National Perspective September 26, 2010

Edition109 Vol. 3 - Week 04

See story on page 6

see story on page 11

Sunday, September 26th, 2010

BIAS TOWARDS NONEcontinued on page 3

BELIZE CITY, Thursday, September 23, 2010 Reports are that Irish billionaire Denis O’Brien owns in excess of 87% of the Digicel group, which is owned by way of Digicel Ltd based in Bermuda, is worth more than US$2.5 billion and is balking at buying a minority stake in Belize Telemedia Limited under the terms outlined by Belize Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Hon. Dean Barrow. Digicel representatives have been in Belize for the past three weeks combing over both BTL and the telecom industry here and after their initial survey, have

reported back to headquarters. Our reports are that after an initial favourable response, the multi-national company is now seeking some risk alleviation in the form of an ‘accommodation agreement’ with the government that will protect their investment, similar to the accommodation agreement that Lord Ashcroft sought and got from the previous administration when he bought back BTL from them after the Prosser fi asco. The Digicel folks reportedly also want some form of indemnifi cation from losses resulting from the litigation that

BARROWPANICKED!!… DIGICEL BALKS, SSB HESITANT, BCWU DETERMINED!

(L)Prime Minister Dean Barrow (R) DIGICEL’S Denis O’Brian

SEXUAL PREDATOR

BEATEN

A thirty-three year old man identifi ed as Michael ‘Crazy’ Arnold who was free on bail on a charge of rape, was given a well-deserved beating as he attempted on two occasions last Sunday morning to repeat his wicked crime upon minor children. Police has also additionally charged him with

aggravated assault of an indecent nature and burglary for the two separate incidents. When he was taken before Magistrate Dorothy Flowers in the #6 Magistrate’s Court for the

Continued on page 16

MICHEAL “CRAZY” ARNOLD

Sunday, September 26th, 2010PAGE 2

many issues were highlighted. These issues amounted to a lack of aggressiveness in the PUP Executive and therefore they were not fulfi lling their role as an Opposition Party. While many of the issues can be laid squarely at the feet of the Leader, there are four Deputy Leaders that stood by, allowing this stagnation to occur

without publicly denouncing such complacencies. The reality is that these four Deputy Leaders appear to be more content with whining than working towards the ultimate goal of uniting. At the same time, the Party Leader appears content with being called the Leader of the Opposition Leader instead of actually leading a viable and united Opposition. There is no denying the fact that Hon. Mark Espat is not popular among the PUP insiders because he has been blamed for the lost of the PUP in 2008. He and the other G-7 members have been seen by many as the ones that undermined the Said Musa administration. There is also his close affi liation with the “Zinc Fence” that was also a cause for concern by the PUP insiders who felt that any support for Mark Espat is support for Evan X Hyde (Mark’s father-in-law) and his band of merry men. For many, Evan X Hyde is a “bogey man” that is uncontrollable when he cannot have things his way; he becomes a “blue koncas”. We say this not with malice but with proof from many years of reading and listening to his work which has shown that he is selfi sh and uses a platform of working towards assisting the poor, when nothing is further from the truth.

Presently, Belize is in crisis due to a rogue and misguided UDP government and Evan X Hyde is singing high praises to Dean Barrow. He applauded Barrow’s propaganda that the Super Bond is why Belize is in a recession. The business community has been saying for months now that it is the lack of creativity and sheer incompetence by the UDP

government that plummeted the economy into multiple recessions. These are the baggage that Mark Espat carries inside the PUP. These issues will continue to plague him even though many agree that he has the intellectual capacity to deal with a bully Prime Minister such as Dean Barrow. As it presently stands, both Mark Espat and Cordel Hyde are not up for re-election as Deputy

There is no denying the fact that the People’s United Party is the only political party that has the intellectual capacity to stimulate and grow the economy when they are in government and that is a fact. There is no denying also that the PUP’s party business is the people’s business because what the Opposition does, impacts directly on the decisions of the government of the day. Presently the PUP is the Opposition with only six seats in Parliament out of 31. On Wednesday the Honorable Mark Espat was a guest on one of the local television stations and from his performance it was clear that the Hon. Espat is a good orator and a thinker. It is an almost certainty that he will be able to successfully defend his seat in the Albert Division in the next General Election. In the months leading up to nomination for the People’s United Party’s National Executive which closed on September 13, 2010, it was widely rumored and anticipated that the Hon. Espat was going to be a candidate for Leader of the PUP; Hon. Mark Espat however, did not submit his name. Many believed that had he submitted his name at the late period when he bonded with the other four PUP Parliamentarians and accosted the Party Leader, many thought that he was setting a spring board to launch his campaign against Hon. John Briceño. It is widely speculated that Hon. Espat wanted an endorsement or a coronation of some sorts, however, with the dynamics of the PUP, that seem unlikely and if he was to become Leader, he would have had to win the position on the convention fl oor. Apparently that was not the vision he had and in addition, he may not have felt he commanded a clear majority of the delegates’ support to compete with Briceño. Hon. Mark Espat certainly has a lot to be concerned about when the performance of the PUP is reviewed over the last thirty (30) months. However, as a Deputy Leader he has to share in the blame of those concerns. In a letter sent to the PUP by four of the six PUP members of Parliament,

Leaders. Many have attempted to infl uence Hon. John Briceño to compromise with the “Zinc Fence” group so that a unity accord may be struck. The likes of Bill Lindo were used as mediator; however he as well did not offer himself for re-election to the Executive. The PUP has announced that the National Convention

will be held in Dangriga on October 17, 2010 and is it expected to be an endorsement of a slate lead by Hon. John Briceño. To reiterate the point that in order for democracy to work effectively, we need a vibrant and active Opposition Party with a clear plan and direction if not, we will have a runaway UDP government that continues to act against the best interest of Belizeans. We are confi dent that this is not the last we have heard from the Hon. Mark Espat, Cordel Hyde and

the “Zinc Fence” reference the leadership of the PUP but we are certain that come October 17, 2010, John Briceño will be the Leader of the PUP. We wish the PUP well, because it is a sin what the UDP is doing to our beloved Belize.

25 Nanche St. Belmopan

OPEN YOUR EYESTHE PEOPLE ARE AWAKE!

The reality is that these four Deputy Leaders appear to be more content with

whining than working towards the ultimate goal of uniting. At the same time,

the Party Leader appears content with being called the Leader of the Opposition

Leader instead of actually leading a viable and united Opposition.

IT IS TIME TO LEAD! ! !

Sunday, September 26th, 2010 PAGE 3

Continued from page 1

B a r r o w P a n i c k e d !may ensue from the Ashcroft group of companies and trusts as a result of the expropriating of 94% of shareholding in BTL by Mr. Barrow. It is clear that what they are willing to pay for shares in the company is a lot less in value at this point in time than what the Ashcroft group expects and is seeking by way of compensation. Some say that they are willing to pay as little as 35% of the Ashcroft group’s valuation. The Digicel group is also asking to manage BTL under terms similar to the way the Ashcroft management group ran BTL, with the understanding that after they had pared the company down to its competitive bone through the widespread application of automation, they would be prepared to invest more and take most of whatever is left for sale off Mr. Barrow’s hands. Our reports also are that the advent of Digicel into the picture has meant the backing out of the Mexican company that had initially expressed an interest. Mr. Barrow was reportedly all set to trumpet his triumphant sale

of BTL to Digicel, the Social Security Board of Belize, the Mexican company, and others when his plans hit several snags on Independence Eve. A Monday morning meeting of the Investment Committee of Social Security Board held to approve recommending the purchase of 20% of BTL shares at BZ$50,000,000 turned contentious when the employers and employee representatives refused to go along. They complained that they had not seen a prospectus and had only the Chairman’s word that this was a safe investment. The problem is that the Chairman of the SSB Investment Committee and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of BTL is the same person, Nestor Vasquez. And to top it off, it seems he did not receive all that much support from the committee’s other member, a Mennonite businessman appointed by the government. In the end, the Chairman declared that the vote was tied 2-2 and he had the casting vote. But the purchase would have

to be approved by the Board of Directors of SSB, and it is clear that the employees and employers representatives there may also balk. Mr. Barrow was then forced to back away from his grand plan to announce the purchase by SSB. Meanwhile some of the members of the Belize Communications Workers Union are becoming increasingly frustrated with the stalling tactics of BTL’s Board of Directors, and increasingly leery of the reports that they will soon be under yet another set of managers without a say in the running of their company. They have every reason to believe that through the BTL Employees Trust they were once owners of a 23% stake in the shareholding, and now they are being told that perhaps the Government or SSB may be willing to lend them money to buy another stake in the company. Some are now openly suggesting that it may be best if Barrow returns their portion of the shares to the Trust since they have been assured by the Trustees that they will get to appoint a representative to the Trust, and have representation at

the highest level of the company’s management. And they are, of course, more than a little dismayed that even if the Trust is eventually compensated their take after all is said and done, may be a lot more “discounted” than would’ve been otherwise. A year after Barrow seized BTL; the governments of the United Kingdom and the United States are beginning to express some disappointment with Barrow’s inability to sell the company. It looks bad, and is a detriment to Belize’s ability to attract foreign investors. A year after his grandstanding before the Belizean people, Barrow again sounded the hollow call that this was patriotism and not hubris. Lord Ashcroft sits patiently in the upper House of Parliament, his political allies in the Cabinet of the British Government, waiting patiently as Barrow now begins to twist in the winds of his fate. He is desperately hoping that O’Brien and Digicel will throw him a life line and not a rope with a noose with which to hang himself.


E Q U A L I T Y B E F O R E T H E

L AW ?by: Nuri Muhammad

While we know that there is a constitutional proposition that proclaims: Equality before the law, this is not always the case because of the way our legal system works. This is not a critique of the Judiciary because this is not where the real problem lies. The Judiciary, especially the decisions coming from the Chief Justice in the last six the years have given a sense of confidence in the integrity of the Courts. The problem lies in the question of access of the average citizen to the courts and especially the highest court in the land, the Supreme Court. Regardless of what law has been passed by the National Assembly, if any Belizean feels aggrieved by the execution of that law, he/she/they have a right to challenge that law. This is a right guaranteed us by our constitution. The problem is money. If you don’t have the money to pay for the legal fees to launch the challenge you don’t really have access to redress through the courts. So in reality, while you may have a perfectly legitimate case where your constitutional rights are being violated, if you don’t have the money to get legal representation to fight for your rights your perfectly legitimate case can go uncontested. The legal system unfortunately is set up for the rich and not for the poor. Sure the poor can get their day in court but in most cases it’s to get themselves free of some charge levied against them rather than them launching a challenge to the violation of their constitutional rights. There are so many examples where the constitutional right of the citizen is challenged but without redress it can become enshrined in the law. The constitutional right to work, for example, was violated when this government fired workers because of their political affiliation. The constitution protects a citizen’s “right to work” and it guarantees the right to “freedom of association”. If a person is fired because of politics this is grounds for a constitutional challenge. In other words, those who were fired could have formed themselves into an ad hoc group and brought a class action suit against the government to challenge the violation of their constitutional right but without a legal team to launch the challenge then those workers’ rights remains violated without legal protest. Another example was the Government’s attempt last year to put in place legislative provisions

