AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums Belize Life News The Capital Weekly

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

This Week's Stories:

• Record-Breaking Turnout ! 42,000 Attend Agriculture & Trade Show:
  What you put in is what you get out. It's an old saying that's as true as it is trite. Perhaps more appropriate in this instance (since Agriculture is at the center of the event in question) is the good old Bible version, which goes: "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." (Galatians 6:7). Never before has so much been invested in Belize's Annual National Agriculture and Trade Show; and just as surely, never before have the rewards been as great. Ticket sales for last weekend's Agriculture and Trade Show indicate that a record-breaking 42,000 persons visited the show grounds over the weekend, Saturday and Sunday, May 4 and 5, 2013. And receipts from the event were over $200 Thousand which, as noted by Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Gaspar Vega, is about double what the best performance of the show was in any previous year. It did not happen automatically; far from it. This record turnout and performance last weekend was the culmination of the first phase of an arduous and ambitious undertaking to upgrade the National Agriculture and Trade Show Grounds at the entrance of the Capital City, Belmopan, and better organize and promote the event itself which occurs annually. It's an initiative that is being led by Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Gaspar Vega; his Chief Executive Officer in that Ministry, Jose Alpuche; and Chief Agriculture Officer, Eugene Waight, with the full participation of the entire staff in the Ministry.
• New British High Commissioner to Belize:
  News has been received of the appointment of a new British High Commissioner unto Belize. He is H.E. Peter Hughes and his appointment will take effect in August of this year, 2013. Mr. Hughes is described as a British Diplomat with extensive experience, having served as Ambassador in a wide cross-section of countries and regions. including the Caribbean, Australia, Afghanistan, South Asia and North East Asia. Speaking of his new appointment to Belize, Mr. Hughes commented: "It is a great privilege to have been given this opportunity to represent the United Kingdom in Belize. I hope to build on the enduring friendship between our two countries, and look forward to working closely with the Government and people of Belize to support our shared objective of a secure and prosperous future."
• Small Nation - Great Things!:
  Whatever the story is, statistics often tell no more than half of it. Indeed, the official figures show that the Belize Economy is doing well, especially when viewed in comparison to other economies in the region and the world. That is, of course, only half the story. The other half is being graphically told by the economic activity we see around the Country. One of the many episodes in the compelling account of a rebounding and advancing Belizean Economy features a private-sector project officially launched just two weeks ago in the Belmopan area, as documented elsewhere in this edition. It's called Egoli Estate modern, high-standard residential project with strong backing from the commercial banking community. It is, among so many other visible signs, a clear indication that there is great confidence in the Belize Economy.
• Ambassador of Qatar Presents Credentials: Meets Governor General Sir Colville and Prime Minister Barrow:
  Today, the Governor General of Belize, Sir Colville Young was presented with credentials from the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Belize, His Excellency Sheikh Meshal Bin Hamid Al-Thani. In his presentation, Qatar is a small country that resides on the western side of the Arabian Gulf as part of the Arabian Peninsula. It is a member of the GCC countries which contains several other gulf countries like Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates (UAE). The majority of people in Qatar are Muslims, and the citizens speak Arabic, although English is a very widespread language there, because of the huge number of employees from Europe and North America. The Qatari people are very friendthe Sheikh conveyed greetings and best wishes for progress and prosperity to the Governor General and the people of Belize on behalf of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar; H.R.H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani,the Crown Prince of the State of Qatar, and H.E. Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the State of Qatar. The Sheikh further expressed the Emir's pride in the relations between Belize and Qatar, and his aspiration to build strong relations at all levels to serve the common interests of both countries.
• Some Quick Facts About Qatar:
  Qatar is a small country that resides on the western side of the Arabian Gulf as part of the Arabian Peninsula. It is a member of the GCC countries which contains several other gulf countries like Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates (UAE). The majority of people in Qatar are Muslims, and the citizens speak Arabic, although English is a very widespread language there, because of the huge number of employees from Europe and North America. The Qatari people are very friendly, and they embrace, and most of the time they tolerate foreign visitors' cultures, while holding on tightly to their own.
• Faith Lift By Zelda Hill: The Judgment is Already Declared!:
  Having the foreknowledge from Scripture of how the war against evil will end should urge more people to enlist on the side of righteousness. History also has proven that whenever you choose to stand on any side that God has endorsed, you are always on the winning side. For these reasons it is distressing to see that the current debate on the decriminalization of homosexuality has upset and divided a nation that once acknowledged the supremacy of God and esteemed His decrees. Our god-fearing grandparents would "turn in their graves" to know that their children have exchanged the light of Scripture for an 'enlightened' doctrine, which compels us to examine our traditional moral convictions and to consider removing our ancient spiritual landmarks. And as the battle progresses to the courtroom, it seems that many are awaiting the judge's decision to endorse or to redefine their personal convictions.
• Things Looking UP in First Quarter of 2013; Prime Minister Reports to the Nation at Press Conference:
  I think I ought to start by reporting on the visits that I had first to New York and then to Haiti. I was accompanied on the New York leg of the trip by Ambassador (Mark) Espat; The purpose of that visit was two-fold; we went to have a meeting with the Greylock people with respect to some possibilities concerning the 75 Million US Dollar window that, as part of the agreements governing the restructuring, we're allowed in terms of the issue of additional bonds, over and above what we now describe as Super Bond Two. That 75 Million US Dollars could accommodate any settlement that we might perhaps reach with FORTIS, for example; so there was a need to discuss mechanics in that regard. Also, Ambassador Espat was asked to present a paper at a UN meeting that was hosted by the Economic and Social Council of the UN, together with the Britten Woods Institutions, the World Bank and the IMF. Perhaps most important for purposes of this morning's press conference is the visit that I had with the US Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon. The idea there was to update him on where things stand between Belize and Guatemala. We've all been aware, in the past couple of weeks, of the developments in Guatemala.
• Address by Hon. Gaspar Vega; Delivered at Opening of National Agriculture and Trade Show 2013:
  Ladies and gentlemen, a pleasant good afternoon to all of you. Once again, it gives me great pleasure to address you, at this, my second Agriculture and Trade Show as Minister of Natural Resources and Agriculture. This afternoon I am particularly proud, as this new Multipurpose Centre we are using represents the start of a five year redevelopment programme for the Show Grounds. These grounds, all sixty acres, are truly a national asset and we must treat it as such. When you consider the rich history of the Agriculture Show and its prominent place in Belizean culture, then I dare say this is really a National Heritage Site. This year's theme "Stimulating Prosperity in Agriculture and Food Production Through Renewed Public-Private Partnership" captures the essence of the work the Ministry is undertaking. We are very much aware that for us to succeed, the active participation of private sector stakeholders in the work of the Ministry is vital. We facilitate, the private sector invest profitably, Belize and all Belizeans prosper!
• Achievements in HECOPAB:
  The Ministry of Health in collaboration with the San Pedro Town Council and other partners in health conducted a health fair in March 2013 at the Lions Club in San Pedro Town. Six new San Pedro Community Health Workers (CHWs) were presented and endorsed by all collaborating partners and the community. The Ministry of Health recognizes CHWs as forefront community leaders who provide preventative measures, health education and direct patients to health facilities.
• Second round Burden of Illness Study commences:
  The Ministry of Health announces the second round of the 'Burden of Illness Study' (BOI) research study on Food Bourne Diseases in Belize. The study aims to determine the prevalence of acute gastroenteritis related to food and water infection. It will also investigate the more common viruses or bacteria transmitted by food and seek to determine the magnitude of underreporting to the Ministry of Health as well as strengthen the laboratory capacity for accurate diagnosis of the most common food borne illnesses. The study is conducted in two phases, the low season of acute gastroenteritis which is during the period September to November and the high season which is during the period April to June.
• World Health Day 2013:
  The Ministry of Health joined its national partners, the Belize Kidney Association and PAHO/WHO - Belize to celebrate World Health Day and World Kidney Day early last month with an official ceremony in Belize City. The campaign focuses on hypertension also commonly known as high blood pressure and the need to "Know your numbers."
• Belize and Guatemala hold regional launch:
  The Minister of Health of Belize, Pablo Marin, the Minister of Health of Guatemala, Jorge Alejandro Villavicencio and special guest the Director of the Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) Carissa F. Etienne hosted the 11th regional launch of the Vaccination Week in the Americas at the Adjacency Zone between Benque Viejo, Belize and Melchor de Mencos, Guatemala last week.
• King James Crowned MVP Again:
  After picking up his fourth MVP trophy Sunday, Miami Heat star LeBron James gained a new appreciation for the rivalry his team has with the New York Knicks. James, 28, became the youngest player in NBA history to win four MVPs after receiving 120 of 121 first-place votes by league media members and analysts. The lone other first-place vote went to Knicks star Carmelo Anthony. "LeBron gets it, I take my hat off to him, he deserves it," said Anthony. "They had a helluva year, to win 27 straight games, a hell of an achievement."
• ELECTIONS & BOUNDARIES DEPARTMENT Public Notice:
  The Elections and Boundaries Commission, in accordance with Part II, Sections 6 and Part VI, Section 35 of the Village Councils Act, Chapter 88 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2003, hereby release the official schedule for Village/Community Council Elections 2013 In all villages nomination opens at 9:00 a.m. and closes at 10:00 a.m. No asterisks denote Poll closes at 1:00 p.m. * Denote Poll closes at 3:00 p.m. ** Denote Poll closes at 5:00 p.m.
• Confidence in the Belize Economy; New Era Development Launches Egoli Estate:
  It's the new standard for infrastructure and residential development; and it was officially launched two weekends ago in the Belmopan area. We're speaking, of course, of Egoli Estate, a project conceived, developed and managed by a group who call themselves New Era Development Company Ltd. Situated at the North End of the Capital City, the community hopes to become the new center of Belmopan City, as it represents where the country will go in its future community development planning and execution. They are building a complete community using modern eco-friendly construction and development practices.
• Belmopan Kids and Youth Cup 2013:
  Week 5 Result Youth Cup 2013 Sunday 28/04/2013 12:00 pm Celtic - Las Flores = 01 goals vs Valencia - YWAM Roaring Creek = 07 goals Ronald Orellana - 6 min Dmitre Fabro - 4 & 62 mins Eddy Valencia - 27 & 40 mins Naim Wilson - 39 & 75 mins John Banner - 72 min 2:00 pm Chelsea - Maya Mopan = 00 vs Real Madrid - Mountain View = 01 Jose Mendez- 51 min 4:00 pm Manchester United - San Martin = 02 vs Barcelona - Site7 = 0 Jorge Hidalgo - 6 & 80 mins

