Thursday, December 1, 2011 Capital Weekly Page 1 Capital

FromWeekly the Heart of the Nation to the Soul of the People

No. 013 Thursday, December 1, 2011 Price: $1.00 Early Elections Is PM Barrow Getting Ready to Roll the Dice?

t’s been ru- again our democratic moured for instincts prevent us from Isome time now, calling the election now. that with the chronic I say, we are not going to leadership crisis in the call it now, I never said Opposition PUP and the we will not call it next wave of populist support month, or the month af- Prime Minister Dean Bar- ter, or the month after.” row and his UDP Gov- In addition to ernment appear to be the PM’s public hint, there riding as a result of its were countless corrobo- nationalist stance, the rating reports, allegedly, PM has been contem- from members of Cabi- plating early elections. net and the ‘inner circle’ But the first hint claiming to be privy to the from the PM himself PM’s private thoughts on came just over a month the matter, and they were ago on October 21, 2011 all vouching that, as one in the National Assem- person put it, “the man bly during his wrap up is dead serious about of the debate on the calling this thing early.” Constitutional Amend- If such was the ment placing majority case, the PM clearly had ownership and control (Continued on Page 2) of public utilities in the Prime Minister hands of the Government Meet ‘Santino’ and People of . they were starting with can’t call it now because The PM a thing lately, every time the Belizean people will was responding main- they finish making their feel so sorry for you all, ly to comments by the speech and going on and they will feel like we newly named, yet to about how things are are taking advantage be installed Leader (at bad, they would say, call of you all if we call the that time) of the PUP, the elections now. I notice elections now, because Hon. . you never said “call the you all are in such sham- “Notice one elections now” this time. bles, you all are so hope- thing: you remember And, of course, we less and worthless, that See Story On Page 6 Page 2 Capital Weekly Thursday, December 1, 2011 Early Elections

Editorial Is PM Barrow Getting Ready to Roll the Dice? Belize at the Crossroads Again Continued from Page 1 thinking now is to ‘whap no intention of throw- them’ first at the municipal elections, and then ‘whap ver the past few weeks, the Belizean electorate ing at once all his cards has been deeply engaged in political debate. on the table, and at his them’ again in the Gen- This mood has been fuelled by the upcoming next grand public appear- eral Elections thereafter.” O ance, his quarterly Press Not as forthright March Municipal Elections, the conventions in certain key constituencies; and then by the big story that Prime Minister Conference on Wednes- a reply as the question Dean Barrow may be inclined to call early general elections. day, November 2, at the asked, but it did ap- Is it possible that the Opposition PUP could Biltmore Plaza Hotel, he pear to ease the anxiety defeat the incumbent UDP in snap general elections? A attempted, it seemed, somewhat. At least un- significant majority of Belizean voters seem to believe to calm the anxiety over til the PM’s subsequent that the UDP has a distinct advantage for several reasons. appearance at a major The main reason is that the PUP is still not unified. the rampant rumours Secondly, while there have been minor scandals in the UDP, of early elections with public event, that event these are minute as compared to those in the past PUP the following remarks being an economic fo- Government. Thirdly, the UDP has tried to implement social in response to a pointed rum at Old Belize titled, programs geared at the poor. This is seen as noble since the question from a local ‘Turning the Corner’. economic climate is not as good as we would want it to be. journalist as to whether This time the PM In 1993, when the PUP called early general the rumour was fact: was responding to a ques- elections, the UDP managed to wrestle victory “I’m not going to tion about whether Belize away from the PUP by a slim majority. The PUP play that game, although, Telemedia, now owned by was confident that it had a clear majority support. had just defeated Owen Morrison in a there seems to be a very the Government, will any by-election in the Freetown Division in February of that tempting invitation from time soon be offering what year. That seat was left vacant by Derek Aikman’s ouster the other side. When they is known as, Voice Over due to a bankruptcy declaration. The party also won the went to the House for the Internet Protocol (VOIP) City Council Election in landslide fashion one month later. Ninth Amendment, they services, something that, The PUP had momentum; and the UDP was did not issue forth their admittedly, the UDP also divided at that time. But when the votes were all usual call for elections. had expressly pledged in in and it came down to the counting, it was the most But I see, since then, Mr. its 2008 manifesto, and tense moment for both political parties, especially the Continued on Page 19 PUP which had entered the election in an overconfident Fonseca’s enthronement mode. It was down to the wire. Areas like Collet, Orange has produced a reversion Walk North and Toledo East were the key difference. to type, and he is saying, Capital Weekly While the UDP appears to have the “Yes, call the elections From the Heart of the Nation momentum now, nothing in the political arena is ever now.” Well, if we do call To the Soul of the People sure. Some candidates have a lot ground to cover it, nobody can say that Published By: and a lot of healing to do in their constituencies. we are taking advantage The sentiments among the working class is that while Roots & Rhythm Ltd. of them, because they say 15 Gibnut Street the people are not entirely satisfied with the performance of that they are ready. But Belmopan the UDP in some areas, the PUP has not reformed enough to warrant any serious consideration to form the next government. I know that we haven’t made any decision along Chairman: In the streets, the sentiments are real. We hate Delroy Cuthkelvin to admit it, but too many votes are for sale. The asking those lines. The better price for some is Five Hundred Dollars, for others Two thinking at this juncture Editor: Hundred, others a measly Fifty, for a decision of a would certainly be that Wilbourne Cuthkelvin lifetime. Many have lost trust in politicians. Yet, among all we await the results of classes, the Belizean electorate is very educated politically. the municipal elections, Compositor: William Cuthkelvin A comment frequently made is that the UDP is not as which we are confident corrupt as the past PUP, but that the PUP spends more of winning; and then use money on the voters. At the same time the electorate Telephone: 802-1284 is aware that nothing is free. Somebody has to pay. that as a springboard for Which way will we choose? the General Elections. It does remain a wide open Email: capitalweekly_bze@ Send comments to [email protected] question; although, I re- yahoo.com peat that, as of now, the Thursday, December 1, 2011 Capital Weekly Page 3

