Belize Times March 13, 2022 - Belize in Taiwan

The Belize Times

1

13 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES

2022

Established 1957

13 MARCH 2022 | ISSUE NO: 5291

The Truth Shall Make You Free

facebook/belizetimespress | $1.00

BELIZE IN TAIWAN

“In the name of the Belizean people, I proudly proclaim that we believe that the people of Taiwan have the right to live in peace as a nation, fully recognized by the international community,”- PM John Briceño address in Taiwan

Pg. 2 Pg. 15

San Pedro Accord: Caricom-SICA a geopolitical reality

MORE

CONSULTATIONS

IN TOLEDO

Pg. 10

PM BRICEÑO IN TAIWAN MEETS BELIZEAN STUDENTS NORA PARHAM PARDON The State Righting the Wrong

Pg. 9

GoB Respect for Alcaldes

Pg. 5

LAMANAI “Worldwide Significance”

Pg. 8 World Monument’s Watch

HAPPY WOMEN’S MONTH: #BREAKTHEBIAS

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13 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES

BELIZE IN TAIWAN

The colors of Belize were draped all over Taiwan this past week as Belize’s 33-year-old friendship with the Republic of China-Taiwan was reaffirmed at the highest level--Prime Minister John Briceño was welcomed

by President Tsai to her Pacific Ocean’s island-nation with all military honors and official splendour.

The detail was crisp and the friendship between both countries were spoken behind their National birds, the Keel-Billed Toucan and the Taiwan Magpie colorful emblazoned on the facemasks. The coronavirus is ubiquitous yet ignored.

In what most have felt like the most historic state visit since taking office in November 2020, Prime Minister John Briceño has been conferred with an Order of Propitious Clouds - Taiwan’s highest honour by President Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan.

This was for PM Briceño’s unwavering support He and his government have shown Taiwan in promoting self-determination and peaceful settlements. (Taiwan, like Belize, finds

itself on the defensive end of a territorial dispute with mainland China - a dispute that dates back to 1949.)

And in what can only be considered a distinction of equal standards PM Briceño received an Honorary Doctorate from the Kun Shan University.

President Tsai also gifted PM Briceño a framed piece of art. This work symbolizes embarking on great undertaking, mirroring the outstanding achievements of Prime Minis-

Cabinet Brief Belmopan. 8th March 2022. 9:00 a.m.

The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño, met in regular session on 4th March 2022. ● Cabinet gave its approval for the Attorney General’s Ministry to make the necessary legislative preparation for Belize to accede to the Madrid System for the International Registration of marks known as the Madrid Protocol which will form a part of the domestic legal framework. Belize Intellectual Property Office (BELIPO) personnel will be trained in preparation for the full implementation of this protocol. ● After discussion, Cabinet gave its full support for the proposal from Hon. Dolores Balderamos Garcia for Nora Parham to be granted a posthumous pardon so as to correct a historic wrong in 1963. Cabinet is of the view that this will go a long way to focus attention on the issue of domestic violence.

The Governor General will be kindly requested to ask the Belize Advisory Council to so recommend. ● Cabinet gave its recommendation for the introduction of the Cannabis Control and Licensing Bill, 2022 at the next sitting of the House of Representatives. The adoption of the Cannabis Control Bill will provide for the control and licensing of the Cannabis industry and to establish the necessary legislative framework to govern and regulate the cultivation, processing, distribution, and delivery of Cannabis products for adult use only. ● Cabinet gave its approval for the Ministry of the Blue Economy & Civil Aviation to present for adoption a draft National Mariculture Policy that will guide the development of a sustainable mariculture industry in Belize. ● Cabinet was updated on the status of vaccinations and the number of vaccines available in Belize as of 3rd March. Currently, there are more than 249,762 vaccines on hand. As of 3rd March 2022, 214,423 persons or 49.84 percent of the total population had received at least one dose of the vaccine and 207,360 or 48.20 percent of the total population has been fully vaccinated. Also, 30,916 Belizeans, aged 12 to 17 years old, have received at least one dose of the vaccine and 25,507 two doses. Additionally, over 39,300 booster shots have been issued to date. Boosters are available to persons (including those 12 to 17 years old) who have been fully vaccinated for three months or more. ● Finally, Cabinet continues to encourage those not fully vaccinated, to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Vaccines save lives.

ter John Briceño. The Taiwan-Belize Economic Cooperation Agreement came into effect on January 15 of this year, and this piece, depicting an eagle spreading its wings and soaring high, underscores the hope that trade between Taiwan and Belize continue to increase.

President Tsai officially welcomed Prime Minister Briceño and First Lady Briceño on the morning of March ninth with military honors, complete with an inspection of the guard of honour and 19-gun salute in front of the Presidential Office in Taiwan on Wednesday. In her welcoming remarks, she highlighted that Belize and Taiwan have enjoyed close diplomatic ties and cooperation in a wide range of fields, which she hoped will only be further strengthened with Prime Minister Briceño’s visit.

“This October marks the 33rd anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Belize. In recent years, our two nations have worked together very closely in numerous fields.” said President Tsai. Thereafter that evening, she hosted Prime Minister Briceño and his delegation at a state luncheon in his honor at the Presidential Office.

President Tsai also thanked members of our Cabinet for speaking up for Taiwan at numerous international events and endorsing their participation at international events.

“Belize and Taiwan are friends and partners. We enjoy a cordial bilateral relationship, which has grown stronger during the almost 33 years.

Belize has benefited greatly from our diplomatic partnership with Taiwan that is based on the shared values of democracy, freedom, human rights, and the rule of law.” the Prime Minister continued, underscoring that people want renewed respect for the right of all to self-determination and non-interference in each other’s in-

2022

ternal affairs.

The week-long visit is expected to achieve much, with Prime Minister Briceno’s delegation meeting with high-level Ministers and potential investors. Over the past few years, our two countries’ cooperation in areas of agricultural technology, environmental sustainability, education, and culture has resulted in beneficial opportunities for Belize.

Among those in attendance at the banquet were Secretary-General to the President David T. Lee, Foreign Minister Joseph Wu, Legislator Wang Ting-yu, Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs Chen Chern-chyi, Director-General Chou Mei-wu of the Ocean Affairs Council’s Coast Guard Administration, Ambassador to Belize David K.C. Chien, and Belize Ambassador to the ROC Candice Pitts. (https://english.president.gov.tw) President Tsai personally Continued on page 5

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14 APR 2013

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13 MAR

2022

THE BELIZE TIMES

03 3

EDITORIAL

T

WOMEN’S MONTH

here is quite the stir being generated in relation to Women’s Rights. Perhaps, it is the stellar work of the Ministry of Human Development, Families, and Indigenous People’s Affairs and the National Women’s Commission. Perhaps it is the glaring spotlight that former Leader of the Opposition shone on the issue of Domestic Violence that is so prevalent in our country. Probably, it is a combination of all these that have made this year’s observance of Women’s Month unusually active.

It seems that finally Belizeans have had enough of abusive men and will stand for it no more. It was after all the pressure of the public outcry that forced out Faber. In an interview, activist and author, Anne Marie Williams asserts that qualified and experienced women are often passed over for positions of leadership and political representation in favour of severely unqualified men.

Jules Vasquez in the same interview says that they “have never had it so good” we would counter that it is still not good enough. It will not be enough until women are represented in the House of Representatives and the Cabinet in equal numbers as men.

Women’s inclusion in leadership and government benefits the entire country. Studies show that women demonstrate political leadership mostly by working across party lines to champion causes that improve overall living conditions. These issues are gender equality, elimination of gender-based violence, parental leave, childcare pensions, gender-equality laws and electoral reform. Therefore, those countries where women lead show greater resilience, more inclusive and sustainable organization, inclusivity, and accountability. In the last two years alone, we have been witness to the progressive leadership of women in handling the Covid-19 pandemic. Those countries that were women-led acted boldly and decisively, they earned the recognition and international respect of their peers by the way they handled the crisis and prioritized public interest over any other consideration. In light of the upcoming local village council elections, it is important to recognize the role women and women leaders play as protectors of the environment and advocates of sustainable development and guardians of our culture and traditions.

Women’s Month comes to remind us of the many contributions of our women to Belize, our Motherland. It must also remind us of the atrocities committed against her daughters, like in the case of Nora Parham. It is a time to right a terrible wrong and a chance to recognize that this victim was further revictimized and wrongly convicted of a crime. Women’s Month is about women’s rights, equality, and equity, it is also about parity in representation and leadership. Women who #breakthebias and go against the status quo, who challenge stereotypes lead by example and show how it’s done. Women such as Madame Liz have blazed the trail for us and shown us that it is possible for women to lead. There is also a convention to elect a leader of the party in opposition, there is a woman who has courageously put her name on the ballot. On this Women’s Month, we wish her well, she who had to take a back seat as a Minister of State while men like Uncle Boots were given reign over a full Ministry. She was also passed over for a Ministry while Finny the Misogynist languished doing nothing as Minister of Housing for over a decade. Will her party now vote for some of the same? Will just any man do just so that we can keep women away from the decision-making table? We have absolutely no vote in that mess, but it will spell doom on the UDP should they choose a lacklustre leader over the lady.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

EDITORIAL

S

13 MAR

2022

en Español

MES DE LA MUJER

e está generando un gran revuelo en relación con los derechos de la mujer. Tal vez sea el trabajo estelar del Ministerio de Desarrollo Humano, Familias y Asuntos de los Pueblos Indígenas y de la Comisión Nacional de la Mujer. Tal vez sea el foco de atención que el ex líder de la oposición puso en el tema de la violencia doméstica, tan frecuente en nuestro país. Probablemente, es una combinación de todo esto lo que ha hecho que este año la celebración del Mes de la Mujer sea inusualmente activa. Parece que, por fin, las beliceñas se han hartado de los hombres maltratadores y no lo tolerarán más. Al fin y al cabo, fue la presión del clamor público la que obligó a Faber a marcharse. En una entrevista, la activista y escritora Anne Marie Williams afirma que las mujeres cualificadas y con experiencia suelen ser rechazadas para ocupar puestos de liderazgo y representación política a favor de hombres muy poco cualificados. Jules Vásquez, en la misma entrevista, dice que “nunca lo han tenido tan bien”, y contestamos que todavía no es suficiente. No será suficiente hasta que las mujeres estén representadas en la Cámara de Representantes y en el Gabinete en igual número que los hombres La inclusión de las mujeres en el liderazgo y el gobierno beneficia a todo el país. Los estudios demuestran que las mujeres demuestran su liderazgo político sobre todo trabajando por encima de las líneas de partido para defender causas que mejoran las condiciones de vida en general. Estas cuestiones son la igualdad de género, la eliminación de la violencia de género, el permiso parental, las pensiones para el cuidado de los hijos, las leyes de igualdad de género y la reforma electoral. Por lo tanto, aquellos países en los que las mujeres lideran muestran una mayor resiliencia, una organización más inclusiva y sostenible, y una mayor responsabilidad. Sólo en los dos últimos años hemos sido testigos del liderazgo progresivo de las mujeres en la gestión de la pandemia del Covid-19. Los países liderados por mujeres actuaron con audacia y decisión, se ganaron el reconocimiento y el respeto internacional de sus pares por la forma en la que manejaron la crisis y priorizaron el interés público sobre cualquier otra consideración. A la luz de las próximas elecciones a los consejos locales de los pueblos, es importante reconocer el papel que desempeñan las mujeres y las líderes como protectoras del medioambiente y defensoras del desarrollo sostenible y guardianas de nuestra cultura y tradiciones.

El Mes de la Mujer viene a recordarnos las muchas contribuciones de nuestras mujeres a Belice, nuestra Madre Patria. También debe recordarnos las atrocidades cometidas contra sus hijas, como en el caso de Nora Parham. Es el momento de corregir un terrible error y de reconocer que esta víctima fue revictimizada y condenada erróneamente por un crimen. El mes de la mujer trata de los derechos de las mujeres, la igualdad y la equidad, también trata de la paridad en la representación y el liderazgo. Las mujeres que rompen los prejuicios y van en contra del statu quo, que desafían los estereotipos, dan ejemplo y muestran cómo se hace. Las mujeres como Madame Liz nos han abierto el camino y nos han demostrado que es posible que las mujeres lideren. También hay una convención para elegir al líder del partido en la oposición, hay una mujer que ha puesto valientemente su nombre en la papeleta. En este mes de la mujer le deseamos lo mejor, ella que tuvo que pasar a un segundo plano como ministra de Estado mientras hombres como el Tío Boots se hacían cargo de un Ministerio completo. También se le pasó por alto un Ministerio mientras Finny el Misógino languidecía sin hacer nada como ministro de Vivienda durante más de una década. ¿Votará ahora su partido por algo de lo mismo? ¿Servirá cualquier hombre con tal de mantener a las mujeres alejadas de la mesa de decisiones? No tenemos absolutamente ningún voto en ese lío, pero supondrá la perdición para el UDP si eligen a un líder deslucido en lugar de la dama.

13 MAR

2022

BELIZE IN TAIWAN

Continued from page 2 conferred the Order of Propitious Clouds with Special Grand Cordon upon Prime Minister Briceño, and then delivered remarks, a translation of which follows: Prime Minister Briceño is an old and dear friend of Taiwan. As he visits us again, 16 years on from his last trip, I extend my sincere welcome on behalf of the people of Taiwan. I have conferred upon him the Order of Propitious Clouds with Special Grand Cordon in recognition of his support of, and contributions to, our countries’ diplomatic alliance.

Over the past year, as a result of joint efforts by Taiwan and Belize, more and more Belizean products are being sold in Taiwanese stores.

For example, Marie Sharp’s, the most famous of all Belizean hot sauces, is extremely popular among Taiwanese people, and one of my favorites.

Moreover, in the past few years, our cooperation in such areas as agricultural technology, environmental sustainability, and culture and education has yielded plentiful results. We have also shared resources during the pandemic, jointly putting up staunch resistance to COVID-19.

These achievements would not have happened without Prime Minister Briceño’s strong support. I would also like to thank members of the Belizean cabinet, led by Prime Minister Briceño, for speaking up for Taiwan at numerous international events and endorsing Taiwan’s international participation. I believe that going forward, Taiwan and Belize will continue to support each other and cooperate closely. Together, we will create an even more stable and prosperous future for our peoples. Finally, I wish our nations good fortune and a long-lasting diplomatic partnership.

Thank you.

Prime Minister Briceño then delivered remarks, a transcript of which follows: It is a special honor and distinct pleasure for me to be in Taiwan. On behalf of my delegation, please accept our thanks for the very warm welcome we have received and excellent arrangements that have been made for our visit. We are very grateful.

I was last here in 2006. Things have changed – changed for the better. Taiwan is regarded as a full democracy, a world leader in telecommunications, ICT, computer chips.

Taiwan enjoys first class education, healthcare, and other strong social safety nets, an enviable reputation indeed. These changes mark the natural evolution of life. They represent the unending progress and development of nations, but they are not guaranteed, nor is progress without risk.

We live in perilous times.

COVID-19 has dramatically changed our lives; inflation is on the rise; supply chains are disrupted; war rages;

05 5 PM BRICEÑO IN TAIWAN MEETS BELIZEAN STUDENTS

THE BELIZE TIMES

instability abounds. This is not good.

We must recognize these critical points in history. At times like these, friendly nations stand united. We must reaffirm our resolute commitment to those norms that we hold sacred.

Like Taiwan, Belize is proudly democratic. We accept that power resides with the people, and believe that our governments must be freely elected. Our commitment to democratic principles is sacred, and it will never be compromised. Our constitutions are founded on the separation of powers, with an independent judiciary that ensures that the rule of law prevails, that fundamental freedoms and human rights which our people enjoy are guaranteed forever. Our economies are designed to enable the private sector to succeed; at the same time, workers’ rights are guaranteed and respected.

The mixed economy model – government and the private sector working together – has, as its main objective, the reduction of poverty and an ever-improving standard of living. It has brought our peoples good jobs, higher education, affordable healthcare, and quality housing.

Madam President, we must make a common cause based on our abiding belief in the right of all peoples to self-determination, to non-interference in the internal affairs of countries, the territorial integrity of all nations, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. These are the foundational principles of the nationhood of Belize and Taiwan. For almost 33 years, Belize and Taiwan have enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship. We are here today as very good friends of Taiwan. Our partnership is principled; it is strong. Together we will continue to work closely for the mutual benefit of our peoples. On this, you can depend.

In the name of the Belizean people, I proudly proclaim that we believe that the people of Taiwan have the right to live in peace as a nation fully recognized by the international community.

We both have the right to live in peace with our neighbors and to participate in international organizations for the benefit of all mankind.

Madam President, the Order of Propitious Clouds with Special Grand Cordon is a unique honor for Belize. I accept it with humility and gratitude on behalf of the Belizean people. This honor is another tangible symbol of the unbreakable bond between our countries and peoples.

Let us, Taiwan and Belize, join our friends and cement our bonds, renew our relationships, and reaffirm our beliefs. With confidence in our collective attributes, let us continue on the journey of life. Together as partners, we can build a better world.

Madam President, the work of creation is eternal. With the blessings of the Almighty, we go forward, secure in the knowledge that He will protect and preserve all those who love Him. Thank you.

“We got to share moments with our Belizean students studying in Taiwan. The scholarship programme from Taiwan has been one of the largest and most influential cooperation programmes, allowing our people to develop in their chosen professional field and returning to our country to play lead roles in our different sectors. This collaboration is a gift... a partnership that keeps on giving and reaping dividends for our developing nation.”

TENDER

Distribution Line Construction BEL invites tenders for Distribution Line Construction (Countrywide) for the year 2022 at the following locations: Corozal

San Ignacio

Belize City and Ladyville

Belmopan

Punta Gorda

Independence and Placencia

Orange Walk

Dangriga

San Pedro and Caye Caulker

The bidding documents, which outline all the duties and responsibilities of the contract are available on BEL’s website at www.bel.com.bz/Tenders.aspx Bids must be submitted via email to bidsubmittal@bel.com.bz no later than 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 7, 2022.

The email subject should include the bid number located on the respective bid form.

For more information or queries, send email to bidboxrequest@bel.com.bz Cost incurred for preparation of the tender document is the sole responsibility of the bidder.

The lowest or any tender will not necessarily be accepted.

6 06

13 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES

2022

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) invites applicants for the functions of National Consultant in the area of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Risk Factors under European Union grant Duty station:

Belize City

Qualifications:

Essential: A Bachelor’s degree in one of the health, social or management sciences from a recognized university Desirable: Postgraduate studies in public health or related field with emphasis on Nutrition Chronic Diseases and Health Promotion

Experience:

Essential: At least 5 years national experience in the related field.

Desirable: working experience in health services project management.

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) invites applicants for the functions of National Consultant for the Surveillance of NCDs and risk factors Duty station:

Belize City

Qualifications:

Essential: A Bachelor’s degree in one of the health, social or management sciences from a recognized university Desirable: Postgraduate studies in public health or related field with emphasis on Epidemiology and Surveillance of NCDs and risk factors

Experience:

Essential: At least 5 years national experience in the related field Desirable: working experience in health services project management

Skills: • Theoretical and practical expertise in all aspects related to surveillance, prevention, and control of Noncommunicable diseases, and the promotion of health, as well as a thorough knowledge of epidemiology, prevention, and control methods.

• Ability to analyze factors, trends, and forecast scenarios based on current surveillance systems and possesses the capability to develop and plan innovative and appropriate solutions for their improvement.

• Strong public health and strategic thinking background showing resourcefulness, initiative, leadership qualities and skills to deal with difficult situations and sensitive areas.

• Ability to plan and carry out technical cooperation initiatives on NCDs with emphasis on health promotion, nutrition related chronic diseases, mental health disorders, substance abuse, violence and injuries, rehabilitation, aging and palliative care.

• Knowledge of Global Strategies for the prevention and control of NCDs as well as regional, subregional, and national situation on NCDs. • Knowledge of health services policies and administration within the framework of the model of family and community health.

• Knowledge and skills in the formulation of technical cooperation interventions and in the development of criteria and instruments for evaluating program interventions, including resource mobilization and grant management.

• Strong professional oral and writing skills, including the development of reports, oral presentations, and technical/persuasive documents for consideration at the highest levels of the Organization.

• Demonstrated ability to effectively use a computer and utilize software programs such as Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Outlook. Other IT skills and knowledge of other software programs for Statistical Analysis, Data Exploratory Analysis and Project Management would be an asset.

