Belize Times May 2, 2021- Belize In Recovery

The Belize Times

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THE BELIZE TIMES

2 MAY

2021

Established 1957

The Truth Shall Make You Free

2 MAY 2021 | ISSUE NO: 5247

www.belizetimes.biz | $1.00

BELIZE IN RECOVERY Northstar Bound, PM Cites Public/Private Partnership

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30 Million in Cattle Exports

“Over the next five years my administration is committed to SPENDING REDUCTIONS, REVENUE ENHANCEMENTS, and COMPREHENSIVE, DEBT RESTRUCTURING AND ECONOMIC EXPANSION OF FOUR OR FIVE PERCENT ANNUALLY. See, we believe that growing the economy is the only road to getting out of this grave socio-economic crisis we inherited. I remain convinced that the best social program we can have in these circumstances is to get our people back to work. Given the fiscal situation the Government’s ability to lead the growth effort is constrained by limited resources. Yet, we are fully aware that we must restore confidence and provide the enabling environment for private sector expansion.

For us then, the best model to pursue at this time is private sector-led growth complemented by government resources. We can no longer give lip service to public-private partnership, it is our best way out of this mess, so we have to make it happen.” Prime Minister John Briceño in Address to the BCCI

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Sanctuary Bay Saga Continues?

HUGO, BARROW, AND THE HOTBED Pg. 9 500 MILLION IN TAXES WAIVED

UNELECTED PEYREFITTE: “PLEASE, STOP TALKING ABOUT THE UDP”

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“SICK AND SORDID” TRANSACTION AT NICH Supported by 2019 Minister of Education

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YOU CAN REGISTER TO GET VACCINATED: HTTPS://VRSA.HEALTH.GOV.BZ/

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2 MAY

THE BELIZE TIMES

PR#266 PRESS RELEASE

Cabinet Brief Belmopan. 28th April 2021. 6:10 p.m.

The Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño, met in regular session on 27th April 2021.

• Minister of the Public Service, Constitutional and Political Reform Hon. Henry Charles Usher informed the Cabinet that he wrote to the Joint Unions on 22nd April outlining Government’s position.

• Cabinet was informed by Hon. Michel Chebat, Minister of Health & Wellness, that to date, 40,000 Belizeans have received their first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccination, which is in line with Government’s plan to ensure that 70% of Belizeans who wish to be vaccinated are vaccinated

by September.

• Cabinet approved further amendments to Statutory Instrument No. 33 of 2021.

• Cabinet gave its approval for Hon. Oscar Requena, Minister of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government, to develop and execute a National Child Labour Policy to replace the existing 2009 policy. In addition, Cabinet also supported the request by the Minister to introduce amendments to the Labour Act, Chapter 279 of the Laws of Belize and for the ratification of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention in relation to labour administration and to present outstanding annual reports to the International Labour Office, which is in fulfilment of ILO Convention to which Belize is a signatory.

30 Million in Cattle Exports

Multiply 20,544 heads of cattle by 900 pounds each by $1.60 and you get the total revenue generated by cattle exports to Guatemala since 11 Nov 2020.

We will round it off at 30 million dollars. This is thirty million that is shared with the Belizean economy: Loans are paid, jobs are created, families are fed, purchases are made, jobs are created, small businesses are spurred, cattle industry revives, other parallel industries like pigs get life, micro business spurts, innovative jobs are devised, the Belize Agricultural Health Authority collects fees, Government of Belize collects income tax, Foreign Exchange gets bolstered indirectly, and Belize’s recovery gets a tremendous shot in the arm.

This venture is one of the news items that aims at making Belize a paragon of economic recovery and eventual grandeur. But there is work ahead in sustaining this beyond windfall levels.

The same can and will be done with export to Mexico. For Cattle, every other place in the world is welcome if they

2021 want to buy but for obvious transportation reasons it is most cost effective just across our most adjacent land borders.

Many, especially most of the cattle ranchers, will recall how the past failed recession-prone weak economist called Dean Barrow spited them by saying that the Guatemalan authorities had put an official stop to the crossing of heads of cattle into Guatemala. For some unknown political or personal reason, Dean Barrow was hard headed and obstinate on allowing cattle monies to come into Belize. He went as far as calling the cattle ranchers ‘money launderers’. He chose to blind himself to the basic sale of cattle and the creation of cash flow into an economy famished for jobs.

Hon. Jose Mai, Minister of Agriculture and New Enterprises along with Foreign Minister Courtenay have lead the way in reigniting a fire not seen in 13 years of UDP hoodlum-type maladministration. Cattle is just one of the exports that is leading the way to our recovery; other fledgling industries like cacao, soursop, chickens, eggs, beans, and pineapple are being added to the traditional sugar, oranges, fish, lobster, conchs, shrimp and bananas. The UDP ignored all that and focussed on Tourism. PlanBelize has a broad base which will include both. Since August of 2020, we have put forward that Tourism will definitely flourish again but this time under the shade of a bountiful Agricultural industry. This will be a powerful tandem and, God-willing, will be untouchable even by another pandemic and certainly not by the extinct party we once knew as the UDP.

• Finally, Cabinet welcomed the second half of the report from the Economic Recovery Advisory Committee and agreed to set up a number of ministerial subcommittees to review the recommendations of the advisory committee with a view to fast-track implementation of the recommendations.

Ends

UNELECTED PEYREFITTE: “PLEASE, STOP TALKING ABOUT THE UDP” “Stop talking about the UDP” pleaded still unelected Peyrefitte at the special Sitting of the Senate this past Wednesday scheduled mostly to debate on Belize’s Revenue and Appropriations Bill 2021-22. The planBelize Recovery budget was the Briceño Administration’s first and one that is crafted just to remove all the economic filth left over by the corrupt UDP administration. This UDP was successful in wounding Belize almost to the point of economic cataclysm which would be the dollar devaluation.

Peyrefitte and the UDP would like everyone to forget the UDP infamy of 13 year but that will not happen. Micheal Peyrefitte the lead Senator for the side attempting to oppose the bill. Their problem is

that their their caretaker leader of the opposition Faber had just lauded all the positives of the budget in his LOO rebut. It is hard to rebut a plan that was so well put together and one that will float Belize above all the UDP despair and point us towards a Belize that WILL work for everyone.

All Peyrefitte could do was mock the too complex for him to comprehend as he was used to one full of kickbacks like the last UDP budget that featured 180 million dollars for a road to nowhere and one that only nature would eat.

For his part, the Sanctuary Bay lawyer felt nostalgic on the good old corrupt days when he had to forcibly support a UDP budget. Salazar showed political clairvoyance as he hoped that the leaders of the Unions

were hurt enough to again vote UDP in 2025. The question is where is Khalid?

Pitts for her part clearly attempted to be sarcastic but failed. She knew her pointers would lead her to be long winded and empty. Therefore, she blamed her late father for a speech that would be similar to Salazar’s and have no substance. She also attempted to garner the Union votes to vote out the PUP. Pitts missed the July 2019, November 1, and March 3 elections. Pitts is the third opposition Senator that is still growing into developing a first name.

The budget is and had to be Belize’s most crucial in history as it comes at a point when Belize is fighting for her economic life. PlanBelize and the John Briceño administration is asking ALL Belizeans to come one board. Each of the UDP senators one by one said it clearly, they do NOT support any budget that will see Belize arise out of the ashes. So they could not support the First planBelize budget.

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2 MAY

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

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EDITORIAL

Inconvenient Truths

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his week has certainly been interesting; however, we can say that this round certainly does not go to the Unions. In fact, it goes to the media by TKO. The purported boycott of the media has fallen as flat as Carmelita beer. This is mainly because the union relies heavily on the good graces and free media coverage from all the media outlets. So, the boycott is merely the union giving the cold shoulder treatment. In media circles there is no such thing as bad publicity and in fact the following on social media of those media houses has increased. So much for bad mind. The Unions fail to realize that the financial crunch is being felt across the board. Publicity and advertisement are one of those sectors that are first hit during a crisis. No one is going to turn down a paying customer, and so it is not about selling your soul, it is about the bottom line. The media’s responsibility lies in passing on information to the public. It must relay all information, even the most inconvenient truths.

There are many inconvenient truths, for instance that those union presidents seconded from their ministries to serve as union leaders very often are not working the same office hours that the rest of their membership must comply with. Those union presidents who serve as senators also enjoy those added benefits and perks such as complete health insurance, stipends, and gas milage. These of course are in addition to the salary they already receive. They continue to collect these perks. When these people go on strike they can easily afford to because they will still be able to collect on the senatorial salary, unlike the membership they claim to defend. There are reports that the fees for some of these unions are close to half a million dollars per year, and yet they lost their headquarters because of non-payment. These unions who seek transparency and accountability have not given account of their own union’s finances for years to their own membership. If the unions want respect and urge transparency to banish corruption, they must come clean. Show your audited financials! Unions claim to be untainted, but merely hide behind their tame flock, while collecting millions.

The unions speak with disdain about politicians. At least one has come clean in stating that they will start a new union party. This is the first truth coming from that union leader. The jobs of unions are to advocate for better working conditions of its membership. These unions seek to change economic policy and enact legislature. These are the functions of a political party, not a union. It is wonderful that they have finally shaken off their disguise and come clean as to what is their real intent. It takes absolutely no courage to shout and scream hiding behind the anonymity of a crowed. It takes infinitely more courage to put your name on the ballot and publicly advocate and work for the change you believe in. The unions are political, they have been so for quite some time and it is great to know that they have come clean. Will they have the courage to put their name on the ballot? Unions are good at getting down and dirty and personal in their attacks. They cry foul better than a Barca footballer when faced with any view different than their own. They ask for transparency and yet hide their own finances even from their membership. They ask for sacrifice and strike and collect their perks. These financial gurus who would like to give the GOB financial advice have lost their own headquarters due to mismanagement.

The first strike was the roadblocks, the second was the media boycott. This strike will cause an already out of touch union movement to lose even more support from Belizeans who are already overwhelmed with poverty and unemployment. These are inconvenient truths.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Hon. John Briceño, Prime Minister

2 MAY

2021

The Prime Minister and the People’s United Party join the Belize Times to wish all the workers of Belize and their families a

Happy Labour Day May 1st, 2021

¡Feliz Dia del Trabajador 2021!

2 MAY

2021

THE BELIZE TIMES

“SICK AND SORDID” TRANSACTION AT NICH The newly anointed caretaker of the Opposition Patrick Faber now seem to be a volcano erupting with scandals all around him. His run for glory seems to actually be inglorious as the issue of land in Belama, land in Belmopan, Rentals for Faber, Job Placements in Government for political work are now sinking his submarine story with even worse ones.

What is happening? Something has to give?

The UDP as this writer has said more than once is an extinct party now walking around in the zombie stage attacking anything that lives. How do you get rid of a zombie?...figuratively.

At the Senate meeting of this past Wednesday was a chance for the UDP to come on board with planBelize. It was a chance for them to join the PUP and work to build Belize. They could have received all credit and their confessions could help unravel some of the convolutions they left in the Ministries. But no, they decided that the rock at the bottom couldn’t be too thick so they continued to dig.

Leader of government business helped them by revealing a tale that he called ‘sick and sordid’. He says it best.

Hon. Eamon Courtenay: “We have found out a sick and sordid transaction that took place at the National Institute of Culture and History, a well-known United Democratic Party supporter and if you mess with me I will call the name, had

The People’s United Party informs all supporters that applications are now being accepted for the Executive Committee of the following: Belize Youth Movement President Vice-President Secretary Assistant Secretary Treasurer Chief of Staff United Women’s Group President Vice-President Secretary Assistant Secretary Treasurer One (1) Representative from each district except Belize District and Cayo District which has two (2).

The Marshall’s Community Service Corps President Vice-President Secretary Assistant Secretary Treasurer One (1) Representative from each Caucus.

Application forms are available at your Constituency Office or Executive Committee. Closing Date for Applications is Friday May 14, 2021 at 3:00 p.m.

a lease for a piece of land for 30 years, got a mortgage from Social Security and defaulted.

The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) decided to pay off the loan to Social Security $100,000 was paid in 2019 by way of resolution of the board of NICH. This is a state enterprise, a statutory body, dedicated to culture and history. It is paying off a mortgage

for a UDP supporter in the amount of $100,000 and the minutes reflect that the then Minister of Education, the now temporary leader of the opposition supported the decision.

The auditors Baker Tilly says included in NICH’s records are property tax and mortgage loan repayments to the Social Security Board made on behalf of a third party Shalini and Mirna Manzanarez for a total of $102,590.98 carried on its statement of financial position.

Though it was evident that the pay out of the loan was duly approved on the condition that NICH would be ultimately be made beneficiary

05 5 to the property through inheritance, the finance department does not have on file any agreement or documentation to substantiate this arrangement or to substantiate NICH’s future right, if any, to the said property. Additional, in discussing the matter with finance, it was further highlighted that though the expenditure had been capitalized and carried as an asset of NICH, there is no supporting documentation under department’s file of the said treatment.

Madam President, Can you believe this?”

The Belizean people need the voice of Patrick Faber to explain this clearly or resign.

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST CONSULTING SERVICES – CONSULTING FIRM Consultancy for the Department of Transport, Transportation Policy, Legal and Operational Review and Update Belize Institution: Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy and Logistics Country: Belize Project: Capacity Building for Public Transport Reform Sector: Public Sector Abstract: This project aims to support the implementation of the short-term transportation reforms needed to strengthen the capacity of the Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy & Logistics and enhance the public transportation industry as a continuation of the Comprehensive National Transport Master Plan (CNTMP). Developed in close coordination with the Economic Development Council and the Belize Infrastructure Limited, the project will aim to: (i) build capacity for public and private institutions to effectively plan and implement policy initiatives to improve the service quality and efficiency of public transport; (ii) make the public transportation services more efficient through the design of a bus routing, scheduling and ticketing system, improved terminal facilities and an improved bus fleet with the necessary regulations and standards for the sector.

Loan/Credit/Grant No.:ATN/KR-17666-BL Contract/Bid No. : CS1 Deadline: 07 May 2021; 16:00 Local Belize Time The Government of Belize has received financing from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), toward the cost of the Capacity Building for Public Transport Reform, and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

The consulting services (“the Services”) include the Department of Transport, Transportation Policy, Legal and Operational Review and Update. The overall objective of this consultancy is to conduct a comprehensive review of the public transport policy and legal framework, and regulations governing public transportation in Belize and updating them to current international standards and best practices.

The Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy & Logistics now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services.

Consultants will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the Inter-American Development Bank: Policies for the Selection and Contracting of Consultants financed by the Inter-American Development Bank GN2350-15 and is open to all eligible bidders as defined in the policies. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Quality and cost-based selection method set out in the Consultant Policies.

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

Further information can be obtained via email or phone during the hours 8:00am – 5:00pm from Mondays to Fridays.

Expressions of interest must be sent in a written form to the address or by email by 07 May 2021; 16:00 Local Belize Time.

Subject: Expression of Interest - Consultancy for the Department of Transport, Transportation Policy, Legal and Operational Review and Update Belize Attn: Trudy Joseph Administrative and Procurement Assistant Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy and Logistics Transport Planning and Project Unit Melhado Parade, Nemo Building Belmopan, Belize C.A. Email: procurement.officer@transport.gov.bz Phone: 501-672-0848

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2 MAY

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM CALL FOR APPLICANTS 2021 In promoting the educational advancement of the youth of Belize, The Belize Bank Limited is now accepting applications for the 2021 High School and Sixth Form Scholarship Award.

Scholarships are awarded based on merit and financial need.

Electronic applications and more details on eligibility for the respective awards are available on our website at www.belizebank.com.

Deadline for submissions is June 11, 2021.

APPLY TODAY!!

CARTOON

2 MAY

2021

THE BELIZE TIMES

07 7

Prime Minister

JOHN BRICEÑO

ADDRESS TO THE BELIZE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2021 Madam President Members of the Executive Council, Members of the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Invited Guests Good Evening.

Thank you for the invitation to be a part of this special event, your Annual General Meeting.

It comes at an opportune time, on the heels of the passing of the appropriations bills for this financial year. Before proceeding let me also express on behalf of my government our gratitude for your contribution to our budget consultations. As I said in the budget presentation, the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Belize Business Bureau, the Productive Sector, the Council of Churches, the NGO community and the Joint Unions made extensive contributions.

Whether small or large, we are satisfied that you all had some influence on the composing this

year’s budget.

As I have said before, as a nation we are at a juncture of unparalleled national crises, having to face our most severe economic, fiscal and debt crisis in a generation. Coupled with this are the ongoing social ills and the existential crisis of climate change. Our nation is poorer than it was a decade ago, our children’s education is not where it should be, and our roads and other infrastructure are falling apart.

If these challenges were not enough, we are dealing with unsustainable debt which is now 130 percent of GDP. This makes us the sixth most indebted nation in the world and the highest in the region. Last year our economy contracted by 14 percent. Last available figures show high levels of unemployment with up to 64,000 Belizeans either unemployed or under employed. Government has been borrowing $30M monthly to meet salaries and other financial obligations.

Given this picture I am sure you would all agree that fiscal space is limited and so we must turn things around. If we don’t turn things around, public sector investment will be limited and Government will not be in a position to offer the services to support private sector growth.

So, we have to do something. We must act now!

We need to address the problems head on…this is an imperative!

