Belize Times June 4, 2017

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The Belize Times

Established 1957

The Truth Shall Make You Free

4 JUNE 2017 | ISSUE NO: 5048

www.belizetimes.bz | $1.00

BRICEÑO: ENOUGH IS ENOUGH Thursday, 01 June 2017 UDP Minister Edmond Castro has once again disgraced himself and shamed the nation after it was revealed that the US had revoked, with prejudice, his Diplomatic and Tourist Visas. In an interview outside the Senate yesterday, PUP leader John Briceño called it shameful and disgraceful for a sitting Minister. He goes further, “the Prime Minister should take action and Minister Castro should be fired because something is terribly wrong. We have been hearing that there are other ministers whose visas have been cancelled and I would want to think that the Prime Minister as the leader of this country would know that. And he needs to take action.”

But for the UDP, Castro is not the only Minister in the hot seat currently. The United Democratic Party remains under a siege of its own making.

Defence Minister John Saldivar has used his own ministry to defend an indefensible use of public resources for private gain. The Belize Coast Guard under the pretext of community assistance, as

explained by Rear Admiral John Borland, ferried and continues to transport the Minister’s Bandits teams to San Pedro. While the vessels are commissioned for a specific crime fighting purpose, hundreds of gallons of fuel are instead going into another activity entirely and the US Embassy is investigating.

Even as Saldivar twists and turns in post after post on social media trying to find excuses, his boss is apparently condoning the impropriety by remaining mum.

But the people are watching and People’s United Party Leader, Hon. John Briceño called out the “shameful and disgraceful act of the UDP Government” which he says has been behaving this way since 2008. He pointed out that since then the UDP has used public vehicles for their own purposes on Election Day. “I believe now that the Belizean people are getting enough!” remarked Briceño. He continued about Saldivar, “It is wrong and…he is putting this country at risk because the donors, I’m told, are very upset and the donors could very well decide: ‘if this is what you are going to do we are going to stop assisting.’” He called on the Prime Minister to stop the abuses in office.

DPP ORDERS MURDER CHARGE

WITHDRAWN Pg. 2

ALVARINE BURNS CASTRO, BOOTS Pg. 8

THE FACES OF CORRUPTION Barrow Defends Yellowman, Castro & Saldivar

Pg. 2

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THE FACES OF CORRUPTION

Thursday, 01 June 2017 To no one’s surprise, in an extended interview today Prime Minister Dean Barrow defended the actions of Brian “Yellowman” Audinett, John Saldivar and Edmond Castro. It is well-known that the outgoing leader, who doesn’t quite hold the clout he once did, lost his two-sided machete on election night 2008 and hasn’t found it since.

Despite overwhelming corruption and wrongdoing in his Cabinet, Mr. Barrow has adamantly refused to admit that it exists, much less take any corrective actions.

On May 17th, Brian “Yellowman” Audinett assaulted two members of the media – stoning one with a pen and violently grabbed the recording device of another out of her hand. He also, for good measure, pushed his hand in a cameraman’s face and threatened to throw him over the railing of the gallery. This isn’t hearsay. It was all captured on camera. But today the Prime Minister, who has been silent on the matter so far, asserted that he would certainly not consider terminating Audinett’s employment. Barrow actually spent quite some time praising Yellowman for his loyalty to the UDP in his capacity as an operative and thug, asserting that “If I were a member of that Staff Committee I certainly would not send him home.”

The Prime Minister also staunchly defended Defence Minister John Saldivar who reportedly drew the ire of the US when he used boats donated for the purpose of anti-crime efforts to shuttle his team, the Belmopan Bandits to games in San Pedro. The blatant misuse of public resources for his private gain has been defended by Saldivar via social media and by the Ministry of Defence, not surprisingly. It has also been defended by Admiral John Borland, again not surprisingly, since he was the one who allowed the vessels to be used. According to Prime Minister Barrow, “I can say with confidence, and with conviction, that very clearly the Minister did not think that he was doing anything the slightest bit irregular. The fact that the Admiral felt the same way has to count for a great deal.”

Even with all that, it seemed incredible that the Prime Minister would be able to defend his Minister of NEMO and Transportation Edmond Castro whose Diplomatic and Tourist Visas were revoked by the US, allegedly just this week. But he did. Remember this is the Minister who has been caught up in scandal after scandal since coming to power. But even so, the US revoking a sitting Minister’s Visas is a big deal. The Prime Minister seems to think that it really isn’t. He told the media today that he was informed about it at Cabinet this week, and “There is no indication of any reason for the revocation of Visas except that the Minister declined to come in when invited to do so. He refused to go in because he’s not interested.” The Prime Minister continued to state that “There is nothing at all to go on that can sustain any allegation, any contention that the revocation was for impropriety.”

And with that, the Prime Minister has just casually dismissed the reek of corruption coming from his Cabinet as if it does not exist. Especially now as he contemplates imminent departure, when he has no real power to speak of, there is nothing the PM can do to control the unfettered free for all in his Cabinet. Let the good times roll.

LOCAL 1 Jun

3 Jun

2017

DPP ORDERS MURDER CHARGE WITHDRAWN Thursday, 01 June 2017 The Office of the Director of Prosecutions has decided that 28-year-old Seine Bight resident Neshawn Martinez will not be prosecuted for murder even though she fatally stabbed her husband, 31-year-old Glen Ramirez Jr. They did not get to celebrate their 1st anniversary as a married couple because Ramirez died 2 days before the date.

Police say that sometime around 11:00 p.m. on Friday, May 28, they found him lying on the ground in front of the Me & U Restaurant. He was suffering from a single stab wound to the left side of the chest, and reports are that his spouse inflicted the wound. The cops searched the area, and they found what they think was the murder weapon.

The cops interviewed her and got a caution statement from Deshawn Martinez-Ramirez, and they arrested and charged her with the crime of murder.

According to Police, she was arraigned at the Dangriga Magistrate’s Court, and she was remanded to the Belize Central Prison.

One day later, however, she was removed from the prison, and she was taken before the Chief Magistrate, Ann Marie Smith, for another court hearing. That was when a crown counsel from the DPP’s Office appeared and informed the

court that DPP Vidal had instructed that the charge be withdrawn. The reason is that there is not enough evidence against her to disprove her claim of self-defence. Chief Magistrate Smith withdrew the charges, and she was allowed to go home.

She has not given any public comments about the allegation she now faces, but a Facebook post from her personal account claims that the stabbing was an accident.

That account differs from the reports in the village that the two had a fight in front of the restaurant which escalated with her inflicting the stab wound on her. Senior Superintendent Ralph Moody, the Police Department’s Southern Regional Commander, commented to the press, “I was informed that it is a domestic [dispute] between both of them and that the male person did something to the female and the female took out a knife and assaulted the individual with it.”

It is unclear if the couple had any other violent episode in their very short marriage, and Glenn Ramirez’s mother, Agnes, told the media that she saw no outward signs of that. She said that she did take time out to counsel them whenever she learned that they were having dis-

Glen Ramirez Jr. agreements. She shared her concerns that, in her opinion, he had decided too quickly to get married to Deshawn Martinez-Ramirez. She said that she questioned him on it, and when he deflected and insisted, she decided to support his decision.

Agnes Ramirez said, “She was the one he chose, even though he had just broken up with the mother of his children. When he came up my steps and told me that he was going to get married, I asked them, 'Are you both sure. What time did you have a relationship with this girl?

He said, 'Don't interfere in my life.' So, I asked him, 'Junior, are you sure?' He said, 'She will be my wife; I will marry her.'"

Ramirez leaves behind 5 children. He was a well-known Chef on the Placencia Peninsula.

The Belize Times

Established 1957

14 APR 2013

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ISSUE NO: 4840

The Truth Shall Make You Free

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2017

THE BELIZE TIMES

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TRUMP TO CASTRO: YOU’RE FIRED! anytime soon, and the matter of renewal was routine, as a matter of courtesy the Minister could still have gone to the Embassy to dispense with that trivial matter. But Castro knows the matter is anything but trivial. The revocation of Mr. Castro’s US Visas is another black eye for Mr. Barrow’s Cabinet, though he has consistently refused to acknowledge the rank corruption at the highest levels of the UDP. There are very credible reports that Castro is not the only Minister whose Visas have been cancelled by the US for their involvement in Immigration corruption and the alleged trafficking of persons. A source has indicated that the Diplomatic Visas of Minister Anthony ‘Boots’ Martinez and Minister Erwin Contreras have also been revoked recently.

Of note is that whistleblower Alvarine Burgess, who has maintained that she was interrogated by the US, claims that she told them about her Visa dealings with both Martinez and Contreras.

Thursday, 01 June 2017 The reports had circulated for some time, but this week, via release from the Ministry of Transport and National Emergency Management, Minister Edmond Castro confirmed that he had been declared persona non grata by the United States of America, banned from entering their territory. According to the release, Castro has been “given notification by the United States Embassy that his Diplomatic and Tourist visas have been revoked, and that no specific reason was stated for the revocation.”

The fact that the news was confirmed by Castro does nothing to take away from the seriousness of the matter. The Belize Times has been told by various sources that the US will only consider revoking a Diplomatic Visa if the Minister is believed to be involved in terrorist activity, drug trafficking, human trafficking or money laundering.

Castro, certainly has come under considerable scrutiny after it was alleged that he participated in a massive and lucrative Visa program and was paid $2,000 to facilitate Visas for up to 200 Chinese nationals.

Whistleblower Alvarine Burgess has testified before the Supreme Court and before Senate investigators, stating that she has been interrogated by agents of the US who had a recording of a conversation between herself and Minister Edmond Castro. The US, at the time that revelation was made, did not deny meeting with Burgess, but did deny that there was any recording. Still, it was not expected that the US would admit to recording phone conversation.

Minister Castro has concocted a bogus story, claiming that his Diplomatic Visa and Tourist Visa were cancelled simply because he did not demonstrate an interest in renewing them.

In his release, Castro reveals that on multiple occasions he has denied an invitation by the US to report to the Embassy to discuss the renewal of his Visas, since he has no intention to travel to the US anytime soon. But sources close to Castro say that he has refused to report to the Embassy because he is afraid of what he will meet once on that compound, which is on US territory although in Belize.

If it was simply a matter of not being interested in travelling to the US

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Questions to Ministers Would the Member for Queen Square and Prime Minister explain what he and Finance Ambassador Mark Espat were discussing as they cavorted together in the sea at Placencia last week? Could he say if the fate of his Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber was a part of that conversation?

Would the Member for Queen Square and Prime Minister please say how he feels now that the US has revoked Minister ‘Clear the Way’ Castro’s Visa, allegedly for his involvement in human trafficking? Could he further say if he will be imposing any sanction on Castro who has been caught up in scandal after scandal throughout his time in office?

Since he boasted on the record that this was the best part of the secret Miami settlement agreement, would the Member for Queen Square and Prime Minister please say exactly how much will be placed in the trust for Belize when he makes the final compensation payment to Lord Michael Ashcroft in a couple weeks?

Would the Member for Belmopan and Minister of Defence please say how many times the Coast Guard boats were used, on his instructions, for private purposes – for example, taking his teams to games or family and friends on caye trips?

Would he further confirm or deny reports that neither he nor the Bandits ever reimbursed the Coast Guard for fuel used on those frivolous trips?

Would the Member for Belize Rural North and disgraceful Minister of Transportation and NEMO please reveal why the US decided to revoke his Diplomatic and Tourist Visas? Could he further say why he is afraid to go to the US Embassy to discuss those Visas being revoked?

Would the Member for Port Loyola and Minister of his own development please confirm or deny allegations that he was paid $2000 each to facilitate Visas for Chinese nationals? Could he further confirm or deny whether his Diplomatic Visa has also been revoked by the US? Would the Member for Corozal Southwest, junior Minister of Health and assistant electrician please reveal the whereabouts of his concuño who was briefly CEO of the Corozal Free Zone before he was sent packing as a result of serious irregularities?

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2017

IF DAH NOH SOH!

Audrey…

The CEO in the Office of the Prime Minister Audrey Wallace has been taken ill, probably as a result of the stress of her job at a time when her boss is under constant attack. I wish her a speedy recovery…but wouldn’t mind her contemplating retirement after that J. Dean & Mark…

Kiss my neck and call me Susan…what the hell were Dean Oliver and Mark Espat doing cavorting in the sea in Placencia last week, just the two of them? I could have gone all my life without that image in my head. Now I’m pretty sure this wasn’t a romantic moment though they looked quite cozy, so the question has to be – what was so urgent that Dean O would summon his golden boy to Placencia? I know that Mark’s name has been mentioned in the leadership race, though Finnegan has said over his dead body. Mark doesn’t like to be seen in these public arenas, so it had to be something important. Expect a big announcement in a couple weeks…is all I’m saying.

Big Up Alvarine…

This woman has gone up against the likes of the PM’s law partner Rodwell and almost made him cry when she refused to back down from her story. There was no way in hell a lil pocotiempo attorney like Aldo was going to sway her.

For hours Alvarine calmly answered all questions, even the stupid ones from Aldo, Carla and the PM’s personal pastor.

She didn’t budge when they tried to destroy her credibility.

She didn’t budge when they attacked her character. Over and over again she explained that she paid the wutless hustler $2000 each for every Visa he facilitated for her. Over and over again she explained that she paid Boots Martinez $2000 for every Visa he facilitated for her. She explained where they met, who was with them, what vehicles they were driving, what they told her, what she told them. She explained the entire process from beginning to end. Alvarine came up big time in this hearing, the picture of courage even though she received death threats. Aldo, Carla and pastor stupid looked very small. Ain’t no excuse for stupid, brother. Big up Alvarine.

Cherie…

I know the woman. She’s straight up and was known as a decent person on the job.

That person who sat before the Senate investigators on Wednesday; that person who was noticeably nervous and anxious, even fearful; that woman who deliberately refused to admit anything which would cast aspersions on this administration – that was not Cherie. I can’t help but wonder what happened. Could it be that somebody acting on behalf of the UDP made contact with Cherie before her appearance? Could it be that there was a threat? I’d be willing to bet that there was. And that’s all I’m gonna say about that.

