Belize Times June 20, 2021- Plan Endorsed By the IMF

The Belize Times

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THE BELIZE TIMES

20 JUN

2021

Established 1957

20 JUNE 2021 | ISSUE NO: 5254

The Truth Shall Make You Free

www.facebook/belizetimes | $1.00

ON THE RIGHT TRACK PLANBELIZE ENDORSED BY THE IMF

Hon. John Briceño, Prime Minister

Dr. Jaime Guajardo, Deputy Chief of Mission, IMF

The month of June has seen the PUP government of Belize get major plaudits from the international community. First, it was the bondholders agreeing to an extension on the grace period for the bond coupon payment and further negotiation on restructuring the burdensome Superbond. Earlier this week, IMF Deputy Chief of Mission, Dr. Jaime Guajardo gave the nod to John Briceño’s Home Grown Economic Plan, noting that the fiscal consolidation measures that have been undertaken are vital to reviving a moribund economy left by the UDP. Despite having similar features, the PUP’s Home-Grown plan is by no means as draconian as the IMF Economic Recovery Plan. Belize’s plan proposes four equitable pillars that consider the livelihood of all Belizeans and facilitating economic growth. An example of the differing views between our Home-Grown Plan and the IMF’s plan is that of the wage bill where the IMF is recommending a reduction of the ballooning wage

bill via wage freeze and mass retrenchment.

In an interview with Dr. Guajardo, he commended the government in choosing to avoid the path of retrenchment and focusing on the reduction of the public sector wages instead, he touted that this approach was “appropriate and ambitious” for the current economic climate. It is important to note that the public workforce has increased by over 40% since 2018 without have a synchronous increase in economic growth.

Locally, even the interim Leader of the Opposition, Patrick Faber praised the PM’s 4-point plan saying it is “a laudable and a good plan.” The confidence given by both the international creditors and the IMF is proof that the people of Belize chose well in giving the PUP a historically overwhelming mandate, twice in four months. The Economic growth plan has also been underway via increased exports in the agro-sector such as livestock, cacao and many

Friend Mexico Gifts Us 100,000 AZ Doses

Pg. 2 BELIZE SAFEST DESTINATION LVL 1

Nursing Scholarship Program 2021-2022 Pg. 8

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CRUISE SHIPS RETURN JULY 7

Pg. 2

Petition to Oust Patrick Faber Delivered

Two rejected UDP candidates delivered a petition to remove current interim UDP Leader Patrick Faber. Apparently and as reported, the petition reportedly has 290 signatures from only 26 constituencies of which three of them are represented in the House of Representatives. There is no word on the five remaining constituencies.

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CONGRATULATIONS! CLASS OF 2021

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20 JUN

THE BELIZE TIMES

ON THE RIGHT TRACK

Continued from page 1

others resulting in net growth in exportation when comparing the month of February 2020 and February 2021. Belize has also welcomed several flights back as well as expecting its first cruise ship back on July 7. First since the pandemic began.

The International Monetary Fund was given a face in that interview and that face vouched well for planBelize. If I were a bondholder, I would return to the table pronto and attempt to save value to the superbond shares. As PM Briceño shared in a different interview, Belize is showing signs of rebounding faster than predicted. This can only occur with the continued impetus from the Agriculture sector. This can only be fortified by the continued revival of the Tourism Industry. This positivity can only survive if ALL the ministries continue throttling with the same planBelize momentum and not look back at skepticism. Progress today definitely depends on a high vaccination rate amongst us Belizeans. Get vaccinated Belize.

PRESS RELEASE

PR#338

Cabinet Brief Belmopan. 17th June 2021. 7:05 p.m.

The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño, met in regular session on 15th June 2021.

• Cabinet received a report on the Prime Minister’s first official visit to Guatemala, where discussions were held on trade, security cooperation, migration, support for the Organization of American State’s Office in the Adjacency Zone and the improvement of bilateral relations through the work of the Joint Commission. In addition, the Prime Minister met with the Guatemalan Chamber of Commerce and Industry where he welcomed private investments to Belize. The Prime Minister also met with Belizeans studying in Guatemala.

• Hon. Eamon Courtenay, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Immigration, briefed Cabinet on recent actions taken by the Government of Nicaragua against important opposition leaders. Belize has issued a statement along with Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama, the Dominican Republic, and Spain, reminding the Government of Nicaragua that actions against important opposition leaders threaten the free exercise of democracy.

• In reference to the standardization of working hours for the Public Service as a part of government’s undertaking with the unions on the reduction of working hours, Cabinet decided on the opening hours for government offices to the public.

The new hours of operation are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from Monday to Thursday and 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday, and as an exception, may include rotation schedules if deemed necessary or other alternative work arrangements outside of indicated hours.

• Cabinet applauded the report from the Ministry of Agriculture that the 2021 vegetable crop was one of the most successful in recent years. This year’s crop was completely sold out and farmers welcomed the ministry’s intervention in controlling imports. This is in line with government’s farm-to-table initiative to promote eating what you grow and growing what you eat, as outlined in Plan Belize.

• Cabinet endorsed a pilot project from the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing to provide housing for the most vulnerable Belizeans and to construct a small number of low-income houses per district this fiscal year. This is in keeping with Plan Belize, which seeks to provide citizen accessibility to adequate, affordable, quality housing.

• Cabinet approved a request by the Ministry of Health & Wellness to increase efficiency of revenue collection at government run hospitals by standardizing fees across the public health facilities and implementing a social program for low-income earners and the indigent population.

Additionally, Cabinet approved the promotion of 37 essential nurse specialists in all categories and welcomed the initiative by the ministry to grant 50 Scholarships for persons wishing to study nursing.

• Cabinet endorsed the National Trade Facilitation Implementation Roadmap to improve the technical capacity of the government in identifying important measures to reform Belize’s performance and improve the competitiveness of our industries.

• Cabinet welcomed the report from the Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations that cruise tourism will return to Belize with the first port of call on 7th July 2021. In this regard, Cabinet appointed a ministerial subcommittee comprised of the Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations and the Ministry of Health & Wellness to develop a set of COVID-19 protocols to ensure safe entry of cruise tourists to Belize.

2021

Friend Mexico Gifts Us 100,000 AZ Doses

The Government of Belize, the FIRST country to receive the gift from our longtime friend, is pleased to announce that a donation of 100,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine was received today from the Government and people of Mexico. We must add that this came along with the proper syringes and needles to administer them.

A small delegation headed by H. E. Maximiliano Reyes Zúñiga, Undersecretary for Latin America and the Caribbean of the Secretariat of Foreign Trade and Immigration, arrived at the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport this morning to personally deliver the vaccines on behalf of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador of Mexico.

During opening remarks, H.E. Martha Zamarripa Rivas, Ambassador of Mexico to Belize, extended on behalf of President López Obrador, condolences and support to the families that lost loved ones to COVID-19, which has taken 325 lives in Belize. She also noted that Belize is the first country to have received this donation out of solidarity and also to promote equal access to vaccines in countries of this region.

Hon. Michel Chebat, Minister of Health & Wellness, in turn thanked the president, government, and people of Mexico for their generous donation. He said, “The successful completion of this process could not have been better timed as this donation will help us bolster our ongoing vaccination program. The immediacy with which our call was responded to by Mexico has not slipped us and we are truly humbled to be the first country to benefit from Mexico’s generosity.”

H.E. Maximiliano Reyes Zúñiga spoke on the donation of vaccines that should ultimately assist countries in rebuilding their economies.

Bolivia, Paraguay, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador will also be receiving vaccines.

As Belize and Mexico commem-

Petition to Oust Patrick Faber Delivered Continued from page 1 Questions will abound as to what Chairman Peyrefitte and SG August will do. The UDP is known to reject petitions given inconsistencies with signatures. The UDP scoundrels are attempting to remove a scoundrel. The champions of incompetence and corruption have corrupted the remnants of their party. There is NO comeback fih comeback for the extinct UDP.

BE PREPARED: HURRICANE SEASON JUNE 1 TO NOVEMBER 30

orate 40 years of bilateral relations this year, Belize remains committed to strengthening cooperation between the two nations. Belize extends its appreciation for this humanitarian support made possible through the Mexican Foreign Ministry, the Mexican Air Force and Direct Relief.

The Ministry of Health & Wellness encourages persons to get vaccinated. Help keep Belize COVID-19 safe by following prevention protocols and getting tested if symptoms are present.

--On related news, UNICEF Belize has donated refrigerators for COVID-19 vaccination storage to the Ministry of Health and Wellness. The handing over at the National Vaccine Building in Belmopan includes fourteen refrigerators that will be used for the cold storage chain in the districts. According to UNICEF, the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the most vulnerable groups, while obstructing access to education and other basic social and health services for children. The people of Belize are definitely grateful for both donations.

The Belize Times

Established 1957

14 APR 2013

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ISSUE NO: 4840

The Truth Shall Make You Free

www.belizetimes.bz

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$1.00

serving Belize since 1957 as the longest continuous newspaper.

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

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Chris Williams

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

Email: belizetimesadvertisement@yahoo.com

20 JUN

2021

THE BELIZE TIMES

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EDITORIAL Home-Grown Scores a Homerun!

T

he International Monetary Fund (IMF) has confirmed that the Government of Belize’s Home-Grown Plan for economic recovery is a sound plan. It is agreed that the goals are the same and that the steps taken by the government will lead to Fiscal Consolidation, the Restructuring of Public debt and growth enhancement reforms. The IMF is satisfied that the quick response by the Briceño administration to cut down on the recurrent expenses of the public sector coupled with a reduction in the purchases of goods and services will put Belize on the path to fiscal consolidation. These are reflected in the Budget for the fiscal year 2021/2022. They have also moved very quickly to engage bond holders to restructure the superbond. Dr Jaime Guajardo, Deputy Chief of the IMF’s Western Hemisphere Department, notes that the Belizean Government shares the view of the IMF regarding the state of the economic crisis in Belize. They have agreed that the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contracted by fourteen percent in 2020 and that the public debt went from ninety eight percent of GDP in 2019 to 130% GDP in 2020. The Government of Belize (GOB) GOB he says realizes that Belize has a long and hard way to economic recovery.

Dr Guajardo says that while the methods to achieve the desired goals differ in the Home-Grown and the IMF economic program the goals are similar. He has conceded that the method chosen to curb the problematic inflated wage bill, they had warned against for years, is unique. The wage bill would have been one of the major items up for discussion under an IMF program. In the view of Dr Guajardo, he says the ten percent cut and other measures instead of the retrenchment, which would have been a component of the IMF program, will work. It will not add to the unemployment figures, and it is more ambitious that what would have been the recommendation of the IMF and will help cut down public expenditure. So far, the biggest concern over the Home-Grown versus the IMF Program is the Government’s ability to stick to the plan and follow it through. Even the best laid plans are all for nought if they are not followed through. While in the past thirteen years, the experience of the IMF and bond holders taught them that Belize’s leaders had no backbone and no word, this is indeed not the case now.

Slowly, confidence in Belize is returning because it is obvious that its new leaders do have the rigour and stamina needed to lead the charge and go the distance. Since the implementation of the cutbacks, the bond holders have decided to support consent solicitation to extend the grace of the last coupon payment. This is evidence that there is a good chance that the parties are willing to negotiate an agreement that is beneficial to them both.

This is also evidence that the new measures that have begun to be put in place come from a government that is willing to make the unpopular, tough but correct choices now to secure a more sustainable and secure financial future for all Belizeans. This government cannot continue to bankroll the “fiesta” at the expenses of future generations of Belizeans to appease the need for instant gratification. This government will prove that blanket solutions are not always best.

