Vol. 23 No. 18 Sunday, May 3, 2020pegassus.cds.com.bz/guardian/downloads/GuardianNewsPaperVol-23-18.pdf · Cor. Ebony St. & Bel China Bridge, P. O. Box 1898 Belize City, Belize Telephone:

Sunday, May 3, 2020Vol. 23 No. 18

The GuardIanPage 2 Sunday, May 3, 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

The Forest Department, the Department of the Environment and other agencies including the Fire Department, the Belmopan City Council, and the business community continue to join forces to fight fires around Belmopan and out west in the Vaca Forest Reserve. Major successes were recorded on Sunday around Belmopan and in the Vaca Forest Reserve.

On Sunday, two wildfires in the area of northeast Belmopan were successfully controlled by the Forest Department along with help from the Belmopan City Council and Westar Services. The crew remained dedicated to the task well into the night to ensure the fires would not reignite. The smoke from these fires has now subsided and by Monday morning in north Belmopan, the conditions are much improved. Throughout the course of Monday, the situation was monitored closely to ensure there are no flare ups. The dedicated officers of the Forest Department, Fire Department, Mayor and staff of the Belmopan City, as well as workers of Westar Services are to be commended for their effort and service to their community. The crew will now move to address other escaped fires in the south area of Belmopan. Fortunately, the weather conditions have improved and daytime temperatures are now in the mid 90s as opposed to 107 degrees Fahrenheit experienced last week.

Meanwhile, a large wildfire in the Vaca Forest Reserve with multiple fronts was brought under control by the Forest Department wildland fire crew from the Mountain Pineridge Forest Reserve. This fire was burning on multiple fronts – east, south and west, and was responsible for much of the smoke hovering over Benque Viejo, San Ignacio and Santa Elena. The most

Wildfires rage across the west of Belizeaggressive fire on the eastern flank was brought under control by Sunday evening. As a result of this, the conditions in the San Ignacio, Benque and Santa Elena have vastly improved, and there is less smoke in the air. The dedicated officers of the Forest Department are to be commended for their effort and service to their community. The Forest Department fire crew will continue to fight the fires on the southern and western flanks in order to prevent further spread into the Chiquibul National Park.

There are wildfires in other parts of the country including around the St. Herman’s Cave, Springfield, and Bladen Nature Reserve, and through the help of partners from the Belize Audubon Society, Y’axche Conservation Trust and Toledo Institute for Development and Environment, these fires are being fought with the dedicated efforts of their staff. These organizations and other business community members are to be commended for their effort and service to their community.

The Mayor of Benque Viejo Marconi Sosa has expressed its most heartfelt gratitude to Lisel Alamilla and Christina Garcia in particular to the Y’axche Conservation Trust members that made their way up to Benque Viejo to assist the 106 Benqueños that were already at task dealing with the immense forest fires. According to Mayor Sosa, they did their first task with great success and will continue to assist the Benque Viejo forest fire team.

“I am so greatful for the Benque Viejo Fire fighter’s Team in particular to Gomer Enriquez and Marlon Jimenez who took their time to meet with them and to assist with the coordination and excellent team performance on the firefighting experience. We are extremely grateful to the

people that made themselves available with preparing the food and with the team that made the food available to the Y’axche Conservation Trust and all the members of the team during this first of three days,” said Mayor Sosa.

He continued, “I must say that the Benque Fire Fighting Team had been there on the task for one day doing their best! I know that there are a lot more people were part of this firefighting experience which have not been mentioned! It must not go untold the assistance that the Benque Viejo Fire Fighting Team led by Mr. Ervin Rudon have been giving the municipality of Benque Viejo and San Jose Succotz all throughout the sunny dry season. I must indicate my great satisfaction with the great team that was organized and led by Succotz residents. I believe that these bush fires affect the livelihood of everyone in the area and we are so grateful for Lisel Alamilla, the Y’ axche Conservation Trust, the Benque Viejo and Succotz Fire Fighting Teams for their time and effort.”

A note from the Cristo Rey Village Council confirms the intensity of the fires. The Cristo Rey Emergency Response team was activated and got ready to mitigate the fires surrounding their community. After a week of walking through hilly and rough terrain, bearing over 100 degrees heat, facing danger with snakes, they began to see a difference with the flames. The responding Cristo Rey team went the extra mile and had a 12-hour battle with fire.

The Cristo Rey Village Council would like to thanks those who assisted with water, breakfast, snacks, lunch, Powerade, Gatorade or any other type of support. (The Pech Family, Raptor Center, Ms. Virginia Krohn, Ernie Juarez, Andy Tut, Patrick T Karney and

Jasmin Montalvan). Belmopan residents were

also complaining about the smoke that has descended over the city. Mayor Khalid Belisle is confident that the worst has passed.

“In regards to the fire issue I know a lot of people have been expressing their concern about it the health issues posed and just the general inconvenience of it. Well I can tell you over the past few days or so the Department of the Environment via the Forestry Department in particular has been partnering with the local fire department as well as volunteers from the Belmopan City Council namely the Traffic Department to extinguish as much as they can some of these fires that have been burning in the peripheral areas of the city,” he said.

Mayor Belisle also added, “I must thank Mr. Nelson Gallardo who generously donated his water truck over the weekend to assist in the effort, the council’s water truck of course was on hand and the guys from the fire department who have continued to tackle this issue. I think we woke up this morning to a much clearer city in terms of the skies but of course in terms of air quality we’re seeing a major improvement there so we just continue to push and we ask that the residents continue to bear with us while we get things back to what’s going to be the new normal going forward.”

Orange Walk Town Councilor Haresh Vaswani was arrested by police on Saturday night for violating the curfew regulations. Vaswani was in the company of two others when he was detained by police and could not prove that he was out for a valid reason. He appeared in Magistrate’s Court in Orange Walk where he was arraigned on the charges.

While that was bad enough, Vaswani has gone on a social media offensive in which he

Orange Walk Town Councilorarrested for breaking curfew

actually admits to being out on Saturday. He explains that he was aimlessly taking ‘circles’ around Orange Walk Town. He said he was driving around with his friends and even stopped to buy a Coke and they drank it. All the while he did not say why he was out. It was during this time that police intercepted him and he was charged.

A word o f adv ice to Haresh, leave the defense to the professionals. All you did was

sound like a complete idiot and in the process you incriminated yourself. When you have no excuse it is best you keep your mouth shut.

Haresh Vaswani



Hell hath no fury like a barbarian scorned! Anyone who knows Mr. Keith Yearwood will know that he is one of the biggest and most vocal PUP loudmouths around Belize City. It took some time but after the PUP won the March 2018 Belize City Council election, Yearwood was rewarded for his work as a PUP strategic caller, who called every possible talk show or was on the street, and at the rallies, running down the UDP and bigging up his party.

The job Keith got at the City Council was a nice job as Acting Parks Manager. According to what we were told, not only was the job title nice but so was the salary. With Keith being the sort of True Blue PUP he is, no one expected what happened on Monday when he was fired. According to Keith Yearwood he had gone to the City’s Traffic Department’s Office, and he had issue with a Security Guard, who refused him entry into the Office because he was not wearing a mask. Our sources are suggesting that there was also another exchange between another customer and an official at the office at the same time Keith was there so the noise from both incidents may have been too much.

