Friday, February 5, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 1

NO. 3435 CITY, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2021 (52 PAGES) $1.50 PSC members won’t resign

BELIZE CITY, Wed. Feb. 3, 2021 This week the chairman of the Public Service Commission (PSC), Charles KHMH patients must Gibson, announced that he and the other members of the commission have decided that they will not resign from bear the cost of PPE’s their posts at the PSC. He asserts that their resignation would be unconstitutional and would go against the principle of the rule of law. Just this Please turn to„Page 47 Ian Haylock challenges Comptroller COVID-19 , Wed. Feb. 3, 2021 has no choice but to have its patients This week the CEO of the KHMH bear the cost of those PPEs (personal Authority, Michelle Hoare, spoke with protective equipment) kits used daily Leslie’s Update the media concerning a new charge now by healthcare professionals, since not (See story on page 3) being seen by patients on their hospital appointment bills. CEO Hoare said that the hospital Please turn to„Page 47 Estevan Perera resigns as Elections and Boundaries chairman; Oscar Sabido appointed BELIZE CITY, Tues. Feb. 2, 2021 Earlier this week, Estevan Perera announced his resignation from the chairmanship of the Elections and Boundaries Commission. In a statement posted on social media, Perera commented, “It is unfortunate that the composition of the Election and Boundaries Commission has become publicized to the extent that it has. The mere fact that it was raised at the House of Representatives speaks volumes Please turn to„Page 46 Home invaders hold 1-year-old BELIZE CITY, Tues. Feb. 2, 2021 In early January 2021, the hostage in announced the (See story on page 45) Please turn to„Page 45 Page 2 AMANDALABelize Friday, February 5, 2021 Ambassador designates officially appointed

by Kory Leslie (freelance writer) Belize’s Permanent Representative to been named the Ambassador-Designate Former Non-resident Ambassador of the Organization of American States. to the Republic of China () and Belize to Nicaragua, Alexis Rosado, has BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Feb. 4, 2021 Young has served as the former CEO will succeed Cherie Nisbet, who has been named Ambassador-Designate to On Tuesday, February 2, Prime of Belize Electricity Limited and been named the new Ambassador- the European Union, and the Minister John Briceño published the remains a member of their board of Designate to the Republic of El Organization of African, Caribbean, and official list of ambassadors that his trustees. Belize City councilor Oscar Salvador. Pacific States, a post that will require administration has appointed. These Arnold has been named Ambassador- Lou-Anne Burns Martinez has been him to relocate to Belgium. Finally, ambassadors are tasked with cultivating Designate to the United Mexican States. named Ambassador-Designate to the Lawrence Sylvestre will once again be and strengthening bilateral relations Jose Alpuche has been appointed Republic of Cuba after previously Belize’s Ambassador-Designate to between the Government of Belize and Ambassador-Designate to the Republic serving as the CEO of Foreign Affairs. CARICOM. other nations to drive foreign policy, of Guatemala. Alpuche is also the Carlos Fuller, expert climatologist and Among this recent set of appointees trade, etc. former CEO of Agriculture. Therese Regional Liaison Officer of the for diplomatic postings is a historic A total of eleven ambassadors were Rath has been named High Caribbean Community Climate Change number of females (40%). All the named, including Amalia Mai, who is Commissioner-Designate to the United Center, will be Belize’s Permanent appointed diplomats will be working now the Non-Resident Ambassador- Kingdom and was formerly the Representative Designate to the United closely with the Foreign Minister, Hon. Designate to SICA. Mai, who was the chairperson of the Belize Tourism Nations. Eamon Courtenay. CEO of Great Belize Productions/ Board. Channel 5, was also recently named the Additionally, another member of the CEO of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Belize City Council completing their Lynn Young has been appointed term this March, Dr. Candice Pitts, has Minister Usher talks 9 Men in boat were on a about terminations by Kory Leslie (freelance writer) a record of achievements. “rescue mission”, says lawyer Regarding disciplinary measures, BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Feb. 4, 2021 Usher was asked how the new time.” He presented an alternative While addressing the media this week, government plans to streamline their interpretation of what was taking place the PUP chairman and Minister of the disciplinary process involving the Public when the men were found — that his Public Service, Hon. Henry Charles Service Commission, given that reports clients were on a rescue mission to help Usher, was asked about the ongoing have been made in the past that penalties the possible victims of the plane crash. terminations that have been seen within which were recommended for certain “If you hear that a plane has crashed, the various government ministries since public officers were never imposed. wouldn’t you want to try and see if you a PUP administration took the reins of These were his comments on that: can rescue somebody or try and go to government. Usher has stated that in “The Public Service Commission the scene of the crash?” Bradley said. order to ensure that any terminations that does have the final say when it comes to Bradley was outraged when he was are made do not overstep the discipline, but they make told, “Your clients were found in constitutional laws that govern recommendations, so it might not be the possession of two bales of cocaine.” employment and contracts, the disciplinary measure that that particular Bradley questioned, “Possession of Government has been receiving advice department wanted for that particular two bales? Wow!”, and he noted that from the Attorney General’s office as it public officer, but when it comes from despite public belief, such evidence is engages in hiring and firing. the Commission and the department is circumstantial because it has not been The Public Service Union (PSU) and told how to proceed it should be a very tested in court. Further questioning the other entities have also been calling for straightforward process. It shouldn’t be accuracy of the report, Bradley asked “All a review of the Public Service a back and forth. It’s a matter that goes by Dayne Guy 9 of them were in possession of two Regulations, especially where open-vote there, then, of course, if the public officer bales? Or the two bales were in a fishing employees are concerned. In reference is not satisfied with the discipline being ORANGE WALK, Mon. Feb. 1, 2021 net or something? “ to those efforts by the PSU, Usher recommended, he can appeal that as well Shortly after a total of 28 bales of The case, as Bradley explains it, has a stated, “There are a lot of areas within to the advisory council. So, all of that, cocaine were found near the Hill Bank lot of loose ends. He went on to claim the Public Service Regulations that need as you say streamlined, we have to look area, in the , early that although he “was very impressed with a little tightening up, a little improvement, at all of those measures; we have to put Friday morning following the bust of a the police for being able to get their hands and we’ll be looking at all of those. The better timeframes in place. It can’t be recently landed drug plane, police on at least a portion [of the drugs]”, they Union has presented a lot of updates just an open-end thing; it has to be set arrested nine men, including two police had ultimately caught the wrong guys. that they would like to see happening in where due process is followed. The officers and a BDF soldier, who were Police had indicated in a report that the regulation, so we’ll be working very public officer knows his or her role and detained while allegedly fleeing the scene there was another boat that fled the scene. closely with them in terms of how we understands too that they are in a boat that contained 2 bales of Bradley believes this boat holds the move forward with the changes having accountable. The public officers are suspected cocaine. answers regarding the identity of the real to be made in the regulations, but the accountable to the people.” The 9 accused persons were culprits. Rather, he said, “the police regulations cover a number of issues, Usher stated that in terms of arraigned in the Magistrate’s Court of detained 9 persons who did not come they cover hiring, transfers, promotions, consultations, a broad range of groups Senior Magistrate Merlene Moody. They out of a plane, who were not seen jumping terminations, disciplinary measures, so will be involved, including the PSU and all pleaded not guilty, and the matter was out of a plane, who were not loading or there’s a lot going on in those various ministries, especially the Ministry adjourned until April 6, 2021, according unloading a plane.” regulations.” of the Public Service. Minister Usher also to their attorney, Richard “Dickie” Bradley believes instead that his clients Hon. Usher also mentioned that there reaffirmed the government’s stance that Bradley. have been wronged. They are to be is work being done to further enhance the Public Service Commissioners and When asked what information he released without bail as stipulated by the the efficiency and independence of the PSC chairman should step down so could share about the situation, he said Crime Control Act for that quantity of Public Service employees as well as that the Prime Minister can make the it was his understanding that his clients cocaine, he stressed. “You can’t mess introduce a “mechanism” for the appropriate recommendations to the were “at the wrong place at the wrong with people’s liberty” he said. promotion of those with long tenures and Governor General to fill those posts. Friday, February 5, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 3 Random inspection COVID-19 Update at Ready Call (From Page 1)

BELIZE CITY, Tues. Feb 2, 2021 the pandemic last year, and in some On Tuesday, Belize City police instances even housed agents in hotel visited the ICON building, located on rooms for a brief time. Of recent, they Newtown Barracks, to conduct a have opted to have many agents return BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Feb. 4, 2021 recorded in Belize. random spot search at Ready Call. to the office under strict adherence In our last update, we reported on the On Thursday, February 4, 2021, 30 COVID-19 regulations outline strict to the COVID-19 protocols that are COVAX facility’s decision to send over new cases of the virus were discovered regulations for call centers, which still in place specifically for call centers. 35.3 million doses of AstraZeneca’s in the country after testing. The teams conduct their operations in office The Police Department tasked to COVID-19 vaccine to 36 Caribbean and at the Central Medical Laboratory spaces. While some call centers have enforce these measures, did a random Latin American countries, Belize being processed 868 new tests and recorded been able to effectively transition to spot search at the Ready Call facility, one on this list. At this time the World a positivity rate of 3.50. Also on a work-from-home model, others and all indications are that the center Health Organization is completing its Thursday, 39 new recoveries were have been forced to maintain the use is in compliance, since no one was review for an emergency use listing. recorded and a total of 12 persons were of their infrastructure inside office arrested for any breach of the In a press conference hosted by hospitalized, due to illness caused by buildings. regulations. A few agents were seen PAHO this Wednesday, they announced the COVID-19 virus. Four are currently Ready Call Center adopted work- outside the building while the random that some Pfizer vaccines would be sent in need of intensive care. Fortunately, from-home measures at the start of check was in progress. to some countries in the region — those no new death was recorded on that day. areas with very high mortality rates, since On February 3, three new COVID- there are only 1 million doses to spare at 19-related deaths were recorded across Ian Jones may sue this time. the country. Two women and one man PAHO estimated that the Americas will passed away. The fatalities were have to immunize no less than 500 recorded in the Corozal, Belize, and Minister of Sports million people to get the COVID-19 Cayo districts. On that day a total of pandemic under control. This first rollout 22 new COVID-19 cases were recorded Faber, former Minister of Sports. His of a little over 35 million doses of the after the results of tests done on 1338 most recently revised fixed date contract vaccine will only be the start of what is persons were returned — a daily with the Government of Belize should expected to be a process that could go positivity rate of 1.65 %. The Ministry have been valid from May 2020 to May on for an extended period. of Health and Wellness recorded about 2022. Last year the Director of Health 35 new recoveries and 11 His attorney says that Government Services, Dr. Marvin Manzanero, hospitalizations that day. About 361 breached clause 7 of the contract when announced that the country would be possible cases of infection were under they informed him of his termination, receiving enough doses of the vaccine investigation which Jones asserts was based on his initially to immunize about 30% of the On February 2, a man from the Belize political affiliation. Elrington says the population. The first set of vaccines District died from coronavirus. The contract also stipulates that termination should be in the country by April, Ministry of Health and Wellness could only occur if both parties mutually according to the Ministry of Health and recorded 12 new cases of the virus on agreed, which he says was never the Wellness. that day and conducted about 199 tests. case. Jones never agreed to resign from The acting Director of Health Also, there were 25 more recoveries. his post as the Director of the Sports Services, Dr. Melissa Diaz Musa, has The Ministry of Health and Wellness Council, he said. also confirmed that the AstraZeneca continues to urge to comply His attorney is claiming salary and vaccine will be rolled out in the country. with the prevention protocols that are BELIZE CITY, Tues. Feb. 2, 2021 gratuity for the full remaining two years During the last press conference held by in place. The country has seen a marked The former Director of the National of his contract, and damages for breach the Ministry Of Health and Wellness, decrease in the number of cases. The Sports Council, Ian Jones, has written of his constitutional rights. To date, the Minister Michel Chebat outlined that a Ministry, however, is still on high alert, to the Government of Belize to demand Ministry of Sports and the National team from inside the Ministry has already as new COVID-19 variants have payment of $186,115 plus damages for Sports Council have not responded to drafted the National Vaccination Plan, emerged in other parts of the world. At what he considers his wrongful multiple letters written by Jones’ attorney, which is currently being reviewed before this time, genotype testing is being termination from his post as National according to reports. being rolled out to the public, prior to conducted on samples in Belize to track Sports Director. Jones’ attorney, Orson In a release on social media, Jones which there will be a comprehensive any possible variant that may be in the Elrington, wrote on his behalf to the said,” I feel disheartened to sue the education campaign. country. Minister of Sports, the Attorney General, sport council because I know the At this time our fatality rate stands at Globally, as of Thursday, February and Chairman of the National Sports financial reality of the council but I have 2.55 % — with 306 deaths having been 4, 2021, a total of 103,989,900 cases Council, and gave the Government 7 to do this. Not because of the money recorded by the Ministry of Health and of COVID-19 have been confirmed days to respond and make arrangements or not because of me, but because at Wellness since the start of the pandemic across the world. A total of 2,260,259 for giving Jones compensation for what some point some has to put their foot in Belize. At this time there are about fatalities have been recorded. The he is asserting is a breach of contract. down to make a point that the political 250 active cases of COVID-19 across of America, India, and Ian Jones, who is a known supporter victimization is not right and that as the country. A total of 11,452 persons, Brazil are the three countries that have of the UDP, was first appointed as the citizens of Belize the constitution which is 95.4% of all infected persons seen the greatest number of recorded Director of the National Sports Council protects us from such.” in Belize, have recovered. In total, so cases since the pandemic began. in early 2017. Jones, a resident of the We will continue to follow the far, 73,199 COVID-19 tests have been Although the numbers are decreasing, Collet area, is also an open supporter of developments in this matter, which may conducted in the country, and a total of the USA is still recording hundreds of Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Patrick very well end up in the courts. 12,008 confirmed cases have been thousands of new cases each day. Page 4 AMANDALABelize Friday, February 5, 2021 New members on UB board

representative; Dr. June Young, lecturer and faculty representative; Mr. Fermin Magana, ATLIB representative; Mr. Steve Good, president of the UB student government, who will be serving as student representative; Dr. Fred Shyu, Belize Council of Churches representative; Mr. Clint Foreman, National Council for Education representative, and Dr. Oxaku Tehu Kax’oxo II, bionomics engineer and Non-Governmental and Civil Society representative. In accordance with the UB Act of 2000, at a board meeting dated January 22, 2021, the newly established board by Dayne Guy of Health and Wellness; Mr. Eccelston the , who is the named Mr. Anthony Sylvester, Jr., as Irving, former chairman of the Citrus vice chairman of the Belize Peace its chairman and Major Lloyd A. Jones BELMOPAN, Tues. Feb. 2, 2021 Growers Association Board, who will Movement and will serve as the private as its vice chairman. In a press release issued by the serve as the private sector sector representative for tourism; Dr. “The Board expressed its great University of Belize, the institution representative for the agriculture sector; Yvonne Palma, who is the Education desire to further the development of announced the names of the new Mr. Crescensio Sosa, Sr., former CEO Officer; and Mr. Servulo Baeza, who the University as the National members of its reconstructed Board of in the Ministries of Home Affairs and is a former minister and the current CEO Institution and echoed the sentiments Trustees. Finance, who will serve as the private in the Ministry of Agriculture. that this can bring tremendous The university was notified by the sector representative of industry; Mr. These newly appointed members will opportunities for Belize’s young Ministry of Education, Culture, Science Anthony Sylvester Jr., former senator be joining eight (8) returning board people and Belize’s own advancement. and Technology of the appointment of and legal advisor to the People’s United members: Mr. Luke Palacio, former The new Board also thanked the seven (7) new members to the UB Party, who has been appointed to be BNTU National President and current former Board of Trustees for its work Board of Trustees. Those persons are the Education Minister’s representative; 1st Vice President serving as the in advancing the cause of UB,” the Dr. Deysi Mendez, CEO of the Ministry Mr. Lloyd A. Jones, retired major in National Trade Union Congress university’s press release said. New board of directors for NICH

by Kory Leslie (freelance writer)

BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Feb. 4, 2021 The Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology has appointed a new board of directors for the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH). In a press release dated February 1, 2020, it was announced that six new board members had been awarded a two-year term with NICH. Among the newly appointed board members is Arreini Palacio Morgan, who Courtenay Coye LLP and is the son of board member. The list of new NICH financial officer of the Belize Bank. is also the executive director of the the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. board members also includes Merilyn At the conclusion of the Ministry of Southern Environmental Association Eamon Courtenay, has also been named Young, who served as the campaign Culture’s statement, it expressed (SEA). Local businessman Carlo Habet a member of the board. manager for the Minister of Culture — confidence that the new board members was second to be listed as a new NICH Additionally, Mr. Albert Vaughan, Freetown area representative Hon. will lead NICH through the current board member. Habet is also a board who has served on the Belize City ; and Michael Coye, “challenging financial period” they are member at the National Bank of Belize. Council since 2018 and will be seeking sitting member on the board of trustees facing due to the pandemic and will carry Gavin Courtenay, who is an associate at re-election, has also been named as a for the Social Security Board and chief out the mandates of the Ministry. Senator Courtenay meets UNICEF representative

BELMOPAN, Thurs. Feb. the criterion for graduating small, highly strengthening collaboration toward 4, 2021 indebted middle-income countries from mutual objectives.” On Wednesday, access to concessional resources. Also present at the meeting were February 4, 2021, the Minister Courtenay commended the Ambassador Amalia Mai, Ms. Orla Minister of Foreign Affairs, United Nation’s advocacy for such Coleman, and Ms. Deshawn Ellis. Foreign Trade, and countries, including Belize, which are UNICEF has been working in Belize Immigration, Hon. Eamon experiencing disproportionate economic since 1954 and officially established an Courtenay, met with the impacts. Both parties committed to office in the country in 1981. UNICEF representative in Belize, Ms. Alison Parker. They discussed UNICEF’s Man accidentally kills support activities in Belize, particularly the ongoing birth registration campaign himself with gun being undertaken by the organization and efforts to by Dayne Guy body. Bernard presumably exited his advance child protection vehicle with a loaded shotgun that measures in Belize. STANN CREEK, Tues. Feb. 2, 2021 accidentally discharged, costing him his The conversation also Alfred Bernard, Jr., a farmer and life. focused on the recalibration resident of Old Mullins River Road, The police reported this incident as of efforts to adapt to the Stann Creek, was found dead on a shooting death, as opposed to effects of the COVID-19 Tuesday, February 2, after a tragic suicide, due to the accidental nature of pandemic on children. shooting incident. Bernard’s death. The police’s A government release Police report that the farmer was investigation into the incident is still stated, “Also discussed found dead sometime after 5:00 p.m., ongoing, and the case will be was the urgency to review with apparent gunshot wounds to the reevaluated if new evidence arises. Friday, February 5, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 5

Don’t let up now: vaccines on the way

The best news in Belize today is that because of increased countries to poor ones. efforts by the government and people, Covid-19 infection rates Belize is a signatory to the Paris Agreement. Last week our have been going down since spiking in November and December, government formally ratified the United Nations Convention and vaccine help is on the way. While we wait for the first batch on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards, of vaccines, which is scheduled to arrive in the next two months, a move that we were told will put us in line to negotiate a debt our job is to keep our guards up, and not let up. for nature swap that could give us some very critical debt relief. We don’t know how quickly the vaccines will help get us back Respected scientists the world over agree that human beings to a state that is near the old normal, but we are confident in have been poor stewards of the earth, and serious effort must their eventual success, because vaccines have brought to heel be made now, not tomorrow, to try to reverse the damage that diseases that have been the scourge of the world for centuries. has been done. The nations that have done the most harm to Our old folk know about tuberculosis, diphtheria, yellow fever, the planet are the so-called developed ones, and they are the poliomyelitis, and some of them know about small pox — ones that are called to do the most to help our planet breathe diseases that once paralyzed mankind but are now controlled like it did before the industrial age began in the 18th century. by vaccines. Helena Horton, in The Telegraph, says Stanley Johnson, the Just as the wealthier countries in the world began using the father of UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has taken up the vaccines that give life-saving immunity to Covid-19, there honorary post of International Ambassador for the Conservative emerged variants that might be more contagious, and/or deadly, Environment Network (CEN), and he will be at the major climate and/or capable of resisting the new vaccines. However, we have change conference COP26 (26th UN Climate Change to believe that modern science will overcome. Conference), scheduled to take place in Glasgow this summer, In two months’ time, vaccines for our frontline workers and where he will lobby for Britain to rewild, go back to old-fashioned elders should reach our shores, and while we wait, just like the methods of farming such as growing rain-fed crops, producing animals in George Orwell’s Animal Farm who prayed, and grass fed livestock, and reducing tillage of soils. worked toward that glorious day when they would be free of Christopher Ketcham and Jeff Gibbs, in an article published their oppressors, we must pray, and continue to heed the recently in the Los Angeles Times, said that in December the mandated measures that keep us safe. Guardian published a letter co-signed by hundreds of scientists, The virus thrives in congested areas, and the easy-to-follow writers and academics from 30 countries in which they sounded measures of wearing masks over our faces when we are out in a warning to policymakers and all of us to become engaged the public, physical distancing, with the issues of climate and the environment because the and washing/sanitizing our damage that is occurring and has occurred could lead to the hands frequently, protect us “disruption and even collapse of our societies” in this century. from the disease. The writers of the letter said research had shown that “99% Our simple task is to follow of the tall grass prairie in North America is gone, by one the safety measures as best (estb. 1969) estimate; 96% of the biomass of mammals — biomass is their Business and editorial offices: as we can. Help is on the way. weight on Earth — now consists of humans, our pets and our 3304 Partridge Street, Belize In two months’ time the first farm animals; nearly 90% of the fish stocks the U.N. monitors City, Belize, Central America batch of vaccines should are either fully exploited, overexploited or depleted; a multiyear is printed twice weekly by the arrive, and we will then slowly study in showed a 76% decline in insect biomass.” Amandala Press. begin the journey back to One of the signatories of the letter, William Rees, a population Telephones: 501-280-4703/ normal. ecologist at the University of British Columbia, said humans 501-202-4477 Belize must do its part are “exploiting natural systems faster than the systems can to save our planet regenerate…we are dumping waste at rates beyond nature’s Publisher: assimilative capacity” and the symptoms of our violation of Editor-in-chief: Marco Lopez One of the first acts of new the environment are “warming temperatures, plunging Business Manager: Jacinta Hyde US president, Joe Biden, was biodiversity, worldwide deforestation and ocean pollution.” to sign an executive order to Stanley Johnson might be extreme in his views, and in his Make-up & Design rejoin the Paris Climate call for rewilding, the abandonment of modern agriculture, but Andrea Dennison Artist: Agreement, the largest everyone in Belize who is living close to nature, our farmers Executive Secretary: Odessa international effort to date to and fisherfolk especially, sees that something isn’t right with Robinson Smith address global warming. The our world. Compositor: Tyra Welch US, under the leadership of There are people who still have their heads in the sand. Last Lithography: Clive Smith President Barack Obama, had year we had a crippling drought; we just came through the Printers: Kent Brooks been a force behind the worst hurricane season on record, and while we didn’t get a signing of the agreement in major hit, we had record-breaking floods; our citrus and shrimp 2015, but under US president industries are struggling because of diseases; and the entire Please email Correspondence: Donald Trump, the US world is in the grip of a deadly pandemic. These are all signs of [email protected] withdrew, citing the financial a sick world. cost of meeting the goals Advertisements to: One way we can help is by employing best practices in outlined by the agreement. [email protected] agriculture, and that includes putting land to its best use, leaving President Trump said the sufficient forest cover in our farming areas to maintain Mailing Address: agreement was bad for their biodiversity, and leaving a sufficient buffer along river and creek Amandala Press economy, and that the Green banks to prevent loss of top soil and leaching of pesticides and 3304 Partridge Street Climate Fund, set up by the fertilizers into our waterways. Heavy rains wash silt and c/o P.O. Box 15, UN in 2010 as part of the chemical pollutants from denuded river and creek banks, and Belize City, Belize framework to combat climate these make their way down the waterways to the sea, where change, was a scheme to they poison and smother the spectacular corals that provide a Amandala’s website: transfer wealth from rich perfect habitat for marine life, and are tourist attractions. amandala.com.bz Page 6 AMANDALABelize Friday, February 5, 2021 Mennonite farmer found with cocaine stash

by Dayne Guy

COROZAL, Wed. Feb. 4, 202 A Mennonite farmer of Camp 28 Little Belize, Herman Friesen, and a resident of Progresso Village, Gerardo Lino, have been charged with Rewa D. Budhrani multiple counts of drug possession (1940-1998) with intent to supply. On Monday, February 1, 2021, while performing routine checkups near Manatee Lookout, police stopped a grey Chevy pickup truck with an Orange Walk license plate traveling from the direction of Belize City. Upon inspection of the vehicle, they found one thousand eighty-six police obtained a warrant to conduct of which contained 1.2 grams of (1,086) grams of cannabis in the right- a search at Friesen’s residence. At 1:00 cocaine, in his bedroom. front passenger door panel and forty- o’clock that morning they commenced Friesen and Lino were jointly six (46) additional grams in the left the operation and discovered eight (8) charged for two counts of possession Always loved, passenger door panel. Additionally, transparent plastic bags, each of which of a controlled substance with intent Never forgotten, Friesen’s phone case contained 1.5 contained two hundred twelve (212) to supply to another, while Friesen Forever missed. grams of cocaine grams of cocaine, in his bathroom was charged for an additional three Sadly missed by wife, children, family On Wednesday, February 3, the cabinet and two (2) other bags, each counts. and friends.

