50c 1 January, 2011 Volume 2, Issue 1 El Chiclero

BENQUE VIEJO TOWN CO UNCIL Happy New Year! Benque Not Only Cleanest Town, But Safest

In December, Benque Viejo came the help of everyone. “Fighting crime is “THE POLICE AND THE COM- home with the prize as Cleanest Com- everyone business,” he said. MUNITY WORKING IN PART- munity in , and now as the crime Please call 911or 823-2038 if you NERSHIP FOR A SAFER BE- statistics are compiled for most of 2010, need help or would like to assist with Benque is revealed as the safest commu- information to assist in fighting crime. LIZE” Benque Police Sub Forma- nity in Belize, according to Superinten- dent Ralph Moody, Commanding Offi- From the Mayor’s Desk cer of the Benque Viejo Police Sub- Formation. As Mayor of financial banking institution. Benque Corporal Gonzales, in charge of Benque Viejo Del Viejo should see the opening of a fi- Carmen, I have nancial banking institution in 2011. Crimes and Investigations Branch, said had the great This accomplishment, certainly his- Benque had a total of 238 Reports from honor of being toric in magnitude, is deserving of January 2010 through November, and able to serve our our town, for here is a town of rich, of those, 26 were forgeries committed by town, and to rep- centenarian history, a town than one person. resent it nation- since 2000, has shown 72% popula- ally: it is some- tion growth, the third- fastest grow- He said of the 238 cases, there were thing for which I ing town in the entire nation of Be- 54 convictions, 41 dismissals, 41 were shall eternally be lize. withdrawn, 2 acquitted, 51 are awaiting grateful to all Ben- But the inexorable transformation trial, 34 yet under investigation and 15 queños. While the that progress and development have undetected. past 11/2 years have brought their inher- set-off in our town does not stop ent challenges, I am confident that the “We compare our information with here. Now, I can inform you that your recent winning of “Cleanest Community Benque Viejo Town Council has a Belmopan and San Ignacio,” he said. in Belize” title, heralds the coming of yet fully-formed Project Development “For example, San Ignacio had 20 bur- more tangible and visible progress in the Unit comprised of a Peace Corps glaries in a month. We had one in Suc- form of capital projects for our town. Volunteer serving as a grant winter, cotz in November (solved), none in Oc- Just as July 2010 saw the reopening of and a JICA Volunteer as a profes- tober, one in September (solved).” the Telemedia Branch Office in Benque sional architect. It is precisely this after much lobbying with Telemedia and sort of audacious vision that has en- Nationally Benque still has the lowest Central Government, I am able to in- dowed the council with its own innate crime rate he said. form you that similar, robust lobbying is institutional and organizational ca- Superintendent Ralph Moody said going on for the establishment of a full- pacity to develop and simultaneously that he and all members of the Benque time Social Security building in Benque. pursue projects from amongst vari- Viejo Police Formation would like to So too have BEL and BWSL been en- ous potential sources, not only GOB. gaged to have them re-establish their Benque Viejo del Carmen is the only thank the citizens of Benque Viejo Town offices in Benque. Council that boasts such unit in the and surrounding villages for their great Today, as mayor and town council, we entire nation. support in making Benque the Safest not only advocate for reopening of all Among those projects being pursed Town in the entire country in 2010. the major utility companies branch of- by the council’s PDU are: (a) the for- He said he looks forward in making fices, but we are in the process of finaliz- mation of a Tourism Strategic Plan our town safer in the coming year with ing, under the able leadership of Hon. (continued on page 2 MAYOR) Erwin Contreras, negotiations with a P a g e 2 El Chiclero January 1, 2011