The Mayor was at the office at the time, and he fired Keith apparently on the spot. According to Keith, the Mayor asked, “why you have to always show yourself?” Based on what we were told, the Mayor’s interaction

The Firing of a Barbarian!included a few other words which we will not repeat. The incident between the two took place in the morning and by 6:30p.m. Keith was in receipt of his dismissal letter. Keith is very upset with the PUP because as he puts it, he is one of the longstanding barbarians in the party who got the newcomer Wagner elected and now his reward is that he was fired. He suggested that he should have been protected by the hierarchy of the PUP and that they should have called Wagner to leave him alone. His exact word was for them to have said, “talk out your differences.”

According to Keith, it is over between him and the PUP. He has drawn the line, and he will never again campaign for the PUP. He said he was at no time accused of stealing $5,000 like a certain councilor’s sister who was fired. We have since seen text messages purportedly coming from that councilor casting aspersions on Keith. However, we won’t get into that sidebar discussion. Keith declares that the PUP will never win again, and he will encourage people to not vote for the PUP because Wagner, who he refers to as an elitist, has no respect for the employees of the council and even less for the barbarians who got him elected. Keith Yearwood ended off by saying he is not a commoner, so Wagner must not treat him as such. He had a warning for voters not to trust the PUP when they go to vote, because the PUP say that they are always for the people, but they are always for themselves!

By Shane D. WilliamsAlmost one year ago, on

May 8 2019, the people of Belize voted overwhelmingly in support of taking the Belize-Guatemala d ispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Almost immediately after, Belize submitted the results, which triggered the Special Agreement’s proposal to start proceedings at the ICJ. By June 8, 2019 the Court was ready to proceed with the case. That meant Guatemala had exactly one year to present written arguments on its claim to Belize’s territory.

Two months before this historic deadline, on April 8, 2019 Guatemala submitted a request for extension of the time citing Covid-19 limitations. The Guatemalans claim it has been difficult to prepare for the case with the disturbance caused by the deadly pandemic. They asked the Court to extend the deadline by one year from June 8, 2020 to June 8, 2021.

Belize objected to this request but was not inconsiderate

Six-Month Delay for Belize v Guatemala ICJ Case

to the limitations imposed by Covid-19. Therefore, in a letter dated April 15, 2019 Belize submitted its objection to the extension but recommended that if the Court finds that the impact of Covid-19 merits an extension, a two-month extension would be sufficient.

On Friday, April 24, the ICJ decided to grant a six-month extension for submission of written arguments by Guatemala and a 12-month extension for Belize. Therefore, Guatemala is now expected to submit its arguments on December 8, 2020. Belize, originally scheduled to submit counter-arguments on June 8, 2021 now has until June 8, 2022 to do so.

Based on normal ICJ p r o c e d u r e s , a f t e r B e l i z e submits its Counter-Memorials, Guatemala wil l then have six months to respond. After Guatemala responds to Belize’s Counter-Memorial, Belize will have six months to respond to them. The judges may then require further oral arguments at a later date if necessary.

The Guardian has received reports from across the country that there is a shortage of Regular fuel at various gas stations. Based on reports from Corozal, Orange Walk, Toledo, Burrell Boom, Stann Creek and particularly in Belize City, gas stations are simply not selling Regular fuel. On Friday last week the Government announced new prices for fuel where the price of Regular went from $10.23 to $7.26. That is effectively a decrease of $2.97. The price of Premium fuel remains at $10.92, Diesel remains at $8.25 and Kerosene at $5.43.

When customers go to certain gas stations they are told that they are out of Regular fuel. Customers are then left with either going elsewhere or buying the more expensive Premium fuel. We have since

Gas stations forcing customer to purchase expensive fuel

confirmed that there is not a shortage of Regular fuel, in fact the gas stations have Regular fuel at their disposal but are simply holding on to it.

The sharp reduction of the price of Regular has some gas station owners holding back on the sale of that fuel as what is available for sale is ‘old stock’ acquired at a higher price. With the reduction of the price it is causing them to lose margins. However when conversely the opposite takes place, gas stations are all but quick to implement the new prices even though the price of fuel is acquired at a cheaper price.

W e s p o k e w i t h representatives of the Ministry of Trade who explained that they are looking at what can be done to remedy the situation where customers can benefit from the reduced price of Regular fuel.

Belmopan. April 29, 2020. Residents of the towns of Benque Viejo del Carmen, San Ignacio and Santa Elena and surrounding areas are hereby informed of the use of two air tanker airplanes today, April 29th, over the periphery of those municipalities to assist in extinguishing the persistent fires that are spewing smoke into the communities.

Flights will commence around 3:30 p.m. and will continue throughout the daylight hours if wind conditions are favourable. The air tankers will fly from the Maya Flats airstrip. In addition, heavy machinery will be deployed to areas around Benque and in the Vaca Forest Reserve to help contain the blaze. The public is asked to be cautious in the areas described above.

An air tanker was used with

Two Air Tankers to contain wild fires

success over Belmopan this morning, where the situation has improved. Close monitoring will be required to ensure that there is no reignition of fires. A team of wildland firefighters will be patrolling the areas in Belmopan in coordination with the Belmopan City Council. The public is urged to report any persons observed lighting fires in the areas of Maya Mopan, Salvapan, San Martin, Las Flores, and Cotton Tree, where much of the smoke that was affecting Belmopan originated.

The Ministry of Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, and Sustainable Development once again thanks the board of directors of the Protected Areas Conservation Trust for their generous show of corporate social responsibility.


Johnny Briceño, the Leader of the Opposition is the Co-Chair of the COVID-19 National Oversight Committee. This means that he holds the same position as the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow. The committee is the guiding force behind the response to the pandemic and is representative of a bi-partisan approach to the disease.

On Monday, the government, on advice from the Oversight Committee, took to the National Assembly to extend the State of Emergency Proclamation by 60 more days. This means that Johnny Briceño sat in meetings of the committee and agreed to extend the state of emergency by 60 days. It was thought that the process would have been a simple one where four members from the government’s side and three from the opposition’s side would simply approve the motion.

As it is with the PUP, nothing is that simple! Lo and behold when the time came to debate the motion, the very co-chair of the committee, Johnny Briceño, who sat and came up with the proposal, jumped up to disagree with it. He went on

Not a leader at alland on and ended up saying that the country should only have a 30-day extension on the State of Emergency.

More and more, it is evident that Briceño is no leader. How is it that in the committee meetings he could have come up with a decision and by the time it took to take it to the National Assembly he had changed his mind. We at this newspaper are convinced that that he is a flip-flopper. He as a leader takes a decision and by the time the members of his party are done with him, he changes his mind. It makes us wonder what type of communication, if any, he has with his party members.

And this is not the first time he has been caught publicly flip-flopping. We can all remember the ICJ fiasco. He started off supporting that we take the matter of the Guatemalan dispute to the ICJ. Within a matter of days, he went to a position that he needed to consult and by the time it was all over he was a solid NO to the ICJ. We all saw how that ended up.

To Johnny we say, grow a spine, you cannot be flip-flopping, you are a leader, LEAD!

Persons listening to the House Meeting on Monday, April 27 must have been taken aback by the performance of the representatives of the People’s United Party. There were three of them as per an agreement in order to minimize the number of people inside the National Assembly Chambers in order to maintain social distancing. Boy, did they have a performance!

A confused opposition

First up was the Leader of the Opposition who, despite agreeing in the COVID-19 Oversight Committee to extend the State of Emergency to 60 days, shocked everyone when he said he was only supporting a 30 day extension. He went against himself to side with the majority of his members who have undoubtedly forced him to change his position.