The May 26thth, 2013 issue of The Capital Weekly is online HERE

This Week's Stories:

• World, Here We Come! Belize Prepares for CONCACAF Gold Cup:
  Whatever our differences, if there is one thing that unites Belizeans it is our National Selection playing abroad in an international sports tournament. In this case the sport is Football or Soccer, and the tournament is the CONCACAF Gold Cup to be played in the United States, starting July 7, 2013. Belize secured its place in the tournament a few months ago when it took fourth place in the UNCAF Copa Centro-America in Costa Rica back in January. The Belize Selection performed remarkably well in that tournament, making history and making all Belizeans proud. It goes without saying that all Belizeans will be rooting again for our National Team as they head to the Gold Cup in the USA. But before we take to the international stage, there are some important house-keeping issues to address. The cost of sending the team to the tournament is roughly Half a Million Belize Dollars, and the Football Federation of Belize (FFB) simply does not have the money.
• Belmopan Market Rehabilitation Project Begins: Market Day Temporarily Moved to Agric Show-Grounds:
  Block by block, the face of Belmopan is being transformed, thanks to the vision and determination of the Belmopan City Council, in concert with the Central Government, aided by grants from friendly governments and concessionary funding from multi-lateral international agencies. On Monday, May 20, 2013, a new project got started, which will see the entire area adjacent to the original Belmopan Market rehabilitated and transformed. The project, at a total cost of around 2 Million Dollars, is being funded by the European Union (EU) under its Belize Rural Development Program (BRDP), a designation which this particular project fits by virtue of the fact that it will facilitate mainly rural framers and vendors who come to the Capital City to market their produce and goods.
• Strained Comparison - Flawed Conclusion:
  Delroy Cuthkelvin Chairman, Editorial Board . Last week, our respected friend at the Amandala, in his editorial titled "a flawed political system", drew some comparisons and conclusions regarding the Dean Barrow Administration and the Musa Government which we feel compelled to dissect and rebut. Seizing upon a few controversial and troubling developments and incidents which, admittedly, present for Prime Minister Barrow and his Government some of the greatest challenges since taking office in 2008, the Editorial somehow draws the conclusion that this Administration in 2013, as did the Musa Administration one year after being re-elected in 2003, has "lost its moral authority". A flawed conclusion, we respectfully submit; and if we must, we'll explain why in a little.
• New Police Vehicles for the North:
  On Wednesday, May 22, 2013 Minister of National Security, Hon. John Saldivar, handed over two (2) new Mahindra Pickup Trucks to the Police Department. Receiving the vehicles on behalf of the Police Department was Deputy Commissioner Elodio Aragon, who then handed them over to the Officer Commanding the Northern Region, Senior Superintendent Joseph Myvette. He was accompanied by the newly appointed Officer Commanding the Orange Walk Formation, Superintendent Dennis Arnold; and the Officer Commanding the Corozal Formation, Superintendent Andrew Ramirez.
• Exposure to Bush Fires:
  the General Public that due to recent bush-fires around the country, particularly around the Cayo District, there is a risk for vulnerable individuals of overexposure to smoke. The smoke associated with these bush-fires has the potential to irritate eyes, trigger prolonged coughing spells and cause respiratory distress or breathing problems. Individuals with chronic lung conditions, especially asthma, are advised to avoid areas with intense smoke if possible. In the event that you cannot avoid the smoke, the use of masks or wet rags may alleviate the worst effects. Also, visit the nearest health facility for respiratory support if needed. In addition to smoke exposure, intense heat may be experienced. The public is reminded of the following preventative measures for heat stroke: drink sufficient water, dress adequately and keep in the shade as much as possible.
• Appreciation and Award Ceremony for Police Department - Belize City Precincts:
  The Belize Police Department held an evening of appreciation and award ceremony on Friday May 17, 2013 at the Princess Hotel and Casino in Belize City, where 41 persons from Eastern Division Headquarters, the 4 Precincts and community members were awarded. The event is the second in the series, and was hosted by Police Press Officer Raphael Martinez. Speakers for the occasion included the CEO in the Ministry of National Security Lt. Col (Ret.) George Lovell, Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie, and the Officer Commanding Eastern Division Assistant Commissioner of Police Miguel Segura, and his two deputies, Senior Superintendents of Police Dezerie Phillips and Marlon Allen who delivered the Vote of Thanks.
• Will Belize Conform or Be Transformed? By Zelda Hill:
  After 31 years as an independent nation, Belize has another opportunity to prove her independence, choose her own direction and show the world that an economically struggling thirdworld country can be a leader and not a follower. The court challenge to Section 53 of Belize's Criminal Code has also exposed the strong influence of foreign organizations and nations who are pressuring us to conform to their standards of morality and to drastically alter our way of life. These ambassadors of debauchery reason that the "whole world" is choosing that path so Belize must follow. The pressure to conform to foreign ideologies and practices is not new to our young nation; but never before has the Church in Belize risen to the occasion to intercede and take such a formidable and united stance. The world awaits Belize's decision: will we choose to conform to this world's pattern or will we choose to be transformed by godly values?
• Elections and Boundaries Department Results of Village Council Elections May 19, 2013:
• Highway Cleaned Up for Earth Day, City Council and Citizens Combine with Civic Pride:
  "It's a dirty job, but someone has to do it." Well, in this case, the people doing it did not have to do it, but chose to do it. It wasn't their occupational obligation, but their civic duty that they were discharging. It was the annual cleanup campaign, organized this year by the Belmopan City Council who was filling in for the Audubon Society, which normally spearheaded in this years' cleanup campaign included: OLOG High School; MP BAPTIST HIGH; BMP Comprehensive High- School; Garden City Primary; OLOG Primary School; Klic Pre-School; Police Cadets; Belmopan Scouts; Department of the Environment/ Forestry; Panariffix the undertaking, but had to focus its efforts this year on the Belize City area.
• Crime Level Goes South in the North, Minister of Police Presents Awards for April - 2013:
  On Wednesday, May 15, 2013, Minister of National Security, Hon. John Saldivar presented a Certificate of Award and a Cheque of $1,000 to Senior Superintendent of Police Joseph Myvette, who heads the Northern Zone and has also been the Officer Commanding the Orange Walk Formation, which forms part of the Northern Zone. The Cheque of $1,000 is for the best performance by the Northern Zone in reducing Major Crimes during the month of April; and the Certificate of Award is for the best performance by the Orange Formation for the same period. The Minister made the presentation at the start of his monthly meeting with zone, formation and branch commanders held at the National Police Training Academy in Belmopan this afternoon.
• LeBron Wins Game One:
  As we go to press Wednesday evening, LeBron James has just propelled the Miami Heat to victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals. King James did it in overtime with an aggressive drive into the paint with 2.2 seconds remaining on the Game Clock.
• 29 Graduate from Special Warfare Operations Course:
  Graduation Ceremonies were held last Wednesday, May 15, 2013, for Twenty Four (24) members of the Belize National Coastguard and Five (5) members of the Anti-Drug Unit (ADU) of the Belize National Police Force, who all completed a five-week intensive Special Warfare Operations Course.
• Belize Gets 10 Million More from Taiwan:
  His Excellency Mr. David C. K. Wu, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) last week presented a cheque in the sum of US Dollars Five Million to the Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Belize. The cheque represents a Grant to Belize for the year 2013 under the Bilateral Cooperation Program between Belize and the Republic of China (Taiwan) for the period 2013 to 2016. The proceeds of the Grant are for the general benefit and well being of the people of Belize.
• Three Simultaneous Courses for Police:
  Course for Adjudicators and Presenters, mainly officers involved in tribunals within the Belize Police Department. Lecturers for this course included attorneys, magistrates and other legal experts, including Assistant Commissioner of Police Keith Lino, who holds an LLB Degree.
• Major Infrastructure Project in San Ignacio/Santa Elena:
  One of the most painful things about the onerous Superbond left behind by the Said Musa Administration-although, thankfully, made substantially easier by the current Dean Barrow Government's bold and successful renegotiations- is the fact that the People and Nation of Belize have virtually nothing to show for it. Imagine, had those monies been truly spent on the People and Country, how many roads could have been rehabilitated and upgraded; how many new bridges built and old ones replaced; how many schools established and expanded; how many water systems constructed and rebuilt; how many villages and communities electrified; how many hospitals, health centers and sporting facilities built and refurbished; how many hurricane shelters erected and retrofitted.
• Belmopan Kids and Youth Cup 2013:

The June 5th, 2013 issue of The Capital Weekly is online HERE

This Week's Stories:

