Friday, July 2, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 1

NO. 3472 BELIZE CITY, FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2021 (40 PAGES) $1.50 11th amendment to block convicts from House

BELIZE CITY, Thurs. July imprisonment will be subject 1, 2021 to disquaification. Reports are that the 11th The nature of such an MOHW officials amendment to the Belize amendment and its very Constitution will be tabled timing would suggest that it suspect Delta at a meeting of the House of is aimed at one area Representatives that is representative: Hon. Shyne variant in Belize scheduled to take place on Barrow, who now holds the Friday, July 2. This new position of Opposition amendment, if passed, Leader that was stripped from would reportedly disqualify embattled UDP leader, Hon. convicts and persons who Patrick Faber. Hon. Barrow, have served time in prison the area representative of the from being elected as a Mesopotamia constituency, member of the House. Any was convicted of offenses in member of the National Assembly offense will be disqualified from the US and served time in a US prison. convicted for a crime related to abuse servings as a member. Also persons of public office or an election related sentenced to more than 12 months Please turn to„Page 38 BELIZE CITY, Wed. June 30, 2021 Today, the Minister of Health and Wellness, Hon. Michel Chebat, BDF destroys New COVID-19 measures announced confirmed that a new strain of the Covid-19 virus was identified in illegal structure by Dayne Guy Belize. According to reports, healthcare personnel believe it is the in Adjacency BELIZE CITY, Wed. June 30, 2021 Delta variant, which is said to be At an event marking the relaunch more contagious and deadly, and Zone of Belize’s vaccination program, the which first became known globally Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. after persons infected with the virus Kareem Musa, presented a set of new in India began to exhibit unusual and measures that are being put in place disturbing symptoms not typically in response to the resurgence of associated with COVID-19. Belize COVID-19 cases in certain parts of has now solicited assistance from the country (with clusters emerging Baylor College to pinpoint exactly in the Orange Walk, Stann Creek, what variant is currently circulating Belize and Toledo Districts) and within the country. Reports are that Belize has Please turn to„Page 39 acquired equipment used to identify COVID-19 variants during testing, but the country still needs to have LPG companies sue National Gas Co. additional gene sequencing done Please turn to„Page 38 BELIZE CITY, Wed. June 30, 2021 BELIZE CITY, Wed. June 30, 2021 Four former Liquified SIB releases The Belize Defence Force has sent Petroleum Gas (LPG) a report to the Ministry of Foreign importers have brought a 2018 poverty Affairs concerning the burning of a constitutional lawsuit house belonging to a Guatemalan against the Government study national earlier this week. The man of Belize in an effort to (See story on page 6) was reportedly squatting on the regain their place in a Belize side of the Adjacency market allegedly Zone. The structure was allegedly monopolized by the “Before you burnt by members of the 2nd Infantry government- Battalion. backed National Gas relax, get vax!” He was identified as Felipe Company Limited says MOHW (NGC). Please turn to„Page 39 Audrey Matura is the attorney for Please turn to„Page 38 (See story on page 37) Page 2 AMANDALABelize Friday, July 2, 2021 Blue Economy Min. makes plans for finfish trade

by Dayne Guy varied finfish value chain. The sustainable use of finfish resources will BELIZE CITY, Wed. June 30, 2021 create opportunities for families to Yesterday, June 29, the Government sustain themselves and engage in trade of Belize began a four-day workshop through access to diversified marine that is aimed at improving the species, instead of relying solely on management of the country’s multi- heavily exploited nearshore resources species finfish fishery. The workshop like the spiny lobster and queen conch. is being co-organized by the United Nicanor Requeña, project manager Nations Conference on Trade and of the Environmental Defense Fund Development (UNCTAD), the (EDF), further noted, “With regards to Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law this training workshop in particular, the of the Sea, Office of Legal Affairs main objective is to bring together a (DOALOS), and the Directorate multi-stakeholder group that is General for Foreign Trade, and represented by the fishermen, the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF). cooperatives, the Belize Fisheries The workshop ends on Friday, July 2.. Department, local partners such as the The workshop is being conducted as co-managers of these protected areas realize that we need a proper building the capacity of all the a part of phase II of a United Nations in the country, and really bring this management plan — a robust and participants in terms of understanding Development Account-funded project discussion in a way that will be able to structured management plan, to ensure the fundamental principles of good that is being coordinated by both generate the information that is the long-term sustainable use of finfish fisheries management, which is in the UNCTAD and DOALOS, and is geared necessary to finalize the multi-species resources in Belize and also help to context of climate change, it’s in the at strengthening the capacity of finfish management plan for Belize, inform the development of that resource context of all these challenges that not developing coastal countries like which is a priority for the Fisheries in Belize.” only Belize faces, but the globe faces Belize to expand, adopt and implement Department, a priority for the Blue Wade pointed out that finfish fishing in terms of fisheries management. We proven policies; and Blue Economy Economy ministry and really a priority has actually been an informal sector in expect that the participants will also and trade strategies. One of the goals for the country. It is one of those the country for some time. It is currently go with an appreciation of them being of this effort is the promotion of fisheries that really has not been not an export-oriented activity, but it a part of an effort so that they are able sustainable trade and services in addressed. There’s been a lot of effort was in the past. A more structured to say this is not only a finfish ocean-based sectors. that has been done for lobster, conch regime that allows for more sustainable management plan developed by the The actions taken during the and no finfish.” use of this fishery will play an important department or by government, but that implementation of phase II of the The Policy and Planning Advisor in role domestically and internationally, I, a fisherman or a cooperative member, project will help the country ensure that the Ministry of Blue Economy, Ms. from an export-oriented perspective or the co-manager, is able to take its marine ecosystems are resilient and Beverly Wade, explained, “We have and will ensure that the fishery is ownership of that plan because you will that livelihood is guaranteed for well-established management plans for properly managed and that it will have an appreciation that developing fishery-dependent communities. our primary commodities such as contribute to better livelihood and the plan is only one step.” He Toward this end, the initiative will lobster and queen conch, and we have economic output, Wade said. emphasized that implementation of the involve the development of a multi- now reached the juncture where we Requeña stated, “Apart from plan is even more important. SIB reports 2.8% inflation

by Kory Leslie (freelance writer) million in 2021 in comparison to received a slightly lower BZ $5.1 BZ $9.6 million to BZ $12.9 BZ$0.8 million in the same period million this year due to “diminished million), crude materials (from BZ BELIZE CITY, Wed. June 30, 2021 in 2020. Additionally, there was an exports of grapefruit concentrate”. $0.7 million to BZ $3.8 million) and In the Statistical Institute of increase in earnings from the sale The increase in the country’s imports into the “designated Belize’s (SIB) report on the of sugar, with BZ $18.3 million imports, however, was even more processing areas” (from BZ $2.4 country’s economic activity in the being earned in the first quarter of substantial than the uptick in exports, million to BZ$3.1 million). The only first quarter of 2021, the institute 2021, which is almost a million with about BZ $59.4 million being decrease in imports was seen in the noted that the country saw a 28.8 % dollars more than the BZ $17.6 spent in the first quarter in 2021 — oils and fats category, which slipped increase in exports— which shot up million earned in 2020. Also, the a 58.2% increase over what was from BZ $2.3 million to BZ $2 from BZ $36.9 million in the first country this year exported a small spent in 2020, when there were million in 2021. quarter of 2020 to BZ 45.7 million shipment of crude oil valued at “severe disruptions to internal trade” Notably, while these import in 2021: an increase of BZ $8.8 BZ$0.02 million, whereas in 2020 as a result of COVID-19, says the figures are drastically higher than the million. Notably, the export of there were no exports of crude SIB. Substantial increases were seen 2020 import numbers, Tiffany bananas yielded an increased petroleum due to border closures. in the purchase of products such as Vasquez, Statistician II of the SIB, revenue of almost BZ$3 million. The only commodity which machinery and transport equipment, stated that “one should note that this There was also an increase in yielded decreased revenue in the with the amount spent on these items spike simply signals the return to revenue from marine exports — first quarter of 2021 was citrus rising to BZ $35.1 million from the normal import flows. As these which rose from BZ $0.1 million to products. The country had earned BZ $18 million spent in 2020. figures are in comparison to the BZ$1.7 million, and from animal BZ $5.6 million through the export Purchases of manufactured goods record low imports of last year. feed exports, which yielded BZ $2.2 of those products last year, but increased from BZ $16.4 million to Where imports for the month of BZ $25.4 million, while spending on April and May in particular hit chemical products increased from historic lows owing to the BZ $11.7 million to $20 million, and challenges brought on by the Covid the country’s outlay on “other -19 pandemic.” manufactures” increased from BZ Domestically, our Consumer $5.9 million to BZ $12.2 million. Price Index for May 2021 shows that The amount the country spent on Belizeans saw an average 2.8% goods destined for commercial free inflation as a net effect of higher- zones increased from BZ $14.8 priced fuel, food items, liquid million to BZ $19.2 million, while petroleum gas, and personal care a total of $6.3 million was spent to products. For the month of May purchase imported beverages and 2021, transport prices increased by tobacco — up from BZ $2.3 million. 10.3%, the prices of food and non- There were also increases in total alcoholic beverages rose by 3.6%, spending to purchase imported food and the cost of housing, water, and live animals (from BZ $ 17.9 electricity, gas and other fuels rose million to BZ $21.3 million), mineral fuels and lubricants (from Please turn to„Page 33 Friday, July 2, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 3 Cabinet discusses tax Hartin out on bail again

crimes and cannabis Hartin was being treated unfairly and was not being allowed the rights afforded The release additionally informed to her under the law. the public that Cabinet is appointing Bradley also claimed that key employees in various ministries Hartin was effectively as point-persons to oversee the ambushed through the implementation of policies geared at decision by Habet, who advancing the CARICOM Single manages the Ashcroft- Market and Economy (CSME) owned resort in San Pedro. integration — which the member Bradley had also states of CARICOM have had some indicated that Hartin was difficulty in carrying out, noted the tasked, after the withdrawal release. of the bail sum by Habet, Another matter that was discussed with finding someone at the Cabinet meeting was tax willing to post bail on her collection, and according to the behalf. Reports are that Cabinet briefing, the Belize Tax Wendy Auxillou, an attorney Department will increase its capacity and close family friend of to pursue tax defaulters with the new Hartin, subsequently used amendment to the Tax Administration her land document to post and Procedure Act that has been bail for Hartin. As a result, BELIZE CITY, Wed. June 30, 2021 approved by GOB. Defaulters may BELIZE CITY, Wed. June 30, 2021 Jasmine Hartin is a free Following a Cabinet meeting be subject to both civil litigation and Yesterday, Jasmine Hartin was woman once again, after having yesterday, a Cabinet briefing was criminal prosecution, said the released from the Belize Central another run-in with the law in Belize. issued to the public, within which it release. Prison after spending a second short- Hartin was arrested and charged was noted that the Minister of Health Cabinet also approved important term period of confinement — for the manslaughter of and Wellness updated the Prime E-governance legislation and a new lasting four nights— at the facility. Superintendent of Police, Henry Minister and the other members of Electronic Transfer of Funds Crime As was reported earlier, Hartin’s Jemmott, in the early hours of Friday, the Cabinet on key issues and Bill. surety was pulled by Frank Habet, May 28. Jasmin Hartin is the initiatives within his ministry, which And lastly, Cabinet approved General Manager of the Grand common-law wife of Andrew has this week recommended updated amendments to the Misuse of Drugs Colony Island Villas, who stated in Ashcroft, Lord Michael Ashcroft’s COVID-19 measures that will be put Act to provide for the creation of a letter to Justice Herbert Lord that youngest son, but since she was in place by the Ministry of Home regulations relating to the budding he no longer believes that Hartin initially released on bail for Affairs. cannabis industry in Belize. The will adhere to the bail conditions manslaughter, she has publicized a The brief also announced the release from Cabinet stated that the that were set by the court. downturn in, and possible end, of ramping up of the vaccination amendment will provide for a At the time, her newly hired their relationship and has even campaign that is being carried out by responsible cannabis industry in defense attorney, Richard “Dickie” claimed that she was not being the Ministry of Health and Wellness. Belize. Bradley, had told the media that allowed to see the couple’s two children. In her efforts to visit her children, she even left her hideaway in Cayo and went to the Grand Matura questions pricing of LPG gas Colony resort in San Pedro, where she behaved in a reportedly unruly way —a display of a sort of in the Finance and desperation which some would Audit Act. argue is natural for a woman seeking Previous access to her kids. importers are not Hartin is claiming that her four- locked out of this year old twins have been kept away importation from her since she was first arrested, process and are and she has alleged that her partner, encouraged to Andrew Ashcroft, purposefully kept participate. NGC family members away from her by is not involved in lying about her condition while she retail was incarcerated. distribution.” Hartin, now free again, will have Before the to adhere to the bail conditions set establishment of by Judge Herbert Lord: a curfew, the NGC, daily check-ins at the San Ignacio Matura’s four police station, and good behavior. clients were importing their own LPG products acquisition price, to which they add BELIZE CITY, Thurs. July 1, 2021 which spans 83% of the households individually, and according to her, the cost of transportation. According to the National Gas in Belize, attorney Audrey Matura, would have leveraged their LPG Attorney Matura is of a different Company’s (NGC) website, around who is representing four companies supply and their pricing to compete opinion. “What the Government has 83% of Belizean households use LPG which imported LPG gas for sale in within the market fairly. Matura has done, and has refused to explain to (liquefied petroleum gas) for Belize prior to the establishment of said that there is a lot of undisclosed us, they have refused to define what cooking. Their website also cites a NGC, is arguing that the NGC, which information concerning the operations is wholesale. They say that the prices growing demand for LPG as an is a partnership between the public of the company and that this are fixed, but the SI doesn’t say it is alternative fuel for vehicles and for sector and private investors, has information should be shared fixed. They keep raising prices, but machinery used in the agro-sector. become the sole importer of LPG — publicly. they don’t tell us on what basis these The demand for LPG in Belize is thus kicking her four clients out the While being interviewed by local price increases are. Many times the thus sizable, and the company claims market. media, Matura noted that the Belize international prices are not increased. on its website that since its What the NGC asserts on its Bureau of Standards has kept the So, I don’t see how they could say establishment in May 2020, many website, however, is that “While all formula to determine LPG prices that NGC is not a part of the market.” small LPG providers have entered the LPG entering the country passes “close to their chest.” In December The NGC has stated that the Belize the market to meet that demand. through the National Marine 2020, NGC spokesperson Daniel Bureau of Standards regulates the Despite those claims by the NGC that Terminal, the sourcing of the LPG Gutierrez told the media that the wholesale pricing of LPG by small businesses are being allowed imports is via tender in accordance company uses the Opis Mont Belvieu utilizing the pricing methodology to access a portion of that market, with the tendering process established prices index to determine an laid out in the LPG Act. Page 4 AMANDALABelize Friday, July 2, 2021 Tourism rebounding faster than expected — Min. Mahler

shorter. In May, the total following the news that all persons Minister Mahler remarked that if number of tourist arrivals at over 18 now qualify for vaccination. Belizeans do their part in subduing the Philip Goldson Prime Minister Briceño, in COVID-19, it will increase the International Airport (PGIA) acknowledgement of the promising likelihood of the government was 70% of the number of trends in the tourism sector, stated, fulfilling the pledges it made in the tourists who were arriving at “When our visitors come to Belize, Plan Belize agenda. “If you want that the airport in the period prior they can feel safe. They know that free education, if you want improved to the onset of COVID-19. In there is a protocol of how to get to healthcare, if you want housing, if the month of June, the number the airport and the border and how you want better infrastructure, then of arrivals increased by just to get from the airport to the hotel do your part,” said Mahler. “Do the over 10% — which is still and that the hotels have strict responsible thing and get below the number of visitors protocol so that we can keep them vaccinated. That is the only way we who could be received at the safe.” can open up the economy,” he said. airport when it is operating by Dayne Guy at its maximum airplane capacity. The Minister of Tourism explained BELIZE CITY, Wed. June 30, 2021 that there are a number of airlines CCJ permanently ends The Minister of Tourism and which will be making regular Diaspora Relations, Hon. Anthony scheduled stops at Belize’s sentence of Solomon Marin, Jr. Mahler, has stated that tourism is on international airport. Mahler noted that track to exceeding pre-pandemic Belize awaits the resumption of The high court found that Marin’s constitutional right to a fair hearing levels by the end of this year or early Southwest flights to the country, as within a reasonable time was breached. next year. He attributes this upward well as the commencement of trajectory in the industry to the efforts scheduled flights of Alaska Airlines, made to minimize transmission of which will add one flight from Seattle BELIZE CITY, Thurs. July 1, 2021 COVID-19 and the safety precautions and 4 flights from Los Angeles to This week the Caribbean Court of that have been implemented by Belize Belize on a weekly basis; WestJet will Justice (CCJ) handed down a decision — making it one of the safest countries be scheduling flights to Belize later in the case of Solomon Marin, Jr. and across the globe in regard to COVID- this year, and the ministry is also permanently stayed the enforcement of 19 prevention protocols. expecting flights from Air Canada his sentence. Marin will remain a free “To date, we have done well in early next year. Mahler added that the man after the court found that his right managing the virus. That has given us ministry is also in communication with to a hearing in a reasonable time was the opportunity to tell the world Belize US and European airlines in an effort breached. is safe and ready for tourism,” stated to get even more carriers to land at Marin was convicted in the Belize Mahler, who is optimistic about the the PGIA. On the basis of these trends, Supreme Court for the crimes of rebound of Belize’s tourism industry the Minister of Tourism believes kidnapping and robbery and was after the Centers for Disease Control Belize is on track to exceeding the pre- sentenced to two concurrent ten-year and Prevention’s (CDC) reassignment COVID-19 number of tourist arrivals terms in prison. He appealed those of a level 1 travel advisory rating to at the PGIA as early as the end of the rulings, but nine years passed before the country. year, leading into the next. his appeal was heard in an appellant According to Mahler, experts had Mahler noted that about 80% of the court. estimated that it would take Belize’s stakeholders in the tourism sector have The court, upon reviewing the “Marin was granted relief for the tourism sector up to three years to been vaccinated thus far — a much appeal, agreed that the delay breached breach of his constitutional right to a revert to its pre-COVID-19 levels of higher rate than the rate of vaccination Marin’s right to a fair hearing, as was fair hearing within a reasonable time. activity. The Tourism Ministry, in other sectors in the country, and he argued by Marin’s legal team. Marin In a judgment authored by Justice however, believes the timeline is way expects that number to increase had also asked for the convictions to Barrow, the Court explained why both be quashed, but ultimately conceded a declaration and an order suspending when it was ruled that the convictions any further execution of the sentences were sound and should remain in imposed were the appropriate Sleeping Giant fires spreading place. remedies in this matter.” And thus, although the Court of Justice Anderson also agreed that Appeal had agreed that Marin’s rights the Court of Appeal had the were violated, it did not grant any jurisdiction to rule the delay in the remedy, and, as previously mentioned, hearing of Marin’s case to be a it found that his conviction was sound constitutional violation and agreed that and refused to quash it. a permanent stay of further At the CCJ, however, Marin argued enforcement of the sentences was that after finding that his right to a fair appropriate. trial was breached, the Court of Marin was placed on parole in Appeal should have granted a remedy February of this year and his sentence for the violation and submitted that the was to run until January 2023. proper remedy was a permanent stay His attorney was Anthony Sylvestre, of further enforcement of his sentences. and the Director of Public The counsel representing the Prosecutions (DPP), Senior Counsel BELIZE CITY, Wed. June 30, 2021 closely at the impact of the blaze on Government of Belize argued, Cheryl-Lynn Vidal, represented the The Ministry of Sustainable the forest’s ecosystem and the however, that the constitutional issue Crown. Development is closely monitoring biodiversity within the affected area, of the breach of Marin’s fundamental In 2006, then 27-year-old Solomon the spread of fires that have been they are also considering the right did not arise from the case and Marin was found guilty of a robbery burning portions of the forest on the financial resources that would be as such had to be filed in a separate and kidnapping inside the Belmopan Sleeping Giant mountain range for needed to carry out an aerial application in order for remedies to Supreme Court. He was accused of three weeks now. To date, at least operation to extinguish the fires. be sought. accosting Leon Castillo in the parking two and a half acres of forest have Due to the rough terrain in the area, CCJ Justice Jamadar found that in lot of First Caribbean International been burnt. and the arduous trek to arrive at the certain circumstances the Court of Bank in Belmopan and taking him The Ministry expected the size of site where the fire is located, using Appeal can grant relief where a breach through a feeder road off the the area damaged by the flames to be ground support to subdue the flames of a person’s fundamental right arises Hummingbird Highway with other twice as large, given the rate of is virtually impossible. The Ministry during a case before the court, even if men. burning seen earlier, but the fires is now weighing the potential impacts it is not directly related to the issues The victim, Castillo, was robbed have proven to be significantly of the fire on the forest against the arising from the criminal trial. of his wallet, which contained just $50, slower in spreading than they were cost of using air assets to quell the In those cases, the CCJ said it was and the men drove away with his blue expected to be. blaze. not necessary for an individual to file Isuzu Rodeo pickup. The co-accused, And while the Sustainable We will continue to follow this a new application to seek relief. Oliver Rodriguez, was acquitted of all Development Ministry is looking story. The release from the CCJ states, charges at the time of the trial. Friday, July 2, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 5 Belize has land, but most Belizeans can’t buy

