Belize Times July 8, 2018- Re-Registration brings Controversy!

8 JUL

SCAN HERE

2018

The Belize Times

Established 1957

8 JULY 2018 | ISSUE NO: 5104

The Truth Shall Make You Free

www.belizetimes.bz | $1.00

RE-REGISTRATION

BRINGS CONTROVERSY Belize City, 5th July, 2018 The long anticipated Voters Re-registration Process finally became a reality this past Monday 2nd July and both native and nationalized Belizeans are being afforded this opportunity as enshrined in our constitution.

However, there has been some controversy regarding the reregistering of the hundreds, if not thousands, of native Guatemalans who have acquired Belizean citizenship by nationality over the years.

It is being argued by some quarters that the Belize Constitution ex-

Pg. 2

BEL OVER CHARGING THE POOR Pg. 2

Pg. 8

DR. JANE USHER PRESENTED WITH

LIFETIME OF SERVICE AWARD

Pg. 2

3 ESCAPED from Hattie-Ville Central Prison

RE-REGISTER...YOUR VOTE MATTERS!

2 02

8 JUL

THE BELIZE TIMES

RE-REGISTRATION

BRINGS CONTROVERSY

Continued from page 1 plicitly banns Guatemalans from becoming Belizean citizens because they are natives of Guatemala who has an on-going claim to half of our Belizean territory.

Since there has been no official position by the government to make an about-turn on the law that protects the rights of all Belizean citizens with regards to their voting rights, which includes citizens by nationality, Guatemalans who have become Belizeans

by Nationality will be able to register or reregister and be eligible to vote in the upcoming April 2019 referendum to decide whether Belize should go or not, to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for a binding judgment on the existing Guatemalan claim.

As the law now stands, there is no illegally naturalized Guatemalans, they are Belizeans protected by the same constitution that protect native Belizeans and in the upcoming referendum all Belizeans will vote to decide whether Belize should go to the International Court of Justice to mediate and decide on a binding solution to the century old Guatemalan claim to Belize.

The last re-registration took place in 1997 which was the first since Independence but since then, it has been postponed twice until Monday when it was launched.

The According to the Representation of the People’s Act of 1978 Belizeans have to be living at a permanent fixed address in one of the 31 Constituencies for at least two (2) months in order to qualify to register as a voter and this is causing some degree of controversy with Belizeans of the diaspora.

It is believed by the wider voter population that this measure is necessary in the effort to clean up the existing Voters List from fraud and manipulation especially after observing how hundreds of Belizeans who take voting in an election as a vacation and who just signed up with corrupt politicians to be flown or bussed into Belize for that one day event, their entire cost of their trip is paid by the official party in government.

However, on Monday when the reregistration process was launched

countrywide, a newly formed activist group called a press conference was called at the Belize Institute of Management building to announce among other things that they are planning to lodge a constitutional challenge against the Elections and Boundaries Commission and Chief Elections Officer, Josephine Tamai, who declared in a prior press interview that Guatemalans holding Belize nationality would be allowed to be register or re-register as a voter.

In their press conference they also indicated plans to petition the government to lift the two months mandatory residence requirement in order to reregister as a voter in Belize.

As it is presently, all Belizeans need to be registered to qualify as a voter under the law and if you don’t register or register now then even if you were born in country, you won’t be able to vote in the referendum or any other future election.

There is a growing concern among the populace and that is because UDP’s Chairman, Alberto August, is also the Chairman of the Elections and Boundaries Commission who is responsible for the undertaking of this electoral reregistration process. Additionally, we have Doug Singh and Dean Barrow who self-appointed his self with the ministry for Elections and Boundaries.

As if that is not bad enough, it understood that the Elections and boundaries have hired over 300 new temporary workers to act as registering officers during the next two months, all of whom are believed to be loyalists of the ruling UDP Party in government.

It is widely speculated that this entire re-registration process is going to take place on an uneven level because of the obvious manipulation of the UDP party within the Elections and Boundaries Commission.

The Leader of the Opposition, Hon John Briceno had written to Prime Minister Dean Barrow requesting the presence of the OAS to serve as observers but was down played without a response and it is believed that un-less a day-to-day monitoring of the registration process can be carried out, anything can happen, we could just brace and hope for the better but expect the worse.

United States

on page 31 ExchangeContinued rate (USD): $ 0.50 of One Belize Dollar

Barbados (BBD): $ 1.00

Eastern Caribbean Euro (XCD):$ 1.35 (EUR) : $ 0.46

2018

3 ESCAPED from Hattie-Ville Central Prison Belize City, Wednesday July 4th, 2018 Prison Authorities from the Kolbe Foundation announced this week that three prisoners of Guatemalan nationality made a dash for freedom and escaped from lawful custody sometime between midnight and 3:00 am last Sunday 1st July 2018.

They are being identified as Encarnacion De Paz, 41 years of San Marcos, Dolores, Ronnie Lopez, 31 and Abraham DePaz of Corozal, Dolores all three of Peten, Guatemala.

Authorities claim that the trio made good their escape by removing louvers from a window from a dorm at the Remand section of the Rehab building they were assigned to as housing quarters however, they did not release any other de-

BEL OVER CHARGING THE POOR Belize City: 5th July 2018 The people of Belize are really feeling the pinch of burdensome taxes. Since the year started we have felt the effects of this cruel cold hearted government who has no consideration for the hard working people. They have raised the cost per gallon for gasoline at the pump, we are paying more for butane gas and now we are forced to pay more for electricity. BWS is also planning to raise the cost of potable water, what next?

In 2011 when this UDP Government took over control of the Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) from the Canadian based Fortis International, everybody felt like the UDP was the deliverer especially the UDP cronies and supporters who are now feeling the effects of deception.

Dean Barrow knew this was just another grab tub; same as was done with Belize Telemedia (BTL) which was nationalized in 2009 but appeared Before the taking of BEL, the former owners requested an increase in rates arguing that their operational cost had increased due to the serious drought the country had experienced that year which made the hydro dam useless, coupled with the then rising cost of fuel used by the sub stations around the country.

The high cost of purchasing electricity from Comision Federal de Electricidad (CFE) in Chetumal, Mex-

tailed information to indicate how these three Guatemalans made it over the high barbed wire fences or if they might have had inside assistance.

It is evident that these three prisoners are not locals and had no prior knowledge of their way out of the compound or the prison complex.

The men were on remand awaiting their court date for keeping in their possession an unlicensed firearm, ammunition, and additional immigration charges for illegally entering Belize.

So far this week, all-points bulletin (APB) and roadblock checkpoint operations for their recapture have proven fruitless, and it is believed that they have since crossed into Guatemalan territory.

ico, selling price was relatively high because they also use fossil fuel and their fuel acquisition price was increasing.

Barrow’s government back then, refused to allow that increase of rates back then and instead the government chose to nationalize BEL a few days later.

The price tag that came with that move cost the Belizean people more than $163.M in addition to giving back 30% of shares back to Fortis.

No sooner did they took control they used the Public Utilities Continued on page 4

The Belize Times

Established 1957

14 APR 2013

|

ISSUE NO: 4840

The Truth Shall Make You Free

www.belizetimes.bz

|

$1.00

serving Belize since 1957 as the longest continuous newspaper.

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

Fay Castillo EDITOR

Omar Silva

LAYOUT/GRAPHIC ARTIST

Chris Williams

OFFICE ASSISTANT

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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Sterling Pound Guatemala Quetzal CANADIAN DOLLAR CHINESE YUAN (GBP): $ 0.35 (GTQ): $ 3.85 (CNY): $ 3.28 (CAD): $ 0.67

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INDIAN RUPEE (INR): $ 33.71

8 JUL

2018

Koala’s Gene study promises solution to deadly sex disease

Despite being (possibly) the world’s cuddliest creature, the super-sweet koala is also one of the unluckiest animals on the planet.

Australia’s most famous tree hugger has been ravaged by sexually transmitted disease, attacks from dogs, being hit by cars and habitat loss.

Chlamydia has spread fast in koalas, causing infertility and blindness.

But scientists say decoding the genome should lead to an effective vaccine for the STD. In fact, researchers say they’ve been amazed by the information that’s been hidden in the marsupial’s DNA. While they didn’t find a gene for cuteness, they’ve worked out how koalas can survive solely on a diet of eucalyptus - which poisons most other creatures that consume it.

Genes that are switched on in the koala’s “cast-iron livers” appear to be responsible for the ability to detoxify the leaves.

Their DNA also equips them with powerful senses of smell and taste that allow them to sniff out the leaves with the most water in them; koalas will eat only those with at least 55% water content.

However, one of the great hopes

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THE BELIZE TIMES

from this five-year gene project is that scientists will be able to develop a vaccine against chlamydia, something which is present in the vast majority of the species.

Chlamydia is a horrid infection in koalas.

In addition to blindness and infertility, koalas endure something called “dirty tail”, a painful inflammation of the urinary tract that often results in the animal’s death.

Researchers have tested vaccines in the past but say the new information will speed up the process.

“The genome absolutely brings a vaccine closer,” lead author Prof Rebecca Johnson from the Australian Museum Research Institute told BBC News.

“It’s really critical information to continue the development of a chlamydial vaccine.”

“If you think about the advances that have been made in human medicine following the sequencing of the genome, we’re at the point in humans where you can sequence an individual and tailor-make the medicine based on their genome.

“That’s now the position we are in for koalas, having all that information at our fingertips.”

What is a genome?

A genome is the biological set of instructions required to make you, me and every living thing, including koalas. It is written in a chemical code called DNA. Genes are short sections of this DNA which serve as the templates for proteins.

Humans have around 20,000 genes, but the koala genome is slightly larger. The genome contains all the information needed to build a person, including obvious traits such as their hair and eye colour.

Will genetics protect koalas?

The koala is also a test case for the use of genetic information as a means of conserving species. As well as helping scientists develop new vaccines for diseases like chlamydia, understanding the koala’s genetic makeup will allow researchers to compare different populations.

This could perhaps help them move some creatures to prevent inbreeding and assist them with developing more effective immune systems against major threats.

Is promiscuity the cause of koala chlamydia?

Yes and no. Female koalas are highly promiscuous, while males spend a lot of their (few) waking hours fighting with others for the right to mate. Most males have scars from their battles on their arms, faces and ears. Koalas also inherit chlamydia,

catching it while they are developing in their mum’s pouch.

Can humans catch chlamydia from koalas?

The most common and deadly strain of chlamydia that affects koalas is different to the one that hits humans. Despite the urban myth that members of One Direction had contracted the illness from the animals during a photo shoot in Australia, there are no documented cases of humans catching chlamydia from the cuddly critters.

What does the future hold for koalas?

The scientists also say that having advanced genetic information will benefit long term conservation efforts. Koala numbers are set to shrink considerably in the next few years.

“Some populations are set to decline up to 50% in the next three koala generations, which is only 20 years,” says Prof Rebecca Johnson.

The team members hope that the genetic information can be used to move koala populations around, helping them resist disease and avoid inbreeding.

Are koalas dangerous?

They might look fluffy and cute, but they have been known to bite and have sharp claws.

“You probably want to stay away from them and admire them from afar,” says Prof Johnson. “I wouldn’t want to pick a wild one up under any circumstances. I don’t think they’ll thank you for it.”

Message from Hon. John Briceño, Leader of the Opposition

“Keeping our Promise to our Children” Hi everybody. By now you must have heard about our Belizean Bill of Rights, our Party’s bold idea to reduce poverty by a half; cut the trade deficit by a half; create full employment for women and young people; provide adequate health care for all and offer free education for every child from ABC to junior college.

It is this last goal, providing quality education for all our children, that I wish to address today.

At the rate and pace of global change the only real way to prepare our children for the careers of tomorrow is to ensure that they develop the skills that will increase their knowledge base and provide them with a curiosity for innovation.

Going forward as a nation will depend on how well we prepare our children for the future.

For the past decade, we have invested almost two billion dollars on education: has our education system improved?

Have we given teachers the training and the tools needed to do their job effectively?

Hum! Results show that our primary and secondary school students are not making any significant progress.

Math and science scores on the PSE show that for the past five years close to half of our children are failing.

If our children will be prepared for the jobs of tomorrow they will have to do better and learn a lot more than we did.

So we have to do more to make sure they complete primary school then go on to graduate from secondary school fully prepared for college and a career.

We in the PUP are committed to making sure that all our children get a chance at the best possible education and to do this we will work with stakeholders to develop policies that will not just look at things like test scores, but also look at the holistic development of our children.

To do this our teachers will need all the resources to get the job done.

Ten years ago I launched an initiative called Leap Forward, an idea to use technology to help our teachers better prepare our students.

Today I am happy to hear that at SJC they are creating apps to help teachers and students learn Belizean history.

Using technology to make things come alive in this very visual age is making education exciting and interesting.

We have to give every Belizean child, in every district, a fair shot.

We can do this with the money we have and without burdening parents with more expenses.

Denying a quality education to our children is wrong, so let’s make education a must for every Belizean child.

And while at it, let’s try new things so that we are investing in what is working.

Let’s us work together: teachers, parents and leaders to give all our children a real chance at a prosperous future.

Doing this is building a Belize that works for everyone.

Thanks, God bless and have a good week.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

BEL OVER CHARGING THE POOR

Continued from page 2 Commission to immediately slap an increase in the rate of 10% to the public consumers, the same increase that they refused Fortis. Soon after, they laid off quite a number of long serving employees to make way for their UDP unqualified cronies.

The government controlled BEL have been struggling financially because of the heavy staff (cronies) while the Belizean people are struggling with the exorbitant high electricity bill.

BEL has been borrowing heavily from the Social Security Board and other domestic and international lenders.

In 2013 they declared that their profit was $18.0m. That was a shock to everyone as the company was struggling. None the less they claim it was because they had used more hydro power and purchase less power from CFE. In 2015, 2016, 2017 BEL has declared $36.2M, $27.2M and $17.7M in net earnings.

These earnings seem very astronomical for any company in these hyper economical difficult times. Be-

CARTOON

lizeans are now struggling to pay their electricity bills via artificially high electricity rates BEL and their shareholders that includes Fortis is laughing all the way to the bank.

In profit they have sucked out $80.0M in three (3) years which have forced the private sector to price their goods and services astronomically high in order to cover the expenses of their operations which included the humongous and gouging electricity bill.

Just the thought of such obscene profits make every Belizean upset with this government. Now to make matter even worse the UDP government, via the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) have approved for an increase in electricity rates by 5%. This is a continuation of the UDP government gouging Belizeans using BEL. Therefore a bill for $100.00 in July will now be $106.00 with the increase plus the new GST charge of $13.25 making the total bill $119.25.

Prior to July 1, 2018 such a consumer was paying $100.00. Note as the bill increases the GST increases ex-

ponentially, example a bill of $200.00 prior is now $238.50 and so on.

Why couldn’t the electricity rates be lowered instead especially during these hard times compounded by the UDP government abnormally taxing the fuel at the pump. Why are Belizean households being held at ransom to pay these huge obscene bills in tandem with BEL racking up huge obscene profits off the backs of hard working Belizeans, while many businesses are allowed to close (246 businesses since 2015). Many of these businesses closed because they could not pay their operational costs along with the huge energy (electricity, petrol, butane, etc.) bills.

