Vol. 24 No. 2 Sunday, January 10, 2021 Page 2 The GuardIan Sunday, January 10, 2021 PUP seeks approval for 59 million dollar loan after 59 days in office; 1 million per day On Friday, January 8, the illegally begun as the PUP People’s United Party will administration has been in have been in office for exactly clueless manner running the 59 days. At that point, they country. are going to the National The People’s United Party Assembly to seek approval on had largely criticized the former a supplementary budget for 59 government about spending million dollars; $59,138,855 money without getting approval to be exact. That works out to from the National Assembly. the PUP government seeking Now, this is exactly what the approval for one million dollars PUP has been doing for their per day in expenditure across first 59 days in office. They had 12 ministries. Taking up the gone so far as to take the former bulk of the money will be administration to court to seek a four ministries including the declaration on the legality of the Ministry of Finance, Economic expenditure. The shoe is now Development and Investment on the other foot and the PUP that has been allocated have now come to learn that $17,500,000; the Ministry of being on the outside looking Health and Wellness will take in is not the same as being in up $15,000,000, the Ministry of and doing the work. The reality Infrastructure Development and of government spending is Housing takes up $12,000,000 that there are instances that and the Ministry of Human you simply cannot wait for Development, Families and approval before spending is Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs done. Emergency situations will get $9,430,000. What needs arise where spending takes to be said is that expenditure place before it can be taken for of these finances has already approval. Supplementary Bill Huffing at customs There is mass discontent in summoned to Belmopan only to place, the current comptroller Customs officers worldwide. the Customs department as The be told that he would not be Colin Griffith, has been given a While Haylock may have Guardian has confirmed that a given the office. He was told that one month extension. been qualified, so too is Leslie, new Comptroller of Customs his current subordinate, Estelle We are told that Haylock, being a long standing PUP has been appointed much to Leslie, has been appointed by no who has always outranked the stalwart who openly flaunts her the chagrin of the presumptive other than the Prime Minister. In new appointee, holds double political affiliation, having PUP successor, Ian Haylock. Not to effect, Haylock was huffed for a masters degrees, in Public stickers on her vehicle. be left behind is the rank and file lower ranking officer. Administration from the What’s more interesting is within the department who have The news of the appointment University of the West Indies and a that there are reports that Leslie commented that “she cannot spread like wildfire within the Masters in Customs management is already not able to handle the lead us, as she has absolutely department and has caused great from the International Customs position she currently holds. no leadership skills or capacity.” unsettlement, so much so that Organization, the premiere One officer told us, “God help Haylock, as we understand it was in order to hold the disarray in institution that trains senior us all.” The Guardian Protecting Freedom Rights Democracy

