Friday, June 4, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 1

NO. 3465 CITY, FRIDAY, JUNE 4, 2021 (36 PAGES) $1.50 Briceño visits Giammattei

BELIZE CITY, Wed. June 2, 2021 Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño US national is on his first official visit to Guatemala after accepting an dies in RTTTAAA invitation from that country’s president, H.E. Alejandro inininvvvolving Giammattei Falla. He arrived on Tuesday, June 1. senior cop This bout of diplomatic talks has commenced while the Belize- Guatemala territorial dispute lies by Dayne Guy before the International Court of Justice. The two countries have begun BUENA VISTA VILLAGE, Corozal to strengthen diplomatic relations — District, Tues. June 1, 2021 with one notable part of that effort On Tuesday, June 1, a fatal road being the reconstitution of the Belize- traffic accident on the Philip Goldson Guatemala Joint Commission, which Highway claimed the life of a US held its first meeting since its national. According to reports, reactivation on May 18 in . sometime around 1:00 p.m. that day, “While Guatemala’s claim is Assistant Commissioner of Police before the International Court of (ACP), Aaron Guzman, was heading in the direction of Orange Walk to Please turn to„Page 31 procure vehicle parts for his government-issued vehicle that was being serviced. A vehicle being driven by an American national, Hartin bail Hurricane season begins reportedly heading in the opposite direction, was in the process of overtaking another vehicle, when the application driver lost control of the vehicle, ultimately crashing into ACP adjourned Guzman’s car near Bella Vista village. When interviewed after the incident, ACP Guzman explained, “There was a pickup truck heading in the opposite direction of me. A small gray car was trying to overtake the pickup, but when it realized it was not going to overtake Please turn to„Page 31 GoB amends Consent BELIZE CITY, Wed. June 2, 2021 BELIZE CITY, Tues. June 1, 2021 season — although, fortunately, it is Jasmine Hartin remains behind Today marks the official start of not expected to be as active as the Solicitation bars at the Belize Central Prison. She the Atlantic Hurricane Season. 2020 season. will stay there for about a week, Climatologists from the National Last year, in Belize, we saw BELIZE CITY, Tues. June 1, 2021 since a decision on her bail Oceanic and Atmospheric historic floods resulting from Today, the application has been postponed by Administration (NOAA) predict yet issued a release announcing the Justice Herbert Lord. another above-average hurricane Please turn to„Page 31 extension of the expiration date of the Today, her attorney, SC Godfrey Consent Solicitation that it had Smith, applied for bail on her behalf submitted to holders of the at the Supreme Court. Justice Herbert Superbond, until June 11, 2021. Lord was chosen by the Acting Chief COVID case found at Wesley High The Consent Solicitation seeks to Justice Michelle Arana to preside (See story on page 6) extend the grace period for the most over the application. recent scheduled payment on the debt, But before addressing the issue of which had become due on May 20. bail, Justice Lord went to great Opp. Leader Faber “loses it”, again The Briceño administration’s Please turn to„Page 30 (See story on page 4) Please turn to„Page 31 Page 2 AMANDALABelize Friday, June 4, 2021 SSB launches new RSL responds to GoB motion online portal

by Kory Leslie (freelance writer)

BELIZE CITY, Belize. Tues. June 1, 2021 The Social Security Board (SSB) has announced that they will be hosting a series of activities to engage the public in the month of June in commemoration of their 40th anniversary. One initiative that they have launched this month to provide BELIZE CITY, Wed. June 2, 2021 taken to the ,” the ease of access to their customers is their On Monday, June 1, Recological release argued. new online portal, through which SSB Systems Limited (RSL) issued a The Leader of the Opposition, customers can create and access their press release in response to the Patrick Faber, had made a similar account using any mobile device. The government’s recent motion to cancel assertion when he contested the portal has been in the works for a few the lease which granted them control motion at the House meeting. He had years. portal for free, since they realized that of the Commerce Bight Port. pointed out that the legislation During a media mixer held by the many users might not have a bank The Motion to Consider the provides for the disposal of assets, SSB on Monday, the SSB General account. Approval by the National Assembly and cannot be applied to rental or Manager for Corporate Customer “What we did get was cooperation of the Disposition of the Commerce leases. Service, Chandra Nisbet Cansino, from the banking institutions, because Bight Port to Recological Systems The company is now gearing up for stated that creating an account is as a lot of persons, believe it or not, don’t Limited, 2021, which was tabled by what looks like a legal battle against simple as “creating a Facebook have bank accounts, so in order to Minister responsible for ports, Hon. the Briceño administration. “We have account” and merely requires users to access the service you need to open Rodwell Ferguson, was passed last a valid and legally binding lease and go to the SSB website and enter their the bank account and many persons Friday in the House of rental agreement to develop and basic information and biodata. Each don’t even have the amount that you Representatives, effectively revoking manage the Commerce Bight Port and account is authenticated with a barcode would need to put the minimum the lease granted to RSL. will pursue all options to ensure that sent directly to the provided email amount, you know. Some banks need RSL’s release, however, stated that our rights are respected and honored,” address used to open the account. like 100 to open an account, but we got the company and its legal team are the company said in its release. Persons seeking to renew or replace the cooperation from the banks to still “baffled” by what took place at The company urged the their Social Security card can now waiver those minimum requirements so the last sitting of the House of government to honor the lease schedule their appointments through this the persons were able to open the bank Representatives. agreement and said that they remain platform to reduce the amount of traffic accounts with nothing and start from “There were no grounds under the open to engaging with government in at the main offices. The portal is also there. That was the main challenge. Finance and [Audit] Reform Act that order to ensure a “beneficial path live so that persons who need to update There is still people up to now who do would require for the lease to be moving forward.” their contact information, banking not have bank accounts, and we would information and other personal have provided support in that area. But Notably, the launch of the portal information can do so online, after the access to the service, it hasn’t been system is only in its first stage of which the changes will be immediately a challenge for the rural communities, development, and thus only card GOB reduces reflected in their account. because again the challenge for them renewal/replacement appointment Cansino also mentioned that they might be the fact that they may not have services are available through the portal working hours worked with local banking and a bank account to start it , and so we at this time. In the upcoming months, financial institutions to waive starter have the support of the institution the SSB hopes to extend the services for public fees associated with opening an countrywide to be able to waive that to contribution history details and account, so that users could join the requirement,” said Cansino. claiming services. workers Cabinet briefing by Dayne Guy BELMOPAN, Tues. June 1, 2021 by Kory Leslie (freelance writer) were done on roadways and road discussed the recent phased reopening During negotiations with the Joint infrastructure as well as to the streets of land and sea borders which started Unions, the Government of Belize, in BELIZE CITY, Tues. June 1, 2021 in the national road network that were on May 31, 2021. As previously an effort to get the unions to agree to On Tuesday the Cabinet held their “already in a state of disrepair due to reported, the Santa Elena Northern a 10% salary cut, had offered to weekly meeting, chaired by Prime years of neglect.” Border, Benque Viejo Del Carmen reduce the number of hours of work Minister Hon. John Briceño. At the In his presentation on the challenges Western Border, and San Pedro and for public workers. It now appears meeting presentations were made by being tackled in the Ministry of Punta Gorda borders are being that this reduction of the work week the Minister of Infrastructure Natural Resources, Petroleum and reopened solely for the entry of foreign of government employees will soon Development and Housing, Hon. Mining, the Deputy Prime Minister, tourists who will be visiting the be put into effect, since GOB has Julius Espat; Deputy Prime Minister Hon. , discussed the country for recreation/vacation issued approval for the number of and Minister of Natural Resources, current “technical challenges” being purposes. The Cabinet briefing work hours for government Petroleum and Mining, Hon. Cordel faced by the country in its efforts to reiterates that only tourists who are employees, which is stipulated in the Hyde; and the Minister of Tourism manage “growing volumes of waste”. pre-booked at Gold Standard-certified Public Service Regulation 32, to be and Diaspora Relations, Hon. Anthony These include challenges in waste accommodations for a period of no cut by five hours (one hour less each Mahler. collection services, particularly in less than three days will be allowed day of the week). According to a Cabinet briefing that Rural Belize, as well as the lack of entry into Belize. A memo from the Government of was subsequently released to the recycling programs and insufficient Finally, at the Cabinet meeting, Belize noted that this new regulation public, Hon. Espat presented to his management protocol at disposal sites. Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño is to become effective June 14, 2021. colleagues a comprehensive As a result, Cabinet reached a alerted his Cabinet members of his Despite the reduction in working Completion Report of Emergency consensus to establish and introduce impending visit to Guatemala City, hours for public workers, the Works which were carried out since an inter-ministerial committee in order which took place on that same day, opening hours of each government the start of the PUP’s term in to devise a plan to address the June 1, 2021. The PM would depart office is to remain the same — November 2020 up to May 2021. The mounting waste management issues. on an official visit to President including continuous service report highlighted the completed In the update that was presented to Alejandro Giammattei Falla and is throughout the lunch hour. Respective infrastructural works that were made the Cabinet by the Minister of Tourism, scheduled to return to Belize on ministries and departments will use possible through Cabinet-approved Hon. Anthony Mahler reported on his Thursday, June 3, 2021. Deputy Prime the time leading up to the 14th to funding following the damages caused visit to the northern border, where he Minister, Hon. Cordel Hyde has been prepare rotation schedules to allow by hurricanes Eta and Iota in 2020. engaged in an exchange with members acting as the Prime Minister during his for continuous flow of service These repairs and restorative works of the Mexican media. The Minister absence. throughout the workday. Friday, June 4, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 3 Covid-19 update

BELIZE CITY. Thurs. June 3, 2021 recoveries were recorded and no Mexico, Canada, Since our last Covid-19 update, new deaths were logged on that day. and South Korea, two new deaths related to the virus On June 1, a total of 10 new cases West Bank and were recorded. The country is seeing were found from 538 tests Gaza, Ukraine, a slight increase in recorded processed. Nine new recoveries and Kosovo, Haiti, infections, but Ministry of Health 6 hospitalizations were logged, with Georgia, Egypt, officials are more concerned about two persons needing intensive care Jordan, Iraq, and the number of hospitalizations being at the hospital. On that day, one Yemen, as well as logged. Currently, a total of 8 person passed away due to for United Nations infected persons have been complications from the virus — a front-line workers,” hospitalized at the Karl Heusner woman from the . an Aljazeera article Memorial Hospital (KHMH), with Approximately 610 new tests noted. at least 2 needing intensive care. were processed on Tuesday, June 2, With our land Today, during an interview, the with 14 cases being identified. Of borders now open to Minister of Health and Wellness, the eight hospitalizations on that day, tourists, widespread Hon. Michel Chebat, said that only one person needed intensive vaccination 15.7% of our population — around care. Eleven recoveries were becomes notably 57,000 persons, have received at recorded and fortunately there were important to reduce least their first dose of the Covid- no new deaths. the risk of 19 vaccine since the start of our The most recent data as of June 3 community spread inoculation program. shows a total of 12,840 cases across inside Belize again. blood samples collected between At this time, the Health Ministry the country since the start of the Recent studies show that persons June and November,” CNN’s is at phase three of the vaccination pandemic. Sixty-nine cases remain who have been infected with the Jacqueline Howard reported. rollout, but Minister Chebat stated active, and the death count has risen virus are protected from a new The deadly virus continues to that any person eligible to receive to 325. A total of 12,434 persons infection for up to 10 months or so. affect the world, with 471,828 cases the vaccine can get the jab. Over the have recovered from the virus. “A team at University College being recorded within the last 7 days past week he received the second On that day, June 3, 7 new cases London and other UK-based globally. dose of the vaccine. were found from a batch of 681 tests institutions analyzed data on 682 As of June 3, a total of Phase 4 of the vaccine program processed. Six recoveries were residents and 1,429 staff members 171,292,827 confirmed cases have rolls out next week. Minister Chebat logged, and 4 persons were admitted from long-term care facilities in been identified. Of that number is urging teachers to get vaccinated, to the hospital, 1 needing intensive England between October and 3,687,589 deaths have been after several schools have shut care. February. Some of the residents and reported to WHO. A total of down to do deep cleaning following Today, the Minister of Health and staff were thought to have had 1,581,509,628 persons have the detection of cases, mainly in Wellness also announced that the Covid-19 in the past because they received at least the first jab of a teachers. country would be receiving its next tested positive for antibodies in Covid-19 vaccine. On Friday, May 28, the Ministry batch of Covid-19 vaccines from the recorded a new fatality, a man from COVAX facility sometime next week the . On that — just in time for the rollout of phase day, two new cases were found from four of our inoculation program in US Embassy resumes non- a batch of 742 tests processed. Of the country. the 3 persons hospitalized, 2 needed Globally, the United States’ Biden intensive care. Two recoveries were administration announced that they immigrant visa services also recorded. would distribute a stockpile of 25 Over the weekend, from May 29 million unused vaccines globally. by Dayne Guy to the 31st, the Health Ministry found Reports are that 70% of the donation 18 new cases from a batch of 1243 will go to the COVAX global BELMOPAN, Thurs. June 3, 2021 tests processed. Four persons were vaccine-sharing program. On June 2, 2021, the US Embassy hospitalized at the time, and two of “The White House said six in Belmopan resumed its routine them needed intensive care. Thirty million doses will be directed to non-immigration visa services. Fourteen months ago, as the coronavirus became widespread across the globe, all of the United Crocodile snatches States’ embassies and consulates overseas temporarily discontinued their visa services. Since then, the man in San Pedro? US Embassy in Belize has only offered emergency services to States or just a nonimmigrant visa by Dayne Guy expanded the search radius to the passengers who must return to the applicant coming in for a tourist mangrove area in the lagoon. These US. This has caused a backlog of visa, or student visa, or the like. SAN PEDRO, Ambergris Caye, efforts have all been futile so far. applicants, leaving the embassy We are just asking people to please Wed. June 2, 2021 A volunteer from ACES noted that booked until July. Interested wear your mask, to continue social Reports are circulating in San this behavior toward humans is not applicants for visas, however, are distance. We have our chairs Pedro Town that a man in San typical of the crocodile species, encouraged to apply via the socially distanced in our waiting Pedro was hauled underwater by an especially the species of crocodile embassy’s website, room. We have a separate outside aggressive crocodile on inhabiting Belize. Humans are not bz.usembassy.gov. waiting room to keep people Wednesday, June 2. It is alleged that generally seen as a food source for The Consular Chief of the U.S. separate. We have wash stations in the man was near the lagoon side crocodiles. It is believed that when Embassy in Belmopan, Wilbur Zehr, place. We have got places with hand of the island in the San Pedrito area humans feed crocodiles, however, engaged in multiple television press sanitizers around.” of San Pedro when a crocodile the crocodiles are conditioned to interviews geared towards making The embassy believes these pounced onto him and pulled him associate humans with food. the public aware of the embassy’s protocols will help keep staff and underwater. Crocodiles’ main prey are primarily resumption of visa interviews. Zehr applicants alike safe. Staff will also A rescue team consisting of police birds, raccoons or other small told one local media outlet, “We are ensure frequent disinfection of officers, members of the Rickilee mammals that frequent swampy very pleased that today, June 2nd, areas with high traffic. The Response and Rescue (Triple R areas. we started offering the regular non- Consular Chief further urged Response) team, reps from the ACES pledges to assess the immigrant visas for Belize. applicants who are not feeling well American Crocodile Education situation and to try to find the Anybody who comes in for an to not show up to their scheduled Sanctuary (ACES), officers of the crocodile in question. They further appointment, whether you are an appointment. Applicants who are ill Belize Coast Guard and interested urge the public to not become fearful American citizen seeking a passport are advised to contact the embassy volunteers was formed, and they due to this recent incident. This or other service, or visa applicant, at the email address swiftly searched the area. When this behaviour, as stated before, is not whether that is for an immigrant [email protected] to schedule yielded no results, the search team common among crocodiles. visa to travel and live in the United a new appointment. Page 4 AMANDALABelize Friday, June 4, 2021 Opp. Leader Faber “loses it”, again (From page 1) by Kory Leslie (freelance writer) handed the child to the woman and a situation that has occupied social said, “Nickesha, you wahn start soh media for much of today. As a long- BELIZE CITY, Belize. Wed. June 2, rass round ya, yu know.” There standing public figure, I think it my 2020 appeared to be no response from the duty to act in a manner that is worth On Friday of last week, the public mother, who turned and walked away emulating by our younger generation witnessed a tense exchange between with the child. Faber then reacted by who so desperately need such the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. going into a fit of rage and can be seen examples.” Faber stated at the Patrick Faber, and the Speaker of the charging in the direction in which the beginning of the video. House of Representatives, Valerie mother had headed with the child. A He then went on to acknowledge his Woods, during the most recent sitting ruckus can then be heard occurring inappropriate conduct: “I regret to of the House of Representatives. Many beyond the view of the video screen, say that a few weeks ago, in heated exchanges have taken place at and a voice is heard telling Faber to circumstances that I will briefly meetings of the House of relax, followed by more arguing — describe, my actions were not fit to Representatives, however, and it with the words that were said again be emulated. I allowed myself to react could be argued that Faber’s ire was being indiscernible due to the muffled in a manner that certainly did not kept somewhat within bounds. Two audio. live up to the tenets and ideals that I days later, many Belizeans viewed a The video prompted large-scale embrace.,” he said. He then stated, much more explosive display of condemnation by many in the “Those who know me, know that my Faber’s anger in a video that was community, and that public outcry, children mean the world to me. I have initiated a petition drive among the circulated via social media. The video along with expressions of disapproval strived over the last sixteen years of five hundred- and thirty Party captured a domestic dispute between of his behavior that were issued by parenthood to be all that I can be for delegates for the recall of the Party Faber and the mother of his two-year- members of his own party, prompted my children. Spending time with Leader. This is allowed under the old daughter, who was present when Faber to issue a video recording on them, therefore, is never something Constitution of the United the altercation occurred. Monday of this week in which he optional or something that anyone Democratic Party and requires one In the video the Leader of the publicly addressed the incident. In the has to remind me to do.” third of Party delegates to trigger a Opposition can be seen walking into video, a photo displaying what After this, Faber revealed the recall convention where two thirds a home, carrying his 2-year-old appears to be a tender moment circumstances that led to his fit of of the delegates in attendance will daughter, who was in tears. What between Faber and his 2-year-old rage: “A recent change in my be needed to confirm his recall. We followed was an angry verbal daughter can be seen, and during the relationship status has created hope to deliver this petition to the exchange between Faber and the recording Faber apologized and circumstances that I feel have Party Secretariat with the requisite child’s mother, although what was described the context in which the unjustly kept me away from my two- signatures in the next few days.” said cannot be discerned, since the domestic uproar that is seen in the year-old daughter. It is my hope that Faber promptly followed up with a audio of the video recording was video, occurred. the situation can in short order be press release of his own, which was somewhat muffled. Thereafter, Faber “I thought it necessary to share on remedied in the court. On that day in published via the UDP’s official the video I allowed my emotions to social media outlet. The release stated get the better of me and for that I am that his role as leader remains truly sorry,” he said. “unchanged and unchallenged”, and it Hon. Elvia Vega-Samos sworn Faber concluded his apology by informed the public that Faber held a stating that he has since “made good two-hour-long meeting with members with his daughter, sealed and of his party at which he described in in as Minister of State delivered with many butterfly kisses.” detail the events which led to the He also pledged to ensure that such domestic incident The release further an episode is never repeated. Many, emphasized, “At no point in the however, view the apology as meeting, however, was any request insufficient, and the episode has even made for our Party Leader to step prompted some members of Faber’s aside”. own United Democratic Party (UDP) The actions of Faber’s fellow party to question his fitness to lead the party, members and parliamentarians would in light of the widely viewed displays suggest otherwise, however. On of his rage and aggression. Tuesday of this week, both Hon. Following the circulation of the Moses “Shyne” Barrow and Hon. video, a group which calls themselves Tracy Panton spoke out against acts “The UDP Caucus for Change” issued of domestic violence. Barrow even a public statement in which they referred to the UDP leader by name in expressed disapproval of Faber. They a social media post that stated: “I am claim to be former and aspiring encouraged by Patrick’s apology, candidates of the UDP, and in their however we as a Party & press release they stated that the Parliamentarians must now majority of the members of the party deliberate if an apology is enough by Dayne Guy Samos was officially sworn in as a now view Faber as an unfit Leader . or are [there] further corrective member of the House of “This Caucus has found it measures that need to take place to BELMOPAN, Tues. June 1, 2021 Representatives on April 9, 2021, and necessary to make its position known treat a problem that persists and Hon. Elvia Vega-Samos was officially became the first female area on the recent public release of a video send a clear message to the public elected as area representative for the representative for the Corozal Bay depicting our Party Leader the Hon. that the UDP will not tolerate certain Corozal Bay constituency in a by- constituency. Patrick Faber in a moment[ary] actions especially from our Party election that was held synchronously Today, June 1, she was sworn in indiscretion for which he has Leader.” Panton did not go as far as with the 2021 municipal elections on as the new Minister of State in the publicly apologized. We believe that to call names, but she too shared a March 3. Ministry of Human Development, the image portrayed, and signal sent message against violent acts via social Samos became a candidate in the Families and Indigenous Peoples’ by this behavior and the fact that it media. “We need to condemn, in the by-elections after the passing of her Affairs by Her Excellency Froyla is one more in a slew of similar harshest terms, any acts of abuse late brother, David “Dido” Vega, who Tzalam at the Belize House in indiscretions, warrants serious against another person. While we had died of COVID-19-related Belmopan. Minister Samos was action by our Party. Regrettably, our hold perpetrators to account, we complications just a short time after joined by both her family and the Caucus believes that the Party must find meaningful ways to support he was selected as area representative members of the House of Leader has lost the trust of the victims and provide help for by the people of Corozal Bay in the Representatives at this event. Belizean people as well as a majority perpetrators to rehabilitate. November 2020 general elections. Samos’ new post in the ministry of constituency leaders and is now Violence, of any kind: physical, She was challenged by UDP was previously held by Hon. Gilroy incapable of uniting the Party and emotional, verbal is everybody’s candidate, Hilberto Campos, but she Usher, who will now assume the role leading us to victory in any future business. I call for greater advocacy garnered more votes than he did — of Minister of State in the Ministry election,” stated the release. for and more urgent solutions to acts thus becoming the area representative- of Public Utilities, Energy and In the release the group also of violence and aggression against elect of the constituency. Logistics. announced, “We have therefore women in particular,” she stated. Friday, June 4, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 5 Things to get tougher

