Thursday, February 2, 2012 Capital Weekly Page 1 CapitalCapital

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No. 020 Thursday, February 2, 2012 Price: $1.00 “One Eye Water!” General and Municipal Elections Same Day Fonseca Calls for It, Barrow Calls It!

Francis Fonseca, Leader of the Opposition PUP Prime Minister at Press Conference immediately has been calling for the elections to be called following his announcement of the General Elections date

The PUP had been call- The Prime Minister entire nation. By that time, he House of Representatives this ing for it, and PM Barrow made the announcement in had already advised the Gov- coming Friday January 3, 2012 had been hinting at it. Well, a prepared statement to the ernor General to dissolve the and, and set the general elec- on Tuesday of this week, the tions for March 7, 2012. Nom- last day of January, the Prime ination day, he said, would Minister announced that the be on February 17, 2012. general elections will be on Following the an- the same day as the municipal nouncement, the PM held a elections which by law were al- press conference at the Biltmore ready fixed for March 7, 2012. Plaza where the hall was filled It’s as we Belizeans to capacity with supporters like to say, “One eye-wa- and well-wishers of the UDP. t e r.” The speculation is now (The entire state- over, and the only question ment by the Prime Minis- that remains is, who will do ter on his announcement the crying after the ballots of the general elections are counted on March 7. Up front, UDP Ministers and Area Reps ready for the battle ahead is reproduced on page 3) Page 2 Capital Weekly Thursday, February 2, 2012 From the Desk Careful What You Ask For ! Is the Opposition Ready for Elections? of the Chairman The Ballots will do the Talking The Govern- ment of Prime Minis- ter Dean Barrow had hit the ground running when it took office in 2008. Since then, it has steadily been im- plementing its agenda of national develop- ment with a pro-peo- ple focus, defending against all odds, the interest of the Nation Hon. , Leader of the Opposition PUP Delroy Cuthkelvin and People of . Still Calling for the Elections that have already been called Chairman, Editorial Board All that this ad- or some time down of standard-bearers, ministration needs ith now, the Op- it doesn’t appear the PUP is to do between now position PUP in much of a fighting form. the and the elections is F has been calling for the Perhaps, they know some- Wex- to gently remind Be- government to call the thing the rest of us don’t. pectations of early lizeans of the things elections (pardon our re- As to the UDP, there elections looming it has been doing, dundancy). Well, this week, is no doubt at all that the for some time now, for whom it has been their wish was granted as party’s machinery is in top PM Barrow announced to shape and all revved up. the chattering over doing them, and the airwaves, particu- the nation on Tuesday that To the PUP, we must against whom it has he had advised the Gov- say, be careful what you larly on the morning had to be fighting to ernor General to dissolve ask for; you might just talk-show circuit, has get them done. Less the National Assembly this get it. Indeed, you have! been on the increase words, more images, Friday and set the election for several weeks. as a picture is worth date for March 7, 2012. And the date hav- a thousand words. Everyone saw it Capital Weekly ing now been an- As to the band coming; or maybe we From the Heart of the Nation nounced, the chatter should say, almost every- To the Soul of the People of criminals who seek one, because it appears the has grown exponen- to return to power, the PUP Opposition which had Published By: tially over the past more they talk, and been calling so loudly for Roots & Rhythm Ltd. couple days, as would the more they show the elections was caught 15 Gibnut Street Belmopan have been expected. their faces, the more somewhat off-guard as There isn’t Belizeans are remind- the night following the Chairman: much, in our view, ed of the crimes they announcement they began Delroy Cuthkelvin airing a new ad calling for that can be achieved, committed against the elections to be called. Compositor: at this late hour, all of us, and against The question is: how William Cuthkelvin which hasn’t yet generations of Be- ready is the Opposition been achieved; and lizeans yet unborn. Telephone: for the early elections for 802-1284 too much talk could Enough said. which they keep calling almost be counter- Come Election and which has already Email: productive to those Day, the ballots been granted? Judging capitalweekly_bze @yahoo.com who engage in it. will do the talking! from the continuing lead- ership crisis and stepping Thursday, February 2, 2012 Capital Weekly Page 3 Statement by Prime Minister Dean Barrow on the Announcement of General Elections (Belmopan, Tuesday, January, 31, 2012)