New Belmopan mayor, Ms. Sharon Palacio, announced on government can’t find much land that fits the description most Plus TV with much fanfare in early June that her administration desire is because we inherited from our colonial masters a had acquired 100 acres of land five minutes away from Maya country where most of the prime land for residential purposes Mopan, the eastern-most section of Belmopan, and that the and for agriculture was under private ownership, and our Belmopan City Council would be subdividing this acreage and leaders, except for some laudable work during the self- making 400 lots available to persons who are desirous of government years, not only did not sufficiently address the building a home in that area. Ms. Palacio said that about 300 situation when they took office, but after independence they persons had already expressed interest in acquiring a lot in multiplied it by giving land to their favorites for speculative the new housing area, which they have dubbed, Inovabel. purposes. Residential and business plots in Belmopan proper aren’t When our leaders took over in 1964, the year we became a cheap. Ms. Palacio said the lots in Inovabel are being sold for self-governing nation, it seemed that our country had unlimited $20,000, and that a parcel can be secured with a down land. In 1964 every Belizean could have owned 55 acres if our payment of $2,000 and a commitment to pay $200 per month land was equally distributed, but in 2021 that has dwindled to until the full purchase price is met. 14 acres per Belizean. A considerable percentage of our land, Another project that has been in the news recently is Sagana it must be noted, is covered by water and mountains, and Heights, which is being developed on a tract a few miles east much of the 40% that is said to be suitable for agriculture of St. Matthew’s Village. One of the persons spearheading remains under forest cover to protect absolutely vital this project is Mr. Nigel Petillo, who gained much respect in watersheds. Belize when a little over ten years ago he and his group identified To a great extent our land distribution system has been as and acquired a large abandoned parcel west of St. Matthew’s myopic as the development of Belize City. In the case of Belize Village, which they named Harmonyville. The group subdivided City, residential lots have been distributed primarily with an the land into one-acre parcels, which they sold to Belizeans eye to maximize on the existing available utilities. Thus, we for around $1,500. One-acre plots at Sagana Heights aren’t have areas in Belize City that don’t have green spaces, and that affordable. We understand they are being sold for $6,000, areas where the people are so cramped together that each and a plot can be acquired with a $1,200 down payment and person’s business is everybody’s business. installments of $250 per month until the full price is paid. In the case of land with great potential for farming or tourism Neither of these projects has utilities – no water running projects (on the cayes/coast), much has been issued by our through pipes, no electricity poles a home owner can just run governments as gifts to party favorites. In modern Belize, new a line from, no telephone farmers work low- grade land while speculators control prime connection, no internet, and areas, and land at the cayes, on the coast, or in pristine forests no cable television. That’s no are for sale to the foreigner with the highest bid. problem, however, because Belizeans, especially those who don’t own any land, are entrepreneurs will come waiting with bated breath to see how the present government Amandala(estb. 1969) along — BTL, BWSL, BEL, and will navigate through this difficult land problem we have, to Business and editorial offices: others — and the necessary deliver on its promise. The UDP, which sat in office between 3304 Partridge Street, Belize utilities will be put in, in time. 2008 and 2020 and did little during most of those near thirteen City, Belize, Central America It is not impossible that the years to address the problem, in a desperate move to win is printed twice weekly by the Amandala Press. costs to put in these utilities votes in the last general elections, found a way to acquire Telephones: 501-280-4703/ will be subsidized by the some land in prime areas. They did this by “stronging” leasehold 501-202-4477 government. Homeowners parcels in such areas, which they subdivided and distributed will pay for the services, to individuals who they felt were partial to their party, or could monthly, and the be won over. Publisher: Evan X Hyde entrepreneurs and their In a continuation of its “new policy”, the UDP pledged in its Editor-in-chief: Marco Lopez shareholders will cover their 2020-2025 manifesto to identify national lands and acquire, Business Manager: Jacinta Hyde costs, and bank profits. where possible, “large unused tracts of land close to cities, Make-up & Design The new government in its towns and villages” for the purpose of subdividing these lands Artist: Andrea Dennison Plan Belize manifesto to provide house lots for Belizeans. The UDP said it would Executive Secretary: Odessa promised to deliver address a valuation system that gave large sums to landowners Robinson Smith residential and small farm when government needed “to correct a mistake or acquire Compositor: Tyra Welch plots to Belizean adults who land in the public interest.” Lithography: Clive Smith don’t own any land, but The UDP recognized that the land “issue” had to be Inovabel and Sagana Heights addressed, and in its manifesto it stated what it would do if Printer: Kent Brooks are pricey, out of the reach elected again; however, because the party locked out all vision of most of our population that didn’t emanate from its Cabinet, and spat on good Please email Correspondence: who are landless. A critical governance practices, it could not be trusted with addressing [email protected] factor about land is its land reform/acquisition without bias. location, and in respect to It will take a special effort to find a way to remedy this bad Advertisements to: residential plots/small farm situation we inherited from our colonial bosses, and [email protected] parcels, the present Belize compounded. government won’t find much Regular Belizeans can’t afford to buy privately owned land in Mailing Address: publicly owned land close to easily accessed areas, not even in villages near to towns and Amandala Press major urban areas, where the two cities, and they are in great need. Money that Belizeans 3304 Partridge Street most people want to settle should be putting into building their homes and investing in c/o P.O. Box 15, down because of the businesses is going toward the purchase of plots. It’s no easy Belize City, Belize amenities and the work/ task before the new government. For the good of all Belizeans it must find a way to deliver land to those who can’t afford Amandala’s website: business possibilities. what is available on the commercial market. amandala.com.bz The reason the present Page 6 AMANDALABelize Friday, July 2, 2021 SIB releases 2018 poverty study (From page 1)

The 2018/2019 study by the SIB shows that more than half of Belize’s population were living in poverty prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

BELIZE CITY, Thurs. July 1, experienced some type of economic It is worth noting that there was an 2021 shock or natural disaster.” increase in the poverty rates in both Yesterday, the Statistical Such an economic shock occurred rural and urban areas when compared Institute of Belize released the after the onset of the Covid-19 to the numbers in 2009. In rural Belize results of its 2018/2019 pandemic. The study, carried out before the 2018 poverty rate, which was poverty study and announced the outbreak of the global pandemic, recorded as being 55% in previous that an alarming 52% of the shows that almost 42,590 persons, data, increased to 59% of the country’s population, or 11% of the population, were living at population. In the urban areas an 201,616 persons, were living the edge of poverty before the COVID- increase of around 15% in the poverty in poverty at that time. Around 19 outbreak. This closely parallels the rates was seen — going from 28% in 9% of the population — roughly 42,500 applications for 2009 to 43% in 2018. 35,663 persons — were COVID-19 relief that the government Corozal recorded the lowest poverty considered indigent or reported that it received. rate of all districts in 2018, and there critically poor. In 2009, when the last Country was no significant increase in the The SIB report states, Poverty Assessment exercise was done, poverty rate in that district when “About 11 percent or 42,590 the percentage of the population living compared to the rate in 2009. In Toledo, persons were classified as in poverty had stood at 41%, or 136,640 on the other hand, there was a sharp vulnerable to poverty in 2018. persons. The percentage of the increase in its poverty rate from 60% These were persons who were population living in poverty thus in 2009 to 82% in the recent study. That ‘not poor’ but were at risk of increased by 11 percentage points over district’s indigence rate in 2018 was falling into poverty if they a 9-year span. recorded at 30%. The study showed that the highest rate of poverty by age group was observed among children in the 0-14 age group. Almost 60% of children in the country are considered poor, with around 12% being categorized as indigent — the highest rate of indigence among all age groups. The SIB study showed that, of all ethnic groups, the highest rate of poverty could be found among the Mayan people, with 77% of their population in the country being classified as poor. At this time they are the only ethnic group with a poverty rate above the national average. The lowest rate of poverty was reported within the Creole ethnic group. The poverty rate within that group is 47%; however, that rate is 15 percentage points higher than what it was in 2009. It is also worth noting that the poverty rate is much higher among households with 7 or more members — with 79% of those households being classified as poor and about 20% of them being indigent. The study also found a correlation between educational attainment and household poverty status. They found that household heads who have not completed any level of education had the highest level of Please turn to„Page 38

NOTICE TO BELIZE CITY LAND SURVEYORS

Be advised that parcel no. 2994 in the Belama Area is the private property of CAROL MYVETT. I have made no arrangement to have this parcel resurveyed, or made any application to have it subdivided. So the offending surveyor is hereby notified to remove the survey markers he has planted along my property boundaries, or face prosecution. Also, the Minister of Natural Resources has been informed of the brazen and illegal attempt to dispossess me of my freehold property.

Lisa Kerr Friday, July 2, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 7 These Are Some Serious Times

perception that it had gone away petty indifference in a party, but confounded by the sharp turn of and was giving us a break to return we cannot deny that such a move events in our country. The once to business as usual, Covid-19 was bold; and will no doubt cushioned middle class have been once again reminded us that we provoke indignance. Nonetheless, plunged into the poverty pool and cannot let our guards down. The I’ll say no more on the matter now find that down there, it’s hard numbers are on a steady increase, except that I pray that it is sorted to stay afloat amidst the murky and the virus continues to out with expediency with a view waters. proliferate while we want to live to bringing remediation, as a strong I swear, the times that we are in abeyance of its severity. opposition is vital to a sound living in are so critical. As I sit This virus continues to spread democracy. down and try to take it all in and based on our behavior and sheer As we continue to keep our eyes muse on how quickly we were lack of adherence. And clearly, open on the health and democratic landed here, it’s nerve-racking, to when we act in contravention of front, we cannot ignore how bad say the least. Now, in hindsight, I best practices, Covid-19 wastes no things are economically. Prior to could vividly recall that Mama time to wreak havoc among us. the recent reduction in salaries, used to always seh: “Son, tings wa If somebody would have Clearly, (well at least for now) the things were already dire. It has get haad, yuh nuh!” Soberly and approached me many years ago and choice of inoculation is yours to now been compounded with the subtly reflecting on her words said to me that one day Belize be had. One cannot compel you to reduction in wages. I spoke to a evokes in me eerie chills of a would have come to this, I would jab or not to jab, but whatever few persons who shared with me nostalgic saudade. But clearly, have told them not so! But, my choice you make, it is your the severity of their plight. One there’s no going back to what once golly goodness! I am sorely personal duty to take care of person noted to me that as a direct was. We are here today and mein, I flummoxed to see the way things yourself and practice safety result of the cut, they now have to tell you, things rough! And as much are going and the horrid state that measures, ‘cause Covid-19 is still choose between buying groceries as we would want to return to my sweet Belize is in! We are with us. Failure to comply will or paying the utilities. Yes, that is former days of glory, life’s harsh currently grappling with an land you on the daily info-graphic. how seriously one person was and brutal reality is upon us, and unprecedented health crisis, the So better remain vigilant! affected by this cut; while another we are forced to grapple with its fragmentation of our democracy Then switching gears, no doubt, commented to me that, given all his hardships and its snares. As we and a most dire economic time that arguably the greatest spectacle of previous deductions, simply seek to cope and battle with what has been further exacerbated of last week was the grand showcase finding disposable income to we collectively face, it’s late. Put all this together and I say, showdown in the Opposition party! amount to the cut is challenging. unfortunate; but many won’t make these are some serious times! What a sekestre, I tell you! As I I tell you, these are some serious it, and those who do will be left to Last week was quite an watched in utter dismay and sheer times. The outlook is grim and is contemplate the outcome. From interesting week as the country disbelief, I was flabbergasted. marred by the bleak economic henceforth, survival mode has been bore witness to one spectacle after Who would have thought that we prognosis. People are suffering fully activated and, oh well, now it the other. We were eerily reminded would have witnessed something and are taking a lick. People who will be survival of the fittest! that Covid-19 still very much of that sort in our little tranquil once enjoyed financial security and exists and is a very serious and haven of democracy? I mean, I stability now find themselves in Unchained Reflections Of A deadly virus. While we had the could understand rebuilding and dire economic straits, utterly Liberal Pragmatist.

TENDER NOTICE TENDER FOR THE GENERAL SECURITY AND SURVEILLANCE OF THE SUPREME COURT BUILDING, THE OLD TREASURY BUILDING, THE COURT OF APPEAL, THE SUPREME COURT LAW LIBRARY BUILDING, AND THE CHIEF JUSTICE’S RESIDENCE.

Tenders are invited for the general security and surveillance of the Supreme Court Building, the Old Treasury Building, the Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court Law Library Buildingand the Chief Justice’s Residence.

1. The Tender shall be for a period of two (2) years (September 1st 2021 to August 31st 2023)

2. The successful Tender will be expected to provide the following security and surveillance to the following locations: a. 24 hours security to the Supreme Court Building – 4 guards for 7 days per week b. 24 hours security to the Old Treasury Building – 4 guards for 7 days per week c. 24 hours security to the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court Law Library Building – 2 guard for 6:00 a.m. to 6p.m. Monday to Friday. d. 24 hours security service to the Chief Justice’s Residence – 1 guard for 7 days per week e. Daily bank deposit for General Registry Dept. – Monday to Friday

The cost incurred to visit the facilities to be guarded and the preparation of the bids is the sole responsibility of the Tenderer.

The lowest or any Tender may not necessarily be accepted.

Tenders are to be submitted in sealed envelopes marked “TENDER FOR THE GENERAL SECURITY AND SURVEILLANCE OF THE SUPREME COURT BUILDING, THE OLD TREASURY BUILDING, THE COURT OF APPEAL, THE SUPREME COURT LAW LIBRARY BUILDING, AND THE CHIEF JUSTICE’S RESIDENCE” no later than 16th Julyat: 4:30p.m.

Envelopes to be delivered to: Registrar General General Registry Department Treasury Lane Belize City, Belize

The General Registry Department The Attorney General’s Ministry Page 8 AMANDALABelize Friday, July 2, 2021

Belize tiene tierras, pero la mayoría de los beliceños no pueden comprar

La nueva alcaldesa de Belmopán, la Sra. Sharon Palacio, que nuestro país tenía tierras ilimitadas. En 1964, todos los anunció en Plus TV con mucha fanfarria a principios de junio beliceños podrían haber poseído 55 acres si nuestra tierra que su administración había adquirido 100 acres de tierra a se distribuyera equitativamente, pero en 2021 eso se ha cinco minutos de Maya Mopan, la sección más al este de reducido a 14 acres por beliceño. Cabe señalar que un Belmopán, y que el Ayuntamiento de Belmopán estaría porcentaje considerable de nuestra tierra está cubierta por subdividiendo esta superficie y poniendo 400 lotes a agua y montañas, y gran parte del 40% que se dice que es disposición de las personas que deseen construir una casa apto para la agricultura permanece bajo cubierta forestal en esa área. La Sra. Palacio dijo que alrededor de 300 personas para proteger cuencas hidrográficas absolutamente vitales. ya habían expresado interés en adquirir un lote en la nueva En gran medida, nuestro sistema de distribución de tierras área de viviendas, que han bautizado con el nombre Inovabel. ha sido tan miope como el desarrollo de la Ciudad de Belize. Las parcelas residenciales y comerciales en Belmopán no En el caso de la Ciudad de Belize, los lotes residenciales se son baratas. La Sra. Palacio dijo que los lotes en Inovabel se han distribuido principalmente con miras a maximizar los están vendiendo por $ 20,000 y que una parcela se puede existentes servicios públicos disponibles. Por lo tanto, asegurar con un pago anticipado de $ 2,000 y el compromiso tenemos áreas en la Ciudad de Belize que no tienen espacios de pagar $ 200 por mes hasta que se cumpla el precio total verdes, y áreas donde la gente está tan amontonada que el de compra. negocio de cada persona es asunto de todos. Otro proyecto que ha estado en las noticias recientemente En el caso de tierras con gran potencial para proyectos es Sagana Heights, que se está desarrollando en un terreno agrícolas o turísticos (en los cayos/la costa), nuestros a unas pocas millas al este de la aldea de San Mateo. Una de gobiernos han entregado mucho como obsequios a los las personas que encabeza este proyecto es el Sr. Nigel Petillo, favoritos del partido. En el Belize moderno, los nuevos quien se ganó mucho respeto en Belize cuando hace poco agricultores trabajan tierras de baja calidad mientras que los más de diez años, él y su grupo identificaron y adquirieron especuladores controlan las áreas privilegiadas, y las tierras una gran parcela abandonada al oeste de la aldea de San en los cayos, en la costa o en bosques vírgenes están a la Mateo, a la que llamaron Harmonyville. El grupo subdividió la venta al extranjero con la oferta más alta. tierra en parcelas de un acre, que vendieron a los beliceños Los beliceños, especialmente aquellos que no poseen por alrededor de $ 1,500. Las parcelas de un acre en Sagana tierras, están esperando con gran expectación para ver cómo Heights no son tan asequibles. Entendemos que se están el gobierno actual navegará a través de este difícil problema vendiendo por $ 6,000, y se puede adquirir una parcela con de tierras que tenemos, para cumplir su promesa. El UDP, un pago inicial de $ 1,200 y cuotas de $ 250 por mes hasta que ocupó el cargo entre 2008 y 2020 e hizo poco durante que se pague el precio total. la mayor parte de esos cerca de trece años para abordar el Ninguno de estos proyectos tiene servicios públicos: no problema, en una movida desesperada por ganar votos en hay agua corriendo por las tuberías, no hay postes de las últimas elecciones generales, encontró la manera de electricidad desde donde el dueño de una casa puede adquirir algún terreno en áreas primas. Hicieron esto tomando simplemente correr una línea, no hay conexión telefónica, “a fuerza” parcelas arrendadas en esas áreas, que no hay Internet y no hay televisión por cable. Sin embargo, subdividieron y distribuyeron a individuos que sentían que eso no es un problema, porque vendrán empresarios - BTL, eran partidarios de su partido o que podían ser conquistados. BWSL, BEL y otros - y los servicios públicos necesarios se Como continuación de su “nueva política”, el UDP se instalarán, con el tiempo. No es imposible que los costos de comprometió en su manifiesto 2020-2025 a identificar tierras instalación de estos servicios sean subsidiados por el nacionales y adquirir, cuando fuera posible, “grandes gobierno. Los propietarios pagarán los servicios extensiones de tierra no en uso cerca de ciudades, pueblos mensualmente y los empresarios y sus accionistas cubrirán y aldeas” con el fin de subdividir estas tierras para sus costos y ganancias bancarias. proporcionar lotes residenciales a los beliceños. El UDP dijo El nuevo gobierno en su manifiesto Plan Belize prometió que abordaría un sistema de valoración que otorgaba grandes entregar parcelas residenciales y pequeñas parcelas agrícolas sumas a los propietarios de tierras cuando el gobierno a adultos beliceños que no poseen un terreno, pero Innovabel necesitaba “corregir un error o adquirir tierras en interés y Sagana Heights son caras, fuera del alcance de la mayoría público”. de nuestra población que no tiene tierra. Un factor crítico El UDP reconoció que el “tema” de la tierra debía ser sobre la tierra es su ubicación, y con respecto a las parcelas abordado, y en su manifiesto declaró lo que haría si fuera residenciales/pequeñas parcelas agrícolas, el actual gobierno electo nuevamente; sin embargo, debido a que el partido de Belize no encontrará mucha tierra de propiedad pública bloqueó toda visión que no emanara de su gabinete y escupió cerca de las principales áreas urbanas, donde la mayoría de sobre las prácticas de buena gobernanza, no se podía confiar la gente quiere establecerse debido a las comodidades y las en que abordaría la reforma/adquisición de tierras sin sesgos. posibilidades de trabajo/negocio. Se necesitará un esfuerzo especial para encontrar una La razón por la que el gobierno actual no puede encontrar manera de remediar esta mala situación que heredamos de mucha tierra que se ajuste a la descripción que más desea nuestros jefes coloniales, y que ha sido agravada. es porque heredamos de nuestros amos coloniales un país Los beliceños promedio no pueden permitirse comprar donde la mayor parte de la tierra privilegiada para fines tierras de propiedad privada en áreas de fácil acceso, ni residenciales y para la agricultura era de propiedad privada, siquiera en aldeas cercanas a pueblos y las dos ciudades, y y nuestros líderes, a excepción de un trabajo loable durante lo necesitan mucho. El dinero que los beliceños deberían los años del autogobierno, no solo no abordaron invertir en la construcción de sus casas e invertir en negocios suficientemente la situación cuando asumieron el cargo, sino se destinará a la compra de terrenos. No es una tarea fácil que luego de la independencia la empeoraron al ceder tierras ante el nuevo gobierno. Por el bien de todos los beliceños, a sus favoritos con fines especulativos. debe encontrar una manera de entregar tierras a aquellos Cuando nuestros líderes asumieron el poder en 1964, el que no alcanzan a pagar lo que está disponible en el mercado año en que nos convertimos en una nación autónoma, parecía comercial. Friday, July 2, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 9

This morning, Tuesday, June 29, at D. N. A. Fairweather, who was killed the Germans are first cousins. While for a long time. 10:00 a.m. Belize time, England and in a British air raid over Germany in Hitler was getting ready for war and When the Germans did enter the Germany will meet in the knockout the Second World War. Hence, when it world domination, the British were colonizing game, they did so in stage of the European Football is a case of England vs Germany, my fiddling and diddling under Prime Namibia, described as “a vast, arid Championships. This is a game I will loyalty has to be British. Minister Neville Chamberlain. The country northwest of South Africa” in try to watch, because the emotional Still, these, to repeat, are European British and French had crushed the an article in The New York Times of level and intensity, not to mention skill, people who are first cousins: they see Germans in World War I, but by 1936 May 28, 2021. Said The Times: “Tens will be high, like the United States people like me and you as inferior by the Germans had rebuilt their economy of thousands of Africans (the Herero versus Mexico. birth and DNA. and war machine. They were ready and Nama ethnic groups) were killed The Belizean generations before us In my column last week Friday, we for action. between 1904 and 1908 by German knew a lot more about England and quoted the fact that Belgium did not The Germans had been demonized soldiers in what is now Namibia.” Germany (and Europe) than our become a nation until 1830. With in British Honduras, of course, The Times article referred to above, generation did, because we who were respect to that, the writer Adam although there was a case where some declared: “On Friday, Germany born after World War II and the Panama Hochschild wrote: “Any respectable members of the upper classes in Belize formally described the killings as a experience were beginning to country of course needed a king, and had been supplying German genocide, agreed to issue an apology concentrate on moving to the United the infant nation had gone looking for submarines (U-boats) with fuel during and committed to providing $1.35 States. Remember that soon after World one, finally settling on a German World War II. Torpedoes from billion towards reconstruction and War II (1939-45), British Hondurans prince, related to the British royal German U-boats had been wreaking development projects. The Namibian began to agitate for self-rule from family, who had taken the Belgian havoc on British shipping in the government hailed the agreement, and Britain. We wanted to see what “Made throne as Leopold I.” (Up until maybe Atlantic Ocean between Britain and some Namibians welcomed it.” in the U.S.A.” was all about. the seventeenth century, all the the United States. The Times article referred to above The British and German people are countries in Europe and Eastern The British Honduran culprits/ was reproduced on page 12 in the considered “first cousins,” Anglo- Europe were monarchies, and these traitors were not jailed “back a Tuesday, June 8, 2021 issue of Saxons, Aryans, and so on. But they royal families were almost all inter- Baptist.” They were members of the Amandala under the heading, “A fought two very bloody wars in the related. They married amongst upper classes in Belize, you see, so it FORGOTTEN GENOCIDE: WHAT twentieth century in which they were themselves.) was decided up high to “quarantine” GERMANY DID IN NAMIBIA, AND the main protagonists. They fought to In the British world of the twentieth them in Jamaica for the rest of the war. WHAT IT’S SAYING NOW”. see who would be the boss. century, there was probably never a And, after the war, that story was killed The Times also reported, however, The Germans were the losers in both “social” story as sensational as the day in British Honduras: the traitors “But some Herero and Nama leaders wars, but I consider them a most the King of England (Great Britain and resumed their upper-class family lives dismissed the deal as a ‘public formidable people. Personally, insofar Northern Ireland), Edward VIII, gave in the colony, and life went on. relations coup’ because it did not as my experience with the machines the up the British throne in order to marry You know, compared to England, include funds deemed ‘reparations’”. Germans manufacture is concerned, I an American divorcee, Wallis France and the Netherlands, for I’ve spent decades trying to explain consider the Germans to be the finest Warfield Simpson. Edward VIII was instance, the Germans are relatively to you things which are not told to you engineers in the world. I rate the King of England for only a few months land-locked. Their seaports are in the when you go to school in Belize. Germans highly. in 1936. His younger brother, Albert, northern part of the country, near to Certain things are not explained to you I was raised as a “British subject,” became King George VI, father of the Scandinavian areas. So when because the people who control the and cannot speak a word of German. today’s Queen Elizabeth II. Portugal, Spain, France, England, and curricula of the schools have loyalty There were British Hondurans who But there is talk that the real the Netherlands (all with Atlantic to certain special European (and fought on the British side and gave their problem was not the fact that Simpson Ocean coasts) were raiding Africa, American) interests. lives to the British cause in both World was a divorcee: the problem was that America, and Asia after Christopher For me, and for whatever it is War I (1914-18) and World War II, Edward VIII was a Nazi sympathizer, Columbus and Vasco da Gama worth, I feel that the reason the British most famously Gilbert “Dickie” an admirer of the one Adolf Hitler. explored west, south, and east, the beat the Germans twice in “world Fairweather, son of Lt. Col. and Mrs. Remember I told you: the British and Germans were not part of the action wars” is because the British could call on the citizens of all the colonies they had around the world to help them fight the Germans. (Incidentally, the worst mistake Hitler made was when he invaded Russia in 1941. Napoleon had made the same mistake in 1812. Hitler learned nothing from Napoleon’s disastrous invasion of Russia. The Russians are not given credit in the Western world for their role in World War II.) I don’t know much about World War I, but there is evidence to indicate that Hitler’s Nazis were even more racist than their British cousins. Incidentally, it is interesting to note that the Guatemalan dictator, Jorge Ubico, who ran Guatemala from 1931 to 1944, was very pro-Nazi. If Ubico gets Belize, Hitler wins, and we all start learning German … Whatever, whatever, the rulers of the world clash this morning in football. The British say it is they who really created the sport of football, which is the world’s most popular, but since international football began with the World Cup in 1930, you would be ahead of the game financially if you were betting Germany. I’m just saying. Page 10 AMANDALABelize Friday, July 2, 2021

Esta mañana, martes 29 de junio, Mundial (1939-45), los hondureños altamente a los alemanes. ven a personas como uested y yo a las 10:00 a.m. hora de Belize, británicos comenzaron a agitarse por Me criaron como un “súbdito como inferiores por nacimiento y Inglaterra y Alemania se enfrentarán el autogobierno de Gran Bretaña. británico” y no puedo hablar una ADN. en la fase eliminatoria del Queríamos ver de qué se trataba palabra de alemán. Hubo hondureños En mi columna de la semana Campeonato de Fútbol de Europa. “Made in the U.S.A.” británicos que lucharon del lado pasada del viernes, citamos el hecho Este es un partido que intentaré ver, Los británicos y los alemanes son británico y dieron sus vidas por la de que Bélgica no se convirtió en una porque el nivel emocional y la considerados “primos hermanos”, causa británica tanto en la Primera nación hasta 1830. Con respecto a intensidad, sin mencionar la anglosajones, arios, etc. Pero Guerra Mundial (1914-18) como en eso, el escritor Adam Hochschild habilidad, serán altos, como Estados libraron dos guerras muy cruentas en la Segunda Guerra Mundial, el más escribió: “Cualquier país respetable, Unidos contra México. el siglo XX en las que fueron los famoso fue Gilbert “Dickie” por supuesto, necesitaba un rey, y la Las generaciones beliceñas antes principales protagonistas. Lucharon Fairweather, hijo del Teniente naciente nación había ido en busca que nosotros sabían mucho más sobre por ver quién sería el jefe. Coronel y la Sra. D.N.A. de uno, finalmente decidiéndose por Inglaterra y Alemania (y Europa) que Los alemanes fueron los Fairweather, que murió en un ataque un príncipe alemán, pariente de la nuestra generación, porque los que perdedores en ambas guerras, pero aéreo británico sobre Alemania en la familia real británica, que había nacimos después de la Segunda los considero un pueblo formidable. Segunda Guerra Mundial. Por lo tomado el trono belga como Guerra Mundial y la experiencia de Personalmente, en lo que respecta a tanto, cuando se trata de Inglaterra Leopoldo I.” (Hasta quizás el siglo Panamá estábamos empezando a mi experiencia con las máquinas que contra Alemania, mi lealtad tiene que XVII, todos los países de Europa y concentrarnos en mudarnos a los fabrican los alemanes, considero que ser británica. Europa del Este eran monarquías, y Estados Unidos. Recuerden que poco los alemanes son los mejores Aún así, estos, para repetir, son estas familias reales estaban casi después de la Segunda Guerra ingenieros del mundo. Califico europeos que son primos hermanos: todas interrelacionadas. Se casaban entre sí). En el mundo británico del siglo XX, probablemente nunca hubo una historia “social” tan sensacional como el día en que el rey de Inglaterra (Gran Bretaña e Irlanda del Norte), Eduardo VIII, cedió el trono británico para casarse con una divorciada estadounidense, Wallis Warfield Simpson. Eduardo VIII fue rey de Inglaterra durante solo unos meses en 1936. Su hermano menor, Alberto, se convirtió en el rey Jorge VI, padre de la actual reina Isabel II. Pero se habla de que el problema real no era el hecho de que Simpson era divorciada: el problema era que Eduardo VIII era un simpatizante de los nazis, un admirador del único Adolf Hitler. Recuerden que les dije: los británicos y los alemanes son primos hermanos. Mientras Hitler se preparaba para la guerra y la dominación mundial, los británicos jugaban y jugueteaban bajo el primer ministro Neville Chamberlain. Los británicos y franceses habían aplastado a los alemanes en la Primera Guerra Mundial, pero en 1936 los alemanes habían reconstruido su economía y su maquinaria de guerra. Estaban listos para la acción. Los alemanes habían sido demonizados en Honduras Británica, por supuesto, aunque hubo un caso en el que algunos miembros de las clases altas en Belize habían estado suministrando combustible a submarinos alemanes durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial. Los torpedos de los submarinos alemanes habían causado estragos en la navegación británica en el Océano Atlántico entre Gran Bretaña y Estados Unidos. Los culpables/traidores hondureños británicos no fueron encarcelados “detrás de la Bautista”. Eran miembros de las clases altas en Belize, como ven, por lo que se decidió “ponerlos en cuarentena” en Jamaica por el resto de la guerra. Y, después de la guerra, esa historia fue silenciada en Honduras Británica: los Vea página „ 16 Friday, July 2, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 11 10th and 11th

by Colin Hyde really accepting that appointment tear gas and riot police. It is PUP everything he does could be from the new UDP House leader?) wrong that allowed the UDP to get described as youthful, and it This week at the House the devil saying that he was not the only away with 13 years of trampling on certainly is wrong thinking, an PUP is up to presenting two municipal leader who engaged in the our governance systems. See, in this indiscretion, a ghastly indiscretion, amendments, and I give the approval practice of passing UDP-chosen 2-party system, the people didn’t for a man to impose himself on a stamp to the first one, the 10th, for administrators in current councils to have anyone to turn to when the UDP, woman. six months, and the 11th, it’s about succeeding councils. Bradley said which they sacrificed so much to Okay, that young man goes to jail time we had this discussion. all the municipalities agreed on this help bring to power, trod on them. — a punishment which I think should Ambassador David Gibson, by management decision, but disregard If the PUP comes with this be applied only for violent acts, so consensus one of our most brilliant that — this is his brainchild. As the disappointing governance again, the penalty is very justified in my minds, has said that the 10th mayor of the biggest municipality in we’ll have to check them, but I mind. The man does his years, amendment could do with some the country, and with his law degree wouldn’t deny them the satisfaction painful years in jail for what he did, improvements, which he has which makes him one of the glib of kicking out UDP cronies who are and he is let back into the society. forwarded. If David says so, it is. ones, he was showing himself. up to the old Barrow games. The Should his mind be free of guilt now I’m fully on board with the When the municipal governments UDP had full 13 years, and those because he’s done the prescribed ambassador, but… backed his baby, if it was during his bohgaz took us backwards. None of years? Is his victim ever free? The amendment makes it first term as mayor, the UDP held a them can claim creds, because if In sober places you are tagged for mandatory that politically appointed 5 to 3 advantage, and if it was in his they had credibility, which is a life if you are a sex offender. That people vacate office when there is second term, the UDP held a 7-1 factor of integrity, common sense sex offender has done the time a change of government. In its Plan advantage. Bah, this type of and capacity, they would have told prescribed by the law, but will that Belize manifesto, the PUP made nonsense is just what happens when their party, no, I’m not the one for sex offender ever get a job to protect many good governance promises, clueless or totally partisan people, this nonpartisan job. anyone’s daughter? The sex offender including the independence of the the kind who put party over country, Now, the 11th — I think my area might now be the safest man on Elections and Boundaries get control of the country. rep, Julius, will like that, and if you earth, but can he really put that crime Commission (EBC). This 10th I am so sorry that Miss Candice have the patience and the time, behind him? amendment is incomplete got caught up in this, because she you’ll see why I think he and leaders On the Shyne matter, my personal improvement, but… seems a nice young lady, who was like him have a strong point. view is that he is sincerely The UDP stacked a number of put in a tough spot. We all know, Fortunately, we have three months remorseful, just as I believe Patrick bodies, including the EBC, with having seen how most of our to chew over this matter, and we really regrets his lack of self-control cronies. Please, I didn’t say that political leaders behave, how should have done so a long time ago, in some situations around women. We cronies aren’t nice people, but I’ll difficult it is to walk away from a because it is no trivial story. all fail at times, so we all appreciate not complain with the PUPeez if they plum job. If I come over a little harsh I begin with this comment on a second chances. As individuals, we want the satisfaction of cleaning out here with these UDP, I’m that way column written by Major Jones in all want the good things we do to UDP bohgaz who refuse to move, when poor people have to pay. the Reporter prior to the November follow us, but the bad, we want that with the 10th amendment. Ah, if the PUP is still deluded, still 2020 general elections, about S to be forgotten. Say what you want There is a lee risk. The PUP has thinks that all their doings are the best Barrow’s candidacy. Jones, a second about life on earth, hard as it is gone ahead with improving the that can be done for Belize, and they chance advocate, described the sometimes, it is what it is. Public Accounts Committee (PAC), perpetuate such thinking as the 10th crime S Barrow was convicted for, Some people say it is but they have to worry that the UDP amendment up to the end of the year, as youthful indiscretion. Jones liked discrimination against black male will decide to withdraw from the we’ll have to say, wait, not again, you the sound of that so much he wrote youth who have done wrong if we PAC in protest of so many of their are supposed to be about doing it twice, then he went on to describe don’t give them a complete pass favorites getting the boot in their penance for your last run. Maybe marijuana use as another youthful when they decide to become loving, behinds, which has become some of them don’t understand how indiscretion. productive citizens. They say this necessary because of their serious their damage was. Hmm, if a young man is guilty of because a lot of black youth have intransigence. But I say, take the risk, The PUPeez failure forced white- forcing himself on a woman, would been using the gun in their deprived for the satisfaction. collar people in the 8-to-5 unions to that be called youthful indiscretion? neighborhoods. I’ll leave that for I heard Darrell Bradley (is he take to the streets, where they faced An 18-year-old male is a youth, so now to say this. Properly, we should be telling marginalized Garinagu and Kriol youth to join the local chapter of the Black Muslims, as conceived by the prophet Elijah Muhammad, who followed in the footsteps of the great Marcus. Young men, stop following those who will lead you into wrongdoing, because the things we do in this life (and of course things that are done to us too) affect our ceiling, how high we can climb in this world, the arenas in which we can operate. Second chances are great, but the fight can’t be to get back the same ceiling we had before we slipped. The fight should be, must be, to prevent us from slipping too far. Oh how we all love second chances, but a kid who gets sent to the battlefield doesn’t get a second limb if he loses one, and he doesn’t get back his life if he is killed. Let me done this, fu now. I thought young Mr. Barrow was on the right path when he took his talent to the church (synagogue), the only place where sins can be washed until they are as white as snow. Page 12 AMANDALABelize Friday, July 2, 2021 Friday, July 2, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 13

Picni Game

Belizeans are distracted with all practices democracy in its own country. interesting part a di Belizean kinds of issues that can be solved if the The citizens of the United States of monarchy, musketeers. leaders of this country would want to America do not have the right to vote Chapter V do so. Many of us used the following directly for their president, as is The Executive words carelessly: “Only the people can democratically done in the United States 37.-(1) There shall be a Prime save the people.’’ I don’t desire or of Mexico. Similarly, in Belize, its Minister of Belize who shall be recommend an armed revolution as a citizens do not have the right to vote appointed by the Governor way to solve our problems, but instead, for a Prime Minister; the only part of General. that we seek equality in a social democracy the citizens have is to vote (2)Whenever the Governor General Up to now we have not seen an democratic republican system. In this for their area representative. Thereafter, has occasion to appoint a Prime official note from Her Majesty Queen neoliberal capitalist system in Belize, the appointed machinery is set into play Minister he shall appoint a member of Elizabeth II of Great Britain and where the parliamentary dictatorship to carry out the circus’s game, since the House of Representatives who is Northern Ireland, Head of the has already sold out this country, we the bread and wine was already given the leader of the political party which Commonwealth of Nations, that has would be killing ourselves with modern out to the voting power, who are the commands the support of the majority appointed a Governor General for weapons coming from a place where poor and lower class. However, of the members of that House; and if Belize, as published in the Amandala. the corresponding authorities have not afterward a Prime Minister of Belize no political party has an overall been able to inform the citizenry. chooses (picni game) who it is majority, he shall appoint a member [email protected] The Western World has their own assumed, according to the Constitution, of that House who appears to him likely June 27, 2021 interpretation and self-interest-driven that Her Majesty the Queen of England to command the support of the majority Finca Solana understanding of the word (di poo ol lady no have time fi wast of the members of that House… Corozal Town DEMOCRACY. Not even the United wit fu unu monarchy game wit bubbles States of America, which claims to be and saucers) shall appoint as her the leading example of such a term, fully representative. Now, dis da di Law 138-Bis We, “the little people down there,” that with this document we can generate have no knowledge of the existence of things — worth the redundancy — VACANCY a set of laws that would serve as a important in this municipality to guideline for good governance for the professionalize our workforce. The task POWER PLANT OPERATOR municipalities of the country of Belize. that this city council has been carrying Nonetheless, we have the understanding out is changing the features and looking BELIZE ELECTRIC COMPANY LIMITED (BECOL) is accepting applications that in Mexico, the municipalities for a different feature. We can, with this for the post of POWER PLANT OPERATOR. “count with laws”. On June 24, 2021, instrument, do not only that, but also BECOL is the owner and operator of the Mollejon, Chalillo, and Vaca the Honorable City Hall of the generate a new generation of Hydroelectric Projects. The main function of the company is to provide clean municipality of Benito Juarez held a collaborators and capable, and reliable energy to BEL. The company’s foremost concern is the safety of council session at which the Alderman, professionalized workers, willing and its employees and the running of an environmentally sound operation by Lic. Alejandro Luna Lopez, presented, ready to practice and to be able to following the guidelines of the International Standards Organization, category based on the law 138-bis, a training fulfill the challenges that are there. ISO14001. regulation for City Council employees. “This document proposes the He stated the following: creation and formation of a mixed JOB DESCRIPTION: “Thank you. I greet you with much commission, with which we can Operates and controls all plant equipment from centralized and remote-control affection, President. I also warmly greet generate an annual strategic plan, well panel boards. our Secretary General and each of the thought out, well established, with times and movements, of course, with PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: councilors who are part of this council, o Monitors and operates all plant generation equipment from centralized to all the staff who support us and make savings, substantial and important andremote-control panels according to plant operating procedures it possible for this council session to savings, and be able to make use of o Assures compliance with all operating and safety procedures including happen, to the people who listen to us each of the specialists whom the issue ofprotective tagging and maintaining operational records and logs through Cancun Radio Cultural City municipality has that the staff of this o Participates in approved training program and study operating manuals to Council and other social networks. municipality can train. This mixed assureincreased knowledge and competency in work performance “… It is investing in the biggest commission will be confirmed by the o Performs minor maintenance during normal shift and assists in maintenance business of our lives. Training must be General Secretariat, administrative effortduring unit and/or equipment outage. constant and fundamental for this office, human resources, by the Labor o Performs other related duties as required municipality, providing public servants and Social Welfare Commission, by with knowledge, skills, methods, representatives of the workers’ union. SALARY: techniques, that will help them to We can achieve something very o Dependent on Qualifications and experience important. For this reason, I ask that exercise and perform better in their QUALIFICATION: tasks and functions in this municipality. we can process it, that it can go to o Associates degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering And with the political will of this commissions, that we can all nurture council, we can manage to build and it, enrich it and we can have an OTHER REQUIREMENTS: implement a system that allows workers instrument that is going to generate a o Knowledge of power plant or large industrial equipment and operating to converge with a single goal, that of change. The road to hell is paved with procedurespreferred being better public servants. This sole intentions; we all have good intentions, o Ability to comprehend complex operating manuals, blueprints and flow purpose is to be able to generate the but with actions and with deeds we can diagrams professionalization of the public all achieve important things. That is o Have a clean police record and good inter-personal skills function precisely to benefit citizens at why I ask for your support that we are o Must have a valid driver’s license all times. going to be like that, because this is “With these regulations we comply how this council has stood out at all The successful applicant must reside in the San Ignacio\Santa Elena Town area times to try to be the best for this or Benque Viejo Del Carmen Town. Application letters, accompanied by two with something that article 138-bis asks (2) letters of reference, must be submitted by 16 July 2021 to: of us, the law of the municipalities of municipality. That is all, President. [email protected] the state of Quintana Roo, which is Thank you.” precisely that the municipality Human Resource Department guarantees the stability and security of [email protected] BECOL employment through the permanent June 27, 2021 Mile 68 George Price Highway training of the character. That is why it Finca Solana San Ignacio Town is very important, that is why I believe Corozal Town Cayo District Page 14 AMANDALABelize Friday, July 2, 2021 From the Publisher Reproduced from page 9 of the Tuesday, June 29, 2021, #3471 issue of Amandala

the overthrow of Ben Bella in Algeria This murder has affected the disaster. (Jamaica, which was a kind World became undermined by in 1965. If Africa was a revolver and history of Africa. The overthrow of of Big Brother to Belize historically, something called neo-colonialism. the Congo its trigger, to borrow the Congo’s first government, the happily achieved independence in We were, technically speaking, no Frantz Fanon’s analogy, the elimination of Lumumba, the bloody 1962.) Looking back, we can see that longer subjects: we were an assassination of Lumumba and tens repression of the popular resistance Belize recovered relatively quickly independent country. But it appeared of thousands of other Congolese to the neo-colonial regimes of Joseph from Hattie, assisted by those of our that we could not develop nationalists, from 1960 to 1965, was Kasavabu, Joseph-Desire Mobutu people who had been allowed to enter economically, and, socially speaking, the West’s ultimate attempt to destroy and Moise Tshombe, and finally the the United States. Belize became a very violent and the continent’s authentic independent creation of the Second Republic in Life, I would say, was good in undisciplined place. development. this vast strategic country: the Belize in the 1960s and 1970s, There were British Hondurans who - from pg xxiii, the Introduction to repercussions of all these events have compared to now, even though the had been comfortable with The Assassination of Lumumba, by had disastrous consequences political tension back then between colonialism, especially those in the Ludo De Witte, Verso, 2001. throughout Africa as a whole. the ruling People’s United Party higher ranks of the public service. It Lumumba and the Congolese (PUP) and the Opposition National is to be noted that Belize was a very I have said to you before that we government appeared just when the Independence Party was high, and disciplined place before self- teenagers in Belize in the early/middle anti-colonial revolution was at its even though Guatemala would government in 1964 and 1960s had an optimistic view of our peak worldwide. Lumumba was the threaten military invasion from time independence in 1981. The British country’s future, even though product of these favorable power to time. The British Army was ruled with an iron fist. If we relationships, but at the same time established in Belize, and Belizeans had been able to hold on his downfall was a sign that a neo- we Belizeans had been to half the law and order of British colonial counter-offensive was “British subjects” for so colonialism, we would have been in already gaining ground. The neo- long that we were a better place than we are now. But, colonial victory in the Congo comfortable with the money rules absolutely in Belize indicated that the tide had turned for moniker. The majority of today, and the roots people have the anti-colonial movement in Africa. Belizeans were looking responded by resorting to vigilante The change of direction became clear forward to political justice amongst themselves. with Portugal’s success in delaying independence and self- I feel that those Belizeans who decolonization in its overseas Lumumba speaking at Congo rule. Above all perhaps, chose to live and work in the United territories; with the temporary halt Independence hand over back then there was law States on a permanent basis made a of the anti-apartheid movement in and order. decision with which I can no longer South Africa; with the temporary De Witte, in his The Assassination argue. I used to feel strongly that we Hurricane Hattie in October of 1961 reprieve for Ian Smith’s “settler” of Lumumba, is claiming that in the could stay and build up a good country had been a tremendous national regime in Rhodesia, and finally with counter-offensive by the European with all the natural resources (“wealth neo-colonialists, the 1961 murder of untold,” wrote Samuel Haynes) we Patrice Lumumba was a benchmark enjoyed. It hasn’t worked that way. occurrence. Earlier De Witte had Here’s a piece of a poem I wrote pointed out all the instances where and published in the August 15, 1980 many Asian and African countries had issue of Amandala which gives you achieved independence after World a sense of my feelings four plus War II, when the major European decades ago …. Under duress, my countries had fought bitterly amongst feelings have been changing. In themselves. retrospect, this poem was written For a long time I have wondered only a couple weeks before Belize’s what went wrong for us roots softball sweethearts decided to Belizeans, when things had looked so skedaddle. promising. For many years Tony Wright Come Centenary has argued that things began to go wrong Around this time after Belize’s political independence old people say Centenary in 1981. Still, as early as August/ that’s when it really September of 1980, seven members of really hit you — the prestigious Belizean national transplanted Belizean softball team, Belize’s darlings, had migrated Belizean defected to the United States while on resident alien. a tour of the U.S. and Mexico. These Worse if you drinking, were young ladies whose future in don’t your heart feel full Belize seemed pretty bright. Still, and your eyes America is America: the streets, it was somewhat moist said, are paved with gold. in 80 Anno Domini In this essay, we’re not focusing when you consider on Belize after March last year when your glorious flight the coronavirus took us to a socio- into the fantasy economic low we had probably never of The Apple. experienced before. Prior to COVID- It was hallucinations, 19, we were already experiencing ‘cause the real riches deterioration and disintegration as a is here, people. For sure, things had begun and you there becoming messy in the latter part of YOU AN EXILE the 1980s when crack cocaine and YOU IN EXILE gang violence took over our a blind wandering narrative. Our judiciary began to fall to a destination unknown, apart. and soon you The long and short of everything will never come home is that at some point the colonialists again, because of Europe (and the United States) land of the gods began to get their act together, and is leased and sold all our hopes for self-rule in the Third and parceled… Friday, July 2, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 15 Page 16 AMANDALABelize Friday, July 2, 2021 From the Publisher en Español

Continua de página 10 el título: UN GENOCIDIO INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMISION (IFSC) „ OLVIDADO: LO QUE HIZO traidores reanudaron su vida familiar ALEMANIA EN NAMIBIA Y LO Request for Proposal for Consultancy Services de clase alta en la colonia, y la vida QUE ESTÁ DICIENDO AHORA. (Firm Selection) continuó. El Times también informó, sin Saben, en comparación con embargo, “Pero algunos líderes Selection Method: Competitive (firm) Selection Inglaterra, Francia y los Países Bajos, Herero y Nama descartaron el Country: Belize por ejemplo, los alemanes estaban acuerdo como un ‘golpe de Client: International Financial Services of Belize (IFSC) relativamente sin litoral. Sus puertos relaciones públicas’ porque no Project Name: Design and Implement an E-registry system for the Business Registries marítimos se encuentran en la parte incluía fondos considerados Project Purpose: Digitize and modernize the registry of International Business Companies’ norte del país, cerca de las zonas ‘reparaciones’”. Processes escandinavas. Entonces, cuando He pasado décadas tratando de Consultancy Portugal, España, Francia, Inglaterra explicarles cosas que no les dicen I. Creating a web-based solution(system) that facilitates all functions and business y los Países Bajos (todos con costas cuando van a la escuela en Belize. requirements of the business registries, integrates all users, and streamlines and del Océano Atlántico) estaban Ciertas cosas no se les explican standardizes processes. The solution must also have a front-end interface for online atacando África, América y Asia porque las personas que controlan los registration of businesses and post-registration services. después de que Cristóbal Colón y planes de estudio de las escuelas II. The system must allow for integration to other applications and entities via an Application Programming Interface (API) in the starting a business process. Vasco da Gama exploraron el oeste, tienen lealtad a ciertos intereses III. The solution must be modular and allow for future growth and expansion to other el sur y el este, los alemanes no eran especiales europeos (y requirements or services of the business registry. parte de la acción durante mucho estadounidenses). IV. The solution can be an off the shelf solution or a custom-built solution. tiempo. Para mí, y por lo que sea que valga Cuando los alemanes terminaron la pena, creo que la razón por la que The detailed terms of reference for the consultancy can be requested from [email protected]. entrando en el juego de la los británicos vencieron a los The IFSC now invites all eligible consulting firms to indicate their interest in providing the colonización, lo hicieron en alemanes dos veces en las “guerras services. In submitting its Proposal, a firm should provide information demonstrating that it has Namibia, descrito como “un país mundiales” es porque los británicos the required and relevant experience to perform the Services. vasto y árido al noroeste de podían recurrir a los ciudadanos de Sudáfrica” en un artículo de The todas las colonias que tenían en todo The shortlisting criteria are: 1. The firm’s experience in conducting similar assignments. New York Times del 28 de mayo de el mundo para que los ayudaran a 2. Experience (minimum of 10 years) in the successful development and deployment of 2021. Dijo The Times: “Decenas de luchar contra los alemanes. (Por Business Registry technological system solutions across multiple jurisdictions. miles de africanos (los grupos cierto, el peor error que cometió 3. The firm’s long-term technical and financial viability étnicos Herero y Nama) fueron Hitler fue cuando invadió Rusia en 4. The Lead Consultant should possess at least a master’s degree in Computer Science or asesinados entre 1904 y 1908 por 1941. Napoleón había cometido el a related field and 10 years of experience. Junior Consultants should possess at least a bachelor’s Degree in computer science or a related field and at least 5 years of experience soldados alemanes en lo que hoy es mismo error en 1812. Hitler no in the field. Namibia”. aprendió nada de la desastrosa 5. Familiarity with technological capabilities in Latin America and the Caribbean. Proven El artículo del Times mencionado invasión de Rusia por parte de project work at international, national and/or national/ local levels is an asset. anteriormente declaró: “El viernes, Napoleón. Los rusos no reciben Alemania describió formalmente los crédito en el mundo occidental por su Interested consulting firms must provide information establishing that they are qualified to perform asesinatos como un genocidio, the services (brochures, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, papel en la Segunda Guerra Mundial.) availability of appropriate skills among staff, etc.). acordó emitir una disculpa y se No sé mucho sobre la Primera comprometió a proporcionar $ 1.35 Guerra Mundial, pero hay pruebas Proposal must be submitted to the Deputy Registrar of the International Business Companies mil millones para proyectos de que indican que los nazis de Hitler Registries by July 29th, 2021, at 12:00am Central Standard Time at: reconstrucción y desarrollo. El eran incluso más racistas que sus [email protected]. gobierno de Namibia elogió el primos británicos. Por cierto, es The IFSC shall not be bound to defray any costs incurred by applicants in preparing and acuerdo y algunos namibios lo interesante notar que el dictador submitting statements of capability. acogieron con satisfacción”. guatemalteco, Jorge Ubico, quien El artículo del Times mencionado dirigió Guatemala de 1931 a 1944, Government of Belize anteriormente se reprodujo en la era muy pro nazi. Si Hitler gana, Department: International Financial Services Commission of Belize página 12 del número del martes 8 Ubico se queda con Belize y todos Attention: Santiago Gonzalez – Project Team Leader de junio de 2021 de Amandala bajo comenzamos a aprender alemán... Lo que sea, lo que sea, los gobernantes del mundo se enfrentan esta mañana en el fútbol. Los británicos dicen que fueron ellos quienes realmente crearon el deporte del fútbol, que es el más popular del mundo, pero desde que el fútbol internacional comenzó con la Copa del Mundo en 1930, estarían a la vanguardia financieramente si apostaran por Alemania. Sólo digo.

See news in the making? SPORTS ACCIDENTS SOCIAL ISSUES CRIME Call us at: 280-4703 222-4838 Friday, July 2, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 17

Disasters undermine sustainable The International Decade for development. Without good risk Action, “Water for Sustainable THE SECRETARY-GENERAL governance focused on participation, Development” and the Water inclusion, transparency and Conference in 2023 are opportunities — accountability, our efforts to achieve for the international community to the Sustainable Development Goals, mobilize around transforming the REMARKS TO THE FIFTH UN SPECIAL THEMATIC Sendai and the Paris Agreement will management of water and achieving SESSION ON WATER AND DISASTERS: be further derailed. the water-related Sustainable ”BUILDING BACK BETTER TOWARDS A MORE The United Nations around the Development Goals. RESILIENT AND SUSTAINABLE POST-COVID-19 world is your steadfast partner in I wish all of you a successful tackling water and disaster issues. Session and I thank you. WORLD”

Brussels, 25 June 2021 made worse by the COVID-19 As delivered pandemic. The countries that are most impacted by climate change are Your Majesty, Emperor Naruhito, also those with the least fiscal space Excellencies, to invest in adaptation and resilience. Distinguished delegates, Adaptation cannot be the forgotten piece of the climate equation. I have It is a great pleasure to join this been advocating strongly for the Special Session. I thank the Member developed world to fulfil its States, the High-level Experts and commitment to mobilize $100 US Leaders Panel on Water and Disasters, billion dollars annually to address the and the National Graduate Institute for needs of developing countries. Policy Studies of Japan for organizing I have also called for 50 per cent it. of total climate finance to be spent on For decades, natural disasters have building resilience and adaptation, up been one of the major causes of from 20 per cent now, and we must worsening poverty, forcing some 26 ensure that this finance goes to those million people into poverty each year most in need, particularly small and reversing developmental gains. island development states and least Such natural disasters are almost developed countries. always connected to water, whether We must support nations on the through floods, storms, droughts, verge of climate crisis now. tsunamis or landslides. Recovery from the COVID-19 The climate crisis is now pandemic is a precious opportunity exacerbating and intensifying water- to rebuild societies and economies related disasters, creating complex stronger and better. challenges and threatening lives and Recovering better means investing jobs. in resilience, while meeting water Over the past two decades, management challenges like floods climate-related disasters nearly and droughts, and providing water doubled in number compared to the and sanitation services to all. preceding twenty years, affecting The pandemic has highlighted the more than 4 billion people. These importance of prevention and disasters have claimed the lives of preparedness for effective response millions and resulted in over and recovery. US$2.97 trillion US dollars in The COVID-19 pandemic was economic losses. caused by the type of biological Climate change is altering rainfall hazard foreseen in the Sendai patterns, affecting water availability, Framework for Disaster Risk OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE R.C. HIGH SCHOOL prolonging periods of drought and Reduction, which emphasizes VACANCY heat, and increasing the intensity of addressing multiple hazards and cyclones, which can lead to horrific interconnected risks. Temporary Vacanciesexistsat Our Lady of Guadalupe R.C. High School, flooding events. We must apply that lens to our Belmopan, for the following posts for the periodSeptember 1st – November30, These trends create enormous policy-making on disaster risk 2021: challenges for our efforts to build more reduction, COVID recovery, and sustainable, resilient communities and climate adaptation. Ø Teacher of Mathematics& Physics societies by implementing the 2030 Recovery measures must be Agenda for Sustainable Development. transformative, preserving our Teaching position may include extracurricular responsibilities (supervising athletic And they will accelerate over the environment, our ecosystems and programmes, moderating student houses and clubs, mass preparation, etc.) course of the Decade of Action, with biodiversity and where possible, projections suggesting a 50 percent making good the damage that has QUALIFICATIONS • First Degree in the relevant field(s) preferred increase in humanitarian needs from already been done. • Investing in resilient infrastructure Associate Degree may be considered climate-related disasters by 2030. • Ability to work and communicate effectively with students, staff and The most important way to address is an investment in the future. Every administration these challenges is by limiting $1 invested in making infrastructure • Knowledge, competence and expertise in using technology in teaching warming to 1.5 degrees. We must do disaster-resilient saves $4 in • High motivation and commitment to teaching this through enhanced Nationally reconstruction. • Must be in possession of a valid Teacher’s license Determined Contributions that More than 100 countries now have together reduce emissions by 45 a disaster risk reduction strategy at SALARY percent by 2030, against a 2010 least partially aligned to the Sendai In accordance with Government Pay Scales. baseline, and achieve net zero Framework. And in at least 55 emissions by 2050. countries and local governments have The deadline for submission of applications is July 2nd, 2021.Application letters But we are far off track from their own disaster risk reduction along with a current curriculum vitae, original transcript, certified copies meeting these goals, current strategies – essential to building of degrees, certified copy of social security card, marriage/divorce certificate, resilience from the ground up. release letter (where applicable) and two recent letters of reference should commitments are insufficient, and be sent to: emissions continue to rise. Global But this still represents a minority average temperatures are already of countries. Email: [email protected] 1.2°C above pre-industrial levels. I urge all countries and local Principal Last year, cyclones lashed the governments to work together, forging Our Lady of GuadalupeR.C.High School shores of many countries that were partnerships with the private sector P.O. Box 479 already grappling with serious and civil society and accelerate CITY OF BELMOPAN liquidity crises and debt burdens, implementation. Page 18 AMANDALABelize Friday, July 2, 2021

SPECIFIC PROCUREMENT NOTICE RRB.CS.35 - PROGRAMME MANAGER

• Manage the programme’s budget and ensure that all expenditures are in keeping with the programme objectives and activities. • Prepare all programme reports and present these to the POC Background: The Government of Belize (GOB), with financing from the when required. International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Green • Establish linkages with other national and regional programs Climate Fund (GCF), has embarked on a six-year Programme, Resilient involved in rural development in Belize and to ensure Rural Belize (RRB), which aims to minimize the impacts of climatic and complementarity of efforts. economic events on smallholder farmers while supporting sustainable • Collaborate with private sector initiatives that are relevant to the market access for their produce. The programme will help farmers employ Be-Resilient initiatives. climate resilient agricultural practices and technologies; integrate profitable smallholder participation into the development of select vegetable, fruit, Core Competences: and honey value chains; and support smallholder production capacity • Excellent command of the English language, spoken and written. through investments in public and private climate resilient infrastructure Spanish language and proficiency would be an asset. and in the strengthening of smallholder farmer Producers Organizations • Solid managerial capabilities for managing human and financial and relevant GOB Departments. resources, and • Ability to negotiate and foster partnerships with stakeholders Scope of Work: The Programme Manager will provide overall leadership and other institutions. and management of the Programme Management Unit (PMU), will • Excellent collaboration and communication skills. coordinate the activities to be implemented, and will have the ultimate • Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities. responsibility for planning, budget preparation and management and • Superb organizational and time-management skills. execution to achieve the programme’s objectives and targets. In addition, • Willingness to work outside of formal working hours. the PM will report to the Programme Oversight Committee on policy matters, will act on the MED’s behalf in his/her contacts with public and international Academic Qualifications: The Programme Manager shall possess a institutions, and provide overall supervision of service providers contracted minimum of a master’s degree in project management, business by the programme. administration, finance, agriculture, rural development, or any area related to the main components of the programme. Duties and Responsibilities: The Programme Manager will be responsible to: Required Experience: • Prepare all strategic planning, management and related • Minimum of five (5) years’ experience managing projects financed documents that is important to overall programme implementation. by external donors in a management position. • Update the Programme Implementation Manual incorporating the • Minimum of three (3) years’ experience working with agriculture, relevant legal and other regulations governing the implementation value chain or rural development projects. of the programme and present to the Programme Oversight • Minimum of five (5) years’ experience liaising with public and Committee (POC) for approval. private sector institutions at the management level. • Establish and maintain, on behalf of the programme, excellent • Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in preparing project reports relations with the International Fund for Agricultural Development e.g., Annual Work Plans, Project Execution Plans, Budgets etc. (IFAD) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF), and all direct • Experience working in rural development, particularly in rural programme partners (Ministry of Economic Development, Ministry communities and with the rural poor will be considered an asset. of Finance, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Infrastructure • Experience in negotiating and managing contracts will be Development and Housing, Department of Cooperatives, the considered an asset. National Climate Change Office, the Development Finance Corporation, and other relevant agencies. Reporting: The Programme Manager will report to the Programme • Inform the focal point of the Ministry of Economic Development Oversight Committee (POC). The duty station for the position will be at (MED) on important issues and the programme’s status on a the PMU Office in Belmopan. regular basis. • Represent the programme in forums in which it participates, or Clarifications: Any request for clarification should be sent via e-mail to its results are being featured. the address below no later than July 5, 2021 3:00pm. The client will provide • Oversee all contracting of services, and delegating responsibilities responses to all clarification requests by July 6, 2021 at 3:00pm where appropriate to PMU staff. • Monitor and assess the performance of the PMU staff and service Application Submission: providers. Interested candidates are requested to submit a Letter of Interest, • Lead the preparation of results-oriented Annual Work Plans and Curriculum Vitae, and two (2) Recommendation letters or References along Budgets (AWPBs) for the programme, in close collaboration with with a copy of the highest degree. The deadline to submit applications is the PMU and implementing partners, and present the AWPB to Friday, July 9, 2021, at 3:00p.m. via the following File Request Link: https:/ the POC annually, ensuring its approval. /bit.ly/2ShZ3Z1 (Note: No application submitted via email will be • Ensure that the AWPB is sent to IFAD and the GCF in a timely accepted) manner, as stated in the Programme Implementation Manual. • Network with other agencies and stakeholders to ensure A consultant will be selected in accordance with the individual consultant implementation of the activities as detailed in the AWPB. selection (ICS) method set out in IFAD’ Project Procurement Handbook • Monitor the implementation of the AWPB, adjusting as necessary, that can be accessed via the IFAD website at www.ifad.org/project- and work closely with the Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) procurement. Interviews will be conducted as part of the selection process. Specialist on setting benchmarks and gender/age disaggregated indicators to assess programme delivery and impacts. • Ensure that the implementation of the programme is done Resilient Rural Belize Programme according to the implementation strategy as indicated in the Final Attn: Tracey Hanson Programme Design documents and ensure gender equity is Procurement Officer included and cross-cutting in the programme monitoring and National Agriculture Showgrounds evaluation, as well as in the annual planning. Hummingbird Highway, Belmopan City • Supervise the execution of all procurement in accordance with Cayo, Belize, C.A. IFAD’s Financing Agreement and Procurement Guidelines. Email: [email protected] Friday, July 2, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 19

BELIZE TAX SERVICE DEPARTMENT REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR CLEANING & MAINTENANCE SERVICES AT CHARLES BARTLETT HYDE BUILDING, BELIZE CITY

The Belize Tax Service Departmentseeks expressions of interest from SECURITY companies wishing to tender their services for cleaning and 1. The Contractor shall ensure that there is no pilferage on the maintenance at our headquarters in Belize City. Sanitization and part of his/her employees. cleaning of theoffice is essential to provide a safe and healthy 2. Most of the work to be done by the personnel in the building environment for the BTSD personnel and the public. is highly sensitive and confidential, the Contractor and his personnel must ensure that they do not interfere with, read, Scope of work: make copies of, or remove any such papers from the building. To maintain a clean and healthy working environment at the BTSD 3. No such documents shall be removed from the building under at Charles Bartlett Hyde building and compound on Mahogany Street the guise of being garbage or litter. in Belize City, Belize, the contractor must undertake the following 4. A police record shall be providedfor all personnel. cleaning and maintenance services: 5. The Contractor and all personnel must sign and adhere to the Confidentiality Oath. Deliverables The scope of the contract shall include the following: PROVISION OF LABOUR AND EQUIPMENT 1. Cleaning of office spaces, cafeteria, kitchenette, office furniture, 1. It is hereby understood and agreed that by the Contractor equipment and conference facilities along with respective that this is a “fixed price”contract, and the Contractor shall fixtures. provide all labour, equipment and cleaning supplies to perform 2. Cleaning of all bathrooms and their fixtures. his/her duties under this contract includingOne (1) supervisor, 3. Cleaning of the stairways, corridors and foyer area, railings five janitors and one yard attendant. and doors. • There is a dedicated storage room on the premises for keeping 4. Cleaning of windows – internally and externally. supplies and equipment. 5. Compoundmaintenance. 6. Garbage disposal. RESPONSIBILITY 1. The contractor shall ensure that the building has been properly Main Activities: cleaned in accordance with the terms and conditions of this a. Office space, furniture and equipment: contract. Daily: 2. The contractor is responsible for all fees, taxes and other cost 1. Sweep and mop offices spaces properly. related to worker’s compensation, GST, Social Security 2. Empty office paper/wastebins. contributions, etc. 3. Change garbage bags for office paper/waste bins. 3. The Contractor shall attend quarterly meetings or as requested Weekly: with the representative of the employers for monitoring and 1. Cleaning/dusting/polishing/sanitizing of office evaluation of cleaning and maintenance services performed furniture and equipment such as: by the contractor, as set out in the terms and conditions of ü Filing cabinets the contract. ü Cupboards, shelves, desks and desk 4. The Contractor must invoice the Government of Belize monthly equipment for services rendered. ü Printers, photocopiers, computer stations 5. The Government of Belize assumes no liability, expenses or ü Telephones and fax machines cost for the conduct andwork of the contractor or its employees. 2. Dust ceilings and walls for cobwebs (how often)– 6. All work must be done between the hours agreed upon. internal and external b. Conference room COMENCEMENT AND DURATION After every use – cleaning/dusting/mopping and washing of The duration of the contract is for two (2) years for the period July 1, utensils 2021, to June 20, 2023, and is subject to satisfactory performance of 1. Dust and wipe frames, clocks and other fixtures. the contractor. 2. Dust and polish all furniture. 3. Sweep and mop floors. QUALIFICATION FOR THE CLEANING COMPANY 4. Weekly dusting of ceiling and wall to remove cobwebs. The selected consultant should have the following characteristics: c. Bathrooms 1. Have a minimum of three (3) years working experience in Daily: Government offices. 1. Properly sweep and mop floors. 2. Cleaning and maintenance or similar type work experience of 2. Clean and disinfect toilets (9:00 am, 2:00 pm & 5:00 pm). at least five (5) years is required. 3. Clean basin, mirrors and other fixtures. 3. Experience working in the public and private sector in similar 4. Empty garbage bin and change garbage bags. assignment. 5. Replenish toiletries as required - toilet paper, hand towel and handwashing liquid soap etc. 4. Skills, Abilities and Knowledge Weekly: The team will need to have or demonstrate the following: 1. Disinfect garbage bins weekly. ü Excellent written and communication skills in English and d. Kitchenettes Spanish. Daily: ü The ability to solve problems in a timely fashion. 1. Properly sweep and mop floors. ü Organizing a work team with hands-on experience. 2. Clean microwave, coffee maker, table and sinks. ü Good public relations, organizational, coordination and 3. Empty garbage bin and change garbage bags. networking skills required. 4. Replenished as seen necessary washing liquid, ü Honesty, integrity, and respect. kitchen paper towels ü Demonstrate daily monitoring of on-site workers. Weekly: 1. Disinfect garbage bins. APPLICATION PROCEDURES: 2. Clean refrigerators. Bidding package should contain: e. Corridors, foyerarea, stairway, railing and doors Daily: 1. Comprehensive proposal that includes the company’s 1. Sweep corridors, foyer area and stairway. profile, interests, experience, and expertise. 2. Disinfecting of doors including knobs. 2. Certificate of Good Standing from Belize Company Registry. As required 3. Certificate of Good Standing from the Social Security Board. 1. Mop corridors, foyer area stairway (Monday’s, 4. Certificate of Good Standing from the Belize Tax Service Wednesday and Friday’s). “For Bidding Purposes”. 2. Clean and disinfect railings on both stairways 5. Current Trade License. (Wednesday and Fridays). 6. Two (2) recommendation letters. f. Internal and external window cleaning 1. Clean windows and windowsills (monthly or asrequired) The lowest or any tender will not necessarily be accepted. Late bids 2. Clean (power wash) exterior windows and doors. will be disqualified and returned to the sender unopened. 3. Dust/clean ceiling fans monthly or as required. g. Maintain cleanliness of the grounds/building. Deadline date for submission of proposals is before or on July 9th, h. Maintain the compound and building litter free. 2021, and should be addressed to i. Clean drains surrounding the building. Mrs. Michelle Longsworth IDENTIFICATION Director General During the time, the services are being performed, all employees Belize Tax Service Department for the contractors shall wear identifiable clothes showing that Charles Bartlett Hyde Building they are contractors’ workers. Mahogany Street Extension, Belize City The contractor shall send a list of personnel and their hours of Ref: “TENDER FOR THE PROVISION OF CLEANING AND work for the week to the Employer’s representative at the MAINTENANCE SERVICES FOR THE BELIZE TAX SERVICE beginning of each week. DEPARTMENTIN BELIZE CITY” Page 20 AMANDALABelize Friday, July 2, 2021 New finance facility for Belize’s marine reserves

agreement which will with the United-Nations Sustainable compliance.” lead to the development Development Goals (UN SDGs) 1, Andrade has also shared that the of an “innovative blended 13, 14 and 17 (no poverty, climate project basically was made possible finance facility” that will action, life below water and through a loan, the majority of which be used to better manage partnerships) and its outcomes will is being covered by Mirova for Belize’s marine protected be monitored using best-practice US$750,000 and the remainder being areas. impact standards. It is also hoped that secured through grant support from the The facility, which it will create new employment in the remaining partners. The facility comes comes at a cost of US MPA following an abrupt and at a time following great revenue loss $1.2 million, will be devastating crash of Belize’s tourism for TASA and is expected to generate managed by TASA sector since March 2020. a large influx of sustainable revenue (Turneffe Atoll The Executive Director of TASA, in the coming years. Sustainability Valdemar Andrade, stated that “In a According to the joint statement, Association) in order to context of budget restrictions and additional benefits of the new facility allow them to implement Covid-19 recovery, solutions to include “attracting new investment by Kory Leslie (freelance writer) various sustainable revenue- generate critical finance for MPAs is into this critical but underfunded area generating initiatives and amplify a vital step towards marine of protecting natural capital and BELIZE CITY, Belize, Thurs. June protection protocols for Belize’s conservation and natural resource reducing poverty in Belize. By 24, 2021 132,000 hectares of coral reef management. Revenues generated demonstrating proof-of-concept at According to a joint press release ecosystems. The expected result is through this investment will allow scale, the solution builds confidence published on Thursday, Mirova, the long-term revenue for the Blue TASA to sustain the financing of our in natural capital investment within IUCN (International Union for Economy and “increased fishery team in their daily activities in the region…addressing this large gap Conservation of Nature), Blue productivity” which will in turn community development, ecosystem in conservation finance for MPAs by Finance and the Ministry of Blue promote responsible tourism. conservation, environmental supporting Belize’s MPAs in their Economy of Belize entered into an Additionally, the project will align education, and enforcement/ sustainability endeavors.” There Was a Time Reparations Were Actually Paid Out – Just Not to Formerly Enslaved People

by Thomas Craemer, Associate were not personally responsible. counterparts did too – but this time example on how the government can Professor of Public Policy - There is an important caveat in from their own government. conduct genealogical research to University of Connecticut these cases of reparations though: The British government paid determine eligible recipients. It The payments went to former slave reparations totaling £20 million compiled a massive six-volume owners and their descendants, not (equivalent to some £300 billion in compendium in 1828, listing some The payments went to former the enslaved or their legal heirs. 2018) to slave owners when it 7,900 original slave owners in Saint slave owners and their Extorting Haiti abolished slavery in 1833. Banking Domingue and their French descendants, not the enslaved or A prominent example is the so- magnates Nathan Mayer Rothschild descendants. their legal heirs. called “Haitian Independence Debt” and his brother-in-law Moses Reparations, this Time the Other that saddled revolutionary Haiti with Montefiore arranged for a loan to Way Around The cost of slavery and its legacy reparation payments to former slave the government of $15 million to Blessed with detailed U.S. Census of systemic racism to generations of owners in France. cover the vast sum – which records and local archives, I believe Black Americans has been clear Haiti declared independence from represented almost half of the U.K. the government could do the same for over the past year – seen in both the France in 1804, but the former government’s annual expenditure. the Black descendants of enslaved racial disparities of the colonial power refused to Paying for Freedom Americans. pandemic and widespread protests acknowledge the fact for another 20 In the United States, reparations In the 1860 census, the last one over police brutality. years. Then in 1825, King Charles to slave owners in Washington, before the Civil War, the government Yet whenever calls for reparations X decreed that he would recognize D.C., were paid at the height of the counted 3,853,760 enslaved people are made – as they are again now – independence, but at a cost. The Civil War. On April 16, 1862, in the United States. Their direct opponents counter that it would be price tag would be 150 million President Abraham Lincoln signed descendants live among close to 50 unfair to saddle a debt on those not francs – more than 10 years of the the “Act for the Release of certain million Black residents in the United personally responsible. In the words Haitian government’s entire revenue. Persons held to Service or Labor States today. of then-Senate Majority Leader The money, the French said, was within the District of Columbia” Using historic census records to Mitch McConnell, speaking needed to compensate former slave into law. estimate the number of man-, woman- on Juneteenth – the day Black owners for the loss of what was It gave former slave owners $300 , and child-hours available to slave Americans celebrate as marking deemed their property. per enslaved person set free. More owners from 1776 to 1860, I emancipation – in 2019, “I don’t By 1883, Haiti had paid off some than 3,100 enslaved people saw estimated how much money the think reparations for something that 90 million francs in reparations. But their freedom paid for in this way, enslaved lost considering the meager happened 150 years ago for whom to finance such huge payments, for a total cost in excess of $930,000 wages for unskilled labor at the time, none of us currently living are Haiti had to borrow 166 million – almost $25 million in today’s which ranged from 2 cents in 1790 responsible is a good idea.” francs with the money.French to 8 cents in 1860. At a very moderate As a professor of public banks ernaux GrandolpeT et Cie and In contrast, the formerly enslaved interest rate of 3%, I arrived at an policy who has studied reparations, Lafitte Rothschild Lapanonze. Loan received nothing if they decided to estimate of $20.3 trillion in 2021 I acknowledge that the figures interests and fees added to the stay in the United States. The act dollars for the total losses to Black involved are large – I conservatively overall sum owed to France. provided for an emigration incentive descendants of enslaved Americans estimate the losses from unpaid The payments ran for a total of of $100 – around $2,683 in 2021 living today. wages and lost inheritances to Black 122 years from 1825 to 1947, with dollars – if the former It is a huge sum – roughly one descendants of the enslaved the money going to more than 7,900 enslaved agreed to permanently year’s worth of the U.S.‘s GDP – but at around US$20 trillion in 2021 former slave owners and their leave the United States. a figure that would comfortably close dollars. descendants in France. By the time Similar examples of reparations the racial wealth gap. The difference But what often gets forgotten by the payments ended, none of the going to individual slave owners is, in contrast to historical precedents, those who oppose reparations is that originally enslaved or enslavers can be found in the records of this time the benefits would go to the payouts for slavery have been made were still alive. countries including Denmark, the Black descendants of the enslaved, before – numerous times, in fact. British ‘Reparations’ Netherlands and Sweden, as well not to enslavers and their offspring. And few at the time complained that French slave owners weren’t the as Argentina, Colombia, Paraguay, it was unfair to saddle generations only ones to receive payment for Venezuela, Peru and Brazil. First published in The of people with a debt for which they lost revenue, their British The French government even set an Conversation. Friday, July 2, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 21 Ultra-cold vaccine freezer PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: PROPERTY donated to Belize

BY ORDER of the Chargees, Messrs. Alpha GammaFinancial Services Limited,Licensed Auctioneer, Fernando Molina, will sell the following properties, being the freehold property of Palmetto Holdings Ltd.,TOGETHER with all buildings and erections thereon in one lot by way of public auction on site on Monday, the 5thof July, 2021 at 11:00 a.m.:

REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL Placencia North 36 662(1.91 Acres), 663 (1.60 Acres), 664 (1.29 Acres), by Kory Leslie (freelance writer) laboratory grade freezers and 665(1.14 Acres), refrigerators. The Ministry of Health 678 (0.99 Acre), BELIZE CITY, Thurs. June 24, 2021 has also embarked on the mission to On Friday, the Chargé d’Affaires secure vaccines for the Belizean 679 (0.98 Acre) of the US Embassy, Keith Gilges, population. With this hope the officially handed over to Belize’s Ministry of Health and Wellness is Health Ministry an ultra-cold freezer expecting to receive in the near that is capable of reaching future the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine temperatures that are low enough to that requires storage at minus accommodate the storage of certain seventy degrees Celsius. This vaccines (such as Pfizer—the only vaccine has US FDA emergency use vaccine currently being given to authorization for persons ages 12- persons below 18 years of age) that 18. We hope to target that age group can only be preserved at extremely given that approximately 42% of our low temperatures — lower than the population is under 18,” remarked lowest temperature settings of any Hon. Chebat. freezer currently in the country. The During his remarks, the US Chargé donation is particularly timely, since d’Affaires noted, “Since joining the Belize is currently anticipating the COVID-19 vaccine global access receipt of donated doses of the Pfizer initiative, commonly known as vaccine, which can be used to COVAX, the United States has inoculate younger members of the contributed 2 billion US dollars and population (those below 18 years of pledged an additional 2 billion age) as part of the country’s effort through 2022. I’m proud that Belize to immunize at least 70% of the is one of many beneficiaries of this population — the threshold for herd program, having received over 100 immunity. thousand vaccine doses through The freezer was donated by the COVAX and an additional 138 regional office of the Center for thousand doses anticipated in the Disease Control and Prevention coming months. We’ve also launched (CDC) and is a part of the United partnerships to boost global vaccine States’ effort to play a lead role in manufacturing capacity to ensure the global COVID-19 response, equitable access across the world. according to the Chargé d’Affaires. Ensuring every Belizean has access During a handing-over ceremony, the to safe and effective immunizations Minister of Health and Wellness, goes beyond just supplying the Hon. Michel Chebat, expressed doses. We are committed to helping gratitude on behalf of the country for Belize develop its capacity to the US’s gift to the country. administer vaccines throughout the “The Government of Belize, its country. Through the CDC, the US Ministry of Health and Wellness and government had pledged an its people are truly grateful for additional 65 thousand US dollars receiving this humanitarian aid to support COVID-19 technical through the regional office of the assistance in Belize. These funds Center for Disease Control and will be used primarily for policy Prevention, facilitated by the United planning and project development on States Government and Embassy in the ongoing COVID immunization Belize. This equipment will be used campaign, including the hiring of initially for the proper storage of additional health care workers to COVID-19 vaccines and then to deliver COVID vaccines to rural support the storage of laboratory and at-risk communities.” TERMS: STRICTLY CASH supplies at the Central Medical The donated freezer is reported to Laboratory of Belize. The ultra-low have a capacity to store over 9,000 For further particulars on the properties, please temperature freezer can reach multi-dose vials, and as Minister contact: temperatures as low as minus eighty Chebat stated, the country is now in six degrees Celsius, much lower the process of trying to acquire the Email: [email protected] than standard pharmaceutical and Pfizer vaccines for distribution. Tel: 610-0919 AMANDALA is cream! Page 22 AMANDALABelize Friday, July 2, 2021

Ministry of Natural Resources, Petroleum and Mining on behalf of Belize Solid Waste Management Authority

NOTIFICATION OF CONTRACT AWARD

Financing Institution: Inter-American Development Bank Procurement Type: Consulting Services Sector: Water & Sanitation Country of project (or Beneficiary country): Belize Project name: Solid Waste Management Project II Loan No.: 3684/OC-BL Contract/Bid No.: 001- 2021/2022 Bid/Contract Description: Consulting Service to Design a Cost Recovery Mechanism for all Solid Waste Transfer Stations in Belize as well as the Mile 24 Regional Sanitary Landfill.

During the selection process for the consulting services indicated above, under the Quality and Cost Based Selection Method (QCBS) the consulting firms listed below submitted proposals. The scores evaluated for the Technical and Price Proposals of each consulting firm, and their final scores follow below.

List of consulting firms Name and nationality of the consulting firm: Hydroplan Ingenieur-Gesellschaft mbH, Germany Technical proposal score: 75.43 pts (weighted: 60.34 pts) Price proposal: US$149,733.00 Price proposal score: 100.00 pts (weighted: 20.00 pts) Combined final score: 80.34 pts. Rank: 1st

Name and nationality of the consulting firm: ECONTEC Consultores, Colombia Technical proposal score: 68.67 pts Price proposal: Not opened. Returned Price proposal score: N/A Combined final score: N/A Rank: N/A

Any Consultant is entitled to a debriefing to ascertain the grounds on which its proposal was not selected, by making a formal request at the address listed below.

Awarded Bidder: Name of the

awarded bidder: Hydroplan Ingenieur-Gesellschaft mbH

Contract Price: US$178,378.70

Country of Awarded Bidder: Belize

Scope of the contract: The main objective of the consultancy is to design a cost recovery mechanism for all solid waste transfer stations in Belize and the Mile 24 Regional Sanitary Landfill as the final disposal site. The cost recovery mechanism is intended to improve the cost effectiveness, efficiency and long term sustainability of the municipal solid waste management system in the Northern, Southern and Western Corridors and Belmopan, through improvements in institutional and financial arrangements, including private sector involvement, when feasible. The Consultants shall design appropriate institutional and organizational management systems, tariff structure and guidelines and cost recovery targets for solid waste collection, transfer operations for the aforementioned transfer stations and disposal at the Regional Sanitary Landfill, Mile 24 George Price Highway.

Date contract signed: May 28, 2021

UNDB Reference number: IDB1114-09/18

Address:

Belize Solid Waste Management Authority Ministry of Natural Resources, Petroleum and Mining Attn: Project Director 3013 Bougainvillea Street, Belmopan, Belize C.A. Tel: (501) 802-1527 E-mail: [email protected] Friday, July 2, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 23 GoB amending the constitution on non-priority items

item in Belize, because corruption is amendment, it would gain the support small population compared to an ongoing problem in Belize and has of Belizeans living in the United Guatemala, and we need the led to substantial government revenue States, who would likely get more contributions of all of our citizens to loss. For this (prosecution of corrupt involved in their country’s affairs and develop our nation. officials) to happen in Belize, we would more extensively assist our Most of the people who have should amend the constitution to people and government financially in migrated out of Belize to the United change the way the Attorney General, order to boost our foreign exchange States, are Garifuna and Creoles who Director of Public Prosecution, reserves and develop our homeland. make up the majority of the Black Judges, Magistrates, Commissioner Before the Referendum was held in population in Belize. The migration of Police and other key, top public 2019, Representative Kareem Musa of the Mayas and the Mestizos from servants are appointed. from the Caribbean Shores Division, neighboring El Salvador and These people are appointed by the had tabled a Bill to allow Belizeans Guatemala since the 1980’s, is huge, Prime Minister and his government living in the United States to vote in and now the Blacks in Belize are in and are loyal to them. If the Prime the Referendum. That referendum the minority. Political representation Minister and his Ministers commit was to decide if the British- and power are now in the hands of any crime or crimes, they will never Guatemala Territorial Dispute over the majority population. I urge all be arrested, prosecuted and brought Belize, should be heard by the Belizeans to monitor the by Wellington C. Ramos to trial for the crime or crimes they International Court of Justice (ICJ) constitutional amendments that are committed. This is the way things are to seek a final resolution to the being proposed by this current According to Belize Breaking in Belize and have been under the dispute. government and future governments News, the People’s United Party PUP and UDP administrations for Now that his PUP party is in power of Belize. government in Belize is planning to decades. All they continue to do is to and they have the votes by a huge These amendments can have a amend the Belize Constitution again blame each other for the corruption majority of 26 to 5 seats, he should negative impact on our rights and way this coming Friday with Amendment taking place in our country when they resubmit his Bill to the National of living in our beloved country No. 11. This amendment will are in the opposition. When they get Assembly for passage. If not, many Belize, if we sit back and say and do reportedly disqualify Belizean elected, they end up doing the same Belizeans, including myself, will nothing about them. There are several citizens who have been convicted of things that were done by the other classify his previous action as only a benefits that the Article-7 certain crimes in Belize and other party that left office, while many political strategy to gain traction at Amendment, if approved, will bring Commonwealth countries and who Belizeans continue to live in a state the time. Belizean citizens who were to our people and nation Belize as it have served time in prison from of poverty and dependency. Improving born in Belize have been denied of relates to our finances, foreign serving in the House of the citizens’ living conditions should their rights because they have dual exchange, human development, Representatives in Belize. I do not always be the focus of a good and citizenship in Belize and the United professionalism in various fields, know, until the Bill is presented, what caring government. States. military, economy, national security, other types of disqualifications will The Article-7 amendment that was Guatemalans who are not supposed education, sports and especially the be added in this legislation. proposed by the former Prime to be granted Belizean citizenship Constitutional guarantee of Equal Amending a constitution is a good Minister of Belize, Dean Barrow, in because of their country’s claim to Opportunity for all Belizean citizens, thing for governments to do, but the June of 2009, which he suspended ours, continue to receive Belizean despite their dual nationality with governments doing so should always thereafter, was intended to grant citizenship and all the benefits that another country. look at the most important, pressing Belizeans with dual citizenship all come with it. They can even run for As long as this issue remains issues affecting our people and nation their rights as citizens of Belize to political office while some native unresolved, Equal Constitutional before making the decision to amend vote and run for office, as well as Belizeans cannot. Guatemala does protection will continue to be denied the constitution. I do not see this other rights afforded to Belizeans not take away the rights of their to our fellow Belizean brothers and amendment as an important issue at under the constitution — rights which citizens to their country when they sisters who live in America. I call this time. The government has a 26-5 have even been given to native become citizens of another country. on all Belizeans living in America to majority in the House and can amend Guatemalans and other citizens. That Once you were born in Guatemala, demand their rights from the the Constitution anytime within the amendment is needed, long overdue you remain a citizen of Guatemala, government of Belize, despite their next five years when the next election and much-deserved. The People’s because there is no revocation of political party affiliations. is constitutionally due. United Party should reintroduce and their citizenship in their laws. If Arresting, prosecuting and placing pass this amendment in the House of Guatemala can have these benefits corrupt government ministers and Representatives. for their citizens, then Belize should civil servants on trial is a top priority If they were to pass this do the same, because we have a very

FFB & BDFA to hold TC LTD U20 football tryouts NOW HIRING ! this Sunday at MCC BELIZE CITY, Wed. June 30, 2021 Mechanical Engineer Belize City football fans, as across the country, have been yearning for TC Ltd, a subsidiary of Turnell Corp (USA) is seeking a Mechanical Engineer. Tasks include 3D some local football entertainment, modelling of industrial facilities and systems; equipment selection and sizing. Software includes especially on weekends, ever since Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD and Microsoft office. Please send application to Victor Turnell, at Covid-19 forced a complete halt in all competitions countrywide from [email protected]. March of last year; and this weekend they will at least get a chance to see Structural Engineer some young ballers strut their stuff on the MCC. TC Ltd, a subsidiary of Turnell Corp (USA) is seeking a structural engineer. Tasks include It is not a commencement of designing and analyzing industrial steel and concrete structures and foundations. Please send football competition yet; but the applications to Victor Turnell, at [email protected]. Belize District Football Association (BDFA) will be joining the effort of CAD Designer the Football Federation of Belize (FFB), as it holds U20 tryouts this TC Ltd, a subsidiary of Turnell Corp (USA) is seeking a CAD Designer. Tasks include 3D Sunday, July 4, at the MCC Grounds, modelling of industrial facilities and systems. Software includes Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. and Microsoft office. Please send application to Victor Turnell, at [email protected]. The tryouts will be for both young men and young women born in the years 2002, 2003 or 2004. Page 24 AMANDALABelize Friday, July 2, 2021

KREM Television Rival Palestinian groups clash Program Guide at protest over activist’s death Shoa Wiself, Si Wiself, Bee Wiself!!! Fights break out in Ramallah on fourth Questions or comments may be forwarded via email to Phone: 202-5848 [email protected] day of protests over death of Nizar Banat in Palestinian Authority custody. Friday July 2, 2021 to Thursday July 8, 2021

FRIDAY 6:30 a.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (LIVE) 9:00 a.m. Morning Stew (LIVE) 12:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) 1:00 p.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (repeat) 3:30 p.m. Krem’s Top Ten Show (LIVE) 5:30 p.m. Local News Broadcast: GOB - Belize Now 6:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (LIVE) 7:00 p.m. Jazz Seasion 7:30 p.m. You And The Law (repeat) 9:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat)

SATURDAY 9:00 a.m. Documentary: Future of Weed 10:43 p.m. Movie: Honey, I Shrunk The Kids 11:17 p.m. Documentary: This World Child Slavery 12:47 p.m. Movie: 12 Years a Slave 3:00 p.m. Documentary: Destruction Weather 3:57 p.m. Movie: I’m in Love with a Church Girl 5:57 p.m. Documentary: The Lost Civilisation 6:48 p.m. Movie: Will to Love 8:00 p.m. Music Videos Palestine. Sun. June 27, 2021 – injuries indicated Banat had been Aljazeera beaten on the head, chest, neck, legs SUNDAY Rival groups of Palestinians and hands, with less than an hour 10:30 a.m. Sunday Review (LIVE) clashed in the occupied West Bank city elapsing between his arrest and his 12:00 p.m. Movie: The Colour Purple of Ramallah on Sunday during a fourth death, pathologist Samir Abu Zarzour 2:21 p.m. Documentary: The Great Barrier Reef day of protests over the death of Nizar said. 3:14 p.m. Movie: Their Eyes Were Watching Banat, an outspoken critic of the Banat’s family said the security 5:01 p.m. Documentary: DNA 5:30 p.m. Sunday Review (repeat) Palestinian Authority (PA) who died forces used pepper spray on him, beat 7:00 p.m. Sunday Jazz in PA custody. him badly and dragged him away in a 8:00 p.m. Music Videos Nizar Banat, a 43-year-old activist vehicle. from Hebron known for social media The PA has announced the opening MONDAY videos denouncing alleged corruption of an investigation into Banat’s death, 6:30 a.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (LIVE) within the PA, died on Thursday after but it has done little to appease anger 9:00 a.m. Morning Stew (LIVE) security forces stormed his house and on the streets. 12:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) 1:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now violently arrested him. Following news of his death on 2:00 p.m. Movie: One Life Al Jazeera’s Stefanie Dekker, Thursday, protesters set fires, blocked 3:30 p.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (repeat) reporting from Ramallah, said fights the streets of the city centre and clashed 6:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (LIVE) broke out on Sunday between with riot police in Ramallah. 7:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now protesters calling for PA President Palestinians also chanted against the 8:00 p.m. Documentary: Children in Prison For Life Mahmoud Abbas to step down and a PA on Friday at Banat’s funeral in 9:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) rival group demonstrating in support Hebron and after Friday prayers at Al- of the PA and Fatah, Abbas’s party that Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. TUESDAY 6:30 a.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (LIVE) dominates the Palestinian Authority. Protesters clashed with Palestinian 9:00 a.m. Morning Stew (LIVE) “There was a small crowd of around security forces and rival pro-PA 12:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) 100 or so people chanting against the demonstrators in Ramallah on 1:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now Palestinian Authority,” Dekker said. Saturday as hundreds attempted to 2:00 p.m. Movie: Will to Love “You had another crowd who were march to Abbas’ office compound. 3:30 p.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (repeat) just up the street … which are pro- Banat had registered as a 6:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (LIVE) Fatah, the party of the ruling elite, candidate in Palestinian 7:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now coming to join them and then parliamentary elections, which had 8:00 p.m. Documentary: Birds Isle (Version 2) 9:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) confrontations ensued,” Dekker said. been set for May until Al Jazeera’s Dekker said that there Abbas postponed them indefinitely. WEDNESDAY was “a concerted campaign” against Mkhaimar Abusada, associate 6:30 a.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (LIVE) the media covering the protests on professor in political science at Al 9:00 a.m. Morning Stew (LIVE) Sunday. Azhar University in Gaza, told Al 12:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) “We were surrounded by six Jazeera that Abbas and 1:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now [people], I can only really call them the internationally-backed PA face a 2:00 p.m. Movie: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button 3:30 p.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (repeat) thugs, demanding to see our camera. growing backlash from Palestinians 6:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (LIVE) We weren’t filming at the time. They over perceived corruption and 7:00 p.m. Jazz Seasion actually forced us to take the spotlight authoritarianism. 7:30 p.m. You And The Law (LIVE) down on our SMG truck,” she said. “To see these masses of 9:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) “Another colleague friend had his Palestinian protesters protesting cameras smashed. This has been against the Palestinian Authority, THURSDAY happening for the last couple of days.” chanting directly against President 6:30 a.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (LIVE) New protests against Banat’s death Abbas asking for his removal and for 9:00 a.m. Morning Stew (LIVE) 12:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) also took place on Sunday in his his ouster, is unprecedented,” he said. 1:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now hometown of Hebron and in 2:00 p.m. Movie: Hidden Figures Bethlehem, both in the occupied West Full article can be found at : 3:30 p.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (repeat) Bank. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/ 6:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (LIVE) Palestinian security forces in riot 2021/6/27/rival-palestinian-groups- 7:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now gear fired tear gas and stun grenades clash-at-protest-over-activists- 8:00 p.m. Belizean Legend: Talita Long at the protesters in Bethlehem, sending death 9:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) many running for cover. According to the initial autopsy, First published by Aljazeera Friday, July 2, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 25 Page 26 AMANDALABelize Friday, July 2, 2021

1. A VACANCY exists for the post of Pre-Vocational Instructor at ITVET Belize City.

Qualifications: • A Bachelors in Secondary Education concentration in Math. • Ability to teach Science would be an asset. • At least two(2) years of teaching experience preferably in a THE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR THE FOLLOWING POSTION: Secondary level Institution. • Must be in the possession of a valid Teacher’s License at the One Teacher for Belizean Studies – Forms 1 and 2 Secondary Level, knowledge in Competency Based Education The position is full-time Training (CBET) would be an asset. Education: 2. A VACANCY exists for the post of Air Condition & Refrigeration • A Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology or other related fields with a Diploma Instructor at ITVET Belize City. in Education. • An Associate’s degree with teaching experience would be considered. Qualifications: QUALIFICATIONS: • A Bachelors or Associate Degree or Mechanical Craft Diploma • Teaching experience in the relevant field and level is a distinct asset. in AC & Refrigeration. • Applicants must be in possession of a valid Teacher’s License. • At least two (2) years of experience preferably at the TVET level institution, or industry. REMUNERATION: • Must be in the possession of a valid Teacher’s License at the Remuneration will be in accordance with the salary scale for teachers, and as Secondary or TVET Level, knowledge in Competency Based determined by the Teaching Service Commission. Education Training (CBET) would be an asset. APPLICATION PROCESS: th 3. A VACANCY exists for the post of Math Instructor at ITVET Belize The deadline for submission of applications is Thursday, July 15 at 2:00 p.m. City. An application letter along with an original transcript, a resumé, two recent letters of reference, copy of a valid social security card, copies of certificates Qualifications: and a valid police record should be sent to: • A Bachelors or Associate Degree minimum in Math Education. • At least two (2) years of teaching experience preferably in a Secretary Secondary or Tertiary level Institution. Board of Governors • Must be in the possession of a valid Teacher’s License at the P.O. Box 164 Secondary Level, knowledge in Competency Based Education Price Center Road Training (CBET) would be an asset. City of Belmopan

Essential Functions for Instructor Posts: 1. A professional demeanor in undertaking all aspects of the position and the ability to work and communicate effectively with Trainees, Staff and the General Public. 2. Must have good Organizational Skills and able to assist in planning, directing, coordinating and evaluating allTraining and Practical aspects in the area of instruction. 3. Develop a Course Outlineand Lessons to be covered in order to guide and assist trainees towards the attainment of training goals and objectives. 4. Must have Pedagogical Training and the ability to teach and properly access all aspects of thearea of instruction. 5. Excellent critical thinker with initiative in problem solving and conflict resolution. 6. Ability to work towards successfully accomplishing specific goals and objectives. 7. Must be a team player with experience in group dynamics and having strong professional work ethics. 8. Carry out all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the ITVET Policy and Procedures Handbook and the Education Act and Education (Amendment) Rules. 9. At the request of the Manager, actively participate in ad-hoc committees of the institution. 10. Any other related duties assigned by the Manager.

Salary: Commensurate with Qualification and Experience in accordance with Government Pay Scale.

Application Process: Letter of Application along with copy of recentCurriculum Vitae, two letters of reference preferable from recent employers, Police Record and Authentic copies of Qualifications along with avalid Teachers License at the Secondary or TVET Level, must be submitted no later than Friday July 23rd 2021 to:

Secretary, Board of Management ITVET BELIZE CITY Corner Freetown Road & Simon Lamb Street Belize City, Belize (Tel: 203-4798 - Email: [email protected]) Friday, July 2, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 27 Mapping the hottest temperatures around the world

by Mohammed Haddad state of Oregon, the city of Portland hit countries have recorded an all-time high of 46.6C (116F), maximum temperatures of 50C 1 Jul 2021 – Aljazeera breaking the previous high of 41.6C (122F) or above. June was an exceptionally hot month (107F), first set in 1965. Currently, the for several countries in the northern On June 22, the Kuwaiti city of highest officially registered hemisphere. Since Friday June 25, at Nuwaiseeb recorded the highest temperature is 56.7C (134F), least 486 sudden deaths have been temperature in the world so far this year recorded in California’s Death recorded in Canada’s British Columbia at 53.2C (127.7F). In neighbouring Iraq, Valley back in 1913. The province as temperatures soared to temperatures reached 51.6C (124.8F) hottest known temperature in nearly 50C (112F). In the United States, on July 1, 2021, with Omidiyeh, Iran, Africa is 55C (131F) the ongoing heatwave has buckled not far behind with a maximum recorded in Kebili, Tunisia in highways and melted power lines. A temperature of 51C (123.8F) recorded 1931. Iran holds Asia’s hottest so-called “heat dome”, where high so far. Several other countries in the official temperature of 54C pressure traps the heat, is being blamed Middle East, including the United Arab (129F) which it recorded in for the excessively high temperatures. Emirates, Oman and Saudi Arabia, 2017. On June 29, Lytton, a small town recorded temperatures higher than 50C In 2020, Seymour Island in about 200km (124 miles) from (112F) in June. Antarctica recorded a Vancouver, hit 49.6C (121F), setting a The Gulf is known for its hot and maximum temperature of national record for the highest humid climate with temperatures 20.7C (69.3F). According to the United Full article can be viewed at: https:/ temperature ever recorded across regularly exceeding 40C (104F) in the Nations’ World Meteorological /www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/7/1/ Canada. Schools, universities and summer months. Organization (WMO), temperatures on interactive-mapping-hottest- vaccination centres were closed across The map below shows the hottest the Antarctic Peninsula have risen by temperatures-around-world British Columbia. temperatures ever recorded in each almost 3C (5.4F) over the past 50 Just south of the border in the US country around the world. At least 23 years. First published by Aljazeera. Page 28 AMANDALABelize Friday, July 2, 2021 Africa’s COVID threat hits ‘new level’ as Delta variant spreads

by Lucinda Rouse Jazeera. “Just to put that into perspective, it’s more than we had 1 Jul 2021- Aljazeera from March to December last year,” Monrovia, Liberia – Driving past he said. warehouses and overgrown walls, an “Our facilities here are struggling,” ambulance pulls up at a side entrance Doe warned, noting that ventilators of a former medical centre at a are not being used due to a lack of disused United Nations military base human resources. in Liberia’s capital, Monrovia. “We need the public to help us in The site has been rehabilitated and this fight against COVID. As long as spruced up to serve as the principal the people out there do not practice COVID-19 treatment unit in the those basic things – wearing masks, country, which has seen infections hand hygiene, social distancing, and surge by more than 300 percent in the getting vaccinated where available, past two weeks. it will be like a rat race we can’t keep As the ambulance drops off a new up with.” patient, workers at another truck The government has responded to offload oxygen cylinders before the surge by banning gatherings of taking away a pile of empty ones. more than 20 people and ordering the “Since the beginning of June, closure of bars and nightclubs from we’ve had 21 deaths,” the unit’s 9pm, with warnings of a possible countries across the African continent – just as much of the world is clinical coordinator, general lockdown to follow. to experience rapidly increasing witnessing a decline in infection rates practitioner Dr Richard Doe, told Al Liberia is just one of many COVID-19 cases and hospitalisations as vaccination campaigns take effect.More than a dozen countries have reported their worst figures since the start of the pandemic, with more than 650,000 new cases recorded on the continent between May 3, when the so-called third wave began, and June 27. At a press briefing on Thursday, the World Health Organization’s Africa director Dr Matshidiso Moeti warned that “the speed and scale of Africa’s third wave is like nothing we’ve seen before.” “COVID-19 cases are doubling every three weeks, compared to every four weeks at the start of the second wave. Almost 202,000 cases were reported in the past week and the continent is on the verge of exceeding its worst week ever in this pandemic,” she added. Moeti said that, among the 14 African countries now in resurgence, 12 have detected coronavirus variants of concern, including nine with the highly contagious Delta variant. Full article can be viewed at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/ 2021/7/1/africa-covid-threat-hits- new-level-delta-variant-spreads

First published by Aljazeera

AMANDALA Belizean to the bone #3304 Partridge Street, Belize City. Telephones: 501-280-4703/ 202-4477 [email protected] Friday, July 2, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 29 Page 30 AMANDALABelize Friday, July 2, 2021

When a Black boxing champion beat the ‘Great White Hope,’ all hell broke loose

White Hope.” worked to defeat him outside the ring. The Chicago Defender, a Black Johnson was arrested in 1912 and newspaper, said Jeffries and Johnson charged with violating the Mann Act, would “settle the mooted question of which made it illegal to transport supremacy.” The Daily News in women across state lines “for the Omaha, Nebraska, reported that a purpose of prostitution or debauchery, Jeffries victory would or for any other immoral purpose.” restore superiority to the white race. He served 10 months in federal Before the fight, there were signs prison. whites feared a Jeffries loss – and But he was much more than one that this loss would not be restricted man. “No longer the respectful darky to the boxing ring but would have asking, hat in hand, for massa’s ramifications for all of society. permission, Johnson was seen as the The New York Times warned, “If prototype of the independent black the black man wins, thousands and who acted as he pleased and thousands of his ignorant brothers accepted no bar to his conduct,” will misinterpret his victory.” The Randy Roberts wrote in “Papa Jack,” message was clear: If Jeffries won, his biography of Johnson. “As such, white superiority would be proved – Johnson was transformed into a racial but if he lost, whites would still be symbol that threatened America’s superior. social order.” Chris Lamb, Professor of Johnson grew up as the Jim Crow era Seeking to retain power Whites responded to Johnson’s Journalism, IUPUI in American history was getting After Johnson easily defeated triumph by using violence to keep started. The previous year, Jeffries, the Los Angeles Times Blacks in their place by any and all The Conversation, Wed. June 30, Rutherford B. Hayes became reinforced white supremacy, telling means. When Black construction 2021 president after promising three Blacks: “Do not point your nose too workers celebrated Johnson’s victory An audacious Black heavyweight former Confederate states – South high. Do not swell your chest too near the town of Uvalda, Georgia, champion was slated to defend his Carolina, Florida and Louisiana – much. Do not boast too loudly. Do whites began shooting. As the Blacks title against a white boxer in Reno, that he would withdraw federal not get puffed up. … Your place in tried to escape into the woods, the Nevada, on July 4, 1910. It was troops, who had protected the the world is just what it was. You whites hunted them down, killing billed as “the fight of the century.” measure of racial equality Blacks are on no higher place, deserve no three and injuring five, Roberts The fight was seen as a referendum were beginning to achieve. new consideration, and will get wrote. on racial superiority – and all hell As federal forces left, whites none.” Nearly a century later, the Such scenes were repeated was about to break loose in the disenfranchised Black voters and newspaper apologized for that 1910 throughout the country, according to racially divided United States. passed segregation laws, which were editorial. local media reports. Jack Johnson, the Black man, enforced by legal and illegal means, In response to the violence, many When a Black man in Houston decisively beat James Jeffries, including police brutality and cities forbade a film of the fight to expressed his joy over the fight’s nicknamed “the Great White Hope.” lynching. Journalists, too, sought to be shown in theaters. In 1912, outcome, a white man “slashed his Johnson’s triumph ignited bloody maintain social order by preserving Congress, citing the same motion throat from ear to ear.” Another Black confrontations and violence between myths about white supremacy. picture, passed the Sims Act, banning man in Wheeling, West Virginia, who Blacks and whites throughout the Johnson’s boxing career the transport of fight films over state was driving an expensive car, just country, leaving perhaps two dozen challenged those myths. He lines. like Johnson was known for, was dead, almost all of them Black, and dispatched one white fighter after In doing so, it kept Blacks and dragged from his car by a mob and hundreds injured and arrested. another and taunted both the fighter whites from seeing Johnson beat a lynched. A white mob in New York “No event yielded such and the crowd. He was brash and white man. Historian Jeffrey City set fire to a Black tenement and widespread racial violence until the arrogant and made no attempt to show Sammons says, “in many ways, then blocked the doorway to keep the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther any deference to whites. He sped Johnson represented the ‘bad n—–’ occupants from escaping. King, Jr., fifty-eight years later,” through towns in flashy cars, wore Geoffrey C. Ward wrote in his expensive clothes, spent his time with biography of Johnson, gamblers and prostitutes, and dated “Unforgiveable Blackness.” white women, which Black Johnson’s victory, in the manliest sociologist and commentator W.E.B. of sports, contradicted claims of Du Bois considered “unnecessarily racial supremacy by whites and alienating acts.” demonstrated that Blacks were no Setting up a racial battle longer willing to acquiesce to white Johnson won the heavyweight title dominance. Whites were not willing by easily defeating the defending to give up their power. The story has champion Tommy Burns in 1908. a familiar ring today, as America Novelist Jack London, writing in the remains a country deeply divided by New York Herald, wrote about race. Johnson’s “hopeless slaughter” of I began my book, “From Jack Burns and, like other journalists, Johnson to LeBron James: Sports, called on former champion James Media, and the Color Line,” with Jeffries to come out of retirement and Johnson because the consequences of “wipe that smile from Johnson’s that whites were so willing to parade The sports world responds the fight’s aftermath would affect race face.” as an example of why blacks must be Johnson’s punishment served as a relations in sports, and America, for Jeffries announced to the world kept in ‘their place.’” cautionary tale for Blacks during the decades. that he would “reclaim the An outpouring of violence Jim Crow era. Black athletes, A backdrop of racial hostility heavyweight championship for the No white boxer could defeat Born in 1878 in Galveston, Texas, white race.” He became the “Great Johnson in the ring, so white America Please turn to„Page 32 Friday, July 2, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 31

Brodies & RF&G Insurance Tennis Tournament, 2021

BELIZE CITY, Tues. June 29, 2021 Blake Lee and Ralph Tatum played The Brodies & RF&G Insurance against the team of Peter Quan & Men’s Doubles tennis tournament took Harnadar Tut, and took the win over place this past weekend, June 25-27, Quan & Tut, 8-2, to make it to the finals. at the Pickwick Club tennis courts. The final match was a best-of-three There were twenty-two men in this sets between the Sosa duo and Lee & event, making it eleven doubles teams. Tatum. Both teams played well and the The format was done as a round-robin virtual fans were treated to some to increase playing time. There were quality tennis. Lee & Tatum came out two groups of five and six teams, strong, taking the first set, 6-4. The respectively; and each team in a group Sosa’s changed their game a bit in the played each other a regular set in the second set, putting on the pressure at round-robin, with the top two teams the net, and took that set, 6-0. The third from each group making it to the and deciding set continued in favor of semifinals. the Sosas who won, 6-1, allowing them The top finishers making it to the to defend their championship for the semis were Mike Sosa & Stefan Sosa, third time in a row (excluding 2020 - Blake Lee & Ralph Tatum, Peter Quan Pandemic year when no events were & Harnadar Tut, and Richard Huang & held). women’s teams did not sign up to have Insurance Operations Manager, Samron Pott. Congratulations to the men finalists the women’s competition. The Belize Andrew Roe were on site to distribute In the first semifinal, which was a for a match well played and for some Tennis Association encourages all the exquisite trophies and cash prizes pro-set, the father and son duo, Mike fine tennis! With the public health women and girls to stay active and to the first and second place teams. Sosa & Stefan Sosa vied against regulations to challenge Covid-19, the engaged in the sport and in the events. RF&G Insurance and James Brodie Richard Huang & Samron Pott in a fast fan base was primarily virtual via The physical and mental health & Co. Ltd. committed to continue to and exciting match with some great Facebook live stream. The junior team benefits and positive impacts for sponsor this prestigious annual tennis. The defending champs, Mike & of Santiago Palomo and Daniel Musa women (including being a role model tournament. Thanks to the sponsors, Stefan Sosa’s strong net game brought who competed in this tournament was for our young girls) cannot be all participants, the organizers and all them the victory over Huang & Pott, 8- acknowledged for a great performance overemphasized. who made this event possible! 4. in their first open tournament. James Brodie & Co. Ltd.’s CEO, In the other semifinal, hard working Regrettably this year, sufficient Edward Musa, Sr. and RF&G - press release - 2 Gov’t Ministries on board with FIFA’s “Football for Schools” program, sign MOU with FFB

the “Football for Schools” program participating schools, and technical focuses on the development of support in the development of national football skills, football values and football school events. social skills for male and female For their part, both government primary and secondary school kids ministries will authorize their between the ages of 5 years to 15 respective personnel to attend the years. In the 5 to 7 years group, the relevant courses and training sessions. focus will be on technical The Ministry of Sports will also assist development with the ball; for the 8 with the use of sports facilities and to 11 year olds the emphasis will be areas, while the Ministry of Education on technical development within a will facilitate the staging of theoretical BELIZE CITY, Wed. June 30, 2021 Belize’s sports talent is not being team environment; and in the 12 to classes for the realization of the A tidal shift may be occurring in maximized, and important 15 years group special attention will project. the attitude to sports in schools, development years are often wasted be given to tactical and physical The overall Project Vision is to lay football in particular, by educational by poor technical supervision and development. a “solid football foundation” by authorities in Belize. For years sports training. With collaboration among the three introducing “quality technical have been treated as an afterthought Hopefully, a major change for the entities beginning from early this year, development” through providing by a number of educational better has arrived, because yesterday the Planning Stage has now been “training for coaches and officials” institutions, and the meagre budget in Belmopan, both Government completed with the signing of the and establishing “Grassroots and traditionally allocated for sports ministries of Youth, Sports and E- MOU; the Preparation Stage with the Youth domestic leagues.” development by the relevant Governance and of Education, training of teachers will now follow In signing the MOU, both government ministry did little to Culture, Science and Technology until August; and then the project really government ministries pledged their change that attitude, despite the signed a Memorandum of gets started with the Roll Out of full cooperation, support and global recognition of the importance Understanding (MOU) with the “Football for Schools” when classes partnership with the FFB for the of sports, not only in youth Football Federation of Belize (FFB) are expected to resume in September successful roll out and implementation development, but also as an industry for the implementation of its of this year. of the Football for Schools program with economic potential for “Football for Schools” program. The assistance to be provided by over the next four years. individuals as well as the nation. With Signing on behalf of the Ministry of FIFA through the FFB will target 100 The execution of the program will little emphasis on the importance of Sports was National Sports Council schools this year 2021, 150 schools be coordinated by a working skills development of young student Director, Ian Cal; on behalf of the in 2022, 200 schools in 2023, and 250 committee comprised of one delegate athletes over the years, and only a Ministry of Education, CEO Dian schools in 2024. That assistance will each from the Football Federation of hastily completed primary school Castillo-Maheia; and on behalf of the involve providing online tool kits as Belize, Ministry of Youth, Sports and tournament that features mostly the FFB, President Sergio Chuc. well as online training for coach E-Governance and the Ministry of older students of standards five and A four-year project launched by educators, teachers and coaches, Education, Culture, Science and six, it has been generally agreed that FIFA in collaboration with UNESCO, footballs and training equipment for Technology. Page 32 AMANDALABelize Friday, July 2, 2021 Venezuela successfully applies Cuba’s Abdala COVID-19 vaccine Telesurenglish Tues. Jun 29, 2021 the fourth highest worldwide. authorities continue to vaccinate the In its clinical trials, this With the support of the “Mission population with Cuba’s Abdala Cuban product demonstrated an Into the Neighborhood” social COVID-19 vaccine. efficacy of 92.28 percent, which is program, Venezuela’s health This product is used in three doses and induces maximum immunity 42 days after the first application. Patients receive the second dose on day 14 and the third one on day 28. to immunize 70 percent of the In its clinical trials, this Cuban population in the short term. vaccine demonstrated an efficacy of Over the past month, President 92.28 percent, which is the fourth Nicolas Maduro has denounced to the highest worldwide, as explained by international community that the U.S. BioCubaFarma representative Pedro arbitrary sanctions blocked money to Almenarez. pay for 5 million COVID-19 Nor has the use of Abdala implied vaccines his nation purchased adverse reactions in patients. So far, through the COVAX facility. over 80 percent of people immunized Since February, this South with this product have not needed to American country has received 3.5 use medication or receive any post- million Russian and Chinese vaccination therapy. vaccines to immunize a population of Around 12 million Abdala over 28 million. vaccines will arrive in Venezuela between July and October to be used First published by in a health campaign whose goal is teleSURenglish.net When a Black boxing champion beat the ‘Great White Hope,’ all hell broke loose Continued from „Page 30 however talented, whether it was sprinter Jesse Owens or boxer Joe Louis, were warned they had to be the “right type” of Black person, one who knew his place and did not challenge the racial status quo. In those sports where Blacks were not banned and instead begrudgingly allowed to compete with and against whites, there were violent attacks on Black athletes. Jack Trice, an Iowa State football player, died of injuries from the attack he suffered in a game against the University of Minnesota in 1923. The end of professional baseball’s color line in 1946 was possible only because Jackie Robinson promised he would not respond to racist epithets and physical abuse so that he would be acceptable to white America. In the 1960s, white America taught Muhammad Ali, whom many considered the “wrong type” of Black athlete, the lesson it had once taught Jack Johnson. Ali, a brash Muslim who refused to defer to the demands of white supremacy, was convicted of draft evasion for refusing to be inducted into the armed services. He was stripped of his heavyweight title and sentenced to prison. Other Black athletes, like sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos, baseball player Curt Flood and football player Colin Kaepernick, all found themselves punished and ostracized for challenging white supremacy.

(This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts. It was written by: Chris Lamb, IUPUI.) Friday, July 2, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 33 Man dies in RTA near Indian Creek

BELIZE CITY, Thurs. July 1, 2021 between Miles 75 and 76 on the When the police arrived on the Choc, allegedly rode in the path of Police are investigating the death Southern Highway near Indian Creek scene, Choc was seen lying his moving vehicle. of Mike Choc, who was the victim Village. The accident occurred at motionless next to his bicycle. About Choc was reportedly riding in the of a fatal road traffic accident around 2:15 on Wednesday afternoon. 100 feet away was an Isuzu pickup same direction in which the traveling truck that, at the time that the accident vehicle was heading, and he was hit occurred, was being driven by 28- from behind, despite the driver’s year-old James Mossiah. According reported efforts to avoid hitting him. to reports, Mossiah was driving in a He was flung from his bicycle and north-to-south direction from Belize received a number of injuries, which City to Punta Gorda when the victim, caused his death.

Sunday Review News Review Talk Show On Krem TV & Krem Radio Live-streaming on Krem Television Face Book Page Host: YaYa Marin Coleman Co-Host: Dwight Neal Date: Sunday, July 4, 2021 Time: 10:30 a.m. to noon Guest: Jeremy Enriquez an Educator, Consultant & Human Rights Advocate Sunday Review will be repeated at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 4, 2021 SIB reports 2.8% inflation

Continued from „Page 2 by 1.1%. The prices of personal care, and miscellaneous goods and services increased by 1.6%. Prices in the information and communication category saw a decrease of 4.6%, which is being attributed to lower prices for tablets, external storage devices, televisions, etc. Finally, as expected, Belize’s GDP decreased by a notable 8.6%, with the value of goods and services produced in Belize being valued at a total of BZ $660 million in the first quarter of this year. This was reduced from the previous year’s first quarter yield of BZ $720.4 million. According to the SIB, this is the fourth consecutive quarter wherein our economy has contracted due to the effects of COVID-19. Production fell by 12.3% and the primary sector also decreased by 2%. The secondary sector, however, saw growth of 4.3%, which has been attributed to an increase in electricity production. The tertiary sector, which accounted for almost two-thirds of our GDP, saw the greatest decrease — falling by 12.3% or a value of BZ $54 million. This drop was primarily caused by the plunge in the business activity of hotels and restaurants, whose revenues decreased by 81.7%. Overnight tourist arrivals fell from 123,000 visitors in the first quarter of 2020 to 30,000 visitors in the first quarter of 2021, while no cruise ships were allowed entry into the country. Other parts of the tertiary sector such as transport and communication decreased by 14.3%, while wholesale and retail trade decreased by 7.3% and the revenue generated by producers of government services decreased by 4.6% Page 34 AMANDALABelize Friday, July 2, 2021

Government of Belize Belize Social Investment Fund (BNTF9)

SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF DIGITAL DUPLICATORS AND ACCESSORIES FOR BNTF9 SCHOOLS NATIONWIDE, BELIZE (BNTF9)

INVITATION TO BID

The Government of Belize (GOB) has received financing from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) in an amount equivalent to USD5.4mn towards the cost of the Basic Needs Trust Fund Cycle 9 Project (BNTF 9) and intends to apply a part of the funds to cover eligible payments under the Agreement. The GOB has appointed the Belize Social Investment Fund (BSIF) as the Implementing Agency (IA) for the project, and intends to apply a portion of the proceeds 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 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 have any claim to the proceeds of the Financing.

The Belize Social Investment Fund (BSIF), the IA, now invites sealed bids from eligible and qualified Bidders for the Supply and Delivery of Digital Duplicators and Accessories for BNTF9 Schools Nationwide, Belize (BNTF9).

The Firms whether bidding individually or in the form of a Joint Venture, shall:

(a) be legally incorporated or otherwise organised in, and have their principal place of business in an Eligible Country; (b) be more than fifty (50) percent beneficially-owned by a citizen or citizens and/or a bona fide resident or residents of an Eligible Country, or by a body corporate or bodies meeting these requirements, as far as the ownership can be reasonably determined; or (c) owned or controlled by the Government of an eligible country provided that it is legally and financially autonomous and operated under the commercial law of an eligible country and otherwise meets the eligibility requirements of the CDB Guidelines for Procurement (2006).

Eligible countries are member countries of CDB.

Eligible bidders will be required to submit full qualification information with their bids establishing their eligibility to bid and qualification to perform the contract if the bid is accepted. Tender and qualification information are to be submitted in the English Language on the prescribed forms inserted in the Bid Documents. Submissions that do not provide the information required or that do not demonstrate the prospective contractor’s ability to perform satisfactorily, will not qualify and will not be considered for further evaluation.

A secured “sample” electronic Bid document can be shared with interested Bidders at the address below, starting June 14, 2021, on week days between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. for viewing purpose only (has a time restriction for viewing). A complete set of Bidding documents (hard-copy or electronic version) can be purchased by interested bidder upon payment of a non-refundable fee of BZ$150.00. Requests may be made by personal application or in writing to the address below. Written applications must be clearly marked: “Tender for Supply and Delivery of Digital Duplicators and Accessories for BNTF9 Schools Nationwide, Belize (BNTF9)”. The method of payment will be by cash deposited to, or Bank transfer to BSIF’s Bank Account only. Banking details can be requested at the address below. Cash payment will not be accepted at the BSIF Office.

A Virtual Pre-bid meeting with interested eligible bidders will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 29, 2021. The link is https://bit.ly/31ACuQU. Bidders can participate in the meeting to address any queries about the bidding document or the contract scope. Firms that purchase packages are urged to attend.

Hard copies of Bids must be submitted in sealed envelopes, with the name and address of the bidder, and be clearly marked “Tender for Supply and Delivery of Digital Duplicators and Accessories for BNTF9 School Nationwide, Belize (BNTF9)” and must be delivered to the first address below no later than July 12, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. (Belize Time). Bids will be opened virtually at 10:15 a.m., July 12, 2021 at the Social Investment Fund, 3rd Floor, #1902 Constitution Drive, Belmopan, Cayo District in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to participate. The link is https://bit.ly/31ACuQU. Electronic bidding will not be permitted. Late bids will be rejected. All bids must be accompanied with a “Bid-Securing Declaration”. BSIF reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, and to annul the process and reject all bids, at any time prior to award of contract, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected prospective bidder(s) or any obligation to inform the affected prospective bidder(s) of the grounds for BSIF action. BSIF will not defray any costs incurred by any bidder in the preparation of bids.

1. Address for Inspection, Collection and Clarification of Bidding Documents, Bid Submission and Bid Opening

Contact: Mrs. Therese Arzu Procurement Officer Social Investment Fund 3rd Floor, #1902 Constitution Drive Belmopan Cayo District Tel: 822-0239/822-0508 E-mail: [email protected] Friday, July 2, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 35 Page 36 AMANDALABelize Friday, July 2, 2021 UN Security Council Press Stttatement on Haiti

The members of the Security peaceful environment, and to refrain humanitarian situation and Council expressed their appreciation Council reiterated their deep concern from any acts of or incitement to development needs. The members of for the work being done by the United regarding deteriorating political, violence. The members of the the Security Council also condemned Nations Integrated Office in Haiti security, and humanitarian conditions Security Council further stressed the increasing gang violence. (BINUH) towards a better future for in Haiti and stressed the primary importance of including women, The members of the Security Haiti. responsibility of the government of youth, persons with disabilities, and Haiti to address the situation. civil society in Haiti’s political The members of the Security processes. Council stressed the urgent need to The members of the Security Haitian journalist, activist killed hold free and fair legislative and Council reiterated their concern presidential elections in 2021. The regarding reported human rights members of the Security Council violations and abuses and called on in Port-au-Prince shootings urged all political stakeholders in the government of Haiti to hold those Haiti to set aside their differences and responsible accountable. The Killings come amid a surge in gang violence in the Haitian engage in meaningful dialogue in the members of the Security Council capital that has displaced thousands in recent weeks. interest of peace and stability, to stressed the need for increased ensure elections take place in a support and attention to Haiti’s New variants, same protocol, says PAHO

States, accounting for nearly 40% of positive COVID-19 test samples. Notably, this virus has also been recorded in the Caribbean and Latin American region; however, it has not been as widespread in the region as it is proving to be in the United States and Europe. Dr. Jairo Mendez, Emerging Variants Specialist, stated at the press briefing, “The Delta variant has been detected in our region; however to this point, it has been mainly linked to cases of travelers, and community transmission continues to be 30 Jun 2021 – Aljazeera President Jovenel Moise insisted that limited; whereas there are other A journalist and a political activist his term ends in February 2022 – variants which are the ones that are are among at least five people killed despite opposition groups, civil by Dayne Guy more widespread. It’s hard to predict in a spate of overnight shootings in society leaders and legal experts what will be the impact of the Delta Haiti’s capital Port-au-Prince, the agreeing it expired this year. Washington DC, USA, Wed., June 30, variant in our region. Variants such as government said on Wednesday, as a On Wednesday, Prime Minister 2021 Alpha, which has a high level of press freedom group urged Claude Joseph’s office released The Delta variant of the COVID-19 transmission, entered our region and authorities to conduct a thorough a statement expressing his virus, which has been spreading across they predominated just in a transient investigation. condolences over the recent killings. the globe and is reportedly more deadly manner in some countries, and they Images showing reporter Diego His office ordered Haitian and more transmissible than other were rapidly replaced by others such Charles lying dead on the ground and government ministries and the variants of the virus, was specifically as Gamma or the Lambda.” activist Antoinette Duclair in her car national police director to find the addressed in the latest press briefing The variant in question has also been circulated on Haitian social media. perpetrators and prosecute them. of the Pan-American Health reported in our neighbor to the north, Duclair was dropping Charles off at “These heinous crimes and Organization (PAHO). The variant was Mexico. During the weekly press his home when they were shot. reprehensible acts can in no case go initially identified in India back in briefing, Dr. Mendez noted that due to At least three other people were unpunished in a democratic society,” December 2020. It had later been Mexico’s solid surveillance networks, shot dead in the same neighbourhood the statement read. detected in the Americas around March it has been able to detect over 15 of Port-au-Prince, angering locals But Jacques Desrosiers, head of 2021. There remain a lot of concerns variants circulating throughout the who protested by burning tyres in the the Haitian Journalists Association, regarding this variant, for it continues country. It has been reported that the road. said he did not expect investigations to surge in European states and has also Delta variant has been recorded in three “We are investigating and call on to amount to much. “We are dismayed been identified as the most predominant Mexican states thus far — Quintana the authorities to conduct a thorough by this murder, which lengthens the strain of COVID-19 in the United Roo, Baja California and Mexico City, investigation,” the Committee to list of journalists killed in the past with the variant being most widespread Protect Journalists’ (CPJ) Americas three years,” Desrosiers said. in Mexico City. While it has not yet programme said on Twitter on “As they always do, judicial been confirmed, Belize has also Wednesday. authorities will announce identified a variant that is speculated The killings come amid a surge in investigations that lead nowhere,” he to be the Delta variant. This is expected gang violence in the Haitian capital added. “We are used to that.” to be confirmed on Friday, June 2, that has displaced thousands of In 2000, Haiti’s most prominent following gene sequencing exercises at families over the past month. journalist, Jean Dominique, was Baylor College. “Since the beginning of this year, murdered in a case that remains LIQUOR LICENSE Despite the issue of variants, the Pan insecurity has been escalating. But the unsolved. American Health Organization’s capital city is now facing an urban More recently, photojournalist NOTICE position remains the same in addressing guerrilla, with thousands of children Vladjimir Legagneur went to the now the spread of COVID-19. PAHO and women caught in the crossfire,” gang-plagued Martissant LIQUOR LICENCE NOTICE: asserts that existing public health Bruno Maes, UNICEF’s Haiti neighbourhood of the capital on a Notice is hereby given that measures are focused on reducing representative, said in mid-June. reporting assignment in 2018 and was NATASHA JOHNSON is applying transmission, regardless of which The uptick in violence is linked to never heard from again. for a Restaurant Liquor Licence, to variant is circulating. According to changing gang alliances and Investigations into the killing of two be operated at Reef View Restaurant PAHO experts, the existing safety territorial disputes, the UN Office for journalists in 2019 also have not and Beach Bar, 1743 Playa measures have proven to be effective. the Coordination of Humanitarian yielded any results. Asunción, Caye Caulker, under the These recommendations include the Affairs (UNOCHA) said. Intoxicating Liquor Licence wearing of masks, proper sanitization, The country has also experienced Article first published by Ordinance Revised Edition 2000. social distancing and vaccinations. months of political instability after Aljazeera. Friday, July 2, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 37 “Before you relax, get vax!” says MOHW (From page 1) by Dayne Guy vaccine are also being encouraged to get their second jab. BELIZE CITY, Wed. June 30, 2021 The Health Ministry is also On Wednesday, June 30, the assuring the public that it has an Ministry of Health and Wellness adequate supply of vaccines to unveiled its new vaccination outreach continue the vaccination process. program, which will be carried out Recently, in addition to receiving under the banner of the public 10,000 doses of the Chinese message, “Before you relax, get vax!” Sinopharm vaccine, and another The aim is to remind the Belizean allocation of vaccines from the public that vaccination remains the COVAX facility, the Government of key to saving lives and restoring the Belize also received 100,000 economy. AstraZeneca jabs through a donation The Health Ministry, through the from the Government of Mexico. The program, will be making an effort to Minister of Health and Wellness, increase the public’s knowledge Hon. Michel Chebat, also said that public health facility. He explained of BTB, or become a winner of a about the vaccination process and to the ministry is awaiting more than that all persons over 18 years of age national raffle courtesy of BTL. debunk “myths” about vaccines in 200,000 vaccines to be deployed and persons who have been The Ministry of Health and order to convince a larger portion of through COVAX and the African vaccinated less than 8 weeks ago Wellness will also be making the population to get vaccinated, Medical Supplies. qualify for a vaccine. Dr. Deysi vaccines more accessible for rural since the country will only reach the In light of all this, Minister Chebat Mendez, the CEO within the Health communities. Mendez noted that threshold necessary for herd has said, “July is the month for Ministry, also announced a giveaway testing and vaccinations remain free. immunity if at least 70% of the everyone to get vaccinated.” All exclusively for persons vaccinated in She concluded by saying, “Do your population is vaccinated. Those who groups are now eligible to receive the month of July. Those persons may part by getting fully vaccinated. have only received one dose of the vaccines countrywide from any qualify for a “staycation”, courtesy Vaccines are safe and effective.” COVID-19 update

