Wednesday, February 3, 2016 Capital Weekly Page 1

No. 046 Wednesday, February 3, 2016 Online Publication Break or Breakthough? PM’s Intervention To Avert Banking Crisis e-risking by interna- clearly communicate that to US tional US banks and banks seeking to do business the consequent loss of with domestic banks in . correspondent bank- The Prime Minister noted Ding arrangements is the number that while the large US banks one issue currently confronting are perhaps concluding that the Belize. Having just returned financial reward derived from home from a trip to the United doing business with small juris- States where he headed a high dictions like Belize is not worth level delegation to resolve the the cost of complying with the matter, Prime Minister Hon. new regulatory measures, there summoned the are smaller US banks that are media to a press conference to prepared to enter into such cor- update the nation on what was respondent relationships, and achieved and what the current Prime Minister Hon. Dean Barrow flanked by Financial Secretary that our local banks are pursu- situation is. The Prime Minister Joseph Waight and Central Bank Governor Glenford Ysaguirre ing such new arrangements. informed that he and his delega- He said the assurances from tion met with top officials from the US regulatory authorities De-Risking or Destruction? the US Office of the Comptroller will go a long way in facilitating of the Currency (OCC), specifi- this, and that he and his team Neither is Fair - Sir Ronald Saudners cally, Mr. Thomas F. Curry; the are prepared to further assist. Federal Deposit Insurance Cor- Mr. Barrow described the representatives of the US govern- poration (FDIC); and the Secre- mission as a success, as he and ment and regulatory agencies. tary of Treasury, Mr. Jacob Lew. his delegation were assured it is Of all the Caribbean PM Barrow says they all certainly NOT in the interest of countries, Belize has been the indicated they are pleased that the United States Government to hardest hit by US banks terminat- Belize is doing what it can to see our banking system collapse. ing correspondent relations. But, address the issues that the regu- The Prime Minister was accom- other Caribbean countries are also feeling the squeeze of what latory measures are intended panied by Financial Secretary is obscurely called “de-risking”. to combat, including money Joseph Waight, Central Bank Indeed, the problem is so acute laundering and financing of ter- Governor Glenford Ysaguirre, that no foot-dragging on the is- rorism. He said they indicated Belize’s Ambassador to Wash- sue could be excused. The matter they are satisfied that Belize ington, H.E. Patrick Andrews, should be the highest priority for is a safe jurisdiction and will and Ambassador Mark Espat. Sir Ronald Saunders regional governments, diplomats and the entire private sector, not f there were any scheme only banks for whom the issue designed to destroy has become one of immediacy. houlder houlder the economies of sev- Even as the Belize Prime S to S eral countries with- Minister was knocking on Wash- “Iout a military war, then this is ington doors that were closed un- trength trength such a scheme. It is erroneous; til mid-week because of a snow S to S it is pernicious; and it is vicious”. storm, Antigua and Barbuda’s That was how Antigua and Gaston Brown was explaining Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gas- to his colleague heads of Latin ton Browne described the way in American and Caribbean govern- which US banks, under pressure ments at a Summit meeting in from US regulatory agencies, are Ecuador that “the economies of cutting off correspondent rela- many of our countries, particu- tions with Caribbean indigenous larly in the Caribbean, now face a and offshore banks unilater- serious threat to our banking and ally and with very little notice. financial system”. He explained No wonder then that the that the region has been brand- Prime Minister of Belize, Deane ed a “high risk area” for financial Barrow, who restricts travelling to services and added that “this al- the minimum because of spinal legation has been made without challenges, was in Washington a shred of evidence to support it, Story on Page 5 DC for much of the week begin- and without any consideration of ning January 25th to meet senior Continued on Page 2 New Soldiers of the (BDF) Page 2 Capital Weekly Wednesday, February 3, 2016 De-Risking or Destruction? EDITORIAL Neither is Fair - Sir Ronald Saudners Continued from Page 1 its grave effects on our countries”. Summoning The Spirit of 2009 The Belize Prime Minister had earlier warned that US de-risking he threats and challenges con- was causing a crisis in the Eastern Caribbean and that the region’s fronting the domestic financial financial and trade architecture cannot survive the withdrawal of sector, as it pertains to de-risking U.S. correspondent relationships. and loss of correspondent bank- These two Prime Minis- Ting, are real and potentially disastrous to ters had been the principal in- a few channels being available terlocutors when regional heads to a respondent bank, thus be- the nation and its economy. But, as Prime of government met US President coming dangerously dependent Barack Obama last April in Jamai- on only a few or sometimes just Minister Dean Barrow has emphasized in ca. At that time Caribbean lead- one institution”. In fact, many the National Assembly, press conferences ers understood President Obama Caribbean banks are now in the to have committed to examine dangerous situation of having and interviews with the local media, it is their complaints and to explore only one correspondent bank in ways in which the governments the US, and then only tenuously. important that we NOT exaggerate the could work together to resolve the The report also went on magnitude of the actual harm being done. issue. However, no word has been to urge that “large international forthcoming from US authorities. banks that are the providers of We must also be realistic and truthful, Instead, last April, Bank foreign correspondent banking as the Prime Minister was back in 2009 when of America, which has a wide net- services should consider plac- work of correspondent relations ing appropriate credit and other he informed the nation that the global reces- with banks throughout the Carib- limits/conditions on their cli- bean, cancelled its correspondent ent banks, rather than terminat- sion had hit home. As the PM indicated back banking operation with the do- ing the relationships”. That has then, we would enter with eyes wide open mestic and international branch- not happened so far. The effect, es of the Belize Bank. Since then, as Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime and successfully navigate our way through it has closed – or given notice Minister said, will be: “first, remit- the turbulent waters of economic recession of terminating – relations with tances from our diaspora which banks throughout the region. are important to the foreign ex- without swallowing the bitter pill of the IMF. Prime Minister Browne, change earnings and the welfare without naming any US bank, of the poor in our society, will be Against the global backdrop of protracted, said in Ecuador that the unfair adversely affected; second, busi- economic contraction and negative growth, branding of the Caribbean as a nesses will not be able to pay for “high risk” area “made repeatedly the goods and services which they our endurance and recovery was remarkable. by representatives of the United import and which are necessary Just as we weathered the storm of reces- States Government and Congress for human existence; third, the – and in the European Union – tourism industry on which many sion, so can we stave off the potential disas- has frightened the financial regu- of our countries are reliant will latory bodies and the financial be fatally injured when payments ter of de-risking that threatens our banking institutions in the US especially. cannot be made and revenues re- sector – by summoning up the spirit of 2009! In turn, the regulatory bodies in ceived, and fourth, sooner rather the US have falsely warned their than later, our indigenous banks banks that the Caribbean is a “high and offshore financial sectors will risk area” for financial services. collapse and close down, causing Threatened with huge fines if one all of the problems that I have just minor incident of money laun- described, in addition to adding Johnny Is Back! dering escapes their scrutiny, the to unemployment and the break- Briceno garnered 1,125 US banks have been intimidated down of our financial system”. votes, defeating incumbent into severing correspondent re- The Prime Minister of Be- lations with Caribbean banks”. Leader Hon. lize has been beating the streets No less an institution who received 918 votes, and in Washington while the Prime than the World Bank has put its Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Hon. who got 673 name to a report that describes has been beating the drum to votes. Henry Charles Usher was the threats that “de-risking” Latin American and Caribbean retuned as Party Chairman. poses to Caribbean financial in- leaders with a strong message: Other executives elected were stitutions. “Withdrawal from “If the industrialised countries, Correspondent Banking; Where, Jose Abelardo Mai as North- such as the US and the Europe- Why, and What to Do About it” ern Deputy Leader, Rodwell an Union, sincerely care about was prepared by the Finance and the development of our area Ferguson as Southern Deputy Markets Global Practice unit of and the well-being of our peo- Leader, and Anthony Mahler the World Bank Group. Among Honourable John Briceno ple, they should re-examine this as Communications Director. other things, the report observes outrageous “de-risking” system Not-so-new Leader of the PUP Persons unopposed were Ka- that relationships are terminat- and replace it with something n a special convention reem Musa and Julius Espat for ed with only 30 days’ notice and that is proportional and bal- argues that “a longer notice pe- in Belmopan on Sunday, Deputy Leaders of the East and anced and in whose formula- riod is of greater importance in tion our countries are involved”. January 31, Hon. John Bri- West, Victor Espat for National smaller jurisdictions or where op- Caribbean govern- ceno captured leadership Campaign Manager, Anthony tions for alternatives are limited”. ments and the private sector, Iof the Opposition People’s Sylvester Jr for Legal Advisor and Importantly, the World not only the banks, cannot be United Party, a position he had Ramon Cervantes Jr for treasurer. Bank report stresses that” the silent on the issue. “De-risk- voluntarily relinquished prior A total of 2,721 delegates loss of a foreign correspondent ing” could mean destruction. banking relationship without to the 2012 General Elections. voted in the Special Convention. replacement can result in only (Reprinted from Caribbean 360) Wednesday, February 3, 2016 Capital Weekly Page 3