Absolutely no one needs a degree in economics to know March, 2020, and then, overnight, the number one industry in that the government’s decisions to cut the salaries of most of the country, tourism, fell flat. Foreign exchange earnings from its employees by 10%, continue a freeze on increments, and that industry were/are no more, and thousands of Belizeans slash government spending on goods and services by $78 found/find themselves standing in the hot sun for hours to million, will increase financial pain across the nation, definitely collect food rations or a tiny stipend from the government. in the short term. The cut in salaries and freeze in increments Early in his administration, which took over in November 2020, are expected to reduce government spending by $80 million the new Prime Minister indicated that the nation’s coffers were yearly, and with the $78 million cut in spending on goods and so bare that his government would have to make some tough services, a total of $158 million is being removed from decisions. The dismal numbers have been presented to the circulation. nation time and time again, and the ones that caused the most Apart from the salary cuts and the increment freeze, the alarm were that our country was borrowing close to $1 million employees of the government face another financial hit, this every day and that we would not be able to meet our external one in the long term. In his budget presentation for this fiscal debt obligations. year, Prime Minister John Briceño stated that the present non- It is apparent that the present government wants more contributory pension plan for GOB’s employees is emphasis on the private sector, and had there not been a unsustainable, that this year it amounts to nearly $100 million, pandemic it would have tried to keep the public wage bill down and that it must transform “to a contributory structure, either while it set about its agenda to grow the economy. But the standing on its own with payments from both employer and terrible state of our finances forced the government to move beneficiary, or a merger of the public pension program and the beyond keeping the wage bill down, to instituting salary cuts. Social Security System.” It had been suggested in some quarters that we should It was not smooth sailing in Belize prior to the Covid-19 continue “printing money”, but the truth is that after one year pandemic. Three of our major money-earners – citrus, farmed of doing just that, we have, as the Prime Minister stated, drained shrimp, and crude petroleum – have been underperforming for our account. Had we shifted our focus when the pandemic years, and funding from the Alba Petro Caribe Program has began, or before, to stimulate local production of processed dried up. foods such as breakfast cereals, and the manufacture of clothing, Some estimates indicate that prior to the pandemic close to footwear, and toiletries, we might have been able to continue forty percent of our people, particularly the unskilled, were “printing money”, because Belize dollars would then have been living below the poverty line, buying more products that were made here. We cannot and the folk in the middle class sustainably “print money” to buy goods manufactured were experiencing consistent elsewhere. attrition of their earnings Because we insisted, and insist, on putting most of our because of a rising cost of investment in tourism, we found ourselves between the evil of living. Salary adjustments in mass retrenchment, and the lesser evil of salary cuts and (estb. 1969) Business and editorial offices: recent decades for increment freezes. These cuts/freezes, they will increase our 3304 Partridge Street, Belize government employees have pain in the short term, a lot. City, Belize, Central America not been sufficient. If the We were hurting before the pandemic, and the PUP manifesto is printed twice weekly by the research from the Statistical hatched for a pre-pandemic Belize promised that at the end of Amandala Press. Institute of Belize covered the five years all of us would have been winning, a state many of us Telephones: 501-280-4703/ cost of goods in the grocery have never known. We can either set our sights lower, or work 501-202-4477 stores and pharmacies, the harder, and we have to do the latter, because as the check annual inflation rate would book is maxed out, so is our patience. We are tired of failing. Publisher: probably be 25% more than We are tired of corruption in all its forms. Editor-in-chief: Marco Lopez what has been reported. In his budget speech the Prime Minister said his government Business Manager: Jacinta Hyde Government employees had no control over how long the pandemic lasts, when the know the dire straits our tourists return, how much the weather cooperates. We know Make-up & Design economy is in, but for the all that. What we also know is that improved collection of Artist: Andrea Dennison majority of them this cut in revenues and a drastic reduction in corruption are essential to Executive Secretary: Odessa earnings goes to the bone, help our finances recover. Robinson Smith hence their ongoing fight for In his budget speech, the Prime Minister said we must Compositor: Tyra Welch every penny of relief they can augment revenues, and “this can be achieved first by sparing Lithography: Clive Smith get. Government employees no effort to collect current taxes from all sources from whom Printers: Kent Brooks have not been “making it” such taxes are due, and simultaneously, by ensuring that these past years, and things legitimate, outstanding taxes are recovered immediately.” It have actually been worse for is hoped that the government will not have to be forced to Please email Correspondence: small farmers and other small collect what is duly owed, and also, that it has the inclination [email protected] entrepreneurs in our country. to review the tax structure with an aim to make it more fair, For years the financial and efficient. Advertisements to: experts at the International [email protected] Things are going to get tougher in Belize, and there is no Monetary Fund (IMF) have way around that. Our focus must be to ease the pain in the Mailing Address: been saying that we were living immediate, and shorten the extremely painful period as much Amandala Press above our means, and that to as possible. As individuals, we are all called to do our share, 3304 Partridge Street right our ship we needed to a part of which is to support each other as best as we can. As c/o P.O. Box 15, collect more taxes, and reduce for the government, it must, every day, work at being by far Belize City, Belize the size of the public sector. the best administration we have ever had. We have another Belize was a struggling state part to play, which is that we must keep the pressure on, so Amandala’s website: when the pandemic hit fully in that this government becomes just that. amandala.com.bz Page 6 AMANDALABelize Friday, June 4, 2021 COVID case found at Wesley High (From page 1)

by Dayne Guy

BELIZE CITY, Wed. June 2, Get ready for Stake Bank, 2021 Classes at Wesley College small operators! were suspended on Wednesday, June 2, 2021, after a staff member at the high school tested Dear Editor, This is the opportune time for those in positive for COVID-19. Out of Many stakeholders in the cruise authority who want to see Belizeans caution, the management of tourism sector, including myself, got benefit even more in the tourism sector Wesley College suspended this rare opportunity to visit the Stake to step up and support the effort. From school for the remainder of the Bank project on Wednesday. We got to all indications, the developers of Port week so that deep cleaning can see firsthand the layout of the island Coral have also made it clear that they be carried out in the buildings which whilst this world-class mega cruise want to see more Belizeans involved house the high school. ship berthing facility was in the meaningfully. Wesley College noted in a release construction phase. I would like to Like with all these mega projects, issued to the public that some of their applaud all those people who made this there is also a down side that could students were sitting exams at the time familiarization visit a reality. The tour have a negative effect on many people that the COVID-19 case was of the area was informative and as well. From my standpoint, the discovered. The school’s management interesting as the crew showed us people who fall into this category will hopes that they can return to normalcy where the amenities would be located be small tour operators who provide In loving and cherished memory of in the coming days and that students can and the docking area itself. I’m sure travel and tour services to guests from Leonella Viola Ferrell Parks return to the classroom by Monday to that most people who went to see the off the cruise ship. With about five March 16, 1914 - May 30, 1998 finish their exams. island appreciated the opportunity. miles of water that separates Stake Incidentally, the upper and lower My takeaway from that visit was Bank from Belize City, it will be a divisions of Wesley Primary School that this project will be a game huge challenge for us to get our guests had also reported cases of COVID-19 changer for cruise tourism in Belize to do their shore excursion. This is among their student population last City. Many of the small tour operators/ especially so since the causeway that month, with three students and one guides, hair braiders, vendors who was supposed to have connected teacher in the lower division testing once were literally sitting on the Belize City with the island has been positive for the virus, and another outside of FSTV will now get a chance eliminated from the project. If these student of the upper division testing to be on the island, which is equivalent small business owners believe that positive. The cases at Wesley Upper to being inside the Fort Street Tourism they could work independently, this and Lower School were tied to the Village. These entrepreneurs, hurdle will be tremendous. With all clusters of coronavirus at the Princess especially the hair braiders and the amazing attractions and activities Ten thousand times ten thousand Casino. vendors, should be very excited about that will be at Port Coral, such as an In sparkling raiment bright, Health officials are now conducting this opportunity. From what I gathered, aquarium, beaches, zip-line and the The armies of the ransomed saints a contact tracing exercise following the the tour guides will also be able to like, cruise passengers will not be too Throng up the steps of light: discovery of a COVID-19 case at benefit greatly from working with the excited to come to the mainland. Whilst ‘tis finished! All is finished, Wesley College. So far the infected larger tour operator. this is right in line with the cruise ship Their fight with death and sin; teacher is asymptomatic and in good This cruise project could, if done companies, this will have an adverse Fling open wide the golden gates, health, but for precautionary reasons properly, empower Belizean-owned effect on many operators who offer And let the victors in. has been asked to stay off the campus. businesses in the service industry — travel and tour services. This Stake Words: Henry Alford (1810-1871) It is to be noted that the teacher is from moving them to the next level and a Bank project, known as Port Coral, the and commutes higher standard. Restaurants, bars, will be a destination by itself. Always in the thoughts and regularly, so it is possible that the souvenir stores, pharmacies and other As small tour operators, we should memories if children, teacher may have gotten infected in related services that will be on the not be discouraged. This is the time grandchildren, relatives and friends transit to Wesley College. island should also be locally owned. that we all should come together, join forces and figure out a solution that will benefit all of us. These splintered organizations that existed in the past at the Fort Street Tourism Zone will become irrelevant and null and void. For the small entrepreneurs to survive in this massive cruise endeavor in Belize, we must be organized and come under one umbrella. This, I believe, will be the only way we will be able to protect our investment and remain viable and relevant in this new environment. The time of bickering, backbiting and undermining should be a thing of the past. Port Coral is our new reality. We all, especially those who have been struggling for many years outside FSTV, should embrace this opportunity. Our time has come to get a larger slice of this cruise tourism cake. We have been settling for crumbs for too long. The benefits of this world-class cruise port at Stake Bank could be massive for Belizeans, once we do not allow it to become another Harvest Caye. Get ready, be prepared; it’s your call.

Concerned Citizen A J Alvarez Friday, June 4, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 7

STRENGTHENING OF TAX ADMINISTRATION PROJECT

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

Consulting Firm to Prepare and Implement a New Audit Model, making use of the wider range examination and risk-based techniques (to include analytic tools for audit)

Institution: The Ministry of Finance (MOF) services (brochures, description of similar assignments specifying start and end Country: Belize dates of assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate Project: Strengthening of Tax Administration (STA) skills, etc.). The term “consultant” means a legally-established professional Abstract: Consulting Services – Consulting Firm to Prepare and Implement a consulting firm or an entity that may provide the services. New Audit Model, making use of the wider range examination and risk-based techniques (to include analytic tools for audit). Expression of Interest package should contain:

Loan No.: 4839/OC-BL (i) Document explaining interest, experience, and competence of the consulting Deadline: June 25, 2021, Belize Local Time firm. (ii) Firms experience in the assignment of similar consultancy services during The Government of Belize (GOB) has received financing from the Inter-American the past five years. Description of similar assignments specifying start and Development Bank (IDB) for the execution of a five-year tax modernization end dates of assignments. project entitled “Strengthening of Tax Administration” (BL-L1031). The main (iii) Firms evidence of past jobs. beneficiaries of the Project are: (a) the Government, which will have more (iv) Two references revenues to implement its public policies; (b) taxpayers, who will have more (v) Proof of nationality: Copy of certificate of incorporation and information support and a digital environment to fulfil their tax obligations; and (c) the of shareholders of company specifying the shares owned by each respective population, from the government policies implemented. Through this project, shareholder of the company. the Belize Tax Service Department (BTSD) has procured a Modern Integrated Tax Administration System (the Revenue Management System (RMS)) and is Additional documentation required for National Consultants: presently in the implementation process. This new system will be used in the . management of the Belize Tax Administration (vi) Copy of Certificate of Good Standing from Belize Company Registry (vii) Copy of Certificate of Good Standing from the Social Security Board The BTSD management has identified the need for a modern audit approach (viii) Copy of Certificate of Good Standing from the Belize Tax Service based on risk analysis. The BTSD Strategic Plan states that: Department “BTSD will explore the introduction of a Risk Management Plan (RMP) to (ix) Current Trade License properly respond to the risks identified on a timely basis, to minimize overall compliance burden for both the taxpayers and the tax administration. As an Consultants will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the important aspect of the RMP, risk mitigating strategies will be proposed for Inter-American Development Bank: Policies for the Selection and Contracting application against potential and existing risks. The plan will highlight all of Consultants financed by the Inter-American Development Bank (GN-2350- areas of risks including risk-based assessments, risk-based audits, risk-based 15, May 2019 edition) and is open to all eligible consultants as defined in the IDB sector and taxpayer segmentation, compliance risks (registration, filing, policies. reporting and payments) and international risks. Risk mitigation reduces the extent of exposure and ensures that the strategic objectives are achieved.” Consultants may associate with other firms in the form of a joint venture or a sub-consultancy to enhance their qualifications. For the purpose of establishing The consulting services (“the services”) includes the contracting of a consulting the short list, the nationality of a firm is that of the country in which it is legally firm for a period of ten (10) months to Prepare and Implement a New Audit incorporated or constituted and in the case of Joint Venture, the nationality of the Model, making use of the range examination and risk-based techniques (to include firm appointed to represent it. analytic tools for audit). The main activities of the consultancy includes: A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Selection based on the 1. To assess the status of BTSD taxpayer audit strategies and operations Consultants’ Qualification method set out in the IDB Consultant Policies. The for all tax type. selected consulting firm will be selected based on its experience and competence relevant to the assignment and most appropriate qualifications and references. 2. To review the Audit Division organization and resources, as well as Only the highest ranked consulting firm from the short-listed firms will be the staff skills notified and will be asked to submit a technical and price proposal. 3. To suggest the strategy for centralization/decentralization of the audit 4. To propose a new organization area (if required) Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours 5. To propose the staff composition by area and by location Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Expressions of interest must be delivered 6. To propose the different audit programs taking into consideration via direct mail or e-mail at the address indicated below by 4:00 p.m. (Belize local taxpayer segments and different audit locations (central, districts). time) on Friday June 25, 2021. 7. To propose a system of massive audit based on IT verification of returns against risk factors and third-party information. The selected Interested consulting firms are asked to submit their expression of interest via e-mail cases should be resolved very quickly (4 cases a day) as they are to [email protected] marked STAP- Consulting Firm to Prepare based on firm verification. and Implement a New Audit Model in the subject header, or submit on or before 8. To propose modern analytic tools suitable for Belize’s environment 4:00 p.m. (Belize local time) on Friday June 25, 2021 to the following address: by conducting a SWOT analysis to support the audit work. 9. Once the proposal on the modern analytic tool is approved, the Director General consulting firm will procure, implement, and train auditors in its Belize Tax Service Department utilization. Strengthening of Tax Administration Project 10. To conduct Pilot audit with the audit team to plan, execute and report Charles Bartlett Hyde Building on randomly selected taxpayers. Mahogany Street, Belize City Tel: 501-222-5114 The Consulting firm should have a minimum of five (5) years’ experience in Tax Administration Taxpayer Audit and Risk Analysis. As well as a strong expertise For clarifications kindly contact: in the use of modern analytic tools. The Consulting firm should prove its expertise in Tax Administration audit, risk analysis and Business Strategy (supporting Project Coordinator business and organization goals). Project Executing Unit The Ministry of Finance now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”) to Strengthening of Tax Administration Project indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested eligible Consultants Charles Bartlett Hyde Building must submit an Expression of Interest providing information demonstrating that Mahogany Street, Belize City they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Tel: 501-222-5114/E-mail: [email protected] Page 8 AMANDALABelize Friday, June 4, 2021

