Tuesday, May 11, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 1

NO. 3459 BELIZE CITY, TUESDAY, MAY 11, 2021 (16 PAGES) $1.00 Bondholders and GoB, no deal yet

BELIZE CITY. Mon. May 10, 2021 Last week, a meeting scheduled between holders of Belize’s Super- GOB tables new bond and the Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, Chris Coye, was proposals to unions canceled after the Creditor Committee’s representatives BELIZE CITY, Mon. May 10, 2021 indicated that the meeting would be A meeting between the Joint fruitless if Belize refuses to sign on Unions Negotiating Team and the to an IMF support plan. Government of Belize officials ended Please turn to„Page 15 Please turn to„Page 15 Abusive relationship ends in fatal arson

by Dayne Guy

St. Matthews Village, Cayo District, Mon, May 10, 2021 A mother and her 3-year-old son were reportedly burned to death in the village of St. Matthews when their home was set on fire. Her ex- common law husband is the prime suspect. According to police reports, this heinous act of arson-turned-murder occurred sometime before 11:00 o’clock on Friday night. The house of 36-year-old Kendra Middleton PM gets the jab was burnt to the ground, while she and her three-year-old child, Aiden Perez, were inside. They both perished. Unions rally at Memorial Park When firefighters arrived at the scene, the blaze had already Please turn to„Page 14 Former George Street boss’s son murdered

BELIZE CITY, Mon. May 10, 2021 organized resistance to salary cuts in by Dayne Guy On Friday, May 7, the members of the public sector. They gathered at a the Joint Unions came out in their Bullet Tree Falls, Cayo District, Fri. largest numbers since the start of their Please turn to„Page 15 May 7, 2021 The Prime Minister, John Briceño joined the almost 50,000 persons in Belize who have been vaccinated Four elders shot, two through the inoculation program of the Ministry of Health and Wellness. dead on George Street Prime Minister Briceño, for a long (See story on page 14) (See story on page 14) Please turn to„Page 14 Page 2 AMANDALABelize Tuesday, May 11, 2021 Public Service Ministry gets new CEO

BELMOPAN, Sun. May 9, 2021 a doctorate in economics with a focus The Government of Belize on poverty and social development. announced a realignment of the CEOs With the government determined to in the Ministry of the Public Service balance economic recovery and the and the Ministry of Economic nation’s development in Development. Dr. Osmond Martinez, unprecedented times.” who had been serving as CEO in the Rolando Zetina will be the new Public Service Ministry, has now CEO in the Ministry of Public been appointed as the CEO in the Service. Zetina served almost 20 Ministry of Economic Development. years on the Social Security Board In a press release issued on Friday, and acted as CEO for a period. May 7, the government stated that Dr. The GOB release stated, “He holds Martinez, who holds a doctorate in degrees in business administration economics “would better save the and accounting, and his background nation in the Ministry of Economic in decision-making and fiscal Development”. discipline will be critical to the The release stated, “Dr. Martinez reforms which are an integral part of served as CEO in the Ministry of the the Ministry’s mandate.” Public Service, Constitutional and This transfer comes after public Regulations. The then CEO in the breach and against the Public Political Reform in the months after service union representatives made Ministry, Dr. Martinez, had signed off Service Regulations, kindly bring the 2020 general election. He holds public allegations of victimization on these transfers. that forward. We will also be against a number of their union During an interview on Thursday, requesting a thorough review and a members. Many of these persons the PSU’s 1st vice president, Dean full review of every single transfer reportedly received letters of transfer, Flowers, stated, “I want to reassure in the public service under the CEO, Bars must contrary to the Public Service my public officers that if you have who I understand demits office on been victimized and you have Friday for transfer to another remain closed received a transfer letter that is in ministry.” Electricity rates might MOHW retrofits Bullet Tree go down health centre

by Dayne Guy

BELIZE CITY, Sun. May 9, 2021 The Government of Belize has been progressively lifting some of the restrictions that have been in place under the current COVID-19 protocols. Casinos are now opened, sports training is now allowed with by Dayne Guy The Prime Minister, Hon. John certain provisions, and the start of the BELIZE CITY, Mon. May 10, 2021 Briceño, who was present at the curfew has been pushed backward to The Public Utilities Commission Bullet Tree Falls Village, Cayo reopening, commented, “What Micho midnight on weekends. However, the (PUC) released its 2021 Annual District, Fri. May 7, 2021 and his team are doing here today is restrictions which prohibit the Review Proceedings Initial Decision The Government of Belize and the just a small step towards what we opening of bars and clubs remain in on April 30, 2021. The commission Ministry of Health and Wellness want to do with the health system — place. reassessed the Mean Electricity Rate (MOHW) officially reopened the making sure that everybody can have In a recent interview, Hon. Kareem (MER) for the Full Tariff Period of recently retrofitted Luisa Manzanero access.” Hon. Briceño received the Musa, the Minister of Home Affairs July 1, 2020 to June 3, 2024 at Health Centre in the village of Bullet first dose of the Astrazeneca jab that and New Growth Industries, warned $0.3999, which is lower than the Tree Falls this Friday, May 7, 2021. was issued at the newly reopened bar owners who are selling liquor current rates and could thus result in The reopened facility is expected health center. unaccompanied by food. In his a reduction in the rates payable by to provide access to healthcare Hon. Briceño also commented on remarks, he said, “I want to advise consumers. services to over 6,000 residents of the state of the country’s finances. all bars that this statutory instrument While this rate is not finalized, the Bullet Tree and surrounding areas. “We knew that there were going to has not been changed in relation to reassessed MER represents a The Minister of Health and be problems, that there were going bars. What is in place, again, and this decrease of $0.0019 from the Wellness stated at the reopening to be challenges, but trust me, I didn’t is worth repeating every time we previously approved rate of $0.4018. ceremony, “This is in keeping with know it was going to be that bad. I speak to the media, is that only Interested parties are expected to my promise as your area rep to said, ‘Lord, I knew it was going to restaurants are allowed to open at this submit comments on the PUC’s improve the lives of our residents in be bad, but not that bad’,” he said. time. So if it is that a bar is open and review by the end of the day on May Cayo North, and it is a part of the The newly retrofitted health center not serving food with alcohol, they 10, 2021, but the Commission has commitment made to the Belizean will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 are in direct breach of the statutory already approved the tariffs for the people in our PlanBelize manifesto, p.m. The facility will provide a range instrument. So, I want to encourage period of July 1, 2021, to June 30, where we promised to retrofit of outpatient services such as general bar owners to please pay attention to 2022. existing healthcare facilities and build checkups, pediatric services, the statutory instrument and what you We attempted to reach out to Belize more community health clinics. This dressings, vaccinations and Pap are allowed to do under the law.” Electricity Limited for comments, but is a dream that has finally come true smears, among other necessary Musa further stated that the were unsuccessful. for the villagers of Bullet Tree.” services. regulations that are in place will be revisited as progress is made, and the current restrictions will at the right time be lifted. AMANDALA is cream! Tuesday, May 11, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 3 PM disappointed in Unions

BELIZE CITY, Fri. May 7, 2021 He noted that it seems the strike has have the money.” PM Briceno During an interview with the not had a major impact on the said. director of the Government Press economy, despite public officers and He added that even with the Office on Thursday, May 6, 2021, teachers being out of their place of 10% salary cuts and the Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño work for almost two weeks now. adjustments made in the commented that while the meetings “Well, fortunately it seems that it is budget for this fiscal year, the with the unions are reported to be not having a major impact. I believe Government will still be short cordial, he is disappointed that those that, generally, Belizeans understand of $100 million to pay sessions have yielded no agreement. what we are doing. Belizeans salaries. He remarked that while the understand that we are not acting out “[With] the 10% cut that government respects the rights of the of malice, Belizeans understand that we have already done, unions, the administration has a greater there is a financial crisis, Belizeans because the budget has responsibility to the rest of the nation. understand that many of them, already been passed, we are “We do respect the union. We do thousands of them, lost their jobs. still short of almost 100 support their right to work, but at the Fortunately, the public service, million dollars to pay same time, as a government, we have including the teachers, they kept their salaries. So we are still not collecting have an economic turnaround that will a responsibility to the rest of the job, they’ve been getting their salaries, enough to be able to pay salaries, and result in public sector workers once nation. To ensure that the country but it has gotten to a point where we that is what we are trying to tell the again beginning to receive increments continues to work, that the schools are just don’t have the money. We wish unions: we don’t have it, and we and that will also support the execution working, that there can be teachers we could have been paying them more cannot continue to print money. If we of their Plan Belize manifesto. teaching our children, that the hospitals and helping all of those that don’t have continue to print money, we could “We said that we are going to grow are available,” Hon. Briceno said. a job, but the truth is that we don’t have hyperinflation, and God forbid, the economy, we are going to create even a devaluation, and we will not jobs, we want to expand schools, allow that to happen. A PUP water, and the national health government will not allow that to insurance. These are things that are “Fawda” Henry forms new happen, we are going to do everything critical to any thriving community, possible to protect the Belizean country, and we meant it when we said union amid strike dollar,” PM Briceño indicated. that we want to have a government He said that by the third year of his where everybody could win,” said administration, they are projecting to Hon. Briceño. have slipped through society’s proverbial cracks. These persons, the “voiceless,” as Henry describes them, are not members of the Unions want allowances conventional trade union movement, and many have been out of jobs since cut; PM says no way before the COVID-19 pandemic. Henry believes that the Joint Unions are being selfish in their opposition to the 10% salary cut at a time when many citizens have suffered a much steeper cut and many more have completely lost their means of income. He told local media that this new “poor people union” will be more BELIZE CITY, Mon. May 10, 2021 powerful than any of the other unions On Thursday, while the Joint and said that they started with 50 Unions continued their strike actions persons signing up on Thursday, but across the country, a new movement, that he expects, due to the number of which attacks the position of the calls and requests he has received, unions, took form. to see the size of the union’s The Union for Development, membership reach 3,000 to 4,000 BELIZE CITY, Mon. May 10, 2021 using my personal vehicle, and now The Joint Unions are calling for a they want to cut that. That’s being Advancement, and Prosperity persons by this week. cut to the allowances of the Ministers malicious, that’s not being reasonable.” (UDAP) was formed by well-known The union’s supporters staged a and CEO’s inside government While the PM is of the view that the activist Philip “Fawda Church” march from Constitution Park to ministries as a part of the austerity unions are being unreasonable in their Henry, who claims that the purpose Battlefield Park and then walked to measures being imposed by the demand, BNTU national president, of the union is to represent those the Pickstock area, where they Government of Belize. Elena Smith said that they are asking unemployed persons who seem to officially signed up as members. During an interview last week, the the government to cut out the ministerial Prime Minister, Hon. John Briceño, benefits that are not necessary. mentioned that in addition to a 15% pay “How can you tell the people that Magistrate Court open and running cut, Ministers have also taken a 15% you represent and you are saying that reduction to their allowances. He went you care about these people, and you BELIZE CITY, Mon. May 10, 2021 courts on to point out that the funds that are are going home with a salary, plus This morning, an apparently false are in apportioned for allowances are used allowances, that equal to one of our press release, which was purportedly fact by Ministers to address the needs in salaries, and we are asking you to cut from the Magistrate’s Court and “open their constituency. out the ones that are not necessary — which stated that the courts would not and “As it is, we have already taken a telephone, you can take a telephone be in operation today, was in running.” 15% cut; we have already cut our plan, you don’t have to get a $1000 in circulation. The allowance by 15%,” the PM shared. telephone. Entertainment allowance — Reports are that some employees release He added, “Those allowances, there is nobody to entertain at this point from the department, approximately stated, basically we use that money to be able in time, so that can be cut out. What is 9 of the 22, are currently out of office “Please to help people in our constituencies, so difficult in that? We are not saying — some on official holiday and others be so it’s not as if we are taking that money to cut everything. We are saying, take calling in sick. advised for ourselves. We are using it. I find it away those allowances that are not The Chief Magistrate, Sharon the Belize City Magistrate Court is ridiculous when some people in the necessary at this time, if you want us to Fraser, in response to the circulation Open and Running in its service to union are saying that we should not sacrifice too. Because we are of the false report, issued a the public. The Courts are functional even get a vehicle allowance for those sacrificing and we have no allowance correspondence that stated that the to conduct the business of the people.” that are using their own vehicle. I’m to depend on,” Smith said. Page 4 AMANDALABelize Tuesday, May 11, 2021 Alex Guzman’s body found Minister Marin meets in Yalbac Hills Guatemalan Defence Attaché

