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STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR No. 448 Sunday, February 21, 2016 Price $1.00 *STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR* *STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR* BELIZE CITY, Wednesday, February 17, 2016: There is finally news on the Decriminalization of Marijuana movement. We have been reliably informed that theAttorney General has now been tasked with preparing a bill for the “de-penalization” of up to 10 grams of marijuana. Several criminal laws would need to be amended for the legislation to be constitutional; therefore, the Attorney General’s Office is now combing through the laws of Belize for parts of the Cabinet Sub Committee At Launch Of Decriminalization Report Attorney General Preparing Marijuana Decriminalization Bill for End of March criminal code that needs to amended to accommodate the change in policy towards small amounts of marijuana. A bill is expected to be returned to Cabinet by the end of March. The Cabinet Sub-Committee handed over its report on the pros and cons of the decriminalization of up to 10 grams of marijuana to Cabinet Secretary Carlos Perdomo on Thursday, February 26, 2015. That report was tabled in a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, March 17, of Please Turn To Page 15 BENQUE VIEJO TOWN, Sunday, February 14, 2016: The Officer in Command of the Orange Walk Formation, Assistant Superintendent Selvin Tillett, was held up at gunpoint in Benque Viejo on Valentines Day, Sunday, February 14, and his 2014 Mazda pickup truck was taken away. Tillett lives in the Lomos del Rodeo area of Benque Viejo Town. After the carjacking he reported to Benque Viejo Police that at about 11:10 a.m. he was driving a white 2014 Mazda BT-50 Pro pickup truck that belongs to his son-in-law, Sadani Harrison, when two hispanic men approached him with guns as he parked in front of his house on Humble Street in Lomas Del Rodeo. As Tillett opened the vehicle door, one of the men pointed a black Guatemalans Carjacked Senior Police Officer In Benque Viejo 9 mm pistol at him and said in Spanish, “hand over the vehicle, we’re not playing!” Tillett complied and the robbers drove off in the vehicle in the direction of Arenal Village. Local police suspected that the culprits were from Guatemala and they immediately notified their counterparts in that jurisdiction. The vehicle was found by Guatemalan police around 10:30 on Monday morning, February 15. It was found in an area known as Camalote, about ten miles from Melchor. According to reports, the vehicle was intact and only had damages to the door locks. The passenger window had to be broken for police to start the truck with a spare key. The vehicle was driven to the Melchor Police Station and will be handed over to Belize police immediately after it has been processed. No arrest has been made as yet. Superintendent Selvin Tillett

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No. 448 Sunday, February 21, 2016 Price $1.00*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*STAR*

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BELIZE CITY, Wednesday,February 17, 2016: There is finally news on theDecriminalization of Marijuanamovement. We have been reliablyinformed that the Attorney General hasnow been tasked with preparing a billfor the “de-penalization” of up to 10grams of marijuana. Several criminallaws would need to be amended forthe legislation to be constitutional;therefore, the Attorney General’sOffice is now combing through thelaws of Belize for parts of the

Cabinet Sub Committee At Launch Of Decriminalization Report

Attorney General Preparing MarijuanaDecriminalization Bill for End of March

criminal code that needs to amendedto accommodate the change in policytowards small amounts of marijuana.A bill is expected to be returned toCabinet by the end of March. The Cabinet Sub-Committeehanded over its report on the pros andcons of the decriminalization of up to10 grams of marijuana to CabinetSecretary Carlos Perdomo onThursday, February 26, 2015. Thatreport was tabled in a Cabinetmeeting on Tuesday, March 17, of

Please Turn To Page 15

BENQUE VIEJO TOWN,Sunday, February 14, 2016: The Officer in Command of theOrange Walk Formation, AssistantSuperintendent Selvin Tillett, washeld up at gunpoint in BenqueViejo on Valentines Day, Sunday,February 14, and his 2014Mazda pickup truck was takenaway. Tillett lives in the Lomos delRodeo area of Benque Viejo Town. After the carjacking he reported toBenque Viejo Police that atabout 11:10 a.m. he was driving awhite 2014 Mazda BT-50 Propickup truck that belongs to hisson-in-law, Sadani Harrison, whentwo hispanic men approached himwith guns as he parked in front of hishouse on Humble Street in Lomas DelRodeo. As Tillett opened the vehicledoor, one of the men pointed a black

Guatemalans Carjacked SeniorPolice Officer In Benque Viejo

9 mm pistol at him and said inSpanish, “hand over the vehicle,

we’re not playing!” Tillett compliedand the robbers drove off in the

vehicle in the direction of ArenalVillage. Local police suspected that theculprits were from Guatemalaand they immediately notifiedtheir counterparts in thatjurisdiction. The vehicle was found byGuatemalan police around 10:30 onMonday morning, February 15. Itwas found in an area known asCamalote, about ten miles fromMelchor. According to reports, thevehicle was intact and only haddamages to the door locks. Thepassenger window had to be brokenfor police to start the truck with a sparekey. The vehicle was driven to theMelchor Police Station and will behanded over to Belize policeimmediately after it has beenprocessed. No arrest has been made as yet.

Superintendent Selvin Tillett

Page 2 - STAR - Tels: 626-8822 - Email:[email protected] - Sunday, February 21, 2016

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Dear Editor, For the past 20 odd years I havebeen doing business with ScotiaBank. I’ve had my share of troubles,concerning wrong balances,e-payments that have been delayed,the list can go on. My concern right now however, isthat I have been hearing rumorsaround town that an employee stolesome money from the bank andthat the person absconded to thestates. Well this is just my two cents!People work hard for their money, Ibelieve that at the very least, the bankcould issue a statement to calm thenerves of those of us who arewondering if it was our accoutns that

were touched. With the mistakesbeing made every so often, this isindeed troubling news forcustomers Right now it seems that everythingconcerning this issue is very hushedhushed. Nobody knows nothing,nobody can verify. I strongly believe that the bankneeds to set the record straight andlet us know if there is any truth at allto these rumors. My intention is notto scandal anybody but I wantreassurance that my account is inorder and I’m sure many others feelthe same way.

