Belize Times November 14, 2021- Triumphant

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The Belize Times

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THE BELIZE TIMES

14 NOV

2021

Established 1957

14 NOVEMBER 2021 | ISSUE NO: 5275

The Truth Shall Make You Free

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SUCCESSFUL OPEN FOR BUSINESS

PlanBelize… Foresight, Innovation, Impressive

These were the words used to describe the PM and government of Belize. “The rules are being simplified and digitized, where starting a business is concerned… We must reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and ensure that the enabling environment is conducive. We are a naturally endowed country and, therefore, must take full advantage of those things that make us unique. Our political system is stable, we speak English, and we have managed to build some economic resilience in the face of the pandemic by taking measures to create fiscal space. As the global economy struggles to build back from the COVID-19 pan-

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ESTABLISHES CURRICULUM REFORM COMMITTEE

BELIZE SUGAR

Gets Regional Support Pg. 5

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BLUE BONDS!

SUPERBOND IS NO MORE! Pg. 8

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Minister Anthony Mahler ONE ON ONE INTERVIEW

The PUP Celebrates its 71st & 1st PlanBelize Anniversaries Join us Virtually, On Sunday November 14, 2021


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14 NOV

THE BELIZE TIMES

Belize Investment Summit

Government Welcomes Potential Investors to Belize Business people and potential investors from North and Central America met with high-ranking Government officials as well as their local counterparts during this country’s first-ever Investment Summit, aimed at attracting economic growth and development. It was the brainchild of CEO in the Ministry of Finance, Narda Garcia, who shared her idea with Prime Minister Briceno and others in the Government. It got immediate support and countless hours of planning, networking, and marketing led to the convergence of these key partners whose investments can help to put Belize on sturdier footing economically, after the COVID pandemic and years of reckless spending by the previous administration left our finances in tatters. One of the investors who is in Belize is Bob Dhillon, He says he has been investing in our country for the past twenty years. He is the author of a book titled “Doing Business and Retiring in Belize” in which he refers to Belize as “the last virgin.” He feels that Belize, because of its uniqueness, can benefit from Canada’s significant amount of retirees who might be looking for warmer climate and greener terrain to spend their twilight years. He highlighted San Pedro, Cayo, and Placencia as locations that

have tremendous amounts of opportunities for tourism expansion. “The last virgin is Belize. It’s got tremendous amount of catch up time in every aspect. It’s not only tourism, retirement, medical tourism, cruise ship terminals, digital banking – it has got enormous amount of opportunities,” Dhillon said. “I think that you will see a tremendous amount of boom

Cabinet Brief Belmopan. 10th November 2021. 5:15 p.m. The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño, met in regular session on 9th November 2021. • Cabinet endorsed the National Digital Agenda for the period 2022 to 2025 called “Towards a Digital Belize.” This agenda seeks to build trust in government services by simplifying procedures, improving service delivery, and facilitating economic recovery through digitalization. Managed through the Ministry of Youth, Sports & E-Governance, the National Digital Agenda will result in a more open, efficient, and effective government, thereby representing the integration of ICT at all levels of society. • Cabinet gave the approval for the Ministry of Infrastructure Development & Housing to work with the Attorney General’s Ministry to make amendments to the Belize Building Act to adequately monitor and regulate construction and construction activities within Belize as well as to amend Statutory Instrument No. 96 to adjust the schedule of fees and guidelines that govern payment to the Central Building Authority and on its Municipal Building Units. • Cabinet was updated on the status of vaccinations and the number of vaccines available in Belize. Currently, there are more than 370,000 vaccines on hand. As of 8th November 2021, 207,092 persons or 48.1 percent had received at least one dose of the vaccine and 186,418 or 43.3 percent have been fully vaccinated. Additionally, Cabinet approved the Taiwanese COVID-19 vaccine, Medigen, as an entry requirement for Taiwanese entering Belize. • Cabinet approved recommendations from the Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations to make certain adjustments to the current COVID-19 public health measures to take effect 22nd November 2021. These measures will be published shortly by the Ministry of Health & Wellness. • Finally, Cabinet continues to encourage booster shots for all health care workers, persons 60 years and older, and persons with comorbidities. The public is strongly urged to wear masks, maintain physical distance, wash hands regularly, and for those not fully vaccinated to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Vaccines save lives.

now in tourism, real estate, retirees. Don’t forget Canada has got twenty-five percent of gray power and they’re all looking for a place to retire and spend their winters. … Once you come here, it sells on its own. You don’t need anybody selling Belize. Belize sells on its own.” Dhillon introduced former Canadian Prime Minister, Stephen Harper to Belize and Harper, who has his own Consulting and Advisory firm in Canada, feels that Belize is actually one of the countries where the COVID restrictions are not overbearing and would be a deterrent to investments. “There have been difficult restrictions in a lot of places. I must tell you that in terms of countries that I have gone to recently, this was relatively easy to come to in terms of testing. Mask wearing, we may not like it, but it’s not hard to do,” Harper told reporters. While Belize is looking for good sound investments, there was a warning from Prime Minister, Hon. John Briceño to investors who want be the piper that calls his tune at the risk of breaking conservation laws that sets us apart from the rest of the world. “We have a moral responsibility to future generations to protect Belize. … In my speech at COP26, that’s the very point that we made. We small countries are doing our part and now you have the bigger, developed countries don’t want to do their part. We’ve seen what they have done wrong and now we have to ensure that we do not make those mistakes,” the PM said to the media after the event. To developers who would want to come and disregard our laws and engage in infrastructure investments that can put Belize in those same situations as others find themselves in, the PM said point blank: “You are not welcome.” There are areas in agriculture where we can use some help, as Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Abelardo Mai alluded to. He used examples where Belize exports cacao beans and corn, yet, we import bi-products made from those same raw ingredients, like chocolates. The Minister sent the message that we need investment in the agro-processing sector. People like Ernest Thiessen from the Belize Dairy Association and Hazelita Kuylen from Belize Sunrise Company Ltd., growers of rice and corn, could not agree more with the Minis-

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ter. Thiessen said they were looking for partnership to help grow the industry and create more jobs. Kuylen said their company was looking for investors who would buy their rice and corn for shipment to Guatemala or Mexico where those products are in high demand and short supply. During the event, the Inter-American Development Bank also provided a loan of $15 million to the Development Finance Corporation. At the ceremony, Mr. Richard Martínez from the bank, signed the loan agreement along with Prime Minister Briceño the Henry Anderson, Chairman of DFC. The money is to help to protect employment and promote the economic recovery of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and is expected to benefit more than 200 businesses in agriculture, fisheries and tourism. People in these sectors who access the money will use it to make purchases or put in infrastructure to advance their businesses. An interesting part of the first day’s event included a panel discussion among women in business who spoke about challenges they face in business simply because of their gender, as well as opportunities they have noted. That discussion served to pull more women to the fore of the business and investment sector and to highlight their role in contributing to socio-economic development in the various industries. Moderated by CEO of the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kim Aikman, the panelists included Umeeda Switlo, who owns Naledo Belize Ltd, Maria Estella Recinos, the founder of K&M Construction Ltd., Katherine Meighan, Vice President and Director of Caye Talkers Call Centre company, and Kay Menzies, President and CEO of the Belize Electric Company Ltd.

The Belize Times

Established 1957

14 APR 2013

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ISSUE NO: 4840

The Truth Shall Make You Free

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14 NOV

2021

THE BELIZE TIMES

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EDITORIAL

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A Summit for Belize

he comparative and superlative adjectives were in high demand at the two-day Belize Investment Summit hosted by the Government of Belize at the Grand Caribe Belize in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. Prime Minister Briceño was the impetus behind the idea to have the investment summit this year as opposed to 2022. CEO Narda Garcia took on the challenge some months ago and, as was ascertained on La Isla Bonita, the challenge was a planBelize success only matched by the government’s present success with the signing of the half a billion-saving Blue Bond. When this government is putting its success on top of its other successes, it is such a paradigm shift to the government voted out one year ago. The keynote speaker, Hon. Stephen Harper, past Canadian Prime Minister, said it clearly that the ease of doing business in Belize has turned around as could be seen with all the investors present at the summit. In his opening speech, the Prime Minister stipulated, “Our political system is stable, we speak English, and we have managed to build some economic resilience in the face of the pandemic by taking measures to create fiscal space. As the global economy struggles to build back from the COVID-19 pandemic, we must do our part to make Belize an even more competitive environment.” The government of Belize today knows fully well that not heeding to the obvious needs of Belize’s economy will lead us directly to financial disaster. This inaction led the former Prime Minister Barrow to describe Belize as a giant mouse. NO one in Belize would agree with him and he was good with that. Today, Belize aims towards being a ‘small elephant’ that will have a resilient economic skin and an educated population ready to welcome the investing world. Harper was emphatic in his congratulations of Belize and the Prime Minister and used the words foresight, innovation and impressive in describing what Belize has done with the Blue Bond. In recommending Belize to the investors he seized the moment as he said, “You are also positioned at the intersection between North America, the Commonwealth, the Caribbean and Latin America. Something that is reflected in a population that is diverse and remarkably unified. Of course, you have abundant natural beauty. You have a diversified export base including some value-added sectors in agriculture. All this with a stable democratic political system, a stable currency, and you have had a pretty stable policy environment. You have low taxes which always matters, including no capital gains tax. Taken together that is a pretty impressive list of strengths.” Everyone wants to work with Belize and this was revealed at this Investment Summit that had great, support and sponsorship by presentations and high-level delegations. The InterAmerican Development Bank, the United Nations Development Program, IDB Invest, the World Bank, and the Embassy of Taiwan all went above their normal call to support the economic event. Additionally, the awesome participation of the Private Sector representing all sectors and industries was evident. They are excited about the call to be a part of the economic transformation of Belize led by the PUP Government with their Northstar planBelize. Covid-19 was conspicuous by its near absence. Little was the focus on the coronavirus that it prompted the VP of Countries Richard Martinez Alvarado to comment that it was the end of the pandemic in Belize. He also stated that “if the private sector representatives play their roles right, the IDB group’s vision for Belize, and by extension, Latin America and the Caribbean, will be reaping the benefits of expanded markets, more and better jobs, and climate resilience… The institutional frameworks and environment for markets to function effectively, including policies to open space to investment, boost digitalization, foster integration, tackle inequalities, and fight climate change.” In praising Belize vaccination efforts, he alluded to the economic benefits this brings by saying “the most pro-growth policy at hand: accelerating vaccination.” Martinez also congratulated Prime Minister Briceño for leading the effort with the Investment Summit and for Belize’s important milestone of 50% of the population with at least one COVID-19 dose and over 40% fully vaccinated. PM Briceño emphasized, “We now have vaccinations, and I encourage all Belizeans, to continue to take the vaccinations because vaccinations save lives; give a better chance to co-exist with the virus, and it creates even greater economic activities to stimulate our economy.” All eyes are on Belize after the PM’s speech at the UN, PM’s Speech at COP-26, signing the Blue Bond, and hosting the 1st Investment Summit. The latter was synchronized masterfully to coincide with the most sacred of democratic days, Belize’s General Elections when the people of Belize said Yes, to planBelize; Yes, to John Briceño; and yes, to a better life in Belize. These added up to a super mandate to govern and to serve as this government has ingrained in its political DNA—the PUP Serves the People. So in the investment world, it is the same, the PM wishes to build “lasting relationships that will prove mutually beneficial in our collective efforts to build a Belize that works for everyone.”


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THE BELIZE TIMES

EDITORIAL

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14 NOV

2021

en Español

Una cumbre para Belice

os adjetivos comparativos y superlativos tuvieron una gran demanda en la Cumbre de Inversión de Belice, de dos días de duración, organizada por el Gobierno de Belice en el Grand Caribe Belize en San Pedro, Cayo Ambergris. El Primer Ministro Briceño fue el impulsor de la idea de celebrar la cumbre de inversión este año en lugar de en 2022. La CEO Narda García asumió el reto hace unos meses y, como se comprobó en La Isla Bonita, el reto fue un éxito de PlanBelize sólo igualado por el éxito actual del gobierno con la firma del Bono Azul de 500 millones de ahorro. El hecho del que este gobierno ponga este éxito por encima de sus otros éxitos supone un cambio de paradigma con respecto al gobierno expulsado hace un año. El orador principal, el muy honorable Stephen Harper, ex primer ministro canadiense, dijo claramente que la facilidad para hacer negocios en Belice ha dado un giro, como pudo verse con la presencia de tantos inversores presentes en la cumbre. En su discurso de apertura, el Primer Ministro estipuló: “Nuestro sistema político es estable, hablamos inglés y hemos conseguido crear cierta resistencia económica frente a la pandemia, adoptando medidas para crear espacio fiscal. Mientras la economía mundial se esfuerza para recuperarse de la pandemia del COVID-19, debemos poner de nuestra parte para hacer de Belice un entorno aún más competitivo.” El gobierno de Belice sabe hoy perfectamente que no prestar atención a las necesidades obvias de la economía de Belice nos llevará directamente al desastre financiero. Esta inacción llevó al ex primer ministro Barrow a describir a Belice como un ratón gigante. Nadie en Belice estuvo de acuerdo con él, pero él estuvo bien con eso. Hoy, Belice aspira a ser un “pequeño elefante” que tendrá una piel económica resistente y una población educada y preparada para recibir al mundo inversor. Harper fue enfático en sus felicitaciones a Belice y al Primer Ministro y utilizó las palabras clarividencia, innovación e impresionante al describir lo que Belice ha hecho con el Bono Azul. Al recomendar Belice a los inversores, aprovechó el momento para decir: “Ustedes también están situados en la intersección entre América del Norte, la Commonwealth, el Caribe y América Latina. Algo que se refleja en una población diversa y notablemente unificada. Por supuesto, tienen ustedes abundante belleza natural. Tienes una base de exportación diversificada que incluye algunos sectores de valor añadido en la agricultura. Todo ello con un sistema político democrático estable, una moneda estable y un entorno político bastante estable. Los impuestos son bajos, lo que siempre es importante, y no hay impuesto sobre las ganancias de capital. En conjunto es una lista de puntos fuertes bastante impresionante”. Todo el mundo quiere trabajar con Belice y esto se puso de manifiesto en esta Cumbre de Inversión que contó con un gran, apoyo y patrocinio de presentaciones y delegaciones de alto nivel. El Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo, el Programa de las Naciones Unidas para el Desarrollo, IDB Invest, el Banco Mundial y la Embajada de Taiwán fueron más allá de su convocatoria normal para apoyar el evento económico. Además, fue evidente la impresionante participación del Sector Privado representando a todos los sectores e industrias. Están entusiasmados con el llamamiento a formar parte de la transformación económica de Belice dirigida por el Gobierno del PUP con su estrella polar, el planBelize. El Covid-19 brilló por su casi ausencia. La poca atención prestada al coronavirus hizo que el vicepresidente de Países, Richard Martínez Alvarado, comentara que se trataba del fin de la pandemia en Belice. También afirmó que “si los representantes del sector privado desempeñan bien su papel, la visión del grupo del BID para Belice, y por extensión, para América Latina y el Caribe, será la de cosechar los beneficios de la expansión de los mercados, de más y mejores empleos y de la resiliencia climática... Los marcos institucionales y el entorno para que los mercados funcionen eficazmente, incluyendo políticas para abrir el espacio a la inversión, impulsar la digitalización, fomentar la integración, abordar las desigualdades y luchar contra el cambio climático.” Al elogiar los esfuerzos de vacunación de Belice, aludió a los beneficios económicos que esto conlleva diciendo que “la política más favorable al crecimiento que existe: acelerar la vacunación.” Martínez también felicitó al Primer Ministro Briceño por liderar el esfuerzo con la Cumbre de Inversión y por el importante hito de Belice de tener el 50% de la población con al menos una dosis de COVID-19 y más del 40% totalmente vacunada. El PM Briceño enfatizó: “Ahora tenemos vacunas, y animo a todos los beliceños a que sigan vacunándose porque las vacunas salvan vidas; dan una mejor oportunidad de coexistir con el virus, y crean aún más actividades económicas para estimular nuestra economía.” Todas las miradas están puestas en Belice tras el discurso del Primer Ministro en la ONU, el discurso del Primer Ministro en la COP-26, la firma del Bono Azul y la celebración de la 1ª Cumbre de Inversión. Esta última se sincronizó de forma magistral para que coincidiera con el más sagrado de los días democráticos, las elecciones generales de Belice, en las que el pueblo de Belice dijo Sí, al planBelice; Sí, a John Briceño; y Sí, a una vida mejor en Belice. Todo ello se sumó a un súper mandato para gobernar y servir, ya que este gobierno tiene arraigado en su ADN político: el PUP sirve a la gente. Así que en el mundo de las inversiones es lo mismo, el PM desea construir “relaciones duraderas que resulten mutuamente beneficiosas en nuestros esfuerzos colectivos para construir un Belice que funcione para todos”.


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2021

ESTABLISHES CURRICULUM REFORM COMMITTEE November 9, 2021 - A pro tempore Curriculum Reform Steering Committee (CRSC) has been constituted for the period November 1, 2021, to May 31, 2022. The main objective of the CRSC is to oversee the implementation of the UNESCO/IBE (International Bureau of Education) Curriculum Reform Framework and to set the foundation for the important work of curriculum reform in Belize. Education stakeholders have been lamenting the stagnant performance of students over the past few decades. Fortunately, via recent extensive consultations with 17 stakeholder groups, consensus is that one of the main culprits is a ballooning curriculum. In an important webinar on “Curriculum Overload” hosted by UNESCO/IBE and the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) on November 8, 2021, Dr. Hon. Louis Zabaneh, Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology (MoECST), presented on a pilot project that has commenced in Belize. The pilot of a reduced or optimised curriculum will be evaluated to ascertain its impact on student performance and the well-being of students, teachers, and parents. a. The newly constituted steering committee comprises of the following expert education stakeholders: 1. H.E. Mrs. Rosanna Briceño, Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children 2. Mr. Ray Lawrence, Principal, Stann Creek Ecumenical College 3. Dr. Mathias Vairez, Assistant Professor, University of Belize (Punta Gorda) 4. Mrs. Salome Tillett, Principal, St. Catherine Academy 5. Fr. Antonio Anderson, Chairman, John Paul II Junior CollegeDr. Priscilla Brown-Lopez, Education Consultant 6. Dr. Janeen Quiroz, Assistant Professor, University of Belize (Belmopan) 7. Ms. Althea Jorgenson, Teacher, St. Ignatius Primary School (Belize National Teachers’ Union representative) The committee will be chaired by Dr. Hon. Louis Zabaneh and its secretariat will be led by Ms. Michelle Turton from the Quality Assurance & Development Services (QADS). The MoECST thanks all members of the committee and looks forward to their leadership that will guide the much-needed overall reform of curriculum from early childhood learning to secondary education in Belize.

THE BELIZE TIMES

BELIZE SUGAR

Gets Regional Support Belize had taken the matter of sugar being traded in the Caribbean by St. Kitts-Nevis and Trinidad and Tobago. Caricom was also considered a plaintiff. After being notified of the legal action taken by Belize, the government of St. Kitts-Nevis began discussions with Belize in an effort to come to a possible settlement. The two parties had found resolution through a settlement with conditions appealing to both parties. But the same could not be said for Trinidad and Tobago. Belize was not requesting compensation but it took the principle to the Caribbean Court of Justice. Belize was victorious and now Belize’s sugar sector is now guaranteed that it will receive the trade policy support to which it is entitled, inclusive of the application of the CET and an opportunity to fully re-enter the St. Kitts-Nevis market. The CCJ has listened to two days of the arguments in the case against Trinidad and Tobago. T&T media says the Belize side led by SC Andrew Marshalleck was ‘grilled’ on the matter. The Sugar Association of the Caribbean voiced their support for Belize via their website.

