement activities.

• Set and maintain performance criteria for reporting personnel • Maintain and enhance relationships with departments and promote goodwill among internal and external customers • Effectively manage sub-contract companies and personnel • Manage employee training and development including employee appraisal process • Actively promote safety awareness at all times and ensures a safe workplace policy.

• Ensure lean methodology is implemented.

• Implement CMMS and optimize use.

• Evaluate new equipment projects.

• Competent and keen to involve himself on any hands-on repair jobs as and when required.

• Ensure all reporting personnel have a balanced work and family life • Maintenance shop ( RS, Truck, Electrical shop, welding shop, mechanical shop) • Fuelling station for equipment • Electrical installation • Buildinsg and infrastructure.

• Coordination with various contractors Qualifications and Experience: • ABachelors Degree. Minimum three (3) years supervisory experience. Must possess a valid driver’s license.

• Knowledge to scan Electronic Engines.

• Knowledge on Propane Fuel System.

• Knowledge of electric equipment.

• Knowledge of predictive maintenance.

• Knowledge of Microsoft office.

Competencies: • Punctual (On Call) • Ability to work independently.

• Ethical • Team Oriented • Good communication skills.

Objectives: • Maximize availability of equipment • Maximize reliability of equipment • Ensure cost efficient infrastructure solutions.

• Optimize cost of ownership.

Salary: Will be competitive and in accordance with the companies salary structure.

Interested individuals are asked to submit their application packages and include the following documents: 1. Application letter with Curriculum Vitae 2. Copy of Certificates & Diplomas, credentials 3. Two (2) names and contact information of previous employers 4. Copy of recent Police Record 5. Copy of a valid Social Security Card To apply: Applications should be sent by email to jobapplications@portofbelize.com

Closing date for receipt of application is Friday, August 07, 2020

26 JUL

2020

THE BELIZE TIMES

11

PUP Councils braving COVID in spite of the broke no-help incompetent UDP Orange Walk Town Council: “The Work Continues.”

Belize City Council, All ‘Bout the People

Corozal Town Council: Receives a Compactor truck and an Open-Back truck.

THANK YOU People and Government of Japan On January 28th, 2020, the Grant Contract Signing Ceremony for “The Project for the Procurement of Garbage Trucks for Corozal Town.”

The Japanese Government donated funds in the amount of USD $199,020 to the Corozal Town Council under the Grass-Roots Human Security Project. Mr. Hiroyuki Kubota, Ambassador of Japan in Belize stated that it is an obligation of both Japan and Belize to leave a beautiful environment for the next generation.

Now July 21, Mayor Rigo Vellos, Deputy Mayor Hilberto Clarke, Councillors and residents of Corozal Town were joined by Opposition Leader Hon. John Briceno and Orange Walk Town Mayor Kevin Bernard for the official handing-over of two new Garbage Trucks. Mayor Vellos expressed his utmost gratitude to the Government and people of Japan, and to Ambassador Kubota, for the generosity. Mayor Vellos also recognised JIICA Volunteer Ryoya “Roy” Oyama who worked along-side the Town Council and was instrumental in seeing the process of the initiative started.

In their speeches, Mayor Bernard and Hon. Briceno expressed their unconditional support for Mayor Vellos and the Corozal Town Council and offered encouragement for the hard work to continue. Our Party Leader spoke of the known experience in Orange Walk Town, where Mayor Bernard and the Council had to focus on building on the fundamentals before major work got done. He expressed confidence that the Corozal Town Council is on the same path, and that residents of Corozal Town can see the major efforts being done to right the Town Council-ship.

The Belize City Council has embarked on even a closer look at different streets/areas that need dire help. Plans are then made or upgraded to alleviate the living conditions of the residents for the immediacy, short term and, of course, the long term. Ahead are pictures showing the representatives, Hon. Cordel Hyde, Hon. Francis Fonseca along with Mayor Wagner, Deputy Mayor Noralez and Councillors as they do their on their all-important ground inspection.

12

26 JUL

THE BELIZE TIMES

2020

PUBLIC AUCTION SALES: PROPERTIES

Placencia Village, Stann Creek District ;Cotton Tree Village, Cristo Rey Village, Santa Elena Town, Callar Creek & San Jose, Succotz, Cayo District

BY ORDER of the Mortgagees, Messrs. The Belize Bank Limited, Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A. Castillo & Christiana R. Castillo will sell the following properties at the locations, dates and times below listed: A. Placencia Village, Stann Creek District: In front The Belize Bank Limited, Placencia Village, Stann Creek District on Monday 27thJuly 2020 at 10:00 am: 1. Parcel No. 1715 Placencia Village, Stann Creek District:

(Being a concrete bungalow dwelling house approx. 26 ft. X 32 ft. inclusive of a 5 ft. verandah and lot [813.668 square meters] situate on George Price Avenue, Santa Elena, Cayo District, the freehold property of Ms. Ester Castillo) 2. In front The Belize Bank Limited, Burns Avenue, San Ignacio, Cayo District on Tuesday 28th July 2020 at 11:30 am:

REGISTRATION SECTION Santa Elena/Cayo

BLOCK 23

PARCEL 1853

(Being a vacant lot [822.37 S.Y.] situate on San Diego Street, Hillview Area, Santa Elena, Cayo District, the freehold property of Mr. Rosendo Juarez) E. CALLAR CREEK AGRICULTURAL LAYOUT, 1. In front The Belize Bank Limited, Burns Avenue, San Ignacio, Cayo District on Tuesday 28th July 2020 at 11:30 am: REGISTRATION SECTION Placencia North

BLOCK 36

PARCEL 1715

(Being a two storey commercial concrete/timber/metal building: Ground Floor - 39 ft. x 76 ft. + Upper Flat - 18 ft. x 22 ft. Ground Floor accommodates Office + 3 bedrooms each with bathrooms and laundry + Aisle + Restaurant + Bar + Kitchen + Store Room + Stair Case: Upper Flat - 2 bedrooms with bathrooms and lot [687.87 square yards] situate on the MAIN ROAD in the Village of PLACENCIA, Stann Creek District, the freehold property of Mr. Miguel Meitin) B. BELMOPAN, CAYO DISTRICT: 1.In the Belize Bank Limited Parking Lot, Constitution Drive, Belmopan, Cayo District on Tuesday 28th July 2020 at 10:00 am:

All that piece or Parcel of Land being Lot No. 136 containing 981.140 square meters (1173.43 square yards) as shown on Plan No. 1862 at the Office of the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys in Belmopan, TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. (Being a concrete bungalow dwelling house (27 ft. X 31 ft.) [3 bedrooms + 1 bathroom + living/dining/ kitchen + laundry & front porch] and lot [981.140 S.M.] situate within Cotton Tree Village, Cayo District, the leasehold property of Ms. Edda Jones (Deceased)

ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being a parcel of land comprising 5.00 acres situated along the south side of the Mopan River, Callar Creek Agricultural Layout in the Cayo District of Belize and bounded and described as shown coloured red on Plan No. 190 of 2001 attached to Minister’s Fiat (Grant) No. 190 of 2001 dated 7th April 2001 together with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. (Being almost 5 acres of agricultural land situated along the south side of the Mopan River, Callar Creek Agricultural Layout in the Cayo District, the freehold property of Mr. Jose Aljemiro Paz jr.)

F. San Jose, Succotz, Cayo District: 1. On site at Lot No. 295 San Jose Succotz, Cayo District on Tuesday 28th July 2020 at 1:30 pm:

C. CRISTO REY VILLAGE, CAYO DISTRICT: 1. In front The Belize Bank Limited, Burns Avenue, San Ignacio, Cayo District on Tuesday 28th July 2020 at 11:30 am:

All that piece or Parcel of Land being Lot No. 54 comprising of 650.571 square meters situated in Cristo Rey Village Cayo District and bounded and described as shown by Plan No. 427 of 2013 attached to Ministers’ Fiat (Grant) No. 427 of 2013 dated the 1st day of October 2013, TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. (Being a vacant lot [650.571 S.M.] situate in Cristo Rey Village, Cayo District, the freehold property of Mr. Orvin Juarez) D. SANTA ELENA, CAYO DISTRICT: 1. In front The Belize Bank Limited, Burns Avenue, San Ignacio, Cayo District on Tuesday 28th July 2020 at 11:30 am:

REGISTRATION SECTION Santa Elena/Cayo

BLOCK 23

PARCEL 4105

ALL THAT leasehold piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 295 situate in San Jose Succotz Village, Cayo District bounded as follows: On the Northeast for 15.243 metres by Lot No. 294; On the Southeast for 30.487 metres by Lot No. 297; On the Southwest for 15.423 metres by a street & On the Northwest for 30.487 metres by Lot No. 293 containing 555.790 square metres as shown on Plan No. 1701 at the Office of the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. (Being concrete bungalow dwelling house [25 ft. X 28 ft.] containing 1 bedroom + 1 bathroom + living/dining/ kitchen + verandah situate in San Jose Succotz Village, Cayo District, the leasehold property of Mr. David Perez)

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

26 JUL

2020

THE BELIZE TIMES

13

Report of the Senate Special Select Committee: The Devils are the Details

Sanctuary Bay lawyer Salazar, Unelected Peyrefitte and the UDP could only attempt to deflect attention from the Senate Select report on the Immigration findings by the good AG Dorothy Bradley in her Audit of 2011-2013. Salazar had shirked his responsibilities for many months and now that the report had to be tabled he is calling it political. Peyrefitte for his part, arrogance and all, told us Belizeans, that the UDP did not have to table the report since that is the UDP way…but nevertheless they did it.

