Thursday, February 16, 2012 Capital Weekly Page 1 CapitalCapitalCapital

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No. 022 Thursday, February 16, 2012 Price: $1.00 Nomination Day United and Strong in ! nyone can talk were already scheduled by law for about running for March 7 and will thus be held on the Aoffice, but it is only same day as the General Elections. those who get themselves nomi- Saldivar and his army of nated that are really in the race. UDP campaigners and supporters For the municipal elections, nevertheless joined in the nomina- registration to enter the race took place tion day parade, making for one giant countrywide this past Wednesday. UDP march of unity and solidarity. But besides being an of- “United and Strong,” was indeed the ficial part of the election pro- slogan boldly displayed on red- cess, nomination day has always shirts worn by campaigners and been an occasion for displaying supporters of the UDP in Belmopan. strength and rallying the troops And, we can tell you, on that that will do battle on Election Day. day, there was plenty of red, more It’s an opportunity that was than quadrupling the blue T-shirts that seized upon this past Wednesday, had came out earlier in support of the especially by the governing UDP PUP. And there were also hundreds which by all accounts is in supe- of UDP flags to go with the T-shirts. rior fighting form, as compared to As to Belmopan’s third party, the PUP, which has been taking the VIP, and other independents, blow after blow from within, in they stuck to the official process; no addition to successive defeats suf- crowds, no march, no music, no flags. fered at the polls since the Cayo Mayor Lopez and Hon. Saldivar wave at supporters on Nomination Day And so, the stage is set—as South By-Election of October 2003. mopan. He has now served two terms wide, which take place on March 7. far as the municipal elections are The man who, in that by- and is getting ready to go for a third. But this past Wednesday, concerned—no new horse being able election, became the first ever UDP to Saldivar himself will be it was Mayor Simeon Lopez and to enter the race. And the same will be win the Cayo South constituency, Hon nominated this Friday, February his slate of candidates for coun- true for the General Election race by John Saldivar, is now the area repre- 17, along with all other candidates cilors whose turn it was to sign the end of this week, as those nomina- sentative for the constituency of Bel- for the General Elections country- up for the municipal elections that tions take place on Friday, February 17. Objection Superbond Strikes Again! to Shakron Another 33 Million Gone! Nomination

