Wednesday, March 30, 2011 Capital Weekly Page 1 Capital Weekly From the Heart of the Nation to the Soul of the People

No. 010 Wednesday, March 30, 2011 Price: $1.00 Ramon El Campion!

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Hon. Ramon Witz and Prime Minister Dean Barrow mounting the steps of the National Assembly for the Budget Debate last Thursday John versus Johnny The Budget Debate last Thursday and Friday certainly had its fair share of contention. It opened with the usual rebuttal by the Leader of the Opposition who for the most part read a prepared statement, one which members of the government side claimed was written for him. The immediate response to his speech came from Belmopan Representative Hon. John Saldivar. The following are excerpts from Honourable Saldivar’s response. Hon. Johnny Briceno Hon. John Saldivar Continued on page 19 Page 2 Capital Weekly Wednesday, March 30, 2011

a form of godliness but denying the power Editorial thereof.” So righteous and worthy was the The Spirit of 2005 movement of 2005, everyone, including “It was the level of commitment supporters of the party scandal over the and contribution to whose actions as a pillage of SSB, the the cause for real government triggered uncollateralized change which had that movement, are millions in so- been promised to the now trying to associate called loans to the Belizean public.” themselves with it. Godfreys and so on We note as well On the other that produced the start that on Independence hand, there are some of the revolution that Hill and inside the who attempt to almost turned violent National Assembly last summon up the spirit in sweeping them Thursday, supporters of 2005, yet they seem from power”, Prime of the Opposition, determined to deny Minister Dean Barrow though not particularly proven soldiers of Delroy Cuthkelvin recounted in his wrap Chairman impressive in numbers, the revolution their up of the debate on Editorial Board appeared more rightful place in that Friday. muscular in posture revolution. Earlier that than they have been e have We will not same afternoon, in a long time, and been attempt to play God. W backbencher, Marcel were clearly trying making the case for Let each man (or Cardona, speaking their best to replicate some time now that woman) examine his out against what he the mood and spirit 2005 was a year (or her) own heart. called unfair treatment of the 2005 patriotic not only of historic That’s right where towards him (Cardona) movement. In their significance, but one we’ll leave it for now. by the Prime Minister case, it goes without that remains relevant May the spirit of 2005 and his Cabinet, saying that they could to the present and never die! remarked, “To explain never match the real future of our country; how instrumental the thing for the simple to the ongoing battle support of Orange reason that they are Capital Weekly for the heart and soul From the Heart of the Nation Walk East was to not at all genuine, of this nation whose To the Soul of the People bringing about a and their cause is not greatest challenges are national change, let righteous. far from over; which Published By: me indicate that for Another strong Roots & Rhythm Ltd. perhaps have only just the January 2005 reminder of the spirit 15 Gibnut Street Bel- begun. demonstrations at of 2005 came earlier mopan Last week, in the the steps of the very this week in the person National Assembly, Editor & Business National Assembly of Paul Perriott whose we heard from at least and building, Orange Walk re-emergence at the two parliamentarians, Sales Manager: East heard the call helm of the Belize references to that Wilbourne Cuthkel- of the then leader of Communication vin year (2005) and the the Opposition and Worker’s Union significance it holds now Prime Minister, shocked everyone, Chairman in what is perhaps and contributed 8 bus including himself. Editorial Board: the most important Delroy Cuthkelvin loads of energetic, It’s perhaps the latest struggle for Belizeans bold and determined confirmation of the old since the Battle of Telephone: young people whilst Creole proverb, “old St. Georges Caye, no 610-1284 the Belize City fire stick noh haad fi disrespect to those constituencies were ketch”. Email: who took their stand generally contributing The Bible, in 2 capitalweekly_bze against the Heads of only 1 to 2 bus Timothy 3:5, warns us @yahoo.. com Agreement. loads. That was the against those “having Wednesday, March 30, 2011 Capital Weekly Page 3 Ramon El Campion! Prime Minister Inaugurates Water System Wishes Witz Well

Prime Minister Dean Barrow and Hon. Ramon Witz turning on faucets in Cotton Tree at the inauguration ceremony On Monday, the first phase of is sufficient in quantity and quality your homes. The imagining of the various villages. We know that we a Water Expansion Project was to supply all three villages. In fact, possibilities has become a reality, have to do a lot in terms of village inaugurated in the village of Cotton BWSL had, in the past, already thanks to your UDP Government and streets and village roads, and the Tree in Cayo South. established expansion points on your Prime Minister who have put budget that we have just passed in The guest speaker was Prime the Western Highway strategically their hard work in ensuring that we the House of Representatives does Minister Hon. Dean Barrow. That placed for such an endeavour. improve the quality of life for each contain a fair share for the Cayo by itself was big news. But perhaps The $1.5 million project is and every one of you.” South Constituency, and Honorable the biggest news of the day came being funded by the Government Prime Minister Barrow, Witz will be ensuring that we deliver when P.M. Barrow in his address of Belize ($1.0 Million) through for his part, remarked, “I have for you with respect to this most to the gathering gave what was, by the Commonwealth Debt Initiative especially to congratulate the area important area of the improvement all accounts, a virtual endorsement (CDI) and Belize Water Services representative, Ramon Witz. There of village infrastructure” of Witz who faces an intra party Limited ($0.5 Million). The project is always a struggle for resources Then came the biggest news of convention this coming weekend. is being executed by the Belize Water among the representatives of the the day as PM Barrow stated, “I’m We’ll come to that shortly, but Services Limited (BWSL) with various constituencies in government. not going to talk any kind of internal first the intended news. The Cotton oversight by the Social Investment Naturally, the allocations are limited politics, but you will forgive me for Tree Water Expansion Project which Fund. The Belmopan–Cotton Tree and so there is a competition. And I at least saying that I wish Honorable has just been completed is the first component is estimated at $1.3 am here to tell you that Hon. Ramon Witz the very best in the upcoming phase of a government initiative and Million. Witz has been absolutely relentless in convention on Sunday. He has shown provides a reliable supply of safe and In his address at the inauguration championing the cause of the people himself to be a worthy champion potable water to over 2,000 residents Hon Ramon Witz recounted, “I of the Cayo South Constituency, for Cayo South, and I have taken (386 households) in three main promised my people, I made a and he was particularly strong and to referring to him as Ramon el villages along the Western Highway, commitment that when elected I will vigorous and unyielding in insisting Campion! And so the best of luck namely Cotton Tree, St Mathews and work along with our government that we get this water system done. to him.” Franks Eddy. to ensure that this suffering and He wouldn’t stop until eventually Later that evening when asked by The ongoing project will connect punishment comes to an end. It we were able to come up with the Channel Seven News if his comment all three communities through a hasn’t been an easy one. Good things financing and I certainly need salute meant that he wants Ramon Witz to 64,100 ft transmission line from the don’t happen overnight. But the him and congratulate him.” win the convention, the PM said he central water system in Belmopan. wait has really paid off. And today, “I want to tell you that Hon certainly doesn’t want him to lose. The pipes are being buried 3 ft when you walk around the village of Witz is absolutely speaking the truth That’s perhaps as close as one can underground so that it is not prone Cotton Tree which is now benefiting when he says that much more will come to a full endorsement. The to damages by flooding, which is the from the first phase of this water be forthcoming for the villages of UDP standard bearer convention only natural hazard due to creeks that system, no longer do you turn your the Cayo South Constituency. We will be held this coming Sunday in cross the highway. faucets and you get air, no longer are particularly concerned to try Roaring Creek. The water source in Belmopan do you wish that you had water in and improve the infrastructure in the Page 4 Capital Weekly Wednesday, March 30, 2011 Faber versus Fonseca (The following is a major portion of the budget debate presentation by Collet Area Representative and Minister of Education Hon. Patrick Faber in response to Freetown Representative and former Minister of Education, Hon. Francis Fonseca)

I notice that the Leader of the Barranco they probably have Opposition has refrained from as many computers as children talking about the three hundred going to the School at St. Joseph dollar subsidy, because last year RC Primary. And that’s just one he said he didn’t see it yet and district. we had to correct him and put Let’s go now to Stann Creek: him to shame, since the program new buildings for Stann Creek was already in operation for two Ecumenical Sixth Form, new years. buildings for the High School There are some 5,428 at Ecumenical, new buildings students in first and second form for Delille Academy. We turned who received the subsidy from back ANRI, Lynam, it is now this government in 2009-2010. a brand new, full-fledged High That represents 50 percent, School, thanks to the United half of all the students who are Democratic Party Government. enrolled in Secondary Education Delille Academy under across the country, helping them the last Minister of Education tremendously to pay for their received 25 dollars per student, high school education. and this administration raised Mr Speaker, it is only it to 40 dollars per student, and this United Democratic Party that is only a temporary measure Government that cares for the until the implementation of the people of the South, and we secondary school finance reform believe strongly that the only Hon. Patrick Faber initiative, another initiative way out of poverty for those Continued on page 5 areas is Education. And that is why we instituted that subsidy automatically for every single DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT child in the South of this country. Belmopan Bus Terminal, City of Belmopan, Belize C.A. Every single child for the last two years of this United Democratic Tel: 501- 822-2038 Fax: 501- 822-3317 Party Administration who E-mail- [email protected] graduated from a primary school in any part of Stann Creek or Toledo received the voucher PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT ticket of THREE HUNDRED Dollars. The Department of Transport advises members of the public So, how can you say you of the following aids to traffic safety:- don’t see that, Member for Freetown? Are you blind or are 1) Put on lights when travelling on roads at night you simply a liar? How can you say that nothing has been done and during early morning, late evenings and for access to high school? And thanks to this UDP conditions of dust, mist, fog and rain. Government, there will soon be six high schools in Toledo, as 2) Don’t drive on the wrong side of the road we are partnering with a church; we will soon build a new high 3) Don’t overtake going up a hill or any incline school in Pueblo Viejo as well. 4) Don’t over take when you cant see clearly ahead Mr. Speaker, along with the Japanese last week we opened 5) Try to stop driving in the middle of the road a brand new extension for San Antonio San Luis Rey R.C. 6) Make sure vehicle rear lights are working Primary School. Mr Speaker, along with the oil companies, 7) Heavy equipment, houses and other oversized items we opened computer labs in cannot be transported nor can big farm tractors and other San Antonio, in Columbia, in Midway, in Barranco; in farm equipment be driven on roads after 6:00pm. all those villages they now have computer labs. In fact, in Wednesday, March 30, 2011 Capital Weekly Page 5 Faber versus Fonseca

