Belize Times May 27, 2018- Cheapest Commodity In Belize Life!

27 MAY

SCAN HERE

2018

The Belize Times

Established 1957

27 MAY 2018 | ISSUE NO: 5098

The Truth Shall Make You Free

www.belizetimes.bz | $1.00

80 MURDERS – 10CHEAPEST INCOMMODITY ONEINWEEK BELIZE IS LIFE! Pg. 2

READY FOR VICTORY FUEL PRICES SHOOT UP AGAIN Pg. 2

THE PUP OFFERS HOPE IN RED BANK Pg. 2

2 02

27 MAY

THE BELIZE TIMES

80 MURDERS –

THE PUP OFFERS HOPE IN RED BANK

10 IN ONE WEEK

Thursday, 24 May 2018 In two years, the Ministry of National Security has become the Ministry of Home Affairs and the separate Ministry of Defence, and then has gone back to one Ministry again. In that two years, responsibility for the Police has gone from John Saldivar to Godwin Hulse to Sedi Elrington to Elodio Aragon Jr. and back to John Saldivar. While all those changes have been happening, as the Prime Minister juggles his deck of jokers, one thing has remained true – the murder rate has continued to go up. None of those put in place to deal with crime has been able to do so, and Belizeans have reached the point where there is no sense of security or safety to be had in the country.

Currently the Prime Minister is out of the country again, and nobody in authority has said anything about the astronomical murder rate. To date, as we go to press, there have been 80 murders in the country. As a comparison, in 2017, at the end of May, there had been 59 murders. In 2016, at the end of May, there had been 57 murders.

Yet we are one week from the end of May 2018 and there have been 80 murders. That is not only cause for concern – it is cause for immediate action – but real and effective action, not the useless juggling and name-changing aesthetics that have been the order of the day so far.

This is a real crisis situation, and our leaders have absolutely nothing to say in the matter. In the past days we have seen hard-working residents executed in brazen and bold fashion just so they could be robbed. Over the weekend a mother of nine was shot as she went to the store to pick up some items to cook for the family. A hot-dog vendor was shot and killed as he returned home from working. A man was murdered because he won Boledo. This isn’t just about gangs killing gangs anymore. Innocent people are falling victim to predators. The Police seem to have no answers. And certainly the politicians seem to have neither answers nor the will to find any.

When the Opposition People’s United Party reached out to the Police in Belize City to see how crime could be fought on a bi-partisan level, they were rebuffed. Minister of Police John Saldivar sent word that if the Opposition had any ideas on fighting crime they should send him an email. That right there is the level of immaturity and arrogance of those who are faced with a problem that they simply cannot solve. When the government comes under scrutiny for uncontrollable crime, they retort with the tired spiel that crime is the responsibility of everyone.

Belize is in real trouble. Crime is affecting every aspect of our lives. There was a time when the streets would be bustling with activity on weekend nights. Now the streets of Belize City resemble those of a ghost town. To come out on the streets these days is to risk your life. Just think about Michelle Anderson who simply went to the store to buy items to cook for her family.

United States

on page 31 ExchangeContinued rate (USD): $ 0.50 of One Belize Dollar

Thursday, 24 May 2018 The visit of PUP Leader John Briceño, who has visited Red Bank Village no less than five times in the past 3 years, was greatly anticipation by many in attendance on Tuesday.

The predominantly Mayan community congregated at the community center to listen to their PUP leaders, introduced by Red Bank’s own, former UDP member Alberto Acal, who proudly stated that he wasted his time with the UDP as they did nothing for Red Bank but make promises. Acal stated that he saw progress come to Red Bank under the PUP

FUEL PRICES SHOOT UP AGAIN Thursday, 24 May 2018 Without any warning, at the stroke of midnight ushering in May 23rd, the pump prices of fuel skyrocketed. The price of Premium Fuel went up by 31 cents, to $11.67 in the city. The price of Regular Fuel went up by 21 cents, to $11.35 and the price of Diesel Fuel went up 3 cents, to $10.63. Incredibly, this massive increase follows a price hike just seven days before.

The Prime Minister is not available to answer questions, since he flew out of the country once again even before the increase was announced. Barrow has been out of the country more than he has been in the country. But it is not as if it would have mattered. Readers will understand that Ministers and select officials of government do not have to worry when the gas prices go up. They simply go to the gas station and fill up their luxury SUVs with blue plates, and taxpayers pay for it.

In a press conference, one of the few occasions he was

Barbados (BBD): $ 1.00

Eastern Caribbean Euro (XCD):$ 1.35 (EUR) : $ 0.46

in the country, Mr. Barrow glibly claimed that “when prices to the consumer go up in this country it is as a result of factors completely beyond our control.” And in answer to the assertion that GOB rakes in almost half of what is paid for a gallon of gas, Mr. Barrow just as glibly informed the nation that government was not going to reduce its taxes on fuel, no matter what – “there is no way, I need to make clear, that we can reduce our tax take…for every ten cents that we pull back we lose two or three million dollars from the budget.”

Belizeans don’t care about fancy explanations by the Prime Minister. They want to know why Belizeans are being forced to pay the highest prices for fuel in the region, and among the highest in the world. Frustration in the country is at an all-time high, as taxpayers are being burdened far beyond what they can afford. The nation is fast reaching a tipping point, and there is news that the prices of fuel will go up again in the very near future.

2018

and he can’t wait for that Party to return to Belmopan.

The gathering was addressed at length by leaders in the Party, including Area Representative Rodwell Ferguson who spoke of the many accomplishments that have come to Red Bank in the PUP era.

The dynamic Oscar Requena spoke of the hope for a better future with the PUP, a future that includes free education for our children, security of land ownership, jobs opportunities and quality healthcare Hon Mike Espat took the opportunity to brief villagers about the referendum on going to the ICJ which is now less than a year away, explaining to them how important it is to know exactly what is on the table and to educate themselves on the facts of the claim.

Hon. John Briceño, no stranger to the people of Red Bank, touched on the importance of finding markets here at home and abroad for our produce, including cattle, pigs, beans, rice, fruits and other local commodities. Under the UDP, no attention has been given to the agricultural sector and our farmers and producers have suffered. Briceño also touched on the critically important re-registration process which gets underway in a few months. It is important that all Belizeans take part in the process to ensure that they are not disenfranchised by the UDP, especially with the referendum coming up.

It is clear that the people of Red Bank are ready for the PUP to take charge in Belmopan. That was the message sent strongly to the leaders of the Party Tuesday. With the support of the people, it will be done.

The Belize Times

Established 1957

14 APR 2013

|

ISSUE NO: 4840

The Truth Shall Make You Free

www.belizetimes.bz

|

$1.00

serving Belize since 1957 as the longest continuous newspaper.

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

Fay Castillo EDITOR

Mike Rudon

LAYOUT/GRAPHIC ARTIST

Chris Williams

OFFICE ASSISTANT

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

Email: belizetimesadvertisement@yahoo.com

editortimes@yahoo.com

Sterling Pound Guatemala Quetzal CANADIAN DOLLAR CHINESE YUAN (GBP): $ 0.35 (GTQ): $ 3.85 (CNY): $ 3.28 (CAD): $ 0.67

Trinidadian (TTD) : $ 3.27

INDIAN RUPEE (INR): $ 33.71

27 MAY

2018

03 3

THE BELIZE TIMES

Faber’s International Embarrassment Makes the Gleaner Thursday, 24 May 2018 The Jamaica Gleaner of May 18, 2018, in a story entitled Belize Deputy Prime Minister Confirms his Detention in the US, stated that “Belize Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber has confirmed that he was ‘detained for about three hours’ last month when he visited the United States because police thought he fit the description of a man who was about to launch a gun attack on a school.”

Last week Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber, currently Acting Prime Minister since his boss is out of the country again, admitted that he was the cause of an international incident, one in which he was detained by Atlanta Police at gunpoint and held for three hours. Faber was also the reason why two Henry County schools were put on Hard Lockdown, until Police could determine whether he was indeed a threat or not.

Faber had at first tried to deny

the incident, claiming that he was waiting on the US Embassy or the US State Department to clarify that he was not involved in any incident, since he had ‘heard the rumours.’ But less than a week after, Faber did an abrupt about turn and admitted that he had indeed been ‘arrested’ by Police and held for three hours.

According to the Deputy Prime Minister, his detention was the result of a 911 call in which he was named and described as a threat to the school. While he claims that the Police ‘apologized profusely’ to him for the detention after, there is certainly no confirmation of that from Police sources, from the US State Department or from the US Embassy in Belize.

The Belize Times has been told by multiple sources that the 911 call was a response to a text message which Faber sent to his ex-wife which was perceived as a threat. It is known that Faber has

Message from Hon. John Briceño, Leader of the Opposition

Stay Cool This week, I want to talk about something that most of you are already feeling - the heat. It’s really hot outside. Already daytime temperatures are hitting the high 90s, well above the average temperature in May, which is usually in the high 80s. This is not good, because we are about to enter what is being predicted as a very active hurricane season.

But the heat is just half the story. You see, here in Belize we have a real problem and while we are not the cause of this problem, we suffer the consequences. Climate change is real and we know that it is having a direct effect on us.

Here is the proof. In 2014 the average temperature in May was 81 degrees; May 2015 recorded average temperature of 84 degrees. Eighty-five degrees was the average recorded temperature in 2017 and this year we are averaging about 89 degrees. This May is 8 degrees warmer than it was five years ago.

And climate experts just reported that last month April was the warmest month on record globally. It is getting hotter and hotter and this is not good - not for our farmers, our tourism industry and for our health.

It is not good because the warm waters heat up the temperature in the sea, which bleaches the coral and kills our beautiful barrier reef. The reef is a main source of our economic development.

Worse though is the fact that hurricanes develop and intensify in warm waters, which can be devastating to life, crops and property. Hurricanes not only bring damage and destruction to us personally, but they also keep back our development as millions of dollars must be spent in recovery and this slows our progress towards development. This is why the issue of climate change is so important to a country like ours.

Belize has a large coastline, much of which is right at or below sea level so just a rising tide can cause damage, much less a serious storm surge. We are fortunate to have the reef, which offers us some protection from the large waves. For these reasons climate change must matter to us.

For us in the PUP environmental justice is a key part of our creed. This means we promote the sustainable development of our nation by working to reduce poverty, through managing and sharing our resources properly. We are committed to minimizing pollution, reducing waste; recycling where possible and conserving as much as we can. We welcome plans to pass legislation banning the importation of Styrofoam in Belize and to discontinue the excessive use of plastic bags. This is a positive step.

Of course we don’t have to wait for the legislation to pass. Let’s start from now by taking a cloth bag to the market and the grocery store. Also we can recycle more, conserve energy and stop wasting water.

Water is an indispensible resource that should not be wasted. These few things can help reduce the effects of climate change So, while we will pray for a hurricane season free from storms, let’s plan and prepare, listen only to the official reports and help each other. As to the hot weather, drink a lot of water and try to say cool.

Remember, working together to reduce global warming and helping each other is building a Belize that works for everyone.

had a very contentious relationship with his ex-wife who divorced him on the grounds of physical and emotional cruelty. The DPM’s violent behaviour towards women has been documented in Belize, to the extent that one girlfriend reported to Police that she was punched by him and dragged around the house by her hair.

Faber, as recently as last week, claimed confidently that he would be the next leader of the UDP.

CALL

671-8385 or

EMAIL:

belizetimesadvertisement@ yahoo.com

To place advertisement in the Belize Times Newspaper

4 04

27 MAY

THE BELIZE TIMES

2018

Country in Crisis – PM Gawn AGAIN! Thursday, 24 May 2018 The resources of the Government Press Office have been sorely taxed in keeping up with the issuance of press releases informing the public that Prime Minister Dean Barrow will be out of the country yet again, on some personal mission or the other. Observers have suggested that since the PM is gone much more often than he is here, it would be easier and much less time-consuming for the Press Office to issue releases informing the nation that he is in country.

Currently Belize is in a national insecurity crisis. It seems that every single time we turn on the news, there are multiple murders being reported. Currently the nation is on a bloody track to blow the current murder record out the water. Where is Prime Minister Dean Barrow? He is out of the country again, supposedly seeking a miracle cure for his bad back.

The pump prices of fuel have increased to the point where even our generally laid-back Belizean people are talking protest and demonstration. Because of the

high prices, which we are told will go much higher very soon, every sector of our society is in crisis – including tourism which has so far been the only semi-bright spot for government. Farmers are crying out for help as the costs of production skyrocket. Small businesses are closing their doors.

The poor are becoming poorer because even the cost of basic goods is through the roof. The so-called middle class is being driven toward poverty – only a sickness or an unexpected emergency away from the poorhouse.

