Wednesday, February 16, 2011 Capital Weekly Page 1 Capital Weekly From the Heart of the Nation to the Soul of the People

No. 005 Wednesday, February 16, 2011 Price: $1.00 Stop Sicking Out at SSB! Start Looking Out for the Sick The sick out by unionized of two national TV stations members of the Social Security whose job it is to bring the Board on Monday, though it news, not to make the news. made the news, was certainly Channel Five, owned and not riveting. And there’s a operated by Ashcroft and the reason why it wasn’t, don’t Opposition, nevertheless made you think? news in its visible attempt to That reason, of course, sensationalize and magnify, as is the fact that no one at all much as possible, the SSB believes that the workers of sick out story. the Social Security Board are Channel Five on Monday inadequately remunerated for deployed reporters to every the service they deliver, part of the country in an especially in comparison to the attempt to highlight and benefits received from Social magnify the effects of the SSB Security by the average Social Security Offices in the Old Capital, Belize City sick out. And, a quick scan of Belizean worker and the online transcript of Channel contributor. Martinez, for acknowledging the Management of the SSB Five’s newscast for that this in a press release today is re-printed in its entirety on Hats off to the management evening shows a story issued in response to the Page 6). nauseatingly embellished with of the SSB, particularly its staged sick out. That, in our present and principled General The other significant news view, was the real news of the Continued on page 14 Manager Merlene Bailey day. (That press release from of the day was made by one What’s Wrong With BTL? Patronizing the Enemy - Ostracizing the Patriots

For proper perspective, unholy commitment to hand let’s begin by recounting, as over BTL to the man who briefly as we can, how it is was the biggest financier of that Belize Telemedia the PUP campaign going into arrived at its current position the 1998 general elections. of being, at least for now, There was a very good under the control of the reason, in case you haven’t Government and People of yet figured it out, why he Belize. became the biggest funder of It was the last the PUP in those general administration led by Musa elections, that reason being and Fonseca, remember, that he could not have his which immediately upon returning to office in 1998, Continued on page 17 began making good on its Belize Telemedia Corporate Headquarters in Belize City Page 2 Capital Weekly Wednesday, February 16, 2011

matter of the FFB’s Editorial apparently undemocratic ways in its governance of Belizean football is currently under Football Politics investigation by a committee appointed by accomplishment in course, we stand to be the Minister of Sports. For Belizean Football, among corrected! now, suffice it to say, our other things. True, although in our hearts and souls are in full As boys growing up view, almost anyone could support of what the in the Stann Creek Valley, bounce a ball with the Minister is attempting to football was the only hands, we are nevertheless achieve. field sport in which we great fans of Basketball, And, looking at the participated in any especially the NBA. In fact, raw talent on the Norman meaningful way. (We earlier in the afternoon this Broaster Stadium this past incidentally, were past Sunday, we had just Sunday only reinforced in privileged to attend watched on ABC the Boston us the conviction that it is primary school at St. Celtics defeat the Miami Delroy Cuthkelvin time—regular time, injury Matthews Anglican in Heat (producing mixed Chairman, Editorial Board time, overtime, and Pomona, with one of the feelings for us, as both This past Sunday sudden death, if you will— Country’s most teams are favourites of afternoon, we found that we set things right in professionally- ours). In the other game, the ourselves watching live on Belizean football in order landscaped football Orlando Magics, no Krem TV the entire second for us NOT to squander pitches located directly favourite of ours, brought half of a football game away many generations on the opposite side of us joy nonetheless, as they deciding the 2011 more of such natural the road, and at our full put a beating on the Los Championship of the Belize talent with which our disposal.) Angeles Lakers of whom we Premiere Football League youth are bountifully And, though we are avid “haters”, as they (BPFL). The game, played at blessed. have since learnt to would say in basketball the Norman Broaster Go Hon. Saldivar, Go! appreciate a number of jargon. Again, I’m open to Stadium in San Ignacio, For the sake of our other sports, no one can rebuke for being a certified featured two-time talented footballers, and yet convince us—nor , “Laker Hater”. defending champion BDF for the sake of the nation, apparently, the rest of But, getting back to and the Toledo GO! the world—that football football at home, as we Ambassadors. is not the most watched the Minister of When the long whistle rewarding of all sports. Sports Hon. John Saldivar blew (or as they say in Our strongest handing out trophies to the Capital Weekly Spanish, cuando dijo el argument in favour of first and second place teams From the Heart of the Nation árbitro que no hay tiempo football’s superiority is in the BPFL Championship To the Soul of the People para mas), BDF came out on the fact that it is the most (thanks again to KREM TV), top by a score of Two to Nil, Published By: challenging of all sports we were reminded how thereby securing their third Roots & Rhythm Ltd. for the simple reason critical to the future of this straight championship. But 15 Gibnut Street that it is the only game rewarding sport is his Belmopan the Toledo Ambassadors that allows one to determination to clean up had nothing to be ashamed control the ball with the state of affairs in a Editor & Business of, as they gave very good and Sales Manager: everything except what discipline where it is not account of themselves Wilbourne Cuthkelvin is by nature the most political football, but coming from a place that dexterous part of the football politics that appears Chairman has often been dubbed the body, the hands. Only to be holding us back and Editorial Board: forgotten district. the goal keeper, who is preventing us from making Delroy Cuthkelvin We ourselves are, of the very last line of our mark on the course, natives of that other Telephone: defence, is afforded that international pitch in an Southern District, Stann 610-1284 privilege. Football then, activity that is truly the Creek, too often not by our analysis, is the world’s game. Email: remembered enough for its sport that requires the We won’t say much [email protected] outstanding history and greatest of skill. Of more at this time, as the Wednesday, February 16, 2011 Capital Weekly Page 3 AAA DayDayDay OfOfOf LOVELOVELOVE Valentine’sValentine’s DayDay WasWas PMPM FebruaryHammersFebruary Hammers Out Out New 13th13th New Deal Deal for inin Belizean forPortPort Tender Tender LoyolaLoyola Operators Operators