Then came Hyde, who lamented that we must not be lulled into a false sense of security and again going against himself, boldly declared that 30 days of extension was what was needed.

Finally came the bonfire man. We could almost picture Julius with a torch in his hand

ready to burn down anything. Instead of speaking on the matter at hand, the extension of the state of emergency by 60 days, he drawled about the fires that are affecting the Cayo District. He spoke as if he wanted the Prime Minister himself to go and man a plane or a water hose in order to contain the forest fires. What he was completely oblivious to was the fact that already the government through various ministries as well as non-governmental organizations and private citizens have been on the ground battling and now containing the blaze. We need to tell Julius that he needs to inform himself before he gets up in the house and speak on any matter.

Hon. Johnny Briceño




The number of positive cases of COVID-19 in Belize remains at 18, including nine recoveries, seven still positive, and two fatalities. The number of new cases has remained unchanged, with no new cases being reported since April 13 of this year. With these updates, there are to be some relaxation of the restrictions which were placed over the country during the past month. One of the more strict regulations that the Belizean public was under was the complete lockdown on Sundays. Except for medical emergencies and the movement of essential workers, there was to be no operation or movement on Sundays. Attorney General and Minister of National Security Sen. Hon. Michael Peyrefitte took to the media to deliver an update on this regulation. Starting last Sunday, April 26, movement could take place such as the movements allowed during Monday to Saturday. This includes stopping at fuel stations, ATMs, pharmacies, caring for the elderly, exercising, shopping for essentials, and the like. This takes away the extra regulations which were in place on a Sunday making it just like every other day of the week now during

Sunday lockdown lifted, certain businesses allowed to operate

the State of Emergency (SOE).This brings an end to the two-

week lockdown, and slowly, some things will be allowed to resume as normal. Public transportation will resume for essential workers and persons needing to pick up necessary items and attending to medical or other emergencies. These persons will be required to wear a face mask while travelling on public transportation. Likewise, construction sites can resume works and pharmacies, markets, and convenience stores are allowed to operate between 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Restaurants can again operate for delivery, drive-through, and takeout purposes during certain hours of the day.

While the first instance of the lockdown has come to an end, there was a special sitting of the House of Representatives on Monday, April 27, 2020. There, the government sought to primarily extend the SOE for a maximum of two months. During this time, there will be more relaxed restrictions until there is a gradual return to normalcy, depending on the evolution of the COVID-19 situation in Belize in the coming weeks.

People required to wear face masks while travelling on public transportationForeign importers continue

to fight to maintain a strangle hold on Belize’s butane market but they received a gut punch on Friday, April 24, when Chief Justice Michelle Arana rejected their proposal for an injunction against the Government of Belize.

A public-private national gas company is getting ready to commence operations shortly with a primary goal of reducing Belize’s dependence on foreign players in the local liquid petroleum gas market. The foreign players have unleashed a series of PR stunts to derail the national gas company, including, dumping cheap butane into the local market to garner public support and strain

Supreme Court Rules against Foreign Butane Importers

neighbourhood distributors. Import licenses for LPG are

set to expire at the end of April and Government is not inclined to renew them. Therefore, the LPG importers contracted the services of attorney Audrey Matura who advised her clients to seek an injunction to restrain licensers from refusing to renew import licenses to the current importers of LPG.

On Friday, Chief Justice Michelle Arana rejected the injunction, ruling that being an importer was a privilege and not a right. Agassi Finnegan of the Solicitor General’s Office represented the Government of Belize in court.

Butane

The weather in the past weeks have been scorching all across the country and, with the ongoing State of Emergency (SOE) and curfew, the masses are cooped up inside their homes. It is no surprise then that people would attempt to find some way to beat the heat. The shelves on which inflatable pools stood are practically bare so for those persons that were too slow to get a pool, there needed to be another alternative.

Over the weekend, droves of people headed down to riverbanks for some leisure time and to cool down from the heat, but Commissioner of Police Chester Williams took to his Facebook page on Saturday, April, 25, 2020 to address this situation. In his post, he said that more than twenty persons were arrested in the Cayo and Orange Walk Districts after they were found recreating at or

COMPOL says you can’t cool off at the river

in the river. He made it clear that persons found at the river would be arrested since it was not a valid reason to be out. “So for the avoidance of doubt, going to the river is not a valid reason to be out. Anyone found going to or at the river will be arrested.” He continues to say that the police will continue to enforce the laws associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, including regulation no. 62. “We therefore continue to ask all to ensure you do your best in complying with the regulations.”

There were additional arrests to be had on Sunday, April 26. In the afternoon, Coast Guard personnel arrested five persons for recreating at a sandbar near St. George’s Caye. They reportedly had in their possession an ice cooler stocked with drinks and spirits.

Individuals swimming in a river

While the COVID-19 situation in Belize slowly comes to a recovery, there are hundreds upon hundreds of cases, and tens of deaths, recorded in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. In the entire state, there is a growing number of cases with 511 persons testing positive for the virus. There has been 71 COVID-19 related deaths and 51 cases still under investigation. There have been 737 negative tests for the virus and 161 recoveries.

While the numbers are so high in the entire state, as we move closer to Belize’s northern border, those numbers drop significantly. In the Othon P. Blanco subdivision of Quintana Roo, of which Chetumal

COVID-19 ravages Quintana Roo, Mexico

is the capital, there are 12 positive cases, three recoveries, and four deaths. In Cancun, however, the numbers are higher, citing as many as 44 new infections and 15 deaths in just one day. In light of this situation, law enforcement patrols have been intensified to enforce social distancing, reduce movement, and to keep people at home.

Minister of Health, Hon. Pablo Marin told the media that the situation bears watching as there are areas of illegal trade and entry into the country. He warns the public to refrain from going across into neighboring Mexico to reduce risk of infection.


BEL press release issued April 23, 2020.

Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) teams continue to manage the effects of extended drought and seasonal dry weather conditions on our electric infrastructure, which have resulted in an increase of dust, smoke and soot contamination on power line equipment. Over the past few days, there has been an increase in pole fires due to excessive contaminants on insulators that cause them to fail, and bush fires that damage poles.

One such failure occurred early this morning on the 115kV transmission line that connects the national grid to the Mexican grid. At the time, the Mexican grid was supplying most of the energy being used in Belize, which resulted in a temporary system collapse. At 1:26 a.m. today, most of the country experienced a power outage due to a burnt crossarm on a transmission structure in the Orange Walk District. This was the result of excessive dust build-up on power line equipment, which caused an electrical fault on the structure.

Our teams responded

BEL Continues to Manage the Effects of Environmental Conditions on Power System

Contamination on insulator

immediately to isolate the system and commence repairs, then began sequenced restoration of power to most areas between 2:15 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. Power supply was restored to remaining areas of the Belize and Corozal Districts between 4:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.

The ongoing weather conditions will continue to present challenges, and may potentially cause more outages. However, BEL assures customers that we continue to implement our intensified countrywide system maintenance program to mitigate these challenges. Our line teams are also working diligently in these challenging weather conditions whi le main ta in ing soc ia l distancing and using additional personal protective equipment in adherence to COVID-19 preventative measures.

We thank customers for their patience during this morning’s

outage and our dedicated staff who remain committed to delivering safe and reliable power to our customers across Belize.

-end-

Burnt crossarm on transmission structure

A release from the Office of the Director of Health Services (DHS) has confirmed that there have been three more recoveries from the novel coronavirus COVID-19 in Belize. With these additional recoveries, the total number of recoveries in the country now stand at nine. Still, there are, up to 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 28, 2020, seven cases which are still active. To date, there have been two COVID-19 related fatalities.