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Downtown ParkingDear Editor, I’m writing concerning the issue ofparking in the downtown area. I ama customer of the Belize Bank and itis extremely difficult for me to findparking when I need to do mybusiness transactions. Often times I find myself drivingaround and around trying to findsomewhere to park. When you tryto find a spot nearest to the bankthe traffic officers are right on yourback ready to give you a ticket.I was even told that Belize Bankcustomers need to use the originalparking lot that was right behind thebank before it moved, but that is

always full. Every other available space in thedowntown area is crowded with taxis.The paid parking in the WelcomeCenter is always full, and seriously,why should I pay parking to depositand withdraw my own money fromthe bank? This is a service that thebank should provide.! Trips to thebank are becoming frustrating. It would have been nice if BelizeBank had taken into considerationwhere their customers would park. Itwould also be nice if the Town Councilcould send out advisories indicatingwhere we should park.Very Frustrated Citizen

Sunday, February 21, 2016 - STAR - Tels: 626-8822 - Email:[email protected] Page 3

PLACENCIA VILLAGE,Placencia Hotel, February 15-17,2016 Colleague Heads, Mr Secretary-General, Ministers, Officials, Ladiesand Gentlemen: It is my privilege and pleasure towelcome you to our country and tothe Placencia peninsula. We think this an idyllic spot.The Maya mountains, part oftheir world-famous eponymousBiosphere, are in back of us; and tothe front is our Caribbean Sea, sharedpatrimony of CARICOM and SICAand emblematic of the proud dualitythat Belize is heir to. I hope that the legacy features ofthese surroundings will act as aid andinspiration to our deliberations. And very important deliberationsthey are. For while that is always the casewhenever we meet, I may be forgivenfor thinking, and hope to make clear,that our issues and challenges areparticularly pronounced at this time. Let me therefore begin byconsidering the general economicclimate in which we currently findourselves. There has been a failureof the world economy to recoverproperly from the shock of thefinancial crisis that began in the lastpart of the first decade of this newcentury. That failure, for the majorityof us in CARICOM, has meant slowgrowth, increasing difficulties with ourpublic finances, and tremendousstrains on our capacity to satisfy thelife-improvement aspirations of ourpeople. And it is worth noting thateven in the few countries that haveshown substantial enough expansion,much of the net effect has beendepreciated by population increases.On the bright side, though, thereappears to be what we hope will be asustained resurgence in our region’sall-important tourism industry. Thiswould be a welcome offset tothe continued volatility in ourcommodities sector. The global oil price rout has, inparticular, been a double-edgedsword for a couple of us. So wesalute the recent petroleumdiscoveries in Guyana and lookforward to that country being able toexploit those resources on its ownterms; and we welcome the benefitto consumers that cheaper fuel hasmeant. But at the same time weregret the effect that both thecontraction of production and theprecipitate price drop have had herein Belize. And we note the even

Prime Minister’s Opening Statement AtXXVII Inter-Sessional Meeting Of TheConference Of Heads Of Government OfThe Caribbean Community (CARICOM)

stronger detriment of the latter onpublic sector revenues in Trinidad andTobago. As well, the oil conundrum hasseverely constrained the flow ofresources to those of us that partici-pate in the PetroCaribe arrangements.This is, of course, in consequence ofthe havoc done to Venezuela, thesource of our erstwhile bounty. To compound matters, it is clearthat the oil price phenomenon issymptomatic of the more generalizedweakening, to which I earlier alluded,in commodities markets. Thisworsens the crisis situation in publicfinances in certain parts of theEurozone, so that altogether thereappears to be a distinct possibility ofthe world economy sliding back intorecession. The consequences thatwould entail for our region are bothobvious and frightening. And when we move from thegeneral to the particular regardingglobal economic and financialcurrents, there is one already extantdevelopment with absolutelycataclysmic ramifications for us. Iam talking, of course, about thephenomenon of so-called de-risking.Under pressure from their regulatoryauthorities in Europe and especiallythe US, banks in those jurisdictionshave been closing their correspondentrelationships with our indigenousfinancial institutions. This deprives ourbanks of the ability to keep USdeposits, do wire transfers, facilitatecredit card settlements for their localclients and our economy. Theimplications of this for our internationaltrade, for our remittances, for ourstructures of production, consumptionand investment, are so obvious as torequire little further elaboration. It istherefore no hyperbole to say that,especially in an environment where thevalue of our imports and exportstaken together equals or exceeds ourGDP, any attenuation, not to saycomplete cutoff, respecting our tradeand remittance flows, constitutes aclear, present and compendiousdanger. It is in this context of Belize,like so many others of us, being sofundamentally threatened, that I wentto Washington two weeks ago for theexpress purpose of taking upthis matter directly with the USRegulators. And, truth to tell, I received muchtea and sympathy. The former, in theaftermath of the historic blizzardWashington had just experienced,was welcome. But it was not

immediately clear that the latter,politesse apart, sufficiently advancedmatters. The Regulators all agreed that,absent a solution, our economies, oursocieties would go belly up; andconceded that could be in no one’sinterest, including theirs. The stickingpoint, though, was their proclaimedinability to oblige their private sectorbanks to engage or re-engage withours. So the highest expression of thatsympathy unguent I earlier mentioned,was no more than an undertaking bythe US Regulators to say to theirbanks that our jurisdictions have doneand are doing everything we can tobe fully AML/CFT compliant; andthat there was therefore no inprinciple objection to those banksdoing business with us. But ultimately,the Regulators insisted, it was strictlya decision for those sovereign USbanks to make. They would have todecide whether it was in theirfinancial interest to deal with us,assume the full transactional weightof the resulting monitoring andreporting requirements, and run therisk of nevertheless paying huge finesif anything went wrong. Or, the USbanks could simply continue to takethe path of least resistance on thebasis that our minuscule margins werenot worth the trouble. It could not besupposed, of course, that any thoughtas to the catastrophe waiting toovertake our countries would enterinto those banks’ straightforward risk/reward calculus.

Despite, then, verbal emollients andundoubtedly sincere protestations ofconcern, the limitations on actionstated by the Regulators seemed, inour circumstances, to pose anuncuttable Gordian knot. Then, asthough to assist my digestion ofrealpolitik 101, a certain articleappeared in the Financial Times justafter my Washington meetings. It wasa report on how developed countrybanking regulators were activelyassisting Iranian banks to re-enter theglobal financial system following thelifting of economic sanctions. So thebarriers on regulatory intervention areapparently far less constraining for abig country than for a small one, evenwhen that big country has beendubbed a pariah and demonized theselast few years. To be fair, the U.S.Authorities havebeen as good as their word and havenow spoken to at least one potentialcorrespondent bank that Belize hasapproached. The outcome of that isstill pending. Meantime our campaign, and Ispeak now of CARICOM,continues. And it cannot be other thanrelentless in the face of the possiblecorrespondent banking Armageddonthat we face. It is therefore a matterthat looms extremely large on ourAgenda over the next two days, andhas already been the subject of adedicated Finance Ministers meetingthis morning. Without prejudice to anyother recommendations that will cometo us from that meeting, I signal nowthat Belize will offer the following forconsideration. Surely our respectivecountry banks can get together acrossjurisdictions and as a bloc approachtarget banks in the U.S. for pooledcorrespondent services. That way weshould be able to leverage the criticalmass needed to make our businessvolume worthwhile in terms of the risk/

Please Turn To Page 6

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Page 4 - STAR - Tels: 626-8822 - Email:[email protected] - Sunday, February 21, 2016

ARIES:March 22 to April 20

You are the first sign in the zodiac.This is why you love to try anythingnew. Not only are you a pioneer -you like to win! You like the first wordand the last. Because Aries rules thehead, you charge headfirst into life,and most of you like hats andsunglasses. This week, the Sunenters Pisces, which is the last sign ofthe zodiac. This means the next fourweeks are the perfect time for you tostrategize what you want your newyear to be all about. If you clearlydefine your goals and give themdeadlines, you will more likelyaccomplish them. Lucky numbers:01, 17, 63.