Editor: Alfonso Noble ADVERTISING Louis Thompson Compositor: Kristen Jimenez Reporter: Jem Smith RECEPTIONIST/ACCOUNTS CLERK Vanessa Gillett Published by The Guardian Newspaper Limited Cor. Ebony St. & Bel China Bridge, P. O. Box 1898 City, Belize Telephone: 207-5346, 207-5347 Fax: 227-5343 E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected] Website: www.guardian.bz Printed by The Guardian Press Cor. Ebony St. & Bel China Bridge, P. O. Box 1898 , Belize Page 3 The GuardIan Sunday, January 10, 2021 Page 4 The GuardIan Sunday, January 10, 2021 Dolores abolishes Police bury man as another name John Doe while family gets another’s body A San Felipe family is making a claim that sounds as if it’s straight out of a movie. According to their post on Facebook, Fernando Cante, who lived alone, died on the night of Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at around 7 p.m. At around 10:30 p.m. they got him to the Northern Regional Hospital morgue where a COVID-19 test was performed since they did not know what caused his death. The following day they were notified that the test was Fernando Cante PUP’s Grocery Bag Program negative but a second swab food for those, who would stop On Wednesday, January BOOST or BCCAT was taken to confirm the result. by to pay their respects. 6, 2021 the Ministry of Human 3. Households which are However, due to the holidays, While calling the police to Development, Families and not receiving a pension they were told they would not report the mix-up, Lewis was Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, 4. Single-parent families receive the results until the told that his father’s corpse announced that it has opened 5. Families with children, following week. had been taken to Belize City an application process for a elderly and differently abled The family says that on and was subsequently buried redesigned Food Assistance individuals. Tuesday of this week, they were in Ladyville by police, they Program. As expected under Both releases went on called and told that the second suspect, as a John Doe. this present government, it took to state that applications will test was also negative and so They were later told he was two releases to get the message be accepted from Wednesday, they could pick up Fernando’s buried in Trial Farm and were across. The first release was January 6, 2021 to Monday, body. then taken to the location by posted on the Government Press January 18, 2021, and those When his son, Luis Cante police who told them they had Office’s Facebook page at 9:20 applications would be evaluated arrived at the Hospital with a the option of leaving him there a.m. and it was taken down for eligibility by assessment casket, and they showed him the or exhuming the body to take about 15 minutes later. Then at teams at the Ministry and the body, he realized that the body him for a proper burial. 10:50 a.m. another release was first set of approved beneficiaries was not his father’s. By this time, The family is devastated as posted on the same Facebook will be receiving food assistance the family in San Felipe had set a result of this huge blunder and page to announce the starting of the week ending January 22, in motion all the preparations are now considering a lawsuit the program. According to both 2021. The releases give the two for burial, including preparing as a result. releases, the COVID-19 Food ways that applications could Assistance Program and the be submitted. The need for a Grocery Bag Program (formerly new application has effectively Bleeding the known as Pantry) have now been eliminated all those tens of merged into one program entitled thousands of persons, who Central Bank Food Assistance Program. The were on the COVID-19 Food T h e G o v e r n m e n t o f since Government’s revenue release went on to say that clients Assistance Program and the Belize issued a release stating streams are at an all-time low. on any of the aforementioned Grocery Bag Program (formerly that, “Cabinet approved the The problem with this is that programs SHOULD APPLY for known as Pantry). It is highly introduction of legislation at printing more money would the new Food Assistance Program suspected that all those persons the next sitting of the House erode the foreign reserves and designed to assist vulnerable will be deemed as UDP of Representatives, scheduled renew fears of devaluation. households. supporters and their applications for Friday, January 8, 2021, to One pundit declare that “He According to the release the will be rejected. Those persons empower the Central Bank of is just raising the limit on the target population is the very needy will suffer a similar fate as Belize to provide for emergency credit card.” and most vulnerable households those former employees of the programs and facilities to assist There is an intrinsic problem in the country. The release stated , who are during unusual and necessary