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Joined: Oct 1999
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Mike Campbell is writing for the Independent Newspaper. I will be posting his articles here.....
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Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 84,397
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San Pedro Beat
Town Clock�. The San Pedro Town Clock and Jumbotron electronic billboard was inaugurated Friday the 6th of January accompanied by heated controversy and a gigantic fireworks display. The controversy concerns the location of the clock tower in the middle of Barrier Reef Drive and the fact that it is a commercial advertising medium operated by the owners of Ramon's Village. The contract to build the tower was signed by the lame duck Mayor Elsa Paz and the owner of Ramon's without public consultation or a Town Council resolution. The fireworks display sparked fresh controversy as it appears that the fireworks were held back from an exceptionally lackluster New Year's celebration to be used for the clock inauguration which, "by coincidence", was held on Elsa Paz's birthday. The fireworks were truly spectacular.
DFC Fire� a fire consumed a residence located behind Bessie's store in the DFC area. The blaze broke out around 11:00am and was extinguished by the Faire Department with assistance from a bucket brigade in traditional San Pedro fashion. Fortunately there were no injuries. Donations for the family are being accepted by the Lions Club.
Caye Caulker� Caye Caulker is scheduled for a beach reclamation project. It will entail restoring some 1000' of beach as announced by Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr. The project is aimed at restoring Caye Caulker beaches and will be done by dredging.
San Pedro Politics�Belize Rural South and San Pedro politics is heating up as elections seem imminent. San Pedro candidates for mayor are Danny Guerro for the UDP, Conchita Flota for the PUP and Melanie Paz as an Independent candidate. For Area Representative the race is hotly contested between the incumbent Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr. for the UDP, Patty Arceo, for the PUP and Mike Campbell as an Independent candidate. These races are extremely close but the momentum seems to be shifting toward an Independent position for San Pedro. Belize Rural South is regarded as a watershed district and there is an increasing likelihood that BRS could go completely Independent with an Independent Village Chairman in Caye Caulker, an Independent Mayor for San Pedro and an Independent Area Rep for BRS. All eyes are on San Pedro in this very important race.
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SAN PEDRO BEAT
S. P. AIDS COMMISSION�The San Pedro AIDS Commission recently completed the painting of the wall at the back entrance to San Juan. The wall had previously been dedicated to graffiti and is now an enhancement of the community. The AIDS awareness murals were painted by Pablo Guerro. Pete Salazar of Caribena Enterprises donated the paint and many others also participated in this successful community project. Their effort has beautified the area and called attention to a very important topic.
CROC PROBLEMS�Crocodile problems persist in the low-lying residential areas of DFC and San Pablo with an unhealthy mix of crocs and children and pets. Previously, residents attempted to kill or capture the crocs after they would take up residence under their homes, with mixed results. New San Pedro residents Vince and Cheri Rose have dedicated their life in Belize to protecting this endangered species and now frequently assist in capturing these problem crocs. They currently operate American Crocodile Education Sanctuary (ACES) located at the Caribbean Shrimp Farm in Ladyville where Charlie McIntosh has given them sanctuary. They are licensed by the Forest Department and they currently care for 22 Morelet's and 4 American Crocs. The Morelets' were rescued from the collapse of Crocland. It is hoped that problem crocs from San Pedro can be relocated to the sanctuary in Ladyville as local relocation efforts have failed. Problem crocs nationwide can be reported to Cherie or Vince Rose at 666-3871 or 631-6366
DECISION 2012�Reef Radio/TV has announced a new program titled Decision 2012.The program is dedicated to providing a free media outlet for all political candidates and is aired between 7pm and 9pm. This is the first program of its kind in the country of Belize. The program was inaugurated Monday night with a two-hour interview with Mike Campbell, Independent candidate for Area Rep for BRS. The program will be rebroadcast throughout the week and weekend. Tuesday night was dedicated to Mel Paz, Independent candidate for mayor of San Pedro.
MAYORAL DEBATE�San Pedro Sun in conjunction with Reef Radio/TV have co-sponsored the first ever, mayoral debate in San Pedro which was held Wednesday 18 January at the Lion's Den from 7pm until 9pm. Mayoral candidates for San Pedro are Danny Guerro, UDP, Conchita Flota, PUP and Melanie Paz running as an Independent. The debate was broadcast live. Attendance was by invitation only and no applause was allowed during the course of the debate. During the debate the surrounding streets were closed to vehicular traffic and no political demonstrations of any type were allowed in the area or inside the venue. The final debate is scheduled for Monday 13 February.
HILBERTO SANCHEZ�Wednesday morning 18 January, on Good Morning San Pedro, Hilberto Sanchez tossed his hat in the ring as an Independent candidate for Town Council. Hilberto, who is originally from the Punta Gorda area, was accompanied by Booby Lopez of the V.I.P. Mr. Sanchez is the first Independent candidate to announce for the Town Council race.
SLIP AND FALL�Thomas Kimbrell, San Pedro resident and employee of Fido's was killed instantly in the early morning hours of 2 January as a result of Slip and fall. Mr. Kimbrell slipped on wet steps outside his 3rd floor apartment fell and broke his neck dying instantly.
TRAFFIC ACCIDENT�Jose Roberto Lazo, a 48 year old Honduran national, is in a coma after a collision between the bicycle he was riding and a Jeep Liberty driven by Maribel Marin. The accident occurred Monday, January 16th, at around 7:30pm on Seagrape Drive near the entrance to Escalante Subdivision.
CAYE CAULKER�Caye Caulker was saddened by the death of Mrs. Petrona Joseph nee Palacio, one of the matriarchs of Caye Caulker on Wednesday January 4th, 2012. Know as Mrs. Petty to local residents she was recently recognized by the community when she given a Lifetime Achievement Award. Caye Caulker, her family and friends, will all miss Mrs. Petty.
by Mike Campbell
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Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 84,397
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The Independent Movement
There has been much discussion about the new phenomenon in Belize politics called the "Independent Movement". The "Independent Movement" is best defined as the sharing of a grass roots feeling and belief that both parties are corrupt and have let us all down. This common feeling found throughout the country has grown to the point that it is referred to as a "movement". We have realized that the inefficient and corrupt government we struggle under is exactly as the parties want it to be. The constitution places all the authority for the government in the hands of the political party that wins the election and, as both parties have had multiple terms in office, is a fair assumption that the government is just as the parties want it to be.
Independents believe that corruption has become institutionalized to the point that it has lost it's definition. Many or most on the street believe that being in public office means you are corrupt and sadly many think it's ok so long as they can personally benefit from it. It is so ingrained in political life that many do not even realize that massive give-a-ways, be it turkeys or toys, is corruption and both parties are guilty. They will no doubt quickly defend themselves as being Christmas spirited when in fact, it is, in the simplest terms, a politician giving gifts to constituents. Only an Independent can hold such views, the parties simply do not allow that type of thinking.
Independents believe that the "controlled democracy" that the parties pass off on us is a farce and contrary to the public good and certainly does not represent the people as was intended in our constitution. When elected as an Area Representative, any party member becomes obligated to support his party regardless of anything. Incredibly he looses the right to represent his constituents and becomes a representative of the party/government instead of a representative of his constituents. Hon. Marcel Cardona spoke out about the unequal treatment his constituency was receiving and was subjected to every form of humiliation the government could offer. As an elected UDP representative the most he can do is abstain from voting as voting against a party proposal would cause him to loose his seat EVEN THOUGH HE WAS DULY ELECTED BY HIS CONSTITUENTS. If Hon. Heredia were to oppose offshore drilling the same would happen to him, regardless of the views of his constituents. An Independent believes that it is the responsibility of the Representative to work first and foremost for the good of his constituents trying at all times to represent their wishes and needs.
Independents believe that the politics of fear keep many from running for office and openly supporting such Independents regardless of their inner acknowledgement of the validity of the Independent position. Indeed the tactics of fear are alive and well in our politics. They range from instilling fear of reprisal from government-controlled agencies, lack of "cronyism benefits" such as land and jobs, withholding of funding for constituencies and threats of violence against candidates. This is a fact of life for the Independent.
