Monday, March 5, 2012 Capital Weekly Page 1 CapitalCapital

FromFromWeekly Weekly thethe HeartHeart ofof thethe NationNation toto thethe SoulSoul ofof thethe PeoplePeople

No. 024 Monday, March 5, 2012 Price: $1.00 BIG John! Saldivar’s Splendid Debate Performance

t was another good playing politics with the issue in night for Plus TV, an- what he described as a character- other great opportu- istically PUP fashion. He com- nity for the residence pared and equated it with one of of ,I and a big night for former PUP leader ’s UDP incumbent John Saldivar. disingenuous moments back in It was the debate among 1998 when he promised to abol- the three general election can- ish the Value Added Tax (VAT) didates vying for the position of if elected, but failing to indicate Belmopan Area Representative what he would put in its place. now vacant since the Prime Min- When Musa got elected, Saldivar ister advised the Governor Gen- recounted, all he did was to bring eral to dissolve the National As- back the same tax (VAT), only by sembly one month ago and set the a different name. In like manner, election date for March 7, 2012. Saldivar drew he parallel, Hegar Like the mayoral debate is now promising to disband held a couple weeks earlier, the RECONDEV, but neglecting to event was organized by Belmo- say what he would replace it with. pan-based national television Hegar’s response was ex- station Plus TV, broadcast live on ceedingly weak, in fact, hardly that station, and hosted by its pop- audible, let alone comprehen- ular morning show hosts Louis sible. He was hardly back on his Wade and Patrick Jason Andrews. (Continued on Page 3) It was a feisty and en- tertaining three-way bout fea- Hon. John Saldivar Empowering turing the UDP’s John Saldi- var, the PUP’s Amin Hegar insight was being severely tested. to raise issues such as nepotism, Grass-Roots and Independent Green Par- As to the Pastor from cronyism and whistle-blowing. ty Candidate Richard Smith. Roaring Creek, he had a few good Indeed, as Saldivar pointed out, People From the start, Saldivar lines and evoked some hearty it is the politicians whose run took charge, establishing him- laughs and applause, but on the Hegar’s party, the PUP, that are self as the legitimate Belmopan substance of the issues, it was clear the masters of nepotism and cro- representative, born and bred that both he and Hegar were out nyism in , and it was they in the nation’s capital (Hegar is of their league, going up against who enacted anti-whistle blow- a former Area Representative of a heavy-weight like John Saldivar. ing legislation in this country. Cayo West, defeated and retired Early in the bout, hegar But the first knockdown by in the 1998 made the mistake of throwing of the evening came when Hegar General Elections; Smith is a some jabs and upper cuts at accused the UDP Government of registered voter in Cayo South). Saldivar, but none of them con- using RECONDEV for political “Let me welcome the visi- nected, and every time he made purposes and promised that if tor to Belmopan”, Saldivar re- his move, Saldivar countered elected, he and the PUP would marked at one point, referring with some over cuts that landed disband the statutory body. Saldi- smack on the forehead. Such var countered swiftly and effec- sarcastically to the eye Doctor Story on Page 8 from the West whose vision and was the case when Hegar dared tively, exposing Hegar as the one Page 2 Capital Weekly Monday, March 5, 2012 CARICOM From the Desk YOUTH of the Chairman Ambassador Campaign Noise-Makers versus Vote-Bringers

