Belize Times March 14, 2021- New PUP Councils Sworn-In

1

The Belize Times THE BELIZE TIMES

APP

14 MAR

2021

Established 1957

The Truth Shall Make You Free

14 MARCH 2021 | ISSUE NO: 5240

www.belizetimes.biz | $1.00

NEW PUP COUNCILS SWORN-IN

“This is not only a Victory for Democracy and the PUP, but also a commitment for our planBelize.” - Prime Minister John Briceño

Belmopan: Sharon Palacio

Belize City: Bernard Wagner

Corozal: Rigo Vellos

Dangriga: Robert Mariano

Benque Viejo Del Carmen: Jorge Rosales

With each swearing-in a gust of revival sweeps into each of Belize’s towns and cities. Belize’s municipalities emerged one by one from the UDP dark ages with a radiant beam of the light of a new day. The three that were already PUP-held cemented their progress and celebrated with equal fervour a new beginning… now with a PUP central government.

San Pedro: Wally Nuñez

Punta Gorda: Charles Selgado

Pg. 2

Orange Walk: Ladrick Shepard

INDIA DONATES 25K VACCINE DOSES

“I WILL HAVE TO DICTATE” Pg. 2

TRAPP THREATENS SI/SE

COMMISSION OF INQUIRY EXPOSES MONTERO’S GREED AND MORE Pg. 5

Pg. 19

Belize’s Tourism,

A Rebirth

Pg. 2

GET VACCINATED BELIZE!

Help for Business is Here Central Bank

Amendment Bill Passes

02 2

14 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES

Belize’s Tourism,

A Rebirth

The planBelize Government of John Briceño is fully behind the Tourism sector. This was the main message to the media and to Belize at the 100 day observance of the new Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations. Placing action to this assertion was a pledge to vaccinate some 9000 Tourism sector stakeholders. This move in incredibly key as it would provide a shield not only for the customs, immigration, and hotel owners but for the many other Tourism-associated workers and businesses. This connection will multiply many times, and in the end, the vaccinated will be our own working Belizeans that are the backbone of our economy be it in this sector or another.

An update was provided of a possible re-docking of Cruise ships to the jewel by late summer. This is about the time many of the feeder nations will be approaching their own herd immunities together with our jewel. That is the plan.

Belize knows that reaching their own immunity threshold as early as possible will make this proven destination a first choice. Already, Belize is being noticed internationally for our exemplary restraint and dramatic lowering of Covid active cases. This fact of from 5000 to 66 cases is not a record to gloat about because there were deaths that accompanied. It is nevertheless a reality that markets itself and makes us a safe destination.

According to The World’s Ten Best Ethical Destinations 2021: Special COVID-19 Edition: “Belize has also taken the pandemic as an opportunity to reflect on the future of tourism. The country has launched an ambitious plan to make its tourism sector more sustainable. This includes investment in infrastructure to new and existing destinations, ensuring more equity in the industry (along with more Belizean investment and ownership), and maximizing linkages between tourism and other industries. Another important part of this plan is Belize’s focus on investing in its ecosystems and creating a resilient economy that values and protects the natural resources that sustain it.”

Covid will be a health force on the offensive for the foreseeable future and Belize is inviting the world as we are ready with our counteroffensive.

Come visit... the Belizean product is world class in greenery, blueness, culture, peacefulness and now Covid safety.

Belize’s International Airport, and Belize’s hospitality are open for the world. This is truly a rebirth in so many ways, for so many people and for so many reasons. Everyone is invited to come and experience Belize.

Contact: Mike Hernandez Jr. Communication and PR Officer PHONE: 501-227-2420 FAX: 501-227-2423 TOLL FREE: 1-800-624-0686 WEBSITE: travelbelize.org; email: pr@belizetourismboard.org ADDRESS: P.O. Box 325, #64 Regent Street, Belize City, Belize.

BTB Welcomes Vaccination of Tourism Sector BELIZE CITY, BELIZE, Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021: As Belize’s Covid-19 vaccination campaign rolls out throughout the country, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) is pleased to announce that frontline tourism stakeholders will be among those receiving the AstraZeneca Vaccine during the early stages of the campaign.

Belize’s vaccination campaign, which was launched yesterday by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, will be rolled out in five phases. The vaccination of the tourism sector will be carried out during the second phase, which will also include members of the National Assembly & Judiciary, teachers, police officers, and the staff of the Customs and Immigration departments.

The Ministry of Health & Wellness has indicated that it has initially started the campaign with 1,000 doses of the vaccine donated by the Government of Barbados. There are 25,000 more doses arriving in Belize over the weekend as a donation from the Government of India, while an additional 100,800 doses have been confirmed as part of Belize’s allocation under the COVAX vaccination program.

The availability of the Covid-19 vaccine in Belize signals a new era of hope for Belizeans, especially the tourism sector which has been the hardest hit by the pandemic. The vaccination of the tourism sector, in conjunction with the ongoing implementation of the Gold Standard Certification Program and the receipt of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) SafeTravels stamp will convey to the world that Belize is indeed a safe and viable tourism destination.

For questions or concerns, kindly contact the Belize Tourism Board at info@belizetourismboard.org.

2021

NEW PUP COUNCILS SWORN-IN

Continued from page 1

PM Briceno asked all the councillors to get familiar with PlanBelize and its 10 subsections.

These can still be perused at planBelize.bz. For the PUP, transparency is no secret. For the PUP, competence is the order of the day. For the PUP, accountability is equal in importance, as it is the people’s money that will drive Belize out of the UDP induced rut.

This is a rut that the UDP beat into Belize. Today, when UDP remnants come to the Belizean people and tell them that Belize has a healthy economy, sapient Belizeans can only laugh. They are attempting to insult Belizean intelligence. The UDPs greed is such that withdrawal symptoms have been horrific for them. Every morning UDP’s wake up thinking, what land can I hustle, what

contract can I connive, what deal can I misconstrue, and how can I make Belizeans poorer. Then they start trembling when they realize, it is all over. So to satisfy their addiction to corruption they corrupt their opposition duties...all to the chagrin of Belize.

Belizeans will work with John Briceño and planBelize for the long haul. John Briceño will serve and he will inspire people to work. Those that know him know that he challenges himself to work harder each and every day—incessantly.

Yes, John Briceño has said it himself, “I do not take the Belizean people for granted.” He will work for us as long as we are beside him working as well.

The planBelize councils have teams that are up to that challenge.

“I WILL HAVE TO DICTATE” In an open tyrannical answer to a question, Trapp unleashes his anger as he and the UDP lose everything that matters to them. Trapp levels that he will dictate to the Cayo people. What Trapp forgets is that he WILL execute the wishes of the PUP Council who is the majority. If he refuses, Trapp would be in resignation territory.

So on Election night, and others undoubtedly, exiled Dean Barrow inspires Earl Trapp, Trapp said so himself. He is moved to imagine the possibility of dictating against the will of the San Ignacio/ Santa Elena community. For all intents, the UDP including Earl Trapp lost everything in the Municipal Elections. The loss was because of corruption. Cayo residents voiced this directly to Trapp and Patrick Faber during their campaign visit pre-municipals.

Trapp is Powerless; He HAS to do what the majority tell him.

Ahead are some excerpts from the Town Council Act: Part Seven Section (5) A Council may from time to time make regulations prescribing the manner in which the accounts of the Council are to be kept and disbursements made, and for the audit of the accounts of the Council by auditors duly approved by the Council. (it does not need the Mayor’s approval) 11.(1) The Mayor may, with the concurrence of four other members, grant leave of absence to any member for a period not exceeding six months.

(2) A Council may grant to the Mayor leave of absence not exceeding six months. .(Does it need the Mayor’s approval? Interesting) On March 3rd the people completed the election cycle of Village Councils, General Election of Parliament and Municipal Election. Each election consecutively showed two things:

1) Growing confidence of the People’s United Party led by John Briceño 2) An electoral castigation of the corrupt and incompetent United Democratic Party Specifically in San Ignacio/Santa Elena this concept begun to take hold as could be seen by All constituencies in the district electing PUP representatives. The town itself has coming along, siding with the PUP and the mentioned two concepts. The SI/ SE municipality has voted for a UDP council for a couple decades. But, increased corruption by the party in power has lead the people to side with progress and planBelize.

The Belize Times

Established 1957

14 APR 2013

|

ISSUE NO: 4840

The Truth Shall Make You Free

www.belizetimes.bz

|

$1.00

serving Belize since 1957 as the longest continuous newspaper.

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

Fay Castillo EDITOR

José Jiménez

LAYOUT/GRAPHIC ARTIST

Chris Williams

OFFICE ASSISTANT

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

Email: belizetimesadvertisement@yahoo.com

14 MAR

2021

THE BELIZE TIMES

03 3

EDITORIAL

M

THE KEY

arch is dedicated to the observance of Women’s Month in Belize. It is not a celebration, rather it must be a time of reflection of the many issues and some sad and harsh realities faced by Belizean Women. It is a time we should use to recommit and redouble our efforts for the advancement of women’s rights and those policies that bring women closer to genuine equality and real representation at all levels in our society. The task is enormous, it requires a meticulous examination of our attitudes as well as our actions and conscientious decision to do better by our women and girls. Even those among us who consider themselves advocates for women’s rights are often guilty of unconscious bias. There are mindsets deeply ingrained in us by our culture and those gender roles which are traditional in our society. The theme for this year’s observance of Women’s Day is #ChoosetoChallenge: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 World.

Women have been particularly hard hit during the pandemic. There have been notable increases in the incidence of gender-based violence. Economic hardship brought about by the increases in unemployment affect women disproportionately. Now more than ever there is need for women leadership and representation. This past Municipal Election has brought in a new influx of women leadership.

The Briceño leadership is characterized by the quantity and quality of the women who now serve in varying capacities in government. The number of women who sit as CEO’s in ministries has increased.

History has been made as Corozal Bay has sent their very first female Area Representative to the House and Belmopan our Capital city has its first female Mayor. The most notable example of inclusion is perhaps the triumvirate of distinguished ladies that have been appointed to serve as President of the Senate, Speaker of the House and Attorney General. In every board and at every level this administration has made sure that women are well represented. H. E. Rossana Briceño has added her strong and determined voice in defense of the families and children of Belize. Where superficial glitz and glamour were before the order of the day, today our Special Envoy seeks to impact the lives of those most at risk in meaningful and tangible ways.

The United Nations in various studies have found that educated and empowered women wait longer to start their families. They have less children, are more likely to seek prenatal and post-natal care and vaccinate their babies these actions in turn lower the mortality rates of pregnant women and infants. Empowered women can take care of their families better and thus contribute more significantly than any other factor in decreasing childhood malnutrition rates of their countries. This translates to millions in savings for the health care sector. The UN has found that educating ten percent more girls and women increases GDP by three percent. Women reinvest almost ninety percent of their income in their family.

The productivity of an entire country can be increased through the direct investment in women and girls. The life experience of women is different, their priorities and perspectives differ from the male.

As a group they are generally more focused on the safety, general wellbeing and health of their families and communities. They work hard, save, and reinvest in those things that are important to them. They can break the cycle of poverty in just one generation and have the ability to increase the productivity and economic well being of this entire country. Belize’s most precious resource has always been her people, but her women are truly invaluable. The representation and inclusion of women will advance significantly the cause of equal rights for women in Belize. In a post Covid-19 world this is especially important because those rights and opportunities have been significantly eroded. This administration recognizes the contributions and potential of Belizean women. Investing in women is not just politically correct, they are a smart investment and Belize’s best bet to financial recovery and stability.

Belize truly has untapped potential; Belizean women are the key.

04 4

THE BELIZE TIMES

EDITORIAL

E

14 MAR

2021

en Español

LA CLAVE

l mes de marzo está dedicado a la celebración del Mes de la Mujer en Belice. No es una celebración, más bien debe ser un momento de reflexión sobre los numerosos problemas y algunas tristes y duras realidades a las que se enfrentan las mujeres beliceñas. Es un momento que debemos aprovechar para volver a comprometernos y redoblar nuestros esfuerzos para el avance de los derechos de la mujer y de aquellas políticas que la acerquen a una auténtica igualdad y a una verdadera representación en todos los niveles de nuestra sociedad. La tarea es enorme, requiere un examen meticuloso de nuestras actitudes, así como de nuestras acciones, y la decisión consciente de hacer algo mejor por nuestras mujeres y niñas. Incluso aquellos de nosotros que se consideran defensores de los derechos de la mujer son a menudo culpables de prejuicios inconscientes. Hay mentalidades profundamente arraigadas en nosotros por nuestra cultura y los roles de género que son tradicionales en nuestra sociedad. El tema para la celebración del Día de la Mujer de este año es #ChoosetoChallenge: Lograr un futuro igualitario en un mundo COVID-19.