While this is relatively good news, the DHS reminds us to continue to practice what have become our new norms. These include social and physical distancing, hand washing, advoiding touching the face, and

Nine recoveries ofCOVID-19, seven still active

staying home unless necessary. “As we move along we remained concerned that the above are not routinely being practiced and we cannot afford to let our guard down!”

Coronavirus infographic




When the COVID-19 pandemic had just made its way to Belize, Bowen and Bowen Co. Ltd. had made a pledge to donate eight ventilators and other medical equipment to the Ministry of Health (MOH). Unfortunately, due to delays caused by the virus, those items have not yet gotten into the hands of the ministry. While the ventilators have yet to get into the country, some of the medical supplies are here and will be handed over to the Ministry of Health. Those include twenty hospital beds and mattresses and 5,000 surgical masks. Those are expected to be delivered in this week and, according to CEO of the company, Michael Bowen, on May 8 and May 10, more items are expected to be delivered. Those include the remaining items: the eight ventilators, 10,000 COVID-19 testing reagents, 1,000 personal protective equipment (PPEs), 1000 facemasks, bodysuits, and boots for frontline workers. Total, these items are worth close to $500,000. CEO Bowen says that these items are all in accordance with MOH standards and specifications.

And while Bowen and Bowen has made this significant contribution to our country’s fight against COVID-19, the

Donations for COVID-19

Chinese Federation also made another sizeable donation. Their support comes in the form of more than 6,000 face masks for the MOH and the Belize Police Department (BPD). They have actively been involved in helping communities across the country to supply food to residents as well as assisting other government bodies with equipment. They say that they have made Belize their home and it is only fit that they assist the Belizean people and frontline workers during this time.

One of Belize’s greatest allies, the Republic of China (Taiwan) has also made donations to efforts against COVID-19. On Tuesday, April 28, 2020, the Ambassador of Taiwan to Belize, H.E. Remus Li-Kuo Chen, handed over imagines cameras to representatives from the MOH, Ministry of Immigration (to be used at the borders and ports), and the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. They will also be given to the Western Regional Hospital and the Northern Regional Hospital. These imaging cameras are used to detect body temperatures of as many as ten persons at a time. They will be installed in specific locations where administration offices can detect whether visitors to these places have fevers.

Kick Down Fence in Belize City is among the favorite fried chicken joints where Belizeans flock for their daily dose of MSG. But getting chicken here is anything but simple. It is usually a haggle, fighting for position and fighting to place an order. There is shouting and shoving as if the chicken would suddenly come to an end. That was the normal and it was a daily test of patience and endurance but above all, assertiveness.

For about two weeks now the establishment closed its doors, the fear of Covid-19 was just too much. It was not until earlier this week that the establishment decided to reopen its doors.

The New Normal

Now however, like everywhere else, order has been established. The Covid-19 pandemic has whipped all into submission. Social distancing protocols now have to be observed. This means lining up, keeping three feet in distance from one another and waiting for someone to come and take your order. It is almost surreal, unbelievable that the day would ever come when the MSG-laced chicken craving would have been whipped into order.

This is now the new reality, the new normal. We simply must abide, lest the long arm of the law come dragging us away for failure to comply with social distancing.

Donation of face masks and equipment from Bowen and Bowen

Donation of items from the Chinese Federation

Line at Kick Down Fence in Belize City


World Book and Copyright Day was celebrated virtually in Belize last Thursday. It is a celebration to promote the enjoyment of books and reading. Each year, on 23 April, celebrations take place all over the world to recognize the scope of books - a link between the past and the future, a bridge between generations and across cultures.

But in the revulsion of the COVID-19 pandemic , scheduled events had to be held indoors. As a result, prominent persons from the Belizean book industry gave presentations via social media, explaining the significance of the day.

President of the Belize Book Industry Association (BBIA) Felene Cayetano said that since 2009, she had been looking forward to two to three days exchanges with

World Book and Copyright Day

writers, readers and the media. However, she was steadfast that we all should be promoting the Belizean fiction and non-fiction work of authors.

Ch ie f L ib ra r i an Lucy Cast i l lo a lso came out in support of books as vehicles to transport culture. According

to Castillo the BBIA has been successful in asserting itself, where authors can protect their work through intellectual property r ights. “Let your imagination go beyond the walls of your house,” said Castillo.

But it was the author of Old Benque, David Ruiz, who said it most reflectively. Belize is the home of so many cultures, bequeathed by a millennium of civilization and it is the writers’ responsibility to capture that essence—to connect to the past and to the future.

Even the President of the National Institute of Culture and History Sapna Budhrani came out in support of books as an important force in the economy and the education sector. Books can cross time and space, she said.

More than ever, at a time where most of the schools around the world are closed and people are having to limit their time spent outside, the power of books should be leveraged to combat isolation, reinforce ties between people, expand our horizons, while stimulating our minds and creativity.

M o n s t e C a s a d e m u n t , BBIA founding member and past president has a special message: “As in so many things in life, “experiencing”, is what can ultimately convince us of how pleasurable something can be If you have never tasted chocolate, for example, no one can really make you feel how wonderful its taste is. This is why when children experience books from early in life, when they are read to, when they have access to a library card or to the luxury to picking a book in a bookstore, they develop the love for books and reading. They acquire the habit that provides them with enjoyment throughout life telling children to read does not work, they have to experience reading and in this way books become a part of their lives. Reading is a luxury that everyone can afford. The luxury of enjoying words, sentences and stories that unveil the complexity of the human soul.

Today is International Book and Copyright Day, the day when, throughout the world, books and reading are celebrated. Not by choice, the Bel ize Book Indust ry Associat ion is celebrating its 12th Book Week online, nevertheless we still have the

Montse Casademunt, founding member and past president of Belize Book Industry Association (BBIA)

feeling of being together, and it is our love for books and writing that provides the bond!

We a re l iv ing a ve ry difficult experience. Hopefully something good will come out of it as our priorities seem to be slowly shifting. During these exceptional times when we find ourselves confined for long hours every day, day after day, we have more time to reflect on what we can really depend on, the things that give us joy: these are real things like the food that gives us sustenance, the roof over our heads, the simple things we enjoy doing, our family and friendships, additional time to explore new abilities, and our thoughts and feelings.

And among these things that are tangible and that remain important to many of us are BOOKS. Books are dependable, they provide us with comfort and enjoyment and while books come in many forms and shapes, in small and large print, in white or ivory paper, in hardcover or paperback, with beautiful illustrations or just plain text, or even digital, they can all transport us to unknown places, and inspire us to re-imagine and reinvent our reality. With time in our hands, time to be with family, to reflect, to enjoy new experiences, to rethink our lives and to explore our limitations, many of us are finding again the time to read!

My message during these extraordinary times is, of course, to keep safe, but let’s also extract the lessons that this worldwide pandemic is manifesting: that life is precious, that nothing can replace the simple pleasures of feeling close to the ones we love, that happiness and contentment do not require expensive gadgets, and that no one should have to beg: not for a home, not for enough nutritious food, not for good health services and education because these are not options they are rights!

Another message is to support our own. Purchase from our Belizean farmers and other food producers, rather than imported goods. Support our industries, our artists, our musicians, our writers and our publishers. When we do that we are helping to rebuild Belize.

Today, let’s take a minute to remember, honor and silently name the special books in our lives, the teachings, the inspiration and the simple enjoyment they have given us since we first held one in our hands. Be safe.”