My administration believes we need to restructure our debt and so I have established a Debt Management Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister to help with negotiations for the restructuring of our debt. We also need to evaluate our financial needs and we need to identify areas for support not just for the current financial year, but for the life of my government. This is why I put together an Economic Recovery Advisory Team to help us chart a course forward. Their mandate is simple, getting the economy growing ASAP and how to improve the ease of doing business in Belize. I am grateful for the extensive work the ERAT has done.

We have received their recommendations and in response Cabinet set up 8 ministerial working groups that will report back to the Cabinet in two weeks. All this is fundamental to my government’s Recovery Plan, which also includes: Salary adjustment for public officers, Reduction in expenditure, Augmentation of revenues, And a renewed and meaningful partnership with all stake holders, especially the Public Service and the Private Sector to grow the economy and manage government’s limited finances in an open and transparent manner.

To put it more succinctly, over the next five years my administration is committed to SPENDING REDUCTIONS, REVENUE ENHANCEMENTS, COMPREHENSIVE DEBT RESTRUCTURING AND ECONOMIC EXPANSION OF FOUR OR FIVE PERCENT ANNUALLY. See, we believe that growing the economy is the only road to getting out of this grave socio-economic crisis we inherited. I remain convinced that the best social program we can have in these circumstances is to get our people back to work. Given the fiscal situation the Government’s ability to lead the growth effort is constrained by limited resources. Yet, we are fully aware that we must restore confidence and provide the enabling environment for private sector expansion.

For us then, the best model to pursue at this time is private sector-led growth complemented by government resources. We can no longer give lip service to public-private partnership, it is our best way out of this mess, so we have to make it happen.

During the Campaign you heard us talk a lot about this kind of relationship. The economic plan laid out in planBelize focuses heavily on the need to not only enable private sector development, but in engendering an entrepreneurial spirit in our people, especially our young people. We will never abandon such ideals.

For this reason, my Government has started to put in place mechanisms, legal and otherwise, that will pave the way for the private sector to expand and become the real engine of growth of our economy. This partnership will ensure that the country derives great macroeconomic benefits from a collaboration that seeks to utilize the drivers of efficiency and effectiveness of both the private and public sector. There is still time and space for your input in the development of this imitative.

In the coming weeks my administration will be reviving the Belize Economic Council. Now, I am well aware that we meet at a time when our public officers and teachers are engaged in industrial action against the government as is their right. But I must tell you that, in their latest letter, the Unions shifted their emphasis from proposals to implement the adjustments and coping mechanisms designed to reduce the effect of the salary adjustments, to good governance reforms.

We do not have a problem with this…in fact during the consultations with the Unions we gave our firm commitment to table Whistle-Blower legislation, Unjust Enrichment legislation and Asset Recovery legislation. That is what we offered; all are in line with needed Governance Reform.

We said in our Manifesto PLAN BELIZE: that “We intend to govern differently, and we mean it. We will establish true Councils of Consultation as we govern democratically rather than by Cabinet Dictatorship.”

The reform agenda of this Government will move forward with the formation of a Reform Council or Commission that will be broad-based and resourced in order that it can work in a consultative and transparent manner. We have not and will not abandon this commitment! So, as far as I am concerned, there is no dispute between this Government and the Unions on the issue of the reform agenda. Absolutely none.

As I said in the House last Friday, the Budget presented for 2021 – 2022 is a tough one. We don’t deny that. It has proposals to cut expenditures on wages, goods and services as well as debt repayment. These adjustments are absolutely necessary. They cannot be avoided. Without them the recovery cannot begin. Look, if we could reverse the UDP mess in an instant it would have been done already.

But we cannot re-order the chaos we inherited in a few weeks. Therefore, I laid out the Roadmap to Recovery, showing how by next year the primary balance will be positive. We are committed to 5-year targets that will guide revenue collection, spending, investment and public borrowing. This government believes in the prerequisite to systematically address the underlying vulnerabilities and inequalities in the move towards sustainable and equitable development. Our economic recovery efforts are the first critical steps towards reducing vulnerability and building resilience.

You have heard the Leader of the Opposition say that our recovery plan is laudable. I hope he will join in the efforts at the legislature to help us achieve what we set out. I also hope that civil society and our social partners such as yourself will come out in support of our plan because this will only work if we do it together.

Once again thanks for the opportunity to address your assembly, rest assured my government will always welcome your partnering this important work and I wish you success in your deliberations.

Please help us spread the word to Belizeans to watch your distance, wash your hands often, wear your facemask in public and go get vaccinated.

I thank you.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

2 MAY

2021

Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government Hosts Stakeholders Recognition Award Ceremony ment; Hon. Ramiro Ramirez, Minister of State; and Mr. Valentino Shal, CEO in the Ministry.

The Ministry congratulates all the recipients and thanks them for their overall services and continued support to the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government.

Belmopan. April 26, 2021. 4:30 p.m.

The Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government held its first Stakeholders Recognition Award Ceremony today. The purpose of the ceremony is to highlight the outstanding contributions of different stakeholders in pursuing the mission of the Ministry in service to the Belizean people.

The recipients are Hope Springs Water for longstanding partnership and support, Belize City Council for innovation in the service delivery and management, and Central Information Technology Office (CITO) for support in the online transition of ministry services. Receiving the Stakeholders Recognition Awards were Mr. Daniel Shol, representing Hope Springs Water; Mayor Bernard Wagner, Mayor of Belize City; and Mr. Ian Smith, Chief Information Officer at CITO. Present at the ceremony were Hon. Oscar Requeña, Minister of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Govern-

THANK YOU

Prayer To The Holy Spirit O Holy Spirit, You who are the Fountainhead of all knowledge, Who Illuminate the path way which enables me to reach my goal. You Who shares your Divine gift permitting me to forgive and forget past insults and injustices, and Who are always at my side within reaching distance. I desire in this short supplication to thank You for all that You have done for me; and to assure You once more that I never want to be separated from You under any circumstances, no matter what the incentive.

I want to be with You, I along with my loved ones, cradled in Your unending love. Thank You for your never-failing kindness towards me and those I call my own.

(Prayer to be offered for three consecutive days: Faith in The Holy Spirit will cause Him to respond to your request no matter how difficult the problem might be. Publish prayer as soon as request has been Granted .)

Thank You Holy Spirit.

Because we say “thank you” each and every day for the smallest and simplest acts of kindness we receive, “thank you” seems so inadequate a response when juxtaposed with the outpouring of sympathies, expressions of love, and goodwill that were on full display during these days of overwhelming sadness and unbearable grief. This began immediately upon learning of the untimely passing of Nelita Alberta Martinez, and continued until she was peacefully laid to eternal rest, all happening during the binary times of a COVID-19 pandemic and bereavement.

THANK YOU

Although Nelita was her official name, she was the apple of the eyes of her siblings, the twinkle in the eyes and of so many whoday lovedfor her unconditionally, to say “thank you” each every the smallestandand others, she was just the “Little One” or “Nelly”.

Because we simple of kindness we receive, “thank you” seems so inadequate a response when The many phone calls,of beautiful wreaths, contributions of various juxtaposed with the cards, outpouring sympathies, expressions of kinds, love, and goo other acts of genuine compassion, and keeping her in your thoughts and prayers, that were on full display during these days of overwhelming sadness and gave her family, extended family, and adorning friends and colleagues the strength to dealThis with thebegan excruciating pain associatedupon with herlearning untimely passing. unbearable grief. immediately of the untimely pas Nelita Alberta Martinez, and continued until she was peacefully laid to etern For all of the above, the Martinez and Jex families, and the Belize Protectors all happeningAssociation—the during the binary ofand a COVID-19 pandemicinand bereav 2019 B2Vtimes champions still reigning champions—due

F.C.M.

significant part to Nelita’s contributions and commitment to excellence—take this opportunity to use the universally accepted expression for acts of kindness: Thank Nelita was her official name, she was the apple of the eyes You!

Although of her siblings, the twinkle in the eyes of so many who loved her unconditionally, May God bestow His richest blessings upon each of you. “So let it be written, so others, she was the Amen!

“Little One” or “Nelly”. let itjust be done”.

2 MAY

099

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

Sanctuary Bay Saga Continues?

In October 2020, two weeks after Barrow had posted a letter to Belize indicating an Election, the Barrow and Williams law firm somehow convinced Hugo Patt, as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources to write off some 500 million dollars in taxes, and additionally, rights to carbon credits for fifty years along with 368.75 square miles of the Orange Walk District. Stamp duty waived. Land tax waived. Speculation taxes waived. Did Barrow and Williams also work pro bono?

All this transaction was secretly signed without House of Representative approval.

Why the secrecy Hugo Patt? Were you under coercion?

The law firm that was at the birth, and beyond, of the Sittee River Wildlife Reserve(SRWR) will forgive the Belizean people if they are inquisitive this time around. The SRWR resounds like an ecologically-friendly organization. Now it is more infamous as Sanctuary Bay and the largest international real estate scam in United States History—that according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

The Nature Conservancy also sounds like an ecologically-friendly group. But do they care of the Belizean people when they get a half a century long tax holiday attached to millions waived?

Hugo Patt surely was not satisfied with being intertwined in a measly 65thousand dollar vehicle.

Hugo Patt was not satisfied with land worth 6 million dollars passed to UDP super crony, one UDP corny Blades. The cheap excuse was that it was originally for Faber’s Collet…they are still waiting.

Hugo Patt definitely wasn’t satisfied with signing off tens of land titles all in one day to one Kevin Li. Hugo Patt definitely was not satisfied with signing off Dolphin Drive protected land.

Hugo Patt has asked the chairman of the Commission of the Sale of Government Assets Marshalleck, ““Are you making any accusations that I am involved in any wrongdoing?” The collection of scandals around Patt is accusing him of something. His PM surely made sure he used Patt gifted DPM seat to continue sinking the UDP legacy of infamy.

Even as Belize was reporting rising and exponential Covid cases and tragic deaths, Patt and

the UDP government found a way to be in cahoots and use the sizzling hotbed of gross corruption. Patt waived off needed millions by an economy already in distress. The UDP had other plans for Belizean taxpayer money and

that plan did not involve the Belizean people.

The Nature Conservancy purchase has been placed in Belize and godfathered by a UDP government laden with infamy; this beginning does not play well with Belizeans.

Questions are heavy. How will Belize benefit? How will our carbon credits be used? Does a secretive signing bode well if the TNC will be a Belizean-fearing entity? Time will tell. The planBelize government will hold the TNC accountable to the people. The ONUS is on the TNC to go way beyond a press release.

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REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST CONSULTING SERVICES – CONSULTING FIRM Consultancy for Public Ground Transportation Routing, Scheduling and Ticketing System Belize Institution: Country: Project: Sector: Abstract:

Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy and Logistics Belize Capacity Building for Public Transport Reform Public Sector This project aims to support the implementation of the short-term transportation reforms needed to strengthen the capacity of the Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy & Logistics and enhance the public transportation industry as a continuation of the Comprehensive National Transport Master Plan (CNTMP). Developed in close coordination with the Economic Development Council and the Belize Infrastructure Limited, the project will aim to: (i) build capacity for public and private institutions to effectively plan and implement policy initiatives to improve the service quality and efficiency of public transport; (ii) make the public transportation services more efficient through the design of a bus routing, scheduling and ticketing system, improved terminal facilities and an improved bus fleet with the necessary regulations and standards for the sector.

Loan/Credit/Grant No.: ATN/KR-17666-BL Contract/Bid No. : CS2 Deadline: 07 May 2021; 16:00 Local Belize Time The Government of Belize has received financing from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), toward the cost of the Capacity Building for Public Transport Reform, and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

The consulting services (“the Services”) include Consultancy for Public Ground Transportation Routing, Scheduling and Ticketing System. The key output of the consultancy is the preparation of a Public Ground Transportation routing design for the country entailing the collection of data and design of an online ticketing system and scheduling system.

Objectives: The objectives of the consultancy are to (i) rationalize the public transport (Public Ground Transportation) lines in Belize to improve efficiency and quality of service; (ii) prepare a scheduling system for Public Ground transport vehicles; (iii) design an online system that supports ticketing and scheduling; (iv) conduct desk feasibility study on alternative modes of transportation for Public Ground Transportation fleet, e.g. Electric Vehicles, Compressed natural gas.

The Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy & Logistics now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services.

LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICES

Consultants will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the Inter-American Development Bank: Policies for the Selection and Contracting of Consultants financed by the Inter-American Development Bank GN-235015 and is open to all eligible bidders as defined in the policies. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Quality and cost-based selection method set out in the Consultant Policies.

Notice is hereby given that Perla Mae Augustine is applying for a Malt & Cider Liquor License to be operated at “E & P’s Restauarant & Bar” located at Miles 19, Philip Goldson Highway, Sandhill Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

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

Notice is hereby given that Muammer Koc is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Celebrity Restaurant” located on Marine Parade, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

NEEDED: 2 Domestic workers needed at Gallardo’s residence in Roaring Creek village, Cayo District.

Further information can be obtained via email or phone during the hours 8:00am – 5:00pm from Mondays to Fridays.

Expressions of interest must be sent in a written form to the address or by email by 07 May 2021; 16:00 Local Belize Time.

Subject: Expression of Interest - Consultancy for Public Ground Transportation Routing, Scheduling and Ticketing System.

Attn: Trudy Joseph Administrative and Procurement Assistant Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy and Logistics Transport Planning and Project Unit Melhado Parade, Nemo Building Belmopan, Belize C.A. Email: procurement.officer@transport.gov.bz Phone: 501-672-0848

10

THE BELIZE TIMES

2 MAY

2021

SITTING OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

General Revenues and Appropriations Bill 2021-22 Debate Highlights and Key Excerpts April 22-23

Orange Walk Central Hon. John Briceño Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Commentary directed at the LOO Patrick Faber “The caretaker, I noted, referred to - and I quote - ‘that which has gone so terribly wrong in this country, brought on by situations of the past.’ Those were his words. I wonder, are those situations of the past the recession, and then the depression he and his party handed to us? Are situations of the past, the 4.2 billion dollars or the 10 thousand dollars every Belizean man, woman, and child now owes because of UDP wild, unaccountable borrowing spree? Are those situations of the past paying 650 million dollars for a company that your own valuation has suggested is worth a fraction of that? Are those situations of the past the 30% unemployment you left behind? Yes, Mr. member for Mesopotamia, your party left behind, or the 700 million dollars you borrowed in the last 2 years in office? Are those situations of the past the frenzied land and asset grabbing that so characterized your time in office? Those situations of the ‘past’ are now determining our present and our future. They may be situations of the past for you, and your few party hacks, but they are painful shackles of the present for 420 thousand Belizeans left to grapple with your mess.”

“If you want to distance yourself from the sordid mess that led [to] your party’s obliteration, then point the finger and call names. Or accept the blame yourself, and throw yourself upon the mercy of the Belizean people.”

“Even you, Mr. Leader of the Opposition, caretaker of the United Democratic Party, was forced to admit in your listless remarks that our plan is a good plan.”

“Yes, we agree, our recovery plan is reasonable. It is balanced. It shares the sacrifice. It front-loads the spending cuts. It gives time for the economy to rebound before adding any new taxes. It preserves capital investments by the public sector. It focuses on economic growth and private sector support, and most importantly, the recovery plan supports the key areas of health, education, poverty alleviation, citizen security, and national infrastructure.””

Only Five New Vehicles Purchased for Ministers; Seven others for Varia “Speaking about vehicles, I don’t know where the Member for Mesopotamia got that we spent 20 million dollars on vehicles. You must be on something because I don’t know where you get 20 million dollars.”

“Let me state here for the record that since coming to office, my administration has purchased 5 vehicles, five. Half of our ministers and CEO are driving their personal vehicles because we have not gone out on a major spending spree on vehicles.”

“And the other vehicles that we have purchased, Madam Speaker, they are for the Ministry of the Police and the Ministry of Health. That’s all. I have the list here, 5 for ministers, 1 attorney general, 2 [for the] police department, 1 for the Blue Economy, for Hon. Mike Espat, which he is paying, 1 for my office, 1 for the police department, another one for the police department. That’s all the vehicles that we have bought. So I’ll count it for you, 13 vehicles we bought. That is the record, Mr. Caretaker.”

UDP Borrowed For Salary Raises; They failed to grow the Economy Every elections year you raise the salary of public officers even when our nation was in recession. You raise salaries in 2012. You raised salaries in 2015. And you raised salaries again in 2018. And in all instances, you were borrowing to pay those salaries.

They bang the table when their predecessor came up here with fancy words and Greek mythology to cover up your gross incompetence. Using it as a distraction because you were incapable of growing revenues or the economy to match those increases and increments. It is UDP cowardice, their sleight of hands, their shamelessly kicking the can down the road that has brought the entire nation to the brink of bankruptcy. When you advocated a positive outlook, what you really seek is a solution from your historic sins. You want us to move the budget deficit, from the debt, from the depression, from the unemployment, from the corruption and bloated contracts, from the refusal to enact the same reforms you now suddenly champion, without first establishing with the people what you bequeathed us. As we would say in Creole what you left for us to deal with.”

Condolences on the passing of Mr. Nestor Vasquez “Madam Speaker, as I move the adjournment we on this side also want to express our condolences to the Vasquez family. Net Vasquez was also a close friend of my father, so is somebody I have known for a long time. On behalf on this side of the house, we send our sympathies to the Vasquez family. I now move the house adjourn.”