Las mujeres se han visto especialmente afectadas por la pandemia. Se ha producido un notable aumento de la incidencia de la violencia de género. Las dificultades económicas provocadas por el aumento del desempleo afectan a las mujeres de forma desproporcionada. Ahora más que nunca es necesario el liderazgo y la representación de las mujeres. Las pasadas Elecciones Municipales han traído una nueva afluencia de liderazgo femenino. El liderazgo de Briceño se caracteriza por la cantidad y la calidad de las mujeres que ahora ocupan diversos cargos en el gobierno. Ha aumentado el número de mujeres que ocupan puestos de dirección en los ministerios. Se ha hecho historia, ya que la Bahía de Corozal ha enviado a su primera representante de área a la Cámara y Belmopan, nuestra capital, tiene su primera alcaldesa. El ejemplo más notable de inclusión es quizás el triunvirato de distinguidas damas que han sido nombradas para servir como presidente del Senado, presidente de la Cámara y Fiscal General. En todos los consejos y a todos los niveles, esta administración se ha asegurado de que las mujeres estén bien representadas. S. E. Rossana Briceño ha sumado su voz fuerte y decidida en defensa de las familias y los niños de Belice. Donde antes el brillo y el glamur superficiales estaban a la orden del día, hoy nuestra Enviada Especial trata de influir en las vidas de los más amenazados de forma significativa y tangible.

Las Naciones Unidas han constatado en varios estudios que las mujeres educadas y empoderadas esperan más tiempo para formar su familia. Tienen menos hijos, son más propensas a buscar atención prenatal y postnatal y a vacunar a sus bebés; estas acciones, a su vez, reducen las tasas de mortalidad de las mujeres embarazadas y de los bebés. Las mujeres empoderadas pueden cuidar mejor de sus familias y, por lo tanto, contribuyen más significativamente que cualquier otro factor a la disminución de las tasas de desnutrición infantil de sus países. Esto se traduce en un ahorro millonario para el sector sanitario. La ONU ha descubierto que educar a un diez por ciento más de niñas y mujeres aumenta el PIB en un tres por ciento. Las mujeres reinvierten casi el noventa por ciento de sus ingresos en su familia.

La productividad de todo un país puede aumentar gracias a la inversión directa en mujeres y niñas. La experiencia vital de las mujeres es diferente, sus prioridades y perspectivas difieren de las de los hombres. Como grupo, suelen estar más centradas en la seguridad, el bienestar general y la salud de sus familias y comunidades.

Trabajan duro, ahorran y reinvierten en aquellas cosas que son importantes para ellas. Pueden romper el ciclo de la pobreza en una sola generación y tienen la capacidad de aumentar la productividad y el bienestar económico de todo el país. El recurso más valioso de Belice siempre ha sido su gente, pero sus mujeres son realmente inestimables. La representación y la inclusión de las mujeres harán avanzar significativamente la causa de la igualdad de derechos para las mujeres en Belice. En un mundo posterior a Covid-19, esto es especialmente importante porque esos derechos y oportunidades se han erosionado considerablemente. Esta administración reconoce las contribuciones y el potencial de las mujeres beliceñas. Invertir en las mujeres no es sólo políticamente correcto, sino que es una inversión inteligente y la mejor apuesta de Belice para la recuperación financiera y la estabilidad. Belice tiene realmente un potencial sin explotar; las mujeres beliceñas son la clave.

14 MAR

COMMISSION OF INQUIRY EXPOSES MONTERO’S GREED AND MORE The three member Commission of Inquiry on the sale of government assets in the last year before the November 2021 General Elections is for real.

There is no need to hunt witches when the corrupt UDP are in plain sight.

When they are not in plain sight, the commission is summoning them from top to bottom to scrub out every bit of truth as to what happened with the peoples’ assets. We know they were plundered and basically stolen but we need true legal guilt before the Belizean public is satisfied. Their November 11 and March 3 vote was a mandate to punish those who stole from Belize.

05 5

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

On March 10 the commission reconvened. This time Patt’s vehicle was given another thorough check.

The most damning was how a mere plumber can lend the deputy Prime Minister at the time sixty five thousand dollars? How can a man cross his hands after swearing on a Bible and belt out non-sensical after non-sensical answer? The truth

shall set you free said one commenter.

Another commenter on another issue being investigated, the sale of our livestock from Central Farm. This is supposed to be for our poor farmers NOT hustling UDPs. “Bobby buying 11 cattle. 7 heifers and 4 bulls. Bad thing is that regular farmer cannot come and buy heifers because ‘there are no heifers fi sell’.

VACANCY

Even one of the bulls selected for breeding was sold. The price was 2.00 a lb and all of a sudden on Tuesday, price dropped to 1.50. How convenient…”

The Montero in question is the brother of the Lands, Ministry of Works Equipment, Starting Gate, and Piglet fame Montero. After being beaten to a pulp by Alex Balona, Montero is seen a little less. Where is he? Will he be questioned by the Commission?

Interesting, huh?

NOTICE Electro Mechanic

LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICE:

Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons to fill the following post in the Mechanic/Electrical Department. In the Port’s continued effort to promote diversity both males/females,able/ differently abled are encouraged to apply for the available post.

Notice is hereby given that Chunhua Huang is applying for a Publican General Liquor License to be operated at “J Mall” located in Hattieville Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Summary of Responsibilities: Electro mechanical technicians are competent in combining mechanical technology with knowledge of electrical and electronic circuits. It includes applying the principles and theories of electronics to the mechanical systems. They utilize their knowledge to devise, test, maintain and repair the any and all electro-mechanical component and machines. The main purpose of the role is to undertake maintenance, repairs and installation to upgrade, maintain and commission mechanical and electrical installations for all Port of Belize equipment and auxiliary systems within the compound..

Notice is hereby given that Abrigale Worthy is applying for a Malt & Cider Liquor License to be operated at “Your Place or Mine” located in Sandhill Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Punit Vijay Kumar Amarnani is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “V2U Shopping Center” located at # 42 Cinderella Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Delwar Husin is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Samia Grocery Shop” located on Barraks Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Dora Suyapa Escalante is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “Antojitos Mili” located on Princess Diana Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Reports to: Technical Manager

Job Responsibilities: • Maintains releases and assists in developing electrical/mechanical drawings, systems designs or engineering documentation and data, by applying Company, industry and governmental standards.

• Read blueprints, schematics, and diagrams to determine the method and sequence of assembly of a part, machine, or piece of equipment.

• Perform corrective, preventative and predictive maintenance on all equipment in regards to both electrical and mechanical.

• Independently performs set up and testing of digital and power electronics hardware.

• Responsible for troubleshooting and documenting test failures.

• Using design tools and prepares documentation and incorporates basic design changes.

• Creates, develops and maintains elementary systems designs.

• Supports engineering system design and functionality validation activities.

• Troubleshoot, maintain and install Mechanical, Electrical (PLC's), Pneumatic, and Hydraulic systems to provide maximum percentage of uptime possible.

• Supports the development and maintenance of moderately-complex product installation designs and part designs.

• Ensuring all maintenance and installation work is carried out cost effectively, safely and to the highest standard.

• Diagnosing, overseeing and rectifying electrical, electronic and mechanical faults on the port’s container handling equipment as well as maintaining the crane lift assemblies, including routine inspection and testing on boat systems.

• Diagnosing, rectifying and repairing faults on the control and instrumentation and utility equipment including electrical control and distribution systems up to and including 440 volts on the port’s compound, and handling equipment such as Container Stackers, Tractors, and other equipment within the Port compound include non-lifting light motor vehicles and boats.

• Ensuring compliance to all policies, procedures, standard operating practices with recommendations for action and continuous improvements.

• Maintaining the mobile elevating work platforms and other associated personnel carrying apparatus such as forklifts and man lifts.

• Any other duties that may be assigned from time to time Job Qualifications/Requirement: • Associates’ degree in Electronics or Post -Secondary Technical Degree with over 5 years of experience in Electrical and Mechanical Marine and Heavy Equipment Repairs.

• Being prepared to undertake sufficient training to ensure familiarization with all equipment in service.

• Working Knowledge of Boats would be an asset.

• Having working knowledge of Control Systems, electronics and electrical systems.

• Intermediate Level knowledge of AutoCAD Studio.

• Computer literate and Intermediate Level Knowledge of Microsoft Office Systems.

• Self-starter, strong problem-solving, decision making and interpersonal skills. A high degree of diplomacy and tact is required to deal with depart heads, telephone requests and operators/office personnel in a pressure environment.

• High sense of responsibility, persistence and confidentiality with strong planning and organizing skills. Discretion in dealing with sensitive matters is of utmost importance and must be able to anticipate unusual situations and project solutions.

• Be able to operate under deadlines, and utilize personal initiative.

• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Required Skills, Knowledge and Characteristics: To be selected applicants must possess the following important characteristics: • • • •

Young Swiss male looking for friendship from Belize.

Write to: Vitus Castelberg Aspermontstr 19 Switzerland (Europe)

Mechanical — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Engineering and Technology — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

English Language — Strong oral and written skills.

Compensation Package: Will be commensurate (in accordance with the Company's Salary Structure).

To apply: Provide updated resume, cover letter (addressed to Human Resource Manager), copy of valid social security card, valid police report, name and phone number of two(2) previous employers.

Email to: jobapplications@portofbelize.com Closing date for receipt of applications is Friday, March 19, 2021.

6 06

14 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

STATUTORY NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE ESTATE FABIANA SEBASTIANA MAGANA a.k.a FABIANA SEBASTIANA NOVELO a.k.a FABIANA SEBASTIANA JOHNSTON, Deceased of 10 ¾ Miles Old Northern Highway, Ladyville Village, Belize District, Belize NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to section 36 of the Administration of Estate Act, Chapter 197 of the laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, that all creditors and other persons having any claims and demands upon or against the Estate of FABIANA SEBASTIANA MAGANA a.k.a FABIANA SEBASTIANA NOVELO a.k.a FABIANA SEBASTIANA JOHNSTON Deceased, Late of 10 ¾ Miles Old Northern Highway, Ladyville Village , Belize District, Belize who died on the 13th day of August , 2015 and in whose Estate Grant of Probate has been granted to Elias Chan the lawful Executor of 10 ¾ Miles Old Northern Highway, Ladyville Village , Belize District, Belize on or before the expiration of three months from the first publication hereof AND NOTICE IS ALSO HEREBY GIVEN that at the expiration of the said three months the said Elias Chan shall proceed to distribute the assets of the said FABIANA SEBASTIANA MAGANA a.k.a FABIANA SEBASTIANA NOVELO a.k.a FABIANA SEBASTIANA JOHNSTON, deceased, amongst the beneficiaries entitled thereto, having regard only to claims and demands of which she shall then have had notice.

DATED this 10th day of March 2021 ELIAS CHAN Executor in the estate of FABIANA SEBASTIANA MAGANA a.k.a FABIANA SEBASTIANA NOVELO a.k.a FABIANA SEBASTIANA JOHNSTON

CARTOON

ROBERT’S GROVE LIMITED (In Receivership) - PROPERTIES & ASSETS PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District Robert’s Grove Limited (In Receivership) hereby advertises the sale of the following properties and assets by public auction by Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A. Castillo & Christiana R. Castillo ONLINE via belizepropertyauctions.com.

Sale expires on Friday 19th March 2021 at 1:30 pm.

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCELS

Placencia North

36

3641, 3642, 3257, 3259, 3260, 3261, 3262, 3263, 3264, 3265, 3266, 3267, 3268, 3269, 3271, 3281, 3284, 3286

(Being the following improvements/developments: Main Two Level Administration/Studio Building, Ocean view Apartment Suites (A, B & C), Workers Quarters, Habanero Restaurant and Bar, Outdoor Bar & Patio, Swimming Pool and Court, Beachfront Spa and massage parlor, Laundry House, Back Office Building/Bedroom, Marina Generator House, Bicycle Shed, Gazebo, Gymnasium Building, Sweet Mama’s Restaurant, Beachfront Pier, Staff Quarters, Dive Shop Building, Office/Storeroom Timber Building, Main Warehouse, Garage Shed Building, Carpentry Shop Building, Staff Quarters, The Marina, RG Generator House, Manager Residence, Fuel Station & Storage Tanks TOGETHER with approximately 13 acres of land including eighteen (18) parcels, the freehold properties of Messrs. Robert’s Grove Limited) KINDLY VISIT: BELIZEPROPERTYAUCTIONS.COM FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION VIEWING BY APPOINTMENTS ONLY TERMS: STRICTLY CASH KEVIN A. CASTILLO CHRISTIANA R. CASTILLO TELEPHONE: 223 4488 Email: kevinacas@yahoo.com Facebook: Belize Auctions

14 MAR

2021

07 7

THE BELIZE TIMES

Speech at the Belize City Council Swearing-In Prime Minister

Hon. John Briceño March 10

Last Wednesday the people of Belize City were very decisive. They came out and with a loud voice said that they wanted to see Bernard Wagner and the 10 councilor candidates of the PUP back at City Hall First, we must thank the Belizeans voters for this clear mandate. In thanking them, we must reaffirm our commitment to work hard every day to improve the lives of the people of Belize City.