have been proud and grateful financial uncompetitiveness; to to lead the United Democratic lower interest rates and to establish Party Government since a national bank; to rationalize the FebruaryI of 2008. And we have sugar and citrus industries for accomplished much in this first immediate viability and longer- term. Acting always for the people term prosperity; and to realign and with the support of the people, existing ministries and create new our overall record is a stellar one. ones in order to maximize efficiency. Economic growth has been Ladies and Gentlemen, consistent and we have recorded you get the picture. We want gains every year but one. This has both to consolidate and to strike been despite the continuing global out in new directions. We are crisis, despite the vagaries of nature, confident that we have done well despite freak storms and hurricanes, and have deserved your trust. and despite the super bond. But as we prepare to We have given income tax change gears and accelerate speed, relief to all employees on fixed there is only one way to know for salaries. And we have given GST sure. And that is to come back to and import duty relief to every you the people for your approval. single consumer. We have, for the Accordingly, I have first time in our nation’s history, today advised His Excellency the chartered comprehensive pro-poor Governor General to dissolve the and pro- people programmes. National Assembly with effect from These have included this Friday, February 3. On that day, monthly cost-of-living allowances, a writ will be issued appointing the subsidized food baskets, and cash 17th of February as nomination Prime Minister Hon. Dean Barrow transfers to thousands of families. day, and fixing Wednesday, March We have awarded 300 dollar grants root causes of crime in Belize; policies, and some of them claim 7, 2012 as the date for the next to first and second year high school and has produced the gang to have you on their side. We reject general election. We will thus have students across the country; and truce and the signal reduction that and know they are wrong. both the municipal and general in the murder rate that we are But as proof we want a educational opportunities have been election on the same day. so thankfully witnessing now. clear reaffirmation now of the expanded in unprecedented ways. Now elections in this We have also enshrined mandate for us to continue and country are always hard-fought, We have built a record nationalism as a paramount expand our mission. We want you costly, and by their very nature number of new classrooms, given a feature of our Constitution and to arm us and support us so we record number of scholarships, and our political culture. We have can tell the world that there will divisive. Having the two in one we have excelled at creating second- given the people control of their be no turning back. That there will thus save the taxpayer money, chance, remedial, vocational, and essential utilities. And as a result, will be no compromise of our and mean a single, quick healing apprenticeship initiatives. everyone is now enjoying lower political and Constitutional gains. process. Whoever wins can then We have found resources electricity rates, lower water That we will forge unwaveringly get on straightaway with the to do new housing construction rates and lower telephone rates. ahead in our crusade to produce business of binding up wounds countrywide, and we have poured This, together with the development based on justice; and uniting our country; of millions into home repairs and governing in the best interest home improvement. In addition, “We want both to consolidate and to strike of all Belizeans; of continuing we have written off almost out in new directions. We are confident that we to meet the challenges of the fifteen thousand mortgages at have done well and have deserved your trust. But unfavourable international climate. the Ministry of Housing and the as we prepare to change gears and accelerate speed, Ladies and Gentlemen, My Social Security Board, allowing there is only one way to know for sure. And that is Fellow Belizeans: I remind all of us all those families burdened by to come back to you the people for your approval.” that we have an enviable record for repayment obligations to now peaceful elections. I appeal to all own their homes free and clear. restoration of integrity and based on greater social investment; political parties and candidates to accountability in governance, is based on a larger financial and We have pushed ensure that we maintain that record. perhaps the greatest jewel in the economic space; based on equality infrastructure development in a way The Public Officers that crown of UDP achievements. of opportunity; based on a bigger that has never been seen in Belize; will oversee the process are It is on this basis of all this safety net; and based always on professionals, and will guarantee and our roads and bridges network, that I come before you at this time. lifting up those at the margins. that, as always, the elections will especially in the South and North, You, the people of this country, are We therefore ask for your be free and fair. Of course, we has immeasurably improved as a our comfort and our strength. You clear instructions to drive the will also be inviting international consequence. The key to unlocking enable and empower us. You are naysayers back; to do something the foreign funding for all this, also our monitors and our judges. about the super bond; to overhaul observers to come and help make has of course been the fact that we Politically we answer only to you. the tax code and further spur sure of the integrity of our balloting. have returned our homeland to Still, the forces opposed economic growth; to reform the As we prepare, then, to credibility and honest stewardship. to our nationalism and our public sector and make open vote exercise once more this most sacred Our social justice and social justice continue to fight. workers part of the established staff; of all our political rights, the right employment outreach, has At home and abroad they assault to roll out NHI countrywide in a to vote, I close by praying now, also succeeded in attacking the our pro-poor and pro-people sustainable manner; to eliminate more than ever: God bless Belize! Page 4 Capital Weekly Thursday, February 2, 2012

Hon. B .Q .Pitts Attorney General, also a recipient of the Queen’s New Year’s Honours Thursday, February 2, 2012 Capital Weekly Page 5 Grand UB Graduation 405 Newly Equipped Agents of Development event was the Executive he remarked. “A society that Chairman of the Belize Tele- fails to provide access to a dy- media Limited (BTL) Mr. namic and effective university Nestor Vasquez who deliv- education for its citizens is a ered the Feature Address. society that will lose its way.” (That address is reproduced During the ceremony, elsewhere in this publication). several students received the President of the Uni- University of Belize’s of- versity of Belize, Dr. Cary ficial white, gold and purple Fraser, extended congratu- honour chords. The tri-ca- lations to all graduates for ble white honour chords are their dedication, commit- designed to honour those ment and achievement. graduates with Cum Laude;

Vaneene Juan receiving award from UB Chairman Imani Fairweather

he University were females and 133 of Belize held males, representing 67 and Tits Fourteenth 33 per cent respectively. Commencement Exercises The Faculty with the at 10 in morning last Satur- highest number of gradu- day January 28, 2012, for ates once again was the Fac- students who have success- ulty of Education and Arts Over Four Hundred Graduates at last Saturday’s Ceremony The university plays gold honour chords desig- a significant role in nation- nate graduates with Magna building by educating and em- Cum Laude (great honour); powering students to become and purple honour chords decision makers who can cre- distinguish graduates with ate opportunities for Belize’s Summa Cum Laude the high- future generations, he said. est honour. The total number “It is in the University of honour graduates was 40. that we have to prepare our The theme for students and heirs to deal this year’s Commencement with a world that will differ Exercises at the University significantly from the one of Belize was: “GET IN- into which they were born,” VOLVED…U B is for all of us.”

