Today's Belize News: April 13, 2014

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Today's Belize News: April 13, 2014 #489415 04/13/14 05:46 AM
Joined: Oct 1999 Posts: 84,395 oregon, spr Marty OP
OP Marty	FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report. Specials and Events Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5 and CTV3 Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and the Dickie Bradley Specials The San Pedro Sun Dentists brighten children's smiles at the Smile Clinic Too Three dentists were on the island from April 7th to 9th, offering free dental care for students at Holy Cross Anglican School. The visiting dentists were at the San Pedro Smile Clinic Too on the invitation of Doctor Mark Johnson, the founder of the clinic. During the three days the doctors saw over 90 students. Heading the group is Dr. JoAnn Boraas, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, who explained that the three doctors wanted to do something special since it has been exactly 30 years that they graduated from dental school along with Dr Mark Johnson. "Dr Johnson, after establishing the Smile Clinic, has been bringing several of his former dental classmates to offer free clinics for the people and children of San Pedro. We decided to come this time around to volunteer at the clinic," said Borass. The other two doctors are Kristi O'kane from Saint Paul Minnesota, USA and Kristin Kenner of Double Drake, North Dakota, USA. Kama Bistro Bar and Lounge host Mud Wrestling Competition It was a dirty fun night on Friday, March 4th as Kama Bistro Bar and Lounge hosted their signature Mud Wresting Competition. The completion started a little after 10PM when six young ladies entered the ring, ready to prove who was the strongest and fittest out of all. The lucky winner would not only walk away with bragging rights, but with a grand cash prize of $300. The gathered spectators enjoyed the match immensely, rooting for their favorite contestant while enjoying refreshing cocktails made by Kama's friendly bartenders. In the end, only one young lady rose to the top as the winner of Kama's Mud Wrestling Competition: The Snow Queen! Supporters cheered her one, and the celebration lasted throughout the night, with the rhythmic tunes of DJ Gracey Rock keeping the crowd pumped throughout the night. US and Belize Governments destroy US $29 million worth of marijuana in a joint operation The US government has announced that over US $29 million worth of drugs were destroyed in Belize during a joint five-day operation. The operation took place from March 15th through the 20th and comprised of law enforcement personnel in Belize and the US military Joint Task Force Bravo based in Soto Cano Air Base in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. In a press release issued from the US Soto Cano Air Base, both countries, working though the US Embassy in Belmopan, Belize, participated in a "highly successful marijuana eradication operation in Belize." The release stated that the operation resulted in the destruction of 34 marijuana fields with approximately 57,283 mature marijuana plants valued at an initial estimate of US $29 million. The joint team also found and destroyed 25 pounds of marijuana seeds believed to be used for cultivation in Belize. Ambergris Today PIC OF THE WEEK: Touch the Horizon in Belize. Nothing short of spectacular sunset viewings in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize where you can touch the horizon. Sit on the shore line as the waves creep up to your feet or step into the water and head for the horizon. Enjoy these and many more amazing sunsets that can only be found in Belize. - picture by Gerry Badillo Misc Belizean Sources Paint Up A Storm Documentary Paint Up A Storm was last week, and Cayo documentary filmographer Daniel Velazquez was there to capture all the festivities. The documentary on the project has been released. Looks like everyone had a fun and artistic time at the Cayo Welcome Center last week.. "Paint up a Storm, Winsom Foundation event, Cayo Welcome Center, shot and chopped by Daniel Velazquez, A soul project documentary" BEL Advises Customers to be Wary of Impersonators Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) advises customers to request proper identification from any person claiming to be a BEL employee or contractor. All BEL employees and contractors carry an authorized BEL identification card. Customers should ask any individual who claims to be conducting work on behalf of BEL to present a valid identification card. If in doubt, customers should contact BEL directly. BEL reminds customers and the public that BEL employees and contractors are not authorized to and will NEVER request payment for services conducted at customers' premises. BDF, US partnerships built beyond medical, engineer missions Belize Defence Force and U.S. service members are working side-by-side in various fields during New Horizons Belize 2014. While the main New Horizons mission involves civil engineer and medical readiness training amongst BDF, U.S. and Canadian members, there are also service members working behind the scenes being offered the same cooperative partnership opportunities. "My job here is to integrate with the BDF and ensure the security of (medical readiness training exercise) sites, to include the safety and security of personnel, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment at all hours," said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Nick Ressler, New Horizons force protection. Being afforded opportunities to coordinate with other nations provides an array of benefits, but can also present challenges for the members to overcome - a valid chance to provide training and lessons learned for both sides. Belize Band Fest held in Corozal town The Ricalde Stadium in Corozal town was the venue today for the annual Belize Band Fest. The event brought together marching bands from around the country to