The Belize Times
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THE BELIZE TIMES
13 JUN
2021
Established 1957
The Truth Shall Make You Free
13 JUNE 2021 | ISSUE NO: 5253
BELIZE
IS BACK
www.facebook/belizetimes | $1.00
TRACY REJECTS LEADERSHIP
PM BRICEÑO AT EXTRAORDINARY SUMMIT OF SICA-SPAIN PM John Briceño at the Solidarity Event for Forcibly Displaced Persons and Host Communities
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The back and forth in the extinct UDP is much ado about nothing. There is no UDP so it would follow that there is no leader. The once-upon-a-time Party that fielded the champions of Incompetence and Corruption has characters that are out to pasture or characters that belong only in Belize’s UDP past of infamy. Listen to the names, Barrow, Faber, Patt, Tracy. All these are uttered with all the disdain Belize can muster. Up to now, the only castigation these five have felt is the same 10 percent the Teachers and Public servants have been asked to endure temporarily. The UDP Opposition has left Belize waiting for their confession, apology and, then, to really mean the apology they were to resign for having battered Belize over 13 years. ALL UDP’s are still to blame for Belize’s economic suffering. Covid-19 exposed them.
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SSB Inaugurates Value for Money
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GoB Launches Job Search Website Pg. 2
Min. Chebat:
“Get Vaccinated, It saves Lives.”
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CONGRATULATIONS! CLASS OF 2021
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13 JUN
THE BELIZE TIMES
BELIZE IS BACK
PM BRICEÑO AT EXTRAORDINARY SUMMIT OF SICA-SPAIN After 13 years of being in the invisible doldrums, Belize has a Prime Minister who is a true statesman. Last week, Prime Minister John Briceño took Belize out of the insular mode and placed into one that is politically, socially and globally broadminded; compartmentalization is the order of the day. In today’s GoB there is professional savvy; there is time for us to meet our international partners and be a relevant part of the global picture; there is enough medical professionals to deal with Covid-19, there is time to openly negotiate with the unions who were on a lengthy strike; there is enough scholarly aptitude to keep national education at its most optimal; there is plenty of technical sweat to grow food for local consumption and export; there is knowledge to manage our Hurricane preparedness; there is time for all Belizeans with patience and for those with little patience. We cannot feign at increasing our exports to bolster our foreign exchange by prolonging our invisibility
to that same world we need to access with trade, cooperation, security and investment. Belize is Back… and the UN has noticed as Belize was elected to the UN’s Economic and Social Council…this is the partner council to the much vaunted Security Council. Release: Hon. John Briceño departed the country on an official visit to San José, Costa Rica to attend the Extraordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Governments of SICA-Spain and the Solidarity Event for Forcibly Displaced Persons and Host Communities in Central America and Mexico. The Prime Minister will also be holding bilateral meetings with President of Costa Rica, Carlos Alvarado Quesada, and President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón. Prime Minister Briceño returns to Belize on Saturday, June 12, 2021. During his absence, Hon. Cordel Hyde, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources, Petroleum and Mining, will act as Prime Minister.
PRESS RELEASE
Ministry of the Public Service, Constitutional and Political Reform Launches Job Search Website Belmopan. June 7, 2021 - The Ministry of the Public Service, Constitutional and Political Reform, which is the human resource manager in the public sector, today launched its job search website. (Ed. Note: At press time our latest information was that there were 213 résumés created and over 400 new visitors to this new website.) This website will serve as a central location for advertising vacancies in the public service and for submitting job applications to the public service. The website now makes the application process easier and reduces the use of paper. It is the hope that ministries and departments will be able to attract a wider audience, which will increase the number of qualified applicants. The introduction of this website is one of the steps towards transforming the public service into a more efficient and effective institution using technology. At the virtual launch ceremony, Hon. Henry Charles Usher, Minister of the Public Service, Constitutional and Political Reform, spoke about the ministry’s responsibilities to formulate schemes for recruitment as well as being tasked with modernizing the service. “What better way to combine the two than through this website,” Minister Usher said. “Better hires will lead to strengthening of the workforce, greater job satisfaction and greater productivity.” The way job seekers interact with employers has changed. The expectations have shifted to wanting immediate access to on-demand content and so the ministry has stepped up to meet this growing demand. The Ministry the Public Service, Constitutional and Political Reform encourages the public to visit the website at https://jobs.publicservice.gov.bz/ and be a part of building the Belize Public Service.
2021
Min. Chebat:
“Get Vaccinated, It saves Lives.” Amid a turn in the number of total active cases from under 100 for a few months to now above that number, the Minister of Health and Wellness and his team are ramping up the information war against Covid. The vaccines are available, the centers are open since March, and there is immense desire to ‘open up’ everything especially the borders. What is definitely on the decline is the number of people going to access the vaccinations. One can only guess why people are hesitant. Minister Chebat has hinted on incentives that might be on the pipeline for getting vaccinated. If Belize is to even get close to herd immunity by Christmas 2021 this incentive needs to get to thousands of Belizeans thus far. Our threshold or the ministry’s goal is to have fifty-eight percent, or two hundred forty-three thousand, one hundred thirty-five persons fully vaccinated. At this point, we have only 12 thousand fully vaccinated and about 70 thousand with one jab. It is easy to see that there is much more that Belizeans need to do. Just as Belizeans are given the credit for mask-wearing and generally abiding by the numbers to keep the numbers down, Belizeans as a whole can now be faulted for not going to the vaccination centers in droves. Are we afraid? A suggestion could be to have a day,
TRACY REJECTS LEADERSHIP
Continued from page 1 In an interview when asked about Faber’s domestic tribulations, Chairman Peyrefitte basically said that his leader Faber’s fiasco was nothing. Faber was exposed via close caption video clip showing a violent rush at his daughter and daughter’s mom. This placed Faber in direct comparison to Shyne as a repeat offender. Similar to Peyrefitte, slim-win Tracey Panton retracted any disdain for Faber’s action by disassociating herself from the pronunciations of the self-proclaimed UDP whip, Barrow. The UDP whip lost some of his shine by offering to Panton the UDP Leader of the Opposition post. Barrow even was to call a UDP party council meeting. There were two major problems with this overture: one, was that Barrow has no support really. He missed reading the election results. And two, there is no UDP Party Council. Such a meeting needs members and the UDP died a few months back. So Panton, knowing this, had to lash the whip to shut up as their open secret could be revealed. There is no UDP Party; there are just zombie remnants. Barrow whose family is used to fuzzy math skills calculated that his absentee Aunt, Tracey herself and, he, Jamal would be all that would be needed to get a tremendous majority mandate to orchestrate a Barrow palace endorsed coup. He managed to corrupt even a coup. They corrupt everything.
BE PREPARED: HURRICANE SEASON JUNE 1 TO NOVEMBER 30
maybe a Sunday, where the Ministry of Health works overtime and let’s see how many can be vaccinated. Maybe being out of work could help. Are employers pushing their employees to vaccinate? In a radio interview, Hon. Michel Chebat, keyed in: “We continue to encourage people to come out and get vaccinated. We continue to encourage people to observe the public health measures. You know as I keep on saying every time I do these interviews that this virus is spread by human contact and so if we don’t have the public cooperating with us this is going to be the result.” The Ministry has announced Covid-19 clusters in the Stann Creek, Belize and Orange Walk Districts. In the Belize District, schools such as Wesley Middle and Lower, Queen’s Square Anglican, Wesley College, and Hattieville Seventh-Day Adventist all registered COVID-19 cases. These schools closed temporarily for sanitization. The Princess casino cluster in Belize City is still of concern and in Orange Walk the cluster originating from a Church service. The Santa Cruz cluster is still being monitored and on June 10 the Ministry team was in the Santa Cruz school doing mass testing and vaccinations. It is the hope that people will understand that they need to keep up their guard. It is easy to see that people were getting the idea that vaccinations are here so we are good. No…vaccines need to be in arms. Vaccine hesitancy and being afraid needs to go out the window. Minister Chebat singled out teachers, customs officer and immigration officers to get vaccinated. Belize needs to return to normalcy; our economy depends on it; our children need their education resumed now more than ever. Everyone over 18 needs to get vaccinated; the vaccines are safe. Our society needs the safety level the vaccines provide. #getvaccinatedBelize
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
José Jiménez
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
Email: belizetimesadvertisement@yahoo.com
13 JUN
2021
THE BELIZE TIMES
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EDITORIAL
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Hot Potato
he latest instalment in Belize’s very own reality series Bridgefoot Fandango is one for the record books. It features the villain everyone loves to hate, the notoriously dim Shyne. The self-proclaimed party whip, whose personality is as pleasant as a whiplash, has called out the Leader of the Opposition (LOO) and is in the process of organizing an all-out mutiny. The leading lady, Two Cent Tracy, has vigorously denied involvement and has run for the hills. The LOO true to form has come out swinging and deflecting but is clearly in deep trouble. The member for Queen Square has completely ghosted the entire country. The Shadow King of the North remains in the penumbra. There are other minor characters who are not worth much mentioning but add to the general feeling of chaos and disorder. The LOO has been under attack from within, the upstart who now tries to further sully his name was once his biggest supporter. It seems that he is now grown too big for his britches. Certainly, Hon Tracy has given a sound schooling in washing the dirty laundry at home, discretion and, more importantly, toeing the party line. It is not clear if the lesson has been learned, or even heeded as the newbie continues to regurgitate nonsense and stir up trouble. The infighting has certainly caught the attention of Belizeans on social media and the general feeling is that the kettle has no business calling out the pot. Having had his own domestic violence issues and obviously having severe daddy issues, Belizeans are not having it. It seems that this unruly bunch has conspired to bring the red party to a brand-new low. Their party stalwarts have expressed disappointment and shame at the situation. How the mighty have fallen. The circus has come to town and the clowns have started to play a brand-new game of leadership musical chairs. The music has started to play, and it is anyone’s guess who will become the leader when the music stops. Meanwhile Shyne is playing hot potato with the political smear campaign. While it is Patrick who is holding the hot potato now, well next week it might be someone else. With all the internal fighting going on Saldivar who just like Kim Kardashian holds a seventy-two-hour record believes that this is his opportunity for a comeback. This is just another edition in the unfolding saga. We are still unsure if this is a drama, a comedy, or a real-life tragedy. Certainly, the shenanigans of this crowd spelt disaster for Belize when they formed government. If nothing else, Belize can certainly sigh with relief that they are finally rid of them.
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THE BELIZE TIMES
EDITORIAL
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13 JUN
2021
en Español
Papa Caliente
l último episodio de la serie de telerrealidad de Belice, Bridgefoot Fandango, es una para los libros de récords. En ella aparece el villano que todo el mundo ama odiar, el notoriamente oscuro Shyne. El autoproclamado látigo del partido, cuya personalidad es tan agradable como un latigazo, ha denunciado al LOO (líder de la oposición, el acrónimo inglés) y está en proceso de organizar un motín. La protagonista, Two Cents Tracy, ha negado enérgicamente su implicación y ha huido a las colinas. El LOO, fiel a su estilo, ha salido oscilante y desviando, pero es evidente que está en graves problemas. El miembro de Queen Square ha desaparecido por completo del país. El Rey Sombra del Norte permanece en la penumbra. Hay otros personajes menores que no merecen ser mencionados, pero que contribuyen a la sensación general de caos y desorden. El LOO ha sido atacado desde dentro, el advenedizo que ahora intenta mancillar aún más su nombre fue una vez su mayor partidario. Parece ahora ser demasiado grande para sus pantalones. Ciertamente, la Honorable Tracy ha dado una buena lección sobre cómo lavar los trapos sucios en casa, la discreción y, lo que es más importante, seguir la línea del partido. No está claro si se ha aprendido la lección, ni si se ha tenido en cuenta, ya que el novato sigue regurgitando tonterías y provocando problemas. Las luchas internas han llamado la atención de los beliceños en las redes sociales y el sentimiento general es que la tetera no tiene por qué llamarle la atención a la olla. Los beliceños no están de acuerdo con el hecho de que haya tenido sus propios problemas de violencia doméstica y que, obviamente, tenga graves problemas con su padre. Parece que este grupo de revoltosos ha conspirado para llevar al partido rojo a un nuevo nivel de bajeza. Los incondicionales de su partido han expresado su decepción y vergüenza por la situación. Cómo han caído los poderosos. El circo ha llegado a la ciudad y los payasos han comenzado a jugar un nuevo juego de liderazgo en sillas musicales. La música ha empezado a sonar y no se sabe quién será el líder cuando la música se detenga. Mientras tanto, Shyne está jugando a la patata caliente con la campaña de desprestigio político. Aunque es Patrick quien ahora tiene la patata caliente, la semana que viene podría ser otra persona. Con todas las luchas internas que se están produciendo Saldívar que al igual que Kim Kardashian tiene un récord de setenta y dos horas cree que esta es su oportunidad para volver. Esta es una edición más de la saga que se está desarrollando. Todavía no sabemos si esto es un drama, una comedia o una tragedia de la vida real. Ciertamente, los tejemanejes de esta multitud fueron un desastre para Belice cuando eran gobierno. Al menos, Belice puede suspirar con alivio porque finalmente se ha librado de ellos.
13 JUN
2021
THE BELIZE TIMES
SSB Inaugurates Value for Money
The David L. Mckoy Business Center was inaugurated today in the capital city of Belmopan. Up to date it was called the new Social Security Building as the Social Security Board invested some 8.2 million of Belizean worker’s money. When compared to other buildings built during the last administration, the David L. Mckoy Business Center is value for money. Several entities will be renting on the building including the Prime Minister’s Office, this denotes a level of financial prudence that is expected from the accountable Briceño administration and its statutory bodies. The building, after a name competition, was named after “David L. McKoy who was the first and longest serving area representative for Stann Creek West. He was a Garifuna union leader from Dangriga Town. In the early 1950’s David L. McKoy organized the General Workers Union in the Stann Creek District, using a motorcycle as his main transportation. In 1957, he got elected as Stann Creek West representative and was appointed Minister of Labour. He was the first Minister of Labour in Belize and contributed to the formation of the Social Security program in Belize.”(SSB) The keynote address was presented by the acting Prime Minister Cordel Hyde who pointed out to an “Impressive building” for a “one of a kind Belizean.” Hon. Hyde highlighted that former Minister Mckoy “dreamed of the Social Security Scheme to guard against old age. He was way ahead of his time. Today we are marking his name for all time” Hon Hyde went on to state: “(David Mckoy) Told the workers of his dream of his vision to have a Social Security Scheme...A full 12 years before Independence.” The SSB is now “a bulwark against poverty in old age...Each generation provides for the previous generation...It is an instrument of true nation building... A testament of true social justice. Some would argue that his trade union roots birthed his social security vision. Either way, it is service at its best... David L. Mckoy did it so well.” Hon. Hyde continued, “This is a man that won his seat seven straight times without ever losing. What we are doing here is not diplomatically expedient, it is the right thing to do.” “I know our Garifuna brothers and sisters claim him as they should. He honored the memory of his ancestors. Today, we as Belizeans claim him as we should. He served in the spirit of George Price, not every politician does that. He lived a humble life, not every politician does that. He died a poor man, not every politician does that. But now he will
be remembered forever, not every politician gets that.” “In his old age, he donated some prime real estate to the then University College of Belize, the precursor to the national University of Belize. Lottie, David, Gayle and Doreen and the rest of the family you have a lot to be proud of. Your father left a legacy that is what we are here to celebrate. That legacy is one that all Belizean men and women should treasure forever. Today, we are reminded that we must think of each other. We must act for each other. We must be there for each other. That is the true spirit of social security.”
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13 JUN
THE BELIZE TIMES
PRESS RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE
Ministry of Agriculture Meets with Special Envoy
Belmopan June 8, 2021 - The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise met with H.E. Rossana Briceño, Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children, at the Laing Building in Belize City. The discussion focused on collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and the Office of the Special Envoy, especially for school feeding programs and school gardens. An overview of how school gardens can be used as a pedagogical tool in schools through partnerships with the National Food and Nutrition Security Commission, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health & Wellness, and the Office of the Special Envoy was presented. H.E. Briceño discussed the purpose of the Office of the Special Envoy and highlighted the main goal of empowering the most vulnerable families and children to fully contribute and to successfully participate in achieving Belize’s development goals. Target beneficiaries are persons and children living with disabilities, the elderly, and vulnerable families. Strategic priorities include strengthening engagement to support the most vulnerable, increasing citizen participation and ownership, and promoting effective and accountable governance. The mission of the Office of the Special Envoy aligns with the program areas of the National Food and Nutrition Security Commission and with the overall goals of Plan Belize. Representing the Ministry of Agriculture were Mr. Servulo Baeza, CEO in the ministry; Mr. Luis Pook, director of communications; Mr. Clifford Martinez, director of extension; Mr. Gary Ramirez, national horticulture coordinator; and Mr. Emilio Montero, coordinator for the National Food and Nutrition Security Commission.
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Belize Elected to Economic and Social Council Belmopan. June 7, 2021. - The United Nations General Assembly met this afternoon to elect new members of the UN’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) by secret ballot. Belize won, by a wide margin, one of the three seats assigned to the Latin America and Caribbean region on the council for the term 2022 to 2024. The work of ECOSOC will be critical in ensuring that the global recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic is inclusive, sustainable, and green – aligned to Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and all internationally agreed development goals. ECOSOC’s work in the coming years will be integral to the success of the UN’s Decade of Action to deliver the SDGs. ECOSOC is one of the six principal organs of United Nations. With 54 members, it is specifically responsible for economic and social affairs in the United Nations. Its 32 subsidiary and related bodies include the Commission on Human Rights, the Commission on the Status of Women and the Commission on Sustainable Development. Over the years, ECOSOC has played an important role in facilitating global economic development, promoting and protecting human rights, enhancing the status of women, eradicating poverty, protecting the environment and so on. Belize looks forward to assuming its ECOSOC seat in January 2022 and to contribute to advancing the development agenda of the United Nations.
CARTOON
Ends
13 JUN
2021
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THE BELIZE TIMES
Prime Minister
JOHN BRICEÑO MESSAGE 5th June 2021
Hi everybody. June 5th was an important day for Belize and our government. The United Nations marks this very moment as the beginning of the decade on ecosystem restoration. You might be saying, what is that, why is that important to Belize? Well, a big idea in our planBELIZE is to implement laws and programs that bring our people, our natural environment and by definition the climate together toward a culture of LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE. The work inside our government regarding Belize’s environment is existential. We have no choice, but to confront both longstanding and emerging issues that we the people create. Problems such as liquid waste, river pollution, sewage disposal on our coast, single-use plastics, and solid waste management will not go away just because we advocate for a better environment. The health of our ecosystems will enhance people’s livelihoods, address climate change and stop the catastrophic collapse of our biodiversity. At this important global political moment, Belize must take up the challenge to question our role and actions inside our multiple ecosystems—be it swamps, reefs, forests, or watersheds. A culture of ‘Love Where You Live’ combines working together to save the environment, teach our children to love nature and change behaviour for the benefit of all. There are so many courageous, and creative Belizeans and organizations that I am thinking about today who have spent their life’s energies working and loving where they live - environmental activists and conservationists determined to protect Belize. On this first year of the decade on ecosystem restoration, I thank our many environmental frontline workers, and park rangers—the guardians of our forests and sea—for the work they do daily with great passion and sacrifice. Thanks God bless and have a great week
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Belize Uplifted
Tourism gets a Shot in the Arm Signs that Belize is bursting out of the pandemic are popping out everywhere under the Belizean sun. One such place is at the now iconic BELIZE welcome sign erected just adjacent to the forever iconic Bliss Lighthouse. The much photographed sign has been doused with inspiration at the hands of young artist extraordinaire Chelsea Johnston; this is definitely a sign to people around the world that Belizeans will beat Covid via our lifestyle, vaccinations, and our desire to excel. In an interview with the Belize Times “paintist” Chelsea revealed that the rebeautification of the Belize sign near the Bliss monument is just the beginning of a much larger and visionary project. Chelsea of Chelsea Johnston Designs is at the project’s onset which will evolve into painting of the other Belize sign and then the city’s seawall. As for the latter, the plan includes placing of a number of pictorial stories starting from the seawall by the Princess area down Marine Parade and back up to the Bliss monument. All this is under the auspices of Mayor Bernard Wagner and the entrepreneuring Belize City Council who saw the potential of this project for Belize City and hired this young Belizean artist to paint her long-time idea onto the cement walls. On Wednesday June 9, the Mayor presented the veritable masterpiece to Area Representatives for Fort George Hon. Henry Charles Usher and for Caribbean Shores Hon. Kareem Musa. The Mayor and the parliamentarians expressed amazement and gratitude to the young artist who is doing work beyond her years. Mayor Wagner said the work made the area more vibrant. Hon. Usher added that the painting makes the area more family-friendly as it should be. For his part, Hon. Musa was happy to see his constituent Chelsea being highlighted and that she will soon be doing similar wonderful work in Caribbean Shores. This endeavour is both remarkable and memorable as quite definitely this veritable artistry will go on to drape the background of thousands of social media-bound pictures and future artwork. This is marketing par excellence for Belize. Thanks, Chelsea!
13 JUN
THE BELIZE TIMES
Chelsea Johnston was a business student at Pallotti High School. She went on to discover for herself the previously hidden talent of painting while at St. John’s College Junior College. Her instructor there, on seeing her potential, uttered that Chelsea was not only an artist but that she was a “paintist.” She epitomizes the drive that students in Belize should look up to—a great example to follow. This past weekend, everyone who drove by the Bliss monument could help but slowdown in awe and revere at the marvel of Belizean colors being unfurled onto posterity. No one can overestimate the value added to the entirety of Belize with this gorgeous piece. Chelsea revealed to us that each letter is an integral part of the whole. Our ‘B’ provides a unique opportunity to portray the Blue Hole out at Turneffe right at a World Heritage site. The ‘E’ helps us remember that the sun at both rise and set provides shining Energy for Belize to move ahead. The ‘L’ depicts the Ginger Lily which while it is not the Black Orchid it is ubiquitous in our Tourist areas and, thus, is internationally known as Belizean. The ‘I’ stands tall and generates power for the Lighthouse by where the sign has found a home. The ‘Z’ lends itself to our National Bird, the keel-billed Toucan, and its assemblage of colours. Attractive! The 2nd E allows for the Blue Marlin to peek out at us. Even as most of us have.not seen one, it is majestically living in the depths of our 12 miles out beyond San Pedro. The Belize welcome sign was constructed in early 2016 in beloved memory of Lena Quinto. BTB release: Southwest resumes flights to Belize from Houston and Denver BELIZE CITY, BELIZE, Thursday, 10 June, 2021 – The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) is proud to announce that Southwest Airlines will resume flights to Belize from Houston and Denver, Colorado starting November 07, 2021. The Airline will offer a non-stop service from Houston from Sunday to
2021
Saturday departing Houston at 10:55 am and arriving in Belize at 13:15 pm. The flight will depart Belize at 14:10 pm and arrive in Houston at 16:40 pm. However, on Saturdays the flight will depart Houston at the same time, but will return a bit later at 16:45 pm arriving in Houston at 19:50 pm. The flight from Denver will be on Saturdays only. It will depart 10:50 am and arrive in Belize at 15:50 pm. The flight will depart Belize at 14:10 pm and arrive in Denver at 17:40 pm. Southwest started flying to Belize from Denver in early 2017. The airline also offered a non-stop service from Hobby In-
ternational Airport in Houston and later on added a direct flight from Ft. Lauderdale. However, all flights ceased due to the closure of PGIA due to the pandemic. Air connectivity is the bloodline of Belize’s tourism industry. The BTB, therefore, welcomes the resumption of flights by Southwest Airline flight because it will make it easier for travelers to enjoy the beauty, the myriad attractions and warm hospitality of Belize at a time when the industry is now on its path to recovery. For more visit www. travelbelize.org
PRESS RELEASE - National Celebrations Commission Launches Theme and Logo Competition for 2021 September Celebrations! 4th June 2021 In commemoration of the 40th Anniversary of Belize’s Independence and the 223rd Anniversary of the Battle of St. George’s Caye, the National Celebrations Commission (NCC) is inviting all Belizeans living at home or abroad to participate in this year’s September Celebrations Theme competition as well as a Logo competition for the NCC. This new logo will be the official logo for the NCC and will be used on all media – physical and online i.e. print, merchandise and other visual collateral. The winners for each competition will receive a cash prize of $1,000.00. The guidelines are as follows: Theme: Should be ten words or less, Multiple entries are allowed. Logo: Must be original work, Should consist of three colours or less, Should not include trademark or copyrighted images and Multiple entries are allowed. Submissions can be emailed to: nationalcelebrations@nichbelize.org or dropped off at the Government House (NICH office) on Regent Street, the Bliss Center for Performing Arts on Southern Foreshore in Belize City or at any of the Houses of Cultures in the districts, on or before Friday, June 25th, 2021. For more information please feel free to contact us at 615-9608 or at the abovementioned email address. - - - END - - -
THIRD NOTICE Pursuant to Section 10 (3) of the Belize Mines and Minerals Act, Chapter 226, Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, Leonard Loewen for and on behalf of Excel Construction Ltd., has applied to the Honourable Minister of Natural Resources, Petroleum & Mining, through the Inspector of Mines, Mining Unit, for a Mining License to extract limestone and marl from a hill within a property belonging to Tiger Sandy Bay, located along the Coastal Road, Belize District. The area to be mined is bounded within UTM-coordinates. Easting 1) 341090 2) 341273 3) 341273 4) 341090
Northing 1914072 1914072 1913617 1913617
The area to be mined comprises approximately twenty (20) acres.
