Friday, March 5, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 1

NO. 3443 BELIZE CITY, FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2021 (40 PAGES) $1.50 PUP crushes UDP in municipals BPP mayoral candidate out-polls UDP’s in PG

by Kory Leslie(freelance writer)

BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Mar. 4, 2021 Yesterday, voters in every municipality throughout the nation went to the polls to cast their votes, and mayors and councilors were elected across the country. After the votes were tallied, it was clear that the outcome was similar to the results of 2020’s general elections, with the People’s United Party (PUP) dominating the polls once more, securing sixty-five of the sixty-seven municipal seats. One Man killed COVID-19 update major difference between the recent during firefight Please turn to„Page 38 with police Gonzalo Rosado murdered

(See story on page 37)

PUP’s Elvia Vega- Samos wins Corozal Bay by-elections

(See story on page 3) BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Mar. 4, 2021 In our last issue, we reported on Please turn to Page 37 SAN JOSE SUCCOTZ, Cayo the official launch of the Covid-19 „ District, Mon. Mar. 1, 2021 Unconfirmed reports are that a woman from Camalote has been detained in connection with the Li admits to multiple murder of 54-year-old Gonzalo Rosado, former manager of the land deals (See story on page 4) Please turn to„Page 37 Page 2 AMANDALABelize Friday, March 5, 2021 Mexican contrabandist shot by Belize police Commissioner Williams, in with other agencies; we always describing what happened next, said ensure that we protect each others’ that the driver, upon exiting the back,” Williams explained. vehicle, “picked up a machete and The driver of the van, later opened the door for the van” and identified as 40-year-old Freddy when the police told him to drop Pech of La Union, Mexico, was also the machete, he did not do so. At accompanied by his son, 19-year-old that point, said Williams, “an Emmerson Gonzalez, who was also officer fired one shot which caught detained for the charge of assault. him [the driver] in the buttocks.” Commissioner Williams said, “He According to Williams, the suspect punched one of the police in the face, is currently in a stable condition at causing severe swelling. So the son the Northern Regional Hospital, will be charged for assaulting the where he is receiving treatment. police. And Customs is currently “The police and Customs took taking an inventory of the items and possession of the van [that the they will deal with the issue of their suspect had been driving] and custom goods.” by Dayne Guy tried to stop the van. Upon seeing inside the van was fully loaded with Pech, according to police, had an the officers, the van sped off and assorted contraband goods,” said assortment of items inside the van, COROZAL DISTRICT, Mon. Mar. they ended up in a pursuit. Williams. including an outboard engine, which 1, 2021 Eventually, the van came to a stop This shooting raised a lot of the police suspect the detainee used Around 5:00 o’clock this near a curve and the driver was speculation among some members on a boat to cross the border. morning, police officers spotted a ordered out of the vehicle.” of the public, who are wondering Commissioner Chester Williams suspicious van at a checkpoint they According to Commissioner how the alleged contrabandist said, “The police still have that had set up along the Belize-Mexico Williams, the driver, after being could have been shot from behind responsibility of ensuring that we border. Commissioner of Police, ordered by police to exit the vehicle, if he had been approaching the maintain the integrity of our border Chester Williams said, “Officers did so with great reluctance. officer. Commissioner Williams, lines to prevent persons from however, has addressed those bringing contraband. And in addition doubts by explaining the Police to that, when we have people Department’s checkpoint protocol. engaging in contraband, it affects our Chebat on “I saw many experts on social local economy as well, because these media speaking about ‘how could goods are coming into the country vaccination rollout you shoot a man in the buttocks if without customs duties being paid. he is advancing towards you.’” And so the government is losing Williams said. “It was not one revenue. And then those persons who and the Moderna COVID-19 police. There were 4 police are bringing in goods, paying duties, vaccine, the recommendation officers and a customs officer and their items are not being sold as fast is to administer the two one of the things we normally do as they should, so that they can separate doses which are when we stop any vehicle is to continue to import. So stopping required for immunity, within ensure that we have the vehicle contraband doesn’t only help to 21 and 28 days, respectively. surrounded. Police officers on prevent the spread of COVID-19, but The Johnson and Johnson operations either with our own or it also helps our economy.” vaccine requires only one dose. On Saturday, the country will receive a batch of 25,000 Deputy DHS takes charge AstraZeneca vaccines from the Indian government. This is a part of a commitment BELIZE CITY, Tues. Mar. 2, made by India to donate 2021 500,000 Covid-19 vaccines Since the current Director to the Caribbean. Prime of Health Services (DHS), Minister John Briceño made Dr. Marvin Manzanero, was a formal request for a supply placed on administrative of these vaccines in early leave and the acting DHS at February, which was recently the time, Dr. Melissa Diaz- brokered by the Minister of Musa, vacated the office Foreign Affairs and approved and returned to her post as BELIZE CITY, Tues. Mar. 2, 2021 by India. Deputy Regional Manager, The Minister of Health and These vaccines will aid in continuing the Deputy Director of Wellness, Hon. Michel Chebat, has our vaccination campaign as we await Health Services, Dr. Francis informed the public that the first 1,000 the shipment from the COVAX facility. Murray, has had to take AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines It is expected that the vaccines which charge of some of the duties have been distributed for inoculation arrive will be used to cover the first and responsibilities of the of healthcare workers across the priority group, healthcare workers, office. During an interview country. On March 2 alone, 417 which according to Minister Chebat with local media, Minister healthcare workers received their first consist of around four to five thousand Michel Chebat stated that dose of the vaccine. persons countrywide. This means that Murray is the only Deputy According to the Minister of Health eight to ten thousand jabs will be DHS and is primarily responsible suspension only to find the locks on and Wellness, these persons will needed to fully immunize that entire for hospital services. his office door changed. When asked receive the second dose of the vaccine priority group of healthcare workers. “There’s always been one, and about these reports, Minister Chebat by the end of the month. This is, of And while the country is expecting that’s Dr. Francis Murray, and Dr. said that he does not want to course, if all goes as planned, and our the second batch of around 280,000 Murray is responsible for, really in “rehash” the Dr. Manzanero issue, first batch of 100,800 doses of doses, Minister Chebat shared that the charge of, all the hospital services adding that the Ministry has already COVID-19 vaccines is delivered from first shipment has been taking longer and so forth. He deals with all of expressed their position on the entire the COVAX facility. than they expected to arrive. The that, and now he’s been assigned situation. According to the Minister of Health allocation letter that government has some additional duties that the DHS For now, the Deputy Director of and Wellness, doses of the vaccines received is for the first batch of 100,800 would normally carry,” Hon. Chebat Health Services is the country’s lead can be administered within 12 weeks. jabs. At this time the country is still said. point person in the fight against the According to the FDA, for two waiting for the COVAX facility to Local media reported that Dr. coronavirus. This is until the issues vaccines authorized in the US, the indicate when the second shipment will Manzanero arrived at work after the surrounding the office of the DHS Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine be sent. end of his five-day administrative are resolved. Friday, March 5, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 3 Portals opened for pre-registration for vaccines

BELIZE CITY, Tues. Mar. 2, 2021 explained. The Minister of Health and He outlined that this will be the Wellness, Hon. Michel Chebat, has process undertaken for all five phases announced that a registration portal of our inoculation program. As has been opened so that persons in mentioned, healthcare workers are the vaccination priority groups can being vaccinated during the first phase begin entering their data and requests of the program, and while Minister for inoculation. Minister Chebat Chebat shared that the Ministry cannot shared that as a part of the Covid-19 force any individual to take the vaccination campaign, the Ministry vaccine, he said that he would hope will also be putting out calls through that they would lead by example. the media to the members of the “Well, we can’t force anybody to groups whose time for vaccination take the vaccine, but we would hope has come. that especially our healthcare “Also on our website, we’re gonna workers who have seen the have pre-registration forms, so that devastation of this virus will people can start as of now to start understand the importance of getting filling in the form, so that that data vaccinated,” Minister Chebat said. can be entered into the BHI system The vaccination program will be so when they get here it’s just to executed in five phases, and while confirm and then move on to no definite end date is in sight, the to complete the five phases by the 3rd will depend on when the vaccines vaccination,” Minister Chebat Minister shared that they are hoping quarter of this year. This, of course, arrive from the COVAX facility. Elderly couple robbed at gunpoint in Teakettle by Kory Leslie (freelance writer) Sunday morning when they were mouths duct-taped. During an interview backdoor, despite the presence of a awakened by their bedroom light being with News5, Smith described the security officer in a nearby booth. They BELIZE CITY, Tues. Mar. 2, 2021 turned on. To their surprise, several harrowing ordeal, but stated that her then proceeded to disable the The spate of home invasions that has armed thieves had broken into their faith in God allowed her to emerge surveillance system and cut the Smiths’ recently been plaguing the country home and were searching for money. from the situation unafraid: internet. Thereafter, they assaulted the continued on Sunday, when an elderly According to Smith, there were at “It was wonderful how the Lord was couple, but when they demanded more couple from Teakettle in the Cayo least four assailants in her home: three with me, because I wasn’t fearful, and money, Mrs. Smith told them that they District woke up to intruders in their who approached her and her husband they said ‘which one of you guys wanna had gotten all they would get. home. Mrs. Beatrice Smith and her in the bedroom, as well as others whom die because you’re gonna tell us where ACP Joseph Myvett, Head of the husband, an American couple who have she could hear ransacking the other the money is’. I said ‘me’, I admit. They Police Department’s National Crimes lived in Belize for thirty-five years, rooms in her home. The elderly pair came right in with two shotguns and, I Investigation Branch, says that police were reportedly asleep in bed on then had their hands bound and their guess it’s four guys, three came in, but are investigating the case, and that they there were some in the other bedrooms have obtained several leads and have going through the stuff and I thought it also detained two persons in was a nightmare; this can’t be connection with the robbery. Beatrice happening,” she said. Smith and her husband first came to The men apparently made their way Belize to do missionary work before onto the property through a faulty retiring in Cayo.

PUP’s Elvia Vega-Samos wins

Corozal Bay by-elections (From page 1) COROZAL, Wed. Mar. 3, 2021 Hilberto Campus by about 1200 votes. The Elections and Boundaries A total of 4132 votes were cast by Department has released the official a total of 5712 registered voters in the stats on the Corozal Bay by-election. area — a 72.34% voter turnout. Of Elvia “Elvie” Vega-Samos, the sister those voters, around 64.35% or 2659 of the late David “Dido” Vega, persons voted for Vega-Samos and emerged victorious. 1428 or 34.54% voted for the UDP’s Readers would recall that shortly Hilberto Campus, making Elvia Vega- after the November 2020 general Samos the duly elected area elections, Dido passed away due to representative for the Corozal Bay severe respiratory illness caused by electoral division. Covid-19 and left a void in the Her campaign was run as a tribute Corozal Bay constituency. This void to her brother, under the theme “Dis has since been filled by his sister, who One Da Fi Dido!” Around 45 votes defeated former four-time UDP mayor were rejected in the by-election. Page 4 AMANDALABelize Friday, March 5, 2021

Li admits to multiple land deals (From page 1)

processed in their names the normal process of applying for the bought] on the 14th of August … from directly to Li. lands. In response, Marshalleck said, the Government of Belize,” to which During questioning by “Some Belizeans are more deserving Li responded, “Yes, that one I did Andrew Marshalleck, than others, apparently.” apply.” When Marshalleck further chairman of the Commission, Li then retorted, “According to asked whether he “bought a lot, Li admitted to a host of those you, if that’s the case then I can’t argue parcel 2114 on Caye Caulker on the land deals. about that.” same, 14th August 2021,” Li replied, When Marshalleck asked Marshalleck then responded with “Yes. Yes, that one...” him, “Mr. Li, over the period an emphatic statement: “No, you can. “And the Government approved July 2020 through 3rd You can tell me that’s not so. You can that you and transferred to you on the November 2020, you tell me ‘I didn’t receive any favored same day?” Marshalleck further purchased some 10 parcels of treatment, that I went through the enquired. land from the Government of normal process for all of these lots “Yes, that one…,” Li said. Belize, did you not?”; Li and they were all approved to me and Marshalleck then went on to ask replied by asking, “From the I paid my money and got all the titles about other properties — a lot on San Government of Belize?” the same day’. And that is how the Pedro, parcel 8483, bought on July When Marshalleck confirmed Lands Department treats all 27, 2020; and parcel 8273 on San that he was asking about land Belizeans, isn’t that so?” Pedro, which was bought on August purchased from the Li avoided the question and said, 2020, but Li said that those properties Government of Belize, Li in reference to the land in Carmelita were bought through third parties. BELIZE CITY, Fri. Feb. 26, 2021 asked, “You sure it’s not from private to which Marshalleck had earlier Marshalleck also asked about parcel The second session of the individuals?” referred: “That’s one … which one 8564 in San Pedro, which was bought Commission of Inquiry into the pre- “I’m talking about the 10 from the else?” on July 23, 2020. election fire sale of government assets Government right now,” Marshalleck Marshalleck then asked whether he Several transfers facilitated by the continued with the questioning of Mr. replied. purchased half an acre in San Pedro, so-called third parties were made Zhourong Li, better known in the “Can you point them out?” Li then to which he replied, “Yes, that one I directly to Li. He explained that the Belizean public as Kelvin Li. asked. did.” When Marshalleck asked persons who approached him would Li’s name surfaced during the Marshalleck then referred whether that purchase was made on agree to sell parcels for which they proceedings when he was identified specifically to the purchase of “10.299 October 27, 2020, he said yes. When had already paid a purchase price to as the source of the funds with which acres [in] Carmelita in November of asked by Marshalleck whether he the Lands Department. The purchases a 2020 Toyota Tacoma that belonged 2020” purchased that property from the were made at a “good deal,” to the government was purchased by “Yes, that one I did,” admitted Li. government too, his reply was again, according to Li, and they were the former Minister of Natural Chairman Marshalleck then asked, “Yes.” transferred directly to him to avoid Resources, Hugo Patt. Incidentally, the “You bought that from the Government When Marshalleck then asked the additional paperwork. commission has also revealed that his of Belize?” about the purchase of “52.7 acres 10- Chairman Marshalleck asked Li, name appeared in paperwork which Li answered, “I applied for it.” pound Caye registration section…,” “So you pay them and they procure documented multiple land transactions “And Mr. Hugo Patt approved the on November 3, 2020, however, Li the transfer of government directly to — with some of the lands that Li purchase? And executed the transfer?” said that he bought this property, not you?” acquired being directly purchased Marshalleck then asked. To this from the government, but from a third Li replied, “No, they show me a from the Government of Belize, with question, Li replied cagily, “You party. purchase price they already pay.” the authorization of former Minister telling me?” When Marshalleck asked Li to “And so you buy it from them — Patt, while other properties were “Yes, I am asking you,” identify the third party from which pay them, and you have them have purchased through agents, who then Marshalleck said. he bought the property, Li became the Government transfer it to you transferred government lands Li then claimed that he went through evasive, which led to the following instead of to them?” Marshalleck exchange between the two: asked. Chairman Marshalleck: “Who was “Yes, you can do that,” said Li. the third party you bought it from?” He shared that the third parties he More details on Patt’s Tacoma Li: “I bought it from, I believe, a bought the lands from in San Pedro father and son through a third party.” were some friends of his and he home. Perdomo said that he found a Chairman Marshalleck: “A refused to disclose their names. title for the vehicle bearing the name fa…who did you buy it from, Mr. These persons facilitated the sale of Juvencio Herrera in the glove Li.?” government lands to Li by covering compartment and took the vehicle back Li: “I bought it through a third party the payment of the purchase price and to Belize City. from a….” having the land titles made out in Li’s In the weeks that followed, he then Chairman Marshalleck: “Yes, name. Chairman Marshalleck carried out about $3,000 worth of that’s not an answer. That’s just suggested that this was done to avoid repairs and improvements on the car. forcing me to ask other questions. additional taxes, but Li said that it Perdomo informed the commission Who are the third parties, who are made the process simpler for the that on January 8, he was informed of the persons you bought it from?” parties, to avoid an additional two offers for purchase of the vehicle, Li: “Right now, we are disclosing transfer. and he shared that he too was information in the public…” Chairman Marshalleck then said: interested in purchasing the vehicle. Chairman Marshalleck: “Yes, you “We need to know who is going to He said that on January 12, the vehicle are.” the Government of Belize and was transferred to him by Juvencio Li: “I can put someone in danger applying for lands and turning around BELIZE CITY, Fri. Feb. 26, 2021 Herrera. According to Perdomo, at that of their having money…” even before it’s transferred to them, During the Commission of Inquiry time, he (Herrera) requested that the Chairman Marshalleck: “Mr. Li, selling it to you. We need to know session that dug deeper into the payment be given to Deputy Lands you bought land that belongs to the who these people are. So please tell purchase of a government-owned Commissioner Leiva, who then people of Belize, the whole public, us who they are.” Toyota Tacoma by former Deputy delivered around $66,000 in cash to the same public that you owe an “I chose not to answer than one. Prime Minister Hugo Patt, some him in the following days. obligation to explain how you got it.” Because I don’t want to disclose any additional light was shed on the Of note, the Commission of Inquiry The land in question is a 10-acre of that information in the public,” Li handling of this vehicle when Said revealed that Herrera never had plot in Chan Chen, Corozal. Li shared replied. Perdomo, owner of Car Guys Belize possession of the vehicle, although his that he had planned to start a farm at Marshalleck responded by saying, Ltd, the auto dealership that bought the name was on the title. Perdomo also the location and a father and son “This is a public inquiry. Those lands vehicle from Juvencio Herrera in mentioned that he had no dealings with approached him with an offer for him belong to the public. You bought them early December, was questioned. the Vehicle Care Unit and dealt only to purchase the plot but through a third from the public. How are you not Perdomo told the commission that with Leiva on Herrera’s behalf. He party. Li refused to disclose the going to tell the public?” Ivan Leiva, the Deputy Commissioner also added that he did not know the identity of the individuals but “I just said that I bought it from of Lands, made the offer to sell him history of the vehicle and the past revealed the name of the landowner, private individuals,” Li then said. the vehicle as a favor for a friend. The government transactions that ultimately one Mr. Hall. Chairman Marshalleck then following day he picked up the led to the transfer of the vehicle into Marshalleck then asked about vehicle, which was at Leiva’s parents’ his hands. “2.01 acres [in] San Pedro [that was Please turn to„Page 6 Friday, March 5, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 5 The haves will have to give more

