Friday, January 5, 2007 The INdependent Reformer Page 1

The dependent IN Reform for the People Vol. 2 No. 1 Friday, January 5, 2007 $1.00 ManMan andand WomanWoman ofof thethe YYearear The INdependent Reformer problem? I couldn’t get up the nerve Weekly is proud to announce our to disturb the din of restless young selections for Man and Woman of minds and mouths to simply raise the Year. Our editorial board has my hand to ask the teacher to ask chosen Jules Vasquez and Lois the teacher a question In a bustling Young Barrow this year. classroom of more than 30 restive Jules Vasquez is widely children, she found time and recognizable all over Belize as the consideration to help me out of my fearless Reporter and News shell. Director of Channel 7 News. But Congratulations Jules Vasquez; this apparently sociable and fearless the man who no longer fears journalist was not always able to disturbing others, but asks the express himself, let alone put Prime questions everyone else seems Ministers on the spot. reluctant to ask. Belize is better Jules was born in Born Belize Jules Vasquez Lois Young Barrow because of you. City in 1970 and went to school at And as for Woman of the Year, St Catherine’s Elementary School, Ysaguirre, now deceased. With a chronically shy, so intractable a the Independent Reformer has St. John’s High School and Sixth perfectly straight face he says “The condition it posed a serious threat selected Senior Counsel Lois Young Form and Florida Atlantic woman saved my life. I was to my continued education. The (Please Turn To Page 3) University, where he dropped out at the end of his junior year to get an education from a TV station. In Boxing Day TKO: Belizeans get pumped, AGAIN! 1993 he started working seriously At midnight on December 26, just Probably because no one is buying it If we take the words of the Director at his family owned TV station, twenty four hours after Santa delivered anymore. General of the International Monetary Channel 7 - presently the longest his goodies, Scrooge took over. Regular The rumor mill had been working Fund seriously then not only is gasoline serving broadcasting entity in fuel prices jumped from $9.37 a gallon to overtime over the Christmas and word likely to go up but other taxes will also Belize, dating back to 1981. In a whopping $9.77. There was no public was prices would go up as soon as the increase in 2007. 1994 he started 7 News and he is announcement, no “Merry Christmas holiday was over. On December 20, Director Rodrigo still there. Belize,” just a price hike in the night. Can we expect more price increases De Rato y Figaredo, issued a letter to the He says his favorite teacher was Interestingly, the price of diesel went up locally, even though world prices are “International Financial Community his Kindergarten teacher, Zoila by only 1 cent, and premium not at all. falling? (Please Turn To Page 3)

Foreign Donors & Volunteers Inside this Issue Intimidated by the Government of Belize Representatives involved make the same Contributed conservation of the district’s rich natural Total Madness resources made in abroad, or even in old speeches to launch and keep track of Belmopan, were unrealistic and/or the the projects, the volunteers get their pg. 5 The people of Toledo District, less than consultants were not truly qualified to assignments and the money and work 20,000, have been involved with “self- provide helpful advice. continues to go down the drain. All the help” projects to solve their economic The non governmental organizations, while, the people become poorer. The Fake Jobs problems and save the endangered who actually received the aid from the resources continue to be lost, more and and Lies environment for over 25 years. During that funding agencies, say that they had no more foreigners come in with private sector time, over $60 million of foreign aid not choice, if they wanted the aid, they had to money to take advantage of the many pg. 7 counting counterpart funds from GOB has accept the plans and the consultants. The opportunities. Their claim of helping the been spent in the Toledo District. USA government Ministers have also said they local people and economy, is that they Peace Corps has been stationing had no choice in the matter; the Peace provide employment. Of course they do. IMF Roadmap volunteers in the district for over 30 years. Corps volunteers have also indicated they How else can they get the work done? Yet the last poverty assessment have no choice but to help the NGOs who Too often the profits they make go out of for Belize indicates that over 70 percent of the asked for their assistance. the country, especially in the country’s pg. 14 people are poor and over 50 percent are Year after year the funders provide the largest industry, tourism. very poor. It is estimated, by international money, organizations like the Inter After more than a quarter of a century agencies that three out of ten rural children American Development Bank, Caribbean of this constant consultant failure, and the are malnourished to the point of mental Development Bank, the European Union expenditure of many tens of millions, Governed by retardation. and many others. The NGO’s sign actually over one hundred million dollars, vested interests With all this financial and volunteer aid, contracts to implement the plans. The the people from all walks of life got how can the people of Toledo be poorer volunteers help them, and predictably, the together and developed a comprehensive pg. 10 now than ever before? Many locals believe results are the same year after year. eco-development plan, called the Toledo plans for the development and The government Ministers and Area (Please Turn To Page 3) Friday, January 5, 2007 The INdependent Reformer Page 2

Editorial Director EditorialEditorialEditorial NoteNoteNote Meb Cutlack Dear Readers, being acted on in the south simply Happy New Year to you all and because people are too afraid to thanks for finding your copy of suggest anything else. Editor Independent Weekly so quickly after An international piece on the holidays. We took a little break, Honduran society is very likely to but not much since the staff and I cause many of you to compare their Karla Heusner Vernon were working for most of it anyway world to ours and the cartoon may and so were many of our contributors. do the same thing: the comparison I would like to invite you all to being between the libraries of the consider submitting letters to the people who are “in charge” and the editor or even articles if you have ones the rest of us frequent. Design/Layout something you would like to share. I have to admit the most enjoyable In this edition Richard Hulse takes part of this issue was selecting Man exception to the way “Culture” is and Woman of the Year. Believe me, Marigold Enterprise vendors for their tireless efforts to being promoted in Belize and likely there was some back and forth among get this new paper circulating. If this to provoke some controversy, and the editorial board members and is the first issue you are reading, you hopefully a response from the people some minds were changed then have one of them to thank for he’s referring to in his piece. changed again. Jules Vasquez was a getting it to you. And now they have Des Parrett has sent us a very unanimous selection, but Lois Young two papers to push early in the week General Manager interesting item on how electing Barrow is one controversial woman. instead of just one. More business people who think they know about Sometimes that is exactly the sort of for them, and the publishers we Trevor Vernon economics is not the same as person you need the most. Belize hope. electing people who do, and we have could certainly use more people like Again, Happy New Year. Let’s another article which suggests that them both. make 2007 memorable, starting this certain government policies are I would like to thank all our week, shall we?

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Payment Included Bill me later Prices for subscription and postage may vary for subscription outside Belize. Friday, January 5, 2007 The INdependent Reformer Page 3 ManMan andand womanwoman ofof thethe yearyear (Continued From Page 1) that the people of Belize see these very clear last night and I say it private citizens to think twice. Barrow. The editorial board bigwigs ignoring court orders again: it is not about Prosser and Lois continues to be a driving decided that her standing up at the and then they are forced to obey Ashcroft, they both deserve each force behind the Association for BTL Annual General Meeting in court orders; thrown out of their other.” Concerned Belizeans and September when a court injunction houses, land taken away, chattels In addition, not only did she take demonstrates her concern for Belize was being ignored, when a room full seized for a small debt, fridge on BTL, she also took on the every time she calls the morning talk of board members and shareholders gone, sofa set gone, and all that People’s United Party, through an shows. did nothing, is worthy of national sort of thing. And they will see unprecedented injunction against For her contributions to Belize in recognition. that these people, because it is a the Belize Times. Her court action 2006 and her relentless defense of For her the issue was justice wealthy company, can ignore an is forcing a newspaper which Lady Justice in Belize, the across the board. She told 7 News, order of the court. That is what I makes sport of maligning the Independent salutes Lois as our “I am really, genuinely concerned am concerned with. I made that characters of both public figures and Woman of the Year. Boxing Day TKO: Foreign Donors & Volunteers Belizeans get Intimidated by the Government of Belize pumped, AGAIN! (Continued From Page 1) (Continued From Page 1) 2004. The ministry prefers to continue to on the Belize Situation...at the request of People’s Eco park plan. T.P.E.P.P. The general manager of the Toledo promote the plans the funders and their the Government of Belize”. (find the entire On September 12, 2003 Development Corporation, who fulfilling consultants from abroad demand. The letter on page 14 of this edition). representatives of all the democratically the vision statement of the Toledo US Peace Corps continues to support This letter needs to be dissected as it is elected leaders of the Toledo District, who Development Corporation to facilitate the the same kinds of projects that have failed chock full of interesting nuggets. It is a were sworn into service by the Chief responsible sustainable development of so many times before. They know as the roadmap for the future of the PUP Magistrate, along with the directors of the Toledo by and for the people of Toledo, funders do, that in the private sector, if government, for what we as citizen PM Said Musa largest conservation, cultural and organized the different groups and after the way of doing business was failing they consumers can expect in 2007...for economic development NGOs, and the repeated meetings with them drafted the would quickly change it, or else they starters. The exact url is: President of the Toledo Civil Society memorandum of understanding, submitted would go broke. http://www.imf.org/external/NP/pp/ joined together and signed a memorandum the document and plans to the Ministry of However the way foreign aid is used, eng/2006/122006.pdf In the third paragraph, the of understanding in support of the further Economic Development, where it was they have no incentive to change. It is Distinguished Managing Director writes: development of the People’s plan. quickly put down. obvious they want the aid to be misspent Seeing this unanimous support for the “Accordingly they [Government of The general manager and other political and for the poor to stay poor. One Belize] are targeting a further increase plan, the US Ambassador to Belize leaders realized that to further push the definition of insanity is to do the same thing in the primary fiscal surplus to 3.5% of authorized the US Peace Corps to also issue could endanger their position, so they under the same conditions and to expect GDP in FY 2006/07 and to 4.5% of sign in support. were discouraged from doing so. The different results. GDP in subsequent years. This fiscal This document was sent to the Prime Peace Corps, seeing the plan was not If the funders, NGOs, and the improvement would be achieved by Minister who also provided a letter of supported by the Ministry of Economic volunteers really wanted to change saving the bulk of projected revenues support for the plan saying, “I am as Development, also backed down, conditions here in Toledo, they would from oil production, enhancing non-oil anxious as you are to see the refusing to allow the Peace Corps certainly give the People’s plan a chance. revenue collection, and restraining implementation of the Toledo People’s volunteers to help the further development So why won’t they? It makes you current expenditures.” Eco Park Plan.” That was in March of of the People’s Plan. wonder, doesn’t it? (Please Turn To Page 15) Friday, January 5, 2007 The INdependent Reformer Page 4

