Friday, June 8, 2007 The INdependent Reformer Page 1
The dependent IN Reformer for the People Vol. 2 No. 23 Friday, June 8, 2007 $1.00 BacBacBackkk tototo thethethe FuturFuturFutureee We all know the Aikman story or so we juxtaposed beside the super materialistic Dean think: clean-cut “Wonderboy” drop-kicked Oliver and super disgraced Said Wilbert. No- the PUP leader’s butt in the polls in Freetown body knows who’s walking behind him and some 20 years ago and paid the ultimate price: there’s a lot of speculation. Some even believe major humiliation, financial and otherwise. It that the Lord of the Bank developed a con- is generally accepted that there was apparent science and a chance to right a wrong commit- collusion between both political party leader- ted against a younger Aikman, a couple de- ship & a certain highly successful banker to cades ago. Or maybe he just sees an opportu- bury Derek politically. They did a wicked nity to pit the big boys against each other by number on the man for being young, popular, introducing another third man into the ring. assertive, and ambitious. That was then. We also believe it is possible the rainmakers The man possesses political genius; and, think that Derek Aikman is the man who can there are forces in our society who knows bring the third parties together, that can then who possess the real Svengali-like powers take down the Musa Government, fair and around here and now two decades later, a lot square in any election with great ease and some wiser, Aikman has resurfaced yet again. resources. They are not so comfortable with There exists a need in the Belize political the other leader-in-waiting because he is not landscape today for a leader to pull together so comfortable with them. the various third parties to make them see the So no good deed goes unpunished. common ground on which they stand. There For as quickly as he got 10,000 people mo- have been a lot of energies expended to get bilized in 48 hours to pressure the Government this accomplished over the years but human to withdraw its ridiculous proposition to bail nature being what it is, the efforts have fallen out private concerns, he was picked up, bound, on fallow ground. gagged and held for 3 days. Disciplined. A In walks Derek, looking rather saintly when (Please Turn To Page 16) Caught with conch in reserve waters The Belize Audubon Society (BAS) monument without written authoriza- marine protected areas staff have de- tion and illegal entry into a natural tained three persons for illegally fish- monument. All three were charged ing within the Halfmoon Caye Natu- $400 for the offences. The Forest ral Monument. On Sunday, May 27th, Department, under whose jurisdiction the marine protected area (MPA) staff natural monuments fall, prosecuted detained Markito Mendes, Hipolito the case. Novelo and Geraldo Cobb for har- The confiscated conchs were do- vesting conchs within the boundary of nated to the Dorothy Menzies the Halfmoon Caye Natural Monu- Childcare Centre in Belize City ment. One hundred and fifty-two BAS, as the on-site manager, ad- (152) conchs that had already been dresses encroachment issues both removed from the shell were confis- through enforcement and through cated for evidence, and 194 live compliance by way of public educa- conchs were released within the tion. Recently, BAS has observed in- Halfmoon Caye Natural Monument creasing pressures from illegal fisher- Under the National Park System Act ies within the protected areas. As 1981, it is illegal to fish within any the Society does not have all the re- natural monument. The boundaries of sources to address these issues on its the Halfmoon Caye Natural Monu- own, it depends on the support of ment is clearly demarcated by moor- partnership agencies and organiza- ing buoys and BAS has undertaken tions for their support in conservation extensive education campaigns to in- efforts. form fishers of the protected areas The Belize Audubon Society helped boundaries as well as the importance establish Belize’s first protected area of protected areas to maintaining at Half Moon Caye, and now man- Belize’s fisheries. ages nine protected areas covering The three men appeared in the over 162,000 acres, on behalf of the Magistrate’s Court and were found people and Government of Belize. guilty of catching fish within a natural BAS reels in fishermen illegally harversting conch near Half Moon Caye Press Release Friday, June 8, 2007 The INdependent Reformer Page 2
Editorial Director LettersLetters toto thethe EditorEditor
Meb Cutlack Dear Editor. even get a good feeling out of asking the radical part, go after the principals If the Prime Minister-- and this is a for money that win actually help the of UBS to collect whatever else is owed big if-- is sincere about providing af- Belizean people instead of paying for to the bank instead of burdening the fordable health care for the citizens of all of their failed, short-sided govern- Belizean taxpayers with their privately Editor this country, there is a less expensive ment projects for the benefit of their owned failed venture. option that would satisfy everyone. He friends. Sounds like a win-win situation all and Ralph could go to the IMF, World After the KHMH is upgraded, addi- around. However, as the Prime Minis- Karla Heusner Vernon Bank: or wherever they go when they tional staff would be needed which could ter likes to say, hindsight is 20/20. I say need extra pocket money, negotiate a come from those that are no longer at if the PM does not have the forward concessionary loan for $10-$30 million UHS. This change of direction should vision to see this, the people must de- dollars to upgrade and expand the not affect the Belize Bank because as clare him legally blind. KHMH, and turn it from a shell hospi- the Prime Minister has told the people Unfortunately, the cowards in cabi- General Manager tal into a full-service institution. of Belize the UHS has over $30 mil- net and the area reps are the only ones The terms and interest rates would be lions in assets -and if his word is good that can stop this madman from push- Trevor Vernon far better than the pound of flesh the enough for us, shouldn’t it be good ing his vision down the throats of the Belize Bank is asking for and save this enough for Mr. Ashcroft? Then all the Belizean people. Anyone in government country and the people upwards of bank would have to do is sell off the willing to stand up and do the right thing? $70-$90 million. assets (some of which KHMH could signed, In addition, Said and Ralph might purchase at discount) and then, this is Oscar M. Design/Layout
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Payment Included Bill me later Prices for subscription and postage may vary for subscription outside Belize. Friday, June 8, 2007 The INdependent Reformer Page 3 AnotherAnother desperatedesperate cabinetcabinet reshuffle:reshuffle: Mark,Mark, Cordel,Cordel, EamonEamon && TheThe DPMDPM forcedforced toto walkwalk thethe plankplank Government of Belize composed PRESS RELEASE The changes in Cabinet will take effect on Tuesday, June 5, 2007. Cabinet Changes - June 2007. Belmopan - 04 June, 2007 THE NEW CABINET (JUNE 5, 2007): The Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Said Musa, has advised His Excel- lency the Governor-General to effect a number of changes in his Cabi- Rt. Hon. Said Musa – Minister of Finance, National Development net. and the Public Service Against the background of two Ministers being asked to leave Cabi- Hon. Vildo Marin, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Agriculture net, the upcoming national Convention of the People’s United Party set and Fisheries for July 1, 2007, and the run-up to General Elections due within nine Hon. Francis Fonseca, Attorney General, Minister of Labour, Educa- (9) months, the changes being made are as follows: tion and Culture The Prime Minister has invited veteran politician, Corozal Southeast Hon. Godfrey Smith, Minister of Tourism and National Emergency Representative, the Hon. Florencio Marin, into his Cabinet, and of- Management fered him responsibility for the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Hon. Ralph Fonseca, Minister of Home Affairs, Public Utilities and Environment. Hon. Florencio Marin will be retiring at the end of this Housing term. Former Minister of State for Labour, Hon. Valdemar Castillo Hon. Jose Coye, Minister of Health, Transport, Communications and will be appointed Executive Chairman of the Commercial Free Zone at Local Government Corozal to replace Hon. Florencio Marin. Hon. Sylvia Flores, Minister of Human Development o has declined to accept any other post in the Cabinet. The Hon. Hon. Michael Espat, Minister of Works John Bricen Hon. Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Defence, Youth and Sports Senator, the Hon. Eamon Courtenay has also indicated his unwilling- Hon. Florencio Marin, Minister of Natural Resources and the Envi- ness to continue to serve in the newly restructured Cabinet and the ronment Senate. Hon. Lisa Marie Shoman, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign The Hon. Vildo Marin will be appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Trade. retain his portfolio responsibilities for Agriculture and Fisheries. The Hon. Rodwell Ferguson will be appointed Minister of Defence, MINISTERS OF STATE (JUNE 5, 2007) Youth and Sports. Hon. Mario Castellanos, Minister of State (National Development) The Prime Minister will appoint Her Excellency, Ambassador Lisa Hon. Marcial Mes, Minister of State (Education) Shoman as a Senator, and the new Minister for Foreign Affairs and Hon. Ismael Cal, Minister of State (Home Affairs) Foreign Trade. Hon. Dave Burgos, Minister of State (Agriculture and Fisheries) The Prime Minister will assume the portfolio responsibility for Na- Hon. Servulo Baeza, Minister of State (Natural Resources) tional Development into the Ministry of Finance. Hon. Ainslie Leslie, Minister of State (Works). FORFOR SALESALE
John Deere front-end loader 544B Asking Bz $85,000 & John Deere Excavator 690B Contact Independent Weekly Friday, June 8, 2007 The INdependent Reformer Page 4 Friday, June 8, 2007 The INdependent Reformer Page 5
Teachers and Principals of the 12 Fast Phonics Pilot Schools
You really have an awesome responsibility. Our children’s ability to read in the coming years is in your hands. The Ministry of Education is claiming that Fast Phonics is excellent and all children learned to read when using it. MoE is claiming that Fast Phonics is much better than BRC’s reading.
