National Perspective October 10, 2010

and Immigration to break its and explain to Belizeans why our public institutions such as the Civil Aviation department which controls air traffi c, the Police, their intelligence arm, Special Branch, the Immigration and Customs Departments, have all conspired to allow our international airport to be used

Edition111 Vol. 3 - Week 06

See story on page 5

Sunday, October 10th, 2010

BIAS TOWARDS NONEcontinued on page 3

Continued on page 7

THE PLANE LAND…

The National Perspective is calling on the Barrow Administration that they involve international enforcement agencies such as the FBI in their investigation of what could be considered a dangerous international embarrassment and a black eye for Belize. It took the UDP government three days before the Ministry of Defence

to facilitate undeclared chartered fl ights illegally traffi cking in humans, and which have caused the good name of Belize to fall into disrepute as a rogue state. The brazen acts of three illegal plane landings in fi fteen days of each other, chartered to air-drop Chinese’s nationals from Cuba or Haiti in the Caribbean into Belize, between Saturday, September 18th and October 3rd ,should have sounded alarm bells to at least one of the four ministries responsible for the activities and integrity of the Phillip Goldson International Airport. We have the Ministry of Defence, headed by Carlos Perdomo responsible for the Belize Defence Force and Immigration; the Ministry of Finance headed by Prime Minister Dean Barrow responsible for the Customs Department; the Civil Aviation Department headed by Manuel Heredia and/or his

CEO Mike Singh, and the Police headed by Mike’s brother Doug Singh. All these authorities are now claiming ignorance but ignorance is no excuse for incompetence.? The Defence Ministry responsible for immigration fi nally reacted on Wednesday to what is believed to be a large scale criminal and internationally condemned human traffi cking operation involving one or more authorities at the PGIA. It has always been the tendency of government to remain silent about any scandalous breach of the law that surfaces and only after it is leaked out to the public, they react with the minimum of explanation as a response. The toned-down response this week is hardly an explanation;- in fact, the vague information provided opens to more questions as to who done it

BTL TRUST FILES INJUNCTION AGAINST SALE

Belize Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dean Barrow fl ew out of Belize for Washington DC yesterday, ostensibly for meetings with the International Monetary Fund

and the World Bank, but the betting is that he will get far more questions about Belize Telemedia Limited and human traffi cking in the corridors of Bretton Woods, than he will

about economics and fi nance. All this week Mr. Barrow had scrambled to defend his proposed sale of an unspecifi ed amount of shares in BTL to the Social Security Board for $50 million, without the approval of the employees and employers representatives. On Monday he had met with representatives of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize and at the conclusion of that confab, had all but declared that they had agreed to the sale. He was later forced to

backtrack and say that he had in his view satisfactorily answered their questions and believed that they agreed in principle to the proposed sale, pending their perusal of the prospectus and other information. He continued to say that the prospectus would be ready on October 15. It is noteworthy that he has not discussed or offered any further information on the proposed sale of a portion of the company to Digicel. He

PM Barrow Dean Boyce

Sunday, October 10th, 2010PAGE 2

Fence is fl ourishing; they don’t need anyone today. It is easy to speak today of their philosophical compunctions and then claim that there was a breached as they try to depict that Sagis’ shareholding occurred as a mystery. The equation is simple for our readers: Evan X Hyde of sound mind and body collected a loan of $75,000.00 from Sagis Investments.

He also collected $25,000.00 for the purchase of 10% shares in KREM Radio. Sagis Investments, as mentioned before, must have been satisfi ed that the loan for $75,000.00 as arranged was paid in full, however, when the 10% share certifi cate was requested the Zinc Fence said NO. It is not strange that they would refuse to honor the agreement because they have been accustomed

to the courts and Sagis Investments argued successfully in the Court of Appeal that the shares were due to them. In response to our claim of “mal pago” they admitted in the Zinc Fence’s editorial that they were forced to comply with the court’s ruling. The irony of the entire situation is if funding was not provided by Sagis Investments, KREM Radio would

have sputtered and died a natural death. The Zinc Fence admitted many times that it was their newspaper that subsidized KREM Radio. There were periods when the radio station had temporarily closed down. This loan facility and share purchase allowed them the breathing space they needed to survive the open attacks by Dean Barrow, Manuel Esquivel, and other UDP attack dogs such as Kenworth Tillett and others until the PUP’s resounding victory rescued them in 1998. The Zinc Fence grew up quickly because they became the favorite of the government in power, since they had representatives in Cabinet that originated from that establishment. The PUP made the Zinc Fence strong and assisted in making them a media empire. Everyone behind the Zinc Fence should give thanks fi rstly to Said Musa for initially investing in KREM Radio, then to Sagis Investments (Lord Ashcroft) for participating in a dumb investment at the time, and ultimately to the People’s United Party for making them what they are today. Today, KREMANDALA has tacked on a television division to its overall portfolio. They have consistently invested in failed nightclubs around the city and music systems. It means then that the Zinc

because they have been accustomed

25 Nanche St. Belmopan

OPEN YOUR EYESTHE PEOPLE ARE AWAKE!

The PUP made the Zinc Fence strong and assisted in making them a media empire. Everyone behind the Zinc Fence should give thanks fi rstly to Said

Musa for initially investing in KREM Radio, then to Sagis Investments (Lord Ashcroft) for

participating in a dumb investment at the time, and ultimately to the People’s United Party for

making them what they are today.

A D E A L I S A D E A L We don’t intend to waste much more time and ink discussing the hypocrisy of Evan X Hyde and the Zinc Fence. This man and his organization have pretended to be better than the rest of us Belizeans. He pretends to be more moralistic than us. We say ‘pretend’ because it is out in the open that he is a ‘wolf in sheep’s clothing’. Let us examine one such example which is the controversy he created over the debt, he/KREM Radio had with Sagis Investments, a business entity he claimed belong to Lord Michael Ashcroft. Back in 1994 when KREM Radio was under attack from this same United Democratic Party government that he, Hyde, is now in bed with today, he ran for the cover of the People’s United Party. His loyal friend (in hindsight it was a one-way loyalty), Said Musa, assisted him personally and even went further and assisted him in obtaining a loan facility of BZ$75,000.00 where he would pay back in kind. An additional BZ$25,000.00 was also paid to purchase a 10% share in the radio station. Note at the time that Sagis Investments took a big risk. Here is why. From its inception, KREM Radio was dubbed a guerrilla radio station with no credibility with its signal was confi ned mainly to a Belize City audience. Due to this lack of credibility, it had no advertisement dollars fl owing in. Also, around that time, the mighty LOVE FM started its operation as well. So, KREM was in competition with both the UDP Radio Belize under then Minister of Broadcasting Hubert Elrington, and the up and coming LOVE FM. Because of this scenario, it was certainly ill advised at the time to invest in KREM Radio so; giving a loan to KREM Radio and investing in shares at the time would not have appeared to be a wise and sound investment. At the time though, the Zinc Fence was friendly with the PUP and all hands were on deck to assist in bailing them out. So then this loan was made, and it was claimed to have been paid off over time in advertisements assuming proper accounting was done; however, the10% shares in KREM Radio were never transferred to Sagis Investments. When KREM Radio was asked to transfer the shares they refused. Thus, the matter was taken

to bullying people and felt they would have done the same by using their media house to launch a negative campaign against Sagis Investments and Lord Ashcroft to let it appear that this was something irregular; that they were being ‘chanced’. They wanted the Belizean people to view them as the victim; however, it is now clear according to their last editorial that they were found to be in the wrong by the Courts. The deal was for 10% shares, not a return of the money. A deal is a deal. This is something that the Zinc Fence has to remember; it was a legal deal. So it is now out in the open. KREM Radio is partially owned by Sagis Investments or their assignee and that is a fact. So now all activities of the radio station have to be declared via proper accounting because KREM Radio has serious owners now. As we close, one wonders how long the UDP/Zinc Fence honeymoon will last because the UDP was the same government that attempted to destroy the Zinc Fence during their 1993-1998 government. How long before we will be reading of the hostility between Barrow and Hyde. This will come because it is clear that Barrow and the UDP are on a reckless path which will soon begin to affect the “cheese” provided to Zinc Fence. When this happens, all hell will break loose, because what those two have is a commercial arrangement, plain and simple.

Sunday, October 10th, 2010 PAGE 3

Continued from page 1BTL TrusT fiLes injuncTion againsT saLewould only say that any foreign investor would not be able to buy more than 49% of the company’s stock. Our reports are that at this point the Digicel people have all but pulled out of the deal pending the outcome of an appeal by the BTL Employees Trust to be heard in this session of the Belize Court of Appeal, on the constitutionality of the expropriation of their shareholding. There is some doubt, however, whether or not the hearing will be held since there is constitutional challenge as to whether or not it was lawful and proper for Mr. Barrow to suddenly and without much warning, change the terms of the tenure of two of the justice on that bench to one year contracts. As we go to press, the justices have indicated that they will only hear cases if the appellants and respondents both agree that the

matter should be heard by them. In one case two justices may have recused themselves leaving only two, at which juncture the appellant decided to bow out. Tuesday night Mr. Barrow appeared on a local television show and again declared that unions were on board with his proposal until he was reminded by his CEO that this was not the case, and was forced to correct himself. Meanwhile Godfrey Smith, the attorney for the BTL Employees Trust, again wrote Digicel’s management to apprise them of further developments. In his letter dated October 4th, he pointed out the refusal of the employees and employers representatives to approve the purchase of BTL shares by the Social Security Board. On Tuesday, October 5th, the BTL Employees Trust applied

for an injunction against the Attorney General of Belize as the first respondent .and the Minister of Public Utilities as the second respondent, asking that the Court of Appeal order that the respondents be restrained from “(a) taking any steps to sell, transfer, license, lease, charge, pledge or grant any option to or other rights over or otherwise dispose of, any of the shares in Sunshine Holdings Limited or any of the shares in Belize Telemedia Limited,” and/or “(b) releasing or in any way diminishing its possession of, or interest in, the shares relating to any of the Telemedia Shares and/or Sunshine Shares or any right to possession of, or relating to, such shares which the respondents currently enjoy.” The application also asks that “the Applicant applies for an order that all proceeds

of any sale of the Telemedia and/or Sunshine Shares by the Respondents to any third party purchaser be paid into the Court pending the outcome of this appeal.” The applicants are also asking that if in the event that the injunction is not granted that the proceeds from the sale of the shares in BTL be held in escrow “in order to allow the Applicant to reverse the sale of the shares as so long as the sale is reversible…” It is widely assumed that Mr. Barrow will have some difficult questions to answer at his IMF/World Bank meetings. The hardest question may yet prove to be why he seized the majority shareholding in Belize’s largest and most lucrative private company from a longtime investor, and why can’t he sell the company, and why can’t he pay for it.


T h e B i g g e r P i c t u r e

by: Nuri Muhammad

How can a youth in a roach infested, mosquito laden shack over a

London bridge in Jane Usher Boulevard shout: “I am Belize” with any pride?

Let’s be real.

