Sunday, February 28, 2021 - Vol. 24 No. 9 - Previous Issues
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Page 2 The GuardIan Sunday, February 28, 2021 GOB’S Manza-Malice can cost millions The vindictiveness of five days administrative leave Now that the MoHW has disappearance of two children, the John-Briceño-led PUP effective Tuesday. He was being accused the DHS, an agent of Mayan villagers of San Marcos government may soon cost the investigated for misconduct. The the state, of being responsible Village burnt down the place Belizean taxpayers millions in nature of the misconduct being for causing the deaths of those they believed the children were damages stemming from wrongful dereliction of duties. According persons, their families could being held, which was a crocodile death lawsuits. These wrongful to our sources, Dr. Manzanero now sue the government for recovery compound outside of PG deaths could come because of the is being blamed for the number wrongful death. Law suits from Town. Prior to the burning down PUP’s fixation on getting rid of the of COVID-19 deaths going up. those 300+ families could run of the property, approximately Director of Health Services Dr. He allegedly refused to take up us into the hundreds of millions. 100 armed villagers visited the Marvin Manzanero. On Tuesday an offer from BAHA for them to Already there is legal precedent Punta Gorda Police Station and of this week, the CEO Minister conduct Covid-19 testing at their for such legal actions because demanded that police accompany of Health and Wellness wrote lab in an effort to have a shorter back in August 2010, there was them there. They ended up going to Dr. Manzanero informing turnaround time for testing during a situation in the Toledo District, by themselves, and because him that he was being place on the second quarter of 2020. whereby two weeks after the police didn’t show up when they said they would, a small group Armed robbery at Lark Caye went on the compound and burnt it down. It was not until after the property, ‘American Crocodile In recent months, there has Gusenbauer on Friday, February p.m. when he saw three or four Sanctuary’, was completely burnt been an increase in the number 1, 2021. But it was not until a men, all of dark complexion, down, that the police showed up of piracy incidents and both the number of Facebook posts stating creeping outside his home. They and detained the mob. Along with Police and Coast Guard have that he had been shot made it gained access to the home by the destruction of the property become more active in their to the public that the police firing shots at his glass windows. 13 of the 18 crocodiles on the efforts to diminish the attacks. became aware of the situation. Gusenbauer locked himself property were killed. Commissioner of Police Chester Gusenbauer wrote several pleas inside his bathroom but the men The owners then filed legal Williams commented on these to the public and to the police fired shots at the door. They action against the government. occurrences, explaining that it for assistance and within an hour, demanded money and fearing for That matter went to the Supreme seems to be three groups working the police had made their way to his life and safety, Gusenbauer Court and two years later in August within southern Belize to carry the island. They met someone complied. They were able to of 2012, the Supreme Court ruled out these crimes. Some persons waving from a window of a make off with items including that the Security Forces who known to police have been two-storey building where they an undisclosed amount of cash were agents of the state, should arrested for fisheries offenses as met at least two glass windows as well as the keys to his boat, have done more to stop the mob well as being members of gangs. completely shattered. After Private Haven. They used this from torching the property and He further stated that two of making their way inside the boat to make their way off the held the Government liable the groups seem to specifically home, they found Gusenbauer island after firing shots in his to pay compensation to Vince operate between the Stann Creek with a gunshot wound to the direction, one of which caused and Cherie Rose, the owners of District and Honduras. buttock. He was transported to his injury. Police have since the property. The Government One of the most recent of and stabilized at the Southern been able to recover the boat appealed that decision and these incidents took place exactly Regional Hospital for treatment near Sittee Point but not before two years later, the Court of in the Stann Creek District, six to his injuries and has since been the men managed to remove the Appeal upheld the decision of miles off the Placencia Peninsula. visited by the COMPOL, as are boat’s engines. Police further the Supreme Court. At the time, Armed robbers descended on many shooting victims. conducted searches for evidence the owners of the property were Lark Caye, owned by the 46- Gusenbauer has since in the area where the boat was asking for just over $900,000 in year-old victim of this crime reported to police that he was found as well as other fishing compensation. and retired Austrian, Christian inside his home at around 6:45 camps. The Guardian Protecting Freedom Rights Democracy Editor: Alfonso Noble ADVERTISING Louis Thompson Compositor: Kristen Jimenez Reporter: Jem Smith RECEPTIONIST/ACCOUNTS CLERK Vanessa Gillett Published by The Guardian Newspaper Limited Cor. Ebony St. & Bel China Bridge, P. O. Box 1898 Belize City, Belize Telephone: 207-5346, 207-5347 Fax: 227-5343 E-mail: guardbze2017@gmail.com or guardian@btl.net Website: www.guardian.bz Printed by The Guardian Press Cor. Ebony St. & Bel China Bridge, P. O. Box 1898 Belize City, Belize
Page 3 The GuardIan Sunday, February 28, 2021 Half a million for Contract officers in Office of the Prime Minister In the run up to the General scale as Polanco is Marcelino will be an advisor. We are not he is. All his hard work in the Elections, the PUP took umbrage Avila, who for the same salary as certain who he will be advising early mornings seems to have to the number of contract officers Polanco, was rehired on contract and on what matter as there is no meant nothing. So while he is that were hired by the UDP also last year to be a Senior Policy ministry under which he falls. He more talented than those who administration and pledged to Advisor in the Office of the Prime apparently is just an all-around will never be hired by the PUP, not do the same. Well, it is easier Minister and Cabinet. Again, the talented individual. it seems that the Animal Farm said than done as immediately lack of talent within that ministry With all the hiring taking still applies. after the elections they had to has forced the government to place, there apparently will be Staying in the public find a place for the talented few supplement the little talent there much more clerical work to be relations arena the Ministry Belizeans that are out there who is by placing a $76,340.00 burden done, so two new Executive of Finance has hired Michelle happen to be affiliated with the on the Belizean taxpayers. Assistants in the Office of the Yvonne Rodriguez for a salary PUP. Diana Price Murillo is yet Prime Minister were hired. of $27,403.00. Based on a document of another hire costing $64,410.00. These are Graciana Nah who There are also a number of new hires forwarded to the She too was brought on in the will earn $40,000.00 and Solymar Drivers and Minister’s Aides Guardian Newspaper, there have Office of the Prime Minister and Angeles Itzab, who apparently is hired like Bernardo Guadencio been a marathon of hires in the Cabinet as an Administrative being short changed, receiving Bennett in the Ministry of various ministries. Some of the Officer I. We are not certain $39,600.00 Human Development, Families more amorphous and needless if Alex Peter Vega will be a We are hard pressed to figure and Indigenous Affairs for positions are all contract officers. kind of teacher to the talentless out how a social worker fits $31,200.00. Karim Adle is also Among some of the hires is individuals in Cabinet but we do in the