BRC is claiming that teachers are saying: - Fast Phonics is too fast. After 8 lessons, children are lost. - Only children with a lot of parental help will be able to learn to read using Fast Phonics. - If children have two years of pre-school, it might work. - It will never work in villages or on the Southside. - BRC is better.
Both MoE and BRC have biased opinions. Only the Fast Phonics teachers know if taxpayers should spend one-half million dollars to put Fast Phonics in all the schools. Only Fast Phonics teachers know if Fast Phonics is so good that it should be Belize’s learning to read book of the future. The Fast Phonics teachers and their principals must have the courage to speak out. Fast Phonics teachers must tell the media and the Minister of Education of their children’s ability or inability to read using Fast Phonics.
If Fast Phonics teachers do not speak out and a mistake is made, Belize’s children will pay the price.
Please speak out. Parents, Teachers and Principals of Schools Using BRC’s Reading
BRC’s Reading and Math are designed to help all children learn. If you believe that your children have learned well using BRC’s books, you must speak out. Write newspapers. Call talk shows. Let the Government know that you want BRC books used.
MoE does not know how to help non-privileged children learn. They do not even like books that help non-privileged children learn. MoE has convinced the Minister of Education that BRC’s books are not good. MoE has convinced the Minister of Education that BRC’s books are not widely used and not liked by teachers and parents.
BRC has tried to convince him otherwise, but has failed. You, the parents, teachers and principals may be able to convince him.
MoE/GoB has already bought foreign written and printed books that do not have anything about Belize in them. That cannot be stopped.
MoE/GoB is planning to spend about $350,000.00 on developing and printing Fast Phonics for Infant One. Fast Phonics materials are designed for privileged children. Those taxpayers’ dollars could be better spent buying books that will help all children learn.
If you are quiet, our children will pay the price.
A Paid Ad Friday, June 8, 2007 The INdependent Reformer Page 6 ‘F‘F‘Frrraidaidaid fffiii DerekDerekDerek Areas Act. And yet no one expected the to ever The ridiculous question lingered, But that was years ago, this is now. hear the news which flew across “What he gat fi do with BTL bill any- And recently Derek Aikman came out Belize and beyond faster than a BTL way?” of retirement. Well, more like shot up webcast: “Somebady kidnap Even those who professed to be- into the air like a flare in the night… Aikman!” lieve it was a hoax, found part of them- selves ‘fraid fi Derek.” Afraid they would kill him, afraid we’d never find “..the abduction had nothing to do his body, afraid he would be maimed or mutilated, set on fire, made an ex- with BTL, and everything to do with ample to terrorize and terrify anyone By: Karla Heusner Vernon else who might dare to buck the sys- the man himself.” tem. He seems an unlikely candidate for The call to KREM radio which he a hostage: A man of moderate in- says his captors made so he could For two days, everywhere and any- come, family-oriented, active in his Certainly he is good at overnight prove he needed thyroid medication where you went in Belize people, al- church. A man who loved music and success, for seemingly out of no- was chilling. Anyone who heard it most every email you opened, every drama, and organizing September where, he spearheaded the Belize stood frozen and shocked. Unless he text sent and received, someone was Celebrations and church events. Covenant Movement, a group of citi- was an excellent actor, Derek Aikman asking someone else: “Where yu tink Not the type of person one would zens possessing both religious and was really being held; he might never Aikman dey? Yu tink Derek okay? Yu expect to attract the attention of kid- nationalistic fervor. With less than a see his wife and children again! tink dis fake or real? Who dey be- nappers, home grown terrorists whose week’s notice, he pulled off a But held by whom? Surely not some- hind dis now? Why dey pick up di tactics seemed more typical of an “People’s Poll,” a nationwide, al- one who cared about the BTL Vesting man instead a sambady else? “ American movie than Belizean thugs. though unofficial, referendum on the Bill. Political kidnappings are usually After a while, people just started But once upon a time, Derek Universal Health Services loan guar- about some sort of prisoner exchange calling him Derek, as if he were a per- Aikman was a powerhouse. He was antee which sent a resounding 95% or funds or guns for rebels or some- sonal friend of member of their own the only man to ever beat George “Vote No” to the government in thing. Well, the ones we have seen in family. Soon enough, we stopped us- Price and the lead voice in the Na- Belmopan. So dramatic was the re- movies anyway. Derek had no con- ing his name at all, everyone just knew tional Alliance for Belizean Rights, sult that the Prime Minister withdrew trol over the BTL bill or prisoners or who you meant when you said “He.” NABR’s, fight against the Maritime the motion. (Please Turn To Page 7)
We’ve been 9 years before the mast, me maties, and I’m at my wit’s end,,, I mean, Land’s End. So it’s time to abandon ship qnd feed the Great White Sharks. Happy Landings! Friday, June 8, 2007 The INdependent Reformer Page 7 ‘F‘F‘Frrraidaidaid fffiii DerekDerekDerek (Continued From Page 6) He could fly under the flag of the VIP, major drug transshipment and money concerned with BTL or UHS or any guns or funds or anything. The Sena- PNP/WTP or the NRP and easily win laundering center either. other piece of legislation or loan guar- tors would not be deterred, the gov- a seat in the new government. Which Derek says he was asked to com- antee. The only guarantee they seek ernment flunkies would support the division? Any division really, from municate to the police, the government is their own continued power to ex- bill, those with a conscience oppose Queen’s Square to Fort George to and the people of Belize that he will ploit the Belizean people and steal it, those who had no backbone would Belize Rural Central. Take your pick. not be the last person to be picked from the public coffers. not even show up. The GG would do Yes, there any number of people up. Specific threats were made to the They can kidnap Derek Aikman, fire as he was told and sign. Nothing new who would want to see him scared lives of the Prime Minister and the shots and set fire to Jose Coye’s ve- and no chance Derek Aikman could off the scene, sidelined or worse. Governor General. At least, this is hicle, light up Godwin Hulse’s truck, influence the outcome, any more than New rivals, and old enemies. As one what Derek says his captors told him. throw people out of cabinet, detain any of us could. woman said to me the other day, The one who spoke English with a cameramen and radio hosts who give So it seems pretty obvious to me “Derek no done pay fi defeat Price Belizean accent, not the ones he says them the finger in the House of Rep- I mean, how many other politicians yet…” spoke only Spanish with “Central resentatives, even whisk inquiry or public figures in Belize at this time This is not to suggest that anyone in American accents.” Chairmen away for medical attention could galvanize over eight thousand Price’s camp had him picked up. But These threats are similar to the ones from which they never return, take people with only 2 days notice, the opinion illustrates a view, rather made in a letter sent to media houses away people’s land, fire them, smear mostly word of mouth minus expen- widely shared, that the kidnapping this week, including the Independent them with filth and innuendo— but sive television advertising, and get was carried out at the behest of some- Reformer, on paper bearing the let- they cannot keep their finger in the them to the polls? How many politi- one at “a very high level.” Perhaps terhead “The New Jihad.” We will dike for much longer. cians, from any political party, could even with the assistance of some not reproduce a letter by a group For every single populist leader, for get that many people to turn out of branch of the police department or which clearly fancies itself a terrorist every outspoken critic and challenger their volition, with no transport or food military. Someone who is not afraid organization or allow our paper to who is threatened and intimidated, or financial incentive provided? Who FOR Derek, but afraid OF him. become a vehicle through which