Just Drop the Electricity Rates

Thursday, January 19, 2012 Capital Weekly Page 1 CapitalCapital

FromFromWeekly Weekly thethe HeartHeart ofof thethe NationNation toto thethe SoulSoul ofof thethe PeoplePeople

No. 019 Thursday, January 19, 2012 Price: $1.00 Quit the Quibbling ! Just Drop the Electricity Rates

Jeffrey Locke, CEO of BEL John Avery, Chairman of the PUC and dividends to shareholders, and good; and, on the face of utilities. In the long term, how- - Contributed while another had submitted a it, Belizean consumers and mi- ever, it is left to be seen whether s we entered 2012, request for a rate review that nority shareholders seem to these corporations will truly one of our government- would almost certainly lead to a be getting some immediate, benefit the masses in a manner owned public utilities reduction in rates to consumers. tangible benefits from Govern- A (Continued on Page 19) had just reported healthy profits That is all well ment’s nationalization of public Sedi Shines the Light on PUP Saldivar Scolds the PUP

See Page 12 See Page 4 From the Heart of the Nation to the Soul of the People Hon. Wilfred ‘Sedi’ Elrington, Pickstock Area Representative Hon. John Saldivar, Belmopan Area Representative Page 2 Capital Weekly Thursday, January 19, 2012 From the Desk Shoman Casts Stones of the Chairman She is NOT Without Sin! Wilfred ‘Sedi’ Elrington, Borrow a Page from Barrow’s Book during his contribution to the debate at last Friday’s House sit- minate binding contracts ting (reproduced on page 12), and agreements, but there is reminded those on the Opposi- no way one can afford to be tion side of two important quo- intimidated by the threat of tations from the Good Book as possible litigation when the spoken by the greatest teacher righteous objective is to de- of all times, Christ himself. fend the interest of the Peo- One of those quotations ple, especially when one is is, “Let he who is without sin elected by the People them- cast the first stone.” (John 8:7). The message has cer- selves. After all, there is no tainly not gotten across, as this court bigger than the Peo- week when the Senate con- Lisa Shoman ple’s Court, and no justice vened, one of the first stones Gave up SSB $3.34 Million greater than Social Justice. to be cast came from none Look at the example gesting that where apparent other than Lisa Shoman, the wrongdoing is exposed, the Prime Minister Barrow has same woman who, as attorney set at the level of Central UDP should not deal with it as for the said corporation in it is doing in this and other such Government, having acted question, SSB, gave up 3.34 instances. But for those on the Delroy Cuthkelvin decisively and fearlessly in Million of the People’s money other side who the World and Chairman, Editorial Board the face of the biggest guns that the Court had earlier Country knows could hardly be we have ever known in Be- ordered the late Harry Cour- matched, let alone outdone, by lize when it comes to legal e sympathize tenay to pay back to the SSB. anyone, where abuse of public with the Belize battles. The Prime Minis- It was during the 1989 resources is concerned, is cer- City Council ter has, of course, acted in to 1993 PUP administration tainly the heights of hypocrisy. Wover the bind in which the best interest of Belize that Harry Courtenay, acting It’s precisely the kind it has consistently found and the Belizean People. on behalf of Social Security, of thing the good master itself where the garbage There have been got the money to purchase cautioned us against, and situation is concerned; enormous challenges along shares in a hydroelectric com- which Hon. Sedi Elrington but we believe it is the the way, countless twists pany, BECOL. The shares were reminded us of last week. inevitable result of a fail- and turns, and still some never obtained by SSB, and the Stop casting stones, Miss ure to act decisively and daunting curves ahead, but Courts later ordered Courte- Shoman! You, of all people, es- resolutely in terminating he and his government have nay to return the money to SSB. pecially where SSB is concerned, the corrupt arrangements steadily been progressing But, shortly after the are certainly not without sin! inherited from the PUP. towards the ultimate goal, PUP returned to office in 1998, We had said it from which is to secure the future Lisa Shoman, acting as attorney the start, and we are say- of our Country and People. for the Social Security Board, ing it again. The garbage If our political lead- informed the Chief Justice Capital Weekly disposal contracts, like ers at the municipal level that SSB had no desire to have From the Heart of the Nation most other things under wish to be truly successful, the judgment enforced. It goes To the Soul of the People the last PUP administra- they should follow the ex- without saying that Shoman, tion, were conceived in ample of Honorable Dean thorough that single action, Published By: corruption; and for that Barrow who, by his deci- cost the government and peo- Roots & Rhythm Ltd. ple of Belize 3.34 Million. reason, they can never and sive and resolute actions 15 Gibnut Street Now she comes casting will never be executed with on behalf of the Belizean Belmopan stones at employees of the very honesty and efficiency. people, is quickly making a same corporation, SSB. One Upon taking office name for himself as one of Chairman: would have to ask, how many the most patriotic and im- Delroy Cuthkelvin in 2006, other munici- millions have the employees of pacting leaders of all time, pal councils found them- SSB cost the government and selves in similar binds, not just in Belize, but the Compositor: people of Belize through their William Cuthkelvin and did not hesitate to put entire region and the world. efforts to get on the housing an end to those arrange- Borrow a page from mortgage write-off list. And Telephone: ments. For them, in this Mr. Barrow’s book; and even if they were successful, 802-1284 regard, things have since your name will go down in how much money would it been working out well. history as one who was not have cost us? We dare say it Email: afraid to defend, against There are always certainly wouldn’t be any- capitalweekly_bze all odds, the interest of the legal considerations en- thing close to 3.34 Million. @yahoo.com tailed in decisions to ter- People who elected you. We are NOT at all sug- Thursday, January 19, 2012 Capital Weekly Page 3 Prime Minister Dean Barrow On Lowering of Electricity Rates (Statement Made During House Meeting, Friday January, 13, 2012)

esterday, the and were prepared to cut off our Public Utilities power supply and plunge the na- Commission of tion into darkness, if we did not Belize announcedY its initial de- knuckle under to their blackmail. cision with respect to the 2012 But the United Demo- Full Tariff Review Proceeding. cratic Party braved local and On behalf of the Government international wrath, to do the and People of Belize, I wel- courageous thing; the national- come that decision and greet istic thing; the right thing. Today it with applause and jubilation. is therefore the sweetest possible The short summary of consummation and vindication that decision is that electric- of Belizean courage, of a signal ity rates will now go down by Belizean brave-heart, histori- almost 3 cents per Kilowatt cal watershed (Applause). Mr. hour. In percentage terms, Mr. Speaker, the spirit of the Baymen Speaker, this is a 6.14 percent lives and is triumphantly rein- reduction to consumers; and this carnated in a United Democratic is the greatest gift over which Party that is Always for the People. this administration (Applause), Mr. Speaker, in real this is the greatest New Year’s terms, the 6.14 percent reduc- gift over which we are presid- tion in electricity rates is about ing. Of course, Mr. Speaker, 12 Million dollars in annual while it is the greatest gift, it is savings to the consumer. That not the only gift, as later I will Prime Minister Hon. Dean Barrow is new money now in disposable income to help with per- be introducing the 17 Million will go down further now to 24 For, Mr. Speaker, the sonal spending and economic dollar Social Security Board cents. And, as I said, the number Country will remember that none regeneration, and I say it is Mortgage Write Off Motion. of around 7,000 or so persons of this would have been possible one hell of a stimulus package. But, Mr. Speaker, this that pay only the social rate were it not for the bold history- Of course, Mr. Speaker, slashing of electricity bills to all will increase to 8,000 persons. making decision of the UDP consumers is an unprecedented when you look at the details, historical achievement; if you “It is a price that is willingly paid by this no one will miss the fact that will forgive me, the pièce de ré- Government, a government that is indubitably, the only bill that doesn’t go sistance, the jewel in the crown inarguably, and as a matter of conviction, down is what, in an otherwise of Government’s sparkling pano- belief, philosophy and our very Heart across the board the reduction, ply of pro-people initiatives. and our very Soul, Always for the People” is government’s bill for street lighting. We, the Government Mr. Speaker, every sector of Now, Mr. Speaker, this Government to nationalize BEL. of Belize, will continue to pay the public, of the economy, will decision which offers such dra- It is the case, Mr. Speaker, at a whopping 55 cents per benefit; the residential consum- matic relief to the people of this that the former owners of BEL kilowatt hour. (It’s almost 600 ers, the industrial consumers, Country would, under the law, as were never going to give us any dollars per year for one lamp). the commercial consumers; it stood, normally not take effect reduction. In fact, they tied us But that is what is neces- and, of course, as is always the until August, but the Minister up in Court and got injunctions sary to offset the rock-bottom case with an administration of Public Utilities has already to block any possibility of lower social rate to those 8,000 poor that is always for the people, signed a statutory instrument rates. And not only were they Belizeans, and it is a price that the poorest will benefit most. (and it was just laid on the table not ever going to take our light is willingly paid by this Govern- And that is because, Mr. before the House just a while bills down; in fact, and to the ment, a government that is indu- Speaker, the PUC’s decision ago); that statutory instrument contrary, they were determined bitably, inarguably, and as a mat- adds over 1,000 persons to the brings the new rates into force and demanded to actually inter of conviction, belief, philoso- list of those that pay only a on the first day of February, crease our rates, and in a major phy and our very heart and our social rate for their electricity 2012. So that as of from next punitive way, as all the World consumption. That social rate month’s light bill, Mr. Speaker, knows, they actually threatened, very soul, Always for the People. is currently an already low 26 every person in this country cents per kilowatt hour, as op- will realize this huge savings and Read Capital Weekly Online posed to the average of about have money to spend, in some 40 cents per kilowatt hour that cases to splurge, as a result of the In Living Colours at: the regular residential consumer action of this United Democratic belizenews.com/CapitalWeekly pays. But that 26 cents social rate Party Government. (Applause) Page 4 Capital Weekly Thursday, January 19, 2012 Saldivar Scolds PUP Leaders “You Cannot Recycle Corruption!”