So one UDP to the point of sentimentalism and the other at blastmode. Both nevertheless both are just selfish UDPs that did not give a hoot as to the people of Belize who do not like their passports and visas strewn around the world as if it’s worthless. Crooks should not have access.

Let us explore a little into the “compromise” as Salazar qualified the report. Does this mean that details were not put in? Sincerely that is not a good sign. The people want to see all the details not what they UDP accepted in compromise.

The PUP is not the government in tatters. It is the UDP that thus had to accept somethings and leave out others.

We will dissect this report. This paper will have ONE damning excerpt verbatim: (Page 16) There were serious allegations made by Ms. Alverine Burgess against Ministers Edmond Castro and Anthony Martinez. Ms. Burgess was never mentioned in the Audit Report but the Committee was made aware of certain statements made by her under oath in court proceedings. Although, she was never mentioned by the Auditor General the majority of the Committee saw it fit to call her to give testimony. In summary Ms. Burgess

testified that from September 2012 to April 2013 she worked along with Mr. Rochelle Chan (Superintendent of Police at the time) to obtain visas with the assistance of Minister Edmond Castro. According to Burgess she arranged for Minister Castro to issue recommendations to accompany the applications of her customers. In exchange, according to Burgess, Minister Castro was compensated $2,000.00 per individual applicant recommended. Ms. Burgess estimated that she transacted about 200 visas with the intervention of Minister Castro at first but she also did express some uncertainty with this estimate thereafter saying definitively that it was more than 100. She stated that Mr. Chan was her primary contact as he was responsible for delivering the applications to her along with the cash. She said that she received $1500.00 per trip to Belmopan as her fee whenever the visas were ready to be picked up and delivered to Mr. Chan. Additionally, Ms. Burgess claimed that she received recommendations from Minister Anthony Martinez in sets of five on two occasions and that she also paid the same $2,000.00 to him per individual applicant.

When Senator Salazar says tidbits, highlights, or compromise, does he mean UDP ministers or ex-minister who might have to deal with all the legal consequences?

The recommendations can never be greater than what the people are clamouring for especially on and after February 23. The UDP has got to Go!! Call Elections now!!// For quick relevance: (Readers can go to July 19, 2020 Belize Times edition for a breakdown of where this report was drawn from.)

The Time is Now!

President, Karim Adle As our country continues to creep its way forward and as the global pandemic still persists we are at a crossroads. As Belizeans, it is only a matter of time before we take to the polls and exercise our civic duty and choose who we want to represent us. Again, the choices remain the same. We can choose to continue the status quo, we can continue to bask in corruption and be aiders in the massive and vicious UDP scheme. We can continue going down a never ending abyss and continue to hear excuses that it is the PUP’s fault; we can give them 17 years to continue hiding and distorting the truth.

We can continue enabling ghost representation while they amass great wealth, while the poor and marginalized further plummet, down the social scale in our beloved Jewel.

Contrary to that we can choose to elect a new Government led by the People’s United Party and by the Hon. John Briceno who is listening and will deliver for ALL Belizeans. We need to go back to

the basics, we need a government that is focussed on social justice, a government that will prioritize the needs of all the people over a select UDP few. A PUP government that will invest in education, health, land reform, jobs, agriculture and not on roundabouts, roads that wash away and bridges that collapse. Our lives are more important than the UDP Ministers hustling. Let us go back to where we came from and elect what we truly deserve.

Get registered, if you have not, and let us elect a government that is truly for the People. Let your voices be heard and let your will be forthcoming.

In 2020, Vote for the PUP!

Obituary Rubia Rosado

Ms. Rubia was from La Isla Carinosa, Caye Caulker and was the only girl of 8 children born to Desiderio and Ortencia Rosado. She was also the mom of 5 children. She was passionate about life and loved the sea.

Ms. Rubia was a stalwart supporter of the People’s United Party and has been instrumental in many campaigns and elections, always standing firm on the social principles of the party. The People’s United Party joins Mr. Andre Perez, and the Belize Rural South PUP Family in extending its condolences to her children, Yolanda, Clementina, Janina, Selena, and son Balito. May you carry each other through this difficult time. We have you in our thoughts and prayers.

May she rest in eternal peace in the arms of her creator.

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FABER and the Civic Elephant

Question: What is the similarity between Pablo’s “New PolyClinics” and the Belize City Civic Centre?

Answer: Both are on lockdowns since they are empty buildings that they do not care to furnish nor maintain nor use for its real purpose—the people.

Let’s focus on the Civic for this one. For starters, it was worth a 33 million and seem to be worth less than the stated final amount. Does that 33 million reflect interest on a loan?

Does that 33 million include maintenance since it was inaugurated to now? The Belize City Center was not making money even before Covid. I like to ask Belizeans questions. Do you think the Civic is worth 33 million? Do you know who are on the board of Belize Infrastructure Limited—the entity in charge of building the Civic?

If I told you BIL is made up of UDP ministers, including Montero and Faber. With this UDP that is infamous for international tranches and fraudsters it is easy to suspect the worst.

Very easy! But after the said names, is there still trust?

In September 2017, Apex International Limited had to first establish and register his business in Belize as Apex Events Services Belize Limited before they signed the contract to manage the Civic since Faber trusted NO Belizean to do it.

These are the same Belizeans he is attempting to lead. The contract is for three years with a Government Guarantee. So it might seem that when the contract is over in March of 2021 that the government might owe some of the One Million fee to manage the Civic.

The Civic (like the polyclinics) is always closed especially to the general health-needy or sports-loving young and not so young. Hold on tight the Civic and the polyclinics will be definitely be audited as soon as the PUP is in and that is soon.

Faber has promised 1000 hours where the community will have time in the building. He did say, please do not come to the minister to ask for hours. Who will go to Apex for those hours? In other words, Belizeans will pay 33 million plus for the building but some foreign entity will get the make money while our building makes money. But the normal people cannot use the building.

Importantly, Roque Martinez Jimenez and Elrington Stuart died after they fell from some scaffolding on work being done in September 2019. May they rest in peace.

Another stinging reality is that both the Sports and Health ministries have incompetent demi-leaders attempting to manage without knowledge or a plan.

Can Marin dance? Can Faber? Dem got to go!!

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Belizean Students in Cuba, Stipend Cut and Abandoned Our Belizean students now in Cuba have requested a review from the broke UDP government who is also bankrupt of ideas on how to govern Belize since February 2008. Patrick Faber and the Ministry of Education made a cut to these students’ much needed stipend by over 200 Bz Dollars. As one can understand, the students showed surprise and disgust since the announcement about a month ago. But now the time is coming closer and the move of the letter has been accompanied by at least one interview to our local media.

In the interview, the students were clear that to continue they will have to depend on help from home where they know the pandemic is taking its toll. It would really be terrible for students to have to drop out which is of course what everyone, especially the government, should try to avoid. After doing the Math, the students revealed that the cut would be half of what they need monthly so it is literally a “punch to the gut.” Essentially even help from parents is difficult as the normal international money transfers are not available nor is regular travel; factor in the pandemic and our citizens are clamouring for help to survive.

Instead of getting help from their country via the embassy they got word of the stipend cut. Many Belizeans that send their loved ones to study in Cuba understand that it is not a luxury world. But we also should understand that in many ways the not so privileged of Belize find it as a one-of-a-kind opportunity to build a future and consequently raise Belize’s stock in the Health field in the dispensation of services to the afflicted that find healthcare an expensive but urgent endeavour.