with the move, however, as there that priority will be given to the now being fired just because economic circumstances.” Those are questions on how or if the following: they were hired while the UDP in the know tell us that what the Government will be able to 1. Households where no one was in government. THE PUP PUP government is in effect doing repay. The reality is that what is working IS NOW STOOPING TO PLAY is seeking permission to borrow will be happening is that the 2. Households which are not POLITICS WITH FOOD FOR more from the Central Bank. government will simply be receiving assistance through POOR PEOPLE. Basically, they are jumping the adding to the debt which PM hurdle of prudential limitations Briceno says is already out of on the Government’s ability to control. More important is the SEND US A MESSAGE ON borrow from the Central Bank. question of what will the money The long and short of it is they be spent on. Productive activities FACEBOOK @GUARDIAN are seeking permission to be that will yield a return or just able to simply ‘print money’. political gimmicks to reward NEWSPAPER This is especially important financiers? TO JOIN OUR WHATSAPP The Guardian online NEWS GROUP at www.guardian.bz Page 5 The GuardIan Sunday, January 10, 2021 Page 6 The GuardIan Sunday, January 10, 2021 BECOL holds virtual BEL and BEWU Sign Revised information session Collective Bargaining Agreement Press release issued every four (4) years. This round December 31, 2020 of negotiations commenced in I n a n u n p a r a l l e l e d October 2019. demonstration of commitment T h e B E W U a n d t h e to partnership and dialogue, Management of BEL negotiated today representatives of Belize provisions and solutions that Electricity Limited (BEL) and balanced the interests of both the the Belize Energy Workers employees and the company. Union (BEWU) signed a T h e s u c c e s s o f t h e revised Collective Bargaining negotiations is a testament to Agreement (CBA). The CBA our collective commitment to the establishes a foundation for transformation process necessary positive relationships between to deliver on our strategic all employees and our Company, objectives and meet our Mission The Chalillo Dam at its full potential during the rainy season while maintaining sustainable of delivering safe, reliable and T h e B e l i z e E l e c t r i c downstream. However, there is and responsible standards of sustainable energy solutions to Company Limited (BECOL) potential for the accumulation work, benefits and stability of enhance the quality of life and held its first virtual information of materials that can be released employment. productivity of enterprise and to session on Wednesday. Due to during spillage. Technicians The process of revising support national development. COVID-19, BECOL and the have been monitoring the Macal the terms of the CBA occurs -END- Department of Environment River onsite to collect readings (DOE) had agreed to produce on temperature, oxygen and pH the information session. levels. The fact-filled presentation Tests also show that The BTB Nepotistic Circle was facilitated by Jorje Franco, the Macal River is still in a The new Minister of Tourism law firm, gives rise to some serious an environmental officer with healthy range for phosphates, is Anthony Mahler, by virtue questions. We are informed that presentations also being done by nitrates, and coliform content. of that position, he directs what the new legal services provider Oscar Alonzo, who spoke about The total coliform and E. coli takes place at the Belize Tourism has very close, familial ties with BECOL’s operations. concentrations in October 2020 Board (BTB). The Guardian is the current minister. BECOL operated three were low overall throughout the now informed that the BTB has This rings very much like hydroelectric facilities situated Macal River Basin. terminated the legal services of what has now become the new on the Macal River and stretches A dam is a concrete wall the previous law firm and has now chime of the People’s United from the Mountain Pine Ridge built across a river. As a result, retained the services of another. Party, that is, ‘only a few PUP down to the Vaca Reserve. measures have been put in The nepotistic nature of the new will win.” Furthest upstream is the Chalillo place should the dam become Facility (2005), followed by compromised. BECOL conducts Mollejon (1995) and the Vaca regular drills to activate sirens (2010). All three produce a total for split seconds to test the early of 52 Mega Watts of power, warning systems. Evacuation currently satisfying 45% of routes have also been mapped Belize’s energy needs. should there be a dam breach. According to Alonzo, the It would take an estimated three water quality of the Macal to four hours for San Ignacio to River during the past 10 to 15 become affected should there be years has not presented any risk a dam breach.

