The June 12th, 2013 issue of The Capital Weekly is online HERE

This Week's Stories:

  • The Stage is Set! Can PUP Mobilize like UDP in 2005?:
    As we go to press, word is that the Opposition PUP is attempting to mobilize supporters to descend on Belmopan when the House of Representatives convenes in the National Assembly on Friday, November 1, 2013. How historic a day it turns out to be will to some extent be heavily dependent on what kind of numbers the PUP is able to mobilize. Since it lost the 2008 General Elections and became the Opposition, the PUP has been anything but impressive when it comes to mustering numbers around any event or professed cause. Professed, we say, for therein lies what is perhaps the crooks of the PUP's problem, the question of whether it possesses the moral authority to genuinely lead any charge against any alleged or perceived wrongdoing by those in office, or any public rallying around any proclaimed righteous cause.
  • Isidoro Beaton Football Stadium Upgraded:
    As most Belmopan residents should by now, a good deal of new investment has been made to strengthen their local football club, Belmopan Bandits, which is participating in the national competition organized by the Premier League of Belize, sponsored this year by Belikin Beer and Bowen & Bowen Limited. The Belmopan Bandits' home field is the Isidoro Beaton Stadium in the Nation's Capital; and a good of resources is also being invested to upgrade that facility to encourage more of f he residents of Belmopan to come out regularly to support their home team as the national competition heats up.
  • Existential Questions Confronting the UDP:
    As we understand it, the purpose of the UDP when it was formed 40 years ago in 1973 was not simply to rival the PUP, but to contrast and correct what was fundamentally wrong about PUP style politics. The PUP idolized its leaders and was built on a philosophy of party paramountcy. The UDP was to be the political force that placed Country above Party. The PUP was a monolithic party that rewarded its supporters and friends, and punished its so-called enemies and political rivals. The UDP was to be the party that allowed dissenting elements and provided an opportunity for full participation and fulfillment by all citizens in a country hitherto ruled by one-party domination.
  • 30 Years in the Belizean Beef Business: Running W Continues to "Meat" your Needs:
    Running W is a family owned company that started in 1983 (we are celebrating 30 years in business this October). We remain focused on a cow calf operation, a steer fattening operation, and a meat processing plant. Running W has become one of the largest meat processors in Belize. We supply fresh cuts and processed meats of primarily beef and pork. The company has been innovators in this industry and continue to develop new practices and products ensuring that it serves Belize very good quality. Belize very good quality. Initially our cattle were predominately Brahman then we introduced Nellore but the demand from our customers prompted us to start changing our cattle genetics. People were asking for better meat.
  • "I Give You My Peace":
    "Thirty seven killed in Syrian car bombing as fighting rages nearby", the weekend's CNN headline read. According to the United Nations, over one hundred thousand people have died in the Syrian conflict, which started in March 2011. Weeks earlier the world was terrorized by the news of blood-thirsty gunmen entering the Westgate Mall in Kenya and killing scores of innocent people. On a global level there are wars, famine, disease and pestilence, declining economies and the failure of governments to gratify the masses. On a community level, families are in distress due to financial crisis, alcoholism, absent fathers, violence or death. On a personal level we are often harassed by sickness, personal failures, hopelessness and many other troubles that overwhelm us from time to time.
  • New NAVCO President: Elections Held in Belmopan to Choose New Executive:
    On Saturday October 19, 2013, the National Association of Village Councils (NAVCO) held its Thirteenth Annual General Meeting at the George Price Center in Belmopan. The purpose of the meeting was to elect a new president, as well as to plan and map out a strategy for the direction that the new NAVCO Board intends to take during its three-year term of office from 2013 to 2016. Elected as the new president was Mrs. Ruth Staine Dawson from the Belize District. She will serve for the entirety of the three-year term of the current executive. Also elected by the New NAVCO BOARD were Dr. Francis Arzu as Vice President; Mrs. Anita Mesh as Secretary; Miss Yolanda Molina as Vice-Secretary; Mr. Alexander Romero as Treasurer; and Mr. Jovanni Montolban as Assistant Treasurer.
  • Not a Bang but Quite a Splash! Virtual End of Hurricane Season:
    As we approach the end of October, Belizeans generally utter a sigh of relief. Although the Hurricane season officially extends until the end of November, the latest day on the yearly calendar that ever saw a tropical system of any significance affect Belize is October 31. That storm was, of course, Hurricane Hattie in 1961, which is recorded in history as one of the most catastrophic storms ever to impact Belize. Although we more than likely will not see a hurricane or tropical storm for the rest of 2013, Belizeans countrywide were significantly affected by relentless rains over the past weekend, which resulted in considerable flooding in portions of all but one of our six districts. As one Belmopan resident put it, "It must be the 2013 Hurricane Season's way of telling us goodbye."
  • Recruit Intake #89 on Training: Adding 132 New Officers to the Belize Police Department:
    A hundred and Thirty Two (132) new recruits are currently on training at the Belize Police Training Academy in Belmopan. They make up Recruit Intake # 89 of the Police Department. The training, which began seven (7) weeks ago, runs for a total of 16 weeks, and the new curriculum covers seven (7) major areas, namely, Fundamental Concepts of Policing; Philosophy of Modern Policing; Criminal Law; Grammar Usage and Writing; Traffic; Crime Information Management System Technology; and General Police Duties. Of the 132 recruits in training, 37 are females and 95 are males. The course will be completed around January of 2014 at which time the traditional Police Passing Out Ceremonies will be held to mark their entry into the ranks of the Belize Police Force to assume official duties.
  • EMERGING DISEASE POSES THREAT TO BELIZE'S SHRIMP INDUSTRY:
    Early Mortality Syndrome or Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease (EMS/AHPND) is an emerging disease that is not present in Belize. It affects shrimp that are not of marketable size, normally from 30 days or younger. The disease does not affect humans but is often fatal to shrimp. Infected ponds can experience as much as 100% mortality. EMS was first reported in China in 2009, Vietnam in 2010, Malaysia in 2011 and in Thailand in 2012. It caused massive die-offs in cultivated shrimp in these countries. Clinical signs of the disease includes lethargy, slow growth, an empty stomach and midgut and a pale and atrophied hepatopancreas (internal organ that functions as a liver), often with black streaks. The hepatopancreas does not squash easily when pressed between the thumb and finger. Within 30 days of a pond being stocked large-scale die offs begins. The Global Aquaculture Alliance estimated that losses to the Asia shrimp culture sector could be US1$ billion. The shortage of shrimp supply subsequently had an impact on shrimp prices.
  • Boston Red Sox Win World Series: Most Valuable Papi: Ortiz outstanding:
    It was clear what David Ortiz was going to say -- what, in some form, he had to say. He stood in shallow left field at Fenway Park late Wednesday night, not far from the spot where, six months ago, he dictated an impassioned love letter to the city of Boston. Behind Ortiz was a shiny black truck, his reward for winning the World Series' Chevrolet Most Valuable Player Award. Around him gathered fans, well-wishers and teammates, so many of them waiting, waiting, waiting for him to say the words again.
  • Safety and Survival in Law Enforcement:
    Law enforcement officers spend a large portion of the lives looking out for the safety mad security of others. Too many of us take this for granted, failing to realize the extent which their own safety and security is threatened while they work to keep the rest of us safe. And in these modern times, when respect for authority in our society seems to be at an all time low, the lives of our law enforcement officers at more at risk than they have ever been.
  • Statement by Hon. Edmund Castro:
    The Hon Edmond Castro, Minister of State in the Ministry of Works and Transport, utterly rejects and condemns the viciously false and malicious story concocted about him by Channel 5 and its agent, and aired three consecutive nights last week. That story alleges that Hon. Castro collected four hundred thousand dollars as payment for having procured the issuance of two hundred Belize visas at the behest of a woman that is the source and co-fabricator of the Channel 5 story. Hon. Castro makes clear that the allegation is a lie. He was never engaged in any visa ring, and never collected a penny from the woman now turned self-proclaimed whistleblower.
  • Saving Lives On The Road: Signing of Contract for Road Safety Project:
    The Government of Belize through the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, in keeping with the long-term Vision for improvement in road safety, that through an integrated and comprehensive approach, together with demonstrated respect between all road users, the frequency and severity of traffic collisions (road trauma) is reduced, is pleased to announce the award of contract to Anthony Thurton and Associates Ltd. for the Design and Certification Consultancy. The Belize Road Safety Demonstration Corridor Project is a first step in developing a comprehensive and longterm road safety strategy. The project was officially launched on 14th March 2013 and is being implemented through a BZ$14,495,000 loan from the CDB, and GOB counterpart contribution of BZ$3,191,000.