r. Speaker, I jobs to the write-off. I have to really have wonder, where is he living? to say that I Let him go and ask any of sense Ma hint of jealousy (ap- the 781 people who are get- plause), jealousy on the part ting write-offs, and ask them of the former Prime Minister, if they are not happy. that when he was the Prime In fact, I heard one of Minister all he could preside them say, first time she ever over was corruption, corrup- get anything from a govern- tion, corruption; and we now ment, whether RED or BLUE. have a Prime Minister that takes She is happy! Almost touched care of the people (applause)! the roof when she heard I don’t understand the that we wrote off the loan. gall of this man; he has to So, Mr. Speaker, I won’t have serious gall to come here be much longer, except to say and tell us that we must not that these people, really, have— beat our chests because we how Honorable Finnegan would are helping the poor people; say it—more nerves than ten bad when he came to this Honor- teeth, to get up here and want able House a few weeks ago to criticize a government that and beat his chest to tell us that has now established the record of being always for the people! we have to pay back Ashcroft Mr. Speaker, I will close the money that he gave to him. Hon. John Saldivar by saying that sometimes we So it looks to me, Mr. Speaker, Hon. B .Q .Pitts have to be honest with ourselves. that when he gives away the Attorney General, also a ber, but the people will not forget. Remember Mahogany Heights. For ten long years, after 1998, recipient of the Queen’s Belizean people’s money to rich What he should remem- Let’s remember 87 Million we here in the United Demo- New Year’s Honours people he should beat his chest, ber is how many times they that went down the drain at cratic Party had to live down but we should not beat our sold and bought back BTL; and Mahogany Heights. I like, Mr. VAT and Retrenchment. We chests when we help the people when they sold BTL they sold it Speaker, when the members had to carry that each time we of this Country (applause). for less, and when they bought on the other side get up and try visited people’s homes, and they They’re talking about it back, they bought it for more. to play these games, because it reminded us about VAT and Re- the money that we’re spend- Three times they did that. And gives us the opportunity to ex- trenchment; and they reminded ing on the People. Let us re- he should remember which law pose what they were in the ten us about the Christmas that member that it was his former firm was benefitted each time years that they ran this coun- we had retrenchment. leader who said, “Bring back these transactions took place. try between 1998 and 2008. Well, I believe that with the money (applause)!”And, in Imagine the gall of this member And, as I have said to what this government has fact, he didn’t only say, bring for Fort George to want to come them, one of the reasons that done in the last four years, back the money, he said bring and what we have done in back the millions (applause); “You can’t bring back the same people who this last Christmas and New bring back the millions that ran this Country into the ground, you can’t bring Year’s Season alone, we have you made while your par- back the same corrupt people to run this Country now lived down, we have now ty was in power (applause). and feel that the people of this Country are going moved beyond VAT and Re- Well, we are using the Belizean to vote you back into power.” trenchment, and have estab- taxpayers’ money to help the lished ourselves now as the poor people of this nation, not and talk about corruption! they are going to take a licking party for the People (applause)! to benefit Michael Ashcroft. What the PUP do when again at the polls is that you It is now, Mr. Speaker, And you see, he said they discover corruption? They cannot recycle corruption (ap- going to be left to those who take earlier, why don’t we remember, cover it, and they hide it, and plause). You can’t bring back over from that bunch over there and he wants to bring back the pretend that nothing is hap- the same people who ran this (because, I tell you, they’re not audit and these other things that pening. And this Government Country into the ground, you seeing Government until all of we spoke about earlier. He is the (and I will repeat it, and we have can’t bring back the same cor- them are gone), it is going to be one that should remember, you repeated it on many occasions), rupt people to run this Country left up to the young PUP’s; it is know, Mr. Speaker; he is the one no government can completely and feel that the people of this going be left to the new PUPs (I that should remember that he, stomp out corruption. But it’s Country are going to vote you don’t know where they’re going in one day, approved a $30 Mil- what you do when you discover back into power (applause). to get them from) to live down lion loan for the Novelos. That it that is important; and this I thought it was the the ten years of corruption un- is what he should remember. Government has the record Leader of the Opposition, but der the People’s United Party And, as I have said on of dealing with it every time it perhaps it was the former Prime under the leadership at that many occasions in this Honor- rears its ugly head (applause). Minister; he said, ask the re- time, of Said Musa (Applause)! able House, he might not remem- Talk about remember? cipients if they would prefer Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thursday, January 19, 2012 Capital Weekly Page 5 Housing, SSB, Heritage Bank DFC will be Next, says PM Barrow Mr. Speaker, in moving this Government; so she doesn’t have to motion—and I do so with great worry about the fact that she may pleasure in view of the tremen- think that morally those people dous relief it represents for almost ought to come off the list. It was the a thousand Belizean families—I list that SSB gave me; it was the list wish to make some clarifications. I took to Cabinet; it was the list I Mr. Speaker, I had said have always been operating on; and publicly, both on WAVE Radio and I don’t think it is fair now to take on KREM’s WUB Show, that when anybody off, just in the same way I negotiated with SBB to buy these as we are not putting anybody on. mortgages in order to write them Again, there may well be, off for Belizean homeowners, I Mr. Speaker, as we proceed, the did so on the basis that the people discovery that one or two names to be covered are those that had on the list may be the names of originally borrowed 50 thousand persons that have died, and their dollars and below. I was given a loans would as a consequence have list of such persons current as of been written off by insurance. In September 30, 2011. That was the that case, I will need for SSB to re- list that formed the basis of the place those loans, because we have contract that I subsequently, on bought 781. At that juncture, when behalf of Government and the that can becomes clear, if there are Ministry of Finance, concluded such instances, we can look at who with the Social Security Board. next there was on the list that was That list contained 781 names. just over $50 thousand and try to However, the current act- slot them in. But that will have to ing CEO of SSB double checked Prime Minister Hon. Dean Barrow await the exercise that SSB will do that list for me yesterday in order to when there is rather more time. finalize it for today’s House Meet- 2011 (I was given that September ever you paid between September Now, Mr. Speaker, I had ing, and she did some disaggrega- 30, 2011 list sometime in Octo- and now, that’s for Social Security. announced today’s move in my tion. Of course a copy of that list ber, I believe, late October), since What is being written New Year’s Message, which was has been deposited with the House that time, persons on the list have off is the principal balance as it aired when I wasn’t even in the for all members to examine and continued to service their mort- stood at that time and whatever Country, and the details were only extract if they wish; totally trans- gages, so the principal balances, interest there was, and escrow supplied after I returned home and parent, totally open, totally above the statement that will accompany amounts in the particular accounts. during the first working week of the board. But, the acting CEO has the list will have the balances as of Now, Mr. Speaker, I have year. There seemed to have been pointed out that, as a consequence September 30, 2011. Some of them made the clarification because some initial confusion on the part, of her review, it is confirmed that certainly, of some talk-show hosts the vast majority of the persons “But it is clear that the joy at what we are doing is not confined only to those homeowners that are benefitting (either confusion or bad mind, but on that list, in fact, 94.5 percent, I won’t bother to try to determine did in fact borrow originally at 50 directly; all right thinking citizens resoundingly approve of which). I will just say that there thousand or less. But the remaining compassion on the part of their government, compassion clearly was a lack of information in 5.5 percent had loans at the start in that gives a welcome and significant boost both to individual terms of the details. I have clarified, excess of 50 thousand; not greatly disposable income and to collective economic activity.” I have set out painstakingly in my in excess, but still above what had radio appearances what the back- been my negotiating threshold. would have paid down a little bit there was a feeling that perhaps ground to this thing was, but I do so Of course, the Government more. I only say this because I don’t those that I have now discovered, again for the benefit of the House. of Belize has already paid for all want them to come later on and the few that did not start off origi- Most of the beneficiaries of the loans whose principal balances say, I want a rebate for the amount nally at 50 thousand when they first the write-off did not have original were at September 30, 2011 (and, that we paid between September made their loans, should perhaps mortgages with SSB. What the last of course, continue to be now) and December. We are already be removed from the list. But I re- government did was to bundle up all below 50 Thousand dollars. I writing off everything; and I only ally don’t think that would be fair. a number of differently sourced therefore proceed to place all those concluded the deal with SSB at the But I want to make it clear to the mortgages, including some held names before the House, and all of end of December, and the House acting CEO of SSB that this is my with the Ministry of Housing, with them will benefit from the write-off. is only approving it now; so what- decision and the decision of the BIMCO, with the Belize Building I should make one thing Society, St. James Building Society, clear. The list, as I said, that was and sell them to SBB. This was in given to me as of September 30, the bad old days of the PUP when 2011, no name has come off; no SSB was little better than a feeding name has been added. There was trough for government, so SSB’s a great brouhaha about goings on then directors and management among staff at SSB. Let me make were easily compliant. SSB turned absolutely clear, and again mem- around and securitized the mort- bers on the others side will be able gages, principally as I understand to look at the original September it, with RBTT, the Royal Merchant 30, 2011 list to verify that it is that Bank of Trinidad and Tobago. exact list that is being reproduced Of course, most, if not all of now for the House to approve. the homeowners whose mortgages But, since September 30, Social Security Office in the Old Capital, Belize City Continued on Page 16 Page 6 Capital Weekly Thursday, January 19, 2012 Faith Lift Avoid Revenge, Embrace Forgiveness The desire we have for ness we can forget the wrong who can fully understand justice is proof that we were done to us; after all, we often the root cause of the offense By Zelda Hill indeed created in God’s like- unwittingly forget the good or the heart of the offender ness, but clearly the Scrip- deeds of others. Instead of al- but God? A victim may be s humans living in a tures stress that retributive lowing hurtful memories and convinced that the perpetra- fallen world we are justice is God’s prerogative revengeful thoughts to eat us tor had malicious intent or all victims of evil and we must not take God’s alive and hence fall under he could have been injured A work out of His hand. To the control of the offender, without the offender be- - and perpetrators as well. It may have been a private understand why a wise and try this prescription for of- ing aware. The offender injury inflicted by a stranger, omniscient God restricts us fenses often repeated by my may have already suffered a co-worker, a neighbor or from avenging ourselves father: “When offended do enough through a burdened a friend or a major offense we can look to experience. not nurse it, do not curse it, do conscience, through uneasi- for which we had to rely on For those of us who have not rehearse it, but immerse it ness and fear of expecting the State for relief or justice. entertained the desires to and you will soon reverse it.” retaliation or from provi- And as heirs of a cor- one day even the scores or Revenge also increas- dential events since we can rupt nature, we are prone may have done so, we can es the chances of retaliation be sure that God will justly to return wrong for wrong, agree that revenge is not as since it is uncontrollable repay those who deserve it. tit for tat, or “an eye for an sweet as is often promoted. and each act of retaliation In no case does leav- eye”, often quoted to jus- Seeking revenge for brings another. It is said that ing the matter to God rules tify personal vendettas. The an insult or injury is just as retaliation is like adding fuel out the necessity of repelling infamous ‘eye for an eye’ wrong and always costs more to a fire and like a boomer- an assault, defending our ruling [though commonly than we may have initially ang that cannot be thrown lives and the lives of others misconstrued] found in three realized and can afford. Even without cost to the thrower. or seeking the protection of Books of the Jewish Law pro- before the vindictive action We may feel that once we get the law; it simply rules out vided for public justice by the is carried out, the mental, revenge it ends there but we a malicious desire with the judges of that time. It was not emotional, psychological and fail to realize that the other motive to do wrong in ex- a personal guide for private physical toll exacted due to person may also be planning change for the evil done to us. vengeance but a measure to the harboring of resentment another round of offense. Forgiving and pray- ensure that the punishment and vindictive thoughts trig- The pages of history ing for the offender are the fit the crime and was neither ger various stress related and our local nightly news only gears that can halt too lenient nor too strict. illnesses that may even short- are filled with blood stories the revenge cycle. We But even then, this en our lifespan when these of revenge. The conflict in can never hate someone regulation was seen as a emotions become habitual. the Middle East today among or seek their harm after warrant for taking redress The countless hours the Israelis and the Palestin- we have prayed for them. into one’s own hands. Con- and sleepless nights spent ians, though sprung from As the adage con- sequently, and since the old nursing a fretful and vindic- cultural and religious roots, is firms, ‘to err is human law could never transform tive spirit while concocting perpetuated by an enormous and to forgive is divine’, the heart, Christ came and ways of exacting revenge, appetite for revenge on both as long as we are in the offered a higher standard by ruin our peace of mind and sides. The acid of revenge flesh, offenses will come instituting the new law of are to the detriment of our trickles from one generation but we adopt God’s divine nonresistance recorded in own bodies. Spiritually, to the next causing unneces- nature when we forgive the Gospels and reiterated in we allow the devil to intro- sary suffering and destruc- and are spared the dreadful other parts of the New Testa- duce evil strategies into our tion, which could have been consequences of revenge. ment (Matthew 5:38-39;Luke minds and we may begin a avoided if one party had Christ’s nobler path is 6:27-28; Romans 12:17-21). new day certainly equipped chosen to take the higher path not just for the Christian but The counsel in Paul’s to act on our desires. and leave the matter to God. for everyone who desires to epistle to the Romans is Nursing an offense Leaving the matter to live in peace and be at peace worthy of quoting: ‘Do not by constantly bringing it God spares the victim and before we get to heaven, repay anyone evil for evil. Be to memory or by repeating his generations from un- the only place where we careful to do what is right in it frequently to others will necessary grief. Moreover, will be free from offenses. the eyes of everybody. If it is certainly make factual for us possible, as far as it depends the statement, “I can forgive on you, live at peace with ev- but I can’t forget”. Resur- eryone. Do not take revenge, recting the offense is often my friends, but leave room accompanied by an increase for God’s wrath, for it is writ- in blood pressure and the Capital Weekly ten: “It is mine to avenge; I anger experienced initially From the Heart of the Nation will repay,” says the Lord… and we cause ourselves to Do not be overcome by evil, experience the hurt all over To the Soul of the People but overcome evil with good.’ again. With time and forgive- Thursday, January 19, 2012 Capital Weekly Page 7

