Tuesday, February 2, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 1

NO. 3434 CITY, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2021 (20 PAGES) $1.00 Narco plane busted with over 2000 pounds of cocaine Nine men has since been arrested and charged. One of the men is the driver for the BDF BDF Commander’s Commander, Brigadier General Steven Ortega. driver arrested for drug plane landing

LADYVILLE, Fri. Jan. 29, 2021 One of the lawmen arrested and charged in connection to the drug plane bust which took place early Friday morning was the driver of Brigadier General Steven Ortega. During an interview with the media on Friday, the BDF’s commander , Fri. Jan. 29, 2021 Mexican air asset, intercepted a narco confirmed reports of the arrest On Friday morning at around 3:30 plane that departed from South America and shared that he was a.m., the Belize Police Department, with a little before 10:00 p.m. on Thursday distraught by the news. His the help of the Joint Intelligence driver, identified as Lance Operation Center (JIOC) and a Please turn to Page 19 Corporal Steve Rowland was „ the only BDF soldier arrested Belmopan 16-year-old Please turn to„Page 3 community charged with grocer murdered murder of Curfew extended to Kenrick Drysdale 10:00 p.m. for adults

BELMOPAN, Fri. Jan. 29, 2021 Late Friday afternoon, 53-year-old DANGRIGA, , Belmopan resident Abel Baldarez was Thurs. Jan. 28, 2021 , Fri. Jan. 29, 2021 however, will remain unchanged, from murdered during a robbery that took On Thursday morning, January 28, The Ministry of Health and Wellness 6:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. This new announced a modification of the curfew restriction will remain in effect for 30 Please turn to Page 18 Please turn to Page 18 regulations during a press conference days. „ „ that it held on Friday, January 29, 2021. On December 15, the Government Effective February 1, 2021, the curfew of Belize implemented a set of stricter in place for adults will run from 10:00 measures to curb the spread of the COVID-19 Update p.m. to 5:00 a.m., a two-hour reduction COVID-19 virus in the country. One of the curfew period that was put in of these was the curfew, which seemed (See story on page 17) place by the previous SI 175 of 2020. The curfew in place for children, Please turn to„Page 19 Page 2 AMANDALABelize Tuesday, February 2, 2021 A new PUP Team 11

by Kory Leslie (freelance writer) seeking re-election. These four are the team in the elections from among twenty- The other candidates who were deputy mayor, Michael “Chips” Norales, two hopefuls. On Saturday, January 30, chosen by the delegates to be on the BELIZE CITY, Sun. Jan 31, 2021 and councilors Oscar Arnold, Candice all delegates were made to report to the PUP team are Kaya Cattouse, with a total The face of the PUP City Council Pitts and Ryan Elijio. Belize Elementary School gymnasium, of 547 votes; Edmund Kwan, with 416 team that will be seeking to be selected Following these announcements, there where they were able to cast their votes votes; Deannie Requeña with a total of by Belize City residents in the upcoming were a series of individual campaigns electronically. The results were tallied on 401 votes; Natasha Pipersburgh with 382 Municipal Elections come March 3 has launched (mainly through social media) Saturday, and by evening, the new votes, Michael Novelo with 362 votes undergone a bit of a change, following a by persons aspiring to be candidates on candidates had been announced. and Stephanne Hamilton with 324 votes. virtual convention held over the weekend. the team to represent the PUP in the The candidate who received the Mayor Wagner will also be heading this Four councilors from the previous team municipal elections. As a result, the party highest number of votes is returning new team of councilors and made the of 10 headed by Mayor Bernard Wagner hosted a convention at which delegates councilor, Allan Pollard, Jr., who got a announcement two weeks prior to the made announcements over the course had to choose the persons who they total of 630 votes. Notably, Pollard also convention that he would be seeking of this month that they would not be wanted to fill the ten seats on the PUP vied against Dianne “Sister B” Finnegan reelection because he has “unfinished in the Queen’s Square Division in the business” at the Belize City Council. past general elections, in which he almost Two candidates who were hoping to clinched a victory for the PUP. In serve for a second term were councilors You will be ticketed addition, councilor Micah Goodin, who Aisha Gentle and Delthrude Hylton, who received 550 votes, will also be seeking received 257 votes and 258 votes reelection, as well as councilors Javier respectively. As it turns out, these two According to Minister Musa, Castellanos, who got a total of 504 votes, aspirants were unsuccessful at making this ticketing system is also and Albert Vaughan, who received 377 the team of ten to represent the PUP on expected to bring much-needed votes. March 3. revenue into the country while acting as an effective deterrent. “On the last occasion of the 48-year-old Eli Chan found House of Representatives, we had proposed the issuing of violation tickets. As you know, dead in the Maya Mopan Area under the previous quarantine regulations, members of the that they saw signs of injury when his public were subjected to being body was retrieved. He shared that the detained, if they were not area where Chan was found is a remote wearing their masks, or if they location. were breaching other parts of Despite these claims, according to the regulation. They were taken Commissioner of Police Chester to the police station, they were Williams, initial reports that the body was processed, they were told to found with extensive signs of foul play return to the court the following are false. He said that police viewed no day, and that resulted in an signs of violence on Chan’s body and BELIZE CITY, Fri. Jan. 29, 2021 overcrowding, not just of the police that an autopsy is scheduled to be During a press conference hosted by station, but also of the courthouse. And performed on Monday, February 1. For the Ministry of Health and Wellness last so, we saw where that in itself could be now, the police are treating the matter as Friday, Hon. Kareem Musa, Minister of a potential super spreader, and hence a death investigation. Home Affairs and New Growth the reason we decided to move in the “On Thursday last, sometime in the Industries, announced that violators of direction of tickets for offenses, and so late evening, police were informed of a COVID-19 protocols would be these new regulations under the Public by Dayne Guy body in the Maya Mopan area, where, subjected to tickets that will result in Health Safety Act, provide for the upon arrival, they observed the apparently $500 fines. The Minister shared that this issuance of violation tickets,” Minister MAYA MOPAN BELMOPAN, Thur. motionless body of Eli Chan, face down approach will limit interaction between Musa said. Jan 28, 2021 on the ground. As a result, the scene was the police and the general public. He noted that these tickets will be The body of 48-year-old Eli Chan was processed and the body was removed. In recent months, hundreds of issued to persons who are found outside found face down on a farm in the Maya An inspection of the body revealed that Belizeans have been arrested and charged during the curfew hours, those found Mopan area of Belmopan last Thursday there were no visible signs of injuries. The for breach of the various COVID-19 not wearing a face mask properly, and evening. body was removed, where a postmortem regulations. The personal contact with persons found in breach of social Chan was last seen leaving his house is scheduled either for today or tomorrow, violators that was necessary for police distancing protocols. Also, if persons on Wednesday, and had reportedly told which will determine the cause of death”, officers to make those arrests contributed are found playing any contact sport, his family that he was going to a friend’s stated Assistant Commissioner of Police, to the infection of hundreds of police they will also be ticketed. farm. According to the family, Chan Joseph Myvett, who is the head of the officers since the start of the pandemic. Minister Musa shared that persons reportedly frequented the farm with his Crime Investigation Branch (CIB). The mass arrests for violations also entering the country through the Philip friends, but suspicions were raised when He added, “We also know that the imposed additional strain on the courts, Goldson International Airport must also he didn’t return home that day. deceased was an alcoholic and would which are already bogged down with adhere to these regulations put in place In speaking to local media, the brother- consume alcoholic beverages daily, and enormous caseloads and limited judicial by the Ministry or be subjected to being in-law of Chan said that the family he has been frequently in the area where personnel. ticketed as well. believes that Chan was murdered and he was found.” The investigation into this case is ongoing. Tuesday, February 2, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 3 All land borders will remain closed

BELIZE CITY, Fri. Jan. 29, 2021 of Health and Wellness Minister Chebat shared that public health see where we are with this particular The Corozal Free Zone (CFZ) has emphasized. officers will be on the ground inside the reopening. The Corozal Free Zone has been on a fast-track to reopen for weeks During a press conference held last free zone to ensure compliance with all more business interest than the Western now. A few weeks ago, Cabinet Friday, January 29, to announce measures, restaurants will be allowed to Free Zone, and so if it is that we are able announced that they had approved the updated COVID-19 measures, Minister provide only outdoor dining, and random to succeed and there isn’t a huge spike reopening of the free zone, provided that of Home Affairs Kareem Musa said, testing will be conducted inside the free coming out of this reopening, then we the CFZ’s board of directors ensures that “The Board of Directors of the Corozal zone. can look at the western border as well. measures are in place to prevent the Free Zone are to ensure that there are When asked of the possibility of the So, it is certainly a case study as we move spread of the COVID-19 virus within the temperature checks of every person reopening of the Western Free Zone and forward with this particular reopening. But commercial zone. It was also announced entering the Corozal Free Zone and that border, Minister Musa said, “The opening we haven’t considered yet the reopening that the free zone would initially be open that temperature check is taken and of the Western Free Zone is not something of the western border – or the Western to Mexican nationals only. logged.” that we have brought to the table as yet. Free Zone, let me clarify – not borders. At this time the Ministry of Health and Hon. Musa added, “Likewise, owners But it is not to say that it will not come in No border is open right now, no land Wellness (MOHW) is working closely and managers of businesses within the the near future. Of course, it is good to border.” with business owners inside the free zone free zone are to abide by any guidelines to ensure that they adhere to all the that the Ministry of Health and Wellness requirements outlined by the Ministry may issue prior to conducting business Two final prison before they officially resume commercial in the Corozal Free Zone. As I understand activities within the zone. it, the Ministry of Health has been carrying “At this time, we are not opening the out an examination of the businesses in escapees recaptured land borders. Whatever movement is the free zone, and they have been ensuring coming in from Mexico is going to be that these businesses are properly restricted to business owners for the equipped in order to receive customers.” purposes of initially ensuring that they are Minster Musa shared that once the in compliance, with the regulations to be MOHW has conducted a check of the able to open their business, and then it businesses and all the recommendations will just be extended to possible are in place, they will issue a certificate of customers of the free zone. But we are compliance to the business owners, and not opening the borders into the national those companies will be allowed to open territories beyond the free zone,” Minister starting Monday, February 1, 2021. BDF Commander’s driver arrested...

Continued from Page 1 aircrafts coming in, and then we deploy „ deterrent patrol and should it make a for being a part of the operation, in landing like this one this early this addition to two other lawmen, both morning. We try our best to intercept, BELIZE CITY, Sun. Jan. 31, 2021 opportunity to thank the public who police officers, and six civilians. and we intercepted this one with some This past weekend, police finally helped us tremendously with “Well, he was my driver. Was, personnel. It was a very successful day apprehended the last two escapees information that led to the recapture of because I can’t have a driver being for us as well in that aspect,” he said. from the group of 28 inmates who all 28 prisoners as well as to thank the detained by the police for such actions,” In addressing the suspicions that staged the October 2020 prison break. police officers who worked tirelessly Brigadier General Ortega commented. lawmen play a key role in facilitating These two men are Erwin Lanza and to ensure that we were able to get those He said that the actions of his driver these drug plane landings, Brig. Gen. Michael Faux. They were captured on prisoners in prison where they belong, are very distressing for him, and also Ortega had this to say: Sunday by police in the Ladyville area marking our country much safer.” for the entire force, since the BDF “These operations are very secret, and have since been charged for Commissioner Williams said that in troops, according to Ortega, are trained so it is not open to everyone. The only escaping from prison. The Belize determining sentencing for these last to be on the “other side of the law.” persons who know about it are the Police Department, through escapees, the court will look at the He stressed that despite the black eye persons going out on those operations. Commissioner Chester Williams, length of time they were at large and suffered by the BDF as a result of I mean, do you think a member of the thanked the public for their cooperation the amount of resources it took to someone in their ranks being arrested force or a member of the police force over the past couple of months that recapture them. Both these men were for involvement in the landing, the would get caught if they knew about helped the police to ensure that all 28 arraigned and sent back to the Belize operation was a successful one. the operations? So evidently there is a escapees were recovered. Central Prison. “Normally the police would be the one level of secrecy involved; otherwise, ‘I am happy to say that we have now As Commissioner of Police Chester who follows it up, because they are the they would all get away. But that’s not closed that chapter — having to Williams stated, the detention of these ones who track it throughout, but the case in terms of the planes getting recapture all 28 of those escapees,” final escapees marks the closing of the through our joint intelligence center are away; it’s just that we can’t cover all Commissioner Williams said. manhunt which followed the historic the ones who continuously track these the places at the same time,” he said. He added, “I want to take the jailbreak that took place in October 2020. Page 4 AMANDALABelize Tuesday, February 2, 2021 Commission of inquiry to investigate the sale of Government assets

