Hon.Dean Barrow Than Three Years Our Prime Prime Minister of Belize ( Continue on Page 14 ) U.S.A Spain England

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No. 04 Tuesday January 03. 2012 Price: $1.00 THE MAN OF THE YEAR! Undeniably incorruptible, the world (global economic determine, God-fearing, recession) with disastrous family oriented, super effects that led to days of intelligent and deeply rioting in England, the patriotic are just few of the continuous months of the adjectives that can be used Occupation of the Zuccotti to describe the Prime Park (New York) at the Wall Minister of Belize and Street Financial District in Leader of the United the United States of America Democratic Party, the Hon. and weeks of protest in Dean Barrow. Spain. The Rippling effect In 2011 Belize, one of the of the financial fall-out youngest nations in the devastated nations upon world was confronted with nations and caused the the same great trials and collapsed of regimes in tribulations which engulfed some cases while bringing all nations including the others to their very knees. super powerful nations of In Belize after a little less Hon.Dean Barrow than three years our Prime Prime Minister of Belize ( Continue on page 14 ) U.S.A Spain England

2012 New Year Celebrations in Orange Walk Inside this Issue Prime Minister’s New Year Message Attorney General

Hon. Bernard Q.A. Pitts Supa G blazing fire on stage and igniting the huge crowd ( See images on page 8)

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House of Representative each and every single one million dollars for the will be called next week of those loans at a total mortgages that nominally and this latest write-off by Editorial cost of around 62.6 million value $17 million dollars the The United Democratic dollars.” He continued. and government also is not Party’s Government like the paying this money by way previous one is expected to I repeat that we want to of any extraction from gov- become a matter of histori- construct a Belize that is ernment cash flow. There cal record. based on distributive so- was an arrangement made cial justice. Those of our by the PUP under which A total 10,154 lower and citizens that are disadvan- government had prepaid middle income families taged, whether by poverty, some of securitization mon- throughout Belize have di- illness or some disability, ies that were due from SSB rectly benefitted from this are entitled to have that to RBTT to whom SSB sold government continued disadvantage remedied by mortgages. And SSB there- commitment to protect the On Friday, October 21st, the state. And the state fore had this continuing interest of the poor and 2011, that Historic Day in must find the will and the obligation to repay those working class Belizeans. Belize, the day of the Ninth resources to pay for the pre-payments made by gov- Amendment Bill another redress that is required. ernment to government The Northern Star Newspa- Bill also of historic nature So fiscal balance can only now and the amount cur- per commends the Govern- was passed in the House of be a work in progress, a rently owed by SSB to GOB ment of Belize for always Representative. long-haul process, and if is around $9 million dollars thinking about the poor in deficits in the short run are and by the end of the fiscal an era when the poor and The House approved the the price to pay for social year it will be up to around middle class in many na- writing-off of some 9,374 stability, and $11 - $12 million dollars.” tions throughout the world Housing Loans which were Government’s pro-poor have to suffer the brunt of made during the period of program, then deficits The Prime Minister contin- global economic recession. 1986-2008. Ninety percent there will be.” ues addressing the issue of of these loans were non- payment. The dominoes effect of our performing and all were In his New Year’s Message people not having to cough- valued each at less than appearing on pages 3/4 of “The $6.9 million dollars up some $71,167,886.00 $60,000 Bz. this newspaper. The Prime that government now has to will be felt for decades to Minister, Hon. Dean Bar- pay to SSB in order to buy come. This United Democratic row announced that gov- these mortgages so as to Party’s Government led by ernment will be buying write them off and give the the Hon. Dean Barrow over some 780 mortgages lease to people; that $6.9 along with his Cabinet and from Social Security Board million will merely then be all the Elected Members of which represents all the deducted from the $9 mil- Parliament on the govern- mortgages with a balance lion soon to be $12 million ment side voted and wrote- of under $50,000 Bz. that SSB in turn owes GOB. The Northern Star off some $64,167,886.00 So while it is without a Newspaper Bz. These mortgages will be doubt a loss to the govern- absorbed and wiped clean ment and a financial outlay. Exactly one month prior to from the book by this What happen is that finan- Publisher: the reality of the write-off, United Democratic Party’s cial outlay is kept out of the The Northern Star the Prime Minister of Government. monies owed to GOB by Newspaper Ltd. Belize, Hon. Dean Barrow SSB.” first made mention of his Representing a face value Executive Director: government intention dur- of some 17 million dollars “Last month I made it ab- Vernon Cutkelvin ing his Independence Day the Prime Minister clarified solute clear to all that ev- Address on September that the real value may be erybody who fell into this Managing Director/ 21st, 2011. some 6.9 million dollars category is to be relieved. Editor: because some 60% of the No effort was made to go Maira Montejo The P.M. is quoted as say- 780 mortgages are non-per- through the list of home ing the following: forming therefore trigger- owners to try to see who is Printer: The Reporter Press ing the discounted rate that UDP, who is PUP, What “There are more than 9,200 government is receiving color is your color, what #80 Otro Benque Road historical loans currently for the mortgages. age you are, where you Orange Walk Town on the books at the Minis- live; it didn’t matter, this is Belize, Central America try of Housing. The weight The Hon. Dean Barrow fur- across the board relief for Tel: 629-1308 of these is taxing the loan ther stated that , “The port- all 780 odd families that or 636-1409 recipients to perdition; but folio of 60% is impaired, so fall within the category.” ------no more. Government has what government is actu- Email: decided that it will write off ally paying to SSB is $6.9 Another sitting of the [email protected]

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PRESSURE MEDICA- worthless, thieving PUP I side WITH Belizeans TIONS. Never do that, take and the even worst; PUP against Ashcroft. Belize the medications daily. My apologists, I do not see a over Ashcroft! No disre- note today is very short be- problem with giving the spect to anyone, but I would cause I want you to People’s money BACK to like an accounting of every MEMORIZE the flyers be- the PEOPLE. It is NOT penny that Ashcroft gave to low. I also want you to visit $20 million that the Ralph any Belizean. It took 60 Dr. Errol Elrington the following website OF- Musa Gang stole; it is a years for the PUP to come TEN to look up ANY medi- whopping $3 BILLION. clean on Price, I have The Christmas Message is cal issue that concerns you. According to their creed, patience...... Guess who is clear to me, and I said that Technology is on YOUR Belizeans should get funding the PUP? without arrogance. GOD side go to NOTHING; shame on sent his ONLY son into this www.patientedu.org and them! Merry Christmas and a wicked world to be even- learn about your health; Happy New Year! tually sacrificed for our search ANY topic! Search I support the Pro Poor Pro- sins. GOD is LOVE! W often! grams! I pray everyday that Continue on Page 11 give THANKS! Belizeans get the money By the way, unlike the from Belizean oil! As a living human being I treasure my life and I believe that it is my greatest physical responsibility to try to keep healthy. No human is perfect, but practice What Is High Blood Pressure? makes better! It is our responsibility to take good Another name for high blood pressure (HPB) is hyper- care of our body. There are tension (hi-per-TEN-shun). many things that are outside our control - but my High blood pressure means the pressure in your arter- duty requires me to do the ies is elevated. Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against blood vessel walls. It’s written as two very best that I can to ef- numbers, such as 112/78mmHg. The top, systolic, fect the outcomes that ARE numberis the pressure when the heart beats. The bot- under my control. tom, diastolic, number is the pressure when the heart rests between beats. Normal blood pressure is below In the year 2012 High 120/80mmHg. If you’re an adult and you systolic pres- Blood Pressure can be con- sure is 120 to 139, or you diastolic pressure is 80 to 89 (or both), then you have “prehypertension”. High blood trolled. Everyone needs to pressure is a pressure of 140 systolic of higher and/ or KNOW his/her ‘pressure 90 diastolic or higher that stays high over time. reading’. If the top number is over 120mmHg then No one knows exactly what causes most cases of high a doctor should be in- blood pressure. It usually can’t be cured, but it can be volved. If medications are controlled. High blood pressure usually has no symp- prescribed, the blood pres- toms. It is truly a “Silent Killer”. High blood pressure usually doesn’t have any sure should come down. About 72 million Americans and 1 in 3 adults have it, signs - that’s why it’s so dangerous. Make sure Sure diet, weight control, you get it checked regularly and treat it the way and many don’t even know they have it. Not treating your doctor advises. safe exercise, etc., are im- high blood pressure is dangerous. High blood pressure portant BUT the pressure increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. You can needs to be brought down live a healthier life if you treat and control it! and it needs to STAY down, no excuse! If prescribed, Who is at higher risk? • People with close blood relatives who • People with diabetes, gout or kidney medication needs to be have HBP disease taken EVERY DAY. • African Americans • Pregnant women • People over age 35 • Women who take birth control pills, The vast majority of unnec- • Overweight people who are overweight, had HBP during essary stroke, heart attacks • People who aren’t physically active pregnancy, have a family history of HBP and deaths occur WHEN • People who consume to much salt or have mild kidney disease • People who drink too much alcohol ONE STOPS THE BLOOD

PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com Page 4 - Northern STAR -Tel: 629-1308 or 636-1409 - Email: [email protected] - Tuesday January 03, 2012 The Prime Minister’s New Year Message No installment in any of the annual increments by which we most reckon the passage of time, is ever completely without trials and tribulations. That is why as human beings, as societies, as nations, we always welcome the new year with expectation and excitement. It is a chance to recover from adversity in the preceding twelve months, to do better and be better. The ageless ritual of ringing out the old and ringing in the new, is thus em- blematic of the eternal capacity for hope and renewal. And this, in turn, is part of God’s legacy to the Race; to all thinking, sentient creatures that believe in Him. But while last year was, like all others, not without dif- ficulties, they were small ones. Indeed, given the global situation; given the continuing fiscal, debt and jobless- ness problems of the US; and given the absolute crisis in which Europe continued to be engulfed, economically our country did well. And a look at the numbers will serve to confirm what, in all the circumstances, is a per- formance for which we must give thanks. Prime Minister of Belize The Statistical Institute of Belize reports that for the Hon. Dean Barrow first nine months of the year, our economy grew by 2.7% as compared to 1.8% for the same period in 2010. Last quarter growth is traditionally most robust, so that we are well on track to exceed the overall 3% GDP increase for 2011 that I had predicted on Independence Day. This is a significant jump and will be almost one full percentage point above the 2.4% growth recorded for the previous year. When we look at the particular sectors that are most responsible for this picture of economic advance, the panorama is even more encouraging. Up to September it was the Wholesale and Retail Trade Sector that was one of the leaders, showing a 7.7% increase. And the Corozal Free Zone alone was responsible for a business rebound of 23% in improved year-on-year sales. Over the three quarters Hotels and Restaurants grew by 2.1% as a consequence of a 3.3% increase in overnight tourists; and Transport and Communications went up by 2.5%. Construction was also 7.4% better. But it was Fishing that led all comers with a 14.5% hike. And while overall sugar production fell, ratios, quality and prices improved so that we are now poised for an outstanding new season. Finally, Inflation remained low at just over 2%. It is on the basis of all this that I can say that we were blessed in 2011. We easily outpaced 2010, and the story is even more remarkable if we go back to 2009. Then, we all remember, was when there was actual contraction; when the fallout from the world recession threatened to swamp us completely. The economic success of 2011 meant that increases in export earnings, including in particular from crude oil, enabled Government to consummate a great leap forward in cementing its social agenda. Job-creating infrastructure projects were implemented; educational and economic second chance opportunities were expanded; and the wind was fully in the sails of our signature home improvement, food pantry and cash transfer programs. Our democracy was also in fine flower. We maintained our commitment to accessibility, transparency and accountability; and we continued our forward march to true nationalism by way of the Constitutional enshrinement of public ownership of our essential utilities. Perhaps most noteworthy of all, we succeeded-certainly since September when we forged the Belize City gang truce in decelerating the incidence of senseless murders in this country. The significant reduction in the homicide rate for the last four months of 2011 as compared to 2010, is great progress. And it comes at just the right point, when too many were beginning to feel that there could be no rescue from the abyss. But the real purpose of this Message, is to look ahead; to assure one and all that the inherent promise and opportunity of the New Year will not be forgone. Efforts will be strengthened, commitments will be broadened, successes will be deepened. In 2012, as one example, the infrastructure drive - and the jobs it brings - will scale new heights. The Jalacte Road in the South, the Blue Creek one in the North, the Macal River Crossing in the

PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com Northern STAR -Tel: 629-1308 or 636-1409 - Email: [email protected] - Tuesday January 03, 2012 Page 5 The Prime Minister’s New Year Message West, the comprehensive Belize City drainage and street works, will all be hitting full stride. The new Marion Jones stadium will be coming out of the ground, the new Civic Center will be rising from the rubble. The con- tract for the design and build component of the Solid Waste Management Project, has also been signed; and it will see 14 million dollars spent between January and July in Caye Caulker, San Pedro, San Ignacio and Belize City. And their delayed rehabilitation and beautifica- tion drive for the District Towns will now start by April, the World Bank assures us. A countrywide money contribution for working moth- ers will join the apprenticeship, food subsidy and BOOST programs. And the drop-in centers in distressed Belize City neighbourhoods will help with community development, social recovery and violence prevention. Millions of dollars will continue to fund Government’s home improvement and home repairs across the nation; and every single registered surveyor in this country has Prime Minister of Belize now been contracted to work on the subdivision of the Hon. Dean Barrow 4,709 acres indentified by the Ministry of Lands for the allocation of building lots to first time landowners. Our outreach to the poor and the middle class continues. They, and indeed all Belizeans, will be helped by the lower electricity rates that I promised in September, and which are now a certainty. BEL, owned at last by Government and people, has already accepted, by way of its submissions to the Public Utilities Commission, that rates must come down. And the PUC may well reduce even more what has been proposed by BEL. The final decision will be on January 31, and the new, lower rates should under the current law take effect a few months thereafter. But we are a Government in a hurry to do good things. And the ease to the consumer, the ease in the cost of living, the ease to business and industry and agriculture, can’t wait. Thus Government will amend the law to imple- ment from the very next day, February 1, 2012, this historic decrease in what Belizeans pay for electricity. But there is more that we offer by way of festal cheer. Unlike 2012, our vision of uplift and opportunity and egalitarianism is not newborn. But the underlining of fresh beginnings that always takes place on January 1, provides a proper opportunity for us to reassert our creed: that this Government’s flame of social justice will never dim; that it will burn even brighter in the next twelve months. And our preoccupation with those at the margins, with those of fixed incomes, low incomes and no incomes, has caused us to hit on yet another idea for new year relief and assistance. Accordingly, I announce today that Government will purchase all mortgages of 50 thousand dollars and under, owned by the Belize Social Security Board. These number 780 and have a total aggregate value of 17 million dollars. Government will thereafter write off these mortgages, forgiving the householders all of their loan obligations, and putting that money at their disposal to spend on the economy and generate more activity. The notion of helping not just individuals but businesses in this way, brings me to the last point I wish to make. In all that we do, Government cannot forget the private sector. There is need for an equal partnership, and we made the right start late in 2011. This must be consolidated in the year ahead. Government is therefore, among other things, appointing a Business Development Facilita- tor in the Office of the Prime Minister to help oversee the new relationship. I close by referring once again to the rebirth of optimism that is the special province of New Year celebrations. All across the globe, this is an occasion for the rekindling of inspiration. It is the annual re-start of the quest for human progress, of the alchemist mission to turn even brass into gold. In the case of Belize, our resolution is to re-dedicate and re-consecrate the crusade by which we build a shining, fair and just country. One that will be the envy of, and model for, the region and the world. Happy New Year everyone, and God bless Belize.

PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com Page 6 - Northern STAR -Tel: 629-1308 or 636-1409 - Email: [email protected] - Tuesday January 03, 2012 FROM THE PUBLISHER If it is too good to be true! It is NOT! (Sorry I just could not stop myself from com- menting which appears in bracket and is not a part of what was originally sent) [Meet Mr. Kabiru Zongo] [And Now Presenting Dr. Kabo Uago] Dear Friend, Dear Friend, I am the head of Accounts and Audit Department of Bank Although you might be apprehensive about my email of Africa, Ouagadougou . I decided to contact you after a as we have never met before. I am Mr. Kabiru Zongo,a careful thought that you may be capable of handling this Banker, and Head of Operations with (AFRICAN DE- business transaction which I explained below; VELOPMENT BANK BURKINA FASO)in West Af- In my department, I discovered an abandoned sum of rica, there is the sum of $9.500,000.00 currently in my $13.5m US dollars (Thirteen million, five hundred thou- branch, there were no beneficiary stated concerning sand US dollars). In an account that belongs to one of our these funds which means no one would ever come to foreign customer who died along with his entire family in claim it.That is why I ask that we work together, I will 2005 in a plane crash. (Not to be confused with the 2003 be pleased to work with you as trusted person and see plane crash or the light-weight Dr. Collins Khan meager that the fund is transferred out of my Bank into another 12.5M LOL) Bank Account, Once the funds have been transferred to your nominated Bank account we shall then share it in Since i got information about his death, The bank have the ratio of 60% for me, 40% for you. If you agree to been expecting his next of kin to come over and claim his my business proposal.Further details of the transfer will money because The fund cannot be released unless some- be forwarded to you as soon as I receive your return body applies for it as next of kin or relation to the deceased mail, sending the below information as indicated in our banking guidelines but unfortunately I 1. Full name learnt that his supposed next of kin (his son and wife) died 2. Your private telephone and Fax numbers. alongside with him (Isn’t this just heart denching) at the 3. Occupations and Nationality. plane crash leaving nobody behind for the claim .It is there- 4. Date of Birth fore upon this discovery that I now decided to make this 5. Present Location. business proposal to you and release the money to you as Hoping to hear from you as soon as possible. the next of kin (I want to present you as his business asso- Regards. ciate )to the deceased for safety and subsequent disburse- Mr.Kabiru Zongo. ment since nobody is coming for it and I don't want this PLEASE REPLY ME HERE; [email protected] money to go into the Bank treasury as unclaimed Bill. (Hell PLEASE REPLY IMMEDIATELY. no Doc! I guess you have no friends in Africa so I will forward the email address for my equally kind friends Dr. Collins Khan and Mr. Kabiru Zongo) [Not to be out done meet Dr. Collins Khan] The Banking law and guideline here stipulates that if such Good days to you money remained Unclaimed after seven years, (Guess what Doc. 5 + 7 = 12, meaning 2012 Got to hurry Please kindly accept my apology for sending you this Doc! LOL) the money will be transferred into the Bank email without your consent. i am Dr.Collins Khan, The treasury as unclaimed fund.. The request of foreigner as director in charge of auditing and accounting section of next of kin in this business is occasioned by the fact that Bank Of Africa Ouagadougou Burkina-faso in West the customer was a foreigner and a Burkina be cannot stand Africa .I am writing to request your assistance to trans- as next of kin to a foreigner. fer the sum of $12.5M ( Twelve million Five Hundred hundred Thousand United State Dollars ) into your I agree that 35% of this money will be for you as foreign norminated bank account.The above sum belongs to our partner, (Guess what Doc. Let.s start the sharing right! deceased customer who died along with his entire fam- Since you can’t get this money without me because you ily in a plane crash, for more information about the Air have no other friend in the world. Why don’t we do 55% Crash you can visit the CNN web news http:// for me and 35% for you? Ahaaaa Doc?) in respect to the www.voanews.com/english/archive/2003-12/a-2003- provision of a foreign account, 10 % will be set aside for 12-25-11-At.cfm?moddate=2003-12-25 expenses incurred during the business and 55% would be and since then the fund has been dormant here in my for me . There after I will visit your country (HEY Doc. bank, more details with the official bank application Seriously people like you are persona non -grata in Belize) form will be forward to you immediately you show your for disbursement according to the percentages indicated. willingness and capability of handling this transaction, Therefore to enable the immediate transfer of this fund to feel free to contact me for more clarifications if you are your account as arranged, you must apply first to the bank really interested in my proposal, as next of kin of the deceased customer.

Have a nice day. Upon receipt of your reply, I will send to you by fax or Dr. Collins Khan email the text of the application. I will not fail to bring to ( Continue on page 9)

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this season can bring. God These things can cause Let him shine in our lives is in the wonderful messi- pain, suffering, discomfort in this beautiful Jewel of ness of our lives right here or even death and that is ours. And as we ring the in Belize. He is reality. He why we try to give them up. New Year 2012 and ring out is not in the illusion of the Others may decide to draw the old 2011, let us be reso- Christmas Cards, gifts and closer to God, read their lute in our undertakings food. He is in our lives, in bible more, fast more, treat and know that all things are our families, friends, neigh- people better, be more sym- possible with God. Some bors, strangers, aliens, and pathetic, be kinder, com- will ring in the year with Rev. Dr. Rudolph Anthony enemies. His gift to us is passionate, polite,loving, bells, honking of horns, Priest of the the journey to eternal life patient, understanding, for- blowing of whistles, bang- Anglican Diocese and not the destination. giving, and caring. Some ing, screaming, kissing, of may want to give up gos- hugging, and with fire- Belize The journey has a lot of siping about others. crackers. troubles and struggles, joy Whatever you use, remem- New Year’s Day is the ber Jesus in everything. Feast of the Holy Name of Use his name as a refuge Jesus. This was when he and a cause for hope and was taken to be circum- not use his name in curses. cised. His name was given Proverbs says, “The name as Jesus. This name means of the Lord is a strong “Emmanuel”, “God with tower, the righteous run to us”. The canons of the it and are safe”. church tell us that we should bow our heads at the He was called Jesus be- name of “Jesus” and every cause his name must be rev- knee shall bend at the call- erently used. We must hal- ing of this name. The name low his precious name. We of Jesus is the sign of our must praise his name for it Salvation. Jesus is God is good even in times of with us. He is the savior deepest trials and tribula- and we belong to him. tions; even in death, we must still praise his name. My friends, there is some- (PS54) thing in a name. There is power in a name, and that On behalf of the entire is why we should name our country of Belize and the children carefully. At our Anglican Diocese, I pray Baptism, we were named for a prosperous New Year and signed. We were and a Jesus filled one. The daimed, adopted, forgiven and hilarity. But the jour- As we settle down and try year 2012 is our year of and made member of the ney is very, very good be- to finish the left overs, let prosperity and the year of Priestly body at Baptism. cause its from God. He is us consult with Jesus, that our Lord. Therefore, God should be man and he is God. He puts precious name before we seen in us, since we are on skin and flesh and came make our resolutions and These is something in a called to be Christlike. down to earth to live with see if he is in agreement. name. us. Jesus was dynamite and Let the name of Jesus mean God chose to express him- still is. He was and still is something to you and me. Amen self in the incarnation of the word of God the Logos. Jesus, in the Birth of Jesus See the showing us that all that he It is customary for us to made is sacred. God is in give resolutions this sea- the reality and not in the il- son. Some people will give lusion. He is in our joys up eating too much. Oth- and in our pains. He is in ers will give up smoking, the frantic activity of this substance abuse, drinking, In Living Colors at Season as well as in the dancing, sleeping too desperate loneliness that much, or give up being lazy. www.belizenews.com/NorthernStar

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Estereo Amor New Year’s Eve Event

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FROM THE PUBLISHER Hon. Bernard Q.A. Pitts If it is too good to be true! It is NOT! and Mayor Simeon Lopez will recieve Continued from page 6 Queens Honours being awarded to Dr. Anne your notice that this transaction is hitch free and that you Gillet-Elrington, should not entertain any atom of fear as all required ar- a Belizean American, for rangements have been made for the transfer.. services to the Belizean Diaspora and Medicine. I expect that you contact me immediately as soon as you receive this letter, and send me your personal data in- Louise Bridget Lewis is cluding your international passport before i send you getting her MBE for ser- (HAhaaaaaaaa! Aha!)the full details for continuation of vices to Education and this transaction. It’s a vestige of the colonial Community Development. Hoping to hear from you immediately. era, but The Queen’s New Belmopan Mayor Simeon Year’s Honours announced Lopez is getting his award Yours faithfully, every year at New Year’s for services to Education Dr.Kabo Uago still make modern news. and Public Service. Accounts & Audit Department, Getting this year’s top Bank of Africa . honour, a CBE is Attorney Same for Enelda Regina General, BQ Pitts. He will Rosado, for services to We have decided to print for your consumption just a be an Ordinary Commander Education and Community few of the many of these types of e-mails which are of the British Empire. He Development. And, world often sent to us that are automatically discarded in our is being recognized for ser- class prize-fighter of the trash-box. Don’t ever make the mistake of entertaining vices to the Law and Pub- 50’s, Ludwig Lightburn is any of these types of individuals seeking to steal from lic Service. getting his OBE for ser- your personal bank account and/or in most cases your vices to Sports and the very identity. If it is too good to be true! It is not! MBE’s, Ordinary Members Community. of the British Empire are Courtesy Channel 7 News

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What is High Blood Pressure? (continued) How can I tell I have it? You usually can’t tell! Many people have it and don’t know it. The only way to know if your blood pressure is high is to get it checked regularly by your doctor.