Wutless…

Land hustle, check hustle, Visa hustle, cane hustle, transport hustle…you name it dis bally inna it. Now the US is declaring him persona non grata because of his involvement in the Visa mess. Today the PM defended him, spreading a bogus story that the US revoked his Visas because he wasn’t interested in going into the Embassy to discuss why they should be renewed. Edmond knows well why he doesn’t want to go into the Embassy for any sort of discussion. Sources say that the US has been trying to get a hold of him for some time now so he can explain his role in the trafficking of Chinese nationals through Belize. People seh dih man noh too bright but trust me he ain’t gonna set foot anywhere near the US Embassy.

Boots…

Like rats running for cover everybody’s disowning Alvarine suddenly. The man who had the wad in his socks was the first, stammering and stuttering and going wild-eyed when confronted with her allegation that she paid him to facilitate Visas for her. But nobody believes that bullshit. Boots’ day of reckoning is coming. I hear the Committee has added him onto the list of people who are going to be called to testify.

That’s gonna be very interesting. Gonna go stock up on popcorn and coke…

Bandit…

This fool never learns, I swear. From one thing to the next. He hasn’t even gotten over his relationship with Mason and now he’s all caught up in another scandal, using Coast Guard vessels to transport his sports teams. And then dih man actually defends it when the US gets angry about it.

The Admiral says that Saldivar paid for the gas for the boats.

But a source inside the Coast Guard is saying…show me the money. That source claims that Saldivar has never paid a cent to the coast Guard for using those boats. Y’all might think this one is done, but it isn’t. I hear the US is dealing with this one very carefully, but they are not taking it lightly.

4 JUN

THE BELIZE TIMES

2017

EDITORIAL

05 5 en Español

No parecen escuchar…

They Don’t Listen… ¿Lo hacen?

T

Do They?

he Ministry of Defence, specifically the Minister of Defence John Saldivar and the Commander of the Coast Guard John Borland, are currently taking heat. There have been revelations that specialized vessels donated by the US, outfitted for open-seas anti-crime efforts, have been used as water-taxis to shuttle the Minister’s sports teams to and from San Pedro when there are games to be played. It is a serious allegation, particularly because the Coast Guard is forced to turn to the US time and time again for assistance in purchasing fuel for operations and for maintenance of the very expensive craft. It amounts to no less than a misuse of Coast Guard resources for the private gain of Minister John Saldivar. After all, he privately owns the Bandits. Whatever monies are made by the Bandits goes into his pockets. They are his teams. These teams do not belong to the Government of Belize. They do not belong to the Coast Guard.

It is a serious infraction, so serious that the US Embassy has commenced an investigation, issuing a release stating that, “The U.S. government has provided training and equipment, including boats, to the Belize Coast Guard. The primary purpose of these vessels is to deter and interdict criminal activity, particularly in support of counter-narcotics efforts.” It won’t have to be much of an investigation, though, since the Bandits have posted pictures from these trips aboard Coast Guard vessels on their Facebook page. We can tell you also that it has been confirmed for us from high-level sources within the Coast Guard who are displeased with a practice that is certainly not standard operating procedure.

Coast Guard Commander John Borland has said nothing – not a word in denial, or in explanation, or in apology if that is the case. The Ministry of Defence has said nothing. The Minister of Defence, John Saldivar, has answered via Facebook where he commands a small group of sycophants who latch on to his every word. According to Saldivar, this is about the Bandits, and an attack from those who are irked by the success of the Belmopan Bandits. We are not sure if it is the US Embassy to whom he is referring as irked by the success of a sports team.

But other than that utterly foolish assertion from Saldivar, there is nothing – no explanation for why Coast Guard vessels were used to transport his Belmopan Bandits – no explanation for why specialized public resources ultimately under his command were used for the furtherance of his private enterprise. What a buffoon, an unadulterated jackass, and I apologize for any insult to the animal.

See, John Saldivar must realize that this is not about the Belmopan Bandits.

This has nothing to do with sports. This is not an attack on the teams, or an attack on our youth. It is not an attack on the Coast Guard or even on John Saldivar.

This is about the misuse of public resources for private gain. It is a crime.

Politicians in civilized countries have been forced to step down in shame and disgrace and shame for doing it. Others have gone to jail for doing it. The resources of the Coast Guard and the BDF do not belong to John Saldivar nor do they belong to any functionary of the United Democratic Party or the Government of Belize. There is a very thick, clear, well-defined line between the private life of John Saldivar and his job as Minister of Defence, between his private resources and between the public resources he oversees as Minister of Defence. That is a line which should never be crossed. People are behind bars for crossing lines such as those.

And for John Saldivar to run from the issue and try to push attention onto the Bandits shows just what a coward he is. Even now there are those in the Bandits organization who are jumping on his bandwagon and lashing out, claiming that there is hate and animosity towards the Bandits. There is none. It is unfortunate, in this case specifically, that our people are so easily swayed by our politicians.

John Saldivar, covering his misuse of resources, will turn it into a Bandits thing when it’s not. Those who are praising Mr. Saldivar for using public resources to help sports and youth would do well to remember that he is only using those public resources to help his private teams. He is furthering his cause and his pocket – no other. Sports is the ONLY thing that can transform our youth. But we also need to teach our youth that wrong is wrong. And utilizing public resources for private gain because you are a Minister of Government is wrong.

As a private owner of the private Bandits sports company, John Saldivar doesn’t have to answer to these allegations if he so chooses. He doesn’t have to explain why these very expensive, specialized, state-of-the-art vessels which use thousands of dollars in fuel per trip to San Pedro are being used as watertaxis for the Belmopan Bandits. In that case, Commander John Borland would have to face the music. But what John Saldivar cannot run from, much as he tries, is his responsibility as Minister of Defence. In that capacity, he will need to answer to his actions and explain to Belizeans, and the US, why he used public resources for his personal gain.

E

l Ministerio de Defensa, específicamente el Ministro de Defensa John Saldívar y el Comandante de la Guardia Costera John Borland, actualmente están bajo presión. Ha habido revelaciones que embarcaciones especializadas donados por los Estados Unidos, para esfuerzos de lucha contra el crimen en mar abierto, se han utilizado como taxis acuáticos para traslados de los equipos deportivos profesionales de dicho Ministro desde y hacia San Pedro cuando hay partidos por jugar. Es una acusación grave, especialmente porque la Guardia Costera se ve obligada a acudir a los Estados Unidos una y otra vez para asistencia en la compra de combustible para las operaciones y para el mantenimiento de estas costosas embarcaciones. Esto equivale a nada menos que un mal uso de los recursos de la Guardia Costera para el provecho personal del Ministro John Saldívar. Después de todo, él es dueño en forma privada de los Bandits. Cualquiera que sea la suma de dinero ganado por los Bandidos va directamente a sus bolsillos. Son sus equipos. Estos equipos no pertenecen al Gobierno de Belice. No pertenecen a la Guardia Costera.

Es una infracción grave, tan grave que la Embajada de Estados Unidos ha iniciado una investigación, y ha emitido un comunicado afirmando que, "el gobierno estadounidense ha proporcionado capacitación y equipo, incluyendo barcos, a la guardia costera de Belice. El propósito principal de estas embarcaciones es desalentar y prohibir la actividad criminal, particularmente para apoyar los esfuerzos de lucha contra el narcotráfico." No tendrá que ser una gran investigación, sin embargo, puesto que los Bandidos han publicado fotos de estos viajes a bordo de embarcaciones de Guardacostas en su página de Facebook.

Podemos decir que esto también nos ha sido confirmado por fuentes de alto nivel dentro de la Guardia Costera que están descontentas con esta práctica que definitivamente no es procedimiento operativo estándar.

El Comandante de la guardia costera John Borland no ha dicho nada – ni una palabra de negación, o explicación o de disculpa si es el caso. El Ministerio de Defensa no ha dicho nada. El Ministro de Defensa, John Saldívar, ha contestado a través de Facebook donde se dirige a un pequeño grupo de aduladores que se aferran a su palabra. Según Saldívar, esto se trata acerca de los Bandits y de un ataque perpetrado por aquellos contrariados por el éxito de dichos Bandits de Belmopán. No estamos seguros si se trata de la Embajada de Estados Unidos a quien se refiere como contrariado por el éxito de un equipo deportivo. Pero además de esa aseveración completamente insensata de Saldivar, no hay nada – ninguna explicación de porqué buques guardacostas fueron utilizados para el transporte de sus Bandits de Belmopan – ninguna explicación de porqué recursos públicos especializados, en última instancia bajo su mando, fueron utilizados para la promoción de su empresa privada. Que bufón, un asno puro y pedimos disculpas por cualquier insulto al animal.

Véase, John Saldívar debe darse cuenta de que esto no se trata de los Bandits de Belmopán. Esto nada tiene que ver con el deporte. Esto no es un ataque a los equipos, o un ataque a nuestra juventud. No es un ataque a la Guardia Costera ni a John Saldívar.

Esto es sobre el mal uso de recursos públicos para beneficio privado. Es un crimen.

Políticos en los países civilizados se han visto obligados a dimitir en vergüenza y deshonra y enfrentan el oprobio público por hacerlo. Otros han ido a la cárcel por hacerlo. Los recursos de la Guardia Costera y el BDF no pertenecen a John Saldívar ni pertenecen a ningún funcionario del Partido Unido Democrático o el Gobierno de Belice. Hay una línea muy gruesa, clara y bien definida entre la vida privada de John Saldívar y su trabajo como Ministro de Defensa, entre sus recursos privados y entre los recursos públicos que supervisa como Ministro de Defensa. Es una línea que no debe ser cruzada. Hay personas que están tras las rejas por cruzarse de líneas tales como estas.

Y para que John Saldívar rehúya de la cuestión y trate de impulsar la atención a los Bandits muestra justamente lo cobarde que es. Incluso ahora hay en la organización de los Bandits quienes apoyan su causa y arremetiendo, alegan que hay odio y animosidad hacia los Bandits. No hay ninguno. Es lamentable, en este caso en concreto, que nuestra gente sea fácilmente influenciada por nuestros políticos. John Saldívar, cubriendo su mal uso de los recursos, lo convertirá en una cuestión de los Bandits cuando no lo es. Aquellos que están alabando al Sr. Saldívar por el uso de recursos públicos para ayudar a los deportes y la juventud harían bien en recordar que sólo está utilizando los recursos públicos para ayudar a sus equipos privados. Él está promoviendo sus intereses y su bolsillo – nada más. Los deportes son lo único que puede transformar a nuestra juventud. Pero también necesitamos enseñarles a nuestros jóvenes que lo que está mal, está mal. Y utilizar recursos públicos para beneficio privado porque usted es un Ministro de gobierno está mal.

Como propietario privado de la empresa privada de deportes los Bandits, John Saldívar no tiene que responder a estos alegatos si él así lo decide. Él no tiene que explicar por qué estas embarcaciones muy costosas, especializadas y de vanguardia que utilizan miles de dólares en combustible por viaje a San Pedro se utilizan como taxis acuáticos para los Bandits de Belmopán. En ese caso, el comandante John Borland tendrá que dar la cara. Pero de lo que no se puede rehuir John Saldívar, no importa cuánto lo intente, es su responsabilidad como Ministro de Defensa. En esa capacidad, él tendrá que responder de sus actos y explicar a los Beliceños y a los Estados Unidos, por qué usó recursos públicos para su beneficio personal.

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SALDIVAR BRINGS SHAME TO COAST GUARD Thursday, 01 June 2017 With the exception of multiple posts of Facebook, apparently his favourite source of communication, Defence Minister John Saldivar has not commented on allegations that he abused his office for personal gain. The Belize Times broke the story two weeks ago that Coast Guard vessels, outfitted for anti-crime efforts in the open seas, had been used as watertaxis to shuttle Saldivar’s sports teams to games in San Pedro.

Bandits owner and Minister of Defence John Saldivar has maintained, curiously, that it is not a conflict of interest or misuse of public resources for private gain because the team belongs to Belmopan and not to him. In his latest post earlier this week on Facebook, Saldivar wrote, “sometimes it’s better to not open your mouth and confirm that you’re a fool.” We have since come to the conclusion that he was speaking about himself and didn’t follow his own sage advice, since he continued to state, “there is absolute no misuse involved in using public resources to help a basketball team and I am absolutely prepared to go down believing that. If it is acceptable to use BTL and BTB funds to sponsor a Machel Montano concert, how can it be a misuse of public resources to assist a basketball team with transportation to San Pedro?”

In an attempt to assist the Minister, we point out that in one instance, a statutory body and a utility company are sponsoring an entertainment act, and they do so regularly. In the other instance, Saldivar as Minister of Defence is using boats under his command, donated by

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THE BELIZE TIMES

the US, to transport teams which he owns and has financial interest in to San Pedro. It is incredible, and disturbing, that Minister Saldivar does not see the difference.

Admiral John Borland gave a rather sheepish interview this week in which he admitted that he was approached by Saldivar to use the vessels to transport the Bandits. While Borland would not go so far as to admit that it was wrong, he was very clear in stating that if the US has a problem with it they only need to say so and the practice will be discontinued. Today Prime Minister Barrow also claimed that he saw nothing wrong with it, but strangely was very clear in saying that it will not happen again. Saldivar, for his part, has had no apology or explanation to give, but that is typical of him.

It is unfortunate that the actions of Saldivar have drawn so much negative attention to the Belmopan Bandits which he claims to love, at a time when they have one game pending in the Championship Finals.

It is not clear at this time if the US will continue its investigation. Our attempts to get an update this week were unsuccessful.

2017

VACANCY ST. GEORGE’S CAYE RESORT (GEM OF BELIZE) A vacancy exists for the post of RESORT MANGER • • • • • •

Applicant must possess: Ability to live on St. George’s Caye Available 24 hours a day and holidays Working knowledge of the resort operations Ability to manage conflict and solve problems Strong leadership and management skills

All applicants should send resume, 2 letters of recommendation and police record to: Director St. George’s Caye Resort P.O. Box 1880 Belize City, Belize

4 JUN

07 7

THE BELIZE TIMES

2017

COLA Denied Entry to Senate…

UDP Hooligans Welcomed Thursday, 01 June 2017 Unlike previous sessions of the Senate Inquiry on Immigration, many observers were present on Wednesday May 31st for the testimony of whistleblower Alvarine Burgess. We noted the presence of People’s United Party Leader, Hon. John Briceño and three area representatives as well as members of the executive of the Belize National Teachers’ Union led by outgoing president Luke Palacio.

