Friday, February 12, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 1

NO. 3437 CITY, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2021 (40 PAGES) $1.50 Belize’s 2021 economic analysis

“At 134.1%, Belize now Commission of has the highest debt-to- Inquiry summons GDP ratio in the entire Caribbean and Central former PM Barrow American region.”

BELMOPAN, Thurs. Feb. 11, 2021 The has released its preliminary analysis into the state of the country’s economy as of February 2021. The analysis, which highlights thirteen key aspects of the economic situation, has been released to the Please turn toPage 39 Haylock’s BNTU president on , Wed. Feb. 10, 2021 judicial review budget consultations Former Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. is the first person from application the past UDP administration that has granted leave Please turn toPage 4 Salesman shot and thrown out of truck

BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Feb. 11, budget consultation talks. BNTU , Tues. Feb. 9, 2021 2021 president, Elena Smith, in On Tuesday, February 9, the The executive members of the describing what took place during of Belize granted Belize National Teachers Union met the meeting, said that the union got (See story on page 2) with a team from the Government Please turn toPage 39 of Belize today to commence Please turn toPage 36 COVID-19 defers 2nd reading of three Bills Update (See story on page 2) (See story on page 36) Page 2 AMANDALABelize Friday, February 12, 2021 Progress in the Chiquibul

forest resources (such as Xate leaves) and poaching endangered wildlife. The Executive Director of the FCD, Rafael Manzanero, spoke with the media following his flyover and explained that the trip was key to the effort to engage the Ministries more fully in border matters and the oversight of protected areas. Manzanero also mentioned that the flyover enabled the Ministers to get a firsthand view of some of the issues being faced in the management and protection of these areas. When asked by Kory Leslie (freelance writer) what is the next step moving forward, Manzanero stated, “What we wanted the ground.” back into natural forests. You can see BELIZE CITY, Wed. Feb. 10, 2021 to project on this trip was basically In regards to measures needed to the difference in colors where young On Monday, the Minister of Home for them to look at the true conditions. see progress, Manzanero said that a trees are coming up… We were able Affairs, Hon. ; the Based on that, we would hope that more efficient system is needed on to visit the conservations posts that Minister of Sustainable the strategies that the Government will the ground in the form of a “joint are there almost close to the border Development, Hon. Orlando Habet; employ will certainly go on line of forces operations” as well as where they can do their patrols, and and the Minister of Border Security, better securing the Western border. increased mobilization capabilities we also have been told by FCD that Hon. , joined the We flew over the conservation posts and better equipment to conduct foot the risks that were there before really Friends for Conservation and starting from the Machakil Ha, which patrols. Manzanero has indicated that no longer exist… I believe that we Development (FCD) for a helicopter is near the Colombia River, and way he hopes that the Government will are in a good position. We are talking ride above the Chiquibul Forest up to the northernmost, one of which continue to dialogue with the FCD to to FCD because there are certain followed by a discussion about better is the Caballo Conservation posts. So, roll out more collaborative measures areas that we think that another co- management of the reserve. from there they got the angle about and de-sensitizing campaigns as it management agreement can come Due to the Chiquibul’s close the incursions, agricultural farming, tries to address border between FCD and maybe other proximity to our Western border with cattle ranching, so I am hoping the encroachments. NGO’s and the Government of Belize Guatemala, encroachers are often strategy then can be much more in line Minister Habet also spoke with the to mange the larger landscape instead found in the forest harvesting valuable with the actual reality occurring on media following the overhead tour of only the Chiquibul.” and had this to say: Habet stated that there are very “In terms of what we saw, we can little incursions occurring at this time nd see that the work that the FCD has in the Chiquibul and some of Belize’s Senate defers 2 been doing has paid off and continues exotic resources such as the Xate leaf to pay off. And their being able to are beginning to flourish and could reading of three Bills co-manage these vast landscapes for be the basis of future, sustainable the Government of Belize – for the industries. Gold panning is still (From page 1) people of Belize, a lot of the occurring; however, it has been deforested areas where some of the reduced to a lower scale, according incursions occurred is now growing to the FCD. Salesman shot and thrown out of truck (From page 1)

BELMOPAN, Wed. Feb. 10, 2021 of the Bills at this sitting until the Bills The second reading of three bills are examined and considered by the that were passed during the last sitting Committee of the Whole Senate,” he of the House of Representatives on said. February 5, 2021, was deferred in the Senator Courtenay noted that all upper house of Parliament during a senators agreed to the deferral. special sitting on Wednesday, In an interview held after the short February 10. The Lead Government Senate meeting, Lead Opposition , Wed. Feb. 10, Initial reports are that Escalante’s Senator, Hon. Eamon Courtenay, Senator, Michael Peyrefitte, said that 2021 body was found with gunshot wounds explained that the second reading of they were ready to engage in a debate, On Wednesday afternoon, police on the roadside near Mahogany the three bills — the Central Bank but were not given the opportunity. found the body of 47-year-old Heights village and that his truck was Amendment Bill 2021, the Finance “I got hype up for nothing. It is like Michael Escalante lying on the stolen. Police are currently trying to and Audit Reform Bill 2021 and the you get ready for a game and then the roadside between Miles 33 and 34 on piece together the sequence of events, Public Contract Commission Bill man said, ‘we will postpone the the George Price Highway. Escalante, which seems to be a robbery-turned- 2021 — would be put off until the game’. We always ready, you know.” a resident of Orange Walk and murder. bills are examined and considered by Senator Peyrefitte said. salesperson for Vegas Imports, was In December of last year, Escalante the Committee of The Whole Senate. He added, “I think even the apparently ambushed and shot in his was also robbed of $18,000, a “Madam President, in accordance government knows that there would vehicle, then was thrown from his red firearm and his truck, the same red with Standing Order no. 83, I move be some issues with those bills being Wingle pickup truck and left for dead Wingle which was stolen in this recent a motion for the suspension of passed in the Senate. So I think that is on the roadside. Police are currently incident. Following that incident, Standing Order no. 49(1) not to maybe why they decided to hold off trying to recover the vehicle and police had recovered the truck. proceed forthwith the next stage of on them so we can talk about them hopefully the perpetrator of the We will have more on this story as the Bills, which is the second reading some more.” broad-daylight murder. the police investigation continues. Friday, February 12, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 3 Assistance for the laborers of Foreshore employment in Belize these gentlemen here represents a City. business on its own. When we look Through a at it, it’s seven to eight businesses partnership between starting up today. So, we as the City the City Council, Council, we nurture these types of Prestige Auto Sales events. We nurture this type of Co. Ltd., Westrac Ltd. assistance that we can do to impact and Hofius, seven the lives of those valuable residents individuals who living on the margins.” regularly wash cars in The owner of Prestige Auto, the area were awarded Amado Badillo, as well as the branch with their own manager for Westrac Belize City, Neil personalized washing Wolfe, also shared their hopes that the equipment, cleaning recipients will make the most of this supplies and opportunity, not only to continue customized shirts. what they’ve been doing, but to also Mayor Wagner and broaden their horizons and develop representatives from their services into a full-fledged each of the partnering business. One of the recipients who companies attended a wished to be called Ferguson also BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Feb. 11, 2021 shoppers, workers and even tourists private handing-over ceremony held expressed his gratitude when asked For years, the downtown and who visit the area. The Belize City at the Prestige dealership compound what the project means to him: Foreshore areas have been areas Council’s most recent initiative has on Tuesday. “I work hard and do my best every where self-employed men have been geared at empowering these Following some remarks and day. This is something that we’ve sought to earn an income by men to expand their services, and well wishes, the seven recipients been doing. Working to survive and providing car washing services for extending the line of self- were also treated to lunch and a keeping to ourselves. So, I just want photo opportunity with their to give thanks for the materials we’ve sponsors, and they also shared their been given by you all. Thanks very Santander to increase views on how important they feel much for this stuff. I’ll continue to this undertaking is for Belize. When survive, continue to work and asked about the inspiration for the continue to be in the street doing all I sugarcane production project and the intended outcome, can. Other people don’t make the Mayor Wagner explained, “This effort to do good and work for their also financed some of the planting was about thinking outside the box. living. They only want to hurt others. over a five-year period, so they can COVID has changed how we do So, for myself, this is just more get into the crop. We are sharing all business in the city and in the world. motivation to be productive and to the technology, the knowledge, and And once you are able to accept that give back to the people and sustain in some cases, we go and make a COVID has changed how we do myself,” he said. service to them and finance them for business, we have to begin to look The initiative, which was launched the first five years of the crop, so they at entrepreneurship — being your under the theme “4 Sure We Keep it can establish and start producing own boss. Because days where we Clean” is an extension of the Belize some yields and have some had these big corporations hiring City Council’s ongoing Accelerator profitability starting from the first great numbers will not happen in Program, which was launched in year or their foundation.” the near future. So, we have to look 2020 and was designed to empower The increased production rates will at small businesses. Each one of budding entrepreneurs in Belize City. require upgrades to, or replacement of, current machinery, and Rodriguez makes mention of expanding the by Dayne Guy molasses tank that is currently in Woman, 26, dies in Stann place, and installing a second one. He BELMOPAN, Tues. Feb. 9, 2021 said, “We are going to expand, later Despite delayed harvesting this this year, the sugar warehouse into Creek car crash season due to heavy rains last month, the north part of what we currently Mile 3 on the Stann Santander Sugar has been progressing have.” Creek Valley Road. towards a projected increase in sugar This expansion is necessary for The occupants of the harvests and production. In 2021, Santander. Rodriguez noted, “Last vehicle have been Santander hopes to increase its sugar year was a mess when we were identified as 21-year- cane harvest to 750,000 metric tons, loading. Our loading capacity is old Damion Usher, said a 16% increase compared to 2020. approximately 4,500 metric tons per to be the driver; 22- Data for the 2021 harvest is day. We are very excited to increase year-old Zane Zuniga; indicating that as much as 75,000 our capacity.” 24-year-old Deon metric tons of sugar will be produced, With the increase of production, Castillo, and the victim, a marked 30% increase, along with Santander is currently seeking to Arita Vanzie, 26. an estimated 30,000 metric tons of compete on a larger scale and the When police arrived molasses, and they expect to dispatch company is hopeful that the deepening on the scene, the 37.5 million kilowatt hours to the of the port would make this possible. persons involved in the national grid. “I spoke to the terminal that [they] crash had already been Santander’s C.F.O., David would allow larger vessels to come taken to the Southern Rodriguez, said, “Forty-five percent and take sugar. That is going to Regional Hospital. of our cane comes from independent improve yields and price conditions While undergoing cane growers and landowners that for our country. This is possible , Tues. treatment at the facility, however, lease to the sugar mill here.” because the owners of the Big Creek Feb. 9, 2021 Vanzie succumbed to her injuries. Despite not having an established Port have invested a considerable Police are investigating a fatal The other occupants of the car are facility in place yet for these amount of money to make the port road traffic accident which claimed listed in a stable condition at the landowners, Rodriguez shared that deeper. So larger vessels can come the life of 26-year-old Arita Vanzie Southern Regional Hospital. the Santander company “helps [their] and we can compete in the world on Tuesday, February 9, 2021. The group of young people in the growers internally in a way that gives market with better prices for vessels Reports are that the driver of a 2017 car were headed in the direction of them better conditions to plant, or that can come here to [export],” CFO Chevy Impala lost control of the Dangriga Town from the Mile 6 give seeds to some of them. We have Rodriguez said. vehicle and crashed in a culvert near area when the accident occurred. Page 4 AMANDALABelize Friday, February 12, 2021 Senate ratifies Elections and Boundaries appointments

and Boundaries Commission, rather than the two electoral management bodies in the country that we have at this time, where we have a commission that is effectively a shell,” Senator Salas remarked. In his remarks, Lead Opposition Senator, Michael Peyrefitte claimed that Alberto August, who is a member of the commission, is the longest serving member, having held BELMOPAN, Wed. Feb. 10, 2021 Sabido; and members Orlando Espat, Commission and adoption of a position on the commission for 13 During Wednesday’s sitting of the Phillipa Bailey, Conrad Lewis, and policies and procedures from other years. Senator Courtenay pointed Senate, the appointments of new Alberto August — will serve for the Elections and Boundaries out, however, that Orlando Espat has members of the Elections and next five years. Commission models in the also served for a similar duration. Boundaries Commission by the During the sitting, Senator Caribbean, particularly the model in In commenting on Senator Salas’ Briceño administration were Osmany Salas expressed his hopes Jamaica, which has proved concern about the five-year term of officially ratified by the Senate. These of seeing reformation inside the successful. He also said that he felt the appointments, Senator Peyrefitte five members — chairman, Oscar Elections and Boundaries that the members of the Senate were said, “I don’t necessarily [have] a not given sufficient time to review difficulty with the five years. If you the appointees and that he considered want to see serious number of the five-year term to be too long. changes, then you have to have, give Santander says “Trinidad “We need to put in place reform, people time to develop policy, to as far as the electoral system is develop strategies, and I wouldn’t concerned, and I have mentioned worry [about] the five years. Initially will have to follow the law” before that if we look at what some I would say I worry about the five of our sister nations have done, they years, Madam President, because have a very good template that we they would take them to February 1, can follow that can guide us to 2026, but I am sure the chairman ensure that we have an independent would do the right thing and resign and adequately resourced Elections on November 12, 2025.” Commission of Inquiry summons former PM Barrow Continued from Page 1 who is the appointed officer; the  finance officer, and the been summoned to appear before the administrative officer. If you want newly established Commission of to find out what happened in the Inquiry that was formed early this Ministry of Finance, the person you by Dayne Guy Guatemala and other countries so month to launch an investigation into summon is the Financial Secretary. that they can import the sugar what the PUP administration and the He has all the records,” Senator BELMOPAN, Wed. Feb. 10, 2021 without paying the tariff that is Public Service Union have called a Peyrefitte said. After bringing a legal case against established by all the Caribbean fire-sale of government assets. On He added that the PUP St. Kitts and Nevis, the Republic of countries,” and the company says February 10, the Government of administration is simply using the and that it is fighting along with the Belize announced that the commission as a distraction to shift CARICOM for the two islands’ other sugar mills at the moment, to commission has summoned the the public conversation away from purchase of sugar from non- be able to ensure that those tariffs former Prime Minister, Hon. Dean the imminent measures that will be CARICOM countries without are enforced within the Caribbean Barrow; Financial Secretary, Joseph put in place to address the economic imposing the Common External market. Waight; and Mr. Ruperto Vicente, crisis. Tariff (CET), Belize had secured a Santander has been expanding head of the Vehicle Care Unit, to In an interview with News5’s victory for its local sugar industry their markets and sales, and the attend the first proceeding, which will Hipolito Novelo, Prime Minister when it reached a settlement with company is hoping that their supply take place on Monday, February 15, John Briceño said that he hopes the St. Kitts and Nevis through bilateral of “plantation white” sugar can be 2021. former PM shows up. negotiations. However, Trinidad’s purchased by these Caribbean While being interviewed by “He was the Minister of Finance. violation of CARICOM’s trade islands instead of the refined sugar members of the media, Lead In many instances, he was the one rules through its purchase of sugar that is currently being imported Opposition Senator, Michael who had to approve the selloff of outside the trade group without from countries outside of Peyrefitte said that he is sure that his these assets pretty much at giveaway imposing the CET is still an CARICOM. “I think the process is former boss is able to “handle prices. He is the one who approved unresolved matter. And the advancing in a very good manner; himself,” and that they look forward it. Obviously, he has to go. I hope he Santander company of Belize says step-by-step we have been moving to the “dog and pony” show. will show up,” Prime Minister that this must be addressed. forward. Our market in CARICOM “I think you know that the Rt. Hon. Briceño said. During a press conference hosted has expanded. We are supplying the Dean Barrow is more than capable According to 7News, in a text by Santander earlier this week, brown sugar that Trinidad of handling himself, so we look message that was sent by former PM David Rodriguez, C.F.O. of consumes; we are supplying the forward to that ‘dog and pony’ show, Barrow, he remarked that he is Santander, said, “I think Trinidad, local producers in the CARICOM. because I can’t understand why a “happy” and willing to go before the slowly, will have to follow the I think we are in a better shape than Commission of Inquiry would want Commission of Inquiry and that he law… [at the moment], they are we have been in the past,” said a to summon a former prime minister will absolutely attend the proceeding. reluctant to accept it, especially in Santander representative. to explain something that you can This historic first sitting of the white sugar, because they are Santander commends the efforts easily get the record for from the Commission of Inquiry will take buying refined sugar, especially for of the sugar industries and Financial Secretary. If you want to place on Monday, February 15, beverage companies, from outside associations in the Caribbean in find out what happened in the 2021 at the Belize City House of CARICOM.” conjunction with the Belizean ministry, the minister is not the Culture. The session will be closed According to the company, government for denouncing the person that you summon or ask. to the public but will be streamed “Trinidad has been giving waivers illegal importation of sugar from There is a management team that’s live on the Government of Belize for sugar from Columbia, outside the CARICOM trade zone. comprised of the minister; the CEO, Press Office Facebook page. Friday, February 12, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 5