leaving his vehicle behind. Four days after his disappearance, a search team of relatives and friends of his scavenged the area, and to their utter dismay, they found the lifeless body of Guzman in the Yalbac Hills area. The cause of Guzman’s death remains unknown. His family awaits a postmortem on his body to determine the cause of his death. His family does not suspect that any foul play was involved. Guzman was a tour guide by profession. In an interview with News5, Antonio by Dayne Guy Samayoa, nephew of the deceased Guzman, said, “[He was] very Yalbac Hills, Spanish Lookout, skilled. He even had training in Thurs. May 6, 2021 survival, so these skills kept our Armenian resident, thirty-two- hopes high, thinking that these skills year-old Alex Guzman, who was last would kick in and he would be able BELMOPAN, Mon. May 10, 2021 to promote the spirit of goodwill and seen walking in the Spanish Lookout to survive, but unfortunately he Today the Government of Belize to strengthen the existing relationship area on Saturday morning, May 1, didn’t.” announced in a press release that the of cooperation between the two was found dead in the Yalbac Hills An investigation into his death is Minister of National Defence, Hon. countries,” the release stated. area of Spanish Lookout. still ongoing, as the Police Florencio Marin, Jr., met with Also present at the meeting was On the day of his disappearance, Department and Guzman’s family Guatemalan Defence Attaché, Brigadier Oscar Mira, Minister of State in the Guzman had allegedly been drinking await the results of a post-mortem General Rember Gasparico. Ministry of National Defence; and at a campsite. He later wandered off, exam. The release says that the meeting CEO in the Ministry, retired Brigadier was cordial. “Both parties pledged General Dario Tapia. Agriculture Ministry receives Belize chairs 24th Foreign tractor from Taiwan Ministers Meeting BELMOPAN, Mon. May 10, 2021 demands for the productivity of the On Friday, May 7, the Taiwanese sheep.” BELMOPAN, Mon. May 10, Embassy donated a tractor, a four- The release also states that a 60- 2021 wheel-drive pickup, and some other by-135-ft. barn will be constructed Last week the Minister of farming gear to the Ministry of later on this year to accommodate Foreign Affairs for Belize, Agriculture. The donation was made more imported sheep and goats that Eamon Courtenay, chaired the under phase two of the Sheep Project will be brought into the country for 24th annual Meeting of the and will be used at the national breeding. Council for Foreign and breeding center on Central Farm. Minister Jose Mai received and Community Relations The donation has a combined value inspected the equipment donated by (COFCOR) of CARICOM. of BZ$143,625 and includes Ambassador H.E. David Kuan Chou The meeting was held on attachments such as a bush-hog, plow Chien. May 6 and 7. During the and harrow, post-hole drill, front-end The Agriculture Ministry’s release meeting, the Foreign Minister loader, and a 16-foot trailer. states that the Sheep Project Phase II discussed the need to A release from the Ministry of is being implemented over four years, strengthen regional bilateral Agriculture states,”This markedly ending March 2024. The objectives relations and committed to successful phase of the project will of the project are to assist farmers to intensifying the frequency of enhance the harvesting of grass and improve the quality of sheep and goats, interaction among reps of the forage to feed the 400 head of sheep conduct market studies and value chain member nations. They also and goats at the NSGBC. It will also analyses to promote consumption, and held discussions centered on improve the production of corn forage to facilitate market penetration of the strengthening of relations silage to provide for nutritional sheep and goat products. with hemispheric and multilateral players. A press release stated, “Additionally, foreign ministers Sullivan, National Security Advisor considered several issues of to the President of the United States paramount importance for the region of America. CARICOM Foreign inclusive of the challenges to public Ministers and Mr. Sullivan discussed health and food systems and the COVID-19 vaccines, economic economic and social disruption of the recovery, climate change, and COVID-19 pandemic.” regional security,” the release stated. They also discussed the threat of The members of the Belize climate change and the upcoming delegation were Amalia Mai, CEO COP26 Climate Change Conference. of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; “On the margins of the 24th Ambassador Lawrence Sylvester; COFCOR, Minister Courtenay Ayesha Borland, Director of moderated a call between CARICOM International Affairs; and Foreign Foreign Ministers and Mr. Jake Service officer Amaris Leal. Visit us at www.amandala.com.bz Tuesday, May 11, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 5

Follow the money: Why UNCAC may be our only hope

The patriarch of a renowned American political family is become a way of life. But the tragedy and the crisis now facing reported to have once stated his opinion that the three most the nation has forced a reckoning on the part of government, important things in politics are: “money, money, and money.” whose employees, in the aftermath of the painful loss of jobs For the struggling Belizean people, “money” was never more and significant reduction of wages suffered by many in the at the forefront of everyone’s thoughts, with a burgeoning private sector, are now being forced to endure a cut to their national debt threatening our very future livelihood; and from earnings. all that has been written and said in the public domain over the Prime Minister John Briceno has opined that the average citizen past four decades of our descent into this unhappy quagmire, it does not support the Joint Unions in their current protest/strike is corrupt politicians, blue and red, that are mostly held to blame against the 10% salary cut, since everyone needs to share in for our present predicament. We were already at the precipice; this great sacrifice. But neither is there any denying that the Covid-19 just tipped us over the edge. unions’ call for good governance, and a robust implementation The sad irony of our situation, is that the particular politicians of the UNCAC as the best vehicle to see that occur, have been generally considered to be most guilty of this corruption that well received by citizens across the board. And the reason is has led to our national financial crisis, they are all now said to simple. No government, blue or red, has so far been able to be happy millionaires. And to add great insult to this national really put a damper on the culture of corruption in government. injury, no less than the former prime minister has categorized And the evidence is clear for all to see. No government minister their actions as “morally repugnant,” but still not within the in Belize has ever been convicted of corruption, or gone to jail scope of our laws, as they presently stand, to make them subject for such in Belize. Meanwhile, Belizeans have seen no less than to prosecution. In his words, “moral guilt” and “legal guilt” are a former president of neighboring Guatemala being sent to jail two different things. And so, he went so far as to remove his for corruption; and only because of UNCAC. former Deputy Prime Minister from Cabinet, when his tenure as Our murder rate is one of the highest in the world; but the minister saw the Lands Department descend into being a “hotbed conviction rate is less than 10%. There have been many of corruption.” Nevertheless, the said former minister was sensational murder cases over the years; but “getting away with allowed to maintain his seat as a member of the House of murder” is more than just a saying in Belize. It is real. The Representatives, and continued receiving his member’s salary “white collar” crimes at the top —political corruption that until the end of his term in office. And, like other members, he enriches crooked politicians and their friends at the expense of is now qualified to receive a handsome pension for life. the people’s assets — are matched with the proliferation of As the wheels of politics turn, and memories get dulled, it was “blue collar” crimes at the bottom: robberies, rapes and murders quite amazing to learn last week of the not-so-secret converging with impunity. It is all connected; corruption and wealth at the of former disgraced top leads to poverty and frustration at the bottom. personalities in the UDP in a No less than former Prime Minister Dean Barrow has described manner that suggests a the flow of funds from party donors in the months of campaigning possible return of these before elections. And the “big boys” make big donations, in the persons to the political tens, and some even in the hundreds, of thousands. Sources Amandala(estb. 1969) limelight. Where there is have indicated that one donor has on occasion even dealt a Business and editorial offices: money, there appears to be million dollars as its campaign contribution. And businessmen 3304 Partridge Street, Belize “no shame in the game;” and see campaign contributions as an investment. City, Belize, Central America the reported cordiality of a UDP How then, without specific laws in place, and the political will is printed twice weekly by the Western Caucus meeting to enforce those laws, do we as a people stop political corruption Amandala Press. involving former UDP ministers in Belize, that is, if we now see corruption as the main cause of Telephones: 501-280-4703/ Gaspar Vega and John this humongous national debt that all of us citizens are now 501-202-4477 Saldivar was casually brushed being told we have to pay? off by current UDP leader There have been high-profile cases in Belize, where a minister Publisher: Evan X Hyde Patrick Faber as just the re- has taken home the police file; or where the investigation seems Editor-in-chief: Marco Lopez energizing of the grand old to have been deliberately botched by elements inside the police Business Manager: Jacinta Hyde UDP party for its next run at force; or where, in the most glaring of instances, a Commissioner of Police has simply refused to carry out the instructions of the Make-up & Design national elections. Belizean citizens are at a Director of Public Prosecutions to investigate and prosecute a Artist: Andrea Dennison loss to deal with our corrupt sitting member of parliament. Executive Secretary: Odessa politicians, because it is these There have been enough instances of things going wrong in Robinson Smith same politicians that the delivery of justice in Belize, for citizens to reach the point of Compositor: Tyra Welch frequently give hand-outs to believing that we may need an external, impartial agent to stand Lithography: Clive Smith suffering and desperate beside our local police investigators if we are to ever make real Printers: Kent Brooks citizens, who gratefully give progress against corruption. them their votes at election Perhaps we do not have to surrender our sense of national time. There is perceived honor sovereignty by looking for outsiders to help us clean up Please email Correspondence: in the citizens’ feeling a debt corruption and bring good governance to reality in Belize. [email protected] of gratitude to “the minister;” Perhaps, we have a homegrown expert/technocrat in our but the sources of the midst; and it is time to heed his expert advice. Former Permanent Advertisements to: minister’s funds may not Secretary, David Gibson has offered his wealth of experience in [email protected] always be above board, or may showing government a way to implement UNCAC in Belize with have “strings attached” that our own personnel and institutions playing their part. (See Mailing Address: result in policies that end up page 22 of AMANDALA for Friday, May 7, 2021 – “A Strategic Amandala Press “taking bread out of the Guide for Defining Civil Society’s Role in Implementing the 3304 Partridge Street mouths” of those same UNCAC” by David Gibson.) It’s all there. As a people we need c/o P.O. Box 15, citizens. to hold our collective breaths, and pray that Mr. Gibson’s effort Belize City, Belize The culture of patronage in provides a breakthrough in the standoff between government politics is not about to end any and the unions, so that hope can be rekindled, a la the once Amandala’s website: time soon in Belize. It has popular mantra that “everybody fi win.” amandala.com.bz Page 6 AMANDALABelize Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Invitation to Quote (ITQ)