November 9, 2021 PRESS RELEASE: Brown Sugar CCJ Challenge (November 08, 2021) The Sugar Association of the Caribbean (SAC) commends the Government of Belize for taking action in the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) against alleged non-application of the Common External Tariff (CET) on brown sugar entering Trinidad and Tobago from extra regional sources in violation of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas (RTC). Over the last three years, SAC has repeatedly raised its concerns about this practice that has drastically diluted the value and demand of the CARICOM market for regional sugar producers. Lawyers representing the Government of Belize provided evidence of more than 4000 metric tons of sugar imported without any record of CET being paid. This evidence was underscored by a dramatic fall off in prices for brown sugar during the same period. SAC has long contended that the level of pricing demanded by sugar importers to Trinidad & Tobago as well as some other CARICOM Member States, could not be supportive of full implementation of

05 5 the CET, which is set at 40% of the CIF value of sugar entering from extra-regional sources. The Court heard that as the Governments focus on the serious issues confronting the world on dangerous climate increases at the COP26 meeting in Glasgow, it is fitting to focus on sugar cane, a regenerative agricultural crop that not only is a significant sequester of carbon but also the source for the production of green, renewable electricity across the region. Most global industries enjoy the benefits of protected domestic and regional markets. Protection of the brown sugar market as set out in the RTC is one small contribution to maintaining this industry’s viability and one that SAC believes should be strictly maintained and enforced. Commenting on Belize’s decision not to press for compensation for lost opportunity in the regional market, SAC Chairman R. Karl James said, “This case was not primarily about compensation, it is about ensuring that protections set out in the Treaty, and reinforced by numerous decisions of COTED, are abided by. Otherwise, the CSME would have very little relative value for any of its members.” The Judges will now consider their decision the evidence and law presented.


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14 NOV

THE BELIZE TIMES

One-on-One with Anthony Mahler, Belize’s Tourism Minister By Veronica de Santiago, Caribbean News Digital After Belize peaked over 500 Covid-19 cases on December 9 last year, the country has managed to keep that rate down through the course of 2021. What have you done to have a rate so low? The pandemic has affected the entire World and Belize has been no exception. The Government of Belize implemented stringent safety measures from the onset of Covid-19 in March of 2020 through to the present day. These measures include the wearing of masks in public spaces, a daily curfew, social distancing protocols, mandated the placement of hand washing and sanitizing stations in all public areas, including ports, restaurants, hotels, Government offices and tourism areas. In addition, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) implemented a Gold Standard Certification program for tourism service providers, which guarantees the highest safety for visitors. With the WTTC Stamp of approval, Belize is recognized as a safe destination, where visitors can experience ‘Safe Travels’. In tandem with all this, the Government launched an aggressive vaccination campaign for Belizeans. How does the “Belize Health” app work and how has it helped authorities to keep a safe inflow of tourists? What other measures do

CARTOON

you apply to get the job done? The Belize Health App is no longer required to enter Belize. However, as of August 9, 2021 all travelers, both vaccinated and unvaccinated, entering Belize from other countries, are required to present a negative COVID-19 test. All travelers entering Belize at the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) are required to present a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken within 96 hours of travel or a negative result from any approved Antigen Rapid Test taken within 48 hours of travel. If no test is presented, a COVID-19 test will be administered at the airport for a fee of USD $50 per passenger. Only children 5 years and older will be required to present a negative test. We have also implemented safety protocols at our ports of entry, the PGIA, at accommodations, tours and in public spaces, which play a prominent role in creating a safe flow for tourists. All visitors to Belize are required to have a confirmed booking with a Gold Standard Certified Hotel before entering Belize. What health protocols will you rely on when passengers disembark at the cruise terminals? Have you upgraded the terminal facilities as far as technology is concerned? In July 2021 Belize’s cruise port reopened after a 16-month hiatus to welcome the Carnival Vista. All cruise passengers must be fully vaccinated or provide a negative test result in order to be allowed to disembark onto Belize’s Continued on page 9

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NOTICE Members of the public, including mechanics, in whose custody any government vehicles may have been left for safe keeping or to be repaired, you are hereby notified that you are required to inform the Assets and Utilities Management Unit at the Ministry of Finance immediately or no later than the 30th November 2021 of any such vehicle or motorcycle in your possession. The following information is being requested: 1) Ministry or Department and person who left the vehicle or motorcycle in your custody. 2) Year and make of vehicle/motorcycle. 3) The diagnostic and reason for the vehicle or motorcycle being left in your custody. 4) Length of time that the vehicle/motorcycle has been in your custody. Please contact the Unit by email: leonard.davis@mof. gov.bz or telephone number 615-9542 or WhatsApp. Failure to comply with the above notice may lead to legal action being taken against you for the recovery of the Government of Belize assets.


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2021

THE BELIZE TIMES

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OPENING REMARKS & EVENT LAUNCH

PRIME MINISTER

HON. JOHN BRICEÑO BELIZE INVESTMENT SUMMIT

NOVEMBER 10, 2021 GRAND CARIBE, SAN PEDRO, AMBERGRIS CAYE It is a beautiful day here in San Pedro and I am pleased that you have all decided to join us this morning. Members of the Cabinet, Excellencies of the Diplomatic and Consular Corp, Ladies and Gentlemen, And of course, our distinguished guest and keynote speaker, The Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper former Prime Minister of Canada and head of Harper and Associates. I am truly excited to host this first ever Belize Investment Summit. I am even more excited to see the interests that have been generated through our digital and face-to-face marketing, which is evidenced, by your presence here and virtually. We change with the times and so today we are engaged in what is truly a hybrid event. Prime Minister, I extended to you a warm welcome and thank you for graciously accepting to be our guest speaker. Like everyone here today, I look forward to hearing from you, as an ally of economic growth and development. I am also happy to welcome the Vice President of the IDB and his high-level delegation as well as the High-Level representatives of the UNDP and the World Bank. This morning’s turnout is a welcoming sight and I am told that we have a large virtual audience. The idea of this Summit or the efforts to make it a reality, were borne over many months, it started when I approached my

CEO, Mrs. Narda Garcia and said, we would like to make this a reality in 2021. With her leadership and the support of the Secretariat, made up of the Office of the Prime Minister, BELTRAIDE, The Economic Development Council and the Investment Promotion Unit, we are here today, in beautiful San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. PlanBelize, my government’s “game plan,” our north star for economic growth and prosperity, is entitled, “Leading for sustained growth and prosperity for all Belizeans.” You see we are fully convinced that we can create an environment conducive to economic transformation. Investment provides an opportunity for growth in the micro, small, medium and large enterprises. I am convinced that if we create initiatives which include, access to finance and a more seamless enabling mechanism, that we can rebuild our economy, with MSMEs, at its foundation and without compromising the economic initiatives of the larger enterprises. We also must look at non-traditional industries, and shouldn’t forget the contribution of the service industries, to our gross domestic product. We have existing incentives, such as the Fiscal Incentive, Designated Processing Areas and the MSME Enhancement Program (MEP) which provides relief to potential investors. This first of a kind Summit is being hosted under the theme, “Belize: Open for Business”. Some may ask, why open for business? Aren’t you always open for business? The answer is simple. The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected economies worldwide and for a developing country like ours, it is no different. Global downturns affect us, where supply chains quickly become disrupted causing challenges to trade. In addition, we hear about doing business in Belize and the challenges it has posed for investors, both foreign and local. These challenges create problems and make us not as competitive, as we should be. Of course, Government’s response is crucial, for this reason Cabinet is focused and our approach is all in, it is all hands on deck. The rules, legislation, policies and procedures are being addressed holistically, and today, we are closer to developing a National Investment Policy & Strategy. Developed with broad-based consultation this NIPS is benchmarked with similar economies, to ensure we addressed those critical challenges. The Fiscal Incentive ACT is being revised, to ensure seamless transitions within the investment process. The rules are being simplified and digitized, where starting a business is concerned. As a matter of fact, the corporate registry is going through a transition that will shorten the time it takes to have a business fully registered. We must reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and ensure that the enabling environment is conducive. We are a naturally endowed country and, therefore, must take full advantage of those things that make us unique. Our political system is stable, we speak English, and we have managed to build some economic resilience in the face of the pandemic by taking measures to create fiscal space. As the global economy struggles to build back from the COVID-19 pandemic, we must do our part to make Belize an even more competitive environment. We now have vaccinations, and I encourage all Belizeans, to continue to take the vaccinations, because vaccinations save lives; give a better chance to co-exist with the virus, and it creates even greater economic activities to stimulate our economy. We have many variables that we can boast which make us an attractive foreign direct investment destination. Apart from the incentives we are politically stable. We are English speaking, but also multilingual, And, our proximity to the United States, Central America and Mexico puts us in an ideal spot. Our currency is pegged to the United States dollar, with no thought of devaluation. Partners in development, potential investors, and inbound investments are what we seek to accelerate the expansion of production, increase infrastructure, which leverages our tourism product. We are focused on increasing domestic generation in renewable energy and reducing our dependency on fossil fuels. The business process outsourcing (BPO) sector continues to expand which means an even greater increase in employment for our people. Let me say it plain, we are open for business and making the necessary changes which will make doing business with us an even more seamless process. Cabinet is committed and working cohesively to ensure that all ministries, are on board, at all levels, as we make a unified thrust towards economic recovery. There are over five (5) hundred million dollars in investment opportunities, in renewable energy, tourism, agriculture, new growth, business process outsourcing and infrastructure. Please interact through the matchmaking sessions, so, you can have a better understanding of the possibilities for joint ventures or new investments. We want to stimulate export-led growth. We have the workforce and the resources, and are making the necessary legislative, policy & procedural changes to create the enabling environment for increased foreign and local investments. This is why we are here, present and ready to work alongside our great public and private sector leaders. We boast positive changes in our economic variables, for example, we have seen the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB), announced, with the support of actual data, a quarter with 22 percent growth. This growth, in large part, was because of the immediate and consistent economic activity of our Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, Hon. Jose Abelardo Mai and Minister of Tourism Anthony Mahler who since November 12th 2020, have been aggressively pursuing interests within the sectors, to stimulate greater economic activity, engaging new partners in the US, Canada, Central America and Mexico. We have also taken steps to reduce our external debt which should contribute even more to investor confidence. The recent Blue Bonds transaction by bondholders has substantially reduced our external debt obligations. I must applaud the support of The Nature Conservatory (TNC), for partnering in such a strategic initiative. My expectation is that this transaction will pave the way for strong and long-lasting economic growth and allow us to achieve our marine conservation objectives. This is a total win-win for Belize. Our Government is committed to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SGD), as outlined in Plan Belize. We are committed to ending poverty (SDG1), by expanding the economy and creating employment and affordable health care for all. The creation of employment and creating an environment, where the social well-being of all is addressed, can result in zero hunger (SDG2). Health and wellness is a priority, as changes are being made to ensure that everyone can access affordable healthcare. Human capital development is a must, if we are to produce globally competitive citizens and therefore, efforts to improve quality education must be undertaken. We are committed to ensuring that opportunities, at all levels by women, erasing the gender disparity that we must continue to ensure, is given the conscious effort required. Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen we will endeavour to meet the requirements for all, but must also include issues like economic growth, climate action and life below water. The alignment of portfolios, such as the Blue Economy & Sustainable Development, indicates the high level of our commitment. This SDG alignment creates great opportunities for investments which we will be hearing about today from the United Nation’s Development Program. We cannot ignore or assume that the digital revolution or efforts to create a stimulated digital economy, can or must wait. The pandemic has disrupted life as we know it and, therefore, we must be very proactive. The establishment of a Ministry of e-governance was visionary, as we continue to make the necessary changes to ensure that the enabling environment, makes us even more attractive to foreign and local investors. The doing business indicators such as, starting a business in which, we were assessed 121 out of 190, is a serious bottleneck. Therefore, the company’s registry is going through its digitization process, but this cannot be done in isolation, as there must be alignment with other digitization initiatives within the public sector, presently being undertaken. COVID-19 has changed the way we live and work almost overnight. Analysts are struggling to keep pace with the impact on economies, sectors and firms. One thing that we already know, however, is that this crisis is accelerating an already growing trend towards digitalization. Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, I say again that my administration will take robust, strategic, and decisive mitigation measures to make the necessary changes to transform processes and procedures, develop policies and undertake legal revisions. We will continue to simplify processes and undertake a cohesive approach to digitalization, with leadership by the Ministry of E-governance. We will do what we must to restore confidence for foreign and local investors. We will do it together, in partnership and through meaningful engagement with our private sector, so that they will undertake the necessary risks to increase the local investment stock. For now, may this summit bring about productive dialogue that will result in lasting relationships that will prove mutually beneficial in our collective efforts to build a Belize that works for everyone. I now declare the Belize Investment Summit, 2021, Open for Business. I thank you


8 08 8

THE BELIZE TIMES

VOICE OF THE COMMON MAN

THE GORDIAN KNOT UNTIED: SUPERBOND IS NO MORE

By HILLY BENNETT Belize continues its blu’ trajectory with the historical announcement that the gordian knot, the so-called superbond is no more! On Friday 5 November 2021 Belize finalised the biggest debt-for-marine conservation with the blue bond. The representative of the Nature Conservancy Jennifer Morris made the announcement signalling the death knell to one of Belize’s sovereign bonds. IDB Invest CEO James P. Scriva declared that “blue bonds are emerging as an innovative financial solution to mobilise capital and create sustainable business opportunities in Ocean and freshwater conservancy.” Blue bonds or blue credits are also an instrument utilised in the cancellation of sovereign debt. The audacious blue bond conservation initiative was made public in September 2021 by the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economic Development the Honourable John Briceño and the Government of Belize as a debt-for-nature swap to restructure the so-called superbond. Interestingly, PM Briceño’s pronouncement regarding the utilisation of blue bond as a sovereign debt leveraging instrument created a stir amongst the Conference of Parties 26 questioning whether Belize’s debt-for-nature swap would trigger a blue finance revolution in emerging markets. However, the stickler was the needed backative of a threshold of 75% of the bondholders. By mid-October, 85% signed-on including Aberdeen Standard Investors, Grantham, Mayo, vanOtterloo and Greylock Capital. The buy-back of the Jewel’s debt was at a significant discount - 55 cents for every dollar. What makes this deal even more signifi-

cant is that former Prime Minister Dean Oliver Barrow suggested that a venture of such magnitude was impossible. Julie Robinson of the Nature Conservancy was questioned at a recent press conference as to why a transaction of such magnitude was not realised under the United Democratic Party administration considering the then available finances through “green bonds”. She replied that the model under the UDP was filled with gaps. 90 million in debt-fornature swap became a failed attempt in financing the country’s debt. The UDP attempt was considered 1.0 and the PUP’s Blue Bond, 3.0. Blue Bond 3.0 has restructured US $553 million of the country’s debt, with a realised overall debt reduction of $250 million. This represents more than US $200 million in debt service savings. An estimated US $180 million in funding will be set aside over the next 20 years including US $4 million per year in new cash flow for conservation and capitalizing an endowment fund that is estimated to grow over US $90 million by 2041. As IDB Invest CEO James P Scriva stated it was a triple win: for people, nature, and the economy. IDB President Mauricio Claver-Carone declared that, “Accelerating the blue economy will be a key driver in transitioning to an inclusive, low-carbon and resilient future.” The revolutionary Blue Bond success has placed Belize, in the fights against the climatic effects and carbon emissions, a step ahead. Conservation has always been a concern for PM Briceño who has acted on the mandate of Plan Belize regarding preserving the environment and the protected areas. Briceño and the PUP Government continue to make the impossible possible. The Gordian knot untied: the super bond is no more! PUP delivers!

SUCCESSFUL OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Continued from page 1

demic, we must do our part to make Belize an even more competitive environment. We have many variables that we can boast which make us an attractive foreign direct investment destination. Apart from the incentives we are politically stable. Our proximity to the United States, Central America and Mexico puts us in an ideal spot. Our currency is pegged to the United States dollar, with no thought of devaluation. We will continue to simplify processes and undertake a cohesive approach to digitalization, with leadership by the Ministry of E-governance. ... For now, may this summit bring about productive dialogue that will result in lasting relationships that will prove mutually beneficial in our collective efforts to build a Belize that works for everyone I now declare the Belize Investment Summit, 2021, Open for Business” Prime Minister John Briceño, excerpts from Investment Summit Opening

14 NOV

2021

More Cruise Lines Resume Port Calls to Belize

Belize City, Thursday, 11 November 2021: Belize continues to be a favourite destination for cruise visitors. This is evident with the resumption of port calls to Belize this month by various cruise lines including the GTS Constellation, Celebrity Reflection and MS Viking Star, who called to Belize on November 9 and 10, respectively. GTS Constellation departed from Tampa, Florida and arrived in Belize on November 9, 2021 with 1,574 passengers on board while Celebrity Reflection departed from Everglades, Florida arriving in Belize on November 10, 2021 with 1,074 passengers. Both cruise ships are operated by Celebrity Cruises, which is the fifth cruise line to call on Belize since the reopening of the cruise sector. Also on November 10, 2021, Viking Cruises made their first return call with MS Viking Star departing from Fort Lauderdale, FL arriving in Belize with 697 passengers on board. Crystal Cruises is scheduled to make their first return call to Belize with Crystal Serenity on November 23. 2021. Belize reopened its cruise sector in June with strict health and safety protocols which encourages that all cruise passengers must be fully vaccinated or provide a negative test result upon embarkation at the home port in order to be allowed entry to Belize. Cruise tourism is a crucial component to Belize’s tourism recovery efforts, and the ability to provide a safe and secure experience for the passengers, crew and the destination is paramount. For this reason, the terminal facilities at our cruise ports have been upgraded with the most modern sanitizing stations and safety protocols. These protocols are also observed during all tours and at the tour sites. The Belize Tourism Board and all its partners remain committed to the full recovery of the cruise industry to pre-COVID numbers and looks forward to welcoming an increasing number of visitors to our shores in the months ahead. PHOTOS OF CRUISE LINES RESUMING PORT CALLS ON BELIZE

From left to right: Celebrity Cruises, Celebrity Reflection and MS Viking Star are the latest cruise lines that have resumed port calls on Belize since the cruise industry reopened.

MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEFENCE ACKNOWLEDGES SECURITY FORCES November 10, 2021 - The Ministry of National Defence and Border Security extends its gratitude to the security forces for a job well done in the successful interdiction of the illegal landing of a narco jet in the Bladen area of the Toledo District on November 4, 2021. The ministry is particularly proud of the operators at the Joint Intelligence Operations Center (JIOC) and members of the Belize Defence Force (BDF) who acted with professionalism and courage in the execution of their duties. The ministry informs that the JIOC comprises of members of the BDF, Belize Coast Guard, Belize Police Department, Customs Department and Immigration Department, who coordinated the deployment of troops and passed on critical live information for mission success. The Ministry of Defence and Border Security along with the departments under its command stand ready to ensure the safety and security of Belize.


14 NOV

2021

Obituary

Herman Emanuel ‘ Manny’ Stuart

Sunrise: December 8, 1935 Sunset: October 26, 2021 As he recalls it, he remembers walking up to Marsha and these 3 long-haired children that were very shy to meet him. Jose 10, Carolina 9 and Juan 7 and from that moment forward he said that he knew that these people were his family. If you ever knew him or went to his house, you would know even if you were a stranger, he would strike up a conversation and made sure you were welcome. If you ever asked him how he was he would say “ Hog and hairy between the sap and the bark” some of his favorite sayings were “when dishcloth turn table cloth” , “love you like alligator love dog” and he use to often hum “I went to the door and the door was lock” .. And you know the rest. He also thought he was the best singer in Belize and if you ever heard him you would know as he said Elvis have noting on him. He often spoke about the wonderful memories he has with these kids staying up all hours of the night on the veranda giving jokes, his beautiful memories of his relationship with Marsha and his memories as a kid with his brother Lindsey, and how he always knew he would be a man of God and how protective he was over him. Over the years he has given everyone their own nick name to their personality. Marsha was named Marshota, Jose was Roger ward, Carolina was North Carolina and Juan was sergeant. As many know Juan was his right hand. As time went by they welcomed his first grandson from Carolina, Dwayne. There was not a happier person, someone to follow, someone to admire, someone to be proud of and someone to brag about, someone to hold and someone to cry with, someone to learn from and someone to respect, someone to listen to and someone to talk to, someone to impress, sometimes rebellious against, and someone, most of all, with whom to share everything this wonderful life has to offer. Manny was this and much more, to say that he was loved and will be missed would be an understatement. Prime Minister John Briceño, Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde, Party Chairman Hon. Henry Charles Usher, the PUP National Executive and the entire PUP Family extend our deepest sympathies to the family of ‘Manny’, a PUP soldier. May his soul rest in eternal peace and rise in eternal glory.

