Bush Sticks Lead to Trouble in Indian Creek

Tuesday, July 20, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 1

NO. 3475 BELIZE CITY, TUESDAY, JULY 20, 2021 (16 PAGES) $1.00 Bush sticks Young woman badly lead to trouble in beaten, dies later Indian Creek

BELIZE CITY, repeatedly slammed onto the ground Mon. July 19, 2021 late Friday evening, by her husband’s A young woman, sisters, and another woman with 23, died early whom he was reportedly involved Sunday morning romantically. after allegedly Reports are that the three women being brutally pounced on Choc and assaulted her beaten by her while she was trying to intervene in husband’s two an altercation in which her husband sisters and a third was involved. The women were woman. hurling insults at Choc during the The victim, attack, and they reportedly fought with identified as the victim until they had pinned her Jessica Choc by onto the ground, after which they by Dayne Guy police, was a young violently and repeatedly slammed her mother who resided down—likely causing some trauma PUNTA GORDA TOWN, Fri. July in Armenia Village to her back in the process. According 16, 2021. in the Cayo District. to one eyewitness, the women were According to reports, on Reports are that beating Choc relentlessly before her Wednesday, rangers of the Boden Choc was badly husband intervened and pulled the Creek Land and Cattle Company beaten in her face, and her back was Please turn to„Page 15 Please turn to„Page 15 COVID-19 relief KHMH enters PC Martinez funds embezzled emergency mode charged for from Labour office Laddie’s death

BELIZE CITY, Mon. July 19, 2021 announcement via social media on Yesterday, the Karl Heusner Saturday evening. In the social media Memorial Hospital Authority post, the KHMH informed the public BELIZE CITY, Mon. July 19, 2021 (KHMHA) announced that the KHMH that elective surgeries will be put on BELMOPAN, Sat. July 17, 2021 The Belize Police Department is will enter emergency mode on hold and the hospital’s outpatient Today, PC Kareem Martinez was carrying out a criminal investigation Monday July 19, due to a rise in the clinic will be closed until further arraigned inside the Belmopan into the apparent embezzlement of a number of Covid-19 cases in the notice. Magistrate’s Court on one count of little over $60,000 of the COVID-19 country. manslaughter for the death of 14-year- Unemployment Relief Program’s funds The hospital made the Please turn to„Page 4 old Laddie Gillett. He was granted by employees of the Labour bail of $8,000 and was released until Department. his next court date on October 18, This investigation was launched Laddie’s companion sets 2021. following the completion of a report PC Martinez has been in police record straight (See story on page 4) Please turn to„Page 4 Please turn to„Page 2 Page 2 AMANDALABelize Tuesday, July 20, 2021 H.E. Lynn Young presents Churches and Marijuana

his credentials BELIZE CITY, Thurs. July 14, 2021 During an interview earlier this week, Minister of New Growth In response to Ambassador Industries, Hon. Kareem Musa Young, President Biden commented on the stance taken by the commented on the strong country’s churches in response to his relations between the US introduction in the House of and Belize, and praised the Representatives of an amendment of peaceful transfer of power the Misuse of Drugs Act that would following the November set the stage for the creation of a 2020 general election, marijuana industry in Belize. describing it as a testimony Over the last decade, the churches to Belize’s strong democratic have consistently voiced their roots. opposition to any efforts to legalize Two days following this marijuana in Belize. In 2017 the presentation, Ambassador National Evangelical Association of they have,” he said. Young presented his Belize (NEAB) issued a release that The Minister stated, however, that credentials to the Secretary made known their stance, which was despite the position taken by the General of the Organization reiterated in a release in December churches, the scientific evidence of of American States (OAS), of 2020. the benefits of cannabis that is just H.E. Luis Almagro, to An excerpt from the release states, now being widely publicized is confirm his position as “We state with the greatest undeniable. He added that if the Belize’s Permanent disappointment that the Hon. country does decide to go ahead with Representative to the OAS. Minister’s philosophy of mere the legalization of cannabis, such a by Dayne Guy In presenting his credentials, H.E. ‘economic benefit’ while process will be carried out in a Lynn Young said, “I take this disregarding moral boundaries is a responsible manner. BELMOPAN, Fri. July 16, 2021 opportunity to emphasize Belize’s flawed philosophy that has plunged “If we are going to go in the route This week, His Excellency Lynn continued commitment to all the nations into the throes of corruption, which I believe we are, we have to Young virtually presented his letter principles enshrined in the OAS wickedness, and darkness. That do so in a very responsible manner, of credence for his two posts as Charter.” Young further commented rationale can see ‘economic benefit’ very mindful that we are not Ambassador of Belize to the United on the necessary work of the OAS. in human and drug trafficking, drug encouraging children to use this, just States of America and as Belize’s He stated that regional and planes, cocaine, heroin, and illegal like alcohol. It’s not like we are Permanent Representative to the hemispheric collaboration through a arms trading – does that mean we saying your children should go out OAS. platform like the OAS, is the sole should embrace those ‘industries’ and use alcohol; absolutely the On July 7, 2021, H.E. Young medium through which regional also?” opposite — we have to be very presented his credentials to United issues and the multiple challenges that When interviewed, Minister Musa responsible for how it is that we States president, Joseph R. Biden. member states face can be addressed. said that he expected the pushback introduce this and that is why we are During that presentation, Ambassador He reiterated Belize’s commitment to from the churches. “The churches are taking our time to ensure that that is Young communicated Belize’s peace, sustainable development and the moral compass of any country. done,” Musa said. commitment to strengthening ties with the well-being of all the peoples of They are the conscience of the people, He explained that a part of the the U.S. He also underscored the the Americas. so that is expected that they will have legalization process will naturally be importance of bolstering bilateral Secretary General Almagro stated, a pushback, because traditionally a consultation period and a public relations through the values that the “Belize has always played a very education campaign. The Ministry countries share such as democracy, important role in the OAS. Your will determine how this peace and security, good governance, country represents both the Caribbean information will be shared with the and sustainable development for the and Central America, which provides public, he said, and he noted that a betterment of the people of both you with a privileged vision of the part of the campaign will involve countries. region.” breaking down the stereotypes associated with the cannabis plant. “Well, the information is readily available, but we are as a Ministry PC Martinez charged for looking at various ways we can communicate that, but first and foremost, like I said, the education Laddie’s death campaign will have to revolve around informing everybody about this plant. The good properties and Continued from Page 1 When interviewed by the media, „ Emil Bradley, Laddie’s adoptive the bad properties,” he said. custody since the shooting death of father, indicated that he believes that the teenager, which took place on the officer acted intentionally and that Wednesday night on a Placencia the charge handed down does not harm — where was that? If ih mi attorney-at-law Hurl Hamilton, who beach. During his time in detention, sufficiently address the gravity of shoot ah from his bottom has called for his client to be given the Office of the Director of Public Martinez’s actions. “All I can say is downwards, you could have said he the benefit of due process under the Prosecution (DPP) considered the that it is not what we expected. You wasn’t intended to kill him, but just law. facts of the case and determined what know, I mean, we’ve asked, we by pulling it in his back, it’s “Everybody is entitled to due charge would be brought against waited, we wanted justice. I mean, unacceptable, and den ya da the thing process; everybody is innocent until Martinez for the teen’s death: manslaughter, I just don’t see it as a weh mek people get wrathed and get proven guilty under the Belize manslaughter by negligence. charge fit, I mean, his actions. I don’t out of hands and see things differently. Constitution. Let’s give the process After the DPP issued a directive from a trained body and disciplined I try keep mi calm and everything a chance. The court will decide to the police, Martinez was arrested, body, and you are allowed to carry a together from right now, but continue whether Mr. Martinez is guilty or not charged, arraigned, and released firearm, you should have some level on like this no,” Bradley further said. guilty, but let us not jump to from the custody of law enforcement, of training to know from the time pick Commissioner of Police, Chester conclusions based on what we are much to the dismay of the victim’s up a firearm and point it at somebody Williams said the officer in question hearing or what we have known so family and the wider public, who and you pull the trigger, you could used unreasonable lethal force when far. Give the process a chance, and have been clamoring for a charge of kill this person; this is not a toy. So he fired the shot that caused the death he will have his date at court and he murder to be imposed. from the time you pick up this gun of Laddie. He had indicated that his will have to answer to this charge,” The family of Laddie, both and aim at this kid and pull the trigger, department would do all in its power he said. biological and adoptive, are calling that was intentional,” he said. to bring the perpetrator to justice, but While PC Martinez was granted for justice for young Laddie, and “If he had tripped and it gone off, also said that he would follow the bail, no plea was taken from him at have said that the manslaughter charge it shot him, that different. I mean, are directives of the DPP. the time of his arraignment, because is a “slap in the face.” you trained, using justifiable force of Martinez is being represented by of the indictable nature of the offense. Tuesday, July 20, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 3 “Exorcism video” was a Laddie’s death sparks prayer session, says BDF weekend of outcry