Home-Grown solutions that put the best interest of all Belizeans first, and which recognize and consider our own circumstances will garner national support. Belizean Home-Grown, by Belizeans for Belizeans!

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THE BELIZE TIMES

EDITORIAL

20 JUN

2021

en Español

¡El “Home-Grown” Anota Un “Homerun”!

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l Fondo Monetario Internacional (FMI) ha confirmado que el Plan Nacional del Gobierno de Belice para la recuperación económica es un plan sólido. Está de acuerdo en que los objetivos son los mismos y en que las medidas adoptadas por el Gobierno conducirán a la consolidación fiscal, a la reestructuración de la deuda pública y a las reformas para potenciar el crecimiento. El FMI está satisfecho de que la rápida respuesta del gobierno Briceño para recortar los gastos recurrentes del sector público, junto con la reducción de las compras de bienes y servicios, pondrá a Belice en la senda de la consolidación fiscal. Esto se refleja en el Presupuesto para el año fiscal 2021/2022. También se ha actuado con gran rapidez para que los tenedores de bonos participen en la reestructuración de los supervennos. El Dr. Jaime Guajardo, jefe adjunto del Departamento del hemisferio occidental del FMI, señala que el Gobierno Beliceño (GOB, acrónimo inglés) comparte la opinión del FMI sobre el estado de la crisis económica en Belice.

Han coincidido en que el Producto Interno Bruto (PIB) se contrajo un catorce por ciento en 2020 y que la deuda pública pasó del noventa y ocho por ciento del PIB en 2019 a ciento treinta del PIB en 2020. El GOB dice el, está consciente de que Belice tiene un largo y duro camino hacia la recuperación económica.

El Dr. Guajardo dice que, aunque los métodos para lograr los objetivos deseados difieren en el programa económico del GOB y en el del FMI, las metas son similares. Ha admitido que el método particular elegido para frenar la factura salarial inflada y problemática, contra la que habían advertido durante años, es único. La factura salarial habría sido uno de los principales puntos a discutir en un programa del FMI. En opinión del Dr. Guajardo, el recorte del diez por ciento y otras medidas en lugar del recorte de empleos, que habría sido un componente del programa del FMI, funcionarán. No aumentará las cifras de desempleo y es más ambicioso que lo que habría recomendado el FMI y ayudará a reducir el gasto público. Hasta ahora, la mayor preocupación sobre el programa nacional frente al del FMI es la capacidad del Gobierno de atenerse al plan y seguirlo. Incluso los planes mejor trazados son inútiles si no se cumplen. Mientras que en los últimos trece años la experiencia del FMI y de los tenedores de bonos les hizo pensar que los líderes de Belice no tenían ni agallas ni palabra, este no es el caso ahora.

Poco a poco, la confianza en Belice está volviendo porque es obvio que sus nuevos líderes tienen el rigor y la resistencia necesarias para liderar la carga y llegar hasta el final. Desde la aplicación de los recortes, los tenedores de bonos han decidido apoyar la solicitud de consentimiento para ampliar la gracia del pago del bono cupón atrasado. Esta es una prueba de que hay muchas posibilidades de que las partes estén dispuestas a negociar un acuerdo que sea beneficioso para ambas.

También es una prueba del que las nuevas medidas que se han empezado a poner en marcha provienen de un gobierno que está dispuesto a tomar las decisiones impopulares, duras pero correctas, ahora para garantizar un futuro financiero más sostenible y seguro para todos los beliceños.

Este gobierno no puede seguir financiando la fiesta a la costa de las futuras generaciones de beliceños para apaciguar la necesidad de gratificación instantánea. Este gobierno demostrará que las soluciones generales no siempre son las mejores. Las soluciones autóctonas que anteponen el interés de todos los beliceños y reconocen y tienen en cuenta nuestras propias circunstancias obtendrán el apoyo nacional. Un plan nacional creado por beliceños para beliceños.

20 JUN

2021

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE MEETS WITH BELIZE AGRO-PRODUCTIVE GROUP On Thursday, June 10, 2021, Hon. Jose Abelardo Mai, Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, accompanied by CEO Servulo Baeza and technical staff of the ministry, met with the Belize Agro-Productive Sector (BAS) Group in Belmopan.

The purpose of the meeting was to establish collaboration and maintain constructive dialogue between the ministry and the agricultural productive sector as well as enhancing synergies at the enterprise level by identifying and cultivating market opportunities and formulating policy for an improved sustainable and resilient business environment. One of the topics discussed was the compatibility of agriculture with forestry and conservation, all of which should be able to generate revenue for Belize and Belizeans.

The BAS Group was first established in 2000 as a government and public sector collaboration, which then transitioned into a private business organization before 2004. The group advocates for an environment conducive to continued investment in the sector.

This includes foreign direct investment thus contributing to broader and sustained national economic strength, as well as compliance with Belizean commercial and constitutional principles and laws and protection of the public interest. Its members include the Belize Grain Growers Association, the Belize Livestock Producers’ Association, the Banana Growers Association, the Belize Poultry Association, both citrus associations, independent producers and exporters, among others.

Both parties committed to continue collaborating and solving challenges facing the sector for the benefit of the Belizeans and the economy.

LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICES Notice is hereby given that Mohammed Amin is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Baymen Store” located at # 10 North Front Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Carlos Vasques is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “El Palacio Restaurant & Pool” located in the Mount Pleasant Area, Belmopan City, Cayo District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

THE BELIZE TIMES Economic Development CEO Meets with US Embassy Official Belmopan. June 14, 2021. 11:00 a.m.

Dr. Osmond Martinez, chief executive officer in the Ministry of Economic Development, received a courtesy visit on June 14, from Mrs. Andie De Arment, Political and Economic Chief of the United States Embassy in Belize.

Areas of interest that were discussed included supporting investor-friendly environments, digital transformation, science and technology, energy sustainability, social protection, eradication of extreme poverty, immigration, and security. CEO Martinez explained the role of the ministry in advancing the country’s overall economic development through research, development and planning. In addition, U.S. funding and grant opportunities were discussed.

The Government of Belize and the Embassy of the United States continue to work closely in areas of development.

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MINISTRY OF BLUE ECONOMY AND CIVIL AVIATION COLLABORATES WITH HIGH SEAS FISHERIES UNIT Belmopan. June 15, 2021. 11:55 p.m.

Hon. Andre Perez, Minister of the Blue Economy and Civil Aviation, along with Kennedy Carrillo, CEO in the ministry, and Beverly Wade, policy and planning advisor in the ministry, met with Valerie Lanza, director of the High Seas Fisheries Unit, and Robert Robinson, deputy director of the unit, on June 14, 2021.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the High Seas Fisheries Unit as an integral part of Belize’s Blue Economy. Discussions included the five-year Multisectoral National Blue Economy Plan that is being developed, which will see the integration of key components of the Blue model for Belize. Other areas of discussion included the exclusive economic zone, deep-sea fishing, and value-added processing of fisheries products to ensure greater financial benefits for fishers and the economy.

Although the High Seas Fisheries Unit falls within the responsibility of the Ministry of Finance, the main objective of the unit falls under the Fisheries Resources Act of the Fisheries Department in the Ministry of Blue Economy. This provides an excellent opportunity for strengthening collaboration efforts.

The primary mission of the Ministry of the Blue Economy is “to increase the gross domestic product through a thriving Blue Economy development pathway that is harmonized, innovative and socially-just, supported by a robust, science-based management region of our aquatic resources and spaces to improve the livelihood of all Belizeans.”

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20 JUN

THE BELIZE TIMES PUBLIC AUCTION SALE:

2021

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF BELIZE A.D. 2018 (DIVORCE)

Camalote Village, Cayo District

BY ORDER of the Mortgagees Messrs. The Belize Bank Corporation Limited, ACTION NO.: 379 PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: PROPERTIES Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A. Castillo and Christiana R. Castillo are selling ONLINE Camalote Village, Cayo District ORDER of the Mortgagees Messrs.

The Belize Bank Licensed Auctioneers via BY belizepropertyauctions.com the below described property.Limited, Sales currently running Kevin A. Castillo PUBLIC AUCTION SALE:Corporation PROPERTIES Camalote Village, District andand Christiana R. Castillo are selling ONLINE viaCayo belizepropertyauctions.com the below described property. Sales will expire Tuesday 28th June 2021 at the time shown on the website. th Corporation Limited, Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A. Castillo BETWEEN

BY ORDER of the Mortgagees Messrs. The Belize Bank currently running and will expire Tuesday 28 June 2021 at the time shown on the website.

Parcel Nos. 2710 & 2711 Society Hall, Cayo District:

and Christiana R. Castillo are selling ONLINE via belizepropertyauctions.com the below described property. Sales

currentlyNos. running 2710 and will & expire Tuesday 28th June 2021 at theCayo time shown on the website.

Parcel 2711 Society Hall, District: Parcel Nos. 2710 & 2711 Society Hall, Cayo District:

(FERNANDA ELIZABETH COSME NEE GOMEZ ( ( AND ( (NELSON NORBERTO COSME

PETITIONER

RESPONDENT

TO: NELSON NORBERTO COSME

TAKE NOTICE that the Petition for dissolution of marriage dated the 2nd day of February, 2016, endorsed with a notice to you to appear and answer the charges therein has been filed in the Supreme Court of Belize, by FERNANDA ELIZABETH COSME NEE GOMEZ of No. 162 Newtown Barracks, Belize City, Belize and that you are required within fourteen (14) days after the second publication hereof to enter an appearance at the office of the Registrar of the Supreme Court in Belize City, Belize should you think REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCELS fit so to do and thereafter to make answer to the charges in the said Petition Society Hall 24 2710 & 2711 and FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that in default of your so doing the Court (Being a concrete bungalow dwelling house [5,324 sq. ft.] containing 7 bedrooms + 5 1/2 bathrooms + living/dining/kitchen + REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCELS porch + timber deck and board walk to gazebo + 3 carBLOCK garage [968 sq.PARCELS ft.] and lots [3,292.185 S. M.] situate on a road on the REGISTRATION SECTION Society Hall 24 2710 & 2711 will proceed to hear the said charges proved and pronounce judgement your south side of the George Price Highway near Mile 49 1/'2, Camalote Village, Cayo District, the freehold properties of Mr. David (Being a concrete bungalow dwelling house [5,324 sq. ft.] containing 7 bedrooms + 5 1/2 bathrooms + living/dining/kitchen + Ferrier & Edith Ferrier) absence notwithstanding.

Society Hall 24 2710 & 2711 porch + timber deck and board walk to gazebo + 3 car garage [968 sq. ft.] and lots [3,292.185 S. M.] situate on a road on the STRICTLY CASH south side of the George Price Highway TERMS: near Mile 49 1/'2, Camalote Village, Cayo District, the freehold properties of Mr. David KEVIN A. CASTILLO Ferrier & Edith Ferrier) This Petition TELEPHONE 223-4488

(Being a concrete bungalow dwelling house [5,324 sq. ft.] containing 7 bedWebsite: belizepropertyauctions.com E-mail: kevinacas@yahoo.com TERMS: STRICTLY CASH + timber deck and rooms + 5 1/2 bathrooms + living/dining/kitchen + porch Face Book: Belize Auctions KEVIN A. CASTILLO board walk to gazebo + 3 car garage [968 sq. ft.] and lots [3,292.185 S. M.] TELEPHONE 223-4488 belizepropertyauctions.com situate on a road on the south side Website: of the George Price Highway near Mile E-mail: kevinacas@yahoo.com 49 1/’2, Camalote Village, Cayo District, the freehold properties of Mr. David Face Book: Belize Auctions Ferrier & Edith Ferrier)

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

is filed and this Notice to appear is by MYLES & BANNER of # 2055 Teachers Street, Belize City, Belize, Attorneys-at-Law for the Petitioner, FERNANDA ELIZABETH COSME NEE GOMEZ. DATED this 14th day of June, 2021

Note: Any person entering an appearance must at the same time furnish an address for service within two miles of the Supreme Court.