Skills: • Theoretical and practical expertise in all aspects related to surveillance, prevention, and control of Noncommunicable diseases, and the promotion of health, as well as a thorough knowledge of epidemiology, prevention, and control methods.

• Ability to analyze factors, trends, and forecast scenarios based on current surveillance systems and possesses the capability to develop and plan innovative and appropriate solutions for their improvement.

• Strong public health and strategic thinking background showing resourcefulness, initiative, leadership qualities and skills to deal with difficult situations and sensitive areas.

• Ability to plan and carry out technical cooperation initiatives on NCDs with emphasis on epidemiology and surveillance of NCDs and risk factors • Knowledge of Global Strategies for the prevention and control of NCDs as well as regional, subregional, and national situation on NCDs. • Knowledge of health services policies and administration within the framework of the model of family and community health.

• Knowledge and skills in the formulation of technical cooperation interventions and in the development of criteria and instruments for evaluating program interventions, including resource mobilization and grant management.

• Strong professional oral and writing skills, including the development of reports, oral presentations, and technical/persuasive documents for consideration at the highest levels of the Organization.

• Demonstrated ability to effectively use a computer and utilize software programs such as Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Outlook. Other IT skills and knowledge of other software programs for Statistical Analysis, Data Exploratory Analysis and Project Management would be an asset.

Languages: Deadline:

Languages: Deadline:

Very good knowledge of English and working knowledge of Spanish Letter of application, Curriculum Vitae, and two current letters of recommendation should be sent to blzmail@paho.org or to P.O. Box 1834, Belize City no later than March 18, 2022.

Very good knowledge of English and working knowledge of Spanish Letter of application, Curriculum Vitae, and two current letters of recommendation should be sent to blzmail@paho.org or to P.O. Box 1834, Belize City no later than March 18, 2022.

For further details visit our website https://www.paho.org/en/vacancies An interview will be held for this position and only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

For further details visit our website https://www.paho.org/en/vacancies An interview will be held for this position and only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

PAHO/WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

PAHO/WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

CARTOON

Continued on page 22

13 MAR

07 7

THE BELIZE TIMES

2022

Opening Statement

HON. JOHN BRICEÑO, PRIME MINISTER OF BELIZE

IV Summit of the Heads of State and Government of CARICOM and SICA 3rd March 2021, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye

Distinguished Heads of State and Governments UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres CARICOM Secretary General Ms. Carla Barnett Ministers Members of the Diplomatic Corp Ladies and Gentlemen Good Morning… Buenos Dias.

Welcome to Belize… Bienvenidos a Belice.

We are honored to convene the Fourth CARICOM SICA Summit here in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye.

Bienvenidos a nuestros compañeros del SICA, que nos acompañan esta mañana.

Again, welcome to our CARICOM leaders who have been here in conclave over the past two days.

Le doy las gracias a su Excelencia Carlos Alvarado Quesada por ser Copresidente de esta cumbre.

We are also truly honoured to be joined virtually by H.E. Antonio Guterres, the Secretary General of the United Nations.

Your Excellency, we fully understand that the situation in Ukraine, which is worrying all of us, has prevented you from physically joining us in Belize as originally planned; still, we are grateful that you are able to engage us virtually.

The last time the Heads of the two subregions met in San Salvador was more than a decade ago. Then Heads made a solid commitment to strengthen cooperation and engagement in areas of mutual interest that were integral to our development. The fact is, our efforts have been less than satisfactory considering the common plight we faced, and the many opportunities for collaboration which we missed. This must now change. Clearly much has happened in the world since 2011. The global and regional landscape has changed significantly. Our partnership, therefore, must be strategic. It must deliver more for the peoples of our shared neighbourhood.

As nations we are clawing our way back from a severe economic downturn occasioned by a devastating COVID 19 pandemic. The pandemic exposed the fragility of the development gains many of our countries had made.

Too many of our citizens have been pushed into poverty, are facing hunger, or have lost their opportunity for an education. Too many of our citizens have lost their lives or their livelihoods with implications for social cohesion. Belize has had the privilege to participate in integration systems of both CARICOM and SICA. Our dual membership has allowed us a unique vantage point from which we see two groups of developing countries co-existing in the middle of the Americas. We know that CARICOM and SICA both share an abiding aspiration to achieve their sustainable development. We know that countries of both subregions share a steadfast commitment to multilateralism. We know that countries of both regions are dedicated to democratic governance, to the rule of law and respect for human rights.

We know also that both regions are facing similar challenges which threaten to retard our development. Challenges such as human insecurity, climate change, migration and the COVID-19 pandemic are common throughout both CARICOM and Central American nations. And we also know that both regions depend heavily on the multilateral system to deliver effective coordination and responses to the global challenges which are having impacts in our subregions.

Without question, the case for a closer partnership between CARICOM and SICA is compelling and urgent.

But achieving a functional partnership has so far eluded us. We are equally aware that we live in a neighbourhood that is subject to tremendous influence in an era of heightened geopolitical competition. Our shared historical experience teaches us that such geopolitical competition can yet again divide us and undermine our development. This must not be allowed to happen. Together we must navigate a path that is grounded in our shared values, promotes the common interests of our peoples, and operate strategically and independently on the world stage.

No puede ser que el idioma o la cultura, o nuestras diferentes etapas de desarrollo constituyan obstáculos para lograr una alianza más fuerte. Seguramente no puede ser, ya que ambas subregiones han construido relaciones sólidas con otros países, organizaciones u agrupaciones, en lugares más lejanos, con los que no compartimos lenguas, culturas o sistemas de gobierno comunes. Colegas, para construir la confianza mutua que es el componente esencial para cualquier alianza o asociación efectiva, necesitamos conocernos y entendernos mejor. Y creo que Belice puede desempeñar un papel fundamental para facilitar ese entendimiento más profundo. Creemos que tenemos el deber de hacerlo.

For example, it is important for Central America to understand what “vulnerability” means for the Caribbean. For SIDS, our vulnerability arises from structural factors, including size, remoteness, limited resource base, market size, exposure to climate risks and natural disasters, which constrain our ability to achieve sustainable development. Likewise, it is important for the Caribbean to understand the profound socio-economic impacts of climate change and natural disasters on Central American societies which already suffer deep inequalities — those impacts have included serious citizen insecurity and unprecedented migration flows. Together, our subregions have a population of 60 million. A collective GDP of nearly 400 billion. The possibilities for intra-regional trade are clear. The opportunities for cross-regional investments are obvious. For sure, if we want it to be so, a common future awaits us. Let us grasp it! Now! Today!

The longer we delay the effective activation of our partnership, we miss valuable opportunities to fully realize our development and to protect and enhance our shared neighbourhood. Our Foreign Ministers have revised our CARICOM SICA Plan of Action, a coherent and achievable programme of work, to ensure that our cooperation is relevant to the current circumstances and contributes to our sustainable economic recovery. Importantly, we have also agreed to a Follow-Up Mechanism to ensure implementation and continuity. Effectively implementing our agreed Plan of Action will build confidence and trust in our partnership.

Nuestro Plan de Acción debe ser un modelo de cooperación Sur-Sur entre grupos vecinos de países en desarrollo.

Of course, the scale of the crises we are facing: whether climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, migration, unsustainable debt loads, or transnational organized crime cannot be solved by either sub region - alone or together.

These challenges are global in scope but have serious regional ramifications for which we lack the resources and capacity to overcome. Our subregions are heavily dependent on international cooperation and upon the multilateral system, at a time when global governance is under severe strain. Our challenges are systemic and structural. These challenges require urgent attention and solutions. The international financial system, as presently operated, denies funding to the countries that need grants and concessional financing the most — counties like ours.

The G-20’s efforts to advance reform of the global financial system including the inevitable phasing out of fossil fuels has been lacklustre. Developed countries have failed to provide sufficient climate finance to countries like ours that need it most. Many of our countries struggled to access COVID-19 vaccines despite a plethora of pledges to make vaccines available. Even in this state of fragmentation, there is no substitute for multilateralism, especially for nations like ours. So we count on you Mr. Secretary General, on your leadership to reform, renew and revitalize the UN system and wider multilateral system. And I assure you, that you can count on our support for realizing Our Common Agenda.

Excelencias, señoras y señores, me complace mucho que hayamos convocado esta tan esperada Cuarta Cumbre de CARICOM y SICA. Realmente creo que su presencia aquí demuestra su compromiso con una asociación CARICOM-SICA fuerte y mutuamente beneficiosa.

I look forward to fruitful deliberation.

Muchas gracias.

Opening Statement

HON. JOHN BRICEÑO, PRIME MINISTER OF BELIZE

Thirty-third Intersessional Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government 1st March 2021, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye

Distinguished Heads of Government, Secretary-General of CARICOM, Ministers, Heads of regional institutions, Members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corp, Ladies and Gentlemen.

A warm welcome to Belize. I am especially happy to welcome you all to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye.

San Pedro is a destination which attracts many foreign and local tourists. It epitomises beauty and leisure — which unfortunately many of us will not get to fully enjoy this week! But San Pedro is truly a microcosm of the challenges we are all facing as small islands and low lying coastal developing states. Beaches here are eroding because of rising sea levels; the Belize Barrier Reef, a World heritage Site, is struggling due to coral bleaching; a growing population is testing the limits of the island’s capacity.

More recently, the COVID-19 pandemic dealt a devastating blow to San Pedro’s lucrative tourism industry. But the resilient people of San Pedro did not succumb. When tourism ebbed, they pivoted to fishing. Pioneering coral transplantation is restoring the reef. And a herculean beach reclamation project is underway. Yes, we are adapting and mitigating. We are spending millions to meet these crises because we must, even though, we did little to cause them. Unfair, yes. The harsh reality of the 21st century.

Prime Ministers, Ladies and Gentlemen, this 33rd Intersessional Meeting is a particularly consequential meeting. We meet at a time when unprecedented and existential challenges coincide with our citizens expectations for relief and prosperity. The international climate is riddled with crises, conflicts and suffering. Every country, every region is managing, they say, unprecedented challenges, with, they say, inadequate sources. The global unraveling is occurring against the backdrop of what appears to be a new cold war.

As we meet Russia has invaded Ukraine. This is a flagrant violation of international law.

We condemn in the strongest terms this unjustified invasion. There must be an immediate cessation of hostilities and immediate and unilateral withdrawal of all Russian troops from Ukraine. We call for all to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law. The uncertainties that exist are proof positive that multilateral cooperation and support are indispensable to effectively countering the immense challenges we face. At the same time at national and regional levels, we bear the responsibility of meeting the aspirations of our people for development, for improved standards of living and for opportunities. This is our primary duty…Our enduring mission.

Current State of the Region Across CARICOM we are contending with the worst economic recession in modern history. In 2020, our countries saw double digit economic contraction, thousands of our citizens were suddenly unemployed, remittances dried up. In Belize we estimate that the poverty rate has increased from 50% in 2018 to 60% in 2021 — two thirds of all Belizeans are poor. That is clearly unacceptable. No doubt, similar circumstances obtain across the region. The robust economic recovery that appeared to be at hand in first part of 2021 is now slowing. In August 2021, ECLAC projected that the Caribbean would grow by 4.1% in 2021; by January 2022, ECLAC revised its projection to 3% and a measly 1.2 % excluding Guyana. For 2022, ECLAC has already revised downward its projections for the Caribbean from 7.8% to 6.1%.

In addition to these circumstances, many of us are carrying unsustainable debt loads and have limited fiscal space to mount the necessary economic response. Unfortunately, only four CARICOM Member States are participating in the IMF’s Debt Service Suspension Initiative.

And in 2020 only five Member States, including Haiti, received concessional financing from the World Bank. This is wrong. It is also unjust. While it is imperative that we continue to press our case, which is fair and just; we know from experience that the wheels of international cooperation grind slowly. And we cannot afford to lose further ground; we cannot afford to lose our future. Therefore, we must be more strategic and coordinated in our advocacy. We must demand an immediate reform of the international financial system. (We must) Demand urgent climate action, and immediate access to vaccines.

Returning to Our Roots The foundational Georgetown Accord of 1973 eloquently articulated the ambition of Heads to unify the region around the common purpose of regional development. The Accord conveys a breathless urgency and need for unrelenting speed to achieve regional integration.

Heads expressed a shared “common determination to fulfil within the shortest possible time the hopes and aspirations of the Caribbean Territories for industrial and agricultural development, full employment and improved living standards.” In 1973, at the height of the Cold War and the waning days of colonialism, Heads had the vision and foresight to embark on the path of regional integration aspiring to achieve development of our region. They looked inward for the solutions to satisfy the development aspirations of Caribbean people and for the strength to engage externally. I turn to 1973 not out of any romantic nostalgia, but to remind us of our roots. And, more importantly, to suggest that we need to rekindle that founding vision. Both, as to the scale of its ambition for our integration, and the speed with which we need to achieve its consolidation.

Integration is the instrument by which we have committed to advance our development and quite frankly, for our small states, integration is really the only modality we have. I am well aware of the criticisms in many quarters, and perhaps well founded, about the state of our integration. For many, we are not moving fast enough or going deep enough; others feel their fledging national identities at risk. But none have challenged the inevitability of integration for our small Caribbean States. Integration is not only a sine qua non for our development; it is also imperative for our recovery. The spirt of solidarity and cooperation and the steely commit-

Continued on page 8

8 08 8

13 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES

LAMANAI

“Worldwide Significance” World Monument’s Watch

Belmopan, Belize, CA – March 2, 2022 –World Monuments Fund (WMF) announced that the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve and its wider Cultural Landscape has been named to the 2022 World Monuments Watch, a selection of 25 heritage sites of worldwide significance whose preservation is urgent and vital to the communities surrounding them. These sites powerfully demonstrate pressing global challenges of climate change, imbalanced tourism, underrepresentation, and recovery from crisis, underscoring the need for greater action to support heritage places and the people who care for them.

Lamanai is an archaeological site whose physical attributes represent diverse and contested histories of the Maya, Spanish, Chinese and British descendants in Belize, functioning as an ‘outdoor classroom’ where local and international tourists can interact with the monuments and buildings of Belize’s historical past. The site is as socially significant today as it was 3,000 years ago, due in part to its longevity, its association with historical events and their memory in the present, its symbolism for descendant, indigenous and migrant groups and its contribution to nation-building. A sustainable future for Lamanai is contingent upon progressive collaboration and balancing management, tourism, natural and cultural resource protection, cultural memory and community quality of life.

Launched in 1996 with founding sponsor American Express, the Watch is announced every two years and includes heritage places nominated by individuals and community-based organizations across the globe. The program has been a proven tool for raising awareness of sites in need of protection and galvanizing action and support for their preservation. To date, WMF has contributed more than $110 million toward projects at more than 300 Watch sites, with the visibility provided by the Watch helping communities leverage an additional $300 million from other sources.

Heritage Education Network Belize believes that “Culture and heritage are holistic concepts, holding salience in every aspect of life. We are dedicated to the power of these concepts by strengthening ties and communication between the many stakeholders of Belize’s culture and heritage to ensure accurate representation and sustainable social, environmental, and economic development.”

“Saving irreplaceable cultural heritage has never been more important,” said Bénédicte de Montlaur, President and CEO of WMF. “The daunting global challenges facing heritage in the twenty-first century require innovative, sustainable, and replicable solutions. By supporting communities in preserving the places they treasure most, we can strengthen social bonds and foster a greater understanding that our futures as global citizens are inextricably linked.”

Representing 24 countries and nearly 12,000 years of history, the 2022 Watch encompasses a broad range of examples of how global challenges manifest and intersect at heritage sites, providing opportunities to improve the lives of communities as they adapt for the fu-

ture. The full list of 2022 Watch sites is available online at https://bit.ly/36TaVI2 with elaboration on themes below: • Climate change: As global warming continues to intensify; innovative methods and traditional knowledge are necessary to mitigate its impact on heritage places.

• Underrepresentation: Inequities in heritage result in oversight and neglect of many significant places. Greater efforts should be made to amplify narratives that tell a more textured, just, and complete story of humanity.

• Imbalanced Tourism: Both overtourism and lack of visitation endanger heritage places and often sideline or disrupt local communities. Sustainable tourism strategies are needed to recalibrate these impacts and ensure just outcome for local residents.

• Crisis Recovery: Armed conflict, natural disaster, and other types of destruction can cause irreparable damage to heritage places and communities. Community-led preservation efforts can participate in building resilience and regenerating the social fabric in places affected by crisis.

The local nominator, Heritage Education Network Belize (HENB) is a nonprofit organization established in 2020 and led by Belizean and international archaeologists and heritage professionals and Belizean volunteers with 40+ years of collective experience in the field. HENB is dedicated to innovative and sustainable ways to understand and safeguard culture and heritage. Our methods focus on community engagement, research, advocacy, capacity building, development and education to empower local communities and stakeholders to create and maintain sustainable lifeways through culture.

World Monuments Fund (WMF) is the leading independent organization devoted to safeguarding the world’s most treasured places to enrich people’s lives and build mutual understanding across cultures and communities. The organization is headquartered in New York City with offices and affiliates in Cambodia, India, Peru, Portugal, Spain, and the UK. Since 1965, our global team of experts has preserved the world’s diverse cultural heritage using the highest international standards at more than 700 sites in 112 countries. Partnering with local communities, funders, and governments, WMF draws on heritage to address some of today’s most pressing challenges: climate change, underrepresentation, imbalanced tourism, and post-crisis recovery. With a commitment to the people who bring places to life, WMF embraces the potential of the past to create a more resilient and inclusive society.

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology (MoECST) is charged with the responsibility of ensuring that all Belizeans are given an opportunity to acquire those knowledge, skills,

2022

Opening Statement

HON. JOHN BRICEÑO, PRIME MINISTER OF BELIZE

Thirty-third Intersessional Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government Continued from page 7

ment to integration which animates the seminal undertakings of the Grand Anse (ants) and Rose Hall Declarations must inspire us now to lay out a new framework of action for the next decade.

Next year will mark the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of CARICOM, of the conclusion of the Georgetown Accord. This is an auspicious milestone. I propose, Colleagues, that during 2022 we embark on a journey of regional consultation so that we can mark the anniversary of the Accord with the adoption of a re-purposed, re-imagined, revitalized accord that presents an irreversible prescription designed to achieve our regions just objectives. The future holds few guarantees, but our common destiny compels us to walk boldly into the future together. Secure in the belief that promise of a greater tomorrow is ours.

A New Development Path — Regional Agenda Our recovery should be aligned to a new regional agenda that is centered on creating prosperity for our people. We must continue, more intensely, to harness the resource endowments whilst building sustainability and resilience across our development interventions. That would naturally include digital transformation, transformation of agri-food systems, and empowering the CSME to deliver on its objectives. Already the elements of a new regional agenda are taking shape. The COVID 19 pandemic has underscored the urgency of advancing our Single ICT Space. All our countries have begun integrating digital technologies into our economic, social and governance structures. We need an expansion and acceleration of this effort together with investments to increase connectivity, ICT education and to guard against cybercrime. And yes, we will achieve regional roaming freedom!

I must commend H.E. Irfaan (Orfan) Ali, the President of Guyana, for his leadership and personal commitment to transforming the regional agri-food system. The Special Ministerial Task Force on Food Production and Food Security has already made substantial progress to identify priority commodities, levels of investment required, and policy reforms needed against a timeline.

Colleague Prime Ministers, Ladies and Gentlemen, The CSME is at the center of our integration.

Reflecting on our undertakings in the St Ann Declaration of 2018, we need to re-double our efforts to complete the removal of the remaining barriers to intra-regional trade, empower our private sector and give full effect to the regime for free movement, including by addressing administrative obstacles. The CSME is the answer to the questions of how do we reduce the region’s food import bill? Of, how do we generate economic growth? How we improve and benefit more from trade with extra regional partners? A robust CSME is indispensable to building resilient economies; it is central to our economic recovery. Integration binds together our Community; and this Community is at its core family.

The situation of Haiti is of despair for all of us. We have devoted significant time over the past year in considering how the Community can best support Haiti in grappling with a multitude of crises on top of which is now a constitutional crisis. We do not have any easy or quick fixes.

But what we know for sure, is that the Community will continue to walk alongside Haiti; we will continue to offer our support, solidarity and cooperation; and we will continue to advocate for an international response that is commensurate with the needs of Haiti.