AragonThe New Facefor Commissionerof Policing in Belize

veryone is enti- We see no valid rea- tled to his opin- son why our top cop po- Eion; and it is sition should not remain our opinion that the best with a Belizean. fit for the post of Police There is no single Commissioner at this time move that can solve the is Assistant Commissioner chronic problem of a Po- Elodio Aragon Jr. lice Department that is se- With a Master’s De- Crispin Jeffries Elodio Aragon Jr. verely handicapped by a gree in Criminology and Commissioner of Police Assistant Commissioner of Police lack of trust by the general a firm but approachable public. But we do believe personality, Aragon rep- sibility and intelligence. cop for repression under that the appointment of resents the new face of And he called earnestly on the last administration, Elodio Aragon Jr. as Police policing in Belize. That the public to give their full which had completely lost Commissioner would be new face and style was support to the Police as the trust of all Belizeans; a first good step in the on full display Monday together we fight to bring which had indeed become right direction. That’s just Morning when he and crime under control. a criminal gang protect- our humble opinion. the Police Press Officer For once, it was ed by the law enforce- made an appearance on good to hear an officer of ment authorities. (We note that since Love FM/Love TV. the high command level- We know there has we scripted this article, been talk about bring- In his respons- ing with members of the it has been announced public rather than talk- ing in a foreigner. We are es to the co-hosts of the that Commissioner Jef- ing down at them. not completely opposed show and callers from fries is set to retire De- the public, Aragon was No personal disre- to the idea of employing cember 1, 2011, and gracious and understand- spect to Jeffries, whom expertise and experience that a foreign replace- ing, while also being frank we concede has excellent from abroad, but we are and open. He stressed police skills, but whose nationalists at heart and ment is now definitely the need for all citizens to credibility we believe was believe that the solutions being sought. Again, we conduct themselves at all never fully restored after to our problems must be respectfully disagree times with dignity, respon- he became the poster- organically Belizean. with the move). Page 4 Capital Weekly Thursday, December 1, 2011 Turning the Corner Prime Minister’s Address at Economic Forum (Wednesday, November 23, 2011, Old Belize Resort) “Despite global condi- programmes are largely fi- tions, Belize has weathered nanced by external inflows. the storm and our economy is Then, as in the case of the again on the right track. With Boost and the Pantry pro- a continued focus on poverty grammes, they result in pro- alleviation through social in- vision of disposable income vestment; job creation; en- to people that will spend, not terprise development; growth save. As well, by zero-rating in productivity; and safety and reducing duties on ba- and security, we can look sic food and other necessary forward to a better future.” items, we have increased the demand for those products. I am pleased that to- In turn, this provides great- day we gather to discuss how er opportunities for local government and the private businesses to import, make sector can collaborate in tak- and sell them. Most impor- ing the necessary next steps tant of all, investment in the to sustain economic growth poor helps to reduce crime; in the immediate, intermedi- and investment in educa- ate and long term. This meet- tion increases productivity. ing comes as a follow up to Moving now to the several sessions that our pol- particular areas of concern icy team has had with select raised by our private sec- groups. But the invitation has tor interlocutors, the most been to the wider business significant were as follows: sector, and I am happy to see I. There is a perception a very representative attend- of extensive tax evasion, par- ance. During the consulta- ticularly with respect to GST tions with the select group and Customs Duties. This, of several issues emerged. These course, leads to inequity, in- had to do with what was creasing the inability to com- identified as current con- pete on the part of those that straints on private sector, and Prime Minister Dean Barrow continue to play by the rules. general economic, progress. or protect the assets of the herited circumstances and II. Violent crime, in- The idea is to discuss now country. This has been at a the dire world situation, then, cluding murder and armed ways in which these obsta- juncture when the economic Belize has not neglected the robbery, has reached the cles might be removed. But crosscurrents caused by both pressing domestic concerns. levels where it has added we also want to look at new external and domestic fac- In fact, the development pro- tremendously to the secu- modalities, arising as well tors, would normally have grammes and projects that rity costs of doing business. principally from the sug- required the full attention of are being implemented by III. The Financial Sec- gestions made by those to the authorities just to keep this Administration since it tor operations need to be whom we earlier spoke, for the system up and running. took office in February 2008 reviewed, with particular empowering business mod- Despite our preoccupations have been unprecedentedly emphasis on interest rates, els and accelerating accom- with defence of sovereignty extensive. A booklet con- deposit rates and the ex- modation and facilitation on and patrimony, however, we taining a list has been pre- cess liquidity in the system. the part of Government and have been able to deliver on pared by the Ministry of IV. The road infra- quasi-Government agencies. critical economic and social Economic Development, structure requires urgent at- In setting the stage for systemic tasks much more and will be distributed today. tention, particularly the main this forum that is overdue, it effectively than most of our Deservedly, our con- streets in and is fair to say that no Govern- neighbours. But of course, centration on poverty allevia- the roads that are critical for ment of Belize has before been we too have suffered from the tion, our bedrock pro-poor the movement of tourists. put into a situation where so management failures in the policies, has received much V. The absence of easily much of its time and resourc- United States and the global attention. But in a larger available, timely, and reliable es have had to be spent, in- crises these helped to cause. sense, this focus is also pro- statistics covering economic cluding in Court, to recover Notwithstanding in- business. First of all, these (Continued on Page 5) Thursday, December 1, 2011 Capital Weekly Page 5 Turning the Corner (Continued from Page 4) But it is precisely that sort of being installed, with finan- that virtue now holds hos- and social behaviour, partic- deficit that interactions like cial support from CDB. We tage. Operations in the Free ularly trade statistics, causes today's will help to correct. will need to establish how Zone, the Export Processing problems for business and Now if I could well that system works be- Zones and general contra- investment planning. Ditto seek to address each of fore embarking on any major band control, must also re- for the difficulty in obtain- the listed areas in turn: new operation, although we ceive closer scrutiny in order ing public finances numbers. The GST and Cus- are aware of the need to in- to complement ASYCUDA. VI. The development toms Duties situations are stall container-scanning ca- In respect to crime, concessions regime appears obviously troubling. But you pability in the near future if there is now common knowl- to be useful only to large busi- would be aware that a leader- we are to be able to continue edge of the multi-dimension- nesses. As currently operat- ship change has already taken to export to the US. We are al actions that we have al- ed, the regime is too bureau- place at the GST Department, also aware that implementa- ready undertaken to address cratic, time-consuming and and that two compliance of- tion of the ASYCUDA pro- the situation. At one level, expensive to be useful to me- ficers, recruited from outside ject has been experiencing we are expanding the capac- dium and small enterprises. the Department, have been substantial delays, and we ity of the Police Department At a more general in post for some months have commenced a detailed through stepped-up training, level, there was clear indi- now. These moves are paying investigation to ascertain the and, with support from our cation of the need for im- dividends, but additional ef- reasons for the delay, and to development partners, a sub- provement in the percep- fort has been under consid- accelerate implementation. stantial supply of additional tion of the business climate. eration and two proposals are Both the container-scanning equipment, including full Regarding this latter, currently on the table. One is operation and ASYCUDA forensics analysis capacity. there is an extent to which intended to increase the flow will obviously change the At another level we negative rhetoric has served of information from indi- structure and functioning of have sought to engage all to produce the very outcome vidual establishments to the the Customs Department. community stakeholders, in- it claimed to be warning GST office, while the other The hope, and expectation, cluding the gangs, in an on- against. And it was also clear is intended to encourage the is that these developments going lifestyle evaluation and that many of those consulted public to become involved will reduce the vicissitudes assistance process. The effort were not aware of the full in oversight operations. of the human factor and lead to deal with youth and gang extent of ongoing Govern- Ms Betty Ann Jones can to better control of graft and violence has yielded much ment activity to address the talk more about them later. corruption. Accordingly, the success over the past three country’s development chal- With respect to the business playing field will months. And while it has lenges. This is no doubt due Customs Department, you naturally be more level as been a completely local ini- to a failing on our part to dis- know that the ASYCUDA we succeed in eliminating seminate that information. World system is presently the disadvantage to those (Continued on Page 12)