At this time, more than ever, the country needs a strong hand at the helm – not a dictatorial hand, but one which can guide us through increasingly treacherous waters. At this time, more than ever, the country needs a caring leader who understands that poverty is very real, and understands that every tax and burden placed on the shoulders of our people are stifling opportunities and crippling us. Instead we have Dean Barrow, who is currently out of the country – AGAIN.

There are reports coming out of the taxi associations and the bus owners associations that discussions are underway for an increase in the cost of fares. Who can blame them? They are feeling the pinch just as all Belizeans are. Taxis and buses use fuel which has become prohibitively expensive. How can taxis continue to charge $7 for a run when the cost for one gallon of fuel is close to $12? How can buses continue to charge the same when the cost of diesel keeps going up, and the cost of parts for maintenance is through the roof?

Belizeans are going through the worst of times, when we were promised by the UDP that the best is yet to come. In some many ways, the nation is in crisis. The people are frustrated and angry and depressed. And where is Prime Minister Dean Barrow?

Well who knows where he is this week – what we do know is that HE IS NOT IN BELIZE.

CARTOON

27 MAY

2018

THE BELIZE TIMES

EDITORIAL

HOUSE OF CARDS – JOKERS ALL

P

rime Minister Dean Barrow, leader of the country for now, has been a creature almost as elusive as the mythical Loch Ness Monster, and almost as difficult to see. He has been out of the country more often than not, and when he is in-country seems to spend all his time in Placencia at his fancy beachside resort. While there have been many issues battering and beating down on common folks, normal Belizeans to be more exact, Mr. Barrow has been missing in action, allegedly flying far and wide in an attempt to find the mysterious and magical cure for his ailing back.

Last week Mr. Barrow happened to be in the country and called a press conference because, in his own words, he felt that the media had been too long denied the pleasure of his presence. It has been a long time since any pleasure has been derived from the presence of the Prime Minister – that is for certain. Unless, of course, you are one of the chosen in that inner UDP circle who has not so magically or mysteriously been transformed from a pauper to a prince – financially speaking of course. Truth be told, there was no pleasure coming out of this latest press conference, attended as usual by the PM’s fawning sycophants brought in to provide applause and giggles on cue.

To start off, Mr. Barrow assured all Belizeans that they need not worry when it comes to taking Guatemala’s unfounded claim to the International Court of Justice.

Why…you may ask? Well because the Prime Minister is convinced, beyond any shadow of a doubt, and after the best legal advice, that our nation has nothing to lose by going to the ICJ. Isn’t that a story we’ve heard on multiple occasions…delivered with that same cocksure confidence and bravado by the self-styled knight on white charger? Ironically, Belizeans now know that when Mr. Barrow says we are not to worry, then it is time for full-scale panic. We have all been down this road before.

The Prime Minister, in all his arrogant glory, has taken us along the path of perdition – all because he blinded us with bullshit and the bombast oozing from his every pore. At every turn he assured us that there was no way the so-called Ashcroft Alliance could win – not with the ‘best’ legal advice in the government’s corner, and not with a Prime Minister who considers himself the authority on law.

We all went along with it, mostly because we were offered no other option but also because Mr. Barrow was so sure. He was sure, or so we were led to believe, right up to the point where he and his law partner travelled to Miami for a secret meeting in which Lord Michael Ashcroft was handed a blank check by the Prime Minister.

What happened there? A previous administration of the PUP has been vilified for giving Lord Ashcroft an unduly beneficial undertaking through an accommodation agreement. But the Prime Minister, in 2015, signed his own Accommodation Agreement with Lord Ashcroft, and as the icing on that cake, handed over a blank check – signed and sealed. How about that?

What it is, is what it is. Whenever the Prime Minister appears overwhelmingly confident of something, and talks about the best legal advice – it is okay to feel uneasy and even a bit queasy. There are hundreds of millions of reasons why we feel that way.

Did we mention that at the press conference there was no pleasure to be had from the Prime Minister? He confirmed, with no remorse or even a façade of discomfort that the prohibitively high fuel prices would be going up yet again. And explained that lowering the Government’s take on the fuel, responsible for the high pump prices, is simply not an option because they need the money. Your cable bill will be going up to $60 a month effective June 1, 2018. The Prime Minister didn’t care much about that either, offering not even cold comfort even as normal Belizeans struggle to mete out a decent daily existence.

Mr. Barrow had another announcement to make at his press conference. He will NOT be leaving office for another year, at least – likely, he said, in May 2019 when a new leader of the UDP will be chosen at convention. That must be terrible news for the self-proclaimed leader-in-waiting, Patrick Faber, who does not enjoy the support of the Prime Minister. In fact, when asked about his successor, Barrow enjoyed a good laugh. Faber, without a doubt, was not and is not laughing. He must realize that John Saldivar, his nemesis, would slice and dice him in a second for the coveted leadership position. And now the Prime Minister has stated that a third Minister wants to be leader.

The United Democratic Party has betrayed the people of Belize. Whether the election is called now, six months from now or a year and a half from now…the writing is on the wall. Putting off the election until the last constitutionally-allowed moment is only delaying the inevitable. The UDP is a house of cards. Worse, those cards are all Jokers.

05 5 en Español

CASA DE NAIPES COMODINES TODOS

E

l Primer Ministro Dean Barrow, líder del país por ahora, ha sido una criatura casi tan elusiva como el monstruo mítico del lago Ness, y casi tan difícil de ver. Él ha estado fuera del país más a menudo que no, y cuando está en el país parece pasar todo su tiempo en Placencia en su lujoso Resort junto a la playa. Si bien ha habido muchos problemas azotando y presionando a la gente común, a los beliceños normales para ser más exacto, el Sr. Barrow ha desaparecido en acción, supuestamente volando por todas partes en un intento de encontrar la cura misteriosa y mágica para su espalda maltrecha.

La semana pasada dio la casualidad que el Sr. Barrow resulto estar en el país y llamó a una conferencia de prensa porque, en sus propias palabras, sintió que se le había negado por mucho tiempo a los medios de comunicación el placer de su presencia. Ha pasado mucho tiempo desde que cualquier placer se ha derivado de la presencia del Primer Ministro - eso es seguro. A menos, por supuesto que sea usted de los privilegiados de ese círculo interno del UDP que han sido transformados de mendigos a príncipes de manera ni tan mágica ni misteriosa- financieramente hablando por supuesto. A decir verdad, ningún placer salió de esta última Conferencia de prensa, asistida como de costumbre por los aduladores serviles del primer ministro traídos para proporcionar aplausos y risas tontas en el momento oportuno.

Para empezar, el Sr. Barrow aseguró a todos los beliceños que no necesitan preocuparse en lo que respecta a llevar la reclamación infundada de Guatemala a la Corte Internacional de Justicia (CIJ). ¿Por qué... usted podría preguntar? pues porque el primer ministro está convencido, más allá de toda duda, y después del mejor consejo legal que nuestra nación no tiene nada que perder al ir a la CIJ. ¿No es esa una historia que hemos escuchado en múltiples ocasiones... entregada con esa misma confianza engreída y fanfarrona por el supuesto caballero en el corcel blanco?

Irónicamente, los beliceños saben ahora que cuando el señor Barrow dice que no debemos preocuparnos, entonces es el momento para el pánico a gran escala. Todos hemos estado por este camino antes.

El Primer Ministro, en toda su gloria arrogante, nos ha llevado por el camino de la perdición - todo porque nos ha cegado con sus chorradas y la grandilocuencia que le rezume por todos los poros. En todo momento nos aseguró de que no había manera de que la llamada “Alianza de Ashcroft” pudiera ganar, no con el “mejor” asesoramiento legal en la esquina del gobierno, y no con un primer ministro que se considera una autoridad de la ley. Todos estuvimos de acuerdo, sobre todo porque no nos ofrecieron ninguna otra opción, pero también porque el señor Barrow estaba tan seguro. Estaba seguro, o así que nos llevaron a creer, hasta el punto del que él y su socio de su bufete legal viajaron a Miami para una reunión secreta en la que a Lord Michael Ashcroft le fue entregado un cheque en blanco por el primer ministro. ¿Qué pasó ahí? Una administración pasada del PUP ha sido vilipendiada al dar a Lord Ashcroft una concesión beneficiosa indebidamente a través de un acuerdo de acomodo. Pero el Primer Ministro, en 2015, firmó su propio acuerdo de acomodo con Lord Aschroft y como la guinda del pastel le entrego un cheque en blanco- firmado y sellado. ¿Qué te parece?

Lo que es, es lo que es. Cada vez que el primer ministro aparece abrumadoramente seguro de algo, y habla del mejor asesoramiento legal - está bien sentirse incómodo e incluso un poco mareado. Hay cientos de millones de razones por las que nos sentimos de esa manera. ¿Mencionamos que en la Conferencia de prensa no había ningún placer que se derive del primer ministro? Confirmó, sin remordimiento y ni siquiera una fachada de malestar que los precios elevados y prohibitivos de los combustibles estarían subiendo de nuevo. Y explicó que la reducción de los impuestos del gobierno en el combustible, responsable de los altos precios de la gasolinera, simplemente no es una opción porque necesitan el dinero. Su factura de cable va a subir a $60 por mes a partir del 1 de junio de 2018. Al primer ministro no le importó mucho eso tampoco, ni siquiera ofreció un consuelo frío, incluso cuando el beliceño normal lucha por hacer una existencia diaria y decente.

Barrow tuvo otro anuncio que hacer en su conferencia de prensa. Él no dejara el cargo por otro año, al menos-probablemente, dijo, en mayo de 2019 cuando un nuevo líder del UDP será elegido en una convención. Eso debe ser una noticia terrible para el auto-proclamado líder en espera, Patrick Faber que no disfruta del apoyo del primer ministro. De hecho, cuando se le preguntó acerca de su sucesor, Barrow disfrutó de una buena carcajada. Faber, sin duda, no estaba y no está riéndose. Ha de darse cuenta de que John Saldivar, su archí-enemigo, lo haría picadillo en un segundo por la posición codiciada de liderazgo. Y ahora el primer ministro ha declarado que un tercer Ministro quiere ser líder.

El Partido Unido Demócrata ha traicionado al pueblo de Belice. Si la elección se llama ahora, seis meses a partir de ahora o año y medio a partir de ahora... la escritura está en la pared. Aplazar la elección hasta el último momento constitucionalmente permitido sólo retrasa lo inevitable. El UDP es una casa de naipes. Peor aun, esas cartas son todas comodines.

6 06 Mother of Nine Murdered – A Community Grieves

Thursday, May 24, 2018 Police say that they have been unable to establish a motive in the tragic murder of Michelle Anderson, 40, shot to death on Monday morning as she picked up a few items for her family’s lunch at Jun’s Shop located in the Michael Finnegan Market. At around 10:00am, Anderson was with several persons inside the store when a gunman ran in and fired shots which hit Anderson and Nelson Lopez, 30, and employee of the establishment. As persons scattered, the gunman then ran out the store and fled the scene.

According to Assistant Superintendent of Police Alejandro Cowo, “Police responded to shots being fired in the Finnegan Market and as a result, upon arrival at the Finnegan Market, they were informed that two shooting victims were at the hospital, one being a female and one being a male person.

Upon their arrival at the hospital, they observed that a male person was being attended to by the doctor.”

Lopez would escape serious injury with a shot to the thigh. But Anderson, a mother of nine, was shot in the chest and died. When Police spoke to the media in a routinely scheduled press briefing on Tuesday, they had not yet ascertained the identities of all who were inside the shop when the attack occurred, and at the time were unable to provide any motive for the fatal shooting.

Anderson was known to many in the Conch-shell Bay area as an always upbeat and hard-working fish cleaner. She had worked at the Vernon Street Fish Market for many years. Her distraught family could not comprehend why she would be targeted by the gunman, so their assumption is that she was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.

According to sources, she had already gone to the store but forgot something she needed for the midday meal, so she went back.

“I was in my family yard when they came in and said people got shot by the market. I was going to buy soft drinks. They said it was a Michelle. I asked if it was my mom and they said no it was a big girl and then my aunt said your mom went to the market. I realized then that it was my mom and when I went I saw it was my mom,” Sherilyn Ortiz told the media.

There are currently no suspects in the brazen murder, but it appears that robbery was not the motive since the gunman made no attempt to steal anything before fleeing the scene.

27 MAY

THE BELIZE TIMES

2018

Hot Dog Vendor Gunned Down

Thursday, May 23, 2018 There was another senseless murder in Belize City on Sunday morning, and the motive appears to have been robbery. At around 4:00am, Honduran businessman Juan Angel Vargas, 44, had just returned to his home on Tigris Street after

a long night of selling hotdogs and playing pool at the nearby Lion King Club.

As he and an employee unloaded equipment from his vehicle, reports are that one gunman approached him from behind and shot him twice.

According to Police, it seems to be a clear case of robbery by somebody who was stalking Vargas.