Not everyone had unrestricted access to the gallery however, as activists Geovanni Brackett and Raymond Rivers learned upon their arrival that there is an ongoing ban against them at the National Assembly. They claim they were not properly informed of this by the relevant authorities.

Brackett, who is president of Citizens Organized for Liberty Through Action (COLA) told the media, “if you are going to ban members of COLA and the president of PPOHRS for just making a sound or couple noise in sign of protest [in September 2016], then I think that common assault on a journalist would warrant an indefinite ban and I would want to see what would be the reprimand and the disciplinary action that will be taken against Mr. August as the Chairman of the United Democrat-

ic Party and Mr. Audinett as the Mace Bearer.”

For his part, Rivers who leads the Poor People Organization for a Healthy and Righteous Society (PPOHRS) stated that “if UDP was out here, we would have braced ‘Yellow’ and Mr. August from going in because…they are so disrespectful to the Belizean people.”

UDP Chairman Alberto August was not present at the time that Brackett and Rivers gave their interview but he did show up while the public hear-

ing was already underway. He was accompanied by some thirty paid party supporters wearing mostly red BAC shirts. All of them were allowed inside and People’s United Party Leader, Hon. John Briceño denounced that double standard.

We note that on Friday May 19th, two days after the disruption of the public hearing, there was a meeting of the House Speaker, Madam Laura Tucker-Longsworth and the President of the Senate, Lee Mark Chang with high ranking police officers to discuss enhancing

security at the National Assembly. That was an opportune time to discuss the repercussions that Audinett and the group of around 7 persons who disrupted the May 17th public hearing should have faced. Instead, authorities are dragging their feet promising to decide on Audinett’s fate at a meeting of the National Assembly Staff Committee on Friday June 9th.

Separately, in consideration of the media’s letter to the Chairman of the Senate Special Select Committee delivered on Wednesday May 31st, the Committee members agreed that Audinett would be disallowed from observing the hearing and that ban would be in place until he writes them to request for it to be lifted. At such time, they would consider his request.

PUP Leader Briceño told the media that he is disturbed that the decision makers would allow “a bunch of UDP supporters to come up with these bright red T-shirts obviously with the idea of trying to intimidate the senators and intimidate the witnesses.” He expressed great disappointment at the stop order against Brackett and Rivers in light of August’s greenlight despite behaving “in the most scandalous way along with ‘Yellowman’ who we have not heard yet if he is going to be fired or not.” Like the majority, Briceño is of the view that if Brackett and Rivers are not allowed entrance at the National Assembly neither should August and Audinett be allowed.

THIS IS THE FACE OF A MAN WHO BEATS UP WOMEN...

WOMAN BEATER!

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THE BELIZE TIMES

ALVARINE BURNS CASTRO, BOOTS

Thursday, 01 June 2017 On Wednesday, despite a political agenda-driven barrage of questions from UDP Senators Aldo Salazar, Carla Barnett and Ashley Rocke (because there is no doubt he is a UDP Senator), Alvarine Burgess, the immigration-agent-turned-whistleblower, stuck to her story, revealing in gory detail what she had exposed back in 2013, that UDP Ministers of government were taking bribes to recommend Chinese persons for Belize visas.

The UDP stooges in the Senate tried relentlessly to discredit her first-hand account of the corruption at the Immigration Department, as she dropped the bombshell that she also paid UDP Minister Anthony “Boots” Martinez for the facilitation of Visas.

Burgess took the stand and told the committee that she approached Edmond Castro to conduct Immigration business, where he would recommend Chinese nationals for visas. She said that she did this service for $1,500 per trip to Belmopan, which went al-

most exclusively to afford medical care for her ailing husband who had a heart condition. She said that it was Castro who requested $2,000 per Asian person who he was recommending.

From there, Burgess went on to describe how she would get packages from the person acting as her handler. In those packages would be the envelope containing the application for the Asian person, all supporting documents, and the fees to be paid to the Government of Belize. In a separate package was the bribe money that was to go to Castro for the recommendations. Burgess told the Senate Committee that the recommendation letters coming from Edmond Castro’s desk guaranteed approval for the applicants being recommended, and it expedited the process to about 2 or 3 days.

Burgess said that after the recommendation letter was drafted, she would pick it up, along with the applications, and she would drop it off at the Immigration Department, and that she would go to see Immigration Officer George Reynolds, in almost every instance. Once the applications were dropped off, and the fees paid, she would report back to her handler, and her cut of $1,500 would be paid. She asserted that she did this over the course of 6 months, and for every applicant she took, their visas were all approved.

She also disclosed that in instances where Castro was out of the country, she went to Erwin Contreras who gave her the recom-

mendation letter without taking a bribe, because they were friends.

She said that Contreras and her husband played football together, and so they were well-acquainted.

She told the Senators that she approached Contreras as one friend to another, and she pointed out that her husband was ill, and that’s why she needed the recommendations. In the end, according to Burgess, Contreras gave the recommendations.

Turning to Anthony “Boots” Martinez, Alvarine Burgess told the Senate Committee that on two occasions, when Castro was out of the country, she approached Martinez. She said that she described what they were doing, and Martinez agreed to write the recommendation letter, but also asked to be paid the same cut that his ministerial colleague was getting. She said that she did business with him twice, getting recommendations for 5 applicants in one instance, and 5 more in another instance.

Trying their very best to discredit her, Senate Select Committee Chairman Aldo Salazar at different instances attempted to confuse Burgess by challenging her with what he saw as contradictions. Try as he might, Burgess stuck to her story.

She even called him out a number of instances, pointing, out, “You are eluding yourself, Mr. Chairman.”

Obviously following the same instructions as her colleague, Dr. Carla Barnett joined in on the at-

The Three UDP Stooges

Ashley Rocke Thursday, 01 June 2017 On Wednesday, for the first time since the start of the Senate hearings, UDP appointed Chairman of the Senate Special Select Committee Aldo Salazar was fully engaged in the proceedings, some would say over-engaged. For the first time also, UDP-appointed Senator Carla Barnett awoke from her long slumber to fire off a barrage of questions at Alvarine Burgess, summoned to give testimony before the Committee.

Even UDP-appointed Senator Ashley Rocke, a dedicated Facebook aficionado, took time to question Burgess about her deceased husband. Disturbingly, his contribution to the investigation into corruption in Immigration

Carla Barnett consisted of him querying if her blowing the whistle on Edmond Castro was worth it since her husband was dead anyway. Alvarine had revealed early on in her testimony that she got involved in the Visa scheme as a way to assist her husband financially, since he was ill with a heart condition.

What happened in the upper house on Wednesday was a travesty, a purely politically driven hatchet job on Alvarine Burgess. It has become clearer each week that for the UDP, it is no holds barred when it comes to the attempt to suppress evidence coming out of the Senate hearings. But despite the clearly skewed questioning, and even personal attacks by another woman, Carla Barnett, Alvarine Burgess stood

Aldo Salazar strong. She maintained that she had paid Edmond Castro for the facilitation of Visas, and even revealed for the first time the names of two other senior UDP Ministers who facilitated Visas for her – Anthony ‘Boots’ Martinez and Erwin Contreras.

What has come out of the hearings is clear. UDP Ministers and officials were deeply entrenched in the corruption at the Immigration Department. While the UDP wants the hearings to come to a full stop now, the Belizean people are determined to have them continue so that we can get to the bottom of the corruption once and for all. The people must prevail, despite the best attempts of the three UDP stooges in the Senate.

4 JUN

2017 tempt to discredit Burgess’ testimony by suggesting that she could remember certain things, but she suspiciously could recall the names of Edmond Castro, “Boots” Martinez, and Erwin Contreras. Both she and Salazar kept repeating in certain instances, that her account is not reliable, as if to establish a pattern, so that the viewing public would start to have doubts.

It is important to note that Alvarine Burgess has also testified at the Supreme Court level, and gave the exact same story she repeated for the investigators today. In that instance, her testimony was taken by the Judge as credible, while Edmond Castro was not, and he was forced to drop the case or allegedly face criminal action for his role in the facilitation of Visas.

VACANCY: Vacancy for auto-body works technician at Cisnero’s Garage located at # 9389 Freedom Street, Belize City. Work entails: • Vehicle frame works alignment

• Spraying • Training of apprentices

Salary is negotiable.

Call 605-5058 or visit the workshop at the above mentioned address.

LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICES Notice is hereby given that Immer Perez is applying for a Renewal of a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “Lizard Juice Bar & Grill” Anchorage Resort, Caye Caulker, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Devaughan Roaches is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Taproom.”,#162 Newtown Barracks, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Elroy Archer is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “Chill Spot”,#117 Freetown Road, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Otto Cattouse is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “Faraon Sports Bar”,#11 Hopkins Street, King’s Park, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance 1980.

4 JUN

2017

OJ ELRINGTON’S PAGEANT CIRCUS…

Thursday, 01 June 2017 Oj Elrington, UDP activist and part-owner of the Queen of the Jewel brand, is finally entering the picture after his company hopelessly mismanaged the events leading up to Miss Universe, and turned what should be a prestigious and distinguished course of events into the biggest pageantry circus the country has ever seen. In the past weeks many accusations have been levelled at pageant organizer Opal Enriquez, who Elrington claims was a minority partner but who was left to run things completely, to the point where the most popular pageant representative in Belize’s modern history, Rebecca Rath, was informed that she was not Miss Belize anymore, effective immediately.

That arbitrary action woke up Orson Elrington and Reynaldo Malik, who completely threw their business partner Opal Enriquez under the proverbial bus as they hastened to sever ties with her. They notified that her release was unauthorized claiming they did not know of it until it hit the news and that the summary dismissal of Rebecca Rath as Miss Belize 2016 was unsanctioned so officially, she is still Miss Belize 2016-2017.

They clarified that Enriquez resigned as pageant director effective May 26th and her resignation was accepted. They will therefore seek to fill that vacant position now. Furthermore, they note that a Miss Belize pageant for 2017-2018 will be held and they will seek to renew their Miss Universe license. Lastly, Queen of the Jewel expressed their full support and apologized to Rebecca and her family for the “colossal overstep.

But how did we get to this point?

On Friday May 26th, the beleaguered

09 9

THE BELIZE TIMES

Rebecca Rath

Opal Enriquez

Oj Elrington

National Pageant Director for the 2016 Miss Belize Universe Franchise, Opal Enriquez initiated Belizeans on a pageantry whirlwind. She issued a lengthy statement announcing her resignation from Queen of the Jewel, Ltd. while informing that Rebecca Rath was being dethroned and that there would be no Miss Belize pageant for 2017. At the same time, she finally responded to the serious allegations of improprieties in Tony Rath’s five-part blog on Rebecca Rath’s “Rocky Road to Miss Universe” released during the Easter break.

Enriquez wrote, “Effective immediately, the official title of Miss Belize 2017 and all affiliated duties as the reigning Miss Belize will pass to our 2016 first runner-up, Marcia Moody of San Ignacio in the Cayo District.

Marcia will represent Belize in the 2017 Miss International Pageant in Japan later this year. We would like to thank Rebecca Rath for being an outstanding beauty ambassador as our Miss Belize 2016 winner." She added, "Rebecca represented our country well and will forever be remembered as the young woman with the beautiful smile and engaging spirit who took Belize back to the world stage." With four more months left in Rebecca’s reign, Belizeans did not take kindly to Enriquez’ disrespect for Belize’s sweetheart.

The saga would not end there. The following day, May 27th, Enriquez who had declined interviews locally, sat down for a one-hour one-on-one abroad with Tania Logan of TBZN. Among other things, she downplayed her alleged bullying of the Miss Belize contestants citing that one must always push oneself to the lim-

it when competing on the international stage. She then slighted both Rebecca and her dad stating, “I know what it’s like to audition against 500 girls for 7 spots and get the job. And at no point did I go crying to my momma.

At no point did I say the choreographer bullied me. At no point did I play a victim.” Of Tony Rath she said, “with all due respect, what experience do you have in this arena?”

Rebecca responded like a true queen. She first noted that she learned of the Queen of the Jewel’s decision via the evening news like everyone else. She then thanked all those who made her journey possible and affirmed that representing Belize and meeting thousands of Belizeans on her visits to schools and organizations throughout the country has been the highlight of her 23 years as a Dangriga born Belizean.

Rebecca closed by declaring that she has nowhere to go and will continue to visit, assist and support individuals, schools and organizations in Belize in any way she can.

Of its partnership with Queen of the Jewel, Ltd. the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) in a release dated May 29th said that although NICH owns the ‘Miss Belize’ name it only granted Queen of the Jewel permission to use the name to crown Miss Belize ambassadors.

It then distanced itself from Opal Enriquez’ release and its content even stating that their logo was “inadvertently placed on the press release” and apologized “for this oversight.”

PUP NOTICE The People’s United Party informs all supporters in the City of Belmopan that applications are now being accepted for the posts of Mayor & Councillors for the March 2018 Municipal Elections. The closing date for all applications for those interested in any of the above positions is Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. The Convention Date for Dangriga is Sunday, August 6, 2017. Please contact your local Executive Chairperson or the PUP Secretariat for further information.

The People’s United Party informs all supporters in San Ignacio/Santa Elena Town that applications are now being accepted for the posts of Mayor & Councillors for the March 2018 Municipal Elections. The closing date for all applications for those interested in any of the above positions is Tuesday, June 13, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. The Convention Date for Benque Viejo is Sunday, August 13, 2017. Please contact your local Executive Chairperson or the PUP Secretariat for further information.

PUP Secretariat: Email: secgenpup@gmail.com Facebook Page: True Blue Secretariat Website: www.pup.org.bz PUP Face Book Page: True Blue PUP Vibes Media FB Page: Vibes Media Radio & TV

10 SPORTS

THE BELIZE TIMES TIMES THE BELIZE

JAN 26 FEB 21 29 AUG JAN 48 JUN

2017 2016

DigiCell Girls Win Belize City Softball Marathon Belize City, May 28, 2017 The DigiCell 4G softball women won the Belize City Softball Association’s season opening marathon organized at the Rogers Stadium on Sunday.

In Game 1, the 3x defending champs – Belize Bank Bulldogs walloped the Beacon ladies 7-4; as their pitcher Renisha Richards struck out 7 batters, walked 2 and gave up 5 hits, allowing Beacon’s Clarencia Jones to score 2 runs, and Kesilynn Lizama and Mertell Bradley to score a run apiece.