to muzzle the unions in the name of “essential services”. That was a classic case of constitutional violation that could have been challenged through the court with a sure win in favor of the unions but while we claim to have constitutional rights the truth is that this is a system where those who have money can protect their rights while those without must suffer constitutional abuse. Take the classic case of the Crimes Control Act I & II that gives the police the right to enter private property without a warrant or some form of judicial review. The constitutional protection against “arbitrary search and entry” is clearly enshrined in the constitution to guarantee that citizens would be safe from unwarranted violation of their rights. If authorities have enough plausible evidence then let them subject it to judicial review and get the appropriate warrant to search that citizen, but through the application of these Acts the constitutional guarantees have been suspended giving license to violation of citizen rights by authorities that has been given a free hand without fear of reprimand. These Acts, under the guise of protecting society against the evil of drugs and weapons, has given the police the right to stop and search or enter the property of any citizen they randomly choose. Certainly we must all agree that the most stringent measures must be put in place to combat the scourge of drugs and weapons and their impact on our society and the police must be empowered with all the weapons and facilities necessary to combat this social menace but this emotional allowance on the part of us the citizenry should not be taken for granted by police authorities and therefore give license to renegade

cops who feel free to do as they please and to violate the rights of innocent citizens in the process without any fear of reprimand. If these cases were taken before the Supreme Court many would be found unjustified and unconstitutional but the Acts protect the police against any charge of violation of citizens’ rights. When the late Sir Barry Bowen felt that his constitutional right was being violated by sections of the Sixth Amendment, he sued and won a case against the actions of the Executive. His access to the court was contingent on his ability to afford redress. Without money he would have been subjected to this provision just like the rest of us but with the wherewithal to launch a legal and constitutional challenge to the government for his rights he kept our democracy alive. The fact however is that this basic principle is being violated in so many other ways that are not brought to light because those who are violated lack legal representation. The case of the Maya’s challenge to government regarding their land rights serves as a unique case study. Here was an alliance of Mayan leaders who came together to sue the government to guarantee the respect for their peculiar claim over land. The Court ruled that the Belize constitution gives recognition and respect to the peculiar customs of people living in Belize, especially if those customs are rooted in ancestral practice; it says that the constitution recognizes that those customary rights are to be valued and respected. The important issue here however is that the Maya leaders were well funded from foreign sources in their efforts to challenge the government. Again this makes the point that without funds to launch a legal challenge

the rights of the average citizen is compromised despite our claim of: equality before the law. A lot must be said about that special class of lawyers who have taken up cases pro bono to bring redress to the court on these constitutional issues for the poor and unestablished. Kudos to Lisa Shoman, Anthony Sylvester, Kevin Arthurs, Antoinette Moore and other attorneys who are in the forefront of confronting the government on

application of laws that violate constitutional principles. There is need for more attorneys to take up the “human rights” challenge and ensure that our system is based on the principles of our constitution. Another area where this inequality shows up is the use of judicial review which seems to have been reserve for high profile cases but is actually a provision

in our constitution open to any citizen that feel aggrieved by a matter that is to be brought before the court. The problem that only the rich have the access to challenge the charge leveled against them therefore money continues to be the important factor in our justice system. How do we deal with this anomaly in our justice system? We say that the legal aid center can alleviate the problem but we know that they can only deal with minor cases and are not equipped to take on Supreme Court cases which mean that the issue of redress to the higher court is left unresolved. We need to provide some form of access to the ordinary citizen to have access to the courts to challenge those cases that violate their constitutional rights. At this point in our history we only provide the rich access to the high court by virtue of the high cost of legal fees to challenge laws that violate the constitutional right of every citizen. Last year the Women’s Department featured an innovative idea of a one day legal clinic where the ordinary citizen could access legal information that they would normally have to pay exorbitant costs for. For a day, citizens were offered free legal advice on how to access the legal system to seek redress for the numerous challenges that face them. While the main focus of this day clinic was domestic abuse and other gender issues, there is room to expand this concept and include a clinic that provides access for the average citizen to get legal regress. This is an idea that could be expanded and with the collaboration of the Bar Association could be an ongoing provision of service to help Belizeans have some sense of equality before the law. (Comments welcomed at [email protected])

The legal system unfortunately is set up for the rich and not for the poor. Sure the poor can get their day in court but in most cases it’s to get themselves free of some charge levied against them rather than them launching a challenge to the violation of their constitutional rights.


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

The San Pedro Poly Clinic, the only public healthcare provider on the island is facing financial troubles and is in danger of shutting down. The island clinic was an initiative started by the San Pedro Lions Club and further on it has seen the involvements of The San Pedro Town Council and the Government of Belize but even so, the cost of operations and maintenance is well above the allocated sum. The San Pedro Poly Clinic II is the only healthcare centre that provides emergency response in town. It operates Monday through Friday from 8am to 4pm, with a doctor on call 24/7 for emergencies during the hours that the clinic is closed. In addition to emergencies, the Poly Clinic II offers pre and post- natal services, baby clinics (including vaccinations), specialized services for eyes, bones, diabetes, and dental care

and is the first line of defence for many other ailments. Islanders seek attention at the facility for common coughs and colds; blood pressure management and so forth which are all free of cost even though a donation in the form of $5BZ is encouraged if the patient could afford it.Anyone would believe that being the only Poly Clinic on the entire island government would ensure that the facility is kept up to standard equip sufficiently to provide islanders with the basic health care but that is not the case. Recently, a meeting was held at the Clinic to discuss a report submitted by Mr Omar Mitchell, Structural Engineer regarding the integrity of the roof of the Clinic’s structure.The report highlighted the problems existing in the roof structure, in particular, the severe leaking which needs to be repaired

and sealed as soon as p o s s i b l e in order to prevent f u r t h e r w a t e r d a m a g e . W a t e r d a m a g e is not the only threat f a c i n g the Poly Clinic II

however, as extended water damage may lead to the risk of formation of dangerous mold growth, which could force the Poly Clinic II to close. The recommendation is to treat the roof with a combination of a snow roof type material and fiberglass with epoxy system. There are two such systems; the “Snow Roof System” and “Kool Seal” system. “The important characteristics of either system is their performance under intense ultra violet radiation without breakdown and the property for stretching, shears, torsion and strain while maintaining their integrity,” reported engineer Mitchell. The estimated cost of roof repairs is set at $40,000Bz but all the Ministry of Health is committing itself to contribute is $8,000Bz dollars, this means that the community will be forced to raise the remaining $32,000Bz

or 80% of the entire cost of roof repairs.In light of this extremely busy tropical storm season, the threat of harm and medical emergencies are heightened. Of major concern is the fact that torrential and constant tropical downpours will continue to erode the already tenuous structure. And to add to this the fact that the San Pedro Poly Clinic II is our main source of medical care during and after a storm crisis - we cannot afford to run the risk of this clinic being closed. From the monitoring, control and prevention of diseases such as dengue fever, typhoid and dysentery, to the supply of immediate urgent medical supplies that will be required such as blood, medications, tetanus vaccinations etc, and of course other essential first response and monitoring services - please give this a thought when you consider which charity you would like to see continue in our community.Apart from the repairs needed to the roof of the Poly Clinic, the engineer’s inspection has revealed that the concrete structure, columns and beams within the clinic are unable to withstand any additional weight to the roof, as presently there are cracks visible in the columns and along the walls and further expansion will be impossible.

San Pedro’S Poly CliniC needS urgent roof rePair

…urgently needs $40,000 Government commits only $8,000


Two teen-age farmhands

By Rhenae Nunez

Orange Walk; Thurs. Sept. 23, 2010

The question being widely asked these days is, “when will it stop?” Instinctively one knows that “it” refers to the carnage that is occurring at head-spinning rate all across Belize. Last weekend was no different.Police report that two teenage boys were slain by gunshots ‘execution style’ and a third older man was maimed in what appears to have been a surprise attack by armed men on the trio as they worked on a farm in the Orange Walk District. Damacio Pop, 42; Wilson Perez, 15, and Rudy Interiano, 16 years were working on a farm near Indian Church Village on Sunday when eight men, all dressed in camouflage and armed with rifles approached them. The men started beating up Pop, Perez and Interiano while they questioned them about marijuana fields and weed, police say. Perez and Interiano were both handcuffed and shot while Pop was beaten and chopped

and left for dead. Up to press time, police have not gathered any leads on the camouflaged dressed men or of their identities. Police has subsequently reported that there were only five attackers instead of eight which was initially reported. Pop, the sole survivor of the horrific attack, lost three fingers which were severed by the attackers. The bodies of the other fifteen year old Wilson Perez and sixteen year old Rudy Interiano were recovered on Monday morning about 9:30 in San Carlos Village a distance from where they were attacked and killed. They were found lying side by side; face down with apparent gunshot wounds in the back of their heads. Very distraught, Elsa Perez,

mother of Wilson, said that she could not figure why her son was killed. He had been working on the farm for some time since his father died about a year ago. Wilson often went to work and returned home at the end of the day. She received the sad news around three on Sunday.This is the first of such incidents in San Carlos Village. There are speculations on the identities of the camouflaged, masked armed men - reports are that they may be from across the border, either Mexico or Guatemala. A few weeks ago, it was reported in some sections of the media

that Guatemala had deployed military troops along the western border not far away from San Carlos. Belize police have not been able to confirm anything in that regard. In his Independence Day speech, Prime Minister Barrow said that his government will find an additional two million dollars to support the Restore Belize Project. A

portion of the un-budgeted money will go toward funding an additional police intake which will take place immediately after the October graduation of the current intake. A recently graduated BDF recruit squad will be deployed to areas around the country - no word if Indian Church Village area will be a new frontier for the BDF.Editor’s note: Indian Church Village is located on the west bank of New River, near San Carlos Village to its south, and the Maya ruins of Lamanai to its north.

‘ExEcutEd’…as more Bloodshed spills across Belize

Wilson Perez, 15


SCIENCE & TECHFish or FrankenFish? FDa weighs altereD salmon

WASHINGTON – Genetically engineered salmon that grows twice as fast as the conventional fish appears to be safe, an advisory committee told the Food and Drug Administration this past Monday. But they argued that more testing may be needed before it is served on the nation’s dinner tables.If the FDA approves the sale of the salmon, it will be the first time the government allows such modified animals to be marketed for human consumption. The panel was convened by the agency to look at the science of the fish and make recommendations on its safety and environmental impact.Ron Stotish, chief executive of the Massachusetts Company that created the salmon, AquaBounty, said at Monday’s hearing that his company’s fish product is safe and environmentally sustainable.FDA officials have largely agreed with him, saying that the salmon, which grows twice as fast as its conventional “sisters,” is as safe to eat as the traditional variety. But they have not yet decided whether to approve the request, saying

there is no timeline for a decision.Critics call the modified salmon a “frankenfish” that could cause allergies in humans and the eventual decimation of the wild salmon population. Representatives from consumer, environmental and food safety groups asked the agency to decline the company’s application to market the fish, saying it is untested.Most members of the advisory committee agreed with the FDA that the company has presented some compelling evidence that the fish is safe. But members raised

several concerns about the data, saying many of the sample sizes were too small and it is not certain how healthy the fish will be many years from now. Some said there wasn’t enough data to be certain the fish won’t cause food allergies.It is still unclear whether the public will have an appetite for the fish if it is approved. Genetic engineering is already widely used for crops, but the government until now has not considered allowing the consumption of modified animals. Although the potential benefits — and profits — are huge,

many people have qualms about manipulating the genetic code of other living creatures.The company has several safeguards in place to quell concerns. The fish would be bred female and sterile, though a small percentage might be able to breed. They would be bred in confined pools where the potential for escape would be low. In its environmental analysis of the fish released earlier this month, the FDA agreed with the company that there are enough safeguards in place. Stotish says the fish would be bred in better conditions than many of the world’s farmed salmon and could be located closer to towns and cities to help feed more people. The company has also said the increase in engineered salmon production could help relieve endangered wild salmon populations. The company is arguing that the fish do not need to be labeled as genetically engineered. Stotish said, “The label could even be misleading because it implies a difference that doesn’t exist.”