ASP Alejandro Cowo told the media Tuesday that “he was approached by a male person who fired at his direction hitting him to the back of his head causing the fatal injuries. Police in the area responded and as a result, this matter is under investigation. During the investigation Police have uncovered that his

wallet and other personal items were gone.

What we understand is that when he finished his sales and packed up he was followed until he reached to his home on Tigris Street.”

Vargas, was also a champion pool player and had won many tournaments in the twenty years he had lived in Belize. By all accounts he was a hard-working, law-abiding citizen who troubled nobody. A relative told the media what happened when Vargas and his employee got home – “He was playing a pool tournament in the morning so while he parked and she went out he came out and opened the back door of the vehicle to take out the rest of the stuff - his ice box and other things that he takes to the place to sell. While the girl went inside she heard one shot and then another and she cried out and said Angel.

According to reports, Vargas had around $2000 on him from the day and night’s sales of hot dogs. That money, along with two wallets he always carried on him, were taken by the person who killed him and left him lying in a pool of his own blood.

Police have no suspects detained.

PUBLIC AUCTION SALE

BY ORDER OF THE CHARGEE HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED, a Licensed Public Auctioneer will sell on site the following property at the time as listed.

At No. 2 Faber’s Road, Belize City, Belize District on Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at 10:00a.m.

SCHEDULE

ALL THAT piece or parcel of land comprising 438.07 square yards being Parcel 1221, Block 45 in the Queens Square West Registration Section situate at No. 2 Faber’s Road, Belize City, Belize District, Belize TOGETHER with a recently renovated and well-maintained concrete bungalow house enclosed by a chain link fence and containing four bedrooms, two bathrooms, living room, dining room, kitchen and laundry room, the freehold property of KOSHIA GENTLE DATED this 15th day of May 2018

All sales are strictly cash and deemed final. For more information contact: HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED 1 HYDE’S LANE, BELIZE CITY, BELIZE Phone: (501) 224-5644 Fax: (501) 223-0738 Email: foreclosures@hrcubelize.org

27 MAY

2018

07 7

THE BELIZE TIMES

ON THE

NOTICE

MOVE

On Saturday, May 19th, Hon. Jose Abelardo Mai was endorsed as the Standard Bearer for Orange Walk South at ceremonies held in Trinidad Village, Orange Walk District. Mai has served the people of the South of Orange Walk well, and from the overwhelming support in evidence, he will be in Belmopan whenever the next General elections are called.

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF BELIZE A.D. 2017 (DIVORCE) ACTION NO.: 321 of 2017

BETWEEN

(MARTANITA MAZA LIMA MELENDEZ ( ( AND ( (JAMES ALBERT MELENDEZ

PETITIONER

RESPONDENT

TO: YESSY PEREZ

San Pedro Town

Belize District Belize

TAKE NOTICE that the Petition for dissolution of marriage dated 1st day of December, 2017, endorsed with a notice to you to appear and answer the charges therein has been filed in the Supreme Court of Belize, by MARTANITA MAZA LIMA MELENDEZ of Iguana Garden’s Apartments, San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, Belize and that you are required within fourteen (14) days of the second publication hereof to enter an appearance at the office of the Registrar of the Supreme Court in Belize City, Belize should you think fit so to do and thereafter to make answer to the charges in the said Petition and FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that in default of your so doing the Court will proceed to hear the said charges proved and pronounce judgement your absence notwithstanding.

This Petition is filed and this Notice to appear is by M.H.CHEBAT & Co. of # 53 Barrack Road, Belize City, Belize, Attorneys-at-Law for the Petitioner, MARTANITA MAZA LIMA MELENDEZ. DATED this 16th day of May 2018 REGISTRAR OF THE SUPREME COURT Note: Any person entering an appearance must at the same time furnish an address for service within two miles of the Supreme Court.

NOTICE IN THE SUPREME COURT OF BELIZE A.D. 2017 (DIVORCE) ACTION NO.: 347 of 2017

BETWEEN

TO:

(NELLY CLAUDETTE SALAZAR REYES ( ( AND ( (JOHN FITZGERALD KENNEDY REYES

PETITIONER

RESPONDENT

JOHN FITZGERALD KENNEDY REYES Teck Street San Ignacio Cayo District Belize

TAKE NOTICE that the Petition for dissolution of marriage dated 1st day of December, 2017, endorsed with a notice to you to appear and answer the charges therein has been filed in the Supreme Court of Belize, by NELLY CLAUDETTE SALAZAR REYES of # 1 Dalia Street, San Ignacio Town, Cayo District, Belize, and that you are required within fourteen (14) days of the second publication hereof to enter an appearance at the office of the Registrar of the Supreme Court in Belize City, Belize should you think fit so to do and thereafter to make answer to the charges in the said Petition and FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that in default of your so doing the Court will proceed to hear the said charges proved and pronounce judgement your absence notwithstanding.

This Petition is filed and this Notice to appear is by M.H.CHEBAT & Co. of # 53 Barrack Road, Belize City, Belize, Attorneys-at-Law for the Petitioner, NELLY CLAUDETTE SALAZAR REYES. DATED this 16th day of May 2018 REGISTRAR OF THE SUPREME COURT Note: Any person entering an appearance must at the same time furnish an address for service within two miles of the Supreme Court.

08 8 KYNE GENTLE EXECUTED IN SAN IGNACIO

27 MAY

THE BELIZE TIMES

Maya Belize River Challenge.

The cycling and paddling community have all expressed their sympathies for a great loss to their sporting communities.

On Tuesday, Assistant Commissioner of Police Joseph Myvette informed that San Ignacio Police had not detained any suspects for the gruesome murder but they are following several leads. No motive has been ascertained for the murder. Gentle leaves behind a two year old son.

Thursday, 24 May 2018 Kyne Gentle, a well-known sports enthusiast from Santa Elena Town, was killed execution style on the steps of Blue Angels Night Club in San Ignacio Town. Gentle was socializing inside the club at around 12:30 on Monday morning and had just walked down to buy a plate of food from a vendor in front of the club.

Several eye witnesses told the Belize Times that while Gentle was standing on the steps, someone yelled out his name and as he turned to look at the person, the murderer shot him. After Gentle’s body fell on the ground, the killer stood over him and shot him to the head at point blank range. The killer then ran away from the scene. A video circulating on social media after the incident showed Police arriving a short while after while bystanders were screaming for help.

Various business establishments have surveillance videos around the area, however Police could not confirm if any videos to identify the murderer have been retrieved. Gentle’s grandmother, Adelaida Perez, who raised him since he was three years old, was in tears as she told us, “This is a shock to me. I raised Kyne like my own child. I couldn’t take this shock in my life. Kyne was a calm person, I really don’t know why they have to do this to him. All the time, I used to advise him. He used to like horses and then he started to paddle and he liked the sports very much. I will miss him very much.”

Gentle was active in the cycling and paddling community. He was also a jockey.

In March, Gentle was a member of the PACT team for the La Ruta

LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICE Notice is hereby given that Jun Jin Su is applying for a Malt & Cider Liquor License to be operated at “Café Delight” located at 1224 Blue Marlin Blvd., Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

2018

NOTICE DONNEL HOLDINGS LIMITED. # 109, 289 (“the Company”)

Pursuant to Section 102 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, notice is hereby given that DONNEL HOLDINGS LIMITED has been dissolved as at 21st February, 2018 and has been struck off the Register of International Business Companies.

CILTrust International Limited Registered Agent

MAY 8 MAY 31 26 JUL FEB 24 NOV 27 14 19 AUG JUN

2016 2017 2018 2016

THE BELIZE THE BELIZE TIMESTIMES

Belmopan Bandits Win 2018 PLB Football Championship Belmopan, May 21, 2018 The Belmopan Bandits will be representing Belize in the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions league; as they won the 2018 Premier League of Belize (PLB) closing season championship by 2 wins in the Finals against the Belize Defence Force at the MCC Garden last Saturday evening and at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium on Monday night.

In Game 1, the Bandits won 3-1 with goals from Tyrone Pandy’s header, putting the finish on a corner kick by Khalil Velasquez in the 10th minute. Rony Sanchez added a 2nd goal in the 42nd minute, and Jerome “Jaro” James’ back-heeled 3rd goal into the net in the 74th minute. The BDF’s only consolation goal came from MVP Trimayne “Pepper” Harris in the 92nd minute in stoppage time.

In Game 2 on their home turf, the Bandits danced “football salsa” 5-3 over the BDF, with Rony Sanchez opening the scoreboard in the 22nd minute. MVP Trimayne Harris equalized from the penalty spot in the 25th minute, but Geor-

Champs Belmopan Bandits

2nd place, BDF

OW Gladiators & Verdes Rebels Win Thru to NAWL Playoffs Belize City, May 21, 2018 The Orange Walk Gladiators and Verdes Rebels won thru to the National Women’s Amateur League football playoffs, as the No.1 and No. 2 seeds respectively from the Northern zone; the Gladiators with 16pts from 5 wins and 1 draw, the Corozal Scorpions with 12pts from 4 wins.

At the People’s Stadium on Saturday, the Gladiators marched over the Corozal Scorpions with 6 goals from Katie Jones in the 20th, 44th, 73rd, 74th, 90th and 92nd minutes!

She now leads the league as the top goal-scorer with 11 goals! Anisa Nah scored the 2nd goal in the 42nd minute, and Scorpions’ Nora Ramirez scored their only goal in the 47th minute of the 1st half.

At the MCC Grounds on Monday, the Verdes Rebels posted their 4th win: 1-0 against defending champs Millennium United of Belize City, when team captain Maricela Hernandez scored the winning goal in the 68th minute.

At the Carl Ramos Stadium on Saturday, the undefeated Bandits Jewel Fury clinched the No.1 seed from the Southern zone, with their 5th win: 2-1 against the Dangriga

Orange Walk Gladiators win 7-1 vs Corozal Scorpions

9 11 SPORTS 09 gie Welcome scored a header in the 29th minute and added a 3rd goal in the 37th minute for Bandits to lead 3-1 at the half.

Georgie Welcome completed his hat trick with a 4th goal in the 54th minute from the penalty spot to lead 4-1, but Tarell Flores narrowed the deficit with the BDF’s 2nd goal in the 62nd minute and MVP Harris scored a 3rd goal for the BDF in the 62nd minute to trail 3-4.

Honduran Jacob Leslie import Darwin Bermudez bent a free kick around scored 16pts a wall of BDF defenders to beat BDF goalie Glenford Chimilio with a 5th goal in the 88th minute: 5-3 final. The champs won the 1st prize - $10,000 and the championship trophy, while the BDF claimed the 2nd prize - $5,000 and the 2nd place trophy.

Individual awards: MVP regular season Trimayne Harris – BDF Best Goalie - Zeron Sagastume – Verdes.

Best Defense - Dalton Eiley Bandits Best Midfielder - Denmark Casey Jr. – Verdes Most Goals - Jonard Castillo Wagiya FC Best Young Player – Jonard Castillo Best Coach - Kent Gabourel Sr. – Bandits Pumas, who scored in their own goal in the 12th minute, and Giselle Baeza scored the Fury’s 2nd goal in the 15th minute, her 9th goal of the tournament. Pumas’ fireplug striker Shanay Nasario scored their only consolation goal in the 65th minute.

At the Victor Sanchez Union field on Saturday, Toledo Rumberas clinched the No. 2 seed from the south, by a 1-1 draw with Sagitun, when Sagitun’s captain Sabrina Eiley scored in the 35th minute, and Rumberas’ Ashley Rodriguez equalized 1-1 in the 69th minute, also her 9th goal of the tournament.

In the playoffs, on Saturday, June 2, the Gladiators visit the Rumberas at the Victor Sanchez field; while on Sunday, June 3, the Verdes Rebels host Jewel Rebels at the Norman Broaster Stadium.

CALL

671-8385 or

EMAIL: belizetimesadvertisement@ yahoo.com

Verdes Rebels win 1-0 vs Millennium United

To place advertisement in the Belize Times Newspaper

10 SPORTS

21 29 MAY AUG JAN 27

THE BELIZE THE BELIZE TIMES TIMES

2016 2017 2018

DigiCell Defenders Challenge SMART Hurricanes in NEBL Finals Belize City, May 21, 2018 The DigiCell Defenders will challenge the SMART Hurricanes, who are seeking their 2nd National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) championship, when the NEBL Finals begin at the Civic Center on Friday night, May 25.

At the Civic Center on Monday night, the Hurricanes eliminated the Griga Dream Ballers 60-54, led by Devin Daley with 20pts, and Kurt ‘Chengo’ Burgess added 14pts.