Institution: MINISTRY OF TOURISM AND DIASPORA RELATIONS (MTDR) Country: BELIZE Project: SUSTAINABLE TOURISM PROGRAM II (STPII) Operation No: 3566/OC-BL IFB title: Supply of Equipment for Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve and 1000ft Falls Natural Monument IFB Number.: GDS 24

1. This Invitation to Quote follows the General Procurement Notice for this Project that appeared in Development Business, February 2016.

2. The Government of Belize through the Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations “has received “loan” from the Inter-American Development Bank toward the cost of the Sustainable Tourism Program II, and it intends to apply part of the proceeds of this “loan” to payments under the Contract for the Supply of Equipment for Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve and 1000ft Falls Natural Monument - GDS24.

3. The Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations now invites interested eligible bidders to submit price quotations for the Supply of Equipment for Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve and 1000ft Falls Natural Monument.

You may quote for one or multiple lots. Price quotations will be evaluated for each lot and award may be for one or multiple lots.

4. Bidding will be conducted through the “Shopping” process specified in the Inter-American Development Bank’s Policies for the Procurement of Goods and Works financed by the Inter- American Development Bank, and is open to all bidders from Eligible Source Countries as defined in the Bidding Documents.

5. Interested eligible bidders may obtain further information from Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations, Tamara Cano, [email protected] at the address given below during office hours 09:00 AM to 04:00 PM local time Belize.

6. The Invitation to Quote document including the technical specifications and quote submission sheet in English may be obtained by interested bidders on the submission of a written Application and picked up at the address below (no associated cost).

7. Price Quotations must be delivered to the address below at or before Friday, May 21, 2021 at 4:00 PM, local time Belize. Electronic bidding “shall” be permitted. Late bids will be rejected.

8. The address referred to above is:

Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations Attn: Tamara Tingling-Cano Procurement Specialist, STPII 106 South Street, Belize City, Tel: 501-227-1760 E-mail: [email protected] , [email protected] Tuesday, May 11, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 7 UDP after TWO Geggs

by Colin Hyde Dyaahm, it’s I was familiar with the organization. Lord, if You wake me I visited CARDI and went over all A reliable source told me that I got accident up tomorrow… the research they had done or were my Geggs crossed when I wrote (a doing with vegetable crops in Belize. couple weeks ago) about the gold find Call me stubborn for maintaining continuation… (24- Next I went to Hofius Hardware and the new port proposal south of that idleness is the mother of Store on North Front Street, to visit the Sibun, because it’s not one Gegg, invention when all the great people 1981) Mr. Bert Masson. I don’t know how it’s two — one for the gold and one say necessity gets the title. Well, it I got to know Bert. Maybe he had for the port. Ouch, the UDP should turns out that both schools are off- I had a plan when I left HHL, and given a few classes at school, but have been spent due to holding hatred base, wrong, and this time it is not an I needed the land I’d been promised we had a good relationship. He gave for a single member of a family, but opinion, this time I bring the hayr off to do it on. As the supervisor of Plant me information on the latest when that vice is a core ingredient of the haas tayl eena mi hand. Brother Protection on HHL’s cacao varieties that were on the market. I your party, there’s plenty enough of Omar Figueroa said “away” to nasty plantation I had seen how effective wanted the tomato variety that had it for two. plastic, Brother Romel Cuello said the new pesticides were in resistance against the most races of Hmm, the full story about the we got to think this thing through, and controlling insects and diseases, bacterial and fungal wilts, and I 1993-98 gold is yet to come in, but the petrochemical companies said we and I felt that with my knowledge remember we narrowed the choices I’m speculating that the Reds’ got to find a way to degrade this thing and drive I could do something that down to two hybrids, Hope # 1 and justification for blocking the pass so or we’ll be losing a huge part of our no one in Belize was doing at the Hope # 2. the diggers couldn’t go bring out the business. time, something that could give me After I had gathered all the nuggets might be that the gold-finder, Ah, the petroleum industry is in enough money to do what had been information I needed, I went to my Mr. Gegg, being PUP, was such peril, with electric cars disrupted when I left the sea to go uncle, James V. Hyde, because I considered a wily so-and-so, and the threatening to take over the roads, to school. I wanted to work on the needed my twenty acres of land. My UDP, which was then a party whose organic agriculture pushing for land, and when I got bored, to go uncle, a former Commissioner of mission was to save us from the PUP, proper labeling so it can bounce work on the sea, and for the latter I Lands, was the Permanent Secretary not to be like or worse than them, saw crops protected by petroleum-based needed a boat. in the Lands Ministry at the time, hanky panky in the making. chemicals, and the most dangerous, Around 1981, no one was so I had everything in my favor in We’ve all been watching these plastics, being named the number one producing winter vegetables that department. politicians and politically connected scourge in the world because it is not commercially in Belize. There’s I needed land that was accessible bohgaz a long time – so we know their biodegradable. Hence the need to do never been much of a market for our and had access to water, and he took game always sees them racing off to something was great, and all idle local greens -- kalalu (amaranth), me to a parcel behind Teakettle, but the bank, or making deals with some hands were sent to the lab, but they chaya (Maya spinach), choa cho I didn’t like it, because it was too foreigner who wap them and runs off came up with nothing to turn back (chayote), or susumber. All the low — I thought it would go under with the loot, and we are always left Figueroa’s assault. money in the market was/is for water when the floods came. In the to foot the bill. They, the petrochemicals crowd, varieties that aren’t native to Belize, interim, I settled to go and work on Ah, from through the Reds’ lens, a were losing badly, getting blown out, and many of these non-native a parcel my uncle had in Camalote, PUP finds gold, yes, an international actually, until accident, the real varieties are stressed by pests and because it was near the river and splash, wow, and foreign investors mother of invention, showed the way. diseases, especially in the cold wet had a creek, and it had fertile, easily would be fighting for hotel Oh no, no, no, I’m not about dismissing months, so back then our farmers worked land that was removed from accommodations in the new all the worthwhile studies people shied away from planting during the flood plain. California. But the gold rush would engage in, and they have done such that period. The area on my uncle’s land that come up near empty, and by the time wonderful things. Vegetable farmers started making was the most suitable for my project people found out they’d been had, the I’ve told you before that what their seed beds around January and was under a three-year-old wamil, PUP investor and his PUP friends, human beings deserve big points for February, and there was an annual which suggested that someone had and their foreign accomplices, would is their capacity to mimic. We see glut between April and June, recently planted crops on it, so, have had a mint, and egg would have things in nature, and we bring out the especially of tomatoes and peppers. before I settled on the plot I set about been all over Belize’s face, like the copier. Please, my diss is solely for Nobody in Belize grew cabbage on investigating its history. UDP Sanctuary Bay thing. See, the arrogance, and they can bex if they a commercial scale back in 1981. A cousin of mine who lived in the having fought the game, the UDP want, but whenever they strut out I knew Mr. Ernesto Castro fairly area, Mr. Jorge August, told me that learned it, and then they played it. their peacock feathers and want us to well through sports, through playing a Mr. Marroquin had done some Some things and people never believe they are God, I say to them basketball at the Hilltop Court and work on the land, and he gave me change, but we’ll go to hell if we die what my father said to me: you’re not football at the big field, now the directions to the man’s home. When I cynical, so we just ask questions. So, that smart. Isidoro Beaton Stadium. Mr. Castro went to the home the man’s family why the UDP was in such a rush to It was a dyaahm accident that they was an economist in the Ministry of told me that a couple years say it wasn’t they that gave the green came upon a mutant enzyme that eats Trade and I approached him for previously he had gotten a job in the light to the port project of the other plastic! The article I stumbled on is information on the importation of south of the country, and that a Gegg brother, at Port Miracle, we’ll three years old, and I found it in the vegetables in Belize. I remember the month or so before my visit he had have to wait for the full exposure on British Guardian. The piece, written report I got from him showed that died. They told me they were certain that one too. by Damian Carrington, the our imports of cabbage were steady that he had planted watermelons. environmental editor for the at around 80,000 pounds per month, There is at least one Mayan temple John batting 50% magazine, is titled “Scientists and tomatoes fluctuated, between no on my uncle’s land, a very small one, accidentally create mutant enzyme imports in the dry months, and a lot and the story was that Mr. Marroquin I’m glad to see John Saldivar has that eats plastic bottles”, and the during the wet months, peaking excavated it, and one day while he grown up and found out that sin da subhead is, “The breakthrough, between November and February. was taking out artifacts a boulder fell noh sin, that the magnitude of our spurred by the discovery of plastic- The window was clearly for on his back. He couldn’t do hard transgression does count…heck, from eating bugs at a Japanese dump, could tomatoes, so that’s where I chose to physical work after that, so he got a our first days we Catholics were help solve the global plastic pollution put my money. regular job at a farm in the Stann taught, so much Hail Mary fu this, and crisis.” At the Belize School of Creek District, and there he so much more Hail Mary fu that… But boohoo, the story noh done. I Agriculture, one of my teachers was succumbed to his injuries. I was Now, if he will only grow up to gathered from a recent article in Dr. John Hammerton of the eager to get going with my project, understand that it is important that as Forbes that this enzyme eat tu slow, Caribbean Area Research and so I decided to take a chance on the individuals we know how to choose and it only has a stomach for one kind Development Institute (CARDI), so plot that I favored. (to be continued) our friends, and that for a political of plastic, so three years later leader, that judgment is absolutely petrochemicals are still plugging critical. But maybe he does away at a find to save their and our understand, and it his choice to plastics. They shouldn’t give up. The Visit us at bluster, or he has been advised to play next accident is out there, and it might www.amandala.com.bz ignorant, ignorant in the Sedi sense. be the one to provide the solution. Page 8 AMANDALABelize Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Siguiendo el dinero: por qué la CNUCC puede ser nuestra única esperanza