A wild salmon swims up a stream in Alaska.

Review and modify Bne thReshold pRice!…COLA to PM Barrow

In a letter to Prime Minister Barrow dated September 30th 2010 (that’s next week Thursday) reaching us at the National Perspective COLA writes the PM in reference to the present sharing agreement (Accommodation Agreement) between the GOB and Belize Natural Energy (BNE), the oil extracting company operating out in the Spanish Lookout fields in the Cayo district.COLA expresses its concern about the inequity in the sharing agreement outlining that to their belief, BNE has long made their investment return and an equitable profit to which the country has hardly benefitted as it should. While it is not calling on GOB to dishonour the present contract with BNE, it brings the attention of the Prime Minister to Section 122 and 125 of the Income and

Business Tax (amendment) Act of August 2008 which specifically outlines the Threshold Price found in Section 122 the brilliant anticipating mind of the PM set at US$90 per barrel for existing oil fields and US$100 for new oil fields. There within it also clearly states that the threshold price SHALL be reviewed ANNUALLY in consultation with representatives of the petroleum industry with the view to determine whether any ADJUSTMENTS are needed taking into account any material change in the prevailing circumstances. COLA reminds the Prime Minister that it is now gone beyond the two years and he has made no effort to review the threshold price noting that if there was any such review, it was held in secret since the outcome has not been made public.

After two years of permanently keeping the threshold price at US$90 per barrel it has not yielded any benefits and is not in the best interest of Belize.It calls on the Administration of Prime Minister Barrow to modify the threshold price from where it stands presently and lower it to US$40 per barrel which will allow Belizeans to benefit from Belize’s oil.Barrow had given the excuse that certain US Congressmen had advised his administration not to tamper with the existing TAX structure but Belizeans did not vote for any US congressmen to run the affairs of Belize or to tell GOB how to manage our OIL therefore GOB should do what it has to do in the best interest of Belizeans, not to the benefit of the US or any other foreign country.

COLA also called on Barrow to review the SURCHARGE system in place, which is a progressive one that will almost never reach its potential. According to the Income and Business Tax (Amendment) Act, 2008, “Rate of Petroleum Surcharge Table on page 13, the Surcharge of 50% would only come in effect if the price of Crude Oil was to reach over US$190.00 per barrel. According to the Petroleum Surcharge Table, we are presently not obtaining any Revenue, since the Surcharge will only start at 15 percent after oil reaches US $105.00 per barrel. The letter urges the UDP administration to adjust the Surcharge system as to match the proposed Threshold price of US $50 per barrel. Hence the surcharge of 50% would take effect when oil is US $50 per barrel and above.


The US has charged a pair of former nuclear contractors with attempting to leak nuclear secrets to Venezuela.The husband and wife team were arrested on Friday in New Mexico and accused of passing nuclear information to an FBI agent posing as a Venezuelan spy.US citizens Pedro and Marjorie Mascheroni were contractors at Los Alamos National Laboratory, a centre of US nuclear research.The US justice department did not accuse Venezuela of wrongdoing.“The conduct alleged in this indictment is serious and should serve as a

NEWSW RLDUN MILLENNIUM GOALS

‘CAN BE MET’

warning to anyone who would consider compromising our nation’s nuclear secrets for profi t,” Assistant Attorney General David Kris said in a statement.‘Access to secrets’ Mr Mascheroni, a 75-year-old native of Argentina, worked as a scientist at Los Alamos from 1979 until 1988, when he was fi red after criticising US nuclear research funding priorities, according to court documents. This bizarre story appears to be the result of an elaborate sting, designed to catch a scientist with a long history of grievances against his employers at Los Alamos. The FBI’s statement makes it clear that it is not accusing the government of Venezuela of anything.But for over two years, an undercover FBI agent, posing as a Venezuelan offi cial, held a number of conversations with Pedro Mascheroni, a naturalised American of Argentine origin, about plans to develop a nuclear weapon. According to the FBI, in November 2008, the physicist handed over a coded, 132-page document entitled A Deterrence Program for Venezuela. He allegedly told his wife he was

US CHARGE COUPLE ‘ACCUSED OF PASSING NUCLEAR SECRETS TO VENEZUELA’

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon: “We have much more to do”The Millennium Development Goals can still be met if enough work is done, the UN secretary general has said.Ban Ki-moon urged world leaders meeting in New York to stick to the task despite the global downturn, insisting they could be achieved by

2015.But French President Nicolas Sarkozy said new funds had to be found to meet the goals - suggesting a tax be imposed on fi nancial transactions.More than 140 leaders are meeting to review progress toward the targets.The aim this week is to reinvigorate the whole process, and to persuade governments to meet obligations they have already entered into.Progress on the narrower goals of maternal health, child mortality and education has been made and must be sustained.However, progress has so far been minimal on the last two of the goals: ensuring environmental stability and developing a global partnership for development, which means recasting the world’s governing

institutions to refl ect this new agenda.Created in 2000, the eight goals aim to reduce poverty and hunger and improve health standards around the world.The UN itself concedes that it will be diffi cult, if not impossible, to meet some of the targets.In his opening speech to delegates, Mr

Ban insisted the goals had led to “more development success stories than ever before”, and had had a “transformative impact”. But he acknowledged that there was scepticism that the targets could be met, amid a global economic downturn that is putting pressure on aid budgets in rich countries and slowing growth in poorer ones.He said “the clock is ticking” and there was much more to do if the goals were to be met by the 2015 deadline.“Being true [to the Millennium Development Goals] means supporting the vulnerable despite the economic crisis,” he told the summit.

‘CAN BE MET’“We should not balance budgets on the backs of the poor. We must not draw back from offi cial developmental assistance, a lifeline of billions for billions.”In response, Mr Sarkozy said France would increase its contribution to the global fund to fi ght Aids, tuberculosis and malaria by 20% over the next three years. And he urged other developed countries to do the same.

He said that despite the economic downturn new sources of funding must be found to help the developed countries meet their obligations - such as the imposition of a small tax on fi nancial transactions.In an interview with the BBC, one of the architects of the goals, development economist Jeffrey Sachs, castigated rich countries for failing to do enough to make sure the goals were met.He said they had consistently failed to live up to their pledges on aid and dismissed suggestions that economic recession was affecting governments’ capability to live up to their promises.

UN SECRETARY GENERAL BAN KI-MOON

doing it for the money and no longer considered himself an American.Mrs Mascheroni was a technical writer and editor from 1981 to 2010, the justice department said.The pair had access to nuclear secrets, including material on the design and manufacture of nuclear weapons, it said.According to the justice department, in March 2008 Mr Mascheroni met an FBI agent posing as a Venezuelan intelligence operative named Luis Jimenez at a hotel in the US city of Santa Fe.Mr Mascheroni allegedly said he could help Venezuela develop a nuclear bomb within 10 years and a nuclear energy programme, and described a potential “umbrella” deterrent strategy for the Latin American nation.“Mascheroni told ‘Jimenez’ that after Venezuela conducted a test of its nuclear weapons, Venezuela could cause an explosion over New York that would result in an electromagnetic pulse that he contended would not kill anybody but would destroy all the electric power in New York,” the federal indictment states.

‘Dead drop’ Mr Mascheroni asked about obtaining Venezuelan citizenship and said he hoped to be paid $800,000 (£512,000) for his services, the indictment states.Soon after contact with the agent began, Mr Mascheroni informed his wife about the meeting, characterising it as a “secret”.In July 2009, Mrs Mascheroni helped her husband write and edit a document containing US nuclear secrets, which Mr Mascheroni then delivered to a “dead drop location” for collection by the purported Venezuelan agent, according to the indictment.Mr Mascheroni was fi red from Los Alamos in 1988 after criticising the US government’s research funding priorities, according to a 1994 judgement in a lawsuit he fi led challenging the dismissal. He argued the government should fund a laser project he was working on, rather than another.He had refused orders to cease his complaints, was transferred to another division, had his security clearance revoked and was ultimately dismissed, the lawsuit stated.

The Husband Pedro Mascheroni


NEWS FROM Latin america & regional

Colombian securi ty forces say they have ki l led at least 22 Farc rebels in f ight ing near the Ecuadorean border . Pol ice commandos were dropped by hel icopter af ter a i r force planes bombed a rebel camp in the jungle . The f ight ing in the Putumayo region happened near the town of San Miguel , where eight pol icemen died in a rebel ambush ear l ier this month. President Juan Manuel Santos said i t was “the biggest blow in recent t imes” to the lef t -wing rebel group. He said the operat ion was a s ign of how he would respond to the war s t ra tegy of the

rebels of the Revolut ionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc) .The president succeeded Alvaro Uribe when he won a c lear victory in a run-off e lect ion in June this year .During his e lect ion campaign he had pledged to cont inue the tough securi ty pol ic ies of his predecessor , who lef t off ice with high approval ra t ings af ter years of hard-l ine pol ic ies against the rebels .Speaking af ter Sunday’s ra id in Putumayo, Mr Santos said he had given “clear orders” to the securi ty forces to “cont inue giving these kind of blows without t reaty or

quarter” .He also thanked the government of Ecuador for support ing the operat ion, saying bet ter co-operat ion was improving securi ty a long the front ier .Farc rebels have s tepped up their violent campaign s ince president Santos took off ice on 7 August . Although a senior Farc leader has said the group is prepared to negot ia te a set t lement , more than 40 securi ty personnel have been ki l led so far this month in a ser ies of rebel a t tacks and ambushes.Analysts say the raids may be intended to force the government into peace ta lks .

President Juan Manuel Santos says the offensive against the rebels wil l cont inue But Mr Santos has said he wil l not negot ia te with the rebels unt i l they release al l their hostages and s top at tacks. The Putumayo region is a t radi t ional s t ronghold of the Farc , as wel l as a major cocaine-producing area.

Both the Farc and the smaller Nat ional Liberat ion Army (ELN) were severely weakened by the tough securi ty pol ic ies put in place by Mr Uribe. Colombia’s re la t ions with Ecuador were severely s t ra ined under President Uribe af ter the Colombian armed forces a t tacked a Farc camp inside Ecuadorean terr i tory in 2008, ki l l ing the senior Farc commander , Raul Reyes. But the two nat ions have s ince set up a joint commission to coordinate securi ty a long the border . Colombian newspaper El Tiempo reported that af ter the at tack on the pol icemen on 10 September , t roops from both armies t ravel led to the ambush s i te and confirmed that the at tack took place ent i re ly within Colombian terr i tory.As Colombia planned and executed Sunday’s repr isal , Ecuadorean t roops mobil ised along the shared border in an effor t to s top rebels f leeing into Ecuador , El Tiempo reported.