By Vernon Cuthkelvin and surprises. An all star host of entertainers graced the stage led by the living legend Paul Nabor, ‘Titiman” Flores, Ernestine Carballo, Professor Chumba (the Fire Eater), Youth Connection, and Supa G. Kenny Morgan, the master of ceremonies, kept the huge crowd filled with excitement all evening, especially during the raffling of the stove, washing machine, refrigerator, microwave, tennis Party Leader Dean Barrow

Exuberant party supporters at Port Loyola Convention Thousands descended on the Loyolans. Wilton Camerbatch Field to Speaker after speaker echoed celebrate the endorsement of Hon. praises and congratulated the Anthony ‘Boots’ Martinez as UDP Hon. Boots Martinez on his hard Standard Bearer for Port Loyola. work and dedication not only as It was the biggest convention the representative for Port but to ever held in the Port Loyola his Ministry and the United constituency and for the first time Democratic Party countrywide.

Anthony Martinez supported by former PUP opponent Oscar Rosado, both flanked by former UDP Chairman Douglas Singh and Belize Rural South Area Rep. Manuel Heredia shoes, bicycles, cell phones, is filled with so much love. I dining certificate, shopping walked here this afternoon and certificate, sofa set, flat screen now I am riding home on a new television, and the grand prize of bicycle, thanks to Boots Martinez FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS. and the UDP”. Only registered voters of Port Imagine the reality that Loyola qualified for the raffle some households today in Port which was all free. Loyola now enjoy, a stove, a Valentine’s Day for Port washing machine, etc., as a result Hon. Patrick Faber, Paul Nabor and Hon. Anthony Martinez Loyola came on Sunday February of the love that spread through the ever in his political career ‘Boots’ Cabinet colleagues, numerous 13, and to put it in the words of a heart of Port Loyola by Hon. was unopposed. Anthony ‘Boots’ Representatives and Standard lady who won a bicycle “I have Boots Martinez and the UDP this Martinez will represent the United Bearers along with officials of never been to a convention that past Sunday, February 13, 2011. Democratic Party for Port Loyola the party attended this convention in the next General Elections. which can only be deemed ‘the Notably, in the last General convention of love’. A love that Elections, Boots handsomely was clearly demonstrated by the defeated Oscar Rosado of the PUP thousands in attendance as they to become the representative for swarmed the Prime Minister; the that area. Words would never Hon. Dean Barrow, with hugs, explain the amazement of the kisses and warm embraces and massive crowd when Oscar vocally welcomed the Deputy Rosado was called to stage as a Prime Minister; the Hon. Gaspar guest speaker at Sunday’s Vega, the Chairman; Hon. Patrick Convention. He emphatically and Faber, Regional Leaders and resoundingly pledged his whole other Ministers of Government. hearted support for Anthony The cool afternoon set the ‘Boots’ Martinez and the UDP and stage for what would be a hot joined the family of ‘Boots’ Port evening of entertainment, prizes Hon. Gaspar Vega, Paul Nabor and Hon. Anthony Martinez Page 4 Capital Weekly Wednesday, February 16, 2011

BELIZE SOCIAL INVESTMENT FUND VACANCY NOTICE BELIZE MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT POSITION TITLE: Senior Trade Analyst/Project Manager URBAN PLANNING OFFICER - MINISTRY OF NATURAL OBJECTIVE: The objective of the project is to build the RESOURCES AND EVNIRONMENT capacity of the Directorate of Foreign Trade in the Ministry of Foreign STATEMENT OF CAPABILITY Affairs and Foreign Trade to coordinate and facilitate implementation of the CSME and the EPA. The Government of Belize (GOB) has received financing from the World Bank (WB) towards the cost of a municipal development project to improve and maintain municipal service delivery in selected towns of DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Belize. The project comprises small-scale infrastructure improvements; Assist and provide necessary support to the Foreign Trade Directorate in capacity building for the municipality councils; technical assistance to central government in municipal management; and project management its functions as Secretariat in the EPA/CSME Implementation Structure. and administration. GOB has appointed the Belize Social Investment These will include but not be limited to: Fund (BSIF) as the implementing agency for the project. It is intended (a) Conduct diagnostic assessments of implementation obligations that part of the proceeds of this financing will be applied to contracts for emanating from the CSME and EPA. This should include but not consultants to enhance the capacity of the Ministry of Labour, Local Government and Rural Development and the Ministry of Natural be confined to recent reports on the status of Belize’s Implementation resources and Environment to support the municipalities in improving of the CSME regimes, the National EPA Roadmap, and Aid for management, developing improved financial management capacity, Trade Consultations Summaries and other reports; analyzing municipal financial information for informed decision making; (b) Devise and implement initial consultative process to priorities CSME and in strengthening urban planning capacity, and developing municipal and EPA obligations, including those related to administrative growth plans respectively. systems and processes; (c) Develop a Multi-Year Action Plan, with time bound targets, in BSIF is seeking to recruit an individual to fill the following position; The critical minimum requirements are listed below. Applicants may obtain coordination with a Project Steering Committee (PSC); and assist the Terms of Reference for the positions as indicated below: with its development and implementation; (d) Assist in the development and implementation of a public education Urban Planning Officer campaign on CSME/EPA matters; a. Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in Urban Planning or related field (e) Assist in advancing Legislative Reforms for the CSME and EPA; b. Minimum of five (5) years or relevant professional (f) Supports ministries and departments in the implementation of their working experience CSME/EPA obligations; c. Sound knowledge of land use and land use policies in (g) Devise a Plan of Action for resource mobilization, including short the country d. Knowledge of environmental and socio-economic issues project proposals, in consultation with stakeholders; related to urban planning and design (environmental (h) Craft viable project proposals to assist with accessing donor funding; management, traffic management, crime prevention (i) Specific priority must be given to dialogue with the Ministry etc.); responsible for gender/women’s affairs and other gender experts The consultancy is expected to be for an initial period of twenty-four to ensure a gender perspective is integrated into the DFT’s Multi- (24) months commencing in March, 2011. Duty station of the Consultant Year Action Plan. will be in the Ministry of Natural Resources & Environment. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE: BSIF now invites individuals interested in undertaking the assignment to (a) A Master’s degree in Economics, International Trade, International submit their Statements of Capability. In submitting their Statements of Studies, Development Studies or any other relevant social science Capability, applicants should be aware that they will be assessed based discipline; on the following areas: (b) A Diploma in Project Management or demonstrated experience in a. Qualifications b. Experience of the individual relative to the particular Project Management and Development assignment (c) At least five (5) years working experience on international trade c. Experience with multi-lateral funding agencies issues, including those relating to the CARICOM integration d. Experience in Belize and / or the Caribbean process; e. Availability of Candidate for the proposed consultancy period. (d) Familiarity in project preparation and design, CARCIOM policies and institutions and the EPA; The terms of reference for the assignments can be viewed on-line at GOB’s official portal http://www.belize.gov.bz or can be requested The successful candidate will also be expected to have excellent from [email protected]. management, leadership and communication skills and must be proficient in One original and two (2) hard copies of each submission in English the use of MS-Office, including Office, Word, Excel, Project and Power must be delivered by 3:00 pm on 21st February, 2011 to: Point.