NOTICE RIGHT START TECHNOLOGY LTD. (“the Company”)

Notice is hereby given that the Company has been dissolved and struck off the Belize International Corporate Affairs Registry with effect from December 28th, 2020

Orion Corporate & Trust Services Ltd. Registered Agent Page 7 The GuardIan Sunday, January 10, 2021 PAHO/WHO Belize donates COVID- 19 supplies to increase testing capacity To support the ongoing efforts in expanding SARS- COV-2 testing strategies in Belize, the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) donated 49,975 SD Standard COVID-19 Antigen test kits, 45,000 SD Standard COVID-19 Antigen test kits along with seven units of SD Standard COVID-19 Antigen Control and two units of Rapid Diagnostic Test Analyzers (RDT) to the Ministry of Health and Wellness. The importance of timely and accurate testing, according to a statement from PAHO, is crucial to the prevention, control and management of COVID-19. The use of rapid PAHO donated COVID-19 Antigen test kits to the Ministry of Health and Wellness antigen tests, then, can contribute to the control of the pandemic. of the rapid antigen tests, the testing of persons with symptoms to the enhancement of the overall “The rapid antigen tests, simplicity of use will prove a of COVID-19 and contacts of COVID-19 testing capacity in the controls and the analyzers will major advantage when conducting confirmed cases. country. It provides a shorter time enhance not just the laboratory tests in rural and remote areas of In working together with the to receive a result, between 15 capacity but the over-all health the country. It is important to Ministry of Health and Wellness and 30 minutes, is cost-effective, system responsiveness,” said note, however, that these rapid and other partners, PAHO/WHO and allows for early detection of PAHO/WHO Health Systems antigen tests do not replace the Belize starts the year continuing cases. This enables the rapid start and Services Technical Advisor, PCR testing but complement the to support the country in the fight of contact tracing, isolation and Dr. Edwin Bolastig. Apart from overall testing capacity. PAHO/ against the COVID-19 pandemic quarantine measures contributing the timeliness and performance WHO still recommends the PCR by procuring tests, equipment as the gold standard test for and supplies, providing technical SARS-COV-2. The rapid antigen guidance to the ministry and the New nepotistic boards use is recommended for the country of Belize. Belize Water Services Limited new Board: Cornelio Acosta – former employee of SMART a Johnny Briceño related company Elijio Briceno – Brother to P.M. Johnny Briceño Pepe García – Husband to Minister Dolores Balderamos Garcia Keith Mira – Brother to Minister of State Oscar Mira Cresencio Sosa – Former Johnny Briceño and Vanessa Briceño CEO to Ralph Fonseca Michael Hyde – Minister Social Security Board: Cordel Hyde’s brother Nigeli Sosa – related to Michael Coye – Minister Crecencio Sosa Chris Coye’s brother Wendy Castillo – PUP talk Vanessa Briceno – Johnny show host Briceno’s sister COVID-19 outbreak at Palm View Center As many as 21 of the 27 monitored to ensure the safety patients and seven staff members of all residents and the staff at the Palm View Center Mental professionals within the care Health Facility in Belmopan facility. has tested positive for COVID- Thankfully, no deaths have 19. A release from the Ministry been recorded at the center and of Health and Wellness made staff and patients who do not have known the outbreak on Tuesday, serious symptoms are isolated January 5 that the patients had but not hospitalized. Those who tested positive the day prior. The have tested negative for COVID- release states that the situation 19 have been relocated to another is being addressed and closely building at the location. Page 8 The GuardIan Sunday, January 10, 2021 Marijuana’s effects on the mammalian brain Contributed should be such as to discourage A discussion on marijuana use while at the same time and its many derivatives has expanding access to treatment reached a new crescendo in the and rehabilitation”. Belizean sphere. The potential Is cannabis addictive? There of marijuana to wreak havoc can was a time when experts thought never be underestimated given that this was not the case. its inherent compounds can mimic But current evidence the mammalian brain’s naturally suggests that it can be - particularly occurring biochemicals. if it’s used regularly - with about Marijuana’s potentially 10% of regular users estimated detrimental impact on the to have a dependence. developing brains of adolescents For some people who remains a key focus of research— Marijuana can contain psychoactive compounds quit, there can be withdrawal particularly because of the breaker,” Lutz says, keeping the system by eliminating the CB1 symptoms, such as cravings, possibility teenage users could brain’s level of signaling activity receptors from neurons, Lutz difficulty sleeping, mood swings, go on to face a higher risk of or “excitation” within a normal adds. Also, new research reveals irritability and restlessness, psychosis. range. Too little endocannabinoid mitochondria, the organelles according to the Royal College The results show people signaling results in excessive within cells that generate energy of Psychiatrists. who had consumed cannabis excitation of the nervous system, for cellular metabolism, also People end up having before age 18 developed and this can promote anxiety have CB1 receptors. THC inhibits problems with relationships. schizophrenia approximately disorders, impulsivity and mitochondrial activity, reducing It impacts on their ability to 10 years earlier than others. The epilepsy. Too much activity the cells’ vital energy supply, he function at work. While some higher the frequency of use, the has the opposite effect and can says, citing a 2016 paper published of this addiction may be data indicated, the earlier the age promote