An award presented by UB President Doctor Cary Frazer fully completed their course (FEA) with a total of 191, of study at the University’s followed by the Faculty of Central Campus in the na- Management & Social Sci- tion’s capital, Belmopan. ences (FMSS) totaling 105, The graduates the Faculty of Science and received diplomas at the Technology (FST) 76, and Associate, Bachelor, Cer- the Faculty of Nursing, Al- tificate and Diploma levels. lied Health & Social Work Of the total num- (FNAHSW) with a total of 33. ber of 405 graduates, 272 Guest Speaker at the Allie Yam receiving award from UB Chairman Imani Fairweather Page 6 Capital Weekly Thursday, February 2, 2012 Faith Lift Purging the Pathway to the Conscience The conscience is the conscience is clear for and the devil are sourc- that faculty common to it to be heard or whether es of temptation, which By Zelda Hill all of us as free moral it will be hindered from work to impair its func- agents, which discerns its promptings. If there is tion. Temptations that t was the German between right and wrong no feeling of guilt or re- rattle the conscience, es- Reformer Martin Lu- and prompts us to choose gret after we have erred, pecially those that claim ther, who when asked right and refuse wrong. it is not because the con- to gratify the insatiable Iat the Diet of Worms to Every human action is science has ceased to lusts for wealth, power reject the teachings of his done with the instinc- operate or does not exist. and fame, have buffeted, books that were contrary tive knowledge (con When we continually weakened and tumbled to the erroneous beliefs means ‘with’; science ignore it, the conscience many. The Scriptures of the church and state means ‘knowledge’) of becomes useless as if warn us to be cognizant replied, “...to go against right and wrong, even if scorched with a hot iron of temptations which aim conscience is not safe. the individual has never (1Timothy 4:2), resulting to topple, humiliate and Here I stand; I can do seen a Bible or a moral in a hard heart that will destroy us: “So, if you no other. God, help me. code. The conscience produce evil tendencies think you are standing Amen.” At some point also judges the mind and and perversion, since firm, be careful that you when we became aware is a strong witness to our capacity to tell right don’t fall! (1 Corinthians of some grave error or our integrity or to our from wrong will dimin- 10:12)” It also assures us injustice committed by guilt. It is another proof ish. But no matter how of God’s help when we another, we have asked of a Creator who has grave the transgression, are tempted: “No temp- the question, “How formatted His laws into we don’t have to live with tation has seized you could he have done that; the mind of man; one a seemingly impaired except what is common doesn’t he have a con- who continually speaks conscience committing to man, and God is faith- science?” The actions of and guides us into mak- acts that are displeasing ful; He will not let you Adolf Hitler, Osama Bin ing the right choices. to God and injurious to be tempted beyond what Laden and perhaps some But even as recipients man. Our Creator can you can bear. But when past or present political of this unique design, cleanse the debris of the you are tempted, He will leader may have led us to God never intended to soul by His forgiveness also provide a way out conclude that some peo- compel us to make the and unplug the lines of so that you can stand ple have no conscience right choices. He also communication to make up under it. (1 Corinthi- at all. While individuals fashioned us with a ‘free audible and clear the ans 10:12-13).” The way or some in positions of will’, which is the ability voice of conscience. The out of temptation begins leadership may rightful- to choose whether we soul is then revived and with a conscience whose ly seek the advice of reli- will heed the conscience, quickened to the inner pathway has been purged gious or spiritual leaders do the right thing and tug of conscience, which and freed of any obstruc- before making major please God, or whether must remain pure and tion. Although tempta- decisions, to believe that we will ignore the con- clear to discern and de- tions can be quite allur- the Church alone is the science, give in to temp- fend the will of God. ing, with God’s help we conscience of the na- tation and do wrong. But To keep a clear never have to go against tion or that only certain as Luther established, to conscience is never ef- conscience and do what groups of people can go against conscience fortless since there are is wrong. And if we do, discern between right is never a safe decision. formidable forces which only God’s forgiveness and wrong is erroneous. Even after the con- pressure us to resist its and the desire to live The notion of whether science is disregarded alerts. The lure of the rightly before God can a judgment or action is and a wrong judgment world, the sinful nature restore a clear conscience. wrong or right can be has been made, the con- determined by the indi- science continues to con- vidual through his con- vict and accuse us in- science. It is the first line troducing constant guilt of defense when faced which robs our peace of Capital Weekly with temptation and it mind. The condition From the Heart of the Nation never fails to convict us of the soul determines to do the right thing. whether the pathway to To the Soul of the People Thursday, February 2, 2012 Capital Weekly Page 7 Page 8 Capital Weekly Thursday, February 2, 2012 Thursday, February 2, 2012 Capital Weekly Page 9 “Success Is Not a Sometimes Thing It is an All The Time Thing” (Main Address Delivered at 14th Commencement Excercise of the University of Belize) Today technology diagnosed by international special- of the Government and people is at the core of solving most ists without having to leave their of Belize. These Companies are of our problems. Technology families or their hospital beds. all run and managed by Belizean has gone mainstream; those cell Enabling the dede-- Talent, Belizean Time, Belizean phones that all of you have are livery of ICT via this medium Energy and Belizean Experience. the products of decades of design, and other Broadband solutions of The only thing we need more of in discovery and development. As Telemedia, will significantly im- that equation is Belizean Money. computers, they are more advanced prove the delivery of the primary In October 2010 One thousand ad- than anything that could have and secondary health care services. ditional Belizeans invested in BTL been conceived just 20 years ago. In the same vein, I Shares. Had it been ten thousand The internet, also, have been reliably informed that Belizeans we would have had a has permeated our modern experi- one of the priorities of this Univer- greater