Beacon’s Ayannah Smith gave up 6 hits, struck out 2 batters and walked 2; allowing Bulldogs’ Georgia Williams to score 3 runs,

Earlene Belisle scored 2 runs

DigiCell clips Bulldogs 8-3 and Greta Davis, Sharette Vernon, Lynette Staine and Marsha Wills scored a run apiece.

In Game 2, DigiCell’s veteran pitcher Mary Flowers gave up 5 hits and walked 3 batters in her 7-4 win against the Bulldogs, allowing Sharette Vernon, Jameka Hilton, Lynette Staine and Elizabeth Gongora to score a run apiece.

Bulldogs’ Kenreen Gillett gave up 8 hits, struck out 2 batters and walked 1; allowing Lydia Cacho to score 3 runs. Norecia Frazer scored 2 runs and Earlene Belisle and Ke-

mani Williams scored a run apiece.

In Game 3, the Bulldogs eliminated Beacon: 9-4, as Ayannah Smith gave up 14 hits, allowing Williams, Vernon and the Davis sisters to score 2 runs apiece and Fiona Rivero came home once.

Renisha Richards allowed 5 hits, struck out 6 batters and walked 3, allowing Mertell Bradley to score 2 runs, while Licia Ferguson and Jameila Bradley scored a run apiece.

In game 4, DigiCell muzzled the Bulldogs: 8-3 as pitcher Kimani Smith struck out 3 batters, walked

2 and gave up 6 hits; allowing Vernon and the Davis sisters to score a run apiece. Kenreen Gillett gave up 9 hits, and struck out one batter. The Bulldogs made 13 errors, allowing Norecia Frazer and Martha Rhys to score 2 runs apiece, while Mary Flowers, Kemani Williams, Kerelee Williams and Earlene Belisle to score a run apiece.

Newly elected Belize Softball Federation President Jude Lizama presented the team trophy to DigiCell captain Lydia Cacho.

BES’ Kelly Liu & Devesh Hukmani Win 6th Annual Dutch Lady Table Tennis Tournament

Belize City, May 26, 2017 Belize Elementary School’s Kelly Liu and Devesh Hukmani won the female and male divisions of the Belize Table Tennis Association’s 6th annual Dutch Lady primary schools table tennis championships; with St. Joseph’s RC School taking the team championship at the BES auditorium last Friday.

Over 50 students competed from 4 primary schools: St. Joseph’s RC, Trinity Methodist, Hummingbird and Belize Elementary.

In the Boys’ Division, Devesh Hukmani managed to emerge victorious over St. Joseph’s defending champ Taye Parkinson: 3 games to 1.

Taye Parkinson made it to the finals by defeating Peter Morgan (3–0), Nathan Savery (3-0), and Andrew Jaramillo (3-0). Hukmani made it to the finals by defeating Robert Barrow (3-0), Goran Gabourel (3-0), and Jofny Paguaga (3-0).

In the Boys Consolation finals, St. Joseph’s Erick Corea won over BES’ Che Waight in a tight match: 3 games to 2. Corea had made an impressive run to the finals blazing through fellow team mates Luis Sosa and Daniel Thurton, by a score of 3-0 apiece.

BES’ Che Waight reached the finals by defeating St. Joseph’s Marquis Rodriguez: 3-0, and Kimar Cima: 3-2.

In the Girls Division, BES’ Kelly emerged victorious in the finals by beating Gabrielle Gabourel 3 games

Jamal Kelly scored 11pts

Champ Kelly Liu

Champ Devesh Hukmani to 0. Liu made it to the finals via a bye, and by defeating Abigail Thurton (3-0).

Liu’s challenger, St. Joseph’s Gabrielle Gabourel made it to the finals in similar fashion, via a bye and by defeating Aejelee Thurton (3-0).

Winners: Boys Division 1st. – Devesh Hukmani - Belize

Bandits Tie NEBL Finals 1-1 Belmopan, May 25, 2017 The Belmopan Bandits tied the 2017 National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) championship finals: 1-1 by schooling the San Pedro Tigersharks: 81-73 at the UB gym last Thursday night.

Bandits’ Devin Daly top scored with 26pts, including 4 treys from outside the arc.

Greg “Chippy” Rudon also scored 4 from outside the arc for 14pts; matched by Farron Louriano’s 14pts. Edgar Mitchell added 13pts, and Stephen “Muerte” Williams had 7pts.

Elementary 2nd. – Taye Parkinson - St. Joseph’s RC 3rd. – Jofny Paguaga – Trinity Methodist Boys Consolation 1st – Erick Corea – St. Joseph’s RC 2nd – Che Waight – Belize

Richard Smith III and Keith Acosta threw in a bucket apiece.

MVP George Williams led San Pedro striking 5 times from outside the arc for 21pts. Douglas Valley hit 3 treys for 13pts, while Kurt “Chengo” Burgess and Jamal Kelly tossed in 11pts apiece. Raul “Thumpy” Roches scored 7pts, but Ashton Edwards had an off night, scoring a miserly 6pts. Rassi Jenkins chipped in 4pts.

Game 3 comes up at the San Pedro High School auditorium on Saturday night, June 3.

Elementary 3rd – Kimar Cima – St. Joseph’s Girls Division 1st – Kelly Liu – Belize Elementary 2nd – Gabrielle Gabourel – St. Joseph’s 3rd – Abigail Thurton – Hummingbird Elementary

MAY 31 26 48 JUN JUL FEB 12 JUN 14 19 AUG JUN

THE BELIZE TIMES

2016 2017 2016

11 09 SPORTS 11

Team Santino’s Sherman Thomas Wins 1st annual Santino’s International Masters Tour

Belize City, May 28, 2017 Team Santino’s Sherman Thomas won the 1st annual Santino’s Masters’ birthday cycling tour organized by the Weekend Warriors Cycling Club on the George Price Highway over the weekend. Only 47 of the 62 riders who started the Tour finished; as Mexico’s Juan Manuel Yapur begged compassionate leave due to the death of his mother; and 14v other riders abandoned the tour.

Category A Open 1st. - Sherman Thomas, Team Santino's - 68 pts 2nd. - Barney Brown, Scotia Bank - 55 pts 3rd - Palas Joseph, Team Lampaz - 52 pts 4th - Kirk Sutherland, Team Digicell - 49 pts 5th - Esau Reyes of Oaxaca, Mexico - 49 pts 6th - Warren Coye, Team Santino's - 43 pts 7th - Ernesto Lopez Sanchez of Oaxaca, Mexico - 43 pts 8th - David Interain Balam of Chetumal, Q. Roo - 39 pts 9th - Gerardo Garcia of Chetumal, Q. Roo - 32 pts 10th - Elias Dogre of Merida, Yucatan - 31 pts Category B - Masters 50-59 years 1st - Barney Brown - Team Scotiabank - 55 pts 2nd – Fitzgerald “Palas” Joseph, Team Lampaz - 52 pts 3rd - Warren Coye, Team Santino's - 43 pts 4th - Elias Dogre of Merida, Yucatan - 32 pts 5th - Mark Gentle, Team FT Williams - 25 pts Stage 1 - Leslie's/Hattieville/Leslie's 1st - Gabriel Burgos, Mexican 2nd - Sherman "Pest" Thomas, Team Santino's 3rd - Jose Arroyo Priego of Cancun, Q. Roo Stage 2 - Leslie's/Boom Junction/Leslie's 1st – Robert Liam Stewart - Team Santino's 2nd - Barney Brown - Team Scotia Bank 3rd - Palas Joseph - Team Lampaz Stage 3 - Belmopan to Belize 1st - Ernesto Lopez Sanchez of Oaxaca, Mexico 2nd - Sherman Thomas - Team Santino's 3rd - Barney Brown, Team Scotia Bank

Top 5 - A Division Open

Top 5 - B Division 50-59yrs

Top 2 over 60 Div Dean Boyce and Santino Castillo

The 3 CHAMPIONS in the 3 Categories were: Sherman "Pest" Thomas - Team Santino's in Category A 40-49 Barney Brown - Team Scotiabank in the Category B 50-59 Santino “Chief” Castillo - Team Santino's in the 60 Plus Category The birthday man, Santino Castillo, extends his thanks to all corporate sponsors who made the tour possible, offering prizes and trophies - Belikin Brewery, the Belize Bank, Benny’s Homecenter, DigiCell 4G/LTE, and Santiago Castillo ltd, and the Radisson Fort George Hotel for hosting the visitors.

City Boys & Warriors Win in SMART Mundialito

Jewel Fury takes on Belize City FC in FFB Female Finals Belmopan, May 27, 2017 Belmopan’s Jewel Fury will take on Belize City FC in the Football Federation of Belize national women’s championship finals, as Jewel Fury eliminated the Orange Walk Gladiators: 3-0 win at the FFB Stadium on Saturday.

Ashley Rodriguez scored the 1st goal in the 30th minute, Jayda Brown came off the bench replacing Saira Lopez to add a 2nd goal in the 68th minute and Gisel Baeza relieved Jenisha Scott to score a 3rd goal in the 91st minute.

The Gladiators tried, but the best efforts of Karen Garcia, Katie Jones, Cianni Castañeda, Aaliyah Leiva, Miriam Villamil, Tamara Baptist and Zaneen Pott made no impression on the Jewel’s defenders Naomi Gamboa, Beatrice Alfaro, Mariela Gonzalez, Shannel Harris and goalie Idania Ramirez who held

Top 3 winners - Barney Brown, Sherman Thomas & Santino Castillo

Jayda Brown scored 2nd goal vs Maira Acosta them scoreless to secure the 3-0 win.

Belize City FC are into the final by virtue of the Sagitun Strikers’ no show for their semifinal rematch at the MCC on Saturday night; even though the 2 squads had drawn 2-2 in their first encounter in Game 1.

The Finals kick off at the MCC on Saturday night, June 3.

Belize City, May 27, 2017 The defending champs City Boys, Young Warriors, Brown Bombers, Hattieville Riverside Boys and the Ladyville Rising Stars all posted big wins in Week 6 of the 2017 SMART Mundialito at the MCC Garden last Saturday.

In Game 1, Brown Bombers bombed Ladyville Jaguars: 2-0 with goals by Keyden Bowen and Delhart Dominguez.

In Game 2, Young Warriors schooled Sampson Academy: 2-0 with 2 goals from Keiffer Perteau.

In Game 3, City Boys edged Collet Strikers: 1-0 with a goal by Kayia Requena.

In Game 4, Heights FC and Carlston FC drew nil-zip.

In Game 5, Hattieville Riverside Boys conquered the BES Corinthians: 1-0 with a goal by Oswald Young in the 2nd half.

In Game 6, the Ladyville Rising Stars gave Reality Youths a gravity check - 2-0 with goals by Cesar Garcia and Leroy Bainton.

BES Aidan Arnold defends vs Jose Almendarez

12

THE BELIZE TIMES

ON THE

MOVE

In Pickstock

Western Caucus Meeting

4 JUN

2017

4 JUN

2017

THE BELIZE TIMES

13

One Vision…One People BILL OF RIGHTS The People’s United Party wants to share its vision with the Belizean people. It is rooted in a philosophy that goes back to the Father of our Nation the Right Hon. George Price. Mr. Price always believed ours was a work in progress; he led a revolution that is at its core peaceful, always constructive, progressive and uniquely Belizean.

These values remain true today and form a part of our PUP Creed. We are committed to the protection of our territorial sovereignty. We cannot, and will not risk even an inch of our beloved country, from the Rio Hondo to the Sarstoon. And we are committed to an accessible, fair and independent justice system and the rule of law in Belize.

The PUP will always seek to achieve social, economic and environmental justice. It is a commitment to the socio-economic improvement of all Belizeans. Our plan is to rid Belize of poverty. To the PUP, poverty is an ugly scar on our nation’s collective conscience, and no amount of cosmetic surgery can paste over the suffering of close to half of our people, most of them women and children, who live on less than ten dollars per day.

This is not only a task for governments. We all have a stake in this enterprise, but government must LEAD and bold leaders must show that they truly care. For us the task ahead is clear - to build a Belize that works for everyone, so that every Belizean should come to expect five things. This vision, this determination, has created what we call our BELIZEAN BILL OF RIGHTS. FIRST - Every Belizean should have access to a piece of land. With land we immediately create opportunities for upliftment and personal growth.

SECOND - Every Belizean should be able to own a decent home. The 17th Century Jurist and politician Edward Coke in speaking on human rights said: “A man’s home is his castle.” Every Belizean in 2017 should expect such an entitlement whether they live on Bocotora Street or on Seashore Drive.

THIRD - Every Belizean should be given the chance to go to school from pre-school to junior college. We have to make education free from pre-kinder to Junior College. If we will give our young people a chance at success, it must start with a good education.

FOURTH – Accessibility to quality basic health care is critical, which means every Belizean should be enrolled in the National Health Insurance Program. If we can invest 42 million dollars in a basketball stadium, then we should be able to provide basic health services to all.

FIFTH and most important, the driving force behind it all is JOBS - good jobs that can lead to meaningful careers; jobs that will give Belizeans a chance for personal growth and prosperity and provide a hand up for those at the very bottom of the economic ladder.

If we do these things, if we create a fair and just society, if we build on these principles we will then be able to change people’s lives and together we will rid our shores of the scourge that is poverty.

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4 JUN

THE BELIZE TIMES

2017

Invitation for Bids (IFB) BELIZE FOR A CONTRACT TO OPERATE FIVE (5) SOLID WASTE TRANSFER FACILITIES Invitation AND for Bids (IFB) Invitation A SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL FACILITY for Bids (IFB)

BELIZE

IFB Number: 001-2017/2018

BELIZE

FOR A CONTRACT TO OPERATE FIVE (5) SOLID FOR WASTE A CONTRACT TRANSFER TOFACILITIES OPERATE FIVE (5) SOLID WASTE TRANSFER FACILITIES 1. The Government of Belize through the Solid Waste Management Authority of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable AND A SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL FACILITY AND A SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL FACILITY Development invite sealed bids from eligible and qualified bidders for a Contract to Operate Five (5) Solid Waste Transfer Facilities and a Solid Waste Disposal Facility as set out in more detail in the Bidding Document:

IFBNumber: 001-2017/2018

IFBNumber: 001-2017/2018

a) Operations (loading/transfer and barging, as necessary, of municipal solid waste), management and maintenance of the following transfer stations: Belize City MileGovernment 3; San Ignacioof– Belize Santa Elena; Burrell Boom;Waste San Pedro Caye andofCaye Caulker, including all ancillary and appurtenances.