BELIZE CITY. Mon. July 19, 2021 Last week, a video surfaced on social media that showed various Belize Defence Force (BDF) soldiers apparently carrying out what seemed to be a religious intervention for a distressed soldier. Many in the public immediately classified the soldiers’ actions as an exorcism, but the BDF released a prompt statement dispelling those rumors. The statement, which was BELIZE CITY, Mon. July 19, 2021 news; when she did what she did, the released on Thursday, July The hearts of Belizeans were persons they offer her some money 15, confirmed that a BDF heavy this weekend as events and ih explain to them no, my son is private sought the unfolded, and more details emerged, not for sale. I am doing this because intervention of a senior in the aftermath of Laddie Gillett’s I am in a situation right now, and I officer, whom he asked to tragic death. On Friday, the police want a better life for my son and I engage in prayer on his officer who allegedly shot the 14- want to be a part of his life.” behalf. Reports are that the BDF According to the statement issued by year-old in the back on a Placencia He shared that they have since been private was in a state of distress and the BDF, the private has been beach was granted bail after being in conversation with Emil Bradley, was going through personal issues. directed to be medically examined arraigned for a manslaughter charge. the guardian, who has apologize to “From all accounts, during the and cleared to ensure that he was not The decision to bring that charge the family for comments that were prayer session, the private soldier physically harmed and will be against the officer, rather than a passed on local media. experienced some loss of memory encouraged to seek formal charge of murder, and the fact that the He said that his sister was allowed until after the prayer session, as counseling. accused is now out on bail has to see her son, Laddie, just once, on shown on the video,” the BDF A senior officer in the BDF told engaged and saddened Belizeans his fourth birthday, before he was release stated. local media that privates or soldiers from all walks of life. Groups of livid ostensibly taken to the United States. In the video the solider can be seen of lower ranks oftentimes reach out Belizeans have been gathering.to He outlined that she went to look for being pinned down by his colleagues, to senior officers for prayers and protest in front of the various police him on multiple occasions in with one soldier, now believed to be personal interventions. He said that stations across the country, in a Camalote Village, where he lived the senior officer whose assistance it was voluntary on the part of the desperate effort to have their voices with his adoptive family. was requested, praying incessantly soldier. heard, and their call for justice “So what you mi wa do? If two over the private as he slipped in and The senior officer said that they answered. three time you goh look fi somebody out of consciousness. have not been able to ascertain The biological family of Laddie, and they tell yo ih deh da States weh The soldiers are seen trying to whether alcohol or any other who was being raised by a family u mi wa do? ... Yo mi wa nuh show wake the private at various points substance was involved, since the who adopted him, has also expressed up no more, yo nuh mi wa show up while continuing to pray over him. soldiers were not tested at that time. their frustration and sorrow to no more. So my sister give up, ih give members of the media and are up and ih always talk bout ih the lee claiming that they had thought that the bwai, ih wa see ih son, ih wa ih son teen was in the United States. They see ih rest ah sista, ih next bredda. Ih BTB removes Mayan temple made a public appeal to Laddie’s give up because my sista say the lee guardian, Emil Bradley, to join them bwai well taken care of inna mind, in activities they are engaging in to so the lee bwai ok and ih show. Da photos from website mourn the loss of the teenager. lee bwai never show ah nothing,” he On Sunday, the biological family further said. held a demonstration at the Battlefield Gillett also made reference to an Park that was organized with the help element of racism within our society of local activist Moses Sulph. He that might have influenced how urged community organizers to hold Laddie and his friend were perceived, peaceful protests across the country and the level of distrust and in a collective push for the charge aggression displayed toward them. against PC Martinez to be upgraded “I think if da mi two white bwai, to murder. the security weh they say do call mi The victim’s uncle, Henry Gillett, wa turn ih back and nuh call. But you took the opportunity also, in speaking know the problem is, back to the to reporters, to address what he same thing, racist, racist. Miss, we considered to be inaccuracies that deal with police on a daily basis and have been reported regarding I’ll be honest, some of the Hispanic Laddie’s adoption. police they tell you straight up, ‘I wa He said, “People nuh know my deal with you like I nuh care bout BELIZE CITY, Mon. July 19, 2021 government being entangled in yet sista pain at the time weh goh through you.’ More than one time,” the Reports are that the Belize another legal battle over Mayan when ih do weh ih mi do. Nobody victim’s uncle said. Tourism Board has removed images property. feel they pain but you, the doctor, At midday on Saturday, a of Mayan temples from its website Photos and depictions of Mayan could tell you nothing nuh happen to demonstration was held in front of and other online platforms until the temples are a core part of the you and da you di feel. Di doctor nuh the Raccoon Street Police Station. A battle between the Government of imagery that defines Belize’s feel fi you. So at the end ah the day, similar protest was staged in Belize and the Mayan people over tourism brand. Such iconic images nobody feel my sista pain.” Placencia in front of the local police their rights to communal lands and have been used by various Some critics have suggested that station. the implementation of a CCJ consent companies as a means of advertising the family may be capitalizing on the Laddie’s family and the wider order comes to an end. Belize’s attractions. passing of their loved one in an effort public are calling on the Director of According to the BTB’s director, The BTB’s director told 7News to secure some type of financial gain. Public Prosecution (DPP) and Police Evan Tillett, the decision was made that they have decided to “err on the The victim’s uncle responded to their Department to upgrade the charge by the Ministry of Tourism and board side of caution” and have taken assertions by saying, “My sista could brought against PC Martinez from members to minimize the risk of the down the images from their website. be honest like she be honest on the manslaughter to murder. Page 4 AMANDALABelize Tuesday, July 20, 2021 Laddie’s companion sets record straight (From page 1)

BELIZE CITY, Sun. July 18, 2021 Instagram on Thursday, the day after When 14-year-old Laddie Gillett the shooting. In that previous post, he was shot dead on Wednesday night on had chronicled the events that led to the beach in Placencia, he was in the the death of his close friend. company of another young man. That “The cops and security intercepted young man, 19-year old Thomas us as we were heading back to Chabil Palacio, who like Laddie was pursued Mar resort. The men who caused us by police officers that night and who to run were dressed in all black, and was reportedly mistreated by the they didn’t shout ‘police, or security,’ officers after one of them shot Laddie, so we took that as a red flag and as has since made public statements on someone who wanted to rob or hurt social media to dispel false claims us, so we ran the opposite way. I was about what the young men were doing instantly hit with a baton on my back prior to the shooting. and then one shot was fired. Laddie He emphatically stated in social fell instantly,” Thomas Palacio wrote media comments that were posted on his Instagram page on Thursday. over the weekend: “I want this to be He then described what occurred heard and understood by everyone. after the shooting, which he bluntly I’ve known Laddie for more than 7 referred to as “senseless murder”. years. This was my little brother my “I fell to my knees when I heard the friend. Laddie and I were sober, no shot, then I was kicked up, hit several believes that he would have been He added that at no time did the smoking no drinking, no guns, no illicit times, and held at gunpoint as these murdered, as the sole witness of the officers (about six officers in total, he dirty cops stood over me fatal shooting, if he had not told the estimated) declare themselves to be while I was on my back. officers that their family was waiting police officers or security guards. Laddie was less than 20 feet for them a short distance away. He told “Laddie was my brother, and I away from me. Not moving at local media that he was beaten by loved that youth very much, always all. They checked his pulse police and detained at the police will, see u in heaven little bro,” right there, and then they all station, and was not given the Palacio wrote at the end of his agreed that ‘bwai di man opportunity to contact anyone. Instagram post. gaan’, “di man get shot bwai’. They then returned their focus on me saying ‘weh we a do with he now’ as the gun COVID-19 relief funds hovered inches above my face, they then kicked me up embezzled from Labour office again and roughed me up. I asked if Laddie was alright, and nobody gave me a direct Continued from Page 1 out by low-level officers at one answer, just ‘shet up lee „ particular office, the Unemployment bwai’ and stuff like that,” by the Audit Department which Relief Program was national and Palacio recounted. highlighted various instances in which involved various offices, all of which It appears that by the time employees of the department approved will be investigated to determine all of this took place, Laddie funds for persons close to them: whether this was done elsewhere. had long passed. According friends, spouses, and family members. The Auditor General’s report has to Palacio, the police These funds were deposited into indicated that so far at least $62,000 drugs, no loudspeakers, no knives, continued to menace him for at least those persons’ accounts using the relief was taken fraudulently from the nothing. We were on the beach eating 10 minutes before aid was rendered program’s platform and were program by employees in that Labour cake with a friend, we drop the friend to his young friend. subsequently withdrawn. office alone. home, the friend’s house is a two- “They had us there for at least 10 During the COVID-19 pandemic, the The Commissioner of Police, minute walk from Chabil Mar, where minutes. Laddie was left there for 10 then Government of Belize, under the Chester Williams, said that his we were staying. On our [way] back minutes. Before they even bothered to Barrow administration, rolled out the department has begun to discuss the to Chabil Mar, this nonsense start doing anything ‘right’.” Palacio Unemployment Relief Program to report in length and has noticed three happened. This is senseless. I will beg said. provide some assistance to those recurring names. the officers to please not lie. Don’t do He admitted that his memories of persons who lost their jobs as a result “I received a copy of that report, I it. I was there, and I will continue the incident are fragmented, since he of the economic fallout brought on by think about 2 to 3 weeks ago, from the saying the same exact story because was still in shock because of the whole the COVID-19 pandemic. Auditor-General. We sat and we had a that’s what happened.” ordeal. While hundreds of thousands of very lengthy discussion over it, and that Those comments followed earlier Palacio went on to make an even dollars were disbursed, many qualified matter has been assigned to CIB to comments that Palacio had posted on more chilling statement — that he citizens did not receive a cent of the investigate as well. I think I saw three relief funds, despite filling out various prominent names in that report, where applications. persons connected to those persons The new Ministry of Labor has were getting relief funds that they were KHMH enters already taken disciplinary action not entitled to, and so, the matter is, as against some of the persons involved I said with the police now, and we’re emergency mode in the fraudulent scheme — firing one doing our investigation,” he said. staff member and suspending another. Compol Williams said that they believe the CIB will be able to Continued from Page 1 mode and suspended its auxiliary Others are also being investigated by „ services in March of 2020 at the start both the Labor Ministry and the Police complete this investigation rather The hospital will also readjust its of the Covid-19 pandemic and Department at this time. quickly, since this report is not as visitors’ policy to limit the number of remained in that mode until almost a They are now awaiting the “tedious as the previous audit reports.” persons entering the hospital in order year later, in early 2021, when the finalization of the Police to reduce the chances of any possible original emergency entrance of the Department’s investigation to Covid-19 transmission. facility was reopened. determine whether any The announcement states,”We ask The KHMH, as mentioned, is the criminal charges will be the public’s kind cooperation and national referral hospital and is on the levied against the persons in understanding as we transform our frontline of Belize’s battle against the question. facility once again to guarantee the Covid-19 pandemic. The hospital’s The CEO in the Ministry of best patient care and outcomes in retrofitted Covid-19 unit and intensive Labour told local media that response to this pandemic.” care unit are the most advanced in the while it appears that the The hospital had entered emergency country. misappropriation was carried Tuesday, July 20, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 5

Child victim – individual or systemic flaw?