THE BELIZE TIMES One-on-One with Anthony Mahler, Belize’s Tourism Minister Continued from page 6 shores. Cruise tourism is a crucial component to Belize’s tourism recovery efforts, and the ability to provide a safe and secure experience for the passengers, crew and the destination is paramount. For this reason, the terminal facilities at our cruise ports have been upgraded with the most modern sanitizing stations and safety protocols. These protocols are also observed during all tours and at the tour sites. The Belize Tourism Board remains committed to the full recovery of the cruise industry to pre-COVID numbers and looks forward to welcoming an increasing number of visitors to our shores in the months ahead. In early April, Belize started vaccinating the tourism personnel. How has this process been going on to date? The national vaccination campaign has been moving briskly and extremely successful. The Government, through its diplomatic efforts and assistance of development partners, has managed to secure enough doses of the vaccine free of cost for all Belizeans. Additionally, youths between the ages of 12 and 17 years have been vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine. The tourism sector has registered a high number of vaccinated frontline workers and persons 60 years and older with underlying health issues are now being administered a booster. As of 27th October 2021, 205,502 persons or 47.7 percent of the population had received at least

one dose of the vaccine and 177,455 or 41.2 percent have been fully vaccinated. With the aviation industry still in deep pain, lack of airlift seems to be the main issue all travel destinations might have in the near future. How is Belize coping with that? Air connectivity is the bloodline of Belize’s tourism industry. For this reason, the Ministry of Tourism & Diaspora Relations, working closely with its industry partners, has focused its efforts to strengthen this sector. In addition to the service provided by the major Airlines such as AA, United, TAG and Copa, WestJet resumed flights to Belize from Toronto, Canada on November 3 while Southwest Airlines resumed flights to Belize from Houston on November 7 and Denver on November 20. For the first time on November 19, Alaska Airlines begins a new nonstop service to Belize from Seattle and Los Angeles. On December 11 Frontier Airlines will start flying to Belize from Denver and Orlando. Also on that day, SunCountry will resume its flights from Minneapolis. I must also mention that Belize is serviced by COPA Airlines from Panama, by TAG Airlines from Guatemala and Tropic Air, one of Belize’s local Airlines, offers a direct flight to and from Cancun, Mexico. So overall, Belize is looking forward to a very robust tourism season and an increased number of overnight visitors with the resumption and addition of new flights. Belize is known worldwide for its nature-oriented and environment-friendly tourism approach. Are you considering other niches to

099 branch out, such as culture and heritage, for instance? Belize is a haven for natural and cultural diversity. Our tourism product is so unique and diverse, which allows the visitor to submerge in an immersive cultural experience while enjoying the best of our natural attractions. Belize is the home of the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere, the Great Blue Hole, a network of underground caves and rivers, pristine forests, the only Jaguar Reserve in the World, besides the sugar-white sandy beaches. The country also offers some of the world’s best diving and snorkeling spots in addition to excellent cuisine, rich culture and warm hospitality from its citizens. Belize has a rich cultural heritage visible through numerous ancient Mayan cities, immersive activities such as Garifuna drumming and cooking classes, both Mayan and Garifuna. Throughout the years, we have seen great potential in niche areas such as Wellness, Romance and Weddings but the reality is that in Belize only the imagination supersedes adventure given the diverse nature of our tourism product. This means that any activity can be tailored to accommodate the requirements of our guests. Belize has engaged in many of CATA’s activities, such as the recent workshops aimed at training employees in the travel industry. How good are the ties between Belize and CATA right now? Has CATA been helpful to Belize in these times of crisis? Belize is committed to the integration system of Central America (SICA) and CATA. As an active member of these organizations, Belize continues to actively participate in all of CATA’s marketing and promotional activities, which include regional and intraregional marketing initiatives as well programs that promote Central America as a multi-destination in Europe, which is one of Belize’s key source tourism markets. In addition, CATA continues to provide excellent marketing intelligence support and the sharing of a wealth of information among members on new travel trends, workshops, tourism surveys & research on emerging markets through its well established network. We, therefore, support and appreciate our partnership with CATA.

PUBLIC AND BANK HOLIDAYS, 2022 Belmopan. November 3, 2021. IT IS NOTIFIED for general information that public and bank holidays specified in the First and Second Schedules to Holidays Act, Chapter 289 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, will be observed on the following days during the year 2022 in accordance with section 3 of the said Act: Day Date Occasion Saturday 1st January New Year’s Day Saturday 15th January George Price Day Monday 7th March National Heroes and Benefactors Day (in lieu of Wednesday, 9th March) Friday 15th April Good Friday Saturday 16th April Holy Saturday Monday 18th April Easter Monday Monday 2nd May Labour Day (in lieu of Sunday, 1st May) Monday 1st August Emancipation Day Saturday 10th September St. George’s Caye Day Wednesday 21st September Independence Day Monday 10th October El Día de la Raza (in lieu of Wednesday, 12th October) Saturday 19th November Garifuna Settlement Day Sunday 25th December Christmas Day Monday 26th December Boxing Day


10

14 NOV

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

PUBLIC AUCTION

BY ORDER OF THE MORTGAGEE, DEVELOPMENT FINANCE COOPERATION, LICENSED AUCTIONEER KYLE YOUNG WILL SELL THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES:

Virtually online on Tuesday, November 23rd, 2021, at 11:00am

BELIZE DISTRICT PROPERTIES FOR SALE No

Borrower

Description

Development

1

JIMMI ANDERSON JONES & SANDRA LEE JONES

All that piece or parcel of land being referred to as Lot No. 214 situate in Lord’s Bank Village, Belize District comprising 3323.325 Square Yards bounded and described as shown by Plan No. 1045 of 2005 held under a Deed of Conveyance being the freehold interest of JIMMI ANDERSON JONES & SANDRA LEE JONES.

A bungalow styled building that contains office space, a small kitchen area and 2 bathrooms (plan: 30’ x 46’), attached to a porch (plan: 5’ x 11’) and an area with steps (5’ x 6’.5”) Also included is a large outside area that was once used as a playground (plan: 64’ x 39’ & 35’ x 40’ )a 40ft deep water well and a large green house (plan: 32’ x 110’)

2

JOMO KENYATTA MYLES

Parcel No. 6803, Block No. 7, San Pedro Registration Section containing 445.685 Square Meters situate 5 Miles North of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, Belize District, Belize in the Colonia San Diego Area held under a Land Certificate being the freehold interest of NAZIRA UK MYLES surety for JOMO KENYATTA MYLES.

Empty parcel of land containing 445.685 Square Metres.

3

CORNELIUS FRIESSEN

All that piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 1 containing 696.48 Square Meters situate along the Northern Highway near Mile 12, Belize District, as shown on Register No. 24 Entry Plan No. 13447, held under a Deed of Conveyance being the freehold interest of CORNELIUS FRIESSEN.

One Unit with two stories - Ground Floor - I combined kitchen and dining area, 1 bedroom, 1 bath attached to an open office area (storage and assembly area), Level Upper floor - divided by a concrete partition with two sections that is incomplete.

4

CARLOS EDWARD ZETINA.

Parcel Nos. 537 & 538, Block No, 11, Belize 2 empty plot of land measuring 10 acres each. Rural North 1 containing 10 acres respectively found at Corozalito in the Maskall Forest Reserve, Belize District held under 2 Land Certificates being the freehold interests of CARLOS EDWARD ZETINA.

5

MADHU ODHERMAL BABANI

Parcel No. 8965, Block No. 7, San Pedro Empty plot of land measuring 10 acres each. Registration Section containing 1 Acre situate 3.5 Miles North of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, Belize District held under Land Certificate being the freehold interest of MADHU ODHERMAL BABANI.

Picture

Parcel No. 8964, Block No. 7, San Pedro Empty plot of land measuring 10 acres each. Registration Section containing 1 Acre situate 3.5 Miles North of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, Belize District held under Land Certificate being the freehold interest of MADHU ODHERMAL BABANI.

5A

NORTHERN PROPERTIES FOR SALE No

Borrower

Description

Development

1

ORLANDO MONTERO

Parcel No. 116/1, Block No. 1 San Jose/ San Pablo Registration Section containing 657.6 Square Meters situate in the San Pablo Village, Orange Walk District and held under a Certificate of Lease being the leasehold interest of ORLANDO MONTERO.

One concrete bungalow residential home measuring 25.6 ft. x 29.6 ft.

2

ROSENDO & HORTENCIA CHAN

Parcel No. 603/1, Block 1, San Estevan Registration Section containing 766.4 Square Meters situate in San Estevan Village, range Walk District held under a Certificate of lease being the leasehold interest of HORTENCIA YANELLA CHAN & ROSENDO MELVIN CHAN.

One wooden bungalow styled dwelling measuring 110’ x 75’. Set on a concrete slab containing 2 bedrooms a kitchen, dining, living area and 1 bath attached to a front porch.

3

ESDRA NERMIAS REYNOSO

Parcel No. 96/1, Block 4, Chan Pine Ridge Registration Section, containing 907.475 Square Meters situate in Chan Pine Ridge Village, Orange Walk District, held under Certificate of Lease being the leasehold interest of DIANELA T. REYNOSO (aka Aurora Dianela Tzul) surety for Esdra Reynoso

One Concrete bungalow Three (3) Bedroom, 1 Bath, 1 Kitchen, dining and living area. Building size: 23’ x 25’5”

Picture

Continued on page 11


14 NOV

11

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

PUBLIC AUCTION

BY ORDER OF THE MORTGAGEE, DEVELOPMENT FINANCE COOPERATION, LICENSED AUCTIONEER KYLE YOUNG WILL SELL THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES:

Virtually online on Tuesday, November 23rd, 2021, at 11:00am Continued from page 10 4

MAINOR ABNER PATT

Parcel No. 129/1, Block 1, Progresso Registration Section containing 5.328 Ha. Situate in Corozal District held under Certificate of Lease being the leasehold interest of ELEUTERIO PATT and MAINOR ABNER PATT surety for MAINOR ABNER PATT.

5

NORLAN ABSOLON LAMB

Parcel No. 716, Block 1, Progresso Registra- A parcel of land measuring 147ft x 180 ft. contion Section containing 2407.9 Square Meters taining a semielevated incomplete wooden house held under a Land Certificate being the with wooden window louvers. freehold interest of MARION MARGARET LAMB surety for NORLAN ABSOLON LAMB.

Parcel No. 315/1, Block 1, Progresso Registration Section containing 577.6 Square Meters held under a Certificate of Lease being the leasehold interest of MARION MARGARET LAMB surety for NORLAN ABSOLON LAMB.

5A

An empty parcel of land containing 5.328 Ha.

A parcel of land measuring 86 ft. x 70 ft. containing a Pimento House.

DISTRICT PROPERTIES SALE CAYO DISTRICT CAYO PROPERTIES FORFOR SALE No 1

Borrower DELBERT AMOS RHABURN JR.

Description

No

1

Borrower

Description

Development

District, Belize held under a Land Certificate being the freehold interest of DELBERT AMOS RHABURN JR. 2

2

RAFAEL ANTONIO SALASAR

Development

Picture

Parcel No. 8261, Block 20, Registration A Two (2) bedroom timber dwelling Section Belmopan containing 464.12 containing a bath, a living, dining and kitchen Square Meters situated in the City of combined attached to a front porch. Property Parcel No. 8261, Block 20, Registration SecA Two (2) bedroom timber dwelling containing Belmopan, Cayo District, Belize held size is 50'x100' approx. tion Belmopan containing 464.12 Square Mea bath, a living, dining and kitchen combined atunder a Land Certificate being the freehold interest of DELBERT AMOS ters situated in the City of Belmopan, Cayo tached to a front porch. Property size is 50’x100’ RHABURN JR. DELBERT AMOS RHABURN JR.

approx.

Parcel No. 4012, Block No. 24, Society An incomplete two (2) bedroom timber Hall Registration Section containing dwelling containing a bath, a living, dining 795.226 Square Meters situate in the and kitchen combined attached to a front Parcel No. 4012, Block No. 24, Society Hall An incomplete two held (2) porch. bedroom timber dwelling Roaring Creek Village, Cayo District Property size is 50'x100' approx. Certificate being the a living, dining and kitchen Registration Section containing 795.226 under a Land containing a bath, freehold interest of RAFAEL ANTONIO combined attached to a front porch. Property size Square Meters situate in the Roaring Creek SALASAR. RAFAEL ANTONIO SALASAR

Village, Cayo District held under a Land Certificate being the freehold interest of RAFAEL ANTONIO SALASAR. 3

is 50’x100’ approx.

All that piece or parcel of land

Formerly known as PasguHal Eco-Lodge

known as PasguHal located All that piece or parcel of land containingcontainingFormerly located in Eco-Lodge Frank's Eddy Village 0.819 Acres situate in the Frank's Eddy Agricultural Layout, Cayo 0.819 Acres situate in the Frank’s Eddy Agriin Frank’s Eddy Village District and held under Deed of cultural Layout, Cayo District and held under Conveyance being the freehold interest of DEON DALE PASCASCIO. Deed of Conveyance being the freehold interest of DEON DALE PASCASCIO

3

3A

3A

DEON PASCASCIO

All that piece or parcel of land Formerly known as PasguHal Eco-Lodge containing 25 Acres situate in the Frank's located in Frank's Eddy Village Layout, Cayo District All that piece or parcel of land containingEddy 25 Agricultural Formerly known as PasguHal Eco-Lodge and held under Deed of Conveyance Acres situate in the Frank’s Eddy Agriculturlocated in Frank’s being the freehold interest of DEONEddy Village DEON PASCASCIO DALE PASCASCIO. al Layout, Cayo District and held under Deed

of Conveyance being the freehold interest of DEON DALE PASCASCIO. 3B

4

All that piece or parcel of land

Formerly known as PasguHal Eco-Lodge

Parcel No. 269/1, Block 23, San Ignacio

One three (3) bedroom concrete byngalow

located in Eco-Lodge Frank's Eddy Village 24.95 Acres situate in the All that piece or parcel of land containingcontainingFormerly known as PasguHal Frank's Eddy Agricultural Area, Cayo 24.95 Acres situate in the Frank’s Eddy Aglocated in Frank’s Eddy Village District and held under Deed of Conveyance being the freehold interest of ricultural Area, Cayo District and held under DEON DALE PASCASCIO. Deed of Conveyance being the freehold interest of DEON DALE PASCASCIO.

3B

KENT YOUNG AKA FLOWERS

4

KENT YOUNG AKA

FLOWERS Section containing 1 bath a combined living, Parcel No. 269/1, Block 23, San Ignacio North Registration One three (3)containing bedroom dwelling concrete byngalow 557.41 Square Meters situate in San dining and kitchen attached to a front and North Registration Section containing 557.41 dwelling containing 1 bath a combined living, Ignacio Town, Cayo District held under a back porch. Building: 24'8"x 32'. Square Meters situate in San Ignacio Town, dining attached to a front and Certificate of Leaseand beingkitchen the leasehold KENT WILLIAM FLOWERS. Cayo District held under a Certificate of interest ofback porch. Building: 24’8”x 32’. Lease being the leasehold interest of KENT WILLIAM FLOWERS

Picture


12

THE BELIZE TIMES

14 NOV

2021

MAFSE DEVELOPMENTS

Minister Jose Abelardo Mai at the Belize Investment Summit: “We need to enhance productivity and competitiveness in a Sustainable Manner”

Cattle Export from Blue Creek

On November 9, 2021, 229 head of cattle were exported by Mexican meat company SUKARNE. The animals had been in quarantine at the Kakabish corral in Shipyard, Orange Walk, and were inspected by SENASICA vets, approved and loaded this morning. They headed to Michoac-

an, Mexico for fattening and distribution. This load of cattle has an approximate value of $275,000. Another load is expected for export in December. To date this makes 2,147 animals exported to Mexico for a value of close to 2 million dollars.

High Quality Breeding Sheep Handed Over To Belizean Farmers

On Thursday, November 4th, 2021, the Breeding Sheep and Goat Production and Guidance System Enhancement Project ( hereafter referred as Sheep and Goat Project) collaborated by the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Government of Belize held a Handing Over Ceremony, to present the breeding sheep to the vulnerable farmers in the communities of Cayo. Present for the Handing over Ceremony were Honorable José Abelardo Mai, MAFSE and His Excellency David Kuan-Chou Chien, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Belize. As part of the program’s initiative to promote food security to the most affected in the communities, twenty families recently received a total of 85 breeding sheep, which included breed variations such as Barbados Blackbelly, Dorper and Katahdin. The families will also receive technical visits and best practice and financial literacy workshops. The Ministry of Agriculture has also worked to decrease the price of the breeds of sheep; a commendable achievement to allow the purchase of more breeding sheep to benefit more families.

Signing of an MOU between MAFSE, MoH and FYFFES

The Minister Jose Abelardo Mai; Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology, Dr. Louis Zabaneh; personnel from Fyffe’s, and principal of Our Lady of Bella Vista today all signed an Memorandum of Understanding for a project involving the provision of healthy snacks for school children made from bananas provided by Fyffe’s. The pilot project will start at Bella Vista RC and hopefully spread to other schools around the country. The Agro-Processing Unit of the Ministry of Agriculture makes banana flour from the bananas provided by Fyffes, which in turn is used in snacks for the school children. The MoU will also be signed by Minister of Health Hon. Michel Chebat. The Project has the support of the National Food Security and Nutrition Commission of Belize.

Maskall Agriculture Farmers’ Cooperative Society

Sunday morning is market day for Village of Maskall in the Belize District of the Maskall Agriculture Farmers’ Cooperative Society. They come out to sell their produce every 2 weeks, that is, every mid and end of month. They will be displaying a new banner. Support them!! Buy Belize!!

Registration Ceremony Held for Bomba United Farmers’ Co- operative Society Limited

October 29, 2021 - The Department of Co-operatives, responsible for the registration and regulation of co-operatives, today held a registration ceremony for Bomba United Farmers’ Co-operative Society Limited. This new co-operative has transitioned from a self-regulated farmers’ ad hoc group to a formal enterprise under the oversight of the department. This gives it access to auditing, conflict resolution services, and entrepreneurial development programs, among others. The co-operative consists of 21 members: 13 men and eight women. It operates from Bomba Village, Belize District and engages in vegetable and fruit production including onion, bell pepper, tomato, lettuce, watermelon, cantaloupe, milk, and cheese. During the ceremony, remarks were made by Mr. Gareth Murillo, registrar of co-operatives; Mr. Leonel Requena, national coordinator, Small Grants Program, Global Environment Facility, UNDP; and Mr. Reynaldo Orellana, chairman of the co-operative. Present were farmers of the co-operative, personnel from the office of the area representative, members of sister co- operatives, and staff of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise.