Dr. Errol Elrington What can untreated high blood pressure lead to? • Stroke • Kidney failure • Heart attack, angina or both • Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) • Heart failure What can I do about it? • Lose weight if you’r overweight. • Be more physically active. Exercise at least 30 minutes on • Eat healthy meals low in saturated fat, trans fat, choles- most or all days of the week. terol and salt. • Take medicine the way your doctor tells you. • Limit alcohol to no more than one drink per day for women • Know what your blood pressure should be and work to keep or two drinks a day for men. it at that level. How can medicine help? Some medicines, such as vasodilators, help relax and open up your blood vessels so blood can flow through better. A diuretic (di- uh-RET-ik) can help keep your body from holding too much water and salt. Other medicines help your heart beat more slowly and with less force. How can I learn more? 1 Talk to your doctor, nurse or other health-care profession- 3 For information on stroke, call 1-888-4-STROKE (1888-478- als. If you have heart disease or have had a stroke, mem- 7653) or visit StrokeAssociation.org. bers of your family also may be at higher risk. It’s very im- We have many other fact sheets and educational booklets to portant for them to make changes now to lower their risk. help you make healthier choices to reduce your risk, manage 2 Call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (1-800-242-8721) or visit disease or care for a loved one. americanheart.org to learn more about heart disease. Knowledge is power, so Learn and Live! Do you have questions or comments for your doctor? Take a few minutes to write your own questions for the next time you see you healthcare provider. For example: Will I always have to take medicine? What should my blood pressure be?

Your contribution of the American Heart Association supports research that helps make publications like this possible.

The statistics in this sheet were up to date at publication. For the latest statistics, see the Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Update at americanheart.org/statistics, c 2007, American Heart Association 10/07LS1466

Leading Causes of Death in Black Men

The leading causes of death in black men are: heart disease, cancer, homicide, unintentional injury, stroke, diabetes, lung disease, AIDS and liver disease. Heart disease and cancer deaths account for more than half of all deaths of black men. AIDS Lung Disease Liver Disease Diabetes Heart Disease Stroke

Unintentional Injury

Source: 2003 Michigan Resident Death File, Vital Records & Homicide Health Data Development Section, Michigan Department of Community Health Cancer Within each of us lies the power of our consent to health and sickness, to riches and poverty, to freedom and to slavery. It is we who control these, and not another. - Richard Bach

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PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com Northern STAR -Tel: 629-1308 or 636-1409 - Email: [email protected] - Tuesday January 03, 2012 Page 13 FOOD AND NUTRITION First Aid and Safety Vomiting Vomiting can be caused by Offer your baby small but less your doctor directly avoided) in small amounts many things. Most of the frequent amounts - about 2- specifies an amount. ranging from 2 teaspoons to time, vomiting in children 3 teaspoons, or up to 1/2 Give your baby small but 2 tablespoons depending on is caused by gastroenteri- ounce - of an oral electro- frequent amounts of an oral how much your child can tis, usually due to a virus lyte solution every 15-20 electrolyte solution every tolerate, every 15 minutes. infecting the gastrointesti- minutes witha spoon or an 15-20 minutes. It’s impor- If your child vomits, start nal tract. Gastroenteritis, oral syringe. Oral electro- tant that any fluids given over with a smaller amount often called the “stomach lyte solutions are balanced have the correct salt bal- of fluid and continue as flu”, also can cause nausea with salts to replace what’s ance. above. and diarrhea. lost from vomiting or diar- An infant over 6 months If there’s no vomiting for rhea, and they also contain old may not appreciate the approximately 8 hours, in- These infections usually some sugar. Its’s especially taste of an unflavored oral troduce bland, mild foods don’t last long and are more important for infants that electrolyte solution. Fla- gradually. But do not force disruptive than dangerous. any fluids given have the vored solutions are avail- any foods - your child will However, kids (especially correct salt balance. able or you can add 1/2 tea- tell you when he or she is infants) who cannot take in Gradually increase the spoon of juice to each feed- hungry. Saltine crackers, enough fluids and also amount of solution you’re ing of unflavored oral elec- toast, broths or mild soups, have diarrhea could be- giving if your infant is able trolyte solutions. Frozen mashed potatoes, rice and come dehydrated. to keep it down for more oral electrolyte solution breads are all OK. than a couple of hours pops are often appealing to If there’s no vomiting for It’s important to stay calm without vomiting. infants this age and this 24 hours, slowly resume the - vomiting is frightening to Do not give more solution approach also encourages regular diet. Wait 2-3 days young children (and par- at a time than your baby the required slow intake of before resuming milk prod- ents, too) and exhausting would normally eat - this fluids. ucts. for kids of all ages. Reas- will overfill an already ir- Gradually increase the suring your child and pre- ritated tummy and likely amount of solution you’re When to Call the Doctor venting dehydration are cause more vomiting. giving if your baby keeps key for a quick recovery. After your infant goes for it down for more than a The greatest risk of vomit- more than about 8 hours couple of hours without ing due to gastroenteritis is Over-the-counter medica- without vomiting, reintro- vomiting. dehydration. Call your tions to treat nausea, vom- duce formula slowly if your Do not give more solution doctor if your child refuses iting, and diarrhea are not infant is formula-fed. Start at a time than your infant fluids or if the vomiting recommended for infants with small, more frequent would normally eat - this continues after using the and children. Doctors feeds and slowly work up will overfill an already ir- suggested rehydration might recommend medica- to the normal feeding rou- ritated tummy and likely methods. tion for nausea or vomiting tine. If your infant already cause more vomiting. in certain situations, but eats baby cereal, it’s OK to After your baby goes more Vomiting due to gastroen- these are available only by start solid feedings in small than about 8 hours without teritis can spread to others, prescription. amounts again. vomiting, you can reintro- so your child should stay If your infant is exclusively duce formula slowly, more home from school or Oral rehydration is some- breastfeeding and vomits frequent feedings and childcare until there’s been thing parents can do at more than once, then slowly work up to the nor- no vomiting for at least 24 home to help prevent dehy- breastfeed for a total of 5- mal feeding routine. You hours. And remember that dration or treat mild cases. 10 minutes every 2 hours. also can begin giving small hand washing done often Talk to your doctor, espe- If your infant is still vomit- amounts of soft, bland and well is the best way to cially if you think your ing, call your doctor. After foods that your infant is al- protect your family against child is dehydrated, as you 8 hours without vomiting, ready familiar with such as many infections. might be given alternate you can resume bananas, cereals, crackers, instructions on how to breastfeeding normally. or other mild baby foods. Ready to lose those orally rehydrate your child. If your infant is under 2 If your infant doesn’t vomit months old and vomiting for 24 hours, you can re- extra pounds that Oral Rehydration Tips all feedings, call your doc- sume your normal feeding you gain during the For Infants Younger tor immediately. routine. Christmas Holidays. Than 6 Months Read our next issue For Infants 6 months to 1 For Kids 1 Year and of the Northern Star Avoid giving plain water to Year Older Newspaper for amaz- an infant unless your doc- ing low on calories tor directly specifies an Avoid giving plain water to Give clear liquids (milk and amount. an infant under 1 year un- milk products should be recipes.

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( Continued from front page) Minister, Hon. Dean Barrow Spanish.) This is another and this United Democratic immediate benefit along Party’s Government has with the immediate expan- delivered the impossible, sion of rural electrification Stability; amidst the from a committed leader inherited huge debt- and government for all of us burden(Super-Bond), the that did not hesitate to make open squandering of the the tough decision to walk- public purse which broke in and take over the Belize the Development Finance Electricity Ltd.(B.E.L) after Cooperation (DFC) and threat of Power Cuts from severely crippled the Social yet another cooperate giant Security Funds (S.S.B (Black-outs which would Scandal); the so called have resulted in the shutting privatizing or rather pirate- Occupy Wall Street protesters clashing with police down of commerce in the izing of our country’s assets January 1st. 2012 country) if the Government (sale of B.T.L, B.E.L, of Belize did not allowed WASA, Port, Airport etc.) B.E.L to raise the rate and other various acts which charges for electricity to the we consider acts of treasons consumers, the People of committed by the former Belize. Peoples United Party’s Government. Amid all this Belizeans Today in Belize all have witness the speedy economic indicators point response and assistance squarely towards economic given to those in distress via recovery and growth for the the Minister of Transport, Country and People of Communications and Belize. NEMO (National Emergency Management This remarkable home- Organization) the Hon. grown solution became Melvin Hulse whenever possible out of very The poor & the middle class marching disaster came literally desperate measures which knocking at their door. our Prime Minister had to triumph in the spirit of those -munication Industry in take in order to safeguard, hundreds of thousands of Belize, resulting in almost Yes, all payments were met secure and exalt the very protesters around the world bi-monthly double and in 2011 to service the huge interest and future of the who are a part of the triple-up offers to the Super-Bond debt while this People of Belize. OCCUPY WALL STREET clients of both Digicel and government successfully (OWS) Movement. Smart while radically retrieved the Venezuelan The difference between driving down the cost of monies that were diverted The re-nationalization or what has happened in our cellular phones, phone by the past Administration rather repatriation of our Belize as opposed to the services, internet access etc. to the Belize Bank and utilities and the negative reactions and transparently disburse it enshrinement in the public opposition which In addition Belizeans who equitably via the Minister of Constitution of Belize that governments around the bought shares in B.T.L were Housing and Urban its control must remain in the world have and are able to receive dividends Development Hon. Michael hands of the People of experiencing is clearly which were not Finnegan, to all the Elected Belize is indeed the actions because in Belize every forthcoming prior to Representatives of the of a government and leader man, woman and child even government taking control People including those envied by the protesters of the P.U.P supporters know of B.T.L. members of the People’s that the mess this country the world. “A The Hon. Prime Minister of United Party Opposition was in is because of a bad GOVERNMENT THAT Belize has also announced who were the first to P.U.P Government which WORKS FOR ALL OF US” in his New Year Message received their portion. preceded this Government. The benefits of this that the cost of electricity Thousands of quality administration’s actions was The Hon. Dean Barrow and shall go down early this houses were built and immediately felt by the this U.D.P Government with year. (Prime Minister’s repaired under the Ministry people of Belize with the the support of the People of New Year Message appears of Housing and Urban Belize has fought the advent of finally true on pgs. 10/11 of this issue cooperate giants and competition in the Telecom- in both English and ( Continue on page 23 )

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Happy New Year 2012 From The Department of Transport THERE’S A THIN LINE BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH. TRAFFIC SAFETY TIPS FOR DRIVERS 1.Check your motor vehicle to ensure that everything is in good working condition. Example – brakes, all lights, horn, wipers, tires, spare-tire, tire tools, oil, water, brake fluid & dash board gauges. 2.Ensure that your driver’s license is valid and that your vehicle is licensed and insured. 3.Wear your seat belts at all times when on the highways. (It is an offence for drivers and front seat passengers not to wear seat belts on the highways). 4.Don’t carry passengers in the back of open pickup trucks. (Vehicle only insured to carry amount of passengers as stipulated on certificate of registration/ title). 5.Don’t drive if you are consuming Alcoholic beverages or taking medication (drugs). Have designated driver (alcohol and drugs affect your vision and judgement). 6.Avoid making calls on cell phone when driving, it is best to pull off to the right to make calls or to answer your cell phone, don’t text whiles driving. 7.Wear your helmet at all times when operating or being carried as a passenger on a motor cycle. 8.Only overtake if you have a clear view of the road ahead, never overtake around blind curves or when driving over a hill. 9.Drive within the speed limit at all times. 10.Obey all traffic laws and signs.

THINK! DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE

PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com Page 16 - Northern STAR -Tel: 629-1308 or 636-1409 - Email: [email protected] - Tuesday January 03, 2012 Mensaje de Año Nuevo del Primer Ministro Ningún saldo en ninguno de los incrementos anuales por medio el cual medimos el pasar del tiempo, está realmente completo sin sufrimientos y tribulaciones. Es por ello que como seres humanos, sociedades, y naciones, siempre damos la bienvenida al año nuevo con expectativas y alegría. Es una oportunidad para recuperarse de la adversidad de los doce meses anteriores, para obrar mejor y ser mejor. El eterno ritual de despedir el viejo y dar la bienvenida al nuevo, es por lo tanto emblemático de la eterna capacidad de esperanza y renovación. Y esto, a cambio, es parte del legado de Dios a la raza humana; a todas las criaturas racionales que creen en El.

Aunque el año pasado, como todos, no estuvo sin dificultades, estas fueron pequeñas. De hecho, en vista de la situación global; dado los continuos problemas fiscales, de deudas y desempleo de los Estados Unidos; dada la crisis absoluta en la que Europa se ve sumida; nuestro país hizo bien económicamente. Y un vistazo a los Primer Ministro de Belice números sirve para confirmar que, en todas las circunstancias, hay Hon. Dean Barrow un logro del cual agradecidos estamos. El Instituto de Estadísticas de Belice, informa que los primeros nueve meses del año, nuestra economía creció un dos punto siete por ciento (2.7%), comparado con el uno punto ocho por ciento (1.8%) para el mismo período en el dos mil diez. El crecimiento en el último trimestre del año es tradicionalmente el más robusto, así que estamos bien encaminados a, tal y como lo predije en el Día de la Independencia, exceder el tres por ciento (3%) del producto interno nacional en el dos mil once. Esto es un gran logro, y estará casi un punto porcentual por encima del crecimiento de dos punto cuatro por ciento (2.4%) del año pasado.

Cuando examinamos los sectores particulares que son los más responsables por este panorama de avance económico, el futuro es aún más prometedor. Hasta septiembre fue el Sector VCeormneronc iCalu dtek melaviyno re&o yM maeirnuda Meoo qnuteejo llevaba la delantera, registrando un aumento del siete punto siete por ciento (7.7%). Tan solo la Zona Libre de Corozal fue responsable por una recuperación comercial de veinte y tres por ciento (23%), en ventas anuales. A lo largo de los tres trimestres, Hoteles y Restaurantes crecieron un dos punto uno por ciento (2.1%), como resultado del aumento de las llegadas turísticas en un tres punto tres por ciento (3.3%); Transporte y Comunicaciones creció un dos punto cinco por ciento (2.5%). La construcción también tuvo un siete punto cuatro por ciento de mejoría (7.4%). Pero fue la industria de la Pesca que realmente estuvo a la cabeza con un aumento del catorce punto cinco por ciento(14.5%). Y, mientras la producción de azúcar cayó en general, las proporciones, la calidad y los precios mejoraron, proveyendo una posición ideal para una exitosa y abundante zafra. Finalmente, la inflación permaneció baja, solo con dos puntos porcentuales.

Es en base a todo lo antedicho que puedo acertar que fuimos bendecidos en el dos mil once. Fácilmente sobrepasamos al dos mil diez y, si se compara con el dos mil nueve, el logro es aun más notable, ya que, recordemos, en ese año hubo una contracción y fue cuando las olas de la recesión mundial amenazaban con inundarnos por completo.

El éxito económico del dos mil once se debe a que los aumentos en entradas por exportación, incluyendo en particular las provenientes del petróleo, hicieron posible que el Gobierno diera un gigantesco paso hacia la consolidación de su agenda social. Fueron implementados proyectos de infra-estructura para crear empleos; fueron expandidas las oportunidades educativas y económicas para aquellos necesitados de una segunda oportunidad; y con el viento en popa, a pasos agigantados avanzamos con los préstamos y concesiones para las mejoras de viviendas, las cestas básicas para las personas de bajos ingresos, y los programas de transferencia monetaria también para los más necesitados.

La flor de nuestra democracia también retoño. Mantuvimos nuestro compromiso de ser un gobierno accesible, transparente y responsable; y continuamos nuestra marcha hacia el verdadero nacionalismo mediante la estipulación constitucional de ser dueños de los servicios esenciales.

Quizá lo más notable de todo, es que desde septiembre, cuando forjamos un cese de hostilidades entre las pandillas de la ciudad de Belice, hemos tenido éxito en reducir la incidencia de asesinatos en este país. La significativa reducción en la tasa de homicidios para los últimos cuatro meses del dos mil once, comparados con el dos mil diez, representa un gran logro. Y llega en el punto justo y preciso, cuando muchos comenzaban a sentir que no habría rescate de tal abismo.

PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com Northern STAR -Tel: 629-1308 or 636-1409 - Email: [email protected] - Tuesday January 03, 2012 Page 17 Mensaje de Año Nuevo del Primer Ministro Pero el verdadero propósito de este Mensaje, es mirar hacia adelante; asegurar a todos que la promesa inherente y la oportunidad del Año Nuevo es una verdadera realidad. Los esfuerzos se redoblarán, los compromisos se expandirán, y los logros serán más intensos.

En el dos mil doce, por ejemplo, el empuje en las infra-estructuras- y los empleos que conlleva- alcanzará nuevas metas. En el sur, la carretera a Jalacté, en el norte, la carretera de Blue Creek, en el oeste, el Cruce del Rio Macal, en la ciudad de Belice, los proyectos de drenaje y de calles; todos estarán en plena acción. El nuevo estadio de Marion Jones ya saldrá de la fase de fundación, y el Nuevo Centro Cívico saldrá de las ruinas. Se ha firmado el contrato para el diseño y la construcción del ‘Proyecto de Manejo de Desperdicios Sólidos’; y se invertirán 14 (catorce) millones de dólares entre enero y julio en Caye Caulker, San Pedro, San Ignacio y Ciudad Belice. El Banco Mundial nos asegura que, el ya demorado proyecto de rehabilitación y embellecimiento para los municipios Primer Ministro de Belice en los distritos, comenzará en abril. Hon. Dean Barrow

Una contribución monetaria para las madres trabajadoras, a nivel nacional, se unirá a los programas de aprendices, la cesta básica, y BOOST. Y los centros de ayuda para los vecindarios necesitados de la ciudad de Belice asistirán con el desarrollo comunitario, recuperación social, y la prevención de violencia.

Millones de dólares continuarán financiando las mejoras y reparaciones de viviendas en todo el país; y cada topógrafo registrado en este país ha sido contratado para trabajar en la sub -división de cuatro mil setecientos nueve acres identificados por el Ministerio de Terrenos para ser asignados como lotes de viviendas para aquellos que no tienen ni han sido dueños.

Nuestra asistencia hacia los pobres y los de clase media continúa. Ellos, de hecho todos los Beliceños, serán asistidos por la reducción en los precios de electricidad que prometí en Septiembre y que ahora se hace realidad. BEL, al fin del pueblo y gobierno, ya ha aceptado, a través de sus gestas a la Comisión de Utilidades Públicas, que los precios de la electricidad tienen que reducirse. Y la Comisión pueda que también reduzca aún más lo que habría propuesto BEL. La decisión final será el 31 de enero, y las nuevas tarifas reducidas deben, bajo la ley actual, tomar efecto unos cuantos meses después. Pero somos un gobierno que estamos apurados en hacer cosas buenas. Y el alivio al consumidor, la reducción en el costo de la vida, el alivio a los comercios, y la industria y la agricultura, no pueden esperar. Por lo tanto, el Gobierno enmendará la ley para implementar desde el mismo día siguiente, el primero de Febrero, dos mil doce, esta histórica reducción en lo que los Beliceños pagan por electricidad.

Pero todavía hay más que estamos ofreciendo para alegrar esta temporada. Al contrario del dos mil doce, nuestra visión de adelanto, oportunidad e igualdad no es algo nuevo. Pero los frescos comienzos que siempre toman lugar el primero de enero, proveen una apropiada oportunidad para que enfaticemos nuestro credo: que la llama de justicia social de este gobierno nunca se apagará; que arderá aún más en los próximos doce meses. Y nuestra preocupación por los marginados, por aquellos con sueldos fijos, bajos ingresos o sin ingresos, ha causado que tengamos otra nueva idea para el alivio y asistencia de año nuevo. Por lo tanto, hoy anuncio que el Gobierno comprará todas las hipotecas de cincuenta mil dólares y menos, del Seguro Social de Belice. Estas llegan a un total de setecientas ochenta y cuentan con un total de valor agregado de diez y siete millones de dólares. Poco después el Gobierno anulará estas hipotecas, cancelando todas las obligaciones de préstamo de las cabezas de familia y dejando ese dinero a su disposición para invertirlo en la economía y generar más actividad.

La intención de ayudar no solo a individuos sino a los comercios en esta forma, me trae al último punto que deseo hacer. En todo lo que hacemos, el Gobierno no se puede olvidar del sector privado. Se necesita una participación equitativa, e hicimos un buen comienzo al final del dos mil once. Esto debe consolidarse en este año venidero. Por lo tanto, el gobierno entre otras cosas, está nombrando un Facilitador de Desarrollo Comercial en la Oficina del Primer Ministro para supervisar dicha nueva relación.

Finalizo haciendo referencia una vez más al renacimiento del optimismo que es la provincia especial de las celebraciones de año nuevo. A través del mundo, esta es una ocasión para re-encender la inspiración. Es el re-inicio anual de la búsqueda del progreso humano, de la misión alquimista de convertir hasta el cobre en oro. En el caso de Belice, nuestra resolución es re-dedicar y re- consagrar la cruzada por el cual construimos una nación brillante, justa y equitativa. Una que será la envidia de y el modelo para región y el mundo.

Feliz año Nuevo a todos, y que Dios bendiga a Belice.

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Your Weekly Horoscope

Capicorn Aries Cancer Libra December 22 - January 19 March 21 - April 19 June 21 - July 22 September 23 - October 22 Music really resonates with Karma swings by for a visit Your social intuition is Your assistance is key this you this week, so make sure - have you been good lately strong now, so make sure week - someone needs you! that you’re listening to the (or in a past life, at least)? that you’re at least trying to It might not be a life-or- tunes that move you in the Whatever happens this read people right. You may death matter, but the odds right direction. It’s one of week is a payment of some find that your energy is best are good that you can help those days when it’s vital to kind, but try not to read too spent on new endeavors them find a deeply satisfy- deal with the right atmo- much into it until you’ve and meeting new people. ing way to live their lives. sphere. had time to process.

Aquarius Taurus Leo Scorpio January 20 - February 18 April 20 - May 20 July 23 - August 22 October 23 - November 21 What you share is much Your ability to understand Try to indulge your creative Your thoughtful side is out more important than what people on a deep level is side this week, as it needs a in force this week, and you you keep on a week like tested this week - and, most boost. Your spiritual en- may find that you are full this week, so make sure that likely, you pass with flying ergy is just right to get of great ideas about what to all the right people are in colors! Someone you don’t there, even if you can’t do next. It’s a good time to the loop. You may find that know well is scrambling quite get anything practical sit down and write things you push the group as a for help, but only you can done until next week of the out, but not to draw up a whole a lot farther than you see it. following week. firm plan. thought possible!

Pisces Gemini Virgo Sagittarius February 19 - March 20 May 21 - June 20 August 23 - September 22 November 22 - December 21 Take care of those around Your creative side needs You usually have a good Other people are making you this week - the odds are extra attention this week - grasp of details, but for good points this week as that they are failing while so give it whatever it needs. now, you may find that they discuss what went be- you are doing quite well. If you want time to draw or your energy is better spent fore - so listen up! You may They are sure to remember brainstorm, take it, and if on big-picture stuff. Bet- need to try something a your kindness should the you need a walk outside, ter still, seek more clarity little different if you want situation be reversed one you’ve got to go for it. on the finish line, as it is to get ahead, and that could day. extremely confusing now. mean anything. Jokes of the Week A woman goes to her doctor complaining that she is ex- Walking up to a department store’s fabric counter, the hausted all the time. After the diagnostic tests showed pretty girl said, “I would like to buy this material for a nothing, the doctor gets around to asking her how often new dress. How much does it cost?” “Only one kiss per she has intercourse. yard,” replied the male clerk with a smirk. “That’s fine,” “Every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday,” she says. said the girl. “I’ll take ten yards.” With expectation and The doctor advises her to cut out Wednesday. anticipation written all over his face, the clerk quickly “I can’t,” says the woman. “That’s the only night I’m home measured out the cloth, wrapped it up, then teasingly held with my husband.” it out.

The girl snapped up the package, pointed to the old gee- After she woke up, a woman told her husband, “I just zer standing beside her, and smiled, “Grandpa will pay dreamed that you gave me a pearl necklace for Valentine’s the bill.” Day. What do you think it means?” Wife: “I won the lottery! Five million dollars. Whoo- “You’ll know tonight,” he said. ee-- start packing!” That evening, the man came home with a small package Husband: “That’s great!!! What should I pack?” and gave it to his wife. Delighted, she opened it - to find Wife: “Whatever you want, just be out of the house by a book entitled: “The Meaning of Dreams.” the time I get there”

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CFZ has been a work in Free Zone Chamber of progress that the entire Commerce, the continuing country of Belize is reaping assistance from the the benefit of. Republic of China, Taiwan and many other interested This New Year the Corozal parties; the Corozal Free Free Zone’s Management Zone will attract plans to further uplift the unprecedented genuine overall look of the Zone by foreign investment creating conducting major thousands of new jobs in infrastructural upgrading of 2011. the facility. David Akierman The Northern Star Along with the unending Newspaper will keep you Executive Chairman of support of the Government Corozal Free Zone regularly updated and of Belize and the Corozal informed throughout 2012.