Members of the Private Sector attentively tuning in to Prime Minister’s address Page 6 Capital Weekly Thursday, December 1, 2011 Meet Santino Castillo A Candidate Who Needs NO Introduction Thursday, December 1, 2011 Capital Weekly Page 7 Meet Santino Castillo A Candidate Who Needs NO Introduction

venerable party stal- Brief Biography post of Vice Chair- Introduction warts like man of the BELT- (Not Needed) and Henry Young have Santino ‘Santi’ RAIDE Board of Di- come out with unre- Castillo was born on rectors, and is also a One of the served public endorse- May 23rd 1956. After member on the Board first challenges fac- ments of Santino as completing his Pri- of Directors of Belize ing most candidates the best man to rep- mary School educa- Electricity Limited. upon their entry resent the UDP in the tion at St. Catherine's Santi is sur- into the political division left vacant. Elementary and Holy rounded by women, arena is that of get- Quite a man, in- Redeemer Primary being the proud father ting themselves deed; and though the School, he attended St. of 3 beautiful daugh- known to the public. two other candidates, John's College, where ters, Cassia, Cricel, and Fortunately both of the fairer gen- he graduated in 1973. Cariel; and Sassia, his for him, Santiago der, have attempted to He then fur- only granddaughter. Castillo Junior has make that manhood thered his studies at no such challenge. and their woman- Valley Forge Mili- Conclusion: Known affec- hood an issue in the tary Junior College in tionately to the en- campaign, those who Wayne, Pennsylvania, Quite a resume tire Belize public as know him well (all 300 and Biscayne College indeed; but with San- Santino, or Santi, for Thousand of them)from where he gradu- tino, it’s fair to say short (and yet more will tell you that even if ated with his Bachelors that the formal re- affection), this quin- you’re a woman, San- of Business in 1977. sume doesn’t tell tessential Belizean tino, no chauvinist for Shortly there- even half the story. Businessman/Sports sure, is still your man. after, he returned to Though Santi, work for the fam- Enthusiast & Spon- One thing more— (to paraphrase Dean ily business. However, sor/Entertainment before we bring you Lindo) is a giant in in 1985, he branched Promoter/Commu- a brief biography of the boardrooms, off on his own, and nity Activist, hav- the man called San- he is simultaneous- opened Santino's Divi- ly as down-to-earth ing entered the fray tino—it’s not even his sion on Corner Hydes as anyone can be. in Caribbean Shores first time in the politi- Lane and New Road. As Santino him- following the un- cal arena. In the 1993 That very same self has asserted, being timely step-down snap-elections called year, he also took over an innovative busi- of incumbent Area by an overconfident the Management of nessman, he knows Representative Car- PUP, Santino made a The Messengers Band, how to get things done, los Perdomo, has a very late entry in Be- which he named San- how to find resourc- head-start and dis- lize Rural South as tino's Messengers. es and stretch them tinct advantage over UDP candidate against In 2001, he re- for greater efficiency. the candidate that is PUP incumbent Glenn joined the family busi- And (if we purportedly the UDP Godfrey, and came ness as a Director and might add one on establishment’s pick. very close to unseat- Chief Executive Officer his behalf), as a poli- Purportedly, we ing him in an election of the San Cas Group tician, Santino cer- say, as even that is in that the UDP surpris- of Companies, a posi- tainly needs no crash dispute, as founders, ingly won by a narrow tion he currently holds. course in being a man former leaders and margin of 16-13 seats. He also holds the of and for the People. Page 8 Capital Weekly Thursday, December 1, 2011 The NBA IS Back! Three Big Games on Christmas Day

NEW YORK | Sat Nov 26, got others who are de- 2011 7:26 am EST pendent on us," he said. (Reuters) - "And it's always been our goal The National Basketball to reach a deal that was fair to Association (NBA) and its both sides and would get us players have reached a ten- playing as soon as possible. tative deal on a new collec- But, that took a little time." tive bargaining agreement Players have been locked which paves the way for out of NBA facilities for a 66-game season start- 149 days and, should the ing on Christmas Day. plan proceed as scheduled, Financial details of the plan teams would play 16 games were not released but NBA less than a normal season. Commissioner David Stern The league has said it lost said the settlement called $300 million last season and for training camps and the were demanding a reduc- league's free agency period Dirk Nowitzki (Mavericks) and Lebron James (Miami) tion in the players' share of to begin on December 9. In the Last NBA Finals Earlier this Year income, which was 57 per- "We've reached a tentative their union in an effort league had "literally thou- cent under the prior deal. understanding that is subject to file a variety of anti- sands of people who are NBA Deputy Commis- to a variety of approvals and trust lawsuits against the dependent upon the play- sioner Adam Silver said very complex machinations," league. It could take up to ing of our games at arenas, the tentative deal called for Stern told a news conference 10 days for the players to at parking lots, at restau- a more balanced league, early on Saturday after a 15- re-form their union and rants around the stadium." "It will largely prevent hour negotiating session. ratify a formal labor deal. "The reason for the settle- the high spending teams "But we're optimistic that COMPRO- ment is (that) we've got from competing in the free will all come to pass and that MISE SOLUTION fans, we've got players who agency market in a way the NBA season will begin Stern acknowledged the would like to play, we've that they have been able on December 25, Christmas to in the past," he said. Day, with a triple-header. "It is a compromise and "We're very pleased that it is not the system we we've come this far. There's sought out to get in terms still a lot of work to be of a harder (salary) cap but done in a lot of places, with the luxury tax is harsher a lot of committees and than it was in the past deal player groups and the like. and we hope it's effective. "But we're optimistic that "We feel ultimately it will it will hold and we'll have give fans in every communi- ourselves an NBA season." ty hope that their team can Stern said the deal would compete for championships be put before the owners' and that their basis for be- labor relations commit- lieving in their team will be tee during a teleconference a function of management later on Saturday, before be- of that team rather than how ing passed on to the over- deep the owners pockets are all Board of Governors. or how large the market is." Billy Hunter, the former Stern said he was op- executive director of the timistic both sides players' now-disbanded un- would approve the deal. ion, said: "We're going to "We want to play bas- turn it all over to the law- ketball," he said. yers here and have them (Reporting by Steve Gins- work out all the details." Kobe Bryant (L.A. Lakers), loved and hated by burg in Washington; Ed- The players de-certified Basketball fans all over, including Belize iting by John Mehaffey) Thursday, December 1, 2011 Capital Weekly Page 9 The NBA IS Back! From the Desk of the Chairman NBA lockout ends, Players get Played main as constant as The end of the NBA lockout has left fans disappointed your name asserts. over the delay and the money sharing of the 1 per cent. For our part,