Ministry of Agriculture Celebrates OIRSA’s 68th Anni-

versary and 38th Regional Agricultural Health Day 2021

October 29, 2021 - The International Regional Organization for Plant and Animal Health (OIRSA) in collaboration with the MAFSE, and the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA), virtually celebrated the 68th anniversary of OIRSA in Central America and the 38th Regional Agriculture Health Day. Over the week, a quarantine inspector graduated after successfully completing a 10-week training course in Panama in handling and managing a canine unit. The inspector will assist BAHA in the pre-inspection services at the Philip Goldson International Airport. This initiative will enhance the services provided by BAHA in protecting Belize from exotic pests and diseases. Present at the event was Hon. Jose Abelardo Mai, MAFSE who highlighted that safe and nutritious food is dependent on good agricultural practices in the agricultural productive sector, which is threatened by pests and diseases like the African Swine Fever for the pig industry, Avian Influenza and Newcastle disease in poultry, Mad Cow disease, and rabies; and in plants, pests like Fusarium oxysporum Tropical Race 4 (Mal de Panama) in bananas, the Giant African Snail, and stored product pests like the Trogoderma granarium.

TENDER Consulting Services for Study to Improve the Resilience of Distribution Substations Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) is largely a transmission and distribution utility with 104,000 customer accounts, meeting a peak demand of approximately 102.7 MW (2020) through local Independent Power Producers (IPP), a Power Purchase Arrangement (PPA) with Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE) of Mexico and its own emergency backup generation. BEL also operates an off-grid power station with a diesel generation capacity of 2.4 MW that supplies the island of Caye Caulker. Currently, over 85% of the population in Belize has access to electricity from BEL. BEL has allocated finances for a “Study to Improve the Resilience of Distribution Substations Control Buildings” countrywide. These finances are a part of the Company’s counterpart contribution under the Energy Resilience for Climate Adaptation Project (ERCAP) under Component 2 of the ERCAP portfolio, which focuses on “Demonstration Measures to Enhance Resilience of the Energy Sector”. The objective of this Consultancy is to construct an engineering analysis of the structural integrity of BEL’s existing control buildings and how the effects of climate change such as increasing storm strengths can exacerbate its vulnerability. The Consultancy should provide general requirement of the substation control building to be used as a standard for the modelling of new control buildings. Additionally, the study should focus on the adequacy of the battery station with associated charger system and the possibility of an upgrade and relocation of the same to secure this equipment within areas not susceptible to flooding. The upgrade should consider any increase in the battery system capacity to ensure future viability of the battery system via sound engineering and analysis. The Terms of Reference, which outline all the duties and responsibilities of the contract, and dates for submission are available on BEL’s website at www.bel.com.bz/Tenders.aspx An email submission must be received at bidsubmittal@bel.com.bz no later than 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 1, 2021. Proposals will be accepted by email only and should include the subject BID 2021-264 – Consulting Services for Study to Improve the Resilience of Distribution Substation.

For more information or queries, send email to bidboxrequest@bel.com.bz Cost incurred for preparation of the tender document is the sole responsibility of the bidder. The lowest or any tender will not necessarily be accepted.


14 NOV

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

CALL FOR PROPOSALS – MATCHING GRANT FUND The Government of Belize (GOB) has entered into an agreement, dated November 30, 2018, with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) for a loan and with the Green Climate Fund (GCF), for a loan and grant towards the implementation of the Resilient Rural Belize Programme (hereinafter, “the RRB”), the objectives of which are to build overall resilience of smallholder farmers to climate change by adopting climate resilient practices, increase and diversify production; and facilitate their access to commercial market chains for the off-take of their surplus production. The programme through a co-financing facility and a competitive fund called the Matching Grant Fund (MFG), will be providing grants to registered and non-registered producer organizations to improve climate-resilient agricultural production, increase productivity and improve quality; to allow for the storage of products; to improve production planning to access markets and receive better prices; to provide opportunities for adding to the value chain; and to increase their incomes through sorting, selection, packaging and labelling or the processing of raw materials. The programme will support investment in the cultivation of the following market-driven priority products; vegetables: cabbage, carrots, hot pepper, onion, sweet pepper and tomato, fruit: pineapple and honey production. The MGF fund will not be financing the producer organizations in the form of cash, but will be in investments through the submission of Business Plan (BP). Maximum Grant: $240,000 for registered groups (more than 17 members) and $60,000 (10 or more members) for non-registered groups (restrictions apply). Application Form is available at the Ministry of Agriculture office in each District. The submission of application package and other supporting documents should be labelled with the subject line “Proposal Application for Business Plan Development” and can be sent to the address below no later than November 30, 2021 at 2:00 PM. Resilient Rural Belize Programme Attn: José Lisbey, Agriculture Marketing Officer National Agricultural Showgrounds Hummingbird Highway Belmopan City Cayo District, Belize Tel. No.: 822-0044/46/48

INSERT29 1

SPECIFIC PROCUREMENT NOTICE RRB.CS.42 – HYDRAULIC ENGINEER Project country:

Belize

Financing institution:

International Fund for Agricultural Development

Client:

Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment

Project name:

Resilient Rural Belize Programme

Title:

Specific Procurement Notice (SPN)

Procurement type:

Individual Consulting Services

Procurement Post:

Hydraulic Engineer

Loan/Credit/Grant Financing No.:

2000002301

Background: The Government of Belize (GOB), with financing from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF), has embarked on a six-year Programme, Resilient Rural Belize (RRB), which aims to minimize the impacts of climatic and economic events on smallholder farmers while supporting sustainable market access for their produce. The programme will help farmers employ climate resilient agricultural practices and technologies; integrate profitable smallholder participation into the development of select vegetable, fruit, and honey value chains; and support smallholder production capacity through investments in public and private climate resilient infrastructure and in the strengthening of smallholder farmer Producers Organizations and relevant GOB Departments. Scope of Work: Under the direct supervision of the Programme Manager, the Hydraulic Engineer will be responsible for the Integrated Water Resource Management and all water related investments under the Climate Resilient Rural Infrastructure (CRRIA) component and those drainage and irrigation investments as identified in the Producer Organization business plan under Component 1. The Hydraulic Engineer is expected to abide by the Programme Implementation Manual (PIM), and regulations and procedures for supervision of design and civil works as per the applicable legislation of Belize. Duties and Responsibilities: The Hydraulic Engineer will be responsible for the following: • Lead the implementation of an Integrated Water Resource Management under the Climate Resilient Rural Infrastructure (CRRIA) component. • Contribute substantial technical input into the development and administration of water management for agriculture (Rural Water) and sustainable development. • Review and lead the development of agricultural water management policies, strategies and plans in conjunction with the Ministry of Agriculture. • Liaise with the Ministry of Agriculture and all relevant bodies to create synergy for the development of the relevant statutes and a step-bystep guidance for establishment of Water Users’ Associations (WUA) in Belize’s rural areas. Assess irrigation efficiency of subprojects and incorporate measures to improve efficiency in design with consultants. • Investigate existing irrigation systems and water management systems in the different project areas and develop irrigation maps describing locations or routes of irrigation facilities such as water resources, irrigated areas, canals, and pumping stations • Develop relevant training manuals for all aspects of irrigation management including operations of Water Users’ Associations, crop water requirement, irrigation scheduling, methods of irrigation, irrigation service fee determination and application, financial management of WUAs, decision making, conflict resolution etc. • Provide relevant support and training to group of farmers for establishment of their WUAs and on operational aspects. • In cooperation with the PMU’s relevant staff, participate in information workshops and sensitize rural communities about the component, its objectives, eligibility criteria, and application and selection procedure. • Assess whether the proposed drainage, irrigation or water catchment works are required or whether other, more appropriate structures may be more suitable. • Prepare engineering designs for small scale irrigation and drainage works identified under the programmme. • Develop Terms of Reference (TOR) for the development of engineering designs for large scale irrigation and drainage works proposals selected for funding and implementation under the different Matching Grant Fund Agreements. • Monitor and ensure compliance to execute the design and construction supervision in an economic, financial, administrative, and technically efficient manner and in accordance with the procurement procedures of IFAD and in compliance with GCF’s Social, Environment, and Climate Assessment Procedures (SECAP). • Arrange for the independent review of designs (if required) and Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA) from relevant institutions as per the legislation of Belize, so as to mitigate all social and environmental impacts reflected in the design. • Monitor compliance with provisions in the Environmental and Social Management Report (ESMR), Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) and any plans that may be established pursuant to said ESMR and ESMP. • Assist the procurement officer with preparation of bidding documents, tendering of works, provide clarifications to bidders and bid evaluation. • Provide support to the Procurement Officer in the management for all irrigation and drainage contracts procured by the PMU, including approvals of contractors’ submittals (Interim Payment Certificates, Variation Orders, Completion Certificates, etc.) and notifications to the contractors (Defects, Liability, etc.) and any other issues as specified in the general and special conditions of contract. • Assist the RRB with the preparation of the Annual Work Plan and Budget for the CRRIA Component. • Provide the PMU with a monthly progress report on the execution of the civil works. Any additional duties that may be assigned in relation to the post. Academic Qualifications & General Experience Required: The Hydraulic Engineer must possess. • A minimum of a BSc. in Hydraulic Engineering or related field. • A minimum of three (3) years’ experience in Hydraulic engineering works

Specific Experience: • Demonstrate experience in at least two (2) projects similar in nature to that being implemented (irrigation, drainage, water catchment etc.). Experience with projects funded by an international funding agency would be an asset. • A minimum of one (1) year experience in engineering design, design review, and its related aspects. • Some experience in working with Rural water systems would be an asset Reporting: The Hydraulic Engineer will work closely with the Civil Engineer and other technical members of the Resilient Rural Belize Programme Management Unit but will report directly to the Programme Manager. The duty station for the position will be at the Programme Management Unit in Belmopan.

Clarifications: Any request for clarification should be sent via e-mail to the address below no later than November 19, 2021, at 3:00pm. The client will provide responses to all clarification requests by November 22, 2021 at 3:00pm. Resilient Rural Belize Programme Attn: Tracey Recinos Hanson Procurement Officer National Agriculture Showgrounds Hummingbird Highway, Belmopan City Email: Thanson.rrb@med.gov.bz

Application Submission: Interested candidates are requested to submit ONE PDF FILE that shall include a Letter of Interest, Curriculum Vitae, and two (2) recommendation letters along with a copy of the highest degree. The deadline to submit applications is November 25, 2021, at 3:00p.m. via the following File Request Link: https://bit.ly/3qk3dOB (Note: No application submitted via email will be accepted) A consultant will be selected in accordance with the individual consultant selection (ICS) method set out in IFAD’ Project Procurement Handbook that can be accessed via the IFAD website at www.ifad.org/project-procurement. Interviews will be conducted as part of the selection process.


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14 NOV

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

PUBLIC AUCTION SALES: PROPERTIES

Orange Walk Town; Belize City, San Pedro Ambergris Caye, Belize District; Ontario, Cayo District; Dangriga, Stann Creek District; San Miguel Village, Big Falls/Golden Stream Area, Punta Gorda Town, Toledo District BY ORDER of the Mortgagees, Messrs. Ascendancy Belize Limited, Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A. Castillo and Christiana R. Castillo are selling ONLINE via belizepropertyauctions.com the below described properties. Sales currently running and will expire Wednesday 24th November 2021 at the times shown on the website. 1. Orange Walk District: Parcel No. 3091 Savannah Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District:

REGISTRATION SECTION Orange Walk Town

BLOCK 4

PARCELS 3091/1

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

REGISTRATION SECTION Dangriga Sough

BLOCK 31

PARCELS 1294

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

(Being two storey concrete dwelling house [3,185 sq. ft.] containing Ground Floor - 3 Bedrooms Apartment; First Floor – 2 Bedrooms + 1 Bathroom Apartment TOGETHER with Lot [512 sq. yds.] situate at Parcel No. 1294 Canal Street, Dangriga, Stann Creek District, the freehold property of Ms. Gretel Mariano)

2. Orange Walk District: Orange Walk Town

8. Toledo District: Big Falls/Golden Stream Parcel No. 577 San Miguel Village, Big Falls/Golden Stream Area, Toldeo District

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

REGISTRATION SECTION San Estevan

BLOCK 1

PARCELS 1236

(Being an incomplete concrete & block structure [369 sq. ft.] + prefabricated structure [1,600 sq. ft.] TOGETHER with Lot [462 sq. yds.] situate at Parcel No. 1236 Stadium Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District, the freehold property of Mr. Richard Vellos) 3. Belize District: San Pedro, Ambergris Caye 2 Acres San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize:

REGISTRATION SECTION North San Pedro

BLOCK 7

PARCELS 5434 & 5435

(Being 2 Acres of vacant Caribbean Sea front land, situate west side of Ambergris Caye 3 miles north of the center of San Pedro Town, District, the freehold properties of Mr. Daniel Guerrero.) 4. Belize District: Belize City Parcel No. 1406 Neal Pen Road, Belize City, Belize District:

REGISTRATION SECTION Queen Square

BLOCK 45

PARCELS 1406

(Being a two-storey concrete/timber dwelling house [1568 sq. ft.] containing 3 Bedrooms + 1 Bathroom on each floor TOGETHER with Lot [340 sq. yds.] situate at Parcel No. 1406 Neal Pen Road, Belize City, the freehold property of Ms. Sharon Burgess) 5. Cayo District: Ontario Village Parcel No. 1323/1 Ontario Village, Cayo District:

REGISTRATION SECTION Big Fall/Golden Stream

BLOCK 42

PARCELS 577

(Being a two-storey concrete dwelling house [1743 sq. ft.] containing Ground Floor: 3 Open Areas + Kitchen; First Floor: 3 bedrooms + 1 bathroom + living/dining/kitchen + porch [421 sq. ft.] + covered shed [280 sq. ft.] and lot 2,642.62 S.Y. or 0.546 acres] situate in San Miguel Village in the Big Falls/Golden Stream Area, Toledo District, the freehold property of Mr. Mariano Kus). 9. Toledo District: Punta Gorda Town Parcel No. 990 Punta Gorda Town, Toledo District

REGISTRATION SECTION Punta Gorda

BLOCK 42

PARCELS 990

(Being a two-storey concrete dwelling house [1802 sq. ft.] containing Ground Floor: 1 bedroom + 1 bathroom + living/dining/kitchen; First Floor: 3 bedrooms + open area + porch and land [7,974 sq. ft.] situate in Punta Gorda Town, Toledo District, the freehold property of Ms. Ana Arzu.) 10. Toledo District: Punta Gorda Town Parcel No. 907 Punta Gorda Town, Toledo District

REGISTRATION SECTION Punta Gorda

BLOCK 42

PARCELS 907

(Being an incomplete two-storey concrete dwelling house containing Ground Floor: 3 bedrooms + 1 bathroom + living/dining/kitchen; First Floor: incomplete foundation and land situate in Punta Gorda Town, Toledo District, the freehold property of Ms. Phillipa G. Williams.) 11. Parcels 514, 515 & 516 East Orange Walk Estate, One Mile from Town Center, Orange Walk District:

REGISTRATION SECTION Society Hall

BLOCK 23

PARCELS 1323

(Being two buildings - Building ‘A’ two-storey concrete/timber dwelling house [1969 sq. ft.] containing Ground Floor: bedroom + bathroom + Living/Dining/Kitchen + Storeroom; First Floor: 3 bedrooms [280 sq. ft.]; Building ‘B’ Laundry house [257 sq. ft.] TOGETHER with lot [1,165.67 sq. yds.] situate in Ontario Village, Cayo District, the leasehold property of Mr. Gilbert Rhaburn). 6. Cayo District: Ontario Village Parcel No. 2427/1 Ontario Village, Cayo District:

REGISTRATION SECTION Society Hall

BLOCK 4

PARCELS 2427/1

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

REGISTRATION SECTION Indian Hill East

BLOCK 4

PARCELS 514, 515 & 516

(Being three (3) vacant lots [514 – 334.79 S.Y or (279.926 S.M.); 515 – 832.86 S.Y. or (696.372 S.M.); 516 – 888.29 S.Y. or (742.715 S.M.) situate in East Orange Walk Estate, one mile from Orange Walk Town Center, Orange Walk District, the freehold properties of Mr. Ishwar Mahbubani)

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


14 NOV

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

Belize Investment Summit 2021 “Belize Open for Business”

Keynote Address on November 10

The Right Honourable Stephen Harper, PC, CC 22nd prime minister of Canada (2006 to 2015)

If I told my Finance Minister in my last year of office 2015 to eliminate all taxation and to present to parliament a budget with zero revenue, if I had done that, the deficit would have been one third lower than it was last year. That is the scale of intervention. We(Canada) are already seeing a return to inflation. But it is more than that. Unlike the global financial crisis, leaders, particularly G20 leaders, this time, seem largely unconcerned about how they will exit from these policies. In fact, these are the policies they will govern with on an ongoing basis. If that is true, the consequences are gonna be a rude awakening for countries that do not have an exit plan. Countries that do not have a realistic private sector-led growth plan. They are gonna have real serious difficulties. There will be some serious sovereign debt crisis. I want to congratulate the government here for being seize with this issue and for negotiating its debt structure early and proactively. Congratulations Prime Minister, great work...a lot of foresight. Disruption But in many places, the political management of things like large scale deficits and debt are going to be a central issue in very short order and it is going to be a central issue in what was already a very challenging political environment before the pandemic. I wrote about this at length, a while back in my book, called ‘Right Here Right Now: Politics and Leadership in the Age of Disruption’. In the title, I use the word Disruption deliberately. We hear this word disruption frequently to describe this era. Disruption in business models, disruption in trade patterns, disruption caused by new technology and the like. But. this disruption is not merely a business phenomenon. It is also a social phenomenon and it is also increasingly a political phenomenon. The rise of social media, in particular, has enabled political networks to develop rapidly, often outside of established institutions and often outside of established mediums of communication. Combine that with the economic effects of globalization, and in a lot of Western countries, that has led to stagnation of middle and working class incomes. And what you have is a series of events, all of this explains the appearance in most democracies of new and unconventional parties and leaders. Populists and nationalist on the one hand and neo-Marxist and environmentalist in the other, parties and leader who holler the basic assumptions of globalization, the basic assumptions of the post-Cold War era—freer markets, freer trade, freer immigration, and globalization, generally. So, we are seeing in Western democracies the

usual left and right spectrum and market versus governments increasingly defined by a newer spectrum defined for lack of a better term by populist vs elites. And, we are witnessing as a consequence of that the growing political fragmentation in many advanced western democracies. I can predict that the pandemic has not made these dynamics better. It will seriously amplify the social and political stresses that we are seeing before the pandemic. So the politics of western nations will in my view become more difficult. And the rise of China is also going to continue. Rise of China Most observers believe that at least in economic terms that China is coming out of this pandemic in a much stronger global position. I also think that is true but I also think that it bears some careful watching. The critical element is Xi Jinping and, of course, I know through my days as Prime Minister. Unlike his immediate predecessors, Xi has made the aspiration of China to world leadership explicit. He is pursuing that strategy through a series of economic, and other actions, the effect of which would be to create a global ‘hub and spokes’ economy with China at it centre. Those actions include the Belt and Road Initiative, the Asian Infrastructure Bank and a whole range of bilateral measures around the world. That is Xi’s ambition for his nation but his immediate achievement has been for himself. That has been the scrapping of Deng Xiaoping collective leadership and returning China to one-man rule for life. Now ladies and gentlemen, one-man rule for life almost always end in tyranny and stagnation. Economic decisions coming out recently out of Beijing speak to those risks. Closer Look at Belize With those observations in mind: slow world growth going forward, big power rivalry, lack of international collaboration, growing social and political stresses in advanced western democracies and the continued rise in new technologies. Let’s take a closer look at your country. Belize. This is a country of relatively modesty income. Prime Minister, I will quote your predecessor when someone said to him that Belize is a middle income country. Prime Minister Barrow said, something along these lines, “but when you say that we in Belize are middle-sized, you need to understand that we are a big mouse and not a small elephant.” I like that. Belize, Strengths and Natural Advantages With that said, this country does have exceptional strengths and potential. It is multilingual country, of course, official English-speaking with British Common law and land title and protection common in

other countries and the United States. You are also positioned at the intersection between North America, the Commonwealth, the Caribbean and Latin America. Something that is reflected in a population that is diverse and remarkably unified. Of course, you have abundant natural beauty. You have a diversified export base including some value-added sectors in agriculture. All this with a stable democratic political system, a stable currency, and you have had a pretty stable policy environment. You have low taxes which always matters, including no capital gains tax. Taken together that is a pretty impressive list of strengths. Belize was pretty high in the ease of doing business until quite recently as Prime Minister mentioned. But that has turned around and that is why you are seeing Belize Open for Business. That is a great change. There are very, very few emerging economies that have that many natural advantages. That is reflected in an economy that has been very hard hit on the Tourist side by Covid-19. It seems to be, according to the statistics, bouncing back very, very strongly, and rapidly. Major Resort and Retirement Destination Growth in Belize has been particularly helped by the emergence of Belize as a major resort and retirement destination. In fact, spectacular growth in tourist numbers including from Canada. You have been pursuing, in my opinion, a relatively differentiated strategy, in this regard. And that is to say, eschewing large scale tourist development in favour of more boutique higher end opportunities. Now, whether that is by design or evolution that is a wise strategy. Such development will help sustain the natural environment that drives people to come here in the first place. Impressive Environmental Awareness It is impressive, I must say this, how the plans to develop Belize take the environment, environmentalism, and sustainability into account. It is impressive to see the extensive environmental protections that already exist here for both for lands and waters. This focus for higher-end boutique tourism also offers greater opportunity for something else. That is permanent relocation and economic development. Education and Digital Interaction As we all know, the Tourist Industry is a great provider of jobs, lots of jobs...but they are often large quantities of low paying jobs. There are other opportunities in more boutique sectors. The real opportunity for Belize is getting some portion of that wealthy tourist segment to relocate here. In some cases, to start businesses but in others to at least use a greater volume of higher end professional services like accountants, investment managers, lawyers, and medical professionals. Growth in those areas can significantly add to the growth in business processing operations. But, to fully seize that kind of opportunity, I suggest a deliberate focus on your education sector. Attracting foreign expertise is important but do not lose sight of Belize’s model of economic integration and economic participation. Ensure that you own citizens have the opportunity to develop the skills that align with your economy expertise. Starting with excellence in expertise in professional expertise in hospitality and tourism. Second, continue to aggressively embrace technology and to facilitate connectivity. Look for the smooth citizen interaction with government. Try to be digital first in every way, be the most connected digitally connected forward country in the region. Geopolitics: Belize, a Economic Hub with Public-Private Partnerships Can Belize be the next Singspore or Dubai? Have a tangible, granular achievable plan to get there. To be a global trade and investment hub requires a significant scale, much, much bigger than Belize is today. And