When the oil wells at Spanish Lookout began drying up toward that better day that our people deserve, but so many around 2015, our economy started slowing, and our pain have never had. Most experts predict that countries like ours increased shortly afterward, in 2017, when soft loans from will not recover from the economic doldrums in the near the Alba (Bolivarian Alliance for the Americas) Petro Caribe future. program came to an end. Strictly speaking about economic Countries that have been hit hard by the pandemic are output, there has been no growth in Belize for seven home-growing solutions to pay for the toll it has taken/is taking consecutive quarters, with the falloff in the last four quarters on their economies. The great debate in the UK is about a greatly exacerbated by the pandemic. wealth tax. Emma Agyemang, in the Financial Times (UK), The Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) reported that our said proponents for the wealth tax said it would “shore up economy declined 0.8% in the second quarter of 2019, 0.4% public finances and ensure that those with the broadest in the third quarter of 2019, and 2.8% in the fourth quarter of shoulders carry the greatest financial load’, while opponents 2019. The decline in 2020 was precipitous, with the first quarter said such a tax would “unfairly penalize savers, be hideously decline of that year being reported as 4.5%, the second quarter complicated and expensive to implement, discourage decline, 23.3%, the third quarter decline, 13.2%, and the fourth entrepreneurs and drive wealthy people out of the UK.” quarter decline, 13.1%. The decisions we make today will go a long way toward The last time our economy showed growth was two years determining how long our economy remains depressed, and ago, the first quarter of 2019, when the economy grew by how well it will perform when the recovery begins. When the 5.2% compared to the same period in 2018. Economic growth economy does recover the government has to make sure it that quarter was buoyed by agricultural and marine output, serves ALL of us. We stress ALL, because in the boastful days by 13.8%, and strong growth in the services sector (mainly of the last government, when the nation’s coffers were flush tourism), by 5%, with the Hotels and Restaurants subsector with taxes from petroleum, and the softest of loan growing by 6.8%. arrangements from the Petro Caribe program, forty percent The slide for the economy was at first gradual, and then the of us were living below the poverty line. bottom fell out in March last year when the world shut down The past government didn’t create many new or high-paying because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Our economy is in bad jobs, and its poverty alleviation programs such as Boost and shape, and as the government goes about preparing the budget Pantry were not sufficiently complemented with serious for the next fiscal year, the investment in training Belizeans who were not equipped to Prime Minister, Hon. John produce in our economy. Briceño, noted that 30% of At this time, however, the main focus is on our getting through Belizeans are without a job, the pandemic. We have to pray that it isn’t extended. New and 38% of us are vaccines hold great promise, but some new variants of the Covid- underemployed. 19 virus are more than an imagined threat to the extent of their Amandala(estb. 1969) Leaders of government usefulness. Business and editorial offices: have been making the It is critical that the government puts forward sensible cures 3304 Partridge Street, Belize rounds, meeting with the for our problems, and of equal importance in these bad times is City, Belize, Central America major players in the economic that those who are doing pretty well keep putting in their pound. is printed twice weekly by the sector, to hear their ideas A reported five percent of Belizeans control ninety-five Amandala Press. about the way forward. As far percent of the cash in our banks, and the bulk of it is in a few Telephones: 501-280-4703/ as we know, these budget hands. Many members of this well-off group have been quietly 501-202-4477 consultations have not yet assisting their neighbors; if they weren’t, conditions in Belize concluded, but what is sure would be a lot worse, but more is needed from them, mainly Publisher: Evan X Hyde is that the government must from the ones who are rolling in cash. Editor-in-chief: Marco Lopez cut costs. For anyone who In this pandemic, these extremely difficult times, employees Business Manager: Jacinta Hyde had any doubts that lean and of the government are among the haves, but many of them Make-up & Design mean government will be the don’t have surplus cash because they are on the lowest and Artist: Andrea Dennison order of the day for some time lower pay scales. They still make great contributions when to come, leaders of they spend what they can afford on goods and services Executive Secretary: Odessa government showed the way produced in Belize. If the government does cut their salaries, Robinson Smith by taking a pay cut. it is to be hoped that they do so to the minimum. Compositor: Tyra Welch The new government came Those employees on the higher pay scales, if the government Lithography: Clive Smith to power on a manifesto that decides it has to cut salaries they might have to give up more. Printers: Kent Brooks said all of us are to win, but it They should be reminded that it is only for a time, and was forewarned by the former reminded also of the important role they have to continue to Please email Correspondence: Prime Minister, Hon. Dean play in sustaining us through this period. During this time it [email protected] Barrow, that the government might be advisable that they save less, and spend a little that took over after the more with the many Belizeans who depend on their support Advertisements to: November 11, 2020 elections of their produce and services. [email protected] had a hurdle to cross before The worst thing that can happen to Belize is that people they could begin delivering on who have cash, stop spending. We had a peaceful constructive Mailing Address: their manifesto. PM Barrow said revolution once, and if the government and the people on the Amandala Press the new government would top of the ladder do the right thing, there won’t be much talk 3304 Partridge Street meet a deluge of economic about a bloody one. The time has never been so ripe for such c/o P.O. Box 15, problems, and it has. an upheaval. As much as possible, we must share this pain, Belize City, Belize It will take some time for the and in that way things will be more bearable for those who new government to turn are jobless. The haves will have to contribute more, until we Amandala’s website: things around, get us headed get out of this pandemic. amandala.com.bz Page 6 AMANDALABelize Friday, March 5, 2021 Professional Standards Branch to investigate police brutality allegation

who was evicted from her aunt’s home him, that I assault him with the machete, certified her injuries as grievous harm. following a domestic altercation on but he took the machete and put it at my Hamilton is currently taking medication February 25, 2021, was handled in an throat.” to prevent her wounds from becoming allegedly forceful manner by the police Hamilton claimed the officer coerced infected. who, it is alleged, forcibly cuffed her and his colleagues, under the pretext of her When asked about the issue, Chester restrained her by placing a machete at her assaulting him, to mistreat her following Williams, the Commissioner of Police, throat. her threat to file a complaint against the said, “I’m not familiar with that matter, In an interview with 7News, Aretha said officer. but I saw it on the news. The young lady Hamilton said, “I start struggling with the Hamilton was then allegedly taken to was complaining, and she showed a sister with machete. I don’t know where the police station without a mask, shirt or picture of her tooth in her hand, and I the mobile came from; I just realised the slippers, and was allegedly denied access have referred that matter to the PSB officer snatch me from around my neck. to a hospital to seek medical attention. [Professional Standards Branch], so When he snatch me around my neck, I Hamilton was held for 48 hours before they’re looking at it, and if what she is tried to release his hand from my neck, being released. The next day Hamilton saying is true, then the police officer has because it’s like he want choke me out. was evaluated by a medical officer, who to be held accountable.” by Dayne Guy And he takes out his gun and gun butt me in my mouth and made my teeth drop AB-GROUP LTD. BELIZE CITY, Mon. Mar. 1, 2021 out. So, I explained, ‘you are pulling me? (“the Company”) Investigations into an alleged case of I’m the wrong person. They are the two Pursuant to the International Business Companies Act of Belize, notice is police brutality are currently ongoing persons who came to attack me.’ He is hereby given that the Company AB-GROUP LTD. following claims by 26-year-old Aretha still manhandling me, and I’m struggling a. is in dissolution Hamilton that she was beaten with a gun with him on the ground for him to release b. commenced dissolution on 21st January 2021 on the mouth, and detained without being me, because I can’t catch my breath. He c. Inna Samourgkanidou,is the liquidator of the Company. allowed access to a hospital. is still knocking me, end up taking the Inna Samourgkanidou What was a domestic dispute escalated same machete and point it at my throat. Liquidator to a police brutality case, after the victim, Then he turns around, saying that I assault Li admits to multiple land deals Continued from „Page 4 reminded Li that those private individuals were persons “who were in the process of acquiring it from the people of Belize.” “This is not private property that was vested with people that you are negotiating privately for,” Marshalleck then said. “Of course they already paid the purchase price,” replied Li. “And you took a transfer from the Government of Belize. And this is why you’re subjected to this inquiry and being asked these questions. And I am testing, Mr. Li, the truth of what you are saying, and the way to test that is for you to provide me the details of those transactions so that I’m satisfied that you’re not making it up. So please tell us who you bought each one from and when,” Marshalleck said. Mr. Li chose not to answer the question. He was told by Chairman Marshalleck that his choice would have repercussions, and after discussing the matter briefly with his attorney, he maintained that he would not disclose the names of the third parties involved in those transactions, in San Pedro. He did state, however, that he owns about 20 lots in San Pedro. The witness went on to admit to multiple land transactions with various individuals. In many cases, he shared that the persons came to him in desperate situations, and agreed to sell him their lands at a below-market price. Li maintained that he had no help with the land transfers from former Minister Patt, Deputy Commissioner of Lands Ivan Leiva, or anyone else from the Lands Department. He was asked if he financed the purchase of the Toyota Tacoma by Hugo Patt upon a special request and he denied doing so. Friday, March 5, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 7 Sea ports reopened to small pleasure vessels

BELIZE CITY, Tues. Mar. 2, 2021 volume of 100 gross registered of Health and Wellness. The release be allowed entry without being In a press release issued on March tonnage will be allowed to enter and states that they will also be mandated required to provide proof of a 2, 2021, the Belize Port Authority exit the country without having to be to use the Belize Travel Health app, Covid-19 test. The release states that announced that Cabinet approved the facilitated by a shipping agent. The wear face masks, and access they will also be exempted from reopening of Belize’s ports to small existing procedure for entry into accommodation and services only testing when they arrive in the foreign vessels. The release Belize’s territorial waters will from Gold Standard hotels and tour country. informed that small foreign pleasure remain in effect. Four ports will be operators. A positive test result will require vessels and live-aboard vessels will reopened at this time. Crews and passengers at sea for the quarantining of the entire vessel be admitted under specific boarding “San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, 14 consecutive days or more will and crew, according to the release. standards and clearance procedures, Belize City, Belize, Placencia, Stann including specific biosecurity Creek, and Punta Gorda Town. Each measures. of these destinations would have one Vessels with a total internal designated location for processing Sunday Review of vessels,” the release stated. Passengers will also be subjected News Review Talk Show to requirements similar to those On Krem TV & Krem Radio Police attacked applied to travelers entering the Live-streaming on Krem Television Face Book Page country at the Philip Goldson by mob on International Airport (PGIA). This Host: YaYa Marin Coleman Co-Host: Kelsey Codd means they must have proof of a Date: Sunday, March 7, 2021 Time: 10:30 a.m. to noon negative Covid-19 PCR or rapid test Pickstock prior to arrival, or proof of Guest: Dr. Patricia Northover/SALISE, UWI vaccination. Otherwise, they will be Sunday Review will be repeated at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 7, 2021 subjected to a test from the Ministry by Kory Leslie (freelance writer)

BELIZE CITY, Tues. Mar. 2, 2021 Police officers came under attack in the line of duty on Sunday night in the area known as “Jungle” on the northside of Belize City. The officers were reportedly in pursuit of a suspicious person in a vehicle and followed that person onto Pickstock Street, where they were able to pull the driver over. Before they could conduct their search properly, however, the residents in the area apparently became hostile and began to throw projectiles at the officers. In an effort to deter the residents from further acts of hostility, the officers were forced to fire warning shots with rubber bullets. As a result, two persons, one a young male in his twenties and the other an eleven-year-old girl, were hurt as the bullets ricocheted. The young male was then transported by the Crimes Investigation Branch (CIB) to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for medical attention. The minor, however, was not taken for treatment. On Monday, Commissioner of Police Chester Williams described what transpired to the media. “The police in Belize City reported that they stopped a vehicle and upon doing so and they were approaching the vehicle when the driver of the vehicle sped off. He was pursued and eventually caught by the police. When he was caught in the area of Pickstock, as the police approached to try and conduct a search of the vehicle, a mob descended on the police and that forced the police officers to discharge some warning shots with rubber bullets, and apparently the rubber bullets ricocheted and bounced back and hit two persons,” Williams explained. “They were taken to the hospital and they were treated and released, because the injuries were minor. The police are working to identify those persons who are involved, and yes, charges will be brought against some of them,” Williams said. Page 8 AMANDALABelize Friday, March 5, 2021

Los ricos tendrán que aportar más

Cuando los pozos de petróleo en Spanish Lookout aquellos con los hombros más anchos soporten la mayor comenzaron a secarse alrededor de 2015, nuestra carga financiera”, mientras que los opositores dijeron economía comenzó a desacelerarse y nuestro dolor que tal impuesto “penalizaría injustamente a ahorradores, aumentó poco después, en 2017, cuando terminaron los sería horriblemente complicada y costosa de implementar, préstamos blandos del programa Alba (Alianza Bolivariana desanimaría a los emprendedores y expulsaría a las para las Américas) Petro Caribe. Estrictamente hablando personas adineradas del Reino Unido”. de la producción económica, no ha habido crecimiento Las decisiones que tomemos hoy contribuirán en gran en Belize durante siete trimestres consecutivos, con la medida a determinar cuánto tiempo permanecerá caída en los últimos cuatro trimestres siendo agravada en deprimida nuestra economía y qué tan bien se gran medida por la pandemia. desempeñará cuando comience la recuperación. Cuando El Instituto de Estadística de Belize (SIB en inglés) la economía se recupere, el gobierno debe asegurarse informó que nuestra economía disminuyó 0.8% en el de que nos sirva a TODOS. Destacamos TODOS, porque segundo trimestre de 2019, 0.4% en el tercer trimestre en los días de jactancia del último gobierno, cuando las de 2019 y 2.8% en el cuarto trimestre de 2019. La caída arcas de la nación estaban repletas de impuestos del en 2020 fue precipitada, con la disminución del primer petróleo y los arreglos de préstamos más suaves del trimestre de ese año reportada en un 4.5%, la disminución programa Petro Caribe, el cuarenta por ciento de nosotros del segundo trimestre, 23.3%, la disminución del tercer vivíamos por debajo del umbral de la pobreza. trimestre, 13.2%, y la disminución del cuarto trimestre, El gobierno anterior no creó muchos empleos nuevos 13.1%. o bien remunerados, y sus programas de alivio de la La última vez que nuestra economía mostró crecimiento pobreza, como Boost y Pantry, no se complementaron lo fue hace dos años, el primer trimestre de 2019, cuando suficiente con una inversión seria en la capacitación de la economía creció un 5,2% en comparación con el mismo beliceños que no estaban equipados para producir en período de 2018. El crecimiento económico de ese nuestra economía. trimestre se vio impulsado por la producción agrícola y En este momento, sin embargo, el objetivo principal marina, en un 13,8%, y fuerte crecimiento en el sector es superar la pandemia. Tenemos que rezar para que no servicios (principalmente turismo), en un 5%, con el se extienda. Las nuevas vacunas son muy prometedoras, subsector de Hoteles y Restaurantes creciendo un 6,8%. pero algunas variantes nuevas del virus Covid-19 son La caída de la economía fue al principio gradual, y luego más que una amenaza imaginaria en la medida de su tocó fondo en marzo del año pasado cuando el mundo se utilidad. cerró debido a la pandemia de Covid-19. Nuestra economía Es fundamental que el gobierno proponga curas sensatas está en mal estado, y mientras el gobierno prepara el para nuestros problemas, y de igual importancia en estos presupuesto para el próximo año fiscal, el Primer Ministro, malos tiempos es que aquellos que lo están haciendo el Honorable John Briceño, señaló que el 30% de los bastante bien sigan aportando su libra. beliceños están sin trabajo y el 38% de nosotros estamos Según se informa, el cinco por ciento de los beliceños subempleados. controla el noventa y cinco por ciento del efectivo en Los líderes del gobierno han estado haciendo rondas, nuestros bancos, y la mayor parte está en unas pocas reuniéndose con los principales actores del sector manos. Muchos miembros de este grupo acomodado han económico, para escuchar sus ideas sobre el camino a estado ayudando en silencio a sus vecinos; si no fuera seguir. Hasta donde sabemos, estas consultas así, las condiciones en Belize serían mucho peores, pero presupuestarias aún no han concluido, pero lo que sí es se necesita más de ellos, principalmente de los que están seguro es que el gobierno debe recortar costos. Para rodando en efectivo. cualquiera que tenga alguna duda de que un gobierno En esta pandemia, estos tiempos extremadamente magro y mezquino será el orden del día durante algún difíciles, los empleados del gobierno se encuentran entre tiempo, los líderes del gobierno mostraron el camino al los que tienen, pero muchos de ellos no tienen excedente aceptar un recorte salarial. de efectivo porque están en las escalas salariales bajas y El nuevo gobierno llegó al poder con un manifiesto que más bajas. Todavía hacen grandes contribuciones cuando decía que todos ganamos, pero fue advertido por el ex gastan lo que pueden pagar en bienes y servicios primer ministro, el Honorable Dean Barrow, que el producidos en Belize. Si el gobierno recorta sus salarios, gobierno que asumiera el poder después de las elecciones es de esperar que lo haga al mínimo. del 11 de noviembre de 2020 tendría un obstáculo que Aquellos empleados en las escalas salariales más altas, cruzar antes de que pudieran comenzar a cumplir su si el gobierno decide que tiene que recortar los salarios, manifiesto. El primer ministro Barrow dijo que el nuevo es posible que tengan que renunciar a más. Se les debe gobierno enfrentaría una avalancha de problemas recordar que es sólo por un tiempo, y recordarles también económicos, y así ha sido. el importante papel que tienen que seguir desempeñando Tomará algún tiempo para que el nuevo gobierno cambie para sostenernos durante este período. Durante este las cosas y nos dirija hacia ese día mejor que nuestra tiempo, podría ser aconsejable que ahorren menos y gente se merece, pero que muchos nunca han tenido. La gasten un poco más con los muchos beliceños que mayoría de los expertos predicen que países como el dependen de su apoyo para sus productos y servicios. nuestro no se recuperarán del estancamiento económico Lo peor que le puede pasar a Belize es que la gente en un futuro próximo. que tiene efectivo deje de gastar. Una vez tuvimos una Los países que se han visto gravemente afectados por revolución constructiva pacífica, y si el gobierno y la gente la pandemia son soluciones de producción casera para en la cima de la escalera hacen lo correcto, no se hablará pagar el precio que ha cobrado/está cobrando en sus mucho de una revolución sangrienta. El momento nunca economías. El gran debate en el Reino Unido es acerca ha sido tan propicio para semejante trastorno. En la de un impuesto sobre el patrimonio. Emma Agyemang, medida de lo posible, debemos compartir este dolor, y en el Financial Times (Reino Unido), dijo que los así las cosas serán más llevaderas para los que están sin defensores del impuesto sobre el patrimonio dijeron que trabajo. Los ricos tendrán que aportar más, hasta que “apuntalaría las finanzas públicas y garantizaría que salgamos de esta pandemia. Friday, March 5, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 9

“I must down to the seas again, religious festival of sailing for 3, in nine (I think) municipalities perhaps even as far away as for the call of the running tide Belizean families which were across Belize. So I will expand Sarteneja? They were beautiful Is a wild call and a clear call seafaring. There were races held on the Ninth of March thought craft. that may not be denied; for sailing boats in the Belize perhaps next week.) I think my dad’s memory is And all I ask is a windy day City harbour. In his will, Baron I am rushing to tell you today better than mine, and I’ll tell you with the white clouds flying, Bliss, who died in 1926, had left about three sailing sloops named why. Two or three days ago, I was And the flung spray and the money for there to be an annual ESTRELLA, CRUZITA, and thinking in the night of the three blown spume, and the sea gulls sailing regatta here. AVENTURERA, which used to boats, and I recalled the names crying.” (This column will be dominate the 28-foot sailing of CRUZITA and - JOHN MASEFIELD abbreviated, because I am writing sloop class before the days of AVENTURERA, but it took me late Thursday morning, and the Dean Lindo and George Brown. a while to recollect the name of Baron Bliss Day, also known newspaper will be packed, and Where did these boats come ESTRELLA, which, according to to sea people as Ninth of March rightly so, with news of the from? Was it from Caye Caulker; my dad, a sailing fanatic, was the back in the day, was like a elections held Wednesday, March San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, or best of the three. When I visited my dad this morning, and brought up the subject, he recited the names of the three boats promptly and precisely. Like myself, he did not know which fishing community in the northern part of Belize was the home of the three beauties. So, he and I need help. People must still be alive who can give us the history. My dad and I think we want to give respect to those who built the boats, those who owned them, those who captained them, and their crews. I guess I am almost as much a sailing fanatic as C. B. Hyde is. Ninth of March. What a holy day it used to be for us. The southeasters would have been blowing in already, but the northers were still around; the weather was usually uncertain on Ninth of March. This made racing conditions very challenging. You could have gale force winds, calms, all different kinds of weather on the Ninth. ESTRELLA, CRUZITA, and AVENTURERA: they live on in the memory of people like me and my dad. Respect is due.

