Friday, April 2, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 1

NO. 3449 CITY, FRIDAY, APRIL 2, 2021 (40 PAGES) $1.50 Weekend showdown: GOB vs Unions

BELIZE CITY, Mon. Mar. 29, 2021 On Monday night, after hours of discussions with government representatives, the National COVAX vaccines to President of the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU), Elena Smith, provided the members of her arrive Wednesday union with an update during a private livestream. Smith was not able to divulge what was discussed in the meeting, but told her members that the day was long and that the negotiations were intense and challenging. She also informed them that the meeting which Please turn to„Page 39 Unions say GOB rejected their proposals , Fri. Mar. 26, 2021 With less than two weeks before BELIZE CITY, Tues. Mar. 30, 2021 COVAX facility will arrive in the the scheduled reading of the national Today the country of Belize on Wednesday, budget for the upcoming fiscal year, announced that the first batch of the consultations between the Joint COVID-19 vaccines allocated by the Please turn to„Page 39 Unions Negotiating Team and the Government of Belize are still dragging on. Recently, the unions have Kevaughn “Blue” Covid-19 made the claim that the Briceño administration has rejected their Morris murdered Update proposals. (See story on page 37) The unions put forward on home turf recommendations that outlined various cost-cutting measures that A crime of they said could be implemented in passion in Please turn to„Page 39 Silk Grass F-150 slams into car; two dead (See story on page 37) Jaguars win 5-nil over GEORGEVILLE, Cayo District, traffic accident which took place Mon. Mar. 29, 2021 near Georgeville, in the Cayo Turks and Caicos in Two men lost their lives on Friday Please turn to Page 37 WC Qualifier night as a result of a fatal road „ (See story on page 33) (See story on page 36) Page 2 AMANDALABelize Friday, April 2, 2021 PSU says Health Ministry CaribNOG calls on network employees pushed out office specialists to participate in

BELIZE CITY, Fri. Mar. 26, 2021 CaribNOG21 During a virtual press conference with the media on Friday, the 1st vice president of the Public Service Union (PSU), Dean Flowers, said that two employees inside the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) were recently handled in an utterly disrespectful manner by the Ministry and their immediate superiors. According to Flowers, on Friday a medical adviser from inside the Ministry instructed two public officers to clear their desks and go home. One of the persons had already received a letter informing him of an imminent transfer before the request was made to him. He made no attempts to resist the order to leave. The other, a female public officer, by Dayne Guy computer networks. was allegedly victimized for wearing public officer was approached by This meeting, scheduled for March a yellow shirt as an expression of Minister Chebat and CEO Mendez and BELIZE CITY, Sun. Mar. 28, 2021 30 and 31, 2021, addresses two key support of her union. Flowers said that was accused of not giving them the The Network Operators networking concepts — Networking she was told that she had the “respect and regard” that was due to Group (CaribNOG) is calling for Security Best Practices, and DNS and “audacity…to come to work in yellow them. participation in their twenty-first DNSSEC. Expert panelists and shirt, to resist 10% cut, and now di eat “The officer rightfully responded regional meeting. speakers from around the world will da yu desk.” respectfully to them to say, it’s difficult CaribNOG is an active community deliver presentations with hands-on She then decided to pack her things to construct a budget when, when there of network specialists committed to technical training. It will be launched and leave before she was advised to is no consultation within the ministry. improving the Caribbean region’s virtually under the theme “Network return to work, which she did in the They are bringing in advisors upon network systems. Their purpose is to Infrastructure Security.” A release afternoon. She received a letter later advisors, they’re dismissing people, extend the capacity of those who from CaribNOG says, “CaribNOG21 that day transferring her from MOHW they’re hiring aides, so these things develop and secure networks while will provide participants with the effective the end of this month, stated affect any budget,” Flowers pointed out. reinforcing relations between all opportunity to network virtually, and Flowers. According to Flowers, Hon. Chebat participants on the Internet space. gain actionable insights into the He then went on to mention an and CEO Mendez allegedly wanted the CaribNOG plays a vital role in the technical elements of Network alleged meeting between a senior financial officer to vacate her post, and Caribbean. It bolsters the rapid Infrastructure Security.” financial officer inside the Health she resisted, citing Public Service transition to online services and CaribNOG21 will be hosted in Ministry, Minister Michel Chebat, and Regulations. focuses on establishing a greater collaboration with the American the CEO in the Ministry, Dr. Deysi “I think it’s important that we human resource capacity in the Registry for Internet Numbers Mendez. understand the kind of abuse that this cybersecurity, autonomous networks, (ARIN), the Internet Corporation for During that meeting, the senior administration is effecting on public IPv6 deployments, and Assigned Names and Numbers financial officer, who has held that post officers, the same kind of abuse and interconnection and peering fields. (ICANN), and the Internet Registry for for about 25 years, was told that she political interference that they accused Since the community’s formation in Latin America and the Caribbean would be transferred to the Ministry of the Barrow Administration of. The 2010, the gathering of specialists has (LACNIC). Immigration by Minister Chebat, exact same kind. They are no different,” become a staple in the regional Interested applicants are according to Flowers. He said that the Flowers said. calendar, and the unprecedented times encouraged to submit their of COVID-19 have highlighted the applications online via the CaribNOG Migrant child on way to US need for quality, resilient, and secure site https://www.caribnog.org. says she is Belizean Joy Grant completes tenure as Central Bank Governor

BELIZE CITY, Tues. Mar. 30, 2021 The has announced that Ambassador Joy Grant’s tenure at the Central Bank has come to an end. According to a Central Bank of Belize press release, the Board of Directors, management, and staff of the bank wish to express thanks to Ambassador Grant for her US/Mexican Border, Mon. Mar. 29, interviewer then asked the child years of service and extend best 2021 where she was from, and she wishes to her in her future endeavors. This week a video surfaced on responded, “I am (from) Belize.” “Ambassador Grant expressed her social media of a 12-year-old “But have you been in the United appreciation for the support afforded migrant girl on a trek to the US in a States before?” the interviewer then her during her more than four-year group of five, all children. Shockingly asked. The child replied, “No. I’m tenure, noting special appreciation to the girl said that she is a Belizean Belizean. I actually learn English everyone at the Central Bank,” the citizen and has left her home in from Belize.” release stated. Sydney Campbell, a previous Central Belize. According to her, her father, She then told the interviewer that The Governor of the Central Bank Bank governor, being appointed an American citizen, is somewhere she and the other children in her of Belize is appointed by the Chairman of the Board. in Houston, Texas. group were all alone and met each Governor-General upon the advice of At this time, the two Deputy In the video, an interviewer can be other on the journey and started to the Prime Minister and serves as the Governors of the Central Bank, heard remarking to the child, “You talk. They were on their way to turn CEO of the Central Bank. Recently, Kareem Michael and Marilyn speak English very well,” to which themselves in to the US Border Patrol a new Central Bank board of Gardiner-Usher, remain on active the child replied, “Yes, Sir.” The authorities. directors was constituted, with duty. Friday, April 2, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 3 Hon. Bernard and Hon. Grocery Bag Program Marin seek to improve will continue this year, Belize Youth Challenge says Hon. Dolores

new fiscal year.” She also aimed the blame for the uncertainty surrounding the program’s future at the UDP administration, who she said had left the program in “dire straits” before the general elections. Last week, however, Hon. Balderamos Garcia informed the media at a press conference that the program will in fact remain in operation into the new fiscal year, but for a limited period. These were her sentiments when asked about it during by Dayne Guy academic skills. The program a press conference last week: encourages young adolescents to be “The Government will try our very , Mon. Mar. 29, 2021 more responsible, patriotic and best to continue the food assistance The Ministry of Youth, Sports and productive citizens of Belize. by Kory Leslie (freelance writer) into the new financial year for a E-Governance, in collaboration with Hon. Kevin Bernard, Minister of limited period. I cannot speak to what the Ministry of National Defence and Youth, Sports and E-Governance, and BELIZE CITY, Fri. Mar. 26, 2021 period of time, because that will have Border Security, met to discuss Hon Florencio Marin, Minister of Back in January, the Minister of to be a Cabinet decision,” she stated possible improvements to the National Defence and Border Human Development, Hon. Dolores at the press conference. infrastructure of the Belize Youth Security, started a dialogue about the Balderamos Garcia, had expressed She added, however, “…On the Challenge Program. program and committed the strengths uncertainty about the future of the other hand let me go out a little bit on The Belize Youth Challenge (BYC) of their ministries to providing better Pantry/Grocery Bag program on a limb and say that our most serious is an alternative boarding school for service for the youth of Belize. The which thousands of have responsibility right now is to try to males aged 15-17 who are more ministers intend to improve youth been relying, particularly since the put our people back to work. It’s a susceptible to coming in contact with development in Belize and hope to spike in unemployment that resulted difficult time, but we cannot the law or have behavioral problems. mold the youth program into a central from the onset of the COVID-19 encourage complete dependency. Yes, The mission of the BYC is “to regional youth training institute. pandemic in 2020. The program had it’s nice to receive a grocery bag, but intervene in and reclaim the lives of The anticipated venue for this been put on pause in November after I will have to say, ladies and at-risk youth to produce program year’s Belize Youth Challenge is the general elections due to a lack of gentlemen of the media, that that is graduates with the values, skills, Mountain Pine Ridge. The program funding and was then reinstated in unsustainable. So even though we education and self-discipline is expected to cater to a minimum of January with no confirmation that it will try to continue it for a reasonable necessary to succeed as adults.” 150 at-risk youth. The Belize Youth would remain in operation in the limited period into the new financial The BYC utilizes military Challenge will train these youths in upcoming 2021-2022 fiscal year. year, it is not something that can be principles and develops at-risk youths basic skills and employment When asked about the future of the indefinite.” holistically, teaching them discipline, programs through the Competency- program a few months back, Minister To date, about thirty percent of personal administration, and based Education and Training Balderamos Garcia had said that it Belizeans remain unemployed and teamwork as well as vocational and (CBET) model. was “something we will have to underemployed, with a large number review,” but had added, “I can’t of those persons relying on the food Mayor Wagner elected speak for what will happen in the assistance program. president of Belize Caribbean states discuss Mayors Association climate financing

Wagner was elected by Kory Leslie (freelance writer) (GCF). The Climate Change Division president of the Belize in the Ministry of Housing, Urban Mayors Association for a BELIZE CITY, Fri. Mar. 26, 2021 Renewal, Environment and Climate term of one year. Reports are Over two hundred participants Change in Jamaica is the lead authority that he was unanimously engaged in a virtual regional dialogue in the initiative, and the Caribbean chosen to serve as president that was hosted by Caribbean Natural Resources Institute for the one-year period. governments and civil society from (CANARI) is serving as the Mayor of Corozal Town, March 16 to 18, 2021, under the theme implementing entity for the project. Rigo Vellos was elected vice “Delivering Caribbean Climate The project’s scope includes the president and Mayor Sharon Ambitions: Climate Finance, Civil CARICOM region, with targeted Palacio of Belmopan was Society and Partnerships.” The activities in , appointed secretary of the dialogue was centered on how civil Belize, , Jamaica, Saint Kitts association. Mayor Charles society can play a role in delivering and Nevis, Saint Lucia and . Selgado was appointed climate finance and building local Those in attendance at the regional treasurer. resilience through greater investment dialogue included leading regional A release from the Belize and support from governments and the and national civil society organizations City Council said, “The private sector. (CSO), national authorities, regional Belize City Council strongly The regional dialogue was agencies, funders and international commends all members of organized as part of a wider project partners. A press release was the Mayors Association for known as the “Enhancing Caribbean published on March 26, 2021 which exercising due process in civil society’s access and readiness highlighted the main themes of the selecting its new executive for climate finance,” which is being dialogue, which included: options for team. We are highly implemented from February 2020 to accessing climate finance with a focus enthusiastic about the August 2022 by national bodies that on civil society’s role and capacity, continued collaboration of have been designated as the expanding multi-stakeholder all the Mayors of Belize and representatives of their respective engagement in climate change BELIZE CITY, Fri. Mar. 26, 2021 extend our full support to their united CARICOM countries which will be decision-making, and leveraging On Friday the Belize City Council mission of creating a better country on the frontline of the effort to access announced that Mayor Bernard for every citizen.” support from the Green Climate Fund Please turn to„Page 4 Page 4 AMANDALABelize Friday, April 2, 2021 Police officer shot No need to fear reopening of during search schools, says Special Envoy

SAN IGNACIO, Cayo District, Mon. the suspects. Upon nearing the in this country, yo know. Mar. 29, 2021 location where the persons were They said a phased A police officer was shot during congregating on Kennedy Street, the approach to reopening of the an operation to detain the suspects of team of police came under fire and schools beginning on the a shooting that took place on Sunday returned shots in a brief firefight. twelfth of April; it never say night in Benque Viejo Town. Reports This was when PC Felton all schools and all teachers are that 26-year-old Danilo De La Williams, a police officer connected are forced back into the Rosa was shot during a quarrel with to the Benque Viejo formation, was classrooms on the twelfth of acquaintances of his, with whom he shot. Some of his fellow officers, April. When the schools are had been socializing on Kennedy who were part of the team that was ready; when they have dey Street in Benque Viejo. visiting the residence, then realized wash basin and dey hand One of those acquaintances shot that Williams had been wounded in sanitizers and soap and him while he was fleeing the scene the right upper leg. He has since been physical infrastructure that and when he arrived home, he was treated and released from the they can open, then they will rushed to the San Ignacio Community hospital. open.” Hospital by his mother, Elizabeth Five men from the area have since She further stated, “And I Barrera. She made an official report been detained, while two remain at have every confidence in to the police, who went looking for large. Miss Maheia and Minister Fonseca that they will make by Kory Leslie (freelance writer) the right decisions. Since you have given me the opportunity, I would Caribbean states discuss... BELIZE CITY, Fri. Mar. 26, 2021 like to call on the teachers for full Last week the Minister of cooperation. I was looking at an particularly reaching the most Continued from Page 3 Education broke the news that face- interview last night of a teacher. „ vulnerable, and can deliver climate to-face schooling would resume as Very big respect to her, but it almost partnerships to realize climate action. We need to invest in them, and early as April 12, 2021 for some sounded to me like she was speaking ambitions. we should not discount even the schools, and the public response out of both sides of her mouth, Presentations were made by micro and small grants that support has been mixed. Two individuals because on one side she was saying Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador hundreds of small CSOs across the who are fully on board with the we noh ready, and on the other hand for Climate Change and region. This includes working with reopening of schools are the she said ‘well, I love my babies and representative for the Chair, Alliance Caribbean CSOs as intermediaries Minister of Human Development, I ready to take them back and for us for Small Island States, H.E. Mrs. for large funds to channel resources Hon. Dolores Balderamos Garcia, to get going because our babies have Diann Black-Layne, who discussed to the ground, leveraging their local and the Special Envoy for the to get back to school.’ Even if we the engagement of CSO’s and her knowledge and relationships and Development of Families and call them babies, right up to the age country’s GCF projects accredited at their cost-effective systems.” Children, Rossana Briceño. of eighteen, let’s get our children US$ 50 million due to their During the final day of the dialogue, During a press conference last back in school.” “ambitious program” to engage those the launch of a Caribbean Climate week, Hon. Balderamos Garcia For her part, the Special Envoy, CSO’s. GCF’s Regional Manager for Finance Action Network was also spoke about several social issues, who is also the principal of St. the Caribbean and Brazil, Division announced, which is tasked with such as the Grocery Bag Program. Peter’s Anglican School in Orange of Country Programming, Dr. Orville keeping the conversation going after Additionally, though, Hon. Walk, assured the public that there Grey, also spoke about the inclusion the conclusion of the virtual meeting. Balderamos Garcia spoke on the is no need for alarm, because the of local communities and indigenous As stated in the release, the network matter of children being back in the process is not mandatory. Briceño, peoples as forefront stakeholders in will bring together key civil society classroom and the apprehension who is the wife of Prime Minister the development of GCF programs for organizations, as well as government and resentment that some parents Hon. John Briceño, and worked on the Caribbean. and private sector stakeholders for have felt after learning about the the COVID-19 Education Task The Executive Director for shared learning, partnership building resumption of classroom learning in Force, says that the initiative is a (CANARI), Ms. Nicole Leotaud, and developing practical solutions to April. work in progress: said, “Civil society are doing improve access to and delivery of Hon. Balderamos Garcia “Yes there are phases, phase one amazing work on the ground, climate finance in the region. remarked, “We have to learn English and phase two, which are not mandatory, and I think our families need to understand that it is not you have to do this. The schools don’t have to do anything. We were looking that schools, parents, can test-run what they already have in place to see if it works or if it doesn’t work so that when we start in June, they are more than ready. So that is basically what we are looking at. I know there is a lot of confusion out there and assumptions that, oh, but we are not ready and dehn di throw this pan we right now. No, this is a work in progress. This has been happening from last year, through the D.E.C.s where we had to put learning continuity plans in place. Every couple months, they want us to tighten it and tighten it. The Minister has said, and it is being said over and over, there is no one-size-fits all. So dehn noh wah give yo wah template and say everybody must meet this. But you know what your needs are, in your community, in your school, so you adapt to what your environment is, what your school culture is,” said Briceño. Friday, April 2, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 5