Lake Independence Hon. Cordel Hyde Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Natural Resources, Petroleum & Mining

Union Support “We have to work together. We cannot continue to fight each other. We have to continue meeting and improving on this relationship we’ve started over the last 2 and a half months. Our issues are not irreconcilable. The Unions are not our enemy. They cannot be. They are our partners; they have to be. They are not a political party. Union members are mothers, fathers, grandmothers, grandfathers, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, sons, daughters, friend’s cousins, neighbors. I absolutely detest the personal attacks on them. I have nothing but respect for Elena, Ruth, Sharon, Dean, Gerald, Clifford, Brother Luke, and Patrick. We spent many hours in meetings together, some lasting as long as 7 hours. And there never was a dull moment. Those meetings taught me a lot.”

Best not the Rue the Day of No Cuts “It’s been almost 15 years since I last spoke on the Government’s side in a budget debate. And I’ve watched in horror as the UDP plundered this country for 13 long years.

I never in my wildest thoughts expected that our first budget experience as a new administration would be this painful, this heartbreaking, and this heart-wrenching.”

“No government should have to consider taking 80 million dollars out of the salaries of the public officers and teachers in this country, not our beloved teachers and public officers, not out of the hands of the people who spend every day with the little people.”

“One of my constituents, Madam Speaker, a career public officer, texted me yesterday at 4:44 a.m. She had no idea how she would survive with a 10% salary adjustment.

After her own calculations, after the 10% pay cut and deductions for income tax, social security, and mortgage payments, she will be left with 50 dollars. And that’s before she has even bought food, and there are people who depend on her every day. She says she’s overwhelmed and just reaching out to share her feelings.”

“It’s better to do something now and find out a year from now that maybe we went too far, than for us to not do anything, and 6 months down the road, we rue the day we never took the 10%. We’re not going to keep this any longer than needs be. We will review the numbers every 6 months, along with unions. We’ll do it together. We’ll review it together comprehensively, every 12, to determine whether [or not] we’ve met our targets, and can discontinue the adjustments.”

Wherewithal to Go After Every Tax Dollar “What if the bank took your money but never lent any money? Wouldn’t the Central Bank pass a directive and revoke that license? But, such a huge portion of our lands can be frozen, and these people can’t pay any land taxes. That has to stop. You either pay, or we take back your lands. We have too many people in our country who are landless. This is an opportunity to right a historical wrong. Unfortunately, the debt management team in the ministry is not equipped to unleash the kind of rigorous vigor that is required to collect these taxes. So, we’re in the process of upgrading that unit, so that we have the wherewithal to go after every tax dollar.”

Freetown Hon. Francis Fonseca M i n ister of Education, Culture, Science & Technology “Despite the current economic crisis, this budget reflects our government’s commitment to education.

We are investing 1 million dollars in starting our rural education grant fund. We are committing funds to our national healthy start feeding programme. We remain committed to expanding teacher training opportunities and have started developing our plan for a Teacher Learning Institute.”

UDP Will Never be The Answer “’Man weh caca on the beach figget’ the man weh walk on it remember’. The UDP and opposition plays as if they have forgotten the damage that they have done to this country. We in the PUP do not have the luxury of forgetting. We have to clean up and fix this mess. We have to deal with the consequences of this mess every single day. The Belizean people also won’t forget. I can assure you(Faber). Despite your overtures to the Unions, at every consultation the Unions make something absolutely clear, ‘whatever our differences with the PUP, Faber and the UDP will never be the answer’ ” Reckless Irresponsible UDP Government “You have the audacity to stand up and attempt to discredit the new government’s principled efforts to bounce back the broken economy and build back this shattered country. You should be joining our efforts; you should be working with us, not against us. You should be praying for our success, not for our failure. Madam Speaker, this is not a budget we wanted for our first year in office. This is a budget forced upon us and the Belizean people by a reckless, irresponsible UDP government.”

Support for the Proposed Budget “You gave our prime minister and our party your full support and we will not fail you. We need you to continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with us as we work our Continued on page 11

2 MAY

11

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

SITTING OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Highlights and Key Excerpts

Continued from page 10 way through this economic crisis facing our beautiful and beloved Belize. We need your support now more than ever. We know that so many of you are in need of jobs, you want access to land, you want access to housing, you want access to education, you want access to quality healthcare, we thank you for your patience.”

Rural Central Hon. Dolores Balderamos García Minister of Human Development, Families & Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Welcome Hon. Doña Elvie “I wish you well. It is wonderful to have another PUP woman in the House of Representative. I salute you entirely.”

UDP Presided Over Criminal Reckless Spending There is absolutely no panic on this side of the house and please do not blame COVID for the difficult, difficult times that we inherited because of thirteen years. What we found was much worse than what we could have ever imagined.

The UDP presided over times of arrogance, corruption, criminally reckless spending, aloofness to the people and neglect, especially of our rural communities. Today, Madam Speaker, because of what we found, we must sacrifice, and I have to call on everybody without exclusion to .do our part.”

Orange Walk East Kevin Bernard Minister of Youth, Sports & E-Governance Oversized Bukut “The LOO asked us to take a page out of the UDP book. The only picture on those red pages is that of an oversized Bukut. What the LOO forgot to tell the people is that in 2008 the UDP found a surplus of 98.2 million dollars. The UDP should hang their face in shame. This budget is no lie it is focused in fixing the budget. The proposed salary adjustment was not of our making.

We are here in this situation because of our colleagues on the other side enjoyed the riches of office while they

drove us to economic ruin.”

Part and Parcel of UDP Corruption “When you hear the LOO you would think that the years of mismanagement and corruption never did the exist” Commending Hon. Fonseca For Scholarship “I am told that just yesterday after hearing from a child in Lord’s Bank who was determined to get her education despite financial and physical challenges stepped in to offer a full scholarship. You are a good man member from Freetown.

Sports Opening up with Limitations “On May 1st we are opening up sports although with strict guidelines. None contact sports will comeback to normal while contact sports will be for training purposes only.

Stann Creek West Hon. Rodwell Ferguson Minister of Public Utilities & Logistics Transportation Upgrades “I chose the George Price Day because he would have wanted better standards at our (bus) terminals.

The terminals are functioning much better than they were four months ago. Every single terminal has been upgraded with limited funds. The money was spent wisely with no overstating of funds spent We are trying our best to improve the transportation industry.

As we speak there is a transport planning committee to transform the transportation industry. In the very near future we will have an inspection unit to inspect buses where buses must go into the inspection station to make sure that your buses are road worthy.”

Yachting “Just a couple months back we opened up so that yachts can return. That has benefitted the tourism industry.”

Confidence in the PM and the budget presented “I know that the Prime Minister is a man of conscience and that if he sees that the economy has recovered that he will come and say that we can do XYZ. I listen to my constituents every day. They want jobs. All we are asking that we have patience, understanding and together we can make it happen. It might be the end of my career but. I will stand by the Prime Minister to save Belize.

Appreciation “I do not know how you did it Minister(referring to Minister of Infrastructure) and with only 12 Million Dollars. Your work went to every corner of the country.”

And to the Minister of Lands, for the 80 persons in Santa Cruz who received their leases.

Cayo South Hon. Julius Espat Development & Housing

Minister of Infrastructure

er

Commitment that the Family Comes Togeth-

“In difficult times, unpopular decisions and proposals become necessary. Absolutely no one, absolutely no one likes or appreciates a reduction to their much deserved remuneration or to their proposed budget. I am convinced after having deep conversations with our negotiators,… that the dialogue will continue with our brothers and sisters from the public service. We have no choice, Mr. Speaker, because you see we are all, we are all servants of the people and therefore we are a family and yes, at this point in time the family might have their differences but the family has to come together for the benefit of the people of Belize, Mr. Speaker. And that is a commitment that our party, our government, our Prime Minister, our negotiators and cabinet in its entirety, is committed to, to make sure that the family comes together so we can serve the people of Belize.”

Pickstock Hon. Anthony Mahler Minister of Tourism & Diaspora Relations Happy Earth Day “Calls on all to respect, cherish and love our Earth” Tourism Recovery “Hope is no longer on the Horizon, Hope is here now. 40 to 50 percent of pre-Covid Tourism will return in the 3rd and 4th quarters of this year. Air travel is also to return in the 2nd half of this year. While other countries are experiencing a 3rd and 4th wave, Belize is rather open since October of 2020. And with the excellent work of the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Belize remains on trach for its Tourism recovery. Summer travelling to Belize is promising.

Tourists are looking for safe destinations. Travelling are looking to how a country is dealing with the coronavirus. Data also shows that vaccine distribution helps in the recovery process. Sixty five percent of travelers say they will return to travelling when they get the vaccine. Belize has been vision leaders for prioritizing the tourism sector for vaccinations. We are also allowing vaccinated tourists to enter the country without the need of a Covid test upon entry or prior to entry, I strongly believe that with the programs that we are implementing we will be one of the main destinations to return to full normalcy by 2023. Our Tourism recovery and stabilization plan ask for the streamlining of our marketing to be able to take advantage of the market trends today.

The policies of this administration is helping the private sector to rebuild. I want to assure the Belizean people that we will be trailblazers that we will continue to embrace innovation. We will continue every day to rebuild this nation and to get the people back to work.”

Corozal Southwest Hon. Ramiro Ramirez Minister of State in Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour & Local Government Things will happen now “I remember when I came the first time in 2012 and I was on the other side how many times I begged for my constituency, a police station in Libertad, a police station in San Narciso, a water reservoir for Conception, nothing happened. I wrote many letters to the Prime Minister for one school in San Narciso, not an answer, not a reply so that is something that really hurt my constituency. Now I am back on the other side of the house and I know that those things will happen.”

Cayo Northeast H o n . O r l a n d o H a b e t Minister of Sustainable Development, Climate Change & Disaster Risk Management Livelihood disrupted for a While “Indeed Madam speaker this budget could well have been our solidarity budget as in no time else can we stick together as Belizeans to have faced tremendous challenges and continue to face adversity as a result of COVID 19 and a lingering recession occasioned by the mal administration of the former UDP government. Indeed the effects of Covid on our economic, medical and social fronts have been devastating and so perhaps another theme to this budget could have been a resilience budget.

Our livelihoods and our economy have been disrupted for a while but the sacrifices we all have to do for our health, the wellbeing of our people, the education of our children, the growth of our economy makes this budget even a unity budget, but we all have to do it together. And only then will we be able to triumph tomorrow.”

Cayo North ness

Hon. Michel Chebat

Minister of Health & Well-

Continued on page 12

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2 MAY

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

SITTING OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Highlights and Key Excerpts

Continued from page 11

UDP Inaction Sent Healthcare Spiraling “This administration is very cognizant of the fact that without a healthy population, and without a strong and efficient health care system there can be no economic recovery. It has not escaped us Madam Speaker the severity of the challenges that comes as part of this package. This Prime Minister understands this, he gets it, he has with the support of cabinet made it a priority to ramp up the fight against the public health crisis we are facing. Although we have made great strides in the past 5 months, we were left with the residue of the past administration which had no concrete plan to combat this pandemic and to safeguard the health of our citizens. That is why we have made sure that we invested in medical equipment and medical supplies. I have obtained technical support from our international partners as well we have benefitted from the expertise of the doctors in the public and private sector to prepare us in the event of a third wave.

When I assumed responsibility in the Ministry of Health and Wellness 5 short months ago there were no funds, no cost center, no budget for the war against the pandemic despite the fact that the previous administration had been warned of the human and financial catastrophe that was lurking if action had not been taken. Their inaction sent our already abandoned health care system into a spiral. Our health care workers were over whelmed, over worked, and over looked by the previous administration. I want to pause here to thank every single driver, every attendant, every cook, every doctor, every nurse, every lab technician, and every public health inspector from north to south, from east to west of our beautiful country. They gave selflessly of themselves so that the rest of us could be safe. They are the real heroes of our country and that is why Madam Speaker one of this Prime Ministers first action was to pay the $307,000.00 in accrued overtime to the health care workers.

Since December 2020 to March 2021 we have paid a further $1.5 million dollars in overtime to our health care workers and additionally we have approved $931,00.00 in outstanding over time due to our Health Care workers at the KHMH. Since taking office we have expanded testing to all corners of our country thereby decentralizing testing from any single office or authority and making it accessible to all of our citizens.”

Belize Rural North

Hon. Marconi Leal

Focusing every day on Belize Rural North Constituents’ Needs “We will do our best to begin the implementation of planBelize. God knows that I will work hard each day and do all in my power to better their lives. In a little over five months I have assisted 50 students with their school fees and school supplies for their educational pursuits thanks to the Minister of Education. I assisted various constituents for families who lost loves one. We constructed a bushed in Double head cabbage. We assisted 100 constituents with their land documents. Most of the river valley has gotten some road work thanks to the ministry of infrastructure.

With the agriculture skills and potential in the constituency we will ensure in this budget to exploit the full productive capability of our area. We are about serving our people. To the people in Lemonal. I have heard your request to solve your land issues.

We will do so once and for all.”

borrowing and borrowing.

Hon. Oscar Mira Belmopan Minister of State, National Defence & Border Security The UDP is to Blame “The homegrown recovery plan that this government is putting forward is a good plan.

Let me mention for the 20th time, the UDP’s mismanagement contributed to where we are right now.

We have the highest 6th most indebted government in the world and each citizen owes 10 thousand dollars.

Three out of 10 Belizeans is out of a job. We want to put policies in place so that we do not have to continue When we took over we found a demoralized security force and with a structure that was falling apart.

The basic necessities that a soldier needed to do his job was lacking.

We will return the Garden City to where we would like it to be and where it was once.

We will fix the economy now so that our children won’t have the burden that we have right now.”

Hon. Oscar Requena Toledo West Minister of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour & Local Government

Uplifting the Lives of People “I want to remind the UDP that is was their bad decisions and mismanagement and corruption that was us here today. The opposition just some months ago came and tabled a bill to write off 90 million dollars in land taxes. That is exactly what we would need today to bridge the gap. How can the UDP have the moral authority to speak about that today?

I want to congratulate the team that has consulted with the unions over the past week. They have done a stellar job. It is important to reiterate that we have made some good pledges to the unions.

Everything that we have done is to make sure that our Ministry I doing the job it is supposed to do. We are intent in serving the people. While we have limited resources, this budget will allow us to continue to uplift the lives of our rural committees across Belize. “ Cayo West Hon. Jorge ‘Milin’ Espat Cayo West is Better Off “The people of Cayo West said that they have had enough of Erwin Contreras and the UDP. Cayo West has embraces the message of planBelize. Hope is definitely alive in Cayo West. I got involved in Cayo West to work hard every day and to bring positive change in the lives of my constituents—that is a daily motivation.

We have rehabilitated road long neglected in Cala Creek, San Jose-Succotz, Benque Viejo and we are currently at the Arenal road. We have given roofing material to the neediest throughout the division. Many experience rainy weather in the latter part of last year Under my stewardship we will return Cayo West to those glory days in football. ” Corozal Bay Hon. Elvia Vega UDP Hypocritical “It really pains my heart to see that so many years under the Barrow Administration, Corozal has not gotten the attention that it so much needs. I am committed to uplifting Corozal to a safer and thriving community for under privileged families and upcoming generations.

I can safely say that under the leadership of Honorable John Briceno, prosperity will come to Corozal Bay. I have always mentioned this and I think it is important to mention it here today, you the people are the ones who are our bosses and not the other way around. Many times it is evident that Representatives who were chosen by the people forget who they are representing. We must always remember that we are servants of the people. Corozal has so much untapped potential that has been ignored for too long. Under the United Democratic Party our lives did not get better.

We have been a stagnant community. There was the downfall of industries such as the Papaya Industry and the collapse of the Corozal Free Zone. Thanks to the People’s United Party, the Corozal Free Zone has re-opened and many families are grateful for the job opportunities Madam Speaker. Much was left to be desired under the previous Corozal Bay Area Representative. As I heard the Opposition speak it did leave me in awe. They kept mentioning about plan Belize not being executed, however we must be cognizant of the fact that this is not able to happen at this point due to the economic crisis we are presently facing which was brought about by the same opposition who have become the righteous ones. I don’t understand the hypocrisy.”

Fort George Hon. Henry Usher Minister of Public Service, Constitutional & Political Reform This GoB is Fiscally Disciplined ““Madam Speaker, the member for Corozal North needs only look at the black and white to see that this government of the People’s United Party has been fiscally disciplined in terms of hiring. It has been difficult, Madam Speaker, to have to explain to your constituents, to have to explain that right now, we have to keep spending down. It has been difficult, as the Deputy Prime Minister said. Madam Speaker, in the height of the corona pandemic last year, the former administration of the UDP increased emoluments, as a matter of fact, in June of 2020, it peaked, and it remained up there right up to October of 2020. And we all know why they were hiring all those people, Madam Speaker. Yet again, they were trying to buy an election.

But, Madam Speaker, if you look at those figures, the 3 months that were the lowest happened to be December 2020, January 2021, and February 2021. I haven’t seen the figures for March 2021 as yet, but I’m confident that those figures are down again. As a matter of fact, under the guidance of the Honorable John Briceno, we have already reduced the monthly spending on emoluments by 4 million dollars, Madam Speaker, savings already being shown.””