13 frankly, it is not a scale that your lifestyle or environmental reasons that you would want. But Belize could certainly use its geographic and cultural position to be much more of a regional trading, investment, and distribution hub. Geopolitics which once made this place very isolated in this region now makes it that kind of potential hub. But the legacy of that isolation left a relatively underdeveloped infrastructure. I would be making major infrastructure development a major priority. I would suggest that this NOT be done by large scale government investment. That would create very high risks for indebtedness. The key would be to draw in major investors through public-private partnership. To do this properly is no small thing. Your leaders need to arm themselves with expertise in creating and negotiating such arrangements. You need world class advisors that you can trust meaning that among other things you need to be sure that they are not sitting on both sides of the table. I would say be very leery of those bringing debt gifts particularly the Chinese government. That is probably not necessary to tell you here since you have long maintained diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Another issue in becoming a significant regional hub may be the financial sector. You may have to examine your banking and currency regulations. Ask yourself whether they are akin to the kind of arrangements found in international financial sectors. Could this country become a regional financial hub? If it could, that would take economic development to a whole new level. Energy and Governance Let me talk about energy which I know is a serious challenge here. Cautionary note: When it comes to energy availability, affordability and security focus on Energy supplies that are reliable and cost competitive at significant scale. Those who lose sight of this even in the most advance western democracies will do serious damage to their economies. Beside your government seems to have discovered a secret sauce here in the Blue Bond agreement. Prime Minister, I congratulate you and your Cabinet. I believe it is masterful stuff. Congratulations! A great Innovation. You got there first, there will be many countries that will line up to do that. This Blue Bond agreement is an important example of leveraging the strengths of Belize. In terms of ESG, I view Governance as the key factor. It is governance that enables society to achieve progress in social and environmental objectives and to marry those objectives with traditional economic ones. Ignore governance and not only are you poorly serving your citizens but social and economic policies will not succeed. I have had a great welcome here. Something I have heard here universally from those who come here, I have never had a bad story about Belize from a Canadian visitor that I have encountered. This is a peaceful stable country with long term economic advancement and virtually none of the downsides one often finds in emerging economies. You have every reason here to be optimistic. Not least of which, is the clear understanding on the part of your government (planBelize Briceño administration) that there are real significant limits to what governments acting alone can accomplish. Most problems will ultimately be solved by entrepreneurs and investors in the private business world as by the way Covid-19 is ultimately being solved not by lockdown and restrictions, important as these have been, but by vaccines developed by private companies. (Given the former Prime Minister record in Canada,) We at Harper and associates can be helpful to those who are trying to be build success at navigating current trends. Thank you to the government and people of Belize for your hospitality and for the opportunity to share these reflections with you today.


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THE BELIZE TIMES 2021

14 NOV

2021

14 NOV

2021

18 JAN

THE BELIZE TIMES 2015

“Belize Open for Business” November 10-11 Prime Minister John Briceño Declares the Summit Open

Min. Perez welcomes Ministers and Investors to San Pedro

Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper, Former PM of Canada Keynote Speaker

Richard Martínez Alvarado, Vice President for Countries for the IDB

Special event sponsored by the WWF

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14 NOV

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE

MINISTRY OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND INVESTMENT INVITATION TO QUOTE No 001G/MED-2021 The Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment funded by the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) has allocated funds towards the cost of the supply and delivery of one Six (6) body morgue refrigerator. The Ministry now extends an invitation to Suppliers to tender for the below listed items: GOODS QUANTITY Six Body Morgue Refrigerator 1 Interested bidders may submit a complete set of bidding documents inclusive of Specifications through written request to the below physical address or via electronic mail (email) to finance.officer@med.gov.bz . Bids must also include a copy of Certificates of Good Standing from the Belize Companies Registry, the Belize Tax Service and the Belize Social Security Board. You can also visit https://blz-cppnb.caricom.org/epps/home.do to view this procurement publication and many other published procurement opportunities on the CARICOM Community Public Procurement Notice Board (CPPNB). Deadline for submission of sealed bids is Thursday 18th November, 2021, at 12:00 noon, via direct mail or hand delivered to the address indicated below. Note that late submissions will be rejected. Chief Executive Officer Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Sir Edney Cain Building Ground Floor, Right Wing

National Engineering & Maintenance Center Ministry National Engineering & Maintenance Centerof Health and Wellness i

i ii iii iv v

Form and version number Date of initial version ii Date of last modificationiii Date Publicized iv Completed/Submitted by

1 2 3 4

Generic name UMDNS name UMDNS code Alternative name/s (optional)

6 7 8 9

v

Ministry of Health and Wellness Technical Specification Sheet Technical Specification Sheet MEDICAL DEVICE SPECIFICATION MEDICAL NEMC/MS/ESS-001 Form andDEVICE versionSPECIFICATION number NEMC/MS/ESS-001 Rev. 1.0 Date of initial version 25-Feb-20

25-Feb-20

Rev. 1.0

17 Accessories (if relevant)

25-Feb-20 25-Feb-20 Date of last modification 29-Oct-21 29-Oct-21 Date Publicized Greg Cabral-Health Technologist in Electromedicine, NEMC-MOH Greg Cabral-Health Technologist in Electromedicine, NEMC-MOH Completed/Submitted by NAME, CATEGORY AND CODING Morgue Refrigerators

NAME, CATEGORY AND CODING

1 2 3 4

Morgue Refrigerators Morgue Refrigerators Generic name 13316 Morgue Refrigerators UMDNS name Morgue cooler, morgue refrigerator 13316 UMDNS code Morgue cooler, morgue refrigerator PURPOSE Alternative name/sOF USE Equipment for the storage of corpses to slow decomposition for a short or long period. (optional)

7 8

hospital, polyclinic Level of use (if relevant) Refrigerators designed to slow decompositionRegional of stored cadavers in theDistrict morgue hospital, either 22 during autopsy procedures or until the cadaverMorgue is disposed of; these refrigerator usually Clinical department/ward(if operates at temperatures between 4 and 10 degrees Celsius (39 and 50 degrees relevant) Fahrenheit). 23

Hydraulic lifting trolley (for loading and unloading of cadavers) *foot activated manual hydraulic lifting system *Made of stainless steel or better *With four roller casters, 2 steering with antiriot *250 kilograms minimum load capacity *Double scissors lifting frame to reach the 3rd upper row in the morgue. *With guides for the insertion and extraction of stretcher in the chamber by means of rolls. Corpse Transport Trolley Made of stainless steel or better With 2 upper lids With 4 swivel wheels

N/A 18 Sterilization process for accessories (if relevant) 19 Consumables / reagents (if N/A Clinical or other purpose relevant) Regional hospital, District hospital, polyclinic Level of use (if relevant) N/A 20 Spare parts (if relevant) PURPOSE OF USE Clinical department/ward(if Morgue N/A 21 Other components (if Equipment for the storage of corpses to slow decomposition for a short or long period. relevant) 6 Clinical or other purpose relevant)

Overview of functional requirements

10 Detailed requirements

9

10

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

TRAINING, INSTALLATION AND UTILISATION

Pre-installation requirements(if relevant) Requirements for commissioning (if relevant)

Supplier to provide details of all other available fittings with specifications and costs. Supplier to perform installation, safety and operation checks before handover. Local clinical staff to affirm completion of installation

*Medical use self contained morgue refrigerator able to store 6 bodies Refrigerators designed to slow decomposition of stored cadavers in the morgue either Overview of functional *Package air conditioning monoblock cooling system placed directly over the ceiling panel. Training of users in operation and basic maintenance shall be provided 24 Training of user/s (if during autopsy procedures or until the cadaver is disposed of; these refrigerator usually *Uses R-404 refrigerant requirements relevant)

operates at temperatures between 4 and 10 degrees Celsius (39 and 50 degrees *Insulation by high grade polyurethane hard-foam Table layout to enable easy cleaning and sterilization of all surfaces, with no fluid traps 25 User care(if relevant) *Microproccessor controlled temperature of -5Fahrenheit). +5 C with 1C adjustments. *Automatic defrost DOCUMENTATION *Conveyor system allowing for partial slide out of the tray for examination of the body. User, technical and maintenance manuals to be supplied in English language. *2 columns with rows of 3 corpse tray for every column 26 Documentation *Medical use self contained morgue refrigerator able to store 6 bodies Detailed requirements Certificate of inspection to be provided. *Front temperature display and control panel requirements *Package airtrolleys conditioning monoblock cooling system placed directly over the ceiling panel. List to be provided of equipment and procedures required for local calibration and routine *Doors should be situated in front and allows easy loading of maintenance *Watertight sealed doors, magnetic snap in door gasket, anti-corrosive hinges and *Uses R-404 refrigerant List to be provided of important spares and accessories, with their part numbers and cost. fasteners with internal emergency opening capability *Insulation by high grade polyurethane hard-foam *Automatic interior vapour proof lights for when door is opened. *Microproccessor controlled temperature of -5 +5 C with 1C adjustments. *Internal finish must be washable, impermeable and non-porous. DECOMMISSIONING *Floor finishes shall be non-slip for all wet areas or areas subject to water. It should be *Automatic defrost 15 years (AHA,GTZ) 27 Estimated Life Span impervious, easy to clean, sealed with coving at the edges and have adequate drainage.

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

*Conveyor system allowing for partial slide out of the tray for examination of the body.

*Exterior dimension of complete installed unit not to exceed 2.5m High, 4m deep and 3m *2 columns with rows of 3 corpse tray for every column wide. 28 Risk Classification *Exterior panels made of stainless steel or better. *Front temperature display and control panel 29 Regulatory Approval / *Interior panels made of stainless steel or better. *Doors should be situated in front and allows easy loading of trolleys

SAFETY AND STANDARDS

Class A (GHTF Rule 10); Class I (USA); Class I (EU, Japan, Canada and Australia) FDA approval (USA); CE mark (EU)

Certification

11 Displayed parameters

regulatory purposes (Australia, Canada and EU) ISO 14971:2007 Medical devices -- Application of risk management to medical devices IEC 60601-1:2012 Medical electrical equipment - Part 1: General requirements for basic *Internal finish must be washable, impermeable and non-porous. PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS safety and essential performance 60601-1-1:2000 Medical electrical equipment - Part 1-1: General requirements for N/A *Floor finishes shall be non-slip for all wet areas or areas subject to water.IEC It should be Components(if relevant) safety drainage. - Collateral standard: Safety requirements for medical electrical systems Floor mounted, stand alone Mobility, portability(if impervious, easy to clean, sealed with coving at the edges and have adequate IEC 60601-1-2:2007 Medical electrical equipment - Part 1-2: General requirements for relevant) *Exterior dimension of complete installed unit not to exceed 2.5m High, 4mbasic deep andand 3m safety essential performance - Collateral standard: Electromagnetic compatibility Stainless steel inferior, Stainless steel trays Raw Materials(if relevant) wide. Requirements and tests IEC 60601-2-46 Ed. 2.0:2010 (b) Medical electrical equipment - Part 2-46: Particular requirements for basic UTILITY REQUIREMENTS *Exterior panels made of stainless steel or better. safety and essential performance of operating tables protection by resettable overcurrent Electrical, water and/or gas Power input to be 1 Phase 220V/60hz. Electrical *Interior panels made of stainless steel or better. breakers or replaceable fuses, fitted in both live and neutral lines, Mains cable to be at supply (if relevant) N/A 31 Reginal / Local Standards least 10m length. .

12 User adjustable settings 13 14 15 16

*Watertight sealed doors, magnetic snap in door gasket, anti-corrosive hinges and ISO 13485:2003 Medical devices -- Quality management systems -- Requirements for

30 International standards Facility to measure and control temperature. Visible or/and audioable alarms for errors and fasteners with internal emergency opening capability temperature warnings. Positive temp. range +2 to +4 deg ͦC *Automatic interior vapour proof lights for when door is opened.

ACCESSORIES,11CONSUMABLES, SPARE PARTS, OTHER Facility toCOMPONENTS measure and control temperature. Visible or/and audioable alarms for errors and Displayed parameters temperature warnings.


14 NOV

INSERT31 3

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

PUBLICAUCTIONSALES: PROPERTIES & VEHICLES Cayo, Belize, Stann Creek, Orange Walk and Toledo Districts

BY ORDER of the Mortgagees Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A. Castillo and Christiana R. Castillo are selling ONLINE via belizepropertyauctions.com the below described properties and vehicles. Sale currently running and will expire on Monday 22nd November 2021 and times thereon. N.B. Properties and vehicles will remain on sale on this website on a bi-weekly basis until conclusion. 1. Parcel No. 2911 Cedar Street, Santiago Juan Layout, San Ignacio, Cayo District: REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

San Ignacio North

23

2911

The freehold property of Ms. Adelita Zaiden

2. Parcel No. 788 “Little Orange Walk” formerly Melhado Estate, Mount Pleasant, Cayo District:

11. Lot No. 1 along Pappishaw Road, Eldridgeville Village, Toledo District: ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 1 containing 1,381.029 square meters situate along Pappishaw Road, Eldridgeville Village, Toledo District, the freehold property of Mr. Ronald Lee Baker.

12. Parcels Nos. 10075 & 10076 Santa Rita Area, North Ambergris Caye, Belize District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Mount Pleasant

20

788

San Pedro

7

10075 & 10076

The freehold property of Mr. Leopold Suarez

The freehold properties of Messrs. Legacy Group Limited

3. Parcel No. 114 Mahogany Street, Belize City:

REGISTRATION SECTION Lake Independence

BLOCK 45

13. No. 300 Vista Del Mar, Ladyville, Belize District, Belize: REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

PARCEL

Vista Del Mar

16

300

114

The freehold property of Ms. Karina Kuylen

The freehold property of Messrs. PAL Enterprises Limited.

4. Unit No. 601 Renaissance Tower, No. 8 Newtown Barracks, Belize City, Belize District:

14. No. 315 San Estevan Village, Orange Walk District: REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

San Estevan

1

315

The freehold property of Mr. Augusto Angel Blanco. REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Kings Park

45

946/H30

Freehold property

5. Parcel No. 461 George Price Highway, Unitedville, Cayo District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Society Hall

24

461

The freehold property of Mr. Ulric L. Willoughby

6. Lot No. 59A Pomona Village Extension, Stann Creek District:

Lot No. 59A, comprising 696.567 square metres situate in Pomona Village Extension, Stann Creek District, Belize. Freehold property of Mr. Thurman Williams.

7. Parcel No. 1609 Moho Bay Area, Belize City: REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Caribbean Shores

16

1609

Freehold Property

15. Parcel No. 1523 Seine Bight Village, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District: REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Placencia North

36

1523

The freehold property of Ms. Sherlette Augustine

16. Parcel No. 2125 Breadnut Street, Belama Phase 2, Belize City, Belize District: REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Caribbean Shores

16

2125

The freehold property of Mr. Arleigh Gough & Ms. Olga Urbina

17. Parcel No. 4111 Blue Bird Street, Alta Mira, Corozal District: REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Corozal North

4

4111

The freehold property of Mr. Raleigh Rivas and Ms. Olga Rivas)

18. Parcel No. 1142 Phillip Goldson Highway, San Jose Palmar, Orange Walk District: REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Corozal North

4

4111

The freehold property of Mr. Raleigh Rivas and Ms. Olga Rivas)

8. Parcel No. 410 Seine Bight Village, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District: REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Placenia North

36

410

The freehold property of Mr. Kent Roland Francis and Ms. Silvana Andrea Garcia

9. Parcel No. 2275 Seine Bight Village, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District: REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Placenia North

36

2275

The freehold property of Mr. Lammey Alvarez.

10. Parcel No. 1710 Mahogany Street, Punta Gorda Town, Toledo District: REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Punta Gorda

4

1710

The freehold property of Ms. Elizabeth Borland

19. Parcel No. 2708 Phillip Goldson Highway, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District: REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Orange Walk Town

4

2708

The freehold property of Mr. Gustavo Gongora & Ms. Rubicela Mai

Continued on Insert 4

TERMS: STRICTLYCASH KEVIN A. CASTILLO TELEPHONE 223-4488 Website: belizepropertyauctions.com E-mail: kevinacas@yahoo.com Facebook: Belize Auctions


INSERT 4 32

14 NOV

THE BELIZE TIMES

PUBLICAUCTIONSALES: PROPERTIES & VEHICLES Cayo, Belize, Stann Creek, Orange Walk and Toledo Districts

BY ORDER of the Mortgagees Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A. Castillo and Christiana R. Castillo are selling ONLINE via belizepropertyauctions.com the below described properties and vehicles. Sale currently running and will expire on Monday 22nd November 2021 and times thereon. N.B. Properties and vehicles will remain on sale on this website on a bi-weekly basis until conclusion.