for the so-called media- that they don’t even need a moguls who claim to shape political machinery to truly public opinion, and too contest a national election. much respect for the Beliz- On top of all that, ean People, who in their un- or course, is the fact that failing wisdom, we are con- Belizeans clearly approve Kera Bowen vinced, have already made overwhelmingly of the The CARICOM Youth Ambassadors’ Program (CYAP) up their minds what is best proven, pro-Belize, pro- is represented in Belize by Dylan for them and their Country. people agenda of the UDP Williams and Kera Bowen both Politics, like any under ’s lead- CARICOM Youth Ambassadors. ership; that the PUP is In keeping with its mandate to “Ensure other activity, is a disci- that youth have a voice in the decisions pline in its own right, and clearly the same party that, that affect them” Belize’s CARICOM has its own professionals, as the government, was Youth Ambassadors have developed a its own stars and its own selling us out less than communication strategy to encourage five years ago, showing youth to exercise their right to vote heroes. There are some in and participate in Belize’s democracy. our society who, by virtue no remorse and every in- The CARICOM Youth Delroy Cuthkelvin of their name recognition tention of doing so again Ambassadors recognize that youth Chairman, Editorial Board and connections, have un- if ever given the chance; of Belize constitute almost half of Belize’s population and their ur friends at limited access to media and that the third-party/ participation in the general and a local Ra- and publicity; but that in independent elements have municipal elections is crucial in dio and TV itself makes them neither neither the track-record influencing the future of Belize. O experts nor professionals, nor institutional capacity The CYAs also recognize Network that is consid- that it is your constitutional right ered one of the so-called let alone stars or heroes, to run a country one way to participate in your country’s media giants in Belize where the science, or sport, or the other. We are con- governance and democratic process. The CYA therefore challenge youth have been running an elec- of politics is concerned. vinced that the Belizean electorate in 2012 is not and the citizenry to participate tion-coverage promo in The true profes- in an apolitical manner and vote. which they assert that on sionals and heroes during only fair, but also practical. The CYA will launch its March 7, “The noise stops this season, and especial- That, again, on both counts, VOTE 2012 Campaign via a Public ly on Election Day, are is in the UDP’s favor. Service Campaign to be aired daily and the voting starts.” on local radio, television and other Ironically, that those who have worked As to the fly-by- media leading up to the Municipal and same media organization the political machinery, night, so-called pollsters, General elections on March 7, 2012. has been responsible for who know how to connect one of our party col- generating some of the with the electorate on the leagues put it most aptly loudest and most mean- issues that matter, who when he suggested that Capital Weekly ingless noise ever since have mastered the science, someone should conduct From the Heart of the Nation we entered the election or the art, of bringing out a poll on who actually To the Soul of the People season, and especially the voters to support their believes the polls being since the date of the Gen- candidate and their party. conducted in Belize by Published By: eral Elections were an- This is no conceit persons who are clearly Roots & Rhythm Ltd. nounced by PM Barrow. on our part, but when we not independent and have 15 Gibnut Street No personal disre- consider all the factors go- an obvious axe to grind. Belmopan spect intended, but one ing into these elections, we Those who made the of the main reasons we find it hard to conceive how aforementioned proclama- Chairman: Delroy Cuthkelvin haven’t had much to say the UDP, having hit all the tion should heed their own ever since the election right chords, and having the warning: indeed, on Elec- Compositor: frenzy began is that there kind of tried and tested ma- tion Day, the noise stops, William Cuthkelvin is so much noise in the chinery that it does, can fail and the voting starts! The market, so to speak, it is against an Opposition Party real professionals, the real that clearly does not have experts and heroes on that Telephone: extremely difficult, if not 802-1284 impossible, to get any its act together, and worse, day are not the noise-mak- to a group of ‘indepen- ers but the vote-bringers. sensible message across Email: dent’ pseudo-intellectuals Happy Elec- the overcrowded airwaves. capitalweekly_bze who claim to be so much tions, everyone; and Besides, we have @yahoo.com too little regard politically smarter than the rest of us may God Bless Belize! Monday, March 5, 2012 Capital Weekly Page 3 BIG John! Saldivar’s Splendid Debate Performance of the last PUP Government, his argument, drawing a sharp claiming that this was a new contrast between the PUP and PUP. That one takes the cake, the UDP’s style of managing the Saldivar responded, question- Nation and the People’s affairs. ing how the present PUP could “We work the money,” Saldivar ever be considered a new party stated. “We don’t steal the money.” when it is the same old people When Hegar attempted to that are leading and controlling it. score points by stating his posi- Unable to defend his and tion against offshore-drilling, the PUP’s past, Hegar then at- Saldivar exposed his and the tempted to daub the UDP with PUP’s hypocrisy, citing the fact the same brush, accusing the cur- that it was the last PUP Govern- ment that issued every existing The PUP’s Amin Hegar rent government of corruption; Independent, Richard Smith but Saldivar quickly demolished (Continued on Page 7) (Continued from Page 1) feet in time for the count of ten; and from that point onward, he found himself consistently on the ropes, dodging devastat- ing blow after devastating blow. February 15, 2012 Logo/Slogan Competitions It soon became clear that Green candidate Richard Smith Participate In The Belize National Sanitary Cattle Plan Project Logo/Slogan Competition! was capitalizing on the decisive The Belize National Sanitary Cattle Plan Project is a project funded by the Government of Belize partly through a Grant beat-down of Hegar at the hands from The European Union. The Project Execution Unit was established in January, 2012 and is housed at The Agricultural of Saldivar. Effectively asserting Show Grounds, Hummingbird Highway, Belmopan City. This Unit, in collaboration with the Belize Agricultural Health Authority, the Belize Livestock Producers Association and other stakeholders, has launched a public awareness campaign himself as the second best con- seeking to educate and sensitize Cattle Farmers and the Belizean public about the importance and benefits of this project, tender in the fight, Smith was cre- including the need to get their livestock tested for Bovine Tuberculosis and Brucellosis so that they meet the bovine animal ating his own little side show, and health standards that will enable them to export live cattle to Mexico. as we noted earlier, evoking some Terms of the LOGO/Slogan Competitions: good laughs and applause from  Competition is open to (High School) Students ages (12-17) the audience who were quite  An Individual may submit one (1) entry only amused by his pleasant sense of  Logo/Slogan should incorporate elements related to the principal objective of the Belize National Sanitary Cattle humor, even if not particularly Plan Project impressed with the substance of  Participants are encouraged to be highly imaginative, inspired and show foresight in their submissions.  All entries must be original, unpublished, and not submitted or accepted elsewhere between start and end of the his points and arguments. At one Competition point he even appeared to be at-  Logos must be submitted in JPEG or PDF format tempting to tag-team with Saldi-  Immediate relatives of the members of the evaluation committee shall not be eligible to submit an entry var, offering to collaborate with  The Committee would not be obliged to accept a winning submission in the unlikely event that there are no suitable choices. him on sports and other com-  In the unlikely event of a tie, winner will be selected by a blind draw. munity projects for the benefit of  The Winning entry and all rights thereafter becomes the property of the BNSCP- Project the Capital City and its residents. All in all, it was a pretty  The deadline for the submission of entries is on or before March 16, 2012 at 4.00 p.m. good night for Smith, although Submission of Entries for BNSCP LOGO/Slogan Competition: he found himself momentarily disoriented by a good jab from Submission of the Logo/Slogan can be sent via email however two (2) copies must be on CDs either hand delivered or Saldivar, who pointed out that by mail to BNSCP- Project. Entry packages SHOULD BE ADDRESSED AS FOLLOWS: Logo/Slogan Competition, Smith was not a voter of Belmo- Belize National Sanitary Cattle Plan Project, P.O. Box 169, National Agricultural Showgrounds, Hummingbird Highway, pan; something which, legally, Belmopan, . does not disqualify him from Prizes: seeking the position of area rep- The winner of the BNSCP LOGO/Slogan Competition will receive a prize of $500 from the BNSCP Project. resentative for the constituency Kindly note that an information package outlining the project overview and objective is available electronically and in question, but which, judging will be facilitated to all interested individuals upon their request. from the reaction of the audience, For more information on the campaign, please contact Kay Garnett, Administrative Assistant at the Belize National is in fact a valid issue to them. Sanitary Cattle Plan Project, Tel:(+501) 822-2143/1283 or email at [email protected] or cattlesweep@ Unable to dodge the con- gmail.com We look forward to receiving all of your submissions, which we trust shall be creative, innovative and exciting. sistent battering by Saldivar, Hegar soon attempted to distance himself from the shameful record Page 4 Capital Weekly Monday, March 5, 2012 Monday, March 5, 2012 Capital Weekly Page 5 A Breath of Fresh Air WAVE Radio & TV Airs Insightful Election Show