Those questions are easily answered when one look at how high the rates are and even when this government purports to reduce it, it is still the highest in the region. These high rates are the only reason the profits $80.0M could have been earned in the last three (3) years.

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8 JUL

2018

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

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

Thank You Holy Spirit.

C.A.B.

8 JUL

2018

THE BELIZE TIMES

05 5

EDITORIAL BEL ELECTRIC OVERCHARGE!

In 2011 when the UDP Government of Belize expropriated the Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) from the Canadian based Fortis International, all of the UDP cronies and supporters rejoiced.

They saw this move as another grab tub; same as was done with Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) which was expropriated in 2009. Prior to the expropriation, BEL management back then, was requesting for an increase in rates since their operational cost had increased due to the serious drought the country experienced that year which made the hydro dam useless, coupled with the then rising cost of fuel used by the sub stations around the country.

In addition the high cost of purchasing electricity from Comision Federal de Electricidad (CFE) in Chetumal, Mexico. CFE’s selling price was relatively high because they also use fossil fuel and their fuel acquisition price was increasing. The UDP government back then, refused to allow the increase of rates to then owners of BEL and instead the government chose to nationalize BEL a few days later.

What the expropriation did was take (BEL) from the the previous owners which burdened the people of Belize with a debt of $163.M in addition to returning 30% of BEL back to Fortis. This allow them veto power over major decisions such as making sure BEL keep purchasing power from BECOL, the hydro dam, which is owned by Fortis.

Upon taking over BEL, the government used its regulatory arm, the Public Utilities Commission to immediately slap an increase in the rate of 10% to the public consumers. The same increase that Fortis had requested but government had refused a few weeks earlier. Soon after, they laid off quite a number of long serving employees to make way for their UDP unqualified cronies.

The government controlled BEL have been struggling financially under the heavy staff (cronies) while the Belizean people struggled with the high, exorbitant electricity rates. Now, BEL has been borrowing heavily from the Social Security Board and other domestic and international lenders.

In 2013 BEL declared that their profit was $18.0m. That was a shock to everyone as the company was struggling. None the less they claim it was because they had used more hydro power and purchase less power from CFE. In 2015, 2016, 2017 BEL has declared $36.2M, $27.2M and $17.7M in net earnings.

These earnings are astronomical for any company in these hyper economical difficult times. While Belizeans are struggling to pay their electricity bills via artificially high electricity rates BEL and their shareholders that includes Fortis is laughing all the way to the bank.

In profit they have sucked out $80.0M in three (3) years which have forced the private sector to price their goods and services astronomically high in order to cover the expenses of their operations which included the humongous and gouging electricity bill.

Just the thought of such obscene profits make every Belizean upset with this government. Now to make matter even worse the UDP government, via the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) have approved for an increase in electricity rates by 5%. This is a continuation of the UDP government gouging Belizeans using BEL. So much so that many households cannot afford to pay the present inflated bills and are promptly disconnected, and the same situation exists with small businesses which have had to close down due to high electricity bills. Note for further emphasis the government is charging 12.5% GST on every bill that exceeds $100.00.

Therefore a bill for $100.00 in July will now be $106.00 with the increase plus the new GST charge of $13.25 making the total bill $119.25. Prior to July 1, 2018 such a consumer was paying $100.00. Note as the bill increases the GST increases exponentially, example a bill of $200.00 prior is now $238.50 and so on.

As mentioned earlier, the Government of Belize is the majority shareholder of BEL and therefore will get the lion share of the net income that has been earmarked by BEL directors for dividends payment, which averages $.30 per share. What have the government done with this huge sum of the gouged money? Will they squander it on their cronies for Pibil and tacos?

Why couldn’t the electricity rates be lowered instead especially during these hard times compounded by the UDP government abnormally taxing the fuel at the pump. Why are Belizean households being held at ransom to pay these huge obscene bills in tandem with BEL racking up huge obscene profits off the backs of hard working Belizeans, while many businesses are allowed to close (246 businesses since 2015). Many of these businesses closed because they could not pay their operational costs along with the huge energy (electricity, petrol, butane, etc.) bills.

Those questions are easily answered when one look at how high the rates are and even when this government purports to reduce it, it is still the highest in the region. These high rates are the only reason the profits $80.0M could have been earned in the last three (3) years. BEL stated that the reason they made the huge profit was because they had lower acquisition cost of electricity. BEL have kept the rates artificially high so that large dividends can be paid to this broke UDP government so they can fill the pockets of all their cronies and hangers on. Belizeans are not only going pay back for the squandering and stealing of the Petro Caribe loan, but now they know they are providing more money (dividends) for the government to steal via the high gouging done by BEL due to abnormally high rates.

6 06

THE BELIZE TIMES

The Way It Was, However...

EVER since our Independence in 1981, certain inherent standards that we enjoyed under the British have systematically deteriorated. Even before self-governance, we had benefitted from strict adherence to laws and governmental policies. Administrative responsibilities were carried out without fawn or favor. Life in British Honduras was typically archaic. However all this changed to a favored system of familiarity that has bred contempt in our now 36-year old nation. This is precisely the seed that engendered a division in our people. A policy of “rewarding-only-friends” or “if-you’re-notwith-me-you’re-against-me” (spiritual words credited to Jesus, but used otherwise) that was practiced then, supported the same concept of imperialism that we so vehemently fought against.

It was blackmail! The betterment of economic and living standards was forthcoming only to favored partisans of the time.

For years masses of our people, under a self-governed Belize (British Honduras), felt forsaken. It was not until 1978 I think, when the 18-year-old vote was made law that things started to change. Young voters led the charge

IN MEMORIAM

and added to the popularity of the then Opposition to win majority seats, first in rural areas then City Council and eventually in Parliament. The Opposition became the government for the first time after 30+ previous years rule by cunning political leadership. It was “Redemption Time”.

Newly Independent Belize had been brought to the brink of bankruptcy of that first Belizean administration.

Our dollar had already been devalued and was on the verge of being devalued further. (US$1 was BZ$1.40 devalued to BZ$2.00) Government was unable to pay teachers and civil servants, debts were piling up. The economy had reached a point of stagnation. There was an air of rebellion and the Opposition then was the only consolation. Then began a slow gain on the ground, first in the rural and then at the city council levels. Eventually there was a new government of the young nation of Belize by the then Opposition.

The economic situation normalized and began an upward trend in living.

Belize had rebounded from certain insolvency by leaps and bounds. Belize was given complimentary international appraisal especially by our Caribbean neighbors.

Today the present government is in thrice consecutive terms on “repair

mode” of a previous maladministration that had undermined our democracy; and once before under the leadership of Sir Manuel Esquivel. Belize has always enjoyed prime relations with America & the rest of the world, for that matter; because of this our Belize passport was in demand.

The system of citizenship had been waylaid and exploited by opportunists. Under this same previous maladministration, the nation had developed international attraction for impropriety. We had become a nation reputed for sheltered accommodations. Our flag was being flown on foreign illicit associations. Talk about “selling our birthright…”? Presently we are still saddled by some aspiring economic parasites who, even now in collaboration with foreign interests, scheme at exploiting and subverting favored patriotic designs.

We must not be so gullible as to not be informed about “strange bedfellows”.

If we are true to ourselves and love our country we would research our past history. I think some people intentionally don’t support the idea that the young of our nation should be informed of our past. This subjective mindset, besides being shortsighted, ignorant and selfish, is full of guilt. This mentality has no place within the ranks of the exalted in governance. And if we, that seemingly know better, don’t enhearten the publication of our history, share the same guilt as

New Traffic Lights for Belize City

Allan Pollard In Loving Memory of my adorable son

KAREEM JABBOR CLARKE Sunrise: November 21, 1987 Sunset: July 6th, 2015

We miss you dearly, we know that you are in a better place With our Almighty creator. Just as a seed has to die for the tree To flourish, we know that you are watching over us to see the good that prevails over evil.

Sadly missed by mother: Julia Clarke, 2 sisters: Melanie Young & Jamala Herrera, other relatives and a host of friends.

Sleep on Son!!!!

Belize City: 5th July 2018 Belize City Councillor, Allan Pollard, has announced that some two dozen traffic lights will be installed around the busiest junctions of Belize City similar to the one already installed at the junction of Central American Blvd and Vernon Street.

Pollard said that the new traffic lights are already here and they are fully functioning and ready to be installed. He added that they will be installed with the assistance of the ministry of works. Pollard said that his department has been writing to the ministry to get installed as quickly as possible. He said that the lights will be more efficient instead of using officers in these hot spot areas every morning and evenings.

Without the lights, peak hour traffic have caused many accidents.

He took the opportunity to thank the ministry starting the process of installing them.

Councillor Pollard also announced the Council is also easing the burden of Taxi Operators 50% off the new fees.

We must recall that the last UDP Council focussed on organizing the taxis into unions and charging a twenty dollar operators’ fee for each cab driver across the 13 unions. Pollard says - following up on an election promise - the new council has cut that fee in half.

Pollard said: “For me that’s been most of my job dealing with the taxi people. Last week we’ve passed a resolution in the council to slash the current service fee in half, which was 20 dollars per month for each taxi. We slashed that and we brought it down to 10 dollars, so the taxi people they really appreciate it, they operators, the drivers, really appreciates it. So it’s one stepping stone to getting where we want to be and that’s what we campaigned on the platform, we met with a lot of taxi operators before elections and that was the concern from them and we’re happy to address that.”

Pollard says they can afford to half the fee because the traffic department’s revenue has increased by 30%

8 JUL

2018 those that don’t encourage it. History is priority in any civilization! Our history has been, for the most part, peaceful in comparison with others, and we should be proud of it. It is our civilized responsibility to archive as “a people”. Stories & pictures of our past should be made published. Love TV had been doing an audio-visual good job!

Governance today can create far more long-term benefits for our people especially in the areas of quality education for our young. Remember Science & Math. Again P.E./Sports disciplines need to be in place in all schools. This would benefit mostly the underprivileged to become privileged; and by so doing bring their talents to bear collaboratively, supporting the concept of “empowerment”. Kudos is in order for those schools that already have P.E. and paid instructors within their curriculum.

Nothing unites our country more than does sports in an international arena!!!

ST. JUDE NOVENA May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved Throughout the world now and forever.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us.

St. Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us.

St. Jude, helper of the helpless, pray for us.

Say this prayer nine times a day for nine days.

It has never been known to fail.

Publication must be promise.

D.I.C.

LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICE Notice is hereby given that Ariola Morales is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “K & R Fruits & Vegetables Shop” located at # 1863 Levi Slusher Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Md. Sharifuzzaman, Shahnaj Kamil, Shuman Ahmed, Farjana Bilkes & Md. Azad Miah are applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Atlanta Tour & Deli -2” located at # 111 North Front Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

8 JUL

2018

THE BELIZE TIMES

07 7

Central Bank Revokes Choice Bank’s Operational License Belize City, Wednesday July 4th, 2018 The Central Bank of Belize announced that as of last Friday 29th June 2018, the operating license of Choice Bank was revoked by the Governor of Bank, Joy Grant, after careful consideration. This order prohibits Choice Bank from continuing with international banking operations.

According to the Governor, International banks licensed in Belize are prohibited from doing business with residents of Belize with exceptions described under the law. She said that the Central Bank had taken its responsibilities very seriously to protect the assets of both residents and non-residents alike. Governor Grant assured the public that the situation and measures taken is specific to Choice Bank alone as it does not involve or affect the safety or soundness of any other domestic or international bank licensed in Belize. She said that the Central Bank took this strong action after a comprehensive examination of the facts, as guided by the regulatory framework and supported by the laws of Belize and briefly outlined how the events leading to the revocation unfolded.

She revealed that in the latter part of 2017, the results of a Central Bank’s routine examination of Choice Bank revealed severe operational weaknesses and violations of the International Banking Act, this lead Central Bank to impose corrective actions in January 2018.

However, in April of this year, Choice Bank’s problems escalated after its license for prepaid services was suspended by the cause processor.

The problems of the bank had started months ago when it began experiencing a liquidity crisis and was forced to suspend all withdrawals from deposit accounts. By May, the central bank had instituted preventative measure to ensure that the bank was meeting the obligations of depositors and customers. In her statement, Grant said that a liquidator had been named and that the strength of the dollar remains at two Belize to one U.S. Choice Bank’s primary business was based on prepaid cards.

Choice Bank then suspended the withdrawal of deposits and began to phase out the use of its prepaid cards. Since Choice Bank took those actions, the Central Bank

started to receiving numerous emails and phone calls of concern from Choice Bank’s customers and depositors. Some have already chosen to pursue legal action against that bank.

However, las Thursday Choice Bank announced that their institution would allow its customers to withdraw funds in three tranches leading up to its closure at the end of the year. The bank, in its statement, said that clients would be able to take out up to twenty-five thousand U.S. dollars in the first instance, seventy-five in July and one hundred thousand dollars by the end of August. However, the Central Bank reacted swiftly to Choice’s announcement and revoked their license and took control over the bank located on Marine Parade. Grant also sought to allay fears that the financial sector was not under threat.

The Central Bank has immediately placed Choice Bank on enhanced monitoring and issued preventative measures to protect and safeguard the assets of customers and depositors after Choice Bank failed to provide the Central Bank with a plan deemed satisfactory to indicate their ability and willingness to resolve this situation.

Earlier this week, the Central Bank’s team of examiners conducted an unannounced, special examination at Choice Bank offices to acquire information that had not been initially forthcoming. The Central Bank has concluded that the actions taken by the ownership and management of Choice Bank were insufficient to properly rectify the situation and appeared detrimental to its customers and depositors. With the revocation of Choice Bank’s license, the Central Bank has appointed a liquidator, Mr. Henry James Hazel, who will be supported by a team from the Central Bank.

5th July 2018 Dear Friends and Supporters: Greetings. The first half of 2018 has been an active one for our Party. It started with our very exciting and successful Convention in Belize City, which set off our municipal elections campaign. I am sure that by now it all seems like a long time ago.

The municipal campaign was successful for in all nine municipalities the Party gained significant ground since the last elections. In addition, we were able to go from having only one PUP town council to three and from only five elected councilors to twenty-six. These gains were made in large part because of the hard work of our representatives, steering committees, campaigners, the 67 municipal candidates and of course our Party supporters who came out and voted blue.

With the municipal elections behind us, the Party immediately moved into its scheduled standard-bearer conventions, holding endorsement and contested conventions in 21 of our 31 constituencies. These contested conventions were hard fought and again I wish to thank all those who participated. Our Party seeks to find the most qualified people who best represent our social justice values, believe in our TRUE BLUE philosophy and who are committed to the development of our nation. The remaining conventions will be concluded before the end of this year.

Two very important events are on the agenda for the work of the Party in the second half of 2018. Although we are all faced with limited resources, the Party is committed to a successful reregistration exercise and a rigorous campaign in preparation for next year’s ICJ Referendum.

First and most important is the reregistration exercise, which commenced on 2nd July. I wish to encourage all of you to get as many of our Party’s friends and supporters to go out and re-register.

For those in the villages, the Party has put out the schedule so that you will know when the officers from the Elections and Boundaries Department will be in or near your village. Remember for those of us in the cities and towns, the months of July and August have been set aside for registration in your constituency and in many instances you can go to the polling areas in your constituency to reregister.

