Tuesday, December 19, 2006 The INdependent Reformer Page 1
The dependent IN Reform for the People Vol. 1 No. 4 Tuesday, December 19, 2006 $1.00 Pussy Foot Politics Cat and Mouse in the Senate
Contributed equal footing with the other members is completely ignored after the election. funds or diverting money from national of the House, is something whose time During the last national election development projects, risking public At the last Senate hearing, the has come. campaign in 2003, it appeared that the investments, pillaging public financial Belizean public heard Senator Godwin In this writer’s opinion, an elected PUP was loosing public support due to institutions, or taking money under false Hulse voice his frustration that the Senate is critical to putting the breaks perception that corruption was rampant pretenses for non-existent projects or Senate could not get more details of on the current government’s runaway in government. Prime Minister and Party (Please Turn To Page 3) Government’s proposed bond for US economic train and give the appearance Leader, Said Musa, saved the day for $565 million. He objected to the speed of putting the people back in the driver’s the PUP. He acknowledged the at which it is was being rushed through seat. corruption and promised to stamp it out. Bruk-dong the house and the Senate’s helplessness An elected Senate is something the But as we enter 2007, the stamping to stop it or even slow it down. Senator PUP themselves should welcome if their hasn’t started yet! Instead public King ‘06 Dickie Bradley, leader of government 1998 campaign manifesto is to be perception is that the party leader is now business in the Senate reminded him that believed. In that year the PUP dictator and his rule is bordering on the Senate is essentially a rubber stamp promised: “to ensure a real separation tyranny. on money bills and that the non-elected of powers between the executive and Government makes no attempt to members should not presume to have legislative branches and reduce the cover, or even justify the corrupt acts, as much say in these matters as the power of ministers to make or bend it just allows them to continue. House of Representatives. laws”. Belizeans, it seems, can do nothing for Clearly the time has come for the That is exactly what an elected Senate under the present political system there Senators of Belize to be empowered to with mid term elections would have is no way to check those in power. As do more for this country than they can done—and could still do— if either far as the Government is concerned if at the moment. There have been political party were truly interested in you do not like the way they do business, rumblings for years about the need for stopping corruption. you can go to hell. The corruption has Senate Reform, but perhaps now, Belizeans have learned a sad lesson been brazen and open; however, it is Belizeans, and Senators, see for about political promises; that they are clear none of the politicians have been themselves than an elected Senate, on most often false political rhetoric which prosecuted for any misappropriation of Kenny Morgan says ‘Enuff iz Enuff’ (See review on pg. 4) They call me back door santa Inside this Issue Bruk it down pg. 4
Total Madness pg. 5
Lots of bark New Loans but no bite CDB: US$ 12.6M (Ara Macao Road)? pg. 7 CDB: US$25M (Loan Refinancing)? Venezuela: US$25M + US$25M + US$25M + US$25....? Placencia IBOM: US$83 M ? RBTT: Dry up? Fisherman IDB: US$25 Loan? This Christmas looks bright for receives award Cuba: Light up the Night? Musa while the new year looks dim pg. 14 for Belizeans (See cartoon on pg. 4) Taiwan: More chedda? Tuesday, December 19, 2006 The INdependent Reformer Page 2
Editorial Director
Meb Cutlack EditorialEditorialEditorial NoteNoteNote
n this, the fourth issue of Independent to go but up. But they also know it won’t Reformer Weekly, I take the just happen by magic. That no foreign power Iopportunity to thank all our readers and will rescue us, and no established political Editor distributors countrywide and wish you Happy party in country will either. Holidays. The Independent is taking the Whatever crashing through of the elite glass Karla Heusner Vernon decision to skip the Christmas week and ceiling needs to be done will be done from come out again January 2nd. It should be an underneath. In our hearts, we all prefer exciting issue because we will be selecting peaceful change; but whether it happens that the Man and Woman of the Year as well as way or through violence will depend not so mentioning some other notable events and much on our own intentions, but on their people of 2006. resistance, and reluctance, to do the right thing Design/Layout It’s hard to believe this year is over, it and step aside, and down. seemed to go so quickly. But as we rush As we pray they find the wisdom to Marigold Enterprise headlong into 2007 it is with a renewed sense continue the peaceful, constructive revolution of purpose. The feeling is palatable across and put their own self interest aside, we will and thanks you for seeking us out each week the country and Belizeans seem to have a try to enjoy the holy-days and recharge our and sharing your thoughts with your friends, greater sense that change is upon us, and that energies. families and associates. we must take advantage of the opportunities The staff of the Independent Reformer Seasons Greetings everyone, meet you General Manager being presented to us all. There has been so Weekly wishes you all a blessed Christmas back here, January 2nd, 2007. much negativity, even desperation, over the past few months. That is not necessarily a Trevor Vernon bad thing; for people only change their situation when things are uncomfortable. LetterLetter toto thethe EditorEditor Those few who still comfortable are realizing, very quickly, that those who make their soft life possible are becoming Clarification of terms and phrases Published by: increasingly unhappy with the struggle just to Madam Editor, than a small one” and it comes from maintain a modest home and lifestyle. Too We want to congratulate the Adolph Hitler, in Mein Kampf, who was many Belizeans have seen their spending Independent Publishing Independent on your new enterprise. a fascist (right-wing), not a communist. power diminish this past year, too many have Company Ltd. We are offering this criticism of your [anyone wanting clarification of those
○○○○○○○○○○○ begun to feel not only are they not getting terms, can email us at P.O. Box 2666 ahead; they are hardly breaking even article entitled Election shugga daddy(s), December 5 issue, in hopes [email protected]]. Belize C.A. anymore. People who once lived paycheck The above is a perfect example of a to paycheck are not finding themselves selling that you do not follow the path of many lie being repeated so often, it is accepted off the few things they own to carry newspapers before you. as truth. Communism and Fascism are themselves over the rest of the month and We have no problem with the article not the same thing. The communists living paycheck to several paychecks itself, but with a phrase you used at the Telephones: would not quote a fascist who was down the road. end: “if one tells a little lie no one will responsible for the murders and We used to wish each other a prosperous believe it; if many people tell a big lie (501) 225-3520 new year, now some hardly remember what promises big results everyone will extermination of millions of prosperity felt like or if it will ever come again. believe it. The communist philosophy communists, labor leaders, and minority groups. Email: But it must, for as the wheel of fortune suggests that if you tell a lie often enough turns down, so it will turn back up. Many the people will believe it.” The actual Just trying to keep it honest. Belizeans feel the country has already hit the quote is: “The broad mass of a nation [email protected] lowest point of the cycle and there is no where will more easily fall victim to a big lie Signed: George and Candy Gonzalez
Printed by:
National Printers
New Road INdependentThe Belize City, Belize Reformer [email protected] P.O. Box 2666 Belize City, Belize YES! Send me 6 months of the INdependent Reformer for as little as For an online version of the “QuoteBZ$30.00 (US$30.00 of theinternational) Week” INdependent Reformer Name (please print) visit us at Address Apt. http://www.belizenorth.com/ independentreformer.htm OR City State Zip http://belizenews.com/ independentonline.pdf Email Address
Payment Included Bill me later Prices for subscription and postage may vary for subscription outside Belize. Tuesday, December 19, 2006 The INdependent Reformer Page 3
an elected Senate is indispensable for national debt of $2 Billion plus. Why Pussy Foot Politics good Government. The Republican should the head of ANY political party party, which was the party in power, lost have the power to wreak such havoc, to (Continued From Page 1) Under the present system, the Prime control of the Senate and the democrats destroy the economy rather than build it, causes. Nor does it appear anyone is Minister appoints members of the National are now in the majority. This turnaround to ruin people’s lives rather than provide likely to be prosecuted, not even after Assembly to head the various ministries. was a direct response by American opportunities? public hearings and investigations such If a particular Minister doesn’t go along voters to what they considered bad The Government has openly entered as those for the Social Security Board with the wishes of the Prime Minister, the Government. The President heard their into bloated contracts, paying as much as or the Development Finance PM can remove him from his Ministry and call and has gotten their message, loud and twice the value for the same services from Corporation. In fact, word is the Prime appoint another who will. clear. a legitimate contractor. The Government Minister is attempting to wiggle out of With an elected Senate and the terms Imagine if Belizean voters could send has paid millions in excess of their testifying before the DFC Commission! of office reduced to four years, the their Prime Minister and his Cabinet and appraised values for properties they have Since Independence, corruption has senators could be changed. The first Area Representatives the same signals. If purchased. The Government has sold continued throughout the successive Senate would only be elected for two Belizeans could ensure that that only properties and businesses for a fraction changes of Government. Many people years. legislation that is good for the country will of their appraised values. believe democracy no longer exists in Thereafter the senate elections would be passed and that no national leader The politicians and their cronies have Belize, that instead we are under a tightly take place every 4 years between the could ever assume the position of waxed fat from the above transactions. controlled dictatorship. The rebel national elections, that is, 2 years after dictator. Someone has to pay their bills. Those ministers, dubbed the “G7”, found out the which would also be 2 years before a The PUP has failed for eight years to someone’s are the Belizean people. The extent of the tyrant’s powers. The only national election. A corrupt fulfill its 1998 promise that would require middle class and poor now bear the limitation that appears to be on the Prime Government could not continue for long an elected Senate. The UDP’s burden of the high taxes and inflation while Minister is the length of his term in office! and even if those in charge did get out leadership is also against an elected the politicians and their cronies live high This is not just my own view, the Political of line, they could not exploit their Senate. Their reasons are dependant on on the hog. Reform Commission (appointed by the positions for more than 2 years for as who they are speaking to and runs the Which brings us to the real reason Prime Minister himself in 1999) had similar soon as Belizeans became aware of gamut from (1) an elected Senate would the politicians don’t want an elected concerns about corruption and Belize’s what was happening the voters could be too expensive (2) the UDP should Senate: it would prevent the leader of vulnerability to the power hungry. In the stop it by bringing in a new slate of have its turn in office. the party and Prime Minister from summary of the Political Reform Senators or Representatives as the time An elected Senate would certainly becoming the Supreme Authority and Commission Report of 2000, the period might dictate. not be more expensive, rather it would stop his sharing of the booty pillaged The present party heads do not want be a great money saver, saving millions from the nation, among its politicians— Commissioners wrote “The House and PM Said Musa even more the Senate serves largely as the voters to have this type of power or lost to the people annually through both blue and red. rubber stamps for cabinet decisions”. give the country of Belize the same unfettered corruption. The second Those who do not want an elected They continued, “the system is in essence successful checks and balances that the statement is startling for it implies the UDP Senate, do not want a solution to a dictatorship of the cabinet.” United State of America has had with wants the same chance at corruption that corruption. They do not want the power Is it any wonder only a fraction of the its elected Senate. More than two the PUP has had! Do UDP officials seek placed with the people where it belongs Commission’s recommendations were hundred years of successful operation office simply so they can also garner and they do not deserve our votes. They adopted by the Prime Minister and made in the USA has proved the value of an additional money for their own should not even be considered for office. into law by the House of Represenatives? elected Senate. The elected Senate can retirements? It is not too late; both the PUP and It’s almost a trite saying these days that check the actions of the House of If this is the case, the UDP should not UDP have the power to proposed an “ Power corrupts and absolute power Representatives and likewise, the House be elected to office, either. Enough is elected Senate. And if one does so and corrupts absolutely.” But it is that absolute of Representatives can check any enough. the other doesn’t support it, well, the power that Belize’s politicians wish to improper or unwise actions of the Belize, though small, is a great country voters will know immediately which party retain. Which is precisely why they do Senate. with a great potential. However, one- third is really seeking reform and which one not want an elected Senate. This would The November 2006 mid-term of Belize’s citizens live below the poverty wants to maintain the status quo. give too much autonomy for the people’s election in the United States of America level, 24% of the people are functionally If neither proposes it before the next representatives and make them too has again proved the value of an elected, illiterate and 50% of the children do not General Election, then clearly alternative accountable to their constituents. not appointed, Senate. It proved that finish primary school. The country has a party would be a better choice. Tuesday, December 19, 2006 The INdependent Reformer Page 4
Bruk it down Excerpts from “ENUFF IZ Karla Heusner Vernon Assembly Meeting. The words he shouted with praise when he later joined the Playaz ENUFF” by Kenny Morgan at the politicians in the House that day were Band during a musical interlude while judges All across the country it’s People Under nothing compared to the scathing comment tallied the votes. Pressure Dressed in full yellow, with matching suede he made Saturday night, and it was not only Mr. Wilfred Peters, the man whose very And it’s not a pleasant feeling at all tennis shoes, Kenny Morgan—radio the PUP side that got the lick. Quite a name is synonymous with this beloved Everywhere u turn Belizeans just di announcer, singer, composer, poet and comeback for the man whose poem about Belizean style of music, was even more suffer political activist shook his dred locks and told And every day u hear somebody else murdered girls was disqualified from a national entertaining than usual, bantering playfully with bawl the expectant audience at the Bliss Centre poetry contest because it was deemed Mistress of Ceremonies Myrna Manzanares, While the ones who are responsible for for Performing Arts he was warned he’d lose “unpatriotic.” putting down his accordion and joining the having us in this mess the Brukdown music competition if he sang But when he sang “vote for yu picney” Playaz’s Band while his own Boom and Don’t feel the pinch at all, they are “Enuff iz Enuff.” living large and “vote fi Belize” the audience at this show Chime Band was on a break. But if Musa is a man, tell him call the Then he sang it. went wild. Theylistened politely to songs The audience was as much a part of the election Morgan’s critics were wrong; because he about why we should love tourists and show as the performers, and they shouted And let the people say who they want DID win with the controversial song. Not Christmas traditions; in deference to her their encouragement and appreciation again in charge … only did he win Brukdong Artist of the Year, They sell out our assets and they pocket stature in the music world perhaps, the judges and again. There was even dancing on the the funds he got Song of the Year, even Special Award gave Leela Vernon first runner up with a song floor in front of the stage. To share among their family and for content. about cahew and ginger wine. It felt, in so many ways, like the old days. friends He takes home $4250 in cash but most But her son, Henry Genus III Martinez Not the days of Ole Time Christmas with Then when election time comes they importantly of all, he has the support of the throw us some crumbs also took a political turn, urging Belizeans to Boom and Chime and the Sorrel wine, but Then we don’t see them until election audience and judges. take back their independence by “taking up the days when Belizeans felt a little less heavy time again If their reaction is any gauge of wider public their armor and clearing the land” returning hearted, less burdened by debt and disaster, Life getting bitter for so many and opinion, then the government is in trouble. to family plantations instead of becoming “yes more in control of what was happening in better for so few From this call and response musical session, And the hardest worker end up with men” to politicians. this country and less at the mercy of the the least pay Morgan was making the call, and his listeners Lennox Blades, a veteran of Mr. Peter’s powers that be. But as sure as the wind does blow, as were answering. Loudly. Boom and Chime Band went solo this year While all the songs and artists had their sure as baldy/ grow Morgan must find it a sweet reward indeed and impressed the audience with his guitar own appeal, the support for Kenny Morgan Election day the people will have their to leave the Bliss a winner yet again; it’s the playing skills, both holding his instrument in on Saturday night made it abundantly clear say second year this entertainer/activist has swept the traditional way and then playing it behind to me the days of people being afraid to Chorus: Enuff is Enuff, PUP got to go the Brukdong Competion. In 2005 he won his head. If there had been a category called speak their mind are over. The days of They fail to deliver on the promises in Best New Artist, Artist of the Year and Song “Audience Favorite” however, Alford Butler, being afraid to vote for a controversial their manifesto of the Year, edging out the landslide 2004 They did a lot of talking just to get on would have grabbed that title for his riotous song—even when it is sung in a top winner Leela Vernon. and silly “Ah Bawn Da di Valley” in which he government run building—are behind us. But since then all they do is tax we till What a stark comparison to being led pretended to be himself as a boy and sang And perhaps the days certain politicians we drop away in handcuffs by police after the 2004 the praises of the Stann Creek Valley and have left in office are also numbered as We made a very big mistake 2003 and Lord Rhaburn Music Awards to be held on played the harmonica. The audience quickly people echo Morgan’s sentiment that 1998.... vague charges he disrupted a National dubbed him “Valley Man” and showered him Enuff iz Enuff.
_ Tuesday, December 19, 2006 The INdependent Reformer Page 5
when my mail box was tampered with Who knows? and made inoperable. No big deal. I paid Before I criticized Mr. Musa’s foreign TotalTotal madnessmadness what the contract officers wanted me to policy, I never experienced these pay for a new lock: 25 buxx. Turns out irritations. Now whatever I do, I expect that it’s not that simple. The lock seized, them. The word is out; but, funny thing couple hundred smuggled in from By: Trevor Vernon and they need the welder to take it off. I is since I spoke out against the pup Guatemala, detailed, illegally registered get this from a Postal Service worker with government’s foreign policy positions in with GOB’s top personnel at the Traffic a smirk across his face. “And the welder Washington, I sleep much better at night. “Lawn the Department and then sold. The ring comes in only when it’s convenient to him”. In addition, the ulcers, migranes, and game, fool” this made out like bandits. Research shows So I pay for a Post Office Box from trips to the emergency room are no older inebriated them buying a “vehicle reported stolen” government but can’t use it because their more. You can buy my silence but you friend of mine in Guatemala for around $2500 USD, welder is busy and may be made busy can’t buy my state of wellness. My says to me in paying ‘mordida’ to get it driven across for the next year? This is the registered choices; no apologies, no regrets. And Kriol. “Tek keer the Macal, and into Belize where PO Box of this newspaper I am talking by the way, just for the record, I was of yourself first unscrupulous civil servants and about. How will they be able file their highly critical of Mr. Esquivel’s before you mess government contract officers forge with those lawsuits against us? introductory rate of 15% for VAT in gangstas in government!” 1998. I still think people in Washington “My bway, you need security; set up did a number on him and destroyed his your own security system with people “Before I criticized Mr. popularity and his government’s. No you know now and not people you mi apologies there either. know or think you know.” Musa’s foreign policy, I never Finally, there is another matter that “Sleep wid u own eye, bossman.” bears mentioning: it’s this legal I get a lot of great advice these days requirement where new newspapers from friends who still sees me as the experienced these irritations.” must get the approval of the Solicitor little scrawny pre–teen running around Generals office the other day before barefoot around the Caye where I going to press. Ours took a while and vacationed as a child with my father’s customs documents to get it licensed. Now we do a lot of mailing: bulk mail. the wait almost frustrated the entire entourage in its heyday. That was then; They are then boldly sold to unsuspecting First week we are charged 25 cents per effort, but for the grace of God. this is now. Paranoia rules my world Belizeans seeking a nice refurbished ride local item but second week new guy says Apparently, two others were not so today as government personnel try for about 50-70% of market value = 30- its over 50 grams and we must pay 40 lucky. Was in an office the other day and every trick in the book of hard knocks 50 thousand dollars. What makes the cents per. I reason with him and ask to caught glimpse of paperwork on their to rock my world in an effort to please scam work is the pretence of body work see his scale. He sees the error of his demise. I would like to encourage those their godfather. having been done to the vehicle and of ways after a little convincing and folks to still publish or contact us to I got my first “expected” rude course ministerial discretion and reluctantly agrees that the items are explore some synergistic options. awakening a year and a half ago when underworld connections. below the 50 grams cutoff. “The one I There are other developments in this powerful people in Government thought Anyway, the matter is before the courts weighed was definitely over the mark”, newspaper business that we are keeping it would be good time to send a and we must respect the court’s jurisdiction he says. I throw on ten at random and a very close eye on as it relates to Trojan message that to others I had no and independence. I won’t comment they are all under. Ah, I wasn’t horses and old acquaintances. We at the business criticizing GOB’s foreign further and risk revealing my sources or disappointed today. Maybe the fact that Independent take nothing for granted policy. Six months earlier I had given an worse. “River of Fire” was sharing some of his and do sleep with our own eyes and interview to a couple of DC-based reporters Last week, I got a little more of the ire written poems with me in the middle of security cameras and are quickly learning when asked about Belize’s foreign policy that exists in some government quarters the negotiations helped my position. the game, too. toward the Middle East. They asked the questions, and I agreed that yes, I thought the Musa government was playing undue hardball with the state of Israel and its representatives in the various international forums. I have no evidence to suggest this has changed today. Anyway, six months after that most unfortunate interview and subsequent articles, I was looking down the barrels of state issue shotguns and 9mm firearms. Twelve fully armed ADU, Customs, BDF and other assorted personnel descended on my home in Ladyville, locked and loaded. One very young and very well briefed teenage officer wanted to know, “How come a man like you got mixed up in crime?” I was floored but learnt the game rather quickly. He subsequently offered to meet me alone with the real story, if I could give him some casino chips. Not interested, kiddo…unless you want to tell it to an independent Judge in a recorded statement... in Miami. I had bought a car from a very colorful character in Belize City 6 weeks earlier for a pretty penny. But, at the time, I wanted decent transportation to ply the real estate trade and after all the emergency room experience with chest pains, in DC I felt I deserved it. Well, Waldo Emerson says life is what happens after you make your plans. The car, as it turns out, was one of a Tuesday, December 19, 2006 The INdependent Reformer Page 6 General Assembly urges action to protect world’s fish stocks Responding to the depletion of unreported and unregulated fishing fish stocks and degradation of activities, and to facilitate mutual fragile marine habitats in many parts assistance to investigations and of the world, the United Nations punishment as needed. General Assembly has called on The adoption of the resolution States to take immediate action to followed a two-day debate on the reverse the situation and protect issue, with nearly three dozen vulnerable deep sea ecosystems. countries participating. Adopting a consensus resolution Over half – 52 per cent – of on sustainable fisheries, the global fish stocks are fully Assembly called on all States to act exploited, while overexploited in a precautionary manner and apply and depleted species have an “ecosystem approach” to the increased from about 10 per cent conservation, management and in the mid 1970s to 24 per cent in exploitation of fish stocks. 2002, according to a study, The resolution also expressed the ‘Ecosystems and Biodiversity Assembly’s particular concern that in Deep Waters and High illegal, unreported and unregulated Seas’, which was issued jointly by fishing constituted a serious threat the UN Environment Programme to fish stocks and marine habitats (UNEP) and the World and ecosystems, to the detriment of Conservation Union (IUCN) sustainable fisheries, as well as the For every one pound of shrimp caught, trawlers haul in earlier this year. States were encouraged to take 20 lbs of fish stock which is then discarded measures to deter illegal,
Christmas Riddles 1. What do elves learn in school?
2. What is the difference between the Christmas alphabet and the ordinary alphabet?
3. What Christmas Carol is a favorite of parents?
4. Why does Santa have 3 Opening Hours gardens? Monday - Saturday 6 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. 5. What kind of candle burns Sunday & Holidays 7 a.m. - 7:30 pm. longer, a red candle or a green Breakfast Lunch and Diner candle?
6 What do you get if you deep fry Santa Claus?
7. Why was Santa’s little helper depressed?
Turn updside down for the answers
7. He had low elf esteem elf low had He 7.
6. Crisp Cringle Crisp 6.
shorter “Quote of the Week”
5. Neither, candles always burn always candles Neither, 5.
4. So he can hoe hoe hoe hoe hoe can he So 4.
3. Silent night Silent 3.
L (noel) L
2. The Christmas alphabet has No has alphabet Christmas The 2. 1. The elf-abet The 1. Tuesday, December 19, 2006 The INdependent Reformer Page 7 LotsLotsLots ofofof BarkBarkBark butbutbut nonono BiteBiteBite By Meb Cutlack Belize Tour Guides Association. reflects how hollow this planning is. packers and bus riders. They now either There is absolutely no representation on The BTB spends $11,000,000 per go through Belize in under 24 hours or the BTB from the two major industry annum on go around via Mexico and Guatemala. The tourism industry in Belize reaches associations, the Belize Tourism Industry • FINANCE AND By The BTB´s own admission there into every nook and cranny in the country Association or the Belize Hotel ADMINISTRATION are in Belize: and in its various guises, as BTIA, BHA, Association or from the Belize Eco • MARKETING * over 575 registered hotels has over 650 members and (with the tour Tourism Association - which are • PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT * over 4,000 persons employed in the guides association) has in excess of 1600 organizations with over 650 members. • HOTELS DEPARTMENT accommodations sector direct members. Many of the In simple language that means that And note: “The hotels Department * over 200 registered and licensed tour organizations support between 5 and 20 Belize´s tourism policy and it ensures that the accommodation sector operators employees. Call the average 10 and, even implementation is without input of any complies with the Hotels and Tourist * over 1,100 tour guides without counting tour guides, this amounts to sort from the very pillars of tourism, the Accommodation Act, Chapter 285 of the I wish it were true when they name the a minimum access to 7,000 persons or, when Belize Tourism Industry Association, Belize you add relations and families who directly National Tour Operators Association, Belize benefit from the industry, that figure magnifies “Yes! That´s how the BTB National Tour Guides Association, Belize to probably 50,000 or more. Hotel Association and NGO´s etc. as: Of course, down the line, the industry principally relates to the tourism “formulating policies and legislation for the does in fact impact on a lot more persons tourism industry.” but, even when you only think of the industry, hounding it for funds It simply is not true. The powers that be in 50,000 plus, you realize that something is the Cruise Ship Industry have the clout, which very wrong with the voice of the industry. and almost blind to its is listened to, while true hotel and ecotourism It is a giant that so far just squeaks. It operators whisper and go unheard. does not call out to be heard or demand problems.” That could all change very abruptly if, anyone to listen. and when, the various industry resources It is a sleeping giant, stung continually such and BTIA, BHA, the tour guides and by the wasps of government and mauled hotels, lodges and other tourism industry Laws of Belize, Revised edition 2003. eco tourism operators all come together and by officialdom but which, until now, has sources. It is a little like forming an With this comes constant monitoring, create a combined policy coordinating shrugged these annoyances and bites off. agricultural board and not including anyone overseeing and inspecting to ensure committee to speak with one loud voice to It takes, still lying down, the fact that with agricultural knowledge or experience. satisfaction of services as well as to collect the BTB and the Government. the only tourism group connected to This is supposed to be tourism industry accommodation fees and penalties.” It is not now even a matter of “íf” they Belize Tourism Board planning is the ‘planning’ but a recent paper from the BTB Yes! That´s how the BTB principally come together, to speak in a loud and clear relates to the tourism industry, hounding it voice, but “when” - and the recent finance for funds and almost blind to its problems. and tax squandering by Government on The BTB is particularly blind to problems the cruise ship and shrimp farm industries related to high exit taxes which deter make a single loud voice for tourism hundreds of younger, free spending back essential. WeBAD We Belizeans Against the Dam
CHALLILO DAM is still a LIE
Our electricity bills have skyrocketed The fish are not safe to eat The Macal River looks and smells bad For an online version of the We don’t know how safe the Macal River water is - to drink or to swim in. INdependent Reformer We still don’t know what to do if there is visit us at a dam break emergency. http://www.belizenorth.com/ independentreformer.htm Fortis/BECOL failed to keep their OR promises on the Chalillo Dam. On Vaca Dam, estimated cost of US$50 million!! http://belizenews.com/ independentonline.pdf they are not making promises (only profits) Tuesday, December 19, 2006 The INdependent Reformer Page 8 TOPICALTOPICAL TIDBITSTIDBITS
Cost of poverty forms of theft. rules. Bob Jones at Evas in San interest borrowing (14% to 22%) higher than helping Take note Belize! Ignacio reported to the GST board from the Belize Bank, and this 6 months ago that he was getting guaranteed by government. In this According to the UK government ********** receipts from suppliers without the manner, a moderate loan to update the spread of poverty among receipt carrying the GST column and modernize became a financial citizens has costly and scary BBC disappears specifying the GST. They did nightmare. The crux of this perhaps consequences. nothing. This meant that if he took inadvertent conspiracy is still to It leads to painful, devastating It was a brutal shock to listeners the GST off the bill he ended up come – if and when the Belize Bank and damaging effects on the a year or so ago when BBC radio just paying GST twice without is handed huge chunks of and in economies and security of nations. vanished from its old airwaves and it became possibility of getting it back and San Pedro and/or becomes two The government recently easier to get a Chinese English news report was fined. Bob specifically thirds owner of all the health authorized providing poor families than try to find the BBC. A further shock mentioned that the GST inspector facilities in the country! with fruit and vegetables free of now as the TV Cable companies throughout was sympathetic and not to blame charge. The government made this Belize have evidently chopped out of their but just doing her job... ********** decision after studies and statistics schedules all BBC news broadcasts. Its proved that 85% of the poor goodbye to one of the last fairly independent ********** BTB boondoggle complain that they’re not able to pay international TV news broadcasts. their bills or afford to buy their food, The cable companies should think Hospital Farce The country is proud to have a huge medications or clothes. Many of again - and also be obliged under their BTB headquarters in Belize City and new them are forced to borrow. Children licenses to rebroadcast Belize City TV Nothing is clearer from the and attractive expensive Social Security are deprived of basic necessities news coverage to all the districts. Universal Health Services/Karl buildings in many districts. One problem! because their parents cannot afford Heusner hospital farce than that the Unless these HQ´s also provide them. ********** Government, the Development rentable space for the private sector, and The British government came to Finance Corporation and the Belize therefore pay their way, they are expensive the conclusion that the cost of this That GST again! Bank are the principal bad guys. “boondoggles” and should have their social assistance is less than the UHS had a clear contract for a loan staff and office space severely cost of imprisoning people who GST is a farce in many districts for relatively low interest from DFC restricted to a necessary minimum and commit poverty-related crimes, simply because the only ones for funds which the DFC failed to have rental contracts offered to all such as armed robbery and other penalized are those who obey the provide. This resulted in high comers. UDPUDP panicpanic aboutabout indeindependentspendents By Meb Cutlack 7 years and composed of at least rival elements.” committed to reform and stamping out 15 members And they go on: “At the level of corruption.” • Land distribution reform - giving Deputy Leadership, a fight just as Well! Many of us wish he would land distribution to district ferocious is underway between Patrick stand up and say he would support an No greater compliment that can be committees comprised of local Rogers, who claims he is qualified to be elected senate, would support a Land paid to the potential power of political, business and religious leader but is prepared to settle for Distribution Act giving power to the independent candidates in the next elements.. Deputy Leadership, Lucilo Teck people, revise the ´General Revenue¨ election than the sense of panic now • A revision of ´general revenue´ (Hipolito’s colleague from We the honey pot and pledge punishment for running through the UDP. practices to enable better People) and Hubert Enriquez of VIP.” all blatant transgressions of the law In last week’s Guardian newspaper accounting and fixed budgets for This is all good publicity for the carried out by PUP ministers and they even give a run down of the various ministries. independents and getting their names cronies. parties and name many of the • An effective audit and budget known. Better still, is the obvious It is wishful thinking when the indpendent candidates. committee chosen form discomfort the UDP expresses with its Guardian reports: “When The Guardian They suggest that there is a real row membership of both houses. snide: “ Imagine, the people who claim raised the question a few weeks ago going on as to who would lead the • Rigid integrity rules which we need a new political party because about who would lead a possible third independents and who should emerge candidates would, by law, have the two established parties have become party and whether any such person as Prime Minister in the event of a to follow. And, list their own and too powerful, cannot even get off the would be a credible choice for Prime independent ´party´ victory. family wealth and holdings when ground because they are fighting for Minister, it threw proponents of the third Well, of course the next election will elected. power…..The UDP, by contrast, has no party theory into crisis.” not be so much about an independent The UDP gives its own view of confusion about who its leader is and The Guardian is, perhaps deliberately, party ´winning´ the election but about various independent candidates saying: who will become Prime Minister when missing The point. It only needs ten true by enough independent candidates 1. “Hipolito Bautista and his few the party wins. Honourable Dean men; stalwart in action, independent in being elected to stand like guardians remaining followers of We the Barrow is the undisputed Leader. He is hope and united in expectation to topple betwen one or the other traditional People claim he is the most the most experienced, the most the long entrenched power of both PUP parties continuing to rule Belize as if it experienced and mature successful at the polls and the most AND UDP. is an oligarchy. candidate for the position.” Whenever the election comes there 2: “Paul Morgan of VIP claims he is a good chance, thanks to their is the most appealing and diehards, of PUP and UDP getting politically successful so far.” Comments? some 19 or 20 seats between them. 3: “Cornelius Dueck of the so-called That leaves the rest up for grabs by the National Reform Party believes Suggestions?or want Independents. The independents would he is entitled to it because he will then be in a position to dictate who be spending and raising most of ruled Belize but on certain conditions. the money.” to share your thoughts These conditions could, and 4: “Meanwhile, others are conceivably should, include: contending that Will Maheia, Email us at • An elected Senate. Elected on a who claims to be setting up his different time mechanism than the own party, is the only potential [email protected] Lower House members, serving leader who can unify the various Tuesday, December 19, 2006 The INdependent Reformer Page 9 Tuesday, December 19, 2006 The INdependent Reformer Page 10 Apocalypto:Apocalypto: GoodGood Drama,Drama, BadBad HistorHistoryy The Maya didn’t wipe out the forest and cause their civilization to collapse, prominent Mayanist asserts
By: Dr. Anabel Ford dominant species such a lasting, all-encompassing effect on are still useful,” Ford the still populate the jungles of said “The forest is Mesoamerica still follow good practices, Santa Barbara—Mel Gibson’s feral, not original, but they are being supplanted by Apocalypto presents the commonly held and still wears its immigrants who see the forest as an tragic view of the Maya collapse. Despite human mark, as if economic opportunity to be clear-cut for their beautiful art, monumental the Mayas’ ancient profitable crops or livestock. architecture, and highly developed forms gardens abandoned “The Maya forest gardeners have the of government, astronomy, and at the Spanish secret to balancing cultural prosperity with mathematics, the film says the Maya never conquest have gone ecological preservation—and they are learned to farm. Instead they slashed and wild.” dying out,” she said. burned, and by the time of their peak, their Such astonishing Ford believes the best way to preserve population had become too dense, their ecological the rainforest is to encourage and cultivate network of cities too crowded and reliant coherence could not the traditional techniques still used by on non-sustainable agriculture to survive. have been possible Maya forest farmers today. These are Though other factors may have played a if the Maya had receding—along with its people—into the part—including a hard drought and a been destructive jungle. possible epidemic—the film boldly asserts farmers. Indeed, She hopes to demonstrate the that the chief reason for the Maya collapse the opposite must importance of these practices at the newly was their poor ecological stewardship. be true: the Maya created El Pilar Archaeological Reserve “Not so,” says leading Mayanist, Dr. must have been for Maya Flora and Fauna, a 5,000-acre Anabel Ford, a vibrant UCSB exceptionally slice of rainforest in Western Belize. El archeologist and President of Exploring attuned and Pilar has extensive Maya monuments, Solutions Past: the Maya Forest Alliance responsive to their which Ford believes should be only (ESP Maya), a non-profit organization, environment if they partially exposed to preserve the known for her work in the Maya rainforest, managed to have (Please Turn To Page 11) 6-million-acres that span parts of Mexico, Forest, “ available prior to publication via Guatemala, and Belize. email by request. Ford does not believe that the Maya “You can’t blame the misconception on “collapsed” because there were too many Mel Gibson, though,” Ford added. “The of them and they were too greedy, view of the Maya as ecologically self- warlike, and crude in the way they destructive is entrenched. Even the cultivated their land. geographer Jared Diamond used it in “In fact, they were excellent stewards “Collapse,” his bestselling book about the of the rainforest, and their practices can ways societies bring about their own help us think productively about destruction.” sustainable ecology in the age of Ford, who has spent 30 years studying globalization and climate change,” she the Maya, is not convinced. The bedrock insists. of her skepticism—and her article—is a Ford’s conclusions—which she simple fact, one she believes holds stresses are based on interdisciplinary profound implications: that the modern study, not archeology alone—are Maya forest is human-influenced. presented in the forthcoming article “Ninety percent of the [surviving] “Agriculture and Landscape in the Maya
Dr. Anabel Ford with a Maya forest gardener at El Pilar, 2006. Fly Tropic Air - Fly Tropic Air - Fly Tropic Air “The Airline Of Belize” Tuesday, December 19, 2006 The INdependent Reformer Page 11 CountingCounting insteadinstead ofof shootingshooting,,, thethe AAudubonudubon Society’Society’ss ChristmasChristmas BirdBird CountCount generally been named for the town or Dr. Lee Jones talks with Independent Weekly’s prominent feature of the area. It encompasses Toledo Correspondent William Schmidt a diameter of 15 miles. So it is a relatively small part of Toledo. It’s northern boundary is Big Falls, the western part is the Schmidt: What is the purpose of the Aguacaliente Wildlife Preserve. Cattle count? Landing, Orange Point and Boom Creek are Dr. Jones: The original purpose in the southern and eastern limits. 1900 was to provide an alternative to Schmidt: When is it? the Christmas Day Hunt, a traditional Dr. Jones: For Toledo it’s always on a competition to see how many different Wednesday between the 14th & 20th of bird species could be shot in a day. December. Since then, the Christmas Bird Count This year it will be the 20th. data has been used in a number of Schmidt: Where will it begin? different ways by scientists to examine Dr. Jones: We meet the evening before, long term early winter population Tuesday, at the Sea Front Inn at 7:00 pm. trends, which reflects habitat We assign areas, pass out the check list forms, alteration and long term climate instructions, and work out transportation. It cycles. Christmas bird count data can begins before dawn on Wednesday morning also reflect short term effects. For and ends at dusk around 5:45 to 6:00 pm, example in it’s second year 2001, the Birding is increasingly popular with visitors to Belize followed by a complementary compilation PG Bird Count recorded by far its dinner served at 6:30 pm. highest number of species to date, Dr. Jones: Yes, I did along with Schmidt: What are the other three Schmidt: Can anyone participate? 267 species, Hurricane Iris struck in Philip Balderamos in 2000. It’s the districts? Dr. Jones: We encourage tourist October of that year and caused fourth of what we hope will be six Dr. Jones: Belize District was the first, guides and students, after all, birds are major destruction of the habitat north counts, one for each district in Belize. then Belmopan for Cayo, then Gallon Jug one of Belize’s greatest tourist of PG to Dangriga. As a result many Schmidt: How does our count compare for Orange Walk. attractions. Despite its usefulness for birds were forced to move south to with other districts? Schmidt: Why is it called the Punta scientific studies, a major objective is areas where they don’t normally Dr. Jones: We have always had the highest Gorda Bird Count and not the Toledo for like minded people who are occur. number of different species, not only in Belize District Bird Count? interested in nature to get together for Schmidt: I understand you started but in all of North and Central America north Dr. Jones: It started in 1900 in the an enjoyable day in the field counting the PG Bird Count… of Costa Rica. United States of America, and has birds.
somewhere en route to its throat. It drinks water in a similar fashion, dipping its bill below the surface, then lifting it high, making of it a gutter to conduct JungleJungle WalkWalk the liquid down. Toucans also eat insects, lizards and snakes, and blue wisping across the lower beak, have been known to help The Toucan Bird the entire tip dipped in carmine and themselves to oropendola eggs. the whole then varnished in satin This bird prefers large trees in matte. It is attached to the toucan’s open areas. It nests in holes such The toucan is one of Belize’s most head by a black, patent leather as those made by woodpeckers recognized and beloved birds. It’s no strap. Science speculates that this and which it will enlarge by wonder! It is colorful friendly and gaudy display intimidates potential removing dead wood—but only inspires its share of pride in all the foe, but perhaps it simply enough so that it can fit wonders of the rainforest. Indepen- bedazzles them, riveting them to comfortably when folded up, its bill dent Weekly would like to thank the spot while the toucan decides down its back and its tail hinged Katie Stevens for the following ex- its best escape route. forward. Two to four eggs are laid. The cerpt from her popular field guide, Featherwise, this black bird parents take turns with the incubating Jungle Walk. wears a perfect bib of lemon as well as with the task of filling the The toucan is a specialty of yellow and, beneath its tail, a flash baby birds. The nesting stage is tropical America. In Belize, the keel- of caladium red. Greenish skin prolonged, lasting up to nine billed toucan (Ramphastos rings its eyes. And, after all this weeks. sulfuratus) has been designated the and all that, its legs and feet are, The social birds may flock, in national bird in honor of its hilarious This beak is an amazing feat of unbelievably in iridescent blue. groups of six to eight and often beauty. structural engineering. The horny outer All things considered, the keel- hold forth in monotonous When you envisage the outsized, shell is reinforced with a network of billed toucan is simply not creaking croak. At the Belize capsized canoe—in rainbow hues— inner cellular fibers, providing possible! Zoo, Rambo, (originally which is the astonishing beak of the strength without debilitating weight; it The toucan generally feeds on Rainbow) in the right mood, will toucan, its hard to imagine that the feels like laminated balsa wood, but the fruits of large forest trees. With “purr” for you while you scratch his bird to which it is attached could the serrated edges are more mindful its beak, it rips off a chunk from head. ever manage to hoist it high up into of a stainless steel pairing knife. the fleshy portion; it juggles the The other species of toucan the air, much less use it with dexterity The coloration is beyond belief: morsel with the tip of its bill until found in Belize are the collared for picking and cutting fruit—then apple green, with an elongated it is positioned just so and then, aracari (Pteroglossus torquatus) as a chute down which the food is triangle laid out along the lip of the with a toss of its head, it flips the and the emeralf toucannet spilled into its gullet. upper beak and a streak of powder food into the air and catches it (Aulacorhynchus prasinus). Tuesday, December 19, 2006 The INdependent Reformer Page 12 Social Page SPECTARTE - ART GALLERY OPENING IN PLACENCIA carved/painted chests, the largest jiffy- By Agnes Copperfield jaffa baskets this writer has ever seen, unique and individually designed At a celebratory soiree, attended by soapstone tiles, hand -painted silk scarves, friends, invited guests and participating silk quilts, Raku ceramics - some artists, on December 9th, 4-8 pm, Jenny assembled into table lamps, all combined J. Wildman officially opened her Maya to startle the guests with the breadth and Beach (Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek quality of the works under one roof. District) art gallery, Spectarte. Starting on January 14th, every Sunday Many will know Jenny as realtor/ Spectarte will host a different forum event developer and also former hotelier (Don where selected craftspeople will be Quixote and Adventure Inn, both of demonstrating and selling their products Consejo Shores, Corozal District), - she on the grounds, along with many is also a multi-media artist herself. Her capricious cultural performances of passion has always been art, and cultural mucisians, mayan music garifuna preservation in Belize. All of the art objects drummers, et al. in Spectarte are produced in Belize. Since Spectarte is open Thursday through taking the final leap to realize her longtime Sunday, from 10 am to 6 pm, and by ambition of gallery proprietorship, Jenny appointment. Phones are 523-8019 and has been combing the country, collecting 614-1043. Jenny or her assistant the fine and the unusual, and also Guests from around the Penninsula attended the opening. manager, Felipe Zetina (raku ceramist) will commissioning and encouraging artists be waiting. toward products now found in Spectarte. nature, baskets, forums, etc.” Inside, one In the gallery’s veranda one finds a will find treasures such as “The Almost summary of Spectarte’s offerings painted Bride”, The Cockscomb King”, “Boys in on the wall: “Belizean Artists - originals, a Dory”, “Morning Market”, “Mayan antiques, furnishings, fabrics, carvings, Mama” - all original paintings. Also, hand- custom orders, murals, doo-dahs, art by carved rosewood benches, one of a kind
A diverse collection of artworks is on display
Interior of the gallery Apocalypto:Apocalypto: GoodGood Visit The Drama,Drama, BadBad HistorHistoryy (Continued From Page 10) the globe. crumbling limestone that makes up their “People see how important core. She is determined to combine ecology is,” Ford said, “how Belize Zoo excavation and limited exposure inseparable human activity is from the with a return to Maya farming natural world. We’re trying to reconcile techniques, making El Pilar a the two,” She hopes El Pilar—and monument to the past and a model knowledge of the Maya in general— The Best Little for the future. will provide an example, one that Ford believes the distortions of people will visit and remember Apocalypto can be counteracted by when considering the broader Zoo In The World advancing the truth revealed at El ecological issues now facing us. Pilar, and by encouraging the Website addresses for El Pilar and burgeoning sustainable-tourism other useful sites-- industry now prevalent not only in http://marc.ucsb.edu/elpilar/index.html Belize and Guatemala, but across http://www.espmaya.org/ Tuesday, December 19, 2006 The INdependent Reformer Page 13 Tuesday, December 19, 2006 The INdependent Reformer Page 1414 Placencia Fisherman receives Conservation Award
The Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Executive Director. of Mexico is eligible for the award Institute (GCFI) presented the third The Gladding which supports attendance at the annual Gladding Memorial Award for Memorial Award, annual GCFI meeting. Prior recipients commercial fishing conservation established in 2004 have come from Florida, leadership to Mr. Carlton Young of by the GCFI Board Barbados, Belize and Colombia. Placencia, Belize and Mr. Ceylon of Directors, with The Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Clayton of Little Bay, Jamaica, during major support from Institute, founded in 1947, provides its 59th Annual Meeting in November Environmental information exchange among go in Belize City, Belize. Defense and the vernmental, non-governmental, Mr. Young is one of the wise elders Florida Keys academic and commercial users of of the fishing industry in Belize. As National Marine marine resources, primarily through its Chairman of the Placencia Fishermen Sanctuary, is named annual meeting, which reaches Co-operative, and through his for the prominent members from 80 countries world- membership on the Fisheries Advisory Florida Keys wide in the form of its published Board of the Friends of Nature and commercial proceedings. Further information and the Glover’s Reef Advisory fisherman, Peter available publications may be Committee, he has long advocated for Gladding, whose obtained at www.gcfi.org. the protection of grouper spawning vision and actions Environmental Defense, a leading sites and responsible long-term towards responsible national nonprofit organization, commercial fisheries management. fisheries represents more than 400,000 “Honoring exceptional Proud recipient posing with his award (Photo management helped members. Since 1967, Environmental conservation leaders within the establish the Defense has linked science, industry encourages best practices for courtesy of Placencia Fishing Coop.) landmark Tortugas economics, law and innovative the benefit of the resources and the on the Board of Directors since 1997 Ecological Reserve in the Florida private-sector partnerships to create fishermen”, stated Dr. Ken Lindeman, and is affiliated with the Negril Keys. Any commercial fisher in the breakthrough solutions to the most Senior Scientist with Environmental Environmental Protection Trustand Caribbean region, Florida, and Gulf serious environmental problems. Defense (www.environmentald many other conservation efense.org). organizations. Mr. Clayton is an outstanding “These winners represent the best Email your digital community leader, professional in responsible fishing in photograph for the fisherman and founding father of the the Greater Caribbean and we are Negril Marine Park, having been a extremely pleased with the Social Page to dedicated volunteer with the Negril overwhelming interest in this initiative [email protected] Coral Reef Preservation Society since from all stakeholder groups in the its inception in 1990. He has served region”, stated Bob Glazer, GCFI Hunt for good food With Anthony Hunt Mickey’s Northern Hwy, Belize City This quaint little hangout not only has some of the cheapest and coldest beer in town, but the panades are truly done with the most TLC this reviewer has ever seen. We were told by the owner that he only uses Blacktip Shark for the Panades or else he doesn’t make them. Now that is a standard! If sharks are in short supply though, feel free to try the Conch Fritters when in season or the Garnaches and Salbutes. While other fare such as rice and beans are available it is the panades that make this stop on the Northern Highway bustle on a Friday evening, and if you see any politicians there (as you will), just grin and say hello...$5-$9. Dinner and Drinking only.
Fly Tropic Air - Fly Tropic Air - Fly Tropic Air “The Airline Of Belize” Tuesday, December 19, 2006 The INdependent Reformer Page 1515 Looking for your copy of Independent Reformer
ARIES new friends. (Mar. 21- April 20)\ LIBRA Weekly? Be honest if you wish to solve the problem. (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Your interest in religion and philosophy may You can make changes to your home that will lead you to specific destinations. You should be pleasing to all concerned. Pamper yourself; We currently have the following regain some of your self esteem if you get you deserve it. You can meet potential new involved in organizational functions. mates if you socialize with friends. distributors Countrywide and are
TAURUS SCORPIO looking for more: (Apr. 21- may 21) (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You need time to rejuvenate. Don’t make You will be in the mood for competition, and any unreasonable promises. You can make your ability to lead a group will bring you headway if you share your intentions with popularity. Try to be reasonable. You may want Corozal: someone you care about. to make changes in your home environment. SAGITTARIUS Raidys GEMINI (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) (May 22-June 21) Opportunities to meet new lovers will I come Orange Walk: Don’t let your anger consume you and don’t through pleasure trips or social events. Mingle allow important matters go unattended to. with individuals who are established and can Peoples Store Problems with your mate will develop if you give you some serious insight into business and don’t let them have their way. Do things future trends. Don’t be too quick to sign Cayo: that involve children. documents. CANCER CAPRICORN Evas Café, Celinas (June 22-July 22) (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You’ll find love and you’ll get into tiptop shape Your high energy must be directed into at the same time. You will probably have to productive goals, or frustrations will occur. and street vendors defend your mate. Your personal life will be Colleagues may try to undermine you. Your under the gun and you may want to avoid positive attitude and intellectual outlook will Dangriga: the questions your lover is going to want to draw others to you. ask you. AQUARIUS Oscar Ramirez LEO (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) (July 23-Aug 22) Your leadership qualities will come in handy. Placencia: If you’ve been really busy, try to schedule Think twice before you speak. You will be able some time to spend with loved ones. Not to get good advice if you listen to close friends Noldan Brown everything you hear will be legitimate. or relatives you respect. Children could cost you more than you can Punta Gorda: afford. PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Natures Way Guest House VIRGO Make changes to your home that will (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) be pleasing to everyone involved. Caye Caulker: Travel for business purposes may bring the Joining organizations will provide you highest returns. Your best efforts will come with stimulating romantic contacts. You Trends through making changes in your home. Get will be extremely receptive to new and involved in worthwhile endeavors and meet progressive methods at work. Belmopan: Hyde’s Mini Mart and Dakers Stationery otally KIDS AND Belize City: T BEER Albert & Queen Street Stalls, Twin Teens Supermarket and Slingshot on St. Well could you imagine? Adults selling beer a lot of questions and probably tell you to put it Thomas Street, Alpha Drug Store to children! I don’t need to imagine, I’ve seen it. back. But if a child dresses like a ragamuffin, they I gat WA story Fe tell uno: my mother and I will sell the alcohol. What really kills me is the fact (Freetown Road) were in a grocery store on Saturday afternoon that if a child comes in and gives you more money and there was a cute boy in there about 10 or 11. than the selling price they will get it to you because Ladyville: We caught eye contact every now and again. they want the money. Anyway we got to the checkout and he was in Don’t the shop keepers know it is against the El Ca’s Supermarket, Jonze Salon, front of us and there was a lady in front of him. law ? What if the child’s parents catches them with She was holding up the line, buying lotto tickets, it? Don’t you think they will ask them where they and arguing about her numbers. It was because got and from who? Who sold it to them? And they Celinas Grocery, Highwayman of her I noticed the boy had a birthday bag and will go to the store and rail up and bring it to the 4 beers. A lot of people were getting impatient. police’s attention. They also we probably charge a Service Station, Celina’s, Airport I guess they wanted Lotto tickets or beers too, lot a lot a lot a lot a lot a lot ( x 10 ) a lot of money . So one guy seemed kinda drunk. Finally, after a what is the point ? What I am trying to say here San Pedro: long time back and forth with the store owner, is……..DON’T DO IT!!!!!!!!! It is totally wrong, the lady left with her tickets. The shop owner ok? So do me a favor the next time you go out , look seeking a distributor just rang up the beers— no questions asked! around you might see it happen. After that we paid and were on our way home Julia Heusner. when I brought it to my mother’s attention. She had not noticed because there was so much distraction with the lotto tickets and other people If you are between the ages of New Distributors are being added in line. 11 and 18 and would like to Come to think of it, it was not the first time I every week so look out for increased saw this. I always see children buying alcohol express your opinions email and cigarettes. As a teen at my age (13) I am us at: availability. You can also join our ashamed of this. I also noticed that if a child is all dressed up and with clean clothes and goes [email protected] up to the counter with alcohol they will ask you mailing list, see page 2 for details. Tuesday, December 19, 2006 The INdependent Reformer Page 16