perform in different categories and included "show" bands that present particular pieces for the enjoyment of the crowd. The day's even started with a street parade, giving thousands of people who lined the main streets of Corozal town, an opportuity to witness the beauty and sounds of the young people. At the end of the event, St. Luke "Purple Spirit" marching band won the Drumline competition. BCWU wins pay increase for BTL workers State-owned telecom company Belize Telemedia Limited has been involved in negotiations with the Belize Communications Workers' Union (BCWU) over the latest collective bargaining agreement for workers. Those have come to an end this week and while they did not get 5% pay increase as asked for, they came close, with 4% salary increase given annually retroactive from October of last year. The workers are also getting a 1% increase in staff and management pension contributions, $25 more in phone benefit per month for staff, and free Digicell 4G for each staff member. After ten months of negotiations beginning last June, the final proposal from the BTL Executive Committee chaired by Anwar Barrow was approved by a 95% super majority of the Union's membership. BTL Employees Trust wants judgment The Court of Appeal told attorneys fighting the second nationalization of Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) that it would deliver judgment on Thursday, April 10, after hearing the case in October of 2012. That's over a year ago and after several postponements of the judgment, the most recent coming on Thursday, the BTL Employees Trust, the front for the former owners of BTL, is demanding answers. In a press release the group says, quote, "It is almost five years since the nationalizations first began and no compensation has been paid [to] the Trust. In the meantime, massive interest is accruing on the compensation owed which Belizean taxpayers will also have to pay." The release points out that it has now been five years since the first nationalization in 2009, which has been ruled unconstitutional by Belizean courts and now sits before the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), which is likewise awaiting this decision so that it can hear both cases and issue a definitive ruling. Squatters may seek legal advice Squatters in the area behind the under-construction Lake Independence Boulevard are being told to vacate their properties immediately to make way for development in the area. The problem is that they say they have nowhere else to go, and their area representative now says he cannot help them. They had organized themselves last week to seek assistance, and it appears they may have found some. While she did not wish to share details, Senior Counsel Lisa Shoman and Anthony Sylvestre confirmed that a group of squatters came to them seeking advice. Whether those possibilities include court action is as yet unknown, but PUP leader Francis Fonseca, who is familiar with the issue as Freetown area representative which borders Lake Independence and will be connected through the project, expounded on the party's views later on Thursday at their press conference. Cayo Northeast recall petition challenge proceeds On Thursday in the Supreme Court, Justice Courtney Abel allowed three of the original five applicants in last week's filing of the challenge to the decision of Chief Elections Officer Josephine Tamai to recommend the rejection of 337 signatures from the original 2,002 presented to the Governor General last November to proceed. Lead applicant Orlando Habet and two voters from the division were given the green light following arguments in the Supreme Court, where Acting Solicitor General Nigel Hawke conceded that two voters who signed the petition, George Manzanero and Sonia Moro, could proceed. They allege that their names were unfairly taken off for differing reasons. The fourth and fifth applicants, two workers in the organization and execution of the petition, were excluded by the judge despite their sufficient interest in the case so as to manage the case better. Their affidavit evidence can still be accepted, but Habet is now the sole representative of the 337 rejected signatories, as originator of the petition. Two men die in shooting incident in Orange Walk A shooting incident around 6 o'clock on Friday evening in Carmelita village, Orange Walk has left two men dead. The victims have been identified as Lucius Rhaburn and Saul Garcia. Police have not yet released details of the incident, but reports from Orange Walk says that a man and his son went to the farm situated a couple miles off the Phillip Goldson highway to check on the farm. While there, a vehicle with three occupants reportedly drove up. It has not yet been ascertained what transpired after the vehicle arrived; but a shot was fired at the vehicle. Rhaburn, fatally wounded, fell to the ground while two other persons ran away. Fatal shooting in Belize City A man was shot and killed this evening in Belize City. The victim has been identified as Darrington Lauriano, who reports say is no stranger to the police. The circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting are not yet known; but preliminary reports suggest that a government minister who is known to frequent the club may have witnessed the incident. The minister was unahrmed. There is no indication as yet who the assailant is, but sources say the person entered the establishment and the shooting happened near the back entrance of the club overlooking the canal. Caye Caulker Lobster Fest logo competition! Send your logos to [email protected] Deadline: April 26th 2014 Check out our flyer for the rules and guidelines Share and have friends 'Like' the image Competition is valid to Residents of Belize only! Western Ballaz Defeat the Heat The Western Ballaz scored another victory tonight, defeating the Corazal Heat 80 - 65. The introductions are getting cooler every game. The next game is against the San Pedro