Eyan Rene posted 8pts and Glency Lopez, Akeem Watters, Raheem Thurton and Tyson Reynolds put up 4pts apiece. Griga’s Daniel “Buddy”

Nolberto hit 3 treys for 13pts, Edgar Mitchell and Trevaughn Usher posted 10pts apiece, and Tahj Wells and Daniel Brandon Flowers scored Conorquie scored 7pts 2pts vs Tyson Reynolds apiece. and Akeem Watters Out at the San Pedro High School auditorium on Ambergris Caye on Saturday night, the Defenders eliminated the 3-time NEBL champs, the San Pedro Tigersharks: 78-74, led by Nigel Jones with 25pts, 18 rebounds. Darwin “Puppy” Leslie is on his way to his 4th NEBL finals as he scored 18pts, and Francis Arana added 15pts.

Jacob Leslie and Ty Bradley put up 6pts apiece. Tigersharks’ Jihad Wright scored 19pts, Martevius Adams posted 17pts, and Jamal Kelly put up 9pts. Ashton Edwards and Raul “Thumpy” Roches added 8pts apiece.

Rising Stars, Carlston FC & City Boys Win 2018 SMART U-13 Mundialito

Carlston FC win 1-0 vs Brown Bombers

Collet Strikers draw 1-1 Sampson Academy Belize City, May 19, 2018 The Rising Stars, Carlston FC and City Boys each posted big wins in the 2018 SMART U-13 Mundialito at the MCC Garden last Saturday. In Game 1, the Ladyville Rising Stars posted their 1st win: 1-0 against the Reality Youths, with a goal by Steven Rivera in the 15th minute.

In Game 2, the Hattieville Riverside Boys drew nil-zip with the Ladyville Jaguars.

In Game 3, the Warriors FC drew nil-zip with Mahogany

Heights FC. In Game 4, the Collet Strikers drew 1-1 with the Sampson Academy, when Jacob Joseph scored first for Collet, and Khalidiyah Velasquez equalized 1-1 for the Academy.

In Game 5, the 3-times Mundialito champs - City Boys posted their 2nd win 1-0 against the Corinthians, with a goal by Kenyon Barrow. In Game 6, the Carlston FC handed the Brown Bombers their 2nd loss: 1-0, with a goal by Kenyon Pratt.

Games continue on Saturday, May 26.

Brian White scored 2pts

Emma Hoare/Shantell Arnold Win SMART/Lazy Lizard Beach Volleyball Stop

Champs - Shantell Arnold and Emma Hoare Caye Caulker, May 20, 2018 Emma Hoare & Shantell Arnold won the SMART/Lazy Lizard beach volleyball stop sponsored by Landshark Lager and Powerade at the Caye Caulker Split over the weekend.

The format of the tournament was a single round robin with 6 teams – 12 girls playing each of the other 5 teams once, and the top 4 teams advanced to the semi-finals.

In Game 1, Maurissa Williams and Tanisha Encalada spiked Arnold and Hoare: 14-21, 21-18, 15-6. In Game 2, Marcie Mejia and Iman Safa won 21-8, 21-8 vs. Ruth Pinedo and Lizette Walton of Orange Walk.

In Game 3, Lizette Walton and Ruth Pinedo win 18-21, 21-7, 15-8 vs. Vaneesha Payne and Isabelle Swasey of Orange Walk.

In Game 4, Musa/Safa won 21-11, 21-14 vs. Payne/Swasey. In Game 5, Arnold/Hoare won 21-11, 21-9 vs. Pinedo/Walton. In Game 6, Arnold/Hoare won 21-8, 21-6 vs.

Payne/Swasey. In Game 7, Arnold/ Hoare won 21-13, 21-14 vs. Musa/ Safa. In Game 8, Encalada/Williams won 21-15, 21-17 vs. Pinedo/Walton.

In Game 9, Encalada/ Williams won 21-17, 21-11 vs. Payne/Swasey.

In Game 10, Musa/Safa won 21-7, 21-12 vs. Pinedo/Walton. In Game 11, Encalada/ Williams won 21-13, 20-22, 15-10 vs. Mejia/ Safa. In Game 12, Musa/Safa won 21-11, 2112 vs. Encalada/ Williams. In Game 13, Musa/Safa won 12-21, 21-17, 15-8 vs. Mejia/Safa. In Game 14, Arnold/Hoare won 21-7, 22-20 vs.

Mejia/Safa In Game 15 Mejia/Safa won 2119, 21-19 vs. Payne/Swasey.

In the semi-finals Sunday morning, Arnold/Hoare won again vs.

Mejia/Safa.

In the semi-finals, Encalada/ Williams won 21-16, 15-21, 15-8 vs.

Musa/Safa.

In the consolation match for 3rd place, Mya Musa and Ayah Safa won 21-16, 22-20 vs. Mejia/ Safa. In the championship Finals Sunday afternoon, Hoare and Arnold hammered Maurissa Williams and Tanisha Encalada 21-17, 21-7.

In the awards ceremony after the finals, Arnold and Hoare received the $1,200 1st prize. The 2nd place winners Encalada and Williams received the $800 2nd prize.

The 3rd place winners Mya Musa and Ayah Safa received the $500 3rd prize.

27 MAY

11

THE BELIZE TIMES

2018

MY PERSPECTIVE

By Dolores Balderamos Garcia

THIS PASS

Nowadays I am shaking my head and wondering just how we came to this pass here at home. I feel sure that thirty, twenty, even fifteen years ago many Belizeans were not so intractably opposed to the idea of going to the International Court of Justice. Remember, the ICJ is the judicial arm of the same United Nations which almost unanimously voted in support of Belize’s Independence over thirty-seven years ago, after a long, long wait and much work by so many to bring us to the point of readiness to take the Independence leap. And led of course by the indomitable George Price.

I am hearing so much these days that Belizeans should vote “NO” to going to the ICJ, and this is not, in my view, surprising. I am of the firm opinion that the administration of the UDP and their perpetually “foot-in-mouth” foreign minister have brought us to this pass.

Let me say that I entirely agree with the view being voiced by many that we need to take the party politics out of the education campaign in the run-up to next April 2019 when we will cast our vote in this historic referendum. But I must be clear - I have to place the responsibility and blame precisely where it lies. I am not going to be shy with my feelings on this issue.

The first thing is that Minister Sedi needs to be not at all in the show window, but in the storeroom on this matter. How can the same individual who has called our border artificial, declared that we have no idea where our maritime boundaries are, perpetually and lamentably appeased the Guatemalans, pretended that all is well with our neighbour to the West – how can this same person be part of the campaign to educate Belizeans before next year ?? I say NO to that!!

We cannot forget the bungling incompetence with which this member of the Barrow administration and the present administration on a whole has dealt with the Guatemala issue over the past ten years. The Prime Minister cannot now just blithely announce that he and most members of his Cabinet are in favour of a YES vote against the backdrop of all the negativity for which he has been responsible. It is he who has allowed the foreign minister to continue to appease our

threatening neighbour and to not deal forcefully with all the Guatemalan incursions and incidents of gross disrespect to our sovereignty and territorial integrity.

It is the PM who barred Belizeans from going to the Sarstoon River. And it is the present government which, through their own omissions, has allowed this situation at home to deteriorate into the present climate of fear and revulsion towards the court and towards Guatemala. Just the other day Minister Sedi and his Guatemalan counterpart were at the “adjacency zone” singing kumbaya and praising the excellent relations enjoyed by the two countries. Where is he living??

I listened with interest to the views of a handful of Belizeans as they were expressed on the Open Your Eye morning program last week. Cannon Leroy Flowers decried the position that some have taken that we should not go to the ICJ under the present government. He said that it is wrong to say NO simply because one may not like the foreign minister.

But I think that it goes much further than that. Whether we like the foreign minister is immaterial.

Whether we are looking at how we have been brought to this pass is much more important. And I have to say that we are where we are not by accident or chance.

For the UDP or anyone to now, for their own political gain, show clips of PM Musa saying back on 2000 that his position is that we should go to the ICJ, is nothing short of infantile and churlish. And why did PM Barrow feel it necessary to remind us last week that it was the PUP that passed the Maritime Areas Act?? HE was in full support.

So stop the petty politics. This matter is too important.

I don’t apologize at all for discussing the politics of this Guatemala issue. We need to look at all the history and all the context of this pass to which we have arrived. It is, however, important going forward to hold down the partisan politics and to rationally and calmly have constructive dialogue and exchanges on the pending referendum. Stop the fear-mongering and the emotional outbursts and let us get the facts and the issues.

For Sale

By Order of the Mortgagee Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Mortgage made the 1st day of August, 2005, between HARRY SABAL House No. 17 Central Farm, Cayo District, Belize (hereinafter called “the Borrower”) of the one part and SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LIMITED (hereinafter called “the Mortgagee”) of the other part, and recorded in Deeds Book Volume 23 of 2005 at Folios 585-614, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto.

All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Block No. 533 comprising 5.00 acres situate in the Carib Reserve Area, Stann Creek District, bounded and described as shown by Plan NO. 321 OF 1994 attached to Minister’s Fiat Grant No.321 of 1994 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 18th day of May, 2018.

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

VACANCY

FOR LEGAL SECRETARY Qualifications and Experience: • • • •

Legal Secretary with at least two years experience in legal work.

Over five year’s relevant experience will be an asset.

Experience in Intellectual Property (IP) would be an asset Computer literate, Proficiency in MS Office software and the ability to learn and acquire expertise

in new software and applications required

• Knowledge of Spanish would be an asset

Duties:

• Assists attorneys in all litigation functions including those ranging from routine to complex nature; • Prepares and files documents with courts; • Researches and analyzes statutes, judicial decisions and legal codes for attorneys’ use; • Interacts with various Government departments for documents and information • Indexes and file court documents and depositions for record keeping purposes; • Monitors and tracks attorneys caseloads to ensure effective case management • Enters data and cases into electronic database systems for case management purposes; • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal with the ability to work with all levels of

management and employees

• Ability to handle issues with a high degree of confidentiality and accuracy

Salary: Negotiable and dependent on experience and qualifications.

Interested candidates must be a highly motivated team player with initiative, flexibility and excellent communication skills. Must have the ability to organize workload with particular attention to detail.

Should be able to operate in a busy environmental and meet deadline.

Closing Date: June 1, 2018 Please send your resume and the names of at least two sources of reference to: Manager P. O. Box 80 Belize City, BELIZE Or Email: managerlaw2014@gmail.com

56 12 2018

27 MAY

THE BELIZE TIMES

27 MAY

2018

27 MAY

2018

18 JAN

THE BELIZE TIMES 2015

Keeping it REAL in Port

Gilroy Usher, Sr. was endorsed as the PUP standard bearer for the Port Loyola Division on Sunday May 20th, 2018 at the Cumberbatch Field on Faber’s Rd in Belize City. With Sunday’s endorsement out the way, Usher is officially the party’s candidate for Port Loyola in the next general election.

Scores of persons from the division were in attendance for the occasion as well as many persons from other constituencies. Dynamic speakers at the event were Hon Oscar Requeña, Hon. Mike Espat and Hon. Rodwell Ferguson from the South, Hon. Julius Espat from the West, Party Leader Hon. John Briceño and standard bearers Ramon Cervantes and David Castillo from the North and Henry Usher –Party Chairman, Major Lloyd Jones - Chairman of the Eastern Caucus, Senator Valarie Woods and Gilroy Usher Sr. Also present for the event were political aspirant for Mesopotamia Mr. Gary Ayuso and councillors Aisha Gentle, Ryan Elijio, and Michael ‘Chips’ Norales.

The list of speakers was historic because for the first time in many years Members of the House and Standard bearers from the north, south, east and west of the country joined the Party Leader for a major event in the Port Loyola Division to hear the concerns of the area residents.

In addressing the crowd of supporters, Party Leader Hon. John Briceño and other speakers reiterated that as in Port Loyola, the people in other parts of the country are tired of the UDP neglect, mismanagement and corruption. For those reasons the people will vote the UDP out of office whenever the next general election is called - for betterment for themselves, their families and their communities under a PUP administration.

Gilroy Usher Sr. assured the people that as the next Area Rep for Port he will serve all the residents regardless of their political persuasion or gender. In a call for unity, Usher also invited all residents of Port who are serious about betterment in the division to join his campaign team to ensure a PUP victory in the area in the next general election.

Activities for the endorsement concluded with the raffle which include a stove as the grand prize. Many thanks to the PUP Port Loyola Committee, the campaigners, the residents of Port and all others who assisted in any way to make Sunday’s endorsement the success it was.

13

14

27 MAY

THE BELIZE TIMES

2018

THINKING OUT LOUD BY: KEVIN BERNARD

The Worst Enemy...

If there is one thing an alcoholic knows, it is that the attacks don’t come from external sources – well not the attacks that matter anyway. The real enemy is inside us. Hell, the real enemy is us. In my absolutely worst drinking days, when I was really acting the fool, nobody ever forced a drink on me. Nobody ever tricked me into having a drink. Nobody ever held a gun to my head and told me drink, you ass. Nope. Before I became a semi-conscious idiot and did all those humiliating, stupid, bad and dangerous things, I made the sober, conscious decision to take that drink. And because I’ve pretty much all my life known the deadly consequences of alcohol, I made the conscious decision to harm myself, to hurt myself, to destroy another little part of me.

