SUNDAY February 12, 2012 ISSUE NO: 14 PRICE: $1.00 www.facebook.com/ The Independent IndependentThe Police and Placencia detainee Sidewalk Art Marvin rumble Festival 2012 Ottley See page 3 See page 11 See page 14 Cardona slams Barrow Thursday, February 9, 2012

BELIZE CITY – A fairly muted 2012 Belize General Elections campaign got some fire featured in yesterday when former UDP Orange Walk East area representative Marcel Cardona ABC’s Hit called a press conference to announce that not only was he not seeking re-election, Romance but that he and his committee would be supporting the PUP candidate Dr. Tulio Reality Mendez. But Cardona, an attorney by profes- Series sion, did not just make a meek announce- ment and go quietly into the good night. “The Bachelor” He chose to make the most of his oppor- tunity to rail against his former party, es- Tuesday, February 7, 2012 pecially its leader Prime Minister Dean Barrow, accusing it and him of corruption, BELIZE CITY: An epi- cronyism and incompetence. sode of the it romance reality In a 12 page presentation that took him series “The Bachelor” which over 20 minutes to deliver, Cardona de- was shot on location in Be- nounced the Barrow government, calling lize, on Ambergris Caye, will its tenure in office a “4-YEAR REIGN OF air next Monday, February TERROR, INTIMIDATION, OPPRESSION 13th (8:00–10:01 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network. Continued on page 2 Continued on page 2 Another City residents fear Brannon resurgent gun violence shot dead! Dead teen’s father: “I can’t take anymore!” Sunday, February 5, 2012 Scenes of crime technicians search for expended shells Tues- day night in the heart of downtown Belize City right in front BELIZE CITY – The Brannon family are of Central Park after three men were injured in a spray of gun reeling from tragedy that struck on Sunday, fire. Belize City residents fear that the gang truce may be dis- Dondre Brannon, 19 February 5, 2012 around 8:30p.m. solving and once again there may be carnage on the streets. Continued on page 2 2 The Independent SUNDAY February 12, 2012

ange Walk East Constituency alone, the UDP, or the INVOKING of the to decide upon and elect a new Area CROSSING THE FLOOR provisions Representative for the Orange Walk has become a moot point with the Cardona East Constituency. recent announcement of early Gen- “Obviously, given that the UDP eral Elections and the dissolution of Party is presently in Government, the National Assembly on Friday of this would have given the UDP last week.” slams Barrow Party the opportunity to focus and Cardona then went on to accuse concentrate all their resources and the Barrow administration of nepo- Continued from page 1 statutory body under his portfolio, the Government’s resources behind tism, and listing 11 examples of what and VICTIMIZATION” and listing and a tour operator. their UDP Candidate in Orange he considered blatant examples of 14 examples of same. He explained to a packed room Walk East, in order to give their such. In the presentation, excerpts of and a much wider audience listening UDP Candidate in Orange Walk For the incumbent UDP Cardo- which are reproduced on pages 8 and via radio broadcast that: “Choosing East a CLEARLY UNFAIR EDGE or na’s resignation was not unexpected 9 of this edition of the newspaper, to publicly RESIGN from the UDP, ADVANTAGE over any other politi- but they must be bothered by his de- Cardona said that he paid the “ulti- or apply for membership in another cal candidate in the By-Election. fection and ringing condemnation. mate price of being ostracized from, Political Party would have automati- “It was to prevent this possibil- Their propagandists had been point- and punished and victimized and cally led to the Prime Minister Dean ity, that I chose to endure years of ing to the resignation of 3 PUP can- humiliated by the very UDP party Barrow invoking the provisions un- unjust treatment, victimization, didates as momentum building after which I had helped to raise from the der Section 59(2)(e) to strip me of disrespect, abuse, mistreatment a series of gaffes, bad news polls, a very ashes of its double shattering further membership in the House of and even physical assaults and bru- recent spike in violent crime and defeats in 1998 and then in 2003,” Representatives, and would have al- talization by members of my own a downgrade of the nation’s credit for daring to speak out in Decem- most certainly have led to the hold- UDP Party. rating since the election announce- ber 2008 about a secret “sweetheart” ing of a Special Election called a “But this issue about VOL- ment had put them somewhat on contract signed between NICH, a By-Election for the people of the Or- UNTARY RESIGNATION from the defensive.

Belize featured in Another Robbers hit ABC’s Hit RC Imports on Romance Brannon Reality shot dead! Cemetery Road Series Continued from page 1 Dondre Brannon, 19, was riding “The Bachelor” his bicycle on Central American Bou- levard when he was shot by an uniden- Continued from page 1 tified black man when he reached the The episode will feature a special Iguana Street intersection. The shooter group and intimate one-on-one dates fled the scene leaving no trace or clues with the newest Bachelor, Ben Flajnik. to his identity. Fan-favourite Flajnik, the down-to- Brannon, a barber and a student of earth and romantic guy whose heartfelt Gwen Lizarraga Evening program, and proposal was rejected by Ashley Hebert a resident of the Antelope Street exten- on The Bachelorette, gets another shot sion are,a was struck in the lower right side of the abdomen. He was rushed to at love. Christopher Hyde, 16 Lloyd Valentine, 21 Skeptical at first, Ben, a 29-year-old the KHMH where he later died while successful winemaker from Sonoma, undergoing treatment around 9:35p.m. Sunday January 29, 2012 California, now knows first-hand that For the young Brannon’s father, love can happen – and he’s hoping to Basil Brannon, the loss of his son is a BELIZE CITY – Vinod Chawla, owner of RC Imports lo- find it as “The Bachelor”. terrible blow for him and his family. cated at #16 Cemetery Road in Belize City was held at gun In the ABC hit primetime real- The family is still dealing with the loss point by three black men on Sunday, January 29, 2012 around ity series, one lucky man is offered the of two of Dondre’s uncles, Kevin and 1:15pm. Chawla told police that the men assaulted him and chance to find true love. A single and Phillip Brannon who were shot dead robbed him of an undisclosed amount of cash and cheques. eligible bachelor embarks on a roman- on Mothers’ Day in 2006 when their One of the men wore a white t-shirt and a black ¾ jeans tic journey, getting to know a bevy of car was sprayed with bullets. Two men pants and slippers. The other two, Chawla said, were dressed beautiful bachelorettes, gradually nar- were arrested and charged for the mur- in full black with black dread caps on. rowing the field to the one woman to ders but got off and since then the case Police have since recovered $2,000.00 in cash and arrested whom he may propose marriage in the has gone cold. Prior to that tremen- Christopher Hyde, 16 of a West Canal address and Lloyd Val- dramatic season finale. dous loss, the Brannon family lost an- entine, 20 of a Trench Alley address both of Belize City. The Ben Flajnik and his six dates ar- other family member who drowned in duo have been charged jointly for robbery. rived in Belize on Wednesday, October the early nineties. 19, 2011, to enjoy an island getaway and “Jules, I don’t know how much experience exotic dates in Belize. Ac- more I can take. I’ve had it. It’s too cording to Ambergris Today, during the much for one person; it’s too much filming here Bachelor Ben and his co- for the family, and I want this to stop,” stars visited Shark Ray Alley at the Hol Basil Brannon told the media. He be- Chan Marine Reserve, has an exotic lieves his son was targeted. date atop the magnificent Maya Ruins The father and son were more like of Lamanai in the Orange Walk Dis- friends, Basil said. His son always called trict, jumps from a helicopter into the him when he wanted something. Bran- Great Blue Hole of Belize located in the non said that Dondre was mischievous coral reef atoll of Lighthouse Reef, goes but never involved in any gang. on dates on board sailing boats and a Like many others who have lost day trip to the neighbouring island of loved ones in the unrelenting gun war Caye Caulker, among other great ad- in our streets, Basil Brannon is not ventures and dinner dates at popular hopeful for justice on his son’s behalf. resorts/restaurants on Ambergris Caye. He just wishes the violence to stop. SUNDAY February 12, 2012 The Independent 3

the scene but was only beaten more. Police and detainee rumble On Thursday, February 2nd, Justo Lopez was hit with a slew of charges when he was taken before Magistrate Monday January 30, 2012 Hettie Mae Stuart. He was charged for attempted murder, dangerous harm, BELIZE CITY – Police Sergeant use of deadly means of harm and rob- Alfonso Aban is recovering from be- bery allegedly committed against of- ing bitten on his right thumb by a man ficer Nigel White. who was in police custody for allegedly Police reported then that PC shooting police officer Nigel White at White was on duty alone at the Be- the Belama sub-station in March of 2011. lama police sub-station when a dark According to police, Justo Lopez, 33 complexion man entered and pointed a a resident of Belama Phase II Area has gun at him and fired a single shot which been positively identified as the shooter. Justo Lopez found its mark in the center of the offi- According to police Lopez was be- cer’s chest. The man then robbed Offi- ing escorted from the Belama Phase II cer White of his .38 Smith and Wesson on Monday, January 30, around 5:45 in police. Lopez said that he walked across the weapon was buried in his mother’s service revolver. The man along with the evening when he attempted to es- the northern border and surrendered yard near her septic tank. two other persons ran up Albert Hoy cape. Police didn’t get far as officers were himself to officers there and was imme- “They told me that they will kill Street and made good their escape. able to capture him. diately taken to the Corozal police sta- me and throw me in the Haulover Riv- Officer White was found lying at Lopez however did not make it easy tion and then later transferred to Belize er, and nobody will know where I am. the door of the station. Police recov- for the officer and bit Sergeant Aban on City with no event. When they reached in my mother’s ered a .40 caliber S&W expended shell his right thumb during a struggle that In Belize City, Lopez said that he yard, I told them that the gun is in the and a pair of slippers from the scene. ensued between him and the office. The was first locked up then later taken up- septic tank,” Lopez told the media on In April of last year, three men, El- bite police say was no ordinary bite as stairs handcuffed. Once upstairs he said Tuesday from his hospital bed at the roy Smith, Karim Morris and Linsford Lopez held a firm grip on the officer’s that four officers questioned him about KHMH. Acosta were charged and remanded thumb for some time and it took the as- the gun (purportedly the one used to His ordeal worsened when he and in connection with the shooting. One sistance of other officers to free Sergeant shoot Officer White). If he (Lopez) the officers reached his mother’s home other person was being sought. That Aban’s thumb from the clutch of Lopez’s could not or would not answer, the of- in Belama Phase II. Lopez attempted to other person along with Morris and jaws. Sergeant Aban had to be treated at ficers promised to kill him that very run out of the vehicle, he said to let his Acosta are accused of stealing the of- the KHMH for two bite wounds to his night, Lopez said. mother know that he was back in the ficer’s weapon which is the property of thumb. His wounds were classified as “After that, one of them knocked country. His attempt failed when one the Government of Belize. The other wounding and Lopez has been charged me in the back of my head. I was of the officers grabbed him by his hair men also faced similar charges of at- in connection with the officer’s injuries. knocked out. When I woke up it’s be- and started to punch him in the face. tempted murder, robbery, dangerous What police did not share in their cause I am in the room. They put duct An officer (Aban) got his thumb in harm and deadly means of harm. report is that they put a beating on Lo- tape on my head, and then they started Lopez’s mouth and that is when Lo- No plea was taken from Justo Lo- pez that he (Lopez) had to be hospital- to kick me in my stomach and my back. pez said that he bit the officer while pez who police believe is the final piece ized. I told them that I didn’t know anything, he was being beaten by about five of- to their puzzle and he was remanded Lopez claimed that he was away in but they still beat me up,” Lopez said. ficers. to the Hattieville Central Prison until Canada and only returned to Belize be- In an effort to stop the beating, Lo- Lopez said that he pleaded his February 27, when a preliminary inqui- cause he learned that he was wanted by pez said that he told the officers that case with a senior officer who was on ry into the matter will commence. 4 The Independent SUNDAY February 12, 2012 Entire Conejo Workforce EDITORIAL Sacked by US Capital Energy

