Friday, January 12, 2007 The INdependent Reformer Page 1

The dependent IN Reform for the People Vol. 2 No. 2 Friday, January 12, 2007 $1.00 SellingSellingSelling out:out:out: howhow muchmuch isis youryour votevote worworth?th? A blue note? A plate of dinner and a about promises for they “know” how votes were otherwise lost. That people who now ride to the polls? Have you ever been future employment, purchased in past elections: sit in Cabinet, hold office as Area offered, or accepted money or favors pieces of land, The voter is given a marked Representatives, would not be where for your support on election day? If so, scholarships for your ballot, by the vote buyer, to be they are right now if the people who you are not alone. But what’s really in it children? Isn’t that deposited in the ballot box. voted for them had not accepted money. for you? What does it really cost you, vote buying too? Instead of marking the ballot Had not allowed themselves to be paid and your country? Or is it? Maybe you received at the polling place the off, had not sold their franchise for The buying and selling of votes, have to decide that voter deposits the previously practically nothing. together with the importation of one yourself. But marked ballot in the ballot box And it costs those politicians foreigners to vote in national elections consider the following and brings the unmarked ballot practically nothing in the wider scheme is a familiar component of the election to the buyer. The of things. After the last national election campaign in Belize. It is so blatant, so unmarked ballot the buzz in one villages was that there obvious in so many instances the is then had been more than $100,000 in checks Political Reform Commission exchanged for cashed immediately before the voting, addressed the problem. In their report the money which to obtain cash to buy votes. That’s the commissioners noted, “It is a well he or she was to about the same amount in salary some – known fact that the practice, while be paid for his top government appointees get in a year. illegal is rampant”. or her vote. Or some government drivers get in That was in 2000. Has anything It is entirely perks and allowances. And where did changed since then, or will Belize’s next possible that that money come from? Some wealthy election be for sale too? Will your vote such a system campaign financier? Or the taxes go on the auction block, given to the allowed certain collected in that same village? highest bidder? candidates to Let’s not mince words here. The Neva! You say, you would never sell win elections that voter that sells his or her vote makes a your vote. Not for cash maybe, but what scenario reported by people who claim they may have (Please Turn To Page 3) MoneyMoney LaunderingLaundering inin Belize?Belize? Inside this Issue By Justin Other Gingo, Esq. money that (s)he will have to account for Predictions for once it enters the formal economy. This article contains no accusations. I will ask you where it came from. And What to do??? The drug manufacturer Belize in 2007 will simply describe money laundering as decline to accept the deposit if they don’t or dealer really doesn’t want to be in the it exists world-wide, and then perhaps like your looks or the sound of your laundry business – he just wants to spend pg. 4 suggest some places where you might find explanation! (That’s why a Belizean bank his profits without harassment from it yourself in Belize. My primary source is wants so much information about you international law enforcement, which could Jeffery Robinson’s book, The when you open a new account.) include jail time. Because his profits are Bare Facts Laundrymen, (Simon & Schuster, 1994) Profit. Consider how a normal so extreme, he can normally sell his dirty which does not mention Belize at all. business makes money. They buy or build money for a lot less than its face value in pg. 5 However, as you read the book, if you a product which costs them $100. If they the US. For instance, he can sell a dollar are a Belizean or “an old Belize hand” as sell it for $200, that’s “a hundred-percent for fifty cents – it only cost him 10 cents! I am, you will notice many places where markup.” Such a profit is considered very So, he sells it to a laundryman, or perhaps Where do the laundering may be going on. good in normal (honest) business. goes to a laundromat and does it himself! Money Laundering Basics Drug Mark-ups. A South American In Belize, dirty money (in US dollars) is independents What is Money Laundering? Quite manufacturer invests $1000 in raw sold for a premium on the black market. stand? simply, it is the handling of money which materials and produces a product which Sweetness on top of sweetness. A Belize’s was collected illegally. Most often, that he sells to a North American wholesaler finance ministry official called this the pg. 7 money is drug money, but it may also be for $10,000. A thousand-percent “parallel market” when reporters were money collected from the sale of markup. He is very happy, but he now probing a missing six million from a public pornography, illegal contracts, from has a lot of dirty money he has to make company. Blessed & human trafficking or political corruption. legitimate. The Laundrymen. In Robinson’s Ever since Al Capone was sent off to The North American wholesaler takes book, he relates hundreds of actual cases Peaceful: 2007 prison for income tax evasion, potentially the product and cuts it to one-fourth to of money laundering throughout the world. Pg. 9 dirty money has been under close scrutiny. one-eighth its original strength, and sells The process is always pretty much the If you try to deposit any large ($10,000?) the new, greater amount for $100,000. same. Gather the money, Wash it, and sum of money in a bank in Belize, they He is very happy, but now he has a lot of (Please Turn To Page 3) Friday, January 12, 2007 The INdependent Reformer Page 2

Editorial Director LetterLetter toto thethe EditorEditor

Meb Cutlack Just Change the names... But remember that, for example, half of and we need to exploit these. the sites purporting to discuss Enuf for now. Dear Editor, the 9/11 issue are actually run indirectly Signed: Senior Rick I refer to the article Vested Interests by the US Government. So, you can Control Honduras in the Jan 5 issue of probably believe about half of what you Suffering in the Land Editor the INdependent; in some ways, we could read on the internet! Dear Editor, just change the names, and it would be As a Belize note: The report: Task I laughed so hard reading the article Karla Heusner Vernon descriptive of Belize, eh? Force on Services — Strategy for titled “Thirty Minute Country” in the latest And, it is descriptive of the US as well. the Development of the Services Sector edition of the Independent Weekly. While Again, just change the names.... — 15 Oct 1999 is no longer on Belize the author injected a lot of humor into the This report is scandalous, of course, government website. This report was article, it is all so very true. and I don’t think we’d see a produced by a blue ribbon panel As a born and raised Belizean, it hurts report of this detail in Belize, and certainly commissioned by the Hon. Said Musa; me to say that I would not want to live General Manager not in the US. The major its major conclusion was that there now. After about three days in Belize, corporations in the US have a death grip the telecom monopoly was the largest I’m climbing the walls wanting to get the Trevor Vernon on the media, and they are single factor holding back growth hell out. Call me traitor, call me chicken, engaged in massive propaganda in Belize. I believe that it was omitted from but I just don’t have the stomach for Belize operations to shift attention away from the new gov website because it’s too anymore. themselves and toward ‘enemies’ who embarrassing. The resale of BTL to “our Every time I visit, the one song that cannot defend themselves (like the British cousin” has ensured that a defacto keeps ringing in my ear is that old Jimmy Advertising Muslims) or those who don’t vote (like monopoly of telecom services will Cliff song from the late 60’s titled the illegal aliens). continue to exist. “Suffering In The Land”. Do you know In Belize, the UDP focuses on the poor If you have not read this report, youcan that this song was actually banned from Sling Shot Advertising — accusing the PUP of neglecting find it on the ‘waybackmachine’ at: playing on Radio Belize back in the late them, and not spending public monies http://web.archive. org/web/ 60’s? And it was not because of any and Signs properly. Meanwhile, the UDP 20000819025203/www. belize.gov. bz vulgarity or anything like that. It was neglects the critical issues of governance, library/ task_force/ welcome.shtml because of the words “the rich get richer transparency and accountability. And, we It points out that (in 1999) 68% of and the poor get poorer”. That’s what I Design/Layout recollect that the corruption was just the Belize’s GDP was accounted for by see every time I return to Belize. same the last time the UDP was in power. SERVICES, as compared to 15% for I wish everyone a Happy and Healthy Have you ever watched one of those export products. This is because, in New Year. Marigold Enterprise slight-of-hand magicians, pulling the Third Wave (http://www.skypoint Fortunately, money cannot purchase things out of your ear, or out of thin air? .com/members/ mfinley/toffler. htm) happiness nor good health and therefore,