If you need more information on this please feel free to call the Secretariat and follow us on Facebook or on our PUP True Blue app to get updated information on reregistration. Of course you can always contact your PUP executive in your constituency.

We know that your time is important but please make the effort to go and reregister for your vote matters. Let’s be vigilant during this re-registration process for the UDP cannot be trusted to conduct this exercise with fairness. For this reason I had written to the Prime Minister requesting that observers be invited to monitor the process. In addition to not acknowledging receipt of my letter, he refused to invite OAS observers to monitor the process.

The other important work of the Party over the remainder of this year is our Party’s own Awareness Campaign for the Referendum on whether or not to submit the Guatemalan Claim to the ICJ for final decision. As you know, we in the PUP have always done our best to engage with the Government in the negotiation process. While we remain open to working with the Government, we are concerned with certain aspects of the Government’s handling of the overall relations with Guatemala. Of special concern to us is the fact that Government is yet to work out an arrangement or protocol on how both Belize and Guatemala will navigate movements and activities on the Sarstoon River. These concerns however should not hinder our desire to bring an end to the claim; as such we are in full support of the holding of a referendum. In this regard the Party will shortly launch its own True Blue Referendum Awareness Campaign to present to our supporters as much of the objective information as possible so that you can be fully prepared for the April 10th Referendum. I encourage all of you to attend our consultations, listen to all the views, study the facts and decide whether you believe the ICJ is the best option for settling this matter once and for all. We are confident that given the facts you will make the best decision for Belize.

In addition to these issues we will continue to support and highlight the efforts of our elected representatives in both the National Assembly and our municipal representatives. Of course we will also continue to speak out against the rampant corruption and incompetence by this failed UDP Administration pointing the many areas of concerns including: • the failure by this UDP Administration to govern • the Sarstoon debacle and the destruction of our territorial integrity at the hands of Guatemala and this inept UDP government; • the rank and rampant corruption in every corner of this UDP government; • the lack of investor confidence • the complete mismanagement of government finances and our country’s economy teetering on the brink of bankruptcy; • the increase in taxes including electricity, fuel, data • the continuing problem of urban crime and violence We are all owners of this great Party; as one PUP family we must work together to build Belize. Each day that this bad UDP Administration remains in office more Belizeans fall into poverty. Each day they remain in office our national security and territorial integrity is further eroded. This is why we have to get our people registered and put our plans and policies in place for forming for the next government.

We are ready to lead and ready to win so that we can get on with the business of building a Belize that works for everyone.

Yours faithfully, John Briceño Party Leader

8 08

THE BELIZE TIMES

ON THE

MOVE

GILROY USHER, SR. AND THE PUP PORT LOYOLA COMMITTEE ORGANIZE SUCCESSFUL FUNDRAISING BAR-B-Q SALE FOR BACK TO SCHOOL SUPPLIES On Saturday June 30th, 2018 Gilroy Usher, Sr. and the PUP Port Loyola Committee held a successful Bar-B-Q sale in front of Archie’s building on Central American Blvd. The purpose of the event was to raise funds for the division’s annual back to school program in August.

On sale were finger licking bar-b-q chicken for $7.00 and pork chops for $10.00 Sincere thanks to all those who made the fund raising initiative a success by donating supplies, preparing the food, selling tickets or purchasing the items on sale.

For its annual back to school program Gilroy Usher, Sr. and the PUP Port Loyola Committee assist over 100 deserving primary school students with school bags or other school supplies including exercise books, crayons, rulers, pens, pencils and markers.

Other events that Gilroy Usher, Sr. and the PUP Port Loyola Committee have annually are Mothers’ Day and Christmas programs, cleanup campaign ,and basketball tournament .

8 JUL

2018

ON THE

MOVE

Saturday, June 30th, 2018 On Saturday June 30th, PUP Party Leader, Hon John Briceno, visited with Dr. Jane Usher and presented her with the LIFETIME OF SERVICE AWARD for her dedicated service to Belize and the People’s United Party. Hon Briceno took the time to discuss the current state of affairs both in the party and in the country. Dr Jane encouraged the Party Leader to remain firm and resolute as he leads the Party into the upcoming General Elections.

“Let us do all in our power to win the upcoming elections,” were her last words as the Party Leader departed her premises. Long live Dr. Jane Usher, long live John Briceno, and long live the PUP.

8 MAY 31 26 JUL FEB 24 NOV 14 19 JUL AUG JUN

THE BELIZE THE BELIZE TIMESTIMES

2016 2017 2018 2016

LADYVILLE RISING STARS WIN 2018 SMART MUNDIALITO FOOTBALL CHAMPS Belize City, June 30, 2018 The Ladyville Rising Stars won the 2018 SMART Mundialito football championship: 2-1 in extra time against 3x champs, City Boys, at the MCC garden on Saturday afternoon.

In Game 1 the consolation game for 3rd place, the Reality Youths outlasted the Hattieville Riverside Boys: 1-0, with a goal by Scorian Stuart.

In Game 2 the championship final, the Ladyville Rising Stars, who had been bridesmaids at last year’s finals, finally won their first Mundialito title, with Alex Craft scoring the 1st goal. City Boys’ Best Forward

Champs SMART Mundialito - Ladyville Rising Stars

3rd place, Reality Youths

FC Elite wins 2018 FFB Inter-District 1st Division Champs

Champs FC Elite Orange Walk Town, July 1, 2018 FC Elite won the Football Federation of Belize’s national 1st Division Inter-District championship: 5-4 on aggregate score, even though Progresso FC won Game 2 of the Finals: 3-2 at the Louisiana in Orange Walk Town on Sunday afternoon.

Gabriel Perez scored Progresso’s 1st and 3rd goals in the 35th and 68th minutes, and Ryan Murillo scored their 2nd goal in the 54th minute to lead 3-0!

Then FC Elite was cut down to 10 men when their midfield general Jorge Aleman was ejected with a red card, but MVP Tyriq “Hammer” Ciego” scored their 1st goal in the 79th minute, tied the score at 4-4 on aggregate, and sending the game into overtime. FC Elite’s 10 became 9, when Naim “Nemo” Wilson was also ejected with a red card, but Leon Jones scored FC Elite’s second goal from the penalty spot in the 115th minute: 5-4 final aggregate.

FFB President Sergio Chuc and FFB vice president Marlon Kuylen presented team trophies and individual medals to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners, and the Most Valuable Player award went to Tyriq Ciego, who also won the Golden Boot for Most Goals.

City Boys, Kenyon Barrow vs Rising Stars, Tyler Myles

9 11 SPORTS 09 Tom Moguel equalized 1-1 with a bouncer that beat the Ladyville keeper Tariq Campbell Jr. In the 2nd overtime, playoffs MVP Steven Rivera scored Rising Stars’ 2nd winning goal from the penalty spot, after regular season MVP Kenrick Gordon was fouled in the 18-yard box.

The 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners received team trophies and individual medals from SMART Speednet marketing director Anthony Mahler in an awards ceremony after the finals.

Individual awards: Best goalkeeper – Tarique Campbell Jr Best Defense - Albert Thurton City Boys Best Midfielder - Scorian Stuart Reality Youths Best Forward - Tom Moguel City Boys Most Goals - Keyden Shay Bowen - Brown Bombers’ won the Most Valuable Player regular season - Kenrick Gordon - Ladyville Rising Stars Playoffs MVP – Steven Rivera - Ladyville Rising Stars Best Coach - Richard Nunez - Reality Youths’ Fair Play award - Corinthians FC Best Female - Shaynalie Flowers - Corinthians FC

Southside Warriors win 2018 Sprite Police basketball champs Belize City, June 30, 2018 The Southside Warriors won the 2018 Sprite Police Eastern Division basketball championship by a 86-63 win against Hard Rock A.B.S. at the Belize Civic Center on Saturday morning.

In Game 1 the consolation game for 3rd place, the 2x-champs Lakeland Boyz won by default when Lake I Boyz were a no show.

Southside’s MVP Sydney “Bucket” Bradley top-scored with 27pts, Joshua Bradley added 21pts, and Devon Moss put up 18pts. Michael Augustine and Glen Gonzalez threw in 6pts apiece, and Ramon Augustine added 4pts.

A.B.S’ Kevin Hamilton scored 26pts, Jason Casimiro put up 20pts and Jason Vasquez posted 12pts. Jayford Cacho and Auburn Rivero netted 10pts apiece.throw.

The 1st , 2nd and 3rd place winners received individual trophies, individual medals and cash prizes from the Deputy ComPol Chester Williams, Deputy Mayor Oscar Arnold, NSC’s Osmond Elrington and Bowen & Bowen representative John Palacio in an awards ceremony after the finals.

Individual awards: Best Defender – Devon Moss – Southside Warriors Most Valuable Player - Sydney Bradley – Southside Warriors award and Most Points - Sydney Bradley – Southside Warriors Best Sportsmanship - Akeem Baptist - Complex Admirals Most Disciplined team -Third World Avengers & Unruly Boyz 1st first prize: $1,000 - Southside Warriors 2nd prize: $750 - Hard Rock A.B.S. 3rd prize $500 - Lakeland Boyz.

MVP Sydney Bradley scored 27pts vs Jason Vasquez

10 SPORTS BWS & KHMH win in Maclean Insurance Interoffice football Belize City, June 29, 2018 The BWS Pressure and Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital posted big wins in the Maclean Insurance Interoffice football competition held by the Belize District Football Association at the MCC garden last week, even as undefeated Fort Street Tourism Village continues to lead the league.

In Game 1 last Wednesday, June 27, KHMH won 5-0 over Latino’s eData, with goals by Kendrick Gabourel

21 29 AUG JAN 8 JUL

THE BELIZE THE BELIZE TIMES TIMES in the 7th minute, Errol Sutherland in the 15th and 20th minutes, and Kevin Najera in the 29th and 48th minutes.

In Game 1 last Thursday, June 28, BWS pressured Belize City Council: 4-1 with 2 goals by Devaughn “Beckham” Zuniga in the 21st and 67th minutes, and a goal apiece from Ashton Lewis in the 24th minute and Jennisha Scott in the 64th minute. Only Charles Cantun scored for BCC in the 31st minute.

In Game 2, the Belize Bank drew 1-1 with Ramada/Brothers Habet when Ramada’s Kareem “Ton-ton” Flowers scored in the 14th minute, and Belize Bank’s Cody Kuylen equalized 1-1 in the 64th minute.

In Game 1 last Friday, June 29, Atlantic Insurance drew 1-1 with Fort Street Tourism Village, when FSTV’s John Castro scored a penalty, and Atlantic’s Kendall Esquiliano equalized 1-1 before the half.

In Game 2, the Tourist Village/Tennants also drew 1-1 with KHMH, when Christian Ancona scored first for Tennants, but KHMH Kevin Najera equalized 1-1

2016 2017 2018

Tourist Village Tennants draw 1-1 vs KHMH in the 2nd half.

Upcoming games on Wednesday, July 4: Ramada/Bros.Habet vs BCC KHMH vs Fort Street Tourist Village On Thursday, July 5: Belize Bank vs Latinos/ Edata Atlantic Insurance vs Tourist Village/Tennants On Friday, July 6: FSTV vs BWS Pressure Ramada/Bros.Habet vs MOE Sports/Premium Wines

John Castro scored FSTV 1st goal vs Atlantic Insurance

Infotel lead FBL basketball: 3-0 Belize City, July 1, 2018 Undefeated Infotel is leading the Firms Basketball League (FBL) competition: 3-0 with back to back wins at the Belize Civic Center over the weekend, even as the Belize Bank Bulldogs and the Police also enjoyed back to back wins, and DigiNet and the Gladiators also posted wins.

In Game 1 last Thursday, Infotel toasted Belikin 78-64, led by Andre Martinez with 24pts , Kurt “Chengo” Burgess posted 15pts, and Russell Humes added 14pts. Belikin’s Kadeem Olivera hit 6 treys for 36pts!

In Game 2 Thursday, DigiNet took apart the Providers: 85-66, led

by Jason Vasquez with 26pts, Travis Lennan added 24pts, and Lupito Acosta had 10pts. Providers’ Justin Bailey scored 15pts, Raul Vanegas posted 12pts, and Godfrey Trapp added 11pts.

In Game 1 Saturday, the Belize Bank Bulldogs trained the Gladiators 83-74, with Earl “Bolo” Johnson scoring 21pts. Rupert Brown posted 19pts, and Lincey Lopez and Jamal Augustine added 14pts apiece, while Roscoe Rhys put up 10pts. Gladiators’ Dave Apolonio and Neil Nicholson threw in 17pts apiece, and Keith Pollard added 14pts.

In Game 2 Saturday, the Police pressured BWS in overtime, after a 70-70 tie in the 4th quarter. Marcus Lewis top-scored with 27pts, Sheldon Williams added 13pts, and Joseph Sutherland put up 12pts, while Matthew Young threw in 11pts. BWS’ Ashley Hemsley scored 22pts, Luis Barcelona added 16pts, and Alejandro Baptist put up 15pts, Travis Bernardez had 13pts.

In Game 3 Saturday, Infotel drilled BATSUB Armed Forces 78-71 with Kurt “Chengo” Burgess hitting 4 treys for 27pts. Andrew Martinez scored 14pts, and Russell Humes put up 12pts; Darwin “Dawgy” Elijio had 8pts. Armed Forces’ Shaquille Crawford scored 24pts, Gregory Buckley put up 13pts and Jerrel Murray threw in 9pts.

In Game 1 Sunday afternoon, the Police locked up the Providers: 72-68 with Marcus Lewis scoring 15pts. Matthew Young added 14pts, Sheldon Williams posted 12pts, and Linton Broaster – 8pts. Providers’ Justin Bailey scored 23pts, Raul Vanegas put up 10pts, and Aaron Cooper added 9pts.

In Game 2 Sunday evening, the Gladiators slaughtered Belikin: 95-61, led by Neil Nicholson with 21pts. Keith Pollard Jr added 20pts, Delroy Faber put up 18pts, and Steven Wade - 15pts. Belikin’s Kadeem Olivera scored 18pts, Nalphtali Watters posted 12pts, and Frank Hower added 9pts.

In Game 3 Sunday, Belize Bank Bulldogs edged Tuff e’Nuff 7170, led by Earl “Bolo” Johnson with 16pts. Roscoe Rhys and Rupert Brown scored 14pts apiece, and Lincey Lopez added 9pts. Tuff e’Nuff’s big man Elvis Olivera scored 28pts, Omar Tesecum put up 16pts, and Douglas Valley – 9pts.

BWS Ashley Hemsley scored 22pts vs Police

BWS Travis Bernardez scored 13pts vs Police - Sheldon Williams

Infotel - Andrew Martinez scored 14pts vs BATSUB

8 JUL

11

THE BELIZE TIMES

2018

Belize City Council Notice of Summons Pursuant to section 25 (C) and 21 (1) of Towns Property Evaluation Act, Chapter 65 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, R.E. 2000 the Belize City Council hereby serves this Notice as a Summons on the following property owners to appear in Municipal Court No. 1 Second Floor, Wellworth Building, on July 19th, 2018 to settle the following property fees arrears: Name of Last Registered Owners

Address & Description of Property

Total Arrears

Period of Arrears

Caceres Sosa, Belkis R. Leiva, Zamira Tseng, Frank

Parcel #2953 #7 Wilfred Peters St Parcel #1072 #9 Blue Marlin Blvd Parcel #3613 Phillip Goldson Hwy R.H.S to Bridge

$6007.50 $5931.75 $5874.00

2008/18 2008/18 2008/18

Chen, Yen Li-Hsiang Chen, Yen Li-Hsiang Chen, Yen Li-Hsiang Turner, Conrod Waite, Gwendolyn Halliday, Josephine Lelia

Parcel #3602 Phillip Goldson Hwy R.H.S to Bridge Parcel #3605 Phillip Goldson Hwy R.H.S to Bridge Parcel #3606 Phillip Goldson Hwy R.H.S to Bridge Parcel #811 #1 Cards Alley #10 Lancaster Street Parcel #1542 #11/13/15/17 Lovely Lane

$5874.00 $5874.00 $5874.00 $5823.00 $5780.00 $5759.00

2008/18 2008/18 2008/18 2008/18 2008/18 2008/18

El Sayed, Hassan Mohammad Duquesnay, Thomas John L. Perry, Glorie

Parcel #2782 #6 Lord Rhaburn Street Parcel #4732 UB Heights Parcel #747 #5 Guadalupe Street

$5719.00 $5719.00 $5709.15

2008/18 2008/18 2008/18

Andrewin, Philip Edward Tulcey, Randolph Blades, Frank Munoz, Elsie THE BELIZE NATIONAL BUILDING SOCIETY Santos, Annamae Marie

Parcel #2302 #31 Juliet Soberanis St Parcel #2523 #31 Nurse Square Crescent Parcel #935 Bella Vista Parcel #846 New Home Area Parcel #49 Krooman Road

$5677.00 $5661.00 $6262.40 $6256.00 $6253.75

2008/18 2008/18 2008/18 2008/18 2008/18

Parcel #47 Krooman Road

$6253.75

2008/18

Flowers, Kenyon Lee

Parcel #3004 #35 Apollo Street

$6253.75

2008/18

Montejo, Alejandra Fuentes, Asuelma Ellis, Erlene G.

Parcel #3063 #11 Peten Street Parcel #3089 #24 Peten Street Parcel #3184 #19 Venuse Crescent

$6228.00 $6228.00 $6228.00

2008/18 2008/18 2008/18

Montejo, Guadalupe Welch, Jacqueline Wagner, Orlando Emmanuel, Pauline Vassel, Victor Seymour Garbutt, Melissa Menzies, Jorge & Anna Maria Miller, Wayne Chen, Yen Li-Hsiang Chen, Yen Li-Hsiang Chen, Yen Li-Hsiang Chen, Yen Li-Hsiang Chang/Tai, Hua/Tsau Wade, Arthur Maheia, Rosita Valentine Gentle, Catherine Perez, Johannie Anderson, John Barrow, Evangeline Flowers, James Reynolds, Elvis THE OWNER McPherson, Ernest Soberanis, Esterlin Stacie Neal, Jeanette Espat, Jorge

Parcel #3064 #9 Peten Street Parcel #3038 #28 Apollo Street Parcel #3091 #28 Peten Street Parcel #3042 #38 Apollo Street Parcel #3149 #1 Belona Street Parcel #1532 Grace Ave, Coral Grove Parcel #1331 Phillip Goldson Hwy R.H.S to Bridge Parcel #1395 Phillip Goldson Hwy R.H.S to Bridge Parcel #3603 Phillip Goldson Hwy R.H.S to Bridge Parcel #3612 Phillip Goldson Hwy R.H.S to Bridge Parcel #3615 Phillip Goldson Hwy R.H.S to Bridge Parcel #3616 Phillip Goldosn Hwy R.H.S to Bridge Parcel #2465 Palm Grove Estate Parcel #247 #8 Nurse Seay Street Parcel #4805 Phillip Goldson Highway R.H.S to Bridge Parcel #3087 #20 Peten Street Parcel #3047 #48 Apollo Street Parcel #342 #12 17th St. King’s Park Area Parcel #801 #50/48/46 Albert Street Parcel #1368 Phillip Goldson Hwy R.H.S to Bridge Parcel #229 #8 Amara Ave Lot #121 3 ½ Miles George Price Highway Parcel #2964 #16 Mateo Ayuso Street Parcel #2198 #16 Guzman Crescent Parcel #2772 #5 BX Street, Belama Ph. II #3 BXIII Street, Belama Ph. II

$6228.00 $6228.00 $6228.00 $6228.00 $6228.00 $6220.00 $6649.00 $6649.00 $6649.00 $6649.00 $6649.00 $6649.00 $6494.00 $6492.76 $6486.00 $6464.00 $6464.00 $6420.17 $6384.00 $6351.90 $6264.00 $7003.00 $7003.00 $7003.00 $7003.00 $7003.00

2008/18 2008/18 2008/18 2008/18 2008/18 2008/18 2008/18 2008/18 2008/18 2008/18 2008/18 2008/18 2008/18 2008/18 2008/18 2008/18 2008/18 2008/18 2008/18 2008/18 2008/18 2008/18 2008/18 2008/18 2008/18 2008/18

Kindly be advised that if any changes have been made to the ownership of any property in this listing above, it is the onus of the new owner to update the Council.

12

THE BELIZE TIMES PUBLIC AUCTION SALES: PROPERTIES Placencia Peninsula; Stann Creek District

8 JUL

2018

PUBLIC AUCTION SALES: PROPERTIES Placencia Peninsula; Stann Creek District

BY ORDER of the Mortgagees, Messrs.

The Belize Bank Limited, International Limited, Licensed

BY ORDER of the Mortgagees, Messrs. The Belize Bank International Licensed Auctioneer KevinAuctioneer A. Castillo will sell the following in front The Belize Bank Limited, Main Street,The Placencia Stann Creek District on Kevin A.properties Castillo will sell Messrs. the following properties in front Messrs.

BelizeVillage, Bank Limited, Main Wednesday 18th July 2018 at 10:30th am: Street, Placencia Village, Stann Creek District on Wednesday 18 July 2018 at 10:30 am: 1.

Parcel No. 2109 Placencia Residences, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek:

REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL Placencia North 36 2109 (Being a concrete bungalow dwelling house elevated 3 ft. above grade [32 ft. X 46 ft.] + side porches [5 ft X 20 ft. each side] + back porch [5ft X 42ft] containing 2 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms (1 with jacuzzi) + kitchen + laundry + dining room + large open living room and lagoon side lot [902.31 square meters (1079.16 square yards)] situate in the sub-division known as The Placencia Residences near Mile 13 Placencia Road, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District, the freehold property of Mr. Giuseppe Asti). *******NB. Copies of Covenant is available upon request********* 2.

Parcel No. 2159 Placencia Residences, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek:

REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL Placencia North 36 2159 (Being a canal side vacant lot situate in the sub-division known as The Placencia Residences near Mile 13 Placencia Road, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District, the freehold property of Mr. Ryan Pott). *******NB. Restrictions on use of Property is available upon request*********

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

8 JUL

PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: PROPERTIES & ASSETS CARIBBEAN INVESTORS LIMITED

Mile 44 George Price Highway, Belmopan, Cayo District PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: PROPERTIES & ASSETS CARIBBEAN INVESTORS LIMITED

BY ORDER of theMile Receiver, Licensed 44 George Price Highway,Auctioneer Belmopan, CayoKevin District A. Castillo will sell the following properties and assets at the compound of Messrs.

Caribbean Investors Limited, Mile 44 George Price Highway, Cayo

BY ORDER of the Receiver, Licensed Auctioneer Kevin A. Castillo will sell the following properties and assets District on Wednesday 18th July 2018 at 3:30 pm: at the compound of Messrs. Caribbean Investors Limited, Mile 44 George Price Highway, Cayo District on Wednesday 18th July 2018 at 3:30 pm: 1.

13

THE BELIZE TIMES

2018

PUBLIC AUCTION SALES: PROPERTIES North Ambergris Caye; Belize District

BY ORDER of the Mortgagees, Messrs. The Belize Bank International PUBLIC AUCTION SALES: PROPERTIES Limited, Licensed Auctioneer Kevin A. Castillo North Ambergris Caye; Belize District will sell the following

BY ORDER the Mortgagees, Messrs. The Belize Bank International Licensed Auctioneer properties atof The Belize Bank Limited’s ParkingLimited, Lot, Barrier Reef Drive, A. Castillo will sell the following properties at The Belize Bank Limited’s Parking Lot, Barrier SanKevin Pedro, Ambergris Caye on Tuesday 17th July 2018 at 10:00 am: th Reef Drive, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye on Tuesday 17 July 2018 at 10:00 am: 1.

28.961 Acres (53 parcels) situate approx. 5 Kilometers north San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize District:

50 Acres + 11.250 acres Mile 44 George Price Highway, Belmopan, Cayo District:

REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCELS Belmopan 20 5336 & 5424 (Being 50 Acres of prime development property together with adjoining 11.250 acres with frontage on the George Price Highway, being the access road as well as compound of Messrs. Caribbean Investors Limited situate near Mile 44 George Price Highway, Belmopan, Cayo District, the freehold properties of Messrs.

Caribbean Investors Limited.

2.

44.107 acres Mountain Pine Ridge Road, South of Georgeville Village, Cayo District:

REGISTRATION SECTION San Pedro

PARCEL #

ALL THAT piece or parcel of land situate South of Georgeville Village, Cayo District containing 44.107 acres bounded and described as shown by Plan No. 42 of 2003 helb by Minister's Fiat Grant No. 42 of 2003 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. (Being 44.107 acres of land situate beside the Mountain Pine Ridge Road, South of Georgeville Village, Cayo District and used by Messrs.

Caribbean Investors Limited to supply limestone materials, the freehold property of Messrs. Caribbean Investors Limited).

3. Granite/Marble Factory

4. Culvert/Foundation Piles/Electric Poles Factory

AREAS/SIZES

BLOCK 7

9725

PARCELS As below listed:

557.101 SM (LS)

9726

557.101 SM (LS)

9720

2545.697

9727

557.101 SM (LS)

9721

647.180 SM (LS)

9728

567.614 SM (LS)

9722

616.045 SM (LS)

9729

532.124 SM

9723

675.461 SM (LS)

9730

504.324 SM (LS)

9724

680.631 SM (LS)

9731

9753

558.052 SM (IL)

9733

724.672 SM (LS)

9754

558.052 SM (IL)

9734

724.672 SM (LS)

9755

583.842 SM (IL)

9735

742.011 SM (LS)

9756

662.901 SM (IL)

9736

612.663 SM (LS)

9757

875.185 SM (LS)

9737

612.663 SM (LS)

9758

504.063 SM (LS)

9738

612.663 SM (LS)

9759

409.181 SM (LS)

9739

661.347 SM (LS)

9760

440.475 SM (LS)

9740

719.078 SM (IL)

9761

557.770 SM (LS)

9741

558.590 SM (IL)

9762

570.492 SM (LS)

9742

657.157 SM (IL)

9763

560.699 SM (LS)

9743

660.457 SM (IL)

9764

557.101 SM (LS)

9744

697.944 SM (IL)

9765

599.945 SM (LS)

9745

710.193 SM (IL)

9766

563.892 SM (LS)

9746

629.888 SM (IL)

9767

557.101 SM (LS)

9747

OPEN SPACE

9768

535.726 SM (LS)

9748

569.234 SM (IL)

9769

785.774 SM (LS)

9749

557.101 SM (IL)

9770

GREEN AREA

9750

557.101 SM (IL)

9771

STREET RESERVE

9751

627.843 SM (IL)

9772

18.01 ACRES

9752

558.052 SM (IL)

TOTAL

9732

693.120 SM (LS

OPEN SPACE

(Being 28.961 acres of vacant land subdivided to create 53 parcels situate approximately 5 kilometers north of the San Pedro Bridge (straight line) and west of Las Terrazas Resort on Ambergris Caye, Belize District. The freehold property of Messrs. Satori Land Inc. Surety for Mr. Rajiv Seth & Mr. Rupinder Kaur Gill) 2. 21 vacant Lots approximately 3 kilometers north of the San Pedro Bridge, Ambergris Caye:

5. Ready Mix Concrete Plant

REGISTRATION SECTION San Pedro

And sale of a Variety of Tools, fittings, supplies, small motors, parts etc.

TERMS: STRICTLY CASH: Kevin A. Castillo Telephone: 223-4488 Email: kevinacas@yahoo.com Facebook: Belize Auctions

TERMS: STRICTLY CASH KEVIN A. CASTILLO TELEPHONE: 223 4488 Email: kevinacas@yahoo.com Face Book: Belize Auctions

BLOCK 7

PARCELS 6495, 6496, 6497, 6498, 6499, 6500, 6501, 6502, 6503, 6504, 6505, 6506, 6507, 6508, 6509, 6510, 6511, 6512, 6513, 6514 & 6515 (Being twenty one (21) vacant lots [Nos. 6495 to 6511 - 557.007 S.M. each, Lot No. 6512 - 658.528 S.M., Lot REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK No. 6513 - 616.116 S.M., Lot No. 6514 - 517.086 S.M. and Lot No. 6515 - 548.736 PARCELS S.M.] situate approximately SanPedro PedroBridge, [immediately 7North and West 6495,of6496, 6497, 6498, 6499, 6500, 6501, 3 kilometers North of the San El Pescador Fly Fishing Resort], 6502, 6503, 6504, 6505, 6506, 6507,S. 6508, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, the freehold property of Messrs. Svelto Holdings LLC surety for Mr. Sukhjit 6509, 6510, 6511, 6512, 6513, 6514 & 6515 Randhawa & Mr. Erin G. Georgopoulos).

(Being twenty one (21) vacant lots [Nos. 6495 to 6511 - 557.007 S.M. each, Lot No. 6512 - 658.528 S.M., Lot No. 6513 - 616.116 S.M., Lot No. 6514 - 517.086 S.M. and Lot No. 6515 - 548.736 S.M.] situate approximately ADDITIONAL www.belizebank.com 3 kilometers North of the INFORMATION San Pedro Bridge,- [immediately North and(foreclosure West of El listing) Pescador Fly Fishing Resort], TERMS: STRICTLY CASH San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, the freehold property of Messrs.

Svelto Holdings LLC surety for Mr. Sukhjit S. belizebank.com (foreclosure listing) KEVIN A. CASTILLO Randhawa & Mr. Erin G. Georgopoulos).

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION www.

TERMS: STRICTLY CASH KEVIN A. CASTILLO TELEPHONE: 223 4488 Email:

14

THE BELIZE TIMES

8 JUL

2018

AGROFORESTRY COULD HELP TO CHANGE BELIZE’S LANDSCAPES, ONE TREE AT A TIME “If man does not learn to treat the oceans and the rain forest with respect, man will become extinct”.

–Peter Benchley– The removal of Belize Barrier Reef from UNESCO World Heritage in danger list on June 26th 2018, is an opportunity to promote awareness that our Ecosystems can be improved through careful management. In communities around the world, agroforestry, which involves growing trees among or around food crops, has been a proven method for farmers to cultivate more diverse, productive and profitable crops. What is more, it helps protect the environment by preventing soil erosion and reducing reliance on forests.