Las cosas se pondrán más difíciles

Absolutamente nadie necesita un título en economía que nuestro país estaba pidiendo prestado cerca de $ 1 para saber que las decisiones del gobierno de reducir los millón todos los días y que no podríamos cumplir con salarios de la mayoría de sus empleados en un 10%, nuestras obligaciones de deuda externa. continuar congelando los incrementos y recortar el gasto Es evidente que el gobierno actual quiere más énfasis del gobierno en bienes y servicios en $ 78 millones, en el sector privado, y si no hubiera habido una pandemia, aumentarán el dolor financiero en todo el país, habría tratado de mantener baja la masa salarial pública definitivamente a corto plazo. Se espera que el recorte de mientras se preparaba para hacer crecer la economía. salarios y la congelación de incrementos reduzcan el gasto Pero el terrible estado de nuestras finanzas obligó al público en $ 80 millones anuales, y con el recorte de $ gobierno a ir más allá de mantener baja la masa salarial, a 78 millones en el gasto en bienes y servicios, un total de instituir recortes salariales. $ 158 millones se retirará de la circulación. En algunos sectores se había sugerido que deberíamos Aparte de los recortes salariales y la congelación de los seguir “imprimiendo billetes”, pero la verdad es que incrementos, los empleados del gobierno enfrentan otro después de un año de hacer precisamente eso, como golpe financiero, este a largo plazo. En su presentación dijo el Primer Ministro, hemos agotado nuestra cuenta. Si del presupuesto para este año fiscal, el Primer Ministro hubiéramos cambiado nuestro enfoque cuando comenzó John Briceño afirmó que el actual plan de pensiones no la pandemia, o antes, para estimular la producción local contributivas para los empleados del Gobierno de Belize de alimentos procesados como cereales para el desayuno es insostenible, que este año asciende a casi $ 100 y la fabricación de ropa, calzado y artículos de tocador, millones, y que debe transformarse “a una estructura podríamos haber podido seguir “imprimiendo billetes”, contributiva, ya sea por cuenta propia con pagos tanto porque los dólares beliceños entonces habrían estado del empleador como del beneficiario, o una fusión del comprando más productos que se fabricaron aquí. No programa público de pensiones y el Sistema de Seguridad podemos “imprimir billetes” de manera sostenible para Social”. comprar bienes fabricados en otros lugares. No era fácil navegación en Belize antes de la pandemia Debido a que insistimos entonces, e insistimos ahora, de Covid-19. Tres de nuestras principales fuentes de en poner la mayor parte de nuestra inversión en el turismo, ingresos, los cítricos, el camarón de cultivo y el petróleo nos encontramos entre el mal de los recortes masivos y el crudo, han tenido un rendimiento inferior durante años y mal menor de los recortes salariales y la congelación de la financiación del Programa Alba Petro Caribe se ha los incrementos. Estos cortes/congelamientos, aumentarán agotado. nuestro dolor a corto plazo, por mucho. Algunas estimaciones indican que antes de la pandemia, Estábamos sufriendo antes de la pandemia, y el cerca del cuarenta por ciento de nuestra población, en manifiesto PUP elaborado para un Belize prepandémico particular los no calificados, vivía por debajo del umbral prometía que al cabo de cinco años todos estaríamos de la pobreza, y la gente de la clase media experimentaba ganando, un estado que muchos de nosotros nunca hemos un desgaste constante de sus ingresos debido al aumento conocido. Podemos poner nuestra mirada más baja o del costo de vida. Los ajustes salariales de los empleados trabajar más duro, y tenemos que hacer lo último, porque públicos en las últimas décadas no han sido suficientes. a medida que la chequera está al máximo, también lo está Si la investigación del Instituto de Estadística de Belize nuestra paciencia. Estamos cansados de fallar. Estamos cubriera el costo de los productos en las tiendas de cansados de la corrupción en todas sus formas. abarrotes y farmacias, la tasa de inflación anual En su discurso sobre el presupuesto, el primer ministro probablemente sería un 25% más de lo que se ha dijo que su gobierno no tenía control sobre cuánto dure informado. la pandemia, cuándo regresan los turistas, cuánto coopera Los empleados del gobierno saben la situación el clima. Sabemos todo eso. Lo que también sabemos es desesperada en la que se encuentra nuestra economía, que una mejor recaudación de ingresos y una reducción pero para la mayoría de ellos este recorte en las ganancias drástica de la corrupción son esenciales para ayudar a va hasta la médula, de ahí su lucha continua por cada que nuestras finanzas se recuperen. centavo de alivio que pueden obtener. Los empleados En su discurso sobre el presupuesto, el Primer Ministro del gobierno no han estado haciendo bien, y las cosas dijo que debemos aumentar los ingresos, y “esto se puede han ido peor para los pequeños agricultores y otros lograr primero sin escatimar esfuerzos para recaudar los pequeños empresarios de nuestro país. impuestos actuales de todas las fuentes a las que se deben Durante años, los expertos financieros del Fondo dichos impuestos y, simultáneamente, asegurando que Monetario Internacional (FMI) han estado diciendo que los impuestos legítimos y pendientes sean recuperados vivíamos por encima de nuestros medios y que para inmediatamente”. Se espera que el gobierno no tenga enderezar nuestro barco teníamos que recaudar más que ser obligado a cobrar lo que adeuda, y también que impuestos y reducir el tamaño del sector público. tenga la inclinación de revisar la estructura tributaria con Belize era un estado en apuros cuando la pandemia el fin de hacerla más justa y eficiente. golpeó con fuerza en marzo de 2020, y luego, de la noche Las cosas se van a poner más difíciles en Belize y no a la mañana, la industria número uno del país, el turismo, hay forma de evitarlo. Nuestro enfoque debe ser aliviar se derrumbó. Los ingresos en divisas de esa industria ya el dolor en lo inmediato y acortar los períodos no existen, y miles de beliceños se encontraron bajo el extremadamente dolorosos tanto como sea posible. sol ardiente durante horas para recolectar raciones de Como individuos, todos estamos llamados a hacer nuestra alimentos o un pequeño estipendio del gobierno. parte, una parte de la cual es apoyarnos los unos a los Al principio de su administración, que asumió el cargo otros lo mejor que podamos. En cuanto al gobierno, en noviembre de 2020, el nuevo primer ministro indicó debe trabajar todos los días para ser, con mucho, la que las arcas de la nación estaban tan vacías que su mejor administración que hemos tenido. Nosotros gobierno tendría que tomar algunas decisiones difíciles. tenemos otro papel que desempeñar, que es mantener Se han presentado a la nación una y otra vez las cifras la presión para que este gobierno se convierta desalentadoras, y las que causaron mayor alarma fueron precisamente eso. Friday, June 4, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page A33 Page B34 AMANDALABelize Friday, June 4, 2021

What Does COVID-19 Do to Your Lungs?

COVID-19 is a respiratory disease, family. carbon dioxide comes out. (MERS). one that especially reaches into your When the virus gets in your body, it The new coronavirus can infect the Mild and Moderate Cases respiratory tract, which includes your comes into contact with the mucous upper or lower part of your respiratory As the infection travels your lungs. membranes that line your nose, mouth, tract. It travels down your airways. The respiratory tract, your immune COVID-19 can cause a range and eyes. The virus enters a healthy cell lining can become irritated and inflamed. system fights back. Your lungs and of breathing problems, from mild to and uses the cell to make new virus In some cases, the infection can reach airways swell and become inflamed. critical. Older adults and people who parts. It multiplies, and the new viruses all the way down into your alveoli. This can start in one part of your lung have other health conditions like heart infect nearby cells. COVID-19 is a new condition, and and spread. disease, cancer, and diabetes may have Think of your respiratory tract as an scientists are learning more every day About 80% of people who have more serious symptoms. upside-down tree. The trunk is your about what it can do to your lungs. COVID-19 get mild to moderate Here’s what the new coronavirus trachea, or windpipe. It splits into They believe that the effects on your symptoms. You may have a does to your lungs. smaller and smaller branches in your body are similar to those of two other dry cough or a sore throat. Some Coronavirus and Your Lungs lungs. At the end of each branch are coronavirus diseases, severe acute people have pneumonia, a lung SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes tiny air sacs called alveoli. This is where respiratory syndrome (SARS) and infection in which the alveoli are COVID-19, is part of the coronavirus oxygen goes into your blood and Middle East respiratory syndrome inflamed. Doctors can see signs of respiratory inflammation on a chest X- ray or CT scan. On a chest CT, they may see something they call “ground- glass opacity” because it looks like the frosted glass on a shower door. About 14% of COVID-19 cases are severe, with an infection that affects both lungs. As the swelling gets worse, your lungs fill with fluid and debris. You might also have more serious pneumonia. The air sacs fill with mucus, fluid, and other cells that are trying to fight the infection. This can make it harder for your body to take in oxygen. You may have trouble breathing or feel short of breath. You may also breathe faster. If your doctor takes a CT scan of your chest, the opaque spots in your lungs look like they start to connect to each other. In critical COVID-19 — about 5% of total cases — the infection can damage the walls and linings of the air sacs in your lungs. As your body tries to fight it, your lungs become more inflamed and fill with fluid. This can make it harder for them to swap oxygen and carbon dioxide. You might have severe pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). In the most critical cases, your lungs need help from a machine called a ventilator to do their job. There’s evidence that 20-30% of the critically ill patients can develop clots in the lungs, heart, brain and legs, some of which are life threatening. A few people have needed lung transplants because of severe tissue damage from COVID-19. COVID-19 Complications It can take time to feel better after you have pneumonia. You may feel more tired than usual for a while. You might also find that you can’t exercise like you used to. Some people had a cough even after they recovered from COVID-19. Others had scarring in their lungs. Doctors are still studying whether these effects are permanent or might heal over time. https://www.webmd.com/lung/what- does-covid-do-to-your-lungs#2

The article was first published by https://www.webmd.com/ Friday, June 4, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page C35

Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons to fill Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons to fill the permanent teaching positions in the following areas: permanent position of Principal.

English Language Core Responsibilities: Mathematics As stipulated in Education rules 36 and 37, p. 59 to 63 in the “Handbook of Policies and Procedures for School Services.”:

Qualifications • Ensure proper administration of the school. • Undertake clinical supervision of teachers and provide appropriate Minimum qualification required is an Associate Degree in the subjects to be support. taught, however, a Bachelor’s degree is preferred. • Provide educational leadership to the school especially in the areas of pedagogy, curriculum and assessment. Salary • Guide the relationship between the school and parents. • Serve as the Secretary to the Board of Governors and support the communication between the Board and the Ministry of Education. Salary will be in accordance with government pay scales for teachers. Qualifications Application Package: Minimum qualification required is a Master’s Degree in Education Submit letters of application with resume, certified copies of diplomas / Leadership or equivalent. degrees and valid teachers’ license. A minimum of six (6) years in teaching and/or administrative experience All applications should be submitted by June 11, 2021 to [email protected] at secondary level. or delivered to: The Principal Proven educational leadership skills and dedication to the achievement Anglican Cathedral College of academic excellence. 71 Regent Street P.O. Box 98 Strong inter-personal and communicative capabilities. Belize City, Belize Knowledge of the Mission and Vision of the Anglican Cathedral College. Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons to fill the permanent position of Counsellor. Salary

Core Responsibilities: Salary will be in accordance with Government pay scales for teachers. Application Package: • Manage the Guidance Counselling Program. • Provide counselling service to students, staff and parents as needed. Recommendations: • Advocate on behave of students. • Facilitate Personal Development sessions. One from the Principal or Chairperson of the Managing Authority of the • Coordinate student-centered programs and activities. institution where the applicant was most recently or is currently employed. • Liaise with relevant community-based organizations. One from another authority in the field of education familiar with the applicant’s service record. Qualifications In addition to the above stated recommendations, each application Minimum qualification required is a Bachelor’s Degree in Counselling or package must include: Psychology. Social Work can be considered. (a) a properly formatted letter of application; Salary (b) Copies of all diplomas or certificates which must be certified by a notary public or J.P. Salary will be in accordance with Government pay scales for teachers. (c) Sealed transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended. Please note that application by e-mail is NOT Application Package: acceptable.

Submit letters of application with resume, and certified copies of diplomas/ Submit letters of application with, recommendations, resume, certified degrees and valid teachers’ license. copies of diplomas/degrees and valid teachers’ license.

All applications should be submitted by June 11, 2021 to [email protected] All applications should be submitted by June 18, 2021 to or delivered or delivered to: to: The Principal The Principal Anglican Cathedral College Anglican Cathedral College 71 Regent Street 71 Regent Street P.O. Box 98 P.O. Box 98 Belize City, Belize Belize City, Belize Page 36D AMANDALABelize Friday, June 4, 2021

PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: PROPERTIES Placencia Pensinsula,

BY ORDER of the Mortgagees Messrs. The Belize Bank International Limited, Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A. Castillo and Christiana R. Castillo are selling ONLINE via belizepropertyauctions.com those properties appearing below. Sales currently running and will expire on Thursday 10th June 2021 at the times shown on the website.

1. No. 2123 West Wind Drive, The Placencia Residences, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District:

REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL Placencia North 36 2123

(Being a reinforced masonry block building frame [60 ft. X 60 ft. + carport 20 ft. X 20 ft.] and lot [768.690 S.M.] situate on West Wind Drive, The Placencia Residences, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District, the freehold property of Messrs. Mayan Lagoon Estates Limited.)

2. No. 1486 West Wind Drive, The Placencia Residences, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District:

REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL Placencia North 36 1486

(Being a three storey timber/vinyl dwelling house: Ground Floor 28 ft. X 59 ft. + porch 8 ft. X 28 ft. containing 2 bedrooms + 1 bathroom + living/dining/ kitchen + laundry + utility room + storage under staircase; First Floor: 22 ft. X 43 ft. + porch 5 ft. X 22 ft. containing master bedroom + bathroom + walk-in closet; Second Floor: 10 ft. X 10 ft. viewing attic (access to all three floors via internal concrete staircase with timber steps) and lot [919.702 square meters (1099.95 square yards)] situate on West Wind Drive, The Placencia Residences, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District, the freehold property of Mr. Ron Oczkowski and Ms. Barbara Bell.)

3. No. 2108 West Wind Drive, The Placencia Residences, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District:

REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL Placencia North 36 2108

(Being a two-storey concrete building [32 ft. X 32 inclusive of a porch 5 ft. X 16 ft. + back porch 5 ft. wide containing Ground Floor: master bedroom + walk-in closet + bathroom + living/dining/kitchen + half bathroom + laundry room; Second Floor: 1 bedroom + closet + bathroom (access via internal concrete & tiled staircase)] and lot [937.060 S.M.] situate on West Wind Drive, The Placencia Residences, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District.)

4. Parcel No. 2159 Placencia Residences, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek:

REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL Placencia North 36 2159

(Being a canal side vacant lot situate in the sub-division known as The Placencia Residences near Mile 13 Placencia Road, Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District, the freehold property of Mr. Ryan Pott).

*******NB. Restrictions on use of Property is available upon request*******

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - www.belizebank.com (foreclosure listing) TERMS: STRICTLY CASH KEVIN A. CASTILLO TELEPHONE 223-4488 Website: belizepropertyauctions.com E-mail: [email protected] Face Book: Belize Auctions Friday, June 4, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 9

The sensational incident involving United Democratic Party (UDP) retirees, former Prime Minister Dean From the educational standpoint, I the late Police Superintendent Henry Opposition, in an incident of domestic Barrow and Housing Minister Michael think the church-state system has failed Jemmott and Jasmine Hartin, Lord uproar. The incident was the result of a Finnegan, have ceased to be Faber’s in Belize. The evidence is what has been Michael Ashcroft’s daughter-in-law, disagreement between Mr. Faber and fans, my thesis is that Patrick Faber transpiring on the Southside of Belize has been dominating the news in Belize the mother of one of his children, a two- remains UDP Leader because he is a City for the last thirty-plus years – civil since last week Friday, but shortly after year-old girl. favorite of the Anglican Church, the war, genocide, black youth suicide, the Hartin-Jemmott news broke, The situation is noteworthy because Church of England, the Church of insanity, whatever. The fundamental controversy surfaced with respect to a the UDP Opposition, led by Mr. Faber, Buckingham Palace, Queen Elizabeth problem is that most of the Southside video circulating on Belize’s social has been very weak since last II’s Church. (Be reminded that the UDP youth born every year grow up to be media which appeared to implicate November’s general election and this was organized by an Anglican priest uneducated and untrained. The Hon. Patrick Faber, the Leader of the March’s municipal elections. It is from Brooklyn in September of 1973.) education system in Belize, no matter generally accepted as a truism that a The relationship between myself and how the politicians keep pouring money parliamentary democracy is only as the Roman Catholic Church improved into it, is simply not doing its job. strong as the Opposition which keeps substantially when St. John’s College Yes, an elite class has benefited. In the government on its toes. introduced African and Mayan history my youth, perhaps I was a member of In the relative absence of the UDP, into their curriculum in 2013. It is eight that elite class, because I did pretty well we have seen the Belize National years since then, and SJC has created in the church-state system in the 1950s Teachers Union (BNTU) and the Public a superb template to be emulated. but and 1960s. Service Union (PSU) step into the the Anglican schools have simply and But this is 2021. There is havoc breach, so to speak, but the unions were casually continued to ignore the history around us. Don’t blame the pandemic. not designed to play the role of the of our African and Mayan ancestors. Don’t even blame the Queen. We and Opposition in the House of During my time as leader of a black our ancestors were British subjects, Representatives. conscious movement in Belize in the British subjects because the Queen This column focuses on the Faber early 1970s, I realized how powerful defended us from Guatemala after situation as a suggestion of the role the Anglican Church is in Belize. They enslaving us centuries before. As late denominational religion continues to do not have to make any noise, because as 2021, it seems we are still unable to play in Belize’s politics. Given that the they are the official church of Mother defend ourselves after declaring our very wealthy and powerful Gapi Vega England. And in England, the state and independence in 1981. Think about hates Patrick Faber’s guts, and given the church are as one. The Queen, the what I’m trying to say to you. the fact that the even more powerful head of state, is the head of the Church. We are living in serious times. Page 10 AMANDALABelize Friday, June 4, 2021 Mexico donates 2 ventilators to Belize

by Dayne Guy “These medical devices that we are delivering today, with all our LADYVILLE, Belize District, Mon. appreciation for the people of Belize, May 31, 2021 are the result of the knowledge, effort Mexico today donated two and collaboration of Mexican hands. mechanical ventilators to bolster And they constitute a clear example Belize’s response to the COVID-19 that together we are strong,” Cubillas pandemic. At a handing-over further said. ceremony at the Philip Goldson This donation is the second set of International Airport (PGIA), the ventilators received by Belize from Ministry of Health and Wellness in Mexico. Two previously donated Belize received the two mechanical ventilators are being used at the ventilators. COVID-19 Unit of the Karl Heusner The Executive Director of the Memorial Hospital, which is the Mexican Agency for International primary national referral hospital for Cooperation for Development Belize amidst the COVID-19 (AMEXCID), Ms. Laura Carrillo pandemic. Cubillas, said during the ceremony, The Minister of Health and “Our greatest wish is that these Wellness. Hon. Michel Chebat, upon medical devices contribute to the medical personnel in this country to Guyana, Haiti, Santa Lucía, his acceptance of the ventilators, comprehensive care of patients save more Belizean lives.” Suriname, the Dominican Republic said, “The Ministry of Health and affected by the SARS-CoV-2 virus in AMEXCID has also donated and Trinidad and Tobago, in order to Wellness appreciates the support Belize and that they allow the ventilators to seven other Caribbean assist smaller states in their COVID- provided by the Mexican Agency for strengthening of the capacities of the countries: Antigua and Barbuda, 19 preparedness efforts. International Development Cooperation and the government of Mexico for a total of four ventilators donated to the government and people of Belize.” H.E. Martha Rivas, the Ambassador of Mexico to Belize, further thanked the Government of Belize for their continued support and acceptance of Mexico’s contributions as well as their participation in the fight against the pandemic. Rivas also expressed gratitude to AMEXCID for their assistance offered to Caribbean states during the pandemic. Pharmacist shot on Fabers Road

BELIZE CITY, Tues. June 1, 2021 Last night, a 42-year-old man was shot as he was closing the pharmacy at which he works on Fabers Road. Edward Flowers was wounded after an unknown assailant fired a barrage of bullets in his direction from about 15 feet away. Flowers was hit in the shoulder and was taken to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) for treatment. He is currently recovering at home. Flowers serves as a pharmacist at the Aloe Vera Pharmacy branch located on Fabers Road Extension. The establishment was not robbed, which suggests that the motive for the attack could be personal. The gunman made good his escape after firing the shots. Friday, June 4, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 11