depression, for example. in Nature. Perhaps most critically, psychological, experts say there of schizophrenia onset. Upsetting the information flows he believes THC’s disruption of is good evidence to suggest that Beat Lutz, a neurochemist at regulated by the endocannabinoid endocannabinoid signaling in the THC itself can be physically the University of Mainz, described system has also been linked to early teen brain can hinder key addictive for some people. the mechanisms by which the psychosis. neurodevelopmental processes Getting high on cannabis drug might produce deleterious THC acts differently that involve the CB1 receptors, impairs memory and cognitive effects in a young person’s from endocannabinoids. It thereby impairing brain ability in the short term. And brain. The main psychoactive does not break down rapidly communication permanently. some of the effects of this, compound in marijuana, in the body the way natural T h e M e n t a l H e a l t h though mild and reversible, tetrahydrocannabinol THC, endocannabinoids do, Lutz says, Association of Belize stated in seems to remain for up to 20 disrupts the normal flow of signals noting this sustained activation 2015 that “in our experience the days, the amount of time it takes among brain cells—a process causes serious wide-ranging use of mind-altering substances for the drug to leave the system. normally regulated by chemicals disturbances in the brain. Low can and does have serious The debate on marijuana and called endocannabinoids. These doses of THC may reduce anxiety negative effects that exacerbate its impact on Belizean Society compounds occur naturally in but high doses can heighten it, the underlying mental health is likely going to continue. the body and activate a type of and chronic overstimulation and social problems that an Whatever direction Belizeans cellular docking site (called the of CB1 receptors by THC individual might be facing. take on the issue, cannot escape cannabinoid type 1, or CB1, shuts down the body’s natural This is especially true for young the fact that marijuana contains receptor) to “act like a circuit endocannabinoid signaling people… For these reasons we varying quantities of psychoactive believe that the official response compounds. Accident on the Southern Classifieds Highway ends in double fatality Lost:­ I, Dinesh Bhojwani, here by notify that I have lost my registration certificate for Motor Vessel VITAS with registration #BZ-2600. Two people are dead after Liquor License Notice - Notice is hereby given that under the Intoxicating being involved in a violent road Liquor Licence Ordinance Chapter 150 of the Laws of Belize, Revised traffic accident on the Southern Edition 2000, that Stephen & Mike Hall are applying for the renewal of a Highway between a motorcycle Restaurant Liquor License for the year 2021 to operate “Gumbo Limbo and a pickup truck on Saturday, Jungle Restaurant” located at Georgeville Village, . Liquor License Notice - Notice is hereby given that under the Intoxicating January 2. It took place at around Liquor Licence Ordinance Chapter 150 of the Laws of Belize, Revised 6:00 p.m. as 16-year-old Edwin Edition 2000, that Chongwu Tan is applying for a Publican Special Liquor Marquez was travelling on a License for the year 2021 to operate “Bian Wen Diner” located at #34 motorcycle when the driver of East Canal Street, Belize City, . a Chevy Colorado pickup truck Liquor License Notice - Notice is hereby given that under the Intoxicating Liquor Licence Ordinance Chapter 150 of the Laws of Belize, Revised veered into his lane, causing Southern Aighway accident Edition 2000, that Tenisha Tucker is applying for the renewal of a Shop extensive head and body injuries Stann Creek Valley area when he Liquor License for the year 2021 to operate “Las Nubes Grocery Shop” to two people. accidentally drove into the lane located at #62 Palmar Road, Orange Walk Town. At around 6:20 p.m., police in which Marquez was operating Liquor License Notice - Notice is hereby given that under the Intoxicating were called to Bella Vista Village, the motorcycle. This caused Liquor Licence Ordinance Chapter 150 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Stann Creek where they observed the collision in which both Edition 2000, that Tenisha Tucker is applying for the renewal of a Restaurant Liquor License for the year 2021 to operate “Las Nubes the body of Marquez along Marquez and Veliz succumbed Restaurant” located at #62 Palmar Road, Orange Walk Town. with his damaged motorcycle. to their head and body injuries. Liquor License Notice - Notice is hereby given that under the Intoxicating Police further noticed the pickup Marquez died on the spot but Liquor Licence Ordinance Chapter 150 of the Laws of Belize, Revised truck, which was driven by Veliz died while undergoing Edition 2000, that Juan Medinas is applying for the renewal of a Beer Juan Veliz, who was along treatment at the Karl Heusner License for the year 2021 to operate “Dreadys Grocerys” located at Hummingbird Street, Trial FarmVillage, Orange Walk Town. with his common-law wife, Memorial Hospital. The rest of Liquor License Notice - Notice is hereby given that under the Intoxicating two children, and another man. Veliz’s party likewise received Liquor Licence Ordinance Chapter 150 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Their investigations have since treatment for their injuries and Edition 2000, that Jia Wei Li is applying for the renewal of a Publican revealed that Veliz and his party have since been released from General Liquor License for the year 2021 to operate “Tommy’s Shop” were leaving a social event in the the hospital. located at 6519 Central American Blvd., Belize City, Belize District. Page 9 The GuardIan Sunday, January 10, 2021 means you and someone you love are the last six months on a major learning about to have a lot more fun together! curve when it comes to sex and how you You and your lover may also decide