When trees hit the headlines, it is often in the context of deforestation. But in most developed countries, forests have actually been advancing over the past few years. Belize has been called for decades “The lungs of Central America” for its wide forest resources. Unfortunately, our precious forest has been decreasing during the last few years. Land clearing for intensive agriculture and urbanization becomes and exposes these pieces of land at the mercy of the forces of nature like floods, strong winds and storms.

Land resource is limited. Only about one third of our planet is land, and it is coming under pressure from increasingly numerous and wealthy human populations.

However, land degradation neutrality is achievable through problem solving, strong community involvement and cooperation at all levels. Do you know that one fully grown tree can fix up to 10 tons of soil around its roots? Forests are also the source of about 80% of the world’s terrestrial Biodiversity.

United Nations is continuously increasing propaganda about the need to adopt agroforestry practices in our countries as the best way to stop deforestation and land degradation. They use to call on citizens, private companies and civil society groups to get out and organize cleanups in their communities. Working together, we think it’s possible to make 2018 the world’s biggest-ever worldwide cleanup. Belize has demonstrated that we are more than willing to showcase all the amazing work the community can do to beat our landscape’s deterioration.

Today, rows of teak and ma-

hogany trees adorn the landscape due to individuals tree-planting initiatives. This has been a welcome sight for the members of the local community, who have also witnessed how Mountain Pine Ridge, our major forest reserve is being progressively de-reserved with the consequent irreversible environmental damages.

The ecosystem restoration initiatives, which includes components such as resilience and disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation as well as training, advocacy and outreach on environmental issues were put aside sacrificing the Sustainable Development Goals and other country obligations. Agriculture absorbs about 25% of the total damage and losses of climate related natural disasters. We need to make agriculture climate smart and protect where our food comes from.

The promotion of an integrated approach to building resilience and sustainability in Belize was postponed. How do we expect to control our forest resources to better manage floods and erosion? When will women will be involved in natural resources management? It is a necessity to guarantee that the landscape surrounding our villages be transformed to the community’s benefit, it is the best way to protect the environment for future generations.

Floods often destroy houses and property during hurricane

season due to heavy rains. If we don’t act immediately to turn our village greener though more trees planting the consequences of heavy rains will be worse year by year. The trees serve as a source of food, animal fodder and medicine.

Wood, branches and bushes also provide a major source of affordable, sustainable energy for cooking and heating.

Its Government responsibility to make sure that Belizeans local communities will have acquired practical knowledge of disaster mitigation. It’s hard for people appreciate the true value of the trees, beyond their hardiness and handsomeness. In fact, that is something we are only just coming to fully appreciate. Despite agroforestry’s ability to help improve landscape resilience and livelihood diversity, the most common reason farmers in these areas are resisting agroforestry is due to lack of motivation.

United Nations is working to promote women’s involvement in natural resource management all over the world. To overcome this challenge, Government of Belize must consider more women involvement at all levels. These powerful local actors can play key roles in the dissemination of new technologies and strategies. Ecosystem restoration and conservation are an essential aspect of integrated action on climate change adaptation and mitigation and women can make it happens.

It is also vital that local people are involved in helping the government understand exactly what their communities need. As farmers take more responsibility, they will feel more empowered and be more likely to adopt agroforestry successfully. To support this approach, it is necessary to increase not only government initiatives but also community participation through improved land tenure security and strengthened capacity.

An indicator of success would be increased respect for the boundary between protected forest areas and agricultural areas, as farmers will be able to produce forest products such as timber, wood for fuel and fruit on their own, but this takes time. To encourage farmers to increase tree cover in land they still use the traditional ways, the approach will have to be gradual. But it could lead to more food and forest cover too.

We feel that what we are doing by exposing this situation is fundamental work, it is about preserving the beauty of our jewel called Belize. We need to change the landscape and contributing to a more sustainable world, one tree at a time.

You can reach your own conclusions.

God bless Belize.

Dr. Pedro Villegas.

Follow us at: www.cubel.org and www.facebook.com/cubelconsultancy

8 JUL

2018

THE BELIZE TIMES

EDITORIAL

15

en Español

ESTAFA; SOBRECARGAR ELECTRICO!

E

n 2011, cuando el gobierno UDP de Belice expropió Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) de Fortis International, con sede en Canadá, todos los camaradas y simpatizantes de UDP se regocijaron. Vieron este movimiento como otra bañera de mano; lo mismo que se hizo con Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) que fue expropiada en 2009.

Antes de la expropiación, la gerencia de BEL en ese momento solicitaba un aumento en las tarifas ya que su costo operacional había aumentado debido a la grave sequía que el país experimentó ese año que inutilizó la represa hidroeléctrica, junto con el costo del combustible las sub estaciones en todo el país.

Además, el alto costo de comprar electricidad a la Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE) en Chetumal, México estaba aumentando porque el precio de venta de CFE era relativamente alto ya que también usan combustibles fósiles y su precio de adquisición de combustible estaba incrementando. El gobierno de UDP en aquel entonces, se negó a permitir el aumento de las tarifas a Fortis, que era propietario de BEL, y en su lugar el gobierno decidió nacionalizar a BEL unos días después.

Lo que hizo la expropiación fue arrancar a la empresa (BEL) de las manos de los legítimos propietarios (Fortis) y hasta la fecha el gobierno y el pueblo de Belice han pagado más de $ 163.0M más el retorno del 30% de las acciones BEL a Fortis. Esto les permite vetar el poder sobre decisiones importantes, como asegurarse de que BEL mantenga el poder de compra de BECOL, la represa hidroeléctrica, que es propiedad de Fortis.

Sin embargo, al hacerse cargo de BEL, el gobierno a través de su brazo regulador, la Comisión de Servicios Públicos inmediatamente aprobó un aumento en las tarifas a los consumidores públicos en un 10%. Este es el mismo aumento que el Fortis había solicitado y el gobierno había rechazado unas semanas antes. Además, despidieron a un buen número de empleados de larga duración para dar paso a sus camaradas no calificados del UDP. Desde que el gobierno UDP asumió control de la empresa electrica, BEL ha estado luchando bajo la pesada sobre-carga de personal (camaradas) mientras que el pueblo de Belice lucha para pagar las altas y exorbitantes tarifas de electricidad. Además, BEL se ha estado endeudando fuertemente con la Junta de Seguridad Social y otros prestamistas nacionales e internacionales.

En 2013 BEL declaró que su ganancia fue de $ 18.0M. Eso fue un shock para todos, ya que la compañía estaba luchando. No obstante, afirman que fue porque usaron más energía hidroeléctrica y compraron menos energía a CFE. En 2015, 2016, 2017 BEL ha declarado $ 36.2M, $ 27.2M y $ 17.7M en ganancias netas.

Estas ganancias se consideran astronómicas para cualquier empresa en estos tiempos difíciles e híper económicos. Mientras que los beliceños luchan por pagar sus facturas de electricidad a través de tarifas de electricidad artificialmente elevadas, BEL y sus accionistas, que incluyen a Fortis, se ríen todo el tiempo hasta el banco.

En ganancias han absorbido $ 80.0M en tres (3) años, lo que ha obligado al sector privado a poner sus productos y servicios en un nivel astronómicamente alto para cubrir los gastos de sus operaciones, que incluyen la enorme factura de electricidad.

Solo la idea de tales ganancias obscenas hace que cada beliceño se enoje con este gobierno. Ahora, para empeorar las cosas, el gobierno UDP, a través de la Comisión de Servicios Públicos (PUC), aprobó un aumento de las tarifas eléctricas en un 5%. Esta es una continuación del gobierno UDP que extorsiona a los beliceños usando BEL. Tanto es así que muchas familias no pueden pagar las actuales facturas infladas y se desconectan rápidamente, y la misma situación existe con las pequeñas empresas que han tenido que cerrar debido a las altas facturas de electricidad. Tenga en cuenta que para mayor énfasis, el gobierno está cobrando un 12.5% de GST en cada factura que exceda los $ 100.00.

Por lo tanto, una factura de $ 100.00 en julio ahora será de $ 106.00 con el aumento más el nuevo cargo de GST de $ 13.25 que hace que la factura total sea de $ 119.25. Antes del 1 de julio de 2018, dicho consumidor estaba pagando $ 100.00. Tenga en cuenta que a medida que la factura aumenta, el GST aumenta exponencialmente, por ejemplo, una factura de $ 200.00 antes es ahora de $ 238.50 y así sucesivamente.

Como se mencionó anteriormente, el Gobierno de Belice es el accionista mayoritario de BEL y, por lo tanto, recibirá la mayor parte de los ingresos netos que han sido asignados por los directores de BEL para el pago de dividendos, que promedia $ 30 por acción. ¿Qué ha hecho el gobierno con esta gran suma de dinero de sobre cargos? ¿Lo derrocharán en sus camaradas partidistas en Pibil y tacos? ¿Por qué no podrían reducirse las tarifas eléctricas, especialmente durante estos tiempos difíciles, agravados por el hecho de que el gobierno UDP gravaba de manera anormal el combustible en la bomba? ¿Por qué se retienen a las familias beliceñas a cambio de pagar estas enormes facturas obscenas junto con BEL acumulando enormes ganancias obscenas de las espaldas de los trabajadores de Belice, mientras que muchas empresas pueden cerrar (246 empresas desde 2015). Muchas de estas empresas cerraron porque no podían pagar sus costos operativos junto con las enormes facturas de energía (electricidad, gasolina, butano, etc.).

Esas preguntas se responden fácilmente cuando se observa qué tan altas son las tasas e incluso cuando este gobierno pretende reducirlas, sigue siendo la más alta de la región. Estas altas tasas son la única razón por la que las ganancias de $ 80.0M podrían haberse obtenido en los últimos tres (3) años. BEL declaró que la razón por la que obtuvieron grandes ganancias fue porque tenían un menor costo de adquisición de electricidad.

BEL ha mantenido los precios artificialmente altos para que se puedan pagar grandes dividendos a este gobierno UDP quebrado para que puedan llenar los bolsillos de todos sus compinches y seguidores. Los beliceños no solo van a devolver el dinero perdido por el derroche y el robo del préstamo de Petro -Caribe, sino que ahora saben que están entregando más dinero (dividendos) para que el gobierno robe a través del alto aumento hecho por BEL debido a tasas anormalmente altas.

16

ESPAÑOL

88JUL JUL

THE THEBELIZE BELIZETIMES TIMES

2018 2018

VÍCTIMAS DE ABUSOS COMETIDOS POR JIMMY MORALES PODRÍAN SER 10, DENUNCIA EXCANCILLER El excanciller y analista político Édgar Gutiérrez denunció que podrían ser diez las mujeres víctimas de abuso sexual, cometidos entre 2017 y este año, quienes señalan como responsable al presidente Jimmy Morales.

Prensa Libre: Guatemala 4 de Julio de 2018 La primera vez que el exfuncionario habló del tema fue en su columna de opinión de elPeriodico el 18 de junio pasado. Ahora aportó nuevos detalles en una entrevista difundida por la página de Facebook La Coma Periodismo.

El excanciller explicó en el video que tiene conocimiento directo de los casos, y que se trata de “mujeres jóvenes que trabajan en el sector público que sistemáticamente han sido sometidas, contra su voluntad, a actos denigrantes para cualquier ser humano”.

El exfuncionario afirmó que dichos abusos son “cometidos o inducidos por altas autoridades de Gobierno que, aprovechándose de su investidura, de su posición de poder, pisotean la dignidad de mujeres guatemaltecas”.

“Ellas no se animan todavía a presentar una denuncia penal, hay miedo, hay también temor al estigma que genera una sociedad tan conservadora y los círculos familiares también mojigatos”, dijo.

Gutiérrez también dijo que los hechos supuestamente ocurren en “la Casa Presidencial, algunos

que facilitan o que inducen o presionan a las jóvenes para que asistan a la Casa Presidencial o para que asistan a otros lugares privados donde el presidente está, hay complicidad de colaboradores muy cercanos del presidente”.

Denuncia sin concretar El excanciller expuso que a comienzos del 2018 tuvo conocimiento de uno de De acuerdo con la denuncia que hace el analista político y excanciller Édgar Gutiérrez, los casos, el cual sugiel gobernante Jimmy Morales sería responsable rió denunciar. “Dede cometer abusos contra mujeres que trabajan safortunadamente, en entidades del Estado. ese primer intento de acercamiento con las autoridades no tuvo seguimiento y hoteles y lugares oficiales del no se llegó a formular formalmente Estado. Estamos hablando de como tal, pero detrás de esta víctima hechos que ocurren durante este vino una segunda víctima, haciendo gobierno, este año y parte del año referencia incluso a muchas más pasado”. chicas”, dijo.

Según el relato, Morales es Luego de la publicación de la señalado “en varios de los tescolumna de Gutiérrez, el Ministerio timonios como la persona que Público indicó que en su sistema no directamente acosa, abusa de se registra ninguna denuncia penal estas jóvenes. Las referencias de en contra del mandatario, exceplas víctimas son, en primer luto una interpuesta en el 2015, por gar, el presidente, pero luego, agresión sexual, que fue desestimaaltos funcionarios de su gobierno

Ciudades de Nicaragua siguen bajo asedio de fuerzas de Ortega Fuerzas antimotines y grupos armados ilegales incursionaron este martes en el norte de Nicaragua y mantenían bajo asedio una iglesia, sin que la presencia de organismos internacionales logre parar la violencia que deja más de 220 muertos en 75 días de protestas contra el gobierno.

Por AFP / Nicaragua 4 de Julio de 2018 Unas 40 camionetas cargadas de hombres armados y encapuchados, entre ellas al menos dos de la Policía, entraron a La Trinidad, 125 km al norte de Managua, en el departamento de Estelí, donde desmontaron un bloqueo en la carretera internacional que mantenían los manifestantes.

Pobladores y la Iglesia Católica denunciaron que “miembros de la policía” y “grupos paramilitares” mantienen rodeado el templo La Candelaria, en cuyo interior permanecen sacerdotes y decenas de fieles atemorizados.

“Pido a la dirección nacional de la Policía suspender dicha acción de acoso, para que dichos fieles puedan retornar a sus hogares”, manifestó el cardenal Leopoldo Brenes.

Más temprano, “los paramilitares” interceptaron a cuatro sacerdotes cuando iban a La Trinidad a intentar “dialogar para evitar

Activistas antigubernamentales participan en una manifestación exigiendo justicia para víctimas mortales en protestas.

enfrentamientos entre manifestantes y policías”, declaró uno de ellos, el padre Eugenio Rodríguez.

Policías y paramilitares se instalaron en la casa de cultura, la alcaldía de La Trinidad y rodearon también el hospital. Hicieron “anillos para que la población no tenga salida”, aseguró

Merling Solís, representante del Centro Nicaragüense de Derechos Humanos (Cenidh) en Estelí.

“Nos andan persiguiendo. Hay una cacería de brujas”, dijo por teléfono, bajo anonimato, un joven que estaba en el bloqueo Medios oficialistas celebraban que se pudiera

da.

El excanciller pidió que el Ministerio Público intervenga en la situación. “Se trata de un grito anónimo y desesperado para que las autoridades como el Ministerio Público y si acaso hay estructuras, redes, intervenga la Cicig (Comisión Internacional contra la Impunidad en Guatemala), con una investigación más a fondo y poder detener estos actos deleznables que están ocurriendo ahora mismo en el país”.