Disappointing and complicating things

by Colin Hyde lawyers go overboard to defend their already, that human ears listen to our Bah, wealth has access to profession. The statement is almost calls whenever they feel like. information, and information is After the recent tragic, shocking absolutely true, but to utter it makes There was a registering of cell power, and if you are interested in death by gunshot of a senior police absolutely no sense, unless you’re a phones the other day, so that they using it, and in a case where you are officer on San Pedro, every mind here disciple of that utter nonsense that the could track our calls. There are so in a real spot, you quite likely wanted to know exactly what entire world can go to hell to prevent many planes flying around, and so would…hmm. happened. Initially there were as a single miscarriage of justice. many of us involved or interested in We can’t forget the story of many angles as there are letters in the We all benefit from living in a being in the mix, so we are being precedence. That tale is that alphabet, but today the angles are society, and 99.999% of persons monitored. You don’t have to tell me everybody walks or gets a pat on the considerably less than before. I’m not prefer living in a society than going that some of those people doing the wrist if they can afford a lawyer. The about to input there, but I’m reading total hermit; that’s why we give up monitoring should be monitored foreign reporters are no strangers to and listening to what everyone has to some of our God-given rights. See, themselves. that. say, and I certainly share in wanting we can live like dogs, we can walk Because our privacy is a sacred Years ago Sedi Elrington, he’s not to know how the police are going around nude, we can curse bloody thing, because reading mail that isn’t always wrong, said we needed a about finding out what transpired and hell, we can play our music all out, directed to you or listening to phone foreign police commissioner, and he making their case. we can spit wherever and whenever, calls that aren’t made to your number was accused of not being This matter isn’t going away we can say whatever we want and are criminal acts, but necessary in nationalistic. In high profile cases, anytime soon, and I prefer to use my do whatever we want, if, if we go some instances to safeguard the the people almost always call for space today to look around, and the solitary. society, it must be handled with the foreign investigation, because they second thing that pops up here, after The society having so many utmost care. Guess what. The know every stone must be turned. the tragedy, is what bad luck for the benefits, we try to round our square applicants for jobs to listen in and That works to pin the crime on the new government. It’s an economic edges to fit; it is ridiculous to ruin read other people’s business should guilty party, and it also works for blow. It’s also a test of their “good such a good thing to protect a single all be priests, people who appreciate the innocent. If you are innocent of governance.” person. Of course, we must try very the sanctity of the confessional. the crime, would you be satisfied Last week a soldier of the new, hard to protect every individual, but Ah, every sensible government with a nolle pros? No, you will want ehm, regime acted terribly in a police we can’t erode the society to do so. knows that individuals or businesses your peers to know that no stone was station, and he was disciplined by the We have done that. By the way, we absolutely cannot be allowed to grow unturned, and all were clean on the new government. Give them a point. don’t hang people for the most to a size where they are too big to underside. From self-government days, our heinous crime anymore, so our errors fail. If you dig deep enough, you will We can’t ever stop complaining political leaders have been sliding don’t end in the ultimate penalty. I find that people who owe huge about our woeful justice system and taking Belize down the drain with think putting a man behind bars is amounts of taxes have that status. If when it comes to the world’s most them, so it was good that the new really tough, but in most you touch them they warn of the heinous crime. Bah, Belize’s government didn’t take a page out of circumstances that is a whole lot repercussions, so the government’s lawyers…and us, we are so wrong the old book. And then, like just to better than being hanged. Shame — hands are tied. to be fascinated with lawyers who test them further, here comes the San a less-than-10% conviction rate for In that country up north that we specialize in getting not-guilty Pedro tragedy. the most heinous crime, the ones we like so much, they have a thing called verdicts. Bah, too many Make no mistake and think the manage to make an arrest for! anti-trust laws which work to keep technicalities and lawyers who are executive can wash their hands here. I am one who absolutely believes companies from growing too big, hell-bent on getting the not-guilty It should be so — that they could; it that BTL must remain in the control especially in areas like verdict instead of looking would be so if our country hadn’t of the people, and it must be governed telecommunications and energy heavenward to how they can help let been corrupted from top to bottom. by a board that has representation production. One side argues that justice reign. The other day I heard Brother Pere from all over. Neither the politicians allowing capital to come together Our lawyers, they are no relatives echo a sad statement made by Brother or any business person or group increases efficiency, but the better of Mr. Perry Mason. He and his team Sylvester before him, that statement should control our information. Ahem, side argues that if you allow anyone worked together and got respectable being that we only want justice when a friend at BTL once interrupted my or any business to get too big, they not-guilty verdicts through proving it isn’t our family members involved call, to protect me. I pointed that out will create a monopoly. Then they the innocence of his clients, and in wrongdoing. I have to say, these to let you know, if you didn’t know become too big to fail. oftentimes they exposed the real guilty party. Our lawyers ride fear of witnesses to testify, fear of juries to convict, and failure of governments PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: Matron Roberts Street, King’s Park, Belize City, Belize to invest serious money in forensic science. Allow me a lee interruption here. BY ORDER of the Estate of Victoria Olegaria Westby, Licensed Auctioneer Fitzgerald A. Joseph will sell the following property on Tuesday, 15thJune, 2021 at 2:30 p.m.Please note that Social Distancing Protocol Did Faber stomp down that door? Ai, will be in full effect and the wearing of mask will be mandatory. that boy, I bet his parents neva give him a good tayring out. How quick REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL he was to sell us out to the anti-sash- Fort George/Pickstock 45 248 kaad money! My, many things come to play in this case. I said at the beginning that there are many angles from which to look at it, and it is to be hoped that the investigators turn all the stones, and if they have they would have thrown out all the speculative angles and are now settled on a couple or three stories that explain what happened, and the why for, for what Being a Two storey concrete building having two bedrooms two baths, corridor, living room, dining room, kitchen happened. on the ground floor and two bedrooms, two baths, living room, dining room, corridor, laundry room, office, lobby Ah, if our lawyers weren’t so area, kitchen and verandah on the upper floor situated on Matron Roberts Street, King’s Park, Belize City, Belize disappointing – they are the architects together with a fully fenced yard and a lot containing 416.67 square yards. of this failing system: lawyers were our leaders between 1998 and 2020. TERMS: STRICTLY CASH Because they have so corrupted the FITZGERALD JOSEPH system, the Prime Minister and the TELEPHONE: 601-2039 Minister of Police had to declare that Email: [email protected] they were hands-off. Page 12 AMANDALABelize Friday, June 4, 2021 The party of misogyny

There’s an old sexist joke that goes like this: “What do you say to a woman with 2 black eyes? Nothing, you already told her twice.” When I was much younger, I thought this was hilarious — when I was much younger! I grew up in a Belize that was very macho- oriented; maybe it still is, I’m not sure. Maybe the younger generation, and especially the younger women, won’t tolerate such behavior in this day and age. I made a few mistakes in my youth in the way I treated women — again, in my youth, but everybody grows up at some point, and understands, right from wrong. Our women should be treated as equals, although in many respects they contribute more, to work, family and country. They are the backbone of society, and in many areas, are much stronger than us, macho, macho, men! I remember years ago, when the UDP began to search for a party leader, I told Dean Lindo, in a conversation on the subject, that a wife-beater, or an abuser of women, should never be allowed to assume leadership of any political party, especially if evidence already exists that the person seeking that position has been accused of this before. The video that surfaced recently, if true, should be taken seriously by the opposition party, and steps should be taken to remove this person from the elevated position they hold, and relegate him to back-bencher status, and his fate can be decided in the next election. Anyone vying to replace him as leader cannot have the stench of being abusive, in any way, toward women. It is way past time that these pillars of society, and democracy, actually play the part. Who really wants someone representing them that has no respect for more than half of the population? No, man, dis look bad, smell bad, and if it looks and smells bad, well, you know it’s bad! How can that person ever speak out against abuse, which is rampant worldwide, or be able to to discuss, or act on, women’s issues, when they look at women as chattels, not as human beings. If you saw a dog being treated like that, you’d call the police. An example has to be set, if what we saw in that video is true. How can anyone show their face in public ever again, or ever be able to regain any moral authority on the subject of women, equal rights, or even just common decency? They can’t! The UDP has a problem with misogyny; they have to deal with it. They have to do this to regain their credibility as a party, or wallow in the weeds of isolation and insignificance, for the foreseeable future! “She walks in beauty, like a night of cloudless climes and starry skies. And all that’s best of dark and bright, meet in her aspect and in her eyes.” — Lord Byron.

Belizean in diaspora. Friday, June 4, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 13

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given under Section 4(1) of the Standards (Preparation VACANCY and Declaration) Regulations, 1997 that the Belize Bureau of Standards proposes to recommend to the Standards Advisory Council that the KREM Television is seeking applications from suitable following draft standard be declared voluntary Belize Standards: candidates for the post of REPORTER to be stationed in Belize City. 1. Belize Draft Specification for Energy Labelling and Requirements for Compact Fluorescent and Light Emitting Requirements: Diode Lamps 2. Belize Draft Specification for Energy Labelling and - Minimum of an Associate Degree in English; a Bachelor’s Requirements for Air Conditioners Degree would be a plus 3. Belize Draft Specification for Energy Labelling and - Excellent command of the English language with strong Requirements for Refrigerating Equipment interpersonal communication skills The application of these energy efficiency standards for refrigerating - Disciplined, inquisitive, go-getter and enjoys research equipment, lighting and air conditioners are intended to improve energy - Willing to work long hours efficiency in Belize through the availability, selection and usage of more - Willing to learn energy efficient refrigerators. The information given on the energy label - Works well under pressure provides consumers with information for consideration when making a - Is a team player purchasing decision. The requirements of these standards are expected to drive manufacturers, importers and retailers to provide more energy Send a copy of your resume with two letters of recommendation efficient refrigerator, lighting and air conditioning options to consumers to: as they compete to offer better value for money and accelerate the market place transition to more energy efficient equipment and will be Human Resource Manager implemented through a national Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme. KREM Television 3304 Partridge Street Any comments on these draft standards should reach the Director, Belize City Belize Bureau of Standards at the below-mentioned address no later th than June 25 , 2021 or at [email protected]. Copies or details of the Or e-mail to: standards are available from the office of the Belize Bureau of Standards [email protected] located at Power Lane, P.O. Box 430, City of Belmopan or on the website

at www.bbs.gov.bz. Deadline for applications is Monday, June 7, 2021. Page 14 AMANDALABelize Friday, June 4, 2021

MINISTRY OF INFRASTRUCTURE From the Publisher DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING

Reproduced from page 9 of the Tuesday, GENERAL NOTICE June 1, 2021, #3464 issue of Amandala REGISTRATIONOF CONTRACTORS One of the aspects of tourism we weaken the moral fiber of Placencia. The Government of Belize(GOBZ) through the Ministry of Infrastructure don’t talk about is how it weakens I can’t recall saying much, or even Development and Housing wishes to create a registry of contractors of varying the morals of the host people. You anything, because the money was disciplines and capacities from which the GOBZ or the private sector enterprise know that I am not a moralist, so too easy, too sweet. Who was I to will have access to competent contractors that have undergone some form of what am I doing bringing up such a argue with easy money? qualification / capacity review, which in turn would streamlineprocurement, and subject? When the virus struck last year improve transparency in the industry. It is expected that the contractor registry will The iconic Mr. Price opposed provide for easier selection of reliable contractors based on satisfying minimum March, I thought we would use the criteria of each of the identified categories and sub-categories. Having a centralized tourism for his own reasons. He opportunity to look in a direction contractor registry creates opportunity for contractor employment across the public never elaborated. My personal other than tourism for our main and private sector as well as affords project owners confidence in quality of listed thinking was that we were blessed meal. But, it was not to be. Belize contractors. with bountiful natural resources and is back worshipping at the tourism a small population, so Belize could shrine. Belizeans and foreigners Contractors will be categorized by discipline and size and arehereby invited to go in a direction such as deep sea have already invested great chunks register under one or more of the following disciplinesas may be applicable: fishing, which emphasized hard of money over the last three DISCIPLINE work as opposed to fawning decades. It doesn’t seem now that I. General Building Contracting – General contractors for building hospitality. Mr. Price, coming to there’s any turning back. commercial and residential buildings capable of executing site surveying, think of it, emphasized work on the But, the wages of sin is death, as piling, structural concrete, structural reinforcement, masonry, carpentry, land, hard work. it is said. I’m no one to be preaching. drywall, plumbing, electrical, HVAC and roofing. Between the late 1980s and early/ But, the evidence is right in front II. Civil Works / Road Construction– capable of executing works associated mid 1990s, I saw tourism begin to of us. with road construction and other major infrastructure developments such as land clearing, earthworks, drainage, flexible and rigid pavements, road markings and road furniture installation, piling, and structural concrete.

III. Bridge Construction – capable of bridge construction, pile construction and installation, reinforced concrete bridges, structural steel bridges, composite bridges, multi-celled reinforced box culverts, retaining walls, coffer dam construction and piling from barges.

IV. Land Development– capable of executing land clearing, earthworks, excavation of earthen drains, embankments and pond construction.

V. Tradespersons– single entities, such as Masons, Carpenters, Plumbers, Electricians, Mechanics, Sheetrock /Drywall, HVAC, Painters.

VI. Specialist Contractors– contractors with experience tailored to a specific skillset such as: • Marine & Piles Construction • Drilling and Blasting • HVAC and Refrigeration • Steel fabrication / Welding / Erection • Electrical Works • Heavy Equipment Operator • Landscaping • Quality Control Testing (Construction Materials) • Surveying (Topographical, Cadastral, Hydrographic, etc) • Welding

SIZE I. Large Contractors –annual average construction turnover in excess of BZD 4 Million. II. Medium Contractors –annual average construction turnover of BZD 500K – 4 Million. III. Small Contractors – annual average construction turnover of BZD 500 K or less.

Application forms are free of charge for the next 90 days and can be obtained from the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing in Belmopan or via email from the Project Execution Unit (MIDH). Initial applications are available and will be processed from 28 May through 27August 2021. Further details about the registration process can be obtained by contacting:

1. Attention: Mr.Victor Espat Chief Executive Officer Ministry of Infrastructure Development & Housing Power Lane Belmopan Cayo District BELIZE, C. A

Tel: +501-822-2136 Email: [email protected]

2. Attention: Mr. Evondale Moody KREM PHONES: Project Execution Unit Ministry of Infrastructure Development & Housing Power Lane OFFICE: 280-4469 Belmopan Cayo District IN STUDIO: 280-4299 BELIZE, C. A

ON LINE LIVE: www.krembz.com Tel: +501-828-5220 Email: [email protected] Friday, June 4, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 15

GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, CULTURE, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, CULTURE, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY BELIZE EDUCATION SECONDARY REFORM PROGRAMME II BELIZE EDUCATION SECONDARY REFORM PROGRAMME II

INVITATION FOR BIDS INVITATION FOR BIDS

The Government of Belize (GOB) has received financing from the Caribbean Development Bank The Government of Belize (GOB) has received financing from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) in an amount equivalent to USD35M towards the cost of the Belize Education Secondary (CDB) in an amount equivalent to USD35M towards the cost of the Belize Education Secondary Reform Programme II (the Project) and intends to apply a portion of the proceeds of this financing Reform Programme II (the Project) and intends to apply a portion of the proceeds of this to eligible payments under this contract. Payment by CDB will be made only at the request of financing to eligible payments under this contract. Payment by CDB will be made only at the GOB and upon approval by CDB, and will be subject, in all respects, to the terms and conditions of request of GOB and upon approval by CDB, and will be subject, in all respects, to the terms and the Financing Agreement. The Financing Agreement prohibits withdrawal from the financing account conditions of the Financing Agreement. The Financing Agreement prohibits withdrawal from the for the purpose of any payment to persons or entities, or for any import of goods, if such payment financing account for the purpose of any payment to persons or entities, or for any import of or import, to the knowledge of CDB, is prohibited by a decision of the United Nations Security goods, if such payment or import, to the knowledge of CDB, is prohibited by a decision of the Council taken under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. No party other than GOB United Nations Security Council taken under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. shall derive any rights from the Financing Agreement or have any claim to the proceeds of the No party other than GOB shall derive any rights from the Financing Agreement or have any claim Financing. to the proceeds of the Financing. The Project is being implemented by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology The Project is being implemented by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology (MoECST) through its Project Execution Unit (PEU). The MoECST has contracted Consultants (MoECST) through its Project Execution Unit (PEU). The MoECST has contracted Consultants who will assist the GOB with delivering the Project. The Consultants have prepared designs and who will assist the GOB with delivering the Project. The Consultants have prepared designs and contract documentation and will assist in tender administration and evaluation as well as supervise contract documentation and will assist in tender administration and evaluation as well as supervise Project activities. Project activities.

GOB now invites sealed bids from eligible bidders for W4 - San Antonio Pre-Primary School GOB now invites sealed bids from eligible bidders for W13A - Billy White Pre-Primary School (Orange Walk). The proposed works include (but are not limited to) the following: (Cayo District). The proposed works include (but are not limited to) the following: Construction of a Pre-primary school building measuring approximately 40' long by 26'- Construction of a Pre-primary school building measuring approximately 40' long by 26'- 8" wide complete with an open classroom area, students & teachers bathroom facilities 8" wide complete with an open classroom area, students & teachers bathroom facilities along with a timber truss roof system complete with associated works further detailed in along with a timber truss roof system complete with associated works further detailed in drawings within the bidding document. Estimated construction duration is 7 months. drawings within the bidding document. Estimated construction duration is 7 months. Consideration will be limited to firms or joint ventures of firms, which are legally incorporated or Consideration will be limited to firms or joint ventures of firms, which are legally incorporated or otherwise organised in, and have their principal place of business in an eligible country and are otherwise organised in, and have their principal place of business in an eligible country and are either: either: (a) more than 50% beneficially owned by a citizen or citizens and/or a bona fide resident or residents of an eligible country, or by a body corporate or bodies corporate meeting these (a) more than 50% beneficially owned by a citizen or citizens and/or a bona fide resident or requirements; or residents of an eligible country, or by a body corporate or bodies corporate meeting these (b) owned or controlled by the Government of an eligible country provided that it is legally and requirements; or financially autonomous and operated under the commercial law of an eligible country and otherwise (b) owned or controlled by the Government of an eligible country provided that it is legally and meets the eligibility requirements of the CDB Guidelines for Procurement (2006). financially autonomous and operated under the commercial law of an eligible country and otherwise meets the eligibility requirements of the CDB Guidelines for Procurement (2006). Eligible countries are member countries of CDB.

Eligible countries are member countries of CDB. Eligible bidders will be required to submit full qualification information with their bids establishing their eligibility to bid and qualification to perform the contract if the bid is accepted. Tender and Eligible bidders will be required to submit full qualification information with their bids establishing qualification information are to be submitted in the English Language on the prescribed forms their eligibility to bid and qualification to perform the contract if the bid is accepted. Tender and inserted in the Bid Documents. Submissions that do not provide the information required, or do not qualification information are to be submitted in the English Language on the prescribed forms demonstrate the prospective contractor’s ability to perform satisfactorily, will not qualify and will inserted in the Bid Documents. Submissions that do not provide the information required, or do not not be considered for further evaluation. demonstrate the prospective contractor’s ability to perform satisfactorily, will not qualify and will not be considered for further evaluation. Qualification requirements include, inter alia: (a) An average annual turnover (defined as certified payments received for works in progress or Qualification requirements include, inter alia: completed) within the best 2 of the last 4 years (the best two of the four years will be evaluated) (a) An average annual turnover (defined as certified payments received for works in progress or of at least Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand Belize dollars (BZD750,000.00). Audited/un-audited completed) within the best 2 of the last 4 years (the best two of the four years will be evaluated) financial statements for the years 2017 to 2020 will be reviewed to confirm the above. of at least Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand Belize dollars (BZD750,000.00). Audited/un-audited (b) A demonstrable cash flow including access to credit (of which 50% must be in liquid cash financial statements for the years 2017 to 2020 will be reviewed to confirm the above. from a commercial bank or credit union) of One Hundred Thousand Belize dollars (b) A demonstrable cash flow including access to credit (of which 50% must be in liquid cash from (BZD100,000.00). a commercial bank or credit union) of One Hundred Thousand Belize dollars (BZD100,000.00). (c) Specific Experience as prime contractor in at least 3 (new build) building construction contracts (c) Specific Experience as prime contractor in at least 3 (new build) building construction contracts within the last 10 years under the direct supervision of an independent design Engineer or Architect. within the last 10 years under the direct supervision of an independent design Engineer or Architect. Each cited project must include building works with an area of at least 1,500 SF with concrete Each cited project must include building works with an area of at least 1,500 SF with concrete masonry construction with electrical and plumbing systems (to comply with this requirement, masonry construction with electrical and plumbing systems (to comply with this requirement, works works quoted should be at least 80 percent complete). quoted should be at least 80 percent complete). Bidding Documents (electronic version only) may be obtained by eligible bidders from the first Bidding Documents (electronic version only) may be obtained by eligible bidders from the first address below. Requests may be made by written application (email). Written applications must address below. Requests may be made by written application (email). Written applications must be be clearly marked: “Request for Bidding Documents for W13A - Billy White Pre-Primary clearly marked: “Request for Bidding Documents for W4 - San Antonio Pre-Primary School School (Cayo District), along with the name, address and contact information of the bidder for (Orange Walk), along with the name, address and contact information of the bidder for which which Bidding Documents are being requested. Bidding Documents are being requested. Documents will be promptly dispatched, but under no circumstance will the GOB or MoECST or Documents will be promptly dispatched, but under no circumstance will the GOB or MoECST or their authorised agent be held responsible for late delivery or loss of the documents so transmitted. their authorised agent be held responsible for late delivery or loss of the documents so transmitted. Submissions in sealed envelopes clearly marked “Bid for W13A - Billy White Pre-Primary Submissions in sealed envelopes clearly marked “Bid for W4 - San Antonio Pre-Primary School School (Cayo District), must be received at the second address below not later than 3:00 pm (Orange Walk), must be received at the second address below not later than 3:00 pm local time local time on June 30, 2021. Bid opening will take place immediately after the deadline for on June 29, 2021. Bid opening will take place immediately after the deadline for submission at submission at the second address below in the presence of bidders’ representatives who choose the second address below in the presence of bidders’ representatives who choose to attend. to attend. Qualification information only must be simultaneously submitted to the third address Qualification information only must be simultaneously submitted to the third address below. below.

All bids must be accompanied by a signed Bid Securing Declaration. Late bids will be rejected. All bids must be accompanied by a signed Bid Securing Declaration. Late bids will be rejected.

