March 2, 2011, Issue 7

Transcription

Wednesday, March 2 , 2011
Capital Weekly
Capital Weekly
Page 1
From the Heart of the Nation to the Soul of the People
No New Taxes!
No. 007
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Price: $1.00
Prime Minister Presents New Budget Next Friday
Next week Friday
March 11, Prime Minister
Dean Barrow will present
his new budget for fiscal
year 2011-2012. We do not
yet know the full details of
the budget he will present,
but the Prime Minister has
already given us a good
indication of what the
figures will look like. And
while he has not gone as
far as to say, “Read my
lips”, he has emphatically
declared that there will be
“no new taxes!”
“We expect that this
will be a good budget,
certainly and principally
because, I repeat what
I said a couple of weeks
Prime Minister Dean Barrow
Minister of Finance
ago, there are going to
be no new taxes on the
Belizean people this fiscal
year,” the Prime Minister
stated.
It’s a pledge he has made
earlier and repeated in his
quarterly press conference
three weeks ago. And with
the old fiscal year (20102011) almost completed,
he laid out some of
the preliminary figures
indicating the government
and the country’s financial
position as we prepare to
begin the new fiscal year
(2011-2012).
“So far, as the numbers
are looking at this point
Continued on page 6
New Roads, New Bridges
Over $100 MILLION for Southern Belize
e 17
Contractor John Woods and Works Minister Anthony Martinez sign contract on
Monday in Belmopan for paving of Southern Highway from the Dump to Jalacte
This Monday, 28th February
in Belmopan City a construction
agreement was signed between
the Government of Belize and
Cisco Construction Ltd. who
was awarded the contract for the
upgrading to paved standards of
approximately 23 miles of the
road from Big Falls Village to
the Belize Guatemala Border.
The Contact totalling some Bz.
$47,995,867.50, was awarded to
Cisco Construction Ltd.
The contract is the largest
this company has received to
date. Notable is that Cisco
Construction Ltd. bid as much
as $10,000,000.00 below the
Continued on page 12
Page 2
Capital Weekly
Paddle Yuh Own Canoe
La Ruta Maya River Challenge Is Here Again!
(((Respecting the greatness of La Ruta Maya River Challenge, we’ve yielded our editorial space this week to accommodate a
preview and historical perspective by one of the best sports analysts from the Belmopan/Roaring Creek area)
In 2009, second place in that
category went to Koop Sheet Metal
and Caribbean Pride came in third.
In the pleasure craft category,
Print Belize came in first and Little
Big Hearts took second place.
In the Mixed Category, Bismillah
took first place and Don’t Blink came
in second.
In the Master Category, Program
for Belize took first place and Team
Jancunu came in second.
In the intra-mural category, Break
Away from the Pack came in first and
Raynord Garbutt on the banks of the river at Banana Bank where the first leg of the race will finish
By Raynord Barbutt
It’s here again, indeed, the La
Ruta Maya River Challenge, an annual
Who will win this year? We
In the Dorey Category first place
was too long and ended too late in can’t say, but a quick look back at the
the night, causing safety concerns, standings in the past two years might
went to D 3 E’s and second place to
organizers, is that the second leg
but is already an entrenched tradition
as rescue teams must remain on the give us an idea of what teams have a
waters in standby mode until the last good chance of coming on top after
and a major international attraction.
vessel comes in.)
event that is only fourteen years old
As we enter the holiday weekend,
The third leg of the race takes
four days of fast and furious paddling.
In 2009, Belize Bank, always
leg taking place on Friday, March 4. It
place on Sunday March 6, starting in a fierce contender, won first place in
Double Head Cabbage and ending in the main race, the male professional
takes off from the Hawksworth Bridge
Burrell Boom.
the event is getting underway, the first
in San Ignacio/ Santa Elena, the first
leg ending at Banana Bank.
On Saturday March 5, the second
leg starts at Banana Bank, but rather
than ending in Bermudan Landing as
in previous years, that leg will now
end in Double Head Cabbage. (The
reason for the change, according to
second place went to Baptist Blazers.
Vida Purified Water.
Finally, in 2009, in the Female
C a t e g o r y, R o b ’s A n g e l s w e r e
champions, with Team Police coming
in second.
Last year, 2010, Zip Rider
were champions in the main race
category, paddling a canoe called Tek-
(Male Professional Category) with
The fourth and final leg is It-Back, a quite fitting name as they,
scheduled for Monday, March 7, a being the 2007 champions, had lost
Belize Bank coming in second, and
Public and Bank holiday, National in 2008 to CPBL (Citrus Company of
Heroes and Benefactors Day, in lieu Belize), and were determined to take
of March 9th, previously Baron back the title in 2009, which, as we
Bliss Day. That leg starts in Burrell noted, they did. They won in 2009
Boom and ends at the Belcan Bridge with an overall time of 17hours, 54
Minutes, 5 seconds.
in Belize City.
Caribbean Pride settling for third
place. The overall best time (Zip
Rider) was 18 hours, 41 minutes, 7
Continued on page 7
Capital Weekly
From the Heart of the Nation
To the Soul of the People
Published By:
Roots & Rhythm Ltd.
15 Gibnut Street Belmopan
Editor & Business
and Sales Manager:
Wilbourne Cuthkelvin
Chairman
Editorial Board:
Delroy Cuthkelvin
Telephone:
610-1284
Email: delcutvin@
yahoo.com
Capital Weekly
Page 3
Making Love Out of Nothing at all!
Belmopan Council Finds Resources to Fix Up the City
By Vernon Cuthkelvin
The Belmopan City
Council is one that must be admired
country-wide. Mayor Simeon
Lopez and his team of active,
hardworking Councillors coupled
with an able staff of dedicated
professional men and women have
efficiently delivered quality service
to the residents of Belmopan.
Traditionally, attention is
given to elected bodies embroiled
and engulfed in scandal; well at this
desk we are proud to boast from
the hill-top that this City Council
works and works hard.
Several streets have been
repaired and uplifted: Nim Li
Punit, Trio, University Cresent,
Cadena Mountain, Baldy Beacon,
George Price Blvd, Mandarin,
The Mayor and members of his technical team on the ground
Street being wet and rolled in Mountain View Area
Salvapan Bridge being rebuilt by City Council
Price Center, El Salvador, Raccoon, since been replaced. The bus stop
New walkways are being had a missing section.
Humming Bird Drive, Ramirez and at the roundabout at the entrance constructed behind the Civic
The entire Paloma Street was paved
San Martin have all been graded of Belmopan also had its roof Centre to in front of the First
through a grant from the Ministry
shredded by the storm, that roof has Caribbean Bank and on both sides
and compacted.
Continued on page 7
The Salvapan Bridge is since been replaced as well.
of Corozal Street which previously
being repaired. A new sidewalk
for pedestrians along with the
replacement of a metal rail for this
bridge is near completion. The
clearing, cleaning and straightening
of the ‘Ten Cents’ Creek which runs
underneath the Salvapan Bridge is
about to commence.
Notably is the fact that
all these works are being done
prior to the commencement of the
Municipal Development Project
(MDP) which is slated for later on
this year.
According to Mayor
Simeon Lopez the reason the
Belmopan City Council has been
able to address the needs of the
residents of Belmopan prior to
the MDP is because the Council
is at its ‘high-season’ in revenue
collection.
The Belmopan Civic
Centre roof was gutted after the last
Streets being graded and rolled in Mountan View Area of Belmopan
hurricane and the entire roof has
Page 4
Capital Weekly
PRESS RELEASE
BWEL STANDS BEHIND GOOD BUSINESS ETHICS
February 17, 2011:
Belize Western Energy Limited (BWEL) first entered the Belizean market and LPG sector
some 20 years ago. Over the years, we have grown with the Belizean community and have now
uccessfully expanded our services countrywide with distribution centers in all major towns
and cities. Our company’s growth would not have been possible without the assistance, support
and trust of you our valued customers.For this reason, we place a high premium on offering trusted
service, value for each customer’s investment and establishing high standards and ethical procedures
for ourservices and product delivery protocols.
BWEL stands by its customers and its commitment to high professional and ethical standards. Our
company’s guiding principles emphasize fairness and offering quality andvalue for our customer’s
money, as well as high safety standards. For the past years, we have progressively demonstrated our
commitment to fairly serving our lients,guaranteeing quality and implementing all policies that will
see not only to the service of our customers but the professional and ethical development of the LPG
industry for Belize and Belizeans.
With that in mind, we have always diligently pursued several company protocols and initiatives.
These include:
Α. Established safety protocols at our distribution centers.
Β. Established a complete schedule and rigorously implementing that schedule for quality
assurance, operations and maintenance for all our plants and distribution centers. Aside from
these internal procedures, we have been pursuing and will pursue other initiatives to continue to
demonstrate our good faith and commitment to professionalism in our operations.
C. Continuing to work with local energy providers and business partners like BNE and the
Government of Belize to establish a LPG sector that will offer quality and significantly more
affordable LPG to our customers and the entire Belizean market.
D. Establishing a program that allows the client to witness the service and quantity of the product
being pursued
E. Working with the Bureau of Standards to not only build on our internal quality assurance as
well as operational and safety mechanisms and programs, but as well in establishing protocols for
the entire sector that will ensure quality, value and safety in product and service for the Belizean
people.
F. An official invitation has been issued to the Bureau of Standards to visit our LPG depots
countrywide to do their own inspections for quality & safety compliance.
We continue to refute any attempt to malign our company and we are pursuing legal advice to
ensure the restoration of our company’s good name and image.
We have worked successfully with Belizeans from all over the country to build a reputation and
product that is of high quality and service that is fair and ethical. We will not stand by and allow any
media house to injure our good name.
We thank you, our clients, customers and business partners who have stood by us over the years,
and we assure you that our service and operations have been worth your confidence and trust.
BWEL
“Energy is the Difference”
Capital Weekly
Page 5
Math Fever Hits Belize City
SSB Olympiad Central Regional Championship
Central A Champions St. Catherine’s Academy
Central A Sub-Champions Gwen Lizarraga
The St. John’s College
Gymnasium was filled with
excitement as it hosted the
last two regional competitions
in the 2011 Belize Math
Olympiad. St. Catherine
Academy with team members
Suraye Solis, Yelina Gough,
Annie Li and Xux Ek’ Novelo
won the Central A Regionals in
the morning with a total score
of 5,251 points advanced to
the National Championship
game. Gwen Lizarraga High
School came in second in
the Central A Regionals. A
total of seven high schools
competed in the Central A
Regional game: Belize Rural
High School, Gwen Lizarraga
High School, Nazarene High
School, Pallotti High School,
Sadie Vernon Technical High
School, San Pedro High
School and St. Catherine’s
Academy. I n t h e a f t e r n o o n ,
the Central B Regional
Competition was also thrilling
as the following six high
schools competed to represent
their region: Anglican
Cathedral College, Canaan
S.D.A High School, Edward P.
Yorke High School, Excelsior
High School, Ladyville
Technical High School and
St. John’s College. At the
end of the interesting game,
The Gwen Lizarraga Team in action
Central B Champions St. John’s College
Central B Sub-Champions E.P. Yorke
St. John’s College ended
victorious as the Central B
Regional Champs with a
record score of 6,201 points. The record holders were Einer
Marin, Yun-Te Teng, Aaron
Stock, and Romel Rudon. Edward P. Yorke High School
came in second place.
T h e o t h e r 2 0 1 1
Regional Finalists to compete
in the National Championship
on Wednesday, March 9,
2011 starting at 9.00 a.m.
at the University of Belize
Gymnasium in Belmopan are:
Julian Cho Technical High
School for the Southern Region,
Belize Christian Academy
for the Western Region, and
Corozal Community College
representing the Northern
Region.
The Social Security
Board takes this opportunity to
thank the 40 High Schools that
participated in the 2011 Belize
Math Olympiad and invites
you to join us at the Belize
Math Olympiad National
Championship.
(Information and Photos
p ro v i d e d b y M a r i n e l a
Vasquez Guerra of SSB)
Nazarene in Action though not as successful
Page 6
Capital Weekly
No New Taxes
Continued from page 1
in time, Total Revenues
and Grant Receipts are
currently at 559.6 Million
Dollars,” the Prime
Minister noted.
“Total expenditure is
at 566.7 Million; so that
there is an overall deficit,
at this point in time, of 7.1
Million.
The good news is
that currently there is a
Recurrent Balance of 72.4
Million, and there is a
Primary Surplus of 44.5
Million Dollars.
Total Revenue so far is
544.8 Million. That’s up
by 44.5 Million compared
to the similar period for
fiscal year 2009-2010.
Where there has been
a sharp decline is with
respect to the Grant
Receipts. In fact, those
have gone from 78.7
Million to 4.8 Million.
(Of course, all sorts of
pressures have come to
bear on our traditional
sources for grants.)
T h e i n c re a s e s i n
revenue receipts from
the Domestic Petroleum
Industry, and from GST
compensated to some
degree for the slump in
grants. Business Tax and
Royalties from Petroleum
totalled 49.3 Million
dollars, and that’s 27.4
Million Dollars higher
than the similar period in
fiscal year 2009-2010.
In the case of the GST,
collections rose by 24.8
Million to 140.9 Million,
but I have to point out
that that is still below the
PUBLIC NOTICE
Public Utilities Commission (PUC)
In exercise of the powers conferred upon it by Section
19(12) of the Belize Telecommunications Act, No. 16
of 2002, and Section 11(3) of the Telecommunications
(Licensing Classification, Authorization, and Fee
Structure) Regulations, 2002, and all other powers
thereunto enabling, the Public Utilities Commission
(PUC; the Commission) serves Notice this day, March
3, 2011, that the Class Licenses granted to the following
entities have been cancelled effective February 21, 2011.
a) Cyberbel
b) Internet Solutions of Belize
c) Satellite Connections
d) @applied Technology Co. Ltd.
e) Full Contact Ltd.
f) Clear Contact Ltd.
g) Mycuz.net
As a consequence these former license holders are not
authorized to provide telecommunications services in
Belize.
Issued by the Public Utilities Commission on March 03, 2011
BELIZE SOCIAL INVESTMENT FUND
BELIZE MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
PROJECT STAFF – Administrative Assistant
STATEMENT OF CAPABILITY
The Government of Belize (GOB) has applied for financing
from the World Bank (WB) towards the cost of a municipal
development project to improve and maintain municipal service
delivery in selected towns of Belize. The project comprises
small-scale infrastructure improvements; capacity building
for the municipality councils; technical assistance to central
government in municipal management; and project management
and administration. GOB has appointed the Belize Social
Investment Fund (BSIF) as the implementing agency for the
project. It is intended that part of the proceeds of this financing
will be applied to contracts for consultants to enhance the capacity
of BSIF through the establishment of a Project Implementation
Unit that will be responsible for project implementation.
BSIF is seeking to recruit an individual to fill the following
position, the critical minimum requirements for the position is
listed however, applicants are asked to view the detailed terms
of reference:
Administrative Assistant
An Associate Degree in the Arts or
Business Studies
Three years experience in the required
field
The consultancies are expected to be for an initial period of twentyfour (24) months commencing in April 2011.
BSIF now invites individual consultants interested in undertaking
the assignment to submit their Statements of Capability. 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
(c) Availability of Candidate for the proposed consultancy
period.
The terms of reference for the assignments can be viewed online at GOB’s official portal http://www.belize.gov.bz or can be
requested from [email protected].
One original and two (2) hard copies of each submission in the
English language must be delivered by 3:00 pm on 4th March
2011 to:
Executive Director
Belize Social Investment Fund
3rd Floor, PAPI’s Building
Constitution Drive
Belmopan City
Belize
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: Administrative
Assistant, Belize Municipal Development Project”
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
Capital Weekly
Page 7
Paddle Yuh Own Canoe
seconds.
In the Mixed Category, No Limit
Soldiers (BDF) were first, while Lost
and Found certainly found their way,
coming in respectably at second place.
In the Pleasure Craft Category
won their third championship in this
division, and Crime Fighters (the
Police male team) came in second.
In the Masters Category, Jancunu
took first place and Grumpy Old Men
came in second.
In the Intra Mural Category, St.
Francis Xavier School were first,
with second place going to UB Black
Jaguars.
In the Female Category,
first place went to the Police Team
(Peacemakers), who had come in
second the previous year.
And, rounding off the 2010
winners, in the Dorey Category, Can’t
Ketch Me Down came in first and
Santa Familia took second place.
So, if you want to know who
are teams to watch this year, looked
back at who won in the last two years
should give you some indication. Of
course, in any competitive sport, there
is always some new and dangerous kid
on the block, and surprises can always
be expected. Then again, surprises
are only surprising if they are not
expected.
Male- Zip Rider, second place
Belize Bank, Third Team Caribbean
team mates.
Today, fourteen years later, is
Zip rider is bringing the same
an entrenched tradition and a major
team- Team Captain (Jerry Rhaburn)
international attraction with a huge
(2009 took in mixed category- didn’t
fan-base, who follow the race from
do good bounced back in 2010)
start to finish.
Pride (18hours, 41 minutes, 7 seconds)
Print Belize will have two of the
As to the participants in the race,
Mixed category: No Limit Soldiers
paddlers, one new paddler (Rudolph
they come from as far away as Japan,
Gentle is the captain for 8 years)
and include teams from England,
(BDF), second went to Lost and Found
Pleasure craft: Print Belize (Three
So there you have it, the stage
Canada and Houston (USA).
time winner of this event- going for
having been set for the fourteenth
According to the current president
their fourth)
paddling of the La Ruta Maya Belize
of the organizing committee, Roberto
River Challenge.
Harrison, about 95 canoes are expected
According to the experts, some of
the teams to watch this year include
Some quick historical notes on
Zip Rider who are looking strong with
the event: The idea was born back in
the same team of paddlers headed by
the muid-1990’s when Jorge Garcia
of canoeing become in Belize, our
Jerry Rhaburn; Belize Bank, who are
of a Cayo based Radio Station called
local teams are now travelling and
always tough contenders; CPBL who
Radio Ritmo led an environmentally
winning canoe races abroad.
won in 2008 and Agro-Tech sponsored
conscious cleanup of the banks of the
Last year ’s La Ruta Maya
by Minister of Agriculture Hon. Rene
Macal River which passes though the
Champion, Zip Rider, paddled and
Montero.
twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa
won first place in the Texas white
In the pleasure craft category,
Elena. While on his cleanup campaign
Water River Challenge 2010. Belize
Print Belize is certainly on top of the
the thought suddenly came to Garcia
Bank, previous champions, had also
list of favourites with two of its three
that of organizing a canoe race down
done it.
paddlers being seasoned contenders,
the river. Garcia organized a one-day
The President of La Ruta Maya
one of them Rudolph Gentle who has
race which was considerable success.
Belize River Challenge is even
been the team’s captain for 8 straight
In 1997, Orlando Harrison,
talking about preparing a team for
years.
expanding the dream, put a committee
In the female category, the
together under the name of Belize La
favourites are the Police Team called
Ruta Maya River Challenge, organized
Peace Maker, featuring Jane Usher Jr.,
the first four-day event which was an
an experienced paddler and two new
instant and massive success.
to participate in this year’s race.
So competitive has the sport
the upcoming Olympics.
Paddle Yuh Own Canoe, and let’s
get it on! Long live La Ruta Maya!
Making Love Out of Nothing at all!
of Finance to the Belmopan City
Council.
The Belmopan City
Council has even launched an
Incentive Package for property
owners in the city of Belmopan
offering a discount package of
up to 25% for early payment
of Property Fees. Senior
Citizens, who are 65 years or
older are also eligible for an
additional 5% discount for
any property in which they
reside.
Absolutely no one
would argue the need to pay
Belmopan Civic Centre, roof replaced after Hurricane Richard
taxes to a Council that so
efficiently serves its people.
The Belmopan City Council
is undoubtedly a shining
example of what can be
accomplished when the
elected and the electors work
hand in hand to accomplish a
common goal.
Respect to Mayor
Lopez, the Councillors, the
City Administrator and all the
staff of the Belmopan City
Council who work hard to
serve Belmopan City. Keep
up the good work.
Belmopan Bus Stop, roof replaced after Hurricane Richard
Page 8
Capital Weekly
Sports Update
With
Ismael “Miley” Garcia
IIIsmael “Miley” Garcia
National Sports Coordinator
Ministry of Sports
The EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR of the National
Sports Council, Mr Anthony
Michael, vacates office on
Monday 28th February. Two
months ago he indicated to
Government that he would
not renew his contract at its
expiration and that time has
now arrived.
In communicating to the
Prime Minister his decision
not to renew his contract
Mr. Michael stated “The
opportunity given to me by
your Government for the
last two years as Executive
Director of the National
Sports Council is one that
I will cherish and be very
thankful for the rest of my
life...Nevertheless, there
comes a time in one’s life
where one must move on.” The Ministry of Sports
expresses its gratitude to Mr.
Anthony Michael for his
service and wishes him well
in his new undertakings. Mr.
Patrick Henry will take up
the Post of Acting Executive
Director in the interim.
Things have heated up
in the Interdepartmental
Dominoes tournament and
one of the finalists, Fire/
Fisheries Departments,
qualified this Thursday. The next finalist will be
decided on Tuesday, March
1 at 6:30 p.m. at the Police
Training Academy Canteen
between Labour/NEMO
and the Police Department
Team. All are then invited to attend
the Championship Match on
Thursday March 3 at 7:00
pm at the E&L Sports Bar in
Belmopan where ONE winner
will take home $2,000.00.
The Sports Investigation
Committee travelled to
Corozal, Orange Walk and
Belize Football Districts
this week. The members
interviewed representatives
of the FFB in all these
districts. All Districts have
now been visited. The Ministry of
Sports is keenly awaiting the
report from the Committee
with a view to moving this
National Sport forward. While it is not the
intention of the Government
to run any national sport, the
Sports Act clearly outlines
the roles and responsibilities
of any and all National
Associations representing or
purporting to represent Belize
internationally.
The Honorable John
Saldivar salutes all those
valiant canoeists who will
brave the Belize or Old
River (the oldest Western
Highway) this March 4 th
weekend in the BELIZE
LA RUTA MAYA CANOE
RIVER CHALLENGE.
MINISTRY OF SPORTS
PRESS RELEASE
The Ministry of the
Public Service, Governance
Improvement, Elections &
Boundaries and Sports
reminds the general public
and, especially members
of the football family, that
the Sports Investigation
Committee continues
its work countrywide.
The Sports investigation
Committee is a special
team appointed by
Statutory Instrument 125
of 2010 in December, 2010
to review and establish
the validity or otherwise
of the appointment of the
executives of the Football
Federation of Belize (FFB)
members, and the validity
or otherwise of the FFB
election of an Executive
Committee held on the
18th December. It is also is
investigating the validity
of the decision of the FFB
to disallow nominations for
election to the executive
by one of its members the
Belize Premier Football
League (BPFL).
The Ministry is awaiting
the report to be submitted
by the Committee at the
end of its commission. In
the meantime the Ministry
notes that it does not
recognize the new FFB
Executive elected in that
December 18 th election.
Similarly noted is that
no application has been
received by the National
Sports Council by the
FFB for registration as
a sporting organization
for 2011. The Ministry
will only recognize those
sporting organizations that
are duly registered with the
National Sports Council as
per the Sports Act Chapter
19. This clearly states
that 3)”Every registered
sporting organisation shall
in the month of January in
each year submit a list of
the names and addresses
of its office bearers to the
Council” and 4) “ A sports
organisation that has not
been duly registered shall
not be entitled to any of
the privileges (Including
use of equipment and
facilities), concessions
or exemptions granted
to a registered sporting
organisation and shall not
be able to participate in any
competitions or functions
held under the auspices of
the Council”.
Registered sporting
organisations are reminded
also that the Sports Act
empowers the Minister
to make regulations in
respect of “the selection
of national sports teams
to represent Belize”. The
Ministry, through the
National Sports Council
stands ready to work with
all sporting organisations
that are in compliance with
the Laws of Belize.
END
See CAPITAL WEEKLY Online
in Living Colours at:
BelizeNews.com/Capital Weekly
Capital Weekly
Page 9
Old Center Brings New Center
Groundbreaking Cermonies held in Maskall
Breaking Ground to Re-construct the Community Center
The Old Delapidated Community Center
Just the facts!
Tropical Gaming Company of Belize Limited shares some
Quick Lotto facts:

The Lotto Jackpot prize has BEEN AS HIGH AS
$182,500.00

Lotto contributes to the Belizean economy in several
material ways:

It pays 12.5% of its gross sales to the Government!

It pays Business Tax.

It pays commissions to its agents:

It withholds & remits to GOB 15%
from all prizes paid out!

It paid a total of $1,474,519.00 in prizes last year!
Lotto:
Easier to understand!
Easier to play!
Easier to win!
Look out for some more Lotto facts next week!
A project that will upgrade
the Maskall Village Community
Centre into a full hurricane
shelter was officially launched
on Tuesday March 1, at the
project site. The project will
benefit over 1,200 residents of
Maskall Village, located along
the old Northern Highway.
The project will be
implemented by the Social
Investment Fund and financed
by the Government of Belize at a
total cost of $176,000 under the
Commonwealth Debt Initiative
(CDI). The community of
Maskall will contribute labour
towards the project.
The project’s work scope
includes replacing the existing
corrugated zinc roof with a
concrete slab and properly
connecting the walls to the roof,
strengthening of the foundation,
construction of new columns to
reinforce the roof, improvement
to the walls, replacement
of wooden windows with
aluminum louvers, replacement
of wooden doors with metal
ones, construction of a four-unit
bathroom facility by converting
the existing library into
bathrooms, rehabilitation of the
kitchen area, rehabilitation of
the electrical system including
the installation of ceiling fans,
and supply of picnic benches to
support social activities.
An upgraded community
centre will bring a sense of pride
to the residents of the Village
and provide them with a sense
of security in the event of a
natural disaster while visitors
to the village will enjoy better
facilities. Although Maskall
has lost its centrality as a hub
Page 10
Capital Weekly
Old Center Brings New Center
Groundbreaking Cermonies held in Maskall
Signing of Tri-partite agreement
Altun Ha, sometimes stopping
at the well known Maruba
Resort, this Village is once again
recovering its vibrancy. A few of
the residents travel to Belize City
and Ladyville Village where they
work as teachers, public servants
and in the service industry.
The CSO 2000 Census lists
the population of Maskall at 585
with 141 households showing
a decline from 805 and 151
households in 1991. However,
population is estimated at 1,200
as there is indication of recent
settling on the periphery of the
village including Spanish Town.
The guest speaker at the
project launching was the
Hon. Edmond Castro, Area
Representative for the Belize
Rural North Constituency.
Other speakers included
representatives of the Social
Investment Fund and the
Maskall Village Council.
(Information and Photos
provided by Mike Hernandez
Jr. J.P., Director of Public
Relations of the Social
Investment Fund)
for travelers passing through to
the northern districts due to the
construction of the new highway
in 1980, it still prides itself as
the largest village on the old
Northern Highway and the host
of the annual sporting activities
such as football where other
communities in the proximity
are invited. More importantly,
the upgraded facility will be used
for numerous social activities
including teachers in their
homework program as well as
members of the Public Health
Department and the Belize
Defense Force, and the soon to
start first aid training program.
Maskall Village is located 38
miles North West of Belize City
and 27 miles south east of Orange
Walk Town on the Old Northern
Highway. It is a predominantly
Creole community but there has
been a recent settlement called
Spanish Town comprised of
Mestizo persons. Maskall is
a very old community, which
was very vibrant before the
construction of the new Northern
Highway and is the second to
last of eight villages on the Old
Northern Highway including
Boston, Lucky Strike, Rockstone
Pond, Corozalito, Santana, St.
Ann’s and Bomba.
Farming has remained
the mainstay of Maskall Village
but recent developments in ecotourism are now providing jobs
at local resorts, for tour guides
and manufacturers of wood
carvings that are mainly sold to
the tourists. With tourists coming
from San Pedro and entering the
river from the sea, landing at
Bomba and taking a tour bus to
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT
Belmopan Bus Terminal, City of Belmopan, Belize C.A.
Tel: 501- 822-2038 Fax: 501- 822-3317
E-mail- [email protected]
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
The Department of Transport advises members of the public
of the following aids to traffic safety:1) Put on lights when travelling on roads at night
and during early morning, late evenings and
conditions of dust, mist, fog and rain.
2) Don’t drive on the wrong side of the road
3) Don’t overtake going up a hill or any incline
4) Don’t over take when you cant see clearly ahead
5) Try to stop driving in the middle of the road
6) Make sure vehicle rear lights are working
7) Heavy equipment, houses and other oversized items
cannot be transported nor can big farm tractors and other
farm equipment be driven on roads after 6:00pm.
Capital Weekly
Page 11
The Transport Board hereby serves notice to all interested bus operators of the available schedule now in the Northern Zone as
detailed below. Interested Operators are hereby encouraged to submit Road Service Application to any of the Department of Transport
Offices Countrywide no later than Monday 28th February, 2011.
(Ministry of Transport, Communications and National Emergency Management)
NORTHERN ROUTE - BELIZE CITY TO SANTA ELENA
NORTHERN ROUTE : SANTA ELENA TO BELIZE CITY
FINAL FEBRAURY 16, 2011
FINAL FEBRUARY 16, 2011
Continued on Page 11
Page 12
Capital Weekly
NORTHERN ROUTE : SANTA ELENA TO BELIZE CITY
FINAL FEBRUARY 16, 2011
New Roads,
New Bridges
next competitive tender, and
was the only Belizean Company
that tendered for the job. This
Big Falls- Belize/Guatemala
Border Road Project which falls
under the Project Execution
Unit (PEU) of the Ministry of
Works is financed by a loan to
the Belize Government from the
Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic
Development and OFID
(OPEC Fund for International
Development) including the
Central American Bank for
Economic Integration (CABEI),
with counterpart funding
contributed by the Government
of Belize.
This project is expected to
create hundreds of new, muchneeded jobs in the South of the
country. The project is estimated
to be completed within three
years.
Upon completion, the new
highway will serve to enhance
trade with countries within the
region while making life easier
for Belizeans who reside in that
area and who traditionally load
up their donkeys with corn to
sell in Guatemala, where they
are able to fetch a proper market
value for their produce.
The need to establish a
second and official Border
Crossing with Guatemala in this
location would help to prevent
the numerous illegal incursions
into our territory. The official
Press Release from the Ministry
of Works states that the highway
“will allow the villages located
in the western part of the Toledo
District improved access to
Punta Gorda and the rest of the
country”.
This latest signing comes
on the heels of the Placencia
Road Upgrading Project (PRUP)
which was also signed by the
Government of Belize and
Cisco Construction Ltd. The
Civil Works was completed in
November of 2010. Funding
Completion of paving of Southern Highway from Golden Stream to Big Falls
Continued from Page 11
Capital Weekly
Page 13
No
New
Taxes !
target of 155Million that
we had expected to reach
at the 9 month mark.”
The Prime Minister said
the Statistical Institute of
Belize had already given
him an indication of what
their preliminary GDP
Growth estimate was for
2010, and that, in their
belief, growth would be at
least 2.5 percent.
That, as the Prime
Minister had indicated in
his New Year’s Address
two months ago, is the
highest growth rate in the
entire Caribbean coming
out of the economic
recession, as only two other
countries in the region
are recording positive
growth, those countries
being Guyana and the
Netherland Antilles at
0.8 percent growth. What
better is that the Central
Bank of Belize’s forecast
for this coming year is
yet more encouraging.
That forecast is for 3.7%
growth in 2011.
As we noted earlier,
the Prime Minister will
deliver his new budget for
fiscal year 2011-2012 next
Friday inside the National
Assembly in Belmopan.
The parliamentary debate
is scheduled to take place
the following week, and
implementation of the
new budget will begin on
April 1st as is customary.
Page 14
Capital Weekly
More Roads, More Bridges
Over $100 MILLION for Southern Belize
What the Kendall Bridge will look like when it’s completed, a new elevated and re-inforced design that will be resistant to flooding
Piles being driven for the new Kendall Bridge being constructed
for that project was provided by
the Caribbean Developing Bank
along with counterpart funding
from the Government of Belize.
The scope of work for the
PRUP included the upgrading
of 20 miles of road to paved
standard. This project extends
from the Southern Highway to
the airstrip on the outskirts of
Placencia Village in the Stann
Creek District.
A m a z i n g l y, a f t e r t h e
completion of the tendered
project for the Placencia Road,
Government realized a savings
which was then put towards the
construction of the roundabout
to facilitate the flow of traffic
within the adjoining main road
into Placencia and the Southern
Highway. This roundabout is
presently under construction and
nearing completion.
During the life span of this
project, hundreds of new jobs
were created by the Ministry of
Works in the South.
The rehabilitation of
the Middlesex Bridge was
successfully completed in
August of 2010 and was officially
inaugurated in December. That
project included the replacement
of the Truss Centre span of
the existing crossing and the
widening of the entire structure
to accommodate the flow of twoway traffic.
The Kendal Bridge
Rehabilitation Project is well
underway and is expected to
be completed approximately in
May of 2012. This project after
a short evaluation period was
signed by the Government of
Belize and Cisco Construction
Ltd. on the 28 September
2010 for approximately
$12,000,000.00 BZ for the
execution of the prescribed Civil
Works which commenced on
the site on November 22, 2010.
The scope of work includes
Preparation of the approcahes for the bridge and re-training of the river at Kendall
Capital Weekly
Page 15
Roundabout being constructed at the junction of the newly paved Pacencia Road and the Southern Highway
Public Notice
Public Utilities Commission (PUC)
On January 31, 2011, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), issued
an Initial Decision in respect of the 2011 Annual Review Proceeding
(ARP) conducted for Belize Water Services Limited (BWSL).
There were no objections made by BWSL or any interested parties in
regards to the Initial Decision.
Therefore, as required by Section 32 of the Water and Sewerage
(Tariffs) Byelaws (Statutory Instrument No. 67 of 2002), the PUC
hereby serves Notice this day, March 3, 2011, that it has adopted the
said Initial Decision as the Final Decision in respect of the 2011 ARP
for BWSL.
The Final Decision approves that there be no adjustments to the
Schedules, Business and Investment Plan, the regulated parameters,
or the rates, tariffs, fees and charges, as approved in the Belize Water
Services Limited 2009 Full Tariff Review Proceeding Final Decision
(Amended).
Consequently, the rates, tariffs, fees and charges approved in the Final
Decision for the 2009 Full Tariff Review Proceeding (FTRP) for the
Annual Tariff Period (ATP) of April 1, 2011, to March 31, 2012, will
remain in effect.
The full texts of the 2009 FTRP Final Decision and the 2011 ARP
Final Decision are available for viewing at the office of the Public
Utilities Commission, 41 Gabourel Lane, Belize City, and on the PUC
website, www.puc.bz.
Issued by the Public Utilities Commission March 03, 2011
the construction of a 90m long
structural steel truss bridge
founded on driven steel piles
complete with a reinforced
concrete deck.
The injection of well over
$100,000,000.00 in projects
in Southern Belize under this
UDP administration through the
Ministry of Works has resulted
in the creation of thousands
of jobs. As a direct result of
this Government’s investment
confidence in the south, the
private sector has responded
in kind and has embarked
on numerous multimillion
dollar projects. This revived
atmosphere, while creating a
significant boost to the overall
infrastructure stock of the South;
has stimulated an unprecedented
growth in the Construction
Industry in which thousands and
thousands new jobs have and
will be created.
Private Sector Investment
Projects in the south includes, The
Ara Macao Resort in Placencia
that is constructing a major
marina which will cost well over
one billion dollars. There is a new
Airport which is presently being
constructed in the south that will
meet international standards and
will no doubt compete with the
existing International Airport in
the not too distant future.
With over $100,000,000.00
invested by this Administration
in the South and over a Billion by
the Private Sector the people of
Southern Belize can rest assure
that more jobs, opportunities,
infrastructural development and
economic growth will be coming
their way.
Page 16
Minister of
Works says
It’s all about
Team Work
Hon. Anthony Martinez
Minister of Works
T h e M i n i s t r y o f Wo r k s
has been doing a remarkable
job countrywide. The Minister
Hon. Anthony ‘Boots’ Martinez
humbly credits his all-star team of
extremely competent and dedicated
professionals with ensuring ‘value
for money’ while maintaining
a ridged time-frame in which
projects must be completed.
Regular on site supervision of
phase by phase of contracted works
country-wide valuing millions are a
routine for this high-powered team
which is headed by the C.E.O in
the Ministry of Works Mr. Cadet
Henderson (an experience and
technologically advance Engineer
himself) along with the Chief
Engineer Mr. Lennox Bradley, the
head of the Project Execution Unit
(PEU) Mr. Edgar Puga, the Manager
of the PEU for the European Union
Mr. Deon Pascasio all of whom
are qualified Engineers. Zone
Engineers responsible for their
respective areas are Southern
Zone Mr. Zerick Calles, Northern
Zone Mr. Graciano Medina, and
Western/Belize Zone Mr. David
Novelo. The Engineer heading
Belize City Southside Alleviation
Project Mr. Ervin Timbrel and two
new Engineers: Mr. Rolando Chan
and Mr. Esmond Segura. There
are two architects who complete
the team Mrs. Natalie Pelayo and
Mr. Guerra.
Over the last fiscal year much
as been accomplish for the people
of Belize by the Ministry but the
seemingly never ending works
continues. In September of this
Capital Weekly
The Newly Paved Placencia Road
For more information visit your Belmopan City
Council Offices at 36/38 Trinity Bld., Belmopan
Or call: 822-2271, 822-2319 or 802-3679
Capital Weekly
Page 17
Ministry of Health
Monthly Publication
Official launch for National Dialysis Program
on Friday, February 4th, 2011.
An official ceremony was
held in Belize City for both
centers, following which
there was the unveilingof
commemorative plaques at
both KHMH and LLLAH.
Ribbon cutting at KHMH Dialysis Unit
The Government of Belize
and The Ministry of Health
(MOH) in collaboration with
World Organization of Renal
Therapies (WORTH), Karl
Heusner Memorial Hospital
(KHMH) and La Loma
Luz Adventist Hospital
(LLLAH) launched two new
Haemodialysis Centres,
one at KHMH, Belize City
and the other at La Loma
Luz Adventist Hospital
(LLLAH), Cayo District
D r . Wa y n e T r e b b i n ,
P r e s i d e n t , Wo r l d
Organization for Renal
Therapies (WORTH) and
a small team were on hand
for the official opening. Dr.
Michael Pitts, Director of
Health Services and chair of
the Haemodialysis program
celebrated with the team on
finally seeing the realization
of this project.The task force
gave contributing remarks
along with other officials
of the Ministry of Health
Mental Health Training for Community
Nurses
Jose Cruz Dialysis Unit, LLAH, San Ignacio
on the special occasion.
Nurses and technicians of the
program for both units were
also present for the opening.
They have experienced both
theory and practical training
in the program and they
also haveparticipated in the
treatment of several patients
since September 22nd, 2010.
Both dialysis units have the
capacity to dialyze up to
eight cases per day with four
functioning haemodialysis
machines and two additional stand-by machines. A
patient selection committee
has been established. They
will be responsible for the
selection of patients for
dialysis treatment based on
criteria set by the Management Committee.
This venture by GOB,
MOH, WORTH, LLLAH
and KHMH will cost
approximately BZ$1.8
Million annually which
is largely subsidized by
the Government of Belize.
The Belize Social Security
Board, Belize Natural
Energy (BNE) Limited
and The Challenge Golbe
Foundations of BNE also
contributed towards the
completion of the program.
Dental Department receives donation
Deputy Director of Health Services - Ms. Marjorie Parks
The Ministry of Health,
Mental Health Program
in collaboration with the
Pan American Health
Organization and the Mental
Health Association, hosted
a launching ceremony for
a training project in Mental
Health for Community
nurses on Friday February
18th, 2011 at the University
of West Indies Auditorium,
Belize City.
Deputy Director of Health
Services in Nursing, Ms.
Marjorie Parks gave remarks
at the launch. She mentioned
that the training will enhance
the ability of nurses to provide
a holistic care to patients not
only in the physical and social
well being but also in mental
care.
The overall objective of the
project is to strengthen the
conditions of mental health
services in primary health
care and also to improve the
competencies of the community
nurses in mental health.
The training will covers
approximately 170 community
nurses over a 3-month period
from February to May 2011.
The University of the West
Indies (UWI) Open Campus
will conduct the training
through a curriculum they have
developed. Participants will be
receiving a UWI certificate at
the completion of the project
course.
Dr. Raphael Samos, Senior Dental Surgeon receiving chairs
The Dental Department of
the Ministry of Health was
pleased to receive a donation
of three portable dental
chairs from the Humanitarian
Endeavors Foundation of
Utah, U.S.A.
A humanitarian mission
of the foundation visited
Belize during the week of
February 20-26th, 2011 to
assist the dental department
with its school’s campaign
program. Flouride cleaning
and treatment was offered to
students and teachers at the
Ladyville Roman Catholic
School, Ladyville Seventh
Day Adventist School and
at Ladyville Evangelican
Primary School.
Dr. Raphael Samos, Senior
Dental Surgeon, Ministry of
Health received the donation
from the team leader of the
Mission, Dr. David Hadley.
Ministry of Health
Belmopan
822-2325/2363
Page 18
Capital Weekly
Paving is Underway on the
Orange Walk - San Lazaro Road
Making Life Better for all
Belizeans Countrywide
-The Ministry of Works and Your UDP Government
Capital Weekly
Page 19
Minister of
Works says It’s all
about Team Work
The Newly re-constructed Middlesex Bridge
BELIZE WATER SERVICES LTD.
and
THE BELIZE WATER SERVICES WORKERS UNION
PRESS RELEASE
BWS and BWSWU signs new Collective Bargaining Agreement
The Board and Management of BWS and the Executives of the BWSWU proudly announce the
finalisation of our new collective bargaining agreement which was successfully
renegotiated and made effective December 1, 2010.
BWS’ Management and the BWS Workers Union, recognizing the importance having
a satisfied work force and fair work practices, made every effort to improve on the
previous agreement. The BWSWU represents over 95% of BWS’ permanent nonmanagement employees. Negotiators on both sides worked cooperatively and
tirelessly to complete the revisions to the previous agreement, which had timeexpired in November 2009, but remained effective until the new agreement was
finalised.
In this Picture : From Right to Left.
Mr. Herman Longsworth - Chairman BWS
Mr. Alvan Haynes - Chief Executive Officer
Mr. Ivan Williams - Labor Commissioner
Ms. Lorelei Westby- BWSWU President
This new agreement has been reviewed and endorsed by the Labour Commissioner,
Mr. Ivan Williams. The Agreement was officially signed on February 21st 2011 in the
presence of the Labour Commissioner. The Board and Management of BWS extend
their appreciation to all those involved in the process and offer their congratulations
for a job well done.
As provider of the most essential service to the Belizean populace, BWS and BWSWU
are pleased with our long history of working cooperatively together to continuously
improve the level of service to our customers and consumers. We continue to focus
on improving the delivery of service, both to our existing customers and to as much
of the population of Belize as we can reasonably reach.
We are proud to be the best water utility in the Caribbean, and to be recognised by
our customers as the utility delivering the best continuity of service within Belize!
Needless to say, we are proud of our hard-working employees who help to make it
happen!
year the San Ignacio/ Santa Elena
Bypass Project will commence. This
project involves the construction of
the new high level bridge structure
across the Macal River including
the upgrading of several main
arteries linking the San Ignacio
and Santa Elena Town. (See story:
Capital Weekly dated January
23rd.2011)
There is a new bridge for the
Haulover Creek that has already
been approved with funding coming
from the Government of India to the
tune of 10millionUS dollars.
The Northern Highway Corridor
Project is for the rehabilitation of
the Northern Highway between
Buttonwood Bay and the Burrell
Boom Road Junction.
The Rio Hondo International
Crossing Project which involves the
redesigning of the traffic circulation
within the Border Management
Facility and the upgrading of the
road from the Police Check Point to
the Santa Elena Border in Corozal is
expected to commence this month.
The Grand Daddy of all these
projects is in its second phase that
is the Southside Poverty Alleviation
Project Phase 2. This phase will cost
approximately 32 million dollars
and is funded by the OPEC Fund
for International Development
(OFID) with counterpart funding
from the Government of Belize.
This project is expected to
commence this month beginning
with the infrastructure works and
thereafter the implementation of the
Housing, Social, and Educational
components.
Much has been accomplish
by this Minister and his Ministry
over the last Fiscal Year. In Belize
City the City Council had more
than its share of problems. The
Ministry of Works went in to
resurface, redress, pave and build
several streets and drainage. The
last disaster that devastated the
Southside of Belize City saw the
Minister Hon. Anthony ‘Boots’
Martinez and his team of dedicated
professionals and labourers rise to
the occasion to replace and repair
many homes while removing fallen
trees and debris left on the streets,
in the yards and in the homes of
many Belize City residents. This
Ministry with the full support of the
Prime Minister Hon. Dean Barrow
was able to accomplish this feat in
record time never before seen in the
history of this country or the region
for that matter. Kudos to the Prime
Minister, the Minister and his team,
your work was not in vain.
Page 20
Capital Weekly
Big Improvement on
Little Belize - Chunox Road
Riding Quality so good now, you can cruise on your
Horse and Carriage with your Cell-Phone to your ear
Making Life Better for all
Belizeans Countrywide
-The Ministry of Works and Your UDP Government

March 2, 2011, Issue 7

Transcription

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