Tuesday, April 13, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 1

NO. 3451 CITY, TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2021 (20 PAGES) $1.00 PM Briceño presents lean budget

“The National Budget is really a Budget about all the people — working people and business people 55 schools -– because from its birth to its burial, the National Budget touches all in some way or the reopened other.” — Prime Minister Briceño

BELMOPAN, Mon. Apr. 12, 2021 Representatives. His budget, titled On Friday, the Draft Estimates of “Today’s Sacrifice: Tomorrow’s Revenues and Expenditure for the Triumph!” outlined his government’s Fiscal Year 2021-2022 was goals to address the economic crisis presented by Prime Minister John Briceño. The PM delivered the Please turn to„Page 19 national budget using a teleprompter, a first for the House of UDP discontinues UDP walks out after Julius claim against calls Patrick “boy” Mayor Wagner

BELIZE CITY, Mon. Apr. 12, 2021 In late March, Cabinet approved the phased reopening of schools across the country, starting Monday, April 12, 2021. A memo issued by the CEO in the Ministry of Education announced that schools would be opened in two , Mon. Apr. 12, 2021 groups, with the first group reopening , Fri. Apr. 9, 2021 the House of Representatives meeting The United Democratic Party has their classrooms on April 12. It has The Leader of the Opposition, at which this year’s budget was decided to withdraw its Supreme been one year since schools shuttered Hon. Patrick Faber, staged an opposition walkout on Friday from Please turn to„Page 18 Please turn to„Page 19 Please turn to„Page 4 Siblings hit by truck, 11-year-old girl dies MOHW investigating post- vaccination death by Dayne Guy SANTA FAMILIA, Cayo, (See story on page 2) Mon. Apr. 12, 2021 On Thursday evening, Governor General resigns 11-year-old Keiana Cruz (See story on page 3) died after a van ran over her just a stone’s throw away from her home in Santa Familia Village, COVID-19 update Cayo. Reports state that (See story on page 17) Please turn to„Page 18 Page 2 AMANDALABelize Tuesday, April 13, 2021 BNTU awaiting GOB to reform membership mandate pension program

details in a letter, then that decision could have been taken today. So our members are now taking a position based on two things: a ten-percent across the board or a tiered approach which should amount to this sixty million and the twenty million,” Smith told News5. The members of the union will now have to vote in order for the union to BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Apr. 8, 2021 determine what position it will take At this time, the membership of the and decide what kind of action they Belize National Teachers Union will take going forward. The union (BNTU) has not come to a final has since started a survey to arrive decision on whether or not they will at this decision. accept the 10% salary cuts that are The Public Service Union (PSU), to be put in place by the government. on the other hand, is awaiting legal Initially, the BNTU had stated that its advice before sending a letter of membership was opposed to any form notice of industrial action to the BELIZE CITY, Sun. Apr. 11, 2021 revisited and that they intend to of salary cut or increment freeze. government. Smith said that they During his budget presentation, transform the pension program to a Following the announcement by would have to unite their forces and Prime Minister John Briceño said contributory scheme, with payment Prime Minister John Briceño of his carry out industrial action on a that the cost of non-contributory coming either from employers or government’s decision to continue as different level and in different phases pension payments has become beneficiaries or both, or they might scheduled with the proposed pay cuts, due to the difference in the untenable. While outlining his merge the public pension program and a two-day national convention composition of the two unions. austerity budget, he mentioned that a with the Social Security system.” held by the BNTU, their national Smith said that the spirit of the major aspect of his government’s “Government must move now to president, Senator Elena Smith, negotiations died when the Prime long-term recovery plan is to engage transform the public pension scheme updated the public on the union’s Minister decided to unilaterally sign in urgent public pension reform. to a contributory structure, either current position. off on the salary cuts without getting “Noncontributory pension standing on its own with payments In essence, she shared that the the blessing of the Joint Unions. payments in the budget have neared from both employer and beneficiary Government has not given them “If you are not willing to move $100 million for a single year. That or a merger of the public pension adequate details of the concessions your goalpost from where you are level of spending is simply untenable. program and the Social Security that the administration has proposed and it has to be sixty or nothing; When we left office in 2008, the System,” said PM Briceño. to provide as an incentive for the that’s not how we negotiate. That’s annual cost of pensions was $38 For years, the previous unions to accept the proposals. not how we consult. You don’t million. Today that has virtually administration had avoided “We cannot expect our members consult by coming to tell me, ‘I will tripled,” PM Briceño said. addressing the issue of non- to say ‘yes, we will give up our ten do this and it matters not what you He said that the structure of the contributory pension payments until because you are going to be giving say, I will still do this’,” Smith said. pension program would have to be now. us ABC,’ when they don’t know those We will continue to follow this details. And had we gotten those story. New Corozal Bay rep sworn in MOHW investigating post- vaccination death (From page 1)

BELMOPAN, Sat. Apr. 10, 2021 it’s not only a man’s world, but it’s a Elvia Vega-Samos, who defeated woman’s world as well, and I am the UDP’s Hilberto Campos in a by- here to work. I am here to represent election in Corozal Bay in early the people of Corozal Bay, to be the March, was sworn in as area rep voice that they truly deserve to have.” during Friday’s House meeting, the During his budget presentation, the first held in two months. Prime Minister, Hon. John Briceño, Samos was selected as a PUP remarked, “On this side of the House, candidate in that division after the we grieve for our colleague and BELIZE CITY, Fri. Apr. 9, 2021 currently awaiting the results of a post- death of her brother, David “Dido” friend from Corozal Bay, the late The Ministry of Health and Wellness mortem exam on the fisherman’s body Vega, who lost his life as a result of David Vega, who left us far too early. is currently investigating the passing to ascertain the cause of his death. COVID-19 complications just days To the new Representative from of a 53-year-old fisherman who They are trying to determine after unseating Corozal Bay’s former Corozal Bay, the Hon. Elvia Vega- reportedly died four hours after whether the 53-year-old had any area representative, . Samos, Dido Vega’s sister, we offer receiving his first jab of the Oxford/ underlying medical condition which “Today is a very important day for first our solidarity and of course our AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine. could have contributed to his possible Corozalenos. As you see, they are congratulations and full support.” This is the first vaccine-related reaction to the vaccine and his ultimate here today in full support, and I will Elvia Vega-Samos became the death in the country that the Ministry death. forever be thankful to all of them.” fifth woman in the National is looking into. Health Minister Michel We will continue to follow this Hon. Samos remarked on Friday, Assembly following her swearing- Chebat confirmed that his Ministry is case. She added, “As I always mention, in. Tuesday, April 13, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 3 Governor General resigns PM’s sister reportedly (From page 1) by Dayne Guy owes millions in GST

BELMOPAN, Tues. Apr. 6, 2021 After 27 years of stellar service, BELMOPAN, Sat. Apr. His Excellency, Sir Colville Norbert 10, 2021 Young, who is the longest-serving During an interview Governor General in Commonwealth after the House of history, has given Prime Minister Representatives meeting John Briceno his letter of resignation. was adjourned on Sir was born on Friday, the Prime November 20, 1932, and is a graduate Minister, Hon. John of St. Michael’s College in Belize Briceño, was asked to City. He attended the University of comment on reports that the West Indies, where he earned a Speednet Bachelor’s degree with honors in Communications Ltd., the English; and York University, where parent company of Smart he earned his Doctorate of Belize, allegedly owes Philosophy in English. about $11.1 million in In his letter of resignation, Sir GST to the Government Colville Young stated, “It has been of Belize. an honor and great privilege to serve “I am very grateful to the unselfish The Prime Minister’s our nation during my term in office, service that the Governor General sister, Vanessa Briceño, and it is my hope that I have made a gave to this country, and I am hopeful is the listed taxpayer for the company, value that they are getting is about difference in the lives of many, a that all of us can use him as an which has fallen deep in a tax hole 12 cents on what is being sold. And difference for good, especially the example, just like the Father of the due to an accumulation of interest and because they have been back and young people of Belize, and I thank Nation, what service to the people is penalties on the original amount that forth they are working up the the successive governments that have all about,” said the Prime Minister. was owed due to an extended period interest and the penalties, and it is allowed me to render the service I There is still uncertainty of non-payment of the outstanding going up — a totally ridiculous have.” surrounding who will be the taxes. situation,” stated Hon. Briceño. During his tenure, he has served in successor of Sir. Colville Young, but According to the Prime Minister, And while the total amount owed the capacity of Governor General Prime Minister Briceño has indicated Vanessa Briceño has been trying for by Vanessa Briceño is estimated to under the Hon. , that they are seeking a woman of years to address the outstanding debt. be around 11.1 million dollars, the Hon. , Hon. substance to fill the position. The The slow pace at which the Tax Prime Minister said that ultimately and Hon. John Briceño Prime Minister will announce the Department reviews such matters has the actual amount outstanding is administrations. His resignation name of the new Governor General caused the allegedly overstated nowhere near that number. comes on the heels of a visit by Prime later this month. charges to remain on the books for a “The sum, what I know, is not Minister John Briceño, who The Governor General’s prolonged period, and during that even a quarter of what they are requested that the Governor General resignation will come into effect on time additional interest charges and asking for. It is not even a million tender his resignation. Hon. Briceño April 30, 2021. Sir Colville Young other fees have mounted , according dollars of what we are talking about, believes that the timing of the remains committed to the service of to PM Briceño. He calls the situation because they started charging her resignation, and a new appointment, Belize and has offered to continue totally ridiculous. this the day she became an agent at what he says is a pivotal moment providing assistance after his “Vanessa, without talking about for SMART. And from what she has in Belizean history, is appropriate. resignation. her private business, has been told me, she, back then, thought that trying to correct that for a very long SMART was paying the GST. She time. Because it seems like the way was not aware that she should have the GST was charging the GST, they paid. And so, when it was brought New River fish kills were charging the GST on the gross to our attention many years later, sales when the GST should only be that is where we are. So it is not spark concern again charged, as you know, on the amount going to be anything close to that,” of the value that you put on. And the said Hon. Briceño.

also call upon the community members reached out to the Department of to do their part. If you see anything, Environment (DOE) to run tests that you see any fish kills or you see may find a probable cause of the fish anybody dumping anything on the kills. According to the DOE, experts river, please report it to the local claim that fish kills are to a large extent authorities immediately so that caused by the rise in temperature at corrective actions can be taken.” different points of the river. While Friends of the New River claim that recognizing that temperature spikes are they are currently developing projects a key factor in the recent fish kills, the to install better monitoring and Eco-Hearts member who conducted management systems at the river. Mas the test asserted that this is not the sole stated, “I think it’s time to move from factor. She stated, “That is only one pen and paper to start actually doing factor. The different discharges of the activities on the ground. And so I’m drainages going in has also affected happy to see that we have very young this river. For years this problem has community members being involved, been continuing.” because this issue cannot be solved “We want to work with the by Dayne Guy Friends of the New River (FNR), said, by one generation. We have to work government, the businesses, the “We’re here signaling an early together with the future generations to different NGOs to try to find a long- Stakeholders in the Belize New warning that the fish kills have begun, ensure that we can have a river that term solution and actually do River area have called on authorities which could potentially lead to the we all enjoy.” something for the river, because for and community members to act to eutrophication of the river, reminding “The work of protecting the river many years nothing has been done and address the deplorable state of the us of that big stench that we had in is a continuous activity,” said Mas. we want to find a solution. Anyone New River. The ongoing climate in 2019. As such, we are here “We need to be vigilant even when who wants to collaborate, join with eutrophication of the New River has as FNR gardens to ensure that the the river is not smelling bad. For us, us to monitor the problem. We’re been a matter of public concern for authorities are aware of what is it is very important that we start the going to try to find what is causing all some years. happening and that they start activating recovery process for the New River,” this... I know we could work together In response to the recent surfacing the New River Task Force as early as he added. and have a long-term solution for the of large numbers of dead fish at the possible so that we can monitor what Following the expressions of river. And we can make a difference,” river, Julio Mas, representative of is occurring on the river. And also we concern, an ECO-Hearts member the ECO-Hearts representative said. Page 4 AMANDALABelize Tuesday, April 13, 2021 Police investigating 3 Belize City shootings

by Dayne Guy she was treated. She is now in a was riding a bicycle when a male police responded quickly, which led stable condition and has since been person approached him firing shots, to the detention of Ian Jenkins, and a BELIZE CITY, Sun. Apr. 11, 2021 released from the KHMH. which wounded him. firearm was found with him. The The long weekend for the Police On Sunday, April 11, 2021, the No later than 30 minutes after the police officer who responded Department began on Friday, April police responded to another shooting Thomas shooting incident, an on- reported that he came under threat 9, 2021, when they responded to a incident in Belize City. This incident duty police officer responded to a from the person who had the firearm shooting incident on Boots Crescent. transpired around 9:05 p.m. on the shooting incident on Logwood and he fired a shot which caught the At the scene of the crime, they found Central American Boulevard. Street. Upon arrival at the scene, the person on the finger. Bradley Jasmine Sanchez, 21, who was According to Senior police found a 19-year old, Denvoy remains at the KHMH in a critical suffering from an apparent gunshot Superintendent Hilberto Romero, Bradley, with gunshot wounds to the condition and Jenkins was released wound. during that shooting, Vanny Thomas body, and a hostile Ian Jenkins, from the KHMH,” stated Senior Reports say that Sanchez was in a had received gunshot injuries to the whom the officer shot on his finger Superintendent Romero. yard alongside her acquaintances, body. He was taken to the KHMH, while trying to apprehend him. Romero claims that both Bradley when unknown assailants where he is presently listed in a “Investigations reveal that and Jenkins are known to the police. approached the yard and fired critical condition and is undergoing Denvoy Bradley was in the area However, the police are still trying numerous shots in their general treatment, said Romero. when he was approached by a male to find out the circumstances that led direction. Sanchez, who was Police investigations have brought person who fired shots at him. The up to the shooting. wounded during the shooting, was no conclusive answers regarding the rushed to the Karl Heusner identity of the gunman, but what they Memorial Hospital (KHMH), where have so far found out is that Thomas 55 schools reopened