The GOB / MoECST reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, and to annul the process and The GOB / MoECST reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, and to annul the process and reject all bids, at any time prior to award of contract, without thereby incurring any liability to the reject all bids, at any time prior to award of contract, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected prospective bidder(s) or any obligation to inform the affected prospective bidder(s) of the affected prospective bidder(s) or any obligation to inform the affected prospective bidder(s) of grounds for GOB / MoECST action. GOB / MoECST will not defray any costs incurred by any the grounds for GOB / MoECST action. GOB / MoECST will not defray any costs incurred by bidder in the preparation of bids. any bidder in the preparation of bids.

1. Address for Correspondence 2. Address for Bid Submission and Bid 1. Address for Correspondence 2. Address for Bid Submission and Bid Procurement Specialist Opening Procurement Specialist Opening Project Execution Unit Project Execution Unit Ministry of Education, Culture, Science Conference Room Ministry of Education, Culture, Science Conference Room and Technology Project Execution Unit and Technology Project Execution Unit 3rd Floor Diamond Building Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and 3rd Floor Diamond Building Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Constitution Drive Technology Constitution Drive Technology Belmopan, Belize, C.A 3rd Floor Diamond Building Belmopan, Belize, C.A 3rd Floor Diamond Building [email protected] Constitution Drive [email protected] Constitution Drive Belmopan, Belize, C.A Belmopan, Belize, C.A 3. Address for Completed Qualification 3. Address for Completed Qualification Information Only Information Only Procurement Officer Procurement Officer Caribbean Development Bank Caribbean Development Bank P.O. Box 408, Wildey, St. Michael, P.O. Box 408, Wildey, St. Michael, Barbados, W.I. BB11000 Barbados, W.I. BB11000 [email protected] [email protected] Page 16 AMANDALABelize Friday, June 4, 2021

The Genesis of Modern Politics, 1931-54 — Final Part

It is a lack of morals that has left reserve powers in defiance of the of the PUP. They gave the party the working class helpless and without Legislative Council. The governor’s their full support through the rights to demand to live a life with action angered the nationalists because anticolonial editorials. The PUP dignity, since not even the preamble it reflected the limits of the received the crucial support of the of the Belizean Constitution has been and revealed the extent of the colonial GWU, whose president, Clifford respected. Those responsible for administration’s power. The Betson, was one of the original ensuring that there are the devaluation enraged labor because it members of the People’s corresponding laws that can defend protected the interests of the big Committee. Before the end of the minimum wage of the working transnationals, such as the Belize January 1950, the GWU and the including Richardson and Goldson, class have turned a blind eye, because Estate and Produce Company, whose People’s Committee were holding with sedition. The governor jailed them it is in their own petty interests. Today, trade in British pounds would have joint public meetings and discussing for twelve months with hard labor. Soon the right of each worker to food after suffered without devaluation while it issues such as devaluation, labor after, PUP leader John Smith resigned 8 hours of work would have already subjected ’s working legislation, the proposed West Indies because the party would not agree to been considered. It is unfair to have class, already experiencing , and constitutional reform. fly the British flag at public meetings. an employee work 4 hours in the widespread unemployment and The GWU was the only mass The removal of three of four chief morning and another 4 in the evening. poverty, to higher prices for goods— organization of working people, so the leaders was a blow to the party, but the That worker loses all day doing a job especially food—imported from the early success of the PUP would have events left Price in a powerful position. for starvation wages. However, if that United States. Devaluation thus united been impossible without the support In 1952 he comfortably topped the polls worker works 8 hours in a row, it gives labor, nationalists, and the Creole of this union. in the Belize City Council elections. him the opportunity to do another job. middle classes in opposition to the On April 28, however, the middle- Within just two years, despite Nevertheless, such a right is not colonial administration. class members of the People’s persecution and division, the PUP had contemplated in the labor laws. On the night that the governor Committee (formerly members of the become a powerful political force, and declared the devaluation, the People’s Christian Social Action Group, to George Price had clearly become the The Genesis of Modern Politics, Committee was formed and the which the founders of the Belize party’s leader. The colonial 1931-54 — Final Part nascent independence movement Billboard belonged) took over the administration and the National Party, suddenly matured. Between 1950 and leadership of the union and gave Betson which consisted of loyalist members By countrystudies.us 1954, the PUP, formed upon the the dubious honorific title of “patriarch of the Legislative Council, portrayed dissolution of the People’s Committee of the union.” A year later, George the PUP as pro-Guatemalan and even In spite of repeated denials by the on September 29, 1950, consolidated Price, the secretary of the PUP, became communist. The leaders of the PUP, governor that the British Honduras its organization, established its vice president of the union. The however, perceived British Honduras dollar would be devalued to maintain popular base, and articulated its political leaders took control of the as belonging to neither Britain nor the old exchange rate with the British primary demands. Belize Billboard union to use its strength, but the union Guatemala. The governor and the pound, devaluation was nevertheless editors Philip Goldson and Leigh movement declined as it became National Party failed in their attempts effected by the governor, using his Richardson were prominent members increasingly dependent upon politicians to discredit the PUP on the issue of its in the 1950s. The PUP concentrated on contacts with Guatemala, which was agitating for constitutional reforms, then ruled by the democratic, reformist including universal adult suffrage government of President Jacobo without a literacy test, an all- elected Arbenz. When voters went to the polls Legislative Council, an Executive on April 28, 1954, in the first election Council chosen by the leader of the under universal literate adult suffrage, majority party in the legislature, the the main issue was clearly introduction of a ministerial system, colonialism—a vote for the PUP was and the abolition of the governor’s a vote in favor of self-government. reserve powers. In short, the PUP Almost 70 percent of the electorate pushed for representative and voted. The PUP gained 66.3 percent of responsible government. the vote and won eight of the nine The colonial administration, alarmed elected seats in the new Legislative by the growing support for the PUP, Assembly. Further constitutional retaliated by attacking two of the party’s reform was unequivocally on the chief public platforms. In July 1951, agenda. the governor dissolved the Belize City Council on the pretext that it had shown (The End) disloyalty by refusing to display a [email protected] picture of King George VI. Then, in May 29, 2021 October, the governor charged Belize Finca Solana Billboard publishers and owners, Corozal Town Friday, June 4, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 17

GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, CULTURE, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, CULTURE, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY BELIZE EDUCATION SECONDARY REFORM PROGRAMME II BELIZE EDUCATION SECONDARY REFORM PROGRAMME II INVITATION FOR BIDS INVITATION FOR BIDS The Government of Belize (GOB) has received financing from the Caribbean Development Bank The Government of Belize (GOB) has received financing from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) in an amount equivalent to USD35M towards the cost of the Belize Education Secondary (CDB) in an amount equivalent to USD35M towards the cost of the Belize Education Secondary Reform Programme II (the Project) and intends to apply a portion of the proceeds of this Reform Programme II (the Project) and intends to apply a portion of the proceeds of this financing financing to eligible payments under this contract. Payment by CDB will be made only at the to eligible payments under this contract. Payment by CDB will be made only at the request of request of GOB and upon approval by CDB, and will be subject, in all respects, to the terms and GOB and upon approval by CDB, and will be subject, in all respects, to the terms and conditions of conditions of the Financing Agreement. The Financing Agreement prohibits withdrawal from the the Financing Agreement. The Financing Agreement prohibits withdrawal from the financing account financing account for the purpose of any payment to persons or entities, or for any import of for the purpose of any payment to persons or entities, or for any import of goods, if such payment goods, if such payment or import, to the knowledge of CDB, is prohibited by a decision of the or import, to the knowledge of CDB, is prohibited by a decision of the United Nations Security United Nations Security Council taken under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. Council taken under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. No party other than GOB No party other than GOB shall derive any rights from the Financing Agreement or have any claim shall derive any rights from the Financing Agreement or have any claim to the proceeds of the to the proceeds of the Financing. Financing. The Project is being implemented by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology The Project is being implemented by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology (MoECST) through its Project Execution Unit (PEU). The MoECST has contracted Consultants (MoECST) through its Project Execution Unit (PEU). The MoECST has contracted Consultants who will assist the GOB with delivering the Project. The Consultants have prepared designs and who will assist the GOB with delivering the Project. The Consultants have prepared designs and contract documentation and will assist in tender administration and evaluation as well as supervise contract documentation and will assist in tender administration and evaluation as well as supervise Project activities. Project activities. GOB now invites sealed bids from eligible bidders for W16 - Duck Run 1 Pre-Primary School GOB now invites sealed bids from eligible bidders for W13B - Esperanza Pre-Primary School (Cayo District). The proposed works include (but are not limited to) the following: (Cayo District). The proposed works include (but are not limited to) the following: Construction of a Pre-primary school building measuring approximately 40' long by 26'- Construction of a Pre-primary school building measuring approximately 40' long by 26'- 8" wide complete with an open classroom area, students & teachers bathroom facilities 8" wide complete with an open classroom area, students & teachers bathroom facilities along with a timber truss roof system complete with associated works further detailed in along with a timber truss roof system complete with associated works further detailed in drawings within the bidding document. Estimated construction duration is 7 months. drawings within the bidding document. Estimated construction duration is 7 months. Consideration will be limited to firms or joint ventures of firms, which are legally incorporated or Consideration will be limited to firms or joint ventures of firms, which are legally incorporated or otherwise organised in, and have their principal place of business in an eligible country and are otherwise organised in, and have their principal place of business in an eligible country and are either: either: (a) more than 50% beneficially owned by a citizen or citizens and/or a bona fide resident or (a) more than 50% beneficially owned by a citizen or citizens and/or a bona fide resident or residents of an eligible country, or by a body corporate or bodies corporate meeting these residents of an eligible country, or by a body corporate or bodies corporate meeting these requirements; or requirements; or (b) owned or controlled by the Government of an eligible country provided that it is legally and (b) owned or controlled by the Government of an eligible country provided that it is legally and financially autonomous and operated under the commercial law of an eligible country and otherwise financially autonomous and operated under the commercial law of an eligible country and otherwise meets the eligibility requirements of the CDB Guidelines for Procurement (2006). meets the eligibility requirements of the CDB Guidelines for Procurement (2006). Eligible countries are member countries of CDB. Eligible countries are member countries of CDB. Eligible bidders will be required to submit full qualification information with their bids establishing Eligible bidders will be required to submit full qualification information with their bids establishing their eligibility to bid and qualification to perform the contract if the bid is accepted. Tender and their eligibility to bid and qualification to perform the contract if the bid is accepted. Tender and qualification information are to be submitted in the English Language on the prescribed forms qualification information are to be submitted in the English Language on the prescribed forms inserted in the Bid Documents. Submissions that do not provide the information required, or do not inserted in the Bid Documents. Submissions that do not provide the information required, or do not demonstrate the prospective contractor’s ability to perform satisfactorily, will not qualify and will demonstrate the prospective contractor’s ability to perform satisfactorily, will not qualify and will not be considered for further evaluation. not be considered for further evaluation. Qualification requirements include, inter alia: Qualification requirements include, inter alia: (a) An average annual turnover (defined as certified payments received for works in progress or (a) An average annual turnover (defined as certified payments received for works in progress or completed) within the best 2 of the last 4 years (the best two of the four years will be evaluated) completed) within the best 2 of the last 4 years (the best two of the four years will be evaluated) of at least Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand Belize dollars (BZD750,000.00). Audited/un-audited of at least Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand Belize dollars (BZD750,000.00). Audited/un-audited financial statements for the years 2017 to 2020 will be reviewed to confirm the above. financial statements for the years 2017 to 2020 will be reviewed to confirm the above. (b) A demonstrable cash flow including access to credit (of which 50% must be in liquid cash from (b) A demonstrable cash flow including access to credit (of which 50% must be in liquid cash from a commercial bank or credit union) of One Hundred Thousand Belize dollars (BZD100,000.00). a commercial bank or credit union) of One Hundred Thousand Belize dollars (BZD100,000.00). (c) Specific Experience as prime contractor in at least 3 (new build) building construction contracts (c) Specific Experience as prime contractor in at least 3 (new build) building construction contracts within the last 10 years under the direct supervision of an independent design Engineer or Architect. within the last 10 years under the direct supervision of an independent design Engineer or Architect. Each cited project must include building works with an area of at least 1,500 SF with concrete Each cited project must include building works with an area of at least 1,500 SF with concrete masonry construction with electrical and plumbing systems (to comply with this requirement, works masonry construction with electrical and plumbing systems (to comply with this requirement, works quoted should be at least 80 percent complete). quoted should be at least 80 percent complete). Bidding Documents (electronic version only) may be obtained by eligible bidders from the first Bidding Documents (electronic version only) may be obtained by eligible bidders from the first address below. Requests may be made by written application (email). Written applications must address below. Requests may be made by written application (email). Written applications must be be clearly marked: “Request for Bidding Documents for W16 - Duck Run 1 Pre-Primary clearly marked: “Request for Bidding Documents for W13B - Esperanza Pre-Primary School School (Cayo District), along with the name, address and contact information of the bidder for (Cayo District)), along with the name, address and contact information of the bidder for which which Bidding Documents are being requested. Bidding Documents are being requested. Documents will be promptly dispatched, but under no circumstance will the GOB or MoECST or Documents will be promptly dispatched, but under no circumstance will the GOB or MoECST or their authorised agent be held responsible for late delivery or loss of the documents so transmitted. their authorised agent be held responsible for late delivery or loss of the documents so transmitted. Submissions in sealed envelopes clearly marked “Bid for W16 - Duck Run 1 Pre-Primary Submissions in sealed envelopes clearly marked “Bid for W13B - Esperanza Pre-Primary School (Cayo District), must be received at the second address below not later than 3:00 pm School (Cayo District), must be received at the second address below not later than 3:00 pm local time on July 1, 2021. Bid opening will take place immediately after the deadline for submission local time on June 30, 2021. Bid opening will take place immediately after the deadline for at the second address below in the presence of bidders’ representatives who choose to attend. submission at the second address below in the presence of bidders’ representatives who choose to Qualification information only must be simultaneously submitted to the third address below. attend. Qualification information only must be simultaneously submitted to the third address below. All bids must be accompanied by a signed Bid Securing Declaration. Late bids will be rejected. All bids must be accompanied by a signed Bid Securing Declaration. Late bids will be rejected. The GOB / MoECST reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, and to annul the process and The GOB / MoECST reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, and to annul the process and reject all bids, at any time prior to award of contract, without thereby incurring any liability to the reject all bids, at any time prior to award of contract, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected prospective bidder(s) or any obligation to inform the affected prospective bidder(s) of the affected prospective bidder(s) or any obligation to inform the affected prospective bidder(s) of the grounds for GOB / MoECST action. GOB / MoECST will not defray any costs incurred by any grounds for GOB / MoECST action. GOB / MoECST will not defray any costs incurred by any bidder in the preparation of bids. bidder in the preparation of bids. 1. Address for Correspondence 2. Address for Bid Submission and Bid 1. Address for Correspondence 2. Address for Bid Submission and Bid Procurement Specialist Opening Procurement Specialist Opening Project Execution Unit Project Execution Unit Ministry of Education, Culture, Science Conference Room Ministry of Education, Culture, Science Conference Room and Technology Project Execution Unit M and Technology Project Execution Unit 3rd Floor Diamond Building inistry of Education, Culture, Science and 3rd Floor Diamond Building Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Constitution Drive Technology Constitution Drive Belmopan, Belize, C.A Technology Belmopan, Belize, C.A 3rd Floor Diamond Building [email protected] 3rd Floor Diamond Building [email protected] Constitution Drive Constitution Drive Belmopan, Belize, C.A 3. Address for Completed Qualification Belmopan, Belize, C.A 3. Address for Completed Qualification Information Only Information Only

Procurement Officer Procurement Officer Caribbean Development Bank Caribbean Development Bank P.O. Box 408, Wildey, St. Michael, P.O. Box 408, Wildey, St. Michael, Barbados, W.I. BB11000 Barbados, W.I. BB11000 [email protected] [email protected] Page 18 AMANDALABelize Friday, June 4, 2021 SRC TRADING THOUGHTS TRIPS and Health: Moving towards a friendlier intellectual property regime

by Tara Leevy Organization (WHO) estimates that pandemic has ushered in a new dawn realization of this right. about one third of the world’s in regards to coherence in the area of Additionally, the right to health is Over the past decade, global health population lacks access to essential international trade and health. recognized, in Article 5 (e) (iv) of the issues, and questions about the impact drugs, and that over fifty (50) percent The right to health International Convention on the of international trade on global health, of people in poor countries do not have The right to health is affirmed in Elimination of All Forms of Racial have taken centre-stage. The diverse access to the most basic essential various international conventions. Discrimination of 1965, in articles nature of health-related conflicts that drugs. Novel challenges to global Article 25.1 of the Universal 11.1(f) and 12 of the Convention on have arisen within the international health in the area of infectious disease Declaration of Human Rights states: the Elimination of All Forms of trade context dramatically illustrates control have emerged. HIV/AIDS, the “Everyone has the right to a standard Discrimination against Women of that it is no longer possible to view Ebola and Marbug viruses, Avian of living adequate for the health of 1979, and in Article 24 of the issues of global health and influenza, and now, the Covid-19 himself and of his family, including Convention on the Rights of the Child international trade as existing within pandemic, constitute major threats to food, clothing, housing and medical of 1989. separate silos. global health. care and necessary social services”. Several regional organizations also Health issues of global significance This SRC Trading Thoughts will The International Covenant on recognize the right to health, for that have emerged over the past demonstrate that whilst to a large Economic, Social and Cultural Rights example, Article 11 of the European decade, and cut across international extent, the World Trade Organization’s (ICESCR) provides in Article 12.1 Social Charter of 1961 as revised, trade law and policy, include access (WTO) Trade-Related Aspects of that States parties recognize “the right Article 16 of the African Charter on to drugs and vaccines; infectious Intellectual Property Rights of everyone to the enjoyment of the Human and Peoples’ Rights of 1981, disease control; food safety; food Agreement (TRIPS) has not taken highest attainable standard of physical and Article 10 of the Additional security and nutrition; and access to adequate account of the impact of and mental health”. Article 12.2 sets Protocol to the American Convention health services. international trade on global health out a number of “steps to be taken” by on Human Rights in the Area of In regards to access to drugs and and has infringed upon the enjoyment States parties…to achieve the full Economic, Social and Cultural Rights vaccines, the World Health of the right to health, the Covid-19 of 1988. The right to health is also enshrined in numerous national constitutions — over one hundred constitutional provisions include the right to health, and the right to health care, or health- related rights, such as the right to a healthy environment. The WTO TRIPS Agreement: A Historical Perspective TRIPS is the WTO Agreement which has attracted the harshest criticism in so far as its perceived negative impact on the right of states to safeguard the right to health of their members. The TRIPS Agreement requires WTO Members to establish minimum standards for protecting and enforcing intellectual property rights. TRIPS provides comprehensive coverage for several types of intellectual property, including product and process patents, copyright and related rights, trade marks, geographical indications, industrial designs, layout designs (topographies) of integrated circuits, and the protection of undisclosed information. However, most of the debate with respect to TRIPS and public health focuses on TRIPS’ patent provisions. The implementation of TRIPS imposed a heavy social and economic cost on developing countries and least developed countries (LDCs) that had traditionally excluded food and medicine from their intellectual property laws in order to ensure that these basic necessities were accessible and affordable. When the TRIPS Agreement went into effect in 1995, although it exempted the LDCs from patent rules, most of them lacked production capacity and depended on cheap imports from other countries, such as India, where low-cost generics were available. This shortage of pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity in LDCs meant that once the generic supplier countries (often other developing countries) became subject to TRIPS patent rules, both the developing and LDC countries were faced with unaffordable drug prices. Although theoretically TRIPS provides for some flexibility, notably Please turn to„Page 20 Friday, June 4, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 19

GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, CULTURE, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, CULTURE, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY BELIZE EDUCATION SECONDARY REFORM PROGRAMME II BELIZE EDUCATION SECONDARY REFORM PROGRAMME II

INVITATION FOR BIDS INVITATION FOR BIDS

The Government of Belize (GOB) has received financing from the Caribbean Development Bank The Government of Belize (GOB) has received financing from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) in an amount equivalent to USD35M towards the cost of the Belize Education Secondary (CDB) in an amount equivalent to USD35M towards the cost of the Belize Education Secondary Reform Programme II (the Project) and intends to apply a portion of the proceeds of this Reform Programme II (the Project) and intends to apply a portion of the proceeds of this financing financing to eligible payments under this contract. Payment by CDB will be made only at the to eligible payments under this contract. Payment by CDB will be made only at the request of request of GOB and upon approval by CDB, and will be subject, in all respects, to the terms and GOB and upon approval by CDB, and will be subject, in all respects, to the terms and conditions of conditions of the Financing Agreement. The Financing Agreement prohibits withdrawal from the the Financing Agreement. The Financing Agreement prohibits withdrawal from the financing account financing account for the purpose of any payment to persons or entities, or for any import of for the purpose of any payment to persons or entities, or for any import of goods, if such payment goods, if such payment or import, to the knowledge of CDB, is prohibited by a decision of the or import, to the knowledge of CDB, is prohibited by a decision of the United Nations Security United Nations Security Council taken under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. Council taken under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. No party other than GOB No party other than GOB shall derive any rights from the Financing Agreement or have any claim shall derive any rights from the Financing Agreement or have any claim to the proceeds of the to the proceeds of the Financing. Financing. The Project is being implemented by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology The Project is being implemented by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology (MoECST) through its Project Execution Unit (PEU). The MoECST has contracted Consultants (MoECST) through its Project Execution Unit (PEU). The MoECST has contracted Consultants who will assist the GOB with delivering the Project. The Consultants have prepared designs and who will assist the GOB with delivering the Project. The Consultants have prepared designs and contract documentation and will assist in tender administration and evaluation as well as supervise contract documentation and will assist in tender administration and evaluation as well as supervise Project activities. Project activities.