portfolio of the Prime one of those Aides receiving Digno Polanco, who was hired know that he is being hired for a Minister’s Office but there he is $24,000.00 in the Ministry of on contract last year as a Senior significant $63,600.00 as a Safe Emanuel Alejandro Yama who Health and Wellness. Jervis Technical Advisor in the Ministry School Coordinator within the will serve as a Social Worker Jevon Banner has also been hired of Agriculture, Food Security and Office of the Prime Minister and for $22,680.00 in the Office of at $24,000.00 as a Minister’s aide Enterprise. He is being paid a Cabinet. the Prime Minister and Cabinet. in the Ministry of Infrastructure whopping $76,340.00 in salary. Then there is Ian Beresford All told these positions will Development and Housing. By Apparently, there is not enough Courtenay, who for $54,900.00 be costing the government an all appearances, this minister talent within the ministry that this will be a Senior Officer in additional $421,530 during the has a lot of aiding that is needed gentleman had to be rehired. Investment & E-Governance in most financially trying times this as another Henry Moreira has It appears that the Office the Office of the Prime Minister country has ever seen. been hired for $24,000.00. Also of the Prime Minister was and Cabinet. But the story is far from needing aid is the Minister of also in much need of talent A position which caught being done here. The hiring of Home Affairs and New Growth and subsequently had a number our attention was that of Evan needless individuals continued Industries who hired Susana of persons hired. On the same Hugh Tillett who for $60,000 across ministries. Manuel Matus Daniels for $24,000.00. Jr. secured a post as Director The secretarial pool in the Projects and Programme in the government service seemed Ministry of Health and Wellness to not be good enough for the for $40,000.08 a year. Sonia new ministers and so Sherwin Lissette Blanco is now an Kent Garcia was hired in the Instructor in the Ministry of Ministry of Home Affairs for Education, Culture, Science $24,891.00. The same applies and Technology receiving to the Ministry of Infrastructure $36,720.96. Development and Housing where While those positions are new, Christie Racquel Reyes and Fiona so too are the positions of various Elvia Gillet were both hired for public relations officers. As we $24,891.00 each. understood it the Government Some other hires which has a press office, which deals seemed odd to us are Obidio with all matters related to public Estrada, who is now the relations. It seems that there Assistant Technical Supervisor are ministries who need to do in the Ministry of Infrastructure their own thing such as the Development and Housing; Ministry of Agriculture, Food he will work for a contract of Security and Enterprise, who $28,056.00. Geoffrey Anthony for redundancy’s sake rehired Waight was hired as Project Luis Pook as Communications Manager in the Ministry of Health Director for a $36,000 contract. and Wellness for $20,406.96. Then you have the man who Wrapping up this list is Samuel is as old as time, Omar Silva, Calles who for $19,641.12 is some who for a $27,403.00 contract kind of Building Superintendent becomes the Public Relations in the Ministry of Infrastructure Officer in the Ministry of Development and Housing. Home Affairs and New Growth Other hires that caught Industries. He cannot be too our attention were 22 drivers/ happy, after all his counterpart, handymen, who were hired Pook, is being paid far more than across all ministries. See News 207-5346 in the Guardian Making? Newspaper Call the Guardian
Page 4 The GuardIan Sunday, February 28, 2021 Is Manza’ Double Dipping PUP Style Misconduct a Joke? It would seem that Johnny vehicles are assigned to the Briceño learned well from Said individual Ministries and then Musa, who had infamously they get to be ferried around claimed that “sometimes a leader in them while claiming that has to lie”. Regrettably though, they don’t have an assigned Johnny has apparently taken it to government vehicle? another level. We can recall what And then how does that the media in the US did by having work? Do they still get a big fat some sort of Trump-o-meter to vehicle allowance and all the fuel keep count of all of Trump’s lies. they want for their private vehicle Similarly, Belizeans will soon on top of having a Ministry’s need to do the same thing to keep vehicle available at their disposal track of all of Johnny’s and the to ferry them around? So are they PUP’s falsehoods. using their own personal vehicle For example, every only for the commute from home opportunity that he gets, Prime to work but government vehicles Minister Briceño says that the take them everywhere else? If UDP left no vehicles for them to that is the case, isn’t that real use but our former Prime Minister double dipping? Dr. Marvin Manzanero the Rt. Hon Dean Barrow just L a t e l y, t h e P M w a s Contributed of approximately 2,182 PCRs testified last week that something complaining about public officers The rumor mills and at the central lab waiting to be like 19 vehicles were parked at who retire and then are rehired Facebook are running like wild fire processed. People being tested the Vehicle Care Unit for use by for one or two years under a on Director of Health Services, Dr. are not being given their results in the incoming PUP Ministers and contract. He called that “double Marvin Manzanero’s suspension. time. This has contributed to the CEOs when they took office. dipping”. But how can that be Reportedly, he has been placed spread of COVID. Despite a clear We have all grown tired of double dipping when these public on five days administrative leave offer from BAHA and the IAEA in hearing Johnny, Julius Espat, officers earned their retirement effective Monday. In a letter from April to assist with PCR testing to Andre Perez and others keep on and, in many cases, are rehired his CEO, Dr. Manzanero was the MOH, this offer was not taken claiming that they are using their because of their skills, expertise told that he is being investigated up. Our government hospitals are own personal vehicle, or golf and experience? for misconduct. The misconduct not fully ready to deal with a surge cart in the case of Andre Perez. Before he starts accusing arises from accusations that he in cases should the need arise, this They insist that they do not have hard-working public officers has contributed to the number of is despite the fact that the MOH a government vehicle assigned of double dipping, the Prime COVID-19 mortalities by failing had ample time to rectify and to them. However, we can still Minister needs to look at himself to take up BAHA on an offer to address these gaps. The Ministry see them being ferried around and his Ministers. Rehiring retired use their lab to speed up testing of Finance reduced the budget for in apparently newly purchased public officers doesn’t even results. all ministries including MOH by government vehicles with blue compare to the apparent double This latest development 40% and this is despite the fact plates. dipping that the PUP might be seems to signal a new level that MOH is required to respond to Case in point, just last doing with using their private of frustration and desperation the pandemic. Overtime for health Friday evening, PM Briceño was vehicles as well as apparently within the Ministry of Health and care workers was cut, there were seen getting into an apparently having government Ministry Wellness. It is outright disgraceful restriction place on the hiring of brand new black SUV with blue rides available at their disposal. and an abuse of power, not to staff, there are limited masks and government license plates outside The Belizean taxpayers and mention a clear violation of PPEs for health care workers.” his office at Mile 3 on the Philip public officers who are currently The Public Service Regulations While we are not possessed Goldson Highway as he was being threatened with wage cuts revised edition 2014 (PSR), Part with the date the offer was made, we about to head to the airport to fly need answers on that. Perhaps 10 which speaks to Discipline of can safely say