Wednesday, December 9, 2015 Capital Weekly Page 1

No. 043 Wednesday, December 9, 2015 Online Publication

HouseHUMMINGBIRD Passes Motion For HIGHWAY Rehabilitation t the first business ses- preparation, earth works, con- sion of the House of struction of embankments and Representatives, a loan pavement, construction of 8 new motion was tabled concrete bridges, installation of andA passed for the rehabilitation necessary drainage infrastruc- of the Hummingbird Highway. ture along the road and bridges, The loan motion is for US and installation of utilities struc- $12 Million (Bz$24 Million) from tures, street lighting and other the OPEC Fund for International protections and safety works”. Development (OFID), which The 8 new two-lane re- is only a portion (39 percent) inforced-concrete bridges with of funds secured for the reha- pedestrian sidewalks to be con- bilitation of the Hummingbird structed will replace a series Highway. These monies will of narrow, outdated, one-lane be expended, as spelled out in bridges along the route of the the loan motion, “towards the general mobilization and site The scenic Hummingbird Highway to be Rehabilitated Continued on Page 4

he first business session flooding (since the elections) matters to the promptness and Atof thethe new House Center of which impacted of the lives Robustof fami- adequacy of the Housegovernment’s re- Debate Representatives took lies particularly in the South. sponse to infrastructure and hu- place on Friday, De- If we had any doubt about manitarian needs resulting from Tcember 4, and it featured robust the new Opposition’s ability and heavy rains and severe flooding. debate on several issues includ- will to fight, we were quickly Not surprising, mem- ing the use of Petro-Caribe disabused of it. Member after bers on the government side, Funds for Flood Relief primarily member from the opposition led by Prime Minister Dean in City prior to the General side took the government to task Barrow, were forthcoming and Elections, as well as the Govern- on issues ranging from Petroca- forthright in their response to ment’s response to more recent ribe spending to Immigration the issues and concerns raised. Senior members Wilfred ‘Sedi’ Elrington and Hon. John Saldivar Baptism By Water were characteristically incisive, insightful and illuminating. New NEMO Minister Hits The Ground Running But it was the maturing and Hon. Patrick Faber debating still youthful member from in the House of Represenatatives Collet, Hon. Patrick Faber who had perhaps the most mem- ple were adequately addressed, orable moments of the day. and that is something he and Responding to the most this government did in the nor- senior member of the Opposi- mal course of business, not be- tion and the House, Fort George cause an election was coming. Representative Hon. , When the member from Faber noted that his constitu- Toledo West, Hon. Oscar Reque- ency of Collet was one of the na attempted to make a case that hardest hit by the pre-election the Government was neglecting flooding disaster. Faber told to address infrastructure needs Musa that as an area representa- arising from the severe rains Story On Page14 tive it was his responsibility to and flooding in his constituency, ensure that the needs of his peo- Continued on Page 16 Page 2 Capital Weekly Wednesday, December 9, 2015 EDITORIAL Transformation A DAUNTING BUT EXCITING PROSPECT The New Belize Civic Center he unprecedented three-term victory scored by the UDP in the General Elections a month ago affords the party an excellent op- Tportunity to consolidate the gains made in its first two terms. It is also fraught with the not so apparent dangers that almost invari- ably ensnare very successful governments. Front View of the New Belize Civic Center Design elize Infrastructure and other sporting events One of those dangers is the tendency to Limited (BIL), a pub- such as boxing and volley- become arrogant and overconfident, some- Blic sector agency of ball. Seats are individual the Government of Belize and are numbered by rows. thing which seems almost to be dictated by (GOB), has undertaken the The design also in- human nature, but which can nevertheless be design, construction and cludes post game rooms, me- management of capital pro- dia rooms, administration resisted through dogged self-discipline and a jects in Belize with current room and more concessions conscious effort to put in place mechanisms emphasis on sporting and space. The new Belize City other multipurpose facilities. Center will be fully air condi- to guard against collective departure from the BIL now embarks on tioned and fully handicapped principles upon which government and the the construction phase of accessible. The facility will the Belize City Center Are- be equipped with stage and management of public affairs are founded. na and Cultural Complex event performance space The other danger is that, having al- located on Central Ameri- and back of house facilities. ready accomplished so much by way of can Blvd, Belize City, Belize. The size and careful de- Contract has been sign of the building footprint visible development, the party in gov- awarded to the local JVCA and structural placement al- ernment might not have much to aspire of Medina’s Construction lows for a broader range of Limited/International En- vehicles that will now be able to, to inspire its leaders, to keep them vironments Limited and on to park under the building. motivated and focused on specific goals October 8th, 2015 contract sig- The interior function of the nature occurred for contract building was completed in and a clearly defined national agenda. price of BZ$32,940,261.34. accordance with FIBA stand- For the UDP, there is the unique This will include the civil ards and in conjunction with works of the grounds and approved consultancy input. challenge that the current leader, whose all FIBA certified equip- Exterior design al- political prowess and proficiency is un- ment. Construction period lows for multiple plazas to is twenty-four (24) months. accommodate recreational equalled, cannot constitutionally seek a The new Belize City sports and parks, including fourth term as Prime Minister. Whether Center Arena and Cul- two (2) outdoor basketball tural Complex design will courts, one (1) 5 on 5 soccer or not he can keep himself motivated qualify for world champi- field, skateboard parks just to enough and inspire the party to keep its onship women’s U-21 and name a few. It caters to host- U-19 world championship ing outdoor entertainments collectively foot to the pedal, its shoul- men and women events. with Security features, Po- ders to the wheel and its eyes on the well- There will be three (3) lice and Ambulance Zones. paved road ahead, is yet to be determined. interior practice basketball The Government of courts, and one (1) profes- Belize, through BIL, has This is a task and responsibility that sional center court. The de- committed to provide the will, admittedly, have to be shared by those sign allows for designated residents of Belize City and seating for up to 4000 for the entire Country of Be- aspiring to succeed Mr. Barrow as the new games and 5000 for indoor lize with an innovative, well leader of the party. The successful indi- entertainment events such equipped state-of-the-art as conventions, concerts Arena and Cultural Complex. vidual, to be anointed some time during this term, will actually have to take over as Prime Minister prior to the next election. It’s a prospect, indeed, an inevitability that is just as daunting as it is exciting. Only time will tell how well the UDP confronts and embraces the challenge and the opportunity. Side View of the New Belize Civic Center Design Wednesday, December 9, 2015 Capital Weekly Page 3

