Wednesday, February 17, 2016 Capital Weekly Page 1

No. 047 Wednesday, February 17, 2016 Online Publication CARICOM CONFRONTING MAJORcomes EXISTENTIAL to ISSUES elize’s Prime Minis- of the havoc done to Venezue- ter currently holding la, the source of our erstwhile chairmanship of the bounty. To compound matters, Caribbean Community it is clear that the oil price phe- B(CARICOM), Heads of Govern- nomenon is symptomatic of the ment from participating nations more generalized weakening, to have come to town for the 27th which I earlier, in commodities Intersessional Meeting. The of- markets. This worsens the crisis ficial opening took place Monday situation in public finances in evening on the scenic, serene, certain parts of the Eurozone, so stimulating, seaside paradise of that altogether there seems to be Placencia in . a distinct possibility of the world Welcoming the Prime economy sliding back into re- Ministerial guests and their cession. The consequences that entourage from the Caribbean would entail for our region are family, Prime Minister Barrow both obvious and frightening.” fittingly remarked, “I hope that And with that, Prime the legacy features of these sur- Minister Barrow transitioned roundings will act as aid and into the issue of the day, if you inspiration to our deliberations. Prime Minister Honourable Delivering Address at the will, the elephant in the room: Opening of the CARICOM Meeting in Placencia Monday Evening And very important delibera- “And when we move from the tions they are; for while that is al- strains on our capacity to satisfy a double-edged sword for a cou- general to the particular, regard- ways the case whenever we meet, the life-improvement aspirations ple of us. So we salute the recent ing global economic and finan- I may be forgiven for thinking, of our people. And it is worth petroleum discoveries in Guyana cial currents, there is one already and hope to make clear, that our noting that even in the few coun- and look forward to that country extant development with abso- issues and challenges are partic- tries that have shown substantial being able to exploit those re- lutely cataclysmic ramifications ularly pronounced at this time.” enough expansion, much of the sources on its own terms. And we for us. I am talking, of course, Getting right down to net effect has been depreciated welcome the benefit to consum- about the phenomenon of so- business, he proceeded to give by population increases. On the ers that cheaper fuel has meant. called de-risking. Under pressure an overview of the general eco- bright side, though, there ap- But at the same time, we regret from their regulatory authorities nomic climate in which our pears to be what we hope will be the effect that both the con- in Europe and especially the US, Caribbean nations currently a sustained resurgence in our re- traction of production and the banks in those jurisdictions have find ourselves: “There has been a gion’s all-important tourism in- precipitate price drop have had been closing their correspond- failure of the World Economy to dustry. This would be a welcomed here in Belize. And we note the ent relationships with our in- recover properly from the shock offset to the continued volatil- even stronger detriment of the digenous financial institutions. of the financial crisis that began ity in our commodities sector.” latter on public sector revenues This deprives our banks of the in the last part of the first decade Speaking about the im- in Trinidad and Tobago. As well, ability to keep US deposits, do of this new century. That failure pact that the petroleum indus- the oil conundrum has severely wire transfers, facilitate credit for the majority of us in CARI- try and market is having on our constrained the flow of resources card settlements for their lo- COM has meant slow growth, economies, Prime Minister Bar- to those of us that participate in cal clients and our economy. increasing difficulties with our row explained, “The global oil the PetroCaribe arrangements. The implications of this for our public finances and tremendous price rout has in particular been This is, of course, in consequence Continued on Page 16

New Soldiers of the Belize Defence Force (BDF) CARICOM Heads of Government at Official Opening Ceremony in Placencia Monday Evening February 15, 2016 Page 2 Capital Weekly Wednesday, February 17, 2016 NATIONAL UNITY NEEDED EDITORIAL Patriotism above Politics BELIZE and CARICOM stablished 43 years ago in 1973 through the Treaty of Chaguaramas, the Carib- bean Community (CARICOM) was a ro- mantic idea whose practical purpose has Eperhaps never been as pronounced as it is today. It is in times of adversity that one most appreciates the blessings of belonging to a family. And it is this sense of belonging and common purpose that Prime Minis- ter Dean Barrow was referring to when he remarked in his speech as the new Chairman of CARICOM at the The National Flag of Belize opening of the Twenty-Seventh Intersessional Meeting of the Heads of Government, “I’m trying to reiterate what we know only too well - the reality that forces us to acknowledge the limitations of individual small- ness is the same reality that obliges us to size-up both in terms of collective thinking and collective action.” The context is, of course, the existential threat confronting our region with respect to de-risking and the consequent loss of correspondent banking. It is a matter that understandably looms extreme- ly large on the agenda of the CARICOM meeting. The Treaty of Chaguaramas, as revised and signed by CARICOM Heads of Government on July 5, 2001 PUP Leader, Hon. John Briceno UDP Leader, P.M. Dean Barrow at the Twenty-Second Meeting of the Conference in Nassau, Bahamas, acknowledges being “mindful that By Delroy Cuthkelvin to reciprocate the goodwill and demonstrate some meaningful cooperation and joint action in developing trade rela- here are some issues patriotism, particularly as a suc- that require national tions with third states and in establishing appropriate cessful politician whose back- unity and transcend regulatory and administrative procedures and services ground and forte is business. partisan politics. It’s are essential for the development of the international As Luciano sings, “We’re Tlong been agreed that the Belize- all in this thing together.” For and intra-regional trade of member states.” Indeed, it Guatemalan Territorial Dispute sure, together is also the best, was never before as relevant as it is today, a third state and efforts to resolve it is one such if not the only way for us to get in this case being, in particular, the United States of issue as it threatens the very exis- out of it. Let’s hear it for Belize! America whose new regulatory measures present for tence of our Nation as we know it. (Reprinted from the Caribbean Community one of the greatest chal- De-risking and the con- Breaking News Belize) lenges since its formation more than four decades ago. sequent loss of correspondent banking services, which threat- E So, while the concept of a Caribbean Com- ens the survival of our finan- munity might have fallen well short of the roman- cial sector and the state of our CAPITAL tic dream with which it was conceived, the practi- economy, is the latest emerging cal benefits, now more than ever, are manifest. issue that transcends partisan As Prime Minister Hon. Dean Barrow put it, “To politics, and overcoming it will WEEKLY be driven back to a reliance on the less lofty but more require the same kind of na- tional unity. The Prime Minister practical virtues of functional cooperation, may be no appropriately characterized it Published By: bad thing. In saying this, I am perhaps merely repeat- as an existential threat, and a ing what was stated some time ago by a past CARICOM potentially huge national crisis. Roots & Rhythm Prime Minister: that our common cause effort sim- The General Elections ply cannot all at once incorporate the multiplicity of being behind us, the Govern- Limited our individual drivers; that concentrating on the less ment having renewed its man- date and the Opposition having poetic but more workable dimensions of our integra- reconstituted its leadership, the Editor: tion movement is both sensible and unavoidable; that timing is right and fitting for the Delroy Cuthkelvin to admit this is not to admit failure since prioritiz- forging of such national unity. ing the more readily successful cooperative ventures Like a true statesman, the Prime does ultimately lead to the optimum future deepen- Minister has congratulated him Email: ing that we both desire and deserve.” Well spoken, on his re-emergence, and for e.capwklybmpbelize @ Prime Minister of Belize and Chairman of CARICOM. the new Opposition Leader, gmail.com this is an excellent opportunity Wednesday, February 17, 2016 Capital Weekly Page 3