Even today, as intelligent as I think myself to be, it is still a struggle to understand that stress does not need to be my trigger anymore…that there are other, healthier ways to handle adverse situations than by looking to liquor for solace.

Even today, after all the bitch-licks I have taken in life, and all the bitch-licks I continue to take because of alcohol, it is still sometimes difficult to ignore that voice that says awww Mike, it’s cool. Just take one. You haven’t been able to handle it in 27 years, but this time you will Mike. This time you will. And even today, after I have seen the hurt done to my family and to myself…it is still difficult to accept that I need to close that chapter of my life for good. What it is, is what it is.

I could write all day about drinking because if there is one thing I know about, it is that. But believe it or not, I only used my sordid tale to segue into a couple other things weighing on my mind.

I dislike the personal side of politics.

I hate that, for political gain, so many of us are willing to kick our humanity to the curb. I have taken my hits, even though I have only ever been at the periphery of politics. I don’t mind. I’ve been insulted about my weight. Hell, one person said I looked like the Michelin Man and

probably smelled worse because of my rolls of fat. Lmao…I found that one hilarious. I’ve been called every variation of drunk there is. That’s fine. At one point the insults got so unimaginative and monotonous that I even offered to write insults which the UDP could then use against me.

Suckers didn’t bite that one. There is one point where I draw the line. I don’t deal with family. If somebody’s family is not in the political game in a major way, then they are off limits.

End of story. I mean…I still have a heart hidden away in all these rolls of fat somewhere.

I say all that, to say this. I think Patrick Faber is a jackass. He is an arrogant, pompous, pretentious little prick. I don’t like him. He gets drunk and beats women. I can look past the getting drunk. Hell, I’d invite him to my Church meetings and welcome him like a brother. But I can’t deal with him beating women. He caught on that I didn’t like him early on – not sure why because I’m a charming fellow – and refused to do any interviews with me back when I was a reporter. So to add to the reasons I don’t like him, he’s immature. But I’ll never go after Patrick’s family, or focus on his domestic situation. That has nothing to do with him as a politician and should be off limits.

Still, that crap that happened in Atlanta recently. Faber first denied that anything had happened, and then a week after admitted that he was held at gunpoint by Police and detained for three hours. In fact, because of our Deputy Prime Minister, two schools were put on hard lockdown as a result of what was perceived as a threat.

That right there isn’t anything that can be swept under the rug. This is the Deputy Prime Minister of our country, held at gunpoint by Police because he was seen as a threat. This is not Faber getting drunk during Carnival and kissing women on the street. This isn’t Faber getting drunk and throwing a cement block through the windshield of his ex-wife’s vehicle. This is Faber causing a damned international incident. And it can’t just be overlooked, just like that.

You see how I’m my own worst enemy when it comes to drinking?

Patrick Faber is his own worst enemy.

And that’s all I’m gonna say about that.

On Tuesday the price of fuel at the pumps went up again, for the second time in a week.

Not so slowly, we are getting to the point where we will be paying $12 a gallon for gas, maybe more, and that is bad news for our community and bad news for the entire country.

I listened to the Prime Minister last week when he was asked about the price of fuel, and he really seemed unconcerned. He explained that prices will continue to go up, and there is nothing they can do about it. That was interesting to me, because there is something that Government can do about it right now – immediately. Almost half the cost of a gallon of fuel at the pumps is comprised of taxes which go right back into government coffers. So if the Prime Minister was serious about easing the burden on us, he could lower the tax on fuel, at least in the interim to give us a break. But he’s not going to do that.

Sometimes I have to wonder if the people we elect to serve us at the national level have forgotten that we don’t get the same perks they do. I have to believe that they have gotten so caught up in making sure that their lives get better, that they’ve forgotten us. The high cost of fuel is killing us. Here in the north it is affecting our farmers in the worst possible way, increasing the cost of production and transportation. The cost of everything is going up.

It’s ridiculous. The cost of electricity will soon go up. The cost of butane has gone up and will go up more, I hear. The cost of cable will go up to $60 a month starting next week. The cost of basic food items at the stores has gone up. There are many of us who can’t afford to drive our vehicles any more. Our most disadvantaged in our communities are finding it harder and harder to get by. The situation is serious.

We need leaders who will look out for us, and not leaders who will walk all over us to make themselves rich. Imagine

that in Orange Walk we are rich in culture and tradition. Industries based here are drivers in our economy. Our people produce the most beautiful arts and crafts.

We have so much to offer in the area of tourism, for example.

But instead of looking at ways in which we can encourage tourism in Orange Walk and provide incentives to our entrepreneurs, the government is heaping tax upon tax on us. The situation is much the same in Corozal. There is much that Corozal has to offer in the way of tourism, but because the government has done nothing to provide any encouragement to our people, it has actually become cheaper and more convenient for us to pack up the family and go to Chetumal for the day. That is totally ridiculous.

I am offering myself in Orange Walk East because I believe that as a community, and as a people, we have been put aside for too long. Central Government punished the people of Orange Walk because they voted blue, and they are still punishing the people. But they underestimated my resolve. They underestimated the team at the Orange Walk Town Council and they underestimated the people of Orange Walk. It is as simple as that. When there is vision, determination, hard-work and integrity, good things will always happen. When the will is ALWAYS to do good for the community and people and ALWAYS to serve, there is nothing that can get in the way. And when the community recognizes that you are genuine, and stands fully in support, then the sky’s the limit. But we must have good leaders. That is the first step. In the East the people know that Aragon is a waste of time. He has proven that. He hasn’t been able to handle his portfolio and even worse, he hasn’t been able to take care of his people. It is time for new leadership. The people know that.

I give thanks to the people of Orange Walk always for the support they have shown to the Orange Walk Town Council and to me. The work continues, 24/7.

27 MAY

2018

THE BELIZE TIMES

15

BELIZE IS ONE OF THE BEST CENTRAL AMERICAN COUNTRIES FOR VACATION “The thing about tourism is that the reality of a place is quite different from the mythology of it.” –Martin Parr– Tourism is a very selective market, since every region in the world has its attractions: China has the Great Wall; Italy has the Coliseum, the Pisa Tower and the Vatican City; Greece has the Acropolis of Athens, Egypt has the Pyramids; France has the Eiffel Tower; Canada has the Niagara Falls; USA has the Statue of Liberty in New York, the Grand Canyon in Arizona and other amazing sites; England has Big Ben in London, and so on.

Belize’s Reef is one of our top tourist attractions and it’s the second largest in the world behind Australia. It is home to some of the most abundant and diverse ecosystems in the world, boasting 500 species of fish and 70 different hard corals. It’s a snorkelers’ and divers’ paradise, often referred to as the “rainforest of the sea.” The Blue Hole was made famous by Jacques Cousteau. Our Maya ruins and caves are proof of the old-world intertwining with today’s world - this advanced civilization supported by agricultural farmlands, trading centers, for over 2,000 yrs.

Belize is a well-established trust jurisdiction, with a banking system designed for asset protection and confidentiality. Incredibly diverse ecosystems make Belize perfect for nature lovers who appreciate pristine beauty. As the world becomes more polluted, individuals are discovering the pristine beauty of Belize.

Belize is the only Central American Country where English is the official language. Apart from English, there are many recognized regional languages: Creole, Spanish, Garifuna, and Mayan. For all of Belize’s cultural diversity - the country’s melting pot heritage is equal parts Mayan, Creole, Mestizo, Spanish, Nigerian, Chinese, British, Indian and Mennonite - our tourism scene is surprisingly one-note. The estimated GDP of Belize is 1.354 billion dollars and the major trading partners are the United States, Mexico, Central America and European Union.

Belize has around 900 Maya temple sites. Belize is subtropical, with a mean annual temperature of 80oF. Nearly three-quarters of its 1.5 million annual tourists that visit Belize arrive by cruise ship, docking for just enough time to see the Mayan ruins, ride some ziplines or go tubing through our famed caves. It should be noted that the touristic profile of Belize has been entirely changed during the last 15 years.

Belize has the most extensive cave system in the world. Hundreds of caves are still waiting to be explored in the Chiquibul Reserve.

Less intrepid visitors can explore sacred cave sites used by the ancient Maya to perform religious rituals.

Known by a myriad of names, including “Cave of the Stone Sepulcher” and “Cave of the Crystal Maiden,” the Actun Tunicil Muknal (ATM Cave) is one of the most famous sacred caves in Belize. Featured in several documentaries from prestigious networks like National Geographic and the Discovery Channel, the ATM Cave is one of Belize’s most interesting and challenging places to explore. ATM Cave has been also ranked by National Geographic as the number one sacred cave to explore in the world.

Belize is truly a tropical paradise, with perfect weather nearly all year round. Temperatures fluctuate slightly from month to month, but most days are warm and sunny. These are often accompanied with cool, refreshing breezes at night. In Belize you will enjoy two main weather seasons - the wet and dry. The dry season is typically from December to May. However, this period is also the time when the temperatures dip a bit and some rain may also occur with the cold fronts. Subsequently, the wet season is also considered great sunny weather, typically with high temperatures and occasional rains.

In Belize you can find beautiful beaches, as well as fishing, spelunking, and scuba diving options. Regarding resorts configurations, you can enjoy overwater bungalows or luxury buildings on the beach. The expectations are that the country will be competing with the world’s

hottest destinations in the next few years.

Some resorts are built respecting the unheralded aspect of Belize’s topography. Off the country’s coast are more than 450 islands and cays that form a low-lying archipelago.

This archipelago is a half an hour flight from Belize City’s International Airport. For Americans and South Americans, it’s a new destination next door. Most of the accommodations are casual bed and breakfasts, leaving a big gap in the international market.

Belize has the most remarkable reef in the West Indies –declared Charles Darwin– and we agree! Belize’s Great Barrier Reef stretching 190 miles long from Mexico to Honduras, is a part of the Mesoamerican Reef system and the second largest in the world (Australia’s reef is first).

In 1996, the Belize Coral Reef was declared a world heritage site.

Since then, the government of Belize has taken steps to preserve its natural resources and tourism at the reef. In 2010, Belize was the first country in the world to declare bottom trawling illegal. However, it’s a constant struggle. For a while, it appeared off-shore drilling was going to be an issue for Belize. Fortunately for the reef, there was enough pressure put on the government that it did not happen and the government of Belize placed an indefinite moratorium on off-shore drilling just last year.

It’s pretty rare to find places like

Belize where you can create an entire destination unto itself on a private island, much less one that’s proximate to the USA and with good infrastructure according to international standards due to the sustainable designs of Hotels and Resorts. The things that excite Belize’s foreign visitors are its great beaches, an abundance of watersports activities, crowd-pleasing land excursions, and rich cultural and culinary traditions that have always existed. So why is Belize just gaining attention now?

Belize is an easy place for expats to settle. It is English-speaking and ruled in accordance with English common law, and the melting pot of cultures means that nobody sticks out. For tourism, that means a big opportunity for multi-generational trips.

Belize is a place to do nothing, but the country offers plenty of tempting excursions. Scuba diving, fly-fishing, kayaking, picnicking by secret waterfalls, it’s all easily arranged, and that’s just scratching the surface.

Tourists that visit Belize find a totally different destination. The influx of more luxury resorts will also bring dramatic change. Often described as the “planet’s lungs,” the rain-forest of Belize is home to a wide variety of exotic flora and fauna. In fact, this natural ecosystem is the best place for bird watching. As many as 587 different bird species have been recorded in Belize. In addition to birding, travelers can explore medicinal trails. The ancient Mayan shamans used medicinal plants gathered from the rain-forest to heal people. On the other hand, if you’re interested in seeing jaguars or monkeys in their natural habitat, or observing gentle tapirs at play, the rain-forest in Belize is wonderfully diverse ecosystem to explore.

It’s not just Americans that are making bets on Belize, either. Here you will find guests from Africa, Asia, and Europe, proof that an international clientele has started to catch on.

Belize is definitely beautiful option for vacationers, gorgeous nature, and perfect for intimate experiences that people will remember always.

Discovering the real Belize, past and present, means booking a tour to visit the ancient civilizations of the Mayans. Whether it’s climbing up a Mayan Temple, or experiencing the Mayan culture at a Mayan Village. Belize has several intriguing options for travelers to choose from. We strongly recommend that you immerse yourself into our natural beauty; savor the sweet fragrance of the evergreens as you traverse the never-ending dramatic expanses atop the Magnificent Maya Mountains of Belize.

You can reach your own conclusions.

God bless Belize.

Dr. Pedro Villegas.

