*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR* Sunday, PagePage 22 March 16, STARSTAR 2008 Tel:Tel: - 667-7827667-7827 STAR Tel:- 626-8822 Email:Email: [email protected] [email protected]& 626-3788 - Email:[email protected] Sunday,Sunday, 29th29th JulyJuly - Page 20072007 1 STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR *STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR8*8TAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR* No. 145 SUNDAY, MARCH 16, 2008 Price $1.00

SAN IGNACIO TOWN, Cayo, supporters of the Annual La Ruta Saturday, March 8, 2008: Maya River Challenge, Minister It was shortly after 8:30 pm on Montero and his family were on the Saturday, 8 March, when the sound trail with their Agro Tech Team. of the firing of several gunshots broke Police informed that the incident the silence of the night in the was immediately brought to the neighborhood of the Roman Catholic minister’s attention and a police guard Church and monastery on Church post was immediately established at Street in San Ignacio Town. the residence. Police say that the Police rushed to the scene where 24-hour police presence will remain they instantly noted that the shots active until an appropriate time. were fired at the residence of While most of the shots rebounded Agriculture& Fisheries Minister, Police reports no personal injuries and minor damages to the off the cement wall on the facade of Hon. Rene Montero. building the building, one shot in particular Preliminary investigation revealed shots were fired. In the process of and lower front sections of the cement broke a single louver blade of a front that the shots were fired by a lone their investigation San Ignacio structure suspected to have been window. The single shot went through gunman who stood across the street Police recovered nine expended caused by the impact of the bullets. a cloth curtain hanging on the front in the dark area of the monastery. 9mm casings from the scene. Fortunately, no one was injured as window. The slug was later retrieved One eyewitness reported seeing An inspection of the building the family was not at home when the from inside a wall in the bathroom. “fire” coming from the area as the revealed several holes in the upper incident occurred. Being active In the process of the investigation, several persons were detained, questioned and released. Police reports no major damage BELMOPAN CITY, Cayo, not intimacy. Digman says that the to the residence as the intense Tuesday, March 11, 2008: problems started when his daughter investigation continues. A Baptist priest from the village of told Smith that “she could not Roaring Creek today appeared in continue the relationship because Belmopan Magistrate Court charged he was not a Christian”. for grievous harm. In terms of the relationship, Smith Pastor Ralph Digman, 62, was differs in his claim. He said that the today presented before Belmopan young lady has spent several weeks Magistrate, Earl Jones where he on end with him on his father’s Sibun pleaded not guilty to causing River farm on the Hummingbird grievous harm to Errol “Rupert” Highway. We were unable to speak Smith, 22, Belizean University of The Accused, to the young lady because the father student, residing on Swasey Pastor Ralph Digman, 62 told us that she was at school and that Street in Belmopan. Pastor Digman she would have a late class but when pleaded not guilty to the charge. He young lady is also a student at the we went to the late class she was not was offered and met bail in the sum Belmopan Campus of the University in attendance. The Complainant of two thousand dollars and ordered of Belize. While it has also been HOW AND WHY DID THE Errol “Rupert” Smith, 22 to reappear in court on Tuesday, established that Smith and the young INCIDENT TAKE PLACE? telephone went unanswered, he called April 29, 2008. lady have been acquaintances for at Smith contends that he was advised the house phone and when Pastor At the center of the controversy is least the past seven years, the level by the young lady’s teacher that she Ralph came on the line, he told him the 22 year old Belizean adopted of their relationship is different had been missing a number of not to call the house. daughter of the pastor. She was dependent on who is speaking. While sessions including a quiz and if she did About 10 minutes later Smith legally adopted by the Digmans since Pastor Digman claims the relationship not attend the next session she would received a call from the young lady the age of 13. Along with Smith, the to be on the basis of friendship and be missing a test. When her cellular Turn To Page 2 Page 2 - STAR Tel:- 626-8822 & 626-3788 - Email:[email protected] - Sunday, March 16, 2008

