Tuesday, December 12, 2006 The INdependent Reformer Page 1

The dependent IN Reform for the People Vol. 1 No. 3 Tuesday, December 12, 2006 $1.00 RapeRapeRape ofofof aaa VillageVillageVillage By Special Correspondent Pursuant to the act, the Village of Placencia proceeded to have their By- The Village Council Act was adopted Laws and the Legislation that was by the Legislature on the 28th day of necessary to carry out the functions of January 2000. The purpose of the act the Village prepared. So that everything was to empower the Villages and give would be proper in form they employed them the autonomy to enable them to an eminent attorney to assist them. conduct their own affairs. The completed legislation was The Prime Minister, the Hon. Said forwarded to the Human Development Musa, presented the act to the villagers. Office for its approval. The office gave He held up a copy of the act and spoke its approval and forward the proposed of the struggle that he had with the other legislation to the Solicitor General’s Ministers in having Village Council Act Office, for him to place the Legislation passed to become law. before the legislators for its final But the Villagers were to learn that approval. the struggle was just beginning. The proposed legislation rested on There were Ministers that coveted the the Solicitor General’s desk for two (2) power that belonged to them. They were years,without further action. In the to learn that instead of gaining power, meantime, there were many aspects of the Villages would be stripped of the affairs of the Villages that were authority that had always been causing problems. Among the problem (Photo courtesy Destination Belize) recognized as theirs. were, lack of building restrictions. The act provided the Villages with the People were building up to property Office remained on the Solicitor Nothing has been phased out. right to draft and have approved lines without proper set backs for light General’s desk. It stayed there in spite The UDP had responded in their Legislation that was necessary to govern and air. There was the inability to raise of the PUP’s promise in their 1998 1998 Manifesto that “The new UDP them. Yet none of the Villages have been funds necessary to conduct Village Manifesto that, provided: “a Village Government Rape of a Village will able to take advantage of the act. There affairs, licenses were granted without the Council Act will be passed taking into introduce Legislation for a Village were Ministers who, like piranhas, Villages approval. full account the proposals of the Council Act to provide autonomy to devoured the Villagers’ rights. The Village’s Legislation that had been Villagers. Ministerial power over all Villages”. approved by the Human Development these bodies will be phased out”. (Please Turn To Page 13)

Inside this Issue Fr ee Stay Belize update Bond presented to National Assembly By: Judy Duplooy prize will be awarded to her in New York our really offering free rooms and thought Pg. 3 Dir ector, Belize Hotel Association next week. He also did an outstanding it was some sort of scam. Ms. Rose and job of keeping the website up to date a lot of other people can assure you that Why would 34 hotels throughout the and the information flow going. it wasn’t. Too little, too late country of Belize offer free rooms to guests The general consensus of the people Our overnight tourism business is shaky for 4 nights in December? Maybe who were lucky enough to take advantage at the moment and our occupancy isthe Pg. 4 because, after a bad “off-season”, they of the free rooms is that Belize is a great lowest in the Caribbean. A few of the wanted to prove that Belize is just as great place to visit and they will tell their friends reasons could be: Don’t destroy the during this time as it is when it is busy? In about it. Some of them said that they The cruise industry is a deterrent to fact, some people like it better when it is wouldn’t have thought of coming here but eco-tourists who respect the environment bedrock not crowded and they have Maya sites, were very happy hey did. And we all know and culture, spend time learning about Pg. 5 caves, rivers, trails and coastal activities what our best advertising is - work of places they visit and appreciate where virtually to themselves. mouth. they are. These folks, along with a lot of From December 3-7, nearly 100 Belize’s Advertising Agency, RFCP did people in the overnight tourism industry, Total Madness people enjoyed free rooms and one of a great job of getting the word out on this believe in truth in advertising and don’t them,Yvonne Rose, a US citizen, was the program and it received publicity from think that we can court massive cruise Pg. 7 winner of a US$1,000.00 Bank Account several major US newspapers, radio ships and present ourselves as an eco donated by Atlantic Bank. We didn’t get stations and websites. destination at the same time. Crime and the a photo of Yvonne, because she had gone Dani Pop from the BTIA office did a Crime scares people away. People from Cayo’s Crystal Paradise Resort to great job of creating an instant website who read before they come wonder why Belizean Society Caye Caulker when the drawing was held where people could log on and make their the private sector had to provide reward Pg. 8 on December 6, but Efren Perez from the own reservations. money and equipment for recently BTIA office tracked her down and her A lot of people were skeptical about (Please Turn To Page 13) Tuesday, December 12, 2006 The INdependent Reformer Page 2

Editorial Director

Meb Cutlack LettersLettersLetters tototo thethethe EditorEditorEditor Hard to swallow Belizean agro-industries and a crooked government, and, manufacturing. It did not do enough government’s complete tax Madam Editor, for citrus during the hard times. It giveaways to the shrimp industry. Editor I had a little difficulty is not doing enough for sugar in Those stories may well have played swallowing Meb Cutlack’s Shrimp these hard times. Maybe it is not in other papers. I don’t think so. But Scampi. He opened his piece by doing enough for banana, yes, and no one is reporting that essential Karla Heusner Vernon cursing a proposed GOB decision tourism at this time. I will not information. to ease the tax pressure on the condemn it if it does enough for You did not carry Dean Barrow’s shrimp industry as “the most shrimp to help us weather this speech to the Better Business extraordinary crony deal yet storm. Bureau, probably because you devised.” Yet, in the third paragraph In respect to mega projects, Jim didn’t receive it. Design/Layout of his article he states that this tax Hyde, one of the pioneers of the However the Guardian reprinted relief is coming “at a time when the shrimp industry, was a firm a copy and I was impress with the international shrimp market has believer that Belizeans should Opposition Leader’s first call for Marigold Enterprise been hit by an unprecedented glut participate in the shrimp and fish reform: The right of the people to of Asian shrimp which has lowered farm industries, not only as recall a minister or Government if the price of shrimp internationally workers, BUT AS OWNERS OF they determined they have been lied to less than the price of chicken in SMALL FARMS. He felt that such to or they need to stop an ongoing many countries!” farms are not only financially situation like these Pirates Using General Manager In the fourth paragraph Mr. viable, but that they are important Politics (PUP) to loot the Belizean Cutlack concluded that there is no for our social structure. I am ship of state. way Belize “can possibly compete certain the farm models he I have been screaming for that Trevor Vernon with the rising Asian shrimp designed and advocated are on reform from down in P.G. (which industry.” files. is out of the loop) because that Indeed, Madam Editor, can we Finally, there is a certain irony truly ensures that power stays in the compete with Asia with anything? to the present shrimp situation. Mr. hands of the people. If we follow Cutlack’s logic we Cutlack noted in paragraph four of The right of the people to recall Published by: should have closed down the citrus his article that the Asian glut “has a minister or Government for industry when Florida and Brazil lowered the price of shrimp cause—either for promising what had us squeezed these last two internationally to less than the price can’t be delivered just to win an Independent Publishing decades. And we should have of chicken in many countries!” I election, or, once in office, doing Company Ltd. closed down the sugar industry a was told that Keith Jackson, who what the politicians wants because

○○○○○○○○○○○ long time ago too. Please, what is brought his money from Texas (?) they rule by right for five years— P.O. Box 2666 to become of us? to start the shrimp industry in is an essential way we the people Belize C.A. I got the sense from the article Belize, dreamed that shrimp would can control the people we elect to that the author has a strong bias for one day compete with chicken for government. For that reason I urge tourism. I also got the sense that Sunday dinner! you to reprint Mr. Barrow’s speech. he has a problem with mega Respect, ….you will realize that the PUP T elephones: projects (which I share), and that Colin Hyde has built a masterful the scale of tax relief for shrimps misinformation system that the is the real bug. On the latter matter Missed a good speech UDP, for some reason, has not (501) 225-3520 he would have had to do more really responded to. So you see the research, punch in numbers to Madam Editor, INdependent is truly needed! Email: justify condemnation of the Thanks for the tone and quality government’s PROTECTION. of information in your newspaper. C. Eddie Edmondson The reality is that our government I especially like your news stories Punta Gorda [email protected] must do what it has to do to protect on what hoteliers are doing to fight (Please Turn To Page 14)