The WAVE Radio and TV Pre-Election Show, this edition featuring Steve Duncan, Marilyn Williams and Mike Singh ver since the It was, therefore, like Unit (FIU) at Central Bank; fairs is and all that is being likelihood of a breath of fresh air when Mike Singh, head of BEL- achieved by the pro-Belize, Early Gener- WAVE Radio and TV broke TRAIDE; Steve Duncan, pro-People policies of the al ElectionsE became real, through the foul smell of neg- General Manager of the Heri- Dean Barrow UDP Admin- the UDP haters and those ativity and political malice tage Bank; Kenrick Ysagueri istration, and totally demol- sponsored by special inter- with a new pre-election show of the GST Unit; and Diane ishing the false claims and ests have been on the loose, featuring a panel of knowl- Haylock, President of NICH. baseless assertions by the crowding the airwaves with edgeable and mature experts, A second show was held haters and traitors who have their lies and vitriol. discussing the pertinent is- on Tuesday, February 28, and sold out to special interest Since the Elections sues of the day and focusing another on Thursday March 1. and who have been making were announced, the noise Belizeans on what really mat- The next show is sched- much noise across the so- and malice has intensified ters going into these elections. uled for Sunday March 4. called independent media. exponentially so much so The show debuted on Panelists on the show Kudos to the organiz- that it’s next to impossible Sunday, February 26, and have presented nothing but ers and panelists of the new to engage in a sensible dis- has featured persons like the facts, establishing beyond show! It is, indeed, a breath of course anywhere throughout Marilyn Williams, head of a shadow of doubt what the fresh air bursting through the the regular talk show circuit. the Financial Intelligence true state of the Nation’s af- foulness of deceit and vitriol. Page 6 Capital Weekly Monday, March 5, 2012 Faith Lift The Merits of Prayer to Church and State may grant them long life, a se- sity and economic stability. sion to God by Abraham on cure government, a prosper- The Scriptures warn behalf of Sodom reduced ous family, vigorous troops, that such persecution will be the numbers to 10. Sadly, By Zelda Hill a faithful , an obedient prevalent in the last days. In God could not find even 10 people; that the whole world Belize Christians are free to righteous people in Sodom ever be- may be in peace; and that God worship and to proselytize and the wicked city was de- fore, as may grant, both to Caesar and without fear of harassment, stroyed by fire and brimstone in recent to every man, the accomplish- arrest, torture or death. It (Genesis 18:2-33; 19:24-25). was a rare but nonetheless times, ment of their just desires.” Daniel was among his exiled strange and startling experi- have worldN governments Naturally, if the state people in Babylon when he ence to witness the infuriated been confronted on every is not safe, the individual poured out his soul in fervent reactions from certain sec- side by world problems, cannot be secure. Self-pres- prayer to God and earnestly national problems, social tions of the public who op- ervation is an instinctive need posed the churches’ reaction pleaded for the restoration of problems and moral prob- for each human being and his people. God responded lems that they are unable to UNIBAM’s challenge to our desire to live in quiet and immediately to assure Daniel to solve. Our country is Belize’s Criminal Code. The peace should compel us to Church desires the freedom of the speedy release of the no exception with prob- pray for our leaders and our to proclaim prophecy, to ad- Jews out of their captivity lems such as staggering debt nation. A good leader needs vise against immorality and to (Daniel 9:1-23). A nation is commitments, territorial our prayers so that he contin- perform its redemptive role in indeed privileged when it has claim by Guatemala, escalat- righteous people who inter- ing crime, high unemploy- Naturally, if the state is not safe, the individual cede on their behalf in times ment, broken families and cannot be secure. Self-preservation is an instinctive of tranquility and in seasons overall moral disintegration. need for each human being and our desire to live in quiet of threatening calamities. Although you may and peace should compel us to pray for our leaders and The belief that Chris- believe that the new govern- our nation. A good leader needs our prayers so that he ment which will be elected on tians should not be involved th continues to do well and a bad leader needs our prayers in government is neither March 7 has the answers to so that his evil decisions and actions can be prevented. Belize’s problems; be advised endorsed by the history of - they don’t! Governments ues to do well and a bad leader the society. But the duration the Christian Church nor by need the help of every sector needs our prayers so that his and extent of such freedom Scriptures. It is rather sinful and social institution of soci- evil decisions and actions can will be determined by the when the Church neglects to ety, including the Church, as be prevented. The prayers Church’s efforts to reach the pray for the government since it executes its God-ordained of the Church for our au- lost and the fervency and our leaders are in authority by authority to govern justly, thorities should be provoked consistency of the prayers of God’s will. As sojourners in guard liberty and secure by the desire of everyone the righteous people of Belize. a temporary system we look the rewards of our industry. to “lead a quiet and peace- The Scriptures also forward to the perfect reign The Church’s role in ful life in all godliness and show that God’s attitude to- of peace and righteousness government is crucial to honesty” (1Timothy 2:1-2). wards a nation and His bless- when Jesus Christ will gov- the well-being of a nation. For the Gospel to be ing or judgment is dependent ern on earth. But for now, And even when the Church propagated, Christians need on the relationship He has we pray for the election of with its citizens. The wicked endeavors to assume a more the protection of a ‘godly’ or godly leaders and that godless are often spared for the sake involved role in governing, a ‘god-fearing’ government. leaders will not hold posi- of the righteous as is evi- the value of prayer should Christianity is being outlawed tions of government. Belize, denced in the Bible on several let’s pray that on March 7th never be underestimated. in various countries of the occasions. When God told Praying for