Over the past two decades the ering abused partners we are. we have done some NBA generated over $2bn in tick- For those interested in the finer restructuring and et sales alone [GALLO/GETTY] points of the proposed "amnesty The news blared with the elec- provision" for releasing play- now return to serve tric intensity of a Black Friday ers or the "stretch clause", please you with greater taser. The NBA is back, baby! A search elsewhere, although I will 66-game season! Returning on say that giving teams the right to energy and focus. Christmas Day, no less! As for- invalidate guaranteed contracts is mer journalist and current NBA a severe concession for the union At the helm is my talking-head Michael Wilbon to make. It also will do more to brother, the good cheered, "The league couldn't help big-market teams that spend stage a more satisfying comeback. carelessly than the much-dis- editor, who is, more Even if those games are all moved cussed poor, small-market squads. than I, admittedly, a to TNT, I'll feel the same way In other words, there is noth- Delroy Cuthkelvin about the Christmas Day return". ing in this Collective Bargaining Chairman, Editorial Board man on the ground, There were those bitter adversar- Agreement that changes the ba- and has his own ies, NBA Commissioner David sic contours for reaching a cham- Stern and National Basketball pionship: Teams that draft well e are unique background Players Association Executive and manage their cap will thrive happy and perspective on Director Billy Hunter, grinning no matter the size of their region W ear-to-ear, discarding their suit (see San Antonio and Oklaho- to be back with issues and develop- jackets and wearing bunchy, sea- ma City), and teams that spend sonal sweaters from the Heathcliff blindly (the Knicks and Nets) or Capital Weekly, ments, but who is Huxtable collection. Stern was are owned by people proud to be a Belizean news- nevertheless com- smiling so wide, it appeared that if stupid (the Kings or the Suns) will you poked his middle, he'd giggle suffer. The deal won't make LeB- paper that is un- mitted to the same like he was Poppin' Fresh. Hunt- ron’s sphincter unclench in the er, no doubt feeling relieved that playoffs, and it won't make Car- apologetically na- general ideals. he at least fought off a "hard cap" melo play defence. It won't make tionalistic, and We also hope to and other demands from owner- Kobe any younger or Bynum any ship, was clearly in the holiday healthier. The league will still be uncompromising add, as we go along, spirit as well. Only NBPA Presi- The League. There are no promis- in upholding the regular contribu- dent and LA Lakers co-captain es that the owners will plough this Derek Fisher, wearing a suit, not newfound lucre into their teams. virtues and princi- tions by other pa- a sweater, his eyes bleary from In fact, there are now greater re- triots from various the marathon bargaining ses- straints on spending than be- ples of a righteous sion, resembled someone who'd fore. There are no assurances that society and nation walks of life, sharing just endured one of the more bit- any funds will be earmarked for ter sports/labour negotiations in coaches or scouts. There are no under the consti- their opinions and history. He looked like he'd just announcements that any of these tutional suprema- perspectives from emerged from a Turkish prison. savings will translate into lower Judging by facial expressions ticket prices or NBA package dis- cy of the Almighty. their own vantage alone, I'm going to stand with counts for fans. All it means is that We also wel- points and angles. Fisher on this one. Forget the the owners have received a finan- cuddly sweaters. Ignore Presi- cial windfall because they own and come to the jour- And you, dent Obama's personal "good we don't. Now Donald Sterling, deal" thumbs up. Disregard the owner of the LA Clippers, can buy nalistic fold our thanks for your sup- avalanche of tweets from your fa- some more slums. Now Phil An- cousin and com- port and patronage; vourite star player about how ex- schutz, minority-boss of the Lak- cited they are to get back to work. ers, can keep fighting the teach- rade through and we assure you The players were dunked on and ing of evolution in schools. Now whose initiative a that we have every Stern is wagging his tongue while Dick Devos of the Orlando Magic hanging from the rim. If you ig- can give even more generously to new ‘star’ is born intention to con- nore the bells and whistles and Focus on the Family. Now every tinue proving our- wipe away the confetti, we have shadowy Koch Brothers/Karl Rove in the ‘North’; in- what at the bottom line is a mas- political outfit that takes unlimit- deed, the North- selves worthy of it. sive transfer of wealth from play- ed contributions will get a serious ers to owners: $3bn over the next windfall just in time for the 2012 ern Star. You’re Welcome back, decade, to be more precise. Three elections. Break out the bubbly. off to a good start, and let me be the first billion extracted from those we This should sting every player be- pay to see, to those who have cause coming off a year with re- and we have no to wish you a Blessed spent the last 20 years treating cord revenues, they should have doubt you will re- Christmas Season. fans and taxpayers like the cow- (Continued on Page 15) Page 10 Capital Weekly Thursday, December 1, 2011 Sports Update -With Ismael “Miley” Garcia passe in the Belize Ama- the Football Federation were conducted by the teur Athletic Association of Belize. It has been a Electoral Committee of (BAAA), which created rocky road to reach this the FFB, headed by Mr last week’s fiasco, and led point, but the Minister Eustace Ireland and su- to several young athletes has maintained the posi- pervised by Joel Wade of being denied the oppor- tion that all the Ministry National Sports Coun- tunity to participate in wants is free and fair elec- cil. The ten (10) football a regional event held in tions. That is the spirit of clubs recognized by the Nicaragua. This situation, the mandate contained FFB as the members of however, will be closely in the Sports Act that that district association monitored by the Nation- governs all sporting or- voted for a new slate to al Sports Council, which ganizations. Nomination replace the incumbent IIIsmael “Miley” Garcia has written to the Inter- and election dates have Alejandro (Alex) Pala- National Sports Coordinator national Amateur Athlet- Ministry of Sports been set for most of the cio. Elected to serve were ic Association (IAAA) to football districts and will Rawell Pelayo- Chair- ensure there is a prompt o many excit- solution. Track is one of ing things are Belize’s strongest events happening in terms of yields in med- in theS world of sports. als. The new track is a sign The works atof Government’s commit- the MARION JONES ment to strengthening this SPORTING COMPLEX discipline even further. are now in full swing The Ministry, in and this much anticipat- conjunction with the Na- ed project will definitely tional Sports Council and do much to enhance the the Olympic Committee, OLD CAPITAL CITY. As organized a warm home- many as seventy (70) city coming for the girls of Be- youth were employed in lize Rural High who made the demolition works of Belize proud at the recent Belize’s own Deon MacCauley the project and many have U-17 games in Panama. The most prolific goal scorer so far in the qualifiers for been kept on or will be They place second and World Cup 2014 to held in Brazil re-employed in the other won the SILVER medal stages of construction. in baseball at this prestig- soon be set for Belize’s man, Pedro Benavides- All non re-usable mate- ious regional tournament. Top League. In a spirit Vice Chairman, Rafael rial has been removed At the Ministry we salute of compromise, the Min- Avila, Eloy Avila and Fer- and the works are now these athletes and the ister agreed to extend the nando Galvez-Members. moving full steam ahead. Honorable John Saldivar deadlines for elections of The Ministry is happy to Modern Construk and says he is justly proud of the FFB members and note that the elections Urbanizadora Continen- this team and the coach- the FFB National Execu- are being carried out in tal are the joint partners ing staff and organizers. tive to December 31 and a democratic fashion and carrying out the PHASE Plans are underway to March 10 respectively. that in Orange Walk the 4 works of the project. hold a special banquet for This past Saturday football clubs affiliated The synthetic track ALL athletes who made elections were held for with the FFB were all giv- is now ready to be in- the jewel proud this year, the first member of the en the right to elect their stalled and very soon our including the likes of “gol- FFB, ORANGE WALK Executive Committee. athletes will have access eador” Deon McCauley. DISTRICT FOOTBALL There is lots more to this modern facility. Speaking of foot- ASSOCIATION at the to report on in SPORTS The Ministry re- ball, elections have start- Louisiana Government so look out for our next grets the current im- ed for the members of School. The elections article in Capital Weekly. Thursday, December 1, 2011 Capital Weekly Page 11 Miss Imani: You Spoke a Mouthful We Must Protect and Preserve Our Natural Resources! We caught just the well to heed the warnings. very end of her recent ap- And, of course, there pearance on KREM FM’s is the deforestation of the Sunday Review a couple Chiquibul by Guatemalans, weeks ago, but we must which from all indications, concede that in those has been enabled, to say the few short minutes, Miss least, by a so-called policy Imani Fairweather spoke of ‘confidence-building’ and a multi-million mouthful. the accompanying—some Miss Imani was mak- would say, absurd—concept ing the point that for hun- of an ‘adjacency zone’ foist- dreds of years this little ed upon us by international jewel we call Belize has experts who were not born been exploited time and here, do not live here, and time again by a handful who more than likely, never will. wished only to make a quick Again it was the last buck and leave, at the ex- administration that started pense of long-term benefit it, but it is our hope that and development for the the current administration masses that are here to stay. would rewind and rethink it. She spoke of the We are no environ- logwood and mahogany mentalists, nor ultra-con- that were exploited by the servationists, but common Imani Fairweather Morrsion sense tells us that if we ship loads from the days Chairman of the University of Belize of slavery and colonialism. An Environmentalist by Profession do not protect and pre- She chronicled the And a Nationalist at Heart serve what is ours, we continued exploitation exploitation of our natural the sworn mandate of this will soon have nothing. from then till now, of our resources on various fronts. administration to bring re- You spoke a mouth- priceless natural resourc- There is of course, dress and ensure that Be- ful, Miss Imani. It is people es, and asked rhetorical- our Oil, the exploitation of lizeans get our fair share like you who will ensure ly, “How has it benefit- which, we continue to insist, of our God-given wealth. that this administration, ted us in the long term?” is nothing short of daylight There is the Rose- which you clearly sup- Miss Imani was robbery; and while it was wood issue, which has per- port, does NOT come re- pointed, but not at all per- indeed the last administra- haps been over-sensation- motely close to commit- sonal about the ongoing, tion that initially signed alized by some, but this ting the costly “mistakes” unsound and irresponsible it away, it is nevertheless administration would do of the last government. Page 12 Capital Weekly Thursday, December 1, 2011 Turning the Corner average lending rates have stance of some of the banks fallen only marginally, ben- is to insist that even the mi- efitting the banks by way of serly decrease in interest larger interest rate spreads. rates that is extended to new Before I tell you the loans, must be withheld from details of the moral suasion existing outstanding loans. that the Central Bank has It is a beggar-thy-customer been employing to deal with policy that is not supportive the situation, I should tell you of recovery and progress in that it has not been enough. the prevailing circumstances. Now I understand only too But the idea today is well the complexities of the not to hector anyone. So I situation and the limits of will merely make the follow- Central Bank power in an ul- ing observation, using my tra-sensitive situation where best diplomatic-speak: Com- none of our commercial mercial banks may wish to banks is truly locally owned. use the current opportunity, And while I will not say that in which methods of treating the banks in Belize operate in with poor-performing loans the fashion of a cartel, I will are being discussed with the most assuredly say that more Central Bank, to make mean- competition is needed. One ingful proposals. Such pro- step in that direction would posals could include interest be to turn the DFC into a rate adjustment in the context Alan Slusher, Advisor to the Prime Minister full-scale national commer- of loan work-out approaches (Continued from Page 5) income. Again, the timeli- cial bank, and Government for qualifying borrowers. ness of this forum is appar- will shortly be appointing a While the Central tiative to this point, we have ent in seeking an expansion committee to examine that Bank has been paying a great also signed on to a CARI- of the private sector level of possibility. The time may deal of attention to the stabil- COM pilot that should assist. economic activity. This will also have come to legislate a ity and efficiency of banking At still another level, create a greater employment cap on interest rate spreads. and financial system opera- RESTORE BELIZE is now space and opportunities Meanwhile, though, tions, including the opera- fully operational; and with for workers in addition to and ever since the start of tions of the credit unions, it assistance from Dr Herbert those produced by Govern- the economic slowdown, the has not been neglecting its Gayle in a consulting capac- ment's job-creation efforts. Central Bank has been en- larger development func- ity, the programme is seek- In respect to the finan- couraging the commercial tions. I therefore wish to re- ing to coordinate a number cial infrastructure, ever since banks to work with their cli- port on two initiatives that are of Government interven- it took office the Adminis- ents through this regionally currently well under way. The tions that are intended to tration has been concerned and globally difficult period. first is, with assistance from address the longer-term about the high levels of inter- Obviously, loan restructur- the IFC, the establishment of needs and aspirations of at- est rates in the banking sys- ing arrangements in an en- a credit bureau. Details of the risk youth and their families. tem, and the effect of those vironment of very low inter- proposed arrangements will At the heart of the rates on the level of domestic national interest rates, high be made available for com- overall response, of course, business activity and export domestic rates, and excess ment and discussion as soon is the requirement to provide competitiveness. The expec- and growing levels of liquid- as they reach an appropriate all members of the popula- tation that the sharp decline ity, would require some bur- stage. The second initiative tion with a reasonable expec- in interest rates in Belize’s den-sharing all around. Thus, is the establishment of a na- tation of a comfortable life, if main trading partners would one would have expected tional payments system to fa- they make the effort to help have been reflected in simi- that interest rate restructur- cilitate electronic single-card themselves. This necessitates lar decreases locally has not ing would have been part funds transfers and business an enabling environment been realized. There has been of new bank-client support transactions throughout the that includes a sufficient a great increase in domestic arrangements. This would country. This will reduce the number of primary school banking system liquidity as make both good banking and need for cheques and cash, places, adequate opportu- loan demand has dropped in larger economic sense. After and for businesses to oper- nity for secondary, tertiary, response to declining aggre- all some downward adjust- ate multiple card-swiping and technical training, and gate demand. But this has not ment of lending rates, even terminals. Again, external a physically healthy environ- driven down lending rates if temporary, could mean the assistance is being provided. ment and basic medical care. to any significant degree. In- difference between a non- Regarding our road It also requires that oppor- deed, while there has been performing loan and one that infrastructure, there can be tunities exist for each indi- is being serviced, albeit with an almost precipitous tum- Continued on Page 13 vidual to work and generate ble in average deposit rates, difficulty. But the present Thursday, December 1, 2011 Capital Weekly Page 13 Turning the Corner Continued from Page 12 of garbage collection in Be- no question that the current lize City. But that is perhaps a condition of our streets and discussion for another time. roads leaves a lot to be de- In relation to the sired. But there is also a great general statistics and pub- deal that is being done. The lic finances data availabil- Northern Road network is ity issues, I have asked the benefitting from much im- Government representatives provement under the EU on the Board of the Statisti- funding connected to the cal Institute of Belize to get Accompanying Measures for some action from the man- Sugar. Infrastructure can also agement of the SIB. Since be looked at under the Ba- private sector nominees are nana Belt Rural Development also on that Board, there Initiative, and the bridges at should be a consensus insist- Kendal, Mullins River and ence on better. Of course, the Middlesex have been or are compilers of the data have being financed. One pesky to depend on submissions little issue underlined in the from a number of agen- discussions was the need for cies. But that has not stopped road-marking and edging. the Central Bank, for exam- The Ministry of Works has al- ple, from producing monthly ready started with the North- reports that are both com- ern Highway in the vicinity prehensive and fairly timely. of the Tower Hill sugar facto- In relation to public ry; and I promise to do some- finances, I have instructed thing in the next few weeks the Ministry of Finance to Carla Barnett, Advisor to the Prime Minister with the stretch between prepare and circulate quar- Ladyville and Belize City. terly summaries. You should that is the full integration of At a broader level there In relation to the also be aware that, in keep- the public sector investment are three other issues I must streets in our municipali- ing with the Regulations programming processes with address. The first issue has to ties there is the World Bank we promulgated under the the budget processes. This do with the perception that Infrastructure Project that Finance and Audit Reform would allow public finances has been expressed about an was to start this month, but Act, there are certain report- management as a whole to apparent absence of develop- which has been delayed some ing requirements that will become explicitly focused ment planning and focus. The because of the usual nickel become obligations of the on country development; UDP Manifesto, is- and diming of that august Minister of Finance begin- and recurrent budgetary op- sued prior to the 2008 elec- institution. However, ma- ning in 2012. Since taking erations to be guided by the tions, sets out a detailed jor Southside operations office this Administration country’s development needs, programme that the Party are starting just about now has actively sought to close rather than being treated as a intended to implement. This in Belize City, and North- the loopholes that permitted standalone annual exercise. Manifesto had been devel- side drainage works will be- the very poor management This will require not only oped following widespread gin in January or February. of the public finances that coordination between the consultations with the peo- There is a broader issue was the norm in the past, Ministry of Finance and the ple, and came out of our own I believe we should be looking and we have benefitted from Ministry of Economic Devel- observations as we travelled at, and it is this: whether the a number of reviews of our opment, but also close coop- the length and breadth of appropriate technical and fi- public finances management eration between the Ministry Belize. The Manifesto was nancial capacity to build and and expenditure systems. of Economic Development not structured in the tradi- maintain streets and drains Most important, perhaps, and all the line ministries. tional form of a development can optimally exist in each of is the fact that we have re- I have raised the de- plan since a party manifesto our separate municipalities, cently requested a diagnostic velopment concessions is- and a country development or whether it ought to be cen- of our taxation system, with sue with BELTRAIDE, and plan are two different docu- tralized. While such a notion a view to its simplification the new Board of Directors ments and are intended for would appear to raise a ques- and rationalization. We, like is streamlining and shorten- different audiences. Subse- tion regarding the appropri- you, are anxiously awaiting ing the process. It will also quently, however, the Min- ate range and scope for local the outcome of that exercise. be making recommendations istry of Economic Develop- government activities, it is in In terms of the man- for a specific Fiscal Incentive ment prepared and published fact entirely consistent with agement of the public fi- program to suit small and me- a Medium-Term Develop- the contracting out of par- nances one important task dium enterprises, and which ment Strategy that drew ticular services, as in the case is still to be completed, and will be more sector specific. Continued on Page 14 Page 14 Capital Weekly Thursday, December 1, 2011 Turning the Corner tion to a need for more di- must be grasped; openings rection from Government, must be created. And Gov- it appears that the paradigm ernment must be ready to put may have to shift a little. in place the practical and psy- The public sectorchological arrangements not may have to take more of a just to buttress but to mus- lead in identifying, market- cularize the private sector. ing and bringing to fruition Of course, the fore- the business and investment most objective of Govern- possibilities that are likely ment is always improvement to attract private sector in- in the welfare and conditions terest. Thus, the Ministry of of all Belizeans. So that ben- Foreign Trade, the Ministry efits from the sustained busi- of Economic Development ness expansion that we now and the Ministry of Agricul- seek, should also be made to Attentive Businessmen during the P M’ s address ture will all have to step up. flow to the ordinary citizen, Continued from Page 13 views on how these arrange- The point is that Belize especially the poor. In this ments could be structured. has much scope for innovation connection we rely on the fact heavily on the Manifesto, The third and most and non-traditional activity. I that a rising private sector tide but which also took account important issue involves how believe this is particularly so will inevitably float all boats. of ongoing programmes, we, all of us, go about the in ago-industry and services, But we will ever want activities and challenges. business of expanding pro- especially business services. to ensure that output increase This Medium- duction in, and exports from, But if Government is to do and productivity acceleration Term Strategy is what cur- Belize. For it is only through more, the private sector will also bring specific and target- rently informs the Gov- increased output and sales have to hold hands with us. ed advantages to those most ernment’s public sector growth that we can hope Hopefully today is in need. We know that you investment programme. to boost profits and boost the start of a new joint en- are one with us in that regard. More recently, we have employment and incomes. terprise. One where, among After all, the business com- commissioned work on a Traditionally, the pri- other things, you will help munity in this country is well- longer-term development vi- vate sector has been the en- us to identify the new spaces known for its conscience and sion for the country, and we gine of growth, while the and opportunities in relation sense of social responsibility. expect, beginning in the near public sector has concentrat- to which Government and I am happy, there- future, to be able to use this ed on providing the enabling Public Officers can become fore, to conclude on a note Horizon 2030 as a basis for environment in the form of more accommodative, more of certainty that in all we more detailed development the physical and institutional facilitative, more aggressively do we will keep the least of planning. While all this has support infrastructure. In- empowering of business and our brethren well in mind. been in progress, the Govern- creasingly, however, based enterprise. So a clarion call ment’s Press Office has been on some of the comments needs to go out now. Attitudes I thank you. keeping the nation informed, that are being made in rela- must be changed; initiatives through special presentations and through the TV pro- gramme “Belmopan Weekly”, about Government’s accom- plishments and activities. The second issue is related to the first, and it has to do with the need for Government to enter into a more comprehensive ongo- ing dialogue with the private sector and for the establish- ment of a framework to ad- dress particular issues as they arise. We would expect a more general discussion at the policy level, while spe- cific areas would be actioned by technical committees es- tablished for that purpose. It would be useful to have your Members of Belize’s Private Sector, Serious about Turning the Corner Thursday, December 1, 2011 Capital Weekly Page 15 The NBA IS Back!

