Wednesday, January 6, 2016 Capital Weekly Page 1

No. 044 Wednesday, January 6, 2016 Online Publication NEW YEAR- NEW MANDATE

Extraordinaryhankful, Truthful, and thatOpportunity we see our way clear - Extraordinary Results Realistic, Reassur- to another successful year.” ing and Optimistic Speaking candidly of – that is how we must the challenges, he informs Tsummarize and characterize that the reduction in PetroCa- Prime Minister ’s ribe flows is perhaps the most New Year’s Message for 2016. pronounced, and that this The Prime Minister combined with the dizzying starts out recounting the na- fall in oil prices, we expect to tion’s blessings in 2015, having get much less from these Ven- been spared from hurricanes ezuela loan funds than we did and social upheaval, and hav- in 2015. In fact, he noted, the ing as he puts it, “steered our 2015 intake was already only way through the complexi- half of 2014. “This, combined ties of the relationship with with the drying up of earn- Guatemala; and politically we ings from our own petroleum capped everything with the exports, will put a severe crimp peaceful and historic gen- in Government revenues,” the eral elections of November.” Prime Minister admits. It is be- Turning to economics, cause of this, the fact that pay- the Prime Minister notes that ments on the Superbond will despite the challenges pre- have to be stepped up, and the sented by disease and the long inevitability of the Compensa- drought, which played havoc tion Award for the acquisition with shrimp and grains, and an of vital public utilities, that earlier than expected decrease the Government has had to in the export price of sugar, the raise the duty on fuel imports, productive sector performed the Prime Minister explains. respectably well overall, as “And with this, which tourism saw record advances, is the only tax measure we cost of living fell markedly, will take, Government will and there was an overall spurt be able to meet debt obli- in the rate of employment. gations and pay for expan- “Our public works pro- sion in services, particularly gram reached its high point, so regarding national security that there was tremendous in- and the acquisition of assets frastructural development and such as the three BDF helicop- huge knock-on effects in jobs, ters and the two latest model income and spending. Govern- Coast Guard boats,” he assures. ment and quasi Government Notwithstanding the salary increases, commercial acknowledged challenges, bank liquidity, greater access the Prime Minister affirms to credit and lower interest that his government’s trade- rates, also helped to boost con- mark infrastructure drive sumer confidence and well-be- will continue, financed now ing,” the Prime Minister notes. by a mix of funding sources. Turning the page into “There is enough that we the New Year, the Prime Min- have set aside from the PetroCa- Honourable Dean Barrow, Prime Minister of ister notes and assures, “Look- ribe days of plenty, to complete ing ahead to 2016, I say at the countrywide BIL sporting on the Lamanai Road, the Cris- waiti Fund, will in turn finance once that the landscape is projects (such as the to Rey/San Antonio Road, and the rehabilitation of the Philip changed and the dynamics Center) and the tourism road the North Ambergris Road to Goldson Highway from the Air- will be different. But I also say network improvements that we the new Efrain Guerrero Inter- port junction to Belize City; the immediately that there are still began in the last quarter of 2015. national Airport. IFIs including new Macal River crossing; the multiple reasons for optimism, So construction proceeds apace CDB, IDB, OFID, and the Ku- Continued on Page 6 Page 2 Capital Weekly Wednesday, January 6, 2016 EDITORIAL Transformation Highways and Bridges THE PATH AHEAD IS CLEAR

he physical transformation that has been occurring nationwide, which has become a hallmark of the UDP administration un- der the leadership of Prime Minister Dean TBarrow, was certainly a central cause of the party’s un- precedented political success which came to a climax in 2015 with four election victories in one single year. Politics aside, for the sake of the nation and de-