Continued from Insert 3 20. Corner Kiskadee Street and San Lorenzo Road, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District: REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Orange Walk Town

4

4096

The freehold property of Mr. Marlo Perrera & Ms. Dianelli Perrera

21. Parcel No. 466 West Canal Street, Belize City: REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Albert/Mesop

15

466

The freehold property of Messrs. Perez Hardware Store/Mr. Orlando Perez

2021

NOTICE OF COMMENCED DISSOLUTION Notice is hereby given GLOVEN BUSINESS CORP. and MYSTERE-ALPHA INVESTMENTS LTD. both commenced dissolution on 6th October, 2021; and Belizean Liquidators Services Inc. whose registered office is at 50 Shirley Street, P.O. Box CB-13917 Nassau, Bahamas, is the Liquidator of the companies. Notice is hereby given AVEIRO FINANCE INC. commenced dissolution on 8th October, 2021; and International Liquidator Services Ltd. whose registered office is at Withfield Tower, 3rd Floor, 4792 Coney Drive, Belize City, Belize, is the Liquidator of the company. Notice is hereby given SAMANA MANAGEMENT INC. commenced dissolution on 8th October, 2021; and Belizean Liquidators Services Inc. whose registered office is at 50 Shirley Street, P.O. Box CB-13917 Nassau, Bahamas, is the Liquidator of the company. Morgan & Morgan Trust Corporation Belize Limited

22. Parcel No. 158 Sunset Park, 8 ½ Miles George Price Hwy, Western Paradise, Belize District:

NOTICE OF COMMENCED DISSOLUTION

ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 158 containing 1,013.39 S.M. situate at Mile 8.5 Northern Side of Hector Creek Road, Western Highway, Belize District of Belize, the freehold property of Mr. Lawrence Ellis and Mrs. Kimberly Ellis)

Notice is hereby given DIAMOND GLOBAL GROUP HOLDING LTD. and PANAGLOBAL T. LTD. both commenced dissolution on 11th October, 2021; and Belizean Liquidators Services Inc. whose registered office is at 50 Shirley Street, P.O. Box CB-13917 Nassau, Bahamas, is the Liquidator of the companies.

23. Parcel No. 2842 first subdivision south of Placencia Airstrip, Placencia Village, Stann Creek District: REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Placencia North

36

2842

The freehold property of Mr. Ajinder Singh Garcha

24. Parcel No. 1824 Corner Jamaica and Mejiba Streets, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District: REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Orange Walk Town

4

1824

Notice is hereby given LUXEM INVESTMENTS CORPORATION and GLOBAL DIVERSIFY INVESTMENT, INC. both commenced dissolution on 12th October, 2021; and Belizean Liquidators Services Inc. whose registered office is at 50 Shirley Street, P.O. Box CB-13917 Nassau, Bahamas, is the Liquidator of the companies. Notice is hereby given LION HILL CORPORATION, MEMVIC BUNKER, INC. and TERUEL SERVICES INC. all commenced dissolution on 20th October, 2021; and Belizean Liquidators Services Inc. whose registered office is at 50 Shirley Street, P.O. Box CB-13917 Nassau, Bahamas, is the Liquidator of the companies.

The Freehold property of Mr. Mark Nugent

Morgan & Morgan Trust Corporation Belize Limited

VEHICLES: 2019 Great Wall Wingle 6

2019 Geat Wall Wingle 5

2016 Silver Volkswagen Amarok

NOTICE OF COMMENCED DISSOLUTION

1999 MCI 1 Door Bus

1999 Blue Bird Bus

2016 Volkswagen Amarok

TERMS: STRICTLYCASH KEVIN A. CASTILLO TELEPHONE 223-4488 Website: belizepropertyauctions.com E-mail: kevinacas@yahoo.com Facebook: Belize Auctions NOTICE OF COMMENCED DISSOLUTION Notice is hereby given YELEX LTD. commenced dissolution on 3rd September, 2021; and Belizean Liquidators Services Inc. whose registered office is at 50 Shirley Street, P.O. Box CB-13917 Nassau, Bahamas, is the Liquidator of the company. Notice is hereby given ORLANDO MARITIME LTD., BNK910 LTD. and BRADLEY OFFSHOE INC. all commenced dissolution on 27th September, 2021; and Belizean Liquidators Services Inc. whose registered office is at 50 Shirley Street, P.O. Box CB-13917 Nassau, Bahamas, is the Liquidator of the companies. Notice is hereby given TALBOT CORPORATION commenced dissolution on 30th September, 2021; and Belizean Liquidators Services Inc. whose registered office is at 50 Shirley Street, P.O. Box CB-13917 Nassau, Bahamas, is the Liquidator of the company. Morgan & Morgan Trust Corporation Belize Limited

Notice is hereby given CLEVERING INTERNATIONAL LTD., DEWAYNE CORPORATION S.A., NEPTUNE AGENCY LIMITED, VESTIMAR INVESTMENTS LTD., CONCORD SHIPBUILDING CORP. GILMOUR SHIPPING LIMITED and BANGOR HOLDING LTD. all commenced dissolution on 29th October, 2021; and International Liquidator Services Ltd. whose registered office is at Withfield Tower, 3rd Floor, 4792 Coney Drive, Belize City, Belize, is the Liquidator of the companies. Morgan & Morgan Trust Corporation Belize Limited

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Companies listed below have been dissolved and duly struck off the IBC Register as follows: NAME OF COMPANY BELINDA FINANCIAL CORP. ASPEN PARTNERS INC. . JOLINA MARKETING LTD. NEMAN PROPERTY S.A AMCA CORPORATION AVON ASSOCIATED S.A. CRYNC ALLIANCE INC. TABIL INTERNATIONAL LIMITED BLACKWALL INVESTMENTS INC. ALERA FINANCIAL CORP.

Date of Dissolution 3rd September, 2021 4th September, 2021 4th September, 2021 4th September, 2021 14th September, 2021 16th September, 2021 20th September, 2021 22nd September, 2021 22nd September, 2021 30th September, 2021

Morgan & Morgan Trust Corporation Belize Ltd.


14 NOV

2021

THE BELIZE TIMES

THINK ABOUT IT THE 11TH DAY OF NOVEMBER Bastante! Enough was enough. For the long suffering people of Belize, they had gotten enough. Enough of the most worthless and corrupt government the country had ever experienced. By an overwhelming majority, the citizens of Belize voted out the UDP and installed the new Blu machine, 26 seats out of 31. Three months thereafter, in March 2021 all the Town Councils and City Councils fell to the victorious PUP, the party of the great George Price. Johnny Briceño, the Leader and political general who led the party to such a resounding victory was sworn in as the new Prime Minister, as required by the Constitution. Cordell Hyde, the senior Deputy Party Leader with his inimical style was sworn-in as the new Deputy Prime Minister and given the crucial portfolio of land, geology and natural resources. The UDP had left behind a trail of hustling, pilfering of government assets, widespread theft and robbery of the public purse, plunging the country and its economy into virtual bankruptcy. They reached the frightful situation where they were borrowing one million dollars a day to give the appearances that all was well and fine. But it wasn’t. Had they won re-election over a thousand public officers would have to be laid off in three weeks. Police, BDF, nurses and teachers would have had their salaries cut by twenty-five percent. Not a reduction of ten like what Covid has recently caused. The Belize dollar would have to been devalued. As it is, the UDP has left Belize with an unbelievable poverty rate of SIXTY percent. Yes sixty percent. Six out of every ten Belizeans are struggling with poverty and food insecurity. This is unacceptable and unchristian. Even as more and more Belizeans were being plunged into poverty and crime was rising exponentially, the UDP government under the leadership of Dean Barrow, Patrick Faber, John Saldivar, Michael Peyrefitte and a host of hustlers, were splurging taxpayers monies on overpriced projects. A short little road of four miles between the Airport and mile 8 on the Western coast over 30 million dollars. Belize City residents had already seen through their thieving when they charged 8 million dollars for Faber’s Road, a street of less than a mile and which the UDP contractor shrank the street. Speaking of contractor, one of their favorite, for obvious reasons, was given 300 million dollars’ worth of contracts. Unqualified, unproven, no engineering skills- Three Hundred Million dollars. UDP sold the fire. They sold the fire station in Belize City with the fire truck and firemen inside. They thief the Boledo, Lottery and the whole jackpot from the poor people of Belize and gave it to a close family member of Dean, who became the richest man in Babylon. It was worse. The then Prime Minister of Belize personally travelled to Miami where it was announced he was going for medical treatment. In secret, the bold, and pompous gentleman met with a certain Lord and signed a secret almost criminal contract to pay $560 million dollars from taxpayers monies. This was for him ‘acquiring’ BTL and installing his son as the Head Honcho. There was no approval by the House of Representative and the monies were secretly paid from Belize’s reserve foreign exchange funds. It was an incredible act of abuse of authority but when it eventually become public it was endorsed by the Fabers, Saldivars, Tracy Pantons, Godwin Hulses, and Micheal Peyrefittes of the UDP government. Remember the three little monkeys- see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil. Under Barrow it became see no corruption, hear no corruption, talk no corruption. One of the other wicked things which was done to the people of Belize. Remember “Petro Carib Roll-It. The mandarins duped their loyal supporters. Free ride from the districts to Belmopan. Food and drinks galore and a slight cash to display public support for a House meeting debating the Petro Carib millions. Thanks to Hugo Chavez of Venezuela, which has the largest oil reserve in the world, all Caribbean and Latin countries were benefiting from real socialism in action. Through a special programme, Venezuela was making petro available to Belize and the rest of the region at special discount prices. The UDP was stealing and squandering these monies. What they were doing was a criminal activity, as the Finance and Audit Reform law made it a crime to be spending over a certain amount without the approval of the country’s National Assembly. When the PUP learnt Barrow was secretly spending millions upon millions of Petro Carib monies without legal approval, the PUP lawyers were taking Barrow to court. To disguise what he was doing he claimed the PUP were trying to prevent him from helping his followers. So the Petro Carib Roll-It scam was a distraction. Over 600 million dollars of Petro Carib monies were wasted and stolen. A pumped-up Patrick Faber, looking and sounding intoxicated blurted out in a boast that he had just transported his supporters for gaunt in Corozal, where they bloated and gored themselves on pibil and drinks. Petro Carib monies roll it-into the pockets of all the UDP politicians. The Petro Carib monies were for projects to uplift poor people: Low cost houses, education, small and medium businesses, hair dressers, salon, beauty shop, stores, and cooperatives. Instead, UDP created more poor people, poverty

17

and misery and crime. The 11th November, one year after Belizeans cried out for deliverance, let us remember the terrible things, the UDP did to the people of the country. Let us never forget it. And let us vow it must never happen to our country, ever again. That is why we voted for Johnny and his team. They have met a mess but their achievement in one year in government is more than 13 years of the wickedness that was brought on our people. MARCO VIDAL- THE MAN -THE COMMANDER-AND AMERICA “The plot thickens; Did ACP Vidal release his nephew’s wife from Police Custody?” “The Commander Operation Strike Team, known as COST, may have been disbanded but their legacy and the action of the members of that team on the night of Thursday November 4th will ring on in history for many years”. “And while their Commander has been shielded with a safe transfer to another command desk, what is ACP Marco Vidal’s level of involvement with his team at this trying time? “There are all kinds of stories out there- many of them just bad minded and fanciful -but it seems one of those reports may have more credibility than what the Commissioner of Police first gave it”. The above are questions from the opening story of channel 7 news, Wednesday 10th November. Channel 5 TV. Way down in the middle of its newscast carried this story. “Supreme Irony or No? Did Marco Vidal Portend the Demise of his own Unit? “Deputy (sic) Commissioner of Police Marco Vidal handed over the reins to ACP Alford Grinage, as Commander of Operation on Monday amid the fiasco that his men have gotten themselves into with the landing of another drug plane on the southern Highway. “Among the four policemen implicated in the incident, three were under his direct control as members of the Commander of the Operations Strike Team, including his nephew, Corporal Elmer Nah. “The Commissioner of Police has gone on record to state that there is nothing to indicate that the Deputy (sic) Commissioner was aware of or was part of what was taking place on Thursday night near Bladen”. “Ironically, on August 31st, the Operations Commander Vidal, in addressing the Mobile Interdiction Team during an awards ceremony, spoke on the issue of police officers working in tandem with drugs traffickers in the region to freight cocaine shipments through Belize. “It would seem that those comments were addressed to members of the M.I.T, oddly enough, the problem existed within his own unit”. Another report in the channel 5 TV news of the same night says: “DEA JOINS PROBE INTO DRUG PLANE LANDING”. “The US Drug Enforcement Agency is teaming up with the Belize Police Department to investigate the degree of involvement of local law enforcement officers in the landing of a narco jet last Thursday”. “It appears the elite strike team formerly led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police Marco Vidal had been compromised and the remainder of that unit was transferred to other areas of the department. “With the DEA lending its expertise to the ongoing probe, will there be others facing charges for possible colluding with the four accused officers?” There are so many, many questions concerning the drug trade and the police in our country. The issue is huge for the nation of Belize and thinking Belizeans are quite right to be concerned over the matter. It is also huge for the mighty United States of America, who decades ago declared war against drugs. A war which they have been losing. Part of their defeat has been the infiltration by the various drug cartels of the governments in the region; primarily politicians, government officials, army and police. It has been clear for some time to us in Belize that something is “rotten in the State of Denmark”. Drug planes carrying multi- million dollars cargo of cocaine, just don’t come out of the sky and land on our highways and makeshift landing areas. These things are well-planned, well-coordinated and well financed. It’s a huge embarrassment to the local DEA officers in the U.S Embassy in Belmopan. Their “elite” unit, trained, equipped and financed by US funds is now proven to have been infiltrated by the cocaine cartel. Who is smarter than who? Marco Vidal is their man in the Police. Sent abroad for training, he is credited with militarizing a section of the Belize Police department. He created and trained his own unit- Gang Suppression Unit- the most brutal and lawless group of police officers. They are above the law. Successive governments could not disband them. Despite massive outcry by the citizens of Belize. Vidal rose through the police ranks rapidly to reach Assistant Commissioner and is next in line to become Deputy Commissioner. Channel 5 even refers to him as Deputy. Commissioner Chester William’s immediate and spirited defence said it all. Marco Vidal will be the future commissioner. This present scandal will blow over. But back in Washington, there will be questions. What the heck is the DEA in Belize doing, to have had their elite unit infiltrated by the enemy cartel. It could become worse. If the New York Times and, God forbid, the red-neck Republicans media get a hold of this story, Belize will take a beating.


18

14 NOV

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

PUBLIC AUCTION SALES: PROPERTIES

Guinea Grass, San Estevan, Trial Farm, Carmelta, San Jose Palmar Villages, Orange Walk District; Caledonia, Libertad Villages Corozal 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 below described properties. Sales currently running and will expire Monday 15th November 2021 at the times shown on the website. 1. Parcel No. 1726 Guinea Grass Village, Orange Walk District:

REGISTRATION SECTION TOWN HILL, ORANGE WALK

BLOCK 4

PARCELS 1726

(Being 2 structures: Structure 1 - concrete bungalow house [36 ft. X 36 ft.] + porch [5 ft. X 36 ft.] containing Master Bedroom with bathroom + bedroom + bathroom + living/dining/kitchen: Structure 2 - Laundry room [10 ft. X 12 ft.] and lot [888.84 S.M.] situate in Guinea Grass Village, Orange Walk District freehold property of Ms. Gloricelda Camara.)

6. Parcel No. 16/1 San Estevan Village, Orange Walk District:

REGISTRATION SECTION San Estevan

BLOCK 4

PARCELS 16/1

(Being a concrete bungalow dwelling house [25 ft. X 34 ft.] + Building B measuring [13 ft. X 19 ft.] and lot [1,039 S.M. or 1,242.64 S.Y.] situate in the Village of San Estevan, Orange Walk District, the leasehold property of Ms. Irma Olivera)

7. Parcel No. 206/1 Carmelita Village, Orange Walk District:

2. Parcel No. 315 San Estevan Village, Orange Walk District:

REGISTRATION SECTION Carmelita

BLOCK 1

PARCELS 206/1

(Being an incomplete building and lot [1,042.6 S.M. or 1,246.95 S.Y.] situated in Carmelita Village, Orange Walk District, leasehold property of Mr. Zayne Palacio) REGISTRATION SECTION San Estevan

BLOCK 1

PARCELS 315

8. Parcel No. 853 San Jose Drive, San Jose Palmar, Orange Walk District:

(Being an attractive fenced timber bungalow dwelling house [32 ft. X 42 ft] containing 4 bedrooms + 1 bathroom + Living/Dining/Kitchen and lot [492.000 S.M.] situate on corner San Estevan and Sarteneja/Progresso/Chunox Roads, San Estevan Village, Orange Walk District, the freehold property of Mr. Mr. Agusto Angel Blanco)

3. Parcels Nos. 639 &640 San Estevan, Orange Walk District:

REGISTRATION SECTION San Jose Palmar

BLOCK 4

PARCELS 853

(Being a concrete bungalow dwelling house [25 ft. x 30 ft.] containing 2 Bedrooms + 1 Bathroom + Living/Dining/Kitchen + Wrapped around Porch TOGETHER with lot (1045.044 S.M.) situate on San Jose Drive, San Jose Palmar, Orange Walk District, the freehold property of Mr. Freddy Orlando Tun.)

9. Parcel No. 244 Caledonia Village, Corozal District: REGISTRATION SECTION San Estevan

BLOCK 1

PARCELS 639 &640

(Being two vacant parcels of land [639 - 2.786 acres & 640 - 2.786 acres] situate on the San Estevan Road just outside the developments of San Estevan Village, Orange Walk District, the freehold properties of Mr. Manuel Jesus Blanco and Mr. Agusto Blanco)

4. Parcel No. 2770 Trial Farm Village, Orange Walk District:

REGISTRATION SECTION Caledonia Village

BLOCK 1

PARCELS 244

(Being a concrete bungalow dwelling house [30 ft. X 59 ft.] containing 4 Bedrooms + 1 Bathroom + Living/Dining/Kitchen + small Storeroom + Laundry Shed 15 ft. X 15 ft. and lot [1,378.19 square meters or 1,648.31 square yards] situate in Caledonia Village, Corozal District, the freehold properties of Messrs. Chico’s Co. Ltd.) REGISTRATION SECTION Ann Gabourel

BLOCK 4

PARCELS 2770

10. Parcels Nos. 21, 42 & 280 Libertad Registration Section, Corozal District:

(Being an elevated metal sided building [14 ft. X 21 ft.] containing 2 bedrooms + kitchen/living + bathroom and lot [583.773 or 698.19 S.Y.] situate on Snapper Street, Trial Farm Village, Orange Walk District, the freehold property of Mr. David Navarette)

5. Parcel No. 1080 Pucte Villas Subdivision, Orange Walk District:

REGISTRATION SECTION Libertad

BLOCK 1

PARCELS 21, 42 & 280

(Being SUGAR CANE LANDS: Parcel 21 - 37.29 acres [33 ACRES cultivated with sugar cane] situate 1.7 kilometers west of Libertad-Buena Vista Road, Corozal District; Parcel 42 - 20.79 acres [14 ACRES cultivated with sugar cane] situate 1.5 kilometers southwest of Libertad Village, Corozal District; Parcel 232 - 42 acres [16 ACRES cultivated with sugar cane] situate 1.8 kilometers south of Libertad Village on the main Buena Vista-Libertad Road with electricity accessibility, Corozal District ; Parcel 280 - 19.99 acres [19.99 ACRES cultivated with sugar cane] situate 240 meters west of the Libertad-Buena Vista Road and approximately 7 kilometers south of Libertad Village, Corozal District, the freehold properties of Mr. Leonard Folgarait) REGISTRATION SECTION Ann Gabourel

BLOCK 4

PARCELS 1080

(Being a vacant lot [557.35 S.M.] situate in Pucte Villas Subdivision, Orange Walk District, the freehold property of Mr. Marlo Perrera)

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


14 NOV

2021

19

THE BELIZE TIMES

DYS to be Hosted at Benque Viejo TC Building

JOB OPPORTUNITY The Pesticides Control Board of Belize (PCB) is the statutory body responsible for the regulation of pesticides in the country. The PCB is looking for a highly motivated, goal-oriented, responsible, and committed person to join its Secretariat team in the capacity of: TECHNICAL ASSISTANT. The TECHNICAL ASSISTANT will be based at the PCB Secretariat office in Central Farm in the Cayo District. Functional Responsibilities and Duties: Support the effective and efficient management of technical programmes. • Data entry • Information and records management • Desk research • Coordination of programmatic activities • Production of public awareness materials • Implementation of field activities

On November 4, Benque Viejo Town was honoured to welcome the Minister of Youth, Sports, and E-Governance, Hon. Kevin Bernard for the inauguration of the Department of Youth Services Benque branch. This office will be housed at the Benque Viejo Town Council building. The DYS seeks to empower youth through service areas such as • “Youth Entrepreneurship and On the Job Skills Training”, • Behaviour Modification and Conflict Management, • Health and Wellness and Counselling Services, and • through Belize Youth Training Institute and Youth Technology and Art Services. All these programs will now be made available to the general youth population from its new office and mini Computer Lab located at the Benque Viejo Town Hall. His worship Mayor Rosales and Councilors are now able to partner with DYS to work with the youths from Benque Viejo. DYS also extends its services to the wider Cayo West area. Together we will achieve a prosperous and outstanding Benque Viejo del Carmen. Town Council Administration 2021-2024

BELIZE RECEIVES SDG INVESTOR MAP REPORT FROM THE UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME AT THE BELIZE INVESTMENT SUMMIT BELMOPAN, 10 NOVEMBER 2021 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) partnering with the Office of the Prime Minister; the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment; the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator; PPF Capital; and the UN COVID-19 Response and Recovery Multi-Partner Trust Fund, takes the opportunity of the Belize Investment Summit 2021 to present an initial portfolio laying out sixteen (16) Investment Opportunity Areas (IOAs) in seven (7) SDG enabling sectors. The Investment Opportunity Areas (IOAs) were developed through UNDP’s SDG Investor Maps and Impact Facilitation window. “The United Nations Development Programme in Belize is pleased to present the first edition of the Sustainable Development Goals Investor Map for Belize. The SDG Map was developed to provide investors with market intelligence about tangible investment opportunities and business models that can advance the SDGs while providing resilient and inclusive growth opportunities for Belize. The process is rooted in the national development priorities and at a time when more than ever, a sustainable, inclusive, and transformative approach to economic development is required.” were comments shared by Ms. Denise Antonio, Resident Representative – United Nations Development Programme. The SDGs provide a blueprint to achieve a more sustainable and resilient global future. UNDP’s SDG Impact and Investor Maps provide investors with evidence, data and concrete recommendations on viable business models as entry-points for Public-Private Financing dialogue. It translates SDG oriented national priorities into investor language, mapping the overlaps and gaps between public sector priorities and private sector interest. Belize Investor Maps are expected to be made available through an online platform for easy access by domestic and foreign investors. “The Government of Belize is pleased to showcase the first edition of the Sustainable Development Goals Investment Opportunity Areas with the support of UNDP,” said Hon. Christopher Coye, Minister of State – Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment. “As we celebrate our 40th year of independence, we assuredly say that Belize is open for business!” Forging collective actions, these initial SDG Investor Maps for Belize presents viable investment solutions addressing national priorities in the areas of health, education, financial inclusion, renewable energy, and livelihood restoration, amongst others. The United Nations Development Programme thanks counterparts within the Government of Belize for their facilitation of this process and commits its support to Impact facilitation events meant to bring these IOA’s to life.