Tiger Sharks, at home, and it'll be on April 26th. Go Ballaz! "The Cayo Western Ballaz might've had a slow start, but they came but quickly from 15 points behind, and by the end of the game, won by 15 points 80 - 65." Baron Gin Commercial Travellers Liquors has a new gin out, entitled Baron Gin, and they made a fun commercial for it(even though Cayo isn't in it). It looks like they are...sipping on gin and juice. "Our new Baron Gin ad! Beautiful for a great gin." SI United Draw with FC Belize "San Ignacio United lead the the match 2-1 all the way to the final minutes unfortunately a late penalty lead to a draw with the sub-champions FC Belize. Congratulations to Anthony "Keish" Gonzalez on his 3rd goal in the last 2 games." Saved Musical The Belmopan Choral Society is performing their 'Saved' musical, which will have Handel's Messiah and other gospel songs inspired from the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, around Cayo this weekend. They'll be doing 2 shows tomorrow, Sunday, April 13th. The first is at the Cayo Welcome Center, and will stat at 3:30pm, while the second is at the Sacred Heart Church, and will start at 5:00pm. They'll also perform at St. Ann's Church on Monday. GRILLED FISH IN FOIL, BELIZE-ISLAND STYLE - SATURDAY WEEKLY RECIPE POST The stuff you need: 1 to 2 lbs grouper (or other firm fish) - head & guts removed -(save for later, great fish stock) 1 green bell pepper - sliced in strips 1 to 1 � yellow onion - sliced in rounds 2 tomatoes - sliced in rounds 3 cloves garlic chopped 1 lime - cut in half bunch fresh cilantro chopped � cup mayonnaise 1 tablespoon prepared mustard � stick butter (sliced) Season salt to taste Hot sauce to taste Flour Tortillas Happy Birthday Gorge Olivarez!!!!! Gorge is 41 years old today as you can see on the cake, not 14 as he would try and have you believe:) I have baked 2 cakes in my life, one for my lovely wife and one for Gorge- That puts Gorge in pretty special company. CJC Expo 2014 On Friday, 11 April 2014, CJC held its annual Expo, representing groups of students doing business, science, and math projects, and also booths representing businesses and organizations from the community. Here are some photos from that successful event. The Belize Times Bad News for Penner Despite a heavy veil of protection placed by the Barrow Administration to defend corrupt UDP area representative Elvin Penner from facing justice no matter what, the People's United Party has won yet another victory for the people of Belize. At 10:35 on Thursday morning, Supreme Court Judge Courtenay Abel granted permission for judicial review of the Chief Elections Officer Josephine Tamai's wrongheaded decision to invalidate 337 signatures that had been collected in a petition to trigger the highly-anticipated Recall of the disgraced UDP Cayo North East politician. The petition had attracted 2,000 signatures or 34.4% of the registered voters, exceeding the required threshold. The permission for judicial review was brought forward by PUP Standard Bearer Orlando Habet and four other applicants: Ursulo Guerra, Carla Smith, Sierra Moro and George Manzanero. In Court this morning, their attorneys, Senior Counsel Lisa Shoman and Anthony Sylvestre Jr., argued confidently on their behalf, pressing that the applicants had been adversely affected by Tamai's decision. Mayor Bradley slams UDP Administration - Living conditions in Lake I, Port Loyola make him sad Belize City Mayor Darrel Bradley slammed the UDP Administration when he admitted that his Party has failed our country by neglecting the real needs of the people of Belize. Bradley, who appeared on the Open Your Eyes morning show this week, was asked about the reason behind his refusal to submit an application to run once more as a UDP Mayoral Candidate. Bradley was uncharacteristically honest and brutal when he explained that he isn't too happy with the record of his Party in Government "When I drive in the Gungulung Area or certain areas in Port Loyola, it makes me really sad to see the conditions in which our people live and our people have to be asked to survive in, in terms of street conditions, housing conditions, long term policies�and it makes me feel that we are not doing what we should be doing or enough to have an impact on those people�and that is why I have difficulty�", he explained. Pharmacists threaten to protest over illegal appointment of Minister's daughter The Pharmacists Association of Belize issued a fiery press release on Wednesday April 9th 2014 in which it threatened to initiate protest actions if the controversial appointment of Minister Erwin Contreras' daughter to the newly formed post of "Director of Drug Inspectorate" is not rescinded. Danini Contreras, a recent graduate of a University in Guatemala, was secretly pushed to the special post in total disrespect of well-trained and experience professionals in the pharmacy sector. When the news of the appointment surfaced, it stirred up an ant's nest that no treatment has been able to calm. The Pharmacists Association demanded that the Minister of Health recall the appointment and that they are given greater respect through consultation before moving ahead with such a decision. Those calls have been ignored by Pablo Marin however, and instead of respect, the Association was called into to a closed door meeting on March 26th in which they were told to keep hush and that the Ministry was not prepared to rescind Contreras' appointment. Top Up Kings! - Saldivar's get rich scheme exposed Ever since the Opposition PUP called out the company name "Mytheon Solutions" at last month's Budget Debate, UDP Belmopan Area Representative John Saldivar has made a mighty run for cover. Saldivar, it seems, does not want to face the Belizean people and answer questions about his involvement in the company that reportedly made two millions dollars from doing business with the Ministry of National Security. What's wrong with that, you may ask? Well, Saldivar