control in the Command- ence; it has blanketed the world sity is Online Distance Learning. I ing heights of our Economy. This in a single electronic fabric. Mo- was pleased to learn this because I is just one example of the many I bile Telephony and Information can tell you that whenever this Uni- can cite that would give us greater Communication Technologies versity is ready to start this Project, participation in our own economy. are integral parts of our everyday Belize Telemedia will gladly assist Re-acquiring con-con- life. It has created myriad new the University of Belize. Infus- trol of those utilities was a dif- Mr. Nestor Vasquez opportunities for individuals and Chairman of Belize Telemedia ing all aspects of the Education ficult, much deliberated decision the corporate world to do things System with ICTs for improved for Government. And just so, in would like to start by differently. Today technology gives delivery and learning is one of your endeavors, you will encoun- saying that it is indeed us the freedom to communicate, the priorities of our Government. ter difficult situations and some an honor for me to be to shop, to bank, to entertain, to Actually we are will even appear impossible to I transact any business, anytime, your invited guest speaker at to- in an era of achieving the highest overcome. Don’t be intimidated day’s Commencement Exercises. anywhere. As Martin Luther King rate of innovation in our country’s by adversity, oftentimes they only I must admit also that it feels said in 1956, “Man’s scientific history, because innovation is criti- seem difficult or appear impossible. good to be with you all today and technological genius has been cal in this age of Technology and Believe in yourself and tell yourself to extend my congratulations able to dwarf distances, place Globalization. As the Chairman of , “If it is difficult I will do it im- to the graduating class of 2012, time in chains and carve highways Belize’s leading Telecommunica- mediately and if it is impossible it the management, faculty and through the stratosphere; through tions Company, I know that our will only take me a little longer.” staff of the University of Belize. our scientific genius we have initiatives in this area will continue Indeed, that philosophy has fuelled As I reflect on the made the world a neighborhood.” to be our life’s blood. So you too the engine of human progress. era when I went to high school There is abundant proof of must be innovative in how you So today I ask you to take I see the vast changes in Belize this at Belize Telemedia. Many of perfect and market your expertise up your leadership position and and in the world. In the nine- our managers have extended their in the work force because this is when doing so, remember – in the teen forties, Belize did not have marketing parlance of a popular a University or sixth form, Be- “Success is not a sometimes thing. It is an athletics brand: “Impossible is noth- lize was still a Colony known as ing.” Set a plan and visualize where with a popula- all the time thing. You don’t succeed once in a you see yourself tomorrow; what tion of approximately 60,000. while, and you don’t do things right once in a do you need to achieve it? What Today we are a na-na- while; you must aim at doing right all the time. steps must you take to get there? tion of some 313 thousand which But before you do so you has celebrated 30 years of indepen- You will then find that success becomes a habit.” must focus on yourself because all dence and have had a university of you will be graduating with the for over 2 decades. So it is fair same degree in different disciplines to say that we have all come quite education by electronically access- what will ultimately set you apart. today and you will very likely be a long way in the past 60 years. ing accredited universities around And we must be-be- applying for some of the same jobs. One year ago at the the world, successfully keeping lieve ourselves to be distinctly You must ask yourself what will installation of the new President their jobs and families at home while capable and singularly equipped to differentiate you from the rest of the of UB, Dr. Cary Fraser pointed earning their Bachelors, Masters confront and master the challenges applicants, what is your compara- out and I quote “the University of and even Doctoral degrees online. of our time and times to come. My tive advantage, what is the image Belize should be the foundation Today Belize TeleTele-- experiences has instilled in me the you want to portray of yourself? stone for the training of succes- media through the policy of the firm belief that Belizeans should Success is not a some- sive generations of leaders and present Government is now bring- be the ones in control of the com- times thing. IT IS AN ALL of skilled people who can work ing the benefits of this technology manding heights of the Economy. THE TIME THING. You don’t to improve life for all Belizeans” to the people of Belize. Govern- We can only accomplish this if we succeed once in a while, and you end of quote. Ladies, gentle- ment’s promise to provide quality invest in Belize. How do we do don’t do things right once in a men, graduates, let us all join in education to all Belizean Children this? We do so by investing what while; you must aim at doing extending our congratulations to is demonstrated with the fact that we have; our Talent, our Time, right all the time. You will then Dr. Fraser for appropriately point- over 200 schools are presently our Energy, our Experience and of find that success becomes a habit. ing out what our goal should be, being provided with free inter- course our Money. Put all of these Closing Statement that you become our future lead- net by BTL. In other areas such to work here in Belize and you I can see the excitement ers and be empowered with the as health I can tell you that the will be making a difference. Take in your faces and I know you are necessary education and skills in KHMH and Southern Regional for example the three essential rearing to go. Go for it and make order to ensure that though we are Hospital have been connected via utilities: Telephone, Electricity, UB PROUD, make your parents a small nation we will be prepared Internet to hospitals in the U.S.A and Water; we are fortunate that PROUD, and make Belize, this to take on Global Challenges. so that Belizean patients can get these are now back in the hands jewel of ours, even more PROUD. Page 10 Capital Weekly Thursday, February 2, 2012 The Prime Minister’s Tour Continued in Guinea Grass, Orange Walk, Last Sunday Thursday, February 2, 2012 Capital Weekly Page 11 The Prime Minister’s Tour Continued in Guinea Grass, Orange Walk, Last Sunday Page 12 Capital Weekly Thursday, February 2, 2012 Thursday, February 2, 2012 Capital Weekly Page 13

