Vol. 23 No. 48 Sunday, November 29, 2020 Page 2 The GuardIan Sunday, November 29, 2020

on the banking sector in the country. Because of this, final One man is winning approval was held off. Now it The PUP’s Election slogan seems, its ‘anything for Ashcroft’ was ‘Everybody fi win’ but it and the deal is done. seems that the slogan has gone Another Ashcroft project from everybody to ‘only Ashcroft that had been put on pause was fi win’. In the space of two weeks the construction of a cruise ship since the PUP was swept into docking and bulk cargo facility office, the Ashcroft Alliance has at the Port of Belize by Waterloo been able to get things done at Investment Holdings Limited. apparent breakneck speeds. The Alliance had applied for Firstly, the sale of Scotia consideration under the previous Bank to the Belize Bank has now administration but the project been finalized with the Central was not approved. Two weeks Bank now giving its approval for into the PUP administration, the the acquisition. This now gives Department of the Environment is way to a super financial entity advertising that an Environmental that will control in excess of Impact Assessment (EIA) has 50 percent of banking activities been lodged. With that a virtual in the country. The Barrow public consultation will now be administration had serious held on Thursday, November 26, concerns about approving the creation of such an entity because of the stranglehold it would have signaling that the project is now on track. The expansion at the port is one that was being watched Pantry and Covid financial aid stop closely by the previous The PUP has put to a stop the administration for the effect Food Pantry Program as well as that it would have on the way the financial aid, which was being business is currently being done provided to persons who became between the Port of Belize and unemployed as a result of the the waterfront workers. There Covid-19 pandemic. Under both is great fear that if it proceeds programs, thousands of Belizeans it will displace a great many benefitted in some of the most stevedores who currently work trying financial times this country at the port. has ever witnessed. Dolores Balderamos-Garcia told the media on Monday that The Guardian she would abolish the word pantry and replace it with grocery Protecting Freedom Rights Democracy bag instead. We see no logic in it but that is her prerogative. But in editor: her abolishing the word, she has Alfonso Noble also put a stop on the delivery Dolores Balderamos-Garcia ADVERTISING of any more food assistance assistance or not. food assistance. There is now no Louis Thompson packages. It is not known exactly In the past, the Ministry of telling how long the stoppage will who will now qualify for the Human Development had put in last and if and when it resumes Compositor: assistance or what criteria will place an extensive criteria on how if those who had been on will Kristen Jimenez be used to determine who gets people were selected to receive the continue to receive the help. Reporter: Jem Smith CONTRIBUTORS: Byron Donaire Rene Flowers Vanessa Guerrero RECEPTIONIST/ACCOUNTS CLERK Vanessa Gillett

Published by The Guardian Newspaper Limited Cor. Ebony St. & Bel China Bridge, P. O. Box 1898 , Belize Telephone: 207-5346, 207-5347 Fax: 227-5343 E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected] Website: www.guardian.bz Printed by The Guardian Press Cor. Ebony St. & Bel China Bridge, P. O. Box 1898 Belize City, Belize Page 3 The GuardIan Sunday, November 29, 2020 Crime out of Control; Not a Clue What to Do

Covid out of Control Prior to being elected to to lead this nation. We won’t even Over the past two weeks particular, the ministers of health office on November 11, the PUP waste time to talk about Johnny since the People’s United Party and home affairs have presented had the cure for every societal ill because everyone knew that he have taken over the reigns of no plan on how the Covid and and all other problems affecting was a ventriloquist dummy a long government, Belizeans have crime problems will be tackled. Belize. They were always on time ago, and we all know who literally been dying left, right On the night of Tuesday the ready to speak of their great the Ventriloquist is who had his and center. There has been an November 24, police in riot knowledge, skills and mighty hand so far up Johnny’s behind explosion of murders across gear had to be deployed to the prowess. On every occasion until he touched and scrambled the country. Parallel to that St. Martin’s de Porres Area, where something went wrong, the remainder of Johnny’s brain. is the death toll as a result of which has ignited into an all out they sought out the media to give Over the past two weeks the Covid-19 pandemic. 125 battleground between rival gangs an interview and boast about since PUP formed the government Belizeans have died so far and and still there is no guidance from the remedy they had for that there has been a spike in violent there is no end in sight. Even the minister, Kareem Musa. given situation. At times they crimes including murders, and as the streets run red and the As for Covid, two weeks formed a queue to weigh in on we have heard of civilians who hospitals are overrun with Covid into his portfolio and all that the situation. They made sure to fly the PUP flag shooting at patients, the government has had we see Michel Chebat doing is speak to every media house that POLICE OFFICES in an effort absolutely no response. touring health facilities. There would entertain them. For good to prevent them from executing It is during these times that is no clear indication as to how measure they bombard social their duty. However, the Minister leaders are tested and it is now the pandemic will be addressed. media by creating their own with responsibility for police being proven that the People’s All that we hear is that they are “ONLINE MEDIA OUTLETS” has been missing in auction. United Party has absolutely no working on a plan. The plan to spread the word. They even He has nothing to say now that capacity for leadership. This it seems will see all Belizeans had their social media bullies, he is in the driver’s seat. Then is being proven both from the infected before it is unveiled. whose only job was to lurk on there is the spike in COVID-19 Prime Ministerial level down to We are truly living in a sorry Facebook 24/7 and quote things infections and the 50 COVID- the Ministers. Briceño is clueless sad state. Crime is out of control from a script. Whenever these 19 deaths over the last 12 days, as to what needs to be done to and Covid is out of control and Facebook bullies were brought to and nothing has been said by the address the mounting problems we have no hope that the PUP task they would quickly head for LAWYER turned minister. The facing the nation and those he government will be able to take cover and the persons questioning only thing that has been done so has appointed as ministers, in us out of these problems. them would be blocked from far with the COVID-19 situation the respective PUP social media is that someone in government page. Decency and seeking truth gave the police the instructions was never tolerated on these to return the 23 confiscated Johnny Briceno tests pages. canoes to the border jumpers, Fast-forward to post opening the possibility to see positive for Covid-19 November 11, apparently all even more infections in Belize. In that great knowledge, skills and that situation it appears that one mighty prowess of which they minister is insuring that another boasted prior to the election has minister will also look bad. gone out the door. One suggestion The only minister who has said from an individual we spoke to anything so far is Minister Grocery was that the great knowledge, Bag, who apparently believes skills and mighty prowess were that she has solved poverty by sealed in the ballot boxes and changing the name PANTRY to won’t be released until just before GROCERY BAG. This present the next general election in the administration may yet become form of a COVER BENJAMIN the shortest administration in JOB. All the PUPs who had all Belizean history. The sense we the answers to fix every problem have gathered from Belizeans is under the sun are now hiding from that they will not be too tolerant the media. They have no plan and of this administration. There is no solutions. The loudmouths a sense that very soon we may such as Cordel, Kareem, Julius, see the people take to the streets Mai, Eamon, Requena, Chebat calling for this bunch of misfits etal have not even a clue on how to go.