○○○○○○○○○○○ It’s a lot like that — “watch this hand!” technology allows a third world country people can still be relatively happy living — while I pick your pocket with the other to LEAPFROG other countries who in Belize despite the oppressiveconditions, one. depend upon capital-intensive much of which is brought on by the GOB. Published by: Now, the internet gives us access to a manufacturing & industry for their GDP. Company Ltd. lot of information, but at least Currently, I see some discussion of Signed: Errol Sandiford Independent Publishing half of it is disinformation. I like this report, second wave technologies on the because it names names - which as I said list servs. I want to caution you about this, Mangrove Madness Belize C.A. — probably won’t happen in Belize. (Our because they are capital-intensive, and we P.O. Box 2666 “Rule of Law” makes it possible for invite outsiders (particularly those with Dear Editor, someone with lots of money to sue you narco-dollars) to take a big part in our Thank you Mr. Charles Heusner, Telephones: for Libel and tie you up in the courts for economy when we look to this Chairman of National Fishermen years. A definite flaw in the strategy for improving our GDP. Our Producers Co-operative, for standing up British libel laws, which seem to worry strengths lie in our language for the mangrove! His small article came (501) 225-3520 more about reputation than truth.) proficiency and our geographic location, (Please Turn To Page 13)

Email: [email protected] INdependentThe Printed by: Reformer National Printers [email protected] New Road P.O. Box 2666 Belize City, Belize Belize City, Belize YES! Send me 6 months of the INdependent Reformer for as little as For an online version of the “QuoteBZ$30.00 (US$30.00 of theinternational) Week” INdependent Reformer Name (please print) visit us at Address Apt. http://www.belizenorth.com/ independentreformer.htm OR City State Zip http://belizenews.com/ independentonline.pdf Email Address

Payment Included Bill me later Prices for subscription and postage may vary for subscription outside Belize. Friday, January 12, 2007 The INdependent Reformer Page 3 Money Laundering SellingSelling outout...... (Continued From Page 1) them had the same registered fool out of him or herself and will pay address in Belize. That address in Belize? for the foolishness in the future, some was a vacant lot. These (Continued From Page 1) money, and I take the car. way or another. Guatemalans are rewarded for their Spin Dry it. Spin Dry. He takes my money to the But it’s about economics, not votes. How many ministers have Gather it. In order to gather money, bank to deposit. corruption you say. The voters are poor been elected to office with the you have to have a place that’s pretty “Where did you get it?” and the $50.00 is a windfall they truly assistance of Guatemalan votes? public. They’re all around us, so I will “I sold a Mercedes 300 SEL, for cash!” need…Okay, so let’s look at the Guatemala, the same country that pick one. The one I’m picking may not “Where did HE get the cash.” economics. Over the next 5 years that still has a border dispute with Belize actually be a laundryman on purpose, but “He’s a lawyer.” politician is in office, how many is actually helping to determine who he is functioning as one (perhaps Story done. thousands, even millions of dollars does leads Belize! Think about that. unwittingly.) For example, consider a Best ML Bets anywhere he or she get away with diverting from Maybe that is precisely why the luxury car dealer in the USA. He Devices for money laundering world wide: the needy people of Belize? A hell of a claim will never be resolved. accommodates people who have lots of Land Developments lot more than that $50 or $100 he/she Neither major political party has cash. I talked to one of these guys once Casinos paid on election day! made a move to correct the – a Ferrari dealer. Cash Businesses A voter should realize that anyone who problem. Neither party appears to “Do they finance?” I asked. Private Banks offers to buy your vote is asking you to want to fulfill the mandate. Is it “No, they usually take the cash out of 4. Special Attractions of Belize condone theft. To condone corruption, to because UDP and PUP candidates Why do the laundry in Belize? their business. They’re doctors and lawyers, condone the selling out of Belize. Anyone believe they can out do the other in Land you know.” who has to buy your vote is already buying votes? Wash it. Suppose I’m a drug dealer. I Exports/Imports corrupt, already unfit to hold public Buying votes is not only illegal it have $1,000,000 of dirty money. I go into al Customs for sale office. He or she ahready di tief! is un-democratic. It creates a Mercedes dealer (in the USA) and give him Tourist Traffic Perhaps more and more situation where the candidates with my card. It says “J. O. Gringo, Attorney-at- Recent Twists Belizeans are realizing this. Which the most money to buy votes can Law.” I tell him I want to buy a 2007, Developments in the past two or three may be why the practice of assisting win. Vote buyers are violating the 300SEL and I want to pay cash. years illegal aliens and other non- He says “That car has a sticker price The Conduit is gone rights and opportunities of any third qualified persons to vote in national of $120K, but for cash, I’ll give it to you Cruise Ships party candidates who seeks to be for a hundred grand!” He takes my Lack of Evidence elections has also become rampant. elected in a fair and honest election. It’s all ‘secret deals’ so this is really In the last national election gill net There are statutes that make it a just speculation fishermen from Guatemala came crime to buy or attempt to buy But…you can speculate too, huh? ashore at Monkey River to vote. votes. The Political Reform Comments? When the citizens of Monkey River Commission has made it clear that Suggestions? Next issue, we’ll talk about all the attempted to stop the Guatemalans the vote buying process is “illegal”. different ways the Laundrymen work. from voting the police intervened. However, no one ever seems to be or want to ************************ In fact, witnesses say the police penalized for wrong doing. share your About the Author. escorted the Guatemalans to the If there is not already, there Justin Other Gringo came to Belize in polling booths! should also be a criminal statute that thoughts the 90’s from the U.S and lived here for Many Guatemalans came across makes it a crime to aid or abet or many years with a fictious name. He has the border into Belize to vote during attempt to aid or abet voting by a Email us at been involved in various local and the last national election. A sizeable non qualified persons or the Independent.newspaper. international enterprises, and has learned number came from the city of registration to vote of such non- [email protected] a lot about “How Things Work in Belize.” Melchor, in Guatemala, most had qualified a persons. Those who He now lives in the U.S. been registered to vote. Eight of (Please Turn To Page 9) Friday, January 12, 2007 The INdependent Reformer Page 4 PrPredictionsedictions fforor BelizBelizee inin 20072007

By: Karla Heusner Vernon ambassadorial post vacated by another Haulover Bridge. woman who opts to return home to run In September 2007, visiting Bel-Ams At the start of any new year, highway will be adopted by the City against Zenaida Moya in a Belize City will adopt abandoned children and Belize’s tarot card readers do a brisk of Chetumal and Mexican bus division. Marion Jones, retiring from wayward teenagers as part of a program business as people try to put the past companies will take over the bus runs sports, contemplates running as an called “Take Back Belizeans.” A data behind them and catch a glimpse of formerly serviced by a now bankrupt independent. bank will be set up for reuniting families their future. INdependent Weekly Belizean company. Belizean In July, gasoline prices will plummet in and school friends separated during asked a completely unqualified source commuters will be so happy with the an attempt by GOB to recover the taxes Hurricane Hattie. Alumni from Technical who “claims” to be psychic what the new road conditions and service they being lost due to the heavy use of public galvanize and stage a successful protest nation can look forward to in 2007. This will park their cars and ride the buses transportation. Consumers, unwilling to be to reclaim the college before it is what she had to say-- to work, thus beating high fuel prices fooled by a short term ploy, will continue becomes gets turned into a IT-Vet. A word of caution: like all such and getting raffle tickets for a chance to to use Mexican buses and water taxis will There is great rejoicing in the land. predictions, there is no guarantee any win a shopping spree at Chedraui every start a San Pedro to Belize City to Double In October 2007, some church of this will come true. Unless of course, month. Head Dragon daily run. officials will attempt to pass legislation you believe in self-fulfilling prophecies. In May, the Corozal Commercial Free In August, portions of Belize City by a banning Halloween and all references In January of 2007 a political heavy Zone will be opened to the Belizean public supermarket on the northern highway will to Harry Potter. One denomination hitter will declare he is not running for will uphold the Potter ban (having office in the upcoming general election already expelled a student in Cayo for but retiring to South America. “In July, gasoline prices will imitating the magical teen) but balk at Following successful knee surgery he the removal of Halloween since it will take up golf with Venezuelan plummet in an attempt by GOB provides a money making opportunity President Hugo Chavez. Under Chavez’ for school fairs. Trick or treaters get influence, he will liquidate his assets and to recover the taxes being lost due the fright of their lives when a national begin distributing his fortune on the leader peronally hands out candy at Southside in a “Cash for Literacy to the heavy use of public his King’s Park home. One child is Program.” All recipients have to do is hospitalized. learn to read secret contracts. transportation...” November 2007 passes uneventfully On Valentine’s Day 2007 a female as no one notices the Belize dollar is party stalwart will defeat all devalued during Garifuna Settlement challengers in a runoff convention for Day Celebrations. No press release is Central Belize. She will then give an in an effort by the customs department to break off and float away due to dredging issued. ultimatum to the party executive in reduce contraband and zone merchants in the area. Several homes, now leaning, Ho, ho, ho….and here we go again. which they must give her a key legal regain customers lost when Mexicans will fall over. GOB will declare a state of I don’t know if you believe in tarot position. “First nephew” takes over began shopping at Hotchandani & Co emergency and “Friends of Belize” will cards yourself...but getting a reading fort “first son” who goes into real (formerly the Pound Yard.) provide US $6 Billion in emergency relief sure can be fun. You didn’t really estate after successfully acquiring In June the political leader will reverse which will immediately be spent , only no expect true accuracy did you? After every business on North Front Street. his earlier decision announce he IS running one will know on what exactly. Affected all, its only $5 a pop. Same price as a In March of 2007 foreign investors for office again. His replacement will have homeowners will be given temporary plate of fried chicken. But more on will open a new casino/marina facility to give up her position and be offered an housing in a new development near the fried chicken next week..... in Double Head Cabbage. To facilitate access by cruise ships they will dredge the Belize River turning it into a deep water port and build a causeway over to the PGIA. Through a series of misadventures architects in Taiwan who have never been to Belize but who hold permanent residency will misunderstand the drawings provided. They position the mega resort backwards on the property requiring another entrance be cut through the bush and build a causeway to the Chalillo Dam which they mistake for the Rio Hondo. To save face, the project will then be renamed “Double Head Dragon.” In April of 2007 the northern

Comments? Suggestions? or want to share your thoughts Email us at Independent.newspaper. [email protected] Friday, January 12, 2007 The INdependent Reformer Page 5 Bare Facts: The media blackout across the land By: Trevor Vernon and running up the credit, we learnt, quite by government’s taxes on fuel. This is a big take trucks, busses, and heavy equipment take a accident of yet another massive increase in and for what? To repair roads? To clean up much heavier toll on our roadways yet diesel These past two the pump prices of regular gasoline. We were the environment? To ensure safety standards? is only taxed at 1.24 cents a gallon. You figure weekends Belize not supposed to notice and most didn’t, given No, no, and no. It’s to pay off those that one out. experienced what the state of merry making. We Belizeans have “sovereign guarantee” loans for the chosen Then long comes the second long news can only be classified become so numb that we are even afraid to few. So we, the citizens must re-pay their blackout weekend, which included a closed as a general news look or ask when we get gas pumped in our loans so they can live large and we are told session of the Belize Senate on December blackout, except for tanks. Makes you wonder if butane prices that we must be happy to endure their pains 28, 2006. What have we heard of this very the crime reports. went up too. No one seems to know. too. I don’t think so; but, most Belizeans private session? Nothing you say? Naturally. We at this paper are What did you expect: a press release? You not interested in the “So we, the citizens must re-pay their loans so they didn’t get one with the massive new increases glorification of crime. In fact, we consider can live large and we are told that we must be happy in pump prices on Boxing Day or the plane the glorification of crime a dangerous thing in to endure their pains too. I don’t think so; but, most load of deportees that arrived from the USA, that it serves only one purpose: the did you? perpetuation of more one-upmanship type Belizeans appear to be happy with the arrangements One of the greatest philosophical books of violence. the Musa government made.” of all time, Plato’s Republic, instantly comes The lengthy Christmas and New Year to mind when writing about news blackouts weekends brought about a disruption in the in Belize today. In book seven Plato lays out way news gets reported in print, on the Yet as a percentage of the illusive appear to be happy with the arrangements in allegorical terms a people being tricked by evening news, and in other media in Belize. “acquisition cost” [the price ESSO/SOL the Musa government made. their leaders and made to live with blinders Everyone was on vacation so the media mill charges to have the stuff delivered here] the One gentleman suggested that the reason over their eyes in a cave. It is more popularly grinds to a halt. It’s a dangerous time in any governments tax take almost exceeds that for the high tax rate on gasoline is to pay for known as Plato’s Allegory of the Cave. It is fragile democracy, especially when the cost. Therefore, it can be argued that GOB’s road construction and maintenance. Maybe timeless writing and the concept so apropos unwashed masses are officially encouraged take (rrd, environment, & import duty) as of we are in the wrong business because $3.55 for our most troubling times in Belize today to indulge in inebriating practices and spend December 26, 2006 ($3.55 per gallon) is per gallon on 11 million gallons is almost 40 where power loving politicians refuse to heed extra-budgetary resources they don’t have, almost 100% of the acquisition cost million a year in taxes on regular gasoline to the will of the people. And that stuff was to celebrate a religious holiday. ($3.9170) . Now, almost half the price you alone. To counter his argument, another friend written hundreds of years ago. Imagine! Well, while the nation was out partying will see at the pump for regular gas represents points out, that diesel powered vehicles, (Please Turn To Page 14) Friday, January 12, 2007 The INdependent Reformer Page 6