Venezuela sends 2 drug suspects to united states

Colombian forCes kill 22 farC rebels

Bodies of those killed were brought to the town of Puerto Asis

CARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuela deported two drug trafficking suspects to the United States on Monday including an alleged boss of the powerful Norte del Valle cartel in neighboring Colombia. The action comes only days after the U.S. criticized Venezuela’s cooperation in

fighting illegal narcotics.Justice Minister Tareck El Aissami said U.S. authorities had offered a $5 million reward for information leading to the capture of Jaime Alberto Marin, a leader of the Norte del Valle cartel also know as “Beto Marin.” Another suspected trafficker, Omar Guzman Martinez, was also deported, El Aissami said.State television broadcast footage of both suspects, who wore handcuffs and bulletproof vests, as they were escorted to a waiting plane by heavily armed police at Simon Bolivar International Airport.National Guard troops and agents from Venezuela’s anti-drug force arrested Marin on Sept. 16 on Margarita Island, a resort off Venezuela’s Caribbean coast. Guzman Martinez, who is from the

Dominican Republic, was arrested on Aug. 25 in Caracas.Venezuelan state television reported that Marin took control of the Norte del Valle cartel after Wilber Varela, alias “Jabon,” or “Soap,” one of Colombia’s most-wanted traffickers, was killed in 2008. Marin has been wanted in the U.S. since 2007 on charges of drug trafficking and money laundering.Guzman Martinez is wanted in the U.S. for purportedly shipping cocaine to the United States.Venezuela has become a major hub for traffickers smuggling Colombian cocaine to the United States and Europe.U.S. and Colombian officials have accused President Hugo Chavez’s government of lax anti-drug efforts, but Chavez insists his government is doing everything

possible to stem the flow of drugs through Venezuela.El Aissami disputed the findings of a White House report released last week that accused Venezuela of failing to cooperate with other countries in fighting drug trafficking.“We don’t accept blackmail from the empire,” he said, referring to the U.S. government.El Aissami said Venezuela has captured dozens of suspected major drug traffickers in recent years, including 16 so far this year.

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By Rhenae NunezBelize City, Thurs. Sept. 23rd, 2010

The body of Rene Alfaro, 17 was recovered from the roadside in Lord’s Bank Village near Ladyville Village on the Northern Highway on Sunday morning around 9:43. The condition in which the body was found and where it was found measures the brazen callousness of criminals these days.Police say they were called out and when they arrived at the scene, they found the teenager’s remains in a drain with his head wrapped with

a red shirt and his body placed in a makeshift body-bag from two nylon sacks - one over his head and the other for his legs. The body also bore a gunshot wound in the right cheek. It was taken to the KHMH where a post mortem examination determined that the cause of death was due to traumatic shock from severe brain damage caused by a single gunshot wound.

The teenager’s father Jose Alfaro only got word that a body was found on the roadside across from his home. He was unaware of who it was until he visited the scene and discovered that it was his seventeen year old son. Alfaro said that he last saw his son the night before when he arrived home and went to hang out on the roof of a nearby house with three other male persons, supposedly friends. Now Alfaro suspects that the three men may have had something to do with his son’s death.As for a possible motive - the family believes it had something to

do with work Rene was doing with the Ladyville police. According to the family he worked as a special constable but the Police Department is yet to confirmed that. The father alleged that the police brutalized someone in the area and his son’s death may have been in retaliation for it. Police are clueless on this one as they try to piece together an investigation. As we continue to witness the spiraling spate of killings in total dismay and paralysis we count as the number inch closer and closer to last year’s total figure. That figure is likely to be surpassed by the time the year finishes. The eerie question is who is next?As we indicated in another story, the Prime Minister announced in his Independence Day speech that an additional $2 million dollars will be spent “to defeat gun-violence now overtaking the Belizean way of life”. “Altogether government will be spending around 2 million dollars in the rest of this fiscal year on the various aspects of the initiative. This is money not budgeted. But it must be found since everything

has to be done to defeat this great scourge of gun violence and murder now overtaking the Belizean way of life. So we will find funding for, on the enforcement side, an additional police intake immediately after the October graduation of the current one; for a new gang suppression unit; for improved forensics; and for a more muscular BDF role in securing Belize City streets. On the social side, we are going to employ more and more young people in more and more projects of physical community rehabilitation and the creation of safe zones. This will be accompanied by a comprehensive and sustained programme of inter-personal and family outreach.” The Barrow administration launched the Restore Belize Program on June 2, 2010 and since then it’s impact is yet to be felt on the staggering crime situation. For eight year old, Eyannie Nunez, fifteen year old, Wilson Perez, sixteen year old Rudy Iteriano and many others who have lost their lives, those results are already too late as their families are now left to grieve the loss of their loved ones..

Murdered Teen’s Body Dumped on Roadside Across From His Home

rene alfaro

It may not be my place to say this, but I would want to publicly recommend to PUP Party Leader Johnny Briceño that he considers asking Mark Espat to lead the effort to develop the PUP’s position on the BTL issue, and quickly.I know, I know, some are going to say “Yeah man!”, and some are going to say “Are you crazy!?!”, but it is just my way of thinking at play here. There’s nobody else who can grasp complex issues as quickly as Mark, and this is a complex issue, and the Party Leader may be constrained, if not compromised by his family’s investment in Speednet.Mark is by personality and character a “consensus” politician and knows which way the popular sentiment tends to lie.The BTL issue is in my view too big consequentially to ignore. Sure I’ve concluded that Denis O’Brien, the multi-billionaire owner of Digicel will have Barrow’s lunch sooner rather than later, but it is our food he’ll be taking

from our mouths. O’Brien is actually a richer version of Lord Ashcroft, I swear to God, and he will whap Barrow ten times worst than Ashcroft may have “whapped” Said and Ralph.If it wasn’t out money at stake I would sit very quietly by and laugh at Barrow getting the stick.Now Mark and I would disagree at the very outset but I am a democrat. Mark believes that the people of Belize should own and profit from the profits of BTL. I don’t think that that is even possible at this point but if my peoples agree that that is the way to go, then I would go along. See, what is happening here is that O’Brien knows that Barrow’s impetuousness has him backed into a corner. Nobody is going to “buy” BTL under the terms and conditions that

Barrow has been insisting on. Nobody that rich is that nuts. The other thing is that even if Barrow took every penny Social Security could garner, he still couldn’t pay Lord Ashcroft’s bill, even discounted by half.The US and UK governments have slowly began to turn up the pressure on Barrow to settle the matter. Soon certain lending institutions and donor agencies are going to be starting their conversations with Belize by asking about BTL. Barrow is fairly quickly garnering a reputation not unlike that of Hugo Chavez, and believe you me; you don’t want a reputation as a poor man’s Hugo Chavez.O’Brien is not going to settle for some buy and/or management agreement without guarantees. The rich are notoriously risk-averse – that is the

reason they are rich. And the richer they are, the more risk-averse they are.O’Brien and Digicel won’t touch BTL without some form of ‘accommodation agreement’ to safe guard his investment, and without some form of indemnity from the consequences of litigation. The man didn’t become a multi-billionaire with telecommunication companies and other businesses in 32 countries by being a fool.So Lord Ashcroft’s trap is slowly being sprung. The only good thing Barrow has going for him right now is that he has no hair to lose. The fact is that most sensible people think that the BTL bill starts at half-a-billion and somebody has to pay. Barrow is figuring that person is me and you.I say the PUP needs to make sure that we and the “people” are on the same side on this one, and Barrow, Ashcroft, O’Brien and the UDP are on the other side. The time for action is now.

…It’s time for action!!!


Belize City, Monday 20th

September 2010

In a short but sweet ceremony on Saturday 18th September at Wesley Methodist Church on Albert Street, Dayton Lewis McBride Sr., 48, and Rosana Guadalupe Rosado, 38, tied the knot in a wedding that was 18 years in the making. Rosana was given away by her uncle, Novel Marin, and the Maid of Honour was Sandra Brown, a fi rst cousin of Dayton. The groom’s Best Man was his younger brother, Victor

MCBRIDE AND ROSADO WEDMcKenzie, while the couple’s youngest son, Dayton Jr. was the ring bearer. In June the couple participated in the “From Yes to I do” competition sponsored by Channel 5. Though they fi nished in the top 5 in the initial round, they were not selected for the premiere wedding. Nevertheless, said Rosana, it was fun

and exciting. While Rosana takes care of the home, Dayton can be seen every weekday on North Front Street, directing traffi c and taking care of the children as they go to and from school. He has been a traffi c offi cer for over 2 years, after having spent 15 years working at Nova Shrimp Farm. The management and staff of the National Perspective wish Dayton and Rosana God’s continued blessing on their union.

say that this was a speech of much glitter.Mister Briceño, on the other hand, pointed to the challenges of increasing violence, high u n e m p l o y m e n t and dilapidated condition of our nation’s

infrastructure. Mr. Briceño pointed

to problems in the sugarcane, citrus and tourism industries. He echoed the pain of the ninety-seven families who have had to bury loved ones as a result of street violence this year alone, including several minors and an eight year old who was shot while in her bed. This is the reality of our times. Belizeans need to step back and analyze both speeches and ask themselves which one they can best relate to. One speaker was obviously speaking to steak eaters while the other was addressing the concerns of those who survive on noodles. Unfortunately for most Belizeans, the latter is more the reality. Mister Barrow’s speech glittered while Mister Briceño’s contained reality substance. The fact of the matter is that while none can deny our Prime Minister’s deft oratory skill and glib way with words, the glossy speech in no way softens the harsh reality of the times. Things are tough and getting worse. Criminals have made a mockery of his Operation Jaguar and Restore Belize programs as the body count continues to rise. The new 12.5% GST is making most goods unaffordable and our utility bills continue to skyrocket. As a part of his feel-good plan, the Prime Minister is promising a double up on the bandwidth for internet users. The price of internet currently ranges from $120 to $350 per month. That is astronomical and puts it out of the reach of most Belizeans, even those who are able to afford a computer. There will be no relief in the cost of connection or regular monthly fees so again,

The story is told of a politician who, while c a m p a i g n i n g , made a stop in a small village and was delivering a speech to the gathering. The speech was full of the usual political rhetoric; promises for paved roads,

potable water and better schools for the children. After each promise, the people would rise and in one voice shout what sounded like praise, “buyeaa, buyeaa” and the politician was pleased and encouraged. This was easier than he had expected for his message seemed to be getting across and the villagers were happily being fooled. Upon the conclusion of his speech, the politician was being escorted back to his helicopter which was landed in a small pasture where some bulls were roaming freely. The chairman who was doing the honors, made sure to point out to the politician some freshly posited piles of bullshit. “Watch it”, he advised, “be careful not to step into the “buyeaa”. This past Tuesday, Belize celebrated the 29th anniversary of its Independence from Great Britain. As is customary, both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition took turns in delivering what was in effect, state of the union addresses. After listening to both speeches, one might readily conclude that these two gentlemen were living in totally different worlds. Mister Barrow’s speech painted the picture of a nation on the upswing, with robust tourism, sugarcane and citrus industries. If we are to believe Mr. Barrow, millions are being spent to refurbish roads, alleviate poverty and eliminate crime. The statistics, according to Mr. Barrow, tells him that the economy is growing, tourism is on the rise and government is performing to its peak. You might

Belizeans need to step back and analyze both speeches and ask themselves

which one they can best relate to. One speaker was obviously speaking to steak

eaters while the other was addressing the concerns of those who survive

on noodles. Unfortunately for most Belizeans, the latter is more the reality.

the poor will see no benefi t from this move. It might however, drive a few independent internet providers out of business. On the issue of BTL, the Prime Minister had promised to release the prospectus and unveil his plan to unload what has become basically a “huyu egg”. No sensible investor will pour money into this “white elephant” with its antiquated infrastructure and in particular, after seeing what happened to Michael Ashcroft. All the Prime Minister would say was that the prospectus was ready (not available) and that beginning next month he would make shares available to the Belizean people. Many believe that the only Belizean money available for the purchase of those shares is in the Social Security Fund. Once again, it seems that the poor and the elderly will be made to carry the burden of government’s mistake. Mr. Barrow announced a more prominent role by the BDF in patrolling our city streets which in effect, signals the start of military rule. He promised new laws to address the misuse of public funds which ordinarily should have

been welcome news. Given this administrations dismal record in addressing corruption however, despite damning audit reports at both municipal and national levels, one can understand the skepticism with which this announcement was met.According to reports, a Police Corporal was recently charged for daring to insist that KREM’s Mose Hyde adhere to Expo policy and close shop at a particular hour. If our Police are not allowed to touch even ordinary sacred cows how will they enforce laws against these demigods that are set so high above the rest of us? Interestingly enough, the Prime Minister’s addressed was timed to air at just around the time when the uniform parade was in full effect in Belize City. Many residents were on the streets showing support for their marching children and just as well, for few if any city resident could relate to Mr. Barrow’s speech. The sycophants and party hacks cheered and applauded but if one had listened closely there was an unmistaken chorus from many of those listening. It sounded very much like, “buyeaa, buyeaa”!!!!

