Friday, April 16, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 1

NO. 3452 BELIZE CITY, FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 2021 (36 PAGES) $1.50 Commissioner calls fire sale inquiry “a mockery” Press Office pulls plug on fire sale inquiry after PSU rep. drops bombshell Nurses ready for BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Apr. 15, 2021 Anthony “Boots” Martinez was to This morning the Government Press appear before the commission, to industrial action Office chopped the scheduled broadcast answer questions regarding his of today’s session of the Commission purchase of an F-150 pickup from the of Inquiry into the fire sale of Government. Before he could start his government assets after PSU testimony, Commissioner Luke representative, Luke Martinez, Martinez requested the permission of delivered a stunner of a statement. the Chairman of the committee, Andrew “The PSU wishes to express its Marshalleck, to make the statement, outright disappointment in the which he was allowed to deliver in its Government of Belize for what we entirety. respectfully consider a mockery of the However, the live-streaming video Commission of Inquiry, as we continue on the Government of Belize’s to witness the fire sale of public assets Facebook page was cut and deleted whilst this process is ongoing,” BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Apr. 15, 2021 Martinez said. Please turn to„Page 4 The Nurses Association of Belize (NAB) released a statement yesterday, on April 14, informing the Government PSU commences Ivorr Realty of Belize that they will stand in support of the Joint Unions Negotiation Team awarded $5.6 in rejection of the proposed 3-year industrial action salary cuts for public workers. million by court The association further advised the Government of Belize that they Please turn to„Page 35 GoB sends unions proposed pay cut plan BELIZE CITY, Tues. Apr. 13, 2021 and the wider public of an existing BELIZE CITY, Tues. Apr. 13, 2021 The Public Service Union (PSU) trade dispute between the union and The Government of Belize has released a letter dated April 12, 2021 Please turn to Page 35 informing its general membership Please turn to„Page 35 „ Casinos opened New Covid-19 regulations already (See story on page 3) BNTU members agree to industrial action (See story on page 30) BELIZE CITY, Wed. Apr. 14, 2021 In a letter dated April 13, 2021, the Ministry of the Public Service officially gave the Public Service COVID-19 Union its proposed schedule for the salary cuts and increment freezes that BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Apr. 15, 2021 Wednesday night. SI No. 43 of 2021 will be implemented. update The Government of Belize updated (See story on page 33) the COVID-19 regulations late Please turn to„Page 4 Please turn to„Page 34 Page 2 AMANDALABelize Friday, April 16, 2021 Grocery Bag Program PM visits new COVID-19 unit

spending to be cut deep appreciation and gratitude to the doctors and the nurses and the entire staff by Kory Leslie (freelance writer) at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital.” BELIZE CITY, Wed. Apr. 14, 2021 When asked if he thinks Last week the Prime Minister, the KHMH’s unit can now Hon. John Briceño, presented the withstand another wave of 2021-2022 budget in the House of the virus if necessary, the Representatives. In addition to Prime Minister made informing the public of the mention of a number of fixes government’s highly controversial that occurred and expressed decision to cut the wages of public his satisfaction with the officers, he also listed in his modifications: presentation the amount of funding that “God forbid we don’t would be allocated for various have another wave, and we government initiatives, and many took are doing everything note that there is going to be a possible to be able to reduction of spending on the ongoing contain that with the testing grocery bag food assistance program. and the vaccines, and I take The GOB has allocated $3 million the opportunity to encourage to the program in the 2021-2022 by Kory Leslie (freelance writer) more people to please go and take budget, which means that the usual She further explained, “Now, it your vaccination. But I believe that $95 that was allotted for the items in will have to be reduced in terms of BELIZE CITY, Wed. Apr. 14, 2021 they are pretty much ready. God one grocery bag will be cut to about the clients that we can reach. Because On Wednesday, the Prime Minister, forbid, if there’s a second wave, they $75. it really cannot be a free-for-all. And Hon. John Briceño, accompanied have fixed what needed to be fixed The Minister of Human this is one of the difficulties that we Minister of Health and Wellness, and they were having problems in Development and Families, Hon. have had. I have acknowledged Hon. Michel Chebat, on a visit to the the I.C.U. with oxygen and the Dolores Balderamos Garcia, spoke publicly that the vetting process for Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for electrical and all of that. All of that with members of the media regarding the B.C.C.A.T. has been flawed. But a tour of the hospital’s recently has been done, and they have done the cut, and she said she believes that since it is a World Bank project, we retrofitted COVID-19 unit. PM some further retrofitting and $3 million is not much, but is a start: do have to carry it on up to July or Briceño mentioned that he received reorganizing and restructuring the “First, we realize in these very lean August. And after that we will be an invitation from the CEO of the hospital. So, I am pretty confident times we can’t just yank the food focusing on the food assistance. And Health Ministry to take a look at the that should there be another wave assistance program. We will not be I believe that will be able to take us work that has been done at the KHMH that they would be able to assist as able to have as much, but we do have on to December. Beyond that we in order to provide better treatment best as we possibly can and to give a three million there that we can start cannot speak.” to those battling with the virus, and necessary service to the Belizean with. And also, we may be able to “I am hoping, gentlemen and ladies he gladly accepted the invitation. people,” he said. move some money from other line of the media, that by then we will be Following his tour of the new The Prime Minister further stated, items in Cap 2, so that, for example, able to put more of our people to unit, Hon. Briceño told the media, “We are fully committed. We had a we may be able to add in another two work. Giving out groceries, yes, to “I got an invitation from the CEO short meeting with the C.E.O. and hundred and fifty thousand and some our most vulnerable is a good thing, and the Minister of Health to come also with Mrs. Lydia Blake, who is more money from Cap 3 if we are but really when you look at it, it is in and to take a firsthand look at the the president of the workers union, able to access it. But it will depend unsustainable. So, our goal has to be work that they’re doing in the and I am very pleased with what I on the availability of the cash,” she putting Belizeans back to work,” KHMH, and it’s incredible work. I heard from her, because she was said. Balderamos Garcia said. am stunned to see the level of work saying that they are committed and and commitment from the staff and determined employees of the employees at Karl Heusner. I think hospital, recognizing that services it’s an untold story that people must go on.” PM on Reopening Borders should know how they pretty much Hon. Briceño also shared that the retrofitted a hospital within a GOB has allocated $25 million of hospital. There was no blueprint. the national budget to health and the by Kory Leslie (freelance writer) hundreds of people, and so we felt Everyone was learning about national COVID-19 response as a as a Cabinet that it is time to allow COVID. And I want to express my part of Capital Expenditure 2. BELIZE CITY, Wed. Apr. 14, 2021 them to open under strict safety While being interviewed by the guidelines and standards. Social media following his tour of the distancing, the mask- wearing, and newly modified COVID-19 Unit at everything that goes along with that. the Karl Heusner Memorial So, we have done that. As to Hospital, the Prime Minister, Hon. opening up the borders, it’s not only John Briceño, was also asked about about opening up borders, but we the possibility of the borders being also have to see what is happening reopened. So far, only the on the other side of the border. commercial free zones at the Mexico continues to have a borders have been allowed to challenge with COVID. They have operate, and on Wednesday, the not taken it on as seriously as we Ministry of Health and Wellness have in Belize. And also, announced that casinos and Guatemala also has its problems.” gambling establishments will be The Prime Minister went on to allowed to reopen as of Friday, remark, “Fortunately, we have put April 16. These were Hon. in the necessary attention and taken Briceño’s remarks on the reopening the drastic decision to be able to try of borders: to control COVID. And we’ve “We are slowly, gradually, succeeded, and we’re seeing the cautiously reopening the country, results. We are monitoring it, and and we’re going step by step. We hopefully in the not-so- distant future need to get people back to work. maybe we can decide how we open We have COVID under control, and up the border, under what conditions let’s pray that we keep it that way, and what will be expected when AMANDALA - Belizean to the Bone! but we need to get back to work. people are coming back after their And so, the casinos employ visits across the border.” Friday, April 16, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 3 Casinos opened already 15,000+ dead chickens (From page 1) dumped in Spanish Lookout

by Dayne Guy

SPANISH LOOKOUT, Cayo District, Mon. Apr. 12, 2021. Thousands of chickens died due to what experts call a typical heatwave-induced stroke this past weekend. Representatives from the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) and the Spanish Lookout Poultry Health association were shocked this past weekend after seeing at least 15,000 chickens dumped on the roadside. BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Apr. 15, 2021 employees. Henry Wiebe from Spanish After more than a year of closure, The owners of the casinos must Lookout Poultry Health says, casinos, and gaming establishments ensure that gaming machines are “The chickens that died is On the other hand, the Acting have been reopened to the public. arranged to facilitate social distancing related to the heat stress. This is Managing Director of BAHA, The shutdown of those establishments as well and they must install hand something that we experience almost Francisco Gutierrez, said that BAHA last year had caused scores of sanitation stations at the entrance of every year, like when we had a cold officers are investigating the situation. Belizeans to lose their employment. the casino room and across the gaming front and all of a sudden we have this Experts believe that the extremely hot Prime Minister John Briceño said floor. extreme heat.” weather may be the main culprit for that his government is trying to Touchless hand-sanitizing Wiebe explained that this loss was the mass deaths. Preliminary gradually reopen all the country’s dispensers must be installed at each preventable, but the farmers in question assessments are underway to establishments, enterprises and gaming table, and seating around those did not deploy the necessary determine if this was the case. The institutions, since citizens need to get tables must be limited to observe preventative measures. He said, “If officers, however, are still considering back to work. social distancing. farmers have not been totally prepared other possible factors. “We have COVID under control, The casino or gaming establishment for that, the chickens die.” Wiebe said The poor disposal of the dead and let’s pray that we keep it that must be sanitized twice a day, the that he too rears chickens, but it is his chickens also raised concerns among way, but people have to go back to gaming machines must be sanitized job to sustain them. When the days are the general public. The producers’ work, and so the casinos employ after each use, and signs reminding extremely hot, he takes the initiative to disregard for public health hundreds of people. And so, we felt patrons of the protocols must be placed turn on the sprinklers on the roof and regulations, and their endangerment of as a Cabinet that it is time to be able throughout the establishment. his foggers, and personally spray his the local community may result in legal to allow them to open under strict A log of patrons’ names, contact chickens with water to prevent a heat action being taken against them. safety guidelines and standards: numbers, and temperatures must be stroke, Wiebe said. Wiebe explained that proper social distancing, mask-wearing and recorded by the establishments, and “So this is a fight that the farmers disposal of the chickens would have everything that goes along with every patron must be checked when every year go through”, said Wiebe. If consisted of a mass burial or the that.” Hon. Briceño shared. entering the establishment for at least farmers wait until their first chicken has transfer of the dead chickens to a Under the new Covid-19 30 days. died, Wiebe says it is already too late. dumping site in Spanish Lookout that regulations that were introduced A Peace officer, who will ensure The chickens will ultimately die one is used to dispose of chickens. Weibe through a statutory instrument that that the owners and patrons are after another. said, “This farmer that dumped it on came into effect on April 15, there adhering to the protocols, must also Wiebe explained that Spanish the side of the road, which surely are several required conditions and be employed and paid for by the Lookout Poultry Health did not do a shouldn’t have happened at all. He regulations that casinos must comply gaming establishments. test on these birds, for they are went to the dumpsite and the gate was with, in order for a safe reopening to The Ministry may from time to time certain that heat stress was the cause locked, and he did not know what to take place. carry out random spot checks to of the deaths, since it is normal for do, so he just threw them off the truck Firstly, social distancing and mask- ensure that the establishments are in chickens to die from intensive heat. there, which is not acceptable at all, wearing protocols must be adhered to compliance with the regulations in “Every three months we do a test on and he will be dealt with,” said Wiebe. at all times by both patrons and place. the farms to make sure that we don’t Wiebe advises farmers to pay have any health issues, and we don’t attention to weather updates so as to have any health issues and any prevent unnecessary poultry deaths. In rd burdens around. We will be doing addition, if farmers must leave their 3 phase of vaccine another testing again to check, but I farm for any reason, they should have can guarantee that it is only heat- a plan in place to prevent avoidable campaign commences related,” he said. deaths.

BELIZE CITY. Tues. Apr. 13, 2021 On Monday evening, the Ministry Matthew Moses shot, of Health and Wellness announced the commencement of the third phase of the Covid-19 vaccination campaign. stabbed, and left for dead On Tuesday, April 13, all persons in the tourism sector who were not SAN PEDRO, Ambergris Caye, Mon. Wednesday, April 7. part of the initial group of tourism Apr. 12, 2021 This continued until the early hours workers who received vaccines, as On Monday, police transported 42- of Friday morning, when one of the men year-old Matthew Moses to the Karl shot Moses 5 times before the other well as members of the BDF, Coast Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) stabbed him. According to reports, he Guard and Red Cross, and persons after he was found near death in the pretended to be dead so that his 50 and over living with co- Rocky Point area of San Pedro. assailants would leave. morbidities were called to receive According to reports, he was shot, Somehow, Moses survived over the their first dose of the Oxford/ stabbed, and robbed in that area on the weekend with gunshot injuries and a AstraZeneca vaccine. island, known for illegal narco activities. stab wound and was found, as At this time, persons who were According to reports, the incident mentioned earlier, on Monday. He is eligible to receive the vaccine during occurred at around 4:00 a.m. while currently in stable condition at the the first and second phase of the Moses was sleeping. He had reportedly KHMH. vaccination program are still able to been targeted by two men with whom A police investigation into this be inoculated when they so choose. he had been camping in the area since incident continues. Page 4 AMANDALABelize Friday, April 16, 2021 MOHW extends Commissioner calls fire dialysis capacity sale inquiry “a mockery” Continued from Page 1 that the improper sales of goods would „ stop and that clear legislation would moments after the broadcast was cut be put in place for the government to short. dispose of assets. The statement was released by the “Enough is enough! Enough is PSU, and subsequently by local media. enough...we, the Public Service Union, The release called into question the requested for this Commission of recent alleged sale of various items by Inquiry into the sale of government the PUP government to CEO’s and assets because the people of Belize, Ministers. the poor people of Belize, have been “During the past four months, we asking why do we continue to sit back have witnessed the sale of vehicles, and allow government, aircraft, and even guns to CEO’s, parliamentarians, people in high office Ministers, without following the proper to be handling our assets in such public disposal process. We have seen manner. After listening to the first whereby the Assets and Utilities couple of investigations and hearing a Manager, acting via the office of the lot of Belizeans have been rubbed Financial Secretary, continues to abuse terribly wrong. And inna the height of by Dayne Guy were already on the program. his power and discretion to render this inquiry, we see once again, this Dialysis is critical for those with assets unserviceable when, in fact, government yah, wah start to sell out BELMOPAN, Mon. Apr. 12, 2021 severe kidney problems. When the information received indicates that they the assets of the people without The Ministry of Health and body can no longer remove natural were in good condition,” Martinez said. following the proper procedure. Wellness has signed four contracts waste, it accumulates and becomes The statement also noted that the PSU Absolutely unacceptable!” Luke with hemodialysis service providers extremely toxic. Dialysis treatment is “skeptical” about the sales process Martinez said during an interview after in order to increase the number of removes this excess waste from the that took place for those assets, and the meeting was adjourned. persons who can access treatments body, preventing the buildup from pointed out that the bidding process lacks “Shame, shame, shame on you,” through its hemodialysis programs. reaching dangerous levels. transparency. The union reminded PM stated 1st vice president of the PSU, This signing will allow 96 patients The $1,565,300 government John Briceño of a statement he made in Dean Flowers. “When the people of with end-stage renal failure, access investment in these service contracts February 2020, that he would “break the this country have been exploited, their to dialysis sessions on a weekly will provide these 96 patients with cycle of systematic corruption.” assets disposed of at fire-sale prices basis. two hemodialysis sessions and “The abuse of the government’s and instead of exposing this, the On Monday, April 12, the Minister laboratory testing on a week-by-week assets currently stands in the millions Government of Belize choose to stifle of Health and Wellness, Hon. Michel basis. The contracts signed today will of dollars, and it is time for all the key our representative this morning, and Chebat, and the ministry’s Chief be valid for five months, each players in the Ministry of Finance to choose to block the Belizean people Executive Officer, Dr. Deysi Mendez, expiring on September 14, 2021. be held financially and criminally from hearing what our representative signed contracts with health A release from the Government of responsible!” the statement declared. had to deliver,” he went on to say. providers La Loma Luz Adventist Belize Press Office states, “The The unions are calling for the Chairman Marshalleck has said that Hospital, Karl Heusner Memorial number of individuals with end-stage enactment of legislation to ensure this he was not aware that the broadcast Hospital, Dialysis Del Caribe, and renal failure has been increasing is done. They are also calling for the was cut until leaving. He said that he Ramona Linda Dialysis Clinic to continuously. One of the Ministry’s limitation of the discretionary powers did not give the directive for that to be ensure continuation of their dialysis responses is to expand the dialysis of the Minister of Finance, Prime done and whoever cut the broadcast services. coverage to patients who are Minister John Briceño, and the will have to explain why it was done. The re-signing of these contracts struggling to meet the high cost of Financial Secretary, Joseph Waight. “Look, if the union has a view to at renegotiated rates allowed 9 hemodialysis treatment.” To this end, The union says that the Assets and express, they are free to express it. In patients from the waiting list to the contracts that were signed will Utilities Management Unit “needs new any event, I have no trouble with them receive access to dialysis treatment aid those who direly need dialysis and honest leadership.” expressing their view, so long as it’s along with the 87 other patients who treatment. The PSU had called for the done in a responsible and mannerly Commission of Inquiry into the fire sale way, which it was. To be quite frank, of government assets after sounding the when Mr. Martinez start adverting to Germany’s Defense alarm shortly before the 2020 General the sales by the government during the Election. In the statement delivered by time, I too was very disappointed when Attaché pays courtesy the PSU representative on the that happens. I can’t say that I would Commission of Inquiry today, the union have put my objection in quite those visit to Minister Marin says,”We did not sign up for what terms or as strongly, but I wasn’t happy appears to be a political show that will to see that either,” Marshalleck said. by Dayne Guy be limited to name-calling and political The Chairman shared that they have grandstanding.” agreed that all members must be present BELMOPAN, Tues. The union indicated in the statement for quorum and as such the hearings Apr. 13, 2021 that they would withdraw from the for the Commission of Inquiry will be The German day’s hearing until they get a formal postponed until the Government and the Defense Attaché, written commitment from Government PSU mends their relationship. Lieutenant Colonel Reiner Jantos, visited New Covid-19 regulations the Minister of National Defence and Continued from Page 1 The curfew period for minors will Border Security, Hon. „ still be from 6:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., Florencio Marin, Jr, at came into effect at midnight, at the start but they will now be allowed to be the Curl Thompson of the day on April 15. with parents or guardians in the public Building in Belmopan The curfew regulations remain in during the non-curfew hours for adults. to strengthen place, but a light relaxation of the And while a reopening of casinos diplomacy and measures has been introduced, with and gaming establishments has been discuss mutual the curfew period on weekends allowed, discos, bars, rum shops, and training opportunities. Attache promised to continue (Friday and Saturday nights) being nightclubs must remain closed. The Lieutenant Colonel, who was promoting goodwill and the mutual reduced to between the hours of Casinos are only allowed to operate accompanied by Lars Behrend, First interests of both states. In addition, midnight and 5:00 a.m. From Sunday under strict regulations. Secretary for Mexico and Central those at the meeting discussed ways of to Thursday, the curfew hours will These regulations were signed into America, also met with a number of strengthening cooperation between remain from 10:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. law on April 14 by the Minister of Belize’s National Security Belize and Germany, including possible the following morning. Health and Wellness, Hon. Michel stakeholders. training opportunities for Belize’s The curfew will now be in place Chebat, and came into force on April In this meeting, the German Defense military forces. for a full 30 calendar days. 15, 2021. Friday, April 16, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 5

Unions want reforms; GOB needs $80 Mil

Very quickly after his party won the general elections in Belize, easily bought. When political leaders are beholden to donors, on February 7, 2008, Dean Barrow, our new prime minister at government for the people becomes an afterthought. the time, decided that his government did not have the capacity After UDP rule that was functionally a dictatorship, the people to run a true democracy, after it had promised the people of dumped the party in one of the worst blowouts in our electoral this country that if we voted for them, good governance, true history and handed the reins of government back to the PUP, democracy, is what we would get. the party that had been booted out in 2008 for corruption and The 2008-2012 UDP’s “Imagine the Possibilities” manifesto incompetence. said, in almost its first paragraph, that “our current economic The PUP, in its Plan Belize 2020-2025 manifesto, condemned and social crises are not due to any lack of human or natural the UDP for its failures and promised to “return principle and resources but instead to deplorably corrupt and incompetent probity to public life.” The PUP said “confidence in government governance.” The government the UDP was criticizing (PUP) had is at its lowest…Belizeans are not prepared to tolerate this any introduced more governance reforms than any previously, but longer…”, and to help us regain confidence in our government the financial dealings of that government had led to an uprising the party promised, among other things, to set fixed dates for that had not been seen since the Heads of Agreement were elections, register all political parties, introduce campaign presented to the Belizean people in 1981. financing laws, reduce ministerial discretion, reconstitute the The UDP produced a 13-point agenda to deliver this essential Public Accounts Committee (PAC), fast track the implementation good governance, and among its promises were an Unjust of the UNCAC, and introduce legislation to protect whistle- Enrichment Act, Senate reform (13th senator), revamping of the blowers and witnesses involved in corruption cases. Freedom of Information Act, laws to regulate campaign financing, It’s early in the new government, and our new leaders have and laws to prevent conflict of interest, nepotism and cronyism. moved on implementing some of the good governance promises Running a democracy is truly a task for giants, because, unlike they made, but the Belizean people are naturally skeptical, a dictatorship, where the main concern of leaders is to keep the because they have been failed so many times before. In normal army happy, the leaders in a democracy have to be responsive times the PUP would have five years to show its sincerity about to the needs of all the members of the society. all its good governance promises, but, as the party mentioned On coming to office in 2008 the UDP fired out of the blocks; in its manifesto, “confidence in government is at its lowest”, as early as August the party went to the House of Representatives and also because of the strains caused by the pandemic, and introduced a number of Bills to deliver on some of its Belizeans are no longer as patient as they used to be. promises to improve The pandemic has hit our economy extremely hard, and the governance. At that House IMF has warned that our government must be urgent about meeting, when the Bills were reining in spending and increasing revenue collection, and in introduced, speaking on the that vein it has called for the government to retrench 3,000 of one to improve the Senate, PM its employees and increase the GST to 19%. Addressing Amandala(estb. 1969) Barrow told the nation that his spending, the new government has chosen to cut the salaries Business and editorial offices: party “voluntarily giving up of most of its employees, a measure it noted in the House of 3304 Partridge Street, Belize control of the Senate, control Representatives last Friday, at the reading of the budget for this City, Belize, Central America of the upper house by the fiscal year. is printed twice weekly by the administration” was “the Since the business of unions is to protect the salaries and Amandala Press. essence of real effective benefits of its members, and to seek better working conditions Telephones: 501-280-4703/ Senate reform.” (quotes taken for them, they, despite knowing that the country’s financial 501-202-4477 from a 7News transcript) situation has never been worse, naturally are balking at the Unfortunately, very soon government’s insistence on a cut in their salaries. The majority Publisher: Evan X Hyde after its red-letter day in the of Belizeans outside of the public sector have taken a massive Editor-in-chief: Marco Lopez House, the party showed that financial hit from the pandemic, and while some question the Business Manager: Jacinta Hyde it didn’t have the stomach to unions’ position that government look elsewhere for the finance Make-up & Design run a true democracy. It would it needs to stave off financial ruin, all agree with the unions’ take 9 years for the UDP governance reform demands. Artist: Andrea Dennison government to actually deliver A recent release from the PSU says, “the government may Executive Secretary: Odessa on the 13th senator, and that proceed with its unilateral salary cut, but we shall not be moved Robinson Smith promise was only realized after until we are heard…” The PSU said that what we need in order Compositor: Tyra Welch the government came under to get out of the financial crisis is not an $80-million cut in the Lithography: Clive Smith considerable pressure from salaries of government’s employees, but “better governance”. Printers: Kent Brooks the BNTU. Prime Minister John Briceño has noted that his government The UDP controlled has already moved on implementing a number of the reforms government for close to the party promised in its manifesto, but the unions are seizing Please email Correspondence: the moment to force them to quicken the pace. [email protected] thirteen years, and many promises in their 13-point As these two giants joust, the rest of us are on the sidelines Advertisements to: agenda for governance reform watching nervously. Today, the PSU is on “go slow”, and the [email protected] went unfulfilled, one of the BNTU and the nurses have indicated that they will also take most notable on which it industrial action. The government does have room to give when Mailing Address: reneged being the introduction it comes to reform. It hasn’t yet fulfilled all of its election Amandala Press of campaign financing laws. promises, but on the matter of protecting the value of our dollar, 3304 Partridge Street Campaign financing laws are staving off financial ruin, it has said the necessary $80 million c/o P.O. Box 15, essential, because in the land cut in spending either comes from the harsh IMF solution or Belize City, Belize where such laws don’t exist, their less harsh homegrown remedy. political leaders who are weak- The standoff continues. The unions insist on governance Amandala’s website: kneed or unscrupulous are reforms; the government says it needs $80 million. amandala.com.bz Page 6 AMANDALABelize Friday, April 16, 2021 The Straw That Broke the Camel’s Back...

that broke the camel’s back! will fight bitterly and tenaciously to you need to do more! You know why safeguard it. So now, things are the Unions can’t accept the cut that Things Are Heating Up heating up. The PSU has put the you propose? You know why they Beyond their actions to just government on notice of intended aren’t ceding to your requests and proceed to read the budget without strike; the BNTU are gearing up and propositions? It is because you as the the negotiations being amicably are awaiting the final mandate from government have sorely failed to drawn to a close, many things that the their membership, the Nurses LEAD, and LEAD by EXAMPLE, government did, reflected a Association has joined the throng, and that is! You are proposing to cut recalcitrant attitude and provoked the many businesses and people across teachers and public servants’ salaries ire of the unions and its members. this country stand ready, shoulder to and increments that when This started with some phony ads that shoulder with the teachers and public compounded total around 12.5% they or their agents are running to servants. when you yourself are only seek to bring the teachers and public See, if you cut the salaries of surrendering a 15% salary reduction servants into disrepute in a quest to teachers and public servants, at best. trump their cause. This is now further everybody stands to lose. And trust What an outright disgrace! I read Well, it’s Friday, and as you compounded by the fact that the me, the businesses will take a lick in the literature how many other already know, there exists a stand- proposed salary increases will now that many of them will not even be world leaders and their cabinets are off between the government of Belize be tiered, ranging from 8% - 12% able to rebound from. This proposed surrendering their entire salaries. and the Joint Unions. This stand-off respectively. cut will be a cut across the board. If Some countries have pledged 50% came about after negotiations started Well, the Unions are not having it, my spending power is weakened and reduction in salaries for their back in February to seek to chart a and it’s not because they are playing lessened, then I will not be able to ministers and leaders, while some way forward on how the government hard ball. News flash: they simply buy anything unnecessary from others have done up to 75%. So can save some 80 million dollars CANNOT AFFORD IT. Hello?! In anybody who has a product to offer. perhaps, if you had done more or annually, and their proposal was by numerical value, we are talking But more daunting are the many have committed to do more, then means of a 10% salary cut in addition anywhere from $160 to $750 in people who await their portion from perhaps, the people would be more to an increment freeze for 3 years. salary reductions monthly for these salaries of teachers and public amenable to your requests and your Well, the negotiations were by all teachers and public servants across servants; the dependents of these proposals; who knows? means in the government’s favor, and this country! Imagine, bringing home people. They too will take a serious You know what the truth of the very little that the Unions proposed your salary, less that amount, for a lick. matter is? This government failed to was countenanced. Things came to a protracted 3 years? In essence you So if it is that a move must be made shepherd the flock because while head on Friday, April 9, when the will be sentencing your people to against this government for their given two repeated mandates, they government went ahead and read the undue poverty and strife and possible haughty decision, then move we must, have made some funny moves that budget, annexing the cuts before the starvation! because the implications of such a cut don’t sit well with the masses. And negotiations were officially Well, as much and as hard as one will be more far-reaching than not. we are watching them and somehow, concluded. Well, that was the straw works for his bread and butter, he We di hear bout cut and cut and cut, their actions provokes an ire in us but nothing about mortgage and we can’t trust them. I would think reductions! We aren’t hearing that by now, given the resounding anything about reduction in utilities. mandate that was thrust upon them, Sunday Review We are not hearing anything about coupled with their Plan Belize, that moratorium on loans and car note considerable strides would be made News Review Talk Show payments and the likes. But you want to accede to UNCAC and implement On Krem TV & Krem Radio to talk about cut and cut and cut? You legislation to root out corruption, Live-streaming on Krem Television Face Book Page seek to cut the poor when your bread cronyism and unlawful enrichment. is buttered and toasted on all sides? But, Cha! We are clinging to idle Host: YaYa Marin Coleman Co-Host: Alba hopes, I tell you. So now that things Date: Sunday, April 18, 2021 Time: 10:30 a.m. to noon The Government Needs to do are heating up, one could only MORE understand why. The government Guest: Professor Bayyinah Bello/Haitian Herstorian, teacher and writer You (with your full belly) cannot could have done better and has failed Sunday Review will be repeated at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 18, 2021 look down and tell those with hungry to really lead by example and amend belly to kip haat! As the government, with the people. Now, with a move to cut teachers’ and public servants’ salaries, the camel’s back has been broken and now the straw wavers in the wind and is heading towards ground. When the straw hits the ground, well you know, it’s on!

Keep your eyes open.

Unchained Reflections Of A Liberal Pragmatist AMANDALA Belizean to the bone #3304 Partridge Street, Belize City. Telephones: 280-4703/ 202-4477 [email protected] Friday, April 16, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 7 Benque Viejo man robbed of vehicle on Arenal Road

ARENAL ROAD, Cayo District, Fri. in the way they are carried out, bear Apr. 9, 2021 striking similarities to the robbery in the On Friday, around 10 a.m., Benque Kontiki area. Assistant Commissioner Viejo resident Elmer Molina visited the of Police, Joseph Myvett, says, Benque Viejo Police Station to report however, that the Police Department is that he was robbed of his vehicle by of the belief that the incidents are armed men on Arenal Road, which he separate, and the Police Department is had been repairing. looking for different suspects based on According to his report, while he was their data gathered. working in the area, three armed Due to the increased burglaries in the Hispanic males surrounded him and area, the police have strengthened their forced him to surrender the keys to his presence in the area. “Initially, two grey Toyota Hilux along with his other officers were stationed in that area. It personal belongings. The three robbers has now upped to between 6 and 8 then escaped in the stolen vehicle, officers that are now posted in that area, heading in the direction of Arenal. Police working a shift system and conducting suspect that they fled to Guatemala to vehicular and foot patrols in that area,” evade capture. Assistant Commissioner Myvett said. There has been an increase in car The police continue to monitor this robberies in the Cayo District, which, situation.

PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: PROPERTY

BY ORDER of the Chargees, Messrs. Alpha GammaFinancial Services Limited,Licensed Auctioneer, Fernando Molina, will sell the following properties, being the freehold property of Palmetto Holdings Ltd.,TOGETHER with all buildings and erections thereon in one lot by way of public auction on site on Friday, the 7thof May, 2021 at 11:00 a.m.:

REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL Placencia North 36 662 (1.91 Acres), 663 (1.60 Acres), The First JICA Program for Japanese Studies (JICA CHAIR) 664 (1.29 Acres), 2021 in collaboration with the University of Belize 665 (1.14 Acres), 678 (0.99 Acre), th On March 19 , 2021,the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in 679 (0.98 Acre) collaboration with the University of Belize held its first online seminar”Educational Development in Modernization in Japan and Ideas on the Future Cooperation with Belize”. Present were delegates from Japan, H.E.Ambassador, Mr. Kazuhiro IRYU, and from JICA, Senior Vice- President Dr. Nobuko KAYASHIMA (main lecturer), Mr. Satoshi YOSHIDA, Director for Latin America and Caribbean Department of Head Office and Mrs. Michiyo HASHIGUCHI, Resident Representative in Belize Office. In addition, present from Belize were members of the UB namely, President and Professor Emeritus Clement Sankat, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Anthony Sylvestre Jr., faculty members and students. Mrs. Rossana Briceno, Special Envoy for Families and Children and wife of the Prime Minister was also among the distinguished guests of 120.

The main focus of the lecture of Dr. KAYASHIMAwas how Japan was introduced to modern educationsystem at the time of transition from a huddle society to a more modern society. Also,how Japan revived and developed the education system after the devastation of the world war II.

Other topics shared was the focus on human resource development as a foundation of nation building and on possible new areas of cooperation with the UB. She elaborated briefly on JICA’s Scholarship Programs for postgraduate degrees in Japanese Universities and the short-term programs, calledJICA Knowledge Co-creation Program, offered to Belizeans and other Latin American countries including the Caribbean.

H.E. Ambassador IRYU highlighted the partnership between JICA and Belize that will bring positive results for the benefit of students of UB who are the future leaders of Belize.

Professor Sankat mentioned with emphasis”One of the things that struck me from the Japanese experience was that they were prepared to learn from others. They opened their traditional systems to western educational systems by ADOPTING best practices of others and ADAPTING to the local environment of Japan. Belize will do the same with the help of JICA.”

The main objective of the JICA Program for Japanese studies, JICA Chair, is to TERMS: STRICTLY CASH develop future leaders of developing countries by offering opportunity to study Japan’s modernization and development cooperation experiences in light of its For further particulars on the properties, please contact: historical and cultural background through lecture sessions of this time. JICA Email: [email protected] Belizecontinues being the bridge between both countries. Tel: 610-0919 Page 8 AMANDALABelize Friday, April 16, 2021 Los sindicatos quieren reformas; el Gobierno necesita $ 80 millones

Muy rápidamente después de que su partido ganara las están preparados para tolerar esto,” y para ayudarnos a elecciones generales en Belize, el 7 de febrero de 2008, recuperar la confianza en nuestro gobierno, el partido Dean Barrow, nuestro nuevo primer ministro en ese prometió, entre otras cosas, fijar fechas fijas para las momento, decidió que su gobierno no tenía la capacidad elecciones, registrar todos los partidos políticos, introducir para dirigir una verdadera democracia, después de haber leyes de financiamiento de campañas, reducir la discreción prometido al pueblo de este país que si votáramos por ellos, ministerial, reconstituir el Comité de Cuentas Públicas (PAC buena gobernanza, verdadera democracia, es lo que en inglés), acelerar la implementación de la CNUCC e obtendríamos. introducir legislación para proteger a los denunciantes y El manifiesto “Imaginen las posibilidades” del UDP 2008- testigos involucrados en casos de corrupción. 2013 decía, casi en su primer párrafo, que “nuestras crisis Es temprano en el nuevo gobierno, y nuestros nuevos económicas y sociales actuales no se deben a ninguna falta líderes han avanzado en la implementación de algunas de de recursos humanos o naturales, sino a una gobernanza las promesas de buen gobierno que hicieron, pero el pueblo deplorablemente corrupta e incompetente”. El gobierno al beliceño es naturalmente escéptico, porque les han fallado que el UDP criticaba (PUP) había introducido más reformas tantas veces antes. En tiempos normales, el PUP tendría de gobernanza que cualquier otro anterior, pero los tratos cinco años para mostrar su sinceridad sobre todas sus financieros de ese gobierno habían llevado a un promesas de buen gobierno, pero, como el partido menciona levantamiento que no se había visto desde que se presentó en su manifiesto, “la confianza en el gobierno está en su el Preámbulo de Acuerdo al pueblo beliceño en 1981. El punto más bajo”, y también por las tensiones provocadas UDP elaboró una agenda de 13 puntos para cumplir con por la pandemia, los beliceños ya no son tan pacientes esta buena gobernanza esencial, y entre sus promesas como solían ser. estaban una Ley de Enriquecimiento Injusto, la reforma del La pandemia ha golpeado nuestra economía con extrema Senado (el decimotercer senador), la renovación de la Ley dureza, y el FMI advirtió que nuestro gobierno debe actuar de Libertad de Información, leyes para regular el con urgencia para controlar el gasto y aumentar la financiamiento de campañas y leyes para prevenir conflictos recaudación de ingresos, y en ese sentido ha pedido al de interés, nepotismo y amiguismo. gobierno que reduzca a 3.000 de sus empleados y aumente Dirigir una democracia es verdaderamente una tarea de el impuesto general sobre las ventas a 19 %. Abordando gigantes, porque, a diferencia de una dictadura, donde la gastos, el nuevo gobierno ha optado por recortar los sueldos principal preocupación de los líderes es mantener contento de la mayoría de sus empleados, medida que notó en la al ejército, los líderes de una democracia deben responder a Cámara de Representantes el viernes pasado, en la lectura las necesidades de todos los miembros de la sociedad. del presupuesto de este año fiscal. Al llegar al poder en 2008, el UDP salió disparando de los Dado que el negocio de los sindicatos es proteger los bloques; tan temprano como en agosto, el partido fue a la salarios y beneficios de sus afiliados, y buscarles mejores Cámara de Representantes y presentó una serie de proyectos condiciones laborales, ellos, a pesar de saber que la de ley para cumplir algunas de sus promesas de mejorar la situación financiera del país nunca ha sido peor, gobernanza. En esa reunión de la Cámara, cuando se naturalmente se resisten a la insistencia del gobierno en presentaron los proyectos de ley, hablando sobre aquel para una reducción de sus salarios. La mayoría de los beliceños mejorar el Senado, el primer ministro Barrow le dijo a la fuera del sector público ha sufrido un golpe financiero masivo nación que su partido “entregando voluntariamente el control por la pandemia, y aunque algunos cuestionan la posición del Senado, el control de la cámara alta por parte de la de los sindicatos de que el gobierno busque en otra parte la administración” era “la esencia de una reforma del Senado financiación que necesita para evitar la ruina financiera, realmente efectiva”. (citas extraídas de una transcripción todos están de acuerdo con las demandas de los sindicatos de 7News). de reforma de la gobernanza. Desafortunadamente, muy poco después de su día Un comunicado reciente del Sindicato de Oficiales Públicos señalado en la Cámara, el partido demostró que no tenía el (PSU en inglés) dice, “el gobierno puede proceder con su estómago para dirigir una verdadera democracia. El gobierno unilateral recorte salarial, pero no nos moverán hasta que del UDP tardaría 9 años en cumplir con el decimotercer nos escuchen...” El PSU dijo que lo que necesitamos para senador, y esa promesa solo se cumplió después de que el salir de la crisis financiera no es un recorte de 80 millones gobierno se vio sometido a una presión considerable por de dólares en los salarios de los empleados del gobierno, parte del BNTU. El UDP controló al gobierno durante cerca sino “mejor gobernanza”. de trece años, y muchas promesas en su agenda de 13 El primer ministro John Briceño ha señalado que su puntos para la reforma de la gobernanza no se cumplieron, gobierno ya ha avanzado en la implementación de una serie una de las más notables con la que incumplió fue la de reformas que el partido prometió en su manifiesto, pero introducción de leyes de financiamiento de campañas. Las los sindicatos están aprovechando el momento para leyes de financiamiento de campañas son esenciales, porque obligarlos a acelerar el paso. en las tierras donde no existen tales leyes, los líderes Mientras estos dos gigantes pelean, el resto de nosotros políticos que son débiles o inescrupulosos son fácilmente estamos al margen mirando nerviosos. Hoy, el PSU está en comprados. Cuando los líderes políticos están en deuda con “ralentización”, y el BNTU y l@s enfermer@s han indicado los donantes, el gobierno para el pueblo se convierte en una que también harán huelga. El gobierno tiene espacio para ocurrencia tardía. Después del gobierno UDP que fue dar cuando se trata de reformas. Aún no ha cumplido todas funcionalmente una dictadura, el pueblo abandonó al partido sus promesas electorales, pero en lo que respecta a proteger en una de las peores derrotas de nuestra historia electoral y el valor de nuestro dólar, evitar la ruina financiera, ha dicho devolvió las riendas del gobierno al PUP, el partido que había que el recorte necesario de 80 millones de dólares en el sido expulsado en 2008 por corrupción e incompetencia. El gasto o viene de la dura solución del FMI o de su solución PUP, en su manifiesto Plan Belize 2020-2025, condenó al menos dura de cosecha propia. UDP por sus fracasos y prometió “devolver el principio y la El enfrentamiento continúa. Los sindicatos insisten en probidad a la vida pública”. El PUP dijo que “la confianza en reformas de gobernanza; el gobierno dice que necesita $ el gobierno está en su punto más bajo... Los beliceños no 80 millones. Friday, April 16, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 9 Page 10 AMANDALABelize Friday, April 16, 2021 MOHW says man’s death wasn’t DEANS FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT & SOCIAL SCIENCES (FMSS) caused by vaccine FACULTY OF EDUCATION & ARTS (FEA) FACULTY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY (FST) BELIZE CITY, Wed. Apr. 14, 2021 SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES In the Tuesday issue of this 7KH'HDQLVDVHQLRUPDQDJHURIWKH8QLYHUVLW\RI%HOL]HZKRUHSRUWVWRWKH9LFH3UHVLGHQWDQGLVWKH([HFXWLYH+HDGRIWKH)DFXOW\FRQFHUQHG$VWKHDFDGHPLF OHDGHULVUHVSRQVLEOHIRUWKHVWUDWHJLFSRVLWLRQLQJDQGSXUVXLWRIWKHVWUDWHJLFJRDOVRIWKH)DFXOW\DVGHULYHGIURPWKH7UDQVIRUPDWLRQDO3ODQ7KHVXFFHVVIXO newspaper, we reported of a 53-year- DFFRPSOLVKPHQWRIWKHVHDLPVUHTXLUHVWKHDSSURSULDWHHQJDJHPHQWZLWKWKHUHOHYDQWRI¿FHVRIWKH8QLYHUVLW\VXFKDV)LQDQFH+XPDQ5HVRXUFHV,QIRUPDWLRQDQG old security guard’s sudden death, &RPPXQLFDWLRQ7HFKQRORJLHV2SHQ'LVWDQFHDQG/HDUQLQJ4XDOLW\$VVXUDQFH)DFLOLWLHV6HFXULW\HWF 7KHH[HUFLVHRIOHDGHUVKLSDQGPDQDJHULDOUHVSRQVLELOLW\LQFOXGHV reportedly just hours after he had taken • 3RVLWLRQLQJWKH)DFXOW\ZLWKLQWKHQDWLRQDOHGXFDWLRQDOSROLF\IUDPHZRUN the vaccine. • 3RVLWLRQLQJWKH)DFXOW\ZLWKLQWKHFRUHEXVLQHVVRIWKH8QLYHUVLW\ZLWKUHJDUGWRWHDFKLQJUHVHDUFKDQGRXWUHDFKFRPPXQLW\LQWHUDFWLRQ • &XUULFXOXPUHYLHZDQGGHYHORSPHQWWRPHHWQDWLRQDOQHHGVGHYHORSLQJDQGGULYLQJWKHUHVHDUFKDJHQGDRIWKH)DFXOW\VHHNLQJH[WHUQDOIXQGLQJRSSRUWXQLWLHV Following his death, the Ministry of SURPRWLQJWKH)DFXOW\¶VZRUNWKURXJKHIIHFWLYHRXWUHDFK Health and Wellness announced that • 4XDOLW\PDQDJHPHQWLQWKH)DFXOW\VWXGHQWVFXUULFXOXPH[DPLQDWLRQVTXDOLW\UHYLHZSURJUHVVRQDFFUHGLWDWLRQHWF they would review the results of a post- • (QVXULQJWKHZHOOEHLQJRIVWDIIDQGVWXGHQWVZLWKLQWKH)DFXOW\HQYLURQPHQW • 6HPHVWHUDQGDQQXDOUHSRUWLQJDVDPLQLPXPRIWKH)DFXOW\¶VSHUIRUPDQFHWRWKH3UHVLGHQWDQG9LFH3UHVLGHQW mortem exam on his body in order to • 3DUWLFLSDWLQJDQGFRQWULEXWLQJWRWKHVHQLRUPDQDJHPHQWGHOLEHUDWLRQVRIWKH8QLYHUVLW\RQDUHJXODUEDVLVDQGDWWKH$FDGHPLF&RXQFLO determine if the vaccine contributed to • $FKLHYLQJWKHHQUROOPHQWJUDGXDWLRQDQG¿QDQFLDOPDQDJHPHQWWDUJHWVRIWKH)DFXOW\ • 0DUNHWLQJWKH)DFXOW\QDWLRQDOO\UHJLRQDOO\DQGLQWHUQDWLRQDOO\ his demise. 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While • ([SHULHQFHLQDFDGHPLFSURIHVVLRQDODGPLQLVWUDWLRQDQGDFDGHPLFDGYLVLQJDQGPHQWRULQJ they made this declaration, no other • $WOHDVW\HDUVLQDVHQLRUWHDFKLQJRUDFDGHPLFDGPLQLVWUDWLRQUHVHDUFKRUOHDGHUVKLSSRVLWLRQ information was released, such as the DIRECTOR OF FINANCE official cause of his death or his Covid- SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES 19 status at the time of the inoculation. 7KH'LUHFWRURI)LQDQFHUHSRUWVWRWKH3UHVLGHQWRIWKH8QLYHUVLW\DQGHQJDJHVZLWKDOOWKHRI¿FHVRIWKH8QLYHUVLW\LQFOXGLQJ'HDQVDQG'LUHFWRUV7KH'LUHFWRURI)LQDQFH KDVWKHUHVSRQVLELOLW\IRUWKHGHYHORSPHQWDQGH[HFXWLRQRIWKH8QLYHUVLW\¶VDQQXDOEXGJHWVPDQDJLQJLQFRPHIURPYDULHGVRXUFHVVXFKDVWXLWLRQDQGIHHV*RYHUQPHQW The security guard, who was an avid VXEYHQWLRQVLQDGGLWLRQWRPDQDJLQJDOODUHDVRIH[SHQGLWXUHRYHUWKHFRXUVHRILWVRSHUDWLQJF\FOH7KH'LUHFWRUZRXOGDOVRPDQDJHHQGRZPHQWDQGRWKHUEHQHIDFWLRQ seafarer, was a resident of the Belize IXQGVFDSLWDOJUDQWVDQGSURMHFWUHODWHGLQFRPHDQGH[SHQGLWXUH7KH'LUHFWRURI)LQDQFHDOVRHQJDJHVZLWKNH\H[WHUQDOVWDNHKROGHUVLQWKHSXEOLFVHFWRUVXFKDVWKH District. 0LQLVWU\RI(GXFDWLRQ&XOWXUH6FLHQFHDQG7HFKQRORJ\0LQLVWU\RI)LQDQFH%DQNLQJLQVWLWXWLRQVDQGWKHSULYDWHVHFWRUDVZHOODVZLWKWKH8QLYHUVLW\¶VH[WHUQDODXGLWRU7KH 'LUHFWRURI)LQDQFHLVDOVRUHVSRQVLEOHIRUWKHWLPHO\FRPSOHWLRQRITXDUWHUO\DQGDQQXDO¿QDQFLDOUHSRUWVDQGH[WHUQDODXGLWUHSRUWV SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES • 0DQDJHVWKHEXGJHWLQFOXGLQJLQFRPHH[SHQGLWXUHFDVKÀRZSD\UROOSXUFKDVLQJDQGUHFHLYDEOHVHWFLQDFFRUGDQFHZLWKWKHSODQVHVWDEOLVKHGLQWKH2SHUDWLRQDO 3ODQDQGWKH8QLYHUVLW\¶VVWUDWHJ\IRUDFKLHYLQJDEDODQFHGEXGJHW Belize to honor • ,VUHVSRQVLEOHIRU$FFRXQWV3D\DEOH$FFRXQWV5HFHLYDEOHDQGWKH7UHDVXU\IXQFWLRQDQGDVVHWPDQDJHPHQW • 3URGXFWLRQRIWLPHO\DFFXUDWH¿QDQFLDOVWDWHPHQWVDQGDQDO\VHVLQFOXGLQJDQQXDODXGLWHG¿QDQFLDOVWDWHPHQWVLQDFFRUGDQFHZLWK,QWHUQDWLRQDO)LQDQFLDO5HSRUWLQJ 6WDQGDUGV Prince Philip with • 2YHUVHHVWKHLPSOHPHQWDWLRQRIDIXOO\FRPSXWHUL]HG¿QDQFLDOPDQDJHPHQWV\VWHPWKDWLQWHUIDFHVZLWKRWKHUV\VWHPVLQWKHLQVWLWXWLRQ LQSDUWLFXODUWKH+XPDQ 5HVRXUFHVPDQDJHPHQWSD\UROODQGVWXGHQWDIIDLUVPDQDJHPHQWV\VWHPV  flags at half-mast • 5HSRUWLQJWRWKH3UHVLGHQWRIWKH8QLYHUVLW\DQGHQJDJLQJZLWK6HQLRU0DQDJHUV'LUHFWRUV'HDQVWKH*2%6WXGHQW*RYHUQPHQWV¿QDQFLDOLQVWLWXWLRQVHWFVRDVWR HQVXUHWKHJRRG¿QDQFLDOPDQDJHPHQWRIWKH8QLYHUVLW\ JOB QUALIFICATIONS • 0LQLPXPRID0DVWHU¶V'HJUHHLQ)LQDQFH$FFRXQWLQJDQGRUHTXLYDOHQW • 3URIHVVLRQDOFHUWL¿FDWLRQLQDFFRXQWLQJZRXOGEHDGLVWLQFWDVVHW • +LJKO\PRWLYDWHGVHOIGULYHQUHVRXUFHIXOLQGLYLGXDOLQWHUHVWHGSULPDULO\LQWKHGHYHORSPHQWRIWKH8QLYHUVLW\RI%HOL]HDQGZLOOLQJWRZRUNLQDFKDOOHQJLQJHQYLURQPHQW ZLWKRYHUVWXGHQWV • ([SHULHQFHGSURIHVVLRQDOZLWKZLGHUDQJLQJZRUNSHUIRUPDQFHEDFNJURXQGVRIPDQDJHPHQWDQGOHDGHUVKLSLQWKH¿QDQFLDODUHD • $JRRGWUDFNUHFRUGLQLQVWLWXWLRQDOGHYHORSPHQWDQGPDQDJHPHQWLQDGLYHUVHLQVWLWXWLRQWRJHWKHUZLWKDQDSSUHFLDWLRQRIWKHSHFXOLDUUHTXLUHPHQWVRIDWHUWLDU\OHYHO WHDFKLQJDQGUHVHDUFKLQVWLWXWLRQFRPPLWWHGWRWKHGHYHORSPHQWRI%HOL]HWKURXJKWHDFKLQJUHVHDUFKDQGVHUYLFH • )DPLOLDULW\ZLWKWKHSURFHVVHVDQGSURFHGXUHVRIELODWHUDODQGPXOWLODWHUDOIXQGLQJDJHQFLHVDQGZLWKWKHSUHSDUDWLRQHYDOXDWLRQRIUHVHDUFKFRQVXOWDQF\SURMHFW SURSRVDOVZRXOGEHGHVLUDEOH • 3HUIRUPDQFHIRFXVHGRXWSXWDQGRXWFRPHRULHQWHGSHRSOHIULHQGO\DQGZLOOLQJDQGFDSDEOHRIHQFRXUDJLQJKLJKOHYHOSHUIRUPDQFHIURPVXERUGLQDWHV • (PSKDVLVLQFDQGLGDWHVHOHFWLRQZRXOGEHSODFHGRQGHPRQVWUDWHGWUDFNUHFRUGVRIKLJKOHYHO¿QDQFLDOOHDGHUVKLS • 6WXGHQWFHQWHUHG • 0DQDJHWKHSHRSOHWKHEXGJHWDVZHOODVRWKHUDVVHWVRIWKH'HSDUWPHQWRI%XGJHWDQG)LQDQFLDO0DQDJHPHQW • 'HYHORSVDSSURSULDWHZRUNSODQVDQGDFFRXQWDELOLWLHV COMPENSATION &RPPHQVXUDWHZLWKWKHOHYHORITXDOL¿FDWLRQDQGH[SHULHQFH DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES 7KH'LUHFWRURI+XPDQ5HVRXUFHVUHSRUWVWRWKH3UHVLGHQWRIWKH8QLYHUVLW\DQGHQJDJHVZLWKWKH2I¿FHVRIWKH9LFH3UHVLGHQWWKH'HDQV'LUHFWRUVDQG&KDLUVRIWKH 8QLYHUVLW\7KH'LUHFWRULVDOVRWKHSRLQWSHUVRQIRUOLDLVLQJDQGHQJDJLQJZLWKWKHUHFRJQL]HG8QLRQLQWKH8QLYHUVLW\RQDOO,5PDWWHUV7KHNH\UROHRIWKH'LUHFWRULVWRSURYLGH by Dayne Guy RYHUDOOVWUDWHJLFKXPDQUHVRXUFHOHDGHUVKLSDQG,QGXVWULDO5HODWLRQVIXQFWLRQVRIWKH8QLYHUVLW\RI%HOL]HDQGWRDOVRGHPRQVWUDWHH[HPSODU\PDQDJHPHQWRIWKHVHIXQFWLRQV JOB RESPONSIBILITIES0DMRUUHVSRQVLELOLWLHVLQFOXGHWKHIROORZLQJ BELMOPAN, Tues. Apr. 13, 2021 • 6WUDWHJLFOHDGHUVKLSDQGGLUHFWLRQIRUWKH8QLYHUVLW\VRDVWRHQVXUHWKDWWKH+XPDQUHVRXUFHVRIWKH8QLYHUVLW\DUHDOLJQHGZLWKWKHQHHGVRIWKHYDULRXVIXQFWLRQDU\ There is currently a period of 2I¿FHVDQGFRQVLVWHQWZLWKWKH8QLYHUVLW\¶V7UDQVIRUPDWLRQDO3ODQ • 3ODQQLQJDGPLQLVWHULQJDQGPDQDJLQJDIXOOVFRSH+5SURJUDPLQFOXGLQJVWDI¿QJUHFUXLWPHQWFODVVL¿FDWLRQDQGHPSOR\HHFRPSHQVDWLRQHPSOR\HHFRQWUDFWV mourning in the United Kingdom SHUIRUPDQFHHYDOXDWLRQVPHULWSURPRWLRQVLQFOXGLQJGHYHORSLQJVWUDWHJLFSODQQLQJJRDOVIRUWKH8QLYHUVLW\ following the death of Her Majesty • 3URYLGLQJH[SHUWDGYLFHDQGLQSXWWRWKH8QLYHUVLW\¶VOHDGHUVKLSIDFXOW\DQGVWDIILQFOXGLQJGHYHORSLQJRSWLRQVDQGUHFRPPHQGDWLRQVWRUHVROYHGLI¿FXOW+5PDWWHUVDQG FRPSOH[HPSOR\HHDQGLQGXVWULDOUHODWLRQVSUREOHPV Queen Elizabeth II’s late husband, His • /HDGLQJQHJRWLDWLRQVPRQLWRULQJH[HFXWLRQJULHYDQFHSURFHGXUHVDQGDSSHDOVFRQWUDFWDGPLQLVWUDWLRQHPSOR\HHGLVFLSOLQHDQGUHODWHGPDWWHUV Highness Prince Philip, the Duke of • 0RQLWRULQJDQGHYDOXDWLQJ+5SURJUDPVWRHQVXUHWKH\FRPSO\ZLWKWKHDSSOLFDEOHODZVUXOHVRUUHJXODWLRQVRI%HOL]HDQGDUHFRPSDWLEOHZLWKWKH8QLYHUVLW\¶VPLVVLRQ DQGVWUDWHJLFSODQQLQJJRDOVDQGLWV+5SROLFLHVDQGSURJUDPV Edinburgh, who passed away on • (PEUDFLQJDQGOHDGLQJFKDQJHLQDSURDFWLYHPDQQHUZLWKWKHVHQVLWLYLW\WRWKHLQWHUUHODWLRQVKLSVEHWZHHQDQGDPRQJGLIIHUHQWRUJDQL]DWLRQDOVWDNHKROGHUVDQGWRWKH Friday, April 9, 2021. PDQDJHPHQWUHODWLRQVKLSVZLWKLQWKH8QLYHUVLW\(QVXULQJDJRRGDQGKHDOWK\LQGXVWULDOUHODWLRQVFOLPDWHZLWKLQWKH8QLYHUVLW\GULYHQE\EHVWSUDFWLFHVLQ+5DQG,5 • /HDGLQJDQGPDQDJLQJWKH+52I¿FHLQFOXGLQJLWVVWDIIDVVLJQLQJGXWLHVDQGPHDVXULQJSHUIRUPDQFHSODQQLQJDQGH[HFXWLQJWKHDSSURYHGEXGJHWGHOLYHULQJWUDLQLQJ In the UK, the period of mourning IXQFWLRQVPDQDJLQJWKHKHDOWKLQVXUDQFHVFKHPHJUDWXLWLHVDQGSHQVLRQVORDQVUHFRJQLWLRQDQGDZDUGVWRJHWKHUZLWKRYHUDOOVWDIIHQJDJHPHQWSURJUDPV will last until Prince Phillip’s funeral, JOB QUALIFICATIONS which is scheduled for Saturday, April • 0LQLPXPRID0DVWHU¶V'HJUHHLQ+XPDQ5HVRXUFH0DQDJHPHQW/DERXU5HODWLRQVRU,QGXVWULDO5HODWLRQVWRJHWKHUZLWKSURYHQH[SHULHQFHDVDQ+5'LUHFWRU 0DQDJHUIRUDQRUJDQL]DWLRQZLWKODUJHQXPEHUVRIHPSOR\HHV 17, 2021, at St. George’s Chapel in SKILLS/COMPETENCIES Windsor Castle. • .QRZOHGJHRIWKH/DERXU/DZVRI%HOL]HDQGJRRGLQGXVWULDOUHODWLRQVSUDFWLFHV Honoring his request that an • &RQWUDFWPDQDJHPHQWFRPSHQVDWLRQDQGDGPLQLVWUDWLRQ extravagant state funeral not be held • 5HFRUGVPDLQWHQDQFH • 3HUIRUPDQFHPHDVXUHPHQWDQGPRQLWRULQJ when he passed, the United Kingdom • +HDOWK,QVXUDQFHDQG3HQVLRQVFKHPHV will instead raise its flags at half-mast • &RQÀLFWUHVROXWLRQDQGPHGLDWLRQ • .QRZOHGJHRIFRPSHQVDWLRQVVFKHPHVUHZDUGVDQGUHFRJQLWLRQ on all state buildings across the • Experience in collective bargaining agreements country. • $ELOLW\WRVXSHUYLVHDQGWUDLQHPSOR\HHVWRVXSSRUWWKHZRUNRIWKHLU'HSDUWPHQWVLQFOXGLQJRUJDQL]LQJSULRULWL]LQJDQGVFKHGXOLQJZRUNDVVLJQPHQWV • 1HJRWLDWLRQVNLOOV Belize, a member of the • 0XOWLWDVNLQJVNLOOV Commonwealth, will join the UK in • 6WURQJLQWHUSHUVRQDODQGFRPPXQLFDWLRQVVNLOOVDQGWKHDELOLW\WRZRUNHIIHFWLYHO\ZLWKDZLGHUDQJHRIFRQVWLWXHQFLHVLQDGLYHUVHFRPPXQLW\ this particular expression of mourning. COMPENSATION &RPPHQVXUDWHZLWKWKHOHYHORITXDOL¿FDWLRQDQGH[SHULHQFH Upon recommendation of H.E. Sir Colville Young, the Prime Minister, INTERESTED PERSONS ARE INVITED TO APPLY AND VIEW FULL JOB DESCRIPTIONS: Hon. John Briceño, has instructed that Online: https://www.ub.edu.bz/work-at-ub/ 4XHULHVPD\EHDGGUHVVHGWR all national flags be flown at half-mast Or by Mail, Email or Courier: XEMREV#XEHGXE]25   and church bells rung in honor of the 2௻FHRIWKH3UHVLGHQW 32%R[ Deadline to Apply late Prince Philip. Prime Minister 8QLYHUVLW\RI%HOL]H 21st May, 2021 Briceño has ordered that the +XPPLQJ%LUG$YHQXH ceremonial rituals commence on %HOPRSDQ&LW\&D\R'LVWULFW%HOL]H Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Saturday, April 17, 2021, at 8:00 a.m. Friday, April 16, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 11