Continued from Page 1 protocols to ensure adherence to Accused rapists get bail „ physical distancing recommendations. their doors due to the Covid-19 Schools will have varied pandemic, and since then students have approaches. Schedules will differ, and been forced to learn virtually. During so will the groups of students who will that time, both teachers and parents have be returning to the classroom for shorter expressed their frustration with the periods of time. “All managements and challenges posed by distance learning administrations have been asked to be and highlighted the need for the return mindful of economic constraints and to to face-to-face lessons. not place unnecessary demands on Since the announcement on March students and their families. The 24 that schools would be reopening, Ministry of Education is working with 211 schools have applied to be a part the approved schools to put in place of the phased reopening process. On the requisite school bus runs and school Monday, the first fifty-five schools feeding programs so that, step by step, approved by the Ministry — out of the needs of all students can be sixty-five which submitted applications addressed as best as possible, “ the — will be reopening their doors to release states. students. And while the Ministry has fast- Schools are given approval for tracked the reopening of schools, the reopening only after being visited by a release reminds institutions that BELIZE CITY, Mon. Apr. 12, 2021 one count of attempted rape of a minor representative from their District reopening is only optional at this point. On Friday, April 9, Justice Herbert and Andrews (who is accused of Education Center. A total of 161 While the reopening of school just Lord granted bail to two men accused recording the incident) being slapped schools have applied to reopen on May months before the summer holiday may of the rape of a minor. They were with one additional count of sexual 10. seem to be an unnecessary expense, the arraigned on Tuesday and released assault. “Fifty-five of those schools have Ministry has stated that schools are from the Belize Central Prison just The men are expected back in court been visited by their district education encouraged to use the opportunity to days later. on June 12. They must sign in at the centers (DEC), who have verified the implement their learning continuity plan The accused, Tashane Williams police station three times a week and schools’ readiness for approval to be and access students before the new and Theodore Andrew, were granted refrain from communication with the granted to them. These verification school year. Supreme Court bail, after they were alleged victim. A 100-yard visits from the DECs are ongoing to Teachers are also encouraged to get both remanded on one count of rape, restraining order is in effect, in ensure that all schools are ready for vaccinated. The release from the with Willams being charged also with addition to other restrictions. the safe return of teachers and students. Education Ministry stated that the The remaining six schools in this first recommendations and measures being group will be returning in May for implemented are all being put in place various reasons,” a release from the to prepare for the official start of the San Ignacio family tied up Ministry of Education stated. new school year, the academic year and robbed by burglars Schools must ensure they put in place 2021-2022.

by Dayne Guy Ignacio, where they learnt that shortly before 9:30 p.m., whilst Mr. Lopez was SAN IGNACIO, , Sun. at home with his 4 children, they were Apr. 11, 2021 approached by 3 Hispanic males who A family of the Kontiki area of San were armed and wearing masks, who Ignacio is still in a shaken state entered his home…” According to following an aggravated burglary at Myvett, Lopez and his chicken were their home. Philip Ismael Lopez, 51, tied up, and the home was ransacked reported to the police that three armed before the burglars escaped. Hispanic men forcibly entered his The police are currently investigating family’s home and subdued them and the incident, and they advise the general made off with $1,200 in cash and a gray public to secure their homes and Toyota 4Runner with license number vehicles. ACP Myvett said, “In most SISE-07089. instances, during these aggravated Assistant Commissioner of Police burglaries happening in the west, those Joseph Myvett said, “On Saturday, homes are either not secured at the time sometime around 9:30 p.m., police the incidents are happening, or persons were called to the home of Ismael stepped outside of their homes to Lopez in the Kontiki area of San retrieve something from their vehicles.” Tuesday, April 13, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 5

The ninth inning for GOB vs Unions

The long-awaited budget speech by Prime Minister John government’s proposed 10% salary cut and wage freeze for Briceño on Friday, April 9, signaled the end of a month-long, 3 years. The persistent theme that we all must sacrifice for tense period of negotiations between GOB and the Joint the good of the nation in this unprecedented financial crisis, Unions (National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB), seems to accuse the unions of being selfish. Public Service Union (PSU), Belize National Teachers Union This is not the first crisis facing our nation, and the unions (BNTU), and Association of Public Service Senior Managers have been pivotal. There were the Heads of Agreement; (APSSM)), but it by no means signals the end of problems there was the period of unrest surrounding BTL’s facing the new PUP administration, despite its two recent management/ownership and other affairs; and most recently landslide victories at the polls, national and municipal. It the Belize National Teachers Union stood out for eleven days may have been the end of the beginning of another epic to insist that government, the UDP then, make some good clash of these major unions with the government, and it governance concessions, most strikingly the signing on to may also be the beginning of the end of whatever dreams the UNCAC, which they see as critical to solving our debt the ruling party may have held of possible back-to-back problems. national election wins. The problem of corruption has bedeviled consecutive The game is not over yet for the PUP, where the 2025 administrations, and Belizeans have generally come to the elections are concerned. The situation seems on the brink, conclusion that neither a UDP nor a PUP government can put but there are still a few pitches to be made, and a home run a dent in this culture of corruption, as long as the is always possible. Commissioner of Police answers to a Minister, who is a We are just getting into the first year of the new PUP member of the ruling party. With all the cries and accusations administration under PM John Briceño, and it may seem of corruption from either party when in Opposition, none quite premature to speculate that far ahead to 2025, but from their ranks have ever spent some time as guests of the the wise Belizean people have over the years shown a Kolbe Foundation in Burrell Boom. tendency to remember things, “lee breeze” talk The glaring proof of the impotence of our governance notwithstanding. They may seem resigned to a situation, structure in regard to political crimes or corruption has been but when the time comes to show their inner hurt and anger, on display on more than one occasion, most notably when we get landslide sweeps at the polls. a Commissioner of Police refused to abide by instructions It has happened to the blue and to the red at different of the Chief Justice to investigate and prosecute a sitting points in our young nation’s member of the House. history, and it can happen The reason that the John Briceño-led PUP government is again. Sure, with all of four facing a critical test, is because the unions have not yet years plus to accomplish a been convinced that government is “real” with them, in turnaround in the economy, regard to the sacrifices being asked of them. (estb. 1969) the PUP may gamble that, It is a matter of trust. One huge gesture that would Business and editorial offices: “like wahn lee breeze,” the engender a major leap in trust in the current administration 3304 Partridge Street, Belize bad memories will be would be a move to access the UNCAC, seen by the unions City, Belize, Central America forgotten. For some as perhaps the only way out of the current culture of is printed twice weekly by the individuals prone to bribery corruption. The last government, the UDP, promised to cut Amandala Press. and quick-fix handouts, such out corruption with a sharp machete, but instead embraced Telephones: 501-280-4703/ might often be the case; but this vice with a gusto never seen before. The teachers did 501-202-4477 the unions’ voting pool is force them to sign on to the UNCAC, but they dragged their large, and there will be three feet on its implementation. Publisher: years of painful reminders. The PUP, despite their campaign promise to implement the Editor-in-chief: Marco Lopez Many may be reluctant to UNCAC, have chosen to harp on the optics of “surrendering Business Manager: Jacinta Hyde make noise or show their our sovereignty” to outside agents. Interestingly, a recent Make-up & Design discontent, but the Belizean Guatemalan president, Jimmy Morales, when the heat on democracy is still alive, and himself and his associates was building, chose to “kick out” Artist: Andrea Dennison their day will surely come. It the UNCAC representative from his country. He saw what Executive Secretary: Odessa would therefore be prudent had happened to his predecessor, who was sentenced to a Robinson Smith for Prime Minister John few years in prison on corruption charges. So, a lot of excuses Compositor: Tyra Welch Briceño to consider very have been given. Lithography: Clive Smith carefully his next “at bat” On the matter of the 10% salary cut and increment freeze, Printers: Kent Brooks with the unions, for that may voices in the unions have indicated that if push comes to determine the measure of shove, if it is absolutely needed, they would be prepared to smooth sailing for the rest of “bite the bullet” and suffer the consequences of such a painful Please email Correspondence: [email protected] his administration, and could loss of earnings, for the love of Belize. But they are not seal his party’s fate, as night convinced of government’s sincerity, and they have raised a Advertisements to: follows day, in the next number of points to show that government is not serious, [email protected] general elections. including the fact that ministers and CEOs are still maintaining The unions are not stupid half their luxury allowances and only cutting their massive Mailing Address: people, and they are not salaries by 15%. Amandala Press grossly selfish. That is the We are all in this together, and everybody must “pull his 3304 Partridge Street impression the PUP would weight” if we are to survive as a nation. Nobody is asking the c/o P.O. Box 15, seem to want the Belizean ministers to give up all their salary, but they will have to Belize City, Belize people to have of the unions, consider what measure of cut will fit the bill required to inspire who seem intransigent in the support and trust of the unions. And that is not hard for Amandala’s website: their refusal to accept them to find out. That’s what negotiations are for. amandala.com.bz Page 6 AMANDALABelize Tuesday, April 13, 2021 The British acts of genocide against the Garinagu

granted, some of our people migrated to Trujillo, the then capital of , and from there they established about fifty villages in the country of Honduras on the coast. In 1801 another group of numbering about 165 people, migrated to , now known as Belize, and landed in the city of Belize in an area known as “Yabra” on the south side. They did not like the water they landed in this part of the world in independent in 1821. During these drank in the lagoon and moved 1492, as a result of the Treaty of uprisings many Garifuna people southwards to Gales Point, Manatee; Tordesillas signed between Spain were involved in the conflicts and Mullins River; and then Dangriga, and Portugal and mediated by the they were targeted for death by the by Wellington C. Ramos where they settled after tasting the Catholic Pope Alexander the V1 in infighting factions. water in the North Stann Creek River 1494. The territories in the East of The largest migration of Garifuna Two dates that will never be and liked the taste of it. the line that was drawn, were given people from Honduras took place in forgotten by our Garifuna people, From Dangriga they established to Portugal, mostly in the continent 1832 to Belize. This was after some especially those living in the other settlements, such as of Africa. Brazil was the only Garifuna men, women and children countries of Honduras, , Youngtown, Hopkins, Seine Bight, portion of land that was in the were killed by some Honduran , Belize and the United Punta Negra, Monkey River and and the Americas, that Nationalists in the village of San States, are March 11, 1797 and Barranco. Georgetown was then was given to Portugal. England, Juan, Honduras. April 12, 1797. On March 11, 1797, established after Hurricane Hattie France and Holland were opposed More than 300 Garifuna people the British unlawfully removed devastated Belize in 1961. At the to this treaty and declared war were brought to Dangriga by their about 3,000 of our people in eleven time of their landing in the southern against Spain for the territories. leaders, Elejio Beni and Satulle. naval ships from our nation state part of what is now Belize, that part When Spain established their From Dangriga they migrated to the “Yurumein”, now known as Saint of the country had belonged to Spain. colonial rule in this region, they other villages to join their relatives Vincent & The , to the It was later ceded to Great Britain committed genocide against the who migrated earlier in 1801. Some island of Roatan, Honduras, where by Guatemala in a treaty they signed indigenous people by killing them also migrated to a village of we were dumped like animals on together in 1859 and taking away all their lands. Guatemala by the name of “Labuga” April the 12th 1797 to suffer and die. After the Garifuna people landed Those who survived were made Livingston. In all these countries Our people were dissatisfied with in Central America, there were wars slaves, but they could not endure the where the Garifuna people live, they the living conditions on the island taking place between the Spanish hardships of slavery and they are looked upon as strangers, despite of Roatan and asked the British that and the British over the territories decided to end Indian slavery on the the fact that they are native-born we be granted permission to live in the region. These territories were recommendation of Bishop citizens. They are being elsewhere. After the permission was given to Spain after Columbus Bartholomew De Las Casas, who discriminated against by the was stationed in Hispaniola, now authorities and the citizens that were known as the Dominican Republic. living in these countries before they African slavery then replaced Indian arrived. This tension has led to slavery, but not too many of them ongoing human rights violations Vacancy - Inventory Clerk were brought to some of the Central since their arrival. American countries like Honduras, The Garifuna people still speak Guatemala and El Salvador by the to their children, grandchildren and Spanish. great grandchildren about their • Role: To assist the inventory department Garifuna people migrated to the homeland: “Yurumein,” now known other countries of Nicaragua, as & The Grenadines. with inputting data and generating Guatemala and Belize because of the The Garifuna people’s hope is to do uprisings in Honduras and human their best to reconnect with their monthly reports based on documentation rights violations after they became families that remained in their homeland and those that were and findings. scattered to different countries by the British during the time they were • Knowledge and Skills: Advanced removed and to pay respect to their Computer Knowledge, Advanced loved ones who were tortured, killed and buried on the island of Knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Outlook, & Baliceaux. In the entire months of March and Word, Detail Oriented, Team player April, our Garifuna people traditionally take the time to grapple • Language Preferred: Bilingual in English/ with the season of Lent and to VACANCY contemplate the sufferings that their Spanish people endured during those difficult VACANCY: A vacancy exists for times on the island of Baliceaux, • Education: Associates Degree or high a Country Director, applicants must Saint Vincent, and their travel to the school with at least 2-3 years working possess a Master’s or Bachelor’s island of Roatan, Honduras. Just degree in Business Administration, be thinking about the journey is painful experience in inventory bilingual, possess a clean police for our Garifuna people, and I have record, and must be 40 years or older. witnessed many Garifuna shed tears For further information contact us at when talking about this genocidal 223-1931. experience. The Garifuna Nation, all Send application letter, resume, 2 its organizations and people, are united in their quest to seek references and copy of police report to NOTICE reparations for this genocide that was committed against their people [email protected] by April 16, NOTICE: Boat Registration was for no justifiable reason. lost. Name of Owner - The 2021. Shortlisted candidates will be Moorings. Registration Number - contacted for an interview. SC0201; overall length - 28ft.; color Visit us at scheme - Blue and White; no engines. www.amandala.com.bz Name of Boat: TENDER TWO Tuesday, April 13, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 7 You’ll have to go left, PM