On the matter of violent street crimes, many Belizeans have reached the point where they have no more tolerance for reasons and excuses for the behavior of criminals, they just want tougher action from the authorities; lock them up, flog them, and yes, hang a few of them. In this atmosphere the war on crime becomes punitive and reactionary and no thought is given to the causes of crime and words like rehabilitation becomes associated with being “soft on criminals”.But the war on crime in Belize like the response to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico last month must have a two-prong strategy. On the one hand, an ongoing cleanup campaign must be launched to deal with the pollution caused by the spill. This is represented by our criminal justice system (police, court, prison) whose sole function appears to be dealing with the revolving door of arrest, conviction and detention of these criminals that have polluted our society. The other even more important strategy is to stop the source of the spill that continues to gush out the pollutants that threaten citizen security. It is therefore imperative when executing this aspect of the strategy that we examine closely the sources of criminal behavior among youth, especially. If you take a close-up look at the so-called gang phenomena in Belize, for example, you find young men caught up in situations that are not entirely of their own making. Many are victims in a cycle of events they were born into. This does not excuse them from personal responsibility, but it forces us to look at the bigger picture of our social values and structures to see what circumstances created this phenomenon in the first place.Young men in Belize are vulnerable to crime. They often live in poverty; they are exposed to influences and images that raise their aspirations and purchasing desires beyond their means; they want to be providers yet their education or skills do not afford them the jobs that pay well….. there are many young men in similar situations that have come together and formed groups. In a number of cases this leads to gang membership – a life of violence, crime drug use and extreme risking taking behavior follows. (NHDAC Study: From Boys to Men) While the sector of youth involved in hard-core gang activity in Belize is still comparatively small, the culture that goes along with it is wide, far-reaching and getting bigger. The so-called gang symbols of clothes, language, walk, etc. are all symbols of power that many youths will identify with and act out in their daily lives, even if they don’t belong to a specific criminal gang. This is one of the reasons why the police, in their zeal to round up suspected gang members, often harass innocent youths who, because of their style and mannerism, fit the profile of the ‘rude boy’.Many children who grow up in single parent homes become healthy

well-adjusted and successful adults. However, numerous studies in Belize and elsewhere have shown that there is a connection between a lack of a father figure and problems such as delinquency and low academic achievement especially amongst male children (Boyden) Abandonment by fathers of their responsibility as caregiver is one of the major causes for the distorted images of manhood displayed especially by many young black males in Belize City today. Men who father children and abandon their responsibility to provide for those children materially and especially by their active presence, are a menace to the Belizean family structure and nowhere is this seen more than with the many delinquent males without a father figure in their early life. Many go on to learn the rules of manhood from the streets, the prison, and the images projected on TV and in the music/video industry; images that equates manhood with sexual prowess, money to spend, and the illusions of power by any means necessary. This lack of a father/male image also affects young females but young males are particularly affected because as males they are expected to be ‘a man’ but without close up, hands-on involvement of a man in a boy’s life it’s hard for a boy to learn to be a man. The problem began in the home, or because of the absence of one. Many of these youths were deprived of a healthy, nurturing environment that every home should provide. During childhood, most of the rapid growth of the physical mental and emotional selves occurs. We begin to experience ourselves and the world around us during childhood and the predominant aspects of our personalities are formed here. The events and persons that impact us during childhood will strongly affect us throughout our lives and will largely define our responses to people and to life in general. (UNICEF)So it is known that if there are too many emotionally traumatic

experiences in the early development of a child’s life that this will continue to affect that child psychologically until that trauma is reconciled; but if it is not reconciled it continues to persist in new, sometimes distorted forms. What we see being acted out in the streets is a reflection of this trauma in its later stages referred to by some psychologists as ‘post-traumatic stress syndrome’.Numerous studies have proved the relationships between childhood experiences and adverse behavior in later life – school drops-out, discipline problems, early sexual initiation, teen pregnancy, substance abuse, violent and risk taking behaviors are all said to be caused at lese in part, by dysfunctional family structures. (NHDAC Study)We also have to ask ourselves about those social structures that were to provide healthy stimuli for personal and social development of the individual, i.e. the family, the religious institutions, the schools, and the government. What has been the state of these in the last twenty five years? The first three have declined in importance and impact while the latter has inherited a role that it finds itself unable to fulfill. We are now expecting from government what governments are incapable of fulfilling, given the nature of that institution. Responsibility for character development and implanting of values must go back to the first three institutions of family, religion and education. Government’s role is to create an enabling environment that supports the existence of these three as character building institutions. So really, who should be Restoring Belize? THE WAY FORWARDWhile our approach to dealing with crime and violence among our youth, as in the case of the oil spill, must remain reactive and concerted we must not fail to understand that that approach alone will enslave us to an unending reactive process. We must go after the source of the problem. We

must address the social and economic conditions that that continue to spew out these dangerously angry, distorted and dysfunctional youth that have become a menace to our society. We must build upon those initiatives that promote enhancing character of citizenship, encouraging and insisting on productiveness and industry among our youth and give them a sense of ownership over this project called Belize. Our young people need a healthy dose of patriotism; a sense of love and respect for Belize, which comes from a healthy love, and respect for one’s self. I sense this is the real objective of Restore Belize I just don’t see the tangible, comprehensive plan of action on the ground to achieve this goal. How can a youth in a roach infested, mosquito laden shack over a London bridge in Jane Usher Boulevard shout: “I am Belize” with any pride? Let’s be real. We must take the initiative and implement pro-active programs, based on our local circumstances and designed to attract these derailed youth back to a course of self-development and national involvement. While this is a big job, it is entirely achievable. We are fortunate that we are experiencing a first generation gang crime problem, which can be reversed if we are decisive and concerted. It is unfortunate that young people in Belize have no voice to lobby for better conditions for themselves as youth. More often than not, youth issues are presented through adult ran organizations and even when youth make decisions, those decisions they are subject to the veto power of the adults in these organizations or government agencies. Restore Belize secretariat is following in this same direction.Youth should provide the leadership and be facilitated by the institutional memory of those elders who should serve as their support. While some have a dismal impression of the future of our youth, especially when it comes to the issues of crime and violence, in fact, the situation for those of us who have had experience working with youth is quite different. Many youth who are engaged in addressing these issues are ready to work in partnership as long as their special contribution is given the respect it deserves. Our youth are ready to play their part in eradicating crime and violence; it’s up to us to give them their due respect.Real and lasting change can only be effective if it is comprehensive enough to cover the whole subject and involves an attitude that the challenges that face with youth crime and violence is not the government’s alone, but everyone of us. Clearly government has a major role to play but the onus for real change rests with all of us, the people of Belize. Let’s not only clean up the spill but cap the source of the spill as well.


immediately asked about her daughter’s day at school but the child promptly told her that there were “… two thieves in the house and grandma is crying.” “You need to come quick,” the seven year old begged her mother. Shocked, she told her daughter to stay on the line while she called 911.The men, who were still inside the home, had by then made their way to other parts of the house. “The other boy was helping himself in my room and the other two rooms with everything that they could take.” Mrs. Munnings described being more fearful for her granddaughter’s life since she could not hear her. After collecting all they wanted, one of the men did something strange. “The boy said, ‘Mrs. Munnings, sorry

arrived home from school.“They duct tape my hand, my mouth, my feet and he took all the jewelry that was on me,” Mrs. Munnings related of the horrifying ordeal. She was relieved of her necklace and bracelets that she was wearing. Mrs. Munnings pleading for her life, begged the men not to harm her and told them to take whatever they wanted; the entire house if they wished. One inquired who else was in the house to which Munnings said that it was only her and her granddaughter.The little girl by then, having seen and heard the commotion, locked herself inside a bedroom. She then used a phone in the bedroom to call her mother, Ruthlyn Munnings at her job at Belize Telemedia Limited. Ms. Munnings said that she

A PAID ADHYDE IS A BLOODY USER!!!

Pretends to care about Black Southside Belizeans

Willfully ignores Barrow & UDP’s Corrupt Practices

Deceives Belizeans into think-ing (His)tory is Belize’s History.

BOGUS KREMANDALA

IT MUST BE A DUPPY OR A GUNMAN

House Robbed on Zericote Street

By Rhenae Nunez

Belize City; Thurs. Oct. 7, 2010There have been home invasions before, and Belizeans have readily adopted the term and its meaning, however, a harrowing home invasion at the Munnings’ residence on Zericote Street has visited utter shock and trauma upon the family. .Fortunately, there were no fatalities in this incident which occurred only a stone throw away from the Mahogany Street police station. Police have also reported that they have arrested four suspects who will be charged and have recovered most of the stolen items except for the cash and an expensive cell phone. A fi fth suspect is being sought who police say will also be charged for aggravated burglary. Right next door to where little Eyannie Nunez was shot as she slept in her mother’s bed on Sunday morning, September 22nd another horrifying incident unfolded in the broad of day. On Monday October 4th, around two in the afternoon, two men made their way through the Munnings’ gate and up the front stairs and into the living room where Mrs. Rose Munnings, 69 was seated in a chair near the door. “They came so quietly,” Mrs. Munnings said. One of the men stuck a gun to her face and ordered her not to make a sound or she would be killed. She said that she glanced through the door and started calling out for help. But she was dragged to the fl oor and pinioned and silenced. Eventually that help would not come from outside but from her brave seven year old granddaughter who had just

I have to do this but I have to do it.’ When they got all they wanted the one that tied me up and duct tape me up came back and kiss my cheek and said that if I make any noise he will turn back.”Shocking and horrifying as the ordeal was, the family would have to experience another let down – this time by the police. Ruthlyn Munnings had already called 911 before leaving work to run to her mother’s and daughter’s rescue. She arrived home a few minutes later – all the way from downtown Belize City only to fi nd that the police who are situated right around the corner only a stone throw from their home, had not responded to the scene as yet. She said that they arrived almost same time with her, by then the men had left.The seven year old is being hailed a hero and an angel by her mother for being brave and for having taken the initiative to get help for her grandmother. Mrs. Munnings remains traumatized by the invasion and told the media that she hadn’t slept a wink the night after the incident. Her arms are ached and bruised from the rough handling at the hands of the marauders. The men got away with over ten thousand dollars worth of items which included jewelry, two expensive cell phones, an ipad, three watches, a digital camera, a pair of glasses, a DSL modem and three hundred dollars in cash. Police later found out that the gun which was tossed a few yards away was in fact a toy gun. Police were able to catch up with the suspects, thanks to the aid of neighbors.


M e x i c o - B e l i z e Bi-national commission

The Sixth ‘Bi-national Commission’s Technical Meeting’ between Mexico and Belize was held in Chetumal, capital of the Mexican State of Quintana Roo last Thursday and Friday, September 30th and October 1st. The delegations were headed by Ambassador Alexis Rosado, Chief Executive Officer in the Belize’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, for Belize while Ambassador José Ignacio Piña, Director for Latin America and the Caribbean in the Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs headed the Mexican Delegation.Mexico’s Delegation included government officials from the ministries of Foreign Affairs, Defense, Navy, Public Security, Communications and Transport, Environment and Natural Resources, Agriculture and Fisheries, Health, Education, Attorney General’s Office, the National Immigration Institute, the National Intelligence Centre, the National Water Commission,

The Bi-National Commision Tech Meetingthe Public Property Management Institute, Customs and the Government of Quintana Roo. The Belizean Delegation included government officials from the ministries of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Police and Public Safety, Defense and Immigration, Finance, Attorney General, Transport, Communications and National Emergency Management, Education and Youth, Natural Resources and the Environment, Agriculture and Fisheries, Health, and NICH.The Bi-national Commission is the maximum forum for political and cooperation dialogue at the highest level between both countries. The Group discussed an update on the main topics of the bilateral agenda. Additionally, both Delegations advanced on the definition of new areas of cooperation, with particular emphasis on the integral development of the border. As part of the Bi-national Commission Technical Meeting, the following meetings were

held:The 3rd Technical Meeting of the High Level Mexico-Belize Border Security Group (GANSEF).The 7th Technical and Scientific Cooperation Mixed Commission Meeting.The 8th Educational and Cultural Cooperation Mixed Commission Meeting.The 8th Belize-Mexico Cooperation Committee to Fight Drug Trafficking and Drug Addiction.The 1st Border Transportation Meeting.At the Political Subcommittee, Belize and Mexico reiterated that the bilateral relationship is not only strategic, but also a priority. Mexico and Belize’s Delegations agreed to speed up the enlargement and modernization of border infrastructure, in order to meet the increasing commercial and tourist exchange between both countries. Also, they agreed to implement environmental protection measures for cleaning-up the Rio Hondo, as well as to promote documented migration and the integrated development of the border.In the same framework, Mexico invited Belize to participate actively in preparatory works as well as in the Ministerial Meeting of the COP16 that will take place in Mexico on the upcoming months of November and December.Considering that one of the main topics of the Bilateral Agenda refers to the increasing activities of the international organized crime, it was also agreed to speed up the exchange of information and strengthen the coordination in the combat of precursor chemicals illegal trafficking. Also, they pledged to undertake actions for joint cooperation in order to fight the traffic of persons, arms and drugs.The commitment to work jointly with the Central American Integration System