returned home, nor heard from since. In the second reported incident Lily Roberto is of creole decent, dark Mejia, 35, of #6 Guyana Street, San POLICE PRESS OFFICE, Belize reunited with their families. complexion, slim built, about 5 feet 6 Martin Area Belmopan, reported to City, Thursday, March 13, 2008: Today there is an additional two inches in height, weighs about 100 lbs. Belmopan police that at about 1:00 Like in cases of sexual crimes, there persons reported to have gone He also bears a tattoo with letters p.m., on Wednesday, March 12, her somehow appears to be an increase missing. “RR” on his left arm. He was last common-law husband Elbin Herrera in reports of missing person. In the first case, Brenda seen wearing a black long sleeve left home en route to his ex-wife’s The challenge in following up these Augustine, 35, of #87 New Road in jacket, white button up shirt, long blue residence also located in the same cases is that in the majority of Belize City reported that between jeans pants, red, white and blue San Martin Area of the Capital City instances, after the initial report has 3:00 and 4:00 p.m., on Sunday, baseball cap and a camouflage and has since not returned. been made and the information has March 9, her 15 year old son, slippers. Elbin is of hispanic decent with been passed on to the media, there is Roberto Roaches, left home for Anyone knowing the whereabouts brown eyes, straight black hair and hardly any follow-up in those cases places unknown riding a brown male of Roberto Roaches is asked to of brown complexion. He has a scar when these missing person are beach cruiser bicycle. He has neither call the nearest police station or on the left side of his face, he stands 0800-922-TIPS. 5 feet 8 inches in height. He was last seen wearing a long blue jeans pants From Front Page I would have to find my way with T-shirt. Police are investigating. who told him that she had missed the home. I instead requested to be call because she had gone to the shop. taken home where my relatives He began to ask her about missing could take me to the hospital. I classes and she said that she was sick. remained in the hospital and on He was just about to tell her about the following morning I was taken the upcoming test when she abruptly to Universal Health Services for terminated the conversation telling him a CAT scan and X-rays. I returned that she had to go. Realizing that he to the hospital where I remained needed to tell her about the test, he for the next three days. I was called the house phone for a second discharged on Thursday, March time and when the pastor insisted that 7”. he would not speak to the young lady, For his part Pastor Ralph informed Smith reportedly told him that the that shortly after 7:00 pm on message was important and that if he Tuesday, March 4 he received a call is not allowed to communicate with from Smith informing that he wanted her over the telephone, “I will pay to speak to his daughter. “I told him The scene of the incident - Pastor Ralph residence her a personal visit. He told me to not to call because she did not that police sub-formation, Supt. aluminum bat used in the incident. come” said Smith “because he had want to speak to him. He told me Rudolph Orio, Belmopan police One would have thought that in something for me.” that if I did not allow him to speak were extremely uncooperative in our gathering evidence to levy charges, the He left the painting task he was to her that he was coming to the request for information, one very first thing that the police would doing with some relatives, rushed over house I told him not to come and interesting aspect of this case is that a want to lay their hands on is the to his nearby house, changed his he insisted that he was coming. I full 8 days after the incident, the instrument used to commit the crime. clothes and jumped on his bicycle for called the police and told them to accused was still in possession of the Not so in this case. Why? the 2 mile ride from Belmopan to send someone. They told me that Roaring Creek. “When I arrived, they cannot do that. I called my there was a male and female neighbor and he said that he was person standing on the road having supper and that he could almost in front of pastor’s house. not come but that he would keep I stood outside the gate and called an eye out for me. I had barely out the young lady’s name two finished speaking to the neighbor #85 Benque Viejo Road, times and said good night two when he rode up on a bicycle. He times” said Smith. “I saw Mr. opened the gate and with both San Ignacio, Cayo. Ralph descending the steps with hands in his pockets he was Tel.#:824-2959 Cell#: 610-4391 an aluminum baseball bat in his walking up to my house. I came right hand. I lifted both arms in out with the bat and he was the air and I said to him - Mr. coming straight at me. I truly Providing our Valued Customers with Ralph why are you approaching feared that he might shoot or cut the best prices and quality in me with a weapon. I come in me. I raised the bat and gave him peace. He told me that I cannot a single blow to the head. He construction materials and electrical see the young lady and that he told stumbled and ran out the gate. He me not to come. Just then the man wanted to come back in but a supplies such as Plywood, Celotex, who was standing on the street relative of the neighbor who was said something to the effect that I standing on the road in front of Lumber, Maya & Cessa Cement, should leave and when I was in the house stopped him. I heard the process of turning around to him saying something about Cement Blocks in all sizes, Roofing, better hear the man, I felt a bulleting me. I feel terribly for Doors, Windows and a whole lot massive blow to the back of my what happened but I am praying head. I fell to the ground outside for that boy. In hindsight, if I had more. the fence and the next thing I to do it over again, I would have knew was that the police was just gathered the girl and the little holding my hand. They loaded baby that we are caring for and me and my bicycle into the police jumped in the van and left even vehicle and took me to the before he had arrived. I will be Belmopan hospital. I was treated taking some time off and will and the police took me to the leave the area for a while because station to give a report. Mr. Ralph this is too much for me. My wife was already at the police station is undergoing medical treatment filing a report. I told the police in the States. She has been gone that I was not feeling good and since October of last year”, that I wanted to go back to the concluded Pastor Digman. At your service always hospital. They told me that if they While, in the absence of the Jose Marin, Manager took me back to the hospital that no-nonsense Officer Commanding Sunday, March 16, 2008 - STAR Tel:- 626-8822 & 626-3788 - Email:[email protected] - Page 3

