Sunday, March 29, 2020 Price: $1.00 Vol. 23 No. 13

Sunday, March 29, 2020 Price: $1.00Vol. 23 No. 13

The GuardIan Sunday, March 29, 2020

edITor: Alfonso Noble

MarKeTInG & SaLeS ManaGer:Karen Taylor

adVerTISInGLouis Thompson

CoMPoSITor: Kristen JimenezrePorTer:

Jem SmithConTrIBuTorS:

Byron DonaireRene Flowers

Vanessa GuerreroreCePTIonIST/aCCounTS CLerK

Vanessa Gillett

Protecting Freedom Rights Democracy

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: 227-5343E-mail: [email protected]

or [email protected]

The Guardian

Printed by The Guardian PressCor. Ebony St. & Bel China Bridge,P. O. Box 1898 Belize City, Belize

Website: www.guardian.bz

Two men have been charged for the murder of five-year-old Kia Herbert who lost her life as she slept; she died in her mother’s arms. For this gruesome act, Kendale Flores, a 25-year-old welder along with 27-year-old Lindon Mark Hinds, a currently unemployed, have been charged with murder. Additionally, the duo has been charged for the crimes of attempted murder, grievous harm, use of deadly means of harm, and conspiracy to commit murder for the shooting of Kia’s mother, Frances Herbert. Both men were arraigned before the court on the charges and remanded to the Belize Central

Two charged for the murder of five-year-old Kia HerbertPrison.

Belizeans were outraged to hear that yet another child had been killed senselessly in a matter of days. Police reports say that before 2:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, a mother and child had gone to the KHMH, suffering from gunshot injuries. Kia and Frances Herbert were asleep on the ground of their Pitter Street home when a gunman unleashed a spray of bullets on the unsuspecting family. After the barrage subsided, Frances realized that both she and five-year-old Kia were injured. They were rushed to the hospital but, unfortunately, Kia had succumbed

to her injuries and was pronounced dead on arrival. Earlier in the day, according to Kia’s grandmother, someone had chased her son into their yard with a gun. It is in suspecting that something would happen that night that they chose to sleep on the floor but it does seem that the gunmen got wind of that information, shooting toward the floor and injuring and killing Frances and Kia, respectively.

The police do believe that the intended target resides at the Pitter Street home and in fear of a retaliation or another attempt at a life at the residence, police presence is high in the area.

The Cayo North Resource and Resilience Center is now almost complete. Only the solar component remains to be installed but, otherwise, the facility is now fully functional.

Ground was broken at the Victor Galvez Stadium in San Ignacio Town for the Cayo North Resource and Resilience Center in November 2018. The multipurpose community center was implemented by the Caribbean Community Climate Change Center (5 C’s), based in Belmopan, with funding from the Government of Italy, through the Italian Ministry of Environment, Land and Sea in partnership with the Government of Belize.

The Cayo North Resource and Resilience Center will soon provide the residents of five rural communities and the town of San Ignacio with a central self-contained Centre that can be used both as a shelter in the event of a weather-related and other emergencies, and for other community and social purposes and events. The five rural communities to be served by the

The Cayo North Resource and Resilience Center to

serve in emergenciesCentre are Trenchtown, Kontiki, Boiton Area, Mosquitoville and Shawville.

The completed building by design will incorporate the use of photovoltaic (PV) renewable energy to provide power to a multi-purpose community center. This will be part of a wider programme being developed to reduce the vulnerability of the rural villages in Belize to the increasing frequency of extreme weather events.

The contractor for the Cayo North Resource and Resilience Center is Joehann Construction and Engineering Limited, who worked in partnership with Cayo Steel Works Limited. In addition to be a place of refuge in times of emergency, the building has a spacious sport facility.

“The building is designed to be used in times of emergencies. However, the specific use in the event of a COVID-19 outbreak would be determined by the Ministry of Health,” noted the Hon. Dr. Omar Figueroa on Monday, who is Representative for the Cayo North Division.

The Guardian has confirmed that currently the Belize Central Prison is currently housing 232 gang members. The information suggests that in the recent round of remands as a result of the state of emergency, a total of 124 gang members were taken to the prison. This is in addition to 88 who are currently already at the institution. Of those 88, 40 are convicted while 48 were previously on remand before the state of emergency was

No gang member in prison is older than 40 yearsdeclared.

According to records kept by the Belize Central Prison, they have a total of 334 gang members documented. With 232 gang members now behind bars it means that some 102 are still out. The Police Department continues to round them up as the state of emergency continues in effect.

Other interesting statistics indicate that of the 23 gangs documented by the prison, there

are no gang members who are older than 40 years of age. In prison there are only six gang members between the ages of 36 and 40. Then there are 13 between the ages of 31 and 35. Between the ages of 26 and 30 there are 33 members in prison. The largest number of gang members are made up of those persons between the ages of 18 and 25 with 64 of them being in jail. Only eight of those in prison are younger than 18.

Belmopan. March 25, 2020. Today, March 25, members of the business community in Belize donated more than BZ$8,000.00 worth of supplies at short notice to assist Cuba with its efforts to prevent the spread of the COVID-19.

The donated items include soap powder, bar soap, bath towels, sheets, cleaners and disinfectants, and garbage bags. The supplies are being sent to Cuba with the support of TAG Airlines.

T h e G o v e r n m e n t o f Belize conveys special thanks to Dinesh Bhojwani , who organized the contributions,

Business Community in Belize Sends Donation in

Solidarity with Cuba

and to Nando Nandwani, Jeetu Gurnani, Arun Chandwani, Anil Hukmani, Arun Hotchandani, Kishan Wadhwani , Har ry Wadhwani, Umesh Mahtani, Kamal Nandwani, Dharmendra Nandwani, and Dion Leslie. They moved swiftly to prepare the donat ion as an act of solidarity with and in gratitude to the government and people of Cuba for sending 60 Cuban medical professionals to assist Belize in responding to COVID-19.

B e l i z e a n d C u b a a r e c e l e b r a t i n g 2 5 y e a r s o f diplomatic relations.

-Press release-

Donation to Cuba from the Belizean business community

The GuardIanSunday, March 29, 2020

Like the rest of the world, we are fighting the deadly COVID-19 pandemic. However, it appears that in Belize we are fighting an even deadlier virus than COVID-19. That virus is called stupidity. The stupidity virus appears to attack the human brain and turns it into mucus. That mucus causes BS to flow from the heads and mouths of the victims. All the victims of the stupidity virus have two things in common. They all apparently work on Facebook and have a PhD in Bullshitology.

The stupidity virus appears to be an equal opportunity attacker. Regardless of status, be it economic, academic, political or sex, it will attack and latch itself on to its victims. As long as the host has time for idle gossip and space in their head to stock social media gossip, the virus will attack. There have been a few well-known victims

The COVID-19 virus and the STUPIDITY virus

of this virus. They range from politicians to barbarians. We don’t have enough ink, paper or time to publish the names of all the victims. However, we will share the names of the most infected and contagious individuals.

We do so in an effort to warn the public to practice social media distancing from them.

If one wants to avoid being affected by stupidity and BS, keep away from social media post and comments from Audrey Matura, Giovanni Brackett, Louis Wade, Kareem Musa and Jose Uc Espat. They are the most infected persons with the stupidity virus. These persons must do the public a favor, by simply imposing a self-quarantine their mouth and brain. They should do the nation a favor by just staying away from social media until the COVID-19 crisis is over.

Last week it was announced, that all UDP Parliamentarians would be giving up a month salary and that the Prime Minister would be forgoing, all salaries and personal allowance, due to him from the government, until the COVID-19 is over. It was well-received as breath of fresh air. One would have thought that the Opposition parliamentarians would have followed that lead and would have donated something to the cause.

Not so! Unless one would count Kareem who has donated criticism and talking. That is apparently the only thing that he will donate to the Belizean people who are the ones responsible for where he is. It is the Belizean people who educated him. For him to be criticizing those UDP politicians, who have used their personal finances to buy and distribute much-needed goods, to the Belizean people in a time of need, is hypocrisy at its highest form.

Kareem should not be writing

Kareem donates Criticismto the Prime Minister and Ministers of Government, complaining that they are giving too little. He should be writing to say that he would be making his own donation to the people, instead of just being a mouth organ. Sure the Clorox and tin sausage is not the three green plantains and two “poopsie” he donates every Holy Week, but it is well-received by the persons who receive it.

Then where does he get off demanding that government immediately desist from charging utility bills at this time? Doesn’t he realize that the power we receive in our offices and homes is bought from suppliers such as the Mexicans, BECOL and ASR? If it is given away who will then pay the suppliers? Perhaps Kareem could pay that bill for a month. Question to Kareem who’s behaviour is worse than any Coronavirus. “Sir didn’t you recently receive a sizeable settlement for the land in the Link Road Project Area ?”


T h e B e l i z e N a t i o n a l Ove r s igh t Commi t t ee on COVID-19 held a press briefing on Wednesday, March 25. Amidst a swirl of speculation and rumors the Prime Minister of Belize, Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow who Co-chairs the committee along with the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. John Briceño went to great lengths to say that there is no national shutdown.