democracy in the world. Dishonest culture and values. JUSTICE GONE judgments destroy fair and equal treatment “Our Belize antiquated civil court and thus a democracy can not be sustained. procedures with its powdered wigs, medieval “Obviously dishonest judgments can result robes, royal bowing to the judge, addressing by Des Parrett when judges accept money, favors or power the judges as “M’Lord” as if they were some to influence their decisions, but dishonest kind of a potentate, no computers, few if any I went to see the Old One who lives at the unacceptable, but the greatest evil in any judgments do not always mean dishonest court recorders…. as well as low budgets, ruins. His hair is white as sea foam, and society is dishonest judgments because such judges. In Belize we have an even more needs a serious restructuring. We need more although he claims that getting older doesn’t judicial action murders our whole justice devastating cause of dishonest judgments: judges. We need better judges. We need always mean getting wiser, he is truly a wise system. Without justice we can only have NO JUDGMENTS. When our judicial court dates to be firm and not abused at the one. I had a question for him. anarchy where every person must resort to system fails to render timely judgments, the whim of senior lawyers who repeatedly call Recently in our village a neighbor was one’s own solutions. Even the most despotic effects are the same as dishonest judgments, for postponements. We need simple, straight murdered and last week a young woman kings and dictators understood that people but in Belize, this failure is not caused by forward and efficient court room procedures was raped. I wanted to know which is the needed fair courts to settle their differences. corrupt judges but instead by corrupt based upon mutual respect, instead of the most destructive evil to our society? Murder “Our democratic way of life is based upon politicians. local lord of the manor handing out favors. or rape? fair and equal treatment under the law, and Justice must always be the number one After all judges are only people hired to do a “Neither,” the Old One replied. “Both justice for all citizens. We find these very priority of every democracy. job of rendering fair and honest judgments; murder and rape are savage and words in nearly every constitution of every Our politicians have ignored the desperate they should certainly be respected but they needs of our court system until we now have are not gods. We need proper secretarial hundreds of civil court cases moldering on help in the courts. The courts should give no Pothole politricks the desks of two or three overloaded judges, more advantage, recognition, privilege or an impossible situation that denies our citizens weight to a senior lawyer than to one recently justice, just as much as dishonest judgments. admitted to the Bar. Every citizen should be It is common knowledge that it will take three assured that he is equally represented in the to five years or even more to get a hearing on court room no matter what the seniority of a civil dispute, and some cases have gone on his counsel. The court should charge a healthy for as long as ten years. When the case finally fee, a thousand or more per day, for all actions ended it was because the plaintiff or defendant using the court rooms, with such charges died! When thieves, murderers, rapists, drug leveled against the losing party or against dealers and the like are not assured immediate anyone causing a delay or postponement. court hearings our justice system is sacrificing We need our civil and criminal courts the rights of our law abiding citizens to protect completely separate from one another and the rights of evil criminals. Certainly that is operating with the same efficiency and by Meb Cutlack nor are they the only ones noticing it. Tourists not the proper goal of politics. timeliness. are scandalized. “It is true that this dreadful situation in Belize, “We need all lawyers to be more Just how long is it going to take for the And the tourism industry vehicle owners of no recourse to justice, is caused in part by accountable to their clients and their actions¸ poor, and the middle classes of Belize, to finally and operators are punishing. All across the incompetence and corruption of politicians and judges accountable for their decisions, raise up and refuse to pay their taxes - the country, tourism generates revenue through who place a higher priority on their personal all reviewable by a Justice Review Board only measures left to them to remove the bed tax, GST and income tax. Not to mention projects than on justice, but our justice system composed of independent citizens who are yoke of government taxation from around the exorbitant exit tax. All of it pours into itself has to share the blame, being based upon NOT members of the Bar Association. And their necks? ´General Revenue´ but NOTHING comes the antiquated, out-of-date, inefficient, this demands that our judicial system must In his column in the Amandala last week back out for roads and other infrastructure. ineffective British Common Law supposedly have an adequate budget to serve our people Frankie Rhys raised exactly this question: Let alone schools or other needs. modified by our Constitution. We had the fully and properly. “…the IMF, which appears to be of the When will it end? It wont because as “We can correct the problems of our opinion that Belize needs to further tighten its Frankie so aptly puts it, “”Never let people ultimate authority (Privy Counsel) of English belt by increasing taxes or by retrenching know that you are broke.” If they know, tradition overriding our the constitutional judicial system, the problems of dishonest Government employees. The people can they will squeeze you unmercifully, because authority of our citizens. English Common judgments,” concluded the Old One, “if we hardly handle the current situation, much less they know you have to be desperate, willing Law was designed to protect the aristocrat acknowledge our problems and have the absorb more punishment from a Government to entertain any solution even if it is to your from the commoner, and it has never courage to make the necessary changes. that has blown huge amounts of money by great disadvantage! An individual might be functioned as a protector of the commoner If we do not, then murders and rapists giving favored treatment to its riends and able to conceal his true financial condition if from the power structure. Our Belize will remain far behind dishonest judgments cronies. We need a tax revolt in 2007! Refuse he is an excellent poker player who can sustain and corrupt politicians in the list of evils to file. Refuse to pay GST.” Constitution should be the ultimate, only, and a bluff. As far as a nation like Belize? The FINAL word with the exception of a that are aggressively destroying our He added: “Didn’t a refusal to pay taxes whole damn world knows!” trigger the American Revolution?” Regional Court (CARICOM) attuned to our society.” Well, last week was certainly a sort of record for Belize when on the very day that oil dropped to a two-year low of $55 a barrel the price in Belize soared another 40 cents! No announcement, no news release, just a new rise to put the price of gas in Belize to a shade under $10 a gallon. Talk about taxation without representation! The PUP mouthpiece, The Times, has the cheek to criticize local councils for the state of the roads and pot holes. They are PUP “Quote of the Week” pot holes with our roads falling daily into worse repair. If just a tiny iota of the gasoline tax went to service potholes instead of private pockets Belize would be in far better shape. The government has “explained” there is not enough asphalt in Belize to repair the roads and so they are filled with sand and gravel. Of course the first rain washes out the sand Opening Hours and gravel and makes the holes even worse! Monday - Saturday 6 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. How can there not be enough asphalt, or Sunday & Holidays 7 a.m. - 7:30 pm. money to buy it? Belizeans are not the only Breakfast Lunch and Diner ones using the nation’s roads and highways, Friday, January 12, 2007 The INdependent Reformer Page 7 “A challenge: where do the independents stand?” By Meb Cutlack INdependent Weekly offers a challenge then redistributed as per the instructions to all prospective independent candidates of one or, at most, two men. throughout Belize to present yourselves D) a new integrity commission to They probably stand to win enough to accept demands for real change. and your ideas to the public via our which all ministers, senators and house seats to dictate policy change if they run Ironically only Mark Espat and Cordel newspaper. All you have to do is: members must submit all details of their as “independents” but could win nothing Hyde have publicly pledged to seek an State you name and constituency financial and property holdings prior to if they stand as one or two or three elected senate and other reforms. The Provide a photograph the elections. “independent” political parties. Belize is UDP and the sitting PUP are very careful Give your reason for running as an E) review of all recent environmental crying out for men and woman of integrity not to mention senate reform and an independent candidate then give your views impact assessments related to ´mega´ to offer themselves to the electorate, to elected senate – one of the very few ways on the following: projects. call for “reform!” And to cut out the Finally, give you views on what has “party” nonsense that has ruled Belize for gone wrong in Belize since so long - and so badly. “INdependent Weekly offers a independence with regard to the To see them now squabbling over who challenge to all prospective independent following: leads an independent party is akin to Education, denying the very basis for which they candidates throughout Belize to present Poverty alleviation, supposedly stand. Reform, even with a The collapse of southside and rural small “r”, is a multi level and multi strategic yourselves and your ideas to the economies and spread of poverty option which needs intelligent throughout Belize. consideration from every quarter and, public...” The demise of ecotourism through above all, it ultimately needs personal high departure taxes while cruise ship commitment based on ideals and out of top level corruption can, at least, be A) an elected senate or alternative passengers pay only a pittance to enter which can emerge a consensus. That monitored, even curbed. B) land reform with means to take Belize –pàrt of which goes to the tourist consensus must come from legitimate It is also essential that the senators and power away from ministers and others to village and so back to the cruise ship discussion between the possible wedge representatives are not elected in the same use Belizean land to enrich themselves. company! of independents who take the middle election or at least have a different time C) “general revenue”, the This invitation is open to ALL independent ground - and whichever of the traditional period to serve to avoid one party, again government´s large holdall, into which candidates not directly affiliated with an parties, or splinter of, which is prepared and again, taking all power. all government revenue is poured and established political party. Mexico will return to Belize a portion of the territory on the Southern Frontier

Translated from original text treaty signed in July of 1893, with are presently conducting technical conserving and establishing from Univision.com (Jan 2, important mistakes, considers a meetings that will permit them to border limitations between the 2007) portion that has always been the define the basis for the signing of a both nations which has an territory of Belize, as Mexican new treaty, according to the extension of 573 kilometers, It was made known today by territory” the Minister went on to say. communiqué. according to the secretary. the Secretary of External The Mexican Chancellor points On the other hand, the same Included in the studies that are Relations of Mexico that the out that from 2003, the Government ministry of the government being carried out, is the cleaning Government of Mexico will of Mexico had presented to the informed in another communiqué up and the development of the return a portion of territory to Belize Belizean Government a proposed that Mexico and Guatemala are border areas, and the maintenance that was incorrectly absorbed by treaty of the border divisions and conducting joint studies in an effort of the of international monuments Mexico more that a Century ago. that this “is currently being to clean up their common as markers, the establishing of the The Mexican Chancellor evaluated in that country”. borders. maritime borders and the confirmed in a communiqué Authorities from both nations This action will permit stabilizing of the Suchiate river. that this action would be formalized in the future with a new Territorial Agreement with Belize. “An initial agreement has already been reached and all we are waiting for are Belize’s observations on some points in the frontier, for example the Bay of Chetumal, where the actual

Comments? Suggestions? or want to share your thoughts Email us at Independent.newspaper. [email protected] Friday, January 12, 2007 The INdependent Reformer Page 8 TOPICALTOPICAL TIDBITSTIDBITS