Second, I join all the speakers before me in thanking all our hard-working people -- our amazing campaigners, street captains, runners, drivers, counters, caterers, the workers who put up banners, tents and all those persons who were a part of this team. The 11 of you who were sworn-in today are here because of their efforts, it is as much their victory as it is yours. Never forget that, and never forget you are here to serve the people.

Third I want to thank the Area Representatives and Division leaders in Belize City.

This Caucus is made up of a team of strong leaders: Cordel, Francis, Anthony, Kareem, Gilroy, your own Allan and all the rest of the Belize City leaders who went out there when it mattered the most and worked for this impressive victory.

Everyone, from the workers to the voters, from you the candidates to your families who gave you their support, they are the reason why our Party was able to deliver a decisive victory here in Belize City. And since this victory was not just here in Belize city, but countrywide, we can say it was not just a victory for democracy and PUP, but it was also a recommitment to our plan Belize.

And so to all of you councillors, my first instruction to you as your Party Leader and yes as your Prime Minister is that you need to become familiar with plaBelize. Your work is to make planBelize a reality for the residents Belize City.

This means that you must help us with our efforts at defeating Covid-19 in Belize City. Your efforts should be to help us create jobs in Belize City, so that we can get our people back to work, and so we can begin the recovery.

Here in Belize City, you can start by seeking out available grant funding to help with urban development. The funds are there but it will require that you work hard to convince our donors to help fund development especially in flood prone areas like Belama and in South Side Belize City.

In the coming weeks, I will be meeting with all our mayors to talk about what can be done to generate projects that will bring opportunities for jobs in our cities and towns. Now I know that as a municipal body your main function is to keep our streets clean, our drains clear our parks and playgrounds beautiful. You have to do that, but, if you are always bout the people, then you must realize that your efforts have to be more than just streets and drains.

We have a country to rebuild, and every able-bodied Belizean must be engaged in this important work. More so, every elected PUP must be committed to helping with the recovery so that we can, not just bounce back, but move forward and planBelize IS about moving our nation and people forward. Even in these most challenging of days, we can look forward.

In the coming days, I will be presenting a budget to the nation that will set the pace for our recovery. It will lay out for us the best plan with the least amount of pain possible, but we have to face facts. Our economy was wrecked by the previous administration. Abuse, corruption and mismanagement by the UDP has set our development back for almost a generation. But we were elected to fix things and we are doing just that.

Just think about it, at Christmas we were near to a lock down, over 5000 Belizeans tested positive for covid, there were days when we had 10 of our family and friends dying. Today, we have 74 persons with covid and the number of people dying has gone down considerably.

With the vaccines here we are now able to fight back and soon our elderly will be vaccinated, our police, BDF and, yes, our teachers will be vaccinated because we need to get our children back in school. So the work has started and positive results are taking root.

We soldier on as one nation and as one people confident that together we will get the job done.

Congratulations and let the work begin.

Thank you, God bless you and God bless Belize.

8 08 8

THE BELIZE TIMES •

PRESS RELEASE

PR#177

Labour Department Appoints New Representatives to the Labour Advisory Board Belmopan. March 5, 2021. 4:35 p.m.

The Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government is pleased to announce the appointment of three new government representatives on the Labour Advisory Board.

The representatives are: • Mr. Marcel Cardona Cervantes, Attorney-at-law, Chairperson of the Board • Mr. Wilfredo Galvez, Labour Economist, Deputy Chairperson of

PR#182 PRESS RELEASE Ministry of Blue Economy and Civil Aviation Meets with Belize Coast Guard Belmopan. March 9, 2021. 6:15 p.m.

On Tuesday, March 9, 2021, officials from the Ministry of the Blue Economy and Civil Aviation met with the Belize Coast Guard (BCG) at their headquarters in Belize City.

During the meeting, the BCG discussed its role in securing the space necessary for economic development and the safety of actors and stakeholders in Belize’s maritime areas. Also highlighted was the mandate of the BCG to safeguard maritime resources which are central to the blue economy and livelihoods.

Both the Ministry and the Belize Coast Guard recognize each other as key partners in the blue economy. Opportunities for strengthening the existing collaboration between the Fisheries Department and the BCG were also identified. The commitment was made for joint strategic planning and resource mobilization to meet maritime security needs, the re-establishment of a reformed and repurposed Maritime Security Conference, and the continued support to the Fisheries Department.

Present at the meeting were Kennedy Carrillo, CEO; Beverly Wade, Planning and Policy Advisor in the Ministry; Commander Gregory Soberanis, Acting Commandant of the BCG; Lieutenant John Diego and Lieutenant Armando Cobb of the BCG. Ends

14 MAR

2021

the Board Ret’d General Cedric Borland, Member of the Board

The employers’ and workers’ representatives on the Labour Advisory Board are: • Mrs. Kim Aikman, Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry • Mrs. Claudette El Ters, Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry • Ms. Yorshabell Cattouse, Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry • Ms. Sharon Fraser, National Trade Union Congress of Belize • Mr. Marvin Mora, National Trade Union Congress of Belize • Mr. Russel Young, National Trade Union Congress of Belize Section 20 of the Labour Act, Chapter 297 of the Laws of Belize Revised Edition 2011 states that the board shall study and make recommendations to the Minister of Labour on all matters affecting workers.

The Ministry looks forward to the contributions of the Labour Advisory Board, as the Ministry collaborates with all stakeholders to ensure that employees and employers are always protected.

Ends

14 MAR

PR#153 PRESS RELEASE Foreign Minister Receives Letters of Credence from Five New Ambassadors to Belize Belmopan. February 22, 2021.

5:05 p.m.

Hon. Eamon Courtenay, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, and Immigration, received copies of the Letters of Credence of five new ambassadors to Belize at a virtual ceremony held today.

Presenting their letters of credence were Archbishop H.E. Fortunatus Nwachukwu, non-resident ambassador of the Holy See; H.E. Mr. Khaled AbdelRahman Shamaa, non-resident ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt; H.E. Mrs. Terézia Šajgalíková, non-resident ambassador of the Slovak Republic; H.E. Mr. Masaya Fujiwara, non-resident ambassador of Japan; and H.E. Mr. Zvi Tal, non- resident ambassador of Israel.

The ambassadors thanked the Foreign Minister for welcoming them and each conveyed on behalf of their respective countries the intention of cooperating with Belize in several areas of priority, which include health care, agriculture, food security, Schengen visa waiver, and the fair global distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine.

099

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

H.E. Mr. Khaled AbdelRahman Shamaa, non-resident ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt

H.E. Mr. Masaya Fujiwara, non-resident ambassador of Japan

Accompanying the Foreign Minister was Hon. Ramon Cervantes, Minister of State, and Ambassador Amalia Mai, Chief

VACANCY

Mrs. Terézia Šajgalíková, non-resident ambassador of the Slovak Republic

Archbishop H.E. Fortunatus Nwachukwu, non-resident ambassador of the Holy See

Executive Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.

Ends

H.E. Mr. Zvi Tal, non- resident ambassador of Israel

NOTICE

Senior Mechanic – Heavy & Light Duty Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons to fill the following post in the Mechanical Department. In the Port’s continued effort to promote diversity both males/females, able/ differently abled are encouraged to apply for the available post.

Reports to: Technical Manager Summary of Responsibilities: Under direction, performs technical and skilled mechanic functions for all Port of Belize vehicle and equipment maintenance and repair; responsible for the operation and administration of fleet and equipment. Leads and trains lowerlevel staff; ensures vehicles and equipment are available for use and consistently maintained in a safe and clean condition; and performs related work as required to increase reliability of department, employees and equipment.

Job Responsibilities: • Receive and process all work orders in relation to all lifting and non-lifting port and marine equipment such as but not limited to light motor vehicles, towheads, trailers, dump trucks, cranes, drag lines and container stackers.

• Plan and execute major repairs of equipment within the scope of mechanical, electrical, electronic and hydraulic components.

• Develop daily and weekly schedules for mechanics and allocation of personnel, tools, spares, parts and equipment to fulfill work orders.

• Ensure a standards-based approach to all repair works undertaken at the workshop such as predictive, preventative and corrective maintenance.

• Ensure the timely repair of equipment lodged at the workshop.

• Receive, process and signing of job cards and completion of work orders upon successful repairs.

• Provide hands on technical support and supervision for mechanics.

• Provide hands on technical support and/or recommendations for management.

• Dispatch, assist & supervise work to all workshop employees.

• Ensure health &safety compliance in the workshop.

• Ensure compliance with lean housekeeping.

• Ensure the general husbandry and cleanliness of the workshop area.

• Ensure that all relevant maintenance procedures relating to the PBL’s equipment are carried out in accordance with best standards and recorded to reflect the activities taken at the workshop.

• Familiarize, implement and adhere to PBL’s Procurement Procedures and Policies.

• Provide support to the other senior mechanics and department heads as directed by the manager.

• Maximize availability of equipment and man-hours, maximize reliability of equipment • Optimize cost of ownership, Implements and Maintains company KPI’s • Any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.

Job Qualifications/Requirement: • Associate Degree with 3 years experience working in the mechanical field and supervisory level, or vocational certification associated with mechanics with an equivalent of 10 years experience of mechanic and supervisory level would be an asset.

• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Required Skills, Knowledge and Characteristics: To be selected applicants must possess the following important characteristics: • Ability to work independently, Punctual, Ethical and Team Oriented • Good communication skills, Computer literate.

• Basic Knowledge to scan Electronic Engines, and Engine repairs, tune up and rebuilds.

• Basic knowledge on Propane Fuel System.

• Basic knowledge of electric equipment.

• Knowledge of predictive maintenance systems (CMMS System would be an asset).

Compensation Package: Will be commensurate (in accordance with the Company's Salary Structure).

To apply: Provide updated resume, cover letter (addressed to Human Resource Manager), copy of valid social security card, valid police report, name and phone number of two(2) previous employers.

Email to: jobapplications@portofbelize.com Closing date for receipt of applications is Friday, March 19, 2021.

10

THE BELIZE TIMES

14 MAR

2021

H.E. Rossana Briceno

H.E. Rossana Briceno

“Choose to Challenge: Achieving Gender Equality in a Covid-19 World.”

“Elegir el desafío: Lograr la igualdad de género en un mundo Covid-19.”

Address to the Nation (March 1, 2021)

We begin our month-long celebration of women at a time when so much is at stake. Already too many of our grandmothers and mothers have died because of COVID-19 virus. Too many of our sisters who want to work can’t find a job because presently more than 30 percent of our people are unemployed, and even more are underemployed.

Indeed, it may seem hopeless, but it is not, this is the month when the vaccines should roll out across our nation, so that even during these long dark nights, we know the dawn will soon break and women and men alike can begin to dream and to prosper again.

So, we begin Women’s Month in Belize with optimism, believing that soon we will get back to where we once were – engaged in the work of enabling and increasing the transformative power of our women.

Throughout our history, women have been instrumental in advancing our national development. We have been at the forefront of efforts to steer our country on a path to a more equal, fair, and inclusive society, and we have contributed in innumerable ways to our national character, culture, and our Belizean values. This was formed over the decades by eminent women like Madam Liz, Miss Jane, Sister Mercy Cervantes, Cleopatra White, our Black Cross nurses and that great generation of formidable Belizean women upon whose shoulders and powerful examples we stand upon today. They make up but a few of the generations of women, young and old alike, who have sacrificed and continue to sacrifice even to this day, and while most of their efforts will not make it to our history books, they will impact the future.

So yes, Women’s Month should always be a time for celebration, but it must also be a time for reflection because in spite of the many strides we have made in achieving gender parity, today, there are still too many Belizean women being excluded from full participation in our society, our development, and our democracy.

Even now, the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the unequal burden many Belizean women face in their homes and in their communities. This has amplified the disparities that so many Belizean women experience. Let’s face it, our systems and structures, if not blatantly, is overtly slow to respond, reluctant to embrace the assets, contributions, and capacities of women, if not forced to do so through artificial quotas and target mechanisms.

Research conducted by the United Nations and other International Organizations show that the inclusion of women enhances national development. Numerous studies show that greater gender equality is linked to a higher GDP per capita, proof positive that women’s participation in the workforce and in income generation boosts economic growth and lifts a society as a whole. As well, equal access for women to the land and other agricultural inputs increases agricultural productivity by 20 percent or 30 percent and reduces the number of people suffering from hunger, and companies with three or more women among their directors or top managers have 53 percent more output than companies with no women.