House of Representatives. deceived by . He Despite the crafty conceal- evidently deceived his cabinet ment of these two major breaches but more specifically, he of the peoples’ trust, the nation deceived the people of the Fort It has long been established people, Said Musa, in October come out, on February 7, and George Division. Said Musa’s that a strong opposition is vital 2007, instead secretly diverted administered the severest political character has been for a strong democracy. A strong every single penny of the 20 political lashing that the fatally wounded. Before the opposition serves to keep the million dollar Taiwanese grant to Peoples’ United Party has ever noose tightens any further around government in check and is the Universal Health Services. This experience in its almost 58 years his neck, Said Musa might want watchdog that keeps constant information is only now coming of existence. to seriously consider publicly vigil over a government in a to light. Amidst these major breaches apologizing to the nation of healthy democracy. Furthermore, another 20 of the peoples’ trust, one must Belize and beg the people of the As the situation now stands, million dollars grant from now seriously wonder: How on Fort George Division for Belize has the weakest the Republic of Venezuela, earth will Said Musa ever forgiveness and in addition to opposition ever in its post specifically earmarked for the justifiably sit on the opposition already resigning as leader of independence history as there is construction of new houses for side of the House of the Peoples’ United Party, Said a fierce opposition among the deserving Belizeans, was Representatives alongside Mark Musa should now proceed to few elected members of the similarly secretly diverted into Espat and Johnny Briceño, both resign as the member for Fort opposition Peoples’ United paying the private debt of of whom have publicly directed George thereby affording the Party. Universal Health Services. some very harsh statements at people of that constituency the Humpty Dumpty sat upon a wall Had the people known of these him? How is it that Said Musa opportunity to elect a new leader, for 10 long years. On February two secret transactions prior to will ever be able to sit in the one who can morally, proudly 7, 2008 Humpty Dumpty had a the February 7, 2008 general House of Representatives and and without fear, stand inside great fall. It will take a long time, elections, there is a strong be taken seriously on any the House of Representatives if ever, for all the King’s horses possibility that the Peoples’ matter that will be debated and truly represent the people and all the kings men to ever put United Party would not have therein? in a meaningful and credible Humpty Dumpty together again. gotten a single seat in the current The nation in general was way. The more blatant instances of underhandedness on the part of Said Musa are only now coming to light. The people rose up in massive protests against any public funds going into paying the private debt of Universal Health Services. Those massive protests forced Said Musa to make a public commitment to the effect that no public funds would be going into settling that debt. The defeated Musa Government requested and received a twenty million dollar grant from the Republic of China on Taiwan. The grant was specifically provided for use in the health care sector. The people were strongly opposed to public funds going into paying the private debt of Universal Health Services. Therefore, the logical option would have been for the Taiwanese grant to be invested in upgrading the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital as the people have been demanding. Not so!!! Contrary to the wishes of the