(SICA) member countries was also ratified, in order to implement the “Central American and Mexico Security Strategy” from a regional perspective, in promoting trust and respect for national sovereignty and priorities.On the other hand, both delegations endorsed their commitment to continue propelling jointly with the countries of the region, the implementation of the Mesoamerican Project for Integration and Development.Likewise, the Scientific and Technical Cooperation Program 2010-2012 was approved, which includes 11 projects in the areas of health, environment, agriculture, security, technical education. Both countries committed to promote the bilateral cooperation and the regional access on science and technology, in order to turn it into a strategic area in the Bi-lateral agenda.In the cultural and educational areas, achievements were analyzed. Substantive progress was made in the negotiation of the program for 2010-2013, which will be signed soon.In the economic area, both parts agreed to exchange information about the current condition of transport regulations. They also recognized the need to speed up the legislation for transnational transport operations.Finally, Mexico and Belize Delegations reiterated their commitment to guarantee a modern border that will facilitate the orderly, legal and secure crossing of people and goods, so as to consolidate a source of opportunities in the development of both countries. They agreed to present the outcome of this meeting, on the occasion of the Prime Minister Dean Barrow’s Official Visit to Mexico on October 18th and 19th.


Ministry of Defence…BDF and Immigration?

and who all are to be blamed for the serious breach of our airport facility. The total number of 33 is not believable, especially because it involves three different flights within fifteen days of each other. If these landings were legal, why so much mystery? Why did they have to land under the cover of darkness such as the landing last Sunday night? Sources indicate that a plane load of Chinese smuggled into Belize descended from the plane at PGIA and

disappeared without any trace. In the first place, no proper procedures for documentation were carried out to register the fact that an aircraft ever arrived or landed at PGIA as the reports are that the general declaration forms are missing or possibly none was ever recorded. Secondly, the mandatory processing and documentation of passengers were never carried out, which could mean that the illegal human cargo could be exorbitantly higher than the toned-down figure

The Plane land…who is to blame ??

Ministry of Police… Police and Special Branch?

Ministry of Finance… Customs ?

Civil Aviation Athority …Control Tower?

suggested. Sunday’s plane was described as a twin-prop older type that could have been chartered out of Cuba, while other sources say that the flight came into Belize from Haiti and returned via the Dominican Republics. Cuba has always been the transhipment point from China into the Central American mainland but with the anarchy in Haiti after the earthquake earlier this year, it is possible that Haiti is now the preferred destination. The flight on Sunday is said to have entered Belizean airspace and landed on the PGIA tarmac around 7:00 pm. All suspicions are presently looming on the Immigration and Customs Departments, but we must also be cognizant that there are other entities that are responsible for the operations at the airport and must share the blame. All this crap about officer’s filling out two ‘general declaration and manifest forms’ is no excuse for any competent authority, because no one in their right mind will believe that a chartered flight to Belize will arrive empty in Belize. Sources say that passengers from mainland China pay as much as $US10 000, to be smuggled onto the Central American mainland and another $US10 000, to be placed in the United States. In the recent past, Belize has been involved in the sale of entry visas for Chinese from the mainland and from Indians. Most often the middlemen who facilitate human traffickers make a killing earning thousands of dollars brokering and fronting visa applications with the Immigration Office in Belmopan.

Last year we had a similar landing of Chinese nationals who were brought in from Cuba. We must also remember that a few years ago the University of Belize was used as a convenient tool by unscrupulous human traffickers to bring in Chinese nationals posing as students who wanted to learn English as a second language at UB, then spirited out of Belize via the northern borders. The Minister of Defence, Carlos Perdomo and his CEO Allen Whylie broke their silence this week but with no satisfactory explanation. They are responsible for Immigration and the BDF. The same manner that the PGIA could be used for the trafficking of humans it could be facilitated for the trafficking of other illegal operations. We have a Civil Aviation Department Authority, who is responsible for the Control Tower. Where were they? Ministry of Finance that controls Customs, the Ministry of Police, where was the Special Branch? This must be an international embarrassment for Belize because this is just part of a series of events that has been going on during the last thirty-two months that are just questionable as to the competence of this government to govern effectively and ensuring that all public institutions function within the highest levels of discipline and integrity. We cannot forget that exactly one month after the UDP won the general elections in February of 2008 and became government, a drug plane landed on the Northern Highway, just minutes away from Orange Walk Town.

CONTACT US AT:Editor: 605-4508

[email protected][email protected]

25 Nanche Street, Belmopan

Continued from page 1


a joint investigation under way,” Fogh Rasmussen said. “We will determine what happened, and draw the right lessons.”Although Pakistan says the Torkham blockade will soon be lifted, the latest attacks and the Taliban threat to launch more assaults seemed certain to raise the stakes in the closure, which has exacerbated tensions between Washington and Islamabad. Convoys crossing from Pakistan bring fuel, military vehicles, spare parts, clothing and other non-lethal supplies for foreign troops.“We are trying our best to protect the places where are vehicles have accumulated, and we are not dispatching any more trucks from Karachi for now,” said Shakir Khan Afridi, president of the Khyber Transport Association, a major umbrella organization representing some 7,000 truckers.The Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility for the Islamabad attack in a telephone call to an Associated Press reporter.Spokesman Azam Tariq said a new wing of the group had been created to strike the convoys and that the attacks “would continue until the supplies are completely stopped.” Trucks moving supplies from Karachi through Pakistan into Afghanistan make frequent stops along the way for their drivers to rest along the several-day journey, and Islamabad police chief Kalim Imam said it was impossible for police or local authorities to protect them all the time.

I S L A M A B A D – The Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility Monday for a pre-dawn attack on tankers carrying fuel to Afghanistan for U.S. and other NATO forces, left vulnerable on the side of the road after Pakistan shut down a key border crossing.About a dozen militants peppered the vehicles parked at a truck stop on the outskirts of the capital Islamabad with automatic gunfi re. Some 20 trucks went up in fl ames and four people were killed and seven injured, authorities said.Hours later, gunmen attacked and burned two other trucks carrying NATO supplies in southwest Pakistan, killing one driver.There have been four such attacks since Pakistan last Thursday shuttered its main border crossing into Afghanistan to NATO supply convoys in apparent reaction to a series of alleged NATO incursions, including a helicopter attack that killed three Pakistani soldiers. Traffi c has since been backing up at various points along the route from the southern port city of Karachi to the crossing at Torkham — where scores of trucks remain stranded and vulnerable to attack in the volatile Khyber Pass.In Brussels, NATO’s Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen apologized to Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi for the fi ring incident, saying it was “unintended” and that he hoped the border crossing would be opened again soon.“There is

About 150 vehicles are backed up at the Torkham border crossing itself, with hundreds more in nearby areas. Torkham lies some 120 miles (200 kilometers) west of Islamabad.Trucker Kalam Khan, who has been waiting for fi ve days on his fl atbed truck with a container of supplies for the U.S. Bagram Air Field in Afghanistan, said drivers are in constant fear.There was no immediate claim of responsibility for Monday’s second attack on the two trucks heading to the Chaman border crossing in the southwest, which has remained open.Mohammad Hashim, a government offi cial in the in the southwest district of Kalat where the attack took place — about 100 miles (160 kilometers) south of the region’s main city of Quetta — said two gunmen on a motorcycle opened fi re on the trucks, then torched the vehicles, killing one driver. The unidentifi ed gunmen fl ed.One of the trucks was carrying water while it was not yet clear what the other truck’s cargo was, he said. aWhile NATO and the United States have alternative supply routes into landlocked Afghanistan, the Pakistani ones are the cheapest and most convenient. Most of the coalition’s non-lethal supplies are transported over Pakistani soil after being unloaded at docks in Karachi. There are some 140,000 international forces currently in Afghanistan.

NEWSW RLDTaliban attacks NATO Supply Trucks in Pakistan

a joint investigation under way,” I S L A M A B A D NATO Trucks after explosion

In addition to the Torkham and Chaman crossings from Pakistan, NATO also receives supplies via the Central Asian states north of Afghanistan. Afridi said, however, that some trucks on their way to Chaman have also been unable to get through due to the massive fl ooding in the region — which left millions homeless

and destroyed thousands of miles (kilometers) of roads. On Friday, a day after the closure of the Khyber Pass route to NATO and U.S. traffi c, there were two attacks on oil tankers headed to the country, one of which was claimed by the Pakistani Taliban. The Pakistani Taliban are the country’s largest militant group. Based in the northwest, it has claimed responsibility for scores of suicide bombings against Pakistani government and security targets, as well as Western ones. The group has ties with the Taliban movement in Afghanistan that is fi ghting the U.S.-backed government there. Striking the supply line now gains the group more media attention than normal and makes the mission in Afghanistan appear vulnerable. While attacks on convoys in Pakistan give militants a propaganda victory, coalition offi cials say they do not result in shortages in Afghanistan. Hundreds of trucks still cross into Afghanistan each day. Some attacks are believed to be the work of criminals, who can sell much of the vehicles, clothes and other goods they carry. Offi cials have alleged truck owners may be behind some of the incidents, perhaps to claim insurance fraudulently. On Sunday, Pakistan’s ambassador to the U.S., Husain Haqqani, said the border crossing would be soon reopened.