The only way to combat this fear is to confront it head on. It is time to confront the bully. From what I can gather most people are totally fed up with both parties and would vote for a viable Independent candidate if given the chance. If we can get enough Independents elected we can force transparency and accountability and adherence to existing anti corruption laws that have been totally ignored by both parties. We must restore integrity to our government if we are ever going to attract the foreign investment we need to fuel private sector growth.
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,520
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Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 84,397
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Marlon Castro �died
January 27th after a bout with
cancer. Marlon was born September20th
1980 and was 31 at the
time of his death. He is survived
by his wife and two children.
Runway lights at the San Pedro
Airport�were recently vandalized.
The wire was stolen in the
latest case of unknown persons
stealing copper wire. The runway
lights were donated to San Pedro
by Wings of Hope.
Jerry Jeff Walker �will
be appearing at Wet Willie's this
weekend.
Kelly McGuire �will be
playing at Fido's this week with a
pre-Super Bowl Bash starting at
3pm.
Road repair �has begun
with hard core being dumped in
the biggest holes in a never ending
cycle of filling and grading the
sand/dirt streets.
First Ever Area Representative
debates �are
tentatively scheduled for February
17th between incumbent Hon.
Manuel Heredia Jr., PUP Standard
Bearer Patty Arceo and Independent
candidate Mike Campbell.
The second round of the mayoral
debates will be cancelled to allow
the Area Representative candidates
to debate the issues on live
TV.
Mayor Elsa Paz�has released
her end of term report.
This is the first financial report in
three years and gave rise to more
questions than answers. On Good
Morning San Pedro co-host David
Marin suggested that it would be
good if future financial reports
were issued in writing a week before
the public presentation so the
documented could be examined
and meaningful questions asked
and hopefully answered. The finances
of the Town Council are
being brought under scrutiny with
two of the three mayoral candidates
promising forensic audits if
elected. The Town Council Act requires
financial reports from the
Town Council quarterly.
Business climate �is depressed
after a very slow start to
the year. Many businesses are reporting
worst ever for this period
with no real hope until mid-February
when bookings start to increase.
The strength of the season
remains in doubt.
Caye Caulker �water
rates will remain unchanged as
the nationwide rate reduction will
not be applied to Caye Caulker.
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Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 84,397
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Two year deficit �was reported
by the San Pedro Town Council.
The amounts are in question as
the report was not audited and did
not seem to add up. The two year
deficit was reported to be in excess
$800,000. Lame duck Mayor Elsa
Paz continues erecting monuments
around town commemorating the
accomplishments of her administration
while not explaining the deficit.
There was also no mention of her
personal vehicle which she reportedly
sold to the Town Council for the
same price she paid for it two years previously. This was the first report
of her administration even though
the law calls for quarterly reports.
The town awaits a new mayor and
promises of a forensic audit.
North Ambergris Caye �has
had another rash of burglaries. The
remoteness of the area makes police
protection and response very difficult
with an understaffed and under
equipped police force.
Politics �dominated San Pedro
life this week with a carnival atmosphere
on the streets with all the colorful
banners.
The Independent
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Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 84,397
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Land Fraud�allegations have been
leveled at San Pedro Town Council employees
and elected officials in collusion
with those in higher offices. The primary
instance involves the sale of Lot 12
in Mata Grande. This lot and all of the
coast of North Ambergris Caye has been
in private ownership for generations.
The property in question, which is legally
owned by foreigners and is valued
at around US$500,000 was transferred
by the GOB with the recommendation
of Manuel Heredia into the name of a Town Council employee for BZ$6,500.
Police Brutality�allegations have
been leveled by the parent of a 13 year
old child allegedly detained and beaten
by San Pedro Police. An investigation is
underway. All parents are advised they
should know the whereabouts of their
children at all times.
LEO's�of San Pedro have announced
a Valentine Day's dance for
teenagers at the Lion's Den. The LEO's
youth group that is affiliated with the
Lion's Club has been reborn in San Pedro. It is aimed at teenagers and teaches
them leadership and organizational
skills. LEO stands for Leadership, Experience,
and Opportunity. This group is
chaired by Ismael Kay. There are now 26
members and this is the only active LEO
club in Belize.
Savadoranan community�celebrated
the 11th anniversary of the
founding of the Association of Salvadoranos.
The Salvadoran community is
very integrated into San Pedro society
and economy and is a responsible part of our community.
Fundraisers� are a regular part
of San Pedro life. We have recently had
fundraisers for the San Pedro Diabetes
Association. The San Pedro Cancer society
had a blood drive, the Saga Society
also had a fundraiser and Mama Vilma's
women's shelter had a very successful
fashion show which raised over $10,000
for their cause. The expat community is
a strong supporter of all worthy causes
in San Pedro and their generosity is always
appreciated.
The Independent
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Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 84,397
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Harrison "Bin" Jacobs � has
been charged with the murder of
Francis Alexander Figuerroa Cardenas
on November 28th of last year
in the San Juan Area of San Pedro
Town. "Sometime before 5:40AM on
Sunday, November 28th, police were
called to the corner of Seaweed and
Sand Piper Streets in the San Juan
area of San Pedro Town. There, Police
observed a dark skinned person
of Creole descent, leaning in a sitting
position on a blue concrete fence with
what appeared to be a single gunshot
wound to the head. The man who was
known to police as Bejon Wade was
later identified as 20 year old Francis
Alexander Figuerroa Cardenas. Mr.
Cardenas is of a Belize City address,
but was reportedly working on Ambergris
Caye." Mr. Jacobs has been
remanded until his next appearance
scheduled for 19 April 2012.
Inter-American Development
Bank� held its 26th annual Meeting
of the Governors of the Central
American Isthmus and the Dominican
Republic at Coco Beach on North
Ambergris Caye. President Mr. Luis
Alberto Moreno and Acting Prime
Minister Gaspar Vega gave opening
statements stressing the region's vulnerability
to the economic turmoil in
Europe and the slower than expected
US financial recovery. Mr. Moreno
stressed the IDB's commitment to
infrastructural and education projects
that increase our growth capacities.
Mr. Moreno stressed the need
for planning in regards to climate
change, as this region will be among
the most affected areas in the world as
the climate continues to change and
its effects become more apparent. In
an interview Mr. Moreno stated that
Belize was paying 1.5% for 25 years on
its loans but the technical services
provided by the bank were more important
than the cost of the loan.
Miguel Martinez� age 26 was
found dead in his holding cell at the
San Pedro Police Station Tuesday
morning, 21 February 2012 after being
detained by police earlier in the
day for disorderly conduct in an intoxicated
state. Mr. Martinez was
found handcuffed and in his boxers.
Reportedly his pants were found in
front of the station. Relatives claim
that witnesses saw the police beating
Miguel in front of the station before
taking him inside and that is why his
pants were found outside. Word on
the street is that the cell was emptied
of other prisoners who were moved to
a different cell and Miguel was placed
in the cell and beaten to death. Police
brutality charges are becoming
the norm in San Pedro. Mr. Martinez
had been detained about a week and
a half previous to this incident after
erratic behavior led to him being sedated
at the Polyclinic. Police claim
there were no signs of violence upon
the body, which has been transported
to KHMH. The police stated he was
taken into custody and placed in the
cell where he caused a disturbance,
when they next checked on him he
was found to be dead.
Caye Caulker News:
Melissa Chan� recently graduated
from the University of Belize
with a Bachelor's Degree in Education.
Congratulations to Melissa
Chan.
Eduardo Arceo� the owner of
Rose's Grill and Bar in Caye Caulker
has recently been awarded an International
Catering Award from The
Trade Leaders Club in Madrid Spain
at the 37th International Award For
Tourist, Hotel and Catering Industry.
Rose's is an excellent seafood restaurant
on Caye Caulker and certainly
worth a try on your next visit.
Blayd Christopher Vernon� is
the proud winner of the Zone 5 Spelling
Bee. This is the first time in 17
years a Caye Caulker student has won
the spelling bee. Chelsea Rodriguez
took fourth place. Congratulations to
Blayd and Chelsa.
The Independent
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