“Creo que la pita se va a romper por lo más delgado, una o varias víctimas van a denunciar finalmente. El Congreso va a tener que responder ante la población y luego el presidente va a tener que ser investigado para deducir responsabilidades”, es parte de lo que se escucha en el video de Gutiérrez.

Calumnias El secretario de Comunicación Social de la Presidencia, Alfredo Brito, afirmó que respecto a las declaraciones de Gutiérrez “no tenemos comentarios, como Ejecutivo, al respecto. Mientras no exista una denuncia esas son calumnias, difamaciones. Esperaremos que exista una denuncia, si es que la hay y no se hará ningún otro comentario”. circular por la carretera.

Otros grupos armados incursionaron en Jinotepe (suroeste), donde unos 400 transportistas de Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras y Panamá están varados en un bloqueo, según el embajador salvadoreño Carlos Jirón, quien pidió que los dejen llegar a su destino.

“Compromiso con las víctimas” Pese a que persiste la represión, la opositora Alianza Cívica por la Justicia y la Democracia -de grupos de la sociedad civil-, que ha dirigido buena parte de las acciones de calle desde el estallido de las manifestaciones, convocó a un plantón para este miércoles y a una marcha el próximo sábado.

Las manifestaciones, que estallaron el 18 de abril, exigen la salida del presidente Daniel Ortega, a quien acusan de haber instaurado el nepotismo y una dictadura con su esposa y vicepresidenta Rosario Murillo, y de una brutal represión.

Ante la grave situación, la Comisión Interamericana de Derechos Humanos (CIDH) instaló este martes un grupo de expertos internacionales de reconocida trayectoria que investigará violaciones a derechos humanos.

El Grupo Interdisciplinario de Expertos Independientes (GIEI) trabajará por seis meses prorrogables, para apoyar “la investigación de los hechos de violencia” y recomendar Cont’do pagina 17

8 JUL

2018

18 JAN

THE THEBELIZE BELIZETIMES TIMES 2015

La mujer que tiene la llave del muro en la frontera entre Texas y México No se identifica como mexicana ni como estadounidense. Eloísa Támez es lipan apache y sus antepasados eran dueños de esta tierra un siglo antes de que una guerra impusiera el límite entre Texas y México.

Por AFP / Texas 3 de Julio de 2018 Ahora su patio trasero está atravesado por un muro fronterizo que ella siente como una “violación”.

El fondo de su casa, en el fronterizo poblado de El Calaboz, en el sureste de Texas, es un terreno baldío partido al medio por una oxidada valla de hierro de 5.5 metros de altura.

Como no era posible levantar un muro fronterizo en medio del Río Grande que delimita la frontera natural con México, las autoridades federales lo erigieron a un par de kilómetros al norte de la orilla.

Eso causó que algunas de las tierras por donde pasa el muro -y pasará, si sigue construyéndosefuera propiedad de tribus nativas o de granjeros privados.

Es lo que sucedió casi 10 años atrás a Támez, profesora de enfermería de la Universidad de Texas en el Valle Del Río Grande y activista de los derechos de la tribu lipan apache.

“Es muy triste ver lo que sucedió a mi propiedad, que era valorada por mis padres no por el dinero, sino por lo que la tierra producía para nosotros, porque mi padre era granjero”, dijo la mujer de 83 años.

“La violaron”, añadió. “Me pone muy triste ver que esto esté sucediendo y me alegra que mis padres no hayan llegado a verlo”.

Las autoridades federales le dieron una clave para abrir el portón que le permite acceder al otro lado de su tierra ancestral: 1.2 hectáreas de desierto salpicado de cactus y mezquites.

Eso es lo que queda de las cinco hectáreas que pertenecían a sus antepasados Lipan Apaches desde el siglo XVIII, gracias a una concesión de tierra de la Corona española.

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Eloisa Támez, una activista y opositora del muro fronterizo entre EE. UU. y México, se encuentra en su patio trasero en San Benito, Texas

En el 2009, después de perder una demanda del gobierno federal, Támez se vio “coaccionada” a recibir una compensación de US$56 mil, que donó a becas de enfermería en nombre de sus padres.

Otros granjeros, cuyos terrenos quedaron en su totalidad al sur del muro fronterizo, también recibieron códigos de acceso a sus propiedades.

Pero la mayoría de los casos se dirimieron con apropiaciones del gobierno federal por valores que promediaron los US$12 mil 600, según una investigación de la radio pública NPR, tras analizar 320 “casos de vallas” entablados entre el 2008 y el 2016 en la zona del Valle del Río Grande, algunos de los cuales siguen en litigio.

Situaciones como ésta pueden multiplicarse si Donald Trump tiene éxito en su proyecto de amurallar toda la frontera, un tercio de la cual ya está vallada gracias a una ley del 2006 del entonces presidente George W. Bush.

El muro es un parche Dos tercios de los inmigrantes detenidos al cruzar la frontera (de un total de 303 mil 916 el año pasado en todo ese país) son capturados en Texas, según cifras de la patrulla fronteriza.

Por eso la separación familiar de inmigrantes que concitó la atención nacional e internacional en los últimos dos meses tuvo su epicentro en este estado, particularmente en la región del Valle del Río Grande, donde Támez vive.

Allí se ubican el mayor centro de detención de inmigrantes indocumentados y solicitantes de asilo (apodado “Ursula”, con más de mil detenidos) y el refugio para menores “Casa Padre”, una exfarmacia Walmart que aloja unos 1 mil 400 niños.

Desde mayo, más de 2 mil 300 niños fueron separados de sus padres o tutores cuando éstos fueron detenidos al cruzar la frontera, ilegalmente o pidiendo asilo, siguiendo la política de “plan

ESPAÑOL

17

tolerancia cero” del presidente Donald Trump.

Si bien Trump ordenó el 20 de junio poner fin a la separación familiar, más de 2 mil niños siguen solos en “centros de procesamiento” y refugios.

Para Támez, “la actual crisis migratoria es resultado de la incapacidad del Congreso de hacer cumplir las leyes durante décadas”.

Un proyecto de reforma migratoria que incluía la propuesta del presidente de construir un muro que diseccione los 3.218 km de frontera, y que costaría US$25 mil millones, volvió a fracasar el miércoles pasado en el Congreso.

“La pérdida de nuestras tierras para construir un muro es un parche a la crisis migratoria, y no la solución”, dijo Támez. “El Congreso no ha sido capaz de gobernar como debe hacerlo. En lugar de eso, hacen politiquería”.

“No es la primera vez que violan nuestros derechos al quitarnos nuestra tierra”, prosiguió la activista nativa, evocando una apropiación ocurrida en 1936.

Y, si el proyecto de Trump tiene éxito, tampoco será la última.

Ciudades de Nicaragua siguen bajo asedio de fuerzas de Ortega Cont’do de pagina 16 acciones de reparación a las víctimas y familiares, según la CIDH. “Nuestro compromiso es con las víctimas frente a quienes nos comprometemos a la búsqueda de la verdad más allá de quienes sean los perpetradores”, dijo el italiano Amérigo Incalcaterra, al leer un comunicado ante la prensa en Managua.

Además de Incalcaterra, el GIEI lo integran la exfiscal guatemalteca Claudia Paz y Paz, la socióloga peruana Sofía Macher y el fiscal argentino Pablo Parenti, todos investigadores de sonados casos de violación de derechos humanos en América Latina.

La CIDH, que desde hace diez días tiene a un grupo de técnicos en Nicaragua, ha exigido el cese de la represión, el desmantelamiento de los grupos armados ilegales y respetar el derecho al debido proceso de los detenidos.

En Twitter, pidió a las autoridades “adoptar medidas para respetar y garantizar la vida” de los pobladores de La Trinidad que están “sitiados” y en “grave riesgo”.

“Crisis sin control” La Asociación Nicaragüense Pro Derechos Humanos (ANPDH) registra 309 muertos -288 identificados-, mientras que el CENIDH y la Comisión Permanente de Derechos Humanos (CPDH) reportan unos

220 fallecidos y una docena más en verificación.

“La seguridad ciudadana como un derecho humano está en una profunda crisis, sin control”, dijo el secretario de ANPDH, Álvaro Leiva, en conferencia de prensa.

La violencia deja además más de 1 mil 500 heridos y medio millar han sido detenidos, muchos de forma arbitraria, según grupos locales de derechos humanos y la CIDH. En las afueras de la cárcel de máxima seguridad El Chipote, en Managua, decenas de familiares de detenidos recibieron angustiados la noticia de que muchos fueron trasladados a la prisión La Modelo, la más grande de ese país.

Con la mediación de la Iglesia católica, el gobierno y la Alianza dialogan en busca de una salida al conflicto. “No veo voluntad política de Ortega. Va a defender su permanencia en el poder a toda costa”, declaró el analista Mauricio Díaz.

Ortega, exguerrillero sandinista de 72 años, estuvo en el poder por una década luego de que una insurrección popular derrocó al dictador Anastasio Somoza en 1979, y desde el 2007 ha sido reelegido presidente por tres períodos consecutivos.

18

8 JUL

THE BELIZE TIMES

Attacks from within

When a society cannot trust the independence of the judiciary and its judges the nation is condemned to its destruction, as a failed state. After all, judges are the first line of defense and arbitrators of our justice system who settle social differences, abuses, and violations of established norms and rules.

However, it becomes even more severe when those who attack or violate the independence of our judiciary are individuals who make up the government or some cherry-picked judge or magistrate. Judges and Magistrates are considered as symbols of the justice system itself. For those few in government and in the legal system which at some point in their career begin to lose sight of the reason why they assumed the enormous responsibility and the meaning of being conferred with the authority to make impartial decisions whether the actions of other individuals adhere or not to the legal framework of our society.

The worst part of their actions is when they resort to “legal procedures instituted in the system,” designed precisely to prevent corruption and use them to attack colleagues who have chosen to remain faithful to their professional oath and ethics that is sold in the market.

The co-optation of the justice system allows the perpetuation of impunity and makes it its purpose. That’s why honest judges seem so annoying to the corrupt few. The more they stand out for their value to maintain their integrity and independence of criteria, the more uncomfortable they become; they are seen as a nuisance, not pleasant and, above all, as a danger because they grow, also, an example and potential emblem for other judges. It is not going to be that they try to follow their steps and break with the perverse and opaque scaffolding of impunity that has forged all these years and that operates in all the levels and frameworks of the system.

I dare to state that it is with-

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2018 SAN PEDRO HIGH SCHOOL

in our justice system where the efforts of our version of the anticipated Commission against Corruption and Impunity should take root within the Public Prosecutor’s Office and show blooming presence in the lower and ANCHOR IN SUCCESS upper courts if we are to stop corruption in its track.

As we look around the reVacancies exist for the following posts at San Pedro High School thefor academic school year 2018 - 2019: exist the following posts at San Pedro High School for the academic scho gion, we cannot help but noticeVacanciesfor that the cover-up mechanismyear 2018 - 2019: • 1 Religious Studies Teacher is, but the whistle-blowers are 1 Social Studies Teacher also satisfied that corruption is • • 1 Religious Studies Teacher • 1 Physical Education Teacher affecting the entire society and • 1 Social Studies Teacher • 1 Physics Teacher very slowly beginning to bring • 1 Physical Education Teacher • 1 English Language out the proof and make to ac• • 1 Physics Teacher 1 Information Technology Teacher cusations to purge the whiff of • • 1 English Language 1 Counsellor corruption.

• 1 Information Technology Teacher This brazen corrupt system • Applicants 1 Counsellor should have a bachelor’s degree in the subject area to be that is manipulated by the extaught. Pedagogical training and experience in the position applying for ecutive is dominant, and it is will be anhave asset.

Applicantsdegree must also have excellent communication and Applicants should a bachelor’s in the subject area to be taught. Pedagogical clear that it is no longer enough interpersonal be willing to work withbe students. training and experienceskills in theand position applying for will an asset. Applicants must als for judges to judge in favor of have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and be willing to work with stude the indefensible; corruption, as Salary will be in accordance with Government’s pay scale, which is it stands today, demands that based qualifications.

Salary will be inonaccordance with Government’s pay scale, which is based on qualificati judges of the system that does not bend to its designs be deApplications should be submitted in writing along with a resume, copApplications should be submitted in writing along with a resume, copies of certificates, stroyed or terminated. ies of certificates, transcript, letters of recommendation and teacher’s transcript, letters of recommendation and teacher’s license. Applications must beliaddre Subtle or explicit threats; dicense. Applications must be addressed to: to:

rect intimidation of the family; Principal disciplinary processes applied Principal P.O. Box 23 arbitrarily while at the same P.O. Box San 23 Pedro High School time using or shielding other San Pedro High School San Pedro Town, A.C. corrupt judges known to be subSan Pedro Town, A.C. ject to particular interests; boyDeadline for Applications: Monday, July 16, 2018. cotts due to the performance of Deadline for Applications: Monday, July 16, 2018. functions; loss of files or crucial parts thereof, such as means of evidence or expert opinions.

These and many other forms

BY ORDER OF CHARGEE of sabotage from within can be NOTICE OF INTENTION TO SELL seen with increasing intensity and frequency, hampering the HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED a statutory body work of the judiciary. formed and registered under the Credit Union Act, Chapter 314 of the The operators of corruption Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, and whose registered office is know well what buttons must be situated at No. 1 Hyde’s Lane, Belize City, Belize District hereby gives pressed to launch an assault on a notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Chargee under and judge of integrity who wants to by virtue of a Charge registered at the Land Registry between ORLANDO fulfill his oath or mission. These PEREZ (Chargor) of the one part and HRCU of the other part. operators, many in government resist being part of a new stage HRCU will at the expiration of three months from the date of the first in the history of a country that is publication of this notice sell the property described in the Schedule marked by an authentic predomibelow. nance of the rule of law.

No corrupt structure is eternal; I want to continue thinking that there is some honest and ethical people government and in the judiciary who are willing to do their work with courage and attached not only to what the letter of the law, but to the real sense of justice that prevail in all their acts. To that silent majority; that observes and keeps silent I say to them: it is time to wake up, to arm yourselves with courage and to confront that minority of impunity operators who are destroying everything you once believed.

The fight for a healthy, robust and independent system will not be given alone, nor will it be provided only from the outside.

You have to give it from within and not allow attacks on the independence of our judiciary.

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

SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land comprising 573.191 square metres being Parcel 596, Block 16 in the Vista Del Mar Registration Section situate at No. 224 Corner Aracari & Woodpecker Streets, Vista Del Mar, Ladyville, Belize District, Belize TOGETHER with a two-storey concrete structure with a gross floor area of 7680 square feet, occupied on the ground floor by a hardware store with residence above, the freehold property of ORLANDO PEREZ DATED this 19th day of June 2018 HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED 1 HYDE’S LANE, BELIZE CITY, BELIZE Phone: (501) 224-5644 Fax: (501) 223-0738 Email: foreclosures@hrcubelize.org

8 JUL

2018

Purchase your poison at your own risk It is amazing that most Belizeans, it appears, do not care what they consume. We are saying this because as I walk around one of Belize’s largest supermarkets and observe shopper’s behaviour I noticed they do not check the labels of the products they pick off the store shelves. Most products have nutritional listing, prices, expiration date, etc., but Belizean shoppers rarely take a second glance on the label of the product they chose to purchase and consume.