PM Barrow explained that there was no national state of emergency and that business should try to be maintained as normal as possible, given the circumstances. If it ever reaches the situation of a national shutdown, the Prime Minister explained that there would not be any need to panic as the greatest measure that would be taken would be to ask people to stay put. “Life will continue in as normal a way as possible,” said the PM, with essential services remaining opened.

For the time being, however ,there is some measures that are being taken by the public which does not bode well for everyone such as hoarding some of the basic necessities. The Prime Minister asked that consumers restrain from buying large quantities of these commodities as there are plentiful supplies of foodstuff for the country to be able to feed

Two cases of COVID-19 and relief measures materializeitself for a prolonged period. He said that the government is following a stage by stage response to COVID-19 where the third stage would be the measures taken for a national shut down where there is a person to person community transmission.

new infectionsOn the issue of transmission,

despite rumors, Prime Minister Barrow stated that there is only one more case that has been tested as positive. That persons is the mother of the first person to test positive in San Pedro (see story on page 8). PM Barrow said that other family members for the first case, five of them, have all tested negative. A mapping exercise to trace all the persons who have come into contact with the infected persons is ongoing.

healthcare workersMoving to the sector that will

be at the frontline of the COVID-19, healthcare workers, PM Barrow noted that the personnel are being equipped with all necessary protective gears. In addition, finances have been identified to provide additional money to those who are doing the work in order for them to better take care of their families. Those moneys are already available through contributions from Taiwan and a loan facility from CABEI.

r e l i e f t o t h e n e w l y

unemployedAs a consequence of the

pandemic, there are a large number of Belizeans who are now left unemployed, in particular in the tourism industry. For those persons the Prime Minister announced relief measures that will not only cover those who are directly affected after being laid off from formal workplaces but also those who work in the periphery of the industry. $75 million will be obtained through a loan from the Central Bank for this purpose. There will also be some relief granted to those who have been unemployed even before the pandemic (see story on page5). Speaking of the mechanics of the assistance, PM Barrow noted that the disbursements will be done in a transparent manner. In so doing he reiterated the bipartisan approach being taken on this issue. He said that consideration will also be given of having distribution done through the ministry of local government and possibly with assistance of village councils.

relief in utilities PM Barrow also announced

some relief for Belize Water Services Limited customers where consumers who use three thousand gallons of water or less will get a 25% reduction. That represents 35,234 residential customers. The

reduction will be effective for the months of March, April and May. BWSL has also committed $1 million in contribution to the Government of Belize to be disbursed upon request.

As for Belize Electricity Limited it has stated that it will work with customers who are affected while it asks that customers who can afford it to pay their bills (see story on page 6). They too have pledged one million dollars to the government for the COVID-19 relief efforts.

Similarly BTL has also committed 1 million dollars to the relief effort and have also extended 1.7 million dollars in top up for customers, .6 million increase in bandwidth and two million dollars for pre-paid topup all free of cost to customers.

ashcroft’s $10 millionFinally, PM Barrow spoke

of a supposed contribution of 10 million dollars to the COVID-19 relief effort. A release from the Belize Bank states that Michael Ashcroft has made a 10 million dollar donation; however, PM Barrow said that the money will not be placed in the consolidated fund, rather it will be administered through the Belize Bank. The mechanics of how this will be accessed are unknown however if and when it is PM said it will be directed to the health sector.

Belmopan. March 25, 2020. The Department of Transport (DOT) continues to work closely with the Ministry of Health to address some of the challenges related to COVID-19.

T h e D e p a r t m e n t ’ s main focus at this point is to maintain uninterrupted, but safe, public transportation services to all commuters countrywide until otherwise notified by the Government of Belize. The DOT in collaboration with the Transport Board and the Belizean Bus Association (BBA) hereby notifies the public of the following new measures:

In order to address the recent interruption of public transportation with the cancellation of service by some operators, limited and flexible transportation bus schedules will be developed according to the demand for service.

These schedules are subject to change without notice since the situation with COVID-19 remains

COVID-19 Measures Taken by the Department of

Transportvery fluid. Changes will be widely published and publicized.

Public transport service continues to be limited to seated passengers only. No excess passengers will be allowed.

The interior of all buses including seats and metal surfaces such as handrails must be sanitized before departing each bus terminal along the route.

The DOT thanks the bus operators who have willingly agreed to continue to provide this essential service to commuters during this critical time.

All commuters and operators are advised to take extra precautions and all necessary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The DOT is dedicated to ensuring that the movement of employees who are critical in order to ensure safety, security and the movement of essential food and other supplies will continue with minimal interruption during this crisis.

The United Democratic Party has put out a call for any member of the National Assembly who is interested to put in their name to take up the position of Party Leader.

Since the call went out we have seen applications come in from Hon. Patrick Faber, Hon. John Saldivar and Hon. Dr. Omar Figueroa. Those names were augmented with the applications coming in from Hon. Sen. Darrell Bradley on Tuesday

Five Names forUDP Party Leader

and on Wednesday of this week Hon. Wilfred ‘Sedi’ Elrington put in his name as well.

There are now five persons who have expressed interest in the Party Leader position and the deadline for submitting names expires on Thursday March 26.

As for when the actual elections for the position will take place, that has been postponed indefinitely until the COVID-19 crisis has passed so a deadline has not yet been set.

L-R: Patrick Faber, John Saldivar, Omar Figueroa, Darell Bradley, Wilfred Elrington


On Wednesday, March 25, 2020, the Prime Minister of Belize, the Rt. Hon. Dean O. Barrow, held a press conference. The conference aimed to update the Belizean populace of the Government of Belize’s (GOB’s) relief measure being undergone. Those include actions being taken from the Social Security Board (SSB) and the Economic Chair Relief Team.

Douglas Singh, Chairman of the Social Security Board, spoke at the press conference. According to him, workers are particularly necessary during these times to provide the services that are needed. The board of SSB, however, has been working to alleviate the concerns of numerous business persons, both in government and private sectors. According to Singh, up to $5 million dollars of Social Security (SS) funds are being allocated toward GOB’s social assistance program. This is being done in light of the fact that our economy will suffer given the impacts of COVID-19. In this instance, the SSB is taking care of persons who have made significant contributions to SS. The SSB has also proposed a Statutory Instrument (SI) to the GOB, addressing sickness benefits. Through that SI, an amendment to the Regulations Act will be made to set aside the exemption period for any persons infected by COVID-19. In other words, for persons who have lost their employment due to COVID-19, they will be medically covered as if they were still employed. Employers are still urged to do what they may during this period, including paying employees, where possible, during this period. The SSB has also taken to advance one month pension to existing pensioners. They have considered their fixed incomes and have also considered their risk and their need of medicines and other foods. They will, therefore, receive an advance on their payments. Also, the requirements of these pensioners have been waived for subsequent months, not attracting penalties and interest for the next two months. The SSB has also looked at the possibility of a fiscal or financial incentive program, based on need, after the end of the threat of COVID-19. This is expected to benefit both small and large businesses, alike.

Co-chair of the Economic Chair Relief Team, Hon. Sen. Dr. Carla Barnett, Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour, Local Government, and Rural Development, also spoke. She began with an indication of the data which showed the difficult economic situation which Belize is facing. The tourism sector, attributed by several subsectors, is being affected due

COVID-19 relief measuresto novel COVID-19. Upwards of 80% of the employees in the hotel sector are losing jobs, as well as tour guides. There are also job losses in the borders, in Free zones within Belize. Likewise, persons in the productive sector will be affected, including farmers, who provide to hotels and other entities in within the tourism sector. Overall, there is a 45% reduction in cruise and overnight tourist arrivals in this period. According to Dr. Barnett, there is a job loss as well as an overall revenue loss to the country, Government, and all sectors of Belize. In a wider sense, however, business continuity is an essential part of sustaining our economy and economic activity, especially in providing in the losses in our tourism sector. Taking all these things into account, Dr. Barnett says that there is an at least 4%, or as high as 10%, loss in our gross domestic

product (GDP). This all depends on the length of the COVID-19 pandemic and its extent.

Considering all this, there is a series of recommendations for persons, who have lost their jobs, to be relieved. At this stage, around $150 every two weeks should be dedicated to employed persons to meet the needs of basic necessities. Persons in the tourism and tourism allied sectors are to benefit from this alleviation. For application, forms for this purpose will be put on the COVID-19 website and other GOB websites as well as hard copies in SSB offices. These things will be made as soon as treasury notes are processed at the Central Bank. Payments will be made through either bank accounts or unbranded debit cards, to minimize the need to go into a physical location to encourage social distancing.

Christopher Coye, another

co-chair of the Economic Relief Team, also addressed measures to be taken in these economic relief packages. The prepaid cards will likely be procured through the Holy Redeemer Credit Union (HRCU) and Heritage Bank. These institutions are currently in the process of providing locations where these cards can be used to access funds or other ATM functions. Processes are being carried out online to minimize human to human interaction in either of these cases. There are other significant economic challenges that we are facing, all of which, according to Coye, we will get over. One example is the Fyffes brand still in demand of our banana product. If we are able to meet those demands, our banana product will still be in circulation. Other suggestions from the business community are being taken into consideration with respect to government borrowing and investments.