by Colin Hyde They did us a service by walking out, I think I know why Batistas escaped to Florida. and for a good while they should stay Lastly on the profile, to complete Well, John B, over these next five out, and during that time that they are Chebat is a bad one the goods on him, we look at his first years you will be the father of a out they should be made to view name, to see if there might be any nation that even prior to Covid-19 weekly regurgitations of the many If we want to get to the bottom of unhappiness there. Ah, Michel, this was in desperate shape, and it won’t ways Barrow and Finnegan totally why a brother is bad, the first thing name is both female and male, except take long for the people to know if disrespected our House of is to go to his past. Me, I believe in for the spelling. Don’t underestimate you love this Belize as much as Fidel Representatives. But people who are profiling. Life is simple. If you belong a first name…the boy named Sue loved Cuba. enamored with theater thought it quite to a church, I trust you, and if you are actually whipped his pop because of Oh how desperately our little exciting. a devil atheist, I don’t. I say, begin that, remember. country needed to end corruption, and We must have an opposition; what from the beginning. No stone must be “Michel” also has famous history, poor wealth creation and distribution, we need right now is a real shadow left unturned if we really feel he is a a translation of the name of the great but your predecessor, when he Cabinet, and I nominate Patrick bad sort, and we do, so let’s get on archangel Michael, but that, which inherited the legacy, it was mostly Rogers, Mose Hyde, Paul Morgan, with the pedigree. should be positive to his account, about him, his ego, not us. He enlisted Hubert Enriquez, Bobby Lopez, Aria First we’ll look to the Zodiac, and unfortunately is negated by this Lord his family to fight cases in court Lightfoot, Audrey Matura, Wil I don’t mean that sham month-by- that took advantage of our gullible which he knew, must have known, our Maheia, and Nefretery Marin, fu start. month thing, not so ataal. Do you know leaders. However, however, his first country could not win. PM, our country has a wide open why all Belizean children are autistic name does end up slightly on the plus He gave fodder to Belizeans who vacancy for a father of the nation and rude? Simple, it’s the period we side, because it is the name of the don’t understand this country’s fight who wants to continue the live in. Ever since the army of ten great French footballer, Michel against colonialism when he put his unfinished revolution, and you have thousand invaded, yes, that army that Platini, and, clap your hands before boy in charge of BTL. You yourself five years to do it. Everything about George Price was trying to keep out you and bow: it is the name of the might need to check up on our history, your past says right wing, ah, but and Said Musa warned about, we gone world’s most fabulous banana, the what the fight was all about when we everything about our present time down the creek. Gros Michel. Would that Panama embarked on the journey to says go left, go left if you love Looking at the Zodiac, the brother disease disappear from the earth! independence. It was not because we Belize and treasure the opportunity was born in 1969. Need I say more? There, we’ve got our profile. 1969 were looking for any foreigners to the people have given you. Look, everybody in Belize that year and the Che are clearly on the bad come and save us. They were to be Maybe if there was no pandemic was radical, including the Chebat (radical) side, and the Michel is a minority partners, not become gods the people might have been game for baby. Yes, I know you see the slight positive. I’m sorry, Johnny, but here. another try at laissez faire, but this alignment of the stars here. the math is damning…it’s your party History will say that Barrow chose stiff wind in our face won’t allow Next we go to the apellido. The so you’ll have to rein him in. his unlikely faamli dem. If he was it. Naa, I’m not worried about the Wiki says Jewish, and then we draw thinking about Belize when he budget, that it mightn’t be sufficiently a blank, but through experience, thank Maybe he isn’t measured his two leaders, Faber and people over things. I hope to read it gudnis, I know how to fill in the Saldivar, and decided that Pere was this week, and if he went too far spaces. that bad a better talent to lead, why, then, did right noh fret, he can always tear up Open your eyes and look at the Our new Minister of Health and he try to squeeze Pere in Port Loyola parts of it, because it’s just paper. “Che” before the “bat”. You do know Wellness, Michel Chebat, has when he had those two safe seats in Braa, you inherited a bad hand, a about the great Che! He saw what earned himself an A plus for his Mesopotamia and Queen’s Square? far tougher hand than the original they did to Jacobo Arbenz in ministry’s handling of the pandemic This UDP coddled corruption and father of the nation or any of our Guatemala, how his revolution was thus far, and in the world of rudeness, and history will say they other fathers of the nation faced. overrun by the capitalists because he important things there isn’t anything were routed and they did no penance, Things are terrible on the financial was a kind brother, so when Fidel that compares at this time, but he’s they never wore sackcloth. I told you, front, troubles are all around, and it got control of Cuba, after he was earned a lot of Mr. Unlikeable points in the nicest way I could put it, that really looks like when it rains it denied access to the democratic for his ministry shifting the portfolio there’s something very wrong with pours bikaaz gudnis grayshos, on top process by Dictator Batista, he and of the very popular Dr. Manzanero this UDP configuration in the House. of that you have to rein in Chebat. Che played very rough ball until the and pushing around some other senior public officers, and some Questionable Integrity points for using limited foreign exchange to purchase six vehicles. In the Mr. Unlikeable department, hmm, I knew a brother named Cunil, a former quarantine officer, who fell out of favor with some lee minister and he got brushed from to Independence to Jalacte. Seriously, the story I yer is that moving certain public officers around is standard procedure, and it is done to keep the system healthy. As for moving Dr. Manza, I still don’t know what’s the beef there. Chebat came, he saw, he chose someone else. Maybe in normal times he wouldn’t have had license to do that, but in pandemic times nothing is set in stone. As for the Questionable Integrity, on the surface this looks like standard pre-Covid capitalist pig (See Animal Farm) behavior. I really don’t know the full disclosure here, so I’ll just comment that this brother has been great in handling the pandemic, and for once we should have leaders who don’t bring their baggage with them. Page 8 AMANDALABelize Tuesday, April 13, 2021 La novena entrada para el gobierno vs. los sindicatos

El tan esperado discurso sobre el presupuesto del que el gobierno, el UDP en ese momento, hiciera Primer Ministro John Briceño el viernes 9 de abril marcó algunas concesiones de buen gobierno, más el final de un tenso período de un mes de negociaciones notablemente la firma de la CNUCC, que consideran entre el Gobierno de Belize y los Sindicatos Conjuntos fundamental para resolver nuestros problemas de (Congreso Nacional de Sindicatos de Belize (NTUCB en deuda. inglés), Sindicato de Servidores Públicos ( PSU en El problema de la corrupción ha atormentado a inglés), Sindicato Nacional de Maestros de Belize (BNTU administraciones consecutivas, y los beliceños en inglés) y la Associacion de Altos Funcionarios de la generalmente han llegado a la conclusión de que ni Administración Pública (APSSM en inglés)), pero de un gobierno UDP ni PUP pueden hacer mella en esta ninguna manera señala el fin de los problemas que cultura de corrupción, siempre y cuando el enfrenta la nueva administración PUP, a pesar de sus Comisionado de Policía responda a un ministro, que dos recientes victorias aplastantes, nacionales y sea miembro del partido gobernante. Con todos los municipales en las urnas. Puede haber sido el final del gritos y acusaciones de corrupción de cualquiera de comienzo de otro choque épico de estos grandes los partidos en la Oposición, ninguno de sus filas ha sindicatos con el gobierno, y también puede haber sido pasado algún tiempo como invitado de la Fundación el comienzo del fin de cualquier sueño que el partido Kolbe en Burrell Boom. gobernante pudiera haber tenido de posibles victorias La prueba evidente de la impotencia de nuestra consecutivas en elecciones nacionales. estructura de gobierno con respecto a los delitos El juego aún no ha terminado para el PUP, en lo que políticos o la corrupción se ha mostrado en más de respecta a las elecciones de 2025. La situación parece una ocasión, sobre todo cuando un Comisionado de al borde, pero aún quedan algunos lanzamientos por Policía se negó a acatar las instrucciones del Presidente hacer, y un jonrón siempre es posible. del Tribunal Supremo de investigar y enjuiciar a un Apenas estamos entrando en el primer año de la nueva miembro en funciones de la Cámara. administración del PUP bajo el Primer Ministro John La razón por la que el gobierno del PUP liderado por Briceño, y puede parecer bastante prematuro especular John Briceño se enfrenta a una prueba crítica, es tan lejos como el 2025, pero el sabio pueblo beliceño ha porque los sindicatos aún no están convencidos de mostrado a lo largo de los años una tendencia a recordar que el gobierno es “real” con ellos, en lo que respecta cosas, a pesar de lo que se hable de “pequeña brisa”. a los sacrificios que se les piden. Puede que parezcan resignados a una situación, pero Es cuestión de confianza. Un gran gesto que generaría cuando llega el momento de mostrar su dolor y enojo un gran salto de confianza en la actual administración interno, obtenemos victorias abrumadores en las urnas. sería acceder a la CNUCC, vista por los sindicatos como Le ha sucedido al azul y al rojo en diferentes quizás la única salida a la actual cultura de corrupción. momentos de la historia de nuestra joven nación, y El último gobierno, el UDP, prometió cortar la puede volver a suceder. Claro, con más de cuatro años corrupción con un machete afilado, pero en cambio para lograr un cambio radical en la economía, el PUP abrazó este vicio con un gusto nunca antes visto. Los puede apostar que, “como una pequeña brisa”, los maestros los obligaron a adherirse a la CNUCC, pero malos recuerdos serán olvidados. Para algunas se demoraron en su implementación. personas propensas al soborno y a los donativos de El PUP, a pesar de su promesa de campaña de solución rápida, este suele ser el caso; pero el número implementar la CNUCC, ha optado por insistir en la de votantes de los sindicatos es grande y habrá tres óptica de “entregar nuestra soberanía” a agentes años de dolorosos recordatorios. externos. Curiosamente, un reciente presidente Muchos pueden ser reacios a hacer ruido o mostrar guatemalteco, Jimmy Morales, cuando la presión sobre su descontento, pero la democracia de Belize sigue él y sus asociados estaba aumentando, decidió “echar” viva y seguramente llegará su día. Por lo tanto, sería al representante de la CNUCC de su país. Vio lo que le prudente que el Primer Ministro John Briceño había pasado a su predecesor, quien fue condenado considerara muy cuidadosamente su próximo “turno a algunos años de prisión por cargos de corrupción. al bate” con los sindicatos, ya que eso puede determinar Por lo tanto, se han dado muchas excusas. la medida de la navegación tranquila para el resto de Sobre el tema del recorte salarial del 10% y la su administración y podría sellar el destino de su congelación de incrementos, voces en los sindicatos partido, como la noche sigue al día, en las próximas han indicado que si llega un momento de presión, si elecciones generales. es absolutamente necesario, estarían dispuestos a Los sindicatos no son gente estúpida y no son “morder la bala” y sufrir las consecuencias de una groseramente egoístas. Esa es la impresión que el PUP pérdida tan dolorosa de sus ganancias, por el amor parecería querer que el pueblo beliceño tenga de los de Belize. Pero no están convencidos de la sinceridad sindicatos, que parecen intransigentes en su negativa del gobierno y han planteado una serie de puntos a aceptar el recorte salarial del 10% propuesto por el para mostrar que el gobierno no es serio, incluido el gobierno y la congelación salarial durante 3 años. El hecho de que los ministros y directores ejecutivos tema persistente de que todos debemos sacrificar para todavía mantienen la mitad de sus asignaciones de el bien de la nación en esta crisis financiera sin lujo y solo reducen sus enormes salarios en un 15%. precedentes, parece acusar a los sindicatos de ser Todos estamos juntos en esto, y todos debemos egoístas. “hacer todo lo posible” si queremos sobrevivir como Esta no es la primera crisis que enfrenta nuestra nación. Nadie está pidiendo a los ministros que nación, y los sindicatos han sido fundamentales. Hubo renuncien a todo su salario, pero tendrán que el Preámbulo de Acuerdo; hubo un período de malestar considerar qué medida de recorte se ajustará a lo en torno a la gestión/propiedad de BTL y otros asuntos; deseado para inspirar el apoyo y la confianza de los y más recientemente, el Sindicato Nacional de Maestros sindicatos. Y eso no es difícil para ellos descubrirlo. de Belize se destacó durante once días para insistir en Para eso están las negociaciones. Tuesday, April 13, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 9