Johnny Briceño not wearing a mask Prime Minister of Belize, testing positive was his right Johnny Briceño has tested hand man, Stuart Leslie who is positive for Covid-19. The the Cabinet Secretary. announcement was made on He now joins two other PUP Tuesday, November 24 via a parliamentarians, Jorge Espat press release. Briceño is not and Michael Espat who tested suffering from any symptoms positive earlier on. Both men are but is now in isolation. Also recovering from the virus. Classifieds Liquor License Notice - Notice is hereby given that under the Intoxicating Liquor Licence Ordinance Chapter 150 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, that Verla Rosales is applying for a Restaurant and Bar Liquor License for the year 2021 to operate “Honey Bees” located at 17 1/4 Mls. Sandhill Village, . Page 4 The GuardIan Sunday, November 29, 2020 Still no plan to Hoping for consistency in fight COVID-19 the National Cybersecurity It seems that some great level Strategy 2020 to 2023 of confusion is the only thing that is guiding the PUP administration in its first two weeks in office. It is either that or just a bunch of lies. Either way, it means that there is still no clear plan put forward on how the Covid-19 pandemic will be addressed. In the run up to the general elections, PM Briceño had told 7News that the PUP had Johnny Briceño been working on a plan to address had been working on even before the problem. Had that been true, taking office. it would then have been an easy Tw o w e e k s i n t o h i s process of just implementing administration the death toll keeps National Cybersecurity task force the plan when they assumed on rising we are now at 125 with office, but like most things PUP, daily numbers ranging from at With the changing of the Cyber Unit (PITCU) remains it seems that the so-called plan most of 10 to 5 deaths per day. It old guard to the new, we remain intact within the Belize Police was just plain old idle talk. Now is a heavy price that Belizeans are hopeful that one constanty Department. Their role in with Johnny Briceño at the head paying while we wait for some remains and that is in the National investigating cases of phishing, of the country, he claims there is kind of answer from the new Cybersecurity Strategy 2020 to credit card and ATM frauds have no plan to deal with the pandemic administration who appears to 2023. proved invaluable. and he is now scrambling to come be in no hurry to put a stop to the For the fact remains that The National Cybersecurity up with the plan he had said they disease that is literally killing us. due to our increased reliance on Strategy recommends that a internet-based technologies as National Cybersecurity coordinator a result of COVID-19, it would be appointed. be reassuring that the medium Cybersecurity takes into Canoes returned to border jumpers remains secure. account the continuous activities It made headlines in the be placed in the water for illegal As of 2018, internet penetration in the political, legal, economic, middle of August when a number activities. Since the confiscation into Belize was recorded as being and technical levels to manage of canoes were confiscated by of the canoes the movement of over 50% of the population and an risks in cyberspace. This is to police in northern villages in Belizeans in and out of Mexico increase of over 40% since 2000. ensure that the confidentiality an effort to curb illegal border via the Rio Hondo river had been We also pray that the Police of our digital assets remains jumping and the spread of Covid- significantly reduced. Information Technology and assured. 19. Well, it seems that the new During a press conference political directorate is taking a held on Wednesday, Commissioner different approach to the whole of Police Chester Williams stated issue. Video footage and pictures that he made the decision on provided to The Guardian shows Tuesday to return the canoes to that the canoes have been returned their rightful owners as they were to the owners. Complete with PUP confiscated for quite some time flags, the canoes were hauled right and there is nothing in law to back to the owners with the aid of keep them “any longer.” He added the Police Department. that the department understands It is noteworthy that Prime that there is the threat of border Minister Johnny Briceño has jumping and as a result, officers publicly stated that there is no on border patrols will be working real plan to contain the spread of along with BDF personnel to the virus. Releasing the canoes monitor Santa Cruz and San will now compound the problem Victor. Asked if he came under as these are used to travel in and political pressure by Orange out of Mexico via illegal points Walk North Area Representative, of entry. Some law enforcement Ramon Cervantez, to release the officers we spoke with have canoes he said he simply felt that expressed concern over the move it was time for them to be returned. as they state that it is a certainty Cervantez had made the return of that the canoes will once again the canoes a political promise. Dalla van operator killed Gun violence in Belize City Longsworth was recently seems to be ceaseless as a Dalla in the news after he escaped van operator was shot and killed conviction of drug trafficking as he plied his trade on Wednesday after 53 pounds of weed were evening on Mahogany Street. found inside a vehicle, which was Shortly after 4p.m. on that day parked inside a yard he was living the driver was heading in a in on the Philip Goldson Highway westerly direction when at least near the Haulover Bridge. While 10 gunshots were fired at him he escaped that charge, he was causing the fatal injuries. The still convicted of an additional 263 victim is identified as 35-year-old grams, which were found inside Lynroy Longsworth. the home he was in. Page 5 The GuardIan Sunday, November 29, 2020 United Democratic Party NOTICE

The United Democratic Party is accepting countrywide applications from suitably qualified candidates to contest the March 3, 2021 municipal elections. Application forms can be downloaded from the UDP website www.udp.org.bz, or by calling the UDP Secretariat at 227-6440 or 227-2311

Completed applications, along with a recent police record, in a sealed envelope, are to be addressed to: The Chairman United Democratic Party Youth for the Future Drive Belize City, Belize The deadline for the receipt of applications is at 5:00 pm on Friday, December 18, 2020. Page 6 The GuardIan Sunday, November 29, 2020 125 COVID-19 deaths to date; more than 2,300 still active Since the last edition of ages of 53 and 91. Three hailed the Guardian Newspaper on from Corozal while the remaining Wednesday, November 18, 2020, two were from the Stann Creek there have been as many as 29 District. Of the 125 deaths, 88 more COVID-19 related dates, men have died while only 37 taking the national total to 125. women have lost their lives. By Wednesday, an additional With as many as 125 four deaths had been reported, COVID-19 related deaths, it is all men in their older years. safe to say that the majority of Another two were reported on the these fatalities have taken place following days. This included a in the Orange Walk and Corozal man in his 80s from Santa Cruz, Districts and with the exception Orange Walk and a woman in of a few, it has mostly been older her 70s from Duck Run. For the persons who have died. It is feared next two day, November 20 and that while these persons do not 21, five deaths were reported on go out and contract the disease each day. Of the first five, two themselves, they are infected by were men from Corozal in their their younger family members 70s, two men from Orange Walk, who may be asymptomatic or in one in his 50’s and one in his a less vulnerable position. The 60’s, and the fifth was a woman Ministry continues to advise from Trial Farm in her 90’s. The the public to be mindful of their second set of five were two men interactions and to only go out and three women. Three of the once necessary. five were critically ill patients There are still 2,311 active at the Karl Heusner Memorial cases of COVID-19 in the country, Hospital’s COVID-19 unit while at least 2,311 which are accounted the other two passed away at for but this number is potentially the Norther Regional Hospital. much higher. 86 new cases of On Sunday, November 22 and SARS CoV2 were identified and Monday, November 23, eight the majority were identified in more deaths were recorded, four COVID-19 infographic the . There, each on both days. On the 22nd, 60’s, passed away at the KHMH. Corozal Community Hospital and 46 cases were found followed two persons, a woman from Cayo The other two were a woman in a man in his 60’s at the Western by Belize with 23. In the Cayo and a man from Corozal in his her 70’s, who passed away at the Regional Hospital. Three men District, there were 13 newly and one woman, all from Corozal identified cases and four in and ranging between the ages Corozal. The information from the of 43 and 72 passed away on Office of the DHS also informed November 23. Up until Tuesday, that two deliveries in positive November 24, when the most cases took place at the Punta recent infographic from the Office Gorda Hospital. Thankfully, of the Director of Health Services both mothers and newborns are (DHS) was shared, five more doing well. There are now 2,899 persons had died. These were four recovered cases of COVID-19 in men and one woman between the the country. Page 7 The GuardIan Sunday, November 29, 2020 No CEO’s yet appointed Heavy rains cause damage to infrastructure in Cayo