TAURUS: April 21 to May 21

This month, when the Sun is inPisces, is always a popular time forTaurus. You think more about yourfriends and you value them more. Youare also more aware of the rolefriendships play in your life.Obviously, this means you probablyget in touch with friends, and many ofyou also make an effort to join clubs,groups and associations. Remember- your friends are a reflection of whoyou are. Therefore, this is a greatmonth to socialize and to put yourenergy into team efforts. It's also agood time to share your hopes anddreams for the future with someonebecause their feedback will probablyhelp you. Why not find out? Luckynumbers: 44, 76, 94.

GEMINI: May 22 to June 21

In the month ahead, when the Sunis in Pisces, Gemini people are in thelimelight because this is the only timeall year when the Sun is at the top oftheir chart. Symbolically, the Sun is"shining down on you" with a light thatis flattering. Yes! You look wonderfulto everyone! This is why bosses andothers will ask you to take on extraprojects or do something special. Sayyes because you don't have to bespecial to please them - or evendazzle them. Because the Sun is atthe top of your chart, it's also the onemonth of the year where you reallythink a lot about your career andyour role in your community.Examine your life to see if you'reheaded in the direction you really wantto go. Are you? Lucky numbers:32, 59, 82.

CANCERJune 21 to July 21

For the next month, you want tobroaden your horizons through study,travel, adventure plus thrilling andunfamiliar experiences. That's why thisis the perfect time to take up a newcourse of study or a new hobby. You

Your Weekly Horoscope and Lucky Numberswill also enjoy talking to people fromdifferent backgrounds and othercountries. Obviously, travel and beingable to enjoy a change of scenery willplease you. But the main thing is youwant to learn something new and feelthat you are grabbing more of life, whichyou can actually do without leaving yourcity. Often, publishing, the media, thelaw and medicine become a higherfocus at this time. Lucky numbers:11, 27, 95.

LEO:July 24 to August 21

The month ahead is the one time ofthe year when you enjoy being moreinvestigative. You want to dig deep anddiscover more about yourself. As such,you might be more aware of the thingsyou say and do and even be surprisedor chagrined. Because of your drive forself-discovery and your inclination forintrospection, you will likelyundergo some kind of psychologicaltransformation in the next four weeks.You will meet someone who provokespowerful changes in your life orperhaps this person challenges yourvalue structure? Quite likely, you will beconcerned with taxes, debt, sharedproperty and inheritances as well. Andyes, sex will be on your mind. As ever.Lucky numbers: 28, 87, 91.

VIRGO:August 22 to September 21

In the next four weeks, the Sun isdirectly opposite your sign. This is theonly time all year this happens, and sincethe Sun is your source of energy, itmeans you will be more tired. You willneed more sleep. This oppositional Sunalso means your focus on partners andclose friends will be more important. Youwill study these relationships to see theirvalue in your life. The truth is, foryour own benefit, you must be as goodfor your partner as he or she is for you.In other words, the relationship mustbe mutually beneficial. This is also atime to consult experts and get supportfrom others. It's definitely not the timeto go it alone. Lucky numbers: 37,81, 99.

LIBRA:September 22 to October 23

More than any other sign, you areaffected by your surroundings. Theambience of a room impacts yourmood - the lighting, colour, smells,appearances etc. In the next fourweeks, you want to manage your lifeefficiently and effectively. You wanteverything around you to run smoothlyand function well. It's a fact thatwhen your surroundings are clean,attractive and shipshape - you arehappier. Therefore, get to work andcreate surroundings that make you feelgood. Give yourself the right tools andequipment to do a great job becauseyou will love yourself for it later.

Lucky numbers: 03, 43, 50.

SCORPIO:October 24 to November 21

Lucky you! As the Sun moves intoPisces this week, it moves into thepart of Scorpio's chart that is all aboutlove affairs, romance, pleasure,vacations, the theatre, movies, theentertainment world, sports eventsand the hospitality industry. Fun city!Therefore, satisfy your urge to get outand have a good time. You will alsoenjoy playful activities with children.In addition, if you have a chance toexpress your own creativity, this willplease you. Basically it's the one timeof year when you can say, "I wantto be myself and I want to havefun!" It's a great month to date orslip away on a vacation. Luckynumbers: 17, 48, 77.

SAGITTARIUS:November 22 to December 21

This week when the Sun movesinto Pisces where it will be for the nextfour weeks, it means that forSagittarians - the Sun will be at thebottom of your chart. This naturallyheightens your focus on home, familyand your private life. Some of you willbe more involved with family eventsor with a parent. Others will want tococoon at home and welcomechances to do some navel-gazing. Infact, many of you will start to thinkabout the past more than you usuallydo perhaps because an event or aperson prompts this. Of course,nothing is more conducive to yourpeace of mind than not having anyopinions at all. Lucky numbers: 06,11, 30.

CAPRICORN:December 22 to January 20

The next four weeks are busy!Your daily tempo will acceleratebecause your agenda is booked withappointments, errands, muchoconversations, increased reading,writing and studying plus travel - ohyes, many of you will take short tripsin the month ahead. You will also beextra keen to communicate. Not onlywill you want to learn new things, youwill also want to enlighten othersabout your ideas. Because you willbe mentally bright and alert, this is agood time to put your cards on thetable and tell it like it is. Naturally, youwill be polite because you have classplus you value your good reputation.Lucky numbers: 09, 42, 53.

AQUARIUS:January 20 to February 18

When the Sun travels through Piscesin the next four weeks, for Aquarians- it is travelling through your Houseof Money. That's why you willponder your values in general and askyourself what really matters. It's true

that what you earn and what you ownreflect your values; but there are alsomore basic values that dictate yourhappiness. For starters, it's a fact -what goes around, comes around.Plus, your values create your choices,and your choices create your future.So for your own future happiness, youhave to have a handle on what yourbasic values are. Lucky numbers:23, 61, 74.

PISCES:February 20 to March 21

Happy Birthday! This week the Sunenters your sign to stay for the nextfour weeks, giving you a chance torecharge your batteries for the rest ofthe year. Plus, it will attract importantpeople and favourable situations toyou. Obviously, this happens onlyonce a year, when the Sun is in yoursign; and because the Sun is thesource of all energy - you will becentre stage and powerful! This is whyyou will want to express yourself,especially creatively. Be aware thatthis might threaten or overwhelmsomeone. Well, too bad, because thisis the one time of year when your firstduty is to yourself. Enjoy! Luckynumbers: 35, 79, 88.