As we seek to fortify our region, we do so in the context of profound global crises. We are entering the third year of a global pandemic that has permanently changed the way we live and work. Whether our region transitions to the endemic phase of COVID 19 will depend on accessibility to vaccines, COVID-19 specific treatments and other therapeutics. Unfortunately, vaccine access and hesitancy remain challenges for several of our Member States; we will discuss during our meeting how to overcome these setbacks. It is time to live with COVID! Global action to reverse the trajectory of a climate catastrophe has fallen dangerously short.

The world is perilously hurtling towards breaching the global temperature threshold of 1.5 degrees centigrade. Accessibility and scale of climate finance is not commensurate with urgent needs for adaptation and mitigation. We are countries on the frontline of this climate emergency, our existence is at risk. We must send a clear message on our expectations and demands for global climate action including the strengthening of 2030 emissions reduction targets to safeguard the 1.5 degree temperature goal, scaling up of the climate finance beyond the US$100 billion through 2025 and of the need of SIDS for finance for loss and damage.

Closing Let me wind up by acknowledging that this is the first Meeting of the Conference at which the new Secretary General is joining us. Welcome Madam Secretary General. I want to commend the reform and restructuring of the Secretariat that the SG has already undertaken to better align Directorates, workflow and synergies. We look forward to seeing the review of Community institutions in due course. In the same vein, I sincerely believe that the Conference also needs to reform our working methodology to make better use of our meetings, so that we are focused on the critical and strategic decisions that need to be made on the future direction of the Community.

I want to, also, thank the Secretariat for all their support in the preparation and conduct of this Meeting.

Let me also welcome those colleagues who are joining the Conference for the first time: Prime Minister Davis of The Bahamas and Prime Minister Pierre of St Lucia.

Prime Ministers, Ladies and Gentlemen, we meet today at this place called San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize. It was first settled by the majestic Maya and became an important trading place for the Mayas. The Maya civilization was advanced, it flourished, and then, mysteriously waned. Life forever is guaranteed to no one.

The Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Rwanda and the Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles, California are both scheduled for June this year.

COP27 is expected to be held in November in Egypt.

These are signposts on the road we will travel. They are forks in the road. We will face radically divergent paths on each occasion. Like the Mayas, let us remember that choices have consequences. Nevertheless, as I look to the future of our region, I am hopeful. I am optimistic.

I am confident.

Like the good people of San Pedro, we will have to dive deeply into our reservoir of resilience, ingenuity and creativity to elaborate our own path for development and prosperity with trust and faith in each other.

I thank you.

13 MAR

2022

NORA PARHAM PARDON The State Righting the Wrong

A Proposal for Posthumous Pardon for Nora Parham It has been 58 years since the only woman to be given the death sentence was put to death in Belize and now the planBelize government is proposing that Ms. Parham be considered for a posthumous pardon, considering the tremendous domestic abuse she was subjected to at the hands of her policeman spouse, Ketchell Trapp.

The mother of eight was 36 years old when she was hanged to death on June fifth, 1963. It was an event that has left her eight children emotionally scarred for life. None of them wants to talk about the circumstances leading to or after their mother was hanged, and understandably so. But the story has only been kept alive by other people who point to the root causes of domestic violence and who are irate over the unfortunate series of wrongs that Ms. Parham faced, even after Trapp died.

Even though she pleaded not guilty and explained to the court that she did throw an open kerosene bottle at Trapp while he was hitting her with a stick, and that its contents spilled on to his clothing, and that it was Trapp who set himself ablaze when he went to the latrine and lit a cigarette, history will show that she was found guilty by an all-male jury, under British Colonial rule of a Governor.

In her proposal for the pardon, Minister of Human Development, who aptly condemned the act of domestic violence at the last House Sitting, was able to get Cabinet’s nod on the occasion of International Women’s Day to have an application filed for the late Ms. Parham be considered for the pardon. It is a process that will be put before the Governor-General, who will then submit the request to the Belize Advisory Council for consideration. That Council, we understand, is still short of a couple members.

Minister Balderamos-Garcia explained this week that the trial and execution of Ms. Parham was a historic injustice which they are trying to correct by relying on Section 52 of the Belize Constitution.

“Nowhere in the Constitution

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THE BELIZE TIMES

does it say well you can grant a pardon to a dead person, but in the interpretation of it … we believe that a posthumous pardon can be granted under the Prerogative of Mercy, Section 52 of the Constitution by the Governor General,” the Minister explained.

Ms. Parham’s circumstances were set in a time when it was unheard of that lawmen could even be reprimanded for domestic abuse, much less prosecuted. So, the victims of these

situations always suffered in silence.

But we have matured over the decades since Ms. Parham’s situation and Minister Balderamos-Garcia explained that if that trial were brought up in today’s setting, Ms. Parham would never have been put to death.

“Even if Ms. Parham had been guilty of the crime she was accused of, still the judge at the time, as well as jury members at the time who were all men; they recommended what you would call clemency. But, you know, when you look at the facts of the case as reported - and please, none of us were there in the court room back in 1963 - but when you look at what is reported to have happened, I don’t believe that right thinking members of society today would have wished for Ms. Parham

to have been convicted. And, we know as a matter of history that thousands of people wished for her to be given clemency at the time. Unfortunately, it was a colonial government administration under the Governor Sir Peter Stallard and despite all the pleas for clemency, those pleas were turned down. I believe that today a decision could have been different. We cannot bring back Ms. Parham, but what we can do is right a wrong in the best way we can at this time,” the Minister reasoned.

It is NOT too late for the state to officially unravel what they court pronounced. The history and her fate, nevertheless, will remain forever as an example of something that should never happen.

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

Institution: Belize Water Services Limited Country: Belize Project: Independence to Seine Bight Transmission line Sector: Water Abstract: The general objective of this publication is to engage eligible construction companies to install a new potable water transmission pipeline from Independence Village to Seine Bight Village (Stann Creek District) as per design.

Project Number: 225511171739/ BWS-55-1618 Deadline: March 14, 2022 The construction services (“the Services”) include, but are not limited to, installation and commissioning of 3 miles of 10” PVC transmission line in the mainland and 3 miles of 10” HDPE transmission line through the lagoon: a) Identification of established Benchmarks and Setting out of new works; b) Excavation of trenches along the route, placement and compaction of embedment, backfill, and road base, and reinstatement of works c) Installation of pipeline and various assemblies, concrete anchors, and other components and d) Commissioning, including final connections, pressure (hydrostatic) testing, flushing, and disinfecting.

Belize Water Services Limited now invites eligible construction companies (“Bidders”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Companies should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services.

Companies must qualify on two major work categories: • Civil and ancillary works including, but not limited to, construction and refurbishment of buildings, construction and refurbishment of roads and streets, major and minor roads chip and seal works, earthworks, fencing, concrete works, facility maintenance, retaining walls, drainage, security huts, shelters and canopies, railings, bins, signage, plastering, painting, etc.

• Water Supply Systems including new and renewals of transmission, distribution mains and service connections; installation of pump stations; installation of headworks; water treatment plant works (including mechanical/electrical and civil); and construction and/or restoration of reservoirs.

Financial category of the project: • Large contract estimated more than $1,000,000.

Financial resources of the company shall be BZ$300,000 monthly.

Shortlisting of contractors will be based on the Application pack – Expression of Interest for Independence to Seine Bight Transmission Line Tendering process and is open to all eligible contractors as defined in the document.

The short list shall comprise of minimum of three (3) and maximum of eight (8) companies.

Companies may associate with other firms in the form of a joint venture or a sub-consultancy to enhance their qualifications.

Interested parties should contact the Engineering procurement representative, via email to obtain Application Package and other information.

Expressions of interest and application package must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by email) by March 14, 2022, no later than 3:00 P.M.

Young Swiss male looking for friendship from Belize.

Write to: Vitus Castelberg Aspenmontstr. 19 CH-7000 Chur Switzerland (Europe)

Belize Water Services Limited Attn: Engineering procurement 7 Central American Boulevard Belize City, Belize, C.A. Tel: +(501) 222-4757, Ext. 1713

E-mail: engineeringprocurement@bwsl.com.bz

10

THE BELIZE TIMES MORE

CONSULTATIONS

IN TOLEDO

GoB Respect for Alcaldes Hon. Dolores Balderamos Garcia, Minister of Human Development, Families and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, continued discussions on the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) protocol in the villages of Crique Sarco, Sunday Wood, San Marcos, and Blue Creek in the Toledo District. Community members were reassured that the Government of Belize recognizes and respects alcaldes as leaders and representatives of their villages.

It was stressed that consultations must continue as each village has unique and individual needs. Topics of concern also included communal land ownership, village boundaries, and the pressing need for road improvement. Other topics discussed include community development in

LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICES

Notice is hereby given that Bleu Martini Bar & Lounge Ltd. is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “Bleu Martini Bar & Lounge Ltd.” located at # 129 Newtown Barracks, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Francis P. Woods is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Old Belize” located at Miles 5 ½ George Price Highway, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Christine Lamb Ford is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Ford’s Kriol Kitchen” located at # 9020 Mahogany Street Extension, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Troy Tench is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Mistical Oaks” located at Miles 23 Philip Goldson Highway, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Belize Bird’s Ltd. is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Belize Bird’s Ltd.” located in Burrell Boom Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

areas of infrastructure and electrification and employment.

Accompanying the minister were Hon. Oscar Requena, Area Representative for Toledo West and Minister of Labour, Local Government, and Rural Transformation; Hon. Elvia Vega-Samos, Minister of State; and Mr. Gregory Ch’oc, Commissioner of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs.

SWEARING-IN EASTERN CAUCUS EXECUTIVE

Josue Carballo President | Alex Riverol Vice President | Sandra Mahler Secretary | Albert Vaughan Treasurer Present: Chairman Hon. Henry Charles Usher, Hon. Anthony Mahler, Secretary General Linsford Castillo

13 MAR

2022

13 MAR

11

THE BELIZE TIMES

2022

PUBLIC AUCTION SALES: PROPERTIES

Orange Walk District: Orange Walk Town/ San Jose Palmar Village/ Douglas Village; Belize District; Maskall Village/ San Pedro, Ambergris Caye/ Belize City; Cayo District: Ontario Village; Stann Creek District: Dangriga; Toledo District: San Miguel Village/ Punta Gorda Town

BY ORDER of the Mortgagees, Messrs. Ascendancy Belize Limited, Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A. Castillo and Christiana R. Castillo are selling ONLINE via belizepropertyauctions.com the below described properties. Sales currently running and will expire Wednesday 23rd March 2022 at the times shown on the website.

A: Orange Walk District: East Orange Walk Estate; Orange Walk Town; San Jose Palmar; Douglas Village 1. Parcels 514, 515 & 516 East Orange Walk Estate, One Mile from Town Center, Orange Walk District:

(Being a 3-storey concrete structure with [6120 sq. ft.] – Ground Floor – Store + two – 1 Bedroom Apartments; First Floor – Three – 1 Bedroom Apartments: Second Floor – 2 Bedroom Apartment + Large Terrace and lot [533.33 sq. yds.] situated in D.F.C Housing Site, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, the freehold property of Mr. Thomas Santos) 9. Parcel No. 1406 Neal Pen Road, Belize City, Belize District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Indian Hill East

4

514, 515 & 516

(Being three (3) vacant lots [514 – 334.79 S.Y. or (279.926 S.M.); 515 – 832.86 S.Y. or (696.372 S.M.); 516 – 888.29 S.Y. or (742.715 S.M.) situate in East Orange Walk Estate, one mile from Orange Walk Town Center, Orange Walk District, the freehold properties of Mr. Ishwar Mahbubani) 2. Parcel No. 3091/1 Savannah Street, Orange Walk Town:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Orange Walk Town

4

3091/1

(Being a concrete bungalow dwelling house [727 sq. ft.] containing 2 Bedrooms + 1 Bathroom + Living/ Dining/Kitchen TOGETHER with Lot [555.56 sq. yds.] situate at Parcel No. 3091 Savannah Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District, the leasehold property of Mr. Kenis Garcia)

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Queen Square

45

1406

(Being a two-storey concrete/timber dwelling house [1568 sq. ft.] containing 3 Bedrooms + 1 Bathroom on each floor TOGETHER with Lot [340 sq. yds.] situate at Parcel No. 1406 Neal Pen Road, Belize City, the freehold property of Ms. Sharon Burgess) D: Cayo District: Ontario Village 10. Parcel No. 1323/1 Ontario Village, Cayo District:

3. Parcel No. 1236 Stadium Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Orange Walk Town

4

1236

(Being an incomplete concrete & block structure [369 sq. ft.] + prefabricated structure [1,600 sq. ft.] TOGETHER with Lot [462 sq. yds.] situate at Parcel No. 1236 Stadium Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District, the freehold property of Mr. Richard Vellos)

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Society Hall

24

1323

(Being two buildings - Building ‘A’ two-storey concrete/timber dwelling house [1969 sq. ft.] containing Ground Floor: bedroom + bathroom + Living/Dining/Kitchen + Storeroom; First Floor: 3 bedrooms [280 sq. ft.]; Building ‘B’ Laundry house [257 sq. ft.] TOGETHER with lot [1,165.67 sq. yds.] situate in Ontario Village, Cayo District, the leasehold property of Mr. Gilbert Rhaburn).

11. Parcel No. 2427/1 Ontario Village, Cayo District:

4. Parcel No. 808 San Jose Palmar Village, Orange Walk District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

San Jose Palmar

4

808

(Being a vacant corner lot [1,250 sq. yds.] situate in San Jose Palmar Village, Orange Walk Town, the freehold property of Mr. Danny Duran.)

5. 28.91 Acres of land on the Douglas/San Pablo Road, 1.6 kilometers west of the Douglas Road/Phillip Goldson Highway, Orange Walk District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Douglas Rural

4

118

(Being 28.91 acres of ruinated cane fields and grassy patches situate 1.6 kilometers northwest of the intersection of the Douglas Road and the Phillip Goldson Highway and approximately 700 meters southeast of Nuevo San Juan Village, Orange Walk District, the freehold property of Messrs. Alfredo Samuel Cabrera and Josue Cabrera) B: Belize District: Maskall Village; San Pedro, Ambergris Caye; Belize City 6. Parcel No. 246/1 Maskall Village, Belize District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Belize Rural North 1

11

246/1

(Being a concrete bungalow dwelling house [30 ft. X 45 ft.] and lot [676.302 S.M.] situate in the Village of Maskall in the Belize District, the leasehold property of Mr. Aamon Alex Brackett, surety for Ms. Sherett S. Brackett) 7. 2 Acres San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

North San Pedro

7

5434 & 5435

(Being 2 Acres of vacant Caribbean Sea front land, situate west side of Ambergris Caye 3 miles north of the center of San Pedro Town, District, the freehold properties of Mr. Daniel Guerrero.)

8. Parcel No. 2112 DFC Area, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

San Pedro

7

2112

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Society Hall

24

2427/1

(Being two buildings - Building ‘A’ concrete bungalow dwelling house [1083 sq. ft.] containing 3 bedrooms + bathroom + Living/Dining/Kitchen + porch; Building ‘B’ shop [222 sq. ft.] and lot [555.56 sq. yds.] situate at Ontario Village, Cayo District, the leasehold property of Mr. Humberto Patt).

E: Stann Creek District: Dangriga 12. Parcel No. 1294 Canal Street, Dangriga, Stann Creek District

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Dangriga South

31

1294

(Being two storey concrete dwelling house [3,185 sq. ft.] containing Ground Floor - 3 Bedrooms Apartment; First Floor – 2 Bedrooms + 1 Bathroom Apartment TOGETHER with Lot [512 sq. yds.] situate at Parcel No. 1294 Canal Street, Dangriga, Stann Creek District, the freehold property of Ms. Gretel Mariano) F: Toledo District: Big Falls/Golden Stream; Punta Gorda Town 13. Parcel No. 577 San Miguel Village, Big Falls/Golden Stream Area, Toldeo District

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Big Fall/Golden Stream

42

577

(Being a two-storey concrete dwelling house [1743 sq. ft.] containing Ground Floor: 3 Open Areas + Kitchen; First Floor: 3 bedrooms + 1 bathroom + living/dining/kitchen + porch [421 sq. ft.] + covered shed [280 sq. ft.] and lot 2,642.62 S.Y. or 0.546 acres] situate in San Miguel Village in the Big Falls/ Golden Stream Area, Toledo District, the freehold property of Mr. Mariano Kus).

“FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION & PHOTOGRAPHS PLEASE VISIT WEBSITE” TERMS: STRICTLY CASH KEVIN A. CASTILLO TELEPHONE: 223-4488 Website: belizepropertyauctions.com Email: belizeauctionsales@gmail.co Facebook: Belize Auctions

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THE BELIZE TIMES

13 MAR

2022

13 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES

2022

13

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT Belize Water Services Limited invites applicants to fill the vacant post of Customer Service Manager in the Customer Service Department.

SUMMARY:

SUMManages, MARYplans, : organizes, integrates and evaluates the service activities and operations of assigned branch; ensures that at the branch level customer expectations are being met and exceeded by team, and performs related duties as assigned. Implement policies and procedures and the company mission, vision and core values is carried out effectively.

DEPARTMENT DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Manages, plans, organizes, integrates and evaluates the service activities and operations of assigned branch; ensures that • Administer a comprehensive complaint policy and procedures system guided by the Codes of Practice and Water Industry Act. at the branch level customer expectations are being and allexceeded by team, and performs • Improve our efficiency - Reduce customer waiting time wherever possiblemet and manage customers’ queries and complaints professionally. related duties as assigned.

• Build and maintain an excellent Customer experience whilst focusing on the company’s mission, vision, and core values.

Implement policies and– procedures and the company mission, vision andandcore carried outoureffectively.

• Improve our customer base whilst ensuring continuous reduction in the company’s Account Receivable at the values same time is retain and increase customer base • Empower our workforce – Provides coaching, guidance, and feedback that works to develop and retain a highly competent, team of customer-service oriented staff through selection, training and day-to-day management practices which support the Company’s mission, vision and values • Address and solve complaints and queries received in a way that is a win-win for both the customer and the company and provide the necessary follow-up to customers.

• Quality assurance through monitoring of policies and procedures and providing feedback to staff members.

DEPARTMENT DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: •

Administer a comprehensive complaint policy and procedures system guided by the Codes of Practice and Water Industry Act. • Improve our efficiency - Reduce customer waiting time wherever possible and manage all customers’ queries and complaints professionally.

• Build and maintain an excellent Customer experience whilst focusing on the company’s mission, vision, and core values.

• Improve our customer base – whilst ensuring continuous reduction in the company’s Account Receivable and at the same time retain and increase our customer base • Empower our workforce – Provides coaching, guidance, and feedback that works to develop and retain a highly KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS: competent, team of customer-service oriented staff through selection, training and day-to-day management Candidates will need to show evidence of the following: practices which support the Company's mission, vision and values • written and spoken communication skills that allow you to inform, help and advice customers, and liaise with other professionals; • listening skills, to understand exactly what customers require; problem-solving skills; • Address and solve complaints and queries received in a way that is a win-win for both the customer and the • confidence, patience, politeness, tact and diplomacy, when dealing with difficult situations; company and provide the necessary follow-up to customers.

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT Quality of policies and procedures and providing feedback to staff members.

••motivational skillsassurance and an ability to through supervise andmonitoring lead a team of customer service assistants;

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES - The incumbent may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Plans, manages, controls, evaluates and administrative assistance to the Customer Service area at the branch offices countrywide.

• Assist the manager with the day-to-day management and reporting.

• Recommend and assist in the implementation of goals and objectives; establish schedules and methods for customer service; implement policies and procedures.

• Evaluate operations and activities of assigned responsibilities; recommend improvements and modifications; prepare various reports on operations and activities.

• Coordinate, analyze and implement strategies to ensure that all key accounts countrywide are properly monitored.

• Review and analyze meter reading, field service, and collections activities in relation to billing reports to assess unit production at the district level.

• Make adjustments as necessary with regard to billing problems; and communicate directly with customers to resolve difficult or complex service/billing issues for the district offices.

• Participate in the selection of staff; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline procedures.

• Answer questions and provide information to the public; investigate complaints and recommend corrective action as necessary to resolve complaints.

• Conduct monthly district visit to branch offices to ensure that they are adhering to polices and processes.

• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers and the public using the principles of good customer service.