13 JUN
2021
THE BELIZE TIMES
099
STRENGTHENING OF TAX ADMINISTRATION PROJECT REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE CENTRAL AMERICAN BANK FOR ECONOMIC INTEGRATION NON-REFUNDABLE FINANCIAL COOPERATION PRESS RELEASE The Board of Directors of the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI), in its session of February 23, 2021, approved through a resolution a Non-Refundable Financial Cooperation for an amount of US$500,000 for each member country of the Central American Integration System (SICA). Today, June 7, 2021, the Bank made the disbursement of US$500,000 to the Central Bank of Belize account. This cooperation is provided for countries to continue supporting the efforts that they are making to face the emergency that occurs due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The resources granted may be used for any of the following purposes: purchase of medicine and medical supplies to attend the health emergency; purchase of food, drinking water and other goods for primary use required by the affected population; financing of communication campaigns and actions related to the emergency care and affected population; financing to meet the preparation and response plans for COVID-19; financing to strengthen surveillance, prepare health services, prevent the spread of the virus and maintain essential services; and financing for emergency care of the affected population. Dr. Osmond Martinez, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment, participated in a virtual meeting on June 4, 2021, with Dr. Dante Mossi, Executive President, Central American Bank for Economic Integration, to discuss ongoing and potential projects. During his remarks, CEO Martinez emphasized on the importance of Belize’s integration to the Central America region. The Central American Bank for Economic Integration remains committed to assisting the people and Government of Belize in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic. [END]
LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICES Notice is hereby given that Laura Thompson is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “The Wet Lizard” located at # 1 Fort Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Laura Thompson is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “The Wet Lizard Bar # 2” located at # 1 Fort Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Enma Zepeda is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “JJ’s Tacos & Smoothies” located at # 19 Handyside Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.
Consulting Firm to Prepare and Implement a New Audit Model, making use of the wider range examination and risk-based techniques (to include analytic tools for audit) Institution: The Ministry of Finance (MOF) Country: Belize Project: Strengthening of Tax Administration (STA) Abstract: Consulting Services – Consulting Firm to Prepare and Implement a New Audit Model, making use of the wider range examination and risk-based techniques (to include analytic tools for audit). Loan No.: 4839/OC-BL Deadline: June 25, 2021, Belize Local Time The Government of Belize (GOB) has received financing from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for the execution of a five-year tax modernization project entitled “Strengthening of Tax Administration” (BL-L1031). The main beneficiaries of the Project are: (a) the Government, which will have more revenues to implement its public policies; (b) taxpayers, who will have more support and a digital environment to fulfil their tax obligations; and (c) the population, from the government policies implemented. Through this project, the Belize Tax Service Department (BTSD) has procured a Modern Integrated Tax Administration System (the Revenue Management System (RMS)) and is presently in the implementation process. This new system will be used in the management of the Belize Tax Administration. The BTSD management has identified the need for a modern audit approach based on risk analysis. The BTSD Strategic Plan states that: “BTSD will explore the introduction of a Risk Management Plan (RMP) to properly respond to the risks identified on a timely basis, to minimize overall compliance burden for both the taxpayers and the tax administration. As an important aspect of the RMP, risk mitigating strategies will be proposed for application against potential and existing risks. The plan will highlight all areas of risks including risk-based assessments, risk-based audits, risk-based sector and taxpayer segmentation, compliance risks (registration, filing, reporting and payments) and international risks. Risk mitigation reduces the extent of exposure and ensures that the strategic objectives are achieved.” The consulting services (“the services”) includes the contracting of a consulting firm for a period of ten (10) months to Prepare and Implement a New Audit Model, making use of the range examination and risk-based techniques (to include analytic tools for audit). The main activities of the consultancy includes: 1. To assess the status of BTSD taxpayer audit strategies and operations for all tax type. 2. To review the Audit Division organization and resources, as well as the staff skills 3. To suggest the strategy for centralization/decentralization of the audit 4. To propose a new organization area (if required) 5. To propose the staff composition by area and by location 6. To propose the different audit programs taking into consideration taxpayer segments and different audit locations (central, districts). 7. To propose a system of massive audit based on IT verification of returns against risk factors and third-party information. The selected cases should be resolved very quickly (4 cases a day) as they are based on firm verification. 8. To propose modern analytic tools suitable for Belize’s environment by conducting a SWOT analysis to support the audit work. 9. Once the proposal on the modern analytic tool is approved, the consulting firm will procure, implement, and train auditors in its utilization. 10. To conduct Pilot audit with the audit team to plan, execute and report on randomly selected taxpayers. The Consulting firm should have a minimum of five (5) years’ experience in Tax Administration Taxpayer Audit and Risk Analysis. As well as a strong expertise in the use of modern analytic tools. The Consulting firm should prove its expertise in Tax Administration audit, risk analysis and Business Strategy (supporting business and organization goals). The Ministry of Finance now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested eligible Consultants must submit an Expression of Interest providing information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the services (brochures, description of similar assignments specifying start and end dates of assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills, etc.). The term “consultant” means a legally-established professional consulting firm or an entity that may provide the services. Expression of Interest package should contain: (i) Document explaining interest, experience, and competence of the consulting firm. (ii) Firms experience in the assignment of similar consultancy services during the past five years. Description of similar assignments specifying start and end dates of assignments. (iii) Firms evidence of past jobs. (iv) Two references (v) Proof of nationality: Copy of certificate of incorporation and information of shareholders of company specifying the shares owned by each respective shareholder of the company. Additional documentation required for National Consultants: (vi) Copy of Certificate of Good Standing from Belize Company Registry (vii) Copy of Certificate of Good Standing from the Social Security Board (viii) Copy of Certificate of Good Standing from the Belize Tax Service Department (ix) Current Trade License Consultants will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the Inter-American Development Bank: Policies for the Selection and Contracting of Consultants financed by the Inter-American Development Bank (GN-2350-15, May 2019 edition) and is open to all eligible consultants as defined in the IDB policies. Consultants may associate with other firms in the form of a joint venture or a sub-consultancy to enhance their qualifications. For the purpose of establishing the short list, the nationality of a firm is that of the country in which it is legally incorporated or constituted and in the case of Joint Venture, the nationality of the firm appointed to represent it. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Selection based on the Consultants’ Qualification method set out in the IDB Consultant Policies. The selected consulting firm will be selected based on its experience and competence relevant to the assignment and most appropriate qualifications and references. Only the highest ranked consulting firm from the short-listed firms will be notified and will be asked to submit a technical and price proposal. Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Expressions of interest must be delivered via direct mail or e-mail at the address indicated below by 4:00 p.m. (Belize local time) on Friday June 25, 2021. Interested consulting firms are asked to submit their expression of interest via e-mail to Michelle.Longsworth@bts.gov.bz marked STAP- Consulting Firm to Prepare and Implement a New Audit Model in the subject header, or submit on or before 4:00 p.m. (Belize local time) on Friday June 25, 2021 to the following address: Director General Belize Tax Service Department Strengthening of Tax Administration Project Charles Bartlett Hyde Building Mahogany Street, Belize City Tel: 501-222-5114 For clarifications kindly contact: Project Coordinator Project Executing Unit Strengthening of Tax Administration Project Charles Bartlett Hyde Building Mahogany Street, Belize City Tel: 501-222-5114/E-mail: gisel.correa@mof.gov.bz
10
Ministry of Health & Wellness Commemorates World Food Safety Day Belmopan. June 7, 2021. 5:05 p.m. The Ministry of Health & Wellness is today observing World Food Safety Day under the theme “Safe Foods Now for a Healthy Tomorrow.” In 2018, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the day, considering the global burden of foodborne disease that affects individuals of all ages, in particular, children and persons living in low-income regions. The World Health Organization estimates that every year more than 600 million people fall ill and 420,000 die from consuming contaminated food. This only represents a small portion of data as accurate surveillance in the developing world is limited. Presently, there are no studies of COVID-19 transmitted through food. However, it has raised awareness on some important issues that can compromise food safety such as hygiene practices, antimicrobial resistance, zoonotic diseases, and climate change. Tied into the current challenges, it is nec-
13 JUN
THE BELIZE TIMES
2021
PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: PROPERTIES
Placencia Pensinsula, Stann Creek District
BY ORDER of the Mortgagees Messrs. The Belize Bank International Limited, Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A. Castillo and Christiana R. Castillo are selling ONLINE via belizepropertyauctions.com those properties appearing below. Sales currently running and will expire on ThursdayPUBLIC 17th June 2021 SALE: at the PROPERTIES times shown on the website. AUCTION
PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: PROPERTIES essary to reflect on the commitPlacencia Pensinsula, Stann Creek District Placencia Peninsula, 1. No. 2123 West Wind Drive, The Placencia Residences, Placencia Pensinsula, Stann Creek District of the Messrs. The Belize Limited, Licensed Auctioneers Stann Creek District: ment to Sustainable Develop- BY ORDER BY ORDER ofMortgagees the Mortgagees Messrs. The BelizeBank BankInternational International Limited, Licensed Auctioneers KevinKevin A. A. Castillo and Christiana R. Castillo are selling ONLINE via belizepropertyauctions.com those properties appearing Castillo and Christiana R. Castillo are selling ONLINE via belizepropertyauctions.com those properties appearing ment Goal 3, which promotes below. below. Sales currently running expireononThursday Thursday 10thth June times shown on the Sales currently running andand willwill expire June2021 2021atatthethe times shown onwebsite. the website. ensuring healthy lives and the 1. No. 2123 West Wind Drive, The Placencia Residences, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District: 1. No. 2123 West Wind Drive, The Placencia Residences, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District: wellbeing of all persons of all ages. This outcome can be REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL achieved through safe production, transportation, storage, Placencia North 36 2123 purchasing, preparation and (Being a reinforced masonry block building frame [60 BLOCK ft. X 60 ft. + carportPARCEL 20 ft. X 20 ft.] and REGISTRATION SECTION lot [768.690 S.M.] situate on West Wind Drive, The Placencia Residences, Placencia Peninsuconsumption. Therefore, BelizPlacencia North 36 2123 REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL la, Stann CreekPlacencia District,block the freehold Estates Limited.) (Being a reinforced masonry building property frame [60 of ft. Messrs. X 60 ft. +Mayan carport 20 ft. X 20 ft.] and lot [768.690 eans must work together with North 36 Lagoon 2123 Restrictions on use ofResidences, Property is availablePeninsula, upon request******* situate *******NB. onmasonry West Wind Drive, The Placencia District, the (BeingS.M.] a reinforced block building frame [60 ft. X 60Placencia ft. + carport 20 ft. Stann X 20 Creek ft.] and lot [768.6 the government. freehold property of Messrs. Mayan Lagoon Estates Limited.) 2. No. 1486 West Wind Drive, The Placencia Residences, Placencia Peninsula, on West Wind Drive, The Placencia Residences, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District, No. 1486 West Wind Drive, The Placencia Residences, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District: The Ministry of Health &S.M.]2. situate Stann Creek District: freehold property of Messrs. Mayan Lagoon Estates Limited.) Wellness is one of the regula2. No. 1486 West Wind Drive, The Placencia Residences, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District: tors for food safety in Belize. The ministry monitors food establishments on a regular basis for compliance with the Food and Drug Act, which includes food safety. Food safety is a shared responsibility. Safe food leads to immediate benefits for the peoREGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL ple, country and economy. HavPlacencia North 36 1486 Placencia North 36 1486 ing the availability of safe and (Being a three storey timber/vinyl dwelling house: Ground Floor 28 ft. X 59 ft. + porch 8 ft. X 28 ft. containing bedrooms + 1timber/vinyl bathroom + living/dining/kitchen + laundry + utility room + ft. storage under healthy food leads to a healthy (Being a2 three storey dwelling house: Ground Floor 28 ft. X 59 + porch 8 ft. X SECTION BLOCK PARCEL staircase; FirstREGISTRATION Floor: 222bedrooms ft. X 43 ft. + 1porch 5 ft. X + 22living/dining/kitchen ft. containing master bedroom + bathroom +room walk-in 28 ft. containing + bathroom + laundry + utility working and growing populaPlacencia North 1486 closet; Secondunder Floor: 10 ft. X 10 ft. viewing (access three36 floors via22 internal concrete staircase + storage staircase; First Floor:attic 22 ft. X 43 to ft.all + porch 5 ft. X ft. containing master timber steps) and lot [919.702 square meters (1099.95 square yards)] West Wind Drive, The a three storey timber/vinyl dwelling house: Ground Floor ft.10 Xsituate 59viewing ft. on + porch 8(access ft. X 28toft. tion. Practicing food safety in(Beingwith bedroom + bathroom + walk-in closet; Second Floor: 1028 ft. X ft. attic all Placencia Residences, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District, the freehold property of Mr. Ron containing 2 bedrooms + 1 bathroom + living/dining/kitchen + laundry + utility room + storage under everyday activities at home, three floors via internal concrete staircase with timber steps) and lot [919.702 square meters Oczkowski and Ms. First Floor: 22Barbara ft. X 43Bell.) ft. + porch 5 ft. Wind X 22 ft. containing master bedroom + bathroom + walk(1099.95 square yards)] situate on West Drive, The Placencia Residences, Placencia while purchasing at the streetstaircase; 3. No. 2108 Floor: West Wind Drive, The Placencia Residences, Peninsula, Creek District: closet; Second 10 ft. X 10 District, ft. viewing (access toPlacencia all three viaStann internal concrete staircase Peninsula, Stann Creek theattic freehold property of Mr.floors Ron Oczkowski and Ms. Barbara side vendor, supermarket andwith timber steps) and lot [919.702 square meters (1099.95 square yards)] situate on West Wind Drive, T Bell.) Placencia Peninsula,on Stann Creek District, the freehold of Mr. Ron restaurant will eliminate food-Placencia Residences, *******NB. Restrictions use of Property is available uponproperty request******* Oczkowski and Ms. Barbara Bell.) borne illnesses. 3. No. 2108 West Wind Drive, The Placencia Residences, Placencia Peninsula,
3. No. 2108 West Wind Drive, The Placencia Residences, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District: Stann Creek District: REGISTRATION SECTION
REGISTRATION SECTION REGISTRATION SECTION Placencia North
BLOCK
PARCEL
BLOCK BLOCK
PARCEL PARCEL
36
2108
(Being a two-storey concrete building [32 ft. X 32 inclusive of a porch 5 ft. X 16 ft. + back porch 5 ft. wide containing Ground Floor: master bedroom + walk-in closet + bathroom + living/dining/kitchenPlacencia + half bathroom + laundry room; 36 Second Floor: 1 bedroom + closet + North 2108 (Being a two-storey concrete building [32 ft. X&32tiled inclusive of a porch 5 ft.lot X [937.060 16 ft. + backS.M.] porch situate 5 ft. wideon bathroom (access via internal concrete staircase)] and containing master bedroom + walk-in closet + bathroom + living/dining/kitchen half West WindGround Drive,Floor: The Placencia Residences, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek+District.) bathroom + laundry room; Second Floor: 1 bedroom + closet + bathroom (access via internal concrete & *******NB. Restrictions on use of Property is available upon request******* tiled staircase)] and lot [937.060 S.M.] situate on West Wind Drive, The Placencia Residences, Placencia
Creek District.) 4.Peninsula, Parcel Stann No. 2159 Placencia Residences, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek: 4. Parcel No. 2159 Placencia Residences, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek:
REGISTRATION SECTION SECTION REGISTRATION Placencia North
Placencia North
BLOCK BLOCK 36
36
PARCEL PARCEL 2159
2159
(Being a canal side vacant lot situate in the sub-division known as The Placencia Residences near Mile (Being canal side vacant lotPeninsula, situate inStann the sub-division known asproperty The Placencia Residences 13 aPlacencia Road, Placencia Creek District, the freehold of Mr. Ryan Pott). Restrictions on use of Property is available Stann upon request******* near *******NB. Mile 13 Placencia Road, Placencia Peninsula, Creek District, the freehold property
of Mr. Ryan Pott). ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - www.belizebank.com (foreclosure listing) *******NB. Restrictions on use of Property is available upon request******* TERMS: STRICTLY CASH KEVIN A. CASTILLO TELEPHONE 223-4488 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Website: belizepropertyauctions.com - www.belizebank.com (foreclosure listing) E-mail: kevinacas@yahoo.com TERMS: STRICTLY CASH Face Book: Auctions KEVIN A. Belize CASTILLO TELEPHONE 223-4488 Website: belizepropertyauctions.com E-mail: kevinacas@yahoo.com Face Book: Belize Auctions
13 JUN
THE BELIZE TIMES
2021
11
BELIZE TAX SERVICE DEPARTMENT
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR CLEANING & MAINTENANCE SERVICES AT CHARLES BARTLETT HYDE BUILDING, BELIZE CITY The Belize Tax Service Department seeks expressions of interest from companies wishing to tender their services for cleaning and maintenance at our headquarters in Belize City. Sanitization and cleaning of the office is essential to provide a safe and healthy environment for the BTSD personnel and the public. Scope of work: To maintain a clean and healthy working environment at the BTSD at Charles Bartlett Hyde building and compound on Mahogany Street in Belize City, Belize, the contractor must undertake the following cleaning and maintenance services: Deliverables The scope of the contract shall include the following: 1. Cleaning of office spaces, cafeteria, kitchenette, office furniture, equipment and conference facilities along with respective fixtures. 2. Cleaning of all bathrooms and their fixtures. 3. Cleaning of the stairways, corridors and foyer area, railings and doors. 4. Cleaning of windows – internally and externally. 5. Compound maintenance. 6. Garbage disposal. Main Activities: a. Office space, furniture and equipment: Daily: 1. Sweep and mop offices spaces properly. 2. Empty office paper/waste bins. 3. Change garbage bags for office paper/waste bins. Weekly: 1. Cleaning/dusting/polishing/sanitizing of office furniture and equipment such as: • Filing cabinets • Cupboards, shelves, desks and desk equipment • Printers, photocopiers, computer stations • Telephones and fax machines 2. Dust ceilings and walls for cobwebs (how often)– internal and external b. Conference room After every use – cleaning/dusting/mopping and washing of utensils 1. Dust and wipe frames, clocks and other fixtures. 2. Dust and polish all furniture. 3. Sweep and mop floors. 4. Weekly dusting of ceiling and wall to remove cobwebs. c. Bathrooms Daily: 1. Properly sweep and mop floors. 2. Clean and disinfect toilets (9:00 am, 2:00 pm & 5:00 pm). 3. Clean basin, mirrors and other fixtures. 4. Empty garbage bin and change garbage bags. 5. Replenish toiletries as required - toilet paper, hand towel and handwashing liquid soap etc. Weekly: 1. Disinfect garbage bins weekly. d. Kitchenettes Daily: 1. Properly sweep and mop floors. 2. Clean microwave, coffee maker, table and sinks. 3. Empty garbage bin and change garbage bags. 4. Replenished as seen necessary washing liquid, kitchen paper towels Weekly: 1. Disinfect garbage bins. 2. Clean refrigerators. e. Corridors, foyer area, stairway, railing and doors Daily: 1. Sweep corridors, foyer area and stairway. 2. Disinfecting of doors including knobs.
As required 1. Mop corridors, foyer area stairway (Monday’s, Wednesday and Friday’s). 2. Clean and disinfect railings on both stairways (Wednesday and Fridays).
f. Internal and external window cleaning 1. Clean windows and windowsills (monthly or as required) 2. Clean (power wash) exterior windows and doors. 3. Dust/clean ceiling fans monthly or as required. g. Maintain cleanliness of the grounds/building. h. Maintain the compound and building litter free. i. Clean drains surrounding the building. IDENTIFICATION During the time, the services are being performed, all employees for the contractors shall wear identifiable clothes showing that they are contractors’ workers. The contractor shall send a list of personnel and their hours of work for the week to the Employer’s representative at the beginning of each week.
SECURITY 1. The Contractor shall ensure that there is no pilferage on the part of his/ her employees. 2. Most of the work to be done by the personnel in the building is highly sensitive and confidential, the Contractor and his personnel must ensure that they do not interfere with, read, make copies of, or remove any such papers from the building. 3. No such documents shall be removed from the building under the guise of being garbage or litter. 4. A police record shall be provided for all personnel. 5. The Contractor and all personnel must sign and adhere to the Confidentiality Oath. PROVISION OF LABOUR AND EQUIPMENT 1. It is hereby understood and agreed that by the Contractor that this is a “fixed price” contract, and the Contractor shall provide all labour, equipment and cleaning supplies to perform his/her duties under this contract including One (1) supervisor, five janitors and one yard attendant. • There is a dedicated storage room on the premises for keeping supplies and equipment. RESPONSIBILITY 1. The contractor shall ensure that the building has been properly cleaned in accordance with the terms and conditions of this contract. 2. The contractor is responsible for all fees, taxes and other cost related to worker’s compensation, GST, Social Security contributions, etc. 3. The Contractor shall attend quarterly meetings or as requested with the representative of the employers for monitoring and evaluation of cleaning and maintenance services performed by the contractor, as set out in the terms and conditions of the contract. 4. The Contractor must invoice the Government of Belize monthly for services rendered. 5. The Government of Belize assumes no liability, expenses or cost for the conduct and work of the contractor or its employees. 6. All work must be done between the hours agreed upon. COMENCEMENT AND DURATION The duration of the contract is for two (2) years for the period July 1, 2021, to June 20, 2023, and is subject to satisfactory performance of the contractor. QUALIFICATION FOR THE CLEANING COMPANY The selected consultant should have the following characteristics: 1. Have a minimum of three (3) years working experience in Government offices. 2. Cleaning and maintenance or similar type work experience of at least five (5) years is required. 3. Experience working in the public and private sector in similar assignment. 4. Skills, Abilities and Knowledge The team will need to have or demonstrate the following: • Excellent written and communication skills in English and Spanish. • The ability to solve problems in a timely fashion. • Organizing a work team with hands-on experience. • Good public relations, organizational, coordination and networking skills required. • Honesty, integrity, and respect. • Demonstrate daily monitoring of on-site workers. APPLICATION PROCEDURES: Bidding package should contain: 1. Comprehensive proposal that includes the company’s profile, interests, experience, and expertise. 2. Certificate of Good Standing from Belize Company Registry. 3. Certificate of Good Standing from the Social Security Board. 4. Certificate of Good Standing from the Belize Tax Service “For Bidding Purposes”. 5. Current Trade License. 6. Two (2) recommendation letters. The lowest or any tender will not necessarily be accepted. Late bids will be disqualified and returned to the sender unopened. Deadline date for submission of proposals is before or on June 18, 2021, and should be addressed to Mrs. Michelle Longsworth Director General Belize Tax Service Department Charles Bartlett Hyde Building Mahogany Street Extension, Belize City Ref: “TENDER FOR THE PROVISION OF CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES FOR THE BELIZE TAX SERVICE DEPARTMENT IN BELIZE CITY”
14
THE BELIZE TIMES
13 JUN
2021
Belize City Council Traffic Notice Notice To All Drivers: Kindly note that the following traffic regulations have been officially gazetted and the Belize City Council hereby publishes its intention to declare the following prohibited parking and other restrictions to the listed streets. RESERVED PARKING
RESERVED PARKING
1. Albert Street – Reserved Parking for Heritage Bank
19. Newtown Barrack – Reserved Parking for MJ’s Only (6pm – 9am)
2. Albert Street – Reserved Parking for Mirage Store 3. Angel Lane – Reserved Parking for Belize City Council (Monday to Friday from 8:00 am -5:00 pm.)