Information From The Department of Transport THERE’S A THIN LINE Mucho Turkey, Ham and Bram BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH.

TRAFFIC SAFETY TIPS FOR DRIVERS

1. Check your motor vehicle to ensure that everything is in good working condition. Example- brakes, all lights, horn, wipers, tires, spare-tire, tire tools, oil, water, brake fluid & dash board gauges. 2. Ensure that your driver’s license is valid and that your vehicle is licensed and insured. 3. Wear your seat belts at all times when on the highways. (It is an offence for drivers and front seat passengers not to wear seat belts on the high ways). 4. Don’t carry passengers in the back of open pickup trucks. (Vehicle only insured to carry amount of passengers as stipulated on certificate of registration/title). 5. Don’t drive if you are consuming Alcoholic beverages or taking medication (drugs). Have designated driver (alcohol and drugs affect your vision and judgement). 6. Avoid making calls on cell phone when driving, it is best to pull off to the right to make calls or to answer your cell phone, don’t text whiles driving. 7. Wear your helmet at all times when operating or being carried as a passenger on a motor cycle. 8. Only overtake if you have a clear view of the road ahead, never overtake around blind curves or when driving over a hill. 9. Drive within the speed limit at all times. 10. Obey all traffic law and signs.

THINK! DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE Page 8 Capital Weekly Thursday, January 19, 2012 Breaking it Down to Small Change Hulse Takes Opposition to ‘Flipping’ School et me start off by Don’t get caught up by the saying that both fancy headings these programs of my colleagues fall under for helping the People. have successfullyL been able to Translate it into what kind of demonstrate the overwhelming help really went to the people. justification for all actions taken, Now they are getting jealous and that I cannot treat any action because we went and gave food in its individual components. to poor people for Christmas. We’re talking about the forgive- Madda Fish! What more do they ness, the write off of the govern- want? Cross! That’s why I always ment housing loans; we’re talk- tell people, a lot of people—and I ing about the write-off of Social don’t blame them, because most Security Mortgages; we’re talking people start out from village and about the Christmas Assistance from grass-roots; and I am proud Program; we’re talking about of them, when they get their little the nationalization of BEL, BTL; education, get a decent job; some and of course we have Water. of them are working for many Let me try to translate years now, and they don’t have that into real terms and what to worry about putting food it really means to grass-root on the table on Christmas for people. Many times we get car- themselves and their children; ried away with the actual mea- and I am proud of them; nobody sure taken at the top level of has a right to envy them—but we government, and we don’t un- forget that in every part of this derstand what really goes on Country we have poor people down at the grass-root level. that have a difficulty; they have Let me start with this a hard time to find rice and Housing thing. Sometimes we Hon. Melvin Hulse, Stann Creek West Area Rep beans, flour, sugar, lard, cooking get carried away and say, boy, trying to build back. It ain’t going constituencies in this Country. oil to put on their table. That is how you went and do that, and to flipping happen! OK. So, that’s And that money went to help real life, and it happens in every use taxpayers’ money? Let me tell why at no time you ever heard poor people fix their house, their single village in this Country. So you something: taxpayers’ mon- us focusing (we went through little verandah, the leaking in when the Prime Minister was ey gets paid in to Government almost Ten Thousand at Housing their roof. It might not sound like able to shuffle that money, you for one fundamental reason, to Department, Seven Hundred, much, because we did not build know what his goal was? His make life better for grass-root almost Eight Hundred in Social any fancy big fancy house, but goal was to make sure that every people. That is the whole bottom Security), never one day did we let me tell you, when you have poor person in this country had line of it; whether you spend it on isolate any name and say this a family living in a twenty by a meal for Christmas; because fixing their streets, whether you sometimes some of us forget spend it to survey lots, whether “This is not like the rich. When a grass-root that they are poor out there. you spend it to make them live person loses his or her home, that person doesn’t The Prime Minister in a decent place. Because, Mr. made it plain that not one in- Speaker, what was happening have a snowball chance in hell of getting a loan again and trying to build back. It ain’t going to flipping dividual in this National As- (and my colleague here from sembly benefitted from that. Pickstock spoke about it) was happen!...When you have a family living in a And, what are you fussing that a lot of those grass-root peo- twenty by twenty house, and you have Ma, Pa, about? What about this Christ- ple went to get Housing loans, Bredda, Sister and about ten pickney, it’s no mas package are you fussing and a lot of them went and got joke the licking that you take.” about? What did the people get? housing from Social Security and They didn’t get any refrigerator DFC. I don’t fault them for that. one is PUP or that one is PUP. twenty house, and you have Ma, or car or something expensive; They knew it would have been We did not say that a-flipping Pa, Bredda, Sister and about ten they got five pounds of rice, five tough to pay it back. But when -tall; what we said was that they pickney, it’s no joke, the licking pounds of beans, five pounds of you are out there struggling and are poor people, they are in that you take. flour, five pounds of sugar, some not getting a break to own your trouble, they need help. We help So, when we got back cooking oil, they got onion, and own house, you will gamble and poor people; that is what we do! that money and we went to they got flipping salt. That is risk so that you could at least Again, we went and helped them help poor people to fix what grass-root people live with. put four walls around you, and (poor people) with the Venezuelan their house, they criticized. How can you, under roof over your head; and you money that we took back. Then they turned around, and the sun, have a problem with hope that some miracle down Boy, those of you on the they were glad to get their piece that? I would have thought you the road is going to help you. Opposition took us to task for of the flipping pie. I didn’t hear would have gotten up and said, And let me tell you some- going after those rich people and anybody complain when they boy, our people had a meal for thing. This is not like the rich. taking back 20 Million dollars. got their share to help people Christmas day. Maddafish! How When a grass-root person loses Imagine! We poor people don’t in their constituency. Let me can you not want that? You are his or her home, that person even know how many zeros that tell you something, everybody going to condemn us for helping doesn’t have a snowball chance has; but we know it’s a lot of mon- on that side got their mon- in hell of getting a loan again and ey. And that money went into 31 ey before me. Right, Finny? (Continued on Page 9) Thursday, January 19, 2012 Capital Weekly Page 9 Breaking it Down to Small Change Hulse Takes Opposition to ‘Flipping’ School (Continued from Page 8) where such and such a person were already lampposts, and every single person, and let me poor people to eat for Christ- is? Please tell him his father those people needed electricity, say it very slowly, because people mas, and then turn around and died. You couldn’t call anybody. and those people had to live in like to complain and play the fool want to ask the grass-root poor That is what we solved. So, darkness for ten, long, solid, dry, when they want to talk stupid- people put you back into of- don’t jump up and say, boy, we are miserable, pitiful, flipping years. ness out there; every boy and girl, fice? Something’s flippingwrong taking away your constitutional And that is a basic neces- every youth who goes to First with that kind of reasoning. right, Ninth Amendment, and sity for this time and our genera- and Second Form in the Stann Let us go now to BEL and horse fat and cow dead. Translate tion and our lifestyle now. So, we Creek District (and Toledo Dis- BTL. They had big demonstration it into how it helped the poor got with European Union and trict) get’s 300 dollars assistance; that we must not nationalize BEL people to get the communication. we’re getting grants and pushing no matter who you are (ap- and BTL because we are taking The electricity, I don’t even want it. But we will not only make sure plause). Nobody says, boy, Hulse, advantage of Stan Marshall from to concentrate too much on the that everybody in this Country you are Area Representative, so Canada; we are taking advantage reduction now, because this is gets Electricity (because we have pick out a few UDP’s whom you of Michael Ashcroft with BTL. no joke. Because you know the a lot more expansion to do), we want to get assistance for. You Let me tell you what has licking you take to pay light bill? will also make sure that when step through the doors of that happened with BTL. As a gov- Light Bill is no flipping joke, boy. you get it, it doesn’t kill you to high school in the Stann Creek ernment, talking and acting and Every pay day you have to won- pay for it. You think it’s just a little or Toledo districts and you au- doing on behalf of the grass-root der if you could pay for it. And that this thing is being reduced; tomatically get 300 dollars help. people, we took BTL and today— you have to decide, boy, can I a few cents? Let me tell you And we have quite a because I don’t try to pretend take a chance and not paying something; that thing adds up. number of high schools now; that I know every part of this my light bill, and instead pay my And on top of that, we are Ecumenical, Delille, ITVET, Country, but I can tell you that grocery bill, because I need food; talking about another thousand George Town, Independence in Stann Creek West—today, we and hope that they don’t cut me people who will pay a little 15 High School. So we have helped have more coverage in the vil- off before the next pay day when dollars flat rate. What we need to with this Education thing, lages. Digicell works! We can I can try to pay it. Or maybe we understand, Mr. Speaker—even and we have built the schools. call people in emergency, we can pay a little ten dollars towards it. though you hear me touch- So they want to know the do our transactions, and we have Let me tell you what has ing on different subjects—it benefits we have gotten by acqui- entered into the modern age. It happened since we have BEL, as is the translation into what sition and assistance, Mr. Speak- is out there now; and commu- a Government for the People. this Government has always er? These are the things we have nication is the backbone of the Electricity is now out there; said it is about, and has exhib- been able to do with the money. development of a country, and Electricity way back in Maya ited in real tangible ways; we This is how we have helped them it was not right that those vil- Mopan, in Cow Pen, in Santa are always for the poor people. to live a better life. And, I am glad lages out there should not have Cruz. I like how you all do it, The last topic I want to that we are now into the New had communications for years. you know. Madda Fish. Boy, you touch on, Mr. Speaker, is this. Year, because there is a lot more We couldn’t call the Police all have more gall than me. You Notice in Stann Creek and To- electricity expansion to do; and in emergency; we couldn’t call on that side were saying that we ledo districts, and around the with the lower rates now, people the ambulance; we couldn’t call shouldn’t have taken over. And Country, you think it’s a joke, the can afford to flipping hook up. anybody. Sometimes we had to now, you are talking about you Prime Minister has done it with We as a government must always try go to Independence or Dan- will do Electricity expansion and Housing, the forgiveness, and be for the grass- root people, and griga and use their phone and what’s not. Hey, you all had ten with Social Security. We have do everyday something to make put an announcement over Love long, flipping years, and when not forgiven Education bills, but them live decently like a human FM and say, anybody who knows the UDP left office in 1998, there what we have done now is that being. Thanks, Mr. Speaker. Page 10 Capital Weekly Thursday, January 19, 2012

NineteenFire Service New Recruits Steps Graduate Up

Hon. Melvin Hulse handing out certificates to the new recuits Hon. Edmund Castro handing out awards to outstanding recruits t resembled a Police The recruits who under- in discipline, practical drills or and Third place to Guyon Gaynar. or BDF passing out went 13 weeks of intense train- classroom work; and because he Delivering the main address Iceremony, but it was ing, displayed at the pass- has displayed maturity, respon- and handing out certificates was neither of the above. It was a ing out ceremony some of sibility, leadership, dedication Minister with responsibility for passing out ceremony, alright, the valuable skills and dis- and seriousness in his work. the Fire Service, Hon. Melvin but that of the Fire Department. cipline acquired. During an Second place award went Hulse. He told the recruits they It was held last Thursday, exhibition presentation, they to Recruit Kareem Underwood, must be serious about their January 12, 2011 at the Fire showcased a physical drill, a new career, Department Belize City Head- wet drill and a parade drill. and the duties quarters on Cleghorn Street, Among the pack of 19, and respon- and the men of the moment recruit Deitrick Kingston was sibilities that were nineteen new recruits recognized as the most out- come with it. that have now taken their place standing and had the honour “Respect among other seasoned fire- of delivering the valedictory yourself and fighters in the Department. address. He also received an make people Neither was it any ordi- award, presented by ministe- respect you; nary passing out ceremony. rial guest, Edmund Castro. never forget It marked a new phase in the He was selected as vale- that you are systematic upgrading of the De- dictorian because he is the obligated to partment under the leadership recruit that has shown the most the people and of the no-nonsense Minister steady improvement; because the country. in charge, Hon. Melvin Hulse. he has done well in his physical They are pay- The last passing out cer- training and has demonstrated ing us and we emony held two years ago steady improvement in practi- owe them the had already marked a sig- cal and classroom sessions; best service nificant upgrade in the level of because he is a team player and Recruits taking part in a drill (Continued on Page 11) preparation for new recruits, often takes it upon himself to and this one marks a further encourage other recruits to im- upgrade to yet another level. prove themselves whether it be

Guests include Hon. Edmund Castro and CEO Candelaria Morter as Valedictorian Deitrick Kingston delivers his speech More drills for the new recruits Thursday, January 19, 2012 Capital Weekly Page 11

NineteenFire Service New Recruits Steps Graduate Up

The new recruits looking like Soldiers One of the new fire-stations, this one in Pomona, Stann Creek (Continued from Page 10) we can give. We must be ready and alert to do what needs to be done to make the Fire Department better,” he said. Hulse told the new recruits he is proud of them for displaying the kind of team- work as a unit and for their individual ascendancy to new and higher standards in a career Public Notice that is being modernized and January 5, 2012 is now respected worldwide. “We older heads are vir- BWS submits Annual Review Proceedings (ARP) application tually finished; we’re just hanging on until you all On December 23, 2011, Belize Water Services Limited (BWS) submitted its formal notification can earn your stripes and for an Annual Review Proceeding to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) for the determination get there and take over our or confirmation of the regulated values, rates, tariffs, fees and charges for the period April 1, 2012 positions,” he concluded. through to March 31, 2013. Other special ministerial This submission is being made in accordance with Section 27, Part IV of Statutory Instrument 67 guests at the ceremony included of 2002. The submission officially commences the company’s Annual Tariff Review Proceeding. Minister of Health Hon. Pablo BWS has informed the PUC that the company is not seeking any change in tariffs. Marin, and Belize Rural Cen- BWS’s submission is available for viewing at the branch offices of BWS and tral Area Representative Hon. on its website at www.bws.bz, and at the PUC office at 41 Gabourel Lane, Belize Michael Hutchinson, in whose City, and the PUC website at www.puc.bz. constituency the new Lady- ville Fire Station was recently Members of the public may participate in the ARP by submitting written inaugurated, modelled off the comments on BWS’ submission to the PUC by January 13, 2012, by email at new Pomona Fire Station in [email protected] or in writing at the PUC office. Hulse’s own constituency. Other rural substations Where any person submits comments or information purported to be factual, such comments are also being established in or information shall be accompanied by a sworn affidavit. Placencia and Independence. The Ministry’s CEO, Can- Three copies of all applications, reports, documents, comments or information provided by delaria Saldivar Morter told members of the public shall be filed at the PUC’s office and a copy shall be provided to BWS at us the new recruits will be de- its principal office of business on the same day. ployed throughout the country to beef up the Fire Service, The PUC is required to issue an Initial Decision on the submission by January 23, 2012. which under this administration is becoming a true National The licensee or an interested party representing users of at least 10% of the water supplied in Fire Service, not only in name, the preceding year may submit written comments on the Initial Decision within 15 days. but in practice. The next intake, she said, will be in February. Where there is no objection to the Initial Decision the PUC shall adopt it as its Final Decision. The National Fire Ser- vice is currently headed by BWS – Delivering Water and More … Colonel Francis Thomas. Page 12 Capital Weekly Thursday, January 19, 2012 Insider Trading & Hypocrisy Sedi Shines the Light on PUP Leaders am very concerned Don’t mess with the Barracks!” about what is unfold- Well the Ramada is there, ing. And in making my now the Princess, providing em- contribution,I I am reminded of two ployment and entertainment, but quotations in the Bible, the first of you know who got the next big piece? which says, “Let him that is without A place called Marina Towers. And sin cast the first stone.” That is in ask who owns Marina Towers. We relation to the woman who was al- are not supposed to be hypocriti- leged to have committed adultery, cal, when we live in glass houses. and the “righteous” in those days Do you know how many wanted to stone her to death. And choice pieces of land the people they went to Jesus and the matter over the other side of the House was raised before him, and he said, own? Not only Government lands; “Let who is without sin cast the first lands that they took away from stone.” And within a short while private people, people who they the entire crowd had disappeared. had influence over, they took away There was nobody without sin, so their best lands. And, whenever no stone could be cast. The second they decided that a new road was is that we do want to seek to take going to be built, do you know the speck out of our neighbors who bought up the lands along the eyes, but we don’t see the whole road? Do you know who bought block, the whole tree, the whole up all the lands where that road plank that covers out own eyes. was going to be put? It was being Let me give you an example done consistently for all the years of insider trading, and you will that the PUP was in government. know exactly who I am referring to. And that is one of the rea- I have a great difficulty with Hon. Wilfred ‘Sedi’ Elrington, Pickstock Area Representative sons now that so many of their hypocrisy. I have a feeling that the staunch supporters are going whole issue of insider trading at aspiring leader of the party, who the reputation of people who have completely and totally broke; be- Social Security is a side show that is not in power right now, but done stellar work and who have cause they really did not have is being used to tarnish a beautiful who is a very close associate of stellar reputation in this country. business acumen, but they were program that is bringing benefit Lord Ashcroft himself. Those are Let me give you another given these choice lands and these to the people of this country, the the people who now own those example: When I was growing choice opportunities, including poor people of this country, the properties. They were not put up, the Barracks out there was the Port and the Airport, and the majority of whom were PUPs; to tender, and they were picked empty, you know, and we all used like; because of insider trading. because the majority of the people up for a song. It was scandalous. to go and play football on the I don’t think that it is a who got those houses were PUPs criminal offence in our country. I under a PUP program. And it was “And that is one of the reasons now that so many can’t recall seeing a legal criminal normally done just before election of their staunch supporters are going completely and offence such as that. I know that it time. But I believe that so long totally broke; because they really did not have busi- is considered to be morally wrong, as you are helping poor people, but I don’t know that it is a legally so long as you are helping them, ness acumen, but they were given these choice lands criminal offence. But I don’t know it’s a good thing. So they gave the and these choice opportunities, including the Port and about the Belizean in high places houses at election time to try to buy the Airport, and the like; because of insider trading.” who is not guilty of it. And you votes; but the poor people could must ask yourself. And the last not pay the loans; and they knew So I cannot condone people Barracks. And when the UDP thing we need is to be hypocritical. that. We are now doing the right who do that kind of thing rou- first decided that we were going Now, people don’t go into thing in writing off those loans. tinely (because that’s not the only to build the Ramada out there to poverty suddenly and overnight. Well, let me give you some example; I’m only referring to that stimulate the Economy, there was The single biggest cause of the examples of insider trading. I one) coming now in this sancti- a big PUP demonstration: “Save reversal in fortunes for Belize is was at one time the legal advisor monious way and seeking destroy the Barracks! Save the Barracks! the debt, that 3 Billion dollar debt. for the Central Bank of Belize. And that 3 Billion dollar debt was Central Bank had two beautiful caused by the member on the other buildings right behind the Bar- side who was the head of the ship racks. Do you know who now at the time. For ten years, they bor- own those buildings and who are rowed monies from wherever they living in them? They were not put could borrow, treated the people’s to tender. But do you know who money as if it was theirs; everybody now own those buildings, and took. Then, they sold out every- who now occupy those buildings? thing they could sell. You couldn’t Well, I will give you a hint. find anything in the country that I won’t tell you, but I will give you belonged to the Government and a hint. It starts at the top of the People of this Country that wasn’t PUP party, the present PUP party, sold out. They sold out everything. the present leadership of the PUP So when we got into of- Party; the present leadership of fice now, we could not borrow as the PUP party who are now talking about corruption; and another The shaded home of Francis Fonseca, formerly a Central Bank House Continued on Page 13 Thursday, January 19, 2012 Capital Weekly Page 13 Insider Trading & Hypocrisy Sedi Shines the Light on PUP Leaders Continued from Page 12 benefitting from these write-offs are people who are formerly PUP we would have been able to do supporters, staunch supporters. because so much debt had been So, I find it incomprehensible that incurred; and we really were lim- you should have difficulty with our ited in terms of what we could do, government trying to help all the because so much had been sold people of Belize; and, incidentally, out. With a debt payment this your people are getting assisted. year of between 30 to 40 Million And I find it equally reprehensible dollars (US currency), how are we that there is so much hypocrisy. going to be able to help our people? Really and truly, the per- And yet, I will tell you— ception seems to be over on the and I challenge anybody to con- other side, that the Belizean peo- tradict me—no section of Belize ple are stupid. We are not stu- City has benefitted more over the pid. We may be poor, but we PUP Leader Francis Fonseca and former PUP Minister Godfrey Smith past four years than then South- are not stupid. And, unless and both recipients of houses formerly owned by the Central Bank side section of the City. The people until the People’s United Party’s in the South-side section of the leadership understands this, they who were so frustrated that they But the members on the City have gotten subsidized food; will never come back into office. were killing themselves. And now, other side, if they really look at their children have been sent to So, Mr. Speaker, I fully that has subsided because we are the history of their party, they will school through scholarships and support this initiative to write off providing employment for them. see that the party systematically financial contributions; we have the loans and I will want to end by And, I must congratulate destroyed all the institutions that filled up everybody’s lots who saying to those on the other side the Prime Minister and urge him we had, that used to develop our wanted some landfill; we have who are critical of the behavior of to do all in his power to con- people. My wife is a product of repaired homes for everybody the people at the Social Security Belize Technical College. When she Board, they might want to stop and went to Belize Technical College, think about the two biblical quotes she paid 30 dollars for the year. That that I presented earlier, about their is no longer the case. The PUP gov- own practice during all the time ernment presided over the destruc- that they had been in govern- tion of Belize Technical College. ment. The evidence is still there In my view, the best, the and can be referred to at any time. very best secondary school in I thank you, Mr. Speaker. the Country was Lynam Col- lege; it provided just about the (As Hon. Sedi Elrington not- best. One of the students is sitting ed, there are many more instances of right at my right here (Melvin PUP insiders using their positioning Hulse); just about the best; an to set themselves up; in many cases, awesome institution (applause). ending up with valuable government The People’s United Party assets sold off at fire sale prices. closed down that school and turned Another example that we it into a prison. We came back and recall instantly is that of the Govern- rescued it; twice. We are doing, the Marina Towers built on portion of the Barracks ment Printery. The man who headed Minister of Education is doing all in Saved for Brother Billy it for government ended up being a his power to make sure that every- major nominal shareholder when it whose homes needed repairs; we tinue to make monies available body has a good education, and to was sold. As to whom he was front- have built homes. In the Pickstock for their employment. And, you make sure that everybody benefits. ing for, the fact that two secretar- Constituency, for example, we see, as soon as we started spend- Now, how is it that the ies closely connected to the Musa’s have built at least 30 homes out of ing money on them, Mr. Speaker, people on the other side can be were also listed as shareholders in Pickstock’s share of the 20 Million the violence has subsided. Belize upset? I don’t