spoken out and not let David Stern's PR machine define them as "greedy millionaires, insensitive to the public's suffering in these hard economic times". I wish more had directly raised the issues of Occupy Wall Street, like 11-year veteran Etan Thomas, who wrote, "While the issues raised by the Wall Street occupiers differ from the issues of this lockout, aren't there obvious parallels in power imbalance? Who is in the same position of power as the 1 per cent ? Who wants a bailout for their own mismanagement decisions? Who is more closely aligned with the corporate interests from which the Wall Street occupiers are looking to reclaim the country?" I wish they had taken their fight out of the boardroom and into the public sphere. Make no mistake, I'm an NBA junkie and I'm thrilled to be watching ball sooner rather Over the past two decades the NBA generated over $2 Billion in ticket sales alone [GALLO/GETTY] than later. But with every game of this warped, bastardised 66-game (Continued from Page 9) because they fulfill the roles in are also new provisions, still to season, I'll remember that we been getting more and instead production as both workers and be finalised, on raising the age of had a lockout where the rich got they took historic cuts. Instead, product. They are the shoemaker eligibility and whether owners will richer, the players got played and their contracts are now not ful- and the shoe. Or, as former Wash- have the power to send players to the fans didn't get a damn thing. ly guaranteed. Instead, they are ington football great Brian Mitch- their developmental league, along Dave Zirin is the author of Bad weakened. They are weakened ell said to me, "In a restaurant, a with dramatic salary reductions. Sports: How Owners are Ruin- even though they are the game. chef cooks a steak. In sports, we Still, expect the players to ap- ing the Games We Love (Scrib- For the millions who paid good are the chef and we are the steaks". prove it, because in the end, play- ner) and just made the new money to watch the Chicago Bulls For 15 years, young stars picked ers spend an average of six years documentary Not Just a Game. player Michael Jordan soar, no in the draft's first round have seen in the league. Giving up one-sixth (Follow Dave Zirin on one ever paid a cent to see the their salaries constrained. Der- of your expected earnings for Twitter@EdgeofSports. Charlotte Hornets owner Michael rick Rose, the NBA's 21-year-old your entire life was not an option. A version of this article was Jordan molt. Athletes are differ- MVP, has the 126th highest salary I understand that, but it didn't first published on The Nation. ent than typical workers, and not in the league. On an open mar- have to be this way. This deal is The views expressed in this article are just because their paychecks tower ket, he would make maybe five just all so very pre-Occupy Wall the author's own and do not necessari- over our own. They are different times his current income. There Street. I wish more players had ly reflect Al Jazeera's editorial policy.) Page 16 Capital Weekly Thursday, December 1, 2011 Prime Minister’s Opening Statement at Quarterly Press Conference - Nov. 2, 2011