to assert yourself in love. Your Horoscope try for a baby. Sweet! If you’re single, this is one of the best transits to support Capricorn Dec 22 – Jan 19 you meeting someone new, so make sure You are clearly the celestial Aries Mar 21 – Apr 19 that no one around you will likely know to get yourself out there and circulate. favorite as 2021 begins when it comes You’re finally going to relax a little what’s happening in your love life. If to love and romance. Mars moves into bit, Aries. Mars, your ruling planet, has you’re completely single, then you might Libra Sep 23 – Oct 22 your true love sector on Wednesday for been in your sign for an unusually long meet someone you want to keep secret Nesting with your sweetheart will the first time in two years, adding more time: since the end of June 2020. There for one reason or another. become much more of a priority as 2021 passion to your sex life than you’ve had has certainly been a great deal of activity begins. In fact, you will feel a lot more in quite some time. It’s definitely time to and frustration in your love and sex life Cancer Jun 21 – Jul 22 passionately about being snuggled up in bring sexy back to your relationship and because of this and as you start 2021, If you’re in a relationship, then you the comfort of your home, so make your Mars is here to help! If you’ve had a dry you’re ready to take a step back from the and your mate are likely to recognize that living space as romantic and inviting as spell, that’s about to change, so expect hectic pace and breathe. The only way to you need to get out a little more as the possible. If you’re single, then this will plenty of attention and advances. take the edge off is to stand down from new year begins. You’re both tired of the be a great time to be open to accepting insisting that you always need to be in same old routine in your connection and a relative’s offer to set you up with Aquarius Jan 20 – Feb 18 the driver’s seat in your love life. the best way to liven things up is to spend someone. Matters of the heart are about to time with a group of mutual friends. become more subdued as you settle into Taurus Apr 20 – May 20 This is more than just getting a weekly Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 21 2021 and to be honest, that’s exactly the You are about to become the date night on the schedule–it’s about Your love life will be anything news you’re hoping for. You’re longing winner in the game of life AND love! remembering what your mutual interests but a snoozefest as you walk into to take a respite from any stress you’ve Assertive Mars enters your sign on are as a couple and exploring them while 2021. Mars, your traditional ruler and been going through in order to restore Wednesday, allowing you to go after also connecting with friends. the planet of action and motivation, yourself and your love connection. Even the romantic partner you desire with moves into your partnership sector on if all you do is a staycation on your couch absolute confidence. It’ll be impossible Leo Jul 23 – Aug 22 Wednesday. This guarantees that for the for a few days, you and your partner will for this person to refuse your advances 2021 begins with you truly ready next several weeks your top priority is feel rejuvenated because of it. Turn off -- you’re just way too sexy for your own to begin the work necessary to make going to be relationships and relating. your phones, power off your computers, good now. If you’ve felt as if you’ve a love connection worth its weight in However, you won’t take the easy road and don’t even think about watching been in an endless waiting game since gold. No romance is without give and when it comes to your love connection. television. late June regarding your love and sex take. Now that may sound trite, but it No, you’re itching for a good fight and life, then it’s time to take control of really is such a realistic part of being in might stir the pot a little bit just to keep Pisces Feb 19 – Mar 20 the reins and start moving. Nothing is a relationship. We spend the majority those sparks flying between you and If you’ve been single, then you holding you back now, certainly not fear of our time at work and then with our your mate. are most definitely ready to mingle! You or anxiety about rejection. family and significant other. You want are tired of blocking any potential love to be sure that the time you and your Sagittarius Nov 22 – Dec 21 connections by not taking advantage of Gemini May 21 – Jun 20 sweetheart have together is not wasted. You started out the new year with social opportunities; in fact, your New Your love life starts out deliciously To achieve this, you’ll both need to love planet Venus moving through Year’s resolution might very well be to erotic in 2021 -- but it all seems to manage your time better. your sign, giving you a cosmic edge change that. Don’t be surprised if you happen behind closed doors. You’re in matters of the heart! You still have find yourself accepting any and every definitely not interested in exhibitionism Virgo Aug 23 – Sep 22 four more days to enjoy her blessings, invitation you get to connect with others as the year begins! Nope, you are all You are definitely starting 2021 so don’t waste it! Trust that you are a in some way. Fear of missing out might about privacy between you and your off with some sparks in the romance magnet for affection, attention, and love haunt you, so try not to give into the lover. You’re craving more physical department! Love planet Venus moves in a very special way through Friday. In ridiculous notion that you will ruin your touch and you’re sure to get what you into the area of your chart connected to addition, Mars will remain in your true opportunity to meet that special someone desire, but it’s all so discreet and low-key dating and pleasure on Friday, which love sector until Wednesday. You spent if you don’t say yes to everything. Page 10 The GuardIan Sunday, January 10, 2021