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Payment Included Bill me later Prices for subscription and postage may vary for subscription outside Belize. Tuesday, December 12, 2006 The INdependent Reformer Page 3 Belize Seeks National Assembly Approval for Exchange Of fer

The Government of Belize announced Assembly’s approval for these terms was creditors during the period of consultations. the proper coupon structure of the New that it will seek the approval of the Belizean preceded by four months of intensive The creditor consultations were very Bonds. Some creditors proposed a total debt National Assembly for the financial terms of consultations by Belize and its financial helpful to us in defining the terms for which service holiday in the early years, followed an offer to exchange most categories of advisers with the affected creditors. The parliamentary approval is now being sought, by an immediate jump back to very high Belize?s outstanding external commercial financial terms for which approval is being said Mark Espat, Minister of National fixed coupons. Others advised a more indebtedness for new U.S. Dollar Bonds (the sought are based on economic data and Development of Belize. A consensus seemed gradual, step-up coupon structure, consistent ?New Bonds?). If approved by the National forecasts that have been published by the to form around the maturity date of the New with Belize’s projected capacity to pay. Assembly, the exchange offer will be formally International Monetary Fund as part of Bond (twenty-two years), as well as on the We concluded that Belize can afford to launched later this month. Belize’s most recent Article IV Consultation, desirability of preserving principal at the make some coupon payments, even in the The decision to seek the National and take account of the views expressed by aggregate level. The most debated issue was (Please Turn To Page 15)

“There was an interest payment, there was a cou- “All along they have been predicting that this debt pon due today and the government has not paid it rearrangement, debt restructuring would fail, that we and let the Prime Minister try to deny that. What is would default, that the whole world will collapse happening today is default and its not just me saying around us, and indeed they came today, despite the so, Standard and Poor’s also said that it revised to evidence staring at them in the face to the contrary, D its long term currency ratings. D is default and if they came here today, in the words of the Leader of the anybody doesn’t accept that D is default then the Opposition, to speak about Belize being a failed state, only thing D can possibly stand for then is duncy. a vagabond nation, that we are jacking up creditors. So we are jacking up our creditors. We are tell- These are very serious words that have a serious in- ing them we have stopped paying. We have until I dictment on the whole country coming from somebody think the end of March they are saying in the mo- who pretends and aspires to become the leader of our tion to try and persuade you to accept the new ar- Hon. Dean Barrow, PM Said Musa nation. It is a shame, it is disgusting, and in fact it Leader of the rangements so that we can then resume paying so proves one point: that he may be, I am not trying to go Opposition that our default doesn’t continue. And if you don’t personal here, he may be a good lawyer but when he talks about politics, this is do that, then you will not be paid at all. The nation needs to understand that we where we should really be using the D word indeed, because he is proving are leveraging the creditors in what in the end may prove to be at least partially himself to be the political dunce in all this.” a partially effective way but at the utter expense of our credibility and our good -- excerpt of the proceedings at the National Assembly, name by telling them we are stop paying now and you can hope that we will Friday December 8, 2006 --- start to pay you by the end of March so you better accept our terms or the default will continue and you’ll get nothing. Don’t give the Belizean nation the impression that you have been able to work any wonders or that the path you are walking is not in fact attended by Email your digital opprobrium on the part of the international community. .. We will be known as an economically failed state. We will be known as a hard pay, can’t pay photograph for the vagabond nation. That is what this means.” -- excerpt of the proceedings at the National Assembly, Social Page to Friday December 8, 2006 --- [email protected] Tuesday, December 12, 2006 The INdependent Reformer Page 4

but end up with choice ministries anyway. Why should this time be any different? Why should Belizeans have any reason to believe Too little, too late he will not simply sit out the election and then sit back in Cabinet once more? Karla Heusner Vernon that is novel thought. We must have been health care system run broke by the Fonseca/ So far, Belizeans aren’t buying it, anymore mistaken when we thought that was what Musa administration, Mark Espat is out there than they believe pumping money into Finally, there is something worth reading Mark Espat was saying when he called him trying to get the creditors off the country’s back Universal Health Services is going to in the Belize Times. Whether or not Godfrey “Chief Crony” in public. And excuse me if after the Fonseca/Musa administration maxed guarantee universal health coverage for all, Smith’s column “Flashpoint” is actually a I am wrong, but wasn’t that what the out the credit cards and got us billions in debt, or that THIS time the NHI really IS going to reflection of PUP insider thinking or just a cabinet revolt was all about all those months Johnny Briceno is trying to clean up the mess “Roll out” on the southside or northside or good gimmick to pull in readers is not yet ago? Godfrey Smith would have the Fonseca/Musa administration got the real Toledo side or any side at all. Next to the clear, but the first two installments have remembered that and referred to it, estate market into and sort out the duplications Orange Walk By-pass, NHI roll outs are certainly been thought provoking. wouldn’t he? After all, wasn’t he a part of of land grants and titles and leases listed to probably among the longest standing Frankly, many of us could care less if there campaign promises ever! is a wall at the tourism village or not; most “...is running Ralph out on a rail We did, finally, get the by-pass, after budgeting for it Belizeans are more interested in trying to keep in about 10 or 12 budget readings, so maybe…stranger thieves out of their own homes and shops, going to be enough to put the PUP things have happened. not dividing up the money pie at the Fort. But we’re sorry, Mr. Smith, asking Ralph But I have to admit I did enjoy Smith’s back on track with the voters...” Fonseca not to run is way, way over due to reference to Pink Floyd’s song “The Wall,” do the PUP any good. As for the nice little even though it dates a great many of us since that little party? At least, in the beginning. To multiple owners. Cordel Hyde? Well, not sure wall you’ve built around yourselves, well, any the younger folks aren’t tuned in to the type give him the benefit of the doubt, let’s what he’s up to these days, but we can’t wait real engineer could tell you its got so many of music we enjoyed as teens. suppose his is a strategy of reform, reform to hear all about it. Unfortunately, I can’t quite cracks in it any little tremor, even offshore, is It was a great metaphor for what the inner from the inside. Why, he is so effective he remember the name of the other member of likely to bring it down around your ears. sanctum of this country’s political parties tend can now call for Ralph’s head right from the 7—oh yes, Servulo Baeza! Hmm, is he For many Belizeans, the only actions that to do: erect barriers, brick by brick, to insulate the pages of the party’s own newspaper. still in government? could save the PUP is if both party leaders themselves from the real world. I know, I That’s really something. Talk about freedom As interesting as all the speculation—and were to announce they would not contest know, he didn’t mean it that way, that’s just of the press! gossip— is about whether or not Ralph the next General Election, have the party how I read it. The beauty of writing is that it’s Let’s track down the rest of the G-7 now, Fonseca will run again, is running Ralph out chose a new leader and give the country the often subject to interpretation. shall we? Eamon Courtenay is now head on a rail going to be enough to put the PUP assurances neither Fonseca, nor Musa, I suppose the very last brick of that wall of Foreign Affairs and trying to repair the back on track with the voters, dig Belize out would be given seats in Cabinets, or any was placed this week when Smith wrote that damage to Belize’s image abroad done by of debt, smooth over the scandals, or raise the portfolios at all. he believes Ralph Fonseca should not run the Fonseca/Musa administration, Jose Prime Minister’s ratings? Short of such drastic change, anything else again for the sake of the party. Hmmm, now Coye is trying to piece back together the Its not new for Fonseca not to run for office is too little, too late. Tuesday, December 12, 2006 The INdependent Reformer Page 5 DonDon’t’t dedestrstrooyy thethe bedrbedrockock By Meb Cutlack They will only see giant projects a trick and warned against accepting the managed from abroad, huge tourism gift, but no one listened, and the horse The bedrock, upon which the entire country touching small lodges and enterprises locking thousands of “new and gifts were duly hauled into their tourism in Belize is built and based, is restaurants, guide services, taxi drivers tourists” into stategic compounds safe fortress. The Trojans merrily drank the the environment: the Barrier reef, the -in city and districts - and yes, hair from local contamination except for a wine in celebration - as they considered country´s rivers, beaches, streams, wild braiders too. very few local staff struggling to survive the horse, the wine and the whole affair, life and the hundreds of varieties of flora Long stay visitors come in dignity and against ímported labour sanctioned by a surrender by the Greeks. - ranging from the tiny black orchid to often with a deep interest in Belize and some crooked minister or another. It wasn’t. When night fell, and all the magnificent mahogany and giant Belizeans. Cruise ship tourists, more These enterprises are like beached were “in a drunken stupor”, the Greek Guanacaste trees and, as important as soldiers hidden in the horse came out any of the above, Belize´s extraordinary and sacked the city of Troy. Mayan past. “One day our grandchildr en and their Hence the expression, “Never trust All of the above mentioned treasures a Greek Bearing gifts”! Well, translated of Belize are now under some sort of childr en will ask: “What happened to into modern terms, relating to Belize, that siege from recent government policies. Belize? Didn´t it used to be a beautiful means don’t trust the lavish promises The bedrock upon which so much of made by huge foreign enterprises. our tourism is based is being deliberately unsploilt countr y with gr eat for ests, Check out what has happened with chipped away by projects such as BEL, with BTL and, what is still Chalillo, the Ara Macao project and, mighty rivers, wildlife, pr ecious coral happening, with our disputed water most dramatically, by the entire cruise company. ship industry. islands and beaches?” Conversely, labeling Ruined rivers (some of which now environmentalists and “greens” as some carry lead and other poisons) don’t type of Enemies of the State is a bring visitors. Vanished forests, likely than not, see Belize as just another cruise ships,which already exist in deliberate ploy by the friends of big despoiled Mayan cave networks and grubby port city where they are warned Mexico. Without exception they are business to lull Belizeans into accepting eroded beaches don´t bring visitors. not to eat or to drink the water. owned from abroad or “offshore” and their Trojan horses - labelled “Ara Instead, cruise ship tourists, who gape One of the cruise ship companies that´s where the profits flow— offshore. Macao”, “BEL”, “BTL” and “cruise but don’t buy – chase away overnight even displays a poster depicting a A Belize Hotel Association board ship tourism” - through the gates of and long stay visitors. person with bloody facial wounds and member recently likened cruise ships unspoilt Belize. The same long stay visitors, are the carrying a warning about Belize. tourism to a Trojan horse -a trick the A single terrorist attack on a true breadwinners for Belize and One day our grandchildren and their ancient Greeks employed by hauling a cruise ship could sink the whole Belizeans. Their money does not just children will ask: “What happened to huge wooden horse into the forecourt cruise ship industry - and a huge slip into a bottomless jar labled ´General Belize? Didn´t it used to be a beautiful of the castle of the Trojans. It was chunk Of Belizeans resources and Revenue´ for our prolific government to unsploilt country with great forests, offered as a gift with barrels of wine and debt, which are sunk into it, along waste as It sees fit. ‘Long stay’ money mighty rivers, wildlife, precious coral other goodies. with the industry. spreads like a bountiful tide across the islands and beaches? The wise men among them suspected Think about it!