Electricity Rates I am thereby able to say BEL I want to an- that the Belizean people nounce that I have been in are already seeing and will touch with BEL, with the continue to see concrete chairman of the board, and benefits as a result of the with the CEO and I have nationalization of the es- been in touch with the Pub- sential utilities, concrete lic Utilities Commission. benefits as a result of the On Independence Day I passage of the constitution- had announced that BEL al amendment. (Applause) had in fact lifted the injunc- tion that was in place, that Fortis, the previous majori- Employment & ty owners had secured form Infrastructure the courts, which injunc- In terms of employment, tion prevented the Public it’s important to point out Utilities Commission form to you that the south side conducting the long over- poverty alleviation project due rate-setting exercise. phase two (we signed a loan Well, further to that, in relation thereto a long it’s now been agreed that time ago) is in the process the rate review exercise will of starting. The preparatory commence. How it oper- documents, the invitation ates is that BEL makes its to bid for the infrastructure submission to the PUC, works (remember that this BEL will do this by the first Prime Minister Dean Barrow will see the lining of Col- of December, by the first let Canal from Yabra all the of next month. Thereaf- electricity rates for the Be- mally removed the GST, way down to Conch Shell ter, the PUC should have lizean people (Applause). as we had undertaken to Bay, it will see the full pav- a preliminary decision by What happens under do, again on Independ- ing of the entire length of January, by early January. the law, under the regula- ence Day, since all that has Central American Boule- If there are no objections tions as they now stand is happened, there’s has been vard; it will see, is it Neal’s to the PUC’s preliminary that after new rates have a tremendous increase in Pen Road, Minister, being decision, that decision will been fixed, there is a period the number of Belizeans paved; it will see a number of become final within 10 or that has to be gone through, who now are utilizing the the feeder streets, Ben Bow, 15 days. I’m not sure of the there is a waiting period Internet, who are access- Amara, a lot of which are exact time frame, but we before the rates can take ef- ing the Internet. What has in the great constituency of hope to have new electric- fect. Well, if at the end the happened is that other Queen Square, aren’t they? ity rates, new tariffs agreed exercise the news is as good Internet Service provid- Jane Usher, which is, un- by the end of January 2012. as I hope it would be, we ers have been forced to fortunately, not in the con- Now, clearly this ex- will change the law to make bring down their rates as stituency of Queen Square. ercise is an objective one the new rates effective im- well, and so the trigger ef- But all these works and I can’t presuppose, and mediately upon the new fect of what we’ve done, are to be embarked upon, I can’t interfere with the dis- rates being handed down. is that there is an overall the bids are to be opened cretion and authority of the climate now in which In- on the 8th of November, Public Utilities Commis- ternet rates are very much and thereafter, we will be sion. But you don’t have to Internet cheaper and more and good to go! Now, the Min- be very bright to know that Telecommunica- more Belizeans daily are ister is seeking negotiate certainly would have insist- tions In terms of Teleme- therefore signing up for In- with all those that have en- ed that the process be put dia, I’m very happy to re- ternet Services. (Applause) tered bids so that we can be in train if I did not feel very port that since the Internet sure that the winners will confident that, contrary were dropped by Teleme- offer employment to some to what Fortis was saying, dia, since you can now get Nationalization of the young men that we this rate setting exercise Internet for 49 dollars per These things are im- can produce a lowering of month, minus GST, we for- portant to record because Continued on Page 17 Thursday, December 1, 2011 Capital Weekly Page 17 Prime Minister’s Opening Statement at Quarterly Press Conference - Nov. 2, 2011 Continued from Page 16 gain, Government will do. very early next week, which great constituency of Car- have now put to work. It’s We had, separate, will see the drainage pro- ibbean Shores, and gener- not going to be easy for pioneered an initiative gram for the north side of ally Government will find Government to sustain the with CISCO Construction, Belize City take off; actually funding for street repair, financial outlays that have which saw CISCO do the by the time you invite ten- given that we’ve had a hell been the cost of the employ- little side street between ders and you agree scope of a rainy season, and that ment program. So, to the Regent Street and Albert of works and that sort of in Belize City, in all the extent that some of them Street in Belize City, that thing, we don’t expect that district towns, and indeed can then be moved, so that region of Bishop Street, there will actually be boots with respect to the high- they become part of the pri- using a new construction on the ground and shov- ways countrywide and vil- vate sector workforce in the method that is labour in- els in the earth until Janu- lage streets, the infrastruc- context of Southside pov- tensive. We are going to do ary at the earliest, of next ture has taken a pounding, erty alleviation Phase Two, certainly three, maybe four year. But so we are embarking on that will be a good thing. more of those little streets complained to me about a countrywide program of The Ministry ofin partnership with CISCO. particular area in Belama, repair. I just approved some Works will also do a por- We were already looking which has traditionally money for the Toledo Dis- tion of that infrastructure at Ferrel’s Lane and South flooded, which is causing a trict based on a submission works, will be responsible Street, but BWS I gather is great deal difficulties for the from the Ministry of Works. for a portion of the pro- doing some works on those school children, that is go- And so, I want citi- gram, and so the Ministry streets and so we have to ing to be one of the priori- zens all over this nation to of Works will itself be able wait until they are through. ties that will be addressed know that we will be do- to employ about 100 to 150 The CISCO people have en- under the IDB Belize ing our very best to try under the component that tered bids with respect to City North Side Program. rehabilitate infrastruc- it will responsible for. So, the Southside Phase Two, Because there’s going ture after the rainy season, we are absolutely confident and they certainly made to be this huge amount of which is not quite through that we can continue to ab- clear that any bid that they infrastructure works on the yet, but we want to start sorb the young men who win, the work will be done Southside of Belize City, out sooner rather than later. have been involved in this using the new methodol- of local resources we will be The Magazine Road, program in terms of the job ogy, which they say doesn’t trying to a fair amount of second chance project, if opportunities. Of course, send up the cost any, but street repair on the North I can call it that, we’ve just ultimately, Government is which certainly helps in Side of Belize City, certainly approved some money so committed, so whatever terms of being, as I said, which street is it? Lizarraga that the recurrent costs Government has to do to very, very labour intensive. Avenue, we will do some- can be taken care of and so continue this program for I am to sign the loan thing with Lizarraga Av- that the Minister can get on as long as the gangs hold agreement with the IDB lat- enue; we will do something up their end of the bar- er this week, or at the latest with a street or two in the Continued on Page 18