government lead- world as a consequence of Abraham about His plans for and onward our government ers has for ages been a maxim anti-Christian governments. Sodom, His actions were de- will be comprised of people and practice of Christianity Recently after the Egyptian pendent on how many righ- who will yearn for a pure and its rewards are mutual President Hosni Mubarak was teous people He found there. heart, a good conscience and to both Church and State. ousted, Christian intolerance God would have spared So- for faith in Christ and that Church history vali- escalated and today Chris- dom if He had found 50 they will rule in the fear of dates that praying for the tians are being persecuted righteous people at first but the Lord and find wisdom government was not depen- in Egypt by certain Islamic the pleading and interces- and direction in God’s truth. dent on whether the leader sects. Christians had received was good or bad but on some form of protection un- whether one desired a peace- der Mubarak’s leadership al- ful life. The Church Father, though he was not a Christian. Tertullian, who believed that Observers say that the exodus the world needed Christian- from Egypt of over 100,000 Capital Weekly ity for its wellbeing, wrote in Christians as of March 2011 From the Heart of the Nation his Apology, a defense of the in response to the persecu- Christian Religion: “We pray tion will detrimentally affect To the Soul of the People for all the emperors, that God Egypt’s demographic diver- Monday, March 5, 2012 Capital Weekly Page 7 BIG John! Saldivar’s Splendid Debate Performance (Continued from page 3) borhood meetings. “They know oil-exploration license, onshore that, because they live here,” he and offshore. “I believe in drill- reiterated, implicitly reminding ing responsibly,” Saldivar stated. the audience of Belmopan resi- Saldivar scored another dents that his two political oppo- knockdown when the issue of nents on the stage don’t live here. a virtually unknown plan re- “I have attended this de- ferred to as the ‘Galdden Plan’ bate out of respect for PLUS was raised. Grasping at straws, TV and the residents of Bel- Hegar attempted to make a come- mopan, but the People of Bel- back, accusing John Saldivar and mopan have already made up the UDP of lacking ideas, and their minds,” Saldivar concluded. praising the other Saldivar, the Indeed, it was anoth- PUP one who is the purported er good night for PLUS TV, a architect of the obscure plan. great opportunity for the peo- That attempt proved al- ple of Belmopan, and a real- most suicidal for Hegar, however, ly big night for John Saldivar. as Saldivar questioned how it If the debate is any in- is that one of Arthur Saldivar’s dication, Saldivar is poised to colleagues could now be prais- receive another term as area rep- ing him when not one of them resentative for Belmopan in the supported his recent bid for lead- General Elections which are now Honourable John Saldivar, UDP Belmopan standard-bearer ership of the party in the wake only days, indeed, hours away. of John Briceno’s resignation. should hand over the responsibil- That stunning counter- ity of governance entirely to the punch surely sent Hegar to the public officers, he would certainly canvass once again. And when not be in agreement with that. he attempted to get back up, “There is no system in the World he was told by the moderators where elected officials hand over governance to non-elected people.” that his thirty-seconds allot- The Belize National Sanitary Cattle Plan Project ted for a rebuttal had expired. (We must pause here to Supply of Cattle Identification and Mounting Equipment On the issue of Immigra- state that we have personally Our ref.: EU/BNCSP/IO # 01 of 2012 tion Hegar clearly dealt him- observed how the Public Ser- BELIZE self an auto-blow as he first vice operates under Saldivar’s contended that it is the PUP leadership as its Minister, and The Government of Belize (GOB) has received financing from that welcomes immigrants, then we must concede that Public the European Union and intends to apply part of the proceeds to turned right around and contra- Officers are being treated with payments under the Belize National Sanitary Cattle Plan Project dicted himself by condemning the greatest respect ever, some- for the Supply of Cattle Identification and Mounting Equipment. the UDP for regularizing their thing they no doubt deserve, The goods to be supplied and delivered are: status as legitimate Belizeans considering the vital, indispens- 1. 100,000 ear tags (flag type) who had earned their citizenship. able role they play in the man- When challenged by agement of the Nation’s affairs. 2. 80,000 Electronic Identification (buttons) with Richard Smith on the issue of As the debate progressed, electronic chip Hegar dared again to raise the allowing the Public Service to 3. 20,000 ear tag (button type) without electronic operate without fear or favor, issue of cronyism, and he was chip; immediately silenced by Saldivar Saldivar noted that Smith was 4. 7 Stick riders for Electronic Identification Ear tag; correct in pointing out that such who reminded him which gov- is the way things ought to be, ernment issued 30 Million from 5. 50 Universal ear tag applicator (pliers) for cattle, the people’s money to one com- and that’s how they are under The tender documents can be requested from the email the current UDP administra- pany in one single day. “That’s address [email protected]. tion. He substantiated his asser- not how we are going to address this Country’s need for viable Sealed tenders must be delivered to the Office of the tion by noting that a particular Belize National Sanitary Cattle Plan Project located on public servant of Belmopan had investment and sustainable eco- nomic activity,” Saldivar stated. The National Agricultural Showgrounds, Hummingbird just been promoted in spite of Highway, Belmopan, Cayo District, Belize, Central Saldivar closed off the the fact that he is the son of a America. former PUP Cabinet Secretary. debate by noting that as an area representative he had kept his The deadline for submission of tenders is March 26, 2012 at Having proven that point, 11:00 a.m. Belize time. Followed by the Public Opening at Saldivar went on to state categori- pledge to the residents of Belmo- pan, which includes staying in 11:30 a.m. Belize Time. Tenderers or their representatives are cally that if Smith was suggesting invited to attend. that as elected politicians they touch with them through neigh- Page 8 Capital Weekly Monday, March 5, 2012 Empowering Grassroots People 200 Leases in San Juan/Cowpen

the people have been living here for twenty-five years, and no one in San Juan and Cowpen had a single lease for the place they have been living; and to me that is almost criminal on the part of those who should have taken care of their need. The reason it just got done now with me is be- cause this is the first time that San Juan and Cowpen are is in Stann Creek West with me. (My boundary used to end at Red Bank.) Hon. Melvin Hulse But when I got in and Melvin Hulse issuing land-lease to a long-time resident of cowpen Stann Creek West Area Rep I came here, all those people Speaking with us, vil- house lot. What you have to who have been living in those lage leader Javier Bejerano appreciate now is that when I t was a happy houses in San Juan, the whole said, “We have bout twen- left, many of these people were day in the vil- of Cowpen, the people liv- ty five years that the people 10,11,12,14 years old. I have lage of San Juan ing in there, even the chair- are asking any minister who come back now ten years later last Wednesday man, the plan was never au- go in to please survey the and they are in their twenties. as overI two hundred res- thenticated, not one person area for them, but right now If the previous two area this day has reached, and we reps had been doing this in a are happy for the farmers. methodical way, there would So, to us, it’s a very, you not be a necessity to now cre- know, it’s a very happy day; and ate almost immediately four thanks to God, and thanks to to five thousand lots. That is Minister Hulse, and thanks to sad. And you go village by vil- the UDP Government, because lage, you will find that a lot of they are putting a lot of effort young people are living in their to accomplish all the things parents’ homes; a lot of young that we deserve as Belizeans.” people who have gotten mar- What Melvin Hulse has ried and have their kids, have just done for the people of San had to build their little homes Juan is something he has been on their parents land, and it doing for thousands of resi- is almost criminal that they A Happy San Juan Resident receives lease documents from Hon Hulse dents throughout Stann Creek. were not afforded the oppor- idents received their land living in Cowpen who have “I inherited a constitu- tunity to own their own land. papers, thanks to the deter- their homes on their lots, who ency where people were not So what I have done, I mination and hard work of have their children born in getting their lots. When I left have already expanded in Man- Honorable Melvin Hulse. their house, not one of them in 1998, virtually all those go Creek, I have expanded Red “San Juan and Cow Pen has ever held papers for their at the age of eighteen had a (Continued on Page 9) are a special case,” Hulse told lots. That has been rectified. us. “Yes, I am absolutely pleased I have encountered 25 that I am able to make a differ- people who have been work- ence in grass-root people’s lives ing a piece of land doing their in the other villages in Stann farming for that amount of Creek in which people have years; they now have possession gotten their lots, because that of it. It is surveyed, the plans is how you empower people authenticated, and they own and you give security to people, it. That is how you empower having people own their lots, people, and that is why I get and that they were being de- such pleasure in regulariz- prived of many years. But, the ing the situation in San Juan biggest pleasure I get in San and Cowpen. And that allows Juan and Cowpen is because them now to move forward.” Melvin Hulse issuing more land documents to residents of San Juan Monday, March 5, 2012 Capital Weekly Page 9 Empowering Grassroots People 200 Leases in San Juan/Cowpen Cruz; 100 in Sittee River; 70 in their documents to the bank, Hopkins; almost a hundred in own their farms, sell their Pomona; 40 in Middlesex; 100 produce for an income and in Hummingbird Commu- send their children to school nity; and survey is underway to become doctors, lawyers, for distribution of lots in Silk accountants and engineers. Grass and Valley Community, It is no exaggera- as well as in Steadfast where tion to state that in most the land is already cleared. areas Hulse actually creat- Talk to anyone who ed villages where previous- knows the history of Stann ly there were only ‘estates’. Creek West, and they will After he left politics in confirm to you that before 1998, virtually nothing hap- Melvin Hulse, there was no pened in Stann Creek West in such thing as land ownership terms of village expansion or Village Leader Javier Bejerano assists in handing out lease documents in any significant and mean- issuance of land to the com- (Continued from Page 8) finished every one get a hun- ingful way to the common mon people, although there Bank, Maya Mopan, George dred; we start again, and we people. Prior to Hulse’s entry were obscene land grabs by Town, San Roman, Santa make sure that it is finished.” into electoral representation successive PUP area rep- Rosa, Santa Cruz, Sittee River, Indeed, in the past in that constituency back in resentatives and a ‘handful Hopkins, Silk Grass, Pomona, year or so, hundreds more the late eighties, early nineties, of well-placed individuals. Hummingbird and Middlesex. throughout the constituency the big, wealthy companies Since Hulse returned No village has gotten have finally gotten their land owned huge tracks of land and in 2008, he has been working all the lots they need, because papers, while hundreds of the regular folks had nothing. tirelessly and lobbying funds If the previous two area reps had been do- ing this in a methodical way, there would not be a necessity to now create almost immediately four to five thousand lots. That is sad. And you go village by village, you find that a lot of young people are living in their parents’ homes; a lot of young people who have gotten married and have their kids, have had to build their little homes on their parents land, and it is almost criminal that they were not afforded the opportunity to own their own land. there must be a sense of equity other new lots have been is- and fairness, because they all sued with immediate docu- Melvin Hulse issuing lease document to a young landowner have the same need. So, as the mentation; 400 in Indepen- money has become available, dence/Mango Creek, 100 They and their families were from Cabinet and anywhere he we have made sure that each in Red Bank, 100 in Maya beholden to these wealthy can to pay for land acquisition area has been able to get their Mopan; 50 in San Roman, 50 companies for which most of and surveys in order to expand part of the pie. So when that is in Santa Rosa; 100 in Santa them worked. Sing the mas- villages throughout the con- ter’s tune, remain slavishly stituency and issue land par- loyal to him, or you’re gone, ticularly to first time owners. evicted without notice from Politics is too often the premises you call home, a game of dependency and but which was never, and control. If there is one way would never be truly yours. to truly empower people, Then came Melvin giving them dignity, inde- Hulse, and suddenly people pendence and freedom from in Stann Creek Rural, now abuse and exploitation, it known as Stan Creek West, is through land ownership. began getting their leases and In this respect, Mel- titles to their land. They sud- vin Hulse might not be as denly became empowered and much a politician as he is a Melvin Hulse issuing lease document to a young mother independent, being able to take revolutionary and liberator. Page 10 Capital Weekly Monday, March 5, 2012 The Prime Minister’s Tour Continued in Dangriga, Sunday, February 26, 2012 Monday, March 5, 2012 Capital Weekly Page 11 The Prime Minister’s Tour Continued in Ladyville, Sunday, February 26, 2012 Page 12 Capital Weekly Monday, March 5, 2012 Montero Delivers Again! Ground Breaking for Santa Elena Library

Hon. Breaking ground for the Santa Elena Library extension project

project that will repainting of the entire building. As part of the project established in 1990’s as a result in the complete The new extension a 6ft chain link fence will be settlement, which later became renovation of the includes the construction of a erected around the compound’s village after which it formed part Santa Elena Public fully air-conditioned ground perimeter. The extension will of the twin towns of San Ignacio/ ALibrary in the Cayo District floor concrete building with have a floor area of 650 sq ft and Santa Elena in the late 1970s. was officially launched on Monday February 27, 2012. The project is being implemented by the Social Investment Fund and financed through a loan from the Caribbean Development Bank with counterpart funding from the Government of Belize and the community of Santa Elena. The project entails the rehabilitation of a two storey concrete building, which houses the library, and the construction of an extension to the existing building which will serve as a computer resource centre. The work scope includes the repairing of roof leaks, replacement of all eaves, fascia and Supporters of Hon. Rene Montero at the ceremony ceiling boards, erecting a veranda an insulated galvalum roof, will be able to accommodate 15 Santa Elena is approximately 22 block wall railing, installation of reinforced concrete tiled floor, computers along with a study area. miles from Belmopan City and gutters, downpipes, water breakers, reinforced masonry block The Santa Elena Library has a population of approximately installation of new windows and walls, galvanized aluminum is strategically located in the 13,000 people. The town is solid timber doors, rehabilitation louvered windows, burglar bars, town, and serves approximately growing very fast and has 5 of the electrical and plumbing solid timber panel doors and 1,500 persons on a monthly basis. primary schools, 2 high schools systems, the tiling of the floor and a male and female bathroom. Santa Elena was and 3 pre-schools. There is only one library in Santa Elena which caters for the growing population. The guest speaker at today’s launching was Hon. Rene Montero, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Co-operatives. Other speakers included representatives of the Social Investment Fund, the Belize National Library Service and Information System as well as the Mayor of San Ignacio and Santa Elena.

(Information and photos provided by Mr. Mike Hernandez Jr. (Sr. J.P.) Director of Public Relations for The Santa Elena library will be renovated and expanded under the SIF project the Social Investment Fund.) Monday, March 5, 2012 Capital Weekly Page 13 Gabriel Martinez Delivers Libertad Village Health Center Inaugurated lmost 6,000 governments, including Belize. residents in The two-storey health four villages centre measures approximately in the 32 ft wide by 53 ft long with CorozalA District now enjoy a total floor area of 1,696 sq better health services with the ft on the ground and 1,440 sq construction of a new health ft on the first floor. The upper centre in Libertad Village. The floor will be used as the Doctor’s centre was officially inaugurated quarters and is equipped with on Friday February 24, 2012. living and dining rooms, a kitchen, The new centre will two bed rooms and a bathroom. serve the villages of Libertad, The bottom floor will be used to Concepcion, Caledonia and San provide medical services to the Joaquin with quality health care, above-mentioned communities.

Cutting the symbolic ribbon to officially inaugurate the New Libertad Health Center of approximately 1,727. Most Gabriel Martinez, Minister of of the villagers worked in the Labour, Local Government and papaya industry and the Corozal Rural Development, representatives Free Zone with a minority still of the Social Investment Fund and involved in the sugar industry. the Libertad Village Council.

New Libertad Health Centre including general medicine, pre- The clinic is equipped with male natal and post-natal and child and female bathrooms, a treatment, health care services, breast examination and consultation and cervical cancer screening, rooms, a pharmacy/dispensary, an outpatient services and emergency asthma bay area, a sterilizing room, services among many others. a utility room, a waiting area for

Libertad Culture Group making a presentation at the ceremony

The guest speaker at the Information provided official inauguration was Hon. by Mr. Mike Hernandez Jr. (Sr. , Minister of Health. J.P.) Director of Public Relations Other speakers included Hon. for the Social Investment Fund

The audience at the ceremony The project was patients, a kitchenette and outdoor implemented by the Social shower for the general public. Investment Fund at a total cost of The ferro-concrete building $406,000 in collaboration with the was constructed with a reinforced Ministry of Health. It was financed concrete foundation frame, floor by the Caribbean Development and roof. As part of the project a Bank (CDB) under its Basic Needs chain link fence was constructed Trust Fund 6 BNTF is a program around the perimeter of the health promoting poverty reduction centre, an access road and parking through socio-economic initiatives space was also included. The and community empowerment community of Libertad contributed and is jointly financed by the the landscaping for the facility. Caribbean Development The village of Libertad Bank (CDB), the Canadian is located in the International Development Agency some 7 miles south from Corozal (CIDA) and ten beneficiary Town. The village has a population Hon. Gabriel Martinez and Hon. Pablo Marin posing for the cameras Page 14 Capital Weekly Monday, March 5, 2012 Setting the Record Straight Looking Beyond the Elections (The following is a portion of PM Barrow’s Statement to The Belize Chamber of Commerce, February 20, 2012)