FOR RENT FOR RENT: 2-bedroom unfurnished fully burglarized apartment available in the Port Loyola area. Rent - $500 per month includes cable ONLY. FOR RENT: 1-bedroom unfurnished fully burglarized apartment available on Neal Pen Rd. Apartment includes living room, kitchen, and bathroom. Rent includes light, water and cable. Interested – call: 207-7461 OR 671-0851. LIQUOR LICENCE NOTICE

LIQUOR LICENCE NOTICE: Notice is hereby given that Francis Gagliano is applying for a Shop Liquor Licence for Big Titty Rum Ltd. DBA “BTR Shop”, to be operated at Seine Bight Village, , under the Intoxicating Liquor Licence Ordinance Revised Edition 2000. LIQUOR LICENCE NOTICE: Notice is hereby given that Bellavi’s Bistro is applying for a Publican Special Licence, to be operated at Bellavi’s Bistro, Doyle’s Delight Street, Belmopan, Belize, under the Intoxicating Liquor Licence Ordinance Revised Edition 2000. LIQUOR LICENCE NOTICE: Notice is hereby given that W&L Nikki’s Hide Away is applying for a Shop Liquor Licence, to be operated at W&L Nikki’s Hide Away, Mahogany Heights, under the Intoxicating Liquor Licence Ordinance Revised Edition 2000. LIQUOR LICENCE NOTICE: Notice is hereby given that Arnol R. Guevara is applying for a Publican Special Licence, to be operated at La Rumba Restaurant & Bar, St. Margaret Village, , under the Intoxicating Liquor Licence Ordinance Revised Edition 2000. Friday, February 5, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 7

PROCUREMENT NOTICE CONSULTANCY TO DEVELOP ARCHITECTURAL DRAWING FOR A PRODUCE COLLECTION AND PACKAGING FACILITY FOR LOS PEQUENOS AGRICULTURES Y GANDEROS DE NAGO BANK COOPERATIVE SOCIETY LTD

Project Country: Belize temporary storage of packed produce and permit easy movement Financing Institution: International Fund for Agricultural Development for loading. Overhead protection from the weather should be Project Name: Resilient Rural Belize Programme constructed at the dispatch point with the approach area sloping Title: Specific Procurement Notice down to facilitate easy loading of vehicles. Procurement Type: Consulting Services d) Office: This area should accommodate equipment and furnishing for Loan/Credit/Grant Financing No: 2000002301 two to three administrative staff and reception for up to two customers/clients. Background: The Government of Belize (GOB), with financing from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF), has 2. The building should have the following in place: embarked on a six-year Programme, Resilient Rural Belize (RRB), which aims to a) Proper flooring – a firm, smooth and level coated concrete or tiled minimize the impacts of climatic and economic events on smallholder farmers while floor, to allow the unhampered movement of materials and supporting sustainable market access for their produce. The Programme will help personnel. farmers employ climate resilient agricultural practices and technologies; integrate b) Good ventilation – adequate air movement to remove heat, ethylene profitable smallholder participation into the development of select vegetable, fruit, and moisture produced during respiration and transpiration of a and honey value chains; and support smallholder production capacity through commodity. It also improves the comfort of personnel working inside investments in public and private climate resilient infrastructure and in the the packaging house. strengthening of smallholder farmer Producers Organizations and relevant GOB c) Good lighting – adequate lighting is required to ensure that each Departments. item of produce can be inspected closely to allow removal of produce The Programme is being managed by a Programme Management Unit (PMU), which with physical, physiological, or pathological defects. It will also is being hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, while the Ministry of Finance, Economic improve staff effectiveness. Development and Investment is serving as the Lead Programme Agency. The d) Doors wide enough for passage of pallet jacks, pallets etc. Programme has two main components: e) Available toilet facilities 1) Climate Resilient Value Chains Development – to introduce/strengthen smallholder participation in select value chains through the promotion of 3. The facility should be designed to provide an organized and unidirectional climate resilient production methods, product diversification, and related flow of the incoming products and the outgoing graded products. There innovations; and should be a physical separation between incoming and finished products and minimal entry into critical areas and no contact should possible between 2) Climate Resilient Rural Infrastructure and Assets Development – to support incoming and finished product. climate resilient productivity and improved market access through 4. The design should recommend the use of materials in the bill of quantities, rehabilitation and provision of new road, drainage, and irrigation that are easily available for the construction of packaging houses. When infrastructure in priority areas. such materials are used ensure that proper ventilation is incorporated in the design. Scope of Service: One of the objectives of the Programme is to assist small farmers 5. Drawing 3D views of the complete structure showing all supporting parts to become more climate resilient by improving their agricultural production through and all 4 sides. investments in climate resilient agricultural technologies such as covered structures, water harvesting facilities and storage facilities. To accomplish this, the Programme Deliverables: must prepare appropriate designs and architectural drawings, which shall be used The deliverables shall include: for the procurement of quality services and materials for the construction and delivery i. Preliminary Report of Findings. of all identified technologies. ii. Initial Renderings of Drawings in 3D view. This assignment is aimed at the preparation of complete set of architectural drawings iii. Final architectural and electrical design and detail working drawings, including for a currently incomplete building (approximately 1,600 sq. ft. in size), which will be 3D Renderings, for the structure in digital and two (2) hard copies. used as a collection and packaging facility by the Los Pequenos Agricultuores y iv. Priced Bill of Quantities for the completion of the facility. Ganaderos de Nago Bank Cooperative Society Ltd (LPAGNB) in the Nago Bank Community in the . The architectural drawings are expected to include Duration of Work: the electrical drawings (digital and hard copies) for a solar-powered electrical system The architectural designs should be completed within Four (4) months of contract and priced Bill of Quantities for the completion of the building. signing.

Tasks and Responsibilities of the Consultant: Location of Work: The consultant shall work from his/her own premises but will be required to carry Phase 1: Information Gathering for the Design out field visits to the Nago Bank community to become familiar with the location of 1. The consultant will accompany representatives of the Resilient Rural Belize the Collection and packaging facility. Programme on site visits to the Los Pequenos Agricultures y Ganaderos de Nago Bank Cooperative Society Ltd in the Nago Bank Community of the Qualification: Belize District to: The consultant must possess a minimum of an Associate Degree in Architecture or a) Meet and hold discussions with the leadership of the LPAGNB to related field. gain an understanding of the requirements for the collection and packaging center. Specific Experience: b) View the current incomplete structure and record the necessary • A minimum of three (3) years’ experience developing and supervising measurements, dimensions, angles and orientation necessary for architectural designs. inclusion in the architectural and electrical (solar) design and • A minimum of three (3) years’ experience in the designing of environmentally drawings. friendly buildings. • A minimum of one project of similar nature and size. 2. The consultant will meet with the Belize Agriculture Health Authority, the • Experience with any Agricultural and produce/food handling structures and Bureau of Standards, and any other relevant authorities to ensure that the facilities will be an advantage. design of the facility meets the minimum standards and requirements for food/produce handling. Application Submission: Interested candidates are requested to submit a Letter of Interest, Curriculum Vitae, 3. During this phase, the consultant will analyze and identify the main problems and two (2) References or Recommendation letters along with a copy of the highest and issues to be addressed in the design and submit a preliminary report to degree as one PDF File. The submission deadline is Monday, February 22, 2021 at the client for approval. 2:00pm using the following File Request Link: https://bit.ly/2XXIn8y

Phase 2: Architectural Design and Drawings Note that only Electronic Submissions will be accepted! Applications are to be 1. The packaging facility should be separated into four main activity areas: addressed to the Procurement Officer as follows: a) Reception: This is the dirty area and should be clearly separated from the dispatch area to prevent contamination of packed produce and Attn: Tracey Recinos Hanson help with the separation of incoming and outgoing vehicles. Procurement Officer b) Preparation/packing: This area should be dry, clean, well ventilated, Resilient Rural Belize Programme and well lit. The sorting, grading, and packing lines should operate National Agriculture Showground and flow in a linear and organized fashion. Hummingbird Highway c) Dispatch: This area should be cool, clean, and spacious to allow for Belmopan, Belize Page 8 AMANDALABelize Friday, February 5, 2021

No se rindan ahora: hay vacunas en camino

La mejor noticia en Belize hoy en día es que debido a los que comenzara la era industrial en el siglo XVIII. mayores esfuerzos del gobierno y la gente, las tasas de infección Helena Horton, en The Telegraph, dice que Stanley por Covid-19 han estado bajando desde que se dispararon en Johnson, el padre del primer ministro del Reino Unido, Boris noviembre y diciembre, y la ayuda de la vacuna está en camino. Johnson, ha asumido el puesto honorario de Embajador Mientras esperamos el primer lote de vacunas, que está Internacional de la Red Conservadora del Medio Ambiente programado para llegar en los próximos dos meses, nuestro (CEN en inglés), y estará en la importante conferencia sobre trabajo es mantener la guardia alta y no descuidarnos. cambio climático COP26 (26a Conferencia de la ONU sobre No sabemos qué tan rápido las vacunas nos ayudarán a el Cambio Climático), programada para realizarse en Glasgow regresar a un estado que este cerca de lo normal, pero este verano, donde presionará para que Gran Bretaña se confiamos en su eventual éxito, porque las vacunas han hecho recupere, vuelva a los métodos viejos de agricultura, como obedecer enfermedades que han sido el flagelo del mundo el cultivo de cultivos de secano, la producción de ganado durante siglos. Nuestros ancianos conocen la tuberculosis, alimentado con pasto y la reducida labranza de suelos. la difteria, la fiebre amarilla, la poliomielitis, y algunos de Christopher Ketcham y Jeff Gibbs, en un artículo publicado ellos conocen la viruela, enfermedades que alguna vez recientemente en Los Angeles Times, dijeron que en paralizaron a la humanidad pero que ahora están controladas diciembre The Guardian publicó una carta co-firmada por por vacunas. cientos de científicos, escritores y académicos de 30 países Justo cuando los países más ricos del mundo comenzaron en la que sonaban una advertencia a los responsables políticos a usar las vacunas que brindan inmunidad vital al Covid-19, y a todos nosotros para comprometernos con los temas del surgieron variantes que podrían ser más contagiosas y/o clima y el medio ambiente porque el daño que está ocurriendo mortales y/o capaces de resistir las nuevas vacunas. Sin y ha ocurrido podría conducir a la “disrupción e incluso al embargo, tenemos que creer que la ciencia moderna vencerá. colapso de nuestras sociedades” en este siglo. En dos meses, deberían llegar a nuestras costas las vacunas Los autores de la carta dijeron que la investigación había para nuestros trabajadores de primera línea y ancianos, y demostrado que “según una estimación, el 99% de la pradera mientras esperamos, al igual que los animales en Rebelión de pastos altos en América del Norte ha desaparecido; el en la Granja de George Orwell que oraron y trabajaron por 96% de la biomasa de los mamíferos (la biomasa es su peso ese glorioso día en que serían libres de sus opresores, en la Tierra) ahora consiste en humanos, nuestras mascotas debemos orar y seguir prestando atención a las medidas y nuestros animales de granja; casi el 90% de las poblaciones obligatorias que nos mantienen a salvo. de peces que monitorea la ONU están completamente El virus prospera en áreas congestionadas, y las medidas explotadas, sobreexplotadas o agotadas; un estudio de varios fáciles de seguir usando máscaras en la cara cuando estamos años en Alemania mostró una disminución del 76% en la en la calle, el distanciamiento físico y lavarnos/desinfectarnos biomasa de insectos”. las manos con frecuencia nos protegen de la enfermedad. Uno de los firmantes de la carta, William Rees, un ecologista Nuestra simple tarea es seguir las medidas de seguridad lo de población de la Universidad de Columbia Británica, dijo mejor que podamos. La ayuda está en camino. Dentro de que los humanos están “explotando los sistemas naturales dos meses debería llegar el primer lote de vacunas, y luego más rápido de lo que los sistemas pueden regenerarse ... comenzaremos lentamente el viaje de regreso a la normalidad. estamos tirando desechos a tasas más allá de la capacidad de asimilación de la naturaleza” y los síntomas de nuestra Belize debe hacer su parte para violación del medio ambiente son “el aumento de las temperaturas, la caída de la biodiversidad, la deforestación salvar nuestro planeta mundial y la contaminación del océano”. Uno de los primeros actos del nuevo presidente de Estados Stanley Johnson puede ser extremo en sus puntos de vista, Unidos, Joe Biden, fue firmar una orden ejecutiva para unirse y en su llamado a la reconstrucción, el abandono de la al Acuerdo Climático de París, el mayor esfuerzo internacional agricultura moderna, pero todos en Belize que viven cerca hasta la fecha para abordar el calentamiento global. Estados de la naturaleza, nuestros agricultores y pescadores Unidos, bajo el liderazgo del presidente Barack Obama, había especialmente, ven que algo no está bien en nuestro mundo. sido una fuerza detrás de la firma del acuerdo en 2015, pero Hay gente que todavía tiene la cabeza en la arena. El año bajo el presidente de Estados Unidos, Donald Trump, Estados pasado tuvimos una sequía devastadora; acabamos de Unidos se retiró, citando el costo financiero de cumplir los atravesar la peor temporada de huracanes que se haya objetivos delineados en el acuerdo. El presidente Trump dijo registrado y, aunque no sufrimos un golpe importante, que el acuerdo era malo para su economía y que el Fondo tuvimos inundaciones sin precedentes; nuestras industrias Verde para el Clima, creado por la ONU en 2010 como parte de cítricos y camarones están luchando debido a del marco para combatir el cambio climático, era un plan enfermedades; y el mundo entero se encuentra en las garras para transferir riqueza de los países ricos a los pobres. de una pandemia mortal. Todos estos son signos de un mundo Belize es signatario del Acuerdo de París. La semana pasada enfermo. nuestro gobierno ratificó formalmente la Convención de las Una forma en que podemos ayudar es empleando las Naciones Unidas sobre el Reconocimiento y Ejecución de las mejores prácticas en la agricultura, y eso incluye dar el mejor Sentencias Arbitrales Extranjeras, una medida que nos dijeron uso a la tierra, dejar suficiente cobertura forestal en nuestras nos pondrá en línea para negociar un canje de deuda por áreas agrícolas para mantener la biodiversidad y dejar una naturaleza que podría brindarnos un muy crítico alivio de la zona de amortiguamiento suficiente a lo largo de las orillas deuda. de los ríos y arroyos para evitar la pérdida de suelo y lixiviación Científicos respetados de todo el mundo están de acuerdo de pesticidas y fertilizantes en nuestras vías navegables. Las en que los seres humanos han sido malos administradores fuertes lluvias arrastran el sedimento y los contaminantes de la tierra, y se debe hacer un esfuerzo serio ahora, no químicos de las orillas de los ríos y arroyos deforestados, y mañana, para tratar de revertir el daño que se ha hecho. Las estos se abren paso por los cursos de agua hasta el mar, naciones que más daño han hecho al planeta son las llamadas donde envenenan y sofocan los espectaculares corales que desarrolladas, y son las que están llamadas a hacer más para proporcionan un hábitat perfecto para la vida marina y son ayudar a nuestro planeta a respirar como lo hacía antes de atracciones turísticas. Friday, February 5, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 9

They say that the people the power in the early and middle 1970s based it succinctly: America first. American Wilberforce Goldson. Goldson, a structure in Guatemala hates the most on limited knowledge of the real companies have had massive former trade unionist, led the are journalists, trade unionists, and situation. investments in Guatemala from long Opposition political party named the environmentalists. If true, that would By now all of us who study these before the bloody Guatemalan civil National Independence Party (NIP). place Partridge Street directly and matters know that the foreign policy war of 1960 to 1996. The NIP was considered “Her repeatedly in the crosshairs of some of the superpower United States of Okay now, let’s go back to what Majesty’s Loyal Opposition.” Mr. very dangerous and powerful people. America supports the power structure happened in 1973 in the socio-politics Goldson’s party had held two seats in I’m saying that because Kremandala in the Guatemalan republic. American of Belize. The self-governing British the Belize House of Representatives may be characterized, from time to foreign policy, apart from defending colony was still majority African in from 1965 to 1969, those seats being time, as all three of those things. the “Stars and Stripes” at home and ethnicity and still being claimed and Goldson’s Albert and the Toledo I’m not trying to start up any kind abroad, is focused on doing business militarily threatened by a much larger North seat held by one Edwin Morey. of fuss. What I seek to do is look at abroad, making money, enriching the Guatemala. The recognized leader of After the December 1969 general some historical developments in such citizens of America, and improving the “fight against Guatemala” election, Mr. Goldson held the only a way as to create enlightenment for their standard of living on a constant movement was a journalist/politician Opposition seat – Albert. our generation, which made decisions upward curve. The Trumpians said by the name of Philip Stanley Inside the United States, a Democratic Party president by the name of John Fitzgerald Kennedy had been assassinated in Dallas, Texas in November of 1963. What was his sin? Well, Kennedy had made peace, agreed to a truce, with Russia during the October 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. Kennedy was also considered, relatively speaking, a supporter of the African American civil rights movement led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. And thirdly, Kennedy was not that interested in escalating the American war in Vietnam, at least not the way his successor, Lyndon Baines Johnson, proved to be. All those three positions would have been considered mortal sins by the type of Trumpian, right wing Americans who stormed the Capitol in Washington early last month and basically tried to overthrow democracy in America. Still, where American foreign policy is concerned, there is not that much difference between the two major parties in the United States, the Republicans and the Democrats. But insofar as domestic doings are concerned, I believe Belizeans in the United States discovered that Republican rule, the most recent example being the Donald Trump presidency, is more interested in facilitating wealthy Americans than catering to the distressed masses. And yes, distressed masses do exist in America. Katrina proved that in 2005. When I understood in 1973 that there was an initiative in Opposition circles to replace Mr. Goldson, who was studying law in London at the time, as the Opposition leader, I was disturbed. And, when a new order of things was established in the Opposition with the United Democratic Party (UDP) in September of 1973, I was alarmed at the new party’s most dramatic statement: the UDP would de- emphasize defending the Guatemalan claim to Belize and instead would focus on economic development. Please turn toPage 12 Page 10 AMANDALABelize Friday, February 5, 2021 Covid: What is the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine? The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine may prevent people from spreading Covid, according to a new study.

England. Tues. Feb 2nd, 2021—BBC New are vaccinated protect other people too When the vaccine is injected into a the MHRA (the UK’s regulatory body) It’s the first time a vaccine has been because they are not spreading the virus. patient, it prompts the immune system to on 30 December shown to stop the transmission of the As well as showing an effect on start making antibodies and primes it to It was developed quickly because virus, as well as offering protection from transmission, the study found that a single attack any coronavirus infection.Research Oxford University researchers had becoming seriously ill and dying with it.The dose of the vaccine offered 76% effective has shown it is highly effective. already done a lot of work on developing study, carried out by the University of protection for three months. That means No one given the vaccine in trials a vaccine which could be adapted to Oxford, carried out weekly tests on people nearly eight out of 10 people who got the developed severe Covid or needed tackle different diseases.Hospitals who had received the vaccine, to see if vaccine did not become ill with Covid hospital treatment. administered the first doses to older they were still carrying any trace of Covid. after one dose. Unlike Pfizer’s jab - which has to be patients early in January 2021. The number who tested positive It is made from a weakened version of kept at an extremely cold temperature (- Supplies were then sent to hundreds dropped by half after they had been given a common cold virus (known as an 70C) - the Oxford vaccine can be stored of GP-led services and care homes across two doses of the vaccine. If this study - adenovirus) from chimpanzees. It has been in a normal fridge. This makes it much the UK. which has not been formally published - modified to look more like coronavirus - easier to distribute. The MHRA approved the use of two is correct, it means that most people who although it can’t cause illness. The vaccine was approved for use by full doses, which was found to be 62% effective. And as with the other vaccines, scientists don’t yet know if it stops people catching Covid - that’s something they won’t know until they can see the impact of vaccination over time.Germany, Austria and France say they will only offer the vaccine to 18-64 year olds because there is not enough data on how well it protects the over-65s. AstraZeneca says its clinical trial data “supports efficacy in the over-65s age group”. Earlier studies show that older people, as well as younger people, appear to have an equally strong immune response to the vaccine. Public Health England said the company’s data on the vaccine’s immune responses was “very reassuring”. The European Medicines Agency approved the vaccine in January for use in all age groups, including older adults. Trials showed the Pfizer vaccine was 95% effective, but there were differences in the way the trials were carried out, so directly comparing the two results is difficult. And it’s important to remember that even the lower 62% figure is a better result than the best flu jab, which is about 50% effective. What is more, no-one who received the Oxford vaccine was hospitalized or became seriously ill due to Covid. A recent study found a single dose of the Oxford vaccine offered 76% protection for three months, and this went up to 82% after the second dose. It is not yet known how long protection lasts in the long run, but a separate study found people are protected after being infected for at least six months - and vaccines are likely to provide longer protection than this.It may be that people need annual vaccinations, as happens with the flu jab. You will not be given a choice about which vaccine you get. Recommendations on which groups get the vaccine are made by the JCVI - the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunology - an independent group of scientists. There are nine priority groups, amounting to more than 25 million people. The over 80s, care home residents and front-line health and care staff have been offered the jabs first. It will then be rolled out to other groups including all the over 50s and younger adults with health conditions. This article was first published by BBC News Friday, February 5, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 11