The Ministry of National Security, the Belize Police Department (BPD), and other law enforcement bodies, through Statutory Instrument (SI) No. 34 approved by Governor General Sir Colville Young, have enacted a State of Emergency in eight specified zones across Southside Belize City. Via this state of emergency, the BPD, Coast Guard, and Belize Defence Force (BDF) personnel descended on those eight zones where men, allegedly members of criminal gangs, were detained. According to the Commissioner of Police Chester Williams, on Friday, March 20, 2020, as many as 102 men were already in police custody, with the majority of them having been taken to the Belize Central Prison in Hattieville. While that is the latest number that the police has shared, it is also known that over the weekend, operations continued. In those, at least forty other persons with criminal gang affiliation were being sought.

Aside from the eight zones outlined in Belize City, operations are also being carried out in and around other locations where known criminal entities are believed to have sought refuge. The general public is once again reminded that harboring wanted fugitives is a criminal offense. For that crime, COMPOL Williams says that person are to be charged in the coming days.

Of note is that while it may appear that men are the sole targets of these operations, COMPOL Williams has warned that women known to be involved in criminal gangs will also be detained and remanded to the Belize Central Prison.

This State of Emergency has been declared following the numerous murders and

State of Emergency continues

senseless shootings which have occurred between last Sunday to last Tuesday night. They have increased in numbers and have become even more heinous, with numerous children having been the victims of both fatalities and injuries. In that forty-eight hour span, as many as six persons were murdered in shootings and an additional nine other injured. They are Philip Leslie, Shakira White, Dominic Rhamdas, a two-year-old child, Stephen Ferguson, Earl Baptist, Collet Morter, Kia Herbert, Frances Herbert, Aaron Brown, Mario Castillo, Derrick King, Haywood Brown, Clifford Oliver, and Francine Wade. Given these sixteen murders and injuries combined, which occurred in several separate incidents, the general public became, understandably, outraged. This prompted swift and decisive action on the part of the Ministry of National Security and its law enforcement agencies. According to acting Minister of National Security, Hon. Michael Peyrefitte, a “big stick approach” was necessary since they have been “reasoning with criminals for too long.” Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security, Hon. Elodio Aragon, Jr., as well as Deputy Commissioner of Police, Edward Broaster, highlighted the importance of a holistic approach to fighting crime. There have been numerous such states of emergencies carried out which proved effective for the time being. They both made note of the fact, however, that there needs involvement not only from the BPD but other governmental and non-governmental agencies if we care to see more permanent solutions to crime and violence in our country.

COMPOL Chester Williams and Spt. Alejandro CowoThe Belize Electricity Limited

hosted a press conference on Tuesday March 24 in which it announced that they will maintain power supply to its 98,000 customers. Speaking during the conference, Dawn Sampson explained that the primary objective of the company is to keep the lights on as electricity is an essential service. As they do so, and considering the economic effects that COVID-19 is having on the economy, BEL will be providing assistance to customers who are most in need at this time. She was categorical stating that in order to maintain operations, the company has to be in a position to meet payment obligations to power suppliers. This she said can only be done if there is acceptable level of revenue.

Sampson continued explaining that if bills are canceled, BEL will not be able to provide service. At this moment, the best approach is to focus on customers experiencing exceptional difficulties. She added that if there are any customers who fall in this category that they contact BEL to explore solutions. However, the company cannot give any reprieve to those who can pay. Asked what the company is expecting the economic impact will be Sampson stated that the situation is fluid and they cannot quantify how many people will be delinquent in payment and it is a situation that requires constant assessment.

Speaking on the company’s finances, another BEL executive, Sean Fuller explained that on a monthly basis BEL collects in the region of $21.5 million. Of this $15.5 million are used

BEL says payyour bill if you can

to pay power producers and at this time there is $60 million, which are owing to these energy producers. If operating costs, loan payments, interest dividends and other expenses are added the company has a mere 800,000 available. Simply put it cannot afford to have customers not pay their bills, especially if they are in a position to do so.

While the company appeals for payments to be made, Fuller also asked that consumption be reduced as well. He noted that while there may be a decrease of consumption as a result of the slow down in the tourism sector, more people will be at home as well with parents not going to work and children not going to school.

From an internal perspective BEL says it will not be laying off workers. Those who can work at home will now be doing so while mechanisms have been put in place for disinfecting areas, barriers, social distancing as well as training. The company has also pledged 1 million dollars to be used directly in the efforts to combat COVID-19 with 70 thousand dollars already being used to purchase equipment for the Ministry of Health. The company says it will put on hold non-essential expansion projects and investments amounting to some five million dollars. One project which will not be put on hold will be the Caye Caulker submarine cable. Additionally, board members have pledged to forego a portion of their annual stipend to assist in the COVID-19 response.

L-R: Hershel Armstrong, Sean Fuller and Dawn Sampson

Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow announced on Thursday, March 26 that he will be foregoing any salary that he was to have earned for the duration of

PM and Ministersto forgo salary

the COVID-19 crisis. Following suit, government ministers also joined in and they will be foregoing a month’s salary to help in the COVID-19 containment efforts.

For the latest in news and sports, read the Guardian or

visit us online at www.guardian.bz


Following the retirement of Chief Justice Kenneth A. Benjamin, having reached the mandatory retirement age of 65, Justice Michelle Arana has been named as likely candidate. Attorney General Sen. Hon. Michael Peyrefitte has said that while there is currently no interim appointment of a Chief Justice to fill the post, Justice Arana is a likely candidate given her seniority as a judge on the bench. She was appointed judge in 2006, making her “the most senior” of her colleagues. A final appointment of Chief Justice will be up to Prime Minister of Belize, the Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow.

Justice Michelle Arana, possibly new Chief Justice

Justice Michelle Arana

F o u r o f B e l i z e ’ s largest commercial banking institutions, Atlantic Bank, Scotiabank, Heritage and Belize Bank, are taking measures to benefit their customers amid the pandemic, COVID-19. Considering the economic strains that many persons are suffering, having been let off from their jobs or receiving less pay, these banks are offering packages to their customers. They are extending financial assistance in the forms of fee waiver, reduced loan interest rates, and the like during this time.

A t A t l a n t i c B a n k , considering the health and safety of their employees, customers, and the wider public, they have mandated social distancing; constantly cleaning and sanitizing their banks and ATMs; and installed additional sanitizing station for customer use . Besides those heal th precautions, retail and business customers who are affected by COVID-19 layoffs can enjoy deferred expected payments on all loans for three months; a suspension on minimum credit card payments for up to six months; a reduction on the interest rate of local credit cards from 16% to 14% per annum; and waiver on all applicable

Commercial Banks, restaurants, and otherbusinesses announce measures in light of COVID-19

bank related refinancing fees and commissions. Scotiabank has also offered deferred loan payments for a period of six months. At the Belize Bank, they are offering a package to personal banking customers which includes a moratorium on loan installments; reduced loan payments; free waiver of loan payments; waiver of late payment fees; no early-redemption penalty fee for fixed deposits; 2% interest rate reduction on all credit c a r d s ; s u s p e n s i o n o f a l l vehicle repossession for 90 days; and suspension of all foreclosure activity for 90 days. For business customers, the bank is offering overdraft support; moratoriums on loan installments; 2% interest rate reduction on all credit cards; restructuring or re-profiling

of credit facilities; and waiver of related fees . Likewise, customers at these financial institutions are encouraged to utilize, where applicable, electronic banking services to view account balances; transfer monies; pay bills; and other banking needs.

Like the banks , o ther businesses are feeling the burden of COVID-19. Some restaurants have now sought to take new measures with regards to how they conduct business. Most if not all restaurants have put a stop to dining experiences and are strictly doing take out and deliveries. A number of restaurants are now offering take out specials, with reductions in prices, to absorb the blow to their economic sustainability. S u p e r m a r k e t s a n d o t h e r businesses, including Chon Saan Restaurant, The Ice Cream Shoppe, Vital Statistics, and the Immigration Department, are also following and enforcing these modes of operations in an effort to minimize human-

to-human contac t . Where business can be conducted via an electronic means, persons are encouraged to do so. At the Immigration and Passport offices across the country, certain services have been temporarily suspended, with the exception of emergency documents . Applications for passports will be accepted only for emergency travel; otherwise all is on hold. Applications for nationality, permanent res idences and visas are also suspended. In respect of visas, however, where these are required to obtain extensions in order for persons to maintain their legal status in Belize, these will be allowed. The department, like many other businesses, is also asking the public not to visit their offices if they are experiencing flu-like symptoms or have travelled within the last fourteen days from a country in which COVID-19 has been confirmed.

Social distancing practices at Quality Poultry Products

Employee using protective gears


The Cayo North Resource and Resilience Center was thoroughly disinfected on Monday morning and is now ready to serve the community if called upon. The spacious Cayo North Center is located at the Victor Galvez Stadium in San Ignacio Town.

Cayo North Representative Dr. Omar Figueroa and his team have begun to issue care packages to the elderly and the neediest. “It will take a few days to reach

The Cayo North Resource and Resilience Center disinfected

and ready to serve

everyone, but rest assured every effort is being made to ensure that those in need are taken care of”, reports Dr. Figueroa.

“It is time for us to unite as a community and be each other’s keepers. Let’s adhere to the prevention protocols of social distancing and to do all it takes to minimize the impact of the virus on Belize. We will do everything to overcome this challenge together,” he also added.

Cayo North Resource and Resilience Center disinfected

Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, on Monday, March 23 announced that Belize had its first case of COVID-19. By Wednesday March 25, PM Barrow during his COVID-19 press conference update, he made another announcement that a second case had been detected. On the first occasion, he explained that the person was a 38-year-old woman, who lives in San Pedro and travels back and forth between Belize and the United States. She was out of the country and on Thursday, March 19 returned to Belize from Los Angeles. The confirmation came at 11p.m. on Sunday and reports were that the woman had self-quarantined.

That triggered a Ministry of Health response known as a case mapping exercise and Dr. Marvin Manzanero, Director of Health Services, said that tests would be done to ensure that those persons who she came in contact with would be tested. In order for that to be done, the island of Ambergris Caye was put on a 72-hour quarantine for the health personnel to do their work. That would have taken the quarantine up until Thursday. During his press conference on Wednesday, PM Barrow announced that the quarantine will be extended up

Two cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Belize

to 30 days but was hopeful that it would not have to be that long. The rationale is that Government did not have to be going to the Governor General with great frequency to renew the Statutory Instrument.

In his most recent press conference on Wednesday, PM Barrow announced that the second person who had been infected was actually the mother of the first person infected. Contrary to what the first case had told health care personnel, she freely interacted with her family members and while tests have been done on all of those persons, only the mother came back positive. A batch of 12 tests have been done in San Pedro and an additional four have been done from other parts of the country, all of whom have so far tested negative.

Marvin Manzanero

Representatives and Standard Bearers of the United Democracy Party have mobilized to assist persons during the COVID-19 emergency. Through the assistance of various organizations and individuals, UDP candidates have pooled resources together and are currently on the ground in various constituencies delivering basic food items and hygiene products

UDP representatives and standard bearers mobilize to assist during COVID-19

to needy persons. Some of the assistance being

offered comes through efforts of Hon. Patrick Faber as well as other business houses.

S t a n d a r d b e a r e r s , i n particular have hit the ground running and are in the process of delivering assistance packages to the most needy persons in their constituencies.

Denny Grijalva delivering assistance packages in Orange Walk


You can earn up to 30%

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As the threat of COVID-19 slowly begins to affect residents of Belize, representatives of the United Democratic Party are doing the best they can to minimize the impact it will have especially on the most needy in their community. One such representative is Hon. Tracy Taegar Panton.

Minister Panton, tells The Guardian that in her constituency, her efforts are focused on helping the most vulnerable regardless of their political affiliation. “We are serving the elderly, the disabled, the sick, the shut ins as our first intervention; and then, if resources allow single parents, who are not working with children. I don’t think we can go beyond that,” stated Hon. Panton.

There in a time of need

The support comes by way of basic food supplies, these include items like rice, beans, flour, sugar, soap, toilet paper and a couple other necessities. Panton explains that there will only be delivery of one package per household as the assistance is being stretched to cover as many persons as possible.

Minister of State Panton explains that the assistance is being carried out through lobbying efforts and is not a government program and as such the Albert CARE Team has received donations and continues to accept those donations in cash or kind. She says in anyone can assist in this time they can reach the representative at telephone number 610-4850.

Hon. Tracy Taegar-Panton preparing care packages for the Albert constituency

Care packages packaged for distribution to Albert residents


G r o u n d - b r e a k i n g Ceremony was held on March 18, to officially commence the construction of an additional classroom building for Louisiana Government Primary School at the school’s compound, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District.

The education sub-project is financed by the Government of Belize at an estimated cost of BZD $ 1.275 million through a grant of the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) Ninth Cycle

Ground-breaking Ceremony for Louisiana Government Primary School Building

Extension

courtesy of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

This sub-project includes the construction of a two-storey reinforced concrete building complete with five classrooms, one computer lab, office spaces, four male and female students’ lavatories, as well as four male and female teachers’ lavatories, storage spaces, and an access ramp to accommodate users with diverse abilities. It will also include inclusive pedagogical training for teachers.

Ground-breaking at Louisiana Government Primary School


Vacancy: J’s one Love Belizean hand Made arts and Craft Gift Shop at the Belize City Michael Finnegan Market is in need of a worker. Interested persons kindly visit location and ask for Jacqueline Usher or call 632-5521 or 672-5521.

Classifieds

The Government of Belize has received financing from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) towards targeted poverty reduction initiatives through the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) 9th Programme. The Belize Social Investment Fund (BSIF), the executing agency, intends to apply a portion of the proceeds of this financing to eligible payments under the Education Sector for a Culturally Relevant Education Training Consultant.

St. Michael RC Primary School has been approved for the construction of a six-classroom building along with security, computer, sporting, musical and office equipment to complement their primary education program. It is envisioned that culturally relevant education training for teachers and cross-cultural communication skills for parents would bolster the value of the investment to meet the objective of improved quality primary education services thereby providing students with greater opportunities to achieve academic success.

The BSIF is looking for a qualified candidate for an assignment to provide assistance to BSIF for the Consultancy Services for Culturally Relevant Education Training for Teachers and Parents for the St. Michael Primary RC School, Belmopan City, Cayo District, Belize. The critical minimum requirements for the position are listed below; however, applicants are asked to view the detailed terms of reference:

Individual Consultant:An advanced degree in Education, preferably in teacher training.• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in training on pedagogy and teaching • methodologies with evidenced previous experience in cultural competency training and training of trainers.Relevant experience in qualitative research methodologies.• Demonstrated understanding of Central American cultures.• Excellent documentation and communication skills• Fluent in English and Spanish•

The consulting services for this assignment under the Individual Consultant (IC) Selection will be for a period of nine (9) months.

BSIF now invites individual consultants interested in undertaking the assignment to submit Statements of Capability (which should confirm that the Consultant is ready and available to perform the tasks outlined in the ToR and have adequate qualifications to perform the task)complete with the CV of the candidate. Remuneration rates (gross per working day) should be included in the application. Please provide us copies of your degree and certificates. In submitting their Statements of Capability, applicants should be aware that they will be assessed based on the following areas:

(a) Qualifications(b) Experience of the individual relative to the particular assignment

The individual consultant will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the BSIF standard procurement guidelines.

To view the Term of References (TOR), kindly request this by sending an email to [email protected] and copy to [email protected].

One (1) original and four (4) hard copies of the Statement of Capability must be delivered by 3:00 p.m., 14th of april, 2020 to:

Executive DirectorBelize Social Investment FundConstitution DriveBelmopanBelize, Central [email protected]

The sealed envelope containing the Statement of Capability must include the name and address of the applicant and should be clearly marked:

“Statement of Capability: Individual Consultant – Consultancy Services for Culturally relevant education Training for Teachers and Parents for the St. Michael rC Primary School, Belmopan City, Cayo district, Belize”

BSIF shall not be bound to assign any reason for not selecting any applicant and will not defray any costs incurred by the applicant in the preparation and submission of statements.

BELIZE SOCIAL INVESTMENT FUND

IndIVIduaL ConSuLTanTSTATEMENT OF CAPABILITY

ConSuLTanCY SerVICeS For CuLTuraLLY reLeVanT eduCaTIon TraInInG For TeaCherS and ParenTS For ST. MIChaeL rC PrIMarY SChooL, BeLMoPan

CITY, CaYo dISTrICT, BeLIZe

Belmopan. March 24, 2020. The United States Military Liaison Office through the Embassy of the United States in Belize today, March 24th, donated 10 2020 Ford 250 trucks to the Ministry of National Security.

Eight of the trucks were assigned to the Belize Defence Force and two to the Belize Coast Guard.

The trucks were handed over by Senior Defence Official at the U.S. Embassy in Belize, Lt. Col. Ryan Jones. The US$793,213 donation comes complete with a two-year supply of spares and accessories. The contribution was made through the U.S. Foreign Military Financing Program which is a funding source provided to

US Embassy Donates Heavy Duty Trucks to the Ministry

of National SecurityU.S. partner nations.

Commenting on the donation, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Belize, a.i. Keith Gilges said, “Now, more than ever, it is crucial that the U.S. Government works closely with our partners in the Government of Belize to confront the unprecedented threat of COVID-19.”

BDF Commander Brigadier General Steven Ortega and Commandant of the BCG Captain Elton Bennett expressed their sincere gratitude for the timely donation. The vehicles will primarily be used in border control efforts, however, they will be deployed in immediate assistance to the security efforts to control the spread of COVID-19 in Belize.

A g r o u n d - b r e a k i n g Ceremony was held on March 19 to commemorate the start of construction works of a classroom building for St. Michael R.C. Primary School at the school’s compound in the Las Flores area of the City of Belmopan, Cayo District. Upon completion of the new classroom building, the school community of 347 students and 15 staff members will benefit from improved access and enhanced quality of primary education services at the school.

This sub-project is financed by the Government of Belize at an estimated cost of BZD $1.4 million through the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) Cycle Ninth Grant

Ground-breaking Ceremony for St. Michael R.C. Primary

School Building

Program courtesy of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

The infrastructural component of the sub-project includes the construction of a two storey reinforced concrete building complete with six classrooms, office spaces, two male and female students’ lavatories, as well as two male and female teachers’ lavatories, storage spaces, and an access ramp to accommodate users with diverse abilities. Additionally, the Human Resource Management component of the sub-project is designed to include Cultural Diversity Training for the school’s teachers along with the provision of sporting and audio-visual equipment for the school.

Ground-breaking at St. Michael R.C. Primary School


PUBLIC NOTICEreLoCaTIon oF The BenQue VIeJo MaGISTraTeS CourT

The General Registry of Belize informs the general public of the relocation of the Benque Viejo Magistrates Court to its new location at the corner of Churchill Street and Hudson Lane, Benque Viejo Town.

Normal operations at the new office shall commence on Tuesday 10th March 2020.

A s e r i e s o f p o l i c e operations and searches over the weekend have yielded to the discovery of several illegal items including drugs, firearms, and ammunitions. On Friday, March 20, 2020, Dangriga police reported that after searching an empty an abandoned lot in Ghands Riverside, they found a .38 revolver. Inside the firearm were five .38 rounds of live ammunition.

In Orange Walk, various searches were conducted on Saturday, March 21, 2020. A search was conducted on an abandoned lot where a black pistol grip 9mm CZ firearm and magazine containing ten live rounds of the corresponding ammunition were found wrapped in a black t-shirt. A search was conducted on another open lot on Fonseca Street, which led to the discovery of a black plastic bag containing a single .25 ammunition. On Magal Street, another open lot was searched where a bag containing 414 grams of cannabis were found.

Also on Saturday, March 21, 2020, Belize City police conducted operations. In an area located at the river bank at the end of Flamboyant Street, officers found a 9mm Hi-Point pistol with a magazine containing seven 9mm GFL Luger live rounds of ammunition. Later that same day, officers found a black bag containing a .45

Drugs, firearms, and ammunition deposited

as found properties

caliber pistol with magazine containing three .45 auto rounds of live ammunition. These items were found in an area behind the Belize City Civic Center.

Searches conducted on Sunday, March 22, 2020 yielded another cache of illicit items. Officers searched an abandoned room of a long barracks in the St. Martin’s De Porres area of Belize City. There, they found two plastic bags hidden among some garbage. Inside those bags, officers found a Ruger .44 caliber magnum revolver and fifty 9mm Aguila brand live rounds of ammunition.

On Monday, March 23, 2020, police officers again searched in the area of Flamboyant Street. There, they searched a small cement structure near a basketball court which resulted in the discovery of two 9mm pistols and one .25 pistol. Along with the firearms, officers also found a series of magazines of ammunitions including nine 9mm rounds, six Lugers, and two Aguilas. A further search in this same area yielded more ammunition including thirteen live rounds of 9mm Lugar brand ammunition, seven 9mm rounds of ammunition, three Aguila brand, and four Lugar brand.

In all of these cases, no one was found in the immediate area and, as a result, all the items were labeled, sealed, and deposited as found property.

Illegal firearms found by Police


Aries Mar 21 – Apr 19 You’re ready for anything this

week, especially when it comes to love. A New Moon in your sign is your cosmic signal for a personal fresh start. There doesn’t seem to be any limitations on what you can accomplish now, whether it has to do with your professional world or your personal life. However, the one thing that is crystal clear to you is that you need to try something new and be bold and brave about it.

Taurus Apr 20 – May 20 You’ve got the most stunning

prospects for romance these days. Venus is still moving through your sign and will make a perfect connection to lucky Jupiter and intense Pluto on Saturday. This is nothing short of magical for you in every way possible, Taurus! Whatever you desire most seems possible, so don’t shortchange yourself on those wishes. If you’re in a relationship, then you are most certainly feeling the love from the one you adore.

Gemini May 21 – Jun 20 A quiet love affair that no one else

knows about might be the most delicious event happening in your world right now. This clandestine relationship of yours doesn’t have to be scandalous, but it will most certainly be intensely erotic and sexually fulfilling. You don’t have to be declaring your love for someone all over social media and the truth is, you don’t want to. If someone has your heart, then you’re feeling much happier keeping the lovefest between the two of you ... and behind closed doors. Yum!

Cancer Jun 21 – Jul 22 If you’re in a relationship, then

you and your partner are in for some hot, steamy passion! You might be surprised at the intensity your partner shows. He or she might not be able to keep their hands off you! Alternatively, if things haven’t been going well in your love life, this could lead to an explosive argument. Tempers might flare but it all goes back to the level of desire you feel for each other. It’s off the charts!

Leo Jul 23 – Aug 22 If you’re single, this is a week

to pay attention to anyone you meet through work somehow. Whether you’re in business for yourself or if you work for a company it doesn’t matter -- the prospects for romance connected to your job are strong. You might even hire someone such as a plumber or electrician and find that there is strong mutual chemistry between the two of you. If this happens, you’ll need to decide what’s more important to you: dating each other or having this person do the job you need help with.

Virgo Aug 23 – Sep 22 Your love life might be too hot

to handle this week! Mars and Pluto will collide in your romance sector on Monday, giving you a mouth-watering craving for someone special that you simply must enjoy. You’re very likely to connect with someone who has hungry eyes for you, and you’ll instantly feel the same. This relationship might become very close very quickly, but that doesn’t mean it won’t last. Still, an

instant gratification vibe will be hard to ignore this week.

Libra Sep 23 – Oct 22 With a potent New Moon landing

in your partnership sector on Tuesday, you’re bravely going in a new direction, Libra. This lunation is not for the faint of heart. If a change has been long overdue in matters of the heart, then this is the time to expect a jump-start that gets your love life moving. This does seem to be a good thing, though. Sometimes all you need is a little push to get you to do what you know you really wanted to do all along.

Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 21

It’s possible you’re finally going to get everything you ever wanted in the love department. Venus is still moving through your relationship sector and this always bodes well for your love life. If you’re in a relationship already, then things are definitely moving in the right direction. On Saturday, Venus aligns with lucky Jupiter and powerful Pluto, both in your message sector. A romantic negotiation or conversation will go exactly as you hoped, perhaps even better.

Sagittarius Nov 22 – Dec 21 You’ve got an exciting new

beginning in matters of the heart. A New Moon lands in your true love sector on Tuesday, stimulating amazing potential between you and someone you’ll find to be extremely dynamic, independent, and brave. This relationship might begin quickly and neither one of you will bother playing games. It’ll be obvious that you want each other, and the passion will be off the charts! If you’re already dating someone or in a relationship, it’s possible you’ll declare your love for each other for the first time.

Your Horoscope Capricorn Dec 22 – Jan 19 Your love life is no snoozefest these

days. Venus is moving through your true love sector and recently received some stimulating vibes from Uranus, the planet of sudden change, also in the same part of your chart. It’s as if a romantic opportunity was reignited out of the blue. This week, you’re sure to benefit from this happy and most unexpected turn of events. As Venus moves to a perfect trine to expansive Jupiter and powerful Pluto, you can count on the fact that when it comes to love, you are the lucky one.

Aquarius Jan 20 – Feb 18 Sometimes, we all get stuck

in our minds and feel a bit insecure about voicing our feelings or our needs, especially if we’re concerned it’ll rattle the status quo. Fortunately, you’re someone who typically isn’t concerned with the opinions of others. In this case, however, you might have found yourself holding back your perspective from your partner or love interest because you knew it would likely create conflict before leading to resolution. This week, you’ll stop worrying about that and will just put it all out there. You’ll wonder why you waited so long.

Pisces Feb 19 – Mar 20 A conversation with someone

through social media might lead to a happy development in your love life. This can be anything from connecting to a friend on Facebook to someone sliding into your DMs on Instagram. Another possibility is that you’ll try an online dating app out and actually have substantial luck finding someone you’re genuinely compatible with. Be open! If you’re already in a relationship, then you’ll probably feel as if your lover truly “gets” you this week. Don’t doubt it because it’s true.


YOUTH TALKS

By Thamar JonesA hot cup of hibiscus tea

cupped in my hand and a plate with tiny slices of banana bread sat in my lap as I sat, feet up, in my plush chocolate brown sofa in my apartment this morning.

Breakfast was simply lavish and delicious and I savored every bite and sip. It was impossible not to be grateful in that moment: grateful for my food, the comfort of my home, the time and leisure to sit and enjoy breakfast, and grateful for my health. It is true, that gratitude is the best state of being at any and all times.

As we sit in our apartments or even in hospital beds during this pandemic, there are things we can do to improve our outcomes and maintain health. One of the most powerful tools for staying healthy, is gratitude.

There are always things to be grateful for–even now. And gratitude reminds us how special, beautiful and fortunate our lives are, even under stressful or hazardous conditions.

As we navigate this quarantine and epidemic, I call for you to think of at least three things you are grateful for upon waking and going to sleep every day. At first, it will probably be difficult to call to mind things that you can appreciate as everything may seem dire, so here are some suggestions to help you get started:

We are lucky that there are researchers who have devoted their lives to preventing and addressing pandemics like this one, and furthermore that the scientific community collaborates and drops their current work to come together and solve issues like this when they arise.

Keep Calmand Carry On

We can be grateful for the heroes of healthcare who put their own safety at risk to care for total strangers simply because it is what they do, for loved ones and a time of forced perspective, to consider what really matters to us.

You owe three reasons of your own to be grateful today before bed. As you practice this, the things you are grateful for will become more specific to your own life. Gratitude practice is not only important for making you feel better psychologically during this crisis, it can also help your physical health.

Keep Calm and Carry on During World War II there was a different existential threat to our wellbeing. People were told to “Keep Calm and Carry On.” Today this is may sound like just a trendy meme but the wisdom behind this statement is as true as it ever was. Limiting worry about COVID-19 may actually improve your outcome should you contract it.

Keep calm and carry on. We will get through this. Life will return to normal. It may be a new kind of normal, but this will all be a memory one day.

Finally, it is important to focus on the silver lining of this situation. Crisis brings out the best in people. Crisis reminds us why it is important to celebrate every day and share our love with family, neighbors, and friends. Crisis reminds us of how lucky we are and how important it is to take care of ourselves, our communities, and our planet.

As we weather this crisis, let us be fortunate enough to remember the lessons that it has to teach us so that we can continue to strive towards a better tomorrow.

By Jamil MatarInitially, I wanted to open

with some light humor but I am wary of being accused of taking things too lightly in times like these, so I am just going to repeat a single joke to tickle your endorphins, then move on to more serious observations. One of my WhatsApp contacts responded to a forward I sent her of a Covid-19 update by telling me that she has been getting so many forwards on the coronavirus that her phone no longer cheeps upon receiving a notification; it now coughs!

Joke aside, Monday 23 March was a historic day in four key areas of the global pandemic. Belize confirmed its first Covid-19 case. Wuhan, China, reported no new case within the previous 24 hours, and Italy reported a drop in the number of fatalities, again in the previous 24-hour period. Finally, yet importantly, the Federal Government of the United States announced that it was considering re-opening up for business perhaps within two weeks or no later than Easter.

We all know that the United States is the wealthiest country on earth, and if they cannot handle a shutdown, what about poor little Belize? Personally, I question if money is more important than thousands of lives, as in our case, at a 2% mortality rate. I think Belize is on the right path with the implementation of the sequestration protocols implemented by our authorities. Try to stay indoors, fellow Belizeans. Until a vaccine is identified, let us not take things lightly. Better to lose your job than your life. When this passes, there will be other jobs, trust me.

The nuisance in this entire health crisis is the level of ignorance exposed by certain individuals obviously hooked on the popular simple pills circulating freely in the blue political camp and its surrogate groups. To wit, how can any Government, itself

Of Corona and Straw Hatshaving seen its very revenue base eroded, literally sustain its entire population with free food, utilities, and individual debt servicing? We have to be realistic when posting demands on FB; not everything can just become free, man. If the utility companies do not charge, how will they keep supplying us with water and electricity? I mean, the Government and some private establishments can assist, yes, but they cannot just put everybody on Easy Street. I am more inclined to support low, or no-interest public loans rather than outright grants. Maybe I am too cold-hearted, or maybe I am not running for political office and can afford to be open with my opinions. For example, for decades we have witnessed hundreds of poor, homeless people suffer on our streets, and we turn our heads when passing near them, hoping they will have their faces hidden by their cardboard boxes. Yes, me ina da rush too: I am no Mother Teresa myself. At least I feel shame about it.

These days, some of us are out of our $800/week job for two weeks and want everything free? Two bloody weeks of inconvenience and we stand on a podium and hurl insults at the men who are trying to manage a national crisis? Cut down on the above-mentioned medication, Almendarez. You are overdosing, sir.

Let me curve your lips with an Orange Walk folklore story before I sign off this week. I told a friend that I have to try another line of business to pursue since a grocery shop is not profitable especially with the prevalence of these outlets all over town. I told my friend that some of my neighbors spend all their money at the store and later come beg me for credit. I send them back. My friend told me to be careful: a bird in the hand and all that. He gave me the story of two Orange Walk icons, who were discussing starting a novel business in the seventies. It is said that Mr. Dodo Miller went to see Mr. Balan Japun ( pronounced Ha-pon), and told him that he had a farm with many palm leaves and since Japun was a talented weaver, they could go into business making children’s hats for a shilling each. Japun told Miller that they might sell 100 hats initially, but “knowing Belizeans, they will probably born their pickeney without heads” so as not to buy our hats! Those were the old days of deep cynicism, no? Take extra care, my brethren.


An elderly man found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition was arrested and charged for it. On Thursday, March 19, 2020, police visited the Philip Goldson S. W. Goldson International Airport where the security supervisor handed over Lawrence Maclaren, the 78-year-old, a Belizean retiree of a Vista Del Mar address. Along with Maclaren, the security supervisor also handed over a single .22 revolver along with six live rounds of .22 ammunition. According to the security supervisor, the firearm and ammunition were found inside Maclaren’s traveling

78-year-old charged for keeping unlicensed firearm and ammunition

Lawrence Maclaren

A 23-year-old woman from San Pedro has been charged for two firearm related offenses. According to the police, Anna Herrera, a chef, was found in possession of a 9mm Daewoo firearm loaded with sixteen rounds of live ammunition while she was onboard a passenger bus on Thursday, March 19, 2020.

To answer to the charges, Herrera appeared before Magistrate Khadeen Palmer on Friday, March 20, 2020 when she pleaded not guilty to keeping a firearm and keeping ammunition without a gun license. Due to the nature of the offenses, she was denied bail and remanded to the Belize Central Prison until May 14, 2020. Herrera, however, has already been released and granted Supreme

Woman found with gunand ammunition on a bus

Court bail through the assistance of her attorney, Kathleen Lewis. Justice Francis Cumberbatch offered her bail in the sum of $10,000 plus two sureties of $5,000 each. She must report to the police station twice a week as a condition of her bail. She is due back in court on May 14, 2020.

Anna Herrera

After being before the lower court for eight months, Corporal Kent Martinez’s case has concluded in a preliminary investigation (PI) and is set to commence in trial at the Supreme Court in June 2020. Cpl. Martinez is the police officer accused of pulling the trigger which led to the death of Allison Major in July 2019.

Spearheading the PI on Friday, March 21, 2020 was attorney Alifa Elrington who submitted twenty-one statements including police witnesses, documentary evidence, video footage, and other forms of evidence. There was no attorney present in court to represent Cpl. Martinez, however it is understood that he will be represented by attorney Hurl Hamilton. With no challenges to the evidence, Magistrate Stephanie Gillett committed the interdicted cop to

Cpl. Kent Martinez to stand Supreme Court trial for

manslaughter

stand trial for manslaughter. After the PI, Cpl. Martinez’s previous bail was revoked and he had to repost the new bail in the sum of $15,000 plus one surety of the same. He was able to meet this bail.

On July 17, 2019, Major met his death after a high speed police chase which ended near the Swing Bridge in downtown Belize City. His lifeless body was seen inside his vehicle and after being taken to the hospital, he was pronounced dead.

Cpl. Kent Martinez

George Bull, accused of the 2017 murder of James Pelayo, has been denied Supreme Court bail even though his preliminary inquiry (PI) has been delayed. The accused murdered appeared in the Supreme Court on March 20, 2020 when Crown Counsel Riis Cattouse explained that because of the delay in his PI, Bull has not yet been committed to stand trial for murder. Justice Francis Cumberbatch ruled, then, that the PI be concluded in a matter of two months and that Bull could seek bail. Bail was objected to, however, by the Crown on the

Denied Supreme Court bail

grounds that Bull’s right to a trial within a reasonable time had not yet been deprived. That submission was upheld.

The Belize Police Department has been working tirelessly to fight crime, especially in the past few weeks. They have been able to solve several murders, including that of Keith Courtenay. The 46-year-old was shot and killed just a few feet away from his mother’s home door on Tuesday, March 3, 2020. When the hail of gunshots erupted, Courtenay used his body as a shield for his grandson, taking as many as eight shots to the body. Despite being taken to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for treatment, he died while receiving treatment. According to his family, he was an easy going person but police investigators says that his death was possibly motivated by

Two minors charged for murder

gang retaliation.For this murder, two 15-year-

olds have been formally arrested and charged for the crime of murder. It is expected that they will be arraigned for this murder soon.

George Bull

Keith Courtenay

bag, without proper licensing.

Following a conviction earlier this year in a case of sexual assault, 70-year-old Virgilio Banegas has been sentenced to six years in prison. The senior citizen appeared in court on Friday, March 20, 2020 when Justice Antoinette Moore, of the Dangriga Supreme Court, handed down the sentence. In making her decision the Justice considered his age and medical condition when she sentenced him. The sentence for

70-year-old man sentenced tosix years for sexual assault of a minor

sexual assault for a minor, by law, is twelve years, however, Banegas was only sentenced to six. His sentence ensues immediately.

The incident for which Banegas was convicted by a jury took place on February 11, 2016 in a village in southern Belize. In court, Banegas was represented by attorney Mark Williams while the crown was represented by Senior Crown Counsel Javier Chan.


The murder of Derrick King and shooting of three other persons on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 saw a continuation of gun violence in Belize City. While investigators had, at first, believed that King was simply a victim of a crossfire which had nothing to do with him, their investigations to date have now proved otherwise. It is not believed that King was, in fact, the intended target in this shooting incident. He was shot dead as he worked along with his coworker, an employee of Bowen and Bowen, making deliveries at the corner of West and Orange streets. King was shot as many as six times.