An additional burden is the inability to return home due to the repatriation cost, logistics and the time this would allow since school reopens on August 15 in Cuba, coincidentally that is when our airports are scheduled to reopen in the ‘new normal.’ The government in Belize has made it worse with the absenteeism of the Ambassador Burns-Martinez of Belize to Cuba. In fact, if the Ambassador is not there shouldn’t somebody else be, maybe the First Secretary Marin, of a familiar surname. Everybody seems to be doing like Shyne—just have the name Ambassador and do nothing for the government except sign the pay sheet. It seems the embassy ran at the onset of Covid in the world; this sound like job abandonment.

The students are asking maybe for a chartered flight that could take food items for them. We wish the best for the students at this point and would further state that the chartered plane should take the embassy personnel to do their jobs.

Update to job cuts: Up to now the UDP has cut the jobs of many… even as they had claimed that everyone will keep their jobs. The following list of jobs CUT is in no way exhaustive: Belize Tourism Board Jobs | Specialist Doctors | National Institute of Culture and History needed staff | Our Children’s Education Subsidies | University of Belize Subvention | Belize Telecommunications Limited Salary Cuts | Scholarship Stipends | National Health Insurance | All Public Officers and Teachers will not get their yearly increment.

Please note that since the UDP is on their way out they care not for the future of Belize.

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SIX STEPS TO MAKE GOVERNMENT MORE ACCOUNTABLE First, we will ensure an Independent Public Accounts Committee. One that is strengthened so that substantive ministers cannot be members of the PAC. As well, all House Committee meetings, including PAC meetings will be open to the public and streamed live.

Second, the Integrity Commission must do its job effectively. To do so it should no longer be controlled by the Party in Government. Likewise, we will put in place a mechanism to ensure the financial independence of the Integrity Commission with a budget to be approved by the National Assembly. They need the tools and personnel to get the job done!

Third, the recent cases of misappropriation of government funds is a clear indication that we need a strong and independent office of the Auditor General.

• The next PUP Government will ensure that the Auditor General’s Office has unrestricted access to information and with full powers of investigation, including subpoena powers to ensure that requests for information and documentation are complied with expeditiously.

• The Auditor General’s office will be permitted to submit their budget directly to the National Assembly for approval.

• Most important, we will ensure that the Auditor General is allowed to present reports directly to the National Assembly and not only to the Prime Minister.

Fourth, the PUP will not only implement UNCAC, but we will also enact Campaign Finance Legislation.

• In the first 100 days, the new PUP government will direct the Office of the Attorney General to draft Campaign Finance legislation which will be subject to national consultations and review before a final bill is tabled and passed into law.

Fifth we must make the National Assembly function as the centerpiece of our government, complete with all requisite checks and balances.

• That means that the next PUP Government will ensure a minimum of one House Sitting per month.

And sixth now that Senator Aldo Salazar has finally released the findings of the Senate Select Committee on the hustle at the Department of Immigration.

• We demand follow up action including criminal investigation and prosecution as deemed necessary.

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STANDARD BEARERS

2020

Freetown: Francis Fonseca

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Belize Rural North: Marconi Leal

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Mesopotamia: Candice Pitts

STILL ON THE MOVE Cayo West: Jorge ‘Milin’ Espat

United Women’s Group Hon. Cordel Hyde, Hon. Oscar Requena and Paul Thompson

Erica Jang sworn in as President; here with Party Chairman

Meeting and listening to Cacao farmers

Caribbean Shores: Kareem Musa

Belize Rural South: Andre Perez

Cayo Central: Alex Balona

Queen Square: Allan Pollard

Already working to Build a Belize that Works for Everyone

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Hon. John BriceĂąo In his constituency,

Orange Walk Central Our Party Leader met with his constituents. He is always on the ground in OWC and does not take any resident for granted. On this day, he continued listening to their concerns and shared his vision in San Estevan and San Lorenzo Housing Site. Belize with the PUP is on the path to Victory!

He loves being with the people!!

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2020

PUP Standard Bearers

Appealing to their Constituents Excerpts of FB Posts

CONGRATULATIONS to ALL VILLAGE COUNCILS ON THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF THE PUP WIN Ramon ‘Monchi’ Cervantes, Orange Walk North San Pablo Village Council 2019 - 2022, today completes one year after being elected on a historic victory for the second term Chairman Javier Sabido and Councilor Daisy Cabrera, Councilor Nadir Marin, Councilor Walter Arcurio, Councilor Miguel Angel Cawich, Councilor Jamid Muñoz, and Councilor Aldair Menensez were elected by the majority of San Pablo residents.

Today we thank the good Lord for showering his blessings upon San Pablo Village Council. We also, thank our Chairman and six Councilors for working hard and for their dedication over their first year. We also, thank all our family and friends and machinery who worked extremely hard to ensure a big win!

We also give a big thank you to all our supporters and fans and the community of San Pablo that have been loyal to us and in believing in us.

Also a big thank you to Mr. Ramon “Monchi” Cervantes for his continuous support and contribution to San Pablo Village Council. We give thanks to all those who have helped and supported San Pablo Village Council in one way or the other in their first year of great achievements!

It has been a year of many challenges but also a year of many achievements. We have seen tremendous work and dedication by San Pablo Village Council under the leadership of Chairman Javier Sabido. In only one year after being elected we can see that San Pablo Village Council have fulfilled some of their manifesto promises such as: 1. Free Medical Consultation and Free Medication 2. Assisting students 3. Involving Youths at sports 4. Planning the historic, annual torch run for San Pablo Day 5. Promoting our Maya/Mestizo culture 6. Helping the elderly with food pantry 7. Organizing clean-up campaigns 8. Rehabilitation of the San Pablo Community Center 9. Assisting in social programs 10. Organized night patrols 11. Established garbage collection 12. Other It has not been an easy road but we continue to work hard for the betterment of our San Pablo Village despite many challenges we face today.

National President for the National Organization of Village Councils Another great achievement our Chairman Javier Sabido was elected as the NAVCO President in Belmopan City, on January 18th, 2020.

Today, San Pablo Village Council remains committed in fulfilling more achievements for the village and to continue working hard for the betterment of our beautiful San Pablo Village. The work continues, as we ask for your continuous support to work hand in hand with all of you. We continue to live with our motto “Uniting People...Upholding Values...

Supporting Dreams” From the bottom of our hearts we say a huge thank you and may the good lord continue to bless us all!!

Your San Pablo VC working hard for a better, safe, clean and healthy community!!!

Hon. Francis Fonseca, Freetown

RESPECT TO THE BNTU!!

Oscar Mira, Belmopan

Today I join hands with all those paying tribute to the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) as it celebrates 50 years of service to the teachers and nation of Belize. The BNTU continues to be the strongest and most progressive national union in our Country. It has consistently stood up not only in support of teacher’s interest but also in the national interest.

The BNTU has earned the respect of the Belizean people over these past 50 years and we all have a duty and obligation to support their work in the years ahead.

Greetings everyone! I am humbled and energized by the outpouring of support you have shown since the beginning of this campaign. We can’t do this without you! When election time comes we must all do our civic duty and get out there and VOTE to elect our next PUP government.

Note that if you have not re-registered since the process started in July

2018, then you still need to register if you want to vote in this year’s General Election. If you did re-register and would like to transfer your vote to another constituency, you can do so during the months of July and August. If you want to register, transfer, or if you’re not sure and want to check your registration status, please send us a message here on Facebook, or call/text/Whatsapp our Belmopan office at 670-9555. We are here to help!

Don’t wait, elections can be called any time! Don’t get left behind! Thank you to everyone who has registered to vote thus far. We are all in this together!

It is time we focus on land, housing, jobs, education and healthcare for our people. We cannot let unscrupulous leaders keep holding us back John Saldivar(the UDP rejected him, Belmopan will reject him too) made his bed, now he is forced to lie in it. He thought that Belizeans were going to overlook his unprincipled behaviour by telling them that he was using Lev Dermen’s money for sports.

A thought: It is important that as a community we give our kids safe spaces to play, compete, and recreate to encourage a healthy, balanced lifestyle. I look forward to continue serving Belmopan as your new Area Representative after this year’s General Election. Together we can! ¡Juntos podemos! #OscarMiraforBelmopan #ProsperityandSecurityforAll Hon. Mike Espat, Toledo East

Planning a Country that works for all!

Meeting in the deep south with the cacao farmers. #sustainability #MakeBelizegrow

Hon. Jose Abelardo Mai, Orange Walk South El último viaje de la Zafra 2020......el último esfuerzo... la última gota!! Felicito a los cañeros porque ellos si...... se lo han ganado! The PUP is about love. The PUP is about Unity. The PUP is about you!! Welcome to the party!!

Hon. Julius Espat, Cayo South Drainage Works In Blackman Eddy Village A few days ago we observed intensive drainage work in Armenia Village and today we caught up with more work but this time in Blackman Eddy Village.