Yet, despite all this, women in Belize still lag behind, too far behind. We experience barriers such as unequal access to opportunities, to credit, and to higher paying jobs. Lack of adequate help from communities and government to enter the workforce, to participate fairly in the economy, and access to the legal system along with its resources hinder many Belizean women from achieving their full potential. Even as women make up half of the work force and more than half of the educated adult population, women earn less and participate less in decision making.

While there are no magic formulas or overnight success programs, Belize, like the rest of the world, must now cease the moment and change. If we are to adapt to this so called “new normal,” then women must be equal partners in development and in progress.

This is the time for meaningful change. This is a good place to start again, but in doing so we must ensure that national efforts and actions reflect the perspectives, contributions, unique vulnerabilities, and diverse strengths of our Belizean women at all levels.

So, yes, we must celebrate Women’s Month, but we must also make meaningful our commitment to renewal and revival towards real development. That is the spirit of this year’s theme which calls on all of us to “Choose to Challenge: Achieving gender equality in a Covid-19 world.”

Let March 2021 be the month and the year we give rise to concrete measures, innovative actions, and responsive policies that will be bold enough to ensure a real partnership and real inclusion by Belizean women. Working together, we can fulfil those very noble sustainable development goals, so that we can all truly appreciate that progress for Belizean women is progress for all Belizeans!

Happy Women’s Month to all Belizeans!

Address to the Nation (March 1, 2021)

Comenzamos nuestro mes de celebración de la mujer en un momento en el que hay mucho en juego. Ya han muerto demasiadas de nuestras abuelas y madres a causa del virus COVID-19. Demasiadas de nuestras hermanas que quieren trabajar no pueden encontrar un empleo porque actualmente más del 30% de nuestra gente está desempleada, y aún más está subempleada.

Ciertamente, puede parecer desesperante, pero no lo es, este es el mes en el que las vacunas se empezaran a distribuir a lo largo de nuestra nación para que, incluso durante estas largas noches de angustia, sepamos que pronto llegara el momento en que tanto hombres como mujeres empezaran a soñar y prosperar.

Así que comenzamos el Mes de la Mujer en Belice con optimismo, creyendo que pronto volveremos a estar donde una vez estuvimos: comprometidos con la labor de permitir y aumentar el poder transformador de nuestras mujeres.

A lo largo de nuestra historia, las mujeres han sido fundamentales para el avance de nuestro desarrollo nacional. Hemos estado en la vanguardia de los esfuerzos para conducir a nuestro país por el camino de una sociedad más igualitaria, justa e inclusiva, y hemos contribuido de innumerables maneras a nuestro carácter nacional, a nuestra cultura y a nuestros valores beliceños. Esto se formó a lo largo de las décadas gracias a mujeres eminentes como Madam Liz, Miss Jane, la hermana Mercy Cervantes, Cleopatra White, nuestras enfermeras de la Cruz Negra y esa gran generación de formidables mujeres beliceñas sobre cuyos hombros y poderosos ejemplos nos apoyamos hoy. Son sólo algunas de las generaciones de mujeres, tanto jóvenes como mayores, que se han sacrificado y siguen sacrificando hasta el día de hoy, y aunque la mayoría de sus esfuerzos no llegarán a nuestros libros de historia, impactarán en el futuro.

Así que, sí, el mes de la mujer debe ser siempre un momento de celebración, pero también debe ser un momento de reflexión porque, a pesar de los muchos avances que hemos hecho para lograr la paridad de género, hoy en día todavía hay demasiadas mujeres beliceñas que están excluidas de la plena participación en nuestra sociedad, nuestro desarrollo y nuestra democracia.

Incluso ahora, la pandemia de Covid-19 ha puesto de manifiesto la carga desigual a la que se enfrentan muchas mujeres beliceñas en sus hogares y en sus comunidades. Esto ha amplificado las disparidades que sufren tantas mujeres beliceñas. Admitámoslo, nuestros sistemas y estructuras, si no de forma flagrante, son abiertamente lentos en responder, reacios a aceptar los activos, las contribuciones y las capacidades de las mujeres, si no se les obliga a hacerlo mediante cuotas artificiales y mecanismos de objetivos.

Las investigaciones realizadas por las Naciones Unidas y otras organizaciones internacionales demuestran que la inclusión de las mujeres mejora el desarrollo nacional. Numerosos estudios demuestran que una mayor igualdad de género está relacionada con un mayor PIB per cápita, lo que demuestra que la participación de las mujeres en la fuerza de trabajo y en la generación de ingresos impulsa el crecimiento económico y eleva a la sociedad en su conjunto. Además, la igualdad de acceso de las mujeres a la tierra y a otros insumos agrícolas aumenta la productividad agrícola en un 20 por ciento o 30 por ciento y reduce el número de personas que padecen hambre, y las empresas con tres o más mujeres entre sus directores o altos cargos tienen un 53 por ciento más de producción que las empresas sin mujeres.

Sin embargo, a pesar de todo esto, las mujeres de Belice siguen estando rezagadas, demasiado rezagadas. Experimentamos barreras como el acceso desigual a las oportunidades, al crédito y a los trabajos mejor pagados. La falta de ayuda adecuada por parte de las comunidades y el gobierno para entrar en la fuerza de trabajo, para participar de manera justa en la economía y el acceso al sistema legal junto con sus recursos, impiden a muchas mujeres beliceñas alcanzar su pleno potencial. A pesar de que las mujeres constituyen la mitad de la población activa y más de la mitad de la población adulta con estudios, ganan menos y participan menos en la toma de decisiones.

Aunque no hay fórmulas mágicas ni programas de éxito de la noche a la mañana, Belice, como el resto del mundo, debe dejar de lado el momento y cambiar. Si queremos adaptarnos a esta llamada “nueva normalidad”, las mujeres deben ser socias iguales en el desarrollo y el progreso.

Este es el momento de un cambio significativo. Este es un buen punto de partida, pero al hacerlo debemos asegurarnos de que los esfuerzos y las acciones nacionales reflejen las perspectivas, las contribuciones, las vulnerabilidades únicas y las diversas fortalezas de nuestras mujeres beliceñas en todos los niveles.

Así que, sí, debemos celebrar el Mes de la Mujer, pero también debemos dar sentido a nuestro compromiso de renovación y resurgimiento hacia el desarrollo real. Ese es el espíritu del tema de este año, que nos llama a todos a “Elegir el desafío: Lograr la igualdad de género en un mundo Covid-19”.

Dejemos que marzo de 2021 sea el mes y el año en que demos lugar a medidas concretas, acciones innovadoras y políticas receptivas que sean lo suficientemente audaces como para garantizar una verdadera asociación y una verdadera inclusión de las mujeres de Belice.

Trabajando juntos, podemos cumplir esos nobles objetivos de desarrollo sostenible, para que todos podamos apreciar realmente que el progreso de las mujeres beliceñas es el progreso de todos los beliceños. ¡Feliz mes de la mujer a todos los beliceños!

14 MAR

2021

11

THE BELIZE TIMES Hon. Eamon Courtney, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

ON THE MOVE Hon. Anthony Mahler: Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations, Hon. Julius Espat, Minister of Infrastructure Development& Housing, and Hon. Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Public Utilities & Logistics

Discussing trade w/ Guatemalan counterpart

Hon. Jose Mai, Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise Public & Private Sectors Partner to pave portion of Hopkins Road

Hon. Oscar Requena, Minister of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government

Observing Child Stimulation Month

Taking Care of constituency

Visit with new PG Council finding new areas of collaboration

Hon. Julius Espat, MIDH

Maya Mountain North Agro Forestry Concession First Prototype of the homes to be rollout

Upgrading of Road, Crique Sarco Toledo

Road to San Estevan, OW

By Checkpoint, on the GP Highway

Visit to Central Farm

59 12

14 MAR

14 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES 2021

2021

13

18 JAN

14 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES 2015

2021

Honoring our

NEW PUP WOMEN COUNCILORS AND MAYOR On Women’s Month

Punta Gorda

Dangriga

Mary Palacio

Benque Viejo Del Carmen

Vania Garcia

Teresita Alvarado

San Ignacio/Santa Elena

Martha Marie Robinson

Shirlene Neal

Belize City

Avelin Martinez

San Pedro

L to R: Kaya Cattouse, Natasha Pipersburgh, Stephanne Hamilton, Deannie Requeña

Belmopan

L to R: Adaly Ayuso, Johnnia Duarte, Marina Kay, Dianeli Aranda

Orange Walk Town

Mayor Sheran “Sharon” Palacio

Deputy Mayor Guadalupe Chicas

Nikki Augustine

Pauline Tillett

JoeSie Cantun

Corozal

Doreth Pascacio

Joanna Rodriguez

“Choose to Challenge: Achieving Gender Equality in a Covid-19 World.”

Marleni Tapia

14

14 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES

PUP COUNCILS

OW Women Councillors

2021

Dangriga

Council Sworn-In

Observing Women’s Month at Swearing-in

Mayor with Area Rep Louis Zabaneh

Mayor with supporters

Benque

Belize City Council with PM

Council meeting Officially w Area Rep Jorge ‘Milin’ Espat

Belmopan

Mayor with Family

San Pedro Mayor Palacio and PM Briceño at Swearing in

Council Sworn-In

Mayor with Area Rep Oscar Mira

with PM Briceño At Swearing in

Council at Work

14 MAR

2021

15

THE BELIZE TIMES

PANEL DISCUSSION

Tuesday, March 9, 2021 “Women in Agriculture: Overcoming our Challenges, Inspiring Change Panel Discussion” Guest Speaker: Minister Jose Abelardo Mai, Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise Agriculture Showgrounds’ Conference Room - The panel discussion, organized by Ms. Faye Garnett, District Agriculture Coordinator, Cayo District, featured the presence of the Minister and CEO Servulo Baeza, and four distinguished women panelists from varying fields in agriculture: Mrs. Zoe Zetina, lecturer and Campus Director, Central Farm Campus, and Chair of the Department of Agriculture, UB; Ms. Omaira Avila Rostant, Caribbean Agricultural Research Development Institute representative in Belize; Mrs. Miriam Ochaeta Serrut, Registrar at the Pesticides Control Board and Mrs. Delilah Cab Ayala, Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary Coordinator with the Belize Agricultural Health Authority. Ms. Ina Sanchez, Research Coordinator at Central Farm with the Ministry, served as panel moderator.

Minister Mai in his remarks highlighted the contribution of women in agriculture, pointing out that there are upwards of 60 women working in agriculture at the Ministry in various capacities, and that there is an upswing in the roles women play at the Ministry.

He congratulated the women on the panel and in the wider field of agriculture and encouraged them to continue challenging the existing system because that is what keeps the country moving forward.

Hon. Mai added that women not only deal with the pressures of schooling and home making, but also go to work and contribute significantly to the development of the country, especially in the times we presently live in, and reiterated the Ministry’s intention of promoting advocacy for women and youth through inclusive contributions by all stakeholders.

The panel focused on the roles that women play and how they meet challenges. It looked at topics such as the equal opportunities for growth of women within the agricultural sector, their experiences as women in lead roles in the agricultural sector, and advice to especially young ladies wishing to interact in the agricultural sector. The panel discussion concluded with Minister Mai issuing virtual certificates to the participants.

PRESS RELEASE March 4th, 2021

For Immediate Release

Congratulations to the Newly Elected & Re-elected Female Councilors in the 2021 Municipal Elections The Office of the Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children would like to commend all the women who participated in the 2021 Municipal Elections. You were inspiring, graceful, and professional. The historic participation of women in yesterday’s election, and their subsequent triumph to such esteemed positions of leadership, marks another galvanizing moment in our journey of advancing gender equality in Belize, renewing our optimism for a more equitable future for women.

To our newly elected and re-elected women councilors across Belize, to Belmopan’s First Female Mayor – Ms. Sharon Palacio, and to Corozal Bay’s First Female Area Representative – Mrs. Elvia Vega Samos, a heartfelt congratulations. Your success in this year’s municipal election is a win for all Belizeans, present and future.

When a woman's voice is heard, when she participates in decision making and when she exercises leadership, her ingenuity, the strength of her vision, and her ambitions lead to tangible and quality gains for our democracy, including greater responsiveness to our citizen needs, a more inclusive economy, and a more sustainable future. However, be mindful, an increase in the numbers of women representation does not automatically translate to substantive change, influence over decisions or the ability to articulate women’s interest. This requires conscious and deliberate action on the part of women to make a difference through gaining knowledge and understanding of how the system works and building capacities to engage the system. More importantly, however, it requires the active participation of our men to ensure our female representatives are supported, can participate fully, have their opinions and contributions considered and are given equal opportunity to implement changes in the various governance structures.