passing by. “Sorry Mista! Ah neva mean fi wet you.” Thirty Minute Country But no, we are a stubborn lot who By: Karla Heusner Vernon power surges. Even those “guarded” by will not relent in our quest to live like a UPS can be struck down by lightening other people in other places. Our flashes coming in through the modem women still feel entitled after a hard Many of us are basking in that post foot in a mud puddle, overflowing drain connections on the wall! week or month of work to get “made holiday glow; reluctant to take down the or septic tank, dog poop or soft earth. Belize is hard on hard drives. So hard over” at a salon. To bask in the admiring decorations, wrap them up and pack The molds and fungi are insidious. I see one manufacturer is even boasting eyes and compliments of other female them away until next year. Perhaps you Shoes, belts and purses change before its laptops are rugged enough to survive patrons, to wonder if our better half’s have several Christmas presents in their your very eyes as you eye your closet. the rain forest of Belize. There was even will love “the new you!” We should boxes under your tree, as yet unopened. “The better the leather, the greener they an article featuring a scientific researcher make him come with us, to see the Not only because you want to savor the get,” goes the joke. One well-heeled hanging by ropes in the jungle studying fleeting beauty, but instead we make the season; but because you know full well gentleman planted his feet on a bar stool some life form or another. fatal mistake of opening the salon door, the moment you take them out of the and both heels fell off! He looked in Most of us wish ours could just leaving the air conditioning and getting packaging they are on their way to being smacked by a whoosh of wind or the ruined. frizz power that only 90% humidity can Yes, many of us are trying to hold deliver to freshly coiffed hair. Half an back the inevitable reality of Belize: you hour later, we are our old selves again only have 30 minutes to enjoy anything. “Okay, so we live under and greeted by “I thought you went to The time limit on happiness begins do your hair?” with each step we take. Our streets are what the rest of the terms Never mind. so hard on shoes I sometimes wonder Like people just arrived from the why we bother. How all those ladies can States only to realize their sweatshirts wear high heels and get to work in one ‘rugged conditions.’” will no longer be welcome here and their piece is a mystery to me. Once there, skin will never be dry again, we sally click, clack, the clamor of spike heels forth from home each morning freshly coming down the stairs. “Whoopa!—” showered and pressed and powered slipped again by the Crystal water disbelief at the expensive shoes he had survive sitting on a desk in an office in only to be drenched by isolated cooler. No water on the floor mind you, worn in the States for years, his favorite Ladyville or San Ignacio or Orange showers only on our side of the street, just raw metal on tile sliding you across pair. Somehow the composite heels had Walk. arriving tarred and feathered with dust the office. How well one recovers just deteriorated until they crumbled Okay, so we live under what the rest and bird doo doo and mud in the rainy determines one’s poise factor. “Ah away. He never found out what caused of the world terms “rugged conditions.” season and dust in the dry. nearly tumble down just now…heeehee, it. Perhaps we should just accept our lot Everything, but everything seems what a ting.” Kind of like the mystery forces that and live with it. Perhaps Belizean men doomed to rapid degeneration in Belize. Back to the shoe repair man again. invade our video cassette players, cds and women should just stop buying nice Tourists actually think the national motto For every $40 spent on shoes, Belizean and dvd’s. Not to mention the things and nice clothes hoping we can is “Dat? Dat no work no more.” woman must spend $20 tacking their computers which just seem to draw actually use them. Wear fabrics that Followed by “Ah di wait for wan part heel tips back on again. moisture and warmth seeking critters, won’t stick to us or get caught by some come in fid at right now.” Just how many turned ankles can one not to mention geckos and ants. If your jagged piece of something on someone’s The satisfaction of working hard or woman endure before she has computer survives the first year element door. Something impervious to mud establishing credit to purchased new permanent elephant legs? Sit in parked attack, its not likely to withstand the splats sent our way by hapless drivers (Please Turn To Page 13) car on any street in Belize and watch how many women’s ankles twist dangerously as they make their way to lunch. One after the other, one side of them drops lower than the other. Ouch! Damn rough street got another one. After the worst sprain of my life coming out of a pharmacy I swore never to wear heels again. I was strong in my resolve to defy the fashion world until a coworker pointed out I had been wearing flats. Betting is heavier than at the casino as to how long the buyer can wear a pair of new, smart looking shoes from certain stores. I saw a friend limping down the street one day, the straps on BOTH her sandals had given way when she stumbled and hit a drain cover; another woman was mortified at her son’s graduation when her dress shoes “burst” on the way into the ceremony. Admit it now, I know you too have hobbled your way to another shop or back home again to towards office colleagues hoping they had glue or staples or nails and could put you back together again. Like imported automobiles, even “States” shoes depreciate the minute they hit Belize. Step outside your front gate and “Sheesh!” heel, toe, or entire Friday, January 5, 2007 The INdependent Reformer Page 5