CARTOON

20 JUN

2021

THE BELIZE TIMES

07 7

Prime Minister

JOHN BRICEÑO

International cooperation is critical Message for 17th of June 2021

Hi everybody, earlier this month I made my first international visit to our neighbour to the west, Guatemala. With our pending case at the ICJ, it is important that we move forward, as two border nations living side by side and working together in areas of cooperation. We share real on- the-ground connections, for example in education, from their primary and secondary school students crossing the border at Benque Viejo del Carmen, to the many Belizean students attaining higher education at Guatemalan Universities.

Just a couple weeks ago, I attended the Summit of the Heads of State and Government of SICA with Spain. I participated in a Solidarity Event for Forcibly Displaced Persons and Host Communities in Central America and Mexico. It is imperative that I inform the nation about these important international encounters.

Our planBELIZE is clear about the internal and external approach to building up our nation with focus and urgency.

Just last week our big brother to the north Mexico, sent us a generous donation of 100,000 vaccines. For President Obrador and I, our long term friendship must grow stronger in the time of pandemic. International cooperation is critical: The biggest global threat remains Covid-19.

We are grateful to our friends for their vaccine donations - Barbados in February, India in March, The United Arab Emirates in April and now Mexico last week.

Our Job creation plan is based on our vaccination plan. Our government now has a stockpile of vaccines, and we are getting close to having enough to reach our intended target. You see, my administration will reverse the massive mess we inherited from the previous UDP government.

Already we know that the IMF supports our recovery plan, and they recognize that we are fighting forward with home-grown solutions.

For those who have gotten vaccinated, I encourage you to talk to your friends and family and encourage them to do the same.

The way we work is directly connected to being vaccinated, whether in an office, in a restaurant, or in a classroom. Vaccination is job creation.

Together we are bouncing forward.

Remember to wear your mask, wash your hands, watch your distance.

Thanks, God bless and have a safe week.

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20 JUN

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

Minister Ferguson Visits Chalillo Dam NATIONAL COUNCIL ON AGEING

Unit 17, Garden City Plaza, Mountain View Blvd, City of Belmopan, Belize, Central America Telephone/ Fax: + 501-822-1546 Email: ncabze@yahoo.com Website: www.ncabz.org

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Belmopan. June 16, 2021. 11:55 a.m.

On June 8, 2021, Hon. Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Public Utilities, Energy, and Logistics, accompanied

by Hon. Gilroy Usher, Minister of State, and Mr. Marconi Leal, Jr., chief executive officer in the ministry, visited the Chalillo Dam operated by Belize Electric Company Limited (BECOL).

Located in the Mountain Pine Ridge area in the Cayo District, the Chalillo Dam is one of three hydroelectric power plants operated by BECOL. The others include the Mollejon and Vaca dams. The total generating capacity of all three facilities is 51.2 megawatts.

Hydroelectric power is an important resource in Belize, generating approximately 40% of the electricity demand in the country. Belize leads the Caribbean in percentage of electricity generated from renewable re-

sources with a share of approximately 60% from renewable energy sources.

The provision of hydropower has helped to meet the energy needs of the Belizean people, reducing the importation of electrical power while also reducing the importation and use of fossil fuels for power generation. This has allowed Belizeans to access electricity at a more stable rate.

The tour was facilitated by Ms. Kay Menzies, chief executive officer of BECOL, and other senior personnel of the company. It also served as an opportunity to discuss alternative environmentally friendly options for power generation in the future.

Also present on the tour were Hon. Alex Balona and Hon. Jorge Espat, area representative for Cayo Central and Cayo West, respectively, and Mr. Dean Molina, chairman of the Public Utilities Commission.

June 15th has been designated World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The day and its observance is focused on raising awareness of the different types of elder abuse that exist, how to they are identified and how they can be addressed. In 2020 approximately 4.37% of all domestic violence cases reported were crimes against older men and women. It is estimated that only one out of every twenty-four cases of elder abuse is reported to authorities. The perpetrators of elder abuse are often family members, caregivers, or trusted friends. Elder Abuse is considered silent epidemic as older persons often refuse to admit that their loved ones have mistreated them and due to physical frailty or dependence are unable to leave abusive situations.

In Belize, the most common forms of elder abuse include financial abuse, isolation and neglect. Older people remain vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic due to social distancing measures. We must find ways to ensure the continuous inclusion of older persons in our society through promoting digital literacy, priority services and making a conscious effort to listen to their voices. It will take every Belizean uniting to ensure the equal and decent treatment of all older persons and end elder abuse. Elder Abuse is everybody’s business, one day it could be you.

For more information on Elder Abuse and how to get support for older persons, contact the National Council on Ageing at 822-1546

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Ministry of Home Affairs & New Growth Industries, Government of Belize Invitation for Bids

The Government of Belize (GOB), acting through the Ministry of Home Affairs & New Growth Industries, has allocated public funds toward the cost of the supply, delivery and maintenance of vehicles.

The Ministry now invites sealed bids for the Supply, Delivery and Maintenance of the following items:

ITEM Pickup Trucks Vans

QUANTITY 26 2

Interested bidders may obtain a complete set of the Bidding Documents in English, free of cost, on the submission of a written application to the address below or by visiting https://blz-cppnb.caricom.org. Further information may be obtained by writing to the email address given below.

All bids must be delivered, in sealed envelopes, to the address below no later than 0900 hours (Belize local time) on Monday, July 12, 2021. Electronic bidding will not be permitted. Late bids will be rejected.

Bids will be opened at 0915 hours (Belize local time) on Monday, July 12, 2021 at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Home Affairs & New Growth Industries at the below address, in the presence of Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend.

Chief Executive Officer Ministry of Home Affairs & New Growth Industries Papi’s Building 1902 Constitution Drive, Belmopan Telephone number: 822-0842 Email ceo.secretary@homeaffairs.gov.bz.

20 JUN

2021

099

THE BELIZE TIMES

BELIZE, SAFEST DESTINATION ON THE MAINLAND LVL ONE

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. PUBLICONLINE AUCTION SALE: PROPERTIES Castillo are selling via belizepropertyauctions.com those PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: Placencia Pensinsula, StannPROPERTIES Creek District properties appearing below.

Sales currently running and will expire Placencia Pensinsula, Stann Creek District

BY ORDER of the Mortgagees Messrs. The Belize Bank International Limited, Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A. on Thursday 24th June 2021Bank at the times shown onAuctioneers the website. of the Mortgagees Messrs.

The Belize Limited, Licensed Kevin A. Castillo BY andORDER Christiana R. Castillo are selling ONLINE via International belizepropertyauctions.com those properties appearing Castillo and Christiana R. Castillo are selling ONLINE via belizepropertyauctions.com those properties appearing

below.below.

Sales Sales currently running andand will expire 24ththJune June2021 2021 at the times shown the website. currently running will expireon onThursday Thursday 24 at the times shown on theonwebsite.

1. No. 1486 West Wind Drive, The Placencia Residences, Placencia 1. No. 1.

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

Belize has been upped to the safest and only country on mainland Americas at Level One on the America’s CDC’s Covid safety tracking. This rating speaks immensely positive of the Belizean people who have been following the Covid protocols, the Frontline workers, and the Ministry of Health and Wellness led by Minister Michel Chebat. Belize is currently with over 100 active case and Belizeans need to be more cautious.

Belizeans need to vaccinate.

There are about 200 thousand Belizeans that need to get vaccinated. But it will happen. We have shown the ability to be safe. Let’s do it.

The MoHW testing policy has proven that the identification of infections is crucial in lowering the number of active cases—5000 plus in December to under 500 in January and under 50 in late March. The Testing and Vaccination policies have allowed Belize to become a safe haven for Belizeans and now our

ability to invite the world of tourist visitors. Opening of the land borders should only happen when we are at the safest possible.

Collaboration between PM Briceño, Minister Chebat and MinREGISTRATION BLOCK PARCEL REGISTRATIONSECTION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL ister Mahler has thus been key as Placencia North 36 1486 Belize seeks to rebound. Belizeans (Being a threeREGISTRATION Placencia North SECTION PARCEL storey timber/vinyl dwelling house: Ground36 Floor BLOCK 28 ft. X 59 ft.1486 + porch 8 ft.

X 28 ft.

Placencia North+ living/dining/kitchen + laundry 36+ utility room + storage 1486 2 bedrooms + 1 bathroom under are already getting their second containing (Being a three storey timber/vinyl dwelling house: Ground Floor 28 ft. X 59 ft. + porch First 22 ft. X 43 + porch 5+ ft.1Xbathroom 22 ft. containing bedroom + bathroom walk-in (Beingstaircase; a three timber/vinyl dwelling house: Ground Floor 28master ft. X 59 ft. + porch 8 ft. X+ 28 8 ft.storey X 28Floor: ft. containing 2ft. bedrooms + living/dining/kitchen + laundry + ft. dose, the Ministry of Health and closet;2utility Second Floor: 10 ft.

X 10 ft. viewing attic (access to all three floors via internal concrete staircase containing bedrooms + 1 bathroom + living/dining/kitchen + laundry + utility room + storage under room + storage under staircase; First Floor: 22 ft. X 43 ft. + porch 5 ft. X 22 ft. conWellness(MoHW), and the Prime withFirst timber steps) andft. lot (1099.95 square yards)] situate on10West The taining master bedroom bathroom closet; Second Floor: ft. X+Wind 10 ft.Drive, viewing staircase; Floor: 22 X[919.702 43 ft. ++square porchmeters 5 ft.+Xwalk-in 22 ft. containing master bedroom bathroom + walk Residences, Peninsula, Stann Creek District, the freehold property of Mr. Ron Minister himself, are urging BelizatticFloor: (access all via internal concrete withvia timber steps) and lotstaircase closet;Placencia Second 10toft.Placencia Xthree 10 ft.floors viewing attic (access to allstaircase three floors internal concrete Oczkowski and Ms. Barbara Bell.)

[919.702 square meters (1099.95 square yards)] square situate yards)] on Westsituate Wind Drive, The Placencia steps) and lot [919.702 square meters on West Wind Drive, T eans over the age of 18 to findwith a timber *******NB. Restrictions use of Property is(1099.95 available upon request******* Residences, PlacenciaonPeninsula, Stann Creek District, the freehold property of Mr. Ron Placencia Residences, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District, the freehold property of Mr. Ron West Wind The Placencia center and get vaccinated. One can 2. No. 2108 Oczkowski andDrive, Ms. Barbara Bell.) Residences, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District: and Ms.*******NB. Barbara Bell.)

Restrictions on use of Property is available upon request******* even register online to vaccinate. Oczkowski *******NB. Restrictions onWind use ofDrive, Property is available upon request******* 2. No. 2108 West The Placencia Residences, Placencia PeninsuAhead we can see raffles2.and No. 2108 West Wind Drive, The Placencia Residences, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District: la, Stann Creek District: incentives to get people vaccinated. If that is the price then, go for it. Even a local parish from Belize REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL City has gotten prizes if people go Placencia North 36 2108 to their center to vaccinate. There (Being a two-storey concrete building [32 ft. X 32 inclusive of a porch 5 ft. X 16 ft. + back porch 5 ft. wide are tax discount at some of the Mu- containing Ground Floor: master bedroom + walk-in closet + bathroom + living/dining/kitchen + half REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL room; Second Floor: 1 bedroom + closet + bathroom concrete & nicipalities for example, the Orange bathroom + laundry REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK(access via internal PARCEL tiled staircase)] andPlacencia lot [937.060 S.M.] situate on West Wind Drive, The Placencia Residences, Placencia North 36 2108 Placencia North 36 2108 Walk Town Council and others. Peninsula, Stann Creek District.)