Rep. of Conservation organization overstepped

The Maya Leaders Alliance, the Julian Cho Society, and the In 2007, in a landmark case, the of Belize, Dr. Toledo Alcaldes Association, via a press release issued on Abdulai Conteh, ruled in the Supreme Court that our Mayan February 8, alerted the nation about an attempt by an brothers and sisters in Conejo and Santa Cruz had customary international wildlife conservation organization, Flora and Fauna land rights over the lands in those villages. International, represented by Ms. Lisel Alamilla, to take control After the 2007 victory in the Supreme Court, Mayan leaders of land in the vicinity of Indian Creek, one of the 38 villages in brought forward a claim that included the lands in 38 villages, the that the (SCB) and in 2010 they got another favorable ruling in the court. That ruled in 2010, and the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) affirmed case was slow in coming to court, largely because the in 2015, had customary land rights over lands they traditionally government of the day was stalling, and in 2009 Mayan leaders used for their livelihoods. charged that while they waited for the case to be heard, the The Environmental Justice Atlas (EJT), at the website government, very disrespectfully, continued issuing leases and ejatlas.org, says the Government of Belize began giving out logging concessions in lands they traditionally occupied. massive long-term logging concessions in the Toledo District to After the 2010 ruling the government (UDP) said that while it foreign companies in 1985. The EJT says that in 1996 the was supportive of the ruling for the two villages, it couldn’t Malaysian company, Atlantic Industries was granted a countenance the ruling for 38 villages, and appealed. In 2015, concession to harvest logs in 200,000 hectares (almost 500,000 the CCJ upheld the Supreme Court of Belize’s 2010 ruling. acres) of the rainforest of Toledo. Danielle DeLuca, in a 2015 article “Maya Win Unprecedented This invasion of their lands alarmed Mayan , and to Land Rights In Belize At International Courts” published in the defend their livelihoods the Toledo Maya Cultural Council magazine, Cultural Survival, wrote that the CCJ established in (TMCC) and Mayan alcaldes sought protection in the courts. its 2015 ruling that the 38 communities “have rights to the When the TMCC, under their leader, Julian Cho, now deceased, lands they have customarily used and occupied”, that “traditional went to court to block Atlantic Industries, they sought control land rights constitute property equal in legitimacy to any other over 500,000 acres, acreage similar to the tract that our form of property under Belizean law” and that our government government had issued to the Malaysian company to exploit. should “register Maya village lands”, and “cease and desist from It must be noted that Mayan Belizeans were also alarmed any further interference, destruction, or use of the lands that because Belizeans from other districts, some of them would interfere with the Maya peoples’ enjoyment of their lands.” representing rich Americans; and rich Chinese who had After the CCJ ruling Ms. Alamilla was given the task to work purchased Belizean with the leaders of the Maya to implement the ruling of the citizenship, and unscrupulous court, but the government she served clearly was more interested political operatives were in stonewalling than respecting the court’s ruling. turning their attention to When the PUP took over the reins of government in November acquiring land in Toledo from 2020, it signaled to the world that it would not be pussyfooting cash-poor Belizeans in the around the ruling of the SCB and the CCJ on Mayan customary (estb. 1969) district, and lands traditionally land rights, by forming the Ministry of Human Development, Business and editorial offices: used by the Maya that were Families & Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs — the first time 3304 Partridge Street, Belize officially crown land. “indigenous peoples’ affairs” was given so much attention by a City, Belize, Central America In other parts of Belize, the government. is printed twice weekly by the government has acquired Kory Leslie, in a story in the Amandala dated Tuesday, January Amandala Press. Telephones: 501-280-4703/ large tracts from landowners 19, 2021, reported that the Minister of Human Development, 501-202-4477 whose titles extend deep into Families & Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Hon. Balderamos Garcia, our colonial past, and these speaking on the consent order that the CCJ issued to the Belize have been given over to government back in 2015, told News5: “We want to signal a Publisher: Belizeans for the expansion of new day of respect, first of all, for all the Maya people and, Editor-in-chief: Marco Lopez villages, for agricultural secondly, engagement. We may not always agree, because there Business Manager: Jacinta Hyde purposes, and in some cases is the concept of what you call free, prior and informed consent.” Make-up & Design for management by It could be interpreted that Ms. Lisel Alamilla is trying to force Artist: Andrea Dennison conservation groups. the new government to resolve a matter that the government Executive Secretary: Odessa Unlike Belizeans in other she served, as a Senator, as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries & Robinson Smith parts of the country, our Sustainable Development, and as Chair of the Toledo Maya Compositor: Tyra Welch Mayan brothers and sisters in Land Rights Commission, failed to do during their more than the south, for the most part, twelve years in office, from 2008 to 2020. Lithography: Clive Smith did not stake out parcels of In 2007, the Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Printers: Kent Brooks land for individual ownership, Management (SATIIM) challenged US Capital Energy, over a but, as per their customs, they concession the government had given the company to explore Please email Correspondence: worked the land communally. for oil in an area the Maya claim as traditional grounds. It is to [email protected] The case brought by the be noted that when oil was found in privately owned Spanish Mayans of Toledo did not give Lookout, the Mennonite community, which has only been here Advertisements to: them the relief they sought, since the 1950s, collected substantial royalties. Without rights [email protected] and they took the matter to to ancestral lands they have been using communally, the Maya, the Inter-American as a community, would not get a cent. Mailing Address: Commission on Human Rights Implementing the court’s decision for Mayan customary rights Amandala Press (IACHR), which found that the might hit some uneven spots where it involves lands privately 3304 Partridge Street government had violated their held by foreigners, or by Belizeans who are not Mayan, or Belizean c/o P.O. Box 15, rights, and recommended that Mayans who have belief in the Western system of private Belize City, Belize the government demarcate ownership of land. In this recent case of overreach by the and give title to the Maya over conservation organization, the land in their focus is in the vicinity Amandala’s website: lands they traditionally used. of Indian Creek, and we all understand the ruling of the court. amandala.com.bz Page 6 AMANDALABelize Friday, February 12, 2021 IS BELIZE IN FOR A CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS?

by Wilfrido Novelo administration. resign”. creates the PSC; article 106 Prime Minister Juan Antonio I am concerned that the empowers the Public Services I write as a former member of the Briceño announced that he wanted confrontation between the Briceño- Commission. Public Services Commission of all previously UDP-appointed led administration may evolve into Once a member is appointed to the Belize (October 23, 1993 – October officials to resign from their posts an international embarrassment for PSC and signs the Oath of 23, 1998), the judico-administrative (BTL, DFC, Elections and Belize, especially in Commonwealth Allegiance, only the Belize Advisory body that manages the public service Boundaries Commission, etc). Any jurisdictions that inherited the Council can recommend to the on behalf of government. I was constitution lawyer will confirm that English system of jurisprudence and Governor General the removal of appointed by Her Excellency Dr. the Public Services Commission that have Public Service such a member, and that can only Dame Minita Gordon for a period (PSC) does not fall in that category. Commissions like Belize. Prime happen if the member breaches of three years and re-appointed by PM Briceño seems to be on a Minister Briceño should understand Article 121 of the Constitution His Exellency Dr. collision course with the PSC. The that the Public Services Commission (Code of Conduct). For the benefit for a period of two years as per confrontation between government is not a political arm of any political of the Belizean public, I will quote Article 105 of our Constitution. I and the PSC is now in the public party in Belize. Neither is it under from our Constitution: am deeply concerned that since the domain. It was first published in the the umbrella of the UDP or PUP. Article 121. – (1) The persons to November 11, 2020 general Friday, January 29, 2021 edition of Appointed under a UDP Amandala whom this section applies shall elections and with the change of the on page 7, “PSC administration, the PSC is not conduct themselves in such as not – government, there seems to be an defies Briceño administration”, beholden and cannot be beholden to a) to place themselves in positions impasse with the work and duties of and again on the front page of the the UDP. Our constitution is clear in which they have or could have a the Public Services Commission February 5, 2021 edition of the and straightforward on the duties and Amandala conflict of interest; (PSC) and the current Briceño , “PSC members won’t functions of the PSC. Article 105 b) to compromise the fair exercise of their public or official functions and duties; c) to use their office for private gain; d) to demean their office or position; e) to allow their integrity to be called into question; or f) to endanger or diminish respect for, or confidence of the Government. This section applies to the Governor General, members of the National Assembly, members of the Belize Advisory Council, members of the Public Services Commission, members of the Elections and Boundaries Commission, public officers, officers of statutory corporations and government agencies, and such other officers as may be prescribed by law enacted by the National Assembly. Article 105 of our Constitution creates the Public Services Commission. Subsection 13 of article 105 reads: “THE COMMISSION SHALL, IN THE EXERCISE OF ITS FUNCTIONS UNDER THIS CONSTITUTION, NOT BE SUBJECT TO THE DIRECTION OR CONTROL OF ANY OTHER PERSON OR AUTHORITY”. (This insulates the PSC from political interference). Subsection 15 of article 105 reads. “Subject to the provisions of this section, THE COMMISSION MAY REGULATE ITS OWN PROCEDURE.” (my emphasis). It does not take a legal scholar to confirm that what PM Briceño intends to do with the composition of the PSC is unconstitutional and therefore ultra vires. It does not bode well for our democracy. Article 106 of our Constitution empowers the PSC to make appointments to the public services, to confirm appointments, to pay acting and responsibility allowances, to do promotions, to discipline public officers, to grant study leave with pay, to pay gratuities and pensions, to do ex gratia payments Please turn to„Page 7 Friday, February 12, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 7 IS BELIZE IN Delivery man murdered his colleague exited the vehicle, FOR A... four shots were fired that wounded him (Santos) in the chest and Continued from „Page 6 shoulder area. to deserving public officers. The He was rushed to the Karl PSC can demote, fine (but not Heusner Memorial Hospital, where confine) public officers in he underwent treatment for hours disciplinary cases. One of the duties before he succumbed to his injuries of PSC members is to send firm, around 2:00 a.m. on Tuesday. unequivocal written advice to the Reports are that Santos, who was Governor General on the an employee of the bakery for two disbursements of the Consolidated years, is originally from Armenia Revenue Fund (general revenue or Village. He relocated in order to public monies). work in the city and has been living Once a public officer is appointed on the property of the bakery since and the appointment is then. His colleagues have described CONFIRMED no person or BELIZE CITY, Tues. Feb. 9, deliveries in the Lake Independence him as a hard worker. authority can remove that public 2021 area. The Cayo resident, identified At this time, police have one officer unless he/she violates article On Monday morning, a delivery as 43-year-old Jose Santos, had just suspect detained for the broad 121 of our Constitution. Public man for Jacky’s Bakery was shot pulled up to Tow Tow supermarket daylight murder of Jose Santos, but officers leave the public service multiple times while he was making to do a delivery when, shortly after no charges have yet been levied. when they reach the mandatory retirement age of 55. If “PSC members won’t resign”, it is because they don’t have to. They are not doing any constitutional breaches. Our Constitution allows for appointments of three years to the PSC in the first instance and for a further two years in the second instance. The statutory life of the current PSC will eventually come to an end. Not all members are appointed at the same time. When a member leaves and a new one is appointed, there is continuity in the work of the Public Services Commission. Article 107 of our Constitution empowers PM Briceño to make appointments of his personal choice in the recruitment of public officers who will collect personal emoluments from taxpayers. That is his personal prerogative. The PSC has nothing to do with those appointments. On the front page of the February 5, 2021 edition of the Amandala, it also reads “Ian Haylock challenges Comptroller Leslie’s appointment”. This could be PM Briceño’s first constitutional crisis. I really want to see how the Supreme Court will rule on this case. PM Briceño has five lawyers in his Cabinet: Eamon Courtenay, Hon. , Hon. Dolores Balderamos-García, Hon. Kareeem Musa and Magali Marín Young, who should be providing him with sound legal advice on how to handle his crisis with the PSC. If this matter escalates into a constitutional crisis, Belize will be the laughing stock of the Commonwealth. Our democracy will be profoundly impaired. A word of advice to the wise should suffice. Let’s not open a can of worms. I left the Public Services Commission 22 years ago when my judicature officially came to its statutory end. While I have not been involved with public service affairs, I hold the public service very dear to my heart. I want to see a robust, efficient, progressive, and prosperous public service for Belize. It can be done, but it requires political will. AMANDALA is cream! Page 8 AMANDALABelize Friday, February 12, 2021 Rep. de Organización de conservación se sobrepasó

La Alianza de Líderes Mayas, la Sociedad Julian Cho y la Después del fallo de 2010, el gobierno (UDP) dijo que si Asociación de Alcaldes de Toledo, a través de un comunicado bien apoyaba el fallo para las dos aldeas, no podía aprobar de prensa emitido el 8 de febrero, alertaron a la nación el fallo para 38 aldeas y apeló. En 2015, la CCJ confirmó sobre un intento de una organización internacional de el fallo de 2010 de la Corte Suprema de Belize. conservación de la vida silvestre, Flora and Fauna Danielle DeLuca, en un artículo de 2015 titulado “los International, representada por la Sra. Lisel Alamilla, de mayas ganan derechos territoriales sin precedentes en tomar control de tierras en las cercanías de Indian Creek, Belize en tribunales internacionales”, publicado en la una de las 38 aldeas en el distrito de Toledo que la Corte revista Cultural Survival, escribió que la CCJ estableció Suprema de Belize (SCB en inglés) dictaminó en 2010, y la en su fallo de 2015 que las 38 comunidades “tienen Corte de Justicia del Caribe (CCJ en inglés) afirmó en 2015, derechos sobre las tierras que han utilizado habitualmente tiene derechos consuetudinarias sobre las tierras que y ocupado”, que “los derechos tradicionales sobre la tierra tradicionalmente usaban para su sustento. constituyen una propiedad igual en legitimidad a cualquier El Atlas de Justicia Ambiental (EJT), en el sitio web otra forma de propiedad según la ley de Belize” y que ejatlas.org, dice que el Gobierno de Belize comenzó a nuestro gobierno debería “registrar las tierras de las aldeas otorgar masivas concesiones de tala a largo plazo en el mayas” y “cesar y desistir de cualquier interferencia, distrito de Toledo a empresas extranjeras en 1985. El EJT destrucción o uso de las tierras que interferirían con el dice que en 1996 la empresa malaya Atlantic Industries disfrute de las tierras por parte de los mayas”. recibió una concesión para cosechar madera en 200,000 Después del fallo de la CCJ, a la Sra. Alamilla se le dio la hectáreas (casi 500,000 acres) de la selva tropical de Toledo. tarea de trabajar con los líderes mayas para implementar Esta invasión de sus tierras alarmó a los mayas beliceños el fallo del tribunal, pero el gobierno al que servía, y, para defender sus medios de vida, el Consejo Cultural claramente estaba más interesado en obstaculizar que en Maya de Toledo (TMCC en inglés) y los alcaldes mayas respetar el fallo del tribunal. buscaron protección en los tribunales. Cuando el TMCC, Cuando el PUP asumió las riendas del gobierno en bajo su líder, Julian Cho, ahora fallecido, acudió a los noviembre de 2020, le indicó al mundo que no andaría tribunales para bloquear a Atlantic Industries, pedían el con tiento en torno al fallo de la SCB y la CCJ sobre los control de 500,000 acres, una superficie similar a la que derechos consuetudinarios de la tierra maya, al formar el nuestro gobierno había otorgado a la empresa malaya para Ministerio de Desarrollo Humano, Familias e Asuntos de explotar. los Pueblos Indígenas: la primera vez que un gobierno Cabe señalar que los beliceños mayas también estaban prestara tanta atención a los “asuntos de los pueblos alarmados porque beliceños de otros distritos, algunos de indígenas”. ellos representando a estadounidenses ricos; y chinos ricos Kory Leslie, en una nota en el Amandala fechado el que habían comprado la ciudadanía beliceña, y operativos martes 19 de enero de 2021, informó que el Ministro de políticos sin escrúpulos estaban centrando su atención en Desarrollo Humano, Familias y Asuntos de los Pueblos adquirir tierras en Toledo de beliceños pobres sin dinero Indígenas, la Honorable Balderamos García, hablando sobre en el distrito, y tierras tradicionalmente utilizadas por los la orden de consentimiento que la CCJ emitió al Gobierno mayas que eran oficialmente tierras de la corona. de Belize en 2015, dijo a News5: “Queremos señalar un En otras partes de Belize, el gobierno ha adquirido nuevo día de respeto, primero que nada, para todo el grandes extensiones de terratenientes cuyos títulos se pueblo maya y, segundo, compromiso. Es posible que no extienden hasta lo más profundo de nuestro pasado siempre estemos de acuerdo, porque existe el concepto colonial, y estos han sido entregados a los beliceños para de lo que se llama consentimiento libre, previo e la expansión de aldeas, con fines agrícolas y, en algunos informado”. casos, para la gestión de grupos conservacionistas. Se podría interpretar que la Sra. Lisel Alamilla está tratando A diferencia de los beliceños en otras partes del país, de obligar al nuevo gobierno a resolver un asunto que el nuestros hermanos y hermanas mayas en el sur, en su gobierno bajo el cual se desempeñó como senadora, como mayor parte, no delimitaron parcelas de tierra para ministra de Bosques, Pesca y Desarrollo Sostenible, y como propiedad individual, sino que, según sus costumbres, presidenta de la Comisión de Derechos Territoriales de trabajaron la tierra en comunidad. los Mayas de Toledo, no pudo hacer durante sus más de El caso interpuesto por los mayas de Toledo no les brindó doce años en el cargo, de 2008 a 2020. el alivio que buscaban, por lo que llevaron el asunto a la En 2007, el Instituto Sarstún Temash para la Gestión Comisión Interamericana de Derechos Humanos (CIDH), Indígena (SATIIM en inglés) impugnó a US Capital Energy que determinó que el gobierno había violado sus derechos por una concesión que el gobierno le había otorgado a la y recomendó que el gobierno demarcara y otorgara títulos empresa para explorar en busca de petróleo en un área a los mayas sobre las tierras que usaban tradicionalmente. que los mayas reclaman como terrenos tradicionales. Cabe En 2007, en un caso histórico, el Presidente del Tribunal señalar que cuando se encontró petróleo en la propiedad Supremo de Belize, el Dr. Abdulai Conteh, dictaminó en la privada Spanish Lookout, la comunidad menonita, que Corte Suprema que nuestros hermanos y hermanas mayas solo ha estado aquí desde la década de 1950, cobró en Conejo y Santa Cruz tenían derechos consuetudinarios regalías sustanciales. Sin los derechos a las tierras sobre las tierras de esas aldeas. ancestrales que han estado utilizando comúnmente, los Después de la victoria de 2007 en la Corte Suprema, los mayas, como comunidad, no recibirían un centavo. líderes mayas presentaron un reclamo que incluía las tierras La implementación de la decisión del tribunal sobre los en 38 aldeas, y en 2010 obtuvieron otro fallo favorable en derechos consuetudinarios maya podría toparse con puntos la corte. Ese caso tardó en llegar a los tribunales, en gran desiguales en lo que concierne a tierras en manos de parte porque el gobierno de turno estaba empleando extranjeros, o de beliceños que no son mayas, o de tácticas dilatorias, y en 2009 los líderes mayas acusaron beliceños mayas que creen en el sistema occidental de que mientras esperaban que se escuchara el caso, el propiedad privada de la tierra. En este caso reciente de gobierno, muy irrespetuosamente, continuaba emitiendo sobrepaso por parte de la organización de conservación, arrendamientos y concesiones madereras en las tierras que la tierra en su mira está en las cercanías de Indian Creek, ellos ocupaban tradicionalmente. y todos entendemos el fallo de la corte. Friday, February 12, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 9

When the “black talking” began The British had freed British In the immediate aftermath of the history in America. But I have to in Belize City in late 1968, leading Honduras’ African-descent slaves in American Civil War, African consider and discuss the situation into early 1969, the apologists for 1838. People of African descent Americans enjoyed a modicum of in the American South because it white supremacy in Belize soon were the overwhelming majority of political power in the Southern or appears that the emancipation of countered with the accusation that the population in the settlement of Confederate states which had people of African descent in we black talkers were importing a Belize, but freedom in 1838 was fought the abolitionist Northern America meant that African-descent problem from the United States, not that meaningful, because most states to preserve slavery. But that Belizeans began to trickle into the that in Belize there was absolutely of the former slaves had to seek situation of African American American South, mostly through the no such problem of race. employment with the same settlers/ political power quickly changed, as port of New Orleans in Louisiana. I believe that it was in 1863, in mahogany contractors who had the whites from the victorious A few light-skinned Belizeans the middle of the United States “owned” them, and the terms of that North and the defeated South began discovered that they could “pass for Civil War, which lasted from 1861 employment were dictated by the to make deals which white,” which opened up to 1865, that U.S. president settlers/mahogany contractors. (Not disenfranchised African Americans employment and economic Abraham Lincoln had freed (the all of ’ in the South, the slaves who had opportunities for them in and word was “emancipation”) slaveowners had been white: some been freed in 1863. around New Orleans. America’s African-descent slaves. were “colored.”) I am no expert in post-Civil War Again, I am no kind of expert in African-descent Belizeans’ movement into America after the Civil War. The expert on that is Dr. Jerome Straughan, who lives in Los Angeles, and whose doctoral dissertation research has never had the kind of exposure in Belize that it deserves. Inside the settlement of Belize, which became a British colony in 1862, lighter-skinned Belizeans who had some African ancestry had always had a better time of it. The philosophy of “raise yu color” had been embedded in the psychology of the settlement from slavery days, because in the settlement white men who fathered children with African slave women here in many cases had pampered their “mulatto” offspring. There were no white women in the settlement of Belize available for white men to mate with. Likewise on the Mosquito Shore in Nicaragua, from which an amount of settlers had been forced to move in the 1780s and come to Belize. Such settlers who moved from the “Shore” to the “Bay” included my great great great great grandmother on my father’s side, Adney Broaster, who was the daughter of a white Shore settler, John Broaster, and an African slave woman owned by John Broaster — Eve Broaster. On his passing in Nicaragua, John Broaster had willed ownership of Eve Broaster to their daughter, Adney. There were no mulatto people, as far as I know, who made the roughly ten-week trip from West Africa to the Americas chained together in the bottom of slave ships. Those who survived that horrific trip, urinating, defecating and vomiting upon each other for the duration of the trip across the Atlantic Ocean, were all of “pure” African descent. The Europeans had come for them to work in their “New World” plantations, mines, and forests because the casualty rate amongst Please turn to„Page 10 Page 10 AMANDALABelize Friday, February 12, 2021 Elderly Man Shot by Police

on two individuals. A struggle he would not have had his foot ensued between one of the persons, because it would have broken up Lionel Arnold, Jr., and an officer, his bones and he would have had to and shortly after, Arnold’s father cut off his foot.” became involved. As mentioned, police continue to Senior Superintendent investigate this incident. At the time Sutherland, who is also head of the of the interview, no reports were yet Professional Standards Branch, officially made by the shooting reported that one of the officers victim or his son. Police will then proceeded to draw his pistol determine if excessive force was and fire a single round that used by the officer. wounded the elderly man. He was subsequently taken to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital From the (KHMH), where he remains BELIZE CITY, Fri. Feb. 5, 2021 Arnold, Sr., was shot in the right hospitalized in a stable condition. Publisher The is thigh after he confronted police on According to reports from his family, the gunshot wound ruptured currently investigating the alleged behalf of his son, who was being Continued from Page 9 shooting of an elderly man by police searched by the officers. Arnold’s main artery. In an „ officers last Friday evening at the Senior Superintendent Dwayne interview with his daughter she their Indigenous slave workers was corner of Lakeview and Banak Sutherland reported that officers shared, “the doctor they say if it was too high, and a priest by the name Streets in Belize City. A 67-year- were on patrol in the area and the different direction maybe he of Bartolomew de Las Casas, in the old man identified as Lionel conducted a routine stop and search would have been a dead man, maybe first instance, had raised an alarm amongst Roman Catholic Spaniards and Portuguese. This is a long story, and this is not where I’m going. Where I’m going is right here and now, as Belizeans have fought and continue to fight to survive the terrible economic distress of the COVID-19 pandemic since March of last year. I really don’t know how our people are surviving, because I know that our people were already suffering before the virus even reared its ugly head. When I began becoming “black- conscious” in the United States in 1966, 1967, I used to think about the Atlantic Ocean trip from Africa to America chained in the bottom of the slave ship, and I wondered if I personally would have survived that trip. Yes, I had African ancestors who survived the trip, but could my European ancestors have survived the horror? This is a question I think so-called mulattos in Belize should ask themselves. There are some mulattos here in Belize who are enjoying great privilege and wealth, and it is mostly because the system in the settlement of Belize has favored the lighter- skinned for centuries. There are many people here who don’t want to talk about the “color” subject, but since I personally became black- conscious, I have remained such. The coronavirus pandemic has exposed the fact that there are many people of Indigenous ancestry who are living extremely difficult lives along our border areas. It is clear that these Belizeans have been suffering greatly since March of last year, and they have suffered many virus casualties. This is a very, very serious time in Belize. The masses of our Belizean people are suffering greatly, I repeat. We are on the brink of a human disaster. If this situation becomes worse, the rich will find out that the poor are more. Los pobres son mas. This will mean that the security forces will have to start shooting. Some may say they already have, started shooting, that is. Friday, February 12, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 11 Our Marcus and their Du Bois

by Colin B. Hyde South America and seeing grade. Dixon says it didn’t matter of London University,” and he loved everywhere he went that most of our how wealthy and/or educated the parades and pageantry. Both men In the United States of America, people were living and working in children of Africa became — “no were conservative, had Victorian the country with the second largest deplorable conditions and that matter how much they tried (even taste, hated any injustice done to group of people who can trace the violence and segregation were the to current date) to bleach away their black people, and very quickly whole or part of their ancestry to experience of many of them. blackness, while ladies wear wigs became “convinced that the other the eleven plus million Africans Dixon says the NAACP (National made from other races’ hair, they are was the very worst type of Negro.” who were kidnapped and brought Association for the Advancement of still viewed as being black and no Grant says that when Garvey to this part of the world to slave to Colored People) is a Black rights matter how some black people think arrived in in 1916, he “set increase the wealth of the European organization that was actually they have ‘overcome’ racism, they his sights on wooing arguably the race, this month, February, is formed by white liberals. She says are still dependent on the greatest African American leader of celebrated as Black History Month. that after race riots in Springfield, benevolence of white legislature or the time (a would-be mentor, old Five hundred years ago the slave the white liberals called a meeting white society to give them a ‘pass enough to be his father): W.E.B Du trade began, and over one hundred to discuss racial justice and of 60 of approval’ so that they can be Bois”, and not meeting Du Bois and fifty years ago slavery people who turned up, seven of ‘accepted’ into white society.” when he visited the NAACP’s office supposedly ended, but the them were African Americans, one Dixon says black people have he left an invitation for him to take conditions of many of the children of them Du Bois. sacrificed their “indigenous a place of honor at his, Garvey’s, of Africa today are not much better Dixon said that in the minds of cultures in the hope that it will erase first public lecture. Garvey later than they were when their first the sophisticated mixed-race racism from our world”, but remain said that when he visited the ancestors came. founders of the NAACP, like Du “divided along racial admixtures NAACP’s office there were so few The struggle for true liberation is Bois, the terms Negro and Black and hybridization” and mired in colored staff there he couldn’t tell ongoing, and in that vein this article denoted inferiority, they were terms “problems associated with social if he “was in a white office or that takes a look on a couple essays, one used to identify Blacks who were injustice, racism and immorality.” of the NAACP’”. written by Jamaican writer, Valerie uneducated and poor, the kind of Dixon says that the change has to Grant says there was discomfort C. Dixon, which Brother Louis term used to disparage a man like come from within, and that in his over their respective classes, that to Guild shared with me, and one by Garvey. They preferred to be called, final years Du Bois “came to the a point Du Bois was embarrassed Mr. Colin Grant, the author of the “Colored”. realization that Marcus Garvey was by Garvey’s “gauche uncouth book, Negro with a Hat: The Rise Dixon said Garvey was aware of right.” She said it is high irony that bombastic nature”, though some and Fall of Marcus Garvey. their prejudice and he lamented: “I Du Bois “renounced his USA said he was really “jealous of the In Ms. Dixon’s essay she was a black man and therefore had citizenship and is buried in Ghana, younger man’s great powers of discusses her book, Too Black to absolutely no right to lead; in the Africa, while Marcus Garvey’s feet oratory and common touch”, Succeed, and the great Black opinion of the colored element; never touched the African soil.” because while Garvey inspired “the liberator, Marcus Mosiah Garvey. leadership should have been in the Grant’s contribution, “Du Bois great mass of working class If she’ll forgive me, for now I’ll hands of a yellow or a very light and Garvey Meet: No Blood Is blacks”, Du Bois, primarily and mostly excerpt from the parts that man. On such flimsy prejudices our Shed!”, published on the Oxford unashamedly, spoke to “the focus on our Marcus. Both essays race has been retarded. There is University Press Blog in February, ‘talented tenth’ of the race who discuss the division between Garvey more bitterness among us Negroes 2008, discusses the history of the were going to integrate mainstream and another celebrated Black because of the caste system of color, relationship between the two giants. society.” American liberator, W.E.B. Du than there is between any other Grant says the first time Du Bois Grant says that Garvey’s career Bois. people, not excluding the people of and Garvey met was May 3, 1915, took off quickly in America, and Du Dixon describes Marcus and his India.” in Jamaica, on the grounds of the Bois was dismayed to see “the Universal Negro Improvement Racism is endemic in the USA, official residence of the governor. calibre of people who began to Association (UNIA) as the “real in other parts of the Diaspora too, Jamaican newspapers had make their way to Liberty Hall, to McCoy”, and states that he was and Garvey saw that no matter how described the Harvard-educated Du savour something of the energy, inspired to liberate us after traveling hard men like Du Bois tried to be Bois “as a scholar who certainly excitement and theatrics of the extensively in North, Central and accepted, they couldn’t make the ‘belonged to the aristocracy of ecstatic meetings.” When, in 1920, intellect in America’”, and said that 25,000 of Garvey’s supporters “a stocky dark-skinned black man followed him “from Harlem to was one of the last in line to extend Madison Square Garden to witness a proud hand of welcome.” Grant his coronation as ‘provisional FIRST NOTICE says that Du Bois would recall president of Africa’, Du Bois was Garvey’s ‘remarkable intensity’, and apparently spotted in amongst the Pursuant to Section 10 (3) of the Belize Mines and Minerals Act, little else about “the man who was crowds, squirming in his seat.” Chapter 226, Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, Timmy destined, over the next decade, to Du Bois, Grant says, did Banman for Belize Roadway Construction Ltd., , Belize become his nemesis.” everything in his power to derail Garvey, who at the time was just Garvey, printing in his newspaper C.A, has applied to the Honourable Minister of Natural Resources, beginning his journey to become a detailed stories about “the inept Petroleum and Mining, through the Inspector of Mines, Mining Unit; liberator of his people, was financial shenanigans of Garvey’s for a license to extract limestone and marl from quarries for the delighted to be given the failing shipping enterprise, the Caracol Road Upgrade Project – Lot1A. The areas to be mined are opportunity to meet the “eminent, Black Star Line”, and he used his located along the Georgeville to Seven Miles Road (Tripartite Junction) noble-headed” Du Bois, whose good relations with the leaders in and the Santa Elena Road, Cayo District. The areas of extraction are titles at the time included “editor Liberia to get them to help him kill located at UTM Co-ordinates: of the prestigious Crisis magazine” the fantasy of Garvey’s “back-to- and “founding member of Africa movement.” Site Eastings Northings the NAACP”, an organization with For Du Bois, Garvey was a 1) 291409 1894572 several hundred thousand members. “dangerous and embarrassing 2) 290066 1899562 Both men loved learning, the self- demagogue”, and for Garvey, “Du 3) 282379 1895561 educated Garvey scraping up money Bois was the ‘unfortunate mulatto 4) 293061 1892500 to “take some lessons in law who bewails every drop of Negro 5) 290957 1897552 at Birkbeck College in London”, blood in his veins’.” while Du Bois gained his “framed, Hmm, this Garveyite is on the embossed university outside looking in at the Du Boises qualifications.” Grant says Garvey as they work their plan, with the aid The area to be mined comprises approximately fourteen (14) acres. wasn’t modest, oftentimes billing of their newly muscled allies, the himself as “Professor Garvey, late LGBTQetc. Page 12 AMANDALABelize Friday, February 12, 2021 Friday, February 12, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 13 Page 14 AMANDALABelize Friday, February 12, 2021

Cuando comenzó la “charla abolicionistas del norte para ascendencia africana siempre lo plantaciones, minas y bosques del negra” en la Ciudad de Belize a preservar la esclavitud. Pero esa habían pasado mejor. La filosofía “Nuevo Mundo” porque la tasa de fines de 1968, continuando a situación del poder político de “elevar su color” había estado bajas entre sus trabajadores principios de 1969, los apologistas afroamericano cambió incrustada en la psicología del esclavos indígenas era demasiado de la supremacía blanca en Belize rápidamente, ya que los blancos del asentamiento desde los días de la alta, y un sacerdote llamado pronto respondieron con la Norte victorioso y el Sur derrotado esclavitud, porque en el Bartolomé de Las Casas, en acusación de que nosotros, los comenzaron a hacer tratos que asentamiento los hombres blancos primera instancia, había levantado habladores negros, estábamos privaron de sus derechos a los que engendraban hijos con una alarma entre los católicos importando un problema de los afroamericanos del Sur, los esclavas africanas aquí en muchos españoles y portugueses. Esta es Estados Unidos, que en Belize esclavos que habían sido liberados casos habían mimado a su una larga historia y no es a donde había absolutamente no había tal en 1863. descendencia “mulata”. No había voy. problema de raza. No soy un experto en la historia mujeres blancas en el asentamiento Adonde voy es aquí y ahora, ya Creo que fue en 1863, en medio de la posguerra civil en Estados de Belize disponibles para que los que los beliceños han luchado y de la Guerra Civil de los Estados Unidos. Pero tengo que considerar hombres blancos pudieran siguen luchando para sobrevivir a Unidos, que duró de 1861 a 1865, y discutir la situación en el sur de aparearse. Lo mismo sucedió en la terrible angustia económica de cuando el presidente estadounidense Estados Unidos porque parece que la Costa Mosquitia en Nicaragua, la pandemia de COVID-19 desde Abraham Lincoln liberó (la palabra la emancipación de las personas de de donde una cantidad de colonos marzo del año pasado. Realmente era “emancipación”) a los esclavos ascendencia africana en Estados se vieron obligados a mudarse en no sé cómo está sobreviviendo afrodescendientes de Estados Unidos significó que los beliceños la década de 1780 y venir a Belize. nuestra gente, porque sé que Unidos. de ascendencia africana Entre los colonos que se mudaron nuestra gente ya estaba sufriendo Los británicos habían liberado a comenzaron a llegar al sur de de la “Costa” a la “Bahía” estaban antes de que el virus incluso los esclavos afrodescendientes de Estados Unidos, principalmente a mi tatara tatarabuela por parte de asomara su horrible cabeza. Honduras Británica en 1838. Los través del puerto de Nueva Orleans mi padre, Adney Broaster, que era Cuando comencé a volverme afrodescendientes eran la en Luisiana. Unos pocos beliceños hija de un colono blanco en la “consciente de la negritud” en los abrumadora mayoría de la de piel clara descubrieron que costa, John Broaster, y una esclava Estados Unidos en 1966, 1967, población en el asentamiento de podían “pasar por blancos”, lo que africana propiedad de John solía pensar en el viaje del Océano Belize, pero la libertad en 1838 no les abrió oportunidades Broaster - Eve Broaster. A su Atlántico desde África a América era tan significativa, porque la económicas y de empleo en Nueva fallecimiento en Nicaragua, John encadenado en el fondo del barco mayoría de los ex esclavos tenían Orleans y sus alrededores. Broaster había cedido la propiedad negrero, y me preguntaba si yo que buscar empleo con los mismos Una vez más, no soy ningún de Eve Broaster a su hija, Adney. personalmente habría sobrevivido colonos/contratistas de caoba que experto en el movimiento de Hasta donde yo sé, no había ese viaje. Sí, tuve antepasados los habían “poseído”, y los beliceños afrodescendientes hacia mulatos que hicieran el viaje de africanos que sobrevivieron al términos de ese empleo fueron Estados Unidos después de la aproximadamente diez semanas viaje, pero ¿mis antepasados dictados por los colonos/ Guerra Civil. El experto en eso es desde África Occidental a las europeos pudieron haber contratistas de caoba. (No todos el Dr. Jerome Straughan, que vive Américas encadenados en el fondo sobrevivido al horror? Esta es una los propietarios de esclavos de en Los Ángeles, y cuya de barcos negreros. Aquellos que pregunta que creo que los Honduras Británica eran blancos: investigación de tesis doctoral sobrevivieron a ese horrible viaje, llamados mulatos de Belize algunos eran “de color”). nunca ha tenido el tipo de orinándose, defecando y deberían hacerse. Inmediatamente después de la exposición en Belize que se vomitando unos sobre otros Hay algunos mulatos aquí en Guerra Civil estadounidense, los merece. durante el viaje a través del Océano Belize que disfrutan de grandes afroamericanos disfrutaron de un Dentro del asentamiento de Atlántico, eran todos de “pura” privilegios y riquezas, y se debe mínimo de poder político en los Belize, que se convirtió en colonia ascendencia africana. Los principalmente a que el sistema en estados del sur o confederados que británica en 1862, los beliceños de europeos habían venido a el asentamiento de Belize ha habían luchado contra los estados piel más clara que tenían alguna buscarlos para trabajar en sus favorecido a los de piel más clara durante siglos. Hay mucha gente aquí que no quiere hablar sobre el tema de “color”, pero desde que BY ORDER OF THE MORTGAGEES yo personalmente me volví negro consciente, me he mantenido así. THE BELIZE BANK LIMITED, a company duly formed and incorporated under the Laws of Belize with La pandemia de coronavirus ha registered Office situate at No. 60 Market Square, Belize City, Belize hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its puesto de manifiesto el hecho de power of sale as Mortgagee under aDeed of Mortgage between Ignacio Villanueva hereinafter called “Borrower” of the que hay muchas personas de first partand The Belize Bank Limited hereinafter called “the bank” which was recorded at the Land Titles Unit in the Belmopan City on the 15th Day of November 2016 Instrument: LTU - 201601714.The said bank will at the expiration of ascendencia indígena que viven two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the properties described in the SCHEDULEShereto. vidas extremadamente difíciles a lo ALL offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing to The Belize Bank Limited or to the undersigned largo de nuestras áreas from either of whom full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained. fronterizas. Está claro que estos beliceños han estado sufriendo THE SCHEDULE ABOVE mucho desde marzo del año REFERRED TO AS pasado y han sufrido muchas bajas por el virus. ALL THOSE LEASEHOLD premises situate in Placencia Road, Stann Creek District and bounded as follows: On Este es un momento muy, muy the Northeast for 1731.38 feet by a 19.95 Acre Parcel of Land, on the Southeast for 607.12 feet by Now or Formerly National land on the Southwest for 1182.50 Feet by Now or Formerly National land on the Northwest for 818.45 feet by serio en Belize. Las masas de the Southern Highway containing 20.31 acres of land as shown on Entry 7426, Reg. 3 at the office of the Commissioner of nuestro pueblo beliceño están Lands and Survey TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. sufriendo mucho, repito. Estamos al borde de un desastre humano. Si esta situación empeora, los ricos Dated the 1st February 2021 descubrirán que los pobres son más. The poor are more. Esto The Belize Bank Limited significará que las fuerzas de Second Floor seguridad tendrán que empezar a Matalon Business Center disparar. Algunos podrían decir Coney Drive, Belize City que ya han comenzado, es decir, a disparar. Friday, February 12, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 15

UNFCCC Article 6, the NCCPSAP, and Belize’s development plans. Ensure that strategies are inclusive and gender responsive in terms of socio-cultural practices and levels of knowledge, attitudes, practices, and behaviours. § Conduct national consultations with key stakeholders to identify Climate Change priority areas within the sectors, review message design, tools, and materials development and define communication channels. Message design should be aimed at supporting behavioural change among various stakeholders. § Ensure that the views of grass roots people, indigenous people, and VACANCY women are included in the design consultations/forums/planning meetings. • Ensuring the effective implementation of the National Climate Change Communication Strategy. COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER • Develop partnerships with other relevant organizations to disseminate information and create awareness about climate change actions and issues and Duty Station: National Climate Change Office, Ministry of Sustainable Development, the NCCO’s programs and activities. Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management, Belmopan • Work closely with the NCCO staff to ensure that relevant communication/ Duration of Employment: 24 months program materials are developed and disseminated to target groups through Position Type: Professional and Technical relevant media and network channels, including social media, drafting and Project Reference: “Enabling Gender-Responsive Disaster Recovery, Climate and production of media releases, media kits, brochures and other product and Environmental Resilience in the Caribbean” resource materials, including supervision of their distribution. • Develop and maintain contact information, materials and relationships with 1. Background Information journalists and media outlets to increase coverage of climate change related The Government of Belize has facilitated the development of the National Climate issues in the media. This may include organizing project site visits, photo Change Policy, Strategy and Action Plan (NCCPSAP) which was approved in September coverage, tv footage. 2015 and in October, 2016 has submitted its National Determined Contributions (NDCs) • Develop and archive communication materials, including digital publications, which encapsulates the country’s Climate Change plan under the Paris Agreement. photographs, audio-visual materials, etc. • Monitor and evaluate the impact of communication materials and campaigns to In response to the needed actions presented by the Paris Agreement, Belize has target audiences. commenced the updating of its National Determined Contributions. In doing so, Belize • Documentation of experiences and lessons learnt for improved communication is also taking the opportunity to update its National Climate Change Policy, Strategy of climate change activities by the NCCO. and Action Plan in 2020. • Present work activities and results to stakeholders and other interested parties if required. Currently the Government of Belize seeks to plan a way forward in enabling the Belizean • Facilitate the media at local and national events, as requested and needed. society to be a part of the solution. In order to achieve this, the National Climate • Provide bi-weekly newsletters to the general public. Change Office (NCCO) seeks to develop a National Climate Change Communication • Support the National Climate Change Office in the execution of additional tasks Strategy and Action Plan (NCCCSAP) that links to the implementation of the updated as mandated by management. National Climate Change Policy and Strategy, while aiming to effectively communicate 4. Institutional Arrangement climate change adaptation and mitigation issues to the national audience. The Communications Officer will work under the direct supervision of the Project Director/Chief Climate Change Officer and in collaboration with the In pursuance of the development of the Communication Strategy, the NCCO seeks to EnGenDER Project Manager based in the National Climate Change Office, procure the services of a Communications Officer to be in charge of communication Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change Officer and Disaster activities and initiatives related to climate change. Risk Management.

2. Main Purpose of the Position 5. Required Skills and Experience The main purpose of the position is to deliver a National Climate Change § Qualifications and skills: Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Strategy and Action Plan (NCCPSAP) that covers the period 2021 to Communications, Journalism, Media, Public Relations, Social 2025 that strives to effectively increase and improve the level of awareness, interest, Sciences or related field. positive attitudes, behaviours and practices towards climate change adaptation and § General professional experience: At least five (5) years continuous mitigation among the public, vulnerable communities and other stakeholders in Belize. working experience in research, communication, education, and The position is also responsible for the delivery of all communication outputs and awareness. materials. In addition, this position will work with key stakeholders from government § Specific professional experience: Demonstrated experience in the and non-government to identify ways of communicating climate change within the preparation of communication strategies with an implementation plan. sectors and ensuring linkages to the updated NCCPSAP and alignment to Belize’s Experience in using the KAP Survey model. Knowledge and NDC (2021), Horizon 2030 Long Term National Development Framework for Belize understanding of development issues and relevant work experience, in and Growth and Sustainable Development Strategy for Belize. particular familiarity with technical concepts related to the environment and CC issues, climate change adaptation and mitigation. 3. Key Responsibility Areas § General competencies: a) General Administrative Responsibilities o Ability to conduct research and analysis and strong synthesis skills; • Assist in the development of a yearly workplan and budget relating to o Ability to think strategically; to express ideas clearly; to work implementation of communication and awareness activities and packages for independently or in teams with strong sense of initiative, the National Climate Change Office (NCCO); discipline, and self-motivation; to demonstrate a sense of • Participate in meetings or workshops, as required. self-assuredness combined with political, cultural and gender sensitivity. b) General Technical/ Professional Responsibilities o Must be a team player with excellent interpersonal, communication; report writing and organizational skills and • Provide substantial expertise for the development and implementation of Belize’s commitment to teamwork. National Climate Change Communication Strategy and Action Plan. This will o The capacity to incorporate social and gender inclusive design include extensive stakeholder consultation across key government ministries. considerations wherever needed. Additional tasks include: o Excellent English drafting and communication skills; Spanish § Review all the pertinent documents that are related to the NCCO and would be considered an asset. also all previously implemented and planned communication activities o Excellent organizational skills, develops clear goals that are in relation to Climate Change including previous and current KAP consistent with the NCCO’s strategy, identifies priorities and studies, Climate Change strategies, plans and actions and consult with allocates time appropriately. various stakeholders within the public and private sector. o Computer skills including a working knowledge of MS Office § Develop a Situational Assessment and Analysis which incorporates (Word, Power Point, Excel and Publisher). Basic design and levels of knowledge, attitudes, practices (KAP) and behaviours. The layout skills are an added advantage. Situation Assessment and Analysis should target key audiences as o Demonstrated social media experience is an added asset. follows: policy (government ministries, departments and agencies); international development agencies; academia and schools; 6. Working Conditions and Environment municipalities and town councils; civil society; farmers and farmer A competitive salary is available and other terms and conditions will be discussed during groups; private sector; media; youth, women and people with the application process. disabilities; indigenous people; residents, cultural leaders and vulnerable communities. 7. Application § Conduct a communication needs assessment to identify gaps and ways To streamline the application process, applicants are required to submit their application of addressing these gaps in communicating climate change within packages, including the following documents: the sectors specified in the NCCPSAP. § Identify opportunities to strengthen and build the capacity of partners • Expression of interest and stakeholders through communication training, access to • Resume/CV information, supplies and equipment and through knowledge sharing. • Two current reference letters § Establish communication strategies that will engage and disseminate information to stakeholders and target audiences at opportune times Qualified persons should submit by email their completed application to by providing relevant and useful information through effective media [email protected], to the attention of the Chief Climate Change Officer. The that will be based on the key principles of development subject of the email should read: “Application for Communication Officer Position.” communication. Ensure that the principles are consistent with the Deadline: Submission must be received no later than 4:00 p.m., 16th February 2021. Page 16 AMANDALABelize Friday, February 12, 2021 From the Publisher

Reproduced from page 9 of the Tuesday, February 9, 2021, #3436 issue of Amandala

In my column last weekend, I States corporations in Guatemala me correct, the accused were own organization.) forgot to include the fact that the in 1975, numbering more than defended, pro bono, both in I have never written this before, Republicans I mentioned were also seventy, was not included in last Magistrate’s and Supreme Courts, out of respect for Kimani’s concerned in late 1972/early 1973 weekend’s newspaper, but should by the late , who was siblings, but I’ve considered him about what they were told was a appear in the midweek issue. the leader of the People’s an agent of some sort. He was Black Panther-type movement in Check it out. You will find the list Development Movement (PDM) at never an officer of UBAD, but had Belize, apart from the communist interesting. Most of the top the time. his own “paramilitary” group of branding on and American corporations operate in Whereas three UBAD officers, UBAD-ers he used to train at the , young PUP-affiliated Guatemala through subsidiaries. including myself, had old Belizean Beach. I knew nothing attorneys, by the Chamber of In early and middle 1972, the demonstrated our loyalty to Hon. of this, basically because I was Commerce and the incipient ruling People’s United Party , the leader of the teaching at Wesley College in the United Democratic Party (UDP), (PUP) made a series of arrests of National Independence Party 1971/72 school year. which was first known as the UBAD (United Black Association (NIP), by running as Belize City In UBAD in 1972/73, we were “Unity Congress.” for Development) leaders and Council candidates in the not paying a lot of attention to the Because of a miscommunication supporters on different charges. In December 1971 CitCo election in goings on of Nixon and Kissinger of sorts, a list of the top United all of these cases, if memory serves an NIP-UBAD coalition, it is in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. obvious, especially in retrospect, All our focus was on the PUP, that Lindo gained a huge amount which had “ambushed” a couple of of favor with the UBAD faithful our members at St. Mary’s Hall by defending their leaders in court during the counting of the 1971 just a couple months after Mr. CitCo election ballots. In a sense, Goldson had decided to travel to elements of the PUP had identified WESLEY COLLEGE London to study law (January UBAD as the real opposition 1972). Lindo definitely did not danger, not Mr. Philip’s NIP. VACANCY FOR ACADEMIC VICE PRINCIPAL share UBAD’s roots politics: he I have always wondered how it was a hard-core conservative. was that UBAD surfaced just 19 The Board of Management of Wesley College invites applications for the The irony in the situation was years after the PUP was born in post of ACADEMIC VICE PRINCIPAL. that Mr. Goldson had, presciently, 1950. The original PUP was a sent his wife, Hadie, to study law genuinely revolutionary Academic Qualifications: in London in 1961. She qualified movement, from all indications, so • Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership or its equivalent and was admitted to the bar in where did UBAD come from? The • Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education or its equivalent 1965, and had that initiative by Mr. majority of the youth in the early Professional qualities: Goldson paid the dividends he had UBAD were from PUP families, • Minimum of five (5) years of experience in administration expected it to do, then he himself, to my mind, whereas UBAD • Hold a Full Secondary level Teacher’s License already experiencing serious experienced an influx of NIP youth • Capacity to provide moral and ethical leadership eyesight problems, would not have after Norman Fairweather returned • Ability to motivate and encourage team spirit among faculty and staff had to go study law himself, and it from New York to join us in early • Superior communication skills was Mrs. Goldson who would have 1971. been defending us in court instead The man Nuri Muhammad in his Duties/Responsibilities will include (but is not limited to): of the conservative Lindo, who KREM Radio talk show last week • Furthering the Mission, Vision and Values of Wesley College • In collaboration with the Board, guiding the formulation of school would displace Mr. Goldson as touched briefly on the division policies, rules and programs Opposition leader in 1974, after inside the PUP in the middle • Assisting the Principal in overseeing the daily administration of the failing in an NIP leadership 1950s, a division which school as well as the admission, placement and graduation of challenge in 1969. culminated with the replacement of students Another intriguing aspect of that Leigh Richardson as PUP leader • Fostering and maintaining a safe school environment and culture era has to do with the Black with Rt. Hon. George Price. conducive to teaching and learning Panther description of the UBAD Ethnicity played a major role in • Providing educational leadership in areas of pedagogy, curriculum group. UBAD’s most “Black internal PUP upheaval, because of and assessment Pantherish” personality, in the controversy surrounding the Salary: physique, clothing, and demeanor, proposal for West Indian Commensurate with educational qualification and in accordance with was the karate expert Glenn Trapp, Federation put forward by the Government Pay Scale. who used the African name of British. This is a delicate subject. “Kimani Kenyatta.” Kenyatta was But, I will leave you with this. Prospective applicants must submit the following documents: highly visible in UBAD between Ethnicity was probably the major • Cover Letter with resume mid-1971 and mid-1972, but he issue in the Guatemalan civil war • Valid Teacher’s License vanished after the May 29, 1972 just west and south of The Jewel • Qualifications (Original transcript) • Social Security Card (Certified copy) insurrection which led to the between 1960 and 1996. A quarter • Birth Certificate/Passport arrests and Magistrate’s and million Guatemalans died, and • Medical Certificate Supreme Court trials of Norman very, very few Belizeans knew • Police Record (Original) Fairweather, Michael Hyde what the hell was going on next • Two (2) recent character references (deceased), and Edwardo Burns. door. They say that ignorance is • Work Permit (where applicable) (Some while after, Kenyatta bliss. This is for you to decide, • Marriage/Divorce Certificate (where applicable) returned to Belize and formed his beloved. ALL Documents must be certified and any documents in a foreign language must be accompanied by an official English translation. Only applicants who qualify will be invited for interviews.Interested candidates should submit Our email address for business & advertising is application packages on or before 19th February, 2021to: [email protected] Chairman, Wesley College Board of Management c/o Methodist District Office, Our email address for news, letters and articles is 75 Albert Street, Belize City [email protected] Friday, February 12, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 17

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST INDIVIDUAL CONSULTING SERVICES

Institution: Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing Country: Belize Project: Climate Vulnerability Reduction Program Sector: Environment and Natural Disasters Abstract: Individual Consulting Services – Project Manager for the Climate Vulnerability Reduction Program Loan/Credit/Grant No.: BL-L1028 – 4426/OC-BL Deadline: February 19th, 2021 (4 pm Belize Local Time)

The Government of Belize has received financing from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), toward the cost of the Climate Vulnerability Reduction Program (CVRP) and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services. The CVRP is a four year loan program with two years remaining in the period. The consulting services (“the Services”) include the contracting of a Project Manager for one year (subject to annual renewal) who will be responsible for general program management support to the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing in its role as the Executing Agency for CVRP. The Project Manager will also provide a range of engineering services require in the design (where necessary), selection of contractors and suppliers, supervision of construction and material delivery in respect of the civil works and other activities to be implemented by the Ministry.

The CVRP Project Manager should have a minimum of B.Sc. in any of the following disciplines: Civil Engineering, Highway/Transportation Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Quantity Surveying or related technical field. A Master’s Degree in any of the required fields is considered an asset. The Consultant should also be registered with an Association of Professional Engineers, and have at least five years’ experience in experience in a civil engineering organization or equivalent technical organization with responsibility for infrastructure operations. A minimum of three (3) years of project management experience and preferably, successfully, managed or supervised at least one (1) project of at least US$3 million dollars or higher which was financed by a multilateral financial institution is also required. The Consultant should have great interpersonal skills, excellent communication skills, be fluent in written and spoken English, be able to work independently and as part of a team, as well as be methodical, well-organized and reliable.

The Project Manager should have demonstrated knowledge of AutoCAD and Microsoft Project software. A working knowledge of the IDB’s procurement, environmental and social policies are considered assets. The Project Manager should also have working knowledge of methods, sources and techniques of engineering design, road and drainage construction and maintenance; coastal protection infrastructure including hard, hybrid and nature based coastal protection interventions, and safety practices for personnel in construction sites. Specific experience in working with dredging, canal work, pavement design and/or construction, bridge design and/or construction, and sluice gates and pumping stations is preferred.

The Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing now invites eligible individual consultants to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. Consultants will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the Inter-American Development Bank: Policies for the Selection and Contracting of Consultants financed by the Inter-American Development Bank GN-2350-9 and is open to all eligible consultants as defined in the policies. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the selection of Individual Consultants based on Comparison of Qualifications method set out in the Consultant Policies.

Further information and the full terms of reference can be obtained at the address below during office hours:

Program Management Unit, First Floor, Soils Lab Building, Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing, Power Lane, Belmopan, Cayo Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Tel: 501-822-0100/1942/ Email: [email protected]

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by e-mail) by 4:00 pm (Belize Local Time) on February 19th, 2021.

Attn: Mr. Rolando Chan Program Coordinator Program Management Unit First Floor, Soils Lab Building, Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing Power Lane, Belmopan Cayo District, Belize Tel: 501-822-0100/1942 E-mail: [email protected] and [email protected] Page 18 AMANDALABelize Friday, February 12, 2021 New National Crime-Fighting Strategy forthcoming response to statements made by policing through the surely rocky officers, ankle monitors, face area representative for times ahead,” Minister Musa said. recognition cameras, as part of as Mesopotamia, Hon. Moses He went on to say that his our domestic violence strategies,” “Shyne” Barrow, in a meeting Ministry is confident that they will stated Musa. of the House of be able to harness the talent of the As mentioned, Minister Musa Representatives, Hon. Musa new “millennial” through its young said that the innovative tools and shared that they would be taking and vibrant leadership. He noted technology will be prioritized in the a new technological approach that we currently have the youngest fight against crime and violence in to crime-fighting in Belize. CEO in the Ministry of Home Belize. The Belize Crime “During a commander Affairs and Commissioner of Observatory (BCO) is one body meeting, as I shared my vision Police in Belize’s history. which has utilized GIS technology to the way forward, I was able “Within the next two weeks, we and data to study crime patterns and to share with them that the twin will be launching our National trends in Belize. The BCO is able forces of reform and innovation Crime Fighting Strategy. The to engage in in-depth crime will brand every decision ahead. backbone of this strategy is new, analysis, which can be used to Everything is respect, but bold, modern and fully uploaded to address problem areas and everything is equally in the new technological world. The ultimately improve the quality of question. It is time to approach game-changer is in the life throughout the country. policing with radical and modernization and humanization of “One interactive platform which BELMOPAN, Fri. Feb. 5, 2021 modern thinking that make the change tools, this will make a we hope to take center stage is the The Minister of Home Affairs companies like Google and Apple big difference, as we are excited to Belize Crime Observatory. We were and New Growth Industries, Hon. great. We are not afraid to apply design the launch of our innovation able with the hard work of every Kareem Musa, has announced that change, and that change will cause and technology platforms. We look police constable and every vigilant his Ministry will soon be rolling discomfort, but we are sure that it forward to boosting our forensic community across Belize, to keep out a new National Crime Fighting is only with innovation and capacity, our video surveillance the murder rate at the lowest that it Strategy for the country. In his technology that we can navigate coverage, including body cams for has been since 2013,” stated Musa.

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT SupportingtheUpdate of the Medical Waste Management Plan in Belize

Institution: Ministry of Health and Wellness submitted within four (4) weeks after commencement of the Country: Belize assignment. Project: Immediate Public Health Response Project (3.4) Draft updated Medical Waste Management Plan, to be submitted Sector: Health within six (6) weeks after commencement of the assignment. Abstract: SupportingtheUpdate of the Medical Waste Management Plan in Belize (3.5) Final updated Medical Waste Management Plan, including all Loan Agreement No.: 3566/OC-BL stakeholder comments, to be submitted within eight (8) weeks after Contract/Bid No.: BZ/CVD/C/005 commencement of the assignment. Deadline: February 22, 2021 The critical minimum requirements for this position are listed below: The Government of Belizehas received loanfinancing from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), toward the cost of the Immediate Public Health • A Masters degree in Sanitary Engineering, Environmental Science of a ResponseProject, and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services. similar field. • Minimum of fifteen (15)yearswork experience and two (2) years specific 1. GENERAL OJECTIVES OF THE CONSULTANCY experience in construction or supervision of medical solid waste The purpose of the consultancy toprovidetechnical assistance to the Ministry of Health infrastructure or technical advice related to hospital waste and Wellness in updating the medical waste management plan including a section for management the management of autoclaves technology. The Ministry of Health and Wellness now invites eligible individual consultant (“Consultant”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested 2. SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES OF THE CONSULTANCY consultants must submit an Expression of Interest providing information Themainactivities of theconsultancywill be as follows: establishing their qualification to perform the services (brochures, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, etc.). Expression of (2.1) Identify and make recommendations in a policy document, on interest package must include: potential improvements on the current procedures for handling, managing, storing, transporting and disposing of medical waste, (i) Cover letter briefly explaining interest, experience and competence of including distinct management measures according to the type of the consultant waste generated by the different levels,, measures to reduce (ii) Comprehensive Resume unnecessary product of medical waste, storing of medical waste and (iii) Copies of degrees/certificates procedures for monitoring and documenting waste transfers, (iv) List of at least two references technical requirements for providers of medical waste transporting, and any other aspect needed. Individual Consultants will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the Policies for the Selection and Contracting of Consultants financed by (2.2) Provide technical assistance in updating the National Medical Waste the Inter-American Development Bank GN-2350-9for theIndividual Consultant Management Plan, and integrating the following in the final and is open to all eligible candidates as defined in the IDB polices. The consultant document: i) a section for autoclaves management and operation, will be selected based on their experience and competence relevant to the ii) definition of procedures and documentation for the management assignment in accordance with the Comparison of Qualifications method set of hospital waste (from the point of the generating sources to the out in the Consultant Policies. final destruction), iii) procedures for monitoring, measuring progress and generating reports, and iv) establishment of communication with Interested eligible consultants may request the Complete Terms of Reference communities. and obtain further information at the address below during hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. 3. SCHEDULE OF EXPECTED DELIVERABLES Theconsultancyservicesmust be carriedoutwithin (2) months of signing of contract. Expressions of interest must be delivered or emailed to the address belowby4:00 Theexpecteddeliverables are as follows: p.m. on February 22, 2021. (3.1) Workplanincluding detailed activities and projected time frames, to be submitted within one (1) week after commencement of the Policy Planning and Project Management Unit assignment Ministry of Health and Wellness (3.2) Policy document identifying and making recommendations on East Block Building potential improvements on the current medical waste management Belmopan City procedures, to be submitted within three (3) weeks after Belize, C.A. commencement of the assignment. Tel:501-822-0992 (3.3) ProgressReportonthe advancement of project activities, to be E-mail: [email protected] Friday, February 12, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 19 Page 20 AMANDALABelize Friday, February 12, 2021 A RESPONSE TO THE ARTICLE IN AMANDALA, TITLED “THE RISE OF BREDAA BY NURI AKBAR” by What struck me the most in this in the founding of this group. If benefits our country has to offer. Wellington entire article, was his admission that there were people in the Now, thirty-six years after this C. Ramos the radio show became a distraction organization, then I hereby organization was formed, the Black from their original goals and apologize for making an Belizean Creoles, Garifuna and East Adjunct objectives that they set out to assumption. I refuse to believe that Indians have no significant Professor accomplish, as was mentioned in the any organization that a Belizean is economic development in regards History and statement below: forming to benefit Black people in to land, housing, farming or Political As important and historic as it Belize can be successful without the businesses at home or abroad. The Science was, to some degree the radio show Garifuna and the Creoles coming elections that are being held in became a distraction from together. Los Angeles, where this Belize, have not and are not In reading BREDAA’s principal objective of organization was formed, has the working to empower our people the article, “The Rise of advocacy for economic largest Belizean Garifuna politically and economically. These BREDAA,” written by one of its development via land rights, community in the United States, and elections result in our giving power founders Nuri Akbar, I must say that ownership and access through they could have been found. to a majority ethnic group, a I commend the author and all the agriculture for Belizeans both at Garifuna and Creole people must minority ethnic group and a few founders, namely; Shahida Shabazz, home and abroad. In addition to come together to work as people of families and national and Darlene Jones, Nuri Akbar, Ishmael national agrarian and land African descent to address their international business people to Shabazz and Imam W. D. redistribution. concerns and secure their future in politically exploit us and our Muhammad, leader of the American The makeup of BREDAA was Belize. nation’s resources. Under the UDP Muslim Mission, for the formation mostly Creoles, and I did not see If not, we will be at the bottom we had many Black politicians like of this much needed organization. any Garifuna or East Indian person and will be deprived of whatever ourselves, but no economic empowerment plan for twelve years, which was a total disappointment on their part. The new PUP administration will laugh at us and will use this against our people. Politics and race can, and many times do, determine who are the people to be elected and what are the rewards citizens can gain from electing certain people into office. Even if BREDAA did not open a radio station, for them to have been successful with their program, they would have had to engage the Garifuna and East Indian people in the United States and Belize in their program. They would have also needed a partnering organization in Belize that was supported by the BREDAA headquarters in Los Angeles. Interestingly, this organization was also formed one year after the United Democratic Party (UDP) came to power, which had many powerful Black politicians in their government compared to the People’s United Party (PUP). During that period of time, there was also a national Belizean organization formed by the name of Consortium that was focused on economic and political development in Belize. Unfortunately, like BREDAA the Consortium was comprised of many elite Creole families and Belizean people with a few Garifuna and Hispanic Belizeans. I had many friends in the Consortium and was asked to join the organization but refused because of the reasons I just outlined. I am a person who supports inclusiveness of all people, because it brings growth to nationhood. BREDAA can still be an organization that can make a huge difference in the lives of our Afro- Belizean people in the United States and at home in Belize. However, they must think about some of the observations that I am making in Please turn to„Page 24 Friday, February 12, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 21 PUP readies municipal elections teams

Selgado, once again, as the preferred PG mayoral candidate. Mr. Charles Selgado will lead the PUP’s Gorda team of councillors, which includes Mary Palacio, Moses Cal, Arnold Williams, Ulysses Guy, Roberto Vairez and Malcolm Galvez in this year’s municipal elections. Additionally, held a virtual endorsement convention to endorse Mayor Rigoberto Vellos, who will be seeking re-election, and his slate of councilors: Rudolfo Narvaez, Hilberto Clarke, Otoniel Riveroll, Miguel Montalvo, by Dayne Guy Town and a PUP standard bearer for ensure a more accurate Marleni Tapia and Baldemar Pech, Corozal Bay. representation of the preference of Jr. BELIZE CITY, Mon. Feb. 8, 2021 In Punta Gorda Town, after a PUP stakeholders, a re-election was Also at the convention, the party The People’s United Party held preliminary election with numerous held on Saturday, February 6, 2021, endorsed the sister of the late David two delegate conventions at which mayoral candidates, Mr. Charles with a total of one hundred-and “Dido” Vega, the previous standard they selected municipal slates for Selgado was selected to be the twenty-four (124) delegates who bearer of Corozal Bay, Mrs. Elvia Corozal Town and Punta Gorda PUP’s mayoral candidate. To ultimately elected Mr. Charles Vega-Samos, as the new PUP candidate in Corozal Bay in the upcoming by-elections on March 3. On Sunday, February 7, the People’s United Party’s busy weekend continued to unfold. It continued with one hundred and five (105) delegates electing Retired Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr. Robert Mariano as the mayoral candidate for Dangriga. His slate will be made up of councilors Gilroy Howard Flores, Martha Robinson, Alfred Petillo, Jr., Liberato Teul, John Edwin Flores and Jerris Valentine, Jr. A press release from the PUP states, “The Party has now completed the process of putting in place its nine (9) Mayoral Candidates and fifty-eight (58) councilor candidates in all nine municipalities across the country.” These slates are scheduled to participate in the municipal elections for their respective municipalities on Wednesday, March 3, 2021.

AMANDALA Belizean to the bone

#3304 Partridge Street, Belize City. Telephones: 501-280-4703/ 202-4477

[email protected] Page 22 AMANDALABelize Friday, February 12, 2021

Date: February 4, 2021 To: SUPPLIERS OF SECURITY GUARD SERVICES, BELIZE C.A.

Tender Invitation – Security of Hospital Facilities, Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Authority (K.H.M.H.A.)

Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Authority invites interested and reputable contractors with suitably trained Security Guards relevant to the specific service (s) listed below to apply for pre-qualification:

Provision of 24-hour coverage of the entire hospital compound and units as follows:

Ø Checkpoint (16 hrs) Ø A&E Supervisor (24 hrs) Ø Front Desk (16 hrs) Ø A&E (Inside) (24 hrs) Ø Front Desk Supervisor (16 hrs) Ø A&E (Outside) (24 hrs) Ø Ward/Front Desk (2) (10 hrs) Ø Front Gate (24hrs) Ø Staff Entrance/Roving (24 hrs) Ø Back Gate (24hrs) Ø Staff Entrance Checkpoint (12 hrs) Ø General Surgical Ward (24 hrs)

Requirements for the security services and responsibility of services provider: 1. To provide continuous surveillance for hospital’s internal and external compound 2. Institute security precautionary measures for the protection of KHMHA’s patients, staff, clientele, property, compound and equipment 3. To maintain overall order within the hospital by being knowledgeable of the hospital’s policies and enforcement thereof 4. Must be fully registered and licensed and have all required legal permits for provision of security services. 5. Must have firearms licensed for the provision of armed security services. Wesley College 6. The armed Security Supervisors must possess all required legal permits for the firearms. 7. Must ensure adherence to the Labour Law of Belize when formulating The Board of Management of Wesley College invites applications from highly shift structure. motivated and dedicated individuals with good communication and interpersonal skills to fill the following vacancies. 8. The security company must provide the following equipment: handheld metal scanners, firearms (only for supervisors), Tasers, • 1 English Teacher – Part Time (March – June) communication devices, flashlight for night shift, O.C. spray for gates, cuffs, batons, patrol checking device and all other necessary • 1 English Teacher – Part Time (April – June) supplies. Applicants must be organized, creative, punctual, positive, self-motivated, a good team member, excellent role model, willing to work as a homeroom Pre-qualification Requirements: teacher, willing to work after school and participate in co-curricular activities. Ø Business registration certificate and full office address (es) of He/she must be familiar with the subject content and the CSEC syllabus, company in Belize including: telephone numbers, fax number and e- beable to teach on line, willing to collaborate and work in a Methodist mail address environment. The ability to teach a second subject would be an asset. Ø Current certificate of good standing from Company Registry Qualifications: Ø Company’s profile, organizational structure with names of key personnel and all management staff including their resumes Teaching Preferred: Bachelor Degree in English Education and must Ø A copy of your company code of conduct possess a valid Secondary Licenseto Teach. Teaching experience would Ø Any additional information that will enhance the potential of the be an asset. company

Remuneration: In accordance with the Government of Belize pay Commencement and validity of Provision of Security Service: scale Ø The contract is expected to commence on June 1, 2021 and will be Application Deadline: February 12, 2021. for an initial period of two years from the effective date with a one- year extension option. A letter of application, along with a resume, original transcripts, two (2) letters of reference – one from current employer a valid Police Record, A meeting will be held at the KHMHA Conference Room to address any Certified copy of Degree/Diploma, Social Security Card, Medical Certificate queries that the Companies may have on February 24, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. and Certified Copy of Marriage/Divorce Certificate (where applicable) must be sent to: Bids must be submitted in a sealed envelope marked “KHMHASecurity Services” addressed to Manager of Operations, Karl Heusner Memorial The Secretary Hospital, Princess Margaret Drive, Belize City, Belize C.A. on or beforeMarch Wesley College Board of Management 5, 2021 at 4 p.m. 34 Yarborough Road Belize City BELIZE KHMHA reserves the right to reject any or all Tenders. Friday, February 12, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 23 Hon. Mahler speaks of cash grab at Border Management Agency misdeeds that were have seen, witnessed and to the General Manager, Mr. Shrek, committed at the Border experienced is downright shameful that states, “Through this medium, Management Agency by and borders on criminal,” claiming I would like to inform you that I associates of the previous that the former administration’s recall at one of the Border administration who, he said, reign was, “just as destructive as Management meetings, I brought up “abused, misused and COVID-19 has been on Belize and the scenario where open cheques are plundered” the agency. He the Belizean people.” In fact, he issued to the General Manager and would go on in his address said, “without a shred of a doubt in the board expressed that there is no to describe some of the my mind, the past UDP government great concern. The board is misdeeds that were will go down as the most expressing that they have no great allegedly committed, destructive in the .” concern about blank cheques going including the Mahler said, “Mr. Shrek operated to [Mr. Shrek]. No great concern on “misappropriation of without any accountability and their part, since you are the General millions of dollars, IT transparency; in fact, the former Manager. However, as an by Dayne Guy technician fraud and faulty cheques accountant would form blank accountant, I believe that for each that granted limitless funding to an cheques and Mr. Shrek would go on month all blank cheques should be BELMOPAN, Fri. Feb. 5, 2021 anonymous “Mr. Shrek”. spending sprees like the money was well-reconciled, sometime in the At the latest sitting of the House The Hon. Minister of Tourism his.” following month. Unfortunately, I of Representatives, Minister of and Diaspora Relations said, “I Minister Mahler supported this can formally report that due to the Tourism, Hon. Anthony Mahler, personally visited three (3) of the claim by referencing a letter from delay in receiving those vouchers revealed an assortment of scams and four (4) main facilities and what I the former accountant of the agency issued by you or in some instances sent to the Hon. Minister Manuel Heredia, are not received at my office on time. For instance, there are vouchers for the month of December that are still pending and this means that I cannot move forward with my workload.” Additionally, Hon. Mahler referred to reports from an independent audit which state, “There was a lack of oversight in the financial performance including budgeting and reporting when it came to strengthening revenue controls all across the border points. This type of activity was prevalent throughout the Border Management Agency.” The Minister then proceeded to name those in the alleged cash grab, along with the amount of funds received: Mr. Mike Gamez, six hundred and eighty thousand dollars ($689,000); Mr. Sergio Nal, six hundred and forty-two thousand dollars ($642,000); Mr. Carlos Castro, three hundred and seventy-eight thousand dollars ($378,000); Mr. Juber Contreras, four hundred and seventy-three thousand ($473,000); John Olivera, over a million dollars ($1,000,000+); Mr. Valentine Torres, three hundred and ninety-six thousand dollars ($396,000); Mr. Efrein Gomez, five hundred and eighty-nine thousand ($589,000) and Mr. Juan Carlos Chulin, four hundred and sixty-six thousand dollars ($466,000). In the audit documents, an IT expert claims, “No one knows the originating points of the cables, with a couple of exceptions. The same applies to the network devices such as routers and switches. The routers and switches in the local network are not properly configured and are not documented; hence, the team found two routers in the network located in two different buildings.” In describing the transaction, Please turn to„Page 24 Page 24 AMANDALABelize Friday, February 12, 2021 Hon. Mahler Employment Opportunity speaks of... Continued from „Page 23 Growing IT company is seeking a MERN stack web developer Minister Mahler said, “Pretty much all they did for IT work for four with 3+ years experience with Node.js, express, MongoDB, hundred and sixty-six thousand and MySQL. Critical need is for ASAP on-call availability during dollars ($466,000), Mr. Chulin was called to plug out the system and daytime and evening hours (9am - 8pm). Optional to work up plug it back in. That’s all, for four hundred and sixty-six thousand to 40 hours per week, or as much or as little as you may like, dollars ($466,000).” Notwithstanding that, the as long as you’re available when called. Salary will be based authorities had also paid an additional two hundred thousand on review of experience and first communication. Please dollars ($200,000) for AC work, forward inquiry message and resume to even though “the AC almost burnt down the Western facility the other [email protected] and copy [email protected], day.” Mahler said. In his closing statements, Minister or WhatsApp Lourdes Cuello at 001 856 308 1287. Mahler pledged, “I want to assure the Belizean people that we will rebuild the institution stronger and better than ever before. I assure you that we will upgrade the facilities and those facilities will be a beacon of greatness for years to come.”

A RESPONSE... Continued from „Page 20 this article. I have worked with all the major organizations here in New York City and have dealt with Belizeans from all the various ethnic groups. Now more than before the Afro-Belizeans need to come together, because they are living in hell in Belize. If it was not for their families in the United States providing for many of our family members in Belize, they would not be able to survive, and this is a fact. The Coronavirus pandemic is affecting the economy of all the countries in the world and Belize can hardly meet its monthly payroll. Even we the Belizeans who live in the United States are being affected severely by this virus. Some of us have lost our relatives, friends and employment. Plus, the city, state and federal agencies are not functioning at 100%. For some of us who are waiting for government funds, it is taking longer because many of the offices are closed. In Belize it will get worse before it gets better because the revenues are not coming in to keep up with the government’s monthly expenditures. I hereby urge the BREDAA organization, not to give up on their goals and objectives but to develop a strategic plan for the next twenty years for our people. I am more than willing to provide some assistance towards this needed effort on behalf of my Afro- Belizean people. I am a Garifuna Belizean who loves all my people, despite their ethnicity. Belize needs the input and contributions from all of our Belizean people to build our nation. Friday, February 12, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 25

PARALEGAL

Prestigious Law Firm seeking a qualified Paralegal to join its Legal Team. The Legal Department is responsible for assisting our Attorneys with the development of litigation material beginning from the research and drafting level all the way to filing of approved court documents. The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and experience and be able to carry out the key responsibilities of the position at the full performance level.

Eligibility Criteria • Must possess at least an Associate’s Degree and be a certified Paralegal with at least 5 years progressively responsible working experience in drafting legal documents; This experience must demonstrate competency in independently conducting legal research, writing legal reports, to include summarizing factual information, legal issues and case law relevant to a given case. • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite with the ability to learn and acquire expertise with in-house software and applications is required; • Fluent reading/writing/speaking of the English language is required; Fluency in Spanish or other language would be an asset, but not mandatory. • Good working knowledge of court documents and filing procedures is required; • Must be able to exercise good judgement where confidentiality is paramount; • Must possess tact and demonstrate initiative; • Must pay keen attention detail; • Must be able to meet strict deadlines with minimal supervision to ensure that compliance with the demands of the court are met; • Must be able to effectively work with all levels of staff within the Firm;

Key Responsibilities The successful candidate will be required to: • Work closely with other in-house attorneys to draft and file court documents in a timely manner; • Conduct first-level document review in order to provide appropriate guidance and information to the Attorney; • Organize and file case documents in-house; • Coordinate document production for case submissions; • Preparepackages for Client interviews, depositions, and hearings in coordination with in-house attorneys; • Reviews and analyzes available precedents for relevancy to cases currently under consideration; • Conduct extensive and thorough research and document searches in a variety of legal and non-legal databases and provide an informed response on a wide range of matters; • Communicate relevant findings and conclusions citing applicable legal references and decisions; • Responds to oral and written inquiries from Clients, the local Courts, in-house attorneys, members of the Legal Department, and Attorneys from other Law Firms. • Index and file documents for record keeping purposesto ensure effective case management;

Salary: Dependent on experience and qualifications.

Who May Apply:Only those persons who meet the eligibility criteria as stated above are invited to apply. No substitutions will be made for education and/or experience requirements outlined in our eligibility criteria.Candidates MUST be able to work legally in country under the laws of Belize.

Candidates selected for interview will be required to complete a competency test to ensure an adequate level of performance will be achieved.

How to Apply: Qualified candidates may submit their application package complete with two(2)sources of reference (One (1) Career and One (1) Character) to:

Manager P.O. Box 1074 Belize City, BELIZE REF: Paralegal Vacancy 2021

Closing Date: Friday, February 26, 2021.

NOTE: Only shortlisted and/or selected Candidates will be contacted. Communication will be made within one week after the closing date of this vacancy. Page 26 AMANDALABelize Friday, February 12, 2021 A deeper look into the 2020 prison break — Part 1

day a riot inside the prison resulted foundation took a three-pronged in the death of one young inmate, approach in addressing the jailbreak. Stephan Jenkins. As of January 31, “We have certainly improved our 2021, all escapees — with the security, without going into the exception of Akeem Tillett, who was details of what systems we’ve put in killed by police during their attempt place. What I can assure the country to recapture him — have since been and the public at large is that we’ve returned to the Belize Central Prison. put a lot of systems in place, we’ve Earlier this week Amandala had a improved certain areas. What I did discussion with the CEO of the Kolbe when this thing happened, I went and Foundation (which manages the I analyzed the entire situation and I prison), Virgilio Murillo, and a Ph.D. broke it down into literally three holder in criminal justice, Dr. Jarrod things. What happened. What caused Sadulski, in an effort to take a deeper it. And correctional or remedial look into the historical jailbreak and actions,” CEO Murillo explained. the measures implemented since then. After the situation was assessed CEO Murillo gave a broad outline from those three angles, enhanced of the measures that have been put in security systems were put in place place since the prison break, although inside the prison. All this was done BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Feb. 11, 2021 28 inmates of the Belize Central he did not give a detailed description while the prison continued its On October 12, 2020, at the height Prison staged the largest jailbreak in of any particular system that is now COVID-19 response. CEO Murillo of the COVID-19 pandemic in Belize, the country’s history. The following being used. He said that the shared that while the facility continues to operate on a shoestring budget, the implementation of the new measures is being shouldered by the current staff, who have all taken on additional roles. “It boils down to being dynamic, in the sense that you have to try to find the cheapest way of doing business. Like I said, the COVID brought on its own set of woes for the prison, because with our shoestring budget that we are operating on prior to COVID, [COVID] ended up sort of stretching that, I guess, to the breaking limit. But thank God we managed to pull through, we managed to implement some things that did not really come at a cost. It just required that our people are capable or able to multitask. In essence, we continue to get a two for the price of one type thing,” CEO Murillo said. He shared that the prison’s management is concerned that the staff may suffer burnout as a result of the additional tasks. In January 2020, Dr. Jarrod Sadulski visited the Belize Central Prison and conducted a one-week training in the areas of hostage-taking, escapes, and riots with staff members. He observed that the professionalism and drive of the employees were unmatched when compared to other prisons he has studied across the Americas. Because of this, Dr. Sadukski expressed his belief that the Belize Central Prison should serve as a model for all similar facilities across this region. ”I actually provided the training to the 250 staff members at the prison, and what I found was a significant level of professionalism and dedication to their work. These members at the Belize Central Prison believe in the mission of Kolbe, they believe in what they do every day, they believe in proper prison care. I’ve studied prisons throughout the Americas, North, Central, South America, and Europe. I believe the Belize Central Prison should be the role model in terms of the operating Please turn to„Page 27 Friday, February 12, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 27 BCCI: Steps to take before considering pay cuts

maintained that Belize’s public further said in its release. certain safeguards in place. These sector wage bill greatly exceeds the The BCCI release went on to refer would include the exclusion of relative benchmark for a country of to other substantial measures that essential workers from wage cuts, our size, and that such a large bill would yield far greater returns, and since their morale is of utmost has placed severe strain on our these measures should precede wage importance during a pandemic, and finances, and is no longer cuts of any sort. These include ensuring that salary cuts are sustainable. closing tax loopholes; requiring progressive so that those workers on In a recent press release, however, businesses that once evaded tax lower pay scales are less impacted the Chamber of Commerce payments to pay their fair share in than those on higher scales. acknowledged that wage cuts are taxes; instituting a hiring freeze; “The BCCI states that it will not controversial and would cause conducting thorough payroll audits; object if it is that the Government public outrage, so it pointed instead establishing a set staff replacement ultimately decides that this is the to attrition (the gradual reduction of to staff retiree/resignee ratio; adding most prudent option, after it has the workforce that occurs through gradual reforms to the public sector judiciously weighed its benefits and by Dayne Guy retirements and resignations, pensions, including increasing the costs,” the BCCI release concluded. without additional hiring to fill those age of retirement; and working in BELIZE CITY, Sat. Feb. 6, 2021 spots) as another possible tool for collaboration with unions to address The Belize Chamber of addressing the budget deficit. This cost-saving measures. A deeper look Commerce and Industry (BCCI) and would gradually reduce the wage Nonetheless, BCCI says that if the a number of other domestic bill, for rehiring would be done at a Government of Belize still considers organizations and international slower rate than the natural rate of wage cuts its most viable option, it into the... would be advisable to proceed with agencies have all strongly retirement and resignation, the BCCI Continued from „Page 26 model for prisons because of the strength in their rehabilitation programs as well as the treatment of the inmates by the staff,” Dr. Sadulski said. We asked CEO Murillo to describe the atmosphere at the facility and any possible tensions in the interaction between staff and inmates prior to the prison break and the riot which occurred the following day. Some captured escapees have said that their fear of being infected with COVID-19 inside the prison triggered their decision. CEO Murillo has gone on the record to disagree with this and said that the inability of prisoners to access drugs, particularly marijuana, as a result of the movement restrictions inside the prison, could have been the catalyst for the prison break. “I will insist that as much as the inmates that escaped and rioted the following morning would want the public to believe that they did it because of the COVID-19 pandemic, I will not say that is the situation.” CEO Murillo said. He added, “I will tell you that when COVID came knocking at our doors in September, that literally meant that I would have shut down the prison, and it means that things would have gotten tighter in terms of visits, and this is how prisoners get their drugs into the prison — through visits. They get to come to the prison and then throw it in the yard, and then the guys that come out to work pick it up and they do what you call ‘relay’ the drugs until they get it to the rightful owner.” “I am sure that it was the lack of that drugs that could have been… it’s like a famine then. We run it so tight that it’s hard to get drugs in right now as it is. Imagine when there is a complete lockdown; it makes it even worse for them,” CEO Murillo said. We will continue this article in the next issue… Page 28 AMANDALABelize Friday, February 12, 2021

Friday, February 12, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 29 Dark Clouds Rolling In... taking it so easily. They are nervous, before. However, the point I’m have run our government and and quite frankly, they are on edge trying to make is this: the teachers operated our system on a loophole after hearing such notions floating and the public servants have worked basis. How about closing all those around. And with good reason, we and have continued to work loopholes and bridging the revenue have to understand why! Be it a 10%, throughout this pandemic and in gap? Yes, yes, you’ll say that you 15% or even a 20% cut, that counts essence have toiled in earnest to need immediate relief and so you cut towards some people’s mortgage or carry the country. the teachers and public servants who loan payments. That equates to the In more instances than one, the already carry the country, but tackle rent, or that is what subsidizes the teachers and the public servants the loopholes later on? Cha, man! groceries or the utilities. So we have have made sacrifices to keep the There’s nothing that’s equitable got to understand why they are country going. After all (though in about that. We need to put greater alarmed and even frantic. my mind a middle class in Belize is impetus and pressure where they Now, while this is the constant non-existent), they are regarded as need to be and seek to reduce the refrain that is being tossed around, the middle class, and they contribute burden on our teachers and public the leaders are being very cagey with much to the country. They do not servants and seek ways to offer them The rumor mill was busy churning words as it relates to this “rumor,” only toil and labor laboriously, but reprieve as opposed to crippling this past week and sent teachers and as they call it. But hey, this is Belize, they contribute a whopping 25% of them! public servants all across this country folks, and you know what the old their taxable income to the public Now, inquiring minds would like in a colossal frenzy. If you’re a adage says: “if da nuh soh, well da purse. Additionally, they have to know, if the rumor pans out and teacher or a public servant, there’s a nearly soh!” So, teachers and public already given up their increments teachers and public servants are fairly good chance that you’re feeling servants are very much concerned, and deferred it until a later, more made to take a cut, how will they quite nervous, frantic or perhaps because even if you’re severely economically stable time. function and meet their obligations? even agonized at this point in time. visually impaired, you’re able to see So maybe, instead of a looming I mean, inquiring minds would like See, about a couple weeks ago, the clear handwriting on the wall. cut that hovers over teachers and to know: if they undergo this rumors swelled about a possible It’s coming! Yes, the proverbial public servants in this already purported cut, to help (you) to bridge salary cut for teachers and public dark clouds that are widely feared gloomy and desolate time, perhaps your deficit, who will help them to servants. While the details are and much speculated on, are rolling it’s time we have that all too bridge theirs? I mean, inquiring sketchy and information is shady, the in ... a pay cut is coming! important discussion that has been minds want to know: if this cut is numbers regarding this purported Now, don’t think this writer dodged for quite a while. Maybe, just imminent, given that they will be cut, wavered between 10% and selfish and in favor of the teachers maybe, it’s time we talk about tax bringing home less money, will they 20%, but nothing official or and public servants, because truth reform — about balancing the still be required to pay their utilities? concrete came, and it continued to be told, a lot of our people have lost equation and leveling the playing I mean, inquiring minds would like spread as rumors. so much already and are suffering field. I mean, this “middle class” to know: when this cut becomes Well, despite it merely being much strife. A lot of people have contributes a massive 25% and, effective, can they default on their rumors and nothing definitive has already been made to give up more well, there are others who pay a loans and mortgages without been said about it as yet, teachers and than they could have afforded to, meager, measly 6%! public servants everywhere aren’t and have made sacrifices long Furthermore, for far too long we Please turn to„Page 32 Page 30 AMANDALABelize Friday, February 12, 2021

FFB announces new player to National Senior Team

The Football Federation of Belize moved to Dubai as he played in the defenders to mark. (FFB) is pleased to welcome Johny Dubai sevens league with notable During an interview session with El Zein to the National Senior team. players for the All Stars FC Dubai. Zein he expressed that he is honored Johny El Zein, otherwise known Zein’s return to Cyprus came as a to have been called up for the as Zein, holds both Cyprian and result of signing a contract with Belizean National Team. Belizean citizenships. He was born Ethnicos Achnas FC, Cyprus’ first in Dubai to a Belizean father. Zein division, and continued with Enosis - press release – started playing football at a very Neon Paralimni FC. While playing young age and was scouted by with them he had the opportunity of (AMANDALA Sports Ed. Note: Manchester United development playing with notable players like Sito “Hope we be no more strangers!” squad after winning the tournament Riera and Gonzalo Zarate. Welcome to the Jewel, kid! With the and the MVP title for his school. His Currently, Zein plays with Cyprus’ extended period of inactivity on the football development continued with Aris Limassol with whom he signed local football scene due to Covid- the Manchester United Academy. He a three-year contract. He mainly 19 restrictions, the FFB has been also received a trial for the plays attacking midfield behind the recruiting heavily from our diaspora Manchester U16. After leaving striker or on the flank. in preparation for World Cup Manchester, his football career Zein’s agent shared that he is a fast Qualifiers which begin in late March. continued as he formed a part of the paced, dynamic attacking midfielder We asked the FFB for some family Enosis Neon Paralimni U17 and with great technical ability background details on Zein’s father, U21 selections. (playmaker), fast skills and good from whom he gained his Belizean BELMOPAN, Tues. Feb. 9, 2021 His career continued after he touch, making it difficult for citizenship.) February 9, 1971 - Satchel Paige nominated to Baseball Hall of Fame

[email protected], career, which spanned five decades, baseball professionally in the 1920s, February 9, 2021 was inducted. Joe DiMaggio once so he spent most of his career pitching On February 9, 1971, called Paige “the best and fastest for Negro League teams around the pitcher Leroy “Satchel” pitcher I’ve ever faced.” United States. During the winter Paige becomes the first Paige was born in season, he pitched for teams in the Negro League veteran to be Mobile, , most likely on July Caribbean and Central and South nominated for the Baseball 7, 1906, although the exact date America. As a barnstorming player Hall of Fame. In August of that remains a mystery. He earned his who traveled thousands of miles each year, Paige, a pitching legend nickname, Satchel, as a boy when he season and played for whichever team known for his fastball, earned money carrying passengers’ met his asking price, he pitched an showmanship and the bags at train stations. Baseball was estimated 2,500 games, had 300 shut- longevity of his playing segregated when Paige started playing outs and 55 no-hitters. In one month in 1935, he reportedly pitched 29 consecutive games. In 1947, Jackie Robinson broke baseball’s color barrier and became the first African American to play in the Major Leagues when he joined the Brooklyn Dodgers. The following year, Paige also entered the majors, signing with the Cleveland Indians and becoming, at age 42, baseball’s oldest rookie. He helped the Indians win the pennant that year and later played for the St. Louis Browns and Kansas City A’s. Paige retired from the majors in 1953, but returned in 1965 to pitch three innings for the Kansas City A’s. He was 59 at the time, making him the oldest person ever to play in the Major Leagues. In addition to being famous for his talent and longevity, Paige was also well-known for his sense of humor and colorful observations on life, including: “Don’t look back. Something might be gaining on you” and “Age is a question of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” He died June 8, 1982, in Kansas City, Missouri. Friday, February 12, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 31

Spurs Football Club and Belize Football History – Part 5 END Teddy Gonzalez reviews his late 1960s-70s years with Spurs football team in Belize City a “personal and team story” to me and said, Why did you make I still believe the Germans were understood I have talked about; also written in 1997 a threatening gesture to my servant robbed in 1966 in England. I was those that I could not understand when you saw him this morning? in Mexico for the 1970 World Cup, have also been mentioned fairly. by Teddy Gonzalez – manager/ That was not a threatening gesture, and was in Puebla to see Uwe Seeler Maybe they could not understand coach/sponsor, Spurs FC I said, it was only a start of surprise. and West Germany destroy the me; maybe my song came at the I was astonished to see him in English. Granted that Seeler did not wrong time. Who knows? (continued from page 24 of Baghdad, for I had an appointment have many physical attributes, but On today’s game in Belize Amandala dated Friday, February with him tonight in Samara. heart and determination and will You might be wondering why is 5, 2021.) Still a West German fan power were his biggest assets. And it that I have not commented on the I will probably put my foot in my when the other players had long state of today’s game in Belize. Sow not in anger mouth with my following given up, he had just gotten his Frankly, since 1974 I have There is also something else I comments (That is why I took a bath second wind. You could say that witnessed Belize football only would like to share with you all. It and washed my feet before making single handed in the overtime twice: once in San Ignacio when was taken from one of my favorite these comments). But this is the period, he defeated the English. Ronald Hulse was playing in a 35- novels, SOW NOT IN ANGER, way I saw things, and I am not afraid The Mexicans were never my cup and-Over competition; and once at written by John O’Hara, and the title to express my convictions. Back of tea, too pretty, too many fancy the MCC Grounds to see two out- is “Appointment In Samarra.” then I was a fan of West German passes going nowhere. The African district teams play. So it would not DEATH SPEAKS: There was a football; I admired their discipline, teams are now teams to be reckoned be fair for me to comment or merchant in Baghdad who sent his their organization, and their power. with; they have made giant strides criticize football in Belize today. servant to market to buy provisions, I thought that they had a good mix on the world stage. Beware the USA; All I can say is, surely there are and in a little while the servant came between European and South they are coming, sooner than later. people and players out there who back, white and trembling, and said, American football. Granted that Spurs’ last season, 1973-74 are fighting heart and soul for the Master, just now when I was in the since the last World Cup, I believe Spurs’ last season was the 1973- game as I once did. market-place, I was jostled by a that they have deteriorated a bit. 74 competition. In that year, the And I would like fans and players woman in the crowd; and when I To me, the Argentinians were too season ended with: Landivar – 21 and the Belizean public at large, to turned I saw it was Death that physical, the Italians too defensive, points; Spurs – 18 points; BEC – realize that back in those days, many jostled me. She looked at me and the English and their long forward 18 points. people along with myself fought made a threatening gesture. Now, passes was a style of play that I never In the playoff for 1st runner-up, and worked hard for football, a lend me your horse, and I will ride liked. Granted, a lot of things have BEC defeated Spurs, 2-1. And that sport we all loved. away from this city and avoid my changed since 1966, 1970, 1974, was the end of a very special time I wish all the best to those fate. I will go to Samarra, and there etc. Holland had some exciting in my life. I did what I had to do, involved in football presently – Death will not find me. The years with their total football, as and I did it to the best of my ability. players, fans, sponsors, referees, merchant lent him his horse, and the well as the circa-1974 Polish team. Am I a whiner? Certainly not! Am I officials, etc., and everyone else. servant mounted it, and he dug his Belgium was also a powerhouse. crying sour grapes? Definitely not! And remember that NO STONE spurs in its flanks, and as fast as the Portugal around 1966 (with I have written things the way I saw BUILDS UPON ITSELF. horse could gallop he went. Then Eusebio) was one of my favorites. them. I enjoyed the good times, and the merchant went down to the Brazil is still number one, although regretted that I could not have Teddy Gonzalez. market-place and he saw me also slightly deteriorated. accomplished more. Those who standing in the crowd, and he came I am still a West German fan. And worked with me and whom I - THE END -

(AMANDALA Sports Ed. Note: In Part 3 of his Spurs football story, Teddy had mentioned his effort at publishing a quarterly sports magazine back in 1972, of which he was successful in publishing two editions: “Football In British Honduras” dated January 1972, and “The Sports Special” dated April 1972. In future issues of Amandala, we hope to share selected articles from those magazine editions for their historical value.)

AMANDALA is cream Page 32 AMANDALABelize Friday, February 12, 2021 NTUCB accepts GOB’s invitation for budget consultations

government representatives to provide all relevant information to its stakeholders as needed, to ensure an informed, fully participatory consultation. The National Trade Union Congress of Belize then encouraged all social partners, stakeholders and involved citizens to keep in constant communication, to condemn bias and rhetoric, and to respect the capabilities of all partners in the country’s development. NTUCB believes that the shared efforts by Dayne Guy should be recognized equally and the sacrifices equitably, despite the BELIZE CITY, Mon. Feb. 8, 2021 varying levels of contributions to The National Trade Union Belize’s development. Congress of Belize issued a release The NTUCB urges stakeholders stating their acceptance of an to avoid the promotion or invitation sent by the Deputy Prime consumption of harmful propaganda Minister, Hon. ; the that could prevent unified Minister of Education, Culture, advancement and to instead act as Science and Technology, Hon. equally interested partners and , and the Minister of potential beneficiaries. It also invites the Public Service, Constitutional the labour force to build and and Political Reform, Hon. Henry strengthen relationships, to pool Charles Usher, for a budget needed resources, to bring about the consultation to be held on Friday, means to make effective February 12, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. recommendations at a time when The NTUCB stated in its release, addressing budget deficits is “The inclusion of the National Trade especially crucial. Union Congress and other social The National Trade Union partners in the proposed budget Congress of Belize, in its release, planning is significant and as such “reassures its commitment to the NTUCB would like to highlight collaborate and cooperate with the and recognize these first efforts for Government of Belize and especially an inclusive and participatory [its] social partners,” and encourages governance approach.” The NTUCB the same comportment from other then proceeded to implore the stakeholders involved in the process. Dark Clouds Rolling In...

Continued from Page 29 public servants are nervous. It’s like „ you see the storm coming, but the penalty, since you cut into their weather man says, it’s only rumors. livelihoods? But it’s coming, and when it comes, Hmm... I tell you, this is a tricky they will use (us) to save (them); one! It’s mind-boggling in more only hopefully we withstand and ways than one. But, aye, it’s only survive after these dark clouds roll rumors they say, but I tell you, look in. up — there are dark clouds that are Well, I guess, it’s every man for shuffling in. And unfortunately, the himself and God for us all. God already worn out gears that one permits, we will survive! possesses may not be able to Unchained Reflections Of a withstand the gales that these Liberal Pragmatist! clouds are bringing. So I could understand why the teachers and God Bless Belize!

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, February 14, 2021 Time: 10:30 a.m. to noon Guest: Rudolph Anderson aka Sir Andy Sunday Review will be repeated at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 14, 2021 Friday, February 12, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 33 Page 34 AMANDALABelize Friday, February 12, 2021 Three robberies at sea in three weeks by Kory Leslie (freelance writer) increasingly fearful as a result of a affected those trying to make a “Over the past three weeks we’ve number of incidents of piracy that living through fishing, and the most had three incidents that have BELIZE CITY, Wed. Feb. 10, 2021 have been occurring out at sea. recent incident, which took place on occurred. The first one occurred Fishermen are becoming Multiple armed robberies have Tuesday, involved robbery at about three to four weeks ago. The gunpoint. The targeted group of incident was reported to us and we fishermen had spent days out in the responded with an aggressive blue, and upon their way home, they deployment of patrols for the area. were relieved of their catch, their It was a coordinated approach – cellphones and their boat engines. interagency approach. We’ve been URGENT It is believed that the crimes are working with the Fisheries being committed by perpetrators in Department, with the police down the southern part of the country. in Dangriga, the Regional Acting Commandant of the Coast Commander for that area, Mr. Arzu, Sharnell Sambula somewhere in the Orange Walk Guard, Commander Gregory as well as the Officer commanding Soberanis, addressed the matter for Dangriga itself, Mr. Jones. District Kindly report to the Department of Human during a press conference held on We’ve collaborated our efforts, as Tuesday afternoon. Soberanis it relates to the first incidents. We’ve explained that in the past three been able to locate nine individuals Services at 59 Pen Road, Dangriga Town or 40 Regent weeks, three separate incidents of who we believe to have been piracy have occurred. He explained involved with that particular Street, Belize City. that the Coast Guard, the Fisheries incident. They were all detained and Department and the Police handed over to the police in Department have been engaged in a Dangriga. We were able to seize joint investigation of the incidents. four assets where they were charged for various court violations,” Commander Soberanis stated. He then provided details about the other two incidents: “The second incident occurred as recent as Saturday. Again, along with Fisheries we were able to respond to that scene and we escorted the fishermen back to Belize City, where we were able to conduct interviews with them to get an idea of what transpired out at sea. The most recent incident occurred this morning. The perpetrators were bold enough to do it approximately just around 6:15 thereabout this morning. We’re currently collaborating our efforts again with the police as well as again our partner, the Fisheries Department, and we’re looking at locating the individuals we believed to have committed this particular crime,” he said. Soberanis and the Coast Guard believe that the robberies are occurring due to the impending close of the lobster season. The fishermen are being seen as “soft targets” and need to frequently be transporting their products to city for sale. Nonetheless, Soberanis has issued an assurance to all fisherfolk that the Coast Guard will “stop at nothing” to reduce the crimes which have been occurring mainly in the south near Dangriga and Placencia. Fines have been brought against those persons who were detained during the investigation for court violations, such as not having the required equipment and documents to engage in a fishing operation. These persons are also being investigated in connection with the other recent robberies that have occurred.

AMANDALA is cream Visit us at www.amandala.com.bz Friday, February 12, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 35

PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: Apartment Reef Village Estates, Ambergris Caye, Belize District, Belize

BY ORDER of the Supreme Court, Licensed Auctioneer Fitzgerald A. Joseph will sell the following Condo UnitON SITE at Mara Laguna formerly Reef Village Estates, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize District, Belize] on Saturday,27th February, 2021 at 11:00 a.m.:

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL Integrated Science & Biology Teacher San Pedro 7 5227(H1)101

Applicants for the Integrated Science & Biology teacher position must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in the subject area, preferably in Education.

1. The individual must be in possession of a provisional license or a full license. 2. The individual must also possess sound Christian values 3. Application packages should include the following: a signed letter of application, a passport size picture, a resume, a notarized copy of a University Degree (s), birth certificate, official university transcript, a valid teacher’s license, a Police Record, two letters of recommendation, and a copy of a valid Social Security I.D. 4. Deadline for applications must be sent to the abovementioned Being a two bedroom apartment two baths with a master bedroom, address no later than 16th February 2021. Salary depends on living room, dining room, kitchen, laundry room and storage room qualification and is commensurate with MOE approved salary scale. with a front and rear verandah situated at the Mara Laguna formerly Reef Village Estates, San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, Belize District, Completed application packages can be dropped off at the St. Ignatius Belizethe freehold property of Messrs. Reef Village EstatesLimited High School, or emailed to [email protected]. at 11:00 a.m. Applications can also be mailed to:

The Secretary Board of Governors TERMS: STRICTLY CASH St. Ignatius High School FITZGERALD JOSEPH #22A George Price Avenue Santa Elena Town TELEPHONE: 601-2039 Cayo District Email: [email protected] Page 36 AMANDALABelize Friday, February 12, 2021 COVID-19 Update (From page 1)

BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Feb. 11, 2021 deaths occurred on As of Thursday, February 11, Tuesday and 2021 about 106,991,090 confirmed Wednesday of this cases of the novel coronavirus have week and have taken been recorded over the world. Of our total mortality that number, about 3% or 2,347,015 count to 313 persons, persons have succumbed to the which constitutes a illness. Countries across the world fatality rate of 2.58%. are on a fast-track to vaccinating their On February 11, 7 most vulnerable populations, and new cases were with the help of the COVAX facility identified across the and other partners, the inoculation country from a total of campaign should commence in 630 tests conducted. Belize before the end of April 2021. Forty persons were Recent data released from the marked as recovered, Ministry of Health and Wellness and fortunately, no continues to show a steady decline new death was in COVID-19 cases across the announced. On that country of Belize. To date, a total of day, 5 hospitalizations 12,114 confirmed cases have been of persons infected identified across the country, and with COVID-19 were 11,607 of those infected persons recorded, with one of have officially recovered. Since our those persons needing last update, 6 additional fatalities intensive care. were recorded. The six additional From the 736 tests processed on February 10, 28 new cases were identified. A total of 33 recoveries were recorded on that day. Three persons — all males — died as a result of COVID-19 complications on that day. The fatalities were recorded in BNTU president on VACANCY the Belize, Orange Walk and Cayo Districts. VACANCY: Mel’s Restaurant is Unfortunately, three deaths — budget consultations in need of staff to work at 93 Albert two women and one man — were Street, Belize City. Contact number also recorded on February 9. Two Continued from Page 1 the economy can be fixed, it can 673-8537 of the persons who passed away  grow, it can work for all of us, VACANCY: Caribbean Paper were from the Belize District and a chance to share cost-saving and because at the end of the day, we are Co. needs assistant transport Heavy the other from Stann Creek. A total revenue enhancement measures with all going to be benefitting.” Duty Licence class. For information of 266 tests were conducted on that Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Cordel The media also spoke with Deputy call 671-1971, 13 ½ George Price day and 9 new cases were found. Hyde; Minister of Education, Hon. Prime Minister Hon. Cordel Hyde, Also, twenty-three new recoveries Francis Fonseca, and the Minister who shared that the consultations and were recorded. responsible for the Public Service, recommendations put forward by the FOR RENT Internationally, the World Health Hon. Henry Usher. BNTU have been rather helpful. He Organization has warned that the “The Minister presented to us the noted that the consultations helped to FOR RENT: 1 Room at 5732 UK COVID-19 variant could have situation with the country — you fine-tune some recommendations that Lizarraga Ave., Kings Park. Single an impact on the epidemic curve in know, what is the economic the Government already had on its person, comes with all utilities paid. Europe. Recently, Dr. Anthony situation and what it is that the agenda. Call us at 625-1807. Fauci, the top US infectious Government needs to achieve in “We look forward to, at the end diseases expert, has shared that the terms of the deficiency that we of the day, reaching some sort of United States may be able to have,” Smith recounted. middle ground, where we dispense NOTICE inoculate a majority of its She said that the group did not our shared responsibility, our shared population by the end of summer. have any definitive discussion about duty, obligation to the people of this NOTICE: If drinking is a Also, recent data released by the any possible pay cuts, but that they country to come up with a workable, problem and the problem is Center for Disease Control did discuss the measures that need sustainable and very equitable, drinking, there is a solution. A group confirmed that double-masking can to be put in place to ensure that the homegrown plan of recovery, cause of us who have recovered from significantly improve protection fiscal gap is bridged. The union will we are at a bad place right now,” drugs and alcohol are here to help. against the COVID-19 virus. review the proposal from the Hon. Hyde said. Call 633-2849. In Belize, the Ministry of Health Government to see the results of the When asked whether or not the and Wellness has begun to roll out measures put in place thus far and union would be open to a wage cut its vaccination education campaign determine what else needs to be done or freeze, the Deputy Prime Minister LIQUOR LICENCE with video advertisements on local to bridge the economic gap, she said, “I think at the end of the day television stations. Citizens and further said. we’ve said that everything is on the NOTICE visitors are asked to continue to “We know that a lot of our people table. We are looking quite adhere to all the COVID-19 have not been employed, so you comprehensively at everything, and LIQUOR LICENCE NOTICE: regulations put in place by the know they are not contributing, but that’s the last thing we would want Notice is hereby given that Maria Government of Belize. The there are measures that they can take to do, so we are looking at everything N. Baeza is applying for a Beer Ministry of Health and Wellness internally from the Government and else to try to put us in a position Licence, to be operated at Shopping continues to encourage everyone to also externally that they can take to where we wouldn’t have to go there, Baeza, Mamey Street, Trial Farm, wear a face mask properly in public, be able to do that,” Smith said. but ultimately if we have to go there, , under the maintain consistent physical She added, “At the end of the day, we’ll make that case to them, and Intoxicating Liquor Licence distancing, avoid social gatherings, we all are feeling the pinch, and we they’re prepared to listen to that. Ordinance Revised Edition 2000. and wash and sanitize hands often. all have to do our part to ensure that That’s my impression.” Friday, February 12, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 37 BREDAA & the Black Diaspora

