vol. 23 no. 27 sunday, july 5, 2020pegassus.cds.com.bz/guardian/downloads/guardiannewspaper...at a...

Sunday, July 5, 2020Vol. 23 No. 27

The GuardIan Sunday, July 5, 2020

edITor: Alfonso Noble

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

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The Guardian

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The Guardian has confirmed that a draft of the Special Senate report on Immigration irregularities has been sent to the participating senators for input. We understand that the draft report, which is several hundred of pages long, was delivered by the Chairman over four months ago to the members of the Special Select Committee for them to give their recommendations

or add or remove content. So far, we understand, that all the senators who participated in the inquiry may not have made any contributions. Notably, senators who were part of the inquiry include Senator Elena Smith and Michel Chebat both of whom represent organizations that were boisterous in their demands for the report. We ask them now; where is the report?

What have you done to bring the report to the people over the past few months? What’s more is that the country has been on lockdown for the past three months, giving the senators ample time to review finalize the report. We wonder what it is that has been consuming their time over this lockdown period that has not allowed them to do their work?

Senators drag their feeton Immigration Senate Report

The State of Emergency which was over the country for roughly three months expired at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30. A number of announcements were made to explain what the new normal would be starting July 1 and the Attorney General Sen. Hon. Michael Peyrefitte appeared on ‘Ask the Experts’ for that explanation. One of the most important pieces of news, and one that the Belizean public was possibility most happy to hear, is that there is no longer a curfew. For months, citizens had to be inside their homes at a certain hour, except for emergency reasons. While, over time, non-curfew hours were extended and SOE measures were gradually relaxed, it has

No more State of Emergencynot been for months that the public will now be free to roam about at any time. An important addition to this announcement, however, is that while the curfew has been lifted, the citizenry must be moving with a purpose. Persons simply wandering aimlessly, loitering, or that are moving without a reason can be arrested.

So , t he re i s no more curfew but social distancing and wearing masks are here to stay, at least for a while. AG Peyrefitte says that social distancing will be enforced but there are now several exceptions to that rule. Persons of the same party, obviously, will not abide by social distancing regulations. Furthermore, the

limit of 100 persons in a public place is no longer a mandate but persons will be required to wear their masks in these social events. Whenever in a public space, the public is reminded to wear a mask, a mandate which will now be enforced as well.

A n o t h e r p o p u l a r announcement was that clubs and bars can now open for business. AG Peyrefitte says that pract ical ly, al l social actions are now permitted as they were before but like previously mentioned, persons wil l be mandated to wear their masks in most of these situations; otherwise, you can be arrested. Commissioner of Police Chester Williams adds tha t these and other

regulations will certainly be enforced, especially in social situations, but that his officers wi l l be tasked with us ing their discretion. They have, conversely, already seen an increase in public drinking situations, an offense with or without the SOE, and as such, liquor establishments will particularly be checked to determine their compliance.

Daycare centers are also now permit ted to operate. They were originally closed down seeing that children are especially susceptible to COVID-19. Now, daycares can open and children under six are not required to wear masks.

While a number of things a re be ing pe rmi t t ed , and unlike the announcement of the reopening of the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) in August, our land borders remain closed. This will continue at least for the near future considering that cases of COVID-19 both in Mexico and Guatemala are increasing significantly. AG Peyrefitte, who is also the Minister of National Security, made i t abundan t ly c lea r that persons found illegally entering the country will be arrested, charged, and face up to three months in prison.


The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) handed down a j u d g e m e n t o n J u n e 3 0 which has overturned two local rulings on Government’s takeover of the Ships and Companies Registry. Belize’s Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal had ruled that the PUP government had illegally given Belize International Services Limited (BISL) a management contract to run the International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize (IMMARBE) and the International Business Companies Register (IBCR).

Not satisfied with those rulings, BISL, an Ashcroft-related entity took the matter to the Caribbean Court of Justice and they have now ruled. In the ruling it states that, “although the 1993 Agreement, and ipso facto the 2005 extension, was tainted with illegality, there was a breach of contract that should result in awarding damages.”

In essence the court ruled that the government should have entered into negotiations before taking over the company. They then referred the matter to the Supreme Court to determine the quantum of compensation. BISL is seeking somewhere in the region of between US $24

CCJ rules against Belize again

and 45 million. W h i l e t h e j u d g e m e n t

comes as a surprise, how we got here is not in the least bit surprising. In June of 1993, at the end of the PUP’s term in office (elections were held on June 30 of that year) the then PUP government gave BISL, the management contract to run the ships and companies registry. Those companies, IMMARBE and IBCR, flowed millions of dollars to BISL. The 1993 Agreement was for ten years with an option for BISL to renew for an additional period of ten years. In 2003, BISL asked for and received an extension up to 2013. That was not enough however, and in 2005 a cash-strapped PUP Government extended the Agreement until 2020. For this extension, BISL paid the Government US$ 1.5M as consideration.

The argument which was presented in the local courts and which was upheld twice was that the awarding of the management contract was illegal and unconstitutional as it deprived government of revenue. The question that remains with us is why would a government give such a lucrative contract to a company.

On Friday June 26, the Government of Belize tabled a loan motion where the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) is offering a $15 million U.S. dollar loan as a part of a COVID-19 Emergency Response Support. The loan is somewhat like the bank offering refinancing arrangements to the government in order for it to be able to service its debt obligation.

While it appeared to be a straight-forward move where an old loan was being replaced by another loan with far more favorable terms, the PUP’s Johnny Briceño could not understand what was taking place. He took to objecting to the loan claiming that the government would be playing politics with it. Briceno stated that, “…it is easing them from paying a loan. When you do that then that means now that the government has some extra money, maybe not the entire amount, but some extra money that they can use for to play politics with.”

Of course, that is a complete

Johnny does not understand loan refinancing

misunderstanding. Maybe it is that Briceño does not live in this country or in this reality but the facts are that the Government’s revenues have been completely decimated and there is hardly any finances to keep paying recurrent expenditure, like salaries to public officers, much less to service any loans. Under the new loan arrangement it will be lessening the need for government to find finances that it already does not have.

There is no room to play politics here, Mr. LOO!

Johnny Briceño

The Albert Care Center received four computer work stations on Tuesday June 30. The computers came as a donation from the BNE Charitable Trust. Area Representative for the Albert Constituency, Hon. Tracy Panton, explains that the computers will come to good use.

The Albert Care Center will

New Albert Care Center to open

be a safe space for youngsters to gather and be able to get assistance to access internet resources as well as assistance with school work. The center was to have been open in April; however, those plans had to be deferred and plans are underway to have the center opened in August.

BNE Charitable Trust donates computers to the Albert Care Center


When someone else’s safety and acceptance is on the line, your personal discomfort comes in a very distant second. –Courtney Milan

It is a sad but often hidden fact, that in the year 2020 there are still bigots living amongst us. This week when the Sand Hill Village Council made it known that they would be resisting the government’s decision to issue much needed parcels of land to first-time land owners from the Mesopotamia Constituency in Belize City, or outsiders as Darren Leal who is the Chairman of the San Hill Village Council calls them, it brought bigotry into sharp focus.