(Being a two-storey concrete building [32Property ft. X 32[32 inclusive of a porch X 165ft.

(Being a two-storey ft. X 32upon inclusive of5 aft.porch ft.+Xback 16 ft.porch + back5 ft. wi *******NB. Restrictionsconcrete on use ofbuilding is available request******* Seek out your local council. containing Ground bedroom + walk-in bathroom++walk-in living/dining/kitchen + half porch 5 Floor: ft. widemaster containing Ground Floor: closet master+bedroom closet + bathroom + The path to normalcy is vaccibathroom + living/dining/kitchen laundry room; Second Floor: 1 bedroom + closet + bathroom (access via internal concrete + half bathroom + laundry room; Second Floor: 1 bedroom + closet +& ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - www.belizebank.com (foreclosure listing) bathroom via S.M.] internal concrete &STRICTLY tiled staircase)] and [937.060 S.M.] situate on nation. There is no other way. So, tiled staircase)] and lot(access [937.060 situate on West Wind Drive, The lot Placencia Residences, Placencia TERMS: CASH West Creek Wind Drive, The Placencia Residences, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District.)

KEVIN A. CASTILLO Peninsula, Stann District.) if you qualify take advantage of the

*******NB. RestrictionsTELEPHONE on use of Property is available upon request******* 223-4488 *******NB. Restrictions on use of Property is available upon request******* raffles as a little incentive to a bigWebsite: belizepropertyauctions.com ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ger reward—life.

E-mail: kevinacas@yahoo.com ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - www.belizebank.com (foreclosure listing) - www.belizebank.com (foreclosure listing) Face Book: Belize Auctions

TERMS: STRICTLY CASH CASH TERMS: KEVIN A. A. CASTILLO CASTILLO KEVIN TELEPHONE223-4488 223-4488 TELEPHONE Website: belizepropertyauctions.com Website: belizepropertyauctions.com E-mail:kevinacas@yahoo.com kevinacas@yahoo.com E-mail: Face Book:Belize Belize Auctions Face Book: Auctions

PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: PROPERTIES

San Felipe Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: PROPERTIES

BY ORDER of the Mortgagees Messrs.Walk The Belize Limited, San Felipe Street, Orange Town,Bank Orange WalkLicensed DistrictAuctioneers Kevin A. and Christiana R. Castillo are selling belizepropertyauctions.com theCastillo following

BY ORDER ofCastillo the Mortgagees Messrs.

The Belize BankONLINE Limited,via Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A. and Christiana R. Castillo areSale selling ONLINE via and belizepropertyauctions.com theJune following property. currently running will expire on Monday 28th 2021 atproperty.

10:00 am.Sale currently running and will expire on Monday 28th June 2021 at 10:00 am.

No. 1290 Felipe Town, OrangeWalk District: No. 1290 SanSan Felipe Street,Street, Orange OrangeWalk Walk Town, Orange Walk District:

REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK BLOCK PARCELS REGISTRATION SECTION PARCEL Ann Gabourel 4 4 Ann Gabourel 1290 1290 (Being a concrete bungalow dwelling house [34 ft. X 36 ft.] containing 3 bedrooms + 1 bathroom + (Being a concrete dwelling [34sq. ft. X 36 ft.] containing bedrooms living/dining/kitchen + front, side &bungalow back porches and lothouse [447.22 yds.] situate on San 3 Felipe Street, Orange + 1Walk bathroom + living/dining/kitchen front, & back porches and lot [447.22 Walk Town, Orange District, the freehold property of + Ms. Liliaside Constantino) ADDITIONAL - www.belizebank.com (foreclosure listing) sq. yds.] situate INFORMATION on San Felipe Street, Orange Walk Town, OrangeWalk District, the TERMS: STRICTLY CASH freehold property of Ms. Lilia Constantino) KEVIN A. CASTILLO TELEPHONE 223-4488 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION www.belizebank.com (foreclosure listing) Website: belizepropertyauctions.com TERMS: STRICTLY CASH E-mail: kevinacas@yahoo.com KEVIN CASTILLO Face Book: BelizeA. Auctions TELEPHONE 223-4488 Website: belizepropertyauctions.com E-mail: kevinacas@yahoo.com Face Book: Belize Auctions

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20 JUN

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021 TAIWANICDF SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED June 4, 2021, Belize City - The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Belize is pleased to announce that this year 34 Belizean students have been awarded scholarships by the TaiwanICDF (Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund) Scholarship Program. The TaiwanICDF Scholarship Program provides every scholarship recipient a round trip economy class ticket, accommodations, tuition fees, credit fees, insurance, textbook costs, and monthly allowance, which varies depending on the subject.

Furthermore, this year five Belizean students have been accepted by the School of Medicine for International Students at the I-Shou University (ISU) to pursue a four-year M.D. program (taught in English for Bachelor’s Degree). The other 29 Belizean recipients will attend the universities of their choice in Taiwan to pursue their undergraduate, graduate or Ph.D. degrees through the Scholarship.

Those scholarship recipients are required to return to Belize to serve their Government and people when they finish their studies in Taiwan.

A total of almost 500 Belizeans have been offered the scholarships to study in Taiwan until now. Most of these graduates currently hold positions in government and public institutions such as hospitals and schools, as well as in the private sector. Currently there are over 100 Belizean students pursuing their degree programs in Taiwan in various fields, such as public health, agriculture, business administration, engineering and information & communication technology. Those recipients of 2021 TaiwanICDF Scholarships are thereby announced as per list.

• Agribusiness Bachelor’s at National Chung Hsing University (NCHU): Ian Jurrel Garcia • Agricultural Economics Master’s at National Taiwan University: Oscar Jorge Requena • Agriculture (NCHU), Clinton Marvin Cho • Business Administration Undergraduate at National Chengchi University (NCCU): Marci Abigail Fernandez • Business Administration Master’s (NCCU), Carlo Eduardo Martinez • Computer Science and Information Engineering at National Dong Hwa University: Samuel Ian Chavarria, Luis Fernando Pacheco, Clara Gabriella Choc • Educational Leadership and Management Development at National Chung Cheng University: Lissel Martinez • Health Care Administration Master’s at Taipei Medical University: Ema Yasmini Juchim, Shayna Akala Makin • Human Resource Dev at National Taiwan Normal University: Gale Marie Quiroz • International Business and Trade (MCU), Renan Alexander Bernard • International Business and Trade

Undergraduate at Ming Chuan University (MCU): Kaliyah Ayana Martin • International Health at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University: Ayleen Walewska Perez, Heidy Susanita Camal • International Studies Master’s (NCCU), Roneisha Ronae Williams • Journalism and Mass Communication Undergraduate (MCU), Zenida Kassandra Lanza

2021

• Mechanical Engineering Bachelor’s at Kun Shan University: Andres Joseph John Mendez, Gabriel Benjamin Correa, Senefra Amari Locke • Medicine at I-Shou University: Damari Rosalinda Tesucun, Kamau Rudo Straughan, Geraldo Fernando Puc, Gabriela Natalie Ochoa, Isaure Omario Milian • Tropical Agriculture at National Pingtung University of Science and Technology: Ishmael Jovan Garbutt, Sergio Jose Mai, Jaiomie Janelle Cobb, Carla Noemi Estrada, Evian Amber Berges, Jalen Good, Rubicely Balan • Tropical Medicine at Kaohsiung Medical University: Jessica Johannah Barrios

ASSISTANT MANAGER, INTERNAL AUDIT

The Central Bank invites qualified individuals to join its Internal Audit Department.

The Assistant Manager, Internal Audit, will assist the Chief Internal Auditor (CIA) in coordinating the daily operations and planning the strategic direction of the Internal Audit Department. The incumbent will assist in integrating audit services throughout the Bank, providing objective assurance to Executive Management and the Audit Committee on the adequacy and effectiveness of the system of internal controls at the Bank. The Assistant Manager, Internal Audit, will respect the value and ownership of information; be prudent in the use and protection of information acquired in the course of duties; and will not use information received in any manner contrary to the law or detrimental to the legitimate and ethical objectives of the Bank.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

▪ ▪ ▪

Coordinate Internal Audit activities under the guidelines of the Central Bank’s Internal Audit Manual and procedures, the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF), and the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS); Assist in developing and managing the overall audit strategy and annual risk-based audit work plan; Coordinate and integrate the sub-activities and work programs of the Internal Audit Department to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the Bank’s operations, reliability of financial reporting, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations;

▪ ▪

Oversee the development of objectives for audit engagements by Internal Auditors;

▪

Provide consulting services to management on establishing appropriate systems and procedures and maintaining a strong and effective control environment;

▪

Monitor Internal Auditors’ “follow-up” on management’s response to audit recommendations and report on implementation of agreed corrective measures;

▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

Direct and counsel audit staff during the performance of the audit process and review work for sufficiency of scope and accuracy;

Appraise the adequacy of corrective actions to improve deficient conditions; Assist in investigating suspected fraudulent activity and report findings to the Bank’s Senior Management and Audit Committee; Identify and organize staff development training; and Ensure the effective execution of Internal Audit Department’s objectives through the planning and monitoring of activities.

The applicants should possess the following:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

▪

A Master’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field from a recognized university, with at least three (3) years’ relevant experience. Professional certification in internal auditing and/or accounting would be an asset; OR

▪

A Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or other related field with at least six (6) years’ relevant experience in accounting, auditing, or Central Banking. Recognized professional qualification would be an asset.

TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE

▪

Knowledge of the Central Bank of Belize Act, the Domestic Banks and Financial Institutions Act, internal control processes, auditing and accounting principles; investigative and reporting skills; ability to apply relevant methodologies and tools effectively to audit engagements; computer literate and proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

COMPETENCIES

▪

Flexibility, Adaptability, Results Oriented, Organizational Awareness, Communication Skills, Personal Credibility, Analytical Thinking, Leadership, Decision Making, Problem Solving.

Submit the following documents by Wednesday, 30 June 2021:

▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

CBB Employment Application Form (Available online) Curriculum Vitae Three (3) current references (one must be from a previous employer) Certified copies of university transcripts, degrees, and any other personal certificates Applications should be addressed to: Manager, Human Resources Department Central Bank of Belize P O Box 852 or Gabourel Lane Belize City, BELIZE

Ref: Assistant Manager, Internal Audit- Internal Audit Department Email: hr@centralbank.org.bz or online at www.centralbank.org.bz (All applications will be held in strict confidence.)

20 JUN

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

Mom and Dad

Celebrated in OW Central On June 13, Prime Minister John Briceño hosted his now traditional Mom-Dad Event to honour the heartfelt work our Mom’s and Dad’s do. Due to it being virtual, viewers tuned in from literally all over the world. Nevertheless, there is definitely the hope to return to normalcy to be able to share the warmth of hugs and handshakes as PM is definitely missing.

The intention is definitely still with equal fervour—to honour our Moms and Dads.

Mother’s Day has been celebrated officially and of course we honour them every day.

Now, we say, Happy Father’s Day to all our dads.