“The Newspaper that cares and dares to bring out the truth” 42A Western Highway, Santa Elena Town, , Belize, Central America. Publisher: Alberto August Editor: Nyani Azueta-August Circulation: Errol Gonzalez VISIT US ON LINE AT: belizenorth.com/thestar.htm belizenews.com/thestar star.belizeanlife.com Tel: 626-8822 626- 3788 [email protected] Page 4 - STAR Tel:- 626-8822 & 626-3788 - Email:[email protected] - Sunday, March 16, 2008

SAN IGNACIO TOWN, Cayo, Thursday, March 6, 2008: In their on-going efforts to assist the Belize Police Department in their fight against crime, the Cayo Chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association (B.T.I.A.) has donated a new computer system to the San Ignacio Police station. On hand to receive the generous donation were Sr. Superintendent of Police, David Henderson and Sgt. Mark Flowers. The computer system was presented on behalf of B.T.I.A. We AMS To Please (Belize Tourism Industry Association) by Julian Sherrard, tourism industry representative to the National Crime Council and B.T.I.A. security consultant, Mike Green. Sr. Supt. Henderson expressed his sincere appreciation to the tourism (L-R) Sr. Supt. David Henderson, Sgt. Mark Flowers, industry for their generous donation of the much needed computer Julian Sherrard and Mike Green. equipment. He stated that the negative factor that directly identification booths at both the San computer will be assigned to the affects not only our tourism Ignacio and Benque Viejo Police Duties and Discipline Office at the visitors, but all people of Belize, Stations, the establishment of a station and will assist tremendously it is imperative that we all make a Rewards Fund to assist with the with streamlining daily operations and determined and sustained effort apprehension of individuals involved record keeping. to support our law enforcement in crimes against tourists, and the Mike Green commented that, agencies.” donation of temporary rental vehicles “With tourism being a leading This latest donation from the and fuel on several occasions to industry in Belize and a major B.T.I.A.’s crime prevention program support the Police Department and financial contributor to our follows last year’s donation and the Belize Defense Force in their economy, and crime being a construction of a one-way glass preventive patrol efforts.

Applications are invited from suitably qualified Belizeans who have completed High School studies and / or have three years working experience in the business community.

Receptionist Responsibilities of the job include: Inter-department Coordination Data entry in customized computer application Handling telephone and radio calls competently and politely Assisting management with correspondence and filing

Skills desired: A working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel Conversant with use of email and internet Proficient in English. Knowledge of Spanish would be an asset.

Front Desk Clerk Responsibilities of the job include: Greeting and hosting hotel guests Preparing daily audits Data entry in customized computer application

Skills desired: A working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel Conversant with use of email and internet Enthusiastic knowledge of Belize’s natural history and culture Ability to interact with guests with warmth and professionalism Proficient in English. Knowledge of Spanish would be an asset.

Salary based on qualifications and experience. Tel:: 00501.824.2477 Interested persons may apply in writing to: Cell: 00501.604.6921 The Lodge at Chaa Creek Email: [email protected] Attn: Front Desk Manager 77 Burns Ave or [email protected] San Ignacio, Cayo District Belize, Central America We specialize in the planning and Enclosures are to include Introductory Letter or CV and two letter of organization of adventure tours, reference. filmmaking & photographic expeditions. Applications should reach this office no later than April 4, 2008. Sunday, March 16, 2008 - STAR Tel:- 626-8822 & 626-3788 - Email:[email protected] - Page 5 Page 6 - STAR Tel:- 626-8822 & 626-3788 - Email:[email protected] - Sunday, March 16, 2008