1. The 1. Ambergris through the Solid Management The Government Authority of Belize the Ministry through the of Solid Waste facilities Management Authority of the Ministry of b) Operations (landfilling of municipal solid waste), management, maintenance and environmental monitoring of the Mile 24 Regional Landfill,invite including Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Agriculture, Development Fisheries, Forestry, invite sealed the Environment and Sustainable Sanitary Development sealed all ancillary facilities and appurtenances. a Contract to a Contract to bids from eligible and qualified bidders for o bids Operate from Five eligible (5) Solid and Waste qualified Transfer bidders for o Operate Five (5) Solid Waste Transfer c) Operations (handling, pre-treatment and storage), management, maintenance and environmental monitoring of the hazardous waste cell co-located at the Mile Facilities andSanitary a Solid Landfill, Facilities andinathe Waste Disposal as set out inand more detail Solid Bidding WasteDocument: Disposal Facility as set out in more detail in the Bidding Document: 24 Regional includingFacility all ancillary facilities appurtenances.

2. The a) Operations Services period is sixty (60)months. a) Operations Operations (loading/transfer and bar barging, as necessary, , of municipal (loading/transfer solid waste), and bar barging, as necessary,, of municipal solid waste),

management and maintenance of th the e following transfermanagement stations: Belize andCity maintenance Mile 3; of th the e following transfer stations: Belize City Mile 3; San Ignacio – Santa Elena; Burrell Boom; San Pedro Ambergris San Ignacio – Santa Caye and CayeElena; Caulker, Burrell Boom; San Pedro Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, including all ancillary and appurtenances. includingExpert all ancillary facilities and a) For a Bidder to qualify, it must facilities have on its team, a Solid Waste Management (sub consultant) whoappurtenances. has been actively involved in at least two out of the b) b) and Operations (landfilling of municipal solid waste), management, Operations main maintenance (landfilling of municipal waste), main maintenance three types of operations listed below, one of which shall be # (1), of at least the sizes as mentioned within thesolid last five years management, immediately prior to the submis-and sion of the Bid: environmental monitoring of the Mile 24 Regional Sanitary environmental Landfill, monitoring including allof the Mile 24 Regional Sanitary Landfill, including all ancillary facilities and appurtenances. ancillary facilities and appurtenances.

Operation of a municipal solid waste landfill receiving at least 50maintenance Tonnes per day of waste; and storage), management, maintenance and c)1. Operations pre-treatment c) pre-treatment (handling (handling, and facility storage), management, Operations (handling (handling, and 2. Collection and transportation of municipal solid waste in a City or Town of at least 5,000 residents; cellenvironmental co-located of or the hazardous wa waste locatedatatleast monitoring the10Mile 24 ofper the waste cell co-located located at the Mile 24 3. environmental Operation of a monitoring transfer station a material recovery facility processing Tonnes day.hazardous wa Regional Sanitary Landfill, including all ancillary facilities and Regional appurtenances.

Sanitary Landfill, including all ancillary facilities and appurtenances.

3. Qualifications requirements are as follows:

Bidders are required to provide a reference letter to the nature of the above services provided from their clients.

2. The Operations Services period is sixty (60)months.

2. The Operations Services period is sixty (60)months.

b) The Annual Turnover will be the Net Annual Sales or Revenue of the Bidder or its subcontractors or subconsultants, received for any of the following: construction procurement of industrial buildings, works, earth movement excavation, transportation offor goods and solid waste 3. The 3.andThe and process road for this contract will be generally in procurement compliance process with GoB this IDB contract will beactivities: generally in compliance with GoB and IDB i. the Bidder should have generated a minimum average turnover during the past three (3) years of greater than the equivalent of BZD$1,500,000.00 per procurement policies and guidelines and is open to all bidders procurement from Eligible policies Source and Countries guidelinesasand is open to all bidders from Eligible Source Countries as annum. defined Bidding Documents. in the Documents. ii. in thethe Bidder should have generated a minimum turnoverdefined in at least one Bidding year of the three (3) year period of not less than the equivalent of BZD$2,500,000.00.

The Bidder shall demonstrate toas the satisfaction of the4.Owner that he/sherequirements has in his/herare possession or shall lease, rent or otherwise acquire the following 4.c) Qualifications requirements are follows: Qualifications as follows: equipment to perform the Operations Services as needed: a) For a Bidder to qualify, it must have on its team, a Solid a)Waste Expert (sub have on its team, a Solid Waste Management For aManagement Manageme Bidder to qualify, it must Manageme Expert (sub Quantity consultant)Description who has been actively involved in at least two consultant) out of the whothree has types been actively of involved in at least two out of the three types of

1 Track type bulldozer ≥ 200 Hp operationsMotor listedroad below, one≥ of which least the sizes listedasbelow, mentioned one of which shall be # (1),, of at least the sizes as mentioned

1 grader 140 Hp shall be # (1),, of atoperations within the Crawler last fivehydraulic years immediately to the submission within of tthe he theBid: last five years immediately prior to the submission of tthe he Bid:

1 excavator ≥prior 140 Hp

5 Front endofloader ≥ 120 Hp 1)Operation a municipal solid waste landfill facility receiving 1)Operation at least of a municipal solid waste landfill facility receiving at least

2 loader/backhoe 50Wheel Tonnes per day of waste; 50 Tonnes per day of waste;

1 Water truck with tank and sprinkler ≥15m3 2)Collection and transportation of municipal solid waste in2) a Collection and transportation of municipal solid waste in a

5 1 1 1

Tipper truck ≥ 14m3 Engine driven pump 6” Double cab pickup truck Barge or other craft of similar nature

Others: sky track loader, bobcat loader, tow heads, trash trailers or equivalent dumper trailers greater than 60 cubic yards capacity, roll on/off containers and associated truck, if possible stationary compactors with containers for San Pedro and Caye Caulker operations. Equipment shall be in good operating condition and the Operator shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Owner that the equipment used is regularly serviced/maintained as per the manufacturer’s recommendations or standard industry practice and insured according to the Laws of Belize!

4. Interested eligible bidders may obtain further information from Solid Waste Management Authority of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development at the address below from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

5. A complete set of Bidding Documents in English, on a Compact Disk (CD) may be obtained free of charge by interested bidders on the submission of a written request to the address below. Alternatively, bidders may make their official request to the email below and receive the Bidding Documents by DropBox. 6. Bids must be delivered to the address below at or before 29th June, 2017 at 12:00 Noon. Electronic bidding shall not be permitted. Late bids shall be rejected. Bids will be opened on 29th June, 2017 at 12:05 PM in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend in person at the address below.

7. Site visits: Bidders can visit the Transfer Stations and the Regional Sanitary Landfill on their own, with prior permission of the Owner. Bidders are encouraged to send requests for clarifications via email to the Owner at the address below.

8. Pre-Bid Meeting will be held on 2 June 2017 at 10:00 AM at the Ministry of Natural Resources Conference Room, Queen Elizabeth II Blvd., Cohune Walk Area, Belmopan. As such, Bidders are encouraged to send requests for clarifications via email, if any, to the Owner at the address below.

9. All bids shall be accompanied by a Bid Security of BZD$250,000.

10. The address referred to above is: Solid Waste Management Authority of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development,Queen Elizabeth II Blvd., Cohune Walk Area,Belmopan City, Belize C.A. 'Alex Carrillo' <sw.wmengineer@naturalresources.gov.bz> ‘Gilroy Lewis’ <sw.director@naturalresources.gov.bz>

4 JUN

15

THE BELIZE TIMES

2017

MY PERSPECTIVE

By Dolores Balderamos Garcia

OUT WITH HIM!!

After the despicable incident in the National Assembly building last week in which UDP thugs and goons disrupted the Senate Inquiry sitting and assaulted media persons, it set me thinking once more just how woefully short our memories are. Almost every day that passes we are seeing more and more the lengths to which UDP operatives and the government will go to subvert the course of justice and fairplay and to cover up for the dastardly wrongdoings of Ministers and their politically connected henchpersons.

There have been numerous outcries of condemnation at the conduct of the Double A duo, August and Audinett. Their behavior has been called everything from unacceptable to reprehensible, and across the board Belizeans are calling for this kind of thuggery to stop. But how can the loutish and violent bullying stop if all we do is cry shame for a while and then go silent when our attentions are called elsewhere? Who will bell these crazy and outlandish cats? The silence from the Prime Minister and his government is deafening. In fact, it goes beyond condoning the behavior. If your operatives go to the Senate Chamber with the specific purpose of derailing the proceedings and intimidating everyone so as to have the Inquiry suspended and then terminated, how can you claim not to have orchestrated it?

Which reminds me to comment on the sheepish, defensive and obsequious demeanour of Chairman of the Committee Aldo Salazar. Man, that fellow looks bad, and he has surely let himself down as an attorney-at-law. Maybe if he can't stand the heat he should get out of the kitchen. He should stop lamenting that he is not a politician, although politically appointed. He got himself into the pickle that he now finds himself in. Not to mention the hypocritical UDP Church appointee who is only too quick to blame public officers for the wholesale corruption exposed in the Auditor General's Report. Give me a break, Mr. Rocke. Da fool di talk, but da no fool di listen!!

It is painful for me to remem-

ber, and I was really wondering who would go back and look carefully at the misbehaviour of Yellowman. I noticed that journalist Adele Ramos did in her article in the weekend Amandala.

Yes, in August 2013 I rose in the House of Representatives to condemn the conduct of the Mace Bearer and Sergeant at Arms. I personally noticed him drunk in the House of Representatives, and I also spoke about his past criminal behavior and rude, despicable behavior in public. The Prime Minister and Minister Finnegan were not in their seats at the time I began speaking on this topic as I had every right to do. I never saw members rush back into the Chamber so fast in my life, all to defend their favourite thug and attack me for daring to bring up in the House my grave concern about Yellowman's outrageous conduct. It wasn't the lewd remarks made by Finnegan that bothered me. What chills me even now is the personal threats he made to me and my husband, hurled as they were across the aisle in the House.

As I remember clearly now, Finnegan finally apologized to everyone but me, bowing to intense pressure from the public for him to express regret for attacking me as he did in that most contemptible way. But in his view and that of the PM he had to defend their lout by saying that I was disrespectful. What a sick joke!!

I fully support the call by the Leader of the Opposition for the immediate termination of Yellowman. I only disagree that there was “an egregious usurpation of his authority.” Yellowman, as Mace Bearer for the House, had no authority whatsoever in observing the Senate hearing. Let us call a spade a spade, and a thug a thug. Madam Speaker, kindly do the right thing post haste and cut out that canker from being an employee of your House. If you want to engender a culture of respect, then there is no alternative but for you to fire him immediately. Your House can have no dignity or authority or integrity if you allow him to remain. I say it loud and clear – Out With Him!!

THINKING OUT LOUD BY: KEVIN BERNARD

This is an amazing time of year when thousands of our youth take a critical step in their lives – a transition from one level of education to another in their journey through life. For many it is an early step from primary school to secondary school, but it is no less important. It is in these years that we start being molded into who and what we will become. It is in these years that we learn values and strengthen our characters. It is a first jump not only into high school, but into young adulthood.

Many of our young people are also making a critical step from high school to the tertiary level institution of their choice.

At this stage, we already are, largely, who we will become in life. Others will be leaving tertiary level institutions and at that point will be departing school life to start the hunt for employment. Some will be going on to the University of Belize. Some will be fortunate enough to get scholarships to study abroad.

I was honoured to be a guest at the recent graduation at Muffles Junior College, and I can tell you that it is a wonderful feeling to be part of such an occasion.

There is so much hope, so much pride in these students who have worked so hard to get to this point. I especially loved observing the parents and guardians and family members present this weekend. In their eyes you could see the happiness and pride. The reality of our times is that many of these parents have to make significant sacrifice to put their children through school, and so just as much as graduation time is an achievement for the students, it is an achievement for those who support them every step of the way.

It is my hope that the employment market will be good to our graduates, particularly those in the community of Orange Walk. The reality is that many of our graduates will not be able to find work which fits their degrees. I don’t mean to rain on this parade…not at all. Instead what I want to do is send out a

word of encouragement. Don’t give up. You have done so much, worked so hard to be where you are today. So don’t become discouraged. Those who have gone before you understand that only for a very few will it be a matter of graduating school one week and finding work the week after. I can tell you that I became frustrated many times looking for work, but I remained focused and eventually I was fortunate. So stay strong and stay focused and determined and eventually you will succeed.

I also want to take this opportunity to send another message to our graduates, the youth who will be the next builders of this nation. Belize needs you desperately. We are at a point in our history where we are facing threats and challenged at every corner. For the first time that I can remember in my life, we have lost the Sarstoon River to the Guatemalans and have been aggressed by them at every turn. We are told that we are to go to the ICJ but how can we be confident about going to the ICJ when even before going to that Court we have lost so much? We are faced with staggering poverty. Almost half of our population lives below the poverty line, and for the rest of us it is getting harder and harder to feed our families. The cost of everything keeps going up.

We are faced with crime that is out of control. And even more than the numbers, I have noticed that killers seem to be getting more brutal, colder, more brazen.

Even here in Orange Walk we have seen some of the most terrible murders.

So I ask all our graduates to take their development seriously, and to realize that they, you, are the future of this country. In a decade or two, maybe much less, we will be gone and our spaces will be taken up by those graduating in this generation. Start to plan for change. Start to plan how you can play a productive role in our community, and our nation. I hope and pray that you will be stronger and wiser than we were, and that under your watch the country and people will flourish.

16

THE BELIZE TIMES

God Help Me

Today, during all those hours when I was supposed to be writing good political stuff to put in my paper, I was lying back in my chair, feet on desk. I was totally captivated by the Senate hearings, particularly the testimony of Alvarine Burgess, referred to as the whistleblower but in reality so much more than that. I sit here now completely frigging pissed off, pressure pills in hand, because what was done to Alvarine today was a low.