hirty Three Million! That’s how much money the Government and People of BelizeT have to find in the next few days for one single payment on the Super Bond left behind by the PUP. Bright and early this com- ing Monday, February 20, 2012, we will have to pay up US $16, 768,533.33 which converts to BZ $33,537,066.66, being the latest in- stallment on the repayment of the Super Bond which the PUP left as a legacy for Belizeans, and which the Said Musa Francis Fonseca (Continued on Page 9) Story on Page 14 Page 2 Capital Weekly Thursday, February 16, 2012 From the Desk Paved Placencia of the Chairman Road Inaugurated The Harder They Come The Harder They Fall ! any election, even one that all the vital signs told you they should lose. Those days are gone, and today the PUP appears to be a party without soul, style or substance; a kind of A portion of the newly paved Placencia Road walking dead organism which is simply limp- ing around longing to regain the mobility and ability it once had. If there was ever a time for the third party ele- Delroy Cuthkelvin ments to jump the PUP Chairman, Editorial Board and move into second place, that time is now. s it only me, But that is not the or do you get main point of our es- say. That point is that Hon. Melvin Hulse Hon. Anthony Martinez the distinct Stann Creek West Area Rep. Minister of Works feelingI that the forces the Barrow administra- opposed to this UDP ad- tion is so decisively and It is the access road at Thursday’s inauguration ministration are growing resolutely on the right to one of Belize’s most pop- ceremony were Minister of more desperate by the track that it is becoming ular tourism destinations, Works, Anthony Martinez, and minute as the General harder by the minute for the Placencia Road, which Stann Creek West Area Repre- Elections draw nearer? the pockets of resistance, leads to the village by the sentative, Hon. Melvin Hulse. And isn’t it becom- including what is left of same name, Placencia. After a decade of prom- ing just as obvious that the PUP, to mount any ises by the last administration, the harder they try, the effective assault against that road has finally been FromCapital the Heart Weekly of the Nation more they’re failing, and it, even if they were to paved by the Dean Barrow To the Soul of the People falling like flies that hit coalesce, as they appear Government with financing to be attempting at this a glowing light-bulb? coming mainly from the Ca- Published By: There was a time late stage in the game, ribbean Development Bank. Roots & Rhythm Ltd. when the ‘invincible blue around the single agenda The project agreement 15 Gibnut Street machine’ was pretty ef- of bringing down an ad- was signed in 2008 with Cisco Belmopan Construction, and the works fective at muddying the ministration that has were completed last year. waters amidst an elec- so successfully stood Chairman: Also constructed as Delroy Cuthkelvin tion season, so that it up and defended the part of the entire project became difficult for the national interest; an ad- was a multi-purpose build- Compositor: average Belizean voter ministration that has, in- ing in Seign Bight, which William Cuthkelvin to distinguish between deed, gone a step further was built to replace the old good and evil, right and in taking the offensive multi-purpose structure that Telephone: wrong, truth and fiction. on behalf of the People had to be demolished to ac- 802-1284 And on the ground, the and Country of Belize. commodate the widening and paving of the Placencia Email: “The harder they ‘blue machine’ had such Road that passes through capitalweekly_bze a dominating game it come, the harder they fall; that neighboring village. @yahoo.com appeared they could win one and all!” (Jimmy Cliff) Among special guests Thursday, February 16, 2012 Capital Weekly Page 3 Tourism Turns the Corner BIG Increase in Overnight Visitors t is no secret that, com- We are also working on—and enhancement training, customer ser- paratively, Belize’s Econ- there’s going to be training in March vice training; wait staff, bartending omy is doing well. Com- in cultural tourism for persons who front desk, and key to all of this is parative,I that is, to other countries in are offering cultural tourism products, to get more trainers into the system.” the region, particularly other mem- giving them training and also a small Total overnight arrivals in bers of the Caribbean Community. grants program that is coming through 2011 stood at 250,263. It is the sec- This is, of course, within the IDB project and looking at health ond highest performance in this the context of the global economic and safety standards and accompany- particular sector, the highest be- crisis from which nations great ing training throughout our sector. We ing in 2007, which was just before and small are struggling to recover. also have to focus a lot on capacity the global economic recession hit. One of the key areas where building and training for our industry. It is only the second time Belize’s recovery is evident is Tour- We’ve revamped our tour in the history of Tourism in Belize ism; and the news coming out of guide certification course and should that the figures for overnight tour- that sector this week was particu- Hon Manuel Heredia be giving that to the industry a little ism surpassed 250,000 visitors. larly good. At a press conference on Minister of Tourism later this year so that we can begin Not only is the news good, Wednesday in Ambergris Caye, the “The cruise sector has done new programs that focus on inter- the projections are also promising, Belize Tourism Board announced very well for us even when our over- pretive skills. Introduction of a new in fact even more promising for that tourist arrivals for the last night sector was taking a dip. So we tour operator course; right now there 2012, the Belize Tourism Board quarter of 2011 had increased by as have the zone, we have to continue is no course offered to persons who says. And beyond that, the future much as 6.5 percent over the figures our negotiations with the Florida operate tours, so we have created that looks even more promising as a for the same period of 2010. The Caribbean Cruise Association and groundwork and we are ready to roll major airline out of Canada, Sun- actual figure for the last quarter of of course capacity building for our out our first training in the summer. wing Airline, is scheduled to begin 2011 was 56,964 overnight tourists. local stakeholders in the cruise sector. And we’re looking at quality direct flights to Belize early in 2013. It’s a record-breaking achievement. And the figure for December 2011 alone was also a record-breaker, reaching 26,900. Arrivals at the Phillip Gold- son International Airport were also at a record high, having increased February 15, 2012 consistently since 2008 when the Logo/Slogan Competitions current UDP Government took of- Participate In The Belize National Sanitary Cattle Plan Project Logo/Slogan Competition! fice. During the last quarter of 2011, the airport recorded 42,034 visitors, The Belize National Sanitary Cattle Plan Project is a project funded by the Government of Belize partly through a Grant representing an increase of 9 percent from The European Union. The Project Execution Unit was established in January, 2012 and is housed at The Agricultural Show Grounds, Hummingbird Highway, Belmopan City. This Unit, in collaboration with the Belize Agricultural Health over comparative figures for 2010. Authority, the Belize Livestock Producers Association and other stakeholders, has launched a public awareness campaign In Cruise Tourism, admit- seeking to educate and sensitize Cattle Farmers and the Belizean public about the importance and benefits of this project, tedly, the growth has not been as including the need to get their livestock tested for Bovine Tuberculosis and Brucellosis so that they meet the bovine animal consistent. In October 2011, the health standards that will enable them to export live cattle to Mexico. number of cruise-tourism arrivals recorded was 39,959, up by 25.9 Terms of the LOGO/Slogan Competitions: percent over the figures for the  Competition is open to (High School) Students ages (12-17) same period of 2010. The increase  An Individual may submit one (1) entry only in November was even greater as  Logo/Slogan should incorporate elements related to the principal objective of the Belize National Sanitary Cattle arrivals soared to 92, 416 visitors, Plan Project  Participants are encouraged to be highly imaginative, inspired and show foresight in their submissions. an increase of 32.1 percent over  All entries must be original, unpublished, and not submitted or accepted elsewhere between start and end of the the figures for the same period in Competition 2010. In December of 2011, how-  Logos must be submitted in JPEG or PDF format ever, those arrivals were only 96,367,  Immediate relatives of the members of the evaluation committee shall not be eligible to submit an entry down by 11.5 percent from the  The Committee would not be obliged to accept a winning submission in the unlikely event that there are no numbers for the previous year, 2010. suitable choices.  In the unlikely event of a tie, winner will be selected by a blind draw. Nevertheless, the overall figures show a cumulative growth  The Winning entry and all rights thereafter becomes the property of the BNSCP- Project of almost 12 percent since 2008.  