“The Newspaperthat cares and dares

to bring out the truth”

Eduardo Juan Street,Santa Elena, Cayo

Belize, CA

For further informationplease call 626-8822

Or Email:

Publisher:Nyani Azueta-August

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Editor:Shane Williams

Distribution:Melvin Dawson

Everything In TheUniverse Has Rhythm,

Everything Dances.

Sunday, February 21, 2016 - STAR - Tels: 626-8822 - Email:[email protected] Page 5

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reward equation. The modalities andlogistics will take some working outbut clearly are not beyond our skills. Colleague Heads, Ladies andGentlemen: I am trying to reiterate what weknow only too well. The reality thatforces us to acknowledge thelimitations of individual smallness, isthe same reality that obliges us tosize-up both in terms of collectivethinking and collective action. Aprecondition to this, though, is thatwe talk less and do more. Ifthere is a perceived mismatchbetween CARICOM rhetoric andCARICOM achievement, we need totone down the rhetoric and step upthe achievement. It may mean alessening of grandiose goals. Itmay mean long-haul, quotidiangrind to achieve incrementalaccomplishments. Drudgery in thegarret rather than flash- in-the-panbrilliance. But the times do seem torequire this sort of workmanlikefocus to wring from difficultcircumstances the kinds of realizable,measurable objectives our peopledeserve. And on the back of sustained

slogging there is quite a bit we can dofor ourselves even with respect tothose generally recessionary globaleconomic conditions about which Ispoke earlier. But I repeat: stock taking now forpurposes of a reset requires ahard-headed assessment of where weare, where we need to go and howwe get there. We need to settle onachievable goals for the immediateand medium term, and specify andtake the necessary steps forrealization on a time- and-actionbasis. In the process we may recog-nize, for example, that there is needfor a workaround of the unbridgeablegap between our aspirations for aperfect single market and economy,and individual circumstanceand sovereignty constraints. Thenimbleness and flexibility that must bedeployed to adjust to the changingworld circumstances, may themselvesmilitate against the centralizedmanagement mechanism that a fullCARICOM single economy posits.So that to be driven back to areliance on the less lofty but morepractical virtues of functionalcooperation, may be no bad thing.

Prime Minister’s Opening Statement AtXXVII Inter-Sessional Meeting Of TheConference Of Heads Of Government OfThe Caribbean Community (CARICOM)

Continued From Page 10 In saying this, I am perhaps merelyrepeating what was stated some timeago by a past CARICOM PrimeMinister: that our common causeeffort simply cannot all at onceincorporate the multiplicity of ourindividual drivers; that concentratingon the less poetic but more workabledimensions of our integrationmovement is both sensible andunavoidable; that to admit this is notto admit failure since prioritizing themore readily successful cooperativeventures does ultimately lead to theoptimum future deepening that weboth desire and deserve. I realize that in suggesting what mayappear to be a utilitarian, journeymancourse of action, I am beingcounterintuitive; that it is at odds withour Caribbean penchant for headyvisions and soaring oratory. And Icertainly do not seek in any way todiminish the inspired legacy ofour Community’s founders. Butthe course of integration, as thethreatened unraveling now of theEuropean experiment makes clear,never did run smooth. And I certainlywant to avoid, in simple hackneyed

terms, missing the forest for the trees.Or proceeding only by way ofwhat Eisenhower called ‘spasmodicreaction to the stimulus ofemergencies’. Given all this, then, I believe thatour efforts must focus on retaining andimproving all that has worked. Wetherefore ought not to go pell-mellwith what has been described as thebuilt-in CARICOM integrationagenda. On the other hand we mustat once intensify those aspects of theCSME on which we are all fullyagreed, and which we are all preparedfully to implement. A more compressed canvas willsurely sustain a more concentratedcommitment. And that latter is whatwe as leaders owe to our people andto ourselves. I thank you.

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Sunday, February 21, 2016 - STAR - Tels: 626-8822 - Email:[email protected] Page 7

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though training will be provided as per detailed services provided with position expectation out of resort

· 4WD experience essential for travel to some terrain· All applicants must have a current: Tour Guide License, Senior First Aid Certificate,

Driver’s Licence and Police Clearance Certificate· Applicants who are bi-lingual (English and Spanish) is an asset· Knowledge and passion for all Archeology and history are a must!· Willingness to comply with company regulations and occasionally stay on premises

with rotating schedule

If you are a mature, highly motivated, organized, outgoing and adventurous person with excellentcommunication and leadership skills, we want to speak with you!

Apply now by sending your resume and cover letter to:

Human Resources ManagerThe Family Coppola Resorts

#84 Burns Avenue, San IgnacioCayo District, Belize. C.A

[email protected]: 501-824-4914

BY: Karim Juan, CommissionerSAN IGNACIO TOWN,Cayo,Sunday, February 14, 2016Belmopan Bandits Finally Stole AGame, As Independence RemainsWinless On Thursday night, BelmopanBandits hosted IndependenceThunderbolts at the UB gymnasiumin Belmopan City, as both teams weretrying to record their first win of theseason. The home team, BelmopanBandits jumped out to a first quarterdouble-digit lead that they neverrelinquished, handily defeatingIndependence Thunderbolts, 114-43.Belmopan Bandits (1-3) was led byRhetton Belisle who had the gamehigh 19 points to go with 3 boards,including 5 three-pointers, while KylePascasio finished with 18 points andfour three point shots. Nick Brownregistered a double-double with 17points and 12 rebounds whileChristian Rodriguez, JarellVelasquez and Stephen “Muerte”Williams all scored 10 points each.Kurt “Chengo” Burgess finishedwith the game high, 14 rebounds and8 points while Geovanie Lennanripped 13 boards to go with 9 points.The top scorer for IndependenceThunderbolts (0-5) was HyranAugustine who tallied 16 points and5 boards, while Arnold Torresand Jason Daly each finishedwith 5 points and 4 rebounds.Belmopan Bandits out-reboundedIndependence Thunderbolts 66-35and they led the entire game.Belmopan Bandits scored 20 pointsoff turnovers compared to only 6 bytheir opponent, while they also led insecond chance points, 51-26.Defending Champs, San PedroTiger Sharks, Took A Bite Out OfDangriga Warriors WinningStreak On Friday night, Dangriga Warriorshosted the defending champions,San Pedro Tiger Sharks at theEcumenical College down south. Atthe end of the closely contestedmatch, the visitors, San Pedro TigerSharks was able to notch the 70-60win in Dangriga. San Pedro TigerSharks (3-1) was led by RaulRoches with 13 points and 2 assistswhile Ashton Edwards scored 12points. Gene Myvett tallied adouble-double with 10 points and 12rebounds, while Andrew Ortizfinished with 10 points and 5rebounds. Dangriga Warriors (3-2)was led by James Ewing who hadthe game high of 15 points, whilesnatching 7 rebounds and JamirFlores who sank 12 points to go with2 steals. Quinton Bowen finished thegame with 11 points, 3 rebounds and2 assists. San Pedro Tiger Sharksout-rebounded Dangriga Warriors 35