Education and Experience: Associates degree in Agriculture or Natural Resource Management Relevant experience in the field of agriculture or natural resource management will be considered Academic courses, experience and/or interest in audiovisual communication would be an asset. Required Skills and Abilities: • Good working knowledge of the Windows Environment and Microsoft Office applications • Critical thinking, priority setting and ability to meet deadlines • Results oriented with excellent collaborative skills for pursuing shared goals • Highly proficient in spoken and written English and working knowledge of Spanish • Basic to intermediate working knowledge of audiovisual communication software • Innovative, creative and resourceful Salary: $20,024 x $964 - $38,340 Kindly submit application letter along with resume, copy of academic qualifications and transcript of grades, and three (3) recent letters of recommendation no later than Friday 26 November 2021. Mail to: The Registrar, P.O. Box 368, San Ignacio, Cayo District Or Deliver to: The Registrar, PCB Secretariat, Mile 64, Corner of George Price Highway and Baking Pot Road, Central Farm, Cayo District Or Email to: The Registrar, pcbinfo@btl.net

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20

14 NOV

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

MINISTRY OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING NOTICE

PROCUREMENT OF PROJECT ENGINEER Project Background The Government of Belize (GOB), through the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing has embarked on various road infrastructure projects and requires additional engineers to continue the monitoring and management of upcoming projects. The Project Execution Unit (PEU) is currently seeking to employ one additional engineer for a major upcoming infrastructure project. This project is to be financed by International Funding Institutions (IFI) that will help strengthen the road network of Belize. The project will consider Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA), Climate vulnerability Impact Assessments (CVIA) and international road and bridge designs using AASHTO standards. Scope of Service Under the direct supervision of the Engineering Coordinator the Project Engineer will be responsible to effectively implement the assigned project within the PEU as the unit pursues the predetermined targets of: project implementation, the procurement of construction contracts, quality control, certification of payments, and the preparation of technical and progress reports. The Project Engineer will have specific responsibilities for the engineering aspects of the assigned project implementation. Duties and Responsibilities The following will be the responsibilities of the Project Engineer: Design Phase • Develop a desk study of the project to identify the scope of works required to carry out the design of the civil works project. • Assist in the development, execution, review and presentation of all subtasks of the design including, but not limited to: preliminary and detailed surveys, land interference surveys, ground condition scoping surveys, testing of materials, traffic analysis, environmental impact studies, social impact studies, and economic impact studies. • Carry out a detailed road design, including: alignment design, drainage design, pavement design, lighting design, road safety design. • Assist in the production of detailed design drawings, technical specifications and relevant design reports. • Monitor the project through all phases of design, including carrying out analysis of calculations being provided as well reviewing all design drawings. • Review and be aware of loan conditions relating to the use by GOB of International Financial Institutions (IFI) funds approved for the project. Construction Phase In consultation with the staff of the PEU, the project engineer will: • Assist the Engineering Coordinator in planning the annual work programme and budget of the unit; • Participate in Bid Opening and Evaluation Committee in evaluation of bids for consultancy services and civil works construction. • Ensure that all works are completed in accordance with the drawings and specifications; • Monitor the project through all phases of construction, including carrying out on-site inspection and ensuring that established road construction standards are adhered to; • Ensure that materials used on the project comply with technical specifications and that tests are carried out on the materials at appropriate times, to verify that they meet the technical specifications; • Ensure full compliance with the technical specification as per design, and in the case where technical changes are to be made liaise with designers to effect changes; • Maintain a site diary and keep records according to standard supervision requirements; • Assist the Engineering Coordinator in verifying claims submitted by the Consultants and Contractors and perform other duties as may be required by the Engineering Coordinator to ensure the successful completion of works; • Evaluate performance of Consultants and Contractors; • Assist in the preparation of construction drawings, where necessary; and

• All other tasks as may be assigned from time to time. Academic Qualification and General Experience The Project Engineer must possess: a. Essential: A Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or related field in civil works b. Desirable: A Master’s Degree in Highway Engineering or related field in civil works c. Experience: A minimum of seven (7) years experience in the design and supervision of civil engineering works. d. Specific Experience: A minimum of five (5) years working experience with projects for infrastructure development. A minimum of two (2) years’ experience in engineering design, revision and its related requirements. Experience in at least one (1) project within the last ten (10) years dealing with, but not limited to, the procurement procedures applicable under foreign donors’ funded projects. Previous experience with an international funding institution project would be an advantage. Skills and Competences: The selected candidate should have or aspire to have the following skills: • A pragmatic, creative and energetic approach to problem solving and decision-making and the capacity to operate effectively with contractors, consultants and local communities. • Good oral and written communication skills. Experience in report writing (progress reports, project timeline, budgets, etc.) • Ability to work as part of a team. • Demonstrates initiative and ability to be proactive. Skills and Competences: • Holds a valid driver license (manual transmission) The selected candidate should have or aspire to have the following skills: • Experience in the engineering disciplines of hydraulic engineering, road • A pragmatic, creative and energetic approach to problem solving and decision-making engineering, structural and geotechnical engineering, interpretation and analand the capacity to operate effectively with contractors, consultants and local ysis of test results. communities. Experience reviewing road and bridge drawingsin report writing (progress • • Good oral andwith written communication skills. Experience project timeline, • reports, The project engineerbudgets, is to beetc.) competent in carrying out designs for road • work Ability to work and as part of ain-depth team. projects have knowledge of AASHTO standards. • Demonstrates initiative and ability to be proactive. • Has experience in surveying, drainage design, road alignment design and • Holds a valid driver license (manual transmission) pavement design • Experience in the engineering disciplines of hydraulic engineering, road engineering, • structural Has intermediate knowledge of and capacityand to analysis work with and geotechnical engineering, interpretation of testengineering results. • software Experience with reviewing road and bridge drawings (AutoCAD, SAP2000, Microsoft Project, etc.) Knowledge of Climate andin Risk Assessment be work a further • • The project engineer is to beChange competent carrying out designswould for road projects and have in-depth knowledge of AASHTO standards. advantage. •

Has experience in surveying, drainage design, road alignment design and pavement design

Report: The Project Engineer will report directly to the Engineering Coordinator intermediate knowledge capacity to will workbewith engineering software and •willHas coordinate intensively withoftheand PEU staff and supported by the PEU (AutoCAD, SAP2000, Microsoft Project, etc.) Administrative Staff. The duty station position would will bebeata the PEU Headquar• Knowledge of Climate Change and for Riskthe Assessment further advantage. ters in Belmopan. Report: The Project Engineer will report directly to the Engineering Coordinator and will

Condition of Services: Project be hired asPEU a consultant withStaff. a coordinate intensively with The the PEU staff Engineer and will be will supported by the Administrative The(1) dutyyear station for thewhich position will at the PEU Headquarters in Belmopan. one contract can beberenewed based on their appraisal review. Annual salary will be based on qualification and years of experience.

Condition of Services: The Project Engineer will be hired as a consultant with a one (1) year contract which can be renewed based on their appraisal review. Annual salary will be based on Interested persons who meet the required qualification and who have the aptitude qualification and years of experience.

for the said post, are required to submit their application with copies of their qualInterested persons who security meet the card required and who have theof aptitude for the said ifications, CV, social andqualification two (2) references to any the addresses post, are required to submit their application with copies of their qualifications, CV, social below no later than Friday 3 December 2021. Electronic submissions will also be security card and two (2) references to any of the addresses below no later than Friday 3 accepted. December 2021. Electronic submissions will also be accepted. 1. VICTOR ESPAT Chief Executive Officer Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing Power Lane Belmopan BELIZE Tel: +501-822-2136 Email: ceo.secretary@mow.gov.bz

2. EVONDALE MOODY Engineering Coordinator Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing Power Lane Belmopan BELIZE Tel: +501-828-5220 Email: peu@midh.gov.bz


14 NOV

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

21

STRENGTHENING OF TAX ADMINISTRATION PROJECT REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST Consulting Firm to Implement the New Business Model Processes and Procedures Institution: The Ministry of Finance (MOF) Country: Belize Project: Strengthening of Tax Administration (STA) Abstract: Consulting Services – Consulting Firm to Implement the New Business Model Processes and Procedures Loan No.: 4839/OC-BL Deadline: November 26, 2021, 2:00 p.m. (Belize Local Time) The Government of Belize (GOB) has received financing from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for the execution of a five-year tax modernization project entitled “Strengthening of Tax Administration” (BL-L1031). The main beneficiaries of the Project are: (a) the Government, which will have more revenues to implement its public policies; (b) taxpayers, who will have more support and a digital environment to fulfil their tax obligations; and (c) the population, from the government policies implemented. Through this project, the Belize Tax Service Department (BTSD) has procured a Modern Integrated Tax Administration System (the Revenue Management System (RMS)) and is presently in the implementation process. This new system will be used in the management of the Belize Tax Administration. “The BTSD management has identified the need for the implementation of the New and enhanced Business Model. This activity will paralleded by the adoption of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) along with Desk/End-User Manuals. The Business Model under the umbrella of the consolidated BTS, and will take place through specific workshops, along with interviews and work sessions with key BTS personnel.” The consulting services (“the services”) includes the contracting of a consulting firm for a period of six (6) months to Implement the New Business Model Processes and Procedures. The main activities of the consultancy includes: 1. Development of the action plan for the Implementation of the New Business Model Processes and Procedures across BTS Administration. 2. The development of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and the Desk/End-Users Manuals. (Registration; Filing management; Assessment; Audit; Accounting, payments, refunds and revenue distribution; Enforced collection; Legal; Compliance management; Service management; International corporation). 3. Execute specific workshops virtually by functional areas to disseminate the new and enhanced business model along with necessary training and support to Tax Operations. 4. Execute a Pilot of the New Model Business Processes and Procedure by Functional Areas (Taxpayer Service; Compliance Management; Enforced Collection; LTO; Audit; Legal; Accounts) The Consulting firm should have a minimum of three (3) years’ general experience in similar assignment. In addition, the Consulting firm should have three (3) years specific experience in the following areas: • Project management, • Tax Administration Structures and Operations • Coordinating, organizing and conducting presentation for training workshops and group facilitation or assignment of similar consultancy. • Implementing Business Models Processes and Procedures in at least one medium sized organization like the BTS. • Developing SOPs • Developing Desk / End User Manuals The Ministry of Finance now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested eligible Consultants must submit an Expression of Interest providing information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the services (brochures, description of similar assignments specifying start and end dates of assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills, etc.). The term “consultant” means a legally-established professional consulting firm or an entity that may provide the services. Expression of Interest package should contain: (i) Document explaining interest, experience, and competence of the consulting firm. (ii) Firms experience in the assignment of similar consultancy services during the past five years. Description of similar assignments specifying start and end dates of assignments. (iii) Firms evidence of past jobs. (This includes letters from the respective client on the job (s) carried out, or a copy of contract or agreement with the client including copy of the TOR). (iv) Two references (v) Proof of nationality: Copy of certificate of incorporation, information of shareholders of company specifying the shares owned by each respective shareholder of the company and copy of documentation of nationality of the shareholders of the company. Additional documentation required for National Consultants: (vi) Copy of Certificate of Good Standing from Belize Company Registry (vii) Copy of Certificate of Good Standing from the Social Security Board (viii) Copy of Certificate of Good Standing from the Belize Tax Service Department (ix) Copy of Current Trade License The total estimated price for this consultancy inclusive of taxes is US$ 160,330.00 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 combined technical and price proposal. Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Expressions of interest must be delivered via e-mail at the address indicated below by 2:00 p.m. (Belize local time) on Friday, November 26, 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 Implement the New Business Model Processes and Procedures in the subject header, or submit on or before 2:00 p.m. (Belize local time) on Friday November 26, 2021 to the following address: Director General Belize Tax Service Department Strengthening of Tax Administration Project Charles Bartlett Hyde Building Mahogany Street, Belize City Tel: 501-222-5114

For clarifications kindly contact: 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@gob.gov.bz


22

14 NOV

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE Ministry of Finance Belmopan, Belize

Press Release For Immediate Release

Belize Announces Successful Settlement of Cash Tender Offer and Redemption Press Release For Immediate Release of All of Its U.S. Dollar Bonds due 2034 Belmopan, Belize, 5th November 2021: The Government of Belize (“Belize”) hereby announces that today it settled its cash tender offer (the Belize Announces Successful Settlement ofinto Cash Tender and(theRedemption “Offer”) to purchase its U.S. Dollar Bonds due 2034 (the “Bonds”) tendered the Offer and theOffer redemption “Redemption”) of all Bonds that were not tendered into the Offer. As a result of the settlement of the Offer and the Redemption, Belize has reduced the principal amount of of All of Its U.S. Dollar Bonds due 2034 its external indebtedness by approximately U.S.$250 million (representing approximately 12% of Belize’s gross domestic product), which will significantly improve the sustainability of its financial position.

Belmopan, Belize, 5th November 2021: The Government of Belize (“Belize”)

“The Government of Belize is delighted to announce the successful settlement of this important and ground-breaking transaction,” said Belize’s hereby announces that today itis settled its cash tender “Offer”) to purchase its U.S. Prime Minister, John Briceño. “Our expectation that this transaction will paveoffer the way(the for strong and long-lasting economic growth and allow Belize toDollar achieve its marinedue conservation objectives.” Bonds 2034 (the “Bonds”) tendered into the Offer and the redemption (the

“Redemption”) ofthe allRedemption Bonds that were not tendered into the Asofa The result of Conservancy the settlement Belize financed the purchase and of its Bonds with funding provided by Offer. a subsidiary Nature (“TNC”) as part of TNC’s Blue Bondsand for Ocean Conservation program, which private capital to refinanceamount public debt participating of the Offer the Redemption, Belize hasuses reduced the principal ofofits externalcountries in order to support durable marine conservation efforts and sustainable marine-based economic activity. Affiliates of Credit Suisse Group AG arranged indebtedness by U.S. approximately U.S.$250Finance million (representing 12%and ofthe Belize’s the financing transaction. The International Development Corporation providedapproximately political risk insurance U.S. Embassy in Belize also provided significant support for the transaction. gross domestic product), which will significantly improve the sustainability of its financial position.

As an integral part of the transaction, Belize prefunded in full (in the amount of U.S.$23.45 million) a Marine Conservation Endowment Account. This endowment account will be devoted to supporting future marine conservation projects in Belize. Also in connection with the trans“The Government of Belize is delighted to announce theenvironment. successful settlement of action, Belize undertook commitments to advance certain conservation objectives related to its marine

this important and ground-breaking transaction,” said Belize’s Prime Minister, John Briceño.

In connection with settlement, Belize and The Bank of New York Mellon (“BNYM”), in its capacity as Trustee, entered into the Fourth Sup“Our expectation is that this transaction will pave the way for strong and long-lasting economic plemental Indenture (the “Fourth Supplemental Indenture”) modifying the existing trust indenture, dated as of 20th March 2013, to enable Belize to,growth among other redeem any and all untendered Bondsconservation at a price equal toobjectives.” the Redemption Price and (ii) permit Belize to satisfy andthings, allow(i)Belize to achieve its marine and discharge its obligations under the indenture by depositing the Redemption Price (which is equal to the Purchase Price paid to Holders of tendered Bonds) and the Contingency Distribution for untendered Bonds into a Custodyof Account administered by BNYM, in its capacBelize Account financed the purchase and the Redemption its Bonds with funding ity as custodian, for the benefit of beneficial owners that did not tender their Bonds into the Offer.

provided by a subsidiary of The Nature Conservancy (“TNC”) as part of TNC’s Blue Bonds for Ocean program, uses private refinance debt ofAccount, participating As a result of the Conservation Offer and the Redemption, andwhich Belize having depositedcapital today thetorequired funds public into the Custody all of Belize’s Bonds were cancelled and, following Belize’s deposit of the required amounts into the Custody Account, Belize was released and discharged countries in order to support durable marine conservation efforts and sustainable marine-based from any claims arising from the Bonds or the Indenture pursuant to the terms of the Fourth Supplemental Indenture. economic activity. Affiliates of Credit Suisse Group AG arranged the financing transaction. The As specified in International the Notice of Redemption delivered Finance today by Belize’s information agent, in order for a beneficial owner of redeemed U.S. Development Corporation provided political risk insurance and the Bonds to receive the Redemption Price and the Contingency Account Distribution for each of its Bonds, the applicable DTC Participant through which U.S. Embassy in Bonds Belize also provided support forForm therepresenting, transaction. such beneficial owner held the is required to deliver significant a Redemption Certification among other things, that such owner was the beneficial owner of the applicable redeemed Bonds as of the Redemption Date. The redeemed Bonds were cancelled and became non-transferrable as of today.As an integral part of the transaction, Belize prefunded in full (in the amount of

U.S.$23.45 million) a Marine Conservation Endowment Account. This endowment account will

Citigroup Global Markets Inc. acted as Belize’s Financial Advisor and ESG Structuring Advisor and also as Dealer Manager in connection with tosolicitation. supporting future marineServices conservation projects Belize. and Also in connection with the Offerbe anddevoted the consent Global Bondholder Corporation served asin Information Tender Agent, HallMark Advisory acted as Belize’s Lead Negotiator and Domestic Financial and Conservation Advisor, Lee Buchheit acted as Belize’s Strategic Advisor and Sulthe transaction, Belize undertook commitments to advance certain conservation objectives livan & Cromwell LLP acted as Belize’s legal counsel.

related to its marine environment.