Belize Water Service Limited There has been an Public Relations Office 7 Central American Blvd. P.O. Box 150 unprecedented increased in Belize City, Belize Tel: (501) 222-4757, Ext. 281 visitors in the Corozal Free www.bws.com.bz Zone (CFZ) over the Contact: [email protected] Christmas and New Year’s Season for example for the Public Notice period 14th. November - January 5, 2012 24th. December 2011 (4wks. and 3 days) some BWS submits Annual Review Proceedings (APR) application five hundred and seventy- five buses (575) accounting On December 23, 2011, Belize Water Services Limited (BWS) submitted its formal notification for for approximately twenty- an Annual Review Proceeding to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) for the determination or eight thousands people confirmation of the regulated values, rates, tariffs, fees and charges for the period April 1, 2012 through to March 31, 2013. came to the CFZ along with some fifty-three thousand This submission is being made in accordance with Section 27, Part IV of Statutory Instrument 67 of vehicles (53,000) 2002. The submission officially commences the company’s Annual Tariff Review Proceeding. accounting for approximately some three BWS has informed the PUC that the company is not seeking any change in tariffs. BWS’s hundred and fifty-thousand submission is available for viewing at the branch offices of BWS and on its people (350,000) the website at www.bws.bz, and at the PUC office at 41 Gabourel Lane, Belize City, majority of which came and the PUC website at www.puc.bz. from Chetumal, Cancun, Mexico City and beyond. Members of the public may participate in the ARP by submitting written com- This boom in business is a ments on BWS’ submission to the PUC by January 13, 2012, by email at result of the hard work and [email protected] or in writing at the PUC office. dedication of the Corozal Free Zone Management Where any person submits comments or information purported to be factual, such comments or and Staff. information shall be accompanied by a sworn affidavit.

A close look at the figures Three copies of all applications, reports, documents, comments or information provided by mem- will reflect an increased in bers of the public shall be filed at the PUC’s office and a copy shall be provided to BWS at its sales of 33% in the year and principal office of business on the same day. an a growth of 44% in The PUC is required to issue an Initial Decision on the submission by January 23, 2012. importation for 2011. Business in the CFZ has The licensee or an interested party representing users of at least 10% of the water supplied in the been doing well and the preceding year may submit written comments on the Initial Decision within 15 days. projection for 2012 is even Where there is no objection to the Initial Decision the PUC shall adopt it as its Final Decision. more promising. The transformation of the BWS - Delivering Water and More...

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can do some forward plan- and which will truly be a of a Program Development ning in acquiring and dis- facility of which we can be Officer for Basketball, tributing these resources. proud. The second is the Coach Tarr, at the National Similarly, we remind and commencement of the Sports Council. encourage all Associations/ much anticipated refurbish- Federations that, along ment of the Belize City We hope to enlist persons to with this activity, in the Center. The Ministry wil develop programs in the month of January, they also continue its efforts to other disciplines as well, need to submit their appli- upgrade other sporting fa- with a view to the long term cations for registration to cilities countrywide with a development of our athletes. the National Sports Coun- view to giving greater op- cil as mandated by the portunity to athletes coun- All these things excite us at SPORTS ACT. Associa- trywide. the Ministry as we forge ahead with our National Ismael ‘Miley’ Garcia tions/Federations that are National Sports Coordinator not registered with the Na- Already, we are seeing re- Goal of converting Belize’s Ministry of Sports tional Sports Council do sults from the employment raw talent into GOLD!!! not qualify for financial assistance or use of the fa- Reflection cilities under the auspices of the Council.

As the 2011 ended we at We would like to remind the Ministry of Sports re- sporting associations, how- flect on the year in sports ever, that the most impor- and rededicate ourselves to tant reason for registering continue to provide the with the National Sports Krem News Year’s Cycling Classic highest level of support to Council is not so much be- Krem annual New Year’s Cycling Classic recorded all disciplines within our cause of financial support two new champions in 2012. Giovanni Choto of limited resources. that may be provided to Team Western Spirit and Kaya Cattouse of C-Ray them. It is more important Cycling Team both were first to cross the line in the It has been an exciting year that as a nation we begin to elite and female races respectively. for us as we saw delega- create a national listing of tions of basketball, softball, our athletes and teams/ Sixty-eight cyclist started the elite race from the track and field, football, clubs with a view to devel- Northern Border in Santa Elena, Corozal heading cycling, cricket, and other oping our outstanding ath- for Belize City and by the time the smoke cleared, disciplines, represent our letes. blazing solo across Haulover Bridge at the entrance county Belize on the inter- of Belize City was Giovanni Choto who easily took national scene. We have The Ministry is committed first place, Byron Pope of Benny’s Megabytes came done our best, with the as- to developing world class in second and Peter Choto placed third. The last sistance of Central Govern- athletes, who can in turn Belizean to win in this elite category was Marlon ment, to support these convert their talent into Castillo in 2009. endeavours financially, al- educational and economic beit not at the level needed. benefit, for themselves and Kaya Cattouse who has been out of competitive their families. Registration cycling for two years, dust off her bike and shoe and The commitment of the helps us to identify, at an simply devoured the four-time champion Shalini Minister of Sports, Honor- early stage, these promis- Zabeneh creating a new rivalry in Female Cycling able John Saldivar, none- ing athletes so that they can with Shalini, the now former undisputed champion theless, has been demon- benefit from the various of Belize. strably clear in his efforts training programs that are to support as many Asso- available both locally and ciations and Federations in abroad. See the making possible their par- ticipation in these interna- We look forward to two tional commitments. exciting projects that will continue in 2012 that will Once again we look for- greatly assist in this en- ward to all National Asso- deavour. The first is the ciations/Federations sub- completion of the Marion In Living Colors at mitting their calendar of Jones Sporting Complez, events for 2012 so that we which is a work in progress www.belizenews.com/NorthernStar

PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com Northern STAR -Tel: 629-1308 or 636-1409 - Email: [email protected] - Tuesday January 03, 2012 Page 21 INTERNATIONAL NEWS 7.0 Earthquake Hits Eastern India Girl Killed in Ritual Japan Sacrifice to Ensure Better TOKYO - A magnitude 7.0 crippled Fukushima Harvest earthquake shook eastern Daiichi nuclear plan fol- Japan on Sunday, the U.S. lowing the quake. By msnbc.com news ser- neighbor’s house when she Geological Survey re- vices was kidnapped, Das said. ported. Some high-speed train ser- The two men confessed to vices in northern Japan Two men have been ar- cutting her open and re- Despite the magnitude, were suspended after the rested in central India for moving her liver as an of- there was no danger of a earthquake, but soon re- allegedly killing a 7-year- fering. tsunami, said the Pacific sumed operations, Kyodo old girl and cutting out her Tsunami Warning Center. news reported. liver in a ritual sacrifice to Das said the police had ensure a better harvest, po- gathered enough evidence, U.S. Ambassador to Japan The Meterological Agency lice said Monday. apart from the confessions, John V. Roos tweeted that says the offshore quake to charge the two with mur- he was “about to greet Em- Sunday struck about 370 Lalita Tati disappeared in der. They would face life peror and Empress for New kilometers (230 miles) be- October and her dismem- in prison or even the death Year when Imperial Palace low the sea surface. The bered remains were found sentence if convicted. began to shake”. agency said there was no a week later, Rajendra danger of a tsunami. There Narayan Das, a senior po- The men were described as The mid-afternoon quake were no immediate reports lice officer in the Bijapur “tribals”, a term referring to swayed buildings in Tokyo of damage or injuries. district of Chhattisgarh the region’s indigenous but it did not disrupt the fi- state, told The Associated people, most of whom re- nal of the Emperor’s Cup Northeastern Japan was Press. Police arrested two main mired in poverty and football tournament under devastated by a massive men both poor farmers, last illiteracy. way at the National Sta- earthquake and tsunami on week and they told police dium, AFP, the French news March 11 that left nearly they killed the girl to ap- Human sacrifices are rare in agency, reported. 20,000 people dead or pease their gods and get a India but get prominent at- missing. Japan, which lies better harvest, Das said. tention every few years. a A spokesman for Tokyo along the Pacific “Ring of deep belief in traditional Electric Power said there Fire,” is on of the world’s Tati was walking home af- healers, or witch doctors, is were no reports of any ab- most seismically active ter watching television at a common in mostly tribal normalities at the tsunami- countries. Chhattisgarh