half way across the world. Now I am not into living my life for So to please others, I enrolled here and the older heads. I figured they had their TotalTotal madnessmadness there in law study programs (three in all over choices to make and their lives to live the years) but wasn’t impressed by the (however challenging and hard) and I impressionable. My early hunches were that don’t have the time or inclination to be By: Trevor Vernon parents ever imparted to them, certainly not the study of Law leads to unspeakable critical of the generation that came the apparent “Royal Kriol” values I was predatory practices; I discovered I was right before mine. I needed to find me, not brought up with. Like those who skip out on later on. Al-ham-du-le-la. Right away I my parents and many of my friends were Not all Belizeans their loans then bawl haad time, I have little realized I didn’t need to suck the lifeblood faced with the same dilemma. with university pity for the fortunate few who got somebody out of the poor and disadvantaged to make The point is really is to discuss degrees got a free else to pay for their projects, their books, me feel good and important. I’ll leave that parenting issues and the dilemmas that ride at US and other their tuition, and their every need. I really to others who apparently have had more they/we face in passing on values. As a foreign institutions of don’t care to hear how hard life was (in school exotic family values imparted to them. And, society we generally value a “good higher learning. I am, or business) and who didn’t like you or the in fairness, it must be mentioned that they education”, maybe not as much as say as many others are, color of your skin. You took the scholarship don’t teach logic in very many other the Orientals who migrated here of late. living proof. Some of or fellowship or loans to improve your lot in academic programs; so I guess, the study It follows then that families generally us actually had to pay for our foreign education, thanks to a tend to push the “good education” value more transparent DFC and a wonderful “...I have little pity for the fortunate few on their offspring. While some families individual, a former USAID rep. He made it are better able to transmit this than painfully clear that he was not about to who got somebody else to pay for their others, oftentimes it is only to the recommend me for any scholarships being favorite children for some jib cutting earmarked for Belizeans because of my projects, their books, their tuition, and their reason. In everything in life there are Royal Kriol status. Same kinds of stuff favorites. And no one person will be a politicians still pull when trying to be every need.” favorite everywhere and at every populist… in an effort to rally voters, or set pursuit. But the favoritism thing does up their own children for life. life; stop biting the hand that fed you, will you? of law does have some value after all. help a child in instilling confidence to So, I paid my way with the aid of a loan There are plenty of young people out there, I drifted in and out of various fields of study face the world when (s)he is no longer a guarantee and a loan from DFC. No special even reading this right now, who wish they as a major in foreign universities and child. That is not to say that a child needed treatment, no complaints. And did I ever had the opportunities you did… if they could elsewhere: economics, accounting, law, to have been a favorite in the parents home repay! That student loan for $30,000 hung only GET a loan guarantee, especially a finance, international relations, until I found to be successful; that confidence can be like an albatross around my neck for almost sovereign one. my calling: analyzing stuff. I have earned an acquired elsewhere. And, in fact, many a decade. Back then 30 grand was serious I am sure my parents had something to do MBA which I am absolutely proud of and non-favored Belizean children are able to money and there was no question IF you with my wanting to run away from Belize to use occasionally; but, don’t find the need to move away and make wildly successful will pay, but HOW FAST…unlike what are go study abroad and wanting to get my rub in people’s faces to make them feel smaller lives in other countries. seeing with the DFC malpagos these days. second degree from somewhere outside the than they are. I paid the price by sacrificing There is a local saying that older They apparently had/have no intention of USA, and do the Europe thing. The older resources and family time to get that generations espoused: that they are able ever paying off what they “borrowed.” heads always seem to want their children to piece of paper… because I accepted to see the cut of a younger person’s jib almost Make you wonder what values their study law (or medicine) and/or go studying that education family value. (Please Turn To Page 6) Friday, January 5, 2007 The INdependent Reformer Page 6 Culture of exclusion: Belizean Theatre and Art A view from the street professionals; in fact, they were world come from? Although so many of us in and $60 performances which working By Richard Hulse class. Belize City plays his CD’s, the quest for Belizeans can ill afford. Proof once more Many of our current artists also information about Dankeyman is that the performances are never intended Often a small glimpse of nostalgia helps measure up to any international standard, overwhelming. Even the people who are for the average Belizean, even if he\she us to reflect on our present. In the not too yet it seems clear that no attempt is being selling his CD’s (I believe pirated versions) is a part of it. Culture now is a business, distant past (1960’s – 1970’s) even made to market them abroad, I should don’t know anything. So Dankeyman has just like any other business: and the though Belize was a relatively poor further say: not even at home. The the distinction of being a cultural icon who objective of any business is to make community, we were entertained by question asked here is why? The main nobody knows anything of and who is money. talented local singers. The collective “we” reason is that Belize has become a T.V. making no money off his own music sales. Red carpet galas at the end of the culture, and if you There are many other Belizeans who year honouring classic Belizean artists are are not on T.V. have to manufacture and sell their own good, but surely the people they are “These concerts were clean you are nobody – music because they don’t get any help putting up as contemporary artists leaves and quite frankly whatsoever from the Arts Council. I don’t a big question mark over their heads. But fun, where an entire family none of the T.V. think they even get encouragement. To cut at least they are Belizeans, unlike the “high stations air much it short, culture has vacated the Southside falutin” sorts from abroad come to display could go and enjoy themselves local content, let and portions of the Northside and taken their work or deformity. Although some alone artists. up residence in Kings Park and of their “art” looks like ramshackle old - “whether you had money or Unless it’s to fill Buttonwood Bay. Once you are not from junk, I am sure someone pays them, even space before the these demographic areas, there ain’t no though they don’t want to pay Belizeans, not.” news begins. help for you. If the Southside Artists are or pay them very next to nothing. The main helped, they get the minimum assistance The Belizean artists they bring from topics here are: and maximum exploitation. abroad and the other Latinos they bring means people from a broad cross section who qualifies as a cultural icon? And who The performances that are being held from time to time are only fostering the of the society. There were these fabulous decides that they qualify? As far as the at the Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts, idea that you have to come from abroad open air concerts and talent parades at Arts Council (under the several new are neither geared to, nor targeted for a to be good, or if you go abroad that is the the Memorial Park, The Roman Catholic abbreviations they use) is concerned, it wide cross section of the community. This way you get accepted. Parish Hall, the Bliss Institute, etc. These seems like that is their sacred right, not to is one of the major stumbling blocks Sadly, there are also many rich concerts were clean fun, where an entire mention if you are not politically connected against promoting culture, and which Belizeans who will do anything, and pay family could go and enjoy themselves— or politically correct in your speaking, creates a culture of exclusion and extorts anything, to make sure that they don’t rub “whether you had money or not.” People every thing you do will be downplayed. money from parents who are trying to shoulders with the average Belizeans. So from all social and ethnic backgrounds Many Belizeans have decided that show their children attention. Just the much for art, music and theatre being were able to interact at these functions. “Dankeyman” is a cultural icon, but who expensive vehicles parked at the Bliss, let occasions for people from all walks of life The artists of the day stood out clearly as really is Dankeyman? Where does he you know who they cater for, with $50 in Belize to interact.

being excluded from higher studies due to TotalTotalTotal madnessmadnessmadness lack of loan guarantees and such a fund, (Continued From Page 5) run with “their own ideas” that they invariably Naturally, this does not apply to the trust fund properly structured, and would seek to stem from birth. But I think what they are really picked up from TV…. as much as being a families who will leave untold wealth to their the adverse tide. (That program is now in seeing is a reflection of the treatment that guiding force until that child becomes an adult. children that were reared by nice nannies. place after the committee got approval from young person is receiving in the home, at Two adults can be best friends but not before. Part of the solution for the less fortunate the General Assembly to proceed). I am a school, and while in the care of other family In summary then, we as parents need to lies in a mixture of accessible loans, grants, firm believer that a partial loan structure ensures and family friends. However, that’s only my teach our children to be more responsible scholarships, fellowships with a good loan a stronger sense of commitment and impression. for their own lives and their own actions. And guarantee program open to all. In a previous responsibility in the pursuit of the parents’ The issue is how the “child-turned-parent” we have to be careful not to overly indulge life I chaired a committee in the Technical dream for you. This, to me at least, teaches now transmits their values to their own young our children in their every desire so as to better Cooperation area of the OAS charged with the more important value of being ashamed ones. If they themselves did not please their prepare them for their own adulthood, where drafting the statutes of a capital fund for of setting out to steal or “borrow” with the parents/care givers, then how can they expect every desire has a cost. And the only way fellowship that was seeded with US $10 expressed intent to refinance or downright to pass on their own educational ideas to their you truly transmit values is by example, once Million. It was general consensus that too defraud the good faith lender, or indeed, an own child? Do parents today even see this you have a relationship with that child. many students across the hemisphere were entire nation state. as their role in parenting: transmitting values? I know many who consciously don’t attempt to and others who simply turn to books for answers. Too many parents today want to be their child’s best friend for whatever reason and I find this frightening. Parents are not “best friends” to children who are then allowed to “Quote of the Week” Comments? Suggestions? or want to share your thoughts Email us at Opening Hours Independent.newspaper. Monday - Saturday 6 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. [email protected] Sunday & Holidays 7 a.m. - 7:30 pm. Breakfast Lunch and Diner Friday, January 5, 2007 The INdependent Reformer Page 7 known to be unsuitable for housing, was bought from a crony for an inflated $10,000,000 after he had only paid a token Fake jobs and lies for it. It was sold without proper title so that to this day the home owners have no title and By Meb Cutlack Fortis. Then, in total control the dam, they probably no hope of title! assumed the right to sell electricity to BEL Total cost? Ranging upward to $200,000! Once more the Belizean public has had development of a quiet, isolated community. (their company) for whatever price they And that just the beginning of the so called the wool pulled over their eyes. Promises of Extraordinarily the Stake Bank chose. PUP 10,000 house target which allowed jobs, job, andjobs which never materialize. development has already been given export Nothing changed when they built Chalillo ministers throughout the country to mint It has happened again and again and again processing zone status, meaning that locals (amidst the same pattern of lies about the fortunes from housing ´deals´ to build a few and yet our people still half believe the lies will not be allowed to go on Stake Bank geology of the area and denial of a major inadequate tin roofed shacks in the districts. dished out to them by the Musa government: Caye! earthquake fault line exactly where the dam Then there is the Ara Macao Resort! Just Mollejon, Chalillo, BTL, Mahogany Heights, Plans call for the construction of a major is placed) - and with huge teams of foreign don´t believe government or the promoters Ara Macao and now, Stake Bank. marina that will be able to dock as many as laborers. when they say they will review the project to In case you have not heard, there is the four cruise ships at any one given time and Hundreds of ´jobs´ are part and parcel of meet objections. Even in its first stage it will multimillion dollar tourism project on North cruise ship passengers will be able to false government promises which go with demand 15.35 megawatts of electricity, more Drowned Caye and Stake Bank Caye, commute to Belize City and places beyond, every huge international “project”. These also than half of what is currently used in both which include the construction of a 4 mile Belize City and Ladyville combined! long causeway from Belize City to North The hastily done Environmental Impact Drowned Caye. Assessment carried out by a group ´friendly´ Belizean developer Michael Feinstein has “...locals will not be to government is described as “…very proposed to construct at least three five star superficial and lacks specific details needed hotels, a casino and marina and residential allowed to go on Stake Bank to make a meaningful determination as to the condos on the two islands linked to Belize magnitude, duration, scale and geographic City by the causeway. extent of the project’s impact...” The U.S. $250 million development plan, Caye!” The project will also consist of two nine- dubbed the Ocean View Grand hole courses, including 59 private golf course Development, also calls for the construction houses and a club house and accommodate: of another causeway that would link the two using the causeways. involve massive pay offs to cronies, huge bites * A 67-acre marina for up to 400 boats islands. As Usual, Feinstein says the development out of tax payers money and corrupt of up to 100 feet, dredged to 12-foot deep. In October Feinstein presented an will bring employment for Belizeans and construction and finance deals * A casino and night club 106,250 square Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) should boost Belize’s economy. Remember the BTL/Intelco fiasco? That’s feet to be used by 1,000 people (not locals). study on the North Drowned Caye And that´s what all these projects another example of a long running saga of * It will include over 250 structures development to the Department of the amount to; Promises! Promises! government corruption lies and double including, Environment (DOE). Promises, and huge profits for local cronies dealing. * Hotels: One 260 room 3-storey condo Last week engineering experts from the and foreigners who spend nothing in or Remember the promise over the new city hotel with 100,000 square feet of common Feinstein team met with some fifty concerned among Belizeans - who are even banned of Mahogany Heights? More jobs again! A area citizens at the Princess Hotel to discuss the from going to Stake Bank. huge housing project to employ thousands * Villas: 296 in 74, 2-storey buildings project as part of a public consultation Remember Mollejon? It was supposed to build a new city for those in need of housing! Condos: 458 in 38, 4-storey buildings. process for the approval of the EIA study on to provide hundreds of jobs for Belizeans A project to ease overcrowding in Belize They will say: “We don’t intend to build it North Drowned Caye. .. it didn´t . Instead it employed hundreds City! All lies, lies and lies again. Instead a all. We will revise it to suit the area!” Don´t Concern was expressed about the North of Chinese laborers. It was built amidst German/Salvadoran company moved in believe them! Drowned Caye development, especially as rumours of huge cash rake-offs and of design its equipment, with hundreds of Remember the tourist Villge? it relates to the mangrove in that area, because faults. Salvadoran laborers, to build the new city Remember the airport? the mangrove islands form an important buffer And sure enough, soon after it was out of illegally imported paper and Remember the Printers? zone protecting Belize City from storms and completed it was almost washed away. plywood sections. Remember the new Port? also from ocean surges. Originally Belize and BEL (then These simply rotted as quickly as the new Remember Pena’s village? According to The Reporter newspaper, government owned) had an interest in city itself which, with its newly built but rotten How many more broken promises will Acting Chief Environmental Officer, Martin Mollejon. The dam was sold and sold again structures, soon became a small neglected the PUP hand out? Alegria, said not much vital information has and, by the time Fortis Inc. of Canada ended rural slum! THINK ABOUt IT - AND STOP been provided about the proposed up with it, the dam was wholly owned by What did it cost? The land itself, although THEM NOW! causeway, which is of major concern to the department. The department, he said, wants an in-depth geological data study to be conducted on the sea bed to determine if it would be able to withstand such huge structures as contemplated in the development plan. There is also concern about the height of the causeway, which according to the EIA study, will range from 9 feet to 30 feet above sea level in some areas to alow for bigger vessels to pass. Feinstein plans to construct the two-lane causeway from the Marine Parade Boulevard on north side Belize City The North Drowned Caye development, which will involve 515 acres of land, calls for the construction of a 260-room hotel, a casino, a marina and residential units among other amenities. According to the EIA study, an ocean beach estate on Drowned Caye will take up 95 acres of the island while a marina village will take up 26 acres. The size of the casino and its conference room is estimated to be 25,000 square feet and the project concept is for the Friday, January 5, 2007 The INdependent Reformer Page 8 TOPICALTOPICAL TIDBITSTIDBITS