Amandala, Fri. July 9, 2021 there would be a general, unspoken pledge and commitment Page 10 story, “US gives Belizean police investigation to guard against any careless response that could see such a training” — “A recent travel advisory from the US Embassy tragedy repeated. Alas, such a calamity has NOT been so rare noted, ‘Violent crime – such as sexual assault, home invasions, in Belize, after all. In fact, it seems like “just the other day”. armed robberies, and murder – are common even during It has happened again, and again. daylight hours and in tourist areas… Local police lack the And more often than not, when the results of police resources and training to respond effectively to serious criminal investigations of the case are sent to the Director of Public incidents. Most crimes remain unresolved and Prosecutions (DPP) for instructions, the charge that follows is unprosecuted.’” manslaughter. The officer is placed on interdiction; and before Page 26 story, “Precinct One moves to King Street” — “The too long, he may be right back on duty. Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams recently told local Perhaps, an aspect of this seemingly soft approach is an media that the time to negotiate and table discussions with acknowledgement of the stressful and sometimes traumatic gang members is now over…” nature of police work. Especially in the current Covid-19- Sun. July 18, 2021 induced climate of escalating crime, frustration among the The tragic death on Wednesday night, July 14, in Placencia ranks of police officers may be at an all-time high, considering of 14-year-old holidaying student, Laddie Gillett of Belmopan, that: they are not highly paid; they often work in tough at the hands of police, has rocked the conscience and conditions; they are subject to being transferred from district sentiments of an already traumatized citizenry to its core. to district, and oftentimes have to hitchhike home; they can’t What next? Where have we all gone wrong; and where do we leave because there are no other jobs available; some of them go from here? make a little extra by moonlighting, exposing themselves to Whenever there is a case of gross abuse of a citizen by the other bosses, some of whom may be unscrupulous; they are police, who are supposed to be the ones to protect us against battling a drug trade in which some high-ranking officers, lawbreakers, there is a groundswell of righteous indignation politicians and businessmen are suspected to be involved; against the particular officer(s) by the general population. And when they make an arrest, the lawyers often beat down their in the situations where a person is deemed to have been strongest cases, allowing known criminals to “run rings” around killed without just cause by a police officer in the line of duty, them; and on top of that, there is the dread of political the cry of angry citizens is automatically for the maximum interference in their jobs. For the best of men, it is not an charge of “murder” to be levied on the accused officer. easy task being a police officer. For those with suspect Unfortunately for grieving personality traits, the citizenry is at tremendous risk. And the relatives and angry citizens, list of tragedies keeps growing. such has seldom been the Back in 2003, there were the cases of Ruben “Pony” Alarcon case, as the benefit of the and Darnel McDonald, both killed by police. The police officer doubt has usually gone to the who killed Alarcon at the Caye Caulker Police Station was Amandala(estb. 1969) accused, who is then charged charged for murder, but was later found guilty of manslaughter. Business and editorial offices: with manslaughter. Such Only a week later, on June 16, 2003, Darnell McDonald, 28, 3304 Partridge Street, Belize cases of police killing citizens was shot dead by police while he was driving some friends City, Belize, Central America are not common; but when home from a night at Celina’s club in Ladyville. The officer, is printed twice weekly by the that happens, it is a originally charged for manslaughter, was convicted of Amandala Press. Telephones: 501-280-4703/ sensational event, eliciting manslaughter by negligence, and paid a $4,000.00 fine. 501-202-4477 massive media coverage, and On February 12, 2005, 21-year-old SJC Sixth Form student the voices of the general Leslie Rogers, Jr. was shot in the head and killed on Amara citizenry are raised for justice Avenue by an on-duty police officer who was on interdiction Publisher: Evan X Hyde on the part of the bereaved for over a year before being arrested and charged with Editor-in-chief: Marco Lopez family. The latest event, “manslaughter.” He was later acquitted. Business Manager: Jacinta Hyde involving a mere child, with In the case of construction worker Stephen Buckley, he Make-up & Design all the innocence and survived a crippling wound to the head caused by a shotgun Artist: Andrea Dennison promising adventure of blast from a police inspector in broad daylight back in June Executive Secretary: Odessa blossoming youth, is just too 2010. The officer was actually charged with “attempted Robinson Smith much to bear, and begs the murder” and “dangerous harm,” but almost ten years later, Compositor: Tyra Welch question: Must we continue although Buckley had received some monetary compensation, Lithography: Clive Smith to endure such atrocities, or the case was still languishing in court, while the officer had is there something we can do remained on interdiction, and was later promoted to Deputy Printer: Kent Brooks that might change the tide? Commander. Such an enormous tragedy, On the afternoon of Tuesday, July 16, of 2019, thirty-six- Please email Correspondence: where a precious life is lost year-old Allyson Major, Jr. was in his pickup on Regent Street [email protected] for no good reason, and a being hotly pursued by police in their mobile. A bullet from a remorseful officer is destined police weapon hit Major in the back of his head, and he died Advertisements to: to live with the burden of that the following day from his injuries. Fifteen days later, a police [email protected] loss on his conscience, corporal was charged with “manslaughter by negligence.” should be a very rare In his remarks to the media upon the arraignment of his Mailing Address: occurrence indeed. Rare client, defense attorney Richard “Dickie” Bradley made some Amandala Press because the community/ interesting comments on the Major case. 3304 Partridge Street institutional memory should Considering the public dissatisfaction with the manslaughter c/o P.O. Box 15, be so indelibly imprinted that charge, Dickie observed that: Belize City, Belize every police officer would “It is possible that from the investigation, there is not enough have that on his mind each evidence to say that this corporal Amandala’s website: day he goes on duty; and intentionally killed Allyson Major, a Please turn to Page 13 amandala.com.bz „ Page 6 AMANDALABelize Tuesday, July 20, 2021 5 new preschools in Stann Creek and Cayo

by Dayne Guy that the investments made in these schools will be beneficial to all Camalote Village, Cayo District, Fri. nearby residents and communities, July 16, 2021 who will now have high-quality Using funding received from the schools in more accessible areas. The Caribbean Development Bank children in the area will thus no (CDB), the Government of Belize has longer have to walk incredibly long continued the rollout of Phase II of distances to attend classes. Hon. the Education Sector Reform Rodwell Ferguson, the area Programme. Through this USD 35.46 representative for Stann Creek West, million project, the Ministry of at the inauguration ceremony, recalled Education, Culture, Science and a time when Cowpen village was Technology has so far constructed 35 bereft of electricity, water and main new education facilities, inclusive of roads, but the developments that have 18 new pre-schools. taken place are a testament to the This week, the Ministry of community’s constant development, Education inaugurated five new pre- he said. schools in the districts of Stann Creek Minister of Education, Culture, and Cayo: San Juan Bosco R.C. Pre- Science and Technology, Hon. School in Cowpen, Stann Creek; Francis Fonseca, stated, “The Monrad Metzen Government Pre- investments we make, as a country, School in El Progresso, Cayo; Santa as a people, as a government, in early Cruz Government Pre-School and childhood education will reap Primary School in Santa Cruz, Cayo; dividends for us at every other stage Myrtle Banner Government Pre- of the education system. I’m very School in Camalote, Cayo; and Judy proud to be a part of this effort today. Diego Government Pre-School in A lot of people have been involved Belmopan. in this project for many, many, many The developments were carried years, and we’re glad to see that out in consultation with the local those seeds that we have planted are community. The stakeholders believe reaping fruit.”

UNICEF donates handwashing stations

by Dayne Guy The handing-over ceremony was held today at the Punta Gorda Punta Gorda, Toledo District, Fri. Community Hospital, where July 17, 2021 UNICEF Representative, Denise The United Nations Children’s Robateau, presented the washing Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has stations to the Minister of Health and donated 29 hand-washing stations to Wellness, Hon, Michel Chebat. 29 primary schools in 29 rural The donation resulted from the communities in the Toledo District. efforts of a multi-sectoral group

Anglican Diocese of Belize VACANCIES

The Anglican Management is seeking qualified persons to filltemporary teaching positions in primary schools in Belize from September 2021 to November 2021.

Applicants should bei) committed to the well-being of children and to their education ii)spiritually grounded andwilling to support the principles and practices of the Anglican Church.Academic and professional qualifications must be consistent with the standards of the Ministry of Education.

Teaching positions are available in the following Districts: Belize, Cayo and Stann Creek. spearheaded by the Ministry of ensure access to clean, potable Health and Wellness, and consisting water for drinking, sanitation and Application forms are available from the Diocesan Office located at 25A Southern Foreshore of the United Nations Children’s hygienic purposes. in Belize City or may be requested by email at [email protected]. Completed forms must be submitted with all required documentation (two recommendations, original transcript, Emergency Fund (UNICEF), the At the ceremony, Minister Chebat certified copies of: a valid license toteach, a valid police record, social security card, birth Ministry of Education, Culture, remarked, “Today’s event is a certificate, medical report, highest academic certificates/degrees) to: Science and Technology, the Social manifestation of the ministry’s General Manager Investment Fund, the Belize Rotary response to those expressed needs. P.O. Box 535 Anglican Diocesan Office Club and the Belize Red Cross. This These innovative hand-washing 25 A Southern Foreshore, Belize City stakeholder group, named Water stations will certainly better the Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) recipient schools to prepare for the Deadline:Friday, July 30th, 2021 multi-sectoral body, was formed to reopening in a few weeks’ time.” Tuesday, July 20, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 7