20. Newtown Barracks – Reserved Parking for Mexican Cultural Institute 21. Newtown Barracks – Reserved Parking for Midtown Restaurant Customers Only 22. North Front Street – Reserved Parking for Quick Stop Customers Only
4. Baymen Avenue - Reserved Parking for Belize Vapor Ltd 5. Baymen Avenue - Reserved Parking for Family Meats Only
23. Orange Street – Reserved Parking for VIP Store 24. Phillip Goldson Highway – Parking for Buses only on the right-hand side towards Haulover Bridge
6. Bishop Street – Reserved Parking for Belize Family Court #2 7. Bishop Street – Reserved Parking for National Forensics Science Service
25. Prince Street - Reserved Parking for Doony’s Store 26. Queen Street - Reserved Parking for AAA Loans 27. Queen Street - Reserved Parking for Celebration Store
8. Blue Marlin Boulevard - Reserved Parking for Dr. Moguel Clinic
28. Queen Street - Reserved Parking for Hong Yong Ban Customers Only
9. C Street – Reserved Parking for CBC Customers only
29. Queen Street - Reserved Parking for Independence Hall/ PUP Headquarters
10. Church Street – Reserved Parking for Chic
30. Queen Street - Reserved Parking for IT Store Customers only
11. Church Street – Reserved Parking for Sensation Xtreme
31. Queen Street - Reserved Parking for Maya Electronic Store
12. Daly Street – Reserved Parking for Nerie’s Restaurant 13. Freetown Road - Reserved Parking for Quang Kee Customers Only
32. Queen Street - Reserved Parking for Maya’s Electronics Store 33. Regent Street - Reserved Parking for Belize City Council only in front of City Hall 34. Regent Street - Reserved Parking for Persons with Disability in front of City Hall
14. Freetown Road – Reserved Parking Glass Technology 15. Gabourel Lane - Reserved Parking Belize Broadcasting Authority
35. Regent Street - Reserved Parking for Tourism Police Only
16. George Street – Reserved Parking for Totos Store 17. King Street – Reserved Parking for Diva and Posh only 18. Majestic Alley – Reserved Parking for Angelus Press Limited TAXI RESERVED PARKING 1. Central American Boulevard and Neal’s Pen Road - Reserved Parking for Brother Hood Taxi Association. 2. Central American Boulevard– Reserved parking for Boulevard Public Taxi 3. Freetown Road – Reserved parking for Freetown Taxi Stand 4. King Street - Reserved Parking for King Street Taxi Association 5. Newtown Barrack - Reserved Parking for MCC Taxi Association 6. North Front Street – in front of Ocean Fury Belize Terminal Taxi Service 7. Raccoon Street – Reserved for Archie’s Taxi Association. 8. Saint Thomas Street – Reserved parking for Belizean Taxi Cooperative PROHIBITED PARKING 1. 2. 3. 4.
Angel Lane – No Parking from Monday to Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Coney Drive – No Parking school zone in front of Kiddies Campus Day-care and Preschool. Corner Albert and King Streets Prohibited Parking for Buses and Trucks over 5,000 lbs. Corner Central American Boulevard/ Neal Pen Road in front of 88 shopping center – No Parking Anytime
5. Faber’s Road on the right-hand side from its junction with Central American Boulevard to its junction with Caesar Ridge Road. 6. Iguana Street on the left-hand side from its junction with Central American Boulevard to its junction with West Collect Canal – No Parking Anytime. 7. Neal Pen Road on the left-hand side from its junction with Central American Boulevard to its junction with Kraal Road – No Parking Anytime. 8. North Front Street – No parking in front Belize Heritage Plaza 9. Phillip Goldson Highway – No parking anything on the left-hand side 10. Regent Street – No Parking anytime in front of Battlefield Park 11. St. Thomas Street – in front of YWCA No Parking ONE WAY STREETS 1. 2.
Fort Street –Old Marketing Board Area to North Front Street – One-Way Freetown Road and North Front Street – One-Way on Mapp Street.
LOADING/ UNLOADING ZONES 1. Barrack Road –Loading/Unloading Zone for Brother’s Habet 2. Corner King and George Streets – Goods loading and unloading for AG Upholstery. 3. Freetown Road - Unloading and Loading Zone for Cellular Plus 4. North Front Street in front of Ocean Ferry – Goods Loading and unloading zone
13 JUN
2021
THE BELIZE TIMES
Toledo Working Tour
MINISTRY OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT, FAMILIES AND INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ AFFAIRS June 7, 2021 - Last week, a working delegation from the Ministry of Human Development, Families and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs conducted a three-day working trip in the Toledo District. The delegation comprised of Minister, Honorable Dolores Balderamos-Garcia, Minister of State, Honorable Elvia Vega-Samos, CEO Tanya Santos, Commissioner of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Greg Ch’oc, along with a team from the Ministry. The working delegation spent the three days visiting with Alcaldes and Councilors from several villages, attended a closing ceremony for the fabric donation distribution program courtesy the Embassy of Taiwan, toured a sacred Mayan site, visited a children’s home and observed works at a cacao factory. During the working visit, Honorable Balderamos-Garcia, Minister of State, Honorable Vega-Samos and Commissioner Ch’oc attended a second joint meeting that can only be described as ‘passionate’ with the leaders of Barranco Village and Midway Village. The main purpose of the meeting was to find a peaceful and respectful resolution on the boundaries that define Barranco and Midway Villages, Toledo District. At the meeting, both groups presented different maps that each believe is the correct one. The delegation paid a courtesy call to the Toledo Alcalde Association (TAA) Office, SATIIM and Ya’axché Conservation Trust. Brief meetings were also held with Alcaldes and councilors of San Pedro Columbia, San Miguel and Big Falls communities to discuss communal land rights and other issues.
Honorable Balderamos-Garcia expressed to all that this PUP government established an Indigenous Peoples’ portfolio because it is serious and committed to addressing their issues. Hon. Balderamos-Garcia emphasized on “inclusiveness.” and assured them that GOB will not take sides but will instead engage and facilitate as best as possible. The second main item on the itinerary was the closing ceremony for the fabric donation distribution program courtesy the Embassy of Taiwan. It was held at the Bernaldina Teul Multi-purpose Building, San Pedro Columbia village, Toledo District. The Ministry received a donation of over five thousand bales of fabric from the Taiwanese Government in February 2021. With the objective of creating economic opportunities for women, the Ministry with the assistance of the Belize Defence Force distributed the fabric to women entrepreneurs, community groups and organizations across the country. The fabric has been used to create a wide variety of Belizean products such as masks, clothing, tote bags, curtains, among other items. Present at the closing ceremony were His Excellency Remus Li-Kuo Chen, Ambassador of Taiwan to Belize, Honorable Dolores Balderamos-Garcia, Honorable Elvia Vega-Samos, Honorable Oscar Requena, Honorable Mike Espat, Honorable Oscar Mira, CEO in the Ministry, Tanya Santos, Commissioner of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Greg Ch’oc and CEO in the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government, Valentino Shal. Following the closing ceremony, the delegation including Taiwan Ambassador to Belize, H. E. Remus Li-Kuo Chen conducted a tour of the
Lubaantún(place of the fallen rocks) Maya site located approximately two miles from San Pedro Columbia village, Toledo District. The site is famous for its 11 towering structures, five plazas and three ball courts. Day three on the itinerary, the working delegation from the Ministry of Human Development, Families and Indigenous People’s Affairs visited Laugh Out Loud (LOL) Children’s Home. LOL is an international organization funded by international and local donors. The organization provides a home located in the Toledo District to 19 children with the youngest being 7 years and the oldest 18 years. This Children’s home
15 opened its doors in 2013 and provides a state-of-the-arts program that teaches life and vocational skills. It has a staff of 30 with the majority employed from neighboring communities. The delegation team then stopped in at the Maya Mountain Cacao Factory to get a firsthand look at how the seeds are processed and prepared for export. Cacao production is the way of life for many Mayan communities in the Toledo district, famously known to produce the finest cacao in the world. GOB has committed to continue dialoguing with all the indigenous communities in Belize.
16 Hon. Gilroy Usher, Area Representative for Port Loyola and Minister of State for Public Utilities, Energy, and Logistics enjoyed Sunday meeting with several families from the division
13 JUN
THE BELIZE TIMES
2021
Ministry of Agriculture: Help for Edgar Gonzalez
Edgar Gonzalez of San Juan/ Cow Pen in the Stann Creek District has moved on in life in another direction. After losing his job in the Tourism Sector more than one year ago he found another way to generate income to sustain his family. He began experimenting by processing hot peppers and bananas. We met him three weeks ago at a meeting with farmers in Cow Pen. He was seeking help in improving his products! Today he visited our Food Processing unit in Central Farm and our technicians have thought him a great deal!! He has now improved his products!! With Proper Labeling the products are Ready for the market!! Grateful to our abled technicians in Central Farm and at the Food Processing Unit!!! You make our Ministry Proud!! Keep it up!
ECONOMIST III The Central Bank invites qualified individuals to join its Research Department. The Economist III will conduct research, prepare and edit macroeconomic analytical reports on Belize and on economic issues. The incumbent will analyze underlying trends and forecast key economic variables; assist with the development of economic statistical information and databases; assist with and develop policy recommendations; and contribute to educational activities as required by the Central Bank. The Economist III will also:-
▪
Collect, analyze, and verify economic data from primary and secondary sources and monitor performance of various economic sectors, including the real, monetary, fiscal and external sectors of the economy;
▪ ▪
Provide specialist advice based on applications of economic theory and knowledge;
▪
Keep abreast of economic developments and trends;
▪ ▪
Represent the Central Bank at domestic or international forums; and
Conduct research, produce research papers, and provide recommendations on economic challenges and issues;
Perform other assigned duties.
The applicant should possess the following: Education and Experience
▪
A Master’s Degree in Economics, Finance, or related field from a recognized tertiary institution is preferred. Relevant experience would be an asset; or
▪
A Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, Finance or related field from a recognized tertiary institution. Relevant experience would be an asset.
Technical Knowledge ▪ Knowledge of the Central Bank Act and the Domestic Banks and Financial Institutions Act; knowledge of all sectors of the economy and their interlinkage; strong knowledge of economic principles and theory; strong mathematical and numeracy skills; proficient in use of software applications and statistical packages, such as EViews, STATA, and SPPSS; strong ability to apply theoretical and/or empirical economic analysis to develop policy recommendations. Competencies ▪ Communication Skills; Interpersonal Skills; Results Orientation; Flexibility/Adaptability; Teamwork and Cooperation; Initiative and Drive; Diagnostic Information Gathering; Analytical Thinking. Submit the following documents by Friday, 18 June 2021:
▪ ▪ ▪ ▪
Central Bank Employment Application Form (available online) Curriculum Vitae Three (3) references (one must be from previous employer) Copies of university transcripts, degrees, and any other personal certificates Applications should be addressed to: Manager, Human Resources Department Central Bank of Belize P O Box 852 or Gabourel Lane Belize City, BELIZE Ref: Economist III - Research Department Email: hr@centralbank.org.bz or online at www.centralbank.org.bz (All applications will be held in strict confidence.)
