Thursday, January 5, 2012 Capital Weekly Page 1 CapitalCapital

FromFromWeekly Weekly thethe HeartHeart ofof thethe NationNation toto thethe SoulSoul ofof thethe PeoplePeople

No. 018 Thursday, January 5, 2012 Price: $1.00 versus ThePUP BlastsMillionaires SSB Housing MortgageThe Write Masses Offs

Glenn Godfrey Eamon Courtenay Lisa Shoman Lord Michael Ashcroft he announcement have some additional earnings to tioneering and charging that it is We’ll get back to that in a few; but by Prime Minis- spend, thereby helping to generate an abuse of public resources and first some quick facts and clarifica- Tter Dean Barrow economic activity, as PM Barrow an unfair expense to taxpayers. tions about the write off in question. in his 2012 New Year’s address reasoned in his New Year’s Address. Now, we would like to be as As PM Barrow noted in his inter- that the government is about to But not everyone is entirely fair and objective as possible, but view with the local media Tuesday purchase and write off $17 Mil- happy about the good tidings as we must confess that such is very evening, “The total value of the lion worth of SSB House Mort- announced by the PM on the heels difficult, if not impossible, when mortgages is $17 million dollars, gages is certainly welcoming of the Christmas Season. In fact, the ones making the charges are the but of course there is an element of news, especially to the 870 or so some are literally outraged by very same people who, when they non-performance in the portfolio. families that will benefit directly it. Operatives of the opposition were the government, wrote off As a matter of fact, something like from the generous relief package. People’s United Party, on the first millions of dollars for a few at the 60% of those seven hundred and It’s as they say—a penny working day of the New Year, expense of the masses. Now they fifty odd are non-performing. So saved is a penny earned. Naturally, launched an all out assault on are up in arms over the fact that government purchasing the portfo- then, once the write-off occurs, government’s much proclaimed this government is doing it, not for those 780 families would, in effect, act of benevolence, calling it elec- the millionaires but for the masses. (Continued on Page 2) Belizean Wins KREM New Year’s Race Mayor Lopez

Special Report by Honoured by Raynord Garbutt The Queen ixty eight riders made up the peloton for the Story on Page 4 S22nd Annual KREM New Year’s Cycling Classic that got started at 9AM Sharp from the Northern Border. Of the 68 riders, ten were foreigners in the peloton, including last year’s champion, Marco Salas of Costa Rica. Also in the peloton was two-time winner and record-holder for this particular event Marlon Castillo, who in 2008 set a time of 3 hours, 17 Minutes, the record that still stands today. Shane Vasquez, 2004 winner (and Simeon Lopez Geovanni Choto, the new KREM New Year’s Cycling Champion Continued on Page 18 Belmopan Mayor Page 2 Capital Weekly Thursday, January 5, 2012 From the Desk The Millionaires of the Chairman (Continuedversus from Page 1)Thewhich Masses the late Harry Courtenay, lio from SSB is a purchase that is father of paid Ashcroft attorney Different Perpectives- One People being done at a discount because Eamon Courtenay, had taken from the SSB, the portfolio, 60% is im- SSB and which the courts ordered Now, I rarely offer paired, so what government is actu- him to pay back. It was PUP lawyer commentary on person- ally paying to SSB is $6.9 million and Senator Lisa Shoman, cur- alities, as it is easier, much dollars for the mortgages that nom- rently one of the most vocal op- inally value $17 million dollars, position talking-heads, who went easier to be effective when to court as attorney for SSB and one sticks objectively to and government also is not paying this money by way of any extrac- declared to the Judge that SSB had the issues without calling tion from government cash flow. no desire to enforce the judgment. names. But, as I listened to There was an arrangement Or could it be that they only him conversing about the made by the PUP under which have a problem with SSB mat- KREM New Year’s Cycling government had pre-paid some of ters having to do with write offs Classic that was about securitization monies that were due and mortgages. Again, far from to begin, in his usual, from SSB to RBTT to whom SSB it, as it was yet another Shoman, down-to-earth, nonethe- sold mortgages. And SSB therefore Yasin Shoman, who as Chairman less insightful style, it had this continuing obligation to of the said SSB back in 2004, was forced to confess that he and his struck me, as it often has re-pay those pre-payments made by government to government government had wilfully placed before, that Evan X Hyde, now and the amount currently SSB in a position where SSB had though not the most liked owed by SSB to GOB is around to find over $6 Million to pay off Delroy Cuthkelvin Glenn Godfrey’s mortgages with Chairman, Editorial Board figure (whether fairly or $9 million dollars, and by the end not) is certainly one of of the fiscal year, it will be up to DFC which had been securitized n Sun- our own Belizean gems. around 11 to 12 million dollars.” with a foreign bank and guar- anteed by the SSB. That, again, He is a man with a style The $6.9 million dollars day, New was in effect, a write off at the that government now has to pay Y e a r ’ s and a perspective that is expense of Belizean taxpayers. Day, whileO driving on certainly unique, and sin- to SSB in order to buy these mort- So, you see, we have no the Burrell Boom - Hat- cere, I dare say, even if not gages so as to write them off and give the lease to people; that $6.9 choice but to conclude that what always entirely accurate. Hon. Dean Barrow tieville Road, I tuned million will merely then be de- the strident voices in the PUP have Prime Minister of Belize in to KREM Radio and Then again, is there any ducted from the $9 million, soon a problem with is not so much gov- heard a Belizean song such thing as an accurate to be $12 million, that SBB in turn ernment write-offs, but government that was inspiring, pa- perspective? Doesn’t the owes GOB. So while it is without a write-offs that assist the masses triotic and educational, word itself suggest that we doubt a loss to the government and as opposed to the millionaires. all in one. I realized the see the same thing from a financial outlay, what happens is That is a fact you can take DJ on duty was J.C Arzu, different angles, and there- that financial outlay is kept out of to the bank. It’s as good as any 17 the monies owed to GOB by SSB.” who I had gotten to know fore have a different view Million Dollar cheque, or write-off! very well during my short and interpretation of it? Another quick fact is that Rene Villanueva, the process is being conducted with stint back in the early the full knowledge of those directly 1990’s at the fledging ra- my old Radio Belize boss, concerned, the home owners, and Capital Weekly dio station at that time, was recently awarded an the general Belizean public, unlike From the Heart of the Nation and its well-established honorary doctorate by what the last PUP Government did To the Soul of the People sister-organization, a local university. Much when those mortgages were secret- Amandala Newspaper. deserved, as Rene has ly transferred from the Ministry of Published By: I called in to in- made and continues to Housing to SSB and then to RBTT. Roots & Rhythm Ltd. quire about the tune, make his mark in his own Now, back to the issues of 15 Gibnut Street specifically who was way on Belizean soci- the write off, per se. As we noted, Belmopan the artist. The person ety. I believe that such the PM explained that though the total value of the mortgages is $7 Chairman: on the other end of the an award would be just Million, it would only be costing phone who, at that time, as fitting for an Evan X the Government $6.9 Million. Delroy Cuthkelvin I thought was JC Arzu, Hyde. Now, if you see it But, what if it was indeed gave me a quick and thor- differently from where costing Government the full $17 Editor: ough schooling on the you sit, no hard feelings. Million? Why should the PUP’s Wilbourne Cuthkelvin song, the artist and his That’s just your perspec- have a problem with that figure? background in a pleasant tive, and this is mine. Wasn’t that the exact amount that Compositor: and enthused manner. It In 2012, let us they, when they were the Gov- William Cuthkelvin wasn’t until I had hung learn to respect each oth- ernment wrote off in taxes owed by Lord Ashroft and the Belize up the phone and turned er and appreciate what Telephone: Bank, causing the trade unions to 802-1284 up the volume, that I re- and whom we have. Our take to the streets back in 2005? problems at this junc- alized the voice was not Or is it that they that of J.C. Arzu, but the ture are too big, much Email: have a problem with write offs hav- capitalweekly_bze big KREMANDALA boss too big, to bicker over ing to do with the Social Security @yahoo.com himself, Evan X Hyde. minor matters. Respect! Board. Couldn’t be! After all, it was they who wrote off $3.34 Million Thursday, January 5, 2012 Capital Weekly Page 3 Reflections and Projections PM Barrow Recounts the Achievements in 2011 And Outlines the Continuing Vision for 2012

recorded in 2010. It was the high- quality and prices improved so est growth rate since the economic that the industry is now poised, recession hit home, and signals the PM said, for an outstanding that we have in fact weathered season. In the cases of both the the storm relatively well, some- Corozal Free Zone and the Sugar thing even the IMF has conceded. Industry, both affecting the liveli- hood of thousand of Belizeans The Productive Sector in the North, these successes The Prime Minister noted that the have come after the Government situation is even more encourag- intervened in various ways to ing when one examines the pillars avert impending crises and point holding up the structure, so to the way towards necessary re- speak; our words, not his. Those forms in the respective sectors. pillars are the various areas of the productive sector. The Free Zone Job Creation & had recorded a 23% hike in year Poverty Alleviation on year sales; Wholesale and Re- A strong economy is the founda- tail Trade was up by 7.7 %; Hotel tion upon which a government and and Restaurants grew by 2.1 per- a nation builds a strong social struc-

Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister of Belize ne would have to be ex- ments and deepen the successes. ceedingly biased and neg- Oative to not concede that The Economy Prime Minister Barrow’s New The main fact about Belize’s Eco- Year’s address last week was a nomic performance in 2012 is that

BSI Tower Hill Sugar Factory in Orange Walk cent as a consequence of a 3.3% ture, a point driven home by PM increase in overnight tourists; Barrow when he remarked, “The Transport and Communications economic success of 2011 meant went up by 2.5 percent; Construc- that increases in export earn- tion by 7.4 percent; Fishing by as ings, including in particular from much as 14.5 %; and while overall crude oil, enabled Government to Sugar production fell, rations, (Continued on Page 14)

Central Bank of Belize particularly inspiring presenta- our Gross Domestic Product grew tion, one most befitting the occa- by over 3%, which is not excep- sion, as New Year’s is a time, like tionally high, per se, but better than no other, for renewal and hope. most, if not all its neighbors in the Yet, the vision outlined by the Caribbean at this time, and par- Prime Minister was, as he put it, not ticularly encouraging in the con- newborn as the year itself, 2012. text of current global conditions. It was more a reflection That growth for the entire year is on what has already been accom- even better than was projected by plished and an outline of how to, the Prime Minister himself in his again in his own words, strengthen 2011 Independence Day Speech the efforts, broaden the commit- and better than the 2.4 % growth Fishing Boats in Belize City Page 4 Capital Weekly Thursday, January 5, 2012 Auditor General to Queen Honours Mayor Simeon Lopez Investigate KHMH Attorney General BQ Pitts and Others 5th January, 2012. The Office of the Anne Gillett-Elring- Service Prime Minister announces ton MD, PhD, for services Ludwig Lightburn, that the Prime Minister, the Hon. Dean Barrow, to the Belizean Diaspora for services to Sports today asked the Auditor and Medicine and the Community General to look into alle- Louise Bridget Lew- Enelda Regina Rosado, gations of wrongdoing at the Karl Heusner Memo- is, for services to Educa- for services into Educa- rial Hospital (KHMH) tion and Community tion and Community relating to the hospital’s Development Development. procurement practices. The Office of the His Worship, Simeon The date for the pres- Auditor General will Lopez JP, for services to entation of awards will commence its investiga- Education and Public be announced later. tion next week. (END)

Hon. B .Q .Pitts Attorney General, also a recipient of the Queen’s New Year’s Honours

Belmopan, Friday 30th December 2011

In a News Release Public Notice from Belize House in Bel- January 5, 2012 mopan, the Office of the Governor-General An- BWS submits Annual Review Proceedings (ARP) application nounces that Her Majesty the Queen has been gra- On December 23, 2011, Belize Water Services Limited (BWS) submitted its formal ciously pleased to make notification for an Annual Review Proceeding to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) the following appoint- for the determination or confirmation of the regulated values, rates, tariffs, fees and charges ments to the MOST EX- for the period April 1, 2012 through to March 31, 2013. CELLENT ORDER OF This submission is being made in accordance with Section 27, Part IV of Statutory THE BRITISH EMPIRE Instrument 67 of 2002. The submission officially commences the company’s Annual Tariff on the occasion of NEW Review Proceeding. BWS has informed the PUC that the company is not seeking any change in tariffs. YEAR HONOURS 2012: BWS’s submission is available for viewing at the branch offices of BWS Order of the and on its website at www.bws.bz, and at the PUC office at 41 Gabourel British Empire Lane, Belize City, and the PUC website at www.puc.bz. C B E To be Ordinary Members of the public may participate in the ARP by submitting written Commander of the comments on BWS’ submission to the PUC by January 13, 2012, by email Civil Division of the at [email protected] or in writing at the PUC office. said Most Excellent Where any person submits comments or information purported to be factual, such Order of the comments or information shall be accompanied by a sworn affidavit. British Empire: The Honour- Three copies of all applications, reports, documents, comments or information provided able Bernard Quen- by members of the public shall be filed at the PUC’s office and a copy shall be provided tin Augustus Pitts, for to BWS at its principal office of business on the same day. services to the Law The PUC is required to issue an Initial Decision on the submission by January 23, 2012. and Public Service M B E The licensee or an interested party representing users of at least 10% of the water supplied To be Ordi- in the preceding year may submit written comments on the Initial Decision within 15 days. nary Members of the Civil Division of the Where there is no objection to the Initial Decision the PUC shall adopt it as its Final Decision. Said Most Excellent Order of the BWS – Delivering Water and More … British Empire: Thursday, January 5, 2012 Capital Weekly Page 5 New Year’s Message by Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Gaspar Vega

ment, we continue to We have written ed triumph and prog- invest almost $200 off over 9,200 hous- ress for all Belizeans. million dollars an- ing loans valued over As we prepare nually in education. $66 million dollars to enter the dawn of This ensures that all the majority of these the New Year, we our children have loans burdened low do so with some access to quality income families and uncertainty, but we education and that our decision brought must be mindful not our people are able relief to them. The to spend too much to compete region- United Democratic time looking behind ally and globally. Party Government us lest we trip over We have deliv- in a historical move the opportunities ered on our pledge to and after consulta- that lie in front of us. make the Lands De- tion with the peo- We must all Hon. Gaspar Vega partment more effi- ple enshrined in our welcome the New Deputy Prime Minister cient, transparent and constitution the ma- Year with a renewed effective. To date, we jority ownership of sense of optimism; have granted over our public utilities with new resolutions My Fellow 11,000 leases with in the hands of the and new goals. We Belizeans: almost 9000 to first Belizeans – a deci- must realize that the time land owners; an sion that is already New Year provides s this additional 4000 leas- paying dividends to us the opportunity year es will be granted to the Belizean people! to unfold new hori- Adraws first time landowners These are a few of zons and realize new to an end, we must in the first phase of the our many accom- dreams, to touch the look back and re- National Land Distri- plishments; however, lives of those around flect on the events bution program; we I would be the first us and to make Be- that have influenced now have a national to admit that much lize a better place our lives. 2011 has land use policy and remains to be done! to live and to visit. been a year of trials, integrated planning Belize, with the With sincere tribulations, and tri- framework to guide blessing of the Al- hope for a better umphs! As a country, the allocation and mighty, will continue 2012, I take this op- we were affected by management of lands. to move forward in portunity to chal- world events that in- We have se- 2012; we will con- lenge all Belizeans cluded the global eco- cured almost $83 mil- tinue to provide for to continue to unite, nomic and financial lion in investments our people and we to stay vigilant, and turmoil. At home, we for the Belize Sugar will strive even more to respect each other continue the struggle Industry, including to bring prosperity to and always do what to grow our econo- almost $11million in all! Belizeans have al- is best for Belize! my even though the fuel subsidy to cane ways been a resilient May the Good rest of the world is farmers and $33 mil- and proud people; Lord continue to still challenged by lion for rehabilitation we have never been shower us with his the economic re- of sugar roads and afraid of working for compassion and his alities. Despite the we continue invest- a better Belize! It is love in the days to many challenges ing in infrastructure. this resounding Sprit come and may the and setbacks, 2011 Our government re- of community and New Year 2012 bring has been a year of mains committed to togetherness of our Peace and Prosper- many achievements support agriculture people that allows me ity for all Belizeans. for which we should and agriculture en- to convincingly say all be very proud! terprises through- that 2012 will be a HAPPY NEW YEAR As a Govern- out this country. year of unprecedent- BELIZE! Page 6 Capital Weekly Thursday, January 5, 2012 Faith Lift Your Greatest Need for the New Year is a New Heart By Zelda Hill physical organs and to them actions that wound others you a heart of flesh. And the heart was the organ of and even yourself. Indeed, I will put My Spirit in you n your moments reason, intelligence and not only the murderer needs and move you to follow of reflection on will. Even today the heart a new heart; we all do. my decrees and be care- the past year is commonly portrayed as The gangster who ful to keep my laws.” Is- I the source of emotions, holds a grudge, the absent rael’s greatest King, David, I’m sure your thoughts lingered on those whose especially love and desire, and irresponsible father humbled himself and asked lives were suddenly and but we often overlook the who deprives his children of God for a new heart after violently stolen from our fact that it is also the source love and attention, the fam- he had committed adultery midst. The news reports of of murderous intentions. ily who ignores the hungry and murder. He asked senseless crimes wreaking What we cannot children living across the God to cleanse him from loss, suffering and death overlook is the fact that we street, the politician who within and clear his heart seemed unparalleled. I’m are all born with the same measures the value of a and spirit for new thoughts also sure that in the New heart condition that caused human being by a vote and and desires (Psalm 51:10). Year you resolve to do Cain to kill and that today pretends to care, the grocer No matter what condition whatever it takes to make causes murderers to cal- who sells expired goods, your heart is in right now, your children, your home lously end a life. It may be the unapologetic or unfor- God offers you a fresh start and yourself safer and to difficult to admit but there giving spouse, the cable by forgiving your sins and avoid becoming an inte- is no difference between a provider and the media equipping you with a new ger in the gloomy crime heart that leads a husband personnel who endanger heart. statistics of our marred or wife to commit adul- our children through sexual Your new heart will jewel. But the assaults, tery and a heart that leads and violent messages, the seek the benefit of your robberies and murders are a murderer to kill, since mother who dresses her neighbor above yourself. not the only symptoms of they are both driven by young daughter to attract Through His Holy Spirit what has gone wrong with selfishness and the natural men and even forces her to living in you, your desires Belize; neither can they inclination to please them- exchange sexual favors for will be clean and con- be cured by stronger law selves rather than God. money, the men and women structive. The whole of enforcements. Belize’s You may not have robbed who use their wealth and your infected nature will relief will come when we your neighbor of valu- position of authority to be changed and you will target the source of the able property or of his life abuse our children…we have new appetites and evil pervading our coun- but you may have a heart all need a new heart and it passions. Your mind will try, and the world at large, that is prideful and moti- cannot be transplanted by be renewed, your under- and when we look to the vated to selfish ambition. anyone else but God. standing will be enlight- Word of God we see that You may have a He who knows the ened, your judgments will the heart of the matter is heart that impels you to heart has its cure and from be corrected and your will truly a matter of the heart. have a light view of sin and before the creation of the refined to do what is right What about the heart to partially acknowledge world God already had in God’s sight. You will of a robber who breaks into and confess it. You may a plan, which was ulti- gain a heart that can feel a family’s home armed to have a heart that is cold, mately fulfilled in Christ. love to God and to all men, kill whoever prevents him filled with conceit, malice God foretold through the a heart that will be a proper from securing his loot? and ingratitude or one that prophet Ezekiel (36:26): “I dwelling for the living The same heart was present shuns correction and is will give you a new heart God. Your greatest need in Cain thousands of years unconcerned about the or- and put a new spirit in you; for the New Year is a new ago when he killed his dinances of God. You may I will remove from you heart and it is available brother Abel (Genesis 4:8). have a heart that willfully your heart of stone and give from God on request. This heart condition is ignores divine things and not a recent development! even if you are aware of Thousands of years ago God’s righteous standards the prophet Jeremiah wrote you may have a heart that that “the heart is deceitful tends to stifle the convic- above all things and des- tions of your conscience. Ultimately, the condition Capital Weekly perately wicked; who can know it (Jeremiah 17:9)?” of your heart contaminates From the Heart of the Nation The Jews symbolized the your whole life and char- various aspects of a person acter and manifests itself To the Soul of the People by locating them in certain through your attitudes and Thursday, January 5, 2012 Capital Weekly Page 7

Greetings From The Department of Transport THERE’S A THIN LINE Mucho Turkey, Ham and Bram BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH.

TRAFFIC SAFETY TIPS FOR DRIVERS

1. Check your motor vehicle to ensure that everything is in good working condition. Example- brakes, all lights, horn, wipers, tires, spare-tire, tire tools, oil, water, brake fluid & dash board gauges. 2. Ensure that your driver’s license is valid and that your vehicle is licensed and insured. 3. Wear your seat belts at all times when on the highways. (It is an offence for drivers and front seat passengers not to wear seat belts on the high ways). 4. Don’t carry passengers in the back of open pickup trucks. (Vehicle only insured to carry amount of passengers as stipulated on certificate of registration/title). 5. Don’t drive if you are consuming Alcoholic beverages or taking medication (drugs). Have designated driver (alcohol and drugs affect your vision and judgement). 6. Avoid making calls on cell phone when driving, it is best to pull off to the right to make calls or to answer your cell phone, don’t text whiles driving. 7. Wear your helmet at all times when operating or being carried as a passenger on a motor cycle. 8. Only overtake if you have a clear view of the road ahead, never overtake around blind curves or when driving over a hill. 9.Drive within the speed limit at all times. 10. Obey all traffic law and signs.

THINK! DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE Page 8 Capital Weekly Thursday, January 5, 2012

To Be Thankful For The Past Year Reasons 101 And To Be Hopeful In The New Year 1. Belize Economy recovering well; over 3 from Ministry of Agriculture and friendly percent growth in 2011; IMF acknowledges, countries like Venezuela and Taiwan. “Belize is weathering the financial crisis relatively No major storm in 2011, except freak well when compared with CARICOM peers.” 12. storm in the South affecting bananas, and 2. Essential Utilities (Light, Water and small tornado in Crooked Tree; immediate Telecom) nationalized; Public Ownership assistance provided by Government. enshrined in Belize Constitution. 13. Venezuelan funds ($20 Million) 3. Crop Quality dramatically improved recovered, used to repair and build homes; in Sugar industry after GOB provides GOB working with Mexico for new low-cost $10 Million bailout, secures waiver from housing program similar to Venezuelan; GOB debtors, and forges memorandum of in the meantime spending $5 Million of its own understanding, safeguarding livelihood money for home-repairs and improvement; of over 6,000 farmers and their families. 14. More than 9,200 Housing 4. Corozal Free Zone recording 23 Loans ($62.6 Million) written off. percent increase in year-on-year sales PM announces that Government after GOB intervened to avert foreign 15. will also purchase and write off $17 Million exchange crisis; Hundreds of jobs also saved. in mortgages from Belize Social Security 5. BTL introduces $49 dollars per month Board, benefitting 780 Belizean families Internet, GST removed (competing providers (all mortgages of $50 thousand or less). forced to reduce their rates). 10-10-199 calls reduced by 25 percent to United States, 16. DFC re-started; providing loans Central America, Caribbean and China. to students and small business at very low interest (8 percent); Receives additional BZ 6. BTL invests over 60 Million to upgrade service $6 Million from CDF (Caricom Development in remote areas; company’s profits up and Fund); Government considering converting handsome dividends paid to local shareholders. DFC into full-scale national commercial bank.

7. Electricity Rates going down (BEL, now owned 17. Partial Scope Agreement allows by Government, applies to PUC for rate review). Belizean exports to Guatemala; similar 8. BEL providing new electrification to 44 agreement with Mexico being negotiated additional rural and peri-urban communities; (consultation meeting held in Corozal); 2,000 new households serviced in outlying shrimp already being exported to Mexico. areas of Belmopan, Benque, Succotz and 18. $300 Subsidy for First and Second Form Cayo South; Hattieville and Rockstone students countrywide; automatically awarded Pond (Belize District); in Orange Walk to those in Stann Creek and Toledo; Scholarships and Corozal; in Dangriga Town at Rivas increased at all levels; Improved performance in Estate and Wagirale; and in villages of PSE (Primary) and External Exams (Secondary). Stann Creek West; Toledo East and West. 19. New concrete buildings at George- 9. European Union (EU) funds used for town Technical High (Stann Creek Dis- Electrification of villages in Banana Belt; trict) to replace thatched-roof structures; Maya Mopan; Santa Cruz, Monkey River. First graduation held for over 50 students 10. All affected homes repaired or (attended by Education Minister Pat- rebuilt countrywide after Hurricane Richard. rick Faber and Area Rep. Melvin Hulse).

11. Famers rebound from Hurricane 20. New buildings at Mopan Technical and flooding disasters with assistance High, Lady of Guadeloupe, St. Ignatius High, Thursday, January 5, 2012 Capital Weekly Page 9

To Be Thankful For The Past Year Reasons 101 And To Be Hopeful In The New Year Independence Sixth Form; Holy Ghost (Stann Computer Training; Youth Education Creek); new High School at Corozon Creek; and Skills Training Project; Youth for the Ground broken for new School Building in Sun- Future Skills Training & Maintenance. day Wood, Toledo; new primary and second- Punta Gorda Resource Center ary school buildings countrywide, such as Hope 25. & Computer Training Program; Roar- Creek (Stann Creek); Santiago Layout School ing Creek Nazarene Resource Center. (San Ignacio); Roaring Creek Nazarene, Arme- nia and St Margaret’s (Cayo South); Patchakan 26. ITVETs extended countrywide; UB RC (Corozal North) and other schools renovated; expanded; Teacher-Training increased. new computer labs at several schools, like Stann 27. Educational and Economic Sec- Creek Ecumenical High and Independence Pri- ond Chance opportunities expanded; mary; New buildings for Stann Creek Ecumeni- Monies approved for recurrent expens- cal High School and Sixth Form;New building es for Magazine Road ‘Second Chance’ for Placencia Anglican Pre-school. Lynam re- Project under Ministry of Education. opened (ANRI); Old Technical College restored. 28. Belize and Mexico sign 21. August Pine Ridge RC School Rehabili- New Three-Year Education- tation; Bella Vista Government School; Belmo- al and Cultural Cooperation Program. pan School Lunches Project; Benque Preschool Rehabilitation; Buena Vista School Building 29. Paving of Placencia Road completed; Construction Project; Cristo Rey RC School Re- Last 9 miles of Southern Highway paved habilitation; Epworth Methodist Primary School (Golden Stream to Big Falls) to complete Extension (Dangriga); Guilisi Community project started by last UDP administration; Primary School Extension; Louisiana Govern- Hopkins Road to be paved to complete ment School new bathroom and fence project; loop with Sittee River Access Road. Midway Government School Extension Proj- 30. New Two-Lane Bridge at Middlesex ect; Patchakan Pre-School repairs (Teacher’s completed; New Kendall Bridge under Lounge & Auditorium); Red Bank School Exten- construction; Mullins River put to tender; New sion; Sacred Hearth College Classroom & Bath- Havana Creek Bridge being built in Dangriga; room Rehabilitation; San Pedro Colombia Pre- New Bridge to be built across Haulover in Belize School Building; San Vicente Primary School Ex- City; and Four Lane Highway up to Burrell Boom. tension; St. Augustine R.C School Rehabilitation; United Community Government Pre-School. 31. Project underway to upgrade and pave highway from Big Falls (the Dump) to Belize- 22. Pickstock Samuel Haynes Institute of Guatemala Border just south of Jalacte (23 Miles Excellence; Belize City Catholic Diocesan Child of road); funded by OPEC, CABEI and GOB. Center Expansion project; Gracie Rock Resourc- es Center; San Jose Succotz Resources Center; 32. Paving of Road from Orange Walk St. Anns Women Group Skills Training and Town to Blue Creek Village. Over $62 Million Center Rehabilitation; National Kriol Council for Rural Development and Sugar. Projects Organizational Strengthening & Skills Training; that commenced in January 2011 include Accompanying Measures for Sugar Phase 23. Sister Cecilia Home for the Elderly; Two, LOT A, Orange Walk to San Lazaro Belize City Mental Association Day Care; Hazel (8.3 Miles) being paved at $8.6 Million; and Hutchinson Helpage Building Completion; Hat- Phase Two Lot C, Patchakan to Xaibe, tieville Golden Haven Rest Home Completion. Calcutta to Xaibe and San Roque to Xaibe (5.5 Miles for $4.1 Million); Massive SIF- 24. Belize City Computer Skills Train- funded drainage project in Trial Farm (OW). ing Project; Corozal Bay Women’s Group Page 10 Capital Weekly Thursday, January 5, 2012

To Be Thankful For The Past Year Reasons 101 And To Be Hopeful In The New Year 33. Albert and Regent Streets repaved; Repaving of Main Street in Bullet Tree Village. other streets upgraded and paved; Belize City Funds Secured for New Macal River Urban Rejuvenation Project provides hun- 37. Crossing in San Ignacio and connecting circuit dreds of jobs; Lining of Collet Canal from Yabra from Santa Elena to Benque Viejo Road to Conch Shell Bay to be done; also paving of ($50 Million Project, commencing in 2012). full length of C.A Boulevard; Paving of Neal’s Pen Road; Ben Bow Street; Amara Avenue; 38. Crooked Tree gets water system; Jane Usher Boulevard (all part of Southside Burrell Boom water system upgraded, proj- Poverty Alleviation Project Phase II); CISCO- ects underway to provide potable water to pioneered initiative on Bishop Street moves 9 villages in Belize River Valley (Bermudian to Ferrel’s Lane and South Street upgrading Landing to Rancho Dolores); another project to cement-paved standard; IDB Loan for provides water system for villages along the Old drainage in North-side Belize City just signed, Northern Highway (Corozalito, St. Ann’s, San- to affect Belama, Lizarraga, and some streets tana); Cotton Tree, St. Matthews and Frank’s in Caribbean Shores; GOB launches $30 Mil- Eddy connected to Belmopan Water System; lion Poverty Alleviation Project in Belize City New and Upgraded Water Systems in Maya (Ministry of Economic Dev in conjunction with Center; Hope Creek, Hopkins, Seine Bight, In- CDB) to upgrade Infrastructure and provide dependence, Sittee River, Sarawee, Placencia, jobs. (On top of OPEC $4.2 Million for South- Monkey River, Mullins River; Santa Rosa/San side Belize Housing Component). 300 per- Roman (Stann Creek); New water Systems built sons being employed (additional to the 486 in San Luis (Orange Walk North) and other persons already employed through CYDP. villages up North and countrywide; San Pedro and Caye Caulker Water System (IDB project). 34. More than $12 million on small business and countrywide poverty alleviation 39. Bella Vista Water System Upgrade projects via Social Investment Fund (SIF). and expansion; Benque Viejo/San Jose Suc- cotz Water System Extension; Buena Vista $350 Thousand Grant to small farmers 35. Water System; Cowpen Village Water System for relief from Hurricane Richard; 4 Million (Stann Creek); Douglas Village Water System from DFC made available to them; Taiwan Upgrade (O.W.); Extension of Big Falls Water assists Rice production in Toledo; Belize now System to Dump Area (Toledo); La Gracia self-sufficient in grains, surplus exported to Water System Rehabilitation; Maya Mopan/ Jamaica and Central America; Over 25 farmers Salvapan Water & Sanitation project (Belmo- from Orange Walk and Corozal get training pan); San Antonio Water System Upgrade in Tilapia Production (assisted by Technical (Cayo); San Felipe Water System (O.W); San Mission from Taiwan); Hon. Rene Montero Luis Water System construction (O.W); San distributed 3,500 tilapia fingerlings in Cayo. Pedro Columbia Water System Upgrade (To- 36. Municipal Infrastructure Projects in ledo); San Roman/Rio Hondo Water System district towns funded by World Bank; Trial (O.W); Yemeri Grove Water System (Toledo). Farm Drainage Project; GOB finds money Marion Jones Stadium being to repair streets and roads countrywide 40. upgraded; Civic Center being re-constructed after rainy season; Roads and Highways by Mexican Government ($15 Million Project); improved and rehabilitated countrywide, with new culverts installed at many locations 41. Ministry of Sports intervenes to restore to improve drainage; New bridges at Mexico democracy in Football Federation of Belize Creek, Maypen and Rancho Dolores in Belize (FFB) through agreement forged with FIFA; District; new bridges at San Antonio/Cristo Rey, Hon. John Saldivar becomes first Belize Santa Familia, Billy White, Macal Low-level Sports Minister to be elected Vice-President Crossing, and Roaring River (Arizona) in Cayo; of the Americas Sports Council (in Brazil); Thursday, January 5, 2012 Capital Weekly Page 11

To Be Thankful For The Past Year Reasons 101 And To Be Hopeful In The New Year 42. Major upgrade of Norman Broaster 51. Petroleum Resources now Stadium in Cayo and Peoples’ Stadium in Orange unequivocally and constitutionally owned Walk; New sports facilities built in all parts of the by Government and People of Belize. country, for example new football field in Red Recall Mechanism empowers voters Bank (Stann Creek) and Santa Elena (Cayo); 52. upgrading and lighting of existing facilities such to recall failed Area Representatives before as Cotton Tree and Armenia Football Fields. General Elections; Public Confidence in Government restored; Belize regains the 43. New Farmers’ Markets in Cayo, trust of Bi-lateral and Multi-lateral partners. Belize City and Independence; state-of- the-art Slaughter House in Belize River 53. Operation Restore Belize Valley; Belmopan will get new market launched to restore social values, (EU funds), in addition to World Bank public safety and national pride. funded municipal infrastructure project. 54. Survey and subdivision of 3,884 44. San Antonio Women’s Group residential and agricultural lots countrywide; Chicken Slaughtering Facility inaugu- all registered surveyors now contracted to rated under Project of Poultry Rearing survey over 4,709 acres identified by Ministry for income generating in Cayo District. of Lands for allocation of building lots to first 45. New Poly-clinic in Cayo; Western time landowners; includes 1,000 Acres on Regional Hospital (Belmopan) refurbished and Western Highway for Belize and Cayo Districts; upgraded; Corozal Hospital Upgraded with 1,000 in Orange Walk District; purchase price Lab and Operating Theatre; Toledo Hospital for first time land owners reduced to less than getting upgraded (new $300 Thousand $1,000 and immediate freehold title obtained Maternity Annex); new Clinic and Ambulance in Benque Viejo; San Pedro Columbia upon payment of first installment; Over Health Clinic Construction (Toledo); Libertad 3,000 House lots and farming plots issued Health Center (Corozal); new clinics and in villages throughout Stann Creek West, refurbished hospitals countrywide; affordable most recently in Maya Mopan, San Roman, Dialysis through WORTH (Hemo-dialysis Santa Rosa, Red Bank and Sittee River; many Unit established at KHMH); Free medical more thousands already issued countrywide. treatment in Venezuela (Mission Miracle). 55. New Office Building for Natural Re- 46. Rehabilitation of Municipal sources opened in Cohune Walk Area; $ 5 Million Buildings in Stann Creek and Toledo. being spent on new Land Management System. 47. NEMO made effective; new 56. New rural Fire Stations built warehouses countrywide to stock up on relief in villages such as Pomona (Stann supplies; Met Office gets new Doppler radar. Creek) and Ladyville (Belize District). 48. Public Transportation better regu- lated; Bus terminals established country- 57. Murder rate down in Belize City, wide (including O.W. Town); Indepen- thanks to Gang Truce; Jobs created through dence (Stann Creek) becomes the first vil- BELTRAIDE Training; Youth for the Future lage to get a full-scale bus terminal. launches Southside Youth Success Project.

49. IDB funds Tourism Infrastructure, 58. Streets paved in Belmopan; lines and Solid Waste and Land Management projects. safety features put in through SIF Project.

50. Belize’s first ICT Centre built and 59. Venezuela donates farming machinery established with funding from Taiwan. (tractor, grader, beans thrasher) and a new wa- Page 12 Capital Weekly Thursday, January 5, 2012

To Be Thankful For The Past Year Reasons 101 And To Be Hopeful In The New Year ter system to Ministry of Agriculture Central Farm simultaneously; new Crimes Information Man- Station through a grant from the ALBA fund. agement System; electronic finger-printing machines already being installed in each district 60. Painting of Haulover; flags lining the (to store and match fingerprints of suspects). Northern Highway into Belize City. Colored lights; welcoming palms newly planted (Spear- 71. BELTRAIDE (Belize Trade and In- headed by First Lady, Mrs Kim Simplis Barrow). vestment Development Service) receives grant from Caribbean Aid for Trade and 61. Tourism on the rebound; 6.7% increase Regional Integration Trust Fund (CART- in second quarter overnight visitors; 16 percent fund) administered by CDB (Financed jump in April Alone; for the first half of the year, by UK Dept of International Develop- hotel revenues rose by 17.8 percent; Overnight ment) to develop National Export Strategy. Tourism up by 3.3 % for the entire year (2011). 72. Fiscal Incentive Program be- 62. Improvement of Northern Road ing developed through BELTRAIDE to Network to paving standard (OW Town to suit small and medium enterprises. Progresso; OW to Blue Creek; and between 73. BELTRAIDE, in Conjunction with Re- San Lazaro and August Pine Ridge to start). gional Centre for Promotion of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise (CENPROMYPE) and Gua- 63. IDB-Funded Sustainable Tour- temalan Ministry of Economy, launches “In- ism Project (ground has been broken in clusive Linkages Project” (funded by Austrian San Ignacio for the new welcome center) Cooperation) to “incorporate Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Belize-Guatemala bor- 64. More than 5,000 persons benefitting from Food Pantry; enrolling another 7,000 in der region into established production chains”. San Ignacio/Santa Elena and Benque Viejo. 74. Taiwan donates 200 thousand for “In- spiration Center Project” under office of Spe- Operation BOOST is providing 65. cial Envoy for Women and Children, Mrs Kim monthly cash transfers to 4,300 persons. Simplis Barrow (aimed at providing services 66. Child Subsidy for Working for Belizean population living with disabilities). and Single Mothers coming on stream. 75. A Grant of $6 Million from Ja- pan Social Development Fund (through 67. Apprenticeship Program enrolling World Bank) to improve Health and Nu- over 1,500 students in special classes coun- trition of Children in the South (Toledo). trywide (from St Peter Clever in the South to Corozal Community College in the North). 76. Airports extended and upgraded countrywide; construction started on 68. DNA Lab; refurbishment of Na- New Office Building for Civil Aviation tional Forensic Science Service Building; at International Airport (with VIP Foreign Expert to be paid to train locals; area in partnership with Ministry of new Scenes of Crime Vehicle; new legisla- Foreign Affairs), BZ$1.35 Million project; tion drafted to accept DNA evidence in 77. “Modernization of Voice Court. “Welcome to CSI Belize!”-PM Barrow. Communication” System for Belize Air 69. Police get three new mobile inter- Traffic Services in the Department of Civil diction units (two in the north and one in Aviation. New Website for Department of Civil Aviation launched, outlining the south); Yabra Community Policing Unit. responsibilities of the department, and 70. New 911 call center to handle 70 calls facilitating online downloading and Thursday, January 5, 2012 Capital Weekly Page 13

To Be Thankful For The Past Year Reasons 101 And To Be Hopeful In The New Year completion of forms and applications. 90. GST and Import duty removed from a wide range of items, keeping inflation at a min- 78. Higher Quality Healthcare - Inno- vative Electronic Record for Every Belizean. imum (Nil in 2010, less than 2 percent in 2011).

79. Onion Producers and Ministry of 91. Western Paradise, a new vil- Agriculture agree on quota system, and lage born at Mile 8 on Western Highway. three planting seasons for farmers to cul- 92. Belize National Coastguard estab- tivate 57 acres in Corozal, 26 acres in Or- lishes $3 Million Operational Base at Cala- ange Walk, and 8 Acres in Belize District. bash Caye to police Belize’s territorial waters. BAHA Receives 10 new Pickup Trucks 80. Hon. Rene Montero issues 101 house through IDB Loan; US $500 Thousand to improve 93. lots to youths in Cayo Central (their own Agricultural Services to support production and 101 reasons to be thankful and hopeful) export of agricultural products from Belize. 94. Fisheries Act revised for better pro- 81. Belize Signs UN Conven- tion on Rights of Persons with Disabilities tection management of marine resources. th (148 signatory). Signing on Belize’s be- 95. New vehicles (double-cab pickups) half, First Lady Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow. handed over by Minister of Agriculture to 82. Ministry of Agriculture receives BAHA, CGA/Citrus Research Education In- $100 Thousand worth of equipment from stitute and to the Regional Organization Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for Plant and Animal Health (worth $700 through technical cooperation program, to Thousand), obtained from OIRSA Mexico strengthen the National Extension Service. to implement Citrus Greening work plan.

83. Santa Elena (Cayo) 96. Ministry of Agriculture launches gets brand New Post Office. Project Execution Unit (PEU) and National Coordinating Committee for Agriculture 84. Community Centers and multi-pur- Research and Development (NCCARD) pose buildings built or refurbished country- to fulfill national goals of Food Security. wide, such as Pomona (Stann Creek Valley), Maskall, Corozalito and St. Ann’s (Belize Rural). 97. Clean Energy project launched through $10 Million grant from Japan (Photovoltaic Belize Dental Department en- 85. electricity generation system in Belmopan hances dental services to rural area of to convert solar energy to electrical power Central Region through contribu- tion by Western Kentucky University. to be sold to national electrical grid system. 98. Productive Sector do- 86. Free Butane delivered to residents in Cayo and Belmopan Areas through BNE. ing well: Construction Up by 7.4%; Fish- ing up by 14.5 %; Citrus revenues up. 87. Ministry of Health receives BZ$200 Thousand for the Ministry’s Child Survival, 99. Contract for design and build com- Education and Development Program, es- ponent of the Solid Waste Management pecially in recovery from Hurricane Richard. Project signed; 14 Million to be spent be- tween January and July in Caye Caulker, 88. 200 Acer Desk Top Computers with San Pedro, San Ignacio and Belize City. flat screen monitors handed over to IT- VET institutions countrywide by Education 100. Millions more to be spent Minister Patrick Faber and Taiwan Am- in the new year on home improve- bassador David WU (Donated by Taiwan ment and repairs across the nation. Government through Ministry of Educa- ‘Turning the Corner’ Business Forum tion as part of Restore Belize Project). 101. held; Business Development Facilitator being ap- 89. Computers presented to St Hilda’s An- pointed in the Office of the Prime Minister to over- glican Primary School by Hon. Rene Montero. see the new relationship with the Private Sector. Page 14 Capital Weekly Thursday, January 5, 2012 Reflections and Projections PM Barrow Recounts the Achievements in 2011 And Outlines the Continuing Vision for 2012 Democracy and Nationalism began offering 49 dollars a month A synopsis of the high points Internet, with GST having been and national successes of 2011 removed from those services, would not be complete without thereby forcing the competi- recounting the noble initiative of tion to also bring down their the government, supported by the rates. The company also reduced people, to regain control of es- 10-10-199 services by 25 % sential utilities and preserve their to frequently called countries. public ownership by enshrining it That’s the Telecom side of things. in the country’s Constitution. In Meanwhile, on the Elec- that regard, PM Barrow proudly tricity side of things, the PM recounted, “Our democracy was confirmed in his New Year’s also in fine flower. We maintained Address that rates are certainly our commitment to accessibil- and almost immediately going down, as BEL has already applied Police Passing Out Parade ity, transparency and account-

Continued from Page 3 ally paid dividends in 2011, as towards the last quarter of the consummate a great leap forward year there was marked reduc- in cementing its social agenda. tion in murders, relative in par- Job-creating infrastructure proj- ticular to the earlier three quarters. ects were implemented; edu- While the security forces did step cational and economic second their efforts and coordination, chance opportunities were ex- the relative peace towards the panded; and the wind was ful- latter part of 2011 was no doubt ly in the sails of our signature due in large measure to the gang home improvement, food pantry truce presided over by the PM and cash transfer programs.” himself, and the accompanying Looking ahead to 2012, the commitment and follow through PM announced that a countrywide in providing gainful employ- money contribution for working ment for the parties involved. Belize Telemedia Corporate Headquarters mothers will join the apprentice- Looking back and ability; and we continued our for a rate review and reduction. forward march to true national- The PM said that, based on the ism by way of the Constitutional figures, the PUC might even enshrinement of public owner- reduce it further than BEL it- ship of our essential utilities.” self has requested. And he indi- cated that his government was Lower Utility Rates prepared to implement legisla- Besides the symbolism of tive changes to fast track the national pride and sovereignty, reduction of electricity rates. the nationalization of the essen- “The final decision will be tial utilities are already bringing on January 31, and the new, lower practical benefits to the Belizean rates should under the current law people. Belize Telemedia, now take effect a few months thereaf- owned by the government, invest- ter. But we are a Government in ed 60 Million in the past year in a hurry to do good things. upgrading services in some of the And the ease to the con- most remote parts of the country. sumer, the ease in the cost of living, The company, in 2011 Continued on Page 15 PM Barrow thanked by Belizean citizens for enshrining in the Constitution public ownership of essential utilties ship, food subsidy and BOOST ahead, the PM remarked, programs, and that the drop-in “We succeeded, certainly since centers in distressed Belize City September when we forged the neighbourhoods will help with Belize City gang truce, in decel- community development, social erating the incidence of sense- recovery and violence prevention.” less murders in this country. The significant reduction in Safety and Security the homicide rate for the last Inextricably tied to job creation, four months of 2011 as com- economic opportunity and poverty pared to 2010, is great progress; alleviation is the issue of crime and it comes at just the right and safety in the community. point, when too many were be- The PM’s personal conviction and ginning to feel that there could persistence in this regard eventu- be no rescue from the abyss.” Belize Electricity Limited Technicians at Work Thursday, January 5, 2012 Capital Weekly Page 15 Reflections and Projections PM Barrow Recounts the Achievements in 2011 And Outlines the Continuing Vision for 2012 Continued from Page 14 The Jalacte Road in the South, the Blue Creek one in the North, the the ease to business and industry Macal River Crossing in the West, and agriculture, can’t wait. the comprehensive Belize City Thus, Government will drainage and street works, will amend the law to implement all be hitting full stride. from the very next day, February The new Marion Jones 1, 2012, this historic decrease stadium will be coming out of the in what Belizeans pay for elec- ground; the new Civic Center will tricity,” the PM Stated. be rising from the rubble. One thing more about BEL, The contract for the de- which the PM (perhaps in the in- sign and build component of the terest of time) neglected to reiter- Solid Waste Management Proj- ate in his New Years Address, is ect has also been signed; and it the fact that since its re-nationali- will see 14 million dollars spent sation, the company has embarked between January and July in Social Security Board Corporate Headquarters in Belmopan on an aggressive drive to expand Caye Caulker, San Pedro, San services to developing rural and Ignacio and Belize City.” building lots to first time land- Board (SSB) are valued at 50 thou- owners,” the PM reported. sand or less, as the government Having recovered the Ven- would be purchasing and writ- ezuelan housing funds diverted by ing off those mortgages. leaders of the last PUP administra- tion, the government of PM Barrow Partnership with was able to provide valuable help to the Business Sector citizens around the nation to repair The PM’s final an- and upgrade their homes. nouncement was of particular The PM announced, in interest to the private sector/busi- his New Year’s address that his ness community. He prefaced the Government was determined to announcement by reiterating the find new sources of funding, as fact that there is a need for an equal “millions of dollars will con- partnership between government tinue to fund Government’s and the private sector, by recount- home improvement and home ing that in this regard the right Virtual Reality - What the New Macal River Crossing in repairs across the nation.” start was made late in 2011, and San Ignacio will look like when it is completed peri-urban communities in every Land & Housing part of the country. This will no Already announced in his 2011 doubt continue into 2012. Independence Day Speech, the Prime Minister reiterated his Infrastructure government’s initiative to provide Since it took office, the Barrow thousands of new residential and administration has focused a lot on agriculture lots for first-time land infrastructure, not just for job-cre- owners; and he gave an update ation, but for the long-term ben- on specific steps towards ful- efits to the people and economy. filling that commitment. PM Barrow reiterated his govern- “Every single registered ment continuing emphasis on this surveyor in this country has key aspect of development. now been contracted to work “In 2012, as one example, the on the subdivision of the 4,709 infrastructure drive, and the jobs acres identified by the Ministry it brings, will scale new heights. of Lands for the allocation of ‘Turning the Corner’ Business Forum at Old Belize Resort Attended by P.M. Barrow and top Government Officials And then he dropped the by acknowledging the need for particularly good news that, in this new partnership to be con- addition to the 9,200 loans ($62.6 solidated in the year ahead. Million) already written off by the “Government is therefore, Ministry of Housing, his Govern- among other things, appointing a ment would early in the New Year, Business Development Facilitator 2012, be offering similar relief in the Office of the Prime Minis- to another 780 families whose ter to help oversee the new rela- mortgages with the Social Security tionship,” he announced. Read Capital Weekly Online In Living Colours at: belizenews.com/CapitalWeekly New Building Housing Lands and Survey Ministry and Department Major Works in the Capital

Page 16 Capital Weekly Thursday, January 5, 2012 Thursday, January 5, 2012 Capital Weekly Page 17 Mensage de año nuevo 2012 del Vice-Primer Ministro el Hon. Gaspar

no sigue invirtiendo firme en el apoyo plasmo en nues- en la educación de a esta industria. Es tra constitución que nuestros hijos. El por eso que hemos los Beliceños sean aporte anual a la edu- adquirido casi 83 dueños mayoritarios cación es de casi 200 millones de dólares de las utilidades en millones de dólares. en inversiones a esta nuestro país. Esta Nuestro compro- industria. Esto in- decisión ya está miso es de proveer cluye 11 millones generando ganancias una educación de de dólares en forma para todo Beliceños. la más alta calidad de subsidio al costo Este año hemos para todo Beliceño del combustible uti- tenido muchos para poder competir lizado por todo ca- logros pero soy el Hon. Gaspar Vega en el ámbito nacio- ñero. Hasta la fecha primero en admitir Vice Primer Ministro nal e internacional. se ha invertido 33 que aun hay mucho Nuestro Depar- millones de dólares más por hacer. Mi Querido tamento de terrenos en rehabilitación de Nuestra nación, Pueblo Beliceño: ahora funciona con caminos azucareros. con la bendición de más eficiencia y con A pesar de los Dios seguirá adel- l con- mucha más transpar- atrasos causados por ante en el año 2012, cluir encia. Hasta la fecha los desastres natura- y con la ayuda de Aun año hemos otorgado más les y el incremento en Dios, nuestro gobi- más tomemos un mo- de 11,000 arrenda- los precios de los ali- erno seguirá provey- mento para reflex- mientos y de estos, mentos, a nivel mun- endo para nuestra ionar en los acontec- 9,000 son a perso- dial, seguimos con gente y nos esforza- imientos que influy- nas que nunca antes la determinación de remos aun más a eron en nuestras vi- habían obtenido un invertir fuertemente traer prosperidad das. El año en curso lote. Muy pronto, en el campo de la ag- a todo Beliceño. se caracterizó por los bajo el programa de ricultura y también El año venide- muchos retos, inqui- Distribución de Ter- en el mejoramiento ro promete ser un etudes y por supues- renos Nacionales, se de la infraestructu- año lleno de opor- to por sus triunfos. le aprobaran 4,000 ra a nivel nacional. tunidades. Tomo Como toda arrendamientos mas Este año, en esta oportunidad nación, seguimos a personas que nunca apoyo a los Belice- para desafiar a to- sintiendo los efectos antes habían con- ños de bajos in- dos a trabajar ardu- del receso económico seguido un terreno. gresos, nuestro go- amente para realizar global pero esto no Hoy en día la distri- bierno perdono más nuestros sueños y nos ha hecho dar mar- bución de terrenos de 9,200 prestamos para mejorar nues- cha atrás--- Seguimos es más transparente de casas de vivi- tra calidad de vida. fomentando nues- y más equitativa. enda con un valor A Dios le pido tra economía. Belice Todos hemos de más de 66 mil- que nos colme de sigue desarrollando. sido testigos de los lones de dólares. bendiciones, amor, El año 2011 ha sido retos que la indu- En este año se paz y prosperidad un año de muchos stria azucarera ha hizo historia cuan- en el año 2012. retos, pero también enfrentado en los do nuestro gobierno FELIZ de muchos logros. últimos dos años. después de consultar AÑO NUEVO A Nuestro gobier- Este gobierno sigue con nuestro pueblo, TODO BELICE. Page 18 Capital Weekly Thursday, January 5, 2012 Belizean Wins KREM New Year’s Race

a five-man breakaway made good a gap of an entire minute and a the five riders and were now in it its escape from the peloton. In half on a group of ten riders who for the big station prize that was that break were former Cross had managed to break out of the coming up in Orange Walk Town Country Champion Ernest ‘Jaw- peloton. In that group of riders, at the Shell One Stop Gas Station. maine’ Meighan, riding for Team who had broken from the peloton This prize for the cyclist is Santino’s; Byron Pope, riding in pursuit of the leading duo, were the biggest within the first 40 miles for Benny’s Megabytes; Gio- John Delong, a foreigner riding for of the race. It is always aggres- vanni Choto; riding for Western Team Hincappi; Marlon Castillo sively pursued and sought after. Spirits; and two other cyclists. for Team Santino’s, Peter Choto Last Year, it was captured As the five riders, who riding for Western Spirits; Leroy by Nissan Arana. The big ques- were averaging a speed of 30 Casasola, Edward Reyes riding for tion on everybody’s mind at this Miles per Hour, opened the gap D & G, Roy McKenzie riding for C- juncture (as the eight riders posi- to fifty four seconds, those in the Rays, along with four other riders. tioned themselves for the prize) peloton were satisfied just to hang They were now chasing was, who would it be this time? in there within sight of the breaka- the two riders upfront at an aver- The eight lead riders, hav- way. But upon reaching Mile 88, age speed of 30 Miles per Hour, ing a comfortable two-minute Raynord Garbutt young Byron Pope and Geovanni and no letting up. At Mile 69, the lead on the peloton, were now Special Sports Correspondent Choto decided to make a break duo of Pope and Choto was now entering Orange Walk Town with (from the breakaway) in pursuit of caught by John Delong, Marlon one thing on their minds, cap- (Continued from Page 1) the station prize at that location. Castillo and Peter Choto to make turing that $ 1,000 cash. The the last Belizean to win the Cross The break was success- it five riders strong in the lead. For sprint was on; and when the dust Country), was right in there as well. ful for those two riders as they the next ten miles, this group kept settled, it was Roy McKenzie This annual event, which begun opening up the gap be- the pace high, while the others of C-Ray who won the prize. got started back in 1990 under tween themselves and the other were hot on their wheels with one In the back, those in the the guidance of Gerald Garbutt, three riders in the original breaka- mission, that of reeling them in. peloton, knowing they were now is the second biggest classic in way, who were by this time be- At Mile 59, the chase group 2 minutes behind, were chasing the country, second only to the ing caught by the main peloton. having their target in sight and feverishly, but Chris Harkey (for- Annual Holy Saturday Cross The duo of Byron Pope and closing in, kept up a high tempo mer Cross Country Champion), Country Cycling Classic., which Giovanni Choto began sharing the while working together. The ef- riding for Team Hincappi, got on is now going into its 84th year. station prizes between themselves fort paid off for Leroy Casasola, the pace trying to slow it down Ten minutes into the start while working for each other, also Edward Reyes of D &G and Roy for his teammate, John Delong, of last Sunday’s New Year’s race, sharing the pacing. They soon had Menzies of C-Ray, as they caught (Continued on Page 19)

Manuel Herrera , First Place, Masters Zahir Figueroa, First Place, Youth Thursday, January 5, 2012 Capital Weekly Page 19 Belizean Wins KREM New Year’s Race

Continued from Page 18 who was in the lead group of eight riders. But the peloton wouldn’t have any of that, and continued to press on trying to close the gap on the frontrunners who were still maintaining a pace of 25 to 26 mph. Upon reaching Mile 39, Marlon Castillo launched an attack, to which none of the others riders responded. He was soon on his way to Belize City all by himself— at least for the time being—open- ing up a 54 second gap between himself and the chase group, and later, one minute and forty sec- onds within the next five miles. As he continued to pick up station prizes, fatigue became a factor for this two-time winner of the KREM New Year’s Cycling Oscar Quiros , First Place, Junior, in the lead (far right) Classic. At the junction with the The race was now seven mounted a fierce chase and prompt- followed by Peter Choto in Third Old Northern Highway inside strong going into Ladyville, with ly reeled them back in. So, the Place, John Delong in Fourth place, Sand HiIl (also known as the the peloton still coming. At Lady- lead group was up to seven again. and Marlon Castillo in Fifth Place. Maskall Road), Marlon Castillo ville, Giovanni Choto and Byron At Mile 7, Giovanni Choto The new Female Champion was caught by the chase group of Pope once again tried to make made a solo attempt, and this time is Kaya Cattouse of C-Ray; Junior John Delong, Peter Choto, Gio- a run from the other riders and he rode all the way to the finish, Champion is Oscar Quiros; Mas- vanni Choto, Byron Pope, Edward momentarily managed to open for the victory in the 22nd KREM ters Champion is Manuel Herrera; Reyes and Leroy Casasola. Roy a gap of about 45 second on the New Year’s Cycling Classic. First Place Youth, Zahir Figueroa; McKenzie could not hold on to that chase, but John Delong wouldn’t Thirty seconds later came and First Place Masters Category group, so he was dropped by them. let them get out of his sight. He Byron Pope, who took Second Place, 2-3, Orson Butler . ,

Kaya Cattouse, Female Champion Orson Butler, First Place, Masters 2 -3 Page 20 Capital Weekly Thursday, January 5, 2012