PUBLIC NOTICE Belize Water Services Ltd. Tender for the Supply of Vehicles FEASIBILITY STUDY OF PLACENCIA The Belize National Sanitary Cattle Plan Project PENINSULA PILOT WASTEWATER Reference: EU/BNCSP/LO#02 OF 2012

MANAGEMENT SYSTEM The (GOB) has received financing from the European Union and intends to apply part of The General Public is hereby informed that the DRAFT the proceeds to payments for the Contract for the Supply, FINAL REPORT of the Feasibility Study for the Pla- Delivery and After-sale service of four (4) pickup trucks for cencia Peninsula’s proposed Wastewater Collection and the Belize National Sanitary Cattle Plan Project. Treatment System prepared by Halcrow and funded by USTDA is available for public review. The goods to be supplied and delivered are: The public consultation period will be from January 3 Heavy Duty Pickup Trucks (manual transmission) 27th- February 15th, 2012. A Public Meeting will be 1 Heavy Duty Pickup Truck (automatic transmission) held on February 16th, 2012 with BWSL, relevant de- The tender documents can be requested electronically partment of the Government of Belize and Halcrow from email address [email protected]. representatives to address any concerns or comments. The venue and time will be announced at a later date. Sealed tenders must be delivered to the Office of the Electronic copies of the report can be obtained from o Belize National Cattle Sanitary Plan Project located on ur Headquarters at the address below during normal The National Agricultural Showgrounds, Hummingbird working hours, and on BWSL’s web site: Highway, Belmopan, , telephone number http://www.bws.bz/PlacenciaProject/ 822-2143.

Project Management Unit The deadline for submission of tenders is Monday, Belize Water Services Ltd. February 27, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. The Public Opening # 7 Central American Blvd will follow at 1:10 p.m. on Monday, February 27, 2012. Interested tenderers or their representatives are invited Email: [email protected] to attend.