13 JUN
2021
THE BELIZE TIMES
THINK ABOUT IT THERE WERE TWO TRACKS Back in the 1970’s, the then National Stadium, now called Marion Jones, had two tracks. One was a horse racing track. The other was used for cycling. Both tracks were made of earth. In 1973 Denfeild Mc NcNab, a former cyclists was elected as the President of the cycling Association. Luis “Buck” Belisle (Belize’s best cycling coach) was elected Treasurer, Gerald S. Ingram Vice President, Dickie Bradley secretary, Anita Lambey Assistant Secretary. For the record, the previous year 1972 had seen the cross country race from Belize City by George August meat shop by the cemetery to San Ignacio and return to the sand track at the National Stadium. Legendary Anthony Hutchinson was first, Pablo Calderson from Mexico was 2nd, Noel Cordon 3rd, Gerald Munnings 4th, Legendary Rudy Miguel 5th, and Denfield McNab 6th out of a total of twenty-eight cyclists who competed that year. Rudy Miguel had won the championship in 1969 and 1970. His brother John won in 1964 and 1965. And their brother Edward had won in 1956, 1958 and 1959 and 1960 in a dead heat” (tie) with Duncan Vernon. Their brother Arthur Miguel won in 1962. No other family in any sports in Belize has such an awesome record, and I didn’t list their various second place wins. But this is not about a brief history some of our champions and heroes of yesteryear. It’s about this. Wally Brown, the popular Welly Brown of Brown’s Butane on Mopan Street was an administrative officer in the Ministry responsible for sports. A letter from the cycling Association to him to help with a few loads of pine ridge sand for the holes in the cycle track saw an almost renewed track beautifully redone for the upcoming cross country race. That one help sparked a huge improvement in cycling in Belize. The sand track races. Those days the stadium was mostly for horse racing. Suddenly on those boring Sunday afternoons there was a combination of horse racing and in between the horse races, there were cycle races. Stadium started seeing large fan turnouts. When the young Said Musa become Ministry of Sports, his friend Evan X Hyde convinced him there was a need for a sports council, then followed an almost revolution in the activities of certain sports—sports spectaculars as the events were called. There were full blown athletics, track and field events and all manner of cycle races, including female cyclists and coaster bike races. Thousands of spectators. Those were the days my friend. No one taught they would ever end. But look deh now. Everything crash. Along came a non-athlete, none artists, disciple of mammon and his UDP government. Over thirty million dollars squandered at the National Stadium. For thirteen years they be spending and spending and spending. There is no horse racing. The expensive imported surface for the cycling is unusable, it provides for no curves or banking on which to turn around on the circular or oval shape track. Any cyclist speeding around track will fly off it and sustain injuries. There is nothing going on at the National Stadium. Nothing. A few dozen health and fitness persons walk around or trot there. Nothing. Not even two tracks. National Stadium, a monument to incompetence, greed and corruption and an unbelievable insensitivity and don’t give a damn about athletes. BLACK MEN COULD NOT VOTE DURING SLAVERY IN BELIZE An interesting article is on page 21 of the Amandala newspaper of 4th June, 2021. Written by Dayne Guy it is captioned “The 14 Who Made The Difference”. It reported that an annual wreath-laying ceremony was held on 1st June this year in Flowers Bank Village to honor 14 men who are supposed to have paddled the river from Flowers Bank to attend a most important meeting in Belize City on 1st June 1797. That meeting was held among the white rulers of the city to decide whether the population would evacuate or stay and fight a Spanish fleet which would come to dislodge the settlers. The fleet did come from 3rd to 10th September 1798 with dozens of warships and over a thousand sailors and solders. Before the 14 arrived, the meeting had already voted, 51 voted to remain. And 51 voted to evacuate which made the voting 65 to 51 in favor of staying. The article reports that of the 14 paddlers, 12 were free black men. To a sceptic, the first two things to jump out are why would white people mostly slave owners take a vote on such a momentous issue and then wait for black men to come and change the results of the vote. Remember slavery was in full swing. Slavery did not end until 1838. Some facts. The census of 1790 records 174 white men, 120 free colored men and 1,091 slave men in Belize settlement. On 15th September 1779 the Spaniards had attacked and captured St. George’s Caye (the “capital” of the settlement). They took away 101 white people, 200 to 250 “negros” and carried them to Merida. 50 white men and 250 slaves turned up on the islands of Ruatan and Bonacca. Presumably after hiding up the Belize River when the Spaniards arrived, which the settlers usually did
17
whenever visited by Spanish attackers. Spanish military were always coming to the Belize settlement to “clear the land” in accordance with Treaties in which Spain gave the British permission to cut logwood and mahogany but not to build permanent fortifications. We really need our Belizean historians to help us understand some of the many ambiguities of our patchy history. 14 black men walking into a white men meeting and telling them you all crackers will stay and fight, is a hard pill to swallow. OVER 150 CANNOT There are over 150 citizens cannot get their pension and gratuity benefits from the Ministry of Finance. This is so unfair These persons, teachers, nurses, public officers have worked and served this country until they reach the age of 55 when the law requires that they must retire. If they worked for ten years or more they are entitled to payments, called gratuity. If they worked for fifteen years or more they are entitled to a pension. A gratuity is one lump sum payment. A pension is an amount paid monthly until the pensioner leaves this wicked, unjust world for a better place. The Ministry of Finance needs to act better than it has in the past. It must provide additional temporary staff to the Accountant General so that all the information from various departments can be collected and the salaries calculated and the monies owed, are paid to those who are ENTITLED to their gratuity and pensions. It is so wrong what is being done to persons who have retired and cannot receive their benefits. It is also wrong what the Ministry of Finance has started doing, all over again. The so-called contracts officer being employed on short term work for a year or two years and three years or five years have in their contract officers an automatic twenty percent gratuity on their already high salaries. How unfair it is that a small group of employees work for a more or two years at high salaries and are given a gratuity of twenty percent. In a time of austerity… DISAPPONITED IN PUBLIC SERVICE UNION We are so, so disappointed in the leadership of the Public Service Union. Not just their failure to consult widely so they could present a serious list of national and union issues to the new government -get back our Boledo/Lottery, get back our airport, our Port Authority, massive reform of the whole public service, including citizens oversight of key departments, retrain a new police force, housing projects for low income public officers, downsize BDF and replace with a volunteer element, and so on. But our disappointment is over the PSU ignorance of their own history. In March of 1981 the British proposed to our government that a contract between Belize, Guatemala and Britain was the way to reach independence. It was called the Heads of Agreement. It contained several proposals which were suspect to a large portion of Belizeans. It was the then Public Officers Unions which led the public battle against the government and against the British. There were civil disturbances, schools and government offices were closed, riots in the streets, and it all ended with the British Governor imposing a national state of emergency. The Heads of Agreement was rejected by Belize and we got our independence after all the threats from the British government. William “Bill” Tillett was President of the union at the time- March and April 1981, a historic and glorious period for the union and many civil activists at the time. Those who forgo or ignore their history are usually doomed to accomplish nothing.
18
13 JUN
THE BELIZE TIMES
2021
VOICE OF THE COMMON MAN
THE NEFARIOUS COMMERCE BIGHT PIER DEAL
by Hilly Bennett On Friday June 4, 2021, the Senate debated the motion to revocate the lease granting Recological Systems Limited (RSL) controlling interest over the Commerce Bight Port operation situated in Dangriga. Subsequently, the upper house voted to cancel the lease. During the last parliamentary session, Honourable Rodwell Ferguson, Minister with responsibility for ports, motioned to Parliament to revoke the 25-year lease given by the Barrow/ Faber Government to RSL for the operations of the Commerce Bight Port. This was done two days prior to the 2020 elections, characterised by Leader of Government Business, Senator Eamon Courtenay, as done “in a smoked-filled room... without public disclosure” “done in secret...in the quiet of the night.” Furthermore, the lease agreement was entered into after the National Assembly had been dissolved and since it occurred before the November 11th 2020 when the UDP ceased to exist. Parliament was dissolved on October 6, 2020. According to law, ‘When Parliament is dissolved all unfinished business falls - including any bills that have not received parliamentary approval: Bills cannot be carried over from one parliament to another, reflecting the convention that no Parliament can bind its successor.’ ‘Dissolution is the formal term for the end of a Parliament. It occurs ahead of a general election for a new Parliament and brings a parliament to a close. Once Parliament is dissolved, Ministers ceased to represent their constituencies and lose access to parliamentary facilities and resources.’ Clearly, the signing away of interest in the Dangriga Commerce Bight Port, two days before the elections, is tainted with illegality and a violation of parliamentary norms and is veiled in the fabric of UDP corruption. The situation can be considered as “Government by crony”. Which emanated from the ‘Watergate’ scandal and was defined as the collaboration of elected officials in secret deals, legislative swindles and corporate payoffs. The myriad of corrupt acts committed by the United Democratic Party (UDP) goes beyond anything experienced in the Belize’s political history. Additionally, the government side of the Senate made the assertion that the requisite parliamentary approval as defined by the Finance and Audit Reform Act
(FARA) was not met. However, the Lead UDP Senator countered that “leasing land or a sublease to a statutory body, to another person could not be considered to be disposal that assets.” FARA at section 22 (1) states: ‘The Government shall, before disposing of any public assets with an aggregate value of or above two million dollars, obtain the approval of the National Assembly, to be signified by a resolution made in that behalf and published in the Gazette.’ Senator Peyrefitte an attorney by profession should know that words have meanings and words also have legal connotations. The legal definition for ‘disposal of assets’ is defined as any sale, transfer, grant, lease or other disposal of asset. Oftentimes a legal matter would turn on one word in the decisions-makings of the courts. Evidently, the RSL matter would be such a case. The UDP Senator in his wily hubristic nature went on a rant before being schooled by Honorable Courtenay. He said “I don’t see how this can even be part of the National Assembly to approve or disapprove. If you don’t like the lease or the license or whatever, we’ll then, just cancel it. Why do you need to come to the National Assembly to do this? It doesn’t pass the threshold of the need to come under the Finance and Audit Act at all.” He went on, “so, I will say it has no standing...” Senator Courtenay directed Peyrefitte to the Land Law Act that a lease or an estate in land creates an interest in the land for the leaseholder. Courtenay politely schooled the Chairman of the UDP that a lease creates an interest in land. “It created exclusive possession the tenants. It transfers an interest from the landowner for the period of the lease, exclusively to the tenant. “... that’s disposal”. The RSL lease revocation with interest in the Commerce Bight Port going back to the good people of Dangriga was just. Apart from the obvious encroachment of Parliamentary norms, the multiple violations of the law have exposed the red regime, once again, to the inescapable truth- unu corrupt! The motion to revoke and the vote in favour cured an inherent injustice in the nefarious RSL, Commerce Bight deal. Minister Castro did not have the power to do it!
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) invites applicants for the functions of National Consultant in the area of Information Systems/ Media & Communications. Duty station:
Belize City
Qualifications:
Essential: Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology/ Communications or related fields from a recognized University
Experience:
Essential: 3 years of national working experience in Information Technology, mass media communication and/or reporting, journalism.
Skills:
Strong interpersonal skills, diplomacy and tact to effectively communicate with senior level officials, multiple stakeholders and professionals from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds; resourcefulness, initiative, leadership qualities and skills to deal with difficult situations and sensitive issues; oral and writing skills, including the development of reports, oral presentations, and technical documents; Demonstrated ability to effectively use a computer and utilize software such as Windows, Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint Outlook. Thorough knowledge of Windows operating systems, Internet Information Services, Web Services. Knowledge of Collaboration technologies (Web, Video, Audio), Telephony systems, particularly VoIP base, HTML, Photoshop, and web-based software programs
Languages: Spanish
Deadline:
Very good knowledge of English and working knowledge of
Letter of application, curriculum vitae and two current letters of recommendation should be sent to blzmail@ paho.org or to P.O. Box 1834, Belize City no later than June 25, 2021
An interview will be held for this position and only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted. PAHO/WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
NOTICE OF COMMENCEMENT OF DISSOLUTION Notice is hereby given to all interested parties that the following companies (“the Companies”) incorporated under the IBC Act of Belize commenced dissolution as follows: Name of Company GREGSON LTD.
Date of Commencement of Dissolution 04th June, 2021
Art Expo Media Group 07th June 2021 LTD.