Dear Editor; on and on...By the way my brother My name is Mayolita Amason greatly enjoyed his two week trip to (Requena). I wanted to say thank Belize this last month. Dear Editor; land and we proceeded with our you so much for publishing that nice I was quite upset to hear about the I would truly appreciate a small planned development and investment article about my brother reuniting with Scout group who's project was so section of your newspaper to address in the area. our mother in Belize. badly disrespected. I don't know if the closing of as section of Pineapple Understanding that changes It was a very nicely written, that was a Girl Scout or Boy Scout Street in Santa Elena, Cayo. normally produce reaction, those interesting, and different from most of troop you were referring to in that When the new area was first who are accustomed to using our what we see these days. Usually "the article? Anyway, I am an assistant den developed in Santa Elena, Mario private land as a roadway are news" we read is about crime in some leader in my son’s boy scout troop Castellanos, approached my dad, understandably reacting to the change, way, shape or form. here in the states and I know if that William Butcher, to obtain an access with time they will get used to the I noticed someone else also had happened to us I would be road through, the private property of new arrangement and the current complemented you on the article and devastated. My point is...I would like Catalina Butcher. discomfort will be regularized. you should be proud to have played to donate some money to their cause. Castellanos promised compensation It is only fitting however what we a part in bringing together a family. Either for bringing back some of the in the form of a house lot. For those inform the public in general and those You could have decided not to help plants or for some of their projects in that know this area, the value of the affected by the change in particular me. You could have decided not to the future. land we were giving up is much that the land in question was take the time to do what you did but I always say charity begins at home greater than the house lot but given purchased over 15 years ago by Mrs. as you can see there are more than and Belize will always be my first the fact that there was no access to Catalina Butcher from Mr. Emelio just me and my brother who were home. If there is someone I can the new area, as good citizens we Castillo. positively affected by the whole contact about it just let me know agreed for our private land to be used The temporary road therefore was process. because I would really like to give as a roadway. never the property of the government A pebble is dropped into a river something back. For the past 4 years, while our land of Belize. I could have become a produces ripples and these ripples go Thank you. Mayolita Amason was being used as a roadway permanent arrangement however, indicating our compliance with our if only Mario Castellanos had side of the agreement, we tried to lived up to his side of the agreed work with Mario Castellanos to get compensation. him to hold up to his end of the The new access road, which now agreement, but the promised house bear the load of traffic in the area, is lot never came to reality. Then just two in dire need of attention, I am weeks before the February 7 general therefore appealing to our new Area elections, Castellanos told us that he Representative, Hon. Rene Montero, had put in another access road and to send a crew out there to address that our land was no longer needed the situation with a sense of urgency. to serve as the access road to the new Cordially, development. Having been so Shalue Butcher advised, we took back our private Santa Elena, Cayo

As of January 14, 2008, Property Owners in the City of Belmopan are eligible to participate in the following discount package:

• 20% Discount for full payment of 2008/09 Property fees made ON or BEFORE February 15, 2008.

• 15% Discount for full payment of 2008/09 Property Fees between February 16 and March 15, 2008.

• 10% Discount for full payment of 2008/09 Property Fees between March 16 and March 31, 2008.

• 5% Discount for full payment of 2008/09 Property Fees between April 1 and December 31, 2008.

• 5% Discount for full payment of 2007/08 Property Fees made ON or before March 31, 2008.

N.B. Senior Citizens (65 yrs or older) are eligible for an additional 5% discount for properties on which they reside.

Dated 14th January, 2008. City Administrator Sunday, March 16, 2008 - STAR Tel:- 626-8822 & 626-3788 - Email:[email protected] - Page 7 Page 8 - STAR Tel:- 626-8822 & 626-3788 - Email:[email protected] - Sunday, March 16, 2008

Mr. Badillo was walking up the water for a swim. While they swim, pier in San Pedro Town carrying two I sit on the pier and I smoke a large live lobsters one in each hand. cigarrette or two. After about 15 It was three weeks after the season minutes I whistles and up comes Mr. and Mrs. Jones were sitting "Yes" replies Mr. Jones. "He's my closed! Whom should he meet at the my two lobsters, and I take them at a table inside Eva’s Restaurant on ex-husband and has been end of the pier but a team of Officer home!" Burns Avenue when Mrs. Jones looks drinking like that since I left from the Fisheries Department. Upon "Really!”, exclaimed the over at a nearby table and sees a man him seven years ago." viewing the live and wiggling lobsters, Fisheries Officer "I will have to in a drunken stupor. "That's remarkable" replies Mr. the most senior officer says: "Well , see that one to believe it." Mr. Jones asks "I notice you've Jones, "I never thought that look what we have here. A man So, Mr. Badillo goes ahead of the been watching that man for some anybody could celebrate that with two live lobsters, three weeks Fisheries Officer to the end of the pier time now. Do you know him?" long." after the close of the season.” where, under supervision, he gently In response Mr. Badillo says, lowers both lobsters into the water. A man walks into doctor Smith's doctor ordered. "No, Mr. Officer, you are wrong! He sits on the pier and lights up a office and puts a note on the table for Dr. Smith quickly picked up a big These are two trained lobsters cigarrette, then another! After about the doctor to read. book and slams it on the man's hands that I caught two weeks before the 15 minutes the Fisheries Officer says It said, "I can't talk! Help me!" as hard as he could. season ended." to him, "How about whistling for Dr. Smith nodded, and motions for "AAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!" the "Trained lobsters?” asked the them now?" the man to put his hands on the table. man yelled. officer, “what the hell do you mean “Whistle for what ?" asked Mr. The man thinks to himself that his "Very good, very good," said by trained lobsters?" Badillo. hands has nothing to do with his Dr. Smith. "Come back tomorrow "Well officer” says Mr. Badillo, “For the two lobsters of course” inability to talk, but he does as the and we'll work on the 'B'." “each day I take these two from responded the officer. my house and I bring them down "What Lobsters?" asked Mr. to the pier. I put them in the Badillo.

P.O. Box 133, San Ignacio, Cayo Monday: Draft Beer Belize, Central America $2.50 Phone: 011-501-804-3609 Tuesday: Local Rum $3.00 Fax: 011-501-824-3960 Wednesday: Margaritas www.aguadahotel.com $9.95 "We're not Expensive, we just Thursday: Piña Colada look that way!!" $9.95 Friday: Micheladas $4.00 Mexican & Belizean Menu HAPPY HOUR Good Friday 11:00 am - 8:00 pm Monday thru Friday Holy Saturday 7:00 am - 9:00 pm 5 to 7 P.M is also featuring a family platter Easter Sunday 7:00 am - 9:00 pm Easter Monday CLOSED The Aguada Presents: Good Friday Fish Fry Enjoy a Fish Dinner (Fillet or Whole Fish) with a choice of a Soft Beverage for only $15.00. Sunday, March 16, 2008 - STAR Tel:- 626-8822 & 626-3788 - Email:[email protected] - Page 9 Page 10 - STAR Tel:- 626-8822 & 626-3788 - Email:[email protected] - Sunday, March 16, 2008