The deadline for the submission of entries is on or before March 16, 2012 at 4.00 p.m. Commenting on the par- ticularly good performance in over- Submission of Entries for BNSCP LOGO/Slogan Competition: night visitors, Tourism Minister Manuel Heredia said, “For the first Submission of the Logo/Slogan can be sent via email however two (2) copies must be on CDs either hand delivered or time in the history of Belize’s tourism, by mail to BNSCP- Project. Entry packages SHOULD BE ADDRESSED AS FOLLOWS: Logo/Slogan Competition, we have attained record overnight Belize National Sanitary Cattle Plan Project, P.O. Box 169, National Agricultural Showgrounds, Hummingbird Highway, arrivals in three of the twelve months Belmopan, . of last year; namely January, July Prizes: and December of 2011.As a result The winner of the BNSCP LOGO/Slogan Competition will receive a prize of $500 from the BNSCP Project. of these top performing months, I am proud to say that 2011 will be Kindly note that an information package outlining the project overview and objective is available electronically and recorded as only the second time will be facilitated to all interested individuals upon their request. in Belize’s history that we have ex- For more information on the campaign, please contact Kay Garnett, Administrative Assistant at the Belize National ceeded 250,000 overnight arrivals.” Sanitary Cattle Plan Project, Tel:(+501) 822-2143/1283 or email at [email protected] or cattlesweep@ As to Cruise Tourism, gmail.com We look forward to receiving all of your submissions, which we trust shall be creative, innovative and exciting. BTB’s Director of Quality Assur- ance, Laura Esquivel Frampton, made the following comments: Page 4 Capital Weekly Thursday, February 16, 2012 Thursday, February 16, 2012 Capital Weekly Page 5 Ignorant or Dishonest? Noisemakers Badmouth Belize Economy rime Minister corded a 23% hike in year on Dean Barrow year sales, Wholes sale and made the point Retail Trade was up by 7.7 %, duringP his appearance on Love Hotel and Restaurants grew by FM’s Morning show, that the 2.1 percent as a consequence noisemakers who are trying to of a 3.3% increase in overnight dispute the fact that the Belize tourists; Transport and Com- Economy is doing well under munications went up by 2.5 this government are either percent; Construction by 7.4 being ignorant or dishonest; percent; Fishing by as much and we would have to agree. as 14.5 %; and while overall As early as October Francis Gegg Yasmin Andrews Sugar production fell, rations, 2010, when he came to Belize in 2010—owing largely to ac- time, and particularly en- quality and prices improved immediately following Hur- tivity in the electricity, and couraging in the context of so that the industry is hav- ricane Richard, IDB President, wholesale and retail trade. current global conditions. ing an outstanding season. Luis Alberto Moreno stated: Twelve-month inflation That growth for the The latest statistics just “Belize entered the global was nil in 2010...but picked up entire year was even better coming out of the Tourism recession from a position of slightly early this year (0.9 per- than was projected by Prime industry this week further relative macro-economic sta- cent in February 2011)...Growth Minister Dean Barrow himself reinforce the fact that the bility and came through it very in 2011 is being supported by in his 2011 Independence Day Belize Economy has indeed unscathed. Although growth expansion in the manufactur- Speech, and better than the weathered well and recov- decelerated, the economy did ing and agriculture sectors, as 2.4 % growth recorded in 2010. ered from the economic reces- NOT actually contract, and well as an improvement in the It was the highest sion, and is poised for further macro-economic stability was terms of trade, allowing the sta- growth rate since the eco- growth and strengthening. maintained. Belize continues bilization of the foreign reserves nomic recession hit home, Indeed, those who are to have one of the lowest infla- cover at about 3 months imports and it signals that we have in determined to prove that the tion rates in all of the Western of goods and services.” (IMF fact weathered the storm rela- Belize Economy is not doing Hemisphere.” (Luis Alberto Statement, August 25, 2011) tively well, something which, well, and who insist on saying Moreno - IDB President) As it turned out, the as we noted earlier, even the so in the face of the stubborn Late last Year, the IMF, growth rate of the Belize Econ- IMF has had to concede. facts to the contrary, are being no fan of this government’s omy had reached over 3 Per- The Prime Minister, either ‘ignorant’ or ‘dishonest’. pro-poor policies, confirmed cent by the end of 2011, and in his New Year’s Address, With the Prime Minis- what the IDB President had all indicators show that the noted that the situation is ter’s permission, we would like stated in a statement of their economy is poised for further even more encouraging when to add one more option: they own, which read: “Belize weath- growth in the year just started. one examines the pillars that are just being ‘bad-minded’. ered the financial crisis rela- Belize’s Economic perfor- hold up the structure. Those We won’t attempt tively well, when compared with mance in 2011, was better pillars are the various ar- to determine which it other countries in the Caribbean than most, if not all its neigh- eas of the productive sector. is. Let them choose which Community. Output expanded bors in the Caribbean at this The Free Zone had re- cap they want to wear. Page 6 Capital Weekly Thursday, February 16, 2012 Faith Lift Committed Marriages & Families - Critical Components for a Healthy Society ment him. The Creator per- their fathers. The seemingly healthier and there are sig- formed the first marriage in acceptable replacement by a nificant reductions in the rate By Zelda Hill the Garden of Eden by bring- step-parent, in most cases, of alcoholism, depression, ing the woman to her man serves to aggravate the already suicide, and psychological f a society is as and then declaring that “… a delicate circumstances after a and mental illnesses. When healthy as its fami- man shall leave his father and parent abandons the family. children know that their par- lies are, then we mother and be joined to his Since God created the ents are in their lives for the don’t haveI to search very long wife, and they shall become family, an examination of His long haul and their parents and far to understand why our one flesh.” This instruction manual to extract its wisdom openly express their love and world’s societies are stressed meant that the couple was will reveal that its definition commitment to each other morally and economically. to become one in a sexual of ‘family’ is the word ‘fa- and to them, children are less In every society, the word and figurative sense, sharing therhood’. The Greek word likely to experience loneliness ‘family’ should evoke a sense their lives and their result- for ‘family’ is ‘patria’, which and insecurity and to be in- of happiness, belonging and ing children together in an comes from the root ‘pater’. fluenced by gangs and drugs. security, but for many such environment of love, nurture From the word ‘pater’ comes Modern research associations are unfamiliar. and security. Their children the word ‘padre’, which means simply echoes and endorses God’s plan for the family, the were to follow this similar ‘father’. In Jewish culture, an what God had originally most valuable institution of pattern of union in marriage. orphan was a child whose prescribed in His Word. society, has regrettably been Although the benefits of undermined. This fact is Studies are revealing that by encouraging committed marriages and evident in societies where and supporting the idea of marriage, the health family- life are unmatched instead of protecting and when compared to other caring for its most vulnerable and well-being of individuals in a society are im- unions, the statistics show members, the elderly and the proved. On the other hand, just living together that the frequency of marriag- children, they are neglected outside of marriage brings increased conflict and es is decreasing worldwide. and isolated. There are also aggression fueled by uncertainty and infidelity. The Bible explains this societies that design legisla- deterioration of marriages tion to kill its powerless and as a characteristic of these innocent members - even God’s evaluation of what He father was dead, even if the later times and the result of intruding into the womb! designed and ordained was child’s mother was present. abandoning faith in God and And when a society seeks that it was “good”, a position Without a father in the home pursuing deceiving spirits to tamper with or remove He continues to uphold. But there is no family. The fam- and demonic teachings (1 laws that are designed to man has composed the vari- ily, with committed and lov- Timothy 4:1-3). Any person preserve the integrity and ous definitions and arranged ing parents as God designed or group that denounces the functionality of the family as the diverse patterns of unions, it, provides what is need- sanctity and importance of God intended it, the impact much to his own detriment. ed for the holistic develop- marriage is definitely in op- on the already endangered God is neither hu- ment of children, who will in position to God’s will since component is devastating. It mored nor does He respect turn build healthy societies. His prescription for healthy is past time for every sector such diversity, as those who Studies are revealing families and societies will of our society to resurrect seek to redefine unions and that by encouraging and sup- never be amended. The respect for God’s laws and families would like us to do. porting the idea of marriage, slightest deviation from God’s reinforce aspirations for com- He is in fact grieved at the the health and well-being of plan will cause us to endlessly mitted marriages, especially varieties of ‘families’ that have individuals in a society are and fruitlessly search to al- in our younger generation. spiraled from our ‘modern’ improved. On the other hand, leviate the consequences of Committed marriages societies: unmarried couples, just living together outside of such neglect and rejection. are happy marriages and absent fathers, absent moth- marriage brings increased If a healthy society is produce healthy families ers, siblings with different conflict and aggression fueled a priority for our citizens and and societies. A union that fathers and the latest addi- by uncertainty and infidel- statesmen, any other system defies God’s original design, tion…same-sex ‘parents’. It ity. In committed marriag- that introduces doctrines however committed, even is distressing to realize that, es, parents and children are that are contrary to the will with the sanction of the state, in many instances, what we emotionally and physically of God should be discarded. is no marriage at all. God’s refer to as families are not original plan for marriage families at all but instead are and family is evident in the training camps for abuse, Genesis account of the first confusion, frustration and man and woman, Adam and deviancy. Many of our young Eve, He created. “It is not men who are trapped in the Capital Weekly good for man to be alone”, cycles of drug abuse and From the Heart of the Nation God recommended. And criminal activity have never God made a helper for the experienced the love, protec- To the Soul of the People man, a woman, to comple- tion, discipline and mentor of Thursday, February 16, 2012 Capital Weekly Page 7