YOUTH TALKS as an excuse to beat yourself up time. and eat the cake in the cupboard. 6. Give yourself some Instead, change your mindset additional motivation. 2021 and turn it into a definitive and Yes, the spinning studio By: Thamar Jones 7. Spend more time with moment. Fit in a five-minute walk makes for a good selfie and will It is the start of a new year, family instead and get back to your gym help to whittle your waistline and no doubt, it can mean the start 8. Take up a new hobby routine tomorrow. but having a goal to keep fitness of a newer and better you! 9. Redecorate house 3. Reward yourself for sociable will help keep you feeling People have been pledging 10. Other success. excited and optimistic about New Year self-improvement for These are all awesome Don’t think of what you’re exercise. thousands of years. Babylonians ways to improve yourself in the giving up, think of what you’re 7. Disconnect. made promises to their gods at the coming year; however, while gaining. For example, if you’re Social media and online start of each year that they would many embark on their New Year giving up smoking, save all the connectivity are good things in return borrowed objects and pay to-do Lists with vigor on January money you would have spent on many ways, but they are also their debts. The Romans began 1st, the majority are broken just cigarettes and spend the money on disruptive of relationships and can each year by making promises days later. Each year, one in a holiday at the end of the year. be damaging to mental health. It to the god Janus, for whom the five people fail to keep to all of 4. Buddy up with a partner - is unrealistic to cut yourself off month of January is named. It their resolutions in just the first they can reinforce your resolution from all social media, but a small has since been a common practice week. and share in your pain. reduction is doable for people all over the world to So what is the key to sticking Appoint an accountability 8. Conduct a friendship pledge to accomplish new things to your resolutions and achieving manager - a relative or a good audit. in the new-year. your goals? Here are some friend who wants to see you Isolation and loneliness are Your personal goals for the tips I dug up from my favorite succeed – you stand a much bad for both your physical and New Year might look something magazines and websites that can better chance of succeeding with mental health. Taking time to like this help you in achieving your goals someone keeping an eye on your reconnect with people who make 1. Get fit in 2021. progress. you feel good and nurture your 2. Get money (side hustle) 1. Pick out the top five 5. It’s not always about giving resilience is a powerful thing to 3. Stack up (save more things you want to achieve then something up. do, and will set you up for the money) prioritize them. Your resolution can be to year. 4. Eat healthy/ drink more 2. Don’t let minor setbacks start something new - a pottery With forward planning, a water crush your plans. It’s natural to class or salsa dancing. The key little willpower and plenty of 5. Get organized slip up so if one day you don’t is for it to be something fun and determination, 2020 could be 6. Be more ambitious at make it to the gym, it’s not the constructive, plus you get to learn the year you achieve your goals. work end of the world. Don’t use it a whole new skillset at the same Good luck! Page 11 The GuardIan Sunday, January 10, 2021 2021’s first murder Three tourists charged for victim is Kelvin Lindo failure to wear face masks An old drug deal gone badly is the motive that police are following up on in solving the first murder of 2021, that of Kelvin Lindo. The body of the Placencia resident was found face down in the backyard of a Honduran national, Herminio Gutierrez Alvarez, on January 1. Alvarez reported to police when they arrived at his home in Santa Cruz, Stann Creek that he was socializing at his home Kelvin Lindo Jennifer Heckman Jeffery Heckman with a man only known to him as chest. Gutierrez has since been Over the New Year’s Day “Cristobal” when a second man detained pending the results of weekend, almost 200 persons came asking for him. While going this investigation but according were arrested and charged for inside his home, Alvarez says to ACP Joseph Myvett, Head, a series of offenses under the that all he heard was the sound National Crimes Investigation Quarantine Regulations. Those of a single gunshot which came Branch, they are also seeking included more than 50 for failing from the back of his home. This “Cristobal” and the second to wear a face mask while in is when, according to Alvarez, he man. Reportedly, Cristobal has public. Among those were three saw Kelvin Lindo and this man been identified as a Nicaraguan tourists from the United States struggling but shortly after, Lindo national, who is known to police of America. 52-year-old writer fell to the ground. for alleged involvement in a string Jennifer Heckman was arrested Police arrived on the of robberies and burglaries in along with another writer, 54- scene only to meet Lindo with Santa Cruz Village and reports are year-old Jeffery Heckman and Jeffery Garcea a single gunshot wound to the that Lindo is a known associate. 58-year-old Jeffery Garcea, a and charged for the offense. Due writer and construction worker, to the absence of a magistrate on for failing to wear a face (mouth) the island, they were taken before mask or other covering. According Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford in Last murder for 2020 to police reports, the trio was the Belize City. They all pleaded Approximately 120 murders found on San Pedro, Ambergris guilty and were each offered the were recorded by the Belize Caye on January 1, 2021 while newly installed mandatory fine of Police Department for the year none of them were wearing a $500, which they were all able to 2020 and the last of that was mouth covering in public. As a pay forthwith. After paying their recorded on New Year’s Eve, result, they were each arrested fines, they were free to go. December 31. The victim of that fatality was 25-year-old Shane Flowers, a resident of Taylor’s Alley in Belize City. According Nelson Dillett arraigned to Sr. Spt. Hilberto Romero, Deputy Head, National Crimes for armed robbery Investigation Branch, police 32-year-old Nelson Dillett is responded to a shooting incident Shane Flowers on remand at the Belize Central on Glyn Street in Belize City gunshots. They both attempted to Prison following his arraignment where they met the victim’s flee to safety but Flowers was not on a charge of armed robbery. The already lifeless body. Further as lucky. He is no stranger to the incident dates back to December investigations led them to the law and police say that the cause 25, 2020 when he stole a number Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital of the shooting was due to the of items from Juan Nolberto where a second victim was found. gang rivalry in the area. Soto. According to the victim, Fortunately for Maneera Wilson, A 17-year-old was detained the assailant was armed with a this second victim, she was not and charged in connection with firearm when he stole from him fatally wounded and eventually the incident. He was arraigned a stainless steel ring, cell phone Nelson Dillett stabilized at the KHMH. on the murder charge in the valued at $800, and other pieces guilty, bail could not be offered Police have since learned presence of his mother on of jewelry. due to the nature of the charge. that both Flowers and Wilson Monday. He remains remanded To answer to the charge, the He was remanded to the Belize were walking along West Street at the Wagner’s Facility until his construction worker appeared Central Prison until February 19, when they came under attack from next court appearance. before Senior Magistrate Aretha 2021 or until a bail application Ford but while he pleaded not hearing. Teenage found dead in San Jose Succotz A Police team in Western acute respiratory distress but Belize has received results of authorities still do not know an autopsy on an adolescent what brought that on. male to guide them in their I t z a b e g a n i m b i b i n g investigation. Myron Itza, alcohol at around 9:30 p.m. on 14 years old, was found Thursday, January 31 and went dead inside the room of 28- to sleep at 2:00 a.m. on New year-old Jose Alfredo Puc in Year’s Day. According to Jose San Jose Succotz. The post Puc, upon awakening, he found mortem says that he died from the minor dead. Page 12 The GuardIan Sunday, January 10, 2021 Lion Tamer Experience A man told the ringmaster that he was interested in joining the circus as a lion tamer. The ringmaster asked if he had any experience.