Those who know me know that I am a blasphemous fellow with little regard for sacred cows, so I’ll say it straight. Chairman Aldo Salazar’s red panties were on full display, and they were ABSOLUTELY not as sexy as other red panties I have seen. My lerd. This is the man who said just recently that he can’t think of anything that Alvarine can contribute to the hearings, so he doesn’t even see the sense of calling her. Then, like a 40 year old virgin on a Viagra infusion, the man found passion and stamina in Alvarine. He hammered away at her without mercy and without sense. What a frigging sick joke.

I’ve been told by a friend that Salazar is a relatively intelligent person. Well that was certainly not on display today.

What was on display, apart from those really ugly bright red panties, was Salazar’s determination to please his political masters and protect the UDP. Hell, when Alvarine dropped the bombshell, claiming that she also paid Boots Martinez to facilitate Visas for her, Salazar suddenly remembered that he had a pressing concern with Alvarine’s friendship with a Police Officer who was allegedly her contact. “What do you mean by friendship? At what point did you become friends? How many friends do you have? Are you a friendly person?” I swear I cuss big fat bad word inna my quiet office. At one point I even dropped to my knees to pray for guidance and patience.

Then Carla Barnett came back from wherever she’s been during these hearings. Like my bally Christian said, during the hearings her colleagues have had to periodically stick a mirror under her nose to see if she is breathing. Like Rip Van Winkle, she woke up

today and following the instructions of her political boss, tried to discredit Alvarine’s testimony. At one point, she even tried to attack Alvarine’s character, all in defence of the UDP. I figure Carla has an elevated sense of self-esteem, but I’ll tell you this – from what I saw today Alvarine is twice the woman she’ll ever be. I am amazed at the hypocrisy of these people who behave as if integrity oozes from their very pores, and believe we should accept their sainted status because they say it is so. By their actions, they have proven that they are wolves in sheep’s clothing.

Check out how I got biblical there.

Talking about biblical, I reserved a special place in literary hell for Mr. Rocke. This is the man who reports to the home of the Prime Minister before Senate sessions. I have been told that because Mr. Barrow has a bad back, he cannot attend Rocke’s church to give collection, so Rocke, wonderful fellow that he is, goes all the way to Mr. Barrow’s home to collect. Call it extended church service.

Rocke’s contribution to the Senate hearing, insensitive a-hole that he is, was to ask Alvarine if her revealing Castro’s corruption was worth it, since her husband was dead anyway.

I’m telling you Alvarine has more patience than me. I would have punched him in the mouth and paid for him in Court, as a friend of mine is fond of saying. I mean seriously…I had to pray for my own soul today based on the thoughts I had about Rocke. If I go to hell I’m blaming him.

But fun and joke aside, what is wrong with these people? Is it a matter of checking your moral gauge at the door when joining the UDP? The Chairman is hopelessly compromised. His credibility is gone. I am not sure Carla Barnett had any credibility to begin with. And Rocke…well I leave him to God. What Alvarine revealed today is serious. She revealed, AGAIN, that Castro is scum. I believe, without a shadow of a doubt, that she is telling the truth and that she paid Castro money to facilitate Visas. Remember, this is the man whose Diplomatic and Tourist Visas were recently revoked by the US, so obviously the US believes Alvarine too. I was in Court when Alvarine gave testimony before Justice Abel, and he believed her. So Salazar and Barnett and Rocke can dance the political jig, but Alvarine is a keeper.

I’m proud of what she has done.

Her story has remained consistent since Day 1. And she is not for sale.

Okay I’m done. Bye.

4 JUN

2017

MORAL AND ETHICAL ROLE OF GOVERNMENT

By: Eduardo Santos Ethics and morality form a central position in the functioning of the government. Under normal circumstances, it is the role of the government to ensure a just society where order and harmony exist. As a result the government has to establish and enforce ethical and moral standards so as to ensure that the society functions well. Ethics and morality are used interchangeably. The two terms are related in several ways. Nonetheless, there is an inconsequential dissimilarity linking the two.

Most common is the fact that morality goes deeper than ethics in defining human behavior and conduct. Ethics refer to the standards that make the society a better place for all while morality provides for deeper considerations that amount to religion and spirituality. In order for the government to ensure that ethical standards are adhered to, ethics and aspects of morality are entrenched into the law.

One of the central purposes of the government is to enforce the law.

The law represents the will of the people who have their own cultural and ethical perceptions of reality. As a result the government enforces the ethical and moral values of the people it governs. In other words it can be rightly said that the government serves to accomplish the people's perceptions of reality as represented in their ethical and moral values.

This makes the role of the government more complex, since not all values of ethical and moral consideration can be enforced by the government. However, the government remains the prime custodian of people's values. Ethics and moral values have a great influence on the operation of the society. It is therefore true that the government exercises control over the society. This is true in light of the task of enforcing laws.

The law describes what is right and acceptable in society and therefore provides a blueprint of an ethical and just society. In order to affirm the quest for a just society, citizens are expected to adhere to the provisions of the law. Therefore, the law binds the society together, bringing harmony among different people. Failure to

conform to the law is perceived as breaking ethical standards established and is thus punishable. Therefore, the law is perceived as the people's will, to be enforced by the government.

The government's social obligations are nothing but the functions of ensuring that ethical and moral standards are adhered to accordingly. This involves the task of ensuring that the laws set represent the ethical and moral values of the people. Conversely, the government needs to go beyond the institutional role of enforcing laws to more welfare operations. This is in line with the fact that the law in itself is inefficient as far as ensuring the enforcement of ethical and moral obligations.

In making decisions, the government plays an important role in enforcing ethical and moral standards. Apart from enforcing the law which is perceived as the will of the people, the government has the authority to make decisions that affect the functioning of the society.

Therefore in making these decisions the government ought to put ethical and moral obligations in prime focus. In making decisions the government needs to be guided by two principal aspects. First and foremost is respect of the law.

The law is the supreme guarantor of morality, ethics and justice. Therefore due importance should be granted to the law in the process of making decisions.

Decisions that are contrary to the provisions of the law should be discouraged.

The law should be the common denominator of all government decisions. This will protect the people from leaders with evil intentions.

The ethical and moral role of the government is instrumental in ensuring justice and order in the society. Therefore, it is incumbent upon the officials in the government to ensure that their actions and activities are in line which fostering harmony among the people. This will be achieved if all the laws are enforced in line with the people's ethical and moral values as envisaged in the law. On top of these, the decision making arm of the government must be fully used to enhance ethical and moral values in the society. It will be against the purpose of ethics should state officials make illegal and unethical decisions. Apart from that state officials must be men and women of integrity so as not to compromise the values of the society.

4 JUN

2017

UNCLE SAM

REJECTS CASTRO By: Major (Ret’d) Lloyd Jones We have been hearing rumors for some time now that several Ministers and other high ranking officials of the Barrow Administration have had their visas revoked by the US Government.

The US Embassy has a policy of not publicly discussing the immigration affairs of visa holders but we were able to get confirmation that perhaps the rumors were true when in August 2016 Ruth Meighan, Edmond Castro’s CEO, was denied entry into the US. She was “put up” in Houston for a night before being sent home to Belize in disgrace.

The Barrow Administration, in typical form, refused to explain to the Belizean people why it was that such a senior official was treated so unceremoniously.

Fast forward to May 30, 2017 and boom! None other than Ruth Meighan’s boss, Edmond Castro puts out a release advising his constituency that he had been notified that his diplomatic and tourist visas were revoked by the US State Department without any stated reason. He went on to inform that he was issued both visas in 2009 when he surrendered his green card. What Castro’s release did not say was when was his visa revoked and why? His release is a clear attempt to forestall the wave of public indignation that was sure to follow once the Belizean people found out that his visas were revoked. It was designed to give the impression that he was being transparent and open with the good people of Belize Rural North: the people he has so shamefully represented in Belmopan.

Interestingly, in his release, Castro states that he recently refused an offer from the US Embassy to go in to “discuss the question of renewing his visas” although he failed to say how recent this offer was made. This is an interesting point to note because if such an invitation was indeed extended, it means that his Visa had already expired. If so, what was there for the US to revoke? How can one revoke a visa that was already expired?

Castro has cleverly attempted to muddy the waters by lumping his diplomatic visa with his tourist visa, both of which he purportedly got in 2009.

However, his green card has nothing to do with his diplomatic visa. It is standing practice that upon the surrender of a green card the Embassy issues a 10year multiple (B1-B2) visa. In Castro’s case his B1-B2 visa would have expired in 2019, there was therefore no need for him to go in and “discuss the question of renewing his visas” since he has at least two more years remaining on the said visa. It is safe to say then that this visa (B1-B2) was definitely “revoked”!

What about his diplomatic visa? According to the US State Department’s website, as a Minister of Government, Castro cannot travel to the US on official government business using a tourist visa so he would have had to apply for a diplomatic (A-1) visa. Since Castro claims that his diplomatic visa was is-

17

THE BELIZE TIMES

sued in 2009 it is safe to presume that the visa would have expired in 2013 on the five-year anniversary of the UDP’s 2008 victory at the polls. Diplomatic visas are usually granted based on the diplomatic note sent by the government of Belize. Since the term of the government is a maximum of five years it stands to reason that the diplomatic note would not have asked for a diplomatic visa to be granted to Castro that would have expired after February 7, 2013. So when was it that Castro renewed his diplomatic visa? Whenever it was, it must have been before September 2013 because we know for a fact that during that time he travelled officially to Taiwan where he would be accused of “negligent behavior of a sexual nature.”

We find the invitation by the US Embassy for Castro to visit the embassy to renew his diplomatic visa of great interest. We find it so because according to the State Department “embassies and consulates generally do not require interviews for those applying for A-1 and A-2 visas”. This position is reinforced by the US Embassy in Belize which states on their website that “no fees are charged for official visas, and the fingerprints are usually waived. And a personal appearance is not usually required.” So why would the US Embassy extend an invitation, not once but twice, to Castro to visit the Embassy?

Under the Vienna Convention, the US Embassy is considered to be sovereign American territory and Castro going to the US Embassy would have been as if he had gone to Miami or New York or LA. On the Embassy grounds Castro would have had no protection from the Government of Belize. Castro obviously smelled the rat and refused the invitation. But why?

It was Alvarine Burgess who made it clear that Castro was involved in a visa scam where he facilitated about 200 visas for persons he did not know. This scam, the focus of the Senate Special Select Committee, was a horrendous breach of our national security which simultaneously created a heightened risk to American homeland security. The Americans wanted to talk to Castro but it seems that Castro did not wish to speak to the Americans so he declined their offer and with that he accepted his fate of having to live the rest of his live in Belize.

He is so fearful of the Americans that we understand that he will not even go to Melchor or to Chetumal. The closest he gets to the border is the free zones. What a horrible life to live but this is what greed and corruption begets.

The revocation of a tourist visa is a significant event but the revocation of a diplomatic visa is seismic. The US government has effectively declared a Minister of Belize, the Representative of the people of Belize Rural North, to be a persona non grata. This is an affront to all of Belize and the Barrow Administration owes us an explanation. Mr Barrow must not be allowed to look the other way as he did in the case of Ruth Meighan. Speak Mr. Barrow or forever hold thy peace!

For Sale

By Order of the Mortgagee Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Mortgage made the 18th day of April, 2006, between MAURICE E. GOMEZ AND LORRAINE ADELINE GOMEZ of Main Street, Burrell Boom Village, Belize District, Belize (hereinafter called “the Borrower”) of the one part and SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LIMITED (hereinafter called “the Mortgagee”) of the other part, and recorded in Deeds Book Volume 12 of 2006 at Folios 1475- 1504, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto.

All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land comprising of 1 acre situate at Boom Pine Ridge, on the north side of Mussel Creek Road, Belize District, (Block No. 36) bounded and described as shown on Plan No. 73 of 1960 attached to Minister’s Fiat Grant No. 73 of 1960, TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 18th day of May, 2017.

MUSA & BALDERAMOS LLP 91 North Front Street Belize City Attorneys-at-Law for Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.

For Sale

By Order of the Mortgagee Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Mortgage made the 30th day of September, 2014, between THE BELIZE BANK LIMITED (“the Assignor”), SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LTD. (“the Assignee”) and MARIA JOHANA RODRIGUEZ of Savannah Road, Independence Village, Stann Creek District, Belize (hereinafter called “the Borrower”) of the one part and SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LIMITED (hereinafter called “the Mortgagee”) of the other part, and recorded as LTU201401785, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto.

All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. SCHEDULE ALL THAT freehold interest in all that lot, piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 400 comprising 640.165 Square Meters situate along Savannah Road, Independence Village, Stann Creek District and bounded and described as shown on Plan No. 449 of 2004 registered at the Lands and Surveys Department on Plan No 1887 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 23rd day of May, 2017.

MUSA & BALDERAMOS LLP 91 North Front Street Belize City Attorneys-at-Law for Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.

18

4 JUN

THE BELIZE TIMES

2017 For Sale

By Order of the Mortgagee

PUP NOTICE The People’s United Party informs all supporters in the City of Belmopan that applications are now being accepted for the posts of Mayor & Councilors for the March 2018 Municipal Elections. The closing date for all applications for those interested in any of the above positions is Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. The Convention Date for the City of Belmopan is Sunday, August 6, 2017. Please contact your local Executive Chairperson or the PUP Secretariat for further information.

PUP Secretariat: Email: secgenpup@gmail.com Facebook Page: True Blue Secretariat Website: www.pup.org.bz PUP Face Book Page: True Blue PUP Vibes Media FB Page: Vibes Media Radio & TV

NOTICE FELICE DIRIGENZA CORP. No. 120,187 (“the Company”) Pursuant to Section 102 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, notice is hereby given that FELICE DIRIGENZA CORP. has been dissolved as at 26th May, 2017 and has been struck off the Register of International Business Companies.

CIL Trust International Limited Registered Agent

NOTICE TERRABELLA S.A. No. 160,203 (“the Company”) Pursuant to Section 102 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, notice is hereby given that TERRABELLA S.A. has been dissolved as at 25th May, 2017 and has been struck off the Register of International Business Companies.

MACLACHLAN & DENNIN LIMITED Registered Agent

Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Mortgage made the 30th day of July, 2008, between MIRIAM JUDITH CASTILLO of DFC Area, San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, Belize District, Belize (hereinafter called “the Borrower”) of the one part and SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LIMITED (hereinafter called “the Mortgagee”) of the other part, and recorded in Deeds Book Volume 27 of 2008 at Folios 967- 1034, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto.