GOB now invites sealed bids from eligible bidders for W22 - Santa Cruz Pre-Primary School GOB now invites sealed bids from eligible bidders for W5A - Black Water Pre-Primary School (). The proposed works include (but are not limited to) the following: (Orange Walk District). The proposed works include (but are not limited to) the following: Construction of a Pre-primary school building measuring approximately 40' long by 26'- 8" wide complete with an open classroom area, students & teachers bathroom facilities Construction of a Pre-primary school building measuring approximately 40' long by 26'- along with a timber truss roof system complete with associated works further detailed in 8" wide complete with an open classroom area, students & teachers bathroom facilities drawings within the bidding document. Estimated construction duration is 7 months. along with a timber truss roof system complete with associated works further detailed in drawings within the bidding document. Estimated construction duration is 7 months. Consideration will be limited to firms or joint ventures of firms, which are legally incorporated or otherwise organised in, and have their principal place of business in an eligible country and are Consideration will be limited to firms or joint ventures of firms, which are legally incorporated or either: otherwise organised in, and have their principal place of business in an eligible country and are (a) more than 50% beneficially owned by a citizen or citizens and/or a bona fide resident or either: residents of an eligible country, or by a body corporate or bodies corporate meeting these (a) more than 50% beneficially owned by a citizen or citizens and/or a bona fide resident or requirements; or residents of an eligible country, or by a body corporate or bodies corporate meeting these (b) owned or controlled by the Government of an eligible country provided that it is legally and requirements; or financially autonomous and operated under the commercial law of an eligible country and otherwise (b) owned or controlled by the Government of an eligible country provided that it is legally and meets the eligibility requirements of the CDB Guidelines for Procurement (2006). financially autonomous and operated under the commercial law of an eligible country and otherwise meets the eligibility requirements of the CDB Guidelines for Procurement (2006). Eligible countries are member countries of CDB. Eligible countries are member countries of CDB. Eligible bidders will be required to submit full qualification information with their bids establishing their eligibility to bid and qualification to perform the contract if the bid is accepted. Tender and Eligible bidders will be required to submit full qualification information with their bids establishing qualification information are to be submitted in the English Language on the prescribed forms their eligibility to bid and qualification to perform the contract if the bid is accepted. Tender and inserted in the Bid Documents. Submissions that do not provide the information required, or do not qualification information are to be submitted in the English Language on the prescribed forms demonstrate the prospective contractor’s ability to perform satisfactorily, will not qualify and will inserted in the Bid Documents. Submissions that do not provide the information required, or do not not be considered for further evaluation. demonstrate the prospective contractor’s ability to perform satisfactorily, will not qualify and will not be considered for further evaluation. Qualification requirements include, inter alia: (a) An average annual turnover (defined as certified payments received for works in progress or Qualification requirements include, inter alia: completed) within the best 2 of the last 4 years (the best two of the four years will be evaluated) (a) An average annual turnover (defined as certified payments received for works in progress or of at least Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand Belize dollars (BZD750,000.00). Audited/un-audited completed) within the best 2 of the last 4 years (the best two of the four years will be evaluated) financial statements for the years 2017 to 2020 will be reviewed to confirm the above. of at least Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand Belize dollars (BZD750,000.00). Audited/un-audited (b) A demonstrable cash flow including access to credit (of which 50% must be in liquid cash financial statements for the years 2017 to 2020 will be reviewed to confirm the above. from a commercial bank or credit union) of One Hundred Thousand Belize dollars (b) A demonstrable cash flow including access to credit (of which 50% must be in liquid cash from (BZD100,000.00). a commercial bank or credit union) of One Hundred Thousand Belize dollars (BZD100,000.00). (c) Specific Experience as prime contractor in at least 3 (new build) building construction contracts (c) Specific Experience as prime contractor in at least 3 (new build) building construction contracts within the last 10 years under the direct supervision of an independent design Engineer or Architect. within the last 10 years under the direct supervision of an independent design Engineer or Architect. Each cited project must include building works with an area of at least 1,500 SF with concrete Each cited project must include building works with an area of at least 1,500 SF with concrete masonry construction with electrical and plumbing systems (to comply with this requirement, masonry construction with electrical and plumbing systems (to comply with this requirement, works works quoted should be at least 80 percent complete). quoted should be at least 80 percent complete).

Bidding Documents (electronic version only) may be obtained by eligible bidders from the first Bidding Documents (electronic version only) may be obtained by eligible bidders from the first address below. Requests may be made by written application (email). Written applications must address below. Requests may be made by written application (email). Written applications must be be clearly marked: “Request for Bidding Documents for W22 - Santa Cruz Pre-Primary clearly marked: “Request for Bidding Documents for W5A - Black Water Pre-Primary School (Toledo District), along with the name, address and contact information of the bidder School (Orange Walk District), along with the name, address and contact information of the for which Bidding Documents are being requested. bidder for which Bidding Documents are being requested.

Documents will be promptly dispatched, but under no circumstance will the GOB or MoECST or Documents will be promptly dispatched, but under no circumstance will the GOB or MoECST or their authorised agent be held responsible for late delivery or loss of the documents so transmitted. their authorised agent be held responsible for late delivery or loss of the documents so transmitted. Submissions in sealed envelopes clearly marked “Bid for W22 - Santa Cruz Pre-Primary Submissions in sealed envelopes clearly marked “Bid for W5A - Black Water Pre-Primary School (Toledo District), must be received at the second address below not later than 3:00 pm School (Orange Walk District), must be received at the second address below not later than local time on July 1, 2021. Bid opening will take place immediately after the deadline for 3:00 pm local time on June 29, 2021. Bid opening will take place immediately after the deadline submission at the second address below in the presence of bidders’ representatives who choose for submission at the second address below in the presence of bidders’ representatives who choose to attend. Qualification information only must be simultaneously submitted to the third address to attend. Qualification information only must be simultaneously submitted to the third address below. below.

All bids must be accompanied by a signed Bid Securing Declaration. Late bids will be rejected. All bids must be accompanied by a signed Bid Securing Declaration. Late bids will be rejected.

The GOB / MoECST reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, and to annul the process and The GOB / MoECST reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, and to annul the process and reject all bids, at any time prior to award of contract, without thereby incurring any liability to the reject all bids, at any time prior to award of contract, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected prospective bidder(s) or any obligation to inform the affected prospective bidder(s) of affected prospective bidder(s) or any obligation to inform the affected prospective bidder(s) of the the grounds for GOB / MoECST action. GOB / MoECST will not defray any costs incurred by grounds for GOB / MoECST action. GOB / MoECST will not defray any costs incurred by any any bidder in the preparation of bids. bidder in the preparation of bids.

1. Address for Correspondence 2. Address for Bid Submission and Bid 1. Address for Correspondence 2. Address for Bid Submission and Bid Procurement Specialist Opening Procurement Specialist Opening Project Execution Unit Project Execution Unit Ministry of Education, Culture, Science Conference Room Ministry of Education, Culture, Science Conference Room and Technology Project Execution Unit and Technology Project Execution Unit 3rd Floor Diamond Building Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and 3rd Floor Diamond Building Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Constitution Drive Technology Constitution Drive Technology Belmopan, Belize, C.A 3rd Floor Diamond Building Belmopan, Belize, C.A 3rd Floor Diamond Building [email protected] Constitution Drive Belmopan, Belize, C.A [email protected] Constitution Drive Belmopan, Belize, C.A 3. Address for Completed Qualification 3. Address for Completed Qualification Information Only Information Only Procurement Officer Procurement Officer Caribbean Development Bank Caribbean Development Bank P.O. Box 408, Wildey, St. Michael, P.O. Box 408, Wildey, St. Michael, Barbados, W.I. BB11000 Barbados, W.I. BB11000 [email protected] [email protected] Page 20 AMANDALABelize Friday, June 4, 2021

PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: PROPERTY SRC TRADING BY ORDER of the Chargees, Messrs. Alpha GammaFinancial Services Limited,Licensed Auctioneer, Fernando Molina, will sell the following THOUGHTS properties, being the freehold property of Palmetto Holdings Ltd.,TOGETHER with all buildings and erections thereon in one lot by way of public auction on site on Saturday, the 5thof June, 2021 at Continued from Page 18 pandemic. The document calls for a „ waiver for all WTO members of 11:00 a.m.: in the form of compulsory licensing, certain provisions of the TRIPS poor countries were often pressured Agreement in relation to the REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL by more powerful interests against “prevention, containment or Placencia North 36 662 (1.91 Acres), using such mechanisms. treatment” of Covid-19. According 663 (1.60 Acres), The impact of TRIPS on the ability to the proponents, the objective is 664 (1.29 Acres), of states to safeguard the health of to avoid barriers to the timely access 665 (1.14 Acres), their citizens was clearly illustrated to affordable medical products 678 (0.99 Acre), in a dispute which arose between including vaccines and medicines or 679 (0.98 Acre) South Africa and several to scaling-up of research, pharmaceutical companies. In South development, manufacturing, and Consisting collectively of 800 ft of Lagoon Front(Parcels 662, 663, Africa, over three million of the supply of essential medical 664, 665) &400 ft of beach on the seaside(Parcels 678 & 679). country’s forty million citizens are products.1 infected with the Acquired Immune After initially rejecting it, the Total Land Area: 7.91 acres Deficiency (HIV) virus, and ground seems to have shifted with thousands of new HIV cases emerge the United States’ recent Buildings & improvements: 3-Storey – 4,770 sq ft Concrete each month. In 1998, South Africa announcement of its limited support Structure suitable for commercial use. passed a law which gave its Ministry for a TRIPS waiver. There has been Building under construction – piles of Health discretion to authorize less support by other developed driven parallel importing (buying in a countries; however, since the United country where the needed drugs are States has indicated its support for cheaper) and compulsory licensing the waiver, the European Union and in critical situations. South Africa New Zealand have been expressing sought to authorize such parallel more willingness to negotiate. The importing and compulsory licensing African Caribbean and Pacific under Article 31 of TRIPS. A (ACP) Group is a strong supporter consortium of forty drug companies of the waiver proposal. filed suit against South Africa’s The Way Forward actions, alleging that multinational Despite this progress, much drug companies were being ripped remains to be resolved before the off by countries which attempted to waiver is translated into increased obtain cheap drugs. The matter was vaccine supply. eventually settled out of court. First, the problem is less about Similarly, Thailand has sought to permission and more about how the produce some patented AIDS drugs waiver may work. WTO rules – locally; however, this has also through Article 31bis — already caused furor among pharmaceutical allow for the temporary suspension companies. The Doha Declaration of intellectual property rights in proposed what would eventually situations of public health become Article 31bis of the TRIPS emergencies like the Covid-19 Agreement, the first, and to-date pandemic. only, amendment of the WTO Second, the details of the Covid- Agreement. Under Article 31bis, a 19 vaccine waiver are still to be country in need of a particular worked out and require consensus pharmaceutical product, and without among the WTO membership. This the manufacturing capabilities to could take months, years, or even produce it, is able to import the drug prove to be impossible. under a compulsory license from a Third, the Biden administration producing country without violating has only indicated that it would be provisions found elsewhere in the willing to waive patent protection Agreement. Although the framework for vaccines. This would not be was expected to be widely used, it sufficient. The waiver should apply has been used only once, as it is to all medical products. considered to be unwieldy. Article In sum, then, we see that whilst 31bis outlines several procedural historically, TRIPS has taken a conditions an exporting Member lashing, especially for its stringent state must fulfill when issuing a patent protection and the detrimental compulsory license. effect it has had on the ability of However, with the onset of the developing countries to access cheap Covid-19 pandemic, we are medicines, the Covid-19 pandemic witnessing the advent of a new era appears to have heralded a new age as regards the TRIPS Agreement. To — one in which we are witnessing make Covid-19 products and a willingness of WTO members to vaccines more accessible, a group negotiate a kinder, gentler and of developing countries -- South developing country-friendly TRIPS Africa and India initially, with Agreement. subsequent co-sponsorship by Kenya, , Mozambique, ______TERMS: STRICTLY CASH Pakistan, Bolivia, Venezuela, Mongolia, Zimbabwe, Egypt, Bids may also be submitted via email by no later the African Group, the LDC Group, Tara Leevy is a Dominican than 4th June, 2021 Maldives, Fiji and Namibia – attorney, who has practiced For further particulars on the properties, please submitted a proposal to the TRIPS regionally in Dominica, Barbados, Council to suspend intellectual Saint Lucia and Jamaica and is a guest contact: property protections for products contributor to the SRC’s Trading Email: [email protected] and technologies needed for the fight Thoughts column. Learn more about Tel: 610-0919 against Covid-19, including the SRC at vaccines, for the duration of the www.shridathramphalcentre.com. Friday, June 4, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 21 The 14 who made the difference

by Dayne Guy place this year due to COVID-19 protocols, the organizers still carried FLOWERS BANK, Belize District, out the wreath-laying ceremony at the Tues. June 1, 2021 Flowers Bank Monument in the village. A wreath-laying ceremony was held The Flowers Bank 14 had paddled today in Flowers Bank to honor the their dories from the Belize River Flowers Bank 14, and the decisions Valley, where they resided, to Belize they made in a June 1, 1797 public Town, which is presently known as meeting that led to the Battle of St. Belize City, to cast their votes in the George’s Caye. public meeting that arguably made It is believed that these 14 men, 12 Belize the country it is today. Prior to of whom were free blacks, their arrival, there had been a stalemate unanimously decided to stay and fight at the meeting. Fifty-one persons had for the settlement of British Honduras, voted to remain, while another 51 had now known as Belize, as opposed to opted to flee. Subsequent to their fleeing to the Mosquito Coast to avoid arrival, the tally was 65 to 51 for the conflict with a Spanish armada. settlers to remain in the settlement and The Flowers Bank Community, in fend off Spanish colonizers. collaboration with the National Institute The anticipated Spanish attack had of Culture and History (NICH) and the come on September 3-10, 1798, and is National Kriol Council, annually hosts commemorated yearly as the Battle of the Flowers Bank Village Festival that St. George’s Caye. William Pinder, David Dawson, George Grant, Joseph Smith, Thomas pays tribute to the stand taken by these The name of the 14 men are William Flowers, William Scott, Roberson, Adam Flowers, James 14 men. While a festival could not take William Croft, Cecil Flowers, George Rhaburn, John Dawson, Hercules, and Joseph Tony. Moderna Applies for Full Approval for Its Vaccine

by Dejania Oliver

June 2, 2021 — Moderna on Tuesday became the latest drug company to apply for full FDA approval for its coronavirus vaccine to use in people 18 or older. Last month, Pfizer applied to the FDA for approval of their vaccine in people 16 and older. “We look forward to working with the FDA and will continue to submit data from our phase III study and complete the rolling submission,” Stéphane Bancel, Moderna’s chief executive, said in a press release. Moderna’s vaccine was authorized for emergency use in December, which gave conditional approval of its use based on 2 months of safety data. In order to get full approval, Moderna must provide 6 months of data to prove it is safe to market the shots to consumers directly. Over 151 million doses have already been administered, according to the CDC. Full U.S. approval will allow the vaccine to stay on the market once the U.S. is no longer in a public health emergency. It will also allow the company to begin advertising the shots on TV and other media platforms. Approval could also help raise public confidence in the vaccine, after the rate of vaccinations has dropped sharply since April. Moderna’s vaccine, which requires two doses given 4 weeks apart, has been found to be more than 90% effective at protecting against coronavirus and more than 95% effective against severe disease up to 6 months after the second dose. If the FDA grants Moderna’s request, it would be the company’s first-ever fully approved product. “I think there are many people who were on the fence, who were worried about things moving too rapidly and about possible side effects,” William Schaffner, MD, medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases and a vaccine expert, said. “But those concerns are being allayed as they see more of their friends and acquaintances celebrating getting vaccinated.”

Article first published by wedmd.com Page 22 AMANDALABelize Friday, June 4, 2021 Friday, June 4, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 23 Page 24 AMANDALABelize Friday, June 4, 2021 A bad day for Big Oil

ExxonMobil, Chevron lose key shareholder votes and Dutch court orders Shell to cut emissions faster

by Steven Mufson “Stopping the vote was a pretty desperate move and usually portends MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND WELLNESS May 26, 2021 a result the establishment does not want ExxonMobil shareholders voted to happen,” said a former oil refining INVITATION TO TENDER TO BID FOR Wednesday to install at least two new executive with experience at annual independent directors to the company’s meetings. Exxon said it was counting a SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF EQUIPMENT TO SUPPORT THE board, a resounding defeat for chief late surge of ballots. executive Darren Woods and a The proxy campaign that rocked the INSTALLATION OF PICTURE ARCHIVING COMMUNICATION SYSTEM ratification of shareholders’ 130-year-old oil behemoth was led by (PACS) unhappiness with the way the company a young, relatively small hedge fund had been addressing climate change and called Engine No. 1. But it quickly won its lagging financial performance. the backing of the three biggest U.S. The votes were part of a day of pension funds, the two biggest advisory 1. The Government of Belize (GOB) has received grant funding from the Republic reckoning for an oil and gas industry services and at least one of the three of China (Taiwan) towards the cost of a Project titled “Project for Strengthening already struggling over how to deal biggest fund managers. The three fund Medical Imaging Systems” and intends to apply proceeds of this grant funding towards with climate change. In Europe, a Dutch managers — BlackRock, Vanguard and the purchase of the below listed equipment. court ordered Royal Dutch Shell, State Street — hold more than 20 considered one of the more forward- percent of ExxonMobil’s shares. thinking companies in the industry, to BlackRock, the second-largest make deeper-than-planned cuts in Exxon shareholder, said Wednesday greenhouse gas emissions. And in the that it cast its votes for three of the four United States, Chevron lost a independent directors. It wasn’t clear shareholder vote directing the company what decision Vanguard and State Street to take into account its customers’ had made. 2. The GOB, acting through the Ministry of Health and Wellness, now invites sealed emissions when planning reductions. Charlie Penner, managing member Bids for Supply and Delivery of Computers and Communication Related Goods. The balloting at the storied oil giant and head of active engagement at ExxonMobil “sends an unmistakable Engine No. 1, said Wednesday on 3. Procurement of the goods will be conducted through Open Tendering signal that climate action is a financial CNBC that other investors had told him Procedure. imperative, and leading investors know that ExxonMobil directors were calling it and are demanding change,” said Fred to try to get them to change their votes, 4. This invitation is opened to all eligible Bidders as described in the Bidding Krupp, president of the Environmental which is permissible up until the end Documents. Defense Fund. “This is a watershed of voting. Penner said it gave the vote moment for the oil and gas industry. It’s a “very banana republic feel” and was 5. Interested eligible Bidders may obtain further information and inspect the no longer tenable for companies like “beneath a company like ExxonMobil Bidding Documents. For this purpose, the original Bidding Documents are available ExxonMobil to defy calls to align their or, frankly, any company.” for view during office hours from 8:30 am to 11:30 am and from 1:30pm to 4:30 pm, businesses with decarbonizing the “Investors are waking up,” Anne from Monday to Friday, except public holidays, at the address given below: economy.” Simpson, managing investment director Woods tried to muster votes until the for board governance and sustainability Ministry of Health and Wellness last minute but failed to win backing at the California Public Employees’ Policy Planning and Project Management Unit for all of his proposed directors. In Retirement System, said in the run-up nd 2 Floor, East Block Building addition to the election of two new to the vote. “The sleeping giant maybe City of Belmopan independent directors, the votes over is stirring.” Cayo District, Belize, C.A. one other from the dissident slate was Chevron investors also flexed their Tel : 501-822-0992 too close to call and one was declared muscle Wednesday, casting 61 percent E-mail : [email protected] a loser several hours after voting of shares in favor of a proposal asking 6. Qualification requirements are as specified in Instructions to Bidders, Clause 14, halted. the oil major to cut its total greenhouse Documents “Establishing the Eligibility and Qualifications of the Bidder”, and in the Both sides spent tens of millions of gas emissions, including customers’ Bid Data Sheet. dollars on the hard-fought campaign, emissions, a category known as Scope an indication of the high stakes 3, in addition to its own operations and 7. A complete set of Bidding Documents in English may be picked up by interested involved. Though the new directors supply chains, according to a Bidders on the submission of a written application to the address given in paragraph would be a minority of a 12-person preliminary count announced by 11 below. board, the top executives at Chevron at its annual general meeting. ExxonMobil and many other This full article can be viewed at : 8. Bids must be delivered to the address given below in paragraph 11, on or before corporations are unaccustomed to being https://www.washingtonpost.com/ June 18, 2021 at 2:00 p.m., local time. Late bids will be rejected. Electronic bidding challenged by their own handpicked climate-environment/2021/05/26/ shall not be permitted. Interested public/NGO/Civil societies may also attend the directors. exxonmobil-rebel-shareholders-win- bid opening. At one point during the meeting, board-seats/ ExxonMobil declared a one-hour 9. All bids shall be accompanied by a Bid Securing Declaration as specified in recess, a move many believed reflected This piece was first published by the Instructions to Bidders. ongoing negotiations over votes. The Washington Post.