Liquidator Name & Address Anna Korelidou of 71 Petrou Tsirou, Swepco Court 8, Flat M2, P.C. 3076, Naafi, Limassol, Cyprus Lambros Teklos of 2 Sina Str. 3077, Limassol, Cyprus
Any claims against the company should be forwarded to the Liquidator within 30 days from commencement. Icaza Belize Trust Corporation Limited Registered Agent
13 JUN
EULOGY Fabiola Esquiliano
Fabiola Esquiliano nee Canto was born in Belize City on March 21, 1936 to Raul Canto and Le’Andrea Alpuche. Fabiola had her first child on November 13, 1954 and named him Angel Renato Bardalez. She later had two other children. Fabiola continued to work hard and while being a mother and father to Angel, Jose and Roberto, she met the love of her life, Javier Esquiliano Sr. and, madly, fell in love with him. They both started their lives and on March 28, 1976, got married and later had four (4) sons Javier Esquiliano Jr. (deceased) Gilberto Sr., Armando Sr. and Manuel Esquiliano. Fabiola always enjoyed travelling to Chetumal and spending time with her brother, sister- in- law and son (Angel affectionately known as Renato) and his family. She enjoyed spending time in Chetumal so much that there were times that she would go without telling anyone anything. When she would be missing in action, we would just hear that she is in Chetumal. In her spare time, she enjoyed crocheting and making crafts, for example doilies, chair coverings, center pieces, plastic handbags, Christmas ornaments, wedding banners, bathroom sets, jewelry and many more. As a matter of fact, she made the entire wedding decorations for her son Manuel’s wedding. Talented she definitely was! Ms. Esqui always enjoyed dressing her house with the crafts she made and, don’t forget, her matching curtains, chair coverings and doilies. She worshiped in the Catholic religion and, in her later years, she choose to worship as an Evangelist. She was a God-fearing woman and ensured that she participated and was always present at her church. ‘Mam’ as she was affectionately known by her grandchildren always ensured that she was present at her grandchildren’s birthday parties, Holy Communions, Confirmation, Graduations and Wedding events. She was a very committed
19
THE BELIZE TIMES
2021
and dedicated grandmother. She never missed any of these events. Mam was blessed to have enjoyed all her grandchildren. Fabiola spent her last years living at our family home with her last three sons Gilberto, Armando and Manuel, and her last set of grandchildren. Everyone who knew Ms. Esqui would know that she was a true supporter of the People’s United Party and a loyal soldier of the Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price (deceased). Ms. Esqui was an active member of the Freetown Constituency PUP Committee and Campaign Team from the days of Jorge Espat and leading up to the reign of the Hon. Francis Fonseca. While growing up, she always had us (her grandchildren) wearing our PUP Shirts. She used to say that our family “da PUP” and told us to vote PUP when we get big. Nobody could have gotten between her and her dearest PUP party. Mam was also known to like dressing up. Every time you would see her, you would see her all dressed up. Her nails well painted, lipstick on and looking all flashy. People knew her as the lee lady weh always dress up and walk like she da young gial. But wait, let us not forget her riding her tricycle to get her errands done. Yes, that was my grandma. She was truly an exceptional woman that cared for others, at times to a fault. We will never forget her contagious laugh and lighthearted spirit. Sleep in sweet peace Mam. We love you and you will be in our hearts forever. Ms. Esqui leaves to mourn her sons, Angel Renato Bardalez, Jose Esquiliano Sr. Roberto Garcia Sr. Gilberto Esquiliano Sr., Armando Esquiliano Sr., and Manuel Esquiliano, sisters, grandchildren, great grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews and friends. Heaven Sent: March 21, 1936 Heaven Bound: May 22, 2021
NOTICE OF COMMENCED DISSOLUTION Notice is hereby given LARCH PARK LIMITED commenced dissolution on 4th May, 2021; and Belizean Liquidators Services Inc. whose registered office is at 50 Shirley Street, P.O. Box CB-13917 Nassau, Bahamas, is the Liquidator of the company. Notice is hereby given COPPLE FINANCE INC. commenced dissolution on 10th May, 2021; and Belizean Liquidators Services Inc. whose registered office is at 50 Shirley Street, P.O. Box CB-13917 Nassau, Bahamas, is the Liquidator of the company. Notice is hereby given ROSEWOOD MARITIME CO., LTD. commenced dissolution on 11th May, 2021; and Belizean Liquidators Services Inc. whose registered office is at 50 Shirley Street, P.O. Box CB-13917 Nassau, Bahamas, is the Liquidator of the company. Morgan & Morgan Trust Corporation Belize Limited
NOTICE OF COMMENCED DISSOLUTION Notice is hereby given MORYMOR LEGAL SERVICES HOLDINGS INC. and ONVOY INTERNATIONAL LTD. both commenced dissolution on 14th May, 2021; and Belizean Liquidators Services Inc. whose registered office is at 50 Shirley Street, P.O. Box CB-13917 Nassau, Bahamas, is the Liquidator of the companies. Notice is hereby given D&FG ENERGY INVESTMENTS LTD. commenced dissolution on 17th May, 2021; and Belizean Liquidators Services Inc. whose registered office is at 50 Shirley Street, P.O. Box CB-13917 Nassau, Bahamas, is the Liquidator of the company. Notice is hereby given JEPITER FINANCIAL CORP. commenced dissolution on 25th May, 2021; and Belizean Liquidators Services Inc. whose registered office is at 50 Shirley Street, P.O. Box CB-13917 Nassau, Bahamas, is the Liquidator of the company. Morgan & Morgan Trust Corporation Belize Limited
NOTICE OF COMMENCED DISSOLUTION
Notice is hereby given MESINGER HOLDINGS CORP. commenced dissolution on 31st May, 2021; and Belizean Liquidators Services Inc. whose registered office is at 50 Shirley Street, P.O. Box CB13917 Nassau, Bahamas, is the Liquidator of the company. Morgan & Morgan Trust Corporation Belize Limited
Written By: Angelita Esquiliano Delivered by: Cristian Esquiliano
CALL
671-8385 or
EMAIL: belizetimesadvertisement@ yahoo.com
To place advertisement in the Belize Times Newspaper
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 SNAKE MANAGEMENT S.A. ODYSSEY CAPITAL GROUP LTD. FEATON GLOBAL INC. MARSIAN INVESTMENT & HOLDING INC. HAOBO CO., LTD. OLIVIA FISHING CORPORATION SPARROW FINANCE LTD. SPATIAL MANAGEMENT LTD.
Date of Dissolution 6 May, 2021 8th May, 2021 8th May, 2021 20th May, 2021 26th May, 2021 26th May, 2021 26th May, 2021 29th May, 2021 th
Morgan & Morgan Trust Corporation Belize Ltd.
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SATIIM BOARD CONFIRMS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (Punta Gorda, Toledo District, June 9, 2021) – SATIIM’s Board of Directors and community leaders confirmed Maya Anissa Ch’oc as the organization’s new Executive Director. As the first Program Coordinator of SATIIM’s Women’s Program, Ms. Ch’oc demonstrated a high level of proficiency in both technical and interpersonal skills, including project management, staff supervision, community outreach and administration. As Executive Director, she brings new energy and perspectives to SATIIM’s programs in the defense of human rights and the environment, the promotion of sustainable community development, and the leadership of women and youth. Most of all, Ms. Ch’oc serves as a conduit between traditional mores and values of the agrarian communities and the new ideas of Mayan youths living in a postmodern and online society. Prior to joining SATIIM, Anissa served as a high school teacher, the Red Cross Coordinator in Punta Gorda – and most importantly, a facilitator of indigenous community
13 JUN
THE BELIZE TIMES
2021
TENDER FOR THE SUPPLY OF UNIFORM ITEMS TO THE BELIZE COAST GUARD FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021/22 1. Tenders are invited for the supply of uniform items listed below to the Belize Coast Guard for the period 1st April 2021 to 31st March 2022. 2. Quotation for the supply of uniform items is to be based on Duty Paid Prices. Brand names are to be specified where necessary. Prices that are submitted cannot be change. 3. Please note that 3% contract tax will be withheld. 4. Contract will be terminated if the contractor consistently fails to supply the requisite items as agreed. 5. Tenders should be in sealed envelope marked “Tender for the Supply of uniform Items to the Belize Coast Guard” and should be deposited in the tender box at the Ministry of National Defence and Border Security, Belmopan no later than the 28th June 2021 at 1130 am. LIST OF UNIFORM ITEMS REQUIREMENT BELIZE COAST GUARD Belize Coast Guard, 4 ½ Miles George Price Highway, Belize City
workshops on Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC.) As Belize implements the 2015 Caribbean Court of Justice Consent Order on Maya land rights, SATIIM will be spearheaded by a leader with a strong understanding of FPIC and the necessary skills to bring all voices – from Elders to women and youth – to the table.
SER
Description/ Specifications
Units
Quantity
Remarks/Standards
1
Tropical Blue Shirt
each
250
USCG Standard
2
Tropical Blue Trouser
each
200
USCG Standard
3
Garrison Cap
each
250
USCG Standard
4
Metal CG Emblem
each
100
Gold
5
Bates Lite Shoe - Black
pair
300
Bates Lites
6
Black Nylon Belt
each
200
Military Type
7
Silver Buckle
each
200
Silver
8
Gold Buckle
each
50
Gold
9
Name Plate
each
200
USCG Specs – Trops (hard plastic)
10
PT Shirt w/logo - yellow
each
200
Dry weave
11
PT Short w/logo - black
each
200
Dry weave
12
Sea Bags
each
100
US Navy Waterproof (Black)
13
ODU Midnight Digital Jacket
each
250
Tru Spec
14
ODU Midnight Digital Trouser
each
250
Tru Spec
15
ODU Midnight Digital Navy Caps
each
400
Embroidery
16
Heavy Duty Belts - black
each
100
Rigger
17
Hot weather Combat Boot black
pair
450
Belleville
18
Steel Toe Tropical Boot - black
pair
50
Belleville
20
Digital BELIZE GUARD Tape
450
Match Digital Uniform (cloth)
21
TRU Twisters
pair
450
Tru Spec
22
Digital NAME Tape
each
450
Match Digital Uniform (cloth
23
Unit Patches
each
200
Embroidery
24
Rank Patches
each
100
Match Digital Uniform (cloth)
25
Belize Flag Patch
each
100
Embroidery
26
Coast Guard Patch
each
100
Embroidery
27
Summer White Shirt
each
250
Short Sleeve/Button
28
Summer White Trouser
each
250
29
Combination Cover
each
200
Vanguard
30
Bates Lite Shoe - White
pair
50
Bates Lites
31
White Nylon Belt
each
50
Military Type
32
Officer Shoulder Boards
pair
50
Vanguard (BELIZE)
33
Officer Ranks
pair
50
Vanguard - Metal
34
Enlisted Ranks
pair
100
Vanguard - Metal
35
Coveralls Navy Blue
each
60
Dickies
36
Service Dress Jacket
each
15
USCG Standard
37
Service Dress Trouser
each
15
USCG Standard
38
Gold Buttons Set
pair
50
Belize Coast Guard Custom made
39
Combat Shirt
each
46
Crye precision G3 woodland
40
Combat Trousers
each
46
Crye precision G3 woodland
41
Tru Spec Shirt
each
23
Woodland true spec
42
Tru Spec pants
each
23
Woodand true spec
43
Hydration Pack with Bladder
each
10
44
DD Frontline Hammock Super Light
each
23
45
Boonie Cap
each
23
46
Condor 3 Day Assault Pack
each
23
47
Condor Plate Carrier
each
12
Crye precision jumpable
48
Rocky CT4 Boots
each
23
Rocky CT4
49
Black Hawk Omnivore M9 Holster
each
23
Black Hawk
50
Mag Pouch/holster
36
Matrix fast hard shell M4
51
SIM Bolt carrier
each
10
Keisier force 5.56 simulation
52
8-point head dress cover
each
23
woodland
COAST each
each
BDU woodland patrol cap
13 JUN
21
THE BELIZE TIMES
2021
Call for proposals:
Consultancy services for research and policy design Belize National Child Labour Policy Purpose The International Labour Organization (ILO) Office for the Caribbean, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour, Local Government and Rural Development of Belize, and the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) is launching a call for proposals from interested professionals to conduct background research and draft the forthcoming national child labour policy. The full Terms of Reference for the undertaking are presented in Annex I. Submission of proposals and selection process Proposals must be submitted to the ILO by 7 July 2021, midnight ECT via email address: ilocarib@ilo.org indicating in the subject field “Belize Child Labour Policy”. Each proposal should consist of: 1.
A short cover letter (2 pages maximum) with exact references to the consultant’s experience with similar undertakings specifying - in detail – (i) experience with child labour policies, action plans or similar documents; (ii) experience with drafting other policy documents; (iii) knowledge of the Belizean child labour context; and (iv) knowledge of the Belizean socio economic context.
2.
Relevant samples of work and/or hyperlinks to published material.
3.
Tentative calendar for carrying out the various phases of the process (see section 3, paras i-iv of the Terms of Reference). With regards to the calendar of activities, please note:
proposal which will require a lower amount will be given additional scoring. Should an international consultant wish to apply within the presented financial boundary, their proposal will be considered.
5.
Curriculum vitae and current affiliation of relevant consultants.
6.
Incomplete proposals will not be considered.
Eligibility The present call for proposals is open to all individuals ages 18 and above. Institutions as such may also apply. Evaluation Criteria Proposals will be evaluated according to the following criteria (100 points maximum): 45 points: Previous relevant experience with child labour policy development and/or policy development and coherence and consistency in the proposed calendar for performing the activities 25 points: Knowledge of the socio economic context of Belize and working experience in the country. 20 points: Qualifications of the consultants. 10 points: Financial requirements (any amount <14,000 USD will be awarded points reflecting the distribution of the financial requirements submitted by all candidates).
The consultant is expected to start working during the month of July 2021 and conclude the exercise at latest, by November 2021. Due to the COVID-19 situation, online interviews/consultations will be the preferred and recommended way forward for the initial consultations. At the same time, some interviews, notably those with stakeholders in remote areas and/or weak access to internet connection, will have to take place in person consistently with national protocol, health regulations and social distancing requirements. The ILO will not be responsible for any health risk that may arise. The full interview schedule and modality will be jointly determined after selection of the candidates in line with the stakeholders’ availability, health situation/regulation and available resources. The necessary will be put in place to ensure the final consultation(s) aimed at validating the draft policy document will be conducted in person. 4.
A detailed outline of the financial requirement reflecting the calendar sub 3 and a breakdown of the remuneration for each set of activities (see section 3, i-iv of the Terms of Reference). The total amount available is USD14,000. Please note: there will be no separate provisions for travel between/to Belmopan or Belize City. Some travel within the country will be required (see point 3 above and list of stakeholders in the Terms of Reference). In those cases: The consultant is expected to organize his/her own travel. Reimbursement of travel expenses will be provided. Such reimbursement will - in principle - cover the cost of public transportation (bus) and if needed, hotel rate as per UN allowance calendar. N.B. the exact calendar of travel will be an object of consultation and further discussion. For the purpose of answering this call for proposals, the cost for internal travel shall not be included in the outline of the financial requirements. The sum requested should not exceed USD14,000. Any
Annex I: Terms of Reference
Technical Assistance for the development of a National Child Labour Policy for Belize 1.
Background
In 1990, Belize joined global counterparts in ratifying the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which provides a broad framework of protections for children. In March 2000, Belize ratified ILO Conventions on Minimum Age (for entry into work), C138, and the Worst Forms of Child Labour, C182, signalling its commitment to take immediate and effective measures to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour as a matter of urgency. Since then Belize also became a signatory to the UN CRC Optional Protocol on Armed Conflict, UN CRC Optional Protocol on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography and Palermo Protocol on Trafficking in Persons. Based on the above-mentioned international commitments, a National Child Labour Policy for Belize was developed in 2009. The Policy, however, was not fully implemented and consequently, many of the child labour issues that existed then, and the circumstances that gave rise to them, persist today. In the last four years (2015 onward), based on USDOS and USDOL reports, Belize has achieved a moderate advancement in its efforts to eliminate the worst forms of child labour. These gains were a result of several programmes and initiatives, undertaken with the technical and financial support and collaboration of local and international agencies. Among them, one should mention: The establishment of a National Child Labour Committee; The Project Country Level Engagement and Assistance to Reduce Child Labour Project (CLEAR II Project); A legislative review of existing child labour laws and the preparation of recommendations for amendments to the Labour Act and several other associated pieces of legislation which address child labour and child activity; and The establishment of a National Child Labour Focal Point Person/ Continued on page 22
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Continued from page 21
Consultancy services for research and policy design Belize National Child Labour Policy
Desk at the Department of Labour. Notwithstanding those progress, children in Belize continue to be victims of child labour, including, the worst forms of child labour. In the Belize 2013 Report of the National Child Activity Survey, the ILO and the Statistical Institute of Belize, included the following conclusions and recommendations: A. Prevalence of Children’s Employment (extract): “The children employment rate has declined by about a half since 2001, however, the employment rate for boys continue to be twice that of girls.” B. Characteristics of Working Children (extracts): “The Agriculture and Related Activities Industry was the largest employer of children, especially boys, while the Tourism and Community, Social and Personal Services Industries was by far, the biggest employer of girls.” “Boys were more likely than girls and urban children were more likely than rural children to work long hours (in excess of 45 hours).” “A significant number of children worked at night and this was much more the case for girls than for boys.” “It follows, therefore, that the main reasons a significant portion of children worked were the need to supplement the household income, or to purchase things for themselves.” C. Educational Characteristics (extracts): “The great majority of working children were not attending school, and working boys were more likely than working girls to be out of school. The situation has worsened since 2001.” “The main reasons children were not attending school were lack of funds and lack of interest, and to a lesser extent their involvement in employment. Lack of funds was a bigger issue for children 14 years and older as opposed to younger children, suggesting that some parents/guardians did not see secondary schooling as important.”
(i) Production of an updated work plan/ schedule: The selected consultant will prepare and submit for the agreement of the Parties, an updated work plan (schedule of tasks and detailed activities), based on the agreed date of commencement of the consultancy. The work plan will include: a) Detailed list of references for the situation analysis report (see below): Relevant literature and available data sources. Available indicators. Detailed list of relevant policies and legislation Overview of key stakeholders b) Timeline for completion of the exercise and relevant deliverables. c) Tentative list of stakeholders to be consulted (individual interviews, see for non-exhaustive reference point iii below and Annex I), location and modality to conduct interviews. (ii) Production of Situational Analysis report: The consultant will prepare this document based on a thorough desk review of the key documentation provided by the Parties (see list at Annex A), national administrative records and any other relevant materials obtained through independent research using quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The report will consist of four interlinked sections: a) An updated overview of the statistical information available on child labour in Belize; b) the major social, economic and other risk/vulnerability factors for child labour, including access to education, poverty, social norms and any other relevant dimension; c) existing/applicable legislation or policies; and
D. Child Labour (extracts) “A greater proportion of working children are now involved in child labour than in 2001, and boys continue to comprise the vast majority of child labourers.”
d) mapping of key institutions/ actors/ stakeholders and relevant past or current interventions aligned to the aforementioned policy objectives.
“Most child labourers were engaged in hazardous work, thus the rates for hazardous work were similar to the child labour rates.”
As a key input for consultations with stakeholders, the situational analysis report will also identify any significant gaps/challenges and opportunities/good practices on child labour prevention/ eradication which could become the object of the proposed policy/ strategy.
E. Main Determinants of Employment (extracts): “Children who were not attending school were many times more likely than their in-school counterparts to be involved in economic activities.” “Sex was a very strong determinant of employment, as boys were far more likely than girls to be employed.” Having taken stock of the situation, the Ministry of Labour, Local Government and Rural Development, has decided to address this urgent issue commencing with the development of a comprehensive policy and strategy to address the prevention and elimination of child labour. 2. Objectives of the consultancy The objective of the consultancy is to provide technical expertise for the research, analysis and preparation of key recommendations and documentation required for a National Child Labour Policy (NCLP) for Belize. The envisaged policy document is to be centred on the following major interlinked Policy objectives: i. prevention of child labour; ii. withdrawal and rehabilitation of victims of child labour; iii. reintegration of former child labourers into school or non-hazardous work; and iv. child labour awareness and advocacy. 3. Scope of work / deliverables: The consultant work will be articulated along the following activities:
(iii) Consultation with stakeholders: The consultant, in coordination with the designated Ministry officials and representatives of UNICEF and ILO, will conduct consultations with national stakeholders. Such consultations will be sequential and cope with two broad themes: a) A first set of consultations (individual interviews), will aim at (1) validating the information in the situational analysis; and (2) obtaining information and recommendations of stakeholders on the proposed contents of the national policy. The latter will specifically include: priority areas for the policy, main outputs to be included in the policy and potential roles of the individual stakeholders. As documentation of the consultations, the consultant will prepare: Short summary reports of the various consultations; Updated situational analysis report incorporating feedback and recommendations of the stakeholders; and A draft policy paper. b) A single event-validation workshop aimed at discussing the draft child labour policy and retrieve inputs of national stakeholders on the draft and its components. (iv) Drafting of a White Paper - National Child Labour Policy: Continued on page 23
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Consultancy services for research and policy design Belize National Child Labour Policy Continued from page 22 In keeping with the requirements of the national processes for formalization of policies, the consultant will draft the working document or white paper setting out the proposed policy. This working document will be prepared in the format required by the Ministry of Labour, Local Government and Rural Development for submissions to Cabinet for consideration and approval. The contents of the white paper will include:
a) Key definitions and concepts on child labour;
xiii. Ability to produce high quality outputs within time and within budget; xiv. Previous work experience in Belize and adaptation of the Belizean culture; and xv. Previous experience in the Caribbean will be considered an asset. 10. Consultancy fee The total cost for this consultancy shall not exceed USD$14,000. The schedule for disbursement of payments will be finalized in accordance with rules of the ILO.
b) Goals/ objectives of a National Policy on Child Labour; c) Situation analysis as described in para (i) above (inclusive of mapping of institutions/ actors and existing programmes aligned to policy objectives); d) Strategy recommendations (based on consultant’s expertise and consultations with stakeholders) for achievement of the policy objectives in the shape of outcomes to be achieved; e) Outline of the operational framework for implementation of strategic plan, identifying the main interventions (outputs), justifications/rationales about how those outputs will contribute to the policy objectives (theory of change), constraints to implementation and risk mitigation measures, tentative timelines and proposed implementing actors for each outputs and tentative budget estimates. The latter will be discussed during the second set of consultations (validation workshop). f) Monitoring and Evaluation Framework to assess progress towards realization of the policy goals over a given period including key indicators of performance for individual outputs and policy objectives. 4. Reporting relationship The ILO Caribbean Office will conclude and manage the contract arrangements for this consultancy and will carry out direct supervision of the consultant’s work in collaboration with the responsibility of the Ministry of Labour, Local Government and Rural Development, through the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), or the CEO’s designate. Review and approval of all deliverables to be produced will be done by a supervisory group comprised of: Representatives of the Ministry of Labour, Local Government and Rural Development Representatives of ILO Representatives of UNICEF
ANNEX II
List of key documentation and National Stakeholders to be consulted Key Documentation The Consultant will be provided with access to/copies of the following documents for review/consideration in the execution of the tasks. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list: Belize 2013 Report of The National Child Activity Survey, The Statistical Institute of Belize; 2015 Multiple Indicators Cluster Summary Survey), UNICEF; Belize Social Protection Expenditure and Performance Review – prepared by UNICEF and ILO January 2020; World Bank Job Diagnostics 2019 Report; World Bank Mapping of Active Labour Market Programs 2019 Reports; Belize’s Growth and Sustainability Development Strategy; The Children’s Agenda and Belize Child Labour Report – prepared by the United States Department of Labour; and Belize Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, 2011 and 2015-2016 report (if helpful access to microdata can be discussed). National stakeholders The consultancy will take on a participatory and collaborative approach and meetings, interviews and consultations with the following stakeholders are anticipated. In situ interviews are expected (at least) with respect to the stakeholders marked with an asterisk. i. Labour Department;
Representatives of the National Child Labour Committee
ii.
Representative of the National Committee for Families and Children
iii. iv. v. vi. vii. viii. ix. x. xi. xii. xiii. xiv. xv. xvi.
Representatives from youth and young adults’ organizations 5.
Qualifications and competencies
Candidates seeking to undertake this consultancy should possess the following: i. Post graduate degree in any of Social Sciences or Law; i. Minimum of five years related experience; iii. Expert knowledge of child labour, legal framework and applicable legislation; iv. Practical knowledge of government processes; i. Ability to conduct qualitative and quantitative research; vi. Strong computer skills; vii. Fluent in reading, writing and speaking English (Spanish will be an advantage); viii. E xcellent communication and writing skills with experience in drafting policies; ix. Ability to work as a team and independently; x. Sensitivity and adaptability as it relates to culture, gender, religion, ethnicity, morals and age; xi. Sound judgement, strategic thinking and ability to manage competing project activities; xii. Strong organizational skills;
National Committee for Families and Children;
Ministry of Education; Ministry of Health; Youth for the Future; Department of Human Development; Statistic Institute of Belize; Immigration Department; Attorney General’s Ministry; National Trade Union Congress of Belize; Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Belize Citrus Industry; Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association; Belize Tourism Industry Association; The National Garifuna Council; The Mennonite Communities including Shipyard*, Spanish Lookout*, Little Belize*, Indian Creek* xvii. The Yucatec Maya*, The Northern Maya Association of Belize*, Maya Leaders Alliance (Southern Belize)* xviii. L ocal Government and Rural Development; xix. The Police Department; xx. Selected NGO’s and Churches; xxi. Labour Advisory Board; xxii. Parents; xxiii. C hildren; and xxiv. Representatives from Corozal* and Free Zone area*
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