Executive Director Belize Social Investment Fund SALARY: 3rd Floor, PAPI’s Building Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Constitution Drive Belmopan City Belize POSITION DURATION: The duration of the assignments for the Senior Trade Analyst is twenty – The sealed envelope containing the Statement of Capability must include the name and address of the applicant and should be clearly four (24) months. marked “Statement of Capability: Urban Planning Officer, Belize Please address letters of application accompanied by Curriculum Vitae and Municipal Development Project” two references to the Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, NEMO Building, Belmopan. BSIF shall not be bound to assign any reason for not selecting any applicant and will not defray any costs incurred by the applicant in the preparation and submission of statements. Closing Date: 28th February, 2011 Wednesday, February 16, 2011 Capital Weekly Page 5 TheTheThe FeverFeverFever isisis On!On!On! Math Olympiad Heats Up

The participating schools Second place winners were were Delille Academy, Independence High School Georgetown Technical High with 900 points. School, Independence High The next knock-out series School, Julian Cho Technical will be the Northern Regional High School, Mafredi Vo-Tech Competition which will be held School, Stann Creek at the Orange Walk Ecumenical College and Toledo Multipurpose Complex on Community College. Julian Wednesday, February 16, 2011, Cho Technical High School at 9.00 a.m. was victorious earning a total The Social Security Board,

Southern Regional Champions from Julian Cho Technical High School of Toledo The pitch is feverish—and Southern zones. that’s no exaggeration—as the In the West, whose 2011 Math Olympiad, championship was the first to sponsored by the Social be decided, the Belize Christian Security Board, has our young Academy emerged as regional and bright Belizean minds champions, with Sacred Heart blazing with figures and College coming in Second. challenging computations. Next was the Southern Schools from remote areas, Regional knock out hitherto virtually unknown, are competition, the results of making their mark on the which we’ll break to you gently since it is the most recent news. Southern Regional Sub-Champions from national stage, while others, Independence High School, Stann Creek

of 2,250 points and will be proud sponsors of the Belize moving on to National Math Olympiad, said in a Championship. Representing media release, it acknowledges Julian Cho Technical High the exceptional support from all School were Louis Kus Jr., participating high schools and Rudi Fajardo, Su Hong Deng invites everyone to support, and Gladis Itch. encourage and enjoy the remaining competitions.

Western Regional Champions of Belize Christian Academy challenged like never before, On the morning of are digging in and bouncing Wednesday February 9th, the back. Sacred Heart Parish Hall in So much for the Dangriga was filled to capacity commentary, now here are the as seven high schools from the stats: So far, the regional South competed for the title of championships have been the 2011 Southern Regional Western Regional Sub-Champions from decided in the Western and Champion. Sacred Heart College, San Ignacio Page 6 Capital Weekly Wednesday, February 16, 2011 PRESS RELEASE

The Social Security Board (SSB) is of the view that the industrial action organized by some members of the CWU is premature and unjustified. The rationale given for the sickout today Monday February 14th, 2011 does not take into consideration all of the issues that the SSBs Board has had to consider before it determines the feasibility of the salary increase requested by the CWU members . Firstly, the SSB Board’s position is that its first responsibility is the prudent management of the SSB Fund for the greater benefit of all the insured workers. When one looks at the current level of insured benefits that the SSB provides to workers in comparison with the employment package provided to the SSB staff, it is clear that any requests for salary increases can only be taken in conjunction with a full review of the current level of benefits paid, particularly pension benefits. In its negotiations with the Staff, the SSB Board has emphasized the fact that our employees enjoy compensation packages that compare favourably with similar level institutions in Belize. Also, our employees have received salary increases as late as 2007, while the lowest paid pensioners’ last increase was in 2001. We believe that with further dialogue, the SSB and its Staff will be able to come to an amicable agreement that fully reflects the reality of the financial state of the SSB and the broader economic situation of Belize. The Board takes this opportunity to thank the members of staff who have shown up for work to ensure continued service delivery to our customers.