they even driven away, there will be oth- else could get dozens of people to At least one in every four people I can issue demands and threats, or at- ers to replace them. volunteer to man those polling booths spoke to during the disappearance be- tempt to conceal their identity or cloud Make no mistake, one of these for up to ten hours, to get schools and lieves this. It startled me to hear it. their motivation by ridiculous state- days one of them will get through the churches and community centers to So frequently, and said with such con- ments about the BTL Vesting Bill. Pure mine field to the other side. throw open their doors and invite such viction. After Aikman was released, smokescreen and I am not buying it. ‘Fraid fi Derek? They SHOULD be an activity inside without the prompt- a man shook his finger at me and said, We here at the Independent may not afraid--not only of Derek, but of all ing of Elections and Boundaries or “No mus police? How else would support the actions of some of our the Belizeans who were afraid for him National Development or NEMO? Crispin Jeffries know for certain the national leaders, but we cannot con- while he was being held in the under- Maybe only Godwin Hulse could man would be found alive? You can’t done death threats against them. Car- world. generate that kind of public support. assume dey no when kill di man, un- toons poking fun are one thing, death Because the next time we won’t just Maybe. But the rest? Could any of less you KNOW!” squads something else entirely. be voting no in a hastily called refer- them pull off such an an audacious Personally, I think Mr Jeffries’s The people responsible for Derek endum. move, a longshot, a public relations comment during the press conference Aikman’s unlawful detention are not gamble that hit the jackpot? at Raccoon Street was designed to Much of it has to do with timing I intimidate the kidnappers, make them suppose. Right now, more than ever, feel the Police Department could, and FORFOR SALESALE the nation of Belize is looking for a would, catch the perpetrators and free charismatic leaders, a spiritual and the hostage. A show of bravado, if moral man who has been happily you will. Entirely in character. Schwinn 21-speed married to ONE woman for most of So was the inability of some police his adult life, who has intelligent, well officers to keep their own personal mannered children who are totally prejudices to themselves during the in- Cross-trainer bike devoted to their education and hob- vestigation. Frustration over the lack bies. Perhaps what also appeals to of leads, or maybe their own incom- them about Derek, if the very thing petence when faced with such a bi- that drove him out of politics, a bank zarre situation also led some rookie attack by an institution controlled by officers to do such absurd things as the man many Belizeans now regard visit Covenant members at one in the as the devil himself. Add to the mix morning and ask for glasses of water the fact that Aikman dared to say “No” so they could look under their tables to Guatemala when so many our lead- and peek into rooms while the owner ers were practicing appeasement and was in the kitchen. What did they the larger than life story of how he think? That Derek was hiding right in rescued a child from a burning build- Burrell Boom? Or that his body would ing, and you have an individual who be stuffed behind someone’s enter- has gone from cult hero to national tainment center? Stupid. icon. Become a beacon of hope in a But not damning enough to impli- hopeless land where more and more cate the entire police force or high families are losing their homes, their command as accomplices in this income, their women and children crime. Could rogue or fringe elements to violence and men to reckless driv- have been co-opted? Former ing and gang violence. Belizean military personnel? Possibly. All aluminum rims, release wheels & seat Derek Aikman has walked onto a None of us likes to think we have en- Shimano ‘Alivio’ brake Asking very different national stage than the tered a new era now of state-spon- calipers, pedal arms & $500 O.B.O. one he left a few years ago. Both major sored kidnapping. But then, none of derailleur gear, handle contact Independent parties are under heavy fire and nu- us wanted to admit when gangs in- grip shifters, quick merous smaller parties have emerged. vaded Belize City or we became a Weekly Friday, June 8, 2007 The INdependent Reformer Page 8 Belize’s reef, not Mexico’s - BTB counters beauty pageant claims Statement from the Belize Tourism Board It has been brought to the attention of the Minister of Tourism and the Belize Tourism Board that on May 28th, 2007 during the live television broad- cast of the 2007 Miss Universe Pag- eant in Mexico City, to some 1 billion viewers worldwide, Cozumel, Mexico was positioned as “… home to the second largest barrier reef in the world….” This deliberate misrepresen- tation of the truth has stirred strong lo- cal disapproval and international dis- gruntlement. The Belize Tourism Board shares the expressed sentiments of many Belizeans on such a blatant dis- regard for the people and country of Belize and is appalled by this gross dis- tortion of the facts. The Belize Tourism Board is the pub- lic-sector organization responsible for the marketing and promotion of the Belize’s Barrier Reef is a principal attraction for tourists. Belize tourism product. We are committed and determined to educate and share with potential visi- tors and friends, the rich diversity of our culture and the many natural and physical attributes that pro- vide for a truly authentic Belizean experience. We recognize that the 185-mile long Belize Barrier Reef, hugging the entire coastline of the country of Belize is one of the country’s most valuable natural attractions. Offering world class adventure to divers, sports fishermen and snorkel enthusiasts alike, the Belize Barrier Reef has set us apart from our com- petitors and has served as the foundation for Belize ’s vibrant and growing tourism industry. Due to the tireless efforts of the Government and people of Belize , in 1996, the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) rec- ognized and designated the Belize Barrier Reef as a World Heritage Site. These and other facts have been shared with the organizers of the Miss Universe Pageant in a letter addressed to them earlier today, expressing the col- lective views of the Government and people of Belize. The letter addressed to the Ms. Universe Organizing Committee and copied to the Ministry of Tourism in the host country, requests a formal retraction of this erroneous statement and clarifica- tion of the facts to the viewers of the Miss Universe Pageant. Additionally, an international press release will be disseminated to our media partners in the United States and Canada , later today, via the BTB’s Public Relations Agency based in New York . The Ministry of Tourism has made contact with the Embassy of Belize in Mexico City in an effort to secure diplomatic support as well as to formally reg- ister the Government’s grave concern on this mat- ter. ‘We are disappointed that the proper protocols were not exercised in this case”, commented the Minister of Tourism, Godfrey Smith. “We will re- main vigilant and steadfast in our effort to ensure that Belize receives a formal apology from those who were involved in this most unfortunate incident.” For more information on development and events in Belize ’s tourism industry, e-mail: [email protected] or visit our website at Miss Belize Maria Jefferies wore a Mayan costume at the Miss Universe Pageant. (photo courtesy Richard Holder) www.travelbelize.org and www.belizetourism.org Friday, June 8, 2007 The INdependent Reformer Page 9
CurrentCurrentCurrentCurrent IssuesIssuesIssuesIssues AttackAttack onon PressPress FreedomFreedom andand DemocracyDemocracy By: Meb Cutlack bear. are different reasons for this, but I will see the manner in which they are being These issues are going to bring you discuss these reasons another time. Suf- ruled and manipulated, also acknowl- The BTL has sliced across the press toppling down M’Lord - and Mr Musa fice to say that at the book launching a edge just who is pulling the stings and freedoms of Belize and undermined our with you. They will also bring about couple months ago for the LOVE FM recognize who is piling on the straw. The democracy in a way never before seen uncomfortable retribution for all the sy- owner’s literary effort, Lord Ashcroft camel minder no longer knows what he in Belize. In a totally shameless and ar- cophants who sing your song. showed up in the front row, and when is doing. The camel boy is a silly little, rogant manner, and in one swift move Amandala: “While patriotic Belizeans questioned about it by Jules Vasquez, dangerous, twerp! BTL has taken KREM radio station off have been making sacrifices, members responded, “Anything for Rene!” Twerp! …” a person regarded as in- its internet streaming, emasculating it of the Ashcroft Supporters Society, It is past the time for all Belizeans to significant and contemptible”. nationally (it used the internet platform a.k.a. collaborators, have seen their to broadcast into Punta Gorda, benefits increase. Collaborators will Placencia, Independence, and Corozal now get the Belize Bank account. Col- Town) and internationally. laborators will now get the Espat and Visit According to the Amandala the rea- Hyde Cabinet portfolios. Collaborators son for the action is “Because KREM will now benefit from the KREM Ra- Radio had to take a stand against Lord dio crippling. It is important to identify The Belize Zoo Ashcroft on the UHS and Belize collaborators. They are enemies of Telemedia matters.” Belize, but they know how to talk and This action cries out to all of Belize act as if they are friends of Belize.” and all Belizeans abroad, louder than Also from Evan X of Amandala: “In ever, that the illegal giveaway of BTL in the battle being waged in the streets and The Best Little Zoo its illegal sale to Prosser and now the the countryside of Belize between the sudden, convenient and also illegal Ashcroft Supporters Society and the transfer to ‘Telemedia’ - without tax or people of Belize, it is KREM Radio cost – should never have happened. which the Englishman considers more In The World It is imperative that BTL should be dangerous than the newspaper. There restored to a majority ownership by the people of Belize as soon as possible. In taking KREM off the air, the Lord has signaled that the gloves are off. It’s HOUSEHOUSE FORFOR SALESALE a bare fisted fight from now on and all the rules of the engagement have changed. It is no longer a boxing match between a powerful ‘champion’, and an upstart contender from among the people, it has become a ‘tag’ fight. The Lord only has a clever, small and darting Musa defending soft spots be- tween his legs, the Times newspaper being waved to keep him cool ,and Love FM crouched behind his corner. Our fighter ‘KREM’ has the crowd roaring on his side. Hundreds of citi- zens, once prepared to see a fair fight under Queensbury Rules, are now ready to jump into the ring with this media house. The straw that broke the proverbial camel’s back was just a tiny straw loaded only in greed, and without thought or consideration, but it was enough to bring the straining camel By Owner bath or retirees down and broken. +Exclusive Ladyville +Newly constructed home Asking Three recent straws added to the bur- nighborhood office/ sunporch den of the people of Belize; the UHS +Fully tiled, laundryroom, scandal, the VACA dam extension +Quiet cul-de-sac in US$75,000 close knit, security +vat, generous yard, (adding to the already huge financial Contact 671-1964 or burden of Challilo) and the Telemedia +conscious community +fully fenced 6’ high plot piled on the top, are three straws +Two bedrooms, two Perfect for young family Independent Weekly too many for the Belizean people to Friday, June 8, 2007 The INdependent Reformer Page 10 MakingMaking TThingshings Happen?Happen? wide in a mock referendum two pass. What’s there to worry about? The Aikman kidnapping was ob- weeks ago. There’s no question. Things were super calm over the viously politically motivated but it Somebody needs to tell the security weekend with graduation season in would be grossly unfair to say it was forces that this kind of thing is above full swing. The PM came back, over state sanctioned. The kidnapped their pay scale. the weekend we hear, from stately man is back with his family and Lots of friends have been asking commitments in Caracas and else- that’s a beautiful thing. Jefferies, us to take extra precaution. Heavy where …with more money in hand. with the security forces, has things stuff. While are not taking the kid- All things bright and beautiful. Bet under control in the streets. The By: Trevor Vernon napping lightly there is no need for Washington isn’t too happy with the gangs have been sedated. extra security measures as we see cozy Caracas/Caricom relationship The US Government drops her Everyone’s been saturated with it. We have a wonderful and well but Washington isn’t putting out like hand with another million USD to heavy news lately. Lots of hard news trained police department. They she used to and the Maximum support security efforts, institutional along with the usual police blotter type just had a guy come back from a Bolivarian Leader Chavez is. strengthening-wise. Chavez will crime “around the inner city”. So this special course on handling kidnap- The economic train will be mov- give that a hundred times over. Tai- week I’ll lighten up and do the Joyce ping and hostage taking situations. ing again and real soon. This is the wan is dropping her hand too. “stream of consciousness” thing with- I am sleeping better already but not only opiate of the masses and this Clean money is flowing again, pour- out any heavy analysis, naturally with turning off my security gadgets. orange government understands it ing in. The drug monies aren’t flow- an exclusive Belize focus. What wonderful things this internet very well. Let it flow at the last ing, all of a sudden, so drug related The big news that continues to related technology is… and not re- minute. We need to get this private conflicts/crime are nonexistent. Yet dominate the consciousness of ally expensive. sector led economy back in gear. the “parallel market” exchange rate Belizeans everywhere is the Aikman And listening to Belize’s robo-cop We have been losing a lot of for- remains “pegged” to the US Dollar. kidnapping. Speculation is the order Jefferies elaborate on the compe- eign direct investment and related Just doesn’t add up. of the day. The semi-official whisper tencies and brainpower of our employment…and the hemorrhag- Jefferies making things campaign coming out of government proud men in blue, one gets a sense ing continues. happen…or not happen? quarters is that Mr. Aikman is a mas- of utter calm and total control. This So what’s there to worry about We are living in a beautiful coun- ter showman and that he staged the guy is mister take charge. When he really? Things are looking up…just try and soon we’ll watch as the whole thing to make his comeback. I speaks you know everything will keep those foreign bills, acts, and people get pumped with all sorts of don’t buy it, but some do. Mr. return to a state of normalcy real Statutory Instruments flowing opiates as we head full scale into Aikman was back the moment 10,000 soon. And exactly as super cop through the pipeline. Gifts and tax electioneering mode, like the rest of plus voters came out to vote country- told us on Tuesday, so it came to breaks to the big political donors. the Americas. Money laundering fears trigger Grace Kennedy action
By Dennise Williams held by these persons,” added so. profit and loss account. Friday, June 01, 2007 Orane. Another shareholder took GK To this, Orane’s response was: GraceKennedy boss Douglas He further proposed that sanc- executives to task on several issues “Over the last 20 years, GK’s de- Orane this week disclosed that tions, such as the withholding of presented in the notes to the Finan- fined benefit pension plan devel- fears of money launderers own- dividend cheques, be implemented cial Statements. oped a large surplus. In fact, our ing shares in the company had to force disclosure. First, there were questions sur- pension is twice as large as what is caused Grace to insist on know- But John Jackson, GK share- rounding the receivables, which had needed, actuarially, by retired GK ing who were its true sharehold- holder and financial analyst, spoke increased significantly during the workers and soon to be retired ers. passionately against such a move. year under review. Indeed, as at workers.” Orane, the GraceKennedy CEO, “There might be a case where a December 31, 2006, trade receiv- The GK head added that, “now, moved a motion at Monday’s an- person simply chooses not to dis- ables stood at nearly $1 billion, a under the IFRS rules, a portion of nual general meeting to include a close who they are, not because 60 per cent jump from the $378.1 the surplus must be recognised as provision in the company’s Articles they are doing anything wrong, and million booked in the correspond- profit. And