One problem in the United States kind of way. “Apocalypse Now” is also a Vietnam entered the last year of “Advanced in the middle 1960s was that white My sense was, when I would visit War-inspired movie, but I haven’t Level” studies in September of 1964. college students had a very good idea Brooklyn on breaks from college in seen it myself. A new student had joined our class, of what was going on in Vietnam (and New Hampshire between 1965 and Vietnam was probably the place out of the blue. He had been previously later Laos and Cambodia), and they 1968, that the average Belizean youth where the United States and educated in , in an education were generally determined to avoid man did not really know what was Communist China fought their first system which was superior to ours. the military draft in any way they going on in ‘Nam. I have friends who surrogate war against each other, the He was the son of a Jamaican who could. tell me that our young men didn’t care U.S. supporting the South Vietnamese worked in the civil service of British The American military draft was what the reality was in Vietnam: they and the Chinese supporting the Viet Honduras and was married to a abolished in 1976 or so, but previous were that desperate to stay in America, Cong/North Vietnamese. (Thinking Belizean lady from a high ranking to that all able-bodied American males qualify for their documents and benefit about it, it is quite likely the case that family which was close to the had to register for the draft once they from the Bill for G.I. Rights. the Korean War, which began in 1950, leadership of the ruling People’s reached the age of 18. My personal opinion at the time was was the first such surrogate war United Party (PUP). What was going on in Vietnam was that I would rather go home than go to between the Americans and the This young man would win the 1965 that the war between the Americans fight in Vietnam. It was because of my Chinese. But I am no expert in these British Honduras Open Scholarship and their South Vietnamese allies difference of opinion with the majority matters.) The Vietnam War began to for our class, and then go on to become against the Viet Cong infiltrating from of Belizean young men in New York escalate big time in 1965, for sure. a Rhodes Scholar. So the evidence is communist North Vietnam began to that I realized that I must have had a Vietnam had been a French colony, that he was gifted and trained. escalate rapidly under U.S. President class advantage of some sort. Why but the North Vietnamese army, led by When the American Consulate here Lyndon Baines Johnson in 1965. The would Belize seem like my option the brilliant General Giap, had offered their first scholarship ever to American Pentagon needed bodies, between 1965 and 1968 when almost defeated the French in 1954 in the Belizeans in late 1964/early 1965, I especially for the ground war in the everybody else from my Belizean historic Battle of Dien Bien Phu. The became one of five finalists, and ended Vietnamese rice paddies. generation was willing to go to Western powers, featuring the United up being awarded the scholarship. I Muhammad Ali was stripped of his Vietnam? States, sought to prevent the did not know if I would have won the world heavyweight title in 1967 For those of you younger Belizeans unification of Vietnam under the North Open Scholarship competing against because he refused to register for the who would like to get an idea of what Vietnamese leadership of Ho Chi the Jamaican-trained student. That is draft. Ali well knew that if you were the Vietnam War was like, I can Minh. The American military felt that why I say I was very grateful to the not actually killed or disabled in recommend a couple movies, because if Ho Chi Minh unified Vietnam, then American government, and glad to get Vietnam, you would end up hooked I have seen them both - “Full Metal other Southeast Asian countries like out of Belize and go to the United on drugs or mentally crippled in some Jacket” and “Forrest Gump”. I believe Laos and Cambodia would also fall States. to communism. This was the so-called There were very intelligent “domino theory.” Belizeans from my generation who For many years previous to 1965, could not get a scholarship, and there had been American “military decided to take the Vietnam option. advisers” supporting the South One of them was the late Gerald Vietnamese military in different ways, Patten. He was a classmate at Wesley but, to repeat, an American escalation College of my brother-in-law, Jeff in involvement in Vietnam took Scott. In a conversation a year or two place in 1965, and the Vietnam War ago, Gerald’s name came up, and I told became an American war. Jeff that I had met Gerald briefly In September of 1965, I was a young during the primary schools quiz Belizean student beginning school at competition around 1958 or so. I was a prestigious American university in representing Holy Redeemer Boys New Hampshire. In effect, though I did School and Gerald was representing not know it at the time, I was an Wesley Primary. American asset. I had been given a I dedicate this column to the scholarship by the American State memory of Gerald Patten, and to all Department. those brave Belizean young men who I was very grateful for the participated in the living hell that was scholarship, because of a the Vietnam War. Their stories need development which had taken place to be told. at the new, expanded St. John’s College Sixth Form as we students Power to the people.

Notice is hereby given that Sartolano Limited

—is in dissolution on 24th day of February, 2021 and Stacy Gladys Eli is the Liquidator of the company”

Notice is hereby given that Osterius Enterprises Ltd.

-is in dissolution on 17th day of February, 2021 and Charles Andriamaro is the Liquidator of the company”

Notice is hereby given that Axilet Management Ltd.

-is in dissolution on 5th day of February, 2021 and Michalakis Tsitsekkos is the Liquidator of the company”

Notice is hereby given that AGROFARM UA LIMITED

- is in dissolution on 9th day of February, 2021" Page 10 AMANDALABelize Tuesday, April 13, 2021

The Belize National Team will play Knicks will finally make the playoffs, the Nicaragua in 2 months’ time in June, that 2 New York teams are playing very well. will be their last World Cup Qualifier game The team that plays the better defense for 2022 in will prevail as the champion. In the West, “Press” Predictions: 19-38-48 Qatar. the Utah Jazz and the Phoenix Suns are Boledo stats thru 13th to 20 April Deshawn on top of 2021 Nembhard the West at In boledo news, 31 played some 8 scored one 38-13 and times last year. These are my lucky of the 5 36-15 numbers for this week: 19-38-48-02-51- goals respectively. by Gilroy “Press” Cadogan 99. These are my lucky PICK-3 numbers: against The LA 101-463-725-808-969. These are my lucky Turks & Lakers are jackpot numbers: 7964-2870-6511. There Caicos. struggling and was very interesting because both are 10 numbers out over 1 year and more: Coach Dale very badly teams have the same amount of points 02-17-27-32-47-59-68-70-79-85. You all Pelayo, Sr. because of now at 66, Atletico Madrid has a 2-point can form some nice jackpots out of those says his their injuries lead on the 2 of them at 68 points. Lionel 10 hard numbers, good luck to all buyers. team will to LeBron Messi still leads with 23 goals, Luis 59 is still out since the 30th of May 2019, definitely edge out Nicaragua 2 to nil; that James and Anthony Davis, but they will Suarez has 19 goals, Gerard Moreno has that’s over 1 year 10 months 1 week and game might be played in Belize at the FFB make the playoffs. The Denver Nuggets 20 goals, then Kareem Benzema with 18 6 days now. 02 joined the crowd on the stadium. Jessy Smith needs to start in that and the L.A Clippers will give a lot of goals. Those 4 players are fighting for 26th of March. 47 is still out since the 30th game, Deon McCaulay has to start in the trouble in the post season. Devin Booker the pichiti. In the UEFA Champions of December 2019. 85 is still out since midfield with Jordi Polanco and Nana and Chris Paul have the Suns in the League games results, PSG shocked the October 2019, that’s over 1 year 5 Mensah. The same set of defensive second spot in the West, Demarcus defending champs Bayern Munich 3 months and 2 weeks now. 68 is still out players needs to start again against Cousins got a 10-day contract with the goals to 2, then Real Madrid beat over 1 year 4 months 3 weeks exact. 70 Nicaragua; next week more stats. Clippers; next week more stats. Liverpool 3 to 1. Then Chelsea beat & 79 also out over 1 year 2 months 3 Porto 2 nil, weeks now. Remember to read your and Psalms: 72-91-63; next week more stats. Manchester City beat Borussia Real Madrid edged FC Barcelona Dortmund 2 3 teams fighting for the number I 2 to 1 in the El Clasico to 1. There seed position, International football results are 8 teams The new season will get started in NBA results and predictions In International football action, in the left in the 6 weeks In NBA action, in the East there are 3 La Liga El Clasico, Real Madrid edged UEFA Local football updates teams fighting for the number I seed, the FC Barcelona 2 to 1, Kareem Benzema League; In local football updates, the new Brooklyn Nets, the Philadelphia 76ers and and Toni Kroos both scored for FC next week season will get started in 6 weeks’ time. the Milwaukee Bucks. The New York Barcelona. The game was very exciting more stats.

Un problema en los Estados Unidos quedaba discapacitado en Vietnam, guerra de Vietnam, les puedo sintió que si Ho Chi Minh unificaba a mediados de la década de 1960 era terminaría enganchado a las drogas o recomendar un par de películas, Vietnam, otros países del sudeste que los estudiantes universitarios lisiado mentalmente de alguna manera. porque las he visto a las dos: “Full asiático como Laos y Camboya blancos tenían una muy buena idea de Cuando visitaba Brooklyn durante Metal Jacket” y “Forrest Gump”. Creo también caerían en el comunismo. Esta lo que estaba sucediendo en Vietnam los descansos de la universidad en que “Apocalypse Now” también es fue la llamada “teoría del dominó”. (y más tarde en Laos y Camboya) y, New Hampshire entre 1965 y 1968, una película inspirada en la guerra de Durante muchos años antes de 1965, en general, estaban decididos a evitar tenía yo la sensación de que el joven Vietnam, pero yo no la he visto. hubo “asesores militares” el reclutamiento militar de cualquier beliceño corriente no sabía realmente Vietnam fue probablemente el lugar estadounidenses que apoyaron al forma que pudieran. lo que estaba pasando en Nam. Tengo donde Estados Unidos y la China ejército de Vietnam del Sur de El reclutamiento militar amigos que me dicen que a nuestros comunista pelearon su primera guerra diferentes maneras, pero, para repetir, estadounidense fue abolido en 1976 jóvenes no les importaba cuál era la sustituta entre sí, Estados Unidos una escalada estadounidense en la más o menos, pero antes de eso, todos realidad en Vietnam: estaban tan apoyando a los vietnamitas del sur y participación en Vietnam tuvo lugar los hombres estadounidenses sanos desesperados por quedarse en los chinos apoyando al vietcong/los en 1965, y la guerra de Vietnam se tenían que registrarse para el Estados Unidos, calificar para sus vietnamitas del norte. (Pensándolo convirtió en una guerra reclutamiento una vez que cumplían documentos y beneficiarse del bien, es muy probable que la Guerra estadounidense. los 18 años. Proyecto de Ley para los soldados de Corea, que comenzó en 1950, fuera En septiembre de 1965, yo era un Lo que estaba sucediendo en estadounidenses que combatían en la la primera guerra sustituta de este tipo joven estudiante beliceño que Vietnam era que la guerra entre los Segunda Guerra Mundial. entre los estadounidenses y los chinos. comenzaba la escuela en una estadounidenses y sus aliados de Mi opinión personal en ese momento Pero yo no soy un experto en estos prestigiosa universidad Vietnam del Sur contra el Viet Cong era que prefería irme a casa que ir a asuntos). La Guerra de Vietnam estadounidense en New Hampshire. que se infiltraba desde el Vietnam del pelear en Vietnam. Fue debido a mi comenzó a escalar en grande en 1965, En efecto, aunque no lo sabía en ese Norte comunista comenzó a escalar diferencia de opinión con la mayoría ciertamente. momento, yo era un activo rápidamente bajo el presidente de de los jóvenes beliceños en Nueva Vietnam había sido una colonia estadounidense. El Departamento de Estados Unidos Lyndon Baines York que me di cuenta de que debía francesa, pero el ejército Estado de Estados Unidos me había Johnson en 1965. El Pentágono haber tenido una ventaja de clase de norvietnamita, dirigido por el brillante concedido una beca. estadounidense necesitaba cuerpos, algún tipo. ¿Por qué Belize parecería general Giap, había derrotado a los Estaba muy agradecido por la beca, especialmente para la guerra en el mi opción entre 1965 y 1968 cuando franceses en 1954 en la histórica debido a un desarrollo que había campo en los arrozales vietnamitas. casi todos los demás de mi generación batalla de Dien Bien Phu. Las tenido lugar en la nueva y ampliada Muhammad Ali fue despojado de beliceña estaban dispuestos a ir a potencias occidentales, con Estados Sexta Forma del Colegio San Juan su título mundial de peso pesado en Vietnam? Unidos, intentaron evitar la cuando los estudiantes ingresamos al 1967 porque se negó a registrarse Para aquellos de ustedes, los unificación de Vietnam bajo el último año de estudios de “Nivel para el llamamiento a filas. Ali sabía beliceños más jóvenes, a quienes les liderazgo norvietnamita de Ho Chi muy bien que si no lo mataban o gustaría tener una idea de cómo fue la Minh. El ejército estadounidense Vea página „ 12 Tuesday, April 13, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 11