understand, because the company give more than a hint. that the former leader of the PUP is a more peaceful and safe place. the majority of the people who are Well said, Sedi; well said!) had diverted to a private bank. And that is the same story all over the South of Belize. In addition to that, the government has helped our farmers in the North so that they could have a successful cane season. We have helped the farmers in the South whose bananas had been blown down by storm, and we have done so in a quiet and effective way. We have used our resources to employ—and this is particularly touching to me at home, and I wish we could do more of it—we have used our resources to employ the abandoned and neglected youths in Belize City The Printery that was owned by Government of Belize, now owned by PUP cronies Page 14 Capital Weekly Thursday, January 19, 2012 “Deeds are More Powerful Than Words” Attorney General’s Address at Supreme Court Opening as the court we are now establishing ay it please your Lordships: in Independence Village, which will Your Excellency soon be operating as soon as suitable the Governor General, Sir M living accommodations are acquired Colville Young, Chief Justice Mr. for the magistrate to reside in. The Kenneth Benjamin, President of the court building and furnishings are Court of Appeal Mr Manuel Sosa, already provided. Justices of the Supreme Court, Mrs. I promised that we would seek Cheryl Krusen, Solicitor General, to have only fully qualified Attorneys Mrs. Cheryl-Lynn Vidal, Director of at law appointed as magistrates. This Public Prosecutions, Miss Cynthia is happening at a quick pace and we Pitts, the Ombudsman, Miss Velda have already appointed four Attorneys Flowers, Registrar of the Supreme at law as magistrates. We hope to have Court, Ms. Ann Marie Smith, Chief with us at the end of this academic year Magistrate, and other Magistrates, Mr. Dale Cayetano, Mrs. Kathleen Miss Margaret Nicholas, Director of Lewis and Mr. Hurl Hamilton as fully Family Court, Mrs Jacqueline Mar- qualified magistrates. Mr. Emmerson shalleck, President of the Belize Bar Banner Mr. Leslie Hamilton and Mrs. Association, Members of the Diplo- Aretha Ford who are now pursuing matic Corps, Members of the Clergy, further legal studies in order that each Members of the Inner and Utter Bar, fulfil the new criteria for appointment Commissioners of the Supreme Court, as magistrate and will soon rejoin us Justices of the Peace, Court Staff, upon their return from study leave. ladies and gentlemen. It would be remiss of me not to men- We are met once again to tion again Belize’s accession to the observe the opening of the legal year Attorney General, Hon. B.Q Pitts delivering his address Caribbean Court of Justice - CCJ. It of the Supreme Court for the year may be recalled that last year I stated 2012. This opening was fittingly pre- view to assisting in deterrence and ing the courts in the administration that Belize would slowly but deliber- ceded by the church service at Wesley commission of such crimes. From of justice. We always have the need ately become a member of the CCJ. Methodist Church, for our judiciary my point of view, Restore Belize, for education and training both at the We have been served very well by the and the members concerned with the with its many prong approach to the bench and bar level in order to enhance CCJ, and already it must be obvious administration of our justice. Indeed problem has been so far successful. It the delivery of judicial services to the that Belize is taking full advantage of we were reminded how much a part is an ongoing process which does take public. its membership. I believe that it is also of our duty is posited upon the com- time and requisite patience. When last Mrs. Margaret McKenzie a meaningful suggestion at this stage mandments of God and indeed each I addressed this gathering I referred to who was Chief Magistrate is now in that we in Belize should do our own of us, upon taking up our respective certain pieces of legislations which retirement from that post, and I wish part – Bench and Bar – and seek to duties were either affirmed or sworn were aimed at addressing the crime to record our sincere gratitude for the institute continued legal education to upon an oath to perform our duties. situation, such as the Crime Control excellent work she provided while she grow our jurisprudence. This outgoing year was inter- and Criminal Justice Act, the Fire- held the post. She is now succeeded We have always provided for esting and full of events. The earlier arms (Amendment) Act, the Inter- by our present Chief Magistrate Ms. the comfort of our courts in accor- part of the year, our Supreme Court ception of Communications Act, Ann Marie Smith, who has taken over dance with our needs and ability and was presided over by acting Chief the Criminal Code (amendment) quite smartly (efficiently.) On behalf will continue to do so. Our attention Justice Mr. Samuel Awich, who did Act, just to mention a few. Since of the Government of Belize and my and care are also directed to the safety a splendid job and for which govern- then we have passed several other ministry and the people of Belize we of our magistrates and judges. I assure ment and the people of Belize are acts including but not limited to the sincerely welcome her. you that this will continue to be so. extremely grateful. We’ve also seen Electricity (Amendment) Act, 2011, We have also appointed three As far as I am aware we Justice of Appeal Manuel Sosa C.B.E Indictable Procedure (Amendment) more senior magistrates in addition have observed, the rule of law and the (Commander of the British Empire) Act, 2011, Juries (Amendment) Act to the one already in place, to provide doctrine of separation of power. Our elevated to the position of president of 2011, Supreme Court of Judicature more efficient service in the judiciary. Prime Minister continues to display our Court of Appeal. Our courts and (Amendment) Act, 2011 and Belize One of the senior magistrates is now high regard for the independence of magistrate courts, right up to the Court Telecommunication Limited (Amend- stationed in Belmopan, and is in the judiciary. of Appeal have experienced a busy ment) Act, 2011. charge of the Belmopan Magistrate In relation to my own min- year throughout 2011 with quite a bit Under the period under re- Court the San Ignacio Magistrate istry, we are extremely fortunate in of work spilling over to the year 2012. view we had the services of a draft Court and the Benque Viejo Magis- being able to attract the services of During the year our Prime expert from the Commonwealth trate Court, another senior magistrate Mrs. Cheryl Krusen, SC as our Solici- Minister appointed a select committee Secretariat in the person of Mrs. Se- is stationed in Corozal and is in charge tor General, who has succeeded Mr. comprising of myself as Chairman, gametsi Mothibathsela of Botswana, of the Orange Walk Magistrate Court Oscar Ramjeet, our outgoing Solicitor President of the Bar Association, Mrs. who assisted us very well in drafting and the Corozal Magistrate Court. General, for whose services we were Jacqueline Marshalleck, learned Se- and conducting training exercises. The third of the three newly appointed extremely grateful. Solicitor General nior Counsel, Messrs Derek Courtney We promised to provide train- senior magistrates is in charge of the Mrs. Cheryl Krusen S.C. comes with a and Michael Young, as well as Mr. ing for all the magistrates as well as Stann Creek Magistrate Court, the whole wealth of experience, and from Pat Bernard, Chairman of the Public clerks of courts, in further strengthen- Punta Gorda Magistrate Court as well any non-myopic point of view it can Services Commission to recommend be readily opined that our Solicitor a suitable candidate to fill the vacant General is worth every ounce in gold. position of Chief Justice of Belize. She is very diligent, efficient and After careful consideration, we unani- hard-working. She has the attribute of mously agreed and recommended to a good administrator. Recent additions our Honourable Prime Minister that to our ministry include Mr. Herbert your lordship Kenneth Benjamin be Panton, Attorney at law, as well as Mr. appointed as Chief Justice in accor- Ed Usher, who has recently returned dance with our constitution. This has from the University of the West Indies been duly done and I again welcome where he has completed the first set of you, our Chief Justice, on behalf of requirement for his masters degree in the government and people of Belize. Legal Drafting at Cave Hill. He now This administration is not joins our ministry as a legal draftsman. insensitive to the crime situation and We are in the process of has revisited it from time to time and introduced such legislations with a The Chief Justice inspecting the Guard of Honour (Continued on Page 15) Thursday, January 19, 2012 Capital Weekly Page 15 “Deeds are More Powerful Than Words” Attorney General’s Address at Supreme Court Opening In addition to the revision My lord, as I say with a full of the laws of Belize, the Attorney heart and apprehension that it seems General’s Ministry is also upgrad- to me that it took the death of one of ing its web site to provide the newly our most illustrious members of our revised laws of Belize to the prac- profession, Dr. Elson Kaseke, that titioners and public in a sustain- another illustrious colleague and Se- able manner. Laws will be able to nior Counsel Mr. Michael Young saw be read on line, and purchased for printing. The web site will also it fit to circulated in an e-mail for all feature certain information of our of us to respect each other and to act legal fraternity and judiciary along as lawyers should, and remember that with some general information to us- we are all officers of the court and are ers seeking to know more about the an integral part of the administration jurisprudence of Belize. of justice. The procession by members of the Judiciary and the Bar Without repeating the names We must also remember that (Continued from Page 14) the requisite notices and other legal of my staff, whose names I’ve men- we must be respectful of all the courts documents at its Belize City Office tioned at my last address, I wish to say and judges including the magistrates. as well as provide the dire needed that all my staff members are working renovating our Belmopan Offices to I wish to remind members that your administrative support for our Coun- quite well and in most instances be- ensure that we have the space required lordship by virtue of his appointment sel who are otherwise bereft of same, yond the call of duty, even when they to accomodate more Counsel and to and position knows what to do in provide all staff with a more comfort- when they journey to Belize City and have been called to work on Saturday, administrating our courts and will able working environment, and the leave the office in Belmopan. Given Sunday or early as 6am on a Monday. deal with matters only and when they tools with which to work. Given the that our courts have such a presence Mr. Lewis Belisle has also been doing volume of our work, this expansion in Belize City, our Offices here will be his part in order to keep us going and arrive before his courts. I am sure that has been well needed and deeply ap- very much used. to see to the needs of our Ministry. whenever your lordship or any of the preciated. Our Office of International Our ministry has already The Commonwealth Secre- judges need help from any of us we Legal Cooperation, headed by a Di- established a Law Revision Unit of tariat and the Government of Belize would be called upon as an amicus rector, has had its scope widened and which we are receiving full support have recently acquired a draft person curiae. renamed, International Legal Affairs from the Commonwealth Secretariat of enormous experience, Ms Michelle I conclude by exhorting Section, headed by a Deputy Solici- and CARICOM. The revision unit is Daley, as assistance in our drafting my fellow practitioners to re- tor General in the person of Ms Iran headed by Justice Dr. Zuru supported department and to help train our spect our profession; remember Tillett- Dominguez. by staff we have provided. Dr. Zuru counterpart drafters. She is with us has already been appointed by me that facta sunt potentiora verbis Along with our renovation in the first instance for two years, and as Law Revision Commissioner. His (deeds are more powerful than and expansion of the Belmopan Of- subject to extension as has been agreed work is on the verge of completion and words), but being mindful that by fice, we have also received the support by the Government of Belize and the of the Honourable Prime Minister arrangements are being made for the our words, we should seek only to Commonwealth Secretariat. in opening Offices of the Attorney laws of Belize to be printed. I’ve re- enrich and leave a resounding legacy quested and received full support from We have had a busy legisla- General’s Ministry on Albert Street, of this noble profession of ours. in Belize City. This renovation has al- the Honourable Prime Minister for the tive year in 2011 and we are projected lowed the AG’s Ministry to be served publication of the laws expeditiously. to be equally occupied in 2012. I thank you BELMOPAN CITY COUNCIL INCENTIVE PACKAGE 2012/2013