Queen’s Square and Mesop weren’t in on their game

by Colin Hyde contract that extended deep into a new Moments of Inspiration on Sunday Cheryl Teh, in the magazine, Insider, Belize City Council, Darrell Bradley mornings with Ms. Virj and her guest said there’s a proposal from Uttar Clear as day to everyone who was on the talk circuit talking about preacher(s). Ladies, you made me Pradesh, the most populous state in cared to see, Dean Barrow, and also all the reforms he’d like to introduce feel the fire. Keep bringing it! India, home of 240 million, to Michael Finnegan, made a bid to if he got the crown. Somebody encourage couples to have no more control the UDP from the grave with correct me if I’m wrong, but I heard We prefer the jab than two children. Teh said the Times the placement of Barrow’s sister, Darrell say he’d like to see a term of India reported that families with two everybody’s favorite, if you da noh limit on area representatives, and I Wow, as if we needed further proof kids who “opt for voluntary wahn PUP, in Queen’s Square, and think that’s absurd. that nothing on this planet is all bad, sterilization would get incentives… a Barrow’s son/Finnegan’s nephew, the If I were a politician, one who is look how a terrible disease like range of benefits including tax rebates, rapper Shyne, in Mesopotamia. sure of one day being a rep because I Covid-19 came along and inspired subsidies for home purchases, and Well-laid plans indeed, but the carried a card for one of the two vaccines that not only help fight the receiving cash back on their power people in those areas were greatly parties that takes turns at it, I would disease but also —hmm, if we believe and utility bills”, and those who insist insulted, because both candidates set a limit on myself, because I don’t people who are afraid of injections on unprotected sex, more than two were unlikely. They saw how care for public life, but I wouldn’t and have money in bank accounts so children, would be barred “from reluctant Sista B was to run, how contemplate limiting the chances of they are under no economic stress, the receiving any government subsidies, unprepared she was to represent all those dozens of politicians who vaccines are actually better at doing applying for jobs in the local them, and saw the wrong message in dream of one day winning the great what the homosexuals have been government, and running for political Shyne’s candidacy for their youth. prize, so they could stamp their vision touting as the huge plus for their office in local elections...” Sista B got over, and there are on Belize. Give Dean Barrow a B behavior. Father Abraham got a message to questions being asked in some for introducing the 3-term limit, and A decade or two ago China put a go forth and multiply, but I don’t think quarters about the authenticity of the I save the A for the PM who limit on the number of children a that we over here have license to tell votes, and Hugo Patt gave Shyne land introduces a much more sensible 2- couple can have, and just last week a people with population issues that they to give out in Sandhill, to help him get term limit. As for Darrell, he gets the story came out of India about two will go to hell if they no longer see over. They got over indeed, but barely. first letter in his name for his new children per couple. Hmm, some the wisdom in unprotected sex. Comparing the 2015 and 2020 ill-conceived reform. countries have population issues, and Ah, those homosexual bohgaz are general elections, we see that Faber those homosexual bohgaz are so smart, so smart, they were way ahead of the got 64.7% of the vote in 2015, and She giggled, Virj they were way ahead of the game. game, but now dehn get hambog. 60.39% in 2020, a drop of a little over Their plot was such a big sell in the There’s a vaccine in town now, and 4 percentage points. In Albert, Taegar- What a powerful, glorious message European world that they were able one jab is all we need to stop their Panton got 55.86% in 2015, and on Moments of Inspiration on Sunday to beat back Evangelicals who fought advantage in its track. Get ye back into 50.22% in 2020, a drop of about 5.5 morning. Boy, what I felt inside me as with every ounce of their strength to your closet and try and cook up percentage points. You ready fu Reverend Vaughan laid it on; must keep them in their closet. something new. We prefer the jab. Queen’s Square and Mesopotamia? have been very much like how the Dean Barrow got 78.39% of the Prophet Jeremiah felt when he said, vote in 2015, and his sister got in Jeremiah 20:9, “Then I said, I will 55.57%, a massive drop of nearly 23 not make mention of Him, nor speak percentage points. And the son/nephew any more in His name. But His word — well Uncle Finnegan got 76.88% was in mine heart as a burning fire of the votes in 2015, and the son/ shut up in my bones, and I was weary nephew got 53.06%, a huge drop of with forbearing, and I could not nearly 24 percentage points. You see, stay.” Braa, those divisions spoke, and their Yes, thank you, Ms. Virj and loud message was that dehn neva deh Reverend, and I 100% forgive the wid dat – but the margins those two reverend, for her little women inherited were just too large to moment. Hn…Abraham was a overcome. hundred years old…there wasn’t If you think the comparison with anything going on down there…yes, UDP incumbents who stayed on isn’t I heard the little giggle before the completely fair, there were two other mention of the condition. What, she divisions in Belize City where UDP says she was just clearing her throat? incumbents did not contest: Pickstock Let me tell you girls something. I and Port Loyola. believe, suspect, it makes you feel We can’t use Pickstock, because the superior when we limp up—but I’ll incumbent there, Sedi Elrington, not quarrel with you or try to figure cursed the UDP’s 13 years of wimpy you out. Go on and have your fun. performance, and its utter failure to The official story is that the great address the needs of the people in the writer Ernest Hemingway put a gun to deprived neighborhoods, and he his head and pulled the trigger because abandoned the division. of bad diabetes, and the gossip is that In Port Loyola, Willoughby replaced he fell into terrible depression because Boots Martinez, and he got 36% of he lost his bone. Well, if that is so, me the votes in 2020: 12.5 percentage noh understand, because at 57 he points less than the 48.6% Boots got should have been satisfied, he must in 2015. He did far better than the have made enough of those already. Barrows did in the handpicked Look, if a man lives long enough, just Queen’s Square and Mesopotamia as sure as the memory will go, down divisions, especially considering he there will get tired of making what, didn’t have access to the Barrow what – and I think a man who wrote millions. We are not aware of Patt so many famous books should have giving him land to give out in Sandhill. had enough imagination to make a life All Willoughby got to support his that didn’t include their satisfaction. campaign was a job on the board at We men were made for more than that, SSB. I ehm…think. Staying with political calculations, Ah, we could slip into some deep not satisfied with egregiously stuff here, but we don’t want to lose cementing his administrator with a sight of the beautiful message on Page 8 AMANDALABelize Tuesday, July 20, 2021

Víctima menor: ¿defecto individual o sistémico?

Amandala, vie. 9 de julio de 2021 poco más con el pluriempleo, exponiéndose a otros jefes, Nota de la página 10, “EE. UU. brinda capacitación en algunos de los cuales pueden ser inescrupulosos; están investigación a la policía de Belize” - “Un reciente aviso de luchando contra un narcotráfico en el que se sospecha que viaje de la Embajada de EE. UU. señaló: ‘Los delitos violentos, están involucrados algunos altos funcionarios, políticos y como agresión sexual, invasiones de hogares, robos a mano empresarios; cuando hacen un arresto, los abogados a armada y en zonas turísticas… La policía local carece de los menudo ganan contra sus casos más sólidos, permitiendo recursos y la formación para responder eficazmente a los que los criminales conocidos “anden en círculos” a su incidentes delictivos graves. La mayoría de los delitos siguen alrededor; y encima de eso, existe el temor a la interferencia sin resolverse y sin enjuiciarse”. política en sus trabajos. Para el mejor de los hombres, ser Nota de la página 26, “El Precinto Uno se muda a la Calle policía no es una tarea fácil. Para aquellos con rasgos de King” - “El Comisionado de Policía, Chester Williams, dijo personalidad sospechosos, la ciudadanía corre un tremendo recientemente a los medios locales que el tiempo de negociar riesgo. Y la lista de tragedias sigue creciendo. y mantener discusiones con los pandilleros ha terminado...” En 2003, hubo los casos de Ruben “Pony” Alarcón y Darnel Domingo 18 de julio de 2021 McDonald, ambos matados por la policía. El oficial de policía La trágica muerte la noche del miércoles 14 de julio en que mató a Alarcón en la comisaría de Cayo Hicaco fue Placencia del estudiante de 14 años que estaba de vacaciones, acusado de asesinato, pero luego fue declarado culpable de Laddie Gillett de Belmopan, a manos de la policía, ha sacudido homicidio involuntario. Solo una semana después, el 16 de la conciencia y los sentimientos de una ciudadanía ya junio de 2003, la policía mató a tiros a Darnell McDonald, de traumatizada. ¿Qué sigue? ¿Dónde nos hemos equivocado 28 años, mientras transportaba a algunos amigos a casa de todos? ¿Y a dónde vamos desde aquí? una noche en Celina’s Club en Ladyville. El oficial, Siempre que hay un caso de abuso flagrante de un originalmente acusado de homicidio involuntario, fue ciudadano por parte de la policía, quienes se suponen que declarado culpable de homicidio involuntario por negligencia son los que nos protegen contra los infractores de la ley, hay y pagó una multa de $ 4,000.00. una oleada de indignación justa contra el oficial(es) en El 12 de febrero de 2005, Leslie Rogers, Jr., estudiante de particular por parte de la población en general. Y en las 21 años de la Preparatoria SJC, recibió en la Avenida Amara situaciones en las que se considera que una persona ha sido un fatal disparo en la cabeza por un oficial de policía en asesinada sin causa justificada por un agente de policía en el servicio que estuvo en interdicción durante más de un año cumplimiento del deber, el grito de ciudadanos enojados es antes de ser arrestado y acusada de “Homicidio”. automáticamente que se imponga al agente acusado el cargo Posteriormente fue absuelto. máximo de “asesinato”. Desafortunadamente para los En el caso del albañil Stephen Buckley, sobrevivió a una familiares en duelo y los ciudadanos enojados, esto rara vez herida en la cabeza causada por un disparo de escopeta de ha sido el caso, ya que el beneficio de la duda generalmente un inspector de policía a plena luz del día en junio de 2010. ha ido a favor del acusado, quien luego es acusado de El oficial fue acusado de “intento de asesinato” y “daño homicidio involuntario. Tales casos de policías que matan a peligroso”, pero casi diez años después, aunque Buckley ciudadanos no son comunes; pero cuando eso sucede, es un había recibido alguna compensación monetaria, el caso aún evento sensacional, que genera una masiva cobertura languidecía en la corte, mientras que el oficial permanecía en mediática, y las voces de la ciudadanía en general se alzan interdicción y luego fue ascendido a comandante adjunto. pidiendo justicia por parte de la familia en duelo. El último En la tarde del martes 16 de julio de 2019, Allyson Major, evento, que involucró a un niño, con toda la inocencia y la Jr., de treinta y seis años, estaba en su vehículo en la Calle aventura prometedora de la juventud floreciente, es Regent siendo perseguido por la policía en su camioneta. demasiado para soportar, y plantea la pregunta: ¿Debemos Una bala de un arma policial alcanzó a Major en la parte seguir soportando tales atrocidades, o hay algo que podamos posterior de la cabeza y murió al día siguiente a causa de sus hacer para cambiar la marea? heridas. Quince días después, un cabo de la policía fue Una tragedia tan enorme, en la que se pierde una vida acusado de “homicidio por negligencia”. preciosa sin una buena razón, y un oficial arrepentido es En sus comentarios a los medios de comunicación sobre la destinado a vivir con el peso de esa pérdida en su conciencia, lectura de cargos contra su cliente, el abogado defensor debería en realidad ser un hecho muy raro. Rara porque la Richard “Dickie” Bradley hizo algunos comentarios memoria comunitaria/institucional debería estar impresa de interesantes sobre el caso Major. forma tan indeleble que todo agente de policía tendría eso en Considerando el descontento público con el cargo de mente cada día que entre a trabajar; y habría una promesa y homicidio, Dickie observó que: un compromiso tácito y general de cuidarse contra cualquier ”Es posible que de la investigación no exista evidencia respuesta descuidada que pudiera hacer que se repitiera una suficiente para decir que este cabo mató intencionalmente a tragedia de este tipo. ¡Qué pena!, tal calamidad NO ha sido Allyson Major, un joven, padre, maestro y esposo que perdió tan rara en Belize. De hecho, parece que sucedió “justamente la vida sin sentido. el otro día”. Ha sucedido una y otra vez. ”En este caso, la policía es responsable. La policía de Belize Y la mayoría de las veces, cuando los resultados de las no está capacitando lo suficiente a los oficiales o no tiene un investigaciones policiales del caso se envían a la Directora del protocolo estricto: cuándo usar la fuerza, cuándo disparar su Ministerio Público (DPP en inglés) para recibir instrucciones, arma, cuándo sacar su arma de fuego... Ahora, ¿cómo se usa el cargo que sigue es homicidio. El oficial está en interdicción; un arma contra alguien que se está alejando de ti….?” y en poco tiempo, puede que vuelva a estar de servicio. En el “salvaje, salvaje oeste”, se hablaba de que algunos Quizás, un aspecto de este enfoque aparentemente suave “vaqueros” eran de “gatillo fácil”. Estas personas deben es el reconocimiento de la naturaleza estresante y, a veces, mantenerse alejadas de las armas de fuego y, de hecho, una traumática del trabajo policial. Especialmente en el clima actual estricta evaluación psicológica debe ser parte del proceso de de una escalada delictiva inducida por Covid-19, la frustración selección de todos los miembros de la fuerza policial. entre las filas de los agentes de policía puede estar en su Cualquier cosa que se haya hecho para asegurar que punto más alto, considerando que: no están bien pagados; a nuestros oficiales de policía, para un hombre, estén menudo trabajan en condiciones difíciles; están sujetos a ser mentalmente capacitados y preparados para evitar que se transferidos de un distrito a otro, y muchas veces tienen que repita el uso de la fuerza letal más lamentable, detestable e pedir un aventón para llegar a casa; no pueden irse porque no innecesaria contra ciudadanos hay otros trabajos disponibles; algunos de ellos ganan un inofensivos, obviamente no es Vea página „ 14 Tuesday, July 20, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 9 Open letter to Shyne Barrow