Narda Garcia Amalia Mai In a late evening recorded of his statement, he promised statement on Wednesday that the full list of CEO’s would November 18, Prime Minister be disclosed by Tuesday of this Johnny Briceño backpedaled on week. It has now been a week Damage to road caused by recent flooding the appointment of CEO’s. Earlier since he made the promise at the Despite the heavy rains and away and to travel with caution. last week, it was announced that complete list of CEO’s is still not damage to infrastructure in the Ministry of Infrastructure & baggage-ridden CEO’s including yet ready. over the last few Housing personnel have assessed Narda Garcia, Amalia Mai, One thing is clear: Briceño days, residents have promptly the damage and repairs will Servulo Baeza, and Marco Tulio is now pussyfooting around the responded. commence shortly. Mendez had been appointed issue. On one hand, he needs to The San Ignacio and Santa With the main highways still to key Ministries. Garcia had reward those of the old guard who Elena Town Council is currently open, the Rotary family in Belize been appointed the CEO in the stood by him and on the other hand working on restoring roads that is actively helping distribute Ministry of Finance. She had in he has to give the impression that have been damaged by the current relief for victims of the flooding fact already paid visits and made his government will not condone flooding, between Kontiki and in various communities. The tours within the ministry. The corruption. Some of the CEO’s Shawville. The public is asked Rotaract Clubs of Benque Viejo same took place with the others. named wreak to high heavens to take caution when traveling and the Rotary Satellite Club in T h e p u b l i c b a c k l a s h of corruption and the Belizean these routes. Benque are working closely with against the appointments people will simply not sit idly by The public is also advised the Rotaract Clubs of Corozal, caused for Briceño to make the as he places them at the highest that a portion of the road San Ignacio, and Orange Walk. announcement that there were no decision making levels without leading from Bullet Tree to Many businesses are donating CEO’s yet appointed. At the time having some answering to do. Santa Familia has been washed supplies to help in this effort. Page 8 The GuardIan Sunday, November 29, 2020 Floods place near BELIZE SOCIAL INVESTMENT FUND 300 persons in shelters TENDER NOTICE Country: Belize Project: Caribbean Development Bank Loan No: 25/SFR-OR-BZE Project ID: 1509/8/WS1 Contract Number: W/SL3-03/2020 National Competitive Bidding (NCB) Deadline: December 7, 2020

1. The has received funding through the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) towards the cost of Eligible Sub-projects and intends to apply part of the funds to cover eligible payments under the contract for Libertad Village and Concepcion Village Joint Water Supply System Rehabilitation, Libertad Village and Concepcion Village, Corozal District, Belize.

2. The Social Investment Fund, a Statutory Corporation, established under the Social Investment Fund Act No. 3 of 1996 and located at Constitution Drive, Belmopan, Cayo District, hereby invites tenders from suitably qualified contractors for the construction of the following:

The contract proposes to:

The contract includes for the supply and installation of all requisite materials, Flooding in San Ignacio, Cayo equipment, and relevant appurtenances for approximately 44,000 feet of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) transmission and distribution lines; installation of approximately 800 service connections; construction of pumping facilities; and the installation of all requisite electrical works. Works will also include for the rehabilitation of an existing chain link perimeter fence, which will cordon the pumping facilities.

3. Final (Project Site) Destination as specified in BDS: Libertad Village and Concepcion Village, Corozal District, Belize

4. Social Investment Fund now invites sealed bids from eligible and qualified bidders for the construction works in the aforementioned areas.

5. Bidding will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding (NCB) procedures specified in the CDB’s Guidelines for Procurement (January 2006), and are open to all countries eligible for procurement under European Investment Bank funded projects which includes CDB member countries.

6. Qualification requirements include (a) The bidder shall furnish unaudited or Flooding in San Ignacio, Cayo audited financial statements of the firm for years 2017, 2018 and 2019 to confirm an average annual turnover of at least BZ$ 1,000,000.00 (b) Bidders should While Belize was spared between the bouts of rain; have general experience under contracts in the role of contractor, JV member, from any direct impact from however, a significant portion of subcontractor, or management contractor for the years 2017, 2018 and 2019 with Hurricanes Eta and Iota, the surges the country had already began to activity of at least five (5) months in each year starting 1st January, 2017 (c) Bidders of flood felt across almost the flood. In areas of rural Belize, like should have specific experience as a prime contractor, joint venture member, st entire country was severe. Most Maypen and Crooked Tree just to management contractor, or subcontractor, between 1 January 2010 and the bid submission deadline and should have less than or equal to four (4) contracts, each of recently, Iota, which impacted name two, residents were unable a minimum value of BZ$250,000.00, but with a total value of all contracts equal or Nicaragua and Honduras, caused to access their communities except more than BZ$1,000,000.00 (d) demonstrate cash flow (including access to credit) incessant rains across northern for the use of water vessels. of BZ $500,000.00 of which not more than BZ$400,000.00 can be materials (e) and western Belize and with it, Coordinators at NEMO had other provided in the respective Bid Documents. brought an overflow of water in warned several villagers that 7. A secured “sample” electronic Bid document can be shared with interested the already low-lying country. A things would get worse before Bidders at the address below, starting November 9, 2020, on week days between number of streets, roads, bridges, they got better. Thankfully, the 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. for viewing purpose only (has a time restriction for and other causeways were affected rains have now held up but for a viewing). A complete set of Bidding documents (hard-copy or electronic version) along with livestock and other number of families, the damage can be purchased by interested bidder upon payment of a non-refundable fee of impacts on agriculture. There was already done. For families BZ $150.00. Requests may be made by personal application or in writing to the address below. Written applications must be clearly marked: “Tender for Libertad were also substantial impacts to that did need assistance with Village and Concepcion Village Joint Water Supply System Rehabilitation, Libertad homes and human lives. A great moving to higher grounds and in Village and Concepcion Village, Corozal District, Belize”. The method of payment many number of families were and out of their villages, especially will be by cash deposited to, or Bank transfer to BSIF’s Bank Account only. Please displaced along the western and in the northern communities, request for the banking details at the address below. We are not accepting cash northern parts of the country, and NEMO received assistance payment at the BSIF Office. quite a few of them had to seek from the Belize Defence Force 8. Deadline for bids is at or before 10:00 a.m., December 7, 2020 at the address shelter and assistance from the (BDF) for these transportation below. Bids will be opened virtually at 10:00 a.m., December 9, 2020 at the Social National Emergency Management efforts. Across three districts, Investment Fund, 3rd Floor, #1902 Constitution Drive, Belmopan, Cayo District in Organization (NEMO). from Corozal, Orange Walk, the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to participate. The link is Rains poured down daily and Belize, around 288 persons https://bit.ly/31ACuQU . Electronic bidding will not be permitted. Late bids will be rejected. All bids must be accompanied by a “Bid Security” of BZ$ 14,000.00 for close to a week before finally required stay at shelters. These or an equivalent amount in a freely convertible currency or Bank Guarantee. The letting up on Sunday, November were persons who especially live bid validity period is 90 days. 22. Because of little to no breaks near riverbanks. 9. A Virtual Pre-bid meeting with interested eligible bidders will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 24, 2020. The link is https://bit.ly/31ACuQU. Bidders can participate in the meeting that will be held at Belize Social Investment Fund Conference Room, Belmopan, Cayo District, Belize to address any queries about the bidding document or the scope of works. Contractors who buy packages are urged to attend.