his past week, Climate made a commitment to do that CaribbeanChange experts from Convenes on Climatefor theChange Intended Nationally De - the Caribbean region termined Contributions, which converged in Belize for every country was to submit to Ta two-day conference. On the the Secretariat of the United top of their agenda were discus- Nations Framework Conven- sions on the COP 21 Agreement tion on Climate Change that which was recently signed in basically said, among other Paris by 195 nations. That agree- things, how they will reduce ment outlines a global plan of all their emissions of green- action to prevent the adverse house gases,” he elaborated. effects of climate change by For his part, Hon. Omar limiting global warming to well Figueroa emphasized the Belize below 2 degrees centigrade. Hon. Omar Figueroa, Minister Doctor James Fletcher, Chairman Government’s full commitment Speaking to the national of State Responsible for Matters of the Regional Coordinating to the global agenda and action media at the Biltmore Plaza Relating to Climate Change Committee on Climate Change plan to address this existential where the conference was con- tion coming out of the Paris Billion US Dollars is the absolute threat of Climate Change which ducted, Minister of State for Climate Change Summit should minimum, is the floor. Maybe is already having an impact Climate Change matters, Hon. come mainly from developed, the Caribbean’s needs alone will on our country in areas such Omar Figueroa stated, “Right heavily industrialized nations take that 100 Billion US Dollars. as agriculture, erosion of our now we have our technical team which are responsible for emis- Then you have Pacific countries coastlines and coral bleaching. that has been really going into sion of huge amounts of green that would disappear entirely.” “Each country has a re- these agreements and making house gases into the atmosphere. As for small Caribbean sponsibility to develop a list of sure that we can live up to our re- Expounding on this, nations like Belize, Fletcher says nationally determined contri- sponsibilities. But we can’t look at Chairman of the Regional Coor- that while the levels of our green butions, so to speak. So we are these agreements as a challenge dinating Committee on Climate house gas emissions might be in the process of also putting for us. There will be tremendous Change, Doctor James Fletcher, relatively insignificant, we can a lot of those together. Some amount of opportunities embed- stated, “The pledge is that by the nevertheless make a meaningful have been submitted to the ded in these challenges. For ex- year 2020, we should have access contribution towards the global convention folks, but we are in ample, we now have in the Paris to 100 Billion US Dollars in fi- action plan and solution, as all the process of doing that. Part Agreement parity between ad- nances; and that amount should countries have agreed to reduce of our sustainable development aptation and mitigation, which be 100 Billion Dollars every year the levels of their emissions. strategies, our agricultural poli- puts us in a position to be able thereafter. In the COP decision, “What these developed cies, all take into consideration to benefit from the agreement.” there has even been a pledge to countries have to do is to drasti- our climate change responsi- Financial resources to review that, with the intention of cally reduce their emissions of bilities. So there is a lot that has execute the global plan of ac- scaling it up. We’ve said that 100 greenhouse gases. They have been going on,” he explained. COUNTERING CUSTOMS FRAUD MONEY LAUNDERING AND THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM their analytical and investiga- This week was about the tive functions. This past week, human resource aspect and how a strategic planning workshop best to deliver the functions that was held to assist in developing are expected of customs in Be- adequate human resources to lize. So how are they going along Mr. Victor Recinos improve the effectiveness of the those lines? It’s been a significant Mr. Matthew Bannen Belize’s Comptroller of Customs World Customs Organization Customs Department particu- change in the last five years, and he Nation of Belize is larly in this regard. Conducted we are about building on that plan that we have. This corpo- stepping up its effort to inside the conference room change. To do that, we looked at rate business plan will run from counter and curb money of the Customs Compound in all the specific functions in the 2016 to 2019. The third pillar of laundering, financing , the workshop was commercial area, in the enforce- that plan talks about enhanc- Tof terrorism and customs fraud. attended by senior officers of ment area, in the management ing our human resources, that Two weeks ago, the stage Belize and well-facilitated by the area, and then what are the best being our most valuable asset. for the intensification of these World Customs Organization. tools and professional develop- So this whole week, we efforts was set with the signing of Speaking on behalf of the ment programs and training have been looking at our pro- a memorandum of understand- World Customs Organization, to ensure that staff can deliver cesses, our systems, and all the ing between the new Director Customs Modernization Advisor those functions and those objec- policies that we have to put in of the Financial Intelligence Matthew Bannen explained, “The tives under that strategic plan.” a comprehensive document Unit (FIU), Joy Grant and the work this week was about dealing For his part, Belize’s which we will call an HR Policy Comptroller of Customs, Victor with a particular aspect of the Comptroller of Customs, Vic- and a Training Plan that will Recinos. The MOU, signed on strategic business plan of the tor Recinos, elaborated on what go along with that; so that all February 3, 2016, will increase Belize Customs, which is quite they aim to achieve through the that we want to accomplish potential sources of informa- broad in terms of the reform workshop: “Planning strategic will be spread out over three tion available to the FIU and and modernization. There are IT HR policy and training policy to years in training and build- Customs to properly undertake aspects and legislation aspects. go with the corporate business ing of capacity in our officers.” Page 4 Capital Weekly Wednesday, February 17, 2016

SoftwareCARICOM InstalledSecretary General for the Visits Visually Leo Bradley Impaired Library ware programmes installed use of the donated software at the library is JAWS (Job by persons who benefit di- Access With Speech), the rectly from the programme. world's most popular screen He used the opportu- reader, developed for com- nity to speak to both the us- puter users whose vision loss ers and support staff at the prevents them from seeing library, where he was joined screen content or navigating by Chef de Cabinet in the Of- with a mouse. JAWS provides fice of the Secretary General speech and Braille output for Ms. Glenda Itiaba; Advisor of

Secretary General Irwin LaRocque, Ambassador Daniel Guttierez, Dr. Leroy Almendarez and staff members at Leo Bradley Library he Secretary Gen- visually-impaired at the Be- eral of the Carib- lize National Library Service bean Community that would be available to the Secretariat Ambas- public. The Library, located Tsador, Irwin LaRocque, visited on Princess Margaret Drive in the Belize National Library Belize City, was identified as Service on Thursday, Feb- the ideal location because of ruary 11th, 2016 to officially its proximity to several high unveil software, donated by schools, the university and the CARICOM Secretariat, technical vocational institu- for the visually-impaired. tions. It is also near to the Stel-

Secretary General Irwin LaRocque witnesses first hand a visually impaired Belizean utilizing one of the special programs installed the most popular computer Communications in the Of- applications on your PC. The fice of the Secretary General other software programme Mr. Leonard Robertson; the installed is MAGic® Screen Director General of the Di- Magnification Software. It is rectorate General for Foreign a screen magnification and Trade Dr. Leroy Almendarez; screen reading solution for low Belize's Ambassador to CARI- vision computer users. MAGic COM H.E. Daniel Gutierrez; can help you work more ef- Acting Chief Librarian of the ficiently with business appli- Belize National Library Ser- cations, documents, email, vice Ms. Lusiola Castillo and navigating the Internet, and Belize's CSME Focal Point Ms. engaging in social network- Tricia Gideon for unveiling. CARICOM Secretary General Irwin LaRocque conversing ing. MAGic delivers smooth, Belize is one of the first with a staff member at the Leo Bradley Library crisp letters, even at the high- CARICOM Member States to In 2015, the CARI- la Maris School, which caters est magnification levels. have the software installed. COM Secretariat donated to students with special needs. The Secretary Gen- The programme has been and installed software for the One of the two soft- eral witnessed first-hand the long-awaited and welcomed.