enue of 784 Million Dol- accompanied by a 3 percent lars. The revised out-turn GDP growth, foreign reserves shows that we actually col- of 500 Million Dollars, loads lected 831.8 Million dollars. of financial liquidity, and out- Recurrent Expen- standing increases in Tourism, diture was budgeted at Citrus and Sugar earnings. 729.5 Million, but actually (I should take this op- came in at 732.2 Million. portunity to congratulate The upshot, ladies the President of the BTB for and gentlemen, is a Recur- really what has been a phe- rent Surplus of 94.6 Mil- nomenal year. I see that we lion Dollars, as opposed to exceeded the 250 thousand the approved estimate of mark in overnight visitors only 54.5 Million Dollars. for the first time since 2007.) On the capital side, I’m therefore proud Capital Revenue was 6.8 to say that in the middle of Million, as compared to the dogged sluggishness world- 5.3 Million budgeted; and wide, and especially in Eu- Capital Expenditure was rope, Belize has recorded kept to 140.9 instead of the stellar comparative gains. 160.4 Million projected. Now, the upcoming fis- Altogether, then, the cal year will be just as good, First-time landowners line up to get their paper-work done numbers this fiscal year pro- we think, with respect to duced an 89.8 Million Dollar economic growth, and that Primary Surplus, as against is why I can say in the most the 67.7 Million forecast. This solemn fashion this after- represented fully 3 percent of noon that a re-elected United GDP, as compared to the 2.2 Democratic Party Govern- percent that was budgeted. ment will ensure that there Prime Minister Dean Barrow addressing Chamber of Commerce And even after you add are absolutely no tax increas- amortization and interest pay- es in the next budget year. omeone once election before the crisis can ments, Belize’s overall fiscal Of course, the Gov- referred to the become common knowledge. deficit is only 22.4 Million or ernment of Belize numbers time of cam- Ladies and gentle- 0.8 percent of GDP, as against will have to cope with the paigning that It should be clear by now, therefore, that I am step up in the Super Bond’s precedesS any general election interest rate to 8.5 percent as the silly season; and indeed proposing a radically altered relationship between over the next fiscal year. The we have become accustomed government and the private sector; a new over- payments will therefore go to expect cartoonish behavior arching paradigm must be created in which official from 65 Million to 92 Million. and outlandish propaganda as bureaucracy and red-tape must be cut. Detailed Ladies and gentlemen, a natural feature of the elec- it is on the basis of the statis- toral landscape at this time. rules of engagement and a carefully constructed road-map must be agreed; and a culture in govern- tics that I just finished recit- In that vein, there is ing, and performance over one issue that has perhaps ment of quick, courteous and efficient service would the last four year that, on the most lent itself to this theatre be a sine qua non of the next UDP Administration. whole, more than kept the of the absurd; that is, needless ship of state afloat. It is on to say, the Economy. Accord- men, let me immediately the 46.4 Million or 1.6 percent the basis of all this that my ingly, the false charges on this dispatch that particular of GDP that was forecast. government has been able to score have been legion, and piece of misinformation. Ladies and gentle- certainly to hear the other I have extracted men, even if I say so myself, achieve the unprecedented side tell it, the government is from the Ministry of Fi- this is an impressive perfor- social strides that saw the in dire financial straits, and it nance the headline budget mance and constitutes the stitching together of a safety is precisely because things are numbers for 2011/2012. best fiscal record in ages. net of historic proportions. so bad (according to them) The approved estimates Of course, the gov- And it is that general that I have hurriedly called an provided for recurrent rev- ernment numbers are also (Continued on Page 15) Monday, March 5, 2012 Capital Weekly Page 15 Setting the Record Straight Looking Beyond the Elections (The following is a portion of PM Barrow’s Statement to The Belize Chamber of Commerce, February 20, 2012) Continued from Page 14 in February another four. safety net together with the Ladies and Gentlemen, targeted gang intervention the UDP Manifesto contains a initiative in that message from me, and I would has resulted in the seminal re- like now to read one excerpt duction in crime and the mur- from that message because of der that we saw particularly in how important I think it is. the last four months of 2011. “In the first term, the Since we introduced UDP set great store by its pro- that gang truce in Septem- poor initiatives, its housing, ber of 2011, the murder rate education, employment and dropped something like 37 infrastructure drive. Govern- percent between Septem- ment, as a matter of policy ber and December of 2011 and deliberate strategy, became as compared to the simi- bigger. At a time of shrinking lar period the year before. private sector activity because That reduction in the of planetary conditions, this murder rate continues into was the right thing to do, the 2012. We are at a total of only thing to do. But the second 8 murders for the year so term should see a gradually im- far, as compared to 2011 proving worldwide economic when, by this juncture, we climate, with an eventual re- had 14, with 6 in February turn to previous levels of for- of 2011, which was the low- eign direct investment and est monthly murder rate for international tourism activity. the entire 2011. This now requires great- Well, already, in Jan- er emphasis on the Belizean uary of this Year, we had private sector; and that Gov- just (if I can use that word ernment should do more to in connection with some- ensure the kind of enabling cli- thing as fundamentally tragic mate that will spur greater job- as a murder rate), we had creating and wealth-enhancing just four murders and so far business activity in Belize. Kay Menzies of the Chamber of Commerce welcomes the PM (Continued on Page 16) Major Works in the Capital

Page 16 Capital Weekly Monday, March 5, 2012 Setting the Record Straight Looking Beyond the Elections (The following is a portion of PM Barrow’s Statement to The Belize Chamber of Commerce, February 20, 2012) (Continued from Page 15) again recognize the Private This, then, will be the Sector’s pride of place in any challenge for the next UDP Gov- truly sustainable leap forward. ernment: to consolidate and ex- It should be clear by pand public sector investment now, therefore, that I am in people and the Economy, proposing a radically altered while at the same time harness- relationship between govern- ing growth and development ment and the private sector; firmly to an enhanced driver’s anew over-arching paradigm role for the private sector. must be created in which offi- (PM’s Manifesto Message) cial bureaucracy and red-tape The point is, ladies and must be cut. Detailed rules of gentlemen, that I think the engagement and a carefully building blocks are in place constructed road-map must and the foundation has been be agreed; and a culture in well and truly laid by Govern- government of quick, cour- ment’s policies over the last teous and efficient service four years. But we are now at would be a sine qua non of a point where we must once the next UDP Administration.

Prime Minister Dean Barrow Members of business community listening to the PM Monday, March 5, 2012 Capital Weekly Page 17

PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

PUBLIC NOTICE

REVISION OF RADIO FREQUENCY SPECTRUM PLAN

The Public Utilities Commission (PUC; the Commission) hereby serves notice this day, March 1, 2012, that, in exercise of the powers conferred upon it by the Belize Telecommunications Act, Chapter 229 of the Laws of Belize, it intends to prepare a revised Radio Frequency Spectrum Plan for the Country of Belize.

The Commission is engaging the services of a consultant to assist in the revision of the current Radio Frequency Spectrum Plan. Under the Terms of Reference of the consultant, specific attention will be paid to the Band of Frequencies from 614 to 809 MHz (currently assigned to On-Air TV Broadcasting) and the range of frequencies 1990 to 4200 MHz and 5725 to 5925 (currently assigned to various Fixed/Mobile Wireless Services).

The Commission is inviting written comments and representations from interested persons in regards to its proposal to revise the existing Radio Frequency Plan. Deadline for submission of comments is 4:00pm on March 30, 2012.

Written comments and representations may be submitted to the Commission at its offices at 41 Gabourel Lane, Belize City, or by email to [email protected].

Upon completion of the consultancy, the Commission shall consider the recommendations of the consultant and the comments and representations of interested persons in the preparation of the revised Radio Frequency Plan.

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:

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

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

For more information visit your Belmopan City Council Offices at 36/38 Trinity Boulevard, Belmopan City Or call: 822-2271, 822-2319 or 802-3679 Page 18 Capital Weekly Monday, March 5, 2012 Completing the WORKS In Stann Creek West

Helping Grass Roots People Monday, March 5, 2012 Capital Weekly Page 19 La Ruta Maya 2012 Marking the End of the Mayan Calendar The Old Belize Riv- President, Mr. Harrison, said in the elite category line up er was for a long time the that the foreign competitors come the 9th of March. Team only means of transporta- for this year will be many and Peace Makers, who won the tion from Belize City to San will have a significant impact female category, will be back Ignacio, so when the la Ruta on the race, and that he ex- to defend their title. Also, team Maya committee decided to pects to have more canoes Crime-Fighters representing start this race, the Old Be- overall in the race this year. the Police will be back to de- lize River, at least for four Last year, 93 canoes started fend their title in the Pleasure days, came to life once again. the race, with 91 finishing. Category, having last year This year, Day One of In the Elite Category, dethroned the 2010 champion the race will start on the 9th it was the Zip Rider Caves Print Belize. We will also be of March at 7 A.M. from Branch canoe who in a spec- seeing the champion from underneath the Hawksworth tacular sprint against the Be- Masters-Mixed, Intramural, Bridge, making its first stop lize Bank canoe on the last Family and Dory Categories. at Banana Bank. This jour- day edged out the Belize Bank Over the years, accord- By Reynard Garbutt ney will take the paddlers a canoe by a mere one second ing to the President, Roberto ast Year’s 14th paddling little bit over 46 miles and to win the overall race. Be- Harrison, the La Ruta Maya of (the) La Ruta Maya about 5 hours to complete. Belize River challenge Day Two, the longest of Lstill remains in the minds the four days, will get started at of all the fans that were on 6 AM at Banana Bank March the Belcan Bridge and on 10 and finish in Double Head the banks of the Haulover Cabbage. This leg covers a Creek to witness one of the distance of about 67 miles and most spectacular finish in the will take the first canoe to cross history of this mega-event. the finish line about 7 hours. The LA RUTA MAYA Day Three will start at now going into its 15th year Double Head Cabbage at 8 has become Belize Biggest AM on March 11 en route to four-day sporting event un- Burrell Boom, a distance of der the watchful eyes of Mr. about 39 miles, and will take Zip Rider, 2011 Elite Champions barely edged out Belize Bank the first canoe about 3 hours Roberto Harrison, the presi- lize Bank had entered the has also garnered a huge fan and some 59 minutes to finish. dent of the La Ruta Maya. final leg of the race trailing base that follows this pres- The final day, Day Four, With the input of him and his Zip Rider by three seconds. tigious event from start to will get started at 9 AM on committee, the race has surely With about fifty yards finish; and this the year, he March 12 in Burrell Boom, grown over the years. It went from the finish, Belize Bank says, the event is a special one heading to Belize City for the from a one category race in its managed to open a gap of because it coincides with the overall final finish, that leg inception, to seven different about four seconds on the Zip end of the Maya Calendar. being a distance of about 25 categories today, and has also Rider canoe to take the lead in The Mayans were, of miles, which will take the first brought back the history of the the overall standing, but with course, living in Belize and canoe about 3hrs to finish. Old Belize River to the young- all they had in their tanks left, using the Old Belize River. In speaking to us, the er generations of Belizeans. the Zip Rider canoe mounted Mr. Roberto Harrison thanks one the most exciting finishes all those who have invested in I think you will ever see in the LA RUTA MAYA to make the Belize La Ruta Maya River it a success over the years. challenge, to close the gap and He also expresses thanks to beat the Belize Bank canoe by the paddlers who invest a lot one second to the finish line. of time on the river practic- This year, according to ing to give the loyal fans a the President, we will once good show come game day. again have the opportunity to GOOD PADDLING, see all the teams that took part GUYS AND GIRLS! Read Capital Weekly Online In Living Colours at: belizenews.com/CapitalWeekly A record number of canoes expected to enter the race this year Page 20 Capital Weekly Monday, March 5, 2012