Electricity Rates Down! Water Rates Going Down! Went in Effect February 1, 2012 PUC Orders 7.2 Percent Reduction And, before the reduction in elec- tricity rates could take effect, the announcement came that water Hon. Witz presents trophy to Cotton Tree (Second Place) rates would be going down as well. The first indication, more than a hint, came from Prime Minister Dean Barrow at a pub- lic rally in the village of Cristo Rey, Corozal two Sundays ago. By Tuesday of last week the Public Utilities Commis- sion had called a press confer- ence to make the official an- Belize Electricity Limited’s Technicians at work nouncement that water rates are to be reduced by 7.2%. Our headlined sto- official objection to the pre- In making the announcement, ry in the most recent edition scribed 6.14 percent (almost PUC Chairman John Avery noted John Avery of Capital Weekly exhort- 3 cents per kilowatt hour). that the decision was the result of Chairman of the PUC ed, “Quit the Quibbling. Just That being the case, the a careful review of BWSL’s finan- drop the Electricity Rates.” new rates went into effect on cials, taking into consideration its in San Pedro the cost will go We are happy that the Wednesday of this week, Febru- investments, its expenses, its rate from $25.27 down to $23.45. executives at BEL heard and ary 1, 2012 as promised by Prime of return and other related factors. Any objections to the heeded our call, which was Minister Dean Barrow, whose The reduction of 7.2 per- new rates, the PUC says, would really the call of the Belizean administration had cleared the cent will result in savings of have to be made within 15 days People. After initially ques- way for the immediate imple- 62 cents for consumers on the after the date of the announce- tioning the PUC’s decision, mentation through statutory in- mainland which will drop from ment, failing which the decision BEL last week indicated that strument tabled in the National $8.62 per one thousand gal- will become final on Febru- it would not be submitting any Assembly two weeks earlier. lons down to $8.00. Meanwhile, ary 8, 2012 (next Wednesday). Page 14 Capital Weekly Thursday, February 2, 2012 Perseverance Pays off Harmonyville Land Papers Processed with members of the association and facilitated them in process- ing land documents for first- time landowners in phases One and Two of Harmonyville, as the BELIZE SOCIAL INVESTMENT FUND new area has come to be known. BELIZE MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT In an interview with the CONSULTANCY – DEVELOPMENT OF MUNICIPAL Belmopan-based national tele- GROWTH PLANS (MGP’s) FOR THE MUNICIPALITIES vision station Plus TV, Petillo OF COROZAL, ORANGE WALK, BENQUE VIEJO, SAN IGNACIO & SANTA ELENA, BELMOPAN, DANGRIGA stated, “This weekend, members AND PUNTA GORDA, BELIZE of Harmonyville, phase one and Loan No: 7958-BZ Nigel Petillo two, signed their lease application Sub-Project ID No: 7958-BZ/C11 Founder and President of BGYEA forms. They also signed their pur- Expressions of Interest chase price forms. The government The Government of Belize (GOB) has received a loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development t was two years ago has agreed to charge a thousand (IBRD) and intends to apply part of the proceeds of this that a group of Be- dollars per acre at Harmonyville, loan to payments under the contract for DEVELOPMENT lizeans, led by Nigel where each person will be paying a OF MUNICIPAL GROWTH PLANS (MGP’s) FOR THE Petillo,I began their righteous thousand dollars. The Minister was MUNICIPALITIES COROZAL, ORANGE WALK, BENQUE quest to own a piece of ‘the Jewel’, even nice enough to say that there VIEJO, SAN IGNACIO & SANTA ELENA, BELMOPAN, having identified an area around can be a payment plan to facilitate DANGRIGA AND PUNTA GORDA, BELIZE The project comprises small-scale infrastructure improvements; Mile 42 on the Western High- the grass-root members who find capacity building for the municipality councils; technical way that could be subdivided it real challenging to acquire that assistance to central government in municipal management; and in order to provide hundreds of thousand dollars by the bulk. That project management and administration. GOB has appointed the Belize Social Investment Fund (BSIF) as the implementing agency for the project. The consulting services for this assignment under the Quality Cost Based Selection shall carry out the development of municipal growth plans (MGP’s) for the municipalities of Corozal, OrangeWalk, Benque Viejo, San Ignacio & Santa Elena, Belmopan, Dangriga and Punta Gorda, Belize. The indicative implementation period for the consultancy is April, 2012 – April, 2013. BSIF hereby invites eligible consultants to indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested consultants must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (brochures, description of similar assignments completed, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills among staff, current involvement First-time landowners line up to get their paper-work done in relevant projects, etc.). In submitting their Expressions of Interest, applicants should be aware that they will be assessed, inter alia, based on the following residential and agricultural lots. is just the beginning, before those areas: technical competence (number of similar projects Although the prospects papers are handed out. I met with previously completed and level of comparable responsibility didn’t seem particularly promis- the Commissioner earlier today / experience), qualifications and experience (professional ing from the start, they pressed and we agreed on a date - the 18th qualifications of staff and experience on similar assignments), on and soon secured an under- February, where the Minister will local and regional experience on similar assignments, financial capability and existing commitments. Consultants may associate standing, in principle, from form personally be handing out those to enhance their qualifications. All information must be no less that the Prime Minis- leases to our members at a cer- submitted in English. ter that the government would emony which we will be having.” Following the assessment of submissions, a short-list of not more do its best, within the confines Nigel Petillo and members than six applicants will be provided with Requests for Proposals of the law, to facilitate them. of his group have expressed their including terms of reference and invited to submit technical and There were many hurdles appreciation to PM Hon. Dean financial proposals. BSIF will not be bound to assign any reason for not short-listing any applicant and will not defray any costs along the way, but the group, Barrow and Minister of Lands incurred by any applicant in the preparation and submission of now known as the Belize Grass- Hon. for respond- Expressions of Interest. roots Youth Empowerment As- ing to their needs and affording A consultant firm will be selected in accordance with the sociation (BGYEA), persevered. them the opportunity to own procedures set out in the World Bank’s Guidelines: Selection Their perseverance has a piece of land and participate and Employment of Consultants by World Bank Borrowers, May 2004 (revised up to January 2011). finally paid off, as last Saturday in fully in the nation’s development. Interested consultants may obtain further information at the front of the Ministry of Lands De- Indeed, their persever- email address below partment in Belmopan, personnel ance has paid off, and to Petillo One (1) original and two (2) hard copies of the Expression of from the department teamed up and BGYEA we say, RESPECT! Interest must be delivered by 4:00 p.m., 29th February, 2012 to: Procurement Officer Belize Social Investment Fund Belize Municipal Development Project 3rd Floor, PAPI’s Building Constitution Drive Belmopan Belize, Central America [email protected] The sealed envelope containing the Expression of Interest must include the name and address of the applicant and should be clearly marked: “Expressions of Interest: Consultancy Services - Development of Municipal Growth Plans (MGP’s) for the Municipalities of Corozal, Orange Walk, Benque Viejo, San Ignacio & Santa Elena, Belmopan, Dangriga and Punta BGYEA members and Ministry personnel facilitating the process Gorda, Belize. Thursday, February 2, 2012 Capital Weekly Page 15 Haunted by their Past! Francis Fonseca and PUP want us to Forget here’s an old creole As Prime Minister Hon. the fact that his government must proverb which goes, Dean Barrow recently noted, the find millions every six months to “The man weh shit government’s External Debt now repay those debts means that it is pan beachT forget it, but the man stands at around 1.9 Billion; and being deprived of much needed weh walk eena it remember it.” out of that total figure, the Super revenues to invest in the people It’s not the most palatable Bond inherited from the and infrastructure of the Country. language for mass media absorp- administration is responsible for as Members of the former tion, but it’s the only way we can much as 1.1 Billion (with a B). administration which created the rationalize the attitude of Francis In other words, the Super Bond Super Bond contend that they Fonseca and the PUP when they left behind by the last administration borrowed to stimulate growth tell us we should forget the past and is actually responsible for almost 60 and develop the country. But that focus on the future. That’s what the percent of the entire External Debt. claim is evidently not in sync with Hon. Francis Fonseca opposition leader told Belizeans All this, the current Prime widespread public opinion of how Leader of the PUP Opposition in his address rebutting Prime Minister notes, is the result of the country’s finances were run engineer” was boasting about what Minister Barrow’s announcement reckless borrowing, the monies under the Musa administration he called “growth economics”. of the General Elections. “This from which were never spent from 1998 until 2008. While there was some un- Election is not about the past”, on the people to improve their Those were the days when sustainable increase in economic he said, “It’s about the future.” quality of life, or on the country’s the former Minister of Finance activity, what grew most of all was True, elections are always about infrastructure. And now, he says, who calls himself a “financial (Continued on Page 17) the future. But this one, we con- tend, is also about the past, espe- cially since the people trying to get back into office are the very same ones who left us in a mess four years ago; a mess that is still costing us millions today. How can Belizeans forget the past, when it is costing us so much right now, and will cost us so much more in the future? Consider, for example, the infamous Super Bond, which is the amalgamation of various bad- loans incurred by the last PUP administration that earned the reputation of abusing public funds to underwrite the most insane and unsound (not to mention, corrupt) private ventures. This very month of February, the 20th to be exact, that Superbond will be costing us over $33 Million Belize Dollars. And by August of this year, when the next semi-annual payment is due, we will have to fork up 47 Million all at once, as the interest would have increased from 6% to 8.5%. Speaking of which, we must remind you that, notwithstanding the enormous burden we’ve been bearing over the past few years, it is only the interest that we have been paying up to this point, and that is all we’ll continue to pay up until 2019. Imagine how much more painful it will be when payments on the principal kick in. That will first happen on August 20, 2019 when the first bullet payment on the principal becomes due. That bullet payment, combined with the continuing payment on the interest, will take the debt servicing up to over 100 Million every six months. In other words, when combined with the continued payments on the interest, those bullet payments (to repay the principal) would take the annual debt servicing payments up to over 200 Million a year, since such payments must be made, not once, but twice every year. Major Works in the Capital