10. The Government of Belize will declare a firm ineligible either indefinitely or for a stated period of time, to be awarded a contract financed by the Government of Belize, if it at any time determines that the firm has engaged in corrupt or fraudulent, coercive or collusive practices in competing for or in executing a contract. Sunday Review

11. The address referred to above is the address for the (i) collection of Bidding News Review Talk Show Documents;(ii) submission of Bid Documents; and (iii) opening of bids, as stated below: On Krem TV & Krem Radio Ministry of Health and Wellness Live-streaming on Krem Television Face Book Page 2nd Floor, East Block Building Tel: (office hours): 501-822-0992 Host: YaYa Marin Coleman Co-Host: Dwight Neal E-mail:[email protected] Date: Sunday, June 6, 2021 Time: 10:30 a.m. to noon 12. The Bidders are requested to submit as part of the bid the “Statement of Ethical Guest: Clinton Pulu Lightburn Conduct and Fraud and Corruption”. In case of misleading information or non- adherence to the Fraud and Corruption provisions of the Bidding Documents, the Sunday Review will be repeated at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 6, 2021 Bidder shall be pursued by the GoB. Friday, June 4, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 25 New Belize Ambassador presents credentials to Guatemalan President

GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE

Basic Needs Trust Fund Ninth Programme (BNTF9) Belize Social Investment Fund (BSIF) Loan III

CONSULTANCY SERVICES TO PREPARE BELIZE’S ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE REPORT FOR BASIC NEEDS TRUST FUND (BNTF) CYCLE 9 AND BELIZE SOCIAL INVESTMENT FUND THIRD LOAN (BSIF LOAN III)

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

The Government of Belize (GOB) has received financing from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) towards implementing the BNTF9 Country Project and the BSIF Loan III, which aims to increase access to quality education services in various parts of Belize. The BNTF Programme is classified as a Category “B” project based on the Caribbean Development Bank’s (CDB) Environmental and Social Review Procedures (ESRP). This means that sub-projects implemented by Implementing Agencies (IAs) are likely to have limited adverse and site-specific environmental and social impacts that are readily identified and for which mitigation and by Dayne Guy Alpuche formerly served as a Chief management measures are known and available. Environmental management should be taken Executive Officer in the Ministry of seriously during the project cycle, commencing with the environmental screening at the design phase. IAs and Design Consultants are required to keep the environmental screening and site- GUATEMALA CITY, Mon. May 31, Agriculture and has been part of specific checklists for sub-projects financed from Programme resources as part of their official 2021 diplomatic missions in the United records. H.E. Jose Alpuche, who was Kingdom and Belgium. In his new BNTF IAs are expected to have access to capacities for conducting environmental and social selected by the Briceño role as Ambassador of Belize to screening and impact assessments (ESIA). They are required to identify, monitor and report on compliance with environmental and social management plans (ESMPs). A Guidance Manual: administration to serve as Belize’s Guatemala, H.E. Alpuche will Environmental Screening Checklists and Guidelines for BNTF Programme is also to be applied. Ambassador to the Republic of spearhead the implementation of This contains ESIA tools for use by IA and Design Consultants through the sub-project design Guatemala, presented his letter of foreign and trade policies with and implementation process. Records and reports of the IA and Design Consultants include credence to the President of Guatemala. President Giammattei, these completed checklists, and these inform the contents of the Annual Environmental Reports. The Belize Social Investment Fund Loan III Project (BSIF Loan III) is intended to support the Guatemala, H.E. Alejandro during the ceremony, highlighted the Government of Belize (GOBZ) in its continuing commitment to raise the living standards of the Giammattei Falla, in Guatemala City shared vision of the neighbouring poor and vulnerable in the country. The resources are being made available to the Belize Social today during a ceremony hosted at the countries to expand and deepen all Investment Fund (BSIF) to invest in social and economic infrastructure, social services, and National Palace of Culture. aspects of their relations and said that organizational strengthening sub-projects in poor communities for the benefit of the most vulnerable persons. The position was formerly held by he looks forward to collaborating on The BSIF Loan III Project is classified as a Category “B” project based on CDB’s ESRP. This Ambassador Alexis Rosado, who regional and international issues. means that sub-projects implemented by IAs are likely to have limited adverse and site-specific will be relocated to Belgium to serve Alpuche’s new post is a crucial environmental and social impacts that are readily identified and for which mitigation and as the Ambassador-Designate to the one, in light of the long-standing management measures are known and available. Environmental management are of paramount territorial feud between the two importance during the project cycle, commencing with the environmental screening at the design European Union, and the phase. The IA and Design Consultants are required to keep the environmental screening and Organization of African, Caribbean, neighbouring countries, dating as far site-specific checklists for sub-projects financed from Program resources as part of their official and Pacific States. back as the 1800’s. records. The BSIF, the IA, now wishes to procure Consultancy Services to Prepare Belize’s Annual Environmental Performance Reports for the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) – Cycle 9 and Belize Social Investment Fund Third Loan (BSIF Loan III).

The objective of the Consultancy is to prepare Annual Environmental Reports for the BNTF 9 Programme and BSIF Loan III for the period 2018-2021. The BSIF now invites interested eligible consulting firms to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) indicating qualifications and experience required to provide these Consultancy Services. Consultants shall be eligible to participate if: (a) the persons are citizens or bona fide residents of an eligible country; and (b) in all cases, the consultant has no arrangement and undertakes not to make any arrangements, whereby any substantial part of the net profits or other tangible benefits of the contract will accrue or be paid to a person not a citizen or bona fide resident of an eligible country. Eligible countries are member countries of CDB. The Member Countries of the CDB can be found at the following web address: http://www.caribank.org/about-cdb/member-countries.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to paragraph 1.9 of CDB’s Guidelines for the Selection and Engagement of Consultants (2011), setting forth CDB’s policy on conflict of interest. In the assessment of submissions, consideration will be given to qualifications and experience on similar assignments. All information must be submitted in English. Further information may be obtained from the first address below between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, except on Public Holidays.

One (1) original and four (4) hard copies of the Expression of Interest must be received at the first address below no later than 10:00 a.m. (Belize time) on Monday, July 5, 2021 and an electronic copy must be sent simultaneously to CDB at the second address below. The sealed envelope containing each submission shall include the name and address of the applicant and shall be clearly marked “BNTF9 – Expressions of Interest - Consultancy Services to Prepare Belize’s Annual Environmental Performance Reports for the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) – Cycle 9 and Belize Social Investment Fund Third Loan (BSIF Loan III).

Following the assessment of submissions, the most technically capable and appropriately experienced applicant will be invited to negotiate a contract to provide the consultancy services. GOB reserves the right to accept or reject late applications or to cancel the present invitation partially or in its entirety. It will not be bound to assign any reason for not engaging the services of any applicant and will not defray any costs incurred by any applicant in the preparation and submission of Expressions of Interest.

Envelopes should be addressed to:

1. Senior Procurement Officer 2. Procurement Officer Caribbean Belize Social Investment Fund Development Bank P.O. Box 408 3rd Floor Wildey #1902 Constitution Drive St. Michael Belmopan BARBADOS, W.I. BELIZE Tel. (246) 431-1600; Fax. (246) Tel. (501) 822-0239; Fax. (501) 822-0279 426-7269 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] [email protected] Page 26 AMANDALABelize Friday, June 4, 2021

El sensacional incidente que resultado de un desacuerdo entre la brecha, por así decirlo, pero los Patrick Faber permanece líder del involucró al finado el Sr. Faber y la madre de uno de sindicatos no fueron diseñados UDP porque es un favorito de la superintendente de policía Henry sus hijos, una niña de dos años. para desempeñar el papel de la Iglesia Anglicana, la Iglesia de Jemmott y Jasmine Hartin, nuera La situación es notable porque Oposición en la Cámara de Inglaterra, la Iglesia del Palacio de de Lord Michael Ashcroft, ha la Oposición UDP, encabezada por Representantes. Buckingham, la Iglesia de la Reina estado dominando las noticias en el Sr. Faber, ha sido muy débil Esta columna se centra en la Isabel II. (Recuerden que el UDP Belize desde la semana pasada, desde las elecciones generales de situación de Faber como una fue organizado por un sacerdote pero poco después de que se noviembre pasado y las elecciones sugerencia del papel que la religión anglicano de Brooklyn en conociera la noticia de Hartin- municipales de marzo. En general, denominacional sigue septiembre de 1973.) Jemmott, surgió una controversia se acepta como una obviedad que desempeñando en la política de La relación entre la Iglesia con respecto a un video que una democracia parlamentaria es Belize. Dado que el muy rico y Católica Romana y yo mejoró circulaba en las redes sociales de tan fuerte como la Oposición, que poderoso Gapi Vega odia las tripas sustancialmente cuando el Colegio Belize y que parecía implicar al mantiene al gobierno en alerta. de Patrick Faber, y dado que los San Juan (SJC en inglés) introdujo Honorable Patrick Faber, líder de En la relativa ausencia del UDP, jubilados aún más poderosos, el ex la historia africana y maya en su la oposición del Partido hemos visto al Sindicato Nacional primer ministro y el plan de estudios en 2013. Han Demócrata Unido (UDP en de Maestros de Belize (BNTU en ex ministro de Vivienda Michael pasado ocho años desde entonces, inglés), en un incidente de alboroto inglés) y al Sindicato de Oficiales Finnegan, han dejado de ser y SJC ha creado una plantilla doméstico. El incidente fue el Públicos (PSU en inglés) entrar en fanáticos de Faber, mi tesis es que excelente para ser emulada pero las escuelas anglicanas han continuado ignorando simple y casualmente la historia de nuestros antepasados africanos y mayas. Durante mi tiempo como líder de un movimiento de conciencia negra en Belize a principios de la década de 1970, me di cuenta de lo poderosa que es la Iglesia Anglicana en Belize. No tienen que hacer ningún ruido, porque son la iglesia oficial de la Madre Inglaterra. Y en Inglaterra, el estado y la iglesia son uno. La Reina, la jefa de estado, es la cabeza de la Iglesia. Desde el punto de vista educativo, creo que el sistema Iglesia-Estado ha fracasado en Belize. La evidencia es lo que ha estado ocurriendo en la Zona Sur de la Ciudad de Belize durante los últimos treinta y tantos años: guerra civil, genocidio, suicidio de jóvenes negros, locura, lo que sea. El problema fundamental es que la mayoría de los jóvenes de la Zona Sur que nacen cada año crecen sin educación ni formación. El sistema educativo en Belize, no importa que los políticos sigan invirtiendo dinero en ello, simplemente no está haciendo su trabajo. Sí, una clase élite se ha beneficiado. En mi juventud, tal vez fui miembro de esa clase élite, porque me fue bastante bien en el sistema iglesia-estado en las décadas de 1950 y 1960. Pero estamos en 2021. Hay estragos a nuestro alrededor. No culpen a la pandemia. Ni siquiera culpen a la Reina. Nosotros y nuestros antepasados éramos súbditos británicos, súbditos británicos porque la Reina nos defendió de Guatemala después de esclavizarnos siglos antes. Aún en 2021, parece que todavía somos incapaces de defendernos después de declarar nuestra independencia en 1981. Piensen en lo que estoy tratando de decirles.

Vivimos tiempos serios. Friday, June 4, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 27

Coby delivers sports equipment to Belize City youths

of sporting equipment and court; and today, Wednesday, Jerome The donations include school hosting a 3-on-3 knockout “Peeloff” Maheia’s Yabra Youth supplies, basketballs, footballs, basketball tournament at football club. Aside from basketball pumps, uniforms, whistles, referee Bird’s Isle that also enlisted related items for the Charlie Burton uniforms, scorecards, warning cards, the services of some veteran and Civic groups, and football linesmen uniforms, and boots. stars of the sport. equipment for the Yabra group, all For more information on Coby Alas, there was no camp three groups also received assorted Foundation, visit his website at: http:/ last year (or this year) due to sports equipment and school supplies. /www.cobyfoundationsystems.org/ the State of Emergency, but Coby still managed to send some sporting equipment. Coby explains: “Due to the rules and policies of the Covid-19 pandemic, Coby Foundation was unable to conduct our annual basketball camp. In lieu of the camp I’ve decided to donate some sporting equipment to different sporting clubs and organizations. Pulu Lightburn’s Future Shock received last BELIZE CITY, Wed. June 2, 2021 year’s (2020) donation of basketballs, Returning to the U.S. on Friday after sneakers, and uniforms.” a week in the Jewel is 1970s Belize According to Coby, this year’s 2021 basketball star Evondale “Coby” recipients were: on Monday, Charlie Coburn, who has for the past decade Burton Park youths with coordinator plus been making annual visits to his G. Michael Reid; on Tuesday, Civic hold hometown to give encouragement Center neighborhood kids under the and support to disadvantaged youth guidance of Henry Marsden who lives through his Coby Foundation’s donation across the street from the Civic outdoor Cricket Corner – Summer Fever of Bermudian Landing in Level One and Brilliant of Crooked Tree in Level Two are 2020 Champs in their respective Divisions.

BELIZE weekend, Summer Fever won an active and very excellent player to even things; but it was not to be CITY, Wed. handily. Now this weekend, it’s before he gave up playing because for team Mix, as young Kristan Tillett June 2, the team that performs the best which of health issues; he and his and Brandon “Fuds” Lewis took 5 2021 will be glorified. Bandits won the toss brother, Kenton Young as the team’s and 3 wickets, respectively. The Hello, and opted to bat first. captain, brought out the team three game was over in 19.5 overs with my cricket With the super and precise bowling seasons ago. First season, they were only 61 runs scored. Frederick Guy folks! I’m of George Hyde and Maurice sub-champs; second season, 3rd and Dwayne Hendy scored 9 and 6 very Castillo, at the fall of the first place; and this year, each. pleased to wicket only one run was scored. Then Champions. Congrats, team Summer Brilliant’s captain Brandon Lewis report to it was 2 for 49, 3 for 64, 4 for 72; Fever, for your achievement in and his team have played the season you on the and at the fall of the last wicket, 99 winning the top prize! and won every game. They are past weekend matches. runs were scored, with Greg Scott To the Bandits team, brothers, you undefeated from the regular season Under the auspices of the Belize top scoring with 30, followed by all fought hard but it was not to be. to the championship round. The team National Cricket Association and its Aaron Muslar with 20. The two You all played excellent. Better going had not won a championship since sponsor Bowen and Bowen, after aforementioned bowlers took 4 next season! 2008. Congratulations, team jumping over many hurdles, the wickets each. We now go to Crooked Tree where Brilliant! You have done great. To Harrison Parks 2020-2021 Cricket After a break for refreshments, it the second match in the best-of-three Rural Mix, another season coming up, Competition came to an end over the was time for Summer Fever to try and was playing between Brilliant and so be prepared. weekend. Please note that this get things done or otherwise. From Rural Mix. The weekend before, The President of the Belize competition was different from other the time the inning started it was plain Brilliant won the first game in National Cricket Association, Dr. seasons. Because of the amount that the Bandits were in trouble, for Isabella. Today, Rural Mix will try Roy Young must be recognized for of teams entering, they were divided when the first wicket fell the score to even things or settle for 2nd place. introducing the cricket app, allowing into two categories, Level One was at 58. Then it was 2 for 62, 3 for Brilliant took to bat first. As hard scorers to do so live. Come next and Level Two. Two games were 74, 4 for 81, 5 for 97, and it was as bowler Tayshawn Moses and season, the app will be selecting an played in different venues. There history after that. The score reached others tried, Brilliant brothers MVP after the season ends. There’s were tears and joy at both venues. 103. In that inning, Lloyd Keagan and Kristan Tillett were “no a lot more the association has done As you read along you will agree with Cassasola top scored with 38, play” with their batting performances. and is doing, so with your positive me. followed by Maurice Castillo with In 34 overs, all Brilliant wickets fell attitude towards cricket, many At Lords Bank, Summer Fever met 18. Aaron Muslar took 4 wickets for for a whopping 217 runs, with the achievements will be reached. with Bandits for a third time in the Bandits. aforementioned brothers scoring 71 On Saturday, June 5, all winners best-of-three series. In the first Summer Fever was under the strong and 45, respectively. Tayshawn will be rewarded and awarded with match in Belmopan, Bandits won coaching from the team’s founder and Moses took 3 of Brilliant wickets. easily. At Landing the following organizer, Conway Young, who was Rural Mix now goes to bat, trying Please turn to„Page 28 Page 28 AMANDALABelize Friday, June 4, 2021

Belize National “A” Team arrives safely in Nicaragua

BELMOPAN, Mon. May 31, 2021 as they represent Belize in their third The Football Federation of Belize match of the FIFA World Cup Qatar (FFB) takes this opportunity to inform 2022 Qualifiers. the general public that the National Technical Staff: Head Coach - “A” Team has arrived safely in Dale Pelayo, Sr.; Assistant Coach - Nicaragua and have checked into Marvin Ottley; Manager - Raynord their hotel. We applaud the Jaguars Garbutt; Goalkeeper Coach - Stanley for taking this journey and Reneau; Physical Trainer - Dennis representing Belize in their upcoming Serano; Physical Therapist - Thomas match in Managua, Nicaragua on Rivars; Doctor - Dr. Carlos Crespo; Friday, June 4. Equipment Manager - Herbert Trapp, Before leaving Belize, all players Jr.; Head of Delegation - Shane Orio. and technical staff were tested and National “A” Team: goalkeepers produced negative Covid-19 tests. To – Charles Tillett (Verdes FC), Isaac ensure the safety of our players, the Castillo (Capital United FC); two drivers on the trip also produced defenders – Ian Gaynair (Belmopan negative tests. On Sunday, May 30, Bandits), Norman Anderson (Verdes the Jaguars left by road through the FC), Deshawon Nembhard Belize-Guatemala border in a luxury (Chattanooga FC, USA), Donel Arzu liner with spacious, comfortable (Wagiya SC), Jordan Casnanova (San seating and bathroom on a journey Pedro Pirates FC); midfielders - that took 25 hours. Their trip included Nana Mensah (New Jersey three food stops and delays at borders Teamsterz, USA), Denmark Casey which totaled 6 hours. (Verdes FC), Jahlin Pelayo The team will take today to rest (Belmopan Bandits), Izon Gill and acclimatize and then go straight (Verdes FC), Ean Lewis (Belize into two days of training before their Defence Force), Darrel Myvette official training on Thursday (Verdes FC), Jordy Polanco (Verdes followed by game on Friday. FC); forwards – Deon McCaulay The team is united, determined and (Atletico Atlanta, USA), Krisean in good spirits. We take this Lopez (Verdes FC), Gilroy Thurton opportunity to invite Belizeans at (Wagiya FC). home and abroad to continue showing their love and support to the Jaguars - press release - Cricket Corner