All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land BEING Lot No. 101 SITUATE in San Juan Village, Near Mile 34, Southern Highway, Stann Creek District and bounded as follows: On the Northeast for 27.697 Meters by 40 Feet Road; On the Southeast for 23.903 Meters by Lot No. 89; On the Southwest for 30.478 Meters by Lot No. 100; On the Northwest for 24.889 Meters by 30 Feet Road; and on the North for 4.017 Meters by a Daylight Cut; containing 785.569 Square Meters as shown on Entry No. 3058 Register No. 11 at the Office of the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys,TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 24th day of May, 2017.

MUSA & BALDERAMOS LLP 91 North Front Street Belize City Attorneys-at-Law for Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.

For Sale

By Order of the Mortgagee Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Mortgage made the 13th day of September 2005, between RUDOLF SPAIN of Georgeville Village, Cayo District, Belize (hereinafter called “the Borrower”) of the one part and SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LIMITED (hereinafter called “the Mortgagee”) of the other part, and recorded in Deeds Book Volume 28 of 2005 at Folios 1453- 1482, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto.

All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 118 comprising of 1221.365 S.M. situate in Georgeville Village, Cayo District, bounded and described as shown by Plan No. 457 of 2005 attached to Minister’s Fiat Grant No.457 of 2005, TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 16th day of May, 2017.

MUSA & BALDERAMOS LLP 91 North Front Street Belize City Attorneys-at-Law for Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.

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NOTICE

BY ORDER OF CHARGEE NOTICE OF INTENTION TO SELL

Notice is hereby given that the below companies have been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the dates indicated:

HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED a statutory body formed and registered under the Credit Union Act, Chapter 314 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, and whose registered office is situated at No. 1 Hyde’s Lane, Belize City, Belize District hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Chargee under and by virtue of a Charge registered at the Land Registry between BRENDA LEE HENKIS of the one part and HRCU of the other part.

POVEGLIA S.A. - May 18th, 2017 Golden Sky Ventures Ltd. - May 26th, 2017 TRE INVEST & MANAGEMENT INC. - May 26th, 2017

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

ICAZA BELIZE TRUST CORPORATION LIMITED

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

SCHEDULE

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the below companies have been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the dates indicated:

ALL THAT piece or parcel of land comprising 408.14 square yards being Parcel 1591, Block 7 in the San Pedro Registration Section situate on Flying Fish Drive, San Pablo Area, San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, Belize District TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon, the freehold property of BRENDA LEE HENKIS. DATED this 17th day of May 2017

TRADECO HOLDINGS LTD. - May 18th, 2017 RASKA HOLDINGS LTD. - May 19th, 2017 PAISLEY GROUP INC. - May 19th, 2017 JEFTEX ALLIANCE LTD. - May 24th, 2017

HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED 1 HYDE’S LANE, BELIZE CITY, BELIZE Phone: (501) 224-5644 Fax: (501) 223-0738

NOTICE

Belize Corporate Services Limited Registered Agent

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the below companies have been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the dates indicated: VESSER INTERNATIONAL LIMITED - May 23rd, 2017 ALVERSY INVESTMENTS LTD. - May 20th, 2017 FLAMINGO OVERSEAS LTD. - May 20th, 2017 MAGILL INVESTMENTS LIMITED - May 20th, 2017 ALEMAN, CORDERO, GALINDO & LEE TRUST (BELIZE) LIMITED

Registered Agent

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the below companies has been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the dates indicated: Alba International Ltd. - May 23rd 2017

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF BELIZE A.D. 2017 (DIVORCE) ACTION NO.: 67

BETWEEN

(ANCELLA RUTHANNIE BLANCO ( ( AND ( (CARLOS ALFREDO PALACIOS BLANCO

PETITIONER

RESPONDENT

TO: Carlos Alfredo Palacios Blanco

TAKE NOTICE that the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage dated 3rd day of March, 2017, endorsed with a Notice to you to appear and answer the charges therein has been filed in the Supreme Court of Belize, by ANCELLA RUTHANNIE BLANCO of Oriole Street, Punta Gorda Town, Toledo District, Belize, and that you are required within fourteen (14) days after the second publication herein, inclusive of the day of such publication, to enter an appearance either in person or by your Attorney at the Registry of the Supreme Court, should you think fit so to do and thereafter to make answer to the charges in the said Petition AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that in default of your so doing the Court will proceed to hear the said charges proved and pronounce judgement your absence notwithstanding.

This Petition is filed and this Notice to appear is issued by Oswald Twist of # 16 Bishop Street, Belize City, Belize, Attorney-at-Law for the Petitioner, ANCELLA RUTHANNIE BLANCO. DATED this 1st day of May 2017 REGISTRAR OF THE SUPREME COURT

ARIAS, FABREGA & FABREGA (BELIZE) LIMITED

Registered Agent

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

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ESPAÑOL

La violencia en México ha empujado a comunidades a organizarse en autodefensas armadas.

EMBOSCADA EN CIUDAD DE MÉXICO DEJA CINCO POLICÍAS MUERTOS

44JUN JUN

THE THEBELIZE BELIZETIMES TIMES

Cinco policías murieron este martes en un suburbio de Ciudad de México, donde fueron emboscados tras acudir en respuesta a un llamado de auxilio.

2017 2017 Por AP / México 30 de Mayo de 2017 Los oficiales llegaron en dos patrullas a eso de las 4 horas al vecindario de Ecatepec, en Ejidos de San Cristóbal, dijo la municipalidad. Tres murieron en el lugar y otros dos fallecieron cuando recibían atención médica.

Las autoridades investigan el motivo del ataque. Muchos residentes de la zona metropolitana se quejan de la violencia y de la ineficacia de la Policía.

Ecatepec se ubica en el Estado de México, que rodea a la Ciudad de México en tres de sus flancos y donde habrá elecciones para gobernador el próximo domingo.

En Jalisco, en el occidente del país, opera una de las or-

La restricción de viajar con aparatos electrónicos ha sido restringido por EE. UU., para evitar ataques terroristas.

EE. UU. DESCARTA PROHIBIR COMPUTADORES PORTÁTILES EN VUELOS DE EUROPA Las autoridades de seguridad en la aviación de Estados Unidos desestimaron este martes prohibir por ahora los computadores portátiles en los vuelos procedentes de Europa.

Por AFP / DPA 30 de Mayo de 2017 La medida era contemplaba para evitar que el grupo Estado Islámico escondiera bombas en artículos electrónicos.

Posibilidad Estados Unidos no descartó aún ampliar la prohibición sobre el uso de laptops en cabina a vuelos desde Europa, aclaró hoy el secretario de Seguridad Nacional, John Kelly, después de que circulara una versión al respecto.

Sin embargo, el Departamento de Seguridad Interior dijo que tal prohibición, en vigor actualmente para los vuelos que llegan a Estados Unidos desde el Medio Oriente, podría ser instrumentada "si la inteligencia y el nivel de amenazas lo justifican".

Kelly había mantenido hoy una teleconferencia con el comisario de Interior de la Unión Europea (UE), Dmitris Avramopoulus, y la comisaria de Transporte del bloque, Violeta Bulc.

Según la declaración, en la conversación las partes estuvieron de acuerdo en que debe incrementarse la seguridad aérea en todo el mundo.

La página web estadounidense "Politico" había señalado que Washington había decidido seguir permitiendo el uso de laptops en cabina en vuelos desde Europa, y fuentes europeas se lo confirmaron Temor Los expertos en terrorismo estadounidense temen que se cometan atentados con explosivos con dispositivos electrónicos.

A raíz de esto, en marzo se prohibió el uso de estos aparatos en vuelos provenientes de diez aeropuertos del norte de África y Oriente Medio.

Los temores de Estados Unidos surgen a partir de información de los servicios secretos, que aseguran que los terroristas desarrollaron métodos para esconder explosivos en laptops y otros dispositivos electrónicos.

"Es algo con lo que los terroristas están realmente obsesionados, la idea de derribar un avión en vuelo. En particular si se trata de un aparato estadounidense, en particular si está lleno de estadounidenses", manifestó Kelly en una entrevista con Fox News.

ganizaciones de narcotráfico de más acelerado crecimiento en México, el Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación.

También el martes, se informó que un jefe policial en el estado de Jalisco fue acribillado por hombres armados que además hirieron a la mujer que iba con él.

El jefe policial de Huejuquilla El Alto iba en un Ford Mustang por el centro de la ciudad la noche del lunes cuando hombres armados en varios vehículos le dispararon, dijo la Procuraduría General del estado. La mujer quedó herida en una mano.

Las autoridades están tratando de determinar el motivo del crimen. El comunicado oficial no suministró el nombre de la víctima.

Opositores llaman a arreciar protestas contra Maduro

OPOSICIÓN VENEZOLANA ENDURECE POSTURA Y ARRECIA PROTESTAS Miles de opositores marcharon este lunes en Caracas en lo que definieron como el inicio de una etapa de mayor presión Por AFP / Venezuela 29 de Mayo de 2017 Las protestas están dirigidas contra el presidente Nicolás Maduro y su proyecto de Asamblea Constituyente.

Los manifestantes intentaron avanzar hacia la sede de la Defensoría del Pueblo, en el centro de la capital, pero fueron bloqueados por militares con bombas lacrimógenas, chorros de agua a presión y perdigones.

El chavismo, en tanto, se movilizó en esa zona en respaldo a la iniciativa para reformar la Constitución.

Fueron las primeras manifestaciones después de que la coalición opositora Mesa de la Unidad Democrática (MUD) llamara el domingo a “escalar” las protestas para impedir la Constituyente, a la que considera un “fraude” de Maduro para eludir elecciones y aferrarse al poder.

Desde que comenzaron el pasado 1 de abril, las protestas

dejan 59 muertos y más de un millar de heridos, según la Fiscalía, así como cerca de tres mil detenidos, de acuerdo con la ONG Foro Penal.

Los dirigentes de la MUD no han detallado en qué consistirá dicha escalada, aunque anticiparon que las acciones en adelante prevén permanecer más tiempo en las calles.

Como ha sucedido cada vez que la oposición trata de marchar hacia el centro de Caracas, la principal autopista de la ciudad era escenario de enfrentamientos entre cuerpos de seguridad y manifestantes, que lanzaban piedras y cocteles molotov contra los uniformados.

También se registraban disturbios en otras áreas del este y el oeste de la capital.

Opositores al gobierno venezolano participan de nuevo en una manifestación en Caracas. (Foto Prensa Libre: EFE)

El diputado Carlos Paparoni denunció haber sido herido por una bomba lacrimógena en la cabeza. Otros opositores aseguraron que los uniformados les dispararon objetos metálicos con sus escopetas de perdigones.

Mientras, una neurálgica avenida del centro, donde se ubican importantes oficinas públicas y a través de la cual se puede llegar al palacio presidencial de Miraflores, amaneció bloqueada con barreras metálicas de la Guardia Nacional.

El chavismo marchó hacia El Calvario, emblemático paseo de la zona, para respaldar la Constituyente, que Maduro define como un poder, incluso por “encima de la ley”, que resolverá la grave crisis venezolana.

“Liquidar la democracia” La Constituyente “es prácticamente una elección interna del PSUV”, dijo a periodistas durante la marcha opositora el excandidato presidencial Henrique Capriles, refiriéndose al gobernante Partido Socialista Unido de Venezuela.

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18 JAN

THE THEBELIZE BELIZETIMES TIMES 2015

Justicia dominicana ordena arrestos por caso Odebrecht Los escándalos de corrupción orquestados por la empresa brasileña Odebercht se agudizan, esta vez en República Dominicana

Roberto Rodríguez, exdirector de INAPA, es ingresado al Palacio de Justicia, como parte de las detenciones de Odebrecht Por AFP 29 de Mayo de 2017 Un ministro y otras siete personas -entre ellas varios exfuncionarios- fueron detenidas este lunes en República Dominicana por el caso de los sobornos de la constructora brasileña Odebrecht, informó la Procuraduría General.

Las capturas se realizaron desde las primeras horas en Santo Domingo, en allanamientos simultáneos, e incluyen al actual ministro de Industria y Comercio, Juan Temístocles Montás, dijo una fuente del organismo.

Montás se desempeñó anteriormente como ministro de Economía, Planificación y Desarrollo en los gobiernos de Leonel Fernández (2004-2008 y 20082012) y en el primer período del actual

mandatario, Danilo Medina (2012-2016).

Los sobornos de Odebrecht en Dominicana ascendieron a US$92 millones desde 2001 hasta 2014, según la propia empresa.

También fueron arrestados el exministro de Obras Públicas Víctor Díaz Rúa y el exvicepresidente de la Corporación de Empresas Eléctricas Estatales (CDEEE) Radhamés Segura, quienes ocuparon cargos durante los gobiernos de Fernández.

Andrés Bautista, presidente del Partido Revolucionario Moderno (PRM), principal agrupación opositora, el exdiputado Ruddy González y el encargado comercial de la constructora en el país, Ángel Rondón, figuran igualmente entre los sindicados.

Del gobierno de Hipólito Me-

LA SAGA DE NORIEGA, EXDICTADOR PANAMEÑO FALLECIDO

Foto del dictador panameño Manuel Antonio Noriega -izqmientras saluda a la tropa en Panamá, en 1985 Por AFP y AP / Panamá 30 de Mayo de 2017 El ex hombre fuerte de Panamá, Manuel Antonio Noriega, cumplía en Panamá tres condenas de 20 años cada una por desaparición de opositores durante su régimen, tras descontar 21 años de prisión en Estados Unidos y Francia.

Los siguientes son los hechos más relevantes que marcaron su historia: 11 de febrero de 1934: Nace en Ciudad de Panamá en el seno de una familia pobre.

Se gradúa en la Academia militar de Chorrillos (Perú).

Josué Giroldi, hijo del mayor Moisés Giroldi, acribillado después de liderar una rebelión militar contra Noriega en octubre

de 1989.

“Nunca confesó la verdad sobre esos hechos y esto sí nos deja en la zozobra para toda la vida. Nosotros ya lo habíamos perdonado por lo que ocurrió”.