11th July 2021 excellent baby boy. He and I loved Remember, he tried to obtain was here to raise my son. They permit Dear Shyne Barrow, being together, and it was just what I’d citizenship for Won Hong Kim, a me to check in as a tourist and pay $200 I understand that you are unhappy hoped for. But I was still wanted in the Korean man in a Taiwanese jail. An every month. Living on modest social about the 11th Amendment being States, facing 13-15 years. How could oversight committee was set up to security payments, this is a killer. By proposed in the House. I happen to I raise him properly if I was lying every watch the Nationality Department. the Laws of Belize, I cannot work, can’t know something about it, even though day and in danger of suddenly being Subsequently, new laws appeared on even volunteer. I’m just an old white man from PG. whisked away when they finally caught the books, including the following (my So I can certainly understand your Please let me explain the idea behind up with me? emphasis): fear of the 11th Amendment. I oppose it the 11th using my experience as a case So I turned myself in. They put me Permanent Residency too, on the grounds that people who study. in chains and took me back to 21A. - (1) A person who, having have served time should not be In the US, in 1988, I was arrested Albuquerque NM, where the same attained the age of eighteen years and punished again through the denial of for the first time ever on federal drug prosecutor from 20 years before was being of sound mind and who their basic civil rights. charges. A few months later, the judge waiting for me. But I had a plan: I a) has been legally residing in Belize Still, I wonder if you believe that the dismissed the case, and I was released. convinced them that I was a good for a continuous period of at least one bar to become a member of Parliament The government appealed, but the Court person, that my crime was an year, having been issued a temporary should be lower than to obtain of Appeals ruled in my favor, and I aberration and I was rehabilitated, that permit to enter and stay in Belize for Permanent Residency? That I have to remained free. However the Supreme I was doing good work in Belize, that I such period; remain a tourist and you get to make Court then ruled against me, and the needed to go home and take care of my b) intends to continue to be ordinarily laws for the nation? DEA issued a warrant for my arrest. I family. My lawyer and I wrote resident in Belize; I wish that I had some influence over ran. documents, had videos shot of my life c) can satisfy the Director that by the implementation of the I came to Belize, where I quickly here, and made presentations to the virtue of income or assets derived from 11th Amendment, but I’m just a tourist. found a home. I had an unusual skill court. And the US government—with his employment or some other legitimate You, however, are an area set. I worked on many projects that its harsh drug laws and oppressive source, he … will be able to sustain representative. You could help people benefited Belizeans: I helped start the attitude—let me go. I served two years. himself and any dependent in the future like me. You could recommend that the farm at the prison; I wrote several When I came back, I went while residing in Belize; and Nationality Department set up a conservation documents, both marine immediately to Immigration’s d) has not been convicted by a committee to review exceptional cases and terrestrial; I taught a variety of Nationality section and spoke to Mr. competent court in any country of a and override the criminal exclusion students; I helped make nature movies; Gordon Wade. I told him the whole criminal offence for which he may have law in special circumstances. I would I wrote grants that brought millions into story and documented everything. He been liable to a sentence of apply instantly. Or, what would be even Belize. I never asked for much, and I advised me to apply for residency in imprisonment of twelve months or better, you could fight for the rights of never got into trouble. the usual way: apply, check in as a more, and has not received a free all those who have been incarcerated. Around 2000, I decided that I wanted tourist for a year, and become a pardon in respect of the offence, may a family life, something that I had only legitimate person in my adopted apply to the Director to be granted Good luck, Shyne enjoyed briefly growing up. A few country. I was thrilled. permanent residency in Belize. years later, my common-law birthed an But this was the time of Penner. I told the Nationality section that I Will Jones (Belize alias) The harm caused by Indigenous people who side with governments against their own people

slavery are two inhumane acts that are experiencing as they struggle to regain to our ancestors and the Almighty classified as crimes against humanity and retain their lands. The best way Father to assist us in our struggle. This and Genocide. to deal with this problem is to fight is a worthy fight for our people Yet, they brought missionaries with reeducate our people and tell them the and for future generations to come. If them from the Catholic, Protestant and true story of our lives before the we do not commit ourselves to stand other churches, to tell the world that Europeans came during the Pre- up and fight for what is ours now, we they were Christians who would be Colonial era. will leave this burden on our children teaching Christianity to the indigenous When we, the Garifuna people, and grandchildren to fight for decades people, whom they labeled as obtained our independence from Great to come. Many of our people have uncivilized and pagans. Britain and Spain in the countries died and did not get to enjoy a piece They described themselves as where we reside today, some of the of lot or land for themselves from the Christians, despite the fact that their people who were left to manage the mass reserves we currently own in all deeds and actions were evil. affairs of these countries, were still the countries where we live today. Colonialism lasted for many centuries, loyal to their French, British and The politicians, their families, and there are still a few nations in the Spanish colonial masters. Their friends, people from the neighboring world that are being colonized by attitudes towards we the Garifuna countries and business people with some European countries. The anti- people are similar, and sometimes their money from around the world, by Wellington C. Ramos colonialism movement began after worse, than the colonial masters are being given “uses”, leases and World War II, when many veterans themselves. Another problem that we titles to our lands while we are being When the Europeans travelled from returned to their respective countries the Garifuna and Maya people will denied daily. They are even setting up Europe to come to other parts of the and saw the need to become face and are facing, is confrontation gated communities that deprive us of world, their main objective was to independent from their colonial with our own families and people, the use of the beaches, rivers, lakes, slaughter the native people they found masters. who will and have placed their forests and other natural areas that we in those nations and take away their They asked themselves: Why are we individual interests and greed over the need to survive as a people. territories from them. These activities fighting for our colonial masters to collective interests of all of our people The Garifuna Nation is in support were taking place for centuries and gain additional nations and territories, and nation. of all citizens getting a piece of land were later titled as Colonialism when we ourselves are subjugated by These individuals will do any and from their governments, to build their beginning in the 1400’s, when them? This was the fundamental everything in their power, to stop their homes for their families and to do Columbus landed in the Caribbean in question, along with other issues, that own people from getting what belongs farming to feed themselves. There is 1492. gave rise to the independence to them. I cannot comprehend this more than enough land, apart from the As a result of Colonialism, there movement. irrational behavior and lack of Garifuna and Maya lands, to give all was a need for labor, so they instituted However, in their countries they judgment on their part. Little do these the people in the countries where we slavery against the native people who faced rejection from their own because people realize, that whatever they are live today. survived their genocide, brought some of the years of indoctrination of their accepting from our enemies, will only Please encourage all your family of their own people from Europe to family members and fellow citizens last for a little while, and when they members and friends to join the work and then finally forcefully by their colonial masters. This is depart this planet earth, their people Garifuna Nation in our quest, to assert brought various ethnic groups from the similar to what the Maya and Garifuna will be suffering at the hands of their and regain our rights to our lands in continent of Africa to be their people in Belize and the other Colonial and Neocolonialist masters. all the countries where we reside so permanent slaves. Colonialism and countries where they reside are My humble advice is for us to pray that we can distribute it to our people. Page 10 AMANDALABelize Tuesday, July 20, 2021

Tokyo Olympic Games: When are they and will they go ahead despite Covid?

stricter physical distancing and more can go ahead safely, even under a state rigorous testing. of emergency. Japanese athletes have largely kept If Tokyo had broken the contract and a low profile, but the country’s biggest cancelled, the risks and losses would sports star, tennis champion Naomi fall on the Japanese side. Osaka, previously said there should The budget for Tokyo 2020 was set be a debate about whether the Games at $12.6bn (£8.9bn), although it’s been should go ahead. reported that the actual cost could be Could the games have been double that. cancelled? The contract between the IOC and (AMANDALA Sports Ed. Note: the host city Tokyo made it clear only We have received no official the IOC could cancel the event. notification as yet, but we understand The IOC is thought to make around that Belize will be represented at the 70% of its money from broadcast Tokyo Olympics by Shaun Gill in the rights, and 18% from sponsorship. male 400m and Samantha Dirks in the It has repeatedly insisted the Games female 400m.) bbc.com, Thurs. July 8, 2021 Japan only began vaccinating It’s been decided that next people in February, later than most month’s Olympic Games in Tokyo other developed nations. will take place with no spectators Just over 15% of Japan’s Women remain disadvantaged cheering on the athletes. population of nearly 126 million The Japanese government has made people is fully vaccinated. the decision after a surge in In Tokyo and Osaka, the two cities in the workplace coronavirus cases in the country. hit hardest by the recent surge, What’s been announced? authorities hope over-65s will be fully by Dayne Guy A state of emergency was declared vaccinated by the end of July. in the Japanese capital on July 8and Entry to Japan by foreigners from Geneva, Switzerland, Mon. July 19, will stay in place until August 22. 159 countries - including the UK - is 2021 The 2020 Summer Olympic Games currently banned… It has been estimated that only 43.2 are scheduled to take place What Covid measures will be in percent of the world’s women who between July 23 and August 8, and place for visiting athletes? are of working age will be employed the Paralympic Games between International athletes and support in 2021. This contrasts with the 68.6 August 24 and September 5. staff will be tested before departure percent of men of working age who Ministers and organisers have now and on arrival in Japan. will be employed in the same year, decided to ban all spectators from the UK athletes will be required to stay according to the International Labor Olympics. within their Team GB bubble for at Organization (ILO). A decision will be made about least the first three days in the country. The inequities facing women in the wages, long working hours and spectators at the Paralympics by July They will be tested every day. workplace were exacerbated by the limited opportunities for 16. Athletes don’t have to be COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic advancement. Originally, up to 10,000 Japanese vaccinated, though International reduced female employment by 4.2 To counter the radical inequality fans were to be permitted to attend. Olympic Committee (IOC) officials percent, in comparison to the 3 faced by women in the world of Tokyo 2020 President Seiko expect around 80% will be. percent decrease in male work, ILO outlined essential steps to Hashimoto said she was “sorry to Two members of the Ugandan employment. ILO has reported that 13 bridge the prevailing gender those who purchased tickets and delegation have tested positive in million fewer women will be inequality. everyone in local areas”. Japan, including boxing coach Patrick employed than the number of women One of the most critical steps that It was announced back in March Lihanda. employed in 2019; while employment ILO emphasized is a need for that international fans would not be Do people in Japan want the of men has already rebounded to pre- investment in the care economy. The able to attend the games. Olympics? pandemic levels. care economy essentially consists of Where are the Olympic venues? Several towns set to host athletes Notably, women continue to be the activities centered on health, social The 2020 Olympics and have reportedly pulled out because of primary caregivers in the health and work and education. ILO has Paralympics were postponed from last fears about Covid and extra pressure social work sectors. The pandemic pinpointed these sectors as crucial year because of Covid. on the healthcare system. demanded more from women generators of jobs, especially for The Olympics will feature 33 In May, a Japanese doctors’ union working in these industries. It created women, since the leave policies and sports at 339 events across 42 venues. said it was “impossible” to hold the a “double-edged sword” globally — flexible working arrangements often The Paralympics will feature 22 Games given the pandemic. with women being required to work allow for a more balanced sports at 539 events across 21 venues. A recent poll in the leading Asahi longer shifts in the workplace and distribution of work and duties at Most events will be in the Greater Shimbun newspaper suggested more also having to shoulder increased home. Tokyo area, although some football than 80% of the population want them responsibilities at home, since the Additionally, the guidelines calls games and the marathon will take cancelled or postponed. demands of care within the home for greater and more equal place in the northern city of Sapporo. The paper also called for the event increased exponentially. representation for women in the What’s happening with Covid in to be cancelled. “The COVID-19 pandemic has workforce. Women should be Japan? What have athletes’ shed light on the large gender gaps in afforded equal pay, for equal work Overall the country has had representatives said? the quality of employment, especially done; there should be efforts made to relatively low case numbers, but a new A number of bodies and experts for the many women working in eliminate gender-based violence and wave of infections began in April. have expressed concern. feminized sectors and occupations, harassment in the workplace; and As of July 8, there were 812,089 The World Players Association, and in the informal economy,” stated women should be afforded confirmed cases and 14,848 deaths representing 85,000 athletes in over the ILO report. Prior to the pandemic, participation in decision-making (compared with five million cases 60 countries, said the IOC must do jobs that had a high concentration of bodies and in discourse with social and 128,500 deaths in the UK) more to ensure athletes’ safety - with women were characterized by low partner institutions. Tuesday, July 20, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 11

