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The Belize Times Established 1957
26 MAY 2019 | ISSUE NO: 5148
The Truth Shall Make You Free
www.belizetimes.biz | $1.00
WHY IS BARROW
NERVOUS?
Pg. 2 ST. LUKE METHODIST PROTESTS CRIME SCOURGE!
Pg. 2
CARIBBEAN SHORES A HOT COMMODITY Pg. 8
02 2
26 MAY
THE BELIZE TIMES
2019
WHY IS BARROW NERVOUS?
Thursday, May 23, 2019 A search for Ecological Fox LLC, will yield you a bonanza of portable digital files that will have you shaking your head in disgust or/and mere confusion. Belize is named over and over. The excerpt above talks about 2008 when the present UDP government was just being ushered into office with all the anti-corruption rhetoric they could muster. But, as it seems, there was involvement at the high-
est of their ranks in what did eventually become the largest foreign real estate scam in United States history and this occurred on Belizean soil. This involved some 14, 000 acres of Belizean land. Fast forward to today: PM Barrow was seen very troubled in navigating the waters of Sanctuary Bay Belize. He was verbally tacking in the post-Maritime areas amendment press encounter. He should have been all jubilant given that the
ST. LUKE METHODIST PROTESTS CRIME SCOURGE! Thursday, May 23, 2019 Contributed Crime is indeed killing us as a people and as a nation, literally and figuratively. The government not only does not seem to have an answer. It seems to not even be looking for one. The attitude seems to be that as long as the UDP fat-cats in Cabinet and their cronies remain safe, then the rest of the country can go to hell. While the government operates like it has not a care in the world, the country’s murder rate continues to rise. And while murder is the glaring statistic, our people are plagued with shootings, assaults, robberies, burglaries and home invasions. Mr. Barrow seems oblivious of the fact that the law-abiding citizenry lives in an atmosphere of anxiety, fear and frustration. Currently, a child lies in the KHMH, his prognosis grim. This innocent child went to buy for his mother, and became a casualty of the violence which grips most of the city. He was shot in the face, and is unresponsive. If he does wake up, the chances are that he will be paralyzed for the rest of his life. And this is but one sad story of many. Every single day the news is full of shootings, choppings and stabbings. Youth killing youth in cold blood on busy streets. And it is getting worse and worse. Police will boast that the murder rate is down, but every shooting – and there are many
United States
Maritime Areas Amendment Bill had just passed unanimously. But no, how can someone with a legendary prolix persona be grappling what to say next? Belize note the following: It seems that the Prime Minister has much to explain to us the Belizean citizens. He and partner Rodwell are named in the FTC vs Ecological Fox, LLC., vis-a-vis Sanctuary Bay litigation, and there has been little word from him via that angle. He downplayed the FTC involvement to a civil liability to see who is biting. Former Employees of Sanctuary Bay Belize: “While I was working there, I saw no distinction between Sanctuary Belize, Buy Belize, Global Property Alliance, Sittee River Wildlife Reserve and Eco-Futures Development.”); PXZ ¶ 5 “I wasn’t sure what company I worked for.” The Belizean people have not blown anything out of proportion as voiced by Senator Salazar. We cannot concoct that extravagant food web which brings in the Central Bank and thus the public of Belize. Day to
day Belizeans do not have USD $3 million to handle. They would like to know the details of your visits to the multiple-storey building by the seaside labelled Keystone. Your broad shoulders should be the base of a capable-mind to provide answers to Belizeans who you represent as Senator. They also would like to know if this is preventing the Final Report on the Immigration Scandal to be released. The Atlantic International Bank centred chart placed at the front cover shows that whatever transactions happened with Andris Pukke have become engrained into Belize in an imbroglio that may threaten Belize’s banking and financial sectors’ soundness. Belize’s economy is frail and the sound of compensating foreign victims tolls giant bells and cries FOUL at the top of our Belizean voices. When the PM touted compensation for a foreign entity all this story has become “fair game”. Belizeans need answers with clarity and immediacy; not when it is too late.
Very recently, Mr. Barrow was forced, in the face of public pressure, to admit that when it comes to the ICJ, it is not a PUP thing
of our country, and to damage it beyond repair. Our law-abiding citizens, regardless of political affiliation, deserve to feel secure in our country, free of fear that in a second their lives can be snuffed out. The PUP calls on the Prime Minister, and on the man pretending to be the Minister of National Security (more like national insecurity) to wake up. While you sleep, people are dying and time is running out. Wake up.
The Belize Times
Established 1957
14 APR 2013
|
ISSUE NO: 4840
The Truth Shall Make You Free
www.belizetimes.bz
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serving Belize since 1957 as the longest continuous newspaper.
– could have been murder, and just wasn’t by a twist of fate. The government of the ‘brilliantest’ and brightest has always rejected the overtures of the People’s United Party when it comes to a bi-partisan, multi-organizational approach to crime-fighting strategy. But whatever it is that the Barrow administration is doing, or is not doing, is not working. This is a government which is quick to state that crime is everyone’s problem. They are quick to say that the UDP cannot be blamed for the exploding crime situation, because it will take every individual and every organization and every entity working together to tackle crime. But that is lip service, because the government has rejected every offer for a bi-partisan approach.
on page 31 ExchangeContinued rate (USD): $ 0.50 of One Belize Dollar
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or a UDP thing, it is a Belize thing. And he is right, even if he is just saying that because he has no other option. The ICJ decision is a critical one. What comes out of the ICJ will change the future of our people and of our country – one way or the other. But crime is every bit as impactful as any decision that will come out of the ICJ, and even more impactful in the short and medium terms. People are dying on the streets every single day, their lives ended in a split-second. Just last week a beautiful girl, 19 years old, was stabbed by another girl in the heart, and in seconds she was dead. The Prime Minister, whenever he does come into the country from his travels, must understand that crime has the ability to stunt the growth
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26 MAY
2019
THE BELIZE TIMES
03 3
EDITORIAL
T
UNION BUSTING
he Public Service Union (PSU) recently held a demonstration in Belmopan in the hopes that Mayor Khalid Belisle will make good on his promises to return the Hilltop property to the PSU. The Mayor had hinted at a proposed swap of properties with Simplex Company Limited that would resolve the matter for all interested parties. However, Mayor Khalid has not been forthcoming with the PSU as to the progress, or specifically the lack thereof, of the negotiations with Simplex Co. Ltd. The PSU boasts having the largest membership of any trade or workers union in Belize. Their membership countrywide stands at 2768 registered members. However, they have been remarkably silent on any number of national issues of grave importance. In May 2018 the current president of the PSU Doreth Cayetano-Obermayer stated the reason for the union’s deafening silence was fear of reprisals and victimization of the membership especially those who are still open vote workers. The public service has in fact increased by 35 percent in these last 10 years alone. The membership in the PSU, however, has not increased relatively to reflect this growth in the public service. The reason might lie in the vast number of political appointments that the current GOB has made in the last 10 years. More often than not members of the public service who are politically connected are unwilling or discouraged to join unions. The UDP are quite satisfied in hiring sheep that will not raise so much as an eyebrow at the rampant corruption and incompetence of this administration. This is yet another of the evils of cronyism and just another in the arsenal of tactics GOB uses in its attempts at union busting. By reducing the relative percentage of employees who are members, it weakens the position of the PSU whose strength lie precisely in numbers. The PUP is cognizant of the strengths of unions because they share the same genesis. Both operate under the same tenets of “social, economic and environmental justice.” The PSU will have their next AGM on June 1, 2019. At the Belize Times, we entreat you to raise your voices against the many injustices perpetrated in our beautiful Belize. We urge you to raise your voices and demand that Hilltop be returned to the PSU. We call on you to denounce the corruption prevalent in every government ministry and department. Your indifference and silence aid the shackles that keep Belize oppressed, destitute, and prisoner.
04 4
THE BELIZE TIMES
EDITORIAL
2019
en Español
REPRESIÓN SINDICAL
E
26 MAY
l sindicato de funcionarios de servicios públicos (PSU, en inglés) recientemente celebró una manifestación en Belmopan con la esperanza de que el alcalde Khalid Belisle cumpla con sus promesas de devolver la propiedad Hilltop al PSU. El alcalde había insinuado un propuesto canje de propiedades con Simplex Company Limited que resolvería el asunto para todas las partes interesadas. Sin embargo, el alcalde Khalid no ha facilitado información al PSU en cuanto al progreso de las negociaciones con Simplex Co. Ltd. o específicamente la falta de ella. El PSU cuenta con la membresía más grande de cualquier Sindicato de trabajadores en Belice. Su membresía en todo el país se sitúa en 2768 miembros inscritos. Sin embargo, han sido notablemente silenciosos en un número de cuestiones nacionales de gran importancia. En mayo de 2018, la actual presidente del PSU Doreth Cayetano-Obermayer afirmó que el motivo del silencio ensordecedor de la Unión era el temor a represalias y victimización de los miembros, especialmente aquellos que todavía son trabajadores con plaza abierta. De hecho, el servicio público aumentó en un 35 por ciento tan sólo en los últimos 10 años. La membresía en el PSU, sin embargo, no ha aumentado de manera relativa para reflejar este crecimiento en el servicio público. La razón podría estar en el gran número de nombramientos políticos que el actual gobierno de Belice (GOB, en inglés) ha hecho en los últimos 10 años. A menudo los miembros del servicio público que están políticamente conectados no están dispuestos y son desalentados a unirse a los sindicatos. El Partido Unido Democrático (UDP, en inglés) está satisfecho con la contratación de ovejas que no van a levantar ni una ceja ante la corrupción desenfrenada y la incompetencia de esta administración. Éste es otro de los males del nepotismo y sólo otro en el arsenal de tácticas que GOB utiliza en sus prácticas antisindicales. Al reducir el porcentaje relativo de empleados que son miembros, debilita la posición del PSU, cuya fuerza se encuentra precisamente en los números. El PUP está consciente de las fortalezas de los sindicatos porque comparten la misma Génesis. Ambos operan bajo los mismos principios de “justicia social, económica y medioambiental.” El PSU tendrá su siguiente Asamblea General Anual (AGM, en inglés) el 1 de junio de 2019. En el Belize Times les exhortamos a que levanten sus voces contra las muchas injusticias perpetradas en nuestra hermosa Belice. Les instamos a que levanten sus voces para exigir que Hilltop sea devuelta al PSU. Los llamamos a denunciar la corrupción prevaleciente en cada Ministerio y Departamento del gobierno. Vuestra indiferencia y silencio ayudan a los grilletes que mantienen un Belice bajo opresión, indigente y prisionero.
26 MAY
2019
QUESTIONS TO THE MINISTERS 1. Will the Prime Minister please say if he will disclose the amount of profits that Barrow and Williams made from their representation of Sanctuary Bay and will the Prime Minister also say if he benefited financially from his law firm’s relationship with Sanctuary Bay? 2. Will the Prime Minister say if he is of the view that somehow the Government is liable for debt created by Sanctuary Bay and if so why and if not, then why is he taking such an interest in Sanctuary Bay? 3. Can the Prime Minister please advise if Belize had similar laws for insider trading whether Senator Aldo Salazar could have been indicted for Insider Trading? 4. Will the Prime Minister say if the actions of Central Bank of Belize as the regulator of banks in Belize may have been negligent in regulating Atlantic International Bank Limited? 5. Will the Prime Minister say whether in light of the resignation of Lee Mark Chang, if the replacement with Darrell Bradley the only compensation for ousting the City’s ex-Mayor from Caribbean Shores?
CARTOON
05 5
THE BELIZE TIMES
The Producer of “The Tradition” Magazine & Cycling Federation of Belize would like to THANK the following for the Publication of
“The Tradition”
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Magazine 2019
Belize Electricity Limited
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Brads Gaming Company Limited Belize Postal Service Holy Redeemer Credit Union Income Tax Department Ministry of Education, Youth,Sports & Culture Ministry of Transport Norman’s Printing House Office of the Mayor (Belize City) Prosser Fertilizer & Agrotec Co.Ltd. Prudential Management Firm Public Utilities Commission ( PUC) Quick Stop Personal Finance Center Speednet (Smart) Travellers Liquors Universal Hardware Westrac
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SPECIAL THANKS:
Alan Auil, Anwar Barrow, Blial Morris Chris Williams, Eugene Trench, Fitzgerald “Palas” Joseph, Glenn Tillett, Gerald Chavannes Hon. Edmond Castro, Hon.Patrick Faber Mayor Bernard Wagner ,Orsen Butler. Yvonne Robinson
TEAMS:
Benny’s Megabytes Team, C-ray D Banner Cycling Team, Team Digi Elite, Smart Cycling Team, Team Westrac Alliance, Team Recinos Imports, Cayo Junior Team, D & A Surge Cycling Team
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THE BELIZE TIMES
CASTRO CRASH!
Yesterday Wednesday, reportedly there was a collision between a vehicle driven by Minister Castro’s driver and an Orange Walk bus line. It seems that an attempt at a U-turn on the Philip Goldson highway did not fare off well for the Castro vehicle. These occurrences always begs the question if alcohol was involved. We will wait to see if there is any news on that front. On the ubiquitous, Facebook, Castro has been seen touting alcohol as if it were water. This is definitely not ministerial-level posting. It makes you wonder if there will be ministerial level action taken on the driver. This is a public figure.
26 MAY
2019
Game of Thrones – UDP Belize Edition -ContributedSpoiler Alert: If you haven’t seen the last episode of Game of Thrones, please watch it first then read on. –Ed. This last Sunday saw the ending of the popular television series “Game of Thrones.” Many sat transfixed for the final episode and as a bonus Belizean fans did not have to wait very long for the debut of the spinoff Game of Thrones UDP Belize Edition. This week’s episode featured the consolidation of House Patt and made him a serious contender for the throne. With all but two minor houses bending the knee thus making him the new Warden of the North. We were also introduced to the plump “Master of Whisperers” who claimed no intention or ambitions to rule…not yet in any case. Most interesting will be the battle for a coveted principality between the “Master of Coin” riding his bicycle and the most recently knighted lady in the kingdoms. At the short Senate meeting, we were granted a glimpse of the “High Sparrow.” The most interesting story line to follow in this drama however are the fates of the reigning king our version of Robert Baratheon who seems currently eager to abdicate his throne. While he favours the passing of the throne to his “Jeoffry” he seems aware that his offspring is ill suited to wearing the crown and is biding his time in the hopes that he will grow into the leadership role, although it seems highly unlikely. Our Robert Baratheon feeling surrounded by incompetent fools constantly at odds with each other, turns instead to a trusted sibling. Here we meet Cersei B, a ruthless and ambitious candidate whom he trusts can get the job done. We will keep tuned in to see who will emerge victorious in the Battle of the Shores. Will it be The Master of Coin or Lady Tart? Will Cersei B conquer the six kingdoms? Will the Warden of the North bend his knee to Cersei B or does he aspire to the Iron Throne himself? What will be the fate of the High Sparrow and the Master of Whisperers? Only time will reveal the twists in the plot.
Mayors at Despierta Belice
Mayor of Belize City Bernard Wagner, Mayor of OW Kevin Bernard and Mayor Rigo Vellos of Corozal today, May 23, on the Despierta Belice show in Orange Walk. They discussed local challenges and vision and also did a tour of areas of work being carried out in Orange Walk Town.
26 MAY
2019
THE BELIZE TIMES
BELLY of the
BEAST
Aldo & the FTC You see, there is always a price to pay when you want to roll with the big boys, and collect paychecks which can run into the hundreds of thousands. We watched that interview with Senator Aldo Salazar last night, and at one point it almost looked like he wanted to cry. Then he composed himself and tried to convince reporters that he was pulled over in the US in a random Customs stop. Really, Aldo? You expect Belizeans to believe that one? Maybe you should explain how come you and the head of Atlantic International Bank are partners in a private company, and also worked together at AIBL. Maybe you should also come clean about your own role in the Sanctuary Bay scam, since you were the legal advisor of AIBL. Maybe you can tell Belizeans what information you gave to those people who pulled you aside like a common criminal in the US and questioned you for hours. Were your knees shaking the entire time? Mark our words. The UDP dolly-house is crumbling, and when it falls down, it will be a spectacular thing. Barrow & Sanctuary Bay It will be quite interesting to figure out how the Prime Minister’s law firm is tangled up in this whole Sanctuary Bay thing. But check this one thing out. Bad back Barrow is boss of litigation. That sucker can litigate, and lose, and litigate, and lose. And lose, and lose. But very quietly, and very hurriedly, the Prime Minister has sent government minions to try to settle the Sanctuary Bay matter like now. He wants this one settled immediately. Why? And why should taxpayers pay to settle? To protect who? And who are the Ministers named in the Sanctuary Bay thing? We know Erwin is a big part of it. So is Gaspar. This one is going to blow the UDP out the water. Wait for it. Caribbean Shores We’ll have some fun with this one next week for sure, cause all kinds of feelings caught up in here. Santi wants another run, but we done know it’s not
07 7
going to happen cause Leila’s sweetie sweetie is the Prime Minister’s right hand and CEO in the OPM. We hear Santi has already gotten a call and while we can’t say what he’s gotten as an incentive, he know he’s going to bow out. Lee Mark now, well that’s a cat of a different colour. The last time one of these brothers – we seem to remember his name was Chang too - was put in office, he used his position to take a Belizean passport to a fellow called Wonhong Kim in Taiwan. We’re not saying, at least not out loud, that Lee Mark would do the same thing. But well. You know. Anyway next week for this. Hearing there’s free chicken at Chon Saan for all Caribbean Shores voters who promise loyalty. Just saying. Fuh God’s Sake Stop It Old bad back Barrow says he would never call elections now because they’d never win. I bet he wishes he never had to call elections at all, because every fat fowl is having its Friday in the UDP and every bloated chicken is coming home to roost. The latest thing now is that knock-head former UDP Minister of Gangs Mark King is accusing UDP Minister of State Angel Campos of trying to collect kickbacks at the KHMH. According to King, Campos and another UDP minion at the KHMH, Evan Cowo, ‘bribed his company,’ Brints Security, which was seeking a contract at the KHMH. Now that is a very serious matter, one which King says he has now taken to the Supreme Court. It is a hell of a thing, but hey, if it’s one thing UDP Ministers know, it is the hustle. Kickbacks are as common in Cabinet as chicken at Li Chee. Just ask that fat fellow from Cayo. The one who was bankrupt when he got into office and is now a multi-millionaire. Bam Briggidim Boof If you think Mark King was just being his usual bubu self, think again. Literally minutes after King accused Minister Campos of soliciting bribes, Campos was gone from the Ministry of Health. We know where there’s smoke there’s fire. But in this case, Campos’ firing means that there wasn’t only fire, but there was firewood and gasoline and kerosene, maybe even a grenade or two and a burning building. So now Campos has been placed as Minister of State in the Ministry of Human Development. He will serve under that wonderful man of character and integrity, brother Boots. We here at the Belize Times were trying to figure out the rationale behind that, and we think we got it. We figure that after Boots is done scraping all there is to scrape, nothing will be left in the cookie jar for Campos so he’ll be forced to stay honest. With this set of crooked Ministers, makes no sense to try to figure them out anyway. We do think it’s cute that the actual bona fide doctor was removed from the Ministry of Health, while the electrician remains in the top spot. That is hilarious.
apologize
8 08 8
THE BELIZE TIMES
26 MAY
2019
CARIBBEAN SHORES A HOT COMMODITY Thursday, May 23, 2019 The President of the Senate asks the gallery to be emptied of people so that the committee on the amendment of the Maritime Areas act could be deliberated upon. The gallery empties but the National Channel kept showing to the world that the he really didn’t do anything except stand around. Then after a few minutes he sits back in his chair and voila we have an amendment passed. This is a joke. This President of the Senate, obviously not qualified, then dramatically
resigns since he will now seek to become a UDP Standard Bearer for the Caribbean Shores constituency. He wishes to become a representative and cannot even explain himself clearly. How did he ever become President of the Senate? The presumptive UDP Standard Bearer to the Caribbean Shores constituency and extremely busy attorney, ex-Mayor Darrel Bradley was out. Bradley had been ingloriously ousted by a slew of candidates salivating at this seemingly winnable seat for any UDP candidate. The laziness factor brought
in with its tide a pride of ferocious wannabes. Like Bradley, who was not working in the constituency, they felt they would like to be that person—not work, and still win. Post-referendum results, that the PM reminded all as often as he can that the Yes vote was not a UDP vote, still make the UDP ogle at the Caribbean Shores’ seat to be snatched with little effort. All this definitely insults the voters of the Caribbean Shores who even in 2015 PetroCaribe elections ushered in Kareem Musa.
These savvy voters wonder what all the fuss is about. These voters are not color blind and can see the UDP bloodbath occurring right before them. Oh, as a matter of fact, there was a sneeze of desire by Santino Castillo who quickly got out his handkerchief and withdrew back to the political side-lines. Much ado about claiming something that isn’t even there. They will soon learn that there is a representative there already and for keeps.
26 MAY
THE BELIZE TIMES
2019
OUT
!
Thursday, May 23, 2019 Sir, Just a thought!!
Superman’s uncontrollable appetite for money at any cost was raised by his chief campaigner in Port Loyola on Referendum Day. The individual walked off the job before midday and went home. All this happened after accusing Superman of keeping most of the money for the occasion for himself instead of using it for the intended purpose. A question was also raised about Superman’s uncontrollable appetite for fast dough when he immediately accepted a nice offer to end his campaign to become his party’s standard bearer for the Albert Division. Just Saying what people are saying
Health: Cancer
-ContributedCancer is a disease caused by an uncontrolled division of cells in a part of the body. Cancer can also be a malignant growth or tumor resulting from the division of abnormal cells; however, not all tumors are cancerous. Non-Cancerous tumors do not spread to other parts of the body or from new tumors. On the other hand, cancerous tumors tend to surrounds healthy cells, which interferes with body functions and draws nutrients from body tissues. The most common types of cancer are carcinoma, sarcoma, melanoma, lymphoma, and leukemia that can be found in both men and women. Carcinomas is the most commonly diagnosed cancer which originate in the skin, lungs, breasts, pancreas, other organs and glands. Leukemia is cancer of the blood. Sarcomas arise in bone, muscle, fat, blood vessels, cartilage, other soft or connective tissues of the body, which is relatively uncommon. Melanomas are cancers that arise in the cells that make the pigment in skin. Cancer specialist is called an Oncologists, they are known for having to make remarkable advances in cancer diagnosis, prevention and treatment. However in Belize, one of the leading causes of death is cancer, along with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic respiratory diseases which is around 40% of deaths annually. Since, cancer is one of the leading cause of death, the incidence of breast, and cervical cancer was 29.9 and 21.4 per 100,000 population, respectively, while prostate cancer incidence was 15.3 per 100,000. This is due, because cancer treatment in Belize is primitive and very expensive, along with limited oncologist and facilities for radiation therapy. There
is only one cancer center in the country which is located in Dangriga, which is ran by Dr. Ellsworth Grant an oncologist, where he provides chemotherapy at his clinic; however, radiation must be done out of the country. Belize also has the Belize Cancer Society, which helps to bring awareness to cancer, and that the matter should be known and taken seriously by going for a checkup. Even though there is awareness brought about on cancer there is still limited access to resources needed, in order to fully handle the matter. Some families, or individuals may still not have the finance just to travel, to receive radiation therapy, which can be costly depending on the stage of cancer. I know a couple of families that had to travel out of the country, just to receive radiation and stayed for a while in order to continue radiation treatment, while other members stay back to work and send money. Certain individuals return because the radiation treatment becomes very expensive and may run into financial problems. Some that are diagnosis with cancer simply can’t afford to travel and receive radiation treatment, especially if the cancer is at a very late stage and difficult to treat, or the cancer comes back more severe after doing treatment. I support the Belize Cancer Society, along with the volunteers and other supporters, for raising awareness on cancer and the need to take action, by encouraging individuals, both young and old, to do pap smears and exams to test if they have cancer. This may assist in helping the individual to be prepared and continue taking care of their health.
099 LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICES Notice is hereby given that Daisy Elizabeth Marroquin is applying for a Malt Liquor License to be operated at ”K & J” located on College Road, Corozal Town, Corozal District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Romeldo Handir Catzim is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at ”Sarteneja Sunset” located in Sarteneja Village, Corozal District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Kurtis Usher is applying for a Malt Liquor License to be operated at ”Grill Wizard Barbeque Pit ” located on Santa Rita Road, Corozal Town, Corozal District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Zhu Bin Deng is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at ”Mi Amigo Super Store” located in Sarteneja Village, Corozal District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.
10 SPORTS
THE BELIZE THE BELIZE TIMES TIMES
Belize athletes win 2 Golds
at Central American Junior championships San Salvador, May 19, 2019 Team Belize won 2 Golds at the Central American Junior U-18 and U-20 athletics championships at the Jorge “Magico” Gonzalez Stadium in San Salvador over the weekend. Hilary Gladden’s 24.11 second, record-breaking dash in the 200 meters, shattered the previous record by 0.82 seconds. Mia Sylvester captured another Gold i on Friday, when she hurled the shot 13.26meters, coming just 11cms shy shattering that record. She placed 4th in the discus, with a throw of 31.77m. Faith Morris ran the 100 meters in 12.86 secs to win silver, and ran the 200m in 26.72 secs to bring home bronze. Joshire Stanley ran the 100 meters in 11.02 secs to win silver, and ran the 200m in 22.57secs to finish 4th. Joas Mejia cleared the bar at 1.74 meters to win silver in the high jump. Canaan Smith threw the discus 40.44 meters to win silver. Dominic Castillo hurled the shot 12.59 meters to win bronze but his throw of 36.06 meters in the discus placed him 5th. Cuban coaches Roandys Herandez Diaz and Lisandra Rodriguez Alvarez prepared the Belize athletes for the competition. BAAA President Deon Sutherland led the delegation, which included Faith Morris’ aunt, Mrs. Shelmadine Carr, as chaperone.
San Pedro Pirates win PLB San Pedro Town, May 18, 2019 The San Pedro Pirates won their 1st Premier League of Belize championship, delighting Sanpedrano fans by taking Game 2 of the Finals: 2-0 against the Belmopan Bandits at the Ambergris Stadium last Saturday night. Argentine import Facundo Garmier won Playoff MVP award as he led the Pirates to victory by scoring the 1st goal in the 66th minute. He also created the opportunity for the 2nd goal when he executed a corner kick, floating the ball into the box, where Brazilian import Mailson Moura finished with a header into the back of the net in the 76th minute, and there was little Bandits’ goalkeeper Shane Moody Orio could do about it
Dominic Castillo won bronze in shot put
The Bandits’ regular season MVP Georgie Welcome and Trimayne “Pepper” Harris tried to get a goal to tie the aggregate score at 2-2, with the help of midfielders Humberto Requeña, Norman Anderson, Kevin “Enano” Guevara Vicente and Rilwaan Salawu. Jerome “Jaro” James and Honduran import Jeremy Palacios also came off the bench to reinforce the attack, but pirates goalie Selvin Sagastume was on top of his game, and kept a clean slate throughout. Moura locked down the Pirates backfield with the help of Franco Toledano, Hazael Requeña and Asrel Sutherland, returning the ball to their midfielders Jesse Smith, Christian Ortega, Louis Valdes, Colombian import Anderson Cordoba and Wilber Ayala to remain on the attack until the final whistle. PLB officials presented the championship trophy and 1st place medals to the pirates, and the Bandits took home the 2nd place trophy and medals. Individual awards: Play Off MVP- Facundo Garnier (San Pedro Pirates FC). Regular Season MVP – Georgie Welcome (Bandits Sport) Golden Glove – Rodrigo Vasquez (Verdes FC) Best Defender – Dalton Eiley (Bandits Sport) Best mid- Fielder- Jesse Smith (San Pedro Pirates FC) Best Young Player- Warren Moss (Wagiya Sporting Club) Best Goal Scorer (4-way tie): Andres Orozco (Assassins Altitude FC) Highking Roberts (Wagiya Sporting Club) Elroy Smith (Verdes FC) Camilo Sanchez (BDF FC) Fair Play – BDF FC Best Coach – Jorge Nunez (San Pedro Pirates FC) Best Manager – Tony Maldonado (San Pedro Pirates FC) Broadcasting Award – TNC 10
Faith Morris and Hilary Gladden
Champs - San Pedro Pirates
BDF win FIFA Fair Play award
Best defense, Dalton Eiley
21 29 MAY AUG JAN 19 26
2016 2017 2019
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26 MAY
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18 JAN
THE BELIZE TIMES 2015
VILLAGE COUNCIL PUP TEAMS 2019
SANTA CRUZ: Derick Stewart (chairman), Nelson García, Herman Charlesworth, Deisy Castañeda, Hector Martinez, Pedro Colomer, Johnny Canchán
VOTE PUP 7
CARMELITA: Fernando Moreno, Edward Conorquie, Debralee Jesse, Victor Polanco (chairman), Rosalia Teul, Roni Lazaro. Hilton Codd, Jr PALMAR: Wincy Pérez, Gustavo Chi, Vanini Teck, Orlando Ayuso (chairman), Yasmin Moh , Ismael Domínguez, Hector Sosa CHAN PINE RIDGE: Imer Ramírez, Noel Carillo, Mariely Flores, Cornelio Torres (chairman), Alfred Torres, George Alvarado, Feliciano Torres The Corozal SouthEast Schedule is tentative. It gives us an idea that we need to be ready. IF you have not registered you should go and do so. Make your voices be heard with a loud vote. Each vote matters. The General Elections can be called at any moment. Go register tomorrow(Monday to Friday). Get your upcoming Belize Times for other PUP teams. PUP READY TO WIN, READY TO LEAD
SANTA CRUZ
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2019
ASSISTANT TO CITY ENGINEER Salary Negotiable
City Engineer
CAREER OPPORTUNITY The Belize City Council is seeking applications to fill the post of Assistant to City Engineer.
Area of responsibility:
Under administrative direction, oversees, supervises, and coordinates the activities and operations of the Works Department: assists the City Engineer in the management of other sections, work groups, and/or service areas of the City Council; coordinates assigned activities with other Departments, divisions, outside agencies, and the general public; and provides highly responsible and complex staff assistance to the City Engineer.
Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Attributes: 1.Requires strong conceptualization ability, strong interpersonal, communication and organizational skills. 2.Knowledge of principles and practices of civil engineering as applied to the administration, design, construction, maintenance, and financing of public works facilities, systems and improvements. Knowledge of Engineering support services, including GIS/ computerized mapping and project management is a plus. 3.Ability to explain complex technical issues to decision makers, project teams and various city department heads. 4.Provide response to citizen enquiries and complaints. 5.Must have good oral and written communication skills and work successfully in a customer focused project-oriented environment. 6.Work is in a demanding environment that requires conflict resolution skills, a keen awareness of deadlines and excellent time management. 7.Demonstrate dependability and motivation. 8.Ability to use good judgment, solve problems and make sound decisions. 9.Ability to organize, plan and prioritize work. 10.Ability to effectively communicate with a wide audience, including the public, subordinates, other managers and public officials. 11.Ability to establish and maintain professionalism and effective working relationships when dealing with diverse groups of people. 12.Ability to work long hours and irregular working hours during emergencies. 13.Maintain high level of personal integrity and reliability.
All interested persons must submit their applications along with their resume and two letters of references, in a sealed envelope no later than Monday, June 3, 2019 addressed to the Human Resources Manager, Belize City Council, 109 North Front Street, Belize City, Belize This position reports to the City Engineer. Specific Responsibilities: 1.Assists
the City Engineer in performing professional engineering work: monitoring, analysis, planning, budgeting, design, construction management, inspection and maintenance. 2.Supervises the processing of private developments with other City departments, public agencies, outside engineering consultants, and developers. 3.Coordinates and supervises the preparation of the Engineering Conditions of Approval for all types of private developments; coordinates and supervises plan checking of private developments’ engineering plans and maps. 4.Oversee the standards for inspection of public improvement projects including subdivision development. Act on behalf of the City Engineer during his absence and/or as specifically delegated in order to provide for continuity of services. 5.Directs, coordinates, and reviews the work plan for different departments; assigns work activities and projects; monitors work flow; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems. 6.Participates in the development and administration of assigned section budget; forecasts funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors and approves expenditures; recommends adjustments as necessary. 7.Directs the development and implementation of plans and programs to improve the efficiency of engineering operations including cost control programs, staff utilization studies, and work method improvements. 8.Oversees and participates in the maintenance of records and related documentation; prepares performance and other reports detailing engineering workload and activities. 9.Coordinates assigned activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations; resolves sensitive and controversial issues. 10.Serves as staff on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees; represents the City Engineer at Planning Commission meetings; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence. 11.Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of engineering. 12.Responds to and resolves citizen and staff inquiries, concerns, and complaints in a timely and effective manner. 13.Any other duties assigned from time to time. 14.Ensure that all protocols, procedures and guidelines are used at all times in carrying out assigned duties. 15.Ensure that professionalism is displayed at all times when carrying out duties. 16.Report to work immediately in the event of a disaster threat and after the city has suffered a disaster
Minimum Requirements: Bachelor Degree in Civil Engineering
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2019
GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE
GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE
SECOND ROAD SAFETY PROJECT
SECOND ROAD SAFETY PROJECT
GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR PROCUREMENT OFFICER SECOND ROAD SAFETY PROJECT CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR ROAD SAFETY CONSULTANCY
BELIZE OFFICER CONSULTANCY GOVERNMENT SERVICES FOROF FINANCE SECOND ROAD SAFETY PROJECT CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR ROAD SAFETY CONSULTANCY REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
The Government of Belize (GOB) has applied for financing from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) in an amount equivalent to US$5,850,000 towards the cost of a Second Road Safety Project and intends to apply a portion of the proceeds of this financing to eligible payments under a contract for which this invitation is issued. Payments by CDB will be made only at the request of GOB and upon approval by CDB, and will be subject in all respects to the terms and conditions of the Financing Agreement. The Financing Agreement prohibits withdrawal from the financing account for the purpose of any payment to
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
The Government of Belize (GOB) has applied for financing from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) in an amount equivalent to US$5,850,000 towards the cost of a Second Road Safety Project and intends to apply a portion of the proceeds of this financing to eligible payments under a contract for which this invitation is issued. Payments by CDB will be made only at the request of GOB and upon approval by CDB, and will be subject in all respects to the terms and conditions of the Financing Agreement. The Financing Agreement prohibits withdrawal from the financing account for the purpose of any payment to persons or entities, or for any import of goods, if such payment or import, to the knowledge of CDB, is
persons or entities, or for any import of goods, if such payment or import, to the knowledge of CDB, is
prohibited by a decision of the United Nations Security Council taken under Chapter VII of the Charter of
prohibited by a decision of the United Nations Security Council taken under Chapter VII of the Charter of
the United Nations. No party other than GOB shall derive any rights from the Financing Agreement or
the United Nations. No party other than GOB shall derive any rights from the Financing Agreement or
have any claim to the proceeds of the Financing.
have any claim to the proceeds of the Financing.
Ministry of Economic Development and Petroleum (MEDP), the Executing Agency, now wishes to
Ministry of Economic Development and Petroleum (MEDP), the Executing Agency, now wishes to procure consultancy services for a Procurement Officer. The objective of the consultancy is to ensure that the PMU is enabled to efficiently complete all aspects of project procurement requirements during the initial six months of the Project Implementation Period and within the Procurement Guidelines of CDB and GOB. The duration of the assignment is expected to be for a period of twelve (12) months.
procure consultancy services for a Finance Officer. The objective of the consultancy is to ensure that the PMU reports effectively, efficiently and accurately on all financial aspects of the Project. The duration of the assignment is expected to be for a period of twenty-four (24) months in the first instance with an option to renew the consultancy. Ministry of Economic Development and Petroleum (MEDP) now invites interested eligible individual consultants to submit Expressions of Interest indicating qualifications and experience required to provide
Ministry of Economic Development and Petroleum (MEDP) now invites interested eligible individual
these consultancy services.
consultants to submit Expressions of Interest indicating qualifications and experience required to provide Consultants shall be eligible to participate if:
these consultancy services. Consultants shall be eligible to participate if: (a)
the persons are citizens or bona fide residents of an eligible country; and
(b)
in all cases, the consultant has no arrangement and undertakes not to make any arrangements,
the persons are citizens or bona fide residents of an eligible country; and
(b)
in all cases, the consultant has no arrangement and undertakes not to make any arrangements, whereby any substantial part of the net profits or other tangible benefits of the contract will accrue or be paid to a person not a citizen or bona fide resident of an eligible country.
whereby any substantial part of the net profits or other tangible benefits of the contract will accrue or be paid to a person not a citizen or bona fide resident of an eligible country.
(a)
Eligible countries are member countries of CDB.
Eligible countries are member countries of CDB.
The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to paragraph 1.9 of CDB’s Guidelines for the Selection
The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to paragraph 1.9 of CDB’s Guidelines for the Selection
In the assessment of submissions, consideration will be given to qualifications and experience on similar
and Engagement of Consultants (2011), setting forth CDB’s policy on conflict of interest.
assignments. All information must be submitted in English. Further information may be obtained from
and Engagement of Consultants (2011), setting forth CDB’s policy on conflict of interest.
the first address below between 0900 and 1600 hours Monday to Friday.
In the assessment of submissions, consideration will be given to qualifications and experience on similar assignments. All information must be submitted in English. Further information may be obtained from
Three hard copies of the Expressions of Interest must be received at the first address below no later than
the first address below between 0900 and 1600 hours Monday to Friday.
1630 hours on Wednesday June 12, 2019 and an electronic copy must be sent simultaneously to CDB at the second address below. The sealed envelope containing each submission should include the name
Three hard copies of the Expressions of Interest must be received at the first address below no later than
and address of the applicant and shall be clearly marked “Expression of Interest – Consultancy Services
1630 hours on Wednesday, June 12, 2019 and an electronic copy must be sent simultaneously to CDB
for Finance Officer”
at the second address below. The sealed envelope containing each submission should include the name
Following the assessment of submissions, the most technically capable and appropriately experienced
and address of the applicant and shall be clearly marked “Expression of Interest – Consultancy Services
applicant will be invited to negotiate a contract to provide the consultancy services. GOB reserves the
for Procurement Officer”
right to accept or reject late applications or to cancel the present invitation partially or in its entirety. It will not be bound to assign any reason for not engaging the services of any applicant and will not defray
Following the assessment of submissions, the most technically capable and appropriately experienced
any costs incurred by any applicant in the preparation and submission of Expressions of Interest.
applicant will be invited to negotiate a contract to provide the consultancy services. GOB reserves the right to accept or reject late applications or to cancel the present invitation partially or in its entirety. It
1. Chief Executive Officer Ministry of Economic Development and Petroleum (Economic Development) P. O. Box 42 Mountain View Blvd, Ground Floor, Unit Three William Tam Building Belmopan BELIZE, C.A. Tel: +501-822-3517/2526/2527 Emails: yvonne.hyde@med.gov.bz cc.: pmu03cdbgobz@gmail.com cc.:pmucdbgobz@gmail.com Attn.: Second Road Safety Project Management Unit
will not be bound to assign any reason for not engaging the services of any applicant and will not defray any costs incurred by any applicant in the preparation and submission of Expressions of Interest. 1. Chief Executive Officer Ministry of Economic Development and Petroleum (Economic Development) P. O. Box 42 Mountain View Blvd, Ground Floor, Unit Three William Tam Building Belmopan BELIZE, C.A. Tel: +501-822-3517/2526/2527 Emails: yvonne.hyde@med.gov.bz cc.: pmu03cdbgobz@gmail.com cc.:pmucdbgobz@gmail.com Attn.: Second Road Safety Project Management Unit
2. Procurement Caribbean Development Bank P.O. Box 408 Wildey, St. Michael Barbados, W. I. BB11000 Fax: 246 426 7269 Tel: 246 431 1600 Email: procurement@caribank.org
2.
1.
The Procurement Officer (PO) will be located in the Road Safety Unit (RSU) and will report to the Project Manager. He/she will be responsible for assisting RSU staff with all aspects of project procurement during the initial six months of the Project. PO will be supported by administrative staff within the RSU. The PO’s duties will include, but not be limited to: Plan, supervise and coordinate procurement activities for goods and services; Examine relevant documents and develop technical specifications for goods and works; Research market for potential bidders; Finalise Terms of Reference for consultant services; Prepare bidding documents; Prepare bid evaluation reports; Train bid evaluation committees; Negotiate and follow-up as required with respect to delivery of goods and services; Any other duties assigned from time to time.
Prospective candidates should have a minimum of the following qualifications: A Bachelor’s Degree in Management Studies, Finance, Engineering or Procurement Management or other related field from a recognised university. Computer competence in software packages: Microsoft Word and Excel. More than 5 years in procurement management within project funded by international organisations, proposed personnel with experience with CDB’s procurement procedures are desirable. Excellent written, oral and interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with the financiers.
Email: procurement@caribank.org
FINANCE OFFICER CONSULTANCY
PROCUREMENT OFFICER CONSULTANCY
(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i)
Caribbean Development Bank P.O. Box 408 Wildey, St. Michael Barbados, W. I. BB11000 Fax: 246 426 7269 Tel: 246 431 1600
TERMS OF REFERENCE
TERMS OF REFERENCE
1.
2. Procurement
The Finance Officer (FO) will be located in the Road Safety Unit (RSU) and will report to the Project Manager. He/she will be responsible for coordinating and working with all aspects of managing and reporting on the financial aspect of the Project. FO shall be assigned exclusively to the Project and will be supported by administrative staff within the RSU. The FO’s duties will include, but not be limited to: (a)
maintaining records and carrying out the day-to-day financial management of the Project, including the preparation of regular financial progress reports;
(b)
assisting in the monitoring and controlling of project cost, preparing/reviewing withdrawal applications, supervising preparation of financial reporting. Assist in preparing and submitting to CDB, a Quarterly Report on the Investment Cost of the Project, in the form specified by CDB, within two weeks after the end of each calendar quarter, commencing with the quarter following the commencement of the assignment;
(c)
updating the procurement procurement package;
(d)
updating disbursement forecasts based upon revised implementation progress for each procurement package
(e)
supporting the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer with timely financial information for analysis;
(f)
assisting with providing the financial information to prepare and submit to CDB for the Project Completion Report within three months after completion of the works and services;
(g) 2.
plan
with
revised
implementation
dates
for
each
any other duties assigned from time to time.
Prospective candidates should have a minimum of the following qualifications: a Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Business Science or other related field with a minimum of three years’ experience in the financial aspect of project management, in addition to proficiency in computer skills, including the use of spreadsheets, database management and word processing. Proposed personnel with strong communication, supervisory and financial skills and good relations with local stakeholders are desirable.
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THE BELIZE TIMES
26 MAY
2019
GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE SECOND ROAD SAFETY PROJECT CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR ROAD SAFETY CONSULTANCY REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST The Government of Belize (GOB) has applied for financing from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) in an amount equivalent to US$5,850,000 towards the cost of a Second Road Safety Project and intends to apply a portion of the proceeds of this financing to eligible payments under a contract for which this invitation is issued. Payments by CDB will be made only at theofrequest of GOB and upon approval and will in all respects tofor thethe terms and conditions of the Financing Agreement. The Financing Agreement prohibits withdrawal from the The attention interested Consultants is drawnbytoCDB, paragraph 1.9beofsubject CDB’s Guidelines Selection financing account for the purpose of any payment to persons or entities, or for any import of goods, if such payment or import, to the knowledge of CDB, is prohibited by a decision of the United Nations Security Council taken under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. No party andclaim Engagement of Consultants (2011), setting forth CDB’s policy on conflict of interest. other than GOB shall derive any rights from the Financing Agreement or have any to the proceeds of the Financing. Ministry of Economic Development and Petroleum (MEDP), the Executing Agency, now wishes to procure consultancy services for Road Safety Consultancy.
In the assessment of submissions, consideration will be given to technical competence, qualifications and
The objective of the consultancy is to strengthen, develop and consolidate the capacitylocal of theand Road Safety Unit (RSU) and participating agenciesfinancial to effectively manageand road existing safety in the country. The duration of the assignment is expected to be for a period of forty-eight (48) experience, regional experience onother similar assignments, capability months, periodically.
commitments. All information must be submitted in English. Further information may be obtained from
Ministry of Economic Development and Petroleum (MEDP) now invitesthe interested eligiblebelow consulting individuals to submit Expressions of Interest for the provision of these consultancy services. first address between 0900 and 1600 hours Monday to Friday. Consultants shall be eligible to participate if: (a) (b) (c)
in the case of a body corporate, it is legally incorporated or otherwise organised in an country, has principal place business at in the an eligible countrybelow and is no more thanthan 50 per cent beneficially owned by citizen(s) and/or bona fide resident(s) of eligible country(ies) or Three hard copies of eligible the Expressions ofitsInterest must beofreceived first address later by a body(ies) corporate meeting these requirements; 1630fide hours on Friday, June country; 14, 2019 in the case of unincorporated firms, the persons are citizens or bona residents of an eligible and and an electronic copy must be sent simultaneously to CDB at in all cases, the consultant has no arrangement and undertakes not make any arrangements, whereby anyenvelope substantial part of theeach net profits or othershould tangibleinclude benefitsthe of the contract the tosecond address below. The sealed containing submission name and will accrue or be paid to a person not a citizen or bona fide resident of an eligible country.
Eligible countries are member countries of CDB.
address of the applicant and shall be clearly marked “Expression of Interest – Consultancy Services for Road Safety Consultancy”
The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to paragraph 1.9 of CDB’s Guidelines for the Selection and Engagement of Consultants (2011), setting forth CDB’s policy on conflict of interest. In the assessment of submissions, consideration will be given to technicalFollowing competence, andsubmissions, experience, local and regional similar financial capability and existing commitments. All information must be submitted in English. Further information thequalifications assessment of a short-list of notexperience less thanon three andassignments, not more than six applicants may be obtained from the first address below between 0900 and 1600 hours Monday to Friday.
will be provided with full terms of reference and invited to submit technical and financial proposals to
Three hard copies of the Expressions of Interest must be received at the first address below no later thanGOB 1630 hours on Friday, Juneto14,accept 2019 and electronic copy must beor sent undertake the assignment. reserves the right or an reject late applications tosimultaneously cancel the to CDB at the second address below. The sealed envelope containing each submission should include the name and address of the applicant and shall be clearly marked “Expression of Interest – Consultancy Services for Road Safety Consultancy”
present invitation partially or in its entirety. It will not be bound to assign any reason for not short-listing
Following the assessment of submissions, a short-list of not less than three and not more than six applicants will be provided with full terms of reference and invited to submit technical and financial proposals to undertake the assignment. GOB reserves the right to accept or reject late any applicant and will not defray any costs incurred by any applicant in the preparation and submission of applications or to cancel the present invitation partially or in its entirety. It will not be bound to assign any reason for not short-listing any applicant and will not defray any costs incurred by any applicant in the preparation and submission of Expressions of Interest.
Expressions of Interest.
1. Chief Executive Officer Ministry of Economic Development and Petroleum (Economic Development) P. O. Box 42 Mountain View Blvd, Ground Floor, Unit Three William Tam Building Belmopan BELIZE, C.A. Tel: +501-822-3517/2526/2527 Emails:yvonne.hyde@med.gov.bz cc.: pmu03cdbgobz@gmail.com cc.: pmucdbgobz@gmail.com Attn.: Second Road Safety Project Management Unit
2. Procurement Caribbean Development Bank P.O. Box 408 Wildey, St. Michael Barbados, W. I. BB11000 Fax: 246 426 7269 Tel: 246 431 1600 Email: procurement@caribank.org
TERMS OF REFERENCE ROAD SAFETY CONSULTANCY SERVICES 1. BACKGROUND 1.01 The Board of Directors (BOD) of CDB at its Two Hundred and Fifty-First Meeting held on May 21, 2012, considered Paper BD 44/12 and approved a loan to GOBZ to assist in financing a Road Safety Project. The expected outcome of the Project was a reduction in deaths and serious injuries associated with RTAs along a Demonstration Corridor on the George Price Highway between Belize City and Belmopan. The investments included activities to support improving: the safety of road infrastructure along the Corridor; road user awareness of safety; driver behaviour and adherence to traffic laws; post-crash care; and the capacity of GOBZ to manage road safety. The Project was completed in September 2018, and infrastructure, enforcement, and public awareness efforts implemented have contributed to significant improvements to safety on the Corridor. Fatalities on the demonstration corridor moved from 33 deaths in 2009 to a 5-year average of 9 between 2013-2017. 1.02 GOBZ now wishes to replicate this approach to improve road safety along the Philip S. W. Goldson (PSWG) Highway between Belize City and the border with Mexico. The PSWG Highway is one of Belize’s most important and serves as the main trade route to and from Mexico. A 2011 safety assessment of the road network determined that it was predominately 1-2 stars for all users (with 3 being the minimum acceptable standard), it is now considered to have the poorest safety record in the entire network. 1.03 Road Traffic Injuries have significant negative impacts on Belize, at all levels, as they place significant emotional, psychological and financial burden on families of accident victims, elevate the number of healthy life-years lost, loss if productivity and income for victims and their care takers and contribute to the overall mortality and morbidity levels in the country. Road death and injury are not inevitable. Road trauma is a preventable public health challenge. Road systems can be developed that reduce the likelihood of a crash occurring and minimize the severity, if a crash does occur. This can be achieved with road users understanding the risks they impose on themselves and other road users, safe vehicles and safe roads, together with appropriate enforcement. 2. OBJECTIVE 2.01 The objectives of the assignment is to strengthen, develop and consolidate the capacity of the Road Safety Unit (RSU) and other participating agencies to effectively manage road safety in the country. 3.
SCOPE OF SERVICES
3.01 The Consultant shall report to, and coordinate activities with other participating agencies through the Project Manager (PM), RSU. The scope of services shall include, but not be limited to the following activities: a. Assist the Operational Steering Committee (OSC) and provide inputs to inform and guide their decision-making; b. Assist the National Road Safety Committee (NRSC) and provide inputs to inform and guide their decision-making; c. Assist NRSC, OSC and PM, RSU, to review the validity of the established road safety vision for Belize; d. Assist PM and relevant stakeholders to analyze road traffic accidents data and make practical recommendations to ensure dataset definition commonality in the Ministry of Health’s, Health Management Information Management System, Police Department’s (PD) Crime Information System road traffic accidents database suite and Belize City’s and traffic enforcement database. Assist stakeholders to establish comparable, consistent, and timely generation of database reports to inform effective monitoring and evaluation (M&E) and ensure a result based focus to a national road safety strategy, Master Plan and Operational Plans; e. Assist RSU in the establishment of collision reduction targets; f. Assist RSU in calculating the estimated cost of collisions; g. Review the Report on Legislative and Regulatory Analysis of Traffic Management in Belize and assist RSU to lobby for legislative and regulatory changes to improve enforcement effectiveness; h. Review the new and used vehicle-importing industry and associated regulations, and then make recommendations on vehicle age limits and quality standards; i. Assist the Ministry of Transport, Department of Transport (DOT), and Ministry of National Security, Police Department (PD), in the development of biannual enforcement strategies in coordination with the Enforcement Training Consultancy; j. Review and provide comments and recommendations on the communications and awareness campaigns; k. Assist RSU in stakeholder consultations to mobilise funding resources. Make recommendations for the establishment of sustainable road safety funding mechanisms. l. Assist RSU in identifying capacity constraints within participating agencies. Make recommendations for institutional strengthening activities; m.Assist RSU in developing M&E framework, including the identification and compilation of data and the development of appropriate performance targets and indicators; n. Participate in project launch, annual project review proceedings, exit workshop and project completion exercises. Assist in the development and implementation of Annual Action Plans based on the deliberations and outcomes of these proceedings; o. Assist RSU in the revision of consultant’s reports; p. Assist RSU in integrating cross sector needs and developing a result focused, revision of medium term national road safety strategy, identifying goals and objectives along with specific achievable activities, initiatives, capacity building measures and a financing plan. 4. DURATION 4.01 It is expected that the consultancy will be completed, periodically and intermittently, over a 48 month period. 5.
REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
5.01 The consultant will be required to submit the following number of gender-sensitive and socially-inclusive reports to the Government of Belize (GOBZ) and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), respectively, within the time periods indicated: (a) Inception Report: Within two weeks of the completion of the Project Launch, submit an Inception Report describing the approaches proposed to be taken to prepare and deliver the scope of services outlined and a biannual work plan. (b) Progress Reports: preparation of progress reports following project missions. (c) Annual Project Review: preparation of a report summarizing proceedings and the proposed action plan for the coming year, within two weeks of the Annual Review consultations. (d) Periodic Ad Hoc Reports: preparation of Ad Hoc Reports, as and when required but not exceeding ten over the life of the project, to provide guidance to RSU and PM on particular issues. (e) Project Completion Report: preparation of a Completion Report within three months after the completion of the services. 5.02 GOBZ and CDB will provide comments on reports within two weeks of receipt of the report and the consultants will adjust the ongoing work according to the comments received. Reports should be submitted in three hard copies and electronically. 6.
IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS
6.01 The Project Manager, Road Safety Unit will facilitate the work of the consultant and make available all relevant documents, and will act as liaison between the consultant and GOBZ officials and stakeholders. 7.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
7.01 The Consultant should have the necessary skills, including but not limited to, high-level expertise and experience in road safety management, advocacy, and strategy development. Experience with the design, implementation and management of results-focused national road safety strategies, at senior agency and ministerial levels, is required. The Consultant should have significant experience in skills and knowledge transfer and mentoring.
26 MAY
2019
17
THE BELIZE TIMES
ENVIRONMENTAL CRIMES ARE ON THE RISE, SO ARE EFFORTS TO PREVENT THEM By Dr. Pedro J. Villegas Thursday, May 23, 2019 “The earth will not continue to offer its harvest, except with faithful stewardship. We cannot say we love the land and then take steps to destroy it for use by future generations.” -Pope John Paul IIEnvironmental crimes are widely recognized as among some of the most profitable forms of transnational criminal activity. Their monetary value was estimated in 2018 at between US$91-259 billion annually, most likely the fourth largest criminal area in the world after drugs, counterfeits and human trafficking. This estimate corresponds to a 26% increase compared to 2017, with rates of such crimes expected to further increase by 5-7% annually. According to the INTERPOL Report 2018, illegal activities that involve the environment, biodiversity or natural resources are often lucrative and involve comparatively low risks for criminals. Environmental crimes have previously not been regarded as a priority in some countries, resulting in a lack of appropriate and proportionate governmental response. A recent study by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), titled: The State of knowledge of crimes that have serious impacts on the Environment, lists five of the most prevalent environmental crime areas globally: Wildlife crime: According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), wildlife crime is particularly persistent in Africa, Asia and Latin America, where all kinds of species: mammals, birdlife, reptiles and amphibians, insects, and plants, are affected. Illegal logging: The International Union of Forest Research Organizations reported in 2018 that illegal logging has affected all continents of the globe and is widespread across all tropical forest regions like China, India, and Vietnam – three major importers of legal and illegal tropical wood products. Illegal fishing: A 2018 report by the PEW Charitable Trust indicates that illegal fishing occurs worldwide within both exclusive economic zones of countries and in international waters. Pollution crimes: The illegal dumping and trade of wastes has resulted in a global contamination of air, land, water systems (including watersheds and river systems) and threaten local ecosystems, affecting animal and plants in addition to human health. Waste trafficking originates mainly in developed countries, with the European Union, the United States, Japan and Australia being commonly identified as the main exporters of illegal waste shipment. The main destination continents for illegal waste trafficking are Africa (Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Togo, Benin and Senegal) and Asia (China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Pakistan and Vietnam). The illegal production and consumption of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and other ozone-depleting substances also falls un-
der this category. These substances affect animal immune systems, creating vulnerability to infectious diseases and reduced productivity in plants and phytoplankton. Illegal mining: Illegal mining is prevalent in Africa, Latin America and parts of Asia, where it is increasingly becoming an issue of major public concern. It has severe environmenContinued on page 23
18
THE BELIZE TIMES
BTL’S EXPOSURE US SANCTIONS ON HUAWEI
Belizeans have also not seen a meaningful decrease in price of the services from the people’s company BTL. The latest US Sanctions on
-ContributedIn March of 2016, Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL), under the banner of its DigiCell Mobile brand and is telecommunications vendor-partner Huawei, announced the roll out of its nationwide 4G LTE Network to be launched in December of the same year. This marked only the beginning of a partnership and vendor relationship between the two companies Huawei-BTL as Huawei was presented as the selected vendor/provider of BTL’s 4G LTE network. This investment was reported to be $40M Belize dollars. On July 20, 2017 a press release by Huawei announced that BTL had joined forces with Huawei Marine to Launch Submarine Cable System. This was a project undertaken by BTL and Huawei to implement the BEL’s Strategic Evolution Underwater Link (SEUL) bringing fiber-optic submarine cable connectivity to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. This was a project stretching over 23km from the Belize mainland to the Caye delivering fiber optic connectivity providing fast broadband speeds to the island. It was bragged by both companies as an endeavor to bring world class and lightning fast internet services. The projects mentioned above were said to be a part of BTL’s four-year, USD 100 million, mobile and fixed broadband capital investment in partnership with Huawei. It was only after the announcement of these projects that Belizeans were informed that these investments would be financed by loans given by Atlantic Bank Limited (Belize) and a Taiwan ICDF loan. The Taiwan loan was a controversial issue at the House of Representatives because the Government of Belize (GOB) was requested and provided a $96M BZ sovereign guarantee for this loan. This loan if not paid by BTL will fall on the backs of the Belizean taxpayers. As with everything the UDP government does, it is only after a of couple years that you really get the real picture of what they have gotten into. Dean Barrow has done this over and over and has gotten away with it. Now the people of Belize are exposed and will soon be asked to pay BTL’s bill with Taiwan because BTL will be unable to pay its debt. Taxpayers will again be expected to foot a bill that they have not benefitted from as reports are that BTL, coined the people’s company or the Belizean Company, is almost fully managed by ex-pats that are more than handsomely paid meanwhile our Belizean workers are frustrated in the workplace with less and less benefits.
BTL’s partner Huawei, adding them to a list of companies considered a threat to US National Security, means that it will need permission to acquire US technology. This means that chipmakers like Intel and Broadcom will stop selling to Huawei and it is also reported that Google has pulled the company’s licenses for key mobile applications like Gmail and the Google Play app store. However, on Monday last, the US government agreed to a 90 day exception to the export restrictions that allow Huawei to deal with US companies to support existing products. How much that exception will help and will it be prolonged is the big question that companies around
26 MAY
2019
the world are asking. This event affecting telecommunications companies globally gets even more important as the telecommunications industry is getting ready to deploy the long awaited 5G wireless networks. For BTL this means that management must be in a frenzy as their entire 4G LTE Network is Huawei based and the continued support for the existing telecommunications infrastructure (both in software and hardware) could be seriously jeopardized. It will be interesting to watch how this will play out and, at the end of the day, we will learn if this elephant fight will affect the Belizean taxpayer.
26 MAY
2019
VOICE OF THE COMMON MAN
POUND OF FLESH
By Hilly Bennett Thursday, May 23, 2019 “Go with me to a notary, seal me there your single bond and in a merry sport if you repay me not on such a day, in such a place, such sum or sums as are expressed in the condition, let the forfeit be nominated for an equal pound of your fair flesh, to be cut off and taken in what part of your body pleaseth me.” (Merchant of Venice) In an uncanny Shakespearean twist regarding the Sanctuary Belize saga, the Prime Minister, Dean Oliver Barrow is seemingly committing to a “pound of flesh or two” as victims compensation. This is in regard to the unfolding revelation behind the biggest real estate scam in US history. The question is whose pound of flesh. Developing concerns are that the citizens of the Jewel will once again be asked to bear the brunt for something which they were not party to. During 2015-2016, the international banking community was jolted by the loss of corresponding banking relationships (CBR). The Banks scurried to find replacement CBRs and alternative ways of processing cross border transaction. Recommendations were made to support the recovery of CBRs and restore investor confidence in Belize’s financial institutions. It was recommended that steps be taken to strengthen regulatory oversight, banking resolution and anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT) frame works. The apparent failure and total disregard of adhering to the check and balance recommendations have placed Belize and the entire banking system in the crosshairs of an economic threat. There are three categories of threat to small vulnerable sovereign states including Belize - Territorial, Political and Economic. The likelihood based on court transcript of implicating government in this episode of a “bad cable movie” could cripple Belize’s economy as it relates to the foreign reserve at the Central Bank of Belize. The very remittances that the ordinary Belizeans depend on for their sustenance could be affected with another CBRs cut off. This torrid scenario could result in Dean Barrow and the UDP government frenzied request of a sovereign guarantee from the citizens. This would be a travesty for Belizeans especially the disadvantaged lot who are trying desperately to make ends meet The major cast of characters involved are Sittee River Wildlife Reserve (SRWR), Sanctuary Bay, Echo Futures, Atlantic International bank (AIB), Professional Advisory Services Limited (PASL), Central Bank of Belize (CBB), former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natu-
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THE BELIZE TIMES
ral Resources Gasper Vega, and Barrow and Williams Law Firm. SRWR obtained a transfer certificate of title (TCT) for land. SRWR made application to Ministry of Lands to subdivide. Ministry of Lands is responsible to oversee subdivision, to look at plans which includes roads and other infrastructure. Sanctuary Bay (Echo Futures) conducts telemarketing to potential investors in Canada and USA. Deposits or whole payments were accepted for property. The monies were paid to a US company in California. Was the Exchange Control Regulation violated? Was the Law of Property followed? AIB issues loan facilities/mortgages. What was accepted as securities for the land transaction? Did PASL as legal advisor do a proper investigation into the various land transaction included in AIB portfolios? What advice was given by PASL?
PASL is responsible for legal advice and relating services to AIB and Atlantic Bank. Sandra Bedran, Ricardo Pelayo are both attached to AIB and Atlantic Bank, Aldo Salazar is legal counsel to the Bank. These individuals have interest in PASL. Can their involvement be considered a conflict of interest? There are indications, PASL outsourced legal services to Barrow & Williams whom represented Santuary Bay in initial proceedings. Is there the existence of a conflict of interest? The regulatory body, the International Financial Services Commission (IFSC) headed by Rodwell Williams was clearly absent from the multi-layered financial transactions. The IFSC have been capacitated to properly licence, supervise and when necessary enforce sanctions against licenced registered agents and financial services providers. The central purpose of IFSC is to reduce money laundering and terrorism financing and other financial risks. Additionally, the Central Bank of Belize should have conducted risk-based supervision of the banking transactions as it relates to the Central Bank Act and
the Exchange Control Regulation. It is this writer’s opinion that AIB triggered CBB to lift its licence. CBB should have sought guidance from the court as an interested party and not as litigant or party to the case. Any misstep on CBB/Government behalf could attract liability. Interestingly, depositors are treated as unsecured creditors, unfortunately they will be the last to be dealt with. Evidently, necessary due diligence was not being followed and the non-adherence to the relevant regulatory procedures resulted in this Sanctuary Bay quagmire. There is also apparent political connectedness between relevant regulatory authorities, business entities and interest of conflicts in between. The underlying reality is that ordinary Belizeans have nothing to do with this disgraceful real estate fraud, which has put scorn on the nation. The liability for any compensation is the burden of those individuals “bloated with greed, vanity and arrogance.” Let them pay with their own “pound or two of flesh.”
PUBLIC AUCTION SALE ** Second Publication ** BY ORDER OF THE CHARGEE HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED, a Licensed Public Auctioneer will sell on site the following property at the time as listed. At No. 300 Cusco Street, Ladyville, Belize District on Wednesday June 5, 2019 at 10:00am. SCHEDULE
ALL THOSE pieces or parcels of land comprising 513.00 square metres each being Parcels 673 and 674, Block 16 in the Vista Del Mar Registration Section situate at No. 300 Cusco Street, Ladyville, Belize District, Belize TOGETHER with a two-storey semi-concrete house enclosed by a fence enclosing two full lots and containing three bedrooms, bathroom, dining room and kitchen downstairs and two bedrooms, bathroom, living room, studio office and verandah upstairs the freehold property of CYNTHIA LESLIE and IGNATIUS QUAN (Jointly) DATED this 22nd day of May 2019
All sales are strictly cash and deemed final. For more information contact:
HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED 1 HYDE’S LANE, BELIZE CITY, BELIZE Phone: (501) 224-5644 Fax: (501) 223-0738 Email: foreclosures@hrcubelize.org
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ESPAÑOL
THEBELIZE BELIZETIMES TIMES THE
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2019 2019
España y Centroamérica mantienen una relación complicada EL ECONOMISTA: Miercoles 22 de Mayo de 2019 Aunque las empresas españolas siguen invirtiendo en el ist-mo, se decantan por otros mercados con menos problemas políticos y sociales. La falta de integración también hace mella. La presencia de capital español en Centroamérica se incrementó en el último año, pese a los problemas de inseguridad ciudadana y a la inestabilidad política por conflictos internos, según revela el XII Informe del “Panorama de la inversión española en Iberoamérica”, y se detalla que el subcontinente sigue siendo una apuesta a largo plazo. La muestra más palpable de que los inversionistas españoles no consideran a la región centroamericana como una moda eventual es que de 2017 a 2018 pasaron de contar con la presencia de 106 firmas a 149 (aunque de estas hay empresas que se repiten en algunos mercados). El dato es obtenido del porcentaje de empresas presentes en cada nación centroamericana y con base en el número de participantes en el estudio (106 en 2018 y 105 en 2017). El informe es elaborado desde 2007 por IE University en colaboración con la firma de abogados Llorente & Cuenca, el Banco Centroamericano de Integración Económica, la aerolínea Iberia y Casa de América. Ese optimismo de los inversionistas europeos va más allá del anuncio –a inicios de este año– de la salida de la región de la empresa de telefonía y servicio de cable Telefónica. “Telefónica básicamente desinvierte en Centroamérica porque quiere reducir deuda y probablemente encuentre una oportunidad a un precio razonable que le den por su inversión. Pero creo que es un tema más relacionado con la situación internacional de la compañía que con la evolución de la subregión”, asegura al respecto el profesor de economía de IE Business School, Juan Carlos Martínez Lázaro y máximo responsable del estudio. La deuda neta de esta compañía, a diciembre 2018, sumó casi los $47,843 millones (41,785 millones de euros). Mercado reducido y violencia El país que más empresas españolas tiene operando en su área es Panamá (con 44 compañías), seguido de Costa Rica (35), Nicaragua (21), Guatemala (20), El Salvador (18) y Honduras (11). Si bien existió un incremento de las inversiones españolas en Centroamérica, la atracción de esa Inversión Extranjera Directa (IED) es mucho menor que a países como México (donde operan 89 firmas) y Colombia (con 68 empresas). “Centroamérica yo creo que puede que de alguna manera asuste. Ha vivido un año muy convulso Nicaragua; Honduras es también un país complicado y aunque es verdad que El Salvador, Costa Rica y seguramente Panamá, que es ahora más por libre, pero es una situación más compleja que la que puedes encontrar en otros mercados. Pero no podemos olvidar los tamaños de los mercados, que es algo que evidentemente motiva mucho a las empresas a la hora de invertir y diseñar recursos. En ese sentido, Centroamérica lo tiene más complicado para captar inversión española porque, si de alguna manera juntamos esa inestabilidad en algunos países, la pequeña población y te encuentras rodeados de mercados interesantes como Colombia y México, tal vez encontremos la explicación del porqué la inversión no está creciendo como debería o se quisiera que fuera”, refiere el profesor Martínez Lázaro. Esta subregión continental integrada por siete naciones (incluyendo Belice) posee una población aproximada de 45.5 millones de habitantes y una extensión territorial de 522,760 km². El territorio mexicano tiene una superficie de 1,964,375 km² y con una población estimada en más de 124 millones de personas; mientras que Colombia posee un territorio de 1,141,748 km² y una población estimada en 49 millones. Si de tamaño de mercado hablamos, para la subregión existe un detalle adicional: no puede competir como bloque. Existen una serie de barreras al comercio
entre los mismos países del istmo. Por ejemplo, los ganaderos nicaragüenses tienen un arancel de 30 % a las exportaciones de carne bovina hacia Panamá, El Salvador ha impuesto barreras a los productos lácteos de Nicaragua y Honduras recién levanta restricciones a la carne porcina guatemalteca. Si existen diversos conflictos dentro de la región, a ello se suma el poco aprovechamiento del Acuerdo de Asociación (AdA) firmado entre Centroamérica y la Unión Europea en 2013. Según las cifras más recientes de la oficina estadística de la Comisión Europea (Eurostat), el comercio global de Centroamérica con la Unión Europea en 2017 fue de 11,530 millones de euros (unos $13,060 millones) con un superávit de 638 millones de euros ($722 millones); los principales exportadores fueron Costa Rica (43.5 %), Honduras (21 %) y Guatemala (17 %); mientras que Panamá (8.3 %), Nicaragua (6.2 %) y El Salvador (4 %) fueron los países con menos participación. Con vista en la Alianza del Pacífico Como en años anteriores, y a pesar del crecimiento constante de la incertidumbre sobre la evolución de la economía global, un 76 % de las empresas españolas en Iberoamérica prevén aumentar sus inversiones, incluyendo un 68 % de las pymes que respondieron al cuestionario de la XII edición del informe “Panorama de Inversión Española en Iberoamérica”. Si se analizan los resultados por países, solo caerán las inversiones en Venezuela, mientras que se mantendrían en Argentina, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua y Cuba, y aumentarán todos los demás países del área. Según la XII edición del informe, el 4 % de las empresas españolas encuestadas aumentarán sus inversiones en la región durante 2019, a pesar de que la situación económica no será tan favorable y que los riesgos a los que se enfrentarán sus inversiones serán mayores durante este año, dijo el profesor Martínez Lázaro, director del informe. “Si bien el entorno económico es complejo, se espera que las empresas españolas sigan invirtiendo en América Latina, particularmente en los
países de la Alianza del Pacífico (Chile, Colombia, México y Perú) y en Brasil, países que fueron una suerte de tabla de salvación cuando la crisis económica iniciada en 2008 golpeó a España y que ahora muestran crecimiento por el ascenso de las clases medias”, aseguró el académico. “Un 76 % de las empresas encuestadas tienen pensado incrementar sus inversiones en la región durante 2019, mientras que el 23 % de las mismas piensa mantenerlas y solo el 1 % reducirlas, unos porcentajes casi iguales a los del año pasado”, señaló Martínez Lázaro durante su intervención en Casa de América, en Madrid, España. “Para Latinoamérica, 2018 ha sido un año complicado desde el punto de vista económico. Las amenazas de una guerra comercial, la apreciación del dólar, la crisis del peso argentino, la caída en el precio del petróleo y otras materias primas y la incertidumbre derivada de los procesos electorales en Brasil y México, han motivado a que el crecimiento de la región apenas haya sido del 1.1 %, muy lejos del 1.9 % que el FMI (Fondo Monetario Internacional) pronosticaba al inicio del año”, señaló el profesor Martínez Lázaro. Señaló que, en cambio, la economía norteamericana ha tenido un “desempeño excelente”, impulsada principalmente por los efectos de la reforma fiscal y superando los nueve años de ciclo económico expansivo y llevando las tasas de desempleo hasta niveles desconocidos desde 1969. “Para evitar que el fuerte crecimiento tuviera su reflejo en un aumento de la inflación, en un momento de fuerte repunte del precio del petróleo por el establecimiento de las sanciones a Irán, la Reserva Federal fue endureciendo su política monetaria según el guion previsto”, detalló Martínez durante su intervención. Sin embargo, la importancia de Iberoamérica como destino para las inversiones españolas compite cada vez más con otros destinos como Asia, el resto de Europa o incluso África a la hora
de definir futuras inversiones. El último informe destaca que cada vez más empresas, sobre todo las grandes, ven límites a medio plazo en el mercado iberoamericano, mientras crece la posibilidad de mayor facturación en Estados Unidos/ Canadá o Asia. No obstante, según las opiniones recabadas de las 106 empresas participantes en el XII Informe, los principales problemas a los que se enfrentarán las inversiones españolas en Latinoamérica en 2019 serán: la inestabilidad política en un 24 % (un 12 % mayor percepción en comparación a 2018), en un 22 % por la desaceleración económica (6 % mayor que en 2018); en un 20 % por la depreciación de las divisas locales; la inestabilidad jurídica en un 17 % y la inseguridad ciudadana en un 11 %. En el área de la inseguridad ciudadana se menciona a México, El Salvador, Honduras y Nicaragua. Este último a partir de los últimos acontecimientos de violencia por la crisis política que atraviesan. Pese a que México es percibido como un país con problemas en la seguridad, Ciudad de México vuelve a ser, por quinto año consecutivo, la metrópoli más atractiva para centralizar las operaciones regionales. Esa ciudad es donde más empresas españolas operan, junto con las buenas conexiones aéreas, son algunas sus características más valoradas. Miami y Bogotá quedan en segunda y tercera posición, al igual que el año pasado. Para José Antonio Llorente, de Llorente & Cuenca, estos datos vuelven a confirmar la estabilidad en América Latina como un eje en la atracción de inversiones extranjeras. “Todavía queda mucha expansión y mucho territorio por explorar para las empresas españolas, y es indudable que España juega y va a seguir jugando un papel fundamental en ese crecimiento”, concluía.
26 MAY
2019
THE BELIZE TIMES
21
One Vision…One People BILL OF RIGHTS The People’s United Party wants to share its vision with the Belizean people. It is rooted in a philosophy that goes back to the Father of our Nation the Right Hon. George Price. Mr. Price always believed ours was a work in progress; he led a revolution that is at its core peaceful, always constructive, progressive and uniquely Belizean. These values remain true today and form a part of our PUP Creed. We are committed to the protection of our territorial sovereignty. We cannot, and will not risk even an inch of our beloved country, from the Rio Hondo to the Sarstoon. And we are committed to an accessible, fair and independent justice system and the rule of law in Belize. The PUP will always seek to achieve social, economic and environmental justice. It is a commitment to the socio-economic improvement of all Belizeans. Our plan is to rid Belize of poverty. To the PUP, poverty is an ugly scar on our nation’s collective conscience, and no amount of cosmetic surgery can paste over the suffering of close to half of our people, most of them women and children, who live on less than ten dollars per day. This is not only a task for governments. We all have a stake in this enterprise, but government must LEAD and bold leaders must show that they truly care. For us the task ahead is clear - to build a Belize that works for everyone, so that every Belizean should come to expect five things. This vision, this determination, has created what we call our BELIZEAN BILL OF RIGHTS. FIRST - Every Belizean should have access to a piece of land. With land we immediately create opportunities for upliftment and personal growth. SECOND - Every Belizean should be able to own a decent home. The 17th Century Jurist and politician Edward Coke in speaking on human rights said: “A man’s home is his castle.” Every Belizean in 2017 should expect such an entitlement whether they live on Bocotora Street or on Seashore Drive. THIRD - Every Belizean should be given the chance to go to school from pre-school to junior college. We have to make education free from pre-kinder to Junior College. If we will give our young people a chance at success, it must start with a good education. FOURTH – Accessibility to quality basic health care is critical, which means every Belizean should be enrolled in the National Health Insurance Program. If we can invest 42 million dollars in a basketball stadium, then we should be able to provide basic health services to all. FIFTH and most important, the driving force behind it all is JOBS - good jobs that can lead to meaningful careers; jobs that will give Belizeans a chance for personal growth and prosperity and provide a hand up for those at the very bottom of the economic ladder. If we do these things, if we create a fair and just society, if we build on these principles we will then be able to change people’s lives and together we will rid our shores of the scourge that is poverty.
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THE BELIZE TIMES
2019
PUBLIC AUCTION SALES: PROPERTIES Orange Walk & Corozal Districts
BY ORDER of the Mortgagees, Messrs. The Belize Bank Limited, Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A. Castillo & Christiana PUBLIC AUCTION SALES: PROPERTIES Orange Walk & Corozal properties Districts R. Castillo will sell the following at Unit No. 4 Corner Belize/Corozal and San Antonio Roads, (First Traffic BY ORDER of the Mortgagees, Messrs. The Belize Bank Limited, Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A. Castillo & Christiana R. Castillo will sell the following properties at Unit No.Town, 4 Corner Belize/Corozal San Antonio Light) Orange Walk Orangeand Walk District on Tuesday 28th May 2019 at 1:30 pm: Roads, (First Traffic Light) Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District on Tuesday 28th May 2019 at 1:30
pm: 1. Parcel No. 38 corner Cactus Street & Oleander Avenue, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District:
REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL Orange Walk Town 4 38 (Being a concrete dwelling house elevated 2.5 feet above grade measuring first [44 ft. X 34 ft.] + [13 ft. X 17 ft.]+ garage [19 ft. X 21 ft.] + laundry/storeroom [13 ft. X 19 ft.] + recreation den [13 ft. X 19 ft.] containing Master Bedroom/Bathroom/Walk-in-Closet + 2 other Bedrooms with shared Bathroom + Small Office + Living/Dining/Kitchen + Porch [6 ft. X 44 ft.] and lot [1950.70 square meters or 2333.04 square yards] situate at corner Cactus Street & Oleander Avenue, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District, the freehold property of Mr. Carl Michael Meggs) 2. Parcels Nos. 1141 & 1143 Phillip Goldson Highway, San Jose Palmar, Orange Walk District:
(Being 20.30 acres of planted sugar cane, mechanically cultivated, i.e. bulldozed and fully plowed, divided into two sections of almost equal acreages. The sections are separated by a road/fire pass path approximately 12 feet wide situate approximately 240 meters west of the Libertad - Buena Vista Road, approximately 4.8 kilometers south of Libertad Village and approximately 7.7 kilometers north of Caledonia Village in the Corozal District, the freehold property of Mr. Fidel Rosalez) 6. Parcel No. 1080 Pucte Villas Subdivsion, Orange Walk District:
REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL Ann Gabourel 4 1080 (Being a vacant lot [557.35 S.M.] situate in Pucte Villas Subdivision, Orange Walk District, the freehold property of Mr. Marlo Perrera) 7. Parcel No. 16/1 San Estevan Village, Orange Walk District:
REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL San Estevan 4 16/1 (Being a concrete bungalow dwelling house [25 ft. X 34 ft.] + Building B measuring [13 ft. X 19 ft.] and lot [1,039 S.M. or 1,242.64 S.Y.] situate in the Village of San Estevan, Orange Walk District, the leasehold property of Ms. Irma Olivera) 8. Parcel No. 206/1 Carmelita Village, Orange Walk District:
REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCELS San Jose Palmar 4 1141 & 1143 (Being two (2) lots -: Parcel No. 1141 containing (0.298 of an acre or 1,442.32 square yards) together with an incomplete concrete building [28 ft. X 47 ft. + open area 14 ft. X 28 ft.] ; Parcel No. 1143 containing (0.585 of an acre or 2,831.4 Square Yards) together with 2 block making sheds [each 24 ft. X 24 ft] + storeroom [16 ft. X 15 ft.] + office building [8 ft. X 16 ft.] + horse stable [12 ft. X 36 ft.] + water well situate beside the Phillip Goldson Highway, San Jose Palmar, Orange Walk District, the freehold properties of Mr. Roamir Gonzalez) 3. Parcel No. 120 off the Phillip Goldson Highway, San Jose Palmar, Orange Walk District:
REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL San Jose Palmar 4 120/1 (Being a two storey concrete residential complex and lot situate beside the Phillip Goldson Highway, Orange Walk Town, the leasehold property of Mr. Luis Romeo Urbina) 4. Parcel No. 4566 Riverside Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District:
REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL Carmelita 1 206/1 (Being an incomplete building and lot [1,042.6 S.M. or 1,246.95 S.Y.] situated in Carmelita Village, Orange Walk District, leasehold property of Mr. Zayne Palacio) 9. Parcel No. 1290 San Felipe Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District:
REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL Ann Gabourel 4 1290 (Being a concrete bungalow dwelling house [34 ft. X 36 ft.] containing 3 bedrooms + 1 bathroom + living/dining/kitchen + front, side & back porches and lot [447.22 sq. yds.] situate on San Felipe Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District, the freehold property of Ms. Lilia Constantino) 10. Parcel No. 3245 off May Plum Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District:
REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL Orange Walk Town 4 3245 (Being an elevated metal/timber dwelling house (16 ft. X 20 ft.) and lot [555.50] square yards situate off May Plum Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District, the leasehold property of Mr. Joseph Jacobs and Ms. Marlita Jacobs) 11. Parcel No. 24 San Jose Palmar Village, Orange Walk District:
REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL Orange Walk Town 4 4566 (Being a two (2) two storey buildings and a packing shed: Building #1 - 2 storey dwelling house on the western side of the lot (facing Riverside Street) [22 ft. X 30 ft. + addition south end 7 ft. X 22 ft + 4 ft. X 8 ft. joining verandah 4 ft. X 20 ft. accommodating Ground Floor: living/dining/kitchen + bathroom + laundry; First Floor: 3 bedrooms + walk in closet + 1 bedroom + living room + front double porch; Building #2 - two storey concrete building on the southeastern side of lot; Ground floor divided into 3 sections; Front 11 ft. X 33 ft. storeroom + Middle section 20 ft. X 20 ft. + bathroom 5 ft. X 8 ft. dwelling unit + Third Section (northern end) 12 ft. X 20 ft. storeroom; First Floor incomplete; Packing Shed - industrial shed 25 ft. X 39 ft. (2 sides masonry blocks 2 sides open ended + concrete water cistern 8 ft. X 8 ft. X 10 ft. and lot [1,973.08 Sq. Meters ((2,359.08 S. Y.)] situate on River Side Street and Sutherland's Alley, Orange Walk Town, the freehold property of Mr. Fenton Oscar Sutherland and Ms. Noeli Nirva Sutherland). 5. Parcel No. 284 between Libertad and Caledonia Villages, Corozal District:
REGISTRATION SECTION Libertad Rural
BLOCK 4
REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL San Jose Palmar 4 24 (Being a two concrete buildings: Building No. 1 [24 ft. X 38 ft.] 4 bedrooms + 1 bathroom + living/dining/kitchen; Building No. 2 L-Shaped [8 ft. X 11 ft.] + [17 ft. X 18 ft.] 2 bedrooms + living/kitchen and lot containing 0.363 acre or 1,756.92 square yards situate in San Jose Palmar Village, Orange Walk District, the freehold property of Mr. Edgar Salas.) 12. Parcel No. 1189 in an Alley off San Francisco Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District:
PARCEL 284 REGISTRATION SECTION Orange Walk Town
BLOCK 4
PARCEL 1189
Continued on page 23
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(Being a concrete bungalow dwelling house [24 ft. X 26 ft. + bathroom addition 8 ft. X 8 ft.] containing 2 bedrooms + 1 bathroom + living/dining/kitchen + laundry/open ended shed 8 ft. X 16 ft. + block wall storeroom 5 ft. X 8 ft. and lot [371.988 S.M. or 444.90 S.Y.] situate in an Alley of San Francisco Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District, the freehold property of Mr. Gilbert Bernard Jr.). 13. Parcel No. 1264 corner Tate & Lyle Streets, Otro Benque, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District:
REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL Orange Walk Town 4 1264 (Being a Concrete Bungalow Dwelling House [25 ft. X 30 ft. + 17 ft. X 28 ft.] containing 3 bedrooms + 1 bathroom + living/dining/kitchen; Office Building [12 ft. X 30 ft.] containing manager's office + secretaries office + reception area; Store Room [7 ft. X 20 ft.] and lot [302.89 square meters (362.26 square yards)] situate at corner Tate & Lyle Streets, Otro Benque, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District, the freehold property of Mr. David Enrique Navarette) 14. Parcel No. 2770 Trial Farm Village, Orange Walk District:
REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL Ann Gabourel 4 2770 (Being an elevated metal sided building [14 ft. X 21 ft.] containing 2 bedrooms + kitchen/living + bathroom and lot [583.773 S.M. or 698.19 S.Y.] situate on Snapper Street, Trial Farm Village, Orange Walk District, the freehold property of Mr. David Enrique Navarette) 15. Parcels Nos. 262 & 265 Ramonal Zapote, S.E. Registration Section, Corozal District:
REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCELS Ramonal Zapote/S.E. 1 262 & 265 (Being SUGAR CANE LANDS: Parcel 262- 10.00 acres; Parcel 265 - 10.00 acres both parcels old sugar cane fields situate approx. 1.6 kilometers west of the Buena Vista-Libertad Road and 1.8 kilometers east of the Phillip Goldson Highway, Corozal District, the freehold properties of Messrs. Chico's Co. Ltd.) 16. Parcels Nos. 306 & 308 Libertad Rural Registration Section, Corozal District:
REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCELS Libertad Rural 1 306 & 308 (Being SUGAR CANE LANDS: Parcel 306 - 39.983 acres (approx. 8 acres presently with good cane); Parcel 308 - 31.166 acres (approx. 6.5 acres with newly planted cane) [remaining portions both parcels old ratoon sugar cane]. A section of the frontage of Parcel No. 308 has direct access to the Libertad - Buena Vista Road a main thoroughfare between the villages of Buena Vista, Caledonia and Libertad. Parcel No. 306 is along secondary farm road both parcels approx. 6.5 kilometers south of the old Libertad factory, the freehold properties of Messrs. Chico's Co. Ltd.) 17. Parcel No. 244 Caledonia Village, Corozal District:
REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCELS Caledonia Village 1 244 (Being a concrete bungalow dwelling house [30 ft. X 59 ft.] containing 4 Bedrooms + 1 Bathroom + Living/Dining/Kitchen + small Store Room + Laundry Shed 15 ft. X 15 ft. and lot [1,378.19 square meters or 1,648.31 square yards] situate in Caledonia Village, Corozal District, the freehold properties of Messrs. Chico's Co. Ltd.) 18. 29.97 acres Pasture/Cane Land on Orange Walk Town/August Pine Ridge Village Road, Orange Walk District:
REGISTRATION SECTION Tower Hill
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THE BELIZE TIMES
2019
BLOCK 1
PARCEL 383
(Being 29.97 acres of Pasture/Sugar Cane land situate on the Orange Walk Town/August Pine Ridge Village Road, Orange Walk District containing: Front Section - Pasture [Approx. 5.5 acres] with fresh water creek passing through middle of property; Natural Vegetation Area [Approx. 3.7 acres]; Sugar Cane Plantation Area [20.7 acres] situate 1.5 kilometers southwest of Trinidad Village, Orange Walk District, the freehold property of Mr. Pascual Tun)
19. 29.97 acres Pasture/Cane Land on Orange Walk Town/August Pine Ridge Village Road, Orange Walk District:
ENVIRONMENTAL CRIMES ARE ON THE RISE, SO ARE EFFORTS TO PREVENT THEM Continued from page 17 tal impacts, most notably mercury pollution from artisanal gold mining, destruction of natural flora and fauna, pollution, landscape degradation and radiation hazards. The same UNEP study identified several major gaps in the response to environmental crimes: Lack of data, knowledge and awareness, lack and limited use of legislation, lack of institutional will and governance, lack of capacity in the enforcement chain, lack of national and international cooperation and information sharing among authorities, and lack of engagement with private actors and local communities were among those listed. In order to close those gaps, the international community needs to reintroduce programs of environmental crime, initiate concerted action and information sharing, recognize and address environmental crimes as a serious threat to peace and sustainable development, and strengthen the environmental rule of law at all levels. UNEP is helping countries establish strong legal frameworks on environmental crime by developing enforcement guidance to help national authorities comply with environmental laws.
It also builds the capacities of all actors involved in environmental enforcement such as police, prosecutors and customs. UNEP also help countries integrate environmental crime education in the training curricula of police and prosecutors, in order to enhance their capacity to investigate and prosecute cases. Environmental crimes are some of the most profitable forms of transnational criminal activity after drugs, counterfeits and human trafficking. They are expected to increase by 5-7% annually. Fortunately, efforts to prevent them are also on the rise. You can reach your own conclusions. God bless Belize! Ed. Note: Our Belizean readers at home and abroad should read this and other environmental articles and be very alarmed to the point of inclusion. Our 400,000 might be far from a majority but must know that it takes only a few decimal points to our global average temperature to spell doom in a few decades to low-lying areas like Belize. It only takes a grain of sand lodged in your underwear to create discomfort. We are a grain of sand in this world living on God’s Earth. Follow us at: www.cubel.org & www.facebook.com/cubelconsultancy
19. 29.97 acres Pasture/Cane Land on Orange Walk Town/August Pine Ridge Village Road, Orange Walk District:
REGISTRATION SECTION Tower Hill
BLOCK 1
PARCEL 384
REGISTRATION SECTION Tower Hill
BLOCK 1
PARCELS 300/1, 301/1 & 302/1
(Being 29.97 acres of Pasture/Cane land situate on the Orange Walk Town/August Pine Ridge Village Road, Orange Walk District containing: Front Section - Pasture [Approx. 8 acres] with fresh water creek passing through middle of property; Natural Vegetation Area [Approx. 1.5 acres]; Sugar Cane Plantation Area [20.47 acres] situate 1 kilometer southwest of Trinidad Village, Orange Walk District, the freehold property of Ms. Atanacia Tun) 20. 3 adjoining 30 acres Pasture/Cane Land on Orange Walk Town/August Pine Ridge Village Road, Orange Walk District:
(Being 3 adjoining parcels of land each containing 30 acres situate along the Orange Walk Town/August Pine Ridge Village Road, Orange Walk District containing: Parcel 300/1 - 30 acres of land in its natural state; Parcel 301/1 - 30 acres of land with secondary growth vegetation; Parcel 302/1 - 30 acres of land with approximately 4 acres of recently harvested sugar cane situate 2 kilometers southwest of Trinidad Village, Orange Walk District, the leasehold properties of Mr. Pablo Tun and Mr. Pascual Tun)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION www.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - www.belizebank.com (foreclosure listing) TERMS: STRICTLY CASH belizebank.com (foreclosure listing) KEVIN A. CASTILLO CHRISTIANA R. CASTILLO TELEPHONE 223-4488 E-mail: kevinacas@yahoo.com Face Book: Belize Auctions
TERMS: STRICTLY CASH
REGISTRATION SECTION Tower Hill
BLOCK 1
PARCEL 384
(Being 29.97 acres of Pasture/Cane land situate on the Orange Walk Town/August Pine Ridge Village Road, Orange Walk District containing: Front Section - Pasture [Approx. 8 acres] with fresh water creek passing through middle of property; Natural Vegetation Area [Approx. 1.5 acres]; Sugar Cane Plantation Area [20.47 acres] situate 1 kilometer southwest of Trinidad Village, Orange Walk District, the freehold property of Ms. Atanacia Tun) 20. 3 adjoining 30 acres Pasture/Cane Land on Orange Walk Town/August Pine Ridge Village Road, Orange
KEVIN A. CASTILLO CHRISTIANA R. CASTILLO TELEPHONE: 223 4488 Email: kevinacas@yahoo.com Face Book: Belize Auctions
24
THE BELIZE TIMES
26 MAY
2019