Members of the Local Media and Well-Wishers at Quarterly Press Conference Page 18 Capital Weekly Thursday, December 1, 2011 Prime Minister’s Opening Statement at Quarterly Press Conference - Nov. 2, 2011 Continued from Page 17 I’d spoken about this again taxes are performing!”, but extremely well, as a conse- on Independence Day. I will tell you that govern- quence of a number of fac- with the work there, we are The Ministry of Natural ment revenues are strong, tors, that is good to see that absolutely convinced that Resources has now iden- our expenditures are, by and we’ve wrung that, we’ve been in terms of government re- tified sufficient land to large, what they should be; if able to wring that out of them. sources and the kind of pub- sustain 3, 884 residential there are excesses in terms So, all in all, ladies lic spending which is neces- and agricultural lots. We of what was budgeted, those and gentlemen. I think that sary to help to drive things will give the survey work excesses take place for the we are going very well in- forward, in an atmosphere to different surveyors so reasons that I’ve just talked deed, all things considered. of global recession, we are that the exercise can be about, things like having to absolutely confident that taking place simultane- find extra money for infra- government has been doing, Housing Loans ously in each constituen- structure, things like having I am very happy that on the is doing and will continue to cy where land is found. to find extra money to sus- do more than its fair share. same day that we secured There is not land in tain the gang truce program. passage of the Constitution- Private Sector Belize City, so Belize City I know that the me- al Amendment, we were able We do acknowledge people will have to go out- dia has been having a look to get the House to agree to that there is a private sector side of the city, for exam- at the public information the write off of the Minis- lag that we have to deal with, ple we have some that we notice sent out by the IMF try of Housing mortgages. and so through the auspices are giving out just around as a consequence of the Ar- I know that poor people of a planning group that we that Bakers Ranch area in ticle Four Consultation. breathe a sigh of relief every have and Mr John Woods the Sandhill sort of gen- Well, that’s what time the government is able from the private sector, we eral vicinity, beyond the it is, basically I’m here to to offer something by way of are putting together a sym- old Nova Shrimp Farm tell you that what the IMF poverty alleviation. posium, government and location. But 3,884 resi- says doesn’t much matter the private sector. The date dential lots and parcels of to me. We have a job to do, farmland to be distribut- and their insistence on fis- Poverty Alleviation of that is November 23. And The Food pantry pro- ed, we expect to complete cal consolidation at a time let’s see if we can agree on gram, the conditional cash the exercise by the end of recession at a time when a number of measures that transfer program, both of of January of next year. government needs to spend would help to stimulate pri- them are under the Min- vate sector activity. more to drive the economy because the private sec- istry of Human Devel- The Economy tor is in the doldrums, I opment, are going well. Land Ownership I have the monthly don’t really want to hear And, I say again that Cabinet yesterday economic report from the about fiscal consolidation. we are completely convinced just approved the disburse- Central Bank for August of But to the extent that that this government is ment of about a million dol- 2011, and I won’t employ they have had to acknowl- proving by deeds, not words, lars to complete the survey those famous last words edge that, again, our revenue that it is a pro-people, pro- and subdivision work of of gentleman, if I can call expenditure program, cer- poor government, and we’re 3,884 residential and agri- him, who shall remain tainly on the revenue side, very well pleased with that. cultural lots countrywide. nameless, and say, “the we have really been doing (applause)

