Sunday, January 16, 2011 Capital Weekly Page 1 No. 001 Capital Sunday, Januar Weeklyy 16, 2011 Price: $1.00 From the Heart of the Nation to the Soul of the People

No. 001 Sunday, January 16, 2011 Price: $1.00 NotNot AA RedRed CentCent ForFor TheThe WhitedWhited Sepulchre!Sepulchre! GOB will Continue to Resist Paying Arbitration Award

s the old year will continue now to do so, came to an end, certain in the knowledge that ABelizeans were re- this is a campaign of, by, and minded of the enormous cost for, the people. an entire nation is being forced Mr Barrow was, in effect, to pay as a result of the irre- answering the question raised sponsible actions of a few un- in the local media as to whether principled and unpatriotic poli- or not his government would ticians, those who led the last be appealing this latest ruling administration. on the matter by the retiring Su- The painful reminder came preme Court Judge. The an- in the form of a judgement swer, of course, is an emphatic handed down by retiring Su- “YES!” preme Court Justice John Further expounding on his Lord Michael Ashcroft, Muria upholding an arbitartion Prime Minister Dean Barrow government’s decision to ap- Defending the Interest of the Modern-day Slave Master and award of $ 43 Million which a Belizean People Enemy of the Belizean People peal, Prime Minister Barrow London Tribunal Court had told Channel Seven News last ordered the Belize Govern- Message, the Prime Minister paying their just taxes to Be- Wednesday, “We are going to ment to pay the British Carib- stated,“This award was in lize. It was as with the simi- appeal it naturally. The ap- bean Bank and Belize Bank, connection with a grossly im- larly outrageous telecommu- peal will be filed this week, I owned by British Billionaire moral, grossly illegal “Settle- nications Accommodation would think by tomorrow, cer- Lord Michael Ashcroft who, ment Deed” made by the last Agreement also given to tainly not later than Friday needless to say, is all too ea- administration. Under that Ashcroft by the PUP. And this and we are going to be ask- ger to collect. accord, Ashcroft’s billion dol- government decided, from the ing for a stay of execution Well, not so fast, says lar banking conglomerates start and in the name of sov- while the appeal is being Prime Minister Dean Barrow. were, contrary to law, ex- ereign justice, to resist unto the In his 2011 New Year’s Day empted in perpetuity from skies this serial perfidy. We (Continued on page 8) Belize Economy Rebounds Highest Growth Rate in Caribbean It is said that a good news that Belize’s Netherlands Antilles (0.8%).” New Year, if Economy is on the rebound, The Prime Minister noted nothing else, and sustainably so. In fact, as that the figures for Belize’s invariably brings the Prime Minister noted, third quarter are in and the hope. Well, for Belize’s economic growth rate Statistical Institute has revised Belizeans the hope over the past year has been the that mid-year preliminary that the New Year highest in the entire Caribbean, assessment of 3.5% growth (2011) brings is not a trend that, by all projections, down to a confirmed growth a vain one, but is expected to continue into the rate of 2.4% for the period up hope based on New Year. to September. “But we are tangible evidence The Prime Minister quoted still ahead of the pack,” he that prosperity is from the Caribbean Centre for maintained, “and the Central right around the Money and Finance, which Bank of Belize’s forecast for corner. stated, “in the first half of this coming year is yet more In his 2011 New 2010 most Caribbean encouraging. That forecast is Year’s Message countries reported negative or for 3.7% growth in 2011.” Prime Minister low growth rates, the Belize, like the rest of the Prime Minister Dean Barrow Dean Barrow exceptions being Belize Minister of Finance confirmed the (3.5%), Guyana and the (Continued on page 10) Page 2 Capital Weekly Sunday, January 16, 2011 No Amnesty at this Editorial time, says PM Barrow Greetings and Welcome! would have to wait 5 years to become nationals. There has In this the first edition of Capital Weekly, been this great hue and cry we take the opportunity to wish you a about this. Prosperous New Year; and we are pleased to I am here to tell you today welcome you to this first installment of what, that while we still believe that God willing, will be a weekly publication. that ultimately has to be Emanating from the Nation’s Capital, done—it’s a practical thing to Belmopan, this newspaper will report on, and do—it’s all a matter of timing. address any and all issues affecting the Nation We have not had the money and its People. We will not confine ourselves Prime Minister Dean Barrow to do it here before because it to politics, but neither will we avoid it. We will will require additional staff; That the government has it will require a fair amount be guided by the wisdom of the elderly, and been contemplating an fuelled by the energy of the young. of additional expenditure. amnesty program to regularize In terms of this 2011 Even the name and address of the undocumented immigrants publication (Capital Weekly) shall NOT limit us, agenda which is seriously living in Belize is no secret or concentrating on spending on for even as we report on local happenings in rumour, although there has the Capital City, we will NOT abandon the Old infrastructure and pro-poor been much rumour-mongering programs, we will not have Capital; and there will certainly always be a over how many immigrants it the money; so that is officially special place in our hearts for Culture Capital, would affect and what exactly shelved.” the municipality located in the district in which would be the status those The communities we were born and bred. persons would attain under the surrounding Belmopan have Because we love this Country, we will program, whether permanent one of the largest immigrant without reservation or apology applaud and residency or full nationality. populations in the country, support anyone or anything that seeks to This week, the Prime many of whom are still not protect, preserve or promote the best interest Minister cleared up all that in documented. They would of the Nation and its People. Nor will we an interview with Channel naturally benefit from such a hesitate in pronouncing our strongest Seven News. program whenever it occurs. condemnation against those who by their An Immigration Amnesty words or deeds have declared themselves will have to happen at some enemies of Belize and of the Belizean People. point, but it apparently won’t Capital Weekly be anytime soon, the Prime From the Heart of the Nation And, while we will always uphold the principles To the Soul of the People and ethics of clean and objective journalism, Minister said. where a good old-fashion beating is deserved, Here is the full text of his Published By: we shall pull no punches. comments to Channel Seven Roots & Rhythm Ltd. We welcome every perspective on the on the matter: 15 Gibnut Street issues, every account or interpretation of the “There was never any Belmopan program contemplated that events and developments, but if your agenda Editor & Business would have given anybody is anything but noble and patriotic, don’t waste and Sales Manager: your time writing us for you simply won’t be nationality. Wilbourne Cuthkelvin afforded an outlet through these pages. What was contemplated Finally, we are no saints, but it’s our very was a program to give Chairman permanent residence to some Editorial Board: frailty as humans that constrains us most of Delroy Cuthkelvin all to acknowledge the power and supremacy people who are here admittedly illegally; similar to of the Almighty, and to promote and defend what Jorge Espat did in the the godly ideals which represent the only real Telephone: last PUP administration. hope and inspiration to forever strive to be the 610-1284 So you were never talking best we can as individuals, as a people and a about creating voters; they Email: nation. would have to get their [email protected] Greetings, Welcome, and God Bless! permanent residence and they Sunday, January 16, 2011 Capital Weekly Page 3 “Taking the Bull By its Horns” PM Hammers Out New Deal for Belizean Tender Operators But Cruise Line Representatives Equivocate e’s certainly no time tender operator. Messiah—and that Longsworth would therefore Hwould be blasphemy— be leading negotiations for the but Prime Minister Dean Barrow is new proposed contract with as much a saviour these days as is Carnival and other cruise humanly possible. He’s certainly companies, since according to the promising no miracles, and the PM the Government would want latest challenge proves there’s no to see that Belizean entity fulfil easy fix, as hopes have been such a mandate not only for raised, then dashed, then raised Carnival Cruise but for all cruise again with guarded optimism. companies operating, or wishing First the Prime Minister had to to operate in Belize. In fact those rescue the Sugar Industry, negotiations would begin right providing an emergency loan and away as representatives of the forging a memorandum of cruise companies were coming to understanding that has brought Prime Minister Hon. Dean Barrow at Monday’s Press Conference Belize that very same day for a remarkable improvement in quality The Government learnt of the had gotten a commitment from the meeting of the Florida Caribbean and efficiency. Then he moved in plans on January 4, 2011, although cruise company to delay the Cruise Association. to save the day for the Corozal according to Carnival Cruise they implementation of the new policy The PM also announced that Commercial Free Zone, putting in had given notice as early as late for an “appropriate period” the he would talk to the DFC about place temporary arrangements to August, 2010 to their main tender exact length of which has not yet possible financing to enable the resolve the foreign exchange crisis provider, Euro Caribe. been fully determined. new Belizean entity to fully and securing a permanent solution Considering that the Secondly, they were able to establish and equip itself with the through the Bank of America. immediate implementation of such secure an agreement, in principle, appropriate number and size of Now the Prime Minister is at it new policy would result in the that the cruise company would vessels and whatever else is again, “taking the bull by the displacement of roughly 120 seek to enter into a new contract necessary to meet the new horns”(in the words of one tour persons employed by 10 with a 100 percent Belizean entity standards being set by the cruise operator) in an attempt to stave off independent Belizean tender made up of all the current tour companies. an impending crisis of another sort operators, the Prime Minister took operators that are interested in All interested tender operators in the Cruise Tourism Industry, with off to Miami two days later, on participating, providing the were present at the Press the hope of securing a long-term January 6, to discuss the new policy government could successfully Conference, and the Prime Minister deal to preserve the stake and with Carnival Cruise with the view persuade them to come together availed himself of the opportunity livelihood of Belizeans involved in of delaying its implementation and and form such an entity, and to applaud them for their prompt the industry. securing a workable long-term providing that such an entity decision and resolve. It has become one of the arrangement that would protect would be able to make the kind of The compliments were hottest issues in the news circuit, the livelihood of those Belizeans. investment to meet the new abundantly reciprocated as tour the fact that Carnival Cruise, the The Prime Minister was standards being set by the cruise operator, Tom Greenwood, company that brings the most accompanied on his trip by Minister company. speaking on behalf of his

One of Carnival Cruise Line’s Ships One of Royal Caribbean Cruise Line’s Ships ships into Belizean waters, had of Tourism Manuel Heredia, newly The Prime Minister said that federation, congratulated and announced plans to introduce new named CEO in that Ministry, upon returning home he and his thanked the Prime Minister for, in corporate policy requiring all Lindsey Garbutt and Director of the team immediately met with those his words, “taking the bull by the tender operators to transport Belize Tourism Board Seleni Matus. operators to present to them the horns”. He said they are pleased that passengers in vessels with a Upon his return, the Prime new proposal, and the operators there seems to be a way forward, maximum capacity of 150 persons, Minister on Monday held a press quickly resolved to take up the and he thanked the PM for his and stipulating that all tenders be conference to report on the offer. Such an entity is therefore decision and determination “to insured by a US based agency for progress they had made. The Prime being formed and is being headed make every effort to ensure that US $2 Million. Minister reported that, firstly, they by Stanley Longsworth, a long- (Continued on page 18) Page 4 Capital Weekly Sunday, January 16, 2011 G-O-B Saves J-O-Bs

Prime Minister Hon. Dean Barrow Joey Montalvo and Alfredo Ortega signing on behalf of Signing Memorandum of Understanding BSI and Cane Farmers’ Association respectively

It is often said that a penny saved in early December, but the overall and to meet its operating costs for addressed. is a penny earned. If that same financial problem was the the crop which was about to begin, So, if the two issues were so theory about money holds true for culmination of a number of chronic that cost also including first payment inextricably linked, why not directly employment, then it could well be issues having to do with efficiency to farmers for the new crop, attach the resolution of one to the said that a job saved is as good as a and accountability. The full story is proceeds from which would not resolve to address the other. There job created. one for another time. materialize until the raw sugar again what proved particularly In that respect, it can be said For now, what the industry produced is shipped and sold invaluable was the brilliant that the current administration needed immediately in order to abroad. leadership of Prime Minister Dean under the leadership of Prime survive was some hard cash and With the issue of securing the Barrow and other members of his Minister Hon. Dean Barrow has some hard decisions about the immediate cash being settled, at Cabinet, including Deputy Prime created over Seven Thousand jobs delivery of cane to the factory, least in principle, the more long- Minister Gaspar Vega, who’s in the northern part of the country about how its quality would be term issue of making the industry intimate knowledge and acquired through the decisive actions it took monitored and assured. more efficient and therefore viable, tact had proven instrumental two towards the end of last year, 2010. To cut a long story short, The hang in the air. In fact, the years ago in brokering a deal to ease Those actions have to do with Government of Belize, in the person government knew from the start, tensions sparked by the now two vital industries, one of them of Prime Minister Dean Barrow, and all other parties readily agreed, infamous ‘core sampler’. Again, traditional, the other relatively new, stepped in to save the day, providing that a resolution of the former issue that’s a story for another time, and but both of which the people of the the immediate cash needed through was inextricably tied to the decision we’ll leave it for exactly that. northern districts have become an emergency loan of 10 Million to address the latter. Or, to put it And so, after bringing together heavily dependent on for their which the Prime Minister promptly another way, finding a solution to all stakeholders and trashing out livelihood, and both of which were took to the House of the immediate financial crisis only the issues, Prime Minister Barrow facing financial crises of different Representatives for its speedy made sense if the long-term issue called a press conference on sorts. approval. of quality and efficiency were Tuesday, November 23, 2010, We’re speaking, of course, about That would be complemented addressed. flanked by Hon. Gaspar Vega and the Sugar Industry and the Corozal by another 10 Million to be advanced Indeed, the chronic issues had, other members of his Cabinet as Commercial Free Zone. to BSI by Tate and Lisle who are the in effect, become a short-term issue well as representatives of the cane Sugar Industry traditional purchasers of raw sugar since the present crop could well farmers and the management of BSI, The immediate problem from Belize. That would take care of become the last—as BSI Manager to announce that the Government facing the Sugar Industry was a lack the 20 Million which BSI needed to Joey Montalvo put it— if these was going to provide the emergency of operating finances to begin the meet its third payment obligations chronic issues of quality and sugar crop scheduled to commence to the farmers for the previous crop, efficiency were not immediately (Continued on page 5)

Prime Minister Hon. Dean Barrow Deputy PM Hon. Gaspar Vega BSI Managing Director Joey Montalvo Alfredo Ortega Chairman, Cane Farmers Association Sunday, January 16, 2011 Capital Weekly Page 5 G-O-B Saves J-O-Bs