popular host of a radio delivered on May 25, 1986. This hosting the SPEAR delegation visits show called “Continent event gave BREDAA more exposure to the Belizean community in Los to Continent” that and credibility, and enabled it to build Angeles in November 1989, and its centered on Africa and the new alliances within the black members, dressed in brown fatigue, global black diaspora and struggle in America and globally. provided security for the events. Ken was broadcast on The Black Employees Association Carr would later accompany members Pacifica Radio KPFK headquarters, located in the heart of of BREDAA to Belize in May of 90.7FM in Southern the Black business core of the 1990 at the invitation of SPEAR to California. This was a Crenshaw district in South-Central participate in the African Liberation pivotal connection for the LA, is a powerful voice that defends Day celebration. It is worth noting young group that would black employees against age, race, and that SPEAR had earlier invited and by Nuri Akbar later catapult BREDAA to sex discrimination in the workplace. hosted Stokely Carmichael in Belize prominence by making history with It was headed by a strong, confident, in 1987. I first met Bert Tucker when I was the launching of the Belize Caribbean and conscious African American A week before the September 4th a teenager in 1981 in Belize City. Pulse radio program on KPFK in Los brother named Clyde Johnson, who general elections in 1989, Bilal Tucker was approachable, and while Angeles. became an important ally of Morris became the first Belizean all the talk was of him working as an The man Ron Wilkins chaired an BREDAA. Mr. Johnson, via his close journalist to conduct a full week of advisor for two of the most dynamic active grassroots Pan-Africanist associate, Ron Wilkins, gave the live coverage of election analysis on Caribbean PM’s in recent history, group called the “Patrice Lumumba BREDAA organization unimpeded the air from Belize City via Michael Manley of Jamaica and Coalition” that would sponsor the access to the BEA building BREDAA’s Belize Caribbean Pulse Maurice Bishop of Granada, he was annual African Liberation Day on headquarters to hold meetings and radio program, reaching a diaspora relatively grassroots. May 25th that recognized the African host various town hall events at no and beyond. The news bulletin on the He was the first to introduce me nations’ struggle for independence expense. It was at the BEA auditorium elections was shared across all five to SWAPO (Southwest African and political and economic freedom that BREDAA hosted a SPEAR stations of Pacifica from the West People’s Organization). In Namibia, from European colonization in the (Society for the Promotion of Coast to the East Coast. It was SWAPO was waging a military and black diaspora. The Patrice Education & Research) delegation historic and unprecedented. This, of political struggle against the Lumumba Coalition had chapters on from Belize in November 1989 and course, was before social media, aggression and repression of the the east coast in NY and Washington a historic town hall meeting on the through which anybody can spew apartheid regime in South Africa. As DC. In 1986 the Patrice Lumumba (MAA) Maritime Areas Act in 1991. whatever they believe as facts without a front-line state, Namibia was being Coalition invited BREDAA to A building down from the Black context or source. punished for its support of the African deliver the main address at what Employees Association was the In March of 1990, when an National Congress (ANC) struggle in would be our first African Liberation Black culture and cuisine restaurant, unknown Haitian priest visited Los South Africa, and for being in Day participation held at the Black the famous Cafe Afrique. Its owner, Angeles, he reached out to us from alliance with those African states that Employees Association auditorium Bro Shaheed, was extremely contacts we had established with opposed the racist and tyrannical on Crenshaw Boulevard in South- supportive of BREDAA’s work and Haitian representatives on the Belize government in Pretoria. Central Los Angeles. a fan of the Belize Caribbean Pulse Caribbean Pulse over the years. His Tucker was frequent around the The United Black Association for radio show. He brought with him team contacted Pacifica Radio for a Islamic Center in Belize City, where Development (UBAD) was the first from Georgia the deep southern possible interview. They were several prominent black intellectuals Belizean group to celebrate African cooking style coupled with Caribbean recommended to the popular radio and activists would gather at the Liberation Day in Belize City in the influence from its Guyanese master magazine that catered to a black and Salaam restaurant located on early ’70s. All the militant and black- chef, BREDAA’s own officer, Caribbean audience, the Belize Racecourse Street for rap sessions. conscious organizations in Southern Michael Branche. The Cafe Afrique Caribbean Pulse. Future president, Tucker’s contribution to California would be present and, as was popular with college students Jean-Bertrand Aristide of Haiti, was BREDAA was in refinement of the chairman of BREDAA, I was tasked and had live music and poetry entertained in an exclusive in-depth organization’s objectives and with delivering this important presentations on weekends. This was interview with live call-in listenership implementation. To this end, in message to our black brothers and the unofficial place of meeting for us, participation. It turns out that was his December of 1985, while on one of sisters in the struggle. This was a time where we entertained Belizean only media coverage in the city. his frequent visits to LA and meeting when the anti-apartheid struggle and visitors and guests like Mose Hyde Months later, when Aristide won a with BREDAA members, he cries for American corporations to and Andy Palacio, among others. The landslide victory, all of the so-called introduced the organization’s divest were reaching fever pitch. I owner made the Café space available mainstream media were chasing him. members to a prominent Pan requested assistance from Bro to the organization, and we held That same year, BREDAA had Africanist activist and professor, Ron Ishmael Shabazz, a former officer of several fundraising events there. obtained press credentials from Wilkins, in Los Angeles. Wilkins was the Belizean 60’s black group Building this working relationship Pacifica Radio for one of our officers, an influential and respected activist (UBAD), and Bert Tucker in framing within the broader American black Michael Branche, who was visiting in the black progressive circles in the the right tone and message. Tucker community gave BREDAA leverage, Jamaica, where he was granted an city and had national and wrote an original draft of the speech credibility, and access way beyond the exclusive live interview with then international connections with the which became the foundation of the Belize Caribbean diaspora. This also Jamaican foreign minister, Bruce Pan African struggle. He was also a African Liberation Day address led to BREDAA working with the Golding, for the Belize Caribbean (AAPRP) All African People’s Pulse. Revolutionary Party, led at the time In June of 1990, a few months after by the late, great Stokely Carmichael, Nelson Mandela was finally released aka Kwame Ture. from prison after 27 years, on his first The AAPRP’s West Coast visit to the United Nations, Belize representative was a colorful brother, Caribbean Pulse carried his full Ken Carr, aka Dedon Kamathi, who speech live. For BREDAA members also hosted a popular show on KPFK who had played significant roles in (Freedom Now). Carr, an African the anti-apartheid student American graduate of UCLA who movement, it was a major victory. interestingly works on the side as a BREDAA also cultivated real estate agent and surf buff, grew relationships with various Central up in Venice Beach, California. Carr American progressive movements was a high-energy brother who was a such as the Farabundo Martí National strong ideologue of scientific Liberation Front (MFLN) and the socialism and Pan Africanism. He Sandinistas that had local support and was brilliant and well-traveled in support groups in Southern Africa and an expert in geopolitical California. On November 27th, matters relating to the African 1991, BREDAA, Architects & continent and the black diaspora. The AAPRP joined BREDAA in co- Please turn to„Page 38 Page 38 AMANDALABelize Friday, February 12, 2021 BREDAA & the Black Diaspora

Continued from Page 37 there have been failed negotiations, dispute between Belize and „ including the Webster Proposals and Guatemala. Nuri Planners in Support of Nicaragua Heads of Agreement, to name a few. Muhammad is a former (APSNICA), and Nicaraguan Britain, whose agenda it was for Minister of the original Elections Information Project Belize to go to the ICJ, also initiated Nation of Islam (NOI) in (NEIP) jointly hosted Ray Hooker, an international campaign to push the Belize, a community Nicaraguan congressman in the Price/Esquivel/Musa/Barrow activist, and had recently national assembly, executive director governments to agree to taking the become one of the volunteer on the National Commission on “claim” to the U.N. court. The hosts of the Belize Autonomy, and director of contentious debate to take the dispute Caribbean Pulse radio community development programs to the (ICJ) International Court of program. Philippi Rojas is for the Atlantic coast. Mr. Hooker is Justice in 2019, which BREDAA an indigenous Maya who a black/Miskito Indian from the area campaigned against, was approved represented the Guatemala of Bluefields, Nicaragua. He became through controversial referendums in Cultural Committee of Los internationally known in 1984 when both countries. Angeles. He made a historic Despite local opposition in Belize led he was abducted by the Contras and Guatemala demanded that Belize presentation repudiating by prominent Belizean politicians, taken to Honduras. He was later lower its referendum threshold from Guatemala’s claim to Belize and Hon. Philip Goldson and Hon. Derek released due to the international 60% to 50%, making it easier to chronicling its military regime’s Aikman, and the lobbying efforts of campaign to save his life. Ray Hooker achieve. In addition, thousands of history of genocide against the BREDAA from abroad, the legislation as a member of the Sandinista Guatemalan citizens who resided in indigenous Mayan people. became law and remains so to this day. revolutionary government Belize legally and illegally voted in In many respects the meeting was Both the People’s United Party (PUP) represented the Bluefields area on the the referendum, while Belizean historic; it was the first time Belizeans and United Democratic Party (UDP) Atlantic coast of that country. The citizens abroad were rejected from were hearing directly from the voice leaderships joined forces and event was held at the oldest historic participation. The government of of the indigenous Maya who make supported the MAA. black activist First A.M.E. church in Belize capitulated and made the up 43% of the Guatemalan The townhall was an Los Angeles and included a cultural adjustment to accommodate the population. Sadly, no government overwhelming success in that the presentation organized by BREDAA intransigent Guatemalan regime. The official felt it necessary to brief or Belizean people came out, of a Belizean Garifuna dance group referendum was eventually approved consult with the Belizean demonstrating their active interest and under the leadership and direction of by a small majority of those who diaspora. None of the other voicing concerns of being left out of the late sister, Dana Martinez. In participated. The fate of Belize now prominent Belizean groups, including the debate. In addition, having a native addition, I interviewed Mr. Hooker hangs in the hands of a foreign the bloated Belizean Consortium, Guatemalan Maya as a panelist was as a special guest on the television jurisdiction at the U.N. ICJ court. initiated any form of outreach unprecedented. BREDAA took the version of the Belize Caribbean Pulse However, in 1991 via the Belize education on the MAA in the effort further by recording the entire program produced by BREDAA. Caribbean Pulse, we did our best to diaspora. This docility was partly townhall using multiple camera 1991 was a high-powered year in keep the community informed, but influenced by the party politics of angles with an ally who is a Los Angeles, and BREDAA was it was a challenge. BREDAA Belize and the manner in which that professional filmmaker and extremely energized and active. concluded that since the local partisanship tentacle extends to documentarian, Jamaal Gorey, and While the radio show BCP on KPFK consulate office was not being impact social movements in the directed the production for the new was at its zenith, there was proactive on the subject and other diaspora community. It also reflected television pilot version of the Belize controversy brewing. Nevertheless, Belizean groups were muted, we the regressive and archaic thinking of Caribbean Pulse that was in the organization was fully deployed would organize a town hall meeting having a love/hate relationship with negotiation with Continental in the community. for Belizeans to come out and its Belizean family abroad. Cablevision based in Los Angeles. The (MAA) Maritime Areas Act discuss this especially important The MAA legislation seeks to The town hall series was later became a major political issue in issue that could have long-term delimit Belizean maritime territorial broadcast in Belize on Channel 7 Belize during this time, but there was effects on Belize’s future. The event waters and mineral rights under the television and via audio on the Belize little information provided to the was held at the Black Employee seabed, among other things, to Caribbean Pulse on KPFK in Los Belizean diaspora. Guatemala has a Association building and was hosted accommodate Guatemala’s demands. Angeles. long-standing claim to Belize as a by Nuri Akbar and included panelists part of a dispute originating between Kenworth Tillett, Nuri Muhammad, colonialist countries, Spain and and a representative from the Britain. After Guatemala attained its Guatemala Maya refugee President Biden cancels independence from Spain in 1821, community, Mr. Philippi Rojas. they renewed the claim to Belizean Kenworth Tillett was one of the territory that dates back 200 years. youth leaders that had led a mass funding for Trump border wall

Over the decades, various military uprising in March of 1981 against th regimes in Guatemala have made the proposed “Heads of Agreement” Washington. Thu. Feb 11 – BBC Last week, Mr Biden signed numerous threats of invasion, and to allegedly settle the territorial News Latin America orders seeking to reunite migrant US President Joe Biden has families split up by Trump-era rescinded the national emergency policies, and ordered a probe of his order used to fund Donald Trump’s predecessor’s immigration agenda. border wall. In a letter on Thursday, Mr Biden In a letter to Congress on wrote that he would also seek a Thursday, Mr Biden wrote that the review of “all resources order was “unwarranted” and said appropriated or redirected” to the that no further tax dollars will be construction of the wall. spent on the wall. Building a border wall was a Mr Trump declared a state of signature pledge of Mr Trump’s emergency over the southern border 2016 presidential campaign.But the in 2019, which allowed him to project faced strong opposition in bypass Congress and use military the Democratic-controlled House, funds for its construction. and the Republican president When Mr Trump left office, announced he would use emergency about $25bn (£18bn) had been powers to fund its construction. spent on the project. An emergency declaration allows The announcement from US presidents to circumvent the President Biden is the latest in a usual political process and to access series of executive orders that have military funding.Various types of rolled back key parts of the former president’s agenda. Please turn to„Page 39 Friday, February 12, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 39 Haylock’s judicial review Belize’s 2021 application granted leave economic analysis Continued from „Page 1 Continued from „Page 1 being borrowed. “83 cents out of every dollar of the judicial review application of public at the same time that government revenues is being spent the Deputy Comptroller of the government is engaged in on wages, salaries and pensions,” the Customs & Excise Department, Ian consultations with social partners in release further observed. It is now Haylock. The court, however, the private and public sector in an widely known within the community decided to deny his application for effort to find mutually acceptable that the Government is currently still interim relief, which was a request ways of addressing the budget deficit. borrowing close to 1 million dollars that the current Comptroller of The first portion of the analysis each day in order to meet the wage Customs, Estelle Leslie, whose outlines a steady decline in average bill at the end of the month. recent promotion to the post is income per person since 2008. It The release also states that wages being challenged by Haylock, be notes, “Real GDP per capita has and salaries across the public service removed from the post until the fallen steadily since 2008, from have almost tripled since 2008 — matter is resolved. $7,412 in 2008 to $7,040 by 2019, going from $234 million in that year As previously reported, the case, and then plummeting to $5,843 in to an estimated $684 million in which is being presided over by 2020.” 2021. Justice Westmin James, hinges on It is noted in the analysis that the The release goes on to mention Haylock’s claim that the James remarked. steep decline of income levels which that, “It took four successive appointment of Estelle Leslie as He then moved to the issue of occurred in 2020, was most likely administrations from independence Comptroller of the Customs was the consultation with the Public triggered the by the COVID-19 to 1998 for the government to unconstitutional, since proper Services Commission. He shared pandemic and that it is the largest accumulate $700 million of debt, consultations were never done that section 129(2) of the drop in the average income of the while it took the last government with the Public Services Constitution mandates that parties country since 1992, 28 years ago. one year to rack up financing Commission prior to the must be given a genuine “Unemployment has almost requirements of over $500 million appointment, as is mandated by law. opportunity to respond and give tripled in 2020, from 10.4% to in 2020.” Haylock, the applicant, is also their views where consultations almost 30%,” stated the analysis. Readers would recall that, at the asserting that since he is the most are required. It also states that Due to this, according to the start of the economic fallout, as a senior customs officer at the adequate time must be given to release, our unemployment rate is COVID-19 response was being set department (with about 33 years of such parties. now triple the average rate of in motion, former Prime Minister service) and had been serving as He then ruled that the applicant unemployment in countries across Barrow went on the record to say Acting Comptroller of Customs (Haylock) has an arguable case, the Caribbean and quadruple the that his government would borrow since the office was demitted by since the time given to the Public average unemployment rate in as much as was needed to bring some former Comptroller Colin Griffith, Service Commission to consider Central America. relief to the country during that time. he, and not Leslie, should have the matter and provide a response In a recent interview, Deputy Prime In total, government debt has been the foremost candidate for the was not adequate. Minister, Hon. Cordel Hyde, increased by almost 2 billion dollars Customs Comptroller post. “In the present matter, there are mentioned that almost 146,000 since 2008, according to the release. The Government of Belize and two arguments that may have some persons are either unemployed or Domestic debt, according to the Prime Minister John Briceño, realistic prospect of success. The underemployed in Belize at this time. analysis, has almost tripled from represented by the Deputy Solicitor arguments that there ought to have As reported by Prime Minister $333 million to $1.3 billion. General, Samantha Matute-Tucker, been consultations, and or adequate Briceño, government revenue fell by External debt, other than the Super- submitted that adequate consultation, and that there was almost $300 million or 30% in bond, has more than doubled, consultations were conducted and effectively no consultation, then the 2020. This led the previous according to the release, from $830 that the appointment was within the instruments issued by the administration (UDP) to borrow a million to $1.77 billion. law, further stating that the Governor-General can be null and string of loans, not annexed to the The release ends by stating “At application was an “academic” one.. void.” Justice James declared. already enormous national debt bill. 134.1%, Belize now has the highest Justice James, in handing down In stating the reasoning for the According to the release, 36 cents debt-to-GDP ratio in the entire his decision, cited a wealth of case denial of the injunction in certiorari out of every dollar spent by the Caribbean and Central American law pertaining to the submissions to remove the Comptroller until the Government of Belize is currently region.” of both parties. He first outlined end of the proceeding, Justice James that at the heart of the question on presented case law which outlines whether to grant leave in this that the absence of such an President Biden cancels... application is a jurisdictional issue, important official would cause since the respondents (Matute- more harm than good to the public Continued from Page 38 But some parts of the Trump Tucker on behalf of GOB and the and as a result should be left „ administration’s immigration Prime Minister) submitted that the unchanged until a final decision is fencing totalling 654 miles (just policy will be left in place. court cannot inquire into an made. over 1,000 km) were already in At a press conference on appointment made by the Justice James also ruled that the place before Mr Trump became Wednesday, White House Press Governor-General, since doing so application made by the attorney for president in 2017.During his his Secretary Jen Psaki appeared to would result in a breach of the Comptroller Leslie, Senior Counsel time in office, 80 miles of new confirm the new administration principles of separation of powers. Andrew Marshalleck, for her to be barriers were built where there were would keep a Trump-era policy Justice James, however, in handing added as an interested party would none before, and almost 400 miles that allowed border officials to down his decision, pointed out that be allowed. replaced existing parts of the summarily expel undocumented the principle can only be applied The tentative date for the hearing structure. immigrants amid the coronavirus in cases where the decisions made is March 26, 2021. The case will “Trump’s national emergency pandemic. by the Governor-General are be expedited by the courts, and as a was never about security,” wrote “Due to the pandemic and the lawful. result, Haylock (the applicant) and Arizona Democratic Congressman fact that we have not had the time, “If the advice of the Prime his attorney will have 7 days to Raul Grivalva on Twitter as an administration, to put in Minister did not occur after submit their application. The following Biden’s announcement. place a humane, comprehensive consultation in accordance with the attorney for the Government “Now we must cancel the contracts process for processing individuals Constitution, then the advice to the announced that they may appeal the and ensure that not another foot of who are coming to the border,” she Governor-General would not be decision and initially had asked for the border wall is constructed.” said. “Now is not the time to legitimate and unconstitutional and a period of three weeks to respond Former Trump campaign come, and the vast majority of therefore mean that the Governor- to the application. Justice James advisor Jason Miller also took to people will be turned away.” General would have acted granted them two weeks. Written Twitter to comment on the unlawfully and his actions submissions should be made by decision, writing “Biden loves This article was first published reviewable by this court,” Justice March 19, 2021. illegal immigration”. by BBC News. Page 40 AMANDALABelize Friday, February 12, 2021