1968: Participa del golpe de Estado que derroca al presidente Arnulfo Arias y encumbra al general Omar Torrijos. Noriega termina encargándose del espionaje y en esa época se enrola como informador de la CIA. 1983: Logra el mando del Ejército y comienza a gobernar de facto, dos años después del misterioso accidente de avión que acabó con la vida de Torrijos.

20 de diciembre de 1989: Estados Unidos comienza una cruenta invasión a Panamá para capturarlo bajo acusaciones de

jía (2000-2004) fueron privados de la libertad César Sánchez, exdirector de la CDEEE, y el exdirector del Instituto Nacional de Aguas Potables y Alcantarillados (Inapa), César Sánchez.

Los detenidos permanecen en la cárcel del Palacio de Justicia de Ciudad Nueva, en la capital, mientras son presentados ante un juez.

El caso Odebrecht ha causado varias protestas en Dominicana. (Foto Prensa Libre: AP) El pasado 17 de mayo, la Procuraduría informó que había recibido oficialmente desde Brasil las delaciones del caso Odebrecht relativas a República Dominicana y que procedería a compararlas con las informaciones ofrecidas por la compañía a nivel local y con las levantanarcotráfico. Tras varios días escondido en la Nunciatura, se entrega a tropas estadounidenses.

1992: En Estados Unidos recibe una condena de 40 años de cárcel por narcotráfico, que solo cumple parcialmente por buena conducta.

Abril de 2010: Es extraditado a Francia, que lo reclama por blanquear en bancos franceses US$3 millones provenientes del cartel de Medellín.

Julio de 2010: La justicia francesa lo condena a siete años de prisión.

11 de diciembre del 2011: Francia lo extradita a Panamá, donde cumple tres condenas de 20 años cada una por las muertes del opositor Hugo Spadafora (1985), del militar Moisés Giroldi y por la llamada masacre de Albrook, en la que varios militares murieron después de sublevarse contra su gobierno.

28 de Enero de 2017: Noriega, quien ha sufrido varios derrames cerebrales, complicaciones pulmonares, cáncer de próstata y depresión, es excarcelado temporalmente para operarse de un tumor cerebral benigno.

Patria Portugal, hija del opositor comunitario Heliodoro Portugal.

“Realmente muchísimas familias panameñas no van a saber qué pasó con sus seres queridos. Esto es triste porque no puede haber reconciliación ni puede haber paz si no se sabe la verdad de las cosas”.

7 de Marzo de 2017: Es operado de un tumor cerebral, que se complicó con una hemorragia.

29 de mayo de 2017: Muere Noriega.

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das durante interrogatorios a varios de los procesados.

Según los datos revelados por Odebrecht, República Dominicana es el tercer país donde más coimas pagó para agenciarse obras y favores, con US$92 millones, solo después de Brasil, donde erogó US$349 millones, y Venezuela, donde pagó US$98 millones.

En República Dominicana, la compañía fue contratada para realizar al menos 16 obras, entre las que figuran circuitos de autopistas y carreteras, puentes, embalses para represas, hidroeléctricas, acueductos y hasta una planta de generación de electricidad que todavía está en proceso.

No se descartan nuevas detenciones en las próximas horas.

Confirma 14 imputaciones El procurador dominicano, Jean Alain Rodríguez, confirmó hoy la imputación de 14 personas, entre ellas un ministro y tres legisladores, por su presunta implicación en los sobornos de la constructora brasileña Odebrecht en el país.

“Son los jueces quienes van a decidir si luego de que lo hemos apresado, los dejan o no en libertad”.

Estas son las primeras detenciones en el país por los sobornos que la brasileña Odebrecht asegura haber entregado para que le adjudicaran contratos de obras de infraestructuras entre 2001 y 2014.

El procurador dominicano adelantó que el Ministerio Público solicitará 18 meses de prisión preventiva contra los implicados, pero aclaró que “a partir de ahora está en manos de jueces aceptar o rechazar nuestra solicitud”.

Dijo que el proceso judicial deberá ser conocido por la Suprema Corte de Justicia (SCJ) debido a que algunos de los imputados son congresistas y, además, hay un ministro.

MADURO FIRMA LAS BASES PARA NACIONAL CONSTITUYENTE Continued from page 30 Según la oposición, el sistema planteado para elegir a los asambleístas permitiría al chavismo ganar la mayoría de los delegados, aún con menos votos. Los adversarios de Maduro rechazan además que la iniciativa no se someta a referendo.

El opositor Henrique Capriles resulta afectado por los gases lacrimógenos lanzados por la Policía.

(Foto Prensa Libre: AFP) La Constituyente busca “instaurar un régimen comunista y liquidar la democracia para siempre”, según Freddy Guevara, vicepresidente del Parlamento, único poder controlado por la oposición.

El lunes también se registraron protestas en otras ciudades como San Cristóbal (estado Táchira, fronterizo con Colombia), donde dos taxis y un autobús fueron quemados para bloquear vías.

El Gobierno y la oposición se culpan mutuamente de la violencia desencadenada en casi dos meses de manifestaciones en todo el país.

Maduro acusa a sus adversarios de “actos de terrorismo” para dar un golpe de Estado, mientras que estos le responsabilizan por una “brutal represión”.

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AI will be able to beat us at everything by 2060, say experts

By Timothy Revell Enjoy beating robots while you still can. There is a 50 per cent chance that machines will outperform humans in all tasks within 45 years, according to a survey of more than 350 artificial intelligence researchers.

AI will master many activities a lot sooner, though. Machines are predicted to be better than us at translating languages by 2024, writing high-school essays by 2026, driving a truck by 2027, working in retail by 2031, writing a bestselling book by 2049 and surgery by 2053. In fact, all human jobs will be automated within the next 120 years, say respondents.

The survey, by the University of Oxford and Yale University, was sent to AI researchers who published in 2015 at one of two big conferences in the field – the Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems and the International Conference on Machine Learning. In total, 352 people responded.

The results have “far-reaching social consequences,” says Katja Grace at the Machine Intelligence Research Institute in Berkeley, California. How will teachers deal with computer-generated essays that are indistinguishable from the real thing, for example?

But at least we will still be around to deal with these issues.

Despite media hype about the dangers of AI, the researchers put only a 5 per cent chance on computers bringing about outcomes near the level of human extinction.

One-trick AI AIs can already outperform humans in many tasks. AlphaGo, Google DeepMind’s AI, has just beaten the best human Go player in the world. Other systems can lip-read better than professionals or help detectives sift through police data. Yet each of these is only good at one task and would be useless at most others unless retrained.

“There is accumulating evidence that machines can overpower human intelligence in complex, though specific tasks,” says Eleni Vasilaki at the University of Sheffield in the UK. But there is little evidence that AI with human-like versatility will appear any time soon, she says.

The survey results showed

no link between the seniority of a researcher and the predictions they made, but where people were from did have an impact. Those in Asia typically gave shorter time frames than those in North America – predicting, for example, that AI would outperform humans on all tasks within 30 years, compared with 74 years. “This may well be an

German court rejects parents' access to dead teenager's Facebook account A court in Germany has ruled that the parents of a dead teenage girl have no right to access their daughter's Facebook account.

May 31, 2017 BBC World News The 15-year-old was killed by a train in 2012 and her parents were trying to establish if she had committed suicide.

They had sought access to her chat messages and posts in order to find out whether she had been bullied.

But Facebook argued that open-

ing up the account would compromise the privacy of the teenager's contacts.

A first court in Berlin had ruled in favour of the family, saying that the contents of the girl's account could be seen as similar to letters and diaries, which "can be inherited regardless of their content".

interesting demonstration of culture at work when forming opinions about technology,” says Leslie Willcocks at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Yet the responses are not always consistent, such as those concerning which game AI will master next. “They predict that AI will surpass humans at the video game StarCraft in six years, compared to all Atari games in nine years,” says Georgios Yannakakis at the University of Malta in Msida. “Some Atari games are hard, but nothing like StarCraft.”

Additionally, most of the survey focuses on the cognitive aspects of intelligence that fit well-defined tasks. “But parts of intelligence, such as emotional intelligence, go beyond cognition,” says Yannakakis. “It would be interesting to ask when AI will surpass humans at being art or movie critics.”

But an appeals court has now ruled in favour of Facebook, saying that a contract existed between the girl and the social media company and that it ended with her death.

The parents may yet launch a further appeal against the verdict.

Facebook has recently faced increased scrutiny in Germany, especially over its handling of hate speech and fake news on the platform.

The company earlier this year announced the introduction of new tools in Germany to combat fabricated stories.

Meanwhile, German officials last month approved plans to levy heavy fines on social media firms if they fail to remove inappropriate comments and content quickly.

FEB 47JUN

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THE BELIZE THE BELIZE TIMESTIMES

REGIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

Four fans killed in stampede at game in Honduras

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Trump 'poised to quit Paris climate deal'

At least four people are believed to have died and many others injured in a stampede at a game in Honduras BBC News, May 31, 2017 The incident occurred at a sold-out match between Motagua and Honduras Progreso in the Honduran capital.

News agency Associated Press reports that a police statement claimed too many tickets had been sold.

Motagua denied too many tickets were sold and said they warned "responsible authorities immediately that fake tickets were being circulated".

They said the fake tickets "enabled people to enter the stadium illegally to watch the final between Motagua and El Progreso - people who apparently occupied seats that were not theirs, forcing others to leave the area".

The game went ahead, with Motagua winning the title play-off match, held at the 35,000-capacity national stadium in Tegucigalpa, 3-0 on the day and 7-1 on aggregate.

NEWS

US President Donald Trump is poised to pull the country out of the Paris climate accord, US media report, quoting senior officials

The game was at the stadium of Motagua, who play in the Honduran capital city, Tegucigalpa

China-built railway biggest Kenya project since independence BBC News, May 31, 2017 MOMBASA, Kenya (AP) â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Kenya's president on Tuesday opened the country's largest infrastructure project since independence, a Chinese-backed railway costing nearly $3.3 billion that eventually will link a large part of East Africa to a major port on the Indian Ocean as China seeks to increase trade and influence.

The railway replaces part of the 660-mile (1,062-kilometer) line known as the "lunatic express," which was built by the British more than a century ago and linked Lake Victoria with the port city of Mombasa.

Kenya Railways says the newly opened stretch will reduce passengers' travel time from the capital, Nairobi, to Mombasa from more than 10 hours to four.

The Chinese-funded, Chinese-constructed project has drawn criticism from some observers who call it overpriced; its cost represents about 5 percent of Kenya's GDP. Activists have blocked the railway's second phase with a court order because of concerns about the impact on wildlife as it cuts across Nairobi National Park. Passengers on Monday's journey saw dozens of elephants, zebras and other wildlife en route to the coast.

The 2015 accord for the first time united most of the world in a single agreement to mitigate climate change.

It was signed by 195 countries out of 197 in a UN group on climate change, with Syria and Nicaragua abstaining.

In a tweet on Wednesday, Mr Trump said he would announce his decision within the "next few days".

What was agreed in Paris?

Climate change, or global warming, refers to the damaging effect of gases, or emissions, released from industry and agriculture on the atmosphere.

The Paris accord is meant to limit the global rise in temperature attributed to emissions.

Countries agreed to: Keep global temperatures "well below" the level of 2C (3.6F) above pre-industrial times and "endeavour to limit" them even more, to 1.5C Limit the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by human activity to the same levels that trees, soil and oceans can absorb naturally, beginning at some point between 2050 and 2100 Review each country's contribution to cutting emissions every five years so they scale up to the challenge Enable rich countries to help poorer nations by providing "climate finance" to adapt to climate change and switch to renewable energy To date, 147 out of the 197 countries have ratified the accord, including the US, where the accord entered into force last November.

Why does Trump object?

Mr Trump has previously called climate change "a hoax" devised by the Chinese government.

He promised to "cancel" the Paris deal during his election campaign last year, saying it was "bad for US business" because it allowed "foreign bureaucrats control over how much energy we use".

Model claims Hyundai fired her for having her period A model has filed a complaint against the car maker Hyundai, claiming she was fired from a job for having her period BBC News, May 31, 2017 Rachel Rickert, 27, says she was "shamed" while representing the brand at the New York International Auto Show in April.

She says she made clear that she needed a toilet break, but was told it was too busy a time. She did not make it in time to change her tampon.

Hyundai Motor America says it is investigating the allegations.

Ms Rickert says she needed to change her underwear and tights, and told her talent rep Erika Seifred what had happened.

She later got a text from Ms Seifred saying the client - Hyundai - wanted her to take the night off.

The model told the BBC that she resisted, saying she would rather stay as she was being paid by the hour.

She went to work the next day, 14 April, as normal.

Ms Rickert says the rep then called on 15 April, saying that Hyundai no longer wanted her to work at the show because they heard about her period.

"I was completely puzzled," she told the BBC. "I was really upset. I started crying... I book out shows, and I miss other opportunities. So I was just like - 'What? This is not right!'"

The model has made a discrimination complaint to the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) against Hyundai and Ms Seifred's management firm, Experiential Talent.

The model, who has taken part in 50 similar conventions, said she felt "shamed" by the brand's alleged behaviour.

Hyundai Motor America told the BBC it has not yet received an EEOC filing, but is looking into what happened.

Venezuela opposition condemns Goldman Sachs debt deal May 31 2017 Opponents of embattled President Nicolas Maduro say the move has given his government a financial lifeline.

The New York-based investment bank is reported to have bought the bonds at a heavily discounted rate.

Goldman Sachs said it bought the debt on the secondary market and did not deal directly with the government.

But the opposition has threat-

Opposition leaders in Venezuela have strongly criticised the investment bank Goldman Sachs for buying $2.8bn (ÂŁ2.1bn) of government bonds

ened that a future government would refuse to repay the debts to the bank.

The opposition-controlled Congress also voted on Tuesday to ask its US counterpart to investigate the deal.

"Goldman Sachs' financial lifeline to the regime will serve to strengthen the brutal repression unleashed against the hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans peacefully protesting for political change in the country," said Julio Borges, head of Venezuela's

Congress, in a letter to Goldman Sachs president Lloyd Blankfein.

"Given the unconstitutional nature of Nicolas Maduro's administration, its unwillingness to hold democratic elections and its systematic violation of human rights, I am dismayed that Goldman Sachs decided to enter this transaction."

He said he intended to recommend to "any future democratic government of Venezuela not to recognise or pay on these bonds".

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THE BELIZE TIMES

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2017