is the Minister of National Security! That's a serious conflict of interest! Possibly, even criminal. For many months Mytheon Solutions was a secret, but now it's out. On November 2nd, 2009, Saldivar and his business partner Khalid Belisle registered Mytheon Solutions as their company with the address "St. Vincent Street Extension". On the registration documents the Minister and his follower described the company's business as "phone credit distribution". On June 4th 2010, the company's ownership changed hands from Saldivar/Belisle to only Saldivar. Then on August 26th, 2010, the ownership changed once more from John Saldivar to Darlene Saldivar, who is the Minister Saldivar's wife. Think About it Hattieville is a village 16 miles from Belize City. It gets its name from hurricane Hattie which devastated Belize in 1961. The many residents from Belize City who lost their homes to ferocious winds and a rise in the sea which saw ten feet of water cover Belize City, were temporarily relocated to bungalow wooden huts hastily constructed 16 miles from the then capital. Over the years a village grew up. Over the years a new generation inherited the Village. Since the arrival of the UDP to government in 2008, so called gang members were given, literally given, house and lots at Hattieville for free. Their unchecked behavior and influence has taken hold on quite a number of youngsters in Hattieville. The results has been a growing member of young thugs and lawless elements in the village. Bus drivers regularly report the unruly and disrespectful behavior of many youths from Hattieville. There is a Police Station with about eight Police who do two twelve-hour shifts of four officers per shift. On Saturday evening 5th April at the basketball court, a mob of young men went on a minor rampage. The Hattieville Police could not control them. They picked fights and would listen to no one. Caligula Gaius Caesar Augustus Germanicus was an emperor who ruled the Roman Empire from 37 AD to 41 AD. As a boy, Gaius was given the nickname Caligula which means "little soldier's boots". The nickname came because he was favored by his father and was always in his father's side, even accompanying him to war. Upon becoming emperor, Caligula was described as a "noble and moderate ruler during the first six months of his rule". After that however, his madness, cruelty and brutality placed him among history's most hated and insane tyrants. (I'm starting to see similarities already.) Caligula had a horse which he called Incitatus, which means "swift" or "at full gallop". History records that Caligula loved that horse so much that he built him a marble stall, an ivory manger and even a house. Incitatus wore a jeweled collar and lived and ate better than most of Caligula's subjects. He had servants around the clock who fed him a diet of oats mixed with gold flakes. When Caligula went over the edge was when he proposed to make his horse a senator and a chief counselor. While many historians have labeled Caligula as just plain crazy, writer Aloys Winterling in his book "Caligula: A Biography" (2011) suggests that there might have been some method to the emperor's madness. Winterling opines that "insanity was not the only logical explanation for Caligula's behavior". He makes the case that many of the emperor's wackier stunts, including his plan to appoint his horse a Senator, were done to make a point. Winterling believes that Caligula wanted to; first of all show his parliamentarians that they were worthless and that even an animal could do the work that they did. More importantly, it seems Caligula wanted to prove that he could do anything he wanted and get away with it. He was wrong, dead wrong! Caligula became the first Roman emperor ever to be assassinated. Editorial: �BEFORE WE LOSE IT "For each tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they pick grapes from a briar bush. "The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart. Luke 6:44-45 Despite the corruption of international influences Belize is still a village. Complete with the empathy, budget, natural resources and collective conscientiousness of a sleepy riverside community. Our strength is the character of our people. Our common bond in the social contract is the respect and dignity amongst our people. Our pith is resilience and the survival culture of "making do with what ever we have". In this aspect we, Belizeans, are consistent to a fault. We are rather tolerant, optimistic and God fearing. Mr. Price, the visionary that he was, solidified the plurality of our country by insisting that we not be allowed to call ourselves, creoles, maya or mestizo but that we adapt the uniformity of being called Belizeans. If you were to ask the average Belizean to describe Belize and our culture, the response would be balanced and accurate. That balance is the inheritance of the political deliberateness of pre-independence PUP leadership. Moen Stars & Jaguars post wins in volleyball games The Moen Stars girls and the Jaguars men posted wins in the 2014 senior volleyball competition at the Belize Elementary School auditorium over the weekend. The Moen Stars' Jahshema Saunders, Analisa Habet, Nelissa Ramirez, Shelmadine Cacho and Sherika Burton scored hits against the Belmopan Mystics to win 25-7, 25-12 and 25-15. On Saturday, the Moen Stars dominated the Belmopan Warriors: 25-23, 25-9 and 25-10, even though Warriors' Krystal Jones, Esther Middleton, Melissa Garnett and Kaylani Reid had scored in the 1st set. On Friday, the Moen Junior Stars' Kevanna Sebastian, Clara Sabal, Juel Lewis, Mya Musa and Gianna Brown had also stopped the Warriors in their tracks: 25-12, 25-16 and 25-18. Byron Pope wins Pre-Cross Country race Benny's Megabytes' Byron Pope won the Cycling Federation's 120-mile pre-Cross Country race on the George Price Highway from Leslie's Imports in Belize City to Mount Hope and back on Sunday. Pope clocked 5:10:04 to win the $300 1st prize and a