Cupid Had No Surprises For Valentine’sWeekend In NEBL Tournament

- 26, while scoring 40 points in thepaint, compared to Dangriga’s 34points.Tiger Sharks Silenced Indepen-dence Thunderbolts In MangoCreek The defending champions traveledto Mango Creek on Saturdaynight to take on IndependenceThunderbolts at the IndependenceHigh School Auditorium, as part oftheir two game road trip down south.Independence Thunderbolts jumpedout to a fast start, with a 15 - 9 leadat the end of the first quarter.However, by half time San PedroTiger Sharks took control of the game

with a 36 - 22 halftime lead that theynever gave up, winning easily, 75 -41. San Pedro Tiger Sharks (4-1) wasled by Caleb Sutton with 16 pointsand 6 rebounds while AshtonEdwards sank five three-pointers, tofinish the game with 15 points and 3rebounds. Gene Myvett finished thenight with 13 points, 6 boards and3 assists. The home team,Independence Thunderbolts (0-6)was only able to suit up 5 players, andtheir top scorers were LisaneyLambey with 17 points and 5rebounds and Arnold Torres whotallied a double-double with 15 pointsand 11 boards. San Pedro Tiger

Sharks out-rebounded IndependenceThunderbolts 48-30, while having the32-0 edge on bench scoring, giventhat Independence had only 5players.Griga Warriors Slips Again AsSmart Hurricanes Extend WnningStreak To 5 On Saturday night, DangrigaWarriors traveled to Belize City totake on the undefeated SmartHurricanes at Bird’s Isle, in a muchanticipated rivalry match. Lastseason, Dangriga Warriors enteredthe playoffs after defeating BelizeHurricanes in the last game of theregular season. The home teamjumped out to an early 17 - 11 leadat the end of the first quarter whichthey maintained throughout the game,

Please Turn To Page 8

Page 8 - STAR - Tels: 626-8822 - Email:[email protected] - Sunday, February 21, 2016

The store where you can get all yourHousehold Appliances, Furniture, Electronics,

Clothing, Footwear, Cell Phones, Tablets and Accessories

Cell Phone: 626-3133Fax/Tel#: 824-2060

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We are located at #42 George Price Highway,Santa Elena Town,

Cayo District

Be sure to stop by andcheck out our fantasticValentine’s Day Deals!!!

24 Crenshaw St., San Ignacio Town,Cayo DistrictTel: 824 -2730

The Home Of MARGARITAS SPECIALSMondays to Fridays:Regular Margarita

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Margaritas: $7.95Blue Margaritas:

$8.95

Monday:Draft Beer $3.00

Tuesday:Local Rum $3.00

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Visit us for breakfast on Sundays!!!Monday thru Friday - Mexican and Belizean Menu

We offer the best qualityand prices on all your

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Kindly note that our telephone numbers areas follows:

626-8822, 625-9704or 207-1010

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Cupid Had No SurprisesFor Valentine’s WeekendIn NEBL Tournament

Church feuds are not uncommon,especially among cliques in thecongregation. But when the pastorand choir director get into it, standaside. One week our preacher preachedon commitment, and how we shoulddedicate ourselves to service. Thedirector then led the choir in singing,'I Shall Not Be Moved.' The next Sunday, the preacherpreached on giving and how weshould gladly give to the work of theLord. The choir director then led thesong, 'Jesus Paid It All.'

Church Feud The next Sunday, the preacherpreached on gossiping and how weshould watch our tongues. The hymnwas 'I Love To Tell The Story.' The preacher became disgustedover the situation, and the nextSunday he told the congregation hewas considering resigning. The choirthen sang 'Oh, Why Not Tonight.' When the preacher resigned thenext week, he told the church thatJesus had led him there and Jesus wastaking him away. The choir then sang,'What A Friend We Have inJesus.'

Two old men had been best friendsfor years, and they both live to theirearly 90's, when one of them suddenlyfalls deathly ill. His friend comes tovisit him on his deathbed, and they'rereminiscing about their long friendship,

Baseball In Heavenwhen the dying man's friend asks,"Listen, when you die, do me afavor. I want to know if there'sbaseball in heaven." The dying man said, "We've beenfriends for years, this I'll do for

you." And then he dies. A couple days later, his survivingfriend is sleeping when he hears hisfriend's voice. The voice says, "I'vegot some good news and some bad

news. The good news is thatthere's baseball in heaven." "What's the bad news?" "You're pitching onWednesday."

A sales clerk asked his boss howto handle people who complainedabout the current prices comparedto the low prices in the good old

Baseball In Heavendays. "Just act surprised and tell themyou didn't think that they were oldenough to remember them."

until Dangriga Warriors was able toclose the gap to 47 - 44 at the end ofthe third quarter. However, SmartBelize Hurricanes was able to securethe 70 - 61 victory to remain as theonly undefeated team in the league.Smart Belize Hurricanes (5-0) was ledby Akeem Watters with 13 points,3 steals and 2 assists. Brian Whitefinished with another double-double,scoring 11 points to go with 12rebounds, while Farron Lourianoand Glency Lopez also sank 11points each. Dangriga Warriors’(3-3) top scorer was James Ewing,who had the game high with 15 points,while snatching 8 boards. EdgarMitchell finished with 14 points, 5rebounds and 3 steals while LisbeyCastillo scored 12 points to go with3 boards and 3 steals. Smart BelizeHurricanes outscored DangrigaWarriors in points off turnovers, 20 -8, but Dangriga had the 13 - 4 edgeon second chance points. Dangriga

also won the battle on the boards, 39- 31.Upcoming GamesFriday at 9 p.m.- Belmopan Bandits at CayoWestern BallazFriday at 9 p.m.- Orange Walk Running Rebels atSmart Belize HurricanesSaturday at 8 p.m.- Dangriga Warriors at IndependenceThunderboltsSaturday at 8 p.m.- Orange Walk Running Rebels atBelmopan BanditsSaturday at 9 p.m.- Belize City No Limit at San PedroTiger Sharks All games can be followed live onour website at nebl.sportingpulse.net, with real time box scoreswhile the game is being played. Thewebsite also has all game scores,box scores, players and teams’statistics, along with standings for theseason.