BELIZE CITY: The fol- saying to Martínez: “We know that lowing is a press release from you were not allowed to enter. We SATIM, the Sarstoon Temash have a copy of the permit, as have you, Institute for Indigenous Man- and it shows you were not allowed to agement regarding the attempt enter our land. You were cutting the by US Capital Energy, an oil ex- line hoping we would not know. We The Choice – ploration company, to conduct will have to meet with our people, we seismic testing in Conejo Vil- will not respond right now.” lage, Toledo District. The Supreme Court of Belize Elections 2012 US Capital Energy, which ruled, on 18 October 2007, that the has accepted publicly claimed government must: “abstain from any Most pragmatic Belizeans will be voting on March 7th for the future, and not on what to have illegally cut seismic line acts that might lead the agents of the they think they know has happened in the past. Most pragmatic Belizeans will vote for number 08 through Conejo’s government itself, or third parties the candidates to form the next government whom they believe will be best able to lead the nation through what is becoming more and more apparent, will be tough economic territory was constructed by acting with its acquiescence or its tol- times ahead. mistake, has sacked all 23 of erance, to affect the existence, value, Belize has been wallowing in economic doldrums for the past three and a half years Conejo’s workers in retaliation use or enjoyment of the property and the forecast is for at best limited economic growth. Meanwhile our debt bill is coming for not yet being given the go- located in the geographic area occu- due. We must pay the piper. ahead to place explosives on pied and used by the Maya people of To date none of the contestants have offered us, the voters, a cogent plan for economic this line. Santa Cruz and Conejo unless such resuscitation and development. The opposition, to be fair, has had a limited time since Conejo’s workers had been acts are pursuant to their informed the announcement by the government of general elections in less than a month’s time, ordered back from their work- consent and in compliance with the but clearly the government had been preparing and campaigning for another term in of- sites by US Capital Energy and safeguards of the Belize Constitution. fice for the past several months. taken to the company’s Bar- This order include, but not be Mr. Barrow has said, in an unfortunate choice of words at his press conference an- nouncing the elections, that he is seeking a mandate to deal with the Superbond but ranco headquarters, where limited to, directing the government didn’t he already have a mandate? What happened? How does he intend to deal with José María Martínez sacked the to abstain from: Belize’s debt issues? workers at 10:30 on Thursday 2 i. issuing any lease or grants to The most pragmatic part of the electorate, the business community, has been slow to February. lands or resources under the National offer campaign financing to the contestants because they are not hearing anything that The Conejo leadership had Lands Act or any other Act; they find persuasive. They have been bombarded and wearied of the blame game. The been waiting for an attorney ii. registering any such interest in blame game is now an over-used tactic by the competitors and the electorate is becoming being available to attend a vil- land; inured to it. lage meeting called to decide iii. issuing any regulations con- Neither party comes before the electorate with clean hands – it is only a matter of de- the community’s response to cerning land or resources use; and gree according to individual perception. Both have had almost equal turns at the steering the company’s request to oper- iv. issuing any concessions for re- wheel since Independence, and both have made their mistakes. If we are to judge by the current circumstances, there is enough blame to go around. ate the line. source exploitation and harvesting, Belizeans want competent government, the kind of administration that will no lon- The sackings amount to including concessions, permits or ger lurch from crisis to crisis. It wants a government free from the cancer of corruption. collective punishment for the contracts authorizing logging, pros- Like an abused spouse or dependent, it is tired of being battered by incompetent and cor- village leadership’s insistence pecting or exploration, mining or rupt administrations but feels it has nowhere else to turn. that the community decide similar activity under the Forest Act, It is tired of the gaudy and over-the-top promises. It not only wants the political par- together their response to the the Mines and Minerals Act, the Pe- ties to clean up their act but it badly wants to turn the page on this chapter in our history. company’s activities, includ- troleum Act, or any other Act.” As voters we want the candidates to address the immediate matter of the economy. ing its transgressions and ulti- Conejo’s position is therefore We believe that Belize faces a difficult time in the short term. The incumbents have been matums. The leadership’s in- entirely consistent with Belizean reckless and irresponsible by not addressing the matter of debt repayment or by having a sistence on having an attorney law, while US Capital Energy is com- cavalier attitude when they do, do. The next administration will have to make hard choices and will have to right the ship of state. It has been done before and must be done again. attend the village meeting sim- pounding one transgression with an- The question is who will be best able to do this. ply reflects their desire to en- other. The next administration must make the commitment in word and deed to more par- sure that the village’s relations The company is seeking to deter- ticipatory democracy. It must pursue political reforms that will make for more inclusive with the oil company be based mine the villagers’ response to their governance, and which will promote transparency and accountability. It must revisit legis- upon respect for the commu- demands both through collective lation regarding the Senate as a true oversight body and a check against the near absolute nity’s right to free, prior, and punishment and the abrupt fulfill- power of the Cabinet dictatorship. There must be changes made to the referendum and informed consent. ment of promises made in August crossing-the-floor laws, the former to ensure that it is used to approve any amendments Martínez had previously 2010 to immediately supply the vil- to the constitutional provisions guaranteeing our human rights, the latter to enhance our called Conejo’s Alcalde Eufe- lage with computers. US Capital En- democracy by allowing backbenchers to publicly disagree with their party in government. mio Makin and Chairperson ergy started installing the computers The next administration must act far more proactively in addressing Belize’s national security needs, and must provide better policing and penal management. No one has Enrique Makin to a meeting at the school on Friday, 3 February, a any confidence the current “gang truce” will hold or is sustainable. There has been some on Saturday, 28 January at the day after sacking the entire workforce progress, yes, but Belizeans are fearful of a future in which powerful gangs have taken root Coral House Inn in Punta Gor- from the village. and have now been apparently institutionalized as part of the societal structure. Is this, for da, where he had pressed the example, how we intend to deal with the cartels? leaders to give an immediate The next administration must restore local and international investors’ confidence answer as to whether the com- lost not only through the “nationalization” of the public utilities, but also by the “quitar” pany could insert and detonate (land acquisition) policy, and an alarming display of non-concern for record business and explosives on the seismic line The home foreclosures. The next Government of Belize must be prepared to turn away from illegally opened on their land. these divisive policies and be prepared instead to embrace a way forward that is the result Martínez had told them: Independent of extensive consultation perhaps through the revival of the National Economic Council, Newspaper and the utilization of a social partner framework. “We’re in a hurry, we need to is published by Belize’s social and economic development must be the centerpiece of the campaign. know urgently, to know if we need to divert. And if that hap- Adsports The matter of debt restructuring is a must. Who will best able to negotiate with our inter- @1442 Scallop Avenue, Belize City national creditors both for the Superbond and the nationalization? One respected opin- pens the people of Conejo will Editor: Glenn Tillett ion we have seen, for example, concludes that the “nationalization” of BTL and BEL may no longer have work.” Admin. Asst: Katyce Flowers have increased the government’s national debt by almost “half of the notorious Belize The leaders had responded Marketing Director: Marshall Nunez Government Superbond, with interest costs equal to or more expensive than the Super- that they could not give an im- Logistics: Gerald Garbutt bond.” mediate answer, as the deci- Printer: Norman’s Printing For Belize to survive and then thrive, we have to get real. Enough with the promises, sion needed to be made by the Address all correspondence: the giveaways, the constant raiding of the public purse for political purposes! It is long past whole village, and they needed The Editor time the political aspirants got real. The business community is not impressed with the to know their rights. P.O. Box 1710 or cavalcade of promises and giveaways – in fact it is dismayed by it. [email protected] The silent majority waits and watches. It is pondering who best to lead, not who was Enrique Makin (chairman) Inquiries: worse. Their decision will turn on what plans are presented to them, not on what is given responded that the village Tel: 203-2902 or 663-7285 away or by way of promises and pledges to the masses. needed to decide as a whole, SUNDAY February 12, 2012 The Independent 5 Impartial View: Why the UDP have By Rhenae Nunez always been a one-term government

JUST SAYIN’ By Marshall Nunez, Sr. the past few years, however, the UDP administration was not able to get any We’re into the final few weeks grants - as a matter of fact over the past before the 2012 elections and I’ve almost 8 months all we were getting Sinking ship or finally suggested several times in several from the Barrow administration were ways that the real reason for the promises of monies approved by in- a chance to heal Prime Minister calling the elec- ternational financial institutions. But tions has a lot to do with the eco- the country hasn’t gotten the funds. So Leader of the Opposition, Honor- Musa in his book went on to say, nomic condition of the nation. The many of the capital for projects were able Francis Fonseca sounded contrite “As the saying goes, when it rains it Standards and Poors report con- done at the expense of the tax payers in his comments following the depar- pours! Confidence in the economy firms what many economists have and the Social Security Board’s funds ture of Anthony Mahler as PUP stan- was under attack from without and been speculating over the past sev- have been used over and over again. dard bearer for Caribbean Shores divi- within. The unkindest cut of all came eral months. The long and short Since the acquisition of BEL and sion – it was a blow to the party. from within. On August 12 at 8:30 a.m. of the SP downgrading of Belize is BTL, BTL has become the cash cow The same cannot be said of the six Ministers called on me at the Prime essentially that the economic fore- for the UDP government. In addition resignations of Mark Espat and Cordel Minister’s Office in Belmopan. These cast for Belize does not look very to the fact that the UDP has not been Hyde. While the UDP will certainly Ministers – Jose Coye, Mark Espat, well. So it is safe to suggest that the able to secure international funding, milk this latest occurrence for all the Cordel Hyde, Eamon Courtney, Servu- main reason why the Prime Minis- the acquisition of the utility compa- political mileage it portends, the news lo Baeza and Godfrey Smith presented ter has set the elections before pre- nies BEL and BTL has increased our of the two latter resignations come as me with a letter signed by all of them senting the 2012 budget is because national debt. With the massive re- no surprise to yours truly. and informed me that the Deputy the budget would have a very dev- duction in the direct foreign invest- The resignations were sensational Prime Minister John Briceno (who was astating effect on the nation. ment, the economy in is a terrible and did send a shock wave throughout out of the country) was in full agree- Many of the projects that the state. the body politic but were not in the ment with the contents.” UDP government has promised The Prime Minster, despite the least bit surprising. The resignations Today none of the seven are in the that should take place early this fact that his government in the past follow in the true modus-operandi of running for the elections except for year were just election promises. few years has shrunk the economy, has the duo - hopefully their penchant to John Briceno who dramatically demit- When you do serious examina- no plan as to how they will 1) take us destroy has been satisfied, and that ted the office of Leader of Opposition tion of those same projects many out of the economic mess or 2) at least way the PUP can finally focus on the in early October of last year citing per- of them have been recycled from stimulate economic activity. And now campaign at hand and heal. sonal reasons and health issues. Un- the past three budgets. The UDP the prime minister has the audacity to The news of Espat’s resignation less Briceno is looking to top Mark has spent the last 4 years blaming come back to the Belizean people to revisited memories of the day Said Espat’s act, all indications are that he the previous PUP administration ask for a new mandate? Musa announced that he was stepping will be contesting the upcoming Gen- for everything that they have failed We need to be very careful when down as Party Leader. Many of us felt eral Elections. to accomplish. As a matter of fact we got to the polls. Within the past then, as we do now, that his decision Although the day’s event caused a now that election campaign is on, few weeks the prime minister used was premature and did not allow the political tail spin, the bigger news that the UDP is recycling the same is- 2.79 million dollars of the government party ime to take in the devastating broke on Monday, February 06, 2012, sues in their political commercials funds for his party’s election campaign, loss at the polls and having had to deal was the further downgrade of Belize’s that they used in their campaign adding more to our national debt. with another major event may have credit rating by Standard & Poors and prior to their February 2008 elec- With a government that has proven triggered a cascade that may have just Moody’s which illuminates the reason tions. time and time again that they are un- now culminated. why Dean Barrow is seeking the ulti- Surely the PUP in 2008 was not able to manage the nation’s economy a The PUP was attempting to do mate bailout – we are in dire economic perfect and for their mismanage- second term for the UDP government a lot of things right when a lot was straits. ment and their shortcomings the will be eminent economic disaster and wrong in the hopes of dusting off and The way the UDP has conducted Belizean electorate swept them out even the possibility of devaluation. moving on but there could have been themselves and the business of gov- of office in what became their most If the UDP should win we will have no moving on until the discord that erning has been indecorous and is not devastating defeat in any elections. to anticipate radical increases in taxes had been brewing especially during amusing to observers. S&P said today And perhaps the PUP has not done which the UDP have been known to the PUP’s second term in office had that, “the downgrade reflects signs enough to convince the electorate do in the past and mass retrenchment been settled. of lower political willingness to that they have totally reformed which the UDP has also been known to The action by seven members of service Belize’s external commer- themselves from that type of ad- have done in the past. It is now no coin- cabinet dubbed G7 will no doubt be cial debt obligations,” explained ministration that the people be- cidence that every time the UDP wins etched in the minds of Belizeans who Standard & Poor’s credit analyst Kelli lieved failed them between 2003 an election they are a one-term govern- were old enough to understand the Bissett. and 2008. But during that term of ment because every time they are given magnitude to that action. It is one thing to be unable to pay office for the PUP they were able to the opportunity to govern they have In his book, With Malice Toward your bills but distinctly another when secure international funding in the failed the Belizean people. None, Said Musa wrote: “The first you demonstrate unwillingness to pay. form of loans and even grants. In Just my Impartial View. crack in the government’s collective Barrow’s roguish behavior has con- armour occurred on August 10, 2004. firmed his words made six years ago The Minister of Health, Mr. Jose Coye in December of 2006 when he was in a television interview criticized the mouthing off about the “Superbond”. ultimately back away from its leader’s row administration’s attitude saying policy of the Social Security Board He said then that “We will be known campaign rhetoric, the injection of that, “an upgrade would most likely lending money without adequate as an economically failed state. We the superbond into the campaign fol- result from greater predictability collateral. The Amandala newspaper will be known as a hard pay, can’t pay, lows increased policy unpredictabil- about the political willingness to attacked the government for allow- vagabond nation.” Barrow has presid- ity (including the nationalizations of service debt and improved financ- ing Social Security funds used to se- ed over his ominous words becoming Belize’s main electricity and telecom ing prospects. These would likely curitizating foreign loans for a high our reality. companies in the last two years) and stem from an improved growth and risk company Intelco. The DFC was Only Barrow and his sycophants raises questions about the political investment outlook. experiencing an unduly high default buy into his rhetoric – S&P doesn’t commitment to timely debt service,” The departure of Mark Espat and rate in non-performing loans. The rat- seem impressed at all. “The nature of S&P observed. Cordel Hyde is hardly the news. Per- ing agencies – Standard & Poors and the statement and prominent public Barrow refuses to deal realistically sonally I will never believe that their Moody’s were beginning to down- office of the speaker signals, from a and honestly with the repercussions support of the nationalization of the grade Belize’s investment prospects.” credit perspective, lower predictabil- and implications of the nationalized utilities was in the best interest of the Similarly today’s announcement ity that the government will continue BTL and BEL on our economy while Belizean people at a time when we by Mark Espat comes on the heels of to service its external commercial our creditors, on the other hand, are could not afford to have them. No, I another downgrade of Belize’s credit debt.” not impressed with his rhetoric. am not crying for their loss, finally ratings by Standard & Poors and by “Although a future United Demo- S&P concludes its release by reit- the PUP is getting a chance to exhale, Moody’s. cratic Party (UDP) government could erating their chagrin about the Bar- heal and move on. 6 The Independent SUNDAY February 12, 2012 BLUE NOTES: An economy in crisis

n unemploy- The goal is to increase income at tracts, the enhancement of fiscal nerabilities.” Spain only recently ment rate of least to live at a middle class stan- incentives through a framework of credited Belize’s debt restructuring over 23%, a pov- dard and at the same time create commercial and export processing as one of the most successful. The erty rate of over opportunities for their children to zones, and a historical provisioning table was set. 40% and busi- empower themselves likewise and of investment capital for the private The UDP grasped the opportu- nesses right enjoy even higher standards of life sector in agriculture, tourism, small nity. They exaggerated and propa- acrossA the industrial and distribu- than their parents. That is the virtu- businesses, health tourism, trans- gandized. They built their campaign tion sector are either closing down ous cycle of our economic life. But portation, housing, tertiary educa- on a platform of corruption. Their voluntarily or going into forced the households cannot do it alone. tion, etc. All this was underpinned team had no merits of their own to receivership, foreign direct invest- They need the other two partners by a reasonable measure of political rise on. They had to rise by pulling ment plummeted to just about 15% in the economy - the private sector stability and the rule of law. down. They succeeded in convinc- of where it was in the year 2008, and the public sector. They all need Unfortunately, there were some ing the voters that they were for commercial banks awash in liquid- each other. It is the “Social Partner- pitfalls. There were pockets of fis- ZERO TOLERANCE when it comes ity for want of confidence to invest, ship” that will create the economic cal irresponsibility. The debt was to corruption, that they were an and now our sovereign credit rating synergy necessary to float all boats. becoming unsustainable. The Gov- embodiment of righteousness and downgraded for the second time In 1998 the PUP came to office ernment had to change course. And that they were the very essence of in two months - this must be an on a very meritorious reform agenda change they did. The record shows humility. They succeeded at the economy in crisis. And what is most to modernize the public sector and that their adjustment strategy was polls. despairing there is no acknowl- create a welcoming “investment cli- exemplary. They remedied the If one were to read the testi- edgement coming from the gov- mate” to grow the economy. To cre- wrong and preserved the welcom- mony of the Hon. Marcel Cardona ernment and therefore no plan for ate such an unprecedented enabling ing “investment climate” to contin- former member of the ruling UDP, resuscitation. The irony of it is the environment in a relatively short ue to build on in furtherance of eco- you would agree with Mr. Roberts Government is blaming the Super- time demanded unprecedented nomic growth. This was evidenced when he wrote that open letter bond and the past administration, large borrowing by the government. by an IMF 2006 Report “The Execu- to the press. He said he made the but for what, because it is denying Substantial capital investment were tive Directors (of IMF) welcomed mistake that many other voters anything is wrong with the econo- needed for the various sectors in the progress the authorities (GOB) made. HE VOTED AGAINST THE my. In effect it is saying despite the the public domain: building and have made in addressing Belize’ se- PUP BUT NEVER STOPPED TO misery indices all is well thus trying upliftment of civil infrastructure rious macroeconomic imbalances THINK WHAT HE WAS VOTING to paper over the economic prob- such as a network of paved roads in the context of a home-grown ad- FOR. lems with substantial giveaways in with bridges across the country, justment strategy. A significant fis- This country is in a state of the hope of creating an illusion of expansion of electricity, telecom- cal correction has been achieved in economic paralysis and fear. The normalcy at least for the election. munication and water supply, en- FY 2005/06.” antidote, the cure, to such pa- Who is really to blame? hanced human capital through It continued in a December 13, ralysis is hope and courage: defi- In every household a family universal access to quality educa- 2007 report: “the substantial debt ant, resilient, persistent hope and must be able to earn a certain level tion and health care, strengthening relief granted by private creditors courage, no matter what the odds of income to meet at least its basic of the legal system to ensure prop- earlier this year has opened the against us may be. March 7th can needs and some simplified wants. erty rights and enforcement of con- way for a reduction in Belize’s vul- be the beginning of restoration. SUNDAY February 12, 2012 The Independent 7

tance of budgeting for the unexpected; it might be prudent for them to have a set Financial Sense monthly spending limit. • Credit Rating – a favourable credit rating is important for your child’s finan- College Bound? cial future; encourage them to cultivate a strong and desirable credit history. Let them know the importance of paying off Then Money Matters their credit card monthly to avoid paying late fees and penalty, this will serve them sion started. well in the long run . Mrs. Judy McCutcheon • Protect their personal in- • Bank Account – they should have is currently doing her formation – in this age of identity already been introduced to the prudence International Masters in theft, this could be a valuable lesson of having a bank account. If this is not Business Administration at the University of the West for all of us. Teach your kids the im- the case, now is the time for them to learn Indies; she is also in the portance of an effective filing system the role of a bank account in money man- final stages on completing keeping all their relevant documents agement. They should know about the pit her CGA (Certified General in one safe place, to assist them in falls of having an overdraft facility (unless Accountant) paying their bills and meeting their it is in an absolute emergency), and more While in Belize Mrs. financial deadlines in a timely fash- than anything else to avoid writing bad McCutcheon worked as a cheques. Financial Accountant for a ion. large corporation and also • Budget, Budget, Budget – re- Having this discussion with your chil- as an Advisor. She believes inforce discipline and hone lifelong dren as they set sail for college is signifi- that we are all responsible for financial skills by encouraging your cantly important, as it provides them with our own financial wellbeing kids to develop strategies and prac- a solid foundation for making financially and that we should do all in tice healthy budgeting habits to take sound decisions. If you don’t engage them our power to ensure that our them through their college years. now, you can end up with “a monkey on financial future is secure. Help them to understand the impor- your back.”

By Judy M. McCutcheon

You are in your late teens head- ing into your twenty somethings and looking to fly the coop. You may have already decided what college you will be attending and what you will be majoring in; you may have even hooked up with some of your “homies” and you have it all figured out how things are going to be for the next four years of your life. If you have your major “down pat,” then kudos to you, I am still trying to fig- ure out mine. You are determined to have as much fun as you possibly can and get some study in sideways. You will work at the school canteen - no scratch that - your parents will be sending you the money you need to take care of all your needs and then some. Parents - you are probably dread- ing the day when your baby will ac- tually leave home and I can imagine how your heart must be breaking; fear not because I am sure that you would have given them a solid foun- dation. The Bible states that as par- ents and guardians we should train up our kids in the way that they should grow so when they are older, they will not depart from that train- ing. Now, just trust that you did an exemplary job. Before sending them off though, you need to ensure that they have the financial wherewithal to get them through the next four years and beyond. How can you get your children prepared for all the financial and money management responsibilities that they will have to deal with while they pursue their dreams? You can begin the discussion by talking with them about your expec- tations for how they should priori- tize their finances and handle their expenses while in college. Let’s look at a few pointers to get that discus- 826 The Independent SUNDAY February 12, 2012 SUNDAY February 12, 2012 The Independent 9

Maya Alliance of the South, the SO: Does the Honourable Prime in earnings or legal fees provided to LIC CORRUPTION becomes even Trade Union Congress of Belize, Minister Dean Barrow live up to his the Prime Minister’s own Law Firm, more apparent. and the Association of Concerned commitment to the people of Belize, Barrow & Williams, by the several oil Wasn’t it another blatant act of Former UDP Area Representative Belizean (ACB), against attacks by of being the media poster boy’s “Mr. companies which have been granted “PUBLIC CORRUPTION” and “CRO- or abuses by the then Government Zero Tolerance to CORRUPTION?” oil concessions to operate within Be- NYISM” to the UDP Government to and other powerful entities of the Is the self-proclaimed Anti- lize, not another blatant form or act of have awarded the multi-million dol- day, such as the Roman Catholic Corrupt UDP Government of Belize, “PUBLIC CORRUPTION”, or “BRIB- lar contract to build a WALL for the Diocese of Belize. currently practicing or involved in ERY in exchange for PATRONAGE” future Marion Jones Stadium to its Marcel Cardona It was therefore not difficult DIFFERENT FORMS of CORRUP- on the part of Mr. Anti-Corruption, UDP Crony and UDP Albert Constitu- to believe the then Leader of the TION? Prime Minister Dean Barrow? ency Standard Bearer? And it begs the Opposition and now Prime Min- However, the Prime Minister AND So is the award of a limited question: When you shall construct ister Dean Oliver Barrow when he Dean Oliver Barrow now boldly and number of lucrative logging licences your home or building, do you first lashes out at the UDP famously announced to the nation quite conveniently asserts (as Prime to exploit or to extract valuable ma- construct a fancy and expensive fence, of Belize, his commitment to the Minister) that he does not believe hogany, timber, hardwoods, and other or do you first construct the shelter bids for contacts, whether they cancer, of being denied special assis- Belizean Public to maintain a “ZE- that NEPOTISM is or refers to fa- exotic lumber, from the previously un- over your head or the building? This is be for road building contracts, tance from the Ministry of Health with RO-TOLERANCE TOWARDS COR- vouring one’s family members or touched 22,000 acre Freshwater Creek why I had to describe the Prime Minis- construction contracts, supplies their medical expenses, especially in RUPTION” POLICY. relatives. Forest Reserve, to close relatives (in- ter and his cadre of Cabinet Ministers contracts, service contracts, or cases where such medical care and at- In the words of the then Leader AND So is awarding of millions cluding nephews) and special friends as CORRUPT and INCOMPETENT. otherwise, if they refuse to follow tention is expensive and out of the of the Opposition and now Prime upon millions of tax-payers dollars (such as his driver, his special consul- IMAGINE: After 4 years, and after the dictates of the UDP leader- reach of the pockets of most poor and Minister Dean Oliver Barrow: in legal services to the Prime Minis- tants and political advisors, and the both the Taiwanese and Venezuelan ship and UDP Government; struggling Belizean families, if they re- Meaning of “CORRUPTION” ter’s ex-wife Lois Young Barrow and wealthy UDP Candidate in Orange Grants had already been delivered threats by the UDP to busi- fuse to follow the dictates of the UDP by Dean Oliver Barrow (D.O.B.): brother Dennis Barrow, when there Walk East) of the Deputy Prime Min- to the Belize Government, the Belize ness persons or business enti- leadership and UDP Government; “The PROBLEM with this Govern- are other equally competent, if not ister Gaspar Vega, NOT another bla- Government has not even began con- ties (big, medium-sized, and threats by the UDP to persons, of ment is the FACT of their UNDI- more competent local attorneys who tant act of “PUBLIC CORRUPTION” struction of the much talked about small businesses) being unjustly being denied access to much-needed LUTED CORRUPTION. PROM- could do the job, NOT a blatant act of and “NEPOTISM” on the part of this Marion Jones Sporting Complex? targeted, harassed, and intimi- housing assistance and other forms of ISES have been MADE by them “CORRUPTION” and “NEPOTISM” Dean Barrow Administration? IMAGINE? …. And that is ALL that the dated through bureaucratic governmental support and assistance to that THEY HAVE NO INTENTION on the part of Mr. Anti-Corruption, AND So is Deputy Prime Minis- Belizean Public have been able to do means, by the members of the the Belizean community, especially the OF KEEPING. But I (Dean Bar- Prime Minister Dean Barrow? ter Gaspar Vega’s family’s or his close under this UDP Government, which Customs Department, Sales Tax less fortunate and more economically row) tell you ANY UDP GOVERN- AND So is the awarding of lu- relatives’ monopoly over the Rose- has TOTALLY FAILED to DELIVER on Department, Police Depart- challenged citizens, if they refuse to fol- MENT that I lead WILL NEVER crative oil contracts to the Prime wood logging and rosewood lumber the simplest of its Manifesto Promises ment, Health Department, De- low the dictates of the UDP leadership BE ENGAGED IN CORRUPTION. Minister’s nephew, Kimano Barrow, exportation business in Toledo, NOT to the Belizean Public… make life bet- partment of Bureau Standards and UDP Government; As soon as it rears its ugly head, I to allow him and his family to ben- another blatant act of “PUBLIC COR- ter for ALL Belizeans, and not just the & Supplies Control, BAHA, Min- threats by the UDP to persons, of personally will cut it off. And I will efit from the oil bonanza in Belize, RUPTION” and “NEPOTISM” on the Prime Minister and his family and the istry of Agriculture & Fisheries, being denied any form of governmental tell you I will sharpen a special NOT another blatant act of “PUBLIC part of this Dean Barrow Administra- Ministers and their families, but ALL Ministry of Natural Resources support, assistance, or benefit, without machete with blades on two sides CORRUPTION” and “NEPOTISM” tion? Belizeans! and the Environment, the De- proper justification or without good so that every time it springs up on the part of Mr. Anti-Corruption, AND So is the unethical and ar- And finally, there is the BROAST- partment of the Environment, reason, if they refuse to follow the dic- ‘right so’, I will chop it off. And IF Prime Minister Dean Barrow? tificial manipulation of the supply of ER REPORT, which many members and other government agencies tates of the UDP leadership and UDP IT MEANS THE GOVERNMENT AND So is the appointing of the imported or foreign vegetables and of the media have for some reason or The following is excerpted CLUDED, but are not limited to or instrumentalities, thus threat- Government. HAS TO FALL, THEN SO BE IT! Prime Minister’s Ex-wife Lois Young fruits, especially onions, tomatoes, the other deliberately chosen to disre- from a presentation by Mar- the following: ening their very survival, their In March of 2003, immediately fol- Let the consequences be damned, Barrow and his 27-year old son, An- potatoes, etc., by a newly formed car- gard or not to publicly comment upon, cel Cardona on Wednesday, threats by the UDP to the very livelihood, and ability to put lowing the UDP’s second resounding the people of this country deserve war Barrow to the lucrative BTL tel comprising of the Minister of Ag- whether for fear of reprisals or perse- February 8, 2012 at a press people, of losing their jobs in food on the table for themselves, electoral loss to the PUP, I was invited better, and I am determined to Board of Directors, following BTL’s riculture, the UDP Ministerial Cayo cution, or in hopes of currying favour conference in Belize City: the public service, or work places their families, and their workers, by the then Leader of the Opposition takeover by the Government of Be- I thank you ladies and gen- where government exercises a give them better!” – Hon. Dean Caucus, and the Deputy Prime Min- with those sitting Ministers of the out- if they refuse to follow the dic- and now Prime Minister Dean Oliver lize in 2009, NOT another blatant tlemen for having accepted our high level of influence and con- Oliver Barrow, Belize’s 4th Prime ister and his brother, in order to de- going UDP Cabinet, that are singled tates of the UDP leadership, if Barrow, to join him in his quest to bring act of “PUBLIC CORRUPTION” and invitation and taken the time out trol, or threats of persons desir- Minister – November 18, 2004, at rive SCANDALOUS and OBSCENE out in the Broaster Report, for their they refuse to follow the dictates betterment, progress and development “NEPOTISM” on the part of Mr. An- to be present with us this after- ous of becoming employed not a Town Meeting, during the crisis PROFITS at the cost of the poor Beliz- participation or complicity in various of the UDP leadership and UDP to the good people of Belize, where cor- ti-Corruption, Prime Minister Dean noon. A special thank you to all being given the opportunity of created following the discovery ean Consumer, NOT another blatant acts of public corruption, contraband Government; ruption would have been a thing of the Barrow? members of the media, as well as becoming gainfully employed of the former PUP Government’s act of “PUBLIC CORRUPTION” and and even drug-trafficking or the narco- threats by the UDP to those past, and honest leadership in a gov- AND So is the appointing of the members of my family, and my at a time when unemployment financing of the private debts of “NEPOTISM” on the part of this Dean trade. persons over the age of 65, of los- ernment of the people, by the people Prime Minister’s 27-year old son, friends, supporters and sympa- in our country stands at an all- Universal Health Services and the Barrow Administration? Perhaps this is the reason why ing their non-contributory pen- for the people, and which always listens Anwar Barrow as a temporary SENA- thizers, present with us today. time high of 24% or almost 1 out subsequent public outrage and se- AND So is unethical monopoly ACCESS TO MONIES or MILLIONS sions of $100 per month with the to the people, would have become the TOR or member of the Belize Senate, And I say “US,” because we of every 4 able-bodied members ries of Public Demonstrations that granted to the Deputy Prime Minis- UPON MILLIONS OF DOLLARS of Social Security Board, or not be- modus operandi [mode or manner of NOT another blatant act of “PUBLIC do have members of our OR- of the work force, if they refuse followed in Belmopan. ter’s Brother from Benque, over the CAMPAIGN FINANCING is seeming- ing granted their non-contribu- operating] of the UDP. The Leader of CORRUPTION” and “NEPOTISM” ANGE WALK EAST UPLIFT- to follow the dictates of the UDP But the critical question is has importation of processed ground corn ly not a problem for the current UDP tory pensions by the Social Secu- the Opposition and now Prime Minis- on the part of Mr. Anti-Corruption, MENT COMMITTEE, which leadership and UDP Government; he kept his promise or commit- or Mazeca (to make tortillas) in order Government, which is seemingly on a rity Board, if they refuse to follow ter Dean Oliver Barrow challenged me Prime Minister Dean Barrow? are those members of the former threats by the UDP to the ment to the Belizean Public? to artificially fix the local prices and so campaign of sweetening the wounds of the dictates of the UDP leader- to become part of the positive change AND So is the awarding of the UDP Orange Walk East Commit- people, of losing their leases, or On the issue of what exactly is derive SCANDALOUS and OBSCENE the worse of times which the Belizean ship and UDP Government; which was so desperately needed in lucrative National Boledo and Lottery tee and “Independent Thinkers,” having their leases cancelled, the official definition or commonly PROFITS at the cost of the poor Be- people have ever experienced! threats by the UDP to those our country, to bring good governance, Contract to a joint venture business who have remained loyal to the over their parcel(s) of land, or accepted definition of the term lizean Consumer, NOT another bla- And let us therefore not be sur- persons, of being denied the greater transparency and accountabil- between Brad’s and the Prime Min- duly elected Orange Walk East threats of people not being given “CORRUPTION,” we learn from tant act of “PUBLIC CORRUPTION,” prised that a UDP Government which seemingly now necessary gov- ity in all public transactions. He chal- ister’s 27-year old son, Anwar Barrow, Area Representative, in spite of or issued their much awaited or Wikipedia that: “NEPOTISM”, and “HUSTLING” on has so fabulously or so magnificently ernmental approval for their lenged me to help to rebuild, reform the NOT another blatant act of “PUBLIC the numerous attempts by the much desired leases over their MEANING OF POLITICAL the part of this Dean Barrow Admin- failed the Belizean public in keeping applications for Belizean Per- United Democratic Party, which would CORRUPTION” and “NEPOTISM” UDP Party to intimidate, coerce, much-needed parcel(s) of land, CORRUPTION by Wikipedia: istration? it campaign promises of helping to manent Residence Status and have become the vehicle to bring about on the part of Mr. Anti-Corruption, and punish all those who have if they refuse to follow the dic- “POLITICAL CORRUPTION AND if we explore the issue of materialize the possibilities of a better even Belizean Nationality to be all these positive changes in the Gov- Prime Minister Dean Barrow? chosen to associate in some form tates of the UDP leadership and is the use of legislated powers by CRONYISM: life, at a time when it had asked the Be- promptly processed by the De- ernment and by extension the Belizean AND So is the retention and re- or another with the DISSIDENT UDP Government; government officials for illegitimate “Cronyism is PARTIALITY, BIAS lizean Public during the 2008 General partment of Immigration and society. warding of his close friend, confidant, or NON-CONFORMIST duly threats by the UDP to the private gain…. An illegal act by an or FAVORITISM towards long-stand- Election campaign, to simply “IMAG- Nationality, if they refuse to fol- Perhaps being young and naïve at and close relative or family member elected Orange Walk East Area people, of having their private officeholder constitutes political ing friends, especially by appoint- INE THE POSSIBILITIES”… under a low the dictates of the UDP lead- the time, I believed the then Leader of of Prime Minister Dean Barrow, be- Representative. property taken away by the UDP corruption only if the act is directly ing them to positions of author- new UDP Government led by Dean ership and UDP Government; the Opposition and now Prime Minis- ing the current NICH President, fol- Ladies and Gentlemen: Leaders in Government, exer- related to their official duties, is ity, regardless of their qualifications. Barrow, is now desperately trying to threats by the UDP to the ter Dean Oliver Barrow, and placed my lowing the discovery of what may well Some of the Various Forms cising the Government’s inher- done under color of law or involves Hence, cronyism is contrary in prac- do all within its power to hold on to needy students, of being denied full trust and confidence in him and the be classified as her “secret sweetheart of INTIMIDATION, COERCION ent power to COMPULSORILY trading in influence.” tice and principle to meritocracy. .. power. their access to scholarships and ideals which he espoused. deal” with a private investor over an ex- and PUNISHMENT applied or ACQUIRE PRIVATE PROPERTY “FORMS OF CORRUPTION: Cronyism exists when the Appointer So indeed, let us beware of and not student aid funding from the I, as I verily believe most Belizeans clusive and lucrative 10-year contract implemented by Prime Minis- for a PUBLIC PURPOSE, if they vary, but include (i) BRIBERY, (ii) and the Beneficiary are in social con- allow any last minute Christmas give- Ministry of Education, needed at the time, particularly believed him renewable for or to another 10 years, ter Dean Barrow and his UDP refuse to follow the dictates of the EXTORTION, (iii) CRONYISM, tact; often, the Appointer is inad- aways, and other pre-election give- in order to allow them to achieve since during the years 2003-2008, he over rights over the Nohoch Che’ En Government during his current UDP leadership and UDP Gov- (iv) NEPOTISM, (v) PATRONAGE, equate to hold his or her own job or aways distract our focus from the real their academic goals in life, if started to display a social conscience Archaeological Site at Cave’s Branch, “4-YEAR REIGN OF TERROR, ernment; (vi) GRAFT, and (vii) EMBEZZLE- position of authority, and for this rea- or principal question: HAS this CUR- they refuse to follow the dictates during his term as Leader of the Op- NOT another blatant act of “PUBLIC INTIMIDATION, OPPRESSION threats by the UDP to the MENT. While corruption may FA- son the Appointer appoints individu- RENT UDP GOVERNMENT made of the UDP leadership and UDP position, and started to legally repre- CORRUPTION” and “NEPOTISM” and VICTIMIZATION” upon the people, of the cancellation of CILITATE criminal enterprise such als who will NOT try to weaken him or good on its promise to make life better Government; sent and defend outside and before the on the part of Mr. Anti-Corruption, good people of the Orange Walk their existing contracts, or the as (viii) DRUG TRAFFICKING, (ix) her, or express views contrary to those to each and every Belizean citizen? Are threats by the UDP to per- Courts of Belize, the poor, defenceless, Prime Minister Dean Barrow? East Constituency and the rest of non-award, refusal, or rejec- MONEY LAUNDERING, and (x) of the Appointer. Politically, “crony- we better off today, than we were in be- sons suffering from serious ill- the civil society, and community-based AND So is the hundreds of thou- the country of Belize, have IN- tion of the people’s tenders or HUMAN TRAFFICKING, it is not ism” is derogatorily used.” fore the February 7, 2008 General Elec- nesses such as renal failure or organizations, such as Nera Roches, the restricted to these activities.” sands, and perhaps millions of dollars …then the HUSTLING and PUB- tions? That is indeed the question… 10 The Independent SUNDAY February 12, 2012

The sources or the potential relationships it is sold to others who then re-refine of the industries to each other. it to make a better product and higher For centuries Belize has been pil- profit. Petroleum is yet another- ex Independent laged of its natural resources without ample of the rapid depletion of our re- much benefit to the country. First it sources without benefit being derived was the logwood that was removed fol- by the citizens of Belize. Xate leaves lowed by the exploitation of mahogany and other rainforest products are sto- POLITICS and the marine resources. Now there len or exported without much benefit is no logwood and poor planning and to the country. Fish is being exported as incursions by the Guatemalans have a raw material to others who will pro- depleted the mahogany and the fish- cess it and make the money that could BELIZE: ECONOMIC ing industry is on the ropes. Rosewood be ours if we had meaningful economic is moving rapidly down the same path. strategies in place. We are still stripping our country We must develop industries based SUICIDE of assets at a time when we are at an upon our raw materials with every economic crossroads. The decisions effort being made to conserve and we make now will have a big influence maximize the value of these resourc- By William (Mike) Campbell BRS on our future as a nation. A primary es. We should be adding value to raw ingredient in economic activity is the materials before exporting them. No (Editor’s note: Mike Campbell is a availability of raw materials to produce rosewood should be exported until it declared independent candidate seek- finished goods for sale. Historically we has been turned into a finished prod- ing to become the area representative have sold our raw materials to others uct, fine furniture being one such for the Belize Rural South constituency. who then add value by processing and product. Our lobster could be pack- His views, opinions, et cetera are his manufacturing and make much more aged in retail size and sold to major own and not necessarily those of The profit from our raw materials than we food chains. We could have a Xate Independent.) do ourselves. All the rosewood that and rain forest ornamentals industry. Belize has been done a great dis- we are so concerned about is shipped We could process our fish and then service by both parties. As both parties abroad where others turn it into fine sell to Jamaica and abroad. We could have been so consumed with private furniture that is sold for top dollar while produce ISO sugar that could be used agendas the needs of the country have we sell it for a pittance. Most often the to fuel a fruit beverages industry. been left in the dirt. We have only had exporters of the raw materials are by We have the potential to have a reactive governments. They react to foreign corporations who are quite stand-alone economy that has inter- whatever is happening at the moment willing for us to sell them our future for locking industries that add value to and totally lose sight of the big picture. sistency of government policies have pennies on the dollar and indeed these our existing resources resulting in Certainly, they pay lip service to the contributed greatly to our economic raw materials are our future. When more foreign exchange by increas- concept of the greater good while con- disaster. Neither party has ever had they are gone what is left except young ing the value of our exports. Through tinuing their quest for money and pow- a comprehensive development plan people without work? development of these types of indus- er. They have defaulted on their pri- and is totally dependent on world eco- Our precious lobster is sold by tries we can create jobs and generate mary responsibility as leaders, which is nomic trends. Each and every industry the ton with no thought being given wealth using only the resources we planning for the future of the country. is underdeveloped and no thought is to making the most of this resource. have at hand without borrowing one The lack of planning and incon- given to the maximization of our re- Our sugar is of such low quality that copper. San Pedro

(The Independent is happy to debut a new feature “San Pedro Beat” which will pro- vide a weekly synopsis of the going-ons in La Isla Bonita. Readers should also note that The Independent is available for sale at the following newsstands: Ritchie’s Politics Supermarket, Caye Mart, SuperBuy, Island Supermarket, Lourdes Store, Rock’s Center, Public’s Grocery, Marina’s Store, Milo Center and San Juan Internet.) Politics is in the forefront in San Pe- tive position. dro as the election speeds toward us like a Ms Paz also endorsed Mr. Lopez freight train. Banners and posters adorn and complained that the Party teams most lampposts with three Mayoral can- were telling voters that a split ballot Two year deficit…was report- previously. This was the first report didates, fourteen Town Councilor candi- would not count and they must vote ed by the San Pedro Town Coun- of her administration even though dates, and four Area Representative can- straight seven for their vote to count. cil. The amounts are in question as the law calls for quarterly reports. didates vying for space. Of course this not true and everyone the report was not audited and did The town awaits a new mayor and The San Pedro Sun and Reef Radio/ has the right to vote for whomsoever not seem to add up. The two year promises of a forensic audit. TV have announced the first ever Area he or she chooses and splitting your deficit was reported to be in excess North Ambergris Caye…has Representative Candidate Debate to be vote does not ruin your ballot, it will $800,000. Lame duck Mayor Elsa had another rash of burglaries. The held in Belize. It will be Wednesday 15 be counted x by x. Paz continues erecting monuments remoteness of the area makes police February at 7pm in San Pedro. Hector Silva, ex PUP Minister, around town commemorating the protection and response very diffi- Monday night on Decision 2012 Bob- called in and said how much he liked accomplishments of her administra- cult with an understaffed and under by Lopez announced his candidacy for Bobby and expected him to carry on Area Representative Belize Rural South in the traditions of George Price and tion while not explaining the deficit. equipped police force. as Standard Bearer for the V.I.P. Mr. Lo- emphatically endorsed Mr. Lopez in There was also no mention of her Politics…dominated San Pedro pez resides in Belmopan and owns Hum- the contest for Area Representative. personal vehicle which she report- life this week with a carnival atmo- mingbird Furniture that has an outlet in Mr. Lopez spoke at length of the edly sold to the Town Council for the sphere on the streets with all the col- San Pedro where he also maintains a resi- history of the V.I.P. in Belmopan and same price she paid for it two years orful banners. dence. Mr. Lopez is the Chairman of the how his son had been victimized in V.I.P. and Leader of the fledgling Belize school because of Bobby’s political Unity Alliance that he conceived over a positions and how he had used it as year ago. a learning experience for his son. He than red or blue. Mr. Lopez referred to pages of notes of recommendations for Mel Paz, Independent candidate for spoke of when he founded his busi- the V.I.P. as being part of the Independent San Pedro. Job creation was mentioned Mayor of San Pedro and Marcel Bedran, ness and his intentions of retiring Movement, which is distinctly different with focus on the promotion of San Pe- candidate for Area Representative Cayo in San Pedro and handing over the from the Third Party Movement, and stat- dro as a tourist destination of all kinds North Division, accompanied Mr. Lopez. business in Belmopan to his son. ed that as Leader of the B.U.A. he would including eco tourism and cruise tour- Mr. Bedran spoke at length about the Mr. Lopez stated that he had be visiting all the constituencies country- ism. problems of Cayo North and how we all decided to enter the race because wide campaigning for the B.U.A. slate. He The date for the next edition of De- had the same kinds of problems associ- there were only two candidates extolled the accomplishments of the V.I.P. cision 2012 will be announced soon but ated with the red/blue system and how running for Area Representative in and offered himself to serve the people of will be after the live Area Rep debate to the people wanted a change. He strongly San Pedro and he believed the peo- San Pedro and Caye Caulker. be held Wednesday, 15 February 2012 at endorsed Bobby for the Area Representa- ple needed another choice rather Mr. Lopez stated that he had eight 7pm. SUNDAY February 12, 2012 The Independent 11 State Of The Arts: Placencia Sidewalk Art Festival 2012

By Katie Usher ribbon of concrete into a work of art. We Last year I had the great fortune of at- also have live poetry and classical guitar at tending, for the very first time, the Placencia our new ‘unplugged’ stage.” responded the Sidewalk Art Festival. I really enjoyed the art, organizers. friendly faces and warm hospitality of the Pollard and Habib said that artists beautiful village on the peninsula. The side- should definitely take a trip to Placencia walk was literally lined with jewelry stalls, because it is a perfect opportunity to net- handmade soap, paintings, carvings, and of work. They elaborated: “Placencia is the course good home-cooked food. The festival hot destination in Belize right now. Wheth- also had a wide array of local performances er an artist is coming down to sell his art, by musicians from Placencia and beyond. promote his music, or simply scope out the On the second day of the festival, though scene, the PSAF is the perfect place. Ex- it rained off and on, the activities continued. hibiting artists will not only benefit from a I was really impressed with a stall by the great income opportunity, but will also get Anglican Primary school. The teachers of exposure and make contacts that will last a that particular school had two long benches; lifetime. We have international visitors who on these benches were paper, glitters, crayons plan their trip around this festival, as well as and other material so that children who vis- Belizeans from all over the country, making ited the festival could make Valentine’s Day this the ideal occasion for artists who are cards for their parents. From the tent which looking to share their work with the world. covered the long benches, radiated laughter ” and creativity as children sheltered from the I remember meeting very interesting light drizzle and painted the cutest Valen- people last year and delighting in artwork tine’s creations I have yet seen. The teachers from all over Belize and the world. also sold calendars which the students had Though the festival highlights the best made in art class in an effort to raise funds for cultural production to be found in Belize, the school. local and international visitors are encour- I revisited Placencia this past weekend aged to visit and enjoy the many attractions and was pleased to see that great prepara- and activities which Placencia has to offer. tions are being made for the Ninth Annual “You can expect to see a busy Placencia Placencia Sidewalk Art Festival. This year the with amazing restaurants ready to serve festival chairperson is Ms. Aline Habib who is you a very fun night life at the local bars... collaborating closely with the Belize Tourism Of course, there’s the beautiful beach read- Industry Association’s Placencia Chapter. ily accessible from the sidewalk if you want I asked Ms. Jolie Pollard, executive direc- to take a splash or just lay out on the sand. tor of the BTIA Placencia Chapter, and Ms. And, if you’d like to explore the beautiful Aline Habib to give me an idea of what to reef or nearby jungle, you can arrange a trip look forward to at this year’s festival. with a local tour operator.” suggested the I asked Jolie and Aline to tell me what young organizers. will be the most exciting thing planned for Aline and Jolie say “We really hope to the PSAF this year. make this a memorable event for all par- “The most exciting thing planned is the ticipants and festival goers. We also want FUSION of so many different mediums of art. people to see that the Placencia Chapter of This year, we have the most ‘comprehensive’ the BTIA is working very hard to promote lineup of artists ever, encompassing music, all stakeholders in the tourism industry. paintings, dance, jewelry, poetry, tattooing, We are determined to get Placencia on ev- carvings, and lots more! We have increased eryone’s minds this year as the preferred our efforts to promote the performing arts, vacation destination and believe that the and have introduced a new segment called Placencia Sidewalk Arts Festival is a great “Art After Dark” starting at 6 p.m. on Sat- start!” urday, which will feature belly dancing, fire I really am excited about the planned dancing and some big performances. Music performances by the likes of Tanya Carter, will be taking place through the weekend. Bredda David and Emmeth Young just to The selection is very diverse and represen- name a few, also to seeing all the fabulous tative of our colorful Peninsula community, art work and artists at the festival. If you and we have something for everyone on three have not yet made plans for the weekend, or different stages. There will be a Kids Tent, even if you have, you may want to consider filled with activities and arts materials for the taking a trip down south to revel in art, mu- children to get inspired. Also, we are intro- sic and the beautiful seaside in Placencia. ducing our very first Sidewalk Chalk Contest, The Placencia Sidewalk Art Festival where contestants will be given a ‘square’ on 2012 is scheduled for February 11 and 12 and the sidewalk, transforming a portion of our promises to be very exciting. 12 The Independent SUNDAY February 12, 2012 CARIBBEAN NEWS Barbados police fight crime with technology Thursday February 3, brutality during interrogation will also be harder to prove 30-year battle 2012 as the Royal Barbados Police Force prepares to roll out new state-of-the-art technology to record such proceed- BRIDGETOWN, ings. pays dividends for Barbados – Victims of This will all be possible as police implement devices crimes in Barbados can such as the Cardinal Peak CaseCracker and the Promat soon identify their attack- system, both designed to bring a higher level of transpar- GraceKennedy ers without having to come ency to the interviewing of suspects by lawmen, and the face to face with them. identification of suspects. And charges of police And the country’s Attorney General, Adriel Brath- Wednesday February 8, waite has promised that amendments to the legislative 2012 framework to govern its use will be in place within an- other six months. Chief Executive Of- He added that the equipment will be installed at five KINGSTON, Jamai- ficer of the company, police stations initially, but noted the intention was to ca - After a 30-year battle Mike Ranglin, said a lot have all stations outfitted. to get into major super- of time was being spent The Pro Mat system will allow police to show victims market chains overseas, building relationships of crime photographs and videos of headshots to allow GraceKennedy is finally with overseas custom- them to point out their attacker. It is mobile and can be reaping success. ers. “In a lot of cases it is transported to victims in hospital or those who are un- The popular Jamaican a relationship at the lo- able to go to a police station. brand can now be found cal level, and as we get Mr Brathwaite explained that the Pro Mat system on the shelves of major su- more important, we be- was fair and allowed police to provide eight individuals permarket chains includ- come bigger suppliers of similar build and characteristics to an accused person. ing Publix, Walmart and where we go into central But he said there were still some kinks to be ironed Target. warehousing and get out with the Pro Mat as it relates to getting people to GraceKennedy also plans to expand showed that visitors to Jamaica sought distributed across the volunteer their photographs. “We have one or two chal- the Caribbean brand to the US west out the Grace brand in Florida. “That is chain, and I think that lenges from the point of view that not enough suites are coast, in particular California, with its something we can really work on hav- is how it will continue readily available,” the Attorney-General said. Grace Coconut Water. ing the tourism industry being really to growth,” he said. As a result the new technology will only be available Group chief executive officer Don an export sector where we can have our Ranglin also ac- for serious crimes in the initial stages. Wehby said recent findings indicate products aligned with our visitors here,” knowledged the fact Meanwhile, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Oral “that Hispanics in the US are very at- he said. that it was not that easy Williams explained the CaseCracker involved the use of tracted to our products such as our To cater to this demand, Wehby said to enter new markets as two cameras, both placed in one room, with one focused sauces, juices and coconut water, so that the company was seeking to appoint a it was difficult to make on the entire room and the other on the suspect. The in- is a market that we can say there is going distributor to promote the GraceKen- contact with major sup- terview of a suspect by police in the presence of their at- to be good growth in the future.” nedy brand as there are plans to make pliers, and once in, re- torney is recorded. He noted that informal surveys a significant investment to spread the quired to produce 100 “When the interview is finished you can play it back done by the 90-year-old conglomerate company’s wings even further afield. per cent reliability. and see exactly what transpired,” explained Mr Williams. SUNDAY February 12, 2012 The Independent 13

far bigger aid donor to the Caribbean Don’t cry for Argentina: than is Argentina, and British assis- tance is not only direct, it is also pro- vided through the European Union, “Caribbean countries should not the Commonwealth and the Caribbean Development Bank; Caribbean tourism is far more reliant on British travellers be used to advance Argentina’s than it is on Argentinians; a large num- ber of Caribbean nationals live and work in Britain, few of them do so in Argentina; Caribbean students study, ambitions.” particularly for post-graduate work, in Britain, few if any study in Argentina; By Sir Ronald Sanders and the Commonwealth Caribbean BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, countries share a history, culture, legal (Thursday, February 9, 2012) - The na- system and language with Britain that tional and regional interests of Com- is of immense importance and benefit monwealth Caribbean countries would to them. hardly be served by backing Argentina What is fuelling this latest Argen- in its long-running dispute with Britain tinian interest in the Falklands is plans over the Falkland Islands. announced by four British companies An Associated Press (AP) report of to search for oil around the Falklands. a meeting of some Latin American and The explorers say they are targeting 8.3 Caribbean leaders, under the umbrella billion barrels in the waters this year. of ALBA, cites Venezuelan President But, Caribbean countries should not be Hugo Chavez as confirming the sup- used to advance Argentina’s ambitions. port of all the ALBA countries for Ar- Argentina is a neighbouring coun- gentina. an ALBA military pact. If they did so Falklands. By themselves they are solid try, and, as good neighbours, the Carib- ALBA is a grouping initiated by the without the agreement of their part- and overriding reasons. bean should urge it to take its case to Venezuelan President and compris- ners in CARICOM and the smaller Or- But, if economic self-interest were the International Court of Justice if it ing eight nations – the larger Spanish- ganisation of Eastern Caribbean States, also to play a part in national deci- believes it has a genuine argument for speaking states Venezuela, Bolivia, Ec- these two organisations would be frac- sion-making on this issue the follow- sovereignty over the Falklands, and, uador, Nicaragua, Cuba, and the three tured, probably irreparably. ing points are worth bearing in mind: therefore the right to any oil that is small Caribbean islands St Vincent and There are many good reasons why Commonwealth Caribbean countries found in the territorial waters of the the Grenadines, Antigua and Barbuda, Commonwealth Caribbean countries earn far more from exports to Britain islands. It’s what the Caribbean would and Dominica. should not support Argentina in this than they do to Argentina; Britain is a have to do in similar circumstances According to reports by AP and dispute with Britain. First, the inhabit- other international news agencies, on ants of the Falklands have determined February 4, the eight ALBA member that they are British and wish to remain governments are reported to have ap- so. They have rejected the notion of proved an agreement barring any boats being Argentinian. The right of self- flying Falkland Islands flags from dock- determination, enshrined in the Char- ing in their ports. ter of the United Nations, is one that Up to the time of writing this com- Commonwealth Caribbean countries mentary, only one government has de- have long upheld, and, indeed, is the nied being party to such an agreement. basis on which each of them achieved In a statement on February 8, the Anti- their own political independence. gua and Barbuda government said that When Foreign Ministers of the it “has never supported any call for the 15-member countries of CARICOM and banning of flagships from any country the Dominican Republic met Ministers in the region and therefore disassoci- of the British Government in January ates itself from any statement regard- this year at the biennial UK-Caribbean ing the banning of ships carrying the Forum in Grenada, they collectively flag of the Falklands (Malvinas) from and rightly agreed: “To support the entering our ports.” principle and the right to self-deter- It has to be assumed that the two mination for all peoples, including the other Caribbean governments of St Falkland Islanders, recognising the Vincent and the Grenadines and Dom- historical importance of self-determi- inica will adopt a similar position to nation in the political development of the now public Antigua and Barbuda the Caribbean, and its core status as an government stance. All three states are internationally agreed principle under members of the Caribbean Commu- the United Nations Charter”. nity (CARICOM) which are obliged by A second good reason not to sup- treaty to co-ordinate their foreign pol- port Argentina is that the facts of Brit- icy positions. It would be both a con- ish settlement and sovereignty over the travention of their treaty obligations Falklands are well established. It is im- and a rebuff of other CARICOM states portant to appreciate that an existing should leaders of the three countries UN resolution on the Falklands does no make such a commitment without at more than call for negotiations to find least discussing the implications with a peaceful settlement to the dispute their CARICOM partners. over sovereignty. Where the problem A further worrying aspect of ALBA arises is: if both countries claim sover- is a proposal that its members should eignty why would either of them want join a defence pact by which the mili- to negotiate over what they consider to tary of all of them would be called into be their legitimate right? In any event, action should any of them find itself Britain has exercised sovereignty over in a conflict. In this regard, President the Falklands since 1765 and, properly, I am Swamy Babani, a candidate for the Belize City Council. I am a Chavez’s reported remark that “if it if Argentina disputes such sovereignty, business man who brings innovative ideas. My compassion sincerely motivates me to make things better. I firmly believe that the city has occurs to the British Empire to attack it should take the matter to the Inter- the potential for small and micro businesses to succeed. As a mem- Argentina, Argentina won’t be alone national Court of Justice for arbitra- ber of your Belize City Council, we will create the environment for this time”, is troubling, particularly as tion. Argentina has declined to do so, entrepreneurial development. In so doing, we can generate employ- while Britain has indicated its willing- neither Britain nor Argentina has giv- ment and improve the quality of life for the residents of Belize City. en any indication of such a prospect. ness on several occasions. On March 7th, I ask you to vote for Swamy Babani and the P.U.P 11. Fortunately, none of the three Com- Those are reasons of principle and Together we can rescue our beloved city. monwealth Caribbean governments law why Caribbean countries ought not has confirmed any interest in joining to support Argentina in its claim for the 14 The Independent SUNDAY February 12, 2012

The Sporting Life: CAMPBELL CARES!

They call him Marvelous: Marvin Ottley

By Marshall Nunez, Sr.

This week I had the pleasure of sitting with Marvin Ottley. He has had tremen- dous success in the sport of football as a player both locally and internationally, and as a coach, an administrator and now a tournament organizer. The 44 year old husband and father of 5, whose birthday is VOTE INDEPENDENT VOTE on Belize’s Independence Day, character- izes himself as one who don’t pull punch- WILLIAM (MIKE) CAMPBELL es. He is a florist by profession and he told me “I have recently been reminded that FOR AREA REPRESENTATIVE it is my hands that have made me great.” As a florist he’s classified as having a green FOR BETTER GOVERNMENT: thumb and as a goal keeper for most of his their first high school championship and • BRS should become the 7th District of Belize having all government offices and services located in San career he was allowed to use his hands in coached La Victoria at the semi-pro level. Pedro and receiving our share of each of the Ministry budgets. the game of football. I take a deeper look He won 4 semi-pro championships as the • Redistrict BRS to become 2 constituencies giving more equal representation. into Marvin’s football history. coach of Kulture Yabra. • Divide San Pedro into 6 wards with each ward electing a Town Councilor. Marvin grew up in the Lake Indepen- He was also involved in the coach- • Area Rep office should have departments to deal with all government issues. Immigration and work dence area, on Sarstoon Street. As a young ing of Grigamandala and FC Belize at the papers, Social Security problems, assistance for small businesses and business start up should be avail- able at all times from the staff. boy he grew up emulating the then domi- semi-pro level. nant Lake senior team Berger 404, who • Social Security accounts should be usable to pay hospital costs regardless of cause. Social Security Marvin has organized various foot- should establish an unemployment assistance scheme to help good people who have lost their jobs. The uses to train at Berger Field at the corner ball competitions at different levels from Social Fund has about $400 Million of workers money that is being misused. of Sarstoon and Vernon Streets. Marvin youth to the top level. During his years FOR LAND REFORM: and his brother Dean were involved with working at the National Sports Coun- • Everyone should have equal opportunity to get land. Any land that is available for sale must be adver- the other young men in the Lake Inde- cil he was involved with organizing the tised so all have an equal chance. pendence area. You had the Jones broth- primary school football competition. He • Lots should be given only to those who need them. No government lots should be resold until some- ers from Mopan Street, the offsprings of thing is built on the property. Party members get multiple lots that they hold for profit while others get has also headed the Belize District Foot- nothing. Christobal Mayen and Ricky Gongora ball Association. He organized the Belize • There is no excuse for assigning the same lot twice or taking someone’s lot to give to another. from the Long Barracks, Burgess from City Champions Cup that included the • A new community should be developed in the Basil Jones area of North Ambergris Caye to allow our Ebony Street, the McCauley’s and Gregory top teams in Belize City, a tournament children to have a chance to make a future. There should be land available on North Ambergris Caye Canton from Mayflower Street, the Clark that had the participation of 6 teams. He for agricultural use to help our economy by growing food. brothers from Vernon Street and the most recently organized the Belize Bank FOR MORE JOBS: White and Gill brothers from Boulevard. Cup which also had 6 teams. It featured • Establish Export Processing Zone for year around JOBS They used to play at the Kitty Cat Field, a resurgence of the Old Road Team, • Open North Ambergris Caye for Agriculture and a new Town with International Airport. Berger field when they had the break, which is a team comprised of players • Revitalize tourism by promoting San Pedro/Caye Caulker as a separate GREEN destination, adding Chitos Field, Saint Martin’s Field and Sec from the villages on the old Northern value to our product. 2 field. Highway. • Give Municipal works contracts to residents of San Pedro first. At the youth level Marvin played with He will be starting a Six-Aside com- • Duty Free Fuel for Tour Companies and Guides Ford Tractor Parts, a youth team from the petition in the next couple of weeks and FOR BETTER ROADS: area that later became Cruel. The team he has plans to organize a Belize City • Ministry of Works must establish a San Pedro office to engineer and execute road projects including San Mateo. dominated that level for a couple of years. semi-pro league. • Marvin played primary school at Marvin told me that it brought Establish drains and culverts where necessary. Wesley Upper but never did play at the • Use modern soil stabilization techniques to give hard, non-polluting, dust free roads without paving. chills over his body when he realized the Sewer installations can be done later without heavy cost. high school level, although he tried out level at which he was playing. He said • North Ambergris Caye must have a properly engineered road with drainage. with the Gwen Liz team. It was at age 16 “When I saw the assistant coach from FOR BETTER SCHOOLS: when his attraction for goal keeping start- Chile, a player who used to play for Mo- ed. Marin told me that he had the fortune • San Pedro needs a modern High School with all lab facilities and an expanded curriculum. The High relia, whose penalty I stopped in a CON- School/ Education Center should also offer vocational training and technical education and courses in of meeting Danny Smith, who was play- CACAF game, I realize that I was playing living skills, childcare and parenting. ing football in Belize City but was from with the big of the biggest players in the • San Pedro needs at least one more primary school immediately. Santa Clara, Corozal. Danny started train- region.” • Schools must be free and mandatory through High School. Parents should only purchase uniforms and ing him along with Steven Collins as goal When I asked him how he feels school supplies. keepers. Marvin described Danny as be- about Deon McCauley he told me that FOR BETTER POLICING: ing masterful and crafty at training goal that also gave him chills and that he is • We must have well trained police officers that are well paid and are responsible to and are part of the community. They must have sufficient numbers and equipment and training to protect us properly. keepers. so proud of Deon. He also said that if Marvin was one of the first players • We must hire a Prosecuting Attorney who is a licensed attorney to help the police raise the conviction Deon’s opportunity doesn’t work out in rate. from the south side to end up playing Croatia he has something in North Car- FOR BETTER HEALTH CARE: with a north side team. He played with olina, USA, which could be worked out • Immediately establish emergency evacuation at night by installing emergency runway lights at Munici- Fanta at Second Division and then he for Deon and Ian Gaynair to play in the pal. joined Coke Milpros in the First Division. US Soccer League. • Work toward 24/7 EMS with ambulance service then build a complete hospital. Marvin breakthrough as goal keeper Marvin is still a competitive player FOR BETTER FIRE PROTECTION: came in a game where he was in goal in and recently played with Creative Tiles • Immediately install fire hydrants in all areas that are served by BWS at intervals so the trucks can refill a 2-0 victory over the then Tactical Ser- in the just completed Over-40 competi- or pump from the hydrant. vice Unit. He played 2 years with Milpros tion. He believes that he still has at least • Upgrade our equipment and training to cover future growth. before the start of the semi-pro football 2 more years of Over-40 to play and he • Change building code so all homes can qualify for insurance league. Marvin ended up playing Coro- believes that one of those years he will zal’s La Victoria, Belize’s first semi-pro finally get to play for a Lake I team. champions, but got his international ex- Marvin believes that he has the ca- posure with Milpros and San Joaquin at pacity, experience and the qualification CONCACAF tournaments. According to to successfully coach the Belize National WE NEED A BETTER SAN PEDRO! Marvin he played over 40 international Team, especially in the regional compe- games. He was one of the first Belizean titions. VOTE MIKE CAMPBELL for players to have gotten an offer to play His two sons Christian and Jael Ot- internationally. This happened when he tley are both playing for FC Belize. AREA REPRESENTATIVE went with San Joaquin to play in Guate- The Independent wishes Marvin mala. Ottley and his wife Hilma Perez Ottley, As a coach Marvin has coached at Christian, Jael and the other 3 kids all 602-1616 SAN JUAN nearly every level. He led Gwen Liz to the very best. SUNDAY February 12, 2012 The Independent 15

Revisiting the Ninth Amendment: that the increase in profits after nation- alization of Telemedia will not surpass the running $20 million annual cost of The economics of nationalization nationalization, even if the projections are not downwardly adjusted for the Taken from the ILO website up capital of the utilities. The govern- In the case of Telemedia alone, the reduction in tax revenues. In simpler The proposed Ninth Constitutional ment must therefore find from its own prospectus issued by the government terms, even the government believes Amendment, whether it is legally or coffers (or those of the Social Security is telling. It indicates that net income that nationalization is and will be a net constitutionally valid or not, must be Board, as implied in the Ninth Amend- rose $1 million in the year after nation- loss. Nationalization, by the govern- looked at in the context of Belize’s socio- ment) the funds to pay fair value for at alization and projects that income will ment’s own projections, will not be a economic realities. The Ninth Amend- least that 51% equity capital. increase by an additional $17 million more efficient allocation of scarce re- ment seeks to accomplish one primary In light thereof, what is the cost of in the second year – largely as a result sources. If this is the case, what is the objective: to entrench nationalization borrowing this money? According to of the 5.5% reduction in the business logic in seeking to entrench national- of certain utilities – in particular, Belize the electricity and telecommunications tax rate charged on telecommunica- ization when it is not in the public’s Telemedia Limited (BTL) and Belize nationalization laws, the applicable in- tion services. Showing an increase in economic interest? Electricity Limited (BEL). Concerned terest rate accruing on moneys owed by profit as a result of a reduction in taxes If the underlying rationale of the that such entrenchment may be the sub- the government for reasonable compen- when the government is the owner of Ninth Amendment does not make ject of a successful legal challenge under sation on nationalization shall be the the company means little. If Teleme- economic sense and is not in the pub- the basic structure doctrine applied by interest rate on fixed deposits at com- dia were still a private company, there lic interest, then why do it? Is it more the Supreme Court in Barry Bowen v mercial banks in Belize at the time of ac- would be a net gain to the private share- important to have power and control, Attorney General,(1) the legislature has quisition. Utilizing statistics published holder at the direct cost of the govern- even if it costs the people of Belize $480 sought to place the entrenchment be- by the Central Bank of Belize at the time ment through its loss in tax revenues, million plus an extra $100,000 per day yond all legal challenge in the courts. By of Telemedia’s nationalization on Au- but there is no net gain whatsoever un- to do so? Would this scarce money not doing so in such a broad and expansive gust 25 2009, the average fixed deposit der government ownership. be better utilized for and invested in manner, the amendment subverts con- rate was in the vicinity of 8.5% per year. The expectation from the govern- the people of Belize if it were applied stitutional supremacy and the separa- At the time of BEL’s nationalization in ment’s own financial projections as directly to improving education and tion of powers doctrine, and purports to June 2011, the average fixed deposit rate shown in the Telemedia prospectus is enabling job opportunities? assert parliamentary supremacy at the was in the vicinity of 6.5% per year. risk of undermining the protection of In the case of Telemedia, using the fundamental rights and freedoms. government’s rough valuation of $5 per WRITING COMPETITION FOR BELIZE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS But what of its primary objective, share as an approximate value at the the entrenchment of the nationaliza- time of acquisition, almost $240 mil- tion of utilities? While nationalization lion in value was nationalized. As two may be desirable from a protectionist years have since passed, the accrued approach, is this for the common good? interest alone thereon at the 8.5% rate ALL Belizean High School students, you are cordially invited to compete in a writing competition. The theme is : Will nationalization of utilities produce is in excess of $40 million, and interest wealth for the nation of Belize? At its continues to accrue at a little less than “If I were the Prime Minister of Belize, I would…” economic core, will it result in a more $2 million per month, or $65,000 per RULES: (ONLY THREE) efficient allocation of scarce resources? day. 1. Essay must be limited to 350-500 words In other words, how does it benefit the A lot less information about the 2. Entrant must be a Belizean citizen attending a Belize High School th Belizean people? government’s valuation of BEL has 3. Deadline to submit essays is: Feb 24 , 201 2.

Nationalization is nothing more been forthcoming. In light thereof, Winners will be announced on March 2nd , 201 2 than the transfer of assets from pri- having regard to BEL’s book valuation PRIZES: vate hands to government hands in ex- of its paid-up share capital at the end of change for an equivalent liability. If the December 2010 as approximately $285 1. $200 USD postal money order 2. A book bag filled with school supplies and goodies transfer of assets results in private hands million, and considering that the for- 3. Your essay prominently displayed on our website www.twocanview.com receiving anything less than fair-value mer private owners held approximately 4. Media reprint and announcement. compensation from the government, 70% of the total paid-up capital, the 5. And any other prizes we can muster up by the deadline the government will have engaged (at government acquired approximately a minimum) in unjust enrichment, if $200 million in value. At 6.5% per year, Submission: not expropriation. It is assumed that interest would accrue on this value at Email: [email protected] the government does not wish to enrich the rate of a little over $1 million per itself unjustly or otherwise expropri- month, or $35,000 per day. Please be sure to include your name, your school’s name, your contact information ate property at the cost and loss of the The nationalization of Telemedia former private owners, which would and BEL is thus costing the govern- violate fundamental property rights and ment – and ultimately, the people of destroy investor confidence to the detri- Belize – a minimum of approximately ment of the public interest. $3 million per month, or $100,000 per If it can be assumed that there will day, in addition to roughly $480 million CLASSIFIEDS be no unjust enrichment or expropria- ($440 million principal plus $40 mil- tion, the acquisition in its own right – as lion interest accrued) now owed to the LIQUOR LICENCE NOTICE a mere transfer of assets in exchange for former private owners. In other words, Notice is hereby given that Jarreth Alfaro is applying for Malt & an equivalent liability, from an account- nationalization of these two utilities Cider Liquor License to be operated at “Alfaro Place“, 133 Gaulin ing standpoint – does not yield any im- has increased the government’s na- Street Mitchell Estate, under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Or- mediate net gain on the balance sheet of tional debt by almost 50%, or half of dinance Revised Edition 2000. either the former private owners or the the notorious Belize Government Su- government. In other words, national- perbond, with interest costs equal to or Notice is hereby given that Anhui Zhu is applying for Conve- ization in and of itself does not create more expensive than the Superbond. nient Store Liquor License to be operated at “Good Friend Shop“, wealth for the government, because the Does borrowing all this money 162 Freetown Road Belize City, under the Intoxicating Liquor Li- government must pay fair value for the and paying all this interest constitute censing Ordinance Revised Edition 2000. assets that it has acquired. This fair val- a more efficient allocation of scarce re- ue already accounts for future expected sources? Does nationalization bring a profits at the time of acquisition. net benefit to the government and peo- Notice is hereby given that Maura Mejia is applying for Publi- This raises the question: does the ple of Belize? For the answer to be af- can Special Liquor License to be operated at “La Cataracha“, 96 government have the money to pay firmative, the value gain of the shift in Barrack Road Belize City, under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing fair value for the assets it acquires by power and control from private hands Ordinance Revised Edition 2000. nationalization? If not, it must borrow to the government must be more than the money or sell state assets. All indica- $3 million per month, or more than $35 Notice is hereby given that Florence Tillett is applying for Shop tions are that the government does not million per year. This is not the gross Liquor License to be operated at “Reflections Groceries“, 89 Amara have the money in hand to pay. What is dividends that the government gets Avenue Belize City, under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordi- more, whereas the government had pre- from these utilities annually, but rather nance Revised Edition 2000. viously sought to sell a portion of its eq- the increase in profits – and ultimately uity interest to raise the funds, the Ninth dividends – caused by the shift in pow- Amendment proposes to establish the er and control over and above the fu- ADVERTISE IN THE government’s retention of no less than ture expected profits of the former pri- 51% of the issued and outstanding paid- vate owners at the time of acquisition. INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER 16 The Independent SUNDAY February 12, 2012