Xmas Thieves and Hedges sold by shops throughout the and clear his name and reputation - won’t conflict. Little wonder he spoke out! A Customs office at the country at $40 Bz a carton. that be better than a hand full of stolen Guatemala is stranded in a cash crisis northern border wanted a The public is being being royally smoked money for keeping quiet? that impedes cashing checks, collecting criminally high rate of duty on a by their own countrymen and the salaries or accessing cash dispensers.The bottle of tequila bought in Chet. Although government just fans the flames. Want to join the U.S. army? local press says the people are hungry, it came with a Mexican receipt for 120 The US armed forces, already spending New Year’s Eve amid shortage pesos, he wanted the same duty as on a Intimidation police style! unable to meet recruiting goals, and distress.”El Periódico” online edition bottle of $98 tequila bought in Belize.. Our DPP, Kirk Andeerson has gone. are considering expanding the says the Oscar Berger government closed No matter that the visitor had a British Yes, but he has gone with a strong whiff number of non-citizens in the 2006 with devastating effects on the passport and stated his duty rights of a of police and PUP government ranks — including proposals to people due to negligence of the Central bottle and cigarettes. “Not at a border intimidation and an embarrassing display open recruiting stations overseas - and Bank of Guatemala (BCG). town!” he was told but when he of pointless power mongering. putting more immigrants on a faster track The paper says the BCG is “shameful theatdened to pour the tequila away the They nabbed him at the airport and to US citizenship if they volunteer. to ask the hungry to stay calm. “The crisis officer suggested he cough up a fee of $5! returned him under escort to a nearby Of course, this could be considered affects the majority, including the middle But worse still - the wife of a friend of bank to pay his income tax. recruiting mercenaries to defend US soil! class, rural workers impeded from his who works for government drove Tut, tut - his salary arrears due in the History has it that the Roman Empire collecting their salaries, the informal sector down from the same border with his blue future and legally secure were much more collapsed for the same reason - recruits impeded from making sales and nearly plated pickup loaded with Xmas goodies than the income tax bill! from the colonies who turned on the one million families depending on illegally bought in the Free Zone.. No duty As well as the money due to him there emperor!! remittances. on anything! is inevitably a sum of several thousand In the days leading up to the 10th Smoking hot cigarettes dollars for “going quietly”. Guatemala´s makes pledges -again! anniversary of the UN sponsored Someone in high places with Chinese Well, they broke their side of the deal Guatemala’s president pledged last Peace deal which ended the civil war connections is making a killing from the and so I suggest that Kirk go anything but week to revive constitutional reforms Guatemalan leaders have import of uncustomed Chinese cigarettes quietly and sing, sing, sing all the way to promised in peace deals that ended the acknowledged that while the Central sold openly in Belize. Jamaica. country’s civil war a decade ago, saying American country has made some There is also a blind eye being turned The INdependent offers hims as much Guatemalans must conquer the social advances in education and health, it to the import of British packetted Benson room as he wants to tell the whole story inequalities that helped give rise to the has yet to overcome extreme poverty. Statement from We The People Reform Movement