Page 16 Capital Weekly Thursday, February 2, 2012 Superbond Strikes Again! Another 33 Million Gone!

Said Musa, the man who carried the , the man who ran the Mark Espat, the Architect of the Francis Fonseca, was Attorney name of Prime Minister when the country’s finances, first as Minister of Superbond, recently served as Party General under the Musa Government, National Debt got out of hand Budget, then as Minister of Finance Leader for a few days now wants to be Prime Minister February 20, 2012: The Government and People of Belize have to find$33 Million to make another instalment on the repayment of the Superbond left behind by the last PUP administration. August 20, 2012: We will have to find another$47 Million as the interest on the Superbond jumps from 6 percent up to 8.5 percent August 20, 2019: Repayments go up to $100 Million every Six Months (200 Million a year), as we start making Bullet Payments on the principal, while continuing to pay off the interest August 20, 2029: By the time we’re finished paying off the Superbond, it would have cost us $1,588,590,700 (1.5 Billion with a B) We Cannot Forget The Past When We Are Paying In The Present And Will Continue to Pay in the Future Thursday, February 2, 2012 Capital Weekly Page 17 Always on the Wrong Side Haunted by their Past! Lisa Shoman Represents UNIBAM Francis Fonseca and PUP want us to Forget (Continued from Page 15) tasked with overseeing the financial When the current ad- policies of the government after the National Debt, the result mostly ministration was seeking to en- it became accepted within the of excessive commercial borrowing shrine in the Constitution ma- administration that Fonseca’s at high interest rates with short jority ownership of essential “growth economics” policies had maturity periods. utilities by the Government and spun out of control and could have As it turned out, it wasn’t People of Belize, Shoman was led to the party’s political ruin. too long before that excessive front and center among those That cabinet committee, borrowing presented a hindrance opposing it, obviously defend- however, proved futile as Fonseca to the said PUP administration, continued to have his way, and the ing the interest of Lord Ashcroft. and in order to create some Now, UNIBAM is seeking breathing room for themselves and rest is now history. to overturn laws against sexual their free-spending policies, they But, so much for the history! behavior which 99.9 percent of decided to postpone the burden by What most preoccupies Belizeans Belizeans are clearly and strongly amalgamating all the burdensome in the present is the fact that we opposed to. Guess which side of debts into one giant Super Bond. must find 33 Million Belize Dollars Lisa Shoman the case Lisa Shoman is repre- While it was former Minister to pay in less than three week’s senting in Court? You guessed it of Finance Ralph Fonseca, time, and we will have to find ome people seem right: the wrong side, once again. authorized by the then Prime many millions more until we finish to have a knack Nothing personal, Lisa, Minister Said Musa, whose “growth paying off that Super Bond in 2029. for always finding but if you truly aspire to lead economics” grew the national debt By then the Super Bond would themselvesS on the wrong side the People of this Country, you to uncontrollable levels, the man have cost us $1, 588,590,700, of every issue. Such seems to will have to learn to put spe- who master-minded the creation or to put it another way, be the case with the ‘learned’ cial interests aside and start of the Super Bond was actually the over 1.5 Billion, with a B. PUP attorney Lisa Shoman. standing up for what’s good and former Tourism Minister, later the Tell me, how can we forget the Shoman has aspirations to right for the People of Belize. Minister of National Development; past, when it is costing us so much lead the people of this Country, (The constitutional chal- the same man who recently held the in the present, and will continue to yet she has consistently taken lenge filed by UNIBAM to legalize post of party leader for a few days. cost us so much more in the future? positions that put her in clear homosexuality in Belize returned And the man who was leader Perhaps the Honorable opposition to the desires and to the Supreme Court on Monday for three years prior to that, John Francis would like us to also for- interest of the Belizean people. of this week for the preliminary Briceno, was at that time Musa’s get that he is a Fonseca. We’ll When the Court ordered hearing. Shoman was joined by Deputy Prime Minister, and also a keep trying, Honorable Fran- the late Harry Courtenay to repay Simeon Sampson, the attorney member of a Cabinet Committee cis, but that’s a little difficult. 3.34 Million to SSB for shares never hitherto most renowned for help- obtained in BECOL, Shoman came ing convicted murderers to escape Read Capital Weekly Online along and as attorney for SSB, in- the gallows. The Judge presiding In Living Colours at: formed the court that SSB had no over the case, Justice Michelle intentions to enforce the judgment Arana, said judgment on the matter belizenews.com/CapitalWeekly to recover the People’s money. would be delivered at a later date.) BELMOPAN CITY COUNCIL INCENTIVE PACKAGE 2012/2013