• creative thinking, to be able to come up with new ideas to improve customer service standards; • an ability to work well under pressure; • organizational and planning skills to develop customer services policies; • good personal presentation, especially when working with customers face to face

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES - The incumbent may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be COMPETENCIES TO BE EVALUATED ON: required toand perform or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing 1. Technical Functional additional Skills 2. Understanding of the Business business practices.

3. Ability to achieving Results 4. Serving the Customer 5. Teamwork • 6. Interpersonal and Communication Skills 7. Leadership and Personal Effectiveness

Plans, manages, controls, evaluates and administrative assistance to the Customer Service area at the branch offices countrywide.

• Assist the manager with the day-to-day management and reporting.

EXPECTATIONS: • Prepare, maintain, and submit monthly reports on operational and personnel matters.

• Recommend and assist in the implementation of goals and objectives; establish schedules and methods for • Maintain a schedule of month end reports outlining the date received and errors identified on the reports.

• Makecustomer recommendations to management concerningpolicies staff matters and improvement to procedures and policies. service; implement and procedures.

• Communicates with other departments and management to resolve problems and expedite work.

Evaluate operations activities of assigned responsibilities; recommend improvements and modifications; ••Train and instruct staff members, assistand with hiring of staff members and make recommendation to discharge staff members whenever necessary.

• Required to have an excellent knowledge the company’s mission, vision, core values, Codes of Practice and the Water Industry Act and possess the ability to communicate such to prepare various reportsofon operations and activities. employees and customers verbally and in writing whenever necessary.

••Ensures that adjustments are prepared for (over-estimated wrongto reading, high bill or others).

Coordinate, analyze and implementcustomers, strategies ensure that all key accounts countrywide are properly monitored.

• Ensures that jobs in JTS are closed one day after work in completed in the field and all jobs are moved from created to pending status and pass to Operations Department. analyze meter reading, field service, and collections activities in relation to billing reports to assess ••KeepReview record of theand time refund of security deposit request is received from the district to process the payment.

• Ensure that DISN and Inactive meters are dealt with monthly. unit production at the district level.

• Ensure that all accounts are billed timely and efficiently conduct random (25%) check of all cycles to identify inconsistencies.

• Make adjustments as necessary with regard to billing problems; and communicate directly with customers to EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS: resolve difficult service/billing for theordistrict • Master’s degree in Accountingor or complex Business Management with at leastissues 5 years’ experience Bachelor’soffices. degree with at least 10 years’ experience in customer service activities or accounting duties and managerial responsibilities will be an asset.

• Participate in the selection of staff; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline procedures.

Interested persons can send your application letter with your detailed resume March 21, 2022 to: Human Resources Manager • Answer questions and provide informationBelize to the public; investigate complaints and recommend corrective action Water Services Limited, as necessary to resolve complaints.

P.O. Box 150, Central American Boulevard, Belize City, Belize Email : hr@bwsl.com.bz • Conduct monthly district visit to branch offices to ensure that they are adhering to polices and processes.

• Build and maintain positive working relationships co-workers and the public using the principles of good BWS: Deliveringwith water and more… customer service.

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13 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES

2022

INVITATION TO BID SEVENTH POWER PROJECT

CAYE CAULKER INTERCONNECTION

Submarine Cable for the Caye Caulker Interconnection to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye; under the Seventh Power Project Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) has received financing from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) towards the cost of the Seventh Power Project and intends to apply a portion of the proceeds of this financing to eligible payments under a contract for which this invitation is issued. Payments by CDB will be made only at the request of BEL and upon approval by CDB, and will be subject in all respects to the terms and conditions of the Financing Agreement. The Financing Agreement prohibits withdrawal from the financing account for the purpose of any payment to persons or entities, or for any import of goods, if such payment or import, to the knowledge of CDB, is prohibited by a decision of the United Nations Security Council taken under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. No party other than BEL shall derive any rights from the Financing Agreement or have any claim to the proceeds of the Financing.

BEL now invites electronic bids from eligible bidders for the supply of 9.5 Miles of 34.5kV Submarine Cable for the Caye Caulker interconnection to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye under the Seventh Power Project. Works include but are not limited to the following:  Design, manufacture, testing, transport, delivery to the Employer in Belize of 34.5 kV submarine cable and the accessories.

Consideration will be limited to firms or joint ventures of firms which are legally incorporated or otherwise organized in, and have their principal place of business in an eligible country and are either: (a) more than 50% beneficially-owned by citizen or citizens and/or bona fide resident or residents of an eligible country or by a body corporate or bodies corporate meeting these requirements; or (b) owned or controlled by the government of an eligible country provided that it is legally and financially autonomous and operated under the commercial law of an eligible country and otherwise meets the eligibility requirements of the CDB Guidelines for Procurement (2006).

Procurement eligibility is extended to include all countries which are not CDB Member Countries.

Eligible bidders will be required to submit full qualification information with their bids establishing their eligibility to bid and qualification to perform the contract if the bid is accepted. Tender and qualification information are to be submitted in the English Language on the prescribed forms inserted in the Bid Documents.

Submissions that do not provide the information required, or do not demonstrate the prospective bidder’s ability to perform satisfactorily, will not qualify and will not be considered for further evaluation.

Qualification requirements include, inter alia: A If the Bidder is a manufacturer: (i) Financial Capability The Bidder shall furnish documentary evidence that it meets the following financial requirement(s): (a) Average Annual Turnover: the Bidder shall have at least the Average Annual Turnover mentioned below over a period of best three years within last five years i.e. 5 years counting backward from the date of publication of ICB of at least $8,000,000 USD. Bidder will submit audited financial reports along with the bid or if not required by the law of the Bidder’s country, other financial statements acceptable to the Employer, for the last five (5) years to substantiate average annual turnover. (b) Liquid Assets: the Bidder at the time of bid submission should provide documentary evidence of at least the amount of liquid asset or working capital or credit facility or their combination of $8,000,000 USD. (ii) Experience and Technical Capacity The Bidder shall furnish documentary evidence to demonstrate that it meets the following experience requirement(s): (i) General Experience: the Bidder should have at least five (5) years of general experience in supplying electrical goods and related services (i.e. years counting backward from the date of ICB publication). (ii) Specific Experience: the Bidder will at-least have experience of supplying similar goods (i.e. Submarine Cable/Underground Cable) having similar value in at least three contracts, within the last five (5) years (i.e. years counting backward from the date of ICB publication). (iii) Documentary Evidence The Bidder shall furnish documentary evidence to demonstrate that the Goods it offers meet the following usage requirement: (i) The manufacturer should have at least five (5) years of relevant manufacturing experience (i.e. Submarine Cable/Underground Cable). The five year period will be counted backward from the date of ICB publication). (ii) The manufacturer should have the annual manufacturing capacity of double of the offered quantities under the bid. (iii) The manufacturer should have registration with the local Chamber of Commerce and Industries or similar entity within the manufacturer’s country.

B If Bidder is not a manufacturer: If a Bidder is not a manufacturer, but is offering the Goods on behalf of the Manufacturer under Manufacturer's Authorization Form (Section IV, Bidding Forms), the Manufacturer shall demonstrate the above qualifications (i), (ii), (iii) and the Bidder shall demonstrate that it has successfully completed at least 3 contracts of similar goods valuing at least $4,000,000 USD in the past 5 years.

Bidding Documents may be obtained by eligible bidders from the first address below for a non-refundable fee of one hundred United States dollars (USD 100).

Requests must be made by written application including email. Written applications must be clearly marked: “Request for Bidding Documents for the Supply of 9.5 Miles of 34.5kV Submarine Cable for Seventh Power Project”, along with the name, address and contact information of the bidder for which Bidding Documents are being requested. Payment should be by wire transfer or bank draft made payable to: Belize Electricity Limited. Information to pay by wire transfer can be obtained from the first address below. Proof of payment is required before bidding documents are issued.

Documents will be promptly dispatched via registered email, but under no circumstance will BEL or their authorized agents be held responsible for late delivery or any other issue related to the issuance of the documents.

Electronic submissions in registered email with the subject title “Bid for the Supply of 9.5 Miles of 34.5kV Submarine Cable for Seventh Power Project”, must be received at the third address below no later than 10:00 a.m. Belize time on Monday, April 18, 2022. A virtual bid opening will take place at 11:00 a.m. Belize time on Monday, April 18, 2022 at the second address below in the presence of bidders representatives who choose to attend virtually.

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

1. Address for Correspondence Email: moris.alvarado@bel.com.bz

2. Address for Bid Opening Magazine Road Conference Room Belize Electricity Limited Belize City, Belize Central America

3. Address for Bid Submission Email: bidsubmittal@bel.com.bz

13 MAR

2022

15

THE BELIZE TIMES

JOINT DECLARATION OF SAN PEDRO

IV SUMMIT OF HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT OF THE CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY (CARICOM) AND OF THE CENTRAL AMERICAN INTEGRATION SYSTEM (SICA) We, the Heads of State and Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and of the Central American Integration System (SICA) meeting in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize on 3rd March 2022, on the occasion of the IV CARICOM-SICA Summit: Acknowledge that these are exceptional times characterized by recurrent as well as new multidimensional challenges, including socioeconomic challenges brought about by the climate crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic and antimicrobial existence Consider that our geographic proximity, shared values, commitment to regional solidarity and multilateralism are the bases for our regional partnership Recall our historic first Summit twenty years ago in Belize City and subsequent Summits and Ministerial Meetings between CARICOM and SICA which have laid a foundation on which to continue to build stronger and closer relations Highlight the essential role of Belize as the historic interlocutor between both sub-regions and welcome the efforts of Belize, as Chair of CARICOM, and Panama, as Presidency Pro Tempore of SICA, to advance inter-regional dialogue and cooperation between CARICOM and SICA in this Summit Reaffirm our commitment to strengthening relations and emphasize the necessity to meet at regular intervals to consult and coordinate on issues of mutual interest on the regional and international agendas.

Recognize the transformative force of regional integration in achieving inclusive sustainable development outcomes, and commit to continue strengthening their respective regional integration platforms of which they are members, and for others in which we share membership.

Recognize that the effect of the COVID-19 on the sub-regions of the Caribbean and Central America has been profound and devastating in public health and loss of life, with sharp economic contraction resulting in real long term negative effects on the socio-economic welfare of our people, including in education, exacerbating poverty, deepening inequalities, reversing hardwon development gains and hampering progress towards achieving the goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Welcome the participation of His Excellency Alberto Fernandez, President of Argentina and Chairman of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) in which he reiterated the call for a strengthened and dynamic CELAC and urged the two sub-regions to engage with CELAC as a mechanism for regional cooperation to advance the crucial phase of the Post-Pandemic Recovery Welcome the engagement with His Excellency Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations on the role of the UN system in coordinating a global response to the critical challenges confronting the sub-regions including the COVID-19 Pandemic Response and Recovery, climate change and financing for development, as well as efforts to address the situation in Haiti Recognize and support the efforts of the Haitian government with the signing of the September 11, 2021 agreement for effective and peaceful governance and encourage talks between the Haitian political actors to create a politically stable environment that will facilitate the success of the upcoming elections in the country Reiterate that climate change remains the greatest threat currently facing humanity and underscore the devastating impact of the climate emergency on the countries of the Caribbean and Central America, including persistent drought and extreme weather events, land degradation, sea level rise, coastal erosion and ocean acidification and the urgent need for a global response commensurate with the enormity of the challenge posed by climate change Recognise and Confirm the value of cooperation and collaboration between CARICOM and SICA as a positive accelerator on issues of mutual interest such as climate change, COVID-19 pandemic response and recovery, development financing, health, natural disasters, disaster prevention and comprehensive risk management, sustainable development, migration, regional security, poverty eradication and food and nutrition security, amongst others Aware that the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the systemic failures in the international financial architecture, including the lack of access to development financing and inadequate solutions to address unsustainable debt for small and vulnerable countries, and for middle- income countries, and underscore the urgency for a comprehensive and integrated approach to support the countries of the two sub-regions Recognize the efforts that both sub-regions have been advancing in order to achieve an economic recovery that is sustainable, green, resilient and inclusive in these extraordinary times, and the commitment to demand

increased access of our countries to essential financing, in flexible and preferential conditions, through credit facilities and non-discriminatory and innovative mechanisms.

1. Commit to strengthen foreign policy consultation, to the extent possible, in regional and international fora, especially where CARICOM and SICA share membership.

2. Welcome the active collaboration and dialogue between Caribbean and Central American institutions and mechanisms at all levels, including in banking and finance, trade and investment, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, health, disaster prevention and comprehensive risk management, and security; as well as draw on the support from regional and international institutions, including PAHO/WHO, OECD and ECLAC to strengthen results and impact.

3. Agree to strengthen cooperation between CARICOM and SICA on climate change including exchanging best practices on integrating climate resilience into development planning, fostering regular dialogue and collaboration between the CARICOM Climate Change Center (CCCCC) and the Central American Commission for the Environment and Development (CCAD) and, pursuing joint advocacy for enhancing access to climate finance for adaptation, mitigation and loss and damage responses, keeping global warming below 1.5C, and in preparations for COP27, as appropriate.

4. Agree to collaborate for immediate and long-term public health support, including strengthening capacity and resilience of health systems, mitigation of COVID-19 variants, equitable vaccine distribution and access in the sub-regions, access to new COVID-19 specific treatments, and future pandemic preparedness and disease prevention.

5. Agree on the necessity of revitalizing the economies of the sub-regions and to incorporate green, blue, orange, sustainable and digital transformation into their economic growth plans and policies to attain a more resilient and inclusive post-COVID future.

6. Recognize the potential for deeper and wider regional trade and investment to stimulate economic growth and development and agree to further explore cooperation in this area towards sustainable economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic in the sub-regions.

7. Reiterate the importance of tourism in both sub-regions and therefore consider it necessary to establish a roadmap for the promotion of this sector, as well as technical cooperation for the recovery and use of natural spaces that contribute to this sector.

8. Urge international financial institutions to take effective measures to strengthen the global financial safety net, assist developing countries in addressing debt vulnerability and in attaining debt sustainability as soon as possible, enhance access to concessionary financing, and development assistance, and addressing vulnerability especially of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and the lower coastal states of the Greater Caribbean and the Central American Isthmus, continue to work on devising solutions for Small Island and Low-Lying Coastal Developing States in the two sub-regions by incorporating a multidimensional vulnerability index to the criteria for determining access to concessional financing and agree to join their advocacy in this regard.

9. Direct the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of CARICOM and SICA to advance, with alacrity, the revised CARICOM-SICA Plan of Action toward the implementation phase.

10. Emphasize the importance of South-South Cooperation as a valuable mechanism to complement the development efforts of both sub-regions and agree to promote this means of cooperation through partnerships to develop inter-regional projects drawn from the CARCOM-SICA Plan of Action.

11. Agree to establish the High-Level Technical Committee of CARICOM and SICA countries to coordinate and monitor the implementation and evaluation of the revised CARICOM – SICA Plan of Action.

12. Agree to convene the V CARICOM-SICA Summit in 2024.

The Heads of State and Government express appreciation to the people and Government of Belize for the courtesies afforded to the participants and the excellent organization of the meeting which resulted in a successful IV CARICOM-SICA Summit.

San Pedro, Belize 3rd March 2022 The Government of the Republic of Nicaragua has indicated via Note Verbale MRE/0077/03/2022 that it does not join the consensus on the adoption of the Joint Declaration of San Pedro of the IV Summit of Heads of State and Government of CARICOM and SICA.

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THE BELIZE TIMES 2022

2022

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18 JAN

13 MAR

2015THE BELIZE TIMES

2022

THE BELIZE TIMES Hon. Jorge Espat, Cayo West

BUILDING AND STRONG Prime Minister John Briceño

Min. Julius Espat, Infrastructure Development and Housing

Signing the protocol to amend the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas

Min. Dolores Balderamos Garcia, Human Development, Families & Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Working all over: Homes, Scholarships, Workshops, & Roads

In Ladyville, alleviating flooding prone area by the highway

One life at a time: This is Corozal Town

Min. Jose Mai, Agriculture and Food Security Enterprises

THE BELIZE TIMES Min. Kevin Bernard, Health and Wellness Continued Discussion on the FPIC

Bringing great morale to the office

Silage workshop at Yo Creek Agric Station

With Mayor Bernard Wagner

‘Mek Wi Plant’ Urban Gardening Strategic Concept in the City

Hon. Marconi Leal, Belize Rural North

At Maskall, a promised Basketball Court

Opening Smart Polyclinic in Toledo

Min. Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service, Religious Affairs, Constitutional & Political Reform

Works all over Belize: Belize River Valley

Min. Francis Fonseca, Education, Culture, E-Governance, Science & Technology Celebrating on National Heroes and Benefactors Day

Visiting with Mrs. Bennett’s Preschool

Visiting with Stella Maris

Accepting Laptop donation from the Diaspora along with Min. Mahler

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13 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES

2022

PUBLIC AUCTION BACAB PUBLIC AUCTIONSALE SALE ––BACAB ECO ECO PARK PARK

Ridge Lagoon Estate Area, Boom Belize District Ridge Lagoon Estate Area, Boom Road, Road, Belize District

BY ORDER of the Mortgagees Messrs.

The Belize Bank Limited, Licensed A. Castillo and

BY ORDER of the Mortgagees Messrs. The Belize Bank Limited, Licensed Auctioneers Auctioneers Kevin A. CastilloKevin and Christiana ChristianaR.R. Castillo are selling ONLINE via belizepropertyauctions.com the following property.

Castillo are selling ONLINE via belizepropertyauctions.com the following property. Sale currently running and Sale will currently st running expire Monday 21 March 2022 and at 1:30will pm:expire Monday 21st March 2022 at 1:30 pm:

REGISTRATION SECTION REGISTRATION SECTION

Ladyville/Lords Ladyville/Lords Bank Bank

BLOCK BLOCK

PARCEL PARCEL

4

64

4

64

(Being the following improvements/developments: a) Caretaker’s House – (Being an elevated timber building ft x 26 ft] + front porch [6ft 13ft.]) roofing, and floor tiles) (Being the following improvements/developments: female [13 and male restroom, cut stone walls, roofxgalvalume

a) Caretaker’s House – (Being an elevated timber building [13 ft x 26 ft] + front porch [6ft x 13ft.]) b) Welcome Center – (Between the parking lot and swimming pool and is comprised of several buildings being timber and masonry bock walls, concrete floor, thatch roof and covered walkway approximately [16 ft. x 40 ft.]) c) Outdoor Bar – (Being a thatched roof outdoor bar with tiled countertops + built-in stainless-steel buffet/ shelf cabinet) d) Palapa Bar area with another open palapa – (Being thatched roof, concrete floor, and half walls of palmetto sticks) e) Swimming Pool - (Timber planks and palmetto palm sticks board walk (100 meters long) leads to the pool area [approximately 6000 sq. ft]. Pool is reinforced concrete, tiled walls and is divided into two sections – kiddie section [2ft. deep]: Mushroom shape concrete waterfall: Adult section [4.5 ft. deep]: - rock waterfall + surrounded by concrete court with stone finish) f) Pool Side Restaurant – (Being a large thatch roof palapa – eating area + kitchen + cashier section + bartending area + water filter section + full male & female bathroom with storage lockers + showers + changing rooms) g) Bathroom and locker storage area – (Being a concrete building compromising of a

h) Gift Shop – (Being a small palmetto structure with concrete floors, palmetto walls, palmetto batten windows & doors, roof galvalume pitched supported by timber roof frame.) i) Office and supplies storeroom – (Being masonry block walls, with galvalume roofing material [12ft. x 15ft.]) j) Pasture for horses – (Pastured sections are fenced with barbed wire supported by wooden posts) k) Parking Lot l) Bicycle House m) Horse riding Pad and trail n) Horse riding equipment building o) Pool court with small palapas with table and seat p) Power supply and control station q) Water Supply Tower r) Swimming pool water pump house s) Kayak Pond and Parcel No. 64 (36.526 acres) located south of Ridge Lagoon Residential Estate, Burrell Boom Road, Belize District, the freehold property of Mr. Francis Smith & Maria Smith/Messrs.

BACAB Eco - Park)

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

13 MAR

2022

THE BELIZE TIMES

THINK ABOUT IT CRIME -A MAJOR CRISIS Violent Crime is such a regular and dominant diet of the news that we are becoming numb to it. It is no longer sensational and it is no longer shocking and we are becoming used to it.

