Belize Times September 20, 2020- From Net Profits to Slush Funds

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The Belize Times

20 SEP

THE BELIZE TIMES

APP

2020

Established 1957

The Truth Shall Make You Free

20 SEPTEMBER 2020 | ISSUE NO: 5216

www.belizetimes.biz | $1.00

FROM NET PROFITS TO

SLUSH FUNDS

BTL Board of Directors

Nestor Vasquez (former Chair of BTL)

Belize Telemedia has gone through several changes in the past 12 years. From name change to change in branding to change in leadership, the “publicly owned” telecom giant is seen as a company with no identity. It has seen four CEO’s in 12 years, three who had resigned before their tenure was complete with no valid reason for leaving the lucrative post.

VIRTUAL ROLLOUT

Pg. 2

13 YRS TO GET TABLETS IS “SPEED” Pg. 2

PUP Release:

VASQUEZ MUST GO

Pg. 2

WHY EXCLUSIVELY TO BRADS? Pg. 10

Happy Independence Day!

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20 SEP

THE BELIZE TIMES

FROM NET PROFITS TO

SLUSH FUNDS

2020

13 YRS TO GET TABLETS IS �SPEED�

Hon. John Briceno, Leader of the Opposition: “The one that has also called my attention is certainly the one on capital 3: the Ministry of Education, youth, sports and culture, where you have 7 million for the purchase of hardware and software, the e-learning application for distance learning. I wish that the Ministry of Education can tell us more about it.

If he can explain what kind of tendering, this issue about selective tendering we know is a whole set up. When you are talking about 3-4 million dollars that they are going to use in buying these tablets, we have to ensure that there must be open tendering and that we could get the best quality for the best price.�

Faber called 13 years of deciding that the students needed tablets, “Speed.� The planless Faber is suddenly noticing that our Belizean children need to be supplied with electronic means to learning. In addition to wasting time with at the UDP leader elect convention, we all know that the lowly leader elect since early July has been feeding off the crumbs that the Prime Minister drops off his high table. At the House of Representatives sitting on September 19 he was all worked up. Faber suddenly starting to work at Education. He seems to feel that only after the convention was he supposed to work.

So where was he before this.

The PUP in 2008 placed a detailed plan to provide laptops for students. Today, if those laptops would of course be old technology. Faber remembers them and feels that its technology that is old. To spite the PUP he ignored the idea to the loss of the students of Belize. Or did Faber not know better?

Faber is very far from being tech savvy.

He has been heard fumbling over mere URLs. It wasn’t until last year when he felt he could finally convince Dean Barrow to allow him to be leader of the UDP that they decided to give BTL a shot in their arm. The government paid BTL to provide laptops for some students in a failed program called DigiLearn. This program like this reincarnation in Covid times was NOT free even at the pilot level. Students were burdened

Continued from page 1 It is reported that the previous CEO enjoyed an annual salary over BZD 700,000 inclusive of utility, housing, and other wonderful perks. Barrow constantly touts that BTL is for Belizeans, “da fu wi compni� when it is clear that only a few have been privileged to enjoy the benefits from Telemedia, or is it Digi now? Recently the national telecom has been making negative media waves. First, it was the allegations of not paying BZD 25 Million in GST (investigation pending since July 2019) and now the allegation of financial abuse by Chairman Nestor Vasquez.

Net Vasquez has been a trusted advisor to Prime Minister Dean Barrow for a very long time. As a reward, he has been appointed to the Board of Directors of several key organizations such as BTL (Chairman), SSB Investment Committee (Chairman), and Central Bank of Belize (Deputy Chairman) and the Integrity Commission (Member) APBEL (Director). Why would the Prime Minister keep an octogenarian at the helm of the national telecom company for 32 years seems to puzzle everyone? It is clear though that SSB has invested heavily in BTL in recent years and before APBEL became defunct, the Petro Caribe funds were being squandered on election parties, tacos, and giveaways. The Integrity Commission is but a mere shell of what it should be. Politically exposed persons are expected to make filings to ensure that they are not benefitting from their appointments or posts. However, in practice, the last filing submitted was in 2016. The Commission has made very little attempts to request updated submissions or even question the million-dollar assets of some of the government officials. Net Vasquez is the appointed accountant to analyze the financial submissions made.

This could all be a coincidence, but the recent events unfolding at Telemedia/Digi put good old Net’s reputation into question. The Prime Minister seemed to brush off any proof of misappropriation as allegations and continues to back his geriatric golden boy. Referring to him as a lion in winter, despite his 89 years of age still useful to his government.

Vasquez is accused of financial abuse of company funds and properties. It is alleged that he obtained BTL properties and transferred ownership to private entities, made personal charges on the company credit card, and secured prepayment for a 2-year contract for his media company. These allegations can lead to misappropriation or embezzlement charges if the documents already made public is found to be true.

Credit Card statements leaked have shown charges at Victoria’s Secret, charges while shopping in the USA, at Liverpool, and other stores in Chetumal, and cash advances made in Belize City. All these charges seemingly at BTL’s expense. Perhaps these thousands of charges are part of the Chairman perks which would beg to

question, what are his Chairman’s salOFFICE OF THE SECRETARY GENERAL

ary?

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY GENERAL BTL has yet to answer questions OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY GENERAL Thursday, September 17, 2020 For Immediate Release Thursday, September 17, 2020 For Immediate Release including how long has this practice

Thursday, September 17, 2020 For Immediate Release

been taking place and how has it not VASQUEZ MUST GO

VASQUEZ MUST GO been addressed by the BTL leaderVASQUEZ MUST GO The People’s United Party as all allrightnj–Š‹Â?Â?‹Â?‰ rightnj–Š‹Â?Â?‹Â?‰ ‡Ž‹œ‡ƒÂ?• The People’s United Partyisisappalled, appalled, as ‡Ž‹œ‡ƒÂ?• ship and board of directors? After all, The People’s United Party is appalled, as all™‹–Š rightnj–Š‹Â?Â?‹Â?‰ ‡Ž‹œ‡ƒÂ?• •Š‘—Ž† „‡ǥ ƒ– –Š‡ ƒ’’ƒ”‡Â?– Â?‘Â?…ŠƒŽƒÂ?…‡ ™‹–Š ™Š‹…Š –Š‡ Â?‹–‡† •Š‘—Ž† „‡ǥ ƒ– –Š‡ ƒ’’ƒ”‡Â?– Â?‘Â?…ŠƒŽƒÂ?…‡ ™Š‹…Š –Š‡ Â?‹–‡† it is considered a public company, or •Š‘—Ž† „‡ǥ ƒ– –Š‡ ƒ’’ƒ”‡Â?– Â?‘Â?…ŠƒŽƒÂ?…‡ ™‹–Š ™Š‹…Š –Š‡ Â?‹–‡† ‡Â?‘…”ƒ–‹… ƒ”–› ‹• –”‡ƒ–‹Â?‰ ‘—–”ƒ‰‡‘—• ƒŽŽ‡‰ƒ–‹‘Â?• ‘ˆ Â?‹•ƒ’’”‘’”‹ƒ–‹‘Â? ‡Â?‘…”ƒ–‹… ƒ”–› ‹• –”‡ƒ–‹Â?‰ ‘—–”ƒ‰‡‘—• ƒŽŽ‡‰ƒ–‹‘Â?• ‘ˆ Â?‹•ƒ’’”‘’”‹ƒ–‹‘Â? is it only public when the government ‡Â?‘…”ƒ–‹… ƒ”–› ‹• –”‡ƒ–‹Â?‰ ‘—–”ƒ‰‡‘—• ƒŽŽ‡‰ƒ–‹‘Â?• ‘ˆ Â?‹•ƒ’’”‘’”‹ƒ–‹‘Â? ‘ˆ „› ‘Â?‡ ‘ˆ –Š‡‹” ‘™Â?Ǥ ‡•–‘” ƒ•“—‡œ Šƒ• „‡‡Â? ƒ ˜‡”› •‡Â?‹‘” ˆ‹Â?ƒÂ?…‹ƒŽ ‘ˆ „› ‘Â?‡ ‘ˆ –Š‡‹” ‘™Â?Ǥ ‡•–‘” ƒ•“—‡œ Šƒ• „‡‡Â? ƒ ˜‡”› •‡Â?‹‘” ˆ‹Â?ƒÂ?…‹ƒŽ ‘ˆ „› ‘Â?‡ ‘ˆ –Š‡‹” ‘™Â?Ǥ ‡•–‘” ƒ•“—‡œ Šƒ• „‡‡Â? ƒ ˜‡”› •‡Â?‹‘” ˆ‹Â?ƒÂ?…‹ƒŽ deems it necessary? What is alarmƒ†˜‹•‘” –‘ –Š‡ ”‹Â?‡ ‹Â?‹•–‡”ǥ ƒÂ?† Šƒ• ‡Â?Œ‘›‡† –Š‡ ’‡”Â?• ‘ˆ –Šƒ– ’‘•‹–‹‘Â? ƒ†˜‹•‘” –‘ –Š‡ ”‹Â?‡ ‹Â?‹•–‡”ǥ ƒÂ?† Šƒ• ‡Â?Œ‘›‡† –Š‡ ’‡”Â?• ‘ˆ –Šƒ– ’‘•‹–‹‘Â? ƒ†˜‹•‘” –‘ –Š‡ ”‹Â?‡ ‹Â?‹•–‡”ǥ ƒÂ?† Šƒ• ‡Â?Œ‘›‡† –Š‡ ’‡”Â?• ‘ˆ –Šƒ– ’‘•‹–‹‘Â? ˆ‘” Â?ƒÂ?› ›‡ƒ”•Ǥ ‘” Š‹Â? –‘ „‡ …‘††Ž‡† „› –Š‡ ‰‘˜‡”Â?Â?‡Â?– ‡˜‡Â? ĥ ing is that the current CEO was the ˆ‘” Â?ƒÂ?› ›‡ƒ”•Ǥ ‘” ‘” Š‹Â? –‘ –‘ „‡ „› –Š‡ –Š‡ ‰‘˜‡”Â?Â?‡Â?– ‰‘˜‡”Â?Â?‡Â?– ‡˜‡Â? ˆ‘” Â?ƒÂ?› ›‡ƒ”•Ǥ Š‹Â? „‡ …‘††Ž‡† …‘††Ž‡† „› ‡˜‡Â? ĥ ĥ ‡˜‹†‡Â?…‡ Šƒ• ƒ’’‡ƒ”‡† –‘ •Š‘™ ”ƒÂ?’ƒÂ?– Â?‹•—•‡ ‘ˆ Â?‘Â?‹‡• ‹• ƒ •Žƒ’ previous CFO and had to be aware of ‡˜‹†‡Â?…‡ Šƒ• ƒ’’‡ƒ”‡† –‘ •Š‘™ ”ƒÂ?’ƒÂ?– Â?‹•—•‡ ‘ˆ Â?‘Â?‹‡• ‹• ƒ •Žƒ’ ‡˜‹†‡Â?…‡ Šƒ• ƒ’’‡ƒ”‡† –‘ •Š‘™ ”ƒÂ?’ƒÂ?– Â?‹•—•‡ ‘ˆ Â?‘Â?‹‡• ‹• ƒ •Žƒ’ ‹Â? –Š‡ ˆƒ…‡ ‘ˆ –Š‡ ‡Ž‹œ‡ƒÂ? ’‡‘’Ž‡Ǥ ‹Â? –Š‡ ˆƒ…‡ ‘ˆ –Š‡ ‡Ž‹œ‡ƒÂ? ’‡‘’Ž‡Ǥ what was happening with the compa‹Â? –Š‡ ˆƒ…‡ ‘ˆ –Š‡ ‡Ž‹œ‡ƒÂ? ’‡‘’Ž‡Ǥ

Vasquez’s arrogant, frivolous resignation as Chairman of BTL makes clear

ny’s funds. This leaves to question the Vasquez’s frivolous resignation as Chairman of BTL makes clear that he hasarrogant, no remorse at having been caught using company’s monies Vasquez’s arrogant, frivolous resignation as Chairman of BTL makes clear management capabilities of the entire that he has no remorse at having been caught using company’s monies ˆ‘” Š‹• ‘™Â? ’”‹˜ƒ–‡ ‡Â?–‡”–ƒ‹Â?Â?‡Â?–ǥ ƒŽŽ‡‰‡†Ž› –‘ –Š‡ –—Â?‡ ‘ˆ ƒŽÂ?‘•– ŠƒŽˆ ƒ that he has no remorse at having been caught using company’s monies ˆ‘” Š‹• ‘™Â? ’”‹˜ƒ–‡ ‡Â?–‡”–ƒ‹Â?Â?‡Â?–ǥ ƒŽŽ‡‰‡†Ž› –‘ –Š‡ –—Â?‡ ‘ˆ ƒŽÂ?‘•– ŠƒŽˆ ƒ BTL management team. Why is it they Â?‹ŽŽ‹‘Â? †‘ŽŽƒ”•Ǥ Šƒ– ‹• ƒŽ•‘ …Ž‡ar from Government’s inaction to this ˆ‘” Š‹• ‘™Â? ’”‹˜ƒ–‡ ‡Â?–‡”–ƒ‹Â?Â?‡Â?–ǥ ƒŽŽ‡‰‡†Ž› –‘ –Š‡ –—Â?‡ ‘ˆ ƒŽÂ?‘•– ŠƒŽˆ ƒ Â?‹ŽŽ‹‘Â? †‘ŽŽƒ”•Ǥ Šƒ– ‹• ƒŽ•‘ …Ž‡ar from Government’s inaction to this ’‘‹Â?– ‹• –Šƒ– –Š‡”‡ ™‹ŽŽ „‡ ƒŽŽ ƒ––‡Â?’–• –‘ •™‡‡’ –Š‡ Â?ƒ––‡” —Â?†‡” –Š‡ ”—‰ allowed the gross misuse of funds by Â?‹ŽŽ‹‘Â? †‘ŽŽƒ”•Ǥ Šƒ– ‹• ƒŽ•‘ …Ž‡ar from Government’s inaction to this ’‘‹Â?– ‹• –Šƒ– –Š‡”‡ ™‹ŽŽ „‡ ƒŽŽ ƒ––‡Â?’–• –‘ •™‡‡’ –Š‡ Â?ƒ––‡” —Â?†‡” –Š‡ ”—‰ –‘ ’”‘–‡…– ƒ•“—‡œǤ the then Chairman? Both the CFO and –‘ ’”‘–‡…– ƒ•“—‡œǤ ’‘‹Â?– ‹• –Šƒ– –Š‡”‡ ™‹ŽŽ „‡ ƒŽŽ ƒ––‡Â?’–• –‘ •™‡‡’ –Š‡ Â?ƒ––‡” —Â?†‡” –Š‡ ”—‰

CEO should be made to resign along Š‹• ‹Â?Â†Â‹Â˜Â‹Â†Â—ÂƒÂŽÇĄ …ƒ—‰Š– ”‡†njhanded using BTL’s money as his own, is also –‘ ’”‘–‡…– ƒ•“—‡œǤ Š‹• ‹Â?Â†Â‹Â˜Â‹Â†Â—ÂƒÂŽÇĄ …ƒ—‰Š– ”‡†njhanded using Commiss‹‘Â?ÇĄ Â?‘ Ž‡•• –ŠƒÂ? ƒ •‹…Â?

BTL’s money as his own, is also the UDP’s representative on the Integrity with Net Vasquez for tolerating such

the UDP’s representative onUDP’s the Integrity Commiss‹‘Â?ÇĄ Â?‘ Ž‡•• –ŠƒÂ? ƒ •‹…Â? joke.

He serves as the Chairman on money the SSB’s Investment Š‹• ‹Â?Â†Â‹Â˜Â‹Â†Â—ÂƒÂŽÇĄ …ƒ—‰Š– ”‡†njhanded using BTL’s as his own, is also financial practices. Barrow has stated joke.

He serves the UDP’s Chairman on the SSB’s Investment ‘Â?Â?‹––‡‡ ƒÂ?† ĥ as ‹…‡nj Šƒ‹”Â?ƒÂ? ‘ˆ –Š‡ ‡Â?–”ƒŽ ƒÂ?Â?ÇĄ ’‘•‹–‹‘Â?• ™Š‹…Š the UDP’s representative on the Integrity Commiss‹‘Â?ÇĄ Â?‘ Ž‡•• –ŠƒÂ? ƒ •‹…Â? that this will be investigated, like the ‘Â?Â?‹––‡‡ ƒÂ?† ĥ –‘ ‹…‡nj Šƒ‹”Â?ƒÂ? ‘ˆ –Š‡ ƒÂ?Â?ÇĄ ’‘•‹–‹‘Â?• ™Š‹…Š ‰‹˜‡ Š‹Â? ƒ……‡•• –Š‡ Â?‘˜‡Â?‡Â?– ‘ˆ ‡Â?–”ƒŽ –ƒš’ƒ›‡” †‘ŽŽƒ”•Ǥ •‹Â?’Ž‡ joke. ‰‹˜‡ He Š‹Â? serves the–Š‡ UDP’s Chairman on the†‘ŽŽƒ”•Ǥ SSB’s Investment ƒ……‡•• –‘ ‘ˆ –ƒš’ƒ›‡” •‹Â?’Ž‡ ”‡•‹‰Â?ƒ–‹‘Â? ĥ as Šƒ‹”Â?ƒÂ? ‘ˆ Â?‘˜‡Â?‡Â?– ÇĄ ™‹–Š ƒ …ƒ•—ƒŽ ”‡Â?‹Â?†‡” –Šƒ– Š‡ ™‘—Ž† outstanding $25 million in taxes due to ”‡•‹‰Â?ƒ–‹‘Â? ‘ˆ ÇĄ ™‹–Š ƒ …ƒ•—ƒŽ ”‡Â?‹Â?†‡” –Šƒ– Š‡ ™‘—Ž† ‘Â?Â?‹––‡‡ ƒÂ?† ĥ ĥ Šƒ‹”Â?ƒÂ? ‹…‡nj Šƒ‹”Â?ƒÂ? ‘ˆ –Š‡ ‡Â?–”ƒŽ ƒÂ?Â?ÇĄ ’‘•‹–‹‘Â?• ™Š‹…Š Šƒ˜‡ ”‡–‹”‡† ƒÂ?›™ƒ› ‹Â? …–‘„‡”ǥ ‹• ˆƒ” ˆ”‘Â? ‡Â?‘—‰ŠǤ GOB is being investigated. As for Net ‰‹˜‡ Šƒ˜‡ ”‡–‹”‡† ƒÂ?›™ƒ› ‹Â? …–‘„‡”ǥ ‹• ˆƒ” ˆ”‘Â? ‡Â?‘—‰ŠǤ Š‹Â? ƒ……‡•• –‘ –Š‡ Â?‘˜‡Â?‡Â?– ‘ˆ –ƒš’ƒ›‡” †‘ŽŽƒ”•Ǥ •‹Â?’Ž‡ Vasquez, he will finally enjoy his retire”‡•‹‰Â?ƒ–‹‘Â? ĥ Šƒ‹”Â?ƒÂ? ‘ˆ ÇĄ ™‹–Š ƒ …ƒ•—ƒŽ ”‡Â?‹Â?†‡” –Šƒ– Š‡ ™‘—Ž† --MORE-ment at age 89, counting his millions Šƒ˜‡ ”‡–‹”‡† ƒÂ?›™ƒ› ‹Â? …–‘„‡”ǥ ‹• ˆƒ” ˆ”‘Â? ‡Â?‘—‰ŠǤ --MORE-made along with his beau. The luck of the UDP elite.

--MORE-In the words of Jim Morrison “I am the Lizard King, I can do anything.�

with the cost of Internet at home, headphones, flashdrives due to the small storage space allowed, computer bags, and, the biggest of all, by user/insurance fees placed by schools who felt that there was a financial need to protect themselves since the computers seemingly was still the property of DigiLearn vis-Ă -vis GoB. So come now on the eve of a virtual school opening—if Covid will allow us to call it that—in early October, after their UDP government has unapologetically mismanaged Covid(many would say, welcomed Covid unto our very own tarmac), Faber will say he has used “SPEEDâ€? to finally, after 13 years, found how to loan(of course) some money to get some tablets for SOME students. It is our estimate that a hefty 20 thousand students will not be getting a laptop to use. Some schools are making the use of devices in their distant learning as NOT mandatory—only the printed assignment ought to be done. In these cases the Zoom/ Teams classes and other online interventions are optional and additional if it can be afforded. Raise your hand if you can discern to huge problem with that Faber point of view.

Why can’t this government directly source their devices? Are they that incompetent? They cannot even buy?

Faber seems happy to provide less than 50 percent of students with tablets while saddling Belize with 7 million worth of tablets. Five hundred dollars apiece still seems way over priced for a low grade offering. Lowly Faber couldn’t even remember clearly the brand’s name or was ashamed of the brand—seems logical.

Of course, nothing concrete was offered as to internet at home for students. It seems that in the case for High Schools, the extra month and a half wait to virtually open will still be for nought for many students. Parents with empty pockets will be asked to pay for the use of these tablets(not laptops) as it was definitely not touted by Faber as free. They will not be free.

The Belize Times

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14 APR 2013

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ISSUE NO: 4840

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editortimes@yahoo.com

20 SEP

2020

THE BELIZE TIMES

03 3

EDITORIAL

“I would do anything for love, I would do anything for love…but I won’t do that!” - Meatloaf

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his week’s big headline was without a doubt the most recent scandal at BTL and the UDP. For decades, Net Vasquez has been part of that privileged and entitled elite who have leeched and profited from their political connections. In his own party, he was previously regarded as a paragon, having been an insider and advisor to both Rt. Hon. Manuel Esquivel and the current Prime Minister. His fall from grace has come swiftly and abruptly. His entire career both public and in the private sector has now been flushed down the toilet as it has become sullied by scandal.

The news exploded on social media and then the traditional news outlets followed confirming that Mr. Vasquez, Executive Chairman for BTL, had resigned his post amid the sordid scandal that he had used the corporate credit card to the tune of thousands for personal purchases. Allegations have also surfaced regarding a brand new Toyota Prado reportedly bought from the dealer for 125k sold to Mr. Vasquez for 25K and then re-gifted to another person for free. Allegations also surfaced in regards to the gross conflict of interest and the impropriety of an advance from BTL to Tropic Vision whose owner is also Mr. Vasquez. That advance amounts to two years’ worth of advertisement.

The PUP have called for a forensic accounting specialist to audit and tell Belizeans exactly what the price tag for this latest escapade will cost us. Mr. Vasquez has bowed to public outrage by resigning his post as Executive Chairman for BTL but he must be made to resign as the Vice Chairman of the Board of Governors of Central Bank, Chairman of the Investment Committee of the Social security Board and his appointment as Auditor of the Integrity Commission must be terminated. It is evident that BTL has been the cash cow for many UDP Cronies, let us not forget that Gregory Anwar Borrow of Brad’s Gaming fame was paid generously for his time at the helm of BTL. During his time there were also many questionable transactions and purchases made. When he left, Belizeans were stunned to learn of his outrageous severance package. The UDP have hung Mr. Vasquez out to dry and it is clear that he will be the scape goat of all the investigation lays bare, leaving the Fresh Prince clean and in the clear.

There are credit card statements that speak of a Chetumal shopping spree that cost Belizeans thousands, no store at the Mall was left unvisited. Even Dr. Simi was paid a generous sum. It was past due for Mr. Vasquez’s retirement, or perhaps it was what he had been enjoying lately at the expense of Belizeans. We cannot know what clouded Net’s judgment, whether greed, entitlement, lust or just the normal cognitive decline associated with age? The fact is that any prestige he may have had as a professional, as a Chartered Accountant, is now in the mud. Mr. Vasquez is from that old school of thought that preaches and encourages entitlement. He believes he has paid his dues to his party and is now trying to collect from the people of Belize.

He has lived most of his life in the luxury provided to him by hard working Belizeans, but it has not been enough. He has now lost all shame and is blatantly stealing and abusing his position and is in a blatant conflict of interest. He is no different than the common man who was jailed for months for stealing a corned beef worth less than five dollars. The big question is, will he be treated the same?

We have been promised an investigation, but as usual it will net us nil. We need a police investigation with relevant charges made. It is too bad that Mr. Vasquez has traded all his professional prestige for love. Meatloaf in his famous song wrote “I would do anything for love, I would do anything for love…but I won’t do that.”

04 4

THE BELIZE TIMES

EDITORIAL

20 SEP

2020

en Español

“¡Haría cualquier cosa por amor, haría cualquier cosa por amor... pero eso no lo haría!” - Meatloaf

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l gran titular de esta semana fue sin duda el escándalo más reciente de BTL y el UDP. Durante décadas Net Vásquez ha sido parte de esa élite privilegiada y con derechos que se ha aprovechado de sus conexiones políticas. En su propio partido fue considerado previamente como un dechado, habiendo sido un privilegiado y asesor tanto del Honorable Manuel Esquivel como el actual Primer Ministro. Su caída en desgracia ha sido rápida y abrupta. Toda su carrera, tanto en el sector público como en el privado, ha sido tirada por el inodoro y se ha visto manchada por el escándalo. La noticia estalló en los medios de comunicación social y luego los medios tradicionales confirmaron que el Sr. Vásquez, Presidente Ejecutivo de BTL, había renunciado a su cargo en medio del sórdido escándalo de que había utilizado la tarjeta de crédito de la empresa por miles de dólares para compras personales. También han surgido acusaciones sobre un Toyota Prado nuevo que, según se informa, se compró al concesionario por 125.000 dólares y se vendió al Sr. Vásquez por 25.000 dólares y luego se regaló a otra persona. También han surgido acusaciones en relación con el grave conflicto de intereses y la improcedencia de un adelanto de BTL a Tropic Vision cuyo propietario es también el Sr. Vásquez. Ese adelanto equivale a dos años de publicidad.

El PUP ha pedido un especialista en contabilidad forense para auditar y decir a los beliceños exactamente lo que nos costará esta última travesura. El Sr. Vásquez ha cedido a la indignación pública al renunciar a su puesto de Presidente Ejecutivo de BTL, pero se le debe obligar a renunciar como vicepresidente de la Junta de Gobernadores del Banco Central, presidente del Comité de Inversiones de la Junta de Seguridad Social y se debe poner fin a su nombramiento como Auditor de la Comisión de Integridad. Es evidente que BTL ha sido la vaca lechera de muchos secuaces del UDP, no olvidemos que Gregory Anwar Borrow de la fama de Brad’s Gaming fue pagado generosamente por su tiempo al mando de BTL. Durante su tiempo también hubo muchas transacciones y compras cuestionables. Cuando salió de Belice los beliceños se quedaron atónitos al enterarse de su escandalosa indemnización por despido.

El UDP ha dejado solo y desamparado al Sr. Vásquez y está claro que será el chivo expiatorio de toda la investigación que se lleve a cabo, dejando al nuevo príncipe limpio y a salvo.

Hay declaraciones que hablan de una juerga de compras en Chetumal que le costó a los beliceños miles, ninguna tienda del centro comercial quedó sin visitar. Incluso el Dr. Simi recibió una generosa suma.

Ya estaba atrasadito lo de la jubilación del Sr. Vásquez, o quizás era lo que había estado disfrutando últimamente a expensas de los beliceños. No podemos saber lo que nubló el juicio de Net, si será la glotonería, la titularidad, la lujuria, quizás fue simplemente el declive cognitivo normal asociado a la edad. El hecho es que cualquier prestigio que haya tenido como profesional, como Contador Público, está ahora en el fango. El Sr. Vásquez es de esa vieja escuela de pensamiento que predica y alienta los derechos de titularidad. Cree que ha pagado sus deudas a su partido y ahora está tratando de cobrarle al pueblo de Belice.

Ha vivido la mayor parte de su vida con el lujo que le dan los beliceños trabajadores, pero no ha sido suficiente. Ahora ha perdido toda la vergüenza y está robando y abusando descaradamente de su posición y está en un flagrante conflicto de intereses. No es diferente del hombre común que fue encarcelado durante meses por robar una carne enlatada que vale menos de cinco dólares. La gran pregunta es, ¿será tratado de la misma manera? Se nos ha prometido una investigación, pero como de costumbre, no habrá nada. Necesitamos una investigación policial con los cargos relevantes hechos. Es una lástima que el Sr. Vásquez cambio todo su prestigio profesional por amor. Meatloaf en su famosa canción escribió “Haría cualquier cosa por amor, haría cualquier cosa por amor... pero eso no lo haría”.

20 SEP

2020

05 5

THE BELIZE TIMES

BELLY of the

BEAST

Viagra Man A whole bunch of people have been throwing stones at Grampa Net for blowing a couple hundred thousand dollars at Victoria’s Secret. The man’s gallivanting has become the source of funny memes and stupid jokes. Everybody and their granny has a lot to say about thongs and crotchless panties and container loads of blue pills, and that’s all well and good.

But the truth is that none of this is even remotely funny. The UDP took over BTL and it became a feeding trough for Barrow family members and cronies. Grampa Dean’s son became an almost overnight millionaire and every attorney affiliated with Gramps got a piece of the BTL pie. When all that was said and done, Belizeans got stuck with a bill for over half-abillion dollars, which we’re going to be paying for years. When you think about the fleecing of BTL, maybe first you should realize that our country is going to hell in a handbasket and there are so many people who are going to bed hungry every night, including children. The UDP hasn’t been able to do anything to lower the poverty rate, and Belizeans are suffering.

So pardon us if we find nothing funny about a sad old man and his BTL credit card. What makes it even worse is that this man represents the UDP on the Integrity Commission. Imagine that. Absolutely none of this is even slightly hilarious. There needs to be an investigation and if he is guilty of misappropriating money then Net needs to be charged. Simple as that. We’re pretty sure we could arrange for him to have access to a phone where he could buy whips and chains online – just not using our money. Bunch of sick UDP puppies.

The Prince We’re willing to give old Grampa Dean his due. He’s not somebody who gets all frazzled and flustered in the House of Representatives. He’s a cool old cat under pressure. But on Wednesday dih man was having three fits and five fevers when Julius started calling names of people who are connected to Brads and a recent $500M 10 year contract. The way Dean Oliver jumped up you’d never have guess that he has a bad back. Worse when Julius started talking about checks for huge sums of money paid from Brad’s to companies connected to the Barrow prince.

DOB whimpered and simpered and postured but there’s no getting away from the truth. Some way or another, the people are going to find out who is the big name behind Brad’s, the person with the political connections to be able to wrangle a $500M contract. We almost died laughing when the Prime Minister said that he has no clue who the shareholders of the company are. As old cousin Said Musa said once, Dean Oliver, yuh name stink dah road. When those documents and others at BTL see the light of day, we’ll see where your pretty words get you. That’s a promise.

Dumbo Honestly, we try not to spend much time on outside cousin Patsy.