More divisions please

by Colin Hyde satisfied Senator Peyrefitte with an With all the reforms and loads of my party card yet. We need a strong explanation for her denial, and he sat sticky stuff coming up, we want each opposition, and those 13-year criminal At the end of the discussions in the down. I will say I am still surprised that Parliamentarian and Senator to be on bohgaz are shooting off a lot of hot air, over the matter of the signing of there was no division, but I’m no lawyer, record, individually. hollering nonsense at a government that the New York Convention, the leader/ so I might need more time to get the full Ah, we all remember how Dean MUST get us out of the bankruptcy they overseer of the Senate, Madame sense. All I got from the exchange was Barrow, the master of division, and his left behind, and Covid-19. They should President Carolyn Trench Sandiford, that the Senator let his chance to call for understudy, Patrick Faber, tried to wiggle be about think tanks to reform their evil called on those senators who favored a division slip by, and if that is the full out of a division when ways. the signing to say aye, and the story, I declare that I find the explanation called for one on the right of Belizeans opportunity was given to the naysayers unsatisfactory. abroad to cast their ballot in the Noh wait to register how they felt. Those for the We need more divisions so we can referendum. That night Speaker deal clearly had the day, and other know who our leaders really are, what Longsworth, to her great credit, stood It’s a popular saying that we shudn matters were set to be addressed when they stand for/on. Respectfully, Madam like a champion for the nation. wait fu the man dead fu tell ahn ih gud, the leader of the minority side, Senator President Sandiford should have twisted UDP fealty hell, she agreed with the and I agree, but I think a more important Pere, rose and called for a division. the arm of the law if she had to, to allow division, and now every name from the saying would be, noh wait til the man Ordinary people like me were for Pere’s call for a division. The Ayes red side is on the record with their kill the man, try to intervene. Sometimes surprised when the call from Senator had it, but if there is one dissenting vote, disappointing NO to Belizeans abroad I think we pay leaders and give them big Peyrefitte was denied. After a little to and we should have our leaders put their who sought the right to vote. We’ll have perks because we want someone on a fro, Madame President Sandiford names beside their vote. to tweak our laws a bit, but I say it is pedestal. high time these people who lead us stop It’s easy to spot a leak in a roof, and hiding behind their party. the quicker we address it, the better. It’s Talking sticky, we know there are easy to spot problems in human behavior many Ashcroft PUPeez in the House, too, and to see situations developing, if and he has the upper hand on us at this we care to look, and if we care to look, WESLEY COLLEGE time; what we don’t know is which of we will think of interventions. Bah, too them would vote for him to get everything many of these people who lead us don’t he wants. We don’t know much about care to look, and if they see, they don’t VACANCY FOR ACADEMIC VICE PRINCIPAL many of our new leaders. They wouldn’t care. have been off the hook if so many of Big in the noh wait category is to beg our third party leaders hadn’t insisted The Board of Management of Wesley College invites applications for the paadn when yu err. I have to prostrate post of ACADEMIC VICE PRINCIPAL. on running in the elections. If they had myself before Rufus X and Diki Bradley, stayed out of the two-party show, they for in my mind I ehm…convicted them Academic Qualifications: would have been in a better position to for the conflagration at Paslow Building • Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership or its equivalent press the standard bearers of the two back in 2004. • Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education or its equivalent major parties to declare what they stand Some kinds of notoriety make men for, and we the people would have popular with some ladies, and maybe Professional qualities: known who believes in change, and who that’s why they have never publicly • Minimum of five (5) years of experience in administration are for the same oal ting. claimed innocence. In truth, I had heard • Hold a Full Secondary level Teacher’s License All respect to the VIP for taking the that another character was the culprit, • Capacity to provide moral and ethical leadership progressive road, staying out of the fixed but I don’t believe bad things about • Ability to motivate and encourage team spirit among faculty and staff election system and pushing their agenda people I don’t know until I have their • Superior communication skills through the Belize Peace Movement. I full pedigree. Love FM calling the could say more bad things about the gentleman’s name for another Duties/Responsibilities will include (but is not limited to): decision of these third partyers to run, suspected vile act just might have ended • Furthering the Mission, Vision and Values of Wesley College but they are way too important for our all doubt. • In collaboration with the Board, guiding the formulation of school country, soh a will leave them alone and Ah, I was at Spanish Caye when I policies, rules and programs continue praying for them to stop rolling saw the smoke, and I said to myself, • Assisting the Principal in overseeing the daily administration of the dice in a game that is rigged to come up this is big, and later, when I heard the school as well as the admission, placement and graduation of RED, or BLUE. news on Krem about what had burned students Bah, we don’t even know what our down, I said to myself, this is really, • Fostering and maintaining a safe school environment and culture opposition members stand for. As it really big, and we don’t need an conducive to teaching and learning stands, and Michael investigation to find out who the • Providing educational leadership in areas of pedagogy, curriculum Finnegan forced two of their own on and assessment crooks are; all we need to decide is if the people. Dean and Finnegan planted we will crown them, or cane their Salary: family members who were unlikely behinds. Commensurate with educational qualification and in accordance with politicians for the sole purpose, it would Sometimes the math behind things, Government Pay Scale. appear, of having some control over the the two plus two, is so easy. People out government, the spoils, if they won, or of the know think that loving Ralph was Prospective applicants must submit the following documents: if they lost narrowly, to protect their Said’s worst mistake, but the real mess- • Cover Letter with resume interests. But we all know that they lost, up is when he exalted Diki and Rufus. • Valid Teacher’s License badly. The first piece of the puzzle is that • Qualifications (Original transcript) Spreading my opinion about the other Diki railed hell on Paslow every • Social Security Card (Certified copy) three at the Red table, Hugo Patt was Wednesday night on his Krem show and • Birth Certificate/Passport way too close to the most corrupt the fire service Musa gave him had just • Medical Certificate elements of the UDP; Tracy is a lot more bought a spanking new 3-ladder fire • Police Record (Original) Herbie than Leroy, and Mr. Faber, I wish engine. The second part is that Rufus, • Two (2) recent character references I could say he is a cut above his peers, his friend, thrives on action. • Work Permit (where applicable) but in his past he has been altogether Hatred of Paslow, lover of action, a • Marriage/Divorce Certificate (where applicable) too petty. 3-ladder fire engine, the tallest building I said I want the people to smack in Belize in those days —put those ALL Documents must be certified and any documents in a foreign language down all eight of their slates in March, together and the reverse Perry Mason must be accompanied by an official English translation. Only applicants who not because they don’t have some good had his conviction. Check the scene: qualify will be invited for interviews.Interested candidates should submit talents, but to make the UDP know how th match struck and new shiny red baby application packages on or before 19 February, 2021to: much we’re hurt over the wrongs they races over to douse the flames, but did us during their thirteen years, and Paslow’s building was tinder dry, and Chairman, Wesley College Board of Management force them to think reform. Their first before red baby could go on display, c/o Methodist District Office, reform should be to kick out all the 75 Albert Street, Belize City the grand, historic building was rubble. baggage. I had it all added up. I was Ah, unu sih why I noh send een fu ehm…wrong. I noh wait. I apologize. Page 12 AMANDALABelize Friday, February 5, 2021 From the Publisher Continued from Page 9 GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE There was something wrong there, but I never knew what it was. MINISTRY OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING Recently, a gentleman almost my age who had been running as a young HIGHWAY AND REMATE BYPASS UPGRADING man with the Dean Lindo-led UDP in those early/middle 1970s, started PROJECT AND SIXTH ROAD (COASTAL HIGHWAY UPGRADING) PROJECT calling the names of some very prominent American Republicans to CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST me. These names included those of Mulford, Weyrich, Fahrenkopf, and Pierce. These were big-time REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST Republicans, and they had varying degrees of contact with the Lindo-led The Government of Belize (GOBZ) has received financing from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the UDP. Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (UKCIF) towards the cost of the Philip Goldson Highway My message to you today, then, is and Remate BypassUpgrading Projectand the Sixth Road (Coastal Highway Upgrading) Project(the Projects) and that the UDP game between 1973 and intends to apply a portion of the proceeds of this financing to eligible payments under a contract for which this invitation 1979 was much bigger than any of is issued. Payments by CDB will be made only at the request of GOBZ and upon approval by CDB, and will be subject you realized. Myself, because of my in all respects to the terms and conditions of the Financing Agreements. The Financing Agreements prohibit withdrawals years in America, I had felt something from the Financing Accounts for the purpose of any payment to persons or entities, or for any import of goods, if such payment or import, to the knowledge of CDB, is prohibited by a decision of the United Nations Security Council taken was wrong somewhere, but I just under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. No party other than GOBZ shall derive any rights from the could not put my finger on it. Financing Agreements or have any claim to the proceeds of the Financing. Now then, what have we seen develop in The Jewel since 1973? The Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing (MIDH)through its Project Execution Unit (PEU), the Executing Well, the African American Agency, now wishes to procure consultancy services foran Environmental Specialist (ES). population of Belize has been dramatically reduced from maybe 65 The objective of the consultancy is to ensure that the environmental requirements are adhered to during the construction percent to perhaps 25 percent. Even phases of the Projects. The ES will be responsible for reviewing, managing and/or monitoring the environmental measures in the Projects’ Environmental, Social, Health and Safety Management Plansincluding facilitation of the client’s more dramatic has been the gang wars responsibilities under same. The duration of the assignment is expected to be for a period of 31 months. which have slaughtered thousands of young, healthy, Black Belizean males The MIDHnow invites interested eligible Individual Consultants to submit Expressions of Interest indicating qualifications over the last three decades. In and experience required to provide these consultancy services. addition, a large number of Belizeans have been able to migrate to the Individual Consultants shall be eligible to participate if: United States without a lot of hassle. (a) the persons are citizens or bona fide residents of an eligible country; and Belize has clearly changed. Would (b) in all cases, the consultant has no arrangement and undertakes not to make any arrangements, whereby any substantial part of the net profits or other tangible benefits of the contract will accrue or be paid to a person not you say Belize is more vulnerable a citizen or bona fide resident of an eligible country. today where the Guatemala claim is concerned than we were before Eligible countries are member countries of CDB. 1973? I don’t believe my personal opinion is relevant. All my personal The attention of interested eligible Individual Consultants is drawn to paragraphs 5.15 and5.17 of Procurement Procedures opinion is today, is interesting for Projects Financed by CDB (November 2019), setting forth CDB’s policy on conflict of interest for the selection of speculation for people of my consultants. generation. The ESis required to possess the following minimum qualifications and experience: One more thing, just for balance. My source for the Republican • A Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Engineering/ Environmental Sciences / Environmental Studies or related information told me Washington field with a minimum of eight (8) years’ demonstrated experience in environmental management and environmental viewed Shoman and Musa at the time sustainability and supervision of environmental aspects of infrastructure projects. as serious and dangerous communists, who were sympathetic to the guerrilla In the assessment of submissions, consideration will be given to qualifications and experience on similar assignments. movement across the Belizean border Expressions of interest must be submitted in English, electronically, by email, in pdf format, to both addresses below no in Guatemala. So that is what the later than10:00am, local time on Tuesday, 2ndMarch 2021. The email subject line should state “Expression of Interest - Consultancy Services for Environmental Specialist” and the email body must state the name and address Chamber of Commerce Belizeans of the applicant. The Expression of Interest will be deemed to have been received at the time that it is received by the were seeing, who pulled Opposition receiving office named in the first address below. The burden of proving receipt of the e-mail will be on the applicant and leadership from under Mr. Goldson’s will not be met solely by a read receipt or sent items report generated by the applicant’s computer. feet. Belize’s big merchants wanted to confront more directly what they Following the assessment of submissions, the most technically capable and appropriately experienced applicant will be considered dangerous communism. invited to negotiate a contract to provide the consultancy services. The GOBZ reserves the right to accept or reject late They made common cause with applications or to cancel the present invitation partially or in its entirety. It will not be bound to assign any reason for not Republicans from the Nixon- engaging the services of any applicant and will not defray any costs incurred by any applicant in the preparation and submission of Expressions of Interest. Kissinger era. But, other things have happened Further information may be obtained from the first address below between 8:00am and 5:00pm local time Monday to here. The most heart-wrenching is the Friday. civil war on the Southside of the old capital. It’s become so bad now that 1. Attention: Mr. Evondale Moody 2. Procurement Officer relatives are killing or trying to kill Project Execution Unit Procurement Policy Unit relatives. Things are totally out of Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing Caribbean Development Bank control in the Black community. Who Power Lane P. O. Box 408, Wildey Belmopan St. Michael is to blame? Cayo District BARBADOS, W.I. BELIZE C.A. Tel: +501-828-5220 Tel: +246-539-1600 Fax: +501-822-0563 Fax: +246-426-7269 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Visit us at www.amandala.com.bz Friday, February 5, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 13

Request for Proposal – Firm or Consortium

Consultancy to develop a Docu-Series on Climate Change in Belize.

Background: The Government of Belize facilitated the development of the National Climate Change Policy, Strategy and Action Plan (NCCPSAP) which was approved in September 2015. Belize also submitted its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) which encapsulates the country’s Climate Change plan under the Paris Agreement. The NCCO seeks to procure the services of a consulting firm to support the formalization of a Docu-Series on Climate Change in Belize. This Docu-Series will aid in building public awareness on issues and actions that the country is taking to combat climate change.

Objectives, Duties and Responsibilities: The main objective of this consultancy is to create a 10-part docu-series which will aid in building public and key stakeholder awareness of Climate Change in Belize, the impacts it has and the actions the country is taking to address those impacts. This docu-series will also serve as a promotional tool for the National Climate Change Office that will create awareness on climate change and its impacts while informing on national climate change activities tied to its policy.

Expected Outputs and Deliverables • Ten (10) fully-produced video clips of approximately 4 to 8 minutes in length in minimum of 1080p (HD) resolution aimed at sharing with national audience including local stakeholders, local communities as well as international audience. Each video in HD will include: o Video shooting and editing. o Narration, graphics, visuals, subtitling, audio and interviews where necessary, o Script development. The NCCO will provide relevant information to develop the scripts. The scripts must be presented to the office for approval. o Full usage rights for music (or music for which copyright has been granted); o Audio balance the final product and convert it in formats for use on TV, radio, web. o Include appropriate branding and crediting of partner and donors for the produced videos. o Clearly identify location, name and age of interviewees, quotes and any relevant details • Each draft video will be presented to the NCCO for review before final development. • A detailed work plan and shooting schedule at the start of the contract period. • Highlight/Progress report (s) based on the consultancy upon request from the National Climate Change Office.

Qualification & Experience: • Exceptional photography skills, • Outstanding videography skills, • Excellent photo and video editing skills, • Previous experience in producing international quality documentaries • Proven ability to work in multicultural environment, • Ability to adhere to deadlines and flexibility, • Experience in communication on matters • Excellent interpersonal skills and flexible attitude. • Associate Degree with a minimum of two years working experience or bachelor’s degree in English, Communication and Graphic design skills; OR in Information Technology (IT) • Strong English writing and editorial skills • Creativity and good visual sense; and an eye for detail • An understanding of target audiences • Have at a minimum one (1) year experience in editing and graphic design

Request for Proposal Package located: Please download the RFP package at http://procurement-notices.undp.org/ Reference No 74949 or at http://www.bz.undp.org/content/belize/en/ home/operations/procurement.html/

Submission of Application Package: Proposals are required to submit by email or in 1 sealed envelope clearly labeled RFP: Consultancy to develop a Docu-Series on Climate Change in Belize.

United Nations Development Programme Attn: Procurement Associate 3rd Floor, Lawrence Nicholas Building. Belmopan Cayo District, Belize, C.A. Tel: (501) 822-2688, 0467, 4228 Email: [email protected]

Deadline for Application: Friday, February 12, 2021 at 4:00 p.m.

The United Nations Development Programme is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. ALL qualified individuals are equally encouraged to apply. Page 14 AMANDALABelize Friday, February 5, 2021 Call Center in Ladyville PM leads budget consultations robbed of $19,000 with private sector reps. have taken place so far LADYVILLE, Tues. Feb. 2, 2021 hands were tied. The two men, said to between GOB and the private Reports are that two robbers got be wearing skull masks, then robbed sector, the release states, away with about $19,000 in cash from him of a parcel of cash that was in his “Discussions focused on the Core Company Ltd., a call center custody, after which they ran away. At realistic financial situation located between Miles 8 and 9, in the time of the robbery, the employees facing the nation, with a view Ladyville. The incident occurred after of the establishment were receiving their to rebuilding the economy.” 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday when two men salaries, which were reportedly being The release goes on to say that rode into the compound of the call distributed by the security guard. the session between center and proceeded to hold the The robbers headed in the direction Government and the private security guard up at gunpoint. of Ladyville while fleeing the scene. sector was valuable and that They led him to a room, where his Police are currently investigating. meetings with other social partners and the unions will commence shortly. AMANDALA is cream! The Prime Minister’s team is made up of Christopher Coye, Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Economic Development and Investment; Minister of Tourism and Diaspora The U.S. Embassy Belmopan is seeking eligible and qualified applicants for the following position: BELMOPAN, Wed. Feb. 3,2021 Relations, Hon. Anthony Mahler; On Wednesday afternoon, the Narda Garcia, CEO in the Office of Position Name: Chauffeur(Marine Security Guard Detachment) Government of Belize Press Office the Prime Minister; and Joseph issued a release informing the public Waight, Financial Secretary. Vacancy number: Belmopan-2021-01 that the Prime Minister, Hon.John The release goes on to say, “The Briceño, along with his team, has Office of the Prime Minister remains Closing date: February 8, 2021 begun budget consultations with the grateful for the consistent support it private sector. In an interview in late has received from its partners and Interested applicants must submit their application via the Electronic January, Hon. Briceño indicated that extends assurances of inclusion in Recruitment Application (ERA) system, a web-based system. To view his administration would be in decision-making in the interest of and apply for this vacancy, visit the ERA site at: https:// consultations with stakeholders to accountability, prudent financial erajobs.state.gov/dos-era/blz/vacancysearch/searchVacancies.hms chart a viable fiscal path forward, given management, integrity and good the country’s dire economic situation governance.” Please visit the Embassy’s website for instructions on how to apply via and the alleged gross mismanagement The national budget for fiscal year the ERA system:https://bz.usembassy.gov/embassy/jobs/ of funds under the last administration. 2021/2022 will be read at the end of In reference to the meetings that this fiscal year, in March. Friday, February 5, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 15 Rugby Belize open letter to the Ministry of Health and Wellness

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2021 has been implemented without any programme. We, that is RUGBY SPECIFICALLY to avoid contact Dear Minister Chebat, consideration of, or consultation with, BELIZE, did this, and our programme between players. There is no logical I write this letter, having failed to grab people involved in such sports. I know was submitted to the Belize Olympic reason to prevent this from being your attention using other means of this, because had there been Association and the National Sports carried out. None. Especially if non- communication (and that of other consultation, we would have explained Council for approval. I believe this contact sports – like Volleyball – are Ministries and Government departments that whilst banning the PLAYING of document was also submitted to other allowed to proceed. Thus, I ask you to involved in the drafting of recent contact sports is a move we support, interested parties. I believe it was reconsider this blanket ban on sports, Statutory Instruments written and there has been no discussion around approved. Months later, we are still or at least consult with people who implemented in valiant efforts by the TRAINING by players of such sports. waiting for a response from the Ministry know about these things, so we can Government of Belize to combat and Thus, we need clarification, and we of Health & Wellness. respond to and advise athletes on what control the spread of the COVID-19 need to understand why TRAINING Meanwhile, rugby players – like many can be done. virus), in the hope that it might be more has been lumped with PLAYING – with other athletes – are frustrated with being successful in resulting in a reply. no apparent basis in logic or reasoning. unable to train with their teammates to Yours sincerely, The purpose of my attempting Most contact sports groups were maintain their skills, and prepare for communication is to ask for a required, by local, regional and global future tournaments. Tony Gillings clarification around the blanket banning governing bodies, to produce a non- Non-contact training – to maintain Founder & President, Belize Rugby of contact sports – like rugby – which contact-training and return-to-play ball skills especially – is designed Football Union

Request for Proposal – Firm or Consortium Consultancy

Consultancy to Update Belize’s National Climate Change Policy, Strategy and Action Plan

Background: selection criteria report for data and information generated for the sectors identified, Belize ratified to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change along with all data sets collected, assumptions, and reference materials utilized. (UNFCCC) in 1994, the Kyoto Protocol in 2003 and the Paris Agreement in 2016. In that same year, Belize submitted its Third National Communication and its first Qualification & Experience: Nationally Determined Contributions which embodies planned efforts to reduce The selected Consulting Firm or Consortium will identify the team of consultants, national emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. By ratifying to the including a designated team leader. Certification in Evaluation is desirable: UNFCCC, Belize committed to addressing climate change issues, protecting its people Key Expert 1: Policy and Strategy Specialist (Team Leader) and resources from its impacts through both adaptation and mitigation means, and - Qualifications and skills: University degree in economics, management or related putting in efforts and measures to curtail the emissions of greenhouse gases that field. Post-graduate degree and specialist training in the development of policy contribute to climate change. and strategy, government/public policy or natural resource economics or management preferred. Climate change is a very serious threat to sustainable development in Belize - General professional experience: At least five years (for BSc) and three years (for especially considering its geographical location and dependence on natural resources. MSc) continuous working experience in the field. Belize’s geographical location causes the country to be vulnerable to the risks of sea - Specific professional experience: Demonstrated experience in the preparation level rise and increasing frequency and intensity of tropical storms, while the of policy and strategy reports for national governments and the technical review economic dependence on natural resources are threatened by rising temperatures of national reports and relevant international documents. and resulting impacts on climate sensitive sectors of the economy. To facilitate climate Key Expert 2: Climate Change Specialist: resilience, in 2015 the Government of Belize developed the first edition of the National - Qualifications and skills: Post-graduate degree in climate science, physical sciences Climate Change Policy, Strategy and Action Plan (NCCPSAP) which describes the or related field. country’s efforts to address climate change and directs the implementation of - General professional experience: At least five (5) years continuous working sectoral initiatives to mitigate and adapt to climate change. experience in the field and preferably with specialised training in climate modelling. According to the NCCPSAP, the document is to be revised to accommodate for new - Specific professional experience: Specific work experience in climate change scientific findings and the determination of updated measures to help enhance the adaptation and/or mitigation. Knowledge and understanding of development resilience of sectors and built infrastructure and to reduce potential vulnerabilities issues and relevant work experience in particular familiarity with technical to the effects of climate change and climate variability. Its goal is to guide short, concepts related to environment and Climate Change issues. Familiarity with medium- and long-term processes of climate change adaptation and mitigation in relevant global conventions and agreements or experience in the UNFCCC climate accordance with national prospects for sustainable development in addition to change regime will be an asset. regional and international commitments. Key Expert 3: Institutional Development/Legal Specialist - Qualifications and skills: University degree in economics, the social sciences, or The Policy covers the persistent issues that Belize faces including its vulnerability to related field. Post-graduate degree and/or specialist training in economics, crop production, food security, natural disasters, loss in biodiversity, human health environmental law or related fields preferred. conditions and as well as on housing and infrastructure. Therefore, the National - General professional experience: At least five years (for BSc) and three years (for Climate Change Policy, Strategy and Action Plan provides policy guidance for the MSc) continuous working experience in the field. development of an appropriate administrative and legislative framework, in harmony - Specific professional experience: Specific work experience in the use of socio- with other sectoral policies, for the pursuance of a low-carbon development path economic models, climate change adaptation or in the design and application of for Belize. legal and institutional instruments. Good working relations with government and non-government entities, private sector and other civil society stakeholders Objectives, Duties and Responsibilities: including academia and with strong research skills and experience. The overall purpose of the consultancy is to update the National Climate Change Policy, Strategy and Action Plan (NCCPSAP), to be named the National Climate Change Other Experts Policy, Strategy and Master Plan (NCCPSMP), taking into account new information CVs for experts other than the key experts will not be evaluated/scored during on vulnerabilities and needs, technologies and actions for mitigation and adaptation the tender evaluation but should be included in tenders. and means of implementation, in order to reflect progress in Belize’s preparedness to respond to the impacts of climate change covering the period 2021 to 2025. Request for Proposal Package located: Please download the RFP package at http://procurement-notices.undp.org/ Specifically, the consultancy aims: Reference No 74950 or at http://www.bz.undp.org/content/belize/en/ • To update the national climate change scenarios and conduct climate impact studies home/operations/procurement.html/ using ensemble modelling techniques • To update the organizational, institutional and legislative framework supporting Submission of Application Package: national climate change governance Proposals are required to submit by email or in 2 sealed envelopes clearly labeled • To develop a Master Plan identifying actionable programmes for implementation RFP: Consultancy to Update Belize’s National Climate Change Policy, Strategy and within the policy period Action Plan

Expected Outputs and Deliverables United Nations Development Programme i. Inception report including a detailed work plan and implementation schedule. Attn: Procurement Associate ii. Report on the inception workshop to launch the update of the NCCPSAP 3rd Floor, Lawrence Nicholas Building. Belmopan iii. Report on the analysis and assessment of the Policy including the comprehensive Cayo District, Belize, C.A. political, environmental, social, technological, economic and legal analysis and Tel: (501) 822-2688, 0467, 4228 updated situational analysis. Email: [email protected] iv. Consolidated Report for stakeholder consultations held for Task #8. v. Draft one (1) of the updated National Climate Change Policy, Strategy and Master Deadline for Application: Monday, February 15, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. Plan. vi. Report on the national validation workshop, Task #11. The United Nations Development Programme is committed to achieving workforce vii. Final draft of the updated National Climate Change Policy, Strategy and Master diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. ALL qualified individuals are Plan, inclusive of submission of elaborate excel files for data and methodology equally encouraged to apply. Page 16 AMANDALABelize Friday, February 5, 2021 From the Publisher Reproduced from page 9 of the Tuesday, February 2, 2021, #3434 issue of Amandala

My father was Speaker of the House voted out the People’s United Party Central American Boulevard. It appears bosses in this country are not much from 1979 to 1984. But I know for sure (PUP) and replaced them with the United to me that most of his work has been interested in sports, and certainly not its that he was the Chairman of the National Democratic Party (UDP) in December wasted, and I submit that Aragon and history in Belize, because the giant Sports Council in 1983, because that is of 1984. Campos were not interested in transnational, Coca Cola, has pinpointed when he closed down the MCC Garden The new UDP Prime Minister, Dr. supporting the Hall of Fame because the sports as its marketing vehicle here over for a year in order to upgrade its surface , appointed a man from list of honorees was very much the last six decades, and that’s all there for higher quality football. Orange Walk Town, Hon. Elodio dominated by Belize City. is to that. (That 1983 football season was played Aragon, as Minister of Sports from 1984 In the 1950s and 1960s, people like The point of this particular column is at the National Stadium, and what I to 1989. When he returned to power in Leslie Sharp in Stann Creek (Queen’s that Orange Walk was a total nonentity remember most about that season was 1993 after being voted out in 1989, Dr. Park Rangers and RAC) and Jalil Bedran in Belizean sports until my childhood a game in which Stann Creek’s Walker Esquivel appointed another Orange Walk in Cayo (Rocking R and Avengers) friend, the great Errol Cattouse, moved Kuylen (who, I think, died in a traffic man, Hon. Reuben Campos, sought to build football selections to there in the early 1960s and almost single accident years later) suffered a massive Aragon’s bosom friend, as Minister of compete with the Belize City juggernauts handedly raised Orange Walk’s head injury in a head-to-head collision Sports. in the capital city’s competition. basketball to a competitive level. with Belize City’s Crane Major.) My father did a lot of work on a This is a long story, and David Cruz, Recently I saw for the first time in I don’t know how long my father was National Hall of Fame for sports while Sr., has a wealth of information which print (I believe it came from New York’s prominent in the Sports Council, but I he was at the Sports Council, which was should be made public, at least for Wellington Ramos writing in this am sure he was still there when Belizeans housed in the old Civic Center on historical purposes. But, the media newspaper) the story of a football game between Orange Walk and Stann Creek in the 1960s when the Stann Creek people believed that Don D and Rambibi of Stann Creek “sold” the game to Orange Walk. The story had been in ’s streets all these decades. Orange Walk, beloved, was not competitive with Stann Creek in football in the 1960s. That is for sure. I think Orange Walk’s Hon. Kevin Bernard is the new PUP Minister of Sports. I am in retirement, and more than that, I have told you before that I don’t want to say, write, or do anything at any time which would embarrass Hon. Cordel, the ruling PUP’s Deputy Leader, because I have to accept the responsibility for his entry into electoral politics in 1994. Sports was a vehicle through which the minority African American population of the United States, which had been enslaved until the U.S. Civil War between 1861 and 1865, elevated its status. Jack Johnson, the first black heavyweight boxing champion of the world, was a spectacular human being. He was an incredible personality who became heavyweight champion of the world in the early twentieth century, when African Americans were routinely and casually being lynched throughout the Southern states of America. But, there is no record of Jack Johnson’s ever backing down from any white man. And, he lived openly with white women. I would advise the new PUP to find some kind of consultant position in sports for Clinton “Pulu” Lightburn. Yes, the man may be considered controversial by some citizens, but there is a story which explains the rough road Clinton has travelled since he ruled Belizean basketball and was the idol of Belizean youth during the 1970s. That story has to do with the aforementioned marketing decision by the trillionaire soft drink multinational. And I’ll leave it right at that. In closing, I would say that the first so-called “out-districts” which became competitive with Belize City in football were Stann Creek (with help from Honduras) and Cayo. The people of Orange Walk are a proud and honorable people, and I mean no disrespect. Colonialism made it so that Orange Walk Town was like a village until the Tower Hill sugar factory was built. Since then, Orange Walk Town has become big time. This is real. Friday, February 5, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 17

whose father George (a brick-maker), Younger), George, James and Ann.6 was a refugee from the Revolutionary George married Annie Wade, the War that freed the American colonies daughter of another of my ancestral of Great Britain. William is the grand-aunts, Elizabeth Tillett, (1787- acknowledged head of the Cadle 1836).7 William and Elizabeth knew each family,3 but information about him is other well, of course. Prior to his death wispy. He held no public office; was in 1812 he was a juryman in a successful not inclined towards the magistracy or lawsuit brought by Elizabeth in 1804 being a venireman; did not attend the for the recovery of a misappropriated FINDING FREDDIE June 1st, 1797 meeting, and had no city lot. William also had a brother, professional pursuits. Nor was he in any Samuel, but Mr. Allan Burn (Belize City) (Or, “Three Men Named William”) court issue that I know of. An upright attests to William’s being the patriarch man, accounts of whom are mostly of the family.8 George Price Day was January 15th. have said more about the Cadle and anecdotal.4 William’s eldest son (The Younger) A risk of having a holiday named in Burn families, considering their tight He lived in Burrell Boom village and became Lydia Cadle’s husband. At the one’s honor is that the heroic halo could weave into Mr. Price’s lineage.1 had a brother named Henry. Henry 1832 census they had 3 children: wane as other “special” days intrude Nothing new there either: back in married my ancestral grand-aunt, Eliza Margaret, George and James. Their for our notice. In a week’s time it’ll be 2005 Mr. Clinton Luna had to red-flag Anne Tillett, and moved to Crooked daughter Lydia (the Younger)9 had not Valentine’s Day, then Heroes Day the omission in an article titled, “Who Tree, where he and Eliza began a yet been born. Later on she did, and (March 9th), on the heels of which is were the Cadles…?”2 His enquiry arose dynasty that included Cadles, grew up to become Lydia Price in 1862. the long Easter weekend. partly because his abuelita’s surname McCulloughs, Griffiths, Rhaburns and Her husband was Alfred Price, “a well- Much was said and written about Mr. was “Cadle.” others. He died in 1855.5 known grocer,”10 and the father of Price then; it has all been said and The 3 William men in this note are: William’s sister Ann, became a Mrs. William Cadle Price, the 3rd William of written before. He was a very private 1. William Cadle Griffith, remaining in her village. William this epic story. man by all accounts, and commentators 2. William Douglas Burn and and Catherine had a daughter named was William’s must be willing to forego the safety of 3. William Cadle Price. Lydia Cadle. son. Smith has provided a full dozier the known path in pursuit of fresh leads. Of the three, the first is the least well- William Douglas Burn and his wife, on William, so there’s no cause for His latest biographer, for instance, could known. His wife was Catherine Raybon, Jane, had four children: William (The embellishment here. In brief, we learned he was “…a self-educated man with deep-set eyes and a narrow handsome face and lips…”11 Unlike William Cadle and William Burn, William Price was not the founder of the family. That may have been a Samuel Price, whose name appears in the list of settlement woodcutters demanded by Spain,12 and published in 1791. Not much is known of this earlier Price. But the fact that Alfred and William Price each named a son “Samuel” suggests lineage. There’s a picture of Mr. Price (courtesy the Image Factory), on the wall above my computer. A really fine likeness.13 My thoughts, however, hover elsewhere. Clan genetic markers are in every package left by the stork, and our national hero was no exception. The slight displacement of his eyes—a Cadle dowry? The shallow chin? His nose appears Hispanic—Escalante? The height is Cadle-gifted, I’m sure. The bold, square forehead—Burn? What of the likable, nascent pout— Price? Like I said, a candid click of the camera. Much of Mr. Price’s story remains untold. There’s the unwritten chapter on Nathaniel Frederick “Freddie” Cadle (1925-2006), for instance. Freddie, a rangy farmer/carpenter from Crooked Tree, stood head and shoulders above most men (including Mr. Price). He had blue eyes that lit up when he smiled, and spoke with a nasal drawl. I first heard of Lydia Cadle from him. He referred to William Cadle (supra) as his grand uncle, and to George Cadle as “my cousin.” His Biscayne farm had only a clayey, bumpy access—one frequented by Mr. Price in his well- known Land Rover. He told me of those visits to the farm by Mr. Price, mostly to talk “family.” On one occasion George Cadle told him about the funeral of a family patriarch he attended while on a visit to England! Freddie and George chummed around some. I suspect that there are other “Freddies” with stories of their own: we actually could be spared some of the aridity of the oft-heard ballad— if we could just find them. It would delight the Father of the Nation (R.I.P.), too. By the way, the original spelling of Please turn to„Page 19 Page 18 AMANDALABelize Friday, February 5, 2021

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

Formulation of Tourism Development Plans and Visitor Management Plans for the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, 1000 ft Falls Natural Monument and Caye Caulker Marine Reserve

Institution: MINISTRY OF TOURISM AND DIASPORA RELATIONS (MTDR) Country: BELIZE Project: SUSTAINABLE TOURISM PROGRAM II (STPII) Sector: SUSTAINABLE TOURISM Project No.: BL-L1020 Operation No: 3566/OC-BL Project ID No.: CS-41 Deadline: Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at 4:00 pm (local Belize time)

The Government of Belize has received financing from the Inter- American Development Bank (IDB) under the “Sustainable Tourism Program II” (STPII), and intends to apply part of the proceeds towards payments for consulting services for the Formulation of Tourism Development Plans and Visitor Management Plans for the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, 1000 ft Falls Natural Monument and Caye Caulker Marine Reserve.