But citizens continue to be murdered. The lives and future of their families and dependents continue to be shattered. The society cannot continue down this path.

The House of Representative is the highest decision-making authority in the country. Professional politicians are paid by the taxpayers to discuss national issues and propose policy and legislation which seek to offer solutions to issues affecting Belizeans.

For the past 13 years, the UDP government successfully avoided any form of discussion in the House on the pressing national issue of crime, to their shame and to the detriment of our people and our country.

The new government should be determined that they will not take the same road.

The crime problem, like any other problem has a solution. Indeed, for every problem there are more than one solution.

Violent crime has spread from Belize City to Ladyville to Orange Walk, to many villages and as far south as Punta Gorda.

The Police tells us many of these violent crime incidents are linked to gangs.

To their everlasting shame, the UDP government presided over a growth industry of gangs. From five or six gangs in 2008 to 24 gangs at the end of 2020. How they managed such an accomplishment is “simply amazing” It is also a reflection on us as a society.

Surely, it cannot be because we lack the ability to analyze the causes, social and economic contributors to what are producing gangs, anti-social behavior, poverty, indiscipline and the propensity to violence. At the apex is murder. It is unacceptable.

Absolutely unacceptable.

Apart from the failure of the process, the apparent failure of two institutions deserves comment...the media and our universities.

The media, in particular the television segment, has to step up its game. The coverage of gang “warfare” and violent outbursts does get coverage. The competition among the five major news outlets forces them to cover murders. Murder is big news in any society. We are no exception. There is no lack of callers to the limited talk shows where some views get expressed by concerned citizens.

What is lacking are any inputs from those in a position to offer their learned or considered views on the whys and wherefores and the possible solutions to tackle gangs and murders.

This is sorely lacking.

Of the five major television outlets, two go where the others don’t. Krem tv/radio used to host a Wednesday night call-in-show, a Thursday night panel discussion and a Sunday morning call-in-event. There were no holds barred. These are gone.

Plus tv never got off the ground with any other forum other than its daily morning show. Like Krem, its morning show host Luis Wade, is like Krem’s Moses Hyde and Nuri Muhammad. Every issue is on the table, and callers are invited to participate.

Love FM, Channel 5 and Channel 7 are “also runs” Love FM formerly had an informative Monday night show which tackled governmental and constitutional issues.

That is gone. In its place is the Business Hour, staid and uncontroversial. There is a non-call-in morning show but the hosts shy away from any confrontational issues, even though many government officials are regular guests.

Channel 5 had a popular Monday night show. That show went the way of all flesh. There are no shows, no call ins. The daily morning show is lifeless. Before covid, channel 5 was the premier outlet for music, arts and local entertainment.

Channel 7 never had any morning shows, any call-in-or any night outlet. They were content to produce one of the top daily evening news. They regularly show murder scenes, blood on the dance floor and dead bodies.

Channel 7 has now graduated to two popular shows. None are call-ins. Jules Vasquez hosts a Wednesday night show and three energetic, if in-experienced young person’s hosts a daily morning show. There are no call-ins.

What these two shows highlight is that Belizeans are hungry for news and views and want to be adequately informed.

Our universities can do better. They must do better. They cannot operate in a bubble. Their sole business is education. Education cannot be solely what is done in classrooms following calcified curriculum. Didn’t the poet John Donne point out that no one is an island entire of itself, everyone is a piece of the main, a part of the connectedness of us all.

U.W.I. branch in Belize City, Galen University, and the University of Belize, we need you now, more than ever. Start sponsoring panel discussions. Our society is falling apart.

EASTER DI COME Next to Christmas, the biggest event on the Christian calendar is Easter.

Ash Wednesday was on the 2nd March this year. It marks the beginning of 40 days of Lent. Lent represents the 40 days Jesus spent in fasting, meditation and abstinence. For the majority of Belizeans, lent was used to abstain from some of the vices like cigarette, alcohol, gambling, gossiping and partying.

During the original 40 days, the Devil personally attempted to tempt Jesus. He tried three times and three times did he fail.

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Belizeans used this as an encouragement to them that they can resist the Devil and his demons who encourage us to be weak and commit sins and wrongdoing.

Today many Belizeans belong to the Devil and his gang. We want to drink alcohol and smoke weed and cigarettes. We want to party and gossip and have multiple sex partners.

Can we call on all our priests and pastors to make a determined effort to save the young generation from the evils of this wicked world. To renounce the devil and all his followers, the pomp and vanities that is taking hold on Belizeans and from the sinful lust of the flesh.(this last one is the hardest). Amen.

WE MISS YOU CANON FLOWERS The outspoken Priest and Canon of the Anglican church is not in the best of health.

Canon Leeroy Flowers has been a powerful voice in our society championing many causes. He has never shied away from any issue. His voice is surely missed.

Our prayers are with Canon Flowers and our wishes for the return of his health and strength.

COCAINE The price of cocaine on San Pedro and in Belize City is at all-time low. This is interesting as the price of everything else keeps going up.

Cocaine was selling at twenty-four thousand dollars for one kilogram or a “brick”.

For the past three years it was at eighteen thousand dollars. Since January it is at eight thousand dollars Belize dollars.

This fall in price has nothing to do with the frequent drug planes which are landing in the north, west and south Belize.

Those who claim they know say that a particular cartel in Mexico sent word to several retail sellers in Belize who find wet drops off the coast of San Pedro, that anyone found selling their brand of cocaine, both they and their families will pay with their lives.

Immediately, that brand of cocaine stopped being sold by the brick, as it can be traced. Each brick carries a manufacturer’s sign on it. For example, a scorpion is imprinted on the plastic packet.

See, we didn’t know the cartels in Columbia marked their cocaine. Just guessing...

CROSS COUNTRY- HOW IT STARTED The annual cross country cycle race will take place on Holy Saturday, 16th April from Belize City to San Ignacio and back to Belize City, non-stop. A distance of some 144 miles.

This race is the biggest one-day sporting event in our country. It started from an innocent bicycle outing. Belizean Monrad Metzgen rode his bicycle ten miles on the Western Road to attend a cricket game near Freetown in the Pine Ridge area. He later wrote that he counted four motor cars and over forty bicycles. The illustrious Monrad thought it would be a welcomed idea for an “expedition” to travel from Belize City to Cayo. Remember, in those days, we travelled west by river in pit-pans.

With support from Belizean Matron Roberts who donated money, and Hildabrand Haylock and James Cran, the expedition was born.

On the 11th March 1928, a public meeting was held at the Debating Club in which the decision was agreed to organize a bicycle expedition to Cayo and back to the City.

A Board of management was selected. Chairman Monrad Metzgen secretary, H.D Fairweather, treasurer, W.M. Mc Field, Reporter P.S. woods.

Committee members Harold Graham, H.W Haylock, Basil Burns, and Greg Castillo.

The race would leave from the Court House building at 5:00A.M. on the Thursday morning of 5th April 1928 and return on Monday 9th April. Before leaving, there would be an inspection of bicycles, photographs would be taken, a parade of the cyclist would go through the main streets and medical officer, James Cran, would brief the riders.

The then Governor Sir John Burdon accompanied by the Superintendent of Police J.A Nisbet did an inspection of the riders. Sergeant of the Territorial Force U. Bevir sounded the military reveille to wake up the city folks at 3:00 A.M. The first rider to reach El Cayo was Elston Kerr. He was greeted by Mrs. Maud Hulse, wife of the Road Overseer. A large crowd was in attendance. Elston Kerr was also the first rider to return to Belize City on the 9th April, second was Norris Wade.

Elston Kerr went on to win the race in 1929, and in 1930. Each year after a cross country race the new champion would journey to Lord Ridge cemetery and place a garland on the tomb of Elston Kerr.

The annual cross country cycle race grew into a grueling one on one race along rugged terrain, and over very steep hills, like Mount Hope. The road was unpaved and bicycles were primitive. Those who won these races where strength and endurances were glorified and became heroes in our country. They were household names. Robert Ferguson won three races-1933,1934 and 1944.

Donald Lightburn won in 1931, 1935, and 1936. Aston Gill in 1945, 1946, 1947 and 1950. Altreith Smith 1948. Jeffery Obrien in 1951,1952,1954 and 1955.

Edward Miguel, Arthur Miguel, John Miguel and young Rudy Miguel won the race nine year among them, and became living legends.

In the 1970s the heroes were Anthony Hutchison, Kenrick Holiday and Alfred Parks.

To be continued.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

13 MAR

2022

STRENGTHENING OF TAX ADMINISTRATION PROJECT REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST Consultancy Firm to review and update the current Taxpayer Segmentation Model and develop a Risk-based Compliance Management Model Institution: The Ministry of Finance (MOF) Country: Belize Project: Strengthening of Tax Administration (STA) Abstract: Consulting Services – Consultancy Firm to review and update the current Taxpayer Segmentation and develop a Risk-based Compliance Management Model.

Loan No.: 4839/OC-BL Deadline: April 1, 2022, Belize Local Time The Government of Belize (GOB) has received financing from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for the execution of a five-year tax modernization project entitled “Strengthening of Tax Administration” (BL-L1031). Through this project, the Belize Tax Service Department (BTSD) has procured a Modern Integrated Tax Administration System (the Revenue Management System (RMS)) and is presently in the implementation process. This new system will be used in the management of the Belize Tax Administration.

The BTSD Strategic Plan clearly addresses the relevance of taxpayer segmentation and the risk management approach. It indicates that: “It has become good practice for Tax Administrators across the world to implement Taxpayer Segmentation in revenue management to effectively analyze taxpayer data and to efficaciously implement different and specific surveillance and control mechanisms,” and that; “The deployment of a ‘Risk management approach’ is a modern and pertinent tactic that would aid in compliance. This approach gives a structured basis for strategic planning; focuses on the underlying drivers (not symptoms) of non-compliance; promotes diversity in the way major tax compliance risks are treated, rather than a ‘one size fits all’ approach; realizes better outcomes as it refers to efficiency and effectiveness of programs; coincides with international standards and is a strong basis for evidence-based evaluation.

Consequently, the BTSD will explore the introduction of a Risk Management Plan (RMP) to properly respond to the risks identified on a timely basis, to minimize overall compliance burden for both the taxpayers and the tax administration. As an important aspect of the RMP, risk mitigating strategies will be proposed for application against potential and existing risks. The plan will highlight all areas of risks including risk-based assessments, risk-based audits, risk-based sector and taxpayer segmentation, compliance risks (registration, filing, reporting and payments) and international risks. Risk mitigation reduces the extent of exposure and ensures that the strategic objectives are achieved.”

The consulting services (“the services”) includes the contracting of a Consultancy Firm for a period of five (5) months to review and update the current Taxpayer Segmentation and develop a Risk-based compliance management model, including configuration of the model in the ITAS. The main activity of the consultancy includes: 1.

To prepare an Action plan for the review and updating of the Taxpayer Segmentation Model and Risk Analysis Strategy

2.

To Assess the status of BTSD taxpayer segmentation and the use of risk-based techniques in the BTSD and to analyze the BTSD taxpayer information to identify ways to segment the taxpayer population following different criteria (income, assets, number of employees, economic activities etc.), and other relevant indicators.

3.

To review and update the current model for segmentation of BTSD taxpayers (companies and individuals) and to define a strategy for updating taxpayers’ segments and profiles in the ITAS periodically.

4.

5.

Profile all BTSD taxpayers following the model once the model is approved by BTSD management.

To propose a model for the risk-based compliance model, defining the risk-based indicators, the rules, the risk factors to be utilized, their relative relevance (high, medium, low), the sources of information to utilized, the mitigation measures, and the required operations to use them.

6.

To include the information on taxpayer segmentation in the ITAS database, inclusive of defining (setting) the parameters and rules for its then configuration in the ITAS database.

7.

To prepare a report on the risks identified as well as the relevant mitigation measures to be introduced.

8.

To suggest additional information (internal and external) to improve its risk-based control system.

9.

To deliver workshops to BTSD staff on the Taxpayer Segmentation Model and risk analysis strategy to be implemented.

The Consultancy Firm should have a minimum of five (5) years’ relevant working experience in similar assignment, helping tax administrations to implement risk-based taxpayer compliance programs with the

application of taxpayer segmentation and information crosschecking. In addition, the Consultant firm should have a minimum five (5) years’ specific experience in the following areas: •

Tax administration,

• Taxpayer compliance control based on taxpayer segmentation, risk analysis and information crosschecking, and •

Training on risk-based taxpayer, taxpayer segmentation and information crosschecking.

As well as a minimum of three (3) years of previous experience in conducting assistance to countries in the areas of taxpayer segmentation, implementing risk-based compliance controls, and information crosschecking. Furthermore, the Consulting firm should have knowledge and experience working in Belize, and or the Caribbean environment in a similar assignment.

The Ministry of Finance now invites eligible Consultancy Firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested eligible Consultants must submit an Expression of Interest providing information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the services (description of similar assignments specifying start and end dates of assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills, etc.). The term “consultant” means a legally established professional consulting firm or an entity that may provide the services.

Expression of Interest package should contain: (i) Document explaining interest, experience, and competence of the consulting firm. (ii) Firms experience in the assignment of similar consultancy services during the past five years. Description of similar assignments specifying start and end dates of assignments. (iii) Firms evidence of past jobs. (These includes letters from the respective client on the job (s) carried out, or a copy of contract or agreement with the client including copy of the TOR). (iv) Two references (v) Proof of nationality: Copy of certificate of incorporation, information of shareholders of company specifying the shares owned by each respective shareholder of the company and a copy of documentation of nationality of the shareholders of the company.

Additional documentation required for National Consultants: (vi) Copy of Certificate of Good Standing from Belize Company Registry (vii) Copy of Certificate of Good Standing from the Social Security Board (viii) Copy of Certificate of Good Standing from the Belize Tax Service (ix) Copy of Current Trade License A Consulting firm will be selected in accordance with the Quality and Cost - Based Selection (QCBS) procurement method set out in the Inter-American Development Bank: Policies for the Selection and Contracting of Consultants financed by the Inter-American Development Bank (GN-2350-15, May 2019 edition) and is open to all eligible consultants as defined in the IDB policies. The selection of the successful firm will be based on a competitive process among short-listed firms that takes into account the quality of the proposal and the cost of the service. Only the short-listed firms will be notified and will be asked to submit a technical and price proposal.

Consultants may associate with other firms in the form of a joint venture or a sub-consultancy to enhance their qualifications. For the purpose of establishing the short list, the nationality of a firm is that of the country in which it is legally incorporated or constituted and in the case of Joint Venture, the nationality of the firm appointed to represent it.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Expressions of interest must be delivered via direct mail or e-mail at the address indicated below by 3:00 p.m. (Belize local time) on Friday April 1, 2022.

Interested consulting firms are asked to submit their expression of interest via e-mail to Michelle.

Longsworth@bts.gov.bz marked STAP- Consultancy Firm to review and update the current Taxpayer Segmentation and develop a Risk-based Compliance Management Model in the subject header, or submit on or before 3:00 p.m. (Belize local time) on Friday April 1, 2022 to the following address: Director General Belize Tax Service Strengthening of Tax Administration Project Charles Bartlett Hyde Building Mahogany Street, Belize City Tel: 501-222-5114 For clarifications kindly contact: Procurement Officer Project Executing Unit Strengthening of Tax Administration Project Charles Bartlett Hyde Building Mahogany Street, Belize City Tel: 501-222-5114/E-mail: Ian.Ramirez@mof.gov.bz

13 MAR

2022

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THE BELIZE TIMES

OF THIS AND THAT MARCH CHRISTMAS PM made an announcement. John Briceño keeps his promises. The economy took away 10%. It took it from public officers. It was sad. It had to be done. It was a bold decision. It was the best decision. Briceño made it.

That is not the end. The story continues. Briceño made a promise. He promised to give the 10% back.

He did. He did it in record time. Big up to the Prime Minister. The man is a genius.

Chris Coye is a brains man too.

BELIKIN COMMERCIALS There are lots of beers. Mine beer. Heinekin. Pirate beer. Lots. Belizeans drink beer. Some prefer foreign beer. Some contraband from Mexico.

Beer is beer. “Chipilin” or “badman” is in style. But the Belikin commercials are good. High quality. Like movie. They are about Belize. One was about tamales. Now there is a new one. It is with rice and beans. Village life.

They have to do one with Dario’s meat pie. Dits garnaches and Lee Chi. Yes. Imagine that.

BACK TO SCHOOL Covid is ruff. It is stealing childhoods. No parks. No parties. No fun. No nothing. It should be called the “No” virus.

Children are back in school. It looks normal.

Exhale. It is about time.

We should be glad. Happy for the children.

Good work Ministry of health. Good work Doctors. Nurses. Front line workers too.

Big up Francis Fonseca. He is doing a thing. Humbly. Without whole bunch of noise.

MASK OFF No more masks. Outside at least. People like this decision.

Masks are stifling. Hard to breathe in them. It is stress when you forget them.

Now we can inhale the fresh air. We can inhale the kinell water too. We love this decision.

Boris Johnson started the trend. He had a party. He was in trouble. He lifted restrictions. This saved his career.

SOCCER FIGHT There was a football game. It was in Mexico. Corregidora Stadium.

The game was between Atlas and Queretaro. It was for the Liga MX on March 5, 2022. There were 34,0000 fans from both teams.

A riot broke out. It was nasty. Horrible. Reports say 17 people died. Fans beat up each other. Stripped Atlas fans naked. Sent them to the hospital.

Some say it was more than just football. The fights may have some drug cartel issues. This is bad.

The world is opening up. Covid is fading. People are frustrated. Sports will help us. Help us to get healthy. Healthy as a society. Covid is not just a medical problem.

It is social. It is psychological.

BELIZE BANK Belize Bank bought Scotia. This is big. Only a few banks in Belize.

There are long lines at Belize bank now. The customers from Scotia plus Belize Bank together. There have been complaints. Customer service complaints about the lines. Delay and transitions. The money people have to sort this out. Fix it.

It does not look good.

RUSSIA vs. BUSINESS Russia started war. It invaded Ukraine. This was unprovoked. People are dying.

It is very, very sad. We have to watch out. Belize has to pay attention. We thought war like this was impossible. We thought it was far. Then Putin brought war planes to Venezuela. This is close to home.

NATO has not stopped the war. America has not stopped it. It will get worse.

Belize must do something. Even if it is just praying for innocent civilians trapped there.

Big companies are standing up though. Coca Cola. Shell. Ferrari. Pepsi. McDonald’s. Visa and Master Card. FedEx and UPS. Ford. Adidas. Airbnb. Nike. Disney too.

This is big.

We have to do what we can to stand up. No more death.

WOMEN’S MONTH March is women’s month. February was warm up. It was the love month. Women’s month is an extension of love. Women are amazing. They are better than men.

Prettier. Smarter.

Countries are considered female. The pronoun for countries is “she”. That is good. The best female is our mother. She makes us who we are. This year the theme is powerful. The campaign is “break the bias”. Hashtag.

In many countries, women take lick. It is hard on them. Time for us to put that woman first. Belize has the best women in the world.

Keep your head up ladies.

TRUMP WARNS Donald Trump was President 45 for USA. He was plain spoken. He was controversial at times. He is rich. He is a businessman.

He gave an interview. He spoke about the war in Ukraine. He warned the world.

He said, look out. He thinks Taiwan may be next. Let us hope things do not get out of control.

Wonder if he is right?

13 YEARS UDP CHEATING UDP was in power. They took 13 long years. 13 is bad luck. The UDP is bad luck.

In that time, they were evil. They planted evil seeds. They made those evil seeds grow for 13 years. Those seeds were corrupt. They were victimizers. They made the country broke.

The PUP is nice. Nice guys. They are not brutal. They must turn back the evil that was done. If not the UDP will try to blame them for what the UDP caused. Yes, they are that facey.

The PUP should root out the evil. Root out the people who abused our people for 13 years. Punished our people. The Belizean people. Mark King said it. UDP first and to hell with the rest.

PUPs were last. Dead last. The UDP would want us to fall asleep. To leave their evil. They will try to get the country to keep eating the UDP spit. PUP need to use

the machete. Everybody fi win. No fraid fi deal with them. They are waiting in the shadows. Wicked people.

CHIMOLE OR ESCABECHE Chimole is nice. It is a soup. Escabeche is an onion soup. Belize loves both.