Reacquisition business; protect mangroves

by Colin Hyde around $27,000 just prior to the and there are specialists, doctors who governments have been doing this 2008 general election. Shortly after have general knowledge and also for years, and my sense is that it isn’t As if we needed more troubles, the election, a new government took know everything there is to be known sound. Back in the last century, when to add to our precarious situation away the land with the promise to about some specific body part. we were supposed to be a country there has been an uptick in cases of give the deprived group another It is the same in the field of with a mixed economy, a company Covid-19, and there are reports that parcel in compensation. agriculture, and in most every field, named “Maya”, I think that’s the many are not coming forward for I think I heard Ms. Michelle say including the law. My, we keep going name, put up for sale a huge parcel, their vaccines, and then, while that the new government sold the to court, and end up losing the huge as caye land goes – I think it thousands of Belizeans are Turneffe parcel to another party or people’s money. Are we sending was thousands of acres – in the scrambling for pennies, we learned parties, so it is of interest how much general practitioners to do jobs that seaside areas we know as that someone or a certain group got the land was sold for, and to whom. require specialist training? Riversdale and the Placencia a jackpot — has/have been awarded The deprived group took the matter We have to ask who represented the peninsula. The deal was advertised more than five million dollars for to court, and this year, twelve years government in this case, and who all in the newspapers for quite some their acquiring a piece of our land later, they got a very favorable are representing or have represented time, and I kept wondering why our for a few days. ruling, whew, that their $27,000 had our government in many similar cases. government didn’t acquire it. My colega, Paul Morgan, has told ballooned to over $5 million in The people keep getting blown away The parcel this group held for a me that I’m not timely, and I have compensation. over lands that have been in few days on Turneffe, we have to told him that I like to allow other The 7News report said the government control since we’ve been wonder what use was being parties to race ahead before I hib minister in charge of lands told them self-governing, and it might be that we contemplated for the 99% of it that my two cents; however, I have the matter was with the Attorney are sending people to court who don’t is (or is it was?) under mangroves. pushed back one of the stale servings General’s ministry, which would know one préheh. How do we explain If people were thinking of removing I had on the plate today to get in my advise them if there are grounds for the government selling a piece of land those mangroves and dredging in the shot with the front-runners on this appeal. today, another government taking it sea to fill the land, we have to check one. On the legal side, years ago my late back two days later, and twelve years our thinking. Attorney Michelle Trapp said on uncle, JV Hyde, a man who had later the compensation is about 200 I’m a little less rigid about Krem Radio that judges rule on the considerable credentials in estate times what was paid? The land was mangroves close to shore. I see evidence presented before them, the management, surveying, and taken back in 2008, and it was valued wiggle room for discussion about information in court, which means economics, told me that Belize’s at $27,000 then. building new ports at Belize City, that we should focus more on these lawyers don’t know much about land There are some technicalities in the because those mud areas have the lawyers who are representing us. law. Ah, if we look at medicine we legal system, meaning from where we lowest populations of fish and corals According to the story, as reported find there are doctors who are general stand on the outside we don’t know if — biodiversity. However, there has by 7News, a group got 100-plus practitioners, and they know some of the case can be brought back to court. to be a discussion about how much acres on the Turneffe Atoll for most everything about the human body, For the sake of our little coffers, we cruise tourism we want. Hmm, I have have to hope so, and when we do we heard that the one at Port Belize can’t must present a case that leads to the make it in cruise tourism because of group that claimed the prize, getting the sewer lagoon right next door. what the people believe they deserve, We have to protect our mangroves. which is what they paid for the land. Our mangrove islands, they are like Governments in capitalist countries a popular politician. Those ones are will favor persons and companies that an asset to all other candidates in have proven capacity to help grow the their party, and so it is with economy. That’s the way capitalism mangroves. The economic value of works. So, before we howl about this mangroves far exceeds the group getting the caye land, we need considerable benefits they provide as to know all the facts. The private sector hatcheries and nurseries for marine doesn’t know the innards of the public species, and as hurricane buffers. sector, and vice-a-versa. Sometimes Everyone loves a country that when the public sector hala wolf, da protects its mangroves, and we get sheep. points for taking care of the Chiquibul I heard this caller to the WuB and Colombia forests too. speaking about winning some power ball, a prize in a gambling game. UDP and land Well, the entrepreneur who can help grow the economy in the capitalist acquisition system is like a power ball. The government bets on these people or There is a simple reason why companies, and just as in the countries like ours end up in bloody gambling game, not every bet pays revolutions. We take too long to right off, but when certain bets do there wrongs. Bah, we already have our is a great prize. When there is a hands tied by people who own land winner in the capitalist game wealth from “slavery days”, and bah, our is created, people get jobs, taxes and governments cannot reacquire land other fees are paid, all are happy, for a true public purpose. and the party in power wins again. The UDP had a certain manifesto If you like capitalism, well, that’s pledge to address the serious matter how it works. of land acquisition. The UDP said our A large piece of caye land ends valuation system works to give big up in the hands of a group for a little money to landowners when bit of cash, and it is our right to know government needs to acquire parcels why. What we have every reason to in the public interest, and the let out a mighty big yell about is that manifesto promise was to correct the without producing anything, they get mistake. Bah, in the same breath I a whopper of a settlement from the said I liked it, I said I-noh-trust, people’s purse. because there is no way our country It’s disturbing that our should have such a law if our governments keep parceling out huge government ministers insist on acting chunks of caye land. Our like they own our country. Page 12 AMANDALABelize Friday, April 16, 2021 Garifuna Survival Day – A Historical Reflection

after Great Britain gained possession of St. Vincent (as well as Dominica, Tobago, Grenada, and Grenadines) through the 1763 Treaty of Paris. Between 1764 and 1770, while the British surveyed and mapped their newly gained island of St. Vincent, they established that the Garinagu had more land than they needed or could use. As was their practice in other parts of the world, the British tried various strategies – including bribery, intimidation, and force – to get the Garinagu to relocate from the vast expanse of fertile lands that they by Jerry A. Enriquez traditionally occupied. In 1772, when the Garinagu refused to give up their This year’s Garifuna Survival Day, lands, open warfare broke out. British April 12th, marks the 224th troops had to be brought in from anniversary of the first arrival of the Boston as reinforcement for “calming” Garinagu in Roatan, after being exiled the Garinagu. Consequently, the By October 1796, a total of 4,195 by the British from their homeland Garinagu lost almost all except 4,000 dated April 18, 1772, the governor of Garifuna men, women and children, Caribbean island of St. Vincent. That acres of their lands in the northeastern St. Vincent was given official along with 44 enslaved Africans that fateful day marked the culmination of part of the island. instructions that, “if necessity demands were owned, and 102 “Yellow decades of bitter struggle by the After that first British-Carib War, the removal of the charribbs Caribs” were captured and Garinagu to protect their lands against and considering the fierce and (Garinagu) you do take up such vessels transported to the barren rock island marauding British colonists who rebellious nature of the Garinagu that as can be procured, to serve as of Baliceaux while decisions were desired these choice properties to was displayed in their efforts to transports for the conveyance of them being made about whether to send expand their sugar plantations. protect their lands, the British to some unfrequented part of the coast them to Africa, the Bahamas, or the The struggle between the native seriously contemplated their total of Africa or to some desert island peninsula of Samana on the island of Garinagu and the British started soon removal from St. Vincent. In a letter adjacent thereto…” This instruction Hispaniola. By March 1797, about would be followed 25 years later 2,400 Garifuna persons died in an almost to date when the Garinagu were epidemic, probably typhus or yellow banished to the island of Roatan on fever, which was aggravated by April 12, 1797. malnutrition and the horrendous living With the British demands for more conditions of Baliceaux. Garinagu lands, and also due to fear On March 3, 1797, the remaining that the Garinagu would influence the 2,248 Garifuna men, women, and British slaves to revolt, another Carib children (some of whom were still War broke out between 1795 and ‘96. sick) were loaded onto a convoy of With their superior military position, eight or nine ships under the command along with thousands of British troops of Captain John Barret in the sent as reinforcement, the British flagship Experiment. The lighter skin required the Garinagu to surrender Yellow Caribs were returned to St. unconditionally. The Garinagu refused Vincent. On March 11th the convoy set to surrender, as this meant the loss of sail from the only homeland that the their entire homeland, their culture, Garinagu had ever known, to be and their lives. Consequently, the banished forever. It was predicted that British mercilessly hunted them down, this exile would result in their total burnt their houses, canoes, and crops, extinction as a people. and confiscated their stores of food. On April 11, 1797, after a perilous journey of about 3,000 miles, including a stop in Jamaica to service and repair the ships, the convoy landed in Roatan Mayan Heights Village Resort is looking for a great personality to and offloaded 2,026 Garifuna men, guide the resort and its spectacular Restaurant overlooking the women, and children who survived. Considering that many were ill even Caribbean Sea. Over one thousand acres of farm and forests at the start of the journey, 222 Garifuna surround this uniquely located resort in the Stann Creek area. perished along the way and their bodies most likely were dumped Responsibilities include the daily management and operation of overboard. In 1802, within five years of their its newly built restaurant, the care and guidance of the restaurant expulsion and new settlement in customers and cabin guests. The responsibility includes the hiring Roatan, 150 Garifuna laborers were imported to the settlement of Belize and managing of all employees. This position will be solely and then immediately deployed further responsible to the owners and the Farm Operation Manager for south to serve as woodcutters in Belize’s expanding mahogany industry. the smooth operation of all aspects of the food supply and dining In order to restrain the potential for experiences. Requirements include ten year of experience in the fomenting rebellion in the settlement, Garinagu were kept away from hospitality industry and a proven track record. This position will be enslaved Africans. They were placed available two month from now. Salary DOE in the territory south of the then Sibun River boundary that would later become a part of the territory of Belize. By the end of the 1800s, Garifuna teachers would serve as Please send your resume to Florencio Esquivel outstanding teachers within the Please turn to„Page 19 Friday, April 16, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 13 Page 14 AMANDALABelize Friday, April 16, 2021 From the Publisher

Reproduced from page 9 of the Tuesday, April 13, 2021, #3451 issue of Amandala

One problem in the United States kind of way. “Apocalypse Now” is also a Vietnam entered the last year of “Advanced in the middle 1960s was that white My sense was, when I would visit War-inspired movie, but I haven’t Level” studies in September of 1964. college students had a very good idea Brooklyn on breaks from college in seen it myself. A new student had joined our class, of what was going on in Vietnam (and New Hampshire between 1965 and Vietnam was probably the place out of the blue. He had been previously later Laos and Cambodia), and they 1968, that the average Belizean youth where the United States and educated in Jamaica, in an education were generally determined to avoid man did not really know what was Communist China fought their first system which was superior to ours. the military draft in any way they going on in ‘Nam. I have friends who surrogate war against each other, the He was the son of a Jamaican who could. tell me that our young men didn’t care U.S. supporting the South Vietnamese worked in the civil service of British The American military draft was what the reality was in Vietnam: they and the Chinese supporting the Viet Honduras and was married to a abolished in 1976 or so, but previous were that desperate to stay in America, Cong/North Vietnamese. (Thinking Belizean lady from a high ranking to that all able-bodied American males qualify for their documents and benefit about it, it is quite likely the case that family which was close to the had to register for the draft once they from the Bill for G.I. Rights. the Korean War, which began in 1950, leadership of the ruling People’s reached the age of 18. My personal opinion at the time was was the first such surrogate war United Party (PUP). What was going on in Vietnam was that I would rather go home than go to between the Americans and the This young man would win the 1965 that the war between the Americans fight in Vietnam. It was because of my Chinese. But I am no expert in these British Honduras Open Scholarship and their South Vietnamese allies difference of opinion with the majority matters.) The Vietnam War began to for our class, and then go on to become against the Viet Cong infiltrating from of Belizean young men in New York escalate big time in 1965, for sure. a Rhodes Scholar. So the evidence is communist North Vietnam began to that I realized that I must have had a Vietnam had been a French colony, that he was gifted and trained. escalate rapidly under U.S. President class advantage of some sort. Why but the North Vietnamese army, led by When the American Consulate here Lyndon Baines Johnson in 1965. The would Belize seem like my option the brilliant General Giap, had offered their first scholarship ever to American Pentagon needed bodies, between 1965 and 1968 when almost defeated the French in 1954 in the Belizeans in late 1964/early 1965, I especially for the ground war in the everybody else from my Belizean historic Battle of Dien Bien Phu. The became one of five finalists, and ended Vietnamese rice paddies. generation was willing to go to Western powers, featuring the United up being awarded the scholarship. I Muhammad Ali was stripped of his Vietnam? States, sought to prevent the did not know if I would have won the world heavyweight title in 1967 For those of you younger Belizeans unification of Vietnam under the North Open Scholarship competing against because he refused to register for the who would like to get an idea of what Vietnamese leadership of Ho Chi the Jamaican-trained student. That is draft. Ali well knew that if you were the Vietnam War was like, I can Minh. The American military felt that why I say I was very grateful to the not actually killed or disabled in recommend a couple movies, because if Ho Chi Minh unified Vietnam, then American government, and glad to get Vietnam, you would end up hooked I have seen them both - “Full Metal other Southeast Asian countries like out of Belize and go to the United on drugs or mentally crippled in some Jacket” and “Forrest Gump”. I believe Laos and Cambodia would also fall States. to communism. This was the so-called There were very intelligent “domino theory.” Belizeans from my generation who For many years previous to 1965, could not get a scholarship, and there had been American “military decided to take the Vietnam option. advisers” supporting the South One of them was the late Gerald Vietnamese military in different ways, Patten. He was a classmate at Wesley but, to repeat, an American escalation College of my brother-in-law, Jeff in involvement in Vietnam took Scott. In a conversation a year or two place in 1965, and the Vietnam War ago, Gerald’s name came up, and I told became an American war. Jeff that I had met Gerald briefly In September of 1965, I was a young during the primary schools quiz Belizean student beginning school at competition around 1958 or so. I was a prestigious American university in representing Holy Redeemer Boys New Hampshire. In effect, though I did School and Gerald was representing not know it at the time, I was an Wesley Primary. American asset. I had been given a I dedicate this column to the scholarship by the American State memory of Gerald Patten, and to all Department. those brave Belizean young men who I was very grateful for the participated in the living hell that was scholarship, because of a the Vietnam War. Their stories need development which had taken place to be told. at the new, expanded St. John’s College Sixth Form as we students Power to the people. Friday, April 16, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 15

• All copyrights regarding the content belong to UNHCR. • Travels to different parts of the country will be organized for video shoots. • Financial proposals need to include: Daily Subsistence Allowance (food and lodging), transportation, and production fees. • Quotation for travel costs is to be based on a) likely travel to Bella Vista (Toledo), Valley of Peace (Cayo), Benque (Cayo), Belmopan and Belize City; and b) 9 of the 15 videos will include one overnight stay to any of these locations UNHCR • Include one overnight local travel for 9 of the 15 videos. United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Required profile and capabilities Belize National Office Companies that are able and well positioned to deliver the above are requested to 1 Marigold Street submit to UNHCR a technical proposal that must include the following components: Tel.: 822-2399 General Profile Belmopan City, Belize • An overview of the company, detailing staff, technical capabilities, why they believe Email: [email protected] they are a good fit for working with UNHCR. • Existence of a company’s Showreel of video portfolio (English and Spanish). This should include a minimum of 3 previous examples of similar and relevant projects. • Examples of previous photos produced, in hard copy or electronic format.

ANNEX I Terms of Reference Expertise and Capability: Provide a brief description of the organization submitting the proposal, including Background the year and country of incorporation and types of activities undertaken. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) National Office in Belize is now planning to contract the services of a company to produce twelve The company must have: (12) short videos and two hundred and twenty-five (225) photos over the period • Capability and equipment to produce high quality video and photo materials May to December 2021. The videos will primarily be used for social media and including captions and location, unless it is agreed differently. public television, with different scripts such as interviews, narratives of asylum • Capability and equipment to edit and transmit material. seekers and refugees in Belize, and other videos that show Belizeans supporting • Capability and equipment to record high quality images and sound. refugees. They will also show the work that UNHCR does in Belize along with • The company (or members of a photo/video team) must have their own equipment implementing partners. Photos will complement these videos which will be used which includes high quality digital photo equipment. for social media as well as other UNHCR work products, such as pamphlets, posters, • Preferably a bank account in the name of the business. calendars, and other material. Specialized Knowledge and Experience on Similar Projects: The videos and photos are part of the UNHCR public information strategy in Belize, • Detail any specialized knowledge that can be applied to the implementation of focusing on promoting empathy for those forced to flee their countries and the TOR. Include experiences in the Country/region. mobilizing action in helping and empowering refugees and asylum seekers to feel • Describe the experience of the organization performing similar goods/services/ safe. works.

Primary target audience will be the general public. Desired background and experience: - Experience with the UN organizations/ Photojournalism/ NGOs and civil society The Main Attributes of the Final Multimedia Product organizations is highly desirable. - Experience in the field producing for a photo agency, publications (or equivalent). Purpose of this tender: - Experience in field producing for a television news agency, documentaries, (or Development of multimedia products, focusing on capturing video content that equivalent). brings awareness to the cause of supporting refugees and asylum seekers in the - Experience in the field of documentary photography and videography. country and positive engagement of key national influencers to generate empathy - Experience in interview situations. towards forced displaced persons. To that extent, 12 (twelve) short [2 to 5-minute] - Ability to assimilate and communicate complex visual messages in an engaging HD quality videos and 225 (two hundred and twenty-five) photos will be produced manner. for UNHCR National Office of Belize. This coverage will include shooting and editing - Have the ability to work in the multi-cultural environment and within the video stories as requested by UNHCR’s office in Belize and its teams in Mexico and vulnerable communities (children, women and elderly). Panama. - Fluent in English (Spanish will be an asset)

Deliverable multimedia content is expected to cover the following thematic areas: Key Personnel, Equipment - Stories of peaceful coexistence between asylum-seekers, migrants and local • Composition of the team proposed to perform TOR, and the work tasks (including communities. supervisory) - Positive social and economic contributions from asylum-seekers to the country • Describe the availability of resources in terms of personnel and facilities required as well as acts of solidarity on the part of host communities. for the TOR. - The reasons people flee to allow better understanding of the intricacies of the situation in countries of Northern Central America. List of Equipment - A welcoming tradition of the country as well as cultural and ethnic diversity, • Please list equipment that the supplier currently owns and will be used for values and features of asylum seekers and the host communities. providing the services specified in the TOR. - Encounters between asylum seekers and national influencers as well as • This should include details of Graphic Design Software, Editing Suites, Audio influencers’ opinions on the issues mentioned above. Recordings, Cameras, Lighting etc. - UNHCR’s work with asylum seekers and their host communities. - UNHCR’s work with its implementing partners How to apply - Belizeans supporting refugees in the country Please include the following information in the quotation: Expected Deliverables • Full production of short videos as requested. The supplier is expected to lead on Currency: Belize Dollars the creative design and production process in consultation with UNHCR team in Additional Charges Belize, Mexico and Panama. Supplier is expected to be able to create a strong In the name of UNDP/UNHCR storyline with minimum guidance which explains complicated processes in a simple and understandable manner as per UNHCR branding guidelines, formats, Please submit quotation by April 20th, 2021 via to [email protected] with copy to and languages. [email protected]. • Provide filming services to UNHCR as requested • Provide multiple editing services on each video as requested by UNHCR offices Please note that the email policy employed by UNHCR limits the size of attachments in Belize, Mexico, and Panama to a maximum of 5 Mb, so it may be necessary to send more than one email for • Provide video post-production and editing in a timely manner in line with UNHCR sending all information. quality and brand guidelines. • Videos will be submitted with captions in English and Spanish, along with a version The quotation must be valid for at least 30 days. The general terms of payment of of the videos that does not have captions. UNHCR is 15 calendar days once the service is received or in full compliance and • Company will submit final videos as well as raw footage that is also deemed satisfaction from UNHCR. UNHCR material. • 4 videos and 75 photos every three months – the time frame for the videos as Attached please find Annex 2 of the General Conditions of Contracts for the Provision well as their shooting locations will be discussed every three months. of Goods and/or Services of UNHCR-2010. You must indicate in your quote that • Videos will be divided in two maximum times: 2 minutes and 5 minutes. The you accept them. quotation is to include the costing of each of these two video time options. • Payment will be made at the end of every three-month period, with a total of Thank you for your kind attention. three payments during the course of the 8-month agreement. Administration Department Conditions (non-negotiable): UNHCR National Belize • UNHCR will organize interviews with video participants. Office Page 16 AMANDALABelize Friday, April 16, 2021

How could you even consider for all Belizeans to sacrifice as one industrial action at this most people to do their part to help difficult time in our history? How recover our economy and beloved will protesting, destroying our country. So what will be the end infrastructure and striking help get result of your industrial action — us out of this economic calamity? have you ever thought about that? Apparently, only the private sector Are we really in this together? The should carry the brunt of this time has come to re-examine Your country needs you devastation. When all the schools ourselves as citizens of this were closed because of the country and the role we want to pandemic since March of last year, play in rebuilding this nation. Dear Editor, our government. I have always teachers and public officers Nobody asked for this coronavirus Gone are the days when Belize believed that the population of this continued to take home 100% of pandemic; it devastated the entire was considered a friendly, family- country, which is less than half a their salary. Due to the same planet. This is a national issue, not oriented society. When you were million people, cannot continue to reason, the salaries of myself and political, and we need to address your brother’s keeper. Today it’s sustain a big government. The over 60,000 Belizean salaries were it as such. Industrial action will all about self and our own country cannot afford to have 15 cut 100% — to 0. In our case, we only have dire consequences on an individualism. This has now Cabinet Ministers and be the were never given an option to already rough and difficult time of manifested itself in the stalemate largest employer with such a small negotiate what percentage of our austerity. It’s time to step up, between the government and the populace. This is the perfect time salary should be deducted. It was Belizeans, and get off your political unions. It seems we have missed to start trimming the waste and just boom, 100% salary cut, with high horse. Your country, Belize, the big picture, which is the total shrinking the size of government no questions asked. This is the needs you now more than ever destruction of our economy due to to make it more effective and private sector — the backbone of before. the Covid-19 pandemic just over efficient. this economy. a year ago. Unfortunately, to the On the other hand, I believe that There is no time to point fingers Concerned Belizean, detriment of the entire nation, the the unions are being selfish, and play the blame game. It’s time A.J. Alvarez unions have lost trust and faith in unreasonable and inconsiderate.

Ministry of Finance PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: TENDER NOTICE Mile 5 Placencia Road, Stann Creek District, Belize General Security and Surveillance of the Sir Edney Cain BY ORDER of the Supreme Court, Licensed Auctioneer Building - Belmopan Fitzgerald A. Joseph will sell the following PropertyON SITE Procurement Type: Procurement of Services – SECURITY near Mile 5 Placencia Road, Stann Creek District, Belize on Procurement Method: Open Tendering Procedure (National Competitive Saturday, 24th April, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Please note Bidding) that Social Distancing Protocol will be in full effect and that Social Distancing Protocol will be in full effect and The Ministry of Finance hereby invites Tenders from security companies for the general the wearing mask will be mandatory. security and surveillance of the Sir Edney Cain Building in Belmopan. The tender shall be for a period of two (2) years commencing June 1, 2021 and ending May 31, 2023. The successful tender will be responsible for the security of the building and premises REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL by unarmed guards from 6:00 pm to 6:00 am daily from Mondays to Thursday AND Placentia North 36 2516 on weekends starting from 5:30pm on Fridays to 6:30am on Mondays, AND on public and bank holidays. Security guards must hold a valid and clean Police Record

The successful tender will be expected to provide the following security and surveillance services:

(a) General security and surveillance of the Sir Edney Cain Building (the “Premises”) including all building and fixtures erected therein; (b) Allow only authorized persons to enter the buildings or compound. The Security must maintain a log of all persons entering and leaving the premises; (c) Conduct patrols outside the building to ensure that doors remain locked and that there is no sign of breakage into the building; (d) The Security Company, its agent or servants shall not divulge to any person or persons, any proprietary information coming to their knowledge in the course of their duties; (e) Any other security related task as may be agreed upon from time to time by the Parties involved;

Costs incurred in visiting the premises and preparations of the tender bid are the sole responsibility of the tenderer. Bids are to be accompanied by: Being a piece and parcel of land containing 2.37 acres situated in Seine Bight Village with lagoon frontage and just a stone (a) Company profile (b) Current Letter of Good Standing from the Belize Tax Service throw away from the Itz’ana Belize Resort & Residencies. (c) Current Letter of Good Standing from the Belize Companies Registry The parcel issituatedapproximately 5 Milesfrom Placencia (d) Current Letter of Good Standing from the Belize Social Security Board (e) Current Trade License Village, Stann Creek District, Belize, beingthe freehold (f) Evidence of evidence of past jobs property of Erix Oswaldo Tobar. Additional information can be obtained from Ms. Terry Smith by email at [email protected]. Tenders are to be submitted in a sealed envelope clearly marked “TENDER FOR THE GENERAL SECURITY AND SURVEILLANCE OF THE SIR EDNEY CAIN BUILDING (BELMOPAN)”, addressed to:

TERMS: STRICTLY CASH Financial Secretary Sir Edney Cain Building (3rd Floor) FITZGERALD JOSEPH Ministry of Finance TELEPHONE: 601-2039 Belmopan Bids must be received no later than April 30, 2021 at 4 p.m. The lowest or any tender Email: [email protected] will not necessarily be accepted. Late bids will be disqualified and returned to the sender unopened. Friday, April 16, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 17

The Value of Education Dear Editor, I am herein submitting a poem, “The Value of Education,” written by my son, Micheal S. Vernon. He graduated from high school in Punta Gorda. Then he went to 6th Form in Belize City. He then applied to CET (Toledo), and he was transferred to ITVET (Toledo). He is now Interim Manager at the institution, ITVET Toledo.

Very Sincerely, Alejandro Vernon JP

The Value of Education

by Michael Sidney Vernon

I cannot believe it; It seems so unreal, like a dream; But four years have gone like a fast-flowing stream; It seems as if it was only yesterday that I began Climbing over hills of quizzes and mountains of exams

Many a times, I sit pondering with contemplations, Why my parents are pushing me to pursue a sound education. There are not few, but many times that education is openly scoffed at and despised.

But Ohhh…only when it is too late that the opposers realize, That today They are faced with a drastic situation, The mass difficulties one encounters in obtaining a worthy job Without an education.

Education will not ask, “Where you have been?” Now will it question the color of your skin. Education does not discriminate. It does not select.

We must go forward studying and learning with dignity. Let us not lose this golden opportunity, For a sound education Determines a man’s worthwhile achievements.

#3304 Partridge Street, Belize City. Telephones: 501-280-4703/ 202-4477 Page 18 AMANDALABelize Friday, April 16, 2021 Joe Biden Reaffirms Washington’s Message to the World: Never, Ever Trust Us

casus belli for what was supposed to requires governments to inform foreign “forgets” its own such duty when be a short, sharp war to liquidate al arrestees of their right to communicate foreigners are arrested in the US. Qaeda in Afghanistan, but quickly with their countries’ consuls and seek At this point, no one should be turned into a 20-year failed (and assistance. The US demands that of surprised when the US government deadly) “nation-building” project. other governments when Americans lies. It would be far more surprising Should we be surprised? Well, no. are arrested abroad, and routinely if Joe Biden told the truth for once. Biden is just following in the footsteps of his predecessors. Given the long, sorry record of US perfidy, the Taliban shouldn’t be surprised either. “The United States acknowledge the lands reserved to the Oneida, Onondaga and Cayuga Nations,” reads Article II of the Treaty of Canandaigua, ratified by the US Senate in 1795. “[T]he United States will never claim the same nor disturb them.” Between then and 1868, the United by Thomas L. Knapp States continuously negotiated, then sooner or later violated, hundreds of In February 2020, US President treaties with the continent’s native Donald Trump announced a peace deal tribes. By 1920, the extent of Oneida with the Taliban, giving US forces 15 land “acknowledged” in the Treaty of months to get out of Afghanistan. Canandaigua had been reduced from Nearly a year later, with the six million acres to 32. withdrawal nearly complete and only Abroad, the US government takes a 2,500 US armed forces members similar tack, always treating other remaining on Afghan soil, incoming parties’ agreed obligations as non- President Joe Biden took the oath of negotiable and its own such obligations inauguration and instantly began as optional. complaining that the May 1 deadline The Non-Proliferation Treaty would be “hard to meet.” requires the US to work toward getting The claim is silly on its face. The rid of its nuclear arsenal. Instead, US military is great at moving people. recent administrations have gone in the Eight months after the Japanese attack other direction with a focus on on Pearl Harbor, US Marines waded “modernizing” that arsenal, while ashore at Guadalcanal. Five months demanding that the Iranian regime go after Saddam Hussein’s invasion of beyond its NPT obligations ... then Kuwait, the US had moved 697,000 defaulting on its end of THAT deal, troops to the theater of operations for too. what became Operation Desert Storm. As David A. Koplow of the For any competent commander, Georgetown University Law Center moving 2,500 troops from Point A to points out, the 1993 Chemical Point B is a weekend hobby project, Weapons Convention required the US not a major undertaking. All Biden had to destroy its chemical weapons to do was give the order. stockpiles by 2012. At last check, the On February 13, the White House US Army promises to get that done ... leaked a new date: September 11, 20th in 2023. anniversary of the attacks that Also per Koplow, the 1963 Vienna President George W. Bush cited as Convention on Consular Relations Friday, April 16, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 19 Garifuna Survival Day – A Historical Reflection

Continued from „Page 12 Catholic school system to pioneer the opening of schools in remote communities throughout Belize. Despite their near extinction and centuries of oppression, discrimination, and ridicule for their unique culture, the Garinagu, as the first free black group in the Americas during those centuries of slavery, amazingly maintained their language, spirituality, music, dance, and other aspects of their traditional culture to this day. Since 2001, the uniqueness of the Garifuna language, culture and music has been internationally recognized and proclaimed by UNESCO to be a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity”. In the countries of Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Belize, where their many Garifuna communities continue to survive, Garinagu distinguished themselves through several fields of national development. As the pictures show, Garifuna spirituality, through which they honor their deep connections to the ancestors and ancestral traditions, remain central to their survival to this day. In many ways, the deep struggle and blood spilled by the ancestors to stubbornly guard, defend and maintain their culture continues to inspire Garinagu to remain connected and reconnected to the values that they hold dear. As Garinagu light their candles in honor of the ancestors, there is much to be very grateful for. Through all those attempts to break us, we have survived. Yes, there are still difficult struggles against persistent discrimination in our various communities and efforts across boundaries to dishonor and alienate Garinagu, but we must continue to honor the journey that has brought us this far. As we continue our struggles into the future, the timeless values of our ancestors hold true in ways quite similar to the spirit of Ubuntu: - I am, because we are. Our collective well- being is intricately bound to each other’s well-being. I am for you and you for me. Au buhn, amürü nu. Itarala! Reference: Nancie L. Gonzalez, 1988. Sojourners of the Caribbean: Ethnogenesis and Ethnohistory of the Garifuna Page 20 AMANDALABelize Friday, April 16, 2021 Coye speaks of need for debt relief at IMF Spring Meeting

by Dayne Guy

BELMOPAN, Sat. Apr. 10, 2021 The government of Belize has not shied away from stating the deplorable conditions of our current economy. Today, in a virtual International Monetary Fund (IMF) / World Bank Spring Meeting, Belize’s delegation, headed by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment, Hon. Christopher Coye, highlighted the critical condition of the country’s economy. Over the last year, there was a dramatic increase in the country’s debt to gross domestic product (GDP) ratio, which has reached an all-time high of 130%. The country’s economy contracted by more than 14% as a result of the negative impact of the COVID- 19 pandemic on industries such as tourism and a dip in output in the agricultural sector due to a year of drought in 2019 followed by floods, coupled with hurricanes Eta and Iota in 2020. Each event significantly decreased the year’s crop yield. Despite Belize’s economic situation, Minister Coye says that Belize, like other middle-income countries, has been disadvantaged in its ability to access funding. “As challenging as Belize’s experience has been, as a deemed middle-income country (MIC), Belize, like other MICs, has not been a beneficiary of the Debt Service Suspension Initiative,” explained Minister Coye. “Belize has not been the recipient of resources under the IMF’s Rapid Credit Facility. Belize is not likely to be eligible under the Common Framework. Belize has not been the beneficiary of any debt relief whatsoever,” Hon. Coye said. In March 2021, the IMF projected that the economies of the Caribbean and Central American region will expand 4.6 percent by the year’s end. Despite this, the outcome of the battle against COVID-19 and how effectively various nations in the region can devise economic solutions to their situation are yet unanswered questions. In view of this, Minister Coye proffered hope that small states like Belize may be granted meaningful debt relief, grants and concessionary funding to bolster the economy and climate resiliency as well as promote sustainable economic recovery. Friday, April 16, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 21 Excessive social media use can harm youths

When used for its intended manifestations of, or reflect some social media platforms, these purpose, social media brings of, the deeper, harmful comparisons can be made swiftly, incredible value to our lives. Tens subconscious values in our society. almost instantaneously, with of thousands of Belizean youth, As in most countries around the thousands of people by just including myself, use various forms world, Belizeans live in a society scrolling through one’s social of social media platforms for where, to a large extent, people media timeline. recreation, socialization, sharing tend to value their lives based on Depending on a person’s mental knowledge, and keeping updated on comparisons with the perceived disposition, the use of social media the latest news stories, as well as success of others. The quest to can promote envy, jealousy, hatred, for business transactions, and other “keep up with the Joneses” low self-esteem, anxiety and even purposes. highlights the constant competition depression and other destructive However, while social media has that can exist in a society. Although mental states. The collective many benefits, there are also very such social comparisons might have tendencies for either positive and harmful ways in which social media existed since the beginning of uplifting or negative and is being used today. Certain social human civilization, the difference media behaviors are outward today is that, with the advent of Please turn to„Page 23