AMANDALA Belizean to the bone

#3304 Partridge Street, Belize City. Telephones: 280-4703/ 202-4477

[email protected] Page 10 AMANDALABelize Friday, March 5, 2021 100 Days Later: Are You Satisfied?

there, and in between the rustle of the me believe that the economy was rebound. wind, we learnt about a few purported “healthy” when this new Health-wise, there is much “accomplishments”, but no official administration assumed the reins. skepticism and cynicism over the launch or big fandango to mark this Numbers don’t lie, and the fact is that drastic decline in the COVID-19 big day! the economy was badly degraded well numbers. However, this writer I believe it was said that some sort before this new administration took believes the numbers to be true, but of official briefing would come, but over and that the economy was merely does not subscribe to the reasoning still not entirely sure. So, in the midst clutching to straws and was being held and the rationale that they are of a pandemic, where it appears we up by “old line sticks”. presenting. I don’t believe that since are inching toward herd immunity, and So, as it relates to the state of the they took over in November, that they there is an ailing economy and a people economy, I won’t knock them for that. presented a form of panacea that led suffering and in strife, the perplexing Well, I mean the inherently terrible or contributed to a drastic decline in question on everybody’s mind is “how conditions which they inherited. the COVID-19 numbers. I believe that are they doing” after the first 100 However, after the first 100 days, the rapid decline that we have seen is Having been swept into office back days? Or, better yet, the biggest arguably, very little was done to as a direct result of the global decline in November by a massive and question after the first 100 days of this stimulate the economy or turn things in cases that may possibly point to a resounding mandate, this current new administration is, “are you around. We still find ourselves potential herd immunity. administration has now passed its first satisfied?” ascribing to some of the same failed Furthermore, as it relates to poverty 100 days in office. With very little Well, that’s a very pointed question. economic practices of the past and by and social alleviation programs, they fanfare, the day marking their first 100 In all fairness, I cannot and will not and large, in terms of the gaping have found ways to continue these days came on a rather quiet sailboat seek to knock them for the state of the economic holes we face, we are programs, but by and large these and discreetly passed us by. One was economy and the economic crisis we merely trying to plug them one by one programs are running on life support. privy to hear a little shuffle here and find ourselves in. Nobody can make without a clear plan to level up and They have been significantly scaled down and have dwindled very much. Now, while admittedly there was some questionable distribution of these packages in the past, by and large the bulk of the people who were receiving these packages were truly in need. As these programs continue on a reduced basis, truth be told, there is no telling when they will end and for how much longer they will last. The numbers in relation to unemployment and underemployment are staggering. Almost 60,000 people are battling either unemployment or underemployment and find themselves in dire straits and are struggling to make ends meet. While progress has been made in export of cattle, the promotion of buying local and the reopening of the Corozal Free Zone, very little additional stride has been made in putting Belizeans back to work. In this light, I say thank God for call centers, ‘cause there’s no telling what would become of us if we didn’t have all those call centers! That aside, noteworthy is the sporadic infrastructural and road developments that are underway along the various thoroughfares across this country. It’s a much needed sigh of relief for commuters traversing the major highways and roadways. Also noteworthy is the open platform in which the acquisition of land is being made readily available to Belizeans all over this country. That is very laudable, and of course, it is yet to be seen when the actual lands will start to roll out. All in all, I come to one conclusion. The first 100 hundred days hasn’t been one that is stellar or one that should be lauded. It was merely basic and flat. I mean, yes, there is the pandemic and the economic crisis that I will readily agree were inherited. But when they sought out this office, they should have known what awaited them. But all in all, in my humble opinion, very little to no achievement was made in really boosting and bolstering the economy, reducing the Please turn to„Page 12 Friday, March 5, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 11 John and Merkel need Dr. Cuellar

by Colin Hyde vaccine to give it to one with high I understand the disappointment died since the pandemic began, and resistance to the disease. We all that we aren’t getting the vaccine that if tests were done on all their John Briceño and Angela Merkel would have bought that. claims to be the most effective. The departed. have thrown a little damper on the Bah, since those leaders already AstraZeneca, according to our Ivermectin — the most vaccination programs in their messed up by not getting the MD to experts, has 74% efficacy, and some independent research out there on respective countries after they both front for them, they should just get vaccines are claiming they are in the that mainly worm/flea/waari tick balked at taking the AstraZeneca into the clinic, roll up their sleeves 90’s, but our experts point out that killer that I recall is that the vaccines — Briceño because he says and get jammed. It’s that important, the big advantage of the one we’re researchers conceded that his resistance to Covid-19 is very as they both know as well as getting is it is much easier to store sometimes in vivo a drug or high (he caught the virus back in anybody else, how important it is for than the others. medicine performs better than it did November) and Merkel, I us, us especially, to get a robust The caller to the WuB show who in vitro… for in-vitro Ivermectin understand it is reported, said it isn’t vaccination program going. said, it’s (vaccines) all we have — didn’t show it was worth a daam in recommended for people over the This age thing about AstraZeneca can’t beat him for wisdom. Some the fight against Covid-19. age of 65. — Reuters said Canada’s advisory Belizeans are swearing on the Some Belizeans are touting herbs, I tell you, when I saw the committee on vaccinations did not effectiveness of Ivermectin, with the and I plugged herbs too when there screaming headline about the recommend it for people who are number one proponent, Pastor Scott, was no vaccine, only masks, Chancellor of Germany not getting older than 65 because they didn’t and the poster people the Mennonite physical distancing, and sanitizing jabbed in the arm with the world- have sufficient information about its group. The Mennonites are hands and so forth. Most modern saving vaccine, I immediately said efficacy in that age group, but the reportedly big on it, but before they doctors duck herbs, but our most to myself, “I smell conspiracy here; committee pointed out that real are held up that way, it is important famous doctor, Dr. Karl Heusner, this lady must be a German Jew an evidence was emerging that showed to understand their culture. We won’t was huge on it. I think Jackass bitters she noh trust”. the vaccine was effective and had know how many Mennonites have and sorosi were big in his colored I don’t downplay our natural no safety issues for oldsters. Hooray, gotten infected, because they don’t bottles. skepticism brought on by wicked the mighty WHO just came in with use our health system as much as Our old people used herbs a lot, acts of Europeans over these past their verdict for over 65’s and the other Belizeans do, and when any but if any of them came back, they 500 years, their 1900s deception in green flag is up, so go, go, go get of them die it usually isn’t announced would tell us, emphatically, that the Tuskegee syphilis study and their that vaccine, Golden Oldie. on Belize media. herbs never cured tuberculosis, deception with Small Pox in the I want all our leaders to be at the If we want to look at the numbers polio, yellow fever, cholera, 1800s, but there shouldn’t be any fore, including the ones who are story, of 420,000 Belizeans, 1/35th, Spanish flu, and many other suspicion of modern vaccines that fumbling all over the place at the 12,000, say they are Mennonites. diseases. Herbs and good food help our people had a hand in developing, Commission of Inquiry. My gudnis, The last check is that 315 deaths in you to build resistance, improve and the WHO, which has how did our party which piggy- Belize have been attributed to your chances, but when you’re representatives from all nations, has backed the great Philip Goldson to Covid-19 since the pandemic began, talking Covid-19 and you have the blessed. control of the National Assembly, get and we would have to check if 9 of option of a WHO-recommended Marley popularized the warning so wicked? My, the UDP and Dean our Mennonite brothers and sisters vaccine, face the needle. about devious friends – your best Barrow had four leaders, Goldson, friend could be your worst enemy – Lindo, Aranda, and Esquivel, three and it is true that we must sleep wid straight arrows and a bent one to YELLOW MOON LTD. wi own eye, but you have to factor choose from, and they chose to (“the Company”) into your knowledge base the people emulate the lawyer. I didn’t say that Pursuant to the International Business Companies Act of Belize, notice is who have proven to be true, and have being into sleight of hand means you hereby given that the Company YELLOW MOON LTD. more knowledge than you. don’t love Belize. a. is in dissolution I say we have to go with Doctors You know, the Catholics are split b. commenced dissolution on 20th January2021 Ron and Egbert over there, and on a lot of things, and while the c. Stelios Ioakim,is the liquidator of the Company. Doctors Lisa and Cuellar over here, Vatican isn’t telling any of their SteliosIoakim and who can forget our Nurse Casilda faithful to duck the vaccine, there are Liquidator Bowman, our Dr. Marcelo Coyi, and a few dangerous renegades; there our Dr. Eric Bradley who were the are always a few renegades. The first to get in line and face the needle. ethical issues have to do with the This Chancellor Merkel, of course use of fetal cells in the development I checked, and I found out she has of some of the vaccines. Sophie some Polish ancestry, but no mention Meixner, in a story published at the of Moses. She’s not entirely off the website abc.net.au, said the fuss hook; the ancestry book is deep, but should not be so much about the one for now we’ll have to allow her we are getting, the AstraZeneca. dodge to rest a while because we In her story she says the cells have bigger fish, the one at home, to behind the vaccine we’re getting fry. come from a less than 20-week-old Hmm, in John Briceño’s case, he female fetus from the Netherlands in is saying that it is better that he defers 1973, and because fetal cells can for now, because he doesn’t need it, divide an infinite number of times, and someone who does can get the they don’t need to replace vaccines that would have been used specimens, meaning that there is no on him. That’s noble, and I need any more for anyone to be understand what he’s saying, and he aborting babies. wouldn’t have sucked a little energy She said a Dr. Bill Lott, a out of the vaccination program if the virologist, said scientists are happy doctor had come forward and did his to stick with the cell lines they are talking for him. presently using, because they have I say, Dr. Cuellar has to come out been used repeatedly in their and say that he told John that if he laboratories, and they have been appeared at any clinic, he, Dr. found to be safe. It’s important to note Cuellar, would physically race to the that fetal cell lines have been used to scene and grab control of the syringe develop vaccines for chicken pox, and prevent him from getting his jab, Ebola, polio, rubella, shingles, because it’s not the best use of the Hepatitis A, and rabies. Page 12 AMANDALABelize Friday, March 5, 2021 CARICOM says, “No one is safe until everyone is safe”

by Dayne Guy provide member states with up to twenty percent (20%) of each GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Thurs. member’s needs— an amount that is Feb. 25, 2021 not sufficient to ensure herd immunity CARICOM’s recent press release for each participating country. expressed their concern about the As a result, CARICOM calls for inequitable access of vaccines for equitable access to vaccines to small, developing nations, like many protect its members, strengthen its CARICOM member states. It calls on economy and minimize the impact of the World Health Organization the pandemic. Its recent release said, (WHO) to call a global summit, in “As the virus does not discriminate, order to address the need for equitable access to vaccines should not be access of vaccines and to denounce discriminatory, with a few countries the preferential access to vaccines for dominating the market with their larger nations. resources and their volumes.” Heads The only vaccines received in the of government of some CARICOM region were provided by the Prime countries have spoken about the Minister of India, Narendra Modi, were further distributed among supply the region with vaccines. difficulty they have faced in procuring who donated a total of one-hundred member states, with Belize receiving The CARICOM release also noted vaccines through commercial seventy thousand (170,000) vaccines a total of one thousand (1,000) that its member states have all agreed arrangements due to the small through bilateral agreements — one- vaccines via Barbados. CARICOM to obtain vaccines through the highly quantities they seek. These heads of hundred thousand (100,000) to applauds Prime Minister Modi for his appreciated COVAX, but no vaccine government call for a mechanism to Barbados and seventy thousand benevolence, and as CARICOM has yet been obtained through this be implemented that would allow (70,000) to Dominica. These vaccines understands it, Modi will continue to facility. The COVAX facility will smaller countries access to vaccines as soon as possible. Some CARICOM countries are undertaking alternative measures, such as procurement through the African Union’s African Medical Supplies Platform (AMSP), as well as other bilateral arrangements. CARICOM urges developed countries, especially those who frequent the Caribbean region and host large diaspora populations, to make available to the community an interim supply, given the urgency of the situation, and it commends the governments of the Republic of South Africa and the African Union for reserving vaccines for CARICOM countries. 100 Days Later: Are You Satisfied?

Continued from „Page 10 unemployment and underemployment rate and moving the poor and marginalized across the poverty hump. The situation remains dire, and the prognosis is grim. For the past 100 days, we embarked on quite a bit of witch-hunting in an effort to point to ails of the past and dig up old bones. While in parts and parcel this is necessary, truth be told, if this was a football match, we have been playing the game in defense for the entire first quarter! We have failed in all regards to advance the ball to the offense and strike at goal. And the thing is this: those in the bleachers won’t continue to wait and cheer forever. They need to see the ball moving, or else they will get impatient and may very well switch sides. It is rather imperative that we get the ball rolling... and get it rolling fast. The clock is ticking, and the umpire stands prowling the periphery, waiting to blow the whistle.

Unchained Reflections Of A Liberal Pragmatist. Friday, March 5, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 13 Page 14 AMANDALABelize Friday, March 5, 2021 Minister Chebat tours vaccination sites

BELMOPAN, Tues. Mar. 2, 2021 On Tuesday, the Minister of Health and Wellness toured three vaccinations sites at which some of the country’s healthcare workers will be receiving their first jabs of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. Over the coming days, 1,000 healthcare workers are scheduled to receive the inoculation as a part of the first phase of our vaccine rollout. The first site visited is located in the Central Health Region in Belize City. Former acting Director of Health Services (DHS), Dr. Melissa Diaz-Musa, who is the Deputy Regional Health Manager, and Nurse Melinda Guerra, the Regional Health Manager, received their vaccination jabs during the Minister’s visit, according to a Government of Belize press release. Minister Chebat then visited the Western Regional Hospital in Belmopan and the newly reopened Santa Elena Health Clinic. At the Western Regional Hospital, he “greeted the staff and congratulated them on the job they continue to do in the face of the ongoing pandemic,” the release stated. According to the release, at the Santa Elena Health Clinic Minister Chebat “welcomed the residents and extended his gratitude for their continued support.” In addition to these three sites, twelve vaccination locations were listed in a release from the Ministry of Health and Wellness, with six of those locations being in the Belize District. This first round of vaccinations is expected to be completed within a few days. An additional 25,000 AstraZeneca vaccines are scheduled to arrive in the country by March 6, 2021. AMANDALA is cream Visit us at www.amandala.com.bz Friday, March 5, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 15

A MEMBER OF THE FEINSTEIN GROUP OF COMPANIES

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, CULTURE, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY PROJECT EXECUTING UNIT REQUEST FOR BIDS (RFB)- International Competitive Bidding Belize VACANCY Education Quality Improvement Program II Seeking a responsible, honest and mature male for the post of Loan Number: 4798/OC-BL Technical Assistant for the camera department. Must be self-driven team player with great communicative skills. RFB: #1/2021- Detail Design and Construction of the STEAM Laboratory School Requirements: 1. This Request for Bids follows the General Procurement Notice for this Project Must have a valid police record that appeared in UN Development Business, issue no. IDB-P543623-08/20 of Male August 12, 2020. Two letters of reference 2. The Government of Belize acting through the Project Executing Unit of the Self-completed application form (To be obtained from Ministry of Education, Culture, Science & Technology has received a loan company’s office) from the Inter-American Development Bank toward the cost of the Education Quality Improvement Program II, 4789/OC-BL, and it intends to apply part of the proceeds Copy of Social Security card of this loan to cover eligible payments under RFB#1/2021- Detail Design and Copy of an activepersonal bank account Construction of the STEAM Laboratory School. 3. The Project Executing Unit of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science Valid Driver’s License & Technology now invites sealed bids from eligible and qualified bidders for RFB#1/2021: Detail Design and Construction of the STEAM Laboratory School. The Works consist of: The design and construction of the STEAM Qualifications: Laboratory school, to be built on the Belize City campus of the Institute of Technical Minimum of High school Diploma and Vocational Education and Training (ITVET), it is composed of external areas and three buildings, two existing, to be refurbished and retrofitted, and a new Background in installation of security systems building. Must be computer literate 4. This procurement process requires bidders to have the following specific Proper command of English (speech and writing) experience and/or capabilities among others requested in the bid document: Bilingual would be an asset experience in design and construction of works of a similar nature and size, Training in Security systems would be an asset for each of the last five (5) years, and details of work under way or contractually committed; and clients who may be contacted for further information on those Able to lift heavy equipment/ items contracts; Able to perform manual labor key qualified and experienced personnel in design, construction and operation and maintenance, including a Contractor Representative with: i) a minimum of 10 Able to operate a vehicle years of professional experience, counted from obtaining the university degree, Good communicative skills and ii) having participated in the construction of at least 3 (three) building totaling more than 3,000m2 , (32,292 sq.F); Knowledgeable in security systems audited financial statements of the bidder, such as profit and loss statements Confidential and trustworthy and auditor’s reports for the past five (5) years; the minimum amount of liquid assets and/or Access to credit free of other Excellent time management skills contract commitments shall be: 400,000 expressed in BZ dollars. Must be able to resolve issues 5. Bidding will be conducted through the International Competitive Bidding Efficiently perform under pressure (ICB) procedures specified in the Inter-American Development Bank’s Policies Able to work flexible hours for the Procurement of Goods and Works financed by the Inter-American Able to follow chain of command Development Bank GN-2349-15, and is open to all bidders from Eligible Source Countries as defined in the policies. Able to work with least supervision Must have knowledge of electrical components 6. Bidding Documents may be obtained free of charge by eligible bidders from the first address below. Written applications must be clearly marked: “Request for Bidding Documents for Detail Design and Construction of the STEAM Job Description: Laboratory School, along with the name, address and contact information of the bidder for which Bidding Documents are being requested. Requests can be email Cabling / Wiring interior and exterior buildings to address (1) below. Keeping daily vehicle logs 7. Submissions in sealed envelopes clearly marked “RFB#1/2021: Detail Design Installation of Access Control (Biometrics, Fingerprint and Construction of the STEAM Laboratory School, must be received at the Controls second address below not later than 2:00 p.m. Belize local time on Wednesday, April 7, 2021. Late bids will be rejected. A virtual bid opening will take place InstallationAlarm Systems immediately after the deadline for submission. The link will be forwarded to all Programming of CCTV systems those who submitted a bid. All bids must be accompanied by a Bid Security of Five Service and maintain all security systems Thousand Belize Dollars (BZ$5,000.00). Conducting various systems tests; resolving problems 8. GOB/MOECST reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, and to annul the Following procedures for each given project process and reject all bids, at any time prior to award of contract, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected prospective bidder(s) or any obligation to Completing installation inform the affected prospective bidder(s) of the grounds for GOB/MOECST action. Troubleshooting systems GOB/MOECST will not defray any costs incurred by any bidder in the preparation of bids. Keeping inventory log Program Alarm Systems 9. The address (es) referred to above are: Program Access Control systems

Application can be picked up during normal working hours. All statutory regulations should be followed.