Which is better? Which one Belize loves more. If you did a poll who would win?

Escabeche is good for goma. Chimole just nice. Makes your mouth water.

You are what you eat. We in Belize eat the best.

Thanks God, we don’t have to choose. We can eat Chimole today. Escabeche tomorrow and Sere or caldo Tuesday.

LENT We are in lent. It is a Christian period. 40 days and 40 nights. It is important to Belizeans. We are a God-fearing nation.

We are very superstitious too. Lent is a time of death lurking. This superstition is true. In the Bible, there was the Passover. You had to protect yourself.

In Belize there is a lot of drowning during lent. Other things too. Be careful out there Belize. Pray and be smart. Lent is here.

BARROW LAUGHS Dean Barrow is not dead. He is working from the dark. He gave an interview. It was about the illegal money he spent. It was a lot of money. The judge ruled against him. The judge disappeared. He did not hand in the court paper.

Dean Barrow will get away with it. That is bad enough. But when they asked him about it, he laughed.

Everyday gang men shoot people. They are charged for murder. They go to court.

The paper is lost. No witness. We all know what they did. Belize no fool. They walk out of court and get away with it. We know they are guilty but they walk away and laugh.

Barrow thinks he got away.

OSOCITY Osocity is a DJ. He has videos on YouTube. He is very popular. His real name is Alex Haniff.

He was in Belize. He did an Amapiano mix. That is like techno. He should have done a punta and brukdown mix. That would have been fire.

The video is nice though. He did it on the maya temple. Xunantunich.

One of his dj mix had 50 million views. If the Belize one gets 30 million views that will be good. More tourist will come.

Next he needs to meet with Supa G, Sweet Pain, Lord Rhaburn and Gilharry 7.

Editor’s note: The column above shares the opinion of the author on issues using a special style of writing.

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) invites applicants for the functions of National Consultant to support the Strengthening Climate Resilient Health Systems Project Duty station:

Belize City

Qualifications:

Essential: A Bachelor’s degree in Environment Science or Public Health from a recognized university Desirable: A Master’s Degree in Environmental Studies, Climate, or related field

Experience:

Essential: At least 5 years of national experience in public health, environmental health, climate change or related field Desirable: Experience in development of H-NAP

Skills: • Experience developing HNAPs and conducting impact assessments and sensitivity analyses • Demonstrable current knowledge of climate health risks and adaptation policies and programs • Knowledge about health systems’ operations • Experience in data collection and analysis • Strong research, problem-solving and organizational skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively (in person or virtually) with other team players • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and sensitivity to political and cultural issues • Ability to meet deadlines • Strong professional oral and writing skills, including the development of reports, oral presentations, and technical/persuasive documents for consideration at the highest levels of the Organization.

• Demonstrated ability to effectively use a computer and utilize software programs such as Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Outlook. Other IT skills and knowledge of other software programs for Statistical Analysis, Data Exploratory Analysis and Project Management would be an asset.

Languages:

Very good knowledge of English and working knowledge of Spanish

Deadline:

Letter of application, Curriculum Vitae, and two current letters of recommendation should be sent to blzmail@paho.org or to P.O. Box 1834, Belize City no later than March 25, 2022

For further details visit our website https://www.paho.org/en/vacancies An interview will be held for this position and only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

PAHO/WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

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13 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES

Belize Represented at UNEA 5.2 and UNEP@50

Hon. Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Management, led a delegation to the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA 5.2) and United Nations Environment Programme 50th Anniversary (UNEP @50) in Nairobi, Kenya from February 28 to March 4, following an invitation by the UNEA and UNEP Secretariat.

International Women’s Day

From the Desk of Chief Executive Officer 8th March 2022 Today, March 8th, marks International Women’s Day where countries across the world come together to celebrate under the theme “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow.”

This theme resonates louder than ever because in the age of the COVID-19 pandemic and an impending climate crisis, we must not leave our women behind as we build back and create new ways to move for ward. Any and all growth strategies must not only include, but also empower women as key contributors of development.

We, at the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment commit to this ideal as avid national advocates for the women of Belize – demonstrating our advocacy through the development of inclusive policy, the promotion of gender-equality projects and programmes, and the overall goal towards social equity for all Belizeans. A woman that is enabled; enables her children, the community and by extension, the country.

We also recognize the importance of having women in positions of prominence with women making up the backbone of our ministry: Policy and Planning Unit – Ms. Karlene McSweaney, Ms. Fayne Nicasio, Mrs. Kimberley Westby-Cassasola, Ms. Martha Woodye, and Ms. Gabrielle Hulse; Climate Financing Unit – Ms. Hunter Hales and Mrs. Tracey Banman-Peña; our Director of the National Authorizing Unit, Ms. Kathrine Mendez; our Finance Officer, Ms. Amira Jones; our Administrative Officer, Ms. Deborah Ireland, and Administrative Staff – Mrs. Ana Mahmud-Zetina, Ms. Yuribeth Sarceno, and Ms. Nancy Cal, Belize Integral Security Programme – Ms. Sharon Lamb, Mrs. Gina Anderson, Ms. Tenesha Reynolds; Belize Road Safety Project II – Mrs. Cristina Seawell, Ms. Maria Novelo; Resilient Rural Belize Project – Ms. Nerie Sanz, Ms. Aritha Sabal, Ms. Nadia Vernon, Ms. Reyna Reyes, Ms. Sandra Medina; Statistical Institute of Belize – Diana Castillo-Trejo, Francine Gongora, Yosmary Bacab, Agnes Norales, Audra Kelly, Miriam Willoughby, Tanisha Chavarria, Wendy Benavides, Audrey Villafranco, Elizet Santos, Cynthia Palacio, Keisha Smith, Sara Flores, Dolores Emmanuel, Kenesha Richards, Annia Mejia, Maritza Canto, Tiffany Vasquez, Alba Mencias, Jacqueline Ireland, Jacqueline Sabal, Andrea Catch.

We salute these women and their contribution to the ministry, and hope to continue creating a space of economic opportunities for women in the country.

To all the women of Belize, we celebrate your political, social, environmental, economic, cultural, and personal achievements today and always. We thank you for making Belize a better place.

We promise to always make progress towards gender equality in order to close the gap and “Break the Bias”.

Belize’s participation in the UNEA 5.2 and UNEP @50 provides an opportunity for member states of the Assembly to agree on key resolutions towards a global treaty, such as the Paris Accord, to address the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity, and pollution and waste.

Of these 17 resolutions, critical for Belize were: Resolution on Green Recovery.

Resolution on Nature Based Solutions for supporting sustainable development.

Resolution on Science Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution.

Resolution on Environmental aspects of minerals and metals management; and, Resolution to End Plastic

Pollution.

In a milestone achievement, heads of state, ministers of environment and other representatives from 175 nations endorsed the landmark agreement to end plastic pollution and address the full lifecycle of plastic from source to sea - the most important accord since the Paris Agreement.

During the proceedings, Minister Habet delivered a national address on behalf of Belize. In his address to the Assembly, the minister highlighted the “need to foster the inclusivity of SIDS and LDCs to have full unimpeded and equal access to benefits of our global agreements”, the “need for system-level change through the entire plastic value chain and a binding agreement on marine litter pollution”. To this end, he highlighted the urgency of the Assembly “to support financing, capacity building, technology transfer, and building appropriate monitoring, reporting, and verification systems”. He

2022

reaffirmed that “Belize will continue to be a leader in the Caribbean and Central American sub-regions in tackling the challenges faced by humanity.”

The Belize delegation also participated in a series of side events inclusive of the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People where member states were informed of Belize’s signature blue bond and endorsement of the 30 X 30 initiative which aims to protect at least 30 percent of the world’s land and ocean by 2030.

On March 4, Minister Habet will deliver a second speech to the Assembly on the theme “Strengthening UNEP for the Implementation of the Environmental Dimensions of the 2030 Agenda”.

Other members of the Belize delegation include Dr. Kenrick Williams, Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Anthony Mai, Senior Environmental Officer, Department of the Environment.

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

Institution: Belize Water Services Limited Country: Belize Project: Seine Bight 500,000 US gallon Water Reservoir and site development Sector: Plant Abstract: The general objective of this publication is to engage eligible construction companies to build a two chamber 500,000 gallon reinforced concrete reservoir in the Seine Bight Village (Stann Creek District) as per design.

Project Number: 285511191974/ BW-55-1858 Deadline: March 15, 2022 The construction services (“the Services”) include, but are not limited to, construction of a 76ft x 76ft above ground reinforced concrete potable water reservoir: • supply all construction materials and construct and commission new reinforced concrete ground water reservoir (500,000 US-gallon capacity), including installation of all pipework and fixtures and • Construct Chemical, Dosing, and Pump rooms above reservoir including Plumbing and Electrical, Site fill, internal road, parking, site lights, drainage and perimeter fencing.

Belize Water Services Limited now invites eligible construction companies (“Bidders”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Companies should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services.

Companies must qualify on three (3) major work categories: • Civil and ancillary works including, but not limited to, construction and refurbishment of buildings, construction and refurbishment of roads and streets, major and minor roads chip and seal works, earthworks, fencing, concrete works, facility maintenance, retaining walls, drainage, security huts, shelters and canopies, railings, bins, signage, plastering, painting, etc.

• Water Supply Systems including new and renewals of transmission, distribution mains and service connections; installation of pump stations; installation of headworks; water treatment plant works (including mechanical/electrical and civil); and construction and/or restoration of reservoirs.

• Commercial mechanical and electrical works including electrical and mechanical installation for buildings and compounds Financial category of the project: • Large contract estimated more than $1,000,000.

Financial resources of the company shall be BZ$200,000 monthly.

Shortlisting of contractors will be based on the Application pack – Expression of Interest for Seine Bight 500,000 US gallon Water Reservoir and site Development Tendering process and is open to all eligible contractors as defined in the document.

The short list shall comprise of minimum of three (3) and maximum of eight (8) companies.

Companies may associate with other firms in the form of a joint venture or a sub-consultancy to enhance their qualifications.

Interested parties should contact the Engineering procurement representative, via email to obtain Application Package and other information.

Expressions of interest and application package must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by email) by March 15, 2022, no later than 3:00 P.M. Belize Water Services Limited Attn: Engineering Procurement 7 Central American Boulevard Belize City, Belize, C.A. Tel: +(501) 222-4757, Ext. 1713

E-mail: engineeringprocurement@bwsl.com.bz

13 MAR

2022

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THE BELIZE TIMES

BELIZE SOCIAL INVESTMENT FUND Social Investment Fund TENDER NOTICE Vacancy Notice Country: Belize Project: Caribbean Development Bank Loan No: 25/SFR-OR-BZE Project ID: 1509/8/E1 Contract Number: E/SL3-01/2022 National Competitive Bidding (NCB) Deadline: March 14, 2022 Technical Officer - Civil Engineer

Terms of Reference Position: Executive Director Background We are seeking a dynamic, energetic individual who possesses and models a commitment to the mandate of the National Women’s Commission and has a highly developed understanding, excellent analytical skills and experience in management and elaboration and implementation of programs and policies for the advancement of Gender Equality, Equity, Women’s Empowerment and Hubasic services man Rights Issues.

1. The Government of Belize has received funding through the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) towards the cost of Eligible Sub-projects and intends to apply part of the funds to cover eligible payments under the contract for Completion of the Corazon Creek Technical Investment is Corazon an autonomous responsible for delivering High SchoolFund Building, Creek Village,institution Toledo District, Belize.

2.

The Social Investment Fund, a Statutory Corporation, established under the Social ucture to the poor and needy, and for promoting community participation in development Investment Fund Act No. 3 of 1996 and located at Constitution Drive, Belmopan, Cayo District, zinghereby non-governmental organizations, community organizations and local decentralized Scope of Work/Duties invites tenders from suitably qualified contractors for the construction of the following: he Social Fund for manage and implement the policies and programmes of the Na• Coordinate, TheInvestment contract proposes to: would like to recruit a dynamic and committed individual contract proposes to complete the construction of an incomplete single storey reintional Women’s Commission (NWC) to achieve its mandate and objectives. of CivilTheEngineer. forced concrete structure measuring 164’-11” long by 42’-2” wide complete with a proposed • Serve as the Technical Advisor to the NWC. fourCivil (4) classrooms, office will spaces,report two (2) to malethe andTechnical female students’ bathrooms, two (2) male • Develop and implement programmes and activities to educate the general : The Engineer Unit Coordinator. and female teachers’ lavatories, storage spaces, and an access ramp to accommodate users with public about the Convention on All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEorts:disabilities.

None DAW) and international, regional and national commitments to women and enWorks shall include but not be limited to the following activities: construction of a recourage government and civil society to work towards achieving the goals of these ew:inforced concrete floor slab; construction of masonry walls; construction of reinforced concommitments. crete columns and beams; construction of a reinforced concrete roof; application of concrete • Promote legislative reforms that will seek to promote and protect the wellbengineer (CE) will beofstationed at the of Fund’s in Belmopan. rendering; construction ceilings; installation windowsHeadquarters and doors; installation of electrical, The CE shall be ing of women and their families. plumbing, water supply wastewater systems; of surface finishes; and the y the Technical Unitand Coordinator.

Theapplication CE shall be responsible forunderconducting technical, • Facilitate the development of the commission’s annual work plan, defining taking of landscaping activities. Adherence to the contract’s environmental and safety protocols al, during financial, and sustainability appraisals of projects.

In addition, the CE shallandbeformulating strategies for monitoring its work. priorities construction is of paramount importance. for the 3.monitoring of projects byCorazon the Fund.

Whenever the CE resources from relevant funding agencies to implement the work of Final (Project Site) Destinationimplemented as specified in BDS: Creek Village, Toledo necessary,• Mobilise the commission.

Belize advice in their field of expertise to other technical officers at the fund. iredDistrict, to provide • Assist the commission in the analysis and promotion of social sector policies 4. Social Investment Fund now invites sealed bids from eligible and qualified bidders for in order to advocate for increased support for women and their families. the and construction works in the aforementioned areas. lities Duties: • Document, promote and publish the objectives and activities of the commis5. Bidding will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding (NCB) procedures sion. all specified duties ininthekeeping with the guidelines, agreements provided for by the CDB’s Guidelines for procedures, Procurement (January 2006), andand are open to all countries • Prepare reports, Cabinet papers, documents, proposals and minutes of meettion.eligible for procurement under European Investment Bank funded projects which includes CDB ings. member countries.

Qualification include (a) The bidder unauditedand or audited • Manage the Human Resources and work of the Secretariat. ate as a 6.member of requirements BSIF's Technical Unit in shall the furnish organizing supervising of community financial statements (balance sheets with corresponding notes, income statement, and statements • Assist in securing funding and expertise needed to conduct surveys on matters d assets assessments and organizational needs assessments. of cash flow) of the firm for years 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 to demonstrate the current affecting women in order to provide data for the formation of necessary policies soundness of the bidder’s financialeconomic, position (b) Bidders should have experience under andofprogrammes. technical, environmental, financial, andgeneral sustainability assessments project contracts in the role of contractor, JV member, subcontractor, or management contractor for the • Prepare financial reports for submission to the government and donor agens. years 2017, 2018 and 2019 with activity of at least five (5) months in each year starting 1st Janucies that support the work of the commission. ary, 2017 (c) Bidders should have specific experience as a prime contractor, joint venture memWork be in close collaboration with international cooperation partners and releate as a member of BSIF's Technical Unit in the development of projects, which•shall ber, management contractor, or subcontractor, between 1st January 2010 and the bid submission vant donor agencies. d todeadline the BSIF Board agency(ies) for approval. and should haveof lessDirectors than or equaland to fourfunding (4) contracts, each of a minimum value of • Work cooperatively and effectively with other stakeholders, partners and staff BZ$175,000.00, but with a total value of all contracts equal or more than BZ$700,000.00 (d) tofor set various goals makes decisions that enhance the work of the Commission. infrastructure plans, specifications, bills of quantities, and cost estimates demonstrate cash flow requirement: capacity to have a cash flow amount of BZ$150,000.00 of which not more than BZ$75,000.00 can be credit for materials (e) an average annual turnover of nd economic infrastructure projects.

Competencies BZ$700,000.00 (e) other provided in the respective Bid Documents.

• Possesses nces where design and supervision consultants are with engaged byBidders the BSIF, shall specialist knowledge in gender issues including gender-based vi7. A secured “sample” electronic Bid document can be shared interested at the the officer olence address below, starting February 14, 2022, on week days between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. for nd provide detailed commentary on the quality of outputs provided by the consultants.

• Sound analytical skills, Proven facilitation, networking, coordination, team viewing purpose only (has a time restriction for viewing). A complete set of Bidding docubuilding ments (hard-copy or electronic version) can be purchased by interested bidder upon payment the technical evaluation of bids for the execution of works and the supply of goods.and organizational skills; Teamwork; • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective of a non-refundable fee of BZ$150.00. Requests may be made by personal application or in working relationships in a multi-cultural environment, with sensitivity and respect writing to the address below. Written applications must be clearly marked: “Completion of the for diversity.

Corazon Creek Technical High School Building, Corazon Creek Village, Toledo District, Belize”. The method of payment will be by cash deposited to, or Bank transfer to BSIF’s Bank Account only. Banking details can be requested at the address below. Cash payment will not be Required Skills & Experience accepted at the BSIF Office.

Education 8. Deadline for bids is at or before 10:00 a.m., March 14, 2022 at the address below.

• Master’s Degree in Gender and Development or other related Social Science Bids will be opened virtually at 10:15 a.m., March 14, 2022 at the Social Investment Fund, Degree.

3rd Floor, #1902 Constitution Drive, Belmopan, Cayo District in the presence of the bidders’ • At least three years working experience in the area representatives who choose to participate. The link is https://bit.ly/31ACuQU . Electronic bidding will not be permitted. Late bids will be rejected. All bids must be accompanied by a “Bid Language Security” of BZ$ 8,000.00 or an equivalent amount in a freely convertible currency or Bank • Fluent in English both written and spoken.

Guarantee. The bid validity period is 90 days.

9. A Virtual Pre-bid meeting with interested eligible bidders will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Interested and qualified persons can apply for the position via email to: presTuesday, February 22nd, 2022. The link is https://bit.ly/31ACuQU. Bidders can participate in ident.nwc@humandev.gov.bz under the REFERENCE: EXECUTIVE DIRECthe meeting to address any queries about the bidding document or the scope of works. Persons TOR Applicants are to submit the following documents: who purchase packages are urged to attend. a. Cover letter 10. The address referred to above is: Contact: Ms. Ruby Pascascio Senior Procurement Officer Social Investment Fund 3rd Floor, #1902 Constitution Drive Belmopan Cayo District Tel: 822-0239/822-0508 E-mail: ruby.pascascio@sifbelize.org

cc: colin.escalante@sifbelize.org

therese.arzu@sifbelize.org

b. Detailed resume c. Copy of Social Security Card d. Two letters of recommendation e. Copy of Educational Qualifications f. Police record g. Vaccination card

Deadline for submission is March 31, 2022

24

THE BELIZE TIMES

IDB Group Presents its New Value Proposition Belmopan. March 4, 2022. 11:30 a.m.

On March 1, 2022, the Government of Belize participated in the Preparatory Meeting with the Inter-American Development Bank’s (IDB) Governors of Belize, Central America, Haiti, Mexico, Panama, and the Dominican Republic. The IDB Group presented their analyses on the New Value Proposition: “Social Inclusion Agenda + Private Sector Investment + Climate Action = Sustainable and Inclusive Growth”.

The value proposition formula provided an evaluation of the need for IDB resources focusing on three key pillars. These include the social pillar that puts inclusion at the heart of the growth strategy, the private-sector pillar that supports the private sector and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) as engines to accelerate economic growth, and the climate change pillar which reaffirmed the incorporation of climate action in all growth strategies. The value proposition aligns closely with Belize’s vision and objectives, and it is noted that Belize is already making substantial headway towards a majority of the pillars.

The Belize delegation also held a bilateral meeting with Mauricio ClaverCarone, IDB President, to discuss the bank’s program with Belize. Belize pre-

13 MAR

2022

Social Investment Fund Social Investment Fund Vacancy Notice Vacancy Notice Technical Officer - Civil Engineer

sented its own proposals in response to the bank’s evaluations to reflect the needs of the country.