The End

Issued Monday, February 14, 2011 by the Management of the Social Security Board

OAS Scholarships Advertisement PUBLIC NOTICE

The Government of Belize (GOB) is now taking applications for the Organization of American States Public Utilities Commission (PUC) (OAS) 2012 – 2013 Scholarships to do Bachelors, Guidelines to Assist Wiremen Masters or Doctorate degrees. The PUC has prepared a package of guidelines for Wiremen Candidates should have a GPA of 3.2 or above and which provides, choose a field within the Priority Subject Areas established by GOB and OAS. a) a description of requirements to be met for submissions;

All applications must first be completed online using b) a sample drawing; the website www.oas.org . Three (3) copies of the completed application must be delivered to the c) a pair of submission sheets to be filled in during the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NEMO Building, submission process. Belmopan, Belize Attn: Mr. Percy Lewis or Ms. Ardel Sabido by February 25, 2011. Wiremen are to adhere to these guidelines when making any submission to the PUC for Design Approval and subsequent Inspection of Customer Electrical Installations. The application package includes the Application Form (8 pages), three (3) Recommendation Letters (using the Wiremen may obtain a copy of these guidelines at the PUC OAS form provided), Transcript/s (authenticated), Office, or download a copy from the PUC website www.puc.bz. Diploma/s (authenticated), Certificate of Language Proficiency and/or TOEFL Certificate, SAT or GRE The guidelines will come into use effective March 1, 2011. (whichever is applicable), School Acceptance Letter (for self-place applications), Medical History Form and For further information contact: Résumé. The Electricity Sector Public Utilities Commission Feel free to call 822-2167 or email either Tel: 223-4938 [email protected] or Fax: 223-6818 [email protected] for an application Email: [email protected] checklist. Issued by the Public Utilities Commission on January 28, 2011. Wednesday, February 16, 2011 Capital Weekly Page 7 SportsSports UpdateUpdate With Ismael “Miley” Garcia Bleachers have been completed for the running track. These works are being carried out by International Environments (IE). The perimeter fence, being done by L&V Construction is 90 percent complete, and works on the football pitch have commenced. This field will be constructed to FIFA standards. A Phase One of Marion Jones Sports Complex Project poses danger for accidents by practice football field is also being project and has a value of over eight pedestrians. prepared. million dollars ($8,000,000). Already Pre-qualification bid documents The facility is presently the works in the sporting complex are for the Grandstand (Phase 4) of the completely closed to the public since creating an impressive stir among the project, have been issued to the six works are also being carried out on populace and this final phase will no IIIsmael “Miley” Garcia bidders that have pre-qualified. This the outer track used by citizens to do doubt inspire many more of our young National Sports Coordinator is the biggest component of the Ministry of Sports daily exercise and the loose material athletes. In other sports news, the Construction on the Marion interdepartmental dominoes Jones Sporting Complex continues tournament continues in Belmopan as Government strives to deliver on every Tuesday and Thursday. The this multi-million dollar project. venue has been changed from the Preliminary Works on the Running Belmopan Civic Center to the Police Track are near 80 percent complete, Training School Compound Canteen. and very shortly the asphalt base will Teams are competing fiercely for the be installed before the synthetic track grand two thousand dollars ($2000) is laid down. prize. Leading the race at present is This track will meet IAAF the combined Fire/Fisheries standards, and will go a long way in Departments’ team closely followed making Belize more competitive by the Belize Defence Force. internationally. Phase Two of Marion Jones Sports Complex Project

The Government of Belize through the Ministry of Finance this morning signed a Memorandum of Clean Solar Energy Understanding (MOU) for a clean solar energy project with the University of Belize (UB) at the GOB signs MOU with UB university Central Campus, Belmopan. Signatories to the MOU were the Financial Secretary, Mr. Joseph Waight, and Acting President and President Emeritus, Dr. Corinth Morter-Lewis. Also present was the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Works, Mr. Cadet Henderson. The BZ $20 million Photovoltaic Project, which is funded by the Government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is designed to introduce clean energy to Belize by solar electricity generation using Signing: Cadet Henderson, CEO Ministry of Works, Financial Secretary Joseph Waight photovoltaic panels which are and UB Acting President Corinth Morter Lewis referred to as the PV system. “UB is poised to become a technology.” realized by GOB and JICA. and management of the PV system leader in clean solar energy in the The construction of the As stipulated in the MOU, the after a period of ten years to UB free region,” remarked the Acting photovoltaic panels which will be power generated by the PV system of cost. President and President Emeritus, completed in one year will commence will be sold to Belize Electricity The equipment procured under Dr. Morter-Lewis. “UB students in August of this year and will be built Limited (BEL) and the gross the project will be maintained by the in particular from the engineering on 2.04 acres of land at UB’s Central proceeds from such sales will be Ministry of Work and UB with faculty will benefit from being Campus. All related costs to the transferred by way of a grant to UB. necessary assistance from BEL and exposed to this cutting-edge construction and operations will be Also, GOB will transfer the ownership other related organizations. Page 8 Capital Weekly Wednesday, February 16, 2011 PoliticsPolitics inin StannStann CreekCreek WestWest Southern Shots - by “Bill Cutty”