3 Eyre Street, Belize City P: (501) 223-6119 E: [email protected] W: www.fortpointsecurity.com Page 16 AMANDALABelize Friday, March 5, 2021 Gunmen Kill Garifuna Indigenous Leader in Honduras

Human rights activists pointed out that the Honduran state has not actually done anything to control the criminal gangs attacking the Indigenous territories. The Garifuna Indigenous people on Wednesday denounced that gunmen murdered Martin Pandy, the leader of the Corozal community in Honduras. Pandy was rushed to a hospital in the Atlantida department where he shortly passed away. The armed attack also caused the death of two other people. Garifuna rights activist Luther Castillo noted that Pandy integrated efforts with young people, entrepreneurs, and Garifuna leaders abroad to address his community’s needs. Police considered the hypothesis that the attackers took this action to solve differences arising from works in the community. “My Corozal village is once again a victim of organized crime, which has installed itself in the permissive sight of the security entities in the area. They cynically facilitate the criminality that murders our people, extorts our entrepreneurs, and plunders our resources,” Castillo said. The latest violent events in the Corozal community are no the first ones to be committed against the Garifuna people. On July 18, 2020, three vans arrived in the Triunfo de la Cruz municipality where they kidnapped four social leaders. Among them was Alberth Sneider who is reported missing to date. The Garifuna people are a mixed African and Indigenous people group that descended from people who lived on the Caribbean island of Saint Vincent. They speak Garifuna, an Arawakan language.

Article first published by teleSUR English.

https://www.telesurenglish.net/ news/Gunmen-Kill-Garifuna- Indigenous-Leader-in-Honduras- 20210304-0009.html?u tm_source=planisys&utm_medium=New sletterIngles&utm_campaign=New sletterIngles&utm_content=8 Visit us at www.amandala.com.bz Friday, March 5, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 17

A MEMBER OF THE FEINSTEIN GROUP OF COMPANIES

VACANCY

Seeking qualified, experienced and trained mature persons to work as security guards

Requirements: ü Must have a valid police record ü Male 25 years and above ü Two Non related Character reference ü Self-completed application form (To be obtained from company’s office) ü Copy of Social Security card ü Copy of an activepersonal bank account

Skills and Qualifications: ü Minimum of High School Diploma ü Position requires the ability to walk for hours in variable weather conditions ü No criminal convictions ü Must be able to handle a flexible schedule, in other words, working on birthdays and/or holidays would not be a problem. ü Ability to perform essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. ü Proper command of the English language sufficiently to communicate clearly ü Efficient in writing reports ü Ability to maintain regular attendance without tardiness ü Ability to stand long hours ü Detail oriented and Attentive ü Work well under pressure ü A productive team member BY ORDER OF THE MORTGAGEES ü Must be respectful and courteous ü Able to serve customers in a positive manner THE BELIZE BANK LIMITED, a company duly formed and incorporated under the Laws of Belize with registered Office situate at ü Be safety conscious, demonstrating high energy Second Floor, Matalon Business Center, Coney Drive, Belize City Belize ü Have a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn. hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under aDeed of Mortgage between Hector Menjivar hereinafter Job Description: called “Surety” of the first partMercedes Hernandez hereinafter called ü Man security entrances the “Borrower” of the Second Part and The Belize Bank Limited ü Conduct continuous patrols on premises and buildings hereinafter called “the bank” of the third part which was recorded at the Land Titles Unit in the Belmopan City on the 23rdDay of November 2001 ü Examine doors, gates, windows etc… in Deeds Book Volume 45, Folios 645 – 684 of 2001.The said bank will ü Report all suspicious events to the relevant parties at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of ü Record daily activities in detail this notice sell the properties described in the SCHEDULEShereto. ü Enforce company and client policies ALL offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing ü Follow all standing orders given to The Belize Bank Limited or to the undersigned from either of whom ü Warn violators of any rule infraction full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained. ü Must be able to work under or no supervision THE SCHEDULE ABOVE ü Perform any other tasks assigned from time to time REFERRED TO AS ü Perform short inspections ü Must maintain order at the establishment ALL THOSE LEASEHOLD INTEREST IN ALL THAT piece or ü Serve as a general security presence and visible deterrent parcel of land being Lot No. 21 situate in Sarawee Village, Stann Creek to crime and rule infractions District and bounded as follows: on the Northeast for 36.884 Metres by ü Conduct a civil arrest and call the relevant authorities Lot No. 20; on the Southeast for 30.350 Metres A Street; on the South for 8.871 Metres by A Street, on the South for 4.309 Metres by a Daylight including management Cut; and on the west for 37.194 Metres by A Street; containing 1178.93 ü Permit authorized persons to enter property square yards of land as shown on Entry Plan No. 2736, Register 12 at the ü Provide access to facilities after hours where so directed office of the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys TOGETHER with all by management knowledge buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

Application can be picked up during normal working hours. All statutory regulations should be followed. Dated the 16thFebruary 2021

3 Eyre Street, Belize City The Belize Bank Limited P: (501) 223-6119 Second Floor E: [email protected] Matalon Business Center Coney Drive, W: www.fortpointsecurity.com Belize City Page 18 AMANDALABelize Friday, March 5, 2021 Friday, March 5, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 19 Page 20 AMANDALABelize Friday, March 5, 2021 Corruption, Nepotism, and Greed are Collective Dysfunctions of the Ego: Checks and balances desperately needed for a better Belize

transcend our ego- based level of material possessions, titles, positions, the transfer of public resources. This consciousness, left a deep impression on property, power and fame in the search practice where officials and their cronies me. One particular line out of many great to elevate their self-worth not only in their enrich themselves from public funds is a lines which in a sense summarizes the own eyes, but in the eyes of others. That festering cancer in our society, which essence of the book is, “If we live in a is why, even the rich are never satisfied stifles our national growth. Many society which to a large extent equates and can, in fact, be greedily addicted to Belizeans, especially the youths, are self-worth to how much and what you acquiring more wealth. In our Belizean frustrated and angry to think about how have and you cannot see beyond this society and many other societies, the much better off Belize could have been if collective delusion you will be condemned economy is shaped in a way to keep it wasn’t for greed, corruption — to chasing after things for the rest of your people craving for more in order to bolster essentially the “selling out” of our country life in hopes of finding your worth and those egos that crave for more and are for the enrichment of a few friends and completion of selves there”. never satisfied. family while the masses become further In our society, there is a deeply I say all this to say that when I see the impoverished. perpetuated value system that is designed decades of rampant acts of corruption, Those with more resources, power, to make people believe that “I have more nepotism, bribery, and embezzlement at fame and status are generally highly than you, so I am better than you”. When all levels of our society, it reminds me of regarded by other members of society by Kahlil Enriquez one feels that he or she never has enough, a deeper dissatisfaction that we all have for their superficial possessions, which the ego creates a deep sense of emptiness, within ourselves which makes us always quite often supersede or mask the I am always fully captivated by the dissatisfaction, anxiety and unhappiness. crave for more. As a young Belizean, I importance of strong character. Public wealth of wisdom to be gained from Any perceived lack of material am particularly annoyed when I see how servants who come into office with the Eckart Tolle’s New York Times bestseller possessions can make people feel like life for many decades, rampant corruption intention to steal from the public purse book, A New Earth. This powerful book, is never enough as is. Consequently, such occurs in Belize, with government officials are operating on dysfunctional and which reflects deeply on how to thinking drives many to seek excessive usually being paid off under the table for destructive ego-based desires. Stealing in order to gain more as a way to bolster the ego to appear successful and important, is bound to have its karmic effect. The timeless age- old wise command that “Thou shalt not steal” was never a frivolous rule for life. While those who steal appear to prosper with their false sense of superiority, their own delusions will catch up sooner or later. It is dangerous for the country when those in power look down on the masses because the opinion of people matters less to them. This is dangerous for democracy and prosperity. The urgent challenge that Belize faces is to nurture leaders who can build solid character and conscience that resist greed and its resulting acts of stealing, corruption, lying, unjust enrichment and nepotism. Even though George Price was not perfect, he is considered a great leader and a national hero, not just for his ability to inspire, but for his outstanding character. When I think of Mr. Price, I admire greatly his humility, his simplicity, and his inner detachment from material wealth and attention. Although he was not considered by some as squeaky clean, since nobody is perfect, his exemplary character is an example of what officials need in this country. George Price gave more of himself than he took from others and the country. Our country needs leaders who are not seeking to amass wealth from the public purse for themselves and their families and who are instead looking to genuinely serve the people. The level of humility that Mr. Price possesses, so much so that his position or money or superficial things didn’t get to his head, is a level that I believe we should all strive to attain. Since most people may never reach the level of self- actualization where their desire to serve supersedes their egotistical desire for self- aggrandizement, a strong system of checks and balances is urgently needed in our public service. The creation of an airtight, accountable and transparent system at every level of Ministries and government departments should be aimed at preventing the temptation to use public office to enrich self, cronies and relatives, with public resources. Could rigid compliance to UNCAC (United Nations Convention Against Corruption) be a step towards that direction? Friday, March 5, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 21

HOLIO CONSULTING CORP. (“the Company”) Pursuant to the International Business Companies Act of Belize, notice is hereby given that the Company HOLIO CONSULTING CORP. a. is in dissolution REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST b. commenced dissolution on 4thFebruary2021 c. Delio José de León Mela,is the liquidator of the Company. CONSULTING SERVICES for BRIDGE Delio José de León Mela ENGINEER Liquidator

Project:Corozal to Sarteneja Road Upgrade BEALTING INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION (“the Company”) Loan No.: 6020236013 Pursuant to the International Business Companies Act of Belize, notice is hereby given that the Company BEALTING INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION The Government of Belize has received funding from the Export- a. is in dissolution Import Bank of the Republic of China on Taiwan (ROC) through a b. commenced dissolution on 26thFebruary 2021 bilateral program of economic cooperation between the ROC and c. Nereida Esther Moreno Cerrud de Serrano,is the liquidator of the Belize to upgrade the 27 miles of the CorozalSarteneja Road Company. Nereida Esther Moreno Cerrud de Serrano inclusive of the construction of two bridges to replace Ferries at Liquidator Pueblo Nuevo and LagnaSeca, Corozal District. The Project will be administrated and managed through a Project Execution Unit (PEU) and a portion of the proceeds of this financing will be applied to ASHMORE MANAGEMENT LTD. (“the Company”) eligible payments under a contract for consulting services for which Pursuant to the International Business Companies Act of Belize, notice is this invitation is issued. hereby given that the Company ASHMORE MANAGEMENT LTD. a. is in dissolution The Works are located in the Corozal District and on completion will b. commenced dissolution on 26thFebruary2021 provide a reliable and direct all-weather link between Corozal Town c. Delio José de León Mela,is the liquidator of the Company. on the Northern Highway and many of the communities to the east of Delio José de León Mela the Progresso Lagoon - John Piles – Laguna Seca waterway system, Liquidator including the village of Sarteneja. The Ministry of Works, through it Project Execution Unit, wishes to procure the services of an experienced and qualified Bridge Engineer to assist the PEU with reviewing designs of two bridges and provide supervision services for construction of the bridges at both Pueblo Nuevo and Laguna Seca Sites.

The Ministry of Works, Government of Belize now invites individuals Consultants to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Individuals should submit their curriculum vitae providing sufficient information establishing their qualifications and relevant experience to perform the services in accordance with the prescribed minimum requirements. In the assessment of submissions, consideration will be given to appropriate professional and academic qualifications and a minimum of 5 years of experience in the areas of structural designs and construction supervision of prestressed type/ reinforced concrete bridges besides meeting the minimum requirement listed below:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Structural /Civil/ Highway Engineering • Proven strong skills in communication and project management, • Fluency in spoken and written English, • Spanish language skills will be an added advantage, • Proficiency in usage of computers and office software packages, • Competency in use of AutoCad and Civil-3D, • Competency in use of project control software such as MS Project or equivalent,

Interested consultants may obtain further information and request the full Terms of Reference (TOR) for the consultancy at the address below during the hours of 8:00 am to 4:00 pm local Belize time, Monday to Friday. All information must be submitted in English.

Three hardcopies or preferably a scanned copy of the Expression of Interest, including CV along with names of two (2) references and their contact information, must be submitted to the Project Execution Unit Offices via direct mail or email at the address indicated below by 10:00 am local Belize time on March 10, 2021. The Government of Belize will not be bound to defray any costs incurred by an applicant in the preparation and submission of the Expression of Interest.

Project Coordinator Project Execution Unit Ministry of Works, Belmopan E-mail: [email protected] Phone No. 621-0415 Page 22 AMANDALABelize Friday, March 5, 2021 PERSONAL REFLECTION ON SAEED ABDUL KARIM ASSALES

behind are three: a righteous child who smiled, because I had nothing but good with his specific design of a Spanish remembers him in prayers and makes thoughts about my forty-year friendship architectural circular model, influenced supplication for him, ongoing charity with Saeed Abdul Karim. The small by Islam in Spain in the 7th century. The that benefits the poor, and beneficial hiccups here and there along the way windows and doors were all arched, knowledge he has taught that is acted pale next to the overwhelming and at the center of the circular structure upon after him.” experiences of good vibes together. is a garden. The location on the summit When Brother Sarafa and I left As we turned off the highway into of the hill and the structure and its design Belize City last Sunday morning on our Clarissa Falls toward the village of spoke of the free spirit and vision of way to Cayo to prepare our brother, Calla Creek, I couldn’t help but give Saeed. Saeed, for burial that afternoon, I had Sarafa, who is originally from Burkina Before a Muslim is buried he/she is many thoughts running through my mind Faso, West Africa, a short history of purified by a complete cleansing, as we drove along the George Price Clarissa Carter and Thomas Paslow. perfuming and shrouding of the body Highway on a quiet and somber, but And as we drove along, the beauty of with white linen cloth. Men prepare men, beautiful, day. I thought about my own the water and families bathing on the and women prepare women. Four death and how fleeting this whole life banks of the river made the journey even brothers participated in the preparation is and how much we take time for more rewarding. of the body of Saeed. granted. I thought of the advice of the Saeed’s property is in Calla Creek, a Saeed’s instruction was that he be Prophet, that during funerals that we village which seemed to be surrounded buried on his property, so a place was by Nuri Muhammad try to think only of the positive character by hills. His house is on one of those prepared at the bottom of the hill, by the traits of the deceased and avoid any high hills overlooking a splendid view roadside near an open field, nuzzled The Prophet Muhammad, peace be reference to any negative experience, of the surrounding valley. I am told that under a patch of tall bamboo trees upon him, has said: which is now in the Hands of Allah. he personally participated every step of towering over the grave, almost as if on “The best of what a man leaves As I reflected on that piece of advice, I the way in the construction of his house guard. The burial prayer (Janaza) was led by the Imam of the Muslim community in Belize, Kaleem El Amin. The ceremony was attended by his family and friends. The attendees reflected the wide scope of the friendships he had formed over his forty years in Belize. There were persons from every walk of life, including several non-Belizeans. Saeed was a magnet for people—that wide smile, that inquisitiveness, that sense of humility and that ability to laugh at himself, like when he was learning to talk Creole, which he never mastered, are some of the things that endeared him to all of us. I first met Saeed in 1980, in Guyana, at a two-week intensive Islamic training course that was conducted by Sheik Daud Abdul Haqq of Barbados, and was sponsored by the late Libyan Ambassador to Guyana, Ahmad Ehwas. The course was attended by representatives from throughout the Caribbean and Latin America. Belize was represented by Muhammad Raees (Anthony Reyes) and Grandville Omar Hasan (Granville Hermond). Saeed represented his home country, Argentina. As Imam of the Muslim community at the time, I attended the closing ceremonies. When I was introduced to Saeed I immediately noticed the special bond that had developed between himself, Raees and Omar during the course. They were inseparable. Saeed spoke of how much he would like to come to Belize and that he had lived in several countries but had never heard of Belize until he met Omar and Raees. Years later he always credited Raees’ persuasiveness in Guyana for his decision to come to Belize. It was soon after an extended one-year course later in 1981, which again Raees and Saeed attended, that Saeed arrived in Belize. Saeed was an incredible character. After coming to see for himself, Saeed immediately fell in love with Belize and decided to end his search for that place he had been searching for. To understand what I mean by incredible, let me share with you the surrounding circumstances that were going on in Belize and particularly in the Muslim community when Saeed arrived in 1981. Please turn to„Page 24 Friday, March 5, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 23 Page 24 AMANDALABelize Friday, March 5, 2021 PERSONAL REFLECTION ON SAEED ABDUL KARIM ASSALES