The man said, “Why, yes. My father was one of the most famous lion tamers in the world, and he taught me everything he knew.”

“Really?” said the ringmaster. “Did he teach you how to make a lion jump through a flaming hoop?”

“Yes he did,” the man replied.

“And did he teach you how to have six lions form a pyramid?”

A man and a woman “Yes he did,” the man replied. A man and a woman who never met before, find themselves on upper and lower berth of a long distance train. “And have you ever stuck your head in a lion’s mouth?”

At 2 am, man leans over saying, “Ma’am, sorry to bother you, would “Just once,” the man replied. you be kind enough to give me a second blanket from the side table. It’s awfully cold here. The ringmaster asked, “Why only once?”

“I have a better idea”, she replied, “Just for tonight, why don’t we The man said, “I was looking for my father.” pretend that we are married?” ------“Great idea Ma’am”, he replied in great excitement. What would you be? She says, “Well then get up and take it yourself” A first-grade teacher can’t believe her student isn’t excited about the Super Bowl. “It’s a huge event. Why aren’t you excited?” ------“Because I’m not a football fan. My parents love basketball, so I do Today’s Motto too,” says the student. Sunday School Teacher: “Now Little Johnny, I want you to memorize “Well, that’s a lousy reason,” says the teacher. “What if your parents today’s motto, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.” were dumb fools? What would you be then?”

Little Johnny: “Yes mam, but I know it already. My father says he has “Then I’d be a football fan.” always used that as his motto in his business.” ------Teacher: “Oh, how noble of him! And what is his business?”

Little Johnny: “He’s a boxer.” Obstructing traffic The fist knocking on the door belonged to a cop. Bracing for the worst, ------the yard foreman opened the door.

The password is “Is that yours?” asked the officer, pointing to a company van that was I was in a couple’s home trying to fix their Internet connection. jutting out into the narrow street.

The husband called out to his wife in the other room for the computer “Uhh, yes it is,” said the foreman. “That is, it’s our company’s.” password. “Start with a capital S, then 123,” she shouted back. “Would you mind moving it?” asked the officer. “We’ve set up a speed We tried S123 several times, but it didn’t work. trap, and the van’s causing everyone to slow down.” So we called the wife in. As she input the password, she muttered, “I ------really don’t know what’s so difficult about typing Start123.” ------Concert Pianist in the making The well known concert pianist agreed to listen to a friend’s daughter Maturing puppy love play the piano. He was a very polite man and didn’t make a wry face, Three years after the honeymoon it appears their puppy love had even though he wanted to. matured. “Do you think I should go to the conservatory in Paris?” she asked “You don’t love me any more,” she sobbed. “You use to be so nice to after she had finished. me, and now you are always barking and growling.” “It can’t hurt,” he replied hastily. “There are many eligible bachelors “What do you expect,” he demanded. “You’ve always got me in the there.” doghouse.” ------Defining Energy You are a cheat Teacher: “Define energy.” “You are a cheat!” roared the angry card player. Johnny: “I don’t remember the complete definition but I remember the “I am not,” responded the accused. last few words.”

“You certainly are,” insisted the first man. “I know for sure that I never Teacher: “Ok, say the last few words then.” dealt you that ace!” Johnny: “... and this is called energy.” Page 13 The GuardIan Sunday, January 10, 2021 Page 14 The GuardIan Sunday, January 10, 2021 Page 15 The GuardIan Sunday, January 10, 2021

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