Besides being the San Hill Village Council’ Chairman, Leal is also the son of the P.U.P’s Belize Rural North standard-bearer, who is the man who is trying to become the Area Representative for the people of Sand Hill and the entire Belize Rural North. It is a well-known fact that people are not born as bigots, bigotry is taught to them, so who was Darren Leal’s teacher?

The chairman is not the

only one to put on display his obvious bigotry. Rodwell Guerra, Councillor with the Sand Hill Village Council also did so when in a News 5 interview he said “when you are from the village, you have a different lifestyle. We are more together. We hail our neighbours. And if first of all that is not your intention, I believe that is not the place for you. Whoever is moving there, if you are not willing to adapt to the changes, then it is best not to go...but we are also trying to keep safety within the community...”

Must we have to inform the Sand Hill Village Council that Mesopotamians’ lives matter? Do we need to remind them that Mesopotamia is a part of Belize or that the Sand Hill Village Council does not own our national lands? The first-time landowners have been waiting for two years to fulfil the dream of owning a piece of land. Over the last two years, Shyne Barrow and the first-time landowners from Mesopotamia have put in a lot of time, energy and even more importantly their money to make the dream become a reality. Many of the first-time landowners had

to struggle to come up with their portion of the money needed to survey the area to enable the subdivision.

The often controversial Nigel Petillo, who is no fan of Shyne Barrow and or the UDP had the following to say about the behaviour of the San Hill Village Council and their attempt to thwart the first-time Mesopotamia landowners getting a piece of land: “Well mi bredda I support anybody getting land for grassroots Belizeans... I also believe that as Belizeans we have the right to land anywhere in Belize especially if it’s available... now me lol I would squat if I haftu however in this case the area rep has negotiated on behalf of the people through the minister in the area... I can respect that too... [sic] also no land in Mesop... so now the village feels violated I can understand that too... step pon the minister why did he see it fit to allow Mesop to get land in your community if you yourselves can’t get any there... me n Shyne nuh all dat personal but I applaud the getting land for people part first time bzns... secondly if no land in the community wat are

they to do? So he negotiated with the minister which turned out beneficial to the landless recipients... me nuh care if da pudp or pup made it possible my concern is that the way right people getting it... so yeah any other individual making land available/affordable for grassroots I support... try get more fi others too... n u all should try assisting or pressuring your ministers/area reps bout doing the same!”

We checked and it is not only the people of Mesopotamia who will be the recipients of land in the area, so will residents of Sand Hill and other constituencies in Belize City. These first-time landowners are poor hard-working people, many of whom are single mothers. They have assured us that they are prepared to get on buses to go and protest in Sand Hill to stand up against the bullies who are trying to snatch their dreams away. They also assure us that they will have the support of hundreds of other Belizean who are willing to stand with them because bigotry will not be allowed to win.

Bigotry in Sand Hill

It has come to the attention of the Guardian Newspaper that PUP hopeful for the Albert Division, Paul Thompson, has registered at number 4 Bishop Street . This is a locat ion where there was once a hotel. We are not sure of his living accommodations there but on Monday June 29, Paul walked into the offices of the Elections and Boundaries department and registered to vote in the division.

Casual observance of the move would tell us that he has abandoned his mansion near Mile 14 ½ on the Western Highway to live at Bishop Street if indeed he lives there. There is also a more

Paul abandons Western Highway mansion

worrying question, did he vote for the ICJ referendum?

Readers will recall that last year a re-registration exercise took place and during that time voters were asked to register again in order to be able to vote for the all important ICJ referendum. Well, it seems that Paul did not see it necessary to re-register and in effect not vote in the referendum. We can deduce this since he is just now seeking to add his name to the Albert’s voters list.

What kind of unpatriotic Belizean does not vote in an extremely important issue such as was the ICJ referendum? Maybe we should ask Paul that question.

Paul Thompson


The Cayo North constituency continues to be transformed. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Thursday for what will be the first high school in the Cayo North constituency.

Minister of Education, ( i n c l u d i n g s c i e n c e a n d technology), Culture, Youth and Sports, the Hon. Patrick Faber was joined by Chief Education Officer, Dr. Carol Babb and the Representative for the Cayo North Division the Hon. Dr. Omar Figueroa to break ground for the new endeavor.

According to the Hon. Patrick Faber, the Government owned school will offer affordable rates, where the fees will be nonexistent or very low. Minister Faber said that the new school will make it more convenient for students, given that schools in the local area are overcrowded.

While the Hon. Figueroa also commented that to acquire the school’s land area some challenges had to be overcome, such as engaging with landholders and clearing the forest with a bulldozer.

“This is the best investment that Government can give you,” said Chief Education Officer Dr. Carol Babb, whilst at the ground breaking ceremony.

For many decades, residents of Cayo North have had to travel great distances for the opportunity to attend high school. The new high school will have a capacity of 240 students. Additionally, a new primary school with a similar capacity of 240 students will also be built on the same compound.

The proposed site of the Kontiki Primary & Secondary School Project is being funded by the Caribbean Development Bank and will be implemented by the Ministry of Education, Youth

New primary and high school for Cayo North

Sports and Culture. The expected da te of

completion is June of 2021. The multi building facility is expected

to open its doors in August of 2021.

L-R: Chief Education Officer Dr. Carol Babb; Minister of Education, Science and Technology, Culture, Youth and Sports Hon. Patrick Faber, Representative for the Cayo North Division Hon. Dr. Omar Figueroa


Belmopan. July 1, 2020. The Embassy of Taiwan today, July 1st, donated 5,000 COVID-19 antibody rapid test kits to Belize.

These test kits are developed by Taiwan’s Excelsior Bio-System Incorporation and can deliver reliable results in just 10 to 15 minutes with 100 percent sensit ivity and 95 percent specificity. These kits can be used to screen potential carriers of the virus who were infected more than seven days prior to testing. This medical assistance will help strengthen the capacity of the Government of Belize to ensure a smooth and safe re-opening of the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport scheduled for August 15, 2020.

H.E. Remus Li-Kuo Chen, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Belize, handed over the test kits to Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow.

The Government of Taiwan has also donated PCR analyzers

Taiwan donates 5,000 COVID-19 Antibody

Rapid Tests Kits to Belize

and PCR test kits, 640,000 surgical masks, six thermal imaging cameras, 10,000 N-95 masks, 700 infrared forehead thermometers, 2,000 protective clothing, 4,000 isolation gowns, two automated temperature measurement systems, 10,000 nasal swabs and five ventilators in support of the efforts of the Government of Belize to contain COVID-19. Additionally, Taiwan has provided financial aid to Belize in the past few months.

The Government of Taiwan remains committed to assisting the people and Government of Belize in the fight against COVID-19 and appreciates Belize’s staunch support of Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Organization and its annual World Health Assembly.

Through its Embassy in Belize, the Government of Taiwan will continue to work closely with its partners in the Government of Belize to weather this catastrophic pandemic.

ends.

Workers of the Port of Belize Limited (PBL) took to Caesar Ridge Road for yet another protest on Wednesday, July 1. Just a few weeks ago, the Port had announced that there would be a 10% salary cut across the board, and this caused disquiet among the employees, especially those who are members of the Christian Workers Union (CWU).