Village chairman, Mr. Keino Green, and his council teamed up Hon. Julius Espat to do some drainage work.

Chairman explained that this is necessary to alleviate the damage suffered during the rainy season.

Valley of Peace Market & Water System Cayo residents should come out and support the Valley of Peace Farmers Market. They have available fresh and very affordable fresh produce.

Delicious Food is also available. This is every Saturday from 5:00 am to 3:00 pm.

-----The village Water Board with funds managed under their leadership managed to make a $65,000.00 investment and acquired a new generator and a new water pump for the water system. The village chairman, Juan Arias and council will now be able to supply more easily their 5000 residents.

St. Margaret’s Village Football Competition After so many months away from the football field St. Margaret’s Village opened it’s doors to many football teams and continued a competition sponsored by the Village Council and area Representative Hon. Julius Espat.

Candice Pitts, Mesopotamia

Highlights from our MESOP Run for Change 5k and 10k marathon.

Fred Usher was able to bring together residents of Mesopotamia and Belizeans from Placencia, Cayo, San Pedro etc, to participate in a positive and meaningful event in Mesop. Proceeds from the marathon will help other young people in the community with sporting equipments. We continue to commend Fred and his entire team!

Fred and I would also like to thank all our sponsors: Mayor of Belize City, Bernard Wagner | Jack Quan | Public’s Super Market (downtown branch) | Patricia Ramirez | Those who donated refreshments | Those who prefer not to be named

Continued on page 21

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Continued from page 20 Special recognition to my Mesopotamia committee, family, and friends. We will continue to serve, develop, and rejuvenate MESOP! #mesopotamia #newbeginnings #bettermustcome ****** Mesop Run for Change Results 5k Male 1st Leon O’Brien 2nd Jahiem Usher 3rd Eaton Panton 5k Female 1st Sheerah Reevers 2nd Almira Augustine 3rd Nakisha Arzu 10k Male 1st Brandii Adolphus 2nd Albert Davis 3rd Ian Gordon 10k Female 1st Ana Lopez 2nd Jamie Usher 3rd Rossy Guardado Congrats to everyone and hope to see you at our next event!

Great respect and commendation to the young athlete from Mesopotamia, Fred Usher! As he said in his own words, the south side of Belize City is not just about young Black men who are violent. Communities on the south side, Mesopotamia in particular, have many people with talents we must recognize and highlight.

My team thanks Fred for reaching out and partnering with us. We thank the residents for coming out and supporting as well.

The young people personally entitled this marathon “MESOP Run for Change.” The name speaks for itself. For too long they have been neglected and denied opportunities to participate in their own development. They are yearning for a Change in their communities.

As their Standard Bearer, I am here to help them work towards that Change! #MESOPRunForChange #BetterMustCome Hon. Kareem Musa, Caribbean Shores I’m truly grateful to have had the opportunity to share in these special moments with Mr. Brackett and absorb life lessons from this very wise gentleman.

Jorge ‘Milin’ Espat, Cayo West Se aproximan las elecciones generales, un momento decisivo y crítico para Belize. Cayo Oeste, una de las áreas más abandonadas aun así teniendo un Ministro con el ministerio más fuerte en economía.

Pero sí, Cayo Oeste tiene mucho potencial, solo falta tener un buen representante que nos brinde la representación necesaria para abogar por un mejoramiento.

Today our team campaigned in Arenal. We were joined by Dr. Amin Hegar who reminded voters of the many projects that were accomplished in the area by the PUP and assured the residents that the PUP with Milin, will bring much needed progress to the area.

The people expressed their concerns and stated that they aren’t asking for much but basic services that the local village council and that the area representative should be providing but has failed to do: 24-hour medical services, road rehabilitation and maintenance of streets and drains, assistance to farmers in the area and true representation from a leader who will be available to the people at all times and not only during election season.

MILIN is committed to making it possible. He is a man of integrity and serious in making things happen. √We will WIN! √ We will SERVE! #2020AÑODELCAMBIO No desperdiciemos esta gran oportunidad para nuestro pueblo. Miremos la situación de nuestros pueblos. No vamos a avanzar si seguimos cayendo en las mentiras y falsas promesas de los que solamente buscan tener el poder.

Recuerden esto: no tendremos resultados diferentes si no intentamos algo diferente.

Esta vez no nos vamos a quedar atrás: ¡AHORA SI ESTAMOS LISTOS Y VAMOS A GANAR! ¡Tú lo haces posible! #tuvototienePODER #2020añodelCAMBIO Hon. Rodwell Ferguson, Stann Creek West Never before in my political career I have seen so many people want to register to vote. We will reach 9000 voters by month end.

Hopkins We are ready for the basketball marathon.

Medals was handed over to our sporting councillor. #unityisstrength ---Placencia The best campaign is to visit all the houses whether red or blue, then you will be able to analyze the result of the election in advance. I have walked 85 percent of the villages house to house and the reception is great.

I will finish walking all the villages and communities before the election date. Yesterday and today

I walked Placencia I never felt like this before a very warm reception. It is a village that is a strong supporter of the U.D.P. My wife is from there and I have maneuvered amongst the residents over the last 36 years and I maintained my integrity. They all love me but by tradition they maintain their support for the U.D.P. This time around it will be different. The majority of them will support me as an individual, thank you well appreciated.

Hon. Oscar Requena, Toledo West

Calling on the Ministry of works to urgently address the bad condition of the Mafredi road to Santa Teresa and beyond.

This is very important road artery for our district.

Nothing was done during the dry weather to properly rehabilitate our road network in Toledo so it will only get worse with the rains.

Dolores Balderamos Garcia, Belize Rural Central

I fully support the UB FACULTY AND STAFF UNION! The faculty and staff along with the students of UB are the heart and soul of our National University. Their voices must be heard and respected!

The Board of Trustees must not act in bad faith and make decisions that will impact faculty, staff and students without full and transparent disclosure of all relevant information including financial data and without full good faith consultations and discussions with these groups.

STOP THE ARROGANCE AND DISRESPECT!!

Andre Perez, Belize Rural South

On the campaign trail this week. My intention is to meet with the residents and recommit myself to the residents of our islands. Look out for me in San Mateo. Share with us your concerns, your suggestions and your vision. Together, we will transform our communities and move forward to prosperity. The victory is for the people!

Heredia is scrambling and desperate! He knows that the people have lost faith in him and he is losing favor with everyone! For the first time in many months his office is in full swing giving parcels numbers of land that he has been promising for YEARS! His delusion is real - even with his 1500 lots the people of San Pedro and Caye Caulker will send him home.

Dear residents, take the land because you deserve it and VOTE HIM OUT. A proper housing project will be rolled out under the leadership of the PUP and you will not be left behind.

Go get yuh land and crowd up his office, it wan be the last time u see him in there!

Heredia say he got wah lot fu giveaway! #HerediaFails #TimeToGo #WeDeserveBetter David J. Castillo, Corozal North

#planBelize #changeiscoming Allan Pollard, Queen’s Square

David Castillo, Corozal North Campaign Team and Paraiso PUP Committee had another successful yard meeting this past Sunday 19th July 2020!

Thanks to all the villagers who came out to listen and support! The people of Paraiso are ready for a change! The people of Paraíso are no longer being deceived by empty promises and last minute political gimmicks by the Government and minister! #daveforcorozalnorth

Over the weekend I visited the residents of Queen Square after they’ve expressed their concern about improper garbage disposal in the neighborhood.

Without hesitation I gathered the materials needed to help with this issue!

I’m here to remind the residents of Queen Square that they are no longer forgotten! # A l l a n Po l l a r d fo r Q u e e n Square #planBelize #TheTimeIsNow #AManwithaPlan----“A little change makes all

the difference!”

It’s not strange to want to make a change, and it’s definitely not strange to the residents of Queen Square either. They are ready!√

Continued on page 22

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HIDDEN PAGES OF OUR STORY

By Ricardo Moguel Rosado On the 30th of July 1847 began the most important indigenous social uprising in the Americas, the Maya Social War, misnamed in the annals of History as the Caste War. This war occupies a fundamental period in the History of both Yucatan and Belize as it played a major role in eventually defining our borders with Mexico.

Ever since the Yucatan conquest that began in 1524 and throughout the centuries that followed, the native people of Yucatan, the Maya, were considered inferior, humiliated and exploited. Their land was forcibly expropriated from them. They were considered chattel, sold to Cuba as slaves, forced to join the Federal army and fight the Texas War with Santa Ana. They were not considered citizens of Yucatan thus had no rights. Despite this, there were 12 major rebellions in the region since the conquest but were quashed by the army. Yucatan of 1847 offered the opportunity for a revolt that was seeking the opportunity for it to happen.