Patt’s Hypocrisy: Waiving of Tax and Carbon Rights for 50 years

Continued on page 13

2 MAY

2021

13

THE BELIZE TIMES

SITTING OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Highlights and Key Excerpts

Continued from page 12 “I hold here, Madam Speaker, an agreement signed between the Government of Belize and the Nature Conservancy. This agreement was signed, Madama Speaker, on the 19th Day of October 2020. I believe parliament was dissolved on the 6th of October 2020. So, this agreement came after parliament was dissolved and just before a general election. And this agreement, Madam Speaker, was signed on behalf of the Government of Belize by the Member for Corozal North, who was then the Minister of Natural Resources.

The reason I bring up this agreement - and it’s right here - is because incredibly, in this agreement, 260 thousand acres of land was acquired by the Nature Conservancy. In the agreement, the Government of Belize agrees to remit, wave, and exempt the payment of stamp duty on these properties for a term of 50 years. The Government of Belize agrees to remit, wave and exempt the payment of land tax for a term of 50 years. Madam Speaker, how could he be talking about collecting land tax when a few weeks before the election, he was signing these types of agreements? Waving land tax for 50 years, Madam Speaker, for this group. Madam Speaker, to make it worse, the carbon rights for these properties, the government of Belize, signed by the Member for Corozal North, permitted the trustee to retain, exercise, and transfer to them the carbon rights on the trust properties, and the exclusive rights to perfect, market and sell any and all verified carbon credits or offsets. Madam Speaker, couple that with the write-offs in land tax that was done by the previous administration, 90 million last year, so much more before then, couple that now with the waiver of land tax, and we can see that they were not serious about collecting land tax, and that is why we are where we are with a huge bill for the land tax to be collected. Madam Speaker, I don’t know if I can use the word ‘hypocrisy’, but I don’t know what else to use when it comes to that type of behavior.”

Salary Cuts Make No Political Sense “The Unions and the Government are on the same sides. We want the same things. We want good governance. We want efficient services. We want national development. We have to work together to achieve those. Do you think madam speaker that in the first few months in Government that I or any of my colleagues would be wanting to be talking about salary adjustments or adjustments in the wage bill. It makes no political sense Madam Speaker. But the people elected a P.U.P. Government to think and work without eyes not on the next or future elections but to secure a future for generations of Belizeans to come.

Madam Speaker in 2008 the Wage Salary Bill was two hundred and seventy-five million dollars. Today it is around five hundred and fifty million dollars. Eighty-three cents of every dollar government collects goes to paying wages. This is just not sustainable. Imagine Madam Speaker I you are building a house for a hundred thousand dollars and the contract tells you that labor is 83 thousand dollars. You would only have seventeen thousand dollars to buy all you material and buy everything to build your house. That cannot be sustainable madam speaker.”

Orange Walk South Hon. Jose Mai Minister of Agriculture, Food Security, & Enterprise UDP Amnesia “I don’t know if it is amnesia or convenient amnesia or just plain craziness, but the member made mention the little allocation for the Agriculture sector or the Ministry of Agriculture, food security and enterprise.

He mentioned that I had been complaining every year about the small allocation toward the agriculture sector and yes that is true and today again I complain about the small allocation to the ministry of agriculture but today it is different. How can the member forget so fast about the $450 million petro-caribe dollars which the UDP squandered?

When I came to this house and I urged the Prime Minister to invest those resources in the productive sector they laughed at me. If they would have done so today the agriculture sector would be strong and vibrant and the tourism industry could have fallen and the agriculture sector would have sustained this country. But they squandered, they plundered, they misplaced, they spilled a hundred million of the Petro Caribe dollars.

I don’t know if they find it yet. But how can he forget the tacos and the pibil parties in the Corozal Bay on the seaside by the Leader of the Opposition and now he comes to say that the budget for agriculture is small and then he mentions also about the Remate road. Madam Speaker that’s 16 miles from San Pedro to Patchakan. Under the accompanying measures for sugar $16 million dollars was already allocated for that highway. It was the corrupt people in the Ministry of Works and the incompetent people in the Ministry of Works who messed up with the design for that road and the European Union (E.U.) said to them you need to correct it. The UDP government refused to correct the design of that road therefore that money went back to the E.U. they lost that money and it was free money.”

Toledo East Hon. Mike Espat Minister of State Finance, Economic Development and Investment Thirteen Long UDP Years “I spent 17 years in the classroom before getting involved in politics so I understand a lot of what teachers

have been through over the years and I would just like to remind them that if you look back from before Independence 1981 salaries for a teacher with a degree was $500.00. 1981, After that it was the government of the People’s United Party, and the George Price, Said Musa Government where the lobbying started to increase salaries for teachers to where it is today..

We have always taken care of the teachers to say and to show the importance that the teachers play in the economy of this country, educating our young people which we consider to be very important. On the other hand Madam Speaker, listening to the people sitting on the other side of this house. Now there are only five of them and I remember us sitting on that side of the house not being able to get anything done for our particular constituencies under the United Democratic Party.

If I say here today you might not believe but if my Colleagues, member for Toledo West, Member for Stann Creek West and the member for Stann Creek at that time we made visits to members from the other side who were then ministers of Government asking for assistance and nothing ever happen. Only one minister from that other side of the house would answer your phone call after 13 long years. That shows you how difficult it was.”

Caribbean Shores Hon. Kareem Musa Minister of Home Affairs & New Growth Industries Unions are Protesting Hurricane Dean “What we are dealing with in here is the residue of your term(s). They are protesting the debris of Hurricane Dean. In 162 we brought down the Covid cases from 5000 to 102. The Minister of Infrastructure…being Jesus-like fashion not being blasphemous here. He build 100 roads with 12 million dollars not 1 road for 8 million dollars. Faber’s road aptly names after…no, no, that’s not you sorry. All this in 162 so we cannot always fall

into the trap of the hype.

Barrow’s Open Secret 550 Million For BTL Haunts us Now “The entire trust of your presentation(Shyne’s) was to find some convenient excuse for Daddy. That is is Covid’s fault. Just check your records months before any of us knew anything about Covid-19. He said Prime Minister Barrow is sending us out to the reef. Covid is a convenient excuse but let us be real—550 Million Dollars paid out to his favourite client. For BTL, which is only worth 100 Million dollars.

The reason you are seeing cuts is because of the 550 Million to BTL. Also, it is because of the 50 Million in legal fees paid to your stepmother, brother and all of them.

We could use that to pay the teachers now.

And this is not touching the 500Million plus of PetroCaribe Funds. And I tell you, we will do an audit of that squandered money.”

Hemp and Cannabis “In just a few weeks now, I will bring to the House the proper legislation to the Hemp and Cannabis industry in Belize. Forbes just marked Cannabis at 17.9 Billion in 2020. The State of Illinois made more revenue from cannabis than from alcohol.

In our social context, we must consider the toll and legacy that the illegal trade and violence and the economic inequalities that has cause us when we ignore the reality of cannabis.”

Belize Rural South Andre Perez Minister of The Blue Economy & Civil Aviation Time for resilience, sacrifice and unified efforts “We have been given the responsibility to rescue our economy for our children and our children’s children. It is time to put the metal to the pedal. There is work to do and every single one of us must be a part of the recovery of our country. There is no time for rebellion and disobedience. It is time for resilience, sacrifice and unified efforts.”

Importance of Ministries Cooperation With

Each Other “I would like to recognize the member from Pickstock. Tourism, Blue Economy and Aviation are all inherently intertwined. Our success lie in our ability to be well coordinated. We have a great working relationship both at the Ministerial and CEO levels. We are also collaborating closely with the Ministry of Climate Change, Sustainability and Disaster-Risk Management.

We know it will be imperative in our part to seek resources available. As a Ministry, we are committed to put all the policies and plans necessary to seek grants and support that will not burden our country with additional fiscal obligations but rather to strengthen our ministries to be catalysts and drivers in our country’s recovery and growth.”

Corozal Southeast Hon. Florencio Marin, Jr. Minister of National Defence & Border Security The Good and the Bad Times Continued on page 14

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THE BELIZE TIMES

2 MAY

2021

SITTING OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Highlights and Key Excerpts

Continued from page 13 “Imagine if we had that Petro Caribe money what we could be doing we wouldn’t be discussing any salary cuts right now. We would be having a lot of programs.

But we have inherited this mess and we will fix this mess Madam Speaker under this new leadership of this Prime Minister we will in spite of all the constraints we are facing we will improve this country. Madam Speaker the district that I come from, again for 13 years the Corozal people are saying finally the nightmare is over.

I want to thank the People of Corozal South East for their patience for sticking with us through the good and the bad times Madam Speaker. They have never drank from that poisoned chalice known as the UDP. At this point Madam Speaker I believe that we must remind them of their 13 years of neglect, especially the people of Progresso and San Estevan that have not forgotten the cancellation of the paving of the road from the beginning of their government.

They have not and they will not forgive them. In 2008 Madam Speaker the Corozal district benefitted from a thriving papaya Industry, again 2021 that does not exist in the Corozal District.

In 2008 there were 3 thousand employed at the Free zone, before COVID 19 it fell to 1,500 under their management. In 2008 there were three casinos operating around the border, now we only have two. Of course COVID 19 for now. About 100 workers lost their jobs then Madam Speaker and no one said a word about that. During the 13 years in power they had numerous times to support the cane farmers, they did not. They didn’t support them when they had the dreaded frog hopper, they didn’t support them during the drought and on numerous other occasions they ignored the plight of the farmers.”

I therefore encourage all the stake holders in this matter to make every effort to reach an amicable solution to the nation’s financial crisis for the good of the country and all Belizeans.

The Work in Port Loyola For two decades all the people of Port Loyola received from their UDP Area Representative was victimization for not being UDP supporters and endless turn around and insult when they sought assistance at his office. At the same time however through unbridled corruption the then Area Representative for Port Loyola went from a person who was struggling to survive as a pool table repairman to a UDP millionaire.

Those were the days when the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of Housing, and the Ministry of Human Development became hotbeds of corruption under the then Minister with responsibility for Works, Housing, and Human Development in that order.

While a few lucky persons were given highly overpriced and weak plycem houses without ceiling, partition, electrical wiring, or bathroom facilities, thousands and thousands of dollars to build proper homes for the residents of the division were stolen with fake contractors. …thousands of dollars to build roads in Port Loyola and other parts of the country were stolen in bloated contracts and the usual fake contractors.

The theme for the budget is “Today’s Sacrifice. Tomorrow’s Triumph” This is the best possible budget given the financial crisis in which the UDP left the country. Helen Keller expressed the importance of unity, working together in solving common problems when she said “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

Dangriga Hon. Louis Zabaneh Minister of State Educations, Culture, Science and Technology UDP-13 Catastrophe “We have experienced 2 major catastrophes.

The most recent one is indeed COVID 19 the most recent one which we call the COVID 19 pandemic.

And it seems like a term that I thought I was already coining has already been coined by some of my colleagues UDP 13 and I want to call it UDP 13 tormentation because that is what our people have experienced over the last 13 years, torment. It’s another word that you find in scriptures that speaks to what happens when you’re in hell. There is torment and every division, every representative here who has spoken speaks about the torment that our people have suffered over the past 13 years.

I would like to submit Madam Speaker that unlike what the opposition is trying to put forward that it is not simply because of COVID 19 that we are having the degree of devastation that we are experiencing right now. I want to share some numbers again as we say the truth shall set us free. If anyone goes to the internet and type in www.statista.com it’s an organization that gathers information data of economic conditions around the world and you go and look up what has transpired with GDP in countries around the world in 2020.

You will find that statista is telling us that for Latin America and the Caribbean the average reduction in GDP was 8% percent.”

Orange Walk North Hon. Ramon ‘Monchi’ Cervantes Minister of State, Foreign Affairs Foreign Trade and Immigration Foreign Trade “In foreign trade we work closely with the Attorney General’s office in settling a matter concerning Sugar with our sister island St. Kitts. We settled out of court and our favor.

Also, we are working for the monetary mechanism for sugar. This will promote transparency and promotion of our sugar in the Caribbean sugar. We also promote our agricultural and agro process exports.

We have initiated work on a partial scope agreement with Mexico and in June of this year we should have our first working session. We have also achieved a temporary waiver arrangement for the export of live cattle to Mexico which we have seen happening already.

We have already negotiated the export of chickens to CARICOM. We also negotiated the export of animal feed to the Republic of China Taiwan with our first export in March of this year. This was thru CPBL and from here on we should be exporting three containers per month.

We have also reactivated the National Trade Negotiating Commission to promote tour economic interest to economic growth. This commission promotes jobs. All these fact point that the PUP is putting importance to foreign trade.

We are working on a migration policy and a final policy on refugees.

When we came in we found a passport system that was obsolete for many, many years and yet neglected by the UDP. Now, 5 months under the leadership of the Hon. John Briceño, we have already contracted the procurement and final implementation of a new passport system the Electronic Passport Issuance and Control System which will afford us to have even e-passports. People will be able to do their biometrics in the office in different towns.”

Port Loyola Hon. Gilroy Usher Minister of State, Human Development, Families & Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs The Financial Crisis The UDP left the country broke, because of 13 years of massive corruption and mismanagement.

They had no care for the best interest of the Belizean people. That’s why as the then Minister of Education the member for Collect rented a house for $3,000.00 per month at tax payers expense and still collected the monthly housing allowance of $1,500.00 every single month The UDP left the national treasury almost penniless, because they paid out over $70 million in bogus land compensation, and wrote off over $90 million in taxes for wealthy land owners, who could have paid their taxes.

Covid caused severe hardship for Belizeans with the loss of hundreds of jobs, the steep decrease in government revenue, and the closure of many businesses, but Covid alone is not responsible for the financial crisis, which confronts us today.

The financial crisis in which Belize finds itself is mainly the result of massive UDP corruption and miss management for well over a decade.

On my way to this Honorable House this morning, I asked one of the teachers, who was demonstrating against the 10% salary cut in front of the National Assembly building on what condition he would accept the salary cut and this was his response, “Corruption has the country in this financial crisis. I would accept the 10% salary cut, if the government and the unions sign an agreement for good governance and the government takes concrete steps now to prove that it’s serious about implementing that agreement”

Cayo Central Hon. Alex Balona Idea makes the Money; Not the Money makes the Idea “Madam Speaker we the new People’s United Party Government, the new administration whom the Belizean people voted for overwhelmingly on November 11th, 2020, are here with the guidance of God to find means to bring those changes that they voted for. Just as the Leader of the Opposition mentioned and this 2021/ 2022 Budget estimates are for those changes. Madam Speaker I must thank the Honorable Prime Minister of this nation for his continued support to Cayo Central that even in austerity measures we can touch the lives of some most needy residents. I know that without the UDP in government we will be able to do more in that area with this 2021/2022 budget estimates and will allow us to do more in those areas.

Madam Speaker I always believe in the motto which states it is the idea that makes the money and not the money that makes the idea. Since taking office in November 2020, I have met with residents of Santa Elena Town and each of the ten villages in Cayo Central, and I have learnt and I have prioritize the needs that the people have expressed in every one of those clinics. I have gone to every single village to meet with the residents and have learned that the need that has topped the list was land, and land documentation issues.”

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2021

THE BELIZE TIMES

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As a nation we recognize and stand in solidarity with all Belizean workers. We salute the thousands who toil each day to keep us safe on the frontlines.

Today, we wake up and work so that tomorrow the triumph of our sacrifices and dedication will shine on our nation and people forever!!

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2 MAY

2021

ON THE MOVE Hon. Florencio Marin Jr., National Defence & Border Security

Corozal Town Council

THE BELIZE TIMES 2015 Min. Jose Mai, AFSE and OW/CZL Representatives

Hon. Oscar Mira and Mayor Sharon Palacio, Belmopan

Min. Rodwell Ferguson, PUEL

Leading the cane farmers on the Santander deal

Min. Requena & MoS. Ramirez, RT, CD, L & LG Field Trip to Electricity Projects in Toledo w/ Capt. Malone, bilateral affairs, SC Office US Embassy, and Maj. Johnson, new bilateral affairs officer

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18 JAN

Visiting Belmopan Schools

Hon. Landy Habet, Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management

Culvert replacement

Hon. Jorge ‘Milin’ Espat, Cayo West

Stakeholders Recognition Award Ceremony: Hope Springs Water, Belize City Council, Central Information Technology Office

Orange Walk TC Department of the Environment at the New River

Dangriga TC Partnering w/ several organizations to plant on Earth Day

El YFCW dispuestos siempre

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Min. Julius Espat, MIDH

80k Drainage by San Fran School

Min. Andre Perez, BECA w/ GoB Departments

Benguche playground upgrades coming

Min. Fonseca and MoS. Zabaneh, MECST Her Excellency Pitts at a Foreign Trade Fair presenting Belizean products in Taiwan

Hon. Ramiro Ramirez., Corozal South West

Cacao Bridge in Columbia, Toledo

Min. Kevin Bernard, YSE

Hon. Henry Charles PUP Party Chairman

At Mile One George Price Hwy

Meeting with the OW, Corozal and SI/SE Town Councils

Engaging w/ SP and CC

Along w/Mayor Mariano delivering education

Hands down in his constituency

Visiting with the Transitional Youth Home leaders in OWD

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THE BELIZE TIMES

2 MAY

2021

2 MAY

2021

THE BELIZE TIMES

THINK ABOUT IT JOHNNY BRICEÑO-OTRAVEZ Johnny Briceño, the new Prime Minister of Belize is hurt over the issue of the unions salary reduction. It is the last thing he would have wanted to do. He did everything else that the new government could do.