Therefore, the work now begins, and the work continues! Let us choose to challenge harmful stereotypes and dismantle barriers that impede our Belizean women’s ability to play a central role in public life for a more equal and more empowered Belize!

Congratulations to all newly elected and re-elected City and Town Councilors! The Office of the Special Envoy for the Development of Families & Children stands committed to working with all Municipal Councils to ensure all Belizeans – women and men, can contribute to and benefit from a prosperous Belize.

END.

16

14 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

JOINT PRESS COMMUNIQUE Foreign Ministers of Belize and Guatemala Meet at Office of the Organization of American States in the Adjacency Zone

PRESS RELEASE

PR#170

Minister of Public Service, Constitutional and Political Reform Meets with U.S. Embassy’s Charge d’ Affaires Belmopan. February 26, 2021. 1:35 p.m.

Hon. Henry Charles Usher, Minister of the Public Service, Constitutional and Political Reform, received a courtesy visit from Mr. Keith Gilges, the United States Embassy in Belize’s Charge d’ Affaires, on February 25, 2021.

Belmopan. March 4, 2021. 5:35 p.m.

Hon. Eamon Courtenay, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Immigration of Belize, and H.E. Pedro Brolo Vila, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Guatemala, met today at the Office of the Organization of American States (OAS) in the Adjacency Zone. It was the first meeting between the two foreign ministers since they assumed their respective posts.

The two foreign ministers exchanged updates in the efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between Belize and Guatemala and agreed to reactivate the Belize-Guatemala Joint Commission.

With a view of enhancing trade between Belize and Guatemala, Minister Courtenay and Minister Brolo reviewed the implementation of the Belize Guatemala Partial Scope Trade Agreement (PSA). The ministers reiterated their commitment to the PSA and its potential to increase trade and economic growth and development. They underscored the need to revitalize the administrative institutions of the PSA to ensure that the agreement functions in the most efficient and effective manner.

Minister Courtenay and Minister Brolo reaffirmed the importance of adherence to the 2005 Agreement on a Framework for Negotiations and Confidence Building Measures.

The two ministers thanked the OAS Office in the Adjacency Zone for hosting their bilateral meeting. They also commended the OAS for the crucial role it plays in maintaining peace and respect of human rights of the people along the Adjacency Zone.

Ends

The purpose of the meeting was to establish and set the tone for the way forward in the partnership between the Ministry and the U.S. Embassy. Several areas of mutual interest were discussed during the meeting. Special attention was given to the good governance policy, with emphasis on an anti-corruption unit. Minister Usher gave particular importance to the transformation of governance in the country of Belize.

Hon. Usher expressed his appreciation for the active relationship that has existed between the U.S. Embassy in Belize and the country over the past years.

Also, in attendance were Dr. Osmond Martinez, CEO in the Ministry; Mr. Alan Flesch, U.S. Political-Economics Officer; and Ms. Michelle Rodriguez, Public Relations Officer in the Ministry.

Ends

CALL FOR PROPOSALS Application/nomination of farmers or producers to participate in the Belize Covered Structure and Capacity Enhancement Project Project Country: Belize Financing Institution: CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) Executing Agency: Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise Project Name: Belize Covered Structure and Capacity Enhancement Project Grant Financing No. BZE/G0009 The Government of Belize has been provided a CDF grant for the acquisition of materials and construction assistance for at least 30 Covered Structures, as well as the provision of capacity enhancing vegetable production training to at least 50 farmers. The project is targeting farmers including women and youth in disadvantaged rural/depressed communities of the country.

The key objective of this project is to raise the volume of vegetables on the local market that are produced under covered structures, by not less than 2.0 per cent of the 2017 level by end of 2022 and improve the consistency of production while increasing the incomes and the quality of life for beneficiaries under the project.

The specific objectives are to: 1. Increase the efficiency of vegetable production under covered structures by improving the construction design and irrigation systems of at least 30 structures by end of 2022.

2. Increase capacity building of extension personnel and farmers involved in the production of vegetables under covered structures by the hosting of at least 2 workshops for at least 10 extension personnel and 50 farmers.

Selection Criteria: Beneficiaries will be chosen based on a series of mandatory and secondary criteria as outlined in the application/nomination document. Please review this document before making the application/nomination.

Application/Nomination forms: 1. The forms can be picked up from the Agriculture Department in your District.

2. Download from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise Website www.agriculture.gov.bz or Facebook page http://m.facebook.com/maf.gov.bz Submission of forms: 1. Completed forms can be dropped off at the Agriculture Department in your District.

2. Completed forms can be emailed to nccard@agriculture.gov.bz Deadline for Application/Nomination: March 20th, 2021

14 MAR

2021

THE BELIZE TIMES

THINK ABOUT IT MR LI HAS 36 LOTS Belizeans got another shock and awe when the information came out that Mr. Li had 36 residential lots. Of the 36 lots, Mr. Li has 27 properties on San Pedro, the tourist capital of our country where land sell for thousands of dollars.

Just weeks before the general elections, Mr. Li got 17 residential lots in October and November last year.

This shocking information of what had been going on with precious lands under the UDP was broadcast live on radio and television from the hearing of the Commission of Inquiry.

This Inquiry, established by law, is looking into irregularities done with the country’s assets, such as vehicles, heavy equipment, sales of computers, building and lands.

How could one person have been getting so much lands, while thousands of Belizeans were unable to get one single dengue piece to build their little house on?

This is where certain public officers should hang their heads in shame.

What Gapi Vega is alleged to have been doing could not continue if certain public officers had any kind of conscience. They could have leaked out the terrible abuse and hustling that was going on. Some were facilitators.

At one stage, Belizeans in California expressed their outrage at visiting Prime Minister Dean Barrow. He was forced to admit that the Ministry of Lands was a cesspool of corruption. But he never, ever did anything to stop the corruption or to put in place transparency and oversight.

Belizeans were told that there would be an investigation into the allegation. Godwin Hulse would conduct such an inquiry. He did nothing. Karla “vehicle” Barnett was then tasked. She did nothing. She was even accused of getting beach front properties for her family. No Minister said or did anything.

Were they all benefiting from corruption?

Mr. Li came to the attention of the commission when his name surfaced with regards to the unlawful sale of an expensive to Deputy Prime Minister Hugo Patt, by none other than Prime Minister Dean Barrow. Patt did not have money to buy the vehicle, but the vehicle was still sold to someone who borrowed the money from Mr. Li . The vehicle never reached Patt, and it was sold in a money making scheme for another person.

Mr. Li was presumably running a scheme with lands under Minister Patt.

The allegation emerging is that there seems to be a money connection, using government lands between Minister Patt Ministry, in one day.

In many of the situations Mr. Li was able to get land from Minister Patt’s Ministry in one day.

In many other cases, lands were approved to individuals whom, as soon as they got their land papers, quickly turned it over to Mr. Li for money. This cannot be coincidence. From all appearances this seems a hustle. A big hustle.

Mr. Li ended up with 36 different properties all over Belize and many in San Pedro. Many within the last few weeks of the corrupt UDP government.

There is another allegation. It is that former Deputy Minister Gapi Vega brought dozens of supporters from Orange Walk to work as public officers in the Ministry of Lands. We wonder what role, if any, the chairman of the Public Service Commission played in rubber stamping these appointments into the public service.

There are also allegation that a certain sister b was a heavy “recruiter” of UDP supporters for jobs in the public service departments. She is also accused of being a facilitator in distributing lands to UDP supporters.

This Commission of Inquiry into the illegal sale and disposal of vehicles, lands and other public assets is getting to be an eye opener into how corruption was flourishing.

On Wednesday 10th March, public officials from the agriculture division department known as Central Farm also testified to the Commission. It turned out that former Minister Rene Montero’s brother was buying bulls and cows at reduced prices. Also, these were special breeding bulls and heifers.

Mein! Oh Mein! What kind of government was Dean Barrow and his UDP Ali Babas running?

N.H.I. & JOHNNY BRICEÑO Thanks to the People’s United Party under the great George Price, Belize has the Social Security benefits for injuries on the job, medical expenses, retirement gratuity and pensions.

17

Thanks again to the PUP under the progressive Said Musa, Belizeans have the benefits of NHI, the National Health Insurance. This important social safety net was rolled out on south side Belize City where there are clinics that service poor Belizeans who fall ill and cannot afford medical attention and medication.

No thanks to Dean Barrow after thirteen years in government, he did nothing to increase benefits or to expand the NHI to the whole country. This is a man who increased poverty from forty odd percent to fifty odd percent of the population.

Even the little one hundred dollar given to poor struggling senior citizens was taken away by Dean Barrow.

NHI is an important social safety net for the growing numbers of struggling Belizeans as the economy stutters along and the fall-out from the covid pandemic bites deep into our lives.

When things get better in our country the government of Johnny Briceño will focus its attention on improving NHI for those in need.

We were looking at the number of issues and challenges facing the new Prime Minister and his dynamic team of Ministers and advisors. There are so many things that need fixing and those which need implementation.

What happened in the General Elections of 11th November and the municipal elections of 3rd March is nothing short of a revolution. Never before have so many Belizeans turned out (during coronavirus pandemic) to vote for a government.

It is the peaceful, constructive Belizean revolution part 2.

Johnny is not the heir to the great George Price. History and the people of Belize has placed on Johnny’s shoulders the awesome burden of carrying our country out of crises to a bright future. Belizeans deserve better than what was happening to them. Johnny is going to make it happen. This quiet, unassuming, humble, hardworking man is just what the country needs.

In the words of George Price, with hard work and faith in ourselves and the almighty we will succeed.

UNSUSTAINABLE PENSION Another thing Dean Barrow and the UDP did not do, was search for the solution to the unsustainable pension issue. Thirteen years in government, no reforms, no improvement, no nothing.

Years ago under the Colonial British government there were not plenty of public officers. They were called Civil Servants. The British put in place a pension scheme for themselves. When they retired and returned to England or remained and lived here in paradise they were paid pension. They contributed nothing to a pension fund.

Over the years the public service grew, from several hundreds, to several thousands. No contributions were paid to a pension fund. As salaries increased the calculation for pensionable payments also increased.

Today, there are over ten thousand public officers with teachers, police and army added. Pension payments are heading for 100 million dollars per year from taxpayers funds. No contribution are made.

For public officers the situation is strange. They retire at age 55 and receive a pension. They pay social security and at age 60 or 65 they are entitled to another pension.

The Public Service Union needs to search for an equitable solution to this dilemma. The public can no longer afford this ballooning money crisis. Salaries are no longer the small pittance they used to be in the early Colonial and post-Colonial era. The treasury CANNOT afford a non- contributory pension fund.

Given the massive endorsement by the electorate the Briceño/Cordel government is willing to listen and to implement fair solutions. Let’s start with a suggestion.

In exchange for a robust housing scheme for public officers, easy access to land, a sustained war against cost of living public officers will start a modest contribution to their own pension fund.

WHY I WRITE From a very early age, perhaps the age of five and six, I knew that when I grew up I should be a writer. Between the age of about seventeen and twenty-four I tried to abandon this idea, but I did so with the consciousness that I was outraging my true nature and that sooner or later I should have to settle down and write books.

The above is from an essay ‘Why I Write’ by the author of Animal Farm which is a must, must read book.

We will tell you about his other classic “1984” next week.

18

14 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES

Women’s Month 2021

International Women’s Day Message Hon. Dolores Balderamos Garcia, Minister of Human Development, Families, and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs

Happy Women’s Day and Women’s Month to Everyone!! Annually, March 8 – International Women’s Day - is observed globally in recognition of the achievements of women across social, economic, cultural, and political arenas.

These achievements are significant because women’s advancement is still challenged by continuing gender inequality.

Nonetheless, there is much to celebrate !! Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados is not only a Caribbean Leader. She is a World Leader, and we thank her for her generosity in sending us some vaccines against Covid-19. We have a woman Speaker of our House of Representatives, a woman President of our Senate, and our very own Mrs.

Rossana Briceno as Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children.

We also have an unprecedented number of Ambassadors and Chief Executive Officers who are women; a woman Attorney General; a woman Acting Chief Justice; two dynamic women as President of our National Women’s Commission and Chairperson of our National Committee for Families and Children; a woman doctor leading the charge in flattening Belize’s curve in the Covid-19 pandemic; and the list goes on !! We also salute our women in engineering and science and no doubt too ALL our women in the traditional roles of caregivers for the elderly and children; additionally front line nurses, teachers, and every single woman in every sphere of Belizean life. I am so very proud to honor you and wish you well !!

When we observe this special Day and Month we rally towards the acceleration of gender parity. And we work collectively, bringing together not only government, but also non-governmental organizations, and even the private sector.