Continued from page 4 when the member for Lake Independence was Minister of which all of them on the other Education, when five year olds side of this House agreed with were getting scholarships to the but did not have the guts to University of Belize, when they implement. were creaming the Ministry’s Gulisse, new building going money. I won’t go back there, up right now; Holy Ghost, new Mr. Speaker, I’ll spare them. But building already completed; under the member for Freetown, Epworth Methodist, Dangriga, scholarship allocations was a new building, Hope Creek meagre 3 Million Dollars. Say Methodist School, new building, it ain’t so, Francis, Mr. Member San Juan, new Building, United for Freetown! Community, New building. When the United Democratic Independence Primary School, Party came into office it was new building. Independence increased to 8.6 Million Dollars. High School, new buildings. A Say it ain’t so. A 5.6 Million new library in Independence. Dollar increase in scholarships. If you come along the Every single student at the Hummingbird Highway, new University of Belize is receiving building in Armenia; new assistance from this United building in St. Margaret’s Democratic Party Government. Hon. Francis Fonseca Village; lunch and school spaces Anywhere in the world that here in Belmopan; new building you go, you cannot find an address this situation in a prompt offer at your school; we will at our Lady of Guadeloupe associate degree for 15 US dollars manner, and I thank all of my allocate spending in secondary High School here in Belmopan. a credit hour, or a bachelor’s colleagues on this side of the education, Mr Speaker, New building for Kushlin degree for 45 dollars a credit House who have given me according to the students, Ha Government School, new hour. Every single semester, tremendous support to put these how many students you have, building for San Martin Primary there is a Million dollar bill to the programs in place. how many children from poor School, new building for St. Ministry of Education to pay for I had the opportunity a families you make space for in Ann’s Anglican School, ground those additional fees, and that is few weeks ago to address the your school, because the poor breaking with 25 thousand besides the 10 Million Dollars in graduating class at UB where need and deserve more monies dollars grant for the Methodist subvention that the Government the first 117 of 860 teachers to be spent on them. High School here in Belmopan; gives to the University of Belize. with associate degrees in And those academically new building for Roaring Creek If you want to talk, member for some content area other than weak students that you take in, Nazarene. Freetown, you should tell the pedagogy had the opportunity to those with the 30’s and the 40’s And I can go across the nation about the fact that it was graduate; 117 teachers, making a and the 50’s, if you take in those country and show: New library your administration that cut the tremendous dent in the number students who so many of us are in San Pablo, new library in subvention to the University of of untrained teachers. quick to write off, whom the last Succotz, new library in Benque Belize from 13 Million down to Mr. Speaker, we are working administration in the ten years Viejo, new high school in 8.5 Million. on a certificate program, that they had to govern did not do in Cayo, Alvin Young High He talks about not seeing developed by the stakeholders in anything to help, for whom the School in Succotz, check the anything in the budget for Education, to train the secondary member for Freetown and Lake record. New building in Arenal. teacher education. You pointed school teachers who have a Independence and the Prime Construction of class rooms and out that there was the system bachelors degree in some content Minister did nothing—zero, investment in Education gone that had people with associates area but no pedagogy. zilch, nada- the students whom wild! degree but no pedagogy to go What the new reform measure they threw by the wayside, under Just as I did in taking them along with it. But under the did, effective November 2010, this plan for education finance South, I can also take them plan that you all had, it would Mr Speaker, is to say to all reform under this Government, North, and show them, village have taken 20 to 25 years to Schools, we will allocate money Mr Speaker, these students will by village, town by town, what train our teachers, and it would not by how many teachers you be receiving these monies. the United Democratic Party has simply be unacceptable. It is the hire, not by the qualification Again, Mr Speaker, we done. But, in the interest of time, foresight of this administration, of your teachers, not by the implore the Opposition to I will spare them. Mr Speaker, that is seeing us diversity of programs that you support us. I also heard him say, Mr. Speaker, that our contributions to tertiary scholarships have See Capital Weekly Online not been what they should. Now let me remind him where In Living Colours at: scholarships were under his watch. I will not even go back belizenews.com/CapitalWeekly to where scholarships were Page 6 Capital Weekly Wednesday, March 30, 2011 Melvin versus Musa (The following are excerps from the presentation made by Hon. Melvin Hulse in response to former Prime Minister Said Musa during the Budget Debate) term; we were the ones who came in and rebuilt the houses. You got Money for Iris, out of Iris money, you totally neglected Seine Bight and up until today they have not fully recovered. You gave material and special things to a few special people in Independence although they never got affected, you helped one and two in Placenicia. When you are talking about money from disasters and you talk about the monies that you claimed to have spent during your time on Hurricane shelters, well I went through 523 of the hurricane shelters throughout the length and the breath of this country, and most of them on which you put up “hurricane shelter”, I had to take down the sign because the shelters were structurally unsafe. We have had to reject them, because we will not jeopardize the lives of people Hon Melvin Hulse in the House last Thrusday in a shelter that can’t save them Health Services one of them gets 300 dollars to go about Mitch and Iris and Chantal just because you put a sign there You talk about Health Services. to high school, everyone of them in which you hustle off the saying “Hurricane Shelter”. I am on the ground. Let me tell you get, across the board, everyone money and did nothing, when we What we have done, we have about what is happening on the who graduate, male female, PUP, talk about the sixteen disasters, manage to fix up some of them ground. Because your speeches UDP, no P, it makes no difference, massive flooding throughout the as this Prime Minister has made are pretty, and I don’t live in that as long as you graduate from country, Ministry of Works has monies available, those that we world of fancy words. I am on the standard six, you get a voucher to go back in and repair back can make structurally safe, and we ground. For the first time tenders addressed to the school of your these farm roads, village streets, have since been putting people in were given out for Karl Heusner choice and you go to the school highways, putting back culverts there and everybody has been safe medicine and pharmaceuticals. with it, so that nobody can thief that were broken. So, of course, every disaster we have since had. You say we have cut down on your money. It’s not done like you’re going to see an additional And in this budget, if you the amount of money spent on the last administration did with expense, but if it was not for that look in Capital Two, you will medicine and pharmaceuticals? Education money. additional expense, we would not see under Ministry of Transport, For the first time in Ten years, The Primary School children have been able to move on with Communication and NEMO, tenders were given out for Karl get assistance to go to school. our lives out there. Because for Hurricane Preparedness, it has Heusner, and we got the same The first formers get assistance to Belize City, you in Fort George a code and a cost centre, there amount of medicine, drugs for go through second form. Money have no idea what it’s like when is half a Million Dollars sitting three to four million less. And is made available to help third your village street and your farm there. Every year we strengthen we have improved the physical formers and fourth formers. road and your highway breaks up shelters. structure of the hospitals. You Ministry of Education ends up up and you can’t move about. Not one dollar for the Placencia start NHI. Just for political reason, paying for three to five CXC’s Because you don’t need to, you Road came from the PUP. You all you exhaust and jeopardize the for every student that went to go from home to office, office to were trying to get money from workers money at SSB, and when take external exams last year. home. Out there, we live different; CDB for it, and you were talking the working man retires he can’t UB students get assistance, I’m we have to move all about. We to CDB, but CDB did not approve collect any money because social talking about annually; and never have to move our products, we the loan, that money was not security is broke. We have not have before so many teachers in have to go to our farm. approved, nothing was signed, closed it down, we have made it the Stann Creek bee at Teaching “In your time, you got money until we got in, we understood the sustainable. School, Teaching College getting from Hurricane Mitch, you all urgency of the Placencia Road, Education training to be the calibre of teacher got up and said that the monies because money was left by the Member for Fort George, let you want; that is reality.” were going to be used for certain last UDP administration in 1998 me tell you something, and this is Infrastructure & Disaster projects, including an independent from the IDB; this time, because engraved in stone: Every single Management additional water system for you all initiated conversation standard six student in the Stann “When you talk about Belmopan, which you never put with CDB, this government, the Creek District, in the 23 villages overspending, you need to in. You got hit by Hurricane Dean; Continued on page 7 of Stann Creek West, every single understand, you use to know nothing was done the rest of your Wednesday, March 30, 2011 Capital Weekly Page 7 Melvin versus Musa Continued from page 6 Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism went with CDB; CDB came in, did the quick assessment, because some of the ground work was already done, and now that we got in, CBD said ,yes, we will now have accountability. and they approved the loan. Of course, it is because of your track record that there was not the same level of trust and confidence in your administration. Money, for example, was left by the previous UDP administration to complete the Southern Highway, and you still did not finish it, 8 Million got lost, and you had to go back and borrow again from Kuwait to do the few miles that remained. I can tell you; I was the Minister of Works at the time, so I can tell you what was left. Money was left for the new bridge, the new crossing at Macal. You all got in and for ten years killed it, bam brig dim buff! Hon. Said Musa making light of serious matters Maybe in a good way, maybe in an We are doing the roundabout British on that when we were with the grass-roots people. It’s offhanded bizarre way, it’s a good and we are finishing that piece of doing the southern Highway. But not with the elitist, rich people thing, because the population road from the Airstrip to Placencia being the patriotic people we are, who got the money under your has grown and the town has Point, with e-x-t-r-a m-o-n-e-y. we agreed back then that we would government and put nothing back expanded, and now we’re going We are working on the Hopkins, first focus on completing the into the economy. to a new alignment. So, perhaps Sittee Road not because we are paving of the Southern Highway The Prime Minister never in a strange work of fate, you all necessarily borrowing money, that is within our country and once got up and said ,I am blew away the money (I will not but because European Union have our borders so that our people blaming the global situation; no, say thief) so that we have to go e-x-t-r-a m-o-n-e-y. could benefit, then we continue he said, the global environment, and borrow again for a revised As we are working with the to the Guatemalan border at the reality of inflation around this and redesigned project to address Banana Support Program, as we Jalacte. That’s why that’s coming world, the reality of the financial the new realities. The Good Lord are do these things, because we on stream now, because we’ve crunch every country in this world works in strange and mysterious are such a meticulous, value-for- already completed the Southern, suffers, the reality of that is what ways. He use even you all to make money government (and you all Highway, we don’t have to worry makes it harder for us to get to us do good.” don’t like that because not a lot of about that, we can now grow and where we want more quickly, but So, we have the Kendall money is circulating out there just expand.” as he keeps saying, we’re on the Bridge which we are now building, for style), we are now able with Today, there is not one village road to recovery. That means that, we have finished the Placencia the European Union to be building in the Stann Creek District that in spite of all that, we are moving Road, we’re putting a roundabout a bus terminal in Independence, to does not have electricity. None. forward.” there right now. We’ve finished be working on the Hopkins/Sittee What we are doing this coming So, these are the kinds of the Southern Highway. Middlesex Road, from European money. fiscal year, and why the Prime structures we are putting in place, Bridge is completed, totally by his And it’s good that we are such Minister still went ahead and put so that when we come and we go, government. I notice you have not good managers, that we always in some money is because we these things remain. tried to take credit for a nut or a end up with e-x-t-r-a m-o-n-e-y know that villages grow and you That is the problem I have had bolt in that particular bridge. to do other things, because, guess need expansion, and as we are with you guys on the other side And you know why we can what, we will never run out of expanding, these people have a when you are the government; be doing the roundabout at the things that this country needs. need and right to get water and you don’t invest in structures and Placenia Junction right now, an Now the project has already electricity. put them in place, only little quick outstanding roundabout? Because been put together for the Mullins Notice the reason why I am fixes, and that’s not sustainable. we have savings. I know that’s a River Bridge. telling you I’m supporting the So, Mr Speaker, with these strange word for you members We did not push the Jalacte budget. Things that translate into long-term investments that touch on the other side. So let me say it Raod right away. That had been real physical transformation of the and improve and transform the slowly: S-A-V-I-N-G-S. So, we on the table from the last UDP grassroots people lives. lives of the people, the grassroot didn’t have to borrow any more Administration when I was And you are standing up there people, I completely support this money. We got the road done, and Minister of Works. We were the a while ago and asking, “Where budget.” we have e-x-t-r-a m-o-n-e-y. ones who were working with the is the love?” The love is out there Page 8 Capital Weekly Wednesday, March 30, 2011 Sports Update House Spanish vs Kitchen Spanish From The Ministry With Ismael “Miley” Garcia Sports Administrator, yours truly, and the National Sports Director travelled to the Toledo District Hon. Gaspar Vega Hon. Johnny Briceno this past Thursday, It didn’t have much to do with the que ha presentado el Primer Ministro March 24. substance of the debate on the budget, para el ano 2011-2012, nos vamos This visit is part of but a feisty exchange between rival tener que conformar que comer las political leaders from the north made tortillas solo con sal, ya que ni para the Ministry’s effort for much drama and comic relief la mantequilla nos va a alcanzar.” to better coordinate in the midst of a turbulent session Intended translation: But today, with sporting activities that certainly could have used some this budget presented by the Prime with the various laughter. Minister for 2011-2012, we have to IIIsmael “Miley” Garcia representatives of the It all started when the PUP Leader learn to eat tortilla with only salt, as we National Sports Coordinator District Branches of of the Opposition and member for will not even be able to afford butter. Ministry of Sports Orange Walk Central, Johnny Briceno, That is when Deputy Prime the National Sports departed from the standard language of Minister Gaspar Vega decided he had The Honorable John Council and sporting the House which is English, attempting enough of Briceno’s hypocritical and Saldivar and the organisations. to use an analogy in Spanish to drive poorly delivered analogy, and rose to Ministry of Sports A meeting home his claim that life has gotten make his feelings known. congratulate the Belize was held with the hard under the current administration. “Mr. Speaker, yo no creo Cricket Team that so members of the local Party Leader Dean Barrow que El pronunciaba las palabras immediately rose on a point of order bien,” Vega declared. Translation: Mr. proudly represented Council branch in to place on record his objection to Speaker, I think he is mis-pronouncing Belize and came home which there was a Briceno’s un-parliamentary departure the words. as CHAMPIONS of the healthy exchange of from the official language. “Watch who is talking,” Briceno tournament. views and plans for “The language of the House responded in English. “ He can’t talk The Ministry wishes the improvement of is English,” PM Barrow told the English and he can’t talk Spanish. And the team well as they sports and sporting Speaker.” I have no difficulty if the what is the point of order.” Chair will allow some latitude. I ask Vega’s response: “Estas step up to the next level facilities in the only that it not be too extended. What mintiendo, eso es lo que quiero decir. of competition. District. the Leader of the Opposition says, I Lo que quiero decir es que no somos We are happy to have Works continue am obliged to reply to, and so he must ladrones como tu.” Translation: You been a part of this first at the Marion Jones speak principally in English.” are lying, that is my point of order international success Sporting Complex and Being granted the latitude by the (what I want to say). My point of order that brings the spotlight this week the Senior Speaker, Briceno proceeded with his (what I want to say) is that we are not analogy as follows. theives like you.” to a sport that, for the Management Team of “Ese presupuesto se pudiera Briceno then complained to most part, has been the Ministry of Public calificar mas como una holla vacilla. the Speaker that Vega had used confined to the Belize Service, Governance Una holla sin frijoles.” Intended unparliamentary language to River Valley Area. Improvement, translation: This budget can be characterize him, upon which Prime This milestone Election and classified as an empty pot. A pot Minister Barrow rose once more to without beans. tell the Speaker that this had confirmed achievement will Boundaries and “En 2009, teniamos que comer the very point he was making from hopefully give impetus Sports will visit the tortillas con frijoles.” Intended the start, which is that if a member to the various efforts facility to update translation: In 2009, we had to eat is allowed to speak in a language that have been made themselves on the Tortilla with beans” other than the official language of by persons like H.E. works being carried “En 2010, con todo lo que habian the House, it would be impossible for the Governor General out there. incrementado, ya no nos alcanzaba las everyone in the House to determine frijoles, y comiamamos las tortillas whether or not he is in line with the and others to revive A media tour con mantequilla y sal.” Intended the rules of the House. this glorious sport will subsequently be translation: In 2010, the cost of The more salient point, we will nationally. coordinated to update everything having gone up, we could have to contend is this: “If a member The Acting the public on the no longer afford beans, and we had to insists on bringing Spanish to the Executive Director of scope of works that eat tortilla with only butter and salt. House, please let it NOT be Kitchen the National Sports have been completed “Pero hoy, con ese presupuesto Spanish!” Council, the National and those in progress. Wednesday, March 30, 2011 Capital Weekly Page 9 House Spanish vs Kitchen Spanish Drivers Beware! Statutory Instrument (S.I.) no. 19 of 2011 was gazetted on the 12th. March and is referred to as the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Tinted Windows) Regulations 2011. This new law governing the percentage of tint on the windows of motor vehicles that will be legally allowed in Belize will take effect on the 1st day of June 2011. The need for this legislation is no doubt absolute, especially when viewed in the light of the present shooting-wave engulfing some areas in the country. Similar legislation exists in our neighbouring border country of Mexico. The Department of Transport is taking every step possible to sensitize the General Public as to this latest regulation while giving all stake holders who may be affected enough time to make the necessary adjustments. Section 3 of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Tinted Windows) 2011 Regulation states as follows: 3. Subject to Sub Regulation (2) and Regulation 4, no person For sure a vehicle with more than the prescribed limit of tint shall use, or cause or permit another person to use, a motor vehicle on a public road if its windscreen, rear glass or any of its windows is tinted or otherwise treated, in a way that is likely to impede sight, from outside PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION the vehicle, of a person or thing inside the vehicle. Tint Shops and PUBLIC NOTICE individuals who traditionally tint vehicles must ensure that you do PROPOSAL TO GRANT A LICENCE TO not tint darker than the percentage CONSOLIDATED WATER BELIZE LIMITED (CWBL) stipulated by law. If so, you would be considered to have caused another person to use a motor vehicle that is in violation of this act and would be THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION (PUC; the Commission) hereby serves NOTICE liable to pay a fine of not less than this day, March 17, 2011, pursuant to Section 15(4) of the Water Industry Act, that it proposes to $150.00 and not more than $500.00. grant a licence to Consolidated Water Belize Limited (CWB), authorizing it to purify, All importers, car store and supply water to Belize Water Services Limited (BWS) for the purpose of enabling a dealers, companies etc., must ensure that their vehicles do not have windows supply by BWS to the public on Ambergris Caye, Belize. that are tinted beyond the prescribed levels by law. Failure to comply with Proposed Terms and Conditions of Licence this new regulation will also result in The proposed licence shall authorize CWB to furnish exclusively to BWS a supply of potable water of up the aforementioned penalty. to an average 450,000 US gallons per day on Ambergris Caye, subject to any potable water supply quality A Photometer is the instrument standards established by the Ministry of Health or which may be contained in the proposed licence or any that will be used to measure the level agreement between CWB and BWS, as approved by the Commission. of tint by an “authorized officer”, meaning a Transport Officer, Motor The proposed term of the licence shall be 15 years, commencing with the effective date of the Vehicle Inspector, Traffic Warden or licence (being the date that the proposed licence is granted). Police Officer appointed under Section 3 of the Act. If a driver or an owner Representations or Objections of a motor vehicle is found with tint Interested persons (those who may be affected by the granting of the proposed licence) may make on the windshield or window of their representations or objections to the proposal to grant the licence. vehicle that is not in accordance with the law, a written notice shall The deadline for making representations or objections is April 18, 2011. be issued, giving that person 10 days to remove the tint. Failure to comply Representations and objections in writing may be sent to the Public Utilities Commission, P.O. Box 300, with the written notice will result, 41 Gabourel Lane, Belize City; or emailed to [email protected]. on summary conviction, to a fine of $500.00. This new and revised legislation is the first of a number of other Statutory Instruments which Issued by the Public Utilities Commission on March 17, 2011 will be signed into law with the view of amending existing, antiquated regulations governing Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic. Page 10 Capital Weekly Wednesday, March 30, 2011 Witz Waxes The Following is the full text of the presentation made by Continued from Page 10 Hon. Ramon Witz during last week’s Budget Debate