He even asked the unions, especially the Public Service Union to please put forward any workable and affective proposals as to how to bridge the salaries gap in the budget.

The government faces a wide gap of eighty million dollars which must be found to pay the salaries of ALL public employees.

The Unions made some proposals, but none of these could bridge the gap. The Unions then changed the goal post and switched to other issues.

They say it is not about the temporary reduction of their salaries. They now say it is about trust and good governance and about corruption.

OMG. This is so unfair.

Johnny Briceño and his team came into government by the overwhelming power of over eighty thousand adult voters in November. They met a financial mess. They knew the situation was bad. What they met was worse.

The U.D.P. government was borrowing a million dollars a day. How terrible.

When the U.D.P. came into office the public service wage bill was over 200 million dollars. When they were thrown out November last year it was a massive 700 million dollars.

83 cents out of every dollar collected through various taxes has to be used to pay public officers’ salaries and pensions. Only a meagre .17 cents is left for capital expeditive and recurrent expenses. At the rate the disgraceful U.D.P. were going, in a short while it would be 7 cents and then no sense left to pay for anything else. That makes no cents equal to no sense.

Every financial analysis, including the International Monetary Fund has sounded alarm bells. Belize will face retrenchment and possible devaluation of its dollar. Those are frightening words.

Johnny has said publicly he will do everything to prevent those two twin disasters from falling on Belizeans.

Even if he turns up the heat on those who brought on this catastrophe, even if he jailed Barrow, Vega, Saldivar, Castro, Boots and others, the financial problem would not be solved. We must bridge the salaries gap. We must.

Johnny Briceño has given the green light and the Freezone in Corozal was opened. One thousand one hundred workers are now employed and feeding themselves and their families.

Princess Casino was opened, it’s a risk and we call for the strictest adherence to covid protocols. One hundred Belize City unemployed are back on the pay roll.

Each week Mexico buys Twenty-thousand dollars’ worth of chickens from Belize, thanks to the dynamic Agriculture Minister Jose Mai, 28,000 cattle have been sold to Guatemala bringing in over fifty million dollars into the country.

Some tourist are starting to come visit Belize again.

Two giant cruise tourist ports for Belize City are eager to start construction. This is thousands of more jobs and millions to pour into the country.

Mike Feinstein Stake Bank/Coral Beach tourist paradise is humming like a hummingbird. Over two hundred young men are moving like wee-wee ants so the project can open next year. That’s a big wow!

These are real things that are happening, not plans and promises.

No public officers have been retrenched.

For teachers to have a temporary pay reduction is not what the Prime Minister wants. It is economic reality. Our Prime Minister’s spouse is a teacher. She and her husband feel for the teachers, for all public employees…these are all good decent people.

Our new Prime Minister is a good, decent person. He will do the right thing. As soon as the economic situation improves so will the situation for teachers and public officers. That is his firm, unshakeable commitment.

POLICE SUCCESSFULLY SUES POLICE DEPT. Attorney Leeroy Banner has done it again. He has successfully sued the Police Department for wrongful arrest and unlawful detention.

This time the person who sued the Police Department is a police officer, Eduardo Magaña.

The important decision was handed down on 13th April, 2021 by Supreme Court Judge Sonya Young. It follows another important decision of SHANE HARRIS against the Attorney General and Police Commissioner by Judge James Westmin.

Police Officer Eduardo Magaña, a year or two ago, was detained at Precinct 2 in Belize City for 22 hours. He was arrested by Senior Superintendent Arzu on the instructions of Senior Superintendent Dawson. Both of them broke the law for wrongful and false imprisonment and are ordered

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by the Court to pay P.C. Magaña eleven thousand dollars and 6% interest from 2019.

This is an important Court decision. The Police in Belize have a bad habit of detaining persons in police stations for up to 48 hours and then releasing them without bringing any charge.

We are proud of Judge Westmin and Judge Sonya Young for upholding our Constitutional right to our freedom. We call on the Supreme Court Judges to award aggravated and exemplary damages in every such case until the police and Police Officers get the sense. THE RIGHT to liberty is a RIGHT, not some meaningless words written in the Constitution which police officers can trample upon.

Last week, C.I.B. Graham and Aban at Racoon Street Station held a young man for 40 hours before releasing him, on an allegation by his ex-girlfriend. The young man is suing them and the Police Department.

Lawyer Leeroy Banner is a former Prosecutor Crown Counsel.

Michelle Trapp is a former Magistrate. They are Vice Presidents of the Association of Defense Attorneys. Bryan Neal is Secretary, Audrey Matura is Treasurer. 18 Defense Attorneys practicing in the Criminal Courts formed the Association early last year.

They and the active members of the Bar Association have a responsibility to educate the citizens of their constitutionally guaranteed rights. This is a serious responsibility. Shirked for far too long. Look where it has brought our people.

We have been robbed by Ministers of the former government. Our institutions have been undermined and subverted. Idiots and persons with no morals and no principles have been appointed to high offices. Fools get promoted while intelligent persons are frustrated. The House of Representatives was turned into a circus with no shortage of clowns.

Ten years ago the UDP government created a Frankenstein monster named GSU -Gang Suppression Unit. They were all Above the law, operated outside the law. A hated group of handpicked police who unleashed the Wanton Brutality and unlawful conduct on citizens. They kicked down doors, shot people’s pet dogs, ransacked people’s home, beat and kick and punch persons in yards, on streets, at stations and on and on. The media and internet are replete with the images and complaints.

Ten years after, Belize City and districts have more gangs than ten years ago. A living testimony that police brutality cannot solve crime.

What the G.S.U. did was highlight how easy a small country can lose its way. The then government turned a blind eye to the repeated reports of excessive use of force. The rule of law and the requirements of a professional police were thrown out the window.

It took a change of government for some changes to occur. For all intents, the G.S.U. has not yet been disbanded. And none of the officers who abused their positions have been disciplined or criminally charged. Community policing is yet to be revived.

The commissioner of police, who is a trained attorney and knows the law, sensing how the new easterly winds are blowing publicly, in the presence of his new Minister Hon. Kareem Musa stated that some officers of the G.S.U. “had behaved like animals”. He agreed to change their name to G13. Shakespeare would have answered – “what’s in a name, those that are brutal by any other name, will still be brutal”.

But it is a start.

The struggle for a better Belize continues.

This is why the Bar Association and the Defense Attorneys Association must do their duties to country and citizens.

And this why the Shane Harrises and Eduardo Magañas are to be applauded and encourages to sue for every violation of their legal and constitutional rights.

THIS FELLA HUGO PATT We are kinda sick and tired of this fellow, Hugo Patt, aka Honourable, Minister etc. For the short period he was Minister of Lands under the disgraced, UD.P. Government, he did quite a number of things.

The latest revelation comes from Minister Eamon Courtney at Wednesday’s siting of the Senate. After the House of Representatives had been dissolved, and a Minister of government is a mere caretaker, Minister Hugo Patt signed documents to transfer a massive amount of land to a private group. Almost quarter million acres of land.

Minister Patt went further he waived all taxes on stamp duties and speculation fees for FIFTY years. This is a huge amount of millions of dollars.

Why would a caretaker Minister do such a thing?

Is it legal that a caretaker Minister could transfer almost one fifth of the available lands to a foreign group?

Can Minister Patt be taken to Supreme Court to be censured and for his dastardly act be overturned?

The House of Representatives should hold a special meeting to ensure the dishonorable deed and the deeder?

A law should be passed to prevent any such caretaker abuse.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

2 MAY

2021

NOTICE OF COMMENCEMENT OF DISSOLUTION Notice is hereby given to all interested parties that the following companies (“the Companies”) incorporated under the IBC Act of Belize commenced dissolution as follows: Name of Company

Date of Commencement of Dissolution

Liquidator Name & Address

ADELLA TARGET INC.

16th April, 2021

Mayla Veliz of Urb. San Cristobal Calle 16 CA R-29 Rio Abajo Calle 4 a 19 Panama, Republica de Panama

Raclo Holdings Inc.

21st April 2021

Michalis Theodosiou of 8, Tiresias Str., K. Polemidia, 4156, Limassol

AUCLAIR ASSOCIATES S.A.

21st April 2021

Alain Andrey of 2 rue Crespin, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland

Any claims against the company should be forwarded to the Liquidator within 30 days from commencement.

Icaza Belize Trust Corporation Limited Registered Agent

PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: LIMESTONE QUARRY PROPERTY Chicibul Road, [Mountain Pine Ridge Road] South Georgeville, Cayo District

BY ORDER of the Receiver, Messrs. Caribbean Investors Limited, Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A. Castillo and Christiana R. Castillo are selling ONLINE via belizepropertyauctions. com the below described property. Sales currently running and will expire between Monday 31st May 2021 at the time shown on the website.

44.107 acres Chicibul Road, (Mountain Pine Ridge Road), South of Georgeville Village, Cayo District:

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: Name of Company

Date

EKANGO LTD.

27th March, 2021

KILAT HOLDINGS LTD.

30th March, 2021

Icaza Belize Trust Corporation Limited Registered Agent

NOTICE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC THIS IS TO INFORM YOU THAT PURSUANT TO THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT – S.I. 110 OF 2002 , THAT NOEL OSCAR WILTSHIRE OF #15A D.F.C AREA, MARINA DRIVE, SAN PEDRO TOWN HAS APPLIED TO THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION FOR THE USE OF FM BROADCAST FREQUENCY(IES) TO OPERATE AN FM RADIO STATION –SAN PEDRO FM FOR SOUND BROADCAST TO PROVIDE COVERAGE THROUGHOUT THE BELIZE DISTRICT & SURROUNDING AREAS.

ALL THAT piece or parcel of land situate South of Georgeville Village, Cayo District containing 44.107 acres bounded and described as shown by Plan No. 42 of 2003 helb by Minister’s Fiat Grant No. 42 of 2003 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. (Being 44.107 acres of land [7.5 acres being utilized as a limestone quarry + 3.4 acres Office Headquarters Area + Remaining Portion - undeveloped land situate beside the New Paved Chicibul Road, (Mountain Pine Ridge Road), South of Georgeville Village, Cayo District, the freehold property of Messrs. Caribbean Investors Limited).

N.B. Sale of Property Subject to Existing Lease.

Tropical Park, Belize District

BY ORDER of the Mortgagees Messrs. The Belize Bank Corporation Limited, Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A. Castillo and Christiana R. Castillo are selling ONLINE via belizepropertyauctions.com the below described property. Sales currently running and will expire between Monday 10th May 2021 at the time shown on the website.

Lot No. 775 Tropical Park, George Price Highway, Belize District:

ALL THAT piece or parcel of land containing 724.665 s. m. being Lot 775 situate at Tropical Park, Western Highway, Belize District TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. (Being a concrete bungalow dwelling house [3 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms + living/dining/kitchen] and lot [724.665 S. M.] situate at Tropical Park, Western Highway, Belize District, the freehold property of Ms. Orissa Molina and Mr. Javier Molina)

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2021

THE BELIZE TIMES

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2021 RESTORATION EFFORTS FOR THE NEW RIVER

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought many aspects of our lives to a halt, but it certainly has not stifled the Department of the Environment’s (DOE) efforts in the long road to the restoration of the New River. Since the New River crisis came to light in mid2019, the DOE has been continuously conducting water quality monitoring, monitoring industries and urban centers to ensure they are complying with the Environmental Laws of Belize and working in close collaboration with local authorities and the agricultural sector to implement actions to reduce runoff into the river. As it relates to compliance, 40 out of the 79 light industries in Orange Walk Town have improved their wastewater and greywater discharge from their facilities.

The DOE has also ensured that ASR/ BSI do their part by improving their wastewater treatment system and constructing cooling towers.

Important to note is that the development of an Integrated New River Watershed Management Plan will be finalized in October of this year. The plan will present other corrective actions that should be taken to protect the river. Also, the Department of the Environment has secured funding for 2 years of continuous water quality monitoring. The team will be out at the New River every month at the 20 sample points from the in-land Lagoon to the Corozal Bay collecting water samples. The DOE is also in the process of partnering with international researchers to intensify monitoring and research efforts in the New River.

The DOE, within the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management stresses that the restoration of the New River ecosystem health must be an integrated and collaborative process. The DOE has also reconvened the New River Task Force to contribute to these efforts and join in the collaborative approach to addressing this longstanding issue. The DOE therefore calls all stakeholders to engage with us to participate in the restoration process. For further information, please contact the Chief Environmental Officer, Martin Alegria at 822-2819.

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. 3061 Supt. George Arthur Street, Belama Phase III, Belize City on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at 10:00a.m.

SCHEDULE

ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Parcel 3061, Block 16 in the Caribbean Shores/Belize Registration Section situate on Supt. George Arthur Street, Belama Phase III, Belize City, Belize, comprising an empty corner lot of 373.085 square metres clean and filled with canal access the freehold property of JOSE GUADALUPE GARCIA.

DATED this 21st day of April 2021

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

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2 MAY

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

BY ORDER OF CHARGEE NOTICE OF INTENTION TO SELL

BY ORDER OF CHARGEE NOTICE OF INTENTION TO SELL

NATIONAL BANK OF BELIZE LIMITED a company duly incorporated and registered under the Laws of Belize with registered office situate at Parcel 7550 Corner Forest Drive & Hummingbird Highway, Belmopan, Cayo District, Belize hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Chargee under a Legal Charge between DALE PELAYO hereinafter called “The Chargor” and NATIONAL BANK OF BELIZE LIMITED hereinafter called “The Chargee” which was duly recorded at the Lands Registry in the City of Belmopan on the 20th day of March, 2014 by Instrument No. LRS-201403490. NATIONAL BANK OF BELIZE LIMITED will at the expiration of Two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the properties described in the Schedule below.

NATIONAL BANK OF BELIZE LIMITED a company duly incorporated under the Laws of Belize with registered office situate at Parcel 7550 Corner Forest Drive & Hummingbird Highway, Belmopan, Cayo District, Belize hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Chargee under a Legal Charge between LYNDON RUSSELL GILLETT and RHYMA ANN GILLETT hereinafter called “The Chargors” and NATIONAL BANK OF BELIZE LIMITED hereinafter called “The Chargee” which was duly recorded at the Lands Registry in the City of Belmopan on the 30 th day of January, 2015 by Instrument No. LRS-201501223. NATIONAL BANK OF BELIZE LIMITED will at the expiration of Two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the properties described in the Schedule below.

ALL offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing to NATIONAL BANK OF BELIZE LIMITED from whom full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained.

SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land comprising 0.25 Acres being Parcel 922, Block 24 in the Society Hall Registration Section TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon, the freehold property of DALE PELAYO. DATED this 15th day of April 2021 NATIONAL BANK OF BELIZE LIMITED Corner Forest Drive & Hummingbird Highway, Belmopan, Cayo District

ALL offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing to NATIONAL BANK OF BELIZE LIMITED from whom full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained.

SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land comprising 464.416 square meters being Parcel 3499, Block 1 in the Corozal North Registration Section TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon, the freehold property of LYNDON RUSSELL GILLETT and RHYMA ANN GILLETT. DATED this 15 th day of April 2021 THE NATIONAL BANK OF BELIZE LIMITED Corner Forest Drive & Hummingbird Highway, Belmopan, Cayo District

BY ORDER OF CHARGEE NOTICE OF INTENTION TO SELL

BY ORDER OF CHARGEE NOTICE OF INTENTION TO SELL

NATIONAL BANK OF BELIZE LIMITED a company duly incorporated and registered under the Laws of Belize with registered office situate at Parcel 7550 Corner Forest Drive & Hummingbird Highway, Belmopan, Cayo District, Belize hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Chargee under a Legal Charge between FAUSTINO MOH hereinafter called “The Chargor” and NATIONAL BANK OF BELIZE LIMITED hereinafter called “The Chargee” which was duly recorded at the Lands Registry in the City of Belmopan on the 8th day of October, 2014 by Instrument No. LRS-201412899. NATIONAL BANK OF BELIZE LIMITED will at the expiration of Two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the properties described in the Schedule below.

NATIONAL BANK OF BELIZE LIMITED, a duly incorporated and registered Company under the Laws of Belize with registered office situate at Parcel 7550 Corner Forest Drive & Hummingbird Highway, Belmopan, Cayo District, Belize hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Mortgage made BETWEEN ELSTAN LORD (hereinafter called “the Mortgagor”) and NATIONAL BANK OF BELIZE LIMITED (hereinafter called “the Mortgagee”) which was duly recorded at the Land Titles Unit in the City of Belmopan on the 26th day of August, 2015 as Instrument No. LTU-201501452. NATIONAL BANK OF BLIZE LIMITED will at the expiration of Two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the SCHEDULE below.

All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing to NATIONAL BANK OF BELIZE LIMITED from whom full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained.

ALL offers to purchase the said properties must be made in writing to NATIONAL BANK OF BELIZE LIMITED from whom full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained.

THE SCHEDULE ABOVE REFERRED TO ALL THAT piece or parcel of land comprising 10.96 Acres being Parcel 200/1, Block 1 in the CONCEPCION/AVENTURA Registration Section TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon, the freehold property of FAUSTINO MOH. ALL THAT piece or parcel of land comprising 10 Acres being Parcel 202/1, Block 1 in the CONCEPCION/AVENTURA Registration Section TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon, the freehold property of FAUSTINO MOH. DATED this 15th day of April 2021

THE SCHEDULE ABOVE REFERRED TO ALL THAT PIECE OR PARCEL of land being Lot No. 52 (775.443) square meters of land situated North of Bermudian Landing-Burrell Boom Road, Bryam Estate Area, Belize District bounded and described as shown on Plan No. 40 of 2007, Entry No.1404 Reg No. 12, attached to Minister’s Fiat Grant No. 40 of 2007 TOGETHER will all buildings erections and developments standing and being thereon.

NATIONAL BANK OF BELIZE LIMITED

NATIONAL BANK OF BELIZE LIMITED

Corner Forest Drive & Hummingbird Highway, Belmopan, Cayo District BELIZE

Corner Forest Drive & Hummingbird Highway, Belmopan, Cayo District BELIZE

2 MAY

2021

Eulogy

THE BELIZE TIMES

Leticia Beverly Duncan Young Welcome friends and family. I would like to begin by thanking everyone here today and for those who have sent their condolences. We have received countless phone calls, emails, texts, flowers, visits, thoughts and prayers. They have both been comforting during this difficult time and have been a reminder of the impact that my mother, Leticia had on so many others.

My name is Sheldon, and I am the second eldest child for my mother. As you can imagine, she was the coolest mom a child could have ever had.

We gather here today not to mourn but to celebrate the life of a wonderful and beautiful woman, my mother, Leticia Beverly Duncan Young, affectionately known to others as Letty, Ms. Letty or Mrs. Young. She may not have been rich or famous but she was an inspiration to her six children and countless others. She taught me and my siblings about the power of love and about enjoying life to the fullest. She thought us that family comes first every time and then the next time after that.

Early Life Leticia Beverly Duncan Young was born on November 16, 1958 in the quaint village of Calcutta situated in the beautiful district of Corozal. She was the second child of Antonio Duncan and Hilaria ‘Mena’ Duncan. They lived in Calcutta for some time and later moved to Corozal Town. She grew up with her two brothers Mario and Anthony and their cousins Juliette AKA Joan and Carla.

She met two of her best friends in Corozal Town, Alma and Audrey and they quickly became friends. Alma lived at the fire station, Audrey lived across the street from the fire station and Leticia worked at a dentist behind the police station. They were joined at the hip.

They were so close that all three of them got pregnant around the same time. My mom had Sean, her first, on March 19, Alma had Alison on March 25 a mere 6 days later and Audrey had Yvette (now deceased) on April 29, all in 1977. They not only shared pregnancies but also birthdays in the same month. Leticia was November 16; Alma was November 17 and Audrey was November 19.

Alma jokingly recall my mother saying, “I am older than you” even though they were mere hours apart. Audrey and Alma could remember keeping Leticia’s company in the evenings at the dentist where she worked. These three amigas all had a gold tooth but I believe only my mother remained with it over the years.

Audrey remembered the time Leticia made tamales, (this was a shock to me because in all my 40 years my mother never made tamales) but I soon realized why. They went on, she made tamales for one of Sean’s birthday and it was delicious when hot. When it cooled off it became so hard most of it was eaten by my grandmother’s pigs. They enjoyed shopping and going to the Majestic Theatre in Belize City and sitting at Central Park in Corozal talking for hours.

Schooling and Work Leticia attended primary school at the Adventist School in Calcutta as well as the Belize Adventist College where

she received her high school diploma.

She then went to work for a dentist located in Corozal Town just behind the Corozal Town Police station.

Marriage and family As mentioned before, Leticia had six children. Sean, the eldest; then myself (but you know when you have wah bway first you want a girl), Shannon was the third (they referred to him as the baby) then she had a 6-year hiatus until she met, custom’s officer, Glenford Young, her future husband in the mid-80’s at the Lodge Hall. My mom had three boys by now and really wanted a girl so guess what, Dorita, her only daughter was born. (She was referred to as my one and only) Glen and Letty wasted no time and had a second child Scott (the headache. She used to say that, “he give mi lot a trouble fi come out and still di give me trouble, lawd”).

And the names with ‘S’ continued. Another 6 years went by and here comes Stephaun (her last plug).

23 Leticia moved in with Glen and he whisked her away to Belize City. Her boys lived with her mother, my grandmother, in Corozal for a time. She prepared for her three boys to join her.

Sean was the first to go, then myself and eventually Shannon but by the time Shannon was to move, that summer, Glen got transferred to Corozal and at this time she had all her kids living under one roof at the Santa Elena Border.

She now knew that she did not want to return to Belize City and have her family split up so they both planned to build their home in Corozal. Leticia became an entrepreneur and cooked as they say it, tea, dinna, tea for the Customs, Immigration and passersby. I remember over the years she said, I used to make breakfast in the morning to sell, drop the kids off at school, buy stuff to make lunch to sell, pick up the kids after school in the evenings at the same time picking up stuff for dinner to sell. That

Continued on page 24

24

THE BELIZE TIMES

Eulogy

Continued from page 23 was the sacrifice she had to endure to build her home along with her husband.

By the time Glen was transferred back to Belize City, their home was completed.

On December 31, 1996, Leticia married Glenford Dennis Young. Witnesses to this union included, her predeceased parents, Antonio and Mena Duncan, her predeceased mother of her first granddaughter, Sherry Gibson, her six children, and a host of relatives and friends.

Leticia forged another long-lived friendship with Gilda Lumbley meeting through Glen. They met at Fenders Bar in Belize City owned by Lester Young (now deceased) (brother of Glen). As long as I know myself, I know Aunt Gilda. She and her husband John visited frequently. Their little, old lady group (as we used to call it), and included Ms Conch (now deceased), Ms Dorla and later Ms Morgan. Whenever this crew would gather the kids had to disperse, (because u know pickni can’t deh round when big pipple di talk). As I got older, I realize dah lone nastiness they used to talk about, that’s why deh neva want we around.

Leticia was an independent and strong woman. She and Mr. Glen worked tirelessly to create a home for their family. And speaking of home, I remember when the family home was being built, she walked pass the downstairs bathroom wall and saw something funny about it. She politely picked up a hammer and struck the wall, to my surprise the hammer went straight through. She was furious. Contractor swallowed and my mother unloaded on him with some very colourful words that I cannot repeat in this holy house.

She fired about 3 contractors during the construction of our home. Leticia never held back anything, she said what needed to be said (nuttin stay pan her chest).

I guess that’s where I get it from.

My mother enjoyed dancing and once the family would get together which was very often, she would grab me (since I was the only one with any

Obituary

Althea Idolly Louise Baldwin

Sunrise: July 29, 1958 Sunset: April 29, 2021 May Her Soul Rest in Peace and Rise in Eternal Glory

dancing skills) and take me to the dancehall and we would get down. Souls, soca, brukdown and of course Punta. She no waste music. Singing was also a past time of hers as she sung countless oldies but her favorite was “Sad Movies”.

Leticia was truly an exceptional woman that cared for others, at times to a fault. If someone she loved was hurting,

by God so was she. I will never forget that contagious laugh, that coy but sincere smirk which would highlight that gold teeth.

God Fearing Mom always made sure that she involved the “most high” in her decision making. She made sure to encourage her kids to trust in the almighty as he always comes through even though we may never understand his reasoning. As is the case now. Hence, the reason, we are hold heartedly trusting the almighty, by placing Mom in his merciful and caring hands.

Involvement In Her Kid’s Lives Mom was very involved in her kid’s

lives. I remember this one time when she was torn between supporting Scott, her headache, and her first born Sean in a championship basketball game. Since Scott was playing for Customs, Glen’s support was obvious. However, Mom was torn because she couldn’t make her support for one son over the other too obvious. She ended up clapping for both which was the better thing to do. She made sure to always encourage her kids to support each other in every way possible. And this is the way she grew us up. That’s why we all are very close and this is the way we are growing up our kids.

Mom would always make sure that she attended family trips to PG to hail Aunt Clara, Debbie, Oddette and the crew, Placencia, Cancun and countless other places. The wonderful memories shared from these many trips will be what we will fuel our strength to get through this major void that now exist in our family.

The matriarch of our family has now been promoted to an angel to look over all of us.

2 MAY

2021 Mom was also very involved in her kid’s education so much so that she ensured that each of us knew the importance of having a good education.

Thank goodness she did that because we wouldn’t be the persons we are today if she didn’t beat in our heads how important it was to read.

In her last days, mom made sure to spend as much time with all of her kids as this is the only way she knew how to love us unconditionally. It was the best way.

A famous writer once said, “We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.” Mom ensured that she gave her time and love to her kids, husband, family, friends and acquaintances. We all know that spending time with our love ones is worth more that diamonds and pearls.

If that is true, then Leticia, made a great life.

Goodbye my mother. Rest in Peace and rise in Glory.

2 MAY

25

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

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

Sales currently running and will expire on Monday 10th May 2021 at 1:30 pm 1. 28.961 Acres (53 parcels) situate approx. 5 Kilometers north San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize District:

BY ORDER of the Mortgagees Messrs. The Belize Bank Limited, Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A. Castillo and Christiana R. Castillo are selling ONLINE via belizepropertyauctions.com the following properties, vehicle and boats. Sales currently running and will expire between Monday 10th May 2021 at the times shown on the website.

1. Parcel No. 1404 Handyside Street, Belize City, Belize District:

Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A. Castillo and Christiana R. Castillo Introduces "belizepropertyauctions.com" our new website for online sales of properties and chattels.

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

Sales currently running and will expire on Friday 22nd January 2021 at 1:30 pm 1. 28.961 Acres (53 parcels) situate approx. 5 Kilometers north San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Fort George/Pickstock

45

1404

(Being a two storey residential structure [1040 sq. ft.] and lot [104.038 S.M.] situate on Handyside Street, Belize City, the freehold property of Mr. Anthony Young and Mrs. Candelaria Young) 2. No. 781 Malacate Area, Independence Village, Stann Creek District:

PARCEL #’s

AREAS/SIZES

PARCEL #’s

AREAS/SIZES

9720

2545.697 Sq. meters

9747

9721

647.180 Sq. meters

9748

569.234 sq. meters

9722

616.045 sq. meters

9749

557.101 sq. meters

9723

675.461 Sq. meters

9750

557.101 sq. meters

9724

680.631 sq. meters

9751

627.843 Sq. meters

9725

557.101 Sq. meters

9752

558.052 sq. meters

9726

557.101 sq. meters

9753

558.052 sq. meters

ALL THOSE LEASEHOLD premises being Lot No. 781 situate in Independence Village, Stann Creek District and bounded as follows: on the Northeast for 30.742 meters by Lot No. 748; On the Southeast for 20.014 meters by Lot No. 782; On the Southwest for 30.472 meters by Lot No. 780; On the Northwest for 20.014 meters by a 40 feet street containing 615.270 square meters of land as sown on Entry No. 7908 Reg. 29 at the office of the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. (Being an elevated (4ft. above ground) timber/concrete dwelling house and Lot [615.270 S.M.] situate Lot No. 781 Malacate Area, Independence Village, Stann Creek District, the leasehold property of Ms. Delcia Palacio)

9727

557.101 sq. meters

9754

558.052 sq. meters

9728

567.614 Sq. meters

9755

583.842 sq. meters

3. 2012 Ford Explorer:

9729

532..124 Sq. meters

9756

662.901 sq. meters

9730

504.324 Sq. meters

9757

875.185 sq. meters

9731

401.908 Sq. meters (open space)

9758

504.063 Sq. meters

9732

693.120 Sq. meters

9759

409.181 sq. meters

9733

724.672 Sq. meters

9760

440.475 sq. meters

9734

724.672 Sq. meters

9761

557.770 sq. meters

9735

742.011 sq. meters

9762

570.492 sq. meters

9736

612.663 sq. meters

9763

560.699 sq. meters

9737

612.663 sq. meters

9764

557.101 sq. meters

9738

612.663 Sq. meters

9765

599.945 sq. meters

9739

661.347 sq. meters

9766

563.892 sq. meters

9740

719.078 sq. meters

9767

557.101 sq. meters

9741

558..590 Sq. meters

9768

535.726 sq. meters

9742

657.157 sq. meters

9769

785.774 sq. meters

9743

660.457 sq. meters

9770

Streets reserve

9744

697.944 sq. meters

9771

Green area

9745

710.193 sq. meters

9772

18.01 acres

9746

629.888 sq. meters

2591.87 Sq. meters (Open space)

(Being 28.961 acres of vacant land subdivided to create 53 parcels situate approximately 5 kilometers north of the San Pedro Bridge (straight line) and west of Las Terrazas Resort on Ambergris Caye, Belize District.

(BeingThe 28.961 acres of vacant to create 53 parcels situate approximately 5 freehold property of Messrs.land Satorisubdivided Land Inc. Surety for Mr. Rajiv Seth & Mr. Rupinder Kaur Gill) 2. 21 vacant Lotsof approximately 3 kilometers of the San Pedro Ambergris Caye: Resort on kilometers north the San Pedro Bridgenorth (straight line) andBridge, west of Las Terrazas

Ambergris Caye, Belize District, the freehold property/properties of Messrs. Satori Land Inc. Surety for Mr. Rajiv Seth & Mr. Rupinder Kaur Gill)

TERMS: STRICTLY CASH KEVIN A. CASTILLO TELEPHONE: 223-4488 Website: belizepropertyauctions.com Email: belizeauctionsales@gmail.co Facebook: Belize Auctions

2012 Ford Explorer 4. Sir Alex: 35 ft. Pipersburgh Monohull Passenger Fiberglass Boat - 2 Yamaha 200 Outboard Motors (no foot)

5. Baby Giselle: 29 ft. Wayward Monohull Passenger Fiberglass Boat - 1 Yamaha 200 Outboard motor

BOATS CAN BE VIEWED AT NO. 170 BELTEX AVENUE, BELAMA PHASE 1, BELIZE CITY

TERMS: STRICTLY CASH KEVIN A. CASTILLO TELEPHONE: 223-4488 Website: belizepropertyauctions.com Email: belizeauctionsales@gmail.co Facebook: Belize Auctions

26

THE BELIZE TIMES

2 MAY

2021

Land Registry Notices CHAPTER 194, LAWS OF BELIZE {REVISED EDITION 2011) NOTICE UNDER SECTION 13 In accordance with Section 13 of the Registered Land Act Chapter 194, Revised Edition 2011, I Patricia Robateau Blackett, Registrar of Lands, hereby serves notice that within one month from the date hereof, I intend to register the following parcels of land listed below for which application for first registration have been received.

The attention of the general public is hereby drawn to this notice. Any person whose rights and interest may be affected by the registering of these parcels must get in touch with me before expiry date of this notice between Mondays to Fridays at the Land Registry, Belmopan.

Patricia Robateau Blackett (Mrs.) Registrar of Lands

APPLICATION NO. LRS-202102009 This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section, DANGRIGA SOUTH Block No.31 and being Parcel No.1659, Formerly Lot.30,1054.43 Sq yds, situate near mile 1.5 Stann Creek Valley Road, Stann Creek District This parcel of land is subject of a Deed of Conveyance No. 1281 of2005 dated 15thJune, 2005and recorded in Deeds Book Volume 17 of2005 Folios 839-848 in favor of DIONNE CASTILLO. APPLICATION NO. LRS-202102016 This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section, PEMBROKE HALL Block No.1 and being Parcel No. 433, formerly 15.547 Acres, situate Northwest of the village of San Joaquin, Corozal District.

This parcel of land is subject of a Deed of ConveyanceNo.1781 of2004 dated 28thJuly,2004 and recorded in Deeds Book Volume 24 of2004 Folios 107-114 in favor of ALBERTO ARANA.

APPLICATION NO. LRS-202011316 This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section, LADYVILLE/LORD’S BANK Block No.16 and being Parcel No. 5292, Formerly Lot 5 containing 0.917 acres, situate at Mile 11 on the old Northern Highway, Belize District

APPLICATION NO. LRS-202102041 This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section LADYVILLE/ LORD’SBANK Block No.16 and being Parcel No. 3973 Formerly Lot 12,706.167 S.M, situate in the Green Estate Area, Ladyville Village, Belize District

This parcel of land is subject of a Deed of GiftNo.910 of 2004 dated 19th April 2004 and recorded in Deeds Book Deeds Book Volume 12 of 2004 folios 1459-1468 in favor of ALVARO C. ALAMINA.

This parcel of land is subject of an Conveyance No. LTU-201801915dated 16thNovember, 2018 and recorded in LTU-201801915 in favor of ROANNE EDEL BADILLO.

APPLICATION NO. LRS-202013264 This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section, PEMBROKE HALL Block No. 1 and being Parcel No. 235. Formerly Plan No. 1496, 13.663 Acres, situate West of San Joaquin Village, Corozal District

APPLICATION NO. LRS-202102047 This parcel of land are situated in the Registration Section, LADYVILLE/LORD’S BANK Block No. 16 and being Parcel No. 3435. Formerly Lot No.324, 459.826 S.M, situate in Lord’s Bank Village, Belize District

This parcel of land is subject of a Minister’s Fiat Grant No.349 of 1998 dated i 11April, 1998, in favor of SERGIO TZUL.

This parcel of land is the subject of Minister’s Fiat Grant No.127 of2017 dated 28th May,2018 in favor of ELMER LINDON SAWERS.