BY ORDER OFTHE SUPREME Talk About BAD FAITH... COURT OF BELIZE LICENSE When the joint unions tried to AUCTIONEER NOEL J. CODD will sell counter-propose something less th burdensome and strenuous on the the following on Friday16 April, 2021 at teachers and public servants, it fell 8:30a.m. At Carmelita Village, Orange on parched land. Why? Because it was either the 10% cut coupled with Walk District at Noel J. Codd office. the increment freeze or nothing at all. And to further clarify the point, if it was a negotiation in good faith, then that budget would not have been The following equipment’s: presented on Friday with those cuts already annotated. 1 Four wheel drive ford tractor 4610 It further gives credence to the fact that the government came to the table 1 Four wheel drive ford tractor 4610 with bucket with their minds made up; they were resolute and merely entertained a 1 Ford tractor 7700 series phony negotiation to appear as if it was in good will and kindred spirits 1 Trailer Dump of camaraderie. But, truth be told, On Friday, April 9, all ears were that was not the case, and with the glued to the radio and all eyes were presentation of that budget on Friday, 2 Marchesan Planters fixed upon Belmopan! That is it leaves absolutely no doubt that the because the Budget for the fiscal year government acted in bad faith! 1 Industrial Rake 2021-2022 was being presented. No Oh, The Disrespect! doubt, history was made at this year’s While on the matter of the budget budget presentation. In total, the presentation, once again (our elected presentation ran about eighty minutes members) did not fail to put on thereabouts, and for the first time in public display how very insolent and history, it was presented in a fancy disrespectful they are towards each manner, with the assistance of a other and the honorable House! I teleprompter. Talk about moving on swear, it was a spectacle to behold, up... But guess what? The budget, in and it was an outright shame and all its guts and its glory, was empty disgrace to watch and listen to! We and contained very little substance... often encourage our children to look And you know what it contained a t’wards the hill and encourage them lot of? Austerity and cuts! to be like our leaders, but my golly But just before we talk about the goodness! Is that the type of austerity budget, as I call it, let’s talk behavior we want our children to about bad faith! I, much like the rest watch and advise them to seek to of the country, was rather appalled follow? and flabbergasted at the stunt that the It is so saddening and government pulled. Despite the fact disheartening to see the onslaught of that they were engaged in ongoing disrespect and sheer disregard for negotiations with the joint unions civility and decency in the honorable regarding the proposed salary cut House of Representatives! I cringe and increment freeze, they moved to at the insulting words uttered across present the budget and included the the floor and especially in a time cuts in the budget. That is acting in like this when we need all hands to absolute bad faith! the wheel, and we can’t even sit like Then, to further compound this civilized beings to prepare a decent volatile situation and then provoke recovery plan for the country. I say, an open wound by afflicting sodium it is an outright shame and disgrace to it, a most dubious ad is being run for our elected leaders to be carrying that mars teachers and public on in such a petty and egregious servants and paints a rather manner. When you look at the grotesque picture of a people who, happenings in the House, it begs one by and large, worked arduously to to wonder if we can even put trust keep this country going. To be in the people who are supposed to engaged in ongoing negotiations and LEAD us and ultimately steer this because the scales aren’t tipping in ship towards security and stability. your favor shouldn’t allow you to All in all, the budget has been read seek to repudiate the other party in and presented, and the biggest a botched quest to garner support takeaway from it is cuts and from the public. That is cowardice, austerity! And despite all their callousness and acting in sheer bad fervent best efforts to negotiate a faith! better deal for their members, the Then, I wonder if the public is government struck at goal while the aware that these negotiations were joint unions were still gearing up! very much lopsided and etched in So, as it stands, the government — stone long before the negotiations 1, and the Unions — 0. After the License Auctioneer: Noel J. Codd even began. Why do I say this? Well, government acted in such bad faith, simply put, negotiations, in layman’s it is now left to see if the unions will Carmelita Village, terms, are a discussion to arrive at forfeit the match or will strategize a middle ground that will be their defense in an effort to launch pleasing to both parties involved. an offense. Like all else, time will Office: 677-5184 or Cell: 624-5184 The joint unions were not offered tell and, as old pippl always seh: any other option except for that time longa dan rope. Email: [email protected] dogged 10% cut compounded by an Keep your eyes open. increment freeze to run concurrently for a protracted period of 3 long Unchained Reflections Of A years. Liberal Pragmatist. Page 12 AMANDALABelize Tuesday, April 13, 2021 Grow the economy

For the last 28 years, I have been living in the country of Belize, with my permanent address at Finca Solana, . From here I can look outside and see, as a fact, that in the land of the blind the one-eyed man is king. I can also see that there is a belief that those who have more money have the highest intelligence quotient (I Q). The only problem that this class of people have is that they are incapable of hearing and looking below their Pinocchio nose. Had they looked below their nostrils and listened to “the little to its capacity. people down there,” they would have Wondering persons asked: “Is that heard the voices saying: “Grow the how the Belizean system game is economy by tight budget spending played?” The former president of rather than letting greedy politicians Uruguay, José Alberto “Pepe” take advantage of the citizens.” Mujica Cordero, took a cut of 90% On the other hand, Belize needs of his monthly salary for charities that justice, not charity. According to the benefited poor people and small government of the day, the former entrepreneurs. In addition, he administration committed all kinds of decriminalized marijuana. In Belize, corruption. In such a case, for them it would be the end of putting black to make such accusations it means to boys in jail, plus it would take down say that they have tangible evidence. street crime, except for the So, “we, the little people down there” untouchable white-collar criminals. are confused, because we do not While Andres Manuel Lopez understand the reason why those Obrador was candidate for Mexico’s criminals have not been detained and presidential seat, he had promised his taken to the justice system to pay for people that as president he would take their crimes. Now, if there is no a 60% cut off his salary. And as a evidence, may you kindly shut your nationalist, he complied with his mouth! We have learnt from the pledge when he took office on former administration that such December 1, 2018. Prior to political strategy was just a waste of Coronavirus. saliva, for the reason that when the people got fed up with the same [email protected] scratched record, they were kicked April 9, 2021 out of office and, as you may know, Finca Solana they went with their suitcase filled Corozal Town From the Publisher en Español

Continua de página 10 entrenado en Jamaica. Por eso digo „ que estaba muy agradecido con el Avanzado” en septiembre de 1964. Un gobierno estadounidense y feliz de nuevo estudiante se había salir de Belize e ir a los Estados incorporado a nuestra clase, de la Unidos. nada. Había sido educado Hubo beliceños muy inteligentes de previamente en Jamaica, en un sistema mi generación que no pudieron educativo superior al nuestro. Era hijo obtener una beca y decidieron tomar de un jamaiquino que trabajaba en el la opción de Vietnam. Uno de ellos servicio civil de Honduras Británica fue el finado Gerald Patten. Fue y estaba casado con una dama compañero de clase en el Colegio beliceña de una familia de alto rango Wesley de mi cuñado, Jeff Scott. En que era cercana a la dirección del una conversación hace uno o dos gobernante Partido Unido del Pueblo años, surgió el nombre de Gerald y le (PUP). dije a Jeff que lo había conocido Este joven ganaría la Beca Abierta brevemente durante el concurso de de Honduras Británica de 1965 para pruebas de la escuela primaria nuestra clase y luego se convertiría alrededor de 1958. Yo representaba a en un becario Rhodes. Entonces, la la Escuela Varonil del Santo Redentor evidencia es que era dotado y estaba y Gerald representaba la Escuela entrenado. Primaria Wesley. Cuando el consulado Dedico esta columna a la memoria estadounidense ofreció su primera de Gerald Patten, y a todos esos beca a los beliceños a fines de 1964 valientes jóvenes beliceños que y principios de 1965, me convertí en participaron en el infierno viviente que uno de los cinco finalistas y terminé fue la guerra de Vietnam. Sus historias recibiendo la beca. No sabía si necesitan ser contadas. hubiera ganado la Beca Abierta compitiendo contra el estudiante ¡Poder al pueblo! Tuesday, April 13, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 13

The Garífuna Voices of Guatemala’s Armed Conflict Belize Livestock Producer Association Below is an intriguing article I read, and would like to share CATTLE TRADER REGISTRATION NOTICE!! with you:

All persons interested in becoming a registered cattle trader needs Memories of the civil war in Livingston’s Afro-Indigenous to submit the below information to our main office during community excavate an untold working hours 8 am- 5 pm or email at [email protected] / history long excluded from the [email protected] official record. Scherly Virgill Artiaga ü Valid ID (Passport/Social Security) ü Valid Driver’s License December 2, 2020 — NACLA (reporting on the Americas ü Recent Police Report since 1967) ü Three (3) recommendation of registered farmers During Guatemala’s armed conflict, the police used to knock on majority of the victims were Maya. ü $50 administrative fee (when approved) doors in her Caribbean coastal town Contrary to the official narrative, to tell people to turn out the lights, however, the war also devastated though no one could sleep anyway, other ethnic groups, including the Deadline to submit the above documents is Friday, April 24th, she recalled. “When the war reached Garífuna. They may have not been 2021. Feel free to bring documents at our main office at Mile 47 Livingston, we were scared,” the 78- massacred, but during the armed ½ , Belmopan. year-old, dressed in a white gown conflict many Garífunas died, were with an orange scarf over her hair, forcefully recruited and served in the All applications will be vetted by the BLPA Board of Directors. told me in her living room, military, lost their land and surrounded by carefully placed resources, and were tortured. Others Once applications are vetted you will be notified via call on the family photographs. “Oh God! We fled to other countries, welcomed status of your application. were indeed very terrified,” she said. displaced Maya communities, and Rosa referred to the 1960-1996 civil participated in the peace process. war as “their war,” a reference to Sergio, a Garífuna from Livingston P.O. Box 183, Belmopan, Belize, Central America. Fax/Phone: 880-3883; Guatemala’s Ladino (mestizo) and who was forcibly recruited as a E-mail: [email protected] Maya populations. As a Garífuna teenager by the military in the late woman, she believed she was not a 1960s, resents that the years of part of the war, and yet the violent violence in his hometown remain in episode had terrorized her community obscurity. “The history of the armed greatly. She still remembers conflict our country experienced does Book launch (Virtual from the Leo Bradley Library) tragedies, like the killings of four not mention the Garífuna at all. It is scheduled for: young Garifuna men in Livingston in not documented, but our people also the late 1970’s at the hands of the paid a high price, with their lives,” Wednesday, April 14, 2021 military. said Sergio, who had been swimming Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Her story, which she shared with with friends when soldiers scooped Airing on Krem TV and Radio Krem me in January 2017 as part of my him up and took him away without three-year research project collecting his parent’s knowledge. Purchase copies from Amandala Press - $30.00 BZ Garífunas’ war-time oral histories, “How much suffering and death Purchase copies from Amazon - $30.00 US rescues the Garífuna voices omitted does the Garífuna community have to from the national narratives of the endure in order to be counted?” The In search engine type: “Janus by C.B.” armed conflict. The Garífuna are an definitive record of human rights Afro-Indigenous community that violations committed during the dispersed along the Central American armed conflict, compiled by the coast more than two centuries ago United Nations-backed Commission after the British expelled them from for Historical Clarification (CEH) the Caribbean island of St. Vincent. based on thousands of testimonies of They may have not been massacred, war survivors, details the state terror but during the armed conflict many perpetrated against Maya Garífunas died, were forcefully communities and political dissidents, recruited and served in the military, trade unionists, religious leaders, and lost their land and resources, and other activists. The Commission were tortured. In the quarter century identified the Maya population “as since Guatemala’s 1996 Peace the collective enemy of the state” and Accords ended 36 years of brutal documented massacres and scorched armed conflict, Garífunas’ unique earth campaigns that razed entire accounts of the war as it happened in Maya villages. At the same time, the Livingston have not been formally CEH’s final report, “Guatemala shared, collected, or archived. Memory of Silence,” issued in 1999, Stories ingrained in their memories omitted the Garífuna testimony from have never been told because the their findings. The report states that government, scholars, nonprofits, and the Commission used newspaper and other agencies entrusted with radio ads, including announcements gathering the testimonies of broadcast in nine Mayan languages, thousands of survivors and victims to call on Guatemalans to share of state terrorism accepted the idea information about incidents or that the war only affected Ladino and grievances that occurred during the Maya populations. armed conflict. No announcements During the war, more than 200,000 were made in the Garífuna language people were killed and thousands or for the Garífuna people. more were disappeared, mostly at the hands of the Guatemalan state. The Please turn to„Page 14 Page 14 AMANDALABelize Tuesday, April 13, 2021 Latin American countries start vaccine production