This cohesive approach is extremely important if there is to be a change that will create spaces and opportunities for women here at home and around the world.

As we have seen our women have become more educated, are working outside the homes, and are bridging gaps in nearly all non-traditional domains. However, we are painfully aware that we are disproportionately affected by gender-based violence. We must continue to put our shoulders to the wheel in this regard, and I am so pleased to say that several committed men have joined us on the National Wom-

2021

en’s Commission to work with us and to help in bringing about positive change for gender equality and the empowerment of women. Together with partners our Women’s Commission Members along with the staff of our Women and Family Support Department, will help to assess the barriers and gaps and to evaluate the measured progress so far.

Much remains to be done !! Now more than ever, this collective activism is needed as we face old and new threats to women’s empowerment and fulfilment of human rights. The Covid-19 pandemic has severely affected all economies, exposed existing cracks and weaknesses, and increased inequalities around the world. It is testing not only our commitment to equality, but also our very humanity, since it lays bare both fragility and vulnerabilities; while social cohesion and our capabilities and services are already debilitated. Covid-19 thus has repercussions that go way beyond only financial problems. We must find all the means necessary to combat the ill effects of this pandemic and build Belize back to new strengths as we implement

our PLAN BELIZE commitments for our empowered Women and strengthened Families.

The Theme for this year’s Women’s Month is timely and on point. It is a call to action considering the new normal. It says : #ChoosetoChallenge: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 World.”

So in line with this important Theme We all MUST challenge gender inequalities and biases that exist within the different spheres of our society and in our lives.

And we all MUST work very hard to reduce these inequalites which force vulnerable persons into positions of non-participation.

In 2021 as we move towards the future we resoundingly affirm that we WILL create change for the better. We imagine a future after COVID 19, one that is much different from the one we have today; a future in which the many threads of Dignity, Respect, Protection, and Compassion are woven together into the fabric of tomorrow—a Just, Equal and Inclusive society where women and girls can walk and live freely and in confidence.

Once again Happy Women’s Day and Women’s Month to All !!!!!

For Sale

By Order of the Mortgagee KENNETH K. Dart of Benque Viejo Del Carmen, Belize City, Cayo District, Belize, hereby gives notice of his intention to exercise his power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Mortgage made the 19th day of October, 2018, between APOLON MANAGEMENT LTD. of Succotz Village, Cayo District, Belize (hereinafter called “the Borrower”) of the one part and KENNETH K. Dart (hereinafter called “the Lender”) of the other part and recorded as Instrument No. LTU-201801896, the said Kenneth K. Dart will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto.

All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Kenneth K. Dart.

PRESS RELEASE

PR#176

Ministry of Human Development Congratulates Newly Elected Women Belmopan. March 4, 2021. 6:25 p.m.

The Ministry of Human Development, Families and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, along with the National Women’s Commission, hereby salutes all 24 women who were elected to office in the March 3, 2021 elections.

The Ministry congratulates Honorable Elvia Vega Samos on her victory as the first woman to be elected from Corozal District to serve in the National Assembly. The Ministry also congratulates Ms. Sharon Palacio on her success in Belmopan as the first woman mayor of the Capital City.

Likewise, the Ministry applauds all the women elected to municipal office across the country. There is a total of 23 women which will now serve at the municipal level, and this makes up 34 percent of the newly elected municipal seats. The Ministry recognizes this step forward in addressing the need for more women representation in office.

The Ministry and the National Women’s Commission welcome and extend best wishes to the newly elected women and offer full support of their service.

To those women, the Ministry shares this message, “Together, we will stand strong as we make progress towards the national development of our beautiful country.”

Ends

THE SCHEDULE ABOVE REFERRED TO FIRSTLY, ALL THAT piece or parcel of land situate in the Black Rock Area, Cayo District, and being Block No. 3 comprising 21.10 acres, bounded and described as shown by Plan No. 545 of 2002 attached to Minister’s Fiat Grant No. 545 of 2002 dated shown on Plan attached to Minister’s Fiat Grant No. 545 of 2002 dated 21st July, 2002 (Entry No. 3774 Reg. No. 14, copy of which is attached and forms a part hereof.)

SECONDLY, ALL THAT piece or parcel of land situate in the Black Rock Area, Cayo District, and being Block No. 2 comprising 21.34 acres, bounded and described as shown by Plan No. 544 of 2002 attached to Minister’s Fiat Grant No. 545 of 2002 dated shown on Plan attached to Minister’s Fiat Grant No. 544 of 2002 dated 8th August, 2002. (Entry No. 3774 Reg. No. 14, copy of which is attached and forms a part hereof.)

THIRDLY, ALL THAT piece or parcel of land situate in the Black Rock Area, Cayo District, and being Block No. 1 comprising 55.24 acres, bounded and described as shown by Plan No. 546 of 2002 attached to Minister’s Fiat Grant No. 546 of 2002 dated shown on Plan attached to Minister’s Fiat Grant No. 546 of 2002 dated 21st July, 2002. (Entry No. 3774 Reg. No. 14, copy of which is attached and forms a part hereof.)

DATED this 9th day of March, 2021 MUSA & BALDERAMOS LLP 91 North Front Street Belize City Attorneys-at-Law for Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.

14 MAR

19

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

CALL FOR PROPOSALS

PRESS RELEASE

PR#179

Belize Receives Second Donation of COVID-19 Vaccines Belmopan. March 8, 2021. 3:30 p.m.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness is pleased to announce the arrival of 25,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines to Belize. The donation is made possible by the people and Government of India.

United Airlines Flight No. 1408 carrying the vaccines arrived today at 2:00 p.m. at the Philip Goldson International Airport. Hon. Michel Chebat, the Minister of Health and Wellness, was joined by Dr. Deysi Mendez, Chief Executive Officer; Ambassador Amalia Mai, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade; Dr. Natalia Beer and Dr. Julio Sabido, technical advisors at the Ministry, to receive the donation on behalf of the people and Government of Belize.

Mr. Arun Hutchandani, Honorary Consul of India in Belize as well as other officials and representatives of the Indian Community were also present for the delivery of the donation.

The formal acquisition of this donation was made possible through the Office of the Prime Minister; Hon. Eamon Courtenay, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade; Mr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Indian Foreign Minister; and His Excellency Manpreet Vohra, High Commissioner of India.

The COVID-19 Vaccination Exercise continues this week with the remaining frontline health workers in the public and private sector. Thereafter, the Ministry will move to phase 1b and start administering vaccines to persons 60 years and older. The public is encouraged to get vaccinated when it’s their turn.

The Ministry reminds the public that even after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, persons are to continue to follow the COVID-19 guidelines: wear masks properly in public, maintain social distancing and wash and sanitize hands often. Please stay at home and call the Ministry’s hotline at 0-800-664-2273 for more information.

Be COVID-19 Safe, Get Vaccinated!

Ends

Application/nomination of farmer or producer to participate in the Honey Production Redevelopment Support Project (Honey Project) Project Country: Belize Financing Institution: CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) Executing Agency: Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise Project Name: Belize Honey Production Redevelopment Support Project (Honey Project) Grant Financing No. BZE/G0008 A grant agreement, Component 3 of Belize 2nd Cycle Country Assistance Program, was signed on 21st November 2018 between the Government of Belize and the CARICOM Develop Fund (CDF). The project is geared towards the provision of capacity building to new and existing beekeepers in Good Beekeeping Practices and other related topics.

The overall objective of the Project is for the expansion of the honey production subsector in Belize, targeting the delivery of new and additional capabilities to women and disadvantage youth to reap the advantages of employment and empowerment through sector specific knowledge acquisition.

The specific objectives are to: 1. Increase rural livelihood opportunities through beekeeping in farming communities especially among women and youth.

2. Increase national production and productivity of beekeeping.

3. Increase the quality of honey and honey products through the promotion of standards and good manufacturing practices.

Selection Criteria: Beneficiaries will be chosen based on a series of mandatory and secondary criteria as outlined in the application/nomination document. Please review this document before making the application/nomination.

Application/Nomination forms: 1. The forms can be pickup from the Agriculture Department in your District.

2. Downloaded from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise website www.agriculture.gov.bz or Facebook page http://m.facebook.com/maf.gov.bz Submission of forms: 1. Completed forms can be dropped off at the Agriculture Department in your District.

2. Completed forms can be email to nccard@agriculture.gov.bz Deadline for Application/Nomination: March 20th, 2021

20

THE BELIZE TIMES

14 MAR

2021

Two to One Victory in Port Loyola for Municipal Election

By Gilroy Usher, Sr. In the municipal elections of Wednesday March 3rd, PUP defeated UDP 2 to 1 throughout the Port Loyola division. It was the first time in over 20 years that PUP defeated the UDP in every single box in the area.

Sincere thanks to residents of Port Loyola for their vote of confidence in Team Usher and the entire PUP slate for the Belize City Council election on Wednesday. Thanks also to all our campaigners who worked tirelessly for the victory on Wednesday as well as

to Mr. Norman Usher, Chairman of PUP Port Loyola Committee, and special campaign manager for Port Loyola for the Belize City Council election.

Special thanks also to Prime Minister Briceño, the previous Belize City Council, and all others, who assisted in any way possible to make the 2 to 1 victory for the PUP in area a reality on Wednesday, Working in partnership with Central Government and the new City Council we continue the task of carrying out our promises to the residents of the Port Loyola Division.

BELIZE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY SUMMARY:

GENERAL MANAGER VACANCY

To provide effective and efficient management of the BBA Office and maintain a good relationship with the stakeholders in the industry. The General Manager of the BBA will report directly to the Board of Directors of the BBA mainly through the Chairman of the Board.

RESPONSIBILITES: • • • • • • • • • •

Perform duties as Secretary of BBA Board Assist to develop and implement strategies to improve broadcasting regulations.

Assist with management of the BBA operations.

Ensure that updated records of all Broadcasters are kept.

Collection of revenue (license fees, ect.)

Record minutes of BBA Board meetings.

Take appropriate action on minutes of the meetings.

Responsible for the proper accounting of the operations of the office.

Prepare management reports.

All other duties assigned from time to time.

QUALIFICATIONS: Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management.

• Minimum of three (3) years or equivalent in management experience.

• Technical experience in television, radio and broadcasting is an asset.

• Bilingual is an asset.

SALARY: NEGOTIABLE Interested persons should send a letter of application along with their Curriculum Vitae and letters of reference by March 19th, 2021 to: Chairman Belize Broadcasting Authority Belize.broadcastingauthority@outlook.com

14 MAR

21

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

Government of Belize FUND SOCIAL INVESTMENT Belize Social Investment Fund III Loan (BSIF III)

SOCIAL INVESTMENT FUND

VACANCY JOB VACANCY Consultancy Services toJOB Undertake a Review of Existing Facilities, Provide Design Services for the Proposed Infrastructure Works, and Provide Supervision Services the Infrastructure Works thewas The Investment Belize Fund (BSIF) is a quasi-governmental body that waswas es- es SocialtoInvestment Fund (BSIF) is aofquasi-governmental bodyfor that established

by Social Investment The Belize Social Fund (BSIF) is a quasi-governmental body that Bullet Tree Falls Water Supply System Rehabilitation Sub-project, Cayo tablished by the Government of Belize (GOB) in 1996 with the passage of the Social ment of Belize (GOB) in 1996 with the passage of the Social Investment Fund Act. the Government of The Belize (GOB) in 1996 with the passage of the Social Investment Fu District, Belize (BSIFIII) Investment Fund Act. The BSIF is designed to contribute to the reduction of poverty in signed to contribute to the reduction of poverty in both urban and rural areas through BSIF is designed to contribute to the reduction of poverty in both urban and rural a both urban and rural areas through the delivery of small-scale community sub-projy of small-scale community The entity assists poor communities inentitycommunity thelocal delivery of ects. small-scale sub-projects.

The entity assists poor local Requestsub-projects. for Expressions of Interest The assists poor local communities in identifying their problems and in com deciding interventions they need as solutions.