• PM Donates 50,000! Discusses Gold Cup with FFB Officials:
  Last week the Football Federation of Belize (FFB) announced it's decision to hold an Official Telethon on Saturday, June 15 to raise funds to send the Belize National Football Selection to the Gold Cup in the United States, a prestigious CONCACAF Regional Tournament which begins on July 7, 2013. The FFB said it needs to raise a total of $500,000 (Half a Million Dollars) to send our proud footballers to the Gold Cup to Represent the Jewel. The Federation is asking every Belizean to donate at least One Dollar ($1.00) towards supporting our National Selection, and is calling on businesses to adopt a player; which is to donate funds for the cost of sending one player to the Gold Cup (BZ $5,000.00). Well, this past week, the FFB's fundraising efforts got an excellent jump start as Prime Minister Hon. Dean Barrow, on behalf of the Government of Belize, handed over a cheque of $50,000 towards the cause.
• They Finally Did It! Police Win PLB Championship:
  It was the third time consecutively that they had gone to the Finals of the Premier League of Belize (PLB) National Football Competition. The previous two years they fell short of winning the championship, earning them the derisive nickname in sports circles of 'bridesmaid'. This time, the Police United Football Club finally did it; they earned the ultimate distinction of being the 2013 PLB Football Champions. The decisive match was played last Saturday, May 25 inside the FFB Stadium in the Capital City of Belmopan, starting around 8 PM. The Police United Team went into that second and final match of the Finals holding a narrow lead of 1 goal to zero, earned in the first game of the two-game home and away series.
• Kim Raises $500,000+:
  Last Year was the first time she did it, and it was very successful - the Nationwide Telethon spearheaded by First Lady of Belize and Special Envoy for Women and Children, Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow, to raise funds for Children with Disabilities in Belize. This weekend, Saturday June 1, 2013, the second such telethon was held, in conjunction with Care Belize; and it once again exceeded its target of $500,000. The event featured an extensive line-up of Belizean artists and was broadcast live on all major TV and Radio Stations.
• Troubling Days for Democracy:
  Ha v i n g recently ent e r e d the second year of its second term in office, the current administration is admittedly beginning to show visible cracks and fissures here and there, confirming the fact that no human creation or endeavor is ever perfect. Notwithstanding, the popularity of the Government headed by Prime Minister Dean Barrow is, by all accounts, on the resurgence. The results of the ongoing Village Council Elections being conducted countrywide clearly indicate that the Party in Government is solidifying the trust and confidence placed in it by the Belizean People as it consolidates the gains made in its first term of office.
• Sweet Celebration! Sugar Production Exceeds Expectations:
  The big economic news of the past week is that the Sugar Industry has performed exceptionally well over the crop year just ended. In fact, the performance went well beyond expectations, triggering a big celebration at what has been dubbed the Dia de Los Caneros (Cane Farmers Day) observed this past Friday, May 31, 2013. In true democratic fashion, the Cane Farmers invited leaders from both major political parties to speak at the event in Orange Walk, the incumbent party (UDP) represented by Deputy Prime Minister and Orange Walk Area Representative Hon. Gaspar Vega, the PUP by Leader of the Opposition Hon. Francis Fonseca. Be that as it may, it is certainly the current UDP Administration and the farmers themselves who deserve a great deal of the credit for what will certainly go down in history as one of the most remarkable turnarounds for the better.
• Early Rains - Quick Response: Culverts Replaced on Burrell Boom-Hattieville:
  As noted in our report on the Press Conference held by the Ministry of National Emergency Management and Belize's National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), the Minister in charge, Hon Godwin Hulse, commented that there had already been two named storms for the year 2013 even before the official opening of the Hurricane Season. Truth is those storms, named Alvin and Barbara, had actually developed in the Eastern Pacific, where the Official Hurricane Sea son starts as early as May 15. In Belize where the storms affecting us generally form in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, the Official Hurricane Season would not commence until June 1, but we have already been visited by a relatively early rainy season with some heavy torrential showers for several days over the past two weeks. And, although in most areas the ground was pretty dry prior to that, the early rains were perhaps more than needed, and certainly more than could be readily absorbed in such a short period.
• Belmopan Cycling Race:
  On Sunday, June 2, Belmopan City presented a cycling race to La Democracia, Caves Branch Bridge on Hummingbird Highway, and back to Belmopan, covering 60 Miles. The race was won by Junior Cyclist Giovanni Lovell of BTL. Jose Choto came 2nd, Allen Castillo 3rd, Angel Tzil 4th, and Erwin Middleton 5th.
• Ready or Not: Here Comes Hurricane Season 2013!:
  It's one of those seasons most Belizeans don't await with eager expectation, but whether we like it or not, the Hurricane season is here, having coming Saturday, June 1. Are we ready for it? We had better be, says the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), which falls under the Ministry of National Emergency Management headed by Hon. Godwin Hulse, who at a press conference this past Thursday reminded us that Hurricanes and the response to it are not just the business of his Ministry and NEMO, but that of every individual who can be affected: "The state is prepared to assist all the individuals of this country to be safe in the event of a disaster, prepared to assist you to be as safe as possible." Honorable Godwin Hulse said. "The state cannot and will not save your life - that is for God, and we take no such credit. I open with that, because too many times there is the misconception that, "Well, there is a hurricane coming; weh unu the do?"
• "The Woman You Gave Me!":
  It has often been said that whatever men can do, women can do it even better. While this statement is an endorsement to the diverse abilities possessed by women to excel in unfamiliar domains, it can also mean that women have the potential to surpass the evils done by Ted Bundy, Jim Jones or Adolf Hitler. It is no surprise then that the effort that was started in the Western World as the Feminist Movement, which was once strongly rooted in the traditional Judeo- Christian concepts of truth, morality and justice, has now evolved into an influential movement far removed from the ideals and goals of the original feminists. Neo Feminism (the New Feminism) is now commanding enormous social shifts globally as trailblazers in the global campaign that seeks to redefine the terms "gender" and "family" and to entice organizations and governments for laws to support rights and freedoms to engage in activities that are totally contrary to God's design and purpose.
• The Case of the Crawl Caye Project: A Lesson in Transparency, Thoughtfulness and Thoroughness:
  An on-going n e w s - s t o r y in the local B e l i z e a n media has to do with the possibility, feasibility or desirability of a Tourismrelated project in Southern Belize which Norwegian Cruise Lines has expressed interest in pursuing. For context, let's go back to a portion of Prime Minister Dean Barrow's most recent Quarterly Press Conference on April 29, 2013: "Norwegian Cruise-Lines has written to the Government of Belize and has been in discussion. We've appointed a Cabinet Sub-Committee to carry this along. They want to do a cruise facility in the South. We're looking very carefully at the area to ensure that there are no difficulties from an environmental or conservation, protection point of view." Following up on the Prime Minister's comments, Jules Vasquez of Channel Seven News asked: "Sir, are you able to say, you spoke earlier in a superficial way about Crawl Caye, the option of Crawl Caye. Are you taking into consideration the fact that it annexes a World Heritage Site and, secondly, that the National Tourism Master Plan also says that only pocketcruising should be reserved for the South of Belize?"
• Challenges, Changes, Excellence: Public Service Showcased at Information Day 2013:
  Because they represent and work for the Government, the roles they play and the duties they perform on a day to day basis are too often taken for granted; pretty much like the forces of Nature: Sunshine, Rain, Wind, the Tides, etc. But the effectiveness of Public Officers in executing their functions to the community they serve is not as automatic as we often seem to think. A lot goes into it, not the least of which is the personal motivation and drive to do their best. Of course, a little understanding from the public also goes a long way in helping them to perform and serve more effectively and more meaningfully. The self-motivation and public-appreciation that combine for a more effective government workforce is perhaps also the underlying objective of what has now become an annual event known as Public Service Information Day. In Belmopan, it was held two Thursdays ago, and by all accounts, it was a great success.
• Short Term and Long Term Solution: PM Barrow Fixes Infant-Mortality Problem at KHMH:
  In the news for the past two weeks or so has been the issue of the death of 12 premature babies within one month at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, all established to have been caused by a bacteria that had somehow found its way into the hospital. It's one of those stories that still has many wondering how the situation could have reached such crisis levels without the Management and Board of the Hospital being fully apprised of the situation and taking measures to address it as promptly as possible. It's a story that will no doubt continue to be discussed, with the media and the public understandably continuing to ask the hard, basic questions. For now, what's particularly essential is that measures are taken to ensure that such deaths do not continue to occur. It is with this objective in mind that Prime Minister Barrow on Thursday, May 30 made the following announcement at a Press Conference called by the Ministry of Health and the KHMH Management:
• UDP Dominant in Village Council Elections Countrywide:
  After FOUR weeks of Village Council Elections Countrywide, with only two weeks to go, the United Democratic Party has a commanding lead, scoring significant victories even in villages and constituencies which it lost by significant margins in the last Elections. This is an encouraging sign for the party which almost lost the 2012 General Elections because of low voter support in the rural areas. The chart on the left shows results of the most recent round of village council elections this past weekend; the one below, the overall tally.
• Miami Blows out Indiana in Game 7:
  Their season, their legacy, their reign atop the NBA was all at stake, and the Miami Heat responded to all of that in a manner befitting champions. With a blowout. It's onto the NBA Finals for the Heat after they put away the Indiana Pacers, who saw their hopes of a storybook upset simply fall apart in a hurry. LeBron James scored 32 points and grabbed eight rebounds, ailing Dwyane Wade matched his post-season high with 21 points, and the Heat ran away from the Pacers 99-76 in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals on Monday night. The Heat advanced to play the San Antonio Spurs in a series that starts Thursday night in Miami.
• New Members of Elections and Boundaries Commission:
  A Swearing-in Ceremony was held on May 23, 2013, at Belize House, Belmopan for members of the Elections and Boundaries Commission. His Excellency the Governor General, Sir Colville Young, swore in Mrs. Phillipa Griffith Bailey, Ms. Naima Barrow, Mr. Derek Courtenay, S.C., and Mr. Orlando Espat, who have been appointed as members of the Elections and Boundaries Commission for a period of five years with effect from 1st May, 2013.
• Belmopan Kids and Youth Cup 2013:
  Playoff Schedule for Weekend - June 1 & 2

The June 16th, 2013 issue of The Capital Weekly is online HERE

This Week's Stories:

• PM Barrow: "Bring it On!" Restoring Honour to our National Flag!:
  The announcement first came in a brief Press Release on Monday June 10, which read, "The Ministry of Finance announces that the Management Services Agreement between the Government of Belize and Belize International Services Limited, to manage the International Business Companies Registry (IBC) and the International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize (IMMARBE) comes to an end, today, 10 June 2013. Accordingly, the Government of Belize will assume control of the two Registries with effect from tomorrow, 11 June 2013." The release promised that the Prime Minister would give a full briefing on the matter on Wednesday, June 12; and he did. At his Press Conference, the Prime Minister recounted that a master agreement was first signed on June 11, 1993, only days before the June 30th snap elections called by then Prime Minister George Price; a ten year agreement wih Belize International Services Limited which managed IMMARBE and the IBC Registry with the option to renew for another ten years. When that ten years was about to expire in 2003, the Government's legal Counsel, Mr. Gian Ghandi, advised in writing to BISL that because of a fundamental change of circumstances, they could no longer exercise the option to renew for another ten years.
• "The More Things Change...":
  Delroy Cuthkelvin Chairman, Editorial Board. In our edition of last week, in an article titled, "The Case of the Crawl Caye Project - a Lesson in Transparency, Thoroughness and Thoughtfulness", we had just reiterated the stark difference between the Government of Prime Minister Dean Barrow and the administration that preceded it, led by former Prime Minister Said Musa, with regards to their respective modus operandi in entering agreements and undertakings that have far-reaching implications for the Nation and its People. We had just recounted the fact that, in contrast to the open, cautious and methodical manner in which the Barrow Administration handled such matters, the Musa Administration was one that, besides being hasty and reckless, was characterized by serial style secrecy. As if we needed one more reminder of this, news broke this week of yet another secret agreement signed by the same two who endorsed the infamous Accommodation Agreement, Musa and his former Attorney General, Francis Fonseca. This one was for the purported 'extension of an extension' of a contract for a company called Belize International Services to manage the International Companies Registry (IBC) and the International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize (IMMARBE).
• Chile Donates Computers:
  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through a donation from the Embassy of Chile, presented Six (6) laptop computers to Our Lady of Guadalupe High School in Belmopan, on Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at 12:00pm. The Government of Chile is donating computers to one high school in every CARICOM country as a symbol of its commitment to assisting CARICOM countries in education. The Chilean Government has always provided support to Belize through the provision of specialized training courses for officials in areas such as diplomacy, cooperation and language training, and provides scholarships for higher studies. His Excellency Renato Sepulveda Nedel, the Ambassador of Chile to Belize with residence in San Salvador was on hand to present the Laptops on behalf of the Chilean Government. Receiving them on behalf of Our Lady of Guadeloupe High School was the institution's Principal, Mrs. Barrette Belisle.
• Support Our National Football Selection::
  FFB Official Telethon, Saturday June 15, 2013, MCC Tennis Court, Newtown Barracks, Belize City
• Exciting Softball in Cayo District: Ismael 'Miley' Garcia Competition in Progress:
  In the Cayo District, there's an exciting Softball Competition that is in progress, and, as of this week, we're bringing you regular updates on it. The Competition is sponsored by UDP Cayo South Caretaker, Ismael 'Miley' Garcia. This past weekend, Camalote United, Roaring Creek Grace Kennedy and Esperanza Wolverines were all victorious in games played at the Joan Garbutt Stadium in Esperanza, on Sunday afternoon to be exact. The first game featured Camalote's star pitcher, Francine Salazar, who earned a 15-0 shutout victory over the Las Flores Shooting Stars in three innings, as the mercy rule was applied. She struck out 6 batters in the process. In that game, the Las Flores Shooting Stars committed 5 errors and stranded 2 runners on base.
• Speaking Truth Even When We'd Rather Not:
  By Zelda Hill. Belizeans, in general, were once thought to have been a non-confrontational, complacent and cowardly species. That notion has been overruled as individuals and groups all over Belize are openly demanding better quality of life, good governance of our wealth, equity of access and answers from our stewards. Those who prefer to accept their plight or to not "rock the boat" may do so out of fear or hopelessness, or perhaps the matter that would cause them to break their composure has not yet raised its head. For the Church in Belize that time has arrived. Truth, which we value and honor, is under attack! We must rise to its defense even in a time when it may seem inconvenient to do so and even when we'd prefer to be silent. Those who prefer to accept their plight or to not "rock the boat" may do so out of fear or hopelessness, or perhaps the matter that would cause them to break their composure has not yet raised its head. For the Church in Belize that time has arrived and the truth, which we value and honor, is under attack. We must rise to its defense even in a time when it may seem inconvenient to do so and even when we'd prefer to be silent.
• Elections and Boundaries Department: Results of Village Council Elections:
• UB Graduation Coming UP:
  Students who have successfully completed their course of study at the University of Belize will receive their diplomas at the Associate, Bachelor, Certificate and Diploma levels on Saturday June 15, at the University's Seventeenth Commencement Exercises, Central Campus, Belmopan. The ceremony will commence at 10 a.m. Of the total number of 471 graduates, 298 are females (63.3%) and 173 (36.7%) are males. The largest number of graduates are from the Faculty of Management & Social Sciences (FMSS) totalling 153, followed by the Faculty of Education and Arts (FEA) with a total of 133, the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) with 132, and the Faculty of Nursing, Allied Health & Social Work (FNAHSW) with a total of 53.
• Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology, and Public Utilities Responds to Oceana:
  The Ministry of Energy, Science and Technology and Public Utilities notes with regret a recent press release by Oceana in which it persists in putting its spin on the judgment delivered on April 16th, 2013 by Justice Legall concerning certain oil exploration contracts awarded by the previous government. In that judgment, His Lordship made certain declarations against the Ministry but not against the oil companies. Most importantly, the Judge specifically refused to quash the oil exploration contracts. The legal consequences that follow from what the Judge ordered as well as what he refused to order are purely a legal issue. For that reason, the Ministry has obtained and has acted upon legal advice from one of the nation's most respected attorneys at law , which states in the clearest possible terms that the effect of the Judge's refusal to quash or terminate the contracts is to leave them fully enforceable by the oil companies. That advice emphasized that no order or judgment was made against any oil company, none of which was even a party in the court case. This point was fully made by the Ministry in its written and oral arguments to the Honourable Chief Justice on its recent application to stay the effect of Justice Legall's judgment. Consistent with the legal advice received, the Ministry is obliged to treat the contracts as binding and enforceable against the country of Belize by the oil companies.
• Crawl Caye Off Limits: Cruise Tourism NOT Off the Table :
  We doubt many of you caught it, but last week in our story titled, "The Case of the Crawl Caye Project - a Lesson in Transparency, Thoughtfulness and Thoroughness", we mistakenly reproduced a photograph of Hunting Caye instead of Crawl Caye. For that we sincerely apologize, although we will hasten to point out that the error on our part did not minimize in any way the principal point of our story, which is that the current government, unlike the one that preceded it, is an administration that thoughtfully and thoroughly considers pertinent issues and concerns before entering into agreements and undertakings that have far-reaching implications for the Nation and its People, and that it invariably conducts the entire process in a transparent manner. And while we admittedly erred, we should be readily excused, we contend, for having mistakenly brought you that splendid aerial view of Hunting Caye, also in Southern Belize, which is no less precious an island than Crawl Caye. Furthermore, in following up this week on the substance of the story, we get the opportunity to print for you, not one, but two photographs of the real Crawl Caye, hoping that in so doing, we make it up to you.
• Drill & Discipline Course Completed at National Police Training Academy:
  Graduation ceremonies were held this past Friday, June 7, for close to Twenty Police Officers who completed a two-week squad drill course conducted at the Police Training Academy in Belmopan. The course was for non-commissioned officers, corporals and sergeants who are attached to the various formations and sub-formations around the country; and its purpose was to have the participating Police Officers sharpen up their drill-skills, something which keynote speaker at the Ceremony, Acting Director of Training, Senior Superintendent Chester Williams reminded them is an integral part of their discipline as members of one of the nation's leading security forces. Williams noted that everywhere in World, disciplined forces must engage in such drills, which though they vary in specifics from country to country, have the same basic objective, mainly that of instilling discipline in the individuals who are part of a uniformed and coordinated team that operates as a single unit in executing its functions.
• One Week to Go: UDP Extends Lead in Village Council Elections:
  This past week, the UDP again scored overwhelming victories nationwide in the Village Council Elections, which are nearing completion. In Corozal, the UDP swept all 7 seats in Libertad, Caledonia and Paraiso, and won five seats including the chairmanship, in Patchakan, leaving the PUP with only 2 councillors. In Orange Walk, Deputy Prime Minister and Orange Walk North Area Representative, Hon. Gaspar Vega won the last two of the villages in his constituency, San Jose and San Luis, completing a 9 out of 9 sweep over his PUP opponents. The UDP also won August Pine Ridge in Orange South. In Cayo Central, Hon. Rene Montero is also 8 out of 8 to date, with only one village to go. This past week, he took San Antonio, where the UDP slated was unchallenged.
• Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat Bounce Back in Game 4 Against Spurs to Tie the Series:
  LeBron James was going to deliver on his Game 4 guarantee, no question about it. He's simply too talented and too battle-tested to be held down this long. But Game 4 was more than just redemption for James. It was Dwyane Wade living up to his reputation and Chris Bosh living up to the hype. It was Miami's celebrated Big Three, maligned after their no-show performance in Game 3, wresting back control of the NBA Finals with a collaborative effort for the ages. "It was on our shoulders, honestly," James said. "When all of us are clicking at the same time we're very tough to beat."
• Spelling Bee in Belmopan: The Champion Comes from the South:
  Following two rounds of eliminations countrywide, 12 finalists participated in the exciting grand finale of the 2013 Coca-Cola National Spelling. The competition, which began in February with the participation of 271 primary schools, culminated on June 7 at the UB Sports and Recreation Center in Belmopan. A tie for the first and second place spots emerged at the end of the first eliminating reserve list round; the contest rules then allowed for the spell-off for third place to proceed, and it was Toledo's Hilda Saki of St. Benedict R.C. that emerged in the Fourth Round as the third place winner with the spelling of the words "fylfot" and "nappe." She received a $1,500 educational prize from Bowen & Bowen Ltd., parent company of Coca-Cola in Belize, and a tuition and book grant for one year from the Ministry of Education.
• Belmopan Kids and Youth Cup 2013:
  Playoff Results for Weekend - June 1 & 2

The June 23rd, 2013 issue of The Capital Weekly is online HERE

The July 7th, 2013 issue of The Capital Weekly is online HERE

The July 21st, 2013 issue of The Capital Weekly is online HERE

The July 31st, 2013 issue of The Capital Weekly is online HERE

This Week's Stories:

• CCJ Rules against Mr. Litigate: "A Great Victory for Belize and the Rule of Law":
  In Belize, the name Ashcroft has become almost synonymous with Litigation. The British billionaire, who somehow under the last administration managed to wrap his tentacles around every part of the nation's economy and financial system, seems to pride himself in his ability through litigation to frustrate and impede a sovereign nation and duly elected government from managing its own affairs in the best interest of its people. This past week, however, the Government of Belize scored a major victory over the Ashcroft Alliance in what has apparently become his favorite arena, the courts. Judgment was handed down on Friday July 26 by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) which upheld the Government of Belize's position that it cannot be legally bound to honor a tax-write off arrangement entered into by the last administration which involved a Settlement Deed in which the Government of Said Musa agreed to abandon litigation against the Carlisle Group for the recovery of outstanding business taxes in exchange for the Carlisle Group abandoning its pending litigation related to the BTL buy back.
• West & Gaynair of Belmopan Bandits Rewarded by UNCAF:
  Wilson West who performed spectacularly for Belize at the Gold Cup, and Ian Gaynair who scored our only goal, were invited to watch the Gold Cup Finals as a gesture by CONCACAF for having turned down and exposed offers for match-fixing bribes. They were also invited to President Rafael Tinoco's Banquet. Here at home they are being honoured by the Belize Olympic Committee with the Gilmore Henkson Fair Play Award to be presented by the Governor General.
• Fighting the Good Fight ! Battle Camp Closes with Service and Ceremony:
  Fight the good fight of faith!" The famous Bible verse taken from 1 Timothy 6:12 was one of the passages of Scripture that was quoted from the Good Book by the Force Chaplin who led the church service that marked the end of this year's BDF Volunteer Battle Camp . The Church Service and Closing Ceremonies were held this past Monday, July 22. The event started with a drill competition, followed by the Church Service led by Force Chaplin Canon Jeris Valentine.
• From the Desk of the Chairman: No Distractions - Stay Focused!:
  When this U D P Government first got elected in 2008, it was on an overwhelming mandate to clean up corruption, restore honesty and sanity to the management of the nation's affairs, and serve the interest of the masses rather than that of a few. It was a given, of course, that this would be accompanied by, and to some extent result in real and sustainable economic growth. By all accounts, the Government of Prime Minister Dean Barrow has to this point succeeded in attaining these basic goals, having withstood and overcome the turbulence of a global economic recession that saw developed economies going under or struggling to stay afloat. We have certainly succeeded thus far. But success, like failure, is never permanent, and there is a kind of complacency and permissiveness that seems to follow triumph almost as surely as night follows day.
• United States Wins Gold Cup!:
  The United States men's national team collected their fifth CONCACAF Gold Cup title at Soldier Field on Sunday, downing Panama 1-0 thanks to a goal from substitute Brek Shea, scored just seconds after he entered the game. It will not be remembered as a classic match -- for long periods it was simply unwatchable -- but it extended the American's win streak to eleven games and earned them another piece of domestic hardware. Shea's goal in the 69th minute finally broke open what had been an interminable match. Coming off a cross from the far right flank from Alejandro Bedoya, Landon Donovan attempted to slip the ball to the far post of Jaime Penedo's net, but missed. Bedoya's ball kept on running and would have ended up in the net had Shea not even put a boot on it.
• Garifuna Collective in Canada:
  Garifuna Collective may be the most exotic act at this year's Interstellar Rodeo. The septet represents the largest-ever tour of musicians from Belize. While they're justifiably proud to bring their special Central American sound to the rest of the hemisphere, that hasn't kept them from collaborating beyond their borders or looking to the future. That's something you catch on to listening to their new album Ayo (on the Cumbancha label). "This is not about preserving something in a glass box in a museum," explains Ivan Duran, producer and contributing player with the Collective. "This is about showing the world this is a vibrant culture that will survive because it adapts. Our music is based on the traditional roots and primal rhythms but it has evolved a lot over the last decade."
• Faith Lift By Zelda Hill: Abortion is Not the Only Choice:
  A wise person said that a more suitable label for "Pro-Choice" (those who support a female's right to choose to keep or murder her unborn child) would have been "No- Choice"! Indeed, those who profit substantially from propagating the lies that abortion is a human right and can be a normal and safe procedure without any consequences, skillfully weave their schemes to convince their vulnerable victims that they have no other choice. Even in this era where science and medicine continue to make giant strides in reducing and eliminating many medical dilemmas with the intent to preserve life, Pro-abortionists continue to magnify the probability of the risk of death to the pregnant female in support of their position. In Belize, Abortion for a "crisis" is legal under the Medical termination of Pregnancy clause (Criminal Code Chapter 101 of the Laws of Belize Revised Edition 2000, Section 112).
• Missionaries do Good Works in Belmopan "Let Your Light So Shine Before Men!":
  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." (Matthew 5:16) That is certainly the principle behind the good works recently being carried out by a church group consisting of local Christians from the Belmopan area and over 30 missionaries from Erie, Pennsylvania, USA. The Western Regional Hospital in Belmopan recently received a much-needed facelift, thanks to the group of foreign and local missionaries led by Pastor Richard Smith of My Refuge Christian Network. In conjunction with the Hospital Management, the group repainted the building, cleaned up the compound removing garbage and debris, and organized and painted the parking lot in front of the Hospital. While the hospital facelift project was going on, members of the same group of missionaries also conducted an eye-clinic mainly in the Salva Pan area of Belmopan.
• Improving Revenue Collection & Expenditure: City and Town Councils Participate in Revenue Enhancement Program:
  The final report on the Revenue Enhancement Support Program (RESP) for all city and town councils in Belize was presented this past Wednesday July 24, 2003 at the George Price Centre for Peace and Development in Belmopan. The RESP was carried out by Mr Peter Doty and Mr Edmund Zuniga, Financial Consultants, as part of the capacity building component of the Belize Municipal Development Project (BMDP) during a period of 18 months. The main objective of the RESP was to strengthen the capacity of the local city and town councils to become more effective in carrying out their responsibilities with a view to attain financial sustainability through enhanced financial position by increasing revenue collection and improving efficiency in expenditure.
• BDF Volunteer Battle Camp Closing Ceremony:
  Joan Garbutt Stadium, Esperanza, Monday, July 22, 2013
• Renewal & Advancement: Sandhill Multi-Purpose Center Inaugurated:
  The Sand Hill multipurpose Centre was officially inaugurated on Sunday July 28 in Sand Hill Village, a community nestled between mile 14 and 22 on the Philip Goldson Highway. The facility will benefit over 400 students, who prior to the project had to travel all the way to Belize City to do their school research due to the lack of computer and internet resources in the village. The project was implemented by the Social Investment Fund and financed by the Government of Belize at a total cost of $300,246.00. Of this amount, $285,246.00 was in the form of a loan from the Caribbean Development Bank while the remaining funds were contributed by the community of Sand Hill.
• Policy, Strategy, Ways & Means: Remarks by BDF Commander David Jones at Chiquibul Symposium:
  I have had many compliments in regards to what the BDF is doing. I have even had suggestions as to why doesn't the BDF take over and do everything for the Country. And I had to remind people that this is a democracy, and there is no intention for any military dictatorship in Belize; it will not happen, definitely not under my watch. But it's good to be here, and I want to reiterate what the Minister said this morning, that the Chiquibul is not the only area that the Belize Defence Force is actually working. There are national priorities; there are many things happening within the Country; there's crime in Belize City; there is illegal narcotics trafficking; there's human smuggling; there are a lot of customs issues; there are a lot of immigration issues; there are a lot of forestry issues; and the BDF is engaged in every single one of them, and more. Our soldiers work really hard; they're doing an excellent job with the little resources they have. Of course we would like to have more resources, but that comes with money; that comes with finance.
• Belmopan Bombers win Back to Back In Cayo Men's Softball Competition:
  The undefeated Belmopan Bombers are leading 2-0 in the men's softball competition organized by the Cayo Softball Association, which continued at the Denbeigh Fuller Stadium in Camalote Village on Saturday, July 20. In Game 1, the Camalote Warriors were leading 17-13 before the Belmopan Bombers recovered to win 26-18. Warriors pitcher Nelson Flowers and relief pitcher Daniel Pollard gave up 8 hits, struck out 7 batters and walked 20 batters. No runs scored in the 1st inning; neither did the Warriors in the top of the 2nd inning, but Belmopan led 3-zip when Francisco Gutierrez, Linsford Reneau and Dennis Myles scored in the bottom of the 2nd. The Warriors led 7-3 when Nelson Flowers, Joseph Trapp, Ryan Arnold, Alexander Card, Kenroy Banner, Ron Waight and Amir Quintanilla crossed the plate in the top of the 3rd. Belmopan tied the score 7-7 when Randy Joseph, Troy Williams, Stephen Williams and Francisco Gutierrez crossed the plate in the bottom of the 3rd.
• Belmopan's Triple B takes the Lead In Atlantic Bank Female Football:
  The undefeated Belmopan Triple B's are No. 1 in the Atlantic Bank national female women's football competition with 10 pts from 3 wins and a draw; while the Sugar City Girlz picked up their first 3 points of the tournament when they outlasted the 4 time national champs, Esperanza Gentle Touch, 4-3 at the People's Stadium on Sunday, July 21. Triple B's schooled the Dangriga Pumas 4-0 at the FFB stadium in Belmopan. Nykemah Kuylen and Cindy Flores had led the Pumas' offensive with the help of Shayana "Shy" Caliz, Jackline Arzu, Tyra Hernandez and Sheyanne Castillo who gifted the ball to Triple B's goalie Idania Ramirez on her first try. Sherane Anigi Welch, Patricia Marin, Ireini Lopez and Ilkei Swazo anchored the Pumas' defence, but Triple B's Noemi Magana stripped Patty Marin of the ball; her kick sent the ball to Iris Centeno, whose immediate left foot shot embarrassed Pumas' goalie Shereen Vasquez with the hosts' 1st goal in the 14th minute.
• Belmopan Emeralds Victorious In Miley Garcia Cayo Softball:
  The Belmopan Capital City Emeralds and Roaring Creek Grace Kennedy both posted big wins in 2 back matches of Cayo Softball Association women's competition in Blackman Eddy on Sunday, July 21. In Game 1, both the Emeralds and the Las Flores Shooting Stars did not make the cut for the playoffs, but the game determined their final ranking. Las Flores' pitcher Guadalupe Chicas struck out 1 batter and walked 1 hitter, but gave up 18 hits. Las Flores also made 11 errors, but the Emeralds still left 8 runners on base. Paulette Flowers and Dominga Tut rounded the bases twice in the 1st inning, while Darlene Clarke, pitcher Dana Mae king, Maud Blancaneaux, Felicia Gillett and Trecia Gillett all scored to lead 9-0 in the 1st inning. Blancaneaux and Gillett crossed the plate again in the 2nd inning to lead 11-0.
• Roaring Creek Grace Kennedy Defeats Ontario Rebels 15 to 4:
  In Game 2, Roaring Creek Grace Kennedy walloped the Ontario Rebels 15- 4. Roaring Creek led 2-0 when Myralee Ho and Stephanie Francis scored in the top of the 1st inning; but Ontario's Indira Ireland and Kenreen Gillett scored in the bottom of the 1st. Ontario's pitcher, Indira Ireland, gave up 13 hits and the Rebels' made 6 errors. Roaring Creek's pitcher Leyandra Guy gave up 5 hits, struck out 1 batter and walked 2, allowing no runs in the 2nd inning. Roaring Creek soon led 10-2 when Greta Davis hit a grand slam bringing home Tanya Davis, Myralee Ho and Francis. Shadalee Ho, Karlee Bradley, Joyce Galves and Lisandra Guy also scored in the top of the 2nd.

The August 18th, 2013 issue of The Capital Weekly is online HERE

This Week's Stories:

• Belize In the Foreign Press: Miami Herald Headlines Norwegian Cruise Project:
  Norwegian Cruise Line has bought two islands in southern Belize to develop as a port of call for its western Caribbean cruises. The line announced Wednesday that it had bought 75 acres in the Stann Creek and Toledo districts that previously were approved for development of a resort. Norwegian plans to invest $50 million in the Harvest Caye project, which it expects to complete in 2015. "While the master plan for the 75 acres is still under development, the vision is to create a world-class cruise destination, consisting of two locations: an island destination with docking/ tendering facilities and a mainland connection point for inland tours," Norwegian said in a press release. "Major components of include a floating pier, island village with open-air structures on raised platforms, marina, transportation hub for tours to the mainland, a lagoon for a variety of water sports and a relaxing beach area. The goal is to design an authentic experience grounded in the storyline of nature, ancient culture, art, adventure and music that celebrates Belizean, Mayan and Garifuna history and culture."
• Creations for the Celebrations!:
  It's an old tradition that was somehow lost along the way, but has been reclaimed and rekindled since 2008. And it has now become one of the most anticipated events associated with the Annual National September Celebrations. It's the National Song Competition, and it was held this past weekend at the Memorial Park in Belize City. Broadcast live on all the major national television and radio stations, the event attracted a large crowd. When the night was over, the winners that emerged in the three categories were as follows: In the Junior Category, First place went to Jael August who received $1,500.00 and a trophy; and second place was taken by Marilyn Vansen who took home $1,000.00 and a trophy.
• Belmopan's Queen of the Bay Competes in National Pageant:
  Miss Mikayla Banner is the 2013 Queen of the Bay for Belmopan City. She won the title on Friday August 2, 2013, competing among four other ladies in the Queen of the Bay Pageant which was held at the University of Belize Gymnasium in Belmopan. Mikayla Banner will represent Belmopan in the National Queen of the Bay Pageant 2013, which starts August 17 with the Talent Night, and culminates August 30 at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts in Belize City. For residents of the area who wish to attend and support, a bus leaves Camalote at 4:30 PM Saturday August 17, and from Belmopan at 5:00 PM. Fare is $10.00. Let's Support our lovely Queen.
• Please, No More Distractions!:
  In our last edition, we wrote about distractions that can affect the focus of the current administration, and at last Wednesday's Special House Meeting, we saw a very good example- a good example of a bad thing, that is. The biggest issue of the day was the motion that fittingly sought to bring the former Prime Minister and current Leader of the Opposition to account for the great injustice they inflicted on the Nation in signing away major giveaways through tax write-offs to a foreign Billionaire on the backs of the hardworking People of Belize, and attempting to bind the current administration to the perpetuation of the unholy arrangement.
• University of Belize Awards Scholarships:
  The University of Belize has awarded scholarships for the new school year to a total of 83 students. The students were awarded the scholarships at the University of Belize Scholarship Award Ceremony at the Jaguar Auditorium, Central Campus in Belmopan on Friday, August 9, 2013. The awards to the students were in three categories: Barton, UB Alumni Association, and Student- Athlete Scholarships. The Barton Scholarship fund provides full and partial scholarships to students enrolled in University of Belize's Associate and Bachelor Degree programs. A total of 15 students were awarded this scholarship. Funding for this scholarship is provided through annual support from one of the University of Belize's benefactors, Nick and Debbie Barton from the United Kingdom.
• Investing in the Future of Belmopan: Saldivar & Recondev Donate to El Shaddai Primary School for Computers:
  Minister of National Security and Area Representative for Belmopan, Hon. John Saldivar, in conjunction with the Reconstruction Development Corporation (RECONDEV), has donated $3,000 to El Shaddai Seventh Day Adventist Primary School in Belmopan to assist in purchasing computers for the School. Hon. Saldivar presented the cheque of $3,000 on Monnday, August 5, 2013 to Vice Principal Valentine Diego at the School's campus on Macal Street in Belmopan City. Accompanying the Minister was Chairman of RECONDEV Rodney Neal and the Corporation's General Manager Hector Sabido.
• Taiwan Donates $40,000 to Belize for Celebrations:
  His Excellency David .K. Wu, Ambassador to Belize from the Republic of China (Taiwan) on Wednesday August 7, 2013 donated a check for $40,000 Bze to the Co- Chairperson of the September Celebrations Commission, Diane C. Haylock at the House of Culture in Belize City. In his presentation, His Excellency David K. Wu Wu voiced his pleasure in being able to contribute to the 32nd anniversary celebrations of Belize's Independence and the 215th anniversary of the Battle of St. George's Caye. In accepting the donation, Co- Chairperson of the September Celebrations Commission expressed her gratitude on behalf of the Chair Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr. to the embassy for their continued show of friendship and solidarity to the people of Belize and conveyed that the money will be used to enhance various cultural activities on the calendar of events this year.
• Orientation Luncheon for Belizean Students to Study in Taiwan:
  to Study in Taiwan Last Saturday, August 10, 2013, an Orientation Luncheon was held for 26 Belizean Students who have obtained full scholarships from the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to begin studying in that Country in the upcoming academic year. Saturday's event, hosted by the Taiwanese Ambassador in Belize, H.E. David Wu, was called the Belize Taiwan International Collaboration Development Fund Alumni Society Scholarships Orientation Luncheon, and it was held at the Chateau Caribbean Hotel where the recipients gathered with past recipients. In an interview with Love TV, Ambassador Wu noted that this is the largest number of students to be granted such scholarships at the same time.
• Oak Foundation donates $2 Million for Pediatric Care Unit:
  The Ministry of Health was pleased to be a part of the announcement by Ms. Kim Simplis Barrow, Special Envoy for Women and Children on the generous donation of two million dollars from the Oak foundation towards the construction of the new Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital.
• Technical Mission on Non-Communicable Diseases and Cancer:
  The Ministry of Health has been selected as one of the participants in a global project with the goal of "Strengthening policy frameworks to reduce premature death toll from Non-Communicable Diseases." As part of the project, a technical mission led by regional consultant, Silvana Luciani, Pan American Health Organization's Washington Office was in country from the 15th to 10th, July to advance work in the area of national plans for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) including cancer.
• Mental Health Annual Workshop:
  The eleventh Annual Mental Health Workshop was held from July 18th - 20th in Placencia Village under the theme, "Integrating Quality into Mental Health Care. In a short opening ceremony to welcome the participants, Dr. Phillip Castillo encouraged the nurses to elevate the conversation to improve what exist in Mental Health while, Matron Augustina Elijio ask the nurses to adhere to principles, ethics, scope of practice and standards at all times when carrying out the duty of nursing. Mental Health Program Nursing Administrator Eleanor Bennett welcomed and introduced Dr. Wesley Quimbo, Psychiatrist for Ministry of Health; he takes over from Dr. Claudina Cayetano who moved on to PAHO earlier this year.
• Vector Control gets pickup trucks to increase ULV Spraying of Mosquitoes:
  The Government of Belize recently purchased two 2013 Great Wall - Wingle 4 x 4 pickup trucks for the vector control program to assist with Ultra Low Volume (ULV) spraying in the Corozal and Toledo districts. The total cost of both vehicles was BZ$78,800.00. One of the trucks was handed over to the Northern Region and the second pick-up was sent down south to do work in the Toledo District. The Ministry of Health has stepped up its surveillance and interventions to prevent dengue - from health education, mass larviciding, to ULV spraying.
• Suspected Bovine Rabies Case Notified:
  The Ministry of Health is hereby notifying the public that a suspected case of bovine rabies (rabies in cow) was reported on the 24th of July 2013 by Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) in the New Road Area of the Toledo District. While there is no confirmed case as yet, the public is reminded that periodic cases are seen in the country alluding to active circulation of the rabies virus. Officials of the Ministry of Health and BAHA will contiue to monitor the situation and we encourage you to report any suspected case.
• Which is your "Last-Days" Attitude?:
  The pages of history are filled with the memoirs of those who assisted in evil and those who labored and sacrificed to reverse it and to do good. Then there were those who just observed; those who chose not to get involved thinking that their very own survival was at stake. This same scenario plays out in our world today. The recent events in our own nation have proven that these three aforementioned attitudes also exist. Although the "observers" in the war between Good and Evil may be okay in the court of public opinion, God's Word places them in one of the two categories. The truth is that when we remain silent and untroubled amidst all the mayhem, we are joining forces with those that oppose good. We must reflect on the Scriptures to determine which attitude we must choose, especially in these Last Days.
• Revolutionizing Public Transportation: South Korea and Belize Collaborate to Forge Master Plan:
  A Major undertaking is in the making that promises to revolutionize and modernize Belize's Public Transportation System. It's a collaborative undertaking between the Government of South Korea through the Korea Development Institute and the Government of Belize through the Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology and Public Utilities and other relevant Ministries and Departments. A meeting took place two Mondays ago, on August 5, 2013 at the Biltmore Plaza Hotel in Belize City between the relevant bodies to begin forging and formulating a Transportation Master Plan for Belize. The meeting follows the signing of a bilateral agreement some time ago with the Government of the Republic of South Korea through its Ministry of Strategy and Finance.
• Staying in Touch with the People: Saldivar Holds Belmopan Neighbourhood Meetings:
  More than a hundred and fifty residents of Belmopan came out last Wednesday, August 31, 2013 to a town-hall style meeting conducted at the Governor General Field at the Corner of Libertad Street and the Ring Road. It was only one in a series of neighborhood meetings held by Honorable Saldivar in every zone of the electoral division that he serves, the Belmopan Constituency. It is a very effective way of staying in touch with the people, keeping them informed about ongoing developments, about the work of their Government and Area Representative, and to hear and address their concerns and issues. Following the meetings, residents also get to speak one and one with their Area Representative and discuss whatever personal issues and concerns they might have.
• NBA Champion Inspires Young Belizeans:
  Former NBA player, Derek Anderson delivered a Motivational Speech on Entrepreneurship to basketball players and members of the surrounding areas of Belmopan on Thursday August 8, 2013 at the Jaguar Auditorium, University of Belize, Central Campus, Belmopan. He is one of 13 players who won an NBA Championship (in 2006 with the Miami Heat) and an NCAA Championship. Growing up poor and without parents who had left him to the streets, Derek found his inner self-motivation that led to his success as a producer, philanthropist, inventor and author. His inspirational story is detailed in his book titled "Stamina." Derek's visit to Belize at the invitation by the US Embassy was to reach out and help others who have found themselves in similar situation as he did. He retired from the NBA in 2008.
• Belmopan Day - Saturday, August 3, 2013:
  Photo collage
• Discipline - Teamwork - Leadership: National Security Minister visits BDF Youth Cadet Corp Summer Camp:
  In our last two editions, we featured the Belize Defence Force's Battle Camp conducted annually for members of the Volunteer Battalion. This week, the Volunteer Battalion is in the news again, this time with respect to the annual summer camp that it conducts and supervises for members of the BDF Youth Cadet Corps (BDFYCC). The camp, which was just completed this past weekend, ran for one week and a day, from Saturday, August 3 to Saturday August 10, 2013, and was held this year at the Julian Cho Technical High School in Big Falls, Toledo. Close to 300 children and youth attended the camp, which is almost half of the total number of members that now make up the BDF Youth Cadet Corps. That total number, which last year stood at just over 500, has now been increased to around 650, with about 120 additional members added as part of the commitment by Minister of National Security, Hon. John Saldivar.
• Special Fireworks at Special Sitting! Musa & Fonseca Rebuked & Retaliate:
  than the traditional Friday, it was called a Special; and it was special, indeed, in more than one. For one, last Wednesdays House Meeting in Belmopan had more than its fair share of drama; and according to some, the discourse descended to a new low. There were a total of 13 Bills that were introduced, but none of those turned out to be the big news of the day. As anticipated, the attempt by PUP Cayo South Representative, Julius Espat, to bring a motion to the House to alter the composition of the Public Accounts Committee was pretty contentious. But that was heavily rivaled, if not eclipsed by a motion which Prime Minister Dean Barrow presented which he defined as a resolution to, "deplore and deprecate the actions of the member for Fort George and the Member for Freetown, while in government for�granting tax concessions entirely contrary to the laws of Belize."
• Dead On Arrival! Much Heralded Julius Espat Motion Falls to the Floor:
  He had created quite a stir in the local media about his intentions to introduce a motion in the National Assembly to alter the composition of the Public Accounts Committee which he presently chairs as a member of the Opposition. But when Cayo South Area Representative Julius Espat brought his much heralded motion to the Special House Sitting last Wednesday, it was almost anti-climactic, as Prime Minister Dean Barrow followed through on his promise to dismantle and expose the motion as ill-conceived, procedurally out of order and therefore unfit even to be debated in the House, let alone passed. Here is how Espat attempted to introduce his misconceived motion, and how it immediately got knocked to the floor and literally thrown out of the National Assembly:
• Belize Wins Game One: CONCACAF Under -15 Football Tournament Underway in Cayman:
  CONCACAF kicked off its first ever U-15 championship in the Cayman Islands yesterday with Bermuda beating the Virgin Islands 8-0 and Belize beating St. Lucia 1-0. The championships, an initiative of CONCACAF president Jeffrey Webb, will be played through to August 25 with 23 national teams competing for the title. The tournament marks another step for the confederation under its new management regime, and its determination to raise all elements of the game throughout its region to higher levels - both on and off the field. "It is important for coaches and players to have competitions for development," said Webb. "This tournament was conceived to intensify our grassroots efforts while helping to identify and develop talent that will eventually create our future stars."
• FFB Football Stadium's Lights Being Upgraded:
  On Tuesday, August 13, 2013, a contract was signed between the Football Federation of Belize and Canchas Deportivas de Centro America of El Salvador for the improvement of the lightning facilities at the F.F.B. Stadium in Belmopan. This project is being financed by FIFA US $298,000.00. In a Press Release, the F.F.B says it will keep the public informed on the progress of this project and other projects scheduled to be undertaken by F.F.B and FIFA this year.
• Spreading the Love: National Footballers Donate School Bags:
  Football Team has been receiving generously from the Belizean population, but on Wednesday, July 31 they gave back a little. While in the USA before the last game the team was challenge to bring back a small gift for a needed child in Belize. Team Jaguars rose to the challenge and each donated US$20.00 to purchase a school bag to bring back home for the kids. Team captain Dalton Eiley handed over the money to Senior V.P. Sergio Chuc to purchase the school bags.
• Atlantic Bank Women's Football Finals: Belmopan Triple B's confront Ladyville Jaguars:
  The undefeated Belmopan Triple B's will meet the Ladyville Jaguars in the Atlantic Bank women's football championship finals. Triple B's ran over Esperanza's Gentle Touch 4-1 in Game 2 of their semifinal series at the Norman Broaster Stadium in San Ignacio on Saturday to advance to the finals by a 7-2 a goal aggregate. Shirley Codd anchored Triple B's defense with help from Beatrice Alfaro, Wendy Vernon and Roslyn "Chu-Chu" Cadle, but couldn't stop Gentle Touch's Kimberly "Brazilian" Perez from unleashing a left foot shot that mercifully went wide of the uprights early in the game.
• Miley Garcia Cayo Softball Finals: Camalote Blazers vs Roaring Creek Grace Kennedy:
  Roaring Creek Grace Kennedy will meet the undefeated Camalote Blazers in the Cayo Softball Association's female softball championship finals to be played at Joan Garbutt on Sunday, August 25. This will happen after the national women's tem returns home from the VIII Pan American Women's Softball Championships in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico on Monday, August 19th. The consolation game for 3rd place will also see Esperanza Wolverines do battle with the Ontario Rebels. Roaring Creek Grace Kennedy had eliminated the Wolverines from the finals by a 9-5 win in Game 2 of their semifinals series in Esperanza on Sunday, August 4. Esperanza's pitcher Indira Spain gave up 9 hits, struck out 3 batters and walked one while Esperanza's diamond made 5 errors. Roaring Creek led 3-0 when Tanya Davis, Stephanie Francis and Shadalee Ho scored in the 1st inning. Esperanza's Patricia Spain and Melinda Blancaneaux scored to lead 5-3 when Shamira Wade, Indira Spain and Pat Spain scored in the 2nd inning.
• Cayo First Division Football: The San Martin Aguilas Beats Roaring Creek:
  The San Martin Aguilas bombed Roaring Creek: 2-0 to win the Cayo 1st Division football Championship at the FFB Stadium in Belmopan on Sunday afternoon, August 4. The San Martin's forwards Giovanni Lopez and Henry Nino Gomez led the attack with the help of midfielders Santiago Cruz, Carlos Tzalam, Bandido Gutierrez and Nicolas Caliz, but Brett Smith led the Roaring Creek defense with the help of Avery Galvez, Amir Torres and Kenny Williams and goalie Jose Mangar to keep the Aguilas scoreless up to the half time a break. MVP Robert Sutherland led the Aguilas' defensive line of Carlos Avellos, Victor Caliz and Nicholas Caliz to shut down Roaring Creek's top scorer Darrell Myvett the Myvett the entire game. Roaring Creek's Ajani Banner also attacked the goal, but San Martin goalie was taking care of business. Roaring Creek's goalie Jose Mangar handled Giovanni Lopez's shot on goal but when the defenders tried to get the ball out, Giovanni Lopez recovered the ball to shoot right back at goal, embarrassing Mangar with the 1st winning goal.

The September 8th, 2013 issue of The Capital Weekly is online HERE

This Week's Stories:

• GOB Supports Mega-Project By Belizeans Businessman:
  The Government of Belize supports, in principle, the Mega- Million Dollar Project unveiled this past week by Belizean Developer Mike Feinstein to build a docking facility at Stake Bank just off the coast of Belize City. That's what Hon. John Saldivar, who was Acting Prime Minister at the time, told reporters on Thursday, one day following the announcement by Feinstein and his group. The project, Feinstein says, entails an immediate investment of over $100 Million and will create thousands of jobs. "We certainly welcome the concept, we welcome the investors that are trying to put this project off the ground, but as with everything else - they need to go by the rules and they have to do their EIA's, and once they pass through the various processes - then it's a go," Saldivar told reporters.
• Belmopan Wins Atlantic Bank Female Football:
  The Belmopan Triple B's won the 2013 Atlantic Bank female football championship by drilling the Ladyville Jaguars 8-0 in Game 2 of the finals at the FFB Stadium in Belmopan on Saturday, September 7. Game 1 of the finals had ended in a 0-0 draw at the MCC grounds on Saturday, August 31. Belmopan's Kaina Martinez and Miriam Villamil led the attack with the help of Iris Centeno and Joslyn "Chu-chu" Cadle on the wings and Kaya Cattouse and Jennisha Scott at midfield. Ladyville Jaguars was sorely missing Shineele Gentle who had to sit out the game following a red card suspension from the first final aand their star sweeper Sara Arzu was also missing in action.
• Celebrating 21 5th Anniversary of Battle of St. George's Caye:
  Tuesday, September 10 marks the 215th Anniversary of the Battle of St. George's Caye. One of the most central elements of the celebration is the crowning of the Queen of the Bay, which takes place during the Official Battle of St. George's Caye Day Ceremonies, traditionally held at the Memorial Park in the Old Capital, Belize City. This year's Queen of the Bay is Toledo's Jahrine Avila, the Bay Pageant at the Bliss Institute for the Performing Arts in Belize City on Friday night, August 30. Miss Stann Creek Verinicia Vernon won 1st runner-up, while second runner up was Miss Belmopan, Mikayla Venise Banner, who also won the talent section that took place two weeks earlier.
• A Good Time to be Belizean:
  The National September Celebrations are here! The Tenth is right upon us, and Independence is just around the corner. No matter what our personal situation, every warm-blooded Belizean this time of the year is somehow infected by the patriotism and festiveness that fills the air. This year, as we commemorate our nationhood, our sovereignty and our right to self-determination, the celebrations somehow seem to take on a bit more meaning than they ordinarily do. Indeed, there are some tangible and timely, if not overdue, developments newly unfolding, which are worth quite a celebration, as they truly serve to reinforce and consummate the Independence we nominally attained over three decades ago.
• Promoting Literacy for a Peaceful Belize:
  Literacy Day Celebrated in Belmopan with Schools' Parade Friday September 6, 2013 Through Principal Streets of the Capital City. Literacy Day this year is being observed Worldwide on Sunday September 8, but in Belize it was observed two days earlier on Friday September 6, 2013. In Belmopan, as in Belize City, a number of schools held activities to mark the day. In the Nation's Capital a combined Schools' Parade was held through the major streets of the City. The Day was observed with the theme, "Promoting Literacy for a Peaceful Belize".
• When Culture and Carnality Converge:
  On the exterior we see sparkling images of Belizean flora and fauna, jubilant faces and bodies of all shades of brown, accentuated by colourful clothing and glittering paint, swaying and vibrating in the sweltering heat to the pulsating rhythm of cultural music. For a while we forget our dividing socio-economic and political differences and unite to celebrate our natural heritage and cultural diversity. However, a closer look at our Belizean Carnival will reveal much more than culture. The clothing, if you call it that, seems inadequate and attracts lustful stares and arousals, the male dancers seem to prefer effeminate outfits and moves and the dances are sexually suggestive and perverted. Even the movement of our young children illustrate that their innocent minds have been corrupted as they give adult onlookers "bedroom" lessons, while their intoxicated mothers cheer them on with pride.
• Belize - United States Partnership Reaffirmed: New SOUTHCOM Commander Visits Belmopan:
  The welcome could not have been any warmer than it was last Thursday when General John F. Kelly, the new head of the U.S. Southern Command touched down in Belmopan. It was the first ever visit to Belize for the seasoned and decorated General who is now responsible for all operations of the US Army from below Mexico all the way down to the tip of South America. The General's visit started the day before, Wednesday September 4 and took him along the Country's borderline waters by helicopter, in addition to important to the tip of South America. Incidentally, or maybe not so incidentally, General, I would like to point out that Belize is, geographically speaking, the first nation south of Mexico; and I would like to think that we are also first in line for assistance and joint-initiatives under your command." As noted in Channel Five's Evening newscast in a report by its special assignment reporter, Mike Rudon, "The U.S. Southern Command has been a very friendly partner in Belizean development - in areas ranging from medical care and infrastructure assistance to training and the donation of military expertise and equipment, very often on a large scale.
• Remarks by Hon. John Saldivar Welcoming General John F. Kelly to Belize:
  Miss Margaret Hawt h o r n e , Charg� d 'Affai re s, US Embassy, Belize; General John F. Kelly, Commander, US Southern Command; Lieutenant Colonel Ricardo Gonzalez, US Military Liaison Officer, Belize; Colonel (ret.) George Lovell, CEO, Ministry of National Security; General David Jones, Commander, Belize Defence Force; Rear Admiral John Borland, Commandant, Belize Coast Guard; Mr. Allen Whylie Commissioner, Belize Police Department; Members of the various security forces present; Other distinguished guests; Members of the Media; Ladies and Gentlemen: Good afternoon. It gives me great pleasure to welcome to Belize for his first visit ever, General John F. Kelly, Commander of the US Southern Command. For those of you that don't know, General Kelly is in charge of all operations and initiatives by the United States Military from below Mexico all the way down to the tip of South America.
• Biography of General John F. Kelly: Commander of United States Southern Command:
  General Kelly was born and raised in Boston, MA. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1970, and was discharged as a sergeant in 1972, after serving in an infantry company with the 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, NC. Following graduation from the University of Massachusetts in 1976, he was commissioned and returned to the 2nd Marine Division where he served as a rifle and weapons platoon commander, company executive officer, assistant operations officer, and infantry company commander. Sea duty in Mayport, FL, followed, at which time he served aboard aircraft carriers USS Forrestal and USS Independence. In 1980, then Captain Kelly transferred to the U.S. Army's Infantry Officer Advanced Course in Fort Benning, GA. After graduation, he was assigned to Headquarters Marine Corps, Washington, DC, serving there from 1981 through 1984, as an assignment monitor.
• GREAT Documentary Launched by Police Department : Gang Resistance Education And Training:
  This past Thursday, September 5, 2013 in Belize City, the Police Department launched a historic documentary which chronicles the success of a joint initiative in which that department is the lead agency, and which involves the US Embassy in a collaborative effort which puts trained Police Officers in the classroom to impart real life skills to our young people. The program is patterned off a similar program that originated and was implemented in the United States. In Belize the program got started back in 2008. It has reportedly been a remarkable success, and the public now gets an opportunity through this video documentary to witness a great deal of it. The program is administered through the Community Policing Unit which is now headed by Senior Superintendent of Police Louise Willis.
• Another Historic September Day: First National Bank of Belize Opens In Belmopan:
  Now, Ladies and gentlemen, this is one time when, in describing the proceedings as historic, we engage in no hyperbole. The launch of the National Bank of Belize is an accomplishment for the ages. And so I want to start by immediately thanking the very many persons that have made it possible. Principal among them are Minister Joy Grant, Chairperson of the Board of Directors, and all the other Board members including, of course, the Managing Director, Mr. Jose Marin. Minister Grant, though, has perhaps done more than anyone else to make this a reality. I know that Saturday evening when I was becoming concerned, because having passed here on Friday and having seen that we were not all together in a state of readiness, she reassured me by indicating that she was even then at the Bank engaging in helping to sweep the premise.
• Address by Honourable Joy Grant Chair of the National Bank of Belize:
  It is my pleasure to welcome you all to a historic event in the evolution of the financial sector in Belize, and as a result, in the economic wellbeing of our Belizean People, the establishment of the National Bank of Belize, and the opening of its first branch here in Belmopan. This opening marks the successful realization of a vision shared by Belizeans of different political affiliations but united in their belief in the value to our people of a bank whose focus is on serving the financial interest of all Belizeans, whose goal is not about maximizing profit but about providing the working class Belizean with the financial assistance and knowledge they require to improve their living standards through the construction and purchase of new homes, and later the renovation and upgrading of existing residences. The impetus for operationalizing the vision by establishing he Bank at this time originated with Prime Minister the Honorable Dean Barrow.
• Partnering for Rural Family Health The Ministry of Health and the Peace Corps:
  A total of sixteen (16) new Peace Corps Volunteers are in-country for a two year work mission. They aim to partner with community health workers on a Rural Family Health Programme, an initiative of the Ministry of Health and Peace Corps. Volunteers will be assigned to Cayo, Orange Walk, Toledo and Belize Districts. The pioneer team arrived on June 26th and was enrolled in an intensive orientation and training program which ended August 13tb. This marks the first time that all volunteers will be assigned to the Ministry of Health to work in primarily rural communities for their stay; and the first all Peace Corps Volunteers will live with host families for the full duration of service.
• Miley Garcia Cayo Softball Finals: Camalote Blazers Win Game One Over Roaring Creek:
  The Camalote Blazers are one game away from winning the 2013 Miley Garcia Female Softball Championship in the competition organized by the Cayo Softball Association. Camalote won Game One of the finals 1-0 over the Roaring Creek Grace Kennedy at the Denbeigh Fuller Stadium in Camalote on Sunday, September 8. Camalote's veteran pitcher Francine Salazar struck out 4 batters and walked one, giving up 5 hits, but even though the Camalote fielders committed one error, the Roaring Creek girls scored no runs, leaving 6 runners on base.