Se informa que el patriarca de una reconocida familia política vehículo para ver que eso ocurra, ha sido bien recibido por estadounidense expresó una vez su opinión de que las tres los ciudadanos en todos los ámbitos. Y la razón es simple. cosas más importantes en la política son: “dinero, dinero y Ningún gobierno, azul o rojo, ha sido capaz hasta ahora de dinero”. poner un freno a la cultura de corrupción en el gobierno. Y la Para el pueblo beliceño en apuros, el “dinero” nunca estuvo evidencia es clara para que todos la vean. Ningún ministro más al frente de los pensamientos de todos, con una creciente del gobierno en Belize jamás ha sido condenado por deuda nacional que amenaza nuestra supervivencia misma corrupción, o ha ido a la cárcel por ello en Belize. Mientras en el futuro; y de todo lo que se ha escrito y dicho en el tanto, los beliceños han visto nada menos que un ex dominio público durante las últimas cuatro décadas de nuestro presidente de la vecina Guatemala siendo enviado a la cárcel descenso a este atolladero infeliz, son los políticos corruptos, por corrupción; y solo por la CNUCC. azules y rojos, los que mayoritariamente tienen la culpa de Nuestra tasa de homicidios es una de las más altas del nuestra situación actual. Ya estábamos en el precipicio; Covid- mundo; pero la tasa de condenas es inferior al 10%. Ha 19 acaba de llevarnos al límite. habido muchos casos de asesinatos sensacionales a lo largo La triste ironía de nuestra situación es que los políticos de los años; pero “salirse con la suya” es más que un dicho particulares generalmente considerados como los más culpables en Belize. Es real. Los crímenes de “cuello blanco” en la de esta corrupción que ha llevado a nuestra crisis financiera parte superior - corrupción política que enriquece a políticos nacional, ahora se dice que todos son felices millonarios. Y corruptos y sus amigos a expensas de los activos del pueblo para agregar un gran insulto a este daño nacional, nada menos - se combinan con la proliferación de crímenes de “cuello que el ex primer ministro ha categorizado sus acciones como azul” en la parte inferior: robos, violaciones y asesinatos con “moralmente repugnantes”, pero aún no dentro del alcance de impunidad. Todo está conectado; la corrupción y la riqueza nuestras leyes, tal como están actualmente, para someterlas a en la parte superior conducen a la pobreza y la frustración en enjuiciamiento. En sus palabras, “culpa moral” y “culpa legal” la parte inferior. son dos cosas diferentes. Y así, fue tan lejos como para destituir Nada menos que el ex primer ministro Dean Barrow ha a su ex viceprimer ministro del gabinete, cuando su mandato descrito el flujo de fondos de los donantes del partido en los como ministro vio al Departamento de Tierras convertirse en meses de campaña antes de las elecciones. Y los “chicos un “hervidero de corrupción”. Sin embargo, se le permitió a grandes” hacen grandes donaciones, de decenas, y algunas dicho exministro mantener su escaño como miembro de la incluso de cientos, de miles. Las fuentes han indicado que Cámara de Representantes, y continuó recibiendo su salario de un donante en ocasiones incluso ha repartido un millón de miembro hasta el final de su mandato. Y, al igual que otros dólares como contribución de campaña. Y los empresarios miembros, ahora está calificado para recibir una hermosa ven las contribuciones de campaña como una inversión. pensión de por vida. ¿Cómo entonces, sin leyes específicas en vigor y sin la A medida que las ruedas de la política giran y los recuerdos voluntad política para hacer cumplir esas leyes, nosotros como se embotan, fue bastante sorprendente saber la semana pueblo detenemos la corrupción política en Belize, es decir, si pasada de la convergencia no tan secreta de ex personalidades ahora vemos la corrupción como la causa principal de esta deshonradas en el UDP de una manera que sugiere un posible enorme deuda nacional que a todos nosotros los ciudadanos regreso de estas personas al centro de atención política. Donde ahora se nos dice que tenemos que pagar? hay dinero, parece que “no hay vergüenza en el juego”; y la Ha habido casos de alto perfil en Belize, donde un ministro reportada cordialidad de una reunión del Caucus Occidental se llevó a casa el expediente policial; o cuando la investigación del UDP en la que participaron los ex ministros del UDP, Gaspar parece haber sido deliberadamente estropeada por elementos Vega y John Saldivar, fue casualmente ignorada por el actual dentro de la fuerza policial; o cuando, en el caso más evidente, líder del UDP, Patrick Faber, como solo la revitalización del un Comisionado de Policía simplemente se ha negado a cumplir gran partido UDP para su próxima carrera en las elecciones las instrucciones del Director del Ministerio Público de investigar nacionales. y enjuiciar a un miembro del parlamento en funciones. Los ciudadanos beliceños están bloqueados de tratar con Ha habido suficientes casos de cosas que han ido mal en nuestros políticos corruptos, porque son estos mismos la administración de justicia en Belize, como para que los políticos los que con frecuencia dan limosnas a los ciudadanos ciudadanos lleguen al punto de creer que es posible que sufriendo y desesperados, quienes les dan sus votos con necesitemos un agente externo e imparcial que esté al lado gratitud en el momento de las elecciones. Se percibe un honor de nuestros investigadores de la policía local si queremos en el sentimiento de gratitud de los ciudadanos hacia “el lograr un progreso real en contra de la corrupción. ministro”; pero las fuentes de los fondos del ministro pueden Quizás no tengamos que renunciar a nuestro sentido de no siempre ser legítimas, o pueden tener “ataduras” que soberanía nacional buscando a extranjeros que nos ayuden resultan en políticas que terminan por “quitarles el pan de la a limpiar la corrupción y hacer realidad la buena gobernanza boca” a esos mismos ciudadanos. en Belize. La cultura del mecenazgo en la política no va a terminar Quizás, tenemos un experto/tecnócrata de cosecha propia pronto en Belize. Se ha convertido en una forma de vida. Pero entre nosotros; y es hora de seguir sus consejos de experto. la tragedia y la crisis que ahora enfrenta la nación han llevado El ex Secretario Permanente, David Gibson, ha ofrecido su a una hora de la verdad al gobierno, cuyos empleados, en las vasta experiencia al mostrar al gobierno una forma de secuelas de la dolorosa pérdida de puestos de trabajo y la implementar la CNUCC en Belize con nuestro propio personal significativa reducción de salarios sufridos por muchos en el e instituciones desempeñando su papel. (Consulten la página sector privado, ahora se ven obligados a soportar un recorte 22 de AMANDALA para el viernes 7 de mayo de 2021 - “Una en sus ganancias. guía estratégica para definir el papel de la sociedad civil en la El primer ministro John Briceno ha opinado que el ciudadano implementación de la CNUCC” por David Gibson). Todo está medio no apoya a los Sindicatos Conjuntos en su protesta/ ahí. Como pueblo, debemos contener la respiración colectiva huelga actual contra el recorte salarial del 10%, ya que todos y orar para que el esfuerzo del Sr. Gibson brinde un gran deben participar de este gran sacrificio. Pero tampoco se puede avance en el enfrentamiento entre el gobierno y los sindicatos, negar que el llamado de los sindicatos a la buena gobernanza de modo que se pueda reavivar la esperanza, al estilo del y una implementación sólida de la CNUCC como el mejor una vez popular mantra de que “todos ganamos”. Tuesday, May 11, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 9

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

Development of Maintenance Plans and Manuals for the Toledo Welcome Plaza (Punta Gorda Town)

Institution: MINISTRY OF TOURISM AND DIASPORA RELATIONS (MTDR) Country: BELIZE Project: SUSTAINABLE TOURISM PROGRAM II (STPII) Sector: SUSTAINABLE TOURISM Operation No: 3566/OC-BL Project ID No.: CS-43 Deadline: Friday, May 21, 2021, at 4:00 pm, local Belize time

The Government of Belize has received financing from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) toward the cost of the “Sustainable Tourism Program II” (STPII), and intends to apply part of the proceeds for this consulting service.