vaccines, with the exception American Health Organization vaccines as possible to as many of Brazil. (PAHO), explained that the people as possible is our current goal. Through a similar deal mechanisms that allow equal We need to find ways to share vaccines with AstraZeneca, Brazil distribution are complicated. “The more equitably, whether it’s through will also locally produce its region will have to mobilize our donations of surplus doses; whether vaccines. Brazil stands as the production facilities and modernize it’s through ramping up production or country with the third-highest the vaccine platforms,” said the increased procurement; or other number of cases of COVID- PAHO Director. avenues. What I do know is that the 19 globally. The country has “We are working with partners in current progress is far from reaching agreed to pay $287 million the Inter-American system to advance the coverage that is necessary to to purchase vaccines and raw on these funds. Attaining vaccine protect the most vulnerable groups,” materials for vaccine equity and distributing as many the PAHO Director said. production, which together by Dayne Guy will ensure their access to approximately 100 million vaccines. The Garífuna Voices of WASHINGTON D.C., USA, Wed. The country will soon begin Apr. 7, 2021 production via technology transfer. Guatemala’s Armed Conflict It has been difficult for Latin Another approach is being taken by American countries to access a Cuba, which has spearheaded the young Garífuna men to other regions sufficient supply of COVID-19 drive for developing countries to Continued from Page 13 „ of Central America and to the United vaccines. Coupled with the independently produce its own One of the main goals of the CEH’s States, mostly to New York, Los inequitable distribution of vaccines vaccines. A report from CNN says, work, the report states, was to Angeles, and Seattle. At the time, an which has limited these countries’ “Cuba may be on the verge of a “satisfy the right of the Guatemalan estimated 8,000 Garífunas lived in vaccine supply, the rise in the number coronavirus vaccine breakthrough. people to fully know the truth” and the area of Livingston and nearby of cases in the region has driven the While other developing countries to avoid a repeat of the painful history towns. According to Guatemala’s need for greater access to vaccines. compete with richer nations for a of armed conflict. It also recognized 2018 census, today there are In response to this urgent need, Latin limited supply of doses, Cuba has that “a firm and lasting peace cannot approximately 1,675 Garífunas American countries are making an gambled everything on producing be built on the foundations of silence” living in Livingston. effort to start production of vaccines their own vaccines, as much an but requires “knowledge and truth.” In addition, the following is the in the region. exercise in national pride as a The report zoomed in on the grave abstract of a book entitled Argentina and Mexico are response to a public health crisis.” abuses against the Maya, the “most “Neoliberalism and Globalization expecting to produce the AstraZeneca Cuba currently has two of its four affected” population, “without in Africa” written by Edward Osei vaccine locally. An agreement signed vaccine contenders in their final denying that the rights of all the Kwadwo Prempeh. between AstraZeneca, mAbxience trials. Trials of their vaccines, Indigenous peoples of Guatemala The Anti-capitalism Movement and these two governments, has Soberana-02 (meaning “sovereignty” were violated.” And yet, the report and African Resistance to allowed for the transfer of technology in English), and Abdala (name of the effectively erased the Garífuna Neoliberal Globalization that will lead to the initial production famous poem by Cuban revolutionist experience from the national narrative As contemporary neoliberal of 150 million doses of the British Jose Marti), started last month. of the armed conflict, implying that globalization has intensified and jab. This will bolster the regional Although these efforts will play a their suffering and afflictions were consolidated since the 1980s, its response to COVID-19, and these major role in providing the Americas not worth documenting. Other efforts hegemonic and exploitative nature has countries will serve as primary with equitable access to vaccines, Dr. to collect testimonies, such as the provoked new waves and modalities outlets for regional access to the Carissa Etienne, Director of the Pan- Guatemalan ’s 1995 of contestation and resistance. The Recovery of Historical Memory contested and politicized nature of project and 1998 final report, neoliberal globalization, which Arturo Royal Commonwealth Society: followed in the same footsteps, Escobar (2004, 207) aptly refers to entirely disregarding the Garífuna as “a new US-based form of imperial Goodbye to the Prince voice in its examination of the war globality, an economic military- as lived and narrated by the victims. ideological order that subordinates Commonwealth Study Living in Constant Fear regions, peoples, and economies Conference that brings During the armed conflict, state world-wide,” has drawn attention to together talented men and terrorism in Livingston followed a the challenge of resisting the global women from the management similar playbook of violence and dominance of this process. The key of industries, trade unions, coercion applied to other conflict political tension exists between the civil society and other zones throughout Guatemala, forces of globalization and the forces professions. especially during the regimes of of resistance, and at the heart of this News of Prince Philip’s military dictators General Romeo is a paradox: globalization both death came on Friday, April Lucas García (1978-1982) and weakens and simultaneously 9, 2021. In February, he was convicted war criminal General reinvigorates the forces of treated for an infection and Efraín Rios Montt (1982-1983). contestation and resistance. Put pre-existing heart condition. “During that period, you lived in fear, another way, imperial globality is In March he was released constant fear!” Sergio told me. provoking the emergence of new following a heart procedure. Sergio’s forced service in the Armed grassroots-based social movements, Prince Philip will be laid to Forces exposed him to vile acts of which are engaged in counter- rest on Saturday, April 17, violence inflicted in the coastal hegemonic struggles that represent 2021, absent of the normal region of Izabal. “The military was both a challenge and alternative to this royal funeral traditions. in charge of pulling these people out new form of colonialism, especially Together with his wife, at night and killing them all. These specific African popular struggles and Queen Elizabeth II, he poor people had to dig their own pits manifestations of the deglobalization by Dayne Guy witnessed the transformation of a long- [graves]!” he recalled. “I was so of capital orientation. Indeed, the reaching British empire into a conflicted with all this violence proliferation of these social LONDON, England, Fri. Apr. 9, 2021 Commonwealth of numerous because my cosmovision is different. movements and civil society groups, The Royal Commonwealth Society independent member states. A release It is not to exterminate people.” beginning in the mid-1980s and (RCS) has extended its condolences from the Royal Commonwealth Society Sergio was discharged from the continuing to the present, has posed to the Royal Family on the passing of says, “His establishment of The Duke military in 1976 after being jailed for serious challenges to the hegemonic His Royal Highness Prince Philip, of Edinburgh Award, which now defying extrajudicial orders. From discourse and project of Duke of Edinburgh. operates in over 40 Commonwealth the late 1970s to the early 1990s, the neoliberalism. Prince Phillip is said to have countries, and his founding of the Guatemalan military fed its ranks supported his wife, Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Study Conferences and through forced recruitment. In [email protected] II, in her role as the head of the Emerging Leaders’ Dialogues, will Livingston, military recruitment not April 9, 2021 Commonwealth. He pioneered the leave a lasting and powerful legacy in only destabilized the community, it Finca Solana forum now known as the the Commonwealth” also provoked a massive exodus of Corozal Town Tuesday, April 13, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 15 Belize, how this Caribbean paradise faces the pandemic and builds resilient tourism

Covid-19 once again put this country covered with tropical rainforest and with the second most valuable coral reef in the world, used to overcoming hurricanes and the effects of climate change, to the test. Now his challenge is to create a diversified, more sustainable and inclusive economic model

Belize is beginning very timidly to the effects of climate change, such as the protection of the ecosystem, both regain the pulse of tourism. The rising levels of the sea and coastal terrestrial and marine, is essential. In economy of this small Caribbean erosion, as well as all the economic addition, together with/ the World country in northern Central America and social impacts that are derived. Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)/ the of just 400,000 inhabitants was With the economy on edge, Belize first watershed management plan for always developed around tourist decided to reopen its airport last the protection of fresh water will be activity, a sector that before the October and the recovery of tourism developed. ”What this pandemic has pandemic represented 40% of its became a priority. The/ Inter- taught us is the importance of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and American Development Bank (IDB ) protecting the environment. After 39.3% of the total employment. The reformulated its/ sustainable tourism years, we have seen how dolphins vast majority of tourists who visited program / to finance the immediate and many species of birds have it were Americans, followed by public health response and adapt it returned to the shores. The world is Canadians and Europeans attracted to new circumstances with the healing from all the abuse we have mainly by its/ great coral reef , the intention of interrupting the chain of caused it. In Belize, we believe it is and many people will have their second largest in the world and which transmission of the virus. essential to put palliative measures active jobs again.” runs down from the Riviera Maya to In support of the Government, risk to protect natural resources. But we the border with Honduras. reduction measures were established also know that the brake on climate This full article can be viewed at : The smallest country in Central with rigorous biosafety protocols at change does not depend only on us, https://elpais.com/planeta-futuro/ America also has a network of caves the three points of entry to the country but on the largest countries with more 2021-04-11/belice-como-un- and underground caverns and well- -airport and the borders with Mexico decision-making power “. paraiso-caribeno-levanta-un- preserved tropical forests. In fact, and Guatemala- and an entire safe For Mahler the worst is over. ”The turismo-resiliente.html almost 80% of the country is covered tourist corridor was designed with growth and development of the by dense tropical rainforest, much of the construction of infrastructures. tourism industry in Belize will begin This article was first published by which is under government permanent rooms equipped for to see the light in the next two months El Pais, Planeta Futuro. protection. Natural resources are thus waiting areas, triage areas, detection its first asset that, added to its and diagnostic tests. environmental and climatic The purpose was to facilitate the conditions, have always made it a isolation of patients and connect The Alexander destination for nature and adventure them, if necessary, to basic health lovers services. In fact, these hygiene and Frankson affair of 1953 But with the pandemic everything safety measures, which for the tourism changed. Borders were closed and minister are their “gold standards”, (by , from THE The BILLBOARD answered by tourism plummeted. Visitor arrivals have earned them the safe travel seal, BIRTH OF THE NATIONALIST stating that the GWU is the only fell 66% and the crisis dragged down ‘Safe Travels’, awarded by the/ MOVEMENT, pg. 217 of the Second organization in the country which can a large part of the 86,000 people who World Travel and Tourism Council. Edition of Readings in Belizean show a registered membership of any depended directly or indirectly on (WTTC) . History, published by BELIZEAN size from every racial stock of the this industry. Poverty and Within caution, expectations are STUDIES and edited by Lita Hunter country; that the PUP and GWU have unemployment increased beginning to be optimistic. ”Belize is Krohn.) often said they have nothing against dramatically. Fortunately, and despite very dependent on the American West Indians, and many West Indians its limited capacity for health market so, as that market begins to The BILLBOARD had protested in Stann Creek are GWU members, resources - there is only one doctor free itself, tourism will reestablish the appointment of A. Frankson, a but that they are against Federation and 15 nurses for every 1,000 itself to previous levels. We do not Jamaican, to a post in the civil service on economic grounds and against any inhabitants,/ according to the World know if it will be a matter of a year over the heads of locals in the immigration that displaces local labor Bank - Belize’s response to covid- or two, but we do not believe that service. The Civil Service or tends to reduce wages; and that, 19 was rapid and its management of there will be sequelae once this Association (which was always in finally, the PUP and GWU have the pandemic quite acceptable. Until pandemic peak is over and immunity favour of the colonial government always said “that this country belongs the beginning of April 2021, 12,485 is achieved, “says Ramiro López and hence anti-PUP) condemned this neither to Britain ... nor to Guatemala cases and 318 deaths had been Ghio, IDB representative in Belize, article as politically irresponsible. ... but to us who for a couple of confirmed through a video call . The National Party and others centuries have inhabited it and are Through video call, Anthony After years, we have seen how welcomed the occasion to accuse the now as much a nation as any other Mahler, Minister of Tourism of dolphins and many species of birds PUP/GWU of racial prejudice, saying ...” Belize, affirms that at a time like this have returned to the shores. The they opposed the appointment for the The BILLBOARD perhaps of the year they would already be world is healing from the abuse we following reasons, (the terms used by thought it too undignified to point out receiving between 50 and 60,000 have inflicted on it. In Belize we the BILLBOARD are used here): that that most of the PUP-GWU leaders, people. Now with the borders believe it is essential to put palliative they hope to stir up dissension among including the Party Leader, were of practically closed and the obligation measures to protect natural resources people of Negro extraction here so Negro extraction, but this was -in some countries- to quarantine “, explains the Minister of Tourism that people of non-Negro extraction clearly not missed by the people. In upon return from the trip, they are “Tourism will go back to the end may one day control our affairs; in the end, the charge of racial hardly receiving visitors. Thus, of this year and until 2023”, affirms order to build up a feeling against prejudice did not stick at all, and it covid-19 once again put the the minister, and highlights that the West Indians to prevent Federation was to the charge that the PUP was resilience capacity of Belize’s pandemic will hardly change the and West Indian immigration; and to selling out to Guatemala that the tourism to the test, an activity that has model of tourism in the country, since build a non-Negro majority to lead National Party and the colonial had and has to periodically cope with it is already based on an activity that the country into Guatemala as a government finally threw all their hurricanes and storms, and also with respects the environment. For this, department of that republic. weight behind.