we cannot ask the GK of Association, which would allow then the next thing they know, they ing period of 2005. Pension fund to write us a cheque GK to determine who were the true are excluded from receiving divi- Fay McIntosh, GK chief financial for the surplus. The only way that holders of shares and allow the dend cheques. I cannot accept officer, was at pains to explain the we can get it back is a contribution company to impose sanctions that,” said Jackson. reason for the robust surge, but holiday where we don’t contribute where there was failure to disclose In support of Orane’s proposal, admitted that there was room for to the pension for several years.” after appropriate notice. GK director John Issa took to the improvement in the company’s col- provided by Grace Kennedy “We want to know who our part- podium and questioned why anyone lection methods. Belize Ltd. ners in GK are. It is like living in a who was an upstanding citizen “It is a tight market. Our collec- condo with new owners coming in would not want to be identified as tions are something that we are that you don’t know,” Orane told a GK shareholder. working very hard at,” said McIn- shareholders at the AGM, held at Jackson then attempted to have a tosh. GK’s harbour Street headquarters motion moved to stop the amend- Don Wehby, chief executive of- in downtown Kingston. “We see ment but Karen Chin Quee Akin, ficer of GK Investments, noted that this provision as important in GK company secretary, said that part of the increase in trade receiv- today’s environment where money since the amendment had been duly ables was due to outstanding receiv- launderers are seeking innovative circulated, the financial analyst’s ables from the GraceKennedy Re- ways of disguising funds,” he said. motion could not stand. Orane mittance Service. “The risk is that shareholders of noted that Jackson had the right to Secondly, the shareholder ques- the company could one day find that vote against the amendment, which tioned the $728.2 million from pen- significant shares of the company is he did, but was the only one to do sions that was recognised in the Friday, June 8, 2007 The INdependent Reformer Page 11 JusticeJustice inin thethe LandLand Statement from the National Re- Prime Minister found that out lately. let down. For a good example just anytime he wants to without going form Party, NRP He did some things against our law read Tom Greenwood’s letter in the to the House for approval. And so, What about justice? As the saying andIndependent Reformer, Amandala many millions have gone through goes, “Don’t let your rights become constitution for years. Then one day and Reporter. He was brave enough the cracks already while so many wrong.” Every now and then he touched the spirit of Belizean to vent his anger and are broke and looking for a rem- a case comes up that shows the level people, by saying, law or no law, frustration and put his thoughts in edy to our economy. Then we hear of justice we have in the land. For you have to pay what I signed for. writing. What about the thousands a word worse yet, you must pay example, Christine Perriot’s case; He quickly found out that he should that keep it to themselves? There and don’t ask questions. Don’t ask imagine as a union leader she cannot never have said nor done that. are many similar stories from the dif- for estimates or records. get her rights upheld? Naturally the Overnight, over 90% of the people ferent political administrations of Belize is our jewel. A story was question arises, what about the com- were against him. That is the un- ‘93, ‘98 and the 2003. told in a radio program lately where mon man or woman? Such a case written law in action, if people Let us try to look at today’s situ- an African farmer had a big farm. becomes an insult to our society, es- speak up, much can be accom- ation from a historical point of view, He got interested in the jewel busi- pecially to those who know our laws plished. if that is possible. ness. He wanted to find diamonds. and the working people. Smokey Joe of the Amandala When we were awakened after He sold everything and traveled all Another common saying is, “Only wrote “I am not talking to you the last elections, with all the prom- over the land searching and finding free people can set people free.” tongue stretchers who get allow- ises being made of a good Belize nothing. And finally he drowned in When a police man does not listen to ance to talk about others, because and economy that was going to be a river, a poor, broke, discouraged your case, don’t be silent; or when if you cannot see it yet, your days strong, everyone knew that our as- man. Someone else bought the farm your tax money is wasted, don’t be are numbered. Check the world, sets and properties were being sold and found an ugly looking stone in quiet; and when the country’s future brother man. The power of God is to bring constant cash money; and the same river where the previous is at stake, don’t be quiet. moving. The Ice Age is now turning while the music was being played, owner had drowned. He set it on Every justice system needs a judge. into a heat wave. As I have said, we were told it is alright to borrow the shelf until someone told him, Every judge has the Constitution and money and material things here have as much money as possible from that’s a diamond. You will see it af- many books of historical cases to taken the place of God. This is turn- other countries and not to worry if ter you shine it up. He found out he guide him. On the other hand he goes ing our so-called poverty stricken we do not see any auditing done for had a diamond mine under his feet. by what the leader of the country and youths into thieves…” 13 years of our cash flow; we were It became the biggest diamond mine people want. He uses the information Thinking about justice and what made to believe it was alright to in all of Africa. you give him. So, if corruption takes comes along with it: 1) The Belizean raise our commodity 100%, that is Now to all of us in Belize, the control of our society, it will always people at this time don’t know if a must too, in order to rise up to a question is: what we will do with our start from the top. Once it has pen- anyone is listening to them. One high level. We were also told to pay jewel? Leave it on the ground, put etrated to the majority of the body of thing is sure that everyone is disap- more than double into Social Secu- it on a shelf or shine it up, or go people, they cannot change unless the pointed of a cowardly leadership. rity for our safety of the poor and around the world to find stuff that leadership is removed. This is easy 2) The Belizean people don’t feel sick people; and our fuel prices glitters, that someone shined al- to explain. that there is compassion for them, raised up 100% for better roads. ready to try to buy it with borrowed A corrupt leader cannot afford for with all the pressures upon them, We say but wait, UDP brought us money. Or will we trade our mine his leaders under him to be corrupt the hardships in daily life, which is to the road of starvation. Then PUP with one stone that glitters? also. The problem is he cannot stop the result of corruption. 3) The came and said UDP have money, The NRP does not believe in sell- them. Eventually they become like Belizean people don’t understand but it is far too much. Let us handle ing your tools to buy food; or sell- him, and the society at large becomes love anymore, because of the loss it. Today we owe four times as ing your land to buy a luxury ve- corrupt. That is when the dance ends of trust, the betrayal and lawless- much, plus our assets have been hicle. Instead, let the produce of the and music stops. ness they witness on a daily basis sold; taxes have been raised even land pay for it. A local magazine said A judge in Cayo years ago said in the streets and among the lead- when dozens of grants from other it so right, we don’t inherit the something unforgettable. He said that ers. countries have been given; the earth from our ancestors, and we there is a written law, but along with Thousands of people have lost booming of the tourism and its borrow it from our children. it there is what we is called the spirit their jobs. Contractors have lost forthcoming tax income, and now At this time we see that the older of the law. We definitely need both their contracts. Trusted arrange- we must hear we are broke. Then people are worried about our future. to have justice working for us. ments have been broken. People we hear we cannot even pay the The workers are tired of a high cost A newspaper article read: “Good have lost their savings, their land, interest and as a result all contracts of living. The youths are waiting for laws on paper will not protect us their houses, their family with no stop! Some never get their money things to develop. The children are from a bad government.” That is so hopes of ever getting it back. Most they have already worked so hard hungry and want their nutrition, but true! If being smart, educated, and of them keep quiet and do not for, and finally go broke as well. the main thing is, will we see jus- vocal only could do it, we would speak up. Others who have spoken At this pace, in a short period of tice done in our country? be in far better shape a long time continue without any results. Many time, say six months, many busi- The NRP wants what everybody ago. are waiting years for the courts to nesses in the country could go down wants, justice. Add to that some The spirit of the law is not as evi- decide. Some have suffered wrong by 50%. common sense, and education along dent as the law on paper but more judgments. Today we are told the worse yet. with information. sensitive. We have many written Belizeans are very disappointed at This one not only tingles our ears Belizeans need another chance to laws that many of us don’t even the indifference of their leaders. but sinks our hearts. We were made free themselves from bondage, hun- know about. They are not regarded Why? We went with all the best aware that our PM signed millions ger, and crime. or enforced. But if we disregard promises and plans. Then we get of our tax money over to private in- NRP not only knows that we are the spirit of the law, there is more disappointed without explanation. stitutions and we found out that he in trouble, but also has an answer. of an immediate reaction. Our That hurts. That is a very insulting is use to this and has been doing it Friday, June 8, 2007 The INdependent Reformer Page 12 AA NaNationtion inin BondaBondaggee the 1998 general elections. The PUP tion and people. Belize in 2007 is a borrower nation campaigned on the promise to “Set Sadly, this is not the case. Belize is that has become a slave to its lend- Belize Free.” Judging from their pledge a nation in bondage to its lenders. ers. The cry of 1998 therefore ech- to “build 10,000 new homes and cre- Belize now has debts that future gen- oes even more thunderously - - “Set ate 5,000 new jobs” one had to as- erations will be paying for, even though Belize Free...Set Belize Free...Set sume that their approach to managing the benefits will not accrue to them. Belize Free!” the economy would have been expan- sionary – investment and growth. In reality, what the PUP did was in- troduce the concept of “deficit spend- ing” or “growth economics” as their new approach to managing Belize’s fragile economy. According to the PUP, By: Gus A. Perera and as they have said so many times ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) ability to add a sophisticated touch will “The rich rule over the poor, and the before, they inherited an economy in Those close to your heart may be dif- help you capture the look you’re after. borrower is a servant to the lender.” recession from their predecessors – the ficult to reason with. You need an outlet Your lucky day this week will be Tues- Proverbs 22:7 UDP. In their minds, an in normal prac- that will not only stimulate you but also day. In early Greek culture, many people tice, deficit spending should have stimu- challenge your intelligence as well. LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) were under compulsory service, some lated economic growth without the need Physical limitations are possible if you You need to fulfill your needs and pre due to economic hardships, and others to impose further tax burdens on the aren’t careful. Try to accommodate sent your talents. Turn things around, simply because they were offspring of Belizean worker. them without infringing on your own re- make sure that they do their share. New slaves, and some due to the spoils of The main goal, it would appear, was sponsibilities. Your lucky day this week partnerships will develop if you join in- war. The Greek culture looked at these to increase economic output tied to in- will be Tuesday. vestment groups. Stabilize your own people with scorn. Their plight was not vestments in varied infrastructure TAURUS (Apr. 21- may 21) position by locking up your savings. a subject of social conscience; they projects. However, and because these You may have problems with skin, Your lucky day this week will be Tues- were simply overlooked in the social investments could not be funded from bones, or teeth if you haven’t been tak- day. structure. Slaves were not considered the traditional tax revenue base, the PUP ing proper care of yourself. You could SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) part of the state. government chose to go the route of lose money or precious belongings if you Don’t be shy; show your abilities! In- Because economic hardship or in- floating bonds. aren’t careful. Use your charm, but teraction with colleagues will only be debtedness could lead to enslavement, And this is where Belize’s economic don’t sign or agree to anything. Be pre- upsetting. Travel will promote romantic borrowing was not something to be nightmare began. According to the pared to make compensations and ad- connections. You should be in business taken lightly for even the failure to re- Wikipedia Encyclopaedia, “the most justments. Your lucky day this week will for yourself. Your lucky day this week turn a borrowed item had some serious important burden of bond loans is the be Tuesday. will be Friday. implications. The following story illus- interest that must be paid to bond- GEMINI (May 22-June 21) SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) trates this point. holders, which restricts a You need to get down to basics with Make changes in your domestic “One day the guild of prophets came government’s ability to raise its out- regard to yourself. Try to deal with the scene. It might be time to shake a leg to Elisha and said, ‘you can see that this lays or cut taxes to attain other problems of those less fortunate; how- and do a personal makeover. Your place where we are living under your goals.” It further states: “most of the ever, don’t allow them to make unrea- charm will attract someone special. leadership is getting cramped — we government debt is owned by the rich sonable demands. You are best to put Don’t let your anger consume you and have no elbow room. Give us permis- people, so that a rising debt can raise in some overtime rather than get in- don’t allow important matters go unat- sion to go down to the Jordan where demand for the funds supplied by the volved in family gatherings. You need tended to. Your lucky day this week each of us will get a log and we’ll build rich, encouraging income inequal- to concentrate on the areas where you will be Saturday. a roomier place.’” ity.” can make a difference. Your lucky day CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) The story continues: “Elisha said, While deficit spending might be this week will be Sunday. Read between the lines when signing ‘go ahead.’ And he went with them bearable in cases where sound invest- CANCER (June 22-July 22) contracts. Delve a little deeper if you and they started chopping down trees. ments are made, it can become a yoke Your ideas are right on the mark and really want to know the score. Keep As one of them was felling a timber, on the back of a nation if the monies your work commendable. Any capri- your ears open, especially to those who his axe head flew off and sank in the are used for wasteful expenditure, and cious behavior will confuse loved ones care about you. Moneymaking oppor- river. He cried out. ‘Aye it was bor- bad investments. In the case of Belize, and your mood swings will result in lone- tunities will surface. Your lucky day this rowed!’” (The Message, 2 Kings,6) the latter has been the case. liness. Get busy putting your place in week will be Tuesday. The young student panicked because Instead of the government acting as order. You must avoid gossip and focus AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) he realized that, until such time as he a facilitator for investment and on what you have to do. Your lucky You have been going through a pe- returned the axe head to the lender, he growth, it took on the role of main day this week will be Sunday. riod of change that no doubt caused was under compulsory service or bond- protagonist. Most of the investment LEO (July 23-Aug 22) problems with your loved ones. Be hon- age to the owner of the axe. For