by Dayne Guy stories about government… the place in the future. He went on to say, “The task, as I previous government selling off a lot “It has not been the first time,” he understand it, is to identify all sales BELMOPAN, Mon. Feb.1, 2021 of the government assets in pretty said, “but certainly this time around of government assets between Last week the Government of much a fire sale and, in some it was obscene the way the previous October 2019 through November Belize announced that Prime Minister instances, next to almost giving government was disposing of 2020; to determine how sales came Briceño had officially signed the order away.” government assets.” about and the terms; and to measure for the formation of a commission of He continued, “Once we got into “This is something that can easily sales against applicable rules and inquiry, which has been tasked with government, we started to realize the be turned into a political football or procedures to determine if all investigating the sale of government extent of what has happened, political circus, and that is not in our appropriate rules and practices and assets from the period of October especially in the vehicle unit. The intentions,” Hon. Briceño remarked. procedures were followed.” 2019 to November 2020. Cabinet felt then that it is important He said that he picked independent Senior Counsel Marshalleck Hon. Briceño expressed his for us to be able to do an inquiry into persons and people of integrity, to continued, “The way forward … is, concern about what he considers the the sales of the disposals of these look at how these assets were once Mr. Martinez is sworn in, the “fire sale” of government assets, assets.” Hon. John Briceño stated that disposed of, and to prepare a report business of the commission starts and stating, “When we were elected on he believes it is important to find out to be made available to the public, to the first task will be appointing a date November 11, and even before the what happened and to take steps to mitigate the fear of partiality. Those for their first meeting and identifying elections, we were hearing a lot of ensure that such actions don’t take appointees to whom he referred are the first witnesses that we will be Senior Counsel Andrew Marshalleck, summoning to attend before the Mr. Marcelo Blake and Mr. Luke commission to answer questions Hon. Courtenay meets with Martinez. Commissioners Senior regarding matters raised by the terms Counsel Andrew Marshalleck and Mr. of reference.” Blake took the oath and swore to Alongside these tasks, the High Commissioner of India faithfully, impartially and to the best commission is also to identify a venue of their abilities perform their duty to and arrange for the live streaming of investigate the sale of government proceedings so that sessions of the Belize has established robust assets. commission can be broadcasted to diplomatic relations with India, In his remarks, the chairman of the the public, since Prime Minister dating back to March 28, 1982, commission, Andrew Marshalleck, Briceño mandated that the and officials representing the opened by thanking the Prime Minister proceedings were to be open to the two countries have engaged in for his confidence in the commission public. regular communication. In and their ability to get the job done. Marshalleck concluded, “Once addition, back in July 2020, He later transitioned into a discussion those logistical constraints (venue and India made donations to the of the steps to be taken by the broadcasting) have been resolved, we Belizean healthcare system, commission as they move forward, begin the hearings; we will go where which consisted of medical noting that their job begins effective the evidence leads us and hope that supplies totaling approximately immediately after their appointment. the inquiry can be concluded as $127,000 USD in value. “The task of the commission, as I see expeditiously as possible.” During the meeting with H.E. it, is conceptually a straightforward The current administration has Manpreet Vohra, Hon. Eamon one. Of course, the steps that will expressed their belief, as articulated by Courtenay thanked the need to be taken in getting these tasks Minister Henry Charles Usher, that Government and people of performed might well be more “It’s important for the country’s sake India for their generosity and complicated depending on what you to know what happened. The support in the procurement of actually find in the course of the government’s assets [are] the people’s necessary medical equipment, inquiry,” he said. assets.” PPE’s and testing kits by means of the India-UN Development Partnership Fund. Mayflower man This Fund is currently supporting various projects, in an effort to boost national charged with Jervis healthcare wellness, reduce the transmission of the virus and Valencia shooting catalyze the country’s recovery from the COVID-19 BELIZE CITY, Mon. Feb. 1, 2021 “Reference the shooting of Jervis by Dayne Guy pandemic. This fund was established Today, during a police press brief, Valencia, which occurred on Tuesday, in 2017 as a dedicated facility within Sr. Supt. Hilberto Romero, deputy head police have since arrested and charged BELMOPAN, Fri. Jan. 29, 2021 the United Nations Fund for South- of the Police Department’s NCIB, Kareem Tillet, 21 years, of [the] On Friday, the Minister of Foreign South Cooperation and is led and informed the media that a 21-year-old Mayflower area for the crime of Affairs, Foreign Trade and Immigration, supported by the Government of India man has been charged with the attempt dangerous harm, attempted murder and Senator Hon. Eamon Courtenay, and managed through the United last week on Jervis Valencia’s life. use of deadly means of harm.” Sr. Supt. received a courtesy call from the High Nations Office for South-South Valencia was shot multiple times last Hilberto Romero said. Commissioner of India to Belize, H.E. Cooperation (UNOSSC). Tuesday, but survived the shooting. He He added, “This is a shooting that Manpreet Vohra. During the meeting, The Government of India has been is currently in recovery. The 21-year old occurred in the Mayflower area, and they discussed many topics of interest, extremely active in the Latin American- who has been charged is Kareem Tillett, this is as a result of internal fighting including the possibility of securing Caribbean Region, providing medical who, police say, is also from the within that group of persons within that additional doses of vaccines. aid to 27 countries in the region. Mayflower area. area.” Tuesday, February 2, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 5

More bad news for tourism

The announcement last week that the Canadian possess all three undesirable characteristics. government had decided to cancel flights of the major Canadian airlines to Mexico and the Caribbean, right on the Belize relaxing Covid-19 heels of the new US government requiring all air passengers quarantine regulations to present a negative Covid-19 test when entering that country, is more cold water on an industry that has been While these big countries are tightening their controls, Belize is doing everything possible to survive. Tourism has been going in the opposite direction. At a press conference called by number one in most Caribbean countries for decades, and the Ministries of Health and Wellness, and Home Affairs, Ministers for quite a few years now it has been the number one foreign Michel Chebat of the former and Kareem Musa of the latter, exchange earner/employer in Belize, until the pandemic came announced that there would be an easing of the restrictions. and let the air out. Belize had a particularly bad November and December, and new, Canadians only make up about 7% of overnight tourist tougher measures were introduced on December 20, 2020. arrivals to Belize — with 35,190 of them coming to our shores The measures were successful; the number of reported cases in 2018, according to the Belize Tourism Board; but there went down considerably in January. Significant changes beginning were high hopes that their numbers would greatly increase February 1 include a reduction in curfew hours, the curfew now after Air Canada announced in September 2019 that it would beginning at 10:00 p.m. instead of 8:00 p.m.; reopening of gyms be increasing flights to our country during the peak tourism at 50% capacity, with gym patrons getting to workout by months, December to April. appointment only; reopening of the Free Zone in Corozal; Jim Byers, in the magazine, Travel Pulse, Canada, said churches being allowed to hold services at 50% capacity instead Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, declared that the of a maximum of ten persons; and food vendors being allowed country’s major airlines would be suspending all flights to to sell their tacos and meat pies on the street sides again. the Caribbean and Mexico from Sunday, January 31, to April The Belizean economy is stagnating; Belizeans need to work 30, and passengers on international flights from other so they can pay their bills, and the relaxation of the quarantine countries will, “as soon as possible”, have to take a PCR test regulations is welcomed; however, we do have to throw up a after arriving in the country. Canada is taking these steps in caution flag for two areas: reopening of the Corozal Free Zone response to the pandemic out of special concern about Covid- and the removal of the ten-person limit in the churches. 19 variants that have Reopening the Corozal Free Zone was a campaign promise of appeared in the world. the new government; it is good that governments try to fulfill The US was one step their manifestos, good that the owners of businesses at the ahead, with the United States Free Zone and their employees will get a chance to earn some Center for Disease Control money, but maybe, as Dr. Michael Pitts suggested when he and Prevention declaring that appeared on the Krem WuB show recently, we should have held all air passengers entering off just a little bit longer. Mexico saw a record spike in new Amandala(estb. 1969) Business and editorial offices: the US on or after January 26, coronavirus cases in January, and at least one case of one of the 3304 Partridge Street, Belize 2021 would require a more contagious Covid-19 variants was found there last month. City, Belize, Central America negative COVID-19 test. Our The churches have been clamoring for the ten-person limit to is printed twice weekly by the Ministry of Health and be relaxed, and now 50% of their congregations will be allowed Amandala Press. Wellness, via a press release, to celebrate their faith for one hour. We know that church isn’t Telephones: 501-280-4703/ responded almost church if the congregation doesn’t break out in song, but because 501-202-4477 immediately that it would of the times, they should accept being allowed to say, Amen, “expand testing to now but not being permitted to sing, because not even N-95s can Publisher: include all persons requiring contain the breaths of congregants singing their hearts out for Editor-in-chief: Marco Lopez a negative COVID-19 test to the Lord. Business Manager: Jacinta Hyde enter other countries.” The quick response from our Restructure the tourism Make-up & Design government was essential, industry now Artist: Andrea Dennison because the release from the Executive Secretary: Odessa US prompted cancellations These new variants of SARS-CoV-2 are more bad news for our Robinson Smith from American tourists who economy, particularly our tourism industry. While we are Compositor: Tyra Welch had booked hotel stays in optimistic because of the success the Asian countries have had Lithography: Clive Smith Belize. combating the virus, and because the speed with which modern Printers: Kent Brooks Covid-19 variants are of medicine developed vaccines to give people the necessary grave concern, because immunity leads us to believe that it won’t take very long for it to several of them are more produce booster shots to subdue the variants, we know we’ll Please email Correspondence: infectious forms of the virus, need greater effort to endure, because the return of the tourists [email protected] and that translates to more will be even further delayed. persons becoming seriously While we wait for the return of the tourists, our priority is to Advertisements to: ill, and dying, even if the survive, and the next thing on the table must be that we work on [email protected] variants are not more deadly. restructuring the industry so that Belizeans get a greater share. Mailing Address: Apart from the variants being Marlon Madden, writing in Barbados Today, said the president Amandala Press more infectious or deadly is of the Barbados Economic Society, Simon Naitram, speaking as 3304 Partridge Street that they may be able to a panelist at the Central Bank of Barbados’ 40th annual review c/o P.O. Box 15, evade the vaccines that have seminar, said, among other things, that as a driver of the Belize City, Belize just been developed. Initial Barbadian economy the tourism industry (as it existed before studies indicate that one or the pandemic) wasn’t doing a good Amandala’s website: more of the variants might job. Please turn to„Page 6 amandala.com.bz Page 6 AMANDALABelize Tuesday, February 2, 2021 Prevention is better than Vaccine?

by Dayne Guy to prevent miscalculations and possible irregularities; determine efficacy of Washington, D.C., January 27, 2021 vaccine against disease; risk factors for (PAHO) varying cultural, and/or geographical Covid-19 is an easily transmitted virus factors; and dosage. These phases have that can lead to very serious and in some precise methodology with accurate cases fatal illnesses; It is then, of no findings and conclusions. Even after surprise that today, it surpassed a tragic deployment, they will continue to be milestone in 1,000,000 deaths in the monitored to identify any unexpected Americas. In a press conference held adverse effects that may have arised. today by Pan American Health As of recent, the Pfizer vaccine is the Organization (PAHO), the Director, Dr. only one that has been prequalified by Carissa Ettienne expressed her sorrow WHO and is approved for use in the as she states that the COVID-19 pandemic Americas. Other vaccines are currently “has brought a triple crisis throughout our under review like those of Moderna and region as it has ravaged our health Astrazeneca. systems, fractured our social protection, Due to the limited supply of vaccines and destabilized our economies. This in the first round of distribution, PAHO loss... should serve as an urgent call that encourages all to continue to take we must do more to protect ourselves preventative measures and avoid and each other from getting sick. This exposure as much as possible. includes strong calls to action to reinforce These vaccines are quite different from the public health measures that are needed traditional vaccines, that were previously now in each of the places that are seeing dead or weakened versions of a pathogen outbreaks,”. (bacteria, virus and other microbes that Dr. Etienne and PAHO associates, causes diseases) or dead or weakened expressed the dire need to be cautious versions of a pathogen of similar nature. and practice safety precautions during this The vaccines most commonly being used time of social, economic and mental crisis. to treat COVID-19 (Pfizer and Moderna) Among other measures, PAHO outlined makes use of mrna technology. This key information on the vaccines and the serves as an instruction to the body to distribution of such to the Americas. make proteins/ antibodies to fight Vaccines are scheduled to be deployed diseases. to the Caribbean and Latin America as early as March; but all that glitters is rarely gold. As of now, there are not enough doses of COVID-19 vaccines for the More bad entire population. As a result, the first batch deployed will be distributed based news... on the prioritization guidelines agreed upon by the country. As a rule of thumb, among the first to Continued from „Page 5 receive the vaccines are the healthcare Mr. Naitram said: “You can workers for they are at greater risk of almost think of it as your engine being infected with and spreading working and firing away, and yet COVID-19. These workers have been forced to work under intense and the car is only rolling very slowly challenging conditions. They are essential forward…ownership in the sector to keeping communities safe and caring was highly concentrated and for those who require intensive care. The becoming increasingly foreign… remaining prioritization of the distribution (the industry) paid some of the varies per country; World Health lowest wages and provided Organization (WHO) and the Strategic volatile jobs.” Advisory Group of Experts on Mr. Naitram could have been Immunization (SAGE) provided speaking about tourism in Belize. frameworks to assist counties in choosing Maybe we shouldn’t put a stop their priority groups based on their values, to the construction of mega the epidemiological situation, and hotels, because they do provide sociodemographic factors. jobs, but the government must There are currently many producers of COVID-19 vaccines, but before direct more of its energies toward dispersion, vaccines need to be the development and promotion prequalified by WHO. These vaccines of our small entrepreneurs, the go through multiple trial phases before architects of Belize’s tourism being approved for mass use. These when we were really nature’s best phases aims to provide: safety measures kept secret. Tuesday, February 2, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 7