trophy. FC Belize draws 2-2 against San Ignacio United The FC Belize held San Ignacio to a 2-2 draw in the Belikin Cup closing season competition organized by the Premier league of Belize at the Norman Broaster Stadium on Sunday. Jarret Davis scored first for FC Belize in the 42nd minute, but Tony Gonzalez equalized for San Ignacio in the 44th minute. Tony Gonzalez scored San Ignacio's 2nd goal in the 61st minute, but Jarret Davis converted a late penalty to equalize 2-2 before the long whistle. In Benque at the Marshalleck Stadium on Saturday night, Verdes upset the defending champs, the Belmopan Bandits: 2-1 with goals by Nahjib Guerra and Jamir Cano, while only Elroy Kuylen scored for the Bandits. REFLECTIONS ON THE PUBLIC SQUARE - Quiet Rage By Francis W. Fonseca In every corner of this beautiful land we call Belize, there is a "Quiet Rage" building up in the Belizean people. From north to south, east to west there is a growing sense of frustration and desperation. Scandal after Scandal! Corruption after Corruption uncovered! UDP lies and propaganda! UDP friends and family getting richer while the masses suffer! This is the Belizean reality in 2014! Some ask in frustration, why have the people not taken to the streets? Well, the answer is simple. This is a petty, vindictive UDP Government that governs thru fear and intimidation. But the breaking point is near. The people have had enough of scandals, lies and corruption. The PUP must now move to organize the people in a mass demonstration. The message must go out loud and clear, this UDP Government has lost the moral authority to continue governing Belize. It is time for Change! Another broken promise! The Ministry of Sports' incompetence and failure to plan adequately has created a series of headaches for the planners of the annual Holy Saturday Cycling Classic. Minister of Sports Herman Longsworth had promised just 29 days ago that the Marion Sports facility would be ready for the traditional ending of the race. He said, "certainly we should be able by Easter to be able to have the Cross Country finishing there and have it opened to the public". However, just the contrary is taking place. The Marion Jones Sporting ground continues in its everlasting construction phase and will NOT be ready for the end of the biggest cycling event of the year. The only portion of the facility that has been completed, or at least it seems so, is the fence that Longsworth's private company built and for which he collected a cool two million dollars from the Government. If that money had been put to the cycling track instead, it would have been ready years ago. Ariel Rosado Foundation offers scholarships The Ariel Rosado Foundation is now accepting scholarship applications for Academic Year 2014-2015. Scholarships are available in the following categories: 1. Primary School Grants for students to learn to sail with the Belize Sailing Association 2. Secondary School scholarships covering the cost of Books, Tuition and Fees 3. Galen University Scholarship covering the cost of Tuition For further information visit our website at [email protected] or call our office at 223-5674 or 600-6665. Closing date for applications is Friday 13th June 2014. Pharmacists Association position on contracting of a Director of Drug Inspectorate On the matter of the contracting of a Director of Drug Inspectorate in the Ministry of Health, the Pharmacists Association of Belize maintains that: - On March 4th 2014, an individual was contracted in a non-existent post - The creation of the current "post" of Director of Drug Inspectorate has not gone through the proper processes expected in the Public Service and as such is not established - While the person holds a Bachelor of Science Degree with content to meet the minimum requirements for education in Pharmacy practice, this person does not meet the requirements for the post of Drug Inspector (whom she would be expected to supervise), much less that of a director's position. - The person contracted: 1. Is not registered as a Chemist and Druggist under the laws of Belize, and as is required to be a Drug Inspector, as stated in the Ministry of Health's job description A Joker for a Mayor - Does Darrel Bradley take anything seriously? There seems to be very little that Belize City Mayor Darrel Bradley takes seriously these days. It appears that he treats most things with varying levels of significance, depending on how personally related they are to him. He has consistently faced the risk of criminal proceedings for contempt of court for postponing and arguing his way out of settling a huge outstanding debt to the sanitation company, Belize Waste Control, which he had given an undertaking to pay off while he was the City Council's legal advisor under former Mayor Zenaida Moya four years ago. He recently admitted to spending all his time at Court doing private legal work instead of being at City Hall, looking after the very important duties of his office. No wonder the City is under such neglect, disaster and chaos. UDP Incompetence causes major economic loss in OW The Orange Walk Town Council expresses its utter dismay and outrage at the Orange Walk Sports Council and the Ministry of Sports. Because of incompetence, neglect and mismanagement of the People's Stadium by the Sports Council, the community has been negatively impacted. The loss to Orange Walk is significant. Band Fest is an event which attracts thousands of Belizeans from every corner of the nation. On April 12th, they would all have been here in Orange Walk�buying from our small businesses, staying in our hotels, enjoying all that Orange Walk Town has to offer. Twenty-three vendors who would have been out at the People's Stadium have lost that opportunity. In addition, participants and spectators must make other arrangements and pay more to go all the way to Corozal, with only a week's notice. The OWTC understands the decision by organizers to move Band Fest 2014 to the Santiago