Continued from Page 27 With all that said, folks, it was a „ pleasure to have been able to keep money and kind at the Trophy you updated in the sport of cricket. Challenge Day in Landing at 10:00 Thank you all who have read my a.m. Before trophies are handed out, column! Whatever comments made the excitement of the day is when by you concerning my input were Summer Fever, Champ of Level One, well appreciated. Thanks to all goes up against Brilliant, Champ of those who helped me in getting the Level Two. Let’s see who have the information I needed before the strongest muscles or skills. cricheroes app came on board. Before I close, for both Level Thanks to the sports editor for Champion teams, apart from medals receiving my articles at his desk and and/or trophies, each team will for making corrections from time to receive $3,000.00. The 2nd and 3rd time. To all others indirectly or place winners will receive $2,000.00 directly involved, I say Thanks; and $1,000.00, respectively. much appreciated! Bye Bye! Friday, June 4, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 29 USDA helps BAHA to eradicate the Medfly

by Kory Leslie (freelance writer) wages as a part of an ongoing elimination efforts – protects program to eradicate one of the the sustainability and BELIZE CITY, Tues. June 1, 2021 world’s most destructive pests, the profitability of one of This week, the Belize Agricultural Mediterranean Fruit Fly from Belize’s primary agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) received Belize.” exports. These efforts play a $280,000 BZ from the US Department The release goes on to explain that critical role in defending of Agriculture (USDA) to aid in the the Belize citrus industry was valued Belize’s environment and eradication of the Mediterranean Fruit at approximately $20 million BZD in economy.” The program has Fly from Belize. The US Chargé d’ 2020. However, BAHA estimates existed since 1977 when the Affaires, ad interim, Keith Gilges, that the medfly population has caused then Ministry of Agriculture handed over these funds to the CEO damages and losses of up to about signed a Memorandum of in the Ministry of Agriculture, Food BZD $7 million in the industry. The Understanding with the USDA Security and Enterprise, Servulo pest reportedly entered the country to implement a medfly Baeza, on Tuesday. According to a initially via contaminated fruits being surveillance program in joint press release issued by BAHA transported illegally across our Belize. and the USDA, the funds will be used borders. Since 1987, however, the Subsequent to the handing- to “pay for equipment, supplies and country has carried out aerial over ceremony, Hernan spraying, quarantine checkpoints, and Zetina, the Deputy Technical manual inspections of vulnerable Director for Plant Health at BAHA, specifically for eradication activities. areas in order to reduce the presence spoke with the media to explain how Whenever we have outbreaks, we use of the medfly in Belize. the donated funds have been used. that money to carry out our measures The joint release quoted the US “The funds are used in order for to ensure that the medfly doesn’t Chargé d’ Affaires, who said, “The us to carry out activities and set out become established here in Belize. medfly program is one of the oldest in our plan. Every year we develop And we have been able to – with and longest-running cooperative our plan along with the United States these funds and funds from BAHA, United States-Belize programs and it Department of Agriculture, and so and funds from the Ministry of has proven itself highly effective. The they give us monies, specifically for Agriculture through the Ministry of FOR SALE joint USDA-BAHA program – which line items. For example, they provide Finance of Belize – we’ve been able incorporates surveillance, us with a vehicle every year; they to ensure that this pest stays out of FOR SALE: One 3-bedroom interdiction, quarantine, and give us certain amounts of money Belize,” he said. cement bungalow house with 2 bathrooms located at Belama Phase II. Serious inquiries only, call: 620- 4099. The SSB Celebrates 40

FOR RENT newborn baby items to aid the press release. the parents in caring for their The SSB also hosted a media FOR RENT: Rooms for single little ones, it also included mixer prior to the start of their persons only, all utilities paid. some SSB promotional activities wherein the Acting CEO, Comes with bed, wardrobe and items. The SSB’s Deborah Ruiz, and the General dresser. Also, 1 room for a couple. contributions were not Manager, Chandra Nisbet-Cansino At 5752 Lizarraga Ave., Kings Park. limited to the KHMH were able to better highlight the Call 625-1807 however and they reportedly upcoming activities as well as the distributed at least nine care SSB’s performance over the past four packages country-wide on decades. These remarks were shared VACANCY Tuesday. as she took the podium: Additionally, the SSB is “The right honorable George Cadle VACANCY: evanSale.com is also rolling out their Price Father of the Nation when seeking English-speaking reps to “Empowering 40” project interviewed in 2005 had told us that work from home, part or full time. which seeks to empower the need for a social insurance evanSale is the fastest growing firm forty Belizeans who became scheme like social security was in the U.S. specializing in ‘virtual unemployed due to COVID- recognized from the start of the assistants’ and tele calling. 19 with vocational training. movement now sited as the Peaceful Salary+bonus are paid. Please email The program will be opened Belizean Revolution, the start of the your resume to to Belizean nationals P.U.P. in the 1950’s. At the end of [email protected] between the ages of twenty- 1981, our contributions totaled just one (21) to forty (40) years two million six hundred dollars. This old and offers skill training year, 2021, he is hopeful to meet our NOTICE by Kory Leslie, (freelance Writer) in areas suck as cake target of one hundred and nine million decorating, food preparation/ dollars, and perhaps exceeding that, NOTICE: This is to inform you Belize City, Belize. Tues. June 1, catering, sewing, and barbering. The depending on the performance of the of the loss of boat registration 2021 program also offers certification from economy. Our staff has grown from certificate in the name of: Jose Fermin The Social Security Board of the YWCA after the completion of the twenty-six I mentioned to well Nunez, Tobacco Caye, Stann Creek Belize (SSB) turned forty today and twenty-four hours of training. over three hundred members today. District. Registration number: SC- is celebrating via a myriad of social The remaining activities include a The number of insured persons has 0001. Name of Boat: Captain Fermin activities scheduled to carry on New Facebook Live Segment to increased from twenty-four thousand throughout the month of June. The “engage the general public using nine hundred and fifty-eight persons SSB made their announcement by way social media to inform our audience to over a hundred and four thousand LIQUOR LICENSE of a press release and advertised five on SSB’s services, core functions, and active insured persons. The number initiatives designed to either give other updates”, the Inauguration of of employers has also increased from NOTICE back to or engage the public, David L. McKoy Business Center two thousand five hundred and fifty- especially those facing major which marks the “official opening of three to eleven thousand and thirty- LIQUOR LICENCE NOTICE: financial restraints due to COVID-19. an SSB investment project that three to date. In 1981, Social security Notice is hereby given that Simone The celebrations kicked off in a promises to attract additional revenue benefit payout was a hundred and Sleeuw is applying for a Hotel Liquor unique way, whereby the SSB visited to the fund” and the Launch of ninety thousand. For 2021, our Licence, to be operated at Bella’s the maternity ward of the Karl Biometrics which is the “fingerprint projected benefit payout is estimated Guesthouse, Crocodile St., Caye Heusner Memorial Hospital recognition service to become at some ninety-eight point three Caulker, Bze, under the Intoxicating (KHMH) to present mothers and their available for the collection of million dollars, pensions being the Liquor Licence Ordinance Revised babies born on June 1 with care fingerprint data for future use and Edition 2000. packages. These packages contained service enhancements.” As stated in Please turn to„Page 30 Page 30 AMANDALABelize Friday, June 4, 2021 Will Israel be held accountable for war crimes?

as quickly as possible.” human rights chief, Michelle Roads leading to Al-Shifa Bachelet, said they have not seen Hospital, the largest medical facility evidence to support Israel’s claims in the Gaza Strip, were also damaged, that the buildings they bombed in along with the only COVID-19 testing Gaza were “hosting armed groups or laboratory in the enclave. being used for military purposes”. Israel’s military claims it was only Even before the recent eruption of targeting buildings with links to violence, the International Criminal Hamas and other armed groups. Court (ICC) had opened an However, Raji Sourani, director of investigation into previous bouts of the Palestinian Human Rights Centre the continuing conflict, and last month based in Gaza, refutes this. the ICC’s chief prosecutor said she “It wasn’t Hamas targeted; it was closely monitoring what was wasn’t PFLP [Popular Front for the happening on the ground. Liberation of Palestine] targeted; it Both sides have been accused of wasn’t Islamic Jihad targeted. I committing war crimes; Hamas for believe it was civilians targeted,” he firing rockets indiscriminately into says. civilian areas in Israel – although out “From the first hour of the first day of more than 2,000 rockets, about 640 by Jessie Williams to extinguish it. We have a lot of [of the recent escalation], civilians fell short into the Gaza Strip and 90 repairs to do inside and on the were the targets of these most high- percent that crossed the border were 3 Jun 2021 - Aljazeera stairwell and a lot of cleaning.” tech airplanes – F16 and F35 – with intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome Like tens of thousands of people It was one of several high-rise rockets designed for military targets missile defence system – and Israel in Gaza, Aymen al-Djaroucha had to buildings in Gaza City targeted by and you see these things targeting for repeatedly bombing densely flee his home with his family last Israeli air strikes, including the al- precisely. Tens of children and populated civilian areas within Gaza. month during the 11 days of fighting Jalaa building that housed several women killed. Nothing can justify This full article can be viewed at: between the Israeli military and media organisations, such as Al that,” he adds. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/ Palestinian armed groups, mainly Jazeera and The Associated Press Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin 2021/6/3/will-israel-be-held- Hamas, which controls the blockaded bureaus. Netanyahu, accused Hamas of using accountable-for-war-crimes enclave. The skyline of the metropolis – civilians as “human shields”. But, Birds sing outside the window of home to almost 600,000 people – has addressing the United Nations Human This article was first published by his office as the father of three been significantly altered since May Rights Council last week, the UN Aljazeera explains what it feels like to leave 10 when hostilities escalated. the place where you’ve spent the last Along with at least 2,000 housing 12 years – without any of your units destroyed and more than 15,000 belongings. other units damaged, Gaza’s already Hartin bail “You have all your memories there, run-down infrastructure was also it’s where our children grew up, badly hit. application where we spent time with each other The United Nations reported that and shared happy moments and six hospitals, nine healthcare centres difficult moments. All my life was and a water desalination plant were adjourned there.” damaged during the fighting. But, he had to leave. The Israeli Al-Djaroucha, who works as the Continued from Page 1 gone to great lengths on various military phoned the apartment block’s project coordinator in Gaza for „ social media platforms to condemn caretaker on May 14 to warn families Doctors Without Borders (Médecins lengths to decry the extent to which what they perceive as an inadequate to evacuate. They bombed it less than Sans Frontières, or MSF), says their the case has been publicized by investigation into this matter. They an hour later, destroying several flats burns and trauma clinic was damaged traditional media outlets, and also fear that the high-profile status of and causing a fire that ripped through by an air strike. on social media platforms. Hartin, who is a member of the the building. “Not only the whole waiting area He then stated that he received Ashcroft family, will cause what they He has since been back to assess was affected but also one of the main instructions from the office of the consider a brutal and criminal act to the scale of the damage and to “try to sterilisation rooms, which we use to Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) be swept under the rug. return to my normal life”, he says. prepare materials and to sterilise the to deny bail to Hartin on the grounds Since the manslaughter by “The flats above the eighth floor tools which we use in all our that she is Canadian and there is thus negligence charge was handed down, were badly destroyed by the fire and outpatient departments. So it’s vital a high risk she would leave the many in the public, inclusive of the it was very hard for the civil defence that we are able to get back to normal country after being released. Smith, family and friends of Jemmott, as well the attorney representing Hartin, then as some of his former Police remarked that the DPP’s request was Department colleagues, have aired made with merely one sentence. their discontent and have called for The SSB Celebrates 40 Judge Lord subsequently asked that a charge of murder. They have a full written submission from Crown questioned the scenario described by Counsel Shanice Lovell, be presented Continued from Page 29 persons who actively contribute.” Hartin — asserting that Jemmott was „ The SSB is estimating a loss of about to the court by Friday, June 4. Senior fastidious in his handling of loaded majority of those. In 1981, investment $20 million in contributions but did Counsel Smith will then have until weapons and would have never asked income was only seventy-six see a positive investment return that Monday to respond on behalf of his her to pass him a loaded pistol while thousand nine hundred and sixty- somewhat offsets their losses. They client. The bail proceeding will his back was turned. eight. Based on the current estimates project a revenue inflow of about resume on Wednesday June 9. While being questioned by local our portfolio is expected to perform $109 million for last year as Hartin, the common-law wife of media, the Commissioner of Police, at twenty-three point seven million opposed to the $110 million Andrew Ashcroft, the youngest son of Chester Williams, said that he stands at the end of 2021. Obviously, S.S.B. collected prior to 2020. Ruiz also Lord Michael Ashcroft, was arrested by the decision made by the DPP to has grown tremendously in size and stated that the SSB was going and charged with manslaughter by charge Hartin with manslaughter by scope.” beyond the call of duty to negligence in connection with the negligence. The Acting CEO also shared that accommodate those who were death of Superintendent of Police, It must be noted that, unlike a despite their tremendous growth quarantined and unemployed by Henry Jemmott. Reports are that he typical manslaughter charge, which over the years, the SSB was no honoring claims filed within a three- was shot in the back of the head — can carry a sentence of life exception to the stagnation caused month period. The SSB also and Hartin is claiming that this imprisonment, the maximum prison by the pandemic. According to Ruiz, recognized a drop in claims from an occurred accidentally when she was time for a manslaughter by negligence Social Security has seen “a average of 54,000 annual claims to passing his Glock 9mm service pistol conviction is 5 years. significant drop in the number of approximately 45,000 in 2020. to him. Hartin will spend another week at The public’s fury has been the Belize Central Prison before her unabated since details of the incident bail application goes back for AMANDALA is cream! first came to light, and many have consideration in the Supreme Court. Friday, June 4, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 31 US national dies in RTA involving senior cop

Continued from Page 1 to him and we decided to check on „ the lady, but she was unconscious. the pickup, it tried to go back into the Another man from a nearby house ran lane. The car then swung out, and it and tried to open the door, but it was was skating towards me. I started to jammed. Another guy of Creole drive off-road, applied brakes and descent then came to me and took out closed my eyes. It happened in a split a water bottle and wet my hand and second, and the lady was already in face and asked if I was alright.” my lane at the time.” Guzman stated that he then contacted Guzman noted that, at the scene of the local police. First responders later the incident, many of the nearby arrived at the scene and pronounced motorists and inhabitants of the area the woman to be dead. An ambulance came to render help. He said, “The then took Guzman to a hospital, where guy in the pickup truck that she was he provided urine samples and trying to overtake stopped and I spoke received a checkup following the crash. A police superintendent who was asserts that the department will be near the scene of the crash was investigating the issue impartially and instructed by Commissioner of Police, has directed ACP Dawson to follow Hurricane season begins Chester Williams to carry out a search the procedures and protocols of the vehicle that Guzman had been established for all road traffic driving. Following the search, the Continued from Page 1 likely be factors in this year’s overall incidents. Commissioner Williams has „ activity,” a release from NOAA police superintendent noted that the informed ACP Guzman of his decision extended periods of rain caused by stated. vehicle contained goods that were and the need for cooperation, and the major storms that made a direct Belize lies in the Atlantic Basin, suspected to be contraband; however, Guzman has committed to being fully impact on our neighbors in Latin making us more vulnerable to impact ACP Guzman has provided receipts cooperative. America, as well as Hurricane Nana. from a major storm. showing that he had purchased such At the time of the incident, ACP This year NOAA is predicting at Both Belize’s national government items from local vendors in a booth Guzman was driving a government least 13-20 named storms, 6 to 10 of and its municipal bodies have near 24/7 Mart in Corozal. vehicle issued to ACP Bart Jones. which could become hurricanes, with developed action plans to ensure a Commissioner Williams has since Reports indicate that while Guzman winds 74 mph and higher. Five of coordinated response in the event of assigned Assistant Commissioner of has been emotionally shaken those may become major hurricanes a storm hitting the country. They are Police Alden Dawson to serve as the following the incident, he remains in with winds of 111 mph, and higher. also urging families to create a plan lead investigator on the case. Williams good health. NOAA has said that it is 70% to protect themselves and their loved confident in its predictions. ones. “Predicted warmer-than-average Residents in coastal areas are sea surface temperatures in the asked to take additional measures to Briceño visits Giammattei tropical Atlantic Ocean and the ensure their safety and reduce the loss Caribbean Sea, weaker tropical of property. Continued from Page 1 the quality of life of citizens and also Atlantic trade winds, and an Twenty-one storms are predicted „ the prospects for overall peace in the enhanced West African monsoon will and have been named. Justice, the two Heads reiterated their region. They ordered that a high-level commitment to further strengthening security group be established under the ties of friendship and cooperation the auspices of the 2005 Framework GoB amends Consent Solicitation between Belize and Guatemala,” for Negotiations and Confidence- stated a joint release issued in Building Measures. Guatemala City by the two leaders. The leaders also talked about the The two leaders spoke on various pressing issue of migration and topics, inclusive of trade and emphasized the importance of taking cooperation, and the impact of the a regional approach to addressing the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as issues. issues of security and migration. Prime Minister Briceño also In regards to the impact of the congratulated President Giammattei pandemic, the joint release on his forthcoming assumption of the mentioned that the leaders discussed Presidency Pro Tempore of the Continued from Page 1 however, reiterated last week in the the economic challenges they face as Central American Integration System „ House of Representatives that the a result of the virus and the severe and pledged Belize’s support. announcement of an amendment to the country would stick to its homegrown strain placed on their countries’ During his remarks the PM said, Consent Solicitation comes as rebound plan. health and social sectors, and they “At the end of the day for this to be bondholders claim that he turned The release from GoB stated, “The also reemphasized the need for successful, you have to have that down the suggestion of a private Supplement also notes for equitable distribution of the vaccines. desire as a person and that it comes meeting with the Credit Committee. bondholders that the effect of the “They reiterated the urgent need from the heart to make sure that this A statement released by the extension of the grace period sought for equitable and affordable access can work and if the functionaries see bondholders declared that they cannot by the Consent Solicitation Statement to vaccines so that a sustainable path that we at the political level are support the Consent Solicitation due would be to extend the earliest date to recovery could earnestly begin,” willing to see that it works, they will to what they view as the Belize’s that a Principal Restatement (as the release said. also play their part.” government’s lack of openness to defined in the Indenture), if any, were During the meeting, the leaders This meeting between Hon. negotiations, and its refusal to veer to occur in respect of the May 20, directed officials to reactivate the Briceño and H.E. Giammattei is a from the terms of the initial proposal 2021 coupon payment [until] October institutional framework of the Partial follow-up to the dialogue between it had submitted to bondholders. It has 19 2021.” Scope Trade Agreement, “with a the men that started during the not been confirmed whether they were It added that the supplement seeks view to improving its implementation Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting in making specific reference to GOB’s to clarify information concerning the and advancing its expansion.” early March at the OAS Adjacency determination to avoid an IMF aggregate principal amount of Bonds Additionally, the leaders Zone office. program and stick to a homegrown currently outstanding. committed to the implementation of The release and President recovery plan According to S&P Global Ratings, all 13 bilateral cooperation Giammattei stated that the meeting According to Standard and Poor the country owes US$526.5 million agreements under the Joint “constitutes a historical event for the Global Ratings, Belize is currently to bondholders. Payment of this bond Commission and directed the body bilateral relationship that endorses seeking a 30% haircut and a maturity is due in 2034. to explore projects between the two the high priority that both Peoples and delay on its notes. The bondholders According to their release, Global countries that are geared at Governments [of Guatemala and are complaining of a lack of Bondholder Services Corporation is strengthening friendship and Belize] give each other.” transparency and have urged the acting as the Information and cooperation. The Prime Minister is expected to country to sign on to an IMF support Tabulation Agent. Bondholders are to In speaking about security, the return to Belize tomorrow, June 3, plan. get copies of the updated Consent leaders looked at the threat of 2021. Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño, Solicitation statement from them. transnational crime and its impact on Page 32 AMANDALABelize Friday, June 4, 2021