He’s always been a talker, but has never really said anything worth listening to. Besides, there’s no way he will be the next Prime Minister of this country, and gets no respect even from people in his own UDP. But as a people, we need to take a much closer look at this sudden multi-million dollar contract for tablets which is being pushed through right before elections. This stinks of padding the coffers of the UDP, just like so many other contracts given out to worthless contractors like cousin Imer Hernandez who never properly fixed a road in his whole life. With that said, did you hear when cousin Patsy said that the UDP owns majority shares in Belize Electricity Limited? What exactly is up with that? Is there something the Belizean people don’t know? Is that why suddenly electricity bills have been going through the roof? Talk to us, Pats. Belizeans need to know.

Worthless John Every now and then, when Mason’s boy toy gets bored twiddling his thumbs and another smaller appendage at home, he makes a sudden appearance. We’re pretty sure he thinks he’s brilliant – something no doubt Mason whispered in his fat ears while they were hanging out on Egyptian cotton sheets – but the man is a genuine bubu. Now he’s put a sudden stop to the market in Belmopan which would have benefitted some many poor vendors, just so he could show off. This guy is so good to people like Mason and Lev Dermen, especially when he’s able to get tranches from them, but when it comes to dealing with normal Belizeans, all he does is punish them. John will get the sense when elections are called. The people are waiting patiently for him.

BY ORDER OF CHARGEE NOTICE OF INTENTION TO SELL HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED a statutory body formed and registered under the Credit Union Act, Chapter 314 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, and whose registered office is situated at No. 1 Hyde’s Lane, Belize City, Belize District hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Chargee under and by virtue of a Charge registered at the Land Registry between CLARA LUCY PAZ of the one part and HRCU of the other part.

HRCU will at the expiration of three months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the properties described in the Schedule below. ALL offers to purchase the said properties must be made in writing to Holy Redeemer Credit Union Limited from whom full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained.

SCHEDULE REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL San Ignacio South 23 1917 Area: 703.012 s.m.

REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL San Ignacio South 23 1918 Area: 703.012 s.m.

REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL San Ignacio South 23 1942 Area: 703.012 s.m.

REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL San Ignacio South 23 1943 Area: 703.012 s.m.

DATED this 2nd day of September 2020 HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED 1 HYDE’S LANE, BELIZE CITY, BELIZE Phone: (501) 224-5644 Fax: (501) 223-0738 E-mail: foreclosures@hrcubelize.org

BY ORDER OF CHARGEE NOTICE OF INTENTION TO SELL HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED a statutory body formed and registered under the Credit Union Act, Chapter 314 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, and whose registered office is situated at No. 1 Hyde’s Lane, Belize City, Belize District hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Chargee under and by virtue of a Charge registered at the Land Registry between MELONIE T. STAINE of the one part and HRCU of the other part.

HRCU will at the expiration of three months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the Schedule below.

ALL offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing to Holy Redeemer Credit Union Limited from whom full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained.

SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land comprising 311.04 square metres being Parcel 594, Block 45 in the Queens Square West Registration Section TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon, the freehold property of MELONIE T. STAINE DATED this 7th day of September 2020 HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED 1 HYDE’S LANE, BELIZE CITY, BELIZE Phone: (501) 224-5644 Fax: (501) 223-0738 E-mail: foreclosures@hrcubelize.org

6 06

20 SEP

THE BELIZE TIMES

2020

QUESTIONS TO THE MINISTERS

1. Will the Minister of Education please assure the nation that all the proper procedures for procurement of tablets for students were followed?

2. Will the Minister of Education clarify for Belizeans if his statement that the UDP is the owner of BEL was made in error?

3. Will the Prime Minister agree that considering the revelation made in the House about BRADS Boledo that it is now time for a full audit including full disclosure of shareholders of the Boledo contract?

4. Will the Minister of Lands please say if he authorized political operatives of the UDP to solicit funds for the surveying of land lots?

5. Stay Safe Belize, wear your mask always when in public, and continue to practice physical distancing.

CARTOON

20 SEP

2020

THE BELIZE TIMES

07 7

Message by Party Leader John Briceño

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER 2020

In the First book of Kings, in the third chapter, we learn of wise King Solomon who prayed to God for the wisdom to lead his people. The Scripture quotes Solomon asking God: “So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”

Now more than ever our political and religious leaders need a discerning heart.

Leaders also need good disposition and of course common sense so that as one Belizean family, we can work together to banish poverty, banish fear, ignorance and focus all our efforts to building a nation of people who are committed to social, economic and environmental justice.

In the midst of these troubling times, it is so easy to forget the significance of caring for each other, but we must not give in to the fear that accompanies these worrying days. Instead, let us use the occasion of our Independence celebrations to give thanks to our Creator who has blessed us with this beautiful and bountiful land.

Let us use today’s ecumenical service to honour our Creator, but to understand also that we must do so, not just at this time but all the time, and, not just in our thoughts and prayers but in our actions too - beginning with gratitude, kindness and compassion.

For through the good times and the challenging ones we are one Belizean Family who should and must hold through to all those things said to be good -- the beatitudes.

Let us also keep in our hearts and minds that greatest commandment which calls on each of us to love God and to love one another as we love ourselves.

This is my hope and my prayer as we celebrate and give thanks for our nation.

8 08 8

A NEW DAY

By Ricardo Moguel Rosado A new day arises. Dawn has defeated the forces of Xibalba, the underworld. The sun shines in full splendor and celebrates victory over overambitious beasts of the night. The jaguar roams freely accompanied by the spirit of Marcos Canul in the Yalbac Hills as they roam the pathway to Ixchel, goddess of motherhood, the moon and of love. Her husband, Sun god Ah Kin, patrols the jungle with his eternal rabbit. Itzamna, God of creation, watches over the children of corn as they struggle to survive in a treacherous world of deception and fire water. Those who cause suffering came with swords in one hand and a cross in the other. Our temples they desecrated and build residential communities. Pillaged our innocence in search of gold. Raped our women for 17 pieces of Brazilian gold and a few coins for a smile.

The sun survived. For 528 years we live in the darkness. Disunited, fighting for an undignified existence in substandard housing. They took away our land, our culture and tried to destroy our spirituality. Our books of knowledge were burnt, our history destroyed, rewritten and distorted. 20 million of us were free men in our communal jungles in the year 1519. Then there were 2 million shortly after words victims of the Spanish greed. 90 percent genocidal rate and they want us to worship them as our saviors. This is recorded as the worst genocidal

IN MEMORIAM

In loving memory of

Alfred Archibald Clarke Sr.

Sunrise: August 15th, 1920 Sunset: Sept. 19th, 2016 Forever In our Hearts “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.�

2 Timothy 4:7 Sadly missed by: Children, grandchildren, great grand children and many other families and friends.

20 SEP

THE BELIZE TIMES

rate of anytime anywhere.

The sun survived and we hid deeper into the jungles on the banks of the New River, Dzuilinicob. We fought until 1697 when Martín de Ursúa destroyed the last Maya entity, the last bastion of resistance, Tipu in Belize and Peten Itza in Guatemala. We shed tears of blood and sacrificed our life so that we may live. Martyrs blood fill our jungle, Jacinto Ka’anek, Cecilio Chi, Jacinto Pat, Marcos Canul, Jesus Ken. In 1872 again the sun betrayed us Brother against brother filled the rivers of blood. The suffering was too heavy. Our backs could not resist. The machetes dulled as 250,000 of us were sent to visit Kisin, the stinking one, the ruler of the underworld, god of the subterranean land of death. They feasted on my flesh. The other 250,000 Maya dispersed in the jungle of Yucatan,

2020

Quintana Roo and Belize.

Today we are scorned by attitudes, neglected by society, labelled as drunks. Our words lost meaning. My pen broke. My tears exhausted. Life suspended. My language thrown into history’s garbage bin. A new dawn arises, the Sun won the eternal battle and rises in the east as our sacred books predicted. The cycle is over a new one begins. With the sound of the Mariachi music and corridos de la revolucion, with the scent of refried beans and corn tortillas on top of the comal as the tortillas bake and the Eagle warrior spirits dance. Echoes of the sacred drum, tunkules, blanket the mist, Our abuelitos are resisting and refusing to step into the night quietly.

Children of the corn are listening.

We lay down our Enfield rifles and rusty machetes. We survived 528 years of genocidal exploitation, we survived. Armed with knowledge and indigenous pride, we survive

in a local setting to conquer a national stage to be seen, heard and not ignored any longer. Ideas are the most powerful weapon of the revolution. The sun always rises as the rabbit roams free in the Mesoamerican jungle. The Celestial sky provides life, hope, love and suffering. Weyano’one kux’ano’on (We are here ,We are alive)

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OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY GENERAL

Friday, September 11, 2020

For Immediate Release

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY GENERAL

PUP CONGRATULATES MS. ANITA ZETINA Friday, September 11, 2020 For Immediate Release The People’s United Party takes this opportunity to express its pride in the ƒ…Š‹‡˜‡Â?‡Â?–• ‘ˆ ‡š‡Â?’Žƒ”› ‡Ž‹œ‡ƒÂ? Â?‹–ƒ ‡–‹Â?ÂƒÇĄ ™Š‘ Šƒ• „‡‡Â? ‡Ž‡…–‡† –‘ •‡”˜‡ ˆ‘” –Š‡ Â?‡š– ˆ‘—” ›‡ƒ”• ‡…”‡–ƒ”› ‡Â?‡”ƒŽ ‘ˆ –Š‡ ANITA ‡Â?–”ƒŽ ZETINA Â?‡”‹…ƒÂ? ‡…”‡–ƒ”‹ƒ– ˆ‘” PUPĥ CONGRATULATES MS. …‘Â?‘Â?‹… Â?–‡‰”ƒ–‹‘Â? Č‹ ČŒÇĄ ƒÂ? ‹Â?’‘”–ƒÂ?– ƒ”Â? ‘ˆ –Š‡ ‡Â?–”ƒŽ Â?‡”‹…ƒÂ?

Â?–‡‰”ƒ–‹‘Â? ›•–‡Â? Č‹ ČŒÇ¤ The People’s United Party takes this opportunity to express its pride in the

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Â?–‡‰”ƒ–‹‘Â? ›•–‡Â? Č‹ ČŒÇ¤ ™ƒÂ?‡ ‘ˆ ƒ „”‡ƒÂ?†‘™Â? ‘ˆ ‘—” •›•–‡Â?• ™Š‹…Š Â’Â”Â‡ÇŚÂ†ÂƒÂ–Â‡Â† njͳ͝Ǥ

Š‡ ‡Ž‡…–‹‘Â? ‘ˆ –Š‹• ˜‡”› Â“Â—ÂƒÂŽÂ‹ÂˆÂ‹Â‡Â†ÇĄ Â•Â‡Â”Â˜Â‹Â…Â‡ÇŚÂ†Â”Â‹Â˜Â‡Â? ‡Ž‹œ‡ƒÂ? –‘ –Š‡ ”‡‰‹‘Â?ƒŽ „‘†› ‡–‹Â?ƒ „‘ƒ•–• ƒÂ? ‹Â?’‡……ƒ„Ž‡ ”‡…‘”† ‘ˆ •‡”˜‹…‡ ‹Â? ƒ”‡ƒ• ™Š‹…Š •’‡ƒÂ? –‘ –Š‡ ”‹‰Š–• ƒÂ?† comes at a crucial time in the country’s history when we will need all hands on deck ‡Â?’‘™‡”Â?‡Â?– ‘ˆ ‡Ž‹œ‡ƒÂ?•ǥ Šƒ˜‹Â?‰ •‡”˜‡† ĥ –Š‡ ”‘‰”ƒÂ? ‹”‡…–‘” ‘ˆ ÇĄ ĥ ™‡ ™‘”Â? –‘ ”‡„—‹Ž† ‘—” …”‹–‹…ƒŽ •‡…–‘”• ‹Â? –Š‡ Â?‹†•– ‘ˆ ƒ ’ƒÂ?†‡Â?‹…ǥ ƒÂ?† ‹Â? –Š‡ ‹Â? –Š‡ ‹Â?‹•–”› ‘ˆ —Â?ƒÂ? ‡˜‡Ž‘’Â?‡Â?– and as head for many years of the Women’s ™ƒÂ?‡ ‘ˆ ƒ „”‡ƒÂ?†‘™Â? ‘ˆ ‘—” •›•–‡Â?• ™Š‹…Š Â’Â”Â‡ÇŚÂ†ÂƒÂ–Â‡Â† njͳ͝Ǥ ‡’ƒ”–Â?‡Â?–Ǥ Š‡ ‹• ”‡Â?‘™Â?‡† ‹Â? –Š‡ …‘—Â?–”› ƒÂ?† ”‡‰‹‘Â? ĥ ƒ ’‘™‡”ˆ—Ž ˜‘‹…‡ ƒ‰ƒ‹Â?•–

‰‡Â?Â†Â‡Â”ÇŚÂ„ÂƒÂ•Â‡Â† ˜‹‘Ž‡Â?…‡Ǥ ‡–‹Â?ƒ „‘ƒ•–• ƒÂ? ‹Â?’‡……ƒ„Ž‡ ”‡…‘”† ‘ˆ •‡”˜‹…‡ ‹Â? ƒ”‡ƒ• ™Š‹…Š •’‡ƒÂ? –‘ –Š‡ ”‹‰Š–• ƒÂ?†

‡Â?’‘™‡”Â?‡Â?– ‘ˆ ‡Ž‹œ‡ƒÂ?•ǥ Šƒ˜‹Â?‰ •‡”˜‡† ĥ –Š‡ ”‘‰”ƒÂ? ‹”‡…–‘” ‘ˆ ÇĄ Š‡ ƒ”–› Šƒ• Â?‘ †‘—„– –Šƒ– ‡–‹Â?ÂƒÇĄ ‹Â? Š‡” Â?‡™ …ƒ’ƒ…‹–› ĥ ‡…”‡–ƒ”› ‡Â?‡”ƒŽ ‘ˆ ‹Â? –Š‡ ‹Â?‹•–”› ‘ˆ —Â?ƒÂ? ‡˜‡Ž‘’Â?‡Â?– and as head for many years of the Women’s

ÇĄ ™‹ŽŽ …‘Â?–‹Â?—‡ –‘ •‡”˜‡ –Š‡ ’‡‘’Ž‡ ƒÂ?† Â?ƒ–‹‘Â?ÇĄ ƒÂ?† ™‹ŽŽ Â?ƒÂ?‡ —• ƒŽŽ ’”‘—†Ǥ ‡’ƒ”–Â?‡Â?–Ǥ Š‡ ‹• ”‡Â?‘™Â?‡† ‹Â? –Š‡ …‘—Â?–”› ƒÂ?† ”‡‰‹‘Â? ĥ ƒ ’‘™‡”ˆ—Ž ˜‘‹…‡ ƒ‰ƒ‹Â?•–

‰‡Â?Â†Â‡Â”ÇŚÂ„ÂƒÂ•Â‡Â† ˜‹‘Ž‡Â?…‡Ǥ

--Ends- Š‡ ƒ”–› Šƒ• Â?‘ †‘—„– –Šƒ– ‡–‹Â?ÂƒÇĄ ‹Â? Š‡” Â?‡™ …ƒ’ƒ…‹–› ĥ ‡…”‡–ƒ”› ‡Â?‡”ƒŽ ‘ˆ

ÇĄ ™‹ŽŽ …‘Â?–‹Â?—‡ –‘ •‡”˜‡ –Š‡ ’‡‘’Ž‡ ƒÂ?† Â?ƒ–‹‘Â?ÇĄ ƒÂ?† ™‹ŽŽ Â?ƒÂ?‡ —• ƒŽŽ ’”‘—†Ǥ

‘Â?Â–ÂƒÂ…Â–ÇŁ ‹Â?•ˆ‘”† ƒ•–‹ŽŽ‘

‡…”‡–ƒ”› ‡Â?‡”ƒŽ --Ends- ÇŚÂ?ÂƒÂ‹ÂŽÇŁ •‡…‰‡Â?’—’̡‰Â?ƒ‹ŽǤ…‘Â?