Lord Ashcroft should get a good faith token

by Colin Hyde brilliance ballooned to over a hundred to go to the House for permission, was matter to whom it is owed. Please to million, and counting. murky waters for Belize from the get-go. cut the glee when you discuss this The very colourful chairman of the It is possible that the man of colour The UDP ill-advisedly (or wickedly) business, because what the PUP did, UDP, Senator Michael Peyrefitte, like a just couldn’t help being theatrical in the decided to go to court, the case dragged the UDP compounded threefold. Please lot of people, must have at times been when he got on the rostrum to on, and the interest racked up in the don’t try to win any more elections with mesmerized by the eloquence of his crow down Senator Eamon for tabling a millions and millions, and when the mud these tactics, and please tell Fonso that former leader, PM . Many motion for the confirmation of a settled, we were ordered to pay. when he said he wants to see how the of those times he was a victim of glitter, convention that calls for Belize to honor After the costly defeat, the UDP went PUP will function now that they have because most of what we got from Mr. financial obligations with international to the House, minus Gapi Vega, who inherited a till that is empty, da we the Dean in the handling of the Ashcroft deals parties. This United Nations convention didn’t show because he had been back people di feel. This UDP song that soh was bombast and a ton-load of debt. on the recognition and enforcement of benched, and minister after minister of dehn full the coffers the PUP come an Things were bad when we voted in the foreign arbitral awards, commonly called state stood up in the House and raid it, it is worn out. UDP, and things were worse, much the New York Convention, is, according lambasted the past government, PUP, and Belize can’t be proud for making no worse, when we gave them the heave ho. to Senator Eamon, a good sign for us, except for a “well, you know the country effort to pay Ashcroft. We went to Much of their failure had to do with how because it will facilitate a debt for nature is broke”, they vowed not to pay. court, we are not happy about the they spent the bonanza from the oil taxes swap that will see some necessary debt Of course, the UDP must have been verdict, but we have to respect it. We and the absolutely soft loans from relief for the very strapped-for-cash Belize. ashamed, very ashamed, for they lost should give Lord Ashcroft a token, a Venezuela. There were necessary bridges Pere said the deal was all about paying nearly $70 million of the people’s promissory note, sincerely, because we to build, roads to fix, sports facilities to off Ashcroft. Let’s briefly look at the UHS money. I said, of course, but maybe are a law-abiding people, and as hurtful improve, and Krismos cheer to spread, story again. The PUP gave a sovereign the UDP is not ashamed, for they played as it is, we must pay for electing leaders but they created no new industries, unless guarantee to Ashcroft’s bank for a loan the UHS and similar suspect deals into who came to us and said that they were they want to claim building on the nation- the bank gave to the UHS hospital. The three consecutive victories at the polls. the smartest, but proved that they saving BPOs. UDP said the owners of the hospital were All good things, and bad things, come weren’t sharp ataal. As John D’rectly seh, we spent the rotten PUP players, and on top of that to an end, and the UDP was massively dollars like Henry money kyaahn done, the bank should have known that the sum defeated when they went a fourth time A wap, a wap, wap, wap and not only did we not have sufficient the PUP signed for had to go to the House to the polls singing the same old song. savings to defend us in the event of of Representatives for approval. Senator Pere is on the minority side Why do grown men knowingly waste disasters, we were massively in debt when Now, there are cases that are black and of the Upper House, but he was on the their time, eh? Both the UDP and the the disaster of disasters, the Covid-19 white, and in those cases all you go to majority side just three months ago, and PUP believe in fines, or incarceration, pandemic, hit us. We have debts all over court for is to discuss mitigation, the while there he was in the full know about for not wearing masks. The objective the place, to countries, principalities, extent of awards and such. There are lots of things. Senator Pere said this is noble, even critical, because everyone companies, and individuals, and the cases that have grey areas, vague matters, signing was to give Ashcroft the power in the world, even the wild and lawless individual to whom we owe the most is and a lawyer on top of their game will to collect on monies he was awarded Americans, now knows that masks are Mr. Ashcroft. look at the pros and cons, and the court by the courts, and that he could use effective tools against viruses. Of the debts we owe Mr. Ashcroft, in which the case will be tried, and tell this convention to make a lump sum of On Monday we’ll learn the number the two monsters are for the acquisition their client their odds for victory. the debts we owe him. We were told of people who were picked up on the of BTL – please, Minister Rado, please The case, which on one side has a that lumping the debts would help him weekend for not wearing a mask. Look, daub some non-partisan paint over that sovereign guarantee from a government reach or exceed 22% control of our some of us respect incarceration, some garish red on BTL Belmopan -- yes, the freely elected by the people of Belize, and national debt, and that, to be graphic, of us respect fines, some of us respect BTL acquisition which we paid too much on the other side a bank which should would give him the power to drop our both, and some of us respect neither for, and the UHS debt, which UDP have known that that government needed pants. penalty. Senator Eamon vowed that no such Go to Brother Hector Silva and ask thing could happen because the him what works. Don’t let any weasel government would insist on a clause tell you any nonsense about the cane that this convention would only apply reminding people about slavery days. to new arbitral awards. The truth is that the cane reminds I will congratulate Senator Peyrefitte people to not jump the line, to maintain for alerting the nation of the possibilities the necessary physical distance and to for Ashcroft in this convention and, wear masks. The Governor General while praying that those possibilities isn’t European, and the Prime Minister remain as unrealized as the state of the isn’t European. We had more discipline art forensics lab promised us in many when Officers Cassasola and Tablada Deon gets game winner in UDP manifestos, I will tell him a couple had the tambran whip. Lee Chee chikin things about their disappointing nice, but kip the space and wayr yu behavior. mask. If yu can’t listen, if yu won’t Ginga Atlanta 2-1 victory in There is nothing amusing or heroic respect the laws of the land, yu have to UPSL playoffs about not trying to honor a debt, no feel…a wap, a wap, wap, wap.

BELIZE CITY, Sun. Jan. 31, 2021 Atlanta blanked AFC 615 by a 4-0 score EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY In an exciting match that went into on January 16. extra time, Belize’s Deon McCaulay With their Sweet 16 win on Saturday, scored a header to give his Ginga Ginga now advances to the Round of The U.S. Embassy Belmopan is seeking eligible and qualified applicants for University (Atlanta) squad the 2-1 8 quarterfinals, where the competition the following position: victory over a game Charleston United gets tougher and the spotlight brighter, Position Name: Chauffeur(Marine Security Guard Detachment) SC in their UPSL “Sweet 16” playoff as they await the Florida champions, match on Saturday, January 30, at the to be decided on February 6 between Vacancy number: Belmopan-2021-01 MOBA Soccer Academy Complex in DFC Barca and Florida Soccer Peachtree City, Georgia, USA. Soldiers. Closing date: February 8, 2021 There are some 212 Division-1 teams That Round of 8 quarterfinal between scattered across the USA in 24 different Ginga University (ATL) and the Florida Interested applicants must submit their application via the Electronic conferences of the United Premier champions is scheduled for February Recruitment Application (ERA) system, a web-based system. To view and Soccer League (UPSL), a 13. apply for this vacancy, visit the ERA site at: https://erajobs.state.gov/dos-era/ “professional development soccer With no football games allowed yet blz/vacancysearch/searchVacancies.hms league” (Wikipedia). The best teams in Belize, fans are closely following the from all the conferences had entered success of our leading international goal Please visit the Embassy’s website for instructions on how to apply via the the UPSL national playoffs, starting scorer, Deon McCaulay. Go, Deon! The ERA system:https://bz.usembassy.gov/embassy/jobs/ with the Round of 32, where Ginga Jewel is with you, bro. Page 8 AMANDALABelize Tuesday, February 2, 2021

Más malas noticias para el turismo

El anuncio la semana pasada de que el gobierno canadiense previa; la reapertura de la Zona Libre en Corozal; a las iglesias había decidido cancelar los vuelos de las principales aerolíneas se les permite celebrar servicios religiosos al 50% de su canadienses a México y el Caribe, justo después de que el capacidad en lugar de un máximo de diez personas; y a los nuevo gobierno de los Estados Unidos exigiera a todos los vendedores de comida se les permite nuevamente vender pasajeros aéreos que presenten una prueba Covid-19 negativa sus tacos y empanadas en las orillas de las calles. al ingresar a ese país, es más agua fría sobre una industria La economía de Belize está estancada; los beliceños que ha estado haciendo todo lo posible por sobrevivir. El necesitan trabajar para poder pagar sus gastos, y se agradece turismo ha sido número uno en la mayoría de los países del la relajación de las regulaciones de cuarentena; sin embargo, Caribe durante décadas, y desde hace varios años ha sido el tenemos que levantar una bandera de advertencia para dos principal generador de divisas/empleador en Belize, hasta que áreas: la reapertura de la Zona Libre de Corozal y la eliminación llegó la pandemia y dejó salir el aire. del límite de diez personas en las iglesias. Los canadienses solo representan alrededor del 7% de las La reapertura de la Zona Libre de Corozal fue una promesa llegadas de turistas de una noche a Belize, y 35,190 de ellos de campaña del nuevo gobierno; es bueno que los gobiernos llegaron a nuestras costas en 2018, según la Junta de Turismo intenten cumplir con sus manifiestos, bueno que los dueños de Belize; pero había grandes esperanzas de que su número de negocios en la Zona Libre y sus empleados tengan la aumentara considerablemente después de que Air Canada oportunidad de ganar algo de dinero, pero tal vez, como sugirió anunció en septiembre de 2019 que aumentaría los vuelos a el Dr. Michael Pitts cuando apareció en el programa WuB de nuestro país durante los meses de mayor turismo, de Krem recientemente, deberíamos habernos retrasado un poco diciembre a abril. más. México experimentó un aumento récord en los nuevos Jim Byers, en la revista Travel Pulse, Canada, dijo que el casos de coronavirus en enero, y el mes pasado se encontró primer ministro canadiense, Justin Trudeau, declaró que las allí al menos un caso de una de las variantes de Covid-19 más principales aerolíneas del país suspenderían todos los vuelos contagiosas. al Caribe y México desde el domingo 31 de enero al 30 de Las iglesias han estado clamando por que se relaje el límite abril, y los pasajeros en vuelos internacionales de otros países, de diez personas, y ahora al 50% de sus congregaciones se deberán “lo antes posible”, someterse a una prueba de PCR les permitirá celebrar su fe durante una hora. Sabemos que la después de llegar al país. Canadá está tomando estos pasos iglesia no es iglesia si la congregación no comienza a cantar, en respuesta a la pandemia debido a una preocupación pero debido a los tiempos, deberían aceptar que se les permita especial por las variantes de Covid-19 que han aparecido en decir, amén, pero que no se les permita cantar, porque ni el mundo. siquiera las N-95 pueden contener el aliento de los feligreses EE. UU. estaba un paso por delante, y el Centro para el cantando con todo su corazón por el Señor. Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades de EE. UU. declaró que todos los pasajeros aéreos que ingresen a los EE. UU. a Que se reestructure la industria partir del 26 de enero de 2021 requerirían una prueba COVID- del turismo ahora 19 negativa. Nuestro Ministerio de Salud y Bienestar, a través de un comunicado de prensa, respondió casi de inmediato Estas nuevas variantes de SARS-CoV-2 son más malas que “ampliaría las pruebas para incluir ahora a todas las noticias para nuestra economía, en particular para nuestra personas que requieran una prueba COVID-19 negativa para industria turística. Si bien somos optimistas por el éxito que ingresar a otros países”. La rápida respuesta de nuestro han tenido los países asiáticos en la lucha contra el virus, y gobierno fue esencial, porque el comunicado de los EE. UU. porque la velocidad con la que la medicina moderna desarrolló provocó cancelaciones de turistas estadounidenses que vacunas para dar a las personas la inmunidad necesaria nos habían reservado estadías en hoteles en Belize. lleva a creer que no tardará mucho en producir la dosis de Las variantes de Covid-19 son muy preocupantes, porque refuerzo para someter las variantes, sabemos que varias de ellas son formas más infecciosas del virus, y eso se necesitaremos un mayor esfuerzo para aguantar, porque el traduce en más personas enfermándose gravemente y regreso de los turistas se retrasará aún más. muriendo, incluso si las variantes no son más mortales. Mientras esperamos el regreso de los turistas, nuestra Además de que las variantes sean más infecciosas o mortales, prioridad es sobrevivir, y lo siguiente en la mesa debe ser que es posible que puedan evadir las vacunas que se acaban de trabajemos en la reestructuración de la industria para que los desarrollar. Estudios iniciales indican que una o más de las beliceños obtengan una mayor participación. variantes pueden poseer las tres características indeseables. Marlon Madden, escribiendo en Barbados Today, dijo que el presidente de la Sociedad Económica de Barbados, Simon Belize relaja las regulaciones de Naitram, hablando como panelista en el 40 ° seminario de cuarentena para el Covid-19 revisión anual del Banco Central de Barbados, dijo, entre otras cosas, que como impulsor de la economía de Barbados la Mientras estos grandes países están reforzando sus industria del turismo (como existía antes de la pandemia) no controles, Belize va en la dirección opuesta. En una rueda de se estaba desempeñando bien. prensa convocada por los Ministerios de Salud y Bienestar e El Sr. Naitram dijo: “Casi puede pensarse como su motor Interior, los ministros Michel Chebat del primero y Kareem funcionando y se enciende, pero sin embargo el automóvil Musa del segundo, anunciaron que habría una flexibilización avanza muy lentamente… la propiedad en el sector estaba de las restricciones. Belize tuvo un noviembre y diciembre altamente concentrada y se estaba volviendo cada vez más particularmente malo, y el 20 de diciembre de 2020 se extranjera… (la industria) pagaba de los salarios más bajos y introdujeron nuevas medidas más duras. proporcionaba trabajos volátiles”. Las medidas tuvieron éxito; el número de casos reportados El Sr. Naitram podría haber estado hablando sobre el turismo se redujo considerablemente en enero. Los cambios en Belize. Tal vez no deberíamos detener la construcción de significativos a partir del 1 de febrero incluyen una reducción mega hoteles, porque sí proporcionan empleo, pero el en las horas de toque de queda, el toque de queda ahora gobierno debe dirigir más sus energías hacia el desarrollo y la comienza a las 10:00 p.m. en lugar de las 8:00 p.m.; la promoción de nuestros pequeños empresarios, los arquitectos reapertura de los gimnasios al 50% de su capacidad, y los del turismo de Belize cuando realmente éramos el secreto usuarios del gimnasio pueden hacer ejercicio solo con cita mejor guardado de la madre naturaleza. Tuesday, February 2, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 9

My father was Speaker of the House National Hall of Fame for sports while handedly raised Orange Walk’s He was an incredible personality who from 1979 to 1984. But I know for sure he was at the Sports Council, which was basketball to a competitive level. became heavyweight champion of the that he was the Chairman of the National housed in the old Civic Center on Recently I saw for the first time in world in the early twentieth century, when Sports Council in 1983, because that is Central American Boulevard. It appears print (I believe it came from New York’s African Americans were routinely and when he closed down the MCC Garden to me that most of his work has been Wellington Ramos writing in this casually being lynched throughout the for a year in order to upgrade its surface wasted, and I submit that Aragon and newspaper) the story of a football game Southern states of America. But, there for higher quality football. Campos were not interested in between Orange Walk and Stann Creek is no record of Jack Johnson’s ever (That 1983 football season was played supporting the Hall of Fame because the in the 1960s when the Stann Creek backing down from any white man. And, at the National Stadium, and what I list of honorees was very much people believed that Don D and Rambibi he lived openly with white women. remember most about that season was dominated by Belize City. of Stann Creek “sold” the game to I would advise the new PUP to find a game in which Stann Creek’s Walker In the 1950s and 1960s, people like Orange Walk. The story had been some kind of consultant position in Kuylen (who, I think, died in a traffic Leslie Sharp in Stann Creek (Queen’s in Dangriga’s streets all these decades. sports for Clinton “Pulu” Lightburn. Yes, accident years later) suffered a massive Park Rangers and RAC) and Jalil Bedran Orange Walk, beloved, was not the man may be considered controversial head injury in a head-to-head collision in Cayo (Rocking R and Avengers) competitive with Stann Creek in football by some citizens, but there is a story with Belize City’s Crane Major.) sought to build football selections to in the 1960s. That is for sure. which explains the rough road Clinton I don’t know how long my father was compete with the Belize City juggernauts I think Orange Walk’s Hon. Kevin has travelled since he ruled Belizean prominent in the Sports Council, but I in the capital city’s competition. Bernard is the new PUP Minister of basketball and was the idol of Belizean am sure he was still there when Belizeans This is a long story, and David Cruz, Sports. I am in retirement, and more than youth during the 1970s. That story has voted out the People’s United Party Sr., has a wealth of information which that, I have told you before that I don’t to do with the aforementioned marketing (PUP) and replaced them with the United should be made public, at least for want to say, write, or do anything at any decision by the trillionaire soft drink Democratic Party (UDP) in December historical purposes. But, the media time which would embarrass Hon. multinational. And I’ll leave it right at that. of 1984. bosses in this country are not much Cordel, the ruling PUP’s Deputy Leader, In closing, I would say that the first The new UDP Prime Minister, Dr. interested in sports, and certainly not its because I have to accept the so-called “out-districts” which became Manuel Esquivel, appointed a man from history in Belize, because the giant responsibility for his entry into electoral competitive with Belize City in football Orange Walk Town, Hon. Elodio transnational, Coca Cola, has pinpointed politics in 1994. were Stann Creek (with help from Aragon, as Minister of Sports from 1984 sports as its marketing vehicle here over Sports was a vehicle through which Honduras) and Cayo. The people of to 1989. When he returned to power in the last six decades, and that’s all there the minority African American Orange Walk are a proud and honorable 1993 after being voted out in 1989, Dr. is to that. population of the United States, which people, and I mean no disrespect. Esquivel appointed another Orange Walk The point of this particular column is had been enslaved until the U.S. Civil Colonialism made it so that Orange man, Hon. Reuben Campos, that Orange Walk was a total nonentity War between 1861 and 1865, elevated Walk Town was like a village until the Aragon’s bosom friend, as Minister of in Belizean sports until my childhood its status. Jack Johnson, the first black Tower Hill sugar factory was built. Sports. friend, the great Errol Cattouse, moved heavyweight boxing champion of the Since then, Orange Walk Town has My father did a lot of work on a there in the early 1960s and almost single world, was a spectacular human being. become big time. This is real.

Mi padre fue presidente de la Cámara Orange Walk, el Honorable Reuben aquí durante las últimas seis décadas, y en la política electoral en 1994. de Representantes desde 1979 hasta Campos, amigo íntimo de Aragón, eso es todo sobre eso. El deporte fue un vehículo a través 1984. Pero estoy seguro de que fue como ministro de Deportes. El punto de esta columna en particular del cual la población minoritaria presidente del Consejo Nacional de Mi padre trabajó mucho en un Salón es que Orange Walk era una nulidad total afroamericana de los Estados Unidos, Deportes en 1983, porque fue entonces de la Fama Nacional para los deportes en los deportes de Belize hasta que mi que había estado esclavizada hasta la cuando cerró el Jardín MCC durante mientras estaba en el Consejo amigo de la infancia, el gran Errol Guerra Civil estadounidense entre 1861 un año para mejorar su superficie Deportivo, que se encontraba en el Cattouse, se mudó allí a principios de la y 1865, elevó su estatus. Jack Johnson, para fútbol de mayor calidad. antiguo Centro Cívico en el Boulevard década de 1960 y casi sin ayuda elevó el primer campeón mundial negro de (Esa temporada de fútbol en 1983 Centroamericano. Me parece que la el baloncesto de Orange Walk a un nivel boxeo de peso pesado, fue un ser se jugó en el Estadio Nacional, y lo que mayor parte de su trabajo ha sido en competitivo. humano espectacular. Era una más recuerdo de esa temporada fue un vano, y sostengo que Aragon y Recientemente vi por primera vez personalidad increíble que se convirtió juego en el que Walker Kuylen de Stann Campos no estaban interesados en impresa (creo que vino de Wellington en campeón mundial de peso pesado a Creek (quien, creo, murió en un apoyar al Salón de la Fama porque la Ramos de Nueva York escribiendo en principios del siglo XX, cuando los accidente de tráfico años después) lista de homenajeados estaba muy este periódico) la historia de un partido afroamericanos eran linchados de sufrió una lesión masiva en la cabeza dominada por la Ciudad de Belize. de fútbol entre Orange Walk y Stann manera rutinaria y casual en los estados en una colisión cara a cara con Crane En las décadas de 1950 y 1960, Creek en la década de 1960 cuando la del sur de América. Pero, no hay ningún Major de la Ciudad de Belize). personas como Leslie Sharp en Stann gente de Stann Creek creían que Don D registro de que Jack Johnson se haya No sé cuánto tiempo mi padre fue Creek (Queen’s Park Rangers y RAC) y y Rambibi de Stann Creek “vendieron” achantado frente a ningún hombre prominente en el Consejo de Deportes, Jalil Bedran en Cayo (Rocking R y el juego a Orange Walk. La historia había blanco. Y vivía abiertamente con mujeres pero estoy seguro de que todavía Avengers) buscaron construir selecciones estado en las calles de Dangriga durante blancas. estaba allí cuando los beliceños votaron de fútbol para competir con los gigantes todas estas décadas. Orange Walk, Aconsejaría al nuevo PUP que por el Partido Unido del Pueblo (PUP) de la Ciudad de Belize en la competencia queridos, no competía con Stann Creek buscara algún tipo de puesto de y lo reemplazaron con el Partido de la ciudad capital. en el fútbol en la década de 1960. Eso consultor en deportes para Clinton Demócrata Unido (United Democratic Esta es una larga historia, y David es seguro. “Pulu” Lightburn. Sí, el hombre puede Party, UDP) en diciembre de 1984. Cruz, Sr., tiene una gran cantidad de Creo que el honorable Kevin Bernard ser considerado controvertido por El nuevo Primer Ministro del UDP, información que debería hacerse pública, de Orange Walk es el nuevo Ministro de algunos ciudadanos, pero hay una el Dr. Manuel Esquivel, nombró a un al menos con fines históricos. Pero, los Deportes del PUP. Estoy jubilado, y más historia que explica el duro camino que hombre del municipio de Orange Walk, jefes de los medios de comunicación en que eso, les he dicho antes que no quiero ha recorrido Clinton desde que gobernó el Honorable Elodio Aragon, como este país no están muy interesados en decir, escribir o hacer nada en ningún el baloncesto beliceño y fue el ídolo de ministro de Deportes de 1984 a 1989. los deportes, y ciertamente no en su momento que pueda avergonzar al la juventud beliceña durante la década Cuando regresó al poder en 1993 historia en Belize, porque la gigante Honorable Cordel, el vice líder del de 1970. Esa historia tiene que ver con después de ser rechazado en 1989, el transnacional Coca Cola ha señalado al gobernante PUP, porque tengo que la decisión de Dr. Esquivel nombró a otro hombre de deporte como su vehículo de marketing aceptar la responsabilidad de su entrada marketing Vea página  12 Page 10 AMANDALABelize Tuesday, February 2, 2021 COVID-19 measures eased; testing ramps up “Shortly, we shall also be knocking on your doors…” — Minister of Health and Wellness, Hon. Michel Chebat

BELIZE CITY, Fri. Jan. 29, 2021 During last Friday’s press conference, the Minister of Health and Wellness (MOHW), Hon. Michel Chebat, announced that COVID-19 surveillance would be even further ramped up within the coming weeks. He called on Belizean citizens to continue to cooperate with the MOHW officials in the fight against the deadly pandemic and shared that the Ministry would soon begin to come into the homes of Belizeans, to carry out increased testing and surveillance. “Since expanding our testing, we have seen a decreasing number of cases, but at the same time, we have also seen a decreasing number of persons accessing our testing services. This may be a reflection of the containment of the outbreak, but we can only be certain of this if we reach out to more people and consistently get less than five percent positivity rate for two incubation periods or 28 days,” Minister Some other modifications to the said, that only pertains to restaurants can operate, but that they can only do Chebat explained. previous measures include relaxation of and shops. If your shop license says so from private property. That is now Minister Chebat further stated that the the restrictions on the sale of alcohol that you can only sell alcohol until 9:00 changing under these new regulations, MOHW has begun testing at high-risk and also the provision that now allows p.m., that doesn’t mean you can take so food vendors are allowed to operate, institutions — those establishments food vendors to sell their meals outside advantage of the new regulations and without the need to be on private whose employees have a high level of private property. Minister of Home sell until 10:00 p.m. Absolutely not, property.” Minister Musa said. interaction with the public. Some of Affairs, Hon. Kareem Musa, shared that “Minister Musa emphasized. He added, “I want to remind food these institutions include Government businesses with liquor licenses will now He also reminded the public that bars, vendors, however, of the regulations offices, homes for the elderly, the BDF be allowed to sell alcohol up to 10:00 casinos, and night clubs will remain which speak to setting up markers camps, banks, call centers, media p.m., or until the cutoff time stipulated closed. around the vending station. So, this houses, supermarkets, and large in their specific licenses. The previous regulations that were applies to all businesses when industries. He revealed that the tourism industry in place restricted the sale of food on individuals and customers are going “Shortly, we shall also be knocking made calls to the Government to street sides and outside private into a business. There are six-foot on your doors. We will be going house request that they relax these provisions property. As mentioned, food vendors markers that are outside of businesses, to house to make sure we identify all of to allow for guests to purchase alcoholic will now be allowed to once again do and we are asking food vendors to do our citizens who may be afflicted by beverages while vacationing in the business outdoors, provided that they the same.” this virus. So, I implore you, to country outside the cutoff times. And adhere to the 6-feet social distancing COVID-19 prevention regulations continue the great job that you have thus it is that the Ministry will now allow measures and place markers for such as requirements for mask wearing been doing by continuing to adhere to the sale of alcohol until up the curfew customers near their stalls. and social distancing, and ten-person the Public Health recommendations.” cutoff time at 10:00 pm. “Previously under the last SI, it was limits to gatherings are still in place and Minister Chebat said. “Let me make this very clear: like I part of the regulation that food vendors are now ticketable offenses. UNHCR donates wash stations

by Dayne Guy was made by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) BELMOPAN, Fri, Jan. and Help for Progress, a Belizean NGO. 29, 2021 The UNHCR serves to safeguard the Handwashing is one rights and well-being, as well as protect of the key means of and rebuild the lives, of people who preventing the spread of have been forced to flee their countries COVID-19 and other as a result of conflict and violence. In infectious diseases. Belize, refugees from nearby countries Today, schools across like El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala Belmopan and and Nicaragua seek asylum in many neighboring host communities in the Toledo, Cayo communities received and Belize Districts. packages of soap, soap The communities in Belmopan and dispensers, paper their surroundings have not only towels and even wash provided a safe haven for refugees in stations to provide Belize for many years, but have also access to hand washing allowed the inclusion of refugee facilities to over 5,700 children in Belize’s educational system, students, staff and free of charge. visitors, which will help The schools of Kuxlin Ha ensure a safe Government School and St. Michael’s environment at these R.C. Preschool are two of the many learning facilities when locations where these wash stations face-to-face learning have been installed to allow for hand resumes. The donation washing with soap and clean water.

Our email address for business & advertising is [email protected] Tuesday, February 2, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 11 Page 12 AMANDALABelize Tuesday, February 2, 2021

WHAT FUTURE AWAITS BELIZE FOR 2030? Request for Proposal – Firm or Consortium The coronavirus pandemic Consultancy to develop a Docu-Series on Climate that has hit the countries of the world, with Belize not being an Change in Belize. exception, has made the majority of us completely forget about the Background: Guatemala-Belize case that is at The facilitated the development of the National Climate the International Court of Justice Change Policy, Strategy and Action Plan (NCCPSAP) which was approved in at the Hague. However, permit September 2015. Belize also submitted its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) which encapsulates the country’s Climate Change plan under the Paris me to remind you of something Agreement. that I wrote in 2016. Of course, The NCCO seeks to procure the services of a consulting firm to support the the judges will have the last word. formalization of a Docu-Series on Climate Change in Belize. This Docu-Series will I only hope that it will be on aid in building public awareness on issues and actions that the country is taking behalf of Belize. What we know to combat climate change. as 8867 is 22,966 km2. The 11,030 km2, which is from the Objectives, Duties and Responsibilities: Sibun to the Sarstoon River, is The main objective of this consultancy is to create a 10-part docu-series which the same which was given by the over what would become in 1862 will aid in building public and key stakeholder awareness of Climate Change in United States to Great Britain through British Honduras. However, the British Belize, the impacts it has and the actions the country is taking to address those the Clayton-Bulwer treaty of 1850 and never complied with Article 7, by impacts. This docu-series will also serve as a promotional tool for the National providing that compensation. An old Climate Change Office that will create awareness on climate change and its impacts the Dallas-Clarendon treaty of 1856. while informing on national climate change activities tied to its policy. Two years after, on 13th April, 1859, dispute of over a hundred and fifty Great Britain and Guatemala years has been, in this 21st Century, Expected Outputs and Deliverables celebrated a treaty recognizing the imposed on a people who have nothing • Ten (10) fully-produced video clips of approximately 4 to 8 minutes in length in present boundaries of what is today to do with greedy agreements between minimum of 1080p (HD) resolution aimed at sharing with national audience the nation state of Belize. the United States of America, the including local stakeholders, local communities as well as international audience. Nevertheless, the British and Guatemala. Each video in HD will include: Government included an article which o Video shooting and editing. outlines a commitment to give [email protected] o Narration, graphics, visuals, subtitling, audio and interviews where compensation to Guatemala for her January 29, 2021 necessary, recognition of the British sovereignty Finca Solana, o Script development. The NCCO will provide relevant information to develop the scripts. The scripts must be presented to the office for approval. o Full usage rights for music (or music for which copyright has been granted); o Audio balance the final product and convert it in formats for use on TV, radio, web. Belizeans asks o Include appropriate branding and crediting of partner and donors for the produced videos. o Clearly identify location, name and age of interviewees, quotes and any for changes relevant details • Each draft video will be presented to the NCCO for review before final Mankind was created in the image Belize was already deplorable, with a development. and likeness of God, so says the high percentage of unemployment and • A detailed work plan and shooting schedule at the start of the contract period. Hebrew-Christian Holy Scriptures. 46% of people living in poverty. • Highlight/Progress report (s) based on the consultancy upon request from the Nevertheless, with the “free will” that This leads us to the question: how National Climate Change Office. was granted to us, we were able to can poverty be reduced during a Qualification & Experience: develop the following virtues that are nation’s economic crisis? Whenever the • Exceptional photography skills, needed to triumph in this so-called head of a nation informs its people that • Outstanding videography skills, democracy with its neoliberal capitalist the country has no money not even to • Excellent photo and video editing skills, system. These are: egoism, arrogance, feed those in hunger, but can finance • Previous experience in producing international quality documentaries selfishness, anger, intolerance, greed, diplomas and the establishment of • Proven ability to work in multicultural environment, lust, conceit, cheating, lying, gossiping, programs, what taste does it produce • Ability to adhere to deadlines and flexibility, etc. Can mankind control such in the mouths of the unfortunate ones, • Experience in communication on matters behaviours? I doubt so, because it thousands of which are descendants of • Excellent interpersonal skills and flexible attitude. would not be in their personal best an enslaved people who were freed • Associate Degree with a minimum of two years working experience or bachelor’s interest, nor that of an organized group without being compensated and kept degree in English, Communication and Graphic design skills; OR in Information whose objective is to achieve in a swampy place, which for the last Technology (IT) • Strong English writing and editorial skills conditional power. three decades the transnational • Creativity and good visual sense; and an eye for detail This takes me to the achievement of capitalist predator has frothed at the • An understanding of target audiences self-government in 1964. It wouldn’t snout to convert into a tourist • Have at a minimum one (1) year experience in editing and graphic design have taken place if the leaders at the destination? This is the result of the time did not accept the entire package history of the Baymen’s Clan and their Request for Proposal Package located: in secrecy. Mind you, they will say the supporters. The citizens of Belize ask Please download the RFP package at http://procurement-notices.undp.org/ contrary, but they were not blindfolded for changes. Let it be seen. Reference No 74949 or at http://www.bz.undp.org/content/belize/en/ when they were introduced into the home/operations/procurement.html/ matter. It was an old issue that was in [email protected] the cooking ever since the Monroe January 29, 2021 Submission of Application Package: Doctrine. However, even prior to the Finca Solana Proposals are required to submit by email or in 1 sealed envelope clearly labeled RFP: Consultancy to develop a Docu-Series on Climate Change in Belize. COVID-19 pandemic, the situation in Corozal Town

United Nations Development Programme Attn: Procurement Associate 3rd Floor, Lawrence Nicholas Building. Belmopan From the Publisher en Español , Belize, C.A. Continua de página 9 de Orange Walk es un pueblo orgulloso Tel: (501) 822-2688, 0467, 4228  y honorable, y no quiero faltarles el Email: [email protected] antes mencionada de la multinacional de respeto. El colonialismo hizo que el refrescos billonaria. Y lo dejaré así. Municipio de Orange Walk fuera como Deadline for Application: Friday, February 12, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. Para terminar, diría que los primeros un pueblo hasta que se construyó la The United Nations Development Programme is committed to achieving workforce “distritos externos” que se volvieron fábrica de azúcar Tower Hill. Desde diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. ALL qualified individuals are competitivos con la Ciudad de Belize entonces, el Municipio de Orange Walk equally encouraged to apply. en el fútbol fueron Stann Creek (con la se ha convertido en un gran éxito. Esto ayuda de Honduras) y Cayo. La gente es real. Tuesday, February 2, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 13 Gyms and churches to open at 50 percent capacity BELIZE CITY, Fri. Jan. 29, 2021 As a result of the relaxation of quarantine regulations, gyms and churches will finally be allowed to reopen at 50% capacity. The Minister of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries noted, however, that gym owners will have to ensure that they keep a log of names, phone numbers, and temperature readings of all persons who use the facility. He also outlined that persons wishing to go to the gym must do so by appointment. For churches, services will be limited to one hour, and parishioners Please turn toPage 16

Request for Proposal – Firm or Consortium Consultancy

Consultancy to Update Belize’s National Climate Change Policy, Strategy and Action Plan

Background: selection criteria report for data and information generated for the sectors identified, Belize ratified to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change along with all data sets collected, assumptions, and reference materials utilized. (UNFCCC) in 1994, the Kyoto Protocol in 2003 and the Paris Agreement in 2016. In that same year, Belize submitted its Third National Communication and its first Qualification & Experience: Nationally Determined Contributions which embodies planned efforts to reduce The selected Consulting Firm or Consortium will identify the team of consultants, national emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. By ratifying to the including a designated team leader. Certification in Evaluation is desirable: UNFCCC, Belize committed to addressing climate change issues, protecting its people Key Expert 1: Policy and Strategy Specialist (Team Leader) and resources from its impacts through both adaptation and mitigation means, and - Qualifications and skills: University degree in economics, management or related putting in efforts and measures to curtail the emissions of greenhouse gases that field. Post-graduate degree and specialist training in the development of policy contribute to climate change. and strategy, government/public policy or natural resource economics or management preferred. Climate change is a very serious threat to sustainable development in Belize - General professional experience: At least five years (for BSc) and three years (for especially considering its geographical location and dependence on natural resources. MSc) continuous working experience in the field. Belize’s geographical location causes the country to be vulnerable to the risks of sea - Specific professional experience: Demonstrated experience in the preparation level rise and increasing frequency and intensity of tropical storms, while the of policy and strategy reports for national governments and the technical review economic dependence on natural resources are threatened by rising temperatures of national reports and relevant international documents. and resulting impacts on climate sensitive sectors of the economy. To facilitate climate Key Expert 2: Climate Change Specialist: resilience, in 2015 the Government of Belize developed the first edition of the National - Qualifications and skills: Post-graduate degree in climate science, physical sciences Climate Change Policy, Strategy and Action Plan (NCCPSAP) which describes the or related field. country’s efforts to address climate change and directs the implementation of - General professional experience: At least five (5) years continuous working sectoral initiatives to mitigate and adapt to climate change. experience in the field and preferably with specialised training in climate modelling. According to the NCCPSAP, the document is to be revised to accommodate for new - Specific professional experience: Specific work experience in climate change scientific findings and the determination of updated measures to help enhance the adaptation and/or mitigation. Knowledge and understanding of development resilience of sectors and built infrastructure and to reduce potential vulnerabilities issues and relevant work experience in particular familiarity with technical to the effects of climate change and climate variability. Its goal is to guide short, concepts related to environment and Climate Change issues. Familiarity with medium- and long-term processes of climate change adaptation and mitigation in relevant global conventions and agreements or experience in the UNFCCC climate accordance with national prospects for sustainable development in addition to change regime will be an asset. regional and international commitments. Key Expert 3: Institutional Development/Legal Specialist - Qualifications and skills: University degree in economics, the social sciences, or The Policy covers the persistent issues that Belize faces including its vulnerability to related field. Post-graduate degree and/or specialist training in economics, crop production, food security, natural disasters, loss in biodiversity, human health environmental law or related fields preferred. conditions and as well as on housing and infrastructure. Therefore, the National - General professional experience: At least five years (for BSc) and three years (for Climate Change Policy, Strategy and Action Plan provides policy guidance for the MSc) continuous working experience in the field. development of an appropriate administrative and legislative framework, in harmony - Specific professional experience: Specific work experience in the use of socio- with other sectoral policies, for the pursuance of a low-carbon development path economic models, climate change adaptation or in the design and application of for Belize. legal and institutional instruments. Good working relations with government and non-government entities, private sector and other civil society stakeholders Objectives, Duties and Responsibilities: including academia and with strong research skills and experience. The overall purpose of the consultancy is to update the National Climate Change Policy, Strategy and Action Plan (NCCPSAP), to be named the National Climate Change Other Experts Policy, Strategy and Master Plan (NCCPSMP), taking into account new information CVs for experts other than the key experts will not be evaluated/scored during on vulnerabilities and needs, technologies and actions for mitigation and adaptation the tender evaluation but should be included in tenders. and means of implementation, in order to reflect progress in Belize’s preparedness to respond to the impacts of climate change covering the period 2021 to 2025. Request for Proposal Package located: Please download the RFP package at http://procurement-notices.undp.org/ Specifically, the consultancy aims: Reference No 74950 or at http://www.bz.undp.org/content/belize/en/ • To update the national climate change scenarios and conduct climate impact studies home/operations/procurement.html/ using ensemble modelling techniques • To update the organizational, institutional and legislative framework supporting Submission of Application Package: national climate change governance Proposals are required to submit by email or in 2 sealed envelopes clearly labeled • To develop a Master Plan identifying actionable programmes for implementation RFP: Consultancy to Update Belize’s National Climate Change Policy, Strategy and within the policy period Action Plan

Expected Outputs and Deliverables United Nations Development Programme i. Inception report including a detailed work plan and implementation schedule. Attn: Procurement Associate ii. Report on the inception workshop to launch the update of the NCCPSAP 3rd Floor, Lawrence Nicholas Building. Belmopan iii. Report on the analysis and assessment of the Policy including the comprehensive Cayo District, Belize, C.A. political, environmental, social, technological, economic and legal analysis and Tel: (501) 822-2688, 0467, 4228 updated situational analysis. Email: [email protected] iv. Consolidated Report for stakeholder consultations held for Task #8. v. Draft one (1) of the updated National Climate Change Policy, Strategy and Master Deadline for Application: Monday, February 15, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. Plan. vi. Report on the national validation workshop, Task #11. The United Nations Development Programme is committed to achieving workforce vii. Final draft of the updated National Climate Change Policy, Strategy and Master diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. ALL qualified individuals are Plan, inclusive of submission of elaborate excel files for data and methodology equally encouraged to apply. Page 14 AMANDALABelize Tuesday, February 2, 2021

“Press” Predictions; 99-28-50 Boledo stats thru 2nd to 9th Feb., 2021 The Los Angeles Clippers lead the by Gilroy “Press” Cadogan In boledo news, the thirties series has West played some 6 times already. These are NBA results and predictions my lucky numbers for this week: 99- 28-50-78-58-38. These are my lucky jackpot numbers: 6348-7651-3945. These are my lucky PICK-3 numbers: 764-012-589-303-629-909. Get ready Belize some dinero will be coming our way. The only ending ball left is the 8 ball, all of the leading series has played already. There are 3 numbers that played twice already: 03-10-36. Some doubles will be out plentiful in February, keep In NBA action, the Los Angeles Lakers your eyes open for 99-66 and 88, the had won 11 straight road games, then public’s favorite doubles are 44 and 22; the Philadelphia 76ers edged the Lakers Liverpool, Leicester City and Everton 00 and 33 played already. 59 has not by just one point, then Detroit Pistons back to back Super Bowls, Brady will are still in the top 5 standings. Raheem played for over 1 year and 8 months beat them also but by some 8 points, be in his 10th Super Bowl. He has 4 Sterling is the top striker for Manchester and 2 days now, 04 is long overdue LeBron James had 46 points in 2 straight MVPs and he is in all of the play-off City, Mason Greenwood and Marcus now, still out for over 1 year 2 months games, he is having a MVP season. The stats, he have 33 wins, he have the most Rashford are Manchester United’s top Friday. There are 10 numbers still not East has some parity right now. The touchdowns, he have the most passing 2 strikers, Chelsea is struggling, played from 2020, they are 04-17-21- Boston Celtics’ with Kemba Walker lost yards. Brady is the most decorated NFL Tottenham Hotspurs beat Brighton. In 47-49-59-68-70-79-85, you all can form by just one point to the Lakers, the player ever, but Mahomes is the new face the La Liga, Atletico Madrid beat Getafe some nice jackpots out of those hard Indiana Pacers are struggling right now. of the NFL, the best ever vs the present 4 goals to 2. Luis Suarez scored 2 goals, numbers. In 2019 these 2 numbers The Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis best. This year’s Super Bowl Lionel Messi leads the La Liga with 12 played a lot, 49 did play 5 times and 85 Antetokounmpo is the back to back commercials are for 1 minute, the cost goals, Kareem Benzema has 10 goals, did play some 6 times, but in 2020 those MVP at present. The Miami Heat is over 5 million dollars, the Super Bowl Real Madrid lost to Levante 2 to 1, FC 2 numbers were a no show. Keep your snapped a 5-game losing streak, Jimmy is viewed by over 2 billion people all Barcelona is at the third spot. Real eyes open for 49 and 85. They will be Butler is playing again. The West has over the world, a lot of Belizeans will be Sociedad and Valencia are in the top 5 out very soon, Good luck to all buyers; some serious competition, the Utah Jazz riding very hard with our own boy, this standings. In the Bundesliga in Germany, remember to read you Psalms: 76-91- and Donovan Mitchell are rolling, they game will be very exciting and very Bayern Munich beat Hoffenheim 4 goals 62, next week more stats. are now 15-4, the Los Angeles Clippers entertaining. In their only meeting of the to 1, Thomas Mueller leads with 10 goals are at the top of the conference right regular season, the Chiefs beat the in that league. The UEFA Champion of now at 16-4, Kawhi Leonard and Paul Buccaneers by just 3 points, Brady will Champions will resume this weekend, George are playing very well. The want some revenge at the right time; next there are 16 teams left in the knockout Phoenix Suns and Chris Paul are jelling, week more results. stage; next week more stats. the Bucks are 17-5, the Celtics are 16-5. Bradley Beal is still leading the league in scoring with an average of 32 points a night, Kevin Durant is in second with an average of 31 points, this season will be only 72 games. Next week more stats. The Charlo brothers want Saul “Canelo” Alvarez very soon International boxing results and updates In international boxing action, Fox Sports had 3 nice fights, Caleb Plant 23- 1-18KOs won a unanimous decision over Caleb Truax, the fight was not as The National Team will upset competitive as anticipated. But the other Haiti 2 fights on the undercard had more Local football updates and fireworks. ESPN will have some action predictions coming up in 2 weeks’ time. Showtime In local football updates, in 40 days will have a championship fight this month the Belize National Team will have 4 also, the Belizean, Jarrell “Big Baby” games in a 2-month span, they will go Miller’s ban has been lifted, he will go to Haiti for a game on the 25th of March, into action very soon. Tyson Fury will then in April, they will ago to Nicaragua. face off against Anthony Joshua very The 2 home games will be in May, St. soon for the heavyweight title, the Lucia will be here then Turks and The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will undisputed. There are a lot of big fights Caicos will also be here. The Belize upset the Kansas City Chiefs by 10pts on the horizon, the welterweight division Team will have 8 players that are NFL Super Bowl predictions Manchester City leads the EPL with has the most and the best upcoming experienced internationally, the coach In NFL action, the 55th Super Bowl 44 points matchups, the lighter fighters always is Mr. Dale Pelayo, Sr. The team still will be in Tampa Bay Florida this International football results and provide more action; next week more has Norman Anderson, one of our best Sunday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will predictions stats. young player right now, each player has surprise the Kansas City Chiefs by some In international football action, the their own ball the FFB gave to them. 10 points, 32 to 22. Tom Brady will have EPL is the hottest league in the world, Each player is working out on his own, 3 touchdown passes. The Chiefs’ any of the bottom teams can beat any each player runs 6 miles a day for 5 defense will not play up to expectations, of the top teams on a given day. times a week. The team will have only Patrick Mahomes will get sacked at least Manchester City beat Sheffield United 23 players, some 9 to 10 players will 3 times, the Bucs defense with Belizean 1 goal to nil, then Manchester United get cut. Woodrow West is still our American Rakeem Nunez Roches will drew with Arsenal nil-nil; Manchester number one goal keeper in Belize; next be very outstanding. The game will have City leads the table with 44 points week more stats. a lot of fans, Mahomes is seeking to win Manchester United have 41 points, Tuesday, February 2, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 15

KREM Television Program Guide Shoa Wiself, Si Wiself, Bee Wiself!!! Questions or comments may be forwarded via email to Phone: 202-5848 [email protected] Another Belizean American, Tuesday February 2, 2021 to Monday February 8, 2021 Deshawon Nembhard to join TUESDAY 6:30 a.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (LIVE) our National Senior Team 9:00 a.m. Morning Stew (LIVE) 12:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) 1:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now 2:00 p.m. Movie: Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry Town, Belize and moved to 3:30 p.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (repeat) Dallas, Texas at age four. He 6:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (LIVE) started playing football at age 7:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now 8 for Solar Chelsea Academy 8:00 p.m. Documentary: War of Insects and continued playing with 9:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) them until he was 18 years. He also played with Southern WEDNESDAY 6:30 a.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (LIVE) Methodist University 9:00 a.m. Morning Stew (LIVE) throughout his freshman year, 12:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) where he led the team in assists 1:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now and was 3rd in minutes. 2:00 p.m. Movie: Something To Sing About Additionally, Nembhard also 3:30 p.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (repeat) made the All-Conference 6:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (LIVE) freshman team. 7:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now “In 2014, he transferred to 8:00 p.m. Documentary: Descent Into The Ice Florida International University 9:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) where he continued playing football. He played with them THURSDAY for four years in which they 6:30 a.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (LIVE) 9:00 a.m. Morning Stew (LIVE) won two Conference USA 12:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) championships, had two 1:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now NCAA tournament 2:00 p.m. Movie: The Marva Collins Story appearances, as well as an 3:30 p.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (repeat) undefeated regular season. 6:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (LIVE) “Nembhard notes that his 7:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now professional season was with 8:00 p.m. Belizean Legend: Bredda David Charleston Battery of the USL 9:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) Championship, in which he recorded 2 assists and reached FRIDAY the Eastern Conference 6:30 a.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (LIVE) 9:00 a.m. Morning Stew (LIVE) semifinals. It is also important 12:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) to note that he played with FC 1:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now Miami City in 2018. 2:00 p.m. Movie: The Stan Tookie Williams Story “Currently he is a free agent 3:30 p.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (repeat) BELIZE CITY, Mon. Feb. 1, 2021 ahead of the 2021 USL Championship 6:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (LIVE) With Covid-19 restrictions still in season. 7:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now place against competitive football “Nembhard shared that he is proud 8:00 p.m. Belizean Legend: Eljai Royal games in Belize, the Football Federation and honored to have the opportunity 9:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) of Belize (FFB) has been seeking to represent Belize at the national level talented foreign-based Belizeans to and vows to give his best in the interest SATURDAY strengthen its playing roster for of the team and the country.” 9:00 a.m. Documentary: Children in prison for life sentence upcoming World Cup qualifiers in late From oursportscentral.com article, 9:51 p.m. Movie: 4 Little Girls March of this year. In a press release 11:30 p.m. Documentary: Giant Octopus “Battery Sign Former FIU Standout, 12:16 p.m. Movie: Snowden on Wednesday, January 20, the FFB Deshawon Nembhard,” dated February 2:29 p.m. Documentary: Japan’s War in Colour welcomed the latest recruit, Deshawon 10, 2020: 4:04 p.m. Movie: The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman Nembhard, to our National Senior “Following a successful first season 5:54 p.m. Documentary: Made In China - Fake Factory Capital Of The Team. (Earlier on that same date, the with SMU, Nembhard transferred to World FFB had also introduced Glenford Florida International University (FIU). 7:14 p.m. Movie: The Vernon Johns Story Anthony Gentle III as a new member Over the next three years, Nembhard 8:00 p.m. Music Videos of its U19 national team.) would go on to make 36 appearances 26-year-old Deshawon Nembhard for the Panthers, starting in 25 matches. SUNDAY last played as a left-back defender with His offensive game paid dividends for 10:30 a.m. Sunday Review (LIVE) Charleston Battery of the USL in its the Panthers as Nembhard scored two 12:00 p.m. Documentary: Ostrich’s Life 2020 season. At 6’1" and 187 lbs, 12:42 p.m. Movie: Lion goals his senior year, both of which 2:38 p.m. Documentary: Sahara Desert Deshawon seems to be made of the proved to be match-winners, while 4:01 p.m. Movie: Soylent Green right stuff, and he has also adding on one assist. Nembhard 5:30 p.m. Sunday Review (repeat) demonstrated a flair for the attack. (See finished with five assists while at FIU 7:00 p.m. Sunday Jazz below.) and helped the Panthers take down 8:00 p.m. Music Videos From the FFB release: Omaha, 2-0, in the 2017 NCAA “Nembhard was born in Corozal tournament.” Monday 6:30 a.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (LIVE) 9:00 a.m. Morning Stew (LIVE) 12:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) Our email address for business & advertising is 1:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now 2:00 p.m. Movie: White Water [email protected] 3:30 p.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (repeat) 6:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (LIVE) 7:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now Our email address for news, letters and articles is 8:00 p.m. Belizean Legend: Lennox Samuels 9:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) [email protected] Page 16 AMANDALABelize Tuesday, February 2, 2021 New measures introduced to improve public transport by Dayne Guy passengers. Passengers have been registered in the name of a valid RSP for repeat offenders, who fail to abide required to wear masks at all times, holder or their company’s name. There by the traffic laws and for those who BELMOPAN, Fri. Jan. 29, 2021 and if a passenger were to exhibit flu- will be penalties for existing bus owners failed to clear arrears before the board It has been a difficult time for the like symptoms, they would be who have failed to apply for renewal of makes a decision. The board will give public transport sector. Bus operators disallowed from riding. their permit at least three months prior ample time for arrears to be cleared. have been required to clean and In response to concerns expressed to the expiration date, and operators As a final measure, there will be regular sanitize buses with extra scrutiny, by various stakeholders within the without a valid permit will be charged meetings between the board and the ensuring that the bus is cleaned at industry, the Ministry of Public Utilities, and their omnibus will be impounded. Belize Bus Association to address every terminal. There have also been Energy and Logistics, along with the Permits may be suspended or revoked issues affecting the operators. efforts to implement a ticketing system newly elected members of the Belize to monitor the number of passengers Transport Board and the Belize Bus in each vehicle. The percentage of the Association, will be implementing new total holding capacity of buses that measures to improve the public MOHW prepares for third operators have been allowed to fill has transport industry. been subject to change, ranging from The process for applying for Road values of 50% to 75% of the bus’s Service Permits (RSP) will be carefully wave and new variants capacity that could be occupied by examined, and there will be increased seated passengers only, and in extreme vigilance in reviewing first-time cases, buses have been disallowed applicants. Renewals will also no longer from operating. Bus operators have be automatic, but will be granted based also been required to provide on the operations and compliance with additional buses during rush hours to traffic laws and terms of the Road allow social distancing among Service Permit. All buses must be MOHW getting ready for vaccines

BELIZE CITY, Fri. Jan. 29, 2021 make it onto our shores. Across the world, new mutations of “Across the world, there is now a the SARS-COV2 virus are appearing. third wave, and recently we have seen The two most recent of these mutations lockdowns in Barbados and Trinidad that are currently wreaking havoc in and Tobago. We at the Ministry of multiple nations are the UK and South Health and Wellness continue to be African variants. Both of these variants vigilant, and we will use this time to have been identified in the United States, prepare for the third wave, which will and recently the UK variant was found inevitably reach our shores,” Hon. in Mexico. These new mutations are Chebat shared. causing more widespread infection Recently, Belize sent samples to across those countries, as they are Texas’ Baylor College and the believed to be more contagious than Caribbean Public Health Agency for the original COVID-19 virus. genotype testing in search of signs of A third wave of COVID-19 cases has the new COVID-19 variants. Minister begun in parts of Europe and is largely Chebat said that the country is prepared BELIZE CITY, Fri. Jan. 29, 2021 Wellness to shortly commence our attributed to the new, more infectious should they find a variant in samples As previously reported, Belize has education campaign on the vaccines.” variants. The Ministry of Health and from Belize. already paid a portion of its Minister Chebat shared. Wellness in Belize is now bracing for “We anticipate that we are going to commitment to the COVAX facility to The World Health Organization the inevitability of a third wave, which be getting results over the weekend. And secure COVID-19 vaccines for at least (WHO) and UNICEF, in partnership will also possibly be triggered by a new depending on those results, we already a third of the population. The country with GAVI and others, have created a variant. have in place certain measures that we is in partnership with PAHO and WHO Vaccine Readiness Assessment Tool During last Friday’s press will need to implement right away. As to determine the brand of vaccine that (VIRAT) portal. This portal is intended conference, Minister Michel Chebat you all know, especially the UK variant will be delivered to Belize, so that the to be used by the various ministries of said that his Ministry is being proactive, is known to be, it has a very high rate country can start its inoculation health across the world to identify areas and has thus made preparations and put of infection, much higher than the program. Officials from the Ministry of where support may be needed. The measures in place which will be current strain that we know of,” Minister Health and Wellness have said that the portal provides a roadmap for countries activated whenever those new variants Chebat said. vaccines are expected to be in the to plan for the COVID-19 vaccine and country by the end of the first quarter. a structured framework for countries Minister Chebat estimated that that to self-monitor their readiness progress these vaccines may arrive late in the first against key milestones. Gyms and churches to open quarter or early in the second, which The Ministry of Health and Wellness would be sometime around the middle has put together a team dedicated to at 50 percent capacity or end of April. organizing the national vaccination plan, “As we have said before, Belize is a according to Minister Chebat. Continued from Page 13 allowed to have service, weddings are part of the COVAX facility, and we are “I am happy to say that we have a  still restricted to ten, and funerals are still expecting receipt of the vaccine in the team at the Ministry of Health and are asked to adhere to social distancing restricted to ten,” he said. He also country either by end of the first quarter Wellness who are looking particularly protocol during services. outlined that these services must last one of this year or by the early part of the at the vaccines and national plan and “It is 50% of the building capacity, hour from the start of the service. second quarter of this year. So, we are the deployment of the vaccines. We do because if we get 50% of the Like other businesses, gyms will be looking at possibly March to April. have in our hands the national plans that membership, you might have 3,000 subjected to oversight from a peace However, we are not just relying on the we are going to be sharing with the people inna one church, soh, let’s make officer on a case-by-case basis. As COVAX facility, but we have also Cabinet before we make it public, but I it very clear, 50% of the building capacity mentioned, gym owners will be entered into bilateral discussions to can tell you definitively that it is drafted is what is meant by the legislation.” Hon. responsible for logging attendance and access other sources of vaccines. We and that it is ready to go,” Minister Musa stated. additionally must sanitize all exercise also expect the Ministry of Health and Chebat said. Minister Musa also took the equipment after each use. In justifying opportunity to also clarify how the the reopening of gyms after a 10-month regulations apply to the holding of other closure, Minister Musa outlined that they religious services such as weddings and determined that the activities at those AMANDALA is cream! funerals. “Even though churches are facilities are not contact sports. Tuesday, February 2, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 17 BDF celebrates 43 years of service

LADYVILLE, Fri. Jan 29, 2021 who was apprehended for alleged The BDF was formed in 1978 via Brigadier General Steven Ortega, also January 2021 marked the 43rd involvement in the landing of a drug the amalgamation of the Belize Volunteer shared a few words with the media to anniversary of the Belize Defence plane), the BDF still made their way to Guards and the Police Special Force. express his sentiments: Force, and while some of the BDF’s the Sir Colville Young Parade Square It is customary for the anniversary “It is very significant. It is a milestone members have brought disrepute to the at the Price Barracks in Ladyville to host ceremony to be held at the end of for us in that this time we acknowledge organization (most notably a soldier a commemorative ceremony. January each year, followed by the Open people who have set the foundation for House, which takes place on Saturday. the BDF and we also showcased Due to COVID-19 restrictions, ourselves to the future [recruits] who COVID-19 Update however, the soldiers could only are expected to come into the force. commemorate their day by marching So it is a very joyous and happy time (From Page 1) during their private ceremony. for us,” he said. This did not deter the proud soldiers Both the Brigadier General and from displaying their discipline and Minister Marin, Jr., mentioned that their professionalism as they stood shoulder future endeavors will be geared at to shoulder in full regalia. The newly increasing the size of the BDF and appointed Minister of National Defence ramping up border security. and Border Security, Hon. Florencio “If you notice, our operation Marin, Jr., was also in attendance, as continues to grow, so we expect the well as his Minister of State, Hon. Oscar numbers for the force to grow as our Mira. Hon. Marin, Jr., spoke with all commitment grows, and with growing members of the media in attendance on comes all the necessary assets and Friday during a joint interview and resources that go along with that,” stated that it was a “special, special day” Brigadier General Ortega said. for those who have served and continue He added, “We had to downscale to serve in the force. Marin also called everything because of COVID, so that on members of the BDF to set the is why they only had two detachments example and “serve as a source of pride on parade, and we try to complement and inspiration for the rest of the it with non-personnel, meaning we had country.” the vehicles in the background, just to The Commander of the BDF, have it look a bit more.”

BELIZE CITY, Mon. Feb. 1, 2021 quarantine regulations, and reduced the On February 1, the Ministry of Health curfew period by two hours. The and Wellness enacted an updated set of Ministry also introduced a ticketing system and announced a partial reopening of gyms and churches. The COVID-19 numbers in the country have been on a steady decrease since epi-week 51, according to Minister Chebat. He remarked that the adjustments that have been made to previous measures are not to be considered a relaxation of the protocols, but a mere modification of the measures which are in place. Recent data from the Ministry of VACANCY Health that was released on February 1 shows that there have been a total of VACANCY: Employment 11,945 confirmed cases in the country opportunity within the agricultural since the start of the pandemic. Of that sector/General Farm Employee. number, 290 cases remain active within Interested candidates must possess a Belize. About 11,353 recoveries have current Police Record and be social been reported, and unfortunately, 302 security registered. Call 650-9083 for persons have passed away. an appointment. Between January 31 and February 1, officials from the Ministry of Health and Wellness processed about 902 tests. women have passed away as a result of six countries and territories participating LIQUOR LICENCE Among the samples tested, 33 new COVID-19 in Belize. The case fatality in COVAX received letters about the cases were identified. One new death was rate stands at 2.53%, but fortunately, estimated number of doses of NOTICE recorded — of a man from the Cayo 95% of all cases in Belize are recorded AstraZeneca vaccine that they could be District. The Ministry also recorded 44 as recovered. receiving from the second half of LIQUOR LICENCE NOTICE: new recoveries on that day. On February Over the past 24 hours, 3,884 deaths February through the second quarter of Notice is hereby given that Jerardo 1, 10 persons were hospitalized due to were recorded across the Americas, and 2021.” Samayoa is applying for a Liquor severe symptoms of the COVID-19 181,763 new cases were recorded. As A previous release from PAHO issued Licence, to be operated at Las Palapas virus. Of that number, 3 were in need of the pandemic rages on, the hopes are on January 31 named Belize as one of Restaurant, Hummingbird Highway, intensive care. that developing countries will soon the 36 countries in Latin America and Armenia, Cayo District, under the On January 30, 31 new cases were commence an inoculation program. In the Caribbean to benefit from the rollout Intoxicating Liquor Licence Ordinance found from a batch of 387 tests done, Belize, the Ministry of Health and of 25.3 million doses of the AstraZeneca Revised Edition 2000. and 15 persons were classified as Wellness is in constant talks with PAHO vaccine in this region. LIQUOR LICENCE NOTICE: recovered. No new death was recorded and the COVAX facility to meet the The AstraZeneca vaccine is reported Notice is hereby given that Eileen De on that day. On the previous day, January timeline set for the vaccination rollout in to have an efficacy rate of 90%. La Cruz is applying for a Shop Liquor 29, however, 3 COVID-19-related Belize, before the first quarter of 2021. For now, the Ministry of Health and Licence, to be operated at G&N fatalities were recorded — all women. There is a chance that the AstraZeneca Wellness continues to call on all Grocery, 53 A, Mahogany Heights, Mile One of the women was from the Stann vaccine may be the chosen jab to reach Belizeans to adhere to the protocols in 31, George Price Hwy, under the Creek District, another from Corozal, our shores. In a release issued by the place. Belizeans must also become Intoxicating Liquor Licence Ordinance and the third from Toledo. Pan American Health Organization on versed in the new protocols to avoid any Revised Edition 2000. To date, a total of 199 men and 103 February 1, they indicated that “thirty- run-ins with the law. Page 18 AMANDALABelize Tuesday, February 2, 2021 rules in favour of female cops with dreadlocks

violated section 7 of their Standing be celebrated.” Order. The two claimants felt the The Commissioner of Police, Chester regulations were unconstitutional, since, Williams, also weighed in on the ruling, according to one of the two women, her saying that the court’s decision has wearing of dreadlocks is a part of her prompted his department to revisit the Rastafarian faith, while the other claimant regulations with a view to coming in line asserted that the hairstyle is an with the recent ruling from the high court. expression of her African identity. The He also said that the Police Department women were represented by attorney long ago moved on from this matter. Leslie Mendez, who said that the “The officers involved, they have decision is to be celebrated as a victory been working, and we have no issue. for black women’s right to expression Some of them have been promoted, even of their identity. with their dreadlocks, and the court ruling And while a written judgment has not is the court ruling,” Commissioner of been delivered yet, the oral judgment, Police Chester Williams shared. handed down by Justice Sonya He added, “While, yes, I do believe Young, will prompt employers to that women should be able to express consider the implications of applying themselves, particularly in terms of how regulations within companies that may their natural appearance is supposed to BELIZE CITY, Fri. Jan. 29, 2021 Police Department’s regulations are PC seem standard on the surface but infringe be, I do believe that when it comes to The delivered Shantel Berry and PC Alleeya Wade, who on certain rights of employees. professional organizations, that there a landmark ruling on Friday, January 29, lodged a joint constitutional claim against During an interview with News5 last must be some guidelines that women 2021 in favour of female police officers the department that resulted in this week, attorney Leslie Mendez said, “The should be able to follow.” who faced disciplinary charges for precedent-setting court decision. right to protection against The attorney for the claimants shared refusing to remove their dreadlocks. The In May 2019, five female officers discriminatory treatment doesn’t only that in other jurisdictions, similar actions court ruled that such regulations were an faced disciplinary charges after they guarantee that you are going to be of this nature in high courts have been infringement on those officers’ right to refused to remove their dreadlocks. At treated the same, but rather it also unsuccessful. As a result, the country freedom of expression, among others. the time, the Police Department had said guarantees that our differences will be and region owe these two brave WPC’s The two officers who challenged the that the wearing of such a hairstyle accommodated and our differences will a debt of gratitude. Myanmar coup: Aung San Belmopan 16-year-old community charged with Suu Kyi detained as grocer murdered murder of military seizes control Kenrick Drysdale Continued from „Page 1 Southeast Asian. Mayanmar. Mon. Feb Peace Prize in 1991.But her place at his establishment. Reports Continued from Page 1 1st 2021- BBC News international reputation suffered from police are that the community „ Myanmar’s military has seized severely following an army crackdown grocer was shot by an unknown 2021, Kenrick Drysdale, the owner of power after detaining Aung San Suu on the mostly Muslim Rohingya assailant of dark complexion who One Love Car Wash, located in Kyi and other democratically elected minority. Former supporters accused entered his store and proceeded to rob Dangriga, was gunned down by a minor leaders.Troops are patrolling the her of refusing to condemn the military the business, as well as two delivery at his place of business. Police have streets and a night-time curfew is in or acknowledge accounts of atrocities. men who were in the store. since reported that the 16-year-old force, with a one-year state of In the early hours of Monday, the Video footage of the incident shows young man has been arrested and emergency declared.US President Joe army’s TV station said power had a lone gunman, wearing a surgical mask, charged with murder. Biden raised the threat of new been handed over to commander-in- entering the business and looking Drysdale was shot twice while in the sanctions, with the UN and UK also chief Min Aung Hlaing.Ms Suu Kyi, around before confronting the three company of a friend at his business condemning the coup. President Win Myint and other leaders other men. He seemed to have uttered place on Commerce Street in Dangriga The army alleges the recent of the National League for Democracy some words and a struggle ensued, and Town. He was rushed to the Southern landslide election win by Ms Suu Kyi’s (NLD) were arrested in a series of it was at that point that the first shot Regional Hospital before police could party was marred by fraud. She urged raids. It is not clear where they are was fired, hitting Baldarez. arrive on the scene and was supporters to “protest against the being held.No major violence has been A wounded Baldarez then proceeded pronounced dead shortly after. His coup”.In a letter written in preparation reported. Soldiers blocked roads in the to chase the fleeing gunman outside the death is the most recent in a string of for her impending detention, she said capital, Nay Pyi Taw, and the main building, but was shot a second time, murders that have taken place in the military’s actions would put the city, Yangon. International and before the gunman ran off in the next Dangriga. The Commissioner of Police country back under a dictatorship.The domestic TV channels, including the direction. The assailant, seen dressed said that he is actively engaged in that military has already announced state broadcaster, went off air. Internet in a blue sweater, returned to the shop area with a view to rebuilding trust replacements for a number of and phone services were disrupted. before the footage ended. between the Police Department and the ministers. Banks said they had been forced to Police are currently seeking this community. On the streets of the main city, close. suspect, who reportedly also robbed The well-known Dangriga resident Yangon, people said they felt their Later, the military announced that 24 the delivery men who were doing was shot in the chest and lower back hard-fought battle for democracy had ministers and deputies had been business at the establishment. Head of by the minor, who left six rounds of been lost. removed, and 11 replacements had been National CIB, Assistant Commissioner 9mm ammunition at the scene — four One 25-year-old resident, who named, including in finance, health, the of Police, Joseph Myvett, has said that expended and two live. Police said that asked not to be named, told the BBC: interior and foreign affairs. the person in question is not a known a 9mm pistol was also found on the “Waking up to learn your world has A curfew is now reportedly in effect suspect and has not been identified as minor while he was being detained. been completely turned upside down from 20:00 local time to 06:00 (13:30- yet. To date, no possible motive for the overnight was not a new feeling, but a 23:30 GMT). According to Baldarez’ son, his murder has been established, but police feeling that I thought that we had The military takeover follows weeks father died as a hero. According to him, have informed the media that the minor moved on from, and one that I never of tensions between the armed forces and his father was defending his sister, who was acquainted with the victim. thought we’d be forced to feel again.” the government following parliamentary was also in the shop at the time, and Myanmar, also known as Burma, elections lost by the army-backed also the two men from the Big-H juice was ruled by the armed forces until opposition.The opposition had company. He said that his father has AMANDALA 2011, when democratic reforms led by demanded a re-run of the election, raising always been a defender of others and a Aung San Suu Kyi ended military allegations of widespread fraud that were hard worker. He noted that this is the The newspaper with rule.She spent nearly 15 years in not backed by the electoral commission. first robbery that has ever taken place the greatest detention between 1989 and 2010. She at the business, since his father was was internationally hailed as a beacon This story was first published by known and respected as a father-figure circulation in Belize! of democracy and received the Nobel BBC News. in the community. Tuesday, February 2, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 19 Curfew extended to 10:00 p.m. for adults 6:00 p.m.” Continued from Page 1 Minister Chebat said. enforcement of this particular „ As mentioned, curfew regulations provision, we have requested that Violating the curfew, or other to have no end. Despite the cries from will remain unchanged for minors; police officers exercise their discretion restrictions, is now a ticketable the public since its enactment at the however, the Minister of Home as it relates to this particular point, offense. Persons found outside during time, however, the effectiveness of the Affairs and New Growth Industries because other than that, there should curfew hours will be given $500.00 curfew is indisputable. According to is requesting that police officers be no reason.” Minster Musa said. tickets, but will no longer be detained, the Minister of Health and Wellness, exercise discretion in cases where When asked if the children of processed, and arraigned for the Hon. Michel Chebat, the country parents must pick children up after tourists would be allowed to be out offense. Musa shared that this started to see improved results from the curfew hour of 6:00 p.m. has with their parents after the curfew decision will not only bring added epi-week 51. passed. He also noted that families hours, Hon. Musa added, “ I’m not revenue to the country, but will also “We cannot afford to let our guard on vacation will have to adhere to the a fan of having different rules apply reduce police interaction with the down; we are not relaxing, we are regulations if they do have minors with to different locations across the public. only modifying. Don’t be afraid to get them. country; I like it across the board — The estimated end date of the tested, continue to access our testing “While the law says that the minors Belizeans and tourists, the same curfew is March 2, 2021 — 30 days sites and let us keep our population have to be inside by 6:00, we are very applies, and so if the tourist comes from the new curfew’s start date on safe. Since epi-week 51, which is aware that there are a lot of parents with their family and their young February 1. At that time the December 13 – 19, 2020, to epi-week who have to pick up their children from children, then you can have dinner in Government of Belize will decide 3, which is January 17 to 23, 2021, a grandmother or a babysitter or what your room, you can have dinner at whether to extend the measure or end we have seen a steady decrease in have you, and so in the Police your hotel, you’re on your premises. the curfew, depending on the positivity rate from 20% to 10%,” Department, when it comes to the And so, they’re not to be out after COVID-19 numbers at that time. Narco plane busted with over 2000 pounds of cocaine

Continued from Page 1 minutes later, they saw a boat in the Hill boat. An additional 23 parcels were found as found property, even though we can „ Bank lagoon heading west at high speed. on the landing site. see that the packaging of the two bales night. Nine men, including two police They were not able to catch this vessel, “We took possession of the content found with the group of 9 is the same as officers and one BDF soldier, were but shortly after saw a next boat coming of vessel and the individuals — they were the packaging for the other 23. The fact detained while they were attempting to from the same direction, which they brought here to the Queen Street Police that we did not find these individuals in flee the scene in a boat which contained captured. Station, where the two bales of suspected the area where the 23 was found, it will two bales of suspected cocaine. During “Inside that boat were nine men, and a cocaine was weighed,” Commissioner be difficult for us to charge them for that further searches that were conducted near search thereof yielded two bales of what Williams shared. Each bale contained amount of drugs, so for now it will be the area in which the plane was found, an we believe to be cocaine. The individuals about 30 parcels of cocaine, and together labeled as found property,” said additional 23 bales of cocaine were found, and the boat were taken to the dock, where the confiscated cocaine weighed 70 kilos. Commissioner Williams. and reports are that three additional bales we learnt the names of the persons to be The men were charged with drug These nine men were arraigned on were found over this weekend in the one Tyrell Talbert, who is assigned to the trafficking for the two bales found with Monday morning at the Orange Walk Crooken Tree Lagoon. Special Patrol Unit, that’s SPU; one Byron them. According to Commissioner Magistrate’s Court. The two police The drug plane, which was headed Clare, police constable assigned to K-9 Williams, the additional 23 bales were officers will be placed on interdiction, toward Belize, was spotted near the Hill unit, and I think one Steve Rowland, I marked as found property. according to the Commissioner of Police. Bank area, in the , think that’s the name, who is a lance “We also went and we conducted a Also, at the time of the arrest the men by police who were deployed to that corporal in the Belize Defence Force. We search in the area where the plane had were armed with two shotguns and two known landing site in northern Belize also had in that vessel Dwight landed. We managed to locate the plane, 9 mm pistols, and the licenses of the District, near the villages of Lemonal and McFadzean; we have another man, Clare, but it was destroyed by fire. A search of holders of those weapons will be Crooked Tree. The twin-engine aircraft who is the father of PC Clare, and some the area led to the discovery of 23 bales revoked. circled three times before landing in the other individuals,” Commissioner of of suspected cocaine; that too was taken In total, about 2000 pounds of cocaine general vicinity. Police Chester Williams revealed. into the custody of police and brought was found in 28 bales, each containing According to Commissioner of Police, These men, one of whom is the driver here, and again each of those 23 bales 30 parcels of cocaine — a total of 840 Chester Williams, about 20 minutes later, for the BDF Commander, Brigadier contained 30 parcels or 30 bricks. That bricks, with an estimated street value of police in the area saw a large fire in the General Steven Ortega, were found with has also been weighed, and it amounted almost 17.6 million dollars, were area where the aircraft landed and some two bales of suspected cocaine in the to 732 Kilos, which for now will be labeled recovered by police. Page 20 AMANDALABelize Tuesday, February 2, 2021