Ricalde Stadium in Corozal. In all such events, the welfare and safety of participants and spectators must be of primary concern. The fact is that the People's Stadium was not adequate to host the event - not because of a lack of facilities, but because the Sports Council was negligent in preparation of the field. Despite months of notice and more than sufficient time, the Sports Council was unable to provide even simple maintenance to make the field ready for Band Fest 2014. That is unacceptable and unforgivable. Straight Talk: GOB's Wasteful Spending The government should stop wasting thousands of dollars weekly on countless propaganda advertisements that are of no use to the Belizean people. Those advertisements cost the hard working taxpayers of this country close to a million dollars every year. The propaganda advertisements feature crones of the government telling us about the wonderful job the administration is doing while hard time, suffering and poverty abound throughout our communities. There are endless ways in which the huge sum of money can be used to truly benefit the Belizean people. The National Sport Council needs some of those funds to help promote sports in the country. Presently the council can't help the youth of Belize with a simple ball much less a set of sporting gears. The public clinics in the urban and rural areas of the nation can also use some of those funds to have basic supplies like flu medication, syringes, cotton, aspirin, dehydration salts, and bedding supplies in stock. Some of the big bucks the government is wasting on weekly political propaganda advertisements can also be used to promote education in the country. That can be done by assisting primary schools with textbooks for students, teaching aids, and suitable furniture to enable the children to sit properly to learn their work instead of relying on teachers to bear more and more of such cost out of their small salaries. Students attend XX HACIA Democracy Summit in Panama Students of the Belize High School attended the Harvard Association Cultivating Inter-American Democracy (HACIA) Summit held this year in Panama City, Panama from March 13-16, 2014. According to a Brief History of HACIA Democracy, it was established twenty years ago on May, 1994, by two undergrad students and, Jason Price, a teacher at the International School of Panama, who envisioned a political simulation focused specifically on issues of the Americas. Now in 2014, twenty years later, the conference returned not only to the same country and city, but to the same hotel, Hotel El Panam�, to celebrate the Twentieth Summit of the Americas. Organizers of the event noted that HACIA Democracy has become the "most diverse simulation of the Inter-American System in the world with more than 600 delegate attendees from over 30 schools from all over the hemisphere." A Father's Love in Raising a Daughter When I was younger, at least once a month, my younger sister and I would take the train into New York City by ourselves to meet our dad for lunch. We began these get-togethers around ages 13 and 11, respectively. It was during these luncheons that we learned the importance of developing relationships with men, because our father was our first date. During these one-hour luncheons, dad would allow us to choose a restaurant near his job. Sis and I would arrive at his job promptly at noon. Because he frowned on us not being on time, we made sure that we were never late. We enjoyed spending time with him, and he enjoyed our funny personalities and all the stories we told him. We could talk about everything and anything. Our father had the traditional role of a parent who was present in our lives; he gave us "father love." After we arrived at his job, the security department called his office to introduce us. He told the person to send us up to the 15th floor and he introduced us to his co-workers. We were constantly reminded to call everyone by Mr., Miss, Ms., or Mrs. He would brag to his colleagues about our latest achievements, and they would acknowledge how brave we were to take the one-hour train ride into the city by ourselves. They commented on how clean we looked and how mannerly we were, and they always wanted to know how well we were doing in school. One of our dad's favorite co-workers was a lady by the name of Ms. Nancy. Ms. Nancy was a secretary who loved to chew gum and who always had a beehive hairstyle. She looked like she lived in the 50s, or maybe the 50s never left her. We always enjoyed our conversations with her until we left at 1p.m. for our luncheon date. How Big-H changed Belize's Coconut Fortunes Big H launched its fresh bottled natural coconut water at the Agricultural Show in 1998. Before this�coconut production in Belize was falling rapidly�especially since a disease called "lethal yellowing" was rapidly disseminating the coconut palms. The sale of dried coconut was still vibrant, since housewives still used it to make home-made coconut milk for use in baking creole bread and preparing the popular "rice and beans". A small amount was used in cottage industries to make coconut oil. However, even this was in decline, since importers started to bring coconut milk powder in convenient sachets for a rather inexpensive price�and they also imported large amounts of coconut oil already packed for retail sale. Today, this imported milk powder has almost completely displaced the grating of dried local coconuts. If Big H had not successfully introduced and marketed its coconut water�coconut production in Belize would have continued its decline, and today production would probably be negligible. AMAZIN GRACE: If you see your Brother standing by the road I like to observe things. Those who recognize my habit of reading past the actions and words of a person to the heart, often call my talent of observing: discernment. Those who become uncomfortable at my perceptions call me 'interfering'. Either way, I enjoy getting lost in my