PACT GrAnTs over $600,000 in JAnuAry 2012!

For the month of January, the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) invested a total of $619,530.06 in new and ongoing grants. INVESTMENTS Over $389,000 in new grants for projects in eight protected areas: for January 2012 Community Baboon Sanctuary $60,000.00 - Community Baboon Sanctuary Women’s Conservation Group

Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary $29,537.50 - Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development

Chiquibul National Park, Chiquibul Forest Reserve, Caracol Archaeological Site $100,000.00 - Friends for Conservation and Development

Gladden Spit & Silk Cayes Marine Reserve, Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve $99,992.56 - Southern Environmental Association

Bladen Nature Reserve $100,000.00 - Ya’axché Conservation Trust

PACT also disbursed over $168,000 for ongoing grants; of this $61,000 was facilitated via partnerships with the Meso-American Reef Fund (MAR Fund) and the PACT Foundation.

The new grants include a Small Grant of $60,000 to the Community Baboon Sanctuary Women’s Conservation Group (CBSWCG) for the preparation of a management plan for the Community Baboon Sanctuary. The Community Baboon Sanctuary is a voluntary grassroots conservation initiative established in the Belize River Valley, with the goal of sustaining the habitat of the Black Howler Monkey while promoting economic develop- ment in the participating communities.

The Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development (SACD) is also the recipient of a Small Grant. SACD is working in collaboration with the Forest Department to manage the Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. Currently, there is limited understanding of the ways in which climate change will affect the aquatic systems of CBWS and since Northeast Belize has a high risk climate change status it is important for management to be aware of such information for improved long term management effectiveness. This investment will establish a baseline for monitoring the water quality in Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary.

The Chiquibul Forest (Chiquibul National Park, Chiquibul Forest Reserve and Caracol Archaeological Reserve) continues to be under a diverse set of threats. The Forest De- partment and the Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) have been working together to manage this area and since 2005, PACT has been investing in these manage- ment efforts. FCD has established a biodiversity research program that would provide data for adaptive management of this area. Understanding the importance of research, the PACT is investing $100,000 to support data collection efforts, and to strengthen capacity for research and park surveillance.

The Grant to Southern Environmental Association (SEA) will support management of two important marine protected areas: Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve (GSSCMR) and Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve (SCMR). This investment from PACT will facilitate sci- entific monitoring for commercial species, landings and spawning aggregation at GSSCMR and SCMR. This is an important process for the region to keep abreast of the fish stocks.

PACT awarded a Medium-Sized Grant to Ya’axché Conservation Trust for conservation efforts in Bladen Nature Reserve, one of only two nature reserves in the country that employs the strictest form of conservation management. This investment from PACT will focus on strengthening the biodiversity monitoring and data collection program estab- lished in 2008 by Ya’axché.

Support was also provided to the Belize Forest Department to facilitate assessment of the Rosewood stock. The research involves data collection and analysis (stock taking), zone identification, and GIS modelling.

More Info. & Latest News pactbelize.org Short Features on Projects facebook.com/pactbelize Annual Reports issuu.com/pact.belize Project Videos youtube.com/pactbelize Page 8 Capital Weekly Thursday, February 16, 2012 AGM in the Free Zone Address by Executive Chairman, David Akerman