PROCUREMENT NOTICE FINANCE ASSOCIATE

Application requests to IFAD. • Assisting the FO to monitor the development of expenditures, ensuring that Background: The Government of Belize (GOB), with financing from the International budget overruns do not occur and prepares requests for possible Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF), has amendments. embarked on a six year Programme, Resilient Rural Belize (RRB), which aims to minimize the impacts of climatic and economic events on smallholder farmers while supporting 3. Others sustainable market access for their produce. The programme will help farmers employ • Assisting with the maintenance and regularly updating of the following: Fixed climate resilient agricultural practices and technologies; Assets Register, Staff Data, MOU, and Contract Registers. integrate profitable smallholder participation into the development of select • Conducting a quarterly inventory of Programme assets, ensuring that vegetable, fruit, and honey value chains; and support smallholder production capacity insurance coverage is obtained for the same. through investments in public and private climate resilient infrastructure and in the • Any other accounting duties that may be assigned by the Finance Officer. strengthening of smallholder farmer Producers Organizations and relevant GOB Departments. Core Competences: • Extensive knowledge of accounting standards, fiscal procedures, and Scope of Work: applicable tax laws. The Finance Associate will report to the Finance Officer (FO), who will assign duties as • Exceptional attention to detail. appropriate, under the overall supervision of the Programme Manager (PM). The • Excellent collaboration and communication skills. Finance Associate is responsible for planning and executing all necessary financial • Excellent analytical and problem solving abilities. and accounting functions ensuring that they are following the requirements of the • Superb organizational and time management skills. Financing Agreements between GOB and IFAD. Academic Qualifications: Duties and Responsibilities: The Finance Associate shall possess a minimum of an associate degree in Accounting, Specific responsibilities of the Finance Associate include, but are not limited to the Finance or Business Administration. following: 1. Accounting Required Experience: • Maintenance and reconciliation of all Programme accounts following GOB, IFAD • Minimum of three (3) years’ experience working in Finance, Accounting, Business and GCF requirements. Administration, or a related field. Experience in accounting for projects financed by • Recording of all transactions into the computerized accounting system and external donors will be an asset. ensuring that transactions are correctly assigned to the appropriate accounts, • Minimum, of three (3) years’ experience in bookkeeping functions and procedures. and to the appropriate categories, components, and funding sources. • Minimum of two (2) years’ experience working with computerized accounting • Ensuring that all payable accounts are maintained in a timely and thorough systems, specifically QuickBooks. fashion, including the preparation of statements and reconciliation of payable • Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in Records Management. accounts. • Minimum of two (2) years’ experience preparing financial reports and budgets. • Preparing purchase orders upon the request of Procurement Officer and approval of Programme Manager. Reporting: • Preparing payments (including payments to suppliers, utilities, contractors, service The Finance Associate will report directly to the Finance Officer. The duty station for providers and implementing partners) for all invoices and expenses approved the position will for payment. be at the PMU Office in Belmopan. • Preparing payroll, including payments for payroll liabilities (social security, income tax, etc.) for all RRB staff based on valid contracts. Application Submission: • Managing PMU Staff files and records to ensure accurate payment of benefits Interested candidates are requested to submit a Letter of Interest, Curriculum Vitae, and allowances (including travel allowances) and accurate tracking of personnel and two (2) Recommendation letters or References along with a copy of the highest data, including sick and vacation leave. degree via the following File Request Link: https://bit.ly/39dp1SK The deadline to • Preparing monthly financial reports (including trial balance and financial submit applications is Thursday, May 6, 2021 at 3:00p.m. ONLY APPLICATIONS statements) based on the accounting application, with all necessary justifying SUBMITTED VIA THE FILE REQUEST LINK WILL BE ACCEPTED. documentation (invoice, bank drafts, etc.); • Preparing payments for contracts, MOUs of Implementing Partners, and transfers Applications should be addressed as follows: to the DFC for the Matching Grant Fund in accordance with the IFAD guidelines. • Ensuring the management of the data file and the appropriate filing of the Resilient Rural Belize Programme electronic and hard copies of the financial documents and reports. Attn: Tracey Hanson Procurement Officer 2. Finance/Budget National Agriculture Showgrounds • In collaboration with the Finance Officer, assisting with the preparation, Hummingbird Highway, Belmopan City monitoring, consolidation and review of the Annual Work Plan and Budget. Cayo, Belize, C.A. • Assisting with the preparation of expense statements for Withdrawal Email: [email protected] Page 22 AMANDALABelize Friday, April 16, 2021

INVITATION TO QUOTE – GOODS

Institution: Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing Country: Belize Project: George Price Highway Rehabilitation Project Sector: Transport Abstract: Supply of Portable Truck Axle Scales with Accessories Loan No.: Loan 3344/OC-BL Deadline: 4:00 pm (Belize Local Time) April 30th, 2021

1. The Government of Belize has received loan financing from the Inter- American Development Bank toward the cost of the George Price Highway Rehabilitation Project, and it intends to apply part of the proceeds of this financing to payments for the supply of portable truck axle scales with accessories.

2. The Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing now invites sealed quotations from eligible and qualified bidders for the supply of the portable truck axle scales with accessories.

3. Bidding will be conducted through the Shopping procedures specified in the Inter-American Development Bank’s Policies for the Procurement of Works and Goods financed by the Inter-American Development Bank, and is open to all bidders from Eligible Source Countries as defined in the Policies.

4. Interested eligible bidders may obtain the full Invitation to Quote for the required equipment from the Program Management Unit, Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing, located on the First Floor of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing, Soils Lab Building, Power Lane, Belmopan by emailing [email protected] AND [email protected].

5. Quotations must utilize forms provided in the invitation to quote. One (1) Original and two (2) copies are to be submitted in sealed labelled envelopes to the address indicated below. Quotations by email WILL NOT be accepted.

6. Suppliers are informed that they can only quote for the type of equipment specified, and quote for all items in this Invitation. Price quotations will be evaluated for all the items. Price quotations should be Exclusive of General Sales Tax.

7. Your quotation(s) should be submitted as per the following instructions and in accordance with the Terms and Conditions of supply in the attached Quote Submission Sheet.

(i) VALIDITY OF THE OFFER: Your quotation(s) should be valid for a period of 90 days from the date of receipt for quotation(s).

(ii) SUBMISSION OF OFFERS: Offers will be submitted on the Quote Submission Sheet including a description of specifications offered, Price Schedule for Goods and Related Services. These templates are annexed in the full Invitation to Quote. All documents must be completed without any alterations in format, and no substitutes shall be accepted. All blank spaces shall be filled in with the information requested.

8. The Purchaser shall award the Contract to the offer which complies substantially with the technical specifications and other requirements in these documents and represents the lowest price.

9. Quotations must be delivered to the address below at or before 4:00 pm (local Belize time) on Friday April 30th, 2021. Electronic bidding will not be permitted. Late bids will be rejected. Your quotation should be in the English language in the required format or other similar, acceptable format should be addressed and submitted to:

Attention of (Name): Mr. Rolando Chan, Program Coordinator Address: Program Management Unit, First Floor – Soils Lab Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing Power Lane, Belmopan Cayo District, Belize Phone #: 822-1942/822-0100 Email: [email protected] AND [email protected] Friday, April 16, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 23 Excessive social media use can harm youths

Continued from „Page 21 destructive social media behaviors also reveal the collective mental disposition of the nation. People who use social media must be very careful not to fall prey to continuously generating negative feelings toward one another and judging each other based on superficial metrics. Scientific researchers such as Dr. Joe Dispenza and many others have shown that extended use of social media and screen time on phones, TVs or computers is directly linked to feelings of anxiety and restlessness, due to the overstimulation of brain wave activity. Too much screen time or absorbing too much information all at once, especially negative content, can also cause subtle mental strain. I have found that the less time I spend on social media, the less time I spend consuming negative content, and the less time I spend incessantly scrolling for updates on other people’s lives, the more calm and relaxed I feel, and the more I can focus my mind on productive pursuits. If youths spend a little less time on social media, this would open up a window to engage in more creative, productive, and beneficial social and economic activities. The increasing challenge is that more youths are becoming addicted to social media for extended hours, from the moment they wake up in the morning to bedtime at night. We add photos highlighting our best moments and our “best selves”. Some even present a social media persona that is often a false representation of their actual lives. This becomes a problem, since many youth who see these carefully edited photos of persons having the time of their lives with many friends, or on extravagant trips, in nice clothing, sipping on expensive drinks, often do not realize that these are just highlighted reels of people’s lives that they want you to see. I say all this to note that those who are caught comparing their lives with the glamor of their peers on social media can feel a sense of sadness, pressure, a sense that their life isn’t good enough compared to those of others. It is important to remember that we are all in different stages of life. We all have our own unique paths to take, and we grow and achieve different things at different times. Constantly comparing your life to others on social media, or consistently portraying a fake self to measure up in a way that is different from your reality can be quite harmful to your mental wellness. Please turn to„Page 24 Page 24 AMANDALABelize Friday, April 16, 2021 NGC Offers Support and Prayers to the People of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

The National Garifuna Council expresses our solidarity for the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines who are being affected by the La Soufriere Volcanic Eruption. The sheer enormity of the destruction to homes, lands and crops is further intensified, due to the impact of the novel COVID-19 pandemic. NGC continues to offer prayers for the continued safety of our brothers and sisters in our ancestral land of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (Yurumein). The National Garifuna Council is putting together a donation to send to St. Vincent and the Grenadines and is generously seeking your assistance. Contributions can be deposited into the National Garifuna Council Scotiabank Bank account number 1939304. All contributions will be forwarded to our partners in St. Vincent on behalf of the people of Belize. We thank you in advance.

-End of press release- Excessive social media use can harm youths

Continued from „Page 23 For many, the challenge to limit the use of screen time is difficult. Yet, there is far more to life in the real world, and building genuine positive connections with self, others, community is, I believe, more beneficial than endless hours of being absorbed on a screen. From personal experience, I have found that the more we engage in positive activities to heal and nurture ourselves, the less we become concerned about the opinions of others, or about having to fit in. In this way we can lessen our insecurities. Many highly successful and liberated individuals have advised that true freedom and happiness arise when we are free from the need to impress others, and free from generating or feeding any kind of addiction. This includes addiction to social media. Of course, this is much easier said than done. I know from personal experience with social media, that it is very difficult to break old habitual patterns, and addictive behaviors. However, the first step towards change starts with awareness of these tendencies and the conscious and dedicated efforts towards change for better. If we do not shift from countless hours of staring at images on screens, we can be missing out a whole lot on the awareness and deeply rich experiences that life can offer. Friday, April 16, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 25 A RESPONSE TO “THE ALEXANDER FRANKSON AFFAIR IN 1953”

George Price was acquitted. When these two men came out of prison, they became active within the PUP. The issue for the party was whether to join the West Indian Federation. Philip Goldson and Leigh Richardson, the leader of the party, were in favor of joining the West Indian Federation, but George Price was against it. This issue led to the breaking up of the PUP in 1956. A convention was held, and George Price became the leader of the PUP. Goldson, Richardson and others formed a new political party by the name of Honduran Independence Party (HIP). This party did not last by Wellington C. Ramos for too long. On July the 1st 1958 another party was formed by some In the extract that you posted in members of HIP by the name of your newspaper dated April 14, National Independence Party (NIP) 2021 that came from the book, The and Herbert Fuller became the first Birth of The Nationalist Movement, leader. When he left the leadership, page 217, the writer mentioned Philip Goldson became the leader nothing about whether Great Britain until the party merged with the exercised her authority when this current United Democratic Party appointment was made, since Belize (UDP) in 1973. The first leader of was a colony of hers at the time. the party was Dean Lindo, the uncle During that time the British and the of Belize’s former three-term prime Governor had the power to appoint minister, Hon. Dean Barrow. Dean a person from another Lindo stepped down as leader of Commonwealth country, which was the UDP in 1979, after he lost his always done. It seems as if the PUP/ seat to the PUP candidate Said GWU opposed the appointment of Musa in the Fort George Division. the Jamaican national, not because His party was defeated badly in that they were against the individual and General Election by a margin of 13 the appointment, but because they PUP seats to 5 UDP seats out of 18. were tired of the British exercising Dr. Theodore Aranda then became their colonial control over their the leader of the party, and he also country. stepped down due to some The writer did not state why the misunderstanding with his party People’s United Party (PUP) was colleagues in 1982. A convention against the West Indian Federation was later held, and Manuel that was proposed by Great Britain, Esquivel won and became the and the reasons must be told to the leader of the United Democratic younger generations of Belizeans. Party (UDP). The GWU stated the reasons why Dr. Aranda went on to form his they opposed joining the West own political party by the name of Indian Federation, which were the Christian Democratic Party Belizean nationalism and the fear (CDP). He was a candidate for his that people migrating from the West party in Dangriga in the General Indies to Belize would take away Election of 1984. He was defeated the jobs of their members. Based by the PUP candidate Simeon on what was written by the writer, Sampson, along with Independent one might come to the conclusion candidate Alan Arthurs, a former that the PUP and GWU were taking PUP minister and UDP candidate the same position. On the record, Norris Anderson. In the elections from my research that was done, of 1984, the UDP defeated the PUP many members of the GWU were in a landslide by a margin of 21 to members of the PUP, and some of 7. In 1989 Dr. Aranda ran as a PUP them later became elected candidate from Dangriga for the representatives of the party. The PUP and won. He was made Billboard was the newspaper for Minister of Health. The UDP the National Independence Party became the first opposition party to (NIP), which was managed by the defeat the PUP and become the late Philip Goldson, a former government of Belize in our member of the People’s United country’s history. This party is now Party (PUP). He and several others, one of the leading political parties including the British government, in Belize. They were recently accused George Price and his defeated in the general election that People’s United Party (PUP) of was held last year by a landslide selling Belize to Guatemala. margin of 26 to 5 seats after being In 1951 Philip Goldson, Leigh in office for three consecutive Richardson and George Price were terms. I would like to hear from placed on trial for sedition due to Assad Shoman and others, what their political activities against the was negotiated for Belize to British government. Philip Goldson become independent. This is and Leigh Richardson were information that is of extreme convicted and sent to prison, but importance to all of our citizens. Page 26 AMANDALABelize Friday, April 16, 2021 Friday, April 16, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 27

Memphis signs Belize International Michael Salazar Forward has notched 20 goals in professional career, including stint with Major League Soccer’s Dynamo.

Club de Foot Montréal in appeared in the Concacaf Gold Cup, Salazar played for Orange County SC the 2016 Major League 2016 Copa Centroamericana, the U-23 of USL League Two in 2014 and Soccer SuperDraft. CONCACAF Nations League and PSA Elite of the USASA in 2015. With Salazar spent two years international friendlies. PSA Elite, Salazar was named in Canada, playing for “We’re thrilled to have Michael join TheCup.us Lower Division Player of Montreal as well as on us for the 2021 season,” said 901 FC the Tournament for his efforts during loan in the USL Sporting Director Tim Howard. “He the 2015 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Championship for both is a highly talented and experienced which included leading PSA Elite to FC Montréal and Ottawa international striker and another the fourth round of the tournament and Fury FC. With Montréal, quality addition to our dynamic scoring three goals in four games the forward appeared in attacking group.” including one to open the scoring 36 matches and recorded Born in New York City, Salazar against the LA Galaxy. six goals and two assists spent the majority of his childhood With Memphis 901 FC, Salazar’s in all competitions. living with his parents in their native experience with his 35 USL Following a knee Belize before moving to Moreno Championship appearances will be injury that sidelined him Valley, Calif. to finish high school. key as he lines up with Kyle Murphy for eight months, Salazar Salazar played collegiate soccer first and Roland Lamah in a developing by USLChampionship.com Staff signed with the Championship’s Rio for Cal Baptist where he led the attacking unit in Memphis. Grande Valley FC in 2019. With the Lancers to a 2011 PacWest MEMPHIS, Tenn., Mon. Apr. 12, Toros, Salazar scored 10 goals in 24 Conference championship and back- (AMANDALA Sports Ed. Note: 2021 appearances and set a club record to-back National Christian College Congrats, Mike! Due to Covid-19 Memphis 901 FC announced on with eight goals in his first season in Athletic Association Division I related restrictions from his Monday it had signed Belizean Edinburg. In June 2019, Salazar was national championship victories. After professional club in the USA at the international Michael Salazar, pending signed by Major League Soccer’s being named to the All-PacWest time, Salazar, though selected, was league and federation approval. The Houston Dynamo FC, where he would Second Team and deemed PacWest unable to join the Belize National 28-year-old forward arrives in go on to make 11 appearances. Freshman of the Year in 2011, Salazar Team for our two recent FIFA World Memphis with experience both in In addition to his time in the transferred to UC Riverside in 2013. Cup 2022 Qatar Qualifiers against Major League Soccer and on the Championship and MLS, Salazar has At UCR, Salazar was named to the Haiti and Turks & Caicos Islands on international level. recorded one goal in 14 appearances All-Big West First Team twice during March 25 and March 30, respectively. Salazar’s professional career began for the Belize national team. During his two years in Riverside. In addition Thanks to Ian Gray for sharing the when he was selected 24th overall by his time with the Jaguars, Salazar has to playing with the Highlanders, above article with us.) Belize football hopes and dreams March 2021

Our Belize football national teams can only give us false hopes and dreams until we change the entire system of football in Belize.

by Wellington C. Ramos, there. prominent national players are: Anthony evenings, and many times, we had more former Inter-District National When I was growing up in Dangriga, “Garrincha” Adderly, Philip “Buck” people watching our games than the Football Player every section of the town had their own Palacio (deceased), Roy “Brazilian” Stann Creek District Competitions football team, and there were ongoing Velasquez and Nolbert Moss. football games that were held on Tues. Mar. 30, 2021 competitions among ourselves. The The first time we had a coach in our Sundays. Mr. Ramos used to write the I am a football player who was born Wyhima Boys from Burial Ground area lives was when we attended Sacred games on the News Board he had in and raised in Dangriga town. I come were our biggest rivals, and we had Heart School and Roy “Pele” Ellis front of the Dangriga Police Station. from an area called Logan Field which regular tournaments against each other. became our first coach. In our first two He prepared the field, hired referees, is situated right in front of my family We were self-sponsored, had no years with Sacred Heart School, we solicited for trophies, and did home in the heart of Dangriga. This area uniforms, boots, sometimes balls to won the Dangriga Primary School everything by himself. I heard some produced several great football players play with, no sponsorships and no Competition championship two years people saying, look at “Kiwi” with his for Dangriga selections and the Belize coach. In addition to playing for our consecutively. I also played football “One Man Football Committee.” When National Teams. In the 1960s the community teams, some of us were with Garrincha and Brazilian for Austin the stadium was built in Dangriga, they government made a bad decision when selected also to play for our primary High School before I left. decided to name it after him. I left they constructed a reservoir on the field. school and high school teams. I played In my honest opinion, Carl Ramos Dangriga many years ago so I was not Since then, football is no longer played with several players, but the four most contributed significantly to the growth there when it happened. I congratulate of football when he founded the all those individuals who made this Dangriga Primary School Competition wise decision, to name the stadium after (DPC). This competition was open to Mr. Carl Ramos, because he earned that all the primary schools in Stann Creek respect and deserves this honor. Not District, but only Holy Angels Primary only was he involved in primary school School and Saint Matthews Primary football, but with the adult football School participated in the competition. competition as well. The three most famous players from the I am giving all this history because valley who attended Saint Matthews in my honest opinion, these were the were: Wayne “Hogman” Olivera, things that contributed to Belize having Rudolph “Peru” Olivera (two brothers) talented, skilled and experienced and Dean “Sarge” Lewis. They all went football players in Belize up until the on to become national players in the mid-1980s. Over the years in Belize, Inter-District competitions and in they have gotten rid of regular Primary Dangriga and Belize City competitions. Our games were played on Thursday Please turn to„Page 28 Page 28 AMANDALABelize Friday, April 16, 2021 UNFPA calls for “Bodily Autonomy”

report is, “My body is my in which people are stripped daily of people are empowered to make their own: claiming the rights to their bodily autonomy through own informed choices about their autonomy and self- arranged marriages, violent acts bodies and their futures. A different determination,” and this is the against people of various sexual path starts with rights and leads to UN’s first report dedicated to orientations, prostitution, illegal sex choices, allowing people to care for bodily autonomy. The virtual trafficking and more. During her and live their lives as they see fit. release, which took place on presentation, Ferrero also mentioned Realizing autonomy well help us Wednesday, April 14, focused the importance of body autonomy, not realize a world of greater justice and on people’s “power to say just for women, but for the world at women’s well-being, which benefits yes, the right to say no, and large: us all.” shows how efforts to address “A woman who is in control of her The UNFPA had been collecting abuse can lead to reduced body is more likely to be empowered data for this topic since 2019, and in violation of bodily autonomy in other spheres of her life. She gains February of 2020 they published the at a global level.”. not only in terms of autonomy, but also first analysis of that data. Between The panel of speakers through advances in health and the drafting of the report and its included Alfonso Barragues, education and common safety. She is presentation on Wednesday, the the Deputy Director of the more likely to thrive, and so is her UNFPA Geneva had collected UNFPA, Geneva; and Monica family. When we see these benefits information from seventy-five by Kory Leslie (freelance writer) Ferro, the Director of UNFPA, across whole societies, we countries, which they feel gives them Geneva. Ferro opened the understand that communities and a clear enough depiction of bodily GENEVA, Switzerland, Wed. Apr. 14, presentations by citing the experiences countries will flourish when all autonomy right violations globally. 2021 of women and girls in various This week the United Nations countries of the world who do not Population Fund (UNFPA) announced have the power to make decisions Belize football hopes the regional virtual release of their regarding marriage, the use of annual State of World Population contraceptives, abortion etc. The Report 2021. The theme of this year’s presentation also highlighted the ways and dreams March 2021

Continued from Page 27 select players on any team based on „ favoritism, but by his or her School, High School and Inter-District performance only. All players must Football competitions, and this is why meet the standards we set before he or the quality of football play and players she can qualify to be on all of our has diminished in our country. The national teams. I have experienced Several Sites Pause J & J Vaccine Belize Football League has and is favoritism in Belize football, and I spending millions of dollars to improve know how painful it feels. After Adverse Reactions the quality of play and players, and it The worse feeling for any national has not happened. player, is to be rejected from his by Brenda Goodman, MA evaluated at a hospital and released, The question that we must all ask country’s national team and to see his and the others were monitored at the ourselves is: Why, when we had less team lose because he or she was not April 12, 2021 — Several vaccine site and sent home. money and resources invested in given the opportunity to help his sites across the U.S. paused “We are looking into what happened football, we produced better football country’s team win. I believe that, if administration of the Johnson & and what may have caused the players, and they were playing better our people and government come Johnson COVID-19 vaccine last week reactions, including the conditions at football? I know, love, played, coached together and demand these things after adverse reactions were reported. the fairgrounds such as heat and the and have a deep passion for this sport. from the Belize Football League, we The CDC evaluated the incidents in ability to keep the site cool,” Toomey Plus, I lived, played and coached will have a better chance of reaching Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, and North said. football while I was in the US Army in the World Cup within ten years. Many Carolina, and found reports of Some of the reactions, such as Germany. I found out why they have years have gone by without these dizziness, light headedness, and rapid nausea and dizziness, were consistent won several World Cups, and that is needed items in our system. If not, breathing, Kristen Nordlund, a CDC with common reactions associated because they have a system to develop we can just keep on dreaming and spokeswoman, told the Associated with any vaccine, the Georgia players from childhood to adulthood hoping, but our dreams will not come Press. Department of Public Health said in in all their schools up to the college true. I prefer winning over dreaming The CDC investigated the vaccine the news release. However, due to the and university level. They also have because when you win, everybody is lots and said it had found no reason for number of people affected, Johnson & two leagues, one like our Inter-District happy; but when you lose, everybody concern. Federal health officials said Johnson shots were paused for League and the other a Professional is angry. it was safe to resume administration of evaluation. League. All the things I discussed help the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, the In Colorado on Wednesday, 11 to sustain their football system. [AMANDALA Sports Ed. Note: We AP reported. people reported adverse reactions Belize needs to establish Children apologize for the late publication of the On Saturday, North Carolina and after a Johnson & Johnson shot. Two Tournaments, Primary School, High above article, which was sent to our Iowa both resumed J & J vaccinations people were taken to a hospital. School, Inter-District, College, sports desk on the same day that Belize after temporarily suspending them last Centura Health of Colorado late University and Professional Football played Turks and Caicos Islands in the week when several people had announced it is no longer offering the Competitions. Then set up a system to Dominican Republic in the second of immediate reactions. In North Johnson & Johnson vaccine, citing monitor the training, development and our FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar Carolina, multiple people reportedly both national shortages and adverse selection of players to build a National Qualifiers. Belize had lost 2-0 to Haiti fainted after receiving the vaccine at reactions by 11 recipients. Centura Youth Football team with 16-year-old on March 25, and won 5-0 over Turks sites near Raleigh and Chapel Hill. At emphasized in it’s statement Friday boys and girls. Every four years we and Caicos; but our next opponent in least 26 people experienced adverse that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine have a World Cup competition. These June, Nicaragua had already defeated reactions, and four were taken to “remains both extremely safe and players will be our future International Turks and Caicos by a 7-0 score. hospitals for further examination. effective.” The company also says it Olympic and World Cup players, so The “Belize Football League” “There is no reason to believe there will continue to use the J & J vaccine we must prepare them from they are mentioned in the sixth and tenth is anything wrong with the vaccine in its physician clinics. young. Once our national teams are paragraph above is likely referring to itself, and other individuals who have Centura Health president and CEO, established, we must always monitor the Football Federation of Belize received the J&J vaccine should not Peter D. Banko said in a statement, the selected players’ performances. (FFB). be concerned,” Kathleen Toomey, MD, “Throughout the pandemic, we have If they are not performing to our The gentleman referred to as commissioner of the Georgia remained flexible and nimble, always standards, they must be replaced by a “Nolbert Moss” in the second Department of Public Health, said in a ready to adapt our processes and player from the 16+ yrs. pool. We paragraph above, now goes by the news release on Friday. systems rooted in our commitment to should not keep any player on our name of Idemuei Moss, the former Georgia health officials paused the ‘Safety First, People Always.”’ National Team who is not performing Competitions Director and Club Johnson & Johnson vaccine after eight WebMD Health News Brief to our national standards. Selection and Licensing Manager of the FFB, and people had reactions at the Cumming Retention are the two biggest problems currently the Executive Secretary of the Fairgrounds, which is about 40 miles This article was first published by we historically have with our national newly formed Belize Football Players northeast of Atlanta. One person was www.webmd.com teams in most sports. We must never Association (BFPA).] Friday, April 16, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 29 Port of Magical Belize sparks Oceana’s concern

by Dayne Guy in question grants the Portico BELIZE CITY, Belize. Wed. Apr 14, Enterprise Ltd. 2021. permission to Numerous cruise port projects construct and being proposed to the Government of operate the Port of Belize have been raising Oceana’s Magical Belize -- a concerns due to the possible threats cruise ship port and that these projects pose to day resort environmental safety and development. sustainability. An online leak of a Oceana says its government document granting position is based on permission for the construction of a scientific cruise port approximately three miles principles. The south of the mouth of the Sibun River area off the coast of in the Belize District caused Oceana the Belize District to break its silence. is a high retention zone (a region The new port site development The Manatee Man, Jamal Galvez, Oceana’s concern stemmed from a where there is limited exchange project will involve a proposed also commented on the situation. He letter dated April 9, 2021, that was between currents and surrounding mangrove clearing along the coast. said, “If the ecosystem dies, the signed by the Chief Environmental waters), and according to an Oceana Oceana highlights that mangroves are economy dies.” Such a massive Officer, Martin Alegria, and was release, “The proposed scale of of great importance, especially at this development will surely have addressed to Portico Enterprise Ltd. dredging from even one project is a time when there is a battle with repercussions, he said. Galvez noted (Port of Magical Belize). The letter significant cause for concern.” climate change. that studies have shown a direct correlation between tourism and manatee deaths. Those who are allowing such developments to take place “are pushing the manatee to the brink of extinction,” he said. “We need to reassess and really evaluate the purpose of these organizations that are approving these things and ensure that they are doing what they are to do, because the Department of Environment and all these agencies are there to safeguard Belize’s environment,” said Galvez. The proposed development of a port will definitely affect the passage of manatees, megafaunas and other species that frequently traffic the area. The Manatee Man of Belize calls for development to be done in a more sustainable manner. Despite the public concern, and the issues raised by Oceana, the Government of Belize has not issued an official press release on the matter to date; however, the Chief Environmental Officer, Martin Alegria, spoke about the matter today in an interview with Channel 5’s newsroom. Alegria says that these environmental concerns had already been accounted for in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The Chief Environmental Officer said that the acceptance of the proposal was a lengthy process. “It was February they submitted a proposal, a concept. By the ending of February an EIA was requested of them and in March/April, we developed the terms of reference for the EIA and since then, March/April of 2019, they started developing the document via their EIA preparers”, he said. The Portico Enterprise Ltd. had provided their first draft with the required EIA in January 2020. This submission followed a review by the National Environmental Assessment Committee (NEAC). There was a series of document exchanges and correspondence between the prospective port owners and the NEAC as the NEAC consistently requested supplementary information Please turn to„Page 31 Page 30 AMANDALABelize Friday, April 16, 2021 Corona Reef belongs to Belize, says Brackett and Maheia

by Dayne Guy said that the press release Guatemala at that time when this Honduras, as long as they insinuates that a portion of the reef area was declared a marine understand and acknowledge that the CORONA REEF, Toledo District. belongs to Guatemala, while that is reserve. I understand that reef is a part of Belize’s territory. Wed. Apr.14, 2021 far from the reality. Guatemala has also declared a part The Ministry of Foreign Affairs The Corona Reef serves as the Brackett says we should not of their waters as a marine reserve.” noted that the area straddles the most under-represented habitat in tolerate the dissemination of any Maheia said, “I think the maritime borders of both states and the marine protected areas system information that suggests that government have a responsibility to that the permission request was of Belize. It was recently included Guatemala owns any sections of the educate the public about where the mutual. Both Guatemalan and in the Sapodilla Cayes Marine reef. He said, “We shouldn’t be Corona Reef is exactly.” Belizean stakeholders sought Reserve and serves as an important appeasing Guatemala by going into The Minister of the Blue permission from involved entities. outlet for fish-spawning aggregation getting any agreement so that we Economy, Hon. Andre Perez, Geovanni said that he is unsure (FSA). Last week, the Toledo don’t have any trouble with responded by saying that the focus if that is indeed the situation. He Institution for Development and Guatemalan authorities. What kind should be guided towards how to said, “I know that the Corona Reef Environment (TIDE), issued a press of legal implication will that have better protect the marine area, which is close by the border area. We have release stating the collaborative at the ICJ at The Hague? And so it requires research and cooperation a border with Guatemala up the efforts between Belize and is for that reason that I lobbied, I between two neighboring countries. Sarstoon River. I don’t know if the Guatemalan researchers at the try to get the peace movement, and While bilateral agreements are Corona Reef is like that. My Corona Reef, also known as they have to convene meetings.” important, Wil Maheia of the Belize knowledge of the Corona Reef is Cayman’s Crown. Maheia supports Brackett’s Territorial Volunteers believes that that it is inside Belize. There is a The wording of the release drew statement, and he himself remarked, national and border security is of chance that the reef extends into the ire of local activists Geovanni “Precedence was set when the area paramount importance. Maheia said Guatemala, but I know the Brackett and Wil Maheia (of the was declared a marine reserve, and he has no objections to collaborative documents that I have seen show Belize Territorial Volunteers), who there was no objection from efforts with Guatemala and that the reef is in Belize.”

BNTU members agree to industrial action (From page 1)

BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Apr. 15, 2021 The leadership of the Belize National Teachers Union is currently engaged in emergency meetings in order to prepare its union for the days ahead. Reports are that in a membership poll, 90% of the BNTU’s members voted for industrial action, and as a result the union is now gearing up for demonstrations and a one-day boycott of gas stations. Last week we reported that the BNTU’s National President, Senator Elena Smith, informed the union’s members of the Government’s final decision. They were awaiting a response from the members and have since received their mandate. Reports are that the union plans to walk out of classrooms near the end of the month. Prior to that scheduled walkout, a motorcade- style demonstration will be staged on April 19. The Ministry of the Public Service sent out a letter to the unions with an outline of its proposed tiered salary reduction plan — with the size of the salary cut varying according to the amount earned by various groups of public workers, and it is asking the unions to give their response by Tuesday, April 20. At this time, about 6,000 teachers are paid by the Government of Belize. Friday, April 16, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 31 Professor Sir Hilary Beckles calls on the OAS for coordinated investment in the Caribbean.

The UWI Regional Headquarters to speak on The UWI’s support in the Caribbean what it deserves and what Caribbean people are a special Jamaica. Thursday, April 15, 2021. region in response to the COVID-19 it has a right to—which is an economic concern for us,” His Excellency Luis — Vice-Chancellor of The University pandemic, during this first of a virtual leg up at a moment of growing Almagro responded. In agreement of the West Indies, Professor Hilary series entitled, “A Chat with the despair.” with Sir Hilary’s call for justice and Beckles has called on the Organization OAS”. In outlining the Caribbean’s current ethical relationships in qualifying of American States (OAS) for He noted the regional University’s extreme vulnerability, Sir Hilary support for the Caribbean, His coordinated, organized global responsibility as a public and ethical stressed the need for discussion and Excellency added, “It is not only that investment in the Caribbean. institution to serve the people of the strategy development “for a special you are paying the consequences of Speaking during an open dialogue Caribbean, particularly during carve-out to get to global colonisation, it was a very special with Secretary General of the OAS, moments of great difficulty. However, competitiveness.” Professor Beckles colonization…I don’t feel that we can His Excellency Luis Almagro on April he observed, “When we look at the pointed out that the region is classified complete the process for 14, 2021, which marked the Caribbean within the context of the as a middle income part of the world, independence (in the Caribbean) observance of Pan American Day, Sir hemisphere, examining our specific and doesn’t benefit from the relevant without reparation. Definitely there is Hilary stated that despite the fact that issues, we see that we are faced with financial support that less developed a responsibility for all of this and the Caribbean has always stood on its some major challenges, most of which countries are entitled to because of the every country should assume its own feet, a combination of events are not of our making. Most of them GDP per capita measurement of responsibility.” including public health, chronic originated in history and we are living development. Instead, he asked the Speaking more broadly on the diseases and climate change has through the legacies of these issues.” Secretary General for his insight on OAS’ current agenda, he said, “Our devastated the region in the last 10- He affirmed, “The Caribbean has policies and considerations for a main recommendations include a call 15 years. given a great deal to this hemisphere ‘vulnerability index’ to accommodate to the world’s most developed Professor Sir Hilary Beckles was and the world and it is now time for for the Caribbean. countries for debt relief for the region invited by Secretary General Almagro this to be reciprocated to give ”The permanent vulnerabilities of through grants and low cost loans; increased resources from Inter- American organizations to assist with extraordinary commitments and related political expenses, financial support to transform to digital economies and develop a resilient infrastructure facility to exploit the blue economy; funding for strategic regional maritime space security as well as institutional capacity and strengthening under the CARICOM regional security management framework and establishment of a Caribbean recovery fund for rapid response in the case of natural disasters and proactive planning to minimize damage.” The Secretary General added, that the work related to reparatory justice should be included and would be taken into special consideration.