been without water, this UDP like Mahogany Heights. Who Government came to office and is paying for all those? It is the heard the cry of the people, we people of Belize. made a commitment, and we have Thank goodness, today the accomplished that commitment. poor are getting more. Much Electricity: there has been more people are getting land, and much electricity expansion, and much more will be getting soon. there will be more. In fact, this Mr. Speaker, land has been made budget which is a budget for the available, and land will continue poor, a budget for the people, to be made available to those who caters for those who have been need to build their houses and to without electricity and without do farming and agriculture. We water, and we are determined to will not be giving away land to satisfy the needs of our people. the rich and mighty who already I sat listening to the Leader have more than they need. Land of the Opposition who will not is available for the poor. Land is be the leader of his party for very available for those with the need long, unlike this leader of Cayo and the desire to work. South who will be there for as Today they have a lot to long as my people keep me there. say, Mr. Speaker, but the soon They over there should be to be removed Leader of the ashamed of themselves, ashamed Opposition should know that to come here and speak in such the people of Cayo South and a way as if they care for the the people of Belize will never poor. As I watched the news ever forget what they have done and saw the suffering in Japan, to us. We will never ever forget Ho Ramon Witz in the House last Thursday as that tsunami just took over the punishment, the pain that we the land and destroyed houses endured from 1998 to 2008. And Mr. Speaker, I want to start Mr. Speaker, the punishment and property and lives, I could we can safely say, Mr Speaker, by acknowledging all those has been hard, the suffering has not help making a comparison that the government in office constituents from Cayo South been for too long. The recovery between that tsunami and the today will continue to be on this present here today who not only and reconstruction of Cayo South People’s United Party which for side of the House and they will support their Area Representative, is not an easy one. It is one that ten years destroyed this country continue to be on that side of the but who also have high respect has been made for giants. And and the lives of our people. aisle for a long time. They made for, and a lot of confidence in our the giant is in the person of our They are fond of saying that us punish. Now it is their turn to very own Prime Minister, Hon. Prime Minister along with their there is no plan. This government punish on that side. Dean Barrow. Area Representative who today has a plan and this government We will continue with the As I sat here listening to the are working hard and tirelessly has been working that plan. reconstruction of this country member of Orange Walk Central, to bring betterment to my people And the plan that we have is a in the aftermath of the PUP it’s upsetting, it is nauseating, of Cayo South. Mr. Speaker, responsible plan. It is a plan of the tsunami, and the people of this it is sickening, to listen to his the member for Orange Walk people, for the people and by the country are now beginning to rhetoric. He claimed that in the Central said that they spent over people. It’s unlike their plan that feel the goodness of this UDP ten years that they were in office, a hundred million dollars in they were executing during the administration, and together we that they spent so much money roads and streets. Today we ten years of their administration. will continue to bring betterment all over this country, but I can are struggling to upkeep the Theirs was a plan for the rich. It to each and every individual in say to this nation on behalf of my maintenance of all streets in Cayo was a plan of the few. It was a this country. Every man, woman people of Cayo South, that the South. We are working hard, a lot plan under which only a few got and child will be able to feel the People’s United Party ten years has been done, much more needs everything, while the masses kept goodness of this government and in Government, forgot the people to be done, and it will be done. suffering. the goodness of this budget. of Cayo South. They totally I am proud to say that on We can never forget the DFC Mr. Speaker, a lot needs to abandoned Cayo South. And that Monday, this coming Monday, fiasco. We can never forget the be done, and we’re working is why Mr Speaker, the people the first phase of the Cotton Tree, 30 Million loan given away in towards that. And to those who of Cayo South saw the need for St. Matthews, Franks Eddy Water one day to the Novelos. The are claiming that we have not a change in 2008, and are going System will be inaugurated by our people of Belize can never forget been working in Cayo South, to remain strong and steady with very own Prime Minister. After Jeffrey Prosser. We can never the testimony is right here in the change that they have made. ten years of those villages having forget all those bloated contracts Ho Continued on Page 11 Wednesday, March 30, 2011 Capital Weekly Page 11 Witz Waxes Continued from Page 10 funds are being made available will go on. Sometimes it’s difficult confidence in this government. for a water expansion project to immediately please everyone. I also wish to acknowledge my the galleries, a clear testimony for Camalote. The people in a But, we’re pushing onward and family. I wish to acknowledge that we are working hard for our section of Camalote have been we will eventually deliver for my daughters (I happen to be a people. punishing for too long without each and every individual in Cayo single parent) for their patience Come who may, and come water, and they will be getting South. and understanding of the work who may be sent, the people water through this budget. The I want to also thank the that I have to execute for all the of Cayo South are the rulers of School in Teakettle will also be Prime Minister for making funds people of Cayo South. Cayo South. All of us together a beneficiary of this budget with available for single parents We will continue to work will bring victory with your’s an expansion of classrooms and from Cayo South who will be and deliver for all our supporters truly; we will be bringing back buildings for their school this benefitting from a special package here today, for our thousands of Cayo South with the UDP to this coming year. in the new fiscal year. We want to supporters listening out there and Honourable House come 2013. Mr. Speaker I also wish to thank the Prime Minister for all for all the people of Cayo South. I want to thank my people acknowledge and thank on behalf the resources, in every aspect, he I end by stating my full support of Cayo South for their of the people of Cayo South, has made available for the people for this budget. The people here overwhelming support; for being our own Minister of Lands, the of Cayo South. today, and the rest of them in patient and understanding, and member from Orange Walk North Mr, Speaker as this country Cayo South, fully endorse this come April 3, we will be back, (Hon. Gaspar Vega Gaspar) for slowly but steadily recovers from budget that the Prime Minister and Ramon Witz will be your the support that he has given Cayo the global recession, we will be has put together for us. UDP candidate in the next general South; for the many leases that able to make more and more And to my people in Cayo election. we have granted to people, and financial resources available for South I say, I am happy and We cannot stop progress, and the many that are in the pipeline the improvement of the lives of honoured to be your champion progress will continue. And with right now. To all those who have every man, woman and child in and look forward to continue the massive and overwhelming not yet received a residential lot, Cayo South and the rest of the being your Champion. support of the Prime Minister, we those are coming very soon. country. God Bless my people of Cayo are going to deliver much more. This is testimony, Mr Speaker Mr, Speaker, I wish to thank South; God Bless Belize. Thank Mr Speaker, I wish to also make that the work has been happening, the many Belizeans who have you, Mr, Speaker! mention that in this new budget, the work continues, and the work demonstrated their trust and