all in- funds were concentrated within the You may want to take a trip; how- est with yourself before getting involved tents and purposes, he had just become ranks of a handful of party loyalists ever, before you do, make sure that with someone who is likely to lead you enslaved. and favourites and this gave rise to one your car is serviced properly. You are on. Your outgoing nature will win hearts. Let us spool back for a moment to financial failure after another. Nine best to be accommodating for the time Property deals will pay big dividends. years after promising to “Set Belize being. Sudden romantic infatuations Your lucky day this week will be Fri- Free” the PUP has achieved the op- won’t be lasting. Do things you enjoy day. posite; they have borrowed their way instead of being a chameleon. Losses PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) into bondage are likely if you have left your financial Don’t get involved in expensive en- One of the true measures of suc- affairs in other people’s hands. Your tertainment that involves gambling. cessful stewardship is when a govern- lucky day this week will be Saturday. You can get a promotion if you put in ment can leave an inheritance of pros- VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) a little extra detail. Try to bend to their perity for at least two generations. By Unexpected visitors are likely. Be pre- wishes if you want to avoid conflict. doing so, it gives each generation an pared to do your chores early. Oppor- Don’t go overboard; start small and opportunity to grow the wealth they tunities will come through behind the work toward building it up slowly. inherit for future generations and scenes activities. A residential move may Your lucky day this week will be thereby create a truly prosperous na- be necessary to get a better job. Your Monday. Friday, June 8, 2007 The INdependent Reformer Page 13 TOPICALTOPICAL TIDBITSTIDBITS Well now we know why the BTL proper documents, and work permits..? darkness. Campaigns can get expensive, if we are Vesting Bill had to be pushed through Notice a lot of foreign personnel popping And while ministry of works—or some- to take the word of the leader of the Na- the House of Representatives and the up in certain security firms. body—is at it, can y’all go back and fin- tional Reform Party (NRP) from a pre- Senate—so that when the Chief Jus- The Department of Immigration has ish the job of fixing the piece of highway sentation he made during their launch. tice ruled this week in Prosser’s favor, since apologized to the students for caus- that slid off into the river around the Barrow has said nothing of what a gen- he would be left holding an empty cro- ing them to miss this very special ceremony, Courtenay’s? An unsightly mess anyway eral election campaign will cost the UDP cus bag… which is exactly what hap- and for lack of discretion on the part of you take it, from the roadside or the riv- and where they or the PUP will get the pened. Jeffrey Prosser gets to have his their personnel. Guess some immigration erside. At least cut off the jagged steel jet- “50 to 100 million dollars” that NRP talks board meeting at BTL, only, now get officers will be sent back to school for a ting out of the top and finish casting the about. this, THERE IS NO MORE BTL. Ru- little cultural sensitization training. Can you posts, will you? We’ve paid enough in gas DFC Commission mor is Belizeans we won’t be SMART spell B-e-l-i-z-e-a-n? taxes since the accidents happened at that Hearing Report for much longer, when Belize Telemedia New Airport Road site to pay for a whole new highway Aren’t we supposed to get a report Ltd (the artist formerly known as BTL) and Intersection already…and there is enough steel from the DFC Commissioners on the refuses to renew its contract to inter- It’s a lovely strip of highway, the new brought in for Stake Bank making its way proceedings that concluded a couple connect with their system. If that hap- cutoff to the PGIA, but you have to won- to the black market to build that bridge months ago? What’s up with that? And pens, the PUP promise of bringing com- der why it is we can never seem to get across to the Western Highway too. Don’t the Senate hearing report? Is that Dead petition to the telecommunications in- things right. The 90 degree turn onto the think we don’t know about that guys. in the water too? dustry will be broken and cell phone northern highway is poorly planned and Opposition Leader, Dean Oliver Third Party Alliances & users have to go back to being “dun- confusing with lines painted all over the Barrow, quits his law firm to focus on the Coalitions cey.” What they going to do next, cut place and an island popping out of no- Party he leads and we suppose, to get the We would like to see the grand alli- off the cable companies providing where with no reflective paint on Lord off his you know what. He hedges ance efforts massaged a bit more. We internet? Then we will truly be in a game it…another accident waiting to happen. when making the separation announce- have got to check our egos at the door if of monopoly. And can someone please put a booth for ment from his private law practice. Doesn’t we are to dispense with the super cor- Belizeans mistaken for people waiting for shuttles or rides to the want to irritate the Lord, it seems. Might rupt government. Don’t we? Come on Illegal Aliens? airport out there, right now everyone is need an extra million or two to shore up third parties, Belize deserves a grand al- While thousands of proud grads are lining the highway out in the hot sun or the campaign? Can’t say we blame him. liance. receiving diplomas and certificates this month, one group of students missed their graduation because officers at an immi- gration checkpoint out west demanded they show their passports. When they could not produce the documents, the students were detained so long the ceremony was over by the time they got to the school. Now here is the perplexing part: it was a group of Kriol kids, not Hispanics or Asians or Cauca- sian looking foreigners speaking foreign languages. We can only imagine the tongue lashing they must have given the officers at the checkpoint. Madda fya. Can’t imagine how the officers mistook them for illegal aliens, unless of course they themselves are not fluent in Belize’s lin- Can anyone explain how this illegal garbage dump inpalcencia came into to existence despite the vigialnce of the Dept of the gua franca. Wonder if the officers have environment and helath Dept.? OASOAS reportsreports CrimeCrime && ViolenceViolence harmharm CentralCentral America’sAmerica’s developmentdevelopment are trapped between the world’s largest Commending the latest international international cooperation designed to ad- impact of crime on security, stability and coca producer—Colombia— and the findings on how crime and violence harm dress problems arising from crime and development. He added that underdevel- largest consumer of cocaine, the United development in Central American coun- violence in the Central American coun- opment is also a major cause of vulner- States. tries, the Secretary General of the Orga- tries. ability to crime. The OAS and UNODC intend to use nization of American States (OAS), José According to the OAS Secretary Gen- The document stresses that all of the this study as the basis for cooperation Miguel Insulza, said the study will provide eral, in grappling with the issue of crime, countries studied—Belize, Costa Rica, El among the countries of the region and important tools to help the OAS more the link should also be made in policy dis- Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicara- other international organizations on strat- strategically focus its action in this area. cussions on development and democracy. gua and Panama—are affected to vary- egies to tackle crime, Insulza made the comments today dur- He said the information in the report also ing degrees by drugs, crime and under- corruption and drugs and the effect of ing a press conference at OAS headquar- brings to light the undeniable links between development. Several of the countries are these on development in Central America ters, where the Executive Director of the crime and poverty and, at the same time, vulnerable because of socioeconomic fac- and the Caribbean. United Nations Office on Drugs and reinforces the OAS in its efforts to com- tors related to income disparity, uncon- Besides the senior UNODC officials, Crime (UNODC), Antonio María Costa, bat illegal drugs and terrorism, part of its trolled urban development, widespread Central American ambassadors to the unveiled