The fund they has implemented nutheir problems and in deciding which interventions they need identifying as solutions. their The problems fundwhichand in deciding which interventions need as solution The Government of Belize (GOB) has received financing from the Caribbean Development merous sub-projects under various sectors including water and sanitation, health, mented numerous sub-projects under various sectors includinghas water and sanitation, implemented numerous sub-projects under various sectors including water an Bank (CDB) towards implementing the Belize Social Investment Fund III Loan Project (BSIF economic infrastructure, education, social services and organizational strengthening.

nomic education, social services organizational health, strengthening. economic infrastructure, education, social services and organizational strength III),infrastructure, which aims to provide increased gender-equitable and and inclusive access to climate-resil-

ient infrastructure and quality basic social-services for poor and vulnerable communities. The BSIF is seeking to recruit an individual to fill the position of Administrative AsProject comprises small-scale infrastructure works and capacity building for stakeholders. The kingGOB to recruit an individual to fill the position of as Administrative BSIF Assistant. is seekingsistant. to recruit an individual to fill the position of Administrative Assista has appointed the Belize Social Investment Fund (BSIF) the Implementing Agency (IA) for the Project, and intends to apply a portion of the proceeds to eligible payments under a contract for which this invitation is issued. Payments by CDB will be made only at the request ary: of GOB and upon approval by CDB, and will be subject in all respects to the terms and JobcondiSummary: Job Summary: • The Administrative Assistant will be responsible for receptionist duties, welcomtions of the Financing Agreement. The Financing Agreement prohibits withdrawal from the  The Administrative Assistant for receptionist duties, w Administrative Assistant will be responsible for receptionist duties, welcoming ingof of persons to the BSIFwill Officebe andresponsible updating and safekeeping of all documentafinancing account for the purpose of any payment to persons or entities, or for any import of payment or import, to the knowledge CDB, is prohibited of the persons tion relatingOffice to sub-projects that are implemented

by BSIF. of all documentatio sons goods, to theif such BSIF Office and updating andofsafekeeping of byalla decision documentation relating to the toBSIF and updating and safekeeping United Nations Security Council taken under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations.

-projects that are implemented No party other than GOB shall deriveby anyBSIF. rights from the Financing Agreement or have any sub-projects that are implemented by BSIF. Qualifications & Experience: claim to the proceeds of the Financing.

•

QUALIFICATION: An Associate Degree in the Arts, Business Studies or related

field.

BSIF, the IA, now wishes to procure consultancy services to undertake a review of the Qualifications & Experience: ons The & Experience: existing facilities, provide design services for proposed infrastructure works, and provide su• PREFERED EXPERIENCE: ALIFICATION: Associate Degree in the Arts, Studies QUALIFICATION: field.

AnAtAssociate Degree in the Arts, Business pervision servicesAn of proposed infrastructure works for the BulletBusiness Tree Falls Water Supplyor Re-related

o least four years’ experience in the required field habilitation Sub-project, Cayo District, Belize

Studies or rela

EFERED EXPERIENCE:  PREFERED EXPERIENCE: • GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: four o Good command of the English The objective of the consultancy is to provide support to the IA during the implemen- o At least At least four years’ experience in thetechnical required field years’ experience in thelanguage required field tation of the BSIF III Project. Consulting firms will be required to review the design, function o Good written and verbal communication skills NERAL  GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: ality, KNOWLEDGE: and effectiveness of the water supply systems existing facilities; provide detailed designs o Proficient in keyboarding, MS Word, MS Excel, MS Power Point, and MS for solutions to improve the existing system’s efficiency and effectiveness; and to supervise Good command of the English language o Good command of the English language Publisher contracted works relating to the proposed intervention. The duration of the assignment is exo Good written and verbal communication skills Good written and verbal communication skills

o

Excellent telephone skills and customer service skills a must. pected to be for a period of approximately twenty (20) months.

o

Comfortable with emails, text messages, reprographic equipment Proficient in keyboarding, MS Word, MS Excel, MS Power Point, and oMSProficient Publisherin keyboarding, MS Word, MS Excel, MS Power Point, and MS The BSIF now invites interested eligible consulting firms to submit Expressions of Interest o Excellent interpersonal skills skills customer service skills team a must.

Excellent telephone skills and andexperience customer service skills must. Services. o Excellent (EOI) indicating qualifications required to provide theseaConsultancy o telephone Positive attitude to and get along with a high performance o Comfortable with emails, text messages, reprographic equipment Comfortable with emails, text messages, reprographic equipment Consultants shall be eligible to participate if: Primary Duties and Responsibilities: Excellent interpersonal skills o Excellent interpersonal skills o Ensure efficient and professional operation of office; exercise discretion (a) in the case of the body corporate, it is legally incorporated or otherwise organized in an to get along with a high performance team Positive attitude to gethasalong withplace a high performance team eligible country, its principal of business in an eligible country and is more o Positive attitude and diplomacy at all times.

than 50% beneficially owned by a citizen(s) and/or bona fide resident(s) of an eligible o Perform general administrative functions, i.e. make phone calls, screen country(ies) or by a body(ies) corporate meeting these requirements; incoming calls, photocopy/scan documents, maintain and update files, (b) in the case of unincorporated firms, the persons are citizens or bona fide residents of an maintain file log, review and prioritize internal/external mail as eligible country; and Primary Duties and Responsibilities: uties and Responsibilities: (c) in all cases, the consultant has no arrangement and undertakes not to make any arrequested. Assisting the Office Assistants to ensure that ure efficient and professional operation ofthe office; exercise o and Ensure diplomacy efficient and professional operation of office; discretion and rangements, whereby any substantial part of net profits or other discretion tangible benefits atcorrespondences are delivered and retrieved on aexercise timely basis. of the contract will accrue or be paid to a person not a citizen or bona fide resident of imes. all times. o Facilitate BSIF staff with travel arrangements as per schedule. an eligible country.

d

o Assist in planning and functions, organizing Human Resources (HR) calls, events and inc form general administrative functions, i.e. make phone calls, screen o incoming Perform general calls, administrative i.e. make phone screen activities.

Eligible countries are member countries of CDB. The Member Countries of the CDB can be (c) in all documents, cases, the consultantmaintain has no arrangement undertakes files, not to make any arrangements, tocopy/scan andandupdate maintain file log, photocopy/scan review and documents, maintain and update files, maintain file log, found at the following web https://www.caribank.org/countries-and-members/ o Assist with presentations and presentation materials for the Office whereby any substantial partaddress: of the net profits or other tangible benefits of the contract will accrue oritize internal/external mail as orrequested.

Assisting Office Assistants prioritize to ensure internal/external that mail asDirector. requested. Assisting the Office Assistants t borrowing-members and not https://www.caribank.org/countries-and-members/non-borrowor be paid to a person a citizen bona fide resident of an eligible the country.

Manager or Executive ing-members. In the assessment of submissions, consideration will be given to consulting respondences are delivered and retrieved on Countries a timely basis. correspondences are delivered andofretrieved on afor timely basis. o Recording and tracking leave of absence staff and Social Security Eligible countries are member countries of ThetoMember of the CDB can befor found at the firms’ qualifications and experience inCDB. relation undertaking feasibility studies water sup sick benefit. following address: https://www.caribank.org/countries-and-members/borrowing-members and ilitate BSIF staff withdetailed travel arrangements assupervision per schedule. o Facilitate BSIF staff with travel arrangements as per schedule. ply projects;web providing designs and construction services for water supply https://www.caribank.org/countries-and-members/non-borrowing-members.

In commitments. the assessment All of o Other administrative duties as indicated by the Office the activitie

local and experience; financial Resources capability; and (HR) existing ist inprojects; planning andregional organizing eventsin relation and activities. otoin- Assist in planning and organizing Human Resources (HR)Manager eventsforand submissions, consideration will be given toHuman consulting firms’ qualifications and experience formation must be submitted in English. Further information may be obtained from the first effective functioning of the BSIF and as indicated by the supervisor. undertaking feasibility studies for water supply projects; providing detailed designs and construction ist with presentations and presentation materials fortothe Office Manager o Assist or Executive with presentations and presentation materials for the Office Manager address below between the hours 8:00 a.m.

5:00 p.m. Monday Friday, except on Public supervision services for water supplyofprojects; local–and regional experience; financial capability; and Holidays. existing commitments.

All information must be submitted in English.

Further information may be obtained Director.Supervisor: Office Manager, Social Investment Fund ector. from the first address below between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, except on Public

One (1) original and four (4) hard copies of the Expression of Interest must be received at the Holidays. first address below no later than 10:00 a.m. (Belize time) on Friday, March 26, 2021 Onean (1)electronic original andcopy four (4) hardbe copies the Expression oftoInterest must receivedaddress at the first addressThe and must sentofsimultaneously CDB at thebesecond below. below no later thancontaining 10:00 a.m. (Belize time) on Friday, 26, 2021 and an and electronic copyof must sealed envelope each submission shallMarch include the name address thebeapsent simultaneously to CDB at the second address below. The sealed envelope containing each submission plicant and shall be clearly marked “BSIFIII - Expressions of Interest – Consultancy shall include the name and address of the applicant and shall be clearly marked “BSIFIII - Expressions of Services Undertake a Review of the aExisting Interest – to Consultancy Services to Undertake Review ofFacilities, the ExistingProvide Facilities,Design Provide Services Design for Proposed Infrastructure and to Provide Supervision of InServices for Proposed InfrastructureWorks, Works, and to Provide Supervision Services ofServices Infrastructure frastructure forFalls the Water BulletSupply Tree System Falls Water Supply System Rehabilitation Works for the Works Bullet Tree Rehabilitation Sub-project, Cayo District, Sub-project, Cayo District, Belize (BSIF III)”.

Belize (BSIF III)”.

Following the of submissions, a short-list of not less three than (3) and not more thannot six (6) Following theassessment assessment of submissions, a short-list of than not less three (3) and more applicants be provided full terms with of reference and of invited to submit and financial than six (6)will applicants willwith be provided full terms reference and technical invited to submit techproposals undertake the assignment.

Following submission of proposals,the a Consultant shall nical and to financial proposals to undertake thethe assignment.

Following submission ofbe proselectedabyConsultant utilizing the shall Quality-Cost Based Selection (QCBS) GOB reserves right to accept posals, be selected by utilizing themethod.

Quality-Cost Based the Selection (QCBS) or reject late applications to cancel the accept present invitation or in its entirety. will notthe be bound method.

GOB reservesorthe right to or rejectpartially late applications or toItcancel present to assign any reason or forinnot and will defray costs for incurred by any invitation partially itsshort-listing entirety. Itany willapplicant not be bound to not assign anyany reason not short-listapplicant in the preparation of costs Expressions of Interest. ing any applicant and willand notsubmission defray any incurred by any applicant in the preparation and

submission of Expressions of Interest.

Envelopes should be addressed to:

1. Senior Procurement Officer Belize Social Investment Fund 3rd Floor #1902 Constitution Drive Belmopan BELIZE Tel. (501) 822-0239; Fax. (501) 822-0279 Email: ruby.pascascio@sifbelize.org

2. Procurement Officer Caribbean Development Bank P.O. Box 408 Wildey St. Michael BARBADOS, W.I. Tel. (246) 431-1600; Fax. (246) 426-7269 Email: procurement@caribank.org

Proposed Salary: Negotiable based on qualification and experience. The successful candidate will be employed on a full time contractual basis and stationed at BSIF’s Office in Belmopan. The initial contract period shall be two (2) years, extendable by mutual agreement in accordance with prevailing Belize legislation as well as results of his/her performance appraisal.

Closing Date for Receipt of Applications: Monday, March 29th, 2021 at 3:00 p.m.

Kindly submit One (1) original and two (2) hard copies of CV, complete with cover letter, copies of degree/certificates to: Executive Director Belize Social Investment Fund Constitution Drive Belmopan Belize, Central America william.lamb@sifbelize.org CC to: nellie.trench@sifbelize.org ruby.pascascio@sifbelize.org Re: Administrative Assistant

22

14 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

Albany State Alumna Appointed Ambassador to the Republic of China (Taiwan)

By: Joslyn DiPasalegne, Asurams.edu/news Albany State University (ASU) alumni are making a difference all over the world. Recently, Candice Pitts (‘04), Ph.D., a Belizean educator, politician, and diplomat was appointed the Ambassador to the Republic of China (Taiwan) representing Belize.

“Serving as an Ambassador is a high honor. I am confident Dr. Pitts will excel in this responsibility. I am incredibly proud she chose Albany State University as an international student. What a privilege it is to know that ASU is where she built the educational foundation that prepared her for this incredible journey,” said President Marion Ross Fedrick.

Dr. Pitts graduated from ASU (summa cum laude) with a Bachelor of Arts in English. Pitts commented, “ASU was the first academic institution I attended in the USA. I was 18 years old and studying abroad for the first time in my life. ASU had a number of international students.

One became my college best friend, Ayana from Guyana. I met students from all over the world. At ASU, there were teachers and students who looked like me and with whom I shared cultural commonalities. They were very welcoming and supportive. ASU became my other home and my teachers and fellow students, my other family.”

Fellow ASU alumna Ayana Drake

Campbell (’03) spoke fondly of her dear friend. “In our over twenty years of friendship, Dr. Candice Pitts has matured into an outstanding individual that we all admire.

She exemplifies what we would like future generations to depict.

From a child who sold ‘johnnycakes’ on the streets of Belize to the completion of her Doctorate and much more is just the tip of the iceberg.”