“People of the Caribbean Community, we have a lot to be proud of and a lot to look forward to. Let us strive to make 2016 one to remember as a landmark year for our integration movement.” HON. DEAN BARROW, PRIME MINISTER OF BELIZE & CHAIRMAN OF CARICOM Wednesday, February 17, 2016 Capital Weekly Page 5

FreeTwo-Day Movement Workshop Regime Conducted of Caribbean In Belize Community City elizeans from the pri- certificates; you can go there. vate and public sec- If you want to be a consult- tors attended a two- ant in the region, we have the day workshop on Free Belize Coalition of Service BMovement of Labour in ac- Providers, which is the au- cordance with the Caribbean thority responsible for issu- Single Market and Economy. ing those certificates. And if Held in Belize City at the you want to export to these Radisson Fort George Hotel, regions we have our Customs the workshop opened with four and BAHA departments that key speakers highlighting the ensure us that these goods are history, present progress and Opening of Workshop for Stakeholders in CSME Free Movement ready to enter these markets.” benefits of the CSME. Keynote reinvigorate domestic systems “We have goods, we have ser- The CARICOM Secre- Speaker, CEO Kerry Belisle to create greater efficiency and vices, we have skilled nation- tariat and Ministry of Invest- reiterated the commitment transparency. Dr. Olivia Smith, als, we have setting up of ment, Trade and Commerce of the Labour Department to Deputy Programme Manager, business and we have tempo- acknowledge the need for facilitate free movement and Free Movement and Labour, rary service providers such as much more public awareness. CARICOM Secretariat, led an consultants; so if you want to interactive workshop with an go start a business, there is a overview of the CARICOM procedure that you must go Community, explaining the through which we have at our rights, benefits and challenges; ministry, if you would like to while Legal Research Officer, have more information about Deborah Barrow expounded on that, at the Ministry of Invest- legal implications and compli- ment, Trade and Commerce. ance with provisions in the Re- If you want to go and vised Treaty of Chaguaramas. live and work in one of these Tricia Gideon Tricia Gideon, CSME member states, immigration Dr. Olivia Smith - CSME Unit CSME Focal Point Belize Focal Point, Belize, explained, is responsible in doing skill CARICOM Secretariat Belizean Law Enforcement Personnel Attend Training Course At International Law Enforcementbringing Academytogether international In instructionNew Mexicofor criminal justice law enforcement personnel to managers to develop effective law reduce crime, combat terror- enforcement cooperation while ism, and share in knowledge enhancing each country’s crimi- and training. Instructors and nal justice institutions’ abilities active agents teach courses on to suppress transnational crime. subjects such as physical security The bilateral agreements for installations, transnational creating ILEA operations also investigations, post-blast inves- establish a Joint Oversight Com- tigations, countering wildlife mittee chaired by the U.S. Em- trafficking, anticorruption, illicit bassy and host government drug trafficking, money launder- officials to oversee the policies ing and financial crimes, terror- and operation of the Academy. ism and human trafficking. The The Joint Committee meets at ILEA provides a core curriculum least twice a year and operates of management and technical by consensus of the parties.

Sr. Supt Chester Williams and Roswell City Mayor Dennis Kintigh enior Superintendent It is one of a number of of Police, Chester Wil- international police academies liams, who commands administered by the U.S. Depart- Eastern Division South, ment of State where U.S. law Swas part of a Belizean team of enforcement can instruct local law enforcement personnel who police from participating coun- recently travelled to New Mexico, tries in counterterrorism, nar- United States of America to par- cotics interdiction, detection of ticipate in a training course at fraudulent documents, and bor- the International Law Enforce- der control practices. They were Belizean Law Enforcement Personnel who attended ILEA Training ment Academy (ILEA) there. established in 1995 as a means of in New Mexico (USA) with Mayor of Roswell City, Dennis Kintigh Page 6 Capital Weekly Wednesday, February 17, 2016

CooperationAgreement Signed in between Public Governments Health and of BelizeMedical and Taiwan Skills of the joint collaboration will diseases (NCDs) as direct be the capacity building of contributors to the development medical personnel in Belize. of chronic renal failure, The agreement will apply developed the 2013-2023 Belize to projects initiated jointly by National Plan of Action for both parties. The first major the Prevention and Control of project, Capacity Building Non-Communicable Diseases. Project for the Prevention Statistical figures from and Control of Chronic Renal 2014 reveal that diseases of the Failure, will address the ever heart (13%) and diabetes (9.5%) increasing number of patients rank within the top three (3) with end stage renal failure. causes of mortality in Belize. Activities within the One of the risk factors for these project will include training NCDs is obesity, therefore it for nurses in the hemodialysis is important to address this procedure in Belize, training for factor through the promotion hemodialysis technicians and of healthy life practices. Community Health Workers, The Government of as well as the development Belize, through the Ministry and production of public of Health, is very appreciative education material. The aim of of the technical assistance the project is also to strengthen offered by the Government Hon. and Taiwan Ambasssador H.E. Benjamin Ho the screening program for high- of the Republic of China n agreement on will include, but will not be risk persons for kidney disease. (Taiwan) and welcomes this cooperation in public limited to, health education, The Ministry of Health, initiative as an important tool in health and medical disease screening and clinical recognizing the urgent need combating the increase of non- skills was signed on services. Another major aspect to address non-communicable communicable diseases in Belize. Wednesday,A February 10, 2016, between the and the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan). The agreement was signed by the Hon. Pablo Marin, Minister of Health and H.E. Benjamin T.H. Ho, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Belize. The objective of the agreement is to access technical support from the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) (Left to Right) Dr. Ramon Figueroa, CEO, Ministry of Health; Hon. Pablo Marin, Minister of Health; in the area of public health and H.E. Benjamin Ho, Ambassador of Taiwan to Belize; Dr. Marvin Manzanero, Director of Health Services

Forward Operating Base at theSarstoon site as the work progresses. Moving Base, though Forward modest in its be- The Forward Operating Base ginnings, will establish a much at the mouth of the Sarstoon needed presence and will serve River is one of several initiatives to combat illicit activities such being undertaken by the Gov- as trafficking in narcotics, con- ernment of Belize to safeguard traband, human trafficking and and protect our national sover- weapons trading, which threat- eignty. The Forward Operating en Belize's national security.

Hon. John Saldivar with Members of the BDF at Sarstoon River n February 10, 2016, by senior members of the Belize Minister of National Defence Force (BDF), the Belize Security Hon. John Police Department and Minis- Saldivar, accompa- try of National Security officials. Onied by Minister of State Hon. The delegation appre- Frank Mena, visited the con- ciated the rapid pace at which struction site of the Forward the construction is proceeding. Operating Base at Sarstoon, To- Elements of the BDF have set ledo. He was also accompanied up temporary installations at Construction of Forward Operating Base underway at Sarstoon Wednesday, February 17, 2016 Capital Weekly Page 7

BelizeSports and Minister the Regional Welcomes Youth SISCA Development Secretary General Agenda In July 2016, Belize expressed the continued po- is slated to host the CODI- litical and technical support CADER Games in fives sports of his Ministry and seeks disciplines - Chess, Athletics, to enhance the cordial rela- Softball, Football and Bas- tions existing with SISCA. ketball at the Primary level. Accompanying Honourable SISCA has expressed its sup- Elodio Aragon was Chief port to the Ministry in the Executive Officer, Adele Cat- area of sports equipment and zim; National Sports Direc- technical expertise for the tor, Ritchel Dominguez and success of hosting the games. Mr. Giovanni Alamilla from Honourable Aragon the National Sports Council. SISCA Secretary General H.E Ana Hazel and Belize’s Minister of State for Education, Youth and Sports Honourable Elodio Aragon n Monday, Feb- (SISCA). During the visit, ruary 8, 2016, Minister of State Aragon and Honourable Elo- H.E. Escrich discussed mu- dio Aragon, Min- tual areas of the SISCA Re- Oister of State, Ministry of Ed- gional Agenda such as Re- ucation, Youths, Sports and gional Youth Development Culture welcomed to Belize Programs and the proac- Her Excellency, Ana Hazel tive participation of Belize Escrich, Secretary General in CODICADER (Consejo of the Central American So- del Istmo Centroamericano SISCA Secretary General H.E. Ana Hazel, Minister of State Hon. cial Integration Secretariat de Deportes y Recreación). Elodio Aragon, CEO Adele Catzim and a Belizean Diplomat Belize Ambassador & Haitian President AgricultureCorn & Beans Seed Field Production Day he Ministry of Present at the event were the Agriculture on main stakeholders of the project, Thursday February which including farmers from 11, hosted a Field Day the Toledo, Stann Creek and Ton the seed production of corn Cayo Districts. and beans at the Central Farm It is expected that from the Crop Unit Production Plot. experience gained, the farmers The purpose of the will adopt good agriculture Field day was to showcase practices in seed production, and the technological package in will thus improve productivity quality seed production of open and the quality of corn and beans pollinated corn and beans. in their own business enterprise.

Outgoing Haitian President Michel Martelly & Belize Ambassador to Mexico and Non-Resident Ambassador to Haiti, H.E. Oliver Del Cid is Excellency Oli- furthering the friendship and ver del Cid, Ambas- collaboration. Ambassador del sador of Belize to Cid also met with the Minister Mexico, presented of Foreign Affairs and Worship of Hhis Letter of Credence to out- Haiti, Honourable Duly Brutus going President Michel Mar- and made a floral offering at the telly of the Republic of Haiti Haitian National Pantheon Mu- in a ceremony at the National seum in memory of the Heroes Palace on 5th February, 2016. of the Independence of Haiti. Farmers from Stann Creek, Toledo and Cayo Districts on Field Day Recognizing the impor- The Embassy of Belize at the Central Farm Crop Unit Production Plot in tance of the event as a strong step in Mexico, in addition to be- in further strengthening bilateral ing accredited as Belize’s Non- relations, President Martelly and Resident Embassy to Haiti, Ambassador del Cid expressed also serves as Non-Resident their countries’ commitment to High Commission to . Page 8 Capital Weekly Wednesday, February 17, 2016

“WeGraduation are Remarks the by University Agents of Belize of President Change” Alan Slusher cal reality. It is about putting Court. Now we have a large num- That is the multi-faceted part in place social structures and ber of Magistrate’s Courts; we of development. It is not just relationships that facilitate have a number of simultaneous about getting richer, although these improvement processes, sessions of the Supreme Court; that is a critically important part so that each level of progress generates still more ideas and opportunities for further im- provement, so that the devel- opment process, seen as a pro- cess for improving the quality of life, becomes self-sustaining, and with the quantity of life, think in terms of the length Alan Slusher, President of life, increasing as a result. Populations grow; we thought that I would take have more people. With all this opportunity to share these come changes in the way some thoughts on devel- people act with, and react to opment and on the role each other; the opportunities Iof institutions like the Uni- for friendships and relation- versity of Belize in promoting ships multiply; the processes for and sustaining development. managing relationships become I have deliberately said more complex. One example of Graduates of the University of Belize (February 6, 2016) ‘development’ rather than ‘eco- this is our judicial system, that we have a local Court of Appeal; of the process. And it is a pro- nomic development’ in order is, our arrangements for settling and we now have frequent ap- cess, not a one-off event that, to emphasize the multifaceted disputes. When I was growing peals from our Court of Appeal once achieved, one can forget notion of the process. It is not up we had a single Magistrate’s to a Caribbean Court of Justice. wanting development or want- just about increasing people’s Court in Belize City; we had a And there is now talk of carry- ing to live in a developed coun- incomes or purchasing pow- try, and go about one’s other er, thus enabling them to eat business, whatever that may be. more nutritious meals regularly, “A key part of our job is to develop within the Development, develop- clothe themselves better, live society the capacity to think, to conceptualize, to ing a country, is about increas- in more comfortable homes, analyse; to be able to identify the key features of ing the capacity, or ability, of or own their own cars. It is also the environment in which we find ourselves; to that country and its institutions about freeing people from the identify the needs and wants; to be able to identify to satisfy the aspirations – needs mindless drudgery of repetitive, the ways in which the capacity of the society to and wants – of its people on a low-paid manual labour; about continuing basis. You would providing the capacity and the satisfy those needs and wants might be improved; immediately recognize that de- opportunity to everyone to be and to be proactive in helping to put in place the velopment then involves trying able to think, to be able to con- arrangements which actually expand the capacity to match two moving elements. ceptualize, to analyse, to iden- of the society to meet its own needs and wants.” On the one hand, people have tify how existing operations travelling Magistrate who went ing a particular dispute to an In- needs and wants; and the nor- can be improved to make them to the district municipalities, ternational Court of Justice; and mal tendency is for those needs more effective and efficient, so and handled cases that were be- I haven’t mentioned any of the and wants to change and grow that one can do more with less, yond the capacities of our resi- currently existing international over time, particularly where and then actually to be able to dent District Commissioners; human rights and arbitration people have readily available to turn the concepts into physi- and we had a single Supreme bodies that we have utilized. them images of lifestyles of oth- ers who are able to enjoy physi- cal facilities and social arrange- ments that appear to them to reflect substantial improvement on what they currently have. On the other hand, there is the issue of the capacity of the local environment to provide those apparent improved life- styles. Where a society is able to generate and provide—and even perhaps exceed—the in- comes, goods and services, and social arrangements that a pop- ulation wants, the situation is one of national comfort. Where a society is not able to do that, The audience of family members and invited guests at the University of Belize Graduation Continued on Page 9 Wednesday, February 17, 2016 Capital Weekly Page 9

“WeGraduation are Remarks the by University Agents of Belize of President Change” Alan Slusher the capacity of the society and needs and wants might be im- economy to adjust and adapt proved; and to be proactive in to a changing external environ- helping to put in place the ar- ment, as well as to changes in rangements which actually ex- their own internal functioning. pand the capacity of the society Flexibility is key since the to meet its own needs and wants. only thing that is constantly with We try to do this in two us is change. As an aside, I would ways. First, we try through our mention that classroom programs and courses used to be known as a country to help our students in a focused that produced high-quality tim- way to develop the required ber, and it was our main export capacity. We don’t teach; ide- UB Chairman Harry Pilgrim; Principal & Pro Vice Chancellor product; so important was it ally, we help students to learn. UWI Campus Luz Longsworth; and UB President Alan Slusher that the timber industry is still Secondly, we try through Continued from Page 8 tion, and the actual supply and the main feature on the Belize our research and community there is discomfort. That dis- distribution of the goods and flag. Our economy has since outreach efforts, efforts which comfort can manifest itself in services to satisfy those needs gone on to much more lucrative I would be the first to admit ways that are beneficial for the and wants. Where supply ca- areas; maybe we need to take that we need to expand sub- society, as in where it encour- pacity is rising faster than the a look at some of our symbols. stantially, to bring information ages effort to expand domestic growth in domestic demand, So what is the role of and stimulation to the wider productive capacity and output, incomes rise and savings are the University of Belize in all of community, in order to expand so that the domestic society and also increasing, if we assume this? A key part of our job is to knowledge and capacity. In both economy begin increasingly to sets of efforts, we are engaged satisfy needs and wants, and in a mind-development game. the population as a whole can We all, individually, see and experience that growing live inside our heads, in our improvement. Or where needs minds. What we seek to do and wants continue to expand here is to help to expand that faster than the capacity of the lo- mind-space and develop its cal society to satisfy them, there ability to conceptualize and is increasing frustration, lead- then design and build all the ing to dysfunctional behaviour structures and arrangements that would include rising crime, that help us to enjoy our lives. increasing migration, and un- The critically important ravelling of the social fabric. issue that I want you to take Development as a pro- away from all of what I have said cess, as an ongoing match- is that everything we do, we here Graduates of the University of Belize (February 6, 2016) ing of the two sets of forces I at the University, and you, wher- have mentioned means that reasonably equitable distribu- develop within the society the ever you work and play, is about it is reversible. If needs and tion of income. Where the op- capacity to think, to conceptu- people. Development is about wants are not growing all that posite is the case, and demand alize, to analyse; to be able to us, what we are doing to satisfy quickly, and if people are gen- is growing faster than incomes identify the key features of the our own needs and the needs erally satisfied with what they are being generated, savings are environment in which we find and wants of those around have, then it is possible to depleted. And a period of more ourselves; to identify the needs us. In other words, we are the have a reasonably stable soci- can be followed by a period of and wants; to be able to identify agents of the change that we ety in which people generally less. An important part of the the ways in which the capacity are trying to see in our society. feel themselves comfortable. development process, then, is of the society to satisfy those I thank you for your indulgence. But it is also possible to have a situation where in objec- tive terms substantial capacity expansion is taking place, and incomes and lifestyles are im- proving, but people want next year’s living levels today. So that a country that is expanding its supply capacity starts show- ing signs of strain because it is not expanding fast enough. So, back to development: Whether a country is develop- ing or not depends on the ex- tent that it can bring into sync, and keep in sync, those two elements - the growth in the needs and wants of the popula- The Graduates of the University of Belize (February 6, 2016) Page 10 Capital Weekly Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Keynote Address At University of Belize Graduation February 6, 2016 - Delivered by “PutLuz M. Longsworth Your - Principal Vision& Pro Vice Chancellor to University Reality!” of West Indies Campus irst, let me say how happy century. According to the 2013 and feel alright” (One Love). But I am to be back home to- statistics, Belize only has 12% although I know that today is a day to address the gradu- of its labor force with a tertiary day for celebration, I want us to ates of the Spring gradu- education and the average in the first look at the question “where Fating class of the University of Caribbean is approximately 15%. are you now?” Let us take a sober Belize. Since we are in the month That is woefully inadequate to and realistic look at the world of Valentine’s, let me share a love take us beyond where we are and that you are entering. According secret with you. where we want to go as a people. to the UN, the major issue that Some 15 years ago, al- I know that Minister Faber has concerns young people globally most to the day, in January 2001, that expansion of access to ter- is the issue of unemployment. I began a love affair with the tiary education as a key part of Like many young people, I am University of Belize and with his agenda. sure you are concerned at the the students that I taught for 4 So, on contemplating 10% unemployment in your years before returning to work what to say to you today that you country and the underemploy- with the UWI here in Belize, and would find most meaningful and ment of many tertiary gradu- then in Jamaica, and now the memorable, I decided that what ates not just here in Belize but region, based in Barbados. The would be most impactful would throughout the region. A recent University of Belize at that time be if I sat down now and you survey done at the University of had just been formed and this could all go to lunch to celebrate. the West Indies of its graduates was an exciting moment of his- However, that would certainly between 2009 and 2013, showed a tory for all of us. Many of the staff do a disservice to the President worrying trend of graduates tak- who are still here will remember and the Board who have kindly ing longer to become employed those days of struggle for self- invited me here. Unfortunately and although 78% of them were Luz M. Longsworth Delivering Keynote Address definition for the University, of therefore, I will spend the next 10 employed within a year of gradu- culture formation, of protests by minutes reflecting with you and ation, approximately 17% were to not just survive but to thrive. staff and students as we searched asking you three simple ques- not working in the fields that I will suggest a few strategies for for our institutional identity and tions: Where are you now, where they had anticipated. Add to that living your life with passion and our role in the nation. I am sure do you want to go, and where are the fact that this region is one of use the words of renowned icons that we gave our President at the you likely to go? the slowest to recover from the Martin Luther King, Marcus Gar- time, Dr. Corinth Mortar-Lewis, vey and Bob Marley to reinforce very anxious times, and for that “It is not what you become that matters, some of these points. If you are I apologize, Doctor Lewis. sitting there wondering where Graduates, it is not an but who you become. In the words of Martin you are going next, then you are easy task to form a University, Luther King Jr, “The function of Education is to in the right place. 61% of you are and you are beneficiaries of what teach one to think intensively and to think under 25 years of age and another was a challenging road towards 29% under 37 years of age. This the establishment of a reputable critically. Intelligence plus character - is still the definition of youth, university. I salute the founders, that is the goal of true Education.” and in your youth you are still Presidents and administration, Class of 2016, you gradu- recession and all the economic developing and on your path. the academic staff, the students ate in one of the most important forecasts show very slow eco- You have taken that first step to and the people of Belize for set- months of the calendar. February nomic growth. Although Belize becoming leaders in your family, ting a course and persisting in is celebrated by many countries is projected to be among the community and country. With the development of an institu- as Black History month, Reggae fastest growing economies for a tertiary education, you are a tion that has widened access to month and of course in a week’s 2016 in CARICOM with over 3% minority in this country and the tertiary education in Belize. This time there is the sweetest of all GDP growth, it is still not enough region; you have achieved a de- is very important as Belize and holidays - Valentine’s Day. Sig- to move us out of the economic gree in Education, Accounting, the rest of the Caribbean seeks nificantly, today is Bob Marley’s doldrums. I bet about now you Social Work, Business, Tourism, to expand the population with birthday and therefore a fitting are thinking “Hey, I thought she Natural Resource Management, tertiary level training to meet day for your graduation and, to was here to motivate and inspire Nursing among others – all fields the challenges of this knowledge quote Bob, a day to “get together the graduating class, why all that are essential to setting the these depressing statistics?” This foundation for Belize’s develop- is the dialectic of life, as light can ment. You have been taught to only be defined by understand- think critically, to understand ing what is darkness, how can your subject and to apply your you be motivated if you have no knowledge to problem solve. If reason to be de-motivated, how nothing else, you have learned can you be inspired if you have to learn; and that is the most never been uninspired. important benefit of a univer- So, in this month of love sity education in today’s rapidly and celebration of history and changing world. Even if you are culture, I therefore want to speak sitting here thinking that you of how you as young people will be a teacher or a lawyer or entering a world of uncertainty a biochemist, there is one thing Graduates of the University of Belize (February 6, 2016) and of challenge can find a way Continued on Page 11 Wednesday, February 17, 2016 Capital Weekly Page 11

Keynote Address At University of Belize Graduation February 6, 2016 - Delivered by “PutLuz M. Longsworth Your - Principal Vision& Pro Vice Chancellor to University Reality!” of West Indies Campus

Continued from Page 10 those I surveyed indicated that Unfortunately, my crystal ball get that big promotion. You can that I can tell you - what you within ten years of graduation did not arrive with my luggage, make a difference wherever you studied may become irrelevant. they wanted to run their own and so I am at a loss to tell you. are; you can bring your intel- It is not what you become that businesses. I have always wanted But, wherever you go, go with all ligence and creativity to work matters, but who you become. In to do a follow up study to see your heart, bloom wherever you every day and use it. Trust me, the words of Martin Luther King how many actually fulfilled that are planted! Do not be afraid to you will not run out of ideas by Jr, “The function of education is dream; so maybe, President and give your all, or to change from sharing them and acting on your to teach one to think intensively Dean Watler, we can speak about the path that you foresee for own initiative. Even if you have and to think critically. Intelli- that. But, while you are building yourself; be confident that with the boss from hell, look beyond gence plus character - that is the that dream, make every business your education and a positive that and do your very best every goal of true education.” that you work in like your own, attitude, you will get to where day because that is the only way Remember today’s gradu- work as if you are the owner, even you want to go, even if you don’t that you will gain experience and ation ceremony is a sign that if you are not taking home the know where it will take you. I knowledge; and no one can ever you have committed yourself to big bucks. started off wanting to be an ac- take that away from you. But, excellence; but here is another When I first came to Be- tress, a singer or a model, then most importantly, give back to sobering thought. You are likely lize to live, I had a very interest- an interpreter with the United your country, find ways to make to have a hard time finding a ing experience that I want to Nations, and then a Professor of a real difference in the life of the job, or the job that you think share with you. I was in a popular Latin American Literature, then people you live and work with. you deserve. That will be a tough store on Queen Street shopping a manager. I have been many of The Father of the Nation, Rt. lesson to learn because your for an electric fan, and I found these things but I never thought Hon , once parents, your teachers in high said, “I would like to be known school and your lecturers in high as a good Belizean, one who went school have always told you that through life on a pilgrimage and if you want to succeed you should left the world a better place than study hard and that will guaran- I found it.” What a simple but so tee you success. I can assure you profound way of summing up a that it is true eventually, but it is life of giving and contributing. not usually instant, and the only But, life is lived in an accumula- way you can gain experience is to tion of moments, so ensure that live it. For our new generation every day, at the end of the day, of instant messaging, real time you can say to yourself, “I made communication, the thought a difference” to someone or to that you still have to work your Graduates of the University of Belize (February 6, 2016) something, no matter how small. way through life is a difficult one exactly the fan that I wanted. they would all come together So finally, let me ask you, to absorb. My advice is to live this The sales lady who had watched to prepare me to be in charge how many of you have a camera period with passion. Embrace me looking around came up to of a Campus of the prestigious phone with you now? Take it out whatever it is that you are given me and whispered, “Miss, nuh UWI. But, although I achieved now and take a selfie. Keep that to do with all your heart and buy dis fan, it cheapa da di shop some things, and not all - I am a photo, and whenever you are commitment; do it with every on Orange Street.” What do you terrible singer - everything I did, faced with a challenge or a dis- ounce of passion and love that think I did? Of course, I went to I did with all my heart, all my appointment, look at that photo you can muster, even if it is a job the other shop and I was grate- soul and all my mind, and every and remember this moment of you really did not want to do. ful for the cost saving tip. But it bit of experience has helped me pride, joy and enthusiasm, and Martin Luther King’s ad- left me thinking deeply about at various stages of my career. sing along with Bob Marley, vice was clear: If a man is called that kind of behavior that would When the time came to move “Dem a go tyad fi si mi face, cyan to be a street sweeper, he should lose a sale for the place that you on, I did so with the benefit of get mi outta di race.” (Bad Card). sweep streets even as Michel- work in. It could be that she was having learnt a lot, but also of Know that with passion but pa- angelo painted, or Beethoven badly treated and so quietly was contributing much too to every tience, confidence but humility, composed music, or Shakespeare ‘getting back’ at her employers; organization that I was privi- enthusiasm but empathy for oth- wrote poetry. He should sweep but I tell you that if she ever came leged to have been a part of. So, as ers, ambition but integrity, you streets so well that all the hosts to me for a job, I would not have Marcus Garvey said: “If you have will get to where you want to go; of heaven and earth will pause employed her despite the tip no confidence in self, you are and you will remember this day to say, here lived a great street that saved me money. This was twice defeated in the race of life.” as the day you made that first, sweeper who did his job well. someone who did not work as if Remember that society does not important step. I know that many of you this was her business, who had owe you anything just because Blessings as you go for- want to eventually own your no loyalty to her place of em- you have a degree now. In fact, it ward in your life; celebrate today own businesses, and entrepre- ployment, and I would not trust is you who owe society a lot. 88% because, as Bob Marley tells us, neurship is very important in a someone like that with mine. of have worked and “Life is one big road with lots country’s development. When So to sum up: “Whatever paid taxes to give you this chance of signs. So, when you riding I taught at UB, I did an annual your life’s work is, do it well. A to make a difference for them, for through the ruts, don’t compli- survey of all of the students that I man should do his job so well yourself and for your country. Do cate your mind. Flee from hate, taught in the Faculty of Manage- that the living, the dead, and not lose this opportunity to make mischief and jealousy. Don’t bury ment and Social Sciences, and I the unborn could do it no bet- a difference wherever you find your thoughts, put your vision to taught approximately 200 each ter.” (Martin Luther King Jr.) So, yourself; do not wait for when reality. Wake Up and Live! Con- year. Approximately 80% of all where will you go from here? you get to the top, or when you gratulations to all of you! Page 12 Capital Weekly Wednesday, February 17, 2016 “I Come With A Lot Of Hope!” New Leader of the Opposition Sworn In One of the pillars of our De- his abilities,” Briceno explained. mocracy is a strong and viable Hon. , for his part, Opposition. Having lost three spoke about the need for party consecutive general elections unity in order for the PUP to be and four consecutive munici- a strong and viable Opposition: pal elections, serious questions “That’s been the clear message abound about the strength and from people all over the country viability of the PUP as Belize’s inside the party, that they want Opposition Party. The bur- the party to work together, to den of proof rests squarely and fight together, to return to Gov- heavily on the shoulders of the ernment. It’s been a long time new Leader of the People Unit- since we won an election, since ed Party, Hon. John Briceno. He 2003. We’ve had nine defeats was sworn in as PUP Leader at in nine years, starting in 2006, The New Leader of the Opposition, Hon. John Briceno, being the party’s headquarters in Be- Sworn in at Belize House by Governor General Sir and I think our people are tired lize City on Wednesday, Feb- of losing...And so, I fully expect ruary 3, 2016; and on Monday, captured by Hon. John Briceno Hon. Cordel Hyde has to play that we’re going to be unified February 8, 2016, he took the in a special national convention a critical role in the rebuilding and we’re going to get things oath as Leader of the Opposi- on January 31, 2106 featuring a and the re-strengthening of done.” And Briceno seems con- tion at Belize House in Belmo- three way race with incumbent the party as we move to get to fident that as leader of the PUP pan. In an interview with the leader and Hon. Belmopan in the next election. he will be able this time around media, Briceno remarked, “As Cordel Hyde whom Briceno says I have met with him, and he is to forge the kind of unity that Leader of the Opposition, one has a key role to play in rebuild- here with us today...We are go- will enable the PUP to be a of the first things I want to do is ing the party under his leader- ing to be finding ways on how we strong, effective opposition and to meet with my parliamentar- ship. “I’ve always said that the can use him to the maximum of a viable government in wait- ians, so that we can then discuss ing. “I come with a lot of hope. I the way forward...There are, I am a person that is full of opti- think, at least a dozen House mism...When it comes to unity committees that we need to within the party,...everywhere look at the composition and see we went in all the meetings that how we can make sure that ev- we had across this country, from erybody participates and every- Corozal all the way to the Tole- body has a function to do. We do District, everybody was cry- certainly need to look at the is- ing out, saying that they want a sue of senators to decide wheth- party that is united. I have been er we are going to keep the sena- speaking to the different lead- tors or whether we are going to ers of the PUP and all of them change them.” A position had have pledged their unqualified voluntarily relinquished prior support to me as the leader of to the 2012 General Elections, Hon. John Briceno Hon. Cordel Hyde expects the the party and as Leader of the the seat of PUP leader was re- New Leader of the Opposition Party will unify behind Briceno Opposition,”Briceno concluded.

Japanhe Government Government of Japan. The project Donates was initiated toJapan Cottonsays it wishes success Industry for attendance in was BelizeMr. Hiromoto Japan is granting a total by cotton farmers in Belize and the project as the Sea Island Oyama from the Embassy of of $102,029.00 USD to is represented by Mr. Kensuke Cotton represents one of the Japan, Honorary Consul General the Cotton Industry Inoue. Agriculture being one most promising ventures to of Japan in Belize, Mr. Monty Tin Belize. The contribution was of Belize’s main strengths, the strengthen the relationship Sadarangani, Mr. Kensuke made under the Grant Assistance development of this industry between Belize and Japan. Inoue, Mr. Gonzalo Ramirez for Grassroots Human Security provides jobs and stability in Belize produces some of the and the Chief Agricultural projects of the Government of such a field. The Embassy of best cotton in the world. In Officer, Mr. Roberto Harrison.

Ambassador Hiromoto Oyama, Consul General Monty Sadarangani, Mr. Inoue, Mr. Harrison and others Ambassador Hiromoto Oyama Wednesday, February 17, 2016 Capital Weekly Page 13

EnterpriseDepartment of Youth - Employment Services Conducts Job- Empowerment Preparedness Training is to continue mentoring these Department of Youth Services young people and procure Headquarters on 55 Regent placement for them or assist Street, Belize City. them in returning to school The second component where necessary, or engage them of the program will commence in other skills training such as shortly. DYS makes an appeal to those offered at ITVET. employers to give them a call if The Department of Youth they need an employee, so that Services will be hosting its the skills of the young people can Closing Ceremony to recognize be matched with the expectations those successful participants of the potential employers. (For of the program. The ceremony further information, please will be held on March 4th, 2016, contact the Department of commencing at 10:00 a.m. at the Youth Services, Belize City.)

Youths undergoing Job Preparedness Training he Department of marketable to join the work Youth Service’s (DYS) force. A total of ten sessions are Youth Enterprise and being conducted. Job Creation Unit The various topics Tis presently conducting a Job include, Skills Identification, Preparedness Training for twenty Work Ethics, Conflict Resolution five youths between the ages of Management in the Workplace, 17 and 29 years. Resume Writing, Interviewing The main objective of Skills, Mock Interviews and the training is to empower these how to work with HIV infected young people with the necessary persons in the workplace. The skills and knowledge to become other component of the training Youths undergoing Job Preparedness Training SICA Member States Meet to Address Emergency Health Issues Associated with Spread of Zika Virus in the Region

Hon. Pablo Marin Dr. Ramon Figueroa Dr. Marvin Manzanero Mr. Lawrence Sylvester Minister of Health CEO - Ministry of Health Director of Health Services CEO - Ministry Foreign Affairs n Tuesday, February regional positions and actions with the virus. Research is also response plan to combat the 2, 2016, officials from to ameliorate the number of being conducted to ascertain Zika virus. the Ministries of infections and to agree on a a possible link to the Guillain- The Honourable Pablo Health and Foreign sustained action plan to work Barre Syndrome. Marin, Minister Health, headed OAffairs of Belize participated towards the eradication of the The Ministry of Health the Delegation for Belize. He was in a regional video-conference Zika Virus. has engaged in a country- accompanied by Doctor Ramon organized by the Government The Pan-American wide campaign of spraying Figueroa, Chief Executive Officer of Honduras, current Presidency Health Organization (PAHO) and assisting in the removal (CEO) in the Ministry of Health; Pro-Tempore of the Central has committed to providing all of possible stagnant water that His Excellency (H.E) Lawrence American Integration System its resources to assist the region are breeding grounds for the Sylvester, Chief Executive (SICA), to discuss the regional in its response to eradicate Aedes aegypti mosquito, which Officer (CEO) in the Ministry of health implications of the Zika the Zika Virus and its possible is also a carrier for Dengue fever, Foreign Affairs; Doctor Marvin virus. correlation to microcephaly Malaria, and Chikungunya. Manzanero, Director of Health The objective of the that has been affecting newborn The Ministry is also finalizing Services; and other officials from meeting was to coordinate babies of mothers infected the national preparedness and the Ministry of Health. Page 14 Capital Weekly Wednesday, February 17, 2016

InvestingMinistry of Tourism In DonatesThe Fight $200 Thousand Against Vehicles Crimeto Police

Hon. John Saldivar Vehicles handed over by Minister of Tourism Hon. Manuel Heredia Hon. Manuel Heredia Minister of National Security to Minister of National Security Honourable John Saldivar Minister of Tourism t’s a fact that crime af- is not about collecting taxes of those infiltrate our beautiful with the Belize Tourism Board fects every sector of the and squandering it around. I Belize. So, all the time we have to try to get these vehicles for community. One sector believe that we are supposed to be more and more cautious, the Tourism Unit. As you know, which has otherwise been to use it properly, and for this more and more willing to do our Tourism is our main foreign Iperforming extraordinarily, reason, every now and again, share and finding the resources. exchange earner; it’s our big- but whose prospects are being you will see that the Belize Not long ago at the second gest industry in the country, seriously threatened by the Tourism Board will be assisting building of the B.T.B, we hand- and we place great importance scourge of crime, is the Tourism the Police in making sure that ed over five motorcycles also, in keeping that product intact. Industry. It is quite fitting, then, they have the proper tools to be and not only for Belize City. And so, today’s donation of ve- that the Ministry of Tourism able to safeguard the interests We have done so, I think a few hicles is going to go a long way is making a heavy investment of our residents and of our tour- months ago, a fleet was donated in helping the Police Tourism in the efforts to fight crime. Unit in doing its job, carrying On February 3, 2016, out its mandate across all the Minister of Tourism Honour- tourism destinations in Belize.” able Manuel Heredia handed Also on hand for the over a donation of three pick- hand-over was Commissioner up trucks vehicles to Minister of Police Allen Whylie. Com- of National Security Honour- menting further on the de- able John Saldivar to improve ployment and utilization of the mobility of the Police in the new vehicles received, he its continued fight against stated, “One will be assigned crime. The vehicles, which cost to the Tourism Village to do a total of $200 thousand, will the Police patrols in that area; be deployed in hot-spots in another will be assigned to do Belize City and Cayo District rural patrols in various tour- to provide safety and secu- The new vehicles and officers assigned to drive them ism areas countrywide, and the rity for Belizeans and visitors. ists. Definitely, I believe that to the San Pedro police station other will be assigned to San In handing over the vehi- almost any amount, whoever and likewise Caye Caulker.” Ignacio to assist with the Cara- cles, Minister of Tourism, Hon. donates, will never be enough In receiving the vehicles, col deployment as well as the Manuel Heredia remarked, because Belize is growing. All Minister of National Secu- spot checks within that area.” “The Ministry of Tourism and around the neighborhoods, you rity Honourable John Saldivar The hand-over took B.T.B and myself feel that we find our country being plagued stated, “We’ve been in long place at Eastern Division need to do our share also. It with different crimes and some negotiations and discussions Headquarters in Belize City.

Mr. Allen Whylie Commissioner of Police The Three Pickup Trucks handed over to the Ministry of National Security by the Ministry of Tourism Wednesday, February 17, 2016 Capital Weekly Page 15

From Belize at InternationalCommitments Youth Forum on Sustainable to Results Development inister of State they should be, and for them to in the Minis- be able to become the future so- try of Educa- ciety that shapes its own desti- tion, Youth and ny,” remarked Minister Aragon. MSports, Hon. Elodio Aragon Jr The main purpose of the and CARICOM Youth Ambas- forum was to bring the voice sador Eric Sanchez participat- of youth into the inter-govern- ed in this year’s International mental debate on how to make Youth Forum on Sustainable the post 2015 development agen- Development on February 1st da a reality on national, regional and 2nd, 2016. This Economic and international levels. The and Social Council (ECOSOC) forum provided a platform for Youth Forum was held at the young people to dialogue with United Nations Headquarters Member States and other ac- in New York under the auspic- tors on concrete commitments es of the ECOSOC President, and actions to realize the 17 His Excellency Mr. Oh Joon. Sustainable Development Goals The theme of the forum adopted in September, 2015. was “Implementing the Post- The forum identified av- 2015 Development Agenda: enues for young people to con- Moving from Commitments to tribute to the inter-governmen- Results”. H.E. Joon listed un- tal review of the implementation employment, poverty, climate of the 2030 Agenda, as well as change, and inequality as is- Honourable Elodio Aragon, Minister of Youth and Sports at the ways that youths can partner sues needing to be addressed International Youth Forum on Sustainable Development in New York with the United Nations system, through a cross-cutting and bust growth, a resilient society, panel, discussing Global Initia- civil society and governments to interconnected approach. healthy environment, citizen tives on Decent Jobs for Youth. ensure proper implementation. In plenary sessions, security and good governance. In addressing the gath- ECOSOC Youth Forum Minister Aragon stated that The Minister also em- ering, Minister Aragon gave a 2016 featured opening and clos- Belize is finalizing its National phasized that youth participa- brief overview on the Govern- ing plenary sessions with repre- Growth and Sustainable De- tion is at the heart of our na- ment of Belize’s initiatives that sentatives from youth organi- velopment Strategy (GSDS) tional development vision and encourage and support em- zations, high-level officials and which mainstreams the United that Belize’s National Youth ployment for young people. other Keynote speakers. The par- Nations Post 2015 Sustainable Development Policy has, as “I believe that this forum ticipants of the forum included Development Framework. The one of its goals, to ensure that highlights the importance and national and regional youth del- GSDS identifies clear policy young people are empowered vitality of young people across egates, Ministers of Youth, rep- aims together with subsidiary to achieve optimal economic the globe and the need for each resentatives from the perma- goals and targets to achieve a and social wellbeing while tak- government to do its part in sup- nent Missions of Member States national vision comprising of a ing care of the natural environ- porting, empowering and creat- to the UN, UN Major Group for strong economy featuring op- ment. Honourable Aragon made ing the opportunities for them Children and Youth and oth- timal national income and ro- further interventions on the to become the pace-setters that er multilateral organizations.

s reported A motorcycle is important for Mobilityin our last for Sports Coordinatorsthem because it gives them a edition, the little bit of mobility to move Minister of around. Our greatest resource State withA responsibility for here is our sports coordina- Youth and Sports, Hon. Elodio tors in the districts. We need Aragon, recently handed over to give them our support. seven motorcycles to sports We need to let them get that coordinators countrywide. feeling that things are go- The Minister explained, ing to be better. I do believe “In each district we have sports that empowering them with coordinators who have re- these motorcycles is going sponsibility for the sport- to do that, and much more.” ing facilities. Also they have The motorcycles were responsibility to run certain Sports Coordinators on their new motorcycles handed over by the acquired through a direct programs for us when it comes Minister of Youth and Sports Honourable Elodio Aragon Jr initiative by the new Na- to sports, such as dealing with tournament that is going on nate and begin to plan sport- tional Director of Sports, the Primary Schools sports now; also they must coordi- ing programs for the districts. Mr. Ritchel Dominquez. Page 16 Capital Weekly Wednesday, February 17, 2016 CARICOM BELIZE CONFRONTING MAJORcomes EXISTENTIAL to ISSUES Continued from Page 1 ment, Caribbean nations must international trade, for our re- be practical and realistic with mittances, for our structures of respect to the actual goals we production, consumption and expect to achieve, notwith- investment are so obvious as to standing the lofty ideals and vi- require little further elaboration. sion upon which the Caribbean It is therefore no hyperbole to say Community was established: that, especially in an environ- “We need to settle on ment where the value of our im- achievable goals for the imme- ports and exports taken together diate and medium term, and equals or exceeds our GDP, any specify and take the necessary attenuation, not to say complete steps for realization on a time- cutoff, respecting our trade and Prime Minister Dean Barrow and Secretary General Irwin LaRocque and-action basis. In the process we may recognize, for example, remittance flows, constitutes a ing huge fines if anything went as a bloc approach target banks that there is need for a work- clear, present and compendi- wrong. Or, the US banks could in the US for pooled correspond- around of the unbridgeable gap ous danger. It is in this context simply continue to take the path ent services. That way, we should between our aspirations for a of Belize, like so many others, of least resistance on the basis be able to leverage the critical perfect single market and econo- being so fundamentally threat- that our minuscule margins were mass needed to make our busi- my, and individual circumstance ened, that I went to Washington not worth the trouble. It could ness volume worthwhile in terms and sovereignty constraints. The two weeks ago for the expressed not be supposed, of course, that of the risk/reward equation. nimbleness and flexibility that purpose of taking up this matter any thought as to the catastrophe The modalities and the logistics must be deployed to adjust to the directly with the US Regulators.” waiting to overtake our countries will take some working out but changing world circumstances, Prime Minister Barrow would enter into those banks’ clearly are not beyond our skills.” may themselves militate against updated the nation and the CAR- straight forward risk/reward cal- Belize’s Prime Minister the centralized management ICOM family on the outcome to culus. To be fair, the US authori- and CARICOM’s Chairman used mechanism that a full CARICOM date of his mission to Washing- ties have been as good as their the de-risking and correspond- single economy posits. So that to ton to address the de-risking and word, and have now spoken to ent issue as an opportunity to be driven back to a reliance on correspondent banking issue: at least one correspondent bank highlight the privilege and ben- the less lofty but more practi- “The Regulators all agreed that that Belize has approached. The efit of belonging to a regional cal virtues of functional coop- absent a solution, our econo- outcome of that is still pending.” community such as CARICOM. eration, may be no bad thing. mies, our societies would go belly Prime Minister Barrow “I’m trying to reiterate In saying this, I am per- up; and conceded that could acknowledged that while Belize what we know only too well. The haps merely repeating what was be in no one’s interest, includ- has taken the lead in its attempt reality that forces us to acknowl- stated some time ago by a past ing theirs. The sticking point, to stave off the adverse effects edge the limitations of individual CARICOM Prime Minister: that though, was their proclaimed in- on its own domestic financial smallness is the same reality that our common cause effort simply ability to oblige their private sec- sector and economy, finding obliges us to size-up both in cannot all at once incorporate tor banks to engage or re-engage a more favourable resolution terms of collective thinking and the multiplicity of our individual with ours. So the highest expres- might be better attained through collective action. A precondi- drivers; that concentrating on sion of that sympathy unguent I our collective efforts as a region. tion to this, though, is that we the less poetic but more work- earlier mentioned, was no more “Meantime, our cam- talk less and do more. If there is able dimensions of our integra- than an undertaking by the US paign, and I speak now of CARI- a perceived mismatch between tion movement is both sensible Regulators to say to their banks COM, continues. And it cannot CARICOM rhetoric and CARI- and unavoidable; that to admit that our jurisdictions have done be other than relentless in the COM achievement, we need to this is not to admit failure since and are doing everything we can face of the possible correspond- tone down the rhetoric and step prioritizing the more readily to be fully AML/CFT compliant; ent banking Armageddon that up the achievement. It may mean successful cooperative ventures and that there was therefore no we face. It is therefore a matter a lessening of grandiose goals; it does ultimately lead to the op- in principle objection to those that looms extremely large on may mean long-haul, quotidian timum future deepening that banks doing business with us. our agenda over the next two days grind to achieve incremental we both desire and deserve.” But ultimately, the Regulators and has already been the subject accomplishments. Drudgery in In assuming chairman- insisted, it was strictly a decision of a dedicated finance Ministers the garret rather than flash-in- ship of CARICOM for a period for those sovereign US banks to meeting this morning. Without the-pan brilliance. But the times of six months, Prime Minister make. They would have to decide prejudice to any other recom- do seem to require this sort of Dean Barrow succeeds outgo- whether it was in their financial mendations that will come to us workmanlike focus to wring ing chairman, Prime Minister interest to deal with us, assume from that meeting, I signal now from difficult circumstances Freundel Stuart of Barbados the full transactional weight of that Belize will offer the follow- the realizable, measurable ob- who delivered his handover the resulting monitoring and ing for consideration. Surely, our jectives our people deserve. speech prior to PM Barrow at reporting requirements, and respected country banks can get And on the back of sus- the official opening ceremony. run the risk of nevertheless pay- together across jurisdictions and tained slogging, there’s quite a bit we can do for ourselves even with respect to those generally recessionary global economic conditions about which I spoke earlier. But I repeat, stock-taking now for purpose of a reset re- quires a hard-headed assessment of where we are, where we need to go, and how we get there.” And he submitted that PM Freundel Stuart of Barbados PM Barrow, Sec. Gen. LaRocque and other Heads of Government as a regional integration move- Outgoing CARICOM Chairman