the Ministry knew to Punta Gorda. the Prime Minister can answer Public Officers. of the incident since November 26 So is this the ‘whap’ being that question at his first press Section 81 subsection 3(a) 2020. According to PSR 81 (3)(a), attempted on the Belizean conference whenever he drums says, “the Chief Executive Officer the Ministry had two weeks from taxpayers? So maybe they do up enough courage to actually shall submit the case of alleged November 26 2020 to take action not have the vehicles assigned have one and face the nation? misconduct to the Commission and they did not. The Ministry to themselves but instead the within two weeks from the date therefore cannot now come three the alleged misconduct occurs.” Research of news clips at months later and lay misconduct charges. They have missed their Clean sweep firing at San Antonio Polyclinic 7newsbelize.com shows that the opportunity and now seeks to Minister of Health and Wellness create mischief. possessed knowledge of the non- If we should take this acceptance of the BAHA offer allegation serious, it may fall Since taking office in in the far reaches of the Toledo since November 26 2020, and under PSR 82 (1)(d), negligence November of last year, the new District. did absolutely nothing about it. in the performance of duties, a PUP administration has been on The Guardian Newspaper February 23, 2021 falls three minor misconduct. Under the PSR an apparent never-ending rampage was informed that two drivers, days short of 3 months since the minor misconduct is subject to the of firing persons throughout two security officers and an Minister of Health and Wellness following penalties: ministries and statutory bodies. administrative data entry clerk have told the world about it. See (i) caution; (ii) surcharge; The most recent report reaching been fired from the San Antonio transcript of news clip below. (iii) fine; or (iv) suspension of the Guardian Newspaper tells us Polyclinic in the Toledo District. Chebat On Current COVID increment; that the firings continue. This time, The firings by all indications Readiness posted (November 26, or the reports are out of the Ministry are politically motivated as new 2020) by way of 7newsbelize. refer the public officer to the of Health and Wellness where persons are already being sought com following programmes (i) coaching Belizeans are being victimized to fill the positions. Hon. Michel Chebat - or mentorship programme; or (ii) Minister of Health and Wellness: employee assistance programme The Guardian online at “Currently there is a backlog under Regulation 206. www.guardian.bz
Page 6 The GuardIan Sunday, February 28, 2021 Swearing In of Diaz-Musa’s not the Elections and qualified to be DHS Boundaries Commission The Public Services Commission (PSC) met on (3) Where more than one public officer is eligible for Friday, February 19 for the appointment to act in a post, such first time since the change of public officers may be rotated to administration. One of the items act during the period of acting. on the agenda for consideration The regulations go even was the appointment of Dr. further at Section 38 (1) where it Melissa Diaz-Musa as the new categorically states that, “a public Director of Health Services officer shall not be promoted (DHS). She has been acting in to a post for which he is not that position since mid-December qualified. when she was given the post A layman’s reading of the as the DHS was on sick leave, regulations then, tells us that suffering from Covid-19. Diaz-Musa cannot legally hold After meeting on the matter, the position of DHS. By our the PSC did not appoint Diaz- investigations, she is not qualified Musa as the DHS since the post is to hold the post. As we understand not vacant. Notwithstanding that, it she holds a Bachelor’s Degree Elections and Boundaries Commission sworn in the public services regulations are in medicine and surgery from the Belmopan. February 24, the Elections and Boundaries clear on how an appointment can University of the West Indies. The 2021. 2:45 p.m. At a brief Commission is responsible for take place. post requires the holder to be a ceremony held this morning the direction and supervision Section 27 of the regulations practicing medical practitioner as in Belmopan, the Governor of the registration of voters as states that: well as hold a post graduate degree General H.E. Sir Colville Young well as the conduct of elections, (1) The Commission shall in public health or equivalent swore in the newly appointed referenda and all matters not allow a public officer who is with an additional eight years in members of the Elections and connected with such matters. The appointed to act in a vacant post, experience. No matter how long Boundaries Commission. Commission cannot be subjected to act for more than one year Dr. Musa has been practicing, The members are: to the command or limited by if that public officer meets the she has no experience with a post Mr. Oscar Sabido Puga, any other person or authority. criteria under regulations 38 for graduate degree because she has Chairman This body is accountable to the promotion to that vacant post. none. Mr. Orlando Espat provisions of the Constitution (2) The commission may Even further was that Diaz- Mr. Conrad Lewis and must act in accordance with appoint a public officer to act in a Musa was not in line for the Mrs. Phillipa Griffith Bailey the Representation of the People post that is not vacant for which promotion as there were other Mr. Alberto August Act or any other law, rule or he is qualified, for a specified persons that ought to have been As dictated by Section regulation relating to elections. period. considered for the position. 88(13) of the Constitution, -Press Release- Public Services Commission Former Lands Minister unaware of sale of Dolphin resumes functions Park reserve On Friday February 19, the Public Services There is much consternation Commission (PSC) met after in the public over the sale of a being at odds with the new portion of a sea front reserve Briceño government since the land in the Caribbean Shores elections on November 11, Area. It abuts the Dolphin Park 2020. Since that election, there in Belize City and was reserved was only one meeting held by as far back as October 2007. The the PSC where they met with process of acquiring the reserve the Chief Executive Officer Charles Gibson, chairman public began in January 2020 and was and the Minister of the Public services commission completed in June of the same Service. At that meeting, the The situation remained as such year. commission members were up until February 19 when the A few days ago, the owner of told to step aside in order to commission met to review the property, Teck Multi-Service give the new administration files that had been referred to Limited, moved to subdivide the opportunity to appoint their them. the property and demarcate it, representatives to sit on the Among those files were at much to the dismay of the West commission. The commission least 98 requests for pension Landivar Action Committee, was none too pleased with the by public officers that had which had fought for the land request and did not heed to reached retirement age as well to be reserved. That committee it. They remained in office, as two very live issues. These has now sought legal advice and Construction at Dolphin Park reserve contending that they were included the appointment of a a letter of cease and desist has added that this is something that constitutionally appointed for new Director of Health Services been written to the new owner. he would never countenance as a period of two years and they and the appointment of a new We reached out to former the Minister especially because would live out that appointment. Comptroller of Customs. Minister of Natural Resources, of the significance of the piece Hon. Hugo Patt to find out how of land both for environmental The Guardian online at it was that the land could have been sold by government and he and aesthetic reasons. He said he would like to find out how it www.guardian.bz told us he was not aware of how this could have happened. He was that the land was transferred to the new owner.