Handling cheaper money (and taxes) right is key, PM

In his weekly message to the nation, Prime Minister John foreign investors have always been outcompeting us because Briceño, whose government came to power during by far the they not only have access to more cash, but they also have worst financial and health crisis our new nation has ever faced, access to it at rates 50% and 75% lower than the rates on loans said that since taking office his government has been in Belize. “aggressively developing an export promotion strategy” and The mantra of one of our most revered citizens, Dr. Leroy that better times are on the way because our Economic Recovery Taegar+ (a mantra that all in his circle were convinced of) was Task Force “will soon present their recommendations for that our country could not grow until we established a national implementation.” bank. The closest Belize came to a national bank during Dr. The Prime Minister said one recommendation that won’t be Taegar’s lifetime was the Development Finance Corporation made is for higher taxes, because they would be (DFC), and the credit unions. These institutions, the former counterproductive. The IMF had called for the raising of the being government-owned and the latter owned by Belizean General Sales Tax, but this clearly has not fallen on fertile ground. citizens, have always charged lower interest rates than the mostly We noted in an earlier editorial that the government’s task foreign-owned commercial banks, but their interest rates have force was stacked with the rich and famous in our country. never approached the level needed to encourage local They must know that their recommendations will be put under entrepreneurs to engage in anything but the safest ventures. the microscope. One recommendation we all expect is an At the opening of the National Bank of Belize (NBB) in 2013, introduction of methods to improve revenue collection. That then Prime Minister, , described the lending rates doesn’t fall in the bandwidth of higher taxes. at the commercial banks as scandalous. The NBB was initially The task force would have made a brilliant start if they had capitalized with $20 million, and it was very limited in whom it called for a revisiting of the taxation of what they, their friends, served and its scope of lending, prioritizing teachers and public and those in their bracket have the most of in this country — officers who were interested in building a home. prime, prized properties and parcels of land, but that seems to The interest rate offered was an encouraging 5.5%, and the have been ruled out by the PM’s blanket statement against long-term vision, we were told, was to provide venture capital higher taxes. for all Belizeans; but this never materialized because the Straight up, our local elite have been hiding behind our less government didn’t inject the cash needed to boost the bank’s well-off folk for too long. They profit off a land taxation system lending capacity. The bank hasn’t really languished because of which does protect poorer Belizeans, but isn’t keyed to spur delinquency, as some have claimed; the latest Central Bank productivity. A simple way of establishing a sensible tax structure Report showed that the bank’s non-performing loans were at a on land in/near villages and not-desirable but manageable less than 5%. Clearly, the bank towns would be to charge a can do better; but what it needs most is cash, so that it can higher tax on land purchased continue issuing loans for home construction and expand its after 1981. There’s no perfect lending into other areas. solution to anything in this Back in early January, PM Briceño introduced the Central (estb. 1969) world, but we can always do Bank Amendment Bill, which he said would generate $50 million Business and editorial offices: better. that would be made available to Belizean entrepreneurs through 3304 Partridge Street, Belize The government has told its the NBB, the DFC, and other organizations that wanted to City, Belize, employees that it needs three participate, with the funds being targeted at businesses that is printed twice weekly by the years to turn the economy create jobs and earn foreign currency. Amandala Press. Telephones: 501-280-4703/ around, but it will not take In the debate on the Bill in the in early March, where 501-202-4477 more than three months for it was passed 9 votes to 3 with 1 abstention, Leader of Govt. us to know if they are on the Business in the Senate and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign path to making good on that Trade and Immigration, Hon. Eamon Courtenay said the aim of Publisher: promise. If there is any the amendment was to say “to the domestic banks that the Editor-in-chief: Marco Lopez lagging, the government will monies that are sitting there idly [over $400 million]…. should Business Manager: Jacinta Hyde have to look more closely at be put to productive use and be made available to the private Make-up & Design our tax structure to see what sector.” Artist: Andrea Dennison drops we might be able to In these critical times, we must look at an injection of liquid Executive Secretary: Odessa squeeze out, because, as the capital as a last opportunity. The government must take Robinson Smith Prime Minister said, “our measures to ensure that it comes without much devaluation or Compositor: Tyra Welch economic health is hyperinflation. The government must ensure that none of the Lithography: Clive Smith underwater…we are monies it manages to inject into the system ends up purchasing drowning.” luxury goods, that the funds are put to their absolute best use. Printers: Kent Brooks Our economy This cheaper money must go toward creating jobs, supporting efforts for import substitution, the development of arts and Please email Correspondence: needs cheaper crafts, and the financing of small entrepreneurs who are [email protected] money, says PM interested in ecologically friendly tourism. A key message from PM Our first Prime Minister, George Price, said that with Advertisements to: Briceño last week was that, independence we would have more economic opportunities, [email protected] “we must trim expenditures but the majority of us have never realized that promise; and and make money available for today, forty years later, many of us are on the verge of selling Mailing Address: lending at lower interest rates.” our assets just to survive, and our country is on its knees begging Amandala Press PM Briceño said that cheaper foreign financiers for relief. 3304 Partridge Street money “will allow us to PM Briceño says our recovery begins with an injection of c/o P.O. Box 15, unleash the entrepreneurial cheaper capital into the system. Our only advice to his Belize City, Belize spirit of our people.” Belizeans government is that it remembers all of us are to win, so it must have never had access to ensure that the bulk of the funds go to stimulate our many Amandala’s website: money at low interest rates; smaller businesses, not our few larger ones. amandala.com.bz Page 6 AMANDALABelize Friday, April 2, 2021 Friday, April 2, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 7 BFCA says fishermen need their gillnets to speak out about the benefits of using for their commercials to try to ban the environment. They then noted that the gear. The fishermen in the Belize gillnet? What is the deal? The other day, since southern Belize banned gillnets, Fishermen Co-op Association believe around 5,000 pounds of Jack passed there has been a scarcity of snapper. that OCEANA has been spreading false by PG ended up in The fishermen claim that since snapper claims about gillnet use and as a result ...Whatever goes into is the preferred fish for meals, has been robbing them of their Guatemala stays there. Those same fish fishermen have been selectively livelihood, and forcing some of them were being brought back to PG and sold overfishing snappers. BFCA believes into a life of crime. to Belizeans.” this is a direct result of the gillnet ban. Andy Jones, a fisherman from The reality, as explained by Jones, The Chairperson of the Belize Gorda, told the media, “I don’t apply is that there is an array of gillnets in the Fisherman Co-op Association, for any of the relief programs. I don’t waters of Guatemala, waiting to capture Armando Ramirez, also agreed to the think I would qualify. But I do know fish that pass from Belize. Due to the idea of allowing fishermen to use their that my gillnet used to help me with my restrictions on the use of gillnets, none nets. Ramirez mentioned that gillnets family. I have six children, one on the of these fish are being caught by are the large-scale industry standard in way. OCEANA is not helping me. The Belizeans, but the fish are instead being fishing and are utilized by neighboring government is not helping me. Only the harvested by Guatemalan fishers who countries like Honduras and most high God is helping me. You are resell back to Belizeans for a steep Guatemala. taking away a livelihood from us.” price. Jones further pointed out that if Additionally, Ramirez mentioned Jones further questioned the gillnet law is passed, the price of that a gillnet ban is an injustice to the by Dayne Guy OCEANA’s motives, “One minute fish will rise even more. fishing community. It forces them into they’re having two million dollars for Another fisherman, Sidney Fuller, is a life of crime, when they cannot make BELIZE CITY, Fri. Mar. 26, 2021 the fishermen, the next minute they’re alleging that OCEANA has been an honest living. “In the area, With tensions rising around the issue having one point five million. Who making false claims in its commercials. we noticed a lot of crime that will also of gillnet use in Belize once more, many knows how much money they have for Fuller referred to what the organization increase because you are removing a fisherfolk have been stepping forward the fishermen. How much are they using is suggesting to the public by using a direct income. Now people are crying graphic design that features a dead turtle for a 10 percent reduction that the near a gillnet. Fuller remarked, “Get a government wants to implement. You turtle and then put a net in front of it. removing gillnet is not 10 percent that And the electronics and the technology. we’re losing. Our people are losing They did that, so I just want to bring 100 percent, 50 percent, 75 percent. that to attention. So it is misleading to Take that into consideration,” he said. the people to believe that it had killed Ramirez noted that the fishing VACANCY that turtle.” The fisherman noted that industry is one of the most important the turtle shown in the slide and sustainable industries in Belize. The British High Commission, Belmopan has a vacancy for aSecurity Guard. The advertisement is disconnected from the “Belize was founded upon four pillars. successful applicant will join the security team, working 8 hour day and night shift net and was not killed by it. And one of those is the fishing industry, patterns (42 hour week) and will be responsible for maintaining security and Fuller also noted that gillnets are not not tourism. Everybody wants to get into protecting assets at both Office and Residence compounds. used to catch turtles. Turtles are caught tourism. One pandemic come and in turtle nets, he said. He further insisted destroy tourism completely, not just in Main purpose of the job: To ensure that personnel can work in a safe and secure environment by protecting that gillnets are safe and are non- Belize, but globally. Through 2020, staff and FCDO assets at the British High Commission office and residence destructive, and that OCEANA has there was one thing that sustained the compounds. never proven its claims that gillnets are Belizean people, and that was destructive. “Gillnet has been rated out commercial fishing. All the tour guides Roles and responsibilities of the job, but not limited to: of ten, five point four by the Food and that were against fishers, they had gone • Control vehicle and personnel access to the office and residence Agriculture Organization of the United back to fishing, and they are still doing compounds. Nations, which Belize is a part of… fishing. So, gillnet plays an important • Provide security of all locations by regular patrolling. • We signed to that, the Belize Fishermen role, and we need to keep that to feed Monitor the BHC Radio Network. Co-op Association, which is the our children, to educate our children • Monitor CCTV at both locations and log information as necessary. • Carry out any other security tasks as directed by Post Security Manager. umbrella for all fishermen in the and to make Belize grow, the fishing • Daily checks of the office compound and residence area. country,” Fuller said. He further industry withstood,” he said. • Where necessary escort workers and contractors in the BHC premises. pointed out that the size of the net mesh Norman Castillo, of the Hopkins’ • Be the first point of contact for BHC visitors / telephone enquiries. allows small fish to pass through, and Fisherman Association, added, “The Qualifications/Experience: only ensnares fish that have already fishermen will not back off from their • Good command of oral and written English reproduced. gillnet and send this message clear. We • Ability to work in a demanding environment Banning gillnets, on the other hand, are tantamount serious that we will not • Ability to work professionally in stressful situations • will do more harm than good, asserted back off of our gillnet. We have done Ability to work flexibly to meet changing demands the fishermen of the BFCA. They claim this; we have seen no destruction of • Initiative and good judgement • Ability to work effectively as part of a small team that a gillnet ban poses huge risks to the gillnet.” • Excellent interpersonal skills • Proficient in the use of MS Windows and Office suite Desirable: Security guard drowns • Former Non Commissioned Officer (NCO) in the military or Police (or necessary experience to this level) • Knowledge of Spanish would be an asset after suffering seizure

Salary will be BZ$1562.88per month. A 29-year-old man died on Sunday after suffering a seizure that How to Apply caused him to fall into the water near Interested persons please use the preferred method of applying online at http:// a boatyard and drown. bit.ly/3lFLYCY Marc Russell, a security guard, was on duty at a boatyard in Belize The Deadline for applications is 4:00pm on Sunday, 11 April 2021. Only those when he suffered a seizure, fell near candidates who are short-listed will be contacted. Please be aware that all applicants must be able to legally work in Belize. Confirmation of appointment is a boat, and hit his head. The injury subject to the satisfactory completion of a probationary period and security and his state of impairment caused clearance. him to fall in the water, and ultimately he ended up under the boat and drowned. The British High Commission in Belize is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value The efforts by a colleague of his difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not in the area to save his life were discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, unsuccessful, because he was unable age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible to take Russell out of the water. working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow. At this time police do not suspect BELIZE CITY, Sun. Mar. 28, 2021 that there was any foul play. Page 8 AMANDALABelize Friday, April 2, 2021

Manejar correctamente dinero más barato (e impuestos) es clave, PM

En su mensaje semanal a la nación, el primer ministro propiedad de ciudadanos beliceños, siempre han cobrado John Briceño, cuyo gobierno llegó al poder durante, por tasas de interés más bajas que los bancos comerciales que mucho, la peor crisis financiera y de salud que nuestra nueva son, en su mayoría, de propiedad extranjera, pero sus tasas nación haya enfrentado, dijo que desde que asumió el cargo de interés nunca se han acercado al nivel necesario para su gobierno ha estado “desarrollando agresivamente una alentar a los empresarios locales a participar en otra cosa estrategia de promoción de exportaciones” y que se avecinan que no sea las iniciativas más seguras. mejores tiempos porque nuestro Grupo de Trabajo de En la apertura del Banco Nacional de Belize (NBB en inglés) Recuperación Económica (ERTF en inglés) “pronto presentará en 2013, el entonces Primer Ministro, Dean Barrow, describió sus recomendaciones para la implementación”. las tasas de interés de los bancos comerciales como El Primer Ministro dijo que una recomendación que no se escandalosas. El NBB se capitalizó inicialmente con $ 20 hará es aumentar los impuestos, porque sería millones, y fue muy limitado en quiénes servía y su alcance contraproducente. El FMI había pedido el aumento del de préstamos, priorizando a los maestros y funcionarios Impuesto General a las Ventas, pero esto claramente no ha públicos interesados en construir una vivienda. caído en terreno fértil. La tasa de interés ofrecida era un alentador 5,5%, y la Notamos en un editorial anterior que el cuerpo especial visión a largo plazo, nos dijeron, era proporcionar capital del gobierno estaba repleto de ricos y famosos en nuestro de riesgo para todos los beliceños; pero esto nunca se país. Deben saber que sus recomendaciones se pondrán materializó porque el gobierno no inyectó el efectivo bajo el microscopio. Una recomendación que todos necesario para impulsar la capacidad crediticia del banco. esperamos es la introducción de métodos para mejorar la El banco no ha languidecido realmente debido a la recaudación de ingresos. Eso no cae en el ancho de banda morosidad, como algunos han afirmado; el último Informe de impuestos más altos. del Banco Central mostró que los préstamos en mora del El grupo de trabajo habría tenido un comienzo brillante si banco estaban en un valor no deseable pero manejable de hubieran pedido una revisión de los impuestos de lo que menos del 5%. Claramente, el banco puede hacer mejor; ellos, sus amigos y aquellos en su grupo tienen más en este pero lo que más necesita es efectivo, para poder seguir país: propiedades y parcelas de tierra de primer nivel y emitiendo préstamos para la construcción de viviendas y preciadas, pero eso parece haber sido descartado por la expandir sus préstamos a otras áreas. declaración general del primer ministro contra los impuestos A principios de enero, el primer ministro Briceño presentó más altos. el Proyecto de Ley de Enmienda del Banco Central, que Directamente, nuestra élite local se ha estado escondiendo según dijo generaría 50 millones de dólares que se pondrían detrás de nuestra gente menos acomodada durante demasiado a disposición de los empresarios beliceños a través del NBB, tiempo. Se benefician de un sistema de impuestos sobre la la DFC y otras organizaciones que quisieran participar, con tierra que sí protege a los beliceños más pobres, pero que no los fondos dirigidos a empresas que crean puestos de trabajo está diseñado para estimular la productividad. Una forma y ganan divisas. sencilla de establecer una sensata estructura fiscal sobre la En el debate sobre el proyecto de ley en el Senado a tierra en o cerca de aldeas y ciudades sería cobrar un impuesto principios de marzo, donde fue aprobado por 9 votos contra más alto sobre las tierras compradas después de 1981. No 3 y 1 abstención, el Líder de Asuntos del Gobierno en el existe una solución perfecta para nada en este mundo, pero Senado y Ministro de Relaciones Exteriores, Comercio siempre podemos hacerlo mejor. Exterior e Inmigración, el Honorable Eamon Courtenay dijo El gobierno les ha dicho a sus empleados que necesita que el objetivo de la enmienda era decir “a los bancos tres años para cambiar la economía, pero no nos tardará nacionales que el dinero que está ahí ociosamente [más de más de tres meses saber si están encaminados a cumplir $ 400 millones]…. debería utilizarse productivamente y esa promesa. Si hay algún rezago, el gobierno tendrá que ponerse a disposición del sector privado”. observar más de cerca nuestra estructura fiscal para ver qué En estos tiempos críticos, debemos mirar una inyección gotas podemos sacar, porque, como dijo el Primer Ministro, de capital líquido como última oportunidad. El gobierno “nuestra salud económica está bajo el agua...nos estamos debe tomar medidas para garantizar que se produzca sin ahogando”. mucha devaluación o hiperinflación. El gobierno debe asegurarse de que nada del dineros que logra inyectar en el Nuestra economía necesita dinero sistema termine comprando bienes de lujo, que los fondos se utilicen de la mejor manera. más barato, dice PM Este dinero más barato debe destinarse a la creación de Un mensaje clave del PM Briceño la semana pasada fue que empleo, el apoyo a los esfuerzos de sustitución de “debemos recortar los gastos y hacer que el dinero esté importaciones, el desarrollo de la artesanía y el disponible para préstamos a tasas de interés más bajas”. El financiamiento de pequeños empresarios interesados en primer ministro Briceño dijo que el dinero más barato “nos el turismo ecológico. permitirá dar rienda suelta al espíritu empresarial de nuestra Nuestro primer primer ministro, George Price, dijo que gente”. Los beliceños nunca han tenido acceso a dinero a tasas con la independencia tendríamos más oportunidades de interés bajas; Los inversionistas extranjeros siempre nos económicas, pero la mayoría de nosotros nunca hemos han superado porque no solo tienen acceso a más efectivo, cumplido esa promesa; y hoy, cuarenta años después, sino que también tienen acceso al dinero a tasas 50% y 75% muchos de nosotros estamos a punto de vender nuestros más bajas que las tasas de los préstamos en Belize. activos solo para sobrevivir, y nuestro país está de rodillas El mantra de uno de nuestros ciudadanos más venerados, pidiendo ayuda a los financistas extranjeros. el Dr. Leroy Taegar + (un mantra del que todos en su círculo El PM Briceño dice que nuestra recuperación comienza estaban convencidos) era que nuestro país no podría crecer con una inyección de capital más barato en el sistema. hasta que establezcamos un banco nacional. Lo más cerca Nuestro único consejo para su gobierno es que recuerde que estuvo Belize a un banco nacional durante la vida del que todos debemos ganar, por lo que debe asegurarse de Dr. Taegar fue la Corporación Financiera de Desarrollo (DFC que la mayor parte de los fondos se destinen a estimular en inglés) y las cooperativas de crédito. Estas instituciones, nuestras muchas empresas más pequeñas, no las pocas la primera siendo propiedad del gobierno y la segunda más grandes. Friday, April 2, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 9

I must go down to the seas again, to Meighan, a member of the Yarborough crew members when I was about 40 a jib to order for us, with Santi’s logo. the lonely sea and the sky, Bridge Meighan family which bought years old. This “heng-kin-dola” We won 9th of March the following And all I ask is a tall ship and a star Aventurera from its Caye Caulker business means you lean out from the year, and began to dominate the class. to steer her by; owners sometime in the 1970’s. side of the boat over the sea to balance The year after, when we were to And the wheel’s kick and the wind’s Bobby Meighan is the son of the late business when the wind is strong. The defend our title on Baron Bliss Day, song and the white sail’s shaking, Rudolph “Scientist” Meighan and his story behind that was like this. My the “gentlemen” of the Regatta acted And a grey mist on the sea’s face, wife, Myrna Belisle Meighan, who is dad, who loves sail boats, got tied up like some cads, in my opinion. So I And a grey dawn breaking. my late mom’s first cousin. with boat designer Gilly Usher around quit the sport. Here’s what happened. As I told you a few weeks ago, the 1986 or so. They decided they were Yachting had become a sport - John Masefield in SEA FEVER legendary sloops Estrella, Cruzita, going to beat and his Ina dominated by just a few boat owners and Aventurera L, a very successful sloop. But my — George Brown and Dean Lindo in were originally dad doesn’t like to spend money, and the sloop class; Brown, Lindo and owned by the I wasn’t going to spend any of mine to Eckert Lewis in the dories; and Collet Rodriguez, Marin race against Dean Lindo unless I was Maheia among the sailing lighters. In and Alamina (not sure to be competitive. the old days, boys had grown up Alamilla, as I had My dad inveigled my uncle (Buck sailing little board boats with grape written; correction Belisle), who is the best race captain leaves against each other in the canal, by Paul of Belize) I ever saw, into sailing the Incredible, while Gales Point Manatee and families of Caye but the boat was inadequately rigged. Mullins River, 18 and 27 miles south Caulker. The mast broke the day before the race. of Belize City respectively, were For my Easter Lindo’s boats are always super- fishing and sailing villages where 2021 column, I rigged, and my uncle was made to look sailing, which is both a science and decided to bad. an art, was a rite of passage to reproduce some Following that debacle, my uncle manhood. sailboat racing came to me and asked (told) me to be When I was a child growing up, it material from his partner in a Seagull, Key Card, to was still all about sailboats. There The aging photograph above is of pages 150-152 of my Sports, Sin and race against Lindo’s entry, Sea Gal, were boats with internal combustion the sloop Aventurera, as she was Subversion, originally published in in that class. Lindo beat us badly the engines, like the tugboats which hauled getting ready for the 1978 Baron Bliss 2008. Here goes: first year, but then we had Arthur logs or barges, and the passenger and Day Regatta. The photo was loaned In yachting, Buck Belisle brought Belisle re-design our ‘gull. My uncle to me on Sunday morning by Bobby me out as one of his “heng-kin-dola” gave Santi Castillo specifications for Please turn to„Page 10 Page 10 AMANDALABelize Friday, April 2, 2021 From the Publisher Continued from „Page 9 cargo boats which plied the coast. But there were no outboard engines and speedboats when I was a child. That was something that started to happen when lobster fishing became the action in the middle sixties. While the sailing tradition in Belize is one which has faded badly, the idea of having the fastest and most maneuverable boat was central to the whole idea of piracy, and remember, the settlement of Belize in the Bay of Honduras was founded by buccaneers. The famous defence of the settlement in 1798 was accomplished with sailboats. There is history involved with the 9th of March Regatta, but by the 1980’s, time was passing the sport by, and both the boat owners and the committee men were a closed fraternity. The boat owners employed mostly “Manantee” men to sail and crew their boats. Buck Belisle was a charter member of that sailing fraternity who was now participating as a Seagull owner. His crew members were his cousin, Karl Belisle; his youngest son, Dean Belisle; and yours truly, his nephew. I supported my uncle instead of my dad, because my dad is an intellectual. He loves ideas and concepts. My uncle is a gambler who places the gambler’s premium on victory. By the middle 1980’s, I couldn’t afford to mess around with ideas and concepts. I’d gotten enough of being a good loser. One of the things I regret in my life was what happened between Dean Lindo and myself between 1972 and 1979. What can I say? Buck Belisle and Dean Lindo are first cousins, former Unity Club teammates, and men who have a great admiration for each other. I don’t believe what happened that 9th of March was Lindo- promoted. But he went along with the program. That Baron Bliss Day in 1988 or 1989, when Key Card was to defend its Seagull title, the weather was so bad in the morning that the committee men called off the Regatta. But the weather suddenly began to clear around 11 a.m. or so, and the committee announced on , then the nation’s only radio station, that they would proceed with the races. This announcement took place around 12:15 or 12:20 the afternoon. Key Card got out late from Buttonwood Bay for the race start in front of Fort George Hotel. The committee and our competitors saw us coming, and started the race anyway. The head start was too great: we couldn’t make it up. Buck Belisle was all about blaming C. B. Hyde for not towing us out in time, but I thought the yachting people were chicken s—t. The original cancellation meant everything had become somewhat up in the air. Plus, in sports the defending champions is due a little courtesy, but I’d seen too many strange things since UBAD. It always happens to me. I walked. Friday, April 2, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 11

Junior Graham is a grand champion

by Colin Hyde medicines, both chemical and herbal. you will brave up and get vaccinated. Fatalists do make choices, but the I haven’t turned this one over in You won’t be alone in the fight to choices they make were already A charge could be brought against my little brain, but I tend to think that protect your brothers and sisters. All chosen. You’ll agree that I should just the people called anti-vaxxers that anti-vaxxers are big in the anti-mask over the world people are braving move on here. Hasta luego. Go get they don’t really have love for their congregation too. I suspect they are up for love of mankind, and I learned yu vaccine.t fellow brothers and sisters. Hmm, the ones who will talk up a storm from the Yahoo last week, in an when they are losing the case they when they are on the bus or in some excerpted story they got from The Protect the small could try and run to a Nuremburg other public place, because they can’t Week, that among the proud good marijuana growers… defense — say they weren’t really get sick, their immune systems are as soldiers is our brother, Franklin conscious of the consequences of strong as London. Graham. Go, Franklin, you are a I had a few choice bits selected their inaction. Check it, without Whoa, the quickness of the champion. from Ambassador Gibson’s piece vaccinations a couple or a few billion development of vaccines has given The story, titled “A pro-Trump about the weed and the hemp last people wouldn’t be around sucking fuel to a negative cause. Más o evangelical advised getting the week, and I also collected a few on the juice in this world. They would menos, it takes about ten years for a COVID-19 vaccine. His fans stories to draw from before I make have been gone a long time ago. new chemical to be synthesized and revolted”, is written by a lady, my case for how I believe the new It is a fact of all diseases that peer-reviewed before it hits the Bonnie Kristian, and I have to say to industry should develop, is whoever doesn’t have the immune market, but ten years is never enough. Bonnie, you go girl, thanks for developing, but this week I’ll just system to fight it will die, or will That’s the story of the world. There’s bringing us the great news. share a bit from a lady Jamaican MP develop chronic illnesses. This new information piling on top of old Bonnie says that Franklin, a son of who was burning fire in their Covid-19, the reality is that it is information every day, some actually the late Billy Graham (We all know parliament over the direction in particularly tough on oldsters and obliterating long-held truths and Billy. Go, Billy Graham.), is a which she saw the industry in her persons that have certain medical ideas. prominent evangelical himself. She country going. I couldn’t get her name conditions. Without a vaccine the A good thing about these vaccines said Franklin reported on social or the date she unleashed her salvo, people in that subset will have much is that they are based on science that media that he’d been asked what he but we’ll get there. shortened lifespans. has been around for some time, so thought Jesus would do, if He would The following I got down almost Most anti-vaxxers make a special how the vaccines will affect human be an advocate for vaccines, and word for word. The lady said, “…in effort to eat right, and they put in beings has been known, within Franklin said Jesus would have said, less than 5 years there’ll be very little their exercise, and maybe most of reason, long before the first person YES! Junior Graham and his wife value in growing ganja in them don’t drink or smoke. Their got a dose. What they didn’t know have gotten the jab. Jamaica…it will be just like any other feelings toward those of us who was how effective the vaccines I wasn’t planning on giving any ink commodity…the true value in the aren’t as healthy as they are, is would be against the NEW to the gang that crowed him down, future of ganja will be in similar to what the rich feel about coronavirus. except for one, oh my gudnis, the pharmaceuticals and branding…no the poor. We know the rich think they I never should have had to say such fatalists. Among the seven billion small farmer with historical know- are the haves because they are bad things about anti-vaxxers, but I people on earth, these ones have the how will ever meet the standards now smarter and work harder, and the won’t suffer any guilt trip, because strangest minds. What do you say to required for production…the have-nots are less smart and/or the God who judges hearts will know a fatalist? I had a piece about a licensing authority is approaching it don’t work at all. that it was their bad that led to my scientific study which showed that as if every applicant wants to be an Our healthy anti-vaxxers aren’t bad, and while I might not be excused time on a mountaintop isn’t the same exporter…the established considering others’ genetic makeup, from punishment because of the as time on the ocean, that there’s a bureaucracy is locking out our small or life situations. Their temple is provocation, I believe I will get a micro-second disparity between the farmers…the same ones who created perfect, ready to take on whatever little satisfaction seeing the two. You know what they are aiming the product so many years ago and diseases that are out there, and the provocateurs getting theirs too. at. Yep, time can go backward. Bah, suffered at the hands of the hospital bed or grave can take those Let’s get positive. If you care for writing this piece took all the energy police…for something which is now who aren’t ready fu Covid-19. Okay, old folks, if you care for folk who out of me, so the time machiners will a global sensation and is legal in I’m not being entirely fair to them, might have a genetic or health have to wait. several countries…have no way of because they are offering their weakness that makes them My, is there any way under the sun getting a slice of that cake…” solutions in the line of “other” particularly susceptible to the virus, to catch up to a fatalist? It’s crazy. Happy Easter

This time last year we were in lockdown, and it was the worst Easter we have experienced as a nation, but we did have hopes that the pandemic would release its grip on us before too long, and that helped us through. This year it might be harder, major hard, for many more of us are without a penny to our name, but there is a glimmer of light up ahead. Things can always get worse, but the chances are at least equal that they will get better. Things are far from the best, but we must look on the bright side, the hope that Easter Sunday brings. I pray that we all can have something special this weekend. It sure would have been great if on Easter Sunday there was some jooju cheer our government could have passed out to our kids. There isn’t, but we can pray that every household can find a piece of fish for the table, and hot cross buns, tableta, fudge, coconut tart that is slightly burnt, wangla, plastik kayk, or pitayta pong. Happy Easter, everybody! Page 12 AMANDALABelize Friday, April 2, 2021 Is The Easter Bunny Coming?

nobody has gotten even a mere Bunny, cause he ain’t coming out of given the salient mandate to give to glimpse of him! Spring has certainly his hole! There will be no colorful the poor and needy in an inalienable sprung a few weeks ago, but the eggs that spark joy and glee, tucked quest to help to bridge the wide and Easter Bunny did not come out of amid cushy confetti to make our lives gaping divide between the haves and his hole! Despite the fact that the a little happier. There’ll be no those who are in dire need. season is almost upon us, nobody delectable chocolates to melt This Easter, even in the absence has seen the Easter Bunny, and one between your fingers as one bites in of the Easter Bunny, we can be that can only guess that he must have amid audacious smiles. This Easter light of love and giving to each other. caught COVID and is on quarantine! will be subtle, somber and We can give the baskets to those in Needless to say, with the absence reflective. need. We can sprinkle Easter eggs of of the Easter Bunny, this Easter will This Easter we are called to task. joy and blessings to those we meet. be another season of dread and drear We are called to reflect on the true See, we are called to deny ourselves, for many! There’s no use in and subtle meaning of the season. just as Jesus did for us, so that others recounting all the horrid facts of the The ultimate Sacrifice that God may live more happily and more matter, because the statistics are made when He sent His only abundantly at our free disposal. glaring. But amid the trials and the Begotten Son (Jesus) to pay the Whether the Easter Bunny comes or Easter in Belize is no doubt a tribulations we face, we would have ultimate price by giving His own life not, we are tasked today, right now, special, serene and wonderful time at least hoped to see the Easter Bunny for all of our salvation! Who would in this providential season to climb of the year. From the weather to the this year; even if he came empty- have thought that from the dark out of our holes and reach out and people, to the brewing excitement of handed! But I tell you, the Bunny embers of such a grave tale, that spread cheer to those in need. a family leisure trip over the refused to even show his face! triumph and glory could be given to Whether the Easter Bunny will make weekend, Easter in Belize is While on quarantine, I was made all of us as an assurance of pardon, the important sacrifices or not, so that certainly a time that many look to understand that the Bunny is busy just mere days later? all of us can and will live better in forward to. But this Easter is working, though! He’s crunching the This Easter, if nothing else, we time, we are called to sacrifice to somewhat different. The pace is numbers and paying keen attention are called to Self-Denial and help our brothers and sisters in need, generally slow, the mood is that of to the statistics all around. He’s fully Almsgiving! We are charged with the just as Christ did for us; whether or melancholy and despair, and this is aware of all that’s going on and is fiduciary responsibility to deny not the Easter Bunny comes! coupled with a misty feeling in the trying to forge a way forward when ourselves of haughty and worldly air; not even the weather is set right! the time comes for him to come out pleasures in an effort to reach out to Unchained Reflections Of A So given all this, one must beg the and show his face again! But I heard those who are more needy. We are Liberal Pragmatist. question: is the Easter Bunny coming that when he does come out this year? (sometime after Easter), he won’t be Well, by all indications and dropping eggs everywhere and appearances, it doesn’t seem at all delivering baskets to those who AMANDALA that the Easter Bunny is coming this were waiting fervently. year! Since mid-March, we have To put it mildly and simply, this the newspaper with the greatest circulation been waiting for the Easter Bunny will be an Easter without a basket! in Belize! to show his face, but since then, Don’t sit and wait on the Easter Friday, April 2, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 13

  5# 5# 

2Q+RO\7KXU2Q+RO\7KXUVGD\$SULOVGD\$SULO DOO$DOO$WODQWLF%DQN%UDQFKHVDQG'ULYH7KUXVWODQWLF%DQN%UDQFKHVDQG'ULYH7KUXV ZLOOFORVHDW30  $OO$$OO$WODQWLF%DQN%UDQFKHVDQGWODQWLF%DQN%UDQFKHVDQG 'ULYH7KUXVZLOOUHRSHQIRUEXVLQHVV'ULYH7KUXVZLOOUHRSHQIRUEXVLQHVV RQ7RQ7XHVGD\$SULOXHVGD\$SULO ))RUTXLFNFDVKXVHDQ\RIRXU$70VRUTXLFNFDVKXVHDQ\RIRXU$70V ORFDWHGFRXQWUORFDWHGFRXQWU\ZLGH\ZLGH Page 14 AMANDALABelize Friday, April 2, 2021

Nationalist Belizeans

The art of illusion that is practiced of this supposedly independent hands of the people, not just a by presenting many promises through country. And what does it consist few families, whose behavior has oratory is an ancient culture brought of? It consists of an individualistic been identical to that of parasites back by Europeans. There are old and capitalist society where a few, which live by sucking the blood and new speeches with promises through oppression, have become of those who are weaker, which about great programs that were rich, and that wealth has passed is the majority, commonly known as never fulfilled in the past, but it is through generations from parents to modern slaves. assumed that today they are being children. In short, the socio- As a people we need to break out from the clash of races. fulfilled, and the claims about the political and economic power of away from the Eurocentric Therefore, we should use the benefits that they will generate for this country is in the hands of a few domination and its indoctrination, experiences that history has given the well-being of the Belizean families. For this reason, we find a even though the majority of us and develop our own way of people are already a scratched social division, inequalities and Belizeans seem to be comfortable doing things that would be record. And yet they do not take into discrimination of different kinds. with, and have embraced, it since beneficial to our people on a whole account that while the grass grows, What can be done so that the system 1898. It is important for us to know as nationalist Belizeans. the cattle starve. can work for fair justice? In the first who we are and how we came to The system imposed by the place, the development of a new be in a historical context and [email protected] British and inherited by an constitution made by the people, for cleanse our minds of what was March 29, 2021 indoctrinated people continues to the people and with the people. In imposed on our ancestors, for we Finca Solana be the pillar for the development other words, power must be in the are a new race of people that came Corozal Town

Terms of Reference Marketing Consultant Breeding Sheep and Goat Production and Guidance System Enhancement Project (Belize)

Date: March 2021 Specific Activities 1) Develop a work plan and an instrument that will be used to determine the Background effectiveness and relevance of the sheep and goat market. A Belize-Taiwan initiative implemented the Genetic Improvement in Sheep and 2) Review and familiarize with related reports in marketing and surveys in Goat Project (Phase 1 hereafter) jointly with the Ministry of Agriculture starting sheep and goat. in December 2015 with the aim to improve the National Sheep and Goat Breeding 3) Meet with Technical Working Group (TWG), farmers and other relevant Center (Central Farm), introduce quality breeding sheep and goats and enhance stakeholders in the value chain analysis to gather necessary data and sheep and goat rearing management techniques. To expand the scope of this feedbacks in relation to marketing of sheep and goat. project (2020-2023), the Government of Belize requested an extension of the 4) Update the current Baseline Survey Assessment to include all sheep and Sheep Project (Phase 2) under a new name “Breeding Sheep and Goat Production goat farmers. and Guidance System Enhancement Project” with the Republic of China (Taiwan). 5) Submit corresponding assessments. Phase 2 will enhance the Center’s sheep and goat genetic screening and 6) Ensure Market Study and Value Chain Analysisreports include but not limited conservation capability and provide more and better quality breeding stock of to: Executive Summary, farmer feedback, lesson learnt, data analysis, sheep and goats to the farmers. One of the components in phase two, that recommendations, benefits, challenges and a conclusion. specifically focuses on the marketing of sheep and goat products, with the aim to 7) Conduct meetings with stakeholders in the six (6) districts including the create a baseline of where the sheep and goat production stands is to provide a cayes. guide to the next step of enhancing the sheep and goat industry which includes 8) Attend meetings as per request by the Technical Working Group. the establishment of farmers’ associations that meet market requirements. 9) Present final Analysis to TWG and project stakeholders.

Overall Objective Qualifications To conduct a market value chain analysis and implement a marketing program to Master’s or Bachelor’s Degree with 5 or more years of experience in the agriculture promote the consumption and market penetration for sheep and goat products in Marketing or Business field with relevant qualifications including marketing, agri- Belize and in the region. business, agro-economics, customer service, communications and/or public relations, value chain development. Specific Objectives 1) To conduct a comprehensive market study on sheep and goat nationally and Strong analytical, problem solving and reporting skills general assessmentof regional markets opportunities. Bilingual (Spanish/English) 2) To conduct a value chain analysis of sheep and goat products. Expected Scope and Duration of Assignment Results The Consultant is required to make a presentation of a comprehensive market The scope of this consultancyis five (5)months starting from the date of contract report 5 working days prior to the end of term of duties. The consultant is to submit signing. a final report, along with a registered list of visitsand all deliverables in electronic form and 2 hard copiesto the office of the Project Manager of the Sheep Description of Consultancy Projectthrough the Local Consultantwithin 14 days after the contract end date. The The consultancy will provide the following deliverables: Sheep Project/Ministry of Agriculture shall retain ownership of such reports.

1) A comprehensive market survey report How to Apply 2) A memberof the sheep marketing/value chain Technical Working Group Interested applicants can submit cover letter, curriculum vitae and or resume to 3) A rapid sheep/goat value chain analysis report Project Manager by email to [email protected] or by mail to Sheep 4) Monthly progress report to the Sheep Project/Ministry of Agriculture Project Central Farm, Cayo District, Belize by April 14th, 2021. For more 5) A sheep and goat product ecommerce concept report information please call 832-8187 during normal working hours. Friday, April 2, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 15

STATUTORY NOTICE STATUTORY NOTICE TO CREDITORS TO CREDITORS

IN THE ESTATE of ALEXANDER SERGEEVICH IN THE ESTATE of CHIEN-JUNG, HUANG a.k.a. PAUL HUANG, MARKELOV,deceased ofProfsoyuznaya Street, Bldg. 98-3, Apt. 44, deceased of11F, No. 312, Sec. 1, Wunsin S. 5th Rd, Neighborhood 21, Moscow City, Russian Federation. Fongle Village, Nantun District, Taichung City, Taiwan, R.O.C.

NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to Section 36 of the NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to Section 36 of the Administration of Estates Act, Chapter 197 of the Laws of Belize that Administration of Estates Act, Chapter 197 of the Laws of Belize that all all creditors and other persons having any claims and demands upon creditors and other persons having any claims and demands upon or or against the Estate ALEXANDER SERGEEVICH MARKELOV, against the Estate of CHIEN-JUNG, HUANG a.k.a. PAUL HUANG, deceased deceased of Profsoyuznaya Street, Bldg. 98-3, Apt. 44, Moscow City, of 11F, No. 312, Sec. 1, Wunsin S. 5th Rd, Neighborhood 21, Fongle Village, Russian Federation who died on the 9thday of January, 2018and in Nantun District, Taichung City, Taiwan, R.O.C.who died on the 21st day whose estate Grant of Administration has been granted to BA of July, 2017and in whose estate Grant of Administration has been NOMINEE SERVICES LTD. of 3 ½ Miles Highway, granted to BA NOMINEE SERVICES LTD. of 3 ½ Miles Philip Goldson Belize City, Belize ANDMAHOGANY MANAGEMENT LTD. ofCor. Highway, Belize City, Belize ANDMAHOGANY MANAGEMENT Hutson & Eyre Street, Blake Building, Suite 302, Belize City, Belize LTD.ofCor. Hutson & Eyre Street, Blake Building, Suite 302, Belize City, the Lawful Attorneys ofNATALIA ANDREEVNA MARKELOVA of Belize the Lawful Attorneys ofLIHONG ZHA of No. 202, Unit 03, Building Profsoyuznaya Street, Bldg. 98-3, Apt. 44, Moscow City, Russian 57, Hongdu District 8, Qingyunpu District, Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, Federation,should lodge claims or demands with the said BA China,should lodge claims or demands with the said BA NOMINEE NOMINEE SERVICES LTD.ANDMAHOGANY MANAGEMENT LTD. SERVICES LTD.ANDMAHOGANY MANAGEMENT LTD. c/o c/o Balderamos Arthurs LLP, Charter House, Suite 6, 3 ½ Miles Balderamos Arthurs LLP, Charter House, Suite 6, 3 ½ Miles Philip Philip Goldson Highway, P.O Box 486, Belize City, Belize on or Goldson Highway, P.O Box 486, Belize City, Belize on or before the before the expiration of three months from the first publication expiration of three months from the first publication hereof AND NOTICE hereof AND NOTICE IS ALSO HEREBY GIVEN that at the expiration IS ALSO HEREBY GIVEN that at the expiration of the said three months of the said three months the said BA NOMINEE SERVICES the said BA NOMINEE SERVICES LTD.ANDMAHOGANY LTD.ANDMAHOGANY MANAGEMENT LTD.shall proceed to MANAGEMENT LTD.shall proceed to distribute the assets of the said distribute the assets of the said ALEXANDER SERGEEVICH CHIEN-JUNG, HUANG a.k.a. PAUL HUANG, deceased, amongst the MARKELOV, deceased, amongst the beneficiaries entitled thereto, beneficiaries entitled thereto, having regard only to claims and demands having regard only to claims and demands of whichit shall then have of whichit shall then have had notice. had notice. DATED this22nd day ofMarch, 2021 DATED this22nd day of March, 2021 ______BALDERAMOS ARTHURS LLP BALDERAMOS ARTHURS LLP Attorneys-at-Law for the Estate of Attorneys-at-Law for the Estate of CHIEN-JUNG, HUANG a.k.a. PAUL HUANG ALEXANDER SERGEEVICH MARKELOV Page 16 AMANDALABelize Friday, April 2, 2021

Local Football Results and IN NBA action, there were some Predictions movements going on in the league with In local football action, Haiti beat trades and so forth. Rajon Rondo, aka Belize 2-nil in Haiti; our players cannot playoffs Rondo, went to the Los “PRESS” Predictions; 15-07-48 defend set pieces. The 2 goals came Angeles Boledo stats thru 30th March to 6th off their 2 Clippers April, 2021 corners, the for Lou In boledo news, 44 finally played Belize team Williams, for the year. These are my lucky did not get then Victor numbers for this week: 15-07-48-31- anyOladipo by Gilroy “Press” Cadogan 27-58. These are my lucky jackpot corners. went from numbers: 8628-7922-6534. These are The team the Houston The Los Angeles Dodgers, the my PICK-3 numbers: 763-502-496- needs some Rockets to defending champions, have the best set 046-582. Get ready Belize, some dinero better the Miami Heat, Lamarcus Aldridge of pitchers in the league, Trevor Bauer, will be coming way, 59 refuses to play midfielders wants to go to the Brooklyn Nets with Clayton Kershaw and David Price, for over 1 year 9 months 3 weeks and like Kyrie Erving, James Harden and Kevin plus their offense still has their MVP 2 days now. There are 9 numbers out Denmark Durant. The Brooklyn Nets are now in Mookie Betts, Cody Bellinger and over 1 year and more 17-47-32-40-59- Casey, Jr. The team went defensive too 32-15. The Milwaukee Bucks also lost Cory Seager. The Chicago Cubs are 68-70-79-85. You all can form some early, the first goal was because of the 15 games. The 76ers from Philadelphia 13-8 in spring training, the pitching for nice jackpot numbers out of those 9 sun in the second half. The St. Lucia are the leaders of the East, they are now the Cubs is not so good, but the offense hard numbers. Keep your eyes open for team will not be participating in the 33-13, but Joel Embiid is out of the is rolling. In the American League, the 17-59. The public loves low numbers. World Cup Qualifiers for 2022 in lineup with a sprained left foot. The New York Yankees are seeking their The eighties series has played some 11 Qatar. Belize will beat Turks & Caicos West has Utah Jazz in first with a record 28th World Series, the Boston Red Sox, times now. The thirties series will be this Tuesday evening 2 goals nil, Deon of 35-11. The Phoenix’s Suns are 32- the Oakland A’s and the Houston Astros out this week, the teens also overdue McCaulay and Carlos Bernardez will 14, Chris Paul really makes a are getting ready for Yankees; their now. The ending 6 and 0 are the 2 score for Belize. The game difference, next week more stats. manager, Aaron Boone, says that this hottest ending balls this year. Some will be very hard, next week more stats. year is for them. George Springer made doubles are long overdue: 11-22-55 a move, Francisco Lindor will be the and 99. Remember to read your shortstop Psalms: 72-91-63, good luck to all for the New buyers, next week more stats. York Mets. The LA Dodgers have the best There are a pitchers lot of off There will be only 4 teams that will Baseball Predictions and Updates pre-season win 50 games In Bbaseball news, the new season moves, next NBA Results and Predictions and will get started this Thursday afternoon. week some Haiti beat Belize 2-nil in Haiti more results. Friday, April 2, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 17

Ministry of Finance

TENDER NOTICE

Supply of Vehicles

Procurement Type: Procurement of Goods – Vehicles

Procurement Method: Open Tendering Procedure (National Competitive Bidding)

Procurement:Six(6) Crew Cab Pick Up Trucks for the Ministry of Health and Wellness to be used for the transportation of Covid-19 vaccines in Belize

The Government of Belize (GOB) will be entering into a loan agreement with the Inter-American Development Bank to assist the Government with a project that will contribute to the reduction of the morbidity and mortality caused by Covid-19, and to mitigate other indirect impacts of the pandemic. One component of this project will assist to facilitate vaccine accessibility to the population of Belize.In this regard, the GOBwill be procuringone vehicle per districtto be used for the transportation and delivery of the Covid-19 vaccines in the country.

The Ministry of Finance, now invites eligible and qualified bidders to submit quotations for the supply of six (6) Crew Cab Pick Up Trucks, as per the below specifications: • New 2019, 2020 or 2021 model • Minimum 2.0L 4 Cylinder • 4 Door Crew Cab • Truck Camper Installed • Bedliner Installed • Power Windows and Door • Air Conditioning • Warranty: Minimum 3 Years/100,000Kms • Price should be duty and tax free • Delivery of all 6 vehicles to Ministry of Health, Belmopan, within 2 weeks of date of contract award

1. In the assessment of quotations, consideration will be given to compliance to the specifications, and the delivery time of the vehicles.

2. Three (3) hard copies of your quotation should be placed in a sealed envelope marked “Quotation for the Supply of Vehicles for Ministry of Health”, and addressed and delivered to: Financial Secretary Ministry of Finance Sir Edney Cain Building (3rd Floor) Belmopan

3. Along with your quotations youmustalso submitrecent letters of good standing from the following entities: (1) Belize Companies Registry (2) Belize Tax Service (3) Belize Social Security Board

4. The deadline for receipt of your bid submission at the Ministry of Finance isApril 9, 2021at4pm.

5. Quotations by Fax or Email are NOTacceptable. Late quotations will be rejected.

6. Requests for clarifications may be done via email (only) and should be sent to the following email address:[email protected]

7. GOB reserves the right to accept or reject any quotation or to cancel the present invitation partially or in its entirety, at any time prior to award of contract, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected prospective supplier(s). It will not be bound to assign any reason from GOB action and will not defray any cost incurred by any firm in the preparation and submission of quotations. Page 18 AMANDALABelize Friday, April 2, 2021 KREM Television Program Guide

Questions or comments may be forwarded via email to [email protected] Phone: 202-5848 Wednesday, March 31 to Monday April 12, 2021

WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY 6:30 a.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (LIVE) 6:30 a.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (LIVE) 9:00 a.m. Morning Stew (LIVE) 9:00 a.m. Morning Stew (LIVE) 12:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) 12:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) 1:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now 1:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now 2:00 p.m. Movie: Thornwell 2:00 p.m. Movie: Black Girl 1972 3:30 p.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (repeat) 3:30 p.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (repeat) 6:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (LIVE) 6:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (LIVE) 7:30 p.m. Local Programing: You Da The Law 7:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now 9:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) 8:00 p.m. Belizean Legend: Alexander Marin 9:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) THURSDAY 6:30 a.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (LIVE) THURSDAY 9:00 a.m. Morning Stew (LIVE) 6:30 a.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (LIVE) 12:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) 9:00 a.m. Morning Stew (LIVE) 1:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now 12:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) 2:00 p.m. Movie: Riverbend 1:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now 3:30 p.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (repeat) 2:00 p.m. Documentary: UEF Emancipation Day Speech 6:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (LIVE) 3:30 p.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (Repeat) 7:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now 6:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (LIVE) 8:00 p.m. Documentary: Ma Jemison First Female African-American 7:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now Astronaut 8:00 p.m. Belizean Legend: Abdul Marin Nunez and Afrocentric 9:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) Social Work 9:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) FRIDAY 9:00 a.m. Documentary: Is Genesis History FRIDAY 10:44 p.m. Movie: Deadly Voyage 6:30 a.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (LIVE) 12:15 p.m. Documentary: Eleven Days 9:00 a.m. Morning Stew (LIVE) 1:31 p.m. Movie: Homeless to Harvard 12:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) 2:58 p.m. Moive: Homicide - Life on the Street 1:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now 4:26 p.m. Movie: Undercover Angel 2:00 p.m. Documentary: Egypt’s Golden Empire 5:58 p.m. Documentary: Ivan Van Sertima They came before 3:30 p.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (Repeat) Columbus 6:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (LIVE) 8:06 p.m. Music Videos 7:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now 8:00 p.m. Documentary: H.I.M. Haile Selassie - The Lion of Judah SATURDAY 9:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) 9:00 a.m. Documentary: Biography Lewis Latimer 9:04 a.m. Movie: Harriet Tubman SATURDAY 10:40 a.m. Documentary: Ida B Wells - Her Great Passion for Justice 9:00 a.m. Movie: Guilty Of Innocence 11:34 a.m. Movie: Separados mas Iguais- Separate but Equal 10:34 p.m. The Hounourable Min. Louis Farrakhan - The Criterion 2:47 p.m. Documentary: 1804 - The Hidden History of Haiti Address 5:23 p.m. Movie: The Rosa Parks Story 12:19 p.m. Movie: Riverbend 6:52 p.m. Documentary: Homicide - Life on the Street 1:56 p.m. Documentary: 2012 The Mayan Word 8:20 p.m. Movie: The Jackie Robinson Story 3:00 p.m. Movie: Thornwell 10:00 p.m. Music Videos 4:29 p.m. Documentary: Slavery By Another Name 5:52 p.m. Movie:Keep the Faith Baby SUNDAY 8:00 p.m. Music Videos 9:00 a.m. Movie: My Last Day Without You 10:33 p.m. Documentary: Bananas Bullets SUNDAY 11:44 p.m. Movie: Deep in My Heart 10:30 a.m. Sunday Review (LIVE) 1:13 p.m. Documentary: Made in China 12:00 p.m. Movie: Mission Mind Control 1979 2:33 p.m. Movie: Life Of Pi 12:58 p.m. Documentary: Fidel Castro 4:40 p.m. Documentary: Harvest of Empire 2:30 p.m. Movie: The Guardian 1984 6:13 p.m. Movie: Dark Phoenix 4:11 p.m. Documentary: Zapatista - A big Noise 8:00 p.m. Music Videos 5:06 p.m. Documentary: Stake Bank Constitution Discussion 5:26 p.m. Documentary: Black Hairstyles in the 50s Until Today MONDAY 5:30 p.m. Sunday Review (Repeat) 9:00 a.m. Documentary: Lost Kingdoms of Africa (Nubia, Ethiopia, 7:00 p.m. Sunday Jazz Great Zimbabwe and West Africa) 8:00 p.m. Music Videos 12:37 p.m. Movie: Yesterday 2:33 p.m. Documentary: 8 Centuries of Muslims in America MONDAY 4:14 p.m. Movie: Revenge of the Bridesmaids 6:30 a.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (LIVE) 5:41 p.m. Documentary: Whales 9:00 a.m. Morning Stew (LIVE) 6:38 p.m. Movie: Fences 12:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) 8:00 p.m. Music Videos 1:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now 2:00 p.m. Movie: License To Kill TUESDAY 3:30 p.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (repeat) 6:30 a.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (LIVE) 6:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (LIVE) 9:00 a.m. Morning Stew (LIVE) 7:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now 12:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) 8:00 p.m. Documentary: Enslavement to Emancipation 1:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now 9:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) 2:00 p.m. Movie: A Case of Deadly Force 3:30 p.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (repeat) 6:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (LIVE) KREM RADIO 7:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now Moments of Inspiration 8:00 p.m. Documentary: Witchcraft Myth and Legends 9:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) Sundays - 6:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Friday, April 2, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 19 Bacalar Chico threatened by encroachment

by Dayne Guy the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve, The joint release from the Ministry functioning ecosystems, and bolster where encroachers continue to fish of Sustainable Development, Climate the economy via ecotourism and BELMOPAN, Fri. Mar. 26, 2021 illegally in this prohibited area. The Change and Disaster Risk sustainable fishing. Depletion of the A joint release from the Ministry ministries say that these activities in Management and the Ministry of the resources in these areas would of Sustainable Development, Climate the Bacalar Chico National Park and Blue Economy says, “Persons decimate the availability of food Change, and Disaster Risk Marine Reserve (BCNPMR) area conducting illegal activities within sources and impair the country’s Management and the Ministry of the have become a pressing issue. the Bacalar Chico National Park can resilience to climate change and land Blue Economy claims that relentless Under the National Protected be fined a maximum of $20,000 and/ erosion. encroachers continue to raid the Areas System Act, the Wildlife or sentenced to 2 years imprisonment. Both ministries commended the Bacalar Chico National Park and Protection Act, the Forest Act and the As it relates to penalties for illegal concerned citizens of San Pedro that Marine Reserve of its resources. Fisheries Act, illegal activities like activities within the Bacalar Chico raised their concern about the situation Within the Bacalar Chico National game hunting, fishing and land Marine reserve, persons can be fined to the authorities. The ministries are Park, vegetation continues to be clearing in the Bacalar Chico up to $5,000.” asking the public to report any such cleared, while various species of National Park and Marine Reserve Protected Areas provide a safe illegal activities to the Forest game continue to be hunted. This are strictly prohibited and subject to haven for wild plants and animals. Department at 822-1524 or the series of illegal activities extends to prosecution. In addition, they maintain proper Fisheries Department at 224-4552. Page 20 AMANDALABelize Friday, April 2, 2021 Friday, April 2, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 21 Belize joins Central American countries in IDB general meeting Through these meetings, the is one of the region’s key strategic Government of Belize hopes to build partners. He highlighted that there is a case that would result in an increase a shared but differentiated of resources at the Bank, which responsibility between borrowing would enable Belize to access more and non-borrowing countries. There assistance. should be a common goal for all Additionally, Belize hopes that countries, and each should contribute IDB’s management and board adopt in the most equitable way. This a resolution to conduct a meticulous allows for the inclusion of, and analysis of the bank’s ability to consideration for, the poorest, most support countries in the short and vulnerable countries, like Belize. medium term. Furthermore, Belize joined the According to a recent release from governors of key Central American the Government of Belize Press countries to discuss key issues within Office, the Prime Minister highlighted the region, and together they that it is “imperative for the IDB formulated key positions that they Group to support our countries to would have as a group during the implement a transformative agenda formal sessions of the Annual Meeting by Dayne Guy Hon. John Briceño, led a delegation while having full regard to the core of the Board of Governors. of Ministry of Finance representatives principles of access, equality, gender They proposed four requests to be BELIZE CITY, Belize, Mon. Mar. 22, at the Inter-American Development equity, integration, and most submitted to the IDB’s management. 2021 Bank’s (IDB) General Meeting held importantly, inclusion.” These requests include the The Prime Minister of Belize, March 19 to 21, 2021. Hon. Briceño noted that the IDB implementation of financial instruments in an attempt to liquify assets and restore fiscal space; allocation of resources for the development of countries affected by natural disasters; the analysis of countries’ viability to purchase and manufacture vaccines in Central America; and the development of a concessional resource strategy to allow financial and technical assistance and resilient recovery to systems in the Central American countries. Woman shot on New Road

BELIZE CITY, Fri. Mar. 26, 2021 A woman was shot in the right arm on New Road on Saturday night while socializing in her yard with others. Christine McKenzie is currently in a stable condition at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital after being shot in a seemingly random attack. Police do not believe she was the target of the shooter, but they have not yet been able to confirm whether she was targeted or not. What is known is that other persons were in the yard, but she was the only one injured. Police are yet to ascertain a motive for this recent shooting. No suspects have been detained yet. The investigation is ongoing. Page 22 AMANDALABelize Friday, April 2, 2021

Afro-Mexicans in Veracruz proudly face discrimination

Below is an intriguing article I read, great interest in her roots, she recognized as a race, society still and would like to share with you: proactively tries to get recognition for has a very marked preoccupation her race. This is how this young with skin color, explains Calderón The lack of information about Afro- broadcaster is who, at 30, documents Trujillo. “All blacks are Afro- descendants is what makes it more herself to explain the importance of descendant; however, not all Afro- difficult for them to be recognized as the Afro-movement, and even mentions descendants are black. It is important such. In the Veracruz towns they that if it were not for Yanga, a great in Afro-descendants to achieve highlight the pride of their roots. part of the history of Mexico would empowerment and recognition. disseminate part of their history. Of Jhenny Renaud | The Sun of not have come to be as we know it Nowadays it is difficult for people to course, pride in his roots is something Córdoba now. recognize themselves as such. In that lives in his family. “Sensitization, awareness and Yanga itself people say yes out of There goes the black one YANGA, Veracruz information is what is missing, because commitment but not because they are Recalling her childhood, with a lost “It is the customs, the culture, where discrimination is still present. I myself considered that way,” Trujillo said. look and smiling when talking about you are born and where you grow up have suffered from this situation; for Factors such as the lack of knowledge her grandfather, Nachita talks about that makes you recognize your roots. example, there are those who tell me, are what affect the people of the how her skin color has caused her joys The color of your skin is not what will ‘You are very pretty despite being municipality, who have the need to and different reactions on the part of make you Afro-descendant,” says black.’” she said. Despite the fact that know part of their culture, since to date some people who, as she says, “do Edith Calderón Trujillo, who is part so-called equality has been there is no project through which not know, nor do they know how of the Afro Council of Yanga. With established and this community is people can know, understand and beautiful it is to be what we are.” With a soft voice she tells her story. Ignacia Mendoza De la Rosa, originally from the El Mirador community, in Yanga, Veracruz, is the youngest of 6 siblings, children of Mexican parents but with racial traits that mark them as part of a culture different from the common denominator of the region. The lip shape, curly hair, skin tone, nose shape, among other characteristics, are part of that inheritance from their grandparents that marks the family as Afro-descendants. When asked if she has been discriminated against, with nostalgia and a certain shyness she goes back to her childhood to answer that this is something that people have done since she was a child; however, the values that were instilled in her have been those that help her not to take heed to external words. “It always happens that there are people who discriminate. My grandfather always told me: ‘Look at me, my color. I will always walk with my head held high, proud of who we are,’” she said. Nachita points out the tone of her skin and happily explains that her family also carries the Afro- descendant root in their blood, since her children, nephews and grandchildren have inherited these traits, just like grandpa. A working couple who lived in this community for years, a town located a few kilometers from the center of Yanga, their grandparents were dedicated to making panela, and together they helped in this tradition that had been passed on for generations; Today, she is dedicated to selling women’s products, so she goes out on the street and, although she says that they are already accepted and there is not so much discrimination, she usually hears people behind her back who say “there goes the black woman”, an expression that, instead of making her uncomfortable, fills her with pride when she knows the weight of her roots. Different color and lifestyle Blackness has taken on a new Please turn to„Page 24 Friday, April 2, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 23 Page 24 AMANDALABelize Friday, April 2, 2021 GOB warns of forged Afro-Mexicans in Veracruz land documents proudly face discrimination BELMOPAN, Fri. Mar. 26, 2021 limited to, documents that purportedly Continued from Page 22 second when asked about his roots and The Lands and Surveys Department provide confirmation of the payment of „ his identity as an Afro-descendant. For has warned the public of forged land purchase prices, transfer fees, and other meaning among the adolescents of the 15-year-old, black heritage is a documents currently in public fees charged by and payable to the Coyolillo who are proud of their source of pride, and being black is circulation. The Ministry believes that Lands Department. African roots. For them, being black synonymous with the identity that he certain persons, including former A release from the Lands Department represents having an extra identity that shares with almost all the people. “I’m employees of the department, have states, “Members of the public who brings not only a different skin tone very happy to be Afro-descendant, to been fraudulently conducting business suspect that they are in possession of but also a shot, joy and a different way be black,” says the adolescent who is on behalf of the department and the forged documents are asked to contact of seeing life. Located in the in his second semester at the Coyolillo Lands Ministry, and as a result some the Lands and Survey Department to municipality of Actopan, 40 Telesecundaria School. members of the public have been have the authenticity of their documents kilometers from the city of Xalapa, presenting forged documents to the verified.” Coyolillo, is an Afro-Colombian town [email protected] Lands Department as evidence of “The public is warned to take note in which almost all of its inhabitants March 26, 2021 payment. and exercise extreme caution,” the share African roots. Jesús Fernando Finca Solana These documents include, but are not release further says. Carreto López does not hesitate for a Corozal Town Friday, April 2, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 25 Venezuela to send baseball trainers to Belize

by Dayne Guy Belizeans in the sport. interest in aiding “I share my deepest appreciation Belize where BELMOPAN, Mon. Mar. 29, 2021 and readiness for continued work possible. A In recent exchanges between Kevin efforts with our neighbour memorandum of Bernard, Minister of Youth, Sports Venezuela,” said Hon. Kevin understanding was and E-Governance, and H.E. Gerardo Bernard, “This is a continued step to proposed for future Argote, Ambassador of the advance the development of youth and joint ventures. Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to sports in the country.” Additionally, Belize, they have discussed various The Belize and Venezuela Minister Bernard ways in which they could boost youth representatives also discussed the and H.E. Argote productivity and sports in both states. possibility of a virtual meeting intend to host a Noting that baseball is a well-liked between the two countries’ Ministers friendly football sport in Belize, Ambassador Argote of Youth and Sports. Despite the match between the expressed his commitment to send absence of a dedicated E-governance Belize Jaguars and experts from the self-proclaimed ministry in Venezuela, the the Venezuela baseball giant, Venezuela, to train Ambassador also shared Venezuela’s National under-20 selection when COVID restrictions are lifted. Page 26 AMANDALABelize Friday, April 2, 2021 Friday, April 2, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 27 Page 28 AMANDALABelize Friday, April 2, 2021 Workshop prepares Belize to Detainee shot by access GCF funds police speaks out by Dayne Guy recovered nothing during BELMOPAN, Mon. Mar. their search but still escorted 29, 2021 Foster and a taxi driver to the The Ministry of Raccoon Street Police Finance, Economic Station. Foster claims they Development and were not handcuffed, nor Investment began a three- were charges brought against day workshop to continue them. They were simply Belize’s second structured instructed to lock the taxi and dialogue regarding its wash their hands. efforts to access financing from the Belize’s priorities and readiness Ryan said they were left Green Climate Fund (GCF). support requests. Also, the programme by Dayne Guy unsupervised, and since he did not The GCF is a funding plan that translates these priorities into a series perceive that he was in police boosts developing countries’ of fundable projects that tackle the BELIZE CITY, Belize, Thurs. Mar. custody, he left the premises. Foster readiness to tackle the current climate ongoing climate crisis. 25, 2021 said he remembers hearing a crisis. It has a transformative approach The Ministry of Finance, Economic Ryan Foster, 26, who was shot “Freeze! I will shoot you,” followed and invests across 4 essential sectors Development and Investment held this while allegedly trying to escape from by a gunshot to the neck; There was geared at addressing climate change. workshop in collaboration with the police custody, has presented his no warning shot, he said. These include the built environment; Caribbean Community Climate account of the incident to the media. Foster says the first charge against energy & industry; human security, Change Centre. This dialogue is a Foster refuted the police’s version of him came after he regained livelihoods and wellbeing; and land- follow-up to the First National the events which led to the firing of consciousness at the Karl Heusner use, forests and ecosystems. It remains Dialogue that commenced in October shots at him and claims that the Memorial Hospital. The Police the largest funding program dedicated 2020 and was facilitated by the Wills police’s account is just an attempt to Department tried to “cover-up” their to climate change and has been Towers Watson consulting firm. justify the shooting. unlawful shooting, by referring to a engaged with the Government of A recent release from the According to Foster, the police theft charge dating back to October Belize since 2015. Government of Belize Press Office intercepted the vehicle he was in, on 4, 2020, Foster says. The Ministry of Finance, Economic says, “By the completion of the Holy Emmanuel Street. He said that The police officer who reportedly Development and Investment serves exercise, Belize will have developed they requested that the passengers exit fired the shot at Foster has since been as the National Designated Authority a robust pipeline of projects and the vehicle so that they could search detained, and the department’s (NDA) that engages in dialogue with programmes (adaptation, mitigation it, and according to him, the police Professional Standards Branch is the GCF. The workshop that is being and crosscutting) for submission to the then instructed the driver to open the currently carrying out a criminal and held by the Ministry today, March 29, GCF, as well as a clear roadmap for trunk and to watch as they searched internal investigation to ascertain will validate the Country Programme investment priorities to tackle climate it to avoid any claims that the officer whether the officer used excessive that outlines Belize’s national plan to change as part of GCF’s first planted illegal substances there. force. As for Foster, he intends to counter climate change and highlight replenishment period of 2020-2023.” According to Foster, the police press legal charges. Friday, April 2, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 29 Canada and PAHO/WHO donate equipment to boost border protection

border Movement across borders equally protection and affects travelers and communities national near these areas. Lacking the proper security remain equipment to monitor and implement a priority to necessary measures frustrates the prevent, control country’s capacity to identify, deter and render a and counter health risks and proper public emergencies arising at land borders. health response PAHO/WHO additionally to increasing distributed 70,000 surgical masks immigrant and 10,000 KN95 masks to the traffic. Although Ministry of Health and Wellness, to Belize’s support its response to the pandemic borders remain and vaccine deployment. closed, a In her remarks, the Chief release from the Executive Officer of the Ministry of Government of Health and Wellness, Dr. Deysi Belize Press Mendez said, “The Government of Office says that Belize and the Ministry of Health & by Dayne Guy printers, two HP black laser jet toner Belize must remain vigilant and Wellness are grateful to the cartridges, four Dell essential prepared for the reopening of Government of Canada; the Pan BELIZE CITY, Mon. Mar. 29, 2021 backups, four Dell OptiPlex borders. American Health Organization/ The government of Canada, the desktops, eight Logitech wireless The High Commissioner of World Health Organization (PAHO/ Pan American Health Organization, mice and ten SaniTec hand sanitizer Canada to Belize H.E. Rita Rudaitis- WHO) for the donations of computer and the Regional Office for the dispensers with floor stands. This Renaud says, “The COVID-19 and related devices that will Americas of the World Health donation, as explained by the PAHO/ pandemic knows no borders, and contribute to further strengthen the Organization (PAHO/WHO) jointly WHO Representative of Belize, Dr. strategic alliances are key to fight this national surveillance at the Western donated computer equipment to Noreen Jack, “is part of an overall global pandemic. I am pleased that and Northern land borders of Belize. Belize to increase the country’s grant from the Government of Canada this support of the Government of This timely donation strengthens our capacity to carry out national public to PAHO/WHO aimed at supporting Canada will contribute to meet the goal of safeguarding the health and surveillance at the Western and countries in the Americas to ongoing health sector needs in Belize. wellbeing of the people and allows Northern land borders of Belize. The effectively respond to the COVID-19 Canada will continue to support and us to prepare for any future health donation included four Dell Latitude pandemic.” build on the Health Sector Resilience threats as we strategically plan to 5400 notebooks, two HP LaserJet Pro During the COVID-19 pandemic, project in the Caribbean.” reopen the land borders.”

TENDER NOTICE

The Government of Belize is inviting the submission of tenders for the purchase of four aircrafts (2Gulfstream GII (white & tan) and 2 Hawker Sidley H5125 Aircrafts).

These aircrafts will be sold as a package and not individually, where is and as is.

The aircrafts can be viewed by appointment only (where possible). Interested bidders can call 828-4038 between 8:00 am to 4:00 pm during working days to make appointments. The contact person is Mr. Ruperto Vicente.

Tenders should be submitted to the Ministry of Finance no later than 12:00 pm Friday, April 30, 2021 in a sealed envelope marked “TENDER for the purchase of Aircrafts” and should be addressed to:

The Financial Secretary Ministry of Finance Sir Edney Cain Building City of Belmopan Belize

Tenders will be opened Friday April 30, 2021 at 2:00 pm and will be open to representatives of bidders who wish to attend. The highest tender will not necessarily be accepted. Unsuccessful tenders will be notified in writing.

NOTE: Terms of payment - Cashier’s Cheque or Wire transfer payable to the Government of Belize within 14 days of winning the bid.

Our email address for business & advertising is [email protected] Page 30 AMANDALABelize Friday, April 2, 2021 Friday, April 2, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 31 Page 32 AMANDALABelize Friday, April 2, 2021 Friday, April 2, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 33 GOB working to solve land dispute down South

by Kory Leslie (freelance writer) “It was a long struggle of the Maya identifying customary lands for the people to have gotten to the point of Maya. However, due to the nature and BELIZE CITY, Fri. Mar. 26, 2021 2015, when the Caribbean Court of sensitivity of the matter, it may take a The Ministry of Indigenous Justice ruled in the consent while to figure out. These were her People’s Affairs is making an effort judgement. That was a long struggle. remarks on that: to resolve a land dispute that has Now will the Garifuna people do the “The issues are complex, because FOR SALE erupted in an area that straddles the same? That is a question that you may we have to achieve a delicate villages of Barranco (a Garifuna want to ask them. But for my part and balancing act; on the one hand, we FOR SALE: Caterpillar Diesel village) and Midway (a Maya for the part of our ministry, I can say can’t give away everything in Belize generator, 125 KVA! Manufacture village) in Toledo District. to you that we will do our very best to Maya people, Garifuna people or Date – 2000 - with ATS! 547 working The village chairman of Barranco, to treat both indigenous groupings of to anybody. But on the other hand, we hours! Price negotiable - serious Dr. Francis Arzu, says that the issue people with equal respect. I do not have to recognize that because there inquiries only! Call 604-0380 or stems from a Caribbean Court of wish to see that we will be favoring are customary land rights, then we 604-6369 for further information! Justice ruling which gave the Maya Maya over Garifuna or Garifuna over must do things in a different way. And communal land rights. According to Maya. And we have had good this is why you have what is called Arzu, this ruling seems to favor one meetings. We have had meetings with the free prior informed consent NOTICE set of indigenous people (in this case, the National Garifuna Council, the protocol, which we are now working the Maya) over the others living in Indigenous Foundation of Hopkins. on, and we have to report back to the NOTICE: If drinking is a problem the area. The village had apparently We have also visited last week; we Caribbean Court of Justice on that. and the problem is drinking. There is received a cease-and-desist order were down in Georgetown and So, the issues will be complex, but I a solution. A group of us who have after clearing parcels of land which Hopkins and Dangriga and we do believe that working together, we can recovered from drugs and alcohol are they believed to be customary lands plan to visit Toledo as well. But I achieve a way of living together here to help. Call 633-2849. for Barranco — causing the people want to say to you in relation to the because many of the Maya people of Barranco, who perceived the order matter that is arising now between themselves are not all that keen to as an act of injustice, great distress. Midway Village and Barranco have everybody having communal Increase in The village chairman of Midway, Village, our commissioner Gregory land customary land rights however, says that the problem could Ch’oc is on top of the situation. I think everywhere you go. Many of our Maya have been addressed through a a meeting is convened for Monday brothers and sisters would like to fuel prices simple sit-down, which he invited Dr. and we will listen,” she said. have their own piece of land, their BELMOPAN, Tues. Mar. 30, 2021 Arzu to, but which was never carried Hon. Balderamos Garcia also own lease, their own title. And I The government of Belize has out. provided a more detailed outline of would never be here to stop that, but announced another increase in the The Minister of Indigenous the consent order of the CCJ, which at the same time, the method in which pump prices of two fuel products. The People’s Affairs, Hon. Dolores was not put into effect by the UDP we go about it would be maybe a little price of regular gasoline will increase Balderamos Garcia, while being administration during their twelve- bit slower, but also doing it in a way by 13 cents from $10.92 to $11.05 per questioned by the media about the year run. The Minister stated that now that we do not “mash anybody corn” gallon, and the price of kerosene will matter, said that she and her Ministry that their Commissioner has been or step on anybody toe because of increase by 12 cents, from $6.75 cents are doing their best to be fair to all assigned, they have “hit the ground the ruling of the court that Belize is a to $6.87 cents per gallon. groups of indigenous people: running” to sort out the matter of signatory to.” Prices of premium gas and diesel will remain unchanged at $11.64 and $10.15 per gallon respectively. Belize starts Biological Pest Control Program This increase will go into effect on Wednesday, March 31, 2021. by Dayne Guy it and we did and it worked,” said Minister Mai. BELMOPAN, Tues. Mar. 30, 2021 He went on to say, “The Kevaughn “Blue” The Ministry of Agriculture, Food opening of this lab allows Security, and Enterprise, in us to do things in a different Morris murdered collaboration with the International manner, a safer and Regional Organization for healthier manner. The less on home turf Agricultural Health (OIRSA), insecticides we use, the initiated a Biological Pest Control healthier our vegetables (From page 1) Programme aimed at combating the are, the safer for human recent infestation of agricultural consumption. Hence I give BELIZE CITY, Sat. Mar. 27, 2021 crops. this activity, this program A young man was killed on Caesar In his remarks, the Minister of great importance.” Ridge Road in the heart of the Agriculture, Food Security, and Hon. Jose Mai says there “Southside” gang turf on Saturday Enterprise, Hon. Jose Abelardo Mai, is an immediate need to night. Police responded to shots fired said that he recalls a time when control threats that cause in the area and shortly after found the Belize had minimal cases of insect serious economic damage. body of Kevaughn ‘Blue” Morris, infestation. As of recent, many crops When agrochemicals no motionless on the Cumberbatch have been damaged by newly longer have an effect on a Football Field. arriving pests. The sugar cane crops crop, millions of dollars are Morris was reportedly in the area in the north have been devastated by lost in income if a parasite with another male person when his the stem borer beetles, and more is introduced. Biological killer, still unidentified, arrived on currently thrips have wreaked havoc controls restore control and maintain controls, which target insects that the scene and fired the fatal shots. on acres of black-eyed peas. a high-quality yield while removing prey on crops. These two controls Police believe that Morris was the Hon Minister Mai said, “Growing pests. were developed in 2019, during the intended target. They told the media vegetables has become increasingly Income is lacking in the country, but pink hibiscus mealybug lab, which that while he was known to law challenging for several reasons. One the Ministry pledges to find innovative was restructured to accommodate the enforcement, they do not believe that of them is climate change. The ways to generate income for farmers production of natural pest control he was a suspect in any of the recent second and most important is the use and bolster the agricultural sector. predators known as Trichogramma shootings that have taken place in the and abuse of agrochemicals… This joint project with the International pretiosium and the Chrysoperla country or was connected to any of including insecticides.” Regional Organization for carnea. the victims. Many were doubtful that there Agricultural Health (OIRSA) and the A general overview from the Morris is a father of two and was a solution to fight the growing ministry allows for economic growth Ministry and BAHA says that leaves behind a girlfriend and his two threat of insects and the by removing unwanted pests and projects like these could reduce children. Reports from local media ineffectiveness of agrochemicals. increasing yield. This is one of the damages farmers face by millions, are that he had just had a telephone “Everyone was doubtful that many programs and projects that considering the fact that the Asian conversation with his girlfriend biological control was a real answer Minister Mai intends to implement. bean thrip, which damages before his murder occurred. and [thought of it as] a bit of work…. So far, the Biological Pest Control leguminous crops, has cost farmers Police are investigating this most We were given the opportunity to try Programme has two biological in Belize over $4 million already. recent Belize City homicide. Page 34 AMANDALABelize Friday, April 2, 2021

Debo volver a bajar a los mares que es prima hermana de mi difunta contra Dean Lindo a menos que asentamiento en 1798 se realizó con al mar solitario y al cielo, madre. estuviera seguro de ser competitivo. veleros. Hay una historia Y todo lo que pido es un barco alto Como les dije hace unas semanas, Mi padre engatusó a mi tío (Buck relacionada con la Regata del 9 de y una estrella las legendarias balandras Belisle), que es el mejor capitán de marzo, pero ya para la década de con cual guiarla; Estrella, Cruzita y Aventurera fueron regata que he visto, para que 1980, el tiempo dejaba atrás el Y la patada de la rueda y el canto originalmente propiedad de las navegara en el Incredible, pero el deporte, y tanto los propietarios de del viento y la agitación familias Rodríguez, Marín y Alamina barco no estaba equipado de forma los barcos como los miembros del de la vela blanca, (no Alamilla, como había escrito; adecuada. El mástil se rompió el día comité eran una fraternidad cerrada. Y una bruma gris en la faz del mar, corrección de Paul de Belize) de antes de la regata. Los botes de Los propietarios de los barcos Y un amanecer gris rompiendo. Cayo Hicaco. Lindo siempre están súper empleaban principalmente a hombres Para mi columna de Pascua de aparejados y mi tío quedó mal. del area de “Manantee” para navegar - John Masefield en SEA FEVER 2021, decidí reproducir material de Después de esa debacle, mi tío y tripular sus barcos. regatas de veleros se me acercó y me pidió (me dijo) Buck Belisle era miembro de las páginas que fuera su compañero en una fundador de esa fraternidad de 150-152 de embarcación gaviota, Key Card, para navegación que ahora participaba mi Sports, Sin competir contra la entrada de como propietario de una and Subversion, Lindo, Sea Gal, en esa clase. Lindo embarcación gaviota. Los miembros publicado nos ganó mal el primer año, pero de su tripulación eran su primo, Karl originalmente en luego hicimos que Arthur Belisle Belisle; su hijo menor, Dean Belisle; 2008. Aquí va. rediseñara nuestra gaviota. Mi tío le y su servidor, su sobrino. En la dio a Santi Castillo especificaciones Apoyé a mi tío en lugar de a mi navegación, Buck para un foque que encargarnos, con papá, porque mi papá es un intelectual. Belisle me el logo de Santi. Ganamos el 9 de Le encantan las ideas y los conceptos. presentó como marzo del año siguiente y Mi tío es un jugador que da prioridad uno de los comenzamos a dominar la clase. a la victoria. A mediados de la década miembros de su Al año siguiente, cuando íbamos a de 1980, no podía permitirme perder tripulación defender nuestro titulo el Día de el tiempo con ideas y conceptos. Ya “heng-kin-dola” Barón Bliss, los “señores” de la había tenido suficiente de ser un buen La fotografía envejecida de arriba cuando tenía unos 40 años. Este regata actuaron como unos canallas, perdedor. es del balandro Aventurera, mientras negocio de ”heng-kin-dola” en mi opinión. Así que dejé el Una de las cosas que lamento en se preparaba para la regata del Día significa que uno se inclina desde el deporte. Esto es lo que sucedió. mi vida fue lo que pasó entre Dean de Barón Bliss de 1978. La foto me costado del barco sobre el mar para La navegación a vela se había Lindo y yo entre 1972 y 1979. ¿Qué fue prestada el domingo por la equilibrar las cosas cuando el viento convertido en un deporte dominado puedo decir? Buck Belisle y Dean mañana por Bobby Meighan, un es fuerte. La historia detrás de eso por unos pocos propietarios de Lindo son primos hermanos, ex miembro de la familia Meighan del fue así. Mi papá, que ama los barcos barcos: George Brown y Dean Lindo compañeros de equipo del Unity Club puente Yarborough que de vela, se vinculó con el diseñador en la clase de balandra; Brown, y hombres que se admiran compró Aventurera de susde barcos Gilly Usher alrededor de Lindo y Eckert Lewis en las lanchas; mutuamente. No creo que lo que pasó propietarios de Caye Caulker en 1986. Decidieron que iban a vencer y Collet Maheia entre los lanchones. ese 9 de marzo fue promovido por algún momento de la década de 1970. a Dean Lindo y su Ina L, un balandro En los viejos tiempos, los niños Lindo. Pero él continuó no se opuso. Bobby Meighan es el hijo del muy exitoso. Pero a mi papá no le habían crecido navegando pequeños Ese Día de Barón Bliss en 1988 o finado Rudolph “Scientist” Meighan gusta gastar dinero, y yo no iba a botes de madera con “hojas de parra” 1989, cuando Key Card iba a y su esposa, Myrna Belisle Meighan, gastar nada del mío para competir uno contra el otro en el defender su título de gaviota, el clima canal, mientras que Gales Point era tan malo por la mañana que los Manatee y Mullins River, a 18 y 27 hombres del comité cancelaron la millas al sur de la ciudad de Belize Regata. Pero el clima de repente Child migrants: What is respectivamente, eran pueblos de comenzó a despejar alrededor de las pesca y navegación donde la 11 a.m. más o menos, y el comité happening at the US border? navegación, que es tanto una ciencia anunció en Radio Belize, entonces la y un arte, era un rito de paso a la única estación de radio del país, que edad adulta. continuarían con las carreras. Este The US is bracing for a 20-year high in numbers of migrants Cuando era niño, todavía estaban anuncio fue hecho alrededor de las arriving at the southern border, including thousands of al día los veleros. Había barcos con 12:15 o 12:20 de la tarde. motores de combustión interna, como Key Card salió tarde de children who are being kept in government-run detention los remolcadores que transportaban Buttonwood Bay para el inicio de la facilities that critics say are inhumane. troncos o barcazas, y los barcos de regata frente al hotel Fort George. El pasajeros y de carga que surcaban la comité y nuestros competidores nos USA. Tues. Mar. 23rd 2021 according to US media.Department of costa. Pero no había motores fuera vieron venir y comenzaron la regata The record-breaking influx of Homeland Secretary Alejandro de borda ni lanchas rápidas cuando de todos modos. La ventaja fue children has left US immigration Mayorkas has said these camps, which era niño. Eso fue algo que empezó a demasiado grande: no pudimos officials scrambling for solutions to a are often compared to jails or suceder cuando la pesca de langosta recuperarla. Buck Belisle se enfocó growing humanitarian crisis. warehouses, are “no place for a child”. se convirtió en la acción a mediados en culpar a C. B. Hyde por no President Joe Biden has urged At least 5,000 children have been de los sesenta. sacarnos a tiempo, pero yo pensaba migrants not to attempt to travel to the kept for over 72 hours, the legal limit Si bien la tradición de la que la gente que navegaba eran unos US border - “Don’t leave your town after which they are meant to be navegación en Belize se ha inutiles. La cancelación original or city or community,” he said in a transferred to the custody of health desvanecido mucho, la idea de tener significaba que todo se había vuelto recent interview - but with Donald officials in the Office of Refugee el barco más rápido y maniobrable un poco incierto. Además, en los Trump out of office, some believe Resettlement (ORR). Mr Mayorkas fue fundamental para toda la idea de deportes, al campeón defensor se le immigration to the US is now more blames pandemic restrictions and la piratería, y recuerden, el debe un poco de cortesía, pero yo possible. abnormally cold weather in Texas for asentamiento de Belize en la Bahía había visto demasiadas cosas On 22 March, a Texas lawmaker the delay. de Honduras fue fundado por extrañas desde UBAD. Siempre me released the first photos of the child Full article can be read at : https:// bucaneros. La famosa defensa del pasa. Me fui. detention camps from the Biden era. www.bbc.com/news/world-us- As of 21 March, US Customs and canada-56405009 Border Patrol (CBP) agents were Visit us at holding more than 15,500 This article was first published by www.amandala.com.bz unaccompanied children in custody, BBC News. Friday, April 2, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 35

Another Easter without “Country”; celebrating “3 Belizean women”

BELIZE CITY, Mon. Mar. 29, 2021 now have two more years with a blank There was troubling news about a space. While that unhappy distinction new and dangerous coronavirus once only belonged to 1932, now it exploding in China around December will also be “2020 – No Cross of 2019, but the Krem New Year’s Country”, and “2021 – No Cross Cycling Classic rolled on as Country.” scheduled on January 1, 2020, keeping At this time, we were thinking of the New Year tradition that had begun giving a big salute to our last Cross back in 1991. But by March 11 of Country champion of 2019, whose 2020, the World Health Organization reign will hopefully end next year, (WHO) had declared Covid-19 a 2022, when the race resumes. And, global pandemic, and by month’s end with some regret, we are reminded the government had declared a State that in 2019 our Holy Saturday Cross of Emergency in Belize. And that was Country Classic was a complete it for the April 11, 2020, Holy Saturday sweep by Guatemalans, all members Cross Country in Belize. of the Guatemalan National Team, who With the State of Emergency still in finished – one, two, three. The reigning effect, there was no Krem Classic to Cross Country Champion is Julio Cross Country champions, Alicia Interestingly, Mexican cyclist greet the New Year 2021, and it is now Padilla Miranda of Guatemala. His Thompson and Kaya Cattouse, would Maria Camargo seized 8 station clear that again there will be no Cross countryman Alex Rony Julaju was 2nd, decide to work together to try and prizes, her first at Teakettle Village Country Classic this Holy Saturday, and another Guatemalan, Jose ensure a Belizean won the race. And and her last at Marion Jones Sports April 3, 2021. Canastuj was 3rd. Fourth place so they did, as the post-race Complex on Princess Margaret The only previous national crisis belonged to an American, David revelations confirmed… Drive; while her teammate Brenda that caused a pause to our Holy Flynn. The first Belizean to finish was With two foreigners, both Iñigo, like Kaya, was satisfied with Saturday Cross Country had been the Giovanni Lovell in 5th place. Respect, Mexicans, included in the small field only 1 station prize, which she September 10, 1931 hurricane that Giovanni! of women cyclists, it was generally claimed at the Mile 5 canal entrance destroyed Belize City and killed over The memory is painful, and this accepted that they would likely be on the outskirts of Belize City. Brenda a thousand citizens; so there was no dreaded Covid-19 has denied our serious contenders for the was obviously the Mexican to watch Cross Country in 1932. (The first Holy young men the opportunity for another championship; and another at the finish. Saturday Cross Country Classic was year before they can try to get back foreigner, American Jadine Riley, It has been suggested by at least held in 1928.) the garland. having taken the title last year, home one cycling aficionado, that a Even after Hurricane Hattie had But, thank goodness for our women! fans had reason to be concerned that successful team effort by the 3 devastated the Belize and Stann Creek The 2019 and reigning Women Cross it could be back-to-back foreign Belizeans against the 2 Mexican districts on October 31, 1961, the Country Champion is Belize’s own champions in the Women Cross riders, could have resulted in a community had recovered enough to Kaya Cattouse, and in that 73-mile Country. And, while in all recent Belizean cyclist coming in alone; but still hold a Cross Country the journey from San Ignacio our Belizean local races, including some Cross that script might have been easier following year on Holy Saturday, women accomplished something close Countries, the highlight has been the said than done. When fans at BTL April 21, 1962. But we’re now to what the Guatemalan males did a raging rivalry between premier Park greeted the five women cyclists dealing with a different type of week later in sweeping the 144-mile Belizean riders, Alicia Thompson and tearing toward the finish line in a national crisis, and the lingering threat Holy Saturday Cross Country. Kaya Cattouse, the race furious sprint for the garland, they and danger from this microscopic Another Easter is here, and we do circumstances combined with their were overjoyed to see a Belizean, enemy that has already claimed over hope our football Jaguars will give us patriotic fervor seemed to dictate that Kaya Cattouse surging in front by a 300 lives in Belize, is still present, something to celebrate this weekend they may need to put differences bicycle length, and followed closely though the infection rate has dwindled with their World Cup Qualifier against aside and cooperate to try and behind by another Belizean, Alicia and the vaccination program is well in the overcome the foreign competition… Thompson, with Mexican Brenda under way. Dominican Republic this afternoon. The station prize count among Iñigo and Belizean Nicole Gallego When a hurricane has passed, it is But just in case, to be sure we have those five on the way to the old right on her back wheel, and only a matter of hours or days before something to lift our spirits before capital tells a story worth noting, for followed by Mexican Maria the white flag, All Clear signal is Easter Sunday, why not just reminisce its implication on the final stanza. Camargo in fifth place. given, and citizens can assess the on that glorious day back in 2019 when Having taken a few months off the In the celebratory atmosphere at damage and begin the process of our Belizean women saved the Country. bike, and recently returning to full the post-race interviews, all three repairing/rebuilding their homes and Below are some excerpts from the time training, former champion Belizean top finishers were quick to infrastructure. But a whole year has Amandala story (Check our web site.) Alicia Thompson was not banking on declare that “we rode for country,” passed, and the pandemic is still titled, “Three Belizean women unite to the big prize at the end, and made signaling the cooperation that they raging in countries all around us. While ‘ride for country;’ Kaya Cattouse is sure to collect all of 12 station prizes engaged in during the ride to give a we hear of tentative steps being taken 2019 Women Cross Country along the way, her last being at the Belizean, in this case Kaya, who, like to begin reopening some schools, our Champion,” dated Friday, April 19, corner of Vernon Street and Central Brenda Iñigo, had sacrificed the situation is still far from safe. Covid- 2019: American Boulevard in Belize City. station prizes, her best chance to be 19 is still lurking around and looking By contrast, Kaya Cattouse only strong at the finish. And Kaya for an opportunity to flare up once BELIZE CITY, Mon. Apr. 15, 2019 stepped up for 1 station prize, at brought home the garland for Belize! again. So it looks like we will be When the early break in yesterday’s Garbutt’s Puma Station in Roaring What a race! breaking our record this year. For the 30th Annual Women Cross Country Creek; Kaya was conserving her After reviewing the tape, cycling first time in its/our history there will Classic showed three Belizeans and strength for the big one; while “new officials announced that there was a be a back-to-back cancellation of our two Mexicans in the lead bunch, kid on the block” Nicole Gallego dead-heat at the finish between most revered one-day sporting event, Belizean fans immediately and grabbed 4 station prizes, her last at Belize’s Nicole Gallego and Mexico’s the Annual Holy Saturday Cross instinctively began hoping and Premium Wines & Spirits on Princess Brenda Iñigo, so they shared 3rd Country Classic. The record books praying that those three Belizean Margaret Drive before the final place… chronicling the list of Cross Country women cyclists, which included stretch to the finish line in front of champions from 1928 onwards will perennial rivals and both two-time BTL Park. A happy and safe Easter, all! Page 36 AMANDALABelize Friday, April 2, 2021

Jaguars win 5-nil over Turks and Caicos in WC Qualifier (From page 1) BELIZE CITY, Tue. Mar. 30, 2021 side by young Jesse August (47’) past with Nicaragua. (See the updated goalkeepers – Isaac Castillo and Belize rebounded from a 2-nil loss the oncoming keeper, and from the Group E standings below.) Eithon Wagner – have seen some to powerhouse Haiti last Wednesday, left side by Carlos Bernardez (48’) to register a 5-nil victory this evening for his second goal. Turks and Caicos over Turks and Caicos Islands in their managed to get off a couple long shots second Group E match of the FIFA which were easily handled by World Cup 2022 Qatar Qualifiers at Woodrow West in goal for Belize, the Estadio Panamericano in San who got another goal late in second Cristobal, Dominican Republic. half, a header by Deshawon It remained scoreless for almost all Nembhard (81’) off a corner from the of first half, but Belize got on the left side by Nahjib Guerrra. Belize scorecard just a few seconds before completed the 5-nil sweep in injury the halftime whistle through Carlos time when August’s shot from the right Bernardez (45+3’), a redirected shot side was deflected by the goalkeeper, from the edge of the eighteen yard box and Belize’s all-time leading that drained into the low left corner, goalscorer Deon McCaulay (90+1’), beating Turks and Caicos goalkeeper who played an attacking central Pendieno Brooks. (TNC’s feed was midfield role today, was in position Belize Jaguars line-up included: action on the field for the Jaguars. not the best today, so it was to put it away. goalkeeper Woodrow West; defenders There is work to do in preparation sometimes difficult to recognize the Turks & Caicos lost 7-nil to Deshawon Nembhard, Evral Trapp, for our June meeting with Nicaragua; players.) Nicaragua last week, and with only Asrel Sutherland and Collin Westby; but it is a good start for our Belize Belize did not exactly “drill” Turks one team advancing from the group, midfielders Angelo Cappello (Nahjib National “A” Team after one year of and Caicos in second half, but the today’s win gives Belize at least a Guerra at 56’), Nana Mensah (Jose no competitive games in Belize. Jaguars displayed superior ball mathematical chance, with one game Urbina at 61’) and Jordy Polanco (Ean Thanks for the big victory, guys! You control and tight defensive marking remaining against Nicaragua in June. Lewis at 70’); and forwards Carlos made our Easter better. Belize that forced a number of turnovers St. Lucia having withdrawn from the Bernardez (Desmond Wade at 70’), forever!! which proved costly to Turks and Qualifiers, Belize has only one game Deon McCaulay and Krisean Lopez The Jaguars are scheduled to return Caicos. Belize got two early goals remaining, against Nicaragua; Haiti (Jesse August at 46’). Head coach – home at the Philip Goldson in second half, a shot from the rights has games with Turks & Caicos and Dale Pelayo; assistant coach – Marvin International Airport tomorrow, Ottley. Wednesday, at 12:51 p.m. Through the two Qualifier matches Stay safe and blessed this Easter, The cost of the Suez this past week, all but two substitute Belizeans! use the canal. had jumped 47% to $2.2m. Canal blockage Richard Mead, managing editor of Some vessels have been rerouted shipping journal Lloyd’s List, told the to avoid the Suez Canal. That is adding by Mary-Ann Russon that this was not the only reason for BBC’s Today Programme: “We’re around eight days to their total Business reporter, BBC News the ship becoming stranded. looking at about 450 ships still waiting journeys. An investigation would be needed to transit the canal. It’s going to be a The Suez Canal blockage doesn’t A huge container ship that has been to determine whether technical or lengthy process clearing that backlog.” just affect the global shipping industry wedged in the Suez Canal since human errors occurred, the authority About 12% of global trade, around or the Egyptian economy - countless Tuesday has finally been freed from added. As of Sunday, there were 369 one million barrels of oil and roughly businesses, from domestic transport the shoreline. ships stuck in a tailback waiting to 8% of liquefied natural gas pass providers to retailers, supermarkets Peter Berdowski, chief executive of pass through the 193km (120-mile) through the canal each day. and manufacturers are also impacted. Dutch salvage company Boskalis, canal on either side of the blockage. SCA chairman Osama Rabie on The true damage and cost is difficult said the Ever Given had been Meanwhile, there have been more Saturday that the Canal’s revenues to evaluate until the ship is fully freed refloated at 15:05 (13:05 GMT) on than 145,200 social interactions on were taking a $14m-$15m (£10.2m- and trade resumes. Monday, “thereby making free passage Twitter using £10.9m) hit for each day of the British firms told the BBC on through the Suez Canal possible the #SuezBLOCKED hashtag and at blockage.Prior to the pandemic, trade Friday that they were still waiting to again”. least 133,000 shares, according to passing through the Suez Canal find out when goods were likely to However, it is not clear yet when real-time analysis by brand monitoring contributed to 2% of Egypt’s GDP, arrive.One UK company, Seaport full traffic in the canal can resume. platform BrandMentions. according to Moody’s. Freight Services, said it had 20 The blockage has been the source of Over the weekend, 14 tugboats Separately, data from Lloyd’s List containers of goods stranded on the much worry and frustration for the pulled and pushed the Ever Given at showed the stranded ship was holding Ever Given global shipping industry. We take a high tide to try to dislodge it and were up an estimated $9.6bn of trade along “We’re waiting on food goods like look at the key numbers that have been able to move the ship “30 degrees the waterway each day. That equates coconut milk and syrups, some spare involved in the operation. from left and right”. to $400m and 3.3 million tonnes of parts for motors, we’ve got some fork The Ever Given is 400m-long Then on Monday morning, after cargo an hour, or $6.7m a minute. lift trucks, some Amazon goods on (1,312ft) and weighs 200,000 tonnes, several reports that the ship had been Looking at the bigger picture, there, all sorts,” the company said. with a maximum capacity of 20,000 partially refloated, the Suez Canal German insurer Allianz said on Friday There were concerns that if the containers. It is currently carrying Authority (SCA) issued a statement its analysis showed the blockage could blockage at the Suez Canal continued, 18,300 containers. saying that the Ever Given had been cost global trade between $6bn to some firms will have to pay to order The ship is operated by Taiwanese “successfully refloated”. $10bn a week and reduce annual trade more goods and have them sent over transport company Evergreen Marine The SCA said it would resume growth by 0.2 to 0.4 percentage points. by air freight, which costs at least three and is one of the world’s largest manoeuvres later on Monday high tide, Shipping broker Braemar ACM told times more. container vessels.It became stranded “allowing for the full restoration of the Wall Street Journal that the cost of on Tuesday, after running aground and the vessel’s direction so it is renting some vessels to ship cargo to This article was first published by becoming lodged sideways across the positioned in the middle of the and from Asia and the Middle East BBC News. waterway. At first a gust of wind was navigable waterway”. thought to be to blame . Then at 13:05 GMT the Ever Given The wind speed at the time was was finally fully freed. recorded at 40 knots, but the Suez However, it could take a while to AMANDALA - The best there is! Canal Authority (SCA) told reporters clear the backlog of ships waiting to Friday, April 2, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 37 Covid-19 Update (From page 1) BELIZE CITY, Tues. Mar. 30, 2021 persons who are eligible to take the The country of Belize is scheduled Covid-19 vaccine to reach out to to receive its first batch of the Covid- official vaccination sites and receive 19 vaccine allocated from the their first jab. At this time, the country COVAX facility on Wednesday, has moved to phase two of the March 31, 2021. The arrival of these vaccination program, and teachers vaccines is yet another hopeful sign and police officers are called to for Belize’s Covid-19 response, as receive their vaccinations. we see epidemiological numbers As of March 30, 2021, since the related to the virus at an all-time low. start of the pandemic in Belize, a total This first allocation — consisting of 12,452 persons have been infected of between 35,000 and 40,000 with the SARS-COV-2 virus. Of that doses— is estimated to be around number 12,088 persons have 35% of the total doses scheduled to recovered —a percentage of 97.1. To arrive in the country from COVAX date, our case fatality rate stands at according to Dr. Natalia Beer from 2.55%, with 317 persons succumbing the Ministry of Health and Wellness. to the illness. At this time, we have On Wednesday, the media will join 38 active cases within the country. Government officials and partners at Data released from the Ministry of the official arrival ceremony of the Health and Wellness for March 27th Covid-19 vaccines. to the 30th shows a total of 12 new As previously announced, the cases that were discovered in a batch Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine will be of 1884 tests processed. Seventeen rolled out in Belize. Of note, we have persons were marked as recovered had been administered. groups as a precautionary measure done all our current inoculations and two new hospitalizations were Internationally, the World Health while they study rare cases of blood using the supply of AstraZeneca logged. Fortunately, no additional Organization has released its final clots after vaccination. vaccine that was previously death was recorded during that time. report on the cause of the COVID-19 In the US more than 145 million received. On Friday, March 26, a total of 4 pandemic. Preliminary findings persons have been vaccinated, but With the scheduled arrival of these new cases were found from a batch suggest that the virus was spread to according to the CDC, they are additional vaccines, the inoculation of 811 tests processed. Nine human beings from an animal and not concerned about a possible new program initiated by the Ministry of recoveries were recorded at that time. a lab. Some public officials have surge of cases. Health and Wellness will continue No new death was recorded on that openly said that they believe that the Globally, as of March 30, 2021, a uninterrupted. day. Records indicated that at that virus may have escaped from a total of 127,349,248 confirmed cases Key public officials are calling on point a total of 20,411 vaccinations Wuhan virology lab. WHO of COVID-19 have been identified. recommends more study into the Of that number 2,787,593 deaths have virus’s origins. been reported to WHO. Worldwide F-150 slams into car; two dead Also, Canada has halted the use of a total of 520,540,106 vaccine doses the AstraZeneca vaccines in some have been administered. Continued from Page 1 Chavarria reportedly died on the „ spot. Jones was taken to the San District. Reports from the police Ignacio Community Hospital, where are that 44-year-old Lionel Chavarria he died while being treated for his A crime of passion and 23-year-old Charles Jones died injuries. following a head-on collision of the The Police Department has since in Silk Grass vehicles in which the men had been levied a number of charges against traveling, which were both Aldana, including two counts of (From page 1) overturned and mangled during the manslaughter by negligence, two had a history of domestic collision. counts of causing death by careless altercations, but none were ever ACP Joseph Myvett of the Police conduct, and one count each of reported to the police, according to Department said that a Ford F-150 negligent wounding, driving without ACP Joseph Myvett. pick-up driven by Mario Aldana, a due care and attention, driving Alvarez reportedly sought out a resident of San Ignacio, was without a driver’s permit, and failing neighbor and friend of Kantun when traveling in an east-to-west direction to provide a specimen. she purportedly found his bloodied when he decided to overtake the While police reported that the body in his room. The neighbor, who vehicle in front of him. This is when victims were in a moving car, reports immediately suspected Alvarez of the he collided head-on with a small from a family member of the victims, crime, observed that her hair was wet white vehicle being driven by and an eyewitness are that they were at that time, which indicated that she Chavarria. Also in that vehicle were parked on the roadside, with hazard had taken a bath, and would have thus Charles Jones, the driver’s stepson, lights on, when the truck slammed into passed the room where the victim and Ian Staine. the vehicle. was lying dead. Alvarez is also currently being charged for immigration-related offenses. At this time, police are not SILK GRASS, Stann Creek District, sure if she acted alone or had help Fri. Mar. 26, 2021 from anyone. An investigation into In the wee hours of Friday morning, this homicide continues. Omar Kantun was brutally stabbed over 50 times and left dead (or dying) in his bedroom. His murder took place in the village of Silk Grass in the Stann Creek District. Police have since arrested and charged his common-law wife, 53-year-old Lesbia Alvarez, a Guatemalan national, for his murder. Reports are that the couple argued prior to the incident — one of many arguments, according to neighbors of the couple who spoke to the media and the police. The couple reportedly Page 38 AMANDALABelize Friday, April 2, 2021

Friday, April 2, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 39 COVAX George Floyd: Teenage witness ‘stays up vaccines to apologising for not doing more’ arrive The teenager whose film of George Floyd’s death sparked global protests Wednesday said she “stays up apologising” to him for “not doing more”.

Continued from Page 1 Darnella, now 18, was one of four 18 at the time of the incident „ young witnesses who to take the stand gave evidence to the court, March 31, 2021. on the second day of Derek Chauvin’s but the cameras were The arrival of the vaccines from trial. switched off so the jurors the COVAX facility will occur at just She told the court of seeing Mr could not see them and they the right time to ensure that the Floyd “begging for his life,” were identified only by their vaccination rollout plan in the country comparing him to her dad, brother, first names. continues as scheduled. cousins and uncles “because they are Darnella, then 17 years During an interview last month, Dr. all black”. old, was walking to the Cup Natalia Beer said that around 35,000 Issues of racial equality and Foods shop with her nine- to 40,000 vaccines may arrive in the policing lay at the centre of the case. year-old cousin when they country in the first instance. The On Monday, the opening session of came across the arrest on the official number of doses sent from the trial heard Mr Chauvin, an ex- street outside. COVAX will be announced police officer, knelt on Mr Floyd’s She told the court she tomorrow at a scheduled arrival neck for over nine minutes while started filming on her phone because at how that could have been one of ceremony. arresting him in Minneapolis in May “I saw a man terrified, begging for them.” The vaccines are expected to 2020. Prosecutors say this was a his life. It wasn’t right - he was in “I stay up apologising to George arrive at the Philip Goldson “major cause” in his death. pain.” Floyd for not doing more.” Her young International Airport by 11:00 a.m. Defence lawyers have indicated She described hearing Mr Floyd cousin also gave evidence and said on Wednesday. they will argue that 46-year-old Mr “saying ‘I can’t breathe’. He was she felt “sad and kind of mad” by Floyd died of an overdose. Mr terrified, he was calling for his what she saw. “It sounded like he Chauvin, 45, denies charges of mom.” was hurting”. AMANDALA murder and manslaughter. Three other Darnella said witnessing his death This article can be read in full at: officers who were present - Tou had changed her life.” When I look https://www.bbc.com/news/world- is cream Thao, J Alexander Keung and at George Floyd I look at my dad, I us-canada-56585165 Thomas Lane - will go on trial later look at my brother, my cousins, my Visit us at in the year. uncles - because they are all black,” This article was first published by www.amandala.com.bz Four children who were all under she said, audibly crying. “And I look BBC News. Unions say GOB rejected Weekend showdown: their proposals GOB vs Unions Continued from Page 1 enough for them. So I trust that you Continued from Page 1 way of achieving an $80-million cut „ will understand that and that you „ in government spending — an took place on Monday will be would understand the impact that can lieu of salary cuts, and they believe impossible and impractical request, followed by two others — one on have on us, your leaders, who are that several of those recommended Flowers says. Good Friday, April 2, and another going through these negotiations. It is measures were outrightly sidelined “Just the thought of somebody on Easter Monday, April 5. not an easy road, members, and I’m by GoB. The two parties are now saying to you ‘go and find me 80 The main purpose of the live sure that you are aware of that, and set to meet on Monday, at which million dollars in 2 weeks’, really update, Smith shared, was for we know the responsibility that we time the government is scheduled leaves a lot to be desired. Nobody members to get an idea where the have on our shoulders right now, to present a more thorough has that magic wand to be able to Joint Union Negotiation Team is with because you, our members, are explanation of the fiscal realities shed 60 million dollars off the wage the negotiations, as well as to to expecting us to do the best for you, that make the cutting of salaries and bill to bridge a deficit of 500 million briefly outline what they had planned, and that is what we have been doing freezing increments an inevitable dollars.” Flowers remarked during and to call for the support of the as your leaders. Doing our best to part of their efforts to keep the a virtual press briefing on Friday. membership. ensure that you are impacted as least economy afloat. He stated that at this point the Smith said that some members as possible,” Smith said. The government is proposing to union’s options are to either accept seem to believe that the union is not She emphasized that in negotiations, save 80 million dollars by slashing or reject the government’s doing enough to protect its members’ parties may not get exactly what they 60 million dollars in salaries and proposals, since GOB appears to be interests. She asked members to desire, but reassured the members of freezing increments to save an unyielding in its insistence that the understand the negotiation progress her union that their representatives are additional 20 million dollars in the wage bill must be reduced. And and to allow them space to negotiate. doing their best to ensure that they first year of their cost-cutting while the joint unions will have to She reassured members that at all “have [the] backs” of the members. efforts. According to the consult with their membership to times, the union leadership is guided Smith said that on Tuesday, they government, the austerity measures determine if the proposal will be by the mandate set forward by its will hold meetings with the Corozal would remain in place for three accepted or denied following membership and not by personal branch of BNTU. Subsequently, a years and would affect all Monday’s meeting, Flowers said positions. full day of meetings will be held on employees paid by the public that at this point they unanimously Smith asked her membership for Wednesday, when the BNTU purse. oppose the cuts. time to see the process through and branches from San Ignacio, Benque, The unions are calling on the “I believe that we are at an for support and trust during the Belmopan, Stann Creek, Toledo government to consider other options impasse. I believe that the unions negotiation, since no final agreement Rural, and Punta Gorda will have before making a cut to the salaries will continue to resist this,” Flowers has yet been reached. She assured the discussions with the union leaders. of public servants. Many of these said. membership that they will formulate On Thursday, the leaders will meet government employees, including He said that the parties may need solutions and proposals that can be with the Orange Walk branch. teachers, have been the sole to go to arbitration or have trade accepted by all members, but at this Smith said that they will give their providers in their households since dispute proceedings invoked to time the negative feedback from some members an update and hope to get the Covid-19 pandemic resulted in move forward at this point. The quarters is not helping the process. a mandate from the union’s the loss of thousands of jobs. public will know whether this will “We don’t want to be going into membership to move forward. The 1st Vice President of the PSU, be the next phase of the process these negotiations worrying that our As mentioned, the Joint Unions Dean Flowers, has told the media following the meeting between the members are not supporting us, our are scheduled to have meetings with that the government is now asking parties, which is scheduled for members are not believing us, our GOB representatives on Good the unions to outline an alternative Monday. members don’t feel that we are doing Friday and Easter Monday. Page 40 AMANDALABelize Friday, April 2, 2021