As of January 1, 2012, Property Owners in the City of Belmopan are eligible to participate in the following discount package:

• 25% Discount for full payment of 2012/13 Property fees made ON or BEFORE January 31, 2012.

• 20% Discount for full payment of 2012/13 Property Fees from February 1 and February 28, 2012.

• 15% Discount for full payment of 2012/13 Property Fees from March 1 and March 31, 2012.

N.B. Senior Citizens (65 yrs or older) are eligible for an additional 5% discount for properties on which they reside. For more information visit your Belmopan City Council Offices at 36/38 Trinity Boulevard, Belmopan City Or call: 822-2271, 822-2319 or 802-3679 Major Works in the Capital

Page 16 Capital Weekly Thursday, January 19, 2012 Housing, SSB, Heritage Bank DFC will be Next, says PM Barrow (Continued from Page 5) making the rounds, I spoke to the Chair of the Social Security Board, were sold by the PUP, were not con- and I knew that the Chair was going sulted or even informed until after to convene a meeting to deal with the fact, and in many cases, when the allegations. I also knew that I they discovered what had hap- had the list upon which the contract pened, they also found that their was concluded, the list on the basis repayment schedules had been al- of which I had negotiated, and there tered by SSB to their disadvantage. was no way anybody would have In any event, the PUP gov- been able to add to that list without ernment pocketed all the proceeds the approval of the Government of from their sale of the mortgages to Belize; and there was no way in the SSB; but when SSB securitized to World that the Government of Be- RBTT, it had to take a discounted lize would have given that approval. payout for the mortgages. Gov- So, I’m not going to try ernment, it turns out (and please, to defend the CEO; but I do have Mr. Speaker, I wasn’t around, and to observe that the thunderous you know how they used to layer denunciation of the CEO—com- things with a view to making it ing from the member for Fort impossible for a proper light to George—is rich, is ironical. If I be shun on their transactions, so were the CEO, I would take some in trying to reconstruct what had comfort from the fact that the man happened, recollect that I am at Heritage Bank Headquarters in Belize City who is my greatest detractor is the a two-fold disadvantage; I wasn’t man whose record is so well known. there, and also I’m trying to work total by the end of March was go- But, for now, Mr. Speak- You know, he puts me in from data that was designed to ing to be a little over 11 Million. er, we are happy that so many mind of what a famous actress obfuscate and confuse and con- I need to add, Mr. Speaker, additional families are benefit- in the golden era of Hollywood ceal, so I’m doing the best I can). that the call for help from the ting once again from another of had once said. There was a lady, So, SSB took this discount- homeowners indebted to SSB had the UDP’s pro-people initiatives. a young starlet whose reputation ed payout from RBTT. In turn, increased in volume after Govern- There are some would-be with respect to promiscuity, sexual for that amount, let’s say it was 70 ment wrote off the GOB Ministry spoilers; some, what they call them, matters, was similar to the mem- Million, SSB had to service the 70 of Housing Mortgages, all nine ‘blue koncas’, that have tried to rain ber’s reputation with respect to this Million with RBTT. For some rea- thousand and odd, almost ten on his parade; but it is clear that whole issue of corruption. I listened son, I don’t why it had to be this thousand. You see, in a sense, you the joy at what we are doing is not to the member for Belmopan talk- way, Government pre-paid some of become victims of your own suc- confined only to those homeown- ing about all the compromises that that 70 Million that SSB then had to cess. But we are willing and happy ers that are benefitting directly; all the member for Fort George made service to RBTT. The amount that victims. We wrote off all of those; right thinking citizens resound- when he was Prime Minister—or I was pre-paid by Government to people come and said, what happen ingly approve of compassion on should rephrase that—the various RBTT was then in turn to be repaid to us, we would have benefited from the part of their government, ways and the countless individuals to GOB by SSB in monthly install- that write-off if only the last crowd compassion that gives a welcome to whom he was compromised. ments over a number of years. didn’t take our mortgage and sell and significant boost both to in- And, I recollect what Bet- SSB has been repaying the it to SSB without our knowledge. dividual disposable income and ty Davis said about that star- Government of Belize, which col- It was in that kind of a to collective economic activity. let. Looking at her, she observed lects the monthly repayments in climate that we decided we had The nominal value of the to people, “There goes the good a lump-sum at the end of each to find a way to help as many of mortgages being written off is time that was had by one and all.” financial year. It is a line-item in those persons as we could. And, just under 17 Million dollars; In relation to the member the budget—you will see repay- this being an administration that though we have been able to ac- for Fort George and the question of ment of securitization monies, it is always for the people, it really be- quire them for 6.9 Million be- those with whom he was compro- is a line item in the country’s an- come a matter of a moment’s work cause of the impairment factor. mised, we can look at him and in that nual budget—and for the financial to answer the call and produce Mr. Speaker, on behalf of respect say, “There goes the good year ending in March of 2012, what, if I might say so myself, is the a Government that is always for time that was had by one and all.” Government of Belize was bud- wonderful result that the House is the People, I now take pleasure in Again, I am at the point now geted to collect 4 Million Dollars. blessing and implementing today. moving the motion (Applause). where I don’t pay too much mind to It turned out that the ac- Mr. Speaker, but you know what he says, you know. Maybe it is tual amount scheduled by SSB as what happens. Now people are say- Wrap up of Debate on because I don’t want to personally the annual repayment to GOB was ing to me, what about the loans and SSB Write-off Motion get after him that I am driven to re- closer to 11 Million Dollars. So the mortgages that are at DFC. Well, sorting to quotations and analogies. that I found out that Government’s being always for the People, we can Those on the other side, There was a famous literary desire to answer the cry for relief promise today that there will also who tried to concentrate their fire feud between the critic Mary Mc- coming from the mortgage holders be soon a form of assistance with on the CEO of the Social Security Carthy and the playwright Lillian with SSB could be done without the DFC mortgages (applause). Board, can’t get away with that. Hellman. And Mary McCarthy denting Government’s actual cash Now, Mr. Speaker, let me What it appeared was be- said about Lillian Hellman, “Every flow. It was a matter simply of not be clear; I don’t know whether ing attempted by staffers at SSB word Lillian Hellman writes is a collecting 6.9 Million of the money it will be a complete write-off, had, and has nothing to do with lie, including the words ‘and’ and SSB already had for us, and using it whether it will be a lowering of the the Government’s write-off pro- “the”. Every word my friend says is thereby to pay for the mortgages. interest rates, or a combination gram, per se. In any case, what was a lie, including the words ‘and’ and Of course, we will still end of both, so I cannot go beyond contemplated could never have ‘the’; and so, you will understand, up with our budgeted collection saying, assistance there will be in happened because, from the time of $4 Million since, as I said, the one form or another (applause). I learnt of the allegations that were Continued on Page 17 Thursday, January 19, 2012 Capital Weekly Page 17 Housing, SSB, Heritage Bank DFC will be Next, says PM Barrow waste. This is a government on originally with the government the move. There is still some not knowing whether they were work to be done; there is yet more coming or going, resulted as well good tidings for this government in the discovery now of about to bring, again, on the basis that 17 loans that they actually gave the United Democratic Party is to Heritage Bank. There are 17 Always for the People (applause). such loans all for relatively small amounts, 30 thousand, 17 thou- Loans at Heritage Bank sand, that sort of thing. Again, the Mr. Speaker, I move total value of those mortgages is yet another write-off motion, about 400 thousand dollars. Most this is the Government Housing Loan Write-off motion, 2012. of them are non-performing. So DFC Headquarters in Belmopan City Again, as I’ve said earlier, we’re coming to the House now to write off those mortgages for (Continued from Page 16) operate on them and save them. these people on the other side, That is the kind of thing these all these twisting and turning, those 17 or so persons (applause) therefore, why I pay him no mind. people on the other side are saying. multi-layered transactions that including our good friend Eric In terms of the Leader of Mr. Speaker, no time to left people who had mortgages Neal, Rico, a very good man at SJC. the Opposition, Mr. Speaker, I can’t sit down without saying that I’m at a lost to understand how the Leader of the Opposition can say that what we are doing today is as a consequence, is a sort of benefi- cial consequence of what the PUP did when it was in office. I’ve said to you that part of the motivation for doing this program is because of the countless complaints from people currently with SSB Mort- gages who were not informed or consulted when their mortgages were bundled up and sold to SSB. I had in my office yesterday a marshal of the Supreme Court of this Country who said, please, can I be written off; my house is on the auction block, and I originally had my loan with the Ministry of Hous- ing; and nobody told me, nobody ever told me that it was transferred to SSB; I did not find out until I saw the publication of the notice of foreclosure in the papers. And. I tell you that when they transferred these mortgages to the Social Security Board, SSB, under its watch, altered the repayment terms and conditions. They couldn’t change the principal, but if the people were paying $250 per month to the Ministry of Housing, they had to start paying $400 to SSB. How can you be proud of that? And to say that these homes were constructed as a consequence of good PUP programs? Please! You’re talking about BIMCO and Ray Fuller; you’re talking about St. James National Building Society and Glenn Godfrey? Talk about the poor quality of the houses that were built? Talk about the inflated cost to Government? And we come along now, and we give relief; and you say, you know what, boy, we can’t praise you for saving the Belizean people because, if we didn’t gunshot them in their head, you couldn’t Page 18 Capital Weekly Thursday, January 19, 2012 Belize Wins International Award to Help Save Wildlife

never dreamed that she might not only a substantial amount just win. However the word of money for this project to spread within Belize and then th, receive, it is a resounding beyond, and on December 19 vote of confidence for the Dr. Isabelle was astonished wildlife organisations and Dr. Isabelle Paquet-Durand receives her award at the Heska Inspira- and delighted by the news that veterinarians of Belize.” tion in Action Awards Ceremony. From left to right: , Heska president she had won the public vote! and Chief Operating Officer Dr. Michael McGinley, Belize Wildlife Dr. Isabelle will use the The clinic is strongly supported and Referral Center Founder Dr. Isabelle Paquet-Durand, Locust $25,000US award to start by the Belize Wildlife Trace Veterinary Clinic Veterinarian Dr. Jim Martin Second Place equipping the Belize Wildlife Conservation Network Winner, Dr. Robert Grieve, Chairman and CEO Heska and Referral Clinic (BWRC). (BWCN), founded by Dr. This will provide Isabelle - a group of individuals everyone who works with her veterinary services to the wildlife and organisations dedicated Press Release as a wonderful, cheerful and of Belize, supporting the work to wildlife conservation and research in Belize. BWCN 11 dedicated veterinarian, devoted of the Belize Forest Department 18 January 20 to protecting the wildlife of and all other conservation works closely with the Belize as well as to sharing her entities. The facilities will also Belize Forestry Department, The wildlife of Belize is one knowledge and skills for little or be available to all veterinary providing support with of the most treasured and no recompense. Her ambitious practices across the country, human/wildlife conflict issues. loved resources for Belizeans goal has been to establish a allowing access to equipment and people from all over the If you would like world class wildlife clinic in they have never previously had. to know more about the world, who come to enjoy the Belize to care for and treat the All the animals in Belize can facilities that will be on offer, natural beauty of our country. many animals that become benefit, and healthier animals or would like to become a Dr. Isabelle Paquet-Durand, a sick, orphaned or injured, contribute to a healthier member of the Belize Wildlife veterinarian who specialises in but which could be safely environment for everyone. Conservation Network, please wildlife medicine, has devoted th returned to the wild if they This week, on the 17 of visit www.wildlifebelize.com her life to helping the wildlife of received the help they needed. January, Dr. Isabelle attended Belize. Up until now, Dr. Isabelle So, when she entered a the Heska award ceremony in If you are in possession of has been doing her best with competition run by Heska - a Florida, drawing international captive, orphaned or injured limited equipment and facilities USA based product and service attention to the importance wildlife, contact the Belize and has literally had to operate provider to the veterinary of Belize’s ecosystem to Forest Department on 822 out of the back of a pickup truck. profession - called ‘Inspiration the health of the planet. 1524 or deliver it to the Forest Despite the challenges, in Action’ to try and win Dr. Isabelle said, “The Department on Forest Drive, Dr. Isabelle is known by funding to equip the clinic, she $25,000US prize money is Belmopan. . Golf Update

Dear Belizean Golfers,

This Saturday, January 21st, the race to find the 2012 champions of Belize begins, with our first tournament of the year. Gross, Net and the NEW Senior Net categories are up for grabs.

8.30am start. Register in Club House by 8.15am. All welcome to join. . Email me to let me know if you are entering or call me (651 9929) or Mickey (665 3352).

Every monthly tournament we need 2 volunteers to help myself and Mickey. : one volunteer to collect the $10 Side Pot. • one volunteer to organize the closest pin signs, long drive and long putt signs.

Can 2 members volunteer for this Saturday?

A few other points :

• Prize donations. If anyone has a prize they would like to donate let me know. You can choose what you want the prize to be for.

• Please pay Treasurer, Mickey Thornton, your $80 registration fee.

• 2012 Match Play tournament SIGN UP form is on the Notice Board in the Club House. Rules attached. Thursday, January 19, 2012 Capital Weekly Page 19 Quit the Quibbling ! Just Drop the Electricity Rates (Continued from Page 1) the executives at BEL appear to proportionate to the top brass be quibbling with the PUC over who are at high levels of man- the extent of the rate reduction agement of these corporations, that is justified and sustainable. and those who are well-placed Out here, Mr. Barrow is and wealthy enough to pur- our defender, and we are behind chase significant shares in them. him one hundred percent as he There is no doubt in our fights for the people’s interest minds that the previous adminis- and that of our country. The tration sold us out lock, stock and foreign despots have, for the barrel, and that, in a basic sense, most part been beaten back. But our public utilities are much bet- now, we must ensure that we’re ter off in the control of the Gov- not being suckered from within. ernment and People of Belize. BEL Technicians at Work Whether through negli- It goes without saying that vate citizen who needs it—for demand for a proper accounting gence, incompetence or pursuit the last administration did such a the smallest of expansion, lamp- of what we’re owed, what we’re of the wrong objectives, things horrible job defending the inter- post and all. Yet, when major entitled to, and the cost we must don’t appear to be going as est of the nation and its people, public investments were made to continue to pay. But what, of late, well as they should at BEL. The that it’s almost impossible for increase generation and improve has begun to trouble us is the fact Belizean people need, deserve any other administration—save efficiency in the transmission of that the dark spells are suddenly and have a right to demand that another PUP administration with energy, the company treated that recurring more often than they the situation be addressed and another Fonseca at its helm—to as a given, and as if it owed noth- have in quite some months, one of fixed promptly and decisively. do even as bad, let alone worse. ing at all to the Belizean people them occurring in the middle of We have a Prime Minister with But, here lies the true test for the investments made by the very House Meeting in which a track record of not hesitat- for the government of Prime Min- the government on their behalf. the Prime Minister had just made ing to act when it is time to act. ister Dean Barrow: it must not We are also now hearing his statement regarding the immi- We will end by stating make the mistake of holding the from the PUC Chairman, John nent lowering of electricity rates. that there is no doubt in our PUP as the standard by which to Avery, of the exorbitant legal We hope it wasn’t a po- minds that he will do so once measure its (the UDP’s) success. bills the company has been in litically motivated act of sabo- more and uphold that outstand- The truth is that the utility the habit of passing on to con- tage. We know that anything is ing record of defending the in- companies in Belize, whoever sumers. All of this has changed possible right now, as we are terest of our people and nation. owns them, seem to have been now, we are expected to believe. certainly well into what some Onward, Mr. Barrow, we built and cultured more for profit- And, on the face of it, we have have dubbed ‘simple season’, are with you! And to you execu- making and less for delivery of no reason to believe that it hasn’t. another term for election time. tives there at BEL, please quit the good and affordable service. That But, as they say, the proof of the Whatever the case, the quibbling and just lower the elec- is something that must be radi- pudding is always in the eating. explanations from BEL have tricity rates! It’s long overdue! cally changed, if it hasn’t yet been To start with, the reduc- not been nearly as forthcoming changed. And, if it hasn’t yet been tion of electricity rates, while or clear as we deserve. But, be- (The views expressed changed, we must ask, why not? a welcoming gesture, is rather yond that, there are fundamental by the writer, whose name In the case of BTL, the minute. True, we know BEL questions about how justified or has been withheld for ob- competition, to some extent, is does not generate most of its unavoidable the outages are; and jectivity, are not necessar- addressing that problem. But, of own electricity. And so, we must thus, how well run, at this particu- ily shared by this newspaper’s the three public utilities, one can concede that taking control of lar point in time, is this essential editor or its editorial board. easily conclude that Telecommu- the distribution of energy is only public utility; whether its new We will concede, how- nications, while it has indeed behalf the job. The bigger half, if we management at the highest level ever, that we believe the con- come an integral part of life in this might so speak, is perhaps that of is really up to the task, and wheth- cerns, questions and deductions modern world, is the least essen- taking charge of the generation er it is paying enough attention to are honest and well-meaning, tial for basic survival and comfort. of that portion of energy that oc- the service as against the profits. even if somewhat unfounded or Water we’re not overly curs here at home; in particular, It is well known that, on unfair. They are certainly not li- concerned about, as the slight that which utilizes the rivers that the ground, BEL has had some belous; and we believe that, as a increases in rates have been gen- belong to the people themselves, of the most skilled and efficient Belizean taxpayer and consum- erally affordable and apparently and who have, to a great degree, technical people, a fact borne er, the writer, like the rest of us, justified in light of the welcomed already picked up the cost of the out by the dizzying speed with is entitled to his views and con- expansion in areas like Cotton hydro-investments in taxes to which they restored power to cerns; and, perhaps more impor- Tree and neighbouring villages repay loans, and in exorbitant almost the entire country in tantly, to his demand for answers along the Western Highway, rates for more than a decade. the wake of Hurricane Richard about matters of public interest, and throughout the country. As to the further costs to of 2010. If there’s a finger to whether or not any plausible or Admittedly, there is, just our environment and natural re- be pointed, it more than likely accepted answers to such exist. the same, a continuing demand sources, that is yet to be fully de- must be pointed at some person Above all, we are con- for expansion of Electricity. But, termined, but there have been suf- or persons in the boardroom. vinced that the public interest BEL has long adopted a policy ficient troubling signals to suggest Speaking of which, we are could only be better served of charging somebody upfront— that those might be just as real. certainly not at all amused by the by him having, through this whether the government, some All of that would be cause game-playing, if that is what it is, medium, been afforded the international agency, or the pri- enough for public concern and that began to unfold his week as opportunity to raise them.) Page 20 Capital Weekly Thursday, January 19, 2012