China and Russia in alliance with Cuba

While scrolling through the Caribbean country with a view many years due to the US Facebook, I came across an to causing unrest and foreign blockade, which prohibits trade interesting report published by intervention, and rejected any effort with Cuban companies; therefore, HispanTV and dated July 14, 2021, to interfere in the internal affairs of despite the government’s efforts entitled “In defiance of the US, the largest of the Antilles. to provide food supplies and China strengthens ties with Cuba The Cuban president mentioned healthcare for citizens, little more than ever”. Here is an that the US has been imposing on progress has been made. In abbreviated version of that report: Cuba for more than 60 years and its addition, the US seeks to instigate China is strengthening its ties with insistence on continuing with this chaos on the island by supporting United States, the spokesperson for Cuba more than ever. China asserts coercive policy is turning a deaf ear counter revolutionary elements. the Russian Foreign Ministry, María support for Cuba to preserve social to the calls of the international Along these lines, on Sunday there Zajárova, during an appearance stability and has criticized the US for community, which, in the last 29 were protests in several Cuban cities, before the press held this Thursday, being the reason for the problems, years, has called for its immediate which were forged through media has asserted that the United States calling for the end of sanctions. cessation. “The US must completely and social networks at the service of intends to implement a “color Beijing is not holding back any lift the blockade against Cuba and imperialism. In reaction, thousands revolution” in Cuba. Likewise, she support to the island to enhance the play a positive role in providing of Cubans took to the streets to has demanded that Washington not welfare of its people. China assistance to the people to overcome safeguard the Cuban Revolution. meddle in the internal affairs of other announced the Asian giant’s the effects of the [COVID-19] On the same note, also published sovereign countries, that it stop its willingness to put consensus into pandemic,” he added. In this context, by HispanTV on July 15, 2021, was hypocrisy and its policy of double practice. The Chinese diplomat he denounced the economic blockade, a report entitled “Russia warns standards. In substantiating her defended the statements that Cuban commercial and financial blockade that the US seeks a ‘color position, the Russian diplomat has president Miguel Díaz-Canel made against Cuba. Cubans have been revolution’ in Cuba”, which I also highlighted the US strategy in its about the disturbances that arose in living in a very difficult situation for found to be of utmost importance, foreign policy towards Cuba, and which I would like to share explaining that, “first they impose with you, our dear readers of this sanctions, then they artificially column: generate or create problems that Let us make man The Russian Federation claims that aggravate the economic and social the US seeks to undermine Cuba, situation. In addition, the Russian orchestrating a color revolution, diplomat has emphasized the need for in our image which undermines the island’s Cubans to be the ones who determine democratic and revolutionary system. the future of their country. GENESIS — CHAPTER 1 mankind was created by God a little Given the protests that took place in What is happening in Cuba? Over 26. And God said, “Let us make over six (6) thousand years ago. There some Cuban cities, instigated through man in our image, after our likeness: are those who affirm that God made social networks at the service of the Please turn to„Page 13 and let them have dominion over the man White, while others reject such a fish of the sea, and over the fowl of thought by saying that they were created the air, and over the cattle, and over Black. This Black and White fight to all the earth, and over every creeping be recognized as God’s first creation thing that creeps upon the earth.” has been ongoing for years, from before 27. So God created man in his own the existence of the Jews, who are or image, in the image of God He created were a mixture of them both. When him; male and female He created them. Africa was a great civilization, 28. And God blessed them, and God Europeans were white wild savages said unto them, “Be fruitful, and who were living in caves. Africans multiply, and replenish the earth, and used to cross over to what is today subdue it: and have dominion over the known as Europe and capture those fish of the sea, and over the fowl of white beasts for slaves and taught them the air, and over every living thing that to make iron. The irony of life. Charles moveth upon the earth.” Darwin brought his theory of evolution. GENESIS - CHAPTER 2 In his book of 1871, The Descent of 7. And the Lord God formed man of Man, he speculated that it was the dust of the ground, and breathed probable that Africa was the cradle of into his nostrils the breath of life; and humans. All this began because of the man became a living soul. discovery of a Taung baby skull in 1924 8. And the Lord God planted a in South Africa. It is claimed that an garden eastward in Eden; and there he eagle killed the child three (3) million put the man whom he had formed. years ago. The above is a small portion of what Each person who is killed in Belize is taught to us from childhood by our is a human being. Belize is not the parents, and, thereafter, the Church/ United States of America. My advice State educational system takes care of to the Mestizos and Maya: don’t join the rest of the indoctrination during the Police Department, The Belize nine (9) years of primary school from Defence Force, or the Coast Guard, kindergarten. Unfortunately, children because in a short time you will be do not think for themselves like adults. called racist. Those of you protect the They would not go home and ask daddy interests of the elite wealthy class, not or mommy why there are children of your people and family. In addition, different colours, except for a few your family and you are not protected. inquisitive ones. Yes, I was one of Our two borders, Guatemala and those who was given an answer based Mexico, you know what is in there, on the Holy Bible by my Black and there is no kind of protection when grandmother, Edwardina Cadle, and I they come for what they want — I’m will leave it that. To those of you who just saying. are well-versed in the Hebrew/ Christian Holy Bible: Who was God [email protected] talking to when He said, “Let us make July 18, 2021 man in our image?” Finca Solana According to Biblical studies, Corozal Town Page 12 AMANDALABelize Tuesday, July 20, 2021 Zuma corruption trial resumes after deadly South Africa unrest

Former president, jailed over contempt of court, faces separate corruption charges stemming from a 1999 weapons sale.

Pietermaritzburg High Court again be delayed, arguing a defendant were stationed outside the court amid on Monday, where he faces has a right to appear in court in fears the resumption of the trial 16 charges of fraud, person. Zuma had previously would spark further violent protests, corruption and racketeering physically appeared in court during which had eased over the weekend. related to the 1999 purchase the opening of the trial to proclaim “It was feared or thought that of fighter jets, patrol boats his innocence. Zuma’s supporters would use this and military gear from five On June 29, the former president hearing today as an opportunity to European arms firms when was found guilty of contempt of South show their support for the former he was deputy president. Africa’s top court for disobeying a president,” Al Jazeera’s Bernard The 79-year-old Constitutional Court order to testify Smith reported from is accused of taking bribes before a judicial panel conducting a Pietermaritzburg. from one of the firms, French separate probe of corruption during “That’s why there’s a very heavy defence giant Thales, which his presidency. police and military presence. A park has been charged with His imprisonment a week later … where they normally gather has Aljazeera. Mon. July 19- The long- corruption and money sparked widespread violent protests, actually also been sealed off.” running corruption trial of South laundering. looting and arson in his home Full article can be viewed at : Africa’s former President Jacob The trial began in May but has province of KwaZulu-Natal as well https://www.aljazeera.com/news/ Zuma, whose imprisonment on a faced several postponements and as Gauteng province that has left 2021/7/19/zuma-corruption-trial- separate charge sparked days delays as Zuma’s legal team sought commercial areas ransacked and at to-resume-after-deadly-south- of deadly unrests and looting across to have charges dropped. least 200 people dead. africa-unrest the country, has resumed. On Monday, the former president’s On Monday, armoured vehicles and Zuma appeared virtually in the legal team petitioned for the trial to heavily armed soldiers and police First published by Aljazeera. ‘It’s terrifying’: Merkel shaken as flood deaths rise to 188 in Europe

communities have been cut off, to the eastern town of Pepinster, without power or communications. where a dozen buildings have In North Rhine-Westphalia at least collapsed, to search for any further 46 people have died. The death toll victims. in Belgium climbed to 31 on Sunday. About 37,0000 households were The scale of the floods mean they without electricity and Belgian could shake up Germany’s general authorities said the supply of clean election in September next year. drinking water was also a major North Rhine-Westphalia state concern. premier Armin Laschet, the CDU Emergency services officials in the party’s candidate to replace Merkel, Netherlands said the situation had apologised for laughing in the somewhat stabilised in the southern background while German President part of Limburg province, where tens Frank-Walter Steinmeier spoke to of thousands were evacuated in recent media after visiting the devastated days, although the northern part was town of Erftstadt. still on high alert. The German government will be “In the north they are tensely readying more than 300 million monitoring the dykes and whether they euros ($354 million) in immediate will hold,” Jos Teeuwen of the BERCHTESGADEN/ missing people, the devastation relief and billions of euros to fix regional water authority told a press BISCHOFSWIESEN, Germany, July continued on Sunday when a district collapsed houses, streets and conference on Sunday. 18 (Reuters) - German Chancellor of Bavaria, southern Germany, was bridges, Finance Minister Olaf In southern Limburg, authorities are Angela Merkel described the hit by flash floods that killed at least Scholz told weekly newspaper Bild still concerned about the safety of flooding that has devastated parts of one person. am Sonntag. traffic infrastructure such as roads and Europe as “terrifying” on Sunday Roads were turned into rivers, “There is huge damage and that bridges battered by the high water. after the death toll across the region some vehicles were swept away and much is clear: those who lost their The Netherlands has so far only rose to 188 and a district of Bavaria swathes of land buried under thick businesses, their houses, cannot reported property damage from the was battered by the extreme weather. mud in Berchtesgadener Land. stem the losses alone.” flooding and no dead or missing Merkel promised swift financial Hundreds of rescue workers were There could also be a 10,000 euro people. aid after visiting one of the areas searching for survivors in the short-term payment for businesses In Hallein, an Austrian town near worst affected by the record rainfall district, which borders Austria. affected by the impact of the floods Salzburg, powerful flood waters tore and floods that have killed at least “We were not prepared for this,” as well as the COVID-19 pandemic, through the town centre on Saturday 157 in Germany alone in recent days, said Berchtesgadener Land district Economy Minister Peter Altmaier evening as the Kothbach river burst in the country’s worst natural disaster administrator Bernhard Kern, adding told the paper. its banks, but no injuries were in almost six decades. that the situation had deteriorated Scientists, who have long said that reported. She also said governments would “drastically” late on Saturday, climate change will lead to heavier Many areas of Salzburg province have to get better and faster in their leaving little time for emergency downpours, said it would still take and neighbouring provinces remain efforts to tackle the impact of services to act. several weeks to determine its role on alert, with rains set to continue on climate change only days after About 110 people have been in these relentless rainfalls. Sunday. Western Tyrol province Europe outlined a package of steps killed in the worst-hit Ahrweiler Belgian Prime Minister Alexander reported that water levels in some towards “net zero” emissions by the district south of Cologne. More De Croo said the link with climate areas were at highs not seen for more middle of the century. bodies are expected to be found there change was clear. than 30 years. “It is terrifying,” she told residents as the flood waters recede, police In Belgium, which will hold a Parts of Switzerland remained on of the small town of Adenau in the say. national day of mourning on flood alert, though the threat posed state of Rhineland-Palatinate. “The The European floods, which Tuesday, 163 people are still by some of the most at-risk bodies German language can barely began on Wednesday, have mainly missing or unreachable. The crisis of water like Lake Lucerne and describe the devastation that’s taken hit the German states of Rhineland centre said water levels were falling Bern’s Aare river has eased. place.” Palatinate, North Rhine-Westphalia and a huge clean-up operation was As efforts continued to track down as well as parts of Belgium. Entire underway. The military was sent in First published by Reuters. Tuesday, July 20, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 13 Child victim – individual or Police seeking men systemic flaw? brandishing firearms in video Continued from „Page 5 his own police brethren/sistren, BELIZE CITY, Mon. July 19, but an independent 2021 young man, father, teacher and investigative body would be Today, the Belize Police husband who has lost his life looking into any complaints Department announced that senselessly. from the public about possible they are actively seeking a “In this case, the police are police misconduct. And while group of men seen in a video responsible. The police in we are looking in this direction, brandishing high-caliber Belize are either not training the why not further “free up” the handguns on social media. officers enough, or they have no hand of the Commissioner of The video, which surfaced strict protocol — when to use Police, by having him no longer over the weekend, shows at force, when to fire your gun, answer to a politician (the least 3 or 4 men, flaunting the when to pull out your firearm… Minister of Home Affairs), but firearms in their possession. Now how do you use a gun on instead to an impartial broad- Attached to one of the somebody who is driving away based citizen board consisting firearms that the men from you….?” of representatives from the exhibited in the video was a In the “wild, wild west,” there political parties, social partners, drum cartridge, which has was talk of some “cowboys” etc. Perhaps then, without the the capacity to hold a being “trigger happy.” Such Commissioner reporting directly substantial number of individuals need to be kept far to a member of the House, the additional rounds of away from firearms, and in fact elected representatives of the ammunition that could be a strict screening psychological people will feel a greater fired by the gun. evaluation should be part of the obligation to steer clear of The Police Department’s communications director, selection process for all corruption and interference in ASP Fitzroy Yearwood, said members of the police force. police work. that over the weekend he Whatever has been done to We do need some well thought received various messages ensure our police officers, to a out “amendments” to our of concern regarding the man, are mentally able and Constitution, with more video. He is asking the general public they can boast on social media about prepared to avoid a recurrence emphasis on protecting citizens’ for assistance in the investigation. carrying these weapons — for their of such most regrettable, rights rather than infringing According to ASP Yearwood, the sake I’m hoping that they are detestable and unnecessary upon them. And while it is department will seek the advice of imitation firearms, but of course we use of lethal force against important to hold individual the Director of Public Prosecution know nobody would make a video harmless citizens, it is police officers accountable, (DPP) and is aiming to bring charges brandishing imitation firearms out obviously not enough. For, here these recurrent incidents against the men once they are there, but if these culprits are caught, we are again. suggest that we should at least detained. then we will know exactly how to There may be one aspect of try to make some changes to “If we tolerate these people to deal with them,” ASP Yearwood the problem being overlooked the system. Because, Lord have operate in this kind of fashion where said. — structure. It is human nature mercy, we have hit rock bottom, for team members to develop with the killing of a little child. bonds of friendship and support Reports are that, running in times of distress. It is natural towards the hotel where his Midway calls for for officers to want to “cover” family awaited him a couple their fellow officers who may minutes after the 10:00 p.m. reopening of shops display reckless tendencies. curfew, the unarmed young And in terms of investigations teenager was shot in the back by Dayne Guy following an unfortunate and killed by the bullet from a incident, some may not be fully police officer’s gun. Midway Village, Toledo cooperative. And this On Friday, July 16, the officer District, Mon. July 19, 2021 knowledge might give comfort was charged for Two weeks have passed and perhaps even embolden “manslaughter.” since clusters of COVID-19 the actions of the callous or Our sincere condolences to cases were discovered in the reckless officer, who might not the family; and rest in peace , Midway and Conejo villages, be so daring if he knew that NOT young brother, Laddie Gillett! which prompted the government to place three southern villages — Barranco, Midway and China and Russia in Conejo — under a complete lockdown. The initial lockdown was scheduled to alliance with Cuba last only two weeks, but due to the emergence of even more cases in the villages remain closed as a Continued from Page 11 have shown their opposition to in those areas, the Ministry of Health result of the lockdown. „ Washington’s coercive measures and and Wellness deemed it necessary to The chairman of Midway village, the weekend there were protests in her interventionist discourse. US extend the lockdown until the end of Mr. Marcos Ico, has thus told local several Cuban cities demanding a sanctions prohibit trade with Cuban the month. media that the village is begging the better economic situation in the companies, so despite the efforts of While the government has pledged government to consider reopening the country, hit by the more than six the Miguel Díaz-Canel government to to render assistance to those shops in the village, while enforcing decades-old embargo imposed by the provide food and health supplies to households affected by the lockdown strict protocols. This would allow US that incites chaos on the island, citizens, little progress has been through the distribution of food residents to obtain necessary supporting counterrevolutionary made. packages and a weekly stipend of provisions, while they continue to elements. Faced with this new $150 weekly, there have been reports follow the rules and regulations that episode of US interference, Cuba has [email protected] that the food packages have been are in place during the lockdown. received hundreds of messages of July 18, 2021 insufficient and the residents are Efforts were made to contact Mr. Ico solidarity from human rights Finca Solana unable to use the $150 stipend for updates on the situation, but no organizations and from countries that Corozal Town because the shops and the corn mill response was received.

Our email address for business & advertising is [email protected] Page 14 AMANDALABelize Tuesday, July 20, 2021 China accused of cyber-attack on Microsoft Exchange servers