‘Â?Â–ÂƒÂ…Â–ÇŁ ‹Â?•ˆ‘”† ƒ•–‹ŽŽ‘

‡…”‡–ƒ”› ‡�‡”ƒŽ

ÇŚÂ?ÂƒÂ‹ÂŽÇŁ •‡…‰‡Â?’—’̡‰Â?ƒ‹ŽǤ…‘Â?

20 SEP

2020

THE BELIZE TIMES

099

PUP SOUND BITES AT ADJOURNMENT House of Representatives on September 16, 2020

Orange Walk Central, Party Leader and Leader of the Opposition the Hon. John Briceño: “There is an old adage “to never spit up in the air because it usually falls on your face.” On Monday a number of people from the media were asking me for a comment on this situation at BTL and I decided to not see anything yet. I decided that today was perhaps a good time good time for the Prime Minister to update the nation on what is happening at the Belize Telemedia on the allegations surrounding the chairman of the board.

As you are well aware their Prime Minister is always holding up the nationalization of BTL as the signature accomplishment of this UDP Administration. The Prime Minister has used every occasion to say if he makes no excuse for paying over half a billion dollars for Belize Telemedia. It was the very Prime Minister who said in this honourable House on the 23rd of September 2016 that by 2030 BTL will be earning 1 Billion dollars in profits.

On March 27th 2018, he came back to the House and announced that BTL will I will be making not 1 billion but 1.2 billion in profits by 2025. In 2010 the government prepared BTL prospectus that by 2015 BTL would be earning 42 million dollars per year. That was then but this is a sad reality of BTL. In March of 2019, the profits available to shareholders was only 15 million dollars. The equity value of BTL was down to 201 million dollars from a value of 557 million that was paid for in 2016. In less than three years, BTL lost approximately 300 million dollars in value/ Now hopefully sometime this year BTL will announce their profits for this year 2019-2020 financial year. I have been reliably informed that BTL will announce profits for about 10 million dollars. That is all, this is even before the pandemic covid-19 hit Belize. At this tiem BTL could be losing money.

What should be of interest to the workers of this country is that the Prime Minister in effect forcedt Social Security to buy 10 million shares at 5 dollars a share which comes up to 50 million dollars. The catch then was at investing 50 million and these shares would be worth a hundred million dollars. Instead these shares are only worth 40 million. In effect the workers of this company of this country have lost 10 million dollars of their hard-earned money.

After spending hundreds of millions of dollars in Capex on cell phones, on equipment. They were embarrassed when an engineer who visited Belize said that BTL had 3.6 G and not for 4G.YThis was after spending 40 million on that.

BTL became the grab tub of the UDP government and the UDP politicians.

Anything they are doing they go to BTL and BTL will pay for it. They have bled BTL. They have ripped off BTL. BTL has gone from the signature accomplishment of the UDP to a very expensive white elephant. All of us and taxpayers will end up paying for BTL. What is important is that the Prime Minister come clean to this House and to the Nation because what we have found out now is the BTL is the new hot bed of corruption. When is convenient to him they company belongs to the people and when it’s convenient he says it is a private company. It is our money. We have signed off to the bank securing loans for Belize. We have every right to know what is happening at BTL. But investigation of the chairman is just scratching the surface the wrong direction and abuse making please a video.

Madam Speaker, at a minimum I think that we or this country we are demanding 1) that Mr. Vasquez resigns from all the other committees that he represents the UDP government. He is the chairman of the investment committee for the social security board, he is a member of the central bank of Belize board and he is also a member of the integrity commission.

2) Is that Ms. Audrey Wallace, CEO to the Prime Minister and owner of Color Blind—a company that is doing Ads for BTL. She is compromised. She cannot lead any investigation of the chairman.

3) A commission of inquiry must be appointed forthwith to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the allegations of corruption and abuse at BTL. 4) The Prime Minister calls for a forensic audit starting from 2009 and report to the Belizean people.

5) How much dividends has been declared by BTL for the government of Belize and from the amount that has been declared, how much has been paid?

I understand that they’re in such a bad shape that they cannot even pay their dividends to the government. That has been confirmed by the CEO of BTL. This investigation of the chairman is just scratching the surface of the rank corruption and abuse taken place at BTL. That is only the tip of the iceberg. There is a princely person who has done some very bad things at BTL from kickbacks for the purchase of phones and equipment valued at millions of dollars.

Madame Speaker, BTL is just an example of the rank corruption that exists under this UDP government. The spit is falling on the Prime Ministers face. So Madame Speaker, let’s finish this Mr. Prime Minister, just Go! Call the elections.”

In Context: When he was grilled outside as to who could be leading the investigation, the Prime Minister was himself. He did not know BUT yet it was discussed…picking a little bit from both sides as is his wont.

Reporter: “Can you begin by sharing with us who is heading the investigation or perhaps where we are preliminarily?”

Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister: “No, I can’t. It’s a matter for the board(BTL’s). I know that we discussed the appointment of an interim chair, so that in fact we can legally be on the front foot with respect to then the investigation that has to happen.”

In Net Vasquez’s defence the Prime Minister offered this: “He is an extremely special fellow and I thought if you leave aside this question of the allegations that has surfaced, I thought that he continued to do a good job.”

It is this paper’s opinion that the Prime Minister should recluse himself from this matter. The people themselves are about to remove the entire UDP. Stann Creek West, Hon. Rodwell Ferguson: Two weeks ago we had a threat from a tropical storm Nana and it landed in my constituency as a minimum hurricane. It’s affected between Silk Grass and Riversdale. Not much damage was yours done but it’s scared of people in the region because the wind was very strong. It did not last long.

It had some serious effects on the banana industry and small farmers who plant corn, beans and any cash crops. I am hoping that the Ministry of Agriculture can take these damages into effects. I know what I’ve NEMO went to do the assessments and I’m hoping that there should be some quick response because small farmers and the banana industry are hurting.

There was some 12 million dollar from World Bank to assist the farmers in the North and I hope relief can come to the South. A few homes were damaged maybe seventy-five homes and I think Nemo should respond very quickly. Whatever the case it is government money.

We want to give thanks to the almighty that we were spared the ravages of a hurricane Cayo Northwest, Hon. Landy Habet: “The continued rampant corruption in the Ministry of Natural Resources particularly in the Lands Department. We still see problems encountered by various land owners in regards to getting land titles, and renewing their leases for their lands. It is an ongoing problem.

There are some people have cannot pay their taxes so they do not get their leases renewed. There are some people that have their lands almost to lease expiration. They could not pay and the lands are taken away and given to UDP cronies. This person from Billy White was told that she had to go to John August to get a recommendation. She told them(at the department after her money was refused) “Orlando Habet is my representative not John August.”

The unelected people spend the people’s money. They spend money during the Christmas cheer. A few years ago they spent for Mother’s Day. Why is it that an application of purchase has to take two years to process? Each process apparently each take six months. When it is convenient to the department some things don’t take long. For example, like plan entry number 13367 for 206 lots and another for 148 lots were both done in two days not two years.

Their manifesto promise to reduce political interference, we will never see because it will never happen. Also, their promise to strengthen the survey board and regulate the survey profession to ensure professionalism and integrity. These were just UDP promises that would never be fulfilled.

A letter informs the Commissioner (of Lands Vallejos) of lands, many of them in San Pedro some of the works which cost 200 thousand dollars and given to technicians. The issuing of survey contracts have evolved even further that now even members of staff of the department get contracts. They went from surveyors to technicians and now to members of staff. This particular in the north of the country specifically in Corozal North. Awardees are not surveyors nor survey technicians. It goes to cronies within the department.

Continued on page 10

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Continued from page 9 This is bred a culture of corruption that has often yielded incorrect or fabricated surveys. This has resulted in surveys with no work in the fields. They are bench surveyors.

‘There is no more dangerous menace to civilization than a government of incompetent and corrupt or vile men’. - Ludwig Heinrich Edler von Mises”

Cayo South, Hon. Julius Espat: “I have sent in recommendations (for land) from my constituency and they have been rejected. They(at the lands department) do not accept recommendations from the duly elected representatives on the opposition side.

I am speaking as the chairman of the Public Accounts Committee and a citizen of this country.

Why is it that this contract was given exclusively to Brads?

We are aware that the National Olympic Committee member had made a proposal. Somebody from scratch had made a proposal and both were rejected.

It is a contract that Brads had before and was recently renewed, exclusively.

I did some investigation as to who are the shareholders of Brads Gaming Company before the contract was awarded.

It came out that there was a company called Good Lee Limited which was registered in St. Lucia.

It has 6000 shares in this company. There is another shareholder with 4000 shares called Kim Y Chi and that person resides at the Farmer’s Market in Belize City, Madame Speaker.

Good Lee is majority shareholder before the contract was awarded. Why am I concerned?

It is important that when these contracts are given especially when they are exclusive contracts that we know, who are the shareholders. And if this Good Lee Limited is registered in St. Lucia, then the Prime Minister should share with us who are the shareholders of Good Lee Limited. We would like to know, who are the directors of Good Lee Limited.

We would like to know, what is the relationship between Good Lee Limited and Quick Stop Personal Finance Center Limited, Madame Speaker.

We would like to know, what is the relationship between Good Lee Limited and Creative Content Limited, Madame Speaker.

We would like to know, what is the relationship between Good Lee Limited and Prudential Management Firm, Madame Speaker.

We would like to know, what is the relationship between Good Lee Limited and Gregory Maurice Anwar Barrow, Madame Speaker.

So we went further to dig up the paper trail.

I will refer to the last person as the Prince of Belair.

(After an objection from the Prime Minister) We would like to know, what is the relationship between Prince of BelAir and Quick Stop Personal Finance Center Limited, Madame Speaker.

We would like to know, what is the relationship between Prince of BelAir and Creative Content Limited, Madame Speaker.

We would like to know, what is the relationship between Prince of BelAir and Prudential Management Firm, Madame Speaker.

Two OPTIONS: There can actually be no relationship and if that’s the case the Prime Minister can confirm.

In a very spirited back and forth, the Prime Minister is seen obviously defending his son but what is not revealed by the PM is defending what.

We the public can only question and arrive at conclusion sans a Prime Ministerial revelation.

Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister: “And then to be asking questions about shareholders? How would I know? I was not part of the tenders committee and I am not working at the contractor general’s office.”

Hon. Kareem Musa, Caribbean Shores: “What is the Prime Minister’s point of order?”

Hon. John Briceno, Leader of the Opposition: “It is the duty of the Prime Minister to know who owns this offshore company that has 60% control over the boledo contract. Ten years exclusive plus another ten years, twenty years, Madame Speaker. He should be able to tell us who are the beneficiaries of Good Lee. We have a responsibility in this House to answer to the Belizean people. The contractor general answers to the Prime Minister, we answer to the people.”

Hon. Julius Espat, Cayo South: “The country needs confirmation. Is it false or is it true that Good Lee Ltd. paid Onesstop Personal Finance $500,000 US dollars on November 30th, 2018.”

Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister: “Madam Speaker, on a point of order, this is not a time for questions. This contract was handled by the lotteries tender committee. What you are doing is to be a complete and utter knave. You are trying, in the form of fictitious questions that have no basis, no substance, to try and impugn the character of my son. If my son is involved in anything you put it out there and you bring the facts to show that. You offer any connection that you can show and I am certainly going.”

Hon. Julius Espat, Cayo South: “On the 28th January 2019, Good Lee Limited paid Creative Content $417, 000 US dollars Madame Speaker. On the 31st of March 2020, Good Lee Limited paid to Prudential Management $1, 000, 000 US dollars Madame Speaker and made another transfer of 100,000 US dollars on April the 21st 2020. If the Prime Minister feels that my statement is erroneous he can correct it. (PM’s point of order after which the Speaker said she will take that

20 SEP

2020

guidance….)

On the same day that Goodwill deposited 1million dollars to Prudential Management, Prudential Management deposited 1Million dollars to the account of the Prince of BelAir.” “The Prime Minister got up and tried to insult our Party Leader making this issue of BTL so great and so transparent and so accountable. His Prince of Belair was the CEO. If you think what the Party Leader brought up about the gentleman is anything Madame Speaker. They will not sleep. All of this information will come out. Our attorneys they have the documentation. They will disclose the documentation. They will make it public.

These gentlemen here have lied to us for twelve years. They have stolen from this country for twelve years. They have fleeced this country and our people don’t have to eat.

Our health system is in the worse state it could ever be. We are borrowing to the rate of owing nearly 4 billion dollars. And then you telling to give them a ‘bly.’

The most wanted criminals in the world. Belize will be on that list next year of one of the most wanted criminals in the world.

The Prince of BelAir is the son of the father.

So the question still remains in what is possible cronyism and dare we say nepotism at the highest level. The streets of Belize know what the answer is and they will place their opinion in the form of blue marks come Election Day. What is clear is that the PUP will allow Belizeans an extremely fair return for their Boledo purchase. The latter has been outlined in the planBelize Health policy.

Toledo West, Hon. Oscar Requena: This is in concerns with the ongoing electrification project in Medina Bank, Golden Stream and Indian Creek. The United Arab Emirates granted a grant of 7 million dollars to be able to provide electrification for these three communities. Over the past months quite a number of work has happened in that area. We have seen poles going up and lines going up. We would like to thank the United Arab Emirates for making this substantial contribution to the people of Belize and in particular the people in this communities.

Since 2012, I have always been voicing and fighting that these communities to have electricity.

They need to have electricity. It is a right and not a privilege, especially in 2020. There is the need by student, parents, our business people need electricity to carry out their business projects. The residents are grateful for project but there are some concerns.

They are getting a solar system that will power the three communities.

When you see the infrastructure it is like a mile before it reaches the main grid.

While they will be able to have electricity and it will go a long way in improving.

It is not a 100 percent system. It depends on the sun.

Why not connect to the national grid? It is only a mile away.

I have spoken to the owner of Allspice farm, for example, and they would benefit more.

So, why not make the final push on this 7 million dollar investment?

Additionally, there are certain areas in the three communities where there is no infrastructure—no posts nor lines.

Then it is the responsibly of the government to ensure that everyone. Electricity should be enjoyed by everyone whether you are red, blue or no political color.

Special Appeal that this matter is adequately addressed. Everyone should be connected without any kind of political interference. It is the right of the people in Medina Bank, Golden Stream and Indian Creek as is the right of all Belizeans. This is the matter that I wanted to raise.

The leader elect Hon. Patrick Faber was hurt somehow by Requena’s concern, in a weak rebuttal, he stood up to state that the UDP is the owner of the Belize Electricity Limited. The Minister of Utilities was nowhere to be seen.

Toledo East, Hon. Mike Espat: “I want to raise the topic of Toledo Community College. In this country we have church-state schools, private, government schools and they have their own agreement with the government. The formula they use is 70-30. I spent 17 years of my life I was in a classroom. I did not get my pension in full because of that agreement. I never got the 30 percent because of that agreement.