Follow us at: www.cubel.org and www.facebook.com/cubelconsultancy

16

THE BELIZE TIMES

ON THE

MOVE

Together We Can

Hearing the needs and interacting with residents of Cayo North is a main priority for Micho. The goal to build a better Cayo North has begun and will continue! #TogetherWeCan

27 MAY

2018

27 MAY

THE BELIZE TIMES

2018

17

CAREER OPPORTUNITY CITY ADMINISTRATOR

The Belize City Council is seeking applications to fill the post of City Administrator. All interested persons must submit their applications along with their resume and two references, in a sealed envelope no later than Friday, 1st June 2018 to the Human Resources Manager, Belize City Council, # 109 North Front Street, Belize City, Belize.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree is required, but preferable a Masters Degree or other graduate qualification in Public or Business Administration related field; three (3) to five (5) years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

JOB DESCRIPTION Duties 1. Give direction and leadership in the development and implementation of the strategic goals and objectives of the Council.

2. Enable the Council to fulfill its government functions.

3. Give direction and leadership toward the achievement of the Council’s operating philosophy and annual goals and objectives.

4. Develop and document the strategic direction for the Council in accordance with the Council’s mission and core values.

5. Inform the Council of commercial, technological, regulatory, civil engineering and development issues and trends which may impact on the Council’s goals.

6. Along with the other Directors, develop an annual operating plan and financial budget for the Council’s approval.

7. Prudently manage the Council’s resources within the established budget guidelines and in accordance with existing laws and regulations.

EXTERNAL LEADERSHIP 8. With the Council’s guidance encourage development of strategic and operating policies and articulate these to the citizens of Belize City, other municipal governments and other stakeholders.

9. In addition to the Mayor and Councilors become the recognized spokesperson at senior staff level on issues of importance to the municipality.

10. Build a positive image of the Council in the relevant media.

11. Demonstrate an ability to manage change.

INTERNAL LEADERSHIP 12. Exhibit professional management skills at all times and an ability to oversee and implement planned transitions from the present to the desired future of the organization.

13. Develop and encourage a culture of high and sustained standards of performance.

14. Create a work environment which attracts and retains appropriate talent.

15. Assert and promulgate an environment of fairness, transparency and integrity with employees, the citizens of Belize City and other relevant stakeholders.

16. Provide direction for the senior management team.

17. Establish a strong working relationship with the Mayor and Councilors.

18. Establish good two-way communication with leadership of the various civil, professional and community organizations and other leaders in the municipality.

19. Ensure that there is clarity of objectives and focus for all employees.

20. Ensure that there are clear and appropriate standards of performance and measurement of those standards.

21. Ensure that the appropriate compensation and benefit programs are in place and properly administered.

OPERATIONS 22. Develop and implement processes which will ensure the achievement of the Council’s operational mission on time and within budget.

23. Advise the Council on operational issues and out in place appropriate, corrective operational measures where warranted.

24. Ensure operations conform with the duties and obligations as defined in the Belize City Council Act, and with relevant commercial and governance regulations.

25. Recommend well research-funding initiatives that conform with the funding guidelines provides for in the City Council Act, to the Council.

26. Plan and manage the Council’s revenue and expenditures.

Salary is negotiable depending on qualifications and experience.

18

ESPAÑOL

THE THEBELIZE BELIZETIMES TIMES

ACCIONAN LEGALMENTE CONTRA OCHO GASOLINERAS Y CUATRO IMPORTADORES La Dirección de Atención y Asistencia al Consumidor (DIACO) informó que denunció penalmente a ocho representantes de gasolineras derivado de las alzas en los precios de gasolinas y diésel, porque según análisis técnicos no justifica la variación.

Prensa Libre: Guatemala 21 de Mayo de 2018 Derivado de las alzas en los precios de la gasolina y diésel en las últimas semanas, y después del estudio correspondiente, la Diaco presentó una denuncia penal ante el Ministerio Público (MP) contra ocho representantes de gasolineras y expendedores de combustible.

Según un comunicado que envío la Diaco las acciones están amparadas con las facultades otorgadas a la institución, mediante el decreto de ley 0062003 del Congreso de la República.

Así también, aclararon que las denuncias se encuentran dentro del mandato institucional de protección y defensa al consumidor y en atención a la instrucción del Gobierno para el impulso de una estrategia que evite la especulación en los precios de los combustibles y genere acciones y denuncias contra quienes promuevan la misma.

La Diaco hizo un llamado a los guatemaltecos a que denuncien cualquier abuso y presenten su queja contra expendios de combustibles

Luis Chang, ministro de Energía y Minas al salir de citación en el Congreso de la República donde confirmó las denuncias contra representantes de varias gasolineras. que incumplan la ley de protección al consumidor.

A la vez, advirtió a los comercios y expendios de combustibles, que el aprovechamiento, la especulación y el incumplimiento de la ley de protección al consumidor, tiene consecuencias penales y sanciones económicas, mismas que impondrá a quienes se compruebe incumplieron

con la ley.

Diputados piden otro tipo de denuncia Durante una citación en el Congreso de la República, las autoridades del Ministerio de Energía y Minas (MEM) confirmaron denuncias administrativas contra cuatro representantes de las distribuidoras, Uno Guatemala, Uno Petrol, Puma

2727MAY MAY

2018 2018

y Chevron, por denuncias que realizaron los diputados de la bancada Unidad Nacional de la Esperanza (UNE) por posible “concertación de precios”.

Según Luis Chang, ministro de Energía y Minas las denuncias se basaron en el artículo 37 de la Ley General de Hidricarburos, pero los diputados de la Une criticaron que el MEM no se basó en el artículo 340 del Código Penal referente a monopolios.

Prensa Libre, intentó comunicarse con el vocero de las gasolineras Puma, pero indicó que el miércoles podrá atender la consulta sobre la denuncia, “porque desconoce el tema”.

Por otro lado, aún se está a la espera de la comunicación con representantes de las gasolineras Uno Guatemala y Uno Petrol.

Chang agregó que al menos 160 gasolineras son investigadas por presuntamente acordar el mismo precio de los combustibles.

El funcionario indicó que cuatro importadoras de combustible, que distribuyen más del 60% de las gasolinas y el diésel del país, también están siendo investigadas por los aumentos indebidos.

Carlos Barreda, diputado de la UNE también exigió denuncias contra las empresas importadoras de gas propano porque indica que también existe concertación de precios al público.

Crisis en Nicaragua | Policía usó armas y a francotiradores durante protestas, denuncia la CIDH en primer informe La Comisión Interamericana de Derechos Humanos (CIDH) denunció este lunes que el material obtenido durante su trabajo de campo evidencia “graves violaciones de derechos humanos”, con “al menos 76 personas muertas” en Nicaragua.

Prensa Libre: / Nicaragua 21 de Mayo de 2018 “Durante su visita la CIDH reunió información documental, audiovisual y escuchó centenares de testimonios que evidencian graves violaciones de derechos humanos durante un mes de protestas, caracterizadas por el uso excesivo de la fuerza por parte de cuerpos de seguridad del Estado y de terceros armados, indicó la comisionada Antonia Urrejola, relatora país de Nicaragua.

De acuerdo a la información obtenida por la CIDH, desde el comienzo de la crisis sociopolítica, “hubo, al menos, 76 personas muertas y 868 resultaron heridas en su gran mayoría en el contexto de las protestas”.

En su informe, la CIDH denuncia que la Policía utilizó “armas de fuego de forma indiscriminada durante las protestas”, según consigna el dliario local La Prensa.

El diario publica, además, que esa comisión no descarta que también se haya utilizado

Informe revela que la Policía y grupos paralelos usaron armas contra manifestantes.

a francotiradores para que perpetraran ejecuciones, además de que las fuerzas policiales efectuaron detenciones arbitrarias.

Lea al respecto: Sergio Ramírez: “Los nicaragüenses lo que quieren es que les devuelvan la democracia” Este lunes las calles de Managua mostraron mayor actividad que cualquier día de la semana pasada, sin embargo, en los departamentos (provincias) todavía se respira

la resaca de las manifestaciones multitudinarias del fin de semana y, tanto las carreteras intermunicipales, como las universidades, continúan bloqueadas por campesinos y estudiantes.

El otro tema que inquieta a los nicaragüenses es el diálogo nacional entre el Gobierno, el sector privado, la sociedad civil y los estudiantes, especialmente porque este último grupo acusó a la Policía Nacional de violar la

tregua acordada el viernes.

El diálogo nacional también despierta expectativa sobre si va a ser transmitido en vivo por televisión, como en la primera sesión, o será privado, como en la segunda.

Los grupos que representan a la población nicaragüense en el diálogo, que se realiza con la mediación de la Conferencia Episcopal de Nicaragua (CEN), han mantenido su llamado a no dejar de protestar de forma pacífica.

Este lunes se cumplen en Nicaragua 34 días de una crisis que ha dejado entre 61 y 77 muertos, según cifras de organizaciones humanitarias.

CALL

671-8385 or

EMAIL: belizetimesadvertisement@ yahoo.com

To place advertisement in the Belize Times Newspaper

27 MAY 27

2018

18 JAN

THE THEBELIZE BELIZETIMES TIMES 2015

ESPAÑOL

19

Casa Blanca advierte sobre los “animales violentos” de pandilleros de la MS-13 La Casa Blanca advirtió este lunes sobre la amenaza que supone la pandilla trasnacional de origen salvadoreño MS-13, cuyos integrantes describió como “animales violentos”, en un virulento comunicado que retoma comentarios del presidente Donald Trump días atrás.

Por AFP / Washington 21 de Mayo de 2018 “Lo que necesita saber sobre los animales violentos de la MS-13”: bajo este título, la Presidencia de Estados Unidos detalla las atrocidades cometidas por el grupo, nacido en los años 1980 en las calles de Los Ángeles y exportado luego a Centroamérica.

La declaración de casi 500 palabras, en la que se menciona la palabra “animales” más de 10 veces, señala diferentes crímenes de la MS-13, desde Maryland a Texas.

“Demasiados estadounidenses inocentes han sido víctimas de la violencia impensable de los animales de la MS13”, dice el texto en su introducción.

La Casa Blanca acusa a los pandilleros de la MS-13 de “apuñalar a un hombre más de 100 veces y luego decapitarlo, desmembrarlo y arrancarle el corazón de su cuerpo”.

También ennumera abusos sexuales, secuestros y homicidios de adolescentes.

“La administración entera del presidente Trump está trabajando incansablemente para llevar a estos animales violentos ante la justicia”, concluye.

Trump denunció la semana pasada la crueldad de la Mara Salvatreucha (MS-13) durante una mesa redonda en la Casa Blanca sobre las “ciudades santuario”, jurisdicciones llamadas así por negarse a cooperar con el servicio de control migratorio del gobierno federal.

“Estamos expulsando gente del país (...) No se puede creer lo malas que son estas personas”, dijo Trump. “Estas no son personas, son animales”, agregó, lo que provocó fuertes reacciones de legisladores.

Trump ha llamado muchas veces la atención sobre el peligro que representa la MS-13 para sembrar el miedo a los inmigrantes latinoamericanos y reforzar su argumento sobre la necesidad de construir un muro fronterizo con México para frenar el crimen organizado.

Construir “el muro fronterizo” fue una de las promesas de campaña emblemáticas de Trump, pero el Congreso controlado por los republicanos financió una parte mínima de lo pedido por la Casa Blanca.

Según una estimación del grupo WOLA, que hace campañas en defensa de los derechos humanos en las Américas, la MS-13 representa menos del 1 por ciento de los 1.4 millones de pandilleros que hay en Estados Unidos.

Trump defiende llamar “animales” a pandilleros y dice que siempre lo hará Trump, dijo que planea referirse “siempre” como “animales” a los integrantes de pandillas como la MS-13 (Mara Salvatrucha), mientras la Casa Blanca afirmaba que ese calificativo “no es lo suficientemente fuerte” dada la gravedad de los crímenes de esos pandilleros.

Trump generó polémica al asegurar, durante una reunión en la Casa Blanca, que hay “gente que llega a ese país” que “no son personas, son animales”, y que su Gobierno los está “sacando” de Esta-

Oficiales de ICE realizan la identificación de los detenidos a través de las huellas dactilares.’ dos Unidos “a un ritmo nunca visto”.

El mandatario negó que con ese comentario se estuviera refiriendo a todos los inmigrantes indocumentados, como interpretaron algunos medios y integrantes de la oposición demócrata.

“Me estaba refiriendo, y ustedes lo saben, a las pandillas MS-13 (Mara Salvatrucha) que están entrando. Estaba hablando de MS-13”, dijo Trump a los periodistas durante una reunión en la Casa Blanca con el secretario general de la OTAN, Jens Stoltenberg.

“Cuando entran los pandilleros de la MS-13, cuando llegan a nuestro país otros pandilleros, me refiero a ellos como animales, y ¿saben qué? Siempre lo haré”, añadió Trump.

La portavoz de la Casa Blanca, Sarah Sanders, dijo poco antes que

Trump “se refería muy claramente a los integrantes de la pandilla MS-13 que entran ilegalmente en ese país” y cometen crímenes “atroces”.