In addition to the Torkham and Chaman crossings from Pakistan, NATO also receives supplies via the Central Asian states north of Afghanistan. Afridi said, however, that some trucks on their way to Chaman have also been unable to get through due to the massive fl ooding in the region — which left millions homeless

NATO Trucks on fi re


battalions that get together once a month over there, or go and march somewhere,” Chavez said. “No, buddy. The militia is a permanent territorial unit and it should be armed, equipped and trained — campesinos, workers.”Chavez also suggested that

the country should accelerate the formation of militia units.The militia is named after Simon Bolivar, the independence hero who is an inspiration for Chavez, and its members range from housewives to engineers to public employees. Men and women in the militia regularly attend weekend training sessions where they learn to fire cannons, mortars

some militiamen standing guard recently and learned they had no guns.“The militias are the people with weapons in hand,” Chavez told an audience including military officers and high-ranking officials in rural Guarico state.“We need to break old paradigms because we’re still seeing the militias as if they were a complementary force, some

presidency!” he told his c h e e r i n g supporters.Serra called on “the p a r t i e s , po l i t i c i ans and well-m e a n i n g Brazilians” to “build a better country.”C a r l o s

Alberto de Melo, a political analyst at the Insper Institute in Sao Paulo, told AFP the shift to Silva “was a protest vote by part of the electorate who weren’t convinced by Dilma or Serra, and who finally voted for Marina to play for time and force a second round.”In local races, the opposition held on to the governor’s seat in Sao Paulo and Minas Gerais, Brazil’s two most populous states, but Lula supporters won a crushing victory in Rio de Janeiro, an oil state where the 2016 Olympics will be held.In the senate, early results show that the Worker’s Party and its allies are likely to have 49 of the 81 available seats,

votes could prove decisive to either Rousseff or Serra in the runoff election. “I go into this second round with courage and energy because it gives me a chance to better lay out my proposals and plans,” Rousseff told disappointed supporters in Brasilia, flanked by Worker’s Party officials with deflated looks. Pre-vote surveys predicted Rousseff would win 50 to 52 percent of the ballots, they also suggested Rousseff would handily beat Serra in the second round to become Brazil’s first woman president.At a noisy post-vote event Serra thanked his supporters. “We’re heading towards victory and the

BRASILIA (AFP) – Dilma Rousseff, the woman President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva wants to succeed him in office, faces a runoff vote after falling unexpectedly short of an outright victory in Brazil’s presidential election. The official tally for Sunday’s vote showed that Rousseff, Lula’s former cabinet chief, won 47 percent of the vote against 33 percent for her nearest rival, former Sao Paulo state governor Jose Serra.That was short of the 50-percent-plus-one-ballot threshold Rousseff needed to avoid an October 31 knockout round against Serra -- a vote all pre-election surveys said Rousseff should have been able to avoid. Serra’s attempt to tar Rousseff with scandals swirling in her camp and the ruling Workers Party in the days before the election appeared to pay off.But the real benefactor was Green Party candidate Marina Silva, Lula’s former environment minister, whose 19 percent share put her in third place, far higher than the 14 percent she was forecast to win. “We defended a victorious idea and Brazil heard our cry,” Silva, 52, told reporters after the vote. Silva is seen as a kingmaker because her

NEWS FROM Latin america & regional

Brazil presidential race goes to runoff

Dilma Rousseff & President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva

increasing their number by six. The makeup of the lower house however was unclear.Voting is compulsory in Brazil.Lula, 64, Brazil’s wildly popular president, is leaving office at the end of the year after serving the maximum two straight terms permitted under Brazil’s constitution.He has thrown his full weight behind getting Rousseff, 62, elected, promising voters she would continue his policies that have brought prosperity to Latin America’s biggest nation, the world’s eighth-ranked economy.Brazil’s economy -- booming thanks to financial stability, strong exports, soaring domestic consumption and poverty eradication overseen on his watch -- is forecast to grow by more than seven percent this year. The High Electoral Tribunal said no incidents of violence disrupting voting were reported during the day, though 650 people were arrested for illegally campaigning, trucking in voters or trying to buy votes. Forty-three of those detained were candidates for public office.

Venezuela’s Civilian militia to be armed?CARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said Sunday that members of the country’s civilian militia should be issued weapons to be armed and ready at all times.The Bolivarian Militia is a force of volunteers ranging from students to retirees formed in recent years by Chavez, who says it is a crucial component of the nation’s defenses.Until now, members of the militia have regularly trained at weekend boot camps, but their guns have usually been locked away in military depots when not in use.“Who has seen a militia without weapons?” Chavez said during his Sunday television and radio program. He said he was surprised when he met

and machine guns.Diosdado Cabello, one of Chavez’s longtime confidants, has said the militia comprises about 120,000 fighters and is growing.Chavez, who survived a failed coup in 2002, says the militia should be prepared to defend the country against any threat, foreign or domestic. He has said he believes the United States poses a threat to his oil-exporting country, though U.S. officials strongly deny it.Opponents of the leftist president say the militia is essentially a personal army for Chavez aimed at intimidating his adversaries, maintaining control and keeping him in power.

Venezuelan Citizens Marching


BY ORDER OF CHARGEENOTICE OF INTENTION TO

SELL

HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED a statutory body formed and registered under the Credit Union Act, Chapter 314 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, and whose registered

office is situated at No. 1 Hyde’s Lane, Belize City, Belize District hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Chargee under and by virtue of Charges registered at the

Land Registry between those hereinafter named and the said Holy Redeemer Credit Union Limited.

HRCU will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the properties described in the Schedule below.

ALL offers to purchase the said properties must be made in writing to HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED from whom full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained.

SCHEDULE

1. ALL THAT parcel of land being Block 16, Parcel 3115/1 situate in the Caribbean Shores/Belize Registration Section, TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being

thereon, the leasehold property of EDMOND D. PERDOMO

2. ALL THAT parcel of land being Block 23, Parcel 2664/1 situate in the Santa Elena Cayo Registration Section, TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon, the

leasehold property of ORTENCIO CAWICH, surety for MARIA CAWICH

Continued on page 17

…UDP JAcks BNE chAritABlE trUst

By Rhenae NunezBelize City, Thurs. Oct. 7, 2010You can file this one under “even the little that you have the Barrow administration will find a way to take away.” Belizeans are still gazing with pensive eyes to see the fruition of the promise foretold by the finding of oil in commercial quantities in Belize. We were told that standard of living would improve for the citizens and infrastructure will be improved. But those dreams are only pipe dreams as the more oil is extracted from the wells at Spanish Lookout, the further away those dreams seem to drift. Now there is a new fracas in the

industry and the contenders are not holding back any punches. The two main contenders are Debbie Sewell, now former general manager of BNE Charitable Trust and Orlando “Landy” Burns, government’s newly appointed Chairman of the Board. Burns and Sewell are at

loggerheads in a media war since Sewell was ousted by Burns after he used his casting vote to break a deadlock in a board meeting which was to decide whether or not Sewell’s contract would have renewed. The matter is being viewed as political hijacking by the UDP government and now it appears there is all out war brewing over it. According to government, the BNE Trustees were trying to frustrate the government’s trustees from voting and the chairman from casting his deciding vote when the BNE trustees walked of a meeting held a few days ago. It is government’s view that the behavior of the BNE trustees

has placed the functions of the BNE Charitable Trust in jeopardy, preventing it from honoring the applications for funding.. Ousted GM Debbie Sewell said that she was shocked to learn just two days before the due date that her contract would not be renewed after she had gotten reassuring indications that it would be. Sewell concluded that it was because she had been asked to do something inappropriate where the funds are concerned and it was after her disapproval that her troubles really escalated. She said that her first inclination was not to protect her job but to do what she felt was right. Sewell sounded the alarm about political control of the fund. “The GOB appointees are very much into funding projects in specific areas and so there have been conversations at the table in reference to who are receiving the funds and are they supportive of the UDP party are they supportive of the PUP party. There were several projects that came to the board for discussion and they were comments like no we can’t fund that project even though it’s a community based project not affiliated with any area rep., but the conversation is that

person is trying to undermine the minister in that division. Things like that which we have never; the previous board had never looked at that as an issue. We looked at that based on our criteria: has to be community based, has to have a sustainability aspect, has to have partnership, so that’s been completely thrown out the window and it’s strictly being looked at on who is supportive of what party and that’s really how the determinations are being made.“We’ve distributed over four thousand school desks to over forty-two schools. And one of those containers was sent to Orange Walk to be distributed. We can only account for a hundred and twenty-five of the desks of the three hundred and fifty-eight desks. The rest of the country, we asked them to contribute three dollars for each desks, which are metal desks, brand new desks. We looked at the donated depreciated value and based on that there was a three dollar contribution for each desk. Now the rest of the country contributed three dollars and the schools in Orange Walk contributed five dollars. And that

DEBBIE SEAWELL


out of town.With Smart now in the game, backed by Ashcroft’s almost limitless supply of funding, BTL is no longer the sure investment that it once was. Were it still a monopoly, we could be sure that our money

would yield fair dividends. With the fi eld now open to competition though, well….maybe we should buy a few lotto tickets instead. The Prime Minister had promised that on Independence Day, he would release and reveal his master plan to unload BTL. Obviously, sometime before speech time, something went terribly wrong and BTL received but a fl eeting and inconsequential mention in the speech. On the heels of that, Godfrey Smith’s portentous letter to prospective buyer Digicel seems to have squashed any possibility of that deal going through and so now Mr. Barrow has all eyes on the Social Security Fund.The concerns from the Unions and the Chamber are reasonable. Can SSB exit the investment if it proves to be non-performing? What about the Employee Trust that the courts have ruled legitimate? Will BTL honor that or create a similar type in the interest of the employees; and how will that factor into the whole scheme of things? What about BTL’s fi nancial statements, or a proper prospectus for crying out loud! Are there any plans through legislation to free up the use of Voice over Internet Protocol?Of course, this last concern, and indeed all others involving litigation are quite ironic. In strong-arming BTL from Michael Ashcroft, Barrow explained to

I have always believed that B a r r o w ’ s s h e n a n i g a n s with Ashcroft and BTL was nothing more than a ruse to fool and deceive the Belizean people. Some skeptics believe

that it was a preconceived plan to allow Ashcroft to unload BTL, (which had become essentially a “white elephant” with lots of antiquated equipment and redundant staff) and at the same time allow Barrow to look like a hometown hero. For the better part of three years previous to the hostile take-over, Belizeans were fed a twice weekly editorials and “from the publishers” diet of anti-Ashcroft kool-aid. Ashcroft had been smeared as the consummate villain and it was Barrow’s time to shine. The fl y in the ointment was, I believe, that unbeknownst to Barrow, Ashcroft had already bought out majority shares in Smart which was in a position to capitalize on modern, more cost effective wireless technology. To top it off, Ashcroft before being forced out of BTL, had put in place an interconnection agreement between Smart and BTL which would allow Smart to compete unimpeded in Belize’s growing market. Cynics claim, why would he have done that if he had no fore-knowledge of what was to come? Did he not fi ght and eventually prevail against the exact type of arrangement that would have allowed Intelco a share of the market? What in effect occurred is that Michael Ashcroft put a serious “wap” on Dean Barrow and there was nothing he could do about it. Except of course, foam at the mouth and threaten to run him

For the better part of three years previous to the hostile take-over, Belizeans were

fed a twice weekly editorials and “from the publishers” diet of anti-Ashcroft kool-aid.