velopment, most Belizeans are certainly hoping this The Highway from Belize City Across Haulover to Airport Junction transformation will continue into the New Year. And n 2015 the Government’s Road with a bridge over the Be- while there are financial challenges that have arisen Transformation agenda lize River and extending from and others that are anticipated, all indications are that gathered full momentum, behind Gentrac to around Mile and the pace of develop- 8 on the George Price Highway. the Government will be able to continue its transfor- Iment should continue in 2016. Also, the Road to Caracol will be mation drive, even if a little less vigorous, in 2016. High on the list of important upgraded with funds from the As Prime Minister Dean Barrow acknowledged projects slated for 2016 is the United Kingdom Government rehabilitation and upgrading Caribbean Grant initiative. in his New Year’s Message, there have been, and will of the Phillip Goldson (North- Indeed, 2015 was a year likely continue to be, significant reductions in flows ern) Highway from the Airport of extraordinary physical trans- from Petrocaribe, even as revenues from local petro- Junction to Belize City, a neces- formation nationwide; and with sity underscored by the deadly God’s continued blessings in leum exports are drying up. The Prime Minister was traffic accidents in that area the New Year, 2016 promises to also candid about the fact that stepped-up payments over the New Year’s weekend. be just the same, if not better. on the Superbond and the Compensation Award for public acquisition of essential utilities will fur- ther increase the demand on government’s finances. Having acknowledged the challenges, the PM was nevertheless able to assure Belizeans that gov- ernment’s trademark transformation drive would continue, and he outlined how exactly it would be sustained, through a mix of sources, which in- cludes funds already set aside from “the PetroCar- ibe days of plenty” together with a number of con- Artist’s Rendering of Design for New Macal River Crossing in Cayo cessionary loans and grants well-targeted to foster Construction also pro- E sustainable economic growth and development. ceeds apace on the Lamanai The government’s ability to meet its finan- Road, the Cristo Rey/San An- CAPITAL cial obligations, while continuing to advance its tonio Road, and the North Am- bergris Road to the new Efrain transformation agenda, is also premised on the Guerrero International Airport. overall good performance of the productive sec- Also on the list of WEEKLY tor and the significant foreign direct invest- ground-breaking projects is the ments, such as in Tourism and the Sugar Indus- new Macal River crossing, link- ing the highway at Santa Elena, Published By: try, which are now beginning to earn dividends. through Loma Luz Boulevard The formula to cope and succeed is further un- and Joseph Andrews Drive, re- Roots & Rhythm connecting with the San Igna- derpinned by the government’s own demonstrated cio - Benque Viejo Road. The Limited commitment to good governance and expeditious full 54 Miles of the Humming- execution of public projects through proper moni- bird Highway is also being re- habilitated, with all 8 outdat- toring mechanisms like Belize Infrastructure Limit- ed, narrow, one-lane bridges Editor: ed (BIL), a special purpose vehicle now designated as being replaced with modern Delroy Cuthkelvin the Government’s Public-Private Partnership Unit. two-lane bridges. The George Price (Western) Highway from In life nothing is ever guaranteed, but all things Belmopan to Benque Viejo considered, notwithstanding the challenges ac- will also be fully rehabilitated. Email: knowledged, the plan seems practical, and the path Approval has already e.capwklybmpbelize @ been secured for funding to gmail.com ahead quite clear; so let the Transformation continue! construct a new PGIA Link Wednesday, January 6, 2016 Capital Weekly Page 3 BELIZEAN ‘GIANT’ PASSES MAJOR CRIMES e note the pass- eral elections on June 30, 1993. ing of a for- A retired public officer, DRAMATICALLY mer Speaker BQ had worked his way up from of the House a clerk of court to a magistrate, REDUCED IN ofW Representatives and for- later becoming an attorney. Dur- mer Attorney General, Ber- ing his distinguished lifetime, he nard Quentin Augustus Pitts, was bestowed multiple honours, SOUTHSIDE affectionately known as BQ most notably Commander of Pitts. Pitts passed way over the the British Empire (CBE). As a BELIZE CITY Christmas Holidays as a re- practicing senior attorney, he enior Superintendent of Police Chester Wil- sult of complications resulting was a partner in the law firm liams, back from legal from a stroke and cardiac arrest. of Pitts and Elrington. He was studies and now a full BQ Pitts served as Attor- married to Valda Icene Pitts and Sattorney at law, was posted ney General from 2010 to 2012, in was the father of nine children. as the new officer command- Personally, we knew BQ accordance with an amendment ing Eastern Division South, as a soft-spoken but firm indi- which allows for the Cabinet which is characteristically the vidual, whose advice was invari- position to be held by an official most violent, crime-ridden ably sound and always offered who is neither a member of the part of the Country. Williams House of Representative nor in good faith. One of the things The Late Bernard Quentin adopted a style of law enforce- the . Pitts had previously that most impressed us about Augustus Pitts (CBE) ment with a heavy empha- served as Speaker of House dur- him was the fact that a man sis on community policing. ing the UDP headed by the late Phillip Gold- with such an impressive resume It seems to be earning Administration of 1993 to 1998. son with the United Democratic could maintain such humility early dividends as the major A long-standing and re- Party led at that time by Doctor and approachability. BQ was a crime rate in Belize City over- spected member of the United Manuel Esquivel, a reconcilia- Belizean giant, but one who re- all and Southside specifically Democratic Party, he also served tion which enabled the UDP to sided with the meek and lowly. has plummeted dramatically as a Belize City Councillor in the score a narrow and upsetting Bernard Quentin Augus- 1980’s and was very instrumental victory over an overconfident tus Pitts was laid to rest in an of- in reuniting the National Alli- People’s United Party (PUP) ficial funeral on Saturday January ance for Belize Rights (NABR) which had called snaps gen- 2, 2016. B.Q. Pitts was 80 years old. THE FUTURE OF THE UDP Who Will Preserve and Advance The Party’s Legacy? election defeat (although he has since indicated he will once again Chester Williams seek to become the leader). In the Senior Superintendent case of the UDP, Dean Barrow since Williams took charge. In is riding the wave of his unprec- fact, for the last two months edented accomplishment as the of 2015, not even a single only Prime Minister to lead his case of murder was report- party to three consecutive vic- ed in Southside Belize City. tories, a luxury he has already Speaking with the local indicated he has no intention of media, Superintendent Wil- bringing to an early end. But, in liams remarked, “For the first accordance with the constitu- half of the year, from January tion, Mr. Barrow cannot seek a to July before I came, the mur- fourth term as Prime Minister, der count for Southside Belize which means he has to hand over City was thirty. Since I came leadership of the party sometime from July to present, the mur- before the next general elections. der count for the Southside is This raises the obvious eight. So we see a reduction question of who will emerge as of almost three hundred per- cent in murders in Southside the UDP’s new leader. There Belize City when you compare are diverse opinions in the party the second half of this year to about who will or should be the first half of this year. And the new leader, and that’s as when we look at the same pe- Hon. Patrick Faber, personifying the Future of the UDP it should be, the UDP being a riod, July to December last he outcome of the 2015 line. For both political parties, political organization with a year, there was a total of twen- general elections wasn’t the real news of these elections long tradition of free thinkers, ty-three. So whichever way any shocking news, at is yet to come. It’s about who governed by a party constitu- we go, there is a major reduc- least not the overall re- will emerge as the new leaders. tion that upholds democracy in tion in the amount of mur- Tsults. There were a few surprises For the PUP, it’s quite its truest and most basic form. ders in Southside Belize City. in specific constituencies, but that impending, All things considered, And the reduction is the UDP won a majority of seats to having already announced his we believe the best man for the not only evident in the mur- der rates, but also in the once again form the government resignation after leading his party job is Hon. Patrick Faber. He other categories of crimes.” was certainly no riveting head- to a second consecutive general Continued on page 8 Page 4 Capital Weekly Wednesday, January 6, 2016 Prime Minister’s New Year’s Message 2016 y Fellow international Airport. IFIs Belizeans: including CDB, IDB, OFID, There were and the Kuwaiti Fund, will many things in turn finance the rehabili- Mto be grateful for in 2015. tation of the Philip Goldson We were spared from hur- Highway from the Airport ricanes; there were no social junction to Belize City; the upheavals; we steered our new Macal River crossing; way through the complexi- the Hummingbird High- ties of the relationship with way; and the Belmopan to Guatemala; and politically Benque redo. we capped everything with OPEC/OFID will also the peaceful and historic fund, and their Board has general elections of Novem- just approved, a completely ber. new PGIA Link Road with a Economically it was bridge over the Belize River also a good year. Disease and and extending from behind the long drought played hav- Gentrac to around Mile 8 oc with shrimp and grains. on the George Price High- And an earlier than expect- way. As well, there is the re- ed decrease in the export cently announced UK Gov- Honourable Dean Barrow, Prime Minister of Belize price was unwelcome news ernment Caribbean Grant for our sugar cane farmers. initiative. Belize's share of expect to get much less from tions and pay for expansion But tourism saw continuing this new aid endowment is these Venezuela loan funds in services, particularly re- record advances, cost of liv- in the region of 135 million than we did in 2015. And al- garding national security ing fell markedly, and there Belize dollars to be spent, we ready 2015's intake was only and the acquisition of assets was an overall spurt in the propose, principally on the half of 2014. such as the three BDF heli- rate of employment. Road to Caracol. This, combined with copters and the two latest Our public works The point is that in the drying up of earnings model Coast Guard boats. program reached its high 2016 there will continue from our own petroleum Our trademark infra- point, so that there was tre- to be public infrastructure exports, will put a severe structure drive will also con- mendous infrastructural de- work and jobs aplenty, with crimp in Government rev- tinue, though now there will velopment and huge knock- all the multiplier benefits to enues. It is what, in the face be a mix of funding sourc- on effects in jobs, income our people that this entails. of the coming step-up in Su- es. There is enough that we and spending. Government In terms of the larger perBond payments and the have set aside from the Pet- and quasi Government sal- economy and the private Compensation Award ex- roCaribe days of plenty, to ary increases, commercial and productive sector, the pected to be handed down complete the countrywide bank liquidity, greater ac- outlook is just as promising. towards the middle of the BIL sporting projects (such cess to credit and lower in- In agriculture, the year, has caused us to raise as the Belize City Center) terest rates, also helped to grain farmers have taken full the duty on and the tourism road net- boost consumer confidence advantage of Government's fuel imports. The CIF work improvements that we and well-being. tax and duty moratorium on price of these is so low that began in the last quarter of Looking ahead to all irrigation equipment to 2016, I say at once that the reinvest in the sector with landscape is changed and the “Looking ahead to 2016, I say at once that a view to expanded, post- dynamics will be different. the landscape is changed and the dynamics drought production. But I also say immediately will be different. But I also say immediately The poultry industry that there are still multiple that there are still multiple reasons for has recovered from the avi- reasons for optimism, and optimism, and that we see our way clear an flu, and shrimp harvest- that we see our way clear to to another successful year.” ing is expected by mid year another successful year. to rebound completely from Among the challeng- we were able to judge the 2015. So construction pro- disease to take full advan- es that we will confront, the increase a bearable burden. ceeds apace on the Lama- tage of continuing high ex- reduction in PetroCaribe And with this, which is the nai Road, the Cristo Rey/ port prices. flows is perhaps the most only tax measure we will San Antonio Road, and the In citrus, factory con- pronounced. With the diz- take, Government will be North Ambergris Road to solidation should increase zying fall in oil prices, we able to meet debt obliga- the new Efrain Guerrero Continued on Page 5 Wednesday, January 6, 2016 Capital Weekly Page 5

ContinuedPrime from Page Minister’s4 New Year’s Message 2016 GOB's Public-Private Part- efficiencies, and external -de nership Unit. More gener- mand and payment for our ally, our Administration has by-products remain firm. declared the need for Gov- Sugar is not current- ernment to improve service ly fetching the optimum delivery to the private sector returns in the European and the citizenry as a whole. market that we would like. Accordingly, we also intend Nevertheless, the huge San- to appoint an official Moni- tander investment in a fac- tor in 2016 to work with tory and cane fields in the the Civil Service to ensure has now come quality control in Govern- to fruition. ment's interaction with the Grinding operations public. The Monitor will as are set to start by February. well have responsibility to And the initial amount of review the implementation 350 thousand tonnes of cane pace and effectiveness of to be milled, should go up all Government's manifesto in year 2 to as much as 800 commitments. thousand tonnes. Ladies and Gentle- Apart from the for- Honourable Dean Barrow, Prime Minister of Belize men, Fellow Belizeans: It is eign exchange earnings and breaking, year-over-year in- cant ramping up of cruise no coincidence that the 2015 permanent employment creases in stayover tourism. calls via the country's main general elections were fixed that the coming of sugar to On the Cruise side, there harbour, and completes an for the year's last month but the West brings, Santander was a 9.2% passenger jump overall tourism picture that one. The timing was deliber- is also negotiating a power this November, the last full we can paint in colors of un- ate and the idea was that the purchase agreement with month of 2015 for which we ambiguous optimism. new Administration should BEL to supply cheap co- already have the statistics, The new cruise port use December to settle in, generation energy to the lo- over November of 2014. will be built by the private then greet 2016 with a burst cal grid. And on that front the head- sector in some form of part- of freshness, energy and en- Overall, then, and de- line news for 2016 is two- nership with Government, thusiasm. I believe, then, spite the volatility inherent fold: NCL's Harvest Caye and we expect to develop that the symbiosis of new in the commodities sector mandate and New Year will and the temporary hole left be not just symbolic, but a in banana production by “I believe, then, that the symbiosis of new real spur to action. the suspension of Merid- mandate and New Year will be not just symbolic, I also believe that ian farms, our agriculture is but a real spur to action. I also believe that we we are well positioned by again proving its resilience are well positioned by the basic soundness of our the basic soundness of our and viability. economy and our stewardship to make good on economy and our steward- But it is in tourism the explicit and implicit promises of our ship to make good on the that our prospects continue refreshed compact with the people. And most explicit and implicit promis- to shine brightest. In Sep- of all I believe that our sense of history, duty and es of our refreshed compact tember, October and No- destiny will give wing to our efforts now at with the people. And most vember of 2015, overnight following extraordinary opportunity with of all I believe that our sense arrivals exceeded the 2014 of history, duty and destiny numbers for the same three extraordinary results.” will give wing to our efforts months by 19.2%, 22.1% project becomes fully oper- the Commerce Bight con- now at following extraordi- and 33% respectively. ational by April and brings tainer port in Stann Creek nary opportunity with ex- With the new South- with it two thousand jobs for using the same model. In- traordinary results. west and Copa airline ser- Southern Belize; and the Su- deed, so committed are we For all these reasons vices from the US and South preme Court ruling on Be- to public-private partner- I invite everyone to feel America to Belize already lize City Port exclusivity-or ships that we will transition confident that this time we launched; and with the lack thereof-clears the way our special purpose vehicle will make more meaning- scheduled commencement for us to green-light a new, Belize Infrastructure Lim- ful than ever our salutation of direct flights from Canada Old Capital alongside dock- ited to be Government's that rings through the ages: in 2016, we expect to main- ing facility. This latter will agent to facilitate them. BIL "Happy New Year", and God tain and better the record undoubtedly mean a signifi- will therefore be designated bless Belize. Page 6 Capital Weekly Wednesday, January 6, 2016 NEW YEAR- NEW MANDATE

Extraordinary Opportunitylike. -Nevertheless, Extraordinary he says, the economic Results prospects continue huge Santander investment to shine brightest, the Prime in a factory and cane fields in Minister proclaims. “In Sep- the Cayo District promises to tember, October and Novem- shore up this industry, as their ber of 2015, overnight arrivals grinding operations are set to exceeded the 2014 numbers start by February with an ini- for the same three months by tial amount of 350 tonnes of 19.2%, 22.1% and 33% respec- cane, expected to increase to tively. With the new South- as much as 800 tonnes the fol- west and Copa airline services lowing year. Apart from the from the US and South Ameri- foreign exchange earnings and ca to Belize already launched,; permanent employment that and with the scheduled com- this new investment brings, mencement of direct flights the Prime Minister notes that from Canada in 2016, we expect Santander is also negotiating to maintain and better the re-

“This (the reduction in PetroCaribe flows) combined with the drying up of earnings from our own petroleum exports, will put a severe crimp in Government revenues” of the larger economy and the Continued from Page 1 private and productive sector, Hummingbird Highway; and the Prime Minister states that the Belmopan to Benque redo.” the outlook is just as promis- Additionally, the Prime ing. “In agriculture, the grain Minister announces that OPEC/ farmers have taken full ad- OFID has already approved vantage of Government’s tax funds for a completely new PGIA and duty moratorium on all link Road with a bridge over the irrigation equipment to rein- Belize River and extending be- vest in the sector with a view hind Gentrac to around Mile 8 to expanded, post-drought on the George Price (Western) production. The poultry in- “The point is that in 2016 there will continue to be public infrastructure work and jobs aplenty, with all the multiplier benefits to our people that this entails.”

a power purchase agreement cord breaking, year-over-year with BEL to supply cheap co- increases in stay-over tour- generation energy to the local ism.” The Prime Minister re- grid. “Overall, then, and de- ports that on the Cruise side of spite the volatility inherent in Tourism there was an increase the commodities sector and of 9.2% increase of passengers the temporary hole left in ba- in November, which is the last nana production by the sus- full month of 2015 for which pension of Meridian Farms, statistics are already available, our agriculture is again proving compared to figures for the its resilience and viability,” the same month in the previous Prime Minister affirms. But it year, 2014. And he notes that is in tourism that the nation’s Continued on Page 7 “The new Macal River Crossing” in Cayo, one of several projects to be executed in the New Year, 2016 with funds already secured Highway, and he notes that dustry has recovered from the the recently announced UK avian flu, and shrimp harvest- Government Caribbean Grant ing is expected by mid year to initiative will make available rebound completely from dis- new aid endowments in the ease to take full advantage of region of 135 million Belize continuing high export prices. dollars, which will be spent In citrus, factory consolida- principally on the Road to the tion should increase efficien- Ancient Maya Site at Caracol. cies, and external demand and “The point is that in payment for our by-products 2016 there will continue to be remain firm.” With respect to public infrastructure work and Sugar, the Prime Minister ac- jobs aplenty, with all the mul- knowledges that this industry “Sugar is not currently fetching the optimum returns in the tiplier benefits to our people is currently not fetching the European market that we would like. Nevertheless, the huge that this entails,” the Prime optimum returns in the Eu- Santander investment in a factory and cane fields in the Minister enunciates. In terms ropean market that we would Cayo District has now come to fruition.” Wednesday, January 6, 2016 Capital Weekly Page 7 NEW YEAR- NEW MANDATE

Extraordinaryment Opportunity expects to develop the - Extraordinary Results Continued from Page 6 with the massive new invest- Commerce Bight container ments in Tourism, the good port in Stann Creek using the news in this industry is ex- same model. “Indeed, so com- pected to get even better in the mitted are we to public-pri- year ahead. “On that front the vate partnerships that we will headline news for 2016 is two- transition our special purpose fold: NCL’s Harvest Caye proj- vehicle, Belize Infrastructure ect becomes fully operational Limited, to be Government’s by April and brings with it two agent to facilitate them. BIL thousand jobs for Southern will therefore be designated Belize; and the Supreme Court GOB’s Public-Private Partner- ruling on Belize City Port ex- ship Unit.”And with that, the clusivity-or lack thereof-clears Prime Minister segwayed into the way for us to green-light a pledge and reaffirmation a new, Old Capital alongside which is a principal plank in

“The Supreme Court ruling on Belize City Port exclusivity, or lack thereof, clears the way for us to green-light a new, Old Capital alongside docking facility. This...will undoubtedly mean a significant ramping up of cruise calls via the country’s main harbour, and completes an overall tourism picture that we can paint in colours of unambiguous optimism.” pace and effectiveness of all not just symbolic, but a real Government’s manifesto com- spur to action. I also believe mitments.” In conclusion, the that we are well positioned Prime Minister drew a striking by the basic soundness of our comparison and link between economy and our stewardship the great opportunity for his to make good on the explicit newly elected administration and implicit promises of our and the turning of a new page refreshed compact with the “There is enough that we have set aside from the PetroCaribe days of that the New Year tradition- people. And most of all I be- plenty, to complete the countrywide BIL sporting projects (such as the Belize City Center)” docking facility. This latter will the platform of his newly re- undoubtedly mean a signifi- elected administration, that cant ramping up of cruise calls of improving service delivery via the country’s main harbor, to the private sector and the and completes an overall tour- citizenry as a whole. “Accord- ism picture that we can paint ingly, we also intend to appoint in colors of unambiguous op- an official Monitor in 2016 to timism.” The Prime Minister work with the Civil Service to explains that the new cruise ensure quality control in Gov- port will be built by the private ernment’s interaction with sector in some form of part- the public. The Monitor will nership with Government; and as well have responsibility to he announced that the govern- review the implementation

“Indeed, so committed are we to public-private partnerships that we will transition our special purpose vehicle Belize Infrastructure Limited to be Government’s agent to facilitate them. BIL will therefore be designated GOB’s Public-Private Partnership Unit.” ally represents. “It is no coin- lieve that our sense of history, cidence that the 2015 general duty and destiny will give wing elections were fixed for the to our efforts now at follow- year’s last month but one. The ing extraordinary opportunity timing was deliberate and the with extraordinary results.” idea was that the new Admin- istration should use December to settle in, then greet 2016 CAPITAL WEEKLY with a burst of freshness, ener- gy and enthusiasm. I believe, From The Heart Of The Nation “In Citrus, factory consolidation should increase efficiencies, and then, that the symbiosis of new To The Soul Of The People external demand and payment for our by-products remain firm.” mandate and New Year will be Page 8 Capital Weekly Wednesday, January 6, 2016 Setting New Pace For National Transportation Minister of State & New Transport Board Meet the first test with flying colours. Castro had also met two days With the floods having earlier, on Tuesday with the new subsided, the focus now shifts Port Authority Board, which to The Ministry of Transport, held its first meeting of the new which also falls under Castro’s term. In both meetings he was portfolio. It is an area which the accompanied by his new CEO Dean Barrow Administration in the Ministry of NEMO and

Hon. addressing Members of New Transport Board s highlighted in our the ground running, as he was last edition, Minis- pressed into active duty in re- ter of State Edmond sponse to flooding in his own Castro, having been constituency and other parts of assignedA the additional re- the country, especially the south- sponsibility for National Emer- ern districts. In that respect, it gency Management, had hit is generally accepted, he passed Hon. Edmond Castro meets with the New Transport Board intends to place great focus on Transport, Miss Ruth Meighan. in its third term, as signalled in Besides NEMO and Transport, the UDP 2015-2020 Manifesto, Edmond Castro’s newly con- in which the government prom- figured Ministry also has re- ises to “develop and implement sponsibility for Port Authority, a National Transportation Mas- Fire Department, Post Office ter Plan to address the need and Meteorology Department. for efficient and cost effective “Working together with movement of people and goods.” our directors and staff in these Setting the new pace, departments and statutory Hon. Castro was present for the body, we are determined to up- first meeting of the new Trans- grade and improve the quality port Board on Thursday De- of service provided to the Be- Chairperson Zellie Tillett and Recording Secretary Melanie Revers cember 17, 2015 in Belmopan. lizean public,” Castro stated. THE FUTURE OF THE UDP Who Will Preserve and Advance The Party’s Legacy? Continued from Page 3 secure seats, being undefeated in has an outstanding record as a four consecutive general elections UDP politician and Minister of and having consistently increased Government being democratic his margin of victory from elec- but decisive in formulating and tion to election. Most impor- implementing policies. As Chair- tantly, Patrick Faber represents man of the Party, Faber was the future, being one of our most fair-minded, even-handed and transformational political figures, effective. He has continued to having fully seized the tremen- demonstrate great recognition dous opportunity afforded him as and appreciation for the many Minister of Education to inspire small people in every corner of and equip our young people na- the country whose hard work and tionwide to assume their critical dedication is most responsible role as instruments of change. for the party and government’s Others might have a dif- continuing success. He himself ferent perspective, and we will has paid his dues, having been respect it; but it is our considered involved in UDP politics at every view that, for all the reasons level from his teenage years, par- stated and more, Patrick Faber ticularly in the Collet Division. is the right fit for this time. With Among those aspiring to him as the UDP’s next leader, lead, Faber is in a unique posi- the future of the party will be tion to assist other candidates in secure, and the legacy of Dean constituencies countrywide as he Barrow and those who led be- now has one of the party’s most fore him, will be preserved! Hon. Patrick Faber, Inspiring and Investing in the Future of Belize Wednesday, January 6, 2016 Capital Weekly Page 9 2,000 Strong and Growing

Belize Police Force Adds 167 NewThe recruits Recruits had un- to Asits the RanksPolice Depart- dergone three months of rig- ment strengthens itself to con- orous training administered tinue tackling and improv- by the Belize Police Train- ing the crime situation, it is ing Academy in Belmopan. doing so not just by increas- Speaking at the passing ing the number of boots on out ceremony, the Minister of the ground, but also by bet- National Security also took the ter equipping itself and build- opportunity to cite the latest ing its overall capacity to fight. statistics which reflect the cur- Chief Executive Officer rent crime situation nationwide: in the Ministry of National Se- “Our crime comparative curity, Colonel George Lovell statistic report, as at the month stated, “We are hoping to part- of November, shows that all ner with any of our friendly Minister of National Security John Saldivar flanked by Commissioner major crimes, with the excep- nations. As you note, I already Allen Whylie and Commander of Training Academy Anthony Rosado tion of murders (110 – 114), are made an appeal to not just the hen the Belize over 1000 police officers when below last year’s, year to date, U.S. Southern Command, we Police Depart- I took over in 2012 to 1917 as of figures. In 2014, the total major have been talking to Mexican ment held its September 2015. The gradua- crimes were 2,287, and the 2015 friends, and things are looking newest pass- tion of this recruit squad has figures show only 2,027; a differ- good for us. But it’s not just the ingW out parade on December now brought the number of ence of 260 major crimes. When acquisition of these assets, we 18, 2015, it was adding anoth- Police Officers to 2067 uni- you study the crime statistics on must look at the sustenance and er 167 recruits to its national formed men and women. ” major crimes since 2008, one maintenance of these vessels ranks, thereby doubling its The Minister of Na- would observe that there is a as we get them. That is where size in less than three years. Minister of National Se- curity Hon. John Saldivar high- lighted this fact when he spoke at the graduation ceremonies for the new intake, Squad # 92, held at the Belize Police Train- ing Academy in Belmopan: “Even though this is the sixth recruiting squad that I have had the privilege of ad- dressing as Minister of National Security since my appointment in 2012, each ceremony, includ- ing this one, has been of great importance and significance to me. Important because every new squad we send out carries the collective responsibility of The 167 New Recruits Passing Out and Entering the Ranks of the Belize Police Force the entire Department. Signifi- cant, because your passing out tional Security was address- steady decrease in the number I would want to see them part- symbolises the desire and will ing the new police offic- of cases of major crimes from nering with us. Because this is of my Government to ensure in- ers themselves, along with year to year. In 2008 we had not just for Belize; this is, as far creased and adequate security invited guests which included 3,126 reported cases, 3,118 in as I see, for the safety of the re- for all citizens. The number of their parents as well as mem- 2009, 2,447 in 2010, 2,324 in 2011, gion and to a large extent those police officers had grown from bers of the diplomatic corps. 2,259 in 2012 and 2,227 in 2013, countries with trans-shipment which was the year that we had of narcotics, or weapons, even one of the lowest murder rates human smuggling; and, by the in recent history; and we were way, we have seen a trend in ter- the only Country in the region rorism. Countries that will more that showed a reduction in its than likely be targets for these homicide rate per 100,000 cap- types of illicit activities will cer- ita. We had 2,287 major crimes tainly benefit from Belize - hav in 2014, breaking the down- ing the kind of capacity for our ward trend; but we rebounded Coast Guard and our maritime with an impressive reduction people here in Belize to be able in 2015 to 2,027 major crimes.” to do our part in the whole big- Saldivar further re- ger regional security efforts.” marked, “The success of The gun boats cost in our law enforcement sys- the region of U.S. $13 million, tem depends on the willing- to be procured through the as- Minister of National Security Honourable John Saldivar and ness of all to participate and sistance of the United States Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie hand out awards to recruits contribute to public safety”. and Mexican governments. Page 10 Capital Weekly Wednesday, January 6, 2016

2015 UDP Scored - THE 4 YEARMajor Victories OF ELECTIONS at the Polls ship of a Prime Minister who fragmenting under what appeared knew exactly where he wanted to be the weakest leadership in the to take his party and the country. party’s long history. But if one felt When the municipal election bat- it could get no better for the UDP, tle was over, the UDP had scored or no worse for the PUP, lo and another massive victory nation- behold the Opposition was dealt wide, reclaiming control of both yet another blow as its Dangriga municipalities in the southern Area Representative, Hon. Ivan districts of Dangriga and Punta Ramos resigned abruptly leaving Gorda, and maintaining control that seat vacant. Ramos had earlier of all those it already held. It was expressed his intention not to seek only in Orange Walk Town that re-election and had been replaced the PUP had barely managed to as PUP standard-bearer by retired

A Victorious Omar Figueroa (UDP) giving supporters the thumbs up as the count shows him up by sizeable margin in the Cayo Bye Election

he year just passed Omar Figueroa became the new could be described in Area Representative having de- various ways, but for feated the PUP candidate Richard Belize there is perhaps Harrison. Figueroa was appointed Tno better way to characterize 2015 Minister of State in the Office of than ‘The Year of Elections’. For Prime Minister Dean Barrow. The the UDP that meant a year of UDP’s previously slim majority unprecedented political success. of 17-14 had increased to a more It started off early in Janu- comfortable margin of 18-13. ary with the bye-election in Two Months later, On Cayo North which had become March 4, both parties faced off necessary after the PUP area rep- again, this time in municipal Party Leader Dean Barrow and victorious UDP Candidate in handshake of victory at the Cayo North Bye-Election hold on to a slim majority of seats. Teacher Anthony Sabal. Ramos’s Riding this wave of popu- early exit from the House of larity, with no letting up by the Representatives itself was clearly government of its vigorous na- precipitated by exacerbating tional transformation agenda, tension and differences between Dean Barrow and the UDP ap- Ramos and the PUP leadership. peared destined for a third term. Confounded by the abrupt Meanwhile, the PUP, rather than resignation of a second sitting area re-gathering itself, was further (Continued on Page 11)

Jubilant Supporters of Omar Figueroa and the UDP as the counting showed their Candidate and Party up by an insurmountable margin resentative in that constituency, elections nationwide in accord- Joesph Mahmoud, resigned, leav- ance with the regular, stipulated ing the seat vacant. The political schedule for the election of town machines of both national par- and city councils in all nine mu- ties, the PUP and UDP, faced off nicipalities every three years, on on January 5, the day of the bye the first Wednesday in March. election. But the PUP was clearly The PUP put out its best effort, lacking in organization and mo- but once again, Belize’s once tivation, proving to be no match formidable grand old party was for the UDP which was highly outgunned by a well-oiled UDP motivated and well organized. In political machine, fuelled by a the end, the UDP scored a mas- government with a robust agenda sive victory, defeating the PUP of national development and Prime Minister Dean Barrow in an embrace of love with UDP by a margin of three to one. Hon. transformation under the leader- supporters in Dangriga during massive pre-municipal election rally Wednesday, January 6, 2016 Capital Weekly Page 11

2015 UDP Scored - THE 4 YEARMajor Victories OF ELECTIONS at the Polls (Continued from Page 10) once again, this time to 19-12. representative within months, the The stage was more than PUP leadership admitted publicly set now for an unprecedented that it was considering whether to third term for the UDP in Central even contest another bye-election, Government, to be decided in new this time in Dangriga. Amid con- General Elections whenever they flicting pressures from within, would be called. Those elections the party eventually decided in would come sooner rather than favour of contesting and surpris- later, and the rest is now history. ingly was able to mount in the Prime Minister Barrow short time available an energetic had called the elections amid campaign featuring political lead- new tensions in the PUP over ers and supporters from around whether to keep or change its the country who converged on existing leadership. The deci- Dangriga on bye-election day and sion was eventually made to Prime Minister Dean Barrow and Hon. Anthony Martinez receive spirited welcome in Dangriga by jubilant UDP Supporter Hon. Dean Barrow had become As to the PUP, its leader, the first ever Prime Minister in Francis Fonseca, had already an- post-independent Belize to lead nounced his resignation as was his party to three consecutive gen- expected following the string of eral election victories. The PUP, defeats through which he had led meanwhile, had become the first his party. He had even announced political party in Belize to lose that he would not be seeking four elections in one year. That re-election as an area representa- was 2015, the Year of Elections, tive. Amidst the search for a new and the results are now history. leader, however, he has suddenly Both parties are now faced reversed his decision, throwing with the inevitable question of his name back into the leadership

UDP Mayoral Candidate for Dangriga Francis Humphreys marches to victory in Dangriga with councilor candidates and campaigners the couple weeks before it. But postpone the leadership ques- again, the UDP, under the leader- tion in the face of the snap elec- ship of Prime Minister Dean Bar- tions called 16 months early. row, lined up behind its Dangriga All things considered, candidate, Frank Papa Mena, the PUP made a respectable who had been in place well in run, but once again fell short advance of the bye-election, out- of defeating the UDP which performed the PUP with relative maintained the same balance of ease, capturing the seat by a mar- power with which it had entered gin of over 600 votes. The UDP’s those general elections, 19-12. majority in the House of Repre- The UDP had won its Newly elected Dangriga Area Representative Frank Papa Mena and sentatives had therefore improved first ever third term in office, and his wife, Mrs. Mena with Dangriga supporters after he gets sworn in new leadership. In the case of the race to be decided on in a con- UDP, Hon. Dean Barrow, although vention scheduled for early 2016. firmly in command, cannot seek Well, the New Year is here, a third term as Prime Minister. and no one knows for sure what He will have to be replaced as it holds. One thing for sure, there UDP Leader and Prime Minister are interesting and exciting days prior to the next general elections. ahead for Belize’s democracy. Prosperous New Year 2016 READ CAPITAL WEEKLY ONLINE

Prime Minister and Party Leader Hon. Dean Barrow leading the UDP www.belizenews.com/CapitalWeekly to its historic third consecutive victory in 2015 General Elections Page 12 Capital Weekly Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Foward Ground-Breaking Operating Ceremony Base At In Sarstoon The South River just for the Belize Defence Force forcement authorities, name- and also the coast guard, but for ly the Belize Defence Force our nation, in that we're about and the Belize National Coast to establish a forward operating Guard, to combat drug traf- base that has been long in the ficking, human and weapons pipeline for the entrance of the trafficking, and other illegal Sarstoon River. Just the area is maritime activities along the the Sarstoon Island which we'll Sarstoon River at Belize’s South- be able to have a look at as well, ern Border with Guatemala. and we're on the northern chan- The base is expected to nel of the island where the Be- be completed in three months. lize Defence Force will establish Following the short ceremony, their forward operating base." the official ground-breaking The $100,000 For- contingent undertook an ex- ward Operating Base (FOB) pedition up the Sarstoon River will be manned by law en- to the BDF base at Cadenas. The Ground Breaking Contingent at Sarstoon River led by Minister of National Security Hon. John Saldivar and Hon. Patrick Faber round-breaking cer- Coast Guard Commander Rear emonies were held on Admiral John Borland. They Wednesday, Decem- were accompanied by a group ber 9, 2015 for the con- of police officers and two ob- Gstruction of a Forward Operat- servers from the Organization ing Base (FOB) at the mouth of American States. This was of the Sarstoon River which the official ground-breaking forms the natural boundary be- contingent. In addition, the Be- tween the territories of Belize lize Coast Guard transported and Guatemala in the south. members of the media in one A delegation headed of their Boston Whalers boats. by Minister of National Secu- Speaking at the ground- rity Hon. John Saldivar trav- breaking ceremony, Hon. John elled to the location in a mili- Saldivar stated, "Belize in con- Hon. John Saldivar, Hon. Patrick Faber and BDF Brigadier General David Jones Breaking Ground for the Forward Operating Base Belize Heads Caricom

rime Minister of Belize ard of living and to provide Hon. Dean Barrow has a “safe, viable, and prosper- just taken up chair- ous Caribbean Community”. manship of the Carib- In his message to start Pbean Community (CARICOM). the new year, Barrow said he Mr. Barrow chairs the regional looks forward to increasing organization for a period of six the pace both of the reform months starting January 1, 2016. process and the implementa- Hon. John Saldivar, Hon. Frank Papa Mena and Hon. Patrick Faber Taking over from tion of the Community Stra- at border marker between Belize and Guatemala in Cadenas Area Prime Minister Fruendel tegic Plan 2015-2019.“The plan, Stuart of , Mr Bar- which is designed to build tary vessel to conduct the struction of this forward op- row promises to improve the Caricom’s economic, envi- ground-breaking at the location erating base is to work with which is not within easy access. its neighbour Guatemala in quest of the regional organi- ronmental, social and tech- The Minister was ac- strengthening the law enforce- zation to improve the stand- nological resilience, has the companied by other govern- ment security arrangements in a Caricom Single Market and ment officials which included cooperative manner for our mu- Economy (CSME) as an im- Minister of Education, Youth tual benefits. It is for that rea- portant vehicle in that drive and Sports, Hon. Patrick Faber; son that we call on the govern- for greater resilience,” he said. Minister of State in the Office of ment of Guatemala to join us in Barrow also said gov- the Prime Minister, Frank “Paw- this effort to defeat the threats ernance arrangements in pa” Mena; Chief Executive Of- that both our countries are fac- the region will be more flex- ficer in the Ministry of National ing from illicit drug trafficking, ible and dynamic. “We will Security, Colonel (Ret) George human and weapon traffick- be continuing efforts in the Lovell; Chief Executive Officer ing; illegal maritime and other coming year to revise those in the Ministry of Foreign Af- activities along the Sarstoon." arrangements for our integra- fairs, Lawrence Sylvester; Com- Commander of the Be- tion movement to become mander of the Belize Defence lize Defence Force, Brigadier Hon. Dean Barrow more effective and relevant Force, Brigadier General Da- General David Jones stated, Prime Minister of Belize to the needs of our people.” vid Jones; and Belize National "This is a historic occasion not Wednesday, January 6, 2016 Capital Weekly Page 13 SUGAR CANE CROP-SEASON WELL UNDERWAY at the launch of the season in toon, all the new cane fields early December, Chairman of that have started to come. the Sugar Cane Production We have to bring this Committee, Jose Novelo, com- industry back to its normal mented, “It is a function of the cycle where we start milling wet period; we’re having a slow either in late November or start, so to speak, in terms of early December depending delivery, but we expect that this on the weather conditions. will improve. Generally speak- But it is important that ing, with the weather patterns we start early so that we can that have changed over the finish under good weath-

The Tower Hill Factory in Orange Walk Grinding Sugar Cane he Sugar-Cane Crop of the harvesting taking place Season is well un- in the Santa Marta area of derway. It began an Orange Walk, these farmers entire month ago on making their invaluable con- TMonday December 7, 2015 tribution to this essential local and quickly picked up pace. industry which is a major com- We had the privilege of ponent of the Belize Economy. witnessing first-hand some Speaking to the media

Farmers in Santa Marta, Orange Walk loading Sugar Cane last three years, December/ er conditions, because June January has been pretty wet. and July will obviously be But as an industry, we even wetter than what we had no choice but to try to are experiencing right now.” start as early as possible be- Hopefully, the weather cause of all the stand-over cooperates so we can have a plant cane that was left in the very fruitful and productive Farmers in Santa Marta Transporting Sugar Cane to the Factory field, all the stand-over rat- Sugar Cane Crop Season. “Belize Feels So Much Like Home To Me” National Geographic Filmmaker Warmly Welcomed By DPM cluded a visit with the Depu- trip together. This is also where ty Prime Minister to discuss I taught him how to dive. Lat- sustainability in manage- er, our daughter touched the ment and greater protection ocean for the first time in Be- for Belize's marine resources. lize. Now, we’re looking for- Costeau said of Belize, ward to bringing our newborn “My husband and I fell in love son to Belize. Belize is one of in Belize and with Belize. This those places that just feels is where he and I took our first so much like home to me.”

Alexandra Costeau flanked by DPM and Minister of Agriculture Hon. Gaspar Vega and the CEO in that Ministry Jose Alpuche on. Gaspar Vega, Oceana Senior Advisor and Deputy Prime Min- granddaughter of the legend- ister and Minis- ary Jacques Costeau. Jacques ter of Agriculture, Costeau explored Belize's ma- HFisheries, Forestry, Environ- rine environment in the 1970's, ment & Sustainable Devel- becoming the first person to opment met with Alexandra document and reveal the mys- Costeau, National Geographic teries of our Great Blue Hole. Alexandra Costeau and Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Gaspar Vega filmmaker, ocean explorer, Her week-long trip in- engaging in conversation about her impressions of Belize Page 14 Capital Weekly Wednesday, January 6, 2016 ANOTHER VITAL ROAD PROJECT Upgrading The Highway From Haulover Bridge to Airport Road he Government of Be- ing. The project also includes lize secured a Loan installation of road lighting and from the Caribbean safety features, such as signs, Development Bank reflectors, road marking and T(CDB) for the Fifth Road (Phil- improved visibility through the lip S.W. Goldson Highway Up- clearing of the road reserve. grading) Project. This project, On December 16, 2015, located in Belize City and La- the , dyville, is divided into several through the Ministry of Works components, two of which & Transport, signed the con- directly address road infra- struction contract with CISCO structure: Section A (Airport Construction, in the amount Road Junction to Haulover Minister of Works Hon. and CEO Errol Gentle of BZ $13,620,965.60, to carry Bridge) and Section B (Hau- with John and Martha Woods of Cisco Construction out this section of the project. lover Bridge to Buttonwood port Road to the northern ap- foundation, the installation of It is anticipated that works Bay Boulevard Roundabout). proach of the Haulover Bridge. erosion protection baskets and will commence immediately. Section A of the pro- Included in the scope of works rock rip-rap, widening of the The supervision consultant as- ject involves the upgrading of is the construction of retaining road cross section to include sisting the Ministry of Works Phillip Goldson Highway from walls in areas where there is the paved road shoulders, pave- & Transport is IMC World- its intersection with the Air- threat of erosion on the road ment restoration and re-surfac- wide of the United Kingdom.

John and Martha Woods of Cisco Construction Signing Agreement Hon. Rene Montero and CEO Errol Gentle Signing Agreement

Belize Appoints Ambassadorin particular, the call by Hon. for to the many Cuba years of consistent for SICA states support offered by Belize and to coordinate a regional response welcomed the presence of a that fits within a clear and legal Belizean Ambassador in Cuba. framework and one in which Belize expressed its enthusiasm all the parties affected were and assurances to build upon its participating in the discussion, presence in Cuba and to work and were appreciated. Both to deepen and strengthen the parties await the outcome of a relations between both states. follow-up meeting in Mexico The ceremony concluded with the hope of moving closer with the laying of a wreath in to a resolution. The Cuban honour of Cuban hero José delegation expressed its gratitude Martí at Revolution Plaza. Ambassador H.E. Annie Burns Martinez presenting her credentials to Comptroller General of Cuba H.E. Gladys Bejerano Portela n Tuesday, December Both parties discussed 22nd, Belize’s new areas for cooperation in Ambassador to Trade, Culture and Tourism. Cuba, H.E. Annie Ambassador Burns Martinez OBurns Martinez, participated also recognized the contribution in a ceremony at the Palace of of the Cuban Medical Brigade the Revolution in Havana where and the general medicine and she presented her credentials to specialization scholarships that Vice President and Comptroller have helped to further develop General of the Republic of Cuba, Belize’s public health sector. H.E. Mrs. Gladys Bejerano Additionally, the Portela and First Deputy Minister representatives spoke about the of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. current Cuban migrant crisis and Marcelino Medina González. the role of human traffickers; Ambassador H.E. Annie Burns Martinez officially escorted in Cuba Wednesday, January 6, 2016 Capital Weekly Page 15

Queen’she Office of the Gover New- Contribution Year’sto Business and MsHonours Emelda Leticia August, for nor-General announces Industry; to be Ordinary Offic- Contribution to Nursing; Mrs Tthat Her Majesty the ers of the Civil Division of the Sarita Elena Westby JP, for Con- Queen has been graciously Most Excellent Order of the tribution to Education and the pleased to make the following British Empire (O.B.E.), Mrs El- Community; Mr. Juan Cansillo appointments to THE MOST eanor Rubina Herrera Hulse, for Nunez, for Contribution to Ed- EXCELLENT ORDER BRIT- Contribution to Education; Mrs ucation and Sports; Dr. Aaron ISH EMPIRE on the occasion of Dilcia Christina Feinstein, for Paul Lewis, for Contribution NEW YEAR HONOURS 2016. Contribution to Business and to Science; and Mrs Janet Pa- To be a Companion of the Community; to be an Ordi- tricia Gibson, for Contribution the Order of Saint Michael and nary Member of the Civil Divi- to Environmental Protection. Saint George (C.M.G.), Michael sion of the Most Excellent Order The Date for the presentation of Michael H. M. Bowen (C.M.G) Harwell Manfield Bowen, for of the British Empire (M.B.E.), awards will be announced later.

FiveCredentials New Presented Ambassdors To The Governor To Belize General ive ambassadors Valdrack Jaentschke, Ambassador presented their of Nicaragua expressed pleasure credentials to Governor at being representatives of their General of Belize H.E. respective countries in Belize FSir on December and extended warm greetings to 7, 2015 at Belize House in the Belize from their governments. City of Belmopan. Each ambassador H.E. Rabah Hadid, conveyed to the Governor Ambassador of Algeria; General that his country’s purpose H.E. Petros Panayotopolous, is to continue to develop and Ambassador of Greece; H.E. maintain strong relations with the Alfonso Manuel Portables Nation of Belize. The Governor Vazquez, Ambassador of Spain; General graciously received their H.E. Vehbi Esgel Etensel, credentials and welcomed the Ambassador of Turkey; and H.E. H.E. Vehbi Esgel Etensel, Ambassador of Turkey ambassadors to Belize.

H.E. Valdrack Jaentschke Ambassador of Nicaragua H.E. Rabah Hadid, Ambassador of Algeria

H.E. Petros Panayotopolous, Ambassador of Greece H.E. Alfonso Manuel Portables Vazquez, Ambassador of Spain Page 16 Capital Weekly Wednesday, January 6, 2016

And the Dedicated Staff in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports