Belize Times May 22, 2011 by Belize Times Press

Sunday, May 22, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

Issue No. 4745

SUNDAY May 22, 2011

Zeta Cartel

unleashes fury near Belize’s border Belize City, May 18, 2011 Violence and unrest has erupted about 150 miles from Belize’s western border in communities along northern Peten, Guatemala, after a group believed to be members of the Zeta Cartel ambushed a ranch and killed 29 villagers early Sunday. The criminal gang, of about 50 armed narco-guerrillas, stormed the residence reportContinued on page 3

Casualties from the Zeta Cartel attack taken away in plastic bags. The unrest is too close to Belize for comfort

Barrow strong-arms

Transport

Cardona’s Gov’t vehicle

officials

stonewall

Bus operators See page 31

COLLET FOR

CAYO CENTRAL

Chancey Minister Flippin

Belize City, May 18, 2011 Embattled UDP-elected area representative Hon. Marcel Cardona is furious following a political assault from the Barrow Continued on page 3

MARINE PILOTS THREATEN STRIKE

Senseless killings claim two more lives

See page 4

CRISPIN Jeffries

opposes

foreign ComPol See page 9

See page 6

Dwight Warrior

Tuesday, May 17, 2011 When Frank Jacobs, 34, called his common-law wife of seven years, Shelly Jones, at around 8:30 last Thursday night, it started out being a See page 29

See page 15

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, May 22, 2011

From the ghetto streets

Imagine the Possibilities Writing on the wall…the demise of Landy Burns Dear Editor, In last week’s edition of the BELIZE TIMES, I read with dismay and disappointment the strong accusations made by my “paisano” of Chan Pine Ridge in OW East against Landy Burns, the UDP Standard Bearer. As explained, Landy Burns stooped so lowly in “setting up” and subsequently taking advantage of this large UDP family (now PUP) in the sale of hardwood. Since his victory over Denny Grijalva in last December’s UDP OW East convention, many OW East voters, including myself, have been convinced of who Landy Burns really is – to portray him a bit I must concur with the Tzul family that Landy Burns is very unapproachable; he is self-centered, very despicable, and a worthless son of the UDP; even his physique and facial expressions seem to emit incessant pride and despise. Having insulted and demeaned the dauntless Tzuls, a force to be reckoned with in Chan Pine Ridge, only leaves this family with no other choice but to reciprocate the “kindness” in 2013; no other choice but to give Landy Burns a rude awakening when Dr. Marco Tulio Mendez beheads his frail political career once and for all. Perhaps in the remaining months of avarice and nepotism that the UDP has in office, Landy Burns can learn some valuable lessons from Dr. Mendez. Take for example, the Mothers Day event held in Chan Pine Ridge on Tuesday May 10th where ALL participating mothers retired for the night enthused with the treatment and treats they received from Dr. Mendez, unlike the circus party they were embarrassed with receiving only orange juice and some dips from this UDP wannabe-minister. Dr. Mendez, a true son of OW East and

The Party is nothing but the vanguard of the people, the active organ of the people, working at all times in the service of the people.”

a man of compassion and unquestionably integrity, will be OW East next area representative. In the 2008 general elections, an unprecedented win (by an 8 vote margin) was garnered in Chan Pine Ridge by Marcel Cardona where he also ultimately won in OW East over Dr. Mendez. But let this be history. In 2013, nonetheless, a UDP victory in OW East is wishful thinking. Not only will Dr. Mendez administer a thrashing to Landy Burns in Chan Pine Ridge where the Tzuls will play a crucial role, but will do so in grandeur and splendor in the entire OW East. Dr. Mendez’s personal touch, understanding, fairness, indulgence, and the relentless efforts in seeing a better OW East for all, are but a few of the exceptional attributes that will secure the landslide victory over the UDP’s avaricious businessman/candidate in OW East. It is only a matter of time that victory for Dr. Mendez in OW East materializes; it is indeed a matter of time, and as a matter of fact even before 2013, the rope of avarice and insatiability will have already tightened and snapped the neck of the political career of a man whose greed and cold-heartedness seems to have no bounds. HASTA LA VICTORIA CON EL DOCTOR MARCO MENDEZ!!! Respectfully: OW East Voter – Chan Pine Ridge

Can you smell the “whiff” Mr. Barrow? By Darrellitas “Dar Dar” Bradley In summing up his Budget presentation for fiscal year 2011/2012, the Hon. Francis Fonseca in his address to the House stated “we are here not to assassinate the truth and eviscerate principle but rather to expose empty, cruel rhetoric and give voice to the harsh reality of life in Belize under this UDP Administration”. That statement by Hon. Francis could not escape the reality and truth even for diehard UDPs and thousands of PUPs who are living the chilling harsh reality of this dreaded UDP Government. The fact is that since February 2008, we have ended up with the worst vindictive, incompetent and grossly corrupt UDP Government that this country has ever seen. With all indications, Dean Barrow has lost the respect

Dear Editor, Kindly print my letter in this week’s issue of your newspaper. It seems more and more Belizeans are reading my letters, so here goes. Before the 2008 election, Dean Barrow came up with a bogus gimmick: imagine the possibilities. What the hell is that? It sounds like something he watched on TV. I believe it was on “Fantasy Island.” It’s about an island that is full of imagination and dreams but when you come to reality, it’s about nothing. It looks like that is one of his favorite TV shows. He liked it so much that he used it on the poor Belizeans, having them imagine something that is unreal. So P.M. Barrow, can you please give your definition of imagine the possibilities to the people of Belize because what you brought is the enrichment of your family while poor Belizeans die trying. For the last three years, we’ve been imagining that things will get better but instead things got worse. Mr. Barrow you need get real. These things only happen on TV, but what

can I say? That’s the Barrow way or no way. Every morning they say that this UDP government is doing a good job, you know who am talking about, the three artificial radio hosts on Wave. They act like they don’t know what this clueless U.D.P. government and its worthless Prime Minister Dean Barrow is doing to this country and how he’s taking us backwards instead of forward. History shows that the UDP Government is a one-term government and that is how it is going to be and will always be. Each time they come into power, they rob the country and destroy the economy so no investors come in. Everyone knows what the UDP stands for: Hard times, and Imagination. Come 2013, yo gawn Dean. Belizeans need to stop imagining and wake up and smell the coffee. We need to vote out this U.D.P. government and restore this country back to how it was with a government that can take us into the future for a better today and tomorrow. Rise up Belizeans and respect to all who is struggling in the ghetto. Signed: Roberto Peyrefitte

and connection of Belizeans, and he is now hell bent on taking us down the road of being dictatorship. Dean Barrow and the UDP came to power with no plan whatsoever to improve and move this country forward and so their only interest in Government is for themselves, their friends and families. Belizeans have witnessed how the UDP has messed up the education system with a “small minded” Minister who is courting and cozying up special religious quarters. He has no respect for women and proudly boasts how he fired single mothers for simply suspected of being PUPs. He frustrates, disrespect and calls teachers “Ignorant in its true sense” and even fired the brother-in-law (President of UB) of his Ministry’s CEO, all because the Minister’s ego if now larger than life. The UDP turned the Ministry of National Resources into an ill reputed house for their lackeys and cronies, where political prostitution of our lands and national patrimony is the order of the day. The Ministry of Works, run by Boots the Barbarian, has become a ministry where millions of dollars allotted to roads and bridges is either hidden in a secret “pool table” account or used for something else than planned. After sacking the unpopular Police Minister, the Police Department has continued to deteriorate under the rejected UDP politician and carnival dancer, who has cut the Department’s budget and has reneged on the UDP campaign promise to establish a much needed forensic

lab to help fight crime. The much ballyhooed Operation Jaguar and Restore Belize are total failures as crime continues to get worst. The Prime Minister claimed and boasted that he would act at the “whiff ” of corruption, but it is shameful and deceitful that he has allowed the mercenaries in his Cabinet to get away with exploiting Belizeans. What a shame!

THE BELIZE TIMES EDITOR

Alberto Vellos OFFICE MANAGER

Fay Castillo McKay PRINTING/PERSONNEL SUPERVISOR

Doreth Bevans LAYOUT/GRAPHIC ARTIST

Chris Williams MARKETING/ADVERTISING

Rafael Sosa TYPIST

Rachel Arana OFFICE ASSISTANT

Roberto Peyrefitte Printed & Published By The Belize Times Ltd. #3 Queen Street P.O. BOX 506 Belize City, Belize Tel: 671-8385 Email: belizetimesad@yahoo.com editortimes@yahoo.com

Sunday, May 22, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

Former Cycling Star/Attorney Killed in Traffic Accident Wednesday, May 18, 2011 Two sectors of our society, the legal profession and the cycling world, are reeling from the loss of a young, vibrant Belizean who was tragically killed in a traffic accident last Saturday night. Ariel Rosado, 28, son of former Chief Executive Officer at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, Dr. Alvaro Rosado and his wife Dorla Rosado, died one hour after the white Toyota Tacoma pick-up truck in which he was a passenger, slammed into a concrete wall at the PACT round-about shortly after 10:00 that night. The incident happened just about a mile away from Rosado’s family home in Belama, when the pick-up, said to have been speeding, careened off a portion of the round-about, slammed into the concrete wall, and was flung upon impact on the median that separates the highway in two. Marlon Castillo, 23, an elite cyclist with Team Zamir of Orange Walk, has been charged with a slew of traffic offens-

the two went to visit him at his house that night and they were all heading to Belize City. Swift and another friend left his house shortly before Castillo and Rosado. He said that he noted that as they reached in front of Friendship Restaurant, Castillo’s Tacoma was barreling down the highway with immense speed, and that he told his other friend to pull over to give them as much space to maneuvre around the round-about. He said that as the mishap was about to happen, he observed Castillo try to brake and

es after he was found to be the driver. Castillo faces Manslaughter by Negligence, Causing Death by Careless Conduct, Driving without Due Care and Attention, Driving a Motor Vehicle without Insurance and Driving with Alcohol Level Above the Prescribed Limit. According to Winston Swift, a friend of both Castillo and Rosado,

officer was detained by bank security until Police officials arrived. We understand that the money was made up sixteen $100 U.S. bills. Police have reported that statements have been taken, and if any member of the Police Department is guilty they will be dealt with. Several reports are that the officer has been released from custody.

Zeta Cartel...

Continued from page 1 edly in search of the ranch owner, Otto Salguero. When they didn’t find him, they rounded up 29 persons and killed them. Some were shot and killed, or mauled to death, while others were decapitated. Guatemalan President Alvaro Colom, who visited the site of the massacre on Monday, has declared a State of Emergency in the area and has instructed Police authorities to canvass the jungle-covered area and find those who are responsible. The result of that has been open warfare, over the last three days, between the cartel and Police, which has resulted in the use of heavy artillery and grenades. In response to the unrest and serious security dangers posed, Embassies of the United States, United Kingdom, Mexico and Spain have issued travel advisories for its nationals, advising against travelling through Guatemala’s northern region, where popular tourist

smelled rubber. After the pick-up finally rested on the median, Castillo, who was just shaken, told him that the “aux pedal” got stuck. Rosado, who had hit his head against the cement wall when the vehicle impacted, was critically wounded. He died while receiving treatment at the KHMH about an hour later. Rosado’s cycling accomplishments earned him recognition from the early age of 16 when in 2000 he won the KREM Cycling Classic. In addition to that, he also captured the King of the Road title and countless other road races before he moved on to study law. Castillo’s court case was adjourned until July 15. He is out on bail of $5,000 and will stand trial in the Supreme Court because the matter is indictable.

Ariel Rosado

Police Officer caught with Counterfeit US Belize City, May 18, 2011 Police are tight lipped, but have so far confirmed that a Police Officer has been detained and is being investigated for his involvement in the depositing of $1,600 in counterfeit U.S. currency at a commercial bank. Reports are that the officer, dressed in civilian clothing, deposited the money, but the bank was able to recognise that it was counterfeit. The

sites such as Tikal are located. While the world is watching events in Guatemala nervously, the Government and security officials in Belize appear to be in a petrifying state of oblivion. Not a single bulletin or advisory has been sent out by any Government Ministry even though Belize’s border is adjacent to the Peten region, and the area of unrest is no more than 160 miles away. On a daily basis Belizeans and a horde of tourists travel through Belize to Guatemala, and viceversa. More dangerous, is that our porous border could be at risk of being used as a haven or escape by the Zeta Cartel responsible for the mass killings. Yet, nothing has been said about plans to increase security posts or patrols along the western border to prevent such from occurring, leaving Belize’s national security as feeble as ever.

taken, a Police escort on a motorcycle led the way, while Myvette and the other officers left in separate vehicles. The latest act is the most-recent attempt by Prime Minister Dean Barrow and Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega to assault and embarrass Marcel Cardona. Last week Friday, Cardona averted national embarrassment when he chose not to attend the House Meeting. His seat, which was situated in the far corner of the UDP side, had been extracted and placed behind the Opposition-side. His name-plate also read “Non-Affiliated” as if he had resigned or had crossed the floor, abandoning the UDP. But Cardona has not resigned nor crossed the floor. He has also rejected a move by the UDP to eject him by “constructive resignation”. It appears the UDP leadership is hell bent on pushing Cardona to the fringes and frustrate him out of the party. Cardona, who won the 2008 general elections on a UDP-ticket, but has lashed out at his party’s “failed leadership”, said he will resist and plans to serve his full five-year term until 2013.

Barrow strong-arms

Cardona’s Gov’t vehicle Continued from page 1 administration which saw three top Orange Walk Police officials descend outside his law firm to confiscate his Government-assigned vehicle. The three cops, Officer-in-Charge of the Orange Walk Police Station Joseph Myvette, Inspector Eugenio Fuentes, and Sergeant of Police Frederick Gordon, told Cardona that they were only carrying out “instructions”. The BELIZE TIMES has learnt that around 3:45 on Tuesday afternoon, Fuentes and Gordon arrived at Cardona’s law firm and informed that they had been sent to “confiscate” his Government-assigned Toyota Hilux. Cardona resisted, but ten minutes later the OW Police Chief, Myvette, showed up wearing civilian clothing. Myvette arrived along with a privately-hired towing truck. The Police Chief proceeded to instruct the tow-truck driver to chain-up and remove the vehicle. Cardona attempted to resist the aggression, and said he would be willing to hand over the vehicle if someone arrived with a written permission from the Government of Belize to do so, but Myvette retorted that the vehicle was owned by the Government and therefore the Government could do as they pleased with it. Despite Cardona’s opposition, the vehicle was affixed on the tow-truck’s trailer and pulled away. As the vehicle was being

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Something is fishy at the Meat Shop By Maud Faber The residents of Freetown and Caribbean Shores Division, whose streets are in the most deplorable condition with huge pot holes, blocked drains and dust, were shocked on Monday May 16th to see that heavy equipment used to pave streets was paving the parking lot of MAURUDOS MEAT SHOP, a private business situated on the Northern Highway beside the popular Friendship Restaurant. The heavy equipment, which were similar to those belonging to a private Road/Works Company that is hired by Boots Martinez and the Ministry of Works, was complemented by a bunch of workers, also seen before doing work with the Ministry of Works. What interested residents the most is the fact that Maurudos Meat Shop is reportedly owned by the “inlaws” of UDP Senator Juliet Thimbriel, who has acted as a Procurement

MARINE PILOTS THREATEN STRIKE Belize City, May 18, 2011 The BELIZE TIMES is reliably informed that the extreme level of disregard shown by the Ministry of Transport towards the risky work of marine pilots in Belize City has reached a treacherous limit, and the ten marine navigators are considering send a strong message to authorities. Over a year ago, the Port of Belize wrote to the Ministry of Transport indicating that the buoys and lighting markers used as navigational aids by the pilots were not adequate. The Port emphasized that the guides help pilots as they do their work in the perilous dark of night and early hours of the mornings. They warned that unless repaired promptly, serious accidents could occur. That was in April 2010, and the warning fell on deaf ears. In October last year, Hurricane Richard struck Belize City, worsening the conditions of the navigation aids. Even though the situation worsened, there has been no remedy and marine pilots have been forced to work on dangerous circumstances. It’s so bad only two light signals are working. Well, now they are saying enough is enough, and the Ministry of Transport has been placed on notice that unless the problem is fixed, the future operations of the Port and the income and imported goods collected from all arriving ships is very questionable.

Officer in the Ministry of Works, and is known to meddle in the affairs of her buddy Minister of Works. The paving of the meat shop parking lot raised many eyebrows. What was the involvement of Senator Thimbriel and the Ministry of Works? Who was this private company? Was anyone benefiting from some special arrangement? The residents of Freetown and Caribbean Shores Division are no fools. They know when they see outright corruption, and feel insulted and cheated by “Boots” and the Prime Minister who have promised to pave Belize City streets every year. Of course we who how the loud Senator does things. She was the one of the first recipients of an $80,000 “loan” from the Ministry Housing, and then she popped out of nowhere driving around a Brand New 2010 Infinity SUV.

Yes Bev, something smells Nasty and Fishy at the Meat shop. If it isn’t so Senator, then please tell us who paid for your in-laws’ refurbished parking lot.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

A DOWNWARD SPIRAL Foreign investments in Belize have dwindled from over $300 million in 2008 to $19 million this year. This has contributed to the ever increasing unemployment rate. Just before February 2008, according to the Statistical Institute of Belize, the national unemployment level was about 12 percent of the labour force. This was before this UDP government came to power. The latest stats indicate that the national unemployment level is now at an alarming all time record high of 23 percent of the labour force, which, no doubt, is contributing to the unabated and rising crime rate. The number of murders for this year so far and at the time of this writing is fifty. This is more than for the same period last year. By the time this editorial is published there will be, maybe three more. The Prime Minister hates to be reminded about his government’s incompetence, especially his administration’s pathetic record of dealing with the runaway crime rate. He reacts with irrational diatribes and strokes his pen with total disregard for our human rights as is enshrined in the United Nations Charter as well as in our Constitution. This government should not only ban the heavily tinted glasses from automobiles but should also remove the rose tinted mirrors through which it continues to look at itself. There are no fancy slogans or superfluous monologues to carpet over the fact that things in this country are bad and getting worse. This is a clear-as-day reflection of the UDP government’s failed and hostile policies towards investors and businesses as a whole. NEGATIVE SIGNAL The continuous pursuit after the assets of a major investor in this country and the nationalization of his telecommunication company has sent a negative signal to investors who are seeking emerging markets. We hold no brief for this man, but there are Constitutional, not draconian, ways in which democratically elected leaders are expected to act. The relentless pursuit of Mr. Ashcroft’s assets, through numerous litigations, is a way the PM has chosen to reward and enrich his family and friends in the legal profession through their fat legal fees and at the expense of the BTL shareholders. Not helping the situation is that which BTL is spending considerable sums of money in litigation, it is not adequately re-investing in its capital assets which are declining and therefore becoming more and more unattractive to any investor. Also not helping the company is that the Executive Chairman and the CEO are at odds. Insiders say it is basically along racial lines. This is not at all surprising. We know the man-the EC. This is only one of many problems that are plaguing this mal-administration. Tax payers and shareholders will be left owing Mr. Ashcroft and BTL will remain heavily indebted. Its competitor therefore finds itself in a very strong position. This government has lost its ability to govern. It never had it. Its modus operandi is to deal with the pressing national issues with the raw and hostile type of UDP politics. This was underscored by the Prime Minister’s first public and unconstitutional statement: “It is our turn,” he said. This turned out to be a prediction of his government’s mismanagement of the national economy and of the country and the naked corruption he oversees. LABOUR LAWS The recent passage through the Legislature of some erroneous and conflicting amendments to the Labour Laws, in an attempt to please some of the people some of the time, has ended up pleasing neither employers nor the labour unions. The BNTU appears to have lost its voice. The business community advised that some of these amendments to the Labour Law serve as disincentives to investors and businesses. The result, as the introduction to this article suggest, is a loss of not only investment and investor confidence but also the employment opportunities that go with it. It was alarming last week, to see our Deputy Prime Minister attending a business promotion forum in Honduras dubbed “Honduras is opened for Business”, at a time when we are turning away investors. He said that it was his first time being at an event of that nature and magnitude. How profound! THIS GOVERNMENT DOES NOT GET IT In a recent, off- the-record conversation with a leading businessman and a ranking member of the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry, he conceded in a few short words: “This government does not get it!” We know that but there is hope. A recent initiative by two former Ambassadors to Belize and local influential business leaders here was launched in Washington DC in an attempt to improve the business and investment climate in Belize. Of note is that the Belize Trade and Investment Development Unit (Beltraide), and arm of the government, which was invited, chose not to participate. This was at the same time our Deputy Prime Minister was on his junket in Honduras. We applaud this initiative, despite our government’s arrogance and stupidity. Unfortunately we have got to look at the glass as half full as the two business leaders who are a part of this initiative are perceived by this administration as being supporters of the People’s United Party. This initiative will therefore get no support from this vindictive UDP administration. It is totally tribal. IMMATURITY AND PARANOIA This political immaturity, this paranoia, is also contributing to our current atmosphere of mistrust for anybody, any professional who may choose not to sit at the right hand of Prime Minister Dean Barrow. It does not matter how much our qualified men and women may want to give their professionalism, skills or talents to our national development. Further contributing to this government’s incompetence and failures, is that it behaves as if Belize has a limitless talent bank. It is never happy with professionals who are just that and who do not want to wave any flag. This is unlike the recent PUP administrations who were more welcoming of professional competence and hired many known UDP supporters on its payroll. Many professionals have been hacked by this government for the simple sin of serving their country, in a professional capacity, with the previous PUP administration. They have been replaced by unqualified party hacks. The result is that the government’s payroll and the level of corruption in the public service have increased because of total disregard for administrative rules and regulations. FAILED POLICIES As Belize continues to spiral downwards there are so many other failed policies of this government which continue to negatively affect the country. Given the escalating crime wave, the government has indirectly admitted its own incapability of dealing with this internal threat to our national security. However it has ignored the recommendations of experts and continues to pay lip service to the resulting offshoots of crime and poverty in which almost half of the population is now being regarded as poor. Instead it has passed draconian laws for the imprisonment of citizens for more than three weeks on mere suspicion and without any charges The PM also wants to deny us our Constitutional and Human rights by his eagerness to introduce trial without jury but by Judges he wants to control. Politicians must again be warned that they must be careful about what they wish for in the form of legislation. They may well reap the consequences when they are out of office. Having earned many thousands of dollars in blood money from defending gangs and drug lords, Mr. Barrow, has now been forced, by the outcry of the people, to attempt to reintroduce the death sentence. CENSUS The results of this government’s pig headed policies are also being reflected in the recent national census. We continue to lose our professional talents to North America rather than trying to induce them to work in Belize, no matter how they may be perceived or in exercising their political rights. Many highly skilled and professional Belizeans who are either already qualified or are about to become qualified, have been expressing their concerns, or even reluctance about returning home to work in an environment in which this government appears to be clueless about governance and in a climate where low level mediocrity reins. When elected to government, Mr. Barrow was able to attract a number of professionals to return home to work in his government. They came but did not stay because of the lack of respect with which they were treated. We need also to address the silent invasion by Guatemalan immigrants. The weakness of our border security is a matter which has become of serious concern to the US and Mexican governments. They have expressed their concerns to Mr. Barrow. On another matter, for all intents and purposes, the diplomatic talks which led up to the possibility of settling the Guatemalan problem with Belize at the International Court of Justice has been at a standstill since this government came to power. Mr. Barrow has nothing going for him. He is arrogant. This handicap on his part makes it difficult for him to win friends and influence people and therefore he is unable to attract investors to Belize (where are the phantom investors for BTL and BSI?). Corruption has gotten out of hand in his government, including the rewards he so eagerly pays out in legal fees to relatives and friends, the numerous cover-ups with which he has been able to hoodwink the media, his failure to address the issue of our national security, both internal and external and his moves to introduce unconstitutional methods to deal with his incompetence. What has this government done for you lately? How much worse must it get before there is a national outcry?

101 Reasons

against Barrow’s Budget

. Don’t tell us you gave the Ministry of Health $108 million yet babies are still dying and still born bodies found in a dumpster. Where are the services for cash tendered? Where is the money for training and institutional strengthening of the Health Service across the land? That’s why we have to conclude that nothing is in this budget for that. . There is also nothing to curb the amount of delinquent fathers in this budget. We just can’t be sending out delinquent fathers to jail if they can’t find work. Belize needs a new special program for delinquent fathers to pay their child’s support bill. Not jail. But what’s in this budget for fathers – go straight to jail. . Not an incentive for Belize going Green. It’s all talk? Not an incentive for solar, wind or wave technology or ZERO rated tax for electric cars. What is in this budget for Belize to go green? Nothing. . With all that talk that there was something in this budget for Pensioners to get a raise to combat the high cost of living, Belizeans are really disappointed. Actually, in the past three budgets presented there has not been even an aluminum cent for pensioners. . Road infrastructure drives the economy. It provides lots of work, but all the 2011-2012 Budget does is hope and pray for projects long associated with the PUP. Check it out – roads in Orange Walk and Corozal were negotiated in 2007. There is nothing new – nothing. . June to November…June to November, so says the ad that reminds of hurricane preparedness. But what has the Budget set aside for pro-active planning and retrofitting of shelters and monies as a safety in case a big one really comes? According to this budget, blank. Zero for June to November. . Just too much waste! One would have to object that with things so bad cuts was a necessary tool, but not for civil servants, for Ministers who do nothing but waste the public’s money. . This is now seven weeks into the budget and things make you wonder if they got the money or not or this budget is already in trouble. . Finally…this budget keeps poor people poor. Barrow rightly calls it pro-poor, because it lobbies for Belizeans to remain poor. Nothing in the budget will lower fuel prices, or water rates. Nothing in it will lower the cost of beans and rice, and pampers and cereal, or the school fees or hospital bills. Barrow’s budget has nothing for grassroots Belizeans - no jobs and no way out of poverty. Remember the promise to bring down the cost of living…well, not in this Budget.

94 95 96 97 98 99

100 101

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, May 22, 2011

CRISPIN Jeffries

opposes

foreign ComPol Wednesday, May 18, 2011 When he took over office of Police Commissioner at the end of April, 2009, Police Commissioner, Crispin Jeffries was thought to be the best man for the post. He came in on a platform of strictness, sometimes almost heavyhanded, and while many supported him, many more thought the Department would soon part ways with the “boot camp” way of doing things. He even vowed to bring down the crime level and to rid the Department of rogue and undesirable cops. But alas! It was not to be. Instead, the crime level has gone up by every account except the Police Department’s own

statistics, and now over two years later, and almost on a weekly basis, the Department is criticized for reports of officers involved in either corruption or abuse of power. So Jeffries is about to go as Commissioner, but the Minister in Charge who can’t seem to find anything more than to pick a fight with “fat belly cops” has decided he will keep Jeffries on contract until a new FOREIGN replacement is found. After that has been done, Jeffries will then stay on as a contracted advisor to the new COMPOL. Sounds like great plan to Minister Doug Singh, but there is one huge problem. His Commissioner, and future advisor, doesn’t agree with the strategy.

ComPol Crispin Jeffries

In an interview with a Love FM reporter about his foreign replacement, Jeffries said he does not support the appointment of an imported cop to fill the post. In the interview, Jeffries said he felt that the next Commissioner could have come right from among the most senior ranks of the Department, and that there is a need for some foreign input, but only in the capacity of advisor, which is the post that he has been offered.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

FROM THE DESK OF THE

PARTY LEADER

The Answer – Invest in Small Businesses With the unemployment rate in Belize currently around 23 percent, government should do everything in its power to put Belizeans back to work. Reducing unemployment must become an imperative for the Government of Belize not only to ensure economic growth but also to address the social issues generated by the lack of income due to unemployment in our communities. Based on my own personal experience as well as that of the experts, creating the enabling environment for small business development is one way that a government can boost economic growth and at the same time do something that can have an immediate effect on our workforce. It will keep people employed and create new jobs. After returning from university, my brother and I started a small business in Orange Walk. Our first venture was a gas station which we continue to operate even today. From there we opened a small cinema and later got a license for a cable company which continues to grow. My brother and I know first-hand the struggles and challenges that starting a business pose in a country where start-up capital is difficult to come by. But we were persistent, refusing to accept defeat, and so even today we continue to grow our businesses. This we do slowly and we do so always aware that we are an integral part of the community. Small businesses keep our neighbourhoods vibrant, provide jobs locally and support community-based organizations all across Belize. Just think of one event, the National Cross Country Cycling Classic and all the station prizes that are donated from people who operate small businesses, not to mention that ripple effect, which sees food vendors, ice and juice vendors, and all the spin-off income that comes from one day. Think of how many of the small businesses give supplies to church-

based organizations for their food pantry or clothes for the homeless. The many shop owners who give to the school or sponsor so many fund raising events. They help to sponsor events like the “Ride Across Belize” and they promote local talent. These small businesses are truly the backbone of our cities, towns and villages and we must make sure that they continue to play this important role in our national development. I am also convinced that small businesses are the pillar upon which our economic recovery must be built and so government should provide them with the tools they need to make this happen. Over the past three years, Belize has seen a massive change in all aspects of our society including the stagnation of economic activity. We went from a growing economy to one that saw no growth. Currently our economy is not growing at a pace that will make Belize better. We are still in the midst of an economic crisis. In such crisis we will have to be smart. We also have to ensure that when we come out of the crisis that we have learnt key lessons from it. And we must emerge from a crisis stronger and be better if the choices we made were for the best. The recession that we faced has been difficult on all of us. We know that our economic recovery cannot and will not happen overnight. While the small business sector is not the only area of the economy we must focus on, we would be well-served by partnering with the small business community to help accelerate this process and put more our Belizeans back to work and on the path to financial stability. In next week’s issue we will be discussing some of the specifics of how to offer incentives to help small business development.

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, May 22, 2011

WIN Belize Wednesday, May 11, 2011 Hector Cunningham, a resident of Belize City, woke up on Mother’s Day and went to his mother’s grave (plot 44) at the Lord Ridge Cemetery to deliver a fresh coat of paint to her tomb. To his surprise; however, someone else had been recently placed in the grave and the epitaph with inscriptions of the woman he called “Mom” was nowhere in sight! Instead, a freshly built ossuary had replaced the one he had built for her 11 years ago back in 2000 when she (Lillian Lewis) died in an unfortunate road traffic accident in the US. Cunningham has said that the whole weekend experience of not being able to give his mother’s grave a facelift, coupled with the thought of some stranger’s coffin placed on her remains has left him depressed. For him, returning several times each year to pay respect and refurbish the grave or simply to take flowers was a habit he had developed. Now to simply be robbed of that opportunity, at around Mother’s Day of all times, has left him with an emptiness that he wants the Council to correct. The Council, quick to pass blame, has said on a local television

& Women’s Department

abused

station that the error was committed under a previous administration when its grave yard overseer at the time, inadvertently allowed for Cunningham’s mother to be placed in the wrong space (44), when it belonged instead in an adjacent hole at plot 43, a grave with inscriptions for Richard Smith, Lewis’ uncle. The Council blame-game has become constant, but they have refused to accept that while 11 years ago no corpse was in either space, this time their faulty system allowed a very disrespectful thing to occur, and has inflicted a lot of grief on one man. Who knows if the mistake has

not gone unnoticed before or whose pain might have just been too overwhelming to make it public. Now that it has come to light, however, the negligent Council must cough up several thousands of your tax payers’ dollars to exhume the remains of Cunningham’s mother and put them in a proper burial spot, and to finally computerize their system, something that has been neglected for the past six years that they have been in office. This broke Council is lucky that Cunningham is a humble man and is still not thinking of suing them for the distress it has put him through.

Belize City, May 11, 2011 The BELIZE TIMES has been quietly watching and patiently waiting, apparently in vain, to see what would happen after the disgusting, “distasteful and unacceptable” actions of the punkish UDP and their abusive editor. In homage to all the recently honored mothers of this country and as a dutiful follow up, the BELIZE TIMES keeps the fight for the dignity of women to be truly respected. None would disagree that the UDP is officially the most discriminatory, sexist and abusive party in Belize’s political history. In the March 20, 2011 issue of their propaganda paper, which is poorly called “The Guardian” Newspaper, they cowardly plastered a private facebook picture of a PUP woman leader. So abusively unprofessional and malicious was the picture that it did not even have a correlating article to

Continued on page 27

Papas shows LOVE to Corozal Bay Mothers Corozal Town, May 16, 2011 The Corozal Bay Executive along with the People’s United Party Standard Bearer Gregorio “Papas” Garcia held a very successful Mother’s Day Program on Sunday last. About 500 Corozal Bay mothers attended the event at the grounds of the PUP office located on College Road in Corozal Town. It was a lively event and mothers were serenaded by “Captain Roby” and Nisayin Montalvo, and also participated in raffles which gave away many prizes. Among the many prizes was a washing machine won by Mrs. Clari Narvaez. The grand prize of a round trip ticket to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, with a night’s stay at Captain Morgans and Ambergris Lake Villas, as well as lunch for two at El Fogon and El Torito, along with a catamaran trip for two was won by Mrs. Dorita Gonzalez. The mothers expressed their sincere gratitude to the PUP Standard Bearer Gregorio “Papas” Garcia for sharing an entertaining and joyful evening with them. Papas has begun the work of rescuing Corozal Bay from the clutches of an incompetent politician, whose only purpose in politics has been self-interest and self-gain.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

Collet Montejo

Cayo Central wins

Mario Castellanos, Gary Young, Collet Montejo, Alex Balona, Estevan Valencia

New PUP Standard Bearer Collet Montejo takes oath to Serve the People of Cayo Central

The counting of ballots

Montejo congratulated by campaign worker Sydney Petillo following victory

The news of Montejoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s victory was a welcome one for PUP supporters. Belizeans are tired of the neglect in Cayo Central

Columbian

THE BELIZE TIMES

investors charged with possession of Copper & Aluminum, immigration offences

BELIZE CITY, Wed. May 18, 2011 By Roy Davis Three persons of Maya Belize Recycling Company, located at Mile 8 on the Western Highway, were charged with 2 counts of possession of prohibited material when they appeared today in the #1 Magistrateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Court. They are Juan Carlos Cuellar, 35, a Columbian national who is the owner of the company; Belizean Wilfredo Cocom, the manager; and Columbian national Lina Nino, 31, the supervisor. According to the allegation, yesterday they had 963.5 pounds of copper and 755 pounds of aluminum at the recycling company. They were also charged with 5 counts of employing persons who are not Belizeans and 5 counts of employing persons not in possession of work permit. They pleaded not guilty to the charge. The prosecution objected to bail for Cuellar and Nino on the ground that they are flight risks. But their attorney Dr. Elston Kaseke submitted that they both have permanent resident status in Belize and it was confirmed by Immigration Officers who were present in court. Also, the court was provided with information that Cuellar has been living in Belize since 2004 and he and his wife have two children who are born in Belize. As a result, Chief Magistrate Margaret McKenzie offered all three of them bails of $10,000 each and adjourned their case until August 16. Cuellar and Nino were offered bail on the condition that they surrender all their travel documents and that they report to the Clerk of Court every Wednesday.

Juan Carlos Cuellar

Lina Lino

Wilfredo Cocom

21 yr. old remanded for attempted murder BELIZE CITY, Wed. May 18, 2011 Malcolm Wagner, 21, who allegedly shot Gilroy Garnett Jr., 22, in the right side of his face, was charged with attempted murder when he appeared in the #5 Magistrateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Court yesterday. Wagner was also charged with dangerous harm and use of deadly means of harm. Magistrate Albert Hoare explained to Wagner that he will not take a plea because the offences are indictable. He also explained to Wagner that the court cannot offer him bail because of the nature of the offences. He remanded Wagner into custody until June 28. The incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. on March 8. Garnett reported to the police that he was standing at the corner of Vernon Street and Partridge Street socializing with a friend when his

Malcolm Wagner

assailant approached him and shot him. Garnett was admitted to ward at Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in a critical condition. Luckily, he survived and was able to identify Wagner as the person who had shot him.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

Meat Pie Vendor acquitted of Attempted Murder & Wounding

BELIZE CITY, Wed. May 18, 2011 By Roy Davis A jury of 8 women and 1 man deliberated for about 3 hours today in the Court of Justice Adolph Lucas before it found 27 year old Honduran national Alexis Rojas not guilty of 1 count of attempted murder and 2 counts of wounding. The jury’s verdict was in the proportion of 8 to 1 for attempted murder, but it was unanimous for the other counts. The incident occurred between 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. on September 12, 2009, on Giles Street, located in the St. Martin De Porres area. The complainants were Luisa Bardalez and her two children, their ages 15 and 16. After a misunderstanding between Luisa and Rojas’ sister, Tulama Perdomo, Luisa was stabbed about 14 times while her children were each stabbed once. Luisa had accused Tulama of having an affair with her husband.

Alexis Rojas

When Rojas testified he said he was drinking and he went home to sleep. He said he was awakened by the misunderstanding between Luisa and his sister who were neighbors. Rojas said when he got up and went outside he was attacked by Luisa who struck him on his head with a piece of 2x4 lumber. Rojas said he does not recall what happened afterwards and if he did anything it was in self defense. One eye witness testified that he saw Rojas stab Luisa with a knife. Luisa and her children also testified that it was Rojas who stabbed them. Rojas was not represented by an attorney. Crown Counsel Tulia Meighan Francis represented the prosecution.

Taxi Driver fined $4,000 for causing death of 82 yr. old BELIZE CITY, Wed. May 18, 2011 By Roy Davis George Rhaburn, 56, a taxi driver charged with manslaughter by negligence for the death of Carmen Flores, 82, pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of causing death by careless conduct when he appeared in the court of Justice Adolph Lucas on Monday, May 16. The following day, Tuesday, May 17, Rhaburn was fined $4,000 and ordered to pay $10,000 in compensation to the representative of Carmen Flores’ estate. Rhaburn’s driver’s license was suspended for 3 months. Rhaburn was given until December 30 to pay the fine. If he defaults on payment he will serve 1 year imprisonment. He has until May 20, 2013 to pay the compensation. In default of payment, the Court will seek distress. Before he decided on the sentence, Justice Lucas heard pleas for mitigation from Rhaburn and Earl Flores, 37, a son of the deceased. Rhaburn expressed deep remorse for causing Carmen Flores’ death. He said he and the deceased were friends and he wished that the accident had

George Rhaburn

never happened. Earl Flores said that Rhaburn, who is his grand uncle, used to help his father financially on a regular basis and they were friends. The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. on January 30, 2009. Carmen Flores, a father of 14 children, who resided at Mosul Creek in the Butter Cup area near to Burrell Boom, was riding his yellow bicycle and was about 1 mile from his house when he was knocked down from behind by a car driven by Rhaburn. He received injuries to his head and body and died on the spot. Rhaburn was represented by attorney Anthony Sylvestre Jr.. Crown Counsel Talia Meighan Francis represented the prosecution.

THE BELIZE TIMES

Team Sagitun’s Shalini Zabaneh

Sunday, May 22, 2011

BELIZE'S #1 SPORTS PAGE

wins 2011 Sol’s Cycling Classic Belize City, May 15, 2011 No one came close to breaking Brenda Aguayo’s record of 3:07:29 in this year’s Cross Country Cycling Classic on the Western Highway on Sunday, May 15, but Team Sagitun’s Shalini Zabaneh clocked 3:44:08 on her 75-mile ride from San Ignacio to Belize City to win the $2,000 first prize, the champion’s trophy and the winner’s garland from Florasol. She also won the Ludric Smith Memorial Trophy and a trophy from the Women’s Department. Team Hincapi’s Sara Tussey of the USA lost the sprint to the finish line by one wheel’s length and had to settle for the $1,000 2nd prize and trophy. Team Hincapi’s Nancy Jones clocked 3:52:19 as she led the chase group of 4 riders, winning the $700 3rd prize and a trophy.

Other finishers: 4th Place

Alicia Thompson - $500 prize Team Belize Bank

5th Place

Cassandra Rodriguez - $300 prize Team Sagitun’s

6th Place

Patricia Chavarria - medal Unattached

7th Place

Gina Lovell (2004, 2006 Champ) medal - Unattached

8th Place

Marinette Flowers (2003 Champ) medal - Unattached

9th Place

Jamaila Requena Team Indeco

10th Place

Fiona Humes-Gonzalez Telemedia Swoosh

11th Place

Anthea Sutherland (2005 champ) Truckers Posse

12th Place

Maria Gooding Trinidad & Tobago

13th Place

Kira Eiley Team Smooth Sailing’s

14th Place

Sheena Castillo Unattached

Easy Does It & Sunrise win cricket games

Gareth Joseph bowled 6 wickets

Belize City, May 16, 2011 Easy Does It and Sunrise both posted big wins when the SMART Harrison Parks National Cricket competition continued on Saturday, May 14. Easy Does It won over Saillows by a score of 224 runs to 181 runs. Warren Anthony scored 142 runs and took 3 wickets for Easy Does It, while Robert Cassassola scored 52 runs and took 4 wickets for Saillows. Sunrise won easily over Strugglers by a score of 155 runs to 74 runs; Ga-

reth Joseph took 6 wickets for Sunrise and Bert Faux top scored with 27 runs. Isabella Uprising spanked Brave Union by the score of 144 to 143 runs, with 1 wicket to spare. Dwayne Hendy top scored for Isabella Uprising with 56 runs and Norman Rivers took 6 wickets, while Conway Jones scored 80 runs for Brave Union. Excellence of Double Head Cabbage won over Wicked Eleven of Flowers Bank by the score of 77 to 76 runs, with 2 wickets to spare. Orson Flowers scored 18 runs and took 3 wickets top for Excellence, while Cordell Robinson, Jr. scored 13 runs and Darren Rhaburn took 7 wickets for Wicked Eleven. The 2010 defending champs, Surprise of Lemonal stunned Brilliant of Crooked Tree by the score of 136 to 133 runs, with 2 wickets to spare. Llewellyn “Luigi” Sutherland top scored with 38 runs and Orlando Banner took 4 wickets for Surprise. Brilliant’s Landis “Ciego” Wade took 5 wickets and scored 40 runs. The Police won over Bright Star by the score of 114 to 110 runs, with 3 wickets to spare. Roy Moulton scored 32 runs and Joel Westby took 4 wickets for Police. For Bright Star, Andy Vaccaro scored 30 runs and Andy Dominguez took 3 wickets. Berlan won by default over Unfinished Business.

Sara Tussey, Shalini Zabaneh & Nancy Jones

Shalini is first to the finish line

Unrest in Guatemala postpones beach volleyball regional championship in Belize

Belize City, May 17, 2011 Belize was scheduled to host the Central American Beach Volleyball Championship from Friday to Sunday, May 20th to May 22nd, but unrest and increased violence in neighboring Guatemala has caused the event to be put on hold. The ten male and ten female teams representing the six other Central American countries have been warned not to travel through Guatemala to Belize as was scheduled to occur this week. The alert came as a result of increased acts of violence in northern Guatemala, as aggression and confrontation between criminal elements and security forces have escalated over the last few days. According to the Belize Volleyball Association, the championship tournament in which Belize would have fielded four teams has been put off until further notice. Regional sporting officials it might be held until July, to give them time to re-organise the event. Belize will still be the host country.

Triple B’s wins GM1 of football finals

Belmopan, May 14, 2011 Three-time national women’s football champs, Triple B’s of Belmopan, are closer to their 4th title after drilling the Sugar City Gurlz 2-0 in Game 1 of the Delhart Courtenay Cup Championship finals at the FIFA Goal Project field in Belmopan on Saturday. Sheriann Tracy embarrassed Sugar City’s goalkeeper Jessica McCullock with the first goal when she launched a long lob on a free kick at the goal. McCullock got her gloves on the ball, but juggled the ball which fell backward into the net. The Sugar City defenders could not contain Rhonda Hernandez who Continued on page 13

Kaya Cattouse controls the ball

Sunday, May 22, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

Triple B’s wins GM1 of football finals

Continued on page 12 penetrated up the right flank, escaped the last defender and blasted in a shot past McCullock to the far post for a 2nd goal in the 32nd minute. In the 2nd half, Karen Garcia sent one shot that ricocheted off the crossbar, and Noriela Terry blasted the ball past goalkeeper Idania Ramirez, only to

BELIZE'S #1 SPORTS PAGE

see it drained wide of the far post. Ramirez was also on the ball, coming out of goal and putting her body on the line to forestall the Sugar City Gurlz’ attacks to secure the 2-0 win. The Suga City Gurlz host Triple B’s for Game 2 of the series at the Louisiana Government School field for the second game of the finals on Sunday, May 22.

Triple B’s is preparing for game 2 of the finals

Table Tennis Association holds Veterans’ Championship

Belize City, May 15, 2011 The Belize Elementary Auditorium, “the home of table tennis”, was filled with lots of table tennis action when the Belize Table Tennis Association held the annual Veterans’ Championships this past Sunday. Players had to be 40 years or older to qualify for this event. With 16 participants signed up for the tournament, the draw took place at 9:30am, with the competition starting at 10:00. Double Elimination was the “rule” of the day,

with players having to lose two sets before they were eliminated from the competition. By midday, four players they were Tux Vasquez, Marion Usher, Ernesto Rivero, and Nelito Ayuso had advanced into the “winners division”, with no losses to their name. Vasquez then eliminated Usher, and Ayuso eliminated Rivero. Down below in the “losers division”, with only one loss to their name, were Petie Matus, Davis Huang, Moses Babb, and David Ho. By 1:40, that division had

The results: Petie Matus, Marion Usher, David Ho, and Ernesto Rivero. In the end, four players made it to the overall finals. Tux Vasquez, Nelito Ayuso, Ernesto Rivero, and Petie Matus.

City Boys & Placencia Assassins draw 1-1 Belize City, May 15, 2011 Although they are No.1 in the Belize Bank Superleague rankings with 31 points from 10 wins and a draw, the Raymond Gentle City Boys struggled to a 1-1 draw against the Placencia Assassins at the MCC garden on Sunday. Dion Macaulay’s execution of a free kick beat the Placencia goalie Kareem Westby in the 5th minute of the 1st half, and all the pressure the visitors brought after that still saw City Boys leading only 1-0 at the half. In the 2nd half, Ashley Torres delivered the Placencia Assassins’ equalizer in the 50th minute and most of the game continued with constant but unsuccessful attacks until the long whistle blew closing the game at 1-1.

OW United vs. Cayo South United

Cayo South

Paradise Freedom Fighters vs. Griga Knights

Paradise

Griga

Third World vs. Hattieville Monarchs

Third World

Hattieville

Upcoming Games: Placencia Assassins vs. Orange Walk United - People’s Stadium, Saturday Griga Knights vs. City Boys – Carl Ramos Stadium Paradise Freedom Fighters vs. Hattieville Monarchs - Hattieville, Sunday Third World FC vs. Cayo South United – MCC Garden

Giovanni Lennon & Dwayne Davis Placencia’s Brandon Torres controls the ball

3-2

3-1

Matus (3rd) vs. Rivero (4th)

3-1

Bmpn Bandits & UB Jaguars derail Black Mambas

Other games:

OW United

Ayuso (1st) vs. Vasquez (2nd)

Belize City, May 16, 2011 The Aubrey Lopez Belmopan Bandits posted their 2nd win of the Belize Telemedia senior basketball competition, at the Belize City Center on Monday night, while the defending senior champs, the University of Belize Jaguars enjoyed their 2nd win on Sunday. Mark Wagner had sunk 6 long treys as he led the Bandits with 24 points in their 7969 win over the Black Mamba on Monday. With Dorian Jones adding 20 points they led 20-16 in the 1st quarter and 44-33 at the half. Kurt “Chengo” Burgess Continued on page 14

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Thunder & Kremandala

win 2 each in BTL U-20 basketball

Belize City, May 15, 2011 Thunder, Kremandala, Smart and the defending champs Orange Walk Running Rebels, each have two wins so far in the Belize Telemedia under-20 basketball competition which continued at the Belize City Center on Monday, May 15.

Game results: Thunder vs. Truckers

Thunder

Truckers

Top scorers: Alejandro Baptist, 17 points, 9 rebounds; Oliver Solis, 26 points, 13 rebounds

Thunder

Smart

Top Scorers: Russel Staine, 18 points, 3 rebounds; Marshall Nunez Jr., 24 points, 10 rebounds

Running Rebels vs. Truckers

Running Reb.

Truckers

Top Scorers: Jarrel Velasquez, 13 points, 8 rebounds; Oliver Solis, 31 points

Rebels vs. Kremandala

Rebels

Oliver Solis with a lay up

Kremandala

Top Scorers: Jarrell Velasquez, 26 points; Kachief Thomas, 31 points

Kremandala vs. Truckers

Kremandala

Truckers

Top Scorers: Kachief Thomas, 33 points, 4 rebounds; Oliver Solis, 20 points, 5 rebounds

Kremandala vs. Thunder

Kremandala

Bmpn Bandits & UB Jaguars derail Black Mambas Continued from page 13

Thunder vs. Smart

BELIZE'S #1 SPORTS PAGE

Thunder

added 19 points and grabbed 15 rebounds to lead 57-52 in the 3rd quarter. Ernest Tench led Black Mamba with 29 points while Keith Acosta added 12 points and grabbed 6 rebounds and Stefen Dixon added 11 points and 2 rebounds. The Bandits had also enjoyed an 83-69 win over the Maxboro Mavericks on Sunday afternoon. The UB Jaguars also posted their 2nd win 89-87 over the Black Mamba on Sunday. Daniel Nolberto led UB with 22 points and 8 rebounds, as they led 14-4 in the 1st quarter. Mamba’s Tyrone Castillo added with 20 points to tie the score at 26-26 by the end of the 1st quarter. UB had beaten the Maxboro Mavericks 88-71 in their first outing on Friday night. The Black Mambas defeated the Mavericks last Monday, May 9.

Black Mamba’s Jamir Flores goes for a basket

Top Scorers: Kachief Thomas, 25 points; Matthew Young, 20 points

Smart vs. Truckers

Devon Brown scored 20pts

Second Round Schedule

Smart

May 19

Truckers

Oldmaster Rum leads Over-35 Basketball Tournament Orange Walk, May 13, 2011 By Laddrick “MadBull” Sheperd Old Master continues to lead the Over-35 Basketball Tournament in Orange Walk. In the last set of games played on Thursday May 12th, Old Master battered Ricks Blocks 46-28 to prolong their domination of the com-

Team Standings:

Game 2

Rick’s Block & Tiles vs. People’s Store

May 26

Game 1

Caribbean Rum Old School vs. People’s Store

Game 2

Old Master vs. Dickersons & Sunny Store

Game 3

M&A Magic vs. Rick’s Block & Tile

June 9

Game 1

Old Master Rum vs. People’s Store

Game 2

Caribbean Rum Old School vs. M&A Magics

Game 3

Dickersons & Sunny Store vs. Rick’s Block & Tile

June 16

Game 1

Caribbean Old School vs. Oldmaster Rum

Game 2

M & A Magics vs. People’s Store

June 2

petition. Harrison Patten top scored with 14 points, while Rick Blocks’ Allison Leng scored 10 points. The M&A Magics also won their game, defeating Dickersons & Sunny Store 57-49. The top scorer was Charlies Slusher with 26 points, while Isaac Pasqual led the Dickerson/Sunny Store squad with 22 points.

Games Played

Wins

Lost

Points

Old Master

Caribbean Old School

M & A Magic

Dickersons & Sunny Store

Rick’s Block & Tiles

People’s Store

Teams

Game 1

Dickersons & Sunny Store vs. Caribbean Rum Old School

Second Round Schedule

Game 1

Caribbean Rum Old School vs. Rick’s Block & Tile

Game 2

M & A Magic vs. Oldmaster Rum

Game 3

People’s Store vs. Dickersons & Sunny Store

Visit Us Online at: www.belizetimes.bz

Sunday, May 22, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

This Week’s

15 BELIZETIMES SUNDAY MAY 22, 2011

see full color at www.belizetimes.bz

E-NEWS Fashion

Show Scenes Venue: House of Culture Event: Fashion Extravaganza – From the Runway to Prom Day Date: Friday, May 13, 2011 Organiser: St. John’s Cathedral

CATWALK FASHIONS

TOP MODEL

Crystal • • • • • •

Store Assistant Attended St. Peter’s College, San Pedro Sign: Virgo Likes: dancing, singing, swimming Career Plan: become a professional model Lives in Belize City

NEW ARRIVALS

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, May 22, 2011

The Umbrella Man withstands economic storm At 67, HRCU is strong as ever Belize City, Tuesday, May 15th 2011 On Saturday, 30th April 2011, while most Belizeans were either in Belmopan for the National Agriculture and Trade Show or trying their best to avoid the sweltering heat, 2,500 member-owners of Holy Redeemer Credit Union made their way to the SJC Gymnasium for their Annual General Meeting. Young and old, they queued into the gym to hear from the Board members and especially Ms. Jane about the health and strength of their credit union. They were not disappointed for despite the incessant economic storms that have been battering Belize, HRCU realized healthy profits, proving once again the resilience of the Umbrella Man. Board President, Mr. Karl H. Menzies, proudly declared that HRCU’s assets had grown to more than $382 million, a 9.67% increase over last year, and that savings surpassed $300.5 million, a 10.07% increase from the year before. He thanked the member-owners for remaining loyal and for their commitment to “save regularly, borrow wisely and repay promptly”. Incredibly, HRCU was able to generate $36.8 million in gross profit, over $3 million each month, netting over $27.3 million. This translated into a

dividend rate of 7.75% and another 10% interest rebate for loans that are being serviced according to their repayment schedules. At a time when banks are offering little or no interest on savings, that HRCU is able to offer its members such a high dividend rate is a testimony to both the faithful members saving and the financial acumen of the HRCU caretakers, who ensure that members’ monies are safe, sound and secure. Mr. Menzies also reported on the other services offered by HRCU, including the online account inquiry, the use of ATM cards as a debit card at participating merchants to pay for goods and services, the lottery program for those members who save regularly, and the Henry Usher Educational Grant Program, which was launched seven years ago to assist members with the high cost of education. In 2010 alone, HRCU assisted 185 school children with $162,600.00 in grants.

Friends of Belize to Host Delegation in Washington, DC Belize City, Belize Friends of Belize (FOB) announces that it will be hosting a delegation representing the Belize business community in Washington, DC, for a series of high-level meetings next week. The delegation’s schedule includes meetings with the American Chamber of Commerce, Members of Congress, senior officials from leading think tanks, and US diplomats at the Department of State. The purpose of the trip is to raise Belize’s profile with the United States and deepen the partnership between the two countries with a view to increasing foreign direct investment in Belize, as well as enhancing bilateral rela-

tions. The Friends of Belize delegation will be led by Friends of Belize Advisory Board members including former US Ambassador to Belize, Robert Dieter and former British High Commissioner to Belize, Philip Priestley. Also attending as part of the official delegation are Jose Alpuche, from the Belize Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Lourdes Smith from the Belize Business Bureau and Tanya Usher, Executive Director of Friends of Belize’s office in Belize City. FOB intends to provide updates to the Belize media on the outcome of its meetings in Washington, DC. [Press Release]

Credit Union Pioneer, Ms. Jane Usher, reminded member-owners to pool their savings together and lend to each other in times of need. She warned against borrowing from loan sharks and predatory money lenders, and instead encouraged all to live the cooperative way of life, believing in the principles and philosophy of credit unionism. This way she said, “We will have contributed greatly to the economic and financial upliftment of ourselves,

our fellow Belizeans and our beautiful country of Belize.” The BELIZE TIMES encourages our readers to join a credit union. This UDP government has abandoned its mandate to the people with failed financial policies and the politics of hate, greed and victimization. The credit union movement may be the last economic bastion for Belizeans, for only by working together as a community will we survive as a nation. Congratulations HRCU!

Sunday, May 22, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

Francis Fonseca Ready, Fit & Able to deliver Freetown once again

Belize City, May 11, 2011 It would’ve been difficult, if not near impossible, for anyone to have passed by the YWCA basketball court on Saturday, May 7, 2011 between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. and not be consumed by the high level of energy and festiveness that permeated the air. The occasion was the annual PUP Freetown Mother’s Day Program and Endorsement Convention for the Hon. Francis Fonseca, PUP Area Representative for Freetown. Long before the program’s scheduled start, joyful and enthusiastic mothers of the Freetown Division could be seen filing into the YWCA compound. By the time the program got underway, there were close to some 1500 residents of the Freetown Division in attendance. What has become a proud and rich

tradition in Freetown, the Annual PUP Freetown Mother’s Day Program saw the wonderful mothers of Freetown being treated to great music and entertainment, fabulous gifts and prizes, and delicious food & drinks. As one mother excitedly shared, “All of us mothers are grateful to our beloved Area Representative, the Hon. Francis Fonseca, not just for honoring us today but for all the previous years that he and his Freetown Executive Committee have honored us”. This collective gratitude expressed by that proud mother and resident of Freetown was visibly displayed when the Area Representative made his entrance unto the basketball court. Wrapped up by the warm embraces of mothers and cheered on loudly by his supporters, the Hon. Francis Fonseca couldn’t help but to be overcome with extreme joy and happiness. As he moved from table to table, the Area Representative conveyed Happy

Mother’s Day wishes to the beloved mothers of his constituency while they expressed their gratitude and pledged their continued support and commitment to him and the PUP. As is customary, the Annual Mother’s Day Program concluded with the Area Representative’s presentation of the “Freetown Mother of the Year” which saw Ms. Fabiola Esquiliano as this year’s proud recipient. Following yet another extremely successful Mother’s Day Program, the time had arrived for the moment everyone was eagerly awaiting – the endorsement of the Hon. Francis Fonseca as the PUP Standard Bearer for the next General Elections. Following an impassioned and rousing presentation by the Party Leader, Hon. John Briceño, and the customary taking of the oath, the Hon. Francis Fonseca took to the mic and addressed his large crowd of supporters. Clearly pumped up and focused like a true champion ready to do battle, the Hon. Fonseca confidently declared to all present that the PUP will once again rescue Belize starting with its reclaiming of the town councils and city councils in the 2012 Municipal Elections and ending with its return to Belmopan whenever Dean Barrow has the guts

to call the General Elections. Speaking about his successive victories in Freetown, the Hon. Francis Fonseca stated, “In Freetown, we never encounter easy fights and we’re always faced with opponents who are well financed. Each time, however, we have fought hard and come out victorious. And we will once again be victorious in the next General Elections my friends”. So electrified were those in attendance that the only thing that could have topped their high level of enthusiasm and excitement was if the General Elections had been called the day after. Like a proven general, the Hon. Francis Fonseca had clearly rallied his troops and, in return, has been assured of their battle readiness come the next General Elections. On Saturday, May 7, 2011, the Hon. Francis Fonseca and the people of Freetown made a collective statement and a resounding one at that. That statement essentially read: Let the word go forth from this time and place that the residents of Freetown stand united and in full support of the Hon. Francis Fonseca and the PUP. Come the next General Elections, one thing is for sure and that is that the Francis Fonseca will, without a doubt, DELIVER. Unlike his embryonic opponent, Francis Fonseca ain’t going to be delivering CHICKEN. Rather, Francis Fonseca will be delivering Freetown for the good people of that constituency and the People’s United Party.

Lie (intransitive verb)

Definition: 1: To make an untrue statement with intent to deceive 2: to create a false or misleading impression

UDP Imagination:

“If the prices start going north of $8 it has to mean that the acquisition costs are increasing which also mean that then our exports of petroleum begin to fetch additional revenue for the government. Once that happens and we start getting more money on the front end then we can give up some of that money on the back end to keep the prices as manageable as possible for Belizeans.”– Prime Minister Dean O. Barrow, April 22, 2009 (7News excerpt)

Cold REALITY!: Gas Prices Today: Premium: $11.97 Diesel: $10.29 Regular: $11:67 Kerosene: $8.77

LIAD BARROW!

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, May 22, 2011

30,000 – LOOKING BEYOND the NUMBERS By: The Critic The findings of the 2010 Population & Housing Census were recently released and as with many other things in Belize today, a lot of us appeared to have been alarmed initially only to carry on with “business as usual”. This is, indeed, a most sad state of affairs in our country today. Just a cursory look at the findings of the 2010 Population & Housing Census should be cause for concern as they contain troubling discoveries, none more disconcerting than the revelation that our National Unemployment Rate currently stands at an astronomical 23%. Now, while the Census served to merely confirm what the PUP and many others have long maintained, the harsh reality is that there are THIRTY THOUSAND Belizeans who are without a job. Delving deeper, the picture becomes more horrifying as the findings reveal that the unemployment rate among women is twice that of men. What the Census did not offer are the reasons why so many of our brothers and sisters remain unemployed, a deliberate omission. That is fine, however, as every Tom, Dick and Harry could cite those reasons. Among the THIRTY THOUSAND unemployed is the countless number of Belizeans who have been fired and continue to be fired by a UDP Government that is malicious and vindictive. Among the THIRTY THOUSAND unemployed are those many Belizeans who have been unable to obtain

a job because of their affiliation, whether real or perceived, with the Opposition. Among those THIRTY THOUSAND unemployed is the increasing number of Belizeans who continue to be deprived of a job opportunity in a shrinking Belizean economy. The latter ought to bring to mind the thousands of young Belizeans who will be graduating shortly from high school, junior college, and UB. Surely, there must be no more anticlimactic an experience than reminiscing about proudly marching up in front of family and friends in a moment of self-achievement to waking up to the chilling reality that no job opportunity awaits. Such an experience is enough to make anyone develop a sense of disappointment and despair. It won’t be long before the pomp & circumstance turns into a march of sorrow and misery. When it comes to managing the Belizean economy, there is a stark contrast between the PUP and the UDP; whereas the PUP enables, the UDP disables. The Belizean economy is in the wrecked state it is currently because Dean Barrow and the UDP have disabled the environment which the PUP had created, an environment that supported industry and commerce and ultimately produced a thriving economy. One important area the Census failed to report on and I daresay “deliberately” again is the growing number of Belizeans who are departing Belize everyday and migrating, primarily to the

United States of America. Oftentimes, we hear about the number of visitor arrivals to our shores but seldom, if not ever, do we hear about the number of departures (permanent) by Belizean Nationals. Can or should we really blame our brothers and sisters for leaving? They’re living in a land where they continue to be denied and deprived of the opportunity to work. Consequently, they are following the path of the multitudes of Mexicans, Central American Nationals and Caribbean Nationals who are migrating to the “Land of Opportunity”. Because of the economic destruction brought on by Barrow and the UDP, many Belizeans are now forced to escape

the “Belizean Nightmare” and to pursue the “American Dream”. In order for us to truly appreciate the plight of the THIRTY THOUSAND Belizeans who are currently employed, we need to look beyond the numbers. The people behind these censuses are mathematicians and statisticians whose primary objective is to produce quantitative results. The rest of us, however, must interpret the findings of the 2011 Population & Housing Census qualitatively. Then and only then will we really understand and appreciate that THIRTY THOUSAND represents not merely numbers but REAL PEOPLE living with REAL PAIN.

Bulba Martinez says: May 17, 2011 at 10:34 am

Another wool over the Voter’s eyes, political strategy (Soon Come). Yes, we do need these things but at the end of the day, we have no money according to the Prime Minister a long time ago. Then how will GOB satisfy these loans while the country’s unemployment rate is so high and our people are suffering?. Mr. Man, you could fool some ah di people some ah di time, but you can’t fool all ah di people all ah di time. Try wah nex wan.”

harmonyvilleBGYEA says: May 16, 2011 at 5:26 pm

Michael MT says: May 16, 2011 at 2:35 am

why is it that the politician always tries to fool the people. Doesn’t he realize that the people listen. The people put the man in power. and he tries to make a fool of us with his suit on. take off the suit and what do you have? Fool di talk Mr. Saldivar, but Fool no di Listen.”

The 21 day detention may be a good thing, but we must be careful with its implementation. PM has said that anyone that challenge must be a fool because of the situation in the country. I cannot agree with that and I believe that all should oppose this part of the amendment. We are looking at the episode of “innocent killing” in our country as a means to provide social cohesion, to provide an enemy image to keep us together. Our entire social order, political parties, are intellectuals, are challenged with a method for eradiction, that could have been instigated by party politics. Be careful Belize, this technique could be used by the ruling government to gender or manipulate public opinion in order to further its own agenda. This change has been implemented by other countries in the name of eradication of a threat to society, however it could be the begining of a strategy for relieving us of our basic freedom.”

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Sunday, May 22, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

Strictly Personal Barrow is bogus

By glenntillett@yahoo.com “In the Far East all Commonwealth countries - all countries that belong to the Commonwealth of Nations as we do. India - done away by jury trials. Pakistan, Bangladesh, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Vanuatu, Singapore, Malaysia. In Africa; Botswana, Kenya, Kiri Batwi, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Swazi Land, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia.” – Dean Barrow The Barrow administration released statistics this week that purport to show

We have lost faith in our criminal justice system, and it is my personal opinion and intended solely as a commentary and nothing else, that we have lost a lot of confidence in the judicial system overall, for a variety of reasons.” that overall crime is down in Belize the past two years or so. I can’t argue that their statistics don’t show a downward trend overall but I can gainsay by saying that our perception of crime, particularly violent crime, has been increasing the past several years. If I was robbed I doubt I would report it unless under the most unusual of circumstances. I have been a “victim” of crime over the past three years, but I did not report it. In fact when the Social Security Board demanded that I produce a police report because I had “lost” my social security card in an incident one night nearly two years ago, I was resentful that I had to take valuable time out and spend money to go get the said same report which for all intents and purposes (other than Social Security’s I suppose), is a futile exercise and a waste of time and money. Perhaps SSB feels that it somehow indemnifies them if my stolen card is used for some nefarious purpose such as to commit

some malfeasance. I know that all that policy did was delay me getting a replacement card for months until I could find the time to make two trips to the Police Station on Raccoon Street to apply and pick up the said same report. And yes, I had to pay for it too. A quick poll of some of my relatives, friends and acquaintances reveal that the majority have not reported being victimized by crime, even though they nearly all say that they have either been the victim or witnessed criminal activity over the past several years. I presume that the statistics are reports of crime, and not what has been verified by the police as crime. In most of the literature I have read regarding crime, the more violent and explosive the incidences of crime, the less likely are ordinary people to report these incidents to the police. In our case, we have long lost confidence in the ability of the police to detect, apprehend and convict criminals. We have lost faith in our criminal justice system, and it is my personal opinion and intended solely as a commentary and nothing else, that we have lost a lot of confidence in the judicial system overall, for a variety of reasons. Just last week Barrow unleashed a “suite” of new laws and constitutional amendments in the House of Representatives as part of his administration’s effort to curb rising crime. And then this week his Ministry of Police says but hey, crime’s down anyway. So far I am totally opposed to all of the new proposals: preventative detention, anonymous testimony, death penalty enforcement, and trial without jury, the entire kit and caboodle. I am opposed because no one can prove to me that they will bring about any improvement to our crime situation. Firstly, I must argue that the record so far is that the more we enact draconian laws, the more violent crime continues to escalate. Secondly, none of the nations Barrow cites as having done away with trial by jury are role models for us as the type of society we want to become. They are nearly all very unequal, unjust, border-line democracies if not outright authoritarian states. Thirdly none of these measures address, or are accompanied by what I consider the type of effort needed to address the root causes of crime. Barrow alluded to the fact that they are experimental. If he recognizes that he wants my support then he needs to put an expiry date on all of them. Fifthly, they are not the result of the kind of comprehensive brain storming that I know that we as a people are capable of. If here I seem to digress, bear with me. Some years ago some cycling people approached me to ask if I would consider becoming the president of the cycling association. I told them that I would only consider it if the first order of business was the convening of a council of veteran members of the association, particularly the past presidents, with a view towards re-structuring the organization to make if a federation. I told them that I would have to de-

mand that past executive members be brought back to the association to play an advisory and mediation role. Because of the feuding amongst themselves, they rejected this, preferring instead to continue the perpetuation of the divisions that were destroying their attempts at properly organizing the sport so it could provide the greatest benefit to the greatest number of people. This week it was announced that Commissioner of Police Crispin Jefferies one-year contract had been renewed for third time. I wondered why? I know that Jeff would accept the renewal because he passionately wants to do whatever he can to improve policing in Belize, and as such would almost accept any role so he can continue to apply the wealth of experience he has for the benefit of the people and nation he loves. As I understand it, he will be seques-

19 tered in an advisory role whenever they’ve managed to hire a “foreign” commissioner. I also wondered, considering that at least four of the past commissioners of police are still alive, still vital, still around and available, why aren’t we trying to utilize their vast and unique store of experience and institutional knowledge? I am sure that Ornell Brooks, Sherman Zuniga, Hughinton Williams, Carmen Zetina, and Gerald Westby would all still be very useful. See, me, I think outside the prism. I would have assigned the implementation of the Crooks Report to a panel or committee made up of any three of these men, and left Jeff to the day to day policing. If we had done that two years ago I doubt whether anyone would be arguing whether or not crime has gone down and there would be no justification of any kind for making Belize at lot less democratic place. Barrow is bogus.

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, May 22, 2011

REALITY CHECK! In my perspective… The woes and pains of Barrow’s draconian laws

By Carla Bradley Last week in the House of Representatives where important decisions involving our nation and our people are discussed, Prime Minister Hon. Dean Barrow disrespected us Belizeans when he introduced for approval, preventative detention and trial by judge and not by jury. My main focus will be to discuss the cons or should I say the dangers of preventative detention. Mr. Barrow mentioned a few countries that have passed a similar measure into legislation and suggested that they have benefited from doing so, but looking closer at these countries, I found out that most of them were anti-democratic countries. Many bad outcomes stem from the global over-use of preventative detention. Excessive preventative detention shatters individual lives, destroys families, and degrades communities. It also undermines the rule of law, fostering corruption and encouraging criminality, and exposes people who are presumed innocent to torture, disease, and overcrowding in conditions worse than most sentenced prisoners experience. The justice system’s credibility suffers when the innocent are arrested and even convicted because they cannot pay and the guilty go free because they can. “The poor need legal aid, not pressure to pay bribes. They need proof that everyone is equal before the law.” – Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Thomas Hammarberg. Prime Minister Barrow mentioned that countries such as India and the UK have similar laws, let’s take a look at the impact that this law has had on those countries he referred to. In the UK and the US, preventive detention is used only in cases of emergency and to a certain limit. In Bangladesh a survey was done, and it showed that only 8.57% of cases of the preventive detention were found to be valid, meaning that the measure was being used as more of a weapon than anything else. So why is Barrow using India as an example? Malaysia also has implemented the use of preventative detention, and in that country, human rights plays no role as the law goes

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against many human rights, such as a right to an attorney, a right to a phone call, a right to be told why you are being detained. Sounds similar to Barrow’s measure? A study done of Latin America and the Caribbean, found that the use of preventative detention has led to an overcrowding of prisons in countries as the Dominican Republic, Honduras, and Peru just to name a few. A more rational use of Preventative Detention would enable governments to reduce overcrowding and channel associated costs into crime prevention, legal aid, and education. We must understand that under this law people, innocent people can be detained which can cause loss of employment, their character or reputation slandered, prompting people to look down on them. It causes disruption of families and many other negative outcomes. Society as a whole also pays a high price. Corruption, of course, is itself a bad outcome. But when mixed with the power to detain, it leads to other bad outcomes: arbitrary arrests and unnecessary detention, increased public health costs, wasted resources, stunted development, and increased poverty. The sad thing about introducing such a law is that the poor people of our country are more susceptible to falling under this law, and I believe this law will only cause a negative impact on our already burdened society. The abuse of power will be higher and the resistance of the people will increase because they will feel targeted, discriminated because of color, where they live and their past and even personal conflicts with some people in the security chain. As I mentioned in my previous article, if preventative detention is the way this government wishes to go why not place it in some jurisdictions and allow it only in specific cases, for example, only for persons who have already been sentenced for a serious crime or persons who are known criminals who keep appearing before the courts. There are other solutions than to take away the rights of our people. Programs such as child care programs that can be designed to improve the personality of the kids and give them the right knowledge about the good and bad things. Family support programs that can be designed to keep the family united and foster child care. Barrow and his administration need to sit down and analyze this situation from an ordinary Belizean on the streets’ point of view and not from a self gaining political point of view! We must let Barrow understand that, “dah fool dih talk but dah no fool dih listen.” We are one people, and when injustice is done like it is under this current administration, we must not allow it; we must unite and say “Enough is enough!”

www.faberdiesel.bz

By Rayford Young “The BELIZE TIMES understands that Minister Patrick Faber drove to a gas station on Friday night May 9, 2011 and stepped outside of his $60,000 taxpayer-paid Mitsubishi Montero to full up. Either unaware of the color-coded fuel stands, too illiterate to read the bold-letter markers, or too excited to get back into the pleasure “ride” that normally happens when in his darktinted vehicle to pay attention, Faber poured in gallons of diesel into his regular gasoline SUV. That most-foolish thing clogged up his fuel injectors and cylinder, and ruined the entire engine”. Ever since this incident was reported in the media, billboards have been going up all over the country. Gas stations and insurance companies are making sure this does not happen to you. Here are a few of the billboards I have been able to write down. “We have the best diesel in town. Minister Faber fills up here. Please come in – you may win a new Toyota Hilux.” “Our trained attendants will help you choose the right petroleum for your vehicle. This is a free service for our customers.” “Switch to diesel! Minister Faber did and he got a new vehicle. Diesel…the best kept secret in Belize.” “We insure drivers who switch from gas to diesel. This is a new Policy available only to Belizeans. The premiums are a bit higher, but think of the ‘piece’ of mind you’ll have once you drive off. Go to our website and register for a new Toyota Hilux –www.faberdiesel.bz” On my last visit to Belize in March, 2011, I was filling up my car at a gas station on Central American Boulevard. As the car was filling, I was watching the traffic go by and was struck by how many government vehicles I saw. It seemed like every two minutes a government vehicle drove by. These were huge SUV’s - gas guzzlers - and I wondered why so many of these vehicles were needed and where they were going. Belize City is not that big. I can walk from one end of Belize to the other end in one hour. That includes two breaks to catch my breath (I’m a bit over weight). So with this in my mind the next

time I was out I wanted to see if this was real or if they were just having a busy day. And the answer is NO – not a busy day. These vehicles are all over the place, especially the Ministries of Health, Education and Housing. Up and down, down and up, everywhere you go there’s a government vehicle. Can you imagine what these gas guzzlers cost you? I think I have a creative idea that can save the government millions of dollars each year. I would use these gas guzzlers on an “as needed” basis. You don’t need a gas guzzler to drop off a letter to another government office. Park those gas guzzlers and use only when the Minister has to go out of town. Around Belize City you don’t need these SUV’s. I would invest in bicycles. That’s how they get around in India and China. Several years ago when I visited one of the Philippine islands, they used bicycles and motor cycles. We worked with a preacher who, along with his wife and two children, all rode on his motor cycle – at the same time. That was their only method of transportation and they were all happy. Let’s look at some of the advantages of a bicycle vs.an SUV. You can bob and weave thru traffic during rush hour. No sitting in long lines at rush hour. No gas expenses. Bicycles last forever. Your constituency can come up to you and have a discussion – a town hall meeting, so to speak, on the side of the street. No hiding behind tinted SUV windows. Fresh Air - you’ll be able to breathe the best air Belize offers. Your lungs would love it! And best of all exercise. You would be the fittest Minister of all. And finally, your wife knows where you are at all times. I can’t think of a better way for our elected officials to be open, transparent and accessible to the people. Your constituency would love you and you would save your country millions of dollars. This is the kind of fresh thinking we need in Belize. On a more serious note, why not invest in smaller economical gas-saving vehicles to run around the City? You would save millions of dollars. Is it prestige, the love of perks, or is it that these people feel that they deserve these things? How I wish we would have people in government who are there to serve the people and not themselves. If Minister Patrick Faber had any remorse he might consider a smaller, more economical vehicle instead of another gas guzzler. If that SUV was Mr. Faber’s personal vehicle he would have made sure he was pouring the right gas into the vehicle, because he would have to pay for the new engine. Anything free is not always good. Send comments to rayfordyoung@ comcast.net. Rayford Young is a Belizean-American, who currently lives in Michigan, USA.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

The Next Revolution……and the Constitution of Belize By Carolyn Trench-Sandiford – Deputy Leader People’s United Party - Belize

“Constitution, Constitution…what does that have to do with me…I need a job…I have no money to send my children to school…” These words, while spoken in creole at the time, still echo in my mind. They were uttered by a young man at a hearing for the Belize Constitution 6th Amendment Bill at Holy Redeemer Parish Hall in Belize City in 2008. In reality, he epitomized the apparent disconnect between the majority of Belizeans and the Constitution of Belize. A nonscientific poll of one hundred persons between the ages of 18 to 56 revealed that 91 of them are not consciously aware of any of the provisions of the constitution, 8 were aware of a few of the provisions of the Constitution and 1 was aware of some of the provisions. None had a copy of the constitution in their home. Barnett 2004 describes a Constitution as “a living, dynamic organism which at any point in time will reflect the moral and political values of the people it governs, and accordingly, the law of the constitution must be appreciated within the socio-political context in which it operates”. Barnett further notes that Constitutionalism as a doctrine governs the legitimacy of government action, and suggests the limitation of power, the separation of power and the doctrine of responsible accountable government. The Constitution of Belize came into effect in 1981. It contains a preamble whereas the people of Belize affirms that the nation of Belize shall be founded on principles which acknowledge the supremacy of God, respects the principles of social justice, believes in democracy, recognizes that freedom is founded upon respect for moral and spiritual values and the rule of law, requires policies of state to protect and safeguard the unity, freedom, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Belize, and its people and land, eliminate economic and social privilege and disparity, and promote cooperation among nations and points to a desire that the society shall reflect and enjoy the stated principles among others. These are therefore to underpin the substantive parts of the constitution which include Part I, the State and the Constitution, which declares Belize a sovereign and democratic state, its boundaries and that the constitution is supreme; Part II which provides for the protection of an individual fundamental rights and freedom; Part III which defines the process of how a person becomes a citizen of Belize, and Part IV which establishes the office and function of the Governor General; Part V places executive authority of Belize in the Queen and defines the offices and functions of the Prime Minister and the executive branch of government; Part VI and VII deals with the Legislature and the Judiciary respectively; Part VII incorporates the many divisions of the public service and Part IX regulates the finance of the country,

while Parts X, XI and XII contain miscellaneous issues, transitional powers and repeal and commencement respectively. Over the past 30 years, there have been seven constitutional amendment bills passed. Four were as sporadic spurts of the United Democratic Party government in 1985, 1988, 2008 and 2010, and the other three were in 1999, 2001 and 2005. These were mostly as a result of the 103 recommendations of the political reform commission which was appointed in 1998 by the Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Said Musa with broad terms of reference to review the system of governance and to enhance democracy. So why was this young man questioning what does the constitution have to do with him? Firstly, if one considers that 60% of the current population or 187,618 persons 30 years and under were born after 1981, and that at the time of independence, those 62,540 persons currently within the ages of 30 to 50 years, which represents 20% of the population, were below the age of 21 years, and would not have been engaged in the consultation regarding our constitution, then it stands to reason that only 20% of the current population of Belize could have been consulted and is aware of its existence. In addition, 15% of our population is foreign born. Secondly, there is no structured or sustained mechanism in Belize to provide citizens with an understanding of their constitutional rights or the provisions of the constitution and how it affects their day to day lives, or for continued dialogue and discourse on reform and change as Belize and the global geo-political and socio-economic environment changes. Neither is there a requirement for applicants for Belizean citizenship to have a particular level of understanding of the provisions of the constitution, prior to attaining citizenship or is there any support services for the ordinary citizen to place a constitutional matter before the courts. They are dependent on the gratis of lawyers in private practice, whose agendas may not necessarily be in the interest of Belize or the citizen seeking the court’s intervention. Lastly, the telling statistics of unprecedented poverty, unemployment and inequality as a consequence of political, economic and social exclusion policies is a testament that the principles and ideals of the constitution is perhaps nothing but words in the wind. As well, sovereignty and territorial integrity seem to be illusions. Our constitution is who we are. It defines and legitimizes us as a people and a country. Thus, a people without knowledge or an understanding of its provisions, and how it affects their lives, shall be a people forever in bondage, destined to be without a country and a future. Thus the next revolution must not only be about transforming systems that are inherently flawed, which will require constitutional changes, but also about empowering our people with knowledge of their constitution so they can make it work for them. Only if this is done, shall we begin the journey of breaking the cycle of perpetual subjection of our people and birth a NEW BELIZE, which will bring Prosperity, National Unity and Happiness to all Belizeans. Next week we will summarily capture the profile of the Belizean people in 2011 through the findings of the housing and population census 2010.

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Reid By G. Mike Reid About a week ago, I was driving my old jalopy from Belmopan where I had left it for a few months. I knew that the license and insurance had expired and had all plans of renewing as soon as the time and finance would allow. I needed some repairs done however and wanted it back in the city. I drove at night hoping that the checkpoint cop would be his usual lackadaisical self and that I could slip by undetected. As is usually the case, Mr. Murphy’s Law kicked in and that was just the night that the cop on duty seemed extra vigilant and detective. He approached the vehicle and without paying me any mind, glanced at the expired stickers in the windshield. In the glare of the overhead lights, I could see his eyes as it seemed to immediately light up. I was wearing a cap low over my eyes and apparently, he did not recognize me. He first informed me of how much it would cost if I was to have to attend cour. He then however, graciously offered to grant me some “slack”. I only needed to pay fifty dollars for the insurance and another fifty for the expired license and promise not to do it again. I took off the cap and asked if he was serious, at which point he recognized me and clumsily offered to let me off just this one time. Had I gotten a ticket, I would have deserved it and though unhappily, would have gone through the process of arguing my case in court. What bothered me is that had it been someone who was not known, they would have had to pay right there or suffer whatever consequences lay in store. I realized then, what some people have known for quite some time; that is, that the Mordida system has officially taken root in our country. The “Mordida” system has been in place in neighboring Mexico, for as long as anyone who has been going there can remember. Literally translated, it means “a bite”. Public officials routinely take a “bite” whenever official business has to be transacted. Recently, the Mexican government has made attempts to curtail the practice but mordida is too deeply entrenched and institutionalized and has become an accepted part of doing business in Mexico. The Police, the Judges, Customs and government officials, at all levels, are on board with the practice and to resist is to subject oneself to unbearable frustration. While a few will initially resist, most folks wind up resigning to the fact that if you wish to get anything done,

you suck it up and pay as you go. Some people will argue that the mordida system and the soliciting of bribes have become almost as blatant in Belize as it ever has been in Mexico. Those who have had need to get things done in a specific time are often ripe victims for this corrupt practice. For many, it is worth the extra cheese to expedite procedure but every acquiescence fortifies the stranglehold of the problem. The cold harsh reality is that while corruption has been around for as long as governments have in place, never have we seen it practiced as openly and blatantly as it is under this administration. Many believe that it is a matter of “monkey see, monkey do” as low level civil servants watching their superiors get away with wrongdoing, feel the right to likewise engage. We are watching our once lawful and structured way of living erode to deplorable levels right before our eyes. Trust and respect for authority is a thing of the past and every political decision is viewed with understandable skepticism and distrust. Mr. Barrow’s latest assault against the constitution and his attempt to replace jury trials with bench trials has left many Belizeans feeling uneasy. Having watched this man tamper with the judiciary and knowing his penchant to politically victimize, few have confidence that his recommendations will work as they are being proposed. Mr. Barrow’s rationale is that our jurors are being intimidated or bought off. According to the Prime Minister, anyone who does not believe that is “obtuse”. Really Mr. Barrow! And we are to believe then that while multiple jurors can be paid or made afraid, one judge would be immune? Is Mr. Barrow planning to locate his judges in another country and fly them in for trials? What makes him believe that concentrating the decision process into a single individual (clearly identifiable) will restrain those who wish to bribe or intimidate. Does it not make it even easier? The preventative detention plan is dangerous and outright unconstitutional. And while Mr. Barrow is correct that nowhere in the constitution guarantees the right to trial by jury, maybe it is because our forefathers felt that no one would be so presumptuous and contemptuous enough to think that they could reconstruct the age old process of trial by a jury of peers. With “La Mordida” system now firmly embedded into our social fabric, it is obvious that Mr. Barrow is once again targeting the poorest of the poor. Could this be considered another of his “pro-poor” programs? It is obvious that only the rich would be able to afford the bribes, if it comes down to that, but we must remember that the other option will yet be available to the poor. Tread carefully, Mr. Barrow, tread carefully!

www.belizeandiaries.com

WHY WOMEN

CHEAT

any years ago, the act of infidelity was associated with mostly men. Today, tables have turned and women too are engaging in acts of unfaithfulness in all levels of relationships. Being in many circles I hear a lot of Belizean women being bashed for their secret lovers and affairs and while this week’s column is no way condoning these affairs, we will take a look at the reasons why women cheat as this was rarely the case in the generation of our grandparents. Let’s start at the beginning. When a woman gets into a relationship for the long haul, she goes in with the intention of building a home and foundation that will last her a lifetime. She goes in with the belief that her partner will be nurturing, faithful and loyal but when she is disappointed her hopes for a good life and her efforts in building a home are crushed and her heart becomes heavy. Women are emotional creatures – they will show their independence but secretly they want to be nurtured and protected from the heartbreaks they see happening to other women. So when they too are forced to join the others who have been jilted in marriages and relationships, over a period of time (should they choose to remain in the relationship) they become accepting of their partner’s infidelity and thus the expectations dissipate into thin air. Over the last two weeks I have spoken with women who have cheated on their partners and the some of the reasoning was logical, while there were a few who I couldn’t comprehend why they were being unfaithful. The number one reason that I got from the women I spoke with was that they were neglected and taken for granted in their relationships. Their partners were no longer making efforts to hear her thoughts or opinions on certain things. Life got in the way and these women had become an item in the home that had lost her intrigue. Women love to be heard...you may not always agree with them but the act of listening goes a long way! Secondly, just as men experience the urge to explore their desires, there are women who have inner fantasies and desires that are waiting to be unleashed. If men are not careful, another can come along and lure the beasts to escape from the cage. Women tend to have a stronger desire

to unleash this inner beast when she is going through some sort of life change -major weight loss, new job, new friends, mid-life crisis, etc. Keep the lines of communication open and she’ll be more likely to talk to you about what’s going on instead of spilling her guts to a stranger in the night. Acts of intimacy can be an instant pick-me-up especially for women who suffer from low self esteem. There is nothing a woman loves more than the compliments and caresses that make them feel sexier, more beautiful and loved. This is not to say that women with low self esteem will automatically cheat on you and in this case it wouldn’t be the man’s fault if she does end up cheating. A man just needs to be aware of his spouse and ensure that he gives her reassurances constantly to make her feel secure. Pay attention to her, ask her questions and don’t hold back on compliments -- a little flattery goes a long way with women. A few women I spoke to confided in me that their acts were based mostly on seeking revenge for the betrayal by their spouses. This I find very illogical! I firmly believe that when a woman goes with another man – it should be because she is entering into it whole heartedly and not to achieve any ulterior motive. When it comes to revenge, sex is never the way to go especially with another man. Yes, your husband may get enraged if and when he finds out but will that take back what he had done initially? On the contrary, it will only add to the list of things you will need to overcome if you decide to work out your marriage/relationship. Women are nurturers by nature, at least most of us are but the one thing a man must realise is that a woman will only cheat when you have crossed the line of her tolerance and acceptance. We are accepting of reality and can cope with any situation we’re faced with but when a man betrays our trust over and over again and compounds that devastation with neglect or abandonment – you may as well accept that you will not be the only man admiring and sampling the beauty of your woman. If your woman has cheated on you or if you suspect that she is then perhaps rather than getting upset – take a look at what you’re doing or not doing! Women are not cheaters by nature! We will cheat when our caresses and love are no longer being appreciated or noticed and always keep in mind that a woman has the ability to maintain affairs for a long period of time and you may never know. Once you get her into that groove it is more than likely that you will become the one waiting on the other end of the door for her to give you some attention!

Sunday, May 22, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

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The Real Solution

By Lucia Moguel

uring the time period that I was attending Muffles Junior College, not too long ago, I can recall a time I was asked to do a presentation for my Critical Thinking and Writing class. My presentation was based on an essay entitled The Singer Solution to World Poverty written by the utilitarian philosopher (one which judges the righteousness of an act based on its consequences) Peter Singer. The instructor had only made mention of three items that the presentation would have to entail; those items were a summary, a list of literary devices and rhetoric used along with a personal reflection. An analysis of the writing piece was not required; however, I believe that one should have been provided for I found many of these interesting. In addition they were informative and they bestowed us with other points of views. The essay was quite simple and very direct; it was not difficult to comprehend and to grasp the concept behind it. It commenced by illustrating the reader with two case studies in order to convey his point. One was about the immorality which is brought about when one does not intend or deliberately sells a child to organ dealers behind the mirage of giving him or her for adoption to a rich American couple. All these acts were done just to be able to purchase a flat screen TV. The other one was about a man who permitted a child to perish in order to save his exorbitant motor vehicle. By this means, the author demonstrated that us, the people, spend too much money on unnecessary goods and rather leave a child to die. He then made his argument crystal clear when he stated that it is necessary to donate money to overseas organizations and funds in order to save the lives of many children which are suffering from many ails such as preventable diseases. He makes mention of our negligent attitude; he states that us spending money on things that we do not really need instead of donating money to charity is evil and immoral. By not donating we are intentionally killing many lives. He concludes that we should donate money to charity instead of spending it in order to eradicate world poverty. This does seem like a laudable solution to our poverty problems but I do not believe that it is the best. I press no charges against people that donate to these types of organization and I hold no grudges against donating funds to charity. However, I am concerned with the idea that this author has. We cannot depend on other people in order to eat forever. Personally, if the world operated in this manner, every working person donating to charity, then I would find myself in the fresh and comfortable position of saying “I refuse to work” because other people are going to maintain me. Why would I need to slaughter myself working if others can do it for me? This incident gives rise to another question; will others take the position I am taking? We should make justice to the Chinese proverb “if you give a child a fish and he shall eat one day, if you teach a child to fish, he shall eat every day”. If it still exists and is still applied in our modern day today, then it must be because of a very powerful reason. I believe that the real solution to exterminate poverty is by educating the masses. After all, it is said that knowledge is the key to success. In order to get a good job and to eat right, we must all possess a good foundation of knowledge. If you do not believe that this is true you can always obtain a newspaper and skim through it in order to find vacancies for a job. Most, if not all, of the employment out there require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. Of course there are other jobs with lesser requirements; nonetheless, we can never compare the salary of a professional with the salary of a peasant. In our present day economy, the people with an education are the ones that will survive in this jungle. There is massive competition among each other nowadays. However, on question remains standing; who will be the provider of education? The answer is simple, the government. We are all tax payers and we should all get our money’s worth. Besides, it would be a great play on part of the government if they provide education. Why? Simply because the more there are people with jobs, the more taxes will be generated. Thus, the economy of the country will be greatly improved; we will all result benefiting from this investment. This is how great powers are built; we have great nations like China as examples. There are other demons that lurk among us such as employment availability, but that is another story, perhaps caused due to the economic recession or simply due to our government’s negligence. Sadly, the final verdict lies in the hands of the people that we placed as government. What will be their next move?

THE BELIZE TIMES

To Die for Over the weekend a group of students returning from a class trip began making much of their time with each other through singing. They all broke out intensely with this song “Grenade” despite the frowns and challenges by their teachers. Basically in this song, the person is telling the lover that he would give up his life just to have her! The lyrics include: I’d catch a grenade for ya; Throw my hand on a blade for ya; I’d jump in front of a train for ya; You know I would do anything for ya I would go through all this pain Take a bullet straight through my brain. Yes I would die for you, baby The sad reality is that as I mentioned last week, music often shapes and represents the thinking of a society and Belize does not need any more help as we are experiencing too many issues within this country as weird, unthoughtful, not to mention outrageous acts are being committed! Someone having beef with a single person would throw a grenade into an innocent crowd! You would think that with the level of passion being expressed in songs and when dating, that relationships would be stronger, but sooner or later, we find out that it’s just talk, and nothing more than a sales pitch for a quick ride! I have heard of so many crimes of passion where people have been literally set on fire, had acid thrown on them, been beaten, committed or attempted to commit suicide, and had their lives taken away in the name of passion! A person who feels the way expressed in this song “Grenade” is more unstable than the nuclear reactors that are being cooled down in Japan! Personally I am scared as I listen to songs where attributes and worship that belongs to God are given to a fallible human being. Let’s check some out: “How could I live without you,” “If I had to survive without you in my life I know I wouldn’t last a day”, “If loving you is wrong I don’t want to be right!” Now don’t get me wrong, being charming, romantic, and using words to express your deep inner heart feeling is a gift that God gave to us. To bring balance let me give you some safe comparisons: “You are the sugar on my sugar plum, the honey on my honey bun!” I even remember a youth asking his girlfriend “Your foot nuh di haat you?” When she asked why he answered “because you di run through mi mind whole day!” My concern begins to surface when it is taken out of the context or boundaries, and a human is given the homage that ultimately belongs to God. See telling someone we cannot live without them is nothing short of worship. And worship belongs to God. In the scripture Luke 4:8 it says “Worship the Lord your God and only the Lord your God. Serve him with absolute single-heartedness.” When we begin to perceive our spouse or special friend in this way it places too much weight on them, and causes us to become unstable. In this unstable state we are more than willing to commit crimes of passion. “If I can’t get you nobody else will” is a popular theme that is expressed! “What should I do then?” I hear someone ask. Well you must first make sure you are single. By the word single I really mean whole. Too many people are in pieces bringing a lot of baggage into relationships. If you cannot live without a person you more than likely are not single. Coming into a relationship with this deficiency drains the relationship shortening its life. On the contrary when you are whole you add to the relationship. Make an effort to become whole or single. Do some counseling sessions if you have to. Search out your identity: who you are, what is your purpose on earth, why were you created, what is your strength? So are you really worth my life? NO! NO RELATIONSHIP IS WORTH YOUR LIFE!!! Don’t give your body or dignity to anyone to prove your love nor allow anyone to isolate you or force you to do something in your heart you do not want to do in order to prove your love. If any individual cannot respect your choice and feelings they do not deserve you!!! The good news is that our experiences are temporary and though that heart break may leave us feeling like an emotional wreck, God is able and willing to heal and direct our steps to the right person – TRUST that He knows best and one day you will look back and think…what was I doing in that relationship?!! Take comfort in 1 Corinthians 13:4-6 which reminds us that “love is patient, kind, not jealous or conceited, or proud, or provoked……” Until next week. God bless!

Sunday, May 22, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

Biodiversity is Life! Biodiversity is OUR Life! Ever heard of that amazing thing called the web of life? No? Well, do you know that you are part of the web life? The web of life shows our connection (how we are tied together) with everything on the planet. Think of a spider’s web and how it is tightly woven. That is how life on planet earth is designed. Every life form all plants, animals, insects and the environments we live in so every land mass and water body are all connected. We (human beings) often forget this fact. To help us remember this May 22nd is celebrated as International Day Biological Diversity! What does biodiversity mean? Well it breaks down to “bio” meaning LIFE and “diversity” meaning many DIFFERENT types. Biodiversity is all the millions of different species (living things) on the Earth, the genetic differences between the species and biomes (areas with similar climates and landscape). Want to learn more? Read on…

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Belize Police Department – A Comic Story Belize City, May 17, 2011 When it comes to this UDP Administration, there is no shortage of laughter to be had from the goings on at the various government ministries and departments, courtesy the imbeciles who preside over those ministries and governments. This morning, one of those imbeciles, the Minister of Police & Public Security, Doug Singh appeared on the LOVE FM/TV Morning Show and confirmed for everyone listening and watching that he possesses a brain the size of a pea. Lest anyone doubt this for a minute, he/she would’ve had heard this nincompoop declare on national radio that Dr. Mario Estradaban is a General Practitioner. Were it not for a female caller who called in to the show to correct him, Singh would’ve convinced himself and perhaps others listening/watching that Estradaban is merely a General Practitioner when, in fact, as rightly pointed out by the caller, he is a Forensic doctor. Someone ought to order a psychiatric evaluation for the “bacchanal” because for sure, he’s looney. It’s easy to understand why the Belize Policeman Department is considered by many to be an absolute joke when “Super Idiot Man” Singh is at the helm. It is common knowledge that Singh’s predecessor, Carlos Perdomo, is in a league of his own when it comes to asininity but Singh comes

Kumite Seminar to be held in Cayo Belize City, May 18, 2011 The Belize Karate Federation is hosting an official Kumite (Sparring) Referee/ Judging Seminar on May, 28th 2011, at the Belize Karate Federation Secretariat Office located a #2b Joseph Andrews Drive, San Ignacio Town, Cayo District, commencing at 9am and ending at 4pm. The following BKF Members are invited: 1) Karate Athlete- Objective- Athletes will increase their knowledge in the rules of the sport so as to improve their ability to win Technically and tactically in competitions. 2) Coaches- Objective- Coaches needs to be cognisant with the rules of the sport so as to give proper technical and tactical advice on how to win. 3) Officials (Referee/Judges)Objective I - Referee and Judges will be updated with the latest changes of karate competition rules and will increase their capacity in the finer technical details that are needed so as to improve officiating standards in a more uniform manner. Objective II is to increase the quantity of Officials throughout the country, having at least 2 Officials from each club, so at no time officials will be officiating athletes from their own karate clubs or school. This is to foster the practice of fair play. 4) General Members (Parents or other Individuals wishing to support and participate in BKF programs)- ObjectiveTo train interested parents and others about the rules of the sport, so that they take a subsequent training in other official duties such as, point taking, time keeping, statistics, assisting with competition registrations, and other technical duties. Course participants are ask to bring along a copy of the WKF Competition Rules, Version 6, Dated January 2009. (Can be downloaded off the World Karate Federation Website) The Belize Karate Federation appeals for your support and cooperation with a view to improve the sport of karate in Belize! [Press Release]

Police Minister Doug Singh

in a close second. Like Perdomo, Singh brings absolutely nothing to the Police Department. On the contrary, Singh has succeeded in bringing the Department into disrepute. Under Singh’s command, morale within the Police Department has plummeted to all time low. Charges of police brutality are at an all time high. Public confidence in the Department has eroded rapidly and significantly. The Belizean citizenry con-

tinues to see its sense of safety & security disappearing. Belize City residents are living in a city under siege. Yet, the Minister of Police & Public Security continues to wax philosophical as he did this morning on LOVE FM/TV. Arguably, the job of a police officer is an unenviable one and many of us tend to take a “better you than me” position when we look at our police officers. It certainly takes a lot of guts to become a police officer and far more guts to cope with the numerous challenges that accompany the profession. It would be safe to assume that most individuals who sign up to become a police officer do so with the genuine intention to “Protect & Serve”. Working under an inept government such as the current UDP Government, however, these brave men and women are compelled to work under adverse conditions causing them to abandon that original intention. There are individual police officers, both male and female, who are exemplary in the execution of their duties and stand out as models. Organizationally, however,

the Police Department is now the laughing stock among Belizeans and perhaps even among our Central American and Caribbean neighbours. And if anyone isn’t laughing as yet, consider the following: (1) is it not humorous that the Belize Police Department is so successful at capturing foreign fugitives but unsuccessful at capturing local fugitives? (2) Belize must be the only place on Mother Earth where assassins are able to carry out hits on their targets on bicycles and vanish into thin air. The Belize Police Department is today a comic story because of Doug Singh and his other clownish colleagues in Belmopan. His predecessor’s answer to the burgeoning crime problem at the time was to propose a “360 Degree” Plan. Well, we all know what became of that ludicrous plan. If we thought Perdomo’s plan couldn’t be topped, however, we were dead wrong. Immediately upon taking over the reins of the Department, Singh proudly declared that he had the perfect solution, i.e. our police officers simply needed to hit the gym and beat the bulge – GOD HELP US ALL!

Sunday, May 22, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

2011 Atlantic Hurricane Season will be “Very Active”, say experts

Belize City, May 10, 2011 The Hurricane Season won’t start until June 1st, but early predictions of the sixmonth hurricane period indicate that it will be a “very active” for the Atlantic in 2011. Scientists at the Colorado State University have released their forecast of the 2011 Atlantic Hurricane Season, and according to the experts it will see a total of

2005. The forecasters say two factors are impacting their predictions the first is the unusual warming in the eastern and central tropical pacific along with cooling in the tropical Atlantic, and a projection that the La Niña system will create conditions conducive for a very active hurricane season. El Nino weather pattern which they

ly, there is a forecasted 27 per cent chance a hurricane could hit Mobile, Alabama, a 23 per cent chance one could aim at Florida, and 20 per cent one could target Galveston, Texas. While most of the damage in the 2010 season occurred in Mexico, Belize did get

SJC teachers awarded Nobel Distinction Awards Belize City, May 18, 2011 Teacher Ufemia Castillo and Michelle Murray of St. John’s College in Belize City were recipients of the Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction award from the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS).

sixteen named storms, of which nine will be hurricanes, and five major hurricanes. That pretty much spells out that there will be an above average chance that a storm could make landfall anywhere in the Caribbean. The predictions are also much grimmer than last year’s which ended up being the most active season for storms since

its share of devastation and threats. The 2010 Atlantic Hurricane Season had a total of 19 named storms, 12 hurricanes, and five hurricanes with strength of category three or higher. Belize was affected by four storms. The storm activity started early and served a strong wake-up call as Tropical Storm Alex churned from across the Caribbean and slammed into northern Belize with winds of 65 miles an hour. Hurricane Karl, which made landfall over northern Belize, Tropical Storm Matthew which hit southern Belize, and Hurricane Richard which badly ravaged central and western Belize.

Both teachers were chosen as role models of pupils. Teacher Ufemia was nominated by student Changhung Shih, while Teacher Michelle was nominated by student Dorien Villafranco for their outstanding dedication and commitment to excellence in the classroom.

expect to weaken, and second is a strong warming of the Atlantic which are perfect conditions for storms to form. Forecasters have also placed the U.S. Southern states on alert, predicting a 27 per cent chance that one or more “Intense Hurricane” could make landfall in the New Orleans Area of Louisiana which is still recovering from Hurricane Katrina. SimilarMichelle Murray, SJC Assistant Headmaster of Academic Affairs Sol Angel Yam & Ufemia Castillo

WIN Belize & Women’s Department

abused

Continued from page 8

it. Many Belizeans wondered why they put it on the front page, but as a well known newspaper salesman said, “nobody buys that newspaper much less read it, most people will just glance at the headline and front page stories.” Belizeans tried to absorb the post traumatic shock of the shameless abuse and disrespect to Belizean single mothers and women. But the female soldiers of the blue machine boldly led the charged on behalf of those voiceless women of Belize. High ranking PUP women, such as Senator Lisa Shoman, Dolores Balderamos-Garcia, Deputy Leader Carolyn Trench Sandiford, Carol Williams, and Eloisa Trujeque faced the chauvinistic pig of a bully. In a sluggishly reactive spirit the Women’s Department and WIN Belize reluctantly mumbled their positions. National Women’s Commission Executive Director, Anne Marie Williams’ tokenistic actions was disappointing, especially after she was herself the victim of UDP sexism, and discrimination. After she took so long to lift a finger, all she could do was to type two

paragraphs of vague words on a piece of paper. This is equally a shame. Even WIN Belize, Directed by Carolyn Reynolds, was faintly more responsive. That organization is the networking umbrella for 14 entities. They condemned it as “tasteless, pointless, and a glaring photograph …which … was used simply for cheap political gain, without consideration for the harm, the publication of the image would cause the victim.” But after all of the “blow hard” and threats that WIN Belize, and to a weaker passive extent, the Women’s Commission, what happened? They promised to boycott the newspaper “until further notice,” but what did that mean? And what’s next after that? These questions became important because, the woman abuser, with the support of his Prime Minister and the UDP stood up on National television in front of his UDP hole, to stick his middle finger in the face of the Belizean women he disrespected. We waited, again in vain, but crossing our fingers that these women groups would show that they meant business and demand to get relief to break the cycle and pattern of UDP abuse and disrespect to women. By your inaction you have crossed over from protectors to the ranks of the abused. We at BELIZE TIMES ask, call out and challenge WIN Belize with their 14-member alliance, and the Women’s Commission. What will you do now? Do not make Alfonso Nobody, Dean Barrow and the UDP continue to disrespect this country’s women without getting the sense?

THE BELIZE TIMES

en Español

Una espiral descendente Las inversiones extranjeras en Belice se han reducido de más de $ 300 millones en 2008 a US $ 19 millones este año. Esto ha contribuido a la tasa de desempleo cada vez mayor. Justo antes de febrero del 2008, según el Instituto de Estadística de Belice, la tasa de desempleo nacional era del 12 por ciento del trabajo laboral. Esto fue antes de que el gobierno del UDP llegara al poder. Las últimas estadísticas indican que el nivel de desempleo nacional se encuentra en una situación alarmante, todos los records de los registros asciende al 23 por de fuerza laboral, que, sin duda, está contribuyendo a la tasa de criminalidad y que sin duda alguna va en aumento sin cesar. El número de asesinatos de este año hasta ahora y en el momento de escribir este artículo es de cincuenta. Esto es más que para el mismo período del año pasado. En el momento en que este editorial se publique habrá, tal vez tres más. El Primer Ministro detesta que se le recuerde acerca de la incompetencia de su gobierno, especialmente el registro patético de que su gobierno no está capacitado para hacer frente a la tasa de criminalidad que a estas alturas se encuentra fuera de control. Él reacciona con total desprecio por nuestros derechos humanos como está consagrado en el United Nations Charter, así como en nuestra Constitución. Este gobierno no sólo debe prohibir los vidrios polarizados a los automóviles, sino también debe eliminar el color rosa en que se encuentra teñido los espejos a través del cual se sigue viendo a sí mismo. No hay consignas de lujo o alfombras para tapar el hecho de que las cosas en este país están muy mal y están empeorando. Este es un claro reflejo, de políticas fracasadas y hostiles del gobierno del UDP hacia los inversores y las empresas de este país. SEÑAL NEGATIVA La búsqueda continua detrás de los activos de un importante inversionista en este país y la nacionalización de su compañía de telecomunicaciones ha enviado una señal negativa a los inversionistas que están buscando los mercados emergentes. Sostenemos que no abogamos por este hombre, pero hay reglas y formas Constitucionales, no draconianas, en que los líderes democráticamente elegidos se espera que actúen. La búsqueda incesante de los activos del Sr. Ashcroft, a través de numerosos litigios, es una manera de que el PM ha elegido para premiar y enriquecer a su propia familia y amigos en la profesión legal a través de sus honorarios legales a expensas de los accionistas de BTL. No ayuda a la situación el hecho de que BTL este gastando sumas considerables de dinero en litigios, no es adecuado volver a invertir en sus activos de capital que están en declive y por lo tanto cada vez menos atractivo para cualquier inversor. Además, no ayuda a la compañía que el Presidente Ejecutivo y Consejero Delegado están en desacuerdo. Ejecutivos dicen que es básicamente a lo largo de líneas raciales. Esto no es en absoluto sorprendente. Este es sólo uno de muchos problemas que están plagando la mala administración. Los contribuyentes y los accionistas se quedarán debiendo al señor Ashcroft y BTL seguirá estando muy endeudado. Su competidor por lo tanto se encuentra en una posición muy fuerte. Este gobierno ha perdido su capacidad para gobernar. Nunca lo tuvo. Su modus operandi es hacer frente a los problemas nacionales con el tipo de política cruda y hostil del UDP. Esto fue subrayado por el primer Primer Ministro en su declaración pública e inconstitucional: “Es nuestro turno”, dijo. Esto resultó ser una predicción de la mala gestión de su gobierno hacia la economía nacional y la corrupción desnuda que él supervisa. LEYES LABORALES La reciente aprobación por la Asamblea Legislativa de algunas modificaciones erróneas y contradictorias a las Leyes del Trabajo, en un intento de complacer a algunas personas, ha terminado por agradar ni a los empleadores ni a los sindicatos. El BNTU (por sus siglas en Ingles) parece haber perdido su voz. La comunidad empresarial pone por aviso que algunas de estas enmiendas de las Leyes del Trabajo sirven como falta de incentivos para los inversores y las empresas. El resultado, como la introducción de este artículo sugiere, es una pérdida de la inversión y no sólo la confianza de los inversores, sino también de las oportunidades de empleo que van con él. La semana pasada fue alarmante, ver a nuestro Vice Primer Ministro asistir a un foro de promoción de negocios en Honduras denominado “Honduras está abierta para las empresas”, en un momento en que están alejando a los inversionistas. Dijo que era su primera vez de estar en un evento de esa naturaleza y magnitud. ¡Qué profundo! A este Gobierno todavía no le cae el veinte (no comprende) En una conversación reciente, extraoficial, con un destacado empresario y un miembro de alto nivel de la Cámara de Comercio de Belice y Industria, admitió en pocas palabras: “Este gobierno no lo entiende!”

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Sabemos eso, pero hay esperanza. Una iniciativa reciente de dos ex embajadores de Belice, líderes locales y empresariales influyentes se puso en marcha en Washington DC en un intento por mejorar el clima de negocios e inversiones en Belice. Cabe destacar que el comercio de Belice y la Unidad de Desarrollo de Inversiones (Beltraide) (por sus siglas en Ingles), fueron invitados, pero decidieron no participar. Este fue, al mismo tiempo que nuestro vice primer ministro estaba en su viaje turístico en Honduras. Aplaudimos esta iniciativa, a pesar de la arrogancia de nuestro gobierno y la estupidez. Lamentablemente tenemos que mirar el vaso medio lleno ya que los dos líderes empresariales que forman parte de esta iniciativa son percibidos por este gobierno como defensores del PUP. Esta iniciativa por lo tanto, no recibirá el apoyo de esta administración vengativa del UDP. Es totalmente tribal. Inmadurez y la paranoia Esta falta de madurez política, esta paranoia, también está contribuyendo a que nuestra atmósfera actual de desconfianza hacia cualquier profesional que pueda optar por no sentarse a la diestra del Primer Ministro Dean Barrow. No importa la cantidad de nuestros hombres y mujeres cualificados que bien podrían dar su profesionalismo, habilidades o talentos para nuestro desarrollo nacional. Contribuyendo aún más a la incompetencia de este gobierno y los fracasos, es el hecho de que se comporta como si Belice tiene un banco de talento sin límites. Nunca está contento con los profesionales que son sólo eso y que no quieren ondear alguna bandera. Esto es a diferencia de las recientes administraciones PUP que eran más acogedores de la competencia profesional y contrató a muchos conocidos partidarios del UDP en su nómina. Muchos profesionales han sido obstaculizados por este gobierno por el simple pecado de servir a su país, en calidad de profesional, con la anterior administración PUP. Ellos han sido sustituidos por partidarios del UDP. El resultado es que la nómina del gobierno y el nivel de corrupción en la administración pública ha incrementado a causa de un desprecio total por las normas y reglamentos administrativos. Fracaso de las políticas Mientras que Belice continúa hacia su descenso hay muchas políticas fracasadas de este gobierno que siguen afectando negativamente al país. Dada la ola de delincuencia que va en aumento, el gobierno ha admitido indirectamente su propia incapacidad de hacer frente a esta amenaza interna por nuestra seguridad nacional. Sin embargo, ha ignorado las recomendaciones de expertos y sigue prestando servicio de labios a los resultados de la delincuencia y la pobreza en la que es ahora casi la mitad de la población que se considera como pobre. En su lugar, ha aprobado leyes draconianas para el encarcelamiento de ciudadanos durante más de tres semanas con la mera sospecha y sin ningún cargo. El primer ministro también quiere que nos nieguen nuestros derechos Constitucionales y Humanos por su afán de introducir un juicio sin jurado, sino por los jueces que él quiere el controlar. Los políticos de nuevo deben ser advertidos de que deben tener cuidado con lo que desean en forma de legislación. Es muy posible que cosechen las consecuencias cuando estén fuera de oficina. Después de haber ganado miles de dólares en dinero mal habido en la defensa de las pandillas y los narcotraficantes, el Sr. Barrow, se ha visto obligado, por el clamor del pueblo, de tratar de reintroducir la pena de muerte. CENSO Los resultados de las políticas de este Gobierno testarudo también se refleja en el censo nacional reciente. Seguimos perdiendo nuestros talentos profesionales a América del Norte en lugar de tratar de inducirlos a trabajar en Belice, no importa la forma en que puede ser percibido o en el ejercicio de sus derechos políticos. Muchos profesionales altamente cualificados y beliceños que ya están calificados o están a punto de ser calificados, han expresado sus preocupaciones, o incluso sobre la renuencia de volver a casa para trabajar en un entorno en el que este gobierno no parece tener ni idea sobre gobernancia y en un clima en el bajo nivel de mediocridad en la que nos encontramos. Cuando fue elegido para el gobierno, el Sr. Barrow fue capaz de atraer a un número de profesionales para volver a casa para trabajar en su gobierno. Ellos vinieron pero no se quedaron debido a la falta de respeto con que fueron tratados. Además, debemos hacer frente a la invasión silenciosa de los inmigrantes guatemaltecos. La debilidad de nuestra seguridad fronteriza es un asunto que se ha convertido en motivo de grave preocupación para los gobiernos de EE.UU. y México. Ellos han expresado sus preocupaciones al Sr. Barrow. En otro asunto, para todos los efectos, las negociaciones diplomáticas que condujeron a la posibilidad de resolver el problema de Guatemala con Belice en la Corte Internacional de Justicia ha sido aplazado desde que este gobierno llegó al poder. El Sr. Barrow no tiene nada a su favor. Él es arrogante. Esta desventaja por su parte hace que sea difícil para él ganar amigos e influir sobre las personas y por lo tanto es incapaz de atraer a los inversores a Belice (¿dónde están los inversores fantasmas para BTL y BSI?). La corrupción se ha ido de las manos de su gobierno, incluyendo las recompensas que con tanto ahínco paga en cuotas legales a los familiares y amigos, las numerosas encubrimientos con el que ha sido capaz de engañar a los medios de comunicación, su incapacidad para abordar la cuestión de nuestra seguridad nacional, tanto internos como externos y sus movimientos para introducir métodos inconstitucionales para hacer frente a su incompetencia. ¿Qué ha hecho este gobierno para usted últimamente? ¿Cuánto peor debe hacerlo antes de que haya una protesta nacional?