KREM PHONES: 280-4469 or 280-4299 AMANDALA - The newspaper with ON LINE LIVE: www.krembz.com the greatest circulation in Belize! Page 16 AMANDALABelize Tuesday, April 13, 2021 Daunte Wright shooting by police ‘accidental’ The fatal shooting of a black man by a police officer in the US city of Brooklyn Center was an accident, the local police chief has said.

USA. Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. the policewoman, which shows Mr “Our hearts are aching right now, determined that he had an outstanding Mon. Apr. 12 2021. BBC News— Wright trying to get back into his car we are in pain right now. We arrest warrant. They said that when Daunte Wright, 20, was shot after the as officers attempt to handcuff him recognise this couldn’t have police tried to arrest him, he re- officer meant to use a Taser, but on the side of the road. happened at a worse time. This is entered the vehicle. mistakenly drew her gun instead, An officer can then be heard saying happening at a time that all of our An officer then shot the driver, who Chief Tim Gannon told reporters.Mr “Taser, Taser, Taser,” - normal police community, all of America, indeed all drove on for several blocks before Wright’s death has sparked angry procedure before firing one of the stun of the world is watching,” he said. he crashed into another vehicle. He protests and an overnight curfew. guns. Mr Wright is seen to get into Angry protests erupted in Brooklyn was pronounced dead at the scene. A Tensions in nearby Minneapolis his car and drive away, while the Center on Sunday night as news of female passenger in the vehicle are high as the trial of an ex-officer same officer says “I just shot him”. Mr Wright’s death spread. Hundreds suffered non-life-threatening injuries. accused of killing George Floyd Fatally wounded, Mr Wright of protesters chanting his name Mr Wright’s mother, Katie, said her continues. crashed a few blocks away. gathered late outside the police son had called her during the traffic In a courtroom just 10 miles (16km) “It is my belief the officer meant headquarters. stop and he said he had been pulled from the latest unrest in the state of to deploy their Taser but shot him Tensions rose as police donned over because of “air fresheners Minnesota, proceedings resumed on with a single bullet,” Chief Gannon riot gear, and two police vehicles hanging from his rear-view mirror”. Monday, with Derek Chauvin’s said, adding “there’s nothing I can were pelted with stones and jumped She said she then heard scuffling and lawyers set to begin his defence. say to lessen the pain”. on, Reuters news agency reported. the phone line was cut. Daunte Wright was pulled over on The officer has been placed on Protesters wrote with chalk on “A minute later, I called and his Sunday for a traffic violation, but administrative leave. pavements and lit candles, but police girlfriend answered, who was the there was a struggle when he tried to At the same news conference, later ordered the protesters to passenger in the car, and said that get back into the car. Brooklyn Center Mayor Mike Elliott disperse, with footage showing tear he’d been shot... and my son was At a news conference on Monday said he would do everything in his gas and stun grenades being fired by laying there lifeless.” morning, Chief Gannon played a short power to “ensure justice is done for officers She said her son’s body had been video from the body camera worn by Daunte Wright”. About 20 businesses in a nearby left on the ground by officers, adding: shopping centre were later broken “Nobody will tell us anything. into, the StarTribune reported, with Nobody will talk to us... I said please sporadic looting spreading to parts take my son off the ground.” La Soufriere volcano erupts of Minneapolis. The trial of Derek Chauvin over An overnight curfew was enforced the death of George Floyd has been in Brooklyn Center. under way in the city for two weeks on St. Vincent Members of the Minnesota now.Mr Chauvin was filmed kneeling National Guard, already deployed for on Mr Floyd’s neck for more than nine evacuations. Monitoring stations the trial on murder charges of Derek minutes during an arrest operation in from across the country reported long Chauvin, were sent to Brooklyn Minneapolis last May. seismic movements (earthquakes), Center. Some remained on the streets The footage of the incident sparked indicative of the movement of fresh after the curfew ended, but by that global protests against racism. magma attempting to surface. Reports time the crowds had mainly The trial is now into its third week also state that torrential rain in the dispersed. and law enforcement officials have Frigate Bay caused various Brooklyn Center has closed all been bracing for possible unrest once landslides in the area. school buildings, programmes and the jury reaches a verdict.George This volcanic event left the activities for Monday, local media Floyd’s death sparked waves of Caribbean nation covered in a layer report. protests around the city, many of ash and caused the displacement Police officers stood shoulder-to- peaceful but some violent with of approximately 16,000 people, who shoulder, creating a human barricade hundreds of buildings damaged. evacuated their homes in search of outside the Brooklyn Center Police safety from the explosion. Department. This article was first published by St. Vincent’s National Emergency They stood with helmets, shields BBC news. Management Organization (NEMO) and other riot gear, adamant about stated, “Pyroclastic flows at La keeping the building safe.Hundreds Soufriere may cause possible of protesters tried to inch forward, destruction and devastation of chanting: “If we don’t get no justice, communities close to [the] volcano. they don’t get no peace.” AMANDALA Current activity pattern similar to that Some kneeled in front of the police of 1902 eruption.” The 1902 eruption with their hands on their heads. is, to date, St. Vincent’s worst Others stood silently with signs that Letters to volcanic event. It caused the death of listed names of African Americans by Dayne Guy over 1,000 residents. who had been killed by the police. the Editor Since the onset of this event, Among the crowd were some of ST. VINCENT, Sun. Apr. 4, 2021 neighboring Caribbean countries Daunte Wright’s friends and relatives. The La Soufriere volcano on the have come to St. Vincent’s aid. The Throughout the standoff, the police Caribbean island of St. Vincent has Bajan Authorities have deployed the would fire off smoke and flash bombs been dormant since 1979, but in late Barbados Defence Force to St. if they thought protesters were getting 2020, the volcano started to show Vincent to render assistance to the too close, or if the crowd seemed it signs of possible reactivation. On devastated country. Antigua and was getting too big and Friday, this once dormant volcano Guyana offered to send supplies to unmanageable. exploded on the island, causing the country and have opened their It was an all-too-familiar scene for statewide power outages and the borders to those fleeing the effects communities still reeling from the cutoff of water supply. According to of the explosion. riots during the summer of 2020 in scientists, a series of eruptions may No casualties from the seismic the aftermath of the killing of George continue for weeks. event were recorded, but segments Floyd.As the verdict in the trial over In the days leading up to the first of the eastern Caribbean are greatly his death looms, Sunday’s events eruption, the island had issued an affected by the explosion of ashes show just how much those evacuation order for the surrounding from La Soufriere. Bajans and communities are on edge. areas after seismologists warned of Vincentians are advised to stay In a statement, the Brooklyn Center Email to: an imminent eruption. Royal indoors. Islands in the wider eastern Police Department said officers had Caribbean cruise line sent a cruise Caribbean are advised to expect a pulled a man over for a traffic [email protected] ship to the island to assist with decrease in air quality. violation on Sunday afternoon and Tuesday, April 13, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 17 COVID-19 update

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BELIZE CITY, Mon. Apr. 12, 2021 COVID-19 in the country remains low, The Ministry of Health and Wellness and is now almost at the level of non- (MOHW) is investigating the first existence. death believed to be related to the Data released by the Ministry of Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine jab in Health and Wellness on Friday, April Belize. A 53-year-old fisherman died 9, indicated that 0 new cases were just four hours after receiving his first found after a batch of 613 tests was jab. The Ministry is currently awaiting carried out. Two new recoveries were the results of a postmortem exam on recorded, and one infected person the fisherman’s body to ascertain was hospitalized. That person was in whether or not he had any underlying need of intensive care. Fortunately, no conditions. new deaths related to the virus were The Covid-19 vaccination program recorded. continues in Belize. As of April 9, On Monday, April 12, the Ministry 2021, a total of 27,353 persons have of Health and Wellness released data received at least one dose of the from over the weekend. Of a total of Covid-19 vaccine. On that day, a total 1753 tests, 16 new cases were found. of 3,398 persons were vaccinated. A total of 14 recoveries were On April 13th, phase 3A and 3B of recorded, and 3 persons were the vaccination program will hospitalized. No fatality due to the commence. Security services virus were recorded on that day and personnel such as BDF, Coast Guards, no person was indeed of intensive Firefighters and Red Cross workers case. are invited to get their first dose of Since the start of the pandemic in vaccination. Persons in phase 3B Belize, a total of 12,503 cases have who died from complications related Janeiro, the capital, bars and restaurant include those persons 50 and over been recorded in Belize. The frontline to the coronavirus. Of those persons are scheduled to reopen — undoing with co-morbidities. workers inside the Epidemiological who died, 209 were men, and 109 restrictions that were put in place just The MOHW is calling all persons Unit from the Ministry of Health and were women. last month. eligible to receive vaccines in phase Wellness have processed over At this time a total of 41 active cases Globally, a total of 135,646,617 2 to get vaccinated. This means all 106,371 tests since the start of testing are presently in the country. confirmed cases have been recorded other persons working in the Tourism last year. Of the total number of Regionally, Brazil is still seeing a as of 2:37 pm CEST, 12 April 2021 industry. With the first set of schools persons infected in Belize since the deadly surge in Covid-19 daily by the WHO. Of that number, having reopened, they have also start of the epidemic, a total of 12,134 infections and deaths. Government 2,930,732 deaths, have been reported sounded the call for more teachers to or 97% % of persons have recovered. officials have opted to reopen schools, to WHO. As of 11 April 2021, a total come out to receive their vaccination. The country has unfortunately sporting events, and construction of 687,681,317 vaccine doses have At this time, the number of cases of recorded the death of 318 persons, stores despite warnings. In Rio de been administered worldwide. Page 18 AMANDALABelize Tuesday, April 13, 2021 UDP walks out after Julius KREM Television calls Patrick “boy” Program Guide Continued from Page 1 and if we don’t get that, then we are Shoa Wiself, Si Wiself, Bee Wiself!!! „ gone,” Faber said. presented after being called a “boy” by The four members of the Opposition Questions or comments may be forwarded via email to area representative of , Hon. present at the House of Representatives Phone: 202-5848 [email protected] Julius Espat. Faber demanded an apology meeting then walked out. for the use of the unparliamentary and “I will put on the record, even though offensive remark by Espat, which he there is only one side of this House here, Tuesday April 13, 2021 to Monday April 19, 2021 never received. that I find the parliamentary parlance Prior to the walkout, Faber had descending, and on my watch, I will do TUESDAY appealed to the Speaker of the House of my darn best not to have that be repeated. 6:30 a.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (LIVE) the Representatives, Hon. , I do not find it cute, or do I find it 9:00 a.m. Morning Stew (LIVE) by stating,”On a point of order, Madam exemplary, using the terminologies that 12:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) Speaker,” but Espat immediately have been used, some of which I 1:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now interjected with the statement, “Madam recognize I missed, and for that, I will 2:00 p.m. Movie: Keep The Faith Baby Speaker, I am not yielding to him.” work on that for future sessions. Terms 3:30 p.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (repeat) “It’s a point of order, you must yield,” like ‘boy’, ‘lee gial’, references to 6:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (LIVE) Faber had insisted, but Espat replied, members other [than] by their title or their 7:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now “No, I’m not yielding.” “You must yield!” area that they are a member representing, 8:00 p.m. Documentary: Reggae Britannia Part 1 9:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) Faber then demanded. is not acceptable parlance,” Speaker It was at that point that Espat said, “I Woods then said. WEDNESDAY don’t must...you sit down, boy!” During an interview outside the House 6:30 a.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (LIVE) “Members!” Speaker Woods then after the walkout, Hon. Faber stated that 10:00 a.m. Launching of Mr. C B Hyde’s book, “JANUS” LIVE exclaimed. Faber then turned to Speaker the use of the term “boy” by Espat was from Leo Bradley Library, Belize City Woods and said, “Madam Speaker, I will clearly racist. “Julius Espat has got to be 12:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) ask you to have him apologize to me. put on a rein; somebody has got to reel 1:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now That remark is completely him in. He is out of order, and he is not 2:00 p.m. Movie: All God Children unparliamentary.” what this country needs for good 3:30 p.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (repeat) Both members then broke from the governance,” he said.. 6:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (LIVE) rules of the House and engaged in a hostile For his part, Espat chalked the 7:30 p.m. Local Program: You and The Law verbal exchange while the House Speaker, seemingly racist and belittling remark up 9:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) Hon. Valerie Woods, demanded that they to the everyday conversational terms used THURSDAY take their seats. by every Belizean who speaks Kriol. “In 6:30 a.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (LIVE) “Those last choice of words use I will Belize, you go inna any area and say ‘Weh 9:00 a.m. Morning Stew (LIVE) ask not to be entered into the record,” di go on, my bwai?” he said. 12:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) Speaker Woods then said. While Espat claimed that he used the 1:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now Faber then rose once again, unsatisfied term “boy” due to rules that restrict the 2:00 p.m. Movie: A Time To Kill with the Speaker’s handling of the remark. use of Kriol in the House, he said that he 3:30 p.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (repeat) And the sideshow continued. He asserted used the term to refer to Faber’s 6:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (LIVE) that the member for Cayo South and other immaturity and it was not meant to have 7:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now members from the government side of racist overtones. The recording from the 8:00 p.m. Documentary: Mission Mind Control the House had used the offensive term House meeting and the tone of the remark 9:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) do not seem to support his claim, that before but had never apologized. FRIDAY The debate between Faber and Espat the term was used in its local context. 6:30 a.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (LIVE) continued, but the tone had already been 9:00 a.m. Morning Stew (LIVE) set in the House. The area representative 12:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) for Mesopotamia, Hon. Shyne Barrow, Siblings hit by 1:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now then stood on a point of order. 2:00 p.m. Movie: Mahogany “My point of order is standing order truck, 11-year- 3:30 p.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (repeat) 44 3B: ‘Where such member has used 6:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (LIVE) objectionable, abusive and insulting or 7:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now offensive words and language that is old girl dies 8:00 p.m. Documentary: Reggae Britannia Part 3 unparliamentary, he should be asked to 9:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) withdraw from the House.’ This is a Continued from „Page 1 SATURDAY repeat offender, the member from Cayo 9:00 a.m. Documentary: The Africans - A Triple Heritage: Program 3 South. He is very disrespectful to the 11-year-old Cruz and her brother, 9:57 a.m. Movie: Black or White members on this side, and you, Madam 5-year-old Jahir Cruz, were walking 12:00 a.m. Documentary: America’s Great Divide Speaker, you have been an enforcer. Yes, back home from their aunt’s home when 2:54 a.m. Movie: Riverbend you have struck his abusive language from a white truck, being driven by Joseph 5:30 p.m. Documentary: Belize SocioPolitical Challenge the record, but just now he referred to Landero, who was allegedly 4:28 p.m. Movie: Separados Mas Iguais the Leader of the Opposition as a boy. intoxicated, struck the siblings, leaving 7:00 p.m. Music Videos For him to ‘sit down, boy’ — Madam one dead and the other severely injured. Speaker, that has racial undertones, and Assistant Commissioner of Police SUNDAY 10:30 a.m. Sunday Review (LIVE) he should apologize. You should compel Joseph Myvett said that police have him to apologize, Madam Speaker. It is 12:00 p.m. Documentary: Money, Happiness and Eternal Life since arrested Landero, 27, who was 1:31 p.m. Movie: Black Panther not enough that you strike it from the charged “with the crimes of 3:45 p.m. Documentary: Thornell record.” Barrow emphasized. manslaughter by negligence, causing 5:14 p.m. Documentary: Are You Taking Steam Daily? Speaker Woods ruled that the remark death by careless conduct, and failure 5:19 p.m. Documentary: Muslism Journal would be struck from the record, but to provide specimen.” 5:30 p.m. Sunday Review (repeat) never explicitly asked Espat to apologize The cause of the incident remains 7:00 p.m. Sunday Jazz for his disparaging remark. unknown, but ACP Myvett said, “The 8:00 p.m. Music Videos “I am bewildered by a certain vehicle will be inspected to see personality calling me a repeat offender,” MONDAY Espat laughingly said — alluding to the whether or not he lost control because 6:30 a.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (LIVE) Mesopotamia area representative’s past of some mechanical failure. As the 9:00 a.m. Morning Stew (LIVE) run-in with the law. procedure dictates, samples [of blood 12:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) “This is what happened when he is and urine] were requested from him, 1:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now 2:00 p.m. Movie: The Guardian not asked to apologize. This member is which he refused to provide.” “Apparently the driver lost control 3:30 p.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (repeat) really out of order, and if you refuse to 6:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (LIVE) discipline him if he can call me a boy, of the vehicle,” continued Myvett. 7:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now what if I would call you ‘gial,’ and it will “After knocking down both minors he 8:00 p.m. Documentary: Amanda Gorman Active and National just strike off the record? That would be then collided into a light post which 9:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) the most disrespectful thing. I demand an apology from him, Madam Speaker, Please turn to„Page 19 Tuesday, April 13, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 19 PM Briceño presents lean budget