The delegation’s presentation highThe Social Investment Fund is an autonomous institution responsible for delivering basic lighted the considerations for small isservices and infrastructure to the poor and needy, and for promoting community participation land, low-lying coastal states like Belize in development project utilizing non-governmental organizations, community organizations and that would benefit from the continuation local decentralized agencies. The Social Investment Fund would like to recruit a dynamic and of IDB’s technical support and specialcommitted individual the autonomous position of Civil Engineer.

Theforth Social Fund isforan institution responsible for delivering ized initiatives. It also brought the Investment Reports To: The Civil Engineer will report to the Technical Unit Coordinator. need for decisive and meaningful investand infrastructure toDirect the Reports: poor and needy, and for promoting community participation None ment in countries of the Americas that Job Overview: project utilizing non-governmental organizations, community organizations and loca helps countries manage high debt in a The Civil Engineer (CE) will be stationed at the Fund’s Headquarters in Belmopan. The CE agencies. The Social Investment Fund would like to recruit a dynamic and committed shall be supervised by the Technical Unit Coordinator. The CE shall be responsible for conducting sustainable manner. Belize also shared thecollaboraposition of Civil Engineer. technical, environmental, financial, and sustainability appraisals of projects. In addition, the CE its support for the increased shall be responsible for the monitoring of projects implemented by the Fund. Whenever necessary, tion Reports To: The Civil report the field Technical Unit Coordinator. the CE will Engineer be required towill provide adviceto in their of expertise to other technical officers at between the IDB, IDB Invest and the fund.

IDB Lab, and advocated forDirect the IDBReports: priNone Responsibilities and Duties: vate sector windows to play a more sig• Perform all duties in keeping with the procedures, guidelines, and agreements provided nificant role than only investing where Job Overview: for by the organization. no other local institution invests.

• Participate as a member of BSIF’s Technical Unit in the organizing and supervising of The Civil Engineer (CE) will beneeds stationed the Fund’s Headquarters in Belmopan. T Finally, Belize reaffirmed its commitcommunity and assets at assessments and organizational needs assessments.

• Conduct technical, environmental, economic, financial, and sustainability ment to Vision 2025 and strongly supsupervised by the Technical Unit Coordinator. The CE shall be responsibleassessments for condu of project proposals. ported the IDB Group’s New Formula for environmental, financial, and sustainability appraisals of projects.

In addition, • Participate as a member of BSIF’s Technical Unit in the development of projects, which th the 21st Century. shall be presented to the BSIFimplemented Board of Directors and agency(ies) for approval.nec of projects by funding the Fund.

Whenever The Belize delegation responsible was headed for the monitoring • Develop infrastructure plans, specifications, bills of quantities, and cost estimates for be required to provide advice in their field of expertise to other technical officers

by Hon. Christopher Coye,will Minister of various social and economic infrastructure projects.

State in the Ministry of Finance, Eco• In instances where design and supervision consultants are engaged by the BSIF, the and Duties: nomic Development, and Responsibilities Investment. officer shall review and provide detailed commentary on the quality of outputs provided He was accompanied by Mrs. Narda by the consultants.

Perform in keeping with the procedures, guidelines, and agreements prov Garcia, CEO in the Office of the Prime all duties • Conduct the technical evaluation of bids for the execution of works and the supply of organization. goods.

Minister; Dr. Osmond Martinez, CEO in • Conduct the evaluation of expressions of interest submitted by consultants, followed the Ministry of Economic Development;  Participate as a member of BSIF's Technical Unitofinproposals the organizing supervising by the technical and financial evaluation submitted forand the provision of and Mrs. Elvira Mendez, Counsellor of consultancy services. needsDi-and assets assessments and organizational needs assessments.

Belize on the IDB Board of Executive • Monitor and supervise the activities of contractors and goods suppliers to ensure that rectors.

Technical Officer - Civil Engineer



rendered are ineconomic, accordance with the terms and of their respective Conduct technical, services environmental, financial, andconditions sustainability assessm contracts. proposals.

• Monitor and supervise the activities undertaken by consultants to ensure that services



Participate as a member of BSIF's Technical Unit in the development of projects, contracts.

Verify paymentof certificates submitted consultantsagency(ies) and prepare in-house payment cerpresented to the• BSIF Board Directors andbyfunding for approval.



• Participate in thespecifications, coordination and supervision work undertaken community Develop infrastructure plans, bills of ofquantities, andbycost estima members as a part of their community contribution. social and economic infrastructure projects.

• Participate in the coordination and supervision of training activities for various stake-

rendered to the BSIF are in accordance with the terms and conditions of their respective tificates, which shall be used to substantiate the approval of payments.



holders.

In instances where design and supervision consultants are engaged by the BSIF, t • Prepare infrastructure design changes and budget changes that may arise during the review and provideexecution detailed commentary of project activities. on the quality of outputs provided by th



Conduct the technical evaluation offorbids for the execution and supply • Assume responsibility the Fund’s Assets assigned toof theworks officer for thethe execution

•

of duties.

Report to the Technical Unit Coordinator on the progress of project activities under execution.

• Any other duties required for the effective functioning of the BSIF. Qualifications and Experience: • A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering.

• A corporate member with the Association of Professional Engineers of Belize (APEB) • A minimum of three (3) years of experience designing, reviewing designs, and supervising construction works as it relates to water supply projects.

General Knowledge: • Computer literate with a working knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite of applications.

• Proficient with computer aided drafting tools.

• Good command of the English language • Highly proficient in technical writing.

• Comfortable with emails, text messages, reprographic equipment • Excellent interpersonal skills • Positive attitude to get along with a high-performance team.

Salary: Negotiable based on experience and qualifications.

Duration of Assignment: One (1) year with the potential for extension for a longer duration.

Closing Date for Applications: March 18, 2022 at 3:00 p.m.

Applications should be addressed to: Senior Procurement Officer Social Investment Fund 3rd Floor, #1902 Constitution Drive Belmopan, Cayo District Tel: 822-0239/822-0508 E-mail: ruby.pascascio@sifbelize.org cc: therese.arzu@sifbelize.org •

Page 1 of 3

Liaise with various counterparts to ensure the efficient execution of project activities.

13 MAR

2022

25

THE BELIZE TIMES

This One Is For The Girls

CONSULTANCY NOTICE

Development of a Stakeholder Engagement Plan for Environmental Impact Assessments in Belize

BACKGROUND

The Department of the Environment (DOE) is committed to meaningful and effective stakeholder engagement in the preparation and evaluation of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA). This will contribute to a successful project, eliminate conflicts with local communities and other stakeholders, and provide for a transparent and systematic process that is beneficial to all parties. Failing to carry out a meaningful consultation in development of the EIA report and in the evaluation process may result in timeline delays, failure of the project, and a significant cost to the community, executing agency, and beneficiaries.

Public Consultations and Hearings were carried out in-person since the inception of the EIA Regulations. However, the safeguard measures now in place to prevent, control, contain and suppress the spread of the infectious disease COVID-19 has required that the DOE identify and implement new measures for the continued and enhancement of public involvement in the EIA process. Hence, the stakeholder plan shall take into consideration such new measures and the need for their standardization and formalization, taking into consideration existing policies and programs to engage stakeholders.

Looking at the girls in your life, tell me what do you see?

Do you see the girl, the child, or the woman to be?

Or do you see the challenges she must endure, From bullying, sexual harassment, to so much more?

Notwithstanding the stereotype that her life belongs in the home Girls have all these labels placed on them before they are even grown.

But we never see her life for what it truly is Because we have viewed it as a reflection of the things we too live.

The somewhat accepted way of life for the next generation of girls, That some things just comes along with being a female in this world.

Being taught to always be aware of your surroundings and the things you wear Is but a constant reminder that being a girl in this world is not always fair.

From the gender norms that are used to divide us and confined us In a society that tells her, she should be always silent.

And that she can’t be the hero of her own story Because she’s just not meant to hold that much glory.

But having a female prime minister or president doesn’t take away from the male But instead, adds to the contribution that will ensure we always prevail For girls fill a space that no one else can, Making up half of an equation we seem to not understand.

As this isn’t a fight of the boys versus the girls But a chance for us to change this world.

To rid it of the misogyny that is often rooted in who we are, So that when we think about equality it is never too far.

Because with our equal participation and achievements We will break both the bias and the glass ceilings.

Therefore, now is the chance for all our voices to be heard, Because our equal future depends on women’s courage being nurtured.

So, leaving a seat at the table should not only be in the name of fairness But serve as a message to the girls to always be fearless.

And our girls must know that they can be anything they dream, As the sky’s the limit as long as they believe.

So, take your rightful place in this world, Cause this one is not just for the women, this one is for the girls.

-----------UNITED WOMEN’S GROUP - Meaningful Engagement and Empowerment of Belizean Women. #UWG #truebluewomen

OBJECTIVES The Department of the Environment is looking for a consultant/firm that will be able to develop a Stakeholder Engagement Plan, taking into consideration the safeguard measures now in place to prevent, control, contain and suppress the spread of the infectious disease COVID-19.

The consultant will be expected to develop and submit the following to the Department for implementation.

I. A Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) to be used during the EIA Screening Process when conducting public consultations/hearings to further strengthen the Environmental Clearance Process. Such a plan will outline actions/activities/processes to be set in motion at the time confirmation is received that the developer will proceed with the EIA study, to the final stage of the EIA process, that is, the decision-making stage.

II. A procedure that is the most effective/efficient means of communication to standardize the public consultation and engagement, considering the background of all stakeholders.

III. Developed an information commercial showcasing the means and way of effective participation for the EIA process.

QUALIFICATIONS (i) Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in Social Science, Communication, Psychology, Sociology or related field, Master’s degree preferred. (ii) Minimum of 5 years working experience in the field of Social Science with a broad understanding of human behavior, communication, as well as issues of environment and society, and with practical experience in the development of action plans. (iii) Familiarity and work experience in the field for an extended period in Belize are essential. (iv) Ability to engage stakeholders in an effective and efficient manner. (v) Excellent writing and communication skills and ability to work in a multidisciplinary and multicultural team and excellent command of English is required SUBMISSION PROCESS The Department of the Environment is inviting consultant/firm who possess the requisite qualifications to submit an application to include a cover letter, a proposed work plan, methodologies, and copy of C.V along with a proposed budget to the Chief Environmental Officer, Department of The Environment, Second Floor, The Green Building, 7552 Hummingbird Highway, City of Belmopan. The DOE will not bear any cost associated with the preparation of this proposal. Digital Copies of the application can be emailed to doe.ceo@environment.gov.bz.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION The deadline for the submissions of packages has now been extended from February 24, 2022, to March 18th, 2022 at 3:30 pm.

Interested persons can get a copy of the Terms of Reference (ToR) from the DOE website: www.doe.gov.bz or contact the Department of the Environment via email gordonkd@gobmail.gov.bz or eiaunit@environment.gov.bz

26 2021 5 DEC

05 5 2022

13 MAR

THE THE BELIZE BELIZE TIMES TIMES

Launch ofMHW the Aptus PI I GOT VACCINATED!!

Pilot Project in Raffle Belize New Incentive New Vax Pass App

Belmopan. March 4, 2022. 9:50 a.m.

On March 3, 2022, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology (MoECST) in partnership with the Commonwealth of Learning and NotesMaster, formally launched the Aptus PI Pilot Project at a ceremony held at the Gwen Lizarraga High School in Belize City. In attendance were Hon. Francis Fonseca, MoECST Minister; Mrs. Dian Maheia, Chief Executive Officer; and Ms. Yolanda Gongora, Chief Education Officer. Mr. Dean Dundas, Chief Executive Officer of Notesmaster, and Dr. Tony Mays, Senior Specialist of Open Schools at the Commonwealth of Learning, joined the ceremony virtually.

Aptus PI is a low-cost device that allows educators and learners to connect to digital learning platforms and content without the need for grid electricity or internet access. This mini-PC requires only battery power which can be recharged via grid power or solar charger, as Qualify weekly by On December 1st there were 8 needed.your It can 64GB of educational digital Getting 1st,host 2nd shot Vaccine winners whichcontent includedand fivefacilitate 3rd place interactive, virtual learning anywhere or winners, two 2nd place winners, and – whether in aand remote rural village on a vast campus. the single Johnson Johnson shot oneorwinner of theuniversity 1st place three thouThe result is a “Classroom Without sand Walls” that All canthis bewas set won up within or dollars. by getaminutes booster shot tingwith vaccinated during theorlast week. and accessed by any learner a laptop, tablet mobile Prizes The raffle including this one is set for phone.

1st place…$3,000 seven weeks.

This therefore goes into In his remarks at the ceremony, Minister Fonseca hailed the initia2nd the new ”year tive place…$1,000 as “exciting and one with great potential.

He 2022. noted that the project 3rd place…$500 This raffle is being supervised by epitomises the vision of the MoECST for the future of education and the National Lottery Committee. The highlighted that the project will contribute to minimising the digital difirst 1st prize winner is Ariel Duarte, vide which was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. this could be you. Get Vaccinated with The Aptus PI devices will be piloted in the following schoolswill over 1st, 2nd or booster shot…This be the course of the following weeks: streamed on the Ministry of Health and 1. Corozal Community College (Evening Wellness Division) Facebook page every MonThisEscuela is readySecundaria to be downloaded day at 2pm.

2.

Técnica México (Evening Division) for Android and Apple devices.

Once 3. Orange Walk Technical this App is in the phone there is no High School need4.to San walk around with your vacJuan Bautista High cination card.

With your Social SecuSchool rity number OR Belize Health Infor5. Ladyville Technical High mation System number (on the Vax School Card) for the App and a SSB card you 6. San Pedro High School can prove to the world that you are (Evening Division) vaccinated.

7The . Sadie App canVernon be usedTechnical to verify High School that someone else has been vacci8.This Gwen Lizarraga Evening nated. can be done by scanning Division (Evening Division) the QR code to verify that it is au9.

Belmopan Adult thentic. As said before, theEducation SSB card Division) isProgramme important to(Evening confirm identity.

10.

St.are Ignatius High School If you unable to access your (Evening Division) vaccination record using your Social Security or BHIS Technical number youHigh can 11. Mopan text, call or whatsapp 669-8843 or School 613-1096.

12. Independence High Get Vaccinated!!

School 13. Ecumenical High School (Evening Division) 14. Julian Cho Technical High School 15. St. Peter Claver Extension (Evening Division)

Ministry of Health Pass App

CALL

671-8385 or

EMAIL: belizetimesadvertisement@ yahoo.com

To place advertisement in the Belize Times Newspaper

Belize National Day Held at Expo 2020 Dubai Dubai, United Arab Emirates, others.

November 30, 2021. Belize is particThe Belize National Day featured ipating in Expo 2020 Dubai which is remarks from the Minister of Tourism being held under the theme, “Con- and Diaspora Relations, Anthony Mahler necting Minds, Creating the Future” and the Minister of State of the UAE, with the subthemes: Opportunity, H.E. Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, who Mobility and Sustainability and today, commented on Belize’s openness to a delegation led by Minister, the Hon- investment opportunities that are tied ourable Anthony Mahler, celebrated to biodiversity and sustainable practicBelize’s National Day. EXPO Dubai es to protect the country’s ecosystem. provides opportunities to finding solu- The Belize National Day closed off with tions to the pressing challenges of a dinner hosted by the UAE and a gift our time by offering a journey inside exchange by Minister Mahler who was a universal theme through engaging presented with a key to the city. and immersive activities. Countries Scheduled to appear as the culcan participate in one of the three tural entertainment from Belize was subthemes and Belize is participat- the Garifuna Collectives, who, unfortuing under the Opportunity theme to nately were not able to perform due to showcase Belize as an ideal destina- COVID-19 restrictions. tion for investments and trade.(“the Company”) This is the first World Expo to be Belize’s participation comes on held in the Middle East with participathe heels of its first Investment Sum- tion from over 190 countries and is proNotice is hereby given that the Company named mit which saw investment potential jected to attract 25 million visitors, with TRODINO LIMITED dissolved and struck with countries from around thehas world,been the Belize pavilion receiving up to 2,500 including the United Arab Emirates visitors in a day. The Belize Delegation off the International Business Companies Register (UAE), with whom we signed an Eco- also included Dr. Leroy Almendarez, with from the 27th 2022.of BELTRAIDE, Comnomiceffect Cooperation Agreement (ECA) January, Executive Director in 2019. The ECA establishes a frame- missioner General for EXPO Dubai, work for expanding the economic reMr. Evan Tillett, Director Belize Tourism CILTrust International Limited lationship between the two countries Board and Ms. Nikki Augustine, MarRegistered Agent in a number of key areas; including in- keting and Communications Manager vestment, tourism, transportation, in- of BELTRAIDE, Deputy Commissioner frastructure and construction among General.

NOTICE

TRODINO LIMITED #162,385

13 MAR

2022

27

THE BELIZE TIMES

CABEI Technical Team Visits Belize for Assessment of Belize Integral Security Programme

NOTICE NOBLES LIMITED #166,514 (“the Company”)

Notice is hereby given that the Company named NOBLES LIMITED has been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the 27th January, 2022..

CILTrust International Limited Registered Agent March 3 - The Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) is undertaking a technical mission in Belize from March 2 to 4, 2022, to reassess the needs of participating agencies of the Belize Integral Security Programme (BISP).

The main objectives of CABEI’s technical mission are to visit all previous and newly identified sites and perform a technical re-assessment of their needs.

These sites include the Belize Defence Force camps in San Ignacio, Belize City, and Punta Gorda, the National Forensic Science Service, the Belize Police Training Academy, and the Belize Coast Guard facilities.

It is expected that the proposed modifications to the infrastructure component of the BISP will result in an increase in the total contribution made by CABEI. Representatives from the Central American Bank for Economic Integration include: 1. Kerstin Morales – Mission Chief (Project Executive) 2. Herbert Alfonso Martinez – Specialist in Productive Infrastructure 3. Camilo Arevalo – Supervision 4. Gabriela Castellano – Procurement Officer 5. Elizabeth Rubio – Credit Analyst 6. Yid- Lai Zelada – Environmental and Social Assessment Analyst 7. Veronica Maria Ruiz Lagos - Special in Human Development and Social Infrastructure During their mission, the CABEI Delegation was joined by Dr. Osmond Martinez, Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of Economic Development; Brigadier General (Ret’d) Dario Tapia, CEO in the Ministry of National Defence and Border Security; and Mr. Elvis Requena, project coordinator for the Belize Integral Security Programme.

In 2015, Belize signed a loan agreement with CABEI to implement this BZ$60 million project over a three-year period. The BISP was designed to strengthen citizen security through investments in infrastructure and equipment for the Belize Defence Force, the Belize Police Department, the Belize Coast Guard, and the National Forensic Science Service.

UNHCR Welcomes GOB efforts to Protect Asylum Seekers in Amnesty BELMOPAN, Belize – UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, welcomes the efforts undertaken by the Government of Belize to include asylum seekers in the upcoming Amnesty exercise, which seeks to offer permanent residence status to migrants and asylum seekers who have been living in Belize for many years.

Asylum seekers who were initially rejected due to the previous 14-day limitation – which meant that persons had to apply for asylum in the first 14 days of arriving in Belize or else were immediately rejected- also qualify to apply for amnesty. Including asylum seekers who registered before 31 March 2020 allows for these persons who were forced to flee a secondary pathway to stability, permanent residence, and self-sufficiency.

“Allowing asylum seekers to better integrate in Belize gives them safety and an opportunity to nurture their dreams and give back to their host country,” said Roland Francois-Weil, UNHCR Head of Office. “UNHCR will continue to support the Government of Belize through its efforts to ensure access to asylum for all those who seek international protection in Belize.”

UNHCR continues to support the Government of Belize in strengthening the capacities of the Refugees Department to process asylum claims and to ensure a swift and fair asylum procedure exists in the country.

Belize is home to over 4,000 asylum seekers and refugees who have come to Belize seeking safety and protection, mostly from nearby El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. Many of them have been seeking international protection in Belize for over 10 years.

In addition, UNHCR is now working in close cooperation with the Refugee and Immigration Departments to provide timely information on the Amnesty to asylum seekers regarding the criteria and procedure to be followed through the dissemination of pamphlets in English and Spanish, and the airing of radio ads.

NOTICE NORLEGO LIMITED #159,030 (“the Company”)

Notice is hereby given that the Company named NORLEGO LIMITED has been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the 27th January, 2022.