The Port had announced via a press release that after suffering dramatic reductions in operations due to COVID-19, and to avoid laying off any of its employees, reductions would now take place. There would be reductions of 15%-20% but employees of the PBL who are also part of the CWU would only receive 10% reductions. Evan “Mose” Hyde, President of the CWU, had voiced his issue with their actions and adamantly refused their offer, saying that the PBL chose to inform the members of a decision, which was already made instead of discussing with

Workers still protesting 10% cut in salaries

them. This, he said, has been a constant trend and, as such, the members were advised not to accept the cut, especially not without disclosure of the company’s financial standing.

At their latest protest, this is still their position. This time, they marched with placards and posters, expressing their sentiments. All in all, they are still asking that the PBL to share its financial standing with its employees, simply out of respect. Their frustrations have seemingly built up after ten years without an increment of their pay and ten years without a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). They say that to now get a 10% reduction to their pay is out of the question. They are, instead, asking that the 10% reduction not be a reality, instead they are asking for a 5% bonus, and 3% raise.

Port OF Belize employees protesting


It has been months of uncertainty surrounding the resumption of services at the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) due to the still looming threat of COVID-19. While we are managing to keep control of the situation in country, especially compared to our regional counterparts, experts saw it best to keep the airport closed indefinitely. That changed on Friday when the Prime Minister of Belize, the Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, made an announcement via a press conference. He stated that the PGIA would be reopened on August 15.

There are a number of phases and procedures to be done throughout the coming weeks. These health and safety procedures will be implemented to ensure there is containment in the rise in the number of imported cases of COVID-19. To that end, returning Belizeans as well as other persons entering through the PGIA will be tested for the viral diseases prior to or on their arrival. If they are able to complete the test before arriving at the airport, and are able to produce a negative result, they will be directed to the fast lane. For persons who cannot provide the results of a COVID-19 PCR test, completed within 72-hours of their arrival into the country, they must take a rapid test in country and will incur the cost of that test. For the passengers who test positive for the virus, they will be placed in a mandatory 14-day quarantine to be, again, at the expense of the traveler.

Other fea tures of the partial opening of the tourism industry will include minimum

PGIA set toreopen in August

contact with both immigration and customs personnel. The government will acquire luggage X-ray machines and luggage will be disinfected after it is removed from the airplane. Systems will also be put in place to have tourists picked up by trained personnel and taken directly to their all-inclusive destinations in country. This is to minimize interactions with the general public.

Additionally, passengers arriving in Belize will be required to download the Belize Health app, a new mobile application which will track their movement. This will be done in order for the Ministry of Health and the Belize Tourism Board to do contact tracing if the need arises.

The announcement of the reopening date has caused a number of concerns from our Belizean citizenry. PM Barrow, however, has said that it was a difficult task which included intense debating and consideration to reopen the airport for that date. With the resurgence of the virus in several states in the United States of America, our greatest source market for tourism, experts were at first weary of reopening the airport. Considering that there is no end to these troubles in the near future, conversely, the decision was made to reopen. “In the circumstances, and with the experts confirming that no end to this sea of corona troubles is in sight, it seemed to us futile that waiting any longer would provide a more favorable launching pad for our tourism restart,” PM Barrow said. “We decided that any further delay would likely gain us nothing from a safety standpoint.”

Capricorn Investment Limited # 150,140(“the Company”)

Notice is hereby given that the Company named Capricorn Investment Limited has been dissolved and struck off the International Business Register with effect from the 27th day of June, 2020.

CILTrust International Limited Registered Agent

For quite some time now, it seems that community spread of COVID-19 has been managed and has come to a lull. With that, then, the Ministry of Health has shifted their focus to another concerning matter, the increasing number of positive cases of COVID-19 recorded by illegal border jumpers. The 24th positive case of COVID-19 in country was recorded, and it is no surprise that it was recorded by someone found illegally fishing in country.

According to Dr. Marvin Manzanero, Director of Health Services , the person is a Honduran national who was captured by officials from the Belize Coast Guard. He and two other Honduran nationals were detained off the coast of Placencia in southern Belize while they were fishing illegally. Of the three, only one tested positive for the coronavirus and while asymptomatic, was placed into quarantine at the Russell ‘Chiste’ Garcia Stadium in Dangriga. Currently, the Ministry of Health (MOH) is performing contact tracing for this case.

On Tuesday, June 30, the last day of the State of Emergency

28th case of COVID recorded in Belize

dictated by COVID-19, four more positive cases were reported, bringing the national total to 28. Considering that there are a number of persons being repatriated, MOH continues its active surveillance to follow the established protocols. Another 95 samples tested allowed the Ministry to identify the additional four positive cases. Those four persons had recently legally entered the country, two via our northern border and the other two via the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA). All four persons are asymptomatic and are now in mandatory hotel quarantine until they can be reunited with their families after testing negative for the virus in the weeks to come.


CONSULTING SERVICES: TO DEVELOP THE ENGINEERING DESIGNS AND SUPERVISE WORKS FOR THE REHABILITATION OF AN EXISTING IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE NETWORK FOR A COMMAND AREA OF APPROXIMATELY 160 ACRES IN THE VALLEY OF PEACE COMMUNITY

Institution: Ministry of Economic DevelopmentCountry: BelizeProject: Resilient Rural Belize ProgrammeLoan No.: 2000002301Deadline for Submission of Proposals: August 21, 2020 at 10:00AM

Abstract: The Government of Belize (GOB), through a financing arrangement with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has embarked on a six-year Programme, Resilient Rural Belize (RRB), which aims to minimize the impacts of climatic and economic events on smallholder farmers while supporting sustainable market access for their produce. The Programme has two main components: 1) Climate Resilient Value Chains Development – to introduce/strengthen smallholder participation in select value chains through the promotion of climate resilient production methods, product diversification, and related innovations; and 2) Climate Resilient Rural Infrastructure and Assets Development – to support climate resilient productivity and improved market access through rehabilitation and provision of new road, drainage, and irrigation infrastructure in priority areas

For its Climate Resilient Rural Infrastructure component, The Resilient Rural Belize (RRB) Programme now seeks the consultancy services of a firm to Develop the Engineering Designs and Supervise Works for the Rehabilitation of an existing Irrigation and Drainage Network for a command area of approximately 160 acres in the Valley of Peace Community

This assignment is aiming at: (i)developing of a set of Bidding Documents for rehabilitation/ modernization of main irrigation and drainage network for a command area of about 65 ha (160 acres), which should allow the contractor to prepare a realistic bid to achieve good quality of works with reasonable quality control and provide the PMU (hereinafter called the “Client”) with a tool for quality assurance and contract management; and (ii) supervision of civil works implementation.

The design shall take into account the need for low cost, robust/climate resilient construction that is simple to implement, operate and maintain. The final choice for proposed rehabilitation shall be based on technical and financial analysis of alternative designs, as well as management, operation and maintenance arrangements and, most importantly, on the opinions of the beneficiaries (30 smallholder farmers organized in “Valley of Peace Farmers Association Holdings Limited”), obtained by thorough discussion with them.

The Resilient Rural Belize Programme now invites proposals from legally constituted consulting firms to participate in the procurement process for the above-mentioned consultancy. This procurement is open to all eligible firms who wish to respond – it is not for individual consultants. Submissions from individual consultants shall be rejected.