Ex-cop Used Gun and Knife to Rescue Kids Chris Willden was driving along a winding canyon The road didn’t appear icy, road in Utah on Saturday at first, but as they made when he spotted something their way up the canyon, it in the riverbank: an over- got slicker so he slowed. turned car, submerged in Just one tap on the brakes the icy water, and some- was all it took. thing else. He struggled to free the children from their Wilden, a former police of- seatbelts, but couldn’t get ficer, sprung into action. them loose. Thanks to him and a hand- ful of other strangers- A photo provided by Chris Willden shows a car in the Logan River in Chris Willden, who was turned-rescuers, the driver Utah Saturday, after it was flipped upright by rescuers who saved driving by with his father at and three children who three children trapped inside. that very moment, pulled were inside the car were car flipped upside-down Kenya Wildman were over. He rushed into the saved from Utah’s frigid and quickly became sub- trapped. river and surveyed the Logan River - which had merged. scene inside the vehicle. already knocked two of the The four were on their way Anderson had gotten out of kids unconscious. Roger Anderson, 46, the to a ski resort Saturday his car, but the kids were all driver of the car, had been when the New Year’s Eve trapped. Andersen’s chil- Roger Anderson, 46, lost able to free himself, but 9- accident happened, accord- dren were by now floating control of his car on a wind- year-old daughter Mia, 4- ing to the Herald Journal unconscious in the river ing Utah canyon road and year-old son Baylor, and News, which first reported Continued on page 22 slid into an icy river. The their 9-year-old friend the story.

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By msnbc.com news tions against Iran into services law on Saturday, step- ping up the pressure by Iran will take action if a adding sanctions on fi- U.S. aircraft carrier nancial institutions that which left the area be- deal with Iran’s central cause of Iranian naval bank. exercises returns to the Gulf, the state news Meanwhile, Iran said agency quoted army the new record low of chief Ataollah Salehi as the national currency to saying on Tuesday. the U.S. dollar was not linked to the latest sanc- "Iran will not repeat its tions from the United warning ... the enemy's States targeting the carrier has been moved country’s central bank. to the Sea of Oman because of our drill. I rec- Foreign Ministry The USS John C. Stennis aircraft carrier is seen as it allegedly went "inside the maneu- ommend and emphasize ver zone" where Iranian ships were conducting war games in the Gulf, according to spokesman Ramin to the American carrier Iranian officials. Mehmanparast on Tues- not to return to the Per- day insisted there “is no sian Gulf," Salehi told ing the drills that if foreign of Hormuz but had carried relation” between the two. IRNA. powers imposed sanctions out “mock” exercises on He said the American sanc- on its crude exports it could shutting the strategic water- tions “have yet to be put "I advise, recommend and shut the Strait of Hormuz, way. into practice”. warn them (the Americans) through which 40 percent over the return of this car- of the world’s traded oil is Tehran denies Western ac- The Iranian currency’s ex- rier to the Persian Gulf be- shipped. cusations that it is secretly change rate hovered late cause we are not in the habit trying to build atomic Monday around 18,000 of warning more than The U.S. Fifth Fleet, which bombs, saying it needs riyals to the dollar, mark- once," the semi-official is based in Bahrain, said it nuclear technology to gen- ing a roughly 12 percent Fars news agency quoted would not allow shipping to erate electricity. slide compared to Sunday’s Salehi as saying. be disrupted in the strait. rate of 15,900 riyals to the The United States and Is- dollar. Salehi did not name the air- Iran fires missiles Iran said rael have not ruled out mili- craft carrier or give details on Monday it had success- tary action against Iran if President Barack Obama of the action Iran might fully test-fired two long- diplomacy fails to resolve on Saturday signed into law take if it returned. How- range missiles during its the Islamic state’s nuclear a bill targeting Iran’s cen- ever, last week a spokes- naval drill, flexing its mili- row with the West. tral bank as part of the woman for the U.S. 5th tary muscle in the face of West’s efforts to pressure Fleet said the USS John C. mounting Western pressure The European Union is Tehran over its nuclear pro- Stennis had left the Gulf. over its controversial considering following the gram. It goes into effect in nuclear program. United States in banning six months. Iran completed 10 days of imports of Iranian crude oil. naval exercises in the Gulf Iran also said it had no in- U.S. President Barack on Monday, and said dur- tention of closing the Strait Obama signed new sanc- Ex-cop Used Gun and Knife to Rescue Kids Continued from page 21 with his handgun and knife saw about 7 others had water that was filling the - became crucial. One of the girls had found pulled over on the side of car, four-year-old Baylor an air pocket but was the road, ready to assist still strapped into his child The men tried to pry open trapped by her seat belt. with the rescue, he said. seat. Nine-year-old Kenya the car doors and windows Wilden cut it with a pocket had found an air pocket but with no luck. Chris knew knife and pulled her from The rescuers pulled the could not free herself from what he had to do: Using the rear passenger window. children one-by-one from her seat belt. his handgun, he shot the The two other children the car and passed them up window, and then used his soon followed. the river bank to others, That’s when Willden’s po- knife to saw through the lice officer training - along seatbelts. When he turned around, he Continued on page 23

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Development and also the entanglement associated South-Side Poverty with the diagnosis and Alleviation Program subsequently the ongoing headed by Minister of treatement. Works Hon. Anthony All our Hearts goes out to “Boots” Martinez which our Prime Minister and his saw first time house family as the entire Nation owners’ receiving quality of Belize prays for the homes for free. speedy recovery of Belize’s Thousands of land were Ambassador for Children issued and acquired by the and most active First Lady, Government of Belize from Kim Simplis Barrow. private individuals who were compensated as No there are no riots or required by law, these lands mass protests here in Belize were then re-issued via the for Belizeans know who Minister of Natural Hon.Dean Barrow took the money to stash in Resources and Prime Minister of Belize foreign accounts outside the Environment, Deputy country. The former Leader Prime Minister Hon. only mention the Food- United Democratic Party’s of the Peoples United Party Gaspar Vega to first time Pantry Program, Restore Government in Belizean Hon. Johnny Briceno called land owners through-out Belize, the Gang-Truce, History whenever the for his party’s associates to the country complete with Youth for the Future elections are call in Belize. “Bring back the money”! survey and title for under Program and most recently one thousand dollars. the write-off of mortgage Notably in the latter part of Today, Belizean sees payments owed to Social 2011 the Prime Minister’s transparency and No Government in the Security by families who Wife our beloved First accountability and feels the History of Politics in Belize undoubtedly fall in the Lady was diagnose with proper weight of their has invested so much of its lower and middle income Breast Cancer. We cannot monies. We in little Belize National Budget into economic bracket. begin to imagine the have the type of Education but having a physical, mental, emotional government the rest of the leader with visions is self The latest action by the and spiritual strain and world desperately need. explanatory. Government of Belize has brought great relieve for Via the Minister of those who most need to use Ex-cop Used Gun and Knife to Education and Youth and every precious penny they Chairman of the United earn to further their Rescue Kids Democratic Party, the Hon. aspirations in life. Patrick Faber, countless where some performed fire a weapon without scholarships were issued to This bold move follows the CPR on two of them - harming the children. Belizean Students at home 2011 writing-off of Andersen’s children. and abroad studying in hundreds of homes that Andersen told his rescuers various High-Schools and were on various Hire- They all loaded up into a that they inspired him to Universities while millions Purchase agreement with friend’s SUV and sped learn more about how to of dollars were given yearly the Ministry of Housing. down the mountain for help others. in School Assistance to The United Democratic help, and were met about parents, schools and/or Party has formed what is halfway by paramedics. Kenya’s father, Dennis students attending various unquestionably a Wildman, called it “a great primary, secondary and government that cares for His two children were story about the human spirit tertiary educational the poor and the middle flown to a hospital in Salt and our desire to help oth- institutions throughout the class. The needy and not the Lake City, treated for hy- ers”. country of Belize. greedy. pothermia and released on We could go on and on There is no doubt in Monday. The family friend Roger Andersen’s wife listing the many reasons anyone’s mind that the also was treated and re- Mindy, fought to keep from why the Hon. Dean Barrow People of Belize will return leased. crying Monday as she is the Man of the Year for the Man of the Year the Chris Willden said his ex- thanked the bystanders for our Country Belize but in Hon. Dean Barrow and his perience in the police force saving the children’s lives. the interest of the cost of Government to serve as the gave him the confidence to print these days we will first ever back-to-back -END-

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