Any questions or requests for assistance concerning the Redemption should be directed to Belize’s information agent for the Redemption as set forth below. All capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the respective meanings specified in the offer to purchase and consent solicitation statement, dated 13th September 2021 (as amended and supplemented). Information Agent for Redemption Epiq Corporate Restructuring, LLC 777 Third Avenue, 12th Floor New York, NY 10017 tabulation@epiqglobal.com Information and Tender Agent for the Tender Offer and Consent Solicitation Global Bondholder Services Corporation 65 Broadway, Suite 404 New York, New York 10006

Continued on page 23


14 NOV

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

23

GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE Ministry of Finance Belmopan, Belize

Press Release For Immediate Release

Belize Announces Successful Settlement of Cash Tender Offer and Redemption Press Release For Immediate Release of All of Its U.S. Dollar Bonds due 2034 Continued from page 22

Belize Announces Successful Settlement of Cash Tender Offer and Redemption Attn: Corporate Actions of All of Its U.S. Dollar Bonds due 2034 Email: contact@gbsc-usa.com Banks and Brokers Call: +1 (212) 430-3774 Toll Free: (866) 470-3700

Belmopan, Belize, 5th November 2021: The Government of Belize (“Belize”) Advisor and ESG Structuring Advisor hereby announces that todayFinancial it settled its cash tender offer (the “Offer”) to purchase its U.S. and Dollar Bonds due 2034 (the “Bonds”) tendered into the Offer and the redemption (the Dealer Manager “Redemption”) of all Bonds that were not tendered into the Offer. As a result of the settlement Citigroup Global Markets Inc. of the Offer and the Redemption, Belize has reduced the principal amount of its external 388 Greenwich Street, 7th Floor indebtedness by approximately U.S.$250 million (representing approximately 12% of Belize’s New York, New York 10013 Attn: Liability Management Group gross domestic product), which will significantly improve the sustainability of its financial Toll Free: (800) 558-3745 position. Collect: +1 (212) 723-6106

**** “The Government of Belize is delighted to announce the successful settlement of Important Notice This pressthis release is for informational purposes only andtransaction,” is not an offer ofsaid securities for sale inthe United StatesJohn or a solicitation important and ground-breaking Belize’s Prime Minister, Briceño.of consents of any holders of securities, and none of the Bonds has been or will be registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) or the is thatUnless this transaction willunder pavethethe way for and long-lasting securities “Our laws ofexpectation any other jurisdiction. they are registered Securities Act,strong the Bonds may be offered onlyeconomic in transactions that are exempt from registration under the Securities Act. This release does not constitute an offer of the Bonds for sale, or the solicitation of growth and allow Belize to achieve itspress marine conservation objectives.” an offer to buy any securities, in any state or other jurisdiction in which any offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. This press release does not constitute, and may not beBelize used in connection offer or solicitation any place whereof offers or solicitations not permitted by law. financedwith, thean purchase and theinRedemption its Bonds with are funding

subsidiary The materials Nature relating Conservancy (“TNC”) asand parttheofpress TNC’s Bonds for and/ This pressprovided release andby anyaother documentsofand/or hereto is not being made releaseBlue and such documents or materials have not been approvedprogram, by an authorized person the purposes of section 21 of the Financial Services Markets Act 2000. Ocean Conservation which usesforprivate capital to refinance public debt of and participating Accordingly, this press release is not being made and related documents and/or materials have not been distributed, and must not be passed on, in Kingdom order to(“UK”) support durable marinefalling conservation efforts marine-based to personscountries in the United other than (i) persons within Article 43(2) ofand the sustainable Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financialeconomic Promotion) activity. Order 2005 Affiliates (as amended,of theCredit “Order”), including existing members and creditors of Belize or (ii) any other persons Suisse Group AG arranged the financing transaction. The to whom they may otherwise lawfully be made in circumstances where section 21(1) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (the “FSMA”) U.S.and International Development Finance Corporation political insurance andany theinvestment does not apply (all such persons described in (i) and (ii) above together beingprovided referred to as “Relevantrisk Persons”). In the UK, or investment to which press release or any related documents and/or materials relate is available only to Relevant Persons and will U.S.activity Embassy inthis Belize also provided significant support for the transaction. be engaged in only with Relevant Persons. Any person in the UK who is not a Relevant As an integral part of the transaction, Belize prefunded in full (in the amount of

Person should not act or rely on this press release or any related documents and/or materials or any of its or their contents. million) a Marine Endowment Account. This EMPLOYEES, endowmentAFFILIATES, account will NONE OFU.S.$23.45 BELIZE OR ITS ADVISORS NOR ANYConservation OF THEIR RESPECTIVE OFFICIALS, DIRECTORS, AGENTS OR REPRESENTATIVES HAVE MADE ANY RECOMMENDATION AS TO WHETHER HOLDERS SHOULD PARTICIPATE IN ANY CONSENT be devoted to supporting future marine conservation projects in Belize. Also in connection with SOLICITATION OR TENDER OFFER THAT MAY BE ANNOUNCED BY BELIZE.

the transaction, Belize undertook commitments to advance certain conservation objectives Forward-Looking related Statements to its marine environment.

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in the Securities Act) concerning Belize. These statements are based upon beliefs of certain officials of Belize and others as well as a number of assumptions and estimates which are inherently subject to significant uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of Belize. Future events may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The words “anticipates,” “believes,” “contemplates,” “estimates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “projections” and similar expressions, as they relate to Belize, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current views of Belize with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Belize undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. In light of these risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurances that the events described or implied in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release will in fact occur. **** Questions regarding this press release may be directed to Joseph Waight (email: financial.secretary@mof.gov.bz; telephone +501 822 3866).


24

THE BELIZE TIMES

Date: November 5, 2021

14 NOV

2021

NOTICE OF REDEMPTION to the Holders of BELIZE U.S. Dollar Bonds Due 2034 (the “Bonds”) (CUSIP Nos.: 07782GAG8 and P16394AG6; ISIN Nos.: US07782GAG82 and USP16394AG62)

The Government of Belize (“Belize” or the “Issuer”) offered (such offer, the “Offer”), subject to certain conditions, to purchase the Bonds from the Holders thereof pursuant to the terms set out in the Offer to Purchase and Consent Solicitation Statement, dated September 13, 2021 (as amended, modified and supplemented from time to time, the “Offer Document”).1 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to the Holders of the untendered outstanding Bonds that, pursuant to the Offer, all Bonds that were not validly tendered by the Expiration Time are hereby redeemed and cancelled as of the date hereof (the Redemption Date and Settlement Date of the Offer) (the “Redeemed Bonds”), and positions in the Redeemed Bonds are non-transferable. Pursuant to the Trust Indenture, dated as of March 20, 2013 (as amended and supplemented on March 21, 2017, August 18, 2020, June 16, 2021 and the date hereof, the “Indenture”), between Belize and The Bank of New York Mellon (“BNY Mellon”), as Trustee, the total redemption payment for each U.S.$1,000 nominal principal amount of Redeemed Bonds will be U.S.$517.90 (the “Total Redemption Payment”). The Total Redemption Payment is comprised of a cash payment of U.S.$517 per $1,000 nominal principal amount outstanding of Bonds (the “Redemption Price”) and a cash payment of U.S.$0.90 per $1,000 nominal principal amount of Bonds (the “Contingency Account Distribution”), in each case payable in accordance with Section 8.5 and Article Thirteen of the Indenture and as described in this notice. The Total Redemption Payment will be multiplied by 1.050140602 (the “Scaling Factor”) to reflect the fact that certain interest payments have been capitalized as principal that is due on the Bonds, in excess of the nominal principal amount of the Bonds. ________________________1 Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Indenture (as defined below) or the Offer Document, as applicable.

As a condition to the receipt of the Redemption Price and the Contingency Account Distribution payable in respect of Redeemed Bonds, each beneficial owner of a Redeemed Bond is required to deliver, through its DTC participant, a Redemption Certification Form, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A. Please return the form as soon as possible, but in any event by the final deadline, November 6, 2023, in accordance with the directions therein. The Information Agent will also require wire instructions from the DTC participant with respect to the delivery of the Redemption Price and the Contingency Account Distribution.

EXHIBIT A REDEMPTION CERTIFICATION FORM To: Government of Belize c/o Epiq Corporate Restructuring, LLC 777 Third Avenue, 12th Floor New York, NY 10017 Email: Tabulation@epiqglobal.com, please include “Belize Certification” in the subject line Re:

U.S. Dollar Bonds Due 2034 (the “Bonds”)

CUSIP: 07782GAG8 / P16394AG6; ISIN: US07782GAG82 / USP16394AG62 Ladies and Gentlemen: Reference is made to the Trust Indenture, dated as of March 20, 2013, between Belize and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee (as amended, modified and supplemented from time to time, the “Indenture”). Terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Indenture. Pursuant to Section 8.5(b) of the Indenture, in order for the redemption of Bonds to be valid and, as a requirement for any distribution from the Custody Account, this Redemption Certification Form must be submitted to Epiq Corporate Restructuring, LLC (the “Information Agent”) as soon as possible, but in any event by the final deadline, which is November 6, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. New York Time. Continued on page 25


14 NOV

THE BELIZE TIMES

2021

25

Continued from page 24

A) The undersigned, in its capacity as a DTC participant, hereby represents and warrants to Belize and the Information Agent as follows: (1) it was, as of the Redemption Date, the beneficial owner, or is acting on behalf of a Person that was, as of the Redemption Date, the beneficial owner (the “Covered Beneficial Owner”) of Bonds in the amounts set forth in Item C below. (2) each Covered Beneficial Owner is not (i) identified on the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury or otherwise an individual, entity or Government whose property and interests in property that are in the United States, that hereafter come within the United States, or that are or hereafter come within the possession or control of any United States person, are blocked and may not be transferred, paid, exported, withdrawn, or otherwise dealt in, (ii) an individual or entity resident, organized, or located in a country or territory that is the target of comprehensive sanctions administered by OFAC (as of the Launch Date, Crimea, Cuba, Iran, North Korea or Syria), (iii) an entity in which one or more persons identified in clause (i) or (ii) own, whether individually or in the aggregate, directly or indirectly, a 50 percent or greater interest, or (iv) holding such Bonds, directly or indirectly, on behalf of or for the benefit of or as agent for any persons identified in clause (i), (ii) or (iii). (3)

the Covered Beneficial Owner may lawfully deliver the Covered Beneficial Owner’s Bonds.

(4) the Covered Beneficial Owner acknowledges that Belize and the Information Agent are relying on these representations and acknowledgements in accepting the Covered Beneficial Owner’s delivery of Bonds, and would not accept the Covered Beneficial Owner’s delivery of Bonds in the absence of such representations and acknowledgements. (5) the Covered Beneficial Owner expressly releases Belize, the Information Agent and the Trustee from any and all liabilities arising from the failure by Belize or the Information Agent to disclose any information concerning Belize or the Bonds to the Covered Beneficial Owner, and the Covered Beneficial Owner agrees to make no claim against Belize, the Information Agent or the Trustee in respect thereof. (6) the Covered Beneficial Owner’s Bonds and rights under the Indenture are not the subject of any proceedings against Belize or the Trustee before any court or arbitral tribunal (including claims for payment of past due interest, principal or any other amount sought in connection with the Covered Beneficial Owner’s Bonds or for compensation of lawyers’ costs and court fees), except that, to the extent that such Bonds or rights are the subject of such proceedings, the Covered Beneficial Owner agrees to abandon the proceedings if and to the extent that its Bonds are accepted by the Custodian. (7) the Covered Beneficial Owner has the full power and authority to deliver the Covered Beneficial Owner’s Bonds and will, upon request, execute and deliver additional documents and/or do such other things deemed by Belize, the Trustee, or the Information Agent to be necessary or desirable to evidence such power and authority. (8) the Covered Beneficial Owner has obtained any and all regulatory approvals required under the laws of any applicable jurisdiction, if any, for the Covered Beneficial Owner to deliver its Bonds. (9) the Covered Beneficial Owner declares and acknowledges that the Trustee will not be held responsible for any liabilities or consequences arising as a result of any act taken by the Trustee in connection with the execution, delivery and implementation of the Fourth Supplemental Indenture (as defined in the Offer to Purchase). (10) the Covered Beneficial Owner irrevocably and unconditionally waives any right and claim against the Trustee arising as a result of any loss or damage suffered or incurred as a result of the Trustee executing the Fourth Supplemental Indenture (including but not limited to circumstances where it is subsequently found that such amendments are not valid or binding on the holders of the Bonds). (11) the Covered Beneficial Owner shall indemnify Belize, the Information Agent and the Trustee against all and any losses, costs claims, liabilities, expenses, charges, actions or demands that it may incur or which may be made against it or Belize, the Information Agent or the Trustee as a result of the Covered Beneficial Owner’s breach of any of the terms of, or any of the representations, warranties and/or undertakings given pursuant to, this Redemption Certification Form. (12) all authority conferred or agreed to be conferred pursuant to the Covered Beneficial Owner’s representations, warranties and undertakings and all of the Covered Beneficial Owner’s obligations shall be binding upon the Covered Beneficial Owner’s successors, assigns, heirs, executors, trustees in bankruptcy and legal representatives and shall not be affected by, and shall survive, the Covered Beneficial Owner’s death or incapacity. (13) the Covered Beneficial Owner is solely liable for any taxes and similar or related payments imposed on the Covered Beneficial Owner under the laws of any applicable jurisdiction as a result of the Covered Beneficial Owner’s delivery of Bonds and receipt of the aggregate Redemption Price for such Bonds, along with the pro rata share of the Contingency Account Assets, and agrees that the Covered Beneficial Owner will not and does not have any right of recourse (whether by way of reimbursement, indemnity or otherwise) against Belize, the Information Agent and the Trustee or any other person in respect of such taxes and payments. (14) the Covered Beneficial Owner understands that, upon deposit of the aggregate Redemption Price, the Covered Beneficial Owner irrevocably released and discharged Belize from any and all claims, obligations, rights, causes of action, remedies and liabilities whatsoever that the Covered Beneficial Owner may have now or in the future against Belize, whether existing or arising hereafter, in connection with or in any manner arising from, in whole or in part, the Bonds or the Indenture, including, without limitation, any claims for any payment and any claims Continued on page 26


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THE BELIZE TIMES

14 NOV

2021

Continued from page 25

relating to any defaults or Events of Default, as applicable, that may have occurred in respect of the Bonds on or prior to the deposit of the aggregate Redemption Price into the Custody Account; (15) the Covered Beneficial Owner understand that, upon receipt of the aggregate Redemption Price for the Covered Beneficial Owner’s Bonds, along with the pro rata share of the Contingency Account Assets, the Covered Beneficial Owner will not have any rights under the Indenture or the Bonds. B) The undersigned agrees that it will promptly notify Belize if any of the representations it makes in this Redemption Certification Form cease to be correct.

C) DTC PARTICIPANT CERTIFICATION For Use Only by the DTC Participant deliver via PDF attachment to tabulation@epiqglobal.com (with “Belize” in the subject line) 1. Certification via VOI Number(s) (if on or before December 8, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. New York Time (also date and sign further below): _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ -OR2. Provide manual certification below if on or after December 9, 2021 but before November 6, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. New York Time (also date and sign further below): DTC Participant Name: ______________________________________ DTC Participant Number: ____________________________________ Contact Person’s Name: ______________________________________ Contact Person’s Email Address _______________________________ Contact Person’s Telephone ___________________________________ Covered Beneficial Owner Name or Account Number: ____________________________________________ Redeemed Bonds Held by the Covered Beneficial Owner on the Redemption Date

Certified Principal Amount held by the Covered Beneficial Owner

U.S. Dollar Bonds Due 2034 CUSIP 07782GAG8 / ISIN US07782GAG82

$

CUSIP:P16394AG6 / ISIN USP16394AG62

$

Date and signature for either method of Certification Dated: __________________________, 202__ MEDALLION GUARANTEE:

(In lieu of providing a medallion stamp, a DTC Participant may provide a notarized signature above and attach a list of authorized signatories on the letterhead of the DTC Participant.)


14 NOV

2021

THE BELIZE TIMES

LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICES

Notice is hereby given that Di Lun Zheng is applying for a renewal of a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Green Jade Restaurant” located at Miles 9 Philip Goldson Highway, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Jose Lopez & Michael Singh are applying for a renewal of a Convenience Store Liquor License to be operated at “Fuel Logistics Ltd.” located on C.A. Blvd., Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Qiaona Guan is applying for a renewal of a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “J & K Supermarket” located at # 2049 Teachers Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Jose Lopez & Michael Singh are applying for a renewal of a Convenience Store Liquor License to be operated at “Fuel Logistics Ltd.” located on Vernon Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Ramond Gillett is applying for a renewal of a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Red Neck Shop” located in Crooked Tree Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Muhua Chang is applying for a renewal of a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Dolphin Shop” located on Dolphin Drive, Buttonwood Bay, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Kenny Lo is applying for a renewal of a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Benson Shop” located at # 5 Mitchelle Estate, Ladyville Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Zhi Wei Zhou is applying for a renewal of a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “J & W Shopping Mart” located at # 22 6th Street, King’s Park, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Amelia Argueta is applying for a renewal of a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Melany Store” located at # 66 Kay Pike Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Estefania Gomez is applying for a renewal of a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Titanic Night Club & Lounge” located at 1.5 Mls. Philip Goldson Highway, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Jorge Menjivar is applying for a renewal of a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “J M Shop located at # 80 Vernon Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Can Jun Li is applying for a renewal of a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Jun Li 1 Grocery” located at # 5701 Lizarraga Avenue, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Virginia Ruano is applying for a renewal of a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “The Military Cool Spot” located at # 29 Orange Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Aura Vasquez is applying for a renewal of a Malt & Cider Liquor License to be operated at “Edel’s Grocery Shop” located at # 14 Antelope Street Extension, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Scott Haylock is applying for a renewal of a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “S & S Shop” located at # 121 Signa Yorke Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Reina Chinchilla is applying for a renewal of a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Armenia Shop” located on Green Street, Belama Phase IV, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Premier Duty Free of Belize Ltd. is applying for a renewal of a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Premier Duty Free of Belize Ltd” located at # 8 Fort Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

27

Notice is hereby given that Jian Hong Chen is applying for a renewal of a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “New Fortune” located at # 91 East Collet Canal, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Junjin Su is applying for a renewal of a Convenience Store Liquor License to be operated at “Kickdown Family ABC” located at # 186 Albert Hoy Avenue, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Jian Hong Chen is applying for a renewal of a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “New Fortune” located at # 91 East Collet Canal, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Alfonso E. Witz Jr. & Gabriela G. Carcamo are applying for a renewal of a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “The Pit Stop” located at # 5944 Dolphin Drive, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Jose L. Martinez is applying for a renewal of a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “El Chaparro Shop” located at # 37 Holy Emmanuel Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Jun Da Jiu is applying for a renewal of a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Rick’s” located at # 3321 C.A. Blvd., Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Zhi Jian Huang is applying for a renewal of a Malt & Cider Liquor License to be operated at “Kent Market” located at # 2 Water Lane, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Jingmin Mei is applying for a renewal of a Convenience Store Liquor License to be operated at “People’s Shop” located on Albert Hoy Avenue, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Heidy Andrade is applying for a renewal of a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “Admiral’s Place” located at Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airstrip, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Jianyang Rong is applying for a renewal of a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Union City” located at # 34 Vernon Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Cristina Rajo is applying for a renewal of a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “C & M Store” located on Stadium Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Freddy Tun & Miriam Baeza are applying for a renewal of a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “The Down Hill Pation” located on Pineapple Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.


28

THE BELIZE TIMES

14 NOV

2021


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