“Si los medios y los progresistas quieren defender a MS-13, pueden hacer lo que quieran. Francamente, yo no creo que el término que usó el presidente fuera lo suficientemente fuerte”, agregó Sanders en una conferencia de prensa.

Trump hizo sus comentarios durante un encuentro con líderes locales de California, justo después de que la alguacil del condado de Fresno, Margaret Mims, se quejara de que la legislación estatal limita su capacidad de perseguir a los miembros de la MS-13.

No obstante, el hecho de que

Trump no hiciera referencias explícitas a los pandilleros y hablara en cambio de que “hay gente que llega a ese país” que es “mala” antes de llamarles “animales”, llevó a algunos medios y demócrata a asumir que aludía a los inmigrantes indocumentados en general.

“Cuando todos nuestros tatarabuelos vinieron a Estados Unidos, no eran ‘animales’, y esta gente tampoco lo es”, dijo el líder de la minoría demócrata en el Senado, Chuck Schumer, en un tuit.

No es la primera vez que Trump se refiere a los pandilleros como “animales”: ha usado el mismo calificativo en al menos cuatro ocasiones desde que llegó al poder el año pasado, una de ellas durante una visita a Nueva York en julio del 2017.

“Hace falta un animal para apuñalar cien veces y decapitar a alguien y arrancarle el corazón. Hace falta un animal para golpear 28 veces con un bate a una mujer con la que estaban traficando sexualmente.

Hizo falta un animal para secuestrar, drogar y violar a una niña de 14 años de Houston”, subrayó Sanders.

Nada más llegar al poder, Trump proclamó una política de “tolerancia cero” con bandas como la Mara Salvatrucha, y ordenó a su Gobierno que las persiguiera judicialmente para bloquear sus fuentes de ingresos y menguar el número de pandilleros en sus filas.

Pero Trump también ha vinculado en numerosas ocasiones la inmigración ilegal con el auge de la criminalidad en general y algunos consideran peligroso que use términos deshumanizantes para referirse a cualquier persona, incluso si ha cometido un crimen.

“Hay un patrón muy feo y llamativo que Trump sigue al condenar los crímenes mediante la negación de la humanidad de quienes lo perpetran”, dijo un analista en el centro de estudios libertario Cato, Julián Sánchez, en su cuenta de Twitter.

Empresarios ven a la corrupción como el principal problema en Guatemala La corrupción y el desempleo son los principales problemas que tiene Guatemala, según la I Encuesta de Percepción Empresarial divulgada este lunes por el Comité de Asociaciones Agrícolas, Comerciales, Industriales y Financieras (Cacif).

Prensa Libre: Guatemala 21 de Mayo de 2018 De acuerdo con la cúpula empresarial, el 39% de los directivos que tiene la institución opinó que la corrupción es el principal problema del país y el 22% manifestó que es el desempleo.

Marco Augusto García Noriega, presidente del Cacif señaló que la incertidumbre política del país, más la falta de certeza jurídica impactaron en el primer trimestre, según la encuesta.

Por primera vez se evaluó el tema de la percepción de la corrupción y el 77% dijo que este tema tiene un impacto en hacer negocios.

“El soborno es un tema preocupante y se da por la misma burocracia, el exceso de normativas y reglamentos que hacen eng-

orrosa la gestión de los trámites, por ejemplo, el tema de los pasaportes, y no debe proceder porque ya se había arreglado hace unos años”, manifestó García Noriega.

El 15% de los entrevistados dijo que el mayo problema del país es la delincuencia, el 13% la pobreza y el 11% no respondió a la interrogante.

La muestra fue realizada en el primer trimestre de 2018 a 101 directores de los 127 que integran las nueve cámaras empresariales y tiene margen de error de 4.5 por ciento, dijo Claudia Galán, directora de la Unidad Económica del Cacif.

Un 46.5% de los empresarios aseguró que la corrupción sigue igual, un 28.7 manifestó que disminuyó, un 16.8 dijo que aumentó y el resto no dio ninguna opinión.

Sobre el principal problema que tiene el Estado y que impide su

desarrollo, el 38% indicó que se debe a la corrupción administrativa, el 36% a la falta de eficiencia, el 15% a la falta de coordinación, el 3% opinó que por falta de recursos y el resto no respondió.

El 81% de los empresarios afirmó que la corrupción afectó mucho sus actividades productivas, el 11% opinó que poco, el 1% dijo que nada y el resto no respondió.

En la muestra, el 28.7% de los miembros del Cacifexpresaron que sus ventas bajaron en el primer trimestre del año, el 57% aseguró que mantuvo su nivel de empleos, el 10% reveló que bajó su producción y el 45% confiaron que sus ventas repunten en el segundo trimestre de 2018.

Para el segundo trimestre del año hay expectativas favorables en cuanto a mayor empleabilidad y producción, según García Noriega.

20

27 MAY

THE BELIZE TIMES

Forging Partnerships. Impacting Lives

THE BEAT MUST GO ON The senseless murder of women: we are seeing more women becoming targets and victims of gun violence in Belize City. This past weekend it was Michelle Anderson, by all accounts a vibrant, productive member of society and mother of nine. Also this past holiday weekend two mothers met their untimely deaths on the highways of our country, both apparently hit and run traffic victims. Earlier this year we saw more senseless killing of mothers. The unfortunate reality is that murder is almost a normal occurrence now. Perhaps we are becoming immune to the gravity of it, or perhaps it is such a foreign concept to us until it literally hits home; only then can we appreciate how profoundly severe and deep the consequences of death by violent murder really is. Yet we are seeing more and more women caught in the crossfire of gang and gun violence in Belize. It jolts our soul. It’s like a punch to the stomach. Why? Whether she’s a mother, sister, daughter, or friend - women are wired to nurture, to care, to love. A woman is instinctively focused and driven to do what it takes for the survival and wellbeing of her children and loved ones. As a popular Garifuna drummer reminded, just as the Segundo drum is the foundation and the pulse of every rhythm, so too the woman is the foundation, the pulse, the rhythm of every home and society. It is said that the greatest love on earth is that of a mother for her child. So it shocks our psyche that someone would willingly gun down a woman. Surely he has a mother. Surely she has children depending on her for survival. The malevolence and ease in eliminating her is mind boggling and displays a total disregard for our society.

It leaves the family of the victims breathless. The rhythm of the home and the family is disrupted; in many instances the rhythm becomes chaotic. The

woman, the glue that keeps it all together, is grasped away in death’s sharp claws and life is never the same.

Children who have lost their mothers describe feelings of “a keen sense of isolation,” “looking elsewhere for nurturing but not knowing how to receive it,” “always braced for rejection,” “lonely,” “a sense of being adrift in the world.” After the sensational headlines fade

we hear and see no more. It is not sensational to see what has become of the children in her family. How are they surviving after their foundation was shattered? Not unless one of her children is killed or accused of a crime will we remember and shake our heads. Perhaps we subconsciously shake our heads in shame. Yes, we must find a way to avoid a child becoming a murderer like the one who killed his mother. A child yearns for love and guidance, lest they go ‘adrift in the world.”

Many of our communities are grieving. Many children are grieving. Some are in a perpetual state of grief. We must look beyond the headlines and appreciate that a different morning has broken for these families.

2018

There is a new normal which is not normal. Let us not accept that these things happen; instead let us get involved to make sure it stops. Let us take interest in the young child next door who might be going down a shady path and bring him back on track. Our women continue to be the rhythm of this society.

When the Segundo drum stops, the Primero continues, until another Segundo drummer steps in. Ladies, we must be our sisters’ keepers. Let us act on the God given instinct to nurture, to love not only our own, but all.

We have a responsibility to her children, because they are all our children. And the beat must go on.

Let’s be the change we want to see. Connect.

Join the movement by contacting belizeuwg@gmail.com or call 677-9168. Your voice matters in helping to create the next Women’s Agenda of the PUP.

PUBLIC AUCTION SALE

BY ORDER OF THE CHARGEE HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED, a Licensed Public Auctioneer will sell on site the following property at the time as listed.

At No. 1457 Rosalind Bradley Street (formerly Riverside Street), Belize City, Belize District on Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at 11:00a.m.

SCHEDULE

ALL THAT piece or parcel of land comprising 638 square meters being Parcel 1457, Block 45 in the St. Martin De Porres West Registration Section situate at Rosalind Bradley Street (formerly Riverside Street), Belize City, Belize District, Belize TOGETHER with a 20’ x 25’ timber stilted single family dwelling house in very good condition containing two bedrooms, bathroom, living room and kitchen, the freehold property of KOSHIA ELIZABETH GENTLE DATED this 15th day of May 2018

All sales are strictly cash and deemed final. For more information contact: HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED 1 HYDE’S LANE, BELIZE CITY, BELIZE Phone: (501) 224-5644 Fax: (501) 223-0738 Email: foreclosures@hrcubelize.org

27 MAY

THE BELIZE TIMES

2018

Gang Figure Charged for Taximan’s Murder

Luis Carlos Moh

Nicoli Rhys Thursday, 24 May 2018 On Wednesday, notorious George Street gang figure Nicoli Rhys, 28, was formally charged and arraigned for the murder of taximan Luis Carlos Moh, 31. Moh was shot and killed Monday night on a dirt road off the George Price Highway which leads to Homeland Memorial Park. Rhys, who walked free in 2013 for the alleged murder of Southside Gang leader Andre Trapp, has been in and out of jail since, and will now be on remand until July 27.

On Monday night at around 10:00pm Noh was with his 17 year old girlfriend when he received a call to drop off a male person at Mile 8. When he picked up that person in his Toyota Camry Taxi, he was asked to pick up a second male person. ASP Alejandro Cowo, on Tuesday, told the media what Police had determined at that point – “Mr. Moh was called to do a taxi run to 8 miles and along with him was his girlfriend at the time. They picked up a male person on Vernon Street and thereafter they drove to 8 miles and while on the way they picked up another male person and while driving, they were ordered to go into Homeland Memorial Park. Upon arrival at that location the female observed the male person with a firearm and she managed to jump out of the vehicle and thereafter she heard the shots in the area.”

The female managed to run to the nearby Prosser compound where she alerted a watchman and they called the Police. According to Cowo, when Police arrived on the scene “they found an abandoned white Toyota Camry on the street side and also, making further checks in the bushes, led to the discovery of a male person with a gunshot wound to the right side of his chest and to his back. What is missing from him is a cell phone and other personal belongings. It is something that we are trying to establish a motive. At this moment we are considering a possible robbery, because of his items that are missing. There is nothing else to indicate to us that he was involved in any kind of illegal activities.”

But while robbery was believed to be the motive, with the arrest of Rhys sources say that Moh may have been targeted because he was used regularly by affiliates of another gang.

21

22

27 MAY

THE BELIZE TIMES

2018

NOTICE

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the below companies have been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the dates indicated: KIA HOLDINGS LTD. - May 19th, 2018 A1V2 ENGENHARIA LTD. - May 19th, 2018 Belize Corporate Services Limited Registered Agent

ATHENEUM HOLDING LTD. # 54, 150 (“the Company”)

Pursuant to Section 102 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, notice is hereby given that ATHENEUM HOLDING LTD. has been dissolved as at 17th May, 2018 and has been struck off the Register of International Business Companies.

CILTrust International Limited Registered Agent BVIBVI BUSINESS ACT,2004 2004 BUSINESSCOMPANIES COMPANIES ACT,

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the below companies have been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the below dates indicated: WALDEN FINANCE LIMITED - April 26th, 2018 PRALIN INTERNATIONAL LIMITED - May 4th, 2018 JUSTONE INTERNATIONAL LIMITED - May 4th, 2018 ROMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED - May 5th, 2018 MUNSIL OVERSEAS LIMITED - May 5th, 2018 STAPLE INVEST S.A. - May 18th, 2018 ALEMAN, CORDERO, GALINDO & LEE TRUST (BELIZE) LIMITED

Registered Agent

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the below companies have been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the below dates indicated: Zanenig Ltd. - May 4th, 2018 GREEN LAND INTERNATIONAL CORP. - May 4th, 2018

ZAREMBO ZAREMBOLIMITED LIMITED

BVI BUSINESS (theCOMPANIES “Company”) ACT, 2004 (the “Company”) A BVI Business Company Company A BVI Business ZAREMBO CompanyLIMITED N° 1821518 BVIBVI Company N° 1821518 (the “Company”)

A BVI Business Company BVI Company N° 1821518 ________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________ NOTICE OF LIQUIDATOR’S APPOINTMENT ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ NOTICE OF LIQUIDATOR’S APPOINTMENT

________________________________________________________ NOTICE OF LIQUIDATOR’S APPOINTMENT

NOTICE IS HEREBY________________________________________________________ GIVEN pursuant to section 204(1)(b) of the BVI Business Companies Act, 2004 that

NOTICE Pauline IS HEREBY GIVENwith pursuant of the 3rd BVI floor, Business Companies 2004 that O. Beneby addressto at section Bahamas204(1)(b) Financial Centre, Shirley & CharlotteAct, Streets, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to section 204(1)(b) of the BVI Business Companies Act, 2004 that

Bahamas been appointed as the voluntary liquidator the Shirley Company&pursuant to Streets, a Pauline Nassau, O. Beneby withhas address at Bahamas Financial Centre, 3rd of floor, Charlotte Pauline O. Beneby with address at Bahamas Financial Centre, 3rd floor, Shirley & Charlotte Streets, of the director of the Company dated May 10, 2018 and the resolution of the member of the Nassau,resolution Bahamas has been appointed liquidator Company pursuant to a Nassau, Bahamas has been appointedasasthe the voluntary voluntary liquidator of of the the Company pursuant to a Company dated May 10, 2018.

resolution the director of the Companydated datedMay May 10, thethe resolution of theofmember of the of the resolution of the of director of the Company 10,2018 2018and and resolution the member Company dated May 10, 2018.