-END- Port of Magical Belize sparks Oceana’s concern

Continued from „Page 29 and addressed key areas of concern. “The membership met on February 2 and at that meeting, which was the fourth NEAC meeting, that is when the decision was made to approve the EIA report with the supplemental info based on certain conditions that the NEAC either clarified, imposed or negotiated with the developer/ investor”, said Alegria. Oceana calls on the people of Belize to maintain awareness and demand meaningful engagement on development proposals. Not all developments are for the greater good of the country and environment. Oceana’s vice president, Janelle Chanona, said, “Taking the cautious approach will ensure that we are able to weigh the costs and benefits of our decisions. To do less than safeguard the very ecosystems and biodiversity that cruise visitors want to enjoy would be shortsighted and, in the end, economically detrimental to all Belizeans.” Page 32 AMANDALABelize Friday, April 16, 2021 CARICOM voting for Front-of-Package Labeling

by Kory Leslie (freelance writer) Healthy Caribbean Coalition (HCC) a press release highlighting their The voting will apparently be launched their virtual discussion to progress in the undertaking, as ongoing until May 31, 2021 and all BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Wed. promote the use of octagonal front- CARICOM members states are in the advocates in favor of the adoption of Apr. 14, 2021 of-package labelling of pre-packaged process of voting for Regional the food labeling are urging leaders Last week, the Pan American foods among CARICOM member Standard Practices for the pre- to “move quickly to approve and Health Organization (PAHO) and the states. On Wednesday, PAHO issued packaged labels. implement effective front-of-package warning labels to help Caribbean people make healthier dietary choices the easier choice.” This was the basis of the HCC’s virtual discussion held on April 7, which had some 400 participants. The webinar also highlighted the evidence surrounding the use of warning labels on packaged food. “During the webinar, presenters highlighted that there is incontrovertible scientific evidence, including a randomized controlled trial conducted in Jamaica, showing that octagonal warning labels are the best performing system to allow consumers to correctly, quickly and easily identify products with an excessive amount of the critical nutrients implicated in the development of non-communicable diseases (NCDs),” a press release stated. Dr. Anselm Hennis, Director of PAHO’s Department of NCDs and Mental Health, said that we must make nutrition information more available and accessible to consumers who have the ‘right to know’, through effective front-of- package warning labelling. “Shoppers spend only a few seconds selecting an item, too little time to find out whether the product is good for their health or contributes to high blood pressure, high blood sugar, overweight and obesity; three conditions responsible for almost half of all deaths in the Caribbean,” he stated. The discussions at the webinar also addressed COVID-19 and its role in exacerbating the vulnerability of those living with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and the HCC’s continued advocacy of the octagonal labels as being in the best interest of Caribbean people. AMANDALA is cream Visit us at www.amandala.com.bz Friday, April 16, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 33 COVID-19 update (From page 1) BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Apr. 15. 2021 place, with the curfew period from Over the past two days, The Ministry Sunday to Thursday continuing to of Health and Wellness has recorded extend from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., daily positivity rates above 1.00 for while on Fridays and Saturdays, the the first time in several weeks. Of note, curfew period has been shortened and this slight increase in cases is occurring now extends from midnight to 5:00 a.m. just a little over a week after the Easter Casinos have been reopened as well. holiday. The increased travel and Persons in some quarters are now social activity had been expected to calling for the reopening of sporting result in an increased number of new activities after more than a year of infections. restrictions on contact sports. The inoculation program, however, Since the start of the pandemic in is still in full effect. During an interview Belize, a total of 12,529 confirmed this past week, Minister of Health and cases of COVID-19 have been Wellness Hon. Michel Chebat told identified. Of that number, a total of local media that at least 7% of our 12,141 persons have recovered. To population has been vaccinated to date. date, a total of 60 cases remain active. That number continues to increase each A total of 318 persons have passed day, as more persons who were away as a result of Covid-19 in Belize. designated as eligible to receive the On April 15, the data revealed a total vaccine during the three opened phases of 7 new cases from a batch of 1059 continue to get immunized. tests conducted. One person was investigation. Three persons were a Covid-19 tsunami in the country. The Ministry of Health and Wellness marked as recovered, and on that day hospitalized, none of whom were in Globally, the USA, India, Brazil, is calling all persons who qualify to no additional deaths due to the virus need of intensive care. No new death France, and the Russian Federation are reach out to authorized centers to begin were recorded. A total of two was recorded. the top five countries in terms of the their immunization process. hospitalizations were also recorded on On Tuesday, April 13, a total of 10 number of confirmed cases of Recent data released by the Ministry that day. new infections were found in a batch infections. of Health and Wellness shows that a On Wednesday, April 14, the teams of 906 tests processed — a positivity On the vaccine front, a recent study total of 29,939 persons have been from the Ministry of Health and rate of 1.11%. Three recoveries were from Oxford University, one of the vaccinated since the start of the Wellness recorded a total of 749 tests, recorded and a total of 103 cases of partners in the creation of the Oxford/ campaign. which resulted in the confirmation of possible infection were under AstraZeneca vaccine, found that the New Covid-19 regulations were 9 new cases — a daily positivity rate investigation. No new death was percentage of people who receive signed into law by Minister Chebat on of 1.20. Three recoveries were recorded and no persons were admitted blood clots after being administered Tuesday. The curfew will remain in recorded and 116 cases were under to an intensive care unit on that day. their vaccine is roughly equal to the Three persons were hospitalized. percentage of persons who develop The Covid-19 virus continues to lay blood clots after receiving the Pfizer siege on the countries of the world. In or Moderna vaccine. Belize supports St. Vincent Brazil, the third most impacted country “According to the study, 4 in 1 globally, officials have started to million people experience cerebral record a number of Covid-19-related venous thrombosis and the Grenadines deaths of babies and young children, after getting the Pfizer or Moderna the most vulnerable being black vaccine, versus 5 in 1 million people children. for the In India, a second deadly wave is AstraZeneca vaccine,” Yahoo taking the trending upward, as that News reports. country records above 150,000 cases Globally, since the start of the a day. Recently, that country opted to pandemic, a total of 137,866,311 reopen workplaces, malls, and confirmed cases of COVID-19 have transportation fully to the public. been identified. Of that number, Weddings, festivals, and election 2,965,707 deaths have been reported rallies have also been taking place, to WHO. A total of 734,121,870 causing widespread infection. The vaccine doses have been administered result is currently being described as worldwide.

by Kory Leslie (freelance writer) days”. The statement goes on to invite Vincentians who have been displaced DIGI outlet robbed BELIZE CITY, Tues. Apr. 13, 2021 and have ties to Belize via family or As previously reported, St. Vincent friends to seek refuge here, with the BELIZE CITY, Wed. and the Grenadines has been reminder that they would have to Apr. 14, 2021 devastated by the eruption of the La follow COVID-19 protocols while The DIGI outlet Soufriere volcano, which had been doing so. located on the dormant since 1979, until a series of According to the GOB, they are in compound of the new volcanic eruptions began on Friday, communication with the government Mirab department April 9, 2020. The eruptions resulted of St. Vincent and the Grenadines via store was robbed on in 16,000 residents of the island being NEMO. Tuesday evening of evacuated on cruise ships, while “Close communication and an undisclosed 3,500 had to be relocated to shelters. coordination on the situation in St. amount of cash. In light of the huge calamity that has Vincent and the Grenadines will Reports are that beset the island, the Government of continue between Belize’s National two men dressed in Belize has pledged a US$50,000 Emergency Management Digi uniforms gained contribution to St. Vincent to be Organization (NEMO) and the access to the building, and the Interestingly, the robbers are said utilized for their relief efforts. Caribbean Disaster Emergency security guard on duty was deceived to have arrived in a taxi, and left, The government notified the public Management Agency (CDEMA) into thinking that they were making good their escape, in the same of its pledge to support its sister during this emergency. Belize stands employees. He led them to the store vehicle. CARICOM nation in a press release in full solidarity with St. Vincent and manager’s office, where one of the According to the public relations dated April 13, 2021. The release the Grenadines during these dual men then pulled out his gun. officer of DIGI, Steven Yarwood, indicates that La Soufriere is still crises presented by disaster response Reports are that the men stole a there were no major injuries during exhibiting “explosive events with and the consequential socio- transparent bag with money in it and the robbery, but the employees significant venting of ash that are economic effects of the COVID-19 fled the scene. Two employees were present at the time of the incident are likely to continue over the next few pandemic,” stated the GOB release. present during the time of the robbery. still a bit shaken up. Page 34 AMANDALABelize Friday, April 16, 2021

Men and Women Differ on Masks During, After COVID-19: Survey

by Damian McNamara Another 176 respondents said they For example, 38% of women and 55 and older. would wear a mask as long as their 27% of men planned to wear a mask The only significant difference More women than men plan to wear workplace or school requires it, during the traditional cold and flu season. among all age groups was people who a mask due to COVID-19 as long as including 8% of women and 10% of Also, 54% of women vs. 40% of indicated they “do not wear a mask” in public health experts like those at the men. men plan to wear a mask “when ill.” A response to the first question about how CDC recommend it, according to a Another 166 people chose “other” slightly lower percentage said they long they plan to wear such protection survey conducted by WebMD. when asked how long they would wear would wear a mask when others are because of COVID-19. The breakdown They survey shows that 73% of a mask due to COVID-19, including ill, 52% of women and 37% of men. was 11% of those under 35, 9% of those women will keep wearing masks “while 7% of women and 6% of men. Furthermore, 47% of women and between 35 and 54, and 4% of the oldest recommended by public health experts,” Respondents had the option to 37% of men plan to wear a mask in age group. compared with 63% of men. explain this choice. Comments included crowded public places. Asked Those who said they never plan to In contrast, 126 people said they “do “forever,” “long term,” and “for the rest specifically about public wear a mask outside the COVID-19 not wear a mask,” including 6% of of my entire life. Not joking either.” transportation, 34% of women and 26% pandemic included 22% of the women and 11% of men. Other explanations included “until I feel of men plan to put on a mask. youngest group, 25% of those 35 to 54 Their answers are included in safe,” “if required in a business that I Interestingly, 17% of women and years old, and 17% of the 55 and older responses from 2,181 adults who enter,” or comments about their 30% of men said they plan to “never” group. participated in all or part of the survey vaccination status. wear a mask apart from the COVID- Older respondents to question 2 between April 1-5, 2021. The margin The survey also asked: “Apart from 19 pandemic. also indicated they plan to take more of error was plus/minus 2.1%. the COVID pandemic, at what other Some of the 8% of women and 7% precautions in crowded locations: Other responses to the question “How times do you plan to wear a mask in of men who chose “other” expanded 50% of the 55-and-older group plan long do you plan to routinely wear a the future?” Unlike the first question, on their answer. “When I feel it’s to wear a mask, compared with 41% mask due to COVID-19?” included until where people could only select one necessary,” “not sure,” and “at the of the middle-age group and 38% of “I’m fully vaccinated.” A total 131 response, this question allowed doctor’s office” were among the the youngest group. respondents chose this answer, including respondents to select all answers that responses. 5% of women and 9% of men. applied. Responses to the two survey WebMD Health News Only nine people indicated they With the exception of “other,” all questions also varied by age. The would wear a mask until they receive answers differed significantly between survey classified age into three groups: The article was first published by the first dose of one of the vaccines. men and women. younger than 35, 35 to 54 years, and www.webmd.com GoB sends unions proposed pay cut plan

Continued from Page 1 year period. A 25% reduction in „ allowances for housing and The letter was sent from the entertainment is also being FOR RENT VACANCY Minister of Public Service, Hon. considered. Henry Charles Usher, to the president The letter also outlines GoB’s FOR RENT: Rooms - all facilities X-Ray Technician. Please apply at of the Public Service Union, Gerald proposal to pass a bill that would paid, single persons only - comes 637-8494. Henry, and it puts forward for ensure that lending institutions extend with bed dresser and wardrobe. Call VACANCY: For a Pharmacist. consideration a tiered pay cut for leniency, as well as waivers, to 625-1807 at 5752 Lizarraga Ave., Call 610-9013 for more information. public officers. public officers with residential Kings Park. NOTICE: If drinking is a problem The letter proposes that public mortgages. Also, government has FOR RENT: A 3-bedroom house and the problem is drinking. There is officers and teachers making between indicated to the PSU that the in Los Lagos. A 4-bedroom house, a solution. A group of us who have $12,000 and $20,000 annually receive proposed reductions will be large living and dining room, recovered from drugs and alcohol are an 8% reduction of their salary, while reviewed each year, and, depending downtown area. Call 631-2920. here to help. Call 633-2849 those making $20,000 to $40,000 a on the performance of the economy, FOR RENT: Three-bedroom year would get a 10% cut and those GoB will consider whether the size unfurnished apartment, fully burglar- public officers making $40,000 or of the salary reductions can be barred, secured parking, secured LIQUOR LICENSE more annually would be subjected to decreased. access, and fully tiled; located in Port a 12% reduction in salary. The Government has given the PSU Loyola Area. Rent $625 monthly, NOTICE Also, as previously reported, until midday on April 15th to respond includes cable TV and water only. increments would be frozen for a three- to the proposed schedule. Tenant to pay own electricity bill. LIQUOR LICENCE NOTICE: Interested call 610-0422 OR 207- Notice is hereby given that Jerardo 7461 OR 602-8004. Samayoa is applying for a Liquor Licence, to be operated at Las Palapas Restaurant, Hummingbird Highway, VACANCY Armenia Village, Cayo District, under the Intoxicating Liquor Licence VACANCY: Exists for a Country Ordinance Revised Edition 2000. Director - applicants must possess a LIQUOR LICENCE NOTICE: Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Notice is hereby given that Orlando Business Administration, be Martinez is applying for Convenience bilingual, possess a clean police Store/Gas Station Liquor Licence, to record, and must be 40 years or older. be operated at Puma Roundabout S/ For further information contact us at S, 2 ½ Miles, George Price Hwy., 223-1931. under the Intoxicating Liquor Licence Wear a mask. Save lives. VACANCY: Job opportunity for Ordinance Revised Edition 2000. Friday, April 16, 2021 AMANDALABelize Page 35 PSU commences industrial action

Continued from Page 1 The release adds that the 80 respected. The unions say that they Tribunal; the removal of the „ million dollars the Government will fight for a better government and privilege of ministerial discretion the Government of Belize. hopes to save during this first year stronger institutions. that has been conferred on The official notice letter was of cuts will “only put a band-aid over The PSU release outlined that the government ministers, and the served to the Minister of Labour, an open hemorrhaging debt wound union believes that the country needs strengthening of the DPP’s office and Hon. Oscar Requena, by the and will do nothing to improve the a government with sharper, more Integrity Commission. bargaining agent for public officers, lives of Belizeans.” incisive thinking and problem- “As a startup, the PSU will now the PSU. The union asserts that the solving skills to get the country out commence its work-to-the-rule The release stated that the dispute Government cannot show the of the debt crisis, not 80 million campaign effective Tuesday, April is a result of the 2021-2022 budget revenue side of the equation, and dollars from public officers for three 13, 2021 until further notice and presentation, in which the Prime how it plans to enhance collection years. calls on all public officers to join Minister, Hon. John Briceño, of revenue, especially from those The PSU is calling for the and support the Union in its fight indicated that his government would persons and businesses who are expedited enactment of the Whistle- against economic injustice and for be proceeding with the proposed known for evading taxes when doing Blowers Act, and the enactment of good governance which is non- 10% reduction of government business in Belize. the Unjust Enrichment legislation, negotiable and imperative,” stated workers’ salaries, despite the firm “At a time when the people need with provisions for asset recovery, the PSU release. and clear objection from the Joint the protection of the Government, as well as a fast-tracking of the The PSU’s work-to-the-rule Unions. the Government is busy cutting ten UNCAC. campaign is the first form of The PSU believes that the percent of the lifeblood of the The PSU also demands respect for industrial action being taken by the Briceño administration made a economy, and promoting disunity and the protocol that should govern unions. Public officers are asked to unilateral decision that will have a hatred via vile and venomous public service recruitment and the carry out only the duties that they are major impact on the economy. political ads paid for by the state, selection manual. They are calling absolutely required to do by law, “In the best interest of the country, against union leaders who are for the implementation of the and in line with their job description at worst, the Government actions defending the mandate of the public financial regulations and — but no more than that. This means should have been geared toward sector,” states the release. enforcement of accountability and that public workers will be taking reducing the wage premium Recently, there were some ads on transparency regulations. all breaks and holidays to which they currently being paid to Ministers, social media that seemingly They are also calling for the are entitled under the law, and CEO’s, redundant contract officers, maligned union leadership for the strengthening of the Freedom of refusing requests for overtime if they rehired-retired contract officers, stance they took in opposition to the Information Act so that the public can so choose. The campaign will run and other senior government proposed salary cuts. The first vice have greater access to relevant for 21 days. officials, including the removing of president of the PSU, Dean Flowers, information. Dean Flowers, 1st Vice President discretionary allowances and called the ads personal, vile and Finally, they are calling for a of the PSU, told local media that the immediately addressing public divisive. He said that the public depoliticization of the Pubic Service Joint Unions will be implementing sector reform. The 80 million should be upset that these ads are Commission and Labour Complaint other types of industrial action. dollars the Government has decided being produced by the state. to wrench from the hands of public “The people voted for a officers will only hurt the economy government for all, but instead they further through adverse effects on got a government only for the Nurses ready for the lives and livelihoods of public ‘talented,’” the release stated. officers, small businesses, and While the PSU have many more in the informal sector acknowledged that they cannot stop industrial action who rely on the spending of public the “unilateral salary cuts”, they say sector workers,” the release that they will continue to resist until Continued from Page 1 urges the government to cease outlined. their positions are heard and „ hiring of non-essential workers and are ready to participate with the the creation of unnecessary other unions in industrial action if positions and stop wastage of the impasse in negotiations is not Government’s funds by ceasing Ivorr Realty awarded $5.6 settled to the satisfaction of public “punitive national transfer of Public officers. Officers that serve no benefit to the In addition to their opposition to people and rather serves only to million by court the proposed salary cuts, the nurses frustrate the experienced and much- also want full and speedy needed officers.” The NAB also demands that Continued from Page 1 was required to compensate her. implementation of the United „ According to reports, the Ministry Nations Convention Against public officers are employed based been slapped with a multimillion- committed to finding another parcel Corruption (UNCAC) in Belize. on their qualifications and not their dollar claim after being sued for of land for Villanueva as The NAB release notes that 99% political affiliation and that laws unlawful acquisition of property by compensation, but that process was of their responding membership are be enacted to enhance the revenue Ivorr Realty. Olivia Villanueva, the never completed. totally against the salary cuts. Also, collection of the Government. daughter-in-law of Love FM’s Rene The lawyer representing the real 94.5% of their members are ready Finally, the union is calling for the Villanueva, reportedly acquired the estate company contracted Talbert for industrial action if the cuts are use of government vehicles to be land just two days before the 2008 Brackett, the new Lands instituted and the UNCAC is not confined only to official purposes. General Election, under the then Commissioner, then a senior land enacted on a fast-track basis. At The release ends by stating,”The PUP Musa administration. valuator, to assess the value of the least 60% support the increment Nurses Association of Belize, thus, The property in question is a property in question. freeze, with up to 80% saying they informs the Government of Belize, 102.5-acre stretch on the east coast He found that the 102.5 acres of would take that cut for up to two the general public and ALL nurses of Turneffe Island Range, with about the island was worth $5.63 million. years. nationwide, that if these points are 3,000 feet of seafront. Chief Justice Arana agreed with his The NAB shared that the not accepted and an all-inclusive The claimant, Ivorr Realty, sued assessment and awarded that sum, Government must seek alternative plan is not established to repair the the government after the then-new plus court costs, to the claimants. The forms of revenue generation before economy of the country, we will be Lands Department, under a newly government of Belize has thus been going after the salaries of public left with no other option but to make elected UDP government, canceled hit with yet another costly court servants. They said that GoB could a stand against the injustice being Villanueva’s land titles for the judgment, and is now required to pay realize savings by cutting perpetrated against public officers 102.5-acre island property. The the sum of the value of the property allowances to Ministers and senior and this country. Successive case has been before the Supreme and the claimant’s court costs. executives, and that it should Governments have only bestowed Court since then, until last month, Minister of Human Resources, instead prioritize the spending of pain and suffering upon this nation when Acting Chief Justice, Hon. Cordel Hyde, told local media government funds on initiatives to through reckless borrowing, Michelle Arana, delivered her that the matter is currently being improve the lives of people and the spending and pillaging of the judgment. reviewed by the Attorney General, judiciary. The association also people’s resources; it stops now.” She ruled that the UDP and they are trying to determine government at the time did whether the government has any unlawfully cancel the titles of the grounds to appeal the enormous AMANDALA is cream! owner’s property, and as a result judgment. Page 36 AMANDALABelize Friday, April 16, 2021