Continued from Page 22 Argentinians during that period that was it. I remember him „ called the ‘dirty wars’. So as the events laughing when telling me Belize was in the throes of the pre- were unfolding in 1981 Saeed was fully how his football team independence issues - early in ‘81 was engaged. I used to tell him he reminded mates nicknamed him the riot surrounding the Heads of me of Che Guevara, another free- “white boy” when playing Agreement and the speedy rush to spirited Argentinian. at Yabra, but how he was independence in September, under a One of the traits of Saeed’s character well-respected for the state of emergency. One of the dominant that I think may have attracted many skills he brought to the personalities on the national stage at black Belizeans to him was his game. that time was another Muslim, the late unassuming personality and a demeanor I think he had fallen in Odinga Lumumba, who along with that displayed that he didn’t think he love with what he saw in Saeed and another brother, Ali Beyah had any special privilege because he Belize, its people, its (Dilbert Latchman), were staying at the was white. In the context of the culture, its freedom and its Masjid on Racecourse Street. You can Belizean perspective, Saeed was a vast potential and how easy it was to himself in Belize, as so many others imagine the level of conversations that “white man”, but his mind and behavior get land in Belize compared to any other have done and continue to do. But from were taking place among the brothers were not like that American TV white place. He completely absorbed himself those early days, forty years ago, during this period. Lumumba was a man that we were used to. The usual into grassroots culture. It was brother Saeed chose to rise among the leading figure during the Heads, but vibes of white entitlement that you find interesting to me to observe that in grassroots. Saeed also had a history of roots in the in many Caucasian men was absent Saeed’s early sojourn into Belize he I believe this can directly be struggle; he understood very personally from Saeed. He was poor and humble, didn’t choose to mix with the highti-titi attributed to the fact that Saeed was a the power of oppression. His brother and he was always in a learning mode. of the society. He could have very easily member of the Muslim Community was murdered by the Argentinian junta He was different, and he accepted his used his “white privilege” to mix-and- which, at the time, was a community of that had “disappeared” thousands of difference and many times laughed at marry and find a way to establish predominately poor black people. We began to evolve out of the “blacks only” membership restrictions of the Nation of Islam into the universal brotherhood of Islam in 1975. While we had made the change after the passing of the Hon. Elijah Muhammad in 1975, six years later, we were still in what you could call a transition, so the presence of Saeed, the first “white Muslim” in the Belize Muslim community at that time, was a phenomenon in itself. Coming to Belize as a trained Muslim missionary, he immediately involved himself with the development of the community, including training sessions for new Muslims, working land programs and outreach service to the wider community. In time, through his sincerity and work he became a part of the Management Committee (Shura) of the Islamic Mission Belize. In fact, Saeed represented the Belize Muslims community at a conference in Saudi Arabia. He married a Muslim sister, Janice Young, from Gales Point. I was honored to perform that marriage ceremony. Janice and the people of Gales Point taught Saeed the art of bamboo craft, and together he and Janice became the pioneers in the exposition of this eco- friendly, indigenous, sustainable, craft development. Saeed had three children with his first wife —Ashanti, Kadijah and Amal, and two children with his second wife, Tarik and Aliyah. For the purpose of this article I had a conversation with Muhammad Raees, and he shared with me one of the last conversations he had with Saeed while he was in Argentina for medical treatment. He said he didn’t consider himself a citizen of Argentina anymore; he had made Belize his home for forty years, so he was a citizen of Belize, but the best definition he had of himself is: “citizen of the world.” Elsewhere in the media are stories covering the entrepreneurial skills of Saeed Abdul Karim Assales. Mine is only a personal reflection of my brother and friend, and our days together in the early eighties. He was one of the freest spirits I have ever met. May Allah forgive him his sins, make easy his rest in the grave, and raise him into the paradise Friday, March 5, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 25

were patrolling and headed toward me. being unreasonable and, in Creole, They pulled me over, and I complied. “chancey” towards me. When the officer approached me, I knew Also, a few weeks back, my family I was in the wrong and apologized. The was almost killed in a hit-and-run accident. officer told me to open the back doors The following day, a suspected van was of my car. I told him he could open it if located. When the crime scene officer he wanted to because I had been in similar arrived, he had taken some paint from situations before, as the tint on my car the hood of the said van that matched the windows is somewhat dark. However, the color of my family’s car. They were taken Injustice and incompetence officer told me he did not want to be shot. to the lab at headquarters for inspection. I was very appalled by his statement, as Five days after the accident, we went for Dear Editor, which the poet states, “Ya dah day, it was just my mother and me in the vehicle a follow-up report, having recovered I would like to express my concern Babylon stop me fi nothin, Rub me down at the time, and I assured him that his camera footage from a business in the about the future of the justice system in fi nothing, Punch me eena my mouth fi statement was very offensive to me. My location in which the accident occurred. Belize. In light of this, I would like to plead nothin, Mek my lip start bleed fi nothin. mother opened the doors for the five You see, on the night of the accident, I specifically to our Prime Minister, Dem ker me dah station fi nothing. Dem officers that surrounded my car, revealing managed to recover a video of the white Honorable John Briceño, and also to the release me next mawning and no tell me that it was just the two of us. I was ready van bolting away from the scene. Minister of Home Affairs & New Growth nothing! And if da neva fi nothing, Dem to accept the ticket for driving against the Ironically, my family and I were the ones Industries, Hon. Kareem Musa, to do woulda bad fi charge me fi nothing! And flow of traffic; however, what came was conducting this investigation on the van everything in their power to dismantle the yet me no fi seh nothing.” the threat of being imprisoned. I had not we found the day after the accident. We incompetence of the police officers in This poem, by Erwin X, is not only expected this to have escalated that far, were doing the job of the police. When Belize. In this letter, I will provide clarity relatable, but it is taught in Belize’s and I mentioned that I was fully aware I we spoke to the superintendent in charge on the matter, specifically at the Belmopan education system in literature classes and could not be arrested for something so at the headquarters, he referred us to an headquarters, and give recommendations reveals the incompetence of the police. I simple, and I had done nothing worthy officer from CIB who was not the on what we the citizens need them to experienced a similar situation very of an arrest. The officers kept me there, investigating officer on the case who took improve. recently, when admittedly I made a demanding that I be silent and not be the report on the night of the accident. Firstly, I want to start by sharing a few mistake driving against the flow of traffic defensive in any way toward the officer Not only did the investigating officer who lines from Erwin X’s poem “Nothing,” in in Belmopan. At the same time, the police to whom I was exclaiming that he was took the report that night struggle to compose the report, but she also did not enter it into the system. Days after, the officer from CIB mentioned that the report was still not entered. My dad and I exchanged glances at that point and felt defeated. Had they been murdered that night, I would have been scrambling trying to get assistance from a police force that lacks the skill needed to fulfill an investigation or show evidence of any attempt. We left with bowed heads and a lack of hope in the justice system. Going back now to my story about being pulled over, I mentioned all of this injustice and incompetence when I was pulled over for mistakenly driving against the flow of traffic. I mentioned to the officers that the van that was recovered the day after my family’s accident was not even insured, yet it was never impounded. Also, the officers on the scene did not even bark once at the suspected driver who was allowed to drive off with an uninsured vehicle, which is an even more grave offense than driving against the flow of traffic. I felt like pulling out my hair, and admittedly I cried and cried because there is much need for change, and I felt like there never will be. That brings me to the question: what can be done? I believe there is a great need for the police officers to be trained more adequately during their six months at training school. I read a letter written to Amandala in 2007 by a constable, who stated, “there is no supervision in the Police Department. So-called supervisors, including some senior officers, cannot even record a proper statement, much less a proper report. It is no wonder why we lose so many cases. I have concluded that my six months at the Training Academy was an almost total waste of time.” I believe that since 2007, these issues have not been rectified. The citizens are tired of justice not being served and being treated like animals. We plead to you, set the Police Academy in order and ensure supervisors can help and not abuse new officers, as they are the future of our justice system. Our country needs good governance. We put the fate of a better society for all in your hands; meanwhile, we citizens will aim to return the same respect given to us. Thank you for your time. Stay safe, all. God Save Belize.

A Concerned Citizen Page 26 AMANDALABelize Friday, March 5, 2021 Dr. Colin Young to speak on climate change’s threats to Caribbean security

by Dayne Guy

BELMOPAN, Wed. Mar. 3, 2021 Dr. Colin Young, Head of the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC/5C’s), will be addressing the threats that climate change poses to security in a discourse entitled, “Adapt to Defend. The Security Dimensions of Climate Change.” This webinar is set to air on March 4, 2021. The webinar is the result of a collaborative effort between the Planetary Security Initiative and the British Embassy in the Netherlands, and is expected to highlight how the military can contribute more to security measures in the face of the threats caused by climate change. According to the organiser, over 300 participants have enrolled for the online global conversation. This serves as preparation for the 2021 COP26, at which Dr. Young will speak on the topic, “Change in the Caribbean: Better be Prepared.” The COP26 is an event that will be attended by climate experts from across the globe in a collaborative effort to minimize the effects of climate change. At this convention, Dr. Young will join experts from nations all over the world to discuss the impacts of climate change on the region and the expanding roles of organizations tasked with defending these climate change risks. Dr. Young is the head of the CCCCC (5C’s), which is an intergovernmental institute overseen by CARICOM Heads of Government. Along with his team, Dr. Young coordinates the Caribbean’s response to climate change. They maintain the largest database of information on climate change in the Caribbean. This allows the center to provide advice and guidelines to Member States on climate change-related issues. The CCCCC is recognized as the focal point for climate change issues in the Caribbean. The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre believes that small nations across the Please turn to„Page 27 Friday, March 5, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 27 Drugs and guns busted in Corozal

YO CHEN VILLAGE, Corozal District, Mon. Mar. 1, 2021 Two suspected drug smugglers were able to avoid arrest by police, who were conducting an active operation in the Corozal District, by jumping out of the GMC pickup in which they had been traveling. Inside the pickup that they left behind, police found high-grade Mexican marijuana and two high-powered rifles. During an interview with local media, Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams explained, “In the Corozal District, police were on operation when they saw two individuals. Upon seeing the police the individuals ran, leaving the vehicle behind. And the police searched the vehicle, which is a GMC pickup truck, double cab. Inside the vehicle, police found one AK-47 rifle and one m-4 carbine rifle and several bales of what we believe to be Mexican, high-grade weed.” According to reports, almost 700 pounds of cannabis packaged in 29 bales were found by police. They also found an AK-47, with two magazines containing around 80 live rounds of ammunition and an M4 carbine rifle. As mentioned, this bust was made as a result of a police operation in the Corozal District. There has been extra surveillance at the border, as the police had again intercepted two individuals in a GMC pick up truck with a double cab. This vehicle contained one AK 47 rifle and one M4 carbine rifle and suspected cannabis. During his interview Commissioner Chester Williams said, “[Border patrol] has to be a priority and it has to be our focus. The borders are still vulnerable. We know that cases across the border are still high and we do not want that. While our numbers are going down. We have people going across the border and coming back into the country that put our people and country at risk. “ Dr. Colin Young to speak on climate... Continued from „Page 26 Caribbean are among the most vulnerable to climate change worldwide. Their debt, small size, open economies and high reliance on natural resources exaggerates their risk in a changing climate. Page 28 AMANDALABelize Friday, March 5, 2021

OFFICE OF JUSTICE OF GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE THE SUPREME COURT VACANCY NOTICE VACANCY NOTICE

Suitably qualified applicants are invited to fill the position of: JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT For a Senior Litigator Applicants for the position of Supreme Court Judge: [a] must be: Suitably qualified applicants are invited to apply. [i] qualified to practice as an attorney-at-law in a court in Belize or as an advocate in a court in any other part of the Commonwealth having unlimited The Senior Litigator will be responsible to assist the Deputy Solicitor General in jurisdiction either in civil or criminal causes or matters; and the provision of legal advice and guidance to the Government of Belize and the [ii] has been qualified for not less than five years so to practice in such a entire government system on all matters related to litigation and where necessary court. to represent the Government of Belize in civil litigation. [b] must be in good health. [c] must be a person who conducts himself at all times, both in his professional and Applicants must: personal life, in a matter that will maintain public confidence in the standards of the judiciary. • be a qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Attorney-at-Law of at least ten (10) years call to the bar in a Commonwealth jurisdiction; and Applicants are also expected to possess a high level of personal integrity and if successful • have experience in complex legal matters specifically in public law (constitutional are expected to subscribe to any Judicial Code of Ethics that the Chief Justice may law and administrative law) and human rights law. from time to time prescribe. Interested persons may download an application package from the Supreme Interested persons may download an application package from the Supreme Court’s Court’s Website – www.belizejudiciary.org or request in writing from: Website – www.belizejudiciary.org or request in writing from: The Secretary The Secretary Judicial and Legal Services Commission Judicial and Legal Services Commission Ground Floor, Sir. Edney Cain Building Belmopan City, Cayo District Belmopan City, Cayo District Belize, Central America Belize, Central America Telephone number: 822-2204 or 822-2235 Telephone number: 822-2204 or 822-2235 email address: [email protected] email address: [email protected] Deadline for receipt of applications: April 15, 2021 Deadline for receipt of applications: April 15, 2021 2 Note: Only suitably qualified applicants will be acknowledged. Note: Only suitably qualified applicants will be acknowledged. The Judicial and Legal Services Commission does not bind itself to make an The Commission does not bind itself to make an appointment from among those persons who apply. appointment from among those persons who apply. Friday, March 5, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 29

GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER VACANCY NOTICE VACANCY NOTICE Suitably qualified applicants are invited to fill the position of: Suitably qualified applicants are invited to fill the position of: JUSTICE OF THE COURT OF APPEAL

DEPUTY SOLICITOR GENERAL, LITIGATION Applicants for the position of Justice of the Court of Appeal: (a) must hold or has held office as judge of a court having unlimited jurisdiction The Deputy Solicitor General will be responsible to provide legal advice and in civil and criminal matters in some part of the Commonwealth or a court having jurisdiction in appeals from any such court; guidance to the Government of Belize and the entire government system on (b) must be qualified to practice as an attorney-at-law in a court in Belize or as all matters related to litigation and where necessary to represent the an advocate in a court in any other part of the Commonwealth having Government of Belize in civil litigation. The Deputy Solicitor General will unlimited jurisdiction in either civil or criminal causes or matters and has oversee the Litigation Unit of the Attorney General’s Ministry. been so qualified for not less than fifteen years; (c) must be in good health; Applicants must: (d) must be a person who conducts himself at all times, both in his professional life and personal life, in a matter that will maintain public confidence in the • be a qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Attorney-at-Law of at least ten (10) standards of the judiciary. years call to the bar in a Commonwealth jurisdiction; and Applicants are also expected to possess a high level of personal integrity and if • have experience in complex legal matters specifically in public law successful are expected to subscribe to any Judicial Code of Ethics that the President (constitutional law and administrative law) and human rights law. of the Court of Appeal may from time to time prescribe.

Interested persons may download an application package from the Supreme Interested persons may download an application package from the Supreme Court’s Website – www.belizejudiciary.org or request in writing from: Court’s Website – www.belizejudiciary.org or request in writing from:

The Secretary The Secretary Judicial and Legal Services Commission Office of the Prime Minister Belmopan City, Cayo District Third Floor, Sir. Edney Cain Building Belize, Central America Belmopan City, Cayo District Telephone number:822-2204 or 822-2235 Belize, Central America Telephone number: 822-2345 email address: [email protected] email address: [email protected]

Deadline for receipt of applications: April 15, 2021 Deadline for receipt of applications: April 15, 2021

Note: Only suitably qualified applicants will be acknowledged. Note: Only suitably qualified applicants will be acknowledged. The Judicial and Legal Services Commission does not bind itself to make The Governor-General does not bind itself to make an appointment from among an appointment from among those persons who apply. those persons who apply.

BELIZE BRADCASTING AUTHORITY GENERAL MANAGER VACANCY

SUMMARY: To provide effective and efficient management of the BBA Office and maintain a good relationship with the stakeholders in the industry. The General Manager of the BBA will report directly to the Board of Directors of the BBA mainly through the Chairman of the Board.

RESPONSIBILITES: • Perform duties as Secretary of BBA Board • Assist to develop and implement strategies to improve broadcasting regulations • Assist with management of the BBA operations. • Ensure that updated records of all Broadcasters are kept • Collection of revenue (license fees, etc.) • Record minutes of BBA Board meetings • Take appropriate action on minutes of the meetings. • Responsible for the proper accounting of the operations of the office • Prepare management reports. • All other duties assigned from time to time

QUALIFICATIONS: Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Business Management. • Minimum of three (3) years or equivalent in management experience. • Technical experience in television, radio and broadcasting is an asset. • Being bilingual is an asset.