  • Public-Private Sector Partnership: DPM Gaspar Vega Advances Agriculture Agenda, Meeting With Producers in the Aquaculture Industry:
    Two Thursdays ago, Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Gaspar Vega, Minister of Natural Resources and Agriculture, traveled south to meet with key players in the Aquaculture Industry. The Deputy Prime Minister and his team, including CEO for Agriculture Jose Alpuche and three -term UDP Stann Creek Area Representative Melvin Hulse, met with representatives of six major companies that make up the Shrimp Growers of Belize Association. Those companies include Aqua Mar Belize Limited, represented by Mike Dunker; Belize Aquaculture Limited, owned by the Bowen Group with new investment by a group out of Thailand; Texmar Belize Limited, represented by Anthony Chaplin and Hilly Muschamp; Royal Mayan Shrimp Farm, represented by its Managing Director, Alvin Henderson; Paradise Shrimp Farm represented by Hank Williams; and Cardeli Shrimp Farm, represented by its owner Linda Cardeli Thornton. The meeting took place at Belize Aquaculture Limited where the Minister and his team got a full tour of the facilities. Secretary
  • Meeting with Belize Livestock Producers Association:
    Shortly after assuming responsibility for the Ministry of Agriculture back in 2012, Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Gaspar Vega made the following comments about the Cattle Sweep Project to enable the exportation of Belizean Cattle particularly to Mexico: "This is history in the making; not only because we are achieving financially so much more resources, but because of the new direction that we're taking; and when I say, we are taking, it's we the government and the private sector. It is the first time that a government agency is not dictating but assisting the private sector in ensuring that they maximize their profitability, their productivity; and that, I believe, is what makes me so proud." Further commenting on his philosophy of fostering a strong public-private sector partnership, Hon. Vega remarked, "I must say that from the time we took over Agriculture, CEO Alpuche and I have had one thing in common, it was to ensure that we are seen as a facilitator rather than dictator. We want to assist; we want to gain the confidence of all the cattle farmers, not for the government to make a profit, but for the farmers to be more productive. At the end of the day, if the farmers make bigger profits, the government will get its share; the country will move forward. The country will start seeing the development that
  • Touring Running W Brand Meats Processing Plant:
    Last Wednesday, October 23, 2013, prior to his meeting with the Belize Livestock Producers Association, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Agriculture, Hon. Gaspar Vega, toured the facilities of Running W. Meats, a local Belizean Company that produces mainly beef and pork products. The Deputy Prime Minister was accompanied by CEO in the Ministry of Agriculture, Jose Alpuche; Acting Chief Agriculture Officer Roberto Harrison and his assistant Belarmino Esquivel; and Executive Chairman of the Belize Agriculture Health Authorities (BAHA), Emir Cruz. Started way back in 1983, Running W is this month (October) celebrating its 30th year in business. The company grows a lot of its own cattle, focusing on a cow-calf operation, a steer fattening operation, and a meat processing plant. It has become one of the largest meat processors in Belize, supplying fresh cuts and processed meats of primarily beef and pork. The owners of the company have been innovators in the industry in Belize, continuing to develop new practices to ensure increased and improved service to an ever-growing market.
  • A "Soft" Handover Ceremony: Hospital Receives Antimicrobial-Treated Pillows:
    Minister of Health, Hon. Pablo Marin was on hand at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital on October 22, 2013 for the handover of approximately 300 pillows donated by the Belize Dry Cleaners for hospitals across the country. The antimicrobial treated pillows measure 20" X 26" and are filled with 8oz garneted polyester. The pillows have soft polypropylene stitching and they are fluid proof, wipeable and flame resistant. The pillows will be delivered over the next couple days to five hospitals: Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, Western Regional Hospital, Northern Regional Hospital, San Ignacio Community Hospital and Corozal Community Hospital.
  • UN & UB Team up for Youth Development: Social Audit Trainees on October 26 - 2013 Workshop on Social Audit for Young Belizean Leaders:
    The United Nations D e v e l o p m e n t Programme in partnership with the University of Belize hosted a two day Social Audit Workshop for young Belizean leaders and Entrepreneurs at the University of Belize, Central Farm Campus, Cayo District on October 25 -26, 2013. A total of 34 youth leaders, women and men equally represented, between the ages of 18-29, from tertiary level student government bodies as well from civil society organizations participated in the Social Audit Workshop. The workshop focused on the rights young people have to participate in auditing exercises of their government. The facilitators explained that it is a must to train youth on technical skills of social auditing and the ability to analyze and interpret public information. Social auditing gives people the skills to answer questions that citizens ask, and have the right to know about the government.
  • Three Outstanding Belizeans Honored: For Contribution to Education, Music & Politics:
    On October 23, 2003, at the at the Belize House, in Belmopan, three Belizean men were appointed to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for their outstanding and selfless service to their communities. Frank Alexander Lizama and Colville Ludwig Young Jr. were both appointed Order of the British Empire: Mr. Lizama for his contribution to art, education and politics and Mr. Young for his contribution to education and music. Receiving the insignia for Member of the British Empire was Norman Samuel Elburt Hamilton for his contribution to music.
  • BDF leads - Bandits Third:
    The Belize Defence Force team remains undefeated in the 2013 Belikin Cup Premier League Football Competition with 9 points obtained from 3 wins. They enjoyed their third win 2-0 over FC Belize at the Carl Ramos Stadium in Dangriga two Saturdays ago. Stephen Martinez scored the Belize Defence Force's first winning goal in the eight minute to lead 1-0 up to the half time break. The BDF defenders shut out FC Belize for 90 minutes of regulation time, and Tarrel Flores came off the BDF bench to score a second goal in injury time to seal the 2-0 victory over FC Belize. FC Belize are now in Fourth Place with Four points from a win and a draw. The Belmopan Bandits remain at Third Place in the Premier League of Belize, with Seven points from Two wins and a draw, after they schooled cellar- dwellers Police United FC 1-0 at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium in Belmopan two Saturdays ago. Police headline striker Harrison "Kafu" Roches looked to score early when he beat his man, but Bandits' goalie Woodrow West beat him to the ball.