by Gordon Corera groups began to exploit the Security correspondent vulnerability. The targets scaled up to encompass key industries and BBC. Mon. July 19, 2021— The UK, governments worldwide. It had US and EU have accused China of turned from targeted espionage to a carrying out a major cyber-attack massive smash-and-grab raid. earlier this year.The attack targeted Western security sources believe Microsoft Exchange servers, Hafnium obtained advance affecting at least 30,000 knowledge that Microsoft intended to organisations globally. patch or close the vulnerability, and Western security services believe so shared it with other China-based it signals a shift from a targeted groups to maximise the benefit before espionage campaign to a smash-and- it became obsolete. grab raid, leading to concerns It was the recklessness of the Chinese cyber-behaviour is decision to spread the vulnerability escalating. that helped drive the decision to call The Chinese Ministry of State out the Chinese publicly, officials Australia, Canada and New Zealand China is more sensitive than Russia Security (MSS) has also been say.The UK is also understood to have joined Nato in issuing a to international pressure. accused of wider espionage activity have raised the issue of Chinese statement in “solidarity”.The The US Department of Justice has and a broader pattern of “reckless” cyber-activity in private with Beijing countries also called out wider announced criminal charges against behaviour. over an extended period, including Chinese behaviour which it linked to four MSS hackers which it said were China has previously denied handing over dossiers of evidence. two groups known as APT 40 and linked to a long-term campaign allegations of hacking and says it Microsoft went public about the APT 31, which are believed to be targeting foreign governments and opposes all forms of cyber- vulnerability on 2 March and offered linked to the MSS. entities in key sectors in a least a crime.The unified call-out of Beijing a patch to close it. At this point, more Despite the strong language, there dozen countries. shows the gravity with which this hackers around the world had are no signs of fresh sanctions against Ultimately, Western security case has been taken. Western realised its value and piled in. China. sources believe the MSS is behind intelligence officials say aspects are Around a quarter of a million In contrast, new sanctions were all the activity revealed today and markedly more serious than anything systems globally were left exposed - placed on Russia for the recent hope co-ordinated international they have seen before. often small or medium-sized SolarWinds campaign which many action will put pressure on their It began in January when hackers businesses and organisations - and at experts believe was less serious than activities. from a Chinese-linked group known least 30,000 were compromised. the Microsoft Exchange campaign as Hafnium began exploiting a Western governments accuse the linked to China. First published by BBC news. vulnerability in Microsoft Exchange. MSS of using hackers for hire and Some officials, however, hope They used the vulnerability to insert want it to sever ties with them.The backdoors into systems which they UK Foreign Office said the Chinese could return to later.The UK said the government had “ignored repeated attack was likely to enable large- calls to end its reckless campaign, Víctima menor: ¿defecto scale espionage, including the instead allowing state-backed actors acquisition of personal information to increase the scale of their attacks and intellectual property. and act recklessly when caught”. individual o sistémico? It was mainly carried out against The White House said it reserved specific systems which aligned with the right to take additional actions Continua de página 8 de los partidos políticos, Hafnium’s previous targets, such as against China over its cyber „ interlocutores sociales, etc. defence contractors, think tanks and activities.The EU, meanwhile, said suficiente. Porque aquí estamos Quizás entonces, sin que el universities. the hack had “resulted in security de nuevo. Comisario rinda cuentas “We believe that cyber-operators risks and significant economic loss Puede que se está pasando por directamente a un miembro de working under the control of Chinese for our government institutions and alto un aspecto del problema: la la Cámara, los representantes intelligence learned about the private companies”. estructura. Es parte de la electos del pueblo se sientan Microsoft vulnerability in early But Western spies are still naturaleza humana que los más obligados a mantenerse January, and were racing to exploit struggling to understand why Chinese miembros del equipo desarrollen alejados de la corrupción y la the vulnerability before [it] was behaviour has changed. If the hackers lazos de amistad y apoyo en injerencia en el trabajo policial. widely identified in the public were authorised to escalate, it would momentos de angustia. Es natural Sí, necesitamos algunas domain,” a security source told the suggest a step-change in what the que los oficiales quieran “cubrir” “enmiendas” bien pensadas a BBC.If this had been all, it would country is willing to do and raise the a sus compañeros oficiales que nuestra Constitución, con más have been just another espionage fear that they no longer care about pueden mostrar tendencias énfasis en proteger los derechos operation. But in late February being caught. imprudentes. Y en términos de de los ciudadanos en lugar de something significant changed. That is partly why so many investigaciones posteriores a un infringirlos. Y si bien es The targeted attack became a mass governments have joined together to incidente desafortunado, es importante responsabilizar a los pile-in when other China-based signal their concerns. Japan, posible que algunos no cooperen individuales agentes de policía, plenamente. Y este conocimiento estos incidentes recurrentes podría brindar consuelo y tal vez sugieren que al menos incluso envalentonar las acciones deberíamos intentar hacer del oficial insensible o algunos cambios en el sistema. imprudente, que podría no ser tan Porque, Señor, ¡ten piedad! atrevido si supiera que NO sus hemos tocado fondo, con la propios hermanos/hermanas muerte de un niño. Los informes policías, sino que un cuerpo de son que, corriendo hacia el investigación independiente hotel donde su familia lo estaría investigando cualquier esperaba un par de minutos queja del público sobre una después del toque de queda de posible mala conducta policial. las 10:00 p.m., el joven Y mientras miramos en esta adolescente desarmado recibió dirección, ¿por qué no “liberar” un disparo en la espalda y fue aún más la mano del matado por la bala del arma de Comisionado de Policía, un oficial de policía. haciendo que ya no responda El viernes 16 de julio, el oficial ante un político (el Ministro del fue acusado de “homicidio Interior), sino ante una involuntario”. imparcial junta directiva Nuestro más sentido pésame ciudadana de amplia base a la familia; y ¡descansa en paz, compuesta por representantes hermano joven, Laddie Gillett! Tuesday, July 20, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 15 JOINT RELEASE: THE CHILD JUSTICE Polancos robbed in Franks Eddy

STEERING COMMITTEE CALLS FOR by Dayne Guy persons wearing masks entered the shop. One of the men, she said, was SAFETY AND PROTECTION OF CHILDREN Franks Eddy Village. Sun. July 18, armed with a handgun. That armed 2021 robber walked to the counter, where BY LAW ENFORCEMENT The police are currently searching he stole an undisclosed amount of for two male persons in connection money and Polanco’s engagement ring Belize, 16 July 2021: measures are not utilized to suppress with two robberies that occurred in that reportedly has a value of $500 The Child Justice Steering children’s rights. In addition, police quick succession on Sunday, July 18. BZD. According to police, after the Committee is profoundly saddened officers must address the unique The first incident took place at about culprits exited the shop, they robbed by the death of 14 year old Laddie vulnerabilities of children with whom 4:55 p.m. at the R&D shop in Franks 53-year-old Rigoberto Polanco of his Gillett, who was killed in a police they come in contact. Eddy Village. When police arrived at wallet, which contained his personal shooting in Placencia Village. We The Committee developed and the scene, they spoke to 20-year-old documents and $900 BZD. extend our deepest condolences to his shared a protocol that outlines how Cristina Polanco, a cashier at the shop, We reached out to the Belmopan family, friends and teachers. The police should interact with children, who recounted to them what had just Police Station for more information, Committee promotes the rights and with a commitment to sensitize 100% taken place. but the Officer in Charge was not there wellbeing of every child, with of Police officers. The protocol She told the police that two male at the time. particular focus on those children in includes that the police ensure the contact and in conflict with the law. wellbeing and fair treatment of the Children have been amongst the most child is paramount. Through these Bush sticks lead to vulnerable and most affected by the efforts and constant advocacy, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Child Justice Steering Committee has trouble in Indian Creek Due to COVID-19 restrictions, made several attempts to support and children have been unable to go to work with the Police Department to Continued from Page 1 consent must be obtained by the parks, schools or engage in other better protect our children. This „ government from Mayan villagers prior activities. This has had a tremendous includes training police officers on property found a quantity of sticks about to the use of any lands over which the impact on the social, emotional and child friendly interviewing and a mile inside the Fig Tree Road villagers exercise customary land psychological well-being of children interaction. The killing of young Entrance. The bush sticks appeared to rights, and the government must cease in Belize. Since March 2020, Laddie is a stark reminder that much be unclaimed, and as a result, the and desist from any use of resources consolidated data from the Police more work needs to be done to manager of the property, Robert Pennel, on those lands for which they have not Department, Ministry of Human guarantee that special measures are gave the authorization for the sticks to received such consent. Development, and the Family and adopted to protect our children. be cut into pieces. According to reports, however, the Magistrate Courts of Belize reveal that The Committee, at this sad time, What appeared to be an unclaimed land on which the incident occurred, over 500 children have been charged once again calls on the Police heap of sticks, however, was actually while located in the vicinity of Mayan with COVID-19 offences and have Department through the Ministry of a stack of bush sticks that one Mr. customary lands, became privately consequently interacted with law Home Affairs, to work with the George Coy had obtained a customary owned prior to the issuance of the CCJ enforcement and the judicial system. relevant authorities so that a child use permit from the village of Indian order that grants Mayans the right to There are growing concerns protection approach is used in every Creek to harvest, and the villagers communal ownership of lands they especially coming out of the Stann interaction with children. It is only were incensed when they found out presently inhabit. The people of Indian Creek District and Belize City that through these partnerships and what had been done to the sticks. Creek have indicated that they might persons under 18 continue to be collaborations that we will truly make According to residents of the village, present a case based on what they see arrested and charged with COVID- a meaningful and positive difference Coy had hired workers for the as a clear breach of their indigenous 19 offences with little effort to divert in the lives of Belize’s children. harvesting of the bush sticks, but by the rights by the rangers, to the Caribbean them from the criminal justice system. Together we have an obligation to time Mr. Coy was getting ready to Court of Justice. Since 2020 the Child Justice Steering promote the safety, protection and transport the sticks, the rangers had The Communal Land Tenure system Committee has advised the Police best interest principle for EVERY already cut them into pieces using a serves as means to ensure that the that they have an obligation to ensure CHILD, at all times and under any chainsaw. That reportedly caused a government and large foreign that emergency public safety circumstance. financial loss for Coy, who had invested companies recognize indigenous land his funds in hiring workers to harvest rights and prevents them from exploiting the wood, which had been sawed to resources within Mayan villages. bits. Amandala tried to reach out to Ms. Young woman badly It was a misunderstanding, but to the Cristina Coc for comments, but was not residents of Indian Creek, it was also able to do so.. We will be following an affront to their system of granting up on the issue. beaten, dies later customary use permits, and to the authority they exercise over the resources of the land they communally Continued from Page 1 before the attack on Choc. Although own. Outraged villagers of Indian „ the lighting in the video is poor and Creek reportedly met at a meeting women away from her. the images are not clear, women can hosted by the village’s alcalde to The eyewitness said that Choc then be heard speaking in the Maya Mopan determine how to address what they walked away from the scene of the language. According to local perceived as a violation of their rights attack and began to cry. She translators, they were saying vile, and authority. Following this meeting, reportedly left the village on Saturday distasteful things to the victim, one the villagers summoned the rangers. morning and sought refuge at her even urging the others to “kill her”. They then proceeded to detain them and mother’s house in Belmopan, but first At the start of the video, a woman fined them $55. Pennel, the manager NOTICE she went to get medical attention and can be heard calling out to the victim. of the Boden Creek Land and Cattle reported the incident to the police. Unconfirmed reports are that Company, is also alleging that Cristina NOTICE: I, Darrel Westby, lost boat A little after midnight on Sunday Choc’s husband was involved in a Coc, of the Mayan Leaders Alliance title. Name of Boat: Skip Jack. BZ- morning, however, the victim’s romantic relationship with the third (MLA), allegedly broke the locks and 1263 (high bow-25ft., color white) mother, 51-year-old Epifania Itch, woman involved in the attack. In the chains of the company’s property and Mexican skiff. had to call the police so that they video, one woman accuses the victim trespassed onto it to capture photos of NOTICE: the general public is could transport Choc, who was of having a relationship with the bush sticks in question. hereby advised that works to retrofit breathing heavily and experiencing someone else, and can be heard The community of Indian Creek has the existing submarine transmission pains in her throat, stomach, and telling her that she is not the woman requested government intervention. waterline between Malacate and back, to the hospital. Police reported they wanted as a partner for their They are insisting that the Government Placencia will take place staring that she had already become brother. of Belize stop the rangers’ intrusion Tuesday, July 20, 2021 to Friday, unresponsive at the time. Police are currently awaiting the onto their land and the rangers’ August 13, 2021. During this time When the victim arrived at the results of a post-mortem examination disruption of the way the villagers use divers and boats will be active in the Western Regional Hospital, she had on Choc’s body to ascertain the cause their land and natural resources. They area. Visible signs and markers will already passed away. of her death and determine whether are basing their claim on a Consent be placed. Mariners are asked to A video has surfaced which or not any charges can be levied Order issued by the Caribbean Court exercise caution when approaching the purportedly shows the moments against the women who attacked her. of Justice (CCJ), which stipulated that area. Page 16 AMANDALABelize Tuesday, July 20, 2021