onight I begin by giv- to complete administrative control. The derly and in the field of dermatology in ing all praise, honor move has brought vast improvements in the rural areas. And in the field of den- and thanks to God for the service provided to the tistry over 1,500 children have received T investors and there now exists a fluoride treatment, 79 received dental bringing us together here tonight. This is the 4th year that I more organized and efficient garbage surgeries. Allow me to say that these have the privilege and the honor of collection. We turned to our allied social programs were established and addressing you and it is with great partners, the Republic of China, (Tai- approved by your Board of Directors. pride and pleasure that I stand be- wan) for the donation of two com- Not to be outdone in our fore you to relay the achievements pactor garbage trucks for the proper relentless efforts in continuously im- of the Corozal Free Zone since the removal and disposal of garbage. proving and upgrading the infrastruc- takeover of this administration. Inferior quality structures ture of the Zone we maintain the ties The Corozal Free Zone has were the order of the day under the already existing with the Taiwanese shown that sound improvements are previous administration and these government and are in the process possible with accountability, transpar- such structures were considered fire of negotiating for financing from the ency and commitment in the things hazards; and our dependency on our International Cooperation Develop- that we do. We can be taken as a role Mexican counterparts was becoming ment Fund (ICDF) of Taiwan in the model for other institutions that are in very annoying and so arose the urgency areas for infrastructure and state of a transition period to achieve competi- of investing in our own fire department. the art Security Surveillance Cameras tiveness and economic stabilization. But such a feat would require thou- to be installed in the entire perimeter David Akerman, Excecutive sands of dollars, and so we turned again of the Corozal Free Zone. Initial meet- No man is an island and yet each head Chairman, Corozal Free Zone is it’s own world. The Board members to our ally, Taiwan, once again for the ings have already taken place between who have devoted their invaluable bathroom and shower facilities. The donation of a fire truck and with the co- a delegation of the Corozal Free Zone time towards the improvement of security services have been upgraded operation of the private sector to incur which included myself, the Board and the CFZ and who have contributed to and we are presently forming a Quick expenses for freight, we established a the Directors of the Chamber of Com- the successes over the past years will Response Team for major emergency fire department. . This fire department merce and Mr. Morgan Chao, the Vice always be held in high regards with situations. This unit will consist of counts with 5 full time personnel, all President of ICDF. There is much that this administration. All our achieve- highly trained personnel who will be trained. Our restructured fire depart- needs to be done and can be done ments would not be possible without armed and will be on call to respond ment now has an office and storage fa- providing the will to do so. Together pri- the unconditional input of every single to major incidents. We have hired cility along with bathroom and shower. vate and public sector working for one employee; be assured that your work the services of Anchor Security from Training was conducted for common goal without any self interest. is very important to me. We are a Belmopan who are tasked with the staff members of the Princess casino in Presently we are upgrad- team and everyone has a role to play training of our Quick Response Team. the case of any outbreak of fires in the ing and modernizing our IT sys- and the success of us all depended Also training for the securities and fire- casinos. Special thanks goes out to the tems to bring quality service. on the interest and dedication that men in first aid has been completed. Taiwanese government for their invalu- We are an administration with you have put in your respective jobs. Observation towers has been placed able assistance in the granting of the renewed vigor since our takeover in As the winds of in strategic locations with spotlights garbage compactor trucks, fire truck 2008. We have grown physically and change swept the nation in 2008 installed along the fence lines to enable and for the donations of over $100,000 have matured over the years. The CFZ with the election of a new govern- our securities to monitor the move- Belize dollars in fire-fighting equipment administration now boasts of a work ment, the expectations of the Corozal ments along the fence lines; an area which has just arrived. These assets force that has evolved from 43 work- Free Zone investors was riddled with that was target for the criminal element now form part of our inventory. Of ers to 117. Our commitment is to use a lot of questions. Changes were to access the Free Zone. Allow me to note is the fact that we now assist the all our efforts and skills to meet the met with certain skepticisms as mil- say proudly that we have come a long Mexicans in the case of fire outbreaks, expectations of you, the investors, lions of dollars were at stake and way in the restructuring of the Security as of recently we were the first to re- and I invite you all to join us in our the new direction was uncertain. services and there is always room for spond to a fire in Sub Teniente Lopez. continued efforts to move the CFZ The takeover of the improvement but we are getting there. The administration is working forward which will be beneficial for new administration happened at a The infrastructure posed an- with the Chamber of Commerce to all and country. In order to achieve time when the economic recession other major challenge for the new establish new strategies for Marketing. the desired results we must focus on plagued the entire globe and the administration but we were not to (Allow me to make mention that the CFZ strategies to deliver long term value to Corozal Free Zone was not spared be deterred and now, visible to all now counts with a very efficient and -ef you all. But we cannot go the journey the effects of the crisis. Neverthe- are the fruits of the struggles and fective Chamber.) The first phase of the alone; we need the commitments of all. less although we knew that the road achievements of this management. new marketing strategy was launched The course for the future is ahead would be a very rocky and Major investment was carried out in in 2011 whereby advertisements of challenging. But we have emerged steep one, we set out to meet the the repairing of the streets and obvi- various forms has been launched in from 2008 to 2012 with renewed challenges that loomed in the horizon. ously the drains were no less a priority the major cities of our neighboring confidence and determination. At the inception of that needed to be addressed in the country; Mexico. The major objective Thank you all for your par- the change in administration and event of heavy flooding that plagued is directed at attracting and increas- ticipation here tonight and for your after careful analysis and scrutiny it the Zone during the rainy season. ing the retail buyers into the CFZ. support over the past years. Special was realized that there was the need We can now appreciate bet- The CFZ partnering with the thanks goes out to the investors who for major restructuring in all avenues ter streets with the signs in place to Chamber of Commerce is planning have contributed to the development of service and in the infrastructure assist in the proper traffic control and to host a week of discounts and com- of the CFZ, for the trust and confidence of the CFZ. The administration then the flooding has been alleviated. The panies will be invited to participate bestowed upon me, to the members of embarked on the tedious task of administration has embarked on a in this event. Of note is the fact that the Board of Directors, past and pres- complete restructuring of the CFZ. beautification project and we can all there now exists a more harmonious ent, who has given unselfishly of their So much had to be done that it enjoy and appreciate the landscaping working relationship between the valuable time to serve and were instru- was difficult to determine where to start that is in place. A welcoming sight, if private and the public sector in the mental in the developments of the CFZ. but as the saying goes: all journeys must I may say so myself, for as they say, CFZ now. service to do their promo- Special thanks also to my family start with the first step, so we started first impressions are lasting impres- tions for their respective companies. who has tolerated me through long to confront the major task of trans- sions. Our maintenance crew has It is said that in giving you re- hours of very tedious work and sup- forming the Zone into what it is today. done a spectacular job in enhancing ceive and with that in mind the Admin- ported me throughout my tenure. Primarily, the infrastructure the image of the Zone and in the istration saw the need to assist in social To the Lord God who has blessed me and the security services needed daily maintenance of the streets and programs and by so doing, give back with the knowledge to turn my dreams immediate attention and so those drains and have been very effective in to our community. Throughout our and ideas into practical possibilities needs were addressed. The deplor- the improved garbage collection ser- tenure of our administration we have and granted me the wisdom to do so. able conditions which the securities vices rendered by the administration. supported social in social interventions And last, but not least, to all were working under and the lack of The vision of the new admin- in education and culture and health my staff who delivered diligently the basic facilities was a disgrace and so istration saw the need to upgrade our oriented programs. As of recently we policies of the Board of Directors. we restructured the entrance of the garbage collection and disposal and lob- have partnered with the Belize Mission Have a pleasant CFZ and the security now counts with bied to move it from private controlled in providing general medicine for the el- good night and God Bless!! Thursday, February 16, 2012 Capital Weekly Page 9 On Both Sides of the Issue Shoman’s Dual Position on Dual Citizenship Superbond Strikes Again! Another 33 Million Gone! Continued from Page 1 out of that total figure, the Super Bond inherited from the Said Musa new PUP Leader, Francis Fonseca, administration is responsible for as is now calling on Belizeans to forget. much as 1.1 Billion (with a B). In But how can we forget something that other words, the Super Bond left is costing us so many millions even as behind by the last administration is we write, and will continue to cost us actually responsible for almost 60 so many more millions in the future? percent of the entire External Debt. Lisa Shoman Yolanda Shakron By August of this year, when the All this is the result of reckless next semi-annual payment is due, borrowing by the last administration, n our two most re- denly made an about turn. Either we will have to fork up 47 Million the monies from which were never cent editions, we made that or she is holding two oppos- all at once, as the interest would spent on the people to improve their the point that Lisa ing views on the very same issue. have increased from 6% to 8.5%. quality of life, or on the country’s in- Notwithstanding the enormous frastructure. We have calculated, for Shoman,I who has ambitions to According to Shoman, it burden we’ve been bearing over example, that the payments we have lead the People of this Country, is quite alright for Mrs. Shakron, the past few years, it is only the to make this year alone on the Super is consistently on the wrong side a dual citizen, to offer herself for interest that we have been paying Bond, over BZ $80 Million, would be of issues of concern to the public elected office. In an interview up to this point, and that is all enough to resurface the entire West- at large. So consistent has been with Channel Seven News on we’ll continue to pay up until 2019. ern Highway from Belize City all her record of taking the wrong Monday of this week, she stated, Imagine how much more the way to the Benque Viejo Border. position on every issue, we were “As to the party, we are satisfied painful it will be when payments What most preoccupies beginning to wonder wheth- that Mrs. Shakron’s eligibility for on the principal kick in. That will Belizeans in the present is the fact er it’s a record she can sustain. running is - there is no issue with first happen on August 20, 2019 that we must find 33 Million dollars Well, this week Shoman it. It is interesting, however, from a when the first bullet payment on to pay in less than three week’s the principal becomes due. That time, and we will have to find many outdid herself as she has now come perspective of any lawyer, that the bullet payment, combined with the millions more until we finish paying down on both sides of the same UDP ran Mrs. Marilyn Williams continuing payment on the interest, off that Super Bond in 2029. By then issue. The issue is, of course, that when she was a dual citizen as well, of dual citizenship and the ques- will take the debt servicing up to the Super Bond would have cost us so don’t worry; the same way the over 100 Million every six months. $1, 588,590,700, or to put it another tion of whether those who hold it UDP can manage, we will manage.” In other words, when combined way, over 1.5 Billion, with a B. should be allowed to run for elect- Shoman’s allegation about with the continued payments on The infamous Super Bond ed office at the level of Parliament. a former UDP candidate being the interest, those bullet payments is the amalgamation of various Kudos to Channel Seven a dual citizen has never been (to repay the principal) will take bad-loans incurred by the last News for bringing back the tape proven. What has, of course, the annual debt servicing payments PUP administration that earned featuring Lisa Shoman emphatical- been proven beyond a shadow up to over 200 Million a year, since the reputation of abusing public ly and categorically opposing even of doubt is that Shoman herself such payments must be made, funds to underwrite the most in- the thought of someone wanting to not once, but twice every year. sane and unsound (not to men- seems to have, not only dual run for elected office at the level of As Prime Minister Hon. tion, corrupt) private ventures. views, but diametrically opposing Parliament in Belize while hold- Dean Barrow noted in one of his How can we forget the past, positions on the very same issue. ing on to some other nationality. recent budget presentations, the when it is costing us so much in the It’s Lisa Shoman yet again. “I think what you are hear- government’s External Debt now present, and will continue to cost When and how shall it all end? ing people here say is that if we give stands at around 1.9 Billion; and us so much more in the future? you the honour and the respon- sibility of serving in the National Assembly, be good enough to ac- knowledge that you have one mas- ter and that that master is Belize.