For the murder of King, and conspiracy to commit murder, the police have arrested and charged four men. They are Paul Smith, a 25-year-old Belizean laborer; Randy Nelson Green, a 27-year-old construction worker; Charles Henry Middleton, a 23-year-old stevedore; and Luciano Joel Novelo, a 19-year-old pump attendant. All four persons, residents in the area of Taylor’s Alley, were charged with the crime of conspiracy to commit murder meanwhile Smith was charged with the murder of King. The police have determined a

Man charged for murder, three others for conspiracy

possible motive but the matter is still under investigation.

Smith, Green, Middleton, and Novelo were all remanded to the Belize Central Prison on the two charges. The men appeared in court before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford on Friday, March 20, 2020. Inside the courtroom, where only Middleton had legal representation through attorney Ronell Gonzalez, they were read the indictable offenses. Given the nature of the offenses, no plea could be taken from any of the four, neither could bail be granted. They were all remanded until May 18, 2020.

Along with King, three others were injured including 48-year-old Francine Wade, a resident of Campus Avenue; 20-year-old Haywood Brown, a resident of Lake Independence and King’s coworker; and 38-year-old Clifford Oliver, a resident of Cemetery Road.

Of note is that two of the four accused, Smith and Middleton, have both walked away from separate murders. In June 2019, Middleton was acquitted of the murder of Patrick “Nally” Spencer while Smith, in January 2020, walked from the murder of Frank Neal.

On Fr iday March 13 , Frederick Williams, 18, was shot and killed while inside his home. Just days prior, a video was circulated on social media, showing him involved in a fist fight on Albert Street. Claims at the time were than he had attempted to snatch a gold chain from another young man but was unsuccessful and was even beaten by the other young man.

Police have now arrested and charged the other young man who was involved in the fight. He has been identified as Luciano Novelo and was

Two man fight,one dies one jailed

charged in connection with the murder of Derrick King and the shooting of three other persons which took place on Tuesday, March 17 on Orange Street near Taylor’s Alley. Novelo was charged for conspiracy to commit murder along with Paul Smith, 25, Randy Nelson Green, 27, and Charles Henry Middleton, 23. Smith alone was charged with the murder of King.

Police are now investigating the possibility that Williams’s killing may have been a part of an ongoing dispute between young men from the Taylor’s alley area and others.

C o r o z a l P o l i c e a r e investigating a matter of a stolen vehicle belonging to Roque Marin. According to Marin, a businessman of Corozal Town, he parked his blue four-door Ford Trac Explorer in an empty

Theft of motor vehiclelot located at the corner of 5th Avenue and 3rd Street North on Wednesday, March 18, 2020. On the following morning, at around 9:00 a.m., the vehicle was nowhere to be found. Police continue investigations.

Police have arrested and charged Lamont Wade and Nadira Chan, both 29-year-old residents of Fonseca Street, Orange Walk. The duo was arrested and charged for possession of a

Two charged for drug possessioncontrolled substance with intent to supply. They were found with 221 grams of cannabis hiding in a laundry basket inside their apartment on Saturday, March 21, 2020.

Luciano NoveloFrederick Williams

Paul Smith, Luciano Novelo, Charles Middleton and Randy Green

Police have one man in their custody pending their investigations into an attempted burglary. That man, Rodman Herbert, is currently in the hospital receiving treatments for a minor injury sustained during the ordeal. On Friday, March 20, 2020, police responded to the report and made their

Attempted burglary in Cayoway to the Mendoza residence in Cristo Rey Village, Cayo. When they arr ived a t the location, they met Herbert in possession of a dagger, walking aggressively from the bush. A warning shot was fired and he surrendered and was escorted to the hospital. Police continue their investigations.

Police from the Independence Police Station are trying to solve the weekend murder of 24-year-old Reydarius Sho, a resident of Bladden Village, in the Toledo District.

At this time, little is known about Sho’s violent killing. Police say that at around 12:07 p.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2020, officers from Independence Village were called an area located between Miles 45 and 46 on Southern Highway. When the officers arrived at a drain near the Swasey Bridge, they found the body of a man who appeared to have suffered multiple chop wounds.

Murder in Bladden villageAfter conducting preliminary

investigations, the officers were able to identify the victim a Reydarius Sho.

Police believe that earlier that day, he left his home village to run some errands in Bella Vista Village. He reportedly socialized with a group of friends, and several hours later, he was found chopped to death in that drain.

The motive for Sho’s killing is unknown, but investigators are looking at whether or not a recent dispute played a role in his death. The cops say that he and several persons had a confrontation which happened some time ago.


ContributedThe growing threat of the

global pandemic triggered by COVID-19, will be disruptive for citizens and visitors alike, but as with all similar events it will pass. The greater longer-term impact on Belize will be affected if there is a global economic slowdown and how long it lasts.

As Belizeans prepare to weather the storm of COVID 19, after the announcement of the first case on Monday March 23, by Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, it is important to take a retrospective look on the proactive mitigation initiatives that had been put in place, in order to face the ‘when not if’, scenario. At the first press conference by the Prime Minister and subsequent press conference by the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition, it primarily displays that in order for us to combat COVID-19, it is imperative that it is manifested by unity of purpose which is to ensure the health and wellness of the Belizean people, while maintaining some parallel level of resilience.

Of course, we must take a look at the cost of such protection because every measure that has been implemented will have direct and indirect economic costs. For example, just the initial mitigation cost, was an allocation of some $900,000.00 and we must note that this allocation comes towards the end of the 2019-2020 fiscal year.

Belize, is one of those Caribbean countries that is very dependent on tourism and tourism contributes some 40% to our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and therefore, it means that any negative shocks would immediately trigger a downturn in our number one export industry, as a value chain of economic activities would decline. There was a loss from cruise arrivals; cancellation at hotel accommodat ions; reduction in revenue and loss of employment to those who depend on tourism for their

First Look- Potential Economic Impact of COVID-19 on Belizesurvival. Imagine your revenue is $1.00 and total operational cost is $.60 but then revenue declines below that $.60, how then is operational cost met or how can it be sustained, unless it comes from potential bailouts from the Government.

Some Belizeans were calling for an immediate lockdown of our country but that would have been foolhardy, without a clearly defined strategy. We have been very proactive and therefore, being at the front of this situation and the unwavering initiatives by our health services, led by Dr. Marvin Manzanero, Director of Health Services, must be applauded because these vigilant measures at all ports of entry prevented the when; at this time, there is still only one confirmed case in Belize.

The closure of our borders mean that tourist arrivals is now very much close to zero; hotels have been closed; employees have been laid off in many cases. The buses are taking stricter measures and there are disruptions to schedule. All of these actions create immediate revenue leakage to the macroeconomy.

If as the World Health Organization (WHO) experts now predict , i t cannot be contained, it is likely that COVID-19 will cause a shock to global economic growth. Because tourism benefits from the confidence that a vibrant world economy creates, even if the virus has minimal infection in the region, it will have negative economic implications on Belize because of its high dependence on its visitors’ willingness to travel.

The indications are that cruise and air travel are already being hit globally as new centers of infection emerge in Europe, North and South America, the Far East and elsewhere. There is also evidence that business travel is being postponed and hotel cancellations are surging in infected areas of Europe.

Responding will require leadership, timely and accurate

information, close coordination at a national regional and i n t e r n a t i o n a l l e v e l , a n d collaboration, if the region is to protect both its citizens and the tourism economy. The sector will require a well prepared and measured response, and the need for multisectoral coordination between the health and tourism authorities.

Away from tourism, there are already indications that global supply chains are being disrupted, industries are having to temporarily layoff staff, and companies must brace for a decline in profits. More generally, the IMF has cautioned that a slowing of global growth is now likely in 2020.

R e c e n t e x p e r i e n c e suggests that Belize has an extraordinary resilience and ability to bounce back from a variety of crises. In recent years, we have demonstrated our ability to recover from economic downturns, hurricanes, climate change related phenomena such as sargassum and beach erosion, and potential reputat ional damage on social media caused by crime and visitor related incidents.

While it is too early to fully grasp the impact of the virus, the challenge will be to return in the shortest possible time to normality, growth and development. In this respect, for tourism at least, Belize’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic must be resilient, innovative, competitive and sustainable, because whenever the world adjusts and returns to some level of normalcy, the world as we knew it, will not be the same.

The threat of a COVID-19 global pandemic is immediate and must be taken seriously. It is disruptive for Belizeans and visitors in the short term, but as with all similar events, it will pass but we must be prepared to mitigate the long term effects. Unfortunately, more telling may be the longer-term economic impact of a global slowdown on what had promised to be an economically positive year for the Caribbean, including Belize. Recovery from the global economic impact of COVID-19, will require each of us to understand the new normal and that the inconveniences and cost must be borne by all of us.


A very serious traffic accident on the George Price Highway has resulted in the untimely death of 43-year-old Dorian Anthony, a Belize City Resident.