APPLICATION NO. LRS-202014544 This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section, SAN IGNACIO NORTH Block No. 23 and being Parcel No. 3116 Formerly Lot No.82 and 83, 433.0 S.M. situate in San Ignacio Town Cayo District

APPLICATllON NO. LRS-202102048 This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section, LADYVILLE/LORD’S BANK Block No. 16 and being Parcel No. 2700. Formerly Lot No.6, 1066.67 sq yds, situate in Lord’s Bank Village, Belize District

This parcel of land is the subject of a Deed of Conveyance No.809 of 1973 dated 21st August, 1973 recorded in Deeds Book Volume 8 of 1973 Folios 1387-1394 in favor of ERNESTINE PATNETT.

This parcel of land is the subject of Minister’s Fiat Grant No.458 of 1999 dated 24th July,1999 in favor of GILBERT BROWN.

APPLICATION NO. LRS-202015246 This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section SAN IGNACIO NORTH Block No.23 and being Parcel No. 747. Formerly 382, 638.7 sq yards, situate in Comer of 2nd Street and Blancaneaux Street, San Ignacio Town, Cayo District This parcel of land is subject of a Deed of Gift No.1027 of 1991 dated l i 11June1991 and recorded in Deed Book Volume 12 of 19991 Folios 27-36 in favor of MARJORIE E. SMITH.

APPLICATION NO. LRS-202102066 This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section, ORANGE WALK TOWN Block No. 4 and being Parcel No. 2745. Formerly Lot No.196, 405.25 S.M, situate in Corner of Bliss Drive and Unity Street, Louisiana Farm, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District.

This parcel of land is the subject of Minister’s Fiat Grant No.85 of 1990 dated 3rdApril, 1990 in favor of ISMAEL MEDINA.

APPLICATION NO. LRS-202101183 This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section, LADYVILLE/LORD’S BANK Block No. 16 and being Parcel No. 1827 Formerly Lot No. 162, 997.93 S.Y, situate in Lord’s Bank Village, Belize District

APPLICATION NO. LRS-202102116 This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section BENQUE VIEJO DEL CARMEN Block No.23 and being Parcel No.2058. Formerly Lot No.32, 565.278Sq.yds, situate in Benque Viejo Town, Cayo District

This parcel of land is the subject of a Minister’s Fiat Grant No.213 of 2018 dated 1?111 July, 2018 in favor of MARIA FRANCISCA CHABLE.

This parcel of land is subject of a Conveyance No.730 of 1998 dated 19th March, 1998 and recorded in Deed Book Volume 9 of 1998 folios 982-985 in favor of YADIRA HEGAR.

APPLICATION NO. LRS-202101738 This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section LADYVILLE/LORD’S BANK Block No.16 and being Parcel No. 6688. Formerly Lot No.83, 444.444 S.Y., situate in Ladyville Village, Belize District This parcel of land is subject of a Deed of Conveyance No.2517 of 1997 dated 8th October!997 and recorded in Deed Book Volume 27 of 1997 Folios 1203-1210 in favor of JULIO PEREZ.

APPLICATION NO. LRS-202102125 This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section, LADYVILLE/LORD’S BANK Block No.16 and being Parcel No. 6893 Formerly Lot No.469 557.588 S.M., situated in Los Lagos Area, Ladyville Village, Belize District This parcel of land is the subject of Deed of Conveyance No.LTU-201402057dated 20th November, 2014 and recorded in LTU-201402057 in favor of ROSELA SANTANA.

APPLICATION NO. LRS-202101734 This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section,PORT/LOYOLAVILLE Block No.45 and being Parcel No.511, Formerly Lot.871 0.348.238 S.M, situate in Port Loyola Extension, Belize City, Belize District

APPLICATION NO. LRS-202102127 This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section, LADYVILLE/LORD’S BANK Block No.16 and being Parcel No. 6894 Formerly Lot No.468 557.588 S.M., situated in Los Lagos Area, Ladyville Village, Belize District

This parcel of land is subject of a Minister’s Fiat Grant No. 760 of 1999 dated 16thAugust, 1999 in favor of JASON DIEGO

This parcel of land is the subject of Deed of Conveyance No.LTU-201402058 dated 20th November, 2014 and recorded in LTU-201402058 in favor of ROSELA SANTANA.

Continued on page 27

2 MAY

2021

THE BELIZE TIMES

27

Land Registry Notices Continued from page 26 APPLICATION NO. LRS-202102179 This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section, LADYVILLE/LORD’S BANK Block No.16 and being Parcel No.5658 Formerly Lot No.lO0A 0.31 Acre, situated in Lake Gardens, Ladyville Village, Belize District

This parcel of land is the subject of Deed of Conveyance No.LTU-201601779 dated 30th November 2016 and recorded in LTU-201601779 in favor of KHALIFA ANYA MCKAY. APPLICATION NO. LRS-202102248 This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section, LADYVILLE/LORD’S BANK Block No. 16 and being Parcel No. 3691. Formerly a Lot, 0.882 acre, situate along the Lord’s Bank Road, Belize District.

This parcel of land is the subject of Deed of Conveyance No.986A of 1988 dated 30thJune, 1988 recorded in Deeds Book Volume 11 of 1988 folios 1343-1356 in favor of THEWATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY OF BELIZE LIMITED. APPLICATION NO. LRS-202102263 This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section, PLACENTIA NORTH Block No. 36 and being Parcel No. 1004. Formerly Lot No.207, 904.0 S.M, situate in Placencia Area, Stann Creek District This parcel of land is the subject of Deed of Conveyance No.1294 of2002 dated 2ndMay,2002 recorded in Deeds Book Volume 17 of 2002 folios 1139-1152 in favor of AMBER DAWN POOLE. APPLICATION NO. LRS-202102281 This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section, CAROLINA/CALCUTTA Block No. 1 and being Parcel No. 344 Formerly Lot No. 44, 800.00 Sq. yds, situate Ranchito Village, Expansion, Corozal District This parcel of land is the subject of a Minister’s Fiat Grant No.807 of2001 dated 2ndNovember, 2001 in favor of ZORAIDA LARA. APPLICATION NO. LRS-202102282 This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section, CALEDONIA VILLAGE Block No. 1 and being Parcel No.74 Formerly Lot No. 66, 1155.58 Sq. yds, situate Caledonia Village, Corozal District This parcel of land is the subject of a Minister’s Fiat Grant No.22 of2000 dated 18thFebruary, 2001 in favor of FERMIN POTT. APPLICATION NO. LRS-202102328 This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section, LADYVILLE/LORD’S BANK Block No. 16 and being Parcel No.7072. Formerly Lot No. 277,535.624 SM., situate in the Los Lagos Area, Ladyville Village, Belize District This parcel of land is subject of a Conveyance No.666 of 2008 dated 13thMarch, 2008 recorded in Deeds Book Volume 8 of2008 Folios 165-182 in favor of ALLEN WAYNE TURTON. APPLICATION NO. LRS-202102329 This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section, LADYVILLE/LORD’S BANK Block No. 16 and being Parcel No.3735. Formerly Lot No. 331,956.745 S M., situate along the Lord’s Bank Road, Ladyville Area, Belize District This parcel of land is subject of a Deed of ConveyanceNo. LTU-201500098 dated 21st January 2015 and recorded in LTU-201500098 in favor of MARVIN MOODY. APPLICATION NO. LRS-202102337 This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section, LADYVILLE/LORD’S BANK Block No. 16 and being Parcel No.3718. Formerly Lot No. 319 ,1054.096 S.M., situate North of Lord’s Bank Road, Ladyville Area, Belize District This parcel of land is subject of a Minister’s Fiat Grant No.290 of 1996 dated i 11 August,!996, in favor of ELAINE GARBUTT.

APPLICATION NO. LRS-202102353 This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section, DANGRIGA NORTH Block No.31 and being Parcel No. 876. Formerly Lot No. 233,299.11 S.Y., situate Along Yampa Street, Dangriga Town, Stann Creek District This parcel of land is subject of a Minister’s Fiat Grant No.331 of 1990 dated 12th November,1990, in favor of EVELYN FRANCISCO. APPLICATION NO. LRS-202102356 This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section DANGRIGA SOUTH Block No.31 and being Parcel No.140. Formerly Lot No.2865, 715.624 S.M., situate in Dangriga Town Extension, Stann Creek District This parcel of land is subject of a Minister’s Fiat Grant No.631 of 1998 dated 16th June,1998, in favor of MARGARET SWASO. APPLICATION NO. LRS-202102361 This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section DANGRIGA SOUTH Block No.31 and being Parcel No.1135. Formerly Lot No.1609, 416.667 S.Y., situate in Dangriga Town, Stann Creek District This parcel of land is subject of a Minister’s Fiat Grant No.14 of2001 dated 2s111 January,2001, in favor of JAMES LINO. APPLICATION NO. LRS-202102366 This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section DANGRIGA SOUTH Block No.31 and being Parcel No.2507. Formerly Lot No.770A, 300.00 S.Y., situate in North of Havana Creek, Dangriga Town, Stann Creek District This parcel of land is subject of a Minister’ s Fiat Grant No.257 of 1996 dated Ii 11 July,1996, in favor of JAMES RIVAS APPLICATION NO. LRS-202102367 This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section ORANGE WALK TOWN Block No.4 and being Parcel No. 2982. Formerly Lot No.370, 470.69 S.M., situate along Mayflower Street, Louisiana Farm, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District This parcel of land is subject of a Conveyance No.901 of 2002 dated 27thMarch, 2002 recorded in Deeds Book Volume 12 of2002 Folios 191-202 in favor of YASMIN MARIA DOMINGUEZ DE NOVELO. APPLICATION NO. LRS-202102387 This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section, SAN PEDRO Block No. 7 and being Parcel No. 8155. Formerly Lot No. 163,418.06 S.M. situate 3.5 miles north of San Pedro Town, Belize District This parcel of land is subject of a Minister’s Fiat Grant No.1132 of 2006 dated 4thNovember, 2006, in favor of RAFAEL A. NUNEZ APPLICATION NO. LRS-202102389 This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section, BENQUEVIEJO DEL CARMEN Block No. 23 and being Parcel No. 2439. Formerly Lot No. 198,488.89 S. Y. situate in Benque Viejo Town, Cayo District This parcel of land is the subject of a Deed of Conveyance No.1386 of2004 dated 16thJune, 2004 recorded in Deeds Book Volume 19 of2004 Folios 759-764 in favor of MARCELi GUADALUPE MANZANERO. APPLICATION NO. LRS-202102390 This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section, BENQUE VIEJO DEL CARMEN Block No. 23 and being Parcel No. 2352. Formerly Lot No. 117,533.33 S.Y. situate in Benque Viejo Town, Cayo District This parcel of land is the subject of a Deed of Conveyance No.3405 of 2003 dated 29thDecember 2003 recorded in Deeds Book Volume 46 of 2003 Folios 131-140 in favor of IRVIN MANUEL MANZANERO

APPLICATION NO. LRS-202102349 This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section, DANGRIGA SOUTH Block No. 31 and being Parcel No.1681. Formerly Lot No. 1894, 0114 Acre., situate in Dangriga Town, Stann Creek District

APPLICATION NO. LRS-202102391 This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section FORTGEORGE/PICKSTOCK Block No.45 and being Parcel No.368 and 1485 Formerly Lot No.1263A and 1262A, 517.70 S.M and 218.63 S.M., situate on the Southside of Hunter’s Lane, Belize City, Belize District

This parcel of land is subject of a Conveyance No.0549 of 2006 dated 3rdMarch, 2006 recorded in Deeds Book Volume 7 of2006 Folios 1119-1132 in favor of DOROTHY ANN BENNETT (deceased).

This parcel of land is the subject of a Deed of Conveyance No.841 of 1992 dated 11thMay 1992 recorded in Deeds Book Volume 9 of 1992 Folios 1401-1410 in favor of WILHELM YOUNG (deceased) Continued on page 28

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2021

Land Registry Notices Continued from page 27 APPLICATION NO. LRS-202102396 This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section LADYVILLE/LORD’S BANK Block No.16 and being Parcel No. 11636 Formerly Lot No.8, 0.465 Acre. situate at mile 113/4 on the Belize- Corozal Road, Belize District

This parcel of land is subject of a Vesting Assent No.LTU-201701104 dated 24t11 August, 2017 and recorded in LTU-201701104 in favor of WELLINGTON TRAPP. APPLICATION NO. LRS-202103008 This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section, ST. MARTIN DE PORRES WEST Block No. 45 and being Parcel No. 1274 Formerly E2814, 2089.496 S.M, situate on the north side of western Highway, near mile 1.5 Belize City, Belize District

APPLICATION NO. LRS-202103058 This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section, LADYVILLE/LORD’S BANK Block No. 16 and being Parcel No. 1996 Formerly Lot No. 152, 1193.233 S.M, situate in Lord’ s Bank Village, Belize District This parcel of land is the subject of a Minister’s Fiat Grant No.444 of2012 dated 9th July, 2012 in favor of MOHAMMED MEJU. APPLICATION NO. LRS-202103093 This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section, LADYVILLE/LORD’S BANK Block No. 16 and being Parcel No.4653,4654,4655,4656,4657,4658,4659 ,11385,1168.5 Formerly Blocks 52 53A,53B 54,55,56,57 on Entry10955 situate in Ladyville Area along south of the Belize River, Belize District

This parcel of land is the subject of a Minister’s Fiat Grant No.495 of 1996 dated 11th December, 1996 in favor of LOUIS LESLIE.

This parcel of land is subject of a Deed of Conveyance No. LTU-201401037 dated 18th June 2014 and recorded in LTU-201401037 in favor of RIO MAYA ESTATES LIMITED.

APPLICATION NO. LRS-202103015 This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section, CAYE CAULKER Block No. 12 and being Parcel No. 1129 Formerly Lot No.7, 784.79 S.Y. situate in Caye Caulker Village, Belize District

APPLICATION NO. LRS-202103219 This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section, LADYVILLE/LORD’S BANK Block No. 16 and being Parcel No. 7122. Formerly Lot No. 21,522.234 S.M. situate in Los Lagos Subdivision Ladyville Area, Belize District

This parcel of land is the subject of a Deed of Conveyance No.108 of 2012 dated 25t11 January, 2012 recorded in Deeds Book Volume 2 of2012 Folios 437-448 in favor of NATASJA JEANNINE SLEEUW.

This parcel of land is the subject of a Deed of Conveyance No. 2393 of 2002 dated 21st January 2002 recorded in Deeds Book Volume 28 of2002 Folios 1097-1112 in favor of TROY GABB

APPLICATION NO. LRS-202103016 This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section, CAYE CAULKER Block No. 12 and being Parcel No. 1124 Formerly Lot No.17, 699.83 S.Y. situate in Caye Caulker Village, Belize District This parcel of land is the subject of a Deed of Conveyance No.107 of 2012 dated 25th January, 2012 recorded in Deeds Book Volume 2 of2012 Folios 425-436 in favor of NATASJA JEANNINE SLEEUW. APPLICATION NO. LRS-202103017 This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section, CAYE CAULKER Block No. 12 and being Parcel No. 1125 Formerly Lot No.15, 699.83 S.Y. situate in Caye Caulker Village, Belize District This parcel of land is the subject of a Deed of Conveyance No.109 of2012 dated 25th Janua ry, 2012 recorded in Deeds Book Volume 2 of2012 Folios 449-460 in favor of NATASJA JEANNINE SLEEUW. APPLICATION NO. LRS-202103036 This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section, PORTLOYOLAVILLE Block No. 45 and being Parcel No. 1884 Formerly Lot No. 3453, 416.497 S.M, situate along Allan Pitts Crescent, Loyolaville, Belize City, Belize District This parcel of land is the subject of a Minister’s Fiat Grant No.41 of 1991 dated 4th Feb ruary, 1991 in favor of OSBERT WHITFIELD SMITH.

APPLICATION NO. LRS-202103220 This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section, LADYVILLE/LORD’S BANK Block No. 16 and being Parcel No. 7124. Formerly Lot No. 22, 1267.711 S.M.situate in Los Lagos Subdivision Ladyville Area, Belize District This parcel of land is the subject of a Deed of Conveyance No. 2404 of2002 dated 22nd January 2002 recorded in Deeds Book Volume 28 of2002 Folios 1219-12301112 in favor of TROY GABB. APPLICATION NO. LRS-202103223 This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section, LADYVILLE/LORD’S BANK Block No. 16 and being Parcel No. 7121. Formerly Lot No. 20,536.641 S.M.situate in Los Lagos Subdivision Ladyville Area, Belize District This parcel of land is the subject of a Deed of Conveyance No.1923 of 2002 dated 5th July, 2002 recorded in Deeds Book Volume 24 of2002 Folios 119-136 in favor of MARK ANTHONY STEVENS and ANGELA YVONNE STEVENS-Deceased APPLICATION NO. LRS-202103516 This parcel of land is situated in the Registration Section SAN IGNACIO NORTH Block No.23 and being Parcel No. 2837. Formerly 6, 1219.379 sq meters, situate in, San Ignacio Town, Cayo District This parcel of land is subject of a Deed of Conveyance No.2876 of 2007 dated 18thSeptember, 2007 and recorded in Deed Book Volume 34 of2007 Folios 14231436 in favor of KEVIN THURTON

Pursuant to Section 37(3) of the Registered Land Act, Chapter 194, Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, notice is hereby given of the loss of the following Land and Lease Certificates: Names ALCALA VICTOR BEJOS, ELISA BEJOS, MICHAEL BEJOS JORDANA NICOLE FRUTOS JORDANA NICOLE FRUTOS CHRISTOPHER TYLER TESTA, CAROLYN RAE TESTA LUCIANO BOTES ANTONIO MARCIEL THOMAS DONOVAN

Registration Section, Block & Certificate Nos. Parcel Nos. 1-12-1682 Land Cert No.270/2005 dtd. 17111 January,2005 20-17-7100(H8) Land Cert. No. 429/2005 dtd.26111 January,2005 16-49-2151 Land Cert No. LRS-201306952 16-49-2152 Land Cert No.LRS-201306938 7-42-7869 Land Cert. No.LRS-201709782 dtd.