And I serve you notice Mr. Chairman, pass this law and I will line up to be first in line to chal- PUBLIC NOTICE lenge anybody who thinks they can get themselves elected and The Public Utilities Commission (PUC; the Commission) serves notice this day, February 14, 2012, that, in will not run afoul of the people exercise of the powers conferred upon it by Section 15 of the Belize Telecommunications Act and of Belize,” Shoman had declared. Section 5 of the Telecommunications (Licensing Classification, Authorization, and Fee Structure) The statement, replayed Regulations 2002, S.I. 110 of 2002, and all other powers thereunto enabling, it proposes to grant an by Channel Seven in its Tuesday Internet Networks License to each of the following applicants: evening newscast for February 14, 1. STELLAR LINKS LTD. 2012, was made by Shoman back 2. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED. in 2009 when the Dean Barrow 3. ALLIANCE IP (BELIZE) LTD. administration introduced in the An Internet Networks License is an Individual License that authorizes a Licensee to provide Internet House a bill proposing to allow Service to the public and to build a network for the provision of such service. dual citizens to run for elective office at the level of Parliament. Reason for proposed granting of Licenses: With a candidate of her The Commission intends to grant Licenses to the above applicants in order to promote further own party, Yolanda Shakron, competition in the provision of High Speed Internet Service. now seeking to run in the Lake Comments/Objections: Independence constituency, hav- Interested persons may submit written representations or objections with respect to the proposed ing just been confirmed to be a Licenses on or before March 6, 2012, to the Public Utilities Commission, P.O. Box 300, #41Gabourel holder of both US and Belizean Lane, Belize City, Belize. citizenship, Lisa Shoman has sud-

Page 10 Capital Weekly Thursday, February 16, 2012 The Prime Minister’s Tour Continued in Toledo Last Sunday February 12, 2012 Thursday, February 16, 2012 Capital Weekly Page 11 The Prime Minister’s Tour Continued in Toledo Last Sunday February 12, 2012 Page 12 Capital Weekly Thursday, February 16, 2012 Safety and Comfort SIF Project Refurbishes School Buildings in Cristo Rey

building (30 ft by 27 ft) were reha- buildings with asbestos roofing, bilitated. These included replace- which posed a health hazard to ment of the asbestos roof, includ- both the teachers and students. ing the roof sheeting and frames, After consultations and collabora- installation of new doors and win- tion with the Ministry of Educa- dows, new partitions, new ceilings tion, the Ministry of Health has and painting of walls and electrical recommended the removal of all wiring. Additional works for the asbestos roofs on school buildings pre-school included the repairing countrywide since asbestos has of damaged walls and columns, ad- been known to cause lung cancer. ditional purlins for roof expansion Cristo Rey Village and installation of water gutters. is located some 11 miles from The work scope for the Corozal Town; 2 miles from the bathroom block included construc- cutoff of the northern highway tion of bathroom space for male or some 10 miles from the Santa Cutting of the ribbon to officially inaugurate the building ver 147 students Fund at a total cost of $300,000 of the Cristo Rey and financed by the Caribbean Roman Catholic Development Bank (CDB) un- School Oin the Corozal District are der its Basic Needs Trust Fund no longer exposed to the dangers 5. BNTF is a program promot- associated with asbestos thanks ing poverty reduction through to a project which included the socio-economic initiatives and rehabilitation of two main school community empowerment and is buildings equipped with spacious jointly financed by the Caribbean

Cristo Rey Pre-school renovated as part of the project

and females along with shower Elena border. Most of the villagers stall, urinals, toilets and wash ba- rely on sugar cane farming and sins, septic tank and soak-a-ways. papaya cultivation for a living. The project also included The guest speaker for the the provision of furniture, includ- occasion was Hon. Nemencio

Cristo Rey RC School children pose for the camera along with delegates and invited guests during the ceremony bathrooms, the supply of comput- Development Bank (CDB), the Ca- ers, office furniture and equipment. nadian International Development The refurbished facilities will be Agency (CIDA) and ten beneficiary officially inaugurated tomorrow governments, including Belize. morning at the school premises. As part of the project a two- The project was imple- classroom building (60 ft by 37 ft) mented by the Social Investment and a one-classroom pre-school Main school building renovated by SIF ing teacher’s desks, computer desks, Acosta, Minister of State in the book shelves, 8 computers, photo Ministry of Agriculture. Represen- copier, projector, two digital cam- tatives of the Ministry of Educa- eras among others. In addition, SIF tion, the Social Investment Fund donated the construction materi- and Management of the Roman als, including tiles, light fixtures, Catholic Schools for the Corozal sheet rock, AC Unit, windows and District also spoke at the event. doors for the rehabilitation of a (Information and pho- third building. The community tos provided by Mr. Mike Her- of Cristo Rey provided labor for nandez Jr. (Sr. J.P.) Director of the installation of these materials. Public Relations for the Social Prior to the project, stu- Investment Fund) dents were housed in three school Read Capital Weekly Online In Living Colours at: Cultural presentations included a Jarana Dance belizenews.com/CapitalWeekly performed during the official ceremony Thursday, February 16, 2012 Capital Weekly Page 13 Safety and Comfort School and Bathroom Block Inaugurated in August Pine Ridge

rehabilitated school sides of the partition walls with building along with a metal backing, repairs to damaged Asanitary block that will columns and electrical rewiring of benefit over 400 students of the the building. The primary school August Pine Ridge RC School measures 105 ft long by 37 ft was inaugurated last Friday wide and houses six classrooms, a 10th February at the school computer lab and principal’s office. premises in August Pine Ridge The project also consisted Village, Orange Walk District. of the construction of a new The project was bathroom block with bathroom implemented by the Social spaces for the school’s staff, and Investment Fund at a total cost a male and female bathrooms, of $298,000 and financed by the shower stalls and hand wash Caribbean Development Bank basins. Both male and female

Cutting the symbolic ribbon

school’s administration for the students. The project therefore rehabilitation of another building has provided a safer and more inside the school compound. pleasant learning environment. The school provided The village of August Pine the labor for rehabilitation of Ridge is located some 16 miles from three additional classrooms, Orange Walk Town. The economic including the tiling of the floor, base of the village is mixed but and replacement of the ceiling, cane farming is the most important

Portion of the building showing the new bathroom block (CDB) under its Basic Needs bathrooms have doors that lead Trust Fund 5. BNTF is a program into the existing adjacent building promoting poverty reduction in the event that the building is

Rehabilitated August Pine Ridge School building

therefore underscoring their from of income for the villagers. commitment to the enhancement Speakers at the of the children’s education. inauguration ceremony included The August Pine Ridge officials of the Roman Catholic RC School was originally built in Church, the Social Investment 1960s and is one of the largest rural Fund and Community Leaders. schools in the Orange Walk District. Prior to the project, Information provided by the building had an asbestos- Mike Hernandez Jr. (Sr. J.P.) Cultural presentation at the ceremony roofing which posed a health Director of Public Relations through socio-economic initiatives used as a hurricane shelter. The hazard to both the teachers and of the Social Investment Fund and community empowerment community of August Pine Ridge and is jointly financed by the contributed with vertical props Caribbean Development Bank for the roof slab, excavation of (CDB), the Canadian International the septic tank and soak away. Development Agency (CIDA) and ten beneficiary The project involved the supply governments, including Belize. of an AC Unit, electrical fans and The work scope consisted 10 fully equipped computers, of the replacement of the school’s one photo copier, a projector asbestos roof with a new pre- with screen, two digital painted roof, installation of a cameras and school furniture. new ceiling, doors and windows. An additional $17,000 Works included dismantling in the form of construction and disposal of existing walls, material such as tiles and zinc installation of plycem walls to both sheets were provided to the Students of August Pine Ridge School Page 14 Capital Weekly Thursday, February 16, 2012 Objection to Shakron Nomination