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

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

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

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

N.B. Senior Citizens (65 yrs or older) are eligible for an additional 5% discount for properties on which they reside. For more information visit your Belmopan City Council Offices at 36/38 Trinity Boulevard, Belmopan City Or call: 822-2271, 822-2319 or 802-3679 Page 18 Capital Weekly Thursday, February 2, 2012 Training for a Living in St Ann’s Twenty Residents Graduate from SIF-Funded Program

Graduates pose for the camera along with their trainers, Hon. and SIF's Daniel Cano

group, comprised by the Government of Belize of 19 women and a at a total cost of $30,706.38 man, hailing from through a loan from the A Caribbean Development Bank. four villages along the Old Northern Highway in the Belize The training also District received certificates included the provision of during a brief ceremony held equipment such as sewing on Saturday 28th January in St machines, an industrial stove, Ann’s Village after completing refrigerator, sewing materials a seven-month intensive skills and kitchen supplies to the training course in the areas Hidden Beauty Women’s of sewing, fruit processing Group of St. Ann’s Village, and business management. whose members comprised The training, which the majority of the trainees. took place from July 2011 However, representatives to January 2012, was of Santana, Lucky Strike implemented by the Social and Maskall villages Course participants display their sewing products Investment Fund and financed also attended the training. The project aimed to empower the participants to earn an income in an area where cruise ship tourists visit the nearby archaeological site of Altun Ha on a weekly basis. The training was held at the St Ann’s Resource Centre, which was refurbished in 2010 to make way for productive activities and serve as a hurricane shelter. The sewing, business management and fruit processing courses were conducted by Margaret Manzanarez, Dana Rhamdas and Beverly Brown respectively. The trainers are certified and experienced Belizean instructors. Hon Edmond Castro, Area Representative for Belize Hon Edmund Castro delivering a Special Address (Continued on Page 19) Thursday, February 2, 2012 Capital Weekly Page 19 Training for a Living in St Ann’s Twenty Residents Graduate from SIF-Funded Program

Course participants display the dresses made during their sewing course marketing their products both by 1965 a community center locally and internationally. was constructed in the Village. St. Ann’s Village is a A number of fruits community located on the Old are grown in St Ann’s and Northern Highway between surrounding, villages the well known communities including mangoes, cashew, of Santana and Maskall. It papayas, pineapple, golden borders Santana at Mile 33 plums and supa, some grown and Maskall at Mile 38. There all year round and other is little documented history seasonally. Hence, there is of St. Ann’s but locals claim potential for fruit processing. that it has been in existence since the 1920’s when logging (Information and and chicle production were at Photos provided by Mike their peak. During the 1950’s Hernandez Jr. (Sr. J.P.) parcels of land were distributed Director of Public Relations of Daisy Flowers, course participant and Chairlady of St Ann's Village, for agricultural purposes and the Social Investment Fund) displays the processed products pruduced during the training

(Continued from Page 18)

Rural North, delivered a special address during the ceremony. He then joined Mr Daniel Cano, Executive Director of the Social Investment Fund in the presentation of certificates to the participants. Other speakers at the ceremony included course participants Michelle Aldana, Daisy Flowers and Leslie Pascacio, the only male among the group, who gave their views on the training and stressed that Belizeans can eat healthy using fruits and vegetables from their own backyard. Mr Glen Buckhalter, Program Organizer for Evangel Credit Union, delivered the keynote address in which he Hon. Edmond Castro enjoys a light moment with Mr. Leslie Pascasio, urged graduates to aim high by the only male among the group, who received his certificate in fruit processing Page 20 Capital Weekly Thursday, February 2, 2012