“TBankinghe SSectorky Challenged is the But L Optimisticimit!”

The Belize Bank, the largest Private Banking Institution in Belize Heritage Bank, expanding with assets from First Caribbean Bank t is no secret that the banking group not simply in remain extremely optimistic the capacity of and capabili- banking sector in Be- Belize but in Central America that through the initiative of ties of our human resources. lize is facing some un- and the Caribbean. So when the Prime Minister, as well as The level of growth precedented challenges you say, maintaining our posi- what we’re doing, that we’re that we will have over a week- Ithese days with de-risking tion in Belize, we have actu- going to resolve the corre- end, from a Friday to a Mon- measures being taken by In- ally loftier goals than that. We spondent banking issue; and day, would normally take ternational banks particu- want to dominate Belize, but once that happens, I mean, years to achieve. We now larly in the United States, a we have aspirations of being really, the sky is the limit.” have the task of servicing situation which threatens a large player in the Carib- Just as optimistic is those accounts, to retain the correspondent bank- bean and certainly certain Steve Duncan who is the Man- them, and we do not want ing arrangements that have parts of Central America. The aging Director of Heritage to take our eyes off the ball.” been in place over the years. Belize Bank continues to be Bank, the institution which Indeed, keeping their Notwithstanding, even the largest bank in Belize. has just bought taken over eyes on the ball is something as the Prime Minister and his the government and stake- Financial team travelled to holders in this vital sector will the United States to resolve have to do in the days ahead. the matter, local bankers at E home were expressing op- timism about the prospects or Belize’s financial sector. CAPITAL One such person is Lyn- don Guisseppe, Chairman of Belize Bank Limited. Guissep- WEEKLY pe, who had accompanied the Prime Minister on an earlier Published By: trip to the United States to take Lyndon Guisseppe, Chairman Steve Duncan, Managing up the issue with executives Belize Bank Limited Director of Heritage Bank Roots & Rhythm from the Bank of America, ex- Limited pressed optimism last week as We’ve had our challenges in the assets of First Caribbean he spoke with reporters from the last eighteen months, as Bank. Speaking of the assets the local media, optimism you are probably aware, with being acquired from First Editor: about the future of his own respect to the correspondent Caribbean Bank, he stated, Delroy Cuthkelvin bank and the overall prospects banking issue. The Prime “This is an opportunity we for Belize’s banking sector. Minister and a delegation is are not sure will come again In an interview with in Washington meeting with and we have to try and jump Email: Channel 5 News, he stated, a number of officeholders, the on it. My biggest challenge e.capwklybmpbelize @ “Our goal is to become and FDIC, the Federal Reserve, is to make sure that as an gmail.com to remain the preeminent the IMF, the World Bank. We organization we stay within Page 4 Capital Weekly Wednesday, February 3, 2016

BelizeGuest Chairs of Honour CARICOM - New Commonwealth High Commissioners Secretary MeetingGeneral sixth Secretary-General since the Commonwealth Secretariat was established in 1965. Her ap- pointment has been hailed as a true breakthrough for gender equality in the Commonwealth. “I am incredibly proud to be the first woman Secre- tary-General,” she remarked upon her selection for the top diplomatic post. The role is to promote and protect Common- Guest of Honour, Baroness Patricia Scotland (seated at the center) wealth values and principles Baroness Patricia Scotland along with Caribbean High Commissioners in London, including set out in the Commonwealth Secretary General of the Belize’s High Commissioner Perla Perdomo (Chair) Charter, represent the Com- Commonwealth his past Thursday, Janu- Guest of honour at the monwealth globally and manage in London was an opportu- ary 28, 2016, CARICOM meeting was newly elected Sec- the Commonwealth Secretariat nity for the Heads of Mission Heads of Missions in retary General of the Com- and its various programmes. to dialogue with Baroness Scot- London held their first monwealth, Baroness Patricia Baroness Patricia Scotland was land on various matters con- Tmeeting of the New Year, 2016. Scotland, who is yet to be of- born in Dominica in 1955, then cerning the Caribbean region. The meeting, chaired by ficially sworn in to her new moved with her family to Britain. Belize’s High Commis- Belize, was held at the High Com- post. She will officially take up Her meeting with CARICOM sioner in London, United King- mission of Guyana in London. the office on April 1, 2016 as the Heads of Mission this past week dom, is Miss Perla Perdomo. New Water System for Santa Anna - Toledo

Hon. - Minister Honourable Erwin Contreras and Honourable Hugo Patt sampling Hon. Hugo Patt - Minister of of Economic Development water from the upgraded system with residents of Santa Anna Local Government & Rural Dev. inister of Economic Development Hon. Erwin Contreras and MMinister of Local Government Mayorshe Mayors’ Association Asso- were Francis Humphreys Meets of Dan in- attendedPunta by the Gorda new Minister and Rural Development Hon. ciation of Belize con- griga, Khalid Belisle of Belmopan of Local Government and Ru- Hugo Patt were main speakers vened this past Friday, City, Earl Trapp of San Ignacio- ral Development, Honourable at inauguration ceremonies January 29, 2016 in Santa Elena, Heraldo Rancharan Hugo Patt, Chief Executive TPunta Gorda, hosted by the of Benque Viejo, Daniel (Danny) Officer in that Ministry, Kerry on Friday, January 29 for an upgraded and expanded Water Mayor of that municipality, Guerrero of San Pedro Ambergris Belisle, and other officials hav- System in the village of Santa Fern Gutierrez. Mayors repre- Caye, and Darrell Bradley of Be- ing to do with Local Govern- Anna in the . senting other municipalities lize City. The Meeting was also ment and Rural Development. At a cost of over half a million dollars, the project was financed by the through a loan from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). It entailed construction of a 20,000 gallon elevated storage tank, a 10 by 10 foot ferroconcrete pump house, a chain link fence for security, installation of a new 5 HP Submersible Pump, a liquid injector chlorinator unit, 13,000 feet of transmission and distribution lines and 91 water meters. It was implemented by Mayors from around the country with Local Government Minister Hugo Patt and CEO Kerry Belisle the Social Investment Fund. Wednesday, February 3, 2016 Capital Weekly Page 5

Shoulder80 New Soldiers To S Joinhoulder the Ranks - S oftrength the Belize toDefence Strength Force pected to work long hours after will now allow the force to attain they become trained soldiers.” its established strength,” the “To convert a civilian into Minister explained. Although the a soldier in sixteen weeks is no BDF has not been growing in size easy task, considering the num- as fast as the Police, the Minister ber of subjects that need to be of National Security says the in- taught in a very short time. I am crease is nevertheless significant made to understand that one of and meaningful. “In 2015 alone the first subjects covered during there were two recruit intakes recruit training is the foot drill, that saw the force increase by a which allows recruits to move in hundred and sixty soldiers. With a uniform and soldier-like man- the 80 soldiers passing out here ner, but more importantly instills today, this brings our numbers to discipline in each and every one 427 new soldiers that have joined Brigadier General David Jones Honourable John Saldivar Commander of the BDF Minister of National Security he Belize Defence Force ployed since 2012.” Asked how has added 80 new sol- adequate the increase in num- diers to its ranks. Pass- bers is, Hon. Saldivar responded, out ceremonies were “You could never have enough Theld for the new intake on Fri- for our security. But it is better day January 29, 2016 at the BDF than it has been, and we believe Headquarters at Price Barracks, that it is adequate. So we are glad Ladyville, on the eve of the 38th that we are able to provide more anniversary of the force’s forma- soldiers for the BDF to be able tion. The soldiers who make up to provide the type of security intake number 61 underwent we would want to see on our four months of rigorous training. borders. But we have our ways to Guest speaker for the go. We still have more places we pass-out ceremony was Minister want to have a presence in. There of National Security Honourable is 170 plus miles of border, and we John Saldivar, who congratulated cannot cover everything at this the men and women for having time, but we are growing. We are successfully completed the ardu- getting there and we feel good ous course of training.“Recruit about where we are right now.” Intake 61 started off with a total As to how the new sol- of 120 recruits, but by the second diers will be deployed, BDF Com- week of training, that figure New Soldiers of the Belize Defence Force (BDF) mander Brigadier General David had gone down by 30. In the of them. Other subjects include the ranks of the B.D.F since I as- Jones explained, “Well they’ll be subsequent weeks, several more the skills at arms which essen- sumed office as the Minister of distributed equally between the recruits who could not cope with tially teach the safe and profi- National Security in 2012. This two infantry battalions that we the training dropped out and cient handling of the various is in addition to 715 police of- have. Each of the infantry bat- hence today there are only 80 weapons used by the force. First ficers and 200 or so talion has 6 companies; each recruits passing out. Give them company has about 100 men. So a round of applause for their they will be disseminated into survival! Recruit training by de- these battalions, one in head- sign and intention is tough, both quarters in the at mentally and physically, and Camp Belizario, the other bat- only the strongest will survive,” talion is headquarters in Punta Honourable Saldivar remarked. Gorda at Fairweather Camp. So Offering more insight they will be split in half, and they into the intense nature of the will be divided into all those 6 training, Honourable Saldivar re- companies and they will start do- counted, “In October 2015, when ing the border patrols just as the these recruits assembled here in rest of the other BDF soldiers are Price Barracks, they were imme- doing.”With the addition of 80 diately introduced to the routine new soldiers, the BDF is now over of military life and other require- 1,500 members strong. The pass- ments of being a soldier. The fol- Governor General Sir Inspects New BDF Soldiers out ceremonies were also at- lowing morning, no doubt, was Aid, map reading, navigation, officers, amounting to a total of tended by Governor General Sir perhaps their biggest revelation signs communications, law of over 1,340 new law enforcement Colville Young, who handed out as that morning and every morn- armed conflict, tactics, both con- personnel who have been em- awards to outstanding recruits. ing thereafter started at 4:30 ventional and non-conventional, a.m. and their day lasted until 11 including jungle training, as well p.m. in the night. A 19 hour day as internal security. These new of training is not unusual in the soldiers will bring much needed life of a recruit, as they are ex- reinforcements to the B.D.F and Page 6 Capital Weekly Wednesday, February 3, 2016 Ombudsman’s Reappointment Sparks Parliamentary Debate Prime Minister Dean normal period of time for ap- if we are going to be appointing Barrow’s response to Fonseca’s pointment is three years. If the these people because they are expressed opposition was short Ombudsman is a fit and proper doing such a good job, then let and concise. “As far as we are person to be appointed, why are us give them the tools that they able to determine, Mr. Arzu has we looking at reappointing only really need to do the PR, the discharged his duties vigorously for a one year period? There is no media campaign, so that people and is well respected not only at answer to that; we really haven’t know what the services are that a home, but abroad,” the Prime been told, and I was really hop- they offer, and that they are able Minister asserted. As far as the ing that my friend the Leader to deliver on what it is that the House of Representatives was of Government Business would law speaks to in reference to their concerned, that appeared to have come to say that this guy appointments and their office,” be the end of the matter. But is the right guy because in ad- Senator Lizarraga remarked. Mr. Lionel Arzu - Ombudsman there would be some further dition to putting in the proper The response for the Gov- e has held the posi- exchanges on the reappointment reports that he is supposed ernment side came from Leader tion for three years, when the convened a few to put in, this is what he has of Government Business in the since January 2013, days later on Wednesday January done; he’s been able to resolve Senate Hon. Godwin Hulse. and at the last House 27, 2015. The charge against the all these issues; he’s up there in “As I recall, the reports of the Hmeeting held on Friday January reappointment was led by Op- the media, people know that he Ombudsman have come to this 22, 2016, Prime Minister Hon. position Senator Lisa Shoman is there for them; and none of House; he is current with his Dean Barrow announced the who stated, “Here it is that we that is being presented to us.” reports, and therein details the Government’s intention to reap- say that we are satisfied that Mr. Also weighing in on the work that he does on an annual point Ombudsman Lionel Arzu Lionel Arzu is a fit and proper matter was the Senator repre- basis. I also know that the first for another year. The Prime Min- person to be reappointed Om- senting the Business Sector, time the term ‘Ombudsman’ ister introduced a motion for the budsman. How are we to be satis- Hon. Mark Lizarraga, whose is- hit our country, there was a lot reappointment effective January fied, Mr. President? No one has sue seemed confined to security of discussion around it, where 1, 2016. Once approved by the it came from. The first was Mr. House of Representative and Paul Rodriguez, and then when Senate, it would be forwarded to Ms. Cynthia Pitts was appointed, the Governor General for the re- there was all sorts of talk as to appointment to be effected. And whether she should be called it was approved by the House and ‘Ombudsman’; but by that time Senate, but not before for some Belizeans were familiar with the strong opposition and debating. work of the Ombudsman, what In the House of Represen- he does, that he is the person to tatives, it was the Leader of the call when you have a difficulty Opposition, Francis Fonseca who with your government or any took issue with the proposed Honourable Francis Fonseca Honourable Dean Barrow public authority, and he tries to Leader of the Opposition Prime Minister of Belize reappointment. Fonseca stated, mediate that situation. I really “This is not a motion that we come here to give us any paper, of tenure and adequately equip- think that because it is a reap- can support on this side of the any report, to say that these are ping the office. “Like Senator pointment and there has been no House. We wish to place on re- the things that the Ombudsman Shoman, one of the few com- adverse criticism or comments cord that over the past few years has done in the last three years ments I had was that that person or discussion with respect to his that Mr. Arzu has served as the so that we feel comfortable that should have security of tenure. performance, had those been ta- Ombudsman, we have received, he is in fact the right person who Certainly, this one year appoint- bled or we had heard some con- and many of my colleagues have should be reappointed. Other ment does not give him the total sistent reports that he was inef- reported to me, these complaints than that, all we have to fall back independence that this office ficient, incapable, I think the ap- and concerns about the level of on are the prescriptions of the deserves, and I recall last year’s pointment for another year is in inactivity and ineffectiveness of act and one of the interesting budget session that the concerns order,” Senator Hulse concluded. the Office of the Ombudsman things there in the act is that the from both the Ombudsman and Also being reappointed over the past few years. We are Ombudsman is someone who the Contractor General; their of- is Godwin Arzu as the Contrac- very concerned about that, and really should have some measure fices are very limited, so I would tor General. His reappointment some of that inactivity and inef- of security of tenure, and so the take this opportunity now that is for a period of three years. fectiveness has been reflected in his very own reports coming out of his office. Our sense is, and it’s certainly not personal at all, we believe Mr. Arzu is a decent man, but certainly our sense is that he does not enjoy as Ombudsman the level of trust and confidence (from the public) that his pre- decessors enjoyed. We believe that that office of ombudsman should be led by someone who is more strongly committed to defending and protecting Seantor Hon. Godwin Hulse Honourable Mark Lizarraga Honourable Lisa Shoman the rights of Belizean citizens.” Leader of Government Business Senator for Buisness Sector PUP Lead Senator Wednesday, February 3, 2016 Capital Weekly Page 7

“ABelize Force Coast Guard To - ReckonTen Years And With” Growing maritime areas. One of its main rity Council to grow the Coast tasks is combating transnational Guard by a hundred each year to organized crime and extending reach the desired end strength of support to the region (Central seven hundred by the year 2020. America and the Caribbean). We saw the operational reach “We work with, by and and tempo increase to extend large, almost the same elements our operations from coastal to that the BDF work with in their territorial sea operations. We enduring partnerships, with US increased our patrols to include Southern Command being the a permanent presence at North- primary agency that we work ern Ambergris Caye to maintain with, and that extends to the US control of an area threatened John Borland Lt. Jr. Grade Alma Pinelo, Commander, Belize Coast Guard Coast Guard and the US NAVY. by illicit activity, crime and vio- Adjutant, Belize Coast Guard As you saw in training company lence. We continue to maintain force to be reckoned lize National Coast Guard. “The presentation, now we are actually a patrol operating out of tempo- with – that’s how Ad- Coast Guard Act was approved revising the basic training cur- rary facilities in Consejo. We also miral John Borland in December 2015, and the main riculum now to produce Marine were engaged and involved in the described the Belize effort was to fully establish the infantry sailor, as opposed to the reconnaissance and the sighting CoastA Guard which he com- Belize Coast Guard as a military traditional Coast Guard sailors of a suitable location for the con- mands. The admiral was speak- organization and giving us the that we used to produce. We are struction of a forward operating ing at a press briefing on Tuesday power to arrest at sea for any training quite a bit with the Ma- base in the Sarstoon area where January 19, 2016, the purpose law enforcement violations. The being to review the Belize Coast Belize Coast Guard Regulation Guard’s progress and effective- is still under amendments so, ness after ten years of existence, therefore, our discipline sys- particularly over the past year tem is under the Public Service (2015), and to offer some in- Regulations,” she explained . sight and details about the goals Looking ahead at plans and plans for 2016 and beyond. for 2016 and beyond, the Coast “The year 2015 marked Guard Commander, Admiral some significant achievements Borland, outlined, “There are in the development of the Belize several things. First, on the ho- [National] Coast Guard. The rizon, the Coast Guard Regula- coast guard celebrated its tenth tions being one of them, but we anniversary which symbolized are working off a 15 year strategy. ten years of existence and con- I said we’ve entered into the long tribution to the safety, security term portion which is 2015 to and protection of Belize. The The Belize National Coast Guard Headquarters 2020, and the goals and objec- Coast Guard also reached the rines and the Seals, the US Navy, we shall be partnering with the tives overlap in strategy, so there end of its medium-term strat- in conventional training and B.D.F to provide safety, security is not reason at all that there is egy for development and opera- Coast Guard. Apart from that, and protection for our citizens any cause that we shouldn’t be tions. We are now in long-term we train with the Canadians, and our resources in that area.” able to achieve what we didn’t strategy which will take us to British and Jamaicans. Belize has Another major achieve- achieve. For example, if you 2020. The Coast Guard grew from worked with Mexico, Canada, the ment in 2015 was the amendment look at where we wanted to be a strength of 50 in 2005 when United States of America and the of the Coast Guard Act last De- in terms of manpower for 365 we started, to 320 in 2015; but British, as well as the Jamaicans,” cember, which makes the Belize in 2015, we are not quite there, more significantly, over the last Admiral Borland elaborated. Coast Guard a full military orga- we are still at 320, but there two years, since 2012, the Coast Speaking about some nization with law enforcement is a plan to get where we are Guard grew from a strength of of the specific things achieved authority and with the power to going, so no problems at all. 120 to 320,” Borland recounted. over the past year, Admiral Bor- make arrests in order to enforce We expect that we will be mov- Founded in 2005, the land stated, “Critical was the Belize’s maritime laws at sea. ing full speed ahead to achieve Belize Coast Guard’s primary approval of our new recruiting Elaborating on this was Lt. Jr. all that we did in 2015, in 2016 function is to defend the nation’s policy from the National Secu- Grade Alma Pinelo, Adjutant, Be- and beyond leading up to 2020.”

Rear Admiral John Borland saluted by a member of the Coast Guard Proud and capable men and women of Belize National Coast Guard Page 8 Capital Weekly Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Belize’s2015 Record Latest Breaking Tourism - 2016 Closely Statistics Monitored month ago, in his sand, and part of it was B.T.B.’s 2016 New Year’s Mes- marketing efforts, engagement sage, Prime Minister of the cruise lines. But, also, it Dean Barrow spoke touched on redeployment from ofA the nation’s economic per- the Mediterranean area to the formance in 2015, stating, “It is Western Caribbean. So redeploy- in Tourism that our prospects ments normally happen off and continue to shine brightest.” on, so that big increase from 750 That statement was sup- thousand to 968 thousand last ported by the latest statistics just year, 2015, we managed to sustain released by the Belize Tourism it. Even though we had a one Board (BTB) which show that percent decrease, our numbers 2015, notwithstanding a wobbly Javier Paredes, Director of Noriko Gamero, Marketing & are still at 900 thousand plus.” start, turned out to be a record- Business Development at BTB Public Relations Manager Notwithstanding the re- breaking year, as the number of went up 6.2 percent in overnight the airlift which was 7 percent in cord-breaking performance in arrivals in both overnight and arrivals. The last seven months travelers by the airport. We were 2015, the BTB remains guardedly cruise tourism continued to saw a positive increase, with the very ecstatic.” She acknowledged optimistic in its prospects going grow considerably. In Decem- last couple of months showing the negligible dip by one percent forward, as it says there are le- ber alone, there was a total of extraordinary numbers. We had in cruise tourism visitors, and she gitimate concerns over negative 39, 977 overnight visitors. There September with a 19.3 percent in- yielded to BTB’s Director of Busi- press during the first month of was a very small reduction of crease; October had 22 percent; ness Development Javier Paredes 2016 arising mainly from a couple one percent in the cruise sector, November, 33 percent; and De- for an insight into what caused it. of murders in which high-profile with a total of 957,975 passen- cember, 22.5 percent. And I must Paredes explained, “It’s visitors were the victims. The gers coming onshore in Belize. mention that November was a dip, it’s a dip; but, really, it BTB says it is monitoring the At a press briefing on an extraordinary 33 percent in- requires some explanation. In situation and the numbers very Wednesday, January 27, 2015, crease, which historically never 2013, cruise arrivals were around closely, hoping that this will not BTB’s Marketing and Public Re- goes over 10 percent. So, we are 750 thousand. They took a steep have a lasting or major impact lations Manager Noriko Gamero very happy with the overnight ar- increase in 2014 to about nine on the country’s overall perfor- commented on the figures: “We rivals. We had also an increase in hundred and sixty-eight thou- mance in the tourism sector. US PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARIES BEGIN he process to elect two ways forward for us now; Temporary Senator a new President for we can either be greater than the United States of we’ve ever been or we can be a for Labour Sworn In America officially great nation in decline... Now Tkicked off Monday, February the moment has arrived for 1, 2016 with the Iowa Caucus. this generation of Americans On the Republican to rise up to the calling of our side, Texas Senator Ted heritage…We will embrace all Cruz (28%) was victorious, of the principles that made beating out Donald Trump America great and we will (24 %) who came second. apply them to the unique Marco Rubio (23%) had challenges of this century.” a strong third place finish. He On the Democratic is certainly now the establish- side, former Senator and Sec- Mr. Ray Davis Ms. Elena Smith ment candidate to watch go- retary of State Hillary Clinton Former Labour Senator Temporary Labour Senator ing forward especially since (49.8 %) and Bernie Saunders he position of Senator I can give the position of NTUCB polls indicate he is the most (49.6 %) ended in a virtual tie. representing Labour and Civil Society. At this point, electable Republican for Presi- The next contest will be has been filled, at least thank you for your congratula- dent. In a triumphant and the New Hampshire Primary on temporarily, by promi- tions. At this point, the initial optimistic speech Monday Tuesday, February 9, 2016. The Tnent, long-time unionist, Elena appointment is temporary until night, Senator Rubio declared, General Elections are sched- Smith. She was sworn in at the the Civil Society and the NTUCB “In America there are only uled for November 8, 2016. Senate Meeting on Wednesday, can come up with a procedure January 27, 2016 as the Sena- for identifying our Senator.” tor representing the National During the last parlia- Trade Union Congress of Belize mentary term, 2012 to 2015, Ray (NTUCB) and Civil Society. Davis served as Senator repre- Speaking with the media, senting the Unions and Civil So- Smith commented, “My role is ciety, but was effectively removed just that, to represent the Trade in late August amidst internal Unions and Civil Society. It is for disagreements over his voting ab- me to sit with them when the Bills stention on the Petro-Caribe Act. come that we can discuss and Senator Elena Smith’s come up with a position, so that appointment is only tem- when I come to Senate meetings, porary, at least for now. Senator Marco Rubio, Donald Trump and Senator Ted Cruz Wednesday, February 3, 2016 Capital Weekly Page 9

MCCSports Grounds Minister - Marion and Director Jones - OnMotorcycles The Ball n the new term of this Dean plan and structure that has been Barrow administration, Or- put in place will go a long way ange East Area Representa- for national sports in this coun- tive Elodio Aragon has been try and, therefore, we need to Inamed Minister of State with get it done as soon as possible. responsibility for Youth and Now, as soon as possible Sports. Coming from a district all depends on where we find with a strong sports culture, Ara- that funding, and definitely gon brings great enthusiasm to government, I’ve already spo- that Ministry. The new Director ken to the Prime Minister that of the National Sports Council, this is a priority for the Minis- Ritchel Dominquez, also being try of Sports, and this is where a person from the North with we need to find the funding to an impressive track-record of Hon. Elodio Aragon, Minister of Ritchel Dominquez, Director finish. And, also, I am looking involvement in the organization State for Youth and sports National Sports Council, elsewhere externally to see if we and promotion of sports, the en- were going to do is put up new berized track and field that is could find funding elsewhere to ergy of the new leadership com- lighting in the facilities. But there. We have the run-around finish this project. But, without bination is already being felt and what happened is the project for the bicycles, the cyclists, a doubt, it needs to be finished. making a palpable difference. stalled, and I don’t know why that needs to be done; and there And, under our watch, I believe One of the urgent mat- it stalled. But we can’t keep the is still work that needs to be that we will get it to be finished.” ters being immediately tackled trenches open for another year done at the Marion Jones, and And while Aragon and is that of the MCC Grounds or so, because we won’t get the we won’t run away from that. A his ministry are tackling the where the much-needed reha- use of the field as it should. The rough estimate would be around completion of these two im- bilitation works have not been estimated cost is about twenty- 2.5 million dollars US that needs portant projects, they are also going particularly well. The new two thousand dollars to get it to be spent and invested there to moving forward with new efforts Minister of Sports and his team done. We are partnering with get the Marion Jones finished, to spur overall development have quickly jumped on the B.D.F. so it’s much less than we intact, and the keys handed of sports nationwide. Trans- ball, determined to resolve the anticipated. We keep on working over. To get to that is where the portation is one of the urgent matter as promptly as possible. with the public and anyone who problem lies. Definitely as the necessities for organization by Speaking with the local wants to work with us to get the new Minister responsible for sports directors in the various media, the Minister of State job done for the Sports Council.” Sports in this country, and of districts. This past week, through explained, “At this point in time Another situation which course the Marion Jones will a direct initiative of the new Na- we are working to ensure that Aragon is moving to address fall directly under us, we are tional Sports Director himself, we get the grounds fixed as as promptly as possible is the seeing where we need to go. a number of motorcycles, seven soon as possible, so that foot- completion of the Marion Jones At this point in time, all to be exact, were acquired and ball players across Stadium. In this regard, Ara- the work that was slated to be deployed. They were officially could use the facility. We have gon has reported through the done there has come to an end. handed over to the district sports gotten assistance in terms of local media that his Ministry We are severing ties with what- coordinators by the Minister. the man power, and we have is determined to source US$5 ever contracts were out there, in “It’s important for our already sourced the funding in Million to complete the project: terms of having not been com- sports coordinators country- terms of finding the necessary “If you look at the invest- pleted or completed, which are wide. In each district we have piping for that, so work should ment that has been done at the not much. We are looking now as Sports Coordinators who have commence on the ground, and Marion Jones, a lot of it is for our to the way forward in getting fin- responsibility for the sporting hopefully by the end of the week national sports, to host national ished. I am sure we want it to get facilities. Also, they have re- we should have that field opera- sporting events. We have a rub- finished. I believe that the whole sponsibility to run certain pro- tional for the people of Belize.” grams for us when it comes to Elaborating on the mat- sports, such as dealing with the ter, National Sports Director primary school sports tourna- Ritchel Dominguez said, “The ment that is going on now; also stadium has been left here with to coordinate and begin to plan these trenches. I just took office sporting programs for the dis- about three weeks ago, but what tricts. A motorcycle is important we’re trying to do is get it up to for them because it gives them a standard where we can use the a little bit of mobility to move field again because, as we know, around. Our greatest resources the BPFL has started and the here are our sports coordinators B.D.F has asked us if they can in the districts. We need to give use the field. There are different them our support. We need to competitions going on, and we let them get that feeling that feel like it’s a bit too dangerous things are going to be better. I do to have them using the field believe that empowering them with these trenches. We have with these motorcycles is go- partnered with the B.D.F to get ing to do that and much more,” them to come in, and we’re us- Honourable Aragon explained. ing our workers to get the pipes The National Sports in so that we can make it safe Council also handed out two for the public. The pipes are for laptop computers with printers electrical purposes. What they Football on the MCC Grounds in better days before its closure to district sports coordinators. Page 10 Capital Weekly Wednesday, February 3, 2016

CaribbeanTargeting Vulnerable Disaster Communities Emergency to Strengthen ManagementNational Resilience he Caribbean Disaster needs as well as the priority areas Emergency Manage- for action necessary to reduce ment Agency (CDEMA) the vulnerability and exposure in partnership with the of our communities. CDEMA TInternational Federation of the will be taking steps over the Red Cross and Red Crescent period of this year to facilitate Societies (IFRC) are seeking to processes geared at advancing strengthen and sustain national the Community Based Disaster resilience through prioritized Risk Management Mechanisms targeting of the most vulner- inclusive of creating the enabling able communities. In efforts to environment and strengthen- promote and enhance resilience ing national systems for coor- at the national level, it is vitally dinating community Disaster important to accurately measure Risk Management and Climate the level of exposure faced by Change Adaptation Interven- communities in light of disas- tions,” stated Jackson. ters. To address this issue, the Ronald Jackson - Executive Director - CDEMA The implementation of CDEMA and IFRC are hosting a the STM in Suriname is being Strategic Targeting Methodology events, especially if they are of communities at the national done through the National Co- (STM) workshop in Paramaribo, highly vulnerable. CDEMA is level so that the most vulner- ordination Centre of Disaster Suriname from January 26th – promoting the strengthening of able communities are targeted. Management (NCCR) in col- 29th, 2016. community resilience as a critical “The current climate change di- laboration with Suriname Red Speaking at the open- plank in national development lemma will continue to increase Cross. This STM will focus on ing of the workshop, Ronald strategies.” The STM is one tool the frequency and intensity of lessons learnt from its applica- Jackson, Executive Director of that has been developed to pro- climate driven hazards making tion in one community and how CDEMA said, “The importance vide the relevant information them more unpredictable than they can be practically applied to of this event cannot be over- needed to select communities what we would have traditionally other communities. Once com- stated as we are well aware that that are considered most vul- experienced”, said Jackson. “We pleted nationally, the next step communities are the first to be nerable to natural disasters. It must gain a better understand- is to introduce the tool to other adversely affected by disaster supports a joint prioritization ing of the capacity and resource countries across the region.

Belize-Guatemala Foreign Ministers Meet Joint With OrganizationCommission of American Reactivated States agreements that were signed in need to maintain the Office in December, 2014. They charged the the Adjacency Zone active and Commissioners with developing adequately funded. a work plan for implementation Minister of Foreign and to explore other ways of Affairs, the Honourable Wilfred promoting confidence and Elrington, was accompanied neighbourliness between the by H.E. Lawrence Sylvester, two countries for the Ministers’ Chief Executive Officer in the consideration. Ministry of Foreign Affairs; H.E. The Foreign Ministers Alexis Rosado, Ambassador also expressed their appreciation to Guatemala and Belize’s for the contribution of the OAS in Commissioner on the Belize- support of the Joint Commission Guatemala Joint Commission; Belize and Guatemalan Foreign Ministers and as well as the important work H.E. Stuart Leslie, Referendum Carlos Raúl Morales with other Government and OAS officials of the Office of the OAS in the Commission- Boundaries Adjacency Zone. They both Unit; H.E. Said Guerra and he Ministers of enhancing relations between expressed the vital role of the OAS Alfonso Gahona, Director of Foreign Affairs of the two countries, even as the in the entire process, especially International Affairs; and Luis Belize and Guatemala, two countries strive to bring to the Good Offices functions of Verde, Foreign Service Officer in along with the an early and definitive end the the Secretary General and the the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. TSpecial Representative of the dispute over Guatemalan claims Organization of American States in accordance with the Special (OAS) Secretary General, met at Agreement between the two the OAS office at the Adjacency countries. Zone on Friday, 22 January 2016 to Both Ministers of discuss the status of the bilateral Foreign Affairs highlighted agenda and reactivate the Belize- the importance of meaningful Guatemala Joint Commission as programs that can directly established under the Framework promote development and Agreement on Confidence protection of the environment Building Measures of 2005. in adjacent communities across The Ministers agreed that the the two countries. They also work of the Joint Commission is expressed satisfaction that they important in promoting efforts are now in a position to start Belize Foreign Affairs Minister Honourable Wilfred Elrington and at building confidence and implementing the cooperation Guatemalan Foreign Minister Carlos Raúl Morales Wednesday, February 3, 2016 Capital Weekly Page 11

MassiveUS$40 Million Investment on 35 Schools forin 5300 Education Students San Pablo, San Jose, Douglas, San Development Bank. We looked Juan, San Antonio, Santa Cruz at projected population growth; and Trial Farm. In Stann Creek we looked at where students District, Cowpen, Independence were not being served, and that is and Pomona village will receive how we determined where these new schools. In Belize Rural thirty-five new schools will be.” South, Caye Caulker will receive Speaking on behalf of the a new school. In Toledo, new Caribbean Development Bank schools will be built in Bella Vista (CDB) was Deidre Clarendon, Village and Punta Gorda Town. who further explained, “There Other municipalities are two major components to which will receive new schools this project. The first will focus are Belmopan, Corozal Town, on enhancing the current capac- Dangriga and San Pedro. In Be- ity of the school infrastructure. lize City, one of the areas that We are hoping to build and outfit will receive special attention thirty-five schools which will is Lake Independence, spe- serve the needs of an additional Minister of Education Honourable Patrick Faber speaking at the cifically the community known five thousand students at the Launch of Phase 2 of the Belize Education Sector Reform Project as ‘Gungulung’ which will re- pre-primary and basic educa- ceive a new primary school. tion levels across the country. n January 27, 2016, ect held at the Biltmore Plaza The schools to be built The second major com- after two years of Hotel on Wednesday January will constitute a total of 178 new ponent will enhance mecha- meaningful consul- 27, 2016, Minister of Education classrooms, with laboratories nisms and capacity for qual- tation, Phase 2 of the Hon. Patrick Faber explained, and sanitary and administra- ity service delivery through the OBelize Education Sector Reform “The location of these schools tive spaces. Also included in the implementation of institution- Project was launched by the have been determined scien- project is the full outfitting of the al strengthening and capacity Ministry of Education. The main tifically; it is based on a school buildings with furniture, equip- building activities. These activi- focus of this phase is the expan- mapping model that considers ment and technological facilities. ties include the strengthening sion of education infrastructure the current supply of school Speaking with the lo- of resource allocation capac- to accommodate and provide ad- spaces as against current and cal media, the Minister of ity, development of a national equate access for students at all projected demand as determined Education elaborated on the school maintenance policy, and levels. (Phase one had concen- by population projections. planning and decision mak- an assessment of the implica- trated on sharpening and fine- We are looking at these ing that has been central tions of increasing the age of tuning the policy direction of the areas where there is an under- and essential to the project: compulsory education given the Ministry and Education System). service in terms of the education “Our Ministry is very driv- critical importance of educa- Phase two, in other services to the students who are en by planning and what you see tion to national development.” words, will concentrate heav- in need and that is where we are here is an execution of that plan. Following the launch of ily on the construction of new putting the schools. We are put- We have done phase one of that the project, stakeholders in the school buildings countrywide. ting together how the buildings reform project, and we are now education system participated A total of 35 new schools will are going to be designed, where gearing up for phase two. It fol- in a two-day workshop with pre- be built countrywide. This will we are going to find the land to lows our Ministry’s plan to the sentations by officials from the include 22 pre-schools, 5 pri- put the schools. And once that letter, which we launched some Caribbean Development Bank mary schools, and 8 secondary is done, then I believe we should years ago; and anybody can look (CDB) on range of relevant topics. schools. The entire investment is move rather quickly to see the at that plan and see how we are The three main objectives worth US$40 Million and is be- construction of these buildings.” progressing. These schools will of the Belize Education Sector ing financed mainly with a loan In the Cayo District, new be across the country. You heard Reform Project are, improving of US$35 Million from the Carib- schools will be built in San Ig- me say that we didn’t just hand- governance in the education sec- bean Development Bank (CDB) nacio, Santa Elena and in the pick which areas we want to put tor with emphasis on improved and an input of $8.5 Million by villages of Valley of Peace, Buena schools; in fact, these schools are student achievement; increasing the Government of Belize (GOB). Vista, Billy White, Duck Run being put there as a result of a access and equity at all levels Speaking at the launch of and St. Margaret’s. In Orange school mapping exercise that we of education; and enhancing the Second Phase of the Belize Walk District new schools will did in the preparatory stages with quality and relevance through- Education Sector Reform Proj- be constructed in the villages of the support from the Caribbean out the education system.

One of the high schools built under Education Minister Patrick Faber One of the primary schools built under Education Minister Faber Page 12 Capital Weekly Wednesday, February 3, 2016

RoadInauguration To Seaside of Upgraded Paradise Hopkins Access Paved Road local residents and friends of contributions to the country’s Belize in the Southern Region, booming tourism industry. the fishing and tourism in- The works included the supply, dustries, and by extension the construction, installation, and wider society of Belize, with completion of the site clear- better access to a safer and more ance, culvert and drain con- pleasant street environment. struction, excavation of unsuit- The release says, it will able material, placement and also significantly improve the compaction of fill/sub-base and quality of life for all, increase base materials; surface dressing social and economic activity, with double and single chip Hon. accelerate prosperity of the vil- seal. It also entailed the widen- Ambassador Paola Amadei Minister of Works lage, improve transportation of ing of single lane from four (4) European Union (E.U.)

Newly Upgraded and Paved Hopkins Access Road Newly Upgraded and Paved Hopkins Access Road naugurated on Thursday that occurs in the wet-land area January 21, 2016 was the at the entrance of the village, newly upgraded and paved a 300 foot long structure was Hopkins Access Road, con- incorporated, which will allow Inecting the Southern Highway water to effectively roll off with- with the scenic seaside village out causing structural damage of Hopkins in the Stann Creek to the pavement. The project District. The reconstruction was executed by Belize Road- and paving of the road (6.7 way Construction in partner- Kilometers or 4.5 miles total ship with Rodla Construction length) was financed at a cost Company Ltd. of $7,026,727.59 BZD with At the inauguration of $5,652,101.16 being provided by the road, speakers were Hon. the European Union (EU) and Rene Montero, Minister of the remaining $1,374,626.43 Works, Transport and NEMO; financed by the Government of Children of Hopkins Celebrating Development with Cultural Dance Ambassador Paola Amadei of Belize (GOB). goods and trade and generate bridges to double lane, two (2) the European Union Delega- A joint Press Release employment opportunities, swale drainage structures of 100 tion to Belize; Chairman of the from the Government of Belize notably bed and breakfast metres each, traffic signs & road Hopkins Village Council, Mr. and the European Union says businesses, resorts, bus own- marking. In accordance with Wayne Casimiro; and Mr. Gas- the completion of the road ers, taxi drivers and other busi- the design which takes into per Martinez, Chairman of the project facilitates and provides nesses, resulting in significant account the seasonal flooding Hopkins Village Water Board.

Russel Nunez and Gasper Martinez of Hopkins flanked by CEO Kerry Belisle, Ambassador Paola Amadei, Hon. Rene Montero, Minister of Works Hon. Rene Montero and CEO Errol Gentle CEO Errol Gentle and Gasper Martinez with Hopkins Children Wednesday, February 3, 2016 Capital Weekly Page 13

Socio-Economic Inauguration of Maura Transformation Lopez Market in in Punta the SouthGorda

P.G Mayor Fern Gutierrez The Newly Constructed Maura Lopez Market in Punta Gorda Another Local Guest Speaker Speaking at the Inauguration built and inaugurated by European Union and Government of Belize from Punta Gorda Town n Thursday Janu- ternal cladding, roof, electri- ary 21, 2016 the cal and plumbing installa- Government of tion and building finishes. Belize in part- The new name of the Onership with the European market is “MAURA LOPEZ Union officially inaugurated MARKET”, renamed as a trib- the upgraded Punta Gorda ute to one of the outstand- Market in Toledo District. ing women of Punta Gorda Financing for the Punta Town. She was very much Gorda Market Project was involved in the community divided into two compo- as an advocate for Education, nents with a contract price Culture and other initiatives. of $975,936.89 BZD. The Vendors of Punta Gor- European Union provided da and its surrounding com- $844,063.17 and the Govern- The Symbolic Ribbon Cutting Inaugurating the New Market munities will now be able to ment of Belize bridged the operate in a more pleasant and remaining $131,873.72. The safe working environment, project included the refur- enabling them to foster and bishment of the existing mar- enhance their livelihoods as ket to accommodate 11 new in- well as provide a unique and dividual stalls and reconstruc- modern facility for all Beliz- tion of the Civic Centre with eans, residents and friends of 12 new stalls and bathrooms Belize to shop and interact. for Fruit & Vegetable vendors. Speakers at the inau- Another outstanding guration of the Punta Gorda feature of the market project Market were Hon. Rene Mon- is that the design of the ex- tero, Minister of Works, Trans- isting layout was improved port and NEMO; Ambassa- to accommodate the Arts dor Paola Amadei, European & Craft and Food vendors. Union Delegation to Belize; The Scope of works included Mayor of Punta Gorda, Ms. demolition, internal and ex- Cultural Presentation celebrating the inauguration of the market Fern Gutierrez; and others.

Honourable Rene Montero, Ambassador Paola Amadei, Punta Gorda Residents of Punta Gorda appreciating the new Maura Lopez Market Mayor Fern Gutierrez and other invited guests at the inauguration Page 14 Capital Weekly Wednesday, February 3, 2016

PARLIAMENTDe-Risking and theADDRESSES Loss of Correspondent CRITICAL Banking ISSUES ne of the most need to treat it with urgency, notable exchang- to say that we need to lobby is es in the House to state the obvious and to, in Meeting of Friday fact, get his tenses mixed up. OJanuary 22, 2016 was on the It’s not that we need to start pressing issue of de-risking to lobby. It is that, in fact, we and correspondent banking. have already started to lobby.” The matter was raised by In terms of how the PM first-time Opposition member, and his financial team expect Honourable , Area to convince US officials to in- Representative for Caribbean tervene and hopefully have the Shores, which is the constituen- de-risking matter reconsidered cy with the greatest concentra- and addressed in a way that tion of business people involved Prime Minister Hon. Dean Barrow faces off with Hon. Kareem Musa removes or reduces the diffi- in commerce and industry. tinues, we will not be able to relationships with our banks; culties it poses for Belize, the For the Government side, do business. But he had al- and I also have confirmed Prime Minister, speaking with the response came from ready said that business had a meeting with the head of the media following the House Prime Minister Hon. Dean stopped. In other words, Mr. the office of the Controller of Meeting, explained, “It’s a hard Barrow himself, who is also Speaker, right at the start of Currency. That is the regula- problem to sort out, because the Minister of Finance. his speech, he exaggerated!” tor for the small community the US Treasury says to us, In introducing the is- Addressing the substan- banks, such as the one that is well, we’ve said to the banks sue, Honourable Kareem Musa tive issue, PM Barrow stated, now looking after credit card that we would like to continue remarked, “Mr. Speaker, it’s “I am going to Washington, settlements for Belize Bank to see you do business in juris- no doubt an issue that affects leaving this weekend, notwith- and Heritage and Choice Bank. dictions like Belize; they have businessmen and business- standing that four hundred So again, member for an interest in prosperity and women not only from my con- and fifty plus flights have been , when you stability in Belize; they have stituency of Caribbean Shores, cancelled because of the winter said that there is a problem an interest in security in Be- but from all our constituencies. storm that is looking to dump with credit cards, there is no lize; and, of course, if you are It is in fact a very crip- two feet of snow on Washington problem with credit cards. going to collapse a country’s pling effect it has had on our DC. I am going to Washing- There may be in the future if trading relation—and that economy, debilitating to the ton, leading a team comprised that small bank in New York would be the end point if this point where it is no longer of the Governor of Central that’s doing the settlements thing gets worse—it’s going to possible to do business, and Bank, the Financial Secretary, currently, decides to pull out, be Armageddon almost for us. I am speaking in particular Ambassador Mark Espat; and, and there are fears that that But that’s not going to about the purchase of goods of course, we will be joined in might happen, but that is why help the United States; and be- from the United States and Washington by our Ambas- I am going to Washington.” cause it’s a regional thing, they elsewhere, and I am speaking sador to the US, Ambassador Commenting further on who were in their back yard, about the use of credit cards. Patrick Andrews, precisely to the manner in which the mat- Central America, is a foremost I am speaking about make calls on all the key offi- ter was raised by the first-time security preoccupation of the remittances that come home cials with respect to this issue. parliamentarian, PM Barrow United States. So the officials to our Belizean families from We have confirmed remarked, “I don’t know if it’s there cannot want to see what abroad. That is the effect that meetings already with the head a function of youth to all of has been happening continue it has had on our economy, a of the FDIC (Federal Deposit a sudden be struck by these to happen. But they, therefore, terrible effect. And we need, Insurance Corporation) be- epiphanies, to encounter these say to the big banks, no man, we Mr. Speaker, for this issue to cause that is the agency that startling revelations with re- would like to see you continue; be addressed not only in Belize regulates the state banks, in- spect to matters that have and the big banks say, fine, but on the world stage. We cluding a bank called Whitney been obvious and in plain sight ease the regulatory burden, and need to lobby, Mr. Speaker. Bank out of Louisiana (used to for long before the so-called they say, but we can’t do that. Right before elections, be in Belize some time ago), revelation overtakes, in this So, it’s a vicious circle. we saw the Belize Bank being which in interested in pursu- case, the member for Carib- But we are going to be aiming the first Belizean bank to be af- ing corresponding banking bean Shores. To say that we now at trying to engage in these fected. Now we hear that other new relationships with smaller banks are falling in line; other banks for whom it will not be banks are being blacklisted. as onerous, for whom it would It is soon going to be impos- rather make more economic sible for us to do business, and sense to do business in Belize, we need to take this matter since they are not so big as to very seriously because it is be able to simply turn up their going to affect our economy.” nose at business in Belize and In response, Prime Min- decide that it’s not worth it be- ister Honourable Dean Bar- cause of the regulatory burden.” row commented, “You know Prime Minister Dean he started off by saying, you Barrow has called the loss can’t do business, you can’t of correspondent bank rela- import; and then just before tionships an existential threat the end, he says, if this con- Central Bank of Belize which Regulates the Nation’s Banking System and a potentially huge crisis. Wednesday, February 3, 2016 Capital Weekly Page 15

PARLIAMENTCruise Tourism & Docking ADDRESSES Facility - Exclusivity CRITICAL & Desirability ISSUES n a House Meeting which the government have to take ac- featured limited spar- count of that fact. There is now ring, the only other issue a judgement of the Supreme that was significantly con- Court striking down exclusiv- Itentious was that of cruise- ity. What it means, apart from ship terminals to be built. the implications for Norwegian On this issue, the main Cruise Lines, is that when the pugilist on the Opposition side Stake Bank developer comes to was Toledo East Area Repre- Government and says I want a sentative Hon. Mike Espat, and 25 year exclusive for my Stake again the counter-punching Bank project, just after he suc- came from Prime Minister Hon. ceeded in getting a judgement Dean Barrow. The exchange de- from the Supreme Court saying veloped out of a piece of legisla- Prime Minister Hon. Dean Barrow faces off with Hon. Mike Espat exclusives must go out the win- tion introduced from 2015 having dow, of course government can’t to do with tax and duty exemp- Prime Minister had a big fight the member for Toledo West countenance that. When we did tions for Norwegian Cruise Line with Michael Ashcroft, with in- certainly supported it initially. give an exclusive, it was before in their construction of a cruise- vestment, took away B.T.L, had Now, the question of ex- the ruling of the Supreme Court.” ship port at Harvest Caye in the to pay millions of dollars that the clusivity, we are not like you. Speaking specifically on South, that piece of legislation Belizean people have to pay back; That Port Loyola Cruise Port the matter of the proposal for known as the Belize Island Hold- and now I understand the Prime we talked about, you had given the new cruise-ship port on the ings Facility Development Bill. Minister, in his speech, said they exclusivity to your brother and south-side of Belize City, the PM The Bill having already will now go back and they will to Carnival and then you turned remarked, “With respect to Port been passed, the Toledo East study the Port of Belize project, around and you gave exclusiv- Loyola, I don’t know which study member, Honourable Mike Espat the Port of Belize project along ity to F.S.T.V; or do I have it all the member is speaking of. He nevertheless registered his dis- with whom? Michael Ashcroft! the way around? You gave it to says that study, unknown to me, approval, on the adjournment, So, what kind of game is going FSTV (exclusive), and then you concluded that it was not fea- with the tax breaks and exclu- on here with the government turned around and you gave sible to put a cruise port at Port sivity granted: “We just passed a and Michael Ashcroft? And your brother and Carnival and Loyola. That’s not my under- bill on the cruise terminal in the every time we get into a fight Port Loyola a similar exclusive. standing. My understanding was south and I believe that when with Michael Ashcroft, he ends You fellows are magicians, you that the study commissioned by that bill came first to the House, up taking away more money know. You really know how to Carnival Cruise Lines concluded we did not agree on that 25 years than you can imagine at the jump through hoops - a kind of just the opposite. The reason the exclusivity that they are giving expense of the Belizean people. Alice in Wonderland, or through port never got built was because that particular company, and We know the study that the looking glass, a type of thing of your fine brother. So please in the meantime we have had was done at the Port of Belize, where words mean what you don’t come here and talk about maybe 2 other Belizean compa- and the advice that they got. They want them to mean. There are it’s not being feasible to do a nies that did not get any favour are saying that this project is not no objective definitions, no ob- cruise port at Port Loyola. When with this government. Why is it feasible for that area, and yet we jective criteria. You gave two ex- Carnival was going to do it with that we tend to want to support are going back again to study clusives. That’s a hell of a thing. your brother, their feasibility these companies that are very the same thing all over again.” What a contradiction in terms! study showed that it was tech- rich and yet they want everything Responding to the Toledo But, in any event, we gave nically sound, it was absolutely free? That is a terrible thing. We East member, Prime Minister the exclusive to NCL before there doable. Now, things may have have furniture makers in this Barrow stated, “With respect was a challenge to the question changed, and so where we are country and all of us sit down in to the question of exclusivity, of exclusivity raised by the de- now is at a point where various this House, people who can make it is true that this government veloper who was interested in parties, not just interests asso- beautiful furniture out of solid gave Norwegian Cruise Lines doing Stake Bank. That devel- ciated with Michael Ashcroft, material, and yet we will give a 25 year exclusive contract for oper challenged one of the two various parties would like to look them duty exemption on furni- the cruise port in the South. exclusives that you had given, again at Port Loyola to determine ture. Why is it we cannot treat A port that initially you sup- and succeeded in getting a judge- whether a cruise port would still our Belizean people the same? ported, as I recollect, when you ment of the Supreme Court say- be feasible; and, of course, the We should be encouraging our were dealing with NCL. I won’t ing that exclusivity cannot stand. government encourages that, Belizean people to get into busi- say why you supported it at Now with respect to Nor- whoever the parties might be. ness. But yet we give all the the time you did. But you and wegian Cruise Lines, they and Those parties can’t get any ex- privileges to these people who clusive if they determine the come from outside. What will project is feasible and they are the people in the South gain from to proceed, because the Supreme all this? We need to protect our Court, I repeat, has said you can- Belizean people when it comes not give exclusives. So while we to investments in this country!” encourage the exploratory inter- Having castigated the est that the parties have in Port Government on that issue, Hon- Loyola, we are far from reaching a ourable Espat then proceeded to point where we can say that there lambast the administration over is a material chance of these the related issue of a proposal for people actually proceeding with the construction of a new cruise- the project. That is completely ship port with alongside docking premature. But I want to make facility in the Port Loyola area of clear that we mean to get a cruise Belize City. He remarked, “The Proposed Stake Bank Cruise-Ship Port with alongside docking facilty port for the Belize City harbour. Page 16 Capital Weekly Wednesday, February 3, 2016

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