This was the longest war in the Americas, many claim to have ended in 1901 when General Ignacio Bravo captured the capital of the rebel territory, Chan Santa Cruz and Bacalar.

The official peace treaty was signed in the 1930’s in Chetumal, capital of Quintana Roo. The war lasted 83 years.

This war was not a sporadic eruption of discontent but a well thought out military campaign by seasoned military men, 11,000 0f them that had engaged and succeeded in the 1841 war for the second Republic of Yucatan. In 1821, Yucatan was an independent nation, the first Republic.

Before the Maya Social War there were 11 major uprisings by the Mayas on the peninsula. Nachan Kan and Gonzalo Guerrero were the first to resist the Spanish incursions. There were 19 city states in the region and Belize then named Dzuilinicob, and Nojpeten were the cradle of resistance until they fell in 1697. They lost the war but were not defeated as resistance continued throughout. One of the major uprisings was led by Jacinto Ca’neck, the black serpent, in 1761. This mirrored the dignity and hidden resentful pride of a subjugated people. He waged conventional warfare and was defeated. The importance of this uprising showed that the Maya were willing and able to join a resistance movement en masse if there was an established Maya military hierarchy that could offer hope.

The reason there was a social

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uprising in 1847 was because there was a Yucatan war for independence in 1841. Santiago Iman led this revolt and he made many social promises to the Maya if they joined the revolution. Eleven thousand of them did including Nohoch Mac, leaders like Jacinto Patt, Cecilio Chi, Antonio Ay, Bonifacio Novelo and many others who played important roles in the subsequent war. Yucatan gained its independence for seven years. The Maya Social War strangulated this dream and forced Yucatan to offer its sovereignty in 1848 to many nations such as the USA, England and Mexico.

2020

Continued from page 21 #TheTimeIsNowBelize #PlanBelize #AllanPollardforQueenSquare ------The mission is to transform hoods to communities! Saturday Bbq for the residents of George Street, special thanks to the team for their help in putting it all together. The people of Queen Square are ready for change! The time is now Belize! #AllanPollardforQueenSquare #GeorgeStreet #SaturdayBarbq #CampaignTrail #TheTimeIsNow #PlanBelize

Oscar Arnold, Collet

Good morning, a very special good morning to all residents of collet. We would like to inform those of you who reside on Maskall street that some upgrading of the street will be done this week.

We do apologize for any inconvenience but because of the abandonment and neglect by Patrick Faber and the past City Council, We felt obligated to accomplish this project for the betterment of our people. Thanks for your understanding #TeamPolo---We cannot forget the fabric of our society, The youths big up to

(Rebel Army)

CYM Collet Youth Movement #TeamPolo BILL OF RIGHTS TO THE PEOPLE OF COLLET FROM OUR GREAT PARTY. FIRST – Every Belizean should have access to a piece of land.

SECOND – Every Belizean should be able to own a decent home.

THIRD – Every Belizean should be given the chance to go to school from pre-school to junior college.

FOURTH – Accessibility to quality basic health care is critical, which means every Belizean should be enrolled in the National Health Insurance Program.

FIFTH and most important, the driving force behind it all is JOBS COLLET IT’S OUR TIME #TEAMPOLO #TRUEBLUE #PUP Marconi Leal, Belize Rural North During the Colonial era, It was illegal for a Maya to own a weapon in Yucatan. During the War for independence, 11,000 of the Maya, including many local leaders, were not only given weapons but trained to use them.

After the war they returned home in the jungles and buried their weapons. When the new Nation of Yucatan under Miguel Barbachano returned to the 1825 Constitution and broke the promises to the Maya, it was the right time for retaliation.

By 1849 the Maya conquered two thirds of the Yucatan peninsula and the city of Merida was on their gun’s sights.

After much deliberation it was decided that they could not conquer and occupy and defend a city from a major onslaught from Santa Ana and the Federal troops from Mexico. The Maya were guerilla fighters not city dwellers. In Merida, the president of Santa Ana could easily defeat them. They did not want to commit the same mistake as Jacinto Ca’neck so they returned to the jungles.

History books claim that superstition and desire to plant the fields because of the coming rains propelled them back home to their milpas. Why did they not return to their milpas during the war for Yucatan Independence?

Yucatan lost half its population during the war, 250,000 causalities. According to John Kenneth Turner in ‘Mexico Barbaro’, fifty families still controlled Yucatan in 1908. Two times governor of Yucatan, Olegario Molina owned 6 million hectares of land in Yucatan. There were 8.000 imported Yaqui Indians from Sonora, 3,000 Orientals, between 100,000 to 125,000 Maya indentured slaves.

Today the residents of Biscayne Village had the opportunity to meet and speak with BRN PUP Standard Bearer, Marconi Leal and team, as they went house to house in the community to hear the concerns of the people and share their mandate.

Castro is an EMBARRASSMENT and DISGRACE to the People of Belize Rural North! Edmond Castro is all about himself! He is not worrying about his party’s convention and worst his people!

All he is focused on is his own pocket!

How can we look up to someone who he himself is breaking the law, no Mask ! Yet poor people are getting charged for not wearing a Mask! This man has no shame! Wake up people of Belize Rural North! This man has failed in every way possible! He does not deserve to be a representative no more! Vote for a change! VOTE Marconi Leal PUP The PUP will win the next General Election! Change is coming to BRN! “Powered by the People! The Machinery is certainly fueling up! The The BRN Team is ready to work and ready to serve BRN! There is lots of of work to be done but the journey continues! CHANGE is NEEDED! Louis Zabaneh, Dangriga

Football Marathon in Hope Creek Village.

Special thanks to Chairlady Le-keisha Beverly Staine and Team for organizing such a spectacular event. Dr. Zab for sponsoring the Football Marathon and most importantly everyone who came out to support, you all made this event a success.

Thank you!

Dr. Zab has showed full support for the teachers and students of the University of Belize. He was even one of the speakers giving of his heart and his knowledge as his doctorate is in the education field.

Ed. Note: Please be mindful that these are excerpts. For other pictures, comment, releases, and posts of our PUP leaders visit, like and follow their FB profiles and pages. Also be a fan of the Whip Show at 7:30

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A 2nd WARNING -

MALNUTRITION LURKING HEAVY ON THE HEELS OF COVID 19

By Senator Hon. Elizabeth Bennett

So as COVID 19 continues to impact millions globally, Belize will be sure to continue to feel its economic, social, health, and political impact as a small developing country. We know what it is like to be out of job, have less access to importation of certain produce from neighbouring countries, and unfair distribution of pantry rations and financial aid just to name a few factors.

Hence, I deem it of great importance to address malnutrition as a national issue at the adjournment of the Senate debate last week Wednesday July 15th, 2020. I called on parliamentarians of the ruling party to get serious about the nutritional health of the people of Belize. Not surprising, a few UDP senators walked out, some grumbled loudly and other sighed deeply in the chambers as though they were bored out of their minds whilst I presented this issue of national interest. I was not distracted by their ill-mannered behaviour in anyway.

But I reflected on the fact that, the behaviour was the same when I sounded the alarm of COVID-19 in the Senate debate of March 2020.

At that time, they were more occupied with themselves as they were trying to choose a leader instead of planning and safe-guarding the lives of Belizeans and the economy of the nation. Yet in that debate, I was accused of politizing COVID-19.

It didn’t bother me then nor will it ever, as I will continue to sound the alarm on any national issue because

of the oath I took of serving the people of Belize.

So yet again I am sounding the alarm that malnutrition, if not addressed effectively and efficiently

by GOB, it will impact the productivity of this nation spinning us into further poverty as a nation, declining health, civil unrest and as well as increased incidences of crime and violence as some people will fight and steal and even kill for food out of sheer desperation. The provision of food for those in need is a basic responsibility of GOB. The saying, “a hungry man is an angry man” is very true. When the brain does not have enough glucose which we get from the foods we eat, we quickly become angry or irritable and at times act irrational or out of character. I echo the words of Robert Jenkins UNICEF Global Chief of Education who said, “Schools in the majority of countries worldwide have closed.

It is an unprecedented situation and unless we collectively act now to protect children’s education, societies and economies will feel the burden long after we’ve beaten COVID-19. In the most vulnerable communities, the impact will span generations,” UNICEF Press Release May 7, 2020.