COVID-19 has seen a halt in many sectors of our country, directly impacting our economy. One such sector is our agricultural sector which has experienced an indefinite standstill of the trade of livestock between Belize and Guatemala via an informal trade. Cabinet has agreed to suspend these activities for an unspecified period, a trade both countries have been enjoying for years.

There is a formal trade agreement with Mexico for the movement of cattle. A partial scope agreement (PSA) has also been signed with Guatemala but it has not been effected due to the ongoing dispute between the two countries. One Monday, Pr ime Mins ter of Bel ize , the Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, explained that while we have had a good working relationship with Mexico for years, there are some new requirements in

Ministry of Agric to find alternatives for cattle trading

light of COVID-19. One of the requirements from Mexico is that before the use of the corral at Blue Creek ensues, it needs to be ensured that each cattle ranch be certified and sanitized for pickups. Prime Minister Barrow went on to say that that he agreed with Minister of Agriculture Sen. Hon. Godwin Hulse that we cannot wait until each ranch is individually sanitized. As such, other alternatives must be found and that is what the Ministry of Agriculture is currently being tasked to do.

Meanwhile, the informal trading of cattle via unofficial border points like Bullet Tree, will not be tolerated. The Guardian has confirmed that this trade ranges anywhere between 46 and 50 million dollars a year. While this takes place, the government has not been receiving any revenue as a result.

Cattle


The University of Belize, following a meeting on April 21st with Senior Managers, Academic Council and Student Leaders, has taken new measures in the face of the unprecedented COVID -19 global crisis. President of the University of Belize, Professor Clement Sankat has informed us on the tectonic plate shift in pedagogic outreach.

As a catalyst to national development, Belize’s leading learned community (five thousand enrolled students countrywide) is now taking measures in keeping with the “locked down” until such time that the university is guided.

UB remains closed and only essential services are allowed to operate. As a first example, “Face to Face” classes this semester cannot resume until UB is guided by the Government of Belize as to what will happen beyond the end of April. Under the current circumstance, the Summer Semester is cancelled. UB’s priority is to complete Semester II before the end of the academic year.

UB is hopeful that semester I of the new academic year of 2020-2021 will begin on August 1st, 2020. To achieve this learning assessments etc. have been ‘stepped up’ using online modalities with the caveat that the successful completion of the particular course allows for this at this time. In fact, the good news is that to adjust to the “new normal”, faculty and students have been voluntarily using online modalities since UB’s closure on March 20th to ensure continuance of teaching and learning.

“As President of UB, I am publicly appealing to the internet providers in Belize to assist our registered UB students to have access to the internet at a reduced cost for the next three months,” writes Professor Clement Sankat.

Where it is not possible for any student to access online instruction, or where the course(s) cannot be fully and successfully delivered by this mode, it is

University of Belize will reopen its doors by 1st of August

recommended that such students voluntarily withdraw from these courses. UB’s President wishes to assure that this will be without any academic or financial penalty. Such students can re-register for such courses at the very first opportunity they are next offered. The Vice President, through UB’s University Registrar, will provide further guidance on the operationalization of this matter.

UB also reminds parents, guardians, potential UB students, and all our Guardian readers that the tertiary level educational institution is willing to receive online applications for its new academic year, 2020-2021. Students from Belize’s High Schools, the ITVET and Junior College students can continue to apply online and if a hard copy is preferred, can safely drop applications at one of the guard booths of UB’s three campuses.

“We have to put our shoulders to the wheel to go the extra mile, especially for our students, future graduates in this the 20th year of the University of Belize. We are coming of age and this pandemic has clearly indicated that we need to move higher and we need to do it faster,” ends Dr. Clement Sankat, in his release.

In preparing for the new normal to plunge into online education, UB had done a survey of its students and discovered that the vast majority had devices and internet access. Within a few days of the online survey having been done, the Information and Communications Technology Directors at UB were able to determine that those students were able to access some form of online education.

Professor Clement Sankat

By Jamil MatarWhen I see people flaunting

the statistic that OW, Stann Creek and Punta Gorda are Coronavirus free, it reminds me of the joke about designating a specific section of a swimming pool as the area to pee. My dear people, the confirmed cases of Covid-19 affects all of our country, not only a few districts. I applaud the concept of extending the SOE for a while longer, and the night curfew is definitely working well. Imagine all those nightclubs and bars going full swing and spreading the pathogen like crazy!

I did not listen to either the House or the Senate meeting. The previous evening we had already heard what the Government and the Covid-19 National Oversight Committee had recommended for at least another month, anyway. Therefore, to have listened to well-remunerated p e o p l e q u a r r e l l i n g o v e r semantics interested me little to none. Generally, I am more interested in solutions rather than objections. It seems to me that the nationwide quarantine has paid off handsome dividends to Belize, considering the prevalence of cases in our neighboring countries, and, except for the stubborn few, I think that on a whole Belizeans are perceptively conscious of the urgency of the situation. Thank God!

Before I get to the meat of my little story this week, let me first just offer a heartfelt Belizean thank you to our Prime Minister, Hon. Dean Barrow. Seriously, this is the PM’s last seven months in public office in Belize. He will be going on retirement at the end of this year. Mr. Barrow did not need this level of stress at his age and at this point in his political career. A self-centered person like me would have gladly passed on the baton of this difficulty to someone else and gone to relax with my family at home the instant people started cursing me out, calling me names, and wishing me dead. Yes, it is true, readers, it is right there on FB. When a story appeared that the leader of North Korea might have died,

someone posted that it should have been Dean Barrow. That is what politics has evolved to in our country today: a bunch of partisan haters. I think that no matter how “Barbarian” one is, he/she should never wish evil on another human being, simply because of political differences. Then again, I may be the most naïve person in Belize, no true?

To my related and amusing story now. When BBN posted that a PUP Councilor from OWT had been detained for curfew violation, the social media lights went bright with accusations of UDP political v i c t imiza t ion . Th i s was followed by denunciations against the police for being “simple”. It later turned out that the police were doing their job well in applying the law, no matter how “comfortable” the accused person was. On Monday night, “Channel Fox” aired an interview with the accused Counci lor. I wi l l attempt to make light of the situation with my personal take of this interview. I once thought that no one could have confused me more than when Hon. Boots Martinez was asked by Love FM to explain the difference between the BOOST and the Pantry programs. Boy was that a challenge for me to sort out! On Monday night past, Ramesh Vaswani gave me the same challenge: to try to sort out his explanation for his offence. Truly, Ramesh had more hand gestures than former U.S. Democratic Presidential hopeful, Beto O’Rourke did. With flailing arms, Mr. Vaswani weaved a tangled explanation as to why he was out after curfew hours. Did he go up a One-Way street once or twice? Was he going home or not? How many times did the vehicle re-fuel? His swinging arms took me back to the nursery rhyme “fly away Peter, fly away Paul…” I am still confused to this hour as to why he was detained. Let us see how the magistrate sorts his story on May 5. That is it for me this week, dear readers. Remember, wear masks and stay far from one another on the street, hear?

Fly away, Peter!

The Guardian online at www.guardian.bz


YOUTH TALKS

By Thamar JonesWith the restrictions that

we are obliged to face daily, it is normal that you may fall victim to worry, anxiety and feelings of despondency. It is natural for us to feel scared and overwhelmed by emotions when we find ourselves in situations that seems to be challenging and uncertain. While this is a natural response, we should all be aware that too much fear can harm us. We must keep our fears under control and remain as rational as possible.

Positive affirmations can help us to remain, calmer, more peaceful and more in control of our daily lives. In reality, no matter how bad things actually are, we all have the strength within us to persevere, last and stay in hope. When we nurture positive emotions and feelings of gratitude in our hearts, we feel good and are able to overcome whatever obstacles we face. Mental endurance is important, and positive affirmations can help us in this regard. When we repeat positive messages that make us feel good, bad thoughts are able to overtake us and being calm and worry-free, puts us in the right frame of mind that will allow us to make the decisions in our lives.

Try using these positive affirmations to help you stay relaxed, at peace and in control.

I am in control of my life! I

I Persist! I Persevere! I Last through the Hard Times! And I Remain with a Heart full of Hope!

have the power to think positive thoughts. I focus on the positive aspects of my life!

I have the resources I need to be healthy!

I have quality time to enjoy and enhance myself and feel good!

I enjoy the company of my loved ones! My family is doing well! All is well with me and the people that I love! No matter what comes our way, my family is able to make it!

My mind is at peace! I am calm! I enjoy the time that I spend with my family!

When fear comes, I listen to my heart and find the resources needed within me to stay strong! I am able to make it! I am always able to stay strong and persevere through the tough times!

I enjoy my own company! I feel great! I enjoy the time spent alone! I love taking care of myself!

Whatever I face, I remain with a heart full of boldness, and nothing is able to trouble me! I find peace and serenity! Daily, my thoughts help me remain calm and keep my moods positive!

I am brave in the face of fear! I am a fighter, a winner, a person who lasts! No challenge is able to stop me from feeling good and achieving my goals.

I am always full of courage, my mind is clear! When time comes, I am able to act in the best possible way!

The challenges I face are stepping stones for me! And I improve! And I get better, stronger, and bolder. I am able to deal with whatever!

I am a person who values life. I value each moment! I am confident in my abilities to cope with whatever! I always have the needed resources to live a happy, bold, healthy life!

My life is precious, and I love myself! In tough times, I am able to rely on myself!

I have good thoughts! I have good intentions! And I do good deeds!

I persist! I persevere! I last through the hard times! And I remain with a heart full of hope!

My emotions help me grow; and I allow myself to experience all the emotions that come to me! I grow and get better with time!

I am a solution-oriented person: I have no time to worry; I think of solutions instead! I always find the best possible solutions in my life!

Thoughts of happiness, fulfilment and gratitude come to my mind and make me feel happy and relaxed! I enjoy thinking happy thoughts! I enjoy having a nice time at home!

Whatever happens, I have the capacity to handle it! I know how to stay healthy, happy and fulfilled; and daily, I use this knowledge for my highest good!

I feel relaxed and untroubled! My heart is joyful and my heart is at peace!

When I face a difficulty, I remain strong, bold and with a courageous heart! Nothing can frighten me! I am bold! Boldness is in my heart!

The things I do bring me pleasure! I always find a way to feel excited and fulfilled!

I change and adapt with ease! I am flexible and wise!

I am a winner, a fighter, a person who lasts! I remain the master of my life.

I am a bold person who know how to take care of myself! I have nothing to worry about!

Emotions of love for my family are in my heart! I love spending time with the people that I love! Precious moments of

togetherness are in my days!I am a person who values

life! I am thankful for my life! I feel good in my life! No matter what happens in my days, I always find a way to feel good about my life! And I always cherish life!

My days are filled with moments of constant gratitude! I am grateful for the strength that I possess; and I am grateful for the health that I possess!

My soul keeps on smiling! I remain grateful, and I experience peace and joy!

Peace of mind is present in my days! My each thought is peaceful!

No matter what I face, I feel fulfilled and content with my life! I keep on enjoying my days! I grow from each obstacle that I overcome!

Sunshine is in my heart! Happiness is in my heart! And joy is present in my days! I see a bright future in front of me! I see love! I see hope! I see sunshine! I see happy, healthy days!

Courage guides my steps! In times of challenge, I get stronger, bolder and more prepared! I have what it takes to endure! I have what it takes to overcome whatever challenge I face!

I am a winner: I last; I endure; I remain calm! I proceed; I go on. Little by little, my worries and troubles disappear!

I welcome heal th and happiness into my days! I welcome love, peace and serenity! I welcome joy and gratitude!

No matter what I face, I remain healthy, and I live my life in hope and joy! I face life boldly! I am an overcomer, and I always have the needed strength within me! I am a winner, a fighter, a happy, bold person who is always able to endure and overcome whatever obstacles! I remain calm and bold! I remain happy and healthy! I remain strong! Perfect health is in me!

My days are bright! My life is bright! Nothing is able to make me feel sad or afraid! I am happy and full of strength! Huge amounts of love are in my heart, and they give me hope! I love myself! I love life! I love being healthy, happy and prosperous!

Police have arrested and charged two Belize City residents for three gun related charges after an unlicensed firearm and ammunition was found in their possession. On Thursday, April 23, 2020, police conducted searches at a home on Violet Street in Belize City. There, they found a single Colt brand M4 Comando assault rifle along with magazine containing as many as eighteen live rounds of .223 ammunition. Present at the time of the search were 48-year-old Lavorn Hemans; 19-year-old Tamar Hemans; and 30-year-

Three charged for possessing assault rifle

old Lemar Flores. They were all arrested and charged for kept firearm without a gun license, kept ammunition without a license, and possession of a firearm with serial number removed.

Assault rifle


Aries Mar 21 – Apr 19 There is nothing you can say that

will convince someone you love to love you back. If you’re in an unrequited love situation, the best course of action is to walk away. It can be brutal when someone sends mixed signals that they care for you but aren’t emotionally available for a relationship. You hold out with hope that someday this person will magically be ready to embrace you. Don’t cheat yourself, Aries!

Taurus Apr 20 – May 20 With Mercury moving into your

sign, you’ll be able to clearly express yourself in all ways, especially when it comes to matters of the heart. You might even feel impulsive on Thursday when Mercury collides with Uranus, also in your sign. It’ll be impossible to hold your tongue now if you’ve been keeping something to yourself that you really want to express to your mate. This might have positive consequences, but it may also ignite a firestorm that you’ll have to put out.

Gemini May 21 – Jun 20 This week, you’re just not seeing

things clearly in the love department, Gemini. Although Venus is in your sign, she’ll square off with Neptune by Sunday, creating nothing but confusion and second-guessing in matters of the heart. Careful, don’t do anything that you know may damage your reputation, especially professionally! That means being very cautious about how much you discuss your personal life to those who are influential in your career.

Cancer Jun 21 – Jul 22 Sudden changes in your social life

might have ramifications for your love life. If you’re in a relationship and you and your partner have certain couple friends, it’s possible that you’ll hear news about them splitting up. This will happen out of the blue and it might leave you and your mate feeling torn up. Make sure that another couple’s problems don’t bleed into your relationship, Cancer. It’s not necessary.

Leo Jul 23 – Aug 22 The last thing you want to do is

get your friends involved in your love life. If you’re in a relationship, then it’s possible that confiding in a pal about your romantic troubles or confusion will do more harm than good. This friend might talk to your significant other and try to be a mediator for you -- without you knowing. Although his or her intentions might be good, it’s only going to make you feel invaded. If you’re single, this won’t be the week to let a friend coax you into connecting with someone they know.

Virgo Aug 23 – Sep 22 Relationships are blurry this week.

Being idealistic and wanting to see the best in your lover is one thing, but you’re only hurting yourself when you choose to remain blind to potential deal-breaker situations. It’s possible you’ll discover something about your mate that leaves you feeling extremely disappointed. The most frustrating part to you about this is that the writing was on the wall the entire time -- you just chose not to look.

If you’re single, you might find yourself fantasizing about a grand love affair with someone you hold in high regard. Don’t get too lost in your reverie, Virgo.

Libra Sep 23 – Oct 22

A snap decision about joint finances is possible for you and your partner this week. At first, it might appear to be reckless and sudden. However, when you look deeper into it, it seems that your partner does indeed have an absolutely brilliant idea with a real leg to stand on! It’s worth listening to, Libra. If you’re single, it’s very possible that you’ll connect with someone and feel an immediate chemistry.

Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 21

On Monday, Mercury moves into your partnership sector and makes an exact conjunction to Uranus by Thursday. As a result of this lineup, it’s possible you and your partner will start out discussing one way of handling a family or real estate matter, only to completely change your plan by Thursday. It could be unnerving, but the end result will be much better than you could have anticipated, so be open to this change. If you’re single, you’re really feeling vulnerable this weekend.

Sagittarius Nov 22 – Dec 21 For some reason, it looks like

a family member is causing all sorts of confusion about your love life. This relative might find some hidden information about your partner and feel as if he or she needs to bring it to your attention. Another possibility is that you and your partner are just not seeing clearly when it comes to domestic decisions. If you’re completely single, then you might feel that for now, it’s for the best. You have too much to handle on the home front anyway.

Your Horoscope Capricorn Dec 22 – Jan 19 Mercury enters your romance

sector on Monday, making it certain that one way or another, love is on your mind. Interestingly enough, you might struggle with a fear of striking up a conversation with someone you have your eye on near Tuesday Mercury squares off with Saturn. Don’t worry, it’s just a temporary paralysis. By Thursday, your tune is changing entirely thanks to Mercury meeting up with Uranus. A surprise conversation is in store, Capricorn!

Aquarius Jan 20 – Feb 18 When it comes to love, you may

feel like you’re in over your head this week. Venus is still in your true love sector, granting you plenty of romantic opportunities, and that by itself is a beautiful thing! Singles are getting attention and coupled Aquarians are feeling the love as well. However, Venus will square off with nebulous Neptune this week, making you second-guess everything about matters of the heart. Are you with the right person? Is the person you love being genuine? All you have are questions but no answers.

Pisces Feb 19 – Mar 20 If you’re in a relationship, then

communication between you and your mate is about to become much livelier. Mercury enters your message sector on Monday and will meet up with Uranus, the planet of innovation, by Thursday. You and your mate could have an “aha” moment together as you engage in a conversation about finances or the direction of your love life. You both agree that it’s time to try something new, but you’ll manage to do this in a grounded manner. It’s a win! If single, you might not want to share your romantic ideals with a family member.


A farmer of Georgeville, Cayo is in a stable condition and is recovering from a gunshot injury sustained on Thursday, April 23, 2020. Police visited 36-year-old Rafael Anthony Pinnix, a farmer of the village, at the San Ignacio Town Hospital. He had an apparent gunshot wound to the right hand, prompting a police investigation.

Farmer accidently shoots himself in the hand

That investigating has revealed that around 9:00 p.m. on that date, Pinnix was returning home from his farm when he started to clear his shotgun. During that process, he accidentally fired and hit himself in his right hand. He was transported to the hospital where he was stabilized. Police investigations into this matter continue.

44-year-old Eric Martinez is on bail awaiting trial for the offense of handling stolen goods. The fisherman of a Belize City address was found at home in possession of a woman’s stolen boom box and was arraigned for the offense on Friday, April 24, 2020. He appeared before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford to whom he pleaded not guilty. Martinez was offered bail in the sum of $1,000 plus one surety of the same, which he was able to meet. He is due back in

Fisherman charged forhandling stolen goods

court on June 17, 2020.I t is reported that on

Wednesday, April 22, 2020, Martinez was found in possession of a $100 UNN Techno Boom Box, property of Tania Hernandez. This came after a search was executed at his Rhaburn’s Alley home. In a statement to police, Martinez allegedly said that he purchased the items from someone but because he was hesitant to offer a name, he was charged criminally himself.

On Friday, April 24, 2020, a group of four persons headed to an 11-foot deep manmade pond near the Belize Central Prison in Hattieville Village, Belize. While four persons went there, only three made it back alive, and those three persons are being questioned by police about the mysterious drowning of the fourth person. He is 22-year-old Nigel Welch, a resident of the village, who made his way to the pit along with his stepfather and two others. But one question that many who knew him are asking is why he was in the water being that he did not know how to swim? As such, the police are tasked with answering that, among other questions his family and loved ones undoubtedly have.

By the time Welch’s body was retrieved from the pond by civilian first responders, he had already been under for almost an hour. Not only was Welch unable to swim, but it also seems that he got tangled under the water,

Nigel Welch’s drowning launches police investigation

having no fighting chance of saving himself.

Welch’s family is weary of the incident, however, saying that Welch never got along with his stepfather nor the other two persons who were at the pond with him. They say that the quartet went fishing but, according to one of the first responders, there are no fish in the water. This makes the story as it is being presented all the more difficult to believe. There is, however, no indication of foul play but the police are continuing their investigation into this matter.

Nigel Welch

The body of a 30-year-old man was found strewn in a drain trough in the Bainsville Area of Hattieville, Belize District, riddled with bullet wounds. Police came upon the body at around 5:55 a.m. on Monday, April 27, 2020. Their investigations revealed that Julian Ebanks was returning to his home when a group of three men approached him. They opened gunfire, hitting his arms, neck, and other parts of his body, and leading to the fatal injuries. Although Ebanks was later rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, he succumbed to his injuries before getting there.

Belize Police is tasked with solving this murder, but this attack might not be as random as it appears. Family members report that Ebanks’s life was threatened weeks before his death. He was charged for an incident in the Mahogany Heights community

where he was accused of setting a man on fire, and was remanded for the charge. Just two weeks ago, he was released from the Belize Central Prison and that is when he complained that his life was in danger.

This murder is the first in the country in weeks, bringing a stop to the peace we had begun to enjoy. Relatively, there was little to no gun violence anywhere across the country for weeks and no murders since about March 21 of this year.

Julian Ebanksmurdered in Hattieville

Julian Ebanks

On Saturday, April 25, 2020, a total of fifty-nine persons were arrested and charged countrywide with offenses under the Emergency Powers Regulations. Of that fifty-nine, forty-five persons were charged for being unable to provide reasons for their movement outside of the curfew period; thirteen for breaching curfew; and one for operating public transportation for hire during a public emergency. The last person was charged under the new SI. No 59 Environmental Protection (Prohibition of the open burning of Refuse and other Combustible matter) for the negligent use of fire.

An additional sixty-six persons were arrested on Monday, April 27, 2020. Thirty persons were arrested and charged for not being able to give a reason for moving during curfew while twenty-two were charged for breaching curfew. Since before the first positive case of COVID-19 was detected in

More arrests under SOE regulationsBelize, the Government of Belize (GOB) and its Ministry of Health (MOH) have been mandating social distancing. Still, there are persons who fail to adhere to those regulations and on Monday, five of those persons were arrested. Four persons were arrested for keeping businesses opened while they were to be closed and three for operating public transportation outside of the specified time. On Monday, police also arrested and charged a single person for hosting a restricted social event and another person was charged under SI. No. 59 for the open burning of refuse on a private land. Additionally, three persons were summoned for the movement across villages.