BELMOPAN INTOXICATING LIQUOR LICENSING BOARD

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Belmopan Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Board hereby gives notice to the general public that the Second Quarterly Meeting will be held on Thursday, 14th April, 2011 at the Belmopan Civic Center commencing at 9:00 a.m.

All Applicants for liquor Licenses for the National Agriculture Show are requested to be present at this meeting for discussion of their applications.

All holders are reminded that all premises must be fully inspected and newspaper publications are done.

Clerk Belmopan Trade Licensing Board Ho Continued on Page 11 Page 12 Capital Weekly Wednesday, March 30, 2011 Sedi Steady The Following is a portion of the presentation made by the Hon. Wilfred “Sedi” Elrington during Last Friday’s Budget Debate country never intended to develop needed to develop our people was parts of San Pedro, and when you us as a nation and as a people. never put into the people. go to the Spanish Lookout Area it And for that reason when you Belize is perhaps one of the is so beautiful, and when you go to look at the history of the country richest countries in the world, Blue Creek Area, it is so beautiful. you will find that at no time did one of the richest. It has so many Where do we find the poverty, the the People’s United Party put into natural resources, when you think depredation and the crime? In the place an education program that about the sea, when you think communities which are inhabited could make us independent, reliant about the forest, when you think by the Mestizo Belizean, the Mayan and self sufficient. about the climate, when you think Belizean, the Afro Belizean and the The history of the People’s about the natural resources; we Garinagu Belizean. United Party is one where they have petroleum, and the suggestion These native populations have encouraged (and in those early is that we have asphalt, you have from the time of our history been days it was basically the ladies in gold, you have silver. When you neglected and deprived. We started the market square that were the think about the forest, when you out largely as slaves or indentured bulwark of the strength of the PUP) think about the wonderful ruins servants, then we existed under Hon. Wilfred Elrington they encouraged handouts, and that we have, the only thing that colonialism, and now we find they did nothing in a constructive is poor in Belize are the people. ourselves here today. Whereas the problems way to provide for the education But it is not true that all the people This is all relevant, because that now face our country are and caring of our people. In truth, are poor. the UDP, from the very first time undoubtedly the case of violence, from the time I know myself, As a matter of fact when that it came into office, has been the case of unemployment, the our education system has been in you go to some places in Belize, trying to rectify that situation. case of homelessness, the case of the hands of the denominations; for example, if you go to the And I remember very distinctly desperation, it is not the natural Baptist, Salvation Army, Seventh constituency of my friend from that in 1993, the second UDP course of history that caused that. Day Adventist, Roman Catholic, San Pedro, you will think that administration, the government That was caused largely because the Anglican. And so the entire you are in Europe. The place is the early founding fathers of the resources of the nation which was so beautiful and developed, some Continued on page 13

BELIZE WATER SERVICES LTD. PRESS RELEASE BWS celebrates 10 Years of Successful Operations

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY 10th Anniversary, Belize Water Services! March 23rd 2011 marks a milestone achievement, as BWS celebrates its 10th year of promoting the values and benefits of having potable water in the communities we serve. On March 23, 2001, BWS was vested with the assets and liabilities of the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA).

Over the past 10 years and three structural ownership changes, BWS has worked to ensure that our valued customers receive better service and access to high quality potable water at affordable rates. We are proud to say that BWS has been credited as being the most efficient water utility in the Caribbean, and we are happy to be able to assist with making life better for Belizeans on a day to day basis.

BWS, recognizing that employees are our biggest asset and the importance of having a satisfied work force and fair work practices, has improved employee relations through our negotiated collective agreements, certainly an area of importance. We congratulate all our employees for their efforts, especially those who have been with the Company through the success of these last 10 years.

BWS also takes this opportunity to give recognition to our customers and our community. We are offering a special raffle promotion to our customers to be drawn on March 31. We continue to contribute as a responsible corporate citizen. BWS has supported and partnered with the Diabetes Association, Cancer Society, Kidney Association of Belize, Belize National Sports Council, Hand in Hand Ministries, Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital and supported community efforts such as the development and adoption of parks and educational and recreational pursuits. These are just a few of the many programs for which we have provided financial support and other resources.

To help celebrate this milestone, BWS management would like to highlight the importance of potable water since over 1.5 billion people in the world do not have access to this clean and safe commodity. As a country and community, let’s conserve our water and be responsible. Remember, Water is life!

Belize Water Services... delivering Water and MoreFor Customer Services Call : 0-800-CALL-BWS (0-800-225-5297)

To Report Leaks Call: 0-800-BWS –LEAK (0-800-297-5325) For more information visit our website : http://w Wednesday, March 30, 2011 Capital Weekly Page 13 Sedi Steady

Continued from page 12 So it is evident that today the subsidized by the government and to enhance their standard of living problems that we are faced with in were educating Belizeans to become and to improve themselves. There proposed to make education free. terms of violence stem, firstly, from self -sufficient and independent. was no effort at any time made As a matter of fact, education was the neglect and the abandonment And all those people now who went in any serious way to help the one of the main pillars which was put of our people over the years by the to those institutions have good jobs farmers, so that today we have very forward by the UDP manifesto at that People’s United Party, the complete and are doing very, very well indeed. minimal staff that the Ministry of time. And I can tell you , neglect and abandonment in terms And, in the early days, the fee Agriculture is trying to work with, Mr. Speaker, that the People’s United of our education. at the Belize Technical College and trying to rebuild. Compare that Party did everything in their power And, secondly, and most was extremely low; it was about with what was done in places like to convince the Belizean people that importantly, Mr. Speaker, it also $30 for the entire term. So, by Brazil where they went all out into education was bad for them and that stems, from the fact that whenever getting rid of places like Lynam agriculture and agricultural research free education was bad. It became the United Democratic Party takes College, by getting rid of the School and development, and now Brazil is such a difficult situation for the party, office it’s because the country is of Agriculture, by getting rid of one of the most prosperous countries really, to try to get it implemented broke. Technical College, by getting rid of in the world. that we were only able to introduce It can never be forgotten that the Teacher’s College, by getting rid We have a very small population; some aspects of it. we are today saddled with a debt of of the Nursing School, it prevented we have much more resources than Secondary schools were given about TWO BILLION dollars and the majority of our young people we need. We have discovered oil. some assistance, students from valuable monies that could be spent from being able to get a job. The suggestion was that oil was in secondary schools, students from to educate our people, millions of So now those young people have the country for a long, long, long the first year Sixth Form were dollars that could be spent to provide no a job, are walking on the street time, but no Belizean was sent to given some assistance. But the free education for every single and in fact have to be begging and train in the petroleum industry. No entire intention and the desire was Belizean, has got to be spent to pay robbing with arms. Belizean was ever sent to be trained. in fact for us to try to give them off debts and loans that the People’s It is not that those people are not We were not advised. So that what is free education. It was also not United Party incurred, and nobody intelligent. They are exceedingly now happening is that no matter how possible to give them free education seems to know what has happened intelligent, they are very smart. much oil we find, unless Belizeans immediately because when we got with the monies. They just have not ever been given are trained in that industry, we into power, and that was in the 1993 So that this budget is not a budget a chance. are not going to benefit from it, in election, when we got into power, in isolation. When the member for It is my view that it is no accident much the same way in which we are Mr. speaker, the government was Fort George seems to suggest that that, in fact, the People’s United not benefiting that much from the completely broke. we are not in fact implementing Party took those measures to close Tourism Industry, because we have The PUP government within all the things that we should have down those schools so that the not made sustained effort. four years of getting Independence, implemented, and that we did not people could not in fact be properly While, Mr. Speaker, the the PUP administration had broken fully implement all the promises that educated. And I will tell you, when Development Finance Corporation the country so that debts were piled we promised last budget session, it you look at the history, Mr. Speaker, was started by the People’s United up locally and debts were piled up is not because the government does there was not a time when the Party, the truth is that they treated it abroad. And so the government found not want to do it, it is because the People’s United Party said publicly so badly over the years, that by 2008 itself much the same like it is today, People’s United Party has made it or privately as far as I know that it was completely and totally broke. where there was not enough money impossible for us to do it by virtue they are preparing Belizeans to take They made loans that were reckless to in fact pay for all the things that of the fact that they borrowed so over ownership and control of our and irresponsible, and even the IDB the government wanted to do at the much, in such great excess, and economy. in their report, Towards a Sustainable time. But the first promise squandered it. Nobody knows what From the earliest of days they and Efficient State, states very was to provide free education for has happened to it. sought to look for foreign investors clearly that the loans were in fact all Belizeans including secondary And it cannot be forgotten and to come in and invest without even irresponsible and were tainted with school, UCB and vocational and must not be forgotten that, in fact, preparing us to be able to work for corruption. That was what led to the technical schools. Well I will tell even the members of his own party those people. And when those people destruction of the DFC. you, Mr. Speaker, that free education sought to revolt on two occasions. came in, in fact, there was always a Those corrupt activities are has been provided from 1958-59 You remember the G7? They sought negotiation at home here to give us affecting us in every aspect of our in places like Barbados, in places to revolt on two occasions because less salary than those people were lives today. It affects our education like Trinidad, and in places like they thought that they were wasting prepared to give us. system. It affects our capacity to Singapore, and other places for their and misusing government’s assets So we had people like Salada invest. When we have to be paying people. during the time of their tenure in coming in, in the Citrus Industry. back millions of dollars every year So free education is nothing office. We had people coming down to take on rents and profits and the like, it unusual. With a country as rich But, Mr. Speaker, it is not only out the pine resin down south, and prevents us from having those monies as Belize, everybody should have that the PUPs have never ever the like. Those were companies that necessary to get into business. So been able to get free education. charted an education program that were attracted to Belize. They did that all the People’s United Party But the People’s United Party has could take us out of poverty and not stay long, they did not pay well. henchmen, all those big people (and not had any interest in giving us propel us to wealth and first world There was no need to educate and we all know who they are, Mr. Pena, free education. What they prefer to status in 30 years as was done in train any Belizean in those areas. So Mr. Espat, Mr. Novelos, even some do is to pay for us when we are in Singapore, but it is also that the the people out there in the rural areas of the major names which I don’t jail, so that there is no complaint, People’s United Party in a sinister have not been educated and trained, want to call) almost every single there is never ever any suggestion move got rid of the Belize Technical even up to this day. senior functionary of the People’s or complaint that in fact there is not College which provided all our Belize lends itself so easily United Party is flat broke. enough money to pay for the inmates technical people and which was to education. It would not have Even some of them who were in the prison. No matter how many responsible for educating most of our been difficult for our government doctors, some of them who called of us go into the prison, there is no present lawyers and professionals in to in fact take a serious look at the themselves consultants. They complaint about that. But is it not engineering, they close that down; Credit Unions and Cooperatives have all become flat broke. All much cheaper, Mr. Speaker, for us to they closed down the School of and strengthen them, because those the companies that you hear are pay for us to be educated, pay for us Agriculture; they closed down the institutions have proven to be good being repossessed by the banks and to be productive, to pay for us to be School of Nursing, so that when you to the country over the years. But the likes, were people who were self-reliant rather than to pay for us go to a hospital now you can hardly there was no effort made at any time, beneficiaries of the loans from the when we have committed offenses, find any young Belizean in the school as far as I am aware, to strengthen banks at the time when the PUP was hurt people, harm people, maim of nursing; and they close down the the membership. There was no in their excess. Now the chickens people, kill people, and have to be Belize Teachers College. But all effort made at any time, as far as have come home to roost and those put into jail? those institutions, Mr. Speaker, were I am aware, to help the fishermen; people are losing their assets. Page 14 Capital Weekly Wednesday, March 30, 2011 Barrow Blesses Briceno (The Following is the full text of Prime Minister Dean Barrow’s presentation wrapping up the Budget Debate last Friday) Let me start by saying, Mr Speaker, that my colleagues on this side of the House, both ministers and area representatives, I think, did an excellent job. They showcased the work of the government generally and, of course, in their own constituencies. But they also, I thought, were outstanding in taking apart the windbags and false witnesses on the other side, especially the Leader of the Opposition and that whited sepulchre from Fort George. My job, Mr Speaker, is therefore made much easier as a result. But I must still further rehearse some of the more important points, and I crave the indulgence of the House. Before I turn to the substance of the reply, I must make an observation of what I thought was a most astonishing and consequential development, and that is the absence yesterday of the two deputy leaders of the opposition. This must be the first time in recorded memory that a leader of the opposition in Belize gives his official response in the House to the national budget and is boycotted, for all the world to see, by his deputies. For, Mr Speaker, that is exactly what it was, a boycott of the leader of the opposition by his own most senior people in Parliament . Now we all know that the Prime Minister Hon.Dean Barrow Wrapping up the Budget Debate last Friday two gentlemen from Albert and and show that you can impose it won’t be that easy; we will substance such as there was, of the Lake I are conscientious. Their discipline instead of continuing to have to work for it, for his days Leader of the Opposition’s Speech. willingness, therefore, to shirk their be this arch compromiser, this lily- are numbered. He talks about the And I use the word, “speech” duty to the house, to the nation and livered weakling, afraid of your electorate wanting us to go, but advisedly, for as usual somebody in fact to their constituents, just own shadow. there is no evidence of that. On wrote it for him. to make a point shows the utter Now his friend, the NEMO the contrary, according at least to And in fairness, the change contempt in which they hold the Minister tells him not to worry. He the municipal and village council from last year’s speechwriter Leader of the Opposition. says to the leader of the Opposition, election results. What there is to this year’s did produce some The Godfrey Smith articles I have your back. Well, the NEMO evidence of, copious and abundant, improvement. Indeed, there were and the full page ads week after Minister is not the only one on this is that the PUP want him to go. even rhetorical attempts to scale week in the Amandala from other side of the House who feels that way You know, Mr Speaker, he the heights with references and sections of the PUP show that the you know, Mr Speaker. None of us reminds me of the legend of a quotations aplenty and not all deputy leaders are not alone in over here wants to see the Leader christian martyr. This christian of them trite and hackneyed. Of their disgust for the member from of the Opposition lose his position, martyr is the patron of the city of course, his mispronunciations of Orange Walk Central. The truth and you know why? Because he Paris. The story was that after he classical names would be seen by is, Mr. Speaker, that he is widely as the leader of opposition is the was beheaded, he continued to go purists as unforgivable, but I am disparaged, in fact reviled in the greatest electoral asset that the about cradling his own cranium. not one to quibble. PUP. So here are questions for you UDP has. His leadership of the Well, assuredly, the Leader I did take some offence, though, Mr Leader of the Opposition. How Opposition is absolutely all we of the Opposition is no saint. at his presuming to instruct me. can you want to lead the nation need to guarantee our second term. But politically he is certainly a Now, Mr. Speaker, there are many when you can’t even lead your That is how hapless and hopeless decapitated corpse walking around people in this life that can instruct own party? When will you man up he is. carrying his own head in his hands. me, but the Leader of the Opposition is and show that you can take charge Well, I am afraid, Mr. Speaker, But Mr Speaker, let me turn to the Continued on page 16 Wednesday, March 30, 2011 Capital Weekly Page 15

PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) invites expressions of interest from suitably qualified and motivated candidates in respect of the following employment opportunities:

1. Consumer Affairs/Public Relations Officer

Duties and Responsibilities: The Consumer Affairs/Public Relations Officeris responsible for assisting the PUC in the regulation of licensees for all utility sectors particularly with respect to matters directly affecting consumers, including the handling of complaints, and to manage the public relations and public education functions of the PUC. Specific duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: a) Direct supervision of assigned staff b) Assist in the development and implementation of Byelaws, Regulations, Orders and methodologies or processes for handling of complaints against licensees in all utility sectors c) Planning and logistical control of public proceedings or meetings d) Assist, as appropriate, in the determination and setting of tariffs, rates, fees and charges in rate review proceedings or filings e) Assist in the collection and analysis of comments received from Interested Persons and the general public where required f) Assist in the maintenance and operation of the PUC Website g) Assist in the development of codes of practice for licensees and monitoring of licensees for compliance to such codes h) Assist in the Preparation of annual budgets and reports i) Other relevant duties and responsibilities that may be assigned from time to time

Qualifications: The successful candidate shall possess: a) Minimum of a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications, Public Relations or related field b) At least five (5) years’ experience in a relevant position c) Outstanding interpersonal, planning, motivational and organizational skills d) Unwavering interest and commitment to the purpose, duties and responsibilities of the PUC

2. Director – Telecommunications Sector

Duties and Responsibilities: The Director – Telecommunications Sector is responsible for assisting the PUC in the regulation of the telecommunications sector in respect of the services provided by licensees and public utility providers. Specific duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: a) Direct supervision of assigned staff b) Assist in the development and implementation of Byelaws, Regulations and Orders in respect of service quality and reliability standards c) Assist in the development and implementation of Byelaws, Regulations and Orders in respect of general administration of the telecommunications sector d) Assist in the development and implementation of short- and long-term objectives for the telecommunications sector e) Assist in the processing of applications for licenses, permits and authorizations f) Monitoring of licensees for compliance to licence conditions and relevant Acts, Byelaws, Regulations, Orders, Decisions and standards g) Supervise or conduct relevant studies in relation to current and forecast trends in demand and supply of telecommunications services h) Assist in supervising and conducting rate filings, approvals and determination i) Assist in the Preparation of annual budgets and reports j) Represent the PUC in international organizations, forums, conferences, workshops and working groups from time to time k) Other relevant duties and responsibilities that may be assigned from time to time

Qualifications: The successful candidate shall possess: a) Minimum of a Bachelor of Science Degree in Telecommunications Engineering, Computer Science or related field b) At least five (5) years’ experience in a relevant position c) Outstanding interpersonal, planning, motivational and organizational skills d) Unwavering interest and commitment to the purpose, duties and responsibilities of the PUC

Benefits

The base salary for both positions will be based on personal qualifications and experience, within the salary scales of BZ$36,000.00 to BZ$75,000.00 per annum for the position of Consumer Affairs/Public Relations Officer and BZ$50,000.00 to BZ$90,000.00 per annum for the position of Director – Telecommunications Sector.

Successful candidates will be entitled to an annual gratuity of 20% of base salary and to twenty (20) working days vacation annually.

Successful candidates will also be entitled to participate in all benefit plans, if any, provided by the PUC to its employees generally, including its ongoing training program.

Applications

The deadline for applications is 5:00 PM on April 19, 2011.

Completed applications along with two letters of reference should be sent to:

Employment Opportunities Public Utilities Commission 41 Gabourel Lane Page 16 Capital Weekly Wednesday, March 30, 2011 Barrow Blesses Briceno

Continued from page 14 are new, highly innovative programs rate in the entire Caribbean Region. it was in that same period that they not one of them; for the only expertise that they had neither the conscience Tourism was up and continues to be bankrupted the DFC. It was in that of his that I concede is his knowledge nor the ability to design. We have been up. I was just talking to the Minister same period that they crippled SSB. of how to divert monies paid for public very careful to work with our public of Tourism, and this is shaping up to It was in that same period that they lands so that they end up in ministerial officers and technicians in a deliberate be the best Tourist season we have had ran government’s finances into the pockets instead of in the consolidated fashion to ensure utter transparency, in years and years and years. ground. But it was also in that same fund; and that is the kind of skill I have utter fair play and utter effectiveness. He talks about aquaculture? period that every PUP minister and no wish to acquire. And don’t tell me about yesterday; Aquaculture is on the rebound, and crony got filthy rich by lining their So, Mr Speaker, the Leader of the tell me about today, because the fact in consequence of our infrastructure, pockets with taxpayers money. Opposition began by talking about is every one of these initiatives is now our stimulus package in terms of When the Leader of the NHI, a theme later to be echoed by up and running, benefitting those that infrastructure that’s worth hundreds Opposition talks about the his predecessor (perhaps successor). need it most in a novel, measurable of Millions of dollars, jobs are being investment climate and our Error, Mr Speaker, grave error, and dramatic fashion. created all over this country. supposed hostility to certain for while they did implement NHI, Mr Speaker, the Leader of the Compare our growth rate, Mr foreign personalities, he is of the record shows they did so with no Opposition talked about Tourism and Speaker, with the One Percent anaemic course merely being the Ashcroft- attention to financial sustainability. Aquaculture and jobs and construction growth in the last year of the PUP, and owned jellyfish we all know him They robbed social security to try and manufacturing. The plain fact is before that when the Economy did to be. But we say again, we will to pay for it. And by the end of their that he can’t get away from what is, see robust growth it was in a period fight to recover national dignity term, the professionals over there were in the circumstances, an amazing 2.5 of extended and very strong global and to rid Belize of all the secret, threatening to revolt if they did not percent Growth rate in our Economy output; yet it was in that same period illegal and outrageous agreements stop their plunder. Social Security, of last year. Coming hard on the heels that the PUP took Poverty in this that the PUP made with that “lord” course, has still not recovered and the of the global recession, this was an country from 33 percent to 44 percent. in whose tight embrace the Leader viability issues that now plague the accomplishment that loomed even It was in that same period that they of the Opposition is so blissfully, scheme have as much to do with that larger, because it was the best growth saddled us with the Super Bond; Continued on page 17 particular abuse as of the more naked kind of giving away millions to their friends, such as Glenn Godfrey. Of course, PUP being PUP, they also used NHI as a feeding trough, for the award of bloated supply and service contracts to family and friends. Did someone say Billy? Did someone say Cardo Martinez? Indeed, Mr Speaker, the additional rollout that they boast about, that was promised merely as an election gimmick in late 2007, early 2008, would have cost 30 Million Dollars, that was 30 Million Dollars that they did not have and could not get. It was in fact an empty ploy, and seen by all the international agencies as such. Indeed, as part of a policy- based loan that they were negotiating with the IDB, they had to promise, they had to commit to the IDB that they would formally abandon that unrealizable fool’s gold so-called NHI rollout. What has happened now, though, is that the UDP has completely redesigned the NHI in a realistic and sustainable way. Implementation is now being phased so that it can take place properly, if incrementally, as revenues increase naturally and without any contributory hike by rate payers. Then, Mr. Speaker, the Leader For more information visit your Belmopan City of the Opposition criticized the slow Council Offices at 36/38 Trinity Bld., Belmopan implementation of pro-poor projects. There is some validity to that, but these Or call: 822-2271, 822-2319 or 802-3679 Wednesday, March 30, 2011 Capital Weekly Page 17 Barrow Blesses Briceno

Continued from page 16 been if we had left on the GST, a percentage of the acquisition cost, tu quo qui. What it means is that, savings of 33 cents. so every time the acquisition cost to say, well you do it so I will do if shamefully locked. There is And, staying with oil, Mr. goes up, the dealer margin goes up. it, has never been a good response. nothing at all “SMART” about Speaker, his lies continued, but Mr Leader of the Opposition, start So I will refrain from (and I’m not betraying your very Belizeaness for this time mixed in with hypocrisy. to think about giving back some being mean nor vulgar) wrestling the very few dollars “the lord” has He said that we were given the of your fat profits to the Belizean with a pig, because, you know the condescended to bestow on you. advice when we were negotiating consumer if you really care about expression, never wrestle with a Then, all his talk about lack the windfall tax by commonwealth the welfare of the country. pig, because you both get dirty, of access to credit and higher experts and experts from Trinidad, A few more points to be done but the pig likes it; so you can’t interest rates is so much claptrap and that we refused to follow the with him, Mr. Speaker. He talked win. (nonsense). We gave 2.5 Million advice and argue for a higher about Super-bondage and tried to I must say, though, Mr. Speaker, Dollars to the DFC (he wants to windfall tax. Well, that is absolutely get out of it. I won’t flog a dead that ultimately it did strike me that know what the figure was, and untrue. But, how can the Leader of horse. The entire country, the entire he, the Leader of the Opposition is we said it earlier) just for small the Opposition talk about windfall world knows of the terrible straight no different from his predecessor, business development, and half tax at all. He and his administration jacket into which we’ve been that they are both un-regenerates; a Million Dollars to the Youth put on NO windfall tax at all. placed by their super-bondage. they are both, in terms of their Business Trust. We gave 6 Million When they introduced the And as the Minister for NEMO larcenous tendencies, totally US Dollars by way of the Belize tax regime after oil was found by pointed out, not a penny from the unreconstructed, and neither is fit Rural Financing Access to Credit BNE, they had the opportunity to super-bondage was used to assist to be entrusted with any aspect of Program. And Commercial Banks provide for a windfall tax. They with hurricane reconstruction or the nation’s patrimony. lending rates are lower now than didn’t do so. In fact, I recollect that any kind of post-disaster relief. It Let me be as charitable as I any time under the PUP. And it’s when they introduced the Bill for was wasted on so-called capital can, leaving him with some kind just that I want, and insist that they the 40 percent or so income tax, projects that served to feather bed of praise for something; and that can be lower still, and that is what when it went to the Senate, the for conies of the PUP and for the would have to be for the way his we’re working towards. Leader of the Opposition’s chief ministers themselves. endless sessions with his voice Compare the fact of the crony, Eamon Courtenay, refused Capital spending, generally, he coach and relentless practicing in UDP’s revival of the DFC, our to approve the Bill because he said talked about. They misused that. front of the mirror, have actually interventions now to continue to that common sense and the interest They used to reclassify recurrent paid off. Gentlemen, didn’t you capitalize the DFC, compare that of the Belizean people dictated as capital to try to get away from notice? There was timber in his with the bankruptcy of the DFC a windfall tax. The PUP slapped the tighter controls exercised by delivery, a degree of resonance; and of course the small farmers him down, put him in his place, the public officers and Audit over even, dare I say, an approximation, bank that the PUP presided over. brought back the bill to the House, recurrent. They put it as project however different, of a basso Mr Speaker, I noted that the and passed it without providing spending, so that, again, they could profundo (deep base pitch). Mr, Leader of the Opposition was for a windfall tax. And he will get away with all the hanky-panky Speaker, I see it as an advance, and loud, very, very loud during his criticize the level at which we put that they became so absolutely lest it be said that I am ungenerous, presentation; a case, I suppose, of in a windfall tax? infamous for. I acknowledge him for it. noise to cover emptiness; a case of The fact is we put in a windfall When he talked about trading Now let me turn, Mr. Speaker, to heat but no light. But he really went tax which is now paying dividends insecurities, that of course, was the the harlequin from Fort George, and low when he resorted to outright for the people of this country, greatest giveaway that somebody I begin by borrowing some words, lies in, for example, talking about and the proceeds of which I have wrote the speech for him. You though not the sense in which he the government’s removal of the promised, in excess of what we know, one of the gentlemen who used them, from Shakespeare’s GST from fuel. He said that this budgeted for, will be used to help worked with me suggested that Hamlet. What a piece of work is would increase government’s tax- to subsidize the cost of the fuel when the Leader of the Opposition this man. In his histrionics, his false take, which makes him either a fool prices to the consumers of this was going to school, the only class signifying, his adoption of a moral or a nave, either a dunce or a liar. country. What the Leader of the he liked was recess. So I don’t pose, he gives every indication of We produced the tables on the Opposition should talk about is know how he will know anything taking himself seriously. He has last occasion. And let me repeat, why, since the Government of now about trading insecurities. But swallowed whole, and not even Mr. Speaker, the new price, if we Belize is sacrificing, giving up anyway, Mr. Speaker, I watched burped, the stupendous incongruity had left on the GST, for Premium revenue to try to keep the prices as him. But he was shooting off and of his lecturing people on the need would have been $11.69 a gallon. low as it possibly can, why doesn’t he was throwing words and getting for honesty. For Regular it would have been he, who owns several gas stations, into name calling. I thought to This from the man who wrote $11.39; for Kerosene $9.43; and for and who is profiting from the dealer myself, that wasn’t helping his the book on fraud and deception; Diesel $10.81. Because we (GOB) margins, why doesn’t he bring cause. Everybody appreciates, in whose immorality is a case took off the GST and replaced the dealers to talk to us about the the cut and thrust of debate, the study in pathology; whose secret it with a lower import duty, the ways in which we can lower their elegant put down, the deft insertion accommodation agreements and price now for Premium, instead of margins so that they too can try to of the political stiletto, but this kind settlement deeds serially betrayed that $11.69 is $11.40 per gallon, help the Belizean people? of clumsy, blatant name-calling did Belize; who was viceroy over a saving of 29 cents. For Regular, We took off the GST because his lost cause no good. an imperium of corruption that instead of $11.39 it’s $11.12 per the GST is charged as a percentage In terms of his references, let utterly undermined our state, our gallon. For Kerosene, instead of of the acquisition cost, so every me tell him about a Latin phrase polity, our Democracy. The saga of $9.43 its 48.27, a saving of $1.16; time the acquisition cost goes up, which, if he had bothered to try to his cleptocracy lives on in infamy. and for Diesel, it is $10.48 instead the GST goes up. That is the same read a little more widely, he would Continued on page 18 of the $10.81 that it would have thing with the dealer margin. It is a have been familiar with. It’s called, Page 18 Capital Weekly Wednesday, March 30, 2011 Barrow Blesses Briceno

Continued from page 17 and the same government that has tried that, and you will see, Mr Speaker, Fonseca budget that caused the IMF It is something we will never forget. to recover the Gabourel Lane Building why the member for Fort George to officially declare that it was a bogus But yet he comes to this House to paid for with public funds that he should always employ a strategic budget in which the administration had preachify, acting for all the world as if diverted to some sham organization silence when it comes to the DFC. In deliberately overestimated revenue his slate has been wiped clean. run, he says, by his sister. other words, he should keep his lying and deliberately underestimated Indeed, Mr. Speaker, he has even He tired to criticize Tourism mouth shut. expenditure. taken to quoting the Bible. But I want growth, but as I said, this is now the Then, for the member to go on Finally, Mr Speaker, there was to recollect for him a passage from highest it has been for years. And, of about social security is simply another the criticism of the delay in the World the Merchant of Venice, and I quote: course, the growth includes the cruise demonstration of his scabrous, tough Bank Municipal Drainage Project. Mark you this, Basanio, the Devil can sector. skin. It was the scandal over the pillage Well, the project is being implemented cite scripture for his purpose. Oh what And I say to him and the Leader of SSB, the uncollateralized millions in the component, is being executed a goodly outside falsehood hath, but of the Opposition that I will walk in so-called loans to the Godfreys and in the component having to do with an evil soul producing holy witness is any road and go anywhere and meet so on that produced the start of the improvement in administration and like a villain with a smiling cheek. And anyone in an effort to serve the cruise revolution that almost turned violent capacity for the pilot project towns, so that political harlot, that emperor of or any tourism stake holders. I am not in sweeping them from power. and the actual infrastructure works official rot, that street walker of the puffed up with that rich man pride that Now SSB is properly run, and will commence later in this calendar dark side, paints his face now, turns they, the Leader of the Opposition and the investment in Telemedia is to year. himself out in new clothes and offers the member for Fort George have both earn dividends that can help ensure But in talking about the World his wares again to the Belizean people. acquired as a result of their plutocracy a return to viability. Not like the Bank, the member should have Well, as Ernest Hemmingway and ill-gotten gains. 10 Million it was forced to give for remembered to point out that under his once put it, every whore finds his The BATSUB downsizing in shares in a Michael Ashcroft so-called administration the World Bank had cut vocation. Belize is, of course, a consequence employees’ trust that is another fraud off Belize. No project financing could One more thing, Mr Speaker, of the deep spending cuts of the UK on the workers. be had from the bank, no money of any before I begin to demolish the points Government. That underscores the I can very quickly now deal with sort, because of the corruption of the on the budget he tried to make. This point that not even the rich countries the few non-points of his that remain, Said Musa Administration. That was man attempted to compare himself to have been immune from the ravages of he talked about the census exercise the reason given in black and white by me. Now if he had been talking about recession. And it also underscores how that government has undertaken and the bank for its disengagement from knowledge or learning or intellect, well Belize has done in comparison tried to make out that we used it as the country. I would not have been so immodest even to the developed world. a way to hire our party supporters. It was this UDP Government, on as to object, but when it comes to Now, the member for Fort But one of the first persons employed the basis of its now proven record integrity, I cry foul on this satan George replicated the Leader of the as a Belize City manager under the of honesty that was, after the delay correcting sin, and it has nothing to Opposition’s misguided ranting on program was a certain Leno Joe Usher. necessary to establish the bona fide do with immodesty, but everything to NHI, and I have already done with And of the many things you might nature of the new government, able to do with unvarnished fact; and that fact that, though I never thought I’d see the want to call her, Mr. Speaker, UDP is access once more concessionary loans is, Mr Speaker, that integrity simply is day when Said would have to ape the not one of them. from the World Bank for help with our something I have and that the member man for whom he has no respect. How The SIB, the Statistical Institute stimulus package and development for Fort George doesn’t. hath the mighty, but justifiably, fallen! of Belize, also hired as one of their agenda. So, he said, Mr Speaker, that And one more thing on Health first picks, Mario Castellanos, a Let me close right there, Mr the cost of living rose cruelly last Care: the UDP has wasted no millions former PUP minister and their last Speaker, for it is symbolic to end on a year, and that is just not true. As the of dollars on sweet heart deals for Cayo Central candidate. Also, Steve note dealing with the municipalities. independent statistical institute of private investors that couldn’t make Latchman, former PUP Belize City That World Bank Project and the Belize confirmed, the cost for food Universal Hospital work, and whose Mayor and Mesopotamia standard millions of dollars from our own and beverage and household goods bailout provoked riots at the foot bearer. resources in this budget that we are and maintenance declined by an of the National Assembly. And Can there be any greater proof of making available for our cities and average of 3 percent and One Percent we’ve certainly not presided over the difference between us and them, towns is what will help to take us respectively. And this was, of course, the pharmaceutical supplies hustle Mr Speaker? Stop bringing your through to the next great victory in due to this activist government always that saw Brother Billy’s high prices guilt transfer; stop bringing your sin March of 2012 in the City Council protecting the poor and the middle dominate KHMH and Ministry of transfer to this House, Mr. Member and Town Council Elections. class, having zero rated and relieved Health purchases to the detriment of for Fort George. And that victory will from import duty the largest basket of the taxpayers. In going on about crime and springboard us straight into the consumer goods in history. In another astonishing bit of violence, which we admittedly yet 2013 General Election Second- The member for Fort George also effrontery, the member for Fort George don’t have under control, but which Term Triumph. That victory, that talked about the help he has to give dared to raise the issue of foreclosures no government has worked harder to triumph is premised on the fact to suffering constituents. What he now under the DFC. But, Mr Speaker, stem, the recidivist member for Fort that we are delivering for the did not say was that this government when, because of their outrageous 30 George just could not help returning people of this country, a people gives him over 7 thousand dollars Million dollar in one day giveaway to to his lying ways. And this time it in whom we have implicit faith, every month just for that purpose; the such as the Novelos, the DFC became was really a whopper. He said there and for whom we will continue same government that also, in an act bankrupt, all the corporation was was 326 murders last year, when the to work day after day in a way that passes all understanding, allowed doing thereafter was to collect debts number was actually 129. The man and with a drive never before him to be the first to get Fort George’s and foreclose on poor people. That actually lies on the dead! witnessed in our beloved Belize! share of the Venezuela Housing money was its sole reason for being. Compare And he talks about us inflating Thank You! that he diverted from the people of that with its 25 Million Dollar revival budget figures? He forgets that it Belize, and which we had to recover, now for lending to the poor. Compare was that PUP, Said Musa, Ralph Wednesday, March 30, 2011 Capital Weekly Page 19 John Versus Johnny money because they have invested and Continued from page 1 are not making a lot of money. It’s like Godfrey Smith said, the All of a sudden now he comes to member for Orange Walk Central this House and tries to tell us that BNE as the leader of the PUP is the most could have survived on 35 dollars per weak and fumbling leader that the barrel. And then, not just to come here PUP has ever seen, and today Mr. and try to scold us, but to come here Speaker, we got a good taste of that and promise the Belizean people that from his reading of the speech that was if and when he ever gets back into prepared for him. Three years now as power, he will do anything different leader of the opposition and he can still than what he did for ten years; it is not talk without reading. strange, it is very surprising.” In his budget for last year, our Then he talks about “litigious” Prime Minister, Hon. Dean Oliver stance. In other words, he is vex with Barrow, declared that fiscal year us because we are fighting in the courts 2010-2011, the fiscal year that is to get monies that they gave away to now ending, would have been the PUP cronies; that’s what he means most difficult year of our five year Hon. Emil Arguelles, Speaker of the House when he uses those big terms which term. This declaration last year was he can’t even pronounce. have is a return to the recklessness and (Golden Stream to Big Falls), and not good news for the people, it was He is mad at us for going after thievery of the People’s United Party.” many sugar roads in the north, we are not what they wanted to hear, but it the Venezuelan money, mad at us We are now less than two years now poised to construct the Dump to was the honest truth. And it served to for getting back 20 Million dollars away from the next general election; Jalacte Road and the Kendal Bridge signal the open, honest and transparent which his government, his then leader, and as we celebrate growth and in the South, and back in the North, manner in which this Dean Barrow who will soon be his leader again, sustained recovery, this is as good the Progresso Road and even more administration would operate and is gave away to Ashcroft to pay for the a time as any to signal from now to improvement to roads in the Sugar operating. This signal, Mr Speaker, Universal Private Hospital, monies the Belizean people that there should Belt. (Orange Walk, San Lazaro, Blue was important because if as a nation that were given to us by the Venezuelan be no turning back. No return, Mr Creek). we are to lift ourselves out of the Government. And he is mad at us, he Speaker, to the old ways of the PUP; 7 of the 9 municipalities, Mr. third world category then we must all says we are going to court too much to no return to corruption; no return Speaker, will receive a major face understand where we are, where we get back monies hat they gave away. to bloated contracts. Let us stay the lift with the Municipal Infrastructure want to go and the sacrifices that must We are going to court to fight course with the UDP Project. Yet, with all this, this morning be made in order to get us there.” against the accommodation agreement, With our finances stabilized, we had to come here to hear the Leader So as the Prime Minister has which if it stands, would have seen the and our economy growing slowly of the Opposition refer to our budget said, Mr. Speaker, that difficult year Belizean government having to pay but steadily, we can even more than as an empty budget. is behind us. Last year we took some Michael Ashcroft and BTL, when he before focus on vanquishing poverty Mr Speaker, the Leader of the tough decisions, some that were not still owned it, would have seen the and bringing progress and prosperity Opposition ended his presentation very popular, but some which we Belizean people having to pay him to our people. by promising what the next PUP felt were necessary to stabilize our if he did not make 15 percent profit This year’s budget, Mr Speaker, government will do. I don’t know finances and put our economy back from BTL. redoubles our fight against poverty when that next PUP government will on a sustainable growth path. Today, Having restored the confidence of and social degradation with programs come but, Mr. Speaker, the truth of it as a result of those decisions, we can the international financial community such as the expansion of the food is that they had TEN round years to do celebrate growth, the highest in the in our government, now being able to pantry program to the north side of everything that he was talking about region, Mr, Speaker. get 83 Million dollars in grants and Belize City and to the Cayo district, this morning. Put it in context of 2007, the loans on concessionary terms from the establishment of a countrywide So hypocritical are some of the last full year of the People’s United these institutions that did not want to child-care subsidy program for things that the leader of the opposition Party when they barely managed lend a penny to the PUP Government, working families, the application of has mentioned, Mr. Speaker, I wonder 1.5 percent growth. And we are he is mad at us for borrowing money. the conditional cash transfer program how he has the face of brass to come comforted to know, Mr. Speaker, They borrowed 1.5 Billion, and across the entirety of this country, into this house to talk about them. that we are on a recovery path that is we borrow 83 Million at concessionary increase in the level of funding for How will they come into this sustainable; sustainable Mr. Speaker, rates, you’re talking about 4 percent, NHI in the Southern districts, further House to talk about Petroleum (oil), to because of the wise and prudent maybe 5 percent rate; they borrow at investments in regional hospitals talk about BNE, to talk about windfall policies of this United Democratic 15 sometimes 20 percent, when you and poly clinics, continuance of the tax when they are the ones that signed Party Government. Sustainable, compound it, and they are going to recently established dialysis treatment the agreement with BNE, when he was Mr. Speaker, because ours is not a look at us and try to make the masses program, full funding for the Restore the one that signed the agreement; he government of bloated contracts, not think that that we did something wrong Belize Program which provides was the one that signed the agreement a government of sweet heart deals; by borrowing 83 Million dollars. resources for community action and with BNE to give away our petroleum. sustainable, Mr Speaker, because I’m being merciful in saying to participation to combat crime. And now, all of a sudden, he ours is a government of honesty, him, at the very least, read his speech On the infrastructure side, Mr. knows that BNE could have been accountability and transparency. What before he comes here, so that he sees Speaker, we continue to build and profitable at 35 dollars per barrel. we cannot afford, Mr. Speaker, is to what they’re setting him up to say, build and build. After finishing the When he was signing the contract he have another PUP government come because those same people who are Placencia Highway, and the final said all kinds of things about, oh, we in and erode the gains that we have writing his speeches are setting him stretch of the Southern Highway have to give them time to recover their made under the UDP. What we cannot up for defeat. Page 20 Capital Weekly Wednesday, March 30, 2011