Ashcroft had been smeared as the consummate villain and it was Barrow’s time

Government’s plan to invest fi fty million dollars of Belizean’s Social Security money into BTL shares have been met with more than just a little resistance. Recently, no less than the Chamber of Commerce and the Trade Unions have come out against the idea, demanding that more information be released before any type of investment is considered for approval. BTL over the years had become a very profi table business, most of it as a result of astronomical rates charged to the Belizean consumers. Following Barrow’s takeover however, BTL went from declaring $38M dollar buoyancy to Net Vaquez’s fi gure of $18M dollar and warnings that things would get worse.Despite being one of Belize’s most profi table businesses, BTL’s history is also fraught with controversy and a plethora of hostile litigations. What was fi rst Cable and Wireless in 1987 became Belize Telephone Authority then Belize Telecommunications Limited and fi nally wound up as Belize Telemedia Limited; in a slick move to escape the snare of Jeffrey Prosser. In the early 1990’s, British born billionaire and naturalized Belizean Michael Ashcroft entered the fray and while the worth of the company has grown exponentially, so has its mystique and legal woes. Ashcroft briefl y relinquished hold in 2003 but following an ill-fated stint with Prosser, government convinced Ashcroft back in and had to pay dearly with the infamous “accommodation agreement.” (this is an intriguing and often misrepresented chain of events that must await but merits its own narration) Ashcroft is a crafty and seasoned businessman and retains the services of a sleuth of equally deft and shrewd attorneys-at-law. Those standing and having stood to his defense are not only some of England’s best but the cream of Belize’s crop, including our own Prime Minister. In its editorial of this past Tuesday the Amandala reminds us that “Since he became Prime Minister, Mr. Barrow receives his Ashcroft money indirectly, from the Barrow & Williams law fi rm by way of the Belize Bank, but receives it he does.”

the Belizean people at the time that it was to avoid the whole litany of litigations before the courts. At the time, he was warned that instead of reducing the amount, his move would in fact increase and intensify court actions surrounding BTL. Had he a modicum of humility, Mr. Barrow would admit that he was wrong and beg Belizeans for forgiveness.Another reason Mr. Barrow gave for taking BTL was to reduce rates and, (remember this?), provide for Voice over Internet Protocol. In a recent meeting with Union leaders and interviews with Krem radio, Mr. Barrow revealed that he had no intention of liberating the use of VoIP. According to Mr. Barrow, “Belizeans would be amenable to keeping VoIP blocked if they know they will share in the profi ts.” Which Belizeans have you been talking to, Mr. Barrow? Oh, okay; Wellington Ramos.The fact of the matter is that most Belizeans that I have spoken to are dead set against investing Social Security funds in BTL. Working Belizeans do not contribute to that fund to have it used as gambling chip or to bail out politicians from mistakes. How about re-implementing the non-contributors program so that senior citizens who retired before the scheme got into gear could benefi t from a little assistance each month? How about re-investing in the NHI program that gave valuable assistance to poor people for medical reasons? How about increasing benefi ts to those who are retiring, and who through their contributions, have allowed for the fund to grow? How about a referendum so that those who really own the fund can decide whether they wish to invest or not? At some point, we need to de-politicize all funds that are set aside for the people’s welfare. At the moment, a brave young lady is being fired because she dared to stand up and resist against the BNE trust fund being misused or used as a “slush fund”. Maybe we could follow her lead and all stand up and ask of Mr. Barrow; “what part of NO do he not understand?”


Belizeans could see clearly that they were better off in their individual economies than what they are subjected to under the circumstances the UDP has cornered them into. There were clearly more economic activities that created development and growth that brought forth jobs, thousands of jobs which translated in prosperity all around. The UDP is now moving into its third year and has not one benchmark or landmark achievement to justify their term, thus far, in government. They certainly have nothing in place to suggest or show that there is transparency, accountability or good

governance in their administration as they promised Belizeans. In fact, the deterioration of our social institutions suggests quite the opposite. They were harshly critical about the super bond even though they continue their uncontrolled borrowing. After their entire witch-hunting, probing, and political persecution, they still cannot come up with anything concrete to substantiate their ridiculous accusations against the previous PUP administration. There are signifi cant structures of a c c o m p l i s h m e n t s standing today that clearly refl ect the bold vision and initiatives propelled by the Musa Administration during the decade in government from 1998 to2008. The achievements are too many to chronicle in this essay especially because it highlights the transformation of Belize into an era of modernization, economic growth and prosperity. The nation saw a consistent period of mass development; expansion of roads and communication

The situation in Belize is deplorable and has crumbled from bad to worse with every passing day to the point of anarchy, the worst we can ever recall. To prove my point I would like to separate the population into two age-groups with those who are over twenty-two years old and those who are under twenty-one years. The primary reason why there is now growing discontent, disappointment, frustration and disgust among the greater young people with this U.D.P. government is because they are fi nally realizing that they were deceived. The younger population are the ones

that overwhelmingly voted for the UDP. They sincerely expected more from this government but the blatant incompetence shows no initiative in their governance without vision or direction. The U.D.P. spent an entire decade in Opposition demonizing the PUP Government, fabricating deception and lies and most of the younger minds who were fi rst time voters were in fact hoodwinked. The U.D.P. were pretentious and successfully convinced especially the younger population that the reigning PUP government were so corrupt that they were being cheated out of their rightful take of the future. Considering themselves to be more educated, they also believed that voting for the UDP was an educated calculation but their calculus turned out wrong. The UDP convinced the entire nation that the P.U.P. were a bunch of scoundrels and the younger naïve population really expected more and were deceived into believing that the Red Party were beyond reproach. Today, this younger population believe that they’ve been had. They were taken for a ride. They were just stepping stones for the eager red coats who just wanted to have their time in government, caring less about the people’s needs and allowing an already bad situation to become worse. This is where I separate the fi rst time voters from the other voters. None of the charges with which they deceived the Belizean people would stand in Court even though

BY: MARSHALL NUNEZ

Before 1998, only Belize City had tertiary level institutions. The PUP capital investments worked towards ensuring that tertiary level education

was afforded in every district and this vision alone cost, tens of

millions of dollars. It’s time to stop believing the U.D.P. lie.

infrastructure and the expansion of an organized public transportation. There was growth in institutional development such as education, the advent of a modern buoyant self-sustainable tourism industry, enhanced and expanded health services, the expansion of electricity, sewerage, water services and telephone nation-wide, major improvement in the agriculture, marine and aqua-culture, citrus, banana and sugar cane industries. These are only few of the areas where these economic sectors generated hundreds of millions of dollars and created thousands of jobs. Prior to 1998, there was no (NEMO) National Emergency Management Organization. The Musa Administration brought this on stream as a part of Government and millions of dollars were invested to establish this unit into a functional entity to serve as an effi cient coordinating management organization during time of disasters and emergencies. During the PUP era, NEMO was effi cient and competent during the many hurricanes and tropical storms that threatened and affected Belize during the ten years from 1998-2008. Not one death was recorded and every effort was focused to preserve life and property. We cannot say the same for this single entity under the UDP government. There could never be any logical comparison between great achievements and accomplishments of the PUP government and the UDP. It is like night and day where

a PUP government would jump start and catapult Belize’s development growth into the future while the UDP comes in and witch-hunt for most of their term because they simply lack the competence. This has rolled the entire economy back in time a decade or two. The UDP has exposed themselves for what they are: deceivers, hypocrites and liars. Before 1998, only Belize City had tertiary level institutions. The PUP capital investments worked towards ensuring that tertiary level education was afforded in every district and this vision alone cost, tens of millions of dollars. It’s time to stop believing the U.D.P. lie. These same fi rst time voters, in their Belizean History classes, study the political history of Belize. Under the topic of “The Road to Independence,” they have seen the birth of the political process where Belize came from a settlement to a nation. All these accomplishments were a part of the nation building and the credit for the building of this nation has to be given to the PUP. It is incumbent on the P.U.P. to do all they can to educate and attract this demography of voters since they voted against the P.U.P. It is now time for the P.U.P. to proudly herald their accomplishments in order to attract this group of voters if we hope to form the next government. Just my Impartial View.


BY RHENAE NUÑEZ

JUSTICE DELAYED IS JUSTICE DENIED

“ After listening to all the hogwash about the progress of the investigation and the fi le being purportedly presented

to the DPP (Director of Public Prosecutions) – the case has been muted and the alleged perpetrator of the hideous act which fl ies in the face of everything that

the police is supposed to uphold has for all intents and purpose gotten away with murder. ”

Belize City, Monday 4th October 2010 Martin Lewis, a.k.a. “Brady” is one of the oldest tailors in Belize City, if not the entire country. Learning the trade from his older brother, Rudolph Lewis, Brady, who lives and plies his craft at 12 Plues Street, fl ashes a constant smile when he tells you his life story and how he got into the tailoring business.

Rudolph was the proprietor of Cherry’s Tailor Shop located at 51 George Street. He began operating in the 1950s, and Brady, who was a stevedore, used to take down and put back up the sewing machines before he learned to cut buttonholes and tack on buttons.Brady did not start to sew until 1971. He was able to do the basic sewing of pants and shirts, but he had not learned yet to cut and draft patterns. But before Rudolph migrated to the United States in 1974 he made sure that Brady learned all that was necessary to continue the trade. Brady took over Cherry’s Tailor Shop that year and kept the shop open until 1990,

when he moved to Plues Street.It was Brady who used to sew all the uniforms for the employees of Belize Telemedia (BTL) when it was still the Belize Telecommunications Authority (BTA). Now in his 76th year Brady is still tailoring 30 years later. “My eyesight is still good, and I can still do the work. I have a pair of eyeglasses, but I hardly use it,” said Brady.Besides being a tailor and stevedore, Brady was also a barber. He also worked at Sharp’s Citrus Factor in Pomona Valley, operating the machine that cut the oranges, and at the sugar factory in Corozal. In his teens he played

football for a junior team, Tigers, but he quit after two years because he felt the game got too dirty and there were too many fi ghts.Martin said he got the name “Brady” from his mother, Adelaide Lewis, because he loved to eat bread. “I still like eat bread,” he said, “just in moderation now.” As long as God gives him the strength and good eyesight, Brady says that he will continue to tailor.

The constant tailorBrady, 76, still tailoring 30 years later

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www.nationalperspectivebz.com/site

“Justice delayed is justice denied” is a legal maxim meaning that if legal redress is available for a party that has suffered some injury, but is not forthcoming in a timely fashion, it is effectively the same as having no redress at all. This principle is the basis for the right to a speedy trial and similar rights which are meant to expedite the legal system, because it is unfair for the injured party to have to sustain the injury with little hope for resolution. The phrase has become a rallying cry for legal reformers who view courts or governments as acting too slowly in resolving legal issues either because the existing system is too complex or overburdened, or because the issue or party in question lacks political favor.The phrase may alternatively be traced to the Magna Carta, clause 40 of which reads, “To no one will we sell, to no one will we refuse or delay, right or justice.” The reason one goes to court is to get justice, and “Justice Delayed is Justice Denied”: WIKIPEDIAIt is almost seven months since Corporal Gavin Sanchez was brutishly shot multiple times in the San Pedro police station. I have stared with great dismay at how things have not evolved since this hellish event that forever will be etched in many minds particularly those of the late offi cer’s family who are left to mourn not only the callous act but the crude indifference with which they are being treated by the UDP Government and the Belize Police Department. To date, the offi cer who allegedly shot Corporal Sanchez has not been charged and therefore has not been brought to

justice. Seven months later, it is fair to say that this matter has been swept under the rug.After listening to all the hogwash about the progress of the investigation and the fi le being purportedly presented to the DPP (Director of Public Prosecutions) – the case has been muted and the alleged perpetrator of the hideous act which fl ies in the face of everything that the police is supposed to uphold has for all intents and purpose gotten away with murder. This astounds me!It is the kind of thing that when a government allows for this to go unchecked it should really outrage the people but we remain passive in the face of abuse. There have been several stories and theories about the motive for the homicide and even more serious stories emanating

from the police department about the accommodations being made for the alleged perpetrator Sgt. Paulino Reyes. It begs the question at this point, “WHERE IS PAULINO REYES? WHEN WILL HE BE BROUGHT TO JUSTICE FOR THE KILLING OF CORPORAL GAVIN SANCHEZ? WHAT PREVENTS THE CHARGES FROM BEING LEVIED?” We want answers and it should not take seven months to come. Unconfi rmed reports are the Reyes has absconded to his native El Salvador. I pray that this is not so since Commissioner of Police, Crispin Jefferies reassured some time ago that Reyes is still in the country in the Cayo District. This provides little comfort with the vacuum that has pervaded this case. In spite of calls for the administration

of capital punishment - Government for whatever reason has not executed convicted murderers in years. However, there seems to be a readiness to dispose of those that the government does not like. Harsh and a hard statement but there is a pattern here – there are a number of unresolved cases that there seems to be no enthusiasm to pursue justice on behalf of the victims and their families.I believe my comments to be fair in light of the indifference displayed to pursue these cases. The calls for Government to address the matter of the Atanacio Gutierrez who was also brutishly shot down and killed as he protested in front of Tower Hill Sugar Factory in Orange Walk have fallen on deaf ears. The Gutierrez family has since then faced extreme hardship since the bread winner was abruptly and brutally taken away.Same is true for the Good family after Captain Charlie Good passed away after he stood up against political victimization after his wife Hirian Good was fi red from her job as a school warden for being a PUP. That case is languishing in court – it was one that was supposed to be heard by the former Chief Justice Dr. Abdulai Conteh. With government’s alleged meddling with the independence of the judiciary, there is no telling what will become of this matter and in addition, the trust in the judiciary has signifi cantly diminished and undermined.The attitude displayed by this UDP government should be of major concern to the general population but for some inexplicable reason – it is not. As is said in the maxim, “justice delayed is justice denied”

Martin Lewis


round. Carlos Cui had advanced on a bye through the 1st round, he then won over Yu in the 2nd round, winning again over Siu Pan Cheng in the 3rd round and posted his 3rd win over Chen Bo in the 4th round, before he lost to Zhi Cheng in the 5th round.Chen Bo had advanced through the fi rst 3 rounds by winning over Sam in round 1, over

Victor Quan in round 2 and over Chen Huien in round 3.Carlos Cui lost to Yu Ming Li in the losers’ bracket and Yu Ming Li advanced to take on Zhi Cheng again in the fi nal.Wei Rong Huang won female championship, by defeating Cui Zhen Li in the fi nal, remaining undefeated in 4 rounds of competition. She won over Cui Zhen Li in the 1st round again over Wun Kin See in the 2nd round, and won over May Cui in the 3rd round. Cui Zhen Li won 2 matches in the losers’ round, over Wun Kin See, and then May Cui, to meet Wei Rong Huang in the female fi nal. Cui Zhen Li won 2nd prize, May Cui took 3rd prize and Wun Kin See won 4th prize, all received medals and cash prizes.

ZHI CHENG & WEI RONG HUANG WIN BTTA OPEN CHINESE TABLE TENNIS TOURNAMENT

Winners of Table Tennis CompetitionBelize City, October 3, 2010

Zhi Cheng and Wei Rong Huang won the male and female table tennis championships respectively when of the Belize Table Tennis Association and the Belize-Chinese community hosted an Open all-Chinese table tennis tournament at the home of table tennis at Belize Elementary School on Sunday, October 2.Zhi Cheng proved invincible in the men’s fi nal in three straight games: 11-4, 11-8 and 11-8 over Yu Ming Li, who won 2nd prize. Carlos Cui won 3rd prize, Peter Wong took 4th prize, Chen Bo won 5th prize; Siu Pan Cheng claimed the 6th prize sixth; Yu took home 7th prize and Choi had to settle for the 8th place prize. The top four in

the men’s competition received medals and all top eight fi nishers received cash prizes.Some 25 men registered to compete in the tournament and Zhi Cheng won through the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th rounds before meeting Yu Ming Li in the fi nals. Cheng got the bye through the 1st round and then eliminated Choi in the 2nd round. Peter Wong advanced through the 1st round on a bye and won over Tony Liu in the 2nd round, before entering the losers’ circle after a loss to Zhi Cheng in the 3rd round.Yu Ming Li won over Barry Lin in the 1st round, won again over Francisco Ma in the 2nd round, and scored his 3rd win over Wen Te Chen in the 3rd round, before he lost to Zhi Cheng in the 4th

FC Belize & BDF lead BPFL footballBelize City, October 3, 2010

FC Belize and the Belize Defence Force are both undefeated in Week 4 of the 2010 Belize Premier Football League tournament, each posting 10 pts from 3 wins and a draw to lead the competition.FC Belize posted their 3rd win by upsetting the up-to-then undefeated Griga United 1-0 at the MCC grounds on Sunday afternoon. Christian Okonkwo and Gilroy “Bredda” Thurton led the city boys’ offensive, backed up by Shaun Gill and Delwyn Jones on the wings and midfi elders Jarret Davis and Brian Martinez.Griga United’s defensive line-up of Karim Peters with the help of Allan Flores, Gilbert “Hoof” Swazo and Jacinto Bermudez asked no quarter, nor gave none, and the city boys

squad came up empty for a nil-zip ball game at the half. Griga’s Alex Peters, Lisbey Castillo, Dennis Serano and Kareem Haylock displayed greated ball control and had more ball possession, but it counted for nought. The pressure of their attacks brought out the best in FC Belize defensive lineup of team captain Eian Gaynair, Albert Thurton, Leon Cadle and Byron Usher, who

helped goalkeeper Eldon Linares keep the visitors off the scoreboard throughout the 1st half.Delroy “Thinman” Andrews and Jerome “Jaro” James entered the ball game in the 2nd half, for Delwyn Jones and Gilroy Thurton, while the visitors also refreshed their attack formation with Dion Burgess and Lennox “Nambule”

Mejia replacing Lloyd Nunez and Alex Peters.Things looked black for FC Belize when the referee issued Brian Martinez his 2nd yellow card of the ball game, and Martinez was sent off reducing the city squad to 10 players. Jerome James scored the wining goal for FC Belize in the 77th minute, and the visitors failed to equalize, as FC Belize registered a 1-0 win at the long whistle.The undefeated Belize Defence Force suffered their fi rst setback when they drew 1-1 with Belmopan Blaze last Saturday night. Denmark Casey struck fi rst for the BDF in the 56th minute, but Christopher Hendricks equalized for Belmopan Blaze in the 88th minute.The Toledo Ambassadors are in 4th place in the standings with 7 pts after their 2nd win: 3-0 over the winless San Pedro Sea Dogs at the Ambergris Stadium on Sunday. Andres Makin scored the fi rst, winning goal in the 12th minute of play to lead 1-zip at the half. Ralph Flores added a 2nd goal in the 81st minute before the long whistle and Bernard Linarez delivered a 3rd goal in the 87th minute.San Felipe Barcelona celebrated their 2nd back to back win, 2-1 over the winless Hankook Verdes 2-1 at the People’s Stadium on Sunday. Deris Benavides had scored San Felipe’s 1st goal in the 6th minutes of play, and Verdes’ Jose Monroy delivered the equalizer in the 7th minute. Harvey Cruz scored the game winner in the 44th minute, and the San Felipe defense locked up shop to hold on to their 2-1 win until the long whistle. Verdes will host Griga United at the Marshalleck Stadium on Saturday night, San Pedro Sea Dogs hosts Belmopan Blaze at the Ambergris Stadium on Sunday, FC Belize will take on the San Felipe Barcelona at the Peoples Stadium, and the BDF host the Toledo Ambassadors at the Norman Broaster Stadium in San Ignacio on Sunday.

squad came up empty for a nil-zip


boys enjoyed their 2nd win, over the Maud Williams High School boys, who won the fi rst set 25-22. The SJC boys rallied to win the next 2 sets 25-12 and 15-7.On Saturday, the Ladyville Tech boys also had no with the Edward P. Yorke High School boys as they won 25-17 and 25-20.On Friday, the SJC boys posted their 1st over the Anglican Cathedral College boys. The SJC boys took the fi rst set 25-22, but ACC’s Kyle Elliott, Kirk Broaster, Ryan Bainton and Brandon Murillo led a counterattack to win the 2nd set 25-21. The SJC boys toughed it out to win the 3rd set 15-13.On Monday, the Wesley College boys enjoyed their 2nd win: 25-19 and 25-13 over the Edward P. Yorke High School boys. Michael Perrera and Calbert Jefferies led Wesley offensive, with Brandon Lopez digging up saves

to keep the ball in play for Keiron Zuniga, Jarred Tillett and Mervin Mendez to score. Last Wednesday, the Wesley College boys had also won the opening game of the competition over the Anglican Cathedral College boys 25-12 and 25-18. Last Friday, the Nazarene High School boys posted their 2nd win over the Wesley College boys 25-17 and 25-22. On Wednesday, The Nazarene High boys had won over the Ladyville Technical boys, who won the fi rst set 25-23, before the Nazarene boys took the next 2 sets 25-11 and 15-9.On Thursday, the Ladyville Technical High School bounced back from their fi rst loss to win over the Maud Williams High School boys: 25-19 and 25-6.

Undefeated SCA girlsw i n 3 i n C S S S A

Volleyball

Undefeated St John’s College boys win 3 back to back in CSSSA

Volleyball

Belize City, October 2, 2010The defending champions St Catherine’s Academy are undefeated so far in Central Secondary Schools Sports Association (CSSSA) volleyball competition, which began at the Belize City Center last Wednesday, posting 3 back to back wins.The SCA girls 3rd win came in 2 set romp over Ladyville Technical High School girls on Tuesday night. Krystal Bevan served 3 aces in the 1st set, Brianny Staine followed with 5 aces and Sherika Burton served up 7 aces, while team captain Analisa Habet hammered home spikes at the net to decimate the Ladyville girls in 2 sets 25-9 and 25-13. The SCA girls had dispatched the Anglican Cathedral College girls 25-15 and 25-10 on Friday and also won their fi rst game against the defending sub-champions, the Pallotti High school girls 25-11 and 25-16 last Wednesday. The Anglican Cathedral College girls posted their 2nd win when they prevailed over the Gwen Lizarraga High School girls in the best of 3 sets on Tuesday. ACC’s Vanessa Rose spiked at the net, the Flowers’ twins, Shauryce and Shaurye, volleyed the ball with the help of Amber Ferguson and Joan Magana, while Ena Encalada served with devastating effect to win the 1st set 25-23.Gwen Liz’s Audreanna Meighan, Shanice Pollard and Shareema Moody led the counterattack, with the help of Jaslyn Myvette and Jasheema Saunders to win the 2nd set 25-13, but the ACC girls recovered to win the 3rd set and match 15-13.On Monday, the Pallotti High School girls posted their 2nd win easily over the Maud Williams High School girls in 2 sets. Pallotti’s Gorlee Marin, Megan Contreras, Gloria Serano scored points with the help of Georgia Young, Sade Lopez and Mariami Leiva to win both sets 25-9 and

25-14.The Wesley College girls enjoyed their 1st win over the Edward P. Yorke High School girls on Monday evening. The Edward P. Yorke girls won the fi rst set 25-16 with Bria Hamilton, Shimeka Saunders and Lavisha Lorenzo scoring points with the help of Krystal King, Shinelle Morris and Christal Young. Sherlene Humphreys and Christie Gillett had led the Wesley College girls’ counterattack with the help of Raquel Simmons, Chinyere Wade, Leshawn Swift and Symone Foreman to win the 2nd set 27-25. They also toughed it out in the 3rd set, which went to several match points to prevail 22-20.On Saturday, the Gwen Liz girls had won over the Maud Williams High School in 2 sets: 25-10 and 25-23. The Edward P. Yorke girls enjoyed their fi rst win over the Ladyville Technical High School girls 25-15 and 25-23.On Friday evening, the Pallotti High School girls posted their fi rst win over the Wesley College girls: 25-13 and 25-23.On Thursday the Gwen Liz girls enjoyed their 1st win over the Edward P. Yorke girls: 25-23 and 25-13. The Ladyville Technical High School girls also posted their 1st win over the Maud Williams high school girls: 25-21 and 25-21.On Wednesday, the Anglican Cathedral College girls won the opening game of the tournament over the Wesley college girls who won the fi rst set 25-19; the ACC girls won the 2nd set 25-21, and the third set 17-15.

The St John’s College boys are undefeated with 3 back to back wins in the Central Secondary Schools Sports Association (CSSSA) volleyball competition, which began at the Belize City Center last Wednesday,The SJC boys burned the defending champs, the Ladyville Technical High School boys in 2 sets on Tuesday evening. SJC’s Alex Quan received and set the ball for Rasheed Pollard and Kareem Mckay to hammer home kills. Robert Codd and Richard Vasquez got in their points too, while Kyle Williams served up aces that demoralized the Ladyville boys to win the 1st set 25-19.The game should have been a walk in the park for the defending champs, who still have their star attack and blocker, Roman Debride and Denroy Mccord. But the Ladyville defense just wasn’t gelling, and Zachary Garbutt supported the SJC boys attacks to win the 2nd set 25-9.On Saturday, the St John’s College

Volleyball


HOROSCOPEYOUR WEEKLY

Aries March 21-April 19

The details are overwhelming on Monday and Tuesday. Something small, a prover-bial straw on the camel’s back, will be the end of you -- unless you do something

healthy for your mind and body. Sprinting is one way to go. Or group sports. You’ll be so wrapped up in your own head that you’ll forget to pay attention to someone who needs you. As soon as you focus on them, all else will f igure itself out. The weekend could be light-hearted, fun and exciting.

Taurus April 20-May 20Your life blossoms like a f lower this week and you will be and more en-

gaged than you’ve been in a while. Your heart is thumping faster than ever and you-know-who make quite a team. Cash, companionship and con-certs are in the stars but return you to real life, everything is brighter and better than usual. Some fairly deep emotions will come to the surface -- you clearly care about this person – and it will spark a passionate interaction.

Gemini May 21-June 21

Teamwork necessarily involves a lot of catch-up and chatter at the beginning of the week. If you’re the one to cut through the noise to the essential kernel at a key

moment, you’ll earn major bonus points. Your energy’s intellectual and innovative; be the one with the bright idea (and know yourself well enough to set up some bulletproof follow-through!). On a personal level, you’re dang hot now; how’s the love life? You’d best slow down. Burning the candle at both ends leaves you in the middle, burnt out.

Cancer June 22-July 22

You are attuned to the edges of things on Monday, the contrasts, the subtle distinctions. You are perspicacious to the last. Dive into a proj-

ect that needs some cleaning up, that puts you in touch with people you admire and that lets you enjoy yourself. Enjoyment will be at a minimum - a bump in the road in your relationship with someone at home challenges you --and the workweek ends on a hazy note. You go into the weekend

Leo july 23-August 22

There is less money to go around at the outset of the week than you’d like. Such is life. But strangely, you find being thrifty sort of fun. You can get into eating noodles. By the middle

of the week, you are so distracted by the funny things falling out of friends’ mouths you are barely thinking about money (or the lack thereof). A creative date might not cost you a dime. Deep issues and family matters are in the stars, as is a strong sense of ego.

Virgo August 23-Septemer 22You are perfectly happy cleaning out your car, cleaning up your office --

cleaning anything, really. You’re in a good mood and you love it when your life is tidy. New projects figure strongly the first half of the week, but don’t put your money where your mouth is, not yet at least. Be careful about cash flow, especially because it may dawn on you that some of your goals are unrealistic, but you’re the kind of person motivated by the impossible.

Libra September 23-October 22

Hey, hot stuff! This week are all about you, so hop out of bed on the right side and work your magic. If you’ve got a honey, they’re drawn to you all anew; if not, expect

admirers to flock. You’ve got a way with words now, and again on Sunday too -- use it to set matters of the heart afire. As for the rest of the week, on Monday, forgiving (or giving another chance) is the right thing to do; and on Friday and Saturday, looking on a deeper level is very revealing. bountiful options -- becomes clearer.Scorpio October 23-November 21

Opportunity’s coming knocking this week, so put out the welcome mat and be ready to answer and someone’s got a sweet little secret -- could it be

you? And could it be time to let it slip? You’re radiating all that’s best about you, and you’ve got some ESP when it comes to matters of the heart -- a great com-bination. In terms of the other days this week, you’re less than outgoing around Tuesday through Thursday (RSVP accordingly); and on Sunday, romantic risks are iffy (minimize them). Sagittarius November 22-December 21Your superstar qualit ies get a couple of big boosts this week, and mat-

ters of the hear t cer tainly stand to benef it big-t ime. Everybody loves you and you’re seeing the best in everyone too - - it ’s a real love- in, per-haps involving one admirer/admiree in par t icular. Let them in on a wish and it just might come true. Sunday, too, kicks of f a couple fabulous days to be you - - put on your Sunday best and strut your stuf f.

Capricorn December 22-January 19

Watch for a leadership role to open up at the beginning of the week -- or for an opportunity to create one. You’ve got the right stuff; taking on

a new project is more than worth it if it gives you the chance to show it. On Thursday and Friday, however, don’t push your boss (or your boss’ boss, or an important client, or even your mom). Authority demands respect now, and if you’re not feeling it, you’d be wise to fake it, at least for the moment.

Aquarius January 20-February 18Everything is peachy-keen on the surface, but an interest in other people’s

motives has you looking deeply at your life. It’s unclear what the future holds and, especially, what your financial outlook is -- so be careful in busi-ness deals. Wednesday and Thursday are less about business and more about buddies, but Friday once again finds you focused on career matters. On Saturday, avoid situations where you might feel exposed. Then, on Sunday, race out of the house and embrace the day.

Pisces February 19-March 20Your intuition won’t let you down at the star t of the week. Feel free to

make a decision before you have all the facts you think you need. If necessary, you can always alter course as new information arrives. The new information that arrives may strangely enough come in the form of dissention from someone you usually agree with. Give them the benef it of the doubt, but if you suspect they’re walking all over you - - as might be the case on Friday or Saturday - - well, you are too wonder ful for that.

was something that Mister Burns was responsible for allocating. As I said, he has only accounted for one hundred and twenty-fi ve of the desks and we don’t know where the other two hundred and thirty-three desks went. Those are issues that we really have to look at because when we talk about distributing things equally and evenly among everybody and anybody can apply, it doesn’t goes to specifi c individuals. We’re very big on accountability and that is something that we’ve been asking him since June to provide the documentation for the remainder two hundred and thirty-three desks and we have not received that as yet.”The three government representatives are all known political supporters of the United Democratic Party and two are known as rabid supporters and activists.Orlando “Landy” Burns is a declared candidate for electoral offi ce. He is currently seeking to unseat Hon. Marcel Cardona in the Orange Walk East constituency and become the UDP Standard Bearer there in the next general elections.Alberto August is the publisher of a local newspaper that has been virulent in its support of the UDP. He was also appointed the Chairman of the Elections and Boundaries Commission, and can be heard opining on behalf of the UDP on the daily morning talkshows.Ismael Requena is the principal of the Anglican Cathedral College and a close associate of UDP Chairman Patrick Faber.Mrs. Seawell also told the media:“I think it’s a confl ict of interest to have a chairperson who is running for political offi ce as the chair of a trust fund. I think, one, that’s a confl ict of interest; secondly I feel that the new appointees have allowed politics to hijack policies

and procedures and it’s a shame because people aren’t going to come to the table and want to be a part of this when its being used for political gains. That’s not going to happen. We have the issue right now - and maybe this is another issue why my contract isn’t being renewed - I have asked Mr. Burns to account for some school desks that went up north to be delivered, it was a container load of 358 desks; he accounted for 125. And then why was everyone else in the country paying $3.00 when the people up north were paying $5.00 for a desk? Where did the other $2.00 go? Because we received $3.00 for a desk from up north but we have records to show that schools actually paid $5.00 each for desk so I’ve asked for these accounting. I have asked them to account for these items and he has not been able to do it.”Earlier this week the three BNE trustees, Kevin Herrera, Daniel Gutierrez and Melanie Escalante released a joint letter to media that they had sent to Burns demanding his resignation. The trio told Burns that “… it is obvious that even after two years, you have failed to understand the vision and objects of the trust as originally envisioned by the founders.” They told him that he had failed to effectively and properly communicate with the Board and the General Manager in a timely manner; failed to recognize Trust priorities; and failed to seek compromises in resolving board disagreements. They also reminded him that contrary to what he had told the media, that there had been no board decision taken to not renew Deborah Seawell’s contract when it expired at the end of September.

UDP JACKS BNE CHARITABLE TRUST

Continued on page 10


Dorothy Mae Bradley, 82Elston Nathaniel PetersMarl Anthony Lara, 49Leroy David Martinez, 31Herve Joseph Cormier, 75Godfrey Hugdonald Tillett, 54Todora Ba, 59

Christopher Joseph McGann of Belmopan, Cayo to Leni Naila Ysaguirre of Belize CityDarcy Rolf Linne to Theresa Michelle Devlin both of Colorado, USADaniel Retana to Natasha Melanie Bautista both of San Jose Succotz, CayoJohnny Edison Bush to Lydia Estela Herrarte both of Benque Viejo del Carmen, CayoRamon Alberto Benitez to Cenaida Esperanza Vasquez both of Carmelita, Orange Walk Jimmy Obed Leslie to Nolberta Caliz both of Benque Viejo del Carmen,CayoPhillip Errol Guizar to Zuleica Ninethe Ramirez Portillo both Caye Caulker, BelizeDavid Darrel Smith to Indira Snoia Berry both of Belize CityJing Feng Lee to Chun Kuan Zhu both of Belize CityScott Walter Williams to Elida Emerita Ventura both of San Ignacio, CayoMatthew Steven Corcoran to Alyssa Natalie Remington both of USANathaniel Cedric Scholler to Hannah Bastiani both of United KingdomHenry Alwin James to Victoria Luciana Denise Chaneb both of Rockville, BelizeJosue Florencioa Tzib of San Antonio, Cayo to Elsie Carlita Pech of Bullet Tree Falls, CayoSantiago Sanchez of Boom Creek, Toledo to Josefina Arana of Moho River, ToledoMario Cesar Gonzalez of Libertad, Corozal to Mercedes Angelica Witzil of San Narciso, CorozalHumberto Tomas Mendez of Nuevo San Juan, Orange Walk to Yadire Yasmin Cawich of San Victor, CorozalMartin McNicoll to Julie Morrissette both of Dubai, United Arab EmiratesModesto Eugenio Che of Cristo Rey, Corozal to Juanita Analli Chulim of Ranchito, CorozalRichard Wayne Vellos to veronica Soledad Diaz Paz both of Orange Walk TownRonald Richard Baird to Magdalena Carmen Paz both of Dangriga, Stann CreekMark Alan Pfeffer to Anne Camille Telsdort both of Texas, USARobert Edward Charles Isaac to Kristen Marie Kreymann both of California, USA

Araysia Denae and Jecoliah Doshay to Gordon Robert and Erna Plett nee DueckJosh Bryon Matthew to John Bryon Henry and Adela Bowman nee MilianDerick Alexander to Elmer Isaias and Maria Anna Umaña nee AlasRamon Alberto Jr. to Ramon Alberto Se. and Nelda Montes nee LiconaTylor Nigel to Alfredo and Elena Teul nee CusLauna Lachelle to David and Stephanie Faye Friesen nee ReimerDavid Thomas Jr. to David Thomas Sr. and Natalie Nicole Wade nee CadleJames Kenneth to James McGregor and Kennisha Victoria Stewart nee GarbuttNicole to Genbo and Xue Xiang Liu nee TanDeany Clarine to Delroy Leon and Ebony Herrera nee FlowersTristen Tyler to Christopher and Ursula Nicole Gillett nee MartinezAriyanna Antonette to kebin Samuel and Francine Gongora nee RocaSylvia Jada Marie to Elroy Glenroy and Candy Stanton Perdomo nee ArnoldBrenda Elizabeth to Daniel Isaias Martinez and Evelyn Elizabeth Martinez nee ArdonMorgan Xavier to Cody Aaron and Pamela Lee Sedacy nee KnoxSantiago Jose to Luis Enrique and Brenda Marin Mejia nee BrenesTyra Tamica to Alonzo and Cynthia Terry nee Duran

PUBLICANNOUNCEMENTS

Births

Marriages

Deaths

Dr. Santos Mahung

Ousted as UB President

The terse press release courtesy of the Government of Belize press offi ce barely hinted at the months of debate and turmoil at the nation’s highest public institution of learning.It read: “Belmopan, 30th September, 2010. The Offi ce of the Prime Minister announces a mutually agreed and voluntary termination of the Original Agreement with Dr. Santos Mahung as President of the University of Belize with effect October 1, 2010.The Government and the Board recognize Dr. Mahung’s legacy of contribution to educational development in Belize and acknowledge the services rendered by the President to the University of Belize since 2007, especially in the formulation of a shared vision for the transformation of the University of Belize into the premier degree-granting, national institution.The Offi ce of the Prime Minister also announces that the Hon.

Prime Minister intends to advise His Excellency, the Governor-General, that Dr. Corinth Lewis be appointed to act as President of the University until such time as a substantive appointment can be made.”Dr. Mahung was installed with much pomp and circumstance at a ceremony on November 20th, 2007, and perhaps that was his problem – he was the choice of the previous PUP

administration and may now be the victim of the policy

of political tribalism as practice with a vengeance by this Barrow administration.With the change of administration following the February 2008 General Elections, it wasn’t long before he was at loggerheads with a new Board of Directors. By the end of 2009 the Board of UB had verbally requested that he be replaced, and early this year they put that request in writing to the Prime Minister.At the heart of the disputation between the parties were allegations that Dr. Mahung failed to account for several million dollars prompting a student strike and protest when the Board of Trustees attempted to raise fees and freeze wages to cover a perceived shortfall.In November 2009 the University fi red its Chief Financial Offi cer Harry Liu, Jr., blaming the error on him.

Dr Santos Mahung


[email protected]

[email protected]



By: Dulce Silva


[email protected]

[email protected]


Why are so many women switching to

Mineral Makeup?

Mineral makeup is the latest in the trend in cosmetics toward the simple, natural and elegant. Mineral base makeup is made with pure minerals rather than fillers and colors, and it comes in powder, liquid or cream versions. The powder makeup is applied with big, fluffy brushes: the brush is dabbed into the powder, then the excess is tapped off and the brush is then applied gently to the face. Start by putting on less than

you think you’ll need: you’ll be surprised at how well the minerals cover. Mineral powder makeup is so finely spun that it’s easy to overdo it; putting on too much is a hazard of novice users. But once you get a little experience, you probably won’t want to go back to ordinary makeup. Mineral foundation is weightless, and somehow manages to provide coverage while looking invisible. What you get is the look as soon on TV, soft focus but not blurry.Mineral Cosmetics are Great for Sensitive Skin Types and ConditionsMineral make up is the best cosmetic for women with acne, rosacea or other skin conditions, not only because you can control the coverage by adding thin layers, but because the ingredients are non-comedogenic and inert, less likely to cause reactions.

People with allergies can use mineral makeup, and reviews of the various brands consistently mention how easy it is to apply and how wonderfully it camouflages imperfections. African Americans and other ethnic women are delighted to discover that, unlike many other make-up brands which ignore skin colors that don’t fall into the narrow range of Caucasian shades, mineral make-up companies are creating makeup that blends beautifully with every skin tone.Get a Fresh, All-Natural Look With Mineral MakeupThe all-natural look is extremely hot right now. The major problem with that trend is that most people just don’t look that great without some sort of makeup. Minor flaws, and sometimes more problematic issues like rosacea or acne interfere with the “natural look.” Mineral makeup is a solution that offers women of all skin types and colors a fresh, all-natural look that does not appear to be “overly made-up.” Ordinary makeup adds colors, fillers, and weight to your skin. Mineral makeup is weightless and invisible, and covers your minor flaws beautifully—making your skin appear younger and smoother instantly. Because it’s made with pure minerals, you’ll find you need to use less—getting closer to that all-natural look

you’re striving to achieve! Whether you’re trying to smooth out some minor imperfections or avoid using makeup that clogs your pores or causes a reaction, mineral makeup can do the trick.Skin Has a Natural Healthy Glow with Mineral Based IngredientsFor basic skin care, add mineral foundation to your regime: many women have noticed that simply using the makeup contributes to their skin’s health. They say their pores look smaller, blemishes or roughness that had been caused by unknown allergies to other makeup products disappear and in general their skin looks better after having used the minerals for a while, even when they aren’t wearing makeup. Mineral makeup doesn’t contain talc (a known irritant), other fillers, weird chemicals or added colors. Mineral cosmetics do contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, both minerals that provide sunscreen protection. Companies like About Face, Bare Essentials, Sheer Cover and Bare Minerals are providing

women with cosmetics that actually improve the skin while improving the day to day look of the skin. Sample Sizes are Available at Many Retailers and on TV to Help Your Choose the Right Foundation Shade for Your Skin ColoringMineral makeup isn’t cheap, so if you aren’t sure what shade works best on your skin, try to get a sample size to take home and try in different lights. Some companies like Base Escentuals and Loreal have store counters where you can try different shades, but unless the light in the store is similar to the light you work and live under, you may find you get home with a shade that doesn’t complement your skin. You may want to purchase two shades; one lighter and one darker, for contouring or mixing. For lightweight coverage, you’ll probably just need a foundation color and maybe a blush: for heavier coverage, choose a concealer to apply after the foundation. If you’re used to buying inexpensive liquid or cream makeup, you may be shocked at the cost of a good mineral makeup, but it takes awhile to go through it, and most customers find that it’s completely worth the price.

women with cosmetics that


HEALTHY LIVINGQuit smoking. Smoking lowers HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels. This trend can be reversed if you quit smoking.Exercise. Exercise increases HDL cholesterol in some people. Even moderate-intensity activities, if done daily, can help control weight, diabetes, and high blood pressure -- all risk factors for heart disease.

Take medication as prescribed by your doctor. Sometimes making changes to your diet and increasing exercise is not enough to bring your cholesterol down. You may also need to take a cholesterol-lowering drug.How Is High Cholesterol Treated?The main goal in lowering cholesterol is to lower your LDL and raise your HDL. There are two key ways to lower cholesterol: eat a heart-healthy diet and take cholesterol-lowering drugs.Doctors determine your “goals” for lowering LDL based on the number of risk factors you have for heart disease.If you have 0-1 risk factor for heart disease, you are at low-to-moderate risk. Lifestyle changes are recommended to keep the cholesterol in check.If you have 2 or more risk factors, you are at moderate risk or next-highest risk, depending on what heart disease risk factors you have. Sometimes your doctor will try lifestyle changes, but most of these people require cholesterol-lowering drugs.If you have known heart disease, diabetes, or multiple risk factors, you are at high, or very high, risk. These people may require a combination of cholesterol-lowering drugs and lifestyle changes to control their cholesterol levels.\What Drugs Are Used to Treat High Cholesterol? Cholesterol-lowering drugs include:Statins Niacin Bile-acid resins Fibric acid derivativesCholesterol-lowering medicine is most effective when combined with a low-cholesterol diet.

Have you been diagnosed with high cholesterol? Is lowering your cholesterol a goal? The fi rst step is to fi nd out: What is cholesterol?Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance made in the liver and other cells and found in certain foods, such as food from animals, like dairy products, eggs, and meat.The body needs some cholesterol in order to function properly. Its cell walls, or membranes, need cholesterol in order to produce hormones, vitamin D, and the bile acids that help to digest fat. But the body needs only a limited amount of cholesterol to meet its needs. When too much is present health problems such as heart disease may develop.Cholesterol and Heart DiseaseWhen too much cholesterol is present, plaque (a thick, hard deposit) may form in the body’s arteries narrowing the space for blood to fl ow to the heart. Over time, this buildup causes atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) which can lead to heart disease.When not enough oxygen-carrying blood reaches the heart chest pain -- called angina -- can result. If the blood supply to a portion of the heart is completely cut off by total blockage of a coronary artery, the result is a heart attack. This is usually due to a sudden closure from a blood clot forming on top of a previous narrowing.Types of CholesterolCholesterol travels through the blood attached to a protein -- this cholesterol-protein package is called a lipoprotein. Lipoproteins are classifi ed as high density, low density, or very low density, depending on how much protein there is in relation to fat.• Low density lipoproteins (LDL): LDL, also called “bad” cholesterol, can cause buildup of plaque on the walls of arteries. The more LDL there is in the blood, the greater the risk of heart disease.• High density lipoproteins (HDL): HDL, also called “good” cholesterol, helps the body get rid of bad cholesterol in the blood. The higher the level of HDL cholesterol,

the basics of cholesterolQuit smoking. Smoking lowers HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels. This trend can be reversed if you quit smoking.Exercise. Exercise increases HDL cholesterol in some people. Even moderate-intensity activities, if done daily, can help control weight, diabetes, and high blood pressure -- all risk factors for heart disease.

the better. If your levels of HDL are low, your risk of heart disease increases.• Very low density lipoproteins (VLDL): VLDL is similar to LDL cholesterol in that it contains mostly fat and not much protein.Triglycerides: Triglycerides are another type of fat that is carried in the blood by very low density lipoproteins. Excess calories, alcohol, or sugar in the body are converted into triglycerides and stored in fat cells throughout the body. What Factors Affect Cholesterol Levels?A variety of factors can affect your cholesterol levels. They include: Diet. Saturated fat and cholesterol in the food you eat increase cholesterol levels. Try to reduce the amount of saturated fat and cholesterol in your diet.Weight. In addition to being a risk factor for heart disease, being overweight can also increase your cholesterol. Losing weight can help lower your LDL and total cholesterol levels, as well as increase HDL cholesterol.Exercise. Regular exercise can lower LDL cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol. You should try to be physically active for 30 minutes on most days. Age and Gender. As we get older, cholesterol levels rise. Before menopause, women tend to have lower total cholesterol levels than men of the same age. After menopause, however, women’s LDL levels tend to rise. Diabetes. Poorly controlled diabetes increases cholesterol levels. With improvements in control, cholesterol levels can fall. Heredity. Your genes partly determine how much cholesterol

your body makes. High blood cholesterol can run in families. Other causes. Certain medications and medical conditions can cause high cholesterol.How Much Cholesterol Is Too Much?Everyone over the age of 20 should get their cholesterol levels measured at least once every fi ve years.When being tested, your doctor may recommend a non-fasting cholesterol test or a fasting cholesterol test. A non-fasting cholesterol test will show your total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol. A fasting cholesterol test, called a lipid profi le or a lipoprotein analysis, will measure your LDL, HDL, and total cholesterol. It will also measure triglycerides.Your doctor may start with a non-fasting cholesterol test and then recommend a lipid profi le, based on your results.Doctors recommend your cholesterol stay below 200. Here is the breakdown:Your LDL, HDL, and triglyceride levels are important as well.How Can I Lower My Cholesterol and Risk of Heart Disease?A few simple changes can help lower your cholesterol and risk for heart disease:Eat low-cholesterol foods. The American Heart Association recommends that you limit your average daily cholesterol intake to less than 300 milligrams. If you have heart disease, limit your daily intake to less than 200 milligrams. People can signifi cantly lower their dietary cholesterol intake by keeping their dietary intake of saturated fats low and by avoiding foods that are high in saturated fat and that contain substantial amounts of dietary cholesterol.

October 10th , 2010

National Perspective October 10, 2010

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Transcript of National Perspective October 10, 2010