Attorney General Hon. Michael Peyrefitte stated on Friday that measures are now being tightened for repeat offenders of the curfew regulations. He noted that persons who are repeat offenders will be immediately remanded to prison.

Roger Bowen, a refrigerator technician and resident of Reggae Street in Belize City, was arraigned on Friday, April 24, 2020 in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court on a drug charge. The police say that on April 21, 2020, 971 grams of cannabis was found inside Bowen’s home. The drugs were found inside a black plastic bag which was hidden inside an old refrigerator.

In court, Bowen was read

Drug charge has Roger Bowen on bail

a single charge of possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply to another person or persons for the purpose of drug trafficking. He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was offered bail in the sum of $1,000 plus one surety of the same. Bowen was able to meet bail and is due back in court on June 3, 2020. If convicted, Bowen faces a mandatory fine of $10,000, a custodial sentence of five years, or both.


Five residents of San Roman Village, Stann Creek have each been charged with offenses of entering, fishing, and hunting within a wildlife sanctuary. Since April 2, 2020, the public has been advised of the closure of all protected areas to both visitors and the public for the duration of the nationwide State of Emergency (SOE). Safeguards to defend the assets and resources from potential illegal activities within these sanctuaries continued and on April 24, 2020, five men were found responsible for violations under the National Protected Areas Systems Act.

Jose Angel Maravilla, Juaquin Ico, Florencio Choc, Elsueio Cho and Alfus Edwards, all of San Roman Village in the Stann

Five charged for illegal activity within a wildlife sanctuary

Creek District were charged for the offenses of illegal entry into a wildlife sanctuary; illegal hunting within a wildlife sanctuary; and illegal fishing within a wildlife sanctuary. All persons pleaded guilty to the three offenses and were individually fined $2,000 for each offense. Fines are to be paid over a five-month period commencing November 30, 2020, and culminating on March 31, 2021. Persons found in default of payment will receive one-year imprisonment.

The public is once again reminded that protected areas remain closed to the public as such persons found committing any offense in violation of the National Protected Areas Systems Act will be prosecuted.

Police have charged a 23-year-old resident of Belize City for the crime of murder. They say that Evian Murrillo is responsible for the shooting murder of 33-year-old Walter Ezekiel Usher which took place on Rio Bravo Avenue in Belize City on Saturday, February 22, 2020. Usher seemed to have been killed in a shooting with suspected gang motive. Police responded to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where they met Usher and 61-year-old Joyce Edwards suffering from gunshot injuries to the body. Edwards, a career educator from the Toledo District, was innocently caught in the crossfire but was not fatally wounded.

Investigations revealed that Usher was socializing in the neighborhood when two men rode up on a motorcycle. One of the two produced a firearm and began to fire indiscriminately. It is believed that Usher was in fact the intended target of this shooting but who was not meant to be hit was Edwards. It is said

23-year-old charged for murder

that she rarely leaves her home of Forest Home Village but was only in Belize City that night to visit a sick family member.

Besides the charge of murder in the case of Usher, Murrillo was also charged for attempted murder, dangerous harm, and use of deadly means of harm upon Edwards. For these crimes, Murrillo was arraigned on Wednesday, April 29, 2020 in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford. No plea was taken and he was remanded to the Belize Central Prison until June 29, 2020.

Evian Murrillo

Four Belize City women have been accused of stealing groceries and other personal items from the grocery store of Chinese businessman Jing Ying Liu. Shirley Arnold, also known as Shirley Lamb of Jane Usher Boulevard is accused of being along with 33-year-old Judith Bood of La Croix Boulevard; 38-year-old Shemica Foreman of Sibun Street; and 30-year-old Phyllis Rhaburn of Chetumal Street for the crime. They are accused of stealing a total of $205.00 worth of goods on Saturday, April 25, 2020 including canned meats, laundry detergent, Jordan slippers, and other items.

All four women were arraigned in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court on Monday, April 27, 2020. They appeared

Woman jailed for shop lifting, three on bail

before Senior Magistrate Tricia Pitts-Anderson and were read the charge of theft. Rhaburn and Foreman both pleaded not guilty to the charge and were offered bail in the sum of $500 plus one surety of the same. They are due back in court on July 26, 2020. The other two men, Arnold and Bood, pleaded guilty to the charge. Bood was likewise charged $500 but Arnold did not have the same luck. She is reportedly a repeat shoplifter, taking this habit all the way to Chetumal, Quintana Roo. Eight years ago, she was caught by authorities in Plaza Las Americas in Chetumal and was convicted for shoplifting. Because of her history, she was sentenced to four months in prison.

Shirley Arnold Judith Bood

Shemica Foreman Phyllis Rhaburn

Jose Antonio Oliva, a maintenance worker of Yo Creek Village in the Orange Walk District was just leaving his workplace at around 6:45 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2020 when he was knocked down. The body of the 61-year-old man was found lying on the right side of the Yo Creek Road when police arrived on scene. There, they also met a red F-150 pickup truck parked on the side of the road with damages to its front. The police have since determined that Oliva was riding his beach cruiser bicycle having just checked a water tank in the village and was returning home

61-year-old dies in road traffic accident

when he was knocked down.For this incident, the police

have charged the driver of the truck, 36-year-old German Tillett. The businessman of Orange Walk Town has been charged for the crime of manslaughter by negligence, causing death by careless conduct, driving a motor vehicle without due care and attention, and failing to provide a specimen. Because it has been reported that Tillett initially fled the scene before a police officer caught up with him and took him back to the scene, he was also charged with failing to stop to render aid.

Jose Oliva German Tillett

A m a n a n d w o m a n were victims of a non-fatal shooting incident and had to be hospitalized for their injuries. Frederick Coote and Tamera Nunez were inside a residence in Dangriga Town, Stann Creek when they came

Two shot in Dangrigaunder attack around 8:00 p.m. on Monday, April 27, 2020. Multiple shots were fired one of which struck Coote to the chest while Nunez was injured to the thigh. It is not known what led to the attack but police are investigating.





Respect and Appreciation to all Belizean Labourers and Frontline Workers!

From Hon. Manuel Heredia, Minister of Tourism and

Civil Aviation


From Hon. Edmond Castro, Minister of Transport and NEMO

Thank you to all our Humanity Heroes who are

working tirelesly to fight the Coronavirus!


Hon. Patrick Faber,Minister of Education (including Science & Technology), Culture, Youth and Sports wishes all

Belizeans a Happy and Enjoyable Labour Day!



Hon. Erwin Contreras, Minister of Economic Deveopment, Petroleum, Investment, Trade and Commerce

salutes all Belizean labourers, especially our Frontline Workers.

Happy Labour Day!


Hon. Angel Campos,Minister of State in the Minister of State in the

Ministry of Human Developent, Social Transformation and

Poverty Alleviation wishes all Belizean Labourers a Safe and

Enjoyable Labour Day!

Work uplifts the workers as it keeps them productive, providing opportunities to learn and flourish in a

changing economy. It takes great effort and sacrifice, but the work you do becomes part of your reward package.

Documents

Vol. 23 No. 18 Sunday, May 3, 2020pegassus.cds.com.bz/guardian/downloads/GuardianNewsPaperVol-23-18.pdf · Cor. Ebony St. & Bel China Bridge, P. O. Box 1898 Belize City, Belize Telephone: