02 2
23 MAY
THE BELIZE TIMES
2021
CORRUPTION IS DEAD GOOD GOVERNANCE IS ALIVE
Continued from page 1
Just at the onset of February 2008, the stench of deception surrounded Belmopan. All UDP promises were imaginary and political victimization became the order of the day. Quitar became as UDP infamous as Retrenchment. The Lands Department became the cesspool of insane corruption as the Vega abnormality grabbed any and all lands. If it wasn’t there to swindle then criminal innovation took hold quickly in ‘Get mi rich’ 400K schemes. During the UDP’s 2008-2020 run to the bottom, the PUP exposed the Prince’s Boledo, Sanctuary Bay, Patt(yes sir/madam he has his own category), UDP’s Kim Scandal, Faber’s Ministry of Games, and Barrow’s litany. For the latter, we can pick and choose, the former Hon. PM, imagined a machete, renamed the Lands Department yet he became involved with Sanctuary Bay, grossly overpaying of BTL, and spending 1.5 Billion without approval. All these sins of the UDP were ignored by the UDP-base of the Unions. The APSSM routinely sided with that PM. Elena was elected during this Barrow’s time with 349 votes. Henry was elected with 209 votes in a secretly arranged convention. The planBelize government was swept into office by 80 thousand plus and then endorsed by a super landslide Municipal elections. We would say that the few hundred ‘unionists’ protesting the government today are disrespecting the Belizean population—a population that is largely unemployed and terrorized by the same UDP these Union leaders obviously are fawning at. The strike is definitely about governance. In no time, the Prime Minister of Belize John Briceño and the planBelize economic team identified that Belize was in an economic path to financial doom. Options were identified and scrutinized for possible implementation. Covid had identified the underlying condition of Belize’s sputtering economy. Covid defrocked the UDP ministers and those they empowered for what they are--thieves of Belizean taxpayer money, of land, and of any asset they could pocket and hide as they were sent out by Belizeans. The Union leaders were disappointed that their supreme leaders LOST the elections. The Union leaders have failed to give Belizeans their due respect and accept the massively mandate won by the PlanBelize PUP. The Union leaders are in perpetual denial. They cannot take this transparent and accountable government whose planBelize already deals with fixing governance before Union leaders
realized that they would lose 10 percent. The union leadership had been used to the notion of taking a minority of the workers down the street, socially distant even before Covid to make the numbers look inflated, as a working formula to get more money to improve their lives. The purchasing power of the teachers as a whole is better with more cash in hand. It is also basic economic knowledge that too much circulating cash without long term projected growth in the economy may lead to inflation and as we see now economic strife. It is also basic economic dogma that perpetually paying without earning is a recipe for personal bankruptcy. Barrow had been borrowing years back just to keep paying higher wages to get re-elected. Barrow attempted zero growth of the economy strategy. Take that principle and place it within a sovereign country’s practise and there will be chronic inflation and currency devaluation. The Good progressive governance of the planBelize PUP deflates the pockets of those that lived off Belize in the corrupt time of the 13 years of UDP. Is Elena Smith Bitter and Nostalgic During the joint Unions last presser, Smith hurled out about10 lies in 5 Minutes. Why does she do that? They say that misery loves company and in the case of ex-Teacher Elena Smith she seems willing to take all the teachers that are willing for a red koolaid ride. Smith would love her fee-paying teachers to believe that she is neutral. Unfortunately, she is not. Elena is about Elena and her Senator stipend, board stipends, PLUS her seconded pay at the rate of when she was a teacher at Nashius. Smith says that government has nothing to do with teacher pay. But in action Smith takes her seconded pay from the Ministry of Education. Elena is upset that all that will finally be touched by Covid. Elena is bitter that her UDP government has been voted out of Office. Elena is probably bitter that her brother Felix had to be released from Vital Stats quite possibly due to a Mason problem. Who got her brother the job at Vital Stats? Was it Sista B? Gerald Henry Wishes Barrow was Negotiator At her election to the BNTU presidency at Escuela Mexico Elena Smith got some 349 teacher to vote for her. Only 636 teachers even bothered to attend the Barrow interfered with event. At least she got a little bit more than Gerald Henry’s 209 Votes in his Stann Creek secret election. APSSM has 1 vote from their one member Sharon Fraser. The point is that the joint Unions continually disrespect the massive Belizean electorate that swept in the People’s United Party twice in 4 pandemic months. During these months, and still
PR#300 PRESS RELEASE
Cabinet Brief Belmopan. 20th May 2021. 3:00 p.m. The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño, met in regular session on 18th May 2021. • Cabinet received an update from the Ministerial Consultation Team on their last meetings with the Joint Unions and decided that a letter of clarification be sent to the Joint Unions to confirm the five-hour workweek reduction; that the forbearance period to allow for borrowers up to the end of December would apply to the entire portfolio including but not limited to mortgages; requesting that the National Trade Union Congress of Belize propose a nominee to serve on the board of directors of the National Bank of Belize; and to remind the members of the unions that any public officer continuing to strike beyond 14th May will not be paid any salary for any period on strike thereafter. • Cabinet approved a plan to restructure the core functions of the Belize Bureau of Standards by designating the Supplies Control Act and the compliance component of the Standards Act into a Supplies Control Unit administered by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, and to appoint a Controller of Supplies in accordance with the Supplies Control Act. • Cabinet gave its approval for the designation of the remaining national lands within the South Water Caye and Sapodilla Caye marine reserves as mangrove forests reserves. In addition, Cabinet authorized the drafting of legislation that will enable the protection of these national lands. This will help to protect the mangroves on these remaining national lands and will assist in meeting the timeline for corrective measures for Belize to make progress and to address some key issues negatively affecting the status of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System as a World Heritage Site. • Cabinet gave its approval for the introduction of legislation to amend the Court of Appeal Act to allow for more than four justices of appeal to be appointed. • Cabinet gave its approval for the reopening of land and sea border points to receive foreign tourists, namely, the Santa Elena Northern Border, Benque Viejo del Carmen Western Border, San Pedro and Punta Gorda borders. The borders will be opened by 31st May for foreign tourists who wish to visit Belize for recreation and vacation purposes only. Only tourists who are pre-booked at gold standard certified accommodations will be allowed entry into Belize. • Finally, Cabinet approved the establishment of the Belize Advisory Safety Policy to allow for improved compliance by Belize in fulfilling its obligations under the International Civil Aviation Convention. Ends
ongoing pandemic, the PUP for its first time diagnosed the Belizean economy. In the face of the reality of being exposed, the zombie UDP went into denial and attempted to ridicule the new government. The UDP, now with the help of the Union leaders are challenging the government to fix the immense economic gash even at this global pandemic time. The Union leaders fail to provide apologies for being part and parcel of the Barrow/ Faber UDP. Even now, PSU president Henry is imagining how this impasse would have been solved by Dean Barrow. Henry said so publicly at his press conference. Henry was aghast as to how PM Briceño has a team of many. Henry rathers the dictator style of Dean Barrow. How dishonest is Henry to do so while he is asking for better governance? The word Barrow is synonymous with all that went wrong in Belize yet the joint Unions crave more of Barrow—again, Gerald Henry said so himself.
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23 MAY
2021
THE BELIZE TIMES
03 3
EDITORIAL
B
Belizean Wakes and Funerals
elize has many traditions, to mark important moments in life and in death. It was no surprise then that it was a mock death of Corruption that the Joint Unions chose to try and drum up an audience even if they could not scrape up enough support from the public. It has been a grave miscalculation by the Joint Unions, because in these times of crisis those who are still unemployed and underemployed are hard pressed to feel empathy or sympathy for an undisciplined mob that from the safety of their established status squabble and bicker unceasingly. The Unions cannot decide at varying moments whether they are indeed united or not. Some seem on the verge of throwing in the towel, and others stubbornly cling to fading contradicting arguments. At this point not much is clear, the unions are bashing and biting at one another trying to cast blame and aspersion on each other. What is most shameful however is the way in which cannibalistic tendencies are turned on fellow members of the Public Service. It seems that no dissent is allowed. It is quite shameful that those that style themselves as champions of forward, and independent thinkers immediately violently quell any questions or opinions that do not exactly mirror their own. In Corozal for instance, the BNTU chapter on social media blatantly accuses police officers and customs officers of soliciting and taking “pachochas.” The PSU for its part took offence that the Labour Commissioner penned a letter reminding public servants of rights and responsibilities. It seems the BNTU is looking to break ranks and is stealthily distancing themselves from the rest of the riff raff they consider themselves a cut above. Most other public servants it seems are tainted by the whiff of corruption, are lazy and have not been doing their jobs. The PSU and APSSM are looking dazed and confused. Funerals in Belize usually follow a wake where we mourn the passing of the deceased. In the case of the sometimes-Joint Unions, the funeral came before the wake. It was loudly proclaimed that Corruption is now dead. It seems that Democracy is also dead. The Unions do not want a compromise, they want to dominate, to legislate, to design and institute policy, reform, fiscal and monetary policy. They have become that which they declare so vehemently to abhor. They have themselves become politicians. To get a clear mandate from the people, it is necessary to quit hiding behind empty rhetoric and with courage, conviction but most of all honesty put your name on the ballot. It is not enough to “papi show” all over town, scream like a banshee and wiggle like your pants are on fire and claim that coveted fifteen minutes of fame. Those Belizeans that are inconvenienced are the ones who have suffered and continue to suffer poverty, unemployment, and food insecurity. These are the people that teachers berate on social media as lazy and unwilling to take up the responsibility of their own children. These faux politicians miscalculated, and this time their plan backfired, Belizeans are not amused, by these antics. The only thing that is good about this whole exercise in futility is that all the skeletons are laid bare. Desperation is not a cute for Elena et al. We are suddenly made aware of the short comings in the tax collection, customs, and lands departments. I have not heard Madame Senator give up her Senatorial salary in protest. Wakes and funerals in Belize are often the stage for curious and comical family dramas. This one was no different, in grabbing for the inheritance there is always that one woke family member that seems to come out winning. As things unfold my bet that the liar, liar pants on fire will ditch the dead weight of her sistren and brethren and negotiate on her own.
04 4
THE BELIZE TIMES
EDITORIAL
B
23 MAY
2021
en Español
Velorios y Funerales en Belice
elice tiene muchas tradiciones, para marcar momentos importantes en la vida y en la muerte. No es de extrañar, pues que fuera un simulacro de muerte de la Corrupción lo que los Sindicatos Mixtos eligieron para tratar de conseguir audiencia, aunque no pudieran conseguir suficiente apoyo del público. Ha sido un grave error de cálculo por parte de los Sindicatos Mixtos, porque en estos tiempos de crisis los que aún están desempleados y subempleados difícilmente sienten empatía o simpatía por una turba indisciplinada que desde la seguridad de su estatus establecido disputan y discuten incesantemente. Los sindicatos no pueden decidir en distintos momentos si están realmente unidos. Algunos parecen estar a punto de tirar la toalla y otros se aferran obstinadamente a argumentos contradictorios que se desvanecen. En este punto no hay mucho claro, los sindicatos se están golpeando y mordiendo unos a otros tratando de echar culpas y calumnias unos a otros. Sin embargo, lo más vergonzoso es la forma en la que las tendencias caníbales se vuelcan sobre los compañeros de la Administración Pública. Parece que no se permite la disidencia. Es bastante vergonzoso que los que se autodenominan campeones del progreso y pensadores independientes repriman inmediatamente con violencia cualquier pregunta u opinión que no refleje exactamente la suya. En Corozal, por ejemplo, la rama sindical del BNTU en las redes sociales acusa descaradamente a los agentes de policía y de aduanas de solicitar y tomar “pachochas”. El PSU, por su parte, se ofendió que el Comisario de Trabajo escribiera una carta recordando a los funcionarios públicos sus derechos y responsabilidades. Parece que el BNTU quiere romper filas y se está distanciando sigilosamente del resto de la chusma ya que se consideran superiores. Parece que la mayoría de los demás funcionarios públicos están contaminados por el olor a la corrupción, son perezosos y no han hecho su trabajo. El PSU y la APSSM parecen aturdidos y confundidos. Los funerales en Belice suelen ser precedidos de un velatorio en el que se llora la muerte del difunto. En el caso de los sindicatos a veces unidos, el funeral fue antes que el velatorio. Se proclamó a bombo y platillo que la corrupción ha muerto. Parece que la democracia también ha muerto. Los Sindicatos no quieren un compromiso, quieren dominar, legislar, diseñar e instituir la política, la reforma, la política fiscal y monetaria. Se han convertido en aquello que declaran aborrecer con tanta vehemencia. Ellos mismos se han convertido en políticos. Para obtener un mandato claro del pueblo, necesitan dejar de esconderse detrás de una retórica vacía y con valor, convicción, pero, sobre todo, honestidad poner su nombre en la papeleta. No basta con hacer el “papi show” por toda la ciudad, gritar como una banshee y contonearse como si los pantalones estuvieran en llamas y precisos a reclamar esos codiciados quince minutos de fama. Los beliceños que se ven perjudicados son los que han sufrido y siguen sufriendo la pobreza, el desempleo y la inseguridad alimentaria. Son las personas a las que los profesores reprochan en las redes sociales que son perezosas y no están dispuestas a asumir la responsabilidad de sus propios hijos. Estos falsos políticos calcularon mal, y esta vez su plan les salió mal, los beliceños no se divierten, con estas payasadas. Lo único bueno de todo este ejercicio de inutilidad es que todos los esqueletos quedan al descubierto. La desesperación no le cae en gracia a Elena et al. De repente nos hacen ver de las carencias de los departamentos de recaudación de impuestos, aduanas y tierras. No he oído a la señora senadora renunciar a su sueldo de senadora en señal de protesta. Los velatorios y los funerales en Belice suelen ser el escenario de curiosos y cómicos dramas familiares. Este no fue diferente, en el acaparamiento de la herencia siempre hay un miembro de la familia, bien avispado que parece salir ganando. A medida que las cosas se desarrollan, le apuesto a que la mentirosa bien mentirosa, la de los pantalones en llamas se deshará del peso muerto de sus hermanos y hermanas y negociará por su cuenta.
23 MAY
2021
THE BELIZE TIMES
MINISTER OF EDUCATION FONSECA URGES TEACHERS TO GET VACCINATED
C. Magistrate S. Fraser “scraped up” $40,000 for Retreat
Just when Magistrate Fraser We are making it possible for our teachers to seemed to be totally exposed as a where if we have more than 10 teachers in worthy rabid UDP supporter, a differa school who want to get vaccinated we talk ent issue, maybe bigger, comes to to the Ministry of Health and they send a the fore. mobile unit to the school to vaccinate them. First, she went to Italy on a 40k So that has helped as well. scholarship that most normal BelizWe need to find more creative ways of eans can only dream of courtesy of ensuring that our teachers get vaccinated. I Minister of Education Faber. tease my friend of the Belize National TeachIt is already bad that she repers Union Senator Elena. She has said pubresents a non-Union. licly that she is afraid of needles. I told her The prevailing opinion on her she has to overcome that fear and lead by work ethic as a Magistrate is that she example. I am still hoping she takes it on and needs to ramp it up. There is chatter gets the vaccine. on some overpriced floor. It is very important for our teachers to Ten staff members of the magisunderstand that it is very safe. And the vactracy walked out in protest of Magiscine is effective. That is very important. The trate Fraser handling of the office. Minister of Health reported to us that there Now, the mother-of-all Fraser stowere a number of people at the Princess ries is a 40 to 50 thousand dollar staff Casino(alluding to the Covid outbreak in the training at a posh Placencia resort. casino) who had gotten vaccinated and they When exposed Fraser goes on had absolutely no symptoms...no sympTV and attempts to explain how in toms at all. This is a real time example of the the time of Covid she can certify such advantages of getting the vaccine.” an event. Her explanation left giant Let’s remain vigilant. Get vaccinated. questions. Wash your hands frequently. Wear your How can even pre-Covid can mask. Watch your distance. Together we can help to keep our schools and our communities pounds of marijuana, safe and healthy. Patt threatens Be# B a c k To lize to NOT insinuate SchoolBZE #Getnothing or else he will VaccinatedBZE deal with them legal# Yo u r M O E C ST ly. See Hugo’s neph#LetsDoItForOurew had rented the veTruck Involved in Students #Letshicle from his uncles Drug trafficking DoItForOurTeachHugo and Pedro. So Nephew remanded ers there is nothing to insinuate. A direct suggestion to Hugo Patt: “Are you Patt is to change attorney and making any accusations then to himself resign from that I am involved in any the House as the mountain wrongdoing…?” of accusations against him is Lately, Hugo Patt has PRESS RELEASE much more than his truck can been struggling to deserve carry. the honourable in front of MOE’s Statement on COVID-19 Cases in Schools Patt puts his name as a his name. He has develleader for Corozal North but oped a history of threatMay 19, 2021 then does nothing for his ening anyone who he beconstituents except showing lieves is insinuating on The Ministry of Education (MOE) continues to monthem how to full a land applihis character and who he itor the schools that have reported COVID-19 cases since cation. He allows himself to be believes is drawing asperreturning to face-to-face instruction. The ministry assures placed as deputy leader and sions onto him. Belizean parents and the public that protocols continue to be strictly Minister of Natural Resources may remember him pointfollowed. just to sign documents he has ing a finger at a journalThe 352 schools that have been given the green light no idea what is the content. ist who dared asked Patt to return to physical classrooms in various capacities In one day he signed approxhow UDP delegates were have clearly defined procedures to ensure appropriate beimately 20 land documents getting prime land on the haviours and rigorous monitoring of all students and teachfor Kevin Li. This happened just cheap. Recently in a letter ers on campus. These measures have been put in place to before the 2020 elections. Yet destined to Belize he openhelp reduce the risk of the transmission of COVID-19 Patt testifies that he does not ly threatened all Belizeans among all persons at the schools, which continue to be remember the signing since he who dared do insinuations monitored by the ministry. signs too many of these. Coincior cause aspersions onto MOE is working closely with the Ministry of Health dentally, this same person was Hugo Patt. & Wellness and has put in place a notification system to involved in making payments Hugo Patt since begive schools an easy and efficient means of reporting any for a 2020 vehicle Patt mancoming Minister of the suspected or diagnosed COVID-19 cases to ensure the apaged to get out of the Ministry hotbed of corruption and propriate actions and responses. The MOE team and memof Finance albeit in the name of Deputy of the Party that bers of the COVID-19 Education Task Force stand ready a good friend to Patt. All this is raped Belize into becomto provide any support the schools need. still in front of the Commission ing a ‘serial defaulter’, has Stakeholders are reminded to remain vigilant, get vacof Inquiry on the Sale of Govdone only the worse for cinated, wash hands frequently, wear masks properly, and ernment Assets. himself. There is no need maintain physical distance. During these hearing, Patt, for insinuations. Together we can help keep our schools and our comin his frustration, asked the So when Hugo Patt’s munities safe and healthy. Chair of the Commission, Marnephew, is caught and reshalleck, “Are you making any manded for possession(in Ends accusations that I am involved a truck) of some sixty
Recently there has been a report of 21 positive cases at the Princess Casino. The casinos have been reopened for one month now, pretty successfully and Covid free. This infection has trickled down to family members and to Primary Education Schools. The good news is that testing and contact-tracing has taken care of this cluster efficiently. God-willing it will be quelled quickly for both the casino and the school to reopen. Normalcy as we know it pre-pandemic is highly dependent on how fast our relatively small population is vaccinated. The Minister of Education, Culture, Science and Technology chimed in on the situation on an virtual interview with another media house. Minister Fonseca: “It was reported to me that 52 percent of teachers have been vaccinated. We would live that to be much higher but it’s a step in the right direction. We have seen an increase of 20 percent in the past month. We hope that trend continues and that by the time August comes around that that number is 70 to 80 percent or more. It is not a requirement for teachers to be vaccinated to return to school but we would certainly prefer that all our teachers get vaccinated. It is in their best interest, of their school and of their students and the community.
Hugo Patt Threatens Belizeans
05 5 thousand dollar rooms, hundred dollar breakfast, and 20 dollar snack be countenanced ever? How can Sharon Fraser call this “scraping up?” Fraser made a goof when she referred to 2019 as the year when Covid began. She needed to explain WHY all the retreat needed to be prepaid to the luxury resort. The question is still there. Why spend approximately 50k to a resort for staff training? Teachers should be picketing Sharon Fraser since teacher usually get staff training in hot classrooms with dry food if any is offered. We get that Magistrate Fraser should be dispensing Justice. But when she seems to be involved in spending of this nature, fairness, accountability and even corruption all become issues. Let’s say it again, 50 thousand Belizean taxpayer dollars for a retreat/staff training for a few people—18 at best. “Scraped up?” She has lost touch.
in any wrongdoing, Chairman?”. Patt was definitely not at the hearing because he had finally cleaned house at the hotbed of corruption. Other things that quickly jump out at the public when scrutinizing Hugo Patt: Do we have a clear notion as to why Patt signed over to Faber crony Blades 6 million dollar Belama lots for circa 28k? No land is protected for Patt as he signed over Buttonwood bay land and somehow allowed Belmopan greens to disappear. We can also remember the cheap giveaway of land to UDP delegates for Saldivar votes. It worked but Dermen had another thing to say. Patt promised to work for the UDP at the convention and so he did. He worked hard except for Corozal north constituents. As to the latest infamy, Patt has proven that he cannot even take care of his own vehicle. Why would anyone think he can take care of a constituency? There is no need to insinuate anything to Hugo Patt. We can directly say that he now is the heir apparent to Pharma Pablo who reigned as the least electric UDP when it came to grey matter. Some tidbits: Patt said in the House that April was the “middle of summer.” Also, Patt called Orange Walk’s New River, the Belize River. Sadly, Faber congratulated Patt for his knowledge and care for the environment. Resign Patt...is that aspersion enough. The truth here will definitely set you free from your constituency. Go!! You stayed 6 months too long.
6 06
23 MAY
THE BELIZE TIMES Belize Airports Authority Vacancy Notice - Aerodrome Officer 1 John Grief ll San Pedro Airstrip
Interested applicants must possess the following Skills and qualifications: Position Description: Position Title: Aerodrome Officer 1 Reports to: Aerodrome Officer 2 (Supervisor) Salary: BZ$ 12,000 per annum Station: John Grief ll San Pedro Educational and Experience: • High School Diploma or equivalent • On the job training provided Knowledge, Skills and Competencies: • Good communications Skills • Speak and Write English • Knowledge of Word and Excel Ability to follow instructions and work well as a team. • Ability to work with minimum supervision. The term of reference for the position may be requested from kimaracard@baabz.org. Position is considered field work and may expose employee to adverse weather conditions. Requires working outside normal working hours and most holidays and weekends. Interested Individuals are asked to submit their application package including the following documents: • Expression of Interest • Resume/CV • Two (2) current reference contact info • ID verification All documents must be submitted Via email or sent to: Human Resource Officer Belize Airports Authority c/o Kimara Card (Ms.) Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airport kimaracard@baabze.ord Deadline: Submission must be received no later than Monday May 31st, 2021 For further information, contact Belize Airports Authority at the above listed email or telephone 280-4200 or 280-3784 ext. 227.
2021
Belize Airports Authority Vacancy Notice - Receptionist
San Pedro Town Interested applicants must possess the following Skills and qualifications: Position Description: Position Title: Receptionist Salary: BZ$ 13,2000 per annum Station: San Pedro Town Requirements of the role of Receptionist include but are not limited to: - Associate degree and/or three years’ experience in related field. - Bilingual – Be suitably qualified with some experience in customer service relations – Good verbal communication skills – Verse with Microsoft suite – Experience working with diverse clientele – Available to assist with events and functions, as necessary – Be well organised with good time management skills - Requires limited supervision. - Be able to maintain confidentiality. Interested Individuals are asked to submit their application package including the following documents: • Expression of Interest • Resume/CV • Two (2) current reference contact info • ID verification All documents must be submitted Via email or sent to: Human Resource Officer Belize Airports Authority c/o Kimara Card (Ms.) Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airport kimaracard@baabze.ord Deadline: Submission must be received no later than Monday May 31st, 2021 For further information, contact Belize Airports Authority at the above listed email or telephone 280-4200 or 280-3784 ext. 227.
23 MAY
2021
07 7
THE BELIZE TIMES Address by
Prime Minister
JOHN BRICEÑO To the Rotary Club May 15, 2021
Distinguished Members of the Head Table Mr. Barry Rassin, Past President of Rotary International Mr. Orlando Burns, District Governor My dear friend Mr. Mike Kelly President of the Rotary Club of Belize and other Rotary Club Presidents gathered in this space. Special invited guests Members of the Rotary Club of Belize, the Republic of Guatemala and the Republic of Honduras Ladies and Gentlemen, ¡Mis saludos cordiales a todos! I am pleased to join you today for this year’s District Conference. I am equally pleased that you chose to have this event in honour of the late Ambassador Fred Martinez, a former Rotarian like myself, Fred served his country with distinction and through his good works, which included representing Belize in Guatemala and Honduras, exemplified the values of this fine organization. One Love --- such powerful words – “one love” is a phrase which immediately connects us to our Caribbean Roots because of the late great Jamaican singer and Caribbean Philosopher Bob Marley. Bob was a man of peace and someone who exemplified that bohemian ethos, that core tenant which in its simplest and most beautiful form reminds us all that indeed the greatest of all our gifts is LOVE. He so believed this that he wrote one of the greatest songs ever, a song that is played in every country. There is no need to translate one love into some other dialect or language. Everyone, everywhere know that “One love” is a universal call to live a life of caring for others. In a time when our global family is facing its greatest challenge in this young century, how fitting it is that you have brought together this Central American triad of Rotarians to fill this virtual space in fellowship under the theme “One Love”. Two small yet powerful words: “One” and “Love” sets the tone for this conference, which although virtual, is collapsing the physical space, caused by this awful pandemic, and bringing Rotarians from our 3 beautiful nations into a gathering whose success will be measured by a shared responsibility, a shared desire, and the universal call to see the improvement and upliftment of our human family. I am confident that your 26th District Conference will be successful. I am sure that your labour over this weekend will bear good fruit. As someone who served as a Rotarian, I know that you are called to service, to social justice, and to the enhancement of our human family. This service has been seen and felt in Belize during this challenging time. As a nation, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused unemployment to skyrocket, health care costs to expand beyond our financial capacity, economic growth to slow to levels not seen in a generation. Through it all the Rotary Clubs of Belize have been there with us, helping with our awareness campaign to convince Belizeans to wear a mask, watch their distance and wash their hands. I am sure the same is true for the clubs in Guatemala and Honduras. Over 4 million dollars have been spent in our three countries from funds raised through the efforts of Rotary. Funds used to help sick children get expensive specialized care abroad. Here in Belize, it is the Rotary Club that manages BERT, one of our main ambulance service providers. From Flood relief to help with assisted living; from clean up campaigns to efforts to help with climate change, Rotary has been a willing and true partner in the development of our communities. This is the kind of partnership that governments welcome; this is the kind of inclusion that earns respect. This is the kind of relationship my administration wants to foster. Los objetivos fundamentales de los programas que implementan los Rotarios siempre han sido de gran impacto positivo a las comunidades que sirven, de mucho desarrollo socioeconómico y más aun con un sentido de humanidad excepcional. Durante los desafíos causados por la pandemia esto no ha sido diferente. El trabajo de los Rotarios ha sido y sigue siendo ejemplar y admirable. Mi gobierno siempre estará muy agradecido al Club Rotario por su contribución al desarrollo nacional. Siempre va a apoyar el esfuerzo hecho por los miembros y va a reconocer el aporte trascendental de este esfuerzo. Me comprometo hoy a seguir promulgando los valores compartidos con esta organización y saludo a todos los miembros por su benevolencia. A los clubes de Belice, Guatemala y Honduras les felicito y les insto a seguir contribuyendo hacia sus comunidades que ahora más que nunca lo necesitan y se los agradecen. Juntos…colaborando para el bien común siempre venceremos lo que nos toque enfrentar por muy difícil y complicado que sea. My commitment to you today is to remain a willing partner in the work of Rotary for your work is in line with the core values of my Party and/or Administration to promote social, economic, and environmental justice. It is also in line with our Plan Belize, which endeavours to build a country where there is less poverty, more dignified work, better educated youth, and a healthy citizenry where our golden citizens can live out their last days with dignity and contentment. For all you do, we the leaders in Honduras, Guatemala and here in Belize are grateful for this alliance and we wish you every success today, tomorrow and in the years to come. So, as you get together over the next two days remember Bob’s message to all of us: As one we come together with one heart and in one love… we will truly spread the hope that every little thing is gonna be all right… Long Live Rotary! ¡Que Viva Rotary! ¡Que Dios les Bendiga!
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23 MAY
THE BELIZE TIMES
Summary of National Address by Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño On the Negotiations with the Unions May 12, 2021
Given the state of public finances and the severe fiscal imbalance inherited from the past UDP administration, the Government indicated to all social partners, including but not limited to the unions, that substantial measures would have to be taken including: One - reduction of goods and services expenditures by at least 15 percent, Two - debt restructuring to achieve debt relief and bring down debt servicing obligations, Three - prioritized capital spending, revenue enhancement measures and Four - a salary adjustment of approximately 60 million dollars along with the increment freeze of roughly 20 million dollars for up to three fiscal years. After conducting such consultations, and after requisite consultations were duly had by the Minister of Public Service, the Minister, noting the dire state of public finances and the need for urgent fiscal rebalancing, informed that, among other things, he will be advising His Excellency the Governor General to fix the salaries and privileges of the employees or other persons or groups within the public service with a reduction of 10 percent for salaries equal to or over Twelve Thousand Dollars.
First Good Governance Reform
The Protected Disclosures/Whistleblowers Protection Bill, 2021 The Civil Asset Recovery and Unexplained Wealth Bill, 2021 Campaign Finance Reform Bill Audit of Petrocaribe Funds Rationalization of Public Service Government will complete on an expedited basis the ongoing rationalization of public service exercise. Numerous measures were proposed to public officers and teachers directly affected by the salary adjustment and increment freeze. Some of these that have not been accepted by the Unions include as follows: Reduction of work week by 5 hours or more than ten percent of the work week. The issuance of a land credit in favour of affected public officers and teachers equivalent to 50 percent of the salary adjustment, which credit may be exercisable on the acquisition of government land by the holder of the land credit. . We are prepared to undertake the following: • Performance Bonus Option • National Health Insurance for Public Officers • Discounted data packages for teachers • Cash flow relief on loan payments • Waiver of Stamp Duty on Assignment of Residential Mortgages • Special Facilities at DFC and National Bank of Belize • Reduction of Ministers’ Salaries and allowances and • Increments Remain Applicable to Pension Payments Performance Bonus -- Government shall pay in the form of an annual bonus, after the close of each of the current and next 2 fiscal years, any amounts that exceed the relevant annual Primary Balance Target. The Primary Balance Targets established in the Recovery Plan are as follows: Year 1, FY 2021/22, Primary Balance Target is a deficit of 2.9% of GDP Year 2, FY 2022/23, Primary Balance Target is a surplus of 1.99% of GDP Year 3, FY 2023/24, Primary Balance Target is a surplus of 3.75% of GDP The Performance Bonus Option incentivizes all budget stakeholders to focus on the common and beneficial goal of achieving the critical Primary Balance Targets of Government’s Recovery Plan. The features of the Performance Bonus Option are as follows: [1] … will be paid on a pro-rata basis to all affected teachers and public officers as a single payment. [2] The maximum cumulative Performance Bonus payment will be BZ$60m per year,… [3] Where the Primary Balance Target is not achieved, there will be no Performance Bonus payment. [4] Bonus payments, where applicable, will be made within 90 days of the close of the budget year.
Other Initiatives include
Recovery of Outstanding Tax Arrears & Social Partnership Committee ------------My Government respects our Public Officers and Teachers and truly desires a strong, productive working partnership with them. Working together, we have an opportunity for meaningful change and reform. Let us embrace that opportunity starting tomorrow. Let us all get back to the important work of building this, our Beloved Belize. I thank you.
2021 Resumen del Discurso del Primer Ministro de Belice el Hon. John Briceño Sobre las Negociaciones con los Sindicatos
12 de Mayo 2021
Dada la situación de las finanzas públicas y el grave desequilibrio fiscal heredado de la pasada administración UDP, el Gobierno indicó a todos los interlocutores sociales, incluidos los sindicatos, pero sin limitarse a ellos, que habría que tomar medidas sustanciales, entre ellas Uno - reducción del gasto en bienes y servicios de al menos el 15%, Dos - reestructuración de la deuda para lograr una reducción de la misma y disminuir las obligaciones del servicio de la deuda, Tres - priorizar el gasto de capital, medidas de mejora de los ingresos y Cuatro - un ajuste salarial de aproximadamente 60 millones de dólares junto con la congelación de los incrementos de aproximadamente 20 millones de dólares durante un máximo de tres años fiscales. Tras realizar dichas consultas y después de que el Ministro de la Función Pública realizara las consultas necesarias, el Ministro, observando el grave estado de las finanzas públicas y la necesidad de un reequilibrio fiscal urgente, informó de que, entre otras cosas, aconsejará a Su Excelencia el Gobernador General que fije los salarios y privilegios de los empleados u otras personas o grupos dentro de la función pública con una reducción del 10 por ciento para los salarios iguales o superiores a doce mil dólares. Primera reforma de la buena gobernanza El proyecto de ley de protección de los denunciantes de irregularidades de 2021. El Proyecto de Ley de Recuperación de Activos Civiles y Riqueza Inexplicable, 2021: Proyecto de ley de reforma de la financiación de las campañas: Auditoría de los fondos de Petrocaribe: Racionalización del servicio público: El Gobierno completará de forma acelerada el ejercicio de racionalización de la función pública en curso. Se propusieron numerosas medidas a los funcionarios y profesores directamente afectados por el ajuste salarial y la congelación de los incrementos. Algunas de ellas, que no han sido aceptadas por los sindicatos, son las siguientes: a. Reducción de la semana laboral en 5 horas o más del diez por ciento de la semana laboral. b. La emisión de un crédito de tierras a favor de los funcionarios públicos y docentes afectados equivalente al 50 por ciento del ajuste salarial, crédito que podrá ser ejercido en la adquisición de tierras fiscales por parte del titular del crédito de tierras. Estamos dispuestos a emprender lo siguiente: a. Opción de bonificación por rendimiento b. Seguro nacional de salud para los funcionarios públicos c. Paquetes de datos con descuento para los profesores d. Alivio de la tesorería en el pago de préstamos e. Exención del derecho de timbre en la cesión de hipotecas residenciales f. Facilidades especiales en el DFC y el Banco Nacional de Belice g. Reducción de los sueldos y asignaciones de los ministros y h. Los incrementos siguen siendo aplicables a los pagos de pensiones Bonificación por desempeño -- El Gobierno pagará en forma de bonificación anual, después del cierre de cada uno de los años fiscales actuales y de los 2 siguientes, cualquier cantidad que supere el correspondiente Objetivo de Saldo Primario anual. Los Objetivos de Saldo Primario establecidos en el Plan de Recuperación son los siguientes: Año 1, ejercicio fiscal 2021/22, el objetivo de saldo primario es un déficit del 2,9% del PIB Año 2, ejercicio fiscal 2022/23, el objetivo de saldo primario es un superávit del 1,99% del PIB Año 3, ejercicio fiscal 2023/24, el objetivo de saldo primario es un superávit del 3,75% del PIB La opción de la prima de rendimiento incentiva a todos los interesados en el presupuesto a centrarse en el objetivo común y beneficioso de alcanzar los objetivos críticos de equilibrio primario del Plan de Recuperación del Gobierno. Las características de la Opción de la Prima de Rendimiento son las siguientes: 1] … se pagará de forma prorrateada a todos los profesores y funcionarios públicos afectados como un pago único. 2] El pago máximo acumulativo de la prima de rendimiento será de BZ60 millones de dólares al año, …. 3] Si no se alcanza el objetivo de saldo primario, no se pagará la prima de rendimiento. 4] Los pagos de las bonificaciones, en su caso, se efectuarán en los 90 días siguientes al cierre del ejercicio presupuestario. Seguro de Salud nacional para los funcionarios públicos Paquete de datos con descuento para profesores Alivio del flujo de liquidez en los pagos de préstamos Exención del impuesto de timbre sobre la cesión de hipotecas residenciales Facilidades especiales en la DFC y el Banco Nacional de Belice Reducción de los salarios de los ministros Los incrementos siguen siendo aplicables al pago de las pensiones Recuperación de los atrasos fiscales pendientes Comité de Asociación Social Mi Gobierno respeta a nuestros funcionarios públicos y profesores y desea realmente una asociación de trabajo sólida y productiva con ellos. Trabajando juntos, tenemos la oportunidad de lograr un cambio y reformas significativas. Aprovechemos esa oportunidad a partir de mañana. Volvamos todos a la importante labor de construir nuestro querido Belice. Les doy las gracias.
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LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICES Notice is hereby given that Toshiya Tsujimoto is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Jyoto Sushi Bar & Restaurant” located at # 18 Newtown Barracks, Belize City under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Carmelo Castillo is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Castillo’s Cool Place ” located in San Estevan Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Hilberto Argueta is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “The Office Sport & Pub Bar ” located on Progress Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Carlo Cuello is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Sunsets & Savannah ” located on San Antonio Road, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Alma Alamilla is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Queen Bites” located at # 2 Liberty Avenue, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Carmela Pott is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Mari’s Mini Shop ” located in Guinea Grass Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Reyna Urbina is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Hour Bar” located in Trial Farm Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Fermina Jiminez is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Min’s Place” located in Guinea Grass Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Raquel Novelo is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Alex Mini Shop” located in Yo Creek Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Hilberto Augueta is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “The Office Restaurant” located on Blue Creek Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Roma Sofia Oshon is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Blessed Love Shop” located in Hattieville Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that L Wilber Clarke is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Garden of Eden EcoLodge” located in Boston Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.
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The United Nations GOOD Resident Coordinator and UNHCR Call for GOVERNANCE Inclusion of Refugee MOU SIGNING Women in Galen University and Government of Belize sign a Memorandum of Understanding Belize’s Women on the training of trainers to improve goverEmpowerment nance in government. This will have the effect of empowering the Public service to be more
efficient and more transparent and therefore BELMOPAN, Belize – UNeffectively lessening and eliminating corrupHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, tion. and the UN Resident CoordinaHon. Henry Charles Usher, Minister of tor, Birgit Gerstenberg, during the Public Service has been at the helm of a visit to refugee women, exthis along with other partners like the Love pressed the dire need for furFoundation and Galen University. ther support to achieve gender (more on this next week) equality for both people forced to flee and locals. Both UN organizations met in Las Flores where 6 women are part of the Group of United Refugee Women – a Guinea Grass Village, Orange Walk District forum where they empower BY ORDER of the Mortgagees Messrs. The Belize Bank Limited, PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: PROPERTY one another across different Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A.Orange Castillo and Christiana Guinea Grass Village, Walk District refugee-hosting communities R. Castillo are selling ONLINE via belizepropertyauctions.com BY ORDER of the Mortgagees Messrs. The Belize Bank Limited, Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A.the Castillo in Belize to develop possible below property. Sales currently running and Sales curren R. Castillo are selling ONLINE via described belizepropertyauctions.com the below described property. solutions to their plight. expire Tuesday 1st June at the time shown on the website. will expire Tuesdaywill 1st June 2021 at the time shown on2021 the website. “I am impressed Parcel by the Parcel No. 1726 Guinea GrassWalk Village, Orange Walk District: No. 1726 Guinea Grass Village, Orange District: courage and commitment of these women, to fight for implementing their dreams and plans, coming from different backgrounds and moving their families and communities towards a better life” said Birgit REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL Gerstenberg, Resident CoordiSECTION BLOCK PARCEL TOWN HILL, REGISTRATION ORANGE WALK 4 1726 nator, United Nations Belize. HILL, ORANGE 4 ft. X 36 ft.] +1726 (Being 2 structures: StructureTOWN 1 - concrete bungalowWALK house [36 porch [5 ft. X 36 ft.] co Belize is home toBedroom 2,394 with bathroom + bedroom + bathroom + living/dining/kitchen: Structure 2 - Laundry room [10 (Being 2 structures: Structure 1 - concrete bungalow house [36 ft. X 36 ft.] + porch [5 ft. X registered and an estimated lot [888.84 S.M.] situate in GuineaMaster Grass Bedroom Village, Orange Walk District freehold property of Ms. Gloriceld 36 ft.] containing with bathroom + bedroom + bathroom + living/dining/ 3,400 more unregistered asyADDITIONAL INFORMATION (foreclosure kitchen: Structure 2 - Laundry room [10 ft.- Xwww.belizebank.com 12 ft.] and lot [888.84 S.M.] situate inlisting) Guinea lum seekers and refugees who TERMS: STRICTLY Grass Village, Orange Walk District freehold property of CASH Ms. Gloricelda Camara.) have come to Belize seeking KEVIN A. CASTILLO ADDITIONAL INFORMATION safe haven and protection, TELEPHONE 223-4488listing) - www.belizebank.com (foreclosure mostly from nearby El Salvador, TERMS: STRICTLY CASH Website: belizepropertyauctions.com KEVIN A. CASTILLO Honduras, Guatemala, and NicE-mail: kevinacas@yahoo.com TELEPHONE 223-4488 Facebelizepropertyauctions.com Book: Belize Auctions aragua. Out of these, 31% are Website: E-mail: kevinacas@yahoo.com 18- to 59-year-old women seekWebsite: belizepropertyauctions.com ing protection and a chance at Face Book: Belize Auctions starting over and making ends meet for their families. “In a global context of increasing socio-economic pressures, additional tensions in homes and communities, and Tropical Park, Belize PUBLIC District AUCTION SALE: PROP growing needs heightened by BY ORDER of the Mortgagees Messrs. The Belize Bank Corporation Tropical Park, Belize Distric the pandemic, promoting genLimited, Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A. Castillo and Christiana R. Castillo BY ORDER of the Mortgagees Messrs. The Belize Bank Corporation Limi der equality and further protecare selling ONLINE via belizepropertyauctions.com the below described Castillo and Christiana R. Castillo are selling ONLINE via belizepropertya tion is much more necessary,” property. Sales property. currently running and will expire Tuesday 1st1st June Sales currently running and will between expire between Tuesday June 2021 at the time shown on the website. said Joseph Hendrikx, Assowebsite. PUBLIC AUCTION PROPERTY ciate Field Officer for UNHCR Lot No. 775 Tropical Park, George Price Highway, Belize District: Lot No. 775 TropicalSALE: Park, George Price Highway, Belize District: Tropical Park, Belize District Belize. “We must stand toBY ORDER of the Mortgagees Messrs. The Belize Bank Corporation Limited, Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A. gether to Castillo combat gender-based and Christiana R. Castillo are selling ONLINE via belizepropertyauctions.com the below described violence property. and increase access Sales currently running and will expire between Tuesday 1st June 2021 at the time shown on the to education website.and livelihoods Lotfor No.all 775women. Tropical”Park, George Price Highway, Belize District: opportunities ALL THAT piece or parcel of land containing 724.665 s. m. being Lot 775 situa Gender equality refers to Belize District TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being the equal rights, responsibilidwelling house [3 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms + living/dining/kitchen] and lot [72 ties, treatment, and valuation Western Highway, Belize District, the freehold property of Ms. Orissa Molina and of women and men, and boys and girls. Women and girls TERMS: STRICTLY CASH ALL THAT piece or parcel of land containing 724.665 s. m. at Tropical Park, Western ALL THAT piece orbeing parcelLot of 775 landsituate containing 724.665 s. m. beingHighway, Lot 775 situate Tropical KEVIN A. at CASTILLO generally have fewer opportuBelize District TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing andDistrict being thereon. (Beingwith a concrete bungalow Park, Western Highway, Belize TOGETHER all buildings and erections223-4488 standing TELEPHONE nities, fewer resources, lowdwelling house [3 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms + living/dining/kitchen] lot [724.665 S. M.] situatehouse at Tropical Park, and being thereon. (Being aand concrete bungalow dwelling [3 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms Website: belizepropertyauctions.co er status,Western and less power and the freehold Highway, Belize District, property of Ms. Orissa Molina and Mr. S. Javier + living/dining/kitchen] and lot [724.665 M.] Molina) situate at TropicalE-mail: Park, Western Highway, kevinacas@yahoo.com influence than men and boys. Belize District, the freehold property of Ms. Orissa Molina and Mr. Javier Molina) Face Book: Belize Auctions TERMS: STRICTLY CASH UNHCR supports the empowKEVIN A. CASTILLO TERMS: STRICTLY CASH erment and resilience of womTELEPHONE 223-4488 KEVIN A. CASTILLO en around the world, including TELEPHONE 223-4488 Website: belizepropertyauctions.com Website: belizepropertyauctions.com refugee and asylum-seeking E-mail: kevinacas@yahoo.com E-mail: kevinacas@yahoo.com women and the communities Face Book: Belize Auctions Website: belizepropertyauctions.com hosting them. Face Book: Belize Auctions
PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: PROPERTY
PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: PROPERTY
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THE BELIZE TIMES
Ministry of the Public Service, Constitutional and Political Reform Welcomes New CEO Belmopan. May 7, 2021. 3:00 p.m. The Ministry of the Public Service, Constitutional and Political Reform is pleased to announce a realignment of chief executive officers (CEO), resulting in Dr. Osmond Martinez being appointed as CEO in the Ministry of Economic Development. Dr. Martinez served as CEO in the Ministry of the Public Service, Constitutional and Political Reform in the months after the 2020 general election. He holds a doctorate in economics with a focus on poverty and social development. With the government determined to balance economic recovery and the nation’s development in unprecedented times, Dr. Martinez would better serve the nation in the Ministry of
Economic Development. Rolando Zetina will be CEO in the Ministry of the Public Service, Constitutional and Political Reform. Mr. Zetina served over two decades at the Social Security Board as the director of finance and acting CEO at one point. He holds degrees in business administration and accounting and his background in decision-making and fiscal discipline will be critical to the reforms which are an integral part of the Ministry’s mandate. Hon. Henry Charles Usher, Minister of the Public Service, Constitutional and Political Reform, is confident that Dr. Martinez will serve the people and nation well in his new role at the Ministry of Economic Development.
GoB PRESS RELEASE Update:
Dr. Osmond Martinez Assumes New CEO Post Belmopan. May 10, 2021 was Dr. Osmond Martinez’s first day on the job as the new chief executive officer in the Ministry of Economic Development and Investment. Dr. Martinez comes with a wealth of knowledge as he holds a doctorate in economics with a focus in poverty and social development. As the country currently faces economic challenges, Dr. Martinez’s expertise and training are certainly a great asset for the CEO of this very important ministry. Ends
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NOTICE LEARIS INVEST LIMITED #149,797 (“the Company”)
Pursuant to Section 102(4) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, notice is hereby given that LEARIS INVEST LIMITED: a) is in dissolution b) commenced dissolution on the 22nd day of April, 2021; and c) Anatoliy Protsyuk whose address Knenova Str. 18/102, Kharkiv 61166, Ukraine is the Liquidator of the Company CILTrust International Limited Registered Agent
NOTICE Red Finch Ltd. #168,257 (“the Company”)
Pursuant to Section 102(4) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, notice is hereby given that Red Finch Ltd.: a) is in dissolution b) commenced dissolution on the 7th day of May, 2021; and c) Ms. Anna Pritsker whose address Office 18, Block 19 Vincenti Bld, Strait Street, Valletta, Malta is the Liquidator of the Company CILTrust International Limited Registered Agent
NOTICE HILL INTERNATIONAL INC. #21,925 (“the Company”)
Minister of State Espat greets New CEO Martinez
Notice is hereby given that the Company named HILL INTERNATIONAL INC. has been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the 27th April, 2021. CILTrust International Limited Registered Agent
NOTICE JETEK INTERNATIONAL CORP. #59,628 (“the Company”)
Notice is hereby given that the Company named JETEK INTERNATIONAL CORP. has been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the 29th April, 2021 CILTrust International Limited Registered Agent
23 MAY
2021
THE BELIZE TIMES
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REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
Consultancy Services for Data Collection for Belize Energy Sector Planning
Energy Resilience and Climate Change Adaptation Project
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THE BELIZE TIMES 2021
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ON THE MOVE PM Briceño w/ Min. Jose Mai, MAFSE
Hon. Michel Chebat, Ministry of Health and Wellness
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18 JAN
THE BELIZE TIMES 2015
Hon. Andre Perez, Belize Rural South; His Worship Wally Nuñez
Hon. Ramon Cervantes Jr., Orange Walk North
Host Taiwanese Ambassador HE David Kuan-Chou Chien at San Pedro
Min. Anthony Mahler, TDR; Min. Kareem Musa, HA &NGI; Min. Andre Perez, Area Rep and Min of BE & CA; w/ Mayor of SP, Wally Nuñez
Celebrating at the close of Nurses Week In the OW District familiarization visit
Listening to the constituents
w/ Police Commissioner, Tourism stakeholders discussing critical issues facing the industry
CEO receives SECOND shipment of 33, 600 Az doses #GetvaccinatedBelize
Min. Oscar Requeña, Toledo West and RT-CD-L-LG Minister of State Ramon Cervantes Jr., Ministry of Trade
Min. Rodwell Ferguson, PUEL w/ Hon. Perez, BRS Hosting a Clinic Day
GoB represented by Min. Dolores Balderamos Garcia, United Nations, and the EU
Min. Julius Espat, MIDH all over Belize
Inaugural meeting of the National Trade Negotiating Commission
Min. Florencio Marin, Jr. and MoS Oscar Mira; National Defence & Border Security Hon. Oscar Mira
Received Brigadier General, Guatemala’s Defence, Military, Naval and Air Attaché
Visiting and Listening in Corozal Drill Hall, Santa Rita, Corozal
Partnered w/ the Silver Creek Water Board to Complete Water Expansion
Punta Gorda, Dangriga, Benque Viejo Del Carmen, Belmopan
Town Councils on a Working Session
2 day familiarization tour on Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye
Corozal Town Council A previous dumping area, Waterhole, Toledo
Handover of ICT Equipment to the Spotlight Initiative CSNRG
Hon. Alex Balona, Cayo Central and MoS. Gilroy Usher, Port Loyola
Upgrading road in Bullet Tree Falls Work Continues w/ the Community
w/ Hon. Marconi Leal, Works in Maypen
Visiting w/ Hon. Jorge Espat, during Taiwan Fabric Donation Event
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23 MAY
THE BELIZE TIMES
TAIWAN DONATES 5000 MASKS TO BELIZE CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT
May 19, 2021, BELIZE CITY, BELIZE— On Tuesday, May 18, 2021, the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) donated 5,000 Made-in-Taiwan surgical masks to the Belize Customs and Excise Department. The Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan), His Excellency David Kuan-Chou Chien, handed over the masks to Mrs. Estella Bailey-Leslie, Comptroller of the Belize Customs and Excise Department, to assist in protecting the frontline customs officers while they carry out their duties at the borders and the Philip Goldson International Airport. This is the second donation made to the Belize Custom Department. In June, 2020, the Em-
bassy handed over 10,000 Madein-Taiwan surgical masks and 25 infrared forehead thermometers. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) has made numerous donations of medical equipment to the Government of Belize including surgical masks, N-95 masks, infrared forehead thermometers, protective clothing, isolation gowns, automatic nucleic acid (PCR) analyzers, PCR testing kits, and nasal swabs,
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in support of the efforts of the Government of Belize and the Ministry of Health and Wellness of Belize to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. Most recently, the Embassy handed over additional medical equipment and supplies to Hon. Michel Chebat, Minister of Health and Wellness of Belize on April 29, 2021. The Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) remains committed to assist the people and Government of Belize in the fight against COVID-19 and appreciates Belize’s staunch support of Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Organization (WHO) and its annual Assembly, its meetings, mechanisms, and activities. Through its Embassy in Belize, the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) will continue to work closely with its partners in the Government of Belize to weather this catastrophic pandemic.
STRENGTHENING OF TAX ADMINISTRATION PROJECT REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST Consulting Firm to Design, Implement and Execute a Countrywide Public Awareness and Marketing Campaign Institution: The Ministry of Finance (MOF) Country: Belize Project: Strengthening of Tax Administration (STA) Abstract: Consulting Services – Consulting Firm to Design, Implement and Execute a comprehensive Public Awareness and Marketing Campaign before, during and after the implementation of the NEW procured Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS). Loan No.: 4839/OC-BL Deadline: May 28, 2021, Belize Local Time The Government of Belize (GOB) has received financing from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for the execution of a five-year tax modernization project entitled “Strengthening of Tax Administration” (BL-L1031). The main beneficiaries of the Project are: (a) the Government, which will have more revenues to implement its public policies; (b) taxpayers, who will have more support and a digital environment to fulfil their tax obligations; and (c) the population, from the government policies implemented. Through this project, the Belize Tax Service (BTS) Department has procured a Modern Integrated Tax Administration System (the Revenue Management System (RMS)) and is presently in the implementation process. This new system will be used in the management of the Belize Tax Administration. The consulting services (“the services”) includes the contracting of a consulting firm for a period of twelve (12) months to Design, Implement and Execute a comprehensive Public Awareness and Marketing Campaign for the promotion of the new procured ITAS system. Informing the public that this new system is intended to allow for the BTSD to accomplish its future Business Model Principles which aims to be a fully automated process with seamless integration with other entities, data driven and taxpayer centric. The new ITAS system focuses on improving services which will allow for a 360 view of a taxpayer tax account to be both face to face and online, improve compliance and increase revenue collection. The New ITAS system will be taxpayer centric which will allow taxpayer to access and manage their tax account online. The main activities of the consultancy includes: 1. 2. 3. 4.
Develop, and Map out the communication strategy and action plan for the Pre, During and Post ITAS implementation Design and Develop various communication materials targeting internal and external stakeholders, using different and relevant modes of communication in a continuous and progressive phased-out approach consistent with the Pre, During and Post ITAS Implementation. Production, Broadcasting and Dissemination of various communication materials targeting internal and external stakeholders in a continuous and progressive phased-out approach consistent with the Pre, During and Post ITAS Implementation. Evaluation of the effectives of the public awareness communication campaign
The Consulting firm should have a minimum of five (5) years’ experience in the following areas below (* are a must): *Development of change management campaigns *Advertisement campaigns *Audio-visual production *Graphic design Educational campaigns Communication planning Strategic communication Communications marketing Digital content creation. The firm should prove its expertise in conducting large communication activities, at national and local level, and conducted at least two PR campaigns of similar type in the last 5 years in Belize or in the Caribbean, the firm should have specific experience in at least one similar assignment in Belize for citizen engagement and outreach activities in the past five (5) years, and experience in organizing events (workshops, trainings, conferences targeting different groups: citizens, national and local public administration, mass media, NGOs etc.). The Ministry of Finance now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested eligible Consultants must submit an Expression of Interest providing
information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the services (brochures, description of similar assignments specifying start and end dates of assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills, etc.). The term “consultant” means a legally-established professional consulting firm or an entity that may provide the services. Expression of Interest package should contain: (i) Document explaining interest, experience, and competence of the consulting firm. (ii) Firms experience in the assignment of similar consultancy services during the past five years. Description of similar assignments specifying start and end dates of assignments. (iii) Firms evidence of past jobs. (iv) Two references (v) Proof of nationality: Copy of certificate of incorporation and information of shareholders of company specifying the shares owned by each respective shareholder of the company. Additional documentation required for National Consultants: (vi) Copy of Certificate of Good Standing from Belize Company Registry (vii) Copy of Certificate of Good Standing from the Social Security Board (viii) Copy of Certificate of Good Standing from the Belize Tax Service (ix) Current Trade License Consultants will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the Inter-American Development Bank: Policies for the Selection and Contracting of Consultants financed by the InterAmerican Development Bank (GN-2350-15, May 2019 edition) and is open to all eligible consultants as defined in the IDB policies. Consultants may associate with other firms in the form of a joint venture or a sub-consultancy to enhance their qualifications. For the purpose of establishing the short list, the nationality of a firm is that of the country in which it is legally incorporated or constituted and in the case of Joint Venture, the nationality of the firm appointed to represent it. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Selection based on the Consultants’ Qualification method set out in the IDB Consultant Policies. The selected consulting firm will be selected based on its experience and competence relevant to the assignment and most appropriate qualifications and references. Only the highest ranked consulting firm from the short-listed firms will be notified and will be asked to submit a technical and price proposal. Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Expressions of interest must be delivered via direct mail or e-mail at the address indicated below by 4:00 p.m. on Friday May 28, 2021. Interested consulting firms are asked to submit their expression of interest via e-mail to Michelle. Longsworth@bts.gov.bz marked STAP- Consulting Firm to Design, Implement and Execute a Countrywide Public Awareness and Marketing Campaign in the subject header, or submit on or before Friday May 28, 2021 to the following address: Director General Belize Tax Service Strengthening of Tax Administration Project Charles Bartlett Hyde Building Mahogany Street, Belize City Tel: 501-222-5114 For clarifications kindly contact: Project Coordinator Project Executing Unit Strengthening of Tax Administration Project Charles Bartlett Hyde Building Mahogany Street, Belize City Tel: 501-222-5114/E-mail: gisel.correa@mof.gov.bz
23 MAY
15
THE BELIZE TIMES
2021
PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: PROPERTIES
Placencia Pensinsula, Stann Creek District
PRESS RELEASE
BY ORDER of the Mortgagees Messrs. The Belize Bank International Limited, Licensed Kevin A.Castillo and Christiana R. PUBLICAuctioneers AUCTION SALE: PROPERTIES Castillo are selling ONLINE via Stann belizepropertyauctions.com those Placencia Pensinsula, Creek District PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: PROPERTIES PUBLIC SALE: PROPERTIES appearingbelow. Sales currently running and will expire BY ORDERproperties of the Mortgagees Messrs. TheAUCTION Belize Bank International Limited, Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A. Placencia Pensinsula, Stann Creek Placencia Pensinsula, Stann CreekDistrict District on the Castillo and Christiana R. Castillo25th are selling via the belizepropertyauctions.com thosewebsite. properties appearing on Tuesday MayONLINE 2021 at times shown BY ORDER of the Mortgagees Messrs. The Belize Bank International Limited, Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A. BY ORDER of the Mortgagees Messrs. The Belize Bank International Limited, Auctioneers Kevin A below. Sales currently running and will expire on Tuesday 25th May 2021 at the Licensed times shown on the website. Castillo and Christiana R. Castillo are selling ONLINE via belizepropertyauctions.com those properties appearing 1. No. 2123 West Wind Drive, The Placencia Residences, Placencia PeninsuCastillo and Christiana R. Castillo are selling ONLINE via belizepropertyauctions.com thoseCreek properties appearin 1. No. 2123 West Wind Drive, The Placencia Residences, Placencia Peninsula, Stann District: th below. Sales runningDistrict: and will expire on Tuesday 25 May 2021 at the times shown on the website. la, currently Stann Creek below. Sales currently running and will expire on Tuesday 25th May 2021 at the times shown on the website. 1.1.No. No.2123 2123West WestWind WindDrive, Drive,The ThePlacencia PlacenciaResidences, Residences,Placencia PlacenciaPeninsula, Peninsula,Stann StannCreek CreekDistrict: District:
Belize’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Presents Credentials
REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL PARCEL Placencia North 36 2123 REGISTRATION SECTION PARCEL Placencia North 36 BLOCK 2123 REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL (Being a reinforced masonry block building frame [60 ft. X 60 ft. + carport 20 ft. X 20 ft.] and lot [768.69 Placencia North 3636 2123 Placencia North 2123 S.M.] situate on West Wind Drive, The Placencia Residences, Placencia Peninsula, Stann District, (Being amasonry reinforced masonry block building frame [60 ft.+Xcarport 60 ft. +20carport 20ft.] ft. Creek X 20 ft.] and (Being a reinforced block building frame [60 ft. X 60 ft. ft. X 20 lot (Being property a reinforced masonry blockLagoon building frameDrive, [60 ft.The X 60 ft. + carport 20 ft. XPlacencia 20 ft.]and and lot[768.69 [768. lot [768.690 S.M.] situate on West Wind Placencia Residences, Peninsufreehold of Messrs. Mayan Estates Limited.) S.M.] situate on West Wind Drive, The Placencia Residences, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District, S.M.] situate on West Wind Drive, The Placencia Residences, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District la, Stann Creek District, the freehold property ofPlacencia Messrs. Mayan Lagoon Estates Limited.) 2. No. 1486 West Wind Drive, The Placencia Residences, Peninsula, Stann Creek District: freehold ofofMessrs. freeholdproperty property Messrs.Mayan MayanLagoon LagoonEstates EstatesLimited.) Limited.) 2. No. 1486 West Wind Drive, The Placencia Residences, Placencia Peninsu2.2.No. 1486 West Wind Drive, The Placencia Residences, No. 1486 West Wind Drive, The Placencia Residences,Placencia PlacenciaPeninsula, Peninsula,Stann StannCreek CreekDistrict: District: la, Stann Creek District:
May 18, 2021 H.E. Carlos Fuller, Belize’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), presented his credentials to H.E. António Guterres, the Secretary General of the UN, at the UN headquarters in New York on May 17, 2021. Ambassador Fuller delivered greetings on behalf of the Governor General, Foreign Minister Hon. Eamon Courtenay, and the Government and people of Belize. On receiving Ambassador Fuller’s credentials, the Secretary General noted that Belize has played a major role in the UN system furthering the interests of small island and low lying developing states, climate change and oceans. Ambassador REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL PARCEL Placencia North 36 1486 Fuller assured the Secretary General that Belize’s Permanent Mission to the REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL Placencia North 36 1486 REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL (Being a three storey timber/vinyl dwelling house: Ground Floor 28 ft. X 59 ft. + porch 8 ft. X 28 ft. United Nations would continue to support the UN system in these areas. Placencia North 36 1486
North 36Floor 1486 containing 2(Being bedrooms + 1Placencia bathroom + living/dining/kitchen +Ground laundry + utility room under a three storey timber/vinyl dwelling house: 28 X 59+ ft. + porch (Being storey timber/vinyl dwelling house: Ground Floor 2828ft.ft. X ft.ft.+ft. 8storage ft. (Beinga three aFirst three storey timber/vinyl house: Ground Floor X5959 +porch porch 8ft.ft.XX28 8 ft.Floor: X 28 ft. containing 2dwelling bedrooms +X 1 bathroom + living/dining/kitchen + laundry +28+ ft. staircase; 22 ft. X 43 ft. + porch 5 ft. 22 ft. containing master bedroom bathroom walkcontaining 2 bedrooms + 1 bathroom + living/dining/kitchen + laundry + utility room + storage under This was a ceremonial presentation and a photo opportunity as Ambassador containingutility room +ft. under First Floor: 22 ft. Xfloors 43 ft. + porch 5 ft.concrete 22 ft. con2 bedrooms +storage 1Xbathroom +staircase; living/dining/kitchen +three laundry + via utility room +Xstorage under closet; Second Floor: 10 10 ft. viewing attic (access to all internal staircase First Floor: 2222ft.bedroom porch 5 5ft.ft. master bedroom + +10 bathroom + +walkFuller had presented his official credentials via the UN’s e-portal system onstaircase; taining master ++ bathroom +X walk-in closet; Second Floor: 10onft.West X ft. viewing staircase; First Floor: ft.XX4343ft.square ft.+ porch X2222ft.ft.containing containing master bedroom bathroom wal with timber steps) and lotft.[919.702 meters (1099.95 square yards)] situate Wind Drive, Th closet; Second Floor: 10 X 10 ft. viewing attic (access to all three floors via internal concrete staircase attic (access to all three floors via internal concrete staircase with timber steps) and lot March 31, 2021 following his arrival in New York. This is a consequence of thePlacencia closet; Second Floor: 10 ft. X 10 ft. viewing attic (access to all three floors via internal concrete staircas Residences, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District, the freehold property of Mr. Ron [919.702 square meters (1099.95 square yards)] situate on West Wind Drive, The Placencia steps) and lotlot[919.702 square (1099.95 square yards)] situate ononWest Wind Drive, Th measures taken by the UN to ensure a safe working environment amidst thewith withtimber timber steps) [919.702 squaremeters meters (1099.95 square situate West Wind Oczkowski and Ms. and Barbara Bell.) Residences, Placencia Peninsula, StannCreek Creek District, theyards)] freehold property Mr. RonDrive, Placencia Residences, Placencia Peninsula, Stann District, the freehold property ofofofMr. Ron Placencia Residences, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District, the freehold property Mr. Ron COVID-19 pandemic. Oczkowski and Ms. Barbara Bell.)Residences, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District: 3. No. 2108 West Wind Drive, The Placencia Oczkowski Ms. Barbara Bell.) Oczkowskiand and Ms. Barbara Bell.) 3. No. 2108 West Wind Drive, The Placencia Residences, Placencia Peninsu3.3.No. Wind No.2108 2108West West WindDrive, Drive,The ThePlacencia PlacenciaResidences, Residences,Placencia PlacenciaPeninsula, Peninsula,Stann StannCreek CreekDistrict: District: Ambassador Fuller was accompanied by Ms. Sharleen Henderson, executive la, Stann Creek District:
assistant to the permanent representative. The permanent representatives of the Bahamas and Burundi and the representative of the International Renewable Energy Agency also participated in the ceremonial presentation of credentials. Ends
REGISTRATION SECTION REGISTRATION SECTION REGISTRATION SECTION REGISTRATION SECTION
PUBLIC AUCTION SALE PROPERTY
San Pedro, Ambergris Caye; Belize District
BY ORDER of the Mortgagees Messrs. The Belize Bank Limited, Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A. Castillo and Christiana R. Castillo are selling ONLINE via belizepropertyauctions.com the following property. Sale currently running and will expire Tuesday 25th May 2021 at the time shown on the website.
Placencia North
REGISTRATION SECTION
BLOCK
PARCEL
San Pedro
7
12333
(Being a vacant lot [696.678 S. M.] situate approximately 13 kilometres north of the San Pedro Town Bridge, San Pedro Town, Belize District, the freehold property of Mr. Nestor Adriano Vasquez) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - www.belizebank.com (foreclosure listing) TERMS: STRICTLY CASH KEVIN A. CASTILLO TELEPHONE 223-4488 Website: belizepropertyauctions.com E-mail: kevinacas@yahoo.com Website: belizepropertyauctions.com Face Book: Belize Auctions
PARCEL
BLOCK BLOCK BLOCK PARCEL PARCEL PARCEL 36 2108
Placencia North 36 of a porch 5 ft. X 2108 (Being a two-storey concrete building [32 ft. X 32 inclusive 16 ft. + back (Being a two-storey concrete building [32 ft. X 32 inclusive of a porch 5 ft. X 16 ft. + back 5 ft. wide porch 5 ft. wide containing Ground Floor: master bedroom + walk-in closet +porch bathroom + containing Ground Floor: master bedroom + walk-in closet +room; bathroom + living/dining/kitchen half living/dining/kitchen + half bathroom + laundry Second Floor: 1 bedroom+ + closet + bathroom + laundry room; Second Floor: 1 bedroom + closet + bathroom (access via internal concrete & bathroom (access via internal concrete & tiled staircase)] and lot [937.060 S.M.] situate on tiled West staircase)] and lot [937.060 S.M.] situate on West Wind Drive,Peninsula, The Placencia Residences, Placencia Wind Drive, The Placencia Residences, Placencia Stann Creek District.) Peninsula, Stann Creek District.) 4. Parcel No. 2159 Placencia Placencia Stann Creek: 4. Parcel No. 2159 Placencia Residences,Residences, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Peninsula, Creek:
REGISTRATION SECTION REGISTRATION SECTION
BLOCK
Placencia North North Placencia
BLOCK
BLOCK 3636
PARCEL
PARCEL 2159 2159
(Beinga canal a canal side vacant lot situate the sub-division known as The Placencia (Being side vacant lot situate in thein sub-division known as The Placencia ResidencesResidences near Mile near Mile 13 Placencia Road, Placencia Stann District, the 13 Placencia Road, Placencia Peninsula, StannPeninsula, Creek District, theCreek freehold property offreehold Mr. RyanpropPott). erty of Mr. Restrictions Ryan Pott).on use of Property is available upon request******* *******NB. *******NB. Restrictions on use of Property is available upon request******* ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - www.belizebank.com (foreclosure listing) TERMS: STRICTLY CASH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION KEVIN A. CASTILLO - www.belizebank.com listing) TELEPHONE(foreclosure 223-4488 TERMS: STRICTLY CASH Website: belizepropertyauctions.com E-mail: kevinacas@yahoo.com KEVIN A. CASTILLO Face Book: Belize Auctions TELEPHONE 223-4488
Website: belizepropertyauctions.com E-mail: kevinacas@yahoo.com Face Book: Belize Auctions
16
23 MAY
THE BELIZE TIMES
Launch of the National Trade Negotiating Commission
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Immigration today held its inaugural meeting of the National Trade Negotiating Commission (NTNC) at the Best Western Plus Belize Biltmore Plaza in Belize City. In February 2021, Cabinet approved the establishment of the NTNC, a tripartite commission of government, private sector and civil society actors to inform Cabinet’s decision-making process for relevant national trade and trade-related issues, and where appropriate to partici-
pate in negotiations. The introductory meeting provided an overview of the current trade negotiating agenda and laid the foundation for the first meeting scheduled for June 2021 to address trade and trade-related challenges as well as identifying opportunities. The NTNC adopted the Terms of Reference for the Commission
2021
and received presentations on the current situation with respect to Belize’s trade negotiating agenda and an overview of the National Trade Policy. The Private Sector was invited to express their concerns on trade and development and voice their expectations of the NTNC. Hon. Ramon Cervantes, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Immigration, delivered the keynote address; introductory remarks were delivered by the co-chairs, Mr. Andy Sutherland, director general of the Directorate General for Foreign Trade, and Mr. Emile Mena, private sector representative; and closing remarks were delivered by Ms. Marissa Longsworth, president of the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
STRENGTHENING OF TAX ADMINISTRATION PROJECT REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST Consulting Firm to Prepare and Implement a New Audit Model, making use of the wider range examination and risk-based techniques (to include analytic tools for audit) Institution: The Ministry of Finance (MOF) Country: Belize Project: Strengthening of Tax Administration (STA) Abstract: Consulting Services – Consulting Firm to Prepare and Implement a New Audit Model, making use of the wider range examination and risk-based techniques (to include analytic tools for audit). Loan No.: 4839/OC-BL Deadline: May 28, 2021, Belize Local Time The Government of Belize (GOB) has received financing from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for the execution of a five-year tax modernization project entitled “Strengthening of Tax Administration” (BL-L1031). The main beneficiaries of the Project are: (a) the Government, which will have more revenues to implement its public policies; (b) taxpayers, who will have more support and a digital environment to fulfil their tax obligations; and (c) the population, from the government policies implemented. Through this project, the Belize Tax Service Department (BTSD) has procured a Modern Integrated Tax Administration System (the Revenue Management System (RMS)) and is presently in the implementation process. This new system will be used in the management of the Belize Tax Administration. The BTSD management has identified the need for a modern audit approach based on risk analysis. The BTSD Strategic Plan states that: “BTSD will explore the introduction of a Risk Management Plan (RMP) to properly respond to the risks identified on a timely basis, to minimize overall compliance burden for both the taxpayers and the tax administration. As an important aspect of the RMP, risk mitigating strategies will be proposed for application against potential and existing risks. The plan will highlight all areas of risks including risk-based assessments, risk-based audits, risk-based sector and taxpayer segmentation, compliance risks (registration, filing, reporting and payments) and international risks. Risk mitigation reduces the extent of exposure and ensures that the strategic objectives are achieved.” The consulting services (“the services”) includes the contracting of a consulting firm for a period of ten (10) months to Prepare and Implement a New Audit Model, making use of the range examination and risk-based techniques (to include analytic tools for audit). The main activities of the consultancy includes: 1. To assess the status of BTSD taxpayer audit strategies and operations for all tax type. 2. To review the Audit Division organization and resources, as well as the staff skills 3. To suggest the strategy for centralization/decentralization of the audit 4. To propose a new organization area (if required) 5. To propose the staff composition by area and by location 6. To propose the different audit programs taking into consideration taxpayer segments and different audit locations (central, districts). 7. To propose a system of massive audit based on IT verification of returns against risk factors and third-party information. The selected cases should be resolved very quickly (4 cases a day) as they are based on firm verification. 8. To propose modern analytic tools suitable for Belize’s environment by conducting a SWOT analysis to support the audit work. 9. Once the proposal on the modern analytic tool is approved, the consulting firm will procure, implement, and train auditors in its utilization. 10. To conduct Pilot audit with the audit team to plan, execute and report on randomly selected taxpayers. The Consulting firm should have a minimum of five (5) years’ experience in Tax Administration Taxpayer Audit and Risk Analysis. As well as a strong expertise in the use of modern analytic tools. The Consulting firm should prove its expertise in Tax Administration audit, risk analysis and Business Strategy (supporting business and organization goals). The Ministry of Finance now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested eligible Consultants must submit an Expression of Interest providing information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the services (brochures, description of similar assignments specifying start and end dates of assignments,
experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills, etc.). The term “consultant” means a legally-established professional consulting firm or an entity that may provide the services. Expression of Interest package should contain: (i) Document explaining interest, experience, and competence of the consulting firm. (ii) Firms experience in the assignment of similar consultancy services during the past five years. Description of similar assignments specifying start and end dates of assignments. (iii) Firms evidence of past jobs. (iv) Two references (v) Proof of nationality: Copy of certificate of incorporation and information of shareholders of company specifying the shares owned by each respective shareholder of the company. Additional documentation required for National Consultants: (vi) Copy of Certificate of Good Standing from Belize Company Registry (vii) Copy of Certificate of Good Standing from the Social Security Board (viii) Copy of Certificate of Good Standing from the Belize Tax Service Department (ix) Current Trade License Consultants will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the Inter-American Development Bank: Policies for the Selection and Contracting of Consultants financed by the Inter-American Development Bank (GN-2350-15, May 2019 edition) and is open to all eligible consultants as defined in the IDB policies. Consultants may associate with other firms in the form of a joint venture or a sub-consultancy to enhance their qualifications. For the purpose of establishing the short list, the nationality of a firm is that of the country in which it is legally incorporated or constituted and in the case of Joint Venture, the nationality of the firm appointed to represent it. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Selection based on the Consultants’ Qualification method set out in the IDB Consultant Policies. The selected consulting firm will be selected based on its experience and competence relevant to the assignment and most appropriate qualifications and references. Only the highest ranked consulting firm from the short-listed firms will be notified and will be asked to submit a technical and price proposal. Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Expressions of interest must be delivered via direct mail or e-mail at the address indicated below by 4:00 p.m. on Friday May 28, 2021. Interested consulting firms are asked to submit their expression of interest via e-mail to Michelle.Longsworth@bts.gov.bz marked STAP- Consulting Firm to Prepare and Implement a New Audit Model in the subject header, or submit on or before Friday May 28, 2021 to the following address: Director General Belize Tax Service Department Strengthening of Tax Administration Project Charles Bartlett Hyde Building Mahogany Street, Belize City Tel: 501-222-5114 For clarifications kindly contact: Project Coordinator Project Executing Unit Strengthening of Tax Administration Project Charles Bartlett Hyde Building Mahogany Street, Belize City Tel: 501-222-5114/E-mail: gisel.correa@mof.gov.bz
23 MAY
2021
THE BELIZE TIMES
THINK ABOUT IT THE RIGHT TO BE FREE Big news in Barbados, three days ago. It should be news in Belize too, but it ain’t. Former Belize Judge, Shona Griffith resigned as a judge in the Belize Supreme Court some months ago, to take up a judgeship in Barbados. Three days ago, she handed down an important decision concerning the liberty of Barbadians. She declared that a law passed by the government which says that for murder and for serious gun crimes, a person cannot apply for bail before a two years period expires. This means any person accused of such crimes has first to spend two years in jail before he or she can apply for bail. This was an incredible backwards piece of law. It is also obviously unconstitutional. And Judge Shona Griffith declared it to be so. That law now falls apart in Barbados. The right of every Belizean to their liberty is guaranteed in Belize Constitution. That right can be restricted in certain circumstances. For example, if an insane person is a threat to others or even himself. If a person commits a crime, is found guilty and sent to prison. If he is accused of a serious offence and there are serious reasons, a court may deny bail. Courts should have good grounds before they deny a person his right to his freedom. Bail can be granted with restrictions. Only last week, Senior Counsel Ellis Arnold expressed disappointment and annoyance when Court 2 denied John Bowen bail because he was charged by police with drug trafficking of 28 kilograms (about 56 pounds of marijuana). The Magistrate had no good reason to take away Bowen’s freedom but did so anyway. The law is that bail is a right, it is not a privilege to be granted by a Court. There must be compelling reasons to deny bail. To give a high or excessive bail is unlawful. The Magistrates in Belize are beginning to lose their legal compass. The Chief Justice needs to put them back on track. Sending persons to prison by denying bail is a very serious abuse of the law. The biggest abusers in Belize continue to be the police. Apparently, some fool at the Police Training school is teaching the police wrong things. One such is that the police have a right to lock up persons at police stations for up to 48 hours. And a violation of their constitutional right This is absolutely NOT the law. Recently, Supreme Court judges in Belize have been awarding money compensation for persons who sue the police for keeping them at police stations with being charged. We urge everyone who is unlawfully detained at police station without being charged to sue police. It’s the only way they will get the sense- when they are ordered to pay dollars. BIG RESPECT MINISTER KAREEM We are impressed with Minister Kareem Musa for what he did a few days ago. The family of a young man was wrongly treated by a police officer. Over a minor matter like not properly wearing a mask the police assaulted the person. He even pulled his gun on the young man. His sister, the talented and famous JoyJah made a big issue of this unlawful and unprofessional conduct. Belizeans supported her. Well, the complaint reached Minister of Internal Affairs, Police, Prison and, New Growth Industries, Honourable Kareem Musa. He not only urged the family to lodge a formal report, but he publicly apologized to the young man. That big! That is a big move. The godfather of soul music, the great James Brown wrote in one of his songs-“ it takes a man or a woman to say am sorry, and a fool to walk away” Minister Kareem’s ratings went viral. He did a big thing. Imagine a powerful minister of government publicly apologizing for the stupid behavior of a police towards a citizen. ….AND THEN THIS HAPPENED A dutiful father, Saturday afternoon is taking his daughter to her work in his taxi. They pass a car on the Phillip Goldson Highway in Belize City about half mile from Pallotti High School. Bang! Bang! Bang! Shots started flying. A third passenger shouted, they shooting at us. The father speeds up. His 20 years old daughter is shot in the side. Guardian angel at work. The bullet goes through her side and comes out through her other side. Not a single major organ is damaged. God be praised. It turns out, the vehicle which was overtaken on the roadside was being driven by an off- duty police. He is the one who pulled out a gun, and incredibly, fires several shots into the vehicle carrying three persons. His unbelievable explanation is that the taxi was trying to run his car off the road. A news item quotes the police “investigation” as repeating this lie, that the
17
taxi driver who doesn’t even know the police was trying to run the police off the road. No arrest. Nothing will come out of it. Case closed. Next Wednesday night on Krem TV and Radio, on the program ‘You and the Law’, attorney Michelle Trapp will host a knowledgeable person from Jamaica about a citizen protection agency known as INDECOM. Jamaica, which has a long and terrible experience with rouge police, has a law which provides for an independent organization that investigates police misbehavior and prosecutes those who break the law. LEAVE NO CANE BEHIND We thought this one is a classic. Last week’s Amandala newspaper featured an article on a mild dispute in the cane industry. The owners of the sugar cane factory are not happy that the Minister of Agriculture who agrees that any left-over cane not purchased by the factory can be sold to a sugar company in Cayo. The article in Amandala is captioned “Mai says No cane to be Left Behind.” It is written by reporter Dayne Guy, in the Friday 14th May issue of the newspaper, with a photograph of Belize’s most dynamic Minister of Agriculture, Jose Abelardo Mai. ONE LIME, ONE DOLLAR We need backyard gardening as a government policy. Many of us in Belize City and the towns can have banana or plantation trees in our yard. Tomato, peppers, watermelon and lime can be grown with very little efforts. At the Queen’s Square Market this morning limes are being sold one dollar back. Got to have back-yard gardening. MAGISTRATE KHALEEM PALMER Sad news. One of the best Magistrates leaving. We are told that Magistrate Khaleem Palmer has submitted her resignation. Lawyers tell us she is a strict Magistrate but she is very fair. When she gives reasons for her decision she is clear, cites the relevant laws and apply the facts to the law. There are no complaints about Magistrate Palmer. Everyone who has to attend her Court understands what is their situation, as, she takes the time to explain what and why the court is doing certain things. Her decisions on granting bail are always reasonable. She even allows every poor person on minor offences to do a sign bail. These are the types of conduct which enhances the image that surrounds our court system. It is part of what is called justice. On behalf of those attorneys who have practiced in her court and who had dealings with her when she clerked for the Supreme Court, her departure is considered a huge loss. We have only respect for her and wish her all the best. SPECIAL BRANCH DROP THE BALL If Belizeans knew how much of their hard earned monies are paid in taxes for certain matters, they would get a serious jerking up. For National Defense, including the Belize Defense Force and supporting security personnel, vehicles, equipment, a whopping 52 million dollars for this year. For the Ministry of Home Affairs, which includes 2,000 police and the whole prisons department, a huge 76 million dollars. Out of this amount, for C.I.B crimes Investigation Branch with 189 investigations countrywide the budget is for 7 million dollars. For National Security and Intelligence, i.e mainly Special Branch, the budget is 12 million dollars of which salaries takes up 9 million dollars. This covers 327 agents who should be gathering intelligence on a wide variety of matters. On Monday 17th May 2021, the Teachers Union, as part of their misguide dispute with government, blocked many important bridges and all main highways and roads. This caused a serious disruption to traffic and commuters. The Teachers Union pulled off their successful disruption by simply using a few vehicles parked across the bridges and the roads. It lasted from about 7:00am to 9:00pm. This represents a serious failure of intelligence gathering. When the Prime Minister publicly laid out his last and best offers to the Unions and they reacted the way they did, anyone could have guessed there would be some form of dramatic reaction. Monday morning was their reaction. How could Special Branch not have known or learnt from their “sources” that there would be road blocks? Had the intelligence gatherers alerted their senior officers, police teams countrywide could have prevented anyone from parking their vehicles crossway on the roads and bridges. Anyone who succeeded would have had their vehicle quickly towed away or dragged off to the side. We consider this a major intelligence failure and the new government should take it as such.
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KNOWING THE FACTS
By Hon. Gilroy Usher, Sr. “Truth will rise above falsehood as oil above water” –Miguel de Cervantes The unions all agree that the country is in a financial mess due to massive corruption in government especially during the 13 long years of the Barrow and Faber administration. The unions also agree that the financial crisis that confronts the nation must be addressed now, before the situation gets worst. Instead of the 10% salary cut and increment free for three years to reduce government expenses by $80 million yearly, the unions have suggested a number of measures to increase government revenue by the same amount yearly. Such success requires a) tightening loop holes that enable unscrupulous business persons to avoid paying millions of dollars in taxes to the government and b) prosecuting those who simply refuse to pay tens of millions of dollars in taxes owed to the national treasury. The problem with those suggestions is that government needs to cut its expenses by millions of dollars now. Secondly, a number public officers are responsible for enabling business persons to avoid paying their correct taxes, and it will takes years before any administration collects substantial revenue from prosecuting those persons who simply refuse to pay tens of millions of dollars in taxes owed to the country. In 13 years, the UDP increased
23 MAY
THE BELIZE TIMES
the wage bill by $415 million from $262 million in 2008 to $677 million today with scores of ghost employees and without the creation of new industries to increase the government’s revenue to match such additional cost. In the latter part of the most corrupt administration in the history of Belize, the Supreme Court found the Barrow/ Faber administration guilty of spending $1.5 billion with absolutely no approval from parliament. The sad truth about that situation is that the country has practically nothing to show for such huge amount of money. Except for the BNTU, the PSU, APSSM, and other unions were as quiet as a mouse when the UDP ministers and their cronies were enriching themselves with tens of millions of dollars of taxpayers’ money for those 13 long years. With such mismanagement and massive corruption under the UDP for over a decade, for its last two years 2019 and 2020 the then government had to fell to borrowing $1 million daily to pay salaries , pensions, and other expenses of the administration That cannot continue. Such borrowing is not sustainable. Nobody, neither teachers, nor public officers want a pay cut, but doing nothing to deal with the financial mess in which the UDP left the county will only make the situation worse. With unsustainable borrowing what will we as a country do when we can no longer access more credit from the Central Bank, as well as local and foreign financial institutions to pay our bills. Such a situation could lead to a devaluation of the Belize dollar with unbelievable hardships for everyone. Government could also ask the International Monetary Fund (I.M.F.) to bail the country out of its financial crisis. That however would come at a heavy price. Accessing emergency funds from the I.M.F. will require the dismissal of over 3,000 public officers, and a steep increase in GST from 12 1/2% to almost 19% that would cause the cost of goods to skyrocket in the stores. Funding from the IMF to deal with our financial crisis would also require
2021
that government further reduce its expenses by cutting back on its assistance to the public in areas such as education, healthcare, food assistance, and special rates for utility services To ease the hardship of the 10% pay cut on teachers and public officers ,government has among other things agreed to reduce the work week for public officer by 5 hours weekly. It has also agreed to review the performance of the economy at the end of each year with the aim of gradually scaling back the cost saving
measures as the economy improves. The government is responding to the cry of the public for good governance to end the corruption that has gotten us in this financial mess. In doing so the administration is fast tracking several legislations for implementation within the next couple months including UNCAC, the Whistleblowers Act, and the Unjust Enrichment Act. By working together with knowledge of the facts, we can overcome the financial mess in which the country finds itself with the least hardship for everyone.
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 COMMERCE SHIPPING CORP. AGLOKIL LTD. JAHSAN MANAGEMENT INC. DUNSTANE TRADING CORP. LONELY PLANET INVESTMENT CORP. GEOPETROL INTERNATIONAL INC. ELROY CONSULTING GROUP LTD. DENSE OVERSEAS LTD. LONE STAR INTERNATIONAL INCORPORATED SL MEDIA SOLUTIONS LIMITED ROSER CONSULTING LTD. CAMPERTOWN BUSINESS LTD. GORE HILL INTERNATIONAL INC. FLAVOUR LOTUS LIMITED DIPON INTERNATIONAL LTD.
Date of Dissolution 1 April, 2021 1st April, 2021 2nd April, 2021 2nd April, 2021 2nd April, 2021 3rd April, 2021 7th April, 2021 9th April, 2021 13th April, 2021 13th April, 2021 17th April, 2021 24th April, 2021 27th April, 2021 28th April, 2021 28th April, 2021 st
Morgan & Morgan Trust Corporation Belize Ltd.
23 MAY
2021
19
THE BELIZE TIMES
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE CONCLUDES TOUR IN THE ORANGE WALK DISTRICT May 17, 2021 Hon. Jose Abelardo Mai, Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, completed a two-day tour of the Orange Walk District on May 14, 2021. The tour was a part of his familiarization visits to the different agriculture communities and areas across the country. The tour started on Thursday, May 13, with a handing over of vegetable seedlings and inspection of the Carmelita Government School’s tilapia ponds. The tour then proceeded to G&B Ranch, a cattle operation in San Estevan that seeks to improve the current genetics of Nelore, Nelore Mocho, Red Brangus and Braunvieh breeds of cattle in Belize. On Friday, May 14, Minister Mai and his contingent travelled to San Carlos and Indian Church villages. The Ministry of Agriculture awarded two onion selectors designed to separate onions and potatoes into various sizes to the New River Farmers’ Cooperative Society Ltd. of San Carlos. Also donated were two-inch hoses for irrigation and mulching plastics to conserve water by reducing evapotranspiration. Farmers from nearby Indian Church received irrigation hoses and plastic mulch. Las Orquidias, a women’s group from Indian Church, received a greenhouse for their vegetable production. They then travelled to Blue Creek where the minister was welcomed by the chairman and business community. He was awarded tokens of appreciation from various members of
SINOPHARM Vaccines Now Available to Public
Belmopan. May 18, 2021. 9:00 a.m. The Ministry of Health & Wellness announces that the SINOPHARM BBIP COVID-19 vaccine will be available to persons in phases one, two and three starting today. The World Health Organization approved the SINOPHARM vaccines for emergency use on May 7, 2021, and the ministry is now prepared to offer that option as one of the vaccines against COVID-19. They will be available at all the vaccination sites countrywide. In addition, please note that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommends that persons who are fully vaccinated are no longer required to wear masks; however, Belize is guided by local Public Health Regulations that require mandatory wearing of masks. The regulations also include physical distancing (six feet) and avoiding social gatherings. These regulations are enforced by the Belize Police Department.
the business community. The minister also toured the Caribbean Chicken production facility in Blue Creek. The day ended at August Pine Ridge, where the three Farmers of the Year 2020 were awarded heifers. The minister also toured Little Farm, owned by Mrs. Teresita Sanchez, Female Farmer of the Year 2020. The Senior Farmer of the Year is Mr. Amiel Mesh from San Antonio, Cayo District, and the Junior Farmer of the Year is Mr. Andrei Camal from Xaibe Village, Corozal District. Mr. Servulo Baeza, CEO in the ministry, technical staff, and partners in development with the Ministry of Agriculture, accompanied Minister Mai. He was accompanied by the Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño at San Estevan and by Hon. Kevin Bernard at Carmelita. The minister will visit the Corozal District this week to complete his tour of Belize.
CAREER OPPORTUNITY Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) is the primary distributor and the only licensed public provider of electricity in Belize. Our mission is to deliver safe reliable and sustainable energy solutions to enhance the quality of life and the productivity of enterprise and to support national development. We are looking for a highly motivated, goal-oriented, responsible and committed person to join our Company in the role of Regulatory Affairs Officer in the Strategy and Business Innovation Department.
Duties: • Serve as a liaison between BEL and its regulator, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), and ensure compliance with regulations. • Support the development of regulatory submissions and/or policy in response to obligations arising from subsisting laws and regulations and as well as in response to requests from the PUC. • Develop rate case submissions based on business plan and other relevant factors. • Monitor and manage the Company’s regulatory account balance and manage performance against the legal and regulatory requirements. • Support negotiation processes with Independent Power Producers. • Contribute and adhere to the safety & environmental requirements of the Company. • Support/Lead as necessary any other functions/duties reasonably within the scope of regulatory matters as they may arise. Education and Experience: • Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, Business Administration, Public Administration, Public Policy, Law or related field • Two years’ working experience in regulatory affairs, compliance, commercial law, or public policy analysis Required Skills and Abilities: • Working knowledge of the applicable national regulations and the ability to stay current on regulations • Possess exceptional critical thinking skills with demonstrated ability to perform quantitative and qualitative analysis • Ability to grasp new concepts quickly, exercise sound judgment and decisiveness while maintaining high work quality • Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines • Action and results oriented with excellent collaborative skills for pursuing shared goals • Working knowledge of the Windows Environment and Microsoft Office applications • Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel Salary: In accordance with Company Salary Structure. Kindly submit application letter along with resume, copy of degrees and certificates and three (3) recent professional letters of recommendation to:
Manager, Talent Acquisition and Development Email: Career.Opportunity@bel.com.bz In the email subject, please indicate the position: Regulatory Affairs Officer Only electronic applications are being accepted at this time. For more information or queries, call 227-0954 Ext. 1404 or 1416
Deadline: Friday, May 28, 2021
20
THE BELIZE TIMES
23 MAY
2021
LABOUR COMMISSIONER STATEMENT ON ONGOING INDUSTRIAL ACTION BY UNIONS May 18, 2021. The Ministry of Labour fully respects the citizens’ and labourers’ fundamental right to freedom of assembly and association and the freedom of expression as enshrined in the Belize Constitution and International Labour Organization Conventions which we have ratified. We also fully recognize the invaluable contributions of Unions and all the other tripartite partners in advocating for the advancement and protection of workers’ rights in this country. We also fully respect the right of the Unions, namely the Public Service Unions, the Association of Public Service Senior Managers, the Belize National Teachers’ Union, and the National Trade Union Congress of Belize to engage in industrial action as part of their advocacy and negotiations with the Government of Belize regarding the proposed reduction of public sector wages and good governance reform. We must point out, however, that with fundamental rights, there comes responsibilities that are inextricably linked. With the fundamental right to freedom of assembly and association, and the right to freely engage in industrial action, those engaging in industrial action must act responsibly, lawfully and must respect the rights of others. The blocking of highways and bridges are unlawful actions which are not internationally recognized industrial action nor those permitted by our domestic laws, and we must condemn this kind of activity. The congregation of persons in numbers larger than 10 are in flagrant breach of the COVID-19 Public Health Regulations. We, therefore, urge the unions to abstain from criminal and reckless activities that are harmful and reckless to the wider public.
CALL
671-8385 or
EMAIL:
belizetimesadvertisement@ yahoo.com
To place advertisement in the Belize Times Newspaper
CAREER OPPORTUNITY Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) is the primary distributor and the only licensed public provider of electricity in Belize. Our mission is to deliver safe reliable and sustainable energy solutions to enhance the quality of life and the productivity of enterprise and to support national development. We are looking for a highly motivated, goal-oriented, responsible and committed person to join our Company in the role of Manager, Marketing & Product Innovation in the Commercial & Retail Services Division. Duties: • Responsible for the process and underlying techniques of leading the development, promoting, and distributing BEL’s products and services. Paramount is the go-to-market and successful implementation of new energy services solutions such as EV-Charging Systems, Smart Energy Solutions, Solar, Smart Home and Pre-Paid products. • Responsible for market analyses, brand development, product development, and pricing strategy. • Responsible for positioning the brand, creating market awareness, deepening customer engagement, increasing customer conversion and customer retention. • Manages and develops marketing programs and materials such as advertising, event support and online promotions. • Provide marketing training and training of new product lines for relevant staff. • Responsible to lead research into BEL’s strategic future business opportunities. • Manage processes and monitor the progress of the various ongoing initiatives related to product development. • Responsible for building innovative capabilities and transferring them into the corporate culture to affect the broader organization. • Allocate resources, responsible for setting up teams and shaping long-term capability. Education and Experience: • Master’s Degree in Strategic Marketing and/or Innovation or a Master’s with a concentration in Innovation with at least two years of experience working in a cutting edge area or • Bachelors Degree in Marketing and/or Innovation with at least five years of experience working in a cutting-edge area such as telecommunications or tourism Required Skills and Abilities: • Demonstrable experience as head of marketing, developing client-focused, differentiated and achievable solutions • Excellent management and organizational skills, drive to make a difference, self-starting, innovative and results oriented • Excellent negotiation and leadership skills • Charismatic, energetic, passionate and pro-active • Proven ability to articulate the distinct aspects of products and services • Proven ability to position products against competitors • Excellent listening, negotiation and presentation skills • Excellent verbal and written communications skills • Be creative and resourceful Salary: in accordance with Company Salary Structure. Kindly submit application letter along with resume, copy of degrees and certificates and three (3) recent professional letters of recommendation to: Manager, Talent Acquisition & Development Email: Career.Opportunity@bel.com.bz In the email subject, please indicate the position: Manager, Marketing & Product Innovation Only electronic applications are being accepted at this time. For more information or queries, call us: 227-0954 Ext. 1415 or 1416 Deadline: Friday, June 4, 2021
23 MAY
THE BELIZE TIMES 2021 BAPCOL POWER PLANT COMPLETES MAJOR ENGINE OVERHAUL
May 19, 2021 With a production capacity of 22.5MW of power or 25% of Belize’s total power consumption, the Blair Athol Power Company Limited (BAPCOL) is an integral part of the country’s national grid. One of the company’s three Wartsila W18V32 engines, which are drivers for the generators, recently underwent a complete overhaul. The plant was originally called the BAL Power Plant as it was built to supply power for the Belize Aquaculture Ltd Shrimp Farm (BAL). Located on the Blair Athol Estate on the Placencia Road, it commenced operation in 2006 under an operations and maintenance contract with Finnish company Wartsila. Since then, a local workforce has been developed, and the plant is now entirely operated and maintained by a highly skilled team of Belizeans. In 2009, the BAL Power Plant became an official Independent Power Producer (IPP), and in 2013 it became the Blair Athol Power Company Limited (BAPCOL) and a part of the Bowen & Bowen group of companies. As an IPP, BAPCOL not only serves as a power producer and hot standby plant
NOTIFICATION OF STATUTORY INSTRUMENT NO. 54 OF 2021 Belmopan. May 18, 2021. 6:00 p.m. The Ministry of Health & Wellness notifies the public of Statutory Instrument (SI) No. 54 of 2021, which takes effect today. This SI highlights amendments to two areas of the Public Health (Prevention of the Spread of Infectious Disease) (COVID-19) Regulations, 2021. The new curfew hours are as follows: Sunday to Wednesday, during the hours of 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.; and Thursday to Saturday, during the hours of 12:00 midnight to 5:00 a.m. The SI also states that persons will not be required to wear a face mask or face covering when moving on a motorcycle, golf cart or any other similar motor vehicle. The Ministry of Health & Wellness reminds the public to adhere to the Public Health Regulations and to continue to wear masks properly in public, maintain physical distancing, and wash and sanitize hands often. Please stay at home unless conducting essential business. Call the ministry’s hotline at 0-800-664-2273 for more information.
21
for Belize Electricity Ltd. (BEL) but is often called upon to “black-start” or jump-start the national grid if there is a total system collapse. It also helps stabilize conditions, ensures a reliable and secure national grid for Belizeans, and minimizes power outages in the southern part of the country. The recent Engine 2 overhaul is a sizeable undertaking that involves cleaning and refurbishing engine parts, including eighteen cylinder heads that weigh one ton each. The routine maintenance is done after every 12,000 hours of running time and generally takes three to four weeks to complete. The capable and dedicated team at BAPCOL ensures that this modern, reliable, and critically important IPP is kept in optimal conditions and ready to meet its commitments.
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) invites applicants for the functions of One-Health technical Consultant. Duty station: Qualifications: Experience:
Skills:
Belize City Essential: A university degree in public health or veterinary studies. Desirable: Master’s degree in One Health. Essential: At least 5 years experience in public health, food safety or zoonotic diseases detection, prevention, and control. Desirable: Experience in public health or animal health systems in Belize. •
• • • • • • • • •
Evidence-based knowledge of risk factors, for disease spillover from wildlife to domestic animals and humans, and clear mechanisms to prevent, predict, detect, respond and manage disease outbreaks at local, regional and national level. Ability to engage relevant sectors and disciplines across the human – animal – environment interface to address health in a way that is more effective, efficient, and sustainable. Coordination and collaboration, to implement activities across the humananimal interface. Very good understanding of the One Health approach and how it can be implemented in Belize. Excellent communication ad interpersonal skills and sensitivity to political and cultural issues. Ability to work in multisectoral teams and under pressure. Ability to meet deadlines. Strong professional oral and writing skills, including the development of reports, oral presentations, and technical/persuasive documents for consideration at the highest levels of the Organization. Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Demonstrated ability to effectively use a computer and utilize software programs such as Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Outlook. Other IT skills and knowledge of other software programs for Statistical Analysis, Data Exploratory Analysis and Project Management would be an asset.
Languages:
Very good knowledge of English and working knowledge of Spanish
Deadline:
Letter of application, Curriculum Vitae, and two current letters of recommendation should be sent to blzmail@paho.org or to P.O. Box 1834, Belize City no later than 25 May 2021.
For further details visit our website http://new.paho.org/blz/ . An interview will be held for this position and only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted. PAHO/WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
22
23 MAY
THE BELIZE TIMES
Belize Says, “Thanks!”
2021
TENDER FOR THE SUPPLY OF UNIFORM ITEMS TO THE BELIZE COAST GUARD FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021/22 1. Tenders are invited for the supply of uniform items listed below to the Belize Coast Guard for the period 1st April 2021 to 31st March 2022. 2. Quotation for the supply of uniform items is to be based on Duty Paid Prices. Brand names are to be specified where necessary. Prices that are submitted cannot be change. 3. Please note that 3% contract tax will be withheld. 4. Contract will be terminated if the contractor consistently fails to supply the requisite items as agreed. 5. Tenders should be in sealed envelope marked “Tender for the Supply of uniform Items to the Belize Coast Guard” and should be deposited in the tender box at the Ministry of National Defence and Border Security, Belmopan no later than the 28th June 2021 at 1130 am.
PAHO/WHO donate Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) and Biomedical Equipment to support the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital
LIST OF UNIFORM ITEMS REQUIREMENT BELIZE COAST GUARD Belize Coast Guard, 4 ½ Miles George Price Highway, Belize City
Belize City, Belize, May 10, 2021 (PAHO/WHO) – The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) through the PAHO Health Emergencies Department (PHE) is donating personal protective equipment (PPEs) and biomedical equipment to the KHMH’s COVID-19 Unit. The donation of oxygen concentrators is part of PAHO’s ongoing technical support to enhance medical oxygen supply when demands increase; the donated hand-held and fingertip pulse oximeters facilitate monitoring of oxygenation status during clinical management of patients diagnosed with COVID-19. The PPE kits are critical to minimizing exposure of health workers to SARS-Cov-2 as they provide care to patients hospitalized at the KHMH COVID-19 Critical Care Unit. Dr. Edwin Bolastig, Health Systems and Services Advisor commented, “Healthcare workers are crucial to maintaining services during the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the greatest risks to the healthcare system is the potentially high rate of infections due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) among healthcare workers. This could subsequently lead to a lack of availability of trained personnel to guarantee an adequate local and/or national response to the pandemic. Therefore, the donation of PPEs ensures the safety of health workers while maintaining availability of essential health workers to be able to respond to the pandemic by enhancing their ability to adhere to infection, prevention and control (IPC) practices.” The donated items include 5 oxygen concentrators, 2 portable handheld and 112 fingertip pulse oximeters, 300 respirator masks (KN95), 900 face shields, 7,500 surgical masks, 9,920 gowns and 5,000 gloves.
Mrs. Michelle Hoare, CEO of the KHMH thanked PAHO for the donations saying, “These donated items will provide the required medical support for ongoing management of persons confirmed with and suspected of having COVID-19. The donations will also better prepare hospital management as well as, the COVID-19 response team if Belize has to respond to a potential COVID-19 surge”. The KHMH is the only public facility in the country providing critical care services for COVID-19 patients. By enhancing infection prevention and control in the unit, the safety of healthcare staff working in the unit is protected and by assuring oxygen therapy and monitoring of oxygen status for the clinical management of moderate to severe cases of COVID-19, more lives are saved. Improving KHMH’s capacity will then allow the national referral facility for COVID-19 to be able to play a more effective role in the overall national health system response to the pandemic. The Health Emergencies Department (PHE) of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) facilitated the donation. Its objective is to increase health sector resilience to emergencies and disasters. PHE assists Member States to strengthen the health sector’s capacities in prevention, risk reduction, preparedness, surveillance, response and early recovery for emergencies and disasters related to any hazards (natural, man-made, biological, chemical, radiological and others). Additionally, when national capacities are overwhelmed, PHE leads and coordinates the international health response to contain disasters, including outbreaks, and to provide effective relief and recovery to affected populations, which includes the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
SER
Description/ Specifications
Units
Quantity
Remarks/Standards
1
Tropical Blue Shirt
each
250
USCG Standard
2
Tropical Blue Trouser
each
200
USCG Standard
3
Garrison Cap
each
250
USCG Standard
4
Metal CG Emblem
each
100
Gold
5
Bates Lite Shoe - Black
pair
300
Bates Lites
6
Black Nylon Belt
each
200
Military Type
7
Silver Buckle
each
200
Silver
8
Gold Buckle
each
50
Gold
9
Name Plate
each
200
USCG Specs – Trops (hard plastic)
10
PT Shirt w/logo - yellow
each
200
Dry weave
11
PT Short w/logo - black
each
200
Dry weave
12
Sea Bags
each
100
US Navy Waterproof (Black)
13
ODU Midnight Digital Jacket
each
250
Tru Spec
14
ODU Midnight Digital Trouser
each
250
Tru Spec
15
ODU Midnight Digital Navy Caps
each
400
Embroidery
16
Heavy Duty Belts - black
each
100
Rigger
17
Hot weather Combat Boot black
pair
450
Belleville
18
Steel Toe Tropical Boot - black
pair
50
Belleville
20
Digital BELIZE GUARD Tape
450
Match Digital Uniform (cloth)
21
TRU Twisters
pair
450
Tru Spec
22
Digital NAME Tape
each
450
Match Digital Uniform (cloth
23
Unit Patches
each
200
Embroidery
24
Rank Patches
each
100
Match Digital Uniform (cloth)
25
Belize Flag Patch
each
100
Embroidery
26
Coast Guard Patch
each
100
Embroidery
27
Summer White Shirt
each
250
Short Sleeve/Button
28
Summer White Trouser
each
250
29
Combination Cover
each
200
Vanguard
30
Bates Lite Shoe - White
pair
50
Bates Lites
31
White Nylon Belt
each
50
Military Type
32
Officer Shoulder Boards
pair
50
Vanguard (BELIZE)
33
Officer Ranks
pair
50
Vanguard - Metal
34
Enlisted Ranks
pair
100
Vanguard - Metal
35
Coveralls Navy Blue
each
60
Dickies
36
Service Dress Jacket
each
15
USCG Standard
37
Service Dress Trouser
each
15
USCG Standard
38
Gold Buttons Set
pair
50
Belize Coast Guard Custom made
39
Combat Shirt
each
46
Crye precision G3 woodland
40
Combat Trousers
each
46
Crye precision G3 woodland
41
Tru Spec Shirt
each
23
Woodland true spec
42
Tru Spec pants
each
23
Woodand true spec
43
Hydration Pack with Bladder
each
10
44
DD Frontline Hammock Super Light
each
23
45
Boonie Cap
each
23
46
Condor 3 Day Assault Pack
each
23
47
Condor Plate Carrier
each
12
Crye precision jumpable
48
Rocky CT4 Boots
each
23
Rocky CT4
49
Black Hawk Omnivore M9 Holster
each
23
Black Hawk
50
Mag Pouch/holster
36
Matrix fast hard shell M4
51
SIM Bolt carrier
each
10
Keisier force 5.56 simulation
52
8-point head dress cover
each
23
woodland
COAST each
each
BDU woodland patrol cap
23 MAY
2021
THE BELIZE TIMES
23
OUT
!
Dear Editor, I personally have nothing against this strike, I feel proud that a BUNCH of union members stand up with balls against A Government, what makes it annoying is that you are using the poor Belizeans as excuses to get what you want. Blocking of roads like If real people don’t have a job to report in… And now, using death as a joke, in times of Covid19 and so many people losing their lives daily because of this entire situation, a coffin isn’t something to play with. You are bringing bad memories to people out here. It’s been a difficult year for many, no food on the table, no jobs and the loss of loved ones. 10% of a 100% is minimum comparing those that have lost the entire 100%. Come on man. To be real this saddens me, and gives me so much rage seeing this type of behaviour of “high people” in society. Instead of gaining people on your side, you are getting people angry and disappointed with the actions you’re taking. Think for once. Unemployed Belizean
CALL
671-8385 or
EMAIL: belizetimesadvertisement@ yahoo.com
To place advertisement in the Belize Times Newspaper
CAREER OPPORTUNITY Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) is the primary distributor and the only licensed public provider of electricity in Belize. Our mission is to deliver safe, reliable and sustainable energy solutions to enhance the quality of life and the productivity of enterprise and to support national development. We are looking for a highly motivated, goal-oriented, responsible and committed person to join our Company in the role of Legal Services Supervisor in the Legal Services Unit of our Employee and Corporate Services Division. Duties: • Monitor and coordinate processes to ensure company compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. • Conduct legal research and prepare related reports and other legal documents in support of company operations. • Manage case files and maintain and update company registers. • Ensure that case summaries are properly prepared and updated, files are properly and securely maintained, and records and documents are collected and organized. • Maintain and update law library or other repository of legal department books, material, and resources. • Conduct weekly review of the Gazette to identify legal developments affecting the Company’s operations and submit related report findings. • Assist with department budget preparation. • Oversee the day-to-day workflow of the department. • Perform other related duties as assigned. Education and Experience: • Associate Degree in Paralegal studies with a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in the legal field; or • Bachelor of Law Degree with a minimum of two years’ of progressively responsible experience in the legal field Required Skills and Abilities: • Basic understanding of court and administrative proceedings and documentation • Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with a high degree of tact • Must have excellent ability to multi-task, prioritize, organize, be detail-oriented and have the ability to work under pressure due to time-constraint • Excellent verbal and written communication skills • Superior proficiency in administrative tasks • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software Salary: In accordance with Company’s salary structure Kindly submit application letter along with resume, copy of degrees and certificates and three (3) recent professional letters of recommendation to: Manager, Manage Talent Acquisition and Development Email: Career.Opportunity@bel.com.bz In the email subject, please indicate the position: Legal Services Supervisor Only electronic applications are being accepted at this time. For more information or queries, call us: 227-0954 Ext. 1415 or 1416 Deadline: Friday, May 28, 2021
24
THE BELIZE TIMES
23 MAY
2021