“This example of changing the Constitution by assembling the wise men of the state, c. All power to disagree to any bill and may propose or concur with amendments instead of assembling armies, will be worth as much to the world as the former examples to any money bill as on any other bill. Power to establish within the Senate a we have given it” - Thomas Jefferson 1787. Special Senate Investigative Committee capable of withstanding all weather Once more the current power has again proven to the Belizean people its absolute storms. power and the urgent need for constitutional reform. On Friday, December 08 2006, d. The elected Senate shall be constitutionally empowered by establishing a Special Cabinet had secured the House approval of two money motions, which was passed on Senate Investigative Committee from amongst its elected members. Any party, a single sitting even by disrespecting the House rules and by a feeble protest by a weak political movement, or independent represented in the Senate shall be allowed opposition. On the following Monday, Cabinet had also secured the rubberstamp senate to appoint one Senator (only) to sit on this special Senate Investigative approval for these two money motions to refinance Belize’s foreign debt. Committee so as to ensure a well balanced and inclusive democratic Cabinet has consistently imposed its will on our weak and shackled Parliament and independent committee free from partisan control and any cover-up or cannot be held responsible or accountable for its acts by a feeble National Assembly. obstruction of justice. The PUP architects of the Belize Constitution for an Independent Belize (had also the On the first sitting of the Senate they shall select a chairman between blessings of the late come UDP) had no intention to yield their newly acquired control themselves and the chairmanship shall be on a rotate basis. This Senate Special and privileges on the destiny of our new nation to the National Assembly even one of Investigative Committee shall be legally constituted and sworn in the first their own making. They framed the constitution to allow a Cabinet-Reign with absolute sitting of the Senate. Once constituted the members or any member of the power to be permanently concentrated on the executive. Cabinet absolute power to Special Senate Investigative Committee may commence any investigation on grant Ministers discretionary powers, to loot and plunder our country, discretionary powers the misconduct of any former or present government official at the services of to tax us, to borrow locally and international institutions billions of dollars in our name, the government of Belize and any public contract providing services to the discretionary powers to hold and dispose our national wealth, assets and resources at government of Belize. their pleasure. Once substantial evidence arises from any investigation the Senate Special They have persistently established a large Cabinet with fewer backbenchers in the Investigative Committee shall draw charges of impeachment and shall constitute House to impose their will and a weak opposition that could not even protect itself itself into a Senate Tribunal to hear the charges. The Senate Tribunal shall not against gross indignities in a weakened House of Representatives. Cabinet Ministers impose to a convicted offender any prison terms but the immediate removal are also provided with state immunity against punishments for crimes committed against from public office and shall be banned for life to hold office. If criminal offences the people. These Honorable Ministers are unaccountable and are unanswerable to the has been committed by the convicted offender or offenders, the Senate Tribunal rule of law and to the National Assembly. Why not throw off the cloak that is asphixiating may appoint a special prosecutor to immediately initiate court action for his or us; “the Cabinet Ministers with discretionary powers and stop this endless punishment.” her conviction. Nowhere in the world does a smaller cabinet control a larger Parliament. Why should a Establishment of an Independent Judiciary free from political manipulation tiny cabinet of Belize control both Houses of the National Assembly and our lives? We with a separate budget. have no other alternative but to propose new constitutional amendments to consolidate e. The Judges of both the higher courts and the lower courts most be well Belize Democracy. experienced and competent proven attorneys to hold their offices during a We propose new powers of a two-House National Assembly: fixed term with good behavior. a. To empower our National Assembly for legislative powers to be vested in a two We believe our recommendations for Constitutional Reform offers a new positive House (bi-cameral) Assembly. All legislative powers herein granted shall be change. Our proposals are for the strict division, control and limitation of power and vested in a National Assembly of Belize which shall consist of a Senate and a to restrict the role of the State to the essentials. Only by enactment of the Constitutional House of Representatives. changes above will the people of this country rid themselves of the present tyranny b. A New Executive, a Cabinet led by a Prime Minister in order to abolish Cabinet and undemocratic behavior of a Cabinet Reign with discretionary powers. control on both Houses of the National Assembly and insuring the separation of powers, we propose the direct elections for the Prime Minister office with a On behalf of We The People Deputy National Coordinator limited two terms, with constitutional authority to allow the Prime Minister to choose his or her ministers with well experienced and capable individuals from Lucilo Teck______the Belizean public. Elected members of the House shall not be a member of the Deputy National Coordinator Executive, effectively ensuring a free House to agree or concur with amendments to any bill proposed by the Executive. An Elected Senate replacing the appointed We The People Reform Movement P.O. Box 194 Corozal Town Rubber Stamp (Powers of an Elected Senate). Tel. 409-3004, 6008729 Friday, January 12, 2007 The INdependent Reformer Page 9 Blessed & Peaceful: 2007 Rev’d Canon LeRoy Flowers I am saddened that we are growing to be a complaining and ungrateful people. We A happy, peaceful, hopeful and making recommendations and must learn to appreciate joyous 2007 to all our members, friends, making decisions. God’s goodness and and supporters. • Stop trying to make everyone think blessings. We must also lean What will 2007, bring for us? Are and act just like you. to be thankful as individuals you afraid? What action will you take • Spend quality time with yourself and and as a people in general., to make 2007 a blessed one? family. yes correct what is wrong. Sad to say many see dark days • Strive daily to make this world a I find it so sad that many ahead, even among those who claim better place. never appreciate their family Jesus as their Lord!! Remember He • Stop trying to manipulate others and and friends, much less , the promised to be with us in the storm of the system. goodness of God in their life. • Let us honor the value of work. lives. No time to say thanks, Poverty, hatred, greed, murder, theft • Develop the virtue of patience with no time for worship, no time and lying will continue unchecked in the greatest fool! Whoever you think to pray, no time for fun, no 2007. Children will belittle their parents, he/she may be! time for appreciation for the parents will abuse and abandon their • Learn to love and accept love. Not goodness of life itself., no time children and responsibilities. Within the everyone is dishonest and wants for others, no time for churches there will continue to be something from you. laughter...... No wonder we disunity and strife. This is due to our • Practice to forgive all who offend are all so angry with each spiritual poverty. Families will continue you. other and even with to fall apart...... domestic violence taking • Be kind and helpful to someone in God.....2007 will be a center stage in the wider community need every day. blessed one for us ...If we while many in the church will talk about • See your glass as half full rather than walk with Jesus ...the Lord love, but never live it...due to their anger half empty. and Saviour..... Ourselves and strife in their hearts... • Do something about the problem and God. We have a vested interest in working How then can we hope for a you face rather than complaining. However Jesus pointed out for our own happiness. By becoming meaningful blessed 2007? The answer • Light a candle in the dark rather than “ I will be with you to the end of the engaged in the wellbeing of others, we lies to a great degree with what you and curse the darkness world.” It is vital that we become will add to our happiness and thus make I will do. It is simple, but true! Let us • Try to be more considerate and kind involved in our own wellbeing and Belize a better society. learn to do the following on a daily to all you meet. happiness. Our happiness should never It is not about them, it is about us. regular basis: • Stop believing that you are the only be controled by others. Thus a blessed 2007. • Pray more humbly right, honest person in the • Talk less...Listen more world...and that others are trying to • Practice: Please, Thank You, destroy you. Excuse Me, Good Day! My brothers and sisters, I have no For an online version of the • Read some books! fear of the future; because I know who • Watch wholesome movies on T.V. holds the future - His grace is sufficient INdependent Reformer • Care about all God’s children. for us to face the future with • Be responsible at work and in our confidence!!! visit us at homes. Yes many things will go wrong in • Give respect to all, including our 2007...But He has the whole world http://www.belizenorth.com/ opponents. in His hands...then why fear? • Learn to accept criticism. ..sickness, death, pain and suffering independentreformer.htm • Learn to accept that you are not are an integral part of life in 2007...But God, therefore not always right. he is still God and loves each one in a OR • Learn the difference between special way. http://belizenews.com/ SellingSelling outout...... independentonline.pdf (Continued From Page 3) voting and vote buying. It is time the cross the border to vote illegally issue is addressed by the so- should be arrested along with those called Good Governance who caused them to cross the department. border. For its part, although the UDP The buying— or stealing—of does not have a majority in the Visit The political offices should be House of Representatives, it is not prohibited by criminal penalties. relieved of the responsibility to try Any legislator that has failed or and enact any anti-corruption refused to support legislation for legislation recommended by the Belize Zoo such penalties may well be a Political Reform Commission. If the candidate with the same criminal PUP does not support the legislation thinking that leads to corruption. proposed by the UDP then the The Best Little Such thinking process should lead voters know who not to vote for. to his or her disqualification to hold They say you get what you pay for. office. Perhaps Belizeans are finally getting It is time that the Prime Minister the sense that they are getting what Zoo In The World and his cabinet provides the they were paid for. As the Association guidance he says is what leadership of Concerned Belizeans says “No sell is all about and put into effect u vote!” legislation they would end illegal The price is simply too high. Friday, January 12, 2007 The INdependent Reformer Page 10 Oil Exploration Threatens Belize’s Protected Areas By Alana Herro that the failure of the government to consult with the Mayan people, and the negative Published on Worldwatch Institute environmental effects arising from the (http://www.worldwatch.org) concessions, constituted violations under Reprinted with permission of the au- international human rights law. thor. Global Response and local groups say the allowance of new oil exploration in By permitting oil exploration on Sarstoon Temash National Park is in indigenous lands, the government of Belize direct contravention of this ruling. Since is violating international human rights law 2003, the government of Belize and the and possibly several other international Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous treaties, according to the environmental Management [8] (SATIIM), a group that group Global Response [1]. The group represents five Q’eqchi Maya and says the government’s April 2006 decision Garifuna indigenous communities in the to allow Texas-based U.S. Capital Energy area, have managed the park jointly. But [2] to conduct seismic operations in Greg Ch’oc, executive director of SATIIM, Sarstoon Temash National Park, the observes that when it comes to certain country’s second largest protected area, decisions, outside money has more clout is in breach of a 2004 Inter-American than local governance—or even Commission on Human Rights ruling and Sarstoon Temash National Park. Photo: SATIIM international law. “A wealthy foreign may also violate Belize’s treaty obligations corporation can set off dynamite and extract under the Ramsar Convention on and other extractive activities in areas that [6], filed a petition to the Inter-American oil without an environmental impact assessment Wetlands [3] and the United Nations have traditionally been home to Belize’s Commission on Human Rights (ICHR) or a mitigation plan,” he says. “This selective Convention on Biological Diversity [4]. indigenous Mayan communities, including arguing that by granting logging and oil application of the law is a violation of the Belize, a Central American country Sarstoon Temash National Park, a concessions in indigenous territories human rights of the indigenous people in roughly the size of Belgium, boasts more 41,000-acre (16,592 hectare) area of without local consultation, the Belizean Belize.” than 90 protected areas and has an pristine forests and coastline along the government was violating certain rights At the request of SATIIM, Colorado- international reputation for conservation southern border with Guatemala. guaranteed under the American based Global Response is launching a and nature-based tourism. Over the past In 1998, two native rights groups, the Declaration of the Rights and Duties of letter-writing [9] campaign to Belizean decade, however, the government has U.S.-based Indian Law Resource Center Man. In October 2004, the ICHR ruled Prime Minister Said Musa to stop the issued licenses for logging, oil exploration, [5] and the Toledo Maya Cultural Council [7] in favor of the petitioners, concluding destruction of biodiversity and indigenous livelihoods in the park. Sarstoon Temash includes 10 miles (16 kilometers) of Caribbean coastline and encompasses Unfinished Business 14 ecosystem types, including By Trevor Vernon the public figures file their annual 11) Shrimp Farming...Nova has undisturbed mangrove forest, the only re ports? alreadycomfra palm forest in Belize, and the Rather than write my predictions for 5) Bz-Guate slippery slope stumbled, but not Sir Barry & only known lowland sphagnum moss 2007, let’s take stock of issues hanging adjacency zone issue his Big Warts in the south bog in Central America. The park is over from 2006 and before that need 6) Mex-Bz treaty issues on border 12) Shrimp trawler banning home to a known 226 species of birds, to be resolved this year. delimitation arising out of # 5 13) Fisherman revolt: esp against 24 species of mammals, 22 species of 1) dfc/ssb investigatiion findings above developers wanting reptiles, and 46 species of butterflies. 2) judiciary strengthening 7) Bz-Honduras maritime issues to kick them off their This story was produced by Eye on 3) increased tax revenue, which will 8) Elections floodgate pressures will strategically positioned Earth [9], a joint project of the come principally from taxing become an issue in 07 premises at the mouth of the Worldwatch Institute and the blue moon pump prices for regular unleaded 9) IMF/WB fiscal imbalance river fund [10]. View the complete archive fuel pressure i 14) trade union rebellion issues [10] of Eye on Earth stories, or contact 4) integrity commission; when will 10) Tourism “golden goose” 15) political infighting and Staff Writer Alana Herro at aherro [AT] backbiting worldwatch [DOT] org with your 16) runaway fuel tax questions, comments, and story ideas. FOR RENT 17) regularized tax evasion by the Source URL: wealthy few http://www.worldwatch.org/node/ 18) high interest rates 4807 Professional single, non- 19) parallel market/money Links: laundering with [1] http://globalresponse.org/index01.php smoking, quiet tennant sought international law enforcement [2] http://www.uscapitalenergy.com/ 20) EIA issues particularly with Ara [3] http://www.ramsar.org/ for a self-contained, one- Macao, Stake Bank, and [4] http://www.biodiv.org/default.shtml North Drownded Cayes, [5] http://www.indianlaw.org/ bedroomed, H&C water, AC 21) increased tax measures on the [6] http://geography.berkeley.edu/ poor (See IMF letter of projectsresources/MayanAtlas/ December 20) MayaAtlas/tmcc.htm apartment in Ladyville. 22) Venezuela & Taiwan payback [7] http://www.cidh.org/annualrep/ 23) The free port development with 2004eng/belize.12053eng.htm the Lucas Cruise Lines. [8] http://www.satiim.org.bz/index.htm Call 225-3586 anytime Of course, there are many more, but [9] http://globalresponse.org/ 23 is a good number to start gra.php?i=current with. [10] http://www.bluemoonfund.org/ Fly Tropic Air - Fly Tropic Air - Fly Tropic Air “The Airline Of Belize” Friday, January 12, 2007 The INdependent Reformer Page 11 México reintegrará a Belice una porción de territorio en la frontera sur Original Text from Univision.com en julio de 1893, con equívocos 02 de Enero de 2007, 06:47pm ET importantes, considera una porción México, 2 ene (EFE).- El que siempre ha sido de Belice como Gobierno mexicano reintegrará a territorio mexicano”, sostuvo el Belice una porción de territorio que ministerio. La cancillería mexicana equivocadamente fue mal delimitada recordó que desde 2003 el hace más de un siglo, informó oy la Gobierno mexicano presentó a Secretaría de Relaciones Belice la propuesta de trazo de la Exteriores. La Cancillería mexicana Línea Divisoria, y que “se encuentra precisó en un comunicado que esta en proceso de evaluación en ese acción se concretará en el futuro país”. Las autoridades de ambas con un nuevo tratado de límites con naciones se encuentran en reuniones Belice. “En principio ya se logró un “técnicas”, lo que permitirá definir Place an ad in the acuerdo inicial y sólo faltan las las bases de la suscripción de un observaciones de Belice en algunos tratado de límites en tre ambas puntos de la frontera, como por naciones, según el comunicado. Por INdependent ejemplo la Bahía de Chetumal, otra parte, la misma dependencia donde el tratado vigente celebrado gubernamental informó en otro Newspaper comunicado que México y Guate- mala realizan conjuntamente trabajos de limpieza en la frontera Contact Slingshot Comments? común. Esta acción permite Suggestions? conservar y definir la delimitación 15 St. Thomas Street entre ambas naciones, cuya or want to extensión es de 573 kilómetros, Belize City, Belize según la Secretaría. Entre los Tel: 223-6348 share your trabajos que se desarrolla están la thoughts limpieza de la brecha fronteriza, la Cell: 610-1078 construcción y el mantenimiento de Email us at monumentos limítrofes Independent.newspaper. internacionales, la delimitación de la Email: [email protected] [email protected] frontera marítima y la estabilizació n del río Suchiate. A sign of service and quality is our business JungleJungle WalkWalk JJacacanaana In our continuing series on Along with the jacana’s gen- the birds of Belize, this week erally charming appearance the INdependent brings you goes a voice of many songs— the jacana, courtesy the popu- most of them raucous. It calls lar field guide “Jungle Walk” out with a single, rasping note. by Katie Stevens. Or emits a plaintive whistle. Or clacks away like a portable type- There are eight species of writer. In flight it makes a sharp this lively little lily-pad trotter, cackle. In argument with its fel- only one of which resides in the lows, it chatters and chuckles. marshes, ponds and other waters Jacanas are eminently noisy! of Belize—wherever floating The breeding season is in aquatic plants thrive. The April and May. A floating plat- Northern jacana (Jacana form is contrived of stems and spinosa) is locally known as reeds; upon this thin, flat, “Georgie Bull” despite its flimsy surface as many as four dainty grace as it hops on its eggs are laid, each spotted and long and spindly toes in search speckled in excellent imitation of water bugs, or tiny fish, or of the nest. It is the male jacana small mollusks. It stalks the its black head and yellow-green- neatly behind its back, tucking in which does most of the egg-sit- water hyacinth and steals its ish patches on its wings. With the spurs at the crook of its ting—a matter of 22-24 days— seeds. neck extended and long legs dan- wings. and, when they have hatched, he This slender bird attains a gling as it flies it flashes the yel- The immature jacana is gray- continues on with the baby-sit- top-to-tail length of about 9- low underpinion of its rounded brown above and whitish below ting, while he is at it. 10". It is cinnamon-red with a wings. As it alights, it stretches with a distinctive wide white You can see jacanas on Bird’s vivid yellow forehead shield on high its wings before folding them stripe above the eye. Isle. Friday, January 12, 2007 The INdependent Reformer Page 12 Private Listing Lake Gardens, Ladyville “Chalet d’ Eve”