SALARY: NEGOTIABLE

Interested persons should send a letter of application along with their Curriculum Vitae and letters of reference by March 19, 2021, to:

Chairman Belize Broadcasting Authority belize.broadcastingauthority @outlook.com Page 30 AMANDALABelize Friday, March 5, 2021 My journey through cancer, in Belize, in the middle of a pandemic

(Reproduced from AMANDALA Tuesday, February 23rd 2021) CT scan showed the size and location divide, and your genes might carry a of the tumor, how far it had grown into predisposition for cancer. For example, https://amandala.com.bz/news/my-journey-through-cancer-in-belize-in- surrounding tissues, and if it had spread if a close relative has had cancer of the the-middle-of-a-pandemic/ to structures or lymph nodes in other breast or the colon, you may be more places. This information was helpful in likely to inherit the tendency to develop by Ann McKinstry I am pragmatic and a realist; and guiding the decisions I would make those cancers. Most often, cancer- whenever I am faced with a problem, I about the best treatment for me. causing genetic changes accumulate I have thought long and hard about learn all I can about it, find out the And my journey began — a journey slowly as a person ages, leading to a putting my story “out there”. Mine has choices and solutions available, and of blood tests and intravenous higher risk of cancer later in life. Each a great ending, but there are many who take action. Dr. Cob pointed me in the chemotherapy every three weeks for 4 person’s cancer has a unique are not as lucky as I am. Anyway, right direction; and I found my way to months; falling hair, nausea, no sense combination of genetic changes and information is power, and I hope Dr. Ramon Yacab at the oncology of taste, tiredness, numb fingers and mutations in the DNA. someone will be empowered by this department of the KHMH. Yes, there leg pain, and diminished brain capacity. Soooooo…. This is what I have article. At the moment my brain is less really is an oncology unit at KHMH It has been two months since my last learnt: than efficient, but I will attempt to share through the efforts of Global Oncology chemo session, and most of the side Strengthen your immune system by what I can with you. and the Belize Social Security Board. effects are gone or going – even my eating more adequately and healthily, In March a lump was discovered in Global Oncology (GO) is an hair is growing back. The tumor is gone and by including supplements in your my throat and further investigation was American community-based global too, and there are no lumps, bumps or diet that build up the immune system recommended. Belize was put under health organization whose mission is to foreign masses in my body at this point and enable the body’s own killer cells total lockdown in April because of improve cancer care and research in in time; i.e., I am cancer-free. But in to destroy cancer cells. COVID-19, and honestly I was scared resource-limited settings through a the same way a tumor grew the first Watch what you eat. to go to any medical facility. By July, variety of programs and efforts. GO time, it can grow again and is more likely Stay away from processed foods my voice was getting hoarse and I had first worked with Mrs. Kim Simplis to develop in people who have had it which have chemicals added to improve problems swallowing and breathing. So Barrow, who survived breast cancer before. As with any sickness, the earlier taste and prolong shelf life. There are I plucked up my courage and went to because she was able to leave the cancer is detected and treated, the more more natural, healthy alternatives. see Dr. Anastacio Cob, an ENT country to receive treatment. As a result, successful the treatment. Once you have Certain types of food are not beneficial specialist at Belize Healthcare Partners. she became a tireless champion of had cancer, it is important to have to the body as one ages. Milk causes He looked down my throat with a improving access to care locally. GO regular checkups as advised by your the body to produce mucus, especially laryngoscope and found a tumor at the is piloting a new program to help doctor. Scientists are working on a in the gastro-intestinal tract. Cancer base of my tongue, taking up about patients eliminate the provider, system blood test that will show if you have feeds on mucus. So go light on the milk. seventy percent of my throat. He did a and personal barriers; and more easily cancer cells and make testing much Cancer cells thrive in an acidic biopsy and I was diagnosed with a large access cancer care at home. Belizean easier in the future. There is no medicine environment. A meat-based diet is carcinoma. It was oropharyngeal cancer medical oncologist, Dr. Yacab, is one can take to prevent cells from acidic, and it is best to eat fish and a in the cells of the oropharynx, which is leading the first ever public oncology becoming cancerous, but lifestyle little chicken. Also, meat protein is the middle part of the throat and treatment program in Belize. changes go a long way to stopping this difficult to digest and requires a lot of connects the nose, mouth and throat On May 7, 2020, the Social Security from happening. digestive enzymes. By refraining from to each other and allows you to Board gave a donation of two hundred Some behavioral or environmental (or eating less) meat it frees more swallow, breathe and speak. thousand dollars ($200,000) to the triggers can cause changes in the enzymes to attack the protein walls of When I told family and friends, they KHMH to help complete the oncology body’s cells that push them into a cancer cells and allows the body’s killer treated me as if I were fragile and had unit. Hospital administrators say that cancerous state. For example, the cells to destroy the cancer cells. gotten a death sentence. Some could there is an increasing number of chemicals in tobacco smoke damage Avoid coffee, tea, and chocolate, not even say the word — like, “I heard Belizeans with cancer who have turned the lungs and increase the risk of lung which have high caffeine. Green tea is you have….ummm…that you are sick”. to them because they are unable to travel cancer; too much exposure to radiation, a better alternative and has cancer- My reply to one was, “Yes, I have abroad to get treatment. The oncology such as ultraviolet rays from the sun, fighting properties. It is best to drink cancer. It’s okay to say the word: C A unit at the hospital has been offering can increase the risk of skin cancer. purified, or filtered water, to avoid N C E R. It won’t bite you; say it: some services since April 2020, but its These types of triggers act on the body toxins and heavy metals in tap water. CANCER”. Up to 20 years ago, cancer remaining upgrades have been delayed slowly over time, so the cancers that Try for a diet made of 80% fresh WAS considered fatal. Nowadays, it is due to the COVID-19 pandemic. result from them don’t show up until a vegetables and juice, whole grains, a curable illness. The number of people Dr. Yacab recommended I have an person is older. cooked beans, seeds, nuts and fruit, who recover from cancer goes up every ultrasound, blood tests and a computed The tendency to develop some types which puts the body into an alkaline year because of new treatments and tomography (CT) scan, taken by special of cancer is believed to be inherited. environment. Fresh vegetable juices better management of the illness. x-ray equipment which makes 3D and Genes are the basic physical units of provide live enzymes that are easily When I first heard the diagnosis, I cross-sectional images of organs, inheritance that control the way our cells absorbed and reach down to cellular think I got numb and zombie-like. But tissues, bones and blood vessels. The function, especially how they grow and levels within 15 minutes to nourish and enhance growth of healthy cells. Exercise and breathe properly. Cancer cells do not thrive in an PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: oxygenated environment, so daily Mile 5 Placencia Road, Stann Creek District, Belize exercise and deep breathing help to get more oxygen down to the cellular level. Oxygen therapy is another means BY ORDER of the Supreme Court, Licensed Auctioneer Fitzgerald A. Joseph will sell the following PropertyON SITE near employed to destroy cancer cells. Mile 5 Placencia Road, Stann Creek District, Belize on Saturday,13th March, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Please note that Social Do not use plastic containers in the Distancing Protocol will be in full effect and the wearing mask will be mandatory. microwave. This especially applies to REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL foods that contain fat. The combination Placentia North 36 2516 of fat, high heat, and plastics releases dioxin into the food and ultimately into the cells of the body. Use glass or paper. Use no plastic wrap in microwave either. As the food is nuked, the high heat causes poisonous toxins to actually melt out of the plastic wrap and drip into the food. Cover food with a paper towel instead. Don’t freeze plastic bottles with water in them, as this releases dioxins Being a piece and parcel of land containing 2.37 acres situated in Seine Bight Village with lagoon frontage and just a from the plastic, and dioxins are highly stone throw away from the Itz’ana Belize Resort & Residencies. The parcel issituatedapproximately 5 Milesfrom Placencia poisonous to the cells of our bodies. Village, Stann Creek District, Belize, beingthe freehold property of Erix Oswaldo Tobar. FINALLY: Cancer is a disease of the mind, body, and spirit. A proactive and TERMS: STRICTLY CASH positive spirit will help the Cancer Warrior be a survivor. Anger, un- FITZGERALD JOSEPH forgiveness and bitterness put the body TELEPHONE: 601-2039 into a stressful and acidic environment. Email: [email protected] Learn to have a loving and forgiving spirit and to relax and enjoy life. Friday, March 5, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 31

George Brown. ¿De dónde vinieron barcos, a quienes los poseían, a estos barcos? ¿Eran de Cayo Hicaco, quienes los capitaban, a sus San Pedro Cayo Ambergris, o tal vez tripulaciones. Supongo que soy casi incluso tan lejos como Sarteneja? tan fanático de la navegación como Eran hermosas embarcaciones. C. B. Hyde. Creo que la memoria de mi papá Nueve de marzo. Qué día tan santo es mejor que la mía y les diré por qué. solía ser para nosotros. El sureste ya “Debo bajar a los mares de de la ciudad de Belize. En su Hace dos o tres días, estaba pensando habría estado soplando, pero los nuevo, por la llamada de la marea testamento, Barón Bliss, que murió en la noche de los tres barcos, y vientos norteños todavía estaban por corriente en 1926, había dejado dinero para que recordé los nombres de CRUZITA y ahí; el clima generalmente era incierto Es una llamada salvaje y una hubiera una regata anual de vela aquí. AVENTURERA, pero tardé un rato el nueve de marzo. Esto hizo que las llamada clara que no se puede (Esta columna será abreviada, en recordar el nombre de condiciones de carrera fueran muy negar; porque estoy escribiendo el jueves por ESTRELLA, que según mi papá, un desafiantes. Podría haber vientos Y todo lo que pido es un día la mañana, y el periódico estará fanático de la vela, fue el mejor de huracanados, calma, todo tipo de ventoso con las nubes blancas repleto, y con razón, con noticias de los tres. clima en el nueve. volando, las elecciones celebradas el miércoles Cuando visité a mi papá esta ESTRELLA, CRUZITA y Y el aerosol arrojado y la espuma 3 de marzo en nueve (creo) mañana y mencioné el tema, recitó AVENTURERA: viven en la soplada, y las gaviotas llorando”. municipios de Belize. Así que los nombres de los tres barcos con memoria de personas como mi papá - JOHN MASEFIELD ampliaré sobre el pensamiento del rapidez y precisión. Como yo, no y yo. El respeto es debido. nueve de marzo, tal vez la semana que sabía qué comunidad de pescadores El Día de Barón Bliss, también viene). en la parte norte de Belize era el hogar conocido por la gente del mar como Me apresuro a contarles hoy acerca de las tres bellezas. Police force el nueve de marzo en el pasado, era de tres balandras de vela llamadas Entonces, él y yo necesitamos como un festival religioso de ESTRELLA, CRUZITA y ayuda. Debe haber gente viva todavía navegación para las familias beliceñas AVENTURERA, que solían dominar que pueda contarnos la historia. Mi ready to take que eran marineras. Se llevaban a la clase de balandra de vela de 28 pies papá y yo creemos que queremos dar cabo regatas para veleros en el puerto antes de los días de Dean Lindo y respeto a quienes construyeron los vaccines

BELIZE CITY, Tues. Mar. 2, 2021 A large number of police officers on the frontlines of the Covid-19 pandemic have been infected with the deadly virus since the pandemic initially reached Belize. In December of 2020, the Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams, reported that around 300 to 350 officers were out sick due to the coronavirus. At the time, the numbers were raging in Belize, and police were also making arrests in the hundreds each day of citizens violating the prevention protocols. Since then, fortunately, the number of infections inside the department has decreased drastically, according to the Commissioner of Police. The last report was that around 30 or so officers were out sick, infected with the virus. During an interview with local media this past week, Commissioner Williams shared that he hoped his officers on the ground would be among the first to be vaccinated when their time comes. “I would want to see my officers getting it before me. I’m the person at the head and I would yield to them, because they are the ones who are out there more than I am, interacting with the public, and I have no difficulty, when my turn comes, to take it. I will take it.” Commissioner Williams shared. Police officers are among the second priority group who will be immunized in Belize. Page 32 AMANDALABelize Friday, March 5, 2021

KREM Television Program Guide Questions or comments may be forwarded via email to [email protected] Phone: 202-5848 Tuesday, March 4 to Thursday, March 15, 2021

THURSDAY WEDNESDAY 6:30 a.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (LIVE) 6:30 a.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (LIVE) Reef Week 2021 9:00 a.m. Morning Stew (LIVE) 9:00 a.m. Morning Stew (LIVE) 12:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) 12:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) 1:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now 1:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now 2:00 p.m. Movie: Shaka LuLu 2:00 p.m. Documentary: King Tut Life and Death 3:30 p.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (repeat) 3:30 p.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (repeat) 6:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (LIVE) 6:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (LIVE) 7:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now 7:30 p.m. Reef Week 2021 - What Is The Blue Economy? 8:00 p.m. Documentary: The Moors - Hidden History 9:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) 9:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) THURSDAY FRIDAY 6:30 a.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (LIVE) Reef Week 2021 6:30 a.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (LIVE) 9:00 a.m. Morning Stew (LIVE) 9:00 a.m. Morning Stew (LIVE) 12:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) 12:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) 1:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now 1:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now 2:00 p.m. Movie: Tigertail 2:00 p.m. Movie: The Watsons Go To Birmingham 3:30 p.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (repeat) 3:30 p.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (repeat) 6:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (LIVE) 6:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (LIVE) 7:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now 7:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now 8:00 p.m. Documentary: The Difference between not racist and 8:00 p.m. Documentary: Harriet Tubman antiracist 9:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) 9:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat)

SATURDAY FRIDAY 9:00 a.m. Documentary: Ronan Farrow: Who Were The Rioters on 6:30 a.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (LIVE) Reef Week 2021 Jan. 6? 9:00 a.m. Morning Stew (LIVE) 9:18 a.m. Movie: Just an Old Sweet Song 12:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) 10:36 a.m. Documentary: The Garrett Morgan Story 1:00 p.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (repeat) 11:23 a.m. Movie: The Rosa Parks Story 3:30 p.m. Krem’s Top Ten Show (LIVE) 12:57 p.m. Documentary: Madam C. J. Walker 5:30 p.m. Local News Broadcast: GOB- Belize Now 2:10 p.m. Movie: God Bless The Broken Road 6:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (LIVE) 4:01 p.m. Documentary: Muhammad Ali 7:00 p.m. Krem’s Top Ten Show (repeat) 6:38 p.m. Movie: Concussion 8:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now 10:00 p.m. Music Videos 9:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat)

SUNDAY SATURDAY 10:30 a.m. Sunday Review (LIVE) 9:00 a.m. Documentary: Post Traumatic Slave Syndrone 12:00 p.m. Movie: Gary Wills 10:42 p.m. Movie: Emma 1:03 p.m. Documentary: The Africans - A Triple Heritage Program 1 12:47 p.m. Documentary: The Greatest Apex Predators on Earth 2:01 p.m. Movie: Fences 1:24 p.m. Movie: Mandela’s Long Walk to Freedom 4:20 p.m. Documentary: Hughes’ Dream Harlem 3:46 p.m. Documentary: Ted Talks: Faster Than a Calculator 5:20 p.m. Documentary: NHD Katherine Johnson 4:01 p.m. Movie: The Book of Revelation 5:30 p.m. Sunday Review (repeat) 7:00 p.m. Documentary: Freedom Summer 7:00 p.m. Sunday Jazz 8:06 p.m. Music Videos 8:00 p.m. Music Videos SUNDAY MONDAY 10:30 a.m. Sunday Review (LIVE) 9:00 a.m. Documentary: Lost Kingdoms of Africa (Nubia, Ethiopia, 12:00 p.m. Movie: Harriet Tubman Great Zimbabwe and West Africa) 12:55 p.m. Documentary: Deep Sea Creatures 12:37 p.m. Movie: Yesterday 1:49 p.m. Movie: Selfie Dad 2:33 p.m. Documentary: Inside Job 3:26 p.m. Documentary: My Mysterious Places on Earth 4:14 p.m. Movie: Revenge of the Bridesmaids 4:07 p.m. Documentary: Lost Civilization - Africa 5:41 p.m. Documentary: Whales 4:58 p.m. Documentary: How it’s made - Butter, Silk, Soft Drinks, 6:38 p.m. Movie: Fences Toilet Paper, Sugar, Pringles 8:00 p.m. Music Videos 5:30 p.m. Sunday Review (repeat) 7:00 p.m. Sunday Jazz TUESDAY 8:00 p.m. Music Videos 6:30 a.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (LIVE) Reef Week 2021 9:00 a.m. Morning Stew (LIVE) MONDAY 12:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) 6:30 a.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (LIVE) 1:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now 9:00 a.m. Morning Stew (LIVE) 2:00 p.m. Movie: Doctor Dolittle 12:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) 3:30 p.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (repeat) 1:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now 6:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (LIVE) 2:00 p.m. Movie: Just an Old Sweet Song 7:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now 3:30 p.m. Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (repeat) 8:00 p.m. Belizean Legend: Johnny Lindo - Speaking for the 6:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (LIVE) Record 7:00 p.m. News Broadcast: Democracy Now 9:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) 8:00 p.m. Documentary: Ronan Farrow: Who Were the Rioters on Jan. 6th? 9:00 p.m. Krem TV Evening News (repeat) Friday, March 5, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 33 Providence Holy Cross donates 200 infusion pumps

center. The package was received by the Ministry’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Deysi Mendez. Infusion pumps are medical devices used to deliver fluids to a patient’s body, in a controlled manner. Infusion pumps have a variety of uses but are often used in applying insulin or other hormones, antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and pain relievers to the body, usually by means of intravenous (IV) or epidural procedures. The rise of the COVID- 19 pandemic has made infusion pumps a staple in the medicinal industry. Around the globe, healthcare professionals by Dayne Guy have been using infusion pumps in blood transfusions to provide BELMOPAN, Tues. Mar. 2, 2021 patients with blood plasma that In a short handing-over ceremony, already has high levels of COVID- 200 infusion pumps were donated to 19 antibodies. the Ministry of Health and Wellness The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW). The contribution was thanked Edward Lord, Patricia Lord, made possible through a small group Sophie Torres and Estelita Briceño for of members of the Belize diaspora, their assistance in delivering the who are healthcare workers at equipment, which will be of great use Providence Holy Cross medical to the people of Belize.

The family of Florence Maud Gill-Thompson announces, with thankful hearts, that her life came to a peaceful end on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at her home in Los Angeles, California. She died at 95, and each day was a blessing to her children.

Florence Gill-Thompson is survived by her children Marie Smith, Pastor Roy Thompson, Marion Charles, Anthea Scott, and Loretta Thompson, all living in Los Angeles, and by her siblings Pastor Sheila Arthurs, and Eustace Gill in Chicago. God blessed her with 19 grandchildren, and 20 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents Ivan and Antoinette Gill; her husband Roy Rupert Thompson; her sons Norris and Kevin Thompson; her siblings John, Louise, Mazie, the Hon. Rev. Harold A. Gill, J.P., Olga, Eric, and Norman Gill.