environment; noticing how people interact when they feel no one is watching. One common occurrence I see is the common man or woman's reaction to homeless people. I once saw a man sneer at the dirty, homeless man as he sat in his wheelchair begging outside a popular stationary providing establishment. The average person barely gives homeless people a thought or a prayer, but thankfully God is not so cold in His regard. There are several arguments why the homeless people are given such cool and often cruel receptions by passersby. Often times, homeless people can trace their current troubles back to some kind of addiction, whether it be gambling or drugs. No child grows up thinking, "yeah, I wanna be homeless and poor". No youth expects their prospective job opportunities to include begging on the streets. Circumstances, however, can drive a person to cross boundaries that they would normally not have toed. Despite knowing that every poor soul on the street has a story, homeless people are more often than not seen as less than. Their worth as human beings are written off based on their seemingly lack of contribution to society. Citizens irate over removal of airport seats Numerous complaints have been received by the BELIZE TIMES about the sudden removal of seats from inside the Phillip S. W. Goldson International Airport public waiting area. There has been no explanation for the decision, but it has terribly inconvenienced passengers and visitors to the airport. In particular, senior citizens who must now sit outside the terminal or make their way upstairs to the waving gallery for a seat to rest their feet. Maya Leaders Correct US Capital's Attorney On March 27th, 2014, US Capital through its attorney Michael Peyrefitte gave an interview to the various media houses where he boldly stated with certainty that, 'The only time this matter [US Capital oil activities] was brought to court was when there was an issue as to what cut the Mayan leadership would get from this.' He went further, 'The Mayas should be just as honest [as the teachers] with the people of Belize and say their only issue with this case is their cut of the pie.' In the corporate world everything is about money. This is what, as a People, we need to understand about oil companies and perhaps that accounts for the attorney's uninformed and offensive statement. When the Maya people say land rights, they hear money. When the Maya people demand for consultation, they hear money. However, when we talk about our culture, the environment, right relations, they hear nothing. For a corporation, it is always about money, so of course negotiations with them include discussions about money. This perhaps is the only part of the relationship that the company (and the government) is able to understand. This exemplifies the reasons behind why it is essential for the court's support to assist the Mayas in protecting everything that is important to us - our culture, environment, AND economic interests that are protected by the constitution and the Petroleum Act. In addition, Article 32 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples also affords us these rights. A stranger in Finny's home Mesopotamia's disgraceful Area Representative is well known for his crass behavior and lack of respect for women, but it now seems that his disrespect is coming home to roost. The Finny one is not only suffering from his back, but also from some serious blues and bad macobi. He even had to complain to his Papa Dean, who told him to do something drastic about his problem. Papa Dean told Finny that they can't afford anymore scandals from none a unuh. Penner, Jon Jon Saldivar, Castro and Faber are enough embarrassments for the UDP. To try and quiet the noise the bukut Minister is said to have offered to pay a well known gang leader $54,000 to please stay away from his house. But the word is that there is still a stranger in Finny's home. Blogs THE HOTEL RE-Opens on Ambergris Caye, Belize "The Hotel" was built as a high-end resort and has been in the works for about five years. It is located just over the bridge on a very pretty lagoon side piece of property and has stunning ocean and lagoon/sunset views. Two years ago, it was almost complete. Molly Malone's, an Irish bar (the owner is an American Irishman) opened. A New York style deli and wine bar were announced. My heart soared. NY STYLE DELI? Yesterday, I stopped by with friends for lunch. I got very little scoop�only that the place still looks beautiful (but need some serious clean up and finishing) and that the original owner is going to finish the construction and the hotel rooms. Here is what I saw. (And my pictures are taken with an IPhone 4s�my lost camera seems to be SUPER SADLY permanently lost. I am not getting over this one easily.) The lobby. Tres chic. Though I'm not quite sure about the Marilyn Monroe and James Dean pictures. But who am I? Belize Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie to Resign Soon, Sources Say Could general elections be imminent in Belize or is it wishful thinking on the part of the growing numbers who are disenchanted with the Barrow administration? That is what sources within the Belize Police Department say the impending resignation of Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie suggests. A source from within the Department confirmed to NBZLive on Saturday morning that Whylie's letter of resignation has already been written but has not been submitted as yet. But don't shed any tears for the ComPol because his actions are solely motivated by self preservation. Whylie, we are told is making the move to secure his pension since he may not have a job under a PUP administration. With a writ of mandamus hanging on to him, Whiley would lose whatever he has accrued in benefits for his years of service, thus his decision. Remember back in February, Prime Minister said that he may have to make the difficult decision a second early elections because of the scandals rocking his administration? International Sources Pilot Captures Crazy-Surreal Photo Series By Basically Just Sticking His Camera Out The Cockpit Alex MacLean is used to seeing the world from up high. The photographer is also a licensed pilot, and he's spent years "sticking his camera out the cockpit" of a small Cessna 182, snapping what he sees below. The result is an astounding photo essay that pits man-made civilization against nature, animals against industry, and humans against the forces that, from above, are clearly mightier than we'll ever be. Could Fairies Be Real? Alleged Real-Life Fairy Photos, Fairy Sightings Roland, 79: "While doing a development in Belize where we had to clear roads and paths through the forest of Malacate Beach. One bright morning, no clouds or fog, while at work doing that clearing of bush, a fairy approximately 6 inches long wearing a black and green vest was flying toward me about shoulder height right in eye sight. It seemed as though he was coming straight at me � Then I noticed about 3 feet behind him was a large black bird that was on his � [tail] trying to catch him. "I could feel what he was saying even though I could not hear what he was saying and it was help me, help me, help me. But it happened so fast, my mind could not get into action in the split seconds that this accrued. And last I seen he was flying into the forest with this big black bird even closer behind him. "This took place 15 years ago on the Beach area of Malacate in Belize. I constantly remember this young fairy's flight and he hope he got away but I doubt it." CCJ rules against doctor in case of child developing cerebral palsy The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has dismissed an appeal by a Belizean-based doctor against a lower court ruling that he failed to follow procedure sanctioned as the proper practice for an obstetrician during the pregnancy of a woman who later gave birth to a child with cerebral palsy. The five-member panel of the CCJ said it had also ordered costs against Dr Raju Meenaalli in the case that also involved doctor-patient relationship. The Court heard that Georgia Matute had visited the clinic of Dr Meenavalli, an obstetrician and gynaecologist after she discovered that she was pregnant. The Court was told that at the time she informed Dr Meenavalli that her last menstrual period (LPM) occurred on April 27, 2000, but the doctor ignored her instructions and noted that her LMP was March 27, 2000. Consequently, he proceeded on the basis of an erroneous LMP which led to Matute's premature delivery of the baby, Janae Matute, which eventually caused Janae's development of cerebral palsy. REVEALED: How the Pope begged Margaret Thatcher to abandon the Falklands in 1982 NEWLY uncovered documents have revealed how the Vatican tried to convince Margaret Thatcher to abandon the Falklands at the height of the war with Argentina. Pope John Paul II made the private plea during his visit to the United Kingdom, the first by a reigning pontiff, in 1982. Though officially an "honest broker" between both sides, he expressed his fear that a military defeat for Argentina would mean the toppling of its right-wing military dictatorship in favour of a left-wing government, which would allow the Soviet Union more dominance in the region. However a top-secret memorandum, uncovered after 32 years, shows how Mrs. Thatcher held her ground, saying Argentina's forces should "go home and leave the Queen's people and Queen's territory". Already facing mounting casualties and pressure from the US, the Prime Minster rebuffed any talk of compromise because "there could be no compromise between right and wrong", stating that: "while war was a terrible evil, there were worse things including the extinction of all that one believed in". IMF: Latin America and the Caribbean in low gear in 2014 On Tuesday April 8, 2014, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) released its World Economic Outlook (WEO). From the discussions, the IMF believes that the global economy will be supported by the stronger performance of the advanced economies, particularly that of the United States. Expectations for an improved economic outturn in the United States is likely to outstrip the weakness in some of the emerging markets, such as some of the infamous BRIC economies as well as weakness in Japan and Europe. Overall World Output growth of 3.6 per cent is projected for 2014, further increasing to 3.9 per cent in 2015 from 2013's growth of 3.0 per cent. Indeed, expectations for the emerging market and developing economies are muted, when compared to previous years, with growth of 4.9 per cent forecasted for 2014 and 5.3 per cent for 2015. In 2012, output in these economies was registered at 5.0 per cent. Videos Video: Glimpse of Belizean Fashion Designer - Joris Hendrik Fashion Show Video: Vu sur Terre Belize, 26min. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4wBi0lNuDg, 2min. We drove out to Caracol by ourselves and ran into a friend,that we had never met, One of those facebook things that happens to us more and more, especially in Belize.. to all our friends and fellow Youtubers. thank you for help us hit the One Million viewers mark a bit ago without all your help it would not have been possible Video: Colinda Cabanas, Caye Caulker, Belize, 1min. Caye Caulker is a small limestone coral island off the coast of Belize in the Caribbean Sea measuring about 5 miles (8.0 km) (north to south) by less than 1 mile (1.6 km) (east to west). Video: Travel Cooking with Bruce ~ Conch Ceviche from San Pedro, Belize!, 6min. Today, Bruce shows us how to make Green Curry Coconut Shrimp, AND Fried Shrimp Dumplings. [Yes! A double feature!] We are again in San Pedro, on our beloved island, gorgeous Ambergris Caye in Belize, Central America. The dumplings are leftovers from the 'Travel Cooking with Bruce:Shrimp Dumplings in San Pedro' Episode. Video: Cave tubing in Belize, 5min.