Page 7 The GuardIan Sunday, February 28, 2021 Economy declined 13.1% Imports down, domestic in fourth quarter 2020 exports up in January 2021 Gross Domestic Product The Statistical Institute of Water’ industry. Imports and Domestic Exports Belize’s (SIB) preliminary fourth In summation, preliminary For the month of January unchanged when compared to quarter Gross Domestic Product annual estimates for 2020 indicate 2021, Belize imported goods exports of last January. This (GDP) estimates showed that, that the economy contracted valuing almost $131.9 million. was despite a marked decline during the months of October to by 14 percent during the year, This represented an 18% or a $29 in exported quantities of this December 2020, the overall level with the total value of goods and million decrease from the same commodity, as the first month of production for the country services produced in the country month in 2020, when imports of 2021 saw improved prices of Belize declined by 13.1% in falling from $2,880.9 million in totaled $160.8 million. According for sugar on the world market. comparison to the same three 2019 to $2,475.1 million in 2020. to the Statistical Institute of Belize Animal feed experienced a more months in 2019. The total value Throughout most of the year, the (SIB), this decrease was caused pronounced increase during of goods and services produced country suffered the devastating by the following. Imports fell the month, with revenues from within the country for this period economic effects of COVID- across most commodity categories this product growing from $0.4 stood at $592.6 million, down 19, which hit the tertiary sector during the month, with decreased million in January 2020 to over $2 $89.6 million from $682.2 million particularly hard and greatly expenditures on ‘Mineral Fuels million in January 2021. Marine produced in the fourth quarter of overshadowed growth experienced and Lubricants’, ‘Machinery and products, on the other hand, 2019. in the primary and secondary Transport Equipment’ and goods recorded the most noticeable The services sector remained sectors during the second half destined for ‘Commercial Free decrease from among major the most severely impacted by of the year, as the country began Zones’ accounting for most of this exports, falling from $4.3 million COVID-19, decreasing by 18.8% to recover from the prolonged decline. Despite these downturn in January 2020 to $2.7 million during the fourth quarter. Despite dry weather conditions of 2019. in overall imports, the categories in January 2021, due mainly the reopening of the international International travel resumed in of ‘Beverages and Tobacco’ and to an almost 50% reduction in airport to international travelers in October 2020; however, tourist ‘Designated Processing Areas’ exported quantities of lobster October of 2020, only a marginal arrival numbers, which had both grew notably during the tails during the month. Earnings number of tourist arrivals were dwindled to near zero for much month, by $5 million and $1.4 from citrus products went down recorded. Additionally, significant of the year, remained extremely million, respectively. by almost $0.5 million, from $2.4 decreases were seen in the low. During the second quarter of Total domestic exports for million to $1.9 million, the result ‘Wholesale and Retail Trade’ 2020, the largest quarterly GDP January 2021 amounted to $16.2 of decreased exports of orange and ‘Transport, Storage and decline to date was recorded, as million, up a negligible 1.1% or concentrate and lower world Communication’ industries as the economy contracted by 23%, $0.2 million when compared to market prices for this commodity. well as in ‘Taxes on Products’. On mainly due to decreases within exports for January 2020, which Revenues from bananas, likewise, the other hand, the primary sector the services sector. This rapid were valued at $16 million. declined marginally in the month, increased by 0.6%, attributed decline in tertiary activities was Sugar exports amounted to $1.3 falling by $0.2 million from $5.7 to growth within agricultural also evident in a reduction in million in January of this year, million in January of last year to industries, while the secondary the sector’s relative contribution with earnings remaining virtually $5.5 million in January 2021. sector expanded by 22.5%, mainly to total GDP for the year, when due to a rise in the ‘Electricity and compared to previous years. Children will return More for the Belizean to school soon people: increases in It has now been just under a year since the coronavirus a phased approach at restarting in-person learning. He says that price for premium, pandemic seeped its way into the he believes that there are some country and caused a nationwide groups which need more focus diesel, and kerosene shut down of most services and than others and, as such, expects activities, including schools. that they will be engaging in in- Since then, students have been person learning first. After just over 100 days in $6.46 to $6.75 per gallon; and participating in distance learning, A COVID-19 Education government, the PUP government diesel will increase by 42 cents receiving learning packages Task Force has been appointed has once again announced from $9.20 to $9.62 per gallon. from which they learn and are by the MOE to develop a model increases in the pump prices of Thankfully, the price for regular assessed in some cases. We are for restarting schools. They will fuel effective this Friday. There gasoline will remain unchanged now approaching the start of a focus on students which special will be changes in the prices for at $9.81 per gallon. new school year and we are left education needs and TVET premium gas, diesel, as well as These sharp increases in with the question: when will students in need of specific skills kerosene. Premium gasoline will prices come just after months of schools reopen for in-person trainings. This timeline should increase by 51 cents from $9.89 campaigning on part of the PUP, learning? According to our start by April and be done in time to $10.40 per gallon; kerosene who promised that there would country’s Minister of Education, for September when schools are will increase by 29 cents from not be increases in gas prices. the ministry is looking to take to reopen at all levels.