Company dated May 10, 2018.

Dated on this 10th day of May, 2018.

Dated on this 10th day of May, 2018. ___________________________________

th day of May, 2018.

Dated on this 10 Pauline O. Beneby

Liquidator ___________________________________ Pauline O. Beneby ___________________________________ Liquidator

Pauline O. Beneby Liquidator

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that ROMBO SECURITIES INC. has been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect on 9th day of May, 2018.

GENPRO CONSULTING (BELIZE) LIMITED

ARIAS, FABREGA & FABREGA (BELIZE) LIMITED Registered Agent

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

JUMEIRAH INVEST CORP. AMBIGUA REAL ESTATE INC. PALMBEACH INVESTMENT LTD. SERINA TRADING LTD. SEASTAR COMMERCIAL LTD. GROVES UNIVERSAL GROUP S.A. RESU INC. EAGLE FLY CORP. CULVERS INVEST INC. SASCA INVESTMENTS LTD. SHERRWOOD PORTFOLIO LTD. PANSEL INVESTMENT LTD. JERAG PROPERTY S.A. REDERIANA ENTERPRISES CORP. SADDLEHILL INVESTMENT LTD. ZYPAM LTD. HALLIDAY CORPORATION TWOKITAI INVESTMENT LTD. FINTECH ADVISORY INC.

Date of Dissolution

1-Mar-18 1-Mar-18 2-Mar-18 6-Mar-18 6-Mar-18 7-Mar-18 7-Mar-18 7-Mar-18 10-Mar-18 13-Mar-18 15-Mar-18 20-Mar-18 20-Mar-18 20-Mar-18 20-Mar-18 27-Mar-18 27-Mar-18 29-Mar-18 30-Mar-18

Morgan & Morgan Trust Corporation Belize Ltd.

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

GUILDFORD STRATEGIES INC. SERINA TRADING LTD. RUBELL HOLDINGS LTD. KUTCHIN TRADING CORP. SARGAN STRATEGIES INC. SUERTO GLOBAL S.A. SAPINE FINANCIAL CORP. MEYERTON AGENCY INC. BERRY CONSULTANCE INC. BALTCIS CONSULTING LTD. KARTON HOLDINGS LTD. MENTO TRADING INC.

Date of Dissolution

3-Apr-18 6-Apr-18 6-Apr-18 6-Apr-18 14-Apr-18 14-Apr-18 20-Apr-18 24-Apr-18 26-Apr-18 26-Apr-18 27-Apr-18 27-Apr-18

Morgan & Morgan Trust Corporation Belize Ltd.

27 MAY

MOREIRA MURDERED FOR HIS BOLEDO WINNINGS

23

THE BELIZE TIMES

2018

PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: PROPERTIES Pooks Hill Road & Roaring Creek River;Camalote; Northeast of San Jose Succotz, Cayo District PUBLIC AUCTION PROPERTIES

BY ORDER of the Mortgagees, Messrs.

The Belize SALE: Bank Limited, Licensed Auctioneer Kevin A. Pooks Hill Road & Roaring Creek River;Camalote; Northeast of San Jose Parking Succotz, Cayo District Castillo will sell the following properties at the Belize Bank Limited’s Lot, Constitution Drive, Belmopan, Cayo District on Monday 4th June 2018 at 10:00 am:

BY ORDER of the Mortgagees, Messrs. The Belize Bank Limited, Licensed Auctioneer Kevin A. Castillo will sell the following properties at the Belize Bank Limited's Parking Lot, Constitution Drive, Belmopan, Cayo District on Monday 4th June 2018 at 10:00 am: 1.

230.45 Acres of Land along Pook's Hill Road and Roaring Creek River, Teakettle Area, Cayo District:

REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL Society Hall 16 2685 (Being 230.45 acres of land situate along the Pook’s Hill Road and beside Roaring Creek River in the general vicinity of the ATM Cave, approximately 7 Kilometers South of Teakettle Village, Cayo District, the freehold property of Messrs. Indeco Enterprises Limited) 2.

Parcel No. 2535 Roaring Creek Village, Cayo District:

Thursday, 24 May 2018 The Belize Police Department has asked the public to be on the lookout for Jordan Burns, 18, and to report his whereabouts to the Police if he is seen.

Burns is being sought in connection with yet another murder in Belize City which occurred at around 1:00pm on Wednesday.

At a press briefing held today Thursday, ASP Alejandro Cowo stated that “the Police were called to an area known as the Back Alley in the Banak/Mayflower area where they found a male person lying face down in a pool of blood. He was identified as Carlton Jarrett Moreira, 35, with an apparent gunshot wound to the right side of his cheek. Preliminary investigations have revealed that he was walking in the alley when he was approached by two male persons who fired at him.”

But who would be bold enough to go into the heart of gang territory to murder Moreira? Well, Police believe that the Mayflower resident was killed by one of his own, and the reason could have been because he had been a little too looselipped about winning big in Boledo the night before. Family members believe that was the reason he was targeted – just a case of somebody wanting to come up off Moreira’s good luck.

Police say that they are looking for two persons who they believe can assist them in the investigation, but have named Jordan Burns as a person of interest in the murder.

Burns is said to live in the same area as the murder victim.

ALL THAT piece or parcel of land containing 869.767 square meters (1,040.24 square yards) as shown on the land register of Parcel No. 2535 and the Registry Index Map (RIM) of the Society Hall Registration Section lodged at the office of the Registrar of Lands in Belmopan TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. (Being Parcel No. 2535 containing 869.767 S.M. of vacant land situate in Roaring Creek Village, Cayo District, the freehold property of Ms. Angela Carita Pelayo) 3. Parcel No. 3248 George Price Highway, Camalote Village, Cayo District:

REGISTRATION SECTION Society Hall

4.

BLOCK 24

PARCEL 3248

(Being a vacant highway frontage lot [535.163 square meters (640.05 square yards)] situate beside the George Price Highway in the Village of Camalote, Cayo District, the freehold property of Mr. Armando Coleman) 11.98 Acres of Land, Northeast of San Jose Succotz, Cayo District:

ALL THAT piece or parcel of land containing 11.98 acres of land situated Northeast of San Jose Succotz Village, Cayo District, Belize bounded and described on Plan No. 164 of 2001 at Entry Plan NO. 5609 Reg. 17, and attached to Minister's Fiat (Grant) No. 164 of 2001 dated 19th day of March 2001 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. (Being 11.98 acres of vacant land situate Northeast of San Jose Succotz Village, Cayo District, the freehold property of Mr. Rafael Gregory Reyes and Ms. Jesusita Salazar) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - www.belizebank.com (foreclosure- listing) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION TERMS: STRICTLY CASH www.belizebank.com (foreclosure listing) KEVIN A. CASTILLO TELEPHONE: 223-4488 Email: kevinacas@yahoo.com

TERMS: STRICTLY CASH KEVIN A. CASTILLO TELEPHONE: 223 4488 Email: kevinacas@yahoo.com Face Book: Belize Auctions

24

THE BELIZE TIMES

27 MAY

2018

REAL Good Governance Reform!

Changing the Status Quo For the People’s United Party to restore the people’s confidence in any government after three terms of an abusive, corrupt and incompetent UDP, it must be serious about good governance reform. The Barrow administration has been the worst in history, allowing no REAL oversight and giving UDP Ministers powers which led to gross irregularities and abuses of process and people. The new People’s United Party government will do things differently. We will give power back to the people of the country who will elect us to represent them.

We WILL: PUT POLITICS AND MINISTERIAL POWER IN THEIR PROPER PLACES: We will immediately strengthen the Integrity Commission, providing the necessary funds for its Secretariat to fulfil its important legal, auditing and investigative roles free from any undue political influence.

Monitor the conduct and performance of Government Ministers and all elected officials in public life to ensure their “honourable” exercise of duties and responsibilities, and to prevent any behavior that can bring disrepute and shame to our nation, to our government and/or to our Party. Such embarrassing behavior will lead to their immediate expulsion from the Cabinet.

If a Minister is found breaking the law he/she will be subjected to the legal process and will face the consequences like any other person, including jail time. The rule of law means nothing if the laws do not apply equally to all.

We will limit the subjective authority of Ministers by removing the discretionary powers and reducing the need for letters from Ministers for everything. Presently, letters from Ministers are needed for recruitment to the Police and the Belize Defense Force, a hitherto unheard of thing. Public officers will be made to do their job, without fear or favour, and punishment will be swift for incompetence and/or corruption.

WE WILL: STRENGTHEN CHECKS AND BALANCES: We will reconstitute the Public Accounts Committee for the effective participation of the Social Partners in the Senate so as to ensure its proper role in overseeing the sound and prudent management of public revenues and expenditures approved in the Budget.

We will strengthen the capacities, allocate the appropriate resources and ensure the autonomy of the offices of the Auditor General, the Contractor General, the Ombudsman, and the Integrity Commission to better fulfil their technical mandates and provide the appropriate support to the oversight responsibilities of the Public Accounts Committee and other oversight committees.

WE WILL ENABLE: An EMPOWERED LEGISLATURE: The PUP will improve legislative governance by providing greater oversight by the National Assembly with respect to the work of the House Committees. We WILL establish Standing Senate Committees that will have the authority to conduct inquiries into any and all matters with a view to advancing the cause of nation-building.

WE WILL RESTORE: EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT PUBLIC SERVICE: We will take immediate steps to restore the autonomy of the Public Service (establish clear boundaries between the political directorate and the public service) and Public Service Commission to re-establish integrity and impartiality in the recruiting, training, evaluating and disciplining processes, and

We will introduce the necessary legislation with appropriate measures to protect whistle blowers and witnesses involved in corruption cases and to increase the penalties for acts of corruption and public authority abuses.

The PUP will revert to having Permanent Secretaries (Senior Career Public Officers) as the accounting officers of the specific Ministry/ Ministries.

WE WILL CREATE A: SEPARATION OF POWERS: All Judges and Magistrates of the Court will be employed with security of tenure. The PUP will establish sound systems and good practices for recruitment of all officers of the Court and will hold them responsible for the efficient administration of justice and to ensure the separation of powers of the state as clearly stipulated in the Constitution: Cease and desist from the public badgering and coercing of the judiciary by the Prime Minister and the Cabinet The Director of Public Prosecution will also be given security of tenure and the Department of Public Prosecution will be given the necessary resources to ensure that it complements the work of the Police to increase the rate of successful prosecution, particularly in murder cases WE WILL DELIVER: ELECTION REFORM: Within the first year of office we will present legislation to regulate campaign spending. We will also propose and enact legislation to limit campaigning up to the day before elections.

On Election Day all campaigning, paraphernalia, advertising etc. will not be allowed as it is done in other Caribbean countries.

We will insist, by any means necessary, that the UDP Government comply with the rule of law and conduct nationwide re-registration in 2017. The recent findings of 700 pages of unadulterated corruption in the Immigration Department lay bare for all to see the untold numbers of foreigners who received Belizean nationality by fraudulent means with the consequence being that these new fraudsters can and do vote in municipal and general elections, deciding for Belizeans who should be their government.

Implement a fixed date for general elections similar to that of municipal elections Implement a transparent redistricting exercise, free from any appearance of political manipulation, with the goal being a fair representation of the public Introduce campaign financing legislation Introduce an independent Elections & Boundaries Commission that shall be free from political interference with a Chairman who is appointed in a similar fashion as the DPP and Auditor-General, so he or she can be autonomous and free from the perception of governmental control.

I, John Briceño, as head of the next Government along with my Cabinet and together with the National Legislature, pledge to lead this transformation, motivated by the will of the people. In this noble path, we are guided by the philosophy of our Founding Father, the Right Hon. George Price, whose dynamic concept of a Peaceful, Constructive Revolution empowers us to confidently chart this way forward to a better future for all Belizeans.