Drowning at Sea appearance! Extraordinarily, a Belizean Emergency in Cayo. workers, and if they violate those rights Death by drowning, took his out-of-date passport for renewal they will lose their rights and be or simply from going recently an was fined $20 because the It was one of those situations which cried sanctioned. missing, is becoming a old passport was not in good nick! out for a quick coordinated respond from Annually two million people cross the major concern among Where wont they seek for money, money, “emergency” crews buy alas, when an southern border from Guatemala and critics of the cruise ship money! electric line blew in the heart of San Ignacio Belize to Mexico and vice versa, and industry. the other day and showered the of them 400,000 enter the Aztec nation These vessels are surrounding traffic and pedestrians with illegally. above all ground rules and float free of The art of hypocrisy. sparks and green flashes, minutes dragged international law when A journalist we know was recently into 10 before a fire engine appeared and That old Brit/Saudi/ Wahabbi drowned or missing passengers are chastised on his lavish and inaccurate that time doubled before a single policeman connection. concerned. They simply sail on without praise for the Musa regime. “It served appeared or BEL cut off the power. A fire obligation of police investigation or even my purpose,” he said, “I needed a works show which only luck stopped from According to UK of reporting losses locally. This leaves favor!” turning deadly. press reports, an friends and relatives in a legal limbo with investigation into no possibility of finding out the cause of GST yet again! Also in Cayo allegations of death of their loved ones. Too easily the Not only is it crippling, It´s becoming a long running farce as bribery involving cruise liners shrug off drowning deaths as beyond recovery, downtown and uptown traffic on Bullet a large British defence contractor and “suicide”. many small businesses Tree Road continues to be rerouted Saudi Arabia have been quashed. Mr. throughout the country, GOB tax around three blocks when Sacred Heart Blair took personal responsibility for Sea and River safety department doesn´t know what it is doing. Junior school is letting students in or out. stopping the inquiry into a multibillion Our own safety laws relating to the sea If it expects every small business The diverted traffic has to pass a busy pound Saudi arms deal, saying that “If and rivers needs tightening up as incidents to issue proper receipts it must issue the playground and the busy route to another we had allowed this to go forward, we of losses and drowning inland and on the correct receipt books. In Cayo the area school. It would take very would have done immense damage to Cayes continue on an almost monthly GST office can’t even advise its victims little for the land rich school to construct the interests of this country.” basis. It is up to lodge owners and tour which receipts are correct and a simple safe set-down area along its His concern for the national interest operators to fully brief their customers on which are not! fence side and a flag boy to do away might, of course, have been to the dangers of sea currents and of raging “Killer GST” makes the old VAT look with the problem which led to the counter Saudi threats not to buy waters on our rivers. The recent heavy rains very good indeed and also makes the diversion in the first place. British fighter jets if the probe left several canoeists, unaccompanied by lies and hysterical screeches of the PUP continued. guides, tipped out and stranded in western when it killed Vat as phony as all their Up Mexico way It´s another example of the old and rivers. All were rescued by alert canoes other promises and pledges. Oh, and that Mexico is planning to create mixed still intact Brit/Saudi/US deal, which with guides but there´s no doubt that in border tax, which is also killing small police units and check migration status allowed the extremist Wahabbis to some cases, when the rivers are swelled businesses, means a young couple must of the population in southern border create the Taliban, the Al qaida, saw and furious, lodges should ban non guide pay $70 US just to leave Belize. Money areas and it could effect Belizeans that all Saudi royal family were quickly canoeing. that could and should stay with lodges traveling north. As part of that program, evacuated illegally from the USA after 911 and businesses and not go to enrich the from Jan 1, Guatemalan citizens will be and continues to turn its usual blind eye Watch that passport coffers of the Government and the often able to request to enter Mexico as local to corruption and human rights abuse in Don’t let your passport decline in incompetent Border Management. visitors and temporary agriculture the antique kingdom. Belize Economics By: Des Parrett to get elected, they must be smart enough consider. lot more money that also has to be paid to do any job. Our controlling elected “First: Let’s stop and look at the simple back. I went to see the Old One who lives at the officials sort out the juicy high paid economics of a billion dollar bond. We “Second: Certainly the only ruins. I had a question for him. Our minister’s positions amongst themselves, have a population of less than 300,000 justification in our present circumstances government kept telling us about how Mr. with little or no consideration as to their people, of which 60% are less than 15 for borrowing such a large sum would be Ralph was educated and had lots of abilities to handle the jobs, instead of years old. Our unemployment figures are if the proceeds were used to generate knowledge about economics. So I asked seeking highly qualified people for the never published because they are so bad, sufficient returns in the future to be self- the Old One, “how come Mr. Ralph came critical positions. A person is generally but being generous in our calculations, we liquidating, but our experience to date up with all these ways to borrow so many considered to be “highly qualified” still have less than 100,000 people hardly justifies this hope. millions and millions of dollars, but we are because he possesses the wisdom to get working. Just on the face of it and without “Third: Our “D” credit rating is so low now worse off then we were before we the job done effectively. Mark Espat is all the other costs, the restructure bond is it has to look up to see whale poop. For borrowed all that money, and we don’t about our only politician who has a history only a Band-Aid on a jugular hemorrhage, some time now we have not been able to seem to have anything to show for it?” of effective management in government, but it will still create a $1,000,000,000 service our existing loans, and had to The Old One smiled and then answered. but he stands out like a searchlight in a debt for 100,000 working people to pay borrow money to pay the interest on what “You should not consider education, cave.” off. That is $10,000 for each working we already owed. Any buyer of the knowledge and wisdom as the same thing. I asked the Old One if the proposed person just for this bond, with additional bonds will know that we are in default, Education teaches us facts. Knowledge billion dollar restructure bond would costs for the bond issue. BUT that is only and the probability of Belize repaying the is the facts we learn. Wisdom is the ability solve our financial problems? the beginning. Interest on the bond is bonds is less than a politician disclosing to use our knowledge to effectively solve The Old One frowned then continued. significantly greater than the annual increase all of his income sources. It is obvious we problems. There are a lot of smart and “Minister Espat himself has said that the in our earnings as is at least an additional can’t handle our existing debt, yet… we educated people who lack wisdom, and Belize restructuring scenarios are ‘at the $45 million a year for the first few years are proposing to add another $45 million unfortunately that seems to include those outer edge of what forecasts show as and $85 million after that until 17 years a year. The only possible buyers would who have controlled our national economic being affordable for the country.’ What have passed… and then we have even be those with a strangling political noose, such policy in the past. he is saying loud and clear is the higher interest plus we have to start paying as Venezuela, Cuba or Taiwan. We have “I have never known of a politician who proposed desperate bond solution is too back the billion dollars at $125 million a already lost our ass and now we are trying to was elected for his wisdom, but politicians costly and too late. year. And…. while all this is going on, sell our soul. There may of course be some seem to think if they were smart enough “There are three serious issues to the government has already borrowed a (Please Turn To Page 11) Friday, January 5, 2007 The INdependent Reformer Page 9 Editorial STAR Newspaper dated Sunday December 17, 2006 (Printed with permission of the author) rewarded with the slashing of excise duty moratorium on borrowing. We borrow disbursement of the second $15 million on his beer from $12 per gallon, under too damn much.” of the IDB loan hinges on “the orderly TENS OF MILLIONS – THEN the previous UDP government, to a Then in last Friday’s sitting of the liquidation” of the nation’s only institution HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS – measly $1.80 per gallon. Despite this house of representatives, the nation was for development financing and the NOW IT’S ONE BILLION!!! huge reduction in taxes, the price of treated to Mark Espat rising in support retrenchment of employees of that In post independent Belize, successive Bowen’s Belikin beer and stout of government’s intention to embark on institution? People’sUnited Party (PUP) increased and, with the added windfall the historical borrowing of ONE Notwithstanding, some level of governments have embarked on a of surplus revenue, Bowen embarked BILLION DOLLARS. This is the very comfort must be given to the Belizean program of on a massive expansion project. New, same Mark Espat who, only a few people and so it came in the form of reckless borrowing with hardly any bigger and more sophisticated route months earlier, told the nation in the very Mark Espat promising the “opening of tangible benefits for the masses of the trucks were pressed into service. The same house of representatives that “we a new financing window” whatever that Belizean people. added finances also gave birth to the cannot continue to borrow from Peter means. “primarily to finance student The reckless borrowing, first in the erection of impressive Bowen to pay Paul”. He has taken a full 360 loans” said Espat. ten of millions of dollars, began during distributions centers such as the one near degrees turn. How interesting indeed. Obviously recognizing that some the 1989-93 era of PUP rule with the Esperanza Village in the Cayo District Furthermore, only a few days ago we degree of hope must be given to comfort arrival of the unelected PUP financial and in other parts of the country. In the witnessed the same Mark Espat signing the sometime militant student guru, Ralph Fonseca, the nation’s words of PUP’s own cabinet minister off on a $25 million loan from the population, the promise came in the defacto minister of finance, under the Cordel Hyde, this singular decision, on InterAmerican Development Bank and form of an institution dubbed wings of Prime Minister George Price. the part of his new PUP government, in the process telling the nation that the “development financing limited” For How can we forget that era’s series of resulted in the decrease of government proceeds from this loan will not be going some reason this promise reads like a borrowings at ridiculously high interest revenues from an annual $25 million to into any projects. page torn from Tony Quinn’s book rates such as the Italian line of credit under the heading “Tell them what they and others, to fund bloated contracts want to hear. like the commercial center at the foot “...the borrowing has evolved from Have we actually forgotten when, a of the swing bridge, the customs house few months ago, during the heights of in the Port Loyola Area and the city increments of tens of millions to hundreds raising fuel prices, former Mexican center, all in Belize City? That series of of millions and now to a whopping ONE president Vicente Fox was brought to reckless borrowing resulted in the our shores and with the full concurrence shortest-lived government ever in the BILLION DOLLARS. In the words of of prime minister Musa, hoodwinked us political history of the nation. General with the false hope of cheaper fuel price election was called 16 months before it prime minister Said Musa “that’s billion by way of the establishment of Mexican was constitutionally due with then prime with a “B”.” fuel stations in the country. And so we minister George Price’s infamous “job hanged our collective hopes on Fox’s done” pre-election proclamation. singular promise. We returned to our The PUP was booted out of office a measly $4 million per annum. How on earth did we reach the point respective corners. We lapped our and a new United Democratic Party In his 2005 contribution to the budget whereby elected politicians can collective tails between our legs. (UDP) government was faced with the debate, Cordel Hyde publicly shamelessly utter these words to a Today, we remain saddled with high fuel task of nursing the nation’s devastated recommended that the taxes on beer be nation feeling the pinch of ailing prices. The presidency of Vicente Fox has economy back to health. The exercise restored to the $12 per gallon rate as it economic conditions where 44% of its gone into the history books and we are resulted in the implementation of some was under the UDP ”and let us collect citizens are living in poverty? Amidst yet to see a single Mexican fuel station unpopular decisions primary among the 25 million dollars”, said Hyde. The widespread poverty, government established anywhere in the country. which were the downsizing of PUP, in campaign mode for the 1998 finance officer Joe Waight tells us that It is often said that “a promise is a government’s bloated workforce and general election, lambasted the UDP 85 million dollars in additional loans is comfort to a fool.” the implementation of the Value Added government for presiding over the coming into the country. - $25m from The year just ending was not an easy Tax. nation’s foreign reserves which they said the IDB - $25m from the CDB - $25m one, all political parties will be in full By the time the UDP left office in stood at ”only” three months of imports. from the Republic of Venezuela and campaign mode in the New Year and August of 1998 the overall national debt Today, after eight years of PUP rule, $10m from the Republic of China on so the combs will begin to fall to the stood at a manageable 500 million that very same foreign reserve stands Taiwan ALL of which will be used, said floor. Take that which is rightfully yours. dollars. In came the PUP Government dangerously at two weeks of imports Joe Waight “ to help support Belize’s We have been punishing for much too headed by a new prime minister in the while the national debt has ballooned to balance of payment” with not even a long. Remember the promises of person of Said Wilbert Musa, with the 3.3 billion dollars. dime directly touching the life of a single cheaper light, water and telephone now elected Ralph Fonseca as minister With the national economy in poor Belizean. rates? Listen to the promises as they are of finance. It did not take long for the shambles, prime minister Musa was How did we reach the point when made because at the end of the day, reckless borrowing to resume only this forced by other members of his we can swallow the pronouncement that none of us are fools. time in the hundreds of millions of government to remove Ralph Fonseca dollars. as minister of Finance. In terms of The 2003 general election campaign present times, the borrowing has came with unprecedented massive evolved from increments of tens of campaign financing and lavish millions to hundreds of millions and now Visit The spending on propaganda items in every to a whopping ONE BILLION district town and larger villages. These DOLLARS. In the words of prime items included expensive “love minister Said Musa “that’s billion with a Belize Zoo fests” overflowing with cheap beers and “B”. Call it a direct loan. Call it the free food for all along with live floating of bonds. Call it the acquisition entertainments featuring Supa G, the of finances at concessionary rates. Call caliente dancers as well as expensive it whatever you want, a lemon by any The Best Little political advertisements on television. name is just as sour. If it is not a grant, The massive spending resulted in the then it’s bad news for the Belizean return of prime minister Said Musa and economy as any more borrowing will Zoo In The World the PUP to government. Within days only serve to further mortgage the future of assuming the reigns of government, of Belizeans yet unborn. the party’s chief campaign financier, Again in the words of PUP minister Barry Bowen was handsomely Cordel Hyde “We must put a Friday, January 5, 2007 The INdependent Reformer Page 10 HONDURAS:HONDURAS: GovernedGoverned byby VestedVested InterestsInterests

By Thelma Mejía San José, Costa Rica - Monday 18 December 2006 on some appointments of public officials, who has interests in the timber industry. and we want official advertising contracts, His camp includes business leaders TEGUCIGALPA, (IPS) - Traditionally operate the country’s main airports, as well they added,” according to the source. involved in the tourist industry, biodiesel powerful families and drug traffickers have as shares in telephone companies in Since then, the Zelaya administration, manufacturing — which has strong enormous political influence in Honduras Guatemala. which took office in January 2006, has backing from the present administration today, according to analysts. Influential businessmen in the media, had friction with some of the country’s — and the thermal energy industry. The elite families, which have gradually whose influence has grown since the most powerful business groups, because Unconfirmed reports have also pointed taken over party structures and decision- 1990s, are Rafael Ferrari; Carlos Flores the cabinet includes members of the Jewish to links between the government and making posts in government, “are the Facussé, a former president (1998 2002) business community headed by Rosenthal, members of the Guatemalan business groups that have what we could call ‘legal’ and the nephew of Miguel Facussé; and which is at loggerheads with the country’s community, who allegedly contributed power,” political scientist Ernesto Paz at Jorge Canahuati Larach. most influential families of Arab origin. substantially to the president’s election the public National Autonomous Jesuit priest Ismael Moreno said these Rosenthal, who has run unsuccessfully campaign. University of Honduras (UNAH) told groups “are so interrelated and closely for the presidency four times, belongs to According to the governing party IPS. linked to the Honduran political system, the governing Liberal Party and has deputy to the Central American “But then there are the others, who where their meddling is very strong, that it interests in areas like the media, the cement Parliament, Gloria Oquelí, this scenario” work behind the scenes and have links to can be stated that they handpick presidents industry, beef exports, banks, insurance endangers the stability of the political organised parties, crime, because especially penetration drug by these trafficking, “penetration by these groups is so overwhelming that we groups is which has a so strong are being left without any true political leaders.” overwhelming presence in that we are this being left country,” he without added. “These groups, which not only and other authorities, dictate the news and telecoms. He played a key role in any true political leaders.” paralyse, but influence political reforms agenda in the media, and are the main Zelaya’s campaign. ”It’s not that their participation is a needed in this country, are generating a contributors to political campaigns.” His son, Yani Rosenthal, is now minister negative thing, they should participate. But crisis of governability and weakening the “The repetitive presence of certain last of the Presidency, in charge of coordinating they should let the politicians govern and party system,” he said. names in Congress and the executive all the ministries and the most important not the other way around, that is to say, Paz and other analysts who talked to branch is not fortuitous,” Moreno, director portfolios of public administration projects govern the politicians themselves, as we IPS said the families that exercise the of the Jesuit Reflection, Research and and credits. are seeing in practice. We should re-think greatest power in Honduras are Jewish Communication Team (ERIC), told IPS. Given Zelaya’s marked differences with how to modernise the political system and or of Arab descent, and are involved in “They know how to intervene, request and some power groups, who is he governing make political parties less elitist and more economic sectors like the “maquiladoras” demand. The state would seem to be at with? open to civil society and social (export assembly plants), energy, their service, and governments are seen With the Rosenthal family and another participation, “ she said. telecoms, tourism, banking and finance, as an instrument for obtaining power and business sector not linked to the traditional What most concerns Oquelí is what she the media, the cement industry and trade profits. structures, who intend, together with the calls the coopting of the party systemby and commerce. “If they used to do a better job disguising president, “to set a distance between drug traffickers, about whom she says The study “Real Integration and Groups their ambition, in the last decade they have themselves and those who have exploited there are “strong indications that they have of Power in Central America” by the gone over the top, and it would seem that this country for years,” said the presidential financed political campaigns. Political Friedrich Ebert Foundation of this plundered and ruined country still has adviser who spoke to IPS. parties must open their books and give Germany says these vested interests have meat to chew on,” he added. This group is apparently led by the the public information about who finances taken over the spectrum occupied by Of Honduras’ seven million people, 65 president’s chief of staff Roberto Babún, (Please Turn To Page 11) political parties in the region. percent lived below the poverty line and The study differentiates between 53 percent in extreme poverty in 2005, “business governments, “ like that of El according to the United Nations FOR RENT Salvador, and “pro-business Development Programme (UNDP). governments” like the ones that have ruled A presidential adviser who asked to Honduras and the rest of the countries in remain anonymous for security reasons Professional single, non- Central America, in which the link told IPS that “these groups are insatiable, between government structures and the they make one request after another. Two smoking, quiet tennant sought private sector have been less direct than months ago, in a meeting with President in El Salvador. Investor Miguel Facussé Manuel Zelaya, they told him that in the for a self-contained, one- Barjum, his son-in-law Fredy Nasser, 1980s, the most important political energy magnate Schucry Kafie, and decisions were put to consultation in the bedroomed, H&C water, AC banker and industrialist Jaime Rosenthal military barracks, but that now they were are the most powerful men in Honduras. here, the businesspeople and the media.” apartment in Ladyville. Another influential businessman is the “You are only temporary, while we are Cuban-born José Lamas. c permanent, they said. We want to be Nasser and Kafie control the country’s consulted about decisions, we want thermal energy industry, and Nasser’s contracts and to participate in the public Call 225-3586 anytime business interests include concessions to tenders, we want to express our opinions Fly Tropic Air - Fly Tropic Air - Fly Tropic Air “The Airline Of Belize” Friday, January 5, 2007 The INdependent Reformer Page 11 HONDURAS:HONDURAS: HONDURAS:HONDURAS: legislators who had gained their seats with Governed by Vested Interests drug trafficking money, although he did not Governed by Vested Interests dare name names. (Continued From Page 10) trafficking of arms and persons, and the police — more than 3,000 kg so far this A former mayor from a town in Honduras their campaigns, and in return for what,” activities of “maras” or youth gangs. Drug year. told IPS that at least five mayors in the western she said. trafficking has been seen in Honduras since According to the governmental provinces of Copán, Lempira and Alfredo Landaverde, an expert on drug 1977, although the country was mainly Honduran Institute for the Prevention of Ocotepeque had financed their campaigns trafficking issues and adviser to the state used in the past as a transit point. Alcoholism and Drug Addiction and with drug money. But “if I reveal their names, on security, said that “narco” penetration However, in the last decade, this has Dependency, drug use is on the rise, and they’ll kill me the next day,” he said. in Honduras can be seen in money changed, as indicated by the seizures of a majority of youngsters between the ages The U.S. Drug Enforcement laundering, car theft, forgery of documents, enormous quantities of cocaine by the of 15 and 19 have tried some kind of illegal Administration (DEA) reported that around drug, especially cocaine. 100 tons of cocaine move through Honduras The Institute reports that in the 1970s, annually, while domestic consumption levels Belize Economics local drug consumption was largely limited have soared in the last few years. to marijuana. But cocaine, as well as Most of the cocaine comes from (Continued From Page 8) It has failed to keep our borders secure. It crack, now both circulate widely. “And since Colombia and is on its way to the United crazy entities who feel that they could use has failed to make proper health care available 2002, small amounts of ecstasy and heroin States, according to the Honduran police and the bond to foreclose on the economy (take a look at the dreadful hospitals in PG have been seized, although their distribution the DEA. and San Ignacio). It has failed to give us an somehow, but the bond issue makes total is still limited,” says the Institute. The DEA plans to establish an anti-drug accounting of how our national money has nonsense from a commercial point of view. Landaverde said drug trafficking activity military base in 2008 in the Atlantic coastal “If it somehow did happen to find a “taker” been (mis)spent for years now. It has failed is concentrated on the Caribbean and Atlantic region of Mosquitia, one of the main drug the bond is storing up a disastrous burden to give us a properly trained police force we coasts in the north and northeast, and in the trafficking points in Honduras due to its remote on the Belize population in 17 years can call upon for help, instead of one that is extreme western part of the country. jungles, which are unconnected to the rest of time....when of course the responsible often worse than the criminals. It has failed to According to the UNAH Observatory on the country by road. politicos will no longer be around. The create jobs for our people. It has caused a Violence, these are the regions with the highest The drug lords evade justice by means of repayments would have to come from 300% increase in our cost of living over the levels of violent crime. taxation on our workers, though it appears last 10 years while failing to increase our bribery, threats and murder, said Landaverde. Drug traffickers launder their profits by the prospect of the bonds ever being repaid wages. In short our political system has failed Both the economic elites and the drug “investing in luxury homes, ranches, are pretty much nil. No doubt a “rollover” in our people just as surely and dramatically as traffickers are consolidating their hold on companies and fishing boats, as well as small 17 years time is what the government has in Communism failed the Russians.” power thanks to the fragility of democracy in and medium-size businesses. But they also mind, but with an already heavily indebted The Old One shook his head. “Our system the region, which “is in crisis,” in the view of economy a rollover could be a pipedream. has long been a tool for the vested interests, do so by investing in politics,” said Paz. “Fourth: The billion dollar bond does not and corrupt politicians,” he concluded. “We Landaverde, who clarified that there are no “In the case of Honduras, one of the correct the causes of our disastrous have sunk into a type of Fascism under the official statistics on money laundering in the solutions to keep the state from remaining economics. OUR POLITICAL SYSTEM guise of democracy where our people now country. trapped in these networks is HAS FAILED US! It has failed to provide serve the government instead of the Two months ago, Marvin Ponce, a the construction and creation of citizen justice for our people. It has failed to supply government serving our people. There must lawmaker with the leftist Democratic networks that strengthen society,” the a decent education system for our children. be a change, and that change must come soon. Unification party, stated that there were political scientist argued. JungleJungle WalkWalk

The Jabiru stork is Belize’s days when the obviousness of its out- brownish gray. biggest bird and one of the jabiru was a size, its appearance is The storks feed in wetlands, most easily recognized. This commodity in also unmistakable. Its around swamps and ponds, week, Independent Weekly the markets of plumage is all white, its sometimes flying several miles gives you some more Belize. head all black— in search of a favored food. information on this fascinating Luckily, including the heavy These are many to choose creature, courtesy Jungle Walk today’s Belize boasts the duty bill; these are among: fish, frogs and snails, field guide by Katie Stevens. healthiest population of connected by a reptiles and small mammals. these storks within its loose skinned Snakes seem to be high on the January is the time of year eight county habitat black neck list of delectables, perhaps when the jabiru stork (Jabiru (Central America and bordered below because the appetite which is mycteria) begins refurbishing Mexico), although by a bright red worked up in the process of last year’s nursery in destruction of some nesting band, preparation. The jabiru will take preparation for this year’s and feeding areas have comprising a a 6-foot snake and shake it, brood. No mean feat; inevitably occurred. simple but throw it up into the air and catch constructed of large sticks The largest flying bird in tasteful it, thrash it and bash it and intertwining, the jabiru nest is the Americas, the jabiru ensemble— finally tear it to pieces. Which a platform as many as 8 feet is four and a half to all things it then eats with relish (but across! It perches high in a tall, five feet with a considered. rarely piccalilli). often dead, usually lone tree wingspan of nine No one ever Jabirus come in solitary pairs within a pine ridge or above the feet. In Spanish it implied that which snare the duties of jungle bush. This is known as El Rey the jabiru is parenthood but, when the overexposure of its de Ellos, or “King of just a pretty nesting season is over, they fly whereabouts made this them all”; in Belize it is face! north with their young (2-4) to otherwise shy bird an easy demoted to “fillymingo” or The immature join up with the flocks of target in the pre-protection even to “turk”! Aside from the jabiru is an appropriate southern Mexico. Friday, January 5, 2007 The INdependent Reformer Page 12