Continued from Page 1 fell by 32% and the revenue collected the first step being the mobilization of programs and low-cost housing „ in the form of license fees fell by 52%. the Debt Management Unit. support (which, he said, is in partial gripping the country. While spending also fell, the amount The estimates for the 2021- 2022 fulfillment of PlanBelize) “That this Budget presentation comes by which spending was reduced, budget are as follows: The government $3 million for improvements to at a juncture of unparalleled national lagged behind the 28% fall in revenue. has projected that it will collect sugar roads and other agricultural crisis is indisputable. Belize is facing Total spending fell by 15% over the $965,459,974 in recurrent revenue. Of roads her most severe economic, fiscal, and previous fiscal year. PM Briceño went that amount, $884,421,460 is expected $18 million for the ongoing debt crisis,” PM Briceño said. on to note that spending on Goods and to be tax revenue. Non-Tax revenue is restoration of the Phillip Goldson According to Briceño and his Services has been reduced by 31%; the projected to be $81,038,514. Capital Highway government, the economic fallout, amount spent on pensions fell by 14%; revenue generated from the sale of $16.5 million, combined, for which was propelled by the COVID- the outlay for Subsidiaries and equity and crown lands is expected to improving education quality and 19 pandemic, was largely fueled by the Transfers was reduced by 31 %, and amount to $5,366,399 and Grants are delivery and for Digi-Learn almost 13 years of reckless spending the amount spent to service our debts expected to total $67,361,478. In total, $5 million for upgrading of streets by the UDP’s Barrow administration. to creditors was cut by 54 %. the 2021-2022 budget estimates $1.038 and drains nationally, with special This budget presentation was pushed “This decrease in debt service billion in total revenue and grants. allocations for rural and village roads back to allow the Government and spending, the most substantial In regards to total projected $12 million for climate- public sector unions to engage in a reduction, reflects the capitalization of spending, the overall expenditure for vulnerability-reduction initiatives series of consultations in an effort to the Superbond coupon payments which this fiscal year 2021-2022 is expected $17.5 million for ongoing reach some agreement on cost-cutting was agreed to by bondholders in August to total 1.204 billion dollars. Recurrent restoration of the George Price measures that could be implemented in of 2020,” the PM said. spending represents the majority of this Highway an effort to address a severe fiscal Prime Minister Briceño then went sum— $905.9 million; while capital $5.5 million for community-based imbalance. The government ultimately on to give an update on the issue of the spending, at 298.6 million dollars, projects executed by SIF and BNTF, proposed a 10% salary cut as one of national debt. He outlined that the represents the balance. The overall to improve rural living the several cost-saving measures to be country, at this time, has amassed an deficit is $166,317,992, or 4.93% of $6 million for various national included in the budget for the 2021- overall public debt of 4.2 billion GDP. Also tacked on to the total security initiatives, as well as for road 2021 fiscal year. dollars. In essence, he explained, every expenditure is the cost amortization, a safety programs “I acknowledge the Belize Chamber Belizean man, woman, and child has a total of $109,368,220. Financing of $7 million for improvement to the of Commerce and Industry, the Belize $10,000 debt bill tagged to them. Each $275,686,212, or 8.4% of GDP, is tax collection system so that tax Business Bureau, the Council of family of five owes $50,000. needed to meet this year’s budget. evasion and underpayments can be Churches and the NGO community. I At this time the public debt is 130% The budget projects that substantially reduced applaud the Joint Unions for their of the country’s annual economic output, approximately 64 cents of each dollar $4.0 million to extend the Solid extensive contributions as well as those making us the 6th most indebted country will be spent on salaries for public Waste Management Network many public officers whose execution in the world — with only Japan, workers. The government will use the $4.6 million for the new passport of their duties had an impact in ways Greece, Venezuela, Sudan, and remaining 36% to cover other daily system small and large upon the participatory Lebanon having a higher debt ratio than expenses and make interest payments The budget debate is scheduled for exercise of composing this budget,” we do, according to the PM. on the 4.2 billion dollar debt, said the 22nd and 23rd of April. said Prime Minister Briceño at the start He then proceeded to break down Briceño during his presentation. of his presentation. the public debt in some detail. At this According to the Prime Minister, The pushback from the unions has time the country owes bilateral lenders other areas of capital spending outlined UDP discontinues been constant, and none of the unions $872 million, according to the Prime in the budget include: that were part of the negotiating team Minister. A total of 55% of this debt is $15 million for the national claim against that participated in the budget owed to Venezuela, for the Petro Caribe response to the Covid-19 pandemic, consultations have agreed to the salary Program. The next 34% of that debt is including testing, personal protective Mayor Wagner cuts, which are projected to yield 240 owed to Taiwan and other partner gear, critical care supplies etc. million dollars in savings over a three- nations. $10 million for 238,800 additional year time span. The country owes the IDB and CBD vaccines to be acquired on discounted Continued from „Page 1 On Wednesday, Briceño announced a total of 36% of the $794 million owed terms through the COVAX facility that his government would nonetheless to multilateral lenders. An additional $3 million for the ongoing food Court claim challenging Belize City proceed with the salary cuts, which 17% is owed to OPEC and 7% to the assistance program mayor Bernard Wagner’s eligibility as will affect public workers who receive World Bank. The balance is owed to $60 million for the Coastal and a mayoral candidate in the recent a salary of more than $250 weekly. other IFI’s. Highways municipal elections. According to Briceño, public workers One of the largest debts the country $3.5 million for new housing Mayor Wagner won by a huge who collect an annual salary of $12,000 is saddled with is the Super-bond. That margin over the UDP’s Orson Picart will not be affected by the salary cuts. Super-bond debt constitutes 97% of the and was re-elected to office. (The government is expecting industrial $1.168 billion owed to external Just days before the scheduled action by the unions in response to these creditors. An additional $60 million Siblings hit by Municipal Elections, the UDP had filed measures.) debt represents a US dollar bond issued a claim in the Supreme Court to have During his budget speech, the Prime by the Central Bank back in 2020 amid truck, 11-year- Mayor Wagner disqualified from the Minister, prior to outlining other cost- the first waves of the COVID-19 race. One of the petitioners, UDP saving measures being put in place by pandemic. old girl dies lawyer Michael Peyrefitte, had told the government, said, “the salary The country also owes domestic local media that an amendment to the creditors to the tune of $1.35 billion, adjustment is necessary, but it is no Continued from Page 18 regulations in December 2008 made it fiscal elixir; that alone is far from with the Central Bank being owed 41% „ mandatory for a candidate seeking the sufficient to reverse the public finance of that debt, or 561 million dollars. was a little distance away, some 200 post of Belize City mayor to live in morass left behind by the last UDP Hon. Briceño shared that around feet away from the incident,” he further Belize City. Administration. Painful as it surely is, two-thirds of the country’s public debt said. The case, however, never really saw the $60 million in salary adjustments consists of external loans that must be The father of the deceased, in an daylight. The UDP lawyers were sent and the $20 million foregone for repaid in foreign currency. interview with News5, said, “[Landero] back to properly serve documents to increments and allowances in this He said that his government plans to was discussing with his wife and then the respondents. The procedural error Budget is one step in the hard slog back reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio to 85% say that he was kinda drunk.... He caused the case to never officially to fiscal fitness.” by 2025, the end of their 5-year term, started the car and he gone speed and commence. The PM stated during the address and below 70% by 2030 if they are crash straight into them -- into my Today, the lawyers for the petitioners that overall the Gross Domestic Product reelected. “This means borrowing less daughter and into my son.” The father wrote to the respondents, Mayor declined by 14%, with the revenue each year, starting now,” he said. A claims the van dragged his daughter Wagner and the Chief Election Officer, generated by the tourism sector falling reduction of almost 2% of GDP is thus about forty feet from the initial point of Josephine Tamai, giving them notice by 60%. recorded in the overall financing of this contact. that the claim has been discontinued. Total revenue and grants fell by year’s budget. A police investigation is still “TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to 28%, Hon. Briceño went on to say, and He additionally stated that his ongoing, but Assistant Commissioner Belize Civil Procedure Rules 37(2) our he pointed out that, for every dollar government will take a four-step Myvett assured the public that “[Jahir clients Michael Peyrefitte and Government expected to receive, it only approach to realizing the goal to Cruz] is now in a stable condition but Melbourne Wade, Jr. are discontinuing collected 72 cents. The amount it achieve fiscal balance for the country also received injuries during the claim No. 12 of 2021,” the letter, signed received through the collection of GST within the allotted timeframe — with accident.” by Orson Elrington, stated. Page 20 AMANDALABelize Tuesday, April 13, 2021