For an online version of the INdependent Reformer visit us at WeBAD http://www.belizenor th.com/ We Belizeans Against the Dam independentreformer.htm CHALLILO DAM is still a LIE OR http://belizenews.com/ Our electricity bills have skyrocketed independentonline.pdf The fish are not safe to eat The Macal River looks and smells bad W e don’t know how safe the Macal River water is - to drink or to swim in. Visit The We still don’t know what to do if ther e is Belize Zoo a dam break emergency. Fortis/BECOL failed to keep their The Best Little promises on the Chalillo Dam. On V aca Dam, estimated cost of US$50 million!! Zoo In The W orld they are not making promises (only profits) Tuesday, December 12, 2006 The INdependent Reformer Page 6

Belmopan or elsewhere which have InIn unitunityy therethere isis strengthstrength failed miserably. Sometimes the same consultants By Chet Schmidt have been used—locally we call them states, “a conscious attempt was “consultants for failure”. However made not to focus on the negative they will not support a program What helps to rally and unite people packages. features of the prevailing environment designed by the people of Toledo. in need? One thing is a plan to satisfy The obvious question is then, if our in the Toledo District”. Why does Today they have another project their needs. Who are the people in government truly believes this, why government not want to focus on the financed by European Union, The need? In the Toledo District everyone did they not support the Memorandum negative reasons for the previous Belize Rural Development Project, to except the very rich are in need. The of Understanding in support of The projects failures and for our growing the tune of millions more. It is very poor obviously need gainful Toledo People’s Eco Park Plan signed poverty? Because they don’t want similar to the previous failed projects. employment. The middle class need by leaders from across the board in radical change in the fallacious theory How can the government Ministers security and income to maintain their Toledo? It was designed by and for that guides their policies--that one can and these funders be so blind? Who wealth. When the poor are desperate the people of Toledo, using the reach the poor by expanding a doesn’t know that it is unreasonable they resort to stealing from those who democratic participatory planning process controlled by the rich. to expect different results when have. process. Belize’s official aid diagnoses is the continually trying the same methods? The middle class often have The present Minister of Economic poor are poor because they These Ministers, banks, and the borrowed to develop their land and Development has stated in the lackcertain things, credit, good roads, NGOs they fund, have made a lot of businesses. If they can not make the forward to the “new” strategy plan, better seeds, etcetera. But what the money. If they truly wanted different money they need to pay their loans that, “there is no better recipe for poor really lack is power, power to results, they would surely try different they can lose what they have. Both success than a government that secure what they need. Our approaches. Any good the poor and wealthy can succumb to coordinates and plans, then uses the government policies focus on the lack businessperson knows they will the temptation to drugs and alcohol. plans to guide investments”. The truth of materials. Their focus should be on quickly go out of business if they So the plan must be for everyone, the is the “best recipe” for a truly free and the lack of power. Therein lies the continue to waste their capital. The rich and the poor. A plan that everyone participatory democratic government, fundamental difference. Some of our people of Toledo are not as ignorant can identify with. A plan that they can is when the government listens to the government leaders have made a big as our government and the funders see will help them. Is that all that’s plans that the people design and name & money calling for “power to want to believe. needed to rally the majority of the develop, and then helps to coordinate the people”. But today you have to The current Minister of Economic people? Yes, but to get the support and find investment for them! When address them as “Your Excellency” Development for the rich, is correct of all the people no! our present system begins to walk their while the “poorest of the poor” are when he writes, “a spirit of The fact is there is a small number talk, when they abandon dishonest PR worse off then ever before. consultation fatigue prevails in Toledo of very rich and powerful individuals and buying elections, permits a The Memorandum of District”. and groups who are not interested in representative media and is Understanding in support of the The level of disappointment has truly changing the situation. They are comfortable establishing a genuinely further development of theToledo reached the point where residents of battling to safeguard their power and equalitarian participatory democracy People’s Eco Park Plan was signed the District are wary of development profits by opposing change. Right because it no longer fears the power on September 12th 2003 by projects and external aid. Why now in Toledo and the rest of Belize of the many, then Belize will shine and representatives of all the then doesn’t our government there seems to be a stand-off between be truly free. democratically elected leaders of give the peoples plan a chance? the concerns of 90% of the population Neo liberalism is the defining Toledo District. The major Some who don’t know about and the prerogatives of the political economic paradigm in Belize conservation and development what we Belizean’s have corporations, the heads of our today. organizations, The Toledo Civil traditionally called government, the wealthy elites who It refers to the policies and Society and other groups signed. The “victimization”, may ask why benefit from things as they are. They processes where by a relative handful USA Peace Corps, seeing this the leaders and respected civic do not want positive change for the of private interests are permitted to consensus, later signed. leaders who signed as people. Ironically, the “Peace” Corps control as much as possible of social Although two acting heads of the witnesses, the head of our and other volunteers are supporting life in order to maximize their personal Ministry of Economic Development Justices of the Peace, and them. profit. were personally presented with the another JP who was awarded Some of our top political rulers President Hugo Chavez of Toledo People’s Eco Park Plan The Order of the British understand implicitly that their system Venezuela held up a book at the Memorandum of Understanding and Empire, and the many ordinary is established to suit the needs of the United Nations that tells more about project description and plans, they citizens who appreciated their few, not the many, and that the people this. refused to support the peoples standing up to the plate and cannot therefore ever be permitted to Our government leaders’ speeches request for the further development of asking that the people’s plan be question and alter their rule. They will sound as if they are doing poor the plan. When pressed,one PUP given a fair chance don’t propose and fund projects doomed people, the environment, and government representative said. protest? to failure, but not those that will everybody else a tremendous service “Look if we allow you to try your pilot The simple answer, is because of succeed. as they enact policies on behalf of the project in three or four villages and our legitimate fear of those more Our government and those non wealthy few. The economic PG Town as you want, and it is powerful in this little-changed, post government organizations who work consequences of these policies have successful everyone will want to do it colonial, hierarchal, often quasi feudal so well with them, have worked been the same. A massive increase in and there will be no stopping them”. political and social structure. incessantly to see that important issues social and economic inequality, a huge The government has been very But we can longer afford to be like the Toledo People’s Eco Park are public debt, a marked increase in successful in supporting projects afraid. “More power to the People of never publicly debated, or allowed a severe deprivation for the poorest of designed in London, Washington, Belize”. chance. The poverty forums, the our people. many meetings and seminars, and the The 2002 poverty assessments most recent, Toledo. indicated that 79% of “Quotethe people of of the Week” Strategy and Action Plan 2006- Toledo are poor and 56% are very Comments? 2009 clearly shows This— the poor or indigent. Although well over lawyers call it“proof by omission.” 61 million dollars in foreign aid has Suggestions?or want The Ministry of Economic been allocated to the district since Development has been forced to 1978. (note: this does not include admit that the results of their previous governments counter part funds.) the to share your thoughts projects have been “disappointing” people of Toledo are poorer now then and the level of disappointment has ever before. Email us at reached a point where residents are In the foreword to the Strategy and wary of development projects and Action Plan for 2006-2009, the [email protected] external aid, that come in the same Minister of Economic Development Tuesday, December 12, 2006 The INdependent Reformer Page 7

not without remedy; but, the solution and the executive branches of must be multifaceted in its approach. government. Of the three branches, it Additionally, I think the constitutional appears the Judiciary needs to be the TotalTotal madnessmadness reform must also provide for elections TotalTotal madnessmadness most separate from the other two. The By: Trevor Vernon within the judicial branch itself and judiciary must be given even more extended to include an elected police constitutional protection to be chief, free from Minister’s whims & Last week this the system to admit anyone and able to isolate itself from the fancies; elected judges free from the newspaper ran a everyone with a degree and other two highly politicized Legal Adviser’s whims and fancies; cartoon (see experience in the courts should be sectors in this triad. And the elected magistrates, free from the AG’s December 5, admitted. Some still think this would way to make the judiciary more arrogance; elected DPP free from 2006 issue) make a huge difference. independent rests not only with overbearing influences, and an elected which I believe Back in the upper Standards at St. the charades and pretenses of Registrar General to give that office captures the Mary’s, I was blessed with great superficial change. Somehow, some total freedom from extra-judicial essence of a teachers and they hammered this way, we must alter the façade of the pressures. Elect them all and provide fundamental parliamentary democracy thing in my constitutional structure of this head. When the other branches can budgets for each office, each with inherited Westminster modeled of government we flawinherited. in the Liketype run roughshod over the Judiciary like constitutional guarantees and parliamentary democracy to ensure sheep, we adopted it, never they did during the recent BTL AGM adequate comforts to provide real that we are truly democratic and as contemplating the camel trading that meeting, I get real nervous. I feel protection to the rule of law. free as possible from egomaniac was to come, or the politicians that altogether hopeless when the In seeking to right what many influences, and unscrupulous would arrive on the scene, with egos constitutional opposition appears to be Belizeans are seeing as a betrayal by individuals, who continue to crucify and complexes to rival that of on board with the bastardization of our those who are currently elected to her with an expired mandate from the Napoleon with Jack Palance’s face. “parliamentary democracy based of office, it seems reasonable that we people. Something is fundamentally flawed the Westiminster Model”. should focus on separation of powers Wake up Belize and take the camel with our “Parliamentary Democracy This malignant condition however is among the judiciary, the legislative, by the hump. that is based on the Westminster Model”. We all learned about that idealistic government model, some us at St Mary’s Primary back in the early 1970’s. It was the royal ideal for us CHUC SERVICE natives. But, somewhere along the line, the royal ideal was contaminated. We are left now with a system totally out of STATIONS step wisth the optimistic perceptions that have the Belizean people electing and re-electing two political parties that enrich not the country, but themselves. Where are the Englishmen who W eekly $500 raf fle taught us right from wrong? All we get now is their snotty rich offspring continues this month pillaging what their own fathers tried to create, and leave as their legacy. Many in Belize, particularly the Get one ticket with older generation still revere that legacy. I was out distributing this paper’s first issue a couple weeks ago ever y $25 pur chase and approached an “ageable” lady. At first, she was reluctant to take a free copy of the IN so I had to convince her. In a flash of insight, I blurted out, “We have a great picture of the Queen November W inners with a local man presenting credentials!’ The lady melted: “Is she still alive?” Oh, e luk good! Mek a read it, man”. How incredible, that we have forgotten that there is still a W eek 1 Glenis Smith Queen and that she is still our titular head of state. Now I am not a constitutional law expert, nor have I consulted one. This week 2 Jorgeb Munoz is a layman’s commentary on the sad state of affairs that exists in this, our country, today. It’s a slightly different take, so stay with me. week 3 Unclaimed No 975894 I believe that the judiciary needs to be much more independent, in both public perception and reality. Way, way, way more so. Hire some week 4 Unclaimed No 576516 constitutional experts to amend the constitution to give teeth to the guarantees of the total independence of this branch of government. But do OUR BUSINESS IS SOMETHING! I used to think that busting up the old boys’ club would do it but these days I am not so sure. FUEL AND TYRES I used to think that we should change Tuesday, December 12, 2006 The INdependent Reformer Page 8 Crime and Belizean Society By Richard Hulse is being made here is that licences for there weeping or crying, they come well guns should be given out more liberally prepared. They come with their lawyers, i.e. a person who has been consistently they know how to acquire bail, they know This is not an article which has been The main source of the killings in employed for ten years along with two all the right procedures and most of all written to examine the root cause of crime, Belize, though, seems to be revenge testimonials that he is not an uncontrollable they don’t waste time getting emotional but a hint of that will be provided as well. killings, where one shooting is inextricably drunk, should be able to get a gun without and crying all over the place, their affairs There is no doubt that a demographic linked to the other. The pattern of revenge a problem. Again too, any person who are well organized. area, where a person resides , assists in just keeps going and going , without wants a gun, should get a replica firearm The main problem, which I think is the shaping of his character, but again one stopping. If one worked around the and see how well they can safe guard it, affecting the courts, which is the root cause cannot underscore the fact too that while courts, one would be able to see that there or whether there may be a possibility that of cases falling apart, is the problem of schools serve to educate, there are is one set of people consistently coming they will get shot with their own gun. And locating witnesses. This task falls on delinquent student mentors who are at before the courts. What is even worse than most importantly , if they can figure, how policemen; and most people knows that these institutions of learning assisting to a person who has been convicted twice it disappeared or who went with it, all if the police goes looking for someone in miseducate anyone who has an inclination or thrice, at least something is known about these experiments I carried out to weigh a crime riddled area: the only response to do so. One of my friends was raising him, but a person who has been charged the pro’s and con’s of keeping a firearm. the policeman will get is “he doesn’t live his children in the inner city, but after he for nine counts of attempted murder and Keeping a firearm is one thing, but to be here” or “I don’t know who you are moved away to a more appropriate convicted for none: this has a deeper meaning prepared to defend yourself at the spur of looking for”. This job of locating witnesses residential area, the change in his children than it appears on the surface. It means that the moment is another thing: things criminal should be considered of paramount was so dramatic and so thorough, it is hard apart from perpetrating violence, this person happens so quickly. importance, because when you are in to believe and would also take a lot of is knowledgeable of how to go about instilling I think too, even the definition of court, if you have a witness you may have time to explain. There is no secret to the fear in others. The very thing which weakens police protection, some people have a case, if you don’t have no witness you dramatic change, because living in certain the state’s capacity to prosecute. And any misled themselves to believe that the police don’t have no case, it’s as simple as that. demographic areas is like living in a society which allows too many violent people should be like magicians, to appear out of Apart from that it’s who the jurors believe. vacuum. In certain of these areas some to run amok, will cause that society to nowhere when some breach of the law is Once the system cannot procure these youths are forced to become gang become violent; because people will have to occurring: that happens in the movies, not witnesses, the system has been members , for their own protection, think in a violent frame of mind to deal with in real life. No thief is going to make it undermined. A suggestion here which I otherwise they may be the targets of abuse them. known he is going to burglarize a house, have spoken openly about, is the idea that for their own neighbourhood. They may We are also living in a society where the to have the police waiting for him – that is the courts should hire several process not have more friends either, if they are bad guys carry guns and the good guys carry undermining the purpose. Thieves don’t servers, who knows their way around the not attending school. In short they will be none, in short the good citizens are like danger just like everybody else, so town, and who is not a policeman. It is like an outsider in their own unarmed. When a good guy shoots a bad they only burglarize places they have self evident that as some people see a neighbourhood. guy the police have no problems finding knowledge of, or have been provided policeman, their jawbones become It seems too that many of the killings witnesses. The case in point, is that the information about. locked, in a society like Belize, once you has to do with women, since Belizean men good citizen is afraid of being a witness, I would like to emphasize here too have lived on the Southside of Belize City, are always controlling and seems to push because he may suffer the same faith as that the people who utilize the services of you notice that many people hide from the the boundaries of a relationship beyond the person who was killed. In the case of the police the most, are some of these policeman, the bill collector and the it’s perimeter, long after it’s over. They are the bad guy, it is the other way around; same people who are criminally inclined, landlord. It should also be noted that the women too, one of whom I know whenever a bad guy or a gang member is and who spend their time criticizing the offices of the Director of Public personally, who keeps gang boys and shot, there is automatically a lot of witness, police. Some of these people can’t even Prosecution’s, is and has been for many have them perpetrate violence against the with the exception of those who say we control their own children, in other cases years, under several previous directors, previous one she left, and she tells women will settle it in the streets: meaning they children are encouraged because they understaffed. I can recall many many years clearly too that if they slip up with her, her will simply shoot the person when the come from crime families. When these ago, the entire criminal calendar for the boyfriend is going to shoot them. opportunity arrives. The essential point that people appear at court, they don’t come year was about three cases, but we are a (Please Turn To Page 12) Hunt for good food With Anthony Hunt D&R Creole & American Cuisine University Blvd. HHH