10. The address referred to above is:

Contact: Ms. Ruby Pascascio Senior Procurement Officer Social Investment Fund 3rd Floor, #1902 Constitution Drive Belmopan Cayo District Tel: 822-0239/822-0508 E-mail: ruby.pascascio@ sifbelize.org cc: [email protected] [email protected] Page 9 The GuardIan Sunday, November 29, 2020 doubts about Belizean cattle will be raised again. The PUP’s Mad Cow Disease Former Prime Minister Rt. Mad Cow Disease is a cattle Hon. had made disease that mainly affected it perfectly clear to the PUP and crippled the British cattle representatives in the House of industry in the late 1980s and Representatives that when they early 1990s. While fortunately, promote this illegal trade, they are Belizean cattle is very healthy saying that they do so for several and does not suffer from mad reasons including the fact that cow disease or any other disease, there are no controls. There are no as a recent cattle sweep with tax controls, there are no foreign its series of tests proved, the exchange controls and there are new PUP government and their no money laundering controls, not irresponsible new agriculture Cattle to mention the attendant threat of minister seems to be suffering almost as if the cows themselves and properly inspected by vets narco cattle ranching occurring from their own mad cow disease. voted in the elections, headed to on both sides. As a result, in the border regions. Covid-19 In a few short days, they have the illegal border crossings on the there is a brand of confidence. came and it could not take place whipped up cattle growers into Western Border. This madness Contrast this accountability with in that atmosphere but even more a frenzy and encouraged them came right after the newly named the irresponsible illegal trade importantly than that, it should to storm to the border with their agriculture minister Jose Mai told promoted and encouraged by the have stopped a long time ago so cattle in tow to try and resurrect the cattle farmers to load up their PUP just for the sake of political it is totally irrelevant that it was the illegal export trade in cattle, trucks and head for the border to expediency and to score cheap happening for years. He further despite a legal cattle trade restart the illegal cattle export, political points. argued that just because things are which was carefully negotiated notwithstanding the fact that the Besides the Guatemalan and bad, it does not justify pursuing and put in place by the former UDP government, under Minister Mexican markets, Minister Hulse an illegal activity and insisting Minister of Agriculture Hon. Sen. Hulse had carefully negotiated had also explained that during that the government officially Godwin Hulse and the past UDP the formal and proper process their negotiations, they also had encourages and blesses it. He government. for cattle export to occur to both discussions with other regional cited the example that the export Over the past few days, we Mexico and Guatemala. partners such as Antiguaand of drugs is illegal also but the have been entertained by a political As Minister Hulse had Barbuda and Grenada in the government cannot allow that to show of trucks loaded with live pointed out some weeks ago Caribbean on the possibility of proceed just because things are cattle and waving PUP flags, when the formal and legal exports getting slaughtered animals from bad. began, Belize’s cattle is both one of Belize’s facilities into Nevertheless, the PUP tuberculosis and brucellosis- those countries. One of the main have ignored the fact that the free, two of the more common complaints that Grenada had was formal and legal trade has been Investigation diseases that affect cattle and can that Belize trades in illegal animals properly established and they have disrupt exports. At that time, he and they don’t know what diseases disregarded the wise counsel of of murder had insisted that the Ministry of may have been introduced to the both the former Prime Minister and Agriculture wants to maintain cattle. This is an example of the the former Agriculture Minister as in Corozal that high quality standard because far-reaching repercussions that they have stirred up a mad cow that will make Belize competitive this illegal practice can have. storm in the west. By so doing, in the future. This quality can Under Minister Hulse, those they are placing our country and be maintained and guaranteed concerns were debunked but now the important cattle industry in only when animals are exported with the uncontrolled cattle export potential peril. It is our sincere through the legal route since the storm that the PUP have unleashed hope that rational minds will animals are properly quarantined in the west, serious questions and prevail in this matter.

Rigoberto Rosado C o r o z a l P o l i c e a r e investigating a murder which took place in the northernmost district of Corozal on Tuesday, November 24, 2020. At around 4:30 that morning, police responded to a report of a body found in a home in Ranchito Village, Corozal. They made their way to the home of Rigoberto Rosado, a 40-year- old laborer, and observed his body with gunshot injuries. He was transported to the hospital for medical treatment then taken to the Orange Walk Northern Regional Hospital where he succumbed. Police are investigating this murder and have charged one person. Reports indicate that a brother and nephew of Rosado were able to identify the killer shortly after the gunshots had died down. A name has not yet been released. Page 10 The GuardIan Sunday, November 29, 2020 Wife of late Cpl. Anibal Mena Two unrelated murders receives financial support within hours of each other in Belize City