The impact of malnutrition is as ugly as sin and the negative im-

23 pact is life long if not addressed in the early years of life. And I sincerely believe that malnutrition should never be so prevalent for a country like Belize with so much uncultivated land. As a country, malnutrition has already been deemed a severe problem since 2015 when a research study showed that over 16 percent of children under the age of five suffered from stunting caused by malnutrition. Approximately five percent of children under the age of five were underweight.

I research strategies to impact this national issue and duly guide the formation or strengthening of policies. In contrast, the UDP Senators walk out as I presented on this matter of national interest. That is significant and simply shows their lack of interest on this major health issue. The people of Belize are watching and the people will make that change come this General Election!

Why? Because the people of Belize know their lives matters and they know they deserve a better, happier, healthier way of life!

In the end, Belizeans will vote for their best interest and will vote for leaders who are sincerely interested in serving the country!

PUP – MEETING THE NEEDS OF THE PEOPLE!!

24

THE BELIZE TIMES

THINK ABOUT IT

GOVERNMENT SHOOTS DOWN WORKERS Wednesday 22 July, 2020 - Breaking news - as we are writing the news flash is that government’s brutal GSU, a paramilitary unit which operates outside the law has shot several workers who were peacefully gathered on the compound of the Port of Belize in the Yarborough Area Belize City. This is a sensational development and the fallout will result in the huge black eye to the falling government.

The Port of Belize is engaging in union busting and law breaking. In no democracy can an employer fire two dozen unionized employees whilst the union is in bitter negotiations and has Notified Industrial action.

It is also illegal for the Port or any employer to arbitrarily reduce the salaries of its employees. Not only is this a breach of the terms and conditions of workers contracts, it is a violation of the Constitution of Belize which prohibits the arbitrary deprivation of property and the law says salaries are workers’ property.

G.I. JANE This is a story of awesome strength and endurance. It also offers a glimpse into petty political victimization and misogyny.

The Belize Police Department has 2,200 members. It consumes 50 million dollars of taxpayer’s money each year. It is focused on quantity not quality. There is no modern management structure to this large, unwieldy organization.

There is no Ministry oversight, no regulatory mechanism. There are no policy goals. If there exist a mission statement, it is merely paper posted on a notice board.

A research into the Ombudsman’s Annual Reports highlights that the Police occupy the number one slot for citizen’s complaints. Former Police Minister Wilfred Elrington characterized sections as comprised of goons and thugs. Simeon Sampson, former President of the Human Rights Commission says the Police have become a law unto themselves.

There is no zero tolerance for indiscipline, unprofessional conduct and the ever increasing physical abuse of citizens, particularly poor black Belizeans. Two or three weeks ago a massive contingent of three hundred police, many in military uniforms descended on areas of Southside Belize City. Brute force, massive disrespect, breaking down doors in their pre-dawn operation. They carted off ninety odd young men and a few women and ending up unlawfully imprisoning 27 persons.

This latest widening of mutual disrespect between citizens and police could have been handled entirely different. But state sponsored terrorism and beating young people is now the face of policing. Write – “here lies the first casualty, the death of community policing, others to follow.”

There is hope. The vast majority of police are not of that. A change of government is increasingly likely. A new government will bring a new Minister, a new Permanent Secretary and a new police department. The top tier of the Police Department has to go. For it is written in the gospel of Matthew Chapter 9 - Verses 14 to 17- you do not put new wine into old bottles, the bottle will break and the wine will waste.

Belize cannot continue to journey down the road of Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala, where the police are the enemy of the people. Police are paid to protect the people. In Belize, the people need to be protected from the police. How did we ever reach such a low?

Against this backdrop is GI Jane. More than a decade ago she must have been starry eyed. She must have wanted to do her duty to help us fight crime. She joined the Police Department. Over the years she diligently served her country. Along the way she obtained a university degree. Then she continued and achieved a Master’s degree—a huge asset to the police.

But (there is always a ‘but’) her family are PUP. Her dad is a famous PUP. Her mom, a heroin in all respects, is blue blood PUP, it runs in her veins. Should the daughter be victimized for who her parents are? Yes, under Dean Barrow’s government that is standard operating procedure.

So the young lady becomes a corporal. Because she passed the police exams.

Finally a sergeant. Yes! A Master’s degree wasting away. Diligence, dedication, competence, hard work and brains mean nothing.

There are those who fail the police exams and are promoted. It speaks volumes for any organization to disrespect brains and intelligence.

On Thursday last week the news mentioned several promotions in the department. Our GI Jane was mentioned as “acting Inspector.” Not even an acting Superintendent. There is provision in the law for accelerated promotions. She deserved promotion long ago. Fifteen years of top performance and acting Inspector is all she gets. This is nothing short of injustice. Injustice against a competent and qualified woman officer. The officer suffered her crucifixion in silence. It takes extraordinary strength to suffer 39 lashes, a crown of thorns and vinegar pushed in her mouth, without ever crying out.

The strength of a woman!

Now you know why intelligent young graduates don’t join the police department.

And you now know why brute force and ignorance is the preferred method of tackling crime.

CHAMBER CHASTISES ATTORNEY GENERAL The Chamber of Commerce felt constrained to issue a rare and unusual rebuke to the Attorney General.

It is the first time in Belize’s history that the business and commercial sector felt obliged to publicly chastise a high ranking legal advisor to government.

The Attorney General, who is a government Senator has fallen into a trap in which he behaves as if he is one of the mouth pieces of the UDP radio. He frequently resorts to petty personality attacks and ad hominem against other Senators, both opposition PUP and the social partners’ representative (except a certain pious pastor

26 JUL

2020

Senator).

One of the AG’s frequent targets is the Senator for the business and commerce sector of the country, Mark Lizarraga.

Senator Lizarraga uses no bombast, no rhetoric, no pompous performance.

His effectiveness is employing facts, figures and data as he speaks truth to power.

No amount of childish insults, false labels and personality attacks will deter Senator Lizarraga from educating the public while holding government to account.

MONEY SCANDAL The PUP’s fiery morning show host, Vaughan Gill recently revealed a disturbing piece of information. In exposing the government’s heartless treatment of a police officer injured in his face while seeking to protect citizens from criminal attack, Vaughan raised the question about the past President of the Police Association who has been collecting five dollars monthly from almost one thousand officers.

This collection has been going for almost five years without any accounting by the outgoing President. At $60,000.00 per year for five years, $300,000.00.

The Ministry responsible for police needs to call in the Auditor General immediately. This is the hard earned monies of police officers.

26 JUL

FIX IT PERRERA

On Friday July 17, 2020 the Governor General of Belize Sir Colville Young officially swore in the new Chairman of the Elections and Boundaries Commissioner, Attorney-at-Law Estevan Perrera. In an interview conducted following his swearing-in, Mr. Perrera was asked by a reporter, “Can we get an assurance from you that at this time that there won’t be a situation in the future, where you’re still chairman of this Commission, and an accusation can be levied at you that may be a decision that you made benefits one party or the other?”

Now it is no secret that Mr. Perrera is, in the eyes of most, a rabid UDP supporter. His response, however, is comforting but I can assure you, I will not hold my breath and expect him

25

THE BELIZE TIMES

2020

to do what he said… “I can assure the Belizean public that that won’t happen. Again, for everyone that knows me, my integrity is of utmost importance. I am a businessman in Belize. I’m an attorney as well. And so, I would not jeopardize the level of my integrity to sway one way or the other or to make a mistake or a decision such as what you’re saying. It is important that I hold myself steadfast.”

Mr. Perrera indicated as a footnote that he would ensure the Commission is properly equipped and ensure that proper safety measures are put in place for the upcoming General Elections in the time of Covid. May we suggest sir that you seek to first address the massive shortage of personnel at the Elections and Boundaries offices in most areas resulting in frustrated officers and even more frustrated voters seeking to get registered or transferred?

The long lines and ridiculous wait time requires you and the Commission’s immediate attention. Our democracy is way too costly to be treated with such utter disregard. Voters have been

made to wait in line for upwards of three (3) hours. This is unacceptable and cannot be countenanced.

Apart from the long lines and waiting times, voters and political operatives are also faced with offices closing at lunch time, contrary to policy.

Some have also complained of offices not opening on time, some as late at 10 a.m. This is an election year and the workload, though heavy, was expected and anticipated. It is normal for additional staff to be employed in most Elections and Boundaries offices during the transfer period, but again the ‘not normal’ and incompetence of the Barrow Administration is laid bare for all to see. We have five (5) weeks remaining in this year’s transfer period.

PM Barrow and Chair Perrera, fix the problems our voters are facing at E & B offices.