Funeral Services will be held on March 11, 2021 at 10:00 a.m., at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 6300 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles, 90068. Page 34 AMANDALABelize Friday, March 5, 2021

Nuri Muhammad reflects on Pelé gets his first COVID-19 passing of Saeed Assales, shot, urges mask use Yabra footballer of the 1980s

BELIZE CITY, Wed. Mar. 3, 2021 reflection, the Argentina born Saeed The decades have flown by, and has been here all the while, and had today we were informed by Nuri woven himself deeply and Muhammad of the passing of Saeed permanently into our Belizean culture Assales, a clear skinned Muslim and heritage. brother who played a good midfield According to an attached note from with the Yabra Sporting Club football Nuri, “…our brother Saeed Abdul team in the early 1980s. Like Lockey, Karim Assales returned to Allah this who had come from England and past Sunday.” joined the Spurs Football Club for a From the sports desk, our sincere couple years in the early 1970s and condolences to his family, relatives then returned home to England, we and friends. Respect, and Rest In hadn’t seen Saeed for decades, and Peace, our Belizean brother, Saeed assumed that he had probably Assales! returned to wherever he had come Nuri’s Reflection can be found on from. Not so; as Nuri explains in his page 22 of this issue. Brazil’s Covid outbreak is global threat that opens door

to lethal variants – scientist by Mauricio Savarese must keep discipline to preserve lives until many people have taken SAO PAULO (AP), Tues. Mar. 2, the vaccine.” 2021 Less than 4% of Brazil’s Pelé received his first dose of a population has been vaccinated COVID-19 vaccine on Tuesday, against the coronavirus. calling it an “unforgettable day.” Brazil has the world’s second The 80-year-old Brazilian soccer highest COVID-19 death toll, nearing great posted the news on his social 260,000 victims. Last week was the media channels along with a picture country’s deadliest since the of himself receiving the shot in his beginning of the pandemic, with right arm. 8,244 confirmed virus-related Pelé, a three-time World Cup deaths. champion, did not disclose where the Pelé also urged his followers to dose was given, but he has been wash their hands and stay home if staying at his home in Guaruja, outside possible. Sao Paulo, since the pandemic hit “When you go out please don’t Brazil one year ago. forget your mask and maintain social “Today is an unforgettable day distance. This will pass if we can — I received the vaccine!” Pelé said. think of others and help each other,” “The pandemic is not over yet. We he said. by Tom Phillips (Rio de Janeiro) total… Nicolelis claimed Brazil’s crisis is about protecting Brazil’s economy. Johnson. Just 3.3% of Brazil’s The Guardian, Wed. Mar. 3, 2021 now posed an international risk as “I haven’t gotten a single thing wrong population has so far been Brazil’s rampant coronavirus well as a domestic one and claimed since March last year,” the 65-year- vaccinated, compared to 15.2% in the outbreak has become a global threat Bolsonaro – who has sabotaged old told supporters this week. US, 18% in Chile and 29.9% in the that risks spawning new and even social distancing, promoted unproven José Gomes Temporão, Brazil’s UK. more lethal variants, one of the South remedies such as hydroxychloroquine health minister during the 2009 swine “I don’t think there is any other American country’s top scientists has and belittled masks – had become flu pandemic, said Bolsonaro’s leader who is so obtuse, so warned as it suffered its deadliest “the pandemic’s global public enemy response had been so lacking that he backward, who has such a mistaken day of the pandemic. No 1". and other senior administration and warped vision of reality a(s the Speaking to the Guardian, Miguel He said: “The policies that he is figures would eventually “have to be president of Brazil,” Temporão said. Nicolelis, a Duke University failing to put into practice jeopardize held accountable”. “History will condemn these neuroscientist who is tracking the the fight against the pandemic in the “To this day, Brazil doesn’t have people.” crisis, urged the international entire planet.” a national plan to combat Covid-19,” community to challenge the Brazilian Bolsonaro, a former army captain Temporão complained, attacking (AMANDALA Spots Ed. Note: government over its failure to who swept to power in 2018 on a Bolsonaro’s failure to secure Brazil is always a World Cup contain an epidemic that has killed wave of anti-establishment rage, has sufficient vaccines by striking deals favorite, but failure to deal with this more than a quarter of a million defended his performance, claiming to buy shots made by companies such pandemic may jeopardize their WC Brazilians – about 10% of the global his opposition to Covid restrictions as Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & qualifiers.)

Our email address for business & advertising is [email protected] Friday, March 5, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 35 CSEC implements new strategy as a result of the pandemic

Why the crucifixion? by Dayne Guy Bridgetown, Barbados, Dear Editor, 26, it doubled to 129! On December Mon. Mar. 2, 2021 “It’s not what you do but how you 12, Dr. Manzanero was reported to Amandala’s Following consultation do it”, states skillfully be hospitalized with the virus. The with the Council for Human written March 3 editorial. count reached 211 deaths on Dec. and Social Development The editorial addresses several 15, and eventually settled at 314 in (COHSOD), the Caribbean problematic issues in (dare I say February! Examinations Council endemic to) Belizean governance What really happened? Consider (CXC) has announced its which beg further open discussion! Orange Walk, that super-spreader, strategy for the I wish to review the issue currently through its ties to the San Pedro implementation of the 2021 most pressing on people’s minds, cluster. regional summer change-of-government transitions, in Consider November’s tropical examinations. The meetings, particular, the treatment of Dr. Marvin storms Eta and Iota, with people held on 28th February and Manzanero. crammed into living spaces, even 1st March 2021 and chaired It’s not what you do, but how you leaving their flooded communities. by Hon. Jeffrey L. Lloyd, do it. How true! I add, and why you Consider the November election Minister of Education of the do it. What do Prime Minister John — another super-spreader as Bahamas, came to a Briceño and his Minister of Health feared? resolution after consensus hope to accomplish by investigating The FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE, was reached by the meeting’s Dr. Manzanero for Covid-19 deaths proven to contain spread, is attendees. a price for deferrals. due to alleged neglect in testing? mandatory public wearing of masks, The meetings included a panel of In addition, the COHSOD- Why scapegoat him, possibly ruin social distancing and lockdowns. Ministers of Education, senior Education approved the Caribbean him? The good doctor’s only sin is Testing, mostly voluntary, is Ministry of Education officials and Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA) having been appointed by the ousted complementary, not the end-all. relevant stakeholders from across the examinations for the 27th-28th of UDP. Consider the public’s refusal to Caribbean Community. The focal May and the Caribbean Certificate of Shame, shame, shame. follow protocol, despite Dr. point of the meeting was to ensure Secondary Level Competence for the PM Briceño, he of “limited talent” Manzanero’s pre-second wave that Caribbean students would not be 19th- 22nd of July. notoriety, declares that when he was cautioning. Did Belizeans take the disadvantaged by the administration CXC has opted to not revise their on the National Oversight Committee, astounding results in the first wave for of the examinations, given the requirements for syllabus coverage. Dr. Manzanero was “‘stabbing in the granted? disturbances of the education system CXC states, “Any change, at any dark’. It is the New Coronavirus, Consider the roles of police as a result of the pandemic. level, to the programme of studies remember? The entire world was crackdowns, backed up by hefty court Approval was given to CXC to offered by CXC can prove stabbing in the dark, even the mighty fines, and, finally, Death’s wakeup administer the Caribbean Advanced disadvantageous to stakeholders and West. They too, overwhelmed, saw call. Proficiency Examination (CAPE), impact CXC’s ability to compare family members, even couples, dying Prime Minister and Health Minister, Caribbean Secondary Education results across years in terms of within hours, minutes, of one another, why the crucifixion? Re-examine your Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean equivalence of certification.” CXC even as testing increased! objectives, morally, politically and Certificate of Secondary Level will not compromise their standards The second wave hit harder than the practically — for Dr. Manza, your Competence (CCLSC) under the to compensate for the pandemic; first, just as predicted. own and the country’s sake. normal conditions of a Multiple however, the extra month provided The five months from June to Contemplate this: variants and Choice Paper (Paper 01), a structured in this year’s examinations will allow November 4, saw Belizean deaths vaccine efficacy are on the horizon. answer paper (Paper 02) and a for more instructional time for increase from a miraculous 2 to 64. School-Based Assessment (SBA) students to learn the content. Twenty-two days later, November Beryl Young (Paper 031) or an individual The deadlines for SBAs have also investigation (Paper 032) for private been extended by one month. There candidates, for CAPE and CSEC will be a decrease in the number of candidates and a Paper 01 and 02 for practicals/ assignments required for CCSLC candidates. SBA submissions; however, 100% The examinations are scheduled for SBA moderation will be mandated the period June - July 2021, with the across all centers for all subjects. CSEC and CAPE written Additional information on the examinations commencing on 14th modifications to SBAs were June and ending on the 16th of July. provided to local CXC registrars via Results will be available in the last a handbook and was posted on CXC’s week of September. To compensate website. for the loss of learning students A collaborative approach for Cricket Update experienced during the pandemic, addressing CXC and University of the CXC will share with the Ministers West Indies (UWI) matriculation BELIZE by ZOOM. The CAPTAIN of each of Education, the general topics that requirements was also proposed. CITY, team is asked to submit two names will be assessed on Paper 02, 5 Students will now only be required Thurs. Mar. of their players to the president that weeks preceding the start of exams. to pass 2 CAPE subjects either at Unit 4, 2021 will be eligible to vote. Anybody Candidates experiencing 1 or 2 along with CSEC requisite Hello to who wishes to participate in the difficulties can seek approval from subjects to qualify as a normal all cricket meeting is asked to get the link from their school or CXC local registrar matriculant. players and the president by contacting his cell to defer their examinations until the “The management and staff of CXC supporters! phone #610-1375. CSEC January 2022 sitting or the have worked assiduously to develop Happy If there are more than one nominee CAPE, CSEC, CCLSC May/June an examination strategy that will and blessed for positions in the governing body sitting. The deadline for deferral of minimize the disruption to the New Year or more than one slate competing, a sitting the examination will be education system while ensuring that to each and everyone! voting will be held the following extended to 1st of May 2021. When the region’s candidates are given the Under the auspices of the Belize week at Boom. After the meeting is a candidate indicates his/her intent best opportunity to succeed. While a National Cricket Association, the concluded, the election will take of deferral, the candidate’s current schedule has been set for the June/ president Dr. Roy Young takes this place. More information will be registration will be placed on hold. July 2021 examinations, CXC opportunity to inform you that the GM passed on to you as soon as it SBAs and scores will also be continues to be guided by national and election will be held next Sunday, becomes available. Have a safe and deferred for use in the next protocols across the region,” a CXC March 14, at 2:00 in the afternoon, pleasant weekend. examination sitting. There will not be press release said. Page 36 AMANDALABelize Friday, March 5, 2021 Tourism stakeholders to be given vaccines from first batch

eight thousand frontline tourism stakeholders who are expected to be vaccinated when Belize receives its first batch of AstraZeneca vaccines from COVAX. Hon. Mahler believes this is an important step to solidifying the country’s status as a safe destination for travel as Belize tries to revive its tourism industry. The Minister also discussed new programs he believes the country should consider by Kory Leslie (freelance writer) establishing as we seek to gain competitive footing among other BELIZE CITY, Sat. Feb 27th, 2020 popular tourist destinations. These Earlier this week, the Ministry of were his sentiments during his press Health and Wellness shared details briefing on Tuesday: about their vaccine rollout program “All destinations throughout the as the GOB continues to source world will want to get their share of COVID-19 vaccines for Belize’s the market, so we have to be ready, immunization process. According to and so we are looking at our the Ministry, the first persons who competitiveness as a destination as will be vaccinated in the first phase we move forward. We are looking at of the program are healthcare two programs, a long-stay workers, followed by the elderly, and programme and the qualified persons with “special conditions” retirement programme, whereby we (i.e., those with cancer or HIV and are adjusting those legislations to those requiring dialysis). During the invite people to come and work here, second phase, vaccines will be digital nomads, and retired persons, administered to teachers, police who want to come to Belize to retire. officers, the members of the National We are adjusting those legislations Assembly and the Judiciary, and to make it easier for them to invest those who work in the Customs and and come live in Belize.” Immigration Departments. Hon. Mahler stated that the Ministry Over the weekend, however, the has already spoken to the Prime Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Minister regarding the Ministry’s aim Relations, Hon. Anthony Mahler, told to vaccinate frontline tourism members of the media that among stakeholders as soon as possible. The those who will be prioritized during Prime Minister has apparently given the initial phases of the rollout are his commitment to the project. 16 pounds of weed found in Santa Rita home

by Dayne Guy The Santa Rita residence is the home of 43-year-old Carmelita SANTA RITA VILLAGE, Corozal, Gonguez, who was in the home at the Mon. Mar. 1, 2021 time of the raid along with 43-year- Around midday on Monday, March old Sherleen Giddare, a Corozal 1, police raided a home in the Santa town resident; 20-year-old Nigel Rita village. A search of the Gonzalez, a Santa Rita resident; and residence led to the discovery of 12 2 minors. The police arrested and parcels of marijuana, which had a charged all persons on site with total weight of 7.36 kilograms or 16.2 possession of controlled drugs with pounds. intent to supply.

AMANDALA - The best there is! Friday, March 5, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 37 Belize’s and Guatemala’s Man killed during firefight

Foreign Ministers to meet with police (From page 1)

A young man was shot dead by wrongdoing or breach of policies by police on Tuesday morning after a the police officers, because it’s a fatal brief firefight. Robert Smith was shooting. We still need to ensure that reportedly armed with a shotgun and we do what needs to be done to fired shots at police upon ascertain that what happens is encountering the officers, who were actually justified by law and that the in search of him in Maskall Village, story given by the police is indeed Belize District. what took place.” Prior to the incident, Smith And while that investigation is reportedly went to his uncle’s house ongoing, the aunt of the victim, and shot him with the same shotgun. Yolanda Allen, who is Raymond Reports are that his uncle whom he shot, Allen’s sister, reached out to Raymond Allen, 56, had heard Smith AMANDALA with some major shouting outside his home and went concerns. She said that the body of outside to see him. Smith then asked her nephew has not been identified him for a cigarette, but before Allen by family members since he was could respond, he was shot by Smith. fatally shot by police. She also said Allen was taken to the Karl that, contrary to the police’s Heusner Memorial Hospital narrative, her brother (Raymond (KHMH), where he is in a stable Allen) was shot by a pellet gun and condition. Smith, however, did not discharged himself from the hospital. CAYO DISTRICT, Thurs. Mar. 4, to the court. Over the next 18 months, survive after being wounded by She also shared that the police 2021 the attorneys representing Belize will police. The Commissioner of Police officer who is believed to be the The Foreign Minister of Belize, file this nation’s position on the claim, has directed an investigation into his shooter, and who is stationed in Hon. Eamon Courtenay, and after which the proceedings will shooting death. Maskall Village, had a negative Guatemala’s foreign minister, Mr. officially begin. During an interview with local history with her nephew. She says that Pedro Brolo, are scheduled to meet A release issued by the media, Williams said, “I have since her nephew had escaped his custody on Thursday, March 4, at the Government of Belize states, “The directed the Professional Standards sometime last month, and because of Adjacency Zone Office of the foreign ministers will discuss efforts Branch to do the usual investigation that, his life was threatened by the Organization of American States near to strengthen relations between the to see if, in fact, there is some same officer. the western border. A joint press two countries, including reactivating conference will be held with both the Belize-Guatemala Joint officials after their meeting, at which Commission, implementation of the Gonzalo Rosado murdered members of the media from both Partial Scope Trade Agreement and countries will be invited to ask enhancing the work of the OAS Continued from Page 1 Hospital. questions. Office in the Adjacency Zone.” „ Rosado was the retired manager of At this time, the territorial dispute It ends by saying that the Ministers Border Management Agency at the the Western Border Management between Belize and Guatemala is are expected to reaffirm adherence Western border. Agency, as well as a past teacher and being heard at the International Court to the 2005 Confidence Building Initial reports from police are that principal. A police investigation into of Justice in the Hague. Last year, the Measures Agreement signed by both Rosado received a call from a female this recent homicide continues. attorneys on the Guatemalan side countries. person around 6:40 p.m. on Monday completed and filed their We will have details of the meeting evening and he proceeded to drive submissions on their country’s claim in the next issue. to Benque Viejo Town to pick her up. Upon returning to his home in San Jose Succotz, while he was still reportedly in his car, three shots were COVID-19 update heard and three persons (one Hispanic female and two dark- complexioned males, according to total of 314 deaths that have been Continued from Page 1 eyewitnesses) were seen fleeing the „ recorded since the start of the scene. vaccination campaign in Belize. Since outbreak in Belize. Gonzalo was reportedly found Our beloved then, as of March 3, 2021, 673 Since our last update, we’ve seen Mercellee Terese Robinson slouched over the steering wheel of healthcare workers, those persons on only 3 new recorded cases from a his Burgundy Nissan Pathfinder SUV, Who departed his life 12 sad years the front lines since the start of the batch of 222 tests processed on th with gunshot wounds to his body. He ago 9 March 2009 pandemic, have been given their first March 4, 2021. Twenty-one persons was pronounced dead upon arrival dose of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 have been marked as recovered and at the San Ignacio Community vaccine. no new fatalities have been logged. The remaining 383 doses are On that day, March 4, 2 persons were expected to be administered by this hospitalized with Covid-19 — both the week ending February 28, 2021, week’s end. of them needing intensive care. 2.6 million new cases were recorded, On Saturday, an additional 25,000 On March 3, the Epidemiological which is the first increase after six of the same Covishield AstraZeneca Unit recorded 8 new cases from a weeks of consecutive declining vaccines should arrive from India. batch of 450 tests processed. Twenty- numbers. Over 63,000 deaths were These additional vaccines will keep five recoveries were recorded, and recorded over the same period. our inoculation program in motion fortunately, there were no additional Latin America recorded 1,129,929 until the first shipment of vaccines deaths. cases in the seven days leading up to from the COVAX facility arrives in the On Tuesday, March 2, the country February 28, 2021, and 33,951 deaths country. again recorded no additional deaths during that period. In total, 1,205,245 Memories are treasures A total of 12,329 cases have been related to Covid-19. However, on deaths in total have been recorded in No one can steal, identified in Belize since the start of that day, two persons, both needing that region. In Brazil, a new variant Death leaves wounds, the pandemic. Of that number, around intensive care, were admitted to is causing yet another deadly wave No one can heal, 11,916 have been recorded as healthcare facilities. From the batch of infections. Precious are the moments, recoveries. To date, 86,570 tests have of 390 tests processed on that day, 7 According to WHO, as of Silently kept, been conducted on a total of 78,096 new cases were identified. Ten Thursday, March 4, 2021 4:02 p.m. Of those we love, persons in the country. Our fatality rate recoveries were also recorded. CET, there have been 114,853,685 And will never forgot. stands at 2.55%, with 206 males and Globally, this deadly virus confirmed cases of COVID-19 108 females succumbing to the deadly continues to wreak havoc. According worldwide. Of that number Sadly missed by her entire family virus in the country — resulting in a to the World Health Organization, on 2,554,694 deaths have been reported Gone but not forgotten. Page 38 AMANDALABelize Friday, March 5, 2021 PUP crushes UDP in municipals