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the Placencia Lagoon, this was once a The destruction is shocking. Now pristine area. Rodwell is trying hard to convince the Indeed, Dept of Environment actually residents here that Ara Macao,the LetterLetter toto thethe EditorEditor seems to like this sort of clear-cutting & infamous giant development with plans to filling of the mangrove. Protecting the put 2 poisonous golf courses on the (Continued From Page 2) expensive & difficult. Maybe Dept of mangrove is not their job, as they have mangrove which will drain its poisons & out in the Reporter, Saturday Dec 30. Forestry should do the job that we told me many times this past year. fertilizers into the Placencia Lagoon, is Destruction of the mangrove destroys taxpayers pay them for and protect the So I contact Forestry—if you would good for us! the nurseries for the big fish that inhabit mangrove, quick before it’s all gone. like to hear a very sleepy voice answer Again, we may look like barefoot beach the reef—so, No Mangrove = No Fish; In the past, people had to get your phone call, call the Forestry Dept! bums but we are all very well instructed also, no dolphins, no manatees, we could permission to put in a small cut for boats They are snoozing on the job!—the job about our environment. We know Ara fill the entire page with creatures affected through the mangrove—my family did this that we pay them for. The sleepy voice Macao is a huge mistake, and will probably by destruction of the mangrove. Humans about 15 years ago. Now the big will tell you they can’t do anything. And mean total destruction of the Placencia are one of those creatures too. developers can just come in & fill the probably they cannot, since our own Area Lagoon as we know it, not to mention Yes we can see other countries around mangrove like it’s a garbage dump. Representative Rodwell Ferguson is destruction of the entire Peninsula. this world are now trying to replant their Take a look at the Placencia Peninsula. actively giving away huge tracts of Peace. mangrove—good luck to them as it is very Mangrove once lined the entire length of mangrove to his friends & family. Signed: Linn from the Peninsula Friday, January 12, 2007 The INdependent Reformer Page 14 Bare Facts: (Continued From Page 5) made the rest of world aware of the We have the constitutionally recognized madness that was occurring in an effort to Opposition, in this case the only other “mass “preserving law & order and democracies party”. Their job and especially their leader’s worldwide?” The media. How ironic, I job is to play watchdog and to guard the remembered saying to myself. Without people’s interest, all the people…not just responsible media reports we have not ARIES (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) (Mar. 21- April 20) Plan some family outings. Don’t be too quick to judge personal interests. But we are not getting a even the pretense of democracy, period. One sided attractions are likely. Secret love affairs may your position or surroundings at work. Keep on your ferocious or alarm sounding watchdog Therefore one could make a very strong be enticing; however, you must be prepared for the toes when dealing with others. A passionate party for outside of House Meetings; all we seem to case that the current government is not a restraints that will follow. Get involved in activities two might be just the remedy. that will be fun for the whole family. Romance is likely SCORPIO be getting is contented and calculated very democratic one precisely because if you can bring yourself to go out with friends. (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) callousness. The most ferocious guardian of they withhold so much vital information TAURUS You can make life easier for an older member of your the people’s interest is Wave Radio (Morning from the public and sneak in new revenue (Apr. 21- may 21) family. Take the time to do your job correctly or you Make sure that new mates live up to your high stan- may find yourself looking for a new one. Try to curb Show & Kenny’s afternoon show). Nothing measures, among other things over long dards. Don’t be shy to promote your own interests. your habits, or you could find yourself in an awkward else in the Opposition’s arsenal comes close holidays. They may participate in Take a close look at any contracts you’ve signed in financial position. Be diplomatic when dealing with in- to taking care of the people’s business on a “Freedom of Information” seminars order to be sure exactly where you stand. Do not law. overspend on entertainment. You could find that chil- SAGITTARIUS daily basis. Yes, they get personal at times abroad, and signed the Inter-American dren will be a handful. (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) but they also get the attention in alerting Democratic Charter, but they don’t really GEMINI Your lover will cost you dearly if you let them. This Belizeans to the hocus pocus the support freedom of information. We hear (May 22-June 21) will be a very hectic day if you’ve made promises to You may find that children are not as accepting as you too many people. The great outdoors will allow you government pulls on us, all of us who have of many Belizeans being deported from have been. You will get along well in social situations. to teach youngsters some of the things you learned to pay $9.66 a gallon for regular gasoline the USA during December but we can’t You can make excellent career moves if you are open to when growing up. Spend some quality time with the that only cost then $3.9170 to import. get a comment from anyone about the the opportunities that exist. You should be in business one you love. Your talents will shine at work. for yourself. CAPRICORN There was a time at the OAS in 2001, numbers or the type of criminal behavior CANCER (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) where delegations sat to hammer out the they are being deported for. Instead all (June 22-July 22) Your partner may not understand your mood swings drafting of the Inter-American Democratic we hear is the gangs have agreed to a Things at home may be somewhat rocky. You can but if you are willing to communicate, a lot of grief can make progress professionally. Visitors are likely to be avoided. Drastic changes regarding your personal Charter at the US’ dogged insistence. government sponsored truce. Next thing drop by and chances are, they may even stay a little attitude are evident. Be careful when dealing with in- What was most appalling to my mind was you know, the government will amend longer than you want them to. You may have prob- vestments. Dealing with foreigners will be most en- the fact that the USA-lead sessions refused the constitution to give the street level lems with skin, bones, or teeth if you haven’t been lightening. taking proper care of yourself. AQUARIUS to enshrine in that charter the vital role of criminal element a seat in the senate, LEO (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) the media as a “main pillar” of democratic alongside the churches, unions, and the (July 23-Aug 22) Opportunities to pamper yourself may unfold. You governance. Yes, it was thrown in there private sector. Your high energy will enable you to enlist the help of should be in business for yourself. You can make new those in a position to back you. Be sure not to reveal friends by taking part in social events involving col- as an afterthought somewhere; but, not They may have gone though the paces to private information to the wrong individuals. You could leagues. Spend time getting into physical activities with as a pillar, a vital element. As fate would get elected, but without the free flow of experience delays in shipments or mail, and should be your lover. have it, at precisely the same minute foreign information to the public through the media careful while traveling. Delve a little deeper if you PISCES really want to know the score. (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) ministers & their representatives were establishments all we have must be classified VIRGO Conflicts over joint finances are likely. Be sure to look signing this glorified Charter in Peru on 9/ as totalitarian. So, yes I can see why (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) into travel opportunities that will provide you with 11, terrorist planes were flying into and governments in this hemisphere feel the need Changes in your domestic scene are evident. You can mental stimulation. Don’t get involved in joint ven- make money through your creative efforts. Business tures. You can make a serious attempt at quitting those taking out the twin towers in New York to downplay the role of the media when conducted in your own office will proceed smoothly. bad habits that you’ve picked up over the years. City and the Pentagon in Virginia. And who negotiating heavy handed Charters and that Don’t get involved in joint ventures. collective action has served this Musa LIBRA Hunt for good food Government very well indeed. With Anthony Hunt Suly’s Restaurant Farmer’s Market I have saved this review till now for fear of the mad rush that might ensue, but why hold back on the best place in town? There is only one place to get Conch Soup and this is it. All the regulars rush into the purple place before the lunch crowd because after 12:15 the “Best Conch Soup in Town” might be gone. But if it is, you still won’t be disappointed, the rice and beans with the usual sides are truly some of the best around, and the Chimole is great. Suly’s has been dishing up the belly full for years now and it has become the place of choice for the area diners and for a few politicians who try to sneak in before everyone at 11am. During one of my Stew Beef runs, I commented to a frequent visitor that I see him there every time I come. His reply “ Cho! I come ya at least 4 times a week, but pleese no tell mi wife, she tink I deh da Subway!” Amen! So don’t miss the true taste of Belize, Suly’s. Daily Spe- cials, Lunch & Dinner $5.50 & up

Fly Tropic Air - Fly Tropic Air - Fly Tropic Air “The Airline Of Belize” Friday, January 12, 2007 The INdependent Reformer Page 15

otally Back to Looking T school for your copy of eens humor Independent Reformer T Weekly? Back to school Please excuse Gloria from Jim today. Little Johnny had finished his Christmas vacation and gone back to school. Two Please excuse Roland from P.E. for a few We currently have the following days later his teacher phoned his mother to days. Yesterday he fell out of a tree and tell her that he was misbehaving. misplaced his hip. distributors Countrywide and are looking “Wait a minute,” she said. “I had Johnny with me for three weeks and I never called John has been absent because he had two for more: you once when he misbehaved.” teeth taken out of his face. Corozal: Where is your homework? Carlos was absent yesterday because he Raidys Teacher: Where is your homework? was playing football. He was hurt in the Pupil: I lost it fighting this kid who said you growing part. Orange Walk: weren’t the best teacher in the school Peoples Store, Del La Fuenta Megan could not come to school today Who is this calling? because she has been bothered by very Drugs Store A high school has a policy that the close veins. San Ignacio: parents must call the school if a student is to be absent for the day. Kelly (name Chris will not be in school cus he has an Hangout El Che, Celinas, Venus changed to protect the guilty), deciding acre in his side. Juan Chuc (Bullet Tree Road) to skip school and go to Chetumal with her friends waited until her parents had Please excuse Ray Friday from school. He The New P Wang Super Store (Benque Road) left for work and called the school herself. has very loose vowels. (Squirts) This is the actual conversation of the street vendors telephone call. Please excuse Tommy for being absent Succotz: Kelly: “Hi, I’m calling to report that Kelly yesterday. He had diarrhea and his boots so-and-so is unable to make it to school leak. Hua Yong Store today because she is ill. Benque Viejo Del Carmen: Secretary at high school: “Oh, I’m sorry to Irving was absent yesterday because he hear that. I’ll note her absence. Who is this missed his bust. Long Lucky Super Store calling?” Dangriga: Kelly: “This is my mother.” I kept Billie home because she had to go Christmas shopping because I don’t know Oscar Ramirez Better Grades what size she wear. Little Johnny wasn’t getting good Placencia: marks in school. One day he Please excuse Jennifer for missing school Noldan Brown surprised the teacher with an yesterday. We forgot to get the Sunday announcement. paper off the porch, and when we found it Punta Gorda: He tapped her on the shoulder and said, Monday, we thought it was Sunday. Natures Way Guest House “I don’t want to scare you, but my Daddy says if I don’t start getting better Sally won’t be in school a week from Caye Caulker: grades...somebody is going to get a Friday. We have to attend her funeral. Trends spanking!” Please excuse Jason for being absent Belmopan: School Excuses yesterday. He had a cold and could not Hyde’s Mini Mart The following are excuse notes from breed well. parents (including original spellings) Dakers Stationery Please excuse Mary for being absent My son is under a doctor’s care and yesterday. She was in bed with gramps. Belize City: should not take P.E. today. Please and under the doctor. Albert & Queen Street Stalls, Twin Supermarket execute him. and Slingshot on St. Thomas Street, Water Taxi If you are between the ages of Please excuse Lisa for being absent. She Terminal, Shell Service Station, Ml. 2 1/2 N. was sick and I had her shot. 11 and 18 and would like to express your opinions email Hwy., Dear School: Please ekscuse John being Ladyville: absent on Jan. 28, 29, 30, 31, 32,and us at: also 33. [email protected] El Ca’s Supermarket, Jonze Salon, Celinas Grocery, Highwayman Service Station, Bodale’s Burrel Boom For an online version of the W. Thompson, Seidy’s Store INdependent Reformer San Pedro: visit us at seeking a distributor http://www.belizenorth.com/ independentreformer.htm New Distributors are being added every OR week so look out for increased http://belizenews.com/ availability. You can also join our mailing independentonline.pdf list, see page 2 for details. Friday, January 12, 2007 The INdependent Reformer Page 16