The bias shown by some officers is also an issue that must be addressed. The verification process of those registering and transferring also requires some serious and immediate attention. It cannot be that voters taken in to register by the workers and volunteers supporting the People’s United Party are stringently verified while

those taken in by the United Democratic Party receive a pat on the back of sorts. This is not the case in all offices but I must indicate that it is a problem in some offices and must be addressed by Mr. Perrera and the Commission.

Finally, it has been reported that some officers are providing first-hand information to operatives of the United Democratic Party. The People’s United Party has active scrutineers collecting voter information in all offices countrywide. The UDP does not.

Yet they get all information of the voters including phone numbers and are able to call each one even before the day is over. This seems simple on the surface but it is a major breach in the process and shows bias and corruption within the department.

This newspaper will not hold its breath to think that these pressing issues will be addressed but we seek to expose them in the hopes that the new Chairman of the Commission will hit the ground running and hold true to his comments. May the man of INTEGRITY be steadfast and true to his words and uphold the principles of our democracy that have been under constant threat since this corrupt UDP government came to power in 2008.

BILLION Dean Barrow Spending $1.4 NO TEETH

illegal and unconstitutional, says Chief Justice

Integrity Commission

Public Accounts Committee

Auditor General Contractor General

For the last 12 years ignored, underfunded, and immobilised by this UDP Government

EVIDENCE

and FACTS

BRICEÑO & ESPAT vs BARROW (LANDMARK CASE)

Violations of the Finance and Audit (Reform) Act Violations of the Contractor General Act

- $100 million spent in 2012/2013 was unconstitutional.

- 21 SPENDING BILLS from 2004 – 2018 passed by the Barrow Government all unconstitutional - injunction to restrain the Minister of Finance and the Financial Secretary from spending monies without prior parliamentary approval.

26

THE BELIZE TIMES

Omar Figueroa Dredges Versus Environmental Best Practises

Oceana is probably the leading environmental group in Belize that looks out for the health of the twelve nautical miles that belong to Belize and beyond. For them to write the Minister of the Environment and one with a Ph.D. telling him that he is hurting Belize via “dumping of unprecedented amounts of dredged materials in offshore locations” is damning and once again exposes the UDP as one that will bow to the almighty dollar in spite of Belize’s best interests.

The people of Belize will await the answer to this and the follow-up of real actions.

Ahead is the press release.

26 JUL

2020

26 JUL

27

THE BELIZE TIMES

2020

Barrow Bankrupts Belize Twice 1998 is here All over Again and Worse yet!

In 1998 only TWO of the UDP incumbents got back their seat and they are looking to stay with no seats this time.

The UDP power-crazed administration was convincingly swept out of government with only 3 seats for them to grieve with. In that fateful year for Cayo West, Erwin began his 22 years of neglect of Benque and surrounding areas.

GE 1998, PUP win, is still the most lopsided win since 1981 Independence and in 2020 the UDP are doing ALL they can to break this record into a non-countable piece. Back then the UDP’s Esquivel(petted by Barrow) had called elections on July 13 with the effect of a dissolved house on July 15 with a nomination day on August 11 and the General Elections to be held on August 27.

The 1998 UDP milked Belize to “No Moh, No Moh” up to the bitter end when the constitution kicked in an exact five years after their June 30, 1993 win. Exact, since the countdown to five years starts at the official launch of the UDP government on the date the House Meeting was held in 1993, a few days after the election polls. Confusing?

The 1998 UDP mockery motto was that “five years dah five years.”

Belize craved to see the 1998 UDP out. The Vatman was despised. The Minister of Everything even then was mean Dean. There was no doubt Esquivel was Dean’s puppet. The sucker Vat was really Dean’s. The Christmas Retrenchment is Dean’s. Since

then, Dean is still suffering PTSD.—he is horrified of the IMF which triggered the retrenchment.

In 1998, post elections, Dean was so traumatized of the mind-numbing loss that he could not show himself at the first of the House Meetings launching the first of two PUP Administration of 1998-2003.

The UDP’s wooden chairs at the novel al fresco meeting were empty just as Gapi’s House seat has been these last 3 years. Gapi learned well.

In 2012 and 2015, Dean hurriedly called elections and with dexterity and cunningness, more than popularity and record, squeaked by into eternal infamy.

Now Barrow is trying hard to create a last minute legacy as he moves on to pasture. TOO LATE. It seems that 1998 did not teach him anything. Maybe he did, Dean is shoving his UDP again into an election with a bankrupt

Belize. If he learned, Belize is not feeling it, we are suffering. Not even another twelve and a half years will help him.

Definitely. leadership is not in Dean O Barrow. Legacy is for those with giant minds and hearts. Dean thinks that he has a heart.

During the Covid pandemic, he and the UDP lost all hope for Belize and, subsequently, lost all hope from Belize. There is not one constituency in Belize that will vote for the now defunct UDP. History will sweep them up to be compared and reviled more than the cursed coronavirus itself.

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28

26 JUL

THE BELIZE TIMES

Decision Time

“Two roads diverged in a wood.

I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” from The Road Not Taken by poet Robert Frost.

By Gilroy Usher It is the responsibility of every Belizean to do everything possible to ensure that at the end of each year families and their communities are better off than in the previous year. After 12 and a half years of a UDP government with a yearly budget over $1.3 billion, the difference between the performance of the two major political parties during their last ten years in office is as clear as night and day. Belizeans should therefore have an easy task in selecting the better party to govern the nation in the fast approaching general election.

For over a decade the governing UDP invested millions of dollars in overpriced infrastructure such as roundabouts, roads to nowhere, and

government buildings that became the hallmarks of corruption as outlined in successive reports by the Auditor General. As a result of those bloated contracts many of the ruling politicians have become overnight millionaires.

With literally enough money to stone dog, the administration did nothing to address the pressing need for house lots, proper housing, jobs, improved access roads, greater access to education, and crime control. It’s therefore no surprise that poverty in the country has gotten worst under this administration.

Instead of serving the people several Minsters became embroiled in endless corrupt deals such as the Immigration scandal, the Sanctuary Bay $100 million U.S. rip-off, and the Danny Mason fiasco for which Mason and his small fry associates have been convicted of beheading a pastor.

For its part the Opposition PUP has learnt its lesson from its flaws when it was in government over a decade ago and has returned to its social

2020

justice roots, which puts the people at the center of development.

Under the Leadership of Hon. John Briceno the new PUP is committed to land for the people, proper housing for the needy, support of small businesses, and greater access to education and jobs to enable people to empower themselves, My Party is also committed to the expansion of water, electricity, and tele-communication services throughout the country.

In a true fight against corruption in government, the next PUP government will give up majority control of the Public Accounts Committee and the Integrity Commission, and it will do all in its power to unsure the implementation of UNCAC. Those and other anticorruption measures will result in the saving of millions of dollars that will be used to address the needs of the people throughout the country including the crime problem.

More than ever before Belizeans have taken the time to examine the state of their families and the community with red at the helm for over a decade. As a result of that assessment the people including scores of persons, who were once stalwart supporters of the government, have concluded that the country

is going in the wrong direction and have joined the blue machine to help elect a government that will show its concern for the people by its actions.

Today recognition must be given to all the brave activists in this country, who have switched their support from the red to the blue for the good of their communities and the country. Some of those brave Belizeans in Port Loyola are Miss Amanda Rene, Mr. Derrick Simpson, Mr. William “Bibi” Gillett, Mr. Ashton Daniels, and Miss Elswith Bell.

To all those persons, who may be contemplating a similar move, we say welcome to the big blue tent.

Join the blue machine in the fight for betterment for Belizeans from border to border.

We now know the stand of each party on the issues at hand. In our quest for national development that is inclusive of the people after the next general election, we must vote wisely in November or whenever the date. That’s because the party we select will make a huge difference in our lives for the next five years.