Sunday, May 22, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

Barrow Ain’t No Sweet Bread! Contributed Less than sixty days into his new administration, Mr. Barrow wasted no time (as if he had sat down before and thought these out) to propose several Constitutional Amendments that sent chills up the spine of the Bar Association, as well as the length and breadth of Belize. At the heart of the discussion was Preventative Detention, Trial without jury, The Referendum Bill and the infamous Amendment No. 7 which proposed that government would have the right to take away land from land owners with or without minerals or oil without redress in the Supreme Court. This proposed amendment stunk all the way to higher heaven that Belizean business magnate, the late Barry Bowen (who helped finance the UDP 2008 campaign)

took it upon himself to challenge Mr. Barrow and beat him in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals. Mr. Barrow’s next proposed Constitutional Amendments to fail thanks to public pressure was perhaps the most contentious and controversial which was the dreaded Preventative Detention which would lead to the detention of a person without evidence of wrongdoing, without a charge for up to 30 days based on suspicions a crime. Even die hard UDPs said NO way and joined in the fight to beat his proposed 1st Preventative Detention Amendment down. Despite the withdrawal of the first mentioned proposed Amendment, the fight was on for yet another. Barrow wanted to change the Referendum Act by raising the goal post to a higher bar making it more difficult for

Senseless killings claim two more lives Continued from page 1 regular phone call from his cell phone to hers: “Babe, ah wah pick yoh up from work at nine and ah want we spend some time together”. That call quickly turned into the last conversation Jones will forever remember and have her questioning for the rest of her life. As everyone knows by now, Jacobs never picked up his wife because someone ruthlessly murdered him. Jones says that she noted a lot of static in the call and when she asked Jacobs where he was, he responded that he was “on a run on the road”, meaning that he was on a job on the highway. Something very strange happened during the phone call, however, because it did not end after the two had finished their conversation. Instead, someone, presumably his killers, cut off Jacobs’ call and turned off the phone because when Jones called back numerous times, only the voicemail message came on. When Jacobs didn’t show up for to pick her up at her job as he had promised, she grew concerned and called his brother, Gabriel and relayed to him the strange sequence of events. Gabriel immediately sprang into action and started making checks with friends and with the police to try and track down his brother’s whereabouts. The details were not forthcoming until the following day, at around six on Friday morning, when a resident of Vista del Mar at mile eight on the Northern Highway, discovered the badly mutilated body a man in a shallow ditch on the entrance to the residential community. The shirtless corpse, clad only in jeans and a foot of tennis, was that of Jacobs. About two hours later, a farmer of Biscayne Village who was going about his daily work, stumbled upon a green and gray Astro Van on a dirt road in the village, with the driver’s door open and the front seats drenched in blood. It was the same van that Jacobs had rented on Wednesday after his own car broke down and was taken for repairs. The police are trying to find out from residents of the two locations where the discoveries were made, as well as from Jacobs’ fellow taxi colleagues at Princess Hotel and

Frank Jacobs

Casino where he worked, whether anyone saw him with anyone that night. So far, all that has been established is that another villager of Biscayne saw the van and a smaller dark colour vehicle entering the feeder road shortly after midnight that night. The villager said that the car trailed closely behind and that after about 15 minutes, the car exited the road. The villager didn’t hear any strange noises coming from the area, which suggests that Jacobs’ murderers numbered more than one. Jacobs’ family believes that he was murdered for his money and that his killers knew him and were probably with him for a while before they carried out the plot because that day, he went on a tour with some tourists and made a handsome earning. To substantiate their belief, none of his belongings have been found, including his wallet, cell phone, and identification cards. In sharp contrast to the Police Department’s recent release that major crimes are on a decrease, numbers don’t lie, and the statistics show that there are already ten more murders for this year than at the same period in 2010, when the figures were alarmingly high! Jacobs’ murder was not the only one over the past week that has been completely senseless and without logic. The same night that Jacobs’ body and vehicle were found another ruthless killing was committed, and this time, the victim was a church youth who had just released his gospel CD. Dwight Warrior, Jr., 21, spent the entire Friday with his family at their home at 48 Queen Charlotte Street near the Bismark Club. That night he walked his girlfriend home just before ten on Faber’s Road and was returning home when his fellow church brothers who were dropping off members of the Faber’s Road Seventh Day Adventist Church met up with him and offered to give him a lift home in the church bus. They stopped on Freedom Street to let him on the bus, but no sooner had he got onboard when a hail of bullets found their mark on the vehicle and one in Warrior’s head. The group

the people to demand a Referendum. This too was challenged by Alberto Vellos et al with attorney Lisa Shoman, Anthony Sylvestre Jr. and Kevin Arthurs who stood up and beat down Mr. Barrow in the Supreme Court, and the Court of Appeals. Barrow caved in and amended proposed legislation, before taking the matter to the Privy Council who gave him his first real change to the Constitution. More impromptu changes surfaced later, as Barrow’s next attempt was to make a nonelected person Attorney General, a move that for all interest and purpose appeared set for Lois Young Barrow to jump into the picture. The other was a proposed change in the numbers of Senators, granting a majority vote in the Senate to a non-Government majority. The NGOs moved swiftly and named this

sped off, not knowing that Warrior had been struck, but later discovered when he slouched over, that he had suffered a bullet wound. They rushed him to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for treatment. Warrior lived for a day but succumbed on Saturday night. The victim’s family say he was never engaged in anything negative. He was a church-going individual who looked out for his younger brothers and sisters. The CD he just released is testament to the lifestyle he led, they attest. Warrior was anxiously awaiting the graduation of a younger brother and sister from James Garbutt Seventh Day Adventist exactly one month from now.

29 new Senator, but it was rescinded by Barrow who said he had a change of heart. This matter is now pending before the Courts. The next ninety days will offer Mr. Barrow the kind of distraction his government needs from the real issues of a worsening economy, rampant crime, the highest unemployment record, high rate of school leavers, a 5% conviction rate, and a sense of hopelessness for the Belizean people. In order to fix Belize, the sum of 150 million dollars must be set aside to compliment the real change we seek (a) to ensure that we build a state of the art Forensic Lab to prosecute criminals and relieve the burden on witnesses. (b) to put back in school all our children and teenagers between the ages of 13 to 18 to ensure that they are educated and become a productive citizen (c) to implement a full Cadet Corp for discipline, academic and skills training for our troubled youth who have fallen through the cradles, give them a chance (d) to implement a work program for dead beat dads so that they can pay for their kids rather than sending them to jail (e) unless we address the issue of broken homes, with single mothers as a kind of productive plant for reducing troubled kids we are wasting our time (f) to implement a better form of community policing and neighborhood watch program (g) there are more concrete measures that must be taken as a compliment to these propose Amendments, so let your voices be heard. I close with the quote from Evan X Hyde from his editorial which appeared in last week’s edition: “This Friday morning, however, Mr. Barrow will introduce bills in the House which are intended to give the state more powers to fight the gangs, Preventative Detention and Trials without jury will enhance Mr. Barrow popularity with Belize’s Rich People, but these measures will not work”. I say, these measures my themselves will not work, I concur and rest my case.

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Collet Montejo – A Man for ALL Cayo District, May 17, 2011 His personal mantra is – WE MUST WORK TOGETHER TO BUILD THE COUNTRY…and the vibrant, energetic political newcomer has taken the first important step in doing just that. On Sunday, May 15th, Collet Montejo was chosen by the people of Cayo Central to chart the path forward and lead the charge to Belmopan as the Standard Bearer of the People’s United Party. Collet Montejo was born on June 23rd 1969, and his early childhood was spent among the people of Santa Elena in the same division he has now chosen to serve. He attended Santa Elena Primary School and Sacred Heart College, and from early on it his drive to excel and desire to make a difference was obvious, as he received exemplary grades throughout. From there Collet went on to the Belize Technical College where he received his Associate’s Degree in General Science before pursuing higher education at Colorado State University. In 1998 he attained his goal of a Bachelor’s Degree in International Economics and returned to Belize where he could put his education and practical experiences to good use – and what better use than imparting that knowledge to the bright young minds of our nation. Collet has given 13 years of his life to his vocation of teaching, as an educator in secondary education in the Cayo District. From there his life took another path, as the young man took a critical look at the health sector in Belize and decided that he wanted to do his part to improve accessibility and quality of medical care. He worked for 7 years as an administrator at the Loma Luz Hospital before taking on the same role at Belize Health Care Partners. And of course he is not content to take the path less travelled – Collet is now pursuing a degree in Hospital Administration at Colorado State University. With so much on his plate already, one would probably ask WHY POLITICS? But to that question Collet Montejo has a simple answer - He just wants to serve his people and make their lives better. He pinpoints two areas of concern in his community and in the country – YOUTH and HEALTHCARE. He insists that the young people have been forgotten – under this UDP administration there are NO JOBS and NO OPPORTUNITIES. Our young people have been left to fend for themselves and because there is nothing constructive for them to do, too often their lives

end up on the wrong path. Montejo already has plans to better the lives of the people of Cayo Central, building on the proud work record of Dan Silva, former Cayo Central Area Representative and Minister of Agriculture. Under Silva, agriculture programs were put in place which provided opportunities to

small farmers from the communities of Cayo Central. But under the UDP, these programs were deserted and now the only persons who benefit are the friends and cronies of the UDP Minister. Montejo plans to revisit and enhance these programs, and incorporate an agriculture coopera-

tive movement designed to benefit farmers in the 10 communities of his constituency. He also intend to open up new industries to provide opportunities for residents and to reduce our dependence on importation. In the area of healthcare, our nation has gone backward. Babies are dying in our public hospitals because of negligence and a lack of basic equipment and medicine. Belizeans are unable to access affordable, quality healthcare because this government has done nothing to improve or enhance the provision of health in Belize. Despite countless promises, the UDP has still not been able to roll out the National Health Insurance scheme started under the People’s United Party. These are issues which Montejo is passionate about, and areas in which he has vowed to bring change. Collet Montejo is hard working, honest, dedicated to his people and lives his life based on Christian principles. He is a true leader and a man for others. The people of Cayo Central recognized these qualities and have chosen him to lead them.

Preventative Detention:

Poll Results

In an informal poll by the BELIZE TIMES with a sample group of one hundred and twenty five adults Belizeans spoke definitively. The poll, conducted over the span of three days, featured three questions and utilized teleconference interviews and balloting. The sample group was divided into equal proportions of Belize City households and targeted both cellphones users and landline voters to the poll. The poll questions were: Do you know exactly what “Preventative Detention” means? The second question was “Do you think Preventative Detention is the answer to the crime wave? and the final question was: will the Government fix the crime problem?. Only 34 (approx. 27%) pollsters knew what was meant by Preventative Detention. Some asked when the consultations and education campaign would begin. Others asked if the Tint law was part of that program. A whopping 73.6% (92 poll-

sters) of the sample group did not believe that Preventative Detention was the answer to the crime wave. Six point four per cent (6.4%), which represents eight persons, simply did not know or had not thought about it. The most staggering percentage was the 88% of Belizeans who

did not believe that the present UDP government had the ability to fix the crime problem. Only fifteen pollsters had any confidence in this government and their incompetence with the crime situation. The BELIZE TIMES thanks the persons who participated in the poll and gave us a bit of their time.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Transport

officials

stonewall

Bus operators Orange Walk, May 18, 2011 By Carmelita Perez A meeting requested by northern bus operators with Ministry of Transport officials this Tuesday, May 17th, never materialized because transport officials never showed up. In fact, the letter sent to the CEO of the Ministry of Transport, Candelaria Saldivar [see page 2],was never replied to, leaving bus operators with a bitter sense that Government refuses to recognize their concerns as important. Despite Government’s indifference, bus operators continue to call on the Ministry of Transport not to meddle too deeply into the affairs of northern bus operator. Reports are that bus operators from the West have been awarded bus runs in the north, something that the Minister of Transport Hon. Melvin Hulse had promised to northern bus operators would not happen in a previous meeting. Whether Hulse will satisfy his political allies or the northern bus operators will be known on May 22nd, when a new “zoning” will be implemented in the northern zone. But bus operators say they can risk waiting until then, and when the met with the media today, they made that very clear.

THE BELIZE TIMES

Chinese national busted with 24 passports Belize City, May 18, 201 Police and Immigration officials are investigating a Chinese national who was busted with twenty four Chinese passports. The identity of the Chinese national has not been revealed, but Police are saying that the person was detained to investigate the circumstance behind one person

“After you have been operating for many years you have actually paved the way and actually been in the business for all these years and establish a business and then you are going to be removed it is like starting all over again. I am here today because most of the operators are dissatisfied and are not in agreement with this and mainly as the president I am pleading to the minister to actually put a hold on this thing,” related Thomas Shaw, President of the Belize Bus Association. In an appearance on the LOVE FM morning show on Monday, Minister Hulse accused the bus operators of spreading lies, as he attempted to swat away the accusations. But when a caller who identified himself as an operator went on record to say that the allegations were true, Hulse simply said “Dah no me…the runs are issued by the Transport Board. I have nothing to do with it”.

having that many passports. Police say that twenty-three passports had valid Belizean Visas, while one had an expired visa, which was cancelled on May 12th 2011. There is no information on where the Chinese national was detained, and the details of the arrest.

Of course Hulse was exposed later, when the President of the Bus Association, Shaw, who has runs from Belize City to Belmopan, said at the meeting that he had learnt first-hand that at least one operator, who is close to the CEO’s brother who is a Minister also, was promised runs which would encroach on his. “You hear that there is certain operators out there that and other bus operators that are actually running or facing the operation that Chuc’s Bus Line will be doing in the west and I am not afraid to say Chuc’s Bus Line, because he personally called me and said ‘Mr. Shaw they are giving me the runs in the west’. “I think it is unfair because due to the fact that Mr. Chuc has two gas stations, he does the U.B run from San Ignacio to Belmopan and Belmopan to Belize City. He has a government contract which is a school run, come on what else can that man ask for live and let live,” stated.

Humor in UDP Politics! Imagine the Possibilities. The UDP sent for a “Crook” all the way from Jamaica to advise the Government on crime. The name alone should have sent an alarm. As it turns out Crook ended up a wanted man in Jamaica, a fugitive who duck ship from the 13 floor only to be caught and arrested. Imagine that man was advising this UDP Government on crime. Eden Martinez is in the business of selling fish. – You mean he used to sell Fish? – No, he is now selling fish. – What kind of fish? – Well, the way Eden and his select cronies are behaving in PG is very SEL-FISH. The onion farmers in Orange Walk went all the way to Belmopan to see the Minister of Agriculture and asked him one question “Where is the onion money?” The Minister wasn’t there, so they went to Cayo to see if they could find him only to find a sign which read: “IN MONTERO’S POOL”. Things are so bad under Barrow that they are now wrestling cows in the local ambulance. Things so bad that Rotary could no longer sponsor the Salvation Army Mother’s Day Dinner, so bad that even the “Barrow Cuda” fish no longer waits to be called “Barrow”, just “Cuda”.

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, May 22, 2011