Continued from Page 4 to eventually loan of 10 Million and that a crystallizing the memorandum of understanding had efforts of all been forged between all those who met stakeholders in the industry for over the past immediate implementation of two days, measures to ensure greater crystallizing efficiency for the long-term survival those on of the industry. That agreement paper.” was, in fact, signed by all It was yet to stakeholders at the said press be seen if what conference. had been put Signing for the Government of on paper would Belize was the Prime Minister actually himself, Hon. Dean Barrow; for BSI translate on its Managing Director Joey the ground into Montalvo, and for the Cane Farmer’s the improved Association the Chairman of its quality and management committee, Alfredo efficiency that Ortega. everyone In making the announcement agreed was Belize Sugar Industires (BSI) Factory at Tower Hill and signing the memorandum of critical to the understanding, Prime Minister survival of the industry. And the new deliver cane of the purest possible churning out quality sugar in a Barrow proclaimed with confidence, resolve and commitment could only grade to the factory. remarkably cost efficient manner. “I think it is worth taking that kind of be tested if the crop delivery season Jules Vasquez of Channel Seven A comparative analysis of the a risk given the stakes that are commenced. That, of course, could News commented, “On this day no input of cane and the output of sugar involved, given that the livelihood of only occur if BSI was able to draw core sampler was needed because shows that the factory is now at least eighteen thousand persons down on the emergency loan from what we saw, the farmers are processing only 9.94 tons of cane to is on the line.” provided by the government, doing their part to ensure that there produce one ton of sugar. Compare is not a collapse. They delivered cane this with the average output before of a visibly improved quality; it was the days of Belcogen, which was 15 green, robust, without the usual tons of cane to produce one ton of leaves, roots and mud; and it was not sugar, and you can see the burnt.” remarkable improvement in quality In an interview with Channel and cost efficiency. Seven News, the Chairman of the In fact, the quality is even better Cane Farmers Association’s than the target that it was agreed Committee of Management stated, needed to be met, which was set at “Our commitment is to bring clean, 10 tons of cane to produce one ton fresh and mature material to the of sugar. As a result, the company factory. As you can see from these has in the first three weeks trucks that are delivering cane at this produced 6.4 thousand tons of sugar moment, the cane is very clean for rather than the 6 thousand tons Trucks delivering cane to BSI Factory at Tower Hill the first time in about 20 years. It is which is the target that was set. If For their part, representatives something it could not do until it the first time in 20 years that we are this trend continues until the end of of both the Cane farmers Association was granted a waiver by the foreign bringing this quality of cane, and the crop period, stakeholders in the and BSI publicly thanked and financial institution to which it was farmers are committed to that. We industry say that for the entire congratulated the Prime Minister indebted. are committed on our side to do all season the factory would have for his bold and decisive action to Again it was the relentless that is in our power so that we can produced 116 Thousand Tons of rescue the industry. efforts of Prime Minister Barrow deliver this material clean and fresh Sugar rather than the 100 Thousand Mr. Oretga, the cane farmers’ which secured that waiver in a timely to the factory. The other side is the tons which is the target for the year. representative, told Mr. Barrow, manner, allowing BSI to draw down milling that the factory needs to do Again, this has all been achieved “Prime Minister, I thank you very on the emergency loan and kick off so that we can achieve the quality of as a result of the memorandum of much for your intervention in this the season for the delivery and sugar we are looking for.” understanding forged by the Barrow regard and I hope that we have, for processing of sugar cane. One month later, the farmers Administration. Clearly with this many years to come, a viable sugar Though a little late, the season are still living up to their kind of performance the industry is industry that will give the benefit to got off to a promising start on commitment to maintain the high poised to survive and prosper. It’s a the nation of Belize.” December 15, 2010. As Channel standard as agreed to in the signed classic case of making good out of a BSI’s Managing Director, Joey Seven News reported in its newscast memorandum of understanding bad situation, or as Prime Minister Montalvo stated, “I would like to that evening, the quality of the cane brokered by Prime Minister Hon. Barrow once put it, bringing triumph thank the Prime Minister for leading being delivered was remarkably Dean Barrow and his Government. out of tribulation. the way through to this momentous improved. The farmers were clearly And because they are now event, leading the process through living up to their commitment to delivering quality cane, BSI is (Continued on Page 7) Page 6 Capital Weekly Sunday, January 16, 2011 2008 to 2010 and Beyond NEMO Attains Excellence in Disaster Management Government Spends over 17 Million on Relief, Recovery and Reconstruction level of efficiency and clothed; 290 homes repaired $40,000. Flooding was again effectiveness has been and 15 new ones built; a major issue early in 2010, achieved under the household items provided for as 212 persons in 6 villages in leadership of the Honourable 500 families, and all Toledo were impacted in Melvin Hulse, although he vulnerable homes along the January; and in May, 200 will be the first to contend Mopan, Macal and Belize persons were affected in 4 that he is no Mr. NEMO and Rivers lifted and placed on 8 villages also in Toledo as a that NEMO in its truest sense foot columns, all costing the result of Tropical Storm is not a person or department government a total of 6.5 Agatha in the Pacific. In both or agency, but rather a Million. instances, food and other concept which requires the In 2009, the country supplies were provided, Hon. Melvin Hulse, Minister of National full commitment and received its most destructive costing the government over Emergency Management participation of every earthquake in recorded $10,000 thousand. ministry, department, history, affecting 5,000 In 2010, the Hurricane s we begin the New agency, organization and persons in 10 villages in Stann Season (a very busy one) Year, we must recall individual working in concert Creek and Toledo, and brought Tropical Storm Alex, Ahow in 2010, as in for the safety and wellbeing damaging essential public impacting 30,000 persons in the two previous years, our of all citizens and infrastructure. Water 93 villages, costing $12,000 Prime Minister, our communities. systems were repaired and to provide food, material and Government and our What he has also been reconstructed in Sarawee, other supplies; Tropical Storm National Emergency quick to point out, as he did Hopkins, Sittee River, Seine Karl, causing floods in Management Organization in a statement to the National Bight, Placencia, Northern Belize, affecting responded with incredible Assembly in November 2010, Independence, Bella Vista and 30,000 thousand persons speed to address the is that none of this could be Monkey River; and 34 new and costing over $12,000 in suffering and meet the needs achieved without the homes were rebuilt, all relief supplies; Tropical Storm of Belizeans affected by commitment of the Prime costing the government a Paula, with flooding affecting natural disasters. Minister who has had to find total of 1.5 Million. 300 persons in 4 villages also 2010 was one of the most the monies to assist Belizeans That same year, a in Northern Belize, costing challenging years where every time they have been combination of fire and $10,000 in relief supplies; natural disasters are affected by natural disasters. garbage created a disaster of and Tropical Storm Matthew, concerned, but it was also the It all started in 2008 with a different kind in Belize City flooding Southern Belize, year when the Government, Tropical Storm Arthur, which as the burning dump site, affecting 150,000 people in through the National affected over 36,000 people affecting thousands of the City and 20 villages, Emergency Management in 29 villages in the Stann residents with unbearable requiring over $60,000 in Organization attained its Creek and Belize districts. smoke and exposing them to relief supplies. highest level of efficiency, Food, clothing, household dangerous chemicals, had to Then came the big one— providing swift relief and items and supplies were be brought under control, Hurricane Richard on assistance to everyone provided for 6,000 persons; costing the government October 24—impacting impacted, utilizing the new homes built for 34 another half a million. Stann Creek, Cayo and Belize experience of three years to families; and damaged In July of that year, severe Districts, affecting more than perfect the process of schools repaired, all costing a flooding affected 100 persons 192,000 people in 53 villages, recovery and rebuilding. total of 2.5 Million. in 4 villages in Toledo District, two cities and one town. It is in stark contrast to the Then there was Tropical and in September, 60 persons For a storm of such days under the last Depression 16, impacting in Las Flores, Belmopan, all of magnitude, the response was administration when 37,000 persons in 113 them being provided with remarkably swift, 5,000 everyone kept looking for villages throughout the six food, clothing and other relief “Mr. NEMO” and he was districts. 10,000 persons supplies, costing the nowhere to be found. This were sheltered, fed and government an additional (Continued on page 8) G-O-BSunday, January 16, 2011 Saves Capital Weekly J-O-Bs Page 7

(Continued from Page 5) thousands of jobs on the line.

Commercial Free Zone Again, the Prime Minister came Near the end of 2010, another to the rescue and worked out both major job creator in the North, the a temporary fix and a long-term Corozal Commercial Free Zone was solution. The temporary solution facing its own crisis. enabled the Central Bank of Belize The free zone’s problem had to to transfer to the Federal Reserve do with the unavailability of Bank in New York the backlog of foreign currency. Business in the US currency that had been building zone was in serious trouble as the up in the system. The permanent Central Bank lost its correspondent banking solution is the replacement of relationship with HSBC Bank HSBC with the Bank of America, Economic Activity in the Corozal Commercial Free Zone which had to terminate all foreign which could only happen after the currency cash operations in Central bank had conducted the required America. What this meant for due diligence. businesses in the free zone was Pablo Marin Stands Strong that they had nowhere to bank all By resolving the foreign the US dollars that they collected currency crisis, the Prime Minister Wins landslide victory in their daily business. There was and his government had in effect a backlog of US 18 Million being saved the jobs of almost 3,000 This is NO time for Change, held up since October 2010, and seems to be the message coming out businesses in the free zone were Belizeans who are employed in the of the Corozal Bay Standard Bearer unable to pay off the people from Corozal Commercial Free Zone, Convention for the ruling United whom they credit their supplies. producing another sigh of relief Democratic Party, as the Area This was, in effect, putting from the people of the North. Representative for that constituency and Minster of Health Hon. Pablo Marin gave his two opponents a sound Free Zone Rebounds and devastating thrashing last Sunday, January 9, 2011. From Economic Recession In what was by any account a convention with an impressive Imports Up by 32 Percent turnout, Marin scored a massive count of 1663 votes, leaving his Imports for 2010 were over 270 closest rival behind with only 742 Million, up by almost 70 Million over votes, that rival being the the figure for 2009 when imports were incumbent Mayor of Corozal, only 204 Million. That represents an Hilberto Campos. The second Hon. Pablo Marin, increase of 32 percent in imports in challenger, Kennard Smart Corozal Bay Area Representative received a disappointing 297 the free zone. votes. two being Caribbean Shores, which The positive trend, according to saw Area Representative Carlos The next UDP Convention will be Perdomo retain his seat against the Executive Chairman of the Free Zone on January 23, 2011 in Corozal South upstart Belize City Councillor, Roger David Ackerman, had started as early East where the UDP candidate who Espejo, and Orange Walk East, which lost in the 2008 General Election, as January of 2010 and improved featured a three-way race in which Servando Samos, will try to defend David Ackerman, Executive Chairman throughout the year. long-time UDP activist Orlando his position as the party’s standard Corozal Commercial Free Zone For the Corozal Commercial ‘Landy’ Burns booted out Marcel bearer against a formidable challenge It’s a well established fact that Free Zone, then, the recovery from Cardona who, although he is the from Raul Rosado. UDP conventions economic recession has been even sitting area representative, is a relative bad news sells much better than good for all 31 constituencies are expected quicker than projected by Prime newcomer to UDP politics. news. And, indeed, while the recently Minister Dean Barrow who in his to be held by the end of August, 2011. solved foreign currency crisis in the recent 2011 New Year’s Message The PUP’s have also begun Not all UDP conventions are free zone made the headlines in every recalled that he had correctly holding their standard-bearer expected to be contested, although the predicted in his New Year’s Message conventions, but theirs have been section of the local media, there has party is opening up the entire process one year earlier at the start of 2010: attracting attention for a different for a while now been some particularly to allow all area representatives and reason, that reason being that a “The worldwide recession, standard bearers to be challenged by good news in the zone that has been number of aspirants have been which had begun to swamp aspirants who satisfy the party’s largely unreported. accusing the party of being Belize in the second half of 2009, prequalifying criteria. undemocratic in refusing to allow What we’re talking about is the would run its course; our economic difficulties would All three conventions conducted favoured candidates to be challenged, fact that business in the free zone has peak and decline by the end of so far have been contested, and have choosing instead to simply endorse been on a steady rise over the past the year.” (PM Barrow’s New created much excitement in the party them. We’ll leave you to pass your year. Years Message) and the general public, the previous own judgement on those charges. Page 8 Capital Weekly Sunday, January 16, 2011 NEMO Attains Excellence In NotNot AA RReded CentCent Disaster Management ... (Continued from page 6) FFFor The Whited Sepulchre ! persons provided with food to Richard, the Prime Minister (Continued from page 1) and other relief supplies, and through NEMO has illegal accommodation over 900 homes repaired and committed and spent close to agreement, and there are rebuilt at a cost of 2 Million. 15 Million in response to certain things that, if I might The overall cost to NEMO: natural disasters. This figure borrow the word from the 3.1 Million, monies does not include the commercial, are ‘priceless’. immediately committed by This is a matter of national accompanying cost of dignity, this is a matter of the Prime Minister at a Press committing human national pride, and this is a conference only a few hours resources, public officers, matter of insistence on after the storm had passed, together with volunteers, as national rights.” although such monies were well as vehicles and fuel, an If we might add some com- never budgeted for. additional combined cost of mentary to Mr. Barrow’s em- phatic declaration, we would Besides the immediate at least 2 Million. The Eamon Courtenay have to say it is clear that the relief and recovery, the Belizean Attorney fighting the Government, through NEMO, cause of the British Billionaire persistence of Lord Ashcroft Government and NEMO, has therefore spent a total of (Some would call him to extract his pound of flesh since Tropical Storm Arthur in over 17 Million on disaster “House Nigger”) from a nation betrayed by its 2008, have been executing a management, rehabilitation heard. We hope that we will former leaders is being sustained programme of and mitigation. have a better result in the matched, pound for pound, by the determination of this ad- rehabilitation and mitigation, Meanwhile, the Court of Appeal, and if not, including repair and we will go to the CCJ. This is ministration and its leaders to Ministries of Works and something that we are going liberate our people from the rehabilitation of schools in Agriculture have together to resist. chains of modern-day eco- Corozal, Belize City, Dangriga, spent a total of 15 Million We maintain that this has nomic bondage at the hands Independence, and Punta in reconstructing nothing to do with Telemedia, of this Twenty-First Century Gorda; the reconstruction of infrastructure and I hope people realize that, this slave master, aided and abet- a church in San Antonio restoring agricultural was with the Belize Bank and ted by a team of learned at the time Carlisle Holdings “house niggers” who call Orange Walk; in Rural Stann production. Middlesex controlled by Aschroft, and themselves Belizean attorneys. Creek, additional bathrooms Bridge has been replaced this arose out of a settlement The Supreme Court has for the School in Sittee River, with a modern, reinforced deed that the last administra- ruled, but the Court of Appeal a designated hurricane double-lane structure, a tion signed which exempted and Caribbean Court of Jus- shelter; relocation of families redesigned Kendal is now all the bank’s interests from tice remain; and, most impor- from Melinda Forest Station under construction, with paying taxes in perpetuity, just tantly, the People’s Court is still in session. to Hope Creek, with the old Mullins River coming soon, taxes to the people and gov- Not so fast, Mi Lord! Un- compound being converted ernment of Belize. and in both cases low-level As far as we are con- like the previous leaders who into a herbarium; temporary bridges had to cerned, the last prime minis- gave you all the ‘accommoda- construction of canals in be built; Paving of ter, the last administration tion’ you demanded, Mr. Bar- Hopkins; and re-training of Placencia Road has been had no authority on the law row and this UDP Government will not flinch an inch in defend- North Stann Creek River in completed; countrywide a to sign such an agreement, we therefore insist that it is ille- ing the interest of the Belizean flood prone areas, all at a people. gal as well as immoral and total cost of ¾ Million. (Continued on Page 15) Be content, Lord Michael, we are going to fight like the Add it all up, from Arthur with the millions you’ve ex- devil to ensure that ultimately tracted from Belize with the full we do not pay this thing.” cooperation and abetment of As to the question raised the last administration and its by Channel Seven as to leaders, for this leader and this whether, as critics of the government have no intention administration charge, the of paying out a ‘red cent’ to a government is spending too modern-day pirate like you much on attorney fees to fight from across the ocean blue. these legal rulings in the courts, Not even a penny, Lord Prime Minister Barrow Michael, let alone a pound! declared with unwavering conviction,“Well we are (Whited sepulchre: A person certainly not spending as who is inwardly evil but out- much as we would have given wardly professes to be virtuous. up had we agreed to honor Example: A predatory British the illegal settlement deed, the Billionare who claims he’s op- NEMO Headquarters in Belmopan erating a charitable trust.) Sunday, January 16, 2011 Capital Weekly Page 9 PrimePrime Minister’sMinister’s NewNew Year’sYear’s MessageMessage

exceeds 240. I take this 10 million in social interventions in opportunity to repeat what I said Belize City to help deal with gang earlier. Though we have already violence; and another 10 million spent almost six million dollars on for streets, drains and flood the process, we will not stop until mitigation on the Northside of the every single affected person has old capital. been helped. Ladies and Gentlemen, my But government’s greatest fellow Belizeans: this 2011 agenda success in 2010 was the rescue is filled with good things. And even of the sugar industry. The crime appears, albeit slowly, to be livelihoods of almost six thousand giving way to our now resumed, persons depend on cane, and we now unstoppable march of count it a coup that the crop is now progress. For while 2010 overall off to its best start in years. Apart was challenging, we did see a from our million dollar grant and sharp decline in the murder rate 10 million dollar loan to the for two of the last three months of industry, government will also the year. provide a not less than 2 dollars There is one regard, though, per gallon fuel subsidy to the in which the sense of resolve that cañeros. every new year brings, is Ladies and Gentlemen, my especially needed now. Our climb fellow Belizeans: couple all this out of recession, our growth, our with the saving of hundreds of jobs social and economic progress, are and millions in investment at the all being put at risk by a certain Corozal Free Zone; with the foreign marauder and his local fifth rollout now of the country wide columnists. Just before Christmas cash transfer to single parent a judge of the Belize Supreme households; with the food Court upheld a 43 million dollar assistance in Belize City; with the London arbitration award, Prime Minister Hon. Dean Barrow Apprenticeship Programme for procured by the Michael Ashcroft young people; with the 3 million interests against the government My fellow Belizeans: administration has been dollars in loan funds for small and people of Belize. preoccupied not so much with businesses.Add everything This award was in connection When I welcomed 2010, I growth for its own sake, as with together and see why I say that with a grossly immoral, grossly tried in a particular way to mark the social and human progress that we are veritably charging into illegal “Settlement Deed” made by the sense of purpose, promise and growth must underpin. The welfare 2011, preparing to conquer the last administration. Under that possibilities that a new year always of the people, especially the poor everything in our path. accord, Ashcroft’s billion dollar brings. I said then that the and the middle class, will always In terms of this new year then, banking conglomerates were, worldwide recession, which had be the central concern of the I especially highlight the following. contrary to law, exempted in begun to swamp Belize in the United Democratic Party. It is in On the back of that 3.7% GDP perpetuity from paying their just second half of 2009, would run that context that we feel especially growth that the Central Bank is taxes to Belize. It was as with the its course; that our economic good about the year that’s ending, predicting, there will be no new similarly outrageous difficulties would peak and decline and even better about the one taxes on the Belizean people. telecommunications by the end of the year. that’s beginning. What there will be is new job- Accommodation Agreement also Well, I am happy to report Now Hurricane Richard dealt creating, economy-lifting stimulus. given to Ashcroft by the PUP. And that I was right. Here is what the us a blow in late 2010. And citrus This is as a result of the millions this government decided, from the Caribbean Centre for Money and was the greatest agricultural and millions in project financing that start and in the name of sovereign Finance had to say:”in the first half sufferer from the storm. But this government has been able to justice, to resist unto the skies this of 2010 most Caribbean government immediately gave a secure for the Belizean people. serial perfidy. We will continue countries reported negative or low grant of 350 thousand for small Here is a partial list of 2011’s now to do so, certain in the growth rates, the exceptions farmer relief. And in addition, the spending menu: knowledge that this is a campaign being Belize (3.5%), Guyana government-owned DFC has 12 million dollars on small, of, by, and for, the people. and the Netherlands Antilles made available a 4 million dollar countrywide poverty alleviation But I want to return to the (0.8%).” line of credit to those same projects via the Social Investment positive, and end on the same Now the figures for Belize’s farmers. Fund; 30 million dollars on upbeat note with which I started. third quarter are in. And our Of course, our most municipal infrastructure to be In the course of ups and downs, Statistical Institute has revised that fundamental worry in the aftermath shared among five District towns fluctuating fortunes and dramatic mid-year 3.5.% down to 2.4% for of the hurricane, was over those and Belmopan City; 62 million shifts, one thing is constant: the period up to September. But that had their homes damaged or dollars in EU money for the Belize Belizean pride, Belizean we are still ahead of the pack; and destroyed. I promised then that Rural Development Programme in patriotism. Perhaps that is why the Central Bank of Belize’s we would assist every last affected the South, and the Accompanying God has lifted up in 2010 this land forecast for this coming year is yet householder. And it is a promise Measures for Sugar in the North; that we love so much. And as we more encouraging. That forecast that is well on the way to being 30 million dollars on the Belize mass together in national solidarity is for 3.7% growth in 2011. kept. Almost 900 homes have City Southside Poverty Alleviation for 2011, we are optimistic that My fellow Belizeans: you will been repaired or reconstructed in Project; 44.3 million on the He will continue abundantly to thus understand why I feel we can Belmopan and in the Stann Creek, Highway from the “Dump” bless us. greet this new year in a rhapsody Cayo and Belize Districts. Things outside Punta Gorda town to The It is thus with undiluted of celebration. have proceeded a little more village of Jalacte near the confidence that I say now: long live But while the statistics are slowly in Belize City. But even Guatemalan border; 14.8 million the Jewel, Belize forever, and impressive, they never tell the there the number of houses fixed for the rehabilitation of the existing Happy New Year everyone. whole story. And my or newly built after the storm, facilities at the Northern Border; Page 10 Capital Weekly Sunday, January 16, 2011

Belize Economy secure for the Belizean people; Rebounds and he unveiled what he called a partial list of the 2011 (Continued from page 1) spending menu: “12 million dollars on world had been suffering the small, countrywide poverty effects of the global recession, alleviation projects via the a fact which Prime Minister Social Investment Fund; 30 Barrow did not hesitate to million dollars on municipal announce to the nation once it infrastructure to be shared was confirmed. And as our among five District towns and country navigates its way Belmopan City; 62 million dollars in EU money for the through the turbulent waters of Central Bank of Belize forecasts 3.7 percent growth in 2011 that recession, the Prime Belize Rural Development Minister has continued to keep which he says such economic success in 2010", saying he Programme in the South, and the Belizean people fully growth must underpin. considers it a coup that the the Accompanying Measures abreast every step of the way. He cited the government’s crop is now off to its best start for Sugar in the North; 30 In his 2011 New Year’s grant of 350 Thousand for in years. “Apart from our million dollars on the Belize Message, The Prime Minister small framers relief in the million dollar grant and 10 City Southside Poverty recalled that one year ago (in aftermath of Hurricane Richard million dollar loan to the Alleviation Project; 44.3 his 2010 New Year’s Message) which, he recalled, dealt us a industry, government will also million on the Highway from he had projected, “The blow in late 2010. He noted provide a not less than 2 the “Dump” outside Punta worldwide recession, which that the government-owned dollars per gallon fuel subsidy Gorda Town to The village of had begun to swamp Belize Development Finance to the cañeros,” the PM Jalacte near the Guatemalan in the second half of 2009, Corporation (DFC), revived added. border; 14.8 million for the would run its course; that our by this administration, has Also in the North, the PM rehabilitation of the existing economic difficulties would made available a $4 Million line recalled that hundreds of jobs facilities at the Northern peak and decline by the end of credit to those same have similarly been saved by Border; 10 million in social of the year.” farmers. the Government’s intervention interventions in Belize City to The Prime Minister says he The Prime Minister noted to solve the foreign exchange help deal with gang violence; is now happy to report that he that while restoring crisis confronting the and another 10 million for was right, a fact clearly productivity is vital, his Commercial Free Zone in streets, drains and flood confirmed by the independent government’s most Corozal . mitigation on the North side statistics. fundamental worry in the Among other measures of the old capital.” But the PM said his aftermath of Hurricane with significant social- Notwithstanding the optimism is based not only on Richard was over those who economic-human impact, he continuing challenges, the statistics. “While the statistics had their homes damaged or cited the rollout of the Prime Minister asserted, “this are impressive, they never tell destroyed. “I promised then countrywide Cash-Transfer to 2011 agenda is filled with the whole story”, he remarked, that we would assist every last single parent households, the good things.” And, in the face “And my administration has affected householder,” the PM Food Assistance Program in of those continuing challenges, been preoccupied not so much recounted. “And it is a Belize City, the apprenticeship he concluded his 2011 New with growth for its own sake, promise that is well on the program for young people and Year’s address on the same as with the social and human way to being kept.” the 3 Million in loan funds for note of optimism with which progress that growth must He confirmed that 900 small businesses. he had started the year now underpin. The welfare of the homes have already been As to what the ended. “In the course of ups people, especially the poor repaired or reconstructed in government intends to do in and downs, fluctuating and the middle class, will Belmopan, Stann Creek, Cayo the year ahead to ensure the fortunes and dramatic shifts, always be the central concern and Belize Districts, and an continuing trend in economic one thing is constant: of the United Democratic additional 240 in Belize City. growth and to ensure that it Belizean pride, Belizean Party. It is in that context that He said the government has converts into social and human patriotism. Perhaps that is we feel especially good about already spent over $6 Million progress, the PM pledged why God has lifted up in the year that’s ending, and on the process and will not rest unequivocally, “On the back 2010 this land that we love even better about the one until every single affected of that 3.7% GDP growth that so much. And as we mass that’s beginning.” person has been helped. the Central Bank is together in national solidarity The Prime Minister went on Turning to the Sugar predicting, there will be no for 2011, we are optimistic to outline what his government Industry, the Prime Minister new taxes on the Belizean that He will continue has been doing and plans to recalled how the government people.” What there will be, abundantly to bless us.” he said, is new job-creating, do to ensure that the stepped in to rescue that Capital Weekly welcoming trend of economic industry, which is the economic stimulus, as a result growth continues and that it livelihood of almost 6,000 of the millions and millions in From the Heart of the Nation translates to the fullest into that farmers. He dubbed it project financing that his To the Soul of the People social and human progress “government’s greatest government has been able to Sunday, January 16, 2011 Capital Weekly Page 11 FutureFutureFuture ofofof FFFootballootballootball A Government versus a Dictator Unstoppable Force Meets Immovable Object

Minister of Sports Honorable John Saldivar will FFB President Bertie Chimilio stubbornly insists on not be deterred from ensuring that the Sports Act is carrying on the FFB’s undemocratic way of selecting its adhered to and that democracy is practiced by all executive, guaranteeing that he and his slate are sports organizations in the country invariably re-installed

hen Belmopan formidable international associations and the wider about to come into play as, Areacompetition, with local football community to lay the concurrent with the WRepresentative federations having been high- groundwork for the Minister’s consultations, the Hon. John Saldivar assumed jacked by would-be kings development of new, Ministry of Sports launched responsibility for the and dictators. progressive and extensive an effective publicity Ministry of Sports just over While Saldivar’s first policies for the future of the campaign informing the six months ago, everyone important meeting was with sport, a major objective of nation of the Minister’s knew he had his work cut out the leadership and which is the improvement of findings about what had been for him. membership of the Belize Belize’s performance in going wrong in the A man who moves Basketball Assoiciation, international competition. administration of football aggressively in everything he everyone knew the monster The Minister’s and the ministry’s intention to undertakes, Saldivar holds awaiting him was the FFB consultations quickly correct it. the distinction of being the (Football Federation of confirmed what has for some A lot has of course been politician/sports-enthusiast Belize) led by its long-time time now been the national going wrong, but at the heart who’s leadership back in president, Bertie Chimilio, consensus, that the one man of it all, judging from the 1998 secured for Belize its who has almost, if not by standing in the way of such consultations, was the only Gold ever in the now, earned the status of progress is the ‘legendary’ ‘dictator doc’, the ‘veteran Caricom Basketball legend (if the term can take Bertie Chimilio, the reviled vet’, or to be more specific, Championship. Equal to his on such negative rock that would not be let’s just say, ‘Bertie Chim’. credentials were the connotations). Well the moved. The long and short of the challenges he now faced in moment of truth is at hand! Well it just as quickly whole story is that the bringing some direction to a Just over a month ago, the became clear that the Ministry of Sports under portfolio which, like a Minister of Sports began a scientific notion of an Saldivar intends to establish rudderless vessel, has been series of countrywide unstoppable force meeting or disprove, once and for all, adrift on the high seas of consultations with district an immovable object was (Continued on page 16) Page 12 Capital Weekly Sunday, January 16, 2011 50 Reasons To Be Thankful For The Past Year And To Be Hopeful In The New Year

1. Belize Economy on 4.Government 9. Belize Telemedia 16. New buildings the recovery, registering solves foreign Nationalized; company at Georgetown and the strongest growth in exchange crisis in the restructured; shares Mopan Technical High, the entire Caribbean at Commercial Free already sold to a Lady of Guadeloupe, 2.4%. Projected to grow Zone in Corozal, also number of Belizeans. St. Ignatius High, at 3.7% in the New Year. saving hundreds of Independence Sixth jobs in the North. Form; new High School 10. $20 Million at Corozon Creek; new 2. Prime Minister and from Venezuela primary and secondary Government respond 5.Wooden Bridge in recovered, used to school buildings quickly to provide relief San Ignacio/Santa repair and build homes. countrywide; computer for Belizeans affected Elena to be replaced labs at several schools. by Hurricane Richard. with permanent Prime Minister makes structure; funds 11. DFC restarted, more than 3 Million already approved by providing loans to 17. Lynam re- available for CDB students and small opened (ANRI); Old immediate rebuilding, business at very low Technical College pledging that every interest (8 percent). restored; ITVET person whose home was 6.$30 Million in new extended; UB damaged or destroyed funds obtained to be expanded; Teacher- will have it repaired or spent in Belize City on 12. Farmers Training increased. rebuilt. Promise is being infrastructure, rebound from flooding kept as over 900 homes poverty alleviation disasters with have been repaired in and employment for Government’s 18. Improved the districts and over jobless persons and at assistance; Taiwan assists performance in PSE 200 in Belize City. risk youth. rice production in (Primary) and External Toledo; Belize now self- Exams (Secondary). sufficient in grains, 3. Government 7.$350 Thousand surplus exported. intervenes to safeguard Grant to small 19. Paving of the livelihood of over farmers for relief from Placencia Road 30,000 persons in Sugar Hurricane Richard, 13. Partial Scope completed. Industry. Prime Minister plus 4 Million from Agreement allows commits $10 Million loan DFC made available Belizean exports to to the Industry, brings to them. Guatemala 20. Last 9 miles of stakeholders together Southern Highway to sign a memorandum paved (Golden of understanding which 8.12 million dollars on 14. NewStream to Big Falls) to has resulted in major small buisness and agreement with complete project improvement in the countrywide poverty Mexico to export started by last UDP quality of cane alleviation projects Belizean beef and administration. delivered, thereby via the Social other products. ensuring greater Investment Fund; 62 profitability. GOB also million dollars in EU 21. Highway to be secures waiver from money for the Belize 15. Subsidy for 1st paved from the Dump financial institution to Rural Development and 2nd Form students to Jalacte in Toledo. which BSI is indebted Programme in the countrywide; thereby enabling BSI to South, and automatically awarded draw down on the loan. Accompanying to those in Stann Creek 22. Paving of Blue Sugar crop already Measures for Sugar in and Toledo; scholarships Creek, San Lazaro, San showing remarkable the North. increased at all levels. Estevan and Progresso improvement in quality. Roads. Sunday, January 16, 2011 Capital Weekly Page 13 50 Reasons To Be Thankful For The Past Year And To Be Hopeful In The New Year 4. 23. Over 100 Miles 31. Belize City 37. Marion Jones 4 Lands of Sugar Roads Urban Rejuvenation Stadium upgraded; Department now upgraded with EU Project provides Football field in Cayo transparent and Funds. hundreds of jobs; being upgraded to efficient; thousands of Municipal Infrastructure FIFA standard; funds Belizeans receive Projects in district towns sought for World- house lots and 24. New Two-Lane funded by World Bank. Class Basketball farmland. Bridge at Middlesex Stadium. completed. 45. 32. Crooked Tree IDB funds gets water system; 38. New farmers’ Tourism Infrastructure, 25. Kendall already Burrell Boom water markets in Cayo, Solid Waste and Land under construction with system upgraded, Belize City and Management projects. a new flood-resistant projects underway to Independence; state design; Mullins River provide potable water of the art slaughter 46. replacement coming to 9 villages in Belize house in Belize River Belize’s first soon. River Valley; another Valley. ICT Centre built and project provides water established with system for villages along funding from Taiwan. 26. Albert and the Old Northern 39. New Poly- Regent Streets repaved; Highway; clinic in Cayo; Western 47. other streets upgraded Regional Hospital 47. Petroleum and paved; refurbished and Resources now 33. Cotton Tree, St. upgraded; new clinics unequivocally and Matthews and Frank’s and refurbished constitutionally 27. Roads and Eddy connected to hospitals countrywide; owned by Highways improved Belmopan Water Government and and rehabilitated System; People of Belize. countrywide, with new 40. Affordable culverts installed at dialysis through 48. many locations to 34. Water systems WORTH; Recall improve drainage. built or repaired in Mechanism empowers Hopkins, Seine Bight, voters to recall failed Independence, Sittee 41. Free medical Area Representatives 28. New bridges at River Sarawee, treatment in before General Mexico Creek, Maypen Placencia, and Monkey Venezuela. (Mission Elections. and Rancho Dolores in River. Miracle) Belize District. 49. Public Confidence in 35. New water 42. NEMO made 29. Government restored; 29. New bridges at Systems built in villages effective; Met Office Belize regains the trust San Antonio/Cristo in all other districts gets new Doppler of Bi-lateral and Rey, Santa Familia, throughout the country. radar; Billy White, Macal Multi-lateral partners. Low-level Crossing, and Roaring River 36. Electrification of 43. Public (Arizona) in Cayo. 50. Operation villages in Banana Belt; Transportation better PUC protects Restore Belize regulated; Airports launched to restore consumers, disapproves extended and 30. social values, public Repaving of increase in electricity upgraded. Bullet Tree Main rates. safety and national Street. pride. Page 14 Capital Weekly Sunday, January 16, 2011 Mensaje De Ano Nuevo Del Primer Ministro

sostiene. El bienestar de la gente, empleos y millones en inversión en Y hasta el crimen parece estar en especial los pobres y la clase la zona franca de Corozal; con las cediendo a nuestra ahora resumida media, siempre será la transferencias monetarias a los y ahora imparable marcha hacia preocupación central del Partido hogares de pariente único; con el el progreso. Aunque el 2010 fue Unido Democrático. Es en aquel programa piloto de asistencia un reto, sí vimos un descenso de contexto que nos sentimos alimenticia en Ciudad Belice: y con asesinatos durante de los últimos específicamente bien con el año el programa de aprendizaje para tres meses del año. que termina y aún mejor para el los jóvenes marginalizados; y con Hay un aspecto, sin embargo, que comienza. los tres millones de dólares en que el sentido de resolución que El huracán Richard nos dio un dinero de préstamos para cada año trae consigo, se necesita golpe duro en el 2010. Y en lo negocios pequeños. Sumen todo ahora. Nuestra salida de la agrícola, la industria cítrica fue la lo antedicho y vean el porqué digo recesión, nuestro crecimiento, más golpeada. Pero el gobierno que verdaderamente estamos nuestro progreso social y Primer Ministro Dean Barrow inmediatamente hizo disponible preparándonos para conquistar económico todos están en riesgo una donación de 350 mil dólares todo en nuestro camino en el por un extranjero y su quinta (trescientos cincuenta mil) para 2011. columna local. Justo antes de la Mis compatriotas Beliceños: aliviar al pequeño granjero. Y En términos de este año Navidad un juez de la Corte adicionalmente, la Corporación entonces, resalto lo siguiente: Suprema apoyó un arbitraje de Cuando le di la bienvenida al Gubernamental de Desarrollo Aparte del crecimiento del 3.7 % Londres de 43 millones de dólares 2010, traté en manera particular Financiero (DFC) ha hecho que el Banco Central pronostica, en contra del gobierno y el pueblo de enmarcar un sentido de accesible un crédito a bajo interés no habrán nuevos impuestos para de Belice para los intereses de propósito, de promesas y de de 4 millones de dólares a estos los Beliceños. Lo que si habrá será Michael Ashcroft. posibilidades que un año nuevo pequeños finqueros. la creación de nuevos empleos, Este dictamen es en conexión siempre trae. Dije en aquel Por supuesto, nuestra más estímulos para levantar la con el inmoral e ilegal ‘Acuerdo’ momento que la recesión mundial, fuerte preocupación después del economía, como resultado de los hecho por la administración y que ya había comenzado a huracán fue por aquellos que millones y millones en gobierno pasado. Bajo ese embargar a Belice en la segunda sufrieron daños en sus casas o financiamiento de proyectos que acuerdo, los bancos de Ashcroft mitad del 2009, correría su curso; casas destruidas. Prometí que este gobierno ha logrado asegurar y sus conglomerados serán, que nuestras dificultades asistiríamos hasta el último para la población de Belice. contrario a las leyes del país económicas llegarían a su pico afectado. Y es una promesa que A continuación está una parte exentos de por vida de pagar los pero se reducirían para el fin de está bien encaminada para ser del menú de gastos del 2011: justos impuestos a Belice. Es igual año. Pues, me complace decir que cumplida. Casi 900 hogares han 12 millones de dólares para con el Acuerdo insólito de las tenía razón. He aquí lo que dice el sido reparados o reconstruidos en el alivio de la pobreza a nivel Telecomunicaciones, también “Centro del Caribe de Dinero y Belmopán, Stann Creek, Cayo y nacional a través del Fondo de entregados a Ashcroft por el PUP. Finanzas: “en la primera mitad del el Distrito de Belice. Las Inversión Social; 30 millones de Y este gobierno decidió, en 2010 la mayoría de los países intervenciones han sido un poco dólares en infraestructuras nombre de la justicia soberana, Caribeños reportaron un más lentas en la Ciudad de Belice. municipales que será compartido resistir hasta el final esta perfidia crecimiento negativo o lento, con Pero aún así el número de casas entre cinco distritos y la Ciudad constante. Continuaremos en la excepción de Belice (3.5%), reparadas o construidas después de Belmopán; 62 millones de esto, seguros y con la Guyana y las Antillas Neerlandesas de la tormenta excede 240. dólares en dinero de la Unión convicción que esta es una (0.8%). (Doscientos cuarenta). Tomo esta Europea para el Programa de campaña de, por y para la Ya tenemos las cifras para el oportunidad en repetir lo que dije Desarrollo Rural en el sur, y las gente. tercer trimestre. Y nuestro instituto antes. Aunque ya hemos gastado medidas acompañantes para el Pero quiero regresar a lo estadístico ha reducido aquel 3.5% casi 6 millones de dólares en dicho azúcar en el Norte: 30 millones de positivo, y terminar con la de mediados del año a un 2.4% proceso, no pararemos hasta que dólares en el proyecto de alivio de misma nota positiva con la para el período más largo hasta el último afectado reciba ayuda. la pobreza en el sur de la ciudad cual comencé. En el curso de Septiembre, 2010. Pero aún Pero el logro más grande del de Belice; 44.3 millones en la subes y bajas, fortunas estamos adelante del grupo: y el gobierno en el 2010 fue el rescate carretera desde el “basurero” de fluctuantes y cambios pronóstico del Banco Central de de la industria azucarera. El las afueras de Punta Gorda hasta dramáticos, una cosa es Belice es que en este año venidero sustento de casi 6 mil personas la aldea de Jalacté cerca de la constante: el orgullo Beliceño habrán aún mejores noticias. Ese depende de la caña, y frontera; 14.8 millones para la y el patriotismo Beliceño. Tal pronóstico es para un crecimiento consideramos un golpe de gracia rehabilitación de las existentes vez sea por ello la razón por la del 3.7% en el 2011. que la zafra está comenzando facilidades en la frontera del cual Dios ha levantado, en el Mis queridos Beliceños: mejor que en cualquier otro año. Norte; 10 millones en 2010, esta tierra que comprenderán el porqué puedo Aparte de la donación de un intervenciones sociales en la queremos tanto. Y cuando saludar este nuevo año con una millón de dólares y el préstamo ciudad de Belice para ayudar a recemos juntos en solidaridad rapsodia de celebración. de 10 millones a la industria, el combatir la violencia de pandillas; nacional para el 2011, seamos Aunque las estadísticas son gobierno también proveerá no y otros 10 millones para las calles, optimistas en que él impresionantes nunca dicen la menos de 2 dólares por galón en drenajes, y medidas mitigantes de continuará bendiciéndonos historia completa. Y mi subsidio de combustible para los inundaciones en la parte Norte de abundantemente. Es entonces administración se ha preocupado cañeros. la vieja capital. con esta fe férrea que digo no tanto por el crecimiento en sí, Señoras y señores, mis Señoras y señores, mis ahora: que viva nuestra Joya, sino por el progreso social y compatriotas: junten todo esto con compatriotas: esta agenda del Belice para siempre! Feliz humano que ese crecimiento lograr mantener cientos de 2011 está llena de buenas nuevas. Año Nuevo a todos! Sunday, January 16, 2011 Capital Weekly Page 15 New Year’s Message by Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Gaspar Vega looking behind us lest we trip over the opportunities that lie in front of us. We must all welcome the New Year with a renewed sense of optimism; with new resolutions and new goals. We must realize that the Deputy Prime Minister New Year provides us Hon. Gaspar Vega the opportunity to unfold new horizons My fellow Belizeans: and realize new dreams, to touch the As this year lives of those around draws to an end we us and to make Belize must look back and a better place to live. reflect on the events As we welcome that have affected our another year, I take this lives. Nobody can opportunity to dispute that the first challenge all decade of this Belizeans to put aside millennium has been a our differences and challenging one. The personal agendas and effects of the world make a commitment to economic crises are respect one another still posing challenges and to always do what here at home. Yet, is best for Belize. As a new year dawns and new challenges face May the Good with the blessing of us, we must take the unity of the past season the One above and Lord continue to with transparent and showers us with his and embrace our neighbors as our family accountable compassion and his governance, we still love in the days to remembering that we are one people and move come and may the continue to develop forward knowing that hope is the good common Belize. New Year 2011 bring As we prepare to Peace and Prosperity to all men for all of us. step into a new year, A Happy New Year we do so with some uncertainty, but we HAPPY NEW YEAR To all residents of Belmopan BELIZE! must be mindful not to From Mayor Simeon Lopez and the Councillors spend too much time and staff of the Belmopan City Council

Nemo Attains Excellence in Disaster Management What 2011 holds, no one knows. What we know for sure is that our (Continued from Page 8) Challenged by natural Prime Minister, our Government and disasters since 2008, this Level Crossing at San Ignacio/ our people are prepared and number of bridges have been Government got its greatest test Santa Elena in Cayo, and determined to weather any storm and rehabilitated and rebuilt, such in 2010, a test it has passed with Mexico Creek in Belize overcome any challenge. Let us face flying colours, having attained the as San Antonio/Cristo Rey, District; and new culverts have the New Year, then, with the greatest level of efficiency ever Santa Familia, Billy White, been installed on all highways confidence that the experience of the in disaster management, Roaring River and Macal Low- around the country. past three years has earned us. rehabilitation and mitigation. Page 16 Capital Weekly Sunday, January 16, 2011 FutureFutureFuture ofofof FFFootballootballootball That position was put in The Ministry, bear in black and white in a letter mind, has made it clear that, from the Minister of Sports while it has no authority or to Chimilio and the FFB intention to run the affairs of which urged them to football or any other sports, conduct elections at the it will not sit idly and allow district level in conformity any federation to wilfully with the FFB statutes and in violate the laws governing a democratic manner before sports as, by all accounts, the proceeding with the election veteran vet and his slate have of the FFB Executive. (A repeatedly done. FFB Headquarters in Belmopan, housing the plush offices of letter making the same The Ministry of Sports is Doctor Bertie Chimilio and his Stubborn Executive appeal was also written to clearly determined to act, but the FFB by the National to ensure that all the i’s are (Continued from Page 11) The Ministry of Sports Sports Council). dotted, that all the t’s are under Saldivar has made no In the face of the mounting crossed, and that Chimilio the widely held view that the pretences or apologies about outrage and the unequivocal and his executive are repeated re-installation of the fact that it intends to warnings, Chimilio and his afforded the natural Doctor Chimilio and his slate intervene to ensure that this executive issued a letter on requirement of due process to the high offices of the visibly undemocratic state of December 7, 2010 before any such action is FFB’s Executive has NOT affairs in football politics be indicating that they would taken, the Minister has been the result of democratic corrected. Call it political proceed with a meeting of appointed an investigative elections at any level as intervention, if you will—an the FFB Congress to fill all committee by way of a required by the FBB’s own intervention to address the executive positions and that statutory instrument in statutes. scourge of Chimilio Football Doctor Chimilio and his accordance with the powers Those statutes stipulate Politics. slate “will be endorsed in vested in him by the Sports that the FFB executive must What the Minister and the these posts on December Act. be elected by the FFB Ministry of Sports have been 18, 2010.” A press release from the Congress, constituted by quick to clarify is that they Clearly, this time around, Ministry of Sports dated representatives who must in have absolutely no intentions Chimilio and his executive Tuesday January 4, 2011 turn be elected by their of running football or any were not even prepared to announced that the Minister respective district other sport on a day to day allow a challenger, having of Sports Hon. John Saldivar associations and the Belize basis, but that they will turned down the application has signed a statutory Premier Football league certainly NOT abdicate their of a member of the BPFL instrument cited as the Sports (BPFL) which together make duty or responsibility to (which has membership in (Investigation Committee) up the national football ensure that all federations are the FFB), Sergio Chuc, to Order 2010, which appoints federation. operating within the confines contest Chimilio’s a committee to investigate As the Amandala of the law that governs sports, presidency. The specific matters relating to Newspaper in its December that law being the Sports Act. applications of four other elections of the Football 14, 2010 edition put it, “The Spelling out to Channel persons for other positions Federation of Belize. Congress elects an Seven News the position of on the executive were Appointed as Chairman of executive, not the other way the Minister of Sports on the similary rejected, all the committee is Mr. Joseph around.” matter, National Sports applications being MacGann who is a former But the consultations by Coordinator in the Ministry disallowed on no valid member of the Belize Minister Saldivar seemed to of Sports, Ismael Garcia, grounds. National Football confirm what has for a long stated, “It didn’t matter to And so, Chimilio and his Association (BNFA). Other time been the perception, him if Dr. Chimilio was slate proceeded members of the committee that Chimilio and his elected president of the disdainfully with plans to are Mr. Gerald Henry, a executive have in fact been federation as long as he once again have themselves nationally acclaimed former appointing the people who could prove to the minister re-installed as the executive football star, and Mr. Oswald would elect them, a virtually and to the nation that of the FFB, in the face of all Twist, Attorney at Law. fool-proof strategy for elections were held in a the outrage, the appeals and holding on to power. democratic fashion.” (Continued on page 17) the warnings. Sunday, January 16, 2011 Capital Weekly Page 17 FutureFutureFuture ofofof FFFootballootballootball (Continued from Page 16) release from the Ministry of Football Federation of According to the press Sports is reproduced in its Belize on the grounds that release, the committee has entirety on the right.) they were NOT duly elected been charged with the The portion of the Sports in free and fair elections. responsibility to: “review Act which empowers the This could, of course, and establish the validity Minister to appoint such an lead to our country being or otherwise of the investigative committee is suspended from FIFA, the appointment of the cited in the Statutory main body governing executives of the Members Instrument as follows: international football of the Football Federation “Section 25 of the Sports competition, if the leadership of Belize; to review and Act, Chapter 46 of the Laws of that body chooses to stand Ismael ‘Miley’ Garcia establish the validity or National Sports Coordinator of Belize provides that the and Public Relations Officer , (Continued on page 18) otherwise of the decision of Minister [responsible for Ministry of Sports the Football Federation of Sports] may from time to Belize to disallow time order all or any of the Press Release Issued by nominations for elections activities of the Council, The Ministry of Sports to the executive of the sports committee, or a Football Federation of sporting organisation to be Belize by one of its investigated and reported on January 4, 2011 appointment of the executives of the members (i.e. the Belize by a person or persons as Premier Football League); The Minister of Public Members of the Football he may specify and upon Federation of Belize to review and establish the Service, Governance such order being made the 2. To review and validity or otherwise of the Improvement, Elections & Council, sports committee, Boundaries and Sports, establish the validity or endorsement election of or sporting organisation Hon. John Saldivar, has otherwise of the decision the executive of the shall afford all facilities and signed a Statutory of the Football Federation Football Federation of furnish all information as Instrument cited as the of Belize to disallow nominations for elections Belize which was conducted the person or persons may Sports (Investigations at a meeting held on 18th Commiteee) Order 2010. to the executive of the require, to carry out every Football Federation of December 2010 at the This instrument appoints a such order.” (Section 25 of Committee to investigate Belize by one of its Football Federation of the Sports Act, Chapter 46 specific matters relating to members (i.e. the Belize Belize’s headquarters; and of the Substantive Laws of elections of the Football Premier Football League) to determine any other Belize, Revised 2000- 2003) Federation of Belize. 3. To review and matter relating to the So, what is this all The members of the establish the validity or above.” committee are Mr. Joseph otherwise of the heading to and what does it endorsement election of The release says the McGann, Chairman, who mean for the future of football currently works with the the executive of the committee begins its work in Belize and our Country’s office of Climate Change Football Federation of this week in Stann Creek and participation in football and was former member of Belize which was Toledo Districts; and events internationally? the Belize National conducted at a meeting th indeed, when we spoke No one knows for sure, Football Association held on 18 December Wednesday morning with (BNFA), Mr. Gerald 2010 at the Football and to some extent, the ball Federation of Belize’s National Sports Coordinator Henry, nationally is now on Chimilio’s pitch, acclaimed football star of headquarters Miley Garcia by telephone, so to speak. But the most the once famous Avengers 4. And to determine he confirmed to us likely outcome, if Chimilio Football Club, now a any other matter relating that members of the and his executive do not retired public officer and to the above. committee were already on cooperate and if they remain member of the Public The Committee begins Services Commission, and its work this week in the their way to the southern intransigent (as they have Toledo and Stann Creek districts to commence their Mr. Oswald Twist, repeatedly done in the past), Attorney at Law. Their Districts and is mandated, investigation. is that the Ministry of Sports terms of reference are as by the instrument, to The committee is would refuse to recognize or follows: submit the report of its mandated, by the instrument, accept the names of Chimilio 1. To review and findings no later than 28th to submit the report of its and other members of his establish the validity or January, 2011. th END findings no later than 28 newly installed slate as the otherwise of the January, 2011. (The press legitimate executive of the Page 18 Capital Weekly Sunday, January 16, 2011 FutureFutureFuture ofofof FFFootballootballootball

Some of our younger Belizean football champions

critical issue of the substantively. administration of football in For Belize it might be an Two Belizean footballers at the peak of their careers Belize which is having a enormous cost to an entire direct and negative impact nation for the folly of one (Continued from page 17) on our ability to improve the man. For our footballers at behind Chimilio (as they Honorable John Saldivar quality of the sport here at the peak of their careers and have also done in the past). has indicated, as echoed home and our performance those just entering their Such suspension by the Ministry’s National on the international scene. prime, it might be a heavy would therefore mean that Sports Coordinator, Miley In other words, they believe price to pay; but for Belize would be virtually Garcia, that they are fully it would be a necessary generations of footballers banned from any aware of this possibility, retreat or step backward yet unborn the reward could meaningful competition but that it’s a sacrifice we in order that we might be priceless. The future of internationally in football. must be prepared to make move forward, and do Belizean Football truly The Minister of Sports, if we are to resolve this so meaningfully and hangs in the balance. Taking the Bull by the Horns (Continued from page 3) made to the PM by their bigger bosses Belizeans are NOT left out and are given in Florida, even as those bigger bosses the means by which to keep up”. reassure the PM by telephone that they And every effort will indeed be stand by that commitment. absolutely needed to favorably resolve And, while he cannot yet be called this latest challenge, for as we go to a saviour to Belizean tender operators, press, word is that Carnival Cruise this latest dance by Carnival representatives visiting Belize for representatives make the Prime meetings are denying the commitment Minister’s words at Monday’s press

PM Barrow and his team at the head table

conference seem almost prophetic. from the track record he has establised “I don’t believe everything that when the national interest and the jobs Carnival says,” the PM remarked in of Belizeans are at stake, we are response to a question about claims by confident this PM will fight like the devil, the Cruise Company that it had given though for a righteous cause. ample notice of its new policy to its main We could hardly have said the same tender provider in Belize, Euro-Caribe. about the motives of a former Prime From all indications, this one won’t Minister who, for now, shall remain Tour Operator Tom Greenwood congratulates and thanks be easy, and in all fairness to the PM, he nameless. Prime Minister Barrow for “Taking the Bull by the Horns” never said that it would be. But judging Sunday, January 16, 2011 Capital Weekly Page 19

Cayo Wooden Bridge MENSAJE DE AÑO NUEVO DEL To Be Replaced VICE PRIMER MINISTRO EL HON. GASPAR VEGA

APROVECHAR LAS MUCHAS OPORTUNIDADES QUE EL AÑO NUEVO NOS TRAE. . DEBEMOS RECIBIR EL AÑO NUEVO CON GRAN OPTIMISMO, CON RESOLUCIONES NUEVAS Y CON METAS NUEVAS. DEBEMOS TOMAR CONCIENCIA QUE UN AÑO VICE PRIMER NUEVO SIGNIFICA MINISTRO NUEVAS OPORTUNIDADES HON.GASPAR VEGA PARA DESCUBRIR MI QUERIDO PUEBLO NUEVOS HORIZONTES, BELICEÑO: PARA HACER REALIDAD AL LLEGAR AL NUEVAS POSIBILIDADES; FINAL DE UN AÑO MAS, PARA CONVIVIR CON Low-Level Wooden Bridge at Macal River Crossing in San Ignacio DEBEMOS TOMAR UN NUESTROS SERES Prime Minister Hon. Dean Currently, when the Macal MOMENTO PARA QUERIDOS Y PARA QUE Barrow has announced that the River floods and the low-level REFLEJAR EN LOS UNIDOS HAGAMOS UN low-level wooden bridge at the wooden bridge is covered by wa- EVENTOS QUE MEJOR BELICE. Macal River Crossing in San ter, the Old Hawksworth Bridge Ignacio/Santa Elena, Cayo, will has to accommodate two-way AFECTARON NUESTRAS QUISIERA TOMAR soon be replaced with a more du- traffic. The two lanes must of VIDAS. SIN DUDA, LA ESTA OPORTUNIDAD rable and elevated structure. course be alternated since the PRIMERA DECADA DE PARA INVITAR A TODO A concessionary loan for the Hawkworth is a one-lane bridge, construction of the new bridge, just as the low-level wooden- ESTE MILENIO HA SIDO LIDER; YA SEA NACIONAL, he said, has just been approved bridge. MUY DESAFIANTE. LOS LOCAL O COMUNITARIO by the Caribbean Development More on this as the details EFECTOS DE LA CRISIS PARA QUE EN ESTE AÑO Bank (CDB). become available. ECONOMICA MUNDIAL NUEVO HAGAMOS UN SIGUE CUASANDO COMPROMISO PARA ESTRAGOS EN NUESTRA DEJAR DE UN LADO ECONOMIA COMO EN CUALQUIERA DIFERENCIA MUCHOS OTROS PAISES. DE OPINION, O AGENDA SIN EMBARGO, CON LA PERSONAL QUE NOS BENDICION DE DIOS Y IMPIDA TRABAJAR CON NUESTRO GOBIERNO UNIDOS Y QUE NOS QUE PRACTICA LA COMPROMETAMOS A TRANSPARENCIA, RESPETARNOS SEGUIREMOS MUTUAMENTE Y DESAROLLANDO TRABAJAR PARA EL NUESTRO PAIS. BIENESTAR DE TODO DEBEMOS RECIBIR BELICEÑO. EL AÑO NUEVO CON UNA LE PIDO A MENTE POSITIVA Y CON NUESTRO SENOR QUE NOS MUCHA ESPERENZA. SI SIGA BENDICIENDO CON TENEMOS QUE SU GRAN AMOR Y CONTEMPLAR EL PASADO COMPASION Y QUE EN EL HAGAMOSLO CON LA ANO VENIDERO NOS MIRA DE APRENDER DE TRAIGA PAZ Y NUESTRAS EXPERENCIAS PROSPERIDAD. FELIZ ANO Old Hawksworth Bridge must accommodate and alternate two PARA ASI PODER NUEVO, BELICE! way traffic when the low-level wooden-bridge is covered by water Page 20 Capital Weekly Sunday, January 16, 2011 Like Judas Re-incarnated

Paid Ashcroft Defender Paid Ashcroft Defender For a few pieces of Silver these PUP Lawyers are prepared to sell out their Country PUP for Money UDP For Patrimony A Paid Ad