A consulting firm will be selected under the Quality Cost Based Selection (QCBS) method in accordance with the procedures set out in the IFAD Procurement Guidelines. The selection process, as described, will include a review and verification of qualifications and past performance, including a reference check, prior to the contract award.

Proposal are to be submitted no later than August 21, 2020 at 10:00am. Consultants interested in receiving the RFP Package should register their interest by sending an e-mail (with subject: RFP: Development of Engineering Design and Supervision of Works for Valley of Peace) to the following:

Attn: Lorne SolisProgramme ManagerResilient Rural BelizeNational Agriculture ShowgroundsHumming bird HighwayBelmopan, Belize

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Or Email: [email protected] CC: [email protected]

The Government of Belize has received US$130,000 for the purchase of medical supplies for health care workers involved in the fight against COVID-19. The grant comes from the Japan Special Fund, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Secretariat of the Council of Ministers of Health of Central America and the Dominican Republic (SE-COMISCA).

The finances are part of technical assistance which is coming to the governments of Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama and the Dominican Republic following a statement made on March 12 with regard to the coronavirus pandemic.

In Latin America and the Caribbean as of June 15, there were more than 1.6 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 in 25 countries and 10 territories. The number of cases

of infection, deaths and affected countries is expected to rise in coming months. The swift rise in the number of cases in the region is overwhelming health care systems, which can hinder their ability to provide timely and high-quality care during the pandemic. The pandemic’s impact on Central America could be devastating not just for the health of its people but also the economy and social cohesion of these countries.

This operation, coordinated by the IDB, draws on the positive experience achieved with the Salud Mesoamerica Initiative and the Regional Initiative to Eliminate Malaria. In both cases, the IDB worked with SE-COMISCA to provide technical assistance and the joint acquisition of medical supplies for the countries of the region, achieving major improvements in people’s health.

Belize receives grant from Japan Special Fund, the IDB

and SECOMISCA for COVID-19

Another group of repatriated Belizeans arrived at the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) on Friday, June 26. This group of 31 goes on to add to the 157 Belizeans returning to Belize who were otherwise stranded in other countries due to COVID-19. As many as 885 persons have applied and of that, 666 have been approved. It is a slow process with more than 400 approved persons to return but with both land and air entries into the country on most Fridays, this number will soon diminish.

Repatriation exercise continuesOfficials from the Ministries of Health, National Security, and Foreign Affairs suggested that persons first be approved before returning home to prevent a bottle-neck situation at the borders and to keep an eye on the COVID-19 situation.

Aside from the United Airlines flight, a number of persons also returned home via our northern and western borders. They, like those who arrived via our airport, remain in the 14-day manda to ry quarantine.

The National Celebrations Commission has announced that themes for the 2020 September Celebrations are now being accepted. It is uncertain what Belizeans can look forward to for this year’s national celebrations with COVID-19 still being a reality and, as such, still currently dictating the use of face masks and social distancing. Nonetheless, Belizeans at home and abroad are encouraged to submit their ideas in commemoration of the 222nd anniversary of the Battle of St. George’s Caye and the 39th anniversary of our

Entries being accepted for 2020 September Celebrations Theme

Independence.M u l t i p l e e n t r i e s a r e

allowed per person and each submission should be ten words or under. The winner of this year’s theme competition will receive a cash prize of $500. Submissions can be emailed to [email protected] or dropped off at the NICH office on Regent Street in Belize City; the Bliss Center for Performing Arts on Southern Foreshore in Belize City; or at any of the Houses of Culture in the country. Deadline for submissions is on Wednesday, July 15.


Scientists are only starting to grasp the vast array of health problems caused by the novel coronavirus, some of which may have lingering effects on patients and health systems for years to come, according to doctors and infectious disease experts. Since the start of the pandemic, it has become increasingly clear that Sars-CoV-2 is not just a turbo-charged version of the virus that causes the common cold; it has a number of quirky, unusual and sometimes terrifying traits. While coronavirus symptoms typically resolve in two or three weeks, an estimated one in ten experience prolonged symptoms, Dr. Helen Salisbury of the University of Oxford wrote in the British Medical Journal on Tuesday.

Virologists will spend years trying to understand the biomechanics of this invader. And though researchers have scrutinized the virus and its victims for six months, publishing scientific studies at a rate never before seen with any disease, we still have more questions than answers. The newest to be added is: can the virus infect the brain?

Estimates of exact prevalence vary, but it seems that roughly 50% of patients diagnosed with Sars-CoV-2 – the virus responsible for causing the illness COVID-19 – have experienced neurological problems. Dr. Igor Koralnik, chief of neuro-infectious diseases at Northwestern Medicine, reviewed current scientific literature and found about half of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 had neurological complications. These upper body complications range from headache, dizziness and loss of taste or smell to seizures and confusion.

Koralnik, whose findings were published in the Annals of Neurology, has started an outpatient clinic for COVID-

New findings show Sars-CoV-2 can affect the brain

19 patients to study whether these neurological problems are temporary or permanent.

For Julie Helms, it started with a handful of patients admitted to her intensive care unit at Strasbourg University Hospital in northeast France in early March 2020. Within days, every single patient in the ICU had COVID-19 – and it was not just their breathing difficulties that alarmed her. They were extremely agitated, and many had neurological problems – mainly confusion and delirium. Helms used to have some patients in the ICU who are agitated and require sedation, but this was completely abnormal. It has been very scary, especially because many of the people we treated were very young – many in their 30s and 40s, even an 18-year-old.

Helms and her colleagues published a small study in the New England Journal of Medicine documenting the neurological symptoms in their Covid-19 patients, ranging from cognitive difficulties to confusion. All are signs of “encephalopathy” (the general term for damage to the brain) – a trend that researchers in Wuhan had noticed in coronavirus patients there in February. Now, more than 300 studies from around the world have found a prevalence of neurological abnormalities in

Sars-CoV-2 can also affect the body’s neurological system

SAGICOR LIFE INC.Adela Pilgrim of 1736 Coney Drive, Belize City, Belize, having made sworn deposition that Policy No F01111463 issued by Sagicor Life Inc. has been declared lost, and having made application to the Directors to grant a duplicate of the same, notice is hereby given that unless objection is raised within one month of the date hereof, the duplicate policy asked for will be issued.

Dated June 24th, 2020

By Order

Althea HazzardCorporate Secretary

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COVID-19 patients, including mild symptoms like headaches, loss of smell (anosmia) and tingling sensations (arcoparasthesia), up to more severe outcomes such as aphasia (inability to speak), strokes and seizures. This is in addition to recent findings that the virus, which has been largely considered to be a respiratory disease, can also wreak havoc on the kidneys, liver, heart, and just about every organ system in the body.

Most researchers believe the neurological effect of the virus are an indirect result of either oxygen starvation to the brain (the “happy hypoxia” exhibited by many patients), or the byproduct of the body’s inflammatory response (the famed “cytokine storm”).

In fact, some scientists now suspect that the virus causes respiratory failure and death not through damage to the lungs but through damage to the brainstem, the command center that ensures we continue to breathe even when unconscious.

The brain is normally shielded from infectious diseases by what is known as the “blood-brain barrier” – a lining of specialized cells inside the capillaries running through the brain and spinal cord. These block microbes and other toxic agents from infecting the brain. Evidence is starting to accumulate demonstrating that the virus can actually invade the brain itself. In Japan, researchers reported the case of a 24-year-old man who was found unconscious on the floor in a pool of his own vomit. He experienced generalized seizures while being rushed to hospital. An MRI scan of his

brain revealed acute signs of viral meningitis (inflammation of the brain), and a lumbar puncture detected Sars-CoV-2 in his cerebrospinal fluid. Chinese researchers also found traces of the virus in the cerebrospinal fluid of a 56-year-old male patient suffering from severe encephalitis. And in a post-mortem examination of a COVID-19 patient in Italy, researchers detected viral particles in the endothelial cells lining the blood vessels of the brain itself.

Sherry Chou, a neurologist at the University of Pittsburgh, has coordinated scientists from 17 countries to collectively monitor the neurological symptoms of the pandemic, including through brain scans.

Chou maintains that even though neurological symptoms are less common in Covid-19 than lung problems, recovery from neurological injuries is often incomplete and can take much longer compared to other organ systems (for example, lung), and therefore result in much greater overall disability, and possibly more deaths.

Patients experiencing lung failure can be put on a respirator, and kidneys can be rescued with a dialysis machine – and, with some luck, both organs will bounce back. But there is no dialysis machine for the brain.

In an update on COVID-19 Dr. Marvin Manzanero, Director of Health Services has stated that “There is also no specific vaccine. We need to say that. And based on what is happening over the last couple of weeks with what we know of the virus, it doesn’t seem that we are going to go back to where we were prior to SARS-CoV2 unless there is a vaccine. And why?”

He continued, “This is very important – the recent data seems to suggest that the immunity, which means if I become infected, I am not going to be to produce enough antibodies for a sustained period. It would seem to be that it is only going to be for a period of months and after that it would mean that I would be susceptible to a new infection from the same virus.”


noTIFICaTIon oF ConTraCT aWard(Procurement of Goods)

Financing Institution: Inter-American Development BankProcurement Type: International Competitive Bidding (ICB) - GoodsSector: Sustainable TourismCountry of project: BelizeProject name: Sustainable Tourism Program IILoan.: 3566/OC-BLContract/Bid No.: ICB 01/2019Bid/Contract Description: Supply of Beach Rakes for Sargassum and other Solid Waste in Caye Caulker

During the bidding process for the goods indicated above, under the bidding process ICB, the firms listed below submitted bids. The bid price at opening, the evaluated bid price and their final ranking follow below:

evaluated Bidder(s):name of the bidder and nationality: BeachTek (Belize)Bid price at bid opening: US$115,000evaluated bid price: US$230,000

evaluated Bidder(s):name of the bidder and nationality: Unit Export Limited (United Kingdom)Bid price at bid opening: US$149,228evaluated bid price: US$149,228

Any Bidder is entitled to a debriefing to ascertain the grounds on which its bid was not selected by making a formal request at the address indicated below.

awarded Bidder: name of the bidder and nationality: Kassbohrer Gelandefahrzeug AGContract Price: US$118,400.00

Country of awarded Bidder: Republic of GermanyScope of the contract: Supply of Beach Rakes for Sargassum and other Solid Waste for Caye Caulker

date contract signed: June 19, 2020

undB reference number: IdB-C534863-06/20

address:Ministry of Tourism and Civil AviationAttn: Tamara Tingling-Cano#106 South Street, Belize CityTel: 501-227-1760E-mail: [email protected] and [email protected]

A young man is dead following a traffic accident on the much-traversed La Loma Luz Boulevard in Santa Elena Town in Cayo shortly before midday on Monday. Kemel Espat was on his much-loved motorcycle, driving at considerable speed, and in trying to avoid a parked vehicle, crashed into a concrete post.

Witnesses say that when Espat collided with the post his motorcycle also flipped.

Espat’s father, Francisco Javier Espat, has been greatly saddened by his son’s death. The last time he saw Kemel was

Motor crash claims life in Cayo

on Monday morning when he reported that he was taking his girlfriend to work.

Kemel Espat from San Ignacio dies as a result of a motorcycle accident

Hilberto Tush, 31, has become an unfortunate victim of a road traffic accident which police are still investigating. Police responded to the incident at around 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2020 at an area near Mile 2 of the Southern Highway. There, they saw an extensively damaged red motorcycle and a black Mitsubishi Montero off the side of the road.

The Montero was being driven by 22-year-old Nateone

Nunez, a soldier of Belmopan. Initial police investigation into the accident has revealed that Tush was heading in a southward direction when he and Nunez collided head on. Tush received severe head and body injuries and while he was receiving treatment a t the Southern Regional Hospital, he succumbed to those injuries. Police continue their investigations to determine who was at fault.

Fatal RTA in Dangriga


Lost Land/Lease Certificate

Oscar Mira, the PUP hopeful in Belmopan finds himself in trouble with the law after he crashed into a parked vehicle w h i l e h e w a s heading home on the George Price

Oscar Mira charged

Highway on Friday night. After the collision, it was discovered that a policeman was actually inside the parked vehicle and he sustained severed head and body injuries. He is now hospitalized as a result.

A request was made for Mira to give either a blood or a urine specimen, which he refused. Police have now opted to charge Mira for failure to provide a sample.

He was arraigned on the charge in Belmopan Magistrate’s

The COVID-19 pandemic is causing extensive social and economic damage to all nine municipalities in Belize. Notwithstanding, municipalities are facing challenges with great effort and doing their best to address these difficult times. In view of all these difficult and trying times, and with the spirit of friendliness along with our strong relationship with Taiwan, the people and Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) will provide humanitarian and medical assistance to all nine municipalities in Belize. The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) will hand over BZ$200,000 in financial support, 90,000 surgical masks and 150 infrared thermometers to the Belize Mayor’s Association on June 26, 2020.

Following the first donation of 60,000 surgical masks and financial support totaling $2.54 million from Taiwan to Belize, the Government of Taiwan recently also further donated more medical equipment to the Ministry of Health of Belize valued at BZ$1 million, to be distributed to health care facilities and laboratories across Belize for frontline medical service providers, first responders and patients in Belize. The municipalities of Belize appreciate the assistance now being extended to the local governments.

Certainly, it is with profound respect and gratitude that the

mayors accept this t imely assistance that will serve to alleviate some of the pains and sufferings of the most needy in all nine municipalities.

-end-

Taiwan extends the helping hands to Belizean people by offering 350,000 BZD

humanitarian assistance

Oscar Mira

Road Traffic Accident involving Mira

Taiwan’s donation to the Belize Mayor’s Association

Court and was offered bail. He goes back to court on September 3, 2020.


YOUTH TALKSBy Thamar Jones

The long drawn out hiatus from work and school is all but over and if you are a student it is time to start preparing for the new school year. With some effort, a little strategy and a good game plan, you can really have the best academic year of your life.

I’ve always believed that it is important to be a good student. But why is it so important? In our day and age, with seemingly so many other routes to success. Instagram models who are living the life, rappers and ball players without much education living lavishly, education seems not so important.

Maybe you agree with doing what it takes to pass your test and quizzes and moving on to the next grade but putting in the extra hours and going the extra mile might not seem as appealing to you. However, I am here to tell you that maximizing on your learning experience is invaluable.