Reports to the press are that at around 9:10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 24, 2020, police responded to an emergency call that a wrecked vehicle was stuck under a trailer in an area between Miles 12 and 13 on the George Price Highway. When the first responders arrived, they found a red Mitsubishi Outlander SUV, which was extensively damaged. Inside the wreckage, the emergency authorities discovered a man, who was trapped between the driver’s seat and the front passenger seat. That man was identified as Dorian Anthony, a resident of North Creek Road in Belize City, and the authorities quickly noticed that Anthony appeared lifeless.

The mangled vehicle ended up trapped under a white, 42-foot trailer, which is the property of the Caribbean Paper Company. That trailer was parked at that location for an extended period of time.

It is believed that Anthony was in the vehicle with two other men, who have been identified as 57-year-old Gary Trapp, and Dan Myers. All three individuals were traveling in the SUV, and they were heading in the direction of Hattieville Village. It is unclear what exactly happened, but the vehicle experienced some sort of blow out of the left rear wheel. That caused the driver to lose control, and the SUV then crashed into the parked trailer. All three occupants of the vehicle suffered varying degrees of injuries, but both Myers and Trapp were

Accident claims life on George Price Highway

treated and released from the KHMH. Anthony passed away at the scene, and it is believed that he died at the point of impact, or shortly afterward.

A t t h i s t i m e , p o l i c e investigators are uncertain about who the driver of the vehicle was. The two surviving accident victims have both denied that they were the ones driving at the time of this traffic accident.

Shon Dee Emmanuel, a 22-year-old Resident of Hope Creek Village in the Stann Creek District lost his life last weekend in a road traffic accident. The man who hit him is reportedly a fellow villager as well.

Police say that on Friday, March 20, at around 1:35 p.m., they went to an area about three-quarter miles off the Stann Creek Valley Road near to the Marie Sharp Pepper Factory. They responded to an emergency call, and when they arrived at the location, they found a blue freight-liner truck. Right next to it was a damaged bicycle, and the body of a man later identified as Emmanuel.

Initial investigation has so far revealed that that 29-year-old Daren Castillo, a truck driver from Hope Creek, was the person driving the freightliner. He was traveling on the Melinda Road when he realized that the truck hit someone. Emmanuel was reportedly riding his bike, on the way to work, when he collided into the vehicle.

C a s t i l l o t o l d p o l i c e that he passed Emmanuel, who was coming from the opposite direction. He said that Emmanuel’s bicycle ran into the back wheels of the 10-wheeler truck, and he was run over

22-year-old ranover by 18-wheeler

by those wheels. Emmanuel suffered severe head and body injuries from the accident, and he died at the scene.

Police have since served Darren Castillo with a notice of intended prosecution, and blood and urine samples have been obtained from him for testing.

Reports to the press are that Emmanuel’s mother has alerted investigators to the possibility that he suffered from mental illness.

There i s current ly no determination yet about which of these two men caused the accident which has ended Emmanuel’s life abruptly. A determination of that issue is outstanding, and that outcome could play a critical role in whether or not Castillo is charged with criminal offenses for this accident.

Shon Dee Emmanuel

Dorian Anthony

Accident on the George Price Highway

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Sunday, March 15, 2020. The team owners of the National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) met today to chart the way forward for the 2020 season given the threat of COVID-19. It was decided that the season will be suspended until Saturday, April

National Elite Basketball League Statement on Games

18 when the team owners will reconvene to review the situation in order to make a decision regarding the remainder of the season, based on medical advice from the Ministry of Health and the safety conditions in Belize at that time.

The Premier League of Belize met with the PLB Club Owners to chart the way forward for the 2019-2020 Closing Season given the imminent threat of the COVID – 19 Virus.

The owners decided that the Closing Season will be suspended until Friday, April

Premier League of Belize suspends Closing Season

17, 2020, then the owners will reconvene a meeting to assess the situation and make a decision regarding the remainder of the season, guided by the Ministry of Health advisory and taking into consideration the safety of the football fraternity and by extension the stakeholders.

By Kelly Cohen, ESPNNever before had the

Olympic Games been postponed or cancelled for something other than war, but rarely has the world come to a grinding halt the way it has over the novel coronavirus.

What felt like the last major sporting event untouched by the current strain of the coronavirus, known formally as COVID-19, the 2020 Olympics served as a glimmer of hope for the entire globe. But on Tuesday, Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach agreed to postpone the Tokyo 2020 Olympics by about one year.

The opening ceremony had been planned for July 24.

Despite the postponement, the Summer Olympics when they eventually happen will still be called the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020. The Olympic flame will also remain stored and displayed in Fukushima.

“The IOC president and the Prime Minister of Japan have concluded that the Games

Tokyo 2020 Olympics officially postponed until 2021

. . . must be rescheduled to a date beyond 2020 but not later than summer 2021, to safeguard the health of the athletes, everybody involved in the Olympic Games and the international community,” said a joint statement by the Tokyo 2020 organizing committee and the IOC.

According to the statement, the World Health Organization had consulted with both parties on Tuesday about what it called the “accelerating” pandemic. There are now more than 390,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19

worldwide, with more than 17,000 deaths. Nearly every country has been impacted.

The decision comes less than 48 hours after the IOC said it was giving itself four weeks to make a decision about the Olympics. As the coronavirus continued to spread in recent weeks, Bach and members of Japan’s government insisted the Games could go forward. Sunday’s statement was the first on-the-record acknowledgement that a postponement could actually happen.

Pressure f rom nat ions and athletes alike mounted in recent days, and most recently, Canada said it would not send representatives to the Olympics without a delay. Australia later joined in that decision.

The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee sent a survey over the weekend to more than 4,000 American Olympics hopefuls, and nearly seven in 10 respondents said they didn’t think the Games would be fair if held in July. Germany and Poland had also called for the Games to be delayed.

“Despite the feeling of eventuality that so many of us

have felt in the lead up to this moment -- my heart breaks for you, your fellow athletes around the world, our friends at Tokyo 2020, the people of Japan, and all who are impacted by this global pandemic and the decision to postpone the Tokyo Games 2020,” USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland wrote in a letter to the athletes.

“We heard your concerns and we shared them. I thank you for being so forthcoming with your perspectives, and also for allowing us the time to hear from your teammates across all sports before making a recommendation to the IOC.”

The Olympics had never been rescheduled for something other than war. In 1916, 1940 and 1944, the Games were cancelled because of the world wars.

In addition to the impact on the athletes whose lives have now been upended by the decision, the financial impact will be staggering. The organizers of Tokyo 2020 estimated the cost to be roughly $12.6 billion, while other experts have put that figure closer to $25 billion. The delay will also impact the billions spent by sponsors and broadcasters.

T h e I O C a n d To k y o organizers said they hope the decision to postpone will help the world heal from the pandemic.

“The leaders agreed that the Olympic Games in Tokyo could stand as a beacon of hope to the world during these troubled times and that the Olympic flame could become the light at the end of the tunnel in which the world finds itself at present,” the IOC statement said.

Tokyo, Japan


LAUSANNE, Switzerland. 24 March 2020. The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) welcomed the difficult joint decision today of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee and Japan Prime Minister Abe Shinzo to postpone the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 to a date no later than the summer of 2021.

The IOC stated that the Tokyo 2020 Games will be rescheduled to a date beyond 2020 but not later than summer 2021, to safeguard the health of the athletes, everybody involved in the Olympic Games and the international community.

Said WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari: “The WBSC welcomes and fully supports the joint decision taken by the IOC, Tokyo 2020 and Japan Prime Minister Abe Shinzo to postpone the start of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“While the postponement is heartbreaking for athletes -- and our baseball and softball players -- around the world, the ‘Tokyo 2020’ Games in 2021 can be a symbol of global recovery and solidarity, and be one of the greatest worldwide celebrations and most anticipated moments in the history of sport.

“The WBSC stands in solidarity with the Olympic Movement during this difficult time and will work closely with the IOC to manage the completion of the Olympic qualification process for baseball, which now has more time to be conducted, providing an equal opportunity for the teams and their players.”

Baseball and softball will be making their first Olympic

Olympic Baseball, Softball, Tokyo 2020 Games postpone to 2021appearance since the 2008 Beijing Games, and are expected to be one of the top attractions of the Games in Japan, where baseball/softball is the most popular sport.

Baseball/Softball’s road Back to the Games

Softball has completed the Tokyo 2020 Olympic qualification process. The six-team tournament will feature host nation Japan, USA (the 2018 WBSC World Champions), Italy (winner of the Europe/

Africa Qualifier), Mexico, Canada (winner and runner-up of the Americas Qualifier) and Australia (winner of the Asia/Oceania Qualifier).

Four of six teams have qualified for the Olympic baseball event at Tokyo 2020, including host Japan, Israel (the winner of the Europe/Africa Qualifier), Korea and Mexico (through the WBSC Premier12 2019). The remaining two teams will advance to the Games through the Americas Qualifier and the

Final Qualifier.The eight-team Americas

Baseball Qualifier was scheduled from 22 to 26 March and has been postponed. The Final Qualifier, originally scheduled in early April, has been currently postponed to June. It must however take place following the Americas Qualifier. The second- and third-place finishers of the Americas Qualifier will join Chinese Taipei, Australia, China and the Netherlands in the Final qualifier.

Sunday, March 29, 2020 Price: $1.00 Vol. 23 No. 13

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