Dr. Pitts came to ASU on a basketball scholarship from Belize. During her time at ASU, she served as President of the International Student Association; Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society, Queen; ASU newspaper club, assistant editor; and was always on the Dean’s list.

ASU Head Women’s Basketball Coach, Robert Skinner, remembers Candice Pitts as a very intelligent, disciplined young lady who carried herself as a professional all the times. “Candice transferred her classroom skills, where she maintained a very high-grade point average, to the basketball court

where she was very dedicated and unselfish as a student-athlete.

I really remember her contagious smile each day she came to practice. I wish her the best with her new career.”

Ms. Campbell also commented, “She set grand goals and was determined to reach them no matter the challenge. Her greatest achievements stemmed from concepts she brought to ASU and still practices today.”

After Dr. Pitts graduated from ASU, the Belize native earned a M.A. from Ohio State University and a Ph.D. from Howard University. She is a 2013-2014 Preparing Future Faculty Fellow, Department of English at James Madison University.

Dr. Pitts is an award-winning literary scholar with work published in several scholarly journals.

She is an often-requested presenter at conferences and conventions across the globe, including the Women in Foreign Affairs forum held at the United States White House.

Dr. Pitts offers this advice to current ASU students, “Believe in yourself. Set grand goals. The only real obstacle between you and success is your willingness to set grand goals and your preparedness to work hard to realize them.”

GENERAL PROCUREMENT NOTICE

GENERAL PROCUREMENT NOTICE

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

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

QUANTITY 26 2

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

All bids must be delivered, in sealed envelopes, to the address below no later than 0900 hours (Belize local time) on Monday, March 22, 2021. Electronic bidding will not be permitted. Late bids will be rejected.

Bids will be opened at 0915 hours (Belize local time) on Monday, March 22, 2021 at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Home Affairs & New Growth Industries at the below address, in the presence of Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend.

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

Country: Belize Name of Project: Health Sector Support Programme Belize Sector: Health Country: Belize GENERAL PROCUREMENT NOTICE Name of Project: Health Sector Support Programme Belize HealthHealth Organization (PAHO) is currently implementing the Health Sector Support TheSector: Pan American GENERAL NOTICE Programme BelizePROCUREMENT project which is funded by the European Union. It intends to apply part of the proceeds

to payments for goods, works, related services and consulting services to be procured under this project.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is currently implementing the Health Sector Support Belize project by the The overall objective of theProgramme project is to achieve a better qualitywhich of life, is forfunded all Belizeans, livingEuropean now and Union.

It intends to apply part ofcomponents: the proceeds to payments for goods, works, related in the future.

It includes the following services and consulting services to be procured under this project.

1. To develop efficient, effective, disaster resilient and environmentally friendly health facilities; and The overall objective of the project is to achieve a better quality of life, for all Be2. living To improve structure, management health services. lizeans, nowthe and in theorganization future. Itand includes theoffollowing components:

1. To develop efficient, effective, disaster resilient and environmentally friendly health facilities; The project aims to supportand the Government of Belize to assess and prioritize vulnerability reduction 2. To improve the structure, organization andfacilities management of health services. investments of their health facilities. A total of six (6) health will be retrofitted to help reduce the The project aimsdamage to support the Government Belizeastowell assess andoperational prioritize downtime and potential to the facility in the event of of a disaster as reduce expenditures with water andinvestments energy management improvements and ensure A energy vulnerability reduction of their health facilities. totalefficiency of six to (6)support health continuity of healthcare deliverytoin help the event of a major facilities will be retrofitted reduce the disaster. downtime and potential damage to the facility in the event of a disaster as well as reduce operational expenditures with waterThe andfacilities energy management and ensure energy efficiency support to be retrofitted are: improvements (i) Punta Gorda Community Hospital, Toledo District (ii)toSouthern continuity of healthcare delivery eventRegional of a major disaster.

Regional Hospital, Stann Creek Districtin (iii)the Western Hospital, City of Belmopan, Cayo District facilities to be retrofitted Punta (v) Gorda Community Toledo (iv)The Northern Regional Hospital, Orangeare: Walk(i) District Corozal Community Hospital, Hospital, Corozal District Regional Hospital, Stann Creek District (iii) Western Regional District,(ii) andSouthern (vi) Central Medical Laboratory, Belize City, Belize District Hospital, City of Belmopan, Cayo District (iv) Northern Regional Hospital, Orange Walk District (v) Corozal Corozal andportal (vi) Central Medical LabThe United Nations Community Global Market Hospital, Place (UNGM) is theDistrict, procurement of the United Nations oratory, City, Belizevendor District System Belize and is the electronic registration system used by the Pan American Health Organization The United Global Place (UNGM) procurement (PAHO), regionalNations office of the WorldMarket Health Organization (WHO) is forthe all tendering exercises.portal of the United Nations System and is the electronic vendor registration system used by the Pan Organization (PAHO), regional office World Health OrganiAllAmerican tenders forHealth the Health Sector Support Programme in Belize willofbethe advertised on the UNGM. zation (WHO) for all in tendering Suppliers interested bidding exercises. for this project, MUST register with PAHO on UNGM at All tenders for the Health Sector Support Programme in Belize will be advertised www.ungm.org/Vendor/Registration. on the UNGM. Suppliers interested in bidding for this project, MUST register with PAHO at www.ungm.org/Vendor/Registration.

Pleaseon noteUNGM that a virtual session on UNGM registration will be conducted to bidders who express interest note that a virtual session on UNGM will be conducted in Please bidding for this project.

For additional information biddersregistration are asked to please contact Mrs Oliviato bidders who express interest in bidding for this project. For additional information Contreras-Perera, Procurement Focal Point at email address contrero@paho.org. bidders are asked to please contact Mrs Olivia Contreras-Perera, Procurement Focal International regional contrero@paho.org. suppliers interested in the Health Sector Support Programme in Belize must Point at emailand address adhere to the following International andCOVID-19 regionalProtocols: suppliers interested in the Health Sector Support Pro(COVID-19) andtotravel: For biddersCOVID-19 who are not currently based in Belize, please gramme Coronavirus in Belize must adhere the following Protocols: plan your travel(COVID-19) accordingly Only international airport is who open, and land borders remain Coronavirus andthetravel: For bidders areall not currently based travel toplan Belize, please consult the Belize Tourism Board website for important in closed.

Belize,Toplease your travel accordingly Only the international airport is information to COVID-19 protocol - https://www.belizetourismboard.org/news-andopen, and allrelated land borders remain closed.

To travel to Belize, please consult the gallery/belize-covid-19-update/ Belize Tourism Board website for important information related to COVID-19 protocol - https://www.belizetourismboard.org/news-and-gallery/belize-covid19-update/

14 MAR

2021

Teachers next on vaccine priority list, says Bradshaw

By Kareem Smith, Barbados Today March 9 - Hundreds of Barbadian educators will receive priority access to COVID-19 vaccines when the next doses become available, as the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training works on a “master plan” for primary and secondary education over the next few months.

This is the promise of Education Minister Santia Bradshaw, who, in a Barbados TODAY interview conceded that stakeholders are once again overwhelmingly in favour of a return to face-to-face classes.

Bradshaw however explained that with factors like community spread of COVID-19 and the advent of the related Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C) affecting children, discussions regarding the reopening of school are considerably more complex than they were during the first phase of the pandemic.

Adding pressure on decision-makers is the ministry’s agreement to facilitate a face-to-face sitting of the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) in June and July, the facilitation of the Common Entrance Exam scheduled for June 22 and the fact that scores of parents and guardians are returning to work.

In addition to the discussions being led by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, are enquiries on the extent to which teachers have been able to cover the required syllabi. According to the Bradshaw, the oversight and monitoring committee assembled a few weeks ago, is already providing insight on the online teaching environment. Teachers are also being surveyed to gain deeper understanding of their position on the matter.

“I think ideally, everybody, including teachers, principals, and the children would like face-to-face classes.

That is the ideal situation, but in everything, as you know, we must do things safely and we are dealing with a lot of anxiety issues,” Bradshaw told Barbados TODAY. “Obviously, during the last lockdown we weren’t hearing much about children contracting MIS-C, so there are different dynamics playing out now…There is also the question of whether the protocols will be the same as they were after the last lockdown.

“We are looking at the plans for the SBAs [CXC’s school-based assess-

23

THE BELIZE TIMES

ments], how we address and approach the ‘11+’ and any teaching that will happen with special needs or any of the other students. There are more dynamics to it than obviously some people might want to think,” she added.

Bradshaw also revealed that the ministry would be closely monitoring dates for the arrival of the next batch of vaccines as this would be key in determining the next steps.

“The intention is to have the teachers being given the option for vaccination. I think the general feeling is that that would alleviate some of the concerns that they have. It doesn’t offer full protection, but from all of the reading I’ve done and the science, it is clear that if you get the virus it prevents you from being as severe as you’d ordinarily get if you didn’t have it. That offers protection and that is what we will be proposing in the coming weeks,” Bradshaw told Barbados TODAY. In recent days, the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT), the Barbados Association of Principals of Public Schools (BAPPS) and the Association of Public Primary School Principals (APPSP) appeared to be entirely on the same page as the ministry. Now, Minister Bradshaw has promised to facilitate engagement with a group of concerned parents regarding the CXC exams.

“Prior to the last spike in cases, I think you would recall that the ministry had worked with all the stakeholders to listen to their views in relation to the blended approach and the lack of faceto-face, and we made all best efforts in conjunction with the Ministry of Health and Wellness to prepare the country for school to go back in a gradual way,” said Bradshaw.

“We never got the opportunity to go back, so it has always been the focus of the ministry to try and get children back into school, because we recognize that there are many children who are not doing well in the online environment or even with the blended approach and the face-to-face obviously is the most preferable mode of teaching and certainly of learning and it has been difficult on teachers as well having been thrust in this environment having to equip themselves with the necessary tools to do so.

“I think that is why, with the reopening we have to continue to consult with the stakeholders because it is not as straightforward as just reopening schools the next day or the next week,” the minister concluded.

Cozumel presenta alto riesgo de incendios forestales

Por Gustavo Villegas, Sipse.com COZUMEL, Q. Roo.- Cozumel presenta alto riesgo de registrar incendios forestales este año, debido a que existen depositadas miles de toneladas de residuos orgánicos en los suelos de la selva, producto del impacto de los dos huracanes de 2020.

Armina González Castrejón, jefa del departamento de Restauración y Protección de la Comisión Nacional Forestal (Conafor), recalcó la necesidad de estar alertas para que la racha de 14 años sin incendios forestales, no se rompa para el municipio insular.

En Quintana Roo el año pasado se quemaron 41 mil 678 hectáreas a causa de 68 incendios, en el que el municipio de Felipe Carrillo Puerto registró más de 10 mil hectáreas.

La ambientalista Guadalupe Álvarez Chulin Viuda de Azueta, destacó que un incendio de tipo forestal en la isla de las golondrinas impactaría de manera importante los ecosistemas, ya que existen especies endémicas. “Esto significa que no se pueden encontrar en otra parte del mundo”, advirtió.

Expertos del Instituto de Ecología de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) han advertido que la acelerada destrucción del hábitat natural en

la isla, como consecuencia de actividades humanas, provocó la disminución de más de 70% de las especies.

Podrían ser 15 años sin registro de quemas: Este año, si no se da un incendio forestal, Cozumel cumplirá 15 años sin registro de quemas de bosques selváticos, se dijo durante la instalación del Comité Operativo Especializado en Prevención y Combate de Incendios Forestales 2021 el 4 de marzo en el palacio municipal.

Sin embargo, durante este evento no se dieron detalles de la logística con la que cuenta la municipalidad y la capacidad de respuesta de las fuerzas armadas para apoyar en un evento de esta naturaleza.

Provocar un incendio es un delito federal que lo contempla la Ley General de Desarrollo Forestal Sustentable, detalló González Castrejón, quien agregó que la Conafor tiene una plantilla de 135 combatientes de incendios, de los cuales solo cuatro son mujeres. Quintana Roo se encuentra en la primera zona que la Comisión Nacional Forestal considera para los meses de enero a junio para el centro, norte, noreste, sur y sureste del país. La segunda incluye a los estados del noroeste, que va de mayo a septiembre de cada año.

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

CENTER MARINE CERTIFICATION SERVICES LIMITED SPARKLING ENTERPRISES LTD. CORPORACION 0407 S.A. SNAPPA INVESTMENTS LTD. MATFIELD LTD. STONEWHARE MARKETING LTD.

Date of Dissolution

19th February, 2021 19th February, 2021 19th February, 2021 27th February, 2021 27th February, 2021 27th February, 2021

Morgan & Morgan Trust Corporation Belize Ltd.

24

THE BELIZE TIMES

14 MAR

2021