As a student, when you fail a test or perform below the standard that you know you are capable, you experience both stress and reduced self-esteem. Statistics show that students who have better grades are happier,

New School Year, New Me, New opportunity to Excelhave higher self-esteem and a more positive outlook on the future. Plus by topping your class, you earn yourself some serious bragging rights! You earn the appreciation of your teachers, set an example for your fellow students, and not to mention how proud your parents will be!

To become a good student, you need to get motivated! Motivation can come from seeing the situation of many children around the world and even in Belize who are not lucky enough to get a proper education. Keep this in mind when you find yourself not wanting to attend class or study at home.

By applying simple steps to your academic life your performance can greatly improve. Getting and staying organized in school is extremely important. If you are organized, then you are one step ahead in being successful. Here are some simple ways to be better organized for school:

Create folders for each subject

By designating a folder per subject, this means you’ll be able to organize your math papers in your math folder, your English papers in your English folder,

your science papers in your science folder, and so on. Make it fun by creating a summer project of it. Whether alone or with a friend, you can decorate and label your subject folders. Your project can extend to wrapping your text and note books, and decorating your pen and pencil cases.

Be preparedBring everything you need

with you to class. It would be a good idea to pack your school bag from the night before class with your books, folders, pens, pencils, homework, review sheets and anything else you need. It helps if you use a checklist.

Be engaged in ClassIf you happen to be shy,

sitting in the front row can be very uncomfortable at first, but I promise you, it’s one of the best ways to pay attention to everything being taught. You can hear better, you can see everything on the board without having to crane your neck around the head in front of you. You can make eye contact with your teacher. Don’t underestimate the power of this. If your teacher knows you’re really listening and that you care about what you’re learning, he or she will be extra willing to help you. Besides, it’ll feel like you’ve got your own private teacher.

ask questions Ask questions immediately if

you don’t understand something. A polite raising of your hand is all you need to do to indicate you’ve got a question. If it isn’t appropriate to interrupt, make a quick note of your question so you don’t forget, and ask later. If you’re completely lost, make an appointment to see your teacher after class.

manage your time wiselyDo your homework on the

way home from school if you have a long commute or in any spare time. Do as much at school as you can where you have teachers who can assist you.

make sure not to rush on your homework

Remember to be neat and to check over it for errors. Don’t put off work for later. When studying or doing homework, keep all of your electronics such

as your phone, iPod and laptop away from you as these can lead to procrastination.

Study, Study, StudyWhile you should review

your class notes on a daily basis, it is advised to start studying at least a few days before a test. Make a study schedule. If an extracurricular activity gets in the way of your studying, tell the person in charge of that certain event that you will not be able to attend, or you will have to leave early. However, there will be certain situations where you will have to attend. In this kind of situation, you will just have to study another day. This is where your study schedule comes in.

read moreIf you are not already a

reader, start at your level and work your way up. You may not know this, but by reading challenging and difficult books, you expand your vocabulary. A good book can also provide entertainment while at the same time giving you a wealth of information.

Set goalsEnjoy setting goals for

yourself, so you can transcend your weaknesses and reach your full potential. Your study goals must be realistic and achievable so start with small steps. Achieving those will then motivate you to reach more challenging targets. Understand that you are working primarily for yourself and your future. Studying well is your chance for self-development.

more tips●If you find yourself getting

stuck doing home assignments, take a short break to clear your mind. (Listening to Music helps!)

●You may have many academically good students in your courses, try becoming friends with them, and you’ll be immersed in an academic environment which will help you feel motivated.

Remember, be confident! Enjoy your learning experience and feel the joy of bettering yourself; and your journey to acquire knowledge and success is going to be a most fulfilling one.


An unemployed resident of the Hattieville community located in the Belize District appeared in court to answer to the very serious offense of sexual assault. 29-year-old Robert Usher appeared before Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser on Monday, June 29, 2020 and was read the single charge against a minor. It is alleged that sometime in September 2019, Usher inappropriately touched the minor on her private parts. She made a report of the incident and that it how Usher came about to being charged.

While the offense is serious, Usher’s attorney, Leeroy Banner, was able to secure bail for his client after he pleaded not guilty to the charge. He was offered bail of $1,000 plus one surety

Robert Usher on bailfor sexual assault

of the same amount and he was able to meet the bond. He is due back in court on August 27, 2020. Important to note is that sexual assault carried a prison term and if convicted of the charge, Usher can be sentenced for up to five years.

Robert UsherOn Friday, June 26, 2020,

as many fifteen persons stood before Justice Colin Williams of the Supreme Court for bail applications. David Arnold, Anthony Reyes, Cecil Gill, George Bol, Arnaldo Xol, Marcial Toledo, Jeremias Guerra, Dennis Dionicio, Keyron Gibson, Gumbercindo Can, Kijahn Bradley, Delson Paguada, Fernando Avila , Claudos Samuel, and Timothy Carcamo all appeared before Justice Williams. Eight of the fifteen were successful in their application while the remaining seven had their applications adjourned until July 3, 2020.

Dionicio, 23, has been on remand since November 21, 2019 after being charged with keeping ammunition without a gun license. He is now on bail in the sum of $5,000 provided that he reports to the Belmopan Police Station on Mondays, attend all court adjournments, and not leave Belize’s jurisdiction without the explicit permission of a judge of the Supreme Court.

Bradley, another applicant, was on remand for an attempted murder charge until his attorney, Norman Rodriguez, secured bail for his client. Along with his bail of $8,000 plus two sureties of $4,000 each, he must report to the Mahogany Street Police Station twice a week and must not interfere with the virtual complainant.

In Avila’s case, the resident of Dangriga Town, who was charged with being a member of a gang, was granted bail of $5,000. As part of his bail condition, Avila was ordered to report to the Dangriga Police Station twice a week, not to leave the jurisdiction, attend all court adjournments, and refrain from associating with any members

Eight granted Supreme Court bail; two for murder

of the Riverside Bloods gang, which he is accused of being part. In court, he was represented by attorney Leeroy Banner.

In the cases of Guerra, a 40-year- old construction worker of Belmopan, and Reyes, a 22-year-old barber of Belize City, they were granted bail on charges of murder due to special circumstances. Guerra, who represented himself in court, has been on remand since April 26, 2017 while Reyes had been on remand since April 3, 2018. Guerra is accused of beating 45-year-old Maria Candelaria Reymundo to death in March 2016 while Reyes is accused of the murder of 44-year-old Emmerson Anderson which took place in March 2018.

After both men were able to prove that the delay in their trials have been as a result of an error on the part of the Belize City Magistrate’s Court, they were each offered bail of $25,000 plus a surety of the same or two sureties of $12,500 each. Guerra is to report to the Belmopan Police twice weekly, must have no contact with witnesses, and must also not leave the jurisdiction without Supreme Court approval. Reyes must sign in twice a week at the Mahogany Street Police Station, must not leave Belize, and must abide by a curfew that has been imposed on him by the court. Both men had preliminary inquiries in their case but the lower court failed to send the deposition or disclosures to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, resulting in a delay of their trials. According to a crown counsel at the DPP’s office, the DPP is only able to indict a person for murder when they are provided with the disclosure from the Magistrate’s Court.