Floyd Carter Dwayne Cherrington The city erupted in gun when three men fired several violence early in the day on shots in his direction. He was As part of the Belize Police accident. Police Constable Tuesday, November 24, 2020 transported to the KHMH but Department’s Action Plan 2020- Anibal Mena was traveling on with the shooting and attempted like Carter, was pronounced dead 2030, there was an emphasis a motorcycle heading to Chan murder of Charles Young Jr. While on arrival. Investigations and on health and life benefits. The Chen in Corozal when he was Young was able to survive the interviews were conducted and Plan was implemented under knocked down by someone attack on his life, two men later on have resulted in the naming of Commissioner of Police Chester driving a pickup. The driver of the in the day were not as lucky. The two persons allegedly involved. Williams for the rank and file of the Toyota Hilux, Santiago Victorin, first incident took place at around COMPOL Williams has indicated Department to become involved swerved into his lane, causing 5:40 p.m. on East Collet Canal that those two named persons are in a Police Welfare Offering, a a head-on collision. PC Mena where 45-year-old Floyd Carter being sought and are expected to sort of insurance scheme. The sustained severe head injuries was socializing with a group be charged soon. The murders of officers would volunteer to pay and was transported to the Karl of his friends. A lone gunman Carter and Cherrington are said to a monthly sum which would Heusner Memorial Hospital in approached the group and fired be unrelated. be used in the case of illness, Belize City for treatment but later several shots toward Carter’s The murder of Cherrington emergency, or death benefits paid succumbed. It is for financial direction, hitting him multiple did not end there, however, as gun out. Diversified Life Solutions assistance in PC Mena’s death times to the body. As a result of his violence continued into the night Brokers Ltd., an independent that his wife was issued a cheque. injuries, he was transported to the in the Lake Independence Area. In insurance intermediary licensed Present at the handing over were Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital response to the murder, a group of to place business with local Hon. Kareem Musa, COMPOL where he was pronounced dead police officers had been deployed insurers, has been involved in the Chester Williams, ACP Dr. on arrival. Police have begun on the ground but met much carrying out of this benefit plan Richard Rosado, and Harrison investigations into this murder resistance from the community and on Wednesday, November Pilgrim from Diversified Life and have since detained one members. There are reports and 25, 2020, were able to deliver a Solutions. person who is believed to be the an amateur video recording where cheque to Elodia Mena. Each of the abovementioned gunman. civilians threw objects at these Mena is the wife of the late persons were sure to encourage Just three hours later, at officers and that a gunshot was even Cpl. Annibal Mena who was more police officers to become around 8:40 p.m., police fired. This resulted in the detention involved in a road traffic accident involved in the benefit program. responded to a report of a second of some 20 persons for varying on Thursday, September 3, 2020. In just four years, when only shooting incident, this time in offenses. When asked if a State Just 10 days later, on Saturday, some 100 officers were involved, the Lake Independence Area of of Emergency would be declared September 13, he succumbed close to 500 officers are now a the city. Police officers observed to quell the looming violence and to the injuries sustained in that part of the program. the lifeless body of Dwayne retaliation, both Minister of Home Cherrington, 32, on the ground Affairs Hon. Kareem Musa and with multiple gunshot injuries to COMPOL Williams indicated that the body. Investigations revealed they would be employing different Shooting in the city that he had just returned home approaches. almost claims the life of Charles Young Jr. Medical attendant There was a shooting which shot in the head took place near Western Avenue’s Police in Belize City are intersection with Ordonez Street investigating a murder which in Belize City on Tuesday, claimed the life of a 20-year- November 24, 2020. It took old medical attendant. Reports place late in the afternoon while indicate that the young man, Charles Young Jr. was in the area. Devin Amoa, was at his Giles It is understood that Young and Street home at around 6:25p.m. his wife had just arrived at their on Monday November 24, when home and were in the process a gunman pushed open the gate of of removing groceries from a the fenced yard and opened fire on vehicle when two gunmen pulled Amoa hitting him to the head. up. He reportedly came under Charles Young Jr. He was rushed to the Belize fire from multiple shots but was for treatment and has since been Medical Associates, his work lucky to escape any severe or released. place, where he succumbed to his Devin Amoa fatal injuries. It is understood COMPOL Chester Williams injuries. and was not associated with any that he was grazed to the center says that one person is being The murder is difficult to gangs. of his back and his upper arm. For sought, a 15-year-old minor. It is comprehend as Amoa was a Police say they are looking these injuries, he was taken to the believed that this shooting is as a hard-working young man and is for two persons in connection with Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital result of gang activity. not known to have any enemies this homicide. Page 11 The GuardIan Sunday, November 29, 2020 Page 12 The GuardIan Sunday, November 29, 2020 Landlord accused of Six men invade burglarizing tenant Burrell Boom home A misunderstanding between a landlord and his tenant has caused the homeowner to be in trouble with the law and facing criminal offenses. John Peters, a 26-year-old construction worker and the homeowner in question, was arraigned in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court on charges of burglary and damage to property. It is alleged that on Monday, November 16, 2020, he entered the home of Shanice Ysaguirre John Peters located on Central American before the court, that it was a Boulevard from where he stole dispute between a landlord and tennis shoes and house items tenant, he would not object to all to a total of $319. He also bail. Senior Magistrate Ford caused damage to two mattresses, expressed to the prosecutor that clothing, and appliances totaling the evidence before the court for $1,130. To these charges, he burglary was insufficient so she pleaded not guilty before Senior urged him to address the matter Magistrate Aretha Ford and in the coming days or that she attempted to offer an explanation would be force to strike out the but was informed that there was charge of burglary against the no need for one since he pleaded accused. Peters was offered bail Men arrested for their involvement in the Burrell Boom home invasion not guilty. in the sum of $3,000 plus one As many as six men have but quick police work led to The prosecutor in the case surety of the same which he was been arrested and charged for their apprehension. They were said that in light of the evidence able to meet. their alleged involvement in a intercepted by police near Mile Burrell Boom home invasion 14 on the George Price Highway that took place last week. Gary where a search of the getaway Samuels and his family were vehicle resulted in the discovery Man drowns after at home just after 7:00 p.m. on of some of the stolen items. Wednesday, November 18 when Police have since arrested canoe capsizes attackers entered the home. and charged Donald Lemoth, carried out by family, friends, and They were all dressed in hoods 35; Shaquile Patnett, 23; Ryan law enforcement until his lifeless and wore face masks as they Welcome, 32; Phillip Wallace, body was retrieved on Friday in proceeded to bind the family 32; Steven Palma, 21; and a the Dark Night Area. members and robbed them at 17-year-old for the crime of Following a post mortem gunpoint. The invaders went aggravated burglary. During examination conducted on the on to steal an assortment of their detention, a number of body, the medical officer certified jewelry and electronics worth items were recovered from the cause of death as asphyxia several thousand dollars. They them which the complainants due to drowning. were quick to leave the home identified to be their properties.

Jose Mendez The body of a missing man whose motorized canoe capsized two days prior, was retrieved from the waters in Franks Eddy, Cayo on Friday, November 20, 2020. On Wednesday, Jose Mendez was along with his son, Enrick Mendez, and a third person transporting items across the flooded river when the engine for their canoe failed. This caused the vessel to drift before overturning. While Enrick and the third man were able to swim to shore, Jose Mendez was not so lucky. He went underwater and never resurfaced and was pronounced missing. Multiple search efforts were For the latest in news - it’s the Guardian! Page 13 The GuardIan Sunday, November 29, 2020 More than $90,000 stolen Punta Gorda murder arrest from Treasury Department A former first class clerk at the Treasury Department has been arraigned on a charge of theft. According to reports, 43-year-old June Belisle has been accused of dishonestly appropriating the sum of $91,639.58 from the Government of Belize between November 1, 2019 and September 30, 2020. This incident came to light when an employee of the Eden Mejia Aduan Usher Treasury Department reported Punta Gorda Police have since revealed that a female to police that over $90,000 charged one person for the murder resident of the home had gotten had been paid out to a number June Belisle of 30-year-old Eden Mejia which up to attend to her dogs at around of persons under a scheme. police on Wednesday, November took place shortly after midnight 12:30am when she saw two men Investigations revealed that 18 and after spending a couple on Thursday, November 19. of dark complexion. The men those persons were supposedly nights on lockdown, was His body was found inside the forced their way into the house paid as teachers when in fact, arraigned on Friday, November home of someone well known to and fired several shots, fatally they are not employed by GOB. 20. She appeared before Senior police, riddled with bullets and wounding Mejia. Usher on the Further investigations showed Magistrate Aretha Ford to answer lying face up on a mattress inside other hand was able to escape that Belisle had contacted to the charge of theft. Due to the a bedroom. Police responded to unhurt and made his way to 11 single mothers to receive large sum of money in question, the report of shots being fired the police station to report the financial assistance through a the matter is being dealt with on on Pampana Street in the Town incident. bogus program. She indicated indictment and a plea could not and arrived at the home of Aduan A C P J o s e p h M y v e t t , to them that they would receive be taken from Belisle. At a later Usher. Inside the home, they Head of the National Crimes money into their accounts at date, a preliminary inquiry will met Mejia’s lifeless body which Investigation Branch had said the end of every month and that be heard and if there is sufficient was identified by his sibling, a that police were following they would be able to keep some evidence against Belisle, the police corporal responding to very credible leads. Days later, and return the rest to her. Their matter will be handed over to the incident. He was transported an interesting turn of events names were entered into the the Supreme Court for trial and to the Punta Gorda Hospital but unravelled as police arrested Smart System as if they were that is where a plea will be taken. pronounced dead on arrival. and charged Usher for Mejia’s teachers hired by GOB and from For now, there was no objection Their investigations have murder. then, monies were deposited into to bail and she was offered bail their bank accounts monthly. in the sum of $25,000 plus one Belisle was detained by surety of the same. Powerful weapons stolen from a police substation Police make arrest in Menzies’ murder

Jeffrey Contreras Sean Menzies A 22-year-old man, Jeffrey November 18, when he was Cache of weapons stolen from the San Jose Succotz Police Station Contreras, had been remanded shot and killed as he smoked a A cache of weapons that persons to enter the building. to the Hattieville Central Prison cigarette in front of his home. were stored in a locked steel It is a two-story concrete on a charge of abetment to Police say Menzies may cabinet was stolen in the early building and an officer resides commit murder following the have been in the company of hours of Friday from the San upstairs along with his family. killing of well-known and liked another man when two people Jose Succotz Police Station. At Parallel investigations are salesman for Bowen and Bowen, passed by. They would return but the time of the incident, more being carried out such that of 57-year-old Sean Menzies. On Menzies was alone and was shot than one person was in the a criminal investigation as well Wednesday, those charges were shortly after. It is believed that area. as an internal investigation to upgraded to murder. the other man may have actually The investigation so far has discover what policies were not Contreras was charged been the target but that Menzies shown that the substation was being adhered to. along with a 16-year-old minor was shot instead. secured sometime around 1:00am Police so far have a named who has also been charged with Surveillance footage from on Friday. An attending police suspect concerning the stolen murder. the area show two men leaving officer came off duty at that time weapons and are also following Menzies had just reached his the area after the shooting. One along with others and came on several leads. At least one police Lancaster Street home sometime of the men is believed to be duty sometime around 6:45am on officer has been detained and after 11 p.m. on Wednesday Contreras. that same morning and that was released twice. They have also when it was found that several obtained surveillance footage louvers were removed from a from nearby areas which are www.guardian.bz window of the station causing currently being reviewed. Page 14 The GuardIan Sunday, November 29, 2020

YOUTH TALKS I’ve got a feeling... By Thamar Jones big money on gifts for people, warmth and nostalgia that filled 11. Wrap Christmas presents Late November and the and paint and decorations for me up. Christmas music will do 12. Give a gift to a needy “Christmas feeling” was eerily the house. I resisted Christmas that to you, I tell you. Doesn’t person or family absent. Blame it on Covid, and all the hustle and bustle matter if it’s the middle of July 13. Flag down the coke truck blame it on the floods or the that came with it. I resisted or December 24th; if you want before cokes get scarce frightening surge in crime in the but Christmas was coming on to summon the Christmas Spirit, 14. Stock up on Christmas city. Whatever it was, Christmas December 25, whether I was play a Christmas song or two. It wines and spirits was the last thing on my mind. ready or not. works every time. 15. Wash my Christmas But this morning I woke up The music playing brought I got out of bed a few sweaters so I’ll be ready to the sound of Christmas music back memories of Christmases minutes later and decided that for when Christmas breeze blaring loudly from across the from years ago. My dad, when it was time to start making my blow street. Was it the Crawfords or we were younger, recorded an Christmas to do list to further 16. Make sure my party dresses was it the Rhaburns across the entire Christmas album using encourage my Christmas feels. are fitted and steamed hall from me? Whoever it was, a stereo and cassette player/ It looked something like this: 17. Stock up on apples, grapes, was intruding upon my will to recorder. Whenever Love FM Christmas to–do List candy canes, pecans and push all thoughts of Christmas played the good Christmas 1. Make a child smile chocolates away! I knew that I couldn’t hits, my dad would hit record. 2. Make a care package for an 18. Get Christmas Cards and delete Christmas, I couldn’t wipe The man was a genius in my elderly person. sign them with heartfelt it off the calendar and therefore books, because for years and 3. Clean until the house is words of love and well at some point I would have to years to come we had the best spotless and polish until it wishes inside get my sorry ass in the mood. Christmas music on queue. He shines! 19. Plan and prep for Christmas But this “We wish you a merry would dust off his collection 4. Put a fresh coat of paint on Dinner Christmas” bullsh*t playing every year around this time, pop the walls And I shall miss giving way above the prescribed legal in one of his Christmas cassettes 5. Decorate the tree and deck hugs, but I can still give smiles decibel, was an assault to my and we, my brother and I were the halls and spread a little Christmas ears and my nerves on this instantly jubilant. We would 6. Bake Christmas Ham cheer everywhere I go during November morning. dance around the Christmas tree 7. (Try to) bake delicious black the holidays. Christmas–it felt like a for hours, silently competing to fruit cakes and Christmas Christmas is an ultra- duty–to celebrate, to be merry see who could copy my dad’s cookies special time of year. Don’t and bright. A duty to spend stellar moves best. My mom, 8. Add new songs to my waste a second of it waiting for a peeking in from the kitchen Christmas music Collection specific feeling. Sometimes you every now and then, cheered us and movies to my Christmas can’t wait for the mood to start on making us shriek in happy movie collection enjoying the season, you have laughter. 9. Let Christmas music fill the to start enjoying the things that As I lay in bed, these house to keep the Christmas make Christmas special and that memories brought laughter to feeling alive! in turn channels the Christmas my lips. I pulled my comforter 10. Christmas gift shopping Spirit– not just in you but in over my head, enjoying the for the ones I love others around you as well. Page 15 The GuardIan Sunday, November 29, 2020 The Real A man from Cayo Growth Industry narrowly escapes death When asked about his new He needs to be reminded that ministerial portfolio that includes it is time for him to put up or “new growth industries,” Kareem shut up. In continuing the same Musa described them as any campaign propaganda lies, he type of industry where there is claimed that the new Foreign a boom with rapid expansion Affairs Building was “first world” and development and he cited as if Belizeans do not deserve examples such as aquaculture, something good. It was eerily fish farming and shrimp familiar to what the previous farming. However, he seemed Prime Minister said to totally forget or intentionally about Mahogany Heights when Nerry Adonay Montuse Lemus on the ground after being hit by a box truck avoided naming the booming the design was first presented. He An entrepreneur narrowly BPO industry as a new growth had famously or perhaps rather escaped death on Saturday in industry. Kareem just couldn’t infamously said that the proposed front of Boiton’s Bar-B-Que bring himself to mention them drawings looked too much “like a in Santa Elena, Cayo. Nerry and give credit to the UDP German town”. That’s when the Adonay Montuse Lemus, 49, government that pioneered this PUP “contractors” and hustlers is lucky to be alive after being remarkable industry that has quickly got involved and shortly dragged by a box truck, ending provided thousands of jobs to after that we ended up with a $90 between the tires from that young Belizeans. While shrimp M dysfunctional PUP Mahogany truck and a car. and fish farming are older new Heights slum with poor quality Lemus sustained numerous growth industries and have been buildings that leaked and plumbing bruises to his chest and back and in Belize for around 10 to 20 years that failed. It turned out to be was taken to the San Ignacio or even longer now, BPOs are in a community devoid of any of Community Hospital for Nerry Adonay Montuse Lemus fact the real new growth industry the industries and amenities that observation. He can now move speeding vehicle. in Belize. The fact is that thanks were promised, and lacking any around but still experiences The box truck had just to the UDP government, under meaningful community services pain as he attempts to do so. exited the Hawkesworth Bridge the Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow and the like health, security, entertainment His bicycle was destroyed. and had sped along a blind willingness to confront Ashcroft and recreation, just to name a Lemus would normally be curve that has been the scene of over the telecommunications few. selling cheese and cream on his numerous past accidents. The industry, allowed for the freeing We haven’t forgotten that bike along with his eight-year- area of the accident requires a up of voice over internet and the last time the PUP promised old daughter, but on Saturday speed bump says Kent Pandy, unlocked that industry which was us 10,000 houses, we got that had left her to eat breakfast a local cameraman. literally illegal under the PUP. It Mahogany Heights fiasco, where at a nearby shop. But on the Lemus can be reached at is only thanks to the UDP that this even the land was hustled as it eventful day of the accident, 667-2381. Doctors have told industry has become possible. It was purchased for millions of the student from the Baptist him that due to the accident is also noteworthy to point out that dollars from a well-connected Primary School was not with he has been knocked out of this new growth industry is only PUP but to this day, the land title her father, saving her from commission for the next three one of a very few industries, if there and ownership of the property has receiving the full brunt of a to four months. any others, that is experiencing still not been settled and the few continued growth even amidst brave souls who were willing to NOTICE the economy shattering Covid- move there and purchase houses HELICON INTERNATIONAL INC. 19 lockdowns and the ongoing are yet to receive their titles due (“the Company”) pandemic. Kareem needs to give to the legal limbo of the property’s credit where credit is due. We ownership. Notice is hereby given to all interested parties that HELICON know that in a few months, both Let us hope that this is not INTERNATIONAL INC. incorporated under the Belize IBC Act he and the PUP will be singing another déjà vu of the PUP’s (Chapter 270), commenced dissolution on November 20th, 2020 and praises and touting BPOs, as they 1998-2008 terms on steroids. Mrs. Gilda Batista de Castillo of Club X, 9A CA, 172 TX, Cercano do their best to try and grab credit The initial signs with some of the 107 1050, Panama, Republic of Panama is the Liquidator of the for them. so-called “new” appointments Company. Any claims against the Company should be forwarded During a similar interview are quite ominous as it appears to the Liquidator by December 10th, 2020. after being sworn in, Julius to be just a rehash of the bad old Espat couldn’t help himself and PUP. We will hope for the best OVERSEAS MANAGEMENT COMPANY (BELIZE) LIMITED seemed to forget that the time but, unfortunately, Belizeans may Registered Agent for campaigning is over and the just have to start to prepare for the time for governing has started. worst. NOTICE NOTICE RIGHT START TECHNOLOGY LTD. Double Square Limited (“the Company”) (“the Company”) Notice is hereby given to all interested parties that RIGHT START Notice is hereby given to all interested parties that Double Square TECHNOLOGY LTD. incorporated under the Belize IBC Act Limited incorporated under the Belize IBC Act (Chapter 270), (Chapter 270), commenced dissolution on November 23rd, 2020, and commenced dissolution on November 20th, 2020 and LYU, JIA Mr. Elias Neocleous of 195 Arch. Makarios III Avenue, Neocleous of No. 3, Zhifu Yi Xiang, Guan Chang Cun, Dong Guan Zhen, Qi House, 3030 Limassol, Cyprus is the Liquidator of the Company. Any Xian, Shanxi Sheng, China is the Liquidator of the Company. Any claims against the Company should be forwarded to the Liquidator claims against the Company should be forwarded to the Liquidator (Email: [email protected] and telephone No. +357 25 110110) by by December 10th, 2020. December 13th, 2020.

OVERSEAS MANAGEMENT COMPANY (BELIZE) LIMITED Orion Corporate & Trust Services Ltd. Registered Agent Registered Agent Page 16 The GuardIan Sunday, November 29, 2020 The Forgetful Actor An actor had been out of work for years because he always forgot his lines. One day he got a phone call from a director who wanted him for an important part in a play. All the actor had to say was, “Hark! I hear the cannon roar!”

Opening night arrived, and while he waited in the wings, the actor muttered to himself, “Hark! I hear the cannon roar! Hark! I hear the cannon roar!” The time for the entrance finally came. As the actor made his appearance onstage, he heard a loud BOOOOM! He turned around and said, “What the heck was that?” Play Piano A doctor has come to see one of his patients in a hospital. The patient has Homely Chaos had major surgery to both of his hands. A woman was at home with her children when the telephone rang. In going to answer it, she tripped on a rug, grabbed for something to hold “Doctor,” says the man excitedly and dramatically holds up his heavily on to, and seized the telephone table. It fell over with a crash, jarring bandaged hands. “Will I be able to play the piano when these bandages the receiver off the hook. come off?”

As it fell, it hit the family dog, which leaped up, howling and barking. “I don’t see why not,” replies the doctor. The woman’s three-year-old son, startled by this noise, broke into loud screams. The woman mumbled some colorful words. “That’s- - great!” - - - says- - the- - man.- - -“Because - - - - I- wasn’t - - - able- - to- play- - -it -before.” - - - She finally managed to pick up the receiver and lift it to her ear, just in time to hear her husband’s voice on the other end say, “Nobody’s said Hold that Lantern Up hello yet, but I’m positive I have the right number.” Deep in the back woods of Tennessee, a farmer’s wife went into labor ------in the middle of the night and the doctor was called out to assist in the delivery. Since there was no electricity, the doctor handed the father- to-be a lantern and said, “Here. You hold this high so I can see what I Waterloo am doing.” Soon, a baby boy was brought into the world. A very thirsty man goes into a bar. As he’s sitting down, he hears the man next to him tell the bartender, “I’ll have another waterloo.” “Whoa there,” said the doctor, “don’t be in such a rush to put that lantern down. I think there’s another one coming.” Sure enough, within minutes The bartender gives the fellow a tall, well-iced drink, then asks the he had delivered a baby girl. newcomer what he would like to drink. Thinking the other man’s drink may be a specialty of the house, he says, “I’ll have a waterloo, too.” “Hold that lantern up, don’t set it down there’s another one!” said the doctor. Within a few minutes he had delivered a third baby. The bartender gives him the tall, well-iced drink and the customer takes a big drink. “Hey,” he says. “This isn’t any good. It tastes just “No, don’t be in a hurry to put down that lantern, it seems there’s yet like water!” another one coming!” cried the doctor.

The man next to him looks at the bartender and says, “Well, it is water. The farmer scratched his head in bewilderment, and asked the doctor, Right, Lou?” “You think it might be the light that’s attracting them?” ------I’m Exhausted Two Pieces of Cake A businessman dragged himself home and barely made it to his chair Little Johnny was attending the birthday party of a classmate when the before he dropped exhausted. mother asked, “Little Johnny, does your mother allow you to have two pieces of cake when you are at home?” His sympathetic wife was right there with a tall cool drink and a comforting word. “My, you look tired,” she said. “You must have had “No, madam. “ a hard day today. What happened to make you so exhausted?” “Well, do you think she’d like for you to have two pieces here?” “It was terrible,” her husband said. “The computer broke down and all of us had to do our own thinking.” Little Johnny replied confidently, “She wouldn’t care. It’s not her cake.” ------Lady with a skunk That was a threat An officer while walking his beat sees a lady walking a skunk along I think the girl at the Airlines check-in just threatened me. the sidewalk. She looked me dead in the eye and said, “Window or aisle?” He says, “Hey lady, why do you have the skunk?” I laughed in her face and replied, “Window or you’ll what?” “This is my Social Distancing Support Animal!” ------Hotel Reservation Hearing Loss Before setting off on a business trip to Tulsa, I called the hotel where Patient: Doctor, I’m thinking that I may be losing my hearing. I’d be staying to see if they had a gym. The hotel receptionist’s sigh had a tinge of exasperation in it when she answered. Doctor: Can you tell me what you know of the symptoms? “We have over 300 guests at at this facility,” she said. “Does this ‘Jim’ Patient: Homer is bald and fat, Marge has blue hair... have a last name?” Page 17 The GuardIan Sunday, November 29, 2020

COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE OAS FOR UB’S 1ST VIRTUAL GRADUATION wrote that wherever there is chaos, there is also opportunity! As newly minted graduates, you need to stand back, think carefully, and you must discern the new and emerging opportunities that are sprouting as a result of the pandemic. Ladies and gentlemen, graduating class: I am minded to share with you a simple inspirational mantra that has had tremendous meaning in my life: Bloom wherever you are planted! We did not ask for the visitation of COVID-19, and we would not have wished it on ourselves given the option to decide. We cannot with the wave of a hand banish it to another realm, however-much we may wish WRGRVR%XWKHUHZHDUH6L]HXSWKHUHDOLW\DFNQRZOHGJHWKHFKDOOHQJH¿QG the source of light in the darkness, and bloom!! And how do we do that, you may ask? The quote attributed to Sandra King goes like this: “The tiny seed must know that in order to grow, it needs to be dropped into dirt, covered over in darkness, and then struggle to reach the light’ . My charge to you then is simply this: The greater the challenge, the greater the opportunity to be seized! Class of 2020, I want to tell you that I expect great things of each and every one of you, and I want to challenge you, therefore, not just for this season of instability caused by the pandemic, but to issue a lifetime exhortation that you must prepare to be your stalwart best as a leader in your nation, and in your world. I therefore challenge you to: Ambassador Nestor Mendez, Assistant Secretary General of the Organization 1. Commit to a lifetime of learning: Learn something new every single of American States day: a new word, new social skills. Master a new language so that you I greet you with the warmth and friendship that emanates from the heart of a become at least bi-lingual. Overcome the fear of public speaking if that Belizean son of the soil, a proud alumnus of this great institution, addressing weighs you down and learn the art of networking. However simple, grow those with whom I have so much in common: the love of this country and the a little every day. desire to see Belizeans excel in all spheres of endeavor. I am truly honored and grateful to have been invited to address this graduating class of 2020, a 2. Hone the art of listening so that you can hear: Listening is a skill that group of leaders and thinkers that will have to confront and succeed in a world informs your perspective and understanding of concepts and viewpoints, that has been traumatized and transformed by upheaval brought about by the VRWKDW\RXURZQDELOLW\WRLQÀXHQFHSHUVXDGHDQGQHJRWLDWHLVEURDGHU COVID-19 pandemic. Today is especially meaningful for me because I know based and enlightened. By becoming a better listener, you can improve without the shadow of a doubt and I can proudly proclaim that the University \RXUSURGXFWLYLW\DQGDYRLGFRQÀLFWDQGPLVXQGHUVWDQGLQJV

For more information on this article, contact the Department of Marketing and Communications at UB at [email protected] Page 18 The GuardIan Sunday, November 29, 2020 week, trust that you really do know with a smile. what’s best in matters of the heart! Capricorn Dec 22 – Jan 19 Your Horoscope Libra Sep 23 – Oct 22 This week will be crazy for your There’s no telling what might love life–but hopefully it’s in a good happen this week in your love life, way! Venus, the planet of love, will Aries Mar 21 – Apr 19 of the standard approach. Libra! Venus and Uranus will make a oppose erratic Uranus on Friday. Since Conversations with your mate sharp opposition on Friday, signaling Uranus is in your romance sector, there about joint finances should be extremely Cancer Jun 21 – Jul 22 you’ve got change on the horizon. If is already an “anything goes” vibe productive this week. Not only will you Ups and downs will be the hallmark you’re single, then it’s possible you’ll happening when it comes to your love find yourself in unanimous agreement of your love life story this week. What’s run into someone who is a major life and now it’ll double! A sudden about where to allocate funds and how to interesting is that even if you’re thrown confidence booster. He or she might change of heart is possible for you. If share assets, but you’ll also enjoy having a curveball or two–and this is likely! even be a big spender and start to wine you swore up and down that a certain these discussions with one another. One –you’ll manage to keep your head on and dine you instantaneously. You’ll someone was just not your type, then of you might suddenly lose a source of straight. You won’t get caught up in so be hooked! If you’re in a relationship, this very person may do something that income or you may both realize that an much relationship drama that you’re no then it’s possible you and your partner steals your heart. Or, if this isn’t the case, investment you made didn’t pan out the longer thinking rationally. In fact, your will make a major change in how you it’s possible you take a sudden break way you hoped. Not to worry–you’ll reactions to whatever sudden twists handle finances between you. from anyone you’re dating. both figure out a solution without occur are likely to be extremely level- missing a beat! headed. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 21 Aquarius Jan 20 – Feb 18 There is no telling which way A domestic disruption might lead Taurus Apr 20 – May 20 Leo Jul 23 – Aug 22 things will turn out in your love life this to changes in your love life. For example, The lines of communication You might make a radical life week! The only guarantee is that it will if you find out that one of your relatives between you and your partner are wide change this week that’s all in the name be exciting and nothing you expected. needs physical help, you might decide open this week. In fact, it might seem of love. It’s possible that you’ll take on If you’re in a relationship, then Friday’s to relocate to their neck of the woods as if you share a telepathic connection an entirely new career path or relocate in Venus-Uranus opposition across your for a period of time so that you can be or are sharing the same brain! The order to salvage an existing relationship relationship axis guarantees a change. there. This is a beautiful gesture for excitement factor will be high as well or make room in your life for new Your partner might reveal some out- your family, but it might involve leaving thanks to a zany opposition between possibilities. If you’ve felt as if your of-character behavior that you find behind someone special that you started Venus and Uranus on Friday. The life has been too stale and that you’re either completely off-putting or totally to date or have interest in. Or, it could be weirder you are in the eyes of your mate, “asleep at the wheel” in life, then you exhilarating. a sudden professional opportunity that the more he or she will desire you. Now might instigate a major upheaval in order causes you to relocate. that’s crazy love! to create drama that makes you come Sagittarius Nov 22 – Dec 21 alive again. If you’ve been vacillating about Pisces Feb 19 – Mar 20 Gemini May 21 – Jun 20 whether or not to put any work into a Just when you thought that special You might share a connection Virgo Aug 23 – Sep 22 potential love connection, you might do someone didn’t reciprocate your feelings, with someone who is thinking the very There might be an unexpected a complete 180 and go all in this week! a sudden turn of events could take place same thoughts as you–they just happen conversation with your lover or a It seems as if the person who has your this week. It looks like you made to be strange thoughts! If you’re in a decision made about your love life attention will need you for something. assumptions about them without doing relationship, then you and your mate that leads to a major turning point this This favor could be minor–or it could any fact-checking, Pisces. This person are more likely to be open to anything week. What’s worth noting is that no be a big ask. Whatever the details, the has definitely been scoping you out and experimental. While it’s true that this matter how chaotic things become, fact that you’re needed will suddenly most certainly shares chemistry with may have to do with a kinkier approach in you’ll manage to keep your wits about turn you on. However, if you’re in a you. In fact, a chance conversation with the bedroom, there is another possibility. you. In fact, you’ll rationalize that it’s commitment, then things can easily him or her is likely to be quite telling. If either one of you is grappling with a because of the unusual circumstances or go the other way. You might throw a Don’t sit on this information–ask him health problem, then you’ll probably opt erratic behavior that you need to make tantrum if you feel too weighed down or her out on a date! You only regret the for a radical treatment protocol instead the decision you’re about to make. This with responsibilities–but you’ll do it chances you didn’t take in life. Page 19 The GuardIan Sunday, November 29, 2020 Page 20 The GuardIan Sunday, November 29, 2020 Page 21 The GuardIan Sunday, November 29, 2020