and often vituperative, the campaign and election as a whole were conducted with surprising good humour. Catchy campaign songs for and against both major parties and even individual candidates dominated the airwaves. POLITICAL supporters to ignore the referendum arose during the campaign included While supporters of all parties were ballot entirely on polling day. The BACKGROUND accusations of hurried large-scale passionate, vocal and adorned in addition of the referendum also added In the course of their second term, granting of citizenship to Guatemalans; their party colours and slogans, there a new dimension to previously the Government has been plagued by the granting of loans and land titles in were few incidents of violence though well-established and understood accusations of corruption and fiscal return for loyalty to the PUP at the there were some unconfirmed voting procedures which many felt mismanagement and came under polls; the registration of voters in allegations of intimidation. increasing pressure in the face of large would be problematic. districts in which they did not reside; For example, the UDP, while budget deficits, and a dramatically and the outright buying of votes with THE IDEPENDENCE increasing national debt. having called for an elected , payment to be made upon proof of Civil unrest broke out in the capital felt that the proposal needed further how people cast their ballots. OF AN ELECTION city of Belmopan during mid-January discussion as to the form and content. This last was exacerbated by a MANAGEMENT BODY 2005 and continued sporadically for heated debate over the possible use The Independence of an Election several months. The initial unrest was THE ISSUES of cell phone cameras in polling Management Body provoked by the release of a national The UDP was unapologetic in booths to record how a vote was This complex structure of having budget with significant tax increases. including in their issues those of cast. The Election and Boundaries two bodies, one of which reports At the municipal Election held in corruption, land distribution, cronyism Commission, we were told, had directly into the Prime Minister’s March 2006, the PUP lost heavily and the general need for change. agreed unanimously to ban cell phones office seriously compromises the winning only three of the available 67 Every message in the media and in polling stations in order to allay perception of independence for seats. The UDP won the remaining 64 several speeches at the campaign these fears but a disagreement then any election management body. despite two other parties and four rallies focused upon those issues and ensued between Commissioners and The team observed that whilst there independent candidates having gave specifics concerning the charges parties as to the administrative was confidence in the Elections and contested. of rampant cronyism and corruption and/or legislative requirements to Boundaries Department in relation to Shortly before the 2008 Election the and identified the areas and persons implement such a ban. Uncertainty on the huge logistical exercise of an Government announced that, in involved in the alleged tainted land whether the ban would or would not election there was some suspicion over addition to the General Election deals. be imposed continued until the day the oversight role of the Office of ballot, Belizeans would be given the The PUP on the other hand sought before elections when the Prime Good Governance. opportunity to vote in a referendum to blunt the power of their opponents’ Minister signed a statutory instrument The present situation is that the on whether the Senate should become message and concentrated on their allowing cell phones into polling Director of the Office of Good an elected body. The introduction of performance as government and their stations but barring the taking of Governance is the former Chief the referendum was opposed by the vision for the future. photos with them. Elections Officer and, since the UDP who were vocal in urging their Other issues and allegations which While the messages were tough Please Turn To Page 11 Sunday, March 16, 2008 - STAR Tel:- 626-8822 & 626-3788 - Email:[email protected] - Page 11 expenditure on campaigns should Secretary-General of the be filed with the relevant Election Commonwealth to respond positively Management Body and made to any relevant requests for publicly available. technical assistance in relation to It would be useful for the Presiding these recommendations. Officer to be provided with a master current Acting Chief Elections Officer achieve this can be found in voters list for each division. This has only been in the position since Commonwealth countries. would speed up any queries that October 2007, the Director was · It is recommended that for may occur in relation to where a playing a hands-on role coordinating transparency of the electoral voter should cast his vote. and advising on Elections. process, disclosure of funding and · We would encourage the As the Director of the Office of Good Governance reports directly to the Prime Minister, this unofficial “advisory” role to the Elections and Boundaries Department was met #6 Hudson Street, San Ignacio, Cayo with much dissatisfaction by the Telephone: 824-2101 opposition parties and some members of civil society. Indeed, the team observed that during our meeting with the Chief Elections Officer and other senior members of her team, the Director of the Office of Good Governance was not only present but actively chaired the meeting.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Having observed the 2008 General Election, the Team has observed that Belize enjoys a mature democracy and a well-functioning electoral process. While the inclusion of a ballot for the referendum at short notice caused some confusion and added to the length of the process, the voting and counting were carried out efficiently and the Team is of the view that the 2008 General Election were credible. We are aware that up to the time of writing this report we have heard no complaint that the conduct of the election affected the results. The following recommendations seek to identify areas and make suggestions on improvements which can be made to the electoral structure, process and environment in Belize. · To work towards a single independent election management body which reports directly to Parliament and is autonomous from any government department. · Thought should be given to expanding the Election and Boundaries Commission to include independent members with the Chairman appointed from this group. · The Chief Elections Officer should report directly to the Commission and be responsible to them for the day to day conduct of elections. · A reconstituted Elections and Boundaries Commission should continue to have the authority to request names of Public Service employees from Government Ministries to act as election officers. · It is recommended that enabling mechanisms should be used to overcome the barriers to women’s participation, change perceptions and increase women’s participation as candidates. A number of models to Page 12 - STAR Tel:- 626-8822 & 626-3788 - Email:[email protected] - Sunday, March 16, 2008