Page 8 The GuardIan Sunday, February 28, 2021 Consumer Prices rise 1% 1,000 COVID-19 vaccines in January 2021 compared arrive in country to January 2020 Arrival of the donation of 1,000 AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines The donation of 1,000 The AstraZeneca vaccines AstraZeneca COVID-19 falls on the World Health vaccines to Belize from our Organization (WHO) Emergency CARICOM sister country of Use Listing despite not having Consumer Price Index (CPI) Barbados arrived into the country gone through a series of clinical The most recent figures from price reductions in footwear on Wednesday, February 24, trials due to the strength of the the Statistical Institute of Belize’s for women, clothing, and hotel 2021. They arrived at the Philip pandemic. For now, it can only (SIB) monthly Consumer Price accommodation rates. Goldson International Airport by be used on persons 18 years and Index (CPI) survey show that, While inflation rates are cargo flight at the airport where older and has a six-month shelf for the first month of the year in generally calculated as the they were officially received by life and 70.4% efficacy. So far, 2021, the All-Items CPI stood at percent change in prices for representatives of the Ministry there have been no COVID-19 101.3, an overall increase of 1% specific items between the of Health and Wellness. These related admissions after use from 100.2 in the first month of current time period and the first 1,000 doses will be given of this vaccine and there are the year in 2020. This indicates same period of the previous to some 500 willing healthcare most minimal side effects. They that, on average, while prices year, another useful measure for workers in the first instance, who include pain and tenderness at the for some types of goods and tracking short-term changes in will receive two doses that must injection site; headache; fatigue; services increased and others consumer prices is the month- be given within 8-12 weeks. An myalgia; malaise; arthralgia; decreased, the goods and services over-month or inter-monthly official presentation of this first and nausea (flu-like symptoms), most typically purchased by inflation rate, which measures COVID-19 vaccine arrival will be which last around two-days. Side Belizean households cost 1% the percent change in prices done through a press conference effects after the second dose are more in January 2021 than they between the previous month early next week where additional milder. did in January of 2020. This and the current month. During information will then be publicly As mentioned before, the first overall change was the net effect the one-month period between shared. sets of vaccines which come into of higher costs for food items, December 2020 and January Aside from these 1,000 the country will be administered personal care products and home 2021, consumer prices rose by vaccines, Belize continues to willing health care workers and rentals being counteracted by 0.5% on average. its negotiations in procuring other allied health professionals. considerable reductions in prices Across the various additional vaccines for our adult Also in Phase One of distributions for hotel accommodations and categories, ‘Food and Non- population, some 58% of our are persons 60 years and older, fuel. Alcoholic Beverages’ had the total population. The Ministry persons with diverse abilities, A m o n g t h e c o u n t r y ’s most pronounced inter-monthly is also anticipating the arrival of and members of the National municipalities, Punta Gorda change, with an increase of COVAX (COVID-19 Vaccines Assembly and Judiciary. In phase Town experienced the highest 1.1%, primarily as a result of Global Access) vaccines at the two, police officers, customs and rate of increase in consumer higher prices for fresh vegetables end of March or the beginning of immigration officers at ports of prices for January 2021, with and fruits. The ‘Transport’ April but it has been understood entries, persons within the tourism an inflation rate of 2.3%. category saw a 0.9% rise between that this would only provide sector, teachers, transportation Consumers in this municipality December 2020 and January for approximately 30% of workers, and prison guards will saw above average increases in 2021, due mostly to a rise in all the population. The specifics, be included. Phase three includes prices for food, pharmaceutical types of motor vehicle fuels. however, are not final including members of the Belize Defense products, and home rental costs. The ‘Housing, Water, Electricity, a final cost nor number but a Force, Coast Guard, firemen, and Corozal Town, on the other hand, Gas and Other Fuels’ category last allocation is expected soon. utility workers while Phase four recorded the lowest inflation rate, recorded a 0.6% increase over After this, there will be a letter covers all other public officers. with prices going down by 0.2% the one-month period, as higher to the Pan American Health Lastly, in phase five, persons 18- on average when compared to LPG prices were recorded in Organization (PAHO) which will 59 years of age who do not fall January 2020. Consumers in this January 2021 when compared to work with COVAX to determine in categories 1 through 4 will be town saw greater than average December 2020. costs and purchasing. vaccinated.