(continued from page 1 MAYOR) for the town (b) a tourism enhancement pro- A Passion for the Nativity ject for the entrance of the town (c) a mu- nicipal/corporate park adoption program Betty Castellanos started building her But it grew from and (d) the development of a new town Nativity scene this year on December15, there, starting in cemetery on the Arenal Road . working nights and weekends. No sim- 2004, she said. We are also developing a dynamic pro- ple Holy Family, Wise Men and She has a model of gramme with our local young artists and Sheppards with their flocks, her layout the Catholic it is expected to kick-off in 2011. Through includes 103 different Nativity sets col- Church here in cooperation with Hon. Contreras, the town council is procuring a job position lected from Belize, , Cuba, Benque, complete for a Youth Officer, who will augment Panama, El Salvador, St. Kitts, Puebla precisely these type of youth and artistic MX., Mexico City, the USA and Jerusa- activities in Benque Viejo del Carmen. lem. And to all this we are to add the GOB/ Her original scene has a baby Jesus World Bank Belize Municipal Develop- that is about 150 years old, she said, “My ment Project (BMDP) that will see the great-great-great-great grandfather’s.” investment of $30Million Belize Dollars in seven municipalities, Benque Viejo Del Carmen being one of them. As early as May 2011, Benque Viejo should receive $800,000 BZD that, as agreed upon by Benqueños at a Town with lights and a procession out front, a Hall meeting on March 2, 2010, will be Maya village, a cornhusk Nativity, crys- spent on the immediate refurbishment of tal Nativity, mountains and a waterfall. streets and drains in the central, down- town part of Benque, the historical area The floor surface is covered in pat- of the town. Streets such as Church terned colored sawdust or various seeds Street, Churchill Street, Burns Street, and beans. “I have 8 colors of beans,” Wyatt Street and others will at long last she said, “and mostaza, cilantro, alpiste, be restored to their once fully-functional cebada, anis, romaro, lentejas, linasa, forms. garbanzo, ajongoli, soya and maicillo.” I have heard it said that Benque has lived its Golden Age and that we must re- live that once, past age. I am not so sure look into Benque’s future: we are a tal- Orchestra Audition of that notion but I am completely con- ented, intelligent, and vibrant people. vinced, however, that our town is soon to Let us continue to build a better com- Applications Available enter one of its most prosperous ages; in munity, our Benque Viejo del Carmen, together, as one. fact, I am brimming with confidence as I Auditions for the Mexico tour of Or- chestra of the Americas is now open, according to Shari Williams, Communi- Letters to the editor…. cations Officer with The National Insti- tute of Culture and History (NICH). Editor; strategies that can be very helpful to our Musicians 18-30 years of age by July children. To our Principals I must say 1st, 2011 are eligible for participation, There are many times that mention and thanks for welcoming the opportunity she said. Appllications must be re- comments are made on activities that are and to JICA volunteers thank you and ceived by February 1st, and will be outstanding, but there are many activities May God Bless You. that go unmentioned or unnoticed. I be- evaluated by the YOA faculty and re- lieve that the Education of our children Councilor sults posted by March 2011. should be of utmost importance to each Ms Williams said applications are and every one of us since they are the Ana Melita Castellanos free, and will ONLY be received through future of our country. the form found in http://www.yoa.org, (Editor’s note: see story pg. 6) and filled in according to the instruc- I therefore thank the JICA (Japanese tions. All videos must be uploaded to International Cooperation Agency) for YouTube according to the instructions Letters to the editor must be signed by the work that the volunteer Kota and his on yoa.org, where the required excerpts friend Mr. Hideki Hirami [ a science spe- the author, and might be edited for will also be found. cialist] have been doing. They have gone length. They are the opinion of the She said, “We hope that Belizian mu- to all our Primary Schools to present their author and not necessarily endorsed by sicians will take advantage of this op- Science Project. They want to motivate El Chiclero. Personal attacks will not be portunity. Please do not hesitate to con- students to love science making the printed. Please join the discussion and tact YOA with your questions and com- teaching of science more interesting and ments. Good Luck and we hope to hear express your opinion. child centered. It is these ideas and of your success.” January 1, 2011 El Chiclero P a g e 3