Anthony Reyes Jeremias Guerra

A police officer attached to the San Ignacio Formation has been arrested and placed on interdiction following a report of theft. Police Constable Roy Zuniga has been accused of stealing $400 cash from a person, who was detained at the police station. That person’s personal property, which included the cash, was put into the prisoner property area from where PC Zuniga reportedly stole the cash. Commissioner of Police Chester Williams says that it was not until probing Zuniga that he admitted to stealing the cash and led investigators to where he had buried the cash. Zuniga was then arrested and charged for theft but, according to COMPOL Williams, will not brandish the name of the

Cop arrested for theft

police. He admits that there are a few bad apples in the bunch but for the most part, his officers are well-behaved, honest, and dedicated to their jobs.

Roy Zuniga

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The body of 52-year-old Isaias Oroman, a Guatemalan national, was found in some bushes near the Bullet Tree Road in Cayo. This horrific discovery was made just before 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 28 after the surveyor was last seen by his family some twelve hours before. Just like investigators, the family is clueless as to who would want Oroman dead, being that he had no problems with anyone to their knowledge.

There are conflicting reports in this story. Initial reports had indicated that Oroman was stabbed to death but yet, another report, and the bullet wound found on his body, suggests otherwise. He was seemingly shot once to the chest and all his personal effects

Murder in Bullet tree

were found next to him, including a backpack, his beach cruiser bicycle, and a machete.

One person had been detained for questioning in this murder but according to the police, he has now been released. There are no other developments in this incident and neither has a motive nor other suspects been determined by investigators.


Police are seeking two men, who stole a series of items from Mohammad Ahmad on Saturday, June 27, 2020. Ahmad reported to the officers that while at Stop and Shop on Baymen Avenue, two men entered the store and

Stop and Shop robbedin King’s Park

demanded money. One of the culprit wielded a firearm as they made off with a black Redmi Note 6 Pro phone valued at $900, $830 in cash, and a wallet containing personal identification cards belonging to Ahmad.

Elsworth “Pulu” Smith, an alleged drug trafficker, was before the court on Friday, June 26, 2020. The Belize City resident appeared before Senior Magistrate Tricia Pitts-Anderson where he was read a charge of possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply to another person or persons for the purpose of drug trafficking. The police say that he was found with 24.5 grams of crack cocaine in his possession. In court, he refuted that claim and pleaded not guilty. There was no objection to bail in this instance and he was offered bail

Crack cocaine lands“Pulu” Smith in court

in the sum of $2,000 plus one surety of the same which he was able to meet. He is due back in court on August 27, 2020.

Elsworth “Pulu” Smith

As the State of Emergency (SOE) came to an end, the number of robberies and other crimes started to rise. Just in the last week, at least five robberies have been reported across various districts in the country. Thankfully, none of these have become violent, that is until Anselmo Ack, 31, was shot during a robbery in Punta Gorda Town. He is recovering at the Punta Gorda Hospital from gunshot injuries he sustained on Tuesday, June 30.

Reports are that at around 7:40 p.m. on Tuesday, Ack, a security guard, and a second person, the manager of UNO Gas Station, were headed to make a night deposit when they were ambushed. Two masked and hooded men sprung on them at the corner of Front and Prince Streets. One of the men reportedly blocked the road as a gunman,

UNO robbed in Punta Gorda, one shot

who emerged from the bushes, approached the victims’ vehicle and demanded money. The driver of the vehicle sped off and that is when the gunman fired multiple times, striking Ack twice to the chin and arm. Investigators are working to determine who are responsible for this crime.

A less violent robbery was also reported at another UNO Gas Station, this time in Stann Creek. William Pascascio, a 26-year-old pump attendant, reported on Friday, June 26 that an SUV arrived at the gas station when three of four men inside went into the store. There, they reportedly tied up the patrons before getting into a safe and stealing cash and other valuables. The culprits then got back inside the SUV and fled the area, making good their escape. Police are seeking the four men and an SUV in regards to this incident.

Esequiel Rivero

A fisherman of Chunox, Corozal was arraigned in court on Monday, June 29, 2020 to answer to a charge of theft. Esequiel Rivero, 25, has been accused of stealing a car battery valued at $250, property of German Simonia. In court, unrepresented, he appeared before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford and pleaded not guilty to the charge. There was no objection and he was offered bail in the sum of $1,000 plus a surety of the same amount, which he was able to

Fisherman offeredbail for theft

meet. Rivero is due back in court on August 31, 2020.

An officer of the Belize Police Department has been charged with ten counts of forgery. It seems that this officer, Oscar Itch, has been running a fraudulent gun licensing scheme, which was just recently brought to light. It was not until Commissioner of Police Chester Williams noticed a number of inconsistencies that Itch’s scheme was uncovered. Since the discovery, Itch, stationed at the Belize Police Headquarters in Belmopan, has been accused of issuing close to thirty faulty special gun license approvals.

On Tuesday, June 30, COMPOL Williams detailed how he came about to finding Itch’s illegalities. He said that one day, he randomly took a compliance visit to a particular gun dealer to see how they have been implementing the new gun measures as dictated by the Department since January 2020. After noticing the documents, which were being accepted by the dealer, the COMPOL came to notice that a number of the signatures on approval letters were actually copies of an original. These documents also bore the Dangerous Goods Office seal instead of the Commissioner of Police seal. This caused eyebrows to raise and the gun dealer was asked to surrender his documents, which were taken back to the Office of the Commissioner of Police where the secretary reviewed them. They were verified against a

Corporal on bail forten counts of forgery

list of approvals which have to be recorded into a register as well as with a firearm’s clerk. An investigation into the matter was launched and PC Oscar Itch was detained on Tuesday and arraigned on Wednesday. According to the COMPOL, the forged approval letters were found on PC Itch’s desktop, and that is why he was arrested and charged.

At his arraignment, he was read ten counts of forgery, all to which he pleaded not guilty. He was offered bail and is due back in court on October 28, 2020 when a disclosure in the matter will be provided to him. He is represented by attorney Leeroy Banner, who informed the media that his client has declined comment.

Of note is that the firearms of the twenty-eight persons to whom false approval letters were given will be recovered. They have a choice of willingly surrendering the firearms of being charged for keeping an, in effect, unlicensed firearm.

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Oscar ItchUNO Gas Station in Punta Gorda


Aries Mar 21 – Apr 19 Your place in the world and your

reputation will be major themes this week, Aries. How does that all fit into your love life? It’s quite significant, actually! If you’re in a relationship and your partner has done anything to make you feel dishonored, disgraced, or simply not supported as you pursue your life’s ambitions, then you’ll no longer be able to ignore the problem. In fact, you might decide you’re better off on your own.

Taurus Apr 20 – May 20 A moral dilemma between you and

your mate could become a dealbreaker this week. If you and your partner have a different approach to a key area of life or a major difference in values, then you’ll no longer be able to ignore the problem. In fact, this gaping hole in your compatibility could make you realize (if you haven’t already) that sometimes love just isn’t enough. If you’re single, then you’ll yearn to be with someone who can help you grow and mature in new ways.