Continued from Page 9 significantly more votes than the votes), Martha Marie Flores Robinson „ UDP’s Ruben “Rux” Gonzalez (1,701 (1,277 votes), Austin “Namule” Petillo elections and the general elections in votes), Jazelie “Jaz” Azueta (2,092 (1,450 votes), Liberato Teul (1,215 November, however, was the size of votes), Lorraine “Reid” Cobb (1,952 votes), and Jerris “Nigi” Valentine the voter turnout. An unofficial report votes), Richard “Richy” Cordova (1,365 votes), were able to defeat the FOR RENT published by the Elections and (2,007 votes), Kent “Bob” Gabourel UDP’s Howard Humphreys (918 Boundaries Department has estimated (2,303) votes, Raul “Coco” Gonzalez votes), Orelle John Castillo (824 Belize’s overall voter turnout to be (1,969 votes) and Marceli McCorkle votes), Gary Francisco (916 votes), FOR RENT: Lower flat - 3 55%. The highest turnout was seen in (2,072 votes). Aron “Jake” Gongora (923 votes), bedrooms, 1 bathroom. Fully Corozal Town, where 72.15% of Moving to the West, in Belmopan Alexander “Lexus” Joseph (831 burglar-barred, Ladyville Village, voters in that municipality cast a vote. Sheran “Sharon” Palacio (3,016 votes), Earth Lopez (948 votes), and Belize District Call: 227-0810 This was followed by 69.22% in San votes), Hope Amadi (3,011 votes), Albourne “Beeze” Marshall (990 FOR RENT: Warehouse/office Pedro Town, 61.68% turnout in Nikki Augustine (3,119 votes), Sanie votes) as well as the BPF’s Rodney space in Ideal location. 26K sq. ft., Benque Viejo Del Carmen, 61.4 % Cal (3,068 votes), Guadalupe Chicas Calistro “Puppy” Nunez (202 votes), open floor plan, available, in the turnout in Orange Walk Town, 61.17% (3,000 votes) and Pauline Soberanis Stephen Laurie (433 votes) and middle of the bustling Farmers turnout in Punta Gorda Town, 55.59% Tillett (3,058 votes) of the PUP were Dwayne “Dince” Sampson (512 votes), Market Commercial Area in Belize in San Ignacio Town, 54.18% in able to defeat independent mayoral and also the independent team of City. Great location for offices, Dangriga Town, 53.1% in the City of candidate, Ralston “Fraze” Frazer Christopher John “ Master Chris” screen printing shop, welding shop, Belmopan, and 46.41% in Belize City, (227 votes) as well as the UDP’s Lewis (21 votes), and Francis Xavier glass shop, upholstery shop - you where voter turnout was the lowest. Jacklyn “Jackie” Burns (1,291 votes), Marin (106 votes). name it. To view or more Starting with the north, Rigo Vellos Cristina “Chrissy” Chacon (1,311 In Punta Gorda Town, the PUP team, information call: 614-9988. (who received 2,885 votes in votes), Paul Chun (1,305 votes), consisting of Charles Selgado (835 FOR RENT: Three units for comparison to his mayoral opponent’s D’Andre “Dee Dee” Martinez (1,439 votes), Moses Cal (768 votes), business use: office space, storage 2035 votes) and his team of six were votes), Victor “Chiqui” Orellana Malcolm Galvez (932 votes), Ulysess space, computer center, call center, able to reclaim their stronghold over (1,299 votes), Louise Willis (1,456 “Ulys” Guy (885 votes), Mary Palacio sale center, 900 sq. ft. each. One unit Corozal Town. The team of new votes) and Leslie “Big Les” Zelaya ( (979 votes), Roberto Virez (913 votes), has AC+ fans, other units have only councilors includes Hilberto “Hill” 1,662 votes). and Arnold Williams (810 votes), fans. Call for an appointment or visit Clarke (2,989 votes), Miguel “Mike” The outcome of the municipal defeated the UDP aspirants Hansel to see the units at 47 A Vernon St., Montalvo (2,939 votes), Rodolfo elections in the twin towns of San Warrior (297 votes), Linford “Linchy” drive into the parking lot. These are Narvaez (2,927 votes), Baldemar “Jr.” Ignacio and Santa Elena was a little Avila (403 votes), Briceno “James” Bol fully 24-hour secured units. Call Pech (2,971 votes), Otoniel “Otto” less clearcut than the results in the other (286 votes), Karl “H6” Cabral (415 Lillith Soberanis at: 627-9059. Riverol (3,022 votes) and Marleni municipalities. Those towns will have votes), Glen “Coote” (377 votes), FOR RENT: A two-bedroom Tapia (2,936 votes). The blue team a mixed slate, as returning UDP mayor Beverly Roches (303 votes) and Darvin apartment, second floor at 47 A managed to secure a full-slated victory Earl Trapp (3,424 votes) was able to Sho (324 votes) as well as independent Vernon Street, parking available, apt. over the UDP’s Roger Arana (2,035 defeat independent mayoral candidate, candidates Marcel “Bap Play” Palma has hot+ cold water, grilled doors votes) and his team consisting of: Roody Lewinskey Wade and PUP (411 votes), Ray Anthony “Chucuru” and windows. Call Lillith Soberanis Christobal “Chris” Babb (2,094 mayoral candidate, Ramon “Monchi” Arzu (256 votes), Vallen Geoffrey at 627-9059 or come for a visit. votes), Marycelbi “Lupe” Barahona Quiroz. Trapp will be serving along “Grippaz” Avila (298 votes), Eleazar (1974 votes), Jaime “Mohammed” with one UDP councilor, Bernadette Nathan “Leazar” Coc (195 votes), NOTICE Bautista (1,951 votes), Julie “Teacher “Bernie” Fernandez (3,392 votes), Linston Roy “Blues” Mckenzie (409 Julie” Castro (2,073 votes), Navin “Di who will be joined on the town council votes), Orlando Alberto “Landies” Hindu” Ghanwani (2,006 votes), and by PUP candidates, Zahir Figueroa Muschamp (56 votes), Anita Stephanie NOTICE: If drinking is a Vanesa “Van” Vasquez (1,928 votes). (3,605 votes), Aaron Albert Mai (3,704 “Nita” Nicholas (365 votes) and problem and the problem is drinking. Likewise, in Orange Walk, the votes), Shirlene Neal (3,585 votes), Zipporah “Ms. Zip” Supaul (355 There is a solution. A group of us PUP’s mayoral candidate, Ladrick Matthew Preston Silva (3,684 votes), votes). who have recovered from drugs and “Mad Bull” Sheppard , who garnered and Omar Rodriguez (3,376 votes). Finally, in Belize City, the PUP also alcohol are here to help. Call 633- 4,521 votes, achieved an emphatic One PUP candidate who will not be on enjoyed a landslide victory, with 2849 win — receiving almost four times the the council is Alberto C. Palma (3,348 Mayor Bernard Wagner (10,067 NOTICE: I, Evan Hall, owner, number of votes that the UDP’s votes), while the defeated UDP votes) and his councilors, Javier have lost my registration certificate mayoral candidate, Orlando “Chicle” candidates include Abdel Cowo (3,084 Castellanos (10,260 votes), Kaya SC-0335 for Jelan, fiberglass boat. Castillo, received (1,166 votes) and votes), Amed Figueroa (3,163 votes), Cattouse (10,816 votes), Micah also soundly defeating independent Iliana Moreno (3,091 votes), Mark Goodin (10,350 votes), Stephanne LIQUOR LICENSE mayoral candidate Antonia Sanchez “O.B.” O’Brien (3,320 votes) and Lin Hamilton (10,399 votes), Edmund (53 votes). The remainder of the PUP Valentine (3,097 votes). The defeated Kwan (10,103 votes), Michael NOTICE 7 — Joesie Cantun (4,538 votes), independent councilor candidates “Mike” Novelo (10,137 votes), Cadir Escalante (4,523 votes), Doreth include John Escobar (103 votes), Natasha Pipersburgh (10,324 votes), Pascacio (4,487 votes), Joanna Eldon “Dealer” Evans (53 votes), Allan Pollard, Jr. (10,886 votes), LIQUOR LICENCE NOTICE : Rodriguez (4,444 votes), Fernando Raymond Evans (64 votes), Linda L. Deannie Requena (10,187 votes), and Notice is hereby given that Vilduca “Big Sanch” Sanchez (4,544 votes) Gonzalez (92 votes), Timoteo Vanegas Albert Vaughan (9,868 votes) International Limited is applying for and Allen Yu (4,466 votes) — were (62 votes) and J. Vanegas (52 votes). receiving almost double the votes that a Restaurant Liquor Licence, to be all victorious over the UDP’s Melvin The residents of Benque Viejo Del were garnered by the UDP’s Orson operated at Vilduca International “Twin” Adolphus (1,397 votes), Carmen Town also selected a PUP Picart (5849 votes), Kera Bowman Limited, 29 Albert Street, Belize Shamika N. Bull (1,460 votes), Estelita town council, electing Mayor Jorge (6,074 votes), Andrew Bradley (5,829 City, Belize, under the Intoxicating “Ms. Cashew” Carlos (1,435 votes), Rosales (1,231 votes) alongside votes), Alisha “Lishy” Craig (6,134 Liquor Licence Ordinance Revised Rene “Pitbull” Escalante (1,357 Teresita “Terry” Alvarado (1,283 votes), Dr. Alain Gonzalez (6,090 Edition 2000. votes), Henry Gomez (1,326 votes) votes), Edgar “Eggie” Cocom (1,279 votes), Leon “Sensei” Guild (5,913 and Andi “Teacher” Yam (1,369 votes), Vania Garcia (1,344 votes), votes), Allan “Ak” Kelly (5,667 votes). Oscar Gongora (1,225 votes), Carlos votes), Kenny Morgan (5,872 votes), The PUP also defeated the UDP’s “Calo” Iglesias (1,316 votes) and Anazette Olivera (5,786 votes), See news in the team in San Pedro, with newly elected Avelin Martinez Barillas (1,335 votes) Meagan Tasher (5,685 votes) and making? San Pedro mayor “Wally” Nunez as opposed to the UDP’s Miguel Shane D. Williams (5,826 votes), and receiving the most votes in that “Mike” Guerra (1,192 votes), Manuel also soundly defeating the BPP’s SPORTS municipality (3,462 votes). The other “Tach” Contreras (1,073 votes), Alvaro Richard “Lizaad” McCaulay (212 ACCIDENTS members of his team who will be “Bayo” Gongora (1,207 votes), Miguel votes), Garry Matus (472 votes), serving with him in San Pedro’s town “Charcoal” Gonzalez (1,077 votes), Patrick “Pat” Williams (923 votes) SOCIAL ISSUES council are Dianeli “Danni” Aranda Jose “Tony” Guerra (1014 votes), and independent candidate Ernesto CRIME (3,231 votes), Ernesto Bardalez (2,994 Abilio “Billy” Leon (997 votes), and Torres (511 votes). Notably, votes), Jose “Cas” Castellanos (3,080 Charles Ponce (1,099 votes). newcomer Kaya Cattouse and Allan Call us at: votes), Marina Graniel Kay (3,146 In the south, the PUP team, consisting Pollard, Jr., received the most votes votes), Adaly Guerrero Ayuso (3,099 of Robert “Mr. Mar” Mariano (1,332 in the Belize City municipal elections 280-4703 votes) and Johnnia Rivero Duarte votes), Gilroy Howard Flores (1,307 —with 10,816 votes and 10,866 votes (3,026 votes), who all gained votes), John Edwin Flores (1,217 respectively. Friday, March 5, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 39 Covid: Italy ‘blocks’ AstraZeneca Coast Guard seizes boats vaccine shipment to Australia of suspected sea pirates The Italian government has blocked programme. the export of an Oxford-AstraZeneca Under the EU vaccine scheme, Since the start of 2021, vaccine shipment to Australia. which was established in June last there have been several The decision affects 250,000 doses year, the bloc has negotiated the robberies of fishermen by of the vaccine produced at an purchase of vaccines on behalf of pirates in the waters of AstraZeneca facility in Italy. member states. Southern Belize. In an earlier Italy is the first EU country to use There has been no official report, Commander Gregory the bloc’s new regulations allowing comment on the Italian move by Soberanis said that more than exports to be stopped if the company Australia, the EU or AstraZeneca. nine persons were arrested providing the vaccines has failed to The Italian government also made and charged for various port meet its obligations to the EU. no comment on Thursday, though it violations. In recent reports, The move has been backed by the approached the European Commander Soberanis European Commission, reports say. Commission last week to say that it mentioned that progress had AstraZeneca is on track to provide was its intention to block the been made in the joint only 40% of the agreed supply to shipment. investigation of the robberies member states in the first three months Australia began its vaccination at sea, and that officers had of the year. It has cited production programme last week using the carried out the seizure of problems for the shortfall. Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. It was due stolen assets in Placencia. In January, then Italian Prime to start inoculations with the by Dayne Guy “We’ve achieved great success Minister Giuseppe Conte described AstraZeneca jab on Friday. over the past few weeks as well as it delays in vaccine supplies by both Coast Guard Headquarters, Tues. relates to the seizure of assets for AstraZeneca and Pfizer as This article was first published by Mar. 4, 2021 those we believe were involved in “unacceptable” and accused the BBC news. In a recent interview, the Acting the incident that occurred in companies of violating their contracts. Commandant of the Belize Coast Placencia. Our law enforcement The EU has been widely criticised https://www.bbc.com/news/ Guard, Commander Gregory partners have also detained one of for the slow pace of its vaccination world-europe-56279202 Soberanis, spoke about the Coast the key suspects that we believe to Guard’s efforts to combat the recent be one of the perpetrators in the crime spike in coastal piracy. against the individual in the village Remember the pandemic greenhouse Commander Soberanis stated, “the of Placencia.”, said the Commander. Belize Coast Guard, along with its He went on to say, “Just yesterday, emissions drop? It’s nearly gone key partners, have increased its the Joint Operational Task Force operational tempo in addressing the were able to identify what we by Ivana Kottasová, CNN “If governments don’t move quickly issue and matter of coastal piracy. believe to be two stolen vessels in with the right energy policies, this could We’ve been working very closely an area that we found to be somewhat Global emissions of heat-trapping put at risk the world’s historic with the Fisheries Department, the of a stash area, that these guys, the gases fell dramatically last year as the opportunity to make 2019 the definitive G13 unit and the Police Department, criminal element, would store or pandemic forced much of the world to peak in global emissions,” he said in a specifically Officer Commanding conceal the vessels that they steal a halt. But new data has shown they are statement. Jones in Dangriga and Officer from residents in the southern sector. bouncing back — fast. The burning of fossil fuels in cars, Commanding Ramclam in Placencia. So we were able to recover two Lockdown measures to contain the planes and power plants — as well as At this, I want to express my sincere vessels. We currently have them here spread of the coronavirus caused a 7% through other human activities — gratitude to those key partners who at Coast Guard headquarters. And we drop in CO2 emissions over the course releases CO2 into the atmosphere, have assisted tremendously in the will continue to investigate these of 2020 — the biggest drop ever where it accumulates like a blanket and efforts to address the matter of coastal matters along with our law recorded — a study published traps in radiation that would otherwise piracy.” enforcement partners.” Wednesday in the scientific journal escape into space. This causes Nature Climate Change estimates. temperatures on Earth to rise, which is But its authors warn that unless linked to more extreme weather, ice melt governments prioritize greenand a rise in sea levels. And the more Operation finds 150 missing investment in their attempts to boost carbon emitted into the atmosphere, the their struggling economies, the world is more the planet will warm. children in Tennessee going to see a strong rebound in Under the 2015 Paris Climate emissions — with potentially Accord, the majority of the world’s catastrophic consequences. governments agreed to try to limit global Tennessee law enforcement has Services and Tennessee Department Corinne Le Quéré, one of the authors warming to below 2 degrees Celsius and recovered 150 missing children after of Children’s Services. of the study and a professor of climate as close as possible to 1.5 degrees a months-long investigation. The The National Center for Missing change science at the University of East above pre-industrial levels. children, between three and 17-years and Exploited Children also provided Anglia, said the big, pandemic-induced Experts have repeatedly warned that old, were found in three “two-week support. Recovery efforts began in drop in emissions in April was short-lived. exceeding the threshold will contribute blitzes” throughout the US state. January and 150 children were found Once lockdowns started to lift, to more heatwaves and hot summers, Five of the children were within two months. The circumstances emissions bounced back strongly. greater sea level rise, worse droughts and suspected to be victims of human of the recovered children varied “Because nothing has changed around rainfall extremes, wildfires, floods and trafficking, investigators said, and widely, authorities said, including us,” she said. “The confinement food shortages for millions of people. one was rescued as part of a children that left home, those living measures are a forced behavior change, According to the United Nations’ kidnapping probe. with other family members, and others they are not lasting.” Intergovernmental Panel on Climate The recoveries are among the facing abuse or exploitation. And while the world’s battle with Change, global CO2 emissions must largest for recent missions by states Tim Burchett, a Tennessee Covid-19 is far from over, emissions drop by about 45% from 2010 levels by to find missing children. A number congressman, called the results have already recovered. 2030 and reach net zero by 2050 for of arrests have been made following “miraculous”. the world to have a chance to hold the probe, officials said. In all of 2020, a total of 387 New data from the International warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. To Energy Agency (IEA) published on achieve this, the world needs to reduce “I hope this operation changes the children were recovered with Tuesday showed global energy-related emissions by between 1 gigaton and 2 course for 150 young lives and leads assistance from US Marshals. Several emissions were actually 2% higher in gigatons each year between now and them to the path of opportunities other states including Ohio, Virginia, December 2020 than they were in the 2030. every child deserves,” said US Indiana and Georgia have also same month a year earlier — and that Marshal for the Western District of launched operations to focus on was despite parts of the world still (Full article can be viewed at https:// Tennessee Tyreece Miller. finding missing children.Efforts to experiencing lockdowns. edition.cnn.com/2021/03/03/world/ The operation, dubbed Volunteer find the remaining 90 missing Fatih Birol, the IEA’s executive climate-greenhouse-gas-emissions- Strong, was launched in the fall of children in Tennessee will continue, director, said the rebound in carbon rebound-intl-scn/index.html) 2020. A total of 240 missing children TBI spokesman Josh DeVine said. emissions was “a stark warning that not were identified statewide, inciting the enough is being done to accelerate clean This article was first published by joint effort by the Tennessee Bureau This article was first published by energy transitions worldwide.” CNN. of Investigation (TBI), US Marshals BBC news. Page 40 AMANDALABelize Friday, March 5, 2021