My choice is definitely BLUE. **Welcome to the blue tent.**

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26 JUL

2020

THE BELIZE TIMES

29

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26 JUL

THE BELIZE TIMES

2020

Faber, Patrick Jason Classless UDP 1st/2nd/3rd Term Final Progress Report

Issues

Term

Final

1st

2nd

3rd

Minister of Education

F

F

F

F

Retrenchment of School Wardens

A+

A+

A+

A+

Belize Civic Center

U

U

F

F

Attempts at Union Busting ($1Million Easter Cheer)

A

A

A

A

Herman Longsworth

F

F

F

F

Marion Jones Stadium (Auditor Gen Report)

-

F

F

F

Visa Recommendations for Unknowns

U

U

U

U

Crime (high dropout rates)

F

F

F

F

Vega and all the Land Issues

U

U

U

U

BNTU Issues

F

F

F

F

Respect for Teachers

F

F

F

F

School Retention of Students

F

F

F

F

Danny (250K??), Intelco Hill

U

U

U

U

Lev Dermen

U

U

U

U

Sanctuary Bay (Kanantik Education Courses)

A+

U

U

U

Corozal Pibil Tacos

-

-

A+

A+

Belizean economy

U

U

U

U

Women’s Issues

F

F

F

F

Submerging/Wrecking Government Vehicles

-

-

A+

A+

Useless Music Ambassador at NICH

F

F

F

F

Sports(Local and International)

F

F

F

F

Access to School

F

F

F

F

Julian Cho HS esp. w/ Simeon Coc’s $2 Million

-

-

F

F

Teacher’s Commission

-

F

F

F

Scholarships for Cronies(Fraser, Willoughby, Perdomo)

A

A

A

A

Secondary Education Financing Formula

-

F

F

F

Yellow Man’s Hiring & Firing Issue

-

F

F

F

Economy in Collet

F

F

F

F

Crime in Collet

F

F

F

F

Housing in Collet

F

F

F

F

Land Programs in Collet

F

F

F

F

Job availability in Collet

F

F

F

F

Covid State of Education

-

-

F

F

University of Belize Subvention

F

F

F

F

U – Ungraded meaning that is not assessable since he was guilty of inaction.

F – Definitely did not do anything to help the people of Belize.

A+ – He seemed to be happy with helping himself.

Future Outlook: With so much inaction on BIG issues happening around him, Patrick Joshua is eons away from being a leader. When half of a few delegates from a divided party vote for you there is a Patrick Joshua Faber demise awaiting. Since Patrick Joshua has to go through an election against a politically-inert Saldivar and the outcome is a virtual TIE then Patrick Joshua should start thinking of an improbable 2035 run.

Recommendation: Mr. Faber should go to John Briceño and request tips on how to beat Oscar Arnold. The UDP will be extremely lucky to come out of elections 2020 with a person in the House to be the UDP Leader of the Opposition.

26 JUL

Editor’s Choice: International

(aditivo)

Pandemia terminará en Quintana Roo hasta mayo de 2021: Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (Conacyt) Por Neftalí Hernández

Los números y las matemáticas raras veces fallan, por ello es de especial importancia conocer los datos de los expertos en tiempos de crisis y aún más, en tiempos de una epidemia a escala global como el coronavirus Covid-19.

La Conacyt reveló los datos del estudio “Estimaciones del Modelo Gompertz para los Estados y Zonas Metropolitanas de México”, referentes a la pandemia en nuestro país. Los datos resultan reveladores, en especial en un hecho que la gente quiere saber: cuándo terminará la curva de contagios.

De acuerdo con el estudio, a nivel nacional la curva de contagios podría terminar hasta el 1 de junio de 2021. En contraparte, los datos revelan que el punto máximo ya se alcanzó el pasado 8 de julio.

Zonas en las que se prevé tardará más en acabar la epidemia.

Coahuila, 25 de septiembre de 2021 | Baja California Sur, 26 de agosto de 2021 | Yuacatán, 14 de agosto de 2021 | Nuevo León, 29 de junio de 2021 | Q. Roo, 31 de mayo de 2021 | Tamaulipas, 2 de mayo de 2021 | Zacatecas, 14 de abril de 2021 | Colima, 31 de marzo de 2021 | Tabasco, 6 de marzo de 2021 | Campeche, 20 de febrero de 2021 (Lea más en sipse.com) (stluciatimes.com)

Grenada To Reduce Taxes On Airline Tickets CMC News:- Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell has disclosed that Grenada will soon be reducing taxes on airline tickets as part of measures aimed at encouraging intra-regional travel within the Caribbean Community

(CARICOM).

He said that this is being done as the Government implements various strategies to encourage travel within the region.

Speaking on the pending liquidation of regional carrier LIAT, Mitchell said that there are other airlines which will be filling the void left by LIAT which suspended its service in April after most regional states shut down airports as part of measures aimed at containing COVID-19.

LIAT which has served the region for more than 40 years has been experiencing financial challenges before the onset of COVID-19 and the closure of the airports around the regions placed in the airline states in a more difficult position. “So far, some countries and we will be following suit have in fact taken the initiative to reduce the taxes on airline tickets already. We will be doing so in the not to distance future,” he said without providing the timeline for government to make such announcement. (Read more at stluciatimes.com) (wixstatic.com)

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THE BELIZE TIMES

2020

No Carnival, no Carnival Monday holiday

By Sharefil Gaillard

Cabinet Secretary Benjamin Emmanuel has confirmed that Monday, July 20, 2020, what would have been Carnival Monday, will not be a holiday.

Over the years both in the public and private sector, time off has been given to employees to participate in carnival celebrations.

However, with the cancellation of Saint Lucia Carnival, like many others around the world due to the coronavirus pandemic, Emmanuel says: "There is really no basis on which time off would be granted for an activity that is not taking place."

Saint Lucia was under lockdown for several months which negatively impacted commerce and with no carnival, Mr Emmanuel believes that the time off which would been given for carnival rather should be better suited in resuscitation of the economy.

"I think people would appreciate and understand that with all the adjustments, the disruptions that we've had to make because of covid, as a nation both in the public and private sector, I think we would want to maximise the opportunities we have to gain some of the productivity lost as a result of those adjustments," said Emmanuel. (Read more loopslu.com)

(Prensalibre)

Protocolos identificación de coronavirus

complican cadáveres por

Por Katerin Chumil En el cementerio La Verbena están inhumadas 616 personas que fallecieron por el nuevo coronavirus, entre los cuales hay 56 cuerpos que no fueron identificados, hasta el pasado 12 de julio, según el informe de la administración del camposanto nacional compartido al Ministerio de Salud Pública y Asistencia Social (MSPAS).

Además, los lineamientos señalan que los familiares de la persona fallecida no pueden apoyar con el embalaje del cuerpo, solo lo hace el personal sanitario y el de la funeraria.

Estipula también que el cadáver debe ser colocado en una bolsa “especial” — una bolsa plástica—y dejarlo dentro del ataúd que, por seguridad no puede abrirse por nadie más. Los entierros se pueden hacerse en cementerios del Estado o privados. ¿Cuál es el protocolo que siguen los médicos para el manejo de cuerpos? se explicó que cuando un paciente que llega al Centro de Atención de Pacientes con Enfermedades Respiratorias (CAPERE) fallece, lo primero que deben hacer es confirmar si su prueba por covid19 dio positivo, luego avisan a su familia que murió la persona que estaba en el hospital y tienen seis horas para movilizar y enterrar su cuerpo. (Lea más en prensalibre.com) (Provided by Eat This, Not That! Students and travelers using public transport for commuting)

CDC Just Changed This Major COVID-19 Rule for Everyone

By Leah Groth

On Friday, they majorly updated their guidance targeted toward people who are fighting the virus at home. Someone with Symptoms: The CDC offers two approaches: one based entirely on time and symptoms and another on testing.

Tested positive: you should isolate for 10 days after symptoms first appeared—just as long as 24 hours have passed without a fever and without the help of fever-reducing medications and if key symptoms, like coughing and shortness of breath, have improved. If you have access to tests, you are free to leave the house if tests taken more than 24 hours apart come back negative....

If you are asymptomatic but test positive, you can leave isolation if you receive two negative tests taken within 24 hours of each other.

Healthcare workers that come into contact with high-risk individuals should isolate longer.

Those Who Have Been Exposed But Haven't Tested Positive still need to quarantine for 14 days (Read more at msn.com) (Noah Berger, AP; Black Lives Matter protesters gather)

'Wall of moms' at Portland protest formed to protect demonstrators

By Ryan W. Miller

July 20, 2020 'Wall of moms' at Portland protest formed to protect demonstrators A group of protesters in Portland formed a "wall of moms" during demonstrations over the weekend as the Oregon city saw continued tensions rise amid weeks of unrest and the presence of federal authorities.

The group of women formed what could be called a human shield dubbed the "wall of moms" at the front of a protest outside a federal courthouse on Sunday, and videos on social media showed the group chanting, "Moms are here, feds stay clear" and "Leave our kids alone."

Portland has seen nightly unrest since the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis on Memorial Day. The death of Floyd, a Black man killed when a white police officer pressed his knee into Floyd's neck, sparked massive protest around the country and a movement pushing for racial justice and changes to policing.

In Portland, federal agents from the U.S. Marshals SOG and an elite U.S. C&B Protection team based on the southern border have been deployed. However, shared videos showed federal agents using unmarked vehicles to detain people without explanation and drive off. The actions sparked a lawsuit from Oregon Attorney General who said the agents violated the civil rights of Oregon residents by using unlawful tactics.

(Read more at USAToday.com)

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