The Coopers run this great little restaurant across from Home Protector Insurance in University Heights. While we must say the are better places in town to have rice and beans, their ’s is above average However, the ambience, secur e location, cleanliness and friendly service m o r e than make up the deficit. And the fr ee pie is well wor th the trip. W e sampled their fish balls and the cow foot soup. The portions were ample and the deliver y time to our table was brisk. W e wer e told that we had missed an excellent (and evidently crowded) Thanksgiving lunch...so I have made a date for next year. By the way , don’t forget to tr y the golden plum juice. Daily Specials, Lunch only $7 & up Tuesday, December 12, 2006 The INdependent Reformer Page 9 Tuesday, December 12, 2006 The INdependent Reformer Page 10 COMMENTARY

Law and Politics: Integrity in public office and preventing corruption

Tuesday, December 5, 2006, Caribbean News Network jurisdiction, but the Prime Minister and his cabinet have every such authority to by Lloyd Noel act in the public interest, and in the “Corruption makes the poor poorer, because part of their already meager preservation of the good name and earnings, and their non-existent disposable income, must pay for basic services image of his government. which otherwise should be free.” And it cannot be repeated too often, when those at the highest level of the up being ridiculed for their poor efforts action in London , since last year against society’s structure — entrusted with the because, as it is said in another circle, the government, but still nothing was said mantle of power and authority, to carry you cannot defend the indefensible. to John Public nor the people’s out or to operate the people’s business The latest corruption charges, representatives in parliament. for the benefit of the people in general surrounding the Deputy Prime Minister, And it was only when Mr Grynberg — behave in such reckless and Gregory Bowen, have taken on such and his company brought the case in disgraceful manner, and everything is widespread proportions at home and New York on the 1st November this just glossed over and excused as no big Lloyd Noel is a former Attorney General abroad, that they are even impacting year, and named the Russians and thing, the message and example being of Grenada, prominent attorney at law negatively on what appears to be quite Gregory Bowen as the conspirators to sent to those lower down the ladder of and political commentator genuine development investments now defraud them of the benefits under the authority, can only be, that it pays better coming on stream. 1996 agreement that Mr Bowen saw it to be dishonest and untrustworthy. Those were the words from the And, in addition thereto, the scandal fit to make a public statement, and in so And it goes without my saying so, that chairperson of “Transparency that seems to have put a serious damper doing put all Grenadians to shame. what is being cultivated — among those International,” Huguette Labelle, at the on the people’s prospects of benefiting Since that press conference and the whom we should be training, and seventeenth conference of the OAS in from gas and oil dollars is now magnified denials that amounted to naught, and the preparing to take over the leadership the lecture series of the Americas . by the economic hell they are catching, ludicrous statement from the Prime of our people and country tomorrow — Transparency International is a civil because of the very poor state of the Minister that others in the society are is a recipe for cheating and a culture of society organisation dedicated to the economy which was brought about by also corrupt, not just the ministers of corruption. fight against corruption worldwide. “Ivan and Emily.” The interest being government - words to that effect - And strangely as it may seem to many, It was created by the OAS shown by all and sundry, young and old, nothing else has been forthcoming from I am not hearing any comments, or Permanent Council to promote and quite ordinary folks, who normally government. seeing any statement by the conference democratic principles and values in the pay little or no heed to such matters, is The hue and cry is for some form of of churches in Grenada , the TUC, nor countries of the hemisphere, and when a clear indication that they view this inquiry or investigation — whether by a any of the stakeholders in our civil the conferences are held recognised scandal in a quite different light from parliamentary selected body, or the society — like the chambers of speakers are invited to speak on such those that went before. police under the direction of the DPP, commerce for example. These groups key issues as stated in the above And the long standing period of but not another farce by the governor are the so-called social partners that the headline. secrecy, and the total absence of general and his one-man commissioner same government is always referring to, The chairperson pointed out, that free transparency have made matters far — and that Minister Bowen should step or calling upon when it suits them to put elections have produced a new more alarming. down from the position in which he on a show of solidarity. generation of leaders in the OAS region When questions were being asked by brought shame and scandal to the Is John Public to understand, that and many of them were elected on “anti- Mr Reynold Benjamin in public articles, people and the government he none of them see this scandal as corruption” platforms. and Mr Grynberg himself, in a letter to represents. But no response to date. deserving of any observation from their But as we know only too well, in the the Prime Minister, dated February 28, If any little public (civil) servant is memberships? CARICOM region many of the states 2003, told him .... “I have refrained accused of any wrongdoing by his/her The same way the top brass of the are riddled with corruption and lack of from getting involved in Grenadian Permanent Secretary, the first action, by Catholic Church, were ready and willing integrity in public office. polities and have refused to respond to the Public Service Commission (PSC), to visit the National Stadium, no doubt Readers will recall that, only very Mr Reynold Benjamin’s many inquiries, is to send that officer home while an at the invitation of government, and recently, the same body produced a in his preparation for the Grenada inquiry is carried out — so why should shower praise on the Chinese workers report in which Barbados got very high elections between now and March of there be one brand of treatment for the and the administration for achieving marks and praise for its transparency 2004. I have also refrained from going little fry, and a wholly different brand almost the impossible, so too, in my and honest dealings; while Grenada was to the press.” Even after all that nothing for the big fish? humble opinion, the same spiritual lumped together with Trinidad and was said to the people, nor to After all, they are both public servants leaders should be prepared and Tobago and Guyana , as the most parliament. and must be subject to the same forthcoming, in marshalling the notorious trio for corruption dealings and The entrance of the Russians into the standards of discipline and conference of churches to make lack of transparency and integrity in billions of US dollars scandal and the accountability. And, as was forcefully representation to government to clear public office in the region. A very black allegation that $10 million US dollars underscored, in that conference on the the dark and cloudy atmosphere — and mark indeed. had been paid into somebody or bodies evils of corruption at the OAS last to be seen openly to be so doing. But, from the record of the dealings bank accounts, certainly not the week, “Fighting corruption strengthens All over the global village nowadays, by our politicians, at least some of them, Treasury of Grenada, seemed“Quote to have democratic of institutionsthe andWeek” prevents we’re hearing on the airwaves and during the past ten years in office, who brought the scam to the boil, which distortions in the economy, improprieties seeing on TV the people, the can argue with the accusers or the critics overflowed in the brave move to in public administration, and damage to stakeholders of their country’s heritage, about our saddened state of affairs? terminate the agreement between RSM a society’s moral fiber.” In this case of the ones who are getting poorer and And the very few who do try to paint and the Grenada government. a Cabinet Minister being accused of poorer because of their leaders corrupt a different picture in public forums end That move triggered the arbitration wrongdoing, the PSC has no (Please Turn To Page 11) Fly Tropic Air - Fly Tropic Air - Fly Tropic Air “The Airline Of Belize” Tuesday, December 12, 2006 The INdependent Reformer Page 11 TheTheThe 111111 birdsbirdsbirds ofofof ChristmasChristmasChristmas Each December members of the Belize Audubon Society and other volunteers carry out the Christmas bird count, all over Belize. They count hundreds of species of local and migratory birds, but beginning this week, Independent Weekly will give you some information on 11 birds described in a very useful, and charming, field guide, “Jungle Walk” by Katie Stevens. We begin the series with a trusting little fellow, the Booby Bird, who appropriately enough, has on his Christmas boots. Webster defines booby as “an awkward, foolish person, and indeed, our beautiful red-footed booby birds (Sula sula) are trusting of man to this day, despite the fact that seafarers used to walk right up to month. Usually two eggs are laid, but them and bash them on the head, a only one will hatch its shiny black- carnage which almost extinguished the skinned inhabitant with the black face Law and Politics: Integrity in public species. Today their persistent and the big black bill. Soon the baby stupidity allows us the wonderful booby will sport tufts of white down, office and preventing corruption more and more until it is thick with opportunity to see them up close: the (Continued From Page Why, therefore, is this deathly silence platform provided at Half Moon Caye fluff, a ridiculous sight. A greedy only- practices, they are rising up and from those groups which are expected by the Belize Audubon Society rises chick, it tries to climb head first into protesting in one form or another, to lead their members and their flocks? right into the middle of the colony, so now one, and then the other, of its against the malpractices of those in The few voices crying in the wilderness that you are literally within easy reach parents’ craws to get at whatever authority over them. We too, in little are simply too few to make the required of the nearest nesting boobies. partially digested repast might lie Grenada , did likewise in the brave difference. Luckily, they are now protected by there. And it grows disastrously fat. old days when people had dey belly And just by passing a law in parliament law! Finally its parents refuse to feed the — including priests, and about “Integrity in public office with penalties There are two other species of little glutton any longer. It hangs businessmen, and youths. for corruption “ will not make those who get booby in Belize, the masked booby forlornly around the nest for a few And protesting against into the parliament buildings, twenty-first (Sula dactylatra) and the brown days, then resignedly plops into the corruption and graft by our century saints by any means. booby (Sula leucogaster) but neither water, but still it may swim around for leaders who are responsible for We, the people, have to constantly can compare with the red-foot for lack another ten days before it has used the public purse has nothing to monitor their performances, and when of color-coordination. It has two adult up enough of its fat reserve to be do with which party you needed, tell them what they are doing, color phases, one a dull grayish brown light enough to fly, and so to fish for supporting, but everything to do or have done in our name is wrong, and similar to any other booby, but in the itself. with the love of your countr y, and they must account and pay the price by second phase its feathers are tinted It is thought that the Half Moon the caring concern for the legacy stepping down. golden white, with black trim along its Caye booby bird colony has survived to our children and those yet So long as we, the people, neglect to wings tinged in blue and pink. But all for over a hundred years, despite unborn. demand accountability and transparency this refinement is more than undone heavy egg and chick predation by So whether it is NNP, NDC, and responsibility for wrongdoing, we by its rather large, outlandishly red frigatebirds (men o’war) and rats, and GULP or PLM, or any other “PP”, will never achieve the goal of integrity in webbed feet—like a guest at a formal until very recently, men. The only other our concerns and protestations public office and the eradication of masquerade who forgot to remove his known red-footed booby colony is must be the same. corruption from our public trustees. galoshes at the door. off the coast of Trinidad. In flight, the booby tucks these feet discreetly up under his feathers. In its search for food, it heads out to sea rather than along the coast. Flying fish stirred up by early morning ships are a favorite catch, as are squid glowing phosphorescent in a moonlit night. Like its relative the pelican, the booby has air sacs beneath its skin to cushion it when it dive bombs into the water, often at a good 100 degree angle, wings folded behind its back. So deep does it plunge that propelled by both feet and wings, it approaches its prey from below, often gulping it down whole while still beneath the surface. Again like the pelican, it has a throat pouch which enables it to swallow Opening Hours larger fare than it looks at all likely. Monday - Saturday 6 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. Egglaying takes place as early as November and as late as April, Sunday & Holidays 7 a.m. - 7:30 pm. January being the most popular Breakfast Lunch and Diner Tuesday, December 12, 2006 The INdependent Reformer Page 12 TOPICALTOPICAL TIDBITSTIDBITS

Airport discrimination because”, the same person told Belizean democracy ruled from the Restaurant T ax me, “they don´t speak English!” centre and by a middle group if independents falling between the, US$ only almost sure to be victorious, UDP A young mother married to There is a strange unreality PUP in Belmopan and the, sure to be defeated, PUP. a Belizean, but carrying a US about restaurant sales tax passport and travelling with collection in Belize. Many The defeat of Tony Chanona And Internet cafes her three young children, was local Belizean owned in Belmpan PUP is, in a way, not only pulled from the exit restaurants are ´hit´ each year a sad testimony of the fact that Much the same can be line at the International with a team of accountant types talent, intelligence, and a history said for internet cafes. Some are airpoprt but then told that who descend with their briefcases of extremely successful leadership taxed and some are not. It she could only pay her exit and suspiciously go through every little of Belmopan City, doesn´t appears to be that if you sell tax in US dollars. Her offer sales tax receipt for the past year. Their necessarily win friends and coffee or food you are liable to pay with Belize dollars mere presence suggests total lack of influence people. My own advise to also be taxed for internet was refused. Her husband, trust and yet there are hundreds of to Mr. Chanona is to stand as an usage but not for pure who was there was furious: restaurants in the country – big and small Independent candidate in the internetting. It´s time our “How come they don’t Chinese included - which are never coming election. It´s time that government really looked at charge cruise ship bothered and for the most part some of the stalwart and less the manner in which they are passengers exit tax at all? don´t even appear to keep their contaminated PUP hierarchy destroying all small There is something crazy sales receipts. realized that its better to survive businesses in Belize for the happening in Belize. I I was told: “Oh , Belmopan and serve as independents than sake of their ´big´ friends and believe the government has looks after them!” Is this true are godown with the sinking PUP ship. cronies with Belmopan gone mad!” there two sets of rules? “It´s They could form part of a new connections. Negotiations Continue At Oas Crime and Towards Declaration On Belizean Rights Of Indigenous Peoples The Organization of American self-determination does not imply Society States (OAS) today opened the the end nor the destruction of the of civilian process servers. (Continued From Page 8) eighth meeting of negotiations on territorial integrity of current states, The matter of white collar crime is an the draft American Declaration on an assurance that “instills far cry from that piece of nostalgic history, area, which is a grey area both for the law the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, confidence that a satisfactory we are in the present day 2006. The enforcers and the court, because many white seeking to make substantive conclusion can be reached on this problem of the D.P.P.’s office understaffed collar crime has to go unchallenged, because progress on issues related to self- matter.” is neither a new one, or is it of any these are grey areas which require civil determination, individual rights, The Guatemalan diplomat said he directors making. The growth of the prosecution, which means no assistance from fundamental freedoms and was optimistic that the Working D.P.P.’s staff was never commensurate the state or the police department and the collective rights for the native Group could make progress with the increase in crime; simply meaning hiring of lawyers is out of the question for the peoples of the hemisphere. cleaning up the text under that while crime grew, the D.P.P’s office working man who can hardly pay their bills. The Chairman of the Permanent negotiation, saying he was confident didn’t, and the place was structured to So if they don’t left the rich man to take what Council Working Group on this “the necessary consensus will be deal with a few cases. Again , locating he wants, they just simply simply settle the topic, Ambassador Juan León, who achieved.” He conceded that people for some of these long drawn out matter by the gun. A matter of paramount is Guatemala’s Alternate consensus on certain aspects of the cases may also be a problem, because I importance for the working man is the fact Representative to the OAS and a Declaration is not easy, but will notice that very few people live in a house that civil law was developed by rich men for member of the Pueblo Maya K’iche depend on “all the delegations being in these crime ridden areas longer than the purpose of extracting or extorting money indigenous community, said at the flexible and broad-minded.” since months and are paying rent. Some from other rich. It’s a system that has been opening of the meeting that the Among others participating in the just wait out their landlords, and rent out developed over hundreds of years. approach to the concept of self- inauguration was Natalia Sara-pura, space in their landlord’s house as well. In The final problem is the one of a so called determination will be a key focus of representative of Argentina’s Kolla Belize people seems to move from one witness protection program, which has been this five-day round of negotiations. indigenous community, who said that place to the other consistently and it is in the air for years, it is a problem for the He called on representatives of the “self-determination is an inherent right sometimes difficult to locate them. Without mostly military men at the establishment member states and of indigenous for indigenous peoples.” She urged the a shadow of a doubt, I think the Crime department in Belmopan, who keep their peoples alike to bring creativity in OAS member countries to join the Commission should take into account that families and themselves out of these crime seeking outcomes that United Nations Human Rights Council the problem of sending policemen to serve ridden demographic areas like the inner cities “unconditionally reaffirm this right “in recognizing that indigenous peoples, summons should be fixed, with the of Belize and whether they ignore the subject, and at the same time ensure unity, like all other peoples under international employment of Civilian Process Servers. don’t care, or are withholding funds on confidence and balance among all law, have a right to free self- If they have any doubts, many defaulters purpose is a question only they and the the players in each member state determination.” on their loans can attest to the effectiveness politicians can answer. and the OAS as a whole.” The last round of negotiations was Ambassador León said, “We held in Brasilia, Brazil, last March. should spare no effort to imagine a At both the Fourth Summit of the Comments? future in which indigenous peoples Americas, held in Argentina in can be totally free to determine and November 2005, and the last OAS decide on their own affairs, in terms General Assembly, in June of this Suggestions?or want of what is best suited to their year, the governments of the economic, political, social, cultural, Americas reiterated the importance to share your thoughts educational and legal development, of a successful conclusion to this among other rights.” process and the eventual adoption Email us at He recalled that the indigenous of an American Declaration on the representatives have “on every Rights of Indigenous Peoples. [email protected] occasion” reaffirmed their view that (Press Release) Tuesday, December 12, 2006 The INdependent Reformer Page 13 signature was not required. Money from school at Independence Village, that the account was used to purchase new was in Ferguson’s voting District. vehicles for the officers. Fred Cabral The poor from Stann Creek West RapeRape ofof aa VillageVillage were without books, and the poor that RapeRape ofof aa VillageVillage received one of the new vehicles. The (Continued From Page 1) The couple made one mistake. Fred new account had aspects of a slush fund. came from Toledo had neither books In an attempt to have the matter Cabral, who worked near the wife, Seeing the Foundation deviate from its or funds for tuition. Prior to HANDS, resolved. Placencia’s Village Chairman learned of the planned Foundation and intended purpose, the Treasurer the schools had a means of assisting and Committee members traveled to became involved. Soon Rodwell resigned. the poor. They had donors from whom Belmopan on four (4) separate Ferguson was also involved and in The Foundation did provide funds for they could solicit funds. HANDS occasions to keep appointments made control. Assertions were then made that tuition, but not in the numbers and solicited the same donors and doing so with the Solicitor General. On every HANDS was Rodwell Ferguson’s brain manner claimed by Ferguson. The obtained the funds that previously went occasion, there was some excuse why child. However, the wife remained as principles of the schools requested that to the schools. HANDS dried up the the Solicitor General could not meet with Treasurer. The Foundation did well in the money be used to help the poor school’s sources of funds. There was them. On the fourth occasion, they were soliciting money, particularly from those with their education, HANDS no longer funds to buy books for told that the matter was being turned who needed favors. Among the many Foundation refused. The cost of children of poor families in Stann Creek over to the Minister for their District, donations was $50,000 from the education involves fees for registration, West or help the students from Toledo Stann Creek West, Minister Rodwell developer of Chabet Mar and a latter tuition, books and other charges, books in any manner. Ferguson. publicized $125,000 from Ara Macao. being the greater expense. Rodwell Ferguson activities were Turning the matter over to Minister When checks were requested for The Foundation did provide tuition certainly not exemplary for one who Ferguson did not worry the Villagers. expenditures that were not appropriate, for students who lived in Rodwell holds the position of “Minister of State Afterall, in order to obtain his as Treasurer, she refuse to issue the Ferguson’s voting District, Stann Creek in Education”. Is it greed? Or does he nomination for his office at the PUP checks. Those who wanted to dip into West. However, the exorbitant cost of think he is better than them and doesn’t conventionl Ferguson had supported the the funds were not going to be deterred. books was left for the parents. The give a damn for the poor? Act. Soon enough, however, the As more money came in, accounts were Foundation provided nothing for Placencia Peninsula is limited in area Villagers were to learn of Rodwell changed to where the treasurers students from Toledo who attended (Please Turn To Page 15) Ferguson’s treachery. At the time there was a condominium development named Chabet Mar being constructed on a Placencia beach. The developer had not gone through the time honored procedure of first obtaining approval from the Village Council, prior to applying for Government permits. Instead, the developer obtained them with the approval and assistance of Minister Rodwell Ferguson. The Village Chairman approached Rodwell Ferguson on the matter and he told them flat out he was not going to have their proposed Legislation approved. They would receive no benefit under the Village Council Act. That was the one thing that Ferguson was truthful about, the fact he was depriving the Village of benefits. Minister Ferguson, then proceeded to disolve the Village’s Lands Committee and appoint a new one with his own with an associate, Fred Cabral, as Vice Chairman, and Ferguson’s supporter, Percival Neal, as Chairman. Rodwell Ferguson’s family and associates then began what can only be described as an all our land grab. His wife, Ana May Ferguson, received 10.011 acres along the Placencia lagoon. There were seven (7) other land grants made either to Rodwell Ferguson, his wife or his son, which totaled 280.61 acres. Fred Cabral received 2 acres along the lagoon. There was a conveyance to HANDS Foundation, Rodwell Ferguson and Fred Cabral of 450 acres plus 14 acres on the Southern Long Caye. There was 6 acres along Placencia lagoon and 50 acres on Flour Caye given to Percival Neal and his wife. Rodwell Ferguson’s next machination denied the poor. He had assumed control of the HANDS Foundation that was conveyed property. The HANDS Foundation was the brainchild of a husband and wife in Placencia that had, before they came to Belize, successfully operated a similar Foundation to provide education for poor children. Tuesday, December 12, 2006 The INdependent Reformer Page 14 LettersLetters toto thethe EditorEditor Fr ee Stay Belize update (Continued From Page 1) stay in Mexico or Guatemala instead. A arrested bandits. They think that this couple who has to pay $75.00 for the two (Continued From Page 2) the GST folks. should be a priority of the government. of them just to get out of the country could Problem 1: Only travel agencies in Could they be correct? instead use the money to stay another night Belize have to have a GST invoice. There High cost. Our small towns used to be in Belize, directly supporting the local Fiasco on top of fiasco are only maybe 20 of us in the country. full of back packing tourists. Now they economy. That means that resorts have to change Dear Madam, are empty. This means the whole The Belize Tourist Board, in spite their entire procedure for a handful of economy suffers. You can still get a basic of the fact that its major source of If I had a newspaper, my headlines people - maybe only 4 or 5, since not all would scream ‘YOU OWE $XXXXX’ room and meal for not too much money, income is the accommodations tax, travel agents in the country represent a The article would give a breakdown of but it is costly to get out to points of interest does not have a place on the board full range of resorts and lodges. That and then when you have to pay $37.50 for a representative of the hotel the actual cost of the debt and the amount means we’re a problem, and it’s much owed by every single Belizean for the next just to cross the border, you may want to industry. Should it? easier for them to deal with out of country 22 years. The point also needs to be made agencies and not have to deal with all that that you are paying this for services and paperwork AND get paid in US dollars. For an online version of the resources that you have already received. Problem 2: The government has This is not to develop the country and its basically made the travel agencies INdependent Reformer infrastructure for the future. responsible for enforcing the law. If we The more I sit here an look at this the don’t have the proper GST invoice, then visit us at more infuriated I become at the absolute we’re the ones who are penalized by not http://www.belizenor th.com/ incompetence and spineless leadership being able to claim a credit for the GST that has led to this scenario. already paid to the hotel. The hotels and The hospital fiasco just adds more fuel independentreformer.htm resorts already find us a problem to deal to the already blazing fiscal fiasco. These with (see problem no. 1) and if we make OR are supposed to be educated and too much trouble, they can just cancel intelligent professionals; one of them bragging our reservations - or refuse to accept http://belizenews.com/ that he had 165 people on his payroll. Given them, so we don’t have a lot of leverage. all the breaks and tax credits, they can’t even independentonline.pdf Problem 3: No matter how many times run a small institution. Damn, I had close to I carefully make a list of what has to be 200 on my payroll with about a 5M annual on the GST invoice, include a cite to the operating budget and never once ran in the Website for the regulations, and even red. the section number of the regulations, I I need to go sailing! find it’s almost impossible to get an Kobuh invoice that satisfies the regulations. (FYI, Tuh Gawd nuh, di monki if you’re interested, the GST invoice deh di run di zoo fitru requirements are in Section 13 of the regulations, which can be found at Pulling my hair out! www.gst.gov.bz. They’re not difficult to understand, believe me.) Madam Editor, Problem 4: Other travel agencies aren’t I need to vent and nobody else is round aware of the full requirements, or don’t but you guys, so here goes. seem to care. Two of us actually went to GST. The government implemented see the GST Commissioner to clarify this monstrosity without thinking through what is required, but we don’t seem to be the consequences or properly training able to convince any of our cohorts that businesses. As a travel agency based in the law means what it says, and so does Belize, I have to pay GST on the the commissioner. Consequently, I’m told difference between what I pay to the by a few resorts that I’m the only one resorts and other tour operators on GST asking for this kind of GST Invoice. Any applicable items, and what clients pay to suggestions? I’ve begged, cajoled, me. Basically, that means my commission suggested, corrected, etc., etc., etc. Of on tours, meals and transfers. The thing course, not everybody is a problem, but I is, most times I don’t make a commission now have 6 files sitting on my desk from on any of those things from hotels - only last month, and 4 from this month for the hotel room, which is not subject to which I don’t have correct invoices. I GST. However, under the GST law, I can’t do my taxes for last month without HAVE to have a GST compliant invoice them, and the ones from this month to show that I paid GST to the resort keep piling up. At this point, the only thing even if the net gain to me is zero. So, if I can think of to do is tattle, which will the resort charges me $200 for meals and make me highly popular — or move out transfers, they’ll also charge me $20 for of the country so I don’t have to deal GST, which of course I pass on to my with all this. client. When I pay the hotel, I pay them HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! $220. However, if I don’t have a GST Anybody want to buy a wholesale/retail compliant invoice for the hotels showing travel agency? that they charged me $220, then the law Mary Toy says that I have to again pay the $20 to Destination Belize, Placencia Fly Tropic Air - Fly Tropic Air - Fly Tropic Air “The Airline Of Belize” Tuesday, December 12, 2006 The INdependent Reformer Page 15 RapeRape ofof aa VillageVillage (Continued From Page 13) troughs for their own gain, while for expansion. The Villagers have been Villagers suffer. It becomes clear trying for years to procure land on the that there are Politicians who have Peninsula where their children can no conscience. They will promise live with their families when the anything to get elected. Is it a form children grow up. Their desires are of Political prostitution? If so the ARIES make some favorable changes to your simply a commendable means of prostitutes should not be re- keeping family’s together. (Mar. 21- April 20) looks. You can enjoy your involvement elected. The Villagers’ desires have not The voters should learn a valuable Don’t get involved in joint ventures. in organizations that make charitable been fulfilled. Hundreds of acres lesson. Do not believe Party Help elders with their concerns. contributions. have been given out to Ferguson’s Manifestos, they are a form of hot Confronting a situation will only result family, friends and supporters. Land air that cools off and is forgotten in indignation and misunderstandings. SAGITTARIUS is to be developed and sub-divided when the party gets into office. (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) much of what will be sold to The voters should take into TAURUS Your involvement in interest groups may foreigners while the Villagers consideration all of the false or (Apr. 21- may 21) bring you popularity. Put your energy families go without. broken promises previously made Romance could develop through social into your work or moneymaking There are Government Ministers and not re-elect any of those who activities or short trips. Your home ventures rather than into your emotional who still use the Villages as feeding made the promises. environment may be hectic, which could life today. Don’t be too quick to voice result in emotional upset if you aren’t your opinion. Listen to others carefully. well organized. The only thing you’ll Belize Seeks accomplish is a bad reputation. CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) National Assembly... GEMINI Some of your new friends may not be (May 22-June 21) that trustworthy. You won’t impress (Continued From Page 3) expected to provide that all participating Take the time to help those less anyone by being overly generous. early years, added Minister Espat, and that creditors will receive a cash payment at the fortunate. Don’t overspend on friends Travel will also entice you. it would be unfair to our creditors to ask for closing of the transaction equal to unpaid or children. Entertainment should a complete debt service holiday. We will interest on their tendered claims accrued include sports events or physical AQUARIUS therefore be following a step-up coupon through the closing date. Consequently, activities. approach. The level of these coupons, interim debt service payments on the existing debts eligible for this exchange offer will cease (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) however, has been set well above Belize’s indicative restructuring scenarios. They are, immediately. CANCER You will be able to borrow money in in effect, at the outer edge of what forecasts This communication is not an offer of (June 22-July 22) order to invest. Be cautious of making show as being affordable for the country. securities for sale in the United States. Help elders in your family. You can any residential changes today. You The Government is seeking National Securities may not be offered or sold in the make a difference if you offer your help need adventure and excitement in Assembly approval for the issuance of New United States absent registration or an at functions that involve children. your life. Bonds that will mature in 2029, with principal exemption from registration under the Limitation could set in if you’ve been payments commencing in 2019. The New Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Any spending too much. PISCES Bonds will bear interest in the first three years public offering of securities to be made in the (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) after issuance at a fixed per annum rate of United States will be made by means of a LEO Be sure to sidestep those who are 4.25%. In years four to five, the rate will prospectus that may be obtained from the (July 23-Aug 22) eccentric or unpredictable. You may be increase to 6.00%, and thereafter through issuer or selling security holder and that will Problems with skin, bones, or teeth may frustrated by the way situations are the maturity of the New Bonds the interest contain detailed information about the mess up your schedule. This will be a being handled in your personal life. rate will level off at 8.50% per annum. All Government of Belize. No public offering of securities in the United States is contemplated very hectic day if you’ve made promises People you live with will not be terribly coupons will be paid in cash on their respective due dates. by the Government of Belize at this time. to too many people. Social get-together happy with you regardless of what you The terms of the exchange offer are (GOB Press Release) will bring you in contact with intelligent do today. new friends.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Pleasure trips will be favorable and bring about possible romance. Be cautious while traveling to foreign countries. Keep your feet on the ground, if you can.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You can deal with large institutions or government agencies successfully today. Travel will turn out to be far more exciting than you imagined. You may find that someone you live with may be irritable; you’re best to leave them alone.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov . 22) Romance can develop; however, it will most probably be short-lived. You can Tuesday, December 12, 2006 The INdependent Reformer Page 16