Continued From Page 7

Sunday, February 21, 2016 - STAR - Tels: 626-8822 - Email:[email protected] Page 9

This Is The Month Of LoveAnd we have

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Telephone: 824-4971 or Cell: 610-3503 or 627-9966San Ignacio Town, Cayo

Page 10 - STAR - Tels: 626-8822 - Email:[email protected] - Sunday, February 21, 2016

Venezuela Raises Petrol PriceFor First Time In 20 YearsBBC NEWS, Thursday, February18, 2016: Venezuela is raising petrol prices forthe first time in 20 years, although thepresident claims it will still be thecheapest in the world. President Nicolas Maduro saidpump prices of premium fuel wouldrise from the equivalent of $0.01 alitre to about $0.60 (£0.40). The cost of lower grade petrolwould rise to about $0.10 a litre. He unveiled a series measures tohelp ease Venezuela's economiccrisis, including devaluing thecurrency. The rise in the heavily-subsidisedfuel price will save $800m a year. "Venezuela has the cheapestgasoline in the world," Mr Madurosaid in a televised address. "The costis almost nothing." However, other countries,

including Saudi Arabia also haveextremely cheap, subsidised petrolprices. He said the price rise was "a

necessary measure, a necessaryaction to balance things, I takeresponsibility for it." Food and petrol price increases in

1989 sparked nationwide proteststhat resulted in scores of deaths,unrest that is considered to havepaved the way for the latePresident Hugo Chavez's rise topower. Venezuela's economy has beenpushed to the brink by the collapse inthe oil price, which accounts for about95% of the country's export revenues. The economy shrank 10% last year,amid rampant inflation and shortagesof some basic products, According to the Bloomberg newsagency, the state oil companyPetroleos de Venezuela incurred$15.2bn in costs in 2013 to maintainVenezuela's fuel subsidy. Mr Maduro also announced thatthe government would "simplify" thecomplex exchange rate fromThursday, easing the protectedofficial rate for food and medicineimports which will now operatealongside a parallel "floating" rate. Investors have become increasinglyconcerned about Venezuela'spotential default on its huge debts.

Venezuela's Economy Has Been Pushed To TheBrink By TheCollapse In The Oil Price

Freedom 251: India Firm Launches'World's Cheapest' SmartphoneBBC NEWS, Thursday, February18, 2016: An Indian company has launchedwhat is being billed as the world'scheapest smartphone. Ringing Bells said their Freedom251 phone would cost just 251rupees ($3.67; £2.56), and there washuge demand in the first hours of sale. But sceptics have raised questionsabout the device and the company'sprice strategy. India is the world's second-largest mobile market and has onebillion mobile phone subscribers. Freedom 251 is expected totarget a market already dominated bylow-cost handsets. Is India's $3.6 smartphone toogood to be true? The phone has 8GB storage andcameras in the front and back, andits model resembles Apple's iPhone4, including the home button andicons. "This is our flagship modeland we think it will bring arevolution in the industry," theAFP news agency quoted aspokeswoman as saying. The smartphone went on sale onThursday morning but, just hours

later, the company had to stop ac-cepting orders after its websitecrashed due to huge demand:600,000 hits per second, it said. Ringing Bells said the phone wouldbe produced locally, even though itstill has no factory in India. Theprototypes handed to journalistswere, actually, of a Chinese-madephone with its brand name, Adcom,covered with white paint. It has promised to deliver the firstdevices in four months. The company had initially said the

device would cost under 500 rupees(£5; $7.3), before revealing a much

cheaper price at the launch onWednesday. But critics have raised questionsabout the smartphone, saying the priceis far lower than what its componentswould cost, let alone costs withproduction, distribution and market-ing. "It looks like it is highlysubsidized by the company and itis not clear how they plan tosustain this," Tarun Pathak, ananalyst with Counterpoint TechnologyResearch, told the Reuters newsagency. The Indian Cellular Associationreportedly wrote to the country'stelecoms minister Ravi ShankarPrasad saying it was not possible tosell a 3G phone below 2,700 rupees. Ringing Bells was set up a fewmonths ago and recently launched oneof India's cheapest 4G smartphonesat 2,999 rupees, the Press Trust ofIndia reported.

The Freedom 251 Smartphone Resembles Apple's iPhone 4

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Sunday, February 21, 2016 - STAR - Tels: 626-8822 - Email:[email protected] Page 11

BWS invites interested professionals to apply. The Area Manager will assist the OperationsManager to plan, direct, coordinate and evaluate the operational activities of the technicaloperations in the Northern Zone (Corozal, Orange Walk, San Pedro and Caye Caulker). He/Shewill implement policies and procedures and ensure compliance with the company’s mission,vision and core values.

Please send your application letter with your detailed resume giving your current position andsalary by March 4th, 2016 to:

Human Resource ManagerBelize Water Service Limited

P.O.Box 150, Central American Boulevard, Belize City, BelizeE-mail: [email protected]

Belize Water Services – Delivering water and more…

* Liaise with Branch Operations Supervisors to oversee and maintain the dailyoperation of the company’s water and wastewater systems in the Northern Zoneincluding.

a) Maintaining adequate water supply on a daily basis – quality, quantity, securityand pressure b) Maintaining the integrity of the water treatment processes and the watertransmission and distribution systems including storage tanks and pumping stations

*Providing technical assistance in meeting water quality regulations and consumptiondemand including: a) Coordinating with engineering staff to evaluate the effectiveness of alternativetreatment and methods b) Daily monitoring of production and consumption levels c) Planning of required maintenance and expansion works

* Preparing monthly management and KPI reports and updating of the compa-ny’skey operational data.

* Ensuring proper Health and Safety operations and environmental compliance.

QUALIFICATIONS: * Degree in Civil or other Technical Engineering

* Five years’ experience in supervisory/management will be preferred

* Valid driver’s license

* Excellent command of English language; Spanish language will be an asset

POSITION: Operations Area Manager ( Northern Division)

KEYRESPONSIBILITIES:

Page 12 - STAR - Tels: 626-8822 - Email:[email protected] - Sunday, February 21, 2016

FOR RENTMopan Riverfront Country Home

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BENQUE VIEJO TOWN,Thursday, February 11, 2016: Police are investigating thecircumstances that led to the death ofSan Pedro Town resident in BenqueViejo Town. Fernando Melendez,47, a Belizean laborer of San PedroTown, who was visiting family