a report entitled Crime multidimensional security agenda. poverty, a relatively young population, OAS were on hand for the presentation andDevelopment in Central America: Costa, for his part, explained during the easy access to large quantities of weap- of the study. Also distributed was a pre- Caught in the Crossfire. Insulza remarked press conference that the study—the ons and an unstable post-conflict environ- vious study on the situation in the Carib- that, while uncovering no new major product of broad-based consultation on ment, among other factors. As well, ac- bean countries, entitled, “Crime, Violence trends, the findings do provide a great deal the effects of crime and violence—seeks cording to the report, their particular ge- and Development: Trends, costs and of data that could help shape long-term to break the “vicious cycle” of the severe ography puts the countries at risk: they policy options in the Caribbean.” Friday, June 8, 2007 The INdependent Reformer Page 1413 Eco-Watch Oil “Fever” in Belize its impacts”, said Candy Gonzalez, mem- burdens and struggles of the Queqchi environmental protection, not only for A release from Belize Institute of ber of BELPO and former BACONGO people in Guatemala in relation to oil the sake of it, but because it makes per- Environmental Law and Policy, representative on the National Environ- exploitation. Arturo Chen Bin, MAQ fect economic sense for the sake of BELPO. mental Appraisal Committee (NEAC). member, said “We founded the MAQ ecotourism”, Casas explained. In May, Oilwatch Mesoamerica staff Meeting with communities because we realized there was a big Meanwhile, environmental and con- member, Alicia Casas, visited Belize to and organizations concession in a communal protected servation institutions in Belize will be monitor the oil development in Belize. During the visit, several meetings took land. We have been resisting all these coordinating efforts to define a common The visit covered the three districts of place with related institutions and orga- new concessions a year and a half ago strategy to advocate, in Belize and in- the country where oil activity is occur- nizations, and Casas made comments and we have managed to ban this spe- ternationally, for a limit to oil projects in ring - from the Sarstoon Temash Na- on international rules for oil develop- cific concession in communal lands. In Protected Areas. tional Park (STNP) in Toledo, west to ment: “Even the Convention on Guatemala we have very bad experi- For more information contact Spanish Lookout and Georgeville, in Biodiversity and some IUCN regula- ences of oil development in the Alta BELPO, PO Box 54, San Ignacio Cayo, and up to the Rio Bravo in Or- tions have clearly stated that the figure Verapaz, and Peten. The communities Town, Cayo 804-2032 or email ange Walk. of Protected Areas means that extrac- have not seen the benefits but have all [email protected], and/or Oilwatch Mesoamerica was accom- tive industries like oil and mining should the pollution left in their land”. Another Mario Fernandez at
Don’t We all?!
This quash shyly pokes his head out of his tree trunk home. (photo by Bill Taylor)
The pristine beauty of these tree blossoms demanded attention (photo by Leslie Kearns)
These sea grapes add a splash of colour to the tree as they ripen. (photo by Bill Taylor)
Belize observed Disabilites Week on May 27 to June 2 with a parade thru Belize City streets on Friday (photo by William Ysaguierre) Guest Gallery is open to readers of all ages, this painting is by Emily Rose Vernon, 5 Friday, June 8, 2007 The INdependent Reformer Page 1615 AA CrisisCrisis inin MorMoralityality INdependent Classifieds By: Justin O. Gringo the customer, and the customer is al- conference room, reception area) in It appears that Belize is now reap- ways right. But not in Belize, it seems. King’s Park $1800.00/month ing a harvest from a number of com- This attitude is common among all of Computers $800/each Call: 223- mon acts that most civilized people the shop-keepers. The customer is 1668/602-9182 would regard as immoral, if not ille- not right, he is probably lying. Free Ads! The INdependent Re- gal. The Police have the same attitude. former is offering free classified ads Stealing. You go in to report a crime commit- for the month of May: In the Middle East, stealing is not ted against your person, and their Needed: Mountain Bike Tour Opera- 1) 20 words or less just a crime, it’s a sin. First offense, question is “HOW DO I KNOW tor wanted in Cayo with equipment. Tel: 2) one ad per person in the promotional cut off your hand. (So that you’ll have YOU’RE NOT RUNNING A 663-5580 period for free to wipe your butt with the same hand SCAM?” Cayo Adventure Tours Ph# 824-324 (additional ads are only $10 each) you eat with. A serious punishment in Because, I think, I am a victim, and Need help with cleaning, ironing, paint- 3) with photo (first time free...$10 ad- a land where water for washing is the victim (like a suspected perp) is ing or other household chores at your ditional for photo ads) scarce.) Brand your face to identify presumed innocent. Presumed to be Ladyville home? Then call me at 624- jpeg or tiff formats only. Must be you as a Thief. Second offense – cut a victim. Not so in Belize. Victims 3652. Reasonable rates, mature female. emailed, no disk pickup or drop off off your head. and Suspects are treated alike. Guilty “Free international real estate and 4) business card –first run is free for Veterans returning from Iraq tell me until they can prove their innocence. investment blog and podcast. Go to month of May, 2007, $20 a run there- that you can leave tools laying out. No A respected senior politician is kid- http://investtheworld.blogspot.com as after problem. Here in America, I see all napped, and everyone – including the we travel the world for fun, investment 5) All classified ads must be emailed to the lawn furniture and gardening tools Police – believes that he is probably and profit.” independent. newspaper. bz@gmail. on porches and marvel. In Belize, of lying; that it probably is a scam. For sale: Home overlooking Sittee com with cc to course, they would be gone in a day. Denouement. River w/1/3 acre. Info/photos at: kheusner@yahoo. com and checks to Politicians steal big time and are ad- We dismiss these things with a wry http://web.mac.com/nadjablz PO Box 2666, Belize City. mired for their cleverness. At least grin, with the thought that “That’s just 609-5632 3-5pm daily. Photo below Please note: We must receive your ad until the people realize that the money the way it is in Belize.” But, as you For Rent: A (2) bedroom flat located by Friday at mid-day for inclusion in belongs to THEM! sow, so shall you reap. The pigeons in King’s Park, Belize City $800/month following Tuesday issue. Lying. are coming home to roost. The piper One commercial building (4 offices, I used to buy lots of things at a shop must be paid. I liked to call “The Wal-Mart of We have borrowed money from the Corozal” because they had just about international bankers, and now, our everything. I went in to buy some little sources of funds have dried up. Our electronic thing, and I remarked that credit is no good. Everyone at the “if it didn’t work, I would just bring it top lies. They lie in secret, so that it back.” can’t be proved. But, how can you “NO,” said the owner very sternly, negotiate internationally when the “YOU HAVE TO TEST IT HERE, other players know that you always BEFORE YOU LEAVE. IF YOU lie? TAKE IT, HOW DO WE KNOW Diogenes searched Ancient Greece YOU DIDN’T BREAK IT?” in vain for an Honest Man. How do Well, he should know, because I’m you think he would feel in Belize? ConserConservvaationtion LandLand FForor SaleSale
70 acres in Burrell Boom for US$50K [email protected] Friday, June 8, 2007 The INdependent Reformer Page 1716 FForor SaleSale Now available BacBackk toto thethe FuturFuturee (Continued From Page 1) warning to the Lord? The timing, however, could not have been better for Aikman to be reacti- vated. These are times of grave in- Get your Free Gift justices. The boys have been running a train on this economy and publicly. of an Independent The gang rape of Belize & her people Reformer Weekly has the populace longing for a gov- ernment with some semblance of t-shirt when you buy morals, of common decency. And a Car Trolley a year’s subscription man who sings patriotic songs in to the paper. church might just be the savior they Asking Bz$1,000 O.B.O. are looking for…. Contact Independent Weekly FORFOR SALESALE
One 28 footer, 8-foot beam, licensed for 24 passengers, fishing or passenger, live well Asking $27,000 Call 223-1276