New Guatemalan President Visits PM had indicated from as early as rial dispute. Both sides agreed Friend or6th November, 2015Foe to Belize’s to make a greater ?effort to en- Ambassador, H.E. Alexis Ro- hance cooperation and un- sado to Guatemala that he in- derstanding at various levels, tended to pay a courtesy call on especially in areas of security, the Prime Minister as part of a business, trade and investment. visit he is making to all Heads of President-elect Mo- State and Government of SICA rales extended a special and member countries and Mexico. personal invitation to Prime In a cordial atmosphere Minister Barrow to the presi- they both congratulated each dential inauguration in Janu- other for their respective recent ary 2016 and Prime Minis- victories at the polls. Prime ter expressed that he has Minister Barrow and President- every intention of attending. elect Morales discussed the bi- President-elect Jimmy lateral relations between Belize Morales was accompanied by

Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales and Belize Prime Minister Dean Barrow meet and exchange gifts at the PM’s Belize City Office he newly elected Pres- first official visit to Belize- in ident of Guatemala troducing himself to Prime might have made Minister Hon. Dean Barrow. some initial enemies Mr. Barrow received Tamong Belizeans as a result President-elect of the Republic of his pre-election remarks of Guatemala His Excellency about ‘reclaiming Belize’. But Jimmy Morales at the Prime that did not affect the mutual Minister's Office in Belize City. cordiality that attended his President-elect Jimmy Morales

President Jimmy Morales and Prime Minister Dean Barrow Exchanging Gifts at the PM’s Belize City Office and Guatemala, including a way Guatemalan Foreign Minister, forward in respect of resolving H.E. Carlos Raul Morales; the our historical differences. They President-elect’s Diplomatic agreed to continue along the Liaison Officer, Rodrigo Col- path set out in the Framework menares; Guatemalan Ambas- Agreement and Confidence sador in Belize, H.E. Estuardo Building Measures of 2005 for Roldan; and Ms.Sandra Hovel, expanding functional coop- Director of Integration. The eration between the two coun- Prime Minister was accompa- tries, and each committed to nied in the meeting by CEO strengthen the processes that in the Prime Minister's Office, already exist for good neigh- Audrey Wallace; CEO in the bourly relations so that the two Ministry of Foreign Affairs, countries may continue to live Ambassador Lawrence Sylvest- President Jimmy Morales and Prime Minister Dean Barrow in peace and as friends pending er; and Ambassador of Belize Sharing a Cordial Handshake at the PM’s Belize City Office a legal resolution of the territo- in Guatemala, Alexis Rosado. READ CAPITAL WEEKLY ONLINE www.belizenews.com/CapitalWeekly Page 4 Capital Weekly Wednesday, December 9, 2015

HouseHUMMINGBIRD Passes Motion For HIGHWAY Rehabilitation Continued from Page 1 in December 2014. In February, 2015, the Board of Directors of Hummingbird Highway. The KFAED approved the loan for loan is being obtained on conces- the rehabilitation works. With sionary terms at 2.75 percent per no objection from the Fund- annum to be paid back over a pe- ing Agency, the award for the riod of 15 years starting in 2020, supervision of the works was a f t e r a g r a c e p e r i o d o f 5 y e a r s . made to the consulting engi- These funds are in ad- neers who performed the design. dition to monies already com- A contract was subse- mitted by the Kuwait Fund quently signed with Dr. Nabeel which is sponsoring $16 Mil- Abdul-Raheem Consultants lion worth of rehabilitation on (NARCO) in Joint Venture with the Hummingbird Highway. Intercontinental Consultants & They are starting with the be- Technocrats (ICT) to perform the ginning and ending sections. procurement of civil works con- The first portion is from Short-term patching on portions of the Hummingbird Highway tractors and the supervision of the the Belmopan Roundabout which will become unnecessary after complete resurfacing scope of works. The Consultancy Junction to the Sibun Bridge, Services agreement was signed and the second is from Dan- best way to refurbish the highway. griga in the . for the amount of BZ$7.6 million. griga to Alta Vista. The Gov- The Government of Be- The feasibility study and The overall objective of ernment of Belize has already lize (GOB) received a Technical detailed design were completed the Government is to reconstruct signed a contract with a Cayo Assistance (TA) Grant from the by the end of 2014 and an ap- and upgrade the Hummingbird based company, A&N Construc- Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic plication for funding was made Highway which will involve costs tion, for these two sections. Development (KFAED) to as- by the GOB. Members of the in civil works, land acquisition, To engineer the upgrade, sist in financing the services of Funding Agency visited Be- and consultancy services and the Ministry of Works hired the consultants to prepare a techni- lize and performed their due supervision; and the project Kuwaiti Consulting Firm led by cal and economical feasibility diligence and assessment of will significantly contribute to- Owner and Managing Director study and detailed designs for the design and scope of works. wards the improvement of the Dr. Nabeel Abdul-Raheem. He rehabilitating the Hummingbird The project for the Reha- regional road network and the and his team did extensive sur- Highway, between Belmopan bilitation of the Hummingbird socio-economic integration be- veys and studies on what is the Roundabout Junction and Dan- Highway was favorably appraised tween Belmopan and Dangriga. Another Belize-Taiwan Cooperation Agreement Genetic Improvement in Sheep and Goat Project improvement and development traceability registry for the herd. of the National Small Ruminant Sheep and goat production have Center at Central Farm; the tremendous growth opportunity introduction of quality breeding on the national market but also stocks and renewal of breeding on the regional export market. stock so as to improve the This project will productivity of the stock; and complement other ongoing capacity building and technical initiatives and place the training of the Ministry’s industry on a firm footing for livestock technicians and development. In particular, the officers, and the small ruminant traceability/registry component producers in the country will provide the base on which including the establishment of a an export market could develop. Signing by Deputy Prime Minister Hon. and Taiwan’s Ambassador in Belize H.E. Mr. Benjamin Ho

he “Genetic approximately $1.62 Million US, of Improvement for Sheep which the Government of Belize and Goat Breeding will contribute $0.35 Million US Belize-Taiwan Project” and the Taiwanese Government Twas signed on December 2, 2015 will finance $1.27 M US. by Deputy Prime Minister Hon. The project seeks to Gaspar Vega in his capacity improve and develop the genetic as Minister for Agriculture, blood lines of both the sheep and the Ambassador of the and goat livestock through Republic of China(Taiwan) natural breeding and an artificial H.E. Mr. Benjamin Ho. insemination program. The main This is a three year project objectives to be accomplished Deputy Prime Minister of Belize and Minister of Agriculture with an approved total budget of through the project are, the Hon. Gaspar Vega and Taiwan Ambassador H.E. Mr. Benjamin Ho Wednesday, December 9, 2015 Capital Weekly Page 5 Annual Review for Road Safety Project Opens Main Speaker Is Minister of State for Transport

Hon. Glen McCarvell Erroll Gentle Ruth Meighan Minster State for Transport Caribbean Development Bank CEO - Ministry of Works CEO - Ministry of Transport

inister of State the demonstration corridor in the Ministry (George Price Highway) that of Transport, have contributed to a reduction Hon. Edmond in the frequency and severity of MCastro was the main speak- road traffic deaths and injuries. er on Monday, November 30, The Ministry of Economic 2015 at the official opening for Development, Investment, Trade the Annual Review 2015 of the and Commerce is the executing Belize Road Safety Project. agency for the project, supported The opening ceremony by a Project Management/ Road took place at the Biltmore Safety Unit, and Task Leaders Best Western Plaza Hotel. Honourable Edmond Castro and Glen McCarvell of in the Ministries of Education, Other speakers at the Caribbean Development Bank along with other representatives Youth and Sports; Health; event included Chief Execu- Works; Transport; and The tive Officer in the Ministry Government of Belize Press Office of Transport and NEMO, Ms. in implementing the project. Ruth Meighan, Chief Execu- On November 30, 2015, tive Officer from the Ministry Government representatives, of Works, Mr. Gentle, and Mr. together with their partners and Glen McCarvell from the Ca- stakeholders and the Caribbean ribbean Development Bank. Development Bank will meet The vision for the project to discuss the progress that has is that through an integrated been made to date, and make and comprehensive approach plans for the continuation of the along the pilot safety corridor, Honourable Edmond Castro and Participants in the Annual Review focused road safety initiatives. together with demonstrated Small booths will showcase respect among all road users, some of the results to date. there will have been a 20% A news release from the reduction in the frequency and Road Safety Project states, “We severity of traffic collisions. need to continue the ongoing In 2013, the Government battle to prevent needless death of Belize received US$7,248,000 through drinking and driving, in loan financing from the speeding, texting and driving, Caribbean Development Bank overtaking on curves, overtaking (CDB) towards the cost of the on double solid lines or unsafe Belize Road Safety Project. places, or not wearing seat-belts Over the past years, many or helmets or adequate protective activities have taken place along Honourable Edmond Castro and Participants in the Annual Review gears to shield the brain.”

Honourable Edmond Castro at Head Table, flanked by Ministry Participants at the Opening of the Annual Review 2015 for the CEOs, CDB Representatives and other officials at the opening Road Safety Project at Biltmore Best Western Plaza Hotel Page 6 Capital Weekly Wednesday, December 9, 2015

LeaderUS PRESIDENT Of Free DELIVERS World SPEECH Addresses FROM OVAL Terrorism OFFICE ood evening. On many, and the United Kingdom Wednesday, 14 Amer- — have ramped up their con- icans were killed as tributions to our military cam- they came together paign, which will help us accel- Gto celebrate the holidays. They erate our effort to destroy ISIL. were taken from family and Second, we will continue friends who loved them deeply. to provide training and equip- They were white and black; ment to tens of thousands of Latino and Asian; immigrants Iraqi and Syrian forces fighting and American-born; moms and ISIL on the ground so that we take dads; daughters and sons. Each away their safe havens. In both of them served their fellow countries, we’re deploying Spe- citizens and all of them were cial Operations Forces who can part of our American family. accelerate that offensive. We’ve Tonight, I want to talk stepped up this effort since the with you about this tragedy, the attacks in Paris, and we’ll contin- broader threat of terrorism, and ue to invest more in approaches how we can keep our country safe. that are working on the ground. The FBI is still gathering Third, we’re working with the facts about what happened friends and allies to stop ISIL’s in San Bernardino, but here operations — to disrupt plots, is what we know. The victims cut off their financing, and were brutally murdered and in- United States President Barack Obama in the Oval Office prevent them from recruit- jured by one of their coworkers ing more fighters. Since the and his wife. So far, we have no to less complicated acts of vio- day party like the one in San Ber- attacks in Paris, we’ve surged evidence that the killers were di- lence like the mass shootings nardino. I know we see our kids intelligence-sharing with our rected by a terrorist organization that are all too common in our in the faces of the young people European allies. We’re working overseas, or that they were part society. It is this type of attack killed in Paris. And I know with Turkey to seal its border of a broader conspiracy here at that we saw at Fort Hood in that after so much war, many with Syria. And we are coop- home. But it is clear that the two 2009; in Chattanooga earlier this Americans are asking whether erating with Muslim-majority of them had gone down the dark year; and now in San Bernardino. we are confronted by a cancer countries — and with our Mus- path of radicalization, embrac- And as groups like ISIL grew that has no immediate cure. lim communities here at home ing a perverted interpretation of stronger amidst the chaos of Well, here’s what I want — to counter the vicious ideol- Islam that calls for war against war in Iraq and then Syria, and you to know: The threat from ogy that ISIL promotes online. America and the West. They as the Internet erases the dis- terrorism is real, but we will Fourth, with American had stockpiled assault weapons, tance between countries, we see overcome it. We will destroy leadership, the international ammunition, and pipe bombs. growing efforts by terrorists to ISIL and any other organiza- community has begun to estab- So this was an act of terrorism, lish a process — and time-line designed to kill innocent people. “The threat from Terrorism is real; — to pursue cease-fires and a Our nation has been at political resolution to the Syrian war with terrorists since al Qa- but we will overcome it....We will war. Doing so will allow the Syr- eda killed nearly 3,000 Ameri- prevail by being strong and smart; ian people and every country, in- cans on 9/11. In the process, cluding our allies, but also coun- we’ve hardened our defenses resilient and relentless.” tries like Russia, to focus on the — from airports to financial common goal of destroying ISIL centers, to other critical infra- poison the minds of people like tion that tries to harm us. Our — a group that threatens us all. structure. Intelligence and law the Boston Marathon bombers success won’t depend on tough This is our strategy to enforcement agencies have dis- and the San Bernardino killers. talk, or abandoning our values, destroy ISIL. It is designed rupted countless plots here and For seven years, I’ve con- or giving into fear. That’s what and supported by our military overseas, and worked around fronted this evolving threat groups like ISIL are hoping for. commanders and counterter- the clock to keep us safe. Our each morning in my intelligence Instead, we will prevail by being rorism experts, together with military and counterterrorism briefing. And since the day I strong and smart, resilient and 65 countries that have joined an professionals have relentlessly took this office, I’ve authorized relentless, and by drawing upon American-led coalition. And we pursued terrorist networks over- U.S. forces to take out terror- every aspect of American power. constantly examine our strategy seas — disrupting safe havens in ists abroad precisely because Here’s how. First, our to determine when additional several different countries, kill- I know how real the danger military will continue to hunt steps are needed to get the job ing Osama bin Laden, and deci- is. As Commander-in-Chief, I down terrorist plotters in any done. That’s why I’ve ordered mating al Qaeda’s leadership. have no greater responsibility country where it is necessary. the Departments of State and Over the last few years, than the security of the Ameri- In Iraq and Syria, airstrikes Homeland Security to review however, the terrorist threat has can people. As a father to two are taking out ISIL leaders, the visa *Waiver program under evolved into a new phase. As young daughters who are the heavy weapons, oil tankers, which the female terrorist in we’ve become better at prevent- most precious part of my life, I infrastructure. And since the San Bernardino originally came ing complex, multifaceted at- know that we see ourselves with attacks in Paris, our closest al- to this country. And that’s why tacks like 9/11, terrorists turned friends and coworkers at a holi- lies — including France, Ger- Continued on Page 7 Wednesday, December 9, 2015 Capital Weekly Page 7

LeaderUS PRESIDENT Of Free DELIVERS World SPEECH Addresses FROM OVAL Terrorism OFFICE Continued from Page 6 incompatible with the values of religious tolerance, mutual I will urge high-tech and law respect, and human dignity. enforcement leaders to make it But just as it is the re- harder for terrorists to use tech- sponsibility of Muslims around nology to escape from justice. the world to root out misguided Now, here at home, we ideas that lead to radicaliza- have to work together to ad- tion, it is the responsibility of dress the challenge. There all Americans — of every faith are several steps that Con- — to reject discrimination. It gress should take right away. is our responsibility to reject To begin with, Congress religious tests on who we admit should act to make sure no one into this country. It’s our re- on a no-fly list is able to buy a sponsibility to reject proposals gun. What could possibly be that Muslim Americans should the argument for allowing a somehow be treated differently. terrorist suspect to buy a semi- Because when we travel down automatic weapon? This is that road, we lose. That kind a matter of national security. of divisiveness, that betrayal of We also need to make it our values plays into the hands harder for people to buy pow- of groups like ISIL. Muslim erful assault weapons like the Americans are our friends and ones that were used in San our neighbors, our co-workers, Bernardino. I know there are US Presidenst Barack Obama delivering address from the Oval Office our sports heroes — and, yes, some who reject any gun safety they are our men and women measures. But the fact is that these are the steps that we can be defined as a war between in uniform who are willing to our intelligence and law enforce- take together to defeat the terror- America and Islam. That, too, die in defense of our country. ment agencies — no matter ist threat. Let me now say a word is what groups like ISIL want. We have to remember that. ISIL does not speak for Islam. My fellow Americans, I They are thugs and killers, part am confident we will succeed “I am confident we will succeed of a cult of death, and they ac- in this mission because we are in this mission, because we are count for a tiny fraction of more on the right side of history. We than a billion Muslims around were founded upon a belief in on the right side of History.” the world — including millions human dignity — that no matter of patriotic Muslim Americans who you are, or where you come how effective they are — cannot about what we should not do. who reject their hateful ideol- from, or what you look like, or identify every would-be mass We should not be drawn ogy. Moreover, the vast majority what religion you practice, you shooter, whether that individual once more into a long and costly of terrorist victims around the are equal in the eyes of God is motivated by ISIL or some ground war in Iraq or Syria. world are Muslim. If we’re to and equal in the eyes of the law. other hateful ideology. What That’s what groups like ISIL succeed in defeating terrorism Even in this political we can do — and must do — is want. They know they can’t de- we must enlist Muslim commu- season, even as we properly make it harder for them to kill. feat us on the battlefield. ISIL nities as some of our strongest al- debate what steps I and future Next, we should put in fighters were part of the insur- lies, rather than push them away Presidents must take to keep place stronger screening for those gency that we faced in Iraq. But through suspicion and hate. our country safe, let’s make sure who come to America without a they also know that if we occupy That does not mean de- we never forget what makes us visa so that we can take a hard foreign lands, they can maintain nying the fact that an extremist exceptional. Let’s not forget look at whether they’ve traveled insurgencies for years, killing ideology has spread within some that freedom is more powerful to war-zones. And we’re working thousands of our troops, drain- Muslim communities. This is than fear; that we have always with members of both parties ing our resources, and using our a real problem that Muslims met challenges — whether war in Congress to do exactly that. presence to draw new recruits. must confront, without excuse. or depression, natural disasters Finally, if Congress be- The strategy that we are Muslim leaders here and around or terrorist attacks — by com- lieves, as I do, that we are at war using now — airstrikes, Special with ISIL, it should go ahead Forces, and working with local “Let us not forget that Freedom and vote to authorize the con- forces who are fighting to regain tinued use of military force control of their own country is more Powerful than Fear” against these terrorists. For — that is how we’ll achieve a over a year, I have ordered our more sustainable victory. And the globe have to continue work- ing together around our com- military to take thousands of it won’t require us sending a ing with us to decisively and mon ideals as one nation, as air-strikes against ISIL targets. new generation of Americans unequivocally reject the hate- one people. So long as we stay I think it’s time for Congress overseas to fight and die for ful ideology that groups like true to that tradition, I have to vote to demonstrate that the another decade on foreign soil. ISIL and al Qaeda promote; to no doubt America will prevail. American people are united, Here’s what else we can- speak out against not just acts Thank you. God bless and committed, to this fight. not do. We cannot turn against of violence, but also those in- you, and may God bless the My fellow Americans, one another by letting this fight terpretations of Islam that are United States of America. Page 8 Capital Weekly Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Venezuela'sWorst Election Defeat Socialistfor Party Founded Party By Hugo Loses Chavez ive hours after other 22 yet to be declared. polling ended, Results arrived much later the National Elec- than expected, five hours toral Council an- after polls closed. Fire- Fnounced the opposi- works erupted over the tion had won 99 seats. capital, Caracas, soon after. President Ma- Venezuela has duro has admitted been hit hard by the defeat, recognising continuing low price of "these adverse results". oil, its main export. It It is the worst-ever also has the continent's defeat for the leftist move- highest inflation rate. ment founded by former Mr. Maduro has leader Hugo Chavez in blamed the situation 1999. The Socialists have on an "economic war" gained 46 seats, with an- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro-Moros waged by the opposition. $30 Million For Tourism Infrastructure Government Passes Sustainable Tourism II Loan Motion

Ongoing Development and Construction on one of Belize’s most popular Island Tourism Destinations

ne of two loan mo- The Government has ism product in Corozal, Cayo, for sector policy, destination tions tabled and approached the Bank for fi- Caye Caulker, and Toledo, planning and management. passed at the first nancial assistance in execution enhancing tourism services The monies will be business session of the project, which is intend- and experiences and increas- disbursed over a period of Oof the House of Representa- ed to increase the tourism sec- ing tourism expenditure, em- Five (5) Years from the ef- tives was one for a loan of US tor’s contribution to national, ployment and income; pro- fective date of the loan. $15 Million ($30 Million Be- sustainable and resilient so- moting disaster and climate It is a long-term conces- lize) from the Inter-American cio-economic development. resilient tourist destinations sionary loan, which extends Development Bank, called The goals consist of un- and environmental sustain- over a repayment period of the Sustainable Tourism Pro- dertaking investments geared ability; and strengthening of twenty Five (25) years, with gram II Loan Motion, 2015. towards diversifying the tour- national and local capacity a grace period of 5 ½ years. Wednesday, December 9, 2015 Capital Weekly Page 9 MORE BOOTS - MORE WHEELS NEW VEHICLES FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT

Minister of National Security Honourable John Saldivar Designated Drivers pose with the New Vehicles at the handing over keys for new vehicles to Commissioner Allen Whylie Police Headquarters Compound in the City of Belmopan he Police Department mobility and quicker response officially handed over to the Police Village) and the Special Patrol which has been to crime. The Government of Department on November 11, Unit (headquartered in Belmopan). consciously and steadily Belize, through the Ministries of at the Belmopan Police Station. Minister of National increasing the number Finance and National Security, has The vehicles are being distributed Security Hon. John Saldivar Tof boots on the ground through purchased 10 new patrol vehicles to the formations in Belize City, presented the keys to Commissioner regular new recruitment, is also for the Belize Police Department Ladyville, Belmopan, Dangriga, of Police Allen Whylie, who consistently expanding its vehicular at a cost of BZ$280,000. San Ignacio, the Intermediate received them on behalf of fleet, adding new wheels for better The vehicles were Southern Formation (Independence the Belize Police Department. Remembering A Belizean Legend CLIMATEddressing the twinWORLD of state and SUMMITrepresentatives ternational IN meeting PARIS has never threats of global of 195 governments, comes been so great because it's the warming and ex- just two weeks after militants future of the planet, the fu- tremist violence, linked to the Islamic State of ture of life," French President Athe largest group of world lead- Iraq and Syria (ISIS) killed Francois Hollande said after ers ever to stand together kicked 130 people around Paris. a moment of silence for at- off two weeks of high-stakes Fears of more attacks tack victims in France, Leba- climate talks outside Paris on have prompted extra-high secu- non, Iraq, Tunisia and Mali. Monday, saying that by strik- rity and a crackdown on environ- "There are two big glob- ing an ambitious deal to cut mental protests - and threaten al challenges that we must emissions they can show ter- to eclipse longer-term concerns face," he added, urging lead- Andy Vivian Palacio rorists what countries can about rising seas and increas- ers to create a world free from (Dec 2, 1960 - Jan 19, 2008) achieve when they are united. ingly extreme weather linked both environmental destruc- Last week, we observed The meeting, which in- to man-made global warming. tion and extremist violence. the birthday of Belizean mu- cludes more than 150 heads "The challenge of an in- (Reprinted from CBS News) sic legend Andy Vivian Palacio. Palacio was born De- cember 2, 1960 in the coastal vil- lage of Barranco, where he was also raised. He worked briefly as a teacher before turning to mu- sic. Andy received the award for “Best New Artist” at the Carib- bean Music Awards in 1991, and was posthumously bestowed the BBC Award for World Mu- sic in the Americas Category. Andy Palacio died al- most eight years ago, on Janu- ary 19, 2008, but his spirit lives on through his impressive body of works, and through the Be- lizean musical ambassadors called ‘Garifuna Collectives’, which he French President Francois Hollande among other world leaders at the world summit in Paris was instrumental in forming. Page 10 Capital Weekly Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Flood Honorable Relief Edmund for Castro Belize and NEMO River to the Valley Rescue responsibility to respond flooding, were unable to to their needs and ensure make it out of their vil- their well-being. Again, on lage to purchase groceries.

Hon. Edmond Castro on the flooded Flowers Bank Access Road Edmond Castro flanked by NEMO Belize Rural Chairman Calbert s noted in an and wellbeing of Belizeans Budd, Flowers Bank Chairman Clinton Rhaburn and other residents article else- affected countrywide were both counts, Castro did not The convoy included Awhere in this being looked after, com- fail to deliver. After an ini- the NEMO National Co- edition, Minister of State munities in his own con- tial tour up river with the ordinator himself, Colo- BDF, Castro led a convoy nel Shelton DeFour, and

Food stuff unloaded at the Community Center in Flowers Bank with new responsibilities for stituency of Belize Rural National Emergency Man- North were also suffering agement, Hon. Edmond the effects of the flooding. Hon. Edmond and Miss Roselle, a senior resident of Flowers Bank Castro, had his baptism the As Minister of Na- into the riverside village of Rural Co- literal way, not by fire, but tional Emergency Man- Flowers Bank delivering ordinator Calbert Budd. foodstuff to villagers who, The packages of food stuff as a result of the chronic Continued on Page 11

Hon. Edmond Castro interviewed by Media on banks of flooded river by water. Well, even as he agement and Area Repre- was on the ground person- sentative for Belize Rural ally ensuring that the needs North, he had the double Edmond Castro, Flowers Bank Chairman Clinton Rhaburn & others Wednesday, December 9, 2015 Capital Weekly Page 11

Flood Honorable Relief Edmund for Castro Belize and NEMO River to the Valley Rescue Continued from Page 10 Speaking to national delivered included staples television reporters from like Flour, Rice, Beans, Love TV and Channel 7

A van full with Food Stuff headed to Flowers Bank Edmond Castro flanked by Flowers Bank Chairman Clinton Rhaburn, NEMO Belize Rural Coordinator Calbert Budd and others After leaving Flowers Belize River Valley area, Sugar, Oil and Milk. Be- News, Castro emphasized Bank, Castro and the NEMO but when it does, the con- cause there is no grocery his responsibility to his own Team took some food stuff dition normally persists store in Flowers Bank, and people in Belize Rural North because the access road as their Area Representa-

NEMO Belize Rural Coordinator Calvert Budd in Scotland Halfmoon into Texas Road in Scotland for a relatively long period Half Moon, where resi- because in these areas the dents were also experienc- Belize River is at what is Edmond Castro and a resident of Scotland Halfmoon ing the effects of flooding. referred to in Geography was largely impassable, tive, while acknowledging When there is ex- as the ‘old stage’.“Jah will residents were unable to his duty to the entire Na- cess rainfall in the West, never give us more than leave the village to stock tion as Minister of National on these basic food items. Emergency Management.

Flowers Bank Chairman Clinton Rhaburn interviewed by the Media it normally takes around 5 we can bear”, “Castro told to 7 days before flood wa- his people. “Together we Two residents thankful for the food stuff distributed ters make it down to the will weather this storm! Page 12 Capital Weekly Wednesday, December 9, 2015

IMPROVING Hon.Castro Visits EMERGENCY NEMO Headquarters MANAGEMENT Nationwide NEMO BELIZE DISTRICT NEMO AMBERGRIS CAYE ccompanied by his Chief measures to upgrade their physi- n Wednesday, Novem- Hon. Castro expressed Executive Officer in the cal facilities and human capacity ber 25, 2015, Minister gratitude and congratulations AMinistry of National to improve service to the people with new responsibili- to the NEMO Coordinator in Emergency Management and of Belize District guaranteeing O ties for National Emergency that area, Timrose Augustine, Transport, Miss Ruth Meighan, their safety and wellbeing. He

Honorable Edmond Castro and CEO Ruth Meighan welcomed by National Emergency Minister Honorable Edmond Castro and Ambergris Caye NEMO Coordinator Timrose Augustine NEMO Belize District Regional Coordinator Kevin Pollard Management, Honorable Ed- for holding the fort. He also and NEMO National Coordinator expressed thanks to the Belize mond Castro visited the NEMO thanked all the public servants Shelton DeFour, Minister of State District Regional Coordinator Headquarters in San Pedro, and volunteers in the area for for NEMO, Honorable Edmond Kevin Pollard for holding the fort, Ambergris Caye, accompanied continuing to execute such an Castro on Wednesday, November and to all the personnel from the

CEO Ruth Meighan, Hon.Edmond Castro, NEMO National Coordina- Honourable Edmond Castro and CEO Ruth Meighan with tor Shelton DeFour, Belize Dist. Regional Coordinator Kevin Pollard Ambergris Caye NEMO Coordinator Timrose Augustine 25, 2015 visited the Belize District various departments and agencies, NEMO Headquarters located at the as well as community volunteers, by his Chief Executive Officer important mission, looking af- Transport Building in Belize City. who continue to perform such in the Ministry of National ter the safety and wellbeing of Having done a quick assessment, vital functions towards the overall Emergency Management and the people and communities in he says they will be implementing safety and wellbeing of the people. Transport, Miss Ruth Meighan. times of emergency and disaster.

Belize Regional Coordinator Kevin Pollard, Hon. Edmond Castro, CEO for NEMO and Transport in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye National Coordinator Shelton DeFour, CEO Ruth Meighan conversing with local NEMO Coordinator Timrose Augustine Wednesday, December 9, 2015 Capital Weekly Page 13

IMPROVING Hon.Castro Visits EMERGENCY NEMO Headquarters MANAGEMENT Nationwide NEMO NEMO ORANGE WALK fter leaving Flow- new responsibilities for Na- hile in the North on the Belize Government’s part- ers Bank where he tional Emergency Manage- Friday November nership with the United States. Aand officials from the ment, took the opportunity W25, 2015, Minister Hon. Castro expressed National Emergency Man- to thank Mr. Levy and all of State with responsibility for congratulations and grati- agement Organization deliv- the other public officers and National Emergency Manage- tude to Mr. Aragon and all ered food stuff to residents volunteers for their dedica- ment, Hon. Edmond Castro, the public officers and volun-

NEMO National Coordinator Sjelton De Four, Orange Walk Coordinator Elodio Aragon Sr; Hon. Edmond Castro visited the NEMO Headquarters teers who represent the vari- in Orange Walk and met with the ous departments and agen- regional coordinator there, Elo- cies making up NEMO Orange dio Aragon Sr. The Honorable Walk and the Northern Region. Hon. Edmond Castro with Corozal NEMO Coordinator Willard Levy Edmond Castro was again joined He said that together affected by chronic flood- tion and selfless service in ing, Hon. Edmond Castro continuing to look after the travelled north to Corozal, wellbeing of the people in where he visited the NEMO this most northern district. Corozal Headquarters coordi- He said he and his nated by Willard ‘Taxi’ Levy. Ministry will be working

Elodio Aragon Senior Hon. Edmond Castro O.Walk NEMO Coordinator NEMO Minister of State Willard ‘Taxi’ Levy Hon. Edmond Castro by NEMO National Coordina- with the rest of the national Corozal NEMO Coordinator NEMO Minister of State tor, Colonel Shelton DeFour. team, they will work hard to There he was joined by closely with them and the They discussed, among continue improving the ex- NEMO National Coordina- entire team countrywide to other things, the physical infra- ecution of this most important tor, Colonel Shelton DeFour. further improve the quality structure, including a new build- function in looking after the Honorable Edmond Castro, of service delivered in times ing which is currently under safety and wellbeing of our Be- as Minister of State with of emergency and disaster. construction, funded through lizean people and communities.

Corozal NEMO Coordinator Willard Levy, Hon. Edmond Castro NEMO National Coordinator Shelton DeFour and and NEMO National Coordinator Colonel Shelton DeFour Orange Walk NEMO Coordinator Elodio Aragon Sr Page 14 Capital Weekly Wednesday, December 9, 2015 BAPTISM BY WATER New National Emergency Minister Hits The Ground Running He proceeded to Dan- being of the families displaced. griga for a meeting with, and Thanks to his person- briefing by NEMO Dangriga, al intervention, the one family constituted by representatives that remained in the shelter re-

Hon. Edmond Castro at Bladen Bridge - River Flooded

n the wake of the United National Emergency Manage- Democratic Party’s third ment Organization (NEMO). consecutive general election Heavy rainfall, which Hon. Edmond Castro inside shelter at Bella Vista victory, Prime Minister Dean commenced around the mid- IBarrow named the new Cabinet dle of the week, had by Satur- from various departments and ceived additional relief material on Monday, November 16, 2015. day resulted in serious flooding agencies, as well as Area Rep- within an hour from the NEMO The only three-timein various parts of the country, resentative Hon. Frank Mena Independence Warehouse. area representative on the gov- especially in the South where and Mayor Francis Humprheys. Hon. Castro travelled ernment side who did not re- hundreds of persons were dis- Apprised of the situation further south where he attend- ceive a full ministry this time placed from their homes and around, Edmond Castro had, had to be moved into shelters. as acknowledged by the Prime NEMO kicked into action Minister himself, expressed immediately, mobilizing person- some initial dissatisfaction. nel from the relevant government

Hon. Edmond Castro in Bella Vista Village in Cowpen Village, where a main ed a mid-morning session with culvert had collapsed and a few NEMO Punta Gorda, chaired by families had to be sheltered, he local coordinator Kenton Par- stopped in at that village to see ham, and also attended by current for himself the physical damage Mayor Fern Gutierrez and former Hon. Edmond Castro meeting with NEMO Dangriga wrought, and to ensure the well- Continued on Page 15 He was, nevertheless, departments and agencies it en- assigned additional responsi- compasses, along with local volun- bilities as a Minister of State, teers in the communities affected. and he immediately embarked A characteristically hands- upon discharging those du- on politician, Hon. Edmond Cas- ties with his usual vigour. tro was himself immediately on One of his new assign- the ground. After making his ments was the responsibility for rounds through his own constitu- National Emergency Manage- ency of Belize Rural North and the ment. And before the ink could on Saturday, Castro dry on the paper he had signed arrived in the South on Sunday. at the swear-in ceremony pre- In Stann Creek, he visited sided over by the Governor Gen- the village of Sarawee, which had eral, Castro would be pressed been affected by flash flooding. into active duty as Minister of Thankfully, the deluge had already State with responsibility for the subsided in that community. Hon. Edmond Castro in Bladen Village Wednesday, December 9, 2015 Capital Weekly Page 15 BAPTISM BY WATER New National Emergency Minister Hits The Ground Running Continued from Page 14 had to be sheltered at the local Roman Catholic Church and the Mayor Floyd Lino. He then vis- Baptist Church. There the relief ited the village of Golden Stream, efforts featured an effective part-

Hon. Edmond Castro at affected home in Golden Stream Village

to 100 persons from 15 families Even before visiting them, also displaced by the floods. In Castro was advising the farm- that community, Belize Defence ers, including those in his own constituency, to take proactive Hon. Edmond Castro at the Shelter in Bella Vista Force personnel were particularly helpful in various ways, includ- measures to move their livestock where 20 homes occupied by 113 nership among NEMO represent- ing the provision of hot meals for to higher grounds in anticipation persons were affected by flooding. atives from the various govern- residents occupying the shelter. of the flooding which was bound There, he met the local shelter co- ment departments and agencies, Other communities af- to eventually arrive in the area. ordinator and a medical team missionaries and educators. fected in Toledo included Trio, When disaster strikes, that was dispatched to the various Minister of State, Hon. Ed- where 26 families amounting to there’s no telling what will be 115 persons had to be evacuated the full extent of its impact, but from their inundated homes, as with an effective National Emer- well as Big Falls and San Miguel. gency Management Organiza- In addition to the time- tion and a hands-on political ly advisories from the National leader like Hon. Edmond Cas-

Hon. Edmond Castro at Shelter in Bladen Village communities to address health mond Castro completed his Mon- issues related to the flooding. day working tour in Bella Vista Castro and his team Village where NEMO personnel moved on to Bladen, where flood- from the various departments ing had impacted almost 150 per- and agencies were providing es- sons making up 29 families who sential relief services for close Hon. Edmond Castro meeting with NEMO Toledo Emergency Organization, Hon. tro in charge, those affected will Edmond Castro kept the nation certainly be assisted and ena- informed and focused through bled to cope in a way that really his regular real-time interven- makes a substantial difference. tions via National Radio and Tel- For the new Minister evision, as well as Social Media. of State with responsibility for Returning to his own NEMO, it was truly a baptism constituency by Tuesday Morn- by water; and by all accounts, he ing, Castro joined the BDF and passed the test with flying colors. NEMO national and local per- sonnel on an up-river tour of communities in the Belize River CAPITAL WEEKLY Valley Area, where livestock was being impacted by flood waters From The Heart Of The Nation which had worked their way down To The Soul Of The People Hon. Edmond Castro inside Shelter in Bladen Village through the Old Belize River. Page 16 Capital Weekly Wednesday, December 9, 2015 PAYING RESPECT – PROVIDING RESOURCES Six New Ambulances Acquired PM Barrow Addresses Garinagu in Dangriga rime Minister Dean Bar- ment of Belize will be pleased to row was in Dangriga for make a significant contribution Garifuna Settlement Day towards the balance of Okeke’s November 19, 2015, and fees; and I only don’t say that we Phe brought good tidings for the will pay all of it because I must Garinagu. He paid respect to the reserve some funds in particular Garifuna People, extolling their for the Gullisi Primary School. legendary leaders such as Chatuye There is nothing more important and Thomas Vincent Ramos, and with respect to Belize’s cultural he congratulated the Garinagu for front than the retention of the their continuing invaluable con- Garifuna language. We cannot tribution to the Nation of Belize. afford to lose that language, and The PM also put the mon- I fear that with the onslaught of ey where his mouth is, committing modernity, too many Garinagu public funds to pay for a bust of children are not being brought up Hon. handing over the new Ambulances

he Ministry of Health and polyclinics by Minister of has added six new am- Health Pablo Marin. In a press bulances to its national release, the Ministry of Health fleet. The ambulances said the procurement of the new Tare being posted in Punta Gorda, ambulances is in line with its ef- San Antonito, Independence, Or- forts to ensure an effective health ange Walk, Dangriga and San Ig- system throughout the country, nacio/Benque Viejo. They were pro-actively scaling up and main- officially handed over to the -re taining regional health clinics and gional mangers and administra- hospitals to meet the nationwide tors of the respective hospitals demands of a growing population.

Prime Minister Dean Barrow greeted by President of the National Garifuna Council (NGC) Senior Superintendent Robert Mariano Thomas Vincent Ramos produced to speak the language. Retrieval by sculpture Stephen Okeke, and to and preservation must continue assist the Gullisi Primary School. to be watchwords, and in that In his address, the Prime context, it pleases me greatly to Minister remarked, “I know that commit a significant contribution there is a bust of Thomas Vincent to the Gullisi Primary School.” Ramos that has been done by Mr. We join the PM in paying Okeke, and it seems that there is our respect to the Garifuna people, some difficulty with finding the and we believe the funds committed funds to pay Okeke. The Govern- are a good and worthy investment! The six new ambulances acquired by the Ministry of Health

ContinuedAt fromThe Page 1 Center of Robust House Debate specifically the Jalacte area, Fa- ber spontaneously countered by reminding him that even as he spoke, the paving of the high- way from ‘The Dump’ to Jalacte was being splendidly executed. Faber noted that Requena’s best act has been to list out names of villages in Toledo West in an effort to impress and confound those who might not be knowl- edgeable of those communities. “I know what I am speaking about because, as Minister of Education, I have visited all those villages,” Faber contended. A four-time area repre- Hon. Wilfred ‘Sedi’ Elrignton and John Saldivar, two of the most seasoned debators in the House, alongside sentative, Patrick Faber is still the master communicator himself, Hon. Dean Barrow, and the young lion from Collet, Hon.Patrick Faber one of the youngest members of Government side featuring the tor himself, Prime Minister Dean the most robust and balanced the House of Representative, and young ‘Lion from Collet’ along- Barrow, and a re-configured and debating that will hopefully he is clearly coming into his own. side other seasoned members, reinvigorated Opposition on the strengthen our Democracy over The impressive lineup on the such as the master communica- other side, will make for some of the next five years. Stay tuned!