BELIZE SOCIAL INVESTMENT FUND BELIZE MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT CONSULTANCY – DEVELOPMENT OF MUNICIPAL GROWTH PLANS (MGP’s) FOR THE MUNICIPALITIES OF COROZAL, ORANGE WALK, BENQUE VIEJO, SAN IGNACIO & SANTA ELENA, BELMOPAN, DANGRIGA AND PUNTA GORDA, BELIZE Loan No: 7958-BZ Sub-Project ID No: 7958-BZ/C11 Expressions of Interest The Government of Belize (GOB) has received a loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and intends to apply part of the proceeds of this loan to payments under the contract for DEVELOPMENT OF MUNICIPAL GROWTH PLANS (MGP’s) FOR THE MUNICIPALITIES COROZAL, ORANGE WALK, BENQUE VIEJO, SAN IGNACIO & SANTA ELENA, BELMOPAN, DANGRIGA AND PUNTA GORDA, BELIZE The project comprises small-scale infrastructure improvements; capacity building for the municipality councils; technical assistance to central government in municipal management; and project management and administration. GOB has appointed the Belize Social Investment Fund (BSIF) as the implementing agency for the project. Yolanda Shakron The consulting services for this assignment under the Quality Cost Based Selection shall carry out the development of municipal growth Belmopan, February 16, 2012 ‘no person shall be qualified plans (MGP’s) for the municipalities of Corozal, OrangeWalk, The Press Office informs to be elected as a member of Benque Viejo, San Ignacio & Santa Elena, Belmopan, Dangriga and the general public that a formal the House of Representatives Punta Gorda, Belize. The indicative implementation period for the objection to the nomination of Ms. who is, by virtue of his own act, consultancy is April, 2012 – April, 2013. BSIF hereby invites eligible Yolanda Schakron as a candidate for under any acknowledgement of consultants to indicate their interest in providing the services. First-time landowners line up to get their paper-work done the Lake Independence Electoral allegiance, obedience or adherence Interested consultants must provide information indicating that Division has been delivered to the to a foreign power or State.’ they are qualified to perform the services (brochures, description Returning Officer, Mrs. P. Noreen It is alleged that Ms. of similar assignments completed, experience in similar conditions, Fairweather, by an elector of the Lake Schakron is a citizen of the United availability of appropriate skills among staff, current involvement in Independence Electoral Division. States of America and carries a relevant projects, etc.). The objection is based on U.S. Passport which she renewed In submitting their Expressions of Interest, applicants should be the ground that Ms. Schakron is by her own act in July, 2002 aware that they will be assessed, inter alia, based on the following disqualified from being nominated when she was 36 years of age. areas: technical competence (number of similar projects previously or elected as a member of the She has also publicly admitted completed and level of comparable responsibility / experience), House of Representatives in view that she is a US citizen. qualifications and experience (professional qualifications of staff and of section 58(1) (a) of the Belize The nomination day experience on similar assignments), local and regional experience on Constitution which provides that is Friday, 17 February 2012. similar assignments, financial capability and existing commitments. Consultants may associate to enhance their qualifications. All information must be submitted in English. Following the assessment of submissions, a short-list of not more Election Day March 7 than six applicants will be provided with Requests for Proposals including terms of reference and invited to submit technical and Public and Bank Holiday financial proposals. BSIF will not be bound to assign any reason for not short-listing any applicant and will not defray any costs incurred by any applicant in the preparation and submission of Expressions of Belmopan, 14th February, 2012. Interest. A consultant firm will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the World Bank’s Guidelines: Selection and Employment Cabinet at its regular meeting today, of Consultants by World Bank Borrowers, May 2004 (revised up to January 2011). Tuesday, 14th February, agreed that the Interested consultants may obtain further information at the email address below Election Day, Wednesday, 7th March, One (1) original and two (2) hard copies of the Expression of Interest 2012, be designated as a public and must be delivered by 4:00 p.m., 29th February, 2012 to: Procurement Officer bank holiday. (END) Belize Social Investment Fund Belize Municipal Development Project ------3rd Floor, PAPI’s Building Constitution Drive Office of the Prime Minister Belmopan Belmopan, Cayo District Belize, Central America [email protected] Thursday, February 16, 2012 Capital Weekly Page 15 Taiwan Assisting Belize in Aquaculture he ways in which by the end of the five-year project the Republic of period. Simultaneously, the price China (Taiwan) has of fingerlings sold to farmers will T be reduced by at least 20% (from been and continues to be helpful to Belize are so numerous it would US$0.75 to US$ 0.6) by the end be impossible to list them out in of the five-year project period. a full edition of this newspaper. Additionally in this project, This past week, yet an Aquaculture Specialist from another important agreement was Taiwan will also assist the Ministry of signed between our two countries, Agriculture and Fisheries to develop this one for valuable assistance alternative feeds for Tilapia culture to in the aquaculture industry. substitute commercial feeds by as much The agreement was signed by as 30-35%. The Taiwan Specialist Minister of Agriculture Rene Montero and the Ministry of Agriculture and on behalf of Belize, and for Taiwan by Fisheries will organize a Tilapia that country’s Ambassador, resident in farmer marketing cooperative and Belize, His Excellency Mr. David Wu. construct a processing center to assist In May 2009, President in the domestic Tilapia marketing Ma Ying-jeou of the Republic of service to facilitate the production China (Taiwan) made a State Visit and marketing systems in 2015. to Belize. During the visit, President It is also expected that it Ma promised the Prime Minister of will increase the supplement of Belize, the Honorable Dean Barrow, meat protein intake of families in that the Government of the Republic rural areas, and small-scale Tilapia of China (Taiwan) would assist Belize farming will become a recognized to promote Tilapia aquaculture. and permanent feature of the In April 2010, the Minister agriculture sector in Belize after of Agriculture and Fisheries, the implementation of this project. Agriculture Minister Rene Montero and Ambassador David Wu Honorable Rene Montero; the Minister of State in the Ministry of Works, the Honorable Edmond PUBLIC NOTICE Castro; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC)