Cabinet Secretary James Murphy (2nd from right, front row) and Ministerial CEO’s on hand Thursday, December 1, 2011 Capital Weekly Page 19 none of us knows how a tions,” the PM remarked. court will ultimately rule on What does one have Early Elections? this business of compensa- to do with the other? We’re tion (the numbers that the not absolutely sure, but Ashcroft people are throw- perhaps what the PM was ing around are ridiculous), admitting is that he has not but we will have to find com- forgotten that freeing up pensation; and so, we have VOIP services was a mani- to look at the ability of the festo pledge of the UDP, company to sustain the pay- and that he has no intentions ments in terms of the com- of going back to the elec- pensation that we will make. torate for a new mandate The point is that it before he and his govern- is complex; but let me end ment had fully delivered with respect to that par- on their manifesto pledges. ticular issue by repeat- That could, of ing that VOIP is coming. course, spark a whole To some extent (if I new debate, and let the can be a little bit facetious), chips fall where they may. as soon as you hear the an- But as to the issue of nouncement of the coming of whether or not there will be VOIP, expect the following early General Elections, that day the announcement of the question seems to be all up date of the General Elec- in the air—at least for now.

P. M. Barrow at his last Press Conference leaving the question of Early Elections hanging

(Continued from Page 3) which would certainly is just a matter of timing result in significant reduc- and that company is look- tions in the cost of oversees ing anxiously at the whole and long distance calls to equation to see when would consumers, but would, just be the optimum moment at as certain, see a dramatic which it can introduce VOIP. decline in BTL’s revenues. The company will The PM’s response take a hit very clearly of its was, to say the least, quite revenues, but the consumer provoking, not so much to is king, the Belizean citizen the issue at hand, but on is bust and so I acknowl- the tantalizing question edge freely the inevitabil- of early general elections: ity of the coming of VOIP. “There is a continu- We are grappling um that we are looking at, with the kinds of monies we and that continuum will would have to find, although inevitably include VOIP. It I insist that even though

CapitalFrom the Heart Weekly of the Nation To the Soul of the People Page 20 Capital Weekly Thursday, December 1, 2011