Police Recover A Body InMopan River In Benque

members in Benque. Melendez had come from SanPedro Town on Thursday, February11, to visit his mother in Benque ViejoTown who was celebratingher birthday. At about 4:00 pm onthat same date he decided togo to Melchor de Mencos to

socialize. He then left Melchorsometime Thursday night to return tohis mother’s home in Benque.Melendez decided to walk through anillegal and bushy crossing area enrouteto his mom’s home. When he did notshow up Thursday night his familytarted to search for him. News reached the mother that adead body was discovered atabout 3:05 p.m. in a creek about200 yards up the Mopan River, inBenque Viejo on Friday, February 12. Police officers visited the scene

where they noted that the maleperson was wearing a black shirt andblue short pants. He was lying on hisleft side in the shallow water of thecreek. The family’s worst casescenario proved true when the bodywas later identified to be that ofMelendez. He appeared to havebruises on the left side and uppercenter of the head. Police aretreating the matter as a suddendeath, as it appears that he mighthave fallen off the bank of thecreek, which was about 15 to 20 feethigh. Investigations; however, continueuntil police can definitely rule out foulplay

ROARING CREEK VILLAGE,Cayo, Saturday, February 13,2016: The Belize Police Department hasmade no public report but we arereliably informed that three policeofficers were injured in a trafficaccident that occurred on Saturday,February 13. The officers were ontheir way to the Roaring CreekPolice Station when the driver lostcontrol of the vehicle causing it to flipmultiple times. According to our colleagues atsocial media news site “Breakingnews Belize”, the three policeofficers are constables MarkRodriguez, Kenroy Pandy andNadir Mendoza. The news outlethas reported that the driver of thepolice truck was trying to avoid

Police Truck Flip Near Roaring Creek

Notice is hereby be given that underthe Intoxicating Liquor LicenseOrdinance Chapter 150 of the Laws ofBelize, Revised Edition 2000,GOMER ENRIQUEZ is applying fora RESTAURANT liquor license forthe year 2016 to operate Paradise AutoSpa located on George Price Blvd.,Benque Viejo Town, Cayo Distric

(Picture Courtesy our Colleagues at Breaking News Belize)

crashing into a green Toyota car thatmade an abrupt stop in front of themnear the police station. The speed atwhich the driver tried to swerve outof the car’s way was too much for

control and recovery. This caused thevehicle to flip; fortunately, none of theofficers loss their lives. They wererushed via ambulance to the WesternRegional Hospital for medical

attention and are all expected torecover from injuries sustained. Accidents like these reminds us justhow dangerous the regular day to daydutis of police officers are. Theseofficers are expected to respondspeedily to calls throughout the day,often putting themselves in danger onthe streets and roads of Belize. We atthe Star newspaper wish these braveofficers a full and speedy recovery.

Liquor LicenseNotices

Sunday, February 21, 2016 - STAR - Tels: 626-8822 - Email:[email protected] Page 13

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SHOPPERS’ CHOICE& ATLANTIC STORE

Telephone: 824-4971 or Cell: 610-3503 or 627-9966San Ignacio Town, Cayo

Page 14 - STAR - Tels: 626-8822 - Email:[email protected] - Sunday, February 21, 2016

BELIZE CITY, Friday, February12, 2016: Ana Liz Perez Gutierrez ranaway from Guatemala with two-year-old Nina Charlotte AlexandraBarrera Perez in October of 2015,allegedly escaping domestic abuse bythe child’s father, Ernesto Barrera.She went to live with her family inOrange Walk but that refuge wasshort lived. Nina’s Guatemalan fatherreported to authorities in his countrythat the baby was taken across theborder illegally and without hispermission. As a result, aninternational complaint went in to theHuman Services Department and thechild was removed from the mother’scare on Friday, November 13, undera provision for “Emergency Care”in the Families and ChildrenAct. Under this law, the Departmenthas two days to approach the courtto confirm the legality of thisemergency protective care. That wasdone on Monday, November 16, andthe Family Court granted theDepartment interim custody of thetoddler under the substantive issue ofrightful guardianship could bedetermined. It was a tough couplemonths for the parents who had tospend Christmas and bring in the newyear without their infant child. The child remained in foster care until

Belizean Child Sent Back ToGuatemala By Belizean Court

Magistrate Cayetano’s ruling onFriday, February 12. The morningstarted with heavy police presence onBishop Street. Word had reachedSpecial Branch that well wisherswould make it out to demonstrate insupport of Gutierrez. Therefore,police set up barricades on both endsof the street. This proved to beunnecessary as no protestmaterialized throughout the day. As is

the case with almost all family courtcases, the hearing was closed to thepublic. Inside the courtroomwas Magistrate Dale Cayetano,Gutierrez and her attorney MarcelCardona, Berrera and his attorneyKevin Arthurs, and representativesof the Human Services Department.The Director of the Belize FamilyCourt, Magistrate Dale Cayetano,ordered the Department of Human

Services to return two-year-old NinaPerez to Guatemala. When the caseconcluded, Ana Liz Perez Gutierrezwalked out and delivered what, forher, was very sad news. Gutierrez readout the decision verbatim, “Takenote that the above case fordeclaration of wrongful removal/return of the child was concludedon the twelfth day of February2016 where the following orderwas made. The child, NinaCharlotte Alexandra BarreraPerez, born twenty-third October2013 was wrongfully removedfrom Guatemala. It is herebyordered that the child be returnedto Guatemala immediately;pursuant to Chapter 177 of theInternational Child Adoption ActRevised Edition 200 and thesubsequent articles of theconvention.”  The child was handed over to theGuatemalan Embassy by the HumanServices Department. She will bereturned to Guatemala and handedover to the child care services agencyin that country. It is likely that Ninawill be put into a foster home while acustody bat tle takes place inGuatemalan courts. People close to Gutierrez say thereis legitimate danger in Guatemala forher, both from the authorities andBarrera’s family, if she cooses to re-turn to fight for Nina. Gutierrez seems tobe undeterred however. She said, “Rightnow I am not fearful. If my daughterhas to go to Guatemala, I’m gonnafollow her to Guatemala.”

Nina Charlotte Alexandra Barrera Perez

MONEKY BAY, Monday,February 15, 2016: Freshman student of North CobbHigh School, 14-year-old TomariAliijah Jackson, was to have thetime of his life on a week long missiontrip to Belize with 31 otherschoolmates. The well loved talentedflute player of the school’s freshmanband was to arrive in Belize onSaturday, February 13, and headwest to the Monkey Bay WildlifeSanctuary where the team wouldspend five days on a field trip. Planswere also in place to celebrateTomari’s 15th birthday on Monday,February 15. Unfortunately, the tripwent tragically wrong just hours afterthe students landed in Belize. Soon after they arrived at theMonkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary thestudents went for a swim in the SibunRiver at Tiger Sandy Bay. MathewMiller, Managing Director of theSanctuary, said there were three tourguides along with the six chaperonesto watch the children. “It is a knownbathing spot,” Miller said, “It’s ashallow area; there is not a strongcurrent; it’s even a little back eddywhere there is calm water. Tomariwas swimming with his Go Procamera, his swimming goggles,

Parent Of Drowned American Boy Wants Answers

his grey shirt and his blueshorts—going under and comingup.” Noone even realized Tomari wasmissing until the group was heading inand a head count was conducted.When he could not be found, the tourguides and chaperones searched thearea and river. Police were called tothe location at around 5 p.m. Theyrequested assistance from a searchteam of the Belize Coastguard. An

extensive search was conducted inwhich a team of Coastguard seamen,tourguides and local swimmerscombed the area for any sign ofJackson. It was not until a fewminutes befoe 3 a.m. that local diversfound Jackson’s body some 25 feetbelow the water. An autopsy reportissued on Jackson’s birthday,Monday, February 15, stated that hedied from asphyxia as a result ofdrowning. Jackson’s mother, Adell Forbes,was informed by United StatesEmbassy officials that her son wasmissing shortly after Belize policewere called to the sanctuary. She hadalready began preparations to travelto Belize to help look for her childwhen she received a call earlySunday morning informing her thatTomari’s body was found underwater. Needless to say, Forbes isdemanding some answers. She wantsto know how it is that noone noticedthat Tomari was missing before theyboarded the bus. She sent her childwith 31 other students and sixchaperones and noone even missedher son in the water. Forbes alsoinformed the American press thatTomari was a Boy Scout and a prettygood swimmer so she was surprised

to find out that he died whileswimming in shallow water. Forbessaid she trusted officials at her son’sschool to keep him safe during theweek-long trip. The rest of the mission team returnedto Georgia on Monday, February 15,six days earlier than planned. Theschool has already put in placecounseling sessions for the distraughtstudents. Tomari’s mother says she ishoping that someone will comeforward and shed light on whathappened in the moments leading tohis death because it is still a mysteryto her.

Tomari Aliijah Jackson

NOTICEDeadline for the

submission of all ads,articels and humor will

now be on Wednesdays at12 noon.

We thank you for yourcontinued support

throughout the years andlook forward to serving

you more efficientlyfor many more years to

come.

Sunday, February 21, 2016 - STAR - Tels: 626-8822 - Email:[email protected] Page 15

BLANCANEAUX LODGEEmployment Opportunity

Head Chef

We are seeking a talented Head Chef with kitchen leadership skills, capability to structure aproductive team and achieve financial results. If you are looking for a kitchen to further develop at aleading worldwide resort group, this could be the post for you!

Skills Required:

· Decision making· Presentation skills· Developing team with energetic and positive attitude· Emphasizing excellence and consistency with standardizing metrics· Vision for improvement with creativity to change and enhance menus· People management with firm but effective leadership qualities· Proficient in basic computer programs· Client and customer relationships, inclusive of attending dietary restrictions

Qualification and Experience:

The ideal Chef will also be expected to have knowledge with Italian cuisine and cooking for volumewhile ensuring the quality for value. The ideal Chef should have at least 2 years reputable andrecognized hospitality experience (preferable in same position as offer) as well as knowledge ofkitchen management.

Applications will be accepted to end, Friday, February 26th, 2016 and you can send or drop off yourcover application letter and resume to:

HUMAN RESOURCE DEPARTMENTNo. 84 Burns AvenueSan Ignacio, Cayo,

Belize, C.ATel: 501-824- 4914/12

Fax: 501-824-4913Email:[email protected]

2015 with a recommendation “thatit not be a criminal offense foranyone to be found in possessionof up to 10 grams of marijuana”.Our sources tells us that the reportand recommendation was supportedby most of the members. PrimeMinister Dean Barrow says, “Wehave agreed in principle but stillneed to work on a lot of thedetails.” It is usually said that the devil is inthe details but in this case the devilmay well be in the name itself. TheCommittee proposes that there shouldbe tickets issued with fines fordiscovery of a decriminalized amountand the recommended fine is $15per gram. The committee alsorecommends mandatory drugeducation programs for juvenile andrepeat offenders. Two third of thefines collected from drug tickets willgo to the courts and one third will beused to finance the drug educationprogram of the National Drug AbuseControl Council. Penalties for repeatoffenders also include communityservice and increased fines. However,the question was raised in Cabinetthat if there is still penalties forless than ten grams of marijuana; is itreally decriminalized? In order towork out the details, Hon. JohnSaldivar, Minister of NationalSecurity, who had the greatestreservations in supporting the bill wastasked with amending the proposal ofthe committee. In an interview with the STARNewspaper, Minister Saldivarexplained that Cabinet received anupdate to the DecriminalizationCommittee’s report three weeks ago.It was reviewed and sent to theAttorney General’s office for changesto the laws to accommodatethe move. Minister Saldivar explainedto that the recommendations arenot necessarily for the decriminaliza-tion of Marijuana, rather he deems itas “de-penalization”. Simply put,Cabinet has recommended thatanyone who has been caught with 10

Attorney General Preparing MarijuanaDecriminalization Bill for End of MarchContinued From Front Page grams or less be fined and no prison

term be attached when found guiltyof that amount. Additionally convictionsof these amounts would notform part of the person’s criminalrecord.

SANTA ELENA TOWN, Cayo,Tuesday, February 16, 2016: The Minister of Health, Hon. PabloMarin, was in Santa Elena Town onTuesday, February 16, for a tour ofthe newly established Santa ElenaHealth Center. The Minister wasaccompanied by Chief ExecutiveOfficer in the Minsitry of Helath, Dr.Ramon Figueroa, on a tour guidedby Area Representative for CayoCentral, Hon. Rene Montero.

Minister Of Health Tours NewSanta Elena Health Center

The purpose of the tour is for theMinister to familiarize himself with thecapacity and needs of the center.Minister Marin and Dr. Figueroapledged their full support in theprovision of equipment andassignment of staff for the institution.Building capacity of the municipalitiesto handle primary and secondaryhealthcare services is the number onemission of the Ministry of Health andMinister Marin complimented

Montero on his vision for healthcarein Santa Elena and San Ignacio. Hon. Montero says the new SantaElena Health Center will be officiallyopen bery soon. When the new health

center opens, residents of Santa ElenaTown will no longer have to travel allthe way to the San Ignacio Hospitalfor basic medical services. Thedesign for the health center wasunveiled in late September aftermonths of strong lobbying by Hon.Montero directed at the Ministry ofHealth. Upon the visit of Minister PabloMarin, Hon. Montero reiterated hisgoal for the Santa Elena HealthCenter. He said, “We want toprovide a first class MedicalCenter for the wonderful residentsof Cayo Central.” Previously, theCayo Central Committee has beenorganizing temporary clinics and otherinitiatives to bring healthcare servicescloser to constituents but the long termgoal has always been to establish apermanent first class medical center.Currently, residents of the Santa Elenaarea have to pay taxi fare to go all theway to the new San Ignacio Hospitalon Bullet Tree road. Many peoplecannot afford that.

Page 16 - STAR - Tels: 626-8822 - Email:[email protected] - Sunday, February 21, 2016