The purpose of this consultancy is to formulate Tourism Development Plans and Visitor Management Plans in order to improve the quality of the visitor experience, ensuring that it is consistent, safe, enjoyable and reliable.

The consultancy firm will be expected to: (i) formulate Tourism Development Plans and Visitor Management Plans for the three protected areas; (ii) develop a tourism management framework for the protected areas; (iii) develop guidelines, manuals and information material; (iv) training.

Anticipated duration of this consultancy is no more than forty (40) weeks. The consultancy firm must demonstrate successful experience with tourism planning, protected areas planning, visitor management and risk management, including aspects related to community-based tourism and participatory planning. The team should also possess a working knowledge of local/international safety standards for COVID-19 Wesley College measures, international environment and social safeguards, marketing and product development. The Key Experts will include a Project Coordinator, Visitor and Risk Management Specialist, Natural Resources The Board of Management of Wesley College invites applications from highly Management Specialist, and a Hospitality, Health and Safety Specialist. motivated and dedicated individuals with good communication and interpersonal skills to fill the following vacancies. Previous experience working in projects financed by multi-lateral and bilateral organizations in the Caribbean is desirable and previous working experience in Belize is optimal. • 1 English Teacher – Part Time (March – June) • The procurement method for this contract will be Selection Based on 1 English Teacher – Part Time (April – June) Consultants’ Qualification (CQS) in accordance with the procedures Applicants must be organized, creative, punctual, positive, self-motivated, set out in the Inter-American Development Bank: Policies for the a good team member, excellent role model, willing to work as a homeroom selection and Contracting of Consultants financed by the Inter-American teacher, willing to work after school and participate in co-curricular activities. Development Bank (GN-2350-9), and is open to all eligible bidders as He/she must be familiar with the subject content and the CSEC syllabus, defined in the policies. beable to teach on line, willing to collaborate and work in a Methodist environment. The ability to teach a second subject would be an asset. The Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations now invites eligible Consultants to indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested Qualifications: consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the services Teaching Preferred: Bachelor Degree in English Education and must (brochures, description of similar assignments, experience in similar possess a valid Secondary Licenseto Teach. Teaching experience would conditions, availability of appropriate skills among staff, etc.). be an asset. Consultants may associate to enhance their qualifications. Remuneration: In accordance with the Government of Belize pay scale Interested consultants may obtain further information by e-mail or by phone during office hours of 09:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday, Application Deadline: February 12, 2021. local Belize time. Expressions of interest must be delivered via direct mail or e-mail at the address indicated below by Wednesday, February A letter of application, along with a resume, original transcripts, two (2) 10, 2021 at 4:00 pm, local Belize time. letters of reference – one from current employer a valid Police Record, Certified copy of Degree/Diploma, Social Security Card, Medical Certificate Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations and Certified Copy of Marriage/Divorce Certificate (where applicable) must Attn: Tamara Tingling-Cano be sent to: Procurement Specialist, STPII 106 South Street, Belize City, The Secretary Tel: 501-227-1760 Wesley College Board of Management 34 Yarborough Road E-mail: [email protected] , Belize City [email protected] BELIZE Friday, February 5, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 19 Belize Musicians Past and Present celebrates 26 years GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE BELIZE CITY, Wed. Feb. 3, 2021 MINISTRY OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING On Thursday, February 4, Tony Wright and JC Arzu will be celebrating 26 years of the show Belize Musicians PHILIP GOLDSON HIGHWAY AND REMATE BYPASS UPGRADING Past and Present on Krem FM with PROJECT& COASTAL HIGHWAY UPGRADING PROJECT special virtual guest, the great superstar, Brad Pattico, and his music ensemble. CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR SOCIAL AND GENDER SPECIALIST Belize Musicians Past and Present first aired on Krem Radio on February REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST 2, 1995, with JC Arzu and Tony Wright introducing the show, by explaining the The Government of Belize (GOBZ) has received financing from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the United show’s purpose to listeners. On Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (UKCIF) towards the cost of the Philip Goldson Highway and Remate February 9, the show’s first guest was Bypass Project and the Sixth Road (Coastal Highway Upgrading) Project(the Projects) and intends to apply a portion of the the great Louis Peyrefitte. Guests on proceeds of this financing to eligible payments under a contract for which this invitation is issued. Payments by CDB will be subsequent shows included Ivor made only at the request of GOBZ and upon approval by CDB, and will be subject in all respects to the terms and conditions of Cacho, Junie Young, Zoila Clarke, Brad the Financing Agreements. The Financing Agreements prohibit withdrawals from the Financing Account for the purpose of any Pattico, Sam Hamilton, Kathleen Staine, payment to persons or entities, or for any import of goods, if such payment or import, to the knowledge of CDB, is prohibited Bucko Cadle, Lord Rhaburn, by a decision of the United Nations Security Council taken under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. No party Mr. Peters, Leela Vernon, Andy Palacio, other than GOBZ shall derive any rights from the Financing Agreements or have any claim to the proceeds of the Financing. Nelita Castillo, Santino Castillo, Lynn Young, Harry Shaw, Anthony Richards, The Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing (MIDH)through its Project Execution Unit (PEU), the Executing Agency, now wishes to procure consultancy services fora Social and Gender Specialist (SGS). Patrick Barrow, Dickie Straughan, Luciano Rosado, Bredda David, The objective of the consultancy is to ensure that the social and gender considerations are effectively and sustainably integrated Elsworth Castillo, Leroy “Bass” into the implementation of the Projects. The Consultant will be responsible for representing, facilitating and/or integrating Castillo, Lisa Pike, Pupa Curly, Zeke, social inclusion and gender equality considerations and safeguards across all proposed Project component’s, and actively Positive Vibes, Kenny Gladden, Lucio mobilising the participation of men, women, youth, indigenous people and Persons with Disabilities. The duration of the Alcoser and hundreds of other Belizean assignment is expected to be for a period of 31 months. artists. The show also featured international The MIDHnow invites interested eligible Individual Consultants to submit Expressions of Interest indicating qualifications and artists such as The Mighty Sparrow, experience required to provide these consultancy services. Calypso Rose, Cindy Lewis, Posa, Prince Unique and Keith Lynn. Individual Consultants shall be eligible to participate if: Special thanks to Evan X Hyde, (a) the persons are citizens or bona fide residents of an eligible country; and Mose Hyde and Michael Hyde for (b) in all cases, the consultant has no arrangement and undertakes not to make any arrangements, whereby any providing this space for the country’s substantial part of the net profits or other tangible benefits of the contract will accrue or be paid to a person not bona fide artists and for their never-ending a citizen or resident of an eligible country. support. Thanks to Dario’s Meat Pies Eligible countries are member countries of CDB. for 25 years of sponsoring the show with giveaways. Thanks also to The attention of interested eligible Individual Consultants is drawn to paragraph 1.9 of CDB’s Guidelines for the Selection and Travellers Liquors and Brothers Habet Engagement of Consultants (2011), setting forth CDB’s policy on conflict of interest. for being faithful sponsors over the years. A big thank you is extended as The Social and Gender Specialistis required to possess the following minimum qualifications and experience: well, to all the show’s faithful listeners at home and abroad. • A Master’s level or Bachelor’s with equivalent experience in social work, community development, social psychology, gender studies, sociology, international development, anthropology, social policy or other related field. • Minimum of five (5) years’ relevant practical experience working on social and gender issues in development FINDING programing (e.g. community development, livelihoods programming, economic development programming), with some experience of stakeholder engagement practice, social and gender analysis and/or social/gender research using FREDDIE participatory approaches including qualitative research techniques (surveys, focus groups, workshops, mediation, facilitation, etc.) and delivering gender sensitization training. Continued from „Page 17 • Minimum five (5) years’ experience in community research and participatory community development. Cadle was “Caddle.”14 In the assessment of submissions, consideration will be given to qualifications and experience on similar assignments. And, if it’s not too early, a Happy Valentine’s Day! Expressions of interest must be submitted in English, electronically, by email, in pdf format, to both addresses below no later than 10:00am, local time on Tuesday, 2nd March 2021. The email subject line should state “Expression of Interest - Hart Tillett Consultancy Services for Social and Gender Specialist” and the email body must state the name and address of the applicant. The Expression of Interest will be deemed to have been received at the time that it is received by the receiving office named in [PS: In the notes, W/A=Will the first address below. The burden of proving receipt of the e-mail will be on the applicant and will not be met solely by a read Abstracts; B/A=Belize Archives.] receipt or sent items report generated by the applicant’s computer.

(Endnotes) Following the assessment of submissions, the most technically capable and appropriately experienced applicant will be invited 1 Godfrey Smith: George Price to negotiate a contract to provide the consultancy services.The GOBZ reserves the right to accept or reject late applications or —A Life Revealed (2011). to cancel the present invitation partially or in its entirety. It will not be bound to assign any reason for not engaging the services 2 Clinton Luna: “Who were the Cadle and of any applicant and will not defray any costs incurred by any applicant in the preparation and submission of Expressions of the Price?” [Amandala, 6/26/2005]. Interest. 3 Interviews [Nathaniel Cadle, 1/17/1999.] 4 Cadle, op cit.; Interviews [Alice “Meg” Further information may be obtained from the first address below between 8:00am and 5:00pm local time Monday to Friday Craig, 4/26/2000] 5 Henry Cadle, [W/A, 1/14/1855]; B/A. 1. Attention: Mr. Evondale Moody 2. Procurement Officer 6 Census of 1832 (B/A). Project Execution Unit Procurement Policy Unit 7 Elizabeth Tillett, W/A (3/01/1836); B/A. Ministry of Works Caribbean Development Bank 8 Interviews [Allan Burn, 11/28/1998]. Power Lane P. O. Box 408, Wildey 9 A common practice at the time. Belmopan St. Michael 10 Smith, op cit. p.9 Cayo District BARBADOS, W.I. 11 Smith, op cit. p.8 BELIZE C.A. 12 Belize Historical Society Newsletter, Tel: +501-828-5220 Tel: +246-539-1600 June 1995. Fax: +501-822-0563 Fax: +246-426-7269 13 NE Magazine, Sept., 2011; Print Belize Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Ltd. 14 Craig, op cit. Page 20 AMANDALABelize Friday, February 5, 2021 BNTU not yet consulted by GOB on 2021/ 2022 budget, says Elena Smith

the Belize National Teachers Union, will discuss, with the union, a path going wage bill. This unsustainable debt during Elena Smith, told local media that forward to manage the enormous wage this time of global pandemic and the worst the Government of Belize has still bill of the government, Briceño had said. economic crisis the country has ever not yet engaged the union in budget “We have asked Minister Fonseca faced is becoming more crippling each consultation talks as promised. and a previous minister of the public day for the new administration. Each year, in March, the national service to lead the consultations along In her interview with News5, Smith budget for the new fiscal year is read. with the Minister of Public Service, stated that if a compromise is going to be Smith says that the union hopes Minister Henry Charles Usher, and the reached, it would have to be a sacrifice these consultations will begin soon, Deputy Prime Minister with a technical for both the teachers and GOB. She since the time for the presentation team to be able to meet with the Public shared that many teachers are currently of the new budget is swiftly Service Union and the teachers, the the sole providers in their household at approaching. B.N.T.U., to have a discussion as to the this time, and a pay cut would compound During an interview conducted present situation and the way forward, an already difficult situation. with Prime Minister John Briceno how is it that we are going to address She said that these are some of the in late January, he said that the union this massive fiscal imbalance that we major concerns that the union will discuss would be consulted by Minister of have,” when they finally get to sit down with the Education, Hon. Francis Fonseca; Prime Minister Briceño said. team from the Government. Hon. Henry Charles Usher, the A large percentage of government A press release issued by the Minister of Public Service, and also employees are teachers, and at this time Government today stated, “The team will the Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. the Government of Belize is still forced be conducting meetings with the unions BELIZE CITY, Tues. Feb. 2, 2021 . They are to be to borrow, on average, a million dollars and other social partners in the days On Tuesday, the national president of accompanied by a technical team who each day to be able to meet the public ahead, in full realization that Belize will need all-hands-on-deck to maneuver the difficult financial situation caused by the chronic mismanagement of the economy in past years and further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“Amazing Grace”, and “Redemption” Dear Editor, Sometime ago a good person and friend of mine was seen in church singing his heart out. The song was “Amazing Grace”, a beautiful, emotional song, with a line that says, “…saved a wretch like me!” Later, I confronted him, asking if he was really a wretch, and he kinda got mad. A lot of big people repeat this line. I will tolerate being called a sinner, but not “a wretch.” No way! The writer of this song was one of the biggest slave traders in the world. Like Saul, who killed many people and was forgiven by the Christian God and exalted to sainthood as St. Paul, this slave trader became a priest and begged for forgiveness. I am happy to hear that there is a move to change “wretch” to “soul”. Amazing! While I’m at it, there are some big people proclaiming we have a national prayer. Belize is a multi-everything country, so it would be nice if it is referred to as a prayer for Belize. Is there any other country that has a so-called national prayer? And finally, for now, “Redemption”! The Governor General, on the advice of his Council, can address the overcrowding at the Belize Central Prison. The good gentleman, Mr. Murillo, is under pressure because of Covid-19. Now is a good time to look at commuting the sentences of some prisoners who have fallen by the wayside. Some community service on the balance of their sentence could make the coming of Easter a blessed occasion.

Sincerely, Henry Young, Sr. Friday, February 5, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 21 AG says new time limit bill is no threat to judges

of the judicial year, Acting Chief Justice legislature and executive fulfilling their the measures are being put in place to Michelle Arana listed a host of own duties by providing the essential make members of the judiciary more deficiencies inside the judiciary which human resources and infrastructure accountable. “This measure is not to have led to various bottlenecks that have necessary to enable and empower judges victimize judges; it is to hold them more slowed the delivery of judgments — in to be able to meet those time limits.” accountable. It is to have them uphold particular, the handing down of written Acting Chief Justice Arana said during their constitutional duty to ensure that judgments. her remarks. trials are done within a reasonable time She called on the government to do The Attorney General has stated that and fairly,” Marin-Young said. their part to support the work of the judiciary and questioned the motives for the imposition of the new time limits. “We do hope, pray and trust these pieces of legislation which directly impact and potentially undermine the security of tenure currently enjoyed by the Judiciary do not constitute sheer political posturing at the expense of the Judiciary, or worse, a deliberate attempt by the Legislature and Executive to erode Concern Citizen on Tourism BELIZE CITY, Mon. Feb. 1, 2021 the sacred principle of the independence Earlier this week the media caught up of the Judiciary, by demanding the Dear Sir/Madam, and take for granted that there won’t be with Attorney General, Magali Marin- improvement of efficiency in the delivery The public, and in particular law repercussions for treating our visitors Young, and asked about the new Time of judgments and making judges subject enforcement, needs to be sensitized as badly, especially at this time. We could Limit for Judicial Decisions Bill, 2021. to the removal of office for failure to to the importance of the tourism industry all criticize the government for not having During her annual address at the opening meet these time limits without the to this country. We should not just believe any vision and making tourism the only game in town. The travel industry is one of the world’s largest, which came to a screeching halt when Covid-19 made an unwelcome visit to our shores in March of last year. In Belize this industry was responsible for approximately 45% of the economy and also was the leading foreign exchange earner. Because of the pandemic, this sector of the economy collapsed, and tens of thousands of people lost their jobs, with many small and medium-sized businesses now struggling to stay afloat. Tourism has been good to this country over the years, so it’s important that not only the stakeholders of the industry but the general populace make the extra effort to protect and defend this fragile but vital industry. There are thousands of Belizean families that have been adversely affected. Last October there was very strong opposition to the opening of the international airport. The government still went ahead and did it anyway. Today we can see that it was the right decision to help jumpstart this ailing economy. We must be cognizant of the fact that we are not the only country in the world where tourism flourishes. There are other countries which suffered the same fate and are now making the necessary adjustments to accommodate their visitors. Belize is a topnotch destination in this region, and surely this industry will rebound significantly. How long we will be able to sustain this rush will depend on how well we treat our visitors. Besides our amazing natural wonders, we have also been known for being a friendly people. This may be insignificant to some, but this awesome quality is an important factor for the sustenance of the industry. It also enhances the visitor’s experience upon their arrival. I will agree that no one is above the law, but in the same vein, we must be more considerate to our guests who come to our shores. Their presence here goes a long way to help resuscitate this economy. You do not have to work in tourism to make a positive impact on the industry. We are all part and parcel of the amazing destination known as Belize. We all know that the first impression is always lasting.

Concerned citizen, J. Alvarez Page 22 AMANDALABelize Friday, February 5, 2021 Friday, February 5, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 23

FFB appoints Wayne GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE Casimiro as Coach MINISTRY OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING for Women’s Football PHILIP GOLDSON HIGHWAY AND REMATE BYPASS UPGRADING PROJECT AND SIXTH ROAD (COASTAL HIGHWAY UPGRADING) PROJECT

CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR MONITORING AND EVALUATION SPECIALIST

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

The Government of Belize (GOBZ) has received financing from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (UKCIF) towards the cost of the Philip Goldson Highway and Remate Bypass Upgrading Project and the Sixth Road (Coastal Highway Upgrading) Project(the Projects) and intends to apply a portion of the proceeds of this financing to eligible payments under a contract for which this invitation is issued. Payments by CDB will be made only at the request of GOBZ and upon approval by CDB, and will be subject in all respects to the terms and conditions of the Financing Agreements. The Financing Agreements prohibit withdrawals from the Financing Accounts for the purpose of any payment to persons or entities, or for any import of goods, if such payment or import, to the knowledge of CDB, is prohibited by a decision of the United Nations Security Council taken under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. No party other than GOBZ shall derive any rights from the Financing Agreements or have any claim to the proceeds of the Financing.

BELMOPAN, Tues. Feb. 2, 2021 The Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing (MIDH)through its Project Execution Unit (PEU), the Executing Agency, now wishes to procure consultancy services fora Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist (MES). The Football Federation of Belize (FFB) is proud to announce that Coach The objective of the consultancy is to finalize the Monitoring and Evaluation Framework (MEF) and Implementation Plan to Wayne Casimiro has been appointed as assess the progress of project outputs and outcomes of the Projects. The MES will design an evaluation strategy to assess the the Coach for Women’s Football. Projects’ contributions to socially inclusive sustainable economic development, the intended and unintended impacts on project Coach Casimiro was born in Hopkins affected persons and the results of the projects; and establish baselines and conduct a mid-point evaluation. The duration of the Village, Stann Creek District. His assignment is expected to be for a period of 37 months. experience with football started off in primary school and continued through The MIDHnow invites interested eligible Individual Consultants to submit Expressions of Interest indicating qualifications to the Amateur League in Dangriga. and experience required to provide these consultancy services. Other than his field experience, his coaching experience dates back to 1992 Individual Consultants shall be eligible to participate if: where his love for sports landed him the (a) the persons are citizens or bona fide residents of an eligible country; and role of Sports Coordinator when he (b) in all cases, the consultant has no arrangement and undertakes not to make any arrangements, whereby any substantial part of the net profits or other tangible benefits of the contract will accrue or be paid to a person not entered the primary school system as a a citizen or bona fide resident of an eligible country. teacher. Additionally, he also served as a consultant for the planning and Eligible countries are member countries of CDB. organizing of sporting events in the Stann Creek District. The attention of interested eligible Individual Consultants is drawn to paragraphs 5.15 and5.17 of Procurement Procedures for Coach Casimiro earned his Concacaf Projects Financed by CDB (November 2019), setting forth CDB’s policy on conflict of interest for the selection of consultants. “D” License in 2012, and extended his coaching to teams outside of school, The Monitoring and Evaluation Specialistis required to possess the following minimum qualifications and experience: and used his experience and expertise in coaching the Hopkins Football Club • Specialist training and suitable qualifications and at least eight (8) years’ or work experience in ongoing M&E, impact from 2014-2018. evaluation, social analysis, collection and analysis of sex-disaggregated data, and development of gender-responsive In 2018, he coached the U-15 Female indicators; • M&E of large, complex, long term projects and generating data to demonstrate project effectiveness. National Team that represented Belize in • Expertise and experience in designing and applying robust and appropriate performance monitoring and results Miami, and the following year he earned framework, indicator development, testing and data collection/ analysis; his CONCACAF “C” License. In March • Experience in M&E social and gender results and understanding of political economy issues. of the same year, Coach Casimiro qualified for a prestigious scholarship In the assessment of submissions, consideration will be given to qualifications and experience on similar assignments. to attend the University of Physical Expressions of interest must be submitted in English, electronically, by email, in pdf format, to both addresses below no later Education in Budapest, Hungary where than10:00am, local time on Tuesday, 2nd March 2021. The email subject line should state “Expression of Interest - he successfully completed a coaching Consultancy Services for Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist” and the email body must state the name and address of certificate in football. the applicant. The Expression of Interest will be deemed to have been received at the time that it is received by the receiving After returning from Hungary, he office named in the first address below. The burden of proving receipt of the e-mail will be on the applicant and will not be met coached the U-17 Female National Team solely by a read receipt or sent items report generated by the applicant’s computer. that represented Belize in Barbados for the U-17 World Cup Qualifier. Following the assessment of submissions, the most technically capable and appropriately experienced applicant will be invited to negotiate a contract to provide the consultancy services.The GOBZ reserves the right to accept or reject late applications or Furthermore, he was also assistant coach to cancel the present invitation partially or in its entirety. It will not be bound to assign any reason for not engaging the for the Belize National Senior Male Team. services of any applicant and will not defray any costs incurred by any applicant in the preparation and submission of Expressions In the latter part of 2019, he coached of Interest. the U-20 Female National Team that represented Belize in Guatemala for an Further information may be obtained from the first address below between 8:00am and 5:00pm local time Monday to Friday. UNCAF tournament; and after 27 years as a teacher, Mr. Casimiro is now a full 1. Attention: Mr. Evondale Moody 2. Procurement Officer time coach and Coach Educator, Project Execution Unit Procurement Policy Unit advocating for youth development in Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing Caribbean Development Bank sports. Power Lane P. O. Box 408, Wildey We take this opportunity to officially Belmopan St. Michael welcome Coach Wayne Casimiro in his Cayo District BARBADOS, W.I. new capacity as Coach for Women’s BELIZE C.A. Tel: +501-828-5220 Tel: +246-539-1600 Football. Coach Wayne will also be Fax: +501-822-0563 Fax: +246-426-7269 working alongside the Director of Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Female Football, Ms. Iris Centeno.

- press release – Page 24 AMANDALABelize Friday, February 5, 2021

Spurs Football Club and Belize Football History – Part 4 Teddy Gonzalez reviews his late 1960s-70s years with Spurs football team in Belize City a “personal and team story” written to use the Army Camp Football Field to of their schedule. In other words, the Landivar won the exhibition match in 1997 hold some Saturday games to make the season would be discontinued; there by a landslide margin, and Angus Vernon completion of the football schedule easier. would be no more games, no champion. scored 8 goals. Neither the score nor the by Teddy Gonzalez – manager/coach/ This was in respect of the 1971/1972 This was going to be a year that never goals should have counted. But in error, sponsor, Spurs FC Season. All the registered teams accepted was. This decision was supported by all an official, not knowing the rules of the to use the out-district fields, but had the city teams (They had the majority vote game, awarded the goals scored to the (continued from page 28 of Amandala reservations about the army field. Only in the Association) including Finnegan and team, and the 8 goals scored by Angus dated Friday, January 22, 2021) three teams accepted and were scheduled Landivar. They were too jealous of Spurs, to his overall tally. That gave him a total to play there - C.A.A., B.E.C., Spurs. I suppose. We were too young to be of 17 goals scored versus Spurs’ Football nightmares C.A.A. and B.E.C. played their games champions. This was not supposed to dangerous and prolific goal scorer, There were two incidents which will and had very poor and disturbing reports be. It was too bitter a pill for the majority Raymundo “Mundo” Myvette. This error be nightmares to me until the day I die. about the officiating, association of teams to swallow. And then, I was not allowed Angus Vernon to be nominated And if possible I would still take the case representation, and state of affairs in running for a popularity contest. I was the Top Goal Scorer and given a trophy. before the relevant football bodies to have general. The Spurs team wrote to the just calling the shots the way I saw them, This was unfair to Mundo, and illegal and them corrected, almost twenty-five years association two weeks before their and fighting tooth and nail for my players contrary to football rules. later. So strong I believe my position to scheduled game, indicating these and for my team. Spurs protested to the Association be, and how just I think my cause. irregularities and advising that if these 1973/74 Highest Goal Scorer under the presidency of George Quinto, The first case, I question myself about problems were not corrected, they would Award Jr., also known as “Bali,” “Tan,” or “Tan all the time; should I have done it play their game under protest. The second part of the nightmare is Jr.” The protest was never heard, and just differently? Perhaps not, since my belief So said, so done. Previous conditions, the Highest Goal Scorer Award; and this allowed to remain forgotten; this was over in discipline, authority, unity and irregularities, and contraventions of refers to the 1973/74 Football Season. all my protests, and that of other teams organization has not changed. Perhaps it football association rules were not It was the rule that, when a team did and their representatives. What hurt a lot has been strengthened over the past years. corrected. Spurs advised the referee that not appear or could not field a team to is that George was my very good friend At this point, I would like to share the game was being under protest. Our play the scheduled match, obviously, the up until he died. His agreeing to run for something with you that my good friend, players did not want to play; their minds team at fault would forfeit the match and elections and serve as president of the Saira Mahabir, in a totally unrelated matter, and souls and hearts and spirits were not the two points. But the interesting part is Football Association was largely, if not faxed to me:- in the game. We were undefeated at that that a pick-up team, made up from other solely, due to our friendship. Because I TEAMWORK IS THE ABILITY TO point, and almost certainly were going to football players and at times from the fans was involved in football, I encouraged WORK TOGETHER TOWARD A be crowned champions. But discipline along with members of the team that could and encouraged George to be a part of COMMON VISION; THE ABILITY TO and organization and rules were my not field a team, would play against the the sport, until he agreed to serve. DIRECT INDIVIDUAL priority, and I told them to play. We team that had made a complete Now, do not get me wrong; I was not ACCOMPLISHMENTS TOWARDS would play under protest; and at the appearance. expecting a friend to do something for ORGANIZATIONAL OBJECTIVES. worst, if we lost, we would ask that the In this case, Landivar was to play me that was not right. We had all the rules IT IS THE FUEL THAT ALLOWS game be replayed at the regular venue at Islanders from Caye Caulker. Islanders in our favor. I would have hoped that on COMMON PEOPLE TO ATTAIN the MCC Grounds. did not field the minimum of seven his own initiative, he would have seen that UNCOMMON RESULTS. We lost terribly; then duly protested registered players, and forfeited the match my protest along with any other protest 1971/72 Competition – “the year the game; and the protest awarded in our and the two points to Landivar. Then the would have been heard. And justice would that never was” favor. The game was to be replayed at a pick-up side, including some of the have been served in appearance, if not in Because of the lack of playing fields, I future date at the MCC Grounds. The Islanders players, played an exhibition essence. And of course, George being made a recommendation that the other teams, out of jealousy – this is the game against Landivar. This was done to my friend, I thought that surely if another association play some of the scheduled only reason I can attribute to their keep the fans happy, not have them create reason was needed to do his job, our games at various out-district towns, behavior – advised the Association that a riot and demand their money back, friendship would have been a good where there were teams from those towns they would not respect the Association’s instead of just sitting waiting for the feature reason. Anyway, George, when we meet entered in the competition. Also, we were ruling, and would not play the remainder game of the evening. as eternal friends in the other world, I am sure that we will talk about and settle this matter. But the protest was not destined to be BY ORDER OF THE MORTGAGEES heard or settled. And the real and deserving Top Goal Scorer of the 1973/74 THE BELIZE BANK LIMITED, a company duly formed and incorporated under the Laws of Belize with registered competition never made it into the record Office situate at No. 60 Market Square, Belize City, Belize hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as books. So Mundo, my friend, I am sorry Mortgagee under aDeed of Mortgage between Ignacio Villanueva hereinafter called “Borrower” of the first partand The Belize that I could not have done more for you. Bank Limited hereinafter called “the bank” which was recorded at the Land Titles Unit in the Belmopan City on the 15th Day of November 2016 Instrument: LTU - 201601714.The said bank will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first (to be continued) publication of this notice sell the properties described in the SCHEDULEShereto. ALL offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing to The Belize Bank Limited or to the undersigned from (AMANDALA Sports Ed. Note: It is either of whom full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained. indeed a huge blemish in the record of THE SCHEDULE ABOVE the then Football REFERRED TO AS Association, not to have a champion declared for the 1971/72 season. And the ALL THOSE LEASEHOLD premises situate in Placencia Road, Stann Creek District and bounded as follows: On the non-hearing of the protest on the obvious Northeast for 1731.38 feet by a 19.95 Acre Parcel of Land, on the Southeast for 607.12 feet by Now or Formerly National land illegality in affecting the 1973/74 Top Goal on the Southwest for 1182.50 Feet by Now or Formerly National land on the Northwest for 818.45 feet by the Southern Highway Scorer race is equally appalling. And that containing 20.31 acres of land as shown on Entry 7426, Reg. 3 at the office of the Commissioner of Lands and Survey TOGETHER is taking nothing away from “Mr. Ball,” with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. the legendary Angus Vernon, who by that time had already racked up a number of awards through his illustrious career. There Dated the 1st February 2021 is still a lot of pettiness occurring in the current squabble for power in Belize The Belize Bank Limited football associations, so the prospects Second Floor are not bright for an end to brother Matalon Business Center Teddy’s nightmares any time soon. If it Coney Drive, is any comfort, in my books, Mundo was Belize City the man in 1973/74 season, and Spurs was the team in 1971/72.) Friday, February 5, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page A45 PagePage B46 AMANDALABelize Friday, February 5, 2021 Friday, February 5, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page C47 Page D48 AMANDALABelize Friday, February 5, 2021 Friday, February 5, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 25 Page 26 AMANDALABelize Friday, February 5, 2021

Friday, February 5, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 27

BELIZE SOCIAL INVESTMENT FUND VACANCIES TENDER NOTICE Applications are invited from suitably qualified person to fill the following teaching position for the current year 2020-2021 Country: Belize Project: BNTF 9: Caribbean Development Grant – GA61/BZE Project ID: 1509/9/E6, Contract Number: E/B9-02/2021, National Competitive • Social Studies/ Belizean Studies Teacher Bidding (NCB) Deadline: March 9, 2021 Qualification’s Requirement: Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science or related field. 1. The Government of Belize has received funding through the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) towards the cost of Eligible Sub-projects and intends to apply part of Flexibility in offering two or more subject areas will be considered a the funds to cover eligible payments under the contract for Santa Marta Government tremendous asset. Preschool Building Construction, Santa Marta Village, Orange Walk District, Belize. All completed application packages must include: 2. The Social Investment Fund, a Statutory Corporation, established under the Social 1) Application letter with Curriculum Vitae Investment Fund Act No. 3 of 1996 and located at Constitution Drive, Belmopan, 2) Official Transcript/s Cayo District, hereby invites tenders from suitably qualified contractors for the 3) Copies of all certificates construction of the following: 4) Valid Teachers License 5) Three (3) reference letters, including one from last employer The contract proposes to: 6) Recent police record The contract proposes to construct a new preschool building measuring 49'-6" 7) Medical Certificate long by 43'-8" wide complete with an open classroom area, preschool students’ 8) Birth Certificate/Passport bathroom facilities, teachers’ lavatory facilities, storage space, kitchenette, and 9) Valid Social Security card an access ramp to accommodate users with diverse abilities. The structure will also be equipped with a verandah, cold formed channel steel truss roof system, ceramic non-slip tiled reinforced concrete floor, reinforced masonry block walls, All copies MUST be certified galvanized aluminum louvered windows, security grilles, and aluminum flush type doors. Works will also include for the construction of a chain link perimeter fence, All applications should be hand delivered by Friday 15 February, 2021 construction of walkways, and for the provision of site drainage. Provisions for addressed to: the installation of electrical, plumbing, water supply and waste water systems, in accordance with the regulations of the respective authorities, will be included in Chairperson the contract. Nazarene High School Princess Margaret Drive 3. Final (Project Site) Destination as specified in BDS: Santa Marta Village, Orange Belize City, Belize Walk District, Belize. 4. The Social Investment Fund now invites sealed bids from eligible and qualified bidders for the construction works in the aforementioned areas. 5. Bidding will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding (NCB) procedures specified in the CDB’s Guidelines for Procurement (January 2006), and are open to all bidders who are legally incorporated or otherwise organized in, and have their principal place of business in an eligible country. Eligible countries are member countries of CDB. 6. Qualification requirements include (a) The bidder shall furnish unaudited or audited financial statements of the firm for years 2017, 2018 and 2019 to confirm an average annual turnover of at least BZ$ 250,000.00 (b) Bidders should have General Experience under contracts in the role of contractor, JV member, subcontractor, or management contractor for the years 2017, 2018 and 2019 with activity of at least five (5) months in each year starting 1st January, 2017. (c) Bidders should have Specific Experience with a minimum of similar contracts specified that have been satisfactorily and substantially completed as a prime contractor, as a joint venture member, management contractor, or subcontractor, between 1st January 2010 and the bid submission deadline and should have less than or equal to four (4) contracts, each of a minimum value of BZ$62,500.00, but with a total value of all contracts equal or more that BZ$250,000.00. (d) demonstrate cash flow (including access to credit) of BZ $40,000.00 of which not more than BZ$ 10,000.00 can be materials (e) other provided in the respective Bid Documents. 7. A secured “sample” electronic Bid document can be shared with interested Bidder at the address below, starting February 8, 2021, on week days between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. for viewing purpose only (has a time restriction for viewing). A complete set of electronic Bidding documents can be purchased by interested bidders upon payment of a non- refundable fee of BZD $150.00. Requests may be made by writing to the address below. Written applications must be clearly marked: “Tender for Santa Marta Government Preschool Building Construction, Santa Marta Village, Orange Walk District, Belize”. The method of payment will be by cash deposited to, or Bank transfer to the Social Investment Fund’s bank account only. A request for the Social Investment Fund’s banking details can be made at the address below. The Belize Social Investment Fund is not accepting cash payment at this time. 8. Deadline for the submission of bids is at or before 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at the address below. Bids will be opened virtually at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, March 11, 2021 at the Belize Social Investment Fund, 3rd Floor, #1902 Constitution Drive, Belmopan, Cayo District in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to participate virtually. The link to access the virtual bid opening is as follows: https://bit.ly/31ACuQU Electronic bidding will not be permitted. Late bids will be rejected. All bids must be accompanied by a “Bid Security” of BZ$ 3,300.00 or an equivalent amount in a freely convertible currency or Bank Guarantee. The bid validity period is 90 days. 9. A Virtual Pre-bid meeting with interested eligible bidders will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 23, 2021. The link to access the virtual Pre-bid meeting is as follows: https://bit.ly/31ACuQU. Bidders can participate in the meeting; whereby, queries will be addressed. Bidders are urged to attend. 10. The address referred to above is:

Contact: Ms. Ruby Pascascio Senior Procurement Officer Social Investment Fund 3rd Floor, #1902 Constitution Drive Belmopan Cayo District Tel: 822-0239/822-0508 E-mail: [email protected] cc: [email protected] [email protected] Page 28 AMANDALABelize Friday, February 5, 2021 The rise of BREDAA by Nuri Akbar access through agriculture for Belizeans Michael Branche, Orland Bishop (BSU) me in that direction. both at home and abroad. In addition to Black Students Union of LACC The original membership of BREDAA When BREDAA became the first and national agrarian and land redistribution. Alexander Vasquez (Winners was a unique mix of older OG’s like only Belizean diaspora organization to In February of 1985, several Belizean Organization) Shabazz and Edgar X, who were pioneers access mass media in the continental grassroots groups in Los Angeles met at Sister Heidi Tucker, Belizean diaspora in the black militant youth movement of United States via its Belize Caribbean Pulse Brother Ishmael Shabazz’s residence and grassroots organizer the late 60’s - UBAD, and had established radio show on Pacifica Radio, this agreed to form an alliance which gave birth The name of the new group was reputations and street credibility. Ishmael achievement brought both adulation and to BREDAA (Belize Rural Economic suggested by Brother Shabazz and adopted Shabazz was an institution in the Belize envy, plus new challenges. Until 1989, Development of Agriculture through as Belize Rural Economic Development black political, religious, cultural, and social when Amandala publisher Evan X Hyde Alliance). The groups represented were: of Agriculture through Alliance movement dating back to the early 60’s launched KREM Radio, Belizeans had Rudolf Bent (BCA) Belize Cultural (BREDAA). Ishmael Shabazz was central when he became the first recorded convert known only a single, state-run radio station Association. (Note this predated the BCA to forging the foundation platform of to the Nation of Islam teachings introduced in the nation. Hence, it was ironic that a that was reborn with the same name when BREDAA that centered around advocacy to Belize by another legend of the black diaspora grassroots group made a historic musicians and artists Patrick Barrow and of land and agrarian reform in Belize, land power movement in Belize, Charles X breakthrough by initiating an independent Pupa Curly started the popular CayeFest rights, land access, and ownership for Eagan, aka Brother Justice, and later radio program catering to a Belizean and music festival that showcased Belizean Belizeans at home and abroad, in addition Ibrahim Abdullah. Caribbean audience in April of 1986. artists in the mid-1980s in Los Angeles.) to agriculture and animal husbandry, Eagan and Shabazz are credited for As important and historic as it was, to Edgar X Richardson (UBAD) United industry and international trade as a basis launching the first modern NOI community some degree the radio show became a Black Association for Development for economic independence. in Belize in 1960 in the village of More distraction from BREDAA’s principal Ishmael Shabazz, Nuri Akbar, Bilal In 1985 there was no Belizean Tomorrow. Shabazz was also a founding objective of advocacy for economic Morris, Hubert Pipersburgh (LAMB) Los organization at home and abroad that had member of UBAD and played a pivotal development via land rights, ownership and Angeles Muslims of Belize as its focus on land redistribution and the role in the organization’s stability. UBAD issue of absentee foreign land ownership president Evan X Hyde attributes Shabazz in Belize. There was an emphasis in as the glue that held the different factions BREDAA on the youth population and in UBAD together. He served as the first particularly the black urban youth, because publisher of the Amandala newspaper, by the mid 80’s the rise of gangs, drugs, which began as an information organ of and violence was emerging as a major UBAD. social factor in Belize. Prior to discovering the book “A Crowd Elections were held for officers, and Called UBAD,” written by Evan X Hyde, both Nuri Akbar and Rudolf Bent were in the Muslim library which was a project nominated for the chairmanship. In a of and managed by sister Hanifa Arnold, a general vote of confidence, Nuri Akbar was former member of UBAD, I knew little or elected its chairman, Rudolf Bent deputy nothing regarding this most important chair, Bilal Morris public relations, Edgar Belizean black conscious youth movement X Richardson treasurer, and Shabazz of the late 60s and early 70s until I met secretary. Shabazz. Shabazz was a self-educated Initially, I had no desire to be in a historian who conducted important leadership position at BREDAA. However, research on Belizean land laws and history our senior brothers, Shabazz and Edgar and was versed in this field. Shabazz X, both formerly officers of UBAD, felt differently, and encouraged and supported Please turn to„Page 30 Friday, February 5, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 29

Sunday Review News Review Talk Show On Krem TV & Krem Radio Live-streaming on Krem Television Face Book Page Host: YaYa Marin Coleman Co-Host: Alba (Ellen Sue) Date: Sunday, February 7, 2021 Time: 10:30 a.m. to noon Consultancy for the Development of a Guest: Ms. Emma Management Plan for the Sapodilla Cayes Sunday Review will be repeated at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 7, 2021 Marine Reserve, , Belize

The Belize Fisheries Department in collaboration with the Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE), with funding support from the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) through the Action Component of the project” Biodiversity and Protected Areas management” (BIOPAMA) referred to as BIOPAMA Action Component (BIOPAMA AC), funded by the European Union, represented by the European Commission, Directorate-General for Development and Cooperation, Cooperation – EuropeAid is seeking the services of a qualified consulting firm or consultant to develop the Management Plan for the newly expanded Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve located in the Toledo District.

The detailed terms of reference for the consultancy can be viewed at http:// tidebelize.org/2021/02/tor-for-scmr-management-plan-2021-2025/, or can be requested from [email protected].

The Belize Fisheries Department now invites eligible consultants to indicate their interest in providing the services. In submitting its Expression of Interest, Consultant should provide information demonstrating they possess the required and relevant experience to perform the Services. The shortlisting criteria are:

1. Proven experience and knowledge of MPA management plan development 2. Proven knowledge of the protected areas sector, natural resource management/ extractive social issues in Belize. 3. Proven experience with participatory methodologies and proven experience in collecting and analysing both quantitative and qualitative data.

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by e-mail to [email protected] copied to [email protected]) by 2:00 pm on Wednesday17th February, 2021 to:

Executive Director, Toledo Institute for Development and Environment PO Box 150 1-Mile San Antonio Road Gorda Town, Belize C.A. Tel: 722-2431

The sealed envelope containing the Expression of Interest must include the name and address of the consultant/consulting firm and should be clearly marked:

“CONSULTANCY TO DEVELOP A MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SAPODILLA CAYES MARINE RESERVE”

The Belize Fisheries Department shall not be bound to defray any costs incurred by applicants in preparing and submitting statements of capability.

AMANDALA Belizean to the bone

#3304 Partridge Street, Belize City. Telephones: 501-280-4703/ 202-4477

[email protected] Page 30 AMANDALABelize Friday, February 5, 2021 The rise of BREDAA

Continued from Page 28 Richardson is the younger brother of the „ legendary political pioneer, Leigh served as village chairman for More Richardson, who worked along with Tomorrow, ran along with Evan X Hyde Philip Goldson, George Price, and others in a Belize City Council election in 1971 in the original People’s United Party (in an NIP-UBAD coalition), and he and (PUP). Hyde had stood trial in the Belize Supreme Edgar X was a smooth brother who Court in July of 1970 for the concocted proved to be extremely dependable and charge of sedition, on which they were principled. I have never witnessed Edgar both acquitted. X losing his temper even when he was Shabazz also played a pivotal role in dishing out admonishments. Since I had securing the property that now houses no car at the time, Brother Edgar X the Muslim school and Masjid in Belize committed himself to picking me up for City, as well as serving as its manager. He each BREDAA meeting and he never was also an efficient mechanic and once failed in that assignment. managed his own business at different Whenever BREDAA had events, both periods in Belize. As village chairman, he Edgar X and Shabazz were always represented the voiceless villagers who punctual for meetings and assignments got pushed around by the bureaucrats in and were the steady in-house advisors of Belmopan and struggled to obtain title to BREDAA. They were trusted soldiers American Museum in Los Angeles and the Pan Caribbean outlook of the their land. He was friendly, dependable, who formed a solid foundation for the other art festivals in and around Southern organization as we embarked upon trustworthy, and brilliant. He had a deep new group. Their input, experience, and California. Bent, at heart, is a grassroots addressing issues relevant to black love for his people and country and well- deliberations were critical in deciding activist driven to preserve the Black people of our region. liked and was respected by his peers and BREDAA policy decisions. culture in Belize and the African diaspora. Nuri Akbar, Bilal Morris, and Hubert community. Brother Rudolf Bent is a smart and A dedicated family man who excelled in Pipersburgh were all members of the Los Edgar X Richardson was an early intelligent brother who is one of Belize’s this role with pride and confidence. Angeles Muslims of Belize (LAMB), officer of UBAD in 1969, and he and finest artists. His work of arts are cultural, Accentuating the extricable link whose leader was Ishmael Shabazz’s relationship went back decades political, and radical in content. A mild between the student movement and Shabazz. LAMB started in 1983 and was as activists in Belize. Shabazz was personality who expresses his mind and BREDAA was the dynamic south an organization of Belizean Muslims who responsible for introducing Brother Edgar teaches via his art in charcoal and oil American A-team of Michael Branche lived in the Los Angeles area and would X to the younger members of BREDAA, painting and is a master in both fields. His and Orland Bishop, both natives of meet on a regular basis. LAMB members who had no idea who he was. Edgar X artwork has been displayed in the African Guyana and activist students and included Shabazz as Amir, Nuri Akbar, members of the militant Black Student Sis Darlene Jones, Sis Shahida Shabazz, Union at Los Angeles City College Sis Jane Hasan, Saeed Rasool, Bilal (LACC). Impressed with their Morris, and Michael Dominguez. personalities, intelligence, political LAMB at the time mostly aligned with consciousness, and zeal, I invited them Imam W. D. Muhammad, a son of the to become members of BREDAA, an Hon. Elijah Muhammad who became the invitation they accepted. Branche was leader of the Nation of Islam after Elijah’s the student president of the vocal and death. Muhammad had changed direction energetic BSU and Bishop was the vice- and the name of the NOI (Nation of Islam) president of the Los Angeles City to the American Muslim Mission, and he College student government and embraced traditional Arabized Islamic represented the BSU on the statewide practice. This alignment would change African Black Statewide Student Alliance dramatically as Minister Louis Farrakhan (ABSSA). Orland Bishop is a calm, exploded on the American landscape with calculated, brilliant, and consummate the rebirth of the Nation of Islam in the diplomat. They brought a level of energy early 1980’s. and intellect that immediately This group’s main outreach project that reverberated and increased BREDAA’s became popular within the Belizean momentum. Branche and Bishop were community in Los Angeles was the able to connect with the cultural monthly publication called the BELIZEAN vibrations of Caribbean politics and FOCUS, published in January of express the similarities between Belize 1984. The newspaper focused on stories and Guyana. They also contributed to relevant to Belize both at home and abroad and highlighted outstanding Belizean personalities in the diaspora in politics, culture, academics, and sports, in addition to news and stories on Belize both domestic and international. Indeed, the Belizean Focus became the forerunner to the Belize Caribbean Pulse radio program. The editor of the BF was Bilal Morris; Nuri Akbar assisted, with contributing writers Ishmael Shabazz, Nuri Akbar, Saeed Rasool, and my niece typist, Darlene Jones, and Lillette Barkley Waite. It is important to note that Barkley Waite was a former UBAD-er introduced to the paper by Shabazz, who worked with her in the UBAD days in Belize. Hubert Pipersburgh was initially New York-based, but moved to LA shortly thereafter and joined BREDAA. Pipersburgh’s relationship with Nuri Akbar and Bilal Morris goes back to childhood, and Akbar and Pipersburgh, who were members of the Islamic Mission in Belize before they migrated to the U.S., became like brothers. It was Akbar’s visit to NY in early 1983 that convinced Pipersburgh to relocate to LA the following year. He was brilliant, a magnetic Please turn to„Page 31 Friday, February 5, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 31 The rise of BREDAA

Continued from Page 30 radio in the decades of the ’80s and ’90s. „ Bro Alexander Vasquez of course was personality who always greeted you with well known by Belizeans as the great a big smile. Hubert could be counted athlete that he was and champion of upon to bring high energy to meetings Belize’s most prestigious sporting event, Vacancies and was a key contributor. Pipersburgh the annual Cross Country cycling race, Orange Walk Technical High School invites suitably qualified applicants overcame many challenges he faced when in 1980. A calm and soft-spoken and well- to fill the posts of: he made the daring move from NY to mannered brother, Vasquez represented LA, but his perseverance and his a group called “Winners,” whose goal Ø Science Teacher (Temporary April 2021- June 2021) brotherhood bond within our small circle was to sponsor athletes at home and Ø Spanish Teacher (Temporary April 2021 – June 2021) eventually led him to the University of abroad. He had a genuine interest in the Southern California (USC). BREDAA agenda of empowerment of Qualification: In the fall of 1983, Bilal Morris (formerly Belizeans youth by having access to land Denton Morris) and I met on a bus in LA ownership and economic development Bachelor Degree in Education in the subject area preferred but while on my way to school. I discovered via agriculture with an emphasis upon the persons with an Associate Degree in the specified area may also we were heading in the same direction urban youth population. He was apply and in possession of a Valid Teacher License in accordance to and both attending the same school, Los instrumental in adopting the foundation Rule 64 (3) of the Education Rules as amended by SI 87 of 2012. Angeles City College. Morris had this platform document in the formation of unassuming and reserved personality, but BREDAA. we had known each other as children Heidi Tucker is the sister-in-law of Bro Teacher must possess excellent instructional techniques using TEAMS growing up in the same neighborhood in Shabazz and was a founding member of and other virtual platforms. Belize City. Morris would become one BREDAA. Tucker is a well-known and of my closest friends and associates and established personality in the Belizean Salary will be dependent on qualifications and experience and in a foundation member of BREDAA. circles in Los Angeles. Her home and yard accordance with the recognized government pay scale. Letter of Shortly thereafter I invited Morris to the was a popular spot for senior Belizean application accompanied by valid license, résumé, medical certificate, Los Angeles Muslims of Belize (LAMB) gatherings. Tucker is a leader and certified copy of Social Security card, certified copy of Birth Certificate/ meetings that were hosted by Bro influencer in the local lodge and church Passport, Police Record, two letters of recommendation (recent), work Shabazz and his wife, Sis Shahida, at their where many Belizeans are members. permit (where applicable), Marriage/Divorce certificate (where home. Eventually, Morris embraced the Tucker played a prominent role in applicable), copy of release letter ( where applicable), certified copies Islamic faith and became a Muslim, grassroots outreach by the organization. of transcripts and diplomas should be sent to: adopted the name “Bilal,” and went on She was a critical link between the largely to become a dedicated practitioner and young BREDAA members and the older The Principal activist ever since. He is a prolific writer, generations of Belizeans who migrated to Orange Walk Technical High School documentarian, radio producer, music southern California from the ’60s and P. O. Box 126 promoter, businessman, educator, family ’70s. She also gave an important female Stadium Street man and studied at UCLA’s graduate voice to the discussions until other Orange Walk Town school of communication. His role and females arrived to join the ranks. These contribution to BREDAA would become included Sis Iris Sanker, Dr. Pam Reyes, Deadline for applications: Friday, February 19, 2021 monumental as the organization moved Becky Castillo, Kay Simon, Francine Any incomplete application will not be processed. into mass media broadcasting at Pacifica Encalada, Therese Smith, etc. Page 32 AMANDALABelize Friday, February 5, 2021

communication. Ensure that the principles are consistent with the UNFCCC Article 6, the NCCPSAP, and Belize’s development plans. Ensure that strategies are inclusive and gender responsive in terms of socio-cultural practices and levels of knowledge, attitudes, practices, and behaviours. § Conduct national consultations with key stakeholders to identify Climate Change priority areas within the sectors, review message design, tools, and materials development and define communication channels. Message design should be aimed at supporting behavioural change among various stakeholders. § Ensure that the views of grass roots people, indigenous people, and VACANCY women are included in the design consultations/forums/planning meetings. • Ensuring the effective implementation of the National Climate Change Communication Strategy. COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER • Develop partnerships with other relevant organizations to disseminate information and create awareness about climate change actions and issues and Duty Station: National Climate Change Office, Ministry of Sustainable Development, the NCCO’s programs and activities. Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management, Belmopan • Work closely with the NCCO staff to ensure that relevant communication/ Duration of Employment: 24 months program materials are developed and disseminated to target groups through Position Type: Professional and Technical relevant media and network channels, including social media, drafting and Project Reference: “Enabling Gender-Responsive Disaster Recovery, Climate and production of media releases, media kits, brochures and other product and Environmental Resilience in the Caribbean” resource materials, including supervision of their distribution. • Develop and maintain contact information, materials and relationships with 1. Background Information journalists and media outlets to increase coverage of climate change related The Government of Belize has facilitated the development of the National Climate issues in the media. This may include organizing project site visits, photo Change Policy, Strategy and Action Plan (NCCPSAP) which was approved in September coverage, tv footage. 2015 and in October, 2016 has submitted its National Determined Contributions (NDCs) • Develop and archive communication materials, including digital publications, which encapsulates the country’s Climate Change plan under the Paris Agreement. photographs, audio-visual materials, etc. • Monitor and evaluate the impact of communication materials and campaigns to In response to the needed actions presented by the Paris Agreement, Belize has target audiences. commenced the updating of its National Determined Contributions. In doing so, Belize • Documentation of experiences and lessons learnt for improved communication is also taking the opportunity to update its National Climate Change Policy, Strategy of climate change activities by the NCCO. and Action Plan in 2020. • Present work activities and results to stakeholders and other interested parties if required. Currently the Government of Belize seeks to plan a way forward in enabling the Belizean • Facilitate the media at local and national events, as requested and needed. society to be a part of the solution. In order to achieve this, the National Climate • Provide bi-weekly newsletters to the general public. Change Office (NCCO) seeks to develop a National Climate Change Communication • Support the National Climate Change Office in the execution of additional tasks Strategy and Action Plan (NCCCSAP) that links to the implementation of the updated as mandated by management. National Climate Change Policy and Strategy, while aiming to effectively communicate 4. Institutional Arrangement climate change adaptation and mitigation issues to the national audience. The Communications Officer will work under the direct supervision of the Project Director/Chief Climate Change Officer and in collaboration with the In pursuance of the development of the Communication Strategy, the NCCO seeks to EnGenDER Project Manager based in the National Climate Change Office, procure the services of a Communications Officer to be in charge of communication Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change Officer and Disaster activities and initiatives related to climate change. Risk Management.

2. Main Purpose of the Position 5. Required Skills and Experience The main purpose of the position is to deliver a National Climate Change § Qualifications and skills: Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Strategy and Action Plan (NCCPSAP) that covers the period 2021 Communications, Journalism, Media, Public Relations, Social to 2025 that strives to effectively increase and improve the level of awareness, Sciences or related field. interest, positive attitudes, behaviours and practices towards climate change § General professional experience: At least five (5) years continuous adaptation and mitigation among the public, vulnerable communities and other working experience in research, communication, education, and stakeholders in Belize. The position is also responsible for the delivery of all awareness. communication outputs and materials. In addition, this position will work with key § Specific professional experience: Demonstrated experience in the stakeholders from government and non-government to identify ways of preparation of communication strategies with an implementation plan. communicating climate change within the sectors and ensuring linkages to the Experience in using the KAP Survey model. Knowledge and updated NCCPSAP and alignment to Belize’s NDC (2021), Horizon 2030 Long Term understanding of development issues and relevant work experience, in National Development Framework for Belize and Growth and Sustainable particular familiarity with technical concepts related to the Development Strategy for Belize. environment and CC issues, climate change adaptation and mitigation.

3. Key Responsibility Areas § General competencies: o Ability to conduct research and analysis and strong synthesis a) General Administrative Responsibilities skills; o Ability to think strategically; to express ideas clearly; to work • Assist in the development of a yearly workplan and budget relating to independently or in teams with strong sense of initiative, implementation of communication and awareness activities and packages for discipline, and self-motivation; to demonstrate a sense of the National Climate Change Office (NCCO); self-assuredness combined with political, cultural and gender • Participate in meetings or workshops, as required. sensitivity. o Must be a team player with excellent interpersonal, b) General Technical/ Professional Responsibilities communication; report writing and organizational skills and commitment to teamwork. • Provide substantial expertise for the development and implementation of Belize’s o The capacity to incorporate social and gender inclusive design National Climate Change Communication Strategy and Action Plan. This will considerations wherever needed. include extensive stakeholder consultation across key government ministries. o Excellent English drafting and communication skills; Spanish Additional tasks include: would be considered an asset. § Review all the pertinent documents that are related to the NCCO and o Excellent organizational skills, develops clear goals that are also all previously implemented and planned communication activities consistent with the NCCO’s strategy, identifies priorities and in relation to Climate Change including previous and current KAP allocates time appropriately. studies, Climate Change strategies, plans and actions and consult with o Computer skills including a working knowledge of MS Office various stakeholders within the public and private sector. (Word, Power Point, Excel and Publisher). Basic design and § Develop a Situational Assessment and Analysis which incorporates layout skills are an added advantage. levels of knowledge, attitudes, practices (KAP) and behaviours. The o Demonstrated social media experience is an added asset. Situation Assessment and Analysis should target key audiences as follows: policy (government ministries, departments and agencies); 6. Working Conditions and Environment international development agencies; academia and schools; A competitive salary is available and other terms and conditions will be discussed during municipalities and town councils; civil society; farmers and farmer the application process. groups; private sector; media; youth, women and people with disabilities; indigenous people; residents, cultural leaders and 7. Application vulnerable communities. To streamline the application process, applicants are required to submit their application § Conduct a communication needs assessment to identify gaps and ways packages, including the following documents: of addressing these gaps in communicating climate change within the sectors specified in the NCCPSAP. • Expression of interest § Identify opportunities to strengthen and build the capacity of partners • Resume/CV and stakeholders through communication training, access to • Two current reference letters information, supplies and equipment and through knowledge sharing. § Establish communication strategies that will engage and disseminate Qualified persons should submit by email their completed application to information to stakeholders and target audiences at opportune times [email protected], to the attention of the Chief Climate Change Officer. The by providing relevant and useful information through effective media subject of the email should read: “Application for Communication Officer Position.” that will be based on the key principles of development Deadline: Submission must be received no later than 4:00 p.m., 16th February 2021. Friday, February 5, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 33 Elections and Boundaries Department Notices

REPRESENTATION OF THE PEOPLE ACT, Sec. 20 (1) CHAPTER 9

FORM NO. 3

NOTICE OF TIME AND PLACE OF NOMINATION

Notice of Election for a Member of the Electoral Division of COROZAL BAY

His Excellency the Governor-General, having issued his writ for the election of a member of the House of Representatives for the electoral division of COROZAL BAY, the Returning Officer of the said division will on the 15th February 2021 now next ensuing between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at the COROZAL MAGISTRATE COURT, , proceed to the nomination of candidates, and if there is no opposition, to the election of a member for the electoral division of COROZAL BAY.

Forms of nomination papers may be obtained at any Elections and Boundaries Department, Corozal office between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily Monday to Friday.

Every nomination paper must be signed by six persons whose names appear on the register of electors and be handed to the Returning Officer between the said hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Every candidate for election shall deposit, or cause to be deposited, with the Returning Officer the sum of two hundred dollars ($200.00), as required by Rule 6 of the Election Rules.

In the event of the election being contested, the poll will take place between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on WEDNESDAY, 3rd March 2021, and the counting of votes will take place thereafter at the St. Francis Xavier RC School, Corozal Town, on the said 3rd March 2021 at the hour of 8:00 p.m. and at such places as may hereafter be appointed.

The office of the Returning Officer for the electoral division of COROZAL BAY is situated at the Treasury Department, Belize City.

DATED: the 3rd day of February 2021.

(TERESITA MIRANDA) Returning Officer for the Corozal Bay Division

______…… ______

BELIZE CITY COUNCIL ELECTION, 3RD MARCH 2021

APPOINTMENT OF RETURNING OFFICER AND ELECTION CLERKS

IT IS NOTIFIED for general information that the Elections and Boundaries Commission, pursuant to Section 18 (1) of the Belize City Council Act, Chapter 85 of the Laws of Belize, has appointed the RETURNING OFFICER named BY-ELECTION below, and the Chief Elections Officer, acting pursuant to Section 18 (2) of the said Act, has appointed, with the approval of the Elections and Boundaries COROZAL BAY ELECTORAL DIVISION Commission, the ELECTION CLERKS named below for the Belize City Council Election to be held on Wednesday, 3rd day of March 2021. APPOINTMENT OF RETURNING OFFICER AND ELECTION CLERK BELIZE CITY RETURNING OFFICER IT IS NOTIFIED for general information that the Elections and Boundaries Anna Bennett Commission, pursuant to Section 13 (1) of the Representation of the People Act, Chapter 9 of the Laws of Belize has appointed the RETURNING OFFICER Accountant General named below, and the Chief Elections Officer acting pursuant to Section 13 (2) of the said Act, has appointed, with the approval of the Elections and Boundaries Treasury Department Commission, the ELECTION CLERK named below for the Corozal Bay Electoral Division, By- Election to be held on Wednesday, 3rd March 2021. Belize City

ELECTORAL RETURNING OFFICER ELECTION CLERK ELECTORAL DIVISIONS ELECTION CLERKS DIVISION Freetown Imogene Swift Corozal Bay Teresita Miranda Velma Godoy Belize Tax Officer Assistant Accountant General Principal Education Belize Tax Services Treasury Department Officer Department Belize City Education Department Belize City Caribbean Shores Tennielle Williams Principal Hydrologist Ministry of Natural Resources, Josephine Tamai Petroleum and Mining CHIEF ELECTIONS OFFICER Belmopan City Page 34 AMANDALABelize Friday, February 5, 2021 Elections and Boundaries Department Notices Pickstock Lewin Samuels TOWN COUNCILS ELECTIONS, 3RD MARCH 2021 Assistant Deputy Director Belize Tax Services Department APPOINTMENT OF RETURNING OFFICERS AND ELECTION Belize City CLERKS

Fort George Lliani Arthurs IT IS NOTIFIED for general information that the Elections and Boundaries Director Commission, pursuant to Section 18 (1) of the Town Councils Act, Chapter 87 of Human Services Department the Laws of Belize, has appointed the RETURNING OFFICERS named below, Belize City and the Chief Elections Officer, acting pursuant to Section 18 (2) of the said Act, has appointed, with the approval of the Elections and Boundaries Commission, Albert Kim Burgess the ELECTION CLERKS named below for the said Town Councils Elections to Supervisor be held on Wednesday, 3rd day of March 2021. Belize Tax Services Department Belize City TOWNS RETURNING OFFICERS ELECTION CLERKS

Queen’s Square James Gabriel 1. San Pedro Martin Alegria Odelia Caliz Postmaster General Chief Environmental Officer Education Officer II Department of Postal Services Department of Environment Education Department Belize City Belmopan City San Pedro Town

2. Corozal Doyle Flowers Nemencia Broaster Port Loyola Shawn Vargas Customs & Excise Officer I Education Officer I Coordinator Customs & Excise Department Education Department Employee Assistance Program Corozal District Corozal District Ministry of the Public Service, Constitutional & Political 3. Orange Carla Alvarez Alhenry Westby Reform Walk Principal Education Officer Regional Coordinator Belmopan City Education Department NEMO Belize City Belmopan City Mesopotamia Sheldon Samuels National Coordinator (ACE) Karen Jones Education Department Belize Tax Manager Belize City Belize Tax Services Department Collet Annisa Perdomo Belize City Belize Tax Officer I Belize Tax Services Department 4. San Ignacio Elbert Jahmor Lopez Hugo Miranda Belize City /Santa Elena ElenaPrincipal Education Cooperative Education Officer Officer Lake Independence Therese Martinez Education Department Agriculture Department Customs & Excise Clerk III Cayo District Belmopan City Customs & Excise Department Belize City Glenda Valdez Administrative Officer II Dated: 3rd February 2021 Ministry of the Public Service, Constitutional & Political Reform Belmopan City JOSEPHINE TAMAI Chief Elections Officer 5. Benque Andre Cho Marvin Pook Viejo Director Assistant Conservator I Geology & Petroleum Belize Archives & Records Department Service BELMOPAN CITY COUNCIL ELECTION, 3RD MARCH 2021 Belmopan City Belmopan City

APPOINTMENT OF RETURNING OFFICER AND ELECTION CLERKS 6. Dangriga Neulin Villanueva Mario Caliz Deputy Chief Education Officer District Manager IT IS NOTIFIED for general information that the Elections and Boundaries Ministry of Education, Culture, Belize Tax Services Department Commission, pursuant to Section 18 (1) of the Belmopan City Council Act, Chapter Science & Technology Dangriga Town 86 of the Laws of Belize, has appointed the RETURNING OFFICER named Belmopan City below, and the Chief Elections Officer, acting pursuant to Section 18 (2) of the said Act, has appointed, with the approval of the Elections and Boundaries 7. Punta Floridalia Requena Quiroz Kenton Parham Commission, the ELECTION CLERKS named below for the Belmopan City Gorda Ag. Deputy Regional Manager Coordinator Council Election to be held on Wednesday, 3rd day of March 2021. Southern Regional Hospital NEMO Punta Gorda Town Toledo District BELMOPAN CITY RETURNING OFFICER ELECTION CLERKS Dated: 3rd February 2021 Alma Gomez Gabriel Bol Supervisor of Insurance Information Technology Manager JOSEPHINE TAMAI Ministry of Finance, Belize Tax Services Chief Elections Officer Department Economic Development Belize City and Investment BELIZE CITY COUNCIL ELECTION, 3rd MARCH 2021 Belmopan City NOTICE OF TIME AND PLACE OF NOMINATION Radisha Simpson AND DATE OF ELECTION Coordinator HRMIS In accordance with the Belize City Council Act, Chapter 85 of the Laws Ministry of the Public of Belize, and the applicable Subsidiary Regulations, it is hereby notified that for Service, Constitutional the purposes of every election of members of a new council, the nomination of & Political Reform candidates for the election of members of the BELIZE CITY COUNCIL will be Belmopan City received at the ITVET, Freetown Road, Belize City between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Monday, 15th February 2021. Dated: 3rd February 2021 Nomination Forms can be obtained at any Elections and Boundaries JOSEPHINE TAMAI Department office countrywide between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Chief Elections Officer daily, except Saturdays and Sundays. Friday, February 5, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 35 Elections and Boundaries Department Notices

Every candidate shall be proposed by two other persons whose names Every candidate shall deposit, or cause to be deposited, with the Returning appear on the Register of Electors for BELIZE CITY, and shall deliver to the Officer the sum of Twenty-Five Dollars ($25.00). Returning Officer his written consent to be so nominated. If more candidates are nominated than there shall be seats to be filled, a Every candidate shall deposit, or cause to be deposited, with the Returning municipal election of members to the COROZAL TOWN COUNCIL shall be Officer the sum of Fifty Dollars ($50.00). held on Wednesday, 3rd March 2021.

If more candidates are nominated than there shall be seats to be filled, a The Office of the Returning Officer for COROZAL TOWN municipal election of members to the BELIZE CITY COUNCIL shall be held on COUNCIL ELECTION is situated at the Customs & Excise Department, Santa Wednesday, 3rd March 2021. Elena Border, Corozal District.

The Office of the Returning Officer for BELIZE CITY COUNCIL ELECTION is situated at the Treasury Department, Coney Drive, Belize City. DATED the 3rd day of February 2021.

Signed: Doyle Flowers DATED the 3rd day of February 2021. RETURNING OFFICER COROZAL TOWN COUNCIL Signed: Anna Bennett ELECTION RETURNING OFFICER BELIZE CITY COUNCIL ELECTION NOTICE

ORANGE WALK TOWN COUNCIL ELECTION, NOTICE 3rd MARCH 2021

BELMOPAN CITY COUNCIL ELECTION, 3rd MARCH 2021 NOTICE OF TIME AND PLACE OF NOMINATION AND DATE OF ELECTION NOTICE OF TIME AND PLACE OF NOMINATION AND DATE OF ELECTION In accordance with the Town Councils Act, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Belize, and the applicable Subsidiary Regulations, it is hereby notified that for the In accordance with the Belmopan City Council Act, Chapter 86 of the purposes of every election of members of a new council, the nomination of candidates Laws of Belize, and the applicable Subsidiary Regulations, it is hereby notified for the election of members of the ORANGE WALK TOWN COUNCIL will be that for the purposes of every election of members of a new council, the nomination received at the Banquitas House of Culture, Orange Walk Town, between the of candidates for the election of members of the BELMOPAN CITY COUNCIL hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Monday, 15th February 2021. will be received at the Belmopan Civic Centre, Market Square, Belmopan City, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Monday, 15th February Nomination Forms can be obtained at any Elections and Boundaries 2021. Department office countrywide, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily, except Saturdays and Sundays. Nomination Forms can be obtained at any Elections and Boundaries Department office countrywide between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Every candidate shall be proposed by two other persons whose names daily, except Saturdays and Sundays. appear on the Register of Electors for ORANGE WALK TOWN and shall deliver to the Returning Officer his written consent to be so nominated. Every candidate shall be proposed by two other persons whose names appear on the Register of Electors for BELMOPAN CITY and shall deliver to the Every candidate shall deposit, or cause to be deposited, with the Returning Returning Officer his written consent to be so nominated. Officer the sum of Twenty-Five Dollars ($25.00).

Every candidate shall deposit, or cause to be deposited, with the Returning If more candidates are nominated than there shall be seats to be filled, a Officer the sum of Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00). municipal election of members to the ORANGE WALK TOWN COUNCIL shall be held on Wednesday, 3rd March 2021. If more candidates are nominated than there shall be seats to be filled, a municipal election of members to the BELMOPAN CITY COUNCIL shall be The Office of the Returning Officer for ORANGE WALK TOWN held on Wednesday, 3rd March 2021. COUNCIL ELECTION is situated at Education Department, Mahogany Street, Belize City. The Office of the Returning Officer for BELMOPAN CITY COUNCIL ELECTION is situated at the Office of Supervisor of Insurance, #2 Toucan Avenue, DATED the 3rd day of February 2021. Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment, Belmopan City. Signed: Carla Alvarez DATED the 3rd day of February 2021. RETURNING OFFICER ORANGE WALK TOWN Signed: Alma Gomez COUNCIL ELECTION RETURNING OFFICER BELMOPAN CITY COUNCIL ELECTION NOTICE

SAN IGNACIO/SANTA ELENA TOWN COUNCIL ELECTION, 3RD NOTICE MARCH 2021

COROZAL TOWN COUNCIL ELECTION, 3rd MARCH 2021 NOTICE OF TIME AND PLACE OF NOMINATION AND DATE OF ELECTION NOTICE OF TIME AND PLACE OF NOMINATION AND DATE OF ELECTION In accordance with the Town Councils Act, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Belize, and the applicable Subsidiary Regulations, it is hereby notified that for the In accordance with the Town Councils Act, Chapter 87 of the Laws of purposes of every election of members of a new council, the nominations of Belize, and the applicable Subsidiary Regulations, it is hereby notified that for the candidates for the election of members of the SAN IGNACIO/SANTA ELENA purposes of every election of members of a new council, the nomination of TOWN COUNCIL will be received at the Magistrate Court, San Ignacio candidates for the election of members of the COROZAL TOWN COUNCIL Town, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Monday, 15th February will be received at the Corozal Methodist School Auditorium, Corozal Town, 2021. between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Monday, 15th February 2021. Nomination Forms can be obtained at any Elections and Boundaries Department office countywide, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Nomination Forms can be obtained at any Elections and Boundaries daily, except Saturdays and Sundays. Department office countywide, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily, except Saturdays and Sundays. Every candidate shall be proposed by two other persons whose names appear on the Register of Electors for SAN IGNACIO/SANTA ELENA TOWN Every candidate shall be proposed by two other persons whose names and shall deliver to the Returning Officer his written consent to be so nominated. appear on the Register of Electors for COROZAL TOWN and shall deliver to the Returning Officer his written consent to be so nominated. Every candidate shall deposit, or cause to be deposited, with the Returning Page 36 AMANDALABelize Friday, February 5, 2021 Elections and Boundaries Department Notices

Officer the sum of Twenty-Five Dollars ($25.00). Petroleum Department, Queen Elizabeth Boulevard, Belmopan City.

If more candidates are nominated than there shall be seats to be filled, a DATED the 3rd day of February 2021. municipal election of members to the SAN IGNACIO/SANTA ELENA TOWN COUNCIL shall be held on Wednesday, 3rd March 2021. Signed: Andre Cho RETURNING OFFICER The Office of the Returning Officer for SAN IGNACIO/SANTA BENQUE VIEJO DEL CARMEN ELENA TOWN COUNCIL ELECTION is situated at the Education TOWN COUNCIL ELECTION Department, Perez Street, Santa Elena Town. NOTICE DATED the 3rd day of February 2021. DANGRIGA TOWN COUNCIL ELECTION, 3RD MARCH 2021 Signed: Elbert Jahmor Lopez RETURNING OFFICER NOTICE OF TIME AND PLACE OF NOMINATION SAN IGNACIO/SANTA ELENA AND DATE OF ELECTION TOWN COUNCIL ELECTION In accordance with the Town Councils Act, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Belize, and the applicable Subsidiary Regulations, it is hereby notified that for the NOTICE purposes of every election of members of a new council, the nomination of candidates for the election of members of the DANGRIGA TOWN COUNCIL SAN PEDRO TOWN COUNCIL ELECTION, 3RD MARCH 2021 will be received at the Dangriga Town Council, Dangriga Town, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Monday, 15th February 2021. NOTICE OF TIME AND PLACE OF NOMINATION AND DATE OF ELECTION Nomination Forms can be obtained at any Elections and Boundaries Department office countrywide between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. In accordance with the Town Councils Act, Chapter 87 of the Laws of daily, except Saturdays and Sundays. Belize, and the applicable Subsidiary Regulations, it is hereby notified that for the purposes of every election of members of a new council, the nomination of Every candidate shall be proposed by two other persons whose names candidates for the election of members of the SAN PEDRO TOWN COUNCIL appear on the Register of Electors for DANGRIGA TOWN and shall deliver to will be received at the San Pedro Town Council, San Pedro Town between the the Returning Officer his written consent to be so nominated. hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Monday, 15th February 2021. Every candidate shall deposit, or cause to be deposited, with the Returning Nomination Forms can be obtained at any Elections and Boundaries Officer the sum of Twenty-Five Dollars ($25.00). Department office countrywide, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily, except Saturdays and Sundays. If more candidates are nominated than there shall be seats to be filled, a municipal election of members to the DANGRIGA TOWN COUNCIL shall be Every candidate shall be proposed by two other persons whose names held on Wednesday, 3rd March 2021. appear on the Register of Electors for SAN PEDRO TOWN and shall deliver to the Returning Officer his written consent to be so nominated. The Office of the Returning Officer for DANGRIGA TOWN COUNCIL ELECTION is situated at Ministry of Education, Culture, Science Every candidate shall deposit, or cause to be deposited, with the Returning & Technology, West Block Building, Independence Plaza, Belmopan City. Officer the sum of Twenty-Five Dollars ($25.00).

If more candidates are nominated than there shall be seats to be filled, a DATED the 3rd day of February 2021. municipal election of members to the SAN PEDRO TOWN COUNCIL shall be held on Wednesday, 3rd March 2021. Signed: Neulin Villanueva RETURNING OFFICER The Office of the Returning Officer for SAN PEDRO TOWN DANGRIGA COUNCIL ELECTION is situated at Department of the Environment, Market TOWN COUNCIL Square, Belmopan City. ELECTION

DATED the 3rd day of February 2021. NOTICE

Signed: Martin Alegria PUNTA GORDA TOWN COUNCIL ELECTION, 3RD MARCH 2021 RETURNING OFFICER SAN PEDRO TOWN COUNCIL NOTICE OF TIME AND PLACE OF NOMINATION ELECTION AND DATE OF ELECTION

NOTICE In accordance with the Town Councils Act, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Belize, and the applicable Subsidiary Regulations, it is hereby notified that for the BENQUE VIEJO DEL CARMEN TOWN COUNCIL ELECTION, 3rd purposes of every election of members of a new council, the nomination of MARCH 2021 candidates for the election of members of the PUNTA GORDA TOWN COUNCIL will be received at the Punta Gorda Magistrate Court, Punta NOTICE OF TIME AND PLACE OF NOMINATION Gorda Town, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Monday, 15th AND DATE OF ELECTION February 2021.

In accordance with the Town Councils Act, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Nomination Forms can be obtained at any Elections and Boundaries Belize, and the applicable Subsidiary Regulations, it is hereby notified that for the Department office countrywide between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. purposes of every election of members of a new council, the nomination of daily, except Saturdays and Sundays. candidates for the election of members of the BENQUE VIEJO DEL CARMEN TOWN COUNCIL will be received at the Benque Viejo del Carmen Town Every candidate shall be proposed by two other persons whose names Board, Benque Viejo del Carmen Town, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and appear on the Register of Electors for PUNTA GORDA TOWN and shall deliver 4:00 p.m. on Monday, 15th February 2021. to the Returning Officer his written consent to be so nominated.

Nomination Forms can be obtained at any Elections and Boundaries Every candidate shall deposit, or cause to be deposited, with the Returning Department office countrywide between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Officer the sum of Twenty-Five Dollars ($25.00). daily, except Saturdays and Sundays. If more candidates are nominated than there shall be seats to be filled, a Every candidate shall be proposed by two other persons whose names municipal election of members to the PUNTA GORDA TOWN COUNCIL appear on the Register of Electors for BENQUE VIEJO DEL CARMEN TOWN shall be held on Wednesday, 3rd March 2021. and shall deliver to the Returning Officer his written consent to be so nominated. The Office of the Returning Officer for PUNTA GORDA TOWN Every candidate shall deposit, or cause to be deposited, with the Returning COUNCIL ELECTION is situated at Punta Gorda Community Hospital, Officer the sum of Twenty-Five Dollars ($25.00). Front Street, Punta Gorda Town.

If more candidates are nominated than there shall be seats to be filled, a DATED the 3rd day of February 2021. municipal election of members to the BENQUE VIEJO DEL CARMEN TOWN COUNCIL shall be held on Wednesday, 3rd March 2021. Signed: Floridalia Requena Quiroz RETURNING OFFICER The Office of the Returning Officer for BENQUE VIEJO DEL PUNTA GORDA CARMEN TOWN COUNCIL ELECTION is situated at the Geology & TOWN COUNCIL ELECTION Friday, February 5, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 37 Page 38 AMANDALABelize Friday, February 5, 2021

Dicen que las personas que más odia guatemalteca de 1960 a 1996. Kennedy también fue considerado, republicanos de renombre y tenían la estructura de poder en Guatemala son Bien, volvamos a lo que sucedió en relativamente hablando, un partidario del diversos grados de contacto con el UDP periodistas, sindicalistas y ambientalistas. 1973 en la sociopolítica de Belize. La movimiento afroamericano de derechos dirigido por Lindo. De ser cierto, eso colocaría a la Calle colonia británica autónoma todavía era civiles liderado por el Dr. Martin Luther Mi mensaje para ustedes hoy, entonces, Partridge directa y repetidamente en el mayoritariamente africana en etnia y King, Jr. Y en tercer lugar, Kennedy no es que el juego UDP entre 1973 y 1979 punto de mira de algunas personas muy todavía estaba siendo reclamada y estaba tan interesado en intensificar la fue mucho más grande de lo que ustedes peligrosas y poderosas. Lo digo porque amenazada militarmente por una guerra estadounidense en Vietnam, al se dieron cuenta. Yo mismo, debido a Kremandala puede caracterizarse, de vez Guatemala mucho más grande. El líder menos no de la forma en que su sucesor, mis años en Estados Unidos, había en cuando, como esas tres cosas. reconocido del movimiento de “lucha Lyndon Baines Johnson, resultó estarlo. sentido que algo andaba mal en alguna No estoy tratando de comenzar ningún contra Guatemala” era un periodista/ Todas esas tres posiciones habrían sido parte, pero simplemente no podía tipo de alboroto. Lo que busco hacer es político de nombre Philip Stanley consideradas pecados mortales por el señalarlo. revisar algunos desarrollos históricos de Wilberforce Goldson. Goldson, un tipo de estadounidenses de derecha Ahora bien, ¿qué hemos visto tal manera que creen iluminación para exsindicalista, dirigía el opositor partido trumpianos que irrumpieron en el Capitolio desarrollarse en La Joya desde 1973? nuestra generación, que tomó decisiones político llamado Partido de la en Washington a principios del mes Bueno, la población afroamericana de a principios y mediados de la década de Independencia Nacional (National pasado y básicamente trataron de Belize se ha reducido drásticamente de 1970 basándose en un conocimiento Independence Party, NIP). El NIP fue derrocar la democracia en Estados quizás un 65 por ciento a quizás un 25 limitado de la situación real. considerado “la oposición leal de Su Unidos. por ciento. Aún más dramáticas han sido A estas alturas todos los que Majestad”. El partido del Sr. Goldson Sin embargo, en lo que respecta a la las guerras de pandillas que han estudiamos estos temas sabemos que la ocupó dos escaños en la Cámara de política exterior estadounidense, no hay masacrado a miles de jóvenes varones política exterior de la superpotencia Representantes de Belize de 1965 a 1969, mucha diferencia entre los dos partidos beliceños negros y sanos durante las Estados Unidos apoya la estructura de siendo esos escaños Albert de Goldson principales de Estados Unidos, los últimas tres décadas. Además, una gran poder en la república guatemalteca. La y el escaño de Toledo Norte ocupado republicanos y los demócratas. Pero en cantidad de beliceños ha podido migrar política exterior estadounidense, además por un tal Edwin Morey. Después de las lo que respecta a las actividades a los Estados Unidos sin muchos de defender las “Barras y Estrellas” en el elecciones generales de diciembre de domésticas, creo que los beliceños en problemas. país y en el extranjero, se centra en hacer 1969, Goldson ocupó el único escaño los Estados Unidos descubrieron que el Belize claramente ha cambiado. ¿Dirían negocios en el extranjero, ganar dinero, de la oposición: Albert. gobierno republicano, siendo el ejemplo que Belize es hoy más vulnerable en lo enriquecer a los ciudadanos de Estados Dentro de los Estados Unidos, un más reciente la presidencia de Donald que respecta al reclamo de Guatemala que Unidos y mejorar su nivel de vida en una presidente del Partido Demócrata llamado Trump, está más interesado en facilitar a antes de 1973? No creo que mi opinión constante curva ascendente. Los John Fitzgerald Kennedy fue asesinado los estadounidenses ricos que en atender personal sea relevante. Todo lo que es trumpianos lo dijeron de manera sucinta: en Dallas, Texas en noviembre de 1963. a las masas afligidas. Y sí, existen masas mi opinión personal hoy, es una Estados Unidos primero. Empresas ¿Cuál fue su pecado? Bueno, Kennedy afligidas en Estados Unidos. Katrina lo especulación interesante para la gente de estadounidenses han realizado había hecho las paces, había acordado demostró en 2005. mi generación. inversiones masivas en Guatemala desde una tregua con Rusia durante la crisis de Cuando supe en 1973 que había una Una cosa más, solo para mantener el mucho antes de la sangrienta guerra civil los misiles cubanos de octubre de 1962. iniciativa en los círculos de la Oposición equilibrio. Mi fuente de información para reemplazar al Sr. Goldson, que estaba republicana me dijo que Washington veía estudiando derecho en Londres en ese a Shoman y Musa en ese momento como momento, como líder de la Oposición, comunistas serios y peligrosos, que me perturbó. Y, cuando se estableció un simpatizaban con el movimiento nuevo orden en el opositor Partido guerrillero al otro lado de la frontera Demócrata Unido (United Democratic beliceña en Guatemala. Así que eso es lo Party, UDP) en septiembre de 1973, me que estaban viendo los beliceños de la alarmó la declaración más dramática del Cámara de Comercio, quienes nuevo partido: el UDP restaría removieron el liderazgo de la oposición importancia a la defensa del reclamo de debajo de los pies del Sr. Goldson. guatemalteco a Belize y en cambio, se Los grandes comerciantes de Belize centraría en el desarrollo económico. querían enfrentar más directamente lo que Había algo mal allí, pero nunca supe qué consideraban un comunismo peligroso. era. Hicieron causa común con los Recientemente, un caballero de casi mi republicanos de la era Nixon-Kissinger. edad que, cuando era joven, había estado Pero aquí han pasado otras cosas. La en los círculos del UDP dirigido por Dean más desgarradora es la guerra civil en la Lindo a principios y mediados de la Zona Sur de la antigua capital. Se ha vuelto década de 1970, comenzó a mencionar tan malo ahora que familiares están los nombres de algunos republicanos matando o tratando de matar a sus estadounidenses muy prominentes. Estos familiares. Las cosas están totalmente nombres incluían los de Mulford, fuera de control en la comunidad Weyrich, Fahrenkopf y Pierce. Estos eran negra. ¿A quién se debe culpar? Friday, February 5, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 39 Page 40 AMANDALABelize Friday, February 5, 2021 PUP almost ready for Municipal Elections

have been working on was one delegate appointed for every constituencies, meaning that there were assembling their municipal twenty-five votes obtained in the various time slots for each constituency, so you slates countrywide. On constituencies in the last general didn’t have all seven hundred and seven Saturday, January 30, six new elections. showing up at the same time…so I councilor-candidates were As a result, there were a total of seven completely disagree with your introduced to the Belize City hundred and seven (707) delegates who statement.” Council slate following a voted in Saturday’s convention On Sunday there were three convention held at the Belize electronically. When asked if he conventions held in the west for Elementary School gymnasium. considered the convention to be a Belmopan, San Ignacio and Benque at Chairman of the PUP, Hon. potential super-spreader event, Hon. which councilor candidates were also Henry Charles Usher, briefly Usher responded: chosen by delegate vote and announced discussed with the media this “I’m not a doctor, and I’m sure you’re on Monday. Last week the Corozal week how those candidates not either. But certainly, we followed Town Council slate, the Orange Walk were selected. According to every single regulation out there when Town Council slate and the San Pedro Usher the National Executive we had that convention. It was done at Town Council slate for the PUP were all met in December and decided the Belize Elementary School sworn in, while the members of the to create both a vetting compound; it was in the gym. We had Dangriga and Punta Gorda slates will be committee to screen all markers set up outside where persons selected at conventions over the applicants and steering had to stand six feet apart. We did it by upcoming weekend. committees for each municipality to determine a way BELIZE CITY, Tues. Feb. 2, 2021 forward, given the new social restrictions The PUP have been gearing up for that are in place due to COVID-19. AMANDALA - The best there is! the upcoming Municipal Elections and Based on the party’s constitution there

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT SupportingtheUpdate of the Medical Waste Management Plan in Belize

Institution: Ministry of Health and Wellness submitted within four (4) weeks after commencement of the Country: Belize assignment. Project: Immediate Public Health Response Project (3.4) Draft updated Medical Waste Management Plan, to be submitted Sector: Health within six (6) weeks after commencement of the assignment. Abstract: SupportingtheUpdate of the Medical Waste Management Plan in Belize (3.5) Final updated Medical Waste Management Plan, including all Loan Agreement No.: 3566/OC-BL stakeholder comments, to be submitted within eight (8) weeks after Contract/Bid No.: BZ/CVD/C/005 commencement of the assignment. Deadline: February 22, 2021 The critical minimum requirements for this position are listed below: The Government of Belizehas received loanfinancing from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), toward the cost of the Immediate Public Health • A Masters degree in Sanitary Engineering, Environmental Science of a ResponseProject, and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services. similar field. • Minimum of fifteen (15)yearswork experience and two (2) years specific 1. GENERAL OJECTIVES OF THE CONSULTANCY experience in construction or supervision of medical solid waste The purpose of the consultancy toprovidetechnical assistance to the Ministry of Health infrastructure or technical advice related to hospital waste and Wellness in updating the medical waste management plan including a section for management the management of autoclaves technology. The Ministry of Health and Wellness now invites eligible individual consultant (“Consultant”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested 2. SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES OF THE CONSULTANCY consultants must submit an Expression of Interest providing information Themainactivities of theconsultancywill be as follows: establishing their qualification to perform the services (brochures, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, etc.). Expression of (2.1) Identify and make recommendations in a policy document, on interest package must include: potential improvements on the current procedures for handling, managing, storing, transporting and disposing of medical waste, (i) Cover letter briefly explaining interest, experience and competence of including distinct management measures according to the type of the consultant waste generated by the different levels,, measures to reduce (ii) Comprehensive Resume unnecessary product of medical waste, storing of medical waste and (iii) Copies of degrees/certificates procedures for monitoring and documenting waste transfers, (iv) List of at least two references technical requirements for providers of medical waste transporting, and any other aspect needed. Individual Consultants will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the Policies for the Selection and Contracting of Consultants financed by (2.2) Provide technical assistance in updating the National Medical Waste the Inter-American Development Bank GN-2350-9for theIndividual Consultant Management Plan, and integrating the following in the final and is open to all eligible candidates as defined in the IDB polices. The consultant document: i) a section for autoclaves management and operation, will be selected based on their experience and competence relevant to the ii) definition of procedures and documentation for the management assignment in accordance with the Comparison of Qualifications method set of hospital waste (from the point of the generating sources to the out in the Consultant Policies. final destruction), iii) procedures for monitoring, measuring progress and generating reports, and iv) establishment of communication with Interested eligible consultants may request the Complete Terms of Reference communities. and obtain further information at the address below during hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. 3. SCHEDULE OF EXPECTED DELIVERABLES Theconsultancyservicesmust be carriedoutwithin (2) months of signing of contract. Expressions of interest must be delivered or emailed to the address belowby4:00 Theexpecteddeliverables are as follows: p.m. on February 22, 2021. (3.1) Workplanincluding detailed activities and projected time frames, to be submitted within one (1) week after commencement of the Policy Planning and Project Management Unit assignment Ministry of Health and Wellness (3.2) Policy document identifying and making recommendations on East Block Building potential improvements on the current medical waste management Belmopan City procedures, to be submitted within three (3) weeks after Belize, C.A. commencement of the assignment. Tel:501-822-0992 (3.3) ProgressReportonthe advancement of project activities, to be E-mail: [email protected] Friday, February 5, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 41 Mauricio Cortez dies in hit and run

St. Matthew’s Village. Sun. Jan. 31, 2021 On Sunday, January 31, 2021, Mauricio Cortez, a resident of the village of St. Matthew’s, was killed in a hit and run accident that occurred shortly before 8:00 p.m. ACP Joseph Myvett of the Police Department, in describing the sequence of events that led to Cortez’s death, said, “[The Police] spoke with one Hugo Juarez who reported that shortly before eight o’clock that himself and Mauricio Cortez were walking on the side of the highway from a west to east direction when suddenly he heard a loud bang coming from behind, and he realized that Cortez was hit by a dark- The police are currently investigating colored, small car, which sped off, and are seeking public assistance to leaving him on the ground injured.” identify a possible suspect. ACP Myvett Upon police’s arrival at the scene of said, “We at this time are seeking the the accident, they found the lifeless public’s assistance in trying to identify body of Mauricio Cortez, who was then that small, dark-colored car which was rushed to the Western Regional eastbound at the time of the accident. Hospital, where he was officially We are still trying to get a proper pronounced dead. description of the vehicle.”

KREM PHONES: OFFICE: 280-4469 IN STUDIO: 280-4299 ON LINE LIVE: www.krembz.com Page 42 AMANDALABelize Friday, February 5, 2021

Simmering unrest in the football family Is Chuc following in the footsteps of Chimilio and Vicente?

BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Feb. 4, 2021 before we can welcome that silver In the meantime, they are making of Belize (PLB), and also by the seven Since the early “post Chimilio” and lining. preparations, and probably soon there (7) district associations, as the latter “post Vicente” days, as the Football Football fans are no doubt weary of will be announcements about bodies would cast their vote in the big Federation of Belize (FFB) briefly all the details involved, and just want to registration of teams. election for leadership in their parent seemed poised, under Interim-President see football back on the field of play. But there are worrisome issues body, the FFB. And recently, it’s been Marlon Kuylen, to enter a period of In the meantime, many choose to satisfy involved even in that process; and we all about petty football politics, which stability and progress toward their sporting urges with Concacaf, hereby give a glimpse into serious seems to have become like a cancer excellence, we have observed a steady European and MLS football on T.V., concerns being raised by some inside the FFB. and disturbing decline of morale inside and this weekend it’s all eyes on the members of the football family. There was much turmoil and grief in the football family; and while we had American Super Bowl. First of all, it needs to be realized the district association elections in late hoped to see an early breakthrough to When the Government finally gives that 2020 was an election year for the 2019 and early 2020, the most glaring the festering differences and the green light, the various district Football Federation of Belize (FFB); being in the Belize District, where, dissatisfaction within the ranks, it seems associations and the Premier League and that election was to be preceded because of new club licensing that there are still dark clouds to pass will move to launch their competitions. by an election of the Premier League regulations, the reigning First Division champion and sub-champion found themselves unable to vote in their Belize District Football Association (BDFA) Congress; because they were “not duly registered as member clubs.” An intervention from the then FFB official authorized to determine who was and who was not compliant with the licensing process, and who saw things differently from the FFB General Secretary, resulted in that FFB official being terminated, and those clubs remaining excluded from the BDFA elections process. The long and short of the scenario, (which reportedly may have been duplicated in other district association elections), is that the election process may have been compromised to favor clubs who were known to support candidates considered favorable to the incumbent FFB executive. Each of the seven district associations is entitled to two (2) votes at the FFB Elective Congress. The Premier League of Belize (PLB) is entitled to seven (7) votes at the FFB Elective Congress. And the PLB’s own elective congress also had its ups and downs. After a controversial first effort was declared “null and void” by the FFB’s own Appeal Committee Chairperson, because of the unfair disenfranchisement of two PLB clubs, new elections were ordered. But those two clubs were known to support a new challenging slate of candidates for the PLB executive elections; and that new slate, led by Punta Gorda’s Clifford King, was known to NOT be in support of the current FFB leadership; while the incumbent PLB executive under President Ian Haylock of San Ignacio were fully supportive of the current FFB executive led by President Sergio Chuc, also of San Ignacio. Therefore, indications were that the PLB challenging slate, if successful, would proceed to throw their support behind the challengers at the then upcoming FFB executive elections. So, what happened? Well, first, the Chairperson of the FFB Appeal Committee was summarily removed from her post, on the charge that some breach in the process had occurred. Then, the FFB called its Elective Please turn to„Page 44 Friday, February 5, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 43 Musings by the Curious Nonconformist “Aftah wah while yo just staat REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST INDIVIDUAL CONSULTING SERVICES believe.” –Allan Pollard, Jr. Institution: Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing about curfews, quarantines, when will be Country: Belize the next time that we’ll be able to buy Project: Climate Vulnerability Reduction Program tacos by the courthouse on Regent Street. Sector: Environment and Natural Disasters All of these important political issues. Abstract: Individual Consulting Services – Project Manager I think the reason Allan’s response was for the Climate Vulnerability Reduction Program my main takeaway is because of its Loan/Credit/Grant No.: BL-L1028 – 4426/OC-BL honesty. It was not academic, not bogged Deadline: February 19th, 2021 (4 pm Belize Local Time) down by party political loyalty, not stained and strained by deep-seated regret. It had The Government of Belize has received financing from the Inter-American an aura of gratitude for the opportunity Development Bank (IDB), toward the cost of the Climate Vulnerability Reduction itself and reflected the audacity to say yes Program (CVRP) and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services. to what was essentially a political no-go The CVRP is a four year loan program with two years remaining in the period. The consulting services (“the Services”) include the contracting of a Project Manager zone. I see that same spirit lingering for one year (subject to annual renewal) who will be responsible for general program among us youth these days. I see youth management support to the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing in having coherent, analytical and deeply its role as the Executing Agency for CVRP. The Project Manager will also provide a personal opinions on the world around range of engineering services require in the design (where necessary), selection of us. I see exhilarating arousal of young contractors and suppliers, supervision of construction and material delivery in respect people’s appetite for partaking in electoral of the civil works and other activities to be implemented by the Ministry. politics, rightly reflected on municipal I started listening to podcasts convention ballots. The CVRP Project Manager should have a minimum of B.Sc. in any of the following sometime mid last year as an attempt to I’ve been travelling for a long time, disciplines: Civil Engineering, Highway/Transportation Engineering, Architectural supplement my reading and practise my first through the National Geographic Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Quantity Surveying or related technical listening skills. I then decided to start my magazines that my Uncle Louis forced field. A Master’s Degree in any of the required fields is considered an asset. The own, which is named “Walasaha” — a me to read, and then as I moved into Consultant should also be registered with an Association of Professional Engineers, word for the phrase, “our professional life. I’ve been blessed and have at least five years’ experience in experience in a civil engineering search.” This too is an attempt to remain enough to traverse 14 countries and now organization or equivalent technical organization with responsibility for infrastructure creative, practice public speaking, share live in one that I was not born in, operations. A minimum of three (3) years of project management experience and my thoughts and open a space for others Barbados. With that blessing, I have preferably, successfully, managed or supervised at least one (1) project of at least developed an eye to see things from the US$3 million dollars or higher which was financed by a multilateral financial to share their stories. The focus is politics, institution is also required. The Consultant should have great interpersonal skills, art and history of Latin America and the vantage point of a Belizean abroad. It’s excellent communication skills, be fluent in written and spoken English, be able to Caribbean, with special focus on Belize. a different view, one that complements work independently and as part of a team, as well as be methodical, well-organized I also listen to a lot of Belizean podcasters, patriotism, an awareness that sees and reliable. and recently Natasha Stuart interviewed simplicity. The same simplicity that lies Allan Pollard, Jr., the young politician that in recognizing the duality of the beauty The Project Manager should have demonstrated knowledge of AutoCAD and dared to take on a historically United of South Side Belize City existence. A Microsoft Project software. A working knowledge of the IDB’s procurement, Democratic Party stronghold as a member duality recognized by Pollard even this environmental and social policies are considered assets. The Project Manager should of the People’s United Party on his first early in his political odyssey, one that I also have working knowledge of methods, sources and techniques of engineering go at contesting general elections. He said hope we may all recognize. An attempt design, road and drainage construction and maintenance; coastal protection a lot of things, the interview was an hour- at being audacious enough to pursue infrastructure including hard, hybrid and nature based coastal protection interventions, long, but what stood out to me was his critical consciousness in whatever space and safety practices for personnel in construction sites. Specific experience in response to a question about his audacity we occupy. With all the difficult days working with dredging, canal work, pavement design and/or construction, bridge to contest in Queen’s Square. “Aftah wah we have had in Belize and that we no design and/or construction, and sluice gates and pumping stations is preferred. while yo just staat believe.” It was so doubt will continue to have because of simple and yet so inspiring! We live in a a virus, blaring in our ear and glaring The Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing now invites eligible society that is shrouded by a pandemic into our eyes, “aftah wah while yo just individual consultants to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested staat believe.” consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required which forces all of us to be political in qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. Consultants will be our existence, looking for answers that selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the Inter-American are complex to the everyday questions Stay Curious. Development Bank: Policies for the Selection and Contracting of Consultants financed by the Inter-American Development Bank GN-2350-9 and is open to all eligible consultants as defined in the policies. A Consultant will be selected in Shooting incident at school in Toledo accordance with the selection of Individual Consultants based on Comparison of Qualifications method set out in the Consultant Policies. Nunez, a self-employed resident of Cerro Road, Punta Gorda Town, was Further information and the full terms of reference can be obtained at the address recently the target of a shooting incident below during office hours: in the town. Reports are that while Nunez was cutting the lawn of a local Program Management Unit, First Floor, Soils Lab Building, Ministry of Infrastructure school compound, an assailant whom Development and Housing, Power Lane, Belmopan, Cayo he knew, approached him, revealed a Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. 9mm pistol and fired shots at Nunez. Tel: 501-822-0100/1942/ Email: [email protected] He reportedly scuffled with his attacker, who then shot him again. Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in The shooter’s gun eventually person, or by mail, or by e-mail) by 4:00 pm (Belize Local Time) on February malfunctioned, giving Nunez an 19th, 2021. opportunity to escape. Attn: Mr. Rolando Chan He sought shelter in the school Program Coordinator compound, and was taken by a Program Management Unit member of the school’s staff to the First Floor, Soils Lab Building, by Dayne Guy Punta Gorda Hospital. Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing He was reportedly shot in his right Power Lane, Belmopan PUNTA GORDA TOWN, Toledo shoulder and left abdomen area. He is Cayo District, Belize District, Mon. Feb, 1, 2021 said to be in a stable condition and is Tel: 501-822-0100/1942 On Monday, February 1, around currently being treated for multiple E-mail: [email protected] and 10:45 a.m., the police visited the Punta gunshot wounds. [email protected] Gorda Hospital to speak with 31-year- Police are currently investigating the old Charles Nunez. incident. Page 44 AMANDALABelize Friday, February 5, 2021

Simmering unrest in the football family Is Chuc following in the footsteps of Chimilio and Vicente?

Continued from Page 42 licensing official, Idemuei FIFA Club Licensing Handbook competent. „ TVPLGMoss. A summary of the recommended (FFB Executive Committee has Congress with the incumbent friendly approach appointed PLB executive in attendance; and they, Clifford King’s letter MAs are recommended to approach 1. Rafael Avila, an FFB employee as expected, voted for the FFB Date: Thurs. Jan. 28, 2021 the establishment and implementation as the club licensing manager who executive incumbents, and Sergio Chuc From: Clifford King of their national club licensing system cannot be neutral nor is he was re-elected President of FFB. But, To: Chairman, FFB Disciplinary with a positive and open attitude, and independent. was that election ethical or valid, Committee with the following as strongly 2. First Instance Body members considering that the PLB elections were Thru: General Secretary, FFB recommended guidelines: i. Godfrey Arzu as chairman. Arzu still “up in the air”? Dear Mr. Morales, “Do Not” is a member of the PLB Executive and Some disgruntled member clubs of Kindly find attached documentation – Copy and paste from any thus is neither neutral nor the Premier League then followed the regarding a legally constituted convened confederation or MA CL regulations. independent of FFB as PLB is a FFB process dictated in their Statutes, and III Extraordinary Congress of the PLB – Ignore local circumstances or the member. called an Extraordinary Congress, that was held on December 5, 2020. feasibility of implementation. ii. Rafael Avila is employed as which was held on December 5, 2020, I’m bringing this matter to your – Fail to provide support for clubs Director of Competitions and as such and where the two clubs were attention, in this initial instance, to notify on club licensing implementation. cannot be independent since he takes reinstated, and a new Executive body you of the following: – Fail to communicate regularly with orders from FFB President. was elected for the PLB, with Clifford 1. The FFB has been notified of the clubs on club licensing iii. Luis Pena is employed as Asst. King as its new President. results of the extraordinary congress implementation. General Secretary and reports to both However, the FFB leadership having having been called and convened. – Fail to consider the possibility of FFB GS and FFB President; thus is gotten over the hump of its recent 2. The FFB has been notified of the a wider application of the club licensing not neutral or independent and is elections, is still supporting the former results of the extraordinary congress via system. definitely incompetent in club football PLB Executive, and refusing to the Minutes and of the results of the – Refrain from updating the criteria operations. recognize the latest elected PLB elections of the new PLB Executive each season. iv. Fernando Sanchez is a member Executive body. The suspected reason Committee. – Fail to comply with the core of the Orange Walk Executive being that in four years’ time, the PLB 3. The PLB Secretariat has been process of the club licensing system. Committee which is loyal to President Executive will again be casting their (7) notified accordingly as well. – Appoint First Instance Body or Chuc and thus is not neutral nor votes at the next FFB Elective To date, the FFB Secretariat has Appeals Body members who are on independent to FFB since OWFA is Congress, and FFB President Chuc NOT recognized the submissions made another MA, league or club body, a member of FFB. prefers Ian Haylock to be in control of accordingly and has neither instructed represent a club, or lack knowledge v. Penelope Matus those votes rather than Clifford King the PLB Secretariat of the same. and competency in club football. 3. Appeals Body members should as PLB President. Additionally, the ‘defunct’ PLB – Seek to interfere in the decision- be neutral, independent and Belize is scheduled to participate in Executive Committee has refused to making of independent bodies competent. The members are: World Cup 2022 qualifiers beginning demit office after effectively handing (By appointing FFB employees, DA i. Ray Davis, an employee of FFB in late March of this year; but of late over to the duly elected new Executive executive members, Secretariat and thus subject to influence of GS the FFB leadership may be diverting Committee… operatives to club licensing bodies, and FFB President. He is not neutral much of its focus and energy on “the We request that the Disciplinary FFB Executive Committee ENSURES nor independent, thus his competence fight to remain in power.” Committee address this matter and THAT IT WILL interfere in the can be compromised. In this tussle for legitimacy, with a take disciplinary actions against all decision making of the bodies.) ii. Philip Marin is the Technical new PLB season expected sometime persons that have facilitated these “Do” Director of the FFB and was on same soon, the new club licensing process ongoing transgressions. – Implement a national club slate as Sergio Chuc in the 2016 22- being implemented by the FFB will Cordially submitted for urgent licensing system as a fundamental round elections. As an employee of determine which clubs meet the action! football development tool and to FFB he is not neutral nor requirements to be licensed, and thus (Amandala Sports Ed. Note: 4 achieve the strategic plan of the MA. independent. can be officially recognized by the FFB relevant attachments accompanied the – Engage in open communications iii. Eugene Sanchez is a member as “members” of the PLB and district above letter.) and cooperation with all stakeholders of the Toledo FA executive committee branch associations. If there is bias in at every stage of the development of and as such is not neutral or this process, the FFB can thus “stake Idemuei TVPLGMoss’s the national club licensing system. independent of the FFB as he was out” any club it deems unfriendly to comments – Ensure that the criteria properly installed in the TFA executive by the the FFB’s favored PLB or district FFB Club Licensing System under reflect wider social, economic and FFB General Secretariat and FFB association executive. Who decides the control of bodies loyal to Sergio Chuc political contexts. Executive Committee. clubs, directly affects the make-up of in contravention of FIFA guidance – Adopt criteria and timelines that iv. Paul Casimiro is an executive the congress. If there is any unfairness create the best possible prospect of member of the Belize District Football in the process, then, the voting at the Tues. Feb. 2, 2021 sustainable, long-term compliance with Assn and was installed by FFB next congress can thus be influenced Dear football stakeholders, the highest possible standards and on Executive Committee and so is by those who control the club licensing I share with you an excerpt from a cost-effective basis. beholden to FFB, so he is not neutral mechanism. FIFA Club Licensing Handbook. – Consider the option of application or independent. The situation is ripe for meddling, What is happening in the FFB club to leagues other than the top men’s v. Alvaro Marin is an executive of manipulation and politicking; and that licensing universe is 180 degrees division, for instance the men’s second the OWFA and a staunch ally of is why the former FFB official in charge separated from the guidance of FIFA, division and the women’s league. President Chuc, so will always act in of club licensing, Idemuei TVPLGMoss which has mandated that club licensing – Consider the progressive the best interest of Sergio Chuc, so he is adamant that the FFB may be about be used as a tool to professionalize implementation of higher standards is not neutral nor independent.) to employ a dangerously flawed football clubs for greater effectiveness, over time. process. and not as a mechanism to ensure – Ensure open and clear The FFB General Secretary and With that little bit of background, political stranglehold within FFB. communication with clubs throughout FFB Executive Committee, in an effort hopefully fans can glean a better Football club operations are costly the planning and implementation to ensure that Sergio Chuc remains FFB understanding of the situation now by and there is no cash contribution phases, and create educational President for three terms, has overlooked looking at some quotes below from two towards those costs from FFB, so it seminars with all relevant club FIFA guidance in setting up FFB club individuals: First, a letter by recently is imperative that this corruption of the personnel. licensing bodies in such a way that clubs elected PLB President, Clifford King FFB club licensing system be made – Ensure equal treatment of clubs which are suspected of hostility to of Punta Gorda, addressed to the FFB known to all football stakeholders. and effective compliance with criteria. district executives loyal to Sergio Chuc Disciplinary Committee Chairman; and I have added comments (in italics – Ensure that the members of the will be marginalized to ensure the election second, some comments to football below) into the body of the excerpt First Instance Body and Appeals Body victory of those district chairmen loyal stakeholders from the former FFB club for direct effect. are independent, neutral and to Sergio Chuc. Friday, February 5, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 45 Notes from Home invaders hold 1-year-old Cabinet hostage in Belmopan

On Monday, February 1, 2021, the BELMOPAN, Mon. Feb. 1, 2021 Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister On Monday evening, around 7:00 Hon. John Briceño, met in a regular p.m., three armed men entered the session. The Prime Minister informed home of a Belize City council tax the Cabinet of the selection of 11 collector, Nan Cheng, and staged a ambassadors who will occupy bi-lateral horrifying home invasion which was and multi-lateral posts abroad. These caught on camera. The chilling crime, appointees together constitute a rather which has left the family traumatized, full representation of the community, occurred in a residential area near the since they are a mix of novices and American Embassy in Belmopan. The veteran professionals, with a remarkable three culprits are believed to be of 40% of them being women. Hispanic descent. The Cabinet evaluated developments Surveillance footage showed three in its efforts to safeguard trade masked men breaking into the home of preferences with the United Kingdom Cheng and taking his youngest child, a through the ratification of the 1-year-old toddler, hostage, before CARIFORUM/ UK Economic proceeding to subdue Cheng’s father, we only found the residents, and the report was made by Nan Chen. Her Partnership Agreement. This will allow 66-year-old Mark Fa Ling — brutally suspects were no longer there,” father, seen being attacked in the Belize to claim duty-free and quota-free fighting him until they pinned him to the Commissioner of Police Chester surveillance footage, received a stab access to the UK Market. Aside from ground. The culprits, armed with Williams informed reporters. wound and an injury to his head. traditional goods, Government will machetes, knives, and an ax, proceeded Commissioner Williams had arrived Police are continuing to investigate this forego its options in areas of to force Cheng’s oldest child, an 8-year- at the scene of the crime while the home incident. This is the the most recent of a cooperation and private sector old, to lie face-down on the ground. invasion was believed to still be in string of violent crimes to occur in the investments. Cabinet also approved the Reports from the family are that the progress. He said that the report given city of Belmopan. Last week, a man, rehabilitation of the Sarteneja Village men’s intention was to kidnap the baby. by the family, that the home invaders had Roger Russel, was stabbed during a Water System by request of the Minister They also tied up the family inside a escaped before the police arrived, was robbery. Also, last Friday, a well-known of Rural Transformation, Labour and room before ransacking the house and not consistent with the information first and loved community grocer, Abel Local Government, Hon. Oscar stealing a firearm and some jewelry, given to police. The police stayed on Bardalez, was killed during an armed Requeña. The funds will be used to according to police. the scene until about midnight and did a robbery at his establishment. improve the reverse osmosis system. “From the initial information we search in the general area to try to find During an interview with the media, Another noteworthy initiative that was gathered was that the accused persons, possible suspects, but were Commissioner of Police Chester approved by the Cabinet was its move or home invaders, had the residents of unsuccessful. Williams said that the situation in to become a member of the that premise hostage, and so we The motive for this violent home Belmopan is under control and that International Solar Alliance (ISA), an surrounded the house with the hope that invasion has still not been ascertained, police are currently implementing crime- intergovernmental organization that the suspects were still inside, and after a although, as mentioned, the perpetrators fighting strategies in that area and across forges cooperation in efforts to generate couple of hours outside we decided to did steal a firearm and some jewelry from the country with a view to reducing and promote renewable energy. This force our way in, and when we got in, the house. Police said that an official incidents of violent crimes. opens avenues that would allow us to benefit from funding, technology, and expertise, to stimulate Belize’s efforts in advancing the use and production of Ian Haylock challenges Comptroller solar energy. Also, Cabinet received updates on the institution of a fast-track unit for Leslie’s appointment private sector investments. Additionally, it supported the motion to amend Continued from Page 1 Haylock is seeking leave from the received a reply. The preliminary standing orders for the House of „ Supreme Court to apply for an action hearing is currently before the courts, Representatives, which will be appointment of Estelle Leslie as the in Judicial Review challenging the which will determine if the judicial presented to the House of new Comptroller of Customs. She appointment made by Prime Minister review into the appointment of the first Representatives on Friday, February 5, replaced and, according to those who John Briceño, and he has retained the female Comptroller of Customs will 2021. The passing of this motion would disapprove of the appointment, services of former Prime Minister and be allowed. reconstitute the Public Accounts leapfrogged, a fellow senior customs Senior Counsel, Rt. Hon. Dean At a recent proceeding which was Committee by adding three social officer, Ian Haylock. This week news Barrow, and former president of the held on Wednesday, February 3rd, partner senators to its membership. broke that Deputy Comptroller Senate, Darrell Bradley. Justice Westmin James heard The case is being presided over by arguments from both sides. The Justice Westmin James. Attorney for Government of Belize, represented by Leslie, Senior Counsel Andrew Assistant Solicitor General Samantha Hon. Rodwell Ferguson’s Marshalleck, requested that she be Matute-Tucker advised the court to joined to the action as an interested deny the application in Judicial Review vehicle goes up in flames party — a request to which the since adequate consultation was attorneys for Haylock objected. The conducted between the Prime Minister lawsuit is being brought against the and the PSC. They called the claim an CAYO, Wed. Feb. 3, 2021 Prime Minister, John Briceño, and the academic exercise. Before noon on Wednesday, Attorney General of Belize. Jorge Ian Haylock’s lead counsel, former February 3, 2021, personnel from the Matus is representing the Attorney Prime Minister Dean Barrow shared National Fire Service were called out General’s Ministry. that the consultation attempted by the to Joseph Andrews Drive in San Ignacio During the Senate’s debate of the Government was not sufficient or done Town, Cayo District, where they found Good Governance Motion 2021, the in good faith. He asserted that the PSC a blue Mazda BT-50 engulfed in flames. lead Opposition senator, Hon. Michael was only given one day or less to give The vehicle is the property of Minister Peyrefitte, outlined that the a response. He shared that the Rodwell Ferguson and was being driven appointment of Leslie may have been Government’s failure to adequately by his son, 25-year-old Brenton made illegally, since he claims that the consult the PSC gives his client an Ferguson. Public Service Commission (PSC) was arguable case. Reports are that the vehicle had been never consulted before the On February 9th, Justice James will in the repair shop for at least a year, interior was destroyed. appointment of Comptroller of give his decision as to whether or not since February 2020, and was just taken The fire may have been caused by Customs was assigned as a section leave will be granted to Deputy out by the younger Ferguson. Just an electrical or mechanical issue, say 107 appointment. Comptroller Haylock to bring his moments after he exited the vehicle, the officials. Police are still investigating this Senator Eamon Courtenay, lead action in Judicial Review against Prime vehicle burst into flames, and its entire matter. government senator, at the time Minister John Briceno and the presented a letter which indicated that Government of Belize for the Government did, in fact, write to the appointment of Estelle Leslie, the AMANDALA is cream! PSC requesting their input but never Comptroller of Customs. Page 46 AMANDALABelize Friday, February 5, 2021 Continued increase in COVID cases and deaths in LatAm: PAHO Correction, Publisher, 1984 season at National Stadium, not 1983

BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Feb. 4, 2021 Sports Council, then under the In reminiscing about Belize football chairmanship of my dad, C.B. Hyde, from the late 1950s through the 80s, I as my brother, the publisher mentioned often refer to get my time bearings from in his Tuesday, February 2, column. So, the “acclaimed best-seller” (why not?), with his permission, corrigendum – “Sports, Sin And Subversion;” and I 1984, and not 1983 was when the City am most often saved with timeline football season was moved to details on Diamond-A, a team I played “Stadium.” a couple seasons with in the early A little more background. The 1983- 1970s, and that was for a while managed 84 Belize City competition was won by by Evan X Hyde, publisher of Parra’s Milpros, in spectacular fashion, Officials said the new Brazil variant, in the holiday season, such as Guerrero, Amandala and author of the book, against defending champions, Bailar as well as two others, have spread to Quintana Roo, Nayarit and Baja “Sports, Sin And Subversion.” Smith’s Royal Rentals, when Amandala 20 countries in the Americas. California del Sur. When you are directly involved in headlined “Masterblaster scores 4,” the While coronavirus infections are Across the Caribbean, most nations an authoritative position in an Masterblaster being Milpros striker, finally decreasing in the United States are seeing a reprieve in COVID-19 organization, some little details that Arthur “Goatman” Leslie. That year, and after weeks of unrelenting infections, but larger islands like the others might miss are embedded in your yours truly, Charles X Hyde was a rise, cases and deaths continue to Dominican Republic, Haiti, Puerto Rico consciousness, and thus you can’t help member of the newly elected association increase in Latin American countries, and Cuba continue to see rising but remember. executive committee headed by the Pan American Health Organization numbers of new infections, the 1984-85 was a pivotal season in my chairman, Anthony “Garrincha” (PAHO) said on Wednesday. organisation said. football journey, from a player to a Adderly, along with his secretary, Henry “Last week, over 1.8 million people In South America, Colombia player/manager, and so I distinctly recall Baizar, his BDF comrade. If I recall in the Americas became sick with reported the highest incidence of cases that the season was moved to the correctly, ‘Rincha had brought in an army COVID-19 and more than 47,000 died relative to its population over the past National Stadium (now the Marion camp referee to officiate that as a result,” PAHO Director Carissa week, followed by Brazil, where the city Jones Sports Complex) that year due championship game at the MCC. That Etienne said in a briefing. of Manaus has been grappling with a to resurfacing work at the MCC year, Coro (Gilroy Usher RIP) received In Mexico, cases are still rising, surge in cases and deaths, driven up Grounds, initiated by the National the Best Midfielder award. particularly in states that drew tourism by a new Amazon variant of the virus. “Nearly every country in South America has reported a rise in COVID- 19 infections over the last week,” Estevan Perera resigns as Elections and Etienne said and “Colombia continues to report the highest incidence in cases, followed by Brazil, which is still seeing Boundaries chairman; Oscar Sabido appointed exponential increases in both cases and deaths in the city of Manaus.” COVID-19 vaccines delivered Continued from Page 1 remain, would cause unnecessary as was brought to light by members „ delays and wasted resources as the of the PUP government. by COVAX, a coalition led by the about our democracy and the sanctity Government has already decided not Included among these is the fact that WHO and the Gavi vaccine alliance to of our Constitution.” to work with the previous composition the Prime Minister traditionally ensure equitable access to the shots, The Briceño administration called for of the Commission. It is for the above recommends the members of the will begin to arrive in the region in the Perera’s resignation shortly after the reason that I ultimately decided to Commission to the Governor-General second half of February, Etienne said. 2020 General Election, with the Prime resign.” Perera explained in a statement after advising the Leader of the Sylvain Aldighieri, deputy director of Minister himself saying that it was the which announced his resignation. Opposition. Prime Minister Briceño PAHO’s Health Emergencies right thing for Perera to do during the While being questioned by the has said that the UDP appointees who Department said remote areas of the first sitting of the House of media, Prime Minister John Briceño had defiantly refuse to adhere to these region have continued to struggle for Representatives. indicated that the Government would, customs are, in effect, barring the access to oxygen, a critical medical In response, Perera, at the time, had if necessary, seek other options to have constitutional right of the office of the therapy needed to treat critically ill issued an open letter to the media that Perera removed from the Elections and Prime Minister. patients. called on all political parties to reread Boundaries Commission. This would The resignation of Perera opened “PAHO has donated some 600 section 88 of the Belize constitution. have resulted in a series of court actions the door for the PUP government to canisters of oxygen to more than 20 He asserted that his appointment as that would have been part of a litigative appoint attorney Oscar Sabido as the countries in the region and in some chairman of the Election and back-and-forth between the new chairman of the Elections and situations, PAHO has supported the Boundaries Commission was Government of Belize and the former Boundaries Commission. development for local production of protected by the Constitution and not Elections and Boundaries His appointment was announced oxygen in remote regions, areas that are subject to the control of any political commissioner. shortly after Perera issued his difficult to get to, areas with Indigenous parties. Perera, a trained attorney-at-law who statement of resignation. On February populations,” Aldighieri said. Nonetheless, Perera decided to is fully aware of the time and resources 3rd the new Election and Boundaries Officials also said the new Brazil resign. He shared that his decision was it would take to resolve the matter Commission held its inaugural meeting. variant, as well as two others first made in an effort to maintain unity through the courts, decided to bow out The members of the newly form E&B identified in the United Kingdom and within the country during these trying and concede to the wishes of the current Commission are Orlando Espat, South Africa, have spread to 20 times and to prevent the waste of the government. Conrad Lewis, Phillipa Griffith Bailey, countries in the Americas, though their limited resources of the Government. It must be noted that while Perera and Alberto August. frequency is still limited. “At the end of the day, we find shared that he had full legal right to Of note Alberto August was appoint Peru, Bolivia, Colombia and El ourselves in the midst of a pandemic maintain his position as the chairman upon the advice of the Leader of the Salvador will receive a first lot of the and at unfortunate financial times. What of the Elections and Boundaries Opposition, Patrick Faber. Orlando Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, the country needs right now is unity and Commission, there are other legal Espat and Conrad Lewis were said AHO AssistantP Director Jarbas for the Government to utilize its principles, customs, and norms, which appointed by Prime Minster Briceno. Barbosa, while 35.3 million doses of remaining resources as best as possible confer upon the current government None of the new members have been for the benefit of the people. For me to the right to make such appointments, sworn in as yet. Please turn to„Page 47 Friday, February 5, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 47 KHMH patients must PSC members bear the cost of PPE’s won’t resign On January 15, the PSC wrote a letter Continued from Page 1 Continued from „Page 1 three changes per shift. Now when we „ to the Governor General, Sir. Colville talk about PPE’s, we are talking about past week, Minister responsible for the Young, requesting his intervention in the all of the PPE’s being used were given a kit that is prepared. Before the staff Public Service, Hon. Henry Charles matter. While Gibson said that he is to the hospital as donations. member actually goes into the unit, a Usher, stated that the decision of the aware that the Governor General has Hoare said that the decision, although kit is prepared [and] in that kit, it PSC members to not step down is no real power to effect any change, the not ideal for the public, is a cost-saving comprises or it includes a full-bodysuit hindering the work of the country’s new commission hopes that the move will measure that is necessary for the with the hood, goggles, N95 mask, two government. at least trigger a response from the hospital so that it can continue to pairs of gloves, boots. So it’s a kit that The Briceño administration has been Government. provide effective tertiary level services is prepared and the staff member would calling for the resignation of persons According to him, since December during the pandemic. The CEO outlined pull a kit.” CEO Hoare explained. appointed by the previous 9 when the Minister of Public Service that at this time, each healthcare She also emphasized that while the administration to various bodies and refused to give a written request for professional at the hospital uses, on hospital understands the plight of the posts based on their purported their resignation, rather than a verbal average, 3 kits of PPE’s during each public at this time, the KHMH has no affiliation with the former UDP request, the members of the PSC opted 12-hour shift. This amounts to 6 kits other choice but to impose the charges. government. Recently, the Prime to refuse to leave the commission. Since of PPE’s every day — a cost the “We would hope that, and we would Minister told the media that the current then communication has completely hospital says would be unbearable want that patients don’t have to bear the members of the Public Service broken down between the Government without this new charge. costs of these types of service, but it’s Commission should have resigned since and the PSC. The CEO gave a breakdown of the not the reality. If the ministry decides the 12th of November 2020, one day The PSC chairman said that letters cost of these kits of life-saving that they want to provide this particular after the PUP’s landslide victory. were sent by the commission members protective equipment during an service free of charge or the supplies Currently, a three-month standoff as recently as the 27th of January, to interview with News5’s Isani Cayetano: associated with it, then that would have between the PSC and the Government request a virtual meeting on February “Each twenty-four hours is divided into to be a policy decision that comes from of Belize is preventing the resolution of 4. As of Wednesday, February 3, no two twelve-hour shifts, and by standard, the Ministry of Health.” CEO Hoare said several matters of concern that need to reply had been sent by the Government, we have changes for PPE’s, at least in her interview with local media. be addressed by the commission, according to Gibson. according to Gibson. He says that the Of note, Gibson mentioned that commission has not met since members of the commission have Yemen war: Joe November 5 and has sent at least 4 letters informed him that payment of their to the Government of Belize seeking stipends has not been made since an audience so that they can chart a November 2020, about three months Biden ends support path forward. ago. for operations in Mexican police foreign policy reset officers arrested over Washington. Thu. Feb 4th 2021- BBC accepted by the US, and a reversal of the News decision to withdraw American troops The US is to end its support for from Germany, where they have been migrant killings offensive operations by its allies in Yemen, stationed since the end of World War which has been devastated by a six-year Two. Twelve police officers have been say that on the day of the killings, war in which more than 110,000 people His speech marks a sharp break with arrested in the northern Mexico for their several vehicles carrying Guatemalan are believed to have died. the policies of former president Donald alleged connection to the killing of a and Salvadorean migrants to the US “The war in Yemen must end,” Trump, who left office last month. group of migrants last month. The were “escorted by armed individuals”. President Joe Biden said in his first major The US has been backing the Yemeni bodies of 19 people were found in a Mr Barrios Mojica said the crime foreign policy speech. government and its Saudi-led allies in their burnt-out vehicle near the US border scene had been “altered”. He pointed Under Mr Biden’s two predecessors, war against the Houthis. As a result of in Tamaulipas state on 22 January. Most to the fact that the pick-up truck on the US backed a coalition led by Saudi Thursday’s announcement, the US will of the victims are believed to have been which the bodies were found had 113 Arabia against Houthi rebels in Yemen. stop supporting offensive operations, Central American migrants. bullet holes but no casing were found. The conflict has left millions of including the sale of precision-guided Investigators think they were killed as The state attorney general also Yemenis on the brink of starvation. munitions to Saudi Arabia and the United part of a turf war between criminal described the reports filed by the Fighting began in 2014 between a weak Arab Emirates (UAE). gangs over control of migrant officers as “contradictory”. Yemeni government and the Houthi rebel This will not affect operations against smuggling routes in the area. Killings of migrants are not unusual. movement. It escalated a year later, when al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. Tamaulipas State Attorney General In 2010, 72 migrants were killed in San Saudi Arabia and eight other Arab states The Biden administration had already Irving Barrios Mojica said the officers Fernando, also in Tamaulipas state. - backed by the US, the UK and France - put a temporary halt on arms sales to would be charged with murder and And in 2012, 49 dismembered bodies began air strikes against the Houthis. Saudi Arabia and the UAE. abuse of power. Sixteen of the victims were found in Cadereyta in Nuevo Mr Biden announced other changes to This marks a change of tack from Mr. were male and one female. Two of the León. US foreign policy, such as a significant Trump’s administration, which increased bodies were so badly burned, their sex Both killings are believed to have increase in the number of refugees support for the Saudi-led coalition. Last could not be established. DNA tests been carried out by the powerful Zetas month Mr. Trump’s Secretary of State, have so far shown that two were cartel. Mike Pompeo, announced that the Mexican nationals and two were The cartel controls much of the Houthis were being designated a “terrorist Guatemalan. region and is thought to target Continued organization”. Prosecutors are investigating whether immigrants who try to cross it without He said the aim was to hold the Houthis the two Mexicans may have been paying the gang for safe passage. The increase... accountable for cross-border attacks and involved in smuggling the rest of the fees paid to people smugglers often deter “malign activity” by their backer group to the US. The two Guatemalans exceed $10,000 (£7,330) and so far identified were 22-year-old competition for the migrants’ money Continued from Page 46 Iran. Aid organisations criticised the „ move, warning that it could prevent them football player Marvin Tomás and is fierce. AstraZeneca’s shot will start arriving as from operating in areas where millions are Élfego Roliberto Miranda Díaz. Both are Municipal and state police officers soon as the WHO grants it emergency in urgent need of food aid. from the town of Comitancillo in are often recruited by cartels - either use approval. Last week, the Biden administration Guatemala. The remaining victims are by the offer of large sums or by threats The aim is to provide for 20 percent said it would exempt certain transactions also thought to have been from - to turn a blind eye or even provide of the population in the countries involving the Houthis from sanctions. Guatemala. Forensic tests suggest they the cartels with safe passage. participating in COVAX to protect That exemption will expire on 26 were shot before being set alight. This article was first published by those most at risk. February.The United Nations says Yemen Few details are available. Prosecutors BBC News. But Etienne warned that “vaccine is the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, doses are limited and will remain in with 80% of the population in need of short supply everywhere at first”. aid or protection. AMANDALA - The best there is! This article was first published by This article was first published by Aljazeera. BBC News. Page 48 AMANDALABelize Friday, February 5, 2021