Chapter 2: Some people say that Sushi is a We Japanese people love our culture very easy food to prepare, because it is and cherish our nature and climate. Notebook only rice topped with raw fish, but the Though modernization or westerniza- simplicity is misleading. If Sushi were tion changes our life and culture in From Japan easy, more people would make it, like some ways, we should preserve our wonderful culture. By Kota Murakami they do fast food. But in Japan, if a chef is to make Sushi correctly and with Next month, I will introduce For my second article on Japan, honor, he will prepare and present it as you to Japanese national martial art, I will introduce you to Japanese food, in artistically and respectfully as possible. It “Sumo”. particular “Sushi.” is a very sensitive and delicate food, and the chef must be attentive to aroma, ap- Women’s Training pearance, color scheme and freshness, and it is a fine art. When a Sushi chef The Cayo West WIB (Women in cooks, they reflect the season and even Business) Coordinator Ms Ana Melita the weather of the day, which will change Castellanos said Sazani Associate’s has odor and savor. been training the Women’s Group in In addition, traditional Japanese food Benque on Food Security and Nutriti- gives diners a feel and read on the season. tious Food. When we eat bonito fish, we know that Eighteen women have been meeting summer is coming, because that’s the on Saturdays, learning about financing Miso Soup, Saki, Soy Sauce season for bonito. We eat from the and training on an Agricultural Project We eat many different kinds of bounty of each season. which they choose. The project could foods in Japan, including Soba (noodles), be simply a garden behind the house, Udon (also noodles), Tempura (fritter), and Sazani provides equipment and Terijaki (chicken), Miso (soup), Sake seeds, along with the training. This (alcohol) and Ramen (soup noodle), each should help the women gain some in- with its own history to tell the story of its come for their families, Ms. Castellanos style and deliciousness. But Sushi is one said, and she congratulates the women of the most common, and at the same who are taking advantage of the train- time, most respected foods, like rice and ing and encourages them to persevere. beans in Belize. Essentially it is vine- Special mention should also be made gared rice topped with sliced raw fish or that Sazani Associate has helped a other seafood, like squid, octopus or sea member of the women’s group with a eel. Sea food is a part of life in Japan. Bottle of Saki and some Sushi, (Shrimp, small grant for her to expand her small Shellfish, Tuna, Mackeral, Tuna) business, said Ms. Castellanos, and she Euphoria Dance Group Director Wins Youth Award would like to thank Sanzani Associates. Mr. Oscar Nabet performing arts. He is also continuously won the Belize Youth engaged in local and national productions El Chiclero Award in the cate- as director of Euphoria dance group, Published Monthly gory of Art & Culture, which includes 15 local Benque youth George and Park Streets, Town Hall Benque Viejo Del Carmen according to Shari from 14 to 17 years old. Some of them , Belize Williams of NICH. have past experience dancing while oth- 823-2020 She said the ers are learning their skills for the first award acknowledges time. The Euphoria group focuses on El Chiclero strives to uphold the best of the achievement of teaching modern and alternative dances exceptional young journalistic standards, and is behold- with Latin beats such as Cumbia, Salsa ing to no political party, reporting the people and seeks to and Meringue. recognize them for their contribution to news as accurately and objectively as Euphoria most recently performed at possible. The printing costs are paid their community and their country. the Christmas variety show held in the from revenue generated by ad sales, He was nominated by Najelli Turjillo, Centenario park in Benque on December and we thank our advertisers for their Community Arts Coordinator for the West- 19th. They also took the stage at the Bliss support. ern Region, who said that Mr. Nabet Center in for the National shows personal commitment to the arts Dance Extravaganza on November 26, Editor: Roger German and an ongoing development in learning 2010 and again at the Festival of Arts in [email protected] Comments and suggestions and teaching his trade. She said he has a San Ignacio the following day. passion for dance, choreography and the Always welcome.

P a g e 4 El Chiclero January 1, 2011

UNAUDITED TOWN COUNCIL THIRD QUARTER FINANCES UNAUDITED

REVENUE JULY 2010 REVENUE AUGUST 2010 REVENUE SEPTEMBER 2010 Property Tax $ 6,255.45 Property Tax $ 2,967.60 Property Tax $ 5,117.50 Trade License $ 1,664.00 Trade License $ 982.00 Trade License $ 670.00 Liquor License $ 4,380.00 Liquor License $ 5,730.00 Liquor License $ 475.00 Social Security $ 583.05 Social Security $ 970.09 Social Security $ 367.90 Miscellaneous $ 8,072.53 Miscellaneous $ 87.30 Garbage Coll $ 1,419.00 Garbage Coll $ 1,203.00 Cemetery Fees $ 10.00 Subvention $22,922.08 Subvention $22,922.08 Garbage Coll $ 1,707.00 Loan Payment $ 150.00 Loan Payment $ 725.00 Subvention $ 22,922.08 Celebrations& festivities $18,054.31 July Fair 2010 $ 8,424.73 Traffic $ 21,703.75 Traffic $26,441.25 Traffic $27,225.25 Bank Deposit $ 12,475.00 Bank Deposit $ 3,863.53 Bank Deposit $ 5,670.93 TOTAL: $ 69,554.82 TOTAL: $79,480.57 Bus Stop $ 6,500.00 TOTAL: $93,626.02