A Christmas Story by Emory King

Here is a true story which happened over the Christmas Season a couple of years ago. A little old lady, obviously very poor, was trying to buy a Christmas ham. The shop was crowded with people pushing each other and calling out to the assistants behind the counter. Several small boys were scrambling around, under everybody’s feet. Unable to shout very loud she hoped to get the attention of one of the clerks by waving. She clutched her worn bag in one hand and waved with the other..... Finally one of the clerks leaned over the counter. “What for you, lady?” “One small ham”, she said. “The smallest ham you got.” The young man went away and rummaged through the boxes of hams, first weighing one and then weighing another and at length came back with a ham and said, “Eleven dollars and twenty-five cents. Ok?” The old woman bit her lip. “No. I am sorry. Don’t you have anything smaller? I have only ten dollars.” She turned away with a hint of tears in her eyes. The owner, who was at the cash register during the whole episode, told her to wait and called back the clerk. “It’s all right, boy. Give her the ham for ten dollars.” With the ham safely in her shopping bag at her feet the old lady removed a worn ten dollar bill from her cloth purse and handed it to the owner. “God Bless you, sir”, she said with a catch in her voice. “That’s all right”, the owner said gruffly, a little embarrassed to show his Christmas spirit before the crowd of customers. Suddenly someone shouted, “Stop that boy,” and the old lady re- alized one of the little boys had grabbed her bag and run away. He was fast and smart and before anyone could take action he was up Water Lane and gone. Now the tears really came down the old woman’s face and she wailed piteously. And wrung her hands. And started out of the shop. “Come on boys,” someone in the crowd shouted. “Let’s help the lady.” He waved a dollar in the air. Soon another hand went up and then another. And within a minute the money was collected and paid and another ham, a little larger than the stolen one, was forthcoming from the boxes. And the owner even gave the little old lady a new bag to carry it in. Perhaps we haven’t all gotten money-mad and cold to the needs of others.

For an online version of the CONGRATULATIONS! INdependent Reformer Ghislaine graduated magna visit us at cum laude, from Florida Southern College this http://www.belizenorth.com/ December 16th with a independentreformer.htm Masters of Business Adminis- OR tration. Congratulations from her parents, family, and friends. http://belizenews.com/ Proud parents Lisa & Albert V. Hoare Sr. attending the graduation ceremonies of their independentonline.pdf eldest child Ghislaine Hoare. Much success with your future endeavors. Friday, January 5, 2007 The INdependent Reformer Page 13

taking better car of my car. Of not sleeping in her every night to guard her against gas Thirty Minute Country and hubcap thieves and window smashing vandals. Of not getting out and personally (Continued From Page 4) that stopped working just months into never come out the same, where wildlife inspecting the road for potholes the size appliances is as short lived as the the contract? of any size may emerge in the night and of graves in front of Lord’s Ridge appliances themselves. From power How many of us are sitting on sofas scare the beejeezus out of your pet dog Cemetery and trenches the size of bank surges to power struggles in the home, that looked so beautiful in the showroom, or cat or hubby seeking a nighttime vaults across the Lord’s Bank Road. I am how many family are still paying for items but which barely survived the transfer snack. sorry, so sorry, my trusty Corolla that you New Years home; which, within days of arrival began I almost had a heart attack when I are rusty, corroding in the salty air and to boast rips and tears and stains, opened the washer one morning to find a choking with red dust. That bits and resolution for providing well upholstered dens for baby baby iguana opening his mouth pieces fall out of you at random and you Primary schools mice and lizards? aggressively at me. To the day I have no rattle like an old Landrover. How many lovingly selected cups and idea where he/she went. He/she just I apologize to you and all the other items I in Belmopan! saucers cannot ever be placed upright for disappeared “down there somewhere.” I brought her, or bought here. You deserve a Belmopan have joined forces to develop fear of some droppings dropping into recently sold that washer, but harbor the better, longer life. a Computer Literacy Initiative in time for the them? Brand new, shiny kitchen secret fear that the new owner will meet a Belize does not like to be called a third New Year. Currently there is no computer cupboards last exactly 30 minutes before fully grown iguana some day when she world country. But surely we are a 30 minute teaching within these primary schools and this one of the hinges falls off, the draw pull sets out to hang out the wash. It’s is a guilt country. If you really like your Christmas project will initially give over 3,000 pupils stops pulling or they become dark scary I must live with. presents, I suggest you leave them in the box. access to resources and skills needed in the places where pots and pans go in, but Just as I live with the remorse of not They’re safer in there. developing age of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). The program will establish an essential long term and sustainable ICT presence within these schools where thereafter the Belmopan project could be the basis for further expansion to other Belize primary schools. The project will embrace the local community by running training classes for parents and providing access to the computer services. Development of these networked computer laboratories will enable the creation of an Educational Intranet that can be used as an educational resource and information portal for pupils, parents and teachers. The benefits of such a scheme would give children basic computer skills for when they graduate from primary school which can then be developed in secondary school. Teachers will have access to a much wider spectrum of resources for their classes with the use of the internet and the administration of schools will be much more efficient with the use of the computers and Intranet. With only 13% of Belizeans having access to the internet compared to over 60% in America there is a drastic need for an ICT presence in schools to keep up with the needs for computer literacy in further education and future employment. The community will be influenced by this project as parents will have the ability to learn and develop their computing skills and enjoy the variety of benefits of being connected! The overall aim is to build Belize’s competence of Information and Communication Technologies to bridge the gap of the digital divide. Funding is being sought from the Commonwealth Foundation campaign ‘Commonwealth Connects’ and the key to being successful with the application is Partnerships. The project is solely run by volunteers, the support of parents and the Belize University who will work to maintain the computer laboratories as part of the sustainability. To develop the initiative it needs more support and collaborations which are vital to secure funding and to sustain the program. If you have any business propositions or partnership schemes that you feel will be of interest please contact the project leader, Fiona Fraser. By working together we can ensure that the Primary Schools of Belmopan keep their New Years resolution! Friday, January 5, 2007 The INdependent Reformer Page 14 IMF roadmap for Belize 2007 To the Members of the International monetary policy stancew ill be maintained Financial Community: in order to underscore the authorities’ At the request of the Government of commitment to the fixed exchange rate Belize, I would like to inform you of recent regime. Structural reforms are envisaged economic developments in Belize and the to support macroeconomic tightening. country’s relationship with the These reforms center on the fiscal are (a International Monetary Fund. e.g., tax reform, pension reform, public ARIES LIBRA Over the past twoye ars, the authorities debt management), monetary policy (Mar. 21- April 20) (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) have made commendable strideisn implementation, financial sector regulation Be prepared to neutralize any threats. Praise will You may be upset if someone has borrowed be yours if you have been pursuing your goals. something that belongs to you. You can expect correcting serious macroeconomic and supervision, and improved economic Your main concern will be to spend as little as changes in your financial situation as well as in imbalances based on their adjustment statistics. possible of your own cash in the process. your status. Accept the inevitable. strategy. Tax measures and primary Even with this additional adjustment TAURUS SCORPIO expenditure cuts havele d to a sharp effort, as well as the additional official (Apr. 21- may 21) (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) improvementi n the central government’s financing that is being provided byn Use your charm, but don’t sign or agree to Fitness or weight loss pro grams will help your anything. Focus on your domestic scene. Get self esteem. Be innovative. However, be careful primary balance, which has moved from mltilateral and bilateral lenders, large fiscal together with friends or relatives. Be sure to take with luggage; it may be rerouted. a deficit of3 percent of GDP in FY2003/ and balance of payments financing gaps care of any minor ailments. SAGITTARIUS 04 (April to March) to a surplus of 3 would remain in 2007 and beyond. It is GEMINI (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) percent of GDP in FY2005/06. At the against this background that Belize has (May 22-June 21) Try to be precise in your communications. You same time, monetary policy was tightened sought to engage with its external private This is a wonderful day to look into courses or can make money if you concentrate on producing hobbies that interest you. Travel for business services or goods that will make domestic chores through the sterilization of social security creditors to achieve an orderly and will not only bring you valuable information but easier. This will be a good day for research and deposits and increases in reserve cooperative debt restructuring. High also profits as well. You can win if you’re open for sitting down with some good, informative requirements. These measures have participation by private creditors in the debt and up front with your boss. reading material. contributed to a narrowing of the country’s exchange offer that was launched on CANCER CAPRICORN large current account deficit. December 18, 2006 would help support (June 22-July 22) (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You can enjoy your involvement in organizations It might be best to work on your own; if possible, However, these efforts alone will not orderly macroeconomic adjustment, restore that make charitable contributions. Travel will be do your job out of your home today. Try to join be sufficient to bring the economy back fiscal and external sustainability, and establish fun and entertaining. It’s time to reevaluate your groups of interest such as ballroom dance classes onto a sustainable path, and for this reason the conditions for strong economic growth. motives. or perhaps an internet organization. This may not be the time to lend or borrow. the authorities are undertaking further The International Monetary Fund has LEO adjustment efforts during FY2006/07 and wrelcomed the progress the authorities (July 23-Aug 22) AQUARIUS Offers of joint ventures are likely. Romantic (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) beyond. Accordingly, they are targeting a have sing Belize’s serious ma c r o e c o opportunities are evident if you get involved in Don’t avoid your true feelings. Old friends may further incrcase in the primary fiscal surplus nic imbalances in the context of a large groups or organizations. Take care of the not like your choices. Broaden your horizons and to 3% percent of GDP in FY 2006/07 homegrown adjustment strategy. needs of elders in your family. look into programs that will teach you awareness and relaxation. and to 4-4% percent of GDP in Nonetheless, Belize’s situation will remain VIRGO subsequent years. This fiscal improvement vulnerable for quite some time, allowing (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) PISCES Take a long look at your present direction and (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) would be achieved by saving theb ulk of little room for slippage in implementing the consider your professional options. You can sort Uncertain get rich quick schemes will not be as lucrative as you projected revenues from oil production, policy frame work. We stand ready to out any differences you have in an amiable anticipate. You must try to help. The knowledge you have will enhance enhancing non-oil revenue collection, and continue to assist the authorities in manner. Be careful if a friend asks you for advice. your reputation. restraining current expenditures. A prudent implementing and monitoring their financial and structural adjustment policies,a nd to Hunt for good food provide technical assistance as needed. With Anthony Hunt Li Chee Freetown Rd., Belize City

Opposite the Old Technical College, Li Chee (a.k.a Freetown Kentucky) offers quality, sure value, speedy service and unequalled atmosphere. For just five dollars you can get several pieces of fried chicken (a.k.a greesy bag, nice-n-nasty) well seasoned and deliciously cooked to order with enough fries to keep you within the Atkins diet parameters.

Li Chee’s production line is as close to a KFC production of cooked order as you get. The paint work and fixtures may leave a lot to be desired, and lines will be long at all times but just holler a carefully constructed few words, “Five dollar bress’, chop up, fries, latta peppa” and don’t lose sight of your objective, to get outa there with a steamy hot styrofoam package of Li Chees .

One US customs officer in Miami once asked (in a southern accent), “Did you bring any of the Lee Chees?”. So no matter whether you are rushing home to Vista Del Mar with no time to cook, or need to take a remembrance of home to your kin in NYC, stop off at Li Chee, keep your head down, muscle into the crowd, and get what you deserve. It is as close to chicken heaven as you can get, and the word is spreading worldwide. Fly Tropic Air - Fly Tropic Air - Fly Tropic Air “The Airline Of Belize” Friday, January 5, 2007 The INdependent Reformer Page 15

Caffeine and Energy Looking Totally Boosting Drugs: for your copy of Energy Drinks eens Independent Reformer T Weekly? What are energy drinks? coffee and whisky than anything else. Energy drinks are beverages like Red What happens when energy drinks are Bull, Venom, Adrenaline Rush, 180, ISO combined with alcohol? We currently have the following Sprint, and Whoopass, which contain Energy drinks are also used as mixers with distributors Countrywide and are large doses of caffeine and other legal alcohol. This combination carries a number stimulants like ephedrine, guarana, and of dangers: looking for more: ginseng. Energy drinks may contain as · Since energy drinks are stimulants much as 80 mg of caffeine, the equivalent and alcohol is a depressant, the of a cup of coffee. Compared to the 37 combination of effects may be Corozal: mg. of caffeine in a Mountain Dew, or dangerous. The stimulant effects can the 23 mg. in a Coca-Cola Classic, that’s mask how intoxicated you are and Raidys a big punch. These drinks are marketed prevent you from realizing how much to people under 30, especially to college alcohol you have consumed. Fatigue Orange Walk: students, and are widely available both is one of the ways the body normally on and off campus. tells someone that they’ve had Peoples Store, Del La Fuenta Are there short-term dangers to enough to drink. Drugs Store drinking energy drinks? · The stimulant effect can give the Individual responses to caffeine vary, person the impression they aren’t Cayo: and these drinks should be treated impaired. No matter how alert you carefully because of how powerful they feel, your blood alcohol Evas Café, Celinas are. Energy drinks’ stimulating properties concentration (BAC) is the same as and street vendors can boost the heart rate and blood it would be without the energy drink. pressure (sometimes to the point of Once the stimulant effect wears off, Dangriga: palpitations), dehydrate the body, and, the depressant effects of the alcohol like other stimulants, prevent sleep. will remain and could cause vomiting Oscar Ramirez Energy drinks should not be used in your sleep or respiratory while exercising as the combination of depression. Placencia: fluid loss from sweating and the diuretic · Both energy drinks and alcohol are Noldan Brown quality of the caffeine can leave the user very dehydrating (the caffeine in severely dehydrated. energy drinks is a diuretic). Punta Gorda: Know what you’re drinking. Energy Dehydration can hinder your body’s drinks are not necessarily bad for you, ability to metabolize alcohol and will Natures Way Guest House but they shouldn’t be seen as “natural increase the toxicity, and therefore Caye Caulker: alternatives” either. Some of the claims the hangover, the next day. they make like “improved performance Trends and concentration” can be misleading. If you are between the ages of If you think of them as highly-caffeinated 11 and 18 and would like to Belmopan: drinks, you’ll have a more accurate express your opinions email Hyde’s Mini Mart picture of what they are and how they us at: affect you. You wouldn’t use Mountain and Dakers Stationery Dew as a sports drink. And a drink like [email protected] Red Bull and vodka is more like strong Belize City: Boxing Day TKO: Albert & Queen Street Stalls, Twin Belizeans get pumped, AGAIN! Supermarket and Slingshot on St. (Continued From Page 13) issued, at least, not in Belize. Thomas Street, That is a serious warning for Belizeans But there is more there in Dcotor in Belize by the IMF, no less. Fuel Rodrigo’s letter. I’ll sit back and let Ladyville: prices have already gone up...just the pundits dissect it then we can six days after the DG’s release, talk. But you can’t say you weren’t El Ca’s Supermarket, Jonze Salon, without any official releases being forewarned. Can you? Celinas Grocery, Highwayman For an online version of the Service Station, Celina’s, Airport INdependent Reformer San Pedro: visit us at seeking a distributor http://www.belizenorth.com/ independentreformer.htm New Distributors are being added OR every week so look out for increased http://belizenews.com/ availability. You can also join our independentonline.pdf mailing list, see page 2 for details. Friday, January 5, 2007 The INdependent Reformer Page 16