This is very notable when it comes to frozen meats and sea food, but in particular seafood because I noticed that there are imported fish fillet that does not possess any markings/labelling on the packaging other that the weight and price of the product. Sea food products are always noted to be very volatile when reacting to the human body after consumption.

Most persons will vow that sea food, especially fish, is essential for maintaining a healthy diet. But as we mentioned earlier, bad or contaminated sea food, including fish, can be detrimental to the body and reduce dreams of life longevity.

One pack of fish fillet was noticed to be in a generic labelling.

When the store clerk was questioned it was found out that this was imported fish fillet from Asia.

This was not good news for anyone that has any idea of food origins because many persons with confirm food from Asia has been notorious to contain huge levels of contamination. Further checks revealed that the product (fish fillet) was referred to as Basa and that strain of fish was being imported from Asia, via Mexico.

A cursory research on this Basa strain of fillet being imported and sold in Belize was done and we became shocked at what was found out. The Basa or Pangasius (Pangas), Veitnamese Cobbler, White Catfish, Gray Sole, etc. is really a catfish that is industrially farmed along the Mekong River in Veitnan, Asia. Catfish in Belize is colloquially known as “Cattoe”. It is a popular fish and is sold primarily as fillet (without bones) the world over. It has become popular because it is “cheap” to purchase but the effects on the body makes it expensive in the long term.

High level of contamination Reports are that the Basa/Pan-

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THE BELIZE TIMES

gas are contaminated with high levels of poisons and bacteria caused by industrial effluents, arsenic, metal contaminants-chlordane related compounds (CHLs) and hexachlorobenzene (HCB). These reasons are that the Mekong River is one of the most polluted rivers on the planet and this is where the Basa/Pangas are farmed and industries along the river dump chemicals and industrial waste directly into it. Therefore that alone should be an alarm to dissuade people from purchasing and eating it due to the high levels of contamination exposures. Also because this strain of catfish is a “bottom feeder”, it get expose to consuming even more pollutants that settles at the bottom of the Mekong River.

There are many reports and recommendation on the record that highlights the level of contamination in this strain of catfish from Asia and many warnings against selling it however supermarkets, hotels, restaurants still sell them to the general public knowing they are contaminated.

Questionable feeding Basa/Pangas are fed dead fish remnants, animal bones, and residue from soy and grains which is crushed into powder. They are also injected with hormones (females especially) and antibiotics that comes from China to mask whatever infection that is caused by the contaminated environment in the Mekong River. These hormones are made from the dehydrated urine of pregnant women and are injected into the female Basa/Pangas. The hormones allow them to grow faster and produce eggs faster. An injected female Basa/Pangas can lay up to 500,000 eggs at one time.

What is fed to and injected into the Basa/Panga is completely unregulated and therefore it is most likely that the feed contains more dangerous substances that are not identified. These catfish strain grows at light speed about four (4) times faster than when they are in nature, so it makes one wonder what exactly is in the food that they are fed. You go figure....

Who should regulate?

In Belize the Basa/Pangas are imported and sold in all the major supermarket outlets and are imported with the full approval of the regulatory authorities such as The Belize Agricultural Health Author-

ity (BAHA)-equivalent to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States. It is certain that the regulators in Belize are aware of the health risk that eating Basa/Pnagas from Asia poses to the consumers in Belize, so why do they allow it to be imported.

Could it be because there are unscrupulous and greedy well connected business men and politicians that care more about their bottom line than health of Belizean consumers?

I am sure there will be those persons that have consume Pangas and will claim to not be affected immediately with illness such as vomiting, diarrhoea, food poisoning, etc. however there are many that that have presented evidence of such illnesses (liver flukes) and effects and even some studies have now exhibited the ultimate e effect from eating this contaminated fish which is cancer.

Therefore it has to be underscore that the Belizean consumer has to demand that proper testing be done on these types of fillet (catfish) because it is known to everyone that the environment where these catfish are grown is polluted with the worst contaminants on the planet. So why then would we want to knowingly expose the Belizean consumers to this high level of health risk, because they are unsuspecting and innocent, as they trust that the government and the regulators did their proper due diligence on this catfish strain, before allowing it to be sold at the local Belizean supermarkets, five stars hotels and elite restaurants (normally promoted as high end snapper fillet), therefore consumers accepts it is good for consumption. So we asked the question again, who is in Belize is benefitting from the importation of this slow poison?

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Companies listed below have been dissolved and duly struck off the IBC Register as follows: NAME OF COMPANY

PALMBEACH INVESTMENT LTD. MEJACK LTD. ELLOWE INVEST S.A. GLOBAL GATE LTD. PEARCE GROUP LTD. ZITO CONSULTING INC. J.T. (Belize) Ltd. JUERGEN ASSET MANAGEMENT S.A.

Date of Dissolution

2-May-18 3-May-18 4-May-18 15-May-18 15-May-18 16-May-18 18-May-18 19-May-18

Morgan & Morgan Trust Corporation Belize Ltd.

NOTICE SILVER GLORY INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD. # 66,713 (“the Company”) Pursuant to Section 102 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, notice is hereby given that SILVER GLORY INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD has been dissolved as at 28th June, 2018 and has been struck off the Register of International Business Companies.

CILTrust International Limited Registered Agent

PUP NOTICE The People’s United Party hereby announces its convention to elect a Standard Bearer for the BELMOPAN Constituency. p.m.

Closing date for applications is Friday, July 13, 2018 at 4:00

For further information please contact the PUP Secretariat at 677-9168

20

8 JUL

THE BELIZE TIMES

2018

Belize City Council Notice of Summons Pursuant to section 25 (C) and 21 (1) of Towns Property Evaluation Act, Chapter 65 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, R.E. 2000 the Belize City Council hereby serves this Notice as a Summons on the following property owners to appear in Municipal Court No. 1 Second Floor, Wellworth Building, on July 19th, 2018 to settle the following property fees arrears: -

Name of Last Registered Owners

Ross, Lynette

Address & Description of Property

Total Arrears

Period of Arrears

Parel #1379 Phillip Goldson Hwy R.H.S to Bridge Parcel #3256 Thomas Vincent Ramos Street #13 Gwen Lizarraga Street Parcel #2774 Lord Rhaburn Street Parcel #2960 #8 Mateo Ayuso Street Parcel #3427 Phillip Goldosn Hwy L.H.S to Bridge Parcel #889 #105A Euphrates Ave Parcel #1642 Buttonwood Bay Blvd Parcel #449 #127 New Road Parcel #1108 #13 Queen Helmet Ave Parcel #941 #26 Eve Street Parcel #5015 Seashore Drive Parcel #943 #5 Tanoomah Street Parcel #692 #14 Dean Street Parcel #869 #6A Barrack Road Parcel #136 #58 Cran Street #9 Central American Blvd Parcel #132 #16 Broaster Ave #1 Victoria Street Parcel #2743 #19 Bradley Crescent

$7003.00

2008/18

$7003.00 $7003.00 $7003.00 $7003.00 $6982.00

2008/18 2008/18 2008/18 2008/18 2008/18

$6965.00 $6959.00 $6914.28 $6872.00 $6840.00 $6780.00 $7043.00 $7043.00 $7043.00 $7043.00 $7043.00 $7043.00 $7039.00 $7028.75

2008/18 2008/18 2008/18 2008/18 2008/18 2008/18 2008/18 2008/18 2008/18 2008/18 2008/18 2008/18 2008/18 2008/18

$7028.00 $7014.49 $7004.60 $7778.00

2008/18 2008/18 2008/18 2008/18

Wagner, Marie

Parcel #2147 Starfish Crescent Parel #713 #45 New Road Parcel #436 #3 Castle Street Parcel #3617 Phillip Goldson Hwy R.H.S to Bridge Parcel #98 Sawmill Street

$7778.00

2008/18

Waight, Sarah Chang/Chai, Yu Chi/King King Davis, Yvonne

Parcel #3579 Sunrise Avenue Parcel #2432 Palm Grove Estate Parcel #1478 Salt Ave, Coral Grove

$7778.00 $7778.00 $7778.00

2008/18 2008/18 2008/18

Cooper, Wayne & Janice Lewis, Kirk Zabeneh, Angela Tseng, Change Yen

Parcel 487 #11 Park Ave, Buttonwood Bay Parcel #391 Balan Street Parcel #547 Bella Vista Parcel #3641 2 ½ Phillip Goldson Highway L.H.S to Bridge Parcel #2467 Palm Grove Estate Parcel #1539 pride Ave, Coral Grove Parcel #312 #10 k Street, King’s Park Area Parcel #2127 #10 Chetumal Street

$7670.00 $7565.10 $7464.00 $7464.00

2008/18 2008/18 2008/18 2008/18

$7464.00 $7430.00 $7287.84 $7260.83

2008/18 2008/18 2008/18 2008/18

Parcel #2623 Mercy Lane Parcel #2276/1 #37 Starfish Crescent #47 King Street Parcel #3566 University Drive Parcel #728 Phillip Goldson Hwy L.H.S to Bridge Parcel #2070 Phillip Goldson Hwy L.H.S to Bridge Parcel #1146 318 Cotton Wick Ave, Coral Grove Parcel #176 #26 Bachelor Ave, West Landivar Parcel #832 New Home Area

$7114.00 $7068.75 $7043.00 $8075.00 $8070.00 $7925.45

2008/18 2008/18 2008/18 2008/18 2008/18 2008/18

$7825.00 $7822.00 $7822.00

2008/18 2008/18 2008/18

Garbutt, Michael Dolonice, Michael Lizarraga, Rafael Rowland, Sharla NORTH END ESTATE Young, Joseph Peter Estell, Sherman Cherrington, Adella Garbutt, Deborah Moody, Raymond BREEZEBAY LIMITED Flowers, Jane Hines, Orlando Castillo, Osborne Bodden, Pauline Oswaldo, Quello & Hilberto Bennett, Winston Ebanks-Ford, Lorna Franklin, Frances Castro, Jafari Ajani Andrade, Glenda Flowers, Elizabeth Chang, Jung Kuang

Shih-Hsin/Chao-Yi, Wang & Chou Murillo, Elbert Campbell Usher, Blanche Helen Pickwood, Bernadette Aguet, Velda M. Itza, Erminia Novelo Verna, Angel Gegg, David Ignatuis Weir, Albert Espat, Luke Vernon, Vassel Tseng, Frank Saldano, Hughdonald Llewellyn

Kindly be advised that if any changes have been made to the ownership of any property in this listing above, it is the onus of the new owner to update the Council.

8 JUL

2018

Is Dictatorship on the horizon?

When political observers analyse the general conditions of the country from the outside, it is more likely to reach accurate conclusions than those taken by characters in the circle at ground level. Since taking office in 2008, a series of scandals have erupted, and the Prime Minister always try to justify declaring that the interpretation is mistaken. Then we have a media who have even tried to overlook these situations as if its business as usual because they accept whatever the Prime Ministers say from the ground level optics.

The conclusion reached is very worrying when compiled, how the combination of factors allows us to signal the beginning of a dictatorship in Belize

by Dean Barrow and his UDP government such as the Ortega, in Nicaragua, and of Chávez, in Venezuela, whose coming to power was due to his triumph in the first elections, without blemish, but lost later.

Belizeans have all seen that the brazen attack on our democratic principles and our social institutions and the agenda of corruption continue even after repeated scandals have involved cabinet ministers of government. It has become evident that the local media is either dormant or manipulated to misguide the nation. Governance under Barrow and his cabinet since 2008 has been a repeated ad nauseam agents of intolerance, in the misconception of imperfect generalization. The media is always at Press conferences, yet they seem to be dancing the tune of the paid piper because they are at a lost with the precision and timing when asking questions to Prime Ministers’ circus and if the few attempts to ask the right questions, then they are targeted.

Now, this is not the story of the clumsy CEO of the Executive Body that talks about “a man who told him that a journalist had said that good news does not sell and that’s why you have to pay for it.” The phrase demonstrates it is a flagrant lie in a simple analysis: if it were not so, undoubtedly one of the government Ministers would already have instilled fear and with media coverage threat-

21 LACK OF JUDGMENT IN A CRISIS SITUATION

THE BELIZE TIMES

ened with a lawsuit.

Today, they have launched starting the process of reregistration where Belizeans 18 years and older must register or re-register as a voter with the Elections and Boundaries Commission to be able to participate as a voter at the polls.

The actual truth about this entire process is that there is no legally constitutionally appointed Commissioners for Elections and Boundaries. There is only one point-man appointed

by Dean Barrow as Chairman but with no duly sworn Bi-Partisan Commissioners. In the recent Cabinet reshuffle, Prime Minister Dean Barrow found it favorably convenient to self-appointed himself as the Minister with responsibility for Elections and Boundaries. Do you see where all this is heading?

Moreover, if that was not bad enough, Dean Barrow’s sister and campaign manager “Sista B” has taken up an illegal self-appointed position at the Office of Vital Statistics here in Belize City. If this is not an obvious proof of manipulating the process then what else is the local media waiting to see or to happen before they show some semblance of integrity in their line of work and the commitment to inform the people of Belize regarding a possible ray of dictatorship in this obviously twisted scheme during the re-registration process.

However, “it is what it is” to the myopic local media. There is no initiative, no doubts, and no investigations to try and tie the loose ends. In the government’s impromptu press circus there are no serious questions to ask and the “Master of Deception” gets a free ride to deceive the wider public each time.

With these prevailing conditions of media silence, we need to stand up, unite, participate and vote to be an integral part of the change if we don’t want the upcoming general elections to be rigged and partial.

In the midst of all these shady acts of corruption, the country is navigating through under Barrow’s watch we need to start the mobilization and stand-up against oppression and unite for change.

By: Cris Silva The challenges that we face as a nation is proving that the political party in Government have once again exceeded their capabilities.

It would take a bit of political will along with common sense to face and confront the problem from another perspective and give answers to the situation that bring greater encouragement to the citizens.

However, that does not seem easily attainable or understandable for weak leadership, locked in a capricious position before the critic.

The lack of common sense exhibited by the Government, its advisors and other organs of power, given the measures suggested by the most elementary logic, cause great alarm among the observers especially when the country is relapsing into an economic tailspin with no viable solution. It would be enough to make the necessary changes to reduce the rejection of this administration which is almost zero with political equilibrium and whose destiny ventures into uncertainty.

Within this complicated situation, there is also a painful contribution from those representatives government like Edmund Castro, Anthony Boots Martinez, Wilfred Sedi Elrington among the many more on the majority side of the House who because of intellectual sobriety, have no vision for any solution. That compounded with the fact that the once recognized Minister of everything, Prime Minister Barrow, has vanished and is now just shadowy dust of all the crafty misjudgments he has made as Minister of Finance over the last decade.

The country is in chaos be-

cause Prime Minister Dean Barrow has been missing in action, in and out of a state that needs his full attention, just because he cannot govern on the grounds of his weaknesses which includes the medical aspect.

Meanwhile, we feel the effects of incompetence and see the failures when we have to accept the gibberish responses of UDP representatives he leaves in charge especially when they respond to the media queries on any national issue where they seem to lack the most basic and elemental that contributes to a viable solution.

All this add to the UDP’s traditional bad images that relate to numerous scandals and corruption among all other inexplicable blunders since 2008. The reaction by this government’s interpretation could only lead to greater rejection.

As we come closer to July 1st, we could only observe the new attempt by this government without an ‘Election and Boundaries Commission’ to manipulate the upcoming process of voters re-registration. This process is just one of many scams to benefit this out-dated UDP leadership that is in government, even while the country remains swimming in misery and falling in the cracks of poverty brought upon by this government.

Anyone would believe that after so many corruption scandals this government would put a damper on all their wicked, corrupt practices and the conflict of interest in the preferment of government projects but that initiative which is the most basic of ethics obliges them, they still continue and refuse to step aside from the corrupt creaming, racketeering and kickbacks in project that concerns the government.

It is your time to decide, Israel tells Belize In a recent interview with the Israeli Deputy Chief of Mission, Alon Lavi, attached to the Israeli Embassy in Mexico, told the media that the protest over the Israeli sponsored community policing course here in Belize - was misguided by protest organizers.

The local media incited a response from him regarding the intimate historical relations that Guatemala had enjoyed with Israel for decades to the point where Israel has been a key arms supplier to that nation both during the Guatemalan civil war and when Guatemala threatened to invade Belize. Lavi was abrupt in saying that their policing course was about moving forward and not about listening to the past or whether it was right or false or if the assumption was even accurate.

Lavi said that while Israel is disappointed that Belize voted against the United Nation’s resolution that favored the United States move its embassy to Jerusalem the Israeli diplomat said that that was the reason he was here, to express that Israel would like to nurture great bi-lateral relations with Belize as well.

He also stated that there’s no difference to have an equitable relationship with Guatemala or because Israel is not there to determine Belize’s conflict. He noted that it is only Belize together with Guatemala can determine how we want to resolve this conflict and emphasized that he was confident that was not an issue.

Alon Lavi concluded by confirming that they do have excellent relations with Guatemala but reassured Belize that those relations are manifested in many different ways.

22

8 JUL

THE BELIZE TIMES

RE- REGISTRATION FRAUD? Belize’s Elections and Boundaries department had been gearing up to undergo the re-registration process countrywide. Several vacancy announcements were issued for temporary registration officers to assist with the process. Every Belizean is required to re-register in order to participate in any referendum or elections in Belize. In Cayo Central, however, the Elections and Boundaries office underwent major changes just before the process began.

Known UDP activists are the Presiding and registering officers in that division. Melvin Requena who is no stranger to the Cayo Central’s UDP executive committee and Alyni Quintanilla, who happens to be the daughter in law of Rene Montero’s land bandit, Ramon Banos, is the presiding officer at that station. Quintanilla’s name was also plastered over several land scheme documents that were leaked to the media in August of 2017 along with the 118 land documents linked to the Banos family.

Just before the 2018 municipal elections, residents from Santa Elena Town protested in front of the Santa Elena elections and boundaries office because Requena had approved the names of 33 villagers to ‘transfer address’ to Santa Elena Town which would allow them to vote in the Municipal elections. Most of the addresses were fraudulent and he knowingly approved them. The residents had called for his removal from the office. Despite the public outcry, he remained working and carrying out the work of his party. On Tuesday, July 4, 2018, Montero was inside the registering station meeting with Requena while the re-registration process was on-going. Furthermore, many Belizeans are unaware of the Re-registration process and as such have refrained from participating at the beginning of the process.

There are reports of dismal participation from residents countrywide. It is an obvious lack of awareness or education campaign on the Government’s position.

Apart from the lack of awareness, the officers seem to be disorganized and inexperienced thus taking more time than needed to re-register the voters. In Stann Creek and Santa Elena, there have been numerous reports of residents waiting in line and then leaving. Their inexperience adds to the lack of inefficiency the residents are experiencing. Many Belizeans were calling for a re-registration to clean out the entire voters lists that has been tainted with the illegal and bogus issuance of nationality documents during the Elvin Penner saga.

One of the major concerns of Belizeans is also the re-registration of Guatemalans that the UDP politicians are bringing in to re-register to make them eligible to vote in Belize’s elections and more importantly enables them to participate in Belize’s National referendum on April 10, 2019, where Belizeans will be asked to decide whether or not to take the dispute arising from Guatemala’s claim to Belize’s continental, maritime and insular territories to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for final settlement. The decision taken by the ICJ is final and cannot be appealed. This on-going re-registration process is of National importance and we must not allow UDP politicians to infiltrate their ‘status quo’ of corruption into the system like they have done with every other process in Belize. It is no secret that the officers inside the Santa Elena office of Elections and Boundaries publicly support the UDP. However, they have become puppets carrying out directives for their political masters.

The Belizean people demand better! It is time to stop the corruption!

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Companies listed below have been dissolved and duly struck off the IBC Register as follows: NAME OF COMPANY

GANLOR OVERSEAS LTD. MARLOR SERCURITIES LTD. GRANT OVERSEAS CORP. GISVINCI Spa LTD. DILTONA SECURITIES LTD. GILL FINANCE LTD. MAPLERIDGE ASSOCIATED LTD. CAPITAL TECHNOLOGY INVESTMENTS INTERNATIONAL LTD. BEAT INVESTMENTS LTD. MEDIA FINANCE INTERNATIONAL CORP. Seneri Holdings Ltd. MICMAC DEVELOPMENT INC. DENA HOLDING S.A. LINDEN INVESTMENT LTD. NIMAR INTERNATIONAL LTD. JAMBIANI HOLDING LTD. SANGAMON ENTERPRISES CORP. OAKGATE MANAGEMENT CORP. SABINA INTERNATIONAL LTD. VALERIAN CORPORATION

Date of Dissolution

1-Jun-18 2-Jun-18 6-Jun-18 6-Jun-18 8-Jun-18 13-Jun-18 13-Jun-18 13-Jun-18 13-Jun-18 14-Jun-18 16-Jun-18 16-Jun-18 16-Jun-18 20-Jun-18 21-Jun-18 26-Jun-18 28-Jun-18 28-Jun-18 28-Jun-18 28-Jun-18

Morgan & Morgan Trust Corporation Belize Ltd.

2018

THINKING OUT LOUD BY: KEVIN BERNARD

Earlier this week Orange Walk East Area Representative Elodio Aragon Jr. was on social media doing what he does best - trying to get political mileage by attacking the PUP. This time he was blaming Councillor Ladrick Sheppard, affectionately known as the Mad Bull, because he claimed that after a tournament hosted by Bull, the fuse box at the Louisiana Field was vandalized. Somehow, in his warped mind, Aragon thought it was okay to blame Bull for the vandalism while pointing out that he has had to replace the vandalized equipment twice.

First of all, I’d like to agree that any form of vandalism is wrong and there can be no tolerance for it. But to blame Bull because he hosted a competition for youths at the Louisiana Football Field is ridiculous.

While Aragon was once Minister with responsibility for youth and sports, he did absolutely nothing to promote our youth and sports in Orange Walk or in the country.

In direct contrast to Aragon, Bull is known, respected and loved across the country for his commitment to sports. I believe that in Orange Walk, certainly, there is nobody who does more for youth and sports than Bull - bar none. He does it because he has genuine love for the community, not for any sort of reward. The UDP’s Area Representative, instead of attacking Sheppard, should take lessons from him.

There is a lot he could learn about service of his community.

I take this opportunity to suggest to Aragon, who has done well for himself while in office, that he apply himself much more to working in the community and much

less time politicking on Facebook.

There is a time for politics, for sure, but there is never time for petty politics when it comes to working for our people. Instead of attacking Bull, maybe the Minister could sit down with him and ask how he could help to develop sports in Orange Walk, and how he could assist in providing our youth with positive reinforcement through sports. The Minister, who is now working in the Ministry of National Security, should understand that their is a direct link between the lack of opportunities for our youth and crime. Currently crime is out of control and the policy-makers in Cabinet seem clueless. I have no doubt that the Minister has the resources to help our people. What he seems to lack is the will.

And finally, because the Minister may not be aware - there is another football tournament held at that field, and it is likely then that the vandalism of the fuse box occurred.

As I’ve said, there can be no excusing the destruction of property, but as junior Minister in National Security maybe Aragon should be a little more aware of what is happening in the community, rather than spending so much time throwing political stones on Facebook.

I end this week by acknowledging the tireless work and efforts of my friend and colleague Bull. I know that it is frustrating at times because resources are always scarce, but somehow he always finds a way to make it happen. We are grateful to those in the community who continue to partner with us for the benefit of our youth and the development of sports. Together, petty politics aside, we will always achieve great things.

8 JUL

23

THE BELIZE TIMES

2018

REQUIREMENTS FOR REGISTRATION The representation of the People Act Chapter 9 of the Laws of Belize sets the guidelines for Voter Registration

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO REGISTER Every person who is

1. Eighteen (18) Years old

2. A citizen of: • Belize • Any Commonwealth Country who has resided in Belize for not

less than twelve (12) months • Any Commonwealth Country who is domiciled in Belize Resident

in the Electoral Division not less than 2 months

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

SOURCE DOCUMENT

Belize Birth Certificate (along with a picture ID or a certification by a justice of the Peace) Passport (Belizean or Commonwealth Country) Adoption Certificate (along with a picture ID or a certification by a justice of the Peace) Dee Poll (along with Birth Certificate, picture ID or a certification by a justice of the Peace) Belizean Nationality Certificate

Notice

Divisions

Registration Centers

BELIZE CITY

Re-Registration of Electors-Registration Centers For Belize District

Freetown

All Saints Primary School

Caribbean Shores

Trinity Methodist School

The general public is hereby notified that the below mentioned list of Registration Centers will be opened to facilitate the registration of electors from Monday 2nd July to 31st August 2018 from 9:00am to 7:00pm Monday to Friday’s and from 10:00am to 4:00pm on Saturday’s.

Pickstock

Central Christian Primary School and Saint Luke Methodist School

Fort George

Holy Redeemer School (North Front Street) and St. Mary’s Anglican School

Albert

Wesley Lower School

Queen’s Square

St. John’s Anglican Primary School

Port Loyola

Port Loyola Library

Mesopotamia

Grace Primary School and Salvation Army School

Lake Independence

St. Martin de Porres RC School

Collet

Frank LizamaTraining Center

Belize Rural North

Sandhill Community Center

Belize Rural Central

Ladyville, Our Lady of the Way RC School

SAN PEDRO TOWN Belize Rural South

San Pedro RC School

24

THE BELIZE TIMES

8 JUL

2018

REAL Good Governance Reform!

Changing the Status Quo For the People’s United Party to restore the people’s confidence in any government after three terms of an abusive, corrupt and incompetent UDP, it must be serious about good governance reform. The Barrow administration has been the worst in history, allowing no REAL oversight and giving UDP Ministers powers which led to gross irregularities and abuses of process and people. The new People’s United Party government will do things differently. We will give power back to the people of the country who will elect us to represent them.

We WILL: PUT POLITICS AND MINISTERIAL POWER IN THEIR PROPER PLACES: We will immediately strengthen the Integrity Commission, providing the necessary funds for its Secretariat to fulfil its important legal, auditing and investigative roles free from any undue political influence.

Monitor the conduct and performance of Government Ministers and all elected officials in public life to ensure their “honourable” exercise of duties and responsibilities, and to prevent any behavior that can bring disrepute and shame to our nation, to our government and/or to our Party. Such embarrassing behavior will lead to their immediate expulsion from the Cabinet.

If a Minister is found breaking the law he/she will be subjected to the legal process and will face the consequences like any other person, including jail time. The rule of law means nothing if the laws do not apply equally to all.

We will limit the subjective authority of Ministers by removing the discretionary powers and reducing the need for letters from Ministers for everything. Presently, letters from Ministers are needed for recruitment to the Police and the Belize Defense Force, a hitherto unheard of thing. Public officers will be made to do their job, without fear or favour, and punishment will be swift for incompetence and/or corruption.

WE WILL: STRENGTHEN CHECKS AND BALANCES: We will reconstitute the Public Accounts Committee for the effective participation of the Social Partners in the Senate so as to ensure its proper role in overseeing the sound and prudent management of public revenues and expenditures approved in the Budget.

We will strengthen the capacities, allocate the appropriate resources and ensure the autonomy of the offices of the Auditor General, the Contractor General, the Ombudsman, and the Integrity Commission to better fulfil their technical mandates and provide the appropriate support to the oversight responsibilities of the Public Accounts Committee and other oversight committees.

WE WILL ENABLE: An EMPOWERED LEGISLATURE: The PUP will improve legislative governance by providing greater oversight by the National Assembly with respect to the work of the House Committees. We WILL establish Standing Senate Committees that will have the authority to conduct inquiries into any and all matters with a view to advancing the cause of nation-building.

WE WILL RESTORE: EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT PUBLIC SERVICE: We will take immediate steps to restore the autonomy of the Public Service (establish clear boundaries between the political directorate and the public service) and Public Service Commission to re-establish integrity and impartiality in the recruiting, training, evaluating and disciplining processes, and

We will introduce the necessary legislation with appropriate measures to protect whistle blowers and witnesses involved in corruption cases and to increase the penalties for acts of corruption and public authority abuses.

The PUP will revert to having Permanent Secretaries (Senior Career Public Officers) as the accounting officers of the specific Ministry/ Ministries.

WE WILL CREATE A: SEPARATION OF POWERS: All Judges and Magistrates of the Court will be employed with security of tenure. The PUP will establish sound systems and good practices for recruitment of all officers of the Court and will hold them responsible for the efficient administration of justice and to ensure the separation of powers of the state as clearly stipulated in the Constitution: Cease and desist from the public badgering and coercing of the judiciary by the Prime Minister and the Cabinet The Director of Public Prosecution will also be given security of tenure and the Department of Public Prosecution will be given the necessary resources to ensure that it complements the work of the Police to increase the rate of successful prosecution, particularly in murder cases WE WILL DELIVER: ELECTION REFORM: Within the first year of office we will present legislation to regulate campaign spending. We will also propose and enact legislation to limit campaigning up to the day before elections.

On Election Day all campaigning, paraphernalia, advertising etc. will not be allowed as it is done in other Caribbean countries.

We will insist, by any means necessary, that the UDP Government comply with the rule of law and conduct nationwide re-registration in 2017. The recent findings of 700 pages of unadulterated corruption in the Immigration Department lay bare for all to see the untold numbers of foreigners who received Belizean nationality by fraudulent means with the consequence being that these new fraudsters can and do vote in municipal and general elections, deciding for Belizeans who should be their government.

Implement a fixed date for general elections similar to that of municipal elections Implement a transparent redistricting exercise, free from any appearance of political manipulation, with the goal being a fair representation of the public Introduce campaign financing legislation Introduce an independent Elections & Boundaries Commission that shall be free from political interference with a Chairman who is appointed in a similar fashion as the DPP and Auditor-General, so he or she can be autonomous and free from the perception of governmental control.

I, John Briceño, as head of the next Government along with my Cabinet and together with the National Legislature, pledge to lead this transformation, motivated by the will of the people. In this noble path, we are guided by the philosophy of our Founding Father, the Right Hon. George Price, whose dynamic concept of a Peaceful, Constructive Revolution empowers us to confidently chart this way forward to a better future for all Belizeans.