Gemini May 21 – Jun 20 If your partner isn’t serious about

financial responsibility, then you might be frustrated this week. You want to be on the same page when it comes to your long-term goals and how to achieve them. Unfortunately, it’s possible that this isn’t the case and the differences between you in this area are larger than you realized. If you feel like you’re the only one acting like an adult in the financial realm, then it’s time to discuss

this with your mate. Cancer Jun 21 – Jul 22 Relationship matters are paramount

this week. Saturn moves back into your partnership sector on Wednesday and remains here through December 17. Any weak links in the connection you have with your mate that haven’t been addressed by now must absolutely be dealt with, Cancer. If you continue to ignore them, you are only setting the relationship up for failure.

Leo Jul 23 – Aug 22 If there is a health crisis you’re

dealing with this week -- even if it’s not super serious -- it will prompt you to seriously consider your love connections. Is the person you’re with someone who will truly be there “in sickness and in health?” If the answer is yes, then you’ll feel more secure and fortified in your relationship. If, however, the answer is no, then you might start to pull away. After all, if your partner can’t be there for you at your worst, then why should they enjoy you at your best?

Virgo Aug 23 – Sep 22 Love is serious business this week

-- and you’re playing for keeps, Virgo! If you are single, then you’re not interested in casual dating. Nope, you won’t waste your time with anyone who comes across as only in it for a good time and a fling. If the person isn’t marriage material -- or at least long-term relationship material -- then you will be turned off instantly. Fortunately, it is possible that you’ll

catch the eye of someone who fits your requirements this week.

Libra Sep 23 – Oct 22

A serious domestic situation might leave you feeling extremely vulnerable this week. Perhaps one of your elderly relatives will become ill and require your support. It’s also possible that a problem with a family member will come to your attention. Whatever the details, Libra, you’ll feel yourself wanting to lean on your mate for support much more than usual. If he or she can rise to the occasion, then you’ll be grateful. I

Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 21 You might feel frustrated over

your partner’s lack of intellectual depth this week. He or she seems to be satisfied with keeping the conversation light and fluffy, while you much prefer serious discussions about important topics. Your partner, conversely, might accuse you of having an “old school” mentality and not knowing when to lighten up. The two of you might have very different approaches toward how to handle a problem this week, because of your broadly oppositional mindsets.

Sagittarius Nov 22 – Dec 21 Your partner might accuse you of

being cheap this week -- and if so, you won’t appreciate it. You see yourself as frugal and wise when it comes to finances. In fact, over the last couple of years you have worked hard to make sure you have something to show for all your hard work. You’re making cautious decisions about money and have learned to cut the fat from your budget so there is more room for a major expense that is really important to you. Since your partner doesn’t seem to see all of this, you might take offense. It could be a problem, Sag.

Your Horoscope Capricorn Dec 22 – Jan 19 This is a monumental week

for you, Capricorn! ALL the major planetary energy is happening in your sign and this will surely reflect in your love life. For starters, a powerful Jupiter-Pluto conjunction happens Tuesday morning, giving you the feeling that you truly can take on the world and that you’re powerful enough to make all your personal and relationship goals a reality. Then on Wednesday, Saturn moves back into your sign to help you put a concrete plan into action to achieve all your aims.

Aquarius Jan 20 – Feb 18 If you have commitment issues,

they’re going to haunt you this week, Aquarius. If you’ve been in a relationship in the past that felt more like a prison, this can be especially tricky. You need your freedom to be an individual and nothing will suffocate your soul more than being with someone who can’t honor this very real need you have. Because of it, you may have chosen to fly solo more often than partner up. Suddenly, you might feel an urge to consider if there is a way for you to have it all.

Pisces Feb 19 – Mar 20 You might feel lonely this week,

and if that’s the case, it might be a good time to go within. It’s possible that you’ve started to push people away and have isolated yourself socially, because you are struggling with a fear of loss. This could be happening in your romantic world, your friendship world, or both. If you feel triggered and extra sensitive about losing someone you love, it might be a good idea to talk to someone about it. Yes, Pisces, sometimes love can be painful and relationships are not always easy, but it’s always worth it.


My son asked me if a punch bowl is a place where you keep names of people you want to punch...

I usually keep them in my head but, keeping them in a fancy crystal bowl seems classy.

The Punch Bowl

If you love something, set it free.

If it comes back, it will always be yours.

If it doesn’t come back, it was never yours to begin with.

But, if it just sits in your living room, messes up your stuff, eats your food, uses your telephone, takes your money, and doesn’t appear to realize that you had set it free... You either married it or gave birth to it.

A Woman’s Random Thought

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Little Johnny was being shown the shape of the earth on a globe atlas by his mother. After pointing to all countries with unusual shapes, she asks: “Now Johnny, what shape is the world?”

Johnny, looking very wise and happy, said: “Daddy says it’s in terrible shape.”

Wise Beyond His Years

I called the pharmacist to get a prescription refill. After leaving a message on their answering machine they called me back.

The nice young lady from the pharmacy explained they needed the prescription number off the pill container because they didn’t understand the medication dosage I’d described.

She looked it up and said she’d found the problem. It was 20MG Tabs and not 2 OMG tablets.

Modern Prescriptions

Has anyone else’s gardening skills improved during this quarantine like mine have?

I planted myself on the sofa at the start of April and I’ve grown bigger ever since.

Gardening SkillsA male crab met a female crab at a party and asked her to marry him. She noticed that he was walking straight instead of sideways. Wow, she thought, this crab is really special. I can’t let him get away. So, they got married immediately.

The next day she noticed her new husband walking sideways like all the other crabs, and got upset.

“What happened?” she asked. “You used to walk straight before we were married.”

“Oh, honey,” he replied, “I can’t drink that much every day.”

Crabby Marriage

At a girl’s college dormitory, dates were permitted only on Saturday night. One young man showed up on a Tuesday evening, explaining to an older woman in the lobby of the dorm that it was imperative he see a certain young lady immediately.

“I want to surprise her. You see, I’m her brother.”

“Oh, she’ll be surprised all right,” said the woman. “But think of how surprised I am, I’m her mother!”

I’m Her Brother

An old man was a witness in a burglary case. The defense lawyer asked Richard, “Did you see my client commit this burglary?”

“Yes,” said Richard, “I saw him plainly take the goods.”

The lawyer asks Richard again, “Richard, this happened at night. Are you sure you saw my client commit this crime?”

“Yes,” says Richard, “I saw him do it.”

Then the lawyer asks Richard, “Richard listen, you are 80 years old and your eye sight probably is bad. Just how far can you see at night?”

Richard says, “I can see the moon, how far is that?”

Young Maiden: “Yes, I’ve been asked many times to get married.”

Friend: “Really, who’s asked you?”

Young Maiden: “My mother and father.”

The Witness

Asked Many Times

Yesterday my husband thought he saw a cockroach in the kitchen. He sprayed everything down and cleaned thoroughly.

Today I’m putting a cockroach in the bathroom.

Operation Clean-UpTwo children ordered their mother to stay in bed one Mother’s Day morning. As she lay there looking forward to being brought breakfast in bed, the smell of bacon floated up from the kitchen.

Finally, the children called her to come downstairs. She found them both sitting at the table eating bacon and eggs.

“As a surprise for Mother’s Day,” one explained, “we decided to cook our own breakfast.”

Good Intentions

My neighbor just got arrested for growing marijuana.

I guess my property line isn’t where I thought it was.

Not My Property