BELIZE NATIONAL PRAYER

Almighty and Eternal God, who through Jesus Christ has revealed Your Glory to all nations, please protect and preserve Belize, our beloved country.

God of might, wisdom and justice, please assist our Belizean government and people with your Holy Spirit of counsel and fortitude.

Let your light of Your divine wisdom direct their plans and endeavours so that with Your help we may attain our just objectives. With Your guidance, may all our endeavours tend to peace, social justice, liberty, national happiness, the increase of industry, sobriety and useful knowledge.

We pray, O God of Mercy, for all of us that we may be blessed in the knowledge and sanctified in the observance of Your most holy law, that we may be preserved in union and in peace which the world itself cannot give. And, after enjoying the blessings of this life, please admit us, dear Lord, to that eternal reward that You have prepared for those who love You. Amen

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THE BELIZE TIMES 2021

20 JUN

2021

20 JUN

2021

18 JAN

THE BELIZE TIMES 2015

Congratulations! Åä ~ ë ë =ç Ñ

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More Pics next week…

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20 JUN

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

Prime Minister John Briceño and the entire PUP Family wish all Fathers a

2021

20 JUN

2021

15

THE BELIZE TIMES

Belize Prepares To Welcome Carnival Vista Cruise Travelbelize.org: Unveiled by Belize Tourism Board Newly Redesigned Belize City, Belize, Tuesday, June 15, 2021 - Belize Tourism Board (BTB), the official tourism marketing organization for Belize, invites visitors to explore its all new travelbelize website. The revamped webpage is the country’s official resource center for travelers planning their next tropical vacation.

Providing visitors from all over the world with a unique, enticing Belizean experience, the new site has been completely redesigned to make exploring, planning and booking a vacation to Belize even easier. Immersive video and imagery, a virtual interactive map, and a modified flight map helps travelers plan their stay from point ‘A to Belize’; while a fresh, intuitive design and navigation inspires them to explore the myriad adventures, natural attractions and the cultural diversity which Belize is known for.

Belize City, Belize, Friday, June 11, 2021 - Belize is preparing to welcome Carnival Vista, which is operated

by Carnival Cruise Line, to Belize City on July 7, 2021. The ship will embark from Galveston, Texas and will be the first ship to call on Belize since the cruise industry in our region was suspended over a year ago. This is encouraging news for thousands of Belizeans that work in the tourism sector who are looking forward to welcoming cruise guests to our shores once again.

The health and safety of Belizeans and visitors is paramount as cruise tourism resumes. Carnival Vista will operate with at least 95 percent of its passengers and all of its crew having been vaccinated, and there will be rigorous protocols in place for disembarking passengers. The health and safety protocols that were recently released by the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) will guide the restart of cruise operations in Belize. These protocols outline the necessary adjustments and adaptations to be undertaken at each step of the cruise cycle - from home port, to destination and return. Under

these protocols, which adhere to the Centers for Disease Control guidelines, as this is a fully vaccinated ship a travel bubble will not be implemented. Cruise passengers will be allowed to go on both guided and self-guided tours and Gold Standard approved operations will be allowed to provide service to these passengers.

In order to ensure that the tourism sector is adequately prepared to provide a safe and secure experience for the passengers, crew and the destination, the BTB will offer online training sessions over the next few weeks.

Tourism industry stakeholders are encouraged to keep abreast of real time information on cruise ship calls to Belize Ports via the BTB Cruise App: https:// www.btbcruiseapp.com/ as these are changing daily.

The BTB and the Ministry of Tourism & Diaspora Relations are committed to the full recovery of the cruise industry to pre-COVID numbers, and to enhance the Belize tourism product to make it more competitive within the region.

For more information on the BTB and its services, visit www.travelbelize. org.

“With the highly anticipated launch of the redesigned travelbelize website, guests can now catch flights and feelings for Belize,” said BTB Chairman and Interim Director of Tourism, Mr. Evan Tillett. “Our goal is to spur guests’ excitement in dreaming, planning and customizing their vacation experience, before, during and after their time in the country. We hope this new interface is refreshingly helpful and continues to spark digital wanderlust.” .

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

For further details visit our website http://new.paho.org/blz/ . 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.

16

20 JUN

THE BELIZE TIMES

Minister Musa Visits New Scenes of Crime Office

2021

TENDER NOTICE

TENDER FOR THE GENERAL SECURITY AND SURVEILLANCE OF THE SUPREME COURT BUILDING, THE OLD TREASURY BUILDING, THE COURT OF APPEAL, THE SUPREME COURT LAW LIBRARY BUILDING, AND THE CHIEF JUSTICE’S RESIDENCE. Tenders are invited for the general security and surveillance of the Supreme Court Building, the Old Treasury Building, the Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court Law Library Building and the Chief Justice’s Residence.

The new Scenes of Crime Main Office in Belize City welcomed the Minister of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries, Hon. Kareem Musa, for a tour of the upgraded facility where Crime Scene Technicians conduct their daily activities of documenting, photographing, processing and packaging exhibits from crime scenes, accident scenes and post-mortem examinations.

The Minister was briefed on recent advancements made within the Scenes of Crime Unit of the Belize of the Belize National Forensic Science Service (NFSS) in line with the ongoing efforts by the Department to implement a quality management

system geared towards ISO 17020 accreditation. The Minister also discussed in depth the priority needs of the Unit, as expressed by Executive Director Gian Cho, Assistant Director Ashanti Guzman, Supervisors and Crime Scene Technicians who were in attendance.

The Minister expressed both his appreciation to the staff and his commitment to ensuring that continued emphasis is placed on developing the capacity of the Scenes of Crime Unit, as well as other Units of the Belize NFSS, so as to strengthen the forensic science services provided to the Criminal Justice System. #JusticeThroughScience

Hon. Francis Fonseca

Showing Love in Freetown

1. The Tender shall be for a period of two (2) years (September 1st 2021 to August 31st 2023) 2. The successful Tender will be expected to provide the following security and surveillance to the following locations: a. 24 hours security to the Supreme Court Building – 4 guards for 7 days per week b. 24 hours security to the Old Treasury Building – 4 guards for 7 days per week c. 24 hours security to the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court Law Library Building – 2 guard for 6:00 a.m. to 6p.m. Monday to Friday. d. 24 hours security service to the Chief Justice’s Residence – 1 guard for 7 days per week e. Daily bank deposit for General Registry Dept. – Monday to Friday The cost incurred to visit the facilities to be guarded and the preparation of the bids is the sole responsibility of the Tenderer.

The lowest or any Tender may not necessarily be accepted.

Tenders are to be submitted in sealed envelopes marked “TENDER FOR THE GENERAL SECURITY AND SURVEILLANCE OF THE SUPREME COURT BUILDING, THE OLD TREASURY BUILDING, THE COURT OF APPEAL, THE SUPREME COURT LAW LIBRARY BUILDING, AND THE CHIEF JUSTICE’S RESIDENCE” no later than 16th July at: 4:30 p.m.

Envelopes to be delivered to: Registrar General

General Registry Department Treasury Lane Belize City, Belize The General Registry Department The Attorney General’s Ministry

NOTICE

GOVERNNMENT OF BELIZE TREASURY BILLS ISSUE NUMBER 7/2021 Tenders are invited for an issue of Government of Belize Treasury Bills. The amount of the issue will be $83,200,000.00.

The Bills will be issued in electronic form only evidenced by an electronic book entry in the Central Securities Depository of the Central Bank of Belize in multiples of $200 and will be repayable at par 91 days after issue. They will be issued on Wednesday, 7 July 2021 and will be redeemed on Wednesday, 6 October 2021.

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

As per his FB post “This morning it was my honor and pleasure to join our Kings Park Freetown Family for a small but beautiful ceremony marking the opening of ALMA’S FRUITS AND VEGETABLES on Lizarraga Ave. I met Ms. ALMA Arnold Jones some 20 years ago when I first became the PUP Standard Bearer for Freetown. She welcomed me into Freetown with open arms and an open heart. She became one of my most loyal and vocal supporters.

Her family became my family.

Ms. Alma is no longer here with us but her spirit and legacy live on in her daughter Lavern Olivera and, in her granddaughters, Odessa Bailey and Lins P. Bailey, and in their children. I know she was looking down on us today and smiling.

I was happy to see so many friends and neighbors come out to show their support for this small

Members of the public who wish to participate in the auction must submit their bid to the Central Bank of Belize electronically or at the designated drop off box no later than 12:00 noon on Friday, 2 July 2021.

The Auction on the Central Securities Depository System (CSD) will be opened from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on Wednesday, 7 July 2021.

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

Bank: Central Bank of Belize Account: GLICORP0402627 but important initiative.”

On another note: this weekend, the Trinity Primary schools recently hit by burglary will be having a BBQ to help deal with the cost. Best before Saturday June 19(the BBQ date) please call 631-7806. Payment is available online at Atlantic Bank #200216208. The BBQ is to be held on 5g Street, Kings Park Area, Belize City. Thanks for your support.

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

CENTRAL BANK OF BELIZE Notices are placed on Central Bank of Belize Website (www.centralbank.org. bz) 14 June 2021

20 JUN

2021

THE BELIZE TIMES

THINK ABOUT IT ARE THERE NO NEW LEADERS The November 11 elections was a massive endorsement for change, not just a changing of the guard. Not a switch from Tweedle dum to Tweedle dee.

Many, many persons have not quite gotten the message.

It is clear now the opposition UDP has not and does not want to interpret their massive rejection as the Belizean people having had enough of them and what they were doing.

There are two big problems in the UDP. One is the Patrick Faber domestic issue.

The second one is the Sista B problem. Sista B is the younger sister of former Prime Minister Dean Barrow. She has been treating the National Assembly and the voters of Queen Square and by extension the people of Belize with scorn and disrespect As an elected representative, Sista B attends no House meetings, she makes no contributions to the national debates on national issue. Had nothing to say on the budget. Has nothing to say on anything, not even the Patrick Faber scandalous fiasco of domestic abuse of a young mother.

The whole Belize have been expressing their views on the viral video of Faber, but not Sista B. this in itself is shocking.

The UDP has fallen low. So low. How lower can they go?

Are there no men and women of moral fiber who understand that an opposition party cannot function with such heavy Faber/Sista B baggage.

COVID IS CREEPING UP Statistics are showing a concerning situation. Covid is creeping up on us.

We got to stay vigilant people. Got to.

Please wear your masks, keep your distance and wash your hands regularly.

We can’t let the virus crash our economy, destroy our social structure and steal innocent lives.

Stay vigilant.

We been doing good, very good.

Let’s keep it up.

Play Lord Rhaburn’s Covid song on all airwaves every morning, noon and night.

ANOTHER SAD SONG Unfairness and injustice strike the poor and defenseless in many ways, sometimes in unlikely places.

Last week a minor was taken to the Family Court on a charge of a sexual matter with his girlfriend. It happened in June last year. He was fifteen and she was fourteen.

It was reported to the police. The file was sent to the DPP. This year June 2021 the file was returned. The minor was charged and hauled before one of the Magistrates at the Family Court.

We have reported here and opined on several occasions that the Family Court is in urgent need of overhaul. The persons working there as Magistrate do not possess the maturity or compassion to be performing such sensitive functions. The administration and the office is not up to standards, to put it mildly.

Lawyers tell us they do not go to that Court, for multiple negative reasons.

That alone says it all.

Nothing has changed and nothing likely to.

The minor was denied bail. And sent to jail. Even though the law gives the Magistrate the authority to grant bail. Ashcroft daughter-in law shoots a police in the head and he is dead and she got bail, (she is entitled to bail). But a minor at, of all places, Family Court which exist to protect minors- bail is denied.

Worse, it’s to Kolbe prison that the minor is sent, NOT to Youth Hostel.

And then, check this, shortly after 12:00 noon last Thursday 10th June, a police is escorting the minor from Family Court to the holding cell over at the main Magistrate Court. So he handcuffs the minor and walks him through the main Streets Bishop, Albert and Regent Streets.

The parents, who went to take food for the minor, see a small commotion and gawking situation by students from one of the Southside high schools, and the midday pedestrians, and lo and behold it is their son who is the object of curiously on the streets.

The very classmates and school mates of the minor are watching in disbelief as their colleague is paraded through the streets in handcuff.

The minor later told his parents he wanted to die of shame, and embarrassment.

As we write this sad story. Thursday 17th June 2021, the minor is still in jail, his school has not yet closed, he is missing classes and probably examinations.

Update: The Chief Justice arranged for Judge Francis Cumberbatch to hold an urgent bail hearing for the minor.

FITZROY YEARWOOD IS BACK

17

Assistant Superintendent of Police, Fitzroy Yearwood is back- where he belongs. The affable and well-loved senior police officer had bonded well with journalists and media personalities back in the days. He was the public relations face and voice of the police under a former commissioner.

Over the years, several senior police officers have been appearing on the radio and television almost nightly to give updates on crime information. This waste of human resources is now being rationalized. Ergo- Fitzroy.

The indefatigable Commissioner Chester, reaching media exposure fatigue, and the police Department unable to tame and reign in their monsters; Fitzroy may introduce a fresh and honest approach to informing the public rather than taking the media and public for fools.

We shall see, Director of Communications.

KATHLEEN LEWIS Softly and quietly, Kathleen Lewis left this earthly existence and traveled to a better place.

Born Kathleen Delvarie Villanueva, Mrs. Lewis served as a Public Officer, a former prosecutor, and a Magistrate before she headed to Guyana University to become a trained attorney. Kathleen was an unassuming and wonderful human being. In whatever capacity she worked, she did her job and always helped people. Everyone who knew her loved her. To her children, family and friends our sincere condolences.

GEORGE PRICE ON A BLUE NOTE The new government of the People’s United Party will be celebrating its first Emancipation celebrations this August 1st; and also, will be celebrating its first Independence Day with Johnny Briceño as Prime Minister.

Both events should put pressure on the Ministry of Education which has a golden opportunity to educate, inform and indoctrinate the young generation on the history and personalities which brought an end to slavery in Belize (1838), and to renew the history of leaders and their supporters who lead the battle for Belize to become a free, sovereign and independent nation, with, (against all odds), all its territory intact.

At every uprising, every defiance, and every blow against slavery sent shivers down the spine of slave masters in Belize and the Caribbean. This helped hasten the day when the chains and shackles were broken-forever.

The names of two freedom fighters whose contributions were at the time unknown even to themselves. The two we talk about are Will and his brave companion Sharper. They led the biggest slave relation in Belize in 1820, which lasted for a month. There must be two monuments on Albert Street West by Racecourse Street where hundreds of Nigerians slaves from the Eboe tribe built their “long barracks” type houses. That area was known as Eboe Town.

For independence there is one name that stands head and shoulder above all others. If you don’t know the name, you should be living somewhere else.

George Price commenced his quest in 1950 to rid little Belize of British colonialists and place the destiny of Belizeans (called British Honduras back then) in the hands of their own people.

The epic struggle, against Guatemala’s military threats and British deceptive diplomacy as well as local flunkies, lasted for 31 long, hard treacherous years, 1950 to 1981.

This is a history the young generation must know. It is an inspiring history.

For our upcoming Independence celebrations, Covid or no-Covid, we should place the image of the great George Price on our hundred dollars currency.

It’s the least we can do to pay respect to the Father of our Nation.

18

20 JUN

THE BELIZE TIMES

VOICE OF THE COMMON MAN

WHAT AILS THEE BELIZE?

Shedding some light on Crime and Violence

by Hilly Bennett The sensational shooting, in La Isla Bonita, of one of Belize’s top-cops, Superintendent Henry Jemmott overwhelmed media coverage both locally and internationally. More so because of the individual named - Jasmine Hartin, the wife of Andrew Ashcroft who is son of Sir Michael Ashcroft of British prominence.

It was hoped that the incident would have ushered in the much-needed attention to the crime and violence, the senseless murders and the bloodletting resulting from the rivalries, the ‘beefing’ of ‘gang sets’ flooding the streets of the old capital.

The history of the Crips and Bloods gang culture originated in Belize in the year 1984. The year when the election slogans, “RAISE UP” and “FROM THE BOARD-ROOM TO THE BASES”, turned the political tide on the People’s United Party (PUP). The United Democratic Party (UDP) was victorious at the polls.

PUP lost the ‘84 General Election. Unfortunately, the promise of attending to the needs of the bases and to raise up the masses was just another UDP fool’s comfort. The seeds of the violence began to grow and today has transformed into a poisonous tree. Society is now reapers of the injurious fruits of gang violence which morphed into a heartless, and unforgiving beast today with no regard for life. Fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters and the angels of birth fast were becoming victims of collateral damage.

The Peoples United Party (PUP) is now tasked with fixing the elusive problem that has plagued Belizean society for years. The vicious pathology grew from a budding issue, festering under the threeterm United Democratic Party Government, Barrow/Faber administration that came into office in 2008. Upon taking the high stool of office a significant part of the 2008 UDP mandate was “to attack the core problems of Black ghetto youths.”

However, as Nuri Muhammad caustically writes in a letter to the editor in the Reporter for Sunday May 2, 2021 that the Barrow/Faber UDP was not “interested in a comprehensive approach to radically transforming the conditions of Black youth in Belize, especially those who, as Mr Elrington says, “live in ghettos.” It was under the UDP regime that the youths have been transformed into what is termed in William J. Bennett et al book ‘Body Count’ as “super predators.”

For a decade-plus nothing was done to address that societal ill. Former Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred Elrington, in his Reporter column ‘Brass Tacks’ called out Prime Minister John Briceño to “start doing something radically different before Belize turns into Sinaloa.” What hypocrisy! The audacity of Sedi to call out the Briceño administration to fix the situation, when he as a Cabinet minister and a powerful Black man sitting in government failed to put a dent in the crime and violence, especially regarding the gangs. Coincidentally, Sedi criticised his UDP at the parliamentary sitting in Belmopan on Tuesday August 4, 2020, for failing to address the root causes of the problems in Belizean society. He ranted that “we have to find out what is happening in the home. How is it that a child, after nine months, is born

a little innocent baby, and in ten, twelve years after that the baby becomes a monster?” He added, “Clearly, we have failed them.”

Evidence of the root causes of crime and violence is varied. Identified as the root cause is that today’s criminals are being bred in economically disadvantaged neighbourhoods with poverty and joblessness reeking amongst the youth.

Some local writers have advocated for more money to be allocated to social programs and for more government involvement in the downtrodden communities of the country. Others have cited corruption as the root causes of poverty, crime and other social ills.

A theory in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that the root causes of crime may be biological and not social.

Some people may be born with brain deficiencies which makes them prone to violence. The brains of children may degenerate between birth and three years because the many millions of nerve endings not linking as per normal, or do not combine suitably, resulting in various kinds of learning disorders reflected in slow learning skills. Quite possibly the tendencies to violence emerge as a result of the deficiencies.

Urbanisation and the offshoot of criminogenic environs have also been linked to criminality. Nonetheless, it is the inaction of not rigorously tackling the gang phenomenon is where the largest blame can be laid. Although, the People’s United Party has attempted to alleviate the longstanding scourge of criminal behaviour, especially in the Old Capital, UDP administration of ‘84 and 2008 had the greatest opportunity to put a dent in crime and violence. The former’s opportunity was when the gang culture was at its benign stage and the latter had the largesse of the PetroCaribe funds and the oil revenues. The red hydra and its minions were simply not interested in solving the violent, corrosive situation.

The interest was geared towards holding onto power.

Honourable Kareem Musa Minister with responsibilities for policing has embarked on designing a crime-fighting policy around the construct of Plan Belize to make Belize a SAFE SOCIETY! Emphasis is placed on arresting crime and guaranteeing national security: ensuring safety at home and safety in the streets. One method is the implementation of modernizing policing with the utilisation of drones. Others include biometrics and the greater use of DNA, and computerised police station with integrated systems. Important is the promotion of better community-police relations. The overall objective is to utilise evidence-based policing.

An Economist publication highlighted that evidence-based or data-driven approaches brought down the crime rates in many crime-ridden countries. In a report that was done by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) published in 2012, the criminologist Lawrence Sherman concluded that the chronic lack of data “is not an obstacle to solving an important problem. It is the most important problem.” Policing techniques of the past are under review. Truce and mediation are considered ineffectual. In 2012, President Mauricio Funes brokered a truce between El Salvador major gangs giving the imprisoned leaders flat-screen televisions and the sort to stop the killing. Former Prime Minister Dean Bar-

2021

row in September 2011 brokered what has been dubbed the “infamous Gang Truce”. Whilst that President of El Salvador gave flat screens and fried chicken to stop the killings, Dean Barrow spent an average of $20,000 weekly and tallied to a million dollars to gang affiliates to end the gang warfare. Although the murder rate dipped for the remainder of 2011. However, the following year [2012] Belizeans witnessed an unprecedented 145 murders. Gang truce does not work! In the Belize Times Editorial NERO ON THE ROOF, it submitted that “...Gang Truce actually inspired Belize City gangs to become better organized and violent in order to benefit from the cash bonanza. The effect then was the reverse of what was intended. Organised crime became a lucrative business in Belize and everyone wanted their cut. Violence became a bargaining tool.

Consequently, the Minister of Police and New Growth Musa is embarking

on a rethink of policing the crime and violence and the negative and costly impact on the country.

The direct cost of violent crimes in Belize can be measured by the spending on the police and hospitalisation, burials amongst others. An IMF mission representative indicated that crime and violence impact economic growth negatively and is a stress on the country’s GDP. It is considered a binding constraint on doing business in Belize.

Fortunately, the Leader of the Jewel PM Briceño and the People’s United Party administration insist on a safe society and will implement pragmatic policies to curb the violence. It is hoped that this article, written in all humility, will help to point out where we are as a Belizean society and help us to figure out where we can go in the matter of revitalising our society. Let the conversation and the attention begin to end the senseless violence in Belize.

NOTICE Red Finch Ltd. #168,257 (“the Company”)

Notice is hereby given that the Company named Red Finch Ltd. has been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the 5th June, 2021.

CILTrust International Limited Registered Agent

NOTICE ANGELI TEXTILE TRADE LIMITED #156,226 (“the Company”)

Pursuant to Section 102(4) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, notice is hereby given that ANGELI TEXTILE TRADE LIMITED: a) is in dissolution b) commenced dissolution on the 9th day of June, 2021; and c) CILTRUST INTERNATIONAL INCORPORATED whose address is 35 Barrack Road, Third Floor, Belize City, Belize is the Liquidator of the Company CILTrust International Limited Registered Agent

20 JUN

2021

19

THE BELIZE TIMES

No Más Corruption

By Hon. Gilroy Usher, Sr., Port Loyola “Without strong watchdog institutions impunity (exemption from punishment), becomes the very foundation upon which systems of corruption are built. And if impunity is not demolished, all efforts to bring an end to corruption are in vain.” - Nobel Laureate Rigoberta Menchú The Whistleblower Amendment Bill or the Protected Disclosure Bill is an essential piece of legislation. It will be another weapon in the fight against corruption that has deprived this country of hundreds of millions of dollars that could have been used to improve the lives of Belizeans across the land.

For decades, especially in the last 13 years, a number of Ministers, and their cronies, as well as unscrupulous businesspersons, have robbed the national treasures mercilessly without any fear of punishment.

These devious persons took the country’s assets in cold cash, signed huge bloated contracts for roads and buildings, lead an unlawful bucket sale of hundreds of Belizean passports, approved vast underpayment of lawful taxes, and expedited the fire sale of prime government land among other corrupt deals.

Such malfeasance thrived in the past in almost every Ministry and government department as well as in scores of private businesses, because employees, who had the evidence to expose such unconscionable theft of the people’s resources were too afraid to speak out or expose the evidence for such corrupt actions to the media or other watchdog organizations. Those persons chose to remain quiet about wrongdoings in the workplace out of fear of victimization including unjust prosecution or loss of jobs, promotions, scholarships, grants, or land which they needed.

This Whistleblower bill will protect all employees who speak out against corruption from victimization by the perpetrators of such wrong doings. These perpetrators want to hide their corrupt deeds to escape any form of punishment including jail time.

The Whistle Blower Amendment Bill will also allow persons who expose corruption in the workplace to pursue litigation to stop retaliation for revealing wrongdoing at their place of employment.

Additionally, the Whistle Blower’s Bill seeks to make it easier for persons with knowledge of corruption

at their jobs to come forward with the information. In that regard, the bill mandates that each government department or each private sector business appoint a whistleblowing officer to receive oral or written complaints of allege shadiness from members of staff.

When the whistleblower bill is in effect, the practice in which numerous past Ministers, their cronies, and others became overnight millionaires through continuous, widespread, and barefaced theft of the most valuable assets of the county will be drastically reduced.

Those resources of the county that are shielded from the pockets and bank accounts of the corrupt will then be available for use to provide the people with jobs, proper housing, land, improve healthcare, greater access to education, and security amongst other things for a better life that all Belizeans deserve.

Senator James A.G. Smith Jamaica’s former Minister of Labour and Public Service in the 1980’s remain the only Jamaican politician has been imprisoned for mismanaging public funds. He was charged on February 13, 1990 and was later sentenced to 5 years imprisonment for diverting money from farm workers for personal gain.

Our country is only three months away from 40 years of independence.

In that duration the development of Belize has been severely undermined by some of the most corrupt politicians and unprincipled businesspersons especially during the three consecutives

terms of the previous administration.

Nevertheless, no one has ever been seriously prosecuted much less fined or confined for such wrongdoings to the Belizean people.

A true fight against corruption in the workplace was one of the main planks on which the Briceño administration was elected to office. In making good on that promise the administration is also fast tracking both the Civil Asset Recovery and Unexplained Wealth legislations Widespread support for the Whistle Blowers Bill after necessary amendments and similar legislations to put an end to wrongdoings in office and hold the guilty persons accountable for their actions will be the people’s way of saying, “No más corruption in the Jewel.”

Government of Belize Belize Social Investment Fund (BNTF9) SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF DIGITAL DUPLICATORS AND ACCESSORIES FOR BNTF9 SCHOOLS NATIONWIDE, BELIZE (BNTF9) INVITATION TO BID The Government of Belize (GOB) has received financing from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) in an amount equivalent to USD5.4mn towards the cost of the Basic Needs Trust Fund Cycle 9 Project (BNTF 9) and intends to apply a part of the funds to cover eligible payments under the Agreement. The GOB has appointed the Belize Social Investment Fund (BSIF) as the Implementing Agency (IA) for the project, and intends to apply a portion of the proceeds to eligible payments under a contract for which this invitation is issued. Payments by CDB will be made only at the request of GOB and upon approval by CDB, and will be subject in all respects to the terms and conditions of the Financing Agreement. The Financing Agreement prohibits withdrawal from the financing account for the purpose of any payment to persons or entities, or for any import of goods, if such payment or import, to the knowledge of CDB, is prohibited by a decision of the United Nations Security Council taken under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. No party other than GOB shall derive any rights from the Financing Agreement or have any claim to the proceeds of the Financing.

The Belize Social Investment Fund (BSIF), the IA, now invites sealed bids from eligible and qualified Bidders for the Supply and Delivery of Digital Duplicators and Accessories for BNTF9 Schools Nationwide, Belize (BNTF9).

The Firms whether bidding individually or in the form of a Joint Venture, shall: (a) be legally incorporated or otherwise organised in, and have their principal place of business in an Eligible Country; (b) be more than fifty (50) percent beneficially-owned by a citizen or citizens and/ or a bona fide resident or residents of an Eligible Country, or by a body corporate or bodies meeting these requirements, as far as the ownership can be reasonably determined; or (c) owned or controlled by the Government of an eligible country provided that it is legally and financially autonomous and operated under the commercial law of an eligible country and otherwise meets the eligibility requirements of the CDB Guidelines for Procurement (2006).

Eligible countries are member countries of CDB. Eligible bidders will be required to submit full qualification information with their bids establishing their eligibility to bid and qualification to perform the contract if the bid is accepted. Tender and qualification information are to be submitted in the English Language on the prescribed forms inserted in the Bid Documents. Submissions that do not provide the information required or that do not demonstrate the prospective contractor’s ability to perform satisfactorily, will not qualify and will not be considered for further evaluation.

A secured “sample” electronic Bid document can be shared with interested Bidders at the address below, starting June 14, 2021, on week days between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. for viewing purpose only (has a time restriction for viewing). A complete set of Bidding documents (hard-copy or electronic version) can be purchased by interested bidder upon payment of a non-refundable fee of BZ$150.00. Requests may be made by personal application or in writing to the address below. Written applications must be clearly marked: “Tender for Supply and Delivery of Digital Duplicators and Accessories for BNTF9 Schools Nationwide, Belize (BNTF9)”. The method of payment will be by cash deposited to, or Bank transfer to BSIF’s Bank Account only. Banking details can be requested at the address below. Cash payment will not be accepted at the BSIF Office.

A Virtual Pre-bid meeting with interested eligible bidders will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 29, 2021. The link is https://bit.ly/31ACuQU. Bidders can participate in the meeting to address any queries about the bidding document or the contract scope.

Firms that purchase packages are urged to attend.

Hard copies of Bids must be submitted in sealed envelopes, with the name and address of the bidder, and be clearly marked “Tender for Supply and Delivery of Digital Duplicators and Accessories for BNTF9 School Nationwide, Belize (BNTF9)” and must be delivered to the first address below no later than July 12, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.

(Belize Time). Bids will be opened virtually at 10:15 a.m., July 12, 2021 at the Social Investment Fund, 3rd Floor, #1902 Constitution Drive, Belmopan, Cayo District in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to participate. The link is https://bit. ly/31ACuQU. Electronic bidding will not be permitted. Late bids will be rejected. All bids must be accompanied with a “Bid-Securing Declaration”.

BSIF reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, and to annul the process and reject all bids, at any time prior to award of contract, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected prospective bidder(s) or any obligation to inform the affected prospective bidder(s) of the grounds for BSIF action. BSIF will not defray any costs incurred by any bidder in the preparation of bids.

1. Address for Inspection, Collection and Clarification of Bidding Documents, Bid Submission and Bid Opening Contact: Mrs. Therese Arzu Procurement Officer Social Investment Fund 3rd Floor, #1902 Constitution Drive Belmopan Cayo District Tel: 822-0239/822-0508 E-mail: therese.arzu@sifbelize.org

20

IMPORTANCE OF AGRICULTURE IN THE ECONOMIC RECOVERY PROCESS

By Gareth Murillo, Registrar of Cooperatives, Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprises Hon. Jose Mai, Minister: “The Agriculture team is made up of individuals with much preparation, skill and drive.

We work as a team at MAFSE and it is no strange feat that we are driving agriculture to places it has not been before…it has taken leadership and a commitment to the PlanBelize goals to get us this far, and there is much more to come. We want to ensure our nation’s food is secure, that farmers and producers make a good living and that our country can enjoy the benefits of our exports. So we will continue working hard despite challenges…challenges bring out the best in us.”

According to the Statistical Institute of Belize, the agricultural sector in Belize contributed 9.56% (BZ$237.7 million) to the nation’s GDP in 2020; up from 8.63% in 2018 and 8.07% in 2019. This is despite preliminary estimates indicating that the economy contracted by 14% during a year the country suffered the devastating economic effects of COVID-19. Comparatively in the region, Belize trails only Haiti, Nicaragua, Dominica, and Honduras in this category. While this might seem impressive, given that all industries within the ‘Agriculture, Hunting and Forestry’ sector recorded increased outputs during the fourth quarter, with the traditional commodities (sugar, citrus, banana, livestock) showing strongly, vegetable and fruit production, typically undertaken by small and subsistence farmers, still faces significant challenges. These include rising cost of supplies, labor shortages, reduced productivity, capital and market accessibility, changes in consumer preferences, and climate change.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nation (FAO) notes that the world risks a looming food crisis unless urgent measures are taken to protect the most vulnerable, keep global food supply chains alive and mitigate the pandemic’s impacts across the food chain. As the world seeks economic recovery, countries unable to set up functional infrastructure and leverage technology to improve agricultural production and food supply chains will undoubtedly be more vulnerable to what may be difficult times ahead. As a matter of national development strategy, it is incumbent upon the government to facilitate innovation and the use of technology to boost agriculture’s share of GDP as a means to speed up the recovery and support a sustainable economy that is so desperately needed post-COVID-19.

To that end, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise, acting on its ‘Farm to Table’ plan, has put forward several initiatives aimed at stimulating production, marketing, and trade while also maximizing efficiency and

20 JUN

THE BELIZE TIMES

efficacy of the delivery of its services.

The Ministry has divided into programs rather than units with the view that program management is a more modern form where outputs can be more clearly aligned to objectives. It allows for better coordination between programs with more specificity of budgetary allocation under the various directors/coordinators.

Core programs now are: 1. Vegetables and root crops; 2. Non-traditional fruits; 3. Grains and traditional crops; 4.

Livestock; and, 5. Agro-processing.

Supporting programs now include: 1. Extension and training; 2. Research and development; 3. Climate change and water management; and, 4. Policy, economics, and statistics.

The Ministry does, also, hold the Department of Co-operatives and the Bureau of Standards, while maintaining oversight of statutory bodies, Belize Agricultural Health Authority, Pesticides Control Board, and Belize Marketing and Development Corporation.

It is understood that farmers require access to information and recommendations about soil, weather, and market conditions in real time. Major technology innovations have emerged in the agricultural industry that facilitate the dissemination of such data. The Ministry has been in communication with a provider of such an electronic platform for possible integration into the already existing Belize Agriculture Information Management System.

Establishing legislation for contract farming, while initiated earlier, is another endeavor that will soon come to fruition. In the age of market liberalization, globalization and expanding agribusiness, there is a danger that small-scale farmers will find difficulty in fully participating in the market economy. Contract farming can be defined as an agreement between farmers and processing and/or marketing enterprises for the production and supply of agricultural products under forward agreements, frequently at predetermined prices. This arrangement also invariably involves the purchaser in providing a degree of production support through, for example, the supply of inputs and the provision of technical advice. The basis of such arrangements is a commitment on the part of the farmer to provide a specific commodity in quantities and at quality standards determined by the purchaser and a commitment on the part of the enterprise to support the farmer’s production and to purchase the commodity.

These actions are all a part of the undertakings of the Ministry in its quest to raise the profile of agriculture and, given the downturn in the other industry sectors, to increase the contributions it makes to the Belizean economy.

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 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

20 JUN

21

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE

GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE

MINISTRY OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING

MINISTRY OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING

PHILIP GOLDSON HIGHWAY AND REMATE BYPASS UPGRADING PROJECT AND SIXTH ROAD (COASTAL HIGHWAY UPGRADING) PROJECT

PHILIP GOLDSON HIGHWAY AND REMATE BYPASS UPGRADING PROJECT

CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A GENDER-SENSITIVE COMMUNITY AND SCHOOLS PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAMME TO INCREASE AWARENESS AND OUTREACH ON GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE (INCLUDING HUMAN TRAFFICKING/SMUGGLING), AND TRANSMISSION OF SEXUALLY-TRANSMITTED DISEASES (STD) (INCLUDING HIV/AIDS) ALONG PHILIP GOLDSON HIGHWAY AND REMATE BYPASS REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

The Government of Belize (GOBZ) has received financing from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (UKCIF) towards the cost of the Philip Goldson Highway and Remate Bypass Upgrading Project and the Sixth Road (Coastal Highway Upgrading) Project (the Projects) and intends to apply a portion of the proceeds of this financing to eligible payments under a contract for which this invitation is issued. Payments

by CDB will be made only at the request of GOBZ and upon approval by CDB, and will be subject in all respects to the terms and conditions of the Financing Agreements. The Financing Agreements prohibit withdrawals from the Financing Accounts for the purpose of any payment to persons or entities, or for any import of goods, if such payment or import, to the knowledge of CDB, is prohibited by a decision of the United Nations Security Council taken under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. No party other than GOBZ shall derive any rights from the Financing Agreements or have any claim to the proceeds of the Financing.

The Government of Belize (GOBZ) has received financing from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (UKCIF) towards the cost of the Philip Goldson Highway and Remate Bypass Upgrading Project and intends to apply a portion of the proceeds of this financing to eligible payments under a contract for which this invitation is issued. Payments by CDB will be made only at the request of GOBZ and upon approval by CDB, and will be subject in all respects to the terms and conditions of the Financing Agreements. The Financing Agreements prohibit withdrawals from the Financing Accounts for the purpose of any payment to persons or entities, or for any import of goods, if such payment or import, to the knowledge of CDB, is prohibited by a decision of the United Nations Security Council taken under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. No party other than GOBZ shall derive any rights from the Financing Agreements or have any claim to the proceeds of the Financing.

The Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing (MIDH) through its Project Execution Unit (PEU), the Executing Agency, now wishes to procure consultancy services for an Environmental Specialist (ES).

The Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing (MIDH) through its Project Execution Unit (PEU), the Executing Agency, now wishes to procure consultancy services to design and conduct outreach to, and sensitisation/training of, schools and communities in the Project area, about Gender-based Violence (GBV), human trafficking/smuggling and transmission of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) and HIV/AIDS.

The objective of the consultancy is to ensure that the environmental requirements are adhered to during the construction phases of the Projects. The ES will be responsible for reviewing, managing and/or monitoring the environmental measures in the Projects’ Environmental, Social, Health and Safety Management Plans including facilitation of the client’s responsibilities under same. The duration of the assignment is expected to be for a period of 28 months.

The MIDH now invites interested eligible Firms to submit Expressions of Interest for Individual Consultants with the qualifications and experience required to provide these consultancy services.

Firms shall be eligible to participate if:

(c)

(a)

Produce communication materials through consultation with stakeholders within the community and school via multiple media channels relating to GBV generally, human trafficking/smuggling specifically, as well as STD/HIV/AIDS prevention, including an Educational Toolkit to be used in schools; and

(b)

Conduct public gender education sessions on prevention and response to GBV including trafficking in persons/smuggling and sexual and reproductive health issues with Project-affected communities.

The assignment is expected to be implemented over a period of 15 months.

(a) in the case of a body corporate, it is legally incorporated or otherwise organised in an eligible country, has its principal place of business in an eligible country and is more than 50 per cent beneficially owned by citizen(s) and/or bona fide resident(s) of eligible country(ies) or by a body(ies) corporate meeting these requirements; (b)

The objective of the consultancy is to develop and implement a Community and School training and public education/awareness programme for schools and communities along the Philip Goldson Highway and the Remate Bypass. Specifically, the consultancy will:

in the case of unincorporated firms, the beneficial owners are citizens or bona fide residents of an eligible country; and in all cases, the firm has no arrangement and undertakes not to make any arrangements, whereby any substantial part of the net profits or other tangible benefits of the contract will accrue or be paid to a person not a citizen or bona fide resident of an eligible country.

The MIDH now invites interested eligible firms or joint ventures (JV) to submit Expressions of Interest indicating qualifications and experience required to provide these consultancy services.

A Firm/JV shall be eligible to participate if: (a)

in the case of a body corporate, it is legally incorporated or otherwise organised in an eligible country, has its principal place of business in an eligible country and is more than 50 per cent beneficially owned by citizen(s) and/or bona fide resident(s) of eligible country(ies) or by a body(ies) corporate meeting these requirements;

(b)

in the case of unincorporated firms, the beneficial owners are citizens or bona fide residents of an eligible country; and

(c)

in all cases, the firm or JV has no arrangement and undertakes not to make any arrangements, whereby any substantial part of the net profits or other tangible benefits of the contract will accrue or be paid to a person not a citizen or bona fide resident of an eligible country.

Eligible countries are member countries of CDB. Interested eligible firms are advised to review the detailed eligibility criteria detailed in Section 4 and conflict of interest provisions in Section 5 is drawn to of the Procurement Procedures for Projects Financed by CDB (November 2019) as published on CDB’s website..

The ES is required to possess the following minimum qualifications and experience: •

A Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Engineering/ Environmental Sciences / Environmental Studies or related field with a minimum of five (5) years’ demonstrated experience in environmental management and environmental sustainability and supervision of environmental aspects of infrastructure projects.

Eligible countries are member countries of CDB. Interested eligible firms/JVs are advised to review the detailed eligibility criteria detailed in Section 4 and conflict of interest provisions in Section 5 of the Procurement Procedures for Projects Financed by CDB (November 2019) as published on CDB’s website.

The firm/JV must: (a)

Have experience in communication, social marketing and public education in the traditional and new media industry, including experience in communications for promoting gender equality and social inclusion of vulnerable groups. Experience in messaging around GBV, human trafficking/ smuggling and STD/HIV AIDS prevention would be an asset.

(b)

Combination of experience and /or formal training in communications, public relations, digital and social media strategy, graphic design and video production.

In the assessment of submissions, consideration will only be given to qualifications and experience of the Individual on similar assignments, and not on the corporate experience of the Firm.

In the assessment of submissions, consideration will be given to technical competence, qualifications and experience, local and regional experience on similar assignments, financial capability and existing commitments.

Key Experts will not be evaluated at the shortlisting stage.

Expressions of interest must be submitted in English, electronically, by email, in pdf format, to both addresses below no later than 10:00am local time on Monday 19 July 2021. The email subject line should state “Expression of Interest - Consultancy Services for Environmental Specialist” and the email body must state the name and address of the applicant. The Expression of Interest will be deemed to have been received at the time that it is received by the receiving office named in the first address below. The burden of proving receipt of the e-mail will be on the applicant and will not be met solely by a read receipt or sent items report generated by the applicant’s computer.

Expressions of interest must be submitted in English, electronically, by email, in pdf format, to both addresses below no later than 10:00am, local time on Monday 19th July 2021. The email subject line should state “EXPRESSION OF INTEREST - CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A GENDER-SENSITIVE COMMUNITY AND SCHOOLS PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAMME” and the email body must state the name and address of the applicant. The Expression of Interest will be deemed to have been received at the time that it is received by the receiving office named in the first address below. The burden of proving receipt of the e-mail will be on the applicant and will not be met solely by a read receipt or sent items report generated by the applicant’s computer.

Following the assessment of submissions, the Firm with the most technically capable and appropriately experienced applicant will be invited to negotiate a contract to provide the consultancy services. The GOBZ reserves the right to accept or reject late applications or to cancel the present invitation partially or in its entirety. It will not be bound to assign any reason for not engaging the services of any applicant and will not defray any costs incurred by any applicant in the preparation and submission of Expressions of Interest.

The selection method for the award of the consultancy shall be Quality and Cost Based Selection (QCBS).

Therefore, following the assessment of submissions, a short-list of not less than three and not more than six applicants will be provided with full terms of reference (TOR) and invited to submit technical and financial proposals to undertake the assignment.

Further information may be obtained from the first address below between 8:00am and 5:00pm local time Monday to Friday.

1.

Attention: Mr. Evondale Moody

2.

Procurement Officer

Project Execution Unit Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing Power Lane Belmopan Cayo District BELIZE C.A.

Procurement Policy Unit Caribbean Development Bank P. O. Box 408 Wildey St. Michael BARBADOS, W.I.

Tel: +501-828-5220 Fax: +501-822-0563 Email: peu@midh.gov.bz

Tel: +246-539-1600 Fax: +246-426-7269 Email: procurement@caribank.org

The GOBZ reserves the right to accept or reject late applications or to cancel the present invitation partially or in its entirety. It will not be bound to assign any reason for not engaging the services of any applicant and will not defray any costs incurred by any applicant in the preparation and submission of Expressions of Interest.

Further information may be obtained from the first address below between 8:00am and 5:00pm local time Monday to Friday.

1.

Attention: Mr. Evondale Moody

2.

Procurement Officer

Project Execution Unit Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing Power Lane Belmopan Cayo District BELIZE C.A.

Procurement Policy Unit Caribbean Development Bank P. O. Box 408 Wildey St. Michael BARBADOS, W.I.

Tel: +501-828-5220 Fax: +501-822-0563 Email: peu@midh.gov.bz

Tel: +246-539-1600 Fax: +246-426-7269 Email: procurement@caribank.org

22

THE BELIZE TIMES

20 JUN

2021

PUBLIC NOTICE Public Utilities Commission (PUC) In exercise of the powers conferred upon it by Section 7 of the Electricity Act, Chapter 221 of the Laws of Belize and all other powers thereunto enabling with the approval of the Minister, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC; the Commission) hereby notifies the general public that it intends to enact a By-Law in relation to electricity procurement and power purchase.

Summary of the intended By-Law: a) The By-Laws shall govern the procurement processes for wholesale, distributed energy resources and short term power purchases by addressing the roles of the Commission and utilities. b) The By-Laws seek to: i. secure public welfare, national security and service at the best value for money; ii. further clarify the exercise by the Commission of its duties under the Public Utilities Commission Act and Electricity Act in relation to the regulation of the electricity industry in Belize; iii. provide for increased conservation of electric energy, increased efficiency in the use of facilities and resources by electric utilities, and equitable retail rates for electric consumers, improved wholesale distribution of electric energy, reliability of electric service and the encouragement and prioritization of locally available resources; and iv. Detail the RFP and PPA processes - regulatory tools to achieve the Commission’s public interest mandate of setting tariffs for the provision of electricity service to the public. These tools ensure that the services rendered by a public utility provider are satisfactory and that the charges imposed in respect of those services are reasonable and that the tariff is correctly formulated to afford a reasonable rate of return to utilities.

Comments from the Public: Members of the public are invited to give their comments by e-mail (info@puc.bz) or post by 17 July 2021 Viewing of the draft By-Law: The draft by-Law may be viewed in its entirety at the offices of the Commission at 41 Gabourel Lane, Belize City, or on the PUC Website at www.puc.bz.

Issued by the Public Utilities Commission on 18 June, 2021

20 JUN

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

23

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”

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THE BELIZE TIMES

20 JUN

2021