Most of the schools opened by the government were designed around vocational education. That was the aim of TCC. Now the teachers have ganged up against the chairman of the Board. They want to see if the responsibility could be passed on to the government of Belize. I have all the correspondence since 2018. TCC was managed by a Board of Directors was one of the main champions of a community school versus a government school. In order to get the community involved, the board was set up so that the Methodist, Catholics, and Nazarene that they would all be represented on the Board. TCC is a government institution built by the government of the school and this was fully financed by the government of Belize. Vocational teachers got 100 percent salary while the others get 70-30. They want to leave as is and that the 30 percent be covered or that the entire school be moved over to the government of Belize.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

11

Agriculture

Agricultura

2020

Continued on page 12

12

Agriculture The overall goal of this policy is to in-

Our financing reform measures combined with crease, sustain agriculour focuseddiversify commitmentand to eliminating waste and inefficiency will allow us tosecurity, fully finance our tural production, food income Plan Action for 2020 togeneration 2025: andof employment in Belize.

1.

2.

3.

4.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

2020

Agricultura

El objetivo general de esta es el auNuestras medidas de reforma depolítica la financiación, mentar, con diversificar y sostenercentrado la producción combinadas nuestro compromiso, en la eliminación del despilfarro y la ineficiencia, nos agrícola, la seguridad alimentaria, los ingresos permitirán financiar plenamente nuestro Plan de Acción y la generación de empara 2020-2025:

Agriculture

Agricultur

pleo en Belice. Este obThis goal will require 1. Educación gratuita desde el preescolar jetivo requeriráhasta aumentar Free Educationincreasing from Pre-School to farm-levjunior college la capacidad de las granJunior College el capacity, improving 2.

Educación preescolar universal The overall goal ofand this policy mejorar la esta tecnología El jas, objetivo general de política es e technology inno-is to increase, Universal Pre-School Education 3.

Establecer un instituto docente y de aprendizaje diversify and sustain agricultural production, food diversificar y sostener la producción agrícola, y la innovación, aumentar vation, raising labor Establish A Teacher and Learning 4.

Maestros al 100% capacitados alimentaria, los ingresos y la generación de security, income and employment generation in la productividad laboral y productivity, and beBelice.

Este objetivo requerirá aumentar la c Institute 5. Programa de ordenador portátil (laptop) de 4 al Belize. This goal will require increasing farm-level las ser granjas, mejorar la tecnología y la innovaci competitivo a nivel reing regionally competimproving technology and innovation, 4th 100% Trained capacity, Teachers la productividad laboral y ser competitivo a niv gional. raising labor productivity, itive.

6. Fondo de préstamos para la educación superior de 4 to 4th Laptop Computer Program and being regionally

5. competitive.

6. Fair Access $5m High Education Fund Import replacement and substitution, export 7. Equal Opportunity $3m Rural Education FOOD SECURITY expansion and strengthening the linkages of Grant Fund tourism with our local productive sectors 8. National Healthy Start Feeding

TAX CUT Program

Review the entire tax system and enact reforms to have a simplified, fair, efficient and development-driven system

9. Free Textbook/e-Book Program Expansion To High School Review and improve our trade policy TRADE 10. Expansion of African Mayan agreementsand in our region History Program

11. Civics Education Levels of the 4 traditional WorkAt withAll the associations EXPORTS exports, i.e. sugar, citrus, banana and shrimp

5 millones de dólares Reemplazo y sustitución de importaciones, expansión SEGURIDAD de lasla exportaciones y fortalecimiento 7.ALIMENTARIA Fondo de subsidio para educación rural dede3los vínculos del turismo con nuestros sectores productivos locales

millones de dólares para la igualdad de oportunidades REDUCCION DE Revisar todo el Sistema Tributario y promulgar reformas 8. Programa alimentación para un IMPUESTOSnacional de para tener un sistema simplificado, equitativo y eficiente comienzo saludable 9. Expansión del programa de libros de texto/eRevisar y mejorar los Acuerdos de Política Comercial en librosgratuitos a la escuela secundaria COMERCIO nuestra región 10. Expansión del programa de historia Africana y Maya Trabajar con las asociaciones de las 4 exportaciones EXPORTACIONES 11.

Educación cívica en todos los niveles tradicionales, es decir, la producción de azúcar, cítricos, banano y camarón

The goal of a PUP government in education is to efficiently allocate the Affordable necessary resources with financing for farmers appropriate incentive mechanisms to align and streamline the roles and objectives of all key stakeholders- students, teachers, parents, management, communities and governmentwithanda innovative view toclimate-smart not only Diversification DIVERSIFICATION deliver quality education but also enhance overall systems student learning using measurable results not only in increased enrolment but more importantly in clear, and Development partnerships with improved student learningResearch outcomes.

El objetivo de un gobierno del PUP asequible en materia educación FINANCIAMIENTO Financiación para losde agricultores es asignar eficientemente los recursos necesarios con mecanismos de incentivos, adecuados para alinear y racionalizar las funciones y objetivos de todas las partes claves interesadas -estudiantes, maestros, padres, DIVERSIFICACIÓN Diversificación y sistemas innovadores administradores, comunidades y gobiernocon miras, de no sólo inteligencia para impartir una educación de climática calidad, sino también a mejorar el aprendizaje general de los estudiantes utilizando resultados mensurables no sólo en el aumento de la y desarrollo matriculación, sino lo queColaboración es másde investigación importante, en con unos INVESTIGACIÓN universidades de renombre resultados de aprendizaje claramente mejorados..

The next PUP government will form a team of creative thinkers who are bold, passionate, smart and and produce of what wePolicy eat and progressive to reform andGrow advance ourmore Education GROW MORE promote more consumption of what we grow.

Agenda. This team will come from the public and private sectors as well as our social sector partners.

El próximo gobierno del PUP formará un equipo de pensadores creativos audaces, inteligentes y Crecer yapasionados, producir más de lo que comemos y CRECIMIENTO progresistas para reformar y avanzar nuestra Agenda de promover más consumo de lo que cultivamos PRODUCTIVO Política Educativa. Este equipo vendrá de los sectores público y privado, así como los interlocutores sociales.

FINANCING

RESEARCH

renowned universities

TEACH

Teaching of agriculture and agri-business in With over 100,000 students enrolled in our education schools.

system from pre-school to university, we have a unique opportunity to shape the future, change the future, build the future.

STORAGE

Improving storage and logistic facilities

WE MUST NOT LOSE THIS OPPORTUNITY! WE MUST NOT WASTE THIS OPPORTUNITY!

Improve our trade and market intelligence for international access andBELIZE! find niche markets for the WE MUST MAKE EDUCATION WORK FOR NEW MARKETS export of the non- traditional commodities

THE PUP WILL MAKE EDUCATION WORK FOR BELIZE!

Enseñanza de la agricultura y la agroindustria en Con más de 100.000 estudiantes inscritos en nuestro sistema las escuelas ENSEÑANZA educativo desde el preescolar hasta la universidad, tenemos una oportunidad única para dar forma al futuro, cambiar el futuro, construir el futuro.

Mejora de las instalaciones logísticas y de

¡NOALMACENAMIENTO DEBEMOS PERDER ESTAalmacenamiento OPORTUNIDAD! ¡NO DEBEMOS DESPERDICIAR ESTA OPORTUNIDAD!

nuestra inteligencia FUNCIONE comercial y de mercados para el ¡DEBEMOS HACER QUE LAMejorar EDUCACIÓN PARA acceso internacional y encontrar nichos de mercado para la MERCADOS BELICE! exportación de los productos no tradicionales ¡EL PUPNUEVOS HARÁ QUE LA EDUCACIÓN FUNCIONE PARA BELICE!

TODOS FI WIN! BLU GANAMOS! EVERYBODY

Continued on page 13

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2020

13

THE BELIZE TIMES

Our PUP planBelize for Agriculture came from the people – we consulted over the past months with farmers, farm leaders, producers, professionals and politicians.

The COVID-19 crisis reminds us that Belize is bountiful. We must harness, manage, and produce what we have. It is not about words, but deeds. And it starts with recognizing that Farm to Table is an everyday idea.

When we put our hands in the soil and properly utiliz what comes from it, then we are making a big statement; that we determine our destiny, our very survival.

Our Farm to Table Agriculture plan is designed by the people and for the people. Sown with seeds of Belizean vision, determination and hard work, we will reap a nation of prosperity and security.

Nuestro planBelize para la Agricultura vino del pueblo - consultamos durante los últimos meses con representación y aporte de agricultores, líderes agrícolas, productores, profesionales y políticos.

La crisis de COVID-19 nos recuerda que Belice tiene abundancia.

Debemos aprovechar, administrar y producir lo que tenemos. No se trata de palabras, sino de hechos. Y comienza reconociendo que "De la granja a la mesa" es una idea cotidiana.

Cuando ponemos nuestras manos en la tierra y la trabajamos como se debe, con esto hacemos una gran declaración de que determinamos nuestro destino, nuestra propia supervivencia.

Nuestro plan de Agricultura, de la Granja a la Mesa, está diseñado por el pueblo y para el pueblo. Se sembró con las semillas de una visión beliceña, determinación y trabajo arduo que vamos a cosechar una nación prospera y segura.

Johnny Briceño

Leader People’s United Party September 2020

publication of

The People’s United Party Belize, Central America September 2020

14

THE BELIZE TIMES

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2020

SIX STEPS TO MAKE GOVERNMENT MORE ACCOUNTABLE First, we will ensure an Independent Public Accounts Committee. One that is strengthened so that substantive ministers cannot be members of the PAC. As well, all House Committee meetings, including PAC meetings will be open to the public and streamed live.

Second, the Integrity Commission must do its job effectively. To do so it should no longer be controlled by the Party in Government. Likewise, we will put in place a mechanism to ensure the financial independence of the Integrity Commission with a budget to be approved by the National Assembly. They need the tools and personnel to get the job done!

Third, the recent cases of misappropriation of government funds is a clear indication that we need a strong and independent office of the Auditor General.

• The next PUP Government will ensure that the Auditor General’s Office has unrestricted access to information and with full powers of investigation, including subpoena powers to ensure that requests for information and documentation are complied with expeditiously.

• The Auditor General’s office will be permitted to submit their budget directly to the National Assembly for approval.

• Most important, we will ensure that the Auditor General is allowed to present reports directly to the National Assembly and not only to the Prime Minister.

Fourth, the PUP will not only implement UNCAC, but we will also enact Campaign Finance Legislation.

• In the first 100 days, the new PUP government will direct the Office of the Attorney General to draft Campaign Finance legislation which will be subject to national consultations and review before a final bill is tabled and passed into law.

Fifth we must make the National Assembly function as the centerpiece of our government, complete with all requisite checks and balances.

• That means that the next PUP Government will ensure a minimum of one House Sitting per month.

And sixth now that Senator Aldo Salazar has finally released the findings of the Senate Select Committee on the hustle at the Department of Immigration.

• We demand follow up action including criminal investigation and prosecution as deemed necessary.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

2020

STANDARD BEARERS

Belize Rural South: Andre Perez

ON THE MOVE Stann Creek West: Rodwell Ferguson

Belize Rural North: Marconi Leal

Corozal Southeast: Florencio Marin Jr.

EVERYBODY FI WIN!

planBelize

TODOS GANAMOS!

16

THE BELIZE TIMES

20 SEP

2020

Happy

39th

Anniversary

Party Leader John Briceño, the National Executive of the People’s United Party, the Belize Times, Vibes Media and our PUP Family Wish Our Beloved Nation Belize,

And all Belizeans at home and abroad A Blessed and Peaceful Independence Day

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2020

THE BELIZE TIMES

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18

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THE BELIZE TIMES

STANDARD BEARERS

2020

Belmopan: Oscar Mira

ON THE MOVE

Belize Rural Central: Dolores Balderamos Garcia

Queen’s Square: Allan Pollard

Toledo West: Oscar Requena

Caribbean Shores: Kareem Musa

Collet: Oscar Arnold Dangriga: Louis Zabaneh

EVERYBODY FI WIN!

planBelize

TODOS GANAMOS!

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2020

THE BELIZE TIMES

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BOGUS LAND GIVEAWAY

By Gilroy Usher, Sr. “I want to cancel my transfer for Superman, the tall brown skin guy in Port Loyola, cause he is worthless. He told me transfer to Port, and he would give me a land and a cell phone the same day, and from I transfer to the area, the man no give me anything. I can’t even see the man again.” –a conned voter” Last week, the fake land giveaway by Superman in the Port Loyola Division was exposed. That occurred when officials from the Lands Department visited the Jane Usher Area and other parts of the division in Belize City and informed the people that no person has the authority to simply give people land that are already leased to other individuals.

The statement was necessary after it was discovered that the aspirant for national office was cunning persons to do his political biddings by offering them land that are already leased to other persons or owned with title and as such are unavailable to the public.

Following the visit of representatives from the Lands Department in the area, over two dozen persons, who were clearing or filling land that they claim were given to them by Superman immediately ceased all work on the lots suffering tremendous loss of time, labour, material, and money.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

In the bogus land giveaway unsuspecting persons begin to clear and fill specific areas of land after Superman takes them to the Lands Department in Belize City where they are then given a printout that they believe is the number for their lease land.

That of course is far from the truth. What the innocent persons are actually given are tracking numbers which show they have applied to lease certain lots. Superman however knows that the persons cannot receive lease for those lands, because they are already leased to other persons or the lands are owned with proper title. After the unsuspecting persons have done his political bidding however, Superman doesn’t care about the rude awakening they will receive months later and the loss they will then suffer, when a) the holders of leases or titles for those properties present their documents and demand that squatters vacate their land before they call the police to arrest them for trespassing or b) the persons in need of land receive a letter from the Lands Department which states that their application to lease specific lands have been denied, because other persons already have leases or titles for the same properties.

Unconscionable, Superman is able to exploit the pressing need of ordinary Belizeans for lots to build their homes and improves that their lives, because for the past thirteen years this uncaring UDP government has steadfastly refused to make land available for the people. This administration spent $46 million for a sporting complex in Belize City that is rarely used, over $500 million to compensate Ashcroft for B.T.L. that wasn’t even worth $150 million when it was nationalized for the benefit of the Ministers, their families, and their cronies, and they wrote off $95 million in taxes for wealthy land owners.

Nevertheless for thirteen long years

2020

this same UDP administration has stubbornly refused to spend even $16 million to make 200 filled lots with provision for streets available for the people.

The first item of the PUP Bill of Rights states. “Every Belizean should have access to a piece of land. With land we immediately create opportunities for upliftment and personal growth.”

With the support of the people and the Heavenly Father, the suffering of ordinary Belizeans due to a lack of land to build their homes or for farming will come to an end with

the election of the People’s United Party to government in the first week of November this year.

With that victory PUP will once again address the needs of ordinary Belizeans for land by making surveyed and filled lots with provisions for streets and playgrounds available for thousands of Belizeans in all six districts.

This land reform will be similar to what previous PUP governments did with the opening of Mahogany Heights, Vista Del Mar, Los Lagos, Fresh Pond, and the Mile 8 community on the G.P.H. among other places to make land available for ordinary Belizeans.

BY ORDER OF CHARGEE NOTICE OF INTENTION TO SELL HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED a statutory body formed and registered under the Credit Union Act, Chapter 314 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, and whose registered office is situated at No. 1 Hyde’s Lane, Belize City, Belize District hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Chargee under and by virtue of a Charge registered at the Land Registry between SEFERINO PAZ (Chargor) and CLARA LUCY PAZ (Borrower) of the one part and HRCU of the other part.

HRCU will at the expiration of three months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the properties described in the Schedule below. ALL offers to purchase the said properties must be made in writing to Holy Redeemer Credit Union Limited from whom full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained.

SCHEDULE REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL San Ignacio South 23 1916 Area: 989.682 s.m.

REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL San Ignacio South 23 1940 Area: 1591.035 s.m.

REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL San Ignacio South 23 1941 Area: 950.144 s.m.

DATED this 2nd day of September 2020 HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED 1 HYDE’S LANE, BELIZE CITY, BELIZE Phone: (501) 224-5644 Fax: (501) 223-0738 E-mail: foreclosures@hrcubelize.org

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2020

THINK ABOUT IT

BARROW TASTE DEFEAT On Tuesday 15th September, in the battle for Belize, Christian defeated the … government of Dan “the Pharaoh” Barrow. It is no small victory.

Never before, in the history of independent Belize has the churches take on a frontal flight with a government and win.

It was not a knockout, but a knock-down. Barrow went down, flat on his butt.

Fearing major injuries just weeks before General Elections, the referee stop the fight.

Barrow had won rung one with the sodomy law of section 53. Rung two with the E.O.B, he suffered a right jab to the face and an upper cut to the chin, he went sprawling to the canvas.

On Wednesday 16th September there was schedule a “special” meeting of the House of Representatives. The Agenda showed three subjects, two about Central Bank and the third was the interdiction of the equal Opportunities “Bill”.

Because nobody trust Prime Minister Barrow after years of deceit, lies arrogance and a history of doing what he wants in Cabinet, in the government, in the House and in financial matters. And because he has a long history of riding roughshod over the people of Belize and also passing important legislation in one single sitting of the house, his credibility is around zero.

His machinations to ram through the E.O.B. backfired.

While not all churches leaders had the morals courage to stand up for Christian principles and teachings, sufficient did follow the one called Jesus to make the difference principal among church activist were pastors Lewis Wade and Scott ……The Roman Catholic church of Divine Mercy worked tirelessly. St. Maria, guided by the Ave Maria wrote excellent letters to cabinet ministries.

The Belize Council of churches, contorted and self-effecting as they are, after much prayers and contribution with lawyers had publicly rejected the E.O.B. Excrement’s burnt tires and temporally blocked the Western and Northern Highway in the early morning of Tuesday 15th September.

Even in the cabinet there was rebellion against Barrow. Everyone knows his wife is an supporter of the foreign-funded agenda of the E.O.B. By midday Tuesday 15th September, the demons had retreated cabinet was reduced to previously school level, drafting a facing saying public release on why they would not be introducing a bill which was obviously bad for Belize.

There is a story in the Bible, in Matthews chapter 8, verse 28 on. It tells us what Jesus did with the demons who had taken control of two persons.

Christians have won a battle, but the war rages on.

As for the People’s United Party. We cannot support any form of discrimination.

But any purposed laws in some of the sensitive and delicate matters must be based on genuine consultations with all sectors of our society.

There is a fabulous Christian hymn that is so relevant. It is sung in the St. John’s

21

Cathedral by Anglicans -google “Christian, Dost Thou see them”.

ANOTHER BIG UDP SCANDAL Did BTL ever pay the people of Belize the more than 20 million dollars they owe in GST? Was there ever an investigation into this massive scandal?

If BTL was recording and in their books that they were paying every month and every year, but GST not getting the payments, where were all these millions going.

There are much scandals that have occurred at BTL. Large contracts to buy phones and requirement at cheap prices and reselling to BTL at high mark-ups. Shanigangs Skull-duggery, the list is long.

Now, along comes another trouble scandal. The longtime chairman of BTL is accused of abusing his position and of misusing BTL monies. Big time abuse. In the case thru the use of a credit card given to him to …..monies from BTL account.

What the hell!

The last time we heard about these types of public monies being abused, it was the ….at the PUC. Each credit card had up to 90 thousand dollars of the public monies.

And baby were they spending, like trying to keep up with the kardashians.

The future Prime Minister of Belize, Johnny Briceño, has said this latest abuse of monies at BTL is only the tip of the iceberg.

BTL like the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Lands and other ministries will need a team of FBI to bubble up the rotten corruption that has gone on for the past five years.

SEE THEM BRIBING WITH….. “see them bribing with their guns , spare parts and money…..”

Those are the words of one of Bob Marley many relevant songs.

If he was around today he would be lashing out at Barrow and the UDP gangsters. “see them bribing with land papers, tablets and money trying to convince us to vote them in so that they can thief us”.

“But thru the powers of the Most High, we will keep them guessing, and when we mark our ballot sheets we gwine x them out”.

Yes, tek them money and vote them out.

BOOTS IN PICKSTOCK Boots Martinez should not go to meetings of the House of Representative. He should not be paid any allowances as an Area Representative.

The people of Port Loyola voted for him to represent them until his 5 years are up.

He has abandoned the poor struggling people of Port and is driving around in Pickstock giving land papers and money to bribe voters.

Every voter in Pickstock is encouraged to take his dirty money and on Election Day reject him.

For the 9th Anniversary of the Passing of the Father of the Nation,

The Right Honourable George Cadle Price, was born on January 15, 1919 at the Price Family Home at number 3 Pickstock Street in Belize City which was to remain his home until his death on 19 September 2011 – three day’s short of the 30th Anniversary of Belize’s Independence – his crowning achievement. Mr. Price is one of the founders of the People’s United Party and the architect of the country’s Independence, and is referred to as the Father of the Nation.

Saturday September 19, 2020 Lord’s Ridge Cemetery 9:00a.m.

Due to Covid-19 protocols we are all asked to keep the date in mind and heart. On National Service Day we were asked to do something just near to our homes but that will impact our communities.

Wreath Laying Ceremony

George Cadle Price

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THE BIRTHING OF CIWIL – BELIZE NATIONAL CHAPTER So the email came and I penciled in the date and time for the zoom formation meeting of the Caribbean Women in Leadership (CIWiL) Belize National Chapter! I was super, super excited! Jubilant to say the least! After all I had the pleasure of meeting most of the executive members earlier in February of this year in Bridgetown, Barbados at one of the ParlaAmericas conference on Multi-stakeholder Meeting: Building a coordinated position for Caribbean negotiations on Beijing +25. I most definitely was not going to miss this very important meeting! So I sat ready in my home office ready to participate in what I wholeheartedly believe will be the birthing of indomitable Belizean women in politics. The announcement came like answers to my prayers! But in my excitement, I had scheduled the meeting one week in advance and had to hastily call my regional counterpart to verify the date and time as checking my email would have been way too slow!

For those who don’t know of CIWiL or what it means, I didn’t either until late last year, it means Caribbean Women in Leadership (CIWiL) and it’s a non-political, multi-partisan, and independent NGO. The organization was established to monitor, strengthen and increase women’s political participation and leadership in the region through advocacy, networking, research and capacity building initiatives. The Caribbean Women in Leadership (CIWiL) was conceptualized in 1998 by a collective of women. They were concerned by the continued marginalization of women from positions of leadership and power and understood that women must be fully involved in the decision-making processes that impact their lives – and play a role in the critique, understanding, and practice of leadership in the Caribbean – in order to achieve more just, violence-free and equitable nations.

CIWiL works with activists, female parliamentarians, development professionals, and national gender machineries to train and support women across the region as they seek elected office or assume other

positions of leadership. CIWiL aims to create a sustainable, effective, and efficient women’s leadership base, and to achieve gender equality, through advocacy, networking, research and capacity building. The organization also acts as a coordinating and implementing mechanism for a regional programme of work developed and delivered by a network of organizations and individuals, to advance women’s transformational leadership. (https://ciwil.org/ board-of-directors/).

This Formation Meeting of CIWiL for the Belize National Chapter, which you cannot afford to miss, will be held next week Tuesday 22nd September 2020 at 3:00pm (Belize Time). Quiet timely too, as the formation meeting will be on our 39th anniversary of our Independence as a sovereign nation. I urge all women from all walks of life, from all sectors of society to log in on zoom, participate and be inspired to take on your rightful roles in all levels of governance in our country. If it’s never before, Belize needs more women in politics because we bring to the table the balance needed for national agendas to be set that will impact all Belizeans. So as we pay our tribute to a great politician the Rt. Honourable Said Musa, and the Father of our Nation before him, it is time that Belize sees more strong women taking on the political mantle and continue to make a difference at the highest level of governance. You can and we must for our country’s sake!

At present Lady A. Anande Trotman-Joseph is the current President of the Caribbean Women in Leadership (CIWiL). She is also a practicing Attorney at Law and a Founding Partner of the Law Firm of Chapman and Trotman, and the Managing Partner of the Law Firm of Joseph & Joseph. She is a former Solicitor General of Grenada and is the Immediate Past President of the Grenada Bar Association. Lady Trotman-Joseph is the current Chairperson of Grenada’s Integrity Commission and is a past Chairperson of the Commonwealth Caribbean Association of Integrity Associations and Anti-Corruption Bodies (CCAICACB) and continues to serve on its Executive.

20 SEP

2020 LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICES

Notice is hereby given that San Shine Aung is applying for a Renewal of a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Favourite Restaurant & Grocery 1” located at # 38 C.A. Blvd., Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that San Shine Aung is applying for a Renewal of a Convenience Store Liquor License to be operated at “Favourite Restaurant & Bar” located at # 1077 Mahogany Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Kazi Jasimuddin is applying for a Renewal of a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Kazi Super Store” located on Barrack Street, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Arsenia Pott is applying for a Renewal of a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Seliani Shop” located in Guinea Grass Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Maria Elena Medina is applying for a Renewal of a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Medina’s Mini Shop” located in Santa Cruz Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Karina Villanueva is applying for a Renewal of a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “Karina’s Cool Spot” located in Ladyville Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Leslie Naaman Gillett is applying for a Renewal of a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Matilda’s Mini Mart” located in Burrell Boom Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Shuanghua Chen is applying for a Renewal of a Convenience Store Liquor License to be operated at “Oscar Shop” located at # 39 Vernon Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Jian Long Yu is applying for a Renewal of a Convenience Store Liquor License to be operated at “Guan’s Shop” located at # 6 Raccoon Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Alma Alamilla is applying for a Renewal of a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Queen’s Bites” located at # 2 Liberty Avenue, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Jiamao Yao is applying for a Renewal of a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “We Hardware & Construction Supplies” located at # 1 Mitchell Estate, Ladyville Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Jiamao Yao is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “We Hardware & Construction Supplies” located at # 1 Mitchell Estate, Ladyville Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

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2020

OUT

!

Dear Editor, I tiad a the Same Ole UDP… The UDP placed out an official notice some days ago that finally they have 31 candidates in line to be massacred. So the UDP was not governing Belize. They were, all this time, looking for 31 standard bearers to attempt to fool Belize into a state of imagination that the Best is yet to be Come. The list is basically all known names.

In the least innovative of announcements, the idealess UDP had nothing to offer Belize. There is no plan, no new candidates and no change to their corrupt ways. They still have no leader.

Two conventions gave them a 72hr leader and a leader elect, respectively.

The UDP can frustrate us some more each time they remind us what each of the 31 has done in the field of corruption and ineptitude but let us keep with the last three. Faber, we would like to talk about your plan free candidacy but that would be another letter.

The last three that will save their money instead of going into a convention are Dr. Angel Campos of Free Zone and Ministry of Health infamy.

Then, Papa Mena who rubbed a little off Mason as well is staying put. He didn’t do anything for Dangriga so he is perfect fit for the UDP. Lastly, the socks man himself, the Minister of self-development Boots Martinez who was literally chased away from Port by the people of Port and Gilroy Usher. The latest is that Boots was also chased from Pickstock.

Campos, Mena and Martinez are doing their best to collect the last that they can. They realize that the last slush they will receive will be their last ever from a UDP campaigning for a possibly showing in 2030. The UDP done. I am with the PUP the UDP… Dehn got to go!

Thanks Editor Am on Board

THE BELIZE TIMES

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THE BELIZE TIMES

2020

PUP Councils on the Move Corozal Town Council: “MOVING COROZAL TOWN FORWARD!!”

Invitation to DJ’s Mayor Rigo Vellos, the Corozal Town Council and the September Celebrations Committee invite our local DJs to register and participate in another of our September 2020 special events.

3. Virtual DJ Competition, on Saturday September 26th CALL Nathalie at 480-2072 to register. Deadline to register is Wednesday, September 23rd.

Poster Competition Entries were received for the poster competition to commemorate the 222nd anniversary of the Battle of St. George’s Caye. The poster with the most likes will be the winner(visit the page to see these and the others). The voting was closed at 8:00 pm Sunday 13th September 2020. Get everyone involved and vote for your favourite poster.

Corozal Eco-Friendly Park The Corozal Town Council reports to our residents that the development of the Rainbow Beach area where Corozal Town’s first world-class, eco-friendly inflatable Water Park is setting up, in collaboration with Maximum Water Park, continues progressively under the Environmental Clearance approved by the Department of Envi-

ronment. Residents are encouraged to stop by and take a look at this promising investment initiative that will open many opportunities for our community, attracting local tourism and broadening our economic activity.

Drainage Work at the Chula Vista Area Continues Your Corozal Town Council continues the improvement works along a main drainage vein in the Chula Vista area. The work includes the re-excavation of the drain, the cementing of the sides and floor, and repositioning of culverts to ensure the proper flow of water during rains. We are very grateful for the efforts and dedication of our employees to our town’s improved infrastructure.

We may not have ALL the resources we need, but we have the WILL and DETERMINATION to get the job done!!

YOUR CTC AT WORK!

Orange Walk Town Council: “The Work Continues.”

World Suicide Awareness Day Mayor, Deputy, and councillors Shepherd and Sanchez were handed over a flag to commemorate World Suicide Awareness Day. The flag was raised at the Town Hall.

Democracia Street Project Owners of Neto’s Seafood along with Mayor Bernard and Deputy Mayor Cal today treated the workers at the La Democracia Street Project. The project’s first phase which entails a sidewalk on one side, curb drain on both sides, and a cemented approach on the west side is nearing completion within the next couple days. The second phase is the paving of the street with 2 coats of chip and seal.

Belize City Council, Always ‘Bout the People

Meet our Youth Shadow Council!

These 11 ambitious youth leaders have been assigned these respective portfolios and will be working closely with the members of the Belize City Council to develop projects and gain a deeper understanding of managing a municipality. Let’s do this! ~Your Belize City Council…

20 SEP

2020

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THE BELIZE TIMES PUP Standard Bearers

to their Constituents Excerpts of FB Posts and other

Hon. Jose Mai, Orange Walk South

Marconi Leal, Belize Rural North

PUP Belize Rural Northern Standard Bearer, Marconi Leal Sr., working hands in hand with the Sandhill Village Council on the development of the Sandhill community.

The Sandhill Village Council would like to thank FAST Construction & Road Development and the PUP Belize Rural North Standard Bearer, Marconi Leal Sr., for assisting us with the sponsorship and development of our welcome signs at both entrances of our village at miles 14 and 20 on the Philip Goldson Highway and the signs at the entrance of our Maxboro community.

We truly are grateful for your assistance and unwavering commitment to furthering the development of our community.

As your Sandhill Village Council, we continue to focus on developing our community and improving lives.

Marconi Leal and the Blue machine at work once again! Belize Rural North deserves a hard worker and a man with Vision! Marconi Leal is that Choice! A man Powered by the People and a heart of Service. #VoteBlue #VoteMarconi Dolores Balderamos Garcia, Belize Rural Central When elected, I pledge to push for an amendment to our election laws so that a student from any country cannot vote having been in Belize for just a year. This is a colonial vestige that must go. Whether from the Commonwealth or not, a student should NOT be able to help determine the outcome of elections.// The outreach, campaigning and assistance continues in Western Paradise !! We WILL NOT forget our mile 8 Community !!”// With deepest regret we mark the passing from this good earth of our dear friend and stalwart PUP supporter Eloise Hyde of Ysaguirre Blvd. Hattieville.// Andre Perez, Belize Rural South Our friends from Tender Buff have been very supportive of our relief efforts on the island! Their donations of smoked sausages and burger patties have been very welcomed! This evening we received a shipment from Tender Buff and we issued them to residents as they passed by our office on Coconut Drive. During these trying times, every little bit helps. Thank you Tender Buff for your continued support to the residents of Belize Rural South.

I want to acknowledge a true friend, a brother from high school. We share so much in common and we come from the same school of thought.

“Men and Women for others”.Thank you brother and wish you well in your ventures. Tender Buff The products are high grade quality!! Proud Belizean Product from Orange Walk./// The first 100 days are crucial to stimulate renewed confidence in our local economy, to establish the basis for long term projects, and bring welcomed reprieve from current economic hardship. Mr. @Andre Perez, the next Belize Rural South area representative presents his plan of action for the first 100 days! These 10 points are part of our manifesto which will detail our overall plans for Belize Rural South. Our pledges will be posted very soon!

Los primero 100 dias en oficina son cruciales para estableser confianza en nuestra economia local, para estableser la fundacion de proyectos permanentes, y atraer alivio en estos tiempos criticos.

Andre Perez, el proximo represente de Belize Rural South (San Pedro y Cayo Hicaco), nos presenta su plan de accion para los primeros100 dias! Estos puntos son parte de nuestro manifesto que detallara los planes completos para Belize Rural South. #WeDeserveBetter #VICTORYWITHANDRE #merecemosmejor

tion.

On Wednesday September 9, 2020, we launched the PUP’s Agriculture and Food Policy entitled ‘From Farm to Table with Love’. I take this opportunity to thank all those who in some way or the other contributed in putting together the Policy Document.

Thanks to those who took their time to meet with us for long hours during the consultation process.

We thank the farmers for providing interviews, to the reporters, and camera teams. And, we thank those farmers who provided items and equipment for stage prepara-

And of course, thanks to our Chief of Staff and his Producing Team for a job well done.

With hard work, perseverance and God’s blessings and Guidance... we will transform the Agro-productive sector for the benefit of all.

Hon. Mike Espat, Toledo East

Hon. Oscar Requena, Toledo West

BigFalls is Election Ready. They are ready to Deliver for the PUP. Oscar Requena will deliver.

This is one of the biggest committees that we have and we will deliver Bigfalls once again. The message is clear. We will

deliver. The people of Bigfalls are ready.

Thanks to the new members who joined.

Don’t be left behind. Join the winning team.

Oscar Requena for Toledo West.

San Marcus is also Election Ready. They want to ask Simeon COC, why is he making promises when his government is in power? Your government has the funds and resources. They also want to know about the auditor General’s report. They need answers. Fix the roads! Your UDP government in in power.

We had 2 meetings because our working committee is so big. They want elections as of tomorrow. Welcome to the party Join the winning team. Don’t be left behind.

PUP all the way. Much love from San Vicente and Jalacte. We went. to check with our leaders on the damages caused by the storm. Hon. Oscar also went to deliver his contributions to different projects in these Villages. This included the contribution towards this one of a kind newly built Church by the people of San Vicente. Over 220 farmers got affected with over 900 acres of corn field being destroyed in San Vicente and Jalacte.

We hope these farmers can get some help. We also met the UDP promising and politicizing the help by taking the NAVCO representative to try and fool the people but the message from our people is clear.

Election Day, we will vote Oscar…##Plan Belize## Hon. Francis Fonseca, Freetown HAPPY SEPTEMBER CELEBRATIONS!!

These are strange and challenging times. Ordinarily I would be telling you to have a fun filled day(s) and not to overdo the partying BUT instead I have to urge you all to be safe and healthy. Remember the rules and follow the COVID protocols.

And of course this year, we all learned about VIRTUAL! SO

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Continued from page 25 I invite you to join us at whenever possible in virtual celebrations.

BRAM INNA U HOUSE AND NO MORE THAN 10 PEOPLE!!!

Louis Zabaneh, Dangriga

LEADERSHIP FOR THE PEOPLE. When I sat down with our Party Leader about two and a half years ago to discuss my interest in becoming a standard bearer for the PUP, both Dangriga and Belmopan came up as possible Constituencies.

I was clear with the PL that Dangriga was my sure choice. While I know many of the wonderful people in Belmopan, it is in Dangriga that I have my roots. I wish to give back to the people who have given me so much. I formed much of my thinking and personality at Ecumenical High School, under the leadership of the great Augustine Flores (may he rest in peace) and superb teachers such as Mrs. Marina Woodeye (may she rest in peace), Mr. Natalian Enriquez, Mr. Dennis Lopez, Sister Claire of Assissi, Mrs. Jeanette Austin, and Mr. Francis Humphreys. Others who did not teach me but were very caring include Aunt Julie Lewis and Ms. Gayle Chandroo (please forgive my spelling). My closest friends today were my classmates: Aaron Lewis, Elbert Jahmor Lopez, Bryron Shackles Flowers, David Diego, Daniel Fernandez, and Ruford Murray. Our children call us uncles and our wives they call aunts. We are compadres to our children. And, I am not even discussing my very close relationship with all the Garifuna musicians and their families - that’s for an entirely separate post. So, how stupid and low is such an allegation. And how disrespectful to include Former Mayor Swaso’s picture without his permission. I may not look like a Garifuna, but I live the core values of our people. And that is what matters most, truly living the creed of “Aubun Amuru nu”. But because of their ignorance and desperation, I forgive them and pray for them.

Now let’s turn to the ridiculous lies about money laundering and drug trading. There was a wikileaks document that the UDPs circulated as far back as 2010 or 2011. I had become an investor in and President of Galen University and when l heard of and read the document, I immediately visited U.S. Ambassador Tumallapaly in Belmopan to discuss.

The document was a daily briefing from the US Embassy to the State Department. It spoke of allegations and rumors. The Ambassador was clearly embarrassed by the unfounded statements after I explained who I was and what my investment in Galen really comprised. I asked the Ambassador to retract but he said that their rules and regulations prevented him from doing so. He did offer to show support and accepted to be the guest speaker at our graduation. I am still today amazed that the reporter (and his “solid sources” as he told me then) mentioned in the document acted the way he did. My hope is that now, after he and others learnt that my investment in Galen was really a small minority, that they could come to realize the huge injustice of their actions. But that too has been forgiven. I have never gone after anyone; my great grandparents taught me otherwise. As Michelle Obama reminded us “When they go low, we go high.” My great grandparents and my Mom would say “Leave them to God my son. He will take care of everything.”

And that’s what I keep doing.

Another sad accusation is that “all my businesses have gone bankrupt, so that means I cannot run a town.” How ignorant a statement. If they are referring to the papaya farm I had established in 2003 and which closed in 2007, they surely have not thought things out. But that should not be a surprise, because thinking things out is not one of their qualities. The entire papaya industry has died in Belize, unfortunately. But there are reasons for that.

While papaya exports has one of the highest returns of all exports, it is a very delicate product. I visited the Brazilian papaya Industry and specifically its largest papaya farm. In that country and other progressive counties, the government assists farmers with technical support including research and development. They use the universities as practical laboratories, and the professors and students as extension personnel to help farmers deal with pest and disease control, modern irrigation and drainage, crop management and packaging, processing, transportation, and marketing. This makes their agriculture competitive internationally. In Belize, we have all but abandoned our farmers. When Fruta Bumba, with over 800 acres of papaya planted, closed down in Corozal hundreds of workers lost their jobs. Nothing was done to assist. My papaya farm had reached 125 acres with over 70 workers. I learnt a lot from that experience that I plan to take with me to the job in government if given the opportunity.

And so let’s underline the point: we learn from our losses and misfortunes. Most successful business persons will tell you that they have learnt more from their failures than their successes - that’s why they ultimately succeed. Does the present UDP standard bearer in the Dangriga Constituency have such experience to learn from? Or is ignorance bliss? My other businesses have succeeded, Thank God.

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2020

Over that time, we can estimate that the Belmopan City Council has collected approximately $8 million dollars from the vendors. This is more than enough money to have built a vendors market.

Instead, we have no idea where all this money has gone. This money came from the hard work of low income Belizeans but it has not been accounted for. Not only that, they were still selling in a parking lot and now being denied an opportunity to regain some lost income. This is not the way to run a Capital City.

Candice Pitts, Mesopotamia

In an attempt to reach all areas of Mesopotamia and to make everyone feel included, we have decided to rotate the Mesopotamia Soup Kitchen. As of today, and for the next couple months, the kitchen will operate from 2863 Armadillo St (across from Wesley Primary School).

Food will be available at 12noon! We continue to serve residents most in need in Mesopotamia, as well as the tenants at the Raymond Park’s Night Shelter.

We thank the cooks and assistants who have offered to take on this act of service to their community. We will operate from the other areas soon! #Mesopotamia #unity #equity #inclusivity #MesopotamiaSoupKitchen #AllAboutTheLove #CandicePitts #MesopotamiasChoice2020// The residents of Mesopotamia want a representative with integrity.

Someone who is genuine, empathetic, and compassionate.

Someone who won’t disrespect and insult them.

Someone who will not offer assistance and then throw it in their faces.

Someone who will not threaten them and cause them to live in fear.

Someone who is smart, strong, and can passionately represent their causes.

Someone who is a visionary, can help develop their community, and help improve the quality of their lives.

Someone who offers hope and can inspire their children and grandchildren.

Someone who can better represent and develop our Beloved BELIZE. The Choice is Clear!

As a nation, we are facing some difficult times. But, BELIZE is a resilient nation.

And, Belizeans are a uniquely blessed people. Together, we will do better! #InternationalLiteracyDay2020 #knowlegeispower #readingispower #candicepitts #mesopotamiaschoice2020 David J. Castillo, Corozal North

The Corozal North Family would like to extend our sincere condolences to one of our stalwart supporters and close friends Mr. Giovanni “Joe” Tun in Paraiso Village. He will be missed by many. We send our prayers to his family and friends and may God guide and accompany them in these difficult times./// La humildad es una base fuerte que caracteriza un lider. Adelante con David J. Castillo.

Unidos cinstruiremos un Corozal Norte fuerto y prospero. ¿Adónde está el dinero para ayudarle a la gente de Corozal North? ¿Adónde se a usado todo estos millones?

Por doce años el UDP ha abandonado a Corozal y la área de Corozal Norte. Por doce años la gente de Corozal han sufrido abajo este gobierno. Ya es tiempo para un cambio!

Ya es tiempo para sacar el UDP! Ya es tiempo de votar para el PUP! #daveforcorozalnorth #planbelize #changeiscomming Ramiro Ramirez, Corozal Southwest

Oscar Mira, Belmopan

WHERE IS OUR MARKET? From what we know, Belmopan Market Day has been running for about 20 years.

Hon. Florencio Marin Jr., Corozal Southeast Sarteneja Village Council: We have been struggling to keep up with all the work that this developing community demands on a daily basis. We have been demanding Ministry of Rural Development to deposit the liquor license revenues to the councils’ account so that we can keep up the work but up to now we have no positive feedback. We have been

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2020

THE BELIZE TIMES

Continued from page 26

running this community with zero dollars from liquor license fees for 14 months now. Do you think it is just of fear? Do you think it is the UDP cronies that are conspiring against this council that ran under a blue flag? What do you think Sartenjeja? What should we do?

We got to Vote dem out! The UDP got to go! Come November we will all go to the polls and vote dem out!!

On Election Day Vote for a Humble, Honest, Compassionate and Genuine True Leader, The Honorable Florencio Marin Jr. Mr. Florencio is a man for his people and he will bring progress to Corozal Southeast who have been neglected and punished all these years under a UDP Government.

Tantos MILLONES recibidos por el UDP y los Beliceños sin TRABAJO, sin DINERO, sin COMIDA. El UDP se tiene que ir!!!

El CAMBIO EMPIESA AHORA!! EL CAMBIO ES CON EL PARTIDO UNIDO DEL PUEBLO (PUP) El Cambio empieza AHORA y solo lo tendremos con un Gobierno del Partido Unido del Pueblo.

Caledonia esta listo para el cambio. Corozal Sureste esta Listo con el Honorable Florencio Marin, Jr. PUP ALL THE WAY #nacimosparaganar #trueblue #Nacidoparaganar #pupalltheway David ‘Dido’ Vega, Corozal Bay

New Hope for the Bay with David Dido Vega: The constituency of Corozal Bay has been abandoned over the past twelve years.

We have witnessed the collapse of industries, the increase on unemployment rate and the lack of adequate health services.

The Corozal Commercial Free Zone also began struggling to generate business, closing down a casino which left many hardworking men and women jobless.

Financial constraints within households keep getting worse. Therefore, causing ripple effects on tuition, utility and medical fees to mention a few.

The residents of Corozal Bay have had ENOUGH! It is time for visionary leadership to represent Corozal Bay! David ‘Dido’ Vega is the man who has emerged and is ready to lead and transform the Corozal Bay constituency to the productive town it yearns to be.

VOTE BLU! VOTE DIDO! EVERYBODY IN COROZAL BAY FI WIN WITH DIDO AND THE PUP! Alex Balona, Cayo Central

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Orlando Habet, Cayo Northeast

Javier and Marisa, I thank you again for inviting me to dive deeper into our Agricultural Policy. I believe it was more informative and our listeners and viewers appreciated it. The plan was designed from the ground up, with input from farmers and producers across all sectors. Today, we went over key points in the plan for Agriculture and presented solutions on how to develop them.

We expressed interest in increasing productive capacity of farms by improving the management practices to maximize land use.

Ensuring food security enables us to have sufficient food for the year while having a 3 to 6 month food storage in times of emergency. The current tax system is also in need of revision so farmers have more monetary power instead of owing taxes upfront, before they start to earn from the sale of crops. Another issue is when farmers don’t have access to irrigation and drainage systems, and have to rely on the environment, when a drought or hurricane passes through, they can lose their harvest for the year and are at a significant loss. These are just a few of the topics touched on this morning.

I have faith that our policy in agriculture will jumpstart the sector and give it the priority it deserves. It will create a path for us all to get involved and see returns on the investment.

By putting our people’s interests at the top we will all win. We will, together with a private sector led approach unleash Belize’s full potential for productivity, domestic consumption and exports while at the same time keeping our resources sustainable with an environmentally friendly approach. #TodosGanamosConLandy #WeAllWithLandy #planBelize #VoteBLU Hon. Rodwell Ferguson, Stann Creek West It was another successful day today in Maya Mopan village. In 2008 the tide was against the PUP everything is a cycle this time it’s against the UDP no matter what they say or do the people want them gone. I want to give Kudus to the PUP executive in the village.

Thank you Maya Mopan for accepting me into your homes especially Mr. Coc when that hard rain came down you gave us shelter and thanks for the food as well. Also thanks to Mrs. Chiac for providing us with the nice bread and hot tea. We have a vibrant young committee with one elder as the leader of the pack./// The pandemic is affecting the country of Belize from March of this year. The Government was telling people back then that individuals had to apply online because it is non-political. Most people were stalled because all they wanted your phone number. The election is on the horizon and it proved that the entire process is political as campaigners are going village to village taking down names from voters and promising pantry.

The voters are no fool they telling them why now we could have died from starvation from March. Monies from the international funding agencies is being used to carry out a political agenda to win votes. /// Together we will overcome for the love of the people and work to make life better for all.

RADO FOR STANN CREEK WEST, PURE LOVE AND READY TO SERVE THE PEOPLE....

BLESSED IS THE MAN WHO WALK IN THE PATH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS...

Hon. Kareem Musa, Caribbean Shores

Road Works underway for Nurse Seay Street.

Many thanks to Councillor Albert Vaughn and the Belize City Council for once again delivering! #TimeToRise #EverybodyfiWin #planBelize Let us remember to observe COVID protocols, keep an extra eye on our elderly citizens, assist the vulnerable and less fortunate and protect our families and children.

2020 has thrown its punches, but we are resilient, we are strong and together we will rise. #TeamKareem #TimetoRise #Blu #BluShores #Belize #Vote2020 Jorge ‘Milin’ Espat, Cayo West

Ramon ‘Monchi’ Cervantes, Orange Walk North

Political talkshow hosted by MONCHI. Every Monday at 8PM. Tune in LIVE on this FB page.

Also on our Youtube ChannelOrange Walk North PUP. The San Antonio Rio Hondo Village Council: Let’s stay home if there is no need. However, for essential workers, front line employees, and all those hard working Belizeans, access to basic public transportation means a lot.

Having an adequate bus stop provides shelter. In this current situation, the beautification of a bus stop can provide a sense of hope and relaxation for our daily commuters.

Let’s keep our bus stop clean and beautiful. San Antonio Rio Hondo Village Council works completed on the beautification of the bus stop. # stay home safe.

May God bless us all.

¡TU VOTO TIENE PODER! Benque Viejo, San Jose Succotz, Arenal, Calla Creek and Corozalito, we need your support!

Over the last 2 decades, the area representative has had more than enough time to completely transform Cayo West by boosting our economy and securing jobs for our people. Instead, he has only secured wealth for himself, family and close friends. Their formula to winning elections has been with voters from across the border and by creating a culture of dependency with handouts and Election Day paydays. Handouts are short term assistance that can only mean one thing: Your voice and vote have been bargained. We need to start thinking about the long-term effect rather than the short-term relief. Remember that bribery means food for today, hunger for tomorrow.

Our fight against corruption and injustices must be fuelled with consistent commitment and participation. There is greater force when we all sing at the same time and with the same rhythm. In essence, we must work together to make great things happen for Cayo West!

Please remain safe. Follow the recommendations given by health authorities and protect your family and Community. We are optimistic about a brighter day for Belize. God bless you all!

Ed. Note: Please be mindful that these are excerpts. For other pictures, comment, releases, and posts of our PUP leaders visit, LIKE and FOLLOW their FB profiles and pages. Also be a fan of the Whip Show at 7:15 on Vibes FBLive, Cable, and Radio.

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20 SEP

2020 United Democratic Party Commitments 2015 Manifesto

PART III (LAST OF 44 BROKEN PROMISES, UDP STYLE) #

Broken Promise

Outcome

31. Review the policy that prohibits the holding of US Capital has taken flight; In fact, is the last few years, UDP combination of poliDollar accounts at domestic banks in order to re- cy has weakened the banking system. With a third recession and a decimated tain capital in Belize economy with band-aids everywhere, Belizeans just want the UDP out of their lives.

32. Develop an investor-friendly residency program Is this the McAfee, Mason, Pukke, Dermen, Kingston etc. program?

33. Improve government services through the imple- Services to a few was great. It is called corrupted services. mentation of a system-wide quality process reform 34. Enact bills to enforce transparency & accountabili- On Feb 20 and 23, there was a major and a historic demonstration pointed to ty in Public Financial Management. the finances of the country being corrupted. In fact, the very supreme court had on Jan 31 ruled that PM Barrow had been involved for years in deliberate unconstitutional spending of Belizean money.

35. Fully implement an integrated e-Government sys- Maybe this is why the Prime Minister’s last decision on John Saldivar was a video to the nation. The Barrow Touch or the Barrow’s Law is the corrupted tem in all departments where practical version of Midas and Murphy.

36. Diversify the education curriculum to ensure rele- Faber cannot get his 2012 imposed amendments to work. Education is not vance to national demand happening at rates Belize needs to progress. PSE is regressing in terms of success.

37. Launch a nationwide preventative campaign to The politicizing of the health system has been detrimental. Pablo Marin is not reduce diabetes, hypertension & obesity through good for the MoH. Let us recall, the PM left him as Minister of health because proper nutrition & exercise he wins elections. Sad. We have a malpracticing Minister of Health.

38. Develop a National Housing Policy that will stimu- Anyone seen the policy? Yet, they can rack up a 24 thousand dollars in phone late housing starts & create a secondary market for bill for the last fiscal year. mortgages 39. Institute a National Lands Advisory Council to en- With Patt and the caretakers the corruption at Land continues. Patt said so sure adherence to progressive land use policies himself. Did he give 350 caye lots for 1000 dollars to UDP delegates for votes?

When the media asked him, he infamously said he won’t answer since his words are often distorted. Yes, Patt sounded distorted.

40. Implement a mandatory recycling program Oh yes they recycled the ministers in Cabinet. There was no improvement.

41. Restrict importation & use of non-biodegradable Has the UDP found out which packing is biodegradable? Does Belize have scipackaging entists who verify that the packaging being called biodegradable actually is? Is another fraud happening in plain sight?

42. Develop & implement a modern migration policy Is this the Dermen convict policy? that will ensure that immigration into Belize will Is this the Dianne Finnegan/Beverly Williams policy? contribute positively to our national development 43. Implement the National Council on Ageing’s Stra- Our septuagenarian and octogenarian relatives are waiting. Covid is staring tegic Plan 2015 – 2019 to address the needs of them in the face. Mr. UDP what will you do? our elderly, including legal protection, healthy life styles, financial security, social support, housing conditions & access 44. Invest $60 million to upgrade & widen the Philip It is 2020 and the old Haulover is still there. The widening rendered a highway Goldson Highway from Mile 2 to the PGIA junction, with deep defects. Horrible accidents along the stretch point to only some of & replace the Haulover Bridge the defects.

Get to the Next Edition of the Belize Times to see the last of the UDP broken promises of November 2015.

20 SEP

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THE BELIZE TIMES

2020 Editor’s Choice: International

‘Selva trágica’ da presencia a México en Venecia

(Beliceña, Indira Andrewin, la protagonista. (Especial)

|

Por Agencia EFE 10 de septiembre en Venecia - Yulene Olaizola ha llegado a Venecia embarazada de siete meses a pesar de las limitaciones impuestas a los viajes por la pandemia. La Mostra, explica, les ha concedido un permiso de trabajo que les permite quedarse durante cinco días sin cuarentenas.

Aunque las pruebas del coronavirus se las han hecho tanto para salir de México como para entrar en Italia. Sin embargo, cree que esta situación anómala contribuye a hacer de este 77 Festival de Venecia una edición especial.

“No es cualquier festival y no es cualquier año, es un riesgo para todos los que estamos aquí apostar por tener nuestras películas aquí más allá del riesgo de salud, en términos de la industria es un momento delicado y todos estamos poniendo un extra de nuestra parte. Creo que eso hace que todos estemos más emocionados”, apuntó la directora mexicana, quien llegó al festival con Selva trágica, la película con la que compite en la sección Horizontes de la fiesta cinematográfica.

El río Hondo que separa México de Belice y su impenetrable selva son el escenario de su historia, una película de hombres, diosas y misterio, con la que la realizadora da presencia al cine mexicano en la Mostra. El largometraje no tiene un tema concreto pero habla de confines, “del encuentro entre el mundo femenino y el masculino”, o “entre lo real y lo ficticio”. (Lea más en milenio.com)

Mexico assured Coronavirus vaccines for 25 million people

September 14 – “Mexico assured the World Health Organization (WHO) that 25 million people will receive vaccines against the Coronavirus, “as a first step of the many that will have to be given”, to ensure universal and free access to those who need”, said José Luis Alomía, directorgeneral of Epidemiology of the Ministry of Health (SSA).

“One of the main requirements that the country must have is to ensure a specific proportion for its population. In this case, Mexico is ensuring, through Covax, 25 million vaccines or rather, 25 million people who can be vaccinated, regardless of whether the development of the vaccine says that one dose or two doses would be enough, we are talking about people who could be vaccinated ”, he reported.

“This will be done through the Global Access platform for the Covid-19 Vaccine (Covax), but it does not limit that direct purchases can be made with other developers or pharmaceutical companies since the idea is to have the greatest amount of open doors, including Covax so that in due course Mexico can have all the necessary vaccines to protect its population,” José Luis Alomía concluded. (Read more on theyucatantimes.com)

Se prevé que el 15 de octubre concluyan los trabajos de la ampliación del aeropuerto, lo que permitiría que la actual terminal funcione como receptora de vuelos de llegada, y la nueva se destinaría a los vuelos de salida. [Foto: A.

Ruta ChetumalCDMX despega actividad en Chetumal By Ángel Castilla CHETUMAL, Q. Roo.- El próximo 12 de noviembre la empresa Viva Aerobus iniciará vuelos Chetumal-Ciudad de México, e incrementará notablemente el arribo de pasajeros a la zona sur del estado, informó el empresario chetumaleño Eloy Quintal Jiménez.

El presidente del Consejo Coordinador Empresarial (CCE) de Chetumal señaló que la información se supo en una video reunión de trabajo con Alejandro Aguilera y Nicolás Cano, subsecretario de Turismo y director general de Desarrollo Regional y Promoción Turística de la Secretaría de Turismo federal, respectivamente.

Dijo que los vuelos de Viva Aerobus incrementarán el arribo de pasajeros y la capital será el punto de distribución de los viajeros a los diversos puntos turísticos de la zona o reuniones de trabajo.

“Es una clara muestra de que Chetumal, Bacalar y Mahahual son destinos que empiezan a ser solicitados nuevamente por los visitantes; los vuelos de Volaris desde la Ciudad de México llegan casi al 100% en su capacidad, en tanto que los de Guadalajara llegan al 85%”, expresó.

Quintal Jiménez expresó que la actual terminal funcionará como receptora de vuelos de llegada, y la nueva se destinará a los vuelos de salida. (Lea más en sipse.com) Castilla] |

© False color photo by JAXA / ISAS / DARTS / Damia Bouic Dark higher-altitude clouds obscure the brighter mid-altitude clouds in this image of Venus taken by an infrared camera on board Japan's Akatsuki Venus Climate Orbiter. Phospine gas detected in the temperate mid-altitude | Possible sign of life on Venus stirs up heated debate By Nadia Drake, National clouds is teasing scientists with a possible signature for life. )

Geographic September 14, 2020 – Something deadly might be wafting through the clouds shrouding Venus—a smelly, flammable gas called phosphine that annihilates life-forms reliant on oxygen for survival. Ironically, though, the scientists who today announced sightings of this noxious gas in the Venusian atmosphere say it could be tantalizing—if controversial—evidence of life on the planet next door.

As far as we know, on rocky planets such as Venus and Earth, phosphine can only be made by life—whether human or microbe. Used as a chemical weapon during World War I, phosphine is still manufactured as an agricultural fumigant, is used in the semiconductor industry, and is a nasty byproduct of meth labs. But phosphine is also made naturally by some species of anaerobic bacteria—organisms that live in the oxygenstarved environments of landfills, marshlands, and even animal guts.

(Read more at MSN.com)

WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19 --Made one day after addressing the G-20 nations with focus of the discussion being on how together we can reopen societies, economies and borders. The following are the main points delivered.

September 4, 2020 – Lockdowns are a blunt instrument, and with the right mix of targeted and tailored measures, further national lockdowns can be avoided. Several countries are using a data-driven approach to drive a targeted response.  Worldwide, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and their risk factors are increasing vulnerability to COVID-19 infection and the likelihood of worse outcomes, including in younger people. The pandemic has underscored the urgency of addressing NCDs and their risk factors.

Because people with NCDs are at high risk of severe COVID-19, finding effective therapeutics for these patients is a high priority.  WHO has issued new guidance on the use of corticosteroids to treat patients with severe COVID-19 -- recommending the use of corticosteroids only in patients who are severely or critically ill.  If and when we have an effective vaccine, we must also use it effectively. Initially, when supply is limited, priority must be given to vaccinating essential workers and those most at risk. In other words, vaccinating some people in all countries, rather than all people in some countries.  We are delighted that 78 high- and upper-middle countries and economies have now confirmed they will participate in the COVAX Facility, and the number is growing. I urge those who have not yet joined to do so by the 18 September.

COVAX: Ensuring global equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines since with a fast-moving pandemic, no one is safe, unless everyone is safe

It is the vaccines pillar of the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator.

“In order to save lives in this pandemic, we must make sure that COVID-19 vaccines are available to all countries, including the most vulnerable,” said Dag-Inge Ulstein, Norway’s Minister of International Development.

The success of COVAX hinges not only on countries signing up to the COVAX Facility, but also filling key funding gaps for both COVAX R&D work and a mechanism to support participation of lower-income economies in the COVAX Facility.

“COVID-19 is an unprecedented global health challenge that can only be met with unprecedented cooperation between governments, researchers, manufacturers and multilateral partners,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO. “By pooling resources and acting in solidarity through the ACT Accelerator and the COVAX Facility, we can ensure that once a vaccine is available for COVID-19, it’s available equitably to all countries.”

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THE BELIZE TIMES

2020

Faber, Patrick Jason Classless UDP 1st/2nd/3rd Term Final Progress Report

Issues

Term

Final

1st

2nd

3rd

Minister of Education

F

F

F

F

Retrenchment/Victimization of School Wardens

A+

A+

A+

A+

Incomplete Belize Civic Center; two deaths

U

U

F

F

Union Busting ($1Million Easter Cheer)

A

A

A

A

Herman Longsworth/Patrick Henry Money Missing

F

F

F

F

Marion Jones Stadium 2.7 Million

-

F

F

F

Visa Recommendations for Unknowns

U

U

U

U

Crime (high dropout rates)

F

F

F

F

Vega and all the Land Issues

U

U

U

U

BNTU Issues

F

F

F

F

Respect for Teachers

F

F

F

F

School Retention of Students

F

F

F

F

Danny (250K??), Intelco Hill

U

U

U

U

Lev Dermen

U

U

U

U

Sanctuary Bay (Kanantik Education Courses)

A+

U

U

U

Corozal Pibil Tacos

-

-

A+

A+

Belizean economy

U

U

U

U

Women’s Issues

F

F

F

F

Submerging/Wrecking Government Vehicles

-

-

A+

A+

Useless Music Ambassador at NICH

F

F

F

F

Sports(Local and International)

F

F

F

F

Our Children’s Access to School

F

F

F

F

Julian Cho HS/Simeon Coc’s misused $2Million

-

-

F

F

Teacher’s Commission

-

F

F

F

Scholarships for Cronies(Fraser, Willoughby, Perdomo)

A

A

A

A

Secondary Education Financing Formula

-

F

F

F

Yellow Man’s Hiring & Firing Issue

-

F

F

F

Economy in Collet

F

F

F

F

Crime in Collet

F

F

F

F

Housing in Collet

F

F

F

F

Land Programs in Collet

F

F

F

F

Job availability in Collet

F

F

F

F

The Hub still closed

-

-

F

F

Covid State of Education

-

-

F

F

University of Belize Subvention Cut

F

F

F

F

U – Ungraded meaning that is not assessable since he was guilty of inaction.

F – Definitely did not do anything to help the people of Belize.

A+ – He seemed to be happy with helping himself.

Future Outlook: With so much inaction on BIG issues happening around him, Patrick Joshua is eons away from being a leader. When half of a few delegates from a divided party vote for you there is a Patrick Joshua Faber demise awaiting. Since Patrick Joshua has to go through an election against a politically-inert Saldivar and the outcome is a virtual TIE then Patrick Joshua should start thinking of an improbable 2035 run.

Recommendation: Mr. Faber should go to John Briceño and request tips on how to beat Oscar Arnold. The UDP will be extremely lucky to come out of elections 2020 with a person in the House to be the UDP Leader of the Opposition.

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2020

THE BELIZE TIMES

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2020