EXPENDITURE JULY 2010 EXPENDITURE AUGUST 2010 EXPENDITURE SEPTEMBER 2010 Salaries $39,051.20 Salaries $33,675.53 Salaries $16,056.98 Allowances $ 6,361.80 Allowances $ 3,900.00 Allowances $ 2,950.00 Transport Allow. $ 1,323.47 Wages $ 1,735.00 Wages $ 6,902.78 Office/Comp. Su- Other travel ex- Social Security $ 1,873.80 ply $ 422.80 penses $ 260.00 Fuel $ 6,859.40 Transport Allow. $ 424.00 Subsistence Al- $ 405.00 Rep/Mtce. Vehi- Transport Allow. $ 235.00 cles $ 1,595.38 Office/Comp. $ 1,436.36 Office/Comp. Su- Mtce.Grounds/ Fuel $ 7,070.00 ply $ 1,571.55 parks/mark. $ 1,063.00 Fuel $ 5,311.99 Rep.Mtce. Rep/Mtce. Vehi- $ 2,422.50 Rep/Mtce. Vehi- Furn,equip $ 455.00 cles $ 2,197.23 Mtce.other equip. $ 797.45 Mtce.Grounds/ $ 545.00 Rep.Mtce. Mtce.Grounds/ $ 1,632.00 Mtce. Of Building $ 712.85 Furn,equip $ 480.00 Loan $ 200.00 Mtce.other equip. $ 800.63 Water Exp. $ 23.72 Mtce.other $ 377.50 Mtce. Of Building $ 669.75 Electricity Exp $ 415.37 Mtce. Of Building $ 12.00 Mtce.drain/streets/ $ 1,172.68 telephone $ 1,520.64 Loan $ 360.00 Water Exp. $ 57.90 Miscellaneous $ 4,070.18 Water Exp. $ 63.55 Electricity Exp $ 720.49 Individuals $ 1,041.75 Electricity Exp $ 396.11 telepnone $ 1,423.08 Advertisement $ 620.00 telephnone $ 782.51 Miscellaneous $ 806.90 Mtce. Garbage Miscellaneous $ 1,324.60 Individuals $ 2,121.00 Dis. $ 400.00 Individuals $ 2,000.00 Food $ 923.23 Advertisement $ 550.00 Purchase of other $ 50.00 Summer Program $ 2,870.00 Food $ 3.25 Celebrations/ Purchase f vehi- $ 2,000.00 Festivities $20,975.44 Food $ 2,287.40 Celebrations/ $31,617.62 Total $ 91,702.68 Bank Withdrawal $ 8,315.08 Total $78,579.63 Celebrations/ Festivities $ 2,155.85 UNAUDITED Total $72,572.99 UNAUDITED January 1, 2011 El Chiclero P a g e 5 Benque Viejo Christmas Quadrangular By Jimmy Leslie Hanna Meats AND The Benque Viejo Christmas Quadrangular kicked-off Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2010 at 7:00pm at Deacon’s Court. Mr. Marcus Kotch, Councilor of youth and sports addressed Other Farm Produce those present and the participating teams before the first matchup, La Plebe versus Benque All Stars. It was an exciting Located on and interesting matchup with two strong teams battling. It George Price Boulevard seemed anybody’s game as the fourth quarter drew near, but the final score showed La Plebe defeating Benque All Stars, 36-40. The second matchup saw West Side going against Customs, another tough matchup , though Westside won, defeating Cus- toms with a score of 50 to 43. The final games were on the 23rd of December, and the consola- tion matchup for third place was a forfeit, with Benque All Stars named third place winners by default. We also offer fresh In the face off for first place, West Side played La Plebe. After a close first quarter, La Plebe took the lead and never looked cow’s milk and cheese and back , defeating West Side 56 to 46. some fresh vegetables His Lordship, Mayor Nicholas Ruiz, presented the trophies and thanked all the participating teams. Later he commented that Basketball has been dormant for quite a while in Benque. As HOURS: a big basketball fan himself he committed himself to organizing 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday more frequent tournaments because Benque has talent, he said. 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Sunday So be on the lookout in mid-January, as a long and awaited tournament may be coming into town. BENQUE RESORT & SPA Welcome to the only Luxury Hotel in Benque Viejo

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El Chiclero P a g e 6 January 1, 2011

Science Magic In Primary Schools Primary school students in Benque promised to return again in Viejo were treated to science “magic” in January of 2011. They said December. Using scientific principles, the class made science more JICA (Japanese International Coopera- understandable and fun, and tion Agency) Senior Volunteer Mr. Hideki one student even com- mented, “ I want to be a sci- Hirami taught and entertained students, ence teacher just like you.” showing them how to get a whole boiled egg into a bottle, how to make a whistle Mr. Hirami at Adventist out of a straw, how to make a pinhole Primary School (Right) camera and a CD spectroscope, among other experiments and demonstrations. Artists In Residence Seminar Sponsored By HOC Mr. Hirami’s service has been primarily in San Ignacio, where he shared his 20 The Artists in Development Seminar, a attorney and music business consultant, years of teaching experience with primary series of presentations to be held Jan. 13 Industries and Tourism, with Kim Os- school science teachers. Now, in the last – 15, at the San Ignacio Hotel, 9 a.m. to 5 borne-OAS Country Representative, part of his service here, he decided to p.m., will be a forum for artists and those Creative Industry Associations Copy- travel Belize, bringing his entertaining who care about the arts in Belize. right & Right’s Management in Belize, and intriguing science show to primary Jacklyn Castillo, Institute of Creative Erica Smith-Belize Intellectual Proper- ties Office, and The Introduction of the schools all around Belize. He visited Arts Industry Development Officer said Belize Music Project, Galen University. Howard Smith Nazarene School Dec. 13th, the hope is to develop a strategy for the Registration is $50 BZ for the 3-day th Creative Industries in Belize. Mt. Carmel Primary School on the 14 package, or $25 BZ per day. Forms are and Seventh Day Adventist Primary Topics covered include The Role of the Creative Industries in the Caribbean, available at the Bliss Centre, or at th School on the 15 . with Tonida Sealy-Caribbean Export De- www.nichbelize.org. For more informa- Students responded enthusiastically to velopment, Becoming a Professional Art- tion call 227-2110 or email [email protected]. Mr. Hirami’s approach to science and he ist, with Lloyd Stanbury-entertainmnet

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Food Drive Successful Women In Business Coordinator Ana Melita Castellanos said she would like to thank all those who contributed with their grain of sand towards the “FOOD DRIVE” that was un- dertaken by the Town Council and the Women’s Group. Thanks to that help, she said they were able to deliver 56 baskets to needy families.

She said organizations and people she wanted to mention in particular were the Customs Offi- cers, Vega’s Distributors, Zhen’s Store, Mrs. Tsu’s Restaurant, Long Lucky Benque Police and WIB members Store, Bismillah, A& R load and deliver food baskets. San Ignacio, Mayor Nicholas Ruiz and Hon. Erwin Contreras.

She wanted to make special mention of the women’s group who gave up their time getting together almost every night to make the baskets from newspaper, and in packing and distrib- On the 14th and 21st of January uting of the food, and the Benque Viejo Police Sub Formation and Helpage who all helped with deliveries.

Ms. Castellanos said, “Thanks to you all again for believing in the spirit of Christmas and the spirit of sharing. Greetings to each and every one of you, wishing you all that 2011 be show- ered with blessings.” BENQUE VIEJO O.S.G.B. TOWN COUNCIL

Cor. George Street/ Park Lane Benque Viejo Del Carmen Cayo, Belize C.A.

Phone: (501) 823 2020 Fax: (501) 823 2020

Goodbye 2010, Hello 2011 Moving Forward Through Good Governance

Activities & Events January 2011 If you have an event you would like listed on the next calendar, please call BVTC office at 823-2020 by the third week of this month. Thank you! SU MO TU WE TH FR SA Jan. 13,14,15— Artists in Development 1 Seminar, St. Ignacio Hotel HOC (see story pg. 6)

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