MCBRIDE AND ROSADO WED


work out their differences in order to better address the situation. In addition to that, many believe that things will get worse before it gets better and they will have to continue eating noodles right up to 2013. Of course, the presentation by the Leader of the Opposition set the stage for the address by the Prime Minister. The address by the Leader of the Opposition reminds me of a quote by Harry Truman, former US President, when he said, “I don’t give people hell, I just tell the truth and they think it’s hell.” The tale of what seems to be another country was the one presented by the Prime Minister. Traditionally, this is a time when the Prime Minister boasts and gives a progress report on his government during the past year. This time around, the Prime Minister had no accomplishment to report on and no development plan or economic strategy to outline for the development and growth of the nation. The only straw that the arrogant Prime Minister could hold on to on the occasion of the 29th anniversary of our Independence was the BTL issue and the hinting of the Prospectus to resell BTL. PM Barrow was forced into a defensive mode in front of the many resident ambassadors and other visiting ambassadors. With this back drop, we expected that our Head of State would use this opportunity to come clean and report to the world what really is going on in Belize especially after the Leader of the

He was right on target in describing life as it is today in the Belize under this UDP government. Not even Barrow could have talked himself out of the salient facts uttered by Briceño. The Leader of the Opposition was consistent in depicting the manner in which the quality of life

has deteriorated especially when the greater majority of ordinary Belizeans now settle for noodles as their principal means of subsistence while the incompetent ministers of government eat steak. In essence, the Hon. Briceño gave a true state of the nation address. He was able to point out the neglect and deterioration of the nation’s economy; the short falls of the economic sectors from what used to be buoyancy and prosperity in industries, such as, agriculture, aquaculture and tourism. He gave a vivid picture of the present crime situation that has transformed law abiding citizens into prisoners in their own homes. He highlighted the impotence and lack of strategy by the government to come up with a viable solution to curb violent crime that has surged with the dawn of the UDP government. Opposition Leader Briceño also called on the government and Leaders in Belize to take responsibility for what is happening and

BY: MARSHALL NUNEZ

Belize celebrated its 29th Anniversary of Independence this past Tuesday, 21st September. The offi cial ceremonies commemorating this milestone achievement in our nation’s history was held in the nation’s capital Belmopan. The festivities for this day marked the culmination of almost a month of

festivities leading up to the 21st. Ironically, the traditional citizens’ parade was held in Belize City. This year, each municipality held their own ceremony and maybe coincidental or not, the formal citizens’ parade got underway in Belize City before the Government’s offi cial Independence Day Ceremonies were over in Belmopan. With that aside, the focus of this week’s column is more about the content of the addresses by the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. John Briceño and that of the Prime Minister, Hon. Dean Barrow. The entire nation stood anxiously waiting to hear Prime Minister Dean Barrow’s grand roll-out plan for the pre-arranged sale of B.T.L.; I guess that was all hype and hoopla. Anyways, very little on that matter was said besides the mention of the publication of the Prospectus. Nothing positive or of substance was said by the Prime Minister about the other prevailing issues that could benefi t the people of Belize. So, after listening to the two addresses, it sounded very much like both gentlemen were speaking about two different countries; both revealing two different and opposite accounts. For the fi rst time it would appear that the Leader of the Opposition Hon. John Briceño, was speaking with relevance and on behalf of all the people of Belize.

Opposition painted a true picture of what life in Belize has come to in only 31 months of this UDP government. The contents of Barrow’s address appear to be a political campaign speech rather than a state of the nation address. The tone was more confrontational in nature rather than that a straight unbiased report on the nation’s state. The PM scrambled to boast that the economy has grown by 2.4% over the previous year. He went on to boast that the agriculture and aquaculture industries have grown and even rivalled the position of the Leader of Opposition that there has been an increase in tourism and tourist arrivals. The Prime Minister attacked the Leader of the Opposition stating that he does not know where the Leader of the Opposition is getting his fi gures from. For us Belizeans we know better because unlike the Prime Minister, we are forced to live the realities of life in Belize. For example, this year’s sugar crop will be the lowest it has ever been. The reality is that Cane Farmers are not making the same amount of money that they used to make. We also are aware that there is major controversy occurring in the Citrus Industry. The Board of Management of the Citrus Growers Association was replaced recently and as a result of the controversy just a few weeks ago, some members of the board opted to resign. So, I cannot see

A TALE OF TWO COUNTRIES

The address by the Leader of the Opposition reminds me of a quote by Harry Truman, former US President, when he said, “I don’t give people hell, I just tell the truth and

they think it’s hell.”

Continued on page 13


IMPARTIAL VIEWhow the Prime Minister can boast about an increase in those industries when the facts are clear. The Prime Minister also boasted about major plans to upgrade roads in the Orange Walk District, Toledo and about the resurfacing of Central American Blvd., Fabers Road and several other streets in Belize City. He boasted about the World Bank’s approval of funds for a municipal development project where 5 million dollars will be spent in each municipality. Many of these promises including the Southside Feeding Program were promised earlier this year, and I’m sure monies were already budgeted and allocated for this feeding program. This appears to be more of the same campaign speech from the Prime Minister. He also mentioned that the tender for the multi-million dollar Kendal Bridge has been approved. For those dignitaries and visitors, it may have sounded as if though the Kendal Bridge is a brand new initiative. The previous Kendal Bridge was damaged more than 820 days ago with no replacement yet in sight. We do not know what the new bridge will cost, who will be the contractor, and what the projected time of completion is. The Prime Minister failed to place emphasis on the most urgent things that are affecting us which is the rising cost of living and violent crime that is plaguing the society. All he said was that there will be the

establishment of the Forensic Unit which, may I remind you was one of his manifesto commitments. If the Prime Minister was serious about the crime situation, then we should have heard about the renovation of the Belize City Center, the completion of the Marion Jones Stadium and the ground breaking for the new basketball facility. Instead, he came out like a ship without a sail without any real sense of direction. He clearly ignored the issue of rising unemployment because he cannot attract foreign investment as a means to create jobs. This coupled with the fact that he has no idea of how to go about arresting the spiraling crime situation. I think that from the two addresses, Belizeans believe that the Leader of the Opposition was reporting on the reality of the current situation in Belize while the Prime Minister exposed himself as being totally out of touch with the issues that are impacting negatively on the lives of the Belizean people. As the youth man rightly said last week, “We di eat noodles while di Prime Minister di feast pan steak.” It may appear to be a tale of two countries but Mr. Prime Minister, after your great political campaign speech, please come down to the reality of things and live with what we the people are living in Belize. Just my Impartial View.

The widely speculated upon and much anticipated announcement by the Prime Minister did not happen – ‘that the Barrow administration was about to dip into Social Security funds to buy a portion of

the shares in BTL’. Although no voices raised-hell in disagreement with the alleged arrangement - the news sent tremors through the wider population. The palpable mood was not one in support of the arrangement. Now that PM Barrow may have back-tracked on that idea, it is unknown whether this may still be the plan or if he will pursue other means of fi nancing the debacle.Among his platitudes he glossed over what is in the making for BTL - Barrow never uttered a word of any BSSB money going toward this venture - so I ask, is it a case of “no balls” or “bite back”? The Prime Minister merely announced that the long awaited prospectus is ready and that sale of shares in BTL will commence on October 15th, 2010. And for little crumbs, lest we further question motives and to convince us that this thing is working out - he announced that all BTL customers will receive double bandwidth at the same cost they are paying now - schools will continue to get the same service for free. Duh! Not like BTL could not have afforded to offer that all along. In fact Belizeans are paying way too much for Internet, we are being ripped off - but that is a subject for another day. So now that the Prime Minister has spoken - should we take it that this BTL thing will fi nally be put to rest? Should we now cheer the arrival of Digicel? Or must we hold our collective breath until the eye of the storm passes over? It is heavily rumoured too that Digicel does not have need for the exorbitant number of employees at BTL and that many will be forced

to the unemployment line. Let’s wait and see. Barrow announced that the prospectus is ready but he did not say when we can see it. After all it is our company - why shouldn’t we

get a fi rst crack at this thing?We may never know the real impetus for the hostile takeover of BTL last year. At this crucial and about to be colossally infamous and embarrassing juncture for the UDP Government of Belize, the real reason may not be as important an issue now. Except for the blueprint provided by Amandala prior to the takeover, we may never know what really prompted the fi nal push which resulted in the takeover. What really soured between PM Barrow and his former client that made him rich “as an attorney who is being well paid”?At this point, everyone should be questioning how better off are we for it. Did we achieve the goals set out by the Prime Minister when he made the announcement on August 24th, 2009? That answer is a disappointing – NO! In spite of Barrow’s solicitations for patience by Belizeans and his assurance that this thing will all work out - things have instead fallen apart. The very people who rejoiced when the former management packed up and vacated the premises, are now in a precarious situation, not knowing if they will have a job come the next few days. Belizeans are to be blamed for what has transpired so far....for not reacting to the government’s high-handedness. Barrow has played us all another time but this time it may all backfi re. It is rather disconcerting to hear that our little money at the Social Security Board could end up in the mix up that is BTL. It is equally disturbing that there has not been a pip nor a squeak from the so called opposition, the general population, the churches,

BY RHENAE NUÑEZ

“ So now that the Prime Minister has spoken - should we take it that this BTL thing will fi nally be put to rest? Should we now cheer the arrival of Digicel? Or must we hold our collective breath until

the eye of the storm passes over?”

...AND I WILL BULLSH!T YOU, AND I WILL

BULLSH!T YOU.....

the unions, not a soul has reacted to anything regarding this mess so far. Only a few years ago there was public outrage over how BSSB funds were being handled- it resulted with people at the top being fi red - including Narda Garcia who was the then chairman of BSSB. I hope that the silence means that government has taken back on this alleged proposition and have indicated such to their allies. Adele Ramos wrote in last week’s Amandala Newspaper that “Vasquez, (Nestor ‘Net’ Vasquez) also the chairman of the BSSB’s investment committee, said that the SSB is also looking at whether it will purchase shares in BTL.”A credible source told me that this was more so a done-deal and that $50 million dollars was already earmarked to purchase those shares. Among the BS that was also being peddled last week, according to Net Vasquez, who is Executive Chairman of BTL, “The BSSB’s Investment Department.....has been doing its due diligence and will make a report soon to the investment committee, which should make a recommendation to the board of the SSB, he explained.” In street parlance I am tempted to tell Net, “Bwai - stop you r@$$”

Vasquez is Executive Chairman at BTL and Chairman of the BSSB’s Investment Committee then pray tell what “due diligence do they possibly need to do? It’s been one year and one month since this dastardly act and there is due-diligence going on on the part of the BSSB’s Investment Department? Guys - easy on us with the bullshit - will ya?Barrow mentioned nothing of the impending sale to this Irish - Jamaican Digicel Company, neither did he describe if and how he will settle with Michael Ashcroft. Vilifying Ashcroft does not make him any less deserving of compensation - that is another issue that hangs over our heads. Will the sale of shares to Belizeans and Digicel amass enough to settle with Michael Ashcroft? Because me bredda - me tyad a yer bout all this crap weh di caas wi and cass wi?The BTL matter is what many tune in to hear about since it was anticipated that the Prime Minister would have made his grand announcement on Independence Day...it did not happen and we are left to wonder as always, what other surprises there may be looming - pay attention BTL workers.



Bermudian Landing , September 18, 2010Berlan of Bermudian Landing won 99-97 over Easy Does It of Lemonal to clinch the championship of the 2010

SACRED HEART COLLEGE BOYS WIN SILVER IN CODICADER BASKETBALL

BERLAN WINS BNCA 20/20 CRICKET CHAMPIONSHIP

Twenty20 Cricket Competition in Bermudian Landing last Saturday, September 18. Easy Does It had won the toss and elected to bat fi rst. They scored 97 runs all out. Mykelt Anthony

walloped 31 runs to top0score for Easy Does It with 31 r u n s , while and D e n v o Banner hit a n o t h e r 21 runs, a l s o taking 2 wickets.

When Berlan came to bat, Percy Flowers top-scored with 20 runs to lead Berlan to a 99 run score, with 5 wickets in hand to win the match and the championship.

Managua, September 17, 2010

The boys basketball team of Sacred Heart College from San Ignacio Town won a team silver medal when they represented Belize in the 15th CODICADER (Central American Council for Sports and Recreation) Junior scholastic games, which were held for all 7 Central American countries in Managua, Nicaragua from September 11th – 20th. The tournament was for high school students under 18 years of age. In game 1, Belize defeated Honduras 50 – 44, with Kashief Thomas scoring 22 points. Last Sunday Belize defeated El Salvador 66 – 56, where Kashief Thomas was again the game high scorer with 24 points. Their Game 3 was in effect the championship match as the undefeated SHC boys played the only other undefeated team, the

host country Nicaragua. In this game, Nicaragua had the best of Belize, defeating them 77-60, with Belize’s Kashief Thomas again scoring 20 points. Now sporting a 2- 1 record, Belize dominated Panama, 73 – 57 on Tuesday, and crushed Guatemala 58 – 50 on Wednesday, with Dijon McNabb top scoring for Belize with 14 points. Belize had already secured their silver medal with a 4 – 1 record, when they fell to Costa Rica 64 – 66 , in their last game on Thursday. At the end of the tournament, SHC boasted a 4 – 2 record, which gave them the silver medal, along with individual medals in 3 categories. Kashief Thomas won silver medal in the Mmost Points category, behind Nicaragua’s Omier Franklin, who boasted a 155 pt record in

their 6 games.Dijon McNab won a bronze medal in the

ind iv idua l

awards fro the

3rd most rebounds in the entire tournament,

and Sadani Harrison won

a silver medal for second in

total number of blocked shots.The Sacred

Heart College will welcome home their

victorious basketball boys

with a huge parade and motorcade on Friday, September 24, to celebrate their achievement, commencing at SHC at 1 p.m. then make its way to Burns Avenue in San Ignacio Town.Gwen Lizarraga High’s Glenda Torres did Belize proud by winning 2 gold medals in the individual categories, for the Most Points scored in the tournament: 112, and for the Most Rebounds: 56. It was some consolation for the Gwen Liz girls who did not win a single game. Glenda Torres scored 25 pts in their 36-56 loss to bronze medalists Costa Rica and another 25pts in their 44-56 loss to Nicaragua. Glenda scored 8 pts in their 18-96 loss to the gold medalists, Guatemala. She also scored 22 pts in their 28-66 loss to silver medalists, El Salvador, and 21pts in their 39-53 loss to Panama.

Kachief Thomas

BERLAN WINS BNCA 20/20 CRICKET CHAMPIONSHIP

Berlan of Bermudian Landing

Berlan’s David Dawson took 4 wickets.The champion and sub-champion were presented with trophies and cash prizes immediately after the match. The Belize National Cricket Association also extends its thanks to Leonard Russell, John Anthony, Enfi eld Pook, Lincoln Flowers, John Gillett and the eight teams who participated in the competition for their support to ensure the success of the competition.

Visit Ourwebsite at

www.nationalperspectivebz.com/site


Orange Walk Town, September 19, 2010

The City Boys football club from the Kraal Road area of Belize City wer crowned the new Belize Bank Super League football champs, after they blasted Corozal Nizhee 3-1 in a penalty shootout tow win Game 3 of the fiansl,

which was held on

neutral turf at the People’s

Stadium in Orange Walk Town on Sunday.With a $25,000 1st prize at stake, the physical level of play became high as fans observed when City Boys Deon McCauley got taken down and referee Romel Carballo tried to restore order by reprimanding nizhee captain Antonio Castillo with a yellow card after he took down Macauley again. Deon also plays professionally in Honduras, but he was a marked man on Sunday. Even so he got a good look at goal for City Boys when he trapped the ball on his chest, but he did not get enough oomph on the ball when he sent it at goal.Nizhee’s Darnell Mossiah had scored twice in the Game 1 and Game 2, also came in for his share of punishment from City boys’ defender Tyrone Linares, who exacted payback for past embarrassments.Corozal almost scored fi rst again when Juan got off a left foot shot but he did not put enough power

managed to save.It fell to City Boys’ Deon Macaulay to deliver the 1st goal from a wonderful right foot push shot to the far corner to give the City Boys a 1-zip lead. Raymond Gentle almost made it 2-0 when he picked up a pass from Jason Young in front of an empty goal, but as in all previous opportunities he has had during the season and playoffs, he did not know what to do with it and choked.Sergio Villanueva soon made the City Boys pay the maximum penalty for sloppy defence, when he connected with a pass from Uriel Yam to send the ball into the back of the net to tie the score at 1-1 in the 67th minute of play,Nizhee had a chance to clinch the

championship in

r e g u l a t i o n time when Antonio Castillo got of a shot that sailed high over the crossbar. Uriel Yam tried again with a pass to center in the goal area, but both Sergio Villanueva and Antonio Castillo failed to connect, forcing the game into overtime, but no more goals came of the extra time, and it came down to penalties.

into it.Down at the other end, City

boys’ Tyrone “T-bone” Muschamp got off a powder-puff shot that posed no real challenge for Nizhee’s goalie Benito

Morriera, who i m m e d i a t e l y

served the ball out to M i c h a e l “Chenko” Whittaker w h o blas ted in a

c a n n o n b a l l shot, that

unfortunately went directly to Charlie Slusher’s waiting gloves, and it wa still a nil-zip ball game at the half time break.Nizhee looked to put it away early in the 2nd half when Sergio Villanueva launched a shot that Charlie Slusher only barely

Edwardo “El Gigante” Perez was Nizhee’s lead penalty kicker and he beat Charlie Slusher easily, but City Boys’ Haitian import Dienmercy Pierre soon equalizes as Moriera dives the opposite way away from the ball.Corozal’s captain Antonio Castillo had the chance again to take the lead but again he is denied by Charlie Slusher. Deon McCauley makes it look easy as he converts the 2nd penalty for City Boys, but Benito Moriera could not do the same when he faced his counterpart in the goal, of course, Slusher had help from the crossbar. Haitian import Godson Mitchel gave the City Boys a 3-1 score lead with his conversion and it was all over when Corozal’s 4th kicker Uriel Yam was also denied by the crossbar.

The City Boys United claimed t h e 2 0 1 0 Super

League

championship title, trophy, the $25,000.00 1st prize and fi rst place individual gold medals. Nizhee took home the $10,000 2nd prize and 2nd place silver medals. Placencia Assassins won the 3rd place trophy and bronze 3rd place individual medals.

CITY BOYS WIN BELIZE BANK SUPERLEAGUE FOOTBALL CHAMPS

Playoff MVP Charlie Slusher

TEAM BELIZE WINS 3 GOLDS AT 21ST CENTRAL AMERICAN TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Guatemala City, September 17-18, 2010

Belize’s Kaina Martinez, Tricia Flores and Kay De Vaughan won 3 gold medals, 2 silver medals and 2 bronze at the 21st Central American track and fi eld championships at the Mateo Flores National Stadium in Guatemala City over the weekend.Kaina Martinez won gold when she clocked 12.55 seconds in the women’s 100 metre fi nals in after a qualifying time of 12.48 in the heats. She edged out Belizean Tricia Flores, who took the silver

when she clocked 12.72 seconds, after a qualifying time of 12.56 in the heats. Guatemala’s Michelle Zuniga took the bronze in 12.74 seconds.Kaina also won her 2nd gold medal in the women’s 200 metres in 25.54 seconds, while Panama’s Mardel Alvarado took the silver in 25.66 seconds and Panama’s Yelena Alvear won the bronze in 26.21seconds. Tricia Flores won a 3rd gold medal with a 5.97 metre leap in the women’s long jump, also setting a new Central American record. Costa Rica’s Cindy Carolina Sibaja

leaped 5.58 metres to win the silver and Kaina Martinez hopped 5.48 meters to win the bronze.The Belizean women, Kaina, Tricia, Kay De Vaughan and Charnelle Enriquez also won silver in the women’s 4x400 relay, clocking 4:29.26 seconds, while the Panamanian women clocked 4:01:79 to win the gold.The Belizean women also won bronze in the women’s 4 x 100m relay in 50.75 seconds, while the Costa Rican women clocked 48:48 for the gold and Panama won the silver in 49.46 seconds.Kay De Vaughan also won her 2nd

silver medal by fl oppng over the bar at 1.60 metres in the women’s high jump. Panama’s Kashani Rios won gold with a jump of 1.70m and El Salvador’s Maria Gabriela Carillo won the bronze by clearing the bar at 1.55m. Kay De also placed 5th in the triple jump at 11.57m, while Guatemala’s Ana Lucia Camargo leaped 12.04m for the gold.The Belizean men did not fare so well; Jaryl Mariano failed to qualify in the men’s 100m heats, and his 6.68m leap in the triple jump was a far cry from Honduras’ Kesssel Campbell’s gold medal leap of 7.28m. Chavis Lopez ran 6th in the men’s 400m and Denroy Nembhard ran 7th in the 1,500m.



HOROSCOPEYOUR WEEKLY

Aries March 21-April 19

You are in the early stage of renewal and it is uncomfortable and slow going but you’ll feel a lot sprightlier as the days go by. You should try to be out of bed

early and be the first person in to work flexing your muscles, getting things done and polishing your reputation. What you do is almost as important as how you do it. By weekend you should be deliriously happy about your recent successes, you will want to get out a long strip of butcher paper and map out the rest of your life.is in order.

Taurus April 20-May 20The intensity of what you’re going through speaks volumes about how

much this person means to you. You don’t necessarily want to publicize how you feel, but people can see it written on your face; talking about it may be a better strategy than pretending to ignore it. A philosophical conversa-tion with an acquaintance will be more useful than you ever expected. The weekend will f ind you grounded, curious and happy. You could use a vaca-tion to get away from power struggles and weird interactions.

Gemini May 21-June 21

Life is laid out like a math problem for you and you spend the day trying to determine which the relevant variables are. This calculating mind-set cuts through everything

else and will be helpful during a deep, intelligent dialogue with your most brilliant friend (as many insights as you have, preaching is not going to work). Your interactions with others are more difficult than usual, especially interactions related to business are sub-merged in big ideas.

Cancer June 22-July 22

It’s as if you’re on a ship in a storm: One minute there’s a chair sitting next to you; the next minute it’s all the way across the room. With ev-

erything slipping and sliding, it isn’t the time to get involved with anything long-term and binding. Wait until things settle and you know exactly what you’re working with. The weekend offers plenty of opportunities to see friends. nicate clearly.

Leo july 23-August 22

A beautiful antique makes its way into your life this week - or maybe it’s something else you’ve been collecting. In any case, Monday is like that: rewarding, slightly self-centered,

not super energetic. Then, Tuesday, a comet of love crashes into Earth and the scorching fires of romantic bliss burn brightly through Wednesday night. By Thursday morning, the fires will have died out and you’ll be returned to everyday terrain, albeit with a few embers glowing in the corners.

Virgo August 23-Septemer 22Yes, you can expect some family (or friendly) obligations this week, but that

doesn’t mean love should go by the wayside. Make an overture or express a feeling on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday -- it’ll break the tension and could have wonderful results. Even if you’re busy with other things on Thursday and Friday, the stars say that all matters romance-related are favored. Find time to fit in some sweet fun. This weekend, you could suddenly see an entirely differ-ent -- and improved -- way to go about a problem.Libra September 23-October 22

The beginning of the week serves up lots of opportunities to expand your mind, val-ues and ideals -- and if you get a certain someone in on the exploration, your heart

might just grow a few sizes too. Don’t hesitate to express yourself. Around Thursday, you may be occupied with home, and the past may be on your mind. Enjoy the memo-ries, but live in the present. It’s got plenty to offer, including the chance for romance all weekend long. Connections, both existing and brand-spanking new, are favoured, Scorpio October 23-November 21

You are the sun and your friends are the planets; you are their centre of grav-ity. You’d have it no other way: It’s incredibly flattering to be depended upon

by so many people who are fabulous in their own right. These days are defined by philosophical questions and the likelihood of being led along by others - you might find yourself buying something you have little use for. You are shrewd, determined and in control. There is tension at home, and something someone says may spark an unexpected outburst. Sagittarius November 22-December 21You’re in deep processing mode this week and you might feel l ike being

alone. Your subconscious is on overdr ive r ight now, trying to recon-cile your internal picture with the big picture outside of you. Your fr iends may be of some help in sor t ing all this out on Tuesday and Wednesday - - an exploration of some kind is per fect for the group’s energy, put t ing your eyeballs in front of some ar t is a f ine idea. Stimulation is good. Original thinking is good.

Capricorn December 22-January 19

Getting organized is the first step. You are in the right mind-set to make some long-term decisions, but you want to make sure all your ducks are

in a row. (Your ducks may not be as orderly as they appear) and discipline is key. You may have sudden pangs of worry that what you thought was pos-sible isn’t possible. Your accomplishments by week’s end are impressive, but you’ve only just begun. This weekend, you clear off the kitchen table and set to work on a number of new plans.

Aquarius January 20-February 18The future of your career has never seemed less clear to you except that

you have some major nagging questions in the back of your mind as well. Commiserate with friends to get some perspective. Then, you’ll go into your day with a sense of expansiveness, a sense that anything is possible. Let this feeling last. You have too much to do to be abstract and future-thinking, but the weekend is great, inspiring days. You’ll have all the time in the world to dwell on whatever you like.

Pisces February 19-March 20Sure, you’re dreamy, but as this week begins, you’ll f ind plenty to inter-

est you in reality -and the more tuned in you are, the bigger the ro-mantic rewards. Hint: A few well-chosen words make a much hotter impact than a monologue. Any group you’re a part of is delighted to count you as a member. The energy is more embracing than romantic, but a sense of belonging grounds you nicely. Zeroing in on what you want this weekend could be tough - - but that means you’re open to all of love’s myriad pos-sibilit ies.

aggravated assault of an indecent nature where he pleaded not guilty and once again he was offered bail in the sum of $2,000 and his case was adjourned until November 5. Later that afternoon he was arraigned on the charge of burglary before Magistrate Emerson Banner in the #8 Magistrate’s Court and again with boldness he pleaded not guilty to the charge and he was again offered a bail of $6,000. It is understood that he could not meet bail and was remanded. According to the police case before the court, the 12 year old girl reported to police that she and her mother were asleep in one room, their beds separated by a curtain when she was awakened

a man told her not scream otherwise he will suffocate her with her pillow. She also said the man told her he will give her a gold chain if she had sex with him. The girl said she screamed when the man tried to take off her clothes and her mother woke up. The man ran from the house and went to the house of Martha Palma, located a short distance away. Palma’s 13 year old daughter saw the man hiding in the bathroom when she went to use the bathroom. Her scream awoke and alerted the other occupants of the house including her brothers. The intruder ran and tried to escape but he was caught by family members and beaten.

SEXUAL PREDATOR

BEATEN

CONTACT US AT:Editor: 605-4508

[email protected][email protected]

25 Nanche Street, Belmopan


Patricia Beth Holden, 55Angela Medose Gillett, 89Joseph Leopold Lewis, 82Wilfred Gilbert Welch, 47Doreen Sanker, 60Guadalupe Roaches, 61Dorothea Zuniga, 64Hector Cuthbert Hoare, 52

Christopher Eugene Flaum, 59 to Melanie Ann Beavers, 49 both of Grove City, Ohio, USAJose Mario Aguilar Alfaro, 26 to Rosa Maria Andrade, 18 both of Belize CitySantos Arnaldo Quijada Aguilar, 28 to Martha Beatriz Herrera, 26 both of Belize CityChuan Sheng Tsu, 57 to Hsiu-Chu Hsu, 57 both of Ladyville, Belize DistrictAaron Edwin McLaughlin, 22 of Sarawee Stann Creek to Andrea Dorina Coleman, of DangrigaFranz Krahn, 26 to Katherine Klassen,19 both of Shipyard, Orange WalkBrinston Michael Marage, 26 of Corozal Town to Carla Odania Elvira, 28 of San Antonio CorozalLorenzo Ivani Poot, 19 of Bullet Tree to Sheronie Giselle Ayala, 17 of San Ignacio, CayoRonald Wesley Pigue, Jr, 47 to Penny Marie Garner both of Arkansas, USAErnesto Allan Escobar, 36 to Xiomara Yesenia Santos, 30 both of Orange Walk TownKurtis Egbert Lewis, 39 to Michelle Isoline Vacarro, 35 both of Sandhill, Belize DistrictJamid Leody Martinez, 22 of San Ignacio to Margarita Garcia, 24 of Blackman Eddy, CayoLeandro Raimundo Barrera, 18 to Neftida Sobeidy Pott both of Corozal Town, CorozalDario Osbaldo Tun, 24 to Joana Maribel Sosa both of Corozal Town, CorozalDonald Desmond Griffith, 33 to Kimbell Ingrid Jones, 30 both of Hattieville, Belize DistrictGermain Valladarez, 24 of Belize City to Glendi Yanet Sinturion of St. Mathews Village, CayoJuan Pedro Ortiz, 22 of San Jose Socotz to Susseth Estela Perez, 20 of San Ignacio, CayoJose Delmar Novelo, 33 to Angela Cecilia Marroquin, 30 both of San Ignacio, CayoJose Gilbert Chavez, 44 of Trial Farm, Orange Walk to Blanca Lilian Nagera, 33 of Burrel Boom, Belize DistrictJose Luis Menjiva, 20 of Trial Farm, Orange Walk to Nuri Victoriana Vasquez Leyva, 21 of San Pedro, Ambergris CayeFroylan Lejon Gilharry, 24 of Corozal Town to Nalleli Lucerito Cob, 24 of San Pedro, CorozalCarlos Alfredo Martinez, 39 to Gladys Magaly Lopez, 36 both of San Joaquin, CorozalEvan Ivan Reynolds, 25 of Trial Farm Orange Walk to Undina Emely Landero, 31 of Bullet Tree Falls, CayoBraulio Primitivo Ah, 19 of San Antonio Toledo to Dolores Cho, 26 of Punta Gorda TownPrimitivo Medina, 26 of Bullet Tree Falls to Valleni Sharlett Carillo, 24 of Santa Familia, CayoGeorge Antony Bahadur, 36 of Flowers Bank Belize to Sherida Sarahlee Sutherland, 26 of Rancho Dolores, Belize DistrictJuan Francisco Hernandez, 61 to Martha del Carmen Vasquez,32 both of Corozal TownSergio Rosario Murillo, 32 to Gabriela Alicia Santos, 28 both of San Felipe, Orange WalkJacob Klassen, 21 to Susie Braun, 19 both of Blue Creek, Orange WalkJerick Ronald Michael, 29 to Mackenzie Blair Wolfe, 28 both of Chattanooga, Tenn, USABarron Orland Anderson, 27 to Derva Licia Middleton, 43 both of Belize City

Delanie Danice to Randall Roy Plett and Rosline Plett ne Dueck

Jayda Anniesa to Jandey Alson Polanco and Sheray Polanco nee Gordon

Zachary Mason to Martin Sanabria Sr and Shiela Anjelica Sanabria nee Zetina

Cefora Sarai to Nicolas Poot Jr and Magaly Esmeralda Poot nee Mancias

Ronika Maria Adelaida to Roni Sarmiento and Beryl Sarmiento nee Grant

Abdallah to Rabin Abdallah Safa and Lama Safa nee Slim

Angela Sofia to Luis David Vargas and Angela Rosa Vargas nee Arana

PUBLICANNOUNCEMENTS

Births

Marriages

Deaths

Letters Editorto the

Dear Editor,

As a concerned Belizean citizen I take this opportunity to express my extreme dissatisfaction with the seeming inability of our government to adequately manage the escalating crime situation in Belize and also the constant failure in the justice system to convict the known criminals. I am sure that my voice echoes the cries of the majority of our people when I say that we have now become the ‘prisoners’ within our own home. We can no longer just look at the news like we’re watching a movie on our favourite television channel since it is now our family, extended family and friends that are being affected. When and more importantly how will it stop? On the one hand, there is the major issue of alleged corruption within our police forces where the general public has little or no confi dence that they will get any sort of justice. When this occurs people tend to take matters into their own hand. This is a very dangerous path since this will ultimately lead to total destruction. The radio, newspapers and television stations sensationalize the major crimes, however equally and more disturbing are the abundant ‘minor’ crimes heard by ‘word of mouth’. Literally one does not feel safe walking the streets for fear of being ‘jacked’, leaving home for fear that it will be vandalized, parking your car and it being broken into or stolen, even when shopping or travelling on a bus one is now subject to the once unbelievable prospect of being ‘held-up”. Do I dare ask how worst can it get? On the other hand, it is so disgusting to constantly watch the smirk on the criminals faces as they are being set free based on technicalities,

deceased witnesses, witnesses/victims with amnesia, etc. Then we have the famous, suave, learned, experienced lawyers who know the legal system and yes all the loopholes to assist and keep free the brazen, daring, fearless criminals. But let us not underestimate the cunning smartness of these same ‘street smart’ criminals who seem to also have a fair knowledge of their legal rights. Having to challenge these combined forces how can we win this fi ght for justice and I say where are the basic human values and ethics? My most humble suggestion to our Belizean Government is to make some drastic changes, such as, seriously taking steps to create transparency within the law enforcement so that the police can be given the respect they deserve. They must invest more adequate resources for educational, technical and social activities for our youths and create more opportunities for employment and small business development. The youths are our future and too many are out on the streets daily and late at nights at an early age hanging out at the street corners, begging and/or initiating crimes. My government please reinstate programs to ensure that our children are either, at home, in the school or in a safe park area with family and friends. Where is our future if our youths are all dead? I believe that it is most appropriate to say that drastic times calls for drastic measures and defi nitely change is the key action word. There are no truer words than, “if we always do what we always did, then we will always get what we always got”. Aren’t you tired of hearing “We wah justice” everyday in the media. Well, I am! UB Public Admin Student


By: Dulce Silva

Although women and men have been wearing makeup since earliest history, Max Factor is credited with the invention and mass marketing of pancake foundation makeup in the 1950’s. Max Factor, who started out as a wig designer, created the fi rst grease paint makeup for the movies in 1914, and went on to do the makeup of such stars as Lucille Ball, Jean Harlow, Claudette Colbert and Bette Davis. The company was acquired by Proctor & Gamble in 1991, but still does business under the famous name of the master.And makeup has come a long way since 1914. Very few women these days are willing to rub tinted petroleum products on their faces—unless there’s a really brilliant marketing scheme in place to convince them to do so. In fact, consumers have proven again and again that we’ll buy practically anything if we thing it will make us look or smell good.What Does Hypoallergenic Mean When on Makeup Packaging?But let’s start with a real shocker, just discovered by this writer while researching this article. Did you know that “hypoallergenic” means nothing at all? It’s true! The FDA has no requirement in place that systematizes allergy testing for makeup, so any brand that wants to claim its product is “hypoallergenic” may freely do so, to the detriment of makeup wearers with sensitive skin or one of the many allergic conditions so common to modern life. Ditto for “allergy tested”. If it’s a food product, manufacturers must let us know if products may have potential for loosing nut allergies, but you could rub your face, all unknowing, with pure peanut oil if it’s sold to you by a makeup company. The FDA does prohibit the use of super-toxic chemicals, but other than that, (and I quote the FDA regulation) “Cosmetic fi rms

are responsible for substantiating the safety of their products and ingredients before marketing.” The FDA doesn’t require them to do any particular testing fi rst. Non-Comedogenic Cosmetics - Is there such a thing?So, when a makeup claims to be non-comedogenic (pore-clogging), they’re just whistling Dixie. Have you ever seen a lotion or liquid foundation that doesn’t dry up in the bottle, causing an occasional clog? Why wouldn’t it clog your pores if you failed to wash it off? Of course it would. Oil Free Makeup - Check the Makeup Label to Confi rmNow, “oil-free” is something a consumer can check out. Cosmetic companies do list ingredients on the package, and you can read whether there are oils involved, unless they are hidden by chemical names you don’t recognize. For example, palm kernel oil is also known by its name of myristic acid, or tetradecanoic acid . No Animal Testing and Cruelty Free - Depends?And wait; there’s more. Companies that advertise “no animal testing” or “cruelty-free” products may actually test or buy ingredients that have been tested on animals at other manufacturers’. Look for the label that says “No new animal testing”. To get truly cruelty-free

products, you may want to choose makeup companies who include in their mission statements a clear stand on cruelty-free products. It’s not something you can sue over if you fi nd they’re lying, but most corporations won’t go to the trouble of pretending to be cruelty free to the extent that they’ll include it in a mission statement. Sensitive Skin? Read the Cosmetic Labels Closely for Hidden IngredientsEspecially for those with sensitive skin, fragrance free and talc free makeup may be important. You have to read the labels—”unscented” just means that the product doesn’t contain a particular perfume, but it often does mean that fragrance has been added to mask the less-pleasant smell of the unfragranced ingredients. Dye free mouth makeup is rare—lipsticks typically have some

sort of dye in them, but mineral makeup is usually dye free. And fi nally, the claim that a product is “dermatologist tested isn’t worth the paper it’s written on. There are no legal requirements to fulfi ll in dermatological testing. Even SPF numbers are not to be relied on, since the FDA hasn’t been able to determine effective ways of testing products for protection from UVA and UVB rays. Steps to Follow When Choosing a Beauty, Makeup or Cosmetics ProductSo, what’s a gal to do? You can’t rely on labeling to tell you what’s really going on in your makeup. But there are a few ways you can protect yourself against makeup products that may not be good for you. 1. The fewer ingredients, the better. After all, if you’re exposed to a multiplicity of chemicals, chance are mathematically greater that you will be sensitive or even allergic to one or a combination of them. If your makeup, however, is made of two or three ingredients, you’ll be able to check them out more carefully and you won’t be encountering a chemical cocktail every time you put on your makeup. 2. Learn the beauty industry’s lingo. Look up the ingredients in your makeup and fi nd out what they’re for and what they do. If there are allergies reported against them, you may also fi nd that out in your research. So that’s where that rash is coming from! 3. Remember that you and your skin are unique. Come popular anti-acne face creams contain camphor, which feels cool on the skin and has a slightly mentholated fragrance that smells clean and nice. Most people aren’t sensitive to it, but some people are. For these people, using this “calming, cooling” cream can actually cause peeling, redness and dryness. Even essential oils and “all-natural” ingredients may cause reactions. You may be sensitive to something no one else minds at all. You may be just fi ne with a product everyone else hates. If you experience a rash, breakouts or stinging from your makeup, fi nd one with different ingredients.

Cosmetic Terminology:What Makeup Packaging and Ingredient Tells

You About the Product

CONTACT US AT:Editor: 628-3215

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HEALTHY LIVINGWhat Is Fibromyalgia?Fibromyalgia is a non-life-threatening, chronic disorder of the muscles and surrounding soft tissue, including ligaments and tendons. Its main symptoms are muscle pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and tender points at certain parts of the body. Many people describe fi bromyalgia as feeling like a persistent fl u.Some health care providers may use these terms to refer to fi bromyalgia: fi bromyositis, fi brositis, periarticular fi brositis, muscular rheumatism, chronic muscle pain syndrome, musculoskeletal pain syndrome, or tension myalgia. However, “fi bromyalgia,” which means “pain of the muscles and other fi brous tissue,” is the accepted term and has replaced some of the others. Terms ending in “-itis,” which means “infl ammation,” are now considered incorrect because infl ammation does not play a signifi cant role in fi bromyalgia.Key Characteristics of FibromyalgiaMuscle pain, either throughout the body or only at certain points, is the primary symptom of fi bromyalgia. It may range from mild discomfort to pain severe enough to limit work, social activities, and everyday tasks. Pain commonly occurs in the neck, upper back, shoulders, chest, rib cage, lower back, and thighs and may feel like a burning, gnawing, throbbing, stabbing, or aching sensation and may develop gradually. It usually seems worse when a person is trying to relax

and is less noticeable during activity.A related, key aspect of fi bromyalgia is the presence of “tender points,” muscles and tendons that are tender when pressed. Typically, tender points are located in the neck, back, knee, shoulder, elbow, and hip.People with fi bromyalgia also feel moderately to severely fatigued and have sleep problems, including insomnia. Sleep disturbances may result from restless legs and arms, which may disrupt their sleep, or they may suffer from sleep apnea or grind their teeth while they sleep.Tender Points and FibromyalgiaAccording to the American Academy of Rheumatology, for a diagnosis of fi bromyalgia, you must have unusual tenderness at a

minimum of 11 of 18 specifi c “tender points” associated with the condition. Some health care providers diagnose fi bromyalgia in patients who have fewer tender points but who otherwise have severe, widespread (meaning upper and lower body occurring on both right and left sides) pain symptoms that are present for at least three months.The standard tender points are located in the muscles or other soft tissue on all four quadrants of the body, i.e. both sides and above and below the waist. Those who have fi bromyalgia may have unusual tenderness at any of several other points on the body as well.Who Is Affected by Fibromyalgia?Experts estimate that 3 million to

6 million Americans have fi bromyalgia. Of these, 80% are women. One of the main risk factors is

being a woman between the age of 20 and 50. Another risk factor is having a rheumatic disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or Sjogren’s syndrome. Fibromyalgia also seems to run in families, so a gene may be at least partly responsible for the condition. Most people with fi bromyalgia begin to notice symptoms between the ages of 20 and 40, but children and older adults may also develop the condition. Women with fi bromyalgia typically feel pain throughout their body, while men are more likely to have facial pain or pain and stiffness in a certain part of the body as a result of a work- or recreation-related muscle strain.What Causes Fibromyalgia?Experts do not know what causes fi bromyalgia. There are several theories about possible causes or triggers. Inadequate sleep is a possible trigger. Another is suffering an injury such as physical or emotional trauma. Some experts believe that a viral or bacterial infection may play a part.Abnormal production of pain-related chemicals in the brain and nerves also contributes to the symptoms of fi bromyalgia. It’s thought that any one of these factors may bring on the symptoms of fi bromyalgia in someone who is already genetically predisposed to the condition.

Understanding Fibromyalgia

FECTAB ON THE WARPATH WITH GOB AGAINBelize City, Wed. Sept. 22, 2010There may be some changes in the making in the Ministry of Tourism but those changes may come too late for local operators in the tourism industry and it may not have any positive effect on the way things are for local operators who crying to government to save them as they are being swept away by the tides of big international competition that is stampeding on their home turf. Their cries have become even more desperate and issues they raise are crucial - yet the response from government has been slow in coming. The Federation of Cruise Tourism Associations of Belize reconvened another meeting of their membership which comprises of Tour Operators and Tour Guides at Biltmore Plaza Hotel on Tuesday to register their outrage at Government’s lack of action to protect Belizean livelihood.First to vent was Yoni Rosado a member of FECTAB’s executive.

In his tirade he urged his workers to vote for the party in government even though they have basically ignored their cries for help. Rosado placated by saying that FECTAB’s fi ght is not with the government but with Chukka, “we are fi ghting Chukka Caribbean Adventures but when we are fi ghting Chukka, we are fi ghting a war with BTB.”But that war may be a war way bigger than FECTAB and perhaps can best be described as a David versus Goliath - although David in this case is yet to defeat the giant Chukka backed by Carnival. As we told you in a previous story, Carnival Cruise Line brought Chukka Caribbean Adventures into Belize after its arrangements with the Novelos owned Bel-Cruise fell apart after an unfortunate cave-tubing accident which resulted in a tourist losing her live. Carnival then moved their business over to David Gegg’s Cruise Solutions. That arrangement was summarily

dropped and Carnival went for Chukka Caribbean Adventures out of Jamaica. They came in and bought two-thirds of Bakabush Tours and started their operations in Belize.The tourism slow season is on and only Carnival Cruise Line is calling on Belize’s port. Carnival’s exclusive arrangement with Chukka’s Bakabush Tours has dealt a debilitating blow to small operators in the local industry. For exposed observers, this is not anything new but an unfortunate one all the same. It is common place that large international companies sell packages and makes arrangements such as the one that exists between Carnival and Chukka Caribbean Adventure.While FECTAB is calling on Government or specifi cally the Ministry of Tourism to intervene and for Chukka to leave Belize - it seems that there is little if anything that the government can do. If

government intervenes and does as being asked of them by the local operators, it could well mean a greater loss for Belize in the cruise tourism business. Meanwhile local tour guides and operators are lamenting the loss of business as well as the loss of their investments such as their buses and vans, monies spent on licenses et cetera - these investments are tacked on to their homes and other life possessions that they have mortgaged out to the banks. Unconfi rmed reports are that there may be a shake up in the works in the Ministry of Tourism and CEO Michael Singh may be seeing his last days in the Ministry. This should have come sooner rather than later since is rumored that Minister Manuel Heredia is uncomfortable with Singh. However, the imminent changes, if they occur, may have little signifi cance to the Chukka - Carnival romance in Belize. We will keep you posted.


Documents

National Perspective September 26, 2010