The purpose of this consultancy is to develop a maintenance plan for the Toledo Welcome Plaza in Punta Gorda Town. Services also include the development of a maintenance manual and training for implementing the maintenance plan to the staff in charge of managing and conducting maintenance activities.

This consultancy should not exceed a period of ten weeks.

Candidates must demonstrate successful experience with the development and implementation of maintenance plans, including aspects related to training and capacity building. The Consultant must have experience in developing maintenance plans for public spaces, including green areas, as well as maintenance plans for commercial spaces.

The Consultant must possess the following qualification and experience necessary to complete this consultancy:

- Language: English (Oral and Written) - Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Business Management or other related areas, with demonstrated experience with facilities operations and maintenance, landscaping, as well as the formulation of business plans, feasibility studies and revenue generation research. - Minimum of 5 years’ experience in facilities operations and maintenance, with demonstrated experience with the development of maintenance plans for public spaces, commercial spaces, and green areas. - Demonstrated experience with both virtual and on-site modes of training and capacity building. - Knowledgeable of Belize’s laws, regulations, and policies.

The individual consultant will be selected based on the Comparison of Qualification for Individual Consultants procurement method in accordance with the procedures set out in the Inter-American Development Bank: Policies for the selection and Contracting of Consultants financed by the Inter- American Development Bank (GN-2350-9).

The Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations, now invites eligible individuals to indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested persons should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the services.

Interested individual consultants may obtain further information at the address below during office hours of 09:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday, local Belize time. Expressions of interest must be delivered via direct mail or e-mail at the address indicated below by 4:00 pm on Friday, May 21, 2021, local Belize time.

Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations Attn: Tamara Tingling-Cano Procurement Specialist, STPII 106 South Street, Belize City, Tel: 501-227-1760 E-mail: [email protected] , [email protected] Page 10 AMANDALABelize Tuesday, May 11, 2021

In local football news, the Belize will be the team to watch, they will be very National Beach Football team will go to dangerous. The New York Knicks are Costa Rica this weekend for the Regional rolling, they have won 14 of their last 17 Beach Football Championship. The FFB games. In the West, the Utah Jazz star “Press” Predictions, 45-07-64 has selected 12 players for the trip; Mr. player Donovan Mitchell is hurt at the Boledo stats thru 11th to 18th May, Philip Marin will head the delegation, our moment, but he will be ready for the 2021 boys will face off against Mexico who playoffs. The Phoenix Suns are at the In boledo news, the entire thirties series ranks number 2 spot. The LA Clippers and the has completed. These are my lucky number 2 Denver Nuggets are fighting for the third numbers for this week: 07-45-50-39-64- and then spot. The defending champions are by Gilroy “Press” Cadogan 70. These are my lucky jackpot numbers: Panama struggling very badly right now, they can 2047-9668-3959. These are my lucky who ranks be in the play-in playoff at the 7 spot. There PICK-3 numbers: 762-354-098-709-101- in the top 5. will be a lot of upsets in the first round of 556. Get ready Belize some dinero will They will the playoffs; next week more stats. be coming our way. 79 has not been out play about 4 of those cylinders for over 2 years 2 games in their group, then in 3 weeks’ weeks and 2 days now. 59 has been out time the Belize National Team will play for 1 year 11 months 1 week and 4 days Nicaragua in Nicaragua in early June, our Saul “Canelo” Alvarez is the best now, 17 is still out for over 1 year 2 Boys are in camp already. Next week pound for pound fighter in the world months now. 68 also 1 year 6 months more stats on the results. There are 2 EPL teams in the International Boxing Results and 2 weeks not to be played, 70 is still Champions League finals In international boxing action, in out for over 1 year 8 months and 1 week International Football results Arlington, Texas, at the AT&T Stadium, now, 02 is also out for over 1 year 1 month In international football action, the in the main event, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, and 2 weeks exact. There are 37 numbers Champions League has 2 EPL teams in 58-1-2-40 KOs stopped the UK fighter, left to play, some doubles are long the finals, Chelsea beat Real Madrid 2 nil who was undefeated, after 9 rounds of overdue. There are 4 doubles left to play; in the second leg to advance 3 to 1 on war. The British Billy Joe Sanders 23-1- 11-22-55 and 99. The thirties and the Russell Westbrook has the most aggregate, then Manchester City beat PSG 15KOs was very competitive all night, but eighties series love to play on Sundays. triple doubles all time 2 nil also to advance to the finals. The in the ninth round he suffered a very badly The hottest ending balls are 6 and 4. NBA Results and Predictions EPL is the most competitive league and right swollen eye and he was not able to Remember to read your Psalms: 72-91- In NBA action, Russell Westbrook of the most exciting league in the world2. see. His corner then indicated to the 63, good luck to all buyers, next week the Washington Wizards has tied Oscar Chelsea will shock Manchester City 2 to referee that his fighter has to quit. There more stats. Robertson with 181 triple doubles all time 1 for the UEFA Championship, the game are some mega fights on the horizon in in the history of the NBA; he will have will be very exciting and very entertaining, this same May month. Jorge Linares will over 300 in his career. Bradley Beal, his Manchester City are the EPL Champions defend his title in 2 weeks’ time. Then in teammate loves to play with him, they will already, Pep Guardiola is the best June Tyson Fury, the heavyweight not make the playoffs in 2 weeks’ time. Manager in football with his style of champions who is still undefeated will The Belize National Beach Football The Philadelphia 76ers are on top of the playing. Raheem Sterling will score one face off against his countryman for the will play Mexico and Panama Eastern Conference, the Brooklyn Nets are of the goal, the game will play at a neutral undisputed heavyweight titles; next week Local Football Update at the second spot, the Milwaukee Bucks ground, next week more stats. some predictions get started. From the blood of the little people down there

Each country has their own President of the Republic will earn thing. We were well taught by the problems, and their leaders address 40 percent of what the outgoing former P. M. that in one sitting of the people of their nation on how they president received. There will be no the House and by the stroke of a will solve such issues. On December vehicle purchases for officials. The pen, laws were passed. The voting 1, 2018, the president of Mexico, government’s advertising spending citizens of Belize gave the Blue Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, will be reduced by 50 percent. The Economy 26 area representatives, delivered his speech to the nation. administrative units in the country and these elected the visible Permit me, our dear readers of this will be reduced, and there will be no Head, who thereafter appointed column, to present to you an excerpt government offices abroad… “ the rubber stamps to facilitate the of such speech which I find to be of You may ask yourselves, what does implementation of what is needed so since they are already served, but from much importance: the above have to do with Belize? At as to address the first issue, which is the blood of “the little people down “For this reason, the salaries of simple sight I would say: it hasn’t hunger and medication. Not a five-year there”. high public officials will be lowered. anything to do, except that it’s another plan, because while the grass is That law has already been passed in country whose president was growing, the cattle are starving. You [email protected] this Congress, in this legislature. democratically elected by the citizens asked for the job, saying that your May 9, 2021 They are going to lower the salaries of such a nation and not an area intentions were or are to serve the Finca Solana of those above, because they are representative of a constituency. There people. Then do it. Not from above, Corozal Town going to increase the salaries of was no pandemic when AMLO took those below. There will no longer be office; however, he took only 40% of a private medical service for senior his salary and lowered the salary of I humbly apologize public officials. 5 billion pesos were those whom he referred to as “high allocated, nothing more, for the public officials”. They were not payment of medical services to senior teachers or public service employees. for my ignorance public officials. There will no longer He, the president of the Federal be special savings banks for senior Republic of Mexico, also took away The most effective system mankind know the history of their ancestors public officials. There is no more — the privileges which were unjustly could have ever thought of was who were enslaved and the conditions that law has already been approved. granted to the high ones at the cost of socialism, because by means of that in which they were brought here to this No one will be able to travel in the “little people down there.” This system we can acquire equality. I continent, plus the experiences of those private planes or helicopters at the plan of action by the president of assume that by now, in this 2021, all who ended up on the British expense of public money. Starting Mexico is one that the monarchical inhabitants of Belize that are in the Settlement of the Bay of Honduras and next Monday, the presidential plane Prime Minister of Belize cannot age of understanding ought to know were ruled by a monarchy. Thereafter, and the entire fleet of planes and achieve. that in this country the monarchical we go to the most heroic moment, helicopters will be put on sale for The Prime Minister of Belize says system is practiced. I also want to the use of senior officials. The that he needs time to do the correct believe that all Belizeans ought to Please turn to„Page 11 Tuesday, May 11, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 11