Hon. Melvin Hulse Rodwell Ferguson Denzil Jenkins Henry Canton Presently the United Democratic Party in the Stann Creek west has three candidates in the race for standard bearer. Hon. Melvin Hulse (incumbent), Just the facts! Mr. Dennis Martinez (Retired teacher) and Mr. Denzil Jenkins (former Tropical Gaming Company of Belize Limited shares some Quick Manager of Belize Food Lotto facts: Products Ltd and a player in the Citrus Growers  The Lotto Jackpot prize has BEEN AS HIGH AS Association). Hulse at this time is not at the height of $182,500.00 his popularity and could be defeated by Jenkins. I  Lotto contributes to the Belizean economy in several believe it will be a close material ways: race since both men have the ability to attract  It pays 12.5% of its gross sales to the Government! substantial political funds. The PUP has endorsed  It pays Business Tax. Rodwell Ferguson to run a third time after losing to  It pays commissions to its agents: Hulse in 2008. There were at least three other aspirants but it is  It withholds & remits to GOB 15% rumoured they were from all prizes paid out! rejected. In the Valley, the PUP’s believe new faces  It paid a total of $1,474,519.00 in prizes last year! such as Corona Villafaranco or Orlando Agustine would have been Lotto: better for the PUP chances in 2013. It is highly Easier to understand! unlikely that Rodwell Easier to play! Ferguson’s endorsement was pushed by Party Easier to win! Leader Johnny Briceno. It can be recalled that Look out for some more Lotto facts next week! Continued on page 9 Wednesday, February 16, 2011 Capital Weekly Page 9 PoliticsPolitics inin StannStann CreekCreek WestWest Continued from page 8 Ferguson was one who turned on Briceno during the struggle against Musa/ Fonseca. As a matter of fact, the vehicle (Prado) which Ferguson now has privately was the one assigned to then Minister of Natural Resources John Briceno. As soon as Briceno resigned from the Cabinet, Ferguson scurried off to Musa to beg for it. Rodwell Ferguson’ s Expensive Prado, a legacy of his single term in elected office If Hulse wins the UDP Convention, most analysts believe he can easily defeat Rodwell Ferguson again. This is why the DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT PUP’s are trying to Belmopan Bus Terminal, City of Belmopan, Belize C.A. encourage Henry Canton Tel: 501- 822-2038 Fax: 501- 822-3317 back into the political E-mail- [email protected] arena. Canton seems reluctant to get back into PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT politics, preferring to exert his energies at Citrus The Department of Transport advises members of the public Products of Belize Ltd of the following aids to traffic safety:- (CPBL). He has transformed the company 1) Put on lights when travelling on roads at night into a world class and during early morning, late evenings and manufacturing entity. Some believe Canton conditions of dust, mist, fog and rain. could defeat Hulse; after all, he did it before in 1998. This time Hulse 2) Don’t drive on the wrong side of the road believes he is more formidable. Should Denzil Jenkins 3) Don’t overtake going up a hill or any incline defeat Melvin Hulse in the UDP convention and Canton re-enters the ring, 4) Don’t over take when you cant see clearly ahead the citrus agenda could be played out in the political ring. It is believed that 5) Try to stop driving in the middle of the road Denzil Jenkins’ motivation to get into politics is to advance his citrus 6) Make sure vehicle rear lights are working Agenda. In 2013 it is still possible for Jenkins and Canton to faceoff in Stann 7) Heavy equipment, houses and other oversized items Creek West. We’ll see. (The views expressed cannot be transported nor can big farm tractors and other above are entirely those of farm equipment be driven on roads after 6:00pm. the writer) Page 10 Capital Weekly Wednesday, February 16, 2011 BrandBrand NewNew SchoolSchool BuildingsBuildings InIn TheThe SouthernSouthern DistrictsDistricts

Area Rep Hon. Juan Coy, Minister of Education Hon. Patrick Faber and Daniel Cano of SIF Hon. Patrick Faber in the midst of happy teachers and students New school buildings which will project were the installation of address the educational needs of electrical, lighting and plumbing children in San Vicente and Hope fixtures, and a standard septic tank Creek Villages in the Toledo and with soak-away waste water system Stann Creek Districts respectively, and the provision of school furniture, were officially inaugurated last week. including teachers’ tables and chairs, The total cost of both projects is students’ armchairs, cupboards and approximately $1.3 Million and will bookshelves. benefit some 446 students. The total cost of the San Vicente Both projects were implemented School project was $414,000. Of by the Social Investment Fund, a this amount, $331,000 was a grant statutory body under the auspices of from the Basic Needs Trust Fund the Ministry of Economic (BNTF 5), a program promoting Development. poverty reduction through socio- The new school building in San economic initiatives and community Vicente Village was inaugurated on empowerment. BNTF5 is jointly Thursday morning, 10th February at financed by the Caribbean the project site. This project consisted Development Bank (CDB), the of the construction and completion of Canadian International Development a 25 ft wide by 240 ft long one-storey Agency (CIDA) and nine beneficiary Hon. Patrick Faber Delivering address at Hope Creek reinforced concrete school building governments, including Belize. The located 40 miles northwest of Punta Methodist School was inaugurated on with timber and concrete roof and Government of Belize contributed Gorda Town near the Belize/ Friday morning, 11th February at the strip and pad foundation, comprising $83,000 in counterpart funding. Guatemalan border and 5 miles from project site in Hope Creek Village. of six classrooms, a library, and Some 140 school children will benefit Jalacte Village. The village was The project included the construction principal’s office and a male and from the new school, which will also established around 1986 by farmers of a 8,800 square foot, two-storey female bathroom block. All exterior serve as a hurricane shelter. Prior to from Jalacte and surrounding areas. reinforced concrete structure doors are solid timber panel doors the project, the children were housed San Vicente has a population of 329 measuring 30 ft 6 inches wide by 144 and the windows are storm guard in a small wooden building. inhabitants. aluminum louvers. Also included in the San Vicente is a remote village Meanwhile, the new Hope Creek Continued on page 11

Newly Constructed School Building in San Vicente, Toledo Wednesday, February 16, 2011 Capital Weekly Page 11 BrandBrand NewNew SchoolSchool BuildingsBuildings InIn TheThe SouthernSouthern DistrictsDistricts

The Spanking New, Spacious School Building at Hope Creek, Stann Creek

Some 306 children will benefit from The guest speaker at the the project. inauguration of both projects was the The new Hope Creek Methodist Hon Patrick Faber, Minister of School was financed by the Education and Youth, along with the Government of Belize through the respective Area Representatives, Commonwealth Debt Initiative (CDI) Ministers Juan Coy and Hon Arthur at a total cost of $888,645.00 The Roches, as well as representatives of community of Hope Creek the Social Investment Fund among contributed materials and labor for the others. project. Hope Creek Village is situated in (Special Thanks to the Stann Creek Valley Area of the Mike Hernandez Jr. J.P., Stann Creek District along the Director of Public Relations, Hummingbird Highway. It has a Social Investment Fund for population of about 1,500 persons providing us with Photographs and was established in 1962. Dangriga Area Rep. Arthur Roaches speaking at inauguration and Information) Continued from page 10 ft long. The building has four classrooms, a library, an administration office and a female bathroom block on the ground floor. The first floor has four classrooms, a computer laboratory and a male and female bathroom block. Hope Creek Methodist School has been growing in population since it was established seven years ago. Prior to the project, the children were housed in prefabricated buildings, which were in very poor condition. The new school building will, therefore, provide an enhanced educational environment for both children and teachers. A playground with swings, slides and seesaws, school furniture along with some landscaping was included in the project to further enhance the children’s educational environment. Cutting Ribbon: Toledo East Rep. Eden Martinez, Dangriga Rep. Arthur Roaches, Minister of Education Patrick Faber, Pat Bennett, Manager of Methodist Schools and Daniel Cano of SIF Page 12 Capital Weekly Wednesday, February 16, 2011 Wednesday, February 16, 2011 Capital Weekly Page 13 New Justices of the Peace Sworn In Two From Cayo- Three From Dangriga

New J.P. Eddie Webster being sworn in by Randolph Castillo just sworn in by Solicitor General Solicitor General Oscar Ramjeet

Nyani August just sworn in by Solicitor General Alberto August just sworn in by Solicitor General

On Friday, February 11, Sworn in as Five New Justices of the Justices of the Peace Peace were sworn in, from Dangriga were two from the Cay District Eddie Webster, former and Three from the Senator and current Stann Creek District. Clerk of the National Sworn in as new Assembly; Randolph Justices of the Peace Castillo, veteran plumber from San Ignacio, Cayo, and entrepreneur, and were Alberto August and Lomy Nunez, his wife Nyani August, businesswoman. who are co-owners of The five new JP’s the Star Newspaper were sworn in by the which renders valuable Solicitor General in the service to the people of Office of the Attorney Cayo through public General on Friday Lomy Nunez just sworn in by Solicitor General information and Morning. education. Page 14 Capital Weekly Wednesday, February 16, 2011 Stop Sicking Out at SSB!

Merlene Bailey Martinez, Finally, an SSB General Manager with a conscience something we are never reluctant to dish out when it’s deserved or called for. But for now, let’s just say we are in full agreement with the SSB management when it states, “ Any requests for salary increases can only be taken in conjunction with a full review of the current level of benefits paid, particularly Social Security Headquarters in the Nation’s Capital, Belmopan pension benefits.” Continued from page 1 money at SSB for unsound If we go on, this could well Well said and nuff said. as much as FIVE (5) private projects concocted by become another indictment on Stop sicking out, guys, and photographs of SSB buildings cronies of the party in power the last administration, start looking out for the sick countrywide (No Boledo at that time. and aged. Rake). If that’s not overdoing it, we don’t know what is. But getting back to the substance of the issue (whatever substance there is to it), the workers of SSB who staged the sick out reportedly did so in protest of negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement which started in August of 2009. As to the timing of the sick out, it was intended to disrupt the process of collections at a time when social security payments are due, the 14th of the month. But while those SSB workers staged their self- seeking moves, what about the general Belizean workers and contributor to the SSB scheme who have often complained in times of sickness, for example, of not receiving benefits as adequate or as timely as they should? And what about retired contributors? Are they receiving the kind of package they should? These are lingering questions and long-time issues For more information visit your Belmopan City that have, of course, been inherited from an Council Offices at 36/38 Trinity Bld., Belmopan administration that was known Or call: 822-2271, 822-2319 or 802-3679 to fleece the Belizean workers’ Wednesday, February 16, 2011 Capital Weekly Page 15

GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND FOREIGN TRADE STATEMENTS OF CAPABILITY

The Government of Belize has received a grant from the Caribbean Aid for Trade and Regional Integration Trust Fund (CARTFund), administered by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), financed by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) with decisions on approval of projects made by a Steering Committee comprising DFID, CARICOM and CARIFORUM. The Government of Belize through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade intends to apply part of the proceeds to eligible payments under the contract for which this invitation is issued.

The scope of the consultancy service will include

Assist and provide necessary support to Foreign Trade Directorate in its functions as Secretariat in the EPA/CSME Implementation Structure. These will include but not be limited to:

(a) Collaborating with the CARICOM Secretariat, specifically the CSME and the EPA Implementation Units, relevant Government Ministries and Departments and the Private Sector to produce the required deliverables;

(b) Undertaking a review of existing reports and studies on the implementation status of the CSME and the EPA.

(c) Sensitizing stakeholders on the implications of new and revised legislation;

(d) Utilizing existing diagnostic work on the CSME and EPA and initial feedback from stakeholders to identify gaps in legislation and recommend those requiring amendment or introduction;

(e) Devising and implementing a consultative process to prioritize amendments, including a timeline;

(f) Preparing a Cabinet brief of the proposed prioritized listing of legislative reforms for the approval of the Cabinet;

(g) Drafting new legislation and preparing amendments to existing legislation, based on regional model legislation(as appropriate) and on comprehensive feedback from the Attorney General’s Ministry; and

(h) Collaborating closely with Attorney General’s Ministry in finalizing existing legislation and preparing the legal instruments for enactments

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

(a) At least a LLM degree and five (5) years’ experience in drafting legal text OR a LLB degree and ten (10) years’ relevant experience;

(b) Knowledge of the Laws of Belize;

(c) Familiarity with the CARICOM integration process and EPA; and

(d) Excellent analytical and communications skills

(e) Specific training and/or experience in international trade law will be an asset.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, now invites interested eligible consultants to submit Statements of Capability for the provision of these consultancy services.

Consultants shall be eligible for procurement if:

(a) in the case of a body corporate, it is legally incorporated or otherwise organised in an eligible country, has its principal place of business in an eligible country and is more than 50 per cent beneficially owned by a citizen or citizens and/or a bona fide resident or residents of an eligible country or countries or by a body or bodies corporate meeting these requirements;

(b) in the case of unincorporated firms, the persons are citizens or bona fide residents of an eligible country; and

(c) 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 a citizen or bona fide resident of an eligible country.

Eligible countries are CDB Member Countries, Suriname and the Dominican Republic.

Submissions will be assessed based on technical competence, qualifications and experience, regional experience on similar assignments, the extent of prior commitments, and proficiency in English. Submissions should include corporate profile where appropriate, descriptions of similar projects completed within the past five years, and the Consultant’s curriculum vitae.

Statements of Capability must be submitted in sealed envelopes marked “STATEMENT OF CAPABILITY: PRIVATE SECTOR PROJECT PROPOSAL HUB”. Three copies of each submission in the English language must be delivered no later than 16:00 hours on 16th February, 2011 to the first address below and one hard copy sent simultaneously to CDB at the second address below.

Following the assessment of submissions, a shortlist of not less than three, and not more than six consultants, will be invited to submit technical and financial proposals. Copies of the terms of reference for the assignment will be made available to the short-listed firms.

GOB reserves the right to accept or reject late applications or to cancel this invitation partially or in its entirety. It will not be bound to assign any reason for not short listing any applicant and will not defray any costs incurred by any applicant in the preparation and submission of statements of capability. Page 16 Capital Weekly Wednesday, February 16, 2011 Like Judas Re-incarnated

Paid Ashcroft Defender Paid Ashcroft Defender ForFor aa fewfew piecespieces ofof SilverSilver thesethese PUPPUP LawyersLawyers areare preparedprepared toto sellsell outout theirtheir CountryCountry PUP for Money UDP For Patrimony A Paid Ad Wednesday, February 16, 2011 Capital Weekly Page 17 What’s Wrong With BTL?

Continued from page 1 guaranteed profits. way with the 1993-1998 The mystery of all UDP Government led by mysteries, as it must be told to Doctor Manuel Esquivel, who generations of Belizeans to refused to honour or come, is that, all of a sudden, consummate the buy over of the most lucrative company in majority shares in BTL by Belize saw its net profits Ashcroft interests on the plummeting by millions of grounds that such a purchase dollars as the former owners was in glaring violation of BTL’s sought to avail themselves of original Articles of Association, huge tax-breaks in which forbade any single compensation for allegedly person or entity, save the unrealized profits that had been Government of Belize or some guaranteed to them under that permitted person (authorized infamous Accommodation by, and on behalf of the Agreement. government), to own more than As is now engraved in the 25 percent of shares in the annals of Belizean history, the company. current Dean Barrow We must then go back a little Administration, determined to further to 1993 when, just one ensure that the former owners day before leaving office, of BTL are not allowed to Fonseca persuaded former continue fleecing the people of Prime Minister Price to sign a Lord Michael Ashcroft this country under the cover of letter authorizing Ashcroft as a an unconstitutional agreement, “permitted person” to purchase who is (now) the current very workers of BTL teamed made the ultimate move of majority shares in BTL. chairman of BTL had (then) up with other unions, with the publicly acquiring BTL in the That was, of course, a become the first chairman of the then Opposition (which is now interest of the nation and its deliberate misinterpretation of company. the Government), and with the people, with the intention, of that particular clause in the Bear in mind, we recount all patriotic and courageous course, to later divest itself of Articles of Association, the spirit of this not just as history for masses of Belizeans to bring majority shares in a manner that of which was clearly that such history’s sake, but in order that telecommunication services to would ensure the continued a “permitted person” would we might understand that the a grinding halt in an attempt to protection of the national have to be acting on behalf of, present and future of BTL are force the then administration in interest. That is the process that and in the interest of the all wrapped up in its past; that line with the people’s interest, is now underway. Government and People of if we do not know and or force them out of office. We come now to the main Belize. And, though the shrewd appreciate the past, we are not Having manoeuvred itself point and latest episode in this British Billionaire professes to likely to appreciate what we out of what, for a while, long story of the patriots versus operate some kind of have and who’s responsible for appeared to be an inescapable the enemies of the people. It’s “charitable trust” on behalf of it; and because, without a impasse, the Musa/Fonseca a story that is by no means Belizeans, we all know there’s knowledge of our history, we administration, unchanged and over. In fact, from all really no trust in the trust; in are bound to repeat the resolute in its intentions, indications, it has only just fact, as the late American writer mistakes of the past. proceeded in September of that begun. In light of this, we Gertrude Stein would have put Now, coming to the current year (2005) to sign with the believe the national unity it, “there’s no there there!” situation and more recent same Ashroft interests (to which surrounding the BTL cause, Going back a little further events that got us here, the it had resold majority ownership which is really the Belize cause, still, those Articles of unmanageable and unpatriotic in BTL) an Accommodation must be maintained, or perhaps Association were put in place state of affairs that left the Agreement guaranteeing them more appropriately, rekindled; back in 1987 when BTL was current administration with no 15 percent net-profits, and for it might well be that the created under the previous other choice but to re- committing the Government coalition of courageous UDP Administration led by nationalize BTL, is a position and People of Belize to Belizeans has since been none other than Doctor Manuel that was virtually arrived at as compensate the owners of BTL weakened a bit by the failure of Esquivel, and when the man early as April 2005, when the for any shortfall in such Continued on page 18 Page 18 Capital Weekly Wednesday, February 16, 2011 What’s Wrong With BTL? Snapshots of Progress and Development

New Fire Station in Pomona

Channel Five, owned by Ashcroft and openly Anti-Belizean, is still being patronized by BTL with thousands of dollars in ad campaign

Continued from page 17 that would eventually land BTL all of us concerned to back, presumably, in the hands of consciously nurture that the true and the brave. cohesion and unity of purpose. How it is that a television Now to our specific gripe. We station now owned and run by the have been terribly offended by the same former masters of BTL, fact that, after four weeks of from whose control we A model for many more to come, according to trying, we were notified that we courageously fought to wrestle Minister of National Emergency Management and could not convince BTL to away BTL, qualifies for Fire Department and Area Representative for Stann advertise with this newspaper; a thousands of dollars in Creek West Hon. Melvin Hulse. This Fire Station at newspaper which, from the start, continuous advertising and Pomona in the Stann Creek Valley was officially inaugurated last Wednesday, February 9, 2011 has declared and cultivated an promotion from BTL, while this unapologetically patriotic stance newspaper, through which we on the side of the national declaredly continue the same interest and against all those who, patriotic struggle, does not Project Underway to Pave by their words and deeds, have qualify for a penny, is a logic (if Orange Walk - Yo Creek Road declared themselves enemies of it is) that truly escapes us. the Belizean People, not the least Bear in mind how important among which are the former it is, under the challenging owners of BTL. circumstances, that we rekindle Everyone in the media and rally the coalition of national business knows very well that unity around the BTL cause, advertising in Belize is as much which is, as we’ve noted before, patronage as it is marketing. To the Belize cause. And be put it another way, you generally informed that the most ardent support who support you. readers of this new periodical Whether or not it should be that with an ancient cause, is none but way, is quite another issue. The the true and brave soldiers and fact is, it is; and it is what it is! generals of the people’s We have no quarrel, per se, revolution; the same revolution with the young and energetic that eventually led to the re- Melanie Blakes (or the likes nationalization of BTL, the same thereof), who do their so-called revolution that will ensure that, marketing thing at BTL these beyond the divestment of shares, days. The truth is we don’t even the company remains a proud and know who they are, what they stand profitable Belizean product. for, or what they would fall for. Something seems wrong at We do know ourselves very well. BTL, and we honestly can’t figure We also, of course, know the Paul out what it is. Please, for the sake The entire project is for the paving of the road from and Christine Perriotts, the Mark of the Nation, could we stop Orange Walk Town all the way to Blue Creek Ushers and Nelson Youngs, all of patronizing the enemy and whom we closed ranks with back ostracizing the patriots? (Photos Courtesy of Ruben Campos, Orange Walk ) in 2005 to begin the revolution Wednesday, February 16, 2011 Capital Weekly Page 19 Superbond Strikes Again! AnotherAnother 3333 MillionMillion Gone!Gone!

Said Musa, the man who carried the Ralph Fonseca, the man who ran the Mark Espat, the Architect of the Johnny Briceno, was Musa’s Deputy name of Prime Minister when the country’s finances, first as Minister of Superbond, now wants to be Leader, Prime Minister, now wants to be National Debt got out of hand Budget, then as Minister of Finance but has serious intra-party difficulties Prime Minister February 20, 2011: The Government and People of Belize have to find $33 Million to make another instalment on the repayment of the Superbond left behind by the last PUP administration. August 20, 2011: We will have to find another $47 Million as the interest jumps from 6 percent up to 8.5 percent August 20, 2019: Repayments go up to $100 Million every Six Months (200 Million a year), as we start making Bullet Payments on the principal, while continuing to pay off the interest February 20, 2029: By the time we’re finished paying off the Superbond, it would have cost us $1,588,590,700 (1.5 Billion with a B) WeWe Can’tCan’t ForgetForget TheThe PastPast When We Are Paying In The Present AndAnd WillWill ContinueContinue toto PayPay inin thethe FutureFuture Page 20 Capital Weekly Wednesday, February 16, 2011