Page 9 The GuardIan Sunday, February 28, 2021 MOU signed for Good Governance Curriculum The Ministry of the Public of the Senate; Senator Elena Service, Constitutional and Smith; Dr. Osmond Martinez, Political Reform, and the CEO in the Ministry of the Love Foundation signed a Public Service, Constitutional memorandum of understanding and Political Reform; Dr. Rene (MOU) for good governance, Villanueva, Love Foundation’s t r a n s p a r e n c y, a n d e t h i c s Chairman; Deborah Sewell, c u r r i c u l u m a t a n o ff i c i a l Love Foundation’s Managing ceremony on Friday. Director; and Gerald Henry, The curriculum is fully President of the Public Service funded by a grant from the Union. U.S. Government’s Central In her remarks Senator America Regional Security Elena Smith said that the Belize Initiative Economic Support Signing of MOU between the Public Service, Constitutional and Political Reform, N a t i o n a l Te a c h e r ’s U n i o n Funds (CARSI-ESF). and the Love Foundation (BNTU) is very proud of the Work on the curriculum orders of our country. These efficient service.” partnership, as teachers are also began three years ago under initiatives are not merely words. Minister Usher also being trained with the modules. the previous administration and It is a solemn pledge by this remarked that a member of the “It takes a village to raise provides anti-corruption training Government to always govern opposition will now be able to a child…it takes groups of and will be implemented as a in the best interests of our review Government contracts. people to make things work,” component of the mandatory bosses, the people of Belize. A Also present at the ceremony she said. training offered to public officers new era has dawned, an era of were Ambassador Stuart Leslie, The full-fledged course on seeking promotion within the openness, an era of sustainable Cabinet Secretary; Carolyn transparency now on offer offers Belize public service. development, and an era of good Trench-Sandiford, President a maximum of two credits. In his remarks, the U.S. Embassy in Belize’s Chargé d’ Affaires, a.i. Keith Gilges said, “By supporting this memorandum of understanding, the United States is backing Belize’s commitment to improving good governance because we strongly believe that such efforts are instrumental to guaranteeing that economic and social development benefits all people. The United States is proud to have funded this important initiative and we congratulate the Love Foundation and the Ministry of Public Service on the successful culmination of their cooperative efforts.” Keith Gilges also said, “Requiring transparency is at the heart of any Democracy.” H e n r y C h a r l e s U s h e r, Minister of the Public Service, Constitutional and Political Reform said, “Belizeans have entrusted us with a task, insisting that Government lead in setting the example in complying with and conducting all its affairs by respecting the rule of laws as defined in the Constitution, ancillary laws, and government
Page 10 The GuardIan Sunday, February 28, 2021 Pregnant 18-year-old and 12-year-old perish in Coastal Road accident Janet McNab Leea Valencia It was a horrific and tragic Belize District. Police responded accident which has left at least to reports of the accident at two, including the mother to an around 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, unborn baby, dead and many February 20, 2021 and arrived others injured. A group of 22 on scene where they saw the van people were travelling inside a with all four tires in the air. The Crashed Ford Econoline van 10-seater Ford Econoline van group had gone down south for the worst. was six-months pregnant, were from Dangriga to Belize City an annual family trip and it was When the dust settled, 12- fatally injured. Video footage when the van overturned around just friends and family inside the year-old Leea Valencia as well from the scene shows a number Miles 16.5 on the Coastal Road, van when things took a turn for as 18-year-old Janet McNab, who of persons recording the tragic incident. That has caused quite the upset on social media since people have voiced their opinion that the video takers should have instead assisted. Valencia’s mother was inside the van and says that at the time, Leea and two of her other children were on her lap when the van overturned. She lost consciousness and when she came to, her 12-year-old child was under the van. McNab’s family are hurting as well, losing both their loved one and her baby, whose gender was to be learnt soon. Other injured parties were transported to the Southern and Western Regional Hospitals. Police are still working to determine what exactly caused the van to overturn and Sr. Supt. Hilberto Romero, Deputy Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch, says that they are following several theories including the loose gravel on the road. Likewise, when they got on scene, they noticed that at least two of the van’s tires were blown out. According to police, the driver Oscar Gonguez Jr., McNab’s brother-in-law and Valencia’s uncle, refused to provide a specimen for them to determine if he was under the influence. As a result, he will be charged with refusing to provide a specimen. Police are continuing their investigations. For the latest in news - it’s the Guardian!
Page 11 The GuardIan Sunday, February 28, 2021 Governor General Receives PUP against our youths Letters of Credence from New Ambassadors to Belize Allan Kelly, aspiring UDP Belize City Councilor candidate The PUP doesn’t really has now ventured into his own H.E. Sir Colville Young and Archbishop H.E. Fortunatus Nwachukwu want our troubled youths to turn small business Kelly’s Fast Food, their lives around and become which is located in the Holy productive citizens. Proof of that Emmanuel Area (Gungulung). is their attack on Allan Kelly, Being a small business owner who is one of the UDP’s Belize himself, Allan is naturally driven City Councilor candidates. It is to assist other small businesses so hypocritical that the PUP is and those other persons in Belize pointing to the fact that Kelly, City, who may wish to become who has never denied that as a entrepreneurs. youth he gave trouble, and now In attacking Allan Kelly H.E. Sir Colville Young and H.E. Mr. Khaled AbdelRahman Shamaa he has reformed himself to a the People United Party’s point where he is now seeking attack page, ‘The Association office. Kelly is a shining example of Concerned Belizeans’ has of what proper mentorship and attacked one of its own. Do educational opportunities, can they forget that Micah Goodin do for our youth. infamously confessed on ‘I Am “AK” as Kelly is known, Belize’ that he too had taken the always speaks of the fact that wrong path as a youth ? This not only did the Hon. Michael is what Micah said in 2011, “I H.E. Sir Colville Young and H.E. Mrs. Terézia Šajgalíková Finnegan take him off the streets had gotten into drugs use, gang after the 2008 UDP victory and activity and negativity.” Micah gave him a job at the Ministry of is now a sitting City Councillor, Housing, but then Hon Finnegan who is seeking re-election. If also mentored him, kept him out Micah is good enough to be of trouble and encouraged him to elected why should Allan not go back to school. With the help be good enough to be elected to of Ministers Finnegan and Faber, office? Did not both individuals Allan enrolled into the Gwen Liz give trouble in their youth and ACE program, and he graduated then change their lives? in 2016, gaining a High School Check out this piece of Equivalency Certificate. Allan history. ACB, heal thyself. H.E. Sir Colville Young and H.E. Mr. Masaya Fujiwara Tractor crushes CPBL driver A tractor operator for Citrus Products of Belize Limited (CPBL) has lost his life in a freak accident on the job. Juan Garcia, a senior tractor operator, was tasked with spraying one of the company’s orange groves H.E. Sir Colville Young and H.E. Mr. Zvi Tal with herbicides onboard a tractor Belmopan. February 24, Slovak Republic; H.E. Mr. Masaya when he, somehow, got caught 2021. 12:40 p.m. The Governor Fujiwara, non-resident ambassador under the machine and was General of Belize, H.E. Sir Colville of Japan; and H.E. Mr. Zvi Tal, non- crushed to death. It took place Young, virtually received letters of resident ambassador of Israel. on Monday, February 22, 2021 at Mile 12 in Pomona Village, Juan Garcia credence of five new ambassadors The ambassadors thanked the accredited to Belize on Tuesday, Governor General for welcoming Stann Creek and while his family afternoon but when he failed to February 24, 2021. them and expressed their wishes is attempting to come to terms show, the farm’s supervisor set Presenting letters of credence for strengthening bilateral with his death, the police and out to look for him. At around were Archbishop H.E. Fortunatus relations between Belize and their CPBL are trying to ascertain 4:30 p.m., his crushed body Nwachukwu, non-resident respective countries. For his part, what exactly happened. was found under the overturned ambassador of the Holy See; the Governor General welcomed A representative from CPBL tractor he was operating. Both H.E. Mr. Khaled AbdelRahman the ambassadors on behalf of explained that Garcia was given the Police and the health and Shamaa, non-resident ambassador the people and Government of the task to do and was expected safety unit of the company of the Arab Republic of Egypt; Belize and thanked them for their to be done within two hours. As were contacted and both have H.E. Mrs. Terézia Šajgalíková, expressions of cooperation. a result, he was expected back launched an investigation into non-resident ambassador of the -Press release- at work at around 3:30 p.m. that this sudden death.
Page 12 The GuardIan Sunday, February 28, 2021 Creating opportunities at the San Ignacio and Santa Elena Town Council Members of the SISE Child Development Foundation, the Advisory Body and Members Inter-American Development of No. 27 Santa Elena Jaguar Bank and the Government of Scouts of the Scout Association Japan. Such efforts will be of Belize recently went on focused to develop innovative a farm tour at the Research, projects for San Ignacio and Development, and Innovation Santa Elena, ensuring that there Center in Central Farm now is guidance and assistance for being managed by the Ministry small business owners and of Agriculture. The purpose entrepreneurs, coming up with of the tour was to learn about a COVID-19 plan, develop a growing community gardens. new bus terminal and enhance The Community Garden more than 30 streets (including Project is a collaborative project drains and culverts) in flood- between number 27 Santa Elena prone areas. Jaguar Scouts, the San Ignacio Mayor Trapp sincerely and Santa Elena Town Council, believes that it is his duty as and the Child Advisory Body. Mayor to oversee the successful The initiative is to create several implementation of the plans community gardens within San Child Advisory goes on a farm tour in Central Farm that were put forward by the Ignacio and Santa Elena and Council. Working in partnership Government of Belize and residents of San Ignacio and is the focus of a curriculum with varied sectors much can be partners such as UNICEF, the Santa Elena and outlined in that incorporates nutrition, achieved for the Twin Towns. Caribbean Community Climate the Municipal Development public health, horticulture, and During its next term of Change Center, The Government Plan and the Local Economic environmental education. office–if so, granted by the of Taiwan, the Pan American Development Plan. The preceding is one people of San Ignacio and Santa example of a collaborative effort Elena–Mayor Earl Trapp Jr. and NOTICE being undertaken by the San the new Council will increase GLOBAL FLOWER LTD. Ignacio and Santa Elena Town its efforts at working with the OVERSEAS VENTURES LTD. WORLD EQUITIES CORP. Press Freedom Webinar Blue Marlin Investments S.A. (“the Companies”) held in the Caribbean Notice is hereby given that the Companies have been dissolved and struck off the Belize International Corporate Affairs Registry with effect from February 22th, 2021. Orion Corporate & Trust Services Ltd. Registered Agent NOTICE NAPAU LTD. (“the Company”) Notice is hereby given to all interested parties that NAPAU LTD. Webinar held for journalists across the Caribbean incorporated under the Belize IBC Act (Chapter 270), commenced A press freedom Webinar is that “Freedom to speak only dissolution on February 19th, 2021 and María Verónica Iezzi of was held for journalists across the inoffensively is not worth Casado de Alisal, 4, 4 derecha , 28014, Madrid, España is the Caribbean on Wednesday, with having.” Liquidator of the Company. Any claims against the Company should support coming from the Public Latchoo also adds, “We have be forwarded to the Liquidator by March 11th, 2021. Affairs Office at the United States to balance right and freedoms.” Embassy in Barbados. It was held Legal regimens are now OVERSEAS MANAGEMENT COMPANY (BELIZE) LIMITED under the title: “The Challenges being placed in several territories Registered Agent and Status of Press Freedom in in the Caribbean, which protects the Caribbean”. The Guardian from malicious speech. NOTICE Newspaper was a participant at Participants in the Webinar TANENT MANAGEMENT CORP. this event. lauded the reality that media STEVENS MANAGEMENT S.A. Among the presenters was houses are collaborating across (“the Companies”) Justice Kathy Latchoo, who borders, especially with sports was called to the bar 23 years news. Reporters are also reaching Notice is hereby given to all interested parties that TANENT ago in Trinidad and Tobago. out across the region to collaborate MANAGEMENT CORP. and STEVENS MANAGEMENT S.A. Justice Latchoo’s basic tenet on business stories. incorporated under the Belize IBC Act (Chapter 270), commenced Classifieds dissolution on February 19th, 2021, and Mr. Elias Neocleous of 195 Arch. Makarios III Avenue, Neocleous House, 3030 Limassol, Cyprus is the Liquidator of the Companies. Any claims against the Companies should be forwarded to the Liquidator (Email: info@neo. Liquor License Notice - Notice is hereby given that under the Intoxicating Liquor Licence Ordinance Chapter 150 of the Laws of Belize, Revised law and telephone No. +357 25 110110) by March 11th, 2021. Edition 2000, that Maria Lilian Castro is applying for the renewal of a Restaurant Liquor License for the year 2021 to operate “Lilys Restaurant Orion Corporate & Trust Services Ltd. and Bar” located at Maskall Village, Belize District. Registered Agent
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Page 16 The GuardIan Sunday, February 28, 2021 Second charged in Francis Ramos attacks relation to shooting civilian and responding of Jervis Valencia police officer Less than a month ago, An unprovoked chopping an attack was made on the life incident left one man hospitalized of a notorious criminal figure, on Valentine’s Day weekend while Jervis Valencia, also known a responding officer, who came as Jervis Diamond. Even after under attack himself, was lucky being shot multiple times, he to escape unharmed. According lived to tell the tale. Police to police, on Saturday, February made an arrest into the shooting 13, 2021, they made their way incident and Valencia’s cousin, to Marine Parade to respond to 21-year-old Kareem Kelly, was reports of a chopping. 22-year- arrested. Now, a second man has old Akeem Patterson was seen been identified and arrested in with a cut wound to his head this incident: as his neighbor, Calbert Humes and reported to the officers Francis Ramos 25-year-old Calbert Eugene could not be offered. He now that he was attacked by Francis a machete upon Harold Garbutt, Humes. joins Kelly on remand at the Ramos. Ramos, who has no the officer. He appeared before Humes, a fisherman and Belize Central Prison until April fixed address, further attempted Senior Magistrate Stephanie construction worker who now 30 when they will both appear to attack one of the officers with Gillett and pleaded not guilty to claims to live in Hopkins in court. his machete but that officer was the charge. He was offered bail in Village, was once a resident of Kelly was charged with quick on his feet. He managed the sum of $2,000 plus one surety Mayflower Street. He appeared three indictable criminal not only to dodge Ramos’s attack of the same. Unfortunately, he unrepresented before Magistrate offenses of attempted murder, but withdrew his weapon and fire was not able to meet bail and was Stephanie Gillett and was read use of deadly means of harm, a shot which caught Ramos to remanded to the Belize Central a charge of abetment to commit and dangerous harm. Valencia the foot. Prison until April 22, 2021. murder. He stands accused of was hit as many as four times all For his injuries, Ramos was In court, he was not levied facilitating Kelly in his attempt over his body and his shooting hospitalized under police guard charges in connection to the to kill Valencia on January 26. is believed to be a part of the and has since been released into incident against Patterson. It No plea was taken and due to internal warfare in that gang police custody and arraigned on a appears that he has not yet the nature of the charge, bail controlled area. charge of aggravated assault with requested court action. Two more home invasions There have been a number of crimes taking place all over the country from incidents of piracy to home invasions. In Yemeri Grove, Toledo, William Haught was a victim of an armed invasion at his residence from where a number of items including a licensed firearm were stolen. It took place on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 when, as Haught explains, he was returning home from conducting business Omar Mitchell in Punta Gorda Town. He had Mitchell, who was accosted by left home at around 10:00 a.m., five men on Sunday, February 21, leaving his caretaker behind, and 2021. He reported that sometime when he returned sometime after after 7:00 a.m., he heard his noon, he was accosted by three dogs barking and when he made persons all of dark complexion. checks, he was approached by a The men all wore masks and were male persons who subdued him. armed and managed to bind both He was then joined by four other Haught and his caretaker. They persons who bound Mitchell demanded money and went on to before ransacking his home. The ransack the home before making thieves were able to make off off with his licensed shotgun, with both his vehicles, a Toyota which was inside his vehicle. Hilux and a Toyota Prado. After The men left and after freeing they left, Mitchell shouted for himself, Haught made his way his neighbor’s assistance and to his village’s chairperson who called the police. ACP Joseph called the police. Myvett, Head, National Crimes Just a few days later, there Investigation Branch, says that the was another home invasion, police have spotted the vehicles this time in San Ignacio, Cayo. crossing into Guatemala through The victim of this incident Arenal. Investigations into both is Contractor General Omar incidents are underway. The Guardian online at www.guardian.bz
Page 17 The GuardIan Sunday, February 28, 2021 Bail for machete incident Man critically chopped altercation, Baizar reportedly Two people are awaiting used a machete to assault charges of attempted murder by Sacasa. police while a third man, identified He appeared in court before as 36-year-old Jose Gonzalez, is Magistrate Khadeen Palmer and fighting for his life at the Karl pleaded not guilty. There was no Heusner Memorial Hospital. What objection to bail and was granted started off as a social affair ended bail in the sum of $3,000 plus in a chopping incident, which has one surety of the same amount. left Gonzalez in a critical condition Baizar was ordered to stay away in the hospital. It took place on from Sacasa both directly and Saturday, February 20, 2021 in the indirectly or can see his bail Young Bank Area of Camalote, Rennick Baizar revoked. He is due back in court Cayo. Gonzalez and two men Jose Gonzalez A past soldier of the Belize on April 22, 2021. were consuming alcohol when and made his way home, not too Defense Force, who is now Baizar is no stranger to they became involved in a verbal far away. There, he supposedly employed as a prison officer, the court and has previously disagreement. That argument, asked his mother for a machete was taken to court on a charge been convicted on a charge of however, soon turned physical to defend himself but was not of aggravated assault with a wounding upon his estranged and before long, Gonzalez was given one. Shortly thereafter, the machete. Police say that on girlfriend. For this crime, he suffering from serious chop men made it into his yard and Saturday, February 20, 2021, served time in prison and was wounds. The men had chopped proceeded to chop him several Rennick Baizar was involved in also in court on a breach of him multiple times to the head times. The police were called a physical struggle with Mark protection order from the Belize and body with a machete. to the scene and transported an Augustine Sacasa. During their Family Court. The nature of the argument injured Gonzalez to the Western is unknown but reports suggest Regional Hospital before he was One injured in Partridge that Gonzalez foresaw the attack on his life. He left the yard where taken to the KHMH. They were later able to detain two persons but Street shooting he and the men, one of whom is his cousin, started the argument charges have not yet been brought against them. Police seem to have more Teenager shot on New Road questions than answers when it comes to a shooting on Partridge Street in Belize City on Saturday, February 20, 2021. Police are investigating a Walter Longsworth is in a stable shooting incident that landed a condition at the Karl Heusner 19-year-old Belize City resident Memorial Hospital after being at the KHMH. Reports indicate the sole victim in that incident. that around 7:05p.m. on Monday Investigations into this shooting February 22, Kareem Barona has revealed that Longsworth was socializing with two other and other persons were inside a men in front of #91 New Road yard on Partridge Street when a when a tall light-skinned man gunman approached and opened approached them through nearby fire. The 33-year-old sustained Pitts Alley onto New Road. The multiple shots to the body and man set his target on Barona Kareem Barona was rushed to the hospital for Walter Longsworth and fired a number of shots Barona was rushed to the treatment. Police have yet motive but their investigations injuring him to various parts of KHMH where he remains under to determine a suspect and continue. the body. medical care.
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