BELIZE CITY, Thurs. July 1, 2021 this year. the vaccine will be mandated or persons were hospitalized. The Ministry of Health and Wellness He shared that the country is not...umm you know, we don’t need to On June 29, the team at the MOHW has relaunched its vaccination campaign scheduled to receive another batch of get there. If you see this crowd, if this found 38 new cases from a batch of under the theme, “Before you relax, get vaccines from the Covax facility crowd continues, we don’t need to get 1081 tests processed. Three new vax.” At this time all five phases of the sometime next week, and in August the there.” said Hon. Chebat. recoveries were logged. Five persons inoculation program are fully opened country will receive a shipment of the The data released by the Ministry of were hospitalized on that day, with one to the public. The Minister of Health Johnson and Johnson vaccine. He also Health and Wellness today shows a being admitted to an intensive care and Wellness, Hon. Michel Chebat, has mentioned that the Pfizer vaccine will total of 290 active cases of COVID-19 unit. declared July the month of vaccination. be procured for children between the currently within the country. Since the Over the weekend, from June 26 to He is now calling all citizens to make ages of 12 and 18. start of the pandemic, a total of 13,300 28, a total of 52 new Covid-19 cases arrangements to begin the inoculation And while the vaccination efforts confirmed cases of the virus have been were identified in the country from process. are being intensified by the identified in Belize, with around 1686 tests processed. A total of 33 While the full rollout of the Government of Belize, frontline 12,665 persons being classified as recoveries were logged and one vaccination campaign is good news for workers who still refuse to get recovered. person was admitted to an intensive the country, the fear of many has vaccinated will be subjected to A total of 329 fatalities due to the care unit. become a reality, with a Covid-19 biweekly testing from the Ministry of virus have been recorded, with 214 of And on Friday, June 25, 33 new variant being detected within the Health and Wellness if they do not get the persons who passed away being cases were found from a batch of 1358 country. At this time, health officials the jab sometime in July. male and 115 being female persons. On tests processed. A total of 17 are unable to pinpoint the exact variant, While the government has not July 1st, 49 new cases were found from recoveries were logged along with 3 but have said that they believe it may mandated Covid-19 vaccination among a batch of 924 tests. Eleven additional hospitalizations. be the dangerous Delta variant. That frontline workers, Prime Minister John recoveries were recorded and 7 active Internationally, the World Health strain of the Covid-19 virus is currently Briceno has said that it may be hospitalizations were logged. One Organization has recorded taking hold of the continental US and something that needs to be done to person required intensive care. 181,930,736 confirmed cases of Europe. bolster the number of vaccinated staff In Midway Village, Toledo, there COVID-19 since the start of the As was widely reported, the Delta within the public service. are signs of community spread, with pandemic; 3,945,832 deaths have been variant first emerged in India and fueled “In Cabinet, we spoke about it a bit, 19 cases being recorded in the small reported to WHO, and as of 1 July a second wave in that country which and I hope I am not speaking out of turn village in a single day, and a total of 2021, a total of 2,950,104,812 vaccine reached a calamitous level. Fortunately, here where we are talking about 27 cases being discovered in the doses have been administered. the situation appears to be stabilizing considering very seriously to ensure whole district. in that country currently. that all our frontline workers in The number of Our health officials have since sent government must get vaccinated; that new cases in samples to Baylor College for gene the BDF, police, immigration officers, all other sequencing in order to determine the customs officers, and all our districts were exact variant that is currently employees that have to deal with the single digits. circulating within the country. The public must get vaccinated. We are not On Minister of Health and Wellness, there yet, but we probably may have to Wednesday, Michel Chebat, has said that the country get there if we don’t see the numbers June 30, a total is prepared even in the event of the are going up quickly within the of 24 new detection of the Delta variant. government service,” the Prime cases were With the relaunch of the vaccination Minister said. identified from program, and the declaration that all In an interview today at a vaccination a batch of 957 persons over 18 years old are now center in Belmopan, Minister Chebat tests eligible to receive the vaccine, the also alluded to the possible need for processed. Six country today saw record numbers of mandatory vaccination. additional persons reaching out to vaccination “I think we have come to a point in recoveries centers to start their inoculation process. our country where we have to look at were logged, Minister Chebat hopes to reach at least what is the greater good of the country, with one ICU 30% to 40% of the population by this as opposed to individual good and admission September and to hit the 70% adult individual rights, and so while a final being immunization benchmark by the end of decision has not been made whether recorded. Five Page 38 AMANDALABelize Friday, July 2, 2021 11th amendment to block LPG companies sue convicts from House National Gas Co. Two decades later, Shyne is a first- Continued from Page 1 „ time elected member (UDP) of the Continued from Page 1 way we establish that they have these House of Representatives in Belize „ rights is because we show that they However, it has been reported that the who has orchestrated the ousting of the four claimants, which are Belize were already enjoying those rights. amendment will only be applicable the leader of his party, Patrick Faber, Western Energy, Western Gas There were things already there, and to persons who were convicted and and has taken the reins of the party, Company, Gas Tomza, and Southern the way we are saying it has been imprisoned in the Commonwealth. which he has vowed to rebuild. Choice Butane. breached is because when you As is well known, Hon. Moses In a release issued by his office, She asserts that her client’s created the monopoly, they are no Michael Levi Barrow, better known Barrow decried the proposal of the constitutional rights were breached by longer able to do these acts, they are internationally by his stage name 11th amendment calling it the Barrow administration’s enactment no longer to do business as they “Shyne”, was involved in a nightclub discriminatory, classist, and of legislation that designated NGC the did. We have been able to present this shooting in December 1999 and inhumane. He said that it is the PUP’s sole provider of butane in Belize — a evidence. NGC is the sole importer,” convicted in June 2001 while on the government’s attempt to criminalize commodity used by most households stated Matura. verge of releasing his debut recording the poor and disadvantaged. In his across the country. She further argued that market album. He was subsequently release he says,” Many of our youth “We sued. My clients brought a competition, and as a result, the best sentenced to ten years in prison and get into trouble with the law however constitutional claim against the possible prices for consumers, are not served almost the entire sentence the only difference between them and Government because it was the being realized due to the behind bars. the rich, powerful upper class, is they Government that did the secretive monopolization of the supply of this do not have the money and power to definitive agreement that was later important commodity. get away with their crimes.” discovered after they then passed the “Who brings in the product He adds,” This highlights the legislation for the NGC to operate as determines the price. There is no way, prevalent problem in our country. a monopoly, and since then have been two ways about that. If my four clients The Southside youths and other poor passing different piece of legislations were bringing their products, they people are left to commit crimes and that the Belizean public doesn’t seem would have brought it in at different kill each other with no genuine to be aware that keeps ensuring that prices and could have competed. What attempt by the PUP government to the monopoly becomes very wealthy the government has done and refused rehabilitate them. Instead, the 11th and the Belizean people are paying for to explain to us is that they have Amendment is an attempt to it. Now, our constitutional claim is that refused to define what is wholesale; criminalize the poor in perpetuity.” our clients have not been treated they say the prices are fixed, but the We understand that other criteria equally before the law, because a S.I. doesn’t say it is fixed. They keep for disqualification will also be special law was made for another raising prices, but they don’t tell us included in the new constitutional group,” Matura stated. on what basis these price increases amendment on Friday. We will have She said that instead of being given are, because many times the more on this story when the an equal opportunity under the law to international prices are not increased, amendments are tabled. engage in the sale of butane in a so I don’t know how they can say NGC competitive environment, her clients is not a part of the market. You cannot were excluded under the new law put buy from anyone else except NGC,” in place by the previous government. Matura said. MOHW officials suspect Delta These four companies which are bringing the lawsuit are, as mentioned, variant in Belize former importers of butane, and the parent companies of some of these SIB releases enterprises are outside Belize. Continued from Page 1 cases. Nonetheless, Matura is asserting that 2018 poverty „ Currently, the Covid-19 Delta their right to work in the trade of overseas to identify the specific variant. variant is wreaking havoc in many importing butane was violated when As we previously reported in this countries across the world. Recently, the government created the NGC. She study newspaper, the Delta variant is the World Health Organization (WHO) added that their constitutional right to currently the most contagious of the warned that countries in the southern work was also violated. Continued from Page 6 SARS-CoV2 virus strains and has part of the globe are seeing a rise in “We are seeking that they find that „ brought countries like India and Brazil cases that may be attributed to the their constitutional rights were poverty and the highest indigence rate, to their knees. spread of the Delta variant. breached and that as a result of that at 64% and 18% respectively. In the region, the Caribbean Public The Delta variant is estimated to be breach they have suffered damages, In 2018, the study found that almost Health Agency is currently reporting 20-60% more transmissible than the financial damages. But also, we want 43% of elderly persons were living in that there is community spread of the Alpha variant and may cause more that they find that once their poverty, with the poverty rate of elderly virus in 54% of the member states of severe symptoms. Reports are that constitutional rights were breached ones who live with family members CARICOM, adding that all three persons infected with this variant are that those legislations that created the being 46%. Around 12% of elderly COVID-19 variants of concern have two times more likely to be monopoly be quashed and they be persons living alone were found to be been reportedly identified among the hospitalized, and there are indications allowed to import,” stated Matura. critically poor. 26 member states. that life-saving treatment like The desired result — the end game Lastly, the SIB found that while the During an event marking the relaunch monoclonal antibody infusions are less that these companies are aiming for— level of income inequality was not of Belize’s Covid-19 vaccination effective in countering the deadly is thus a reversion of the butane market extreme in the country, it had increased campaign, the Minister of Health and effects of this variant. to the way it was before the creation since those levels of inequality were Wellness, Michel Chebat, remarked, The variant was first identified in of the new company. measured in 2009. The SIB used the “In terms of where the variants were Maharashtra, India, in October 2020 Matura believes that she has GINI index to estimate that level of detected, the local experts believe that and spread to at least 85 countries presented to the court substantial inequality. it could be the Delta strain, but it is across 6 regions. Six Caribbean reasons for such a market reversion. “The 2018 Poverty Study also only a belief. As I said before, the countries are said to have detected this She said that she has presented a estimated the level of income inequality swabs have been sent to Baylor variant, which has caused more than plethora of evidence on behalf of her in the country using the GINI Index or College, and once they are able to 90% of the new cases in the UK recently clients, while the defendants have Coefficient. The coefficient ranges from confirm, then we will be able to come and is the dominant strain in India. submitted merely affidavits with very 0 to 1, with 0 representing no inequality back to the Belizean public and confirm The variant is described by experts limited substance. and 1 representing complete inequality. the variant that has been detected. It has as a double-spike mutation of the “Basically what we are showing is As Figure 6 shows, the GINI Index in been detected in several parts of the COVID-19 virus, which includes an that we are showing a history that our 2018 was 0.49, indicating that the level country. One person was detected from L452R mutation that is said to increase clients were here over thirty years of income inequality in the country was Ladyville; we have detected it in the infectivity, while the P681R mutation ago.” Matura said to local media. not extreme. However, it should be south in the Stann Creek District and is said to increase transmissibility. The “It is a lot of documentation, but noted that the level of income inequality also in the Orange Walk District.” Delta variant is also said to have a basically we are just trying to prove has increased since 2009 when the Hon. Chebat also said that contract T478K mutation that leads to the escape to the court that these people had these GINI Index was at 0.38,” the SIB report tracing has already begun for these of antibodies. rights under the Constitution and the states. Friday, July 2, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 39 Belize Celebrates Leopold’s lust for ivory

International Fisherfolk Day Of the riches Leopold hoped to find false teeth. in the Congo, the one that gleamed most Despite the long distances ivory had brightly in his imagination was ivory. to be carried from the elephant ranges by Dayne Guy European and American merchants far inland, it was attractive to dealers were already eagerly buying African all the way along the line because, like BELIZE CITY, Tues. June 29, ivory in the markets of Zanzibar. drugs or precious metals, it had high 2021 Because it could be easily carved, value and low bulk. The hundred Today, Belize joined fellow ivory in the nineteenth century was a pounds of ivory in an average pair of CARICOM countries in more rare and expensive version of elephant tusks could make hundreds celebrating Caribbean Fisherfolk what plastic is today, with the added of piano keys or thousands of false Day, and Ms. Maria Allen of cachet of having an exotic origin -- a teeth. Ivory dealers preferred African Caye Caulker was named the cachet that grew greater with the elephant tusks to Indian, and the country’s Fisher of the Year as European public’s idolization of elephants of equatorial Africa, which part of the day’s activities. African explorers. included the Congo basin, tended to Caribbean Fisherfolk Day is Ivory from elephant tusks was have the largest tusks of all. Stanley observed annually, and this year shaped into knife handles, billiard had found ivory so plentiful that it was the theme for the day is “Better balls, combs, fans, napkin rings, piano used for doorposts in African homes. Care for a Better Share,” which and organ keys, chess pieces, highlights the need for more crucifixes, snuffboxes, brooches, and - from pgs. 63 and 64, KING sustainable management of statuettes. In a faint echo of its original LEOPOLD’S GHOST, by Adam fisheries resources. use to the elephant, it was made into Hochschild, Houghton Mifflin, 1999 This day has historically been celebrated as the feast day of St. Peter, the patron saint of New COVID-19 fishermen. Because of the religious significance of this day, regattas, expos and other measures announced festivities are often organized to Continued from Page 1 Starting Sunday, the maximum commemorate the day. The day „ duration of church services will be 1 now provides an occasion to concerns that the country might hour, and the number of persons within honor and recognize local experience a third COVID-19 wave. the church should not exceed 50% of fisherfolk. These fisherfolk often The measures have been incorporated its holding capacity. The Minister serve as the primary producers in amendments to the current Statutory further requested that churches cordon of marine products. Maria Allen, Fisher of the year 2021 Instrument (SI) which outlines COVID- off every other pew to ensure A release from the Ministry of 19 safety protocols and will become compliance with the new capacity Blue Economy stated, “In 2020, there effective Sunday, July 4. requirements. The amendment will were a total of 3,188 licensed fishers collectively generated US$17.25 The first major amendment in the SI also limit restaurants to operating at and 871 licensed fishing vessels million in exports for the year 2020 puts in place requirements for stringent 75% capacity in outdoor dining engaged in small-scale commercial — a significant contribution to the surveillance of frontline workers, locations and 50% capacity when fishing.” The fisheries sector gross domestic product. which, Musa said, is a category of dining takes place indoors — provided workers that includes, not only that they have a free flow of air in the healthcare personnel (doctors and establishment and it is properly BDF destroys illegal nurses) and law enforcement officers ventilated. (police officers, military personnel), In light of the fact that a number of but also teachers and school cases have been traced to business structure in Adjacency Zone administrators, tour guides, tour process outsourcing centers (BPO’s), operators and other tourism personnel, these enterprises must now operate at Continued from Page 1 the men and women of the force. as well as owners/employees of 50% capacity. Minister Musa „ The release also called attention restaurants, casino workers and those encouraged BPO managers to promote Martinez Lara, is said to be a long- to the apparent incompetence of the involved in religious services (i.e. remote working as a means to reduce time encroacher on Belizean territory. OAS in dealing with the constant pastors and priests). interaction and thus the risk of However, the BDF is being accused incursions by Guatemalans into Frontline personnel are encouraged transmission of the virus. of departing from the protocols that Belizean territory. to get vaccinated within the month of To ensure that these establishments were put in place by the Organization “While the OAS continues to sleep July. Starting August 1, the amendment are in compliance with the new of American States (OAS) to facilitate at the wheels, the BPP applauds the will require persons within the amendments, the Ministry of Home the removal of persons living in the recent actions of the BDF in aforementioned categories, who are not Affairs will be reinstating an Adjacency Zone. addressing the blatant and persistent inoculated against the coronavirus, to arrangement through which Justices of Reports by Guatemalan media illegal incursions along the Belize present a negative COVID-19 test every the Peace will be overseeing the widely publicized the incident, and border. These incursions are outright two weeks. compliance of restaurants with the new classified the actions of the BDF as violations of national and Minister Musa also noted that the regulations. This will ensure that there being arbitrary and outside the rules international laws. Illegal settlements nightly curfew period from Thursday is no violation of social distancing established by the OAS. and natural resources exploitation to Saturday will be extended by 1 hour. protocols. The JPs will liaise with the Guatemalan reports are that the undermines the integrity of our The curfew on these days will start at Police Department to ensure that Departmental Governor of Peten precious natural resources while 11 p.m. and last until 4 a.m. the persons and establishments which visited Lara on behalf of Guatemalan consuming the already stretched following morning. From Sunday violate the rules, are ticketed/fined president Alejandro Giammattei and resources of the BDF,” stated the through to Wednesday, the curfew will accordingly. took him grocery items. release. remain the same — starting at 10 p.m. Policing remains a key part of An official statement has still not The release further called on the and ending at 4:00 a.m. Minister Musa enforcing the COVID-19 protocols. been released by the BDF in regard OAS to “wake up” and urged the also pointed out that Belize is not the Minister Musa explained that the Police to this recent incident, but reports are organization to carry out its duties by only country which is putting in place Department will be taking a more stern that the order which resulted in the stopping these illegal incursions and a curfew to restrict the spread of approach in enforcement of the law. destruction of the home, was issued ensuring fairness and adherence to the COVID-19. He noted that a fellow Minister Musa noted that over the past directly from the BDF Headquarters rule of law. It further stated, “The call CARICOM country, Jamaica, has even few weeks, over 108 tickets for to the 2nd Lieutenant of the 2nd is also to ensure that the Guatemalan stricter measures in place, and that it violations were issued for failure to Infantry Battalion, who carried out the counterparts respect and adhere to the requires persons to be at home by 2:00 wear masks or social distancing. The mission. rules of the Adjacency Zone.” p.m. on Sundays. Police Department further issued two Today, the Belize Progressive At the conclusion of the release, The Minister of Home Affairs then summons to establishments in Orange Party released a statement in which the BPP called on the government to referred to measures that will affect the Walk for encouraging the gathering of the party commended the efforts of properly equip the BDF to do their activities and operations of churches, a large number of persons. He stated the BDF and indicated that they job along the borders. restaurants and Business Process that it is a collective effort to prevent continue to stand in solidarity with Outsourcing (BPO) offices. the spread of COVID-19. Page 40 AMANDALABelize Friday, July 2, 2021