CILTrust International Limited Registered Agent

NOTICE Oneway Worldwide Services Ltd. #55,862 (“the Company”)

Notice is hereby given that the Company named Oneway Worldwide Services Ltd. has been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the 27th January, 2022.

CILTrust International Limited Registered Agent

NOTICE STERLINO LIMITED #155,913 (“the Company”)

Notice is hereby given that the Company named STERLINO LIMITED has been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the 27th January, 2022.

CILTrust International Limited Registered Agent

28

13 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES

NOTICE FLATO LIMITED #166,518 (“the Company”)

Notice is hereby given that the Company named FLATO LIMITED has been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the 27th January, 2022..

CILTrust International Limited Registered Agent

NOTICE GREYBOX LIMITED #159,016 (“the Company”)

Notice is hereby given that the Company named GREYBOX LIMITED has been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the 27th January, 2022.

CILTrust International Limited Registered Agent

NOTICE Incircle Ltd. #150,731 (“the Company”)

Notice is hereby given that the Company named Incircle Ltd. has been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the 27th January, 2022.

CILTrust International Limited Registered Agent

NOTICE LISTRACO LIMITED #88,992 (“the Company”)

Notice is hereby given that the Company named LISTRACO LIMITED has been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the 27th January, 2022.

CILTrust International Limited Registered Agent

2022

NOTICE LOSTAR LIMITED #159,019 (“the Company”)

Notice is hereby given that the Company named LOSTAR LIMITED has been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the 27th January, 2022..

CILTrust International Limited Registered Agent

NOTICE NEDMAS LIMITED #156,362 (“the Company”)

Notice is hereby given that the Company named NEDMAS LIMITED has been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the 27th January, 2022.

CILTrust International Limited Registered Agent

NOTICE NETMASIO LIMITED #162,386 (“the Company”)

Notice is hereby given that the Company named NETMASIO LIMITED has been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the 27th January, 2022.

CILTrust International Limited Registered Agent

NOTICE New Garden Limited #55,847 (“the Company”)

Notice is hereby given that the Company named New Garden Limited has been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the 27th January, 2022.

CILTrust International Limited Registered Agent

13 MAR

29

THE BELIZE TIMES

2022

NOTICE BOLINK LIMITED #155,915 (“the Company”)

Notice is hereby given that the Company named BOLINK LIMITED has been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the 27th January, 2022..

CILTrust International Limited Registered Agent

NOTICE CARIPO LTD. #152,169 (“the Company”)

Notice is hereby given that the Company named CARIPO LTD. has been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the 27th January, 2022.

CILTrust International Limited Registered Agent

NOTICE CIFREDO LIMITED #156,361 (“the Company”)

Notice is hereby given that the Company named CIFREDO LIMITED has been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the 27th January, 2022.

CILTrust International Limited Registered Agent

NOTICE DOVINO LIMITED #156,360 (“the Company”)

Notice is hereby given that the Company named DOVINO LIMITED has been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the 27th January, 2022.

CILTrust International Limited Registered Agent

NOTICE ART FINANCES LIMITED #167,653 (“the Company”)

Pursuant to Section 102(4) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, notice is hereby given that ART FINANCES LIMITED: a) is in dissolution b) commenced dissolution on the 1st day of March, 2022; and c) CILTRUST INTERNATIONAL INCORPORATED whose address is 35 Barrack Road, Third Floor, Belize City, Belize is the Liquidator of the Company CILTrust International Limited Registered Agent

NOTICE BND Group Limited #141,573 (“the Company”)

Pursuant to Section 102(4) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, notice is hereby given that BND Group Limited: a) is in dissolution b) commenced dissolution on the 1st day of March, 2022; and c) CILTRUST INTERNATIONAL INCORPORATED whose address is 35 Barrack Road, Third Floor, Belize City, Belize is the Liquidator of the Company CILTrust International Limited Registered Agent

NOTICE Valmero Limited #121,689 (“the Company”)

Pursuant to Section 102(4) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, notice is hereby given that Valmero Limited: a) is in dissolution b) commenced dissolution on the 21st day of February, 2022; and c) Mrs. Joanna Kinga Kowalska whose address is 3, Veroias Str., 4151, Polemidia Kato, Limassol, Cyprus is the Liquidator of the Company CILTrust International Limited Registered Agent

NOTICE AVERO LIMITED #88,993 (“the Company”)

Notice is hereby given that the Company named AVERO LIMITED has been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the 27th January, 2022.

CILTrust International Limited Registered Agent

30

13 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES

2022

TENDER FOR THE SUPPLY OF FOOD ITEMS AND HOUSEHOLD SUNDRIES TO THE BELIZE COAST GUARD YEAR 2022 – 23 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Tenders are invited for the supply of food items listed below to the Belize Coast Guard for the period 1st April 2022 to 31st March 2023.

Quotation for the supply of goods is to be based on Duty Paid Prices. Brand names are to be specified where necessary.

Contract will be terminated if the contractor consistently fails to supply the requisite items as agreed.

The food and household sundries requirements are calculated by the month and are an estimate only. Orders by the Belize Coast Guard will fluctuate as necessary.

Tenders should be in sealed envelope marked “Tender for the Supply of Food, Household Sundries, Vegetables, and Meat to the Belize Coast Guard” and should be deposited in the tender box at the Ministry of National Defence and Border Security, Belmopan no later than the 18th of March 2022.

Companies Registry Certificate to be submitted.

Social Security letter of good standing to be submitted Belize Sales Tax Letter of good standing to be submitted LIST OF FOOD ITEMS AND HOUSEHOLD SUNDRIES REQUIREMENT BELIZE COAST GUARD Food allocation and household sundries are per month Belize Coast Guard 2 ½ Miles George Price Highway, Belize FOOD (RATION) TENDERING FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022 – 23

SER

Commodities

Units

Qty

Pkg

Breakdown

Brand

SER

Commodities

Units

Qty

Pkg

Breakdown

Brand

1

BBQ Sauce

18 oz bot

10

cses

12 per case

Kraft

54

Marie Sharp Pepper

10 oz bot

12

cses

12 per case

Marie Sharp

2

BBQ Sauce

80 oz bot

1

cse

6 per case

Kraft

55

Mayonaise

8 oz bot

6

cses

12 per case

Kraft

3

Bake Beans (honey)

28 oz tin

12

cses

12 per case

Bush

56

Mayonaise

1 gal

1

cse

4 per case

Plantation

4

Baking Powder

8 oz tin

5

cses

24 per case

Heart Club

57

Milk

1 lt box

2

cse

12 per case

Lala

5

Beans - Black

100 lb sack

3

scks

100 lb per sack

Local

58

Milo

300 g pk

6

cses

12 pks per case

Nestle

6

Beans - Red Kidney

100 lb sack

6

scks

100 lb per sack

Local

59

Mix vegetables

15 oz tin

5

cses

24 per case

Del Monte (packed/USA)

7

Beef consume

12 g sachet

45

cards

12 sachet per card

Mahler

60

Nut meg

lb

1

lbs

1 lb per jar

Badia

8

Black Pepper

lb

18

jar

1 lb per jar

Badia

61

Oats

18 oz tin

5

cses

12 per case

Quaker (packed /USA)

9

Bread - Wheat

each

400

ea

Local

62

Olive Oil

1 gal

3

Cses

4 per case

Badia

10

Butter

1 lb per pk

3

cses

30 pks per case

Blue Bonnet

63

Onion Powder

jars

15

11

Cookies

box

1

cse

24 x 250 grams

McVittes

64

Parmesan Cheese

Bot

4

bots

12

Campbell Soup

10.5 oz tin

10

cses

12 per case

Campbell

65

Peanut Butter -Creamy

bot

1

cses

12/160m

Jif

13

Cereal

18 oz pk

5

cses

12 per case

Honey Nut Cheerios’

66

Powder milk

840 g

3

cses

12 per case

Nestle Nido

14

Cereal

14.5 oz pk

1

cse

12 per case

Honey Bunches of Oats

67

Ranch Dressing-light

bot

2

cses

12 per case

Hidden Valley

15

Cereal

560 g pk

5

cses

10 per case

Kellogs Corn Flakes

68

Recado black

lb

10

lbs

per lb

Local

16

Cheese

2 kgs per blks

7

cses

10 blocks per case

Happy Cow

69

Recado red

lb

30

lbs

per lb

Local

17

Chicken Sausage

142 g tin

10

cses

48 per case

La Fe

70

Refried Beans

580g tin

8

cses

12 per case

La Costena

18

Chicken consume

12 g sachet

90

cards

12 sachet per card

Mahler

71

Rice

5 lb

42

cses

50 lb per case

Tropic Rice "A"

19

Chopped Ham

12 oz tin

10

cses

24 per case

Dak

72

Salad Cream

600 g bot

8

cses

12 per case

Heinz

20

Coconut milk

400 g tin

12

cses

24 per case

Grace

73

Salsa Casera

220 g tin

2

cses

48 per case

La Costena

21

Coconut powder

3

cses

12 boxes per case

Grace

74

Salt

500 g pk

2

sck

50 pks per sacks

Sol

22

Coconut Oil

1 lt bot

5

cses

12 per case

Grace

75

Season all

lb

16

jr

2 lb per jar

Badia

23

Coffee

180 g bot

7

cses

15 per case

Dolca

76

Shell pasta

200g pk

5

cses

20 per case

Ina

24

Coffee

Oz

2

Bot

42.5 per bot

Maxwell

77

Shortening (Tube)

2 lb

8

cses

12 per case

Regia

25

Complete Seasoning

oz

16

jrs

24 oz per jar

Badia

78

Soy Sauce

5 fl oz

6

cses

12 per case

La Choy

26

Condensed milk

395 g tin

10

cses

48 per case

Nestle

79

Spaghetti

pk

4

cses

20 per case

Ina

27

Cooking Oil

4.6 gal

12

cses

5 gal per case

Marina

80

Spaghetti & Meat Balls

15 oz tin

6

cses

24 per case

Chef Boyardee

28

Corn Beef

12 oz tin

7

cses

24 per case

Grace

81

Split Peas

22 lb bag

6

bgs

22 lbs per bag

Chef Choice

29

Corn Tortillas

lb

100

lbs

Local

82

Sugar White

lb

4

scks

100 lbs per sack

Local

30

Creamer

bot

2

oz

56 oz per bot

Coffee Mate

83

Sugar Brown

lb

2

scks

100 lb per sack

Local

31

Curry powder

lb

2

lbs

1 lb per jar

Local or import

84

Sugar Corn

14.75 g tin

5

cses

24 per case

Del Monte (packed/USA)

32

Custard

box

4

cses

10 per case

Koop Mans

85

Tang juice

packets

5

cses

20 boxes per case

Tang

33

Evaporated milk

378g tin

12

cses

48 per case

Carnation

86

Tea bag

25 per box

2

cse

20 boxes per case

Red Rose

34

Flour

lb

20

scks

100 lb per sack

Babe Agua

87

Tomato paste

100 g pk

6

cses

48 per case

Regia

35

French Worcestershire Sauce

bot

1

cse

12 per case

Worcestershire

88

Vanilla

32 oz bot

6

bot

each

Gary

36

Fruit Cocktail

15 oz tin

5

cses

24 per case

Del Monte (packed/USA)

89

Vinegar

gal

10

cses

4 gal per case

Femagra

37

Garlic Consume

12 g sachet

30

cards

12 sachet per card

Mahler

90

Whole Kernel corn

14.75g tin

3

cses

24 per case

Del Monte

38

Garlic Powder

lb

12

jr

1.5 lb per jar

Badia

91

Yeast (Instant)

4 x 11 g

2

cses

24 per case

Fermipan

39

Gatorade Powder

51 oz bot

4

cses

3 per case

Gatorade

40

Hot dog sausage

12 oz per pk

15

cses

16 per case

Gwaltney

41

Jalapeno pepper

8 oz tin

2

cses

48 per case

Del Monte

42

Jam

16 oz bot

1

cses

24 per case

Del Monte

43

Juice Squash

1 lt bot

4

cses

12 per case

Marie Sharp Orange

44

Juice Squash

4

12 per case

Marie Sharp Tambran

45

Juice Squash

2

Marie Sharp Grapefruit

46

Juice Squash

2

Marie Sharp Fruit Punch

47

Juice Squash

4

Marie Sharp Pineapple

48

Ketchup

24 oz bot

8

cses

12 per case

Del Monte

49

Lemon & Pepper Seasoning Salt

lb

1

jr

2 lb per jar

Badia

50

Luncheon meat (pork)

340 g tin

10

cses

24 per case

51

Macaroni & cheese

177g pk

10

cses

52

Maggie Soup

60 g pk

1

cses

53

Margarine

16 oz tin

1

cs

Badia Kraft

Field ration: 92

Cereal - mini

1.31oz

4

cses

30 per case

Kellogg's

93

Chicken Sausage

142 g tin

3

cses

48 per case

La Fe

94

Chocolate bar (sml)

fun size

1

cse

144 per case

Snicker

95

Corn Beef (small)

7 oz tin

6

cses

24 per case

Grace

96

Mint sweet

bags

2

cses

100 per case

97

Oats (3min pkts)

packets

cses

….. per case

Quaker

98

Granola Bar

1.2 oz

2

cses

50 per case

Nature Valley

99

Pan Creama Biscuit

106gr

4

cses

36 per case

Pan Crema

100

Milk packet Chocolate

10 pkts

1

cse

20 boxes per case

Swiss Miss

101

Noodles - chicken

85g

6

cses

24 per case

Ramen

102

Rice

2 lbs

2

cses

20 lbs per case

Tropic Rice "A"

Grace

103

Sardines

3.75oz

3

cses

50 per case

Bumble Bee

24 per case

Kraft

104

Tang juice

packets

2

cses

20 boxes per case

Tang

12 boxes per case

Maggie

105

Tea bag

25 per box

1

cse

20 boxes per case

Red Rose

24 per case

Wood & Dunn

Continued on page 31

13 MAR

31

THE BELIZE TIMES

2022

TENDER FOR THE SUPPLY OF FOOD ITEMS AND HOUSEHOLD SUNDRIES TO THE BELIZE COAST GUARD YEAR 2022 – 23 Continued from page 30 SUNDRIES TENDERING FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022 - 23 SER Commodities

Units

Qty

Package

Breakdown

Brand

SER

Commodities

Units

1

Air-freshener

10.5 oz tin

4

case

12 per case

Airwick

25

Mop

each

10

ea.

3

Batteries AA

pk

30

pks

4 per pk

Duracell

26

Mosquito coil

each

4

cses

60 per case

4

Batteries AAA

pk

30

pks

2 per pk

Duracell

27

Muratic acid

qt

3

cse

12 per case

5

Batteries D

pk

10

pks

2 per pk

Duracell

28

Off repellent

6 oz tin

12

cse

12 per case

24 per case

29

Oven cleaner

tin

3

cse

12 per case

Easy Off

Local

30

Paper towels

case

4

cse

30 per case

Bounty

31

Plastic bag transparent

1 gal bags

4

case

100 per box

Ziploc

32

Plastic bag transparent

2 gal bags

6

cse

100 per box

Ziploc

33

Pledge

12 oz tin 2

cse

12 per case

Pledge

34

Pot washer

each

45

ea.

36

Scotch brite

12 / 1ct

1

cs

37

Scrubbing brush

each

10

ea.

38

Soap powder

5.5 kg bag

7

cses

4 per case

39

Take out tray large

each

4

cses

100 per case Biodegradable

40

Take out tray small each

3

cses

100 per case Biodegradable

42

Toilet paper

bale

20

bales

12 pks per bale

Softy

43

Trash bags heavy duty

14 gal bags

6

rolls

100 per roll

Lucky

44

Trash bags heavy duty

33 gal bags

8

rolls

100 per roll

Lucky

45

Vehicle air freshener

each

2

cse

24 per case

Dalan

47

Windex

26 oz bot

2

cse

12 per case

Windex

6

Battery water

1/2 lt btl 1

cses

7

Broom (plastic)

each

10

ea

8

Cleaning cloth

pk

50

pks

5 per pk

Magitel

9

Clorox

gal

15

cse

4 per case

Snow White

10

Comet w/bleach

1

cse

12 per case

Comet

12

Dishwashing liquid

750 ml bot

6

cse

12 per case

Axion

13

Disposable cups large

each

10

bgs

50 per bags

Biodegradable

14

Disposable forks

each

10

bgs

50 per bags

Biodegradable

15

Disposable spoon

each

10

bgs

50 per bags

Biodegradable

16

Fish spray

450 ml tin

3

cse

24 per case

Fish

17

Flash disinfectant

1/2 lt tim

12

cse

20 per case

Flash

18

Foil paper

200 sq ft 3 pk

cse

12 per case

Aluminium

19

Hand liquid soap

14 oz bot

4

cse

24 per case

Lucky

20

Harpic

750 ml bot

4

cse

12 per case

Harpic

21

Jumbo paper towel

case

3

cse

12 per case

Local - CPC

22

Jumbo toilet tissue case

2

cse

12 per case

Local - CPC

23

Disinfectant Spray 99.9%

2

cse

12 per case

N/A

12.5 oz tin

MEAT TENDERING FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022 - 23 SER

Commodities

Units

Qty

Breakdown

1

Beef Steak (Minimal Fat)

lb

300

5lb per bag

2

Boneless Ham

lb

30

2lb per bag

3

Chicken Ham

lb

30

Qty

Package

Breakdown

Brand

Heavy duty mop Black Off

20 per case Local Foca

48

2 Stroke oil

1 qt

2

cse

12 per case

Havoline

49

4 Stroke oil

1qt

6

cse

12 per case

Castrol 10W30

FRUITS AND VEGETABLES TENDERING FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022 – 23

Brand

SER

Commodities

Units

Quantity

Package

Breakdown

Brand

6

Cassava

lb

15

lbs

Local

7

Cantelope

lb

40

lbs

Local

2lb per bag

8

Celery

lb

50

lbs

Local

Cilantro

lb

12

lbs

Local

4

Breakfast Sausage

24 oz

90

2lb per bag

9

5

Butt Beacon

12 oz

40

2lb per bag

10

Coco

lb

40

lbs

Local

11

Cucumber

lb

75

lbs

Local

12

Eggs

each

100

Trays

13

Garlic

head

120

Heads

14

Grapefruit

sack

2

sack

15

Lettuce

lb

150

lbs

10-inch head to tail

16

Lime

each

400

each

17

Okoro

lbs

10

lbs

5lb per bag

18

Onion

lbs

5

sacks

50 lbs per sack

Local

Onion (Red)

lbs

5

sacks

50 lbs per sack

Local

19

Orange

each

6

sack

100 per sack

Local

Papaya

lb

40

lbs

Local

6

Turkey Bacon

lb

100

2lb per bag

7

Chicken

lb

3000

5 lbs per chicken

8

Cow Foot

lb

60

5 lb per bag

9

Boneless Chicken Breast

Lb

100

10

Fresh Fish (scale & deguts)

lb

400

Ground Steak

lb

11

200

12

Ground Chicken

lb

85

13

Chicken Patty

lb

125

2lb per bag

30 per tray

Local Local

100 per sack

Local Local

each

Local Local

14

Pigtail

bucket 3

35 lb per bucket

20

15

Pork Chops (lean)

lb

350

5lb per bag

21

Pineapple

lb

50

lbs

Local

16

Salami Sausage

lb

40

5lb per bag

22

Plantain

each

250

each

Local

17

Buffalo steak

lb

100

5lb per bag

23

Potatoes

lbs

12

sack

24

Sweet Pepper

lbs

50

lbs

Local

FRUITS AND VEGETABLES TENDERING FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022 – 23

25

Sweet Potato

lbs

30

lbs

Local

SER

Commodities

Units

Quantity

Package

Breakdown

Brand

26

Tomatoes

lbs

130

lbs

Local

1

Bananas

each

10

box

100 per box

Fyffe's

27

Watermelon

each

160

lbs

Local

28

Callaloo

lb

50

29

Spinach

Lb

30

Lbs

Local

30

Ginger

Lb

20

Lbs

Local

31

Zucchini

lb

50

Lbs

Local

2

Broccoli

lb

50

lbs

3

Cabbage

lb

150

lbs

4

Cauliflower

lb

50

lbs

5

Carrots

lb

130

lbs

Local Local

110 lbs per sack

Local

Local

32

THE BELIZE TIMES

13 MAR

2022