1-23-236/1 Cert of Lease No.4772/2004 dtd 45-40-717 Land Cert No.3104/2002 dtd 16111 April,2002 45-32-608 Land Cert. No. LRS-202013813 dtd.4111November, 2020

It is proposed to cancel the above Land/Lease Certificates after the expiration of twenty-one (21) days from the appearance of this notice. Any person in possession of the above-mentioned certificates is required to return it to the Belize Land Registry, Ministry of Natural Resources, City of Belmopan.

Patricia Robateau Blackett (Mrs.) Registrar of Lands

2 MAY

29

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

LAND TITLES UNIT LRS-202103640 Registered Land Act Chapter 194 - Revised Edition 2011 Section 140(1)

City of Belmopan UNDER THE GENERAL REGISTRY ACT, CHAPTER 327 OF THE LAWS OF BELIZE REVISED EDITION 2011

OWNERSHIP BY PRESCRIPTION Registration Section DANGRIGA NORTH

Block No 31

WHEREAS having made the necessary inquires and having read the statutory declaration filed in connection therewith, I have come to the conclusion that the duplicate of the Transfer Certificate of Title dated 2nd day of May, 1985, and Registered in the Land Titles Register Volume 15 at Folio No 300

Parcel 1764

Application for Ownership by Prescription for the above-mentioned parcel has been received from ERNESTINE CHIMILLIO of No. 50 Gumagarugu Road, Dangriga Town, Stann Creek District, Belize SCHEDULE: All that piece or parcel of land being portion of Lot No.622, situate along Gumagarugu Road Dangriga Town, Stann Creek District, Belize, and containing 342.702 S.M and now identified as Parcel No. 1764 The attention of the general public is hereby drawn to this notice. Any person whose rights and interest that may be affected by the registration of ERNESTINE CHIMILLIO as proprietor with Absolute Title, is hereby requested to show cause within one month from the date thereof, why such ownership should not be approved.

Patricia Robateau Blackett (Mrs.) Registrar of Lands

ALL THAT PIECE AND PARCEL OF LAND situate in Barrack Road on the North side of the Town of Belize being a portion of the lot numbered 899 on the official plan of the town of Belize and bounded on the north by land now or formerly in the possession of Ernest Chanona and there measuring seventy four feet, on the East by land now or fonnerly in the possession of Lewis Russell Hanley Grant and there measuring twenty three feet eight inches, on the south by the remaining portion of the said lot numbered 899 and there measuring twenty nine feet nine inches and on the west by barrack road and there measuring twenty nine feet TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon In the Name of CONSTANCE CANTON SAVERY and OLGA LINDO -Deceased ( both trustees) of 969-43rd street, apt IA Brooklyn New York U.S.A 11219. and No.7 Mapp Street, Belize City. HAS BEEN IRRECOVERABLY LOST OR DESTROYED

BY MISADVENTURE. HEREBY GIVE NOTICE that I intend, at the expiration of twenty-one days from the first appearance of this notice to issue a new duplicate of the Registered Transfer Certificate of Title registered in the Land Titles Register Volume 15 at Folio No 300.

LTU- 202001087 LAND TITLES UNIT Ministry of Natural Resources City of Belmopan UNDER THE GENERAL REGISTRY ACT, CHAPTER 327 OF THE LAWS OF BELIZE REVISED EDITION 2011 WHEREAS having made the necessary inquires and having read the statutory declaration filed in connection therewith, I have come to the conclusion that the duplicate of the Transfer Certificate of Title dated 2nd day of May, 1985, and Registered in the Land Titles Register Volume 15 at Folio No 300 ALL THAT PIECE AND PARCEL OF LAND situate in Barrack Road on the North side of the Town of Belize being a portion of the lot numbered 899 on the official plan of the town of Belize and bounded on the north by land now or formerly in the possession of Ernest Chanona and there measuring seventy four feet, on the East by land now or fonnerly in the possession of Lewis Russell Hanley Grant and there measuring twenty three feet eight inches, on the south by the remaining portion of the said lot numbered 899 and there measuring twenty nine feet nine inches and on the west by barrack road and there measuring twenty nine feet TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon In the Name of CONSTANCE CANTON SAVERY and OLGA LINDO -Deceased ( both trustees) of 969-43rd street, apt IA Brooklyn New York U.S.A 11219. and No.7 Mapp Street, Belize City. HAS BEEN IRRECOVERABLY LOST OR DESTROYED BY MISADVENTURE. HEREBY GIVE NOTICE that I intend, at the expiration of twenty-one days from the first appearance of this notice to issue a new duplicate of the Registered Transfer Certificate of Title registered in the Land Titles Register Volume 15 at Folio No 300.

ANY PERSON in whose custody the TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE may be or who may have any objection to such issue is hereby requested to inform me of the fact.

Patricia Robateau Blackett (Mrs.) Registrar of Lands

LTU- 202001087 LAND TITLES UNIT Ministry of Natural Resources

ANY PERSON in whose custody the TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE may be or who may have any objection to such issue is hereby requested to inform me of the fact.

Patricia Robateau Blackett (Mrs.) Registrar of Lands LTU- 202001593 LAND TITLES UNIT Ministry of Natural Resources City of Belmopan UNDER THE GENERAL REGISTRY ACT, CHAPTER 327 OF THE LAWS OF BELIZE REVISED EDITION 2011 WHEREAS having made the necessary inquires and having read the statutory declaration filed in connection therewith, I have come to the conclusion that the duplicate of the Transfer Certificate of Title dated 16th day of July, 2001, and Registered in the Land Titles Register Volume 39 at Folio No 65 ALL THAT LOT PIECE AND PARCEL OF LAND situate at Tropical Park near mile post 15 on the Western Highway in the Belize District being the lot numbered 279A on a Plan of Survey by H.C. Fairweather Certified Land Surveyor dated the 4th day of July, 1961 and recorded at the General Registry in Surveyors Plans Book No. 4 at Folio 196 In the Name of ENOCH ROBERTSON of 1521 S.RidgewoodAve., TOCAMA, Washington 98405-3256 U.S.A. HAS BEEN IRRECOVERABLY LOST OR DESTROYED BY MISADVENTURE. HEREBY GIVE NOTICE that I intend, at the expiration of twenty-one days from the first appearance of this notice to issue a new duplicate of the Registered Transfer Certificate of Title registered in the Land Titles Register Volume 39 at Folio No 65.

ANY PERSON in whose custody the TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE may be or who may have any objection to such issue is hereby requested to inform me of the fact.

Patricia Robateau Blackett (Mrs.) Registrar of Lands Continued on page 26

30

2 MAY

THE BELIZE TIMES NORTHERN MEDICAL SPECIALTY PLAZA

LAND TITLES UNIT Continued from page 25

ORCHID DRIVE, B.S.I. AREA, ORANGE WALK TOWN, BELIZE PHONE: 302-3708 & FAX: 322-2320 Northern Medical Plaza invites applications from experienced, dynamic, energetic, self motivated and professional individuals for the following vacancies: Radiologist Opthamologist Urologist Laparscopic Surgeon Qualification General Practitioner with specialty in Radiologist, Opthamologist ,Urologist and Laparscopic Surgeon.

Requirements Must be registered with the Belize Medical Council 3 years experience will be considered.

Applications close: April 28,2021 Please submit application letter and three References to: northernmedical@live.com Human Resource Manager Northern Medical Specialty Plaza Ltd. Orchid Drive, BSI Area Orange Walk Town

2021 LTU- 202001369 LAND TITLES UNIT Ministry of Natural Resources City of Belmopan

UNDER THE GENERAL REGISTRY ACT, CHAPTER 327 OF THE LAWS OF BELIZE REVISED EDITION 2011 WHEREAS having made the necessary inquires and having read the statutory declaration filed in connection therewith, I have come to the conclusion that the duplicate of the Transfer Certificate of Title dated 1st day of April, 1960, and Registered in the Land Titles Register Volume 3 at Folio No 862 The Eastern Half of All that piece or parcel of land known as Graham’s Bank situate on the Sittee River in the Stano Creek District with a frontage of 423 yards or thereabouts on the river and running a back 300 yards or thereabouts and more particularly delineated on a plan by late Robert Hume sworn Surveyor dated 13th February 1868 and on the said plan described as Plantation grounds situate on the Sittee River the property of Davis Graham and which said piece or parcel of land is bounded on the north by Crown land, on the South by Sittee River, on the East by the Estate of S.F McDougal and on the west by the western half of the property no the Estate of Christina A. Baber deceased TOGETHER with all the buildings and erection thereon In the Name of CALVERT REYNOLDS -Deceased ofSittee River, Stann Creek District. HAS BEEN IRRECOVERABLY LOST OR DESTROYED BY MISADVENTURE. HEREBY GIVE NOTICE that I intend, at the expiration of twenty-one days from the first appearance of this notice to issue a new duplicate of the Registered Transfer Certificate of Title registered in the Land Titles Register Volume 3 at Folio No 862.

ANY PERSON in whose custody the TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE may be or who may have any objection to such issue is hereby requested to inform me of the fact.

Patricia Robateau Blackett (Mrs.) Registrar of Lands

PUBLIC NOTICE Public Utilities Commission (PUC)

NORTHERN MEDICAL SPECIALTY PLAZA

Public Utilities Commission (PUC) NOTICE TheThe Public Utilities Commission (PUC) herebyhereby servesserves NOTICE this day, this27, day, Aprilthat 27,it 2021, that intends make, with the approval April 2021, intends to itmake, withto the approval of the Minister responsible for Public Utilities, amendments to the Regulations governing of the Minister responsible for Public Utilities, amendments to thethe granting, renewal,governing transfer, modification of renewal, licenses and authorisations, and fees Regulations the granting, transfer, modification to be charged by the PUC, for the telecommunications sector. of licenses and authorisations, and fees to be charged by the PUC, the telecommunications sector. to amend the Telecommunications Theforproposed Regulations are intended

(Licensing Classification, Authorisation and Fee Structure) Regulations, 2002 (S.I. No. 110 of 2002).

The proposed Regulations are intended to amend the TelecommuniClassification, Authorisation and Fee Thecations PUC is(Licensing hereby inviting written comments from the public on Structure) the proposed Regulations, 2002 (S.I. No. 110 of 2002).

Regulations prior to submitting the same, with or without amendments, to the Minister for his approval.

ORCHID DRIVE, B.S.I. AREA, ORANGE WALK TOWN, BELIZE PHONE: 302-3708 & FAX: 322-2320 Northern Medical Plaza invites applications from experienced, dynamic, energetic, self-motivated and professional individuals for the following vacancy of a Pediatrician Qualification

The PUC is hereby inviting written comments from the public on

General Practitioner with specialty in Pediatrics

without amendments, to the Minister for his approval.

Requirements Must be registered with the Belize Medical Council 3 years’ experience will be considered.

The deadline for submission of written comments is 5:00 PM on Tuesday, May the proposed Regulations prior to submitting the same, with or 25, 2021.

Written comments may be submitted to the PUC at its offices at 41, Gabourel Lane, P.O. Box 300, Belize City, or email to telecom@puc.bz.

Theor deadline for submission of by written comments is 5:00 PM on

Tuesday, May 25, 2021.

The proposed Regulations may be viewed in at the offices of the PUC or on the PUC website at www.puc.bz.

Written comments may be submitted to the PUC at its offices at 41, Gabourel Lane, orIssued P.O. 300,Commission Belize City, or by email to teleby theBox Public Utilities on April 27, 2021. com@puc.bz.

The proposed Regulations may be viewed in at the offices of the PUC or on the PUC website at www.puc.bz.

Issued by the Public Utilities Commission on April 27, 2021.

Applications close: May 13, 2021 Please submit application letter and three References to: northernmedical@live.com Human Resource Manager Northern Medical Specialty Plaza Ltd. Orchid Drive, BSI Area Orange Walk Town

2 MAY

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

31

STRENGTHENING OF TAX ADMINISTRATION PROJECT REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST Consulting Firm to Design, Implement and Execute a Countrywide Public Awareness and Marketing Campaign Institution: The Ministry of Finance (MOF) Country: Belize Project: Strengthening of Tax Administration (STA) Abstract: Consulting Services – Consulting Firm to Design, Implement and Execute a comprehensive Public Awareness and Marketing Campaign before, during and after the implementation of the NEW procured Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS).

Loan No.: 4839/OC-BL Deadline: May 14, 2021 Belize Local Time The Government of Belize (GOB) has received financing from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for the execution of a five-year tax modernization project entitled “Strengthening of Tax Administration” (BL-L1031). The main beneficiaries of the Project are: (a) the Government, which will have more revenues to implement its public policies; (b) taxpayers, who will have more support and a digital environment to fulfil their tax obligations; and (c) the population, from the government policies implemented. Through this project, the Belize Tax Service (BTS) Department has procured a Modern Integrated Tax Administration System (the Revenue Management System (RMS)) and is presently in the implementation process. This new system will be used in the management of the Belize Tax Administration.

The consulting services (“the services”) include the contracting of a consulting firm for a period of twelve (12) months to Design, Implement and Execute a comprehensive Public Awareness and Marketing Campaign for the promotion of the new procured ITAS system. informing the public that this new system is intended to allow for the BTSD to accomplish its future Business Model Principles which aims to be a fully automated process with seamless integration with other entities, data driven and taxpayer centric. The new ITAS system focuses on improving services which will allow for a 360 view of a taxpayer tax account to be both face to face and online, improve compliance and increase revenue collection. The New ITAS system will be taxpayer centric which will allow taxpayer to access and manage their tax account online. The main activities of the consultancy includes: 1. Develop, and Map out the communication strategy and action plan for the Pre, During and Post ITAS implementation 2. Design and Develop various communication materials targeting internal and external stakeholders, using different and relevant modes of communication in a continuous and progressive phased-out approach consistent with the Pre, During and Post ITAS Implementation.

3. Production, Broadcasting and Dissemination of various communication materials targeting internal and external stakeholders in a continuous and progressive phased-out approach consistent with the Pre, During and Post ITAS Implementation.

4. Evaluation of the effectives of the public awareness communication campaign .The Consulting firm should have a minimum of five (5) years’ experience in the following areas below (* are a must): *Development of change management campaigns *Advertisement campaigns *Audio-visual production *Graphic design Educational campaigns Communication planning Strategic communication Communications marketing Digital content creation.

The firm should prove its expertise in conducting large communication activities, at national and local level, and conducted at least two PR campaigns of similar type in the last 5 years in Belize or in the Caribbean, the firm should have specific experience in at least one similar assignment in Belize for citizen engagement and outreach activities in the past five (5) years, and experience in organizing events (workshops, trainings, conferences targeting different groups: citizens, national and local public administration, mass media, NGOs etc.).

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

Expression of Interest package should contain: (i) Document explaining interest, experience, and competence of the consulting firm. (ii) Firms experience in the assignment of similar consultancy services during the past five years. Description of similar assignments specifying start and end dates of assignments. (iii) Firms evidence of past jobs. (iv) Two references (v) Proof of nationality: Copy of certificate of incorporation and information of shareholders of company specifying the shares owned by each respective shareholder of the company.

Additional documentation required for National Consultants: (vi) Copy of Certificate of Good Standing from Belize Company Registry (vii) Copy of Certificate of Good Standing from the Social Security Board (viii) Copy of Certificate of Good Standing from the Belize Tax Service (ix) Current Trade License Consultants will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the Inter-American Development Bank: Policies for the Selection and Contracting of Consultants financed by the Inter-American Development Bank (GN-2350-15, May 2019 edition) and is open to all eligible consultants as defined in the IDB policies.

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

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Selection based on the Consultants’ Qualification method set out in the IDB Consultant Policies. The selected consulting firm will be selected based on its experience and competence relevant to the assignment and most appropriate qualifications and references. Only the highest ranked consulting firm from the short-listed firms will be notified and will be asked to submit a technical and price proposal.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Expressions of interest must be delivered via direct mail or e-mail at the address indicated below by 4:00 p.m. on May 14, 2021.

Interested consulting firms are asked to submit their expression of interest via e-mail to Michelle.Longsworth@bts.gov.bz marked STAP- Consulting Firm to Design, Implement and Execute a Countrywide Public Awareness and Marketing Campaign in the subject header, or submit before or on May 14, 2021 to the following address: Director General Belize Tax Service Strengthening of Tax Administration Project Charles Bartlett Hyde Building Mahogany Street, Belize City Tel: 501-222-5114 For clarifications kindly contact: Procurement Specialist Project Executing Unit Strengthening of Tax Administration Project Charles Bartlett Hyde Building Mahogany Street, Belize City Tel: 501-222-5114/E-mail: stephanie.pouchie@mof.gov.bz

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THE BELIZE TIMES

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2021