Honorable Mark Pech, requested assistance from the Embassy of In exercise of the powers conferred upon it by the Public Utilities Commission Act, Chapter 223 of the Laws of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Belize, the Electricity Act, Chapter 221 of the Laws of Belize, the Electricity (Tariffs, Fees and Charges) Byelaws, further develop small to medium- and all other powers thereunto enabling, the Public Utilities Commission (hereinafter referred to as “the Commission) scale aquaculture ventures in Belize. hereby notifies the general public that it has made and issued the 2011-2012 Full Tariff Review Proceeding Final Decision (hereinafter referred to as “the Final Decision”) for the Belize Electricity Limited (BEL; the Licensee). The Republic of China (Taiwan) dispatched a delegation Initial Decision adopted as the Final Decision: of investors and an aquaculture On January 12, 2012, the Commission made and issued the 2011-2012 Full Tariff Review Proceeding Initial specialist in June 2009 and July 2010, Decision (hereinafter referred to as “the Initial Decision”). The Licensee and Interested Parties representing users of respectively to appraise the potential of at 10% of the electricity consumed in the previous calendar year were subsequently afforded 15 days to submit written comments and to make objections to the Initial Decision. No objections were received. Therefore, pursuant the industry and environment in Belize. to Byelaw 22 of the Electricity (Tariffs, Fees and Charges) Byelaws, on January 30, 2012, the Commission adopted Both missions concluded the Initial Decision as the Final Decision for the 2011-2012 Full Tariff Review Proceeding. that given the availability of Summary of the Final Decision: suitable land and water resources, a) The Final Decision determined Regulated Values, Mean Electricity Rates, Tariffs, Fees and Charges for the Full Belize offers great opportunities Tariff Period (FTP) of July 1, 2009, to June 30, 2016. for the development of freshwater aquaculture. Therefore, in April 2011, b) The Final Decision approved a Mean Electricity Rate of $0.4455 for July 1, 2009, to January 31, 2012, and a Mean Electricity Rate of $0.4181 for February 1, 2012, to June 30, 2016. the International Cooperation and Development Fund of the Republic c) The Final Decision approved a Target Rate of Return of 10%, a Rate of Return Lower Limit of 9% and a Rate of Return Upper Limit of 12% for the FTP. of China (Taiwan) (ICDF) sent a project manager to Belize to prepare d) The Final Decision approved total investments of some $121.7 million for the period January 1, 2012, to the agreement and project plan. December 31, 2016.

The total estimated duration e) The Final Decision approved no adjustments to all previously approved Fees and Charges. of the project is 5 years. The project will be divided into three phases: f) The Regulated Values and Mean Electricity Rates approved in the Final Decision resulted in the following approved Tariffs to be levied by the Licensee for the sale of electricity: the first phase is the construction of a hatchery centre in Central Farm; Approved Tariffs for Full Tariff Period (FTP) - July 1, 2009, to June 30, 2016 Period July 1, 2009 - January 31, 2012 February 1, 2012 - June 30, 2016 in the second phase, the project Customer Class Service Type/ Rate/Tariff Service Type/ Rate/Tariff will focus on raising production Consumption Block $/Mth; $/KVA; $/KWhr Consumption Block $/Mth; $/KVA; $/KWhr of Tilapia in the country; and the Social 0 - 50 KWhrs 0.26 0 - 60 KWhrs 0.24 third phase is to concentrate on Minimum Charge 4.00 Minimum Charge 4.00 facilitating the marketing mechanism. Residential 0 - 50 KWhrs 0.35 0 - 50 KWhrs 0.33 51 - 200 KWhrs 0.44 51 - 200 KWhrs 0.41 The construction of a > 200 KWhrs 0.47 > 200 KWhrs 0.44 Tilapia hatchery center at Central Minimum Charge 5.00 Minimum Charge 5.00 Farm site will be completed in Commercial Service Charge 100.00 Service Charge 100.00 0-10,000 KWhrs 0.45 0-10,000 KWhrs 0.42 2012 and it is expected to increase 10,001-20,000 KWhrs 0.44 10,001-20,000 KWhrs 0.41 production of tilapia fingerlings from > 20,000 KWhrs 0.43 > 20,000 KWhrs 0.40

110,000 to 1 million units by the Industrial 1 Service Charge 100.00 Service Charge 100.00 end of the five-year project period. Demand (KVA) 35.00 Demand (KVA) 33.00 Energy 0.33 Energy 0.31 The annual production Industrial 2 Service Charge 100.00 Service Charge 100.00 will be 200,000 fingerlings Demand (KVA) 21.00 Demand (KVA) 20.00 in 2012; 300,000 fingerlings in Energy 0.28 Energy 0.27 2013; 500,000 fingerlings in 2014; Street Lights Energy 0.55 Energy 0.55 700,000 fingerlings in 2015 and Issued by the Public Utilities Commission on February 15, 2012 finally achieve 1 million fingerlings Major Works in the Capital

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

Said Musa, the man who carried the Ralph Fonseca, 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 16, 2012 Capital Weekly Page 17

The Belize National Sanitary Cattle Plan Project Tender for the Supply of Vehicles Supply of Cattle Identification and Mounting Equipment The Belize National Sanitary Cattle Plan Project Our ref.: EU/BNCSP/IO # 01 of 2012 Reference: EU/BNCSP/LO#02 OF 2012 BELIZE

The Government of Belize (GOB) has received financing from The Government of Belize (GOB) has received financing the European Union and intends to apply part of the proceeds to from the European Union and intends to apply part of payments under the Belize National Sanitary Cattle Plan Project the proceeds to payments for the Contract for the Supply, for the Supply of Cattle Identification and Mounting Equipment. Delivery and After-sale service of four (4) pickup trucks for the Belize National Sanitary Cattle Plan Project. The goods to be supplied and delivered are: 1. 100,000 ear tags (flag type) The goods to be supplied and delivered are: 2. 80,000 Electronic Identification (buttons) with 3 Heavy Duty Pickup Trucks (manual transmission) electronic chip 1 Heavy Duty Pickup Truck (automatic transmission) 3. 20,000 ear tag (button type) without electronic chip; The tender documents can be requested electronically 4. 7 Stick riders for Electronic Identification Ear tag; from email address [email protected]. 5. 50 Universal ear tag applicator (pliers) for cattle, Sealed tenders must be delivered to the Office of the Belize National Cattle Sanitary Plan Project located on The tender documents can be requested from the email address [email protected]. The National Agricultural Showgrounds, Hummingbird Highway, Belmopan, Cayo District, telephone number Sealed tenders must be delivered to the Office of the Belize National Sanitary Cattle Plan Project located on 822-2143. The National Agricultural Showgrounds, Hummingbird Highway, Belmopan, Cayo District, Belize, Central The deadline for submission of tenders is Monday, America. February 27, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. The Public Opening The deadline for submission of tenders is March 26, 2012 at will follow at 1:10 p.m. on Monday, February 27, 2012. 11:00 a.m. Belize time. Followed by the Public Opening at Interested tenderers or their representatives are invited 11:30 a.m. Belize Time. Tenderers or their representatives are invited to attend. to attend.

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:

• 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

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 16, 2012 Nomination Day In Belmopan City Wednesday February 15, 2012 Thursday, February 16, 2012 Capital Weekly Page 19 Nomination Day In Belmopan City Wednesday February 15, 2012 Page 20 Capital Weekly Thursday, February 16, 2012