Let’s say, just for argument’s sake, leadership of the PUP. would use a two-sided machete to criticism, no matter the source. that athletes and musicians and Belize’s two major political cut out corruption and run a tight I have said over the decades that artists have the most fun in life. Let’s parties, the PUP and the United ship. The evidence indicates that was the solution to our problem is a say, then, for argument’s sake, that Democratic Party (UDP), are only talking. change from first-past-the-post to doctors and dentists and engineers mammoth organizations which can Some apologists for the PUDP the proportional representation are the most important technical and make you or break you, “you” as an say that the frightening system of government. The scientific people in the world. Let’s individual. In January of 1993, Jorge financial problems Belize now proportional representation system say that soldiers and military men are Espat won the Freetown seat in a by- faces in the public sector are the would make it easier to change heroes. At the end of the day, the one election and became a part of the direct result of the COVID-19 governments which the people thing that no one can dispute, I PUP Cabinet led by Mr. Price. In a pandemic, which is a little more perceive as being in a misbehavior would say, is that bankers rule the short time, he realized something than a year old on our local scene. mode. world. If Belizeans did not know this was dangerously wrong inside the But the fact of the matter is that as Anyway, let’s end with a closer before, we know it now. administration, and he opened his a country, before the virus, we were look at the rulers of the world -- Belize’s politicians/lawyers began mouth in public. People don’t do already seriously vulnerable bankers, and their subjects: us. The playing games with the bankers that sort of thing at the highest levels financially, because from 1998 to vast majority of human beings are during the 1989 to 1993 People’s of the major parties. 2020 our PUDP politicians and always in need of money for some United Party (PUP) administration. When the UDP politician/lawyer, lawyers were becoming more and reason or the other. When we are Very, very few people knew it at the Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, became more beholden to the bankers. Jorge not in need of it, as it were, we are time, but the Rt. Hon. George Price, Prime Minister in 2008, he was Espat had bravely sounded the simply desirous of having it: we who led that administration, was not believed to have been given a alarm from as early as the early want it. The people who the same powerhouse he had been mandate to change the way the game months of 1998, but to absolutely always have money are the bankers, in previous decades. Mr. Price was had been played by the PUP no avail. and in many cases their clients are in his early, going on middle, politicians and lawyers between One of the reasons no one has so desperate, the banker can name seventies, and he had favorites who 1998 and 2008. The PUP politicians been able to slow Belize’s mad rush the interest price he charges for the were becoming more and more and lawyers had played the game fast to bankruptcy is because the use of his money. In the streets, they influential. In 1996, in fact, these and loose with bankers at home and problem we face is systemic. call it loan sharking. The Bible calls same favorites forced him out of the abroad. Mr. Barrow swore that he Elected governments in our first- it usury. No matter what you call past-the-post political system are so it, it’s just the way of the world: powerful they can afford to ignore bankers rule. I humbly apologize for my ignorance

Continued from Page 10 indicated that the country will have a „ new Governor-General and that it which was the struggle to achieve would move to amend the existing self-government in 1964, and the legislation that regulates the office of historic moment of achieving the Governor-General so as to ensure independence from Great Britain in the office holder is adequately 1981 —all while, ironically, still compensated. Prime Minister John under the same monarchy system. In Briceño said he has already asked the my federal republican socialist Foreign Minister to inform mindset, there is no space for such Buckingham Palace and Her Majesty nonsense. However, for the first time the Queen of England of the in my life I was going to experience nomination of Froyla Tzalam to be how a Governor General was Belize’s next Governor-General appointed. replacing Sir Colville Young, who The Constitution of Belize says the retires at the end of this month after following in Chapter 5: nearly 28 years in office.” “36.- (1) The executive authority May someone kindly explain to us, of Belize is vested in Her Majesty. the “little people down there”, the (2) Subject to the provisions of this difference between the words Constitution, the executive authority “nominate and appoint”? In advance, of Belize may be exercised on behalf thank you. Oh! By the way, according of Her Majesty by the Governor to the Constitution of Belize in Chapter General either directly or through 4: 32, the following is written: “A officers subordinate to him. “ person appointed to hold the office Now let us go to Chapter 4: of Governor General shall, before “30.- There shall be a Governor entering upon the duties of that General of Belize who shall be a office, take and subscribe the oath citizen of Belize appointed by Her of allegiance and office.” From Majesty and shall hold office during which authority? The Prime Minister, Her Majesty’s pleasure and who shall the House of Representatives, the be Her Majesty’s representative in Cabinet, the National Assembly of Belize.” Buckingham Palace? I humbly I’m a little bit confused, our dear apologize for my ignorance. readers of this column, for the following reason: According to [email protected] Caribbean News, on April 27, 2021, May 9, 2021 it says that: Finca Solana “The Belize government has Corozal Town Page 12 AMANDALABelize Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Regional climate change KREM Television week starts Tuesday Program Guide Shoa Wiself, Si Wiself, Bee Wiself!!! Questions or comments may be forwarded via email to Phone: 202-5848 [email protected]

Tuesday May 11, 2021 to Monday May 17, 2021

TUESDAY 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) BELIZE CITY, Mon. May 10, 2021 Climate Change Conference, COP26 1:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now The Government of the Dominican which will be held in Glasgow, Scotland 2:00 p.m. Movie: The Gospel of John Republic, in partnership with various later on this year. 3:30 p.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (repeat) international bodies, will host the Latin This year’s virtual sessions of Latin 6:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (LIVE) America and Caribbean Climate Week America and Caribbean Climate Week 7:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now (LACCW) for 2021. Virtual activities will be followed by Ministerial meetings 8:00 p.m. Documentary: How It’s made: Aluminium Foil, Ballons, Cement are set to commence on Tuesday, May between August 23 and 25, 2021. 9:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) 11, and will take place until Friday, May Climate Change Week is organized 14, 2021. across regions annually as a way to WEDNESDAY The virtual sessions to be hosted by bring governments and non-party 6:30 a.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (LIVE) the Dominican Republic will be geared stakeholders to address climate change 9:00 a.m. Morning Stew (LIVE) at bringing governments, private sector issues under a single umbrella. 12:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) leaders, and the civil society together “Bringing together diverse 1:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now to engage in dialogue. The conversation stakeholders from the public and 2:00 p.m. Movie: Tigertails will be centered on climate change private sectors around a common goal 3:30 p.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (repeat) solutions and will include the of addressing climate change is the 6:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (LIVE) showcasing of climate action across the primary aim of the Regional Climate 7:30 p.m. You And The Law (LIVE) Caribbean. Weeks,” a press release about the event 9:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) This is being done ahead of the stated. THURSDAY 6:30 a.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (LIVE) 9:00 a.m. Morning Stew (LIVE) India’s vaccines lag; 12:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) 1:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now Moderna on the way 2:00 p.m. Movie: Mr. Bean 3:30 p.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (repeat) 6:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (LIVE) by Dayne Guy decrease of supply of vaccines through COVAX in the month of May; 7:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now 8:00 p.m. Documentary: Our Planet Forests therefore, this negotiation is very WASHINGTON, DC, USA, Wed. 9:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) May 5, 2021 important. It is important that an The recent outbreak of COVID-19 agreement be reached so that the Serum FRIDAY in India has slowed the vaccination Institute of India can provide vaccines 6:30 a.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (LIVE) efforts in Latin America. While the Pan for their own country, but also meet 9:00 a.m. Morning Stew (LIVE) American Health Organization (PAHO) and fulfill the contractual agreements 12:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) is still negotiating with the Government through COVAX.” 1:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now of India so that the Serum Institute of Despite the delay in the distribution 2:00 p.m. Documentary: Slavery by Another Name India may fulfil their contractual of vaccines from India, other vaccine 3:30 p.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (Repeat) obligations to contribute a supply of manufacturers that have been pre- 6:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (LIVE) vaccines to the region, the surge in the approved by the World Health 7:30 p.m. You And The Law (repeat) number of domestic cases of COVID- Organization have agreed to provide 9:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) 19 and several instances of lockdowns vaccines through COVAX. The in that country have negatively affected manufacturer of the Moderna vaccine, SATURDAY their ability to produce and export which was recently authorized for 9:00 a.m. Documentary: Lost Kingdoms of Africa ( Nubia, Ethiopia, Great vaccines. emergency use, has committed to Zimbabwe and West Africa) The Government of India has been provide 36 million doses of its vaccine 12:37 p.m. Movie: Yesterday one of the countries that has been this year, and the remainder will be 2:33 p.m. Documentary: Inside Job leading the effort to donate vaccines provided through the first half of the 4:14 p.m. Movie: Revenge of the Bridesmaids that ensure equitable access to year 2022. 5:41 p.m. Documentary: Whales inoculation in the Americas. The Serum Dr. Barbosa believes there should be 6:38 p.m. Movie: Fences Institute had committed to delivering 1 no complications in the storage of the 8:00 p.m. Music Videos billion doses of the AstraZeneca jab to Moderna vaccines. “This vaccine SUNDAY the Americas and has been a primary requires storage under freezing source of vaccines to the Latin conditions that are similar to other 10:30 a.m. Sunday Review (LIVE) 12:00 p.m. Movie: The Great Debaters American and Caribbean countries. vaccines that are used in the region already, so most countries are ready 2:06 p.m. Documentary: Best Ocean Life With the recent, crippling explosion of 2:57 p.m. Movie: Nappily Ever After indeed to receive Moderna vaccines,” cases in India, however, the Director 4:36 p.m. Documentary: Diving with the Dinosaur Fish General of the World Health said Dr. Barbosa. Most countries 5:30 p.m. Sunday Review (repeat) Organization has reentered negotiations already have the necessary protocols 7:00 p.m. Sunday Jazz with the Indian government to ensure in place to effectively store this vaccine. 8:00 p.m. Music Videos that authorization is given for a portion Dr. Barbosa further stated, of the vaccine supply that is produced “Countries in Latin America and the MONDAY in that country to be sent to the COVAX Caribbean will be receiving Moderna 6:30 a.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (LIVE) Facility, while the remainder is used for vaccines as well as from other 9:00 a.m. Morning Stew (LIVE) India’s domestic cases. manufacturers. When a manufacturer 12:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) The delay in the distribution of makes an agreement with COVAX, they 1:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now vaccines from India could potentially must provide the vaccines and the 2:00 p.m. Movie: Emma influence the COVID-19 outlook for the vaccines are distributed… So for the 3:30 p.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (repeat) entire region and, to a greater extent, Moderna advisor that is planning to be 6:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (LIVE) the world. The Assistant Director of providing vaccines starting in June in 7:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now PAHO, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, recently Latin America and in July as well, 8:00 p.m. Documentary: DNA remarked, “There may be other [Moderna and] all manufacturers will 9:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) implications, because there will be a have vaccines ready to be distributed.” Tuesday, May 11, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 13 BMDA announce new directors

BELIZE CITY, Mon. May 10, 2021 The general election for the new Other elected officials are Dr. The Belize Medical and Dental executive body was held on Perlita Aldana, Dr. Rene Godoy, and Association issued a press release Thursday, May 6, 2021. Dr. Leonel Sinai. The new council in which it revealed its new board Also elected to the executive members include Dr. Jose Moguel of directors on Monday, May 10, board are the board’s vice- and Dr. Miguel Quetzal. 2021. Dr. Uldine Wright is now the president, Dr. Ingrid Sansorez; its The NHI representative is Dr. newly elected director of the treasurer, Dr. Nekisha Flowers; and Virginia Smith, and Dr. Jorge association. its secretary, Dr. Aimee Hunter. Hidalgo is the new CME coordinator. The release states, “Our new executives are looking forward with great enthusiasm to serve our VACANCIES country through our medical community.” METHODIST PRE & PRIMARY SCHOOLS

Applications are invited to fill the following Vacancies:

Administrative Principal – St. Luke Methodist School AdministrativeVice Principal – St. Luke Methodist School Cycling - WW Sunday Race Teaching Principal – Forest Home Methodist School results – May 9, 2021 Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree in Education with ten years teaching experience by Jerome “Comogys” Williams – Wade (Cycology, st); 7th Santino WW Technical Director Castillo (Santino’s, 1st “B” rider, st); 8th Leroy Cassasola (Santino’s, st); Trained Teacher with a Certificate in School Leadership and ten BELIZE CITY, Mon. May 10, 2021 9th Eddie Usher (M&M Engineering, years teaching experience. With the recent lifting of some st); 10th Sydney Belizaire (Future sporting restrictions by the Ministry Innovation, st); 11th Kenneth Butler of Health, Weekend Warriors (WW) (FT Williams, 2nd “B” rider, st); 12th Temporary Teachers-Belize District, Stann Creek District, cyclists from all categories – A, B and Nicole Gallego (M&M Engineering, Toledo District and Corozal District C - returned to action with their 1:55.48); 13th Quinton “Di Baddest” Sunday Race yesterday, May 9, doing Hamilton (Unattached, 1:55.56); 14th 4 laps on the John Smith Road, starting Kenroy “Smokes” Gladden (Kulture, Application letters with resumes, two letters of reference and at 7:30 a.m. Some 33 riders, including 1:56.12); 15th Marvin Hyde copies of credentials should be forwarded to: 2 females, started the race, with 20 of (Unattached, 1:59.45); 16th Jerome them sticking it out to the finish, Wade (M&M Engineering, 1st “C” General Manager including both females. rider, st); 17th Alvan Gillett (Kulture, Methodist Schools Finishing results were: 1st Place – 2:02.02); 18th Manuel Esquiliano 75 Albert Street, Belize City Kent “Bob” Gabourel (Cycology, (Truckers, 2nd “C” rider, st); 19th 1:52.27); 2nd Vallan Symns (Kulture, Floyd Williams (FT Williams, 3rd Email: [email protected] 1:52.38); 3rd Eric Morales (Future “C” rider, st); and 20th Antonio Innovation, 1:53.26); 4th Barney Escarpeta (FT Williams, 2:10.09). Brown (Digi, 1:55.30); 5th Kaya The next WW Sunday Race event Deadline: May21, 2021at 4:00 p.m. Cattouse (C-Ray, st); 6th Dwayne will be the Lemonal Circuit this coming Sunday, May 16.

LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICE

LIQUOR LICENCE NOTICE: Notice is hereby given that Carlos Alarcon is applying for a Publican Special Licence, to be operated at Royal Restaurant Bar & Entertainment, Belmopan, under the Intoxicating Liquor Licence Ordinance Revised Edition 2000. LIQUOR LICENCE NOTICE: Notice is hereby given that Xochil Natali Lopez is applying for a Publican Special Licence, to be operated at Double Zero, 6719 Western Ave., under the Intoxicating Liquor Licence Ordinance Revised Edition 2000. Page 14 AMANDALABelize Tuesday, May 11, 2021 Former George Street Four elders shot, two boss’s son murdered dead on George Street (From page 1) (From page 1) never by Dayne Guy several expended shells and the believed that motionless body of Tillett some he would die BELIZE CITY, Fri. May 7, 2021 distance away from his bicycle. from a bullet. Seventeen-year-old Gerald Tillett, Police have since arrested and I mi think it Jr., son of the deceased gang leader, charged eighteen-year-old Kaleif would be Gerald “Shiney” Tillett, Sr., was shot Raheim Caceres of West Street with rum, cause he likes to drink; to death in Belize City on Thursday, the murder of Tillett. Surveillance that’s how he footage that was gathered from the May 6, 2021. The Belize Police enjoyed his Department remains highly vigilant, area led to the initial arrest. Police life.” She due to the high likelihood that believe that Caceres is a member of further stated associates of Tillett will retaliate. a gang that is a rival of the George that when she According to reports, sometime Street Gang, of which Tillett, Jr.’s by Dayne Guy heard that he had been shot, she thought before 7:00 p.m. Thursday, Tillett, Jr., father had reportedly been the head. nothing much of it, assuming he had was riding his bicycle on Baghdad Tillett’s father, Gerald “Shiney” BELIZE CITY, Mon. May 10, 2021 received only a minor injury. Peteau, Street when he was greeted by two Tillett, was murdered in a similar Two persons were murdered and an however, was rushed to the Karl individuals who accompanied him fashion, five years ago. Gerald additional two were injured in a shooting Heusner Memorial, where he was down Mosul Street. Unbeknownst to Tillett, Sr. had been seated around a on the corner of Church and George pronounced dead on arrival. Tillett, one of the individuals had a wooden table at the Wadani Shed in Streets. The incident took place two Jones says Peteau will be gun, which he later pulled out — Dangriga, where he spent his last days after the murder of Gerald Tillett, remembered as a jovial, kind-hearted firing several shots in the teenager’s moments. He was later blindsided by Jr. — the son of the former head of the person. She said, “He was a good direction, which fatally wounded a man dressed in black who fired George Street Gang. Many are person, he has a good heart. You can him. shots in his direction, ultimately speculating that this most recent call on him and ask for Upon arriving at the scene, killing him. Five years later, his son shooting is an act of retaliation. While something...once he’s around, if you Precinct One police officers suffered the same fate, on the streets this remains a probable cause, the Police need something, he’ll get it.” Jones said examined the area, where they found of Belize City. Department continues to investigate the that neither Peteau nor any member of shooting from all angles. their immediate family had any affiliation According to police reports, around with gangs. “I believe that they were 9:05 p.m. on Saturday, May 8, two men possibly looking for someone in the Abusive relationship on a motorcycle arrived in the area and area and couldn’t find him, so they just fired shots that were aimed at a building fire shots,” continued Jones. ends in fatal arson on the corner of Church and George The second victim of the shooting on Street. The four occupants of the George street was identified as 51-year- building were men who are more old Raymond Garcia. Garcia died on Continued from Page 1 advanced in age and who are not the scene after receiving gunshot injuries. „ believed to have any connection with The two survivors of the shooting, destroyed the house. Upon examining the ongoing gang rivalry, but these men Alvarez and Moss, received gunshot the building, the police found the — Raymond Garcia, Salomon Alvarez, wounds to the left leg and upper right charred remains of Middleton and her Wayne Peteau and Gilbert Moss— were thigh respectively and are currently son inside one of the house’s nonetheless wounded by the bullets. receiving treatment. bedrooms. Based on the initial Two of them died as a result. Police are following multiple leads in evidence they gathered, the police Wayne Peteau was one of the two their investigation of the incident. One believe this was no accident. unfortunate men who lost their lives as of their prime suspicions is that the event Neighbors of Middleton claim that a result of the incident. Peteau’s was an act of retaliation – since they’ve at the time of the incident, around 10:30 common-law wife, Sonia Jones, said noted that the area is at the intersection p.m., her ex-common-law husband, that this incident was totally unforeseen. of the turf of two neighbouring gangs. Demas Joel Mendez, was seen at the Despite the fact that the area is a known The police have since detained a number home, demanding that she let him enter. gang war zone, Peteau always felt safe of persons of interest and are still The police believe that, after being in the area and he would frequently go gathering more information as part of an there to play dominoes. Jones said, “I denied entry to the house, he set the ongoing investigation. house on fire, causing the brutal death of Middleton and her 3-year-old son. Middleton’s family believes that another sequence of events might have PM gets the jab occurred. Dana Lewis, the aunt of Middleton, says that the family, after have Middleton, no one else would Continued from Page 1 drastically reduced. However, further examining the scene, observed large get her. Kendra had previously made „ action must still be taken. Prime Minister pools of blood — indicating that reports of domestic abuse to the Police touted the importance of getting Briceño commented, “Controlling is one Mendez had gained access to the Department. Sr.Supt. Romero said the vaccinated, but ironically had not been part. Now we have to make sure that we building, killed the two occupants, and matter had been investigated after those vaccinated himself. Today, at the spread and ensure that as many people set the home ablaze to cover his tracks. reports were made, but refused to refer reopening of the Luisa Manzanero get vaccinated.” Senior Superintendent of the Police to any specific policing efforts that had Health Centre in Bullet Tree Falls, Hon. Briceño noted that there is great Department, Hilberto Romero, refused been made. It was notably stated, however, Prime Minister Briceño was fear of the vaccine among certain to indicate in detail what was observed however, that no restraining order was administered his first dose of the segments of the population. He jokingly at the site, but he dismissed the apparently in place at the time of the Astrazeneca vaccine. said, however, that the vaccine is “just scenario described by Middleton’s incident. Prime Minister Briceño, at the an injection.” Hon. Briceño further family. “Kendra was a very jovial person, reopening of the health center, recalled thanked the citizenry for cooperating Lewis said that she had learned of outgoing, always giving jokes,” said the first few weeks of his administration: with GOB’s efforts to control the her niece’s death via a phone call on Lewis. Despite their intense grief, “How much of our families and friends coronavirus, and he underscored that the day after the fire. Upon arriving at Lewis said, “We would like to say were in the hospital, worried about what it was a collaborative effort between the the site the aunt was shocked and thank you to everybody that supported, is going to happen to us. We knew we ministry and the populace to flatten the had to do the tough decisions to be able rise in COVID-19 incidents. Due to the filled with rage, after seeing the prayed, texted and called. The love to get back to work, and the only way combined efforts, Prime Minister John alleged perpetrator at the scene. has been so outpouring.” The family we could get back to work is by Briceño said, “Belize is just one in the Reports say that Mendez, after denying continues to ask for prayers for their controlling the spread of COVID.” twenty-one countries in the world that his involvement, later turned himself beloved Kendra Middleton and Aiden PM Briceño thanked Minister Michel the United States has declared at a level in and confessed to the crime. Perez. Chebat and his ministry for their timely 2 when it comes to the issue of Lewis claims the relationship was Mendez has since been arrested and response to the pandemic. The protocols COVID.” This feat, he explains, proves very abusive. She further stated that charged with two counts of murder and the ministry has set in place have allowed that Belize is on track to recover from Mendez had said that if he couldn’t a charge of arson. for the incidence of COVID-19 to be the pandemic. Tuesday, May 11, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 15 Bondholders and GoB, no deal yet GOB tables new proposals to unions

Continued from Page 1 decisions have to be made to get us out of Continued from Page 1 at the meeting on Thursday. He stated „ it, and we feel that our homegrown plan is „ that while the government proposed the Minister Chris Coye spoke to the media the best way,” Minister Coye remarked. a little prematurely on Thursday afternoon additional concessions to the Joint Unions, today and informed the country that while And while Minister Coye wouldn’t of last week. While the meeting was the unions’ membership largely did not that particular meeting was canceled, the classify the nature of government’s talks expected to extend into the late evening, accept those new proposals, given that negotiation talks continue with the with the bondholders as being at an it came to an end after the Government the salary cuts were still on the table. bondholders. impasse at this time, he did note that other tabled new proposals to the union leaders. He mentioned, however, that they “There was supposed to be the call with factors like climate impact should be major The unions continue to reject the may budge if the government moves to the Creditor Committee, but over the factors in the current restructuring. Government’s move to cut 10% of accept some other proposals submitted weekend we understood that, given our The bondholders assert that going to the salaries, even though the administration by the union, which are aimed at view on continuing with our homegrown IMF could help Belize “cushion” itself from has adamantly proceeded with the softening the impact of the salary cuts economic recovery or fiscal recovery plan, natural disasters and other forms of climate reduction. The first of the cuts were on the workers’ ability to cover their daily there was an impression that there impact. Minister Coye said that these expected to be seen in the May 15th salary expenses and sustain themselves and shouldn’t be a call if we are not open to considerations have not been included in cycle; however, GoB has confirmed that their families. the idea of an IMF stand-by arrangement.” the approach that has been taken toward they will not touch salaries while the “I think that what we could probably Minister Coye explained. the Super-bond and, going forward, they unions are on strike. see, make some progress, if is the Belize is due to make a payment to must be acknowledged. The Government has tabled three Government accepts some of the other bond-holders of approximately US7 “Belize is a vulnerable country, drafts of good governance legislation and proposals — like reducing some of the million dollars by May 20, 2021. The economically and climate-vulnerable. We has presented two so far. The unions are electricity bills and water bills and those country, however, has already passed a can all appreciate, we have all experienced in receipt of a draft Whistle-Blowers Act other day-to-day expenses that we have, budget that anticipates a restructuring of it, that the weather-related events have and a draft Asset Recovery Act, and are in order for us to identify some saving the Super-bond debt. Coye indicated that become more and more frequent over the awaiting the draft of the Campaign at the end of the month based on those the process of negotiating the restructuring past decade, over the past couple of Financing Laws. things. So while there may be a reduction may go beyond the payment date set, decades, and that has had a material impact The government side also proposed the in the expenditure for the government, ultimately resulting in a soft default if an on the way we grow, because if we are offer of a promissory note equal to the since they control the utility, they can agreement is not reached by May 20. knocked back every time we suffer from 10% salary cut, with a possibility of reduce by 2% the utility, reduce by 1 %, “We have to expect that this process a hurricane or a flood, it’s like two steps interest. just as an example, so at the end of the will go beyond May 20. If the bondholders forward, one step backward, one step The officials from the Government’s day we will still be getting back that 10%, find that they would prefer to reach an forward, two steps back. And how do we side will take those proposals to Cabinet but just in savings in the different agreement before May 20, then we finance that recovery in each instance? So on Tuesday, May 11, and the unions have expenditures that we have on a monthly wouldn’t have a default,” said Minister we are suffering dual distress, debt distress, since presented those new offers to their basis,” Henry explained. Coye. climate distress, and that has to be part of membership over the weekend. He also referred to the constant rise He added, “If you look at the budget the equation, part of the consideration. In Negotiations between the two parties that is being observed by Belizeans in book that speaks to the fiscal plan of the other jurisdictions, in terms of bond are set to continue on Thursday, May prices of essential goods in the stores, government and that lays out what the issuance on the international level, there is 13. and called on the government to control adjustment that will be made, and those now a consideration for that, and that has While the parties seem to be those prices. adjustments contemplate restructuring.” now been a consideration in our current approaching a middle ground, Elena “Also, very important thing is for them Carl Ross, a bondholder connected to superbond, and going forward that has to Smith, national president of the Belize to control the prices. Whatever it takes the Investment and Asset Management firm be a consideration,” Minister Coye said. National Teachers Union, said that the for them to control the prices of goods GMO, told local media that the Belize’s debt management team, led by teachers are still firmly opposed to the in the grocery stores — these prices are government and bondholders are in a Mark Espat, who, in his former role as the salary cuts, but will seek some alternative going up almost every week, right, and stalemate of sorts at this time. country’s Economic Ambassador, forms of relief if there are no other it’s straining our public officers. There He further mentioned that signing on to spearheaded four successful previous options. must be some sort of price control an IMF program would increase the value renegotiations of the Super-bond, is “We are fighting as hard as we can, effected — hopefully a reduction in the of the debt and, in turn, increase the currently in conversation with the Creditor but if it is that there must be that cut, taxes that these merchants place on possible value of investments. Committee. Prime Minister John Briceno there is no other way out, there is no way items, because that is what is actually Minister Coye stated, however, that told local media that Ambassador Espat’s for us to challenge it in any way, then it’s killing us,” Henry shared. while the IMF has shown more flexibility involvement is currently being carried out best that you get some kind of The union members were expected in the requirements it outlines for larger through Citigroup Global Markets Inc., the compensation for that, if that has to be to engage in a survey over the weekend countries, a developing country typically external financial advisor. He also outlined the result.” Smith told the media. after being updated by their leadership faces rigid, and oftentimes severe, program that no member of the debt management The president of the Public Service on the new proposals tabled by the recommendations. team is being paid at this time and added Union, Gerald Henry, has told local media Government. As mentioned, these ”The reality is that we have a tough that they will be compensated based that the union coordinated a session with proposals will also be presented to situation that we face. We are in an on ”performance and the amount of the its membership to inform them of the Cabinet on Tuesday of this week, and a economic crisis and a fiscal crisis, and hard haircut that we can get.” advancements made in the negotiations meeting will follow on Thursday. Unions rally at Memorial Park

Continued from Page 1 seen awash with yellow and green shirts. absolutely required such a cut. The action The president of the PSU said that they „ The protestors moved along the streets led to the eventual signing of a Collective do not expect to again amass a gathering rally in Memorial Park. Members of the in a circuit that lasted almost two hours, Bargaining Agreement between PBL and of Friday’s magnitude soon. In addressing Christian Workers Union (CWU) along and at times even pressed on in the rain. the CWU after 16 years. the risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus with the CWU’s president, Evan “Mose” The march started at Memorial Park, President of the CWU, Evan “Mose” that the unions’ members and leadership Hyde, and members of the Belize where union members from the various Hyde, when questioned by local media, might have been facing, he said it was a Progressive Teachers Union also joined BNTU and PSU branches countrywide remarked, “Obviously, the unions, their risk he is willing to take. the gathering. could be seen dismounting buses and respective leadership, have to be value- “I will put it this way: for me, This show of force was put into motion lining up, prepared to march the city driven in the sense that you ultimately have personally, COVID-19 is a disease that is following the tabling of new proposals streets with their pre-made placards. to be able, to be honest with self first, and caused by a virus. My body can recover from the Government of Belize to the “As you notice here today, the intensity to know that the position that you are taking from it in a few days’ time. If I eat healthy, Joint Unions during a meeting last is actually increasing, right. So I believe is one that is based on what is fair and if I drink healthy, if I take certain Thursday. there is still fuel, enough fuel. It’s not all what is just, and we have to trust that that medication, etc., I will recover from that, Elena Smith, national president of the of our membership or the majority of our is how that consensus is formed. We know within a week or two. We have seen it Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU), membership; we are still limiting our that in each instance where we have taken happen. It will continue to happen. told the media that their members felt the members, although it really was a huge that position, that ultimately it is based on Corruption, now, is a disease that is like need to come out in support of their amount. We are still not really a full force principle.” a cancer that is killing far more people union’s stand, and decided to do so on as yet in terms of our showing,” PSU He added, “You must be based on than COVID-19 will ever kill, so it is Friday. president, Gerald Henry, mentioned to principles of what is fair and what is just. worth the risk for me personally to come “Since we’ve been on strike this time local reporters. Is it easy? No. But is it absolutely out here and brave a little Covid-19, around, this has been the biggest crowd As mentioned, also participating in the important? One hundred percent. This is compared to accepting a lot of corruption that we have had, but again we’ve always day’s demonstration were members of the a time of crisis, a time of reckoning, and it that is not only going to kill me, but is said that we try to maintain as much as Christian Workers Union. Readers would is a time for giants. So, nobody forced going to kill my children. So, I may end we can to follow the protocols in place, recall that those unionized employees at anybody to be a leader of a union or a rep, up catching Covid. If I do I isolate myself but there comes a time when your the Port of Belize (PBL) engaged in and nobody forced anybody to become from my children. I cannot isolate my members say ‘enough is enough,’ and we industrial action after a move by that Prime Minister. We must deal with it, but children from corruption,” Henry have to show our power, and so today corporate entity to cut the workers’ salaries we are obligated to do the things we must commented. was that day,” Smith said. by 10% without providing evidence that do in these times of crisis fairly, and